Hi guys, lady Nierwen here, obviously. (Hides from angry people) I am so sorry for the incredibly late update, on this story but I was on a writing roll. I had so many stories in my head, I just had to write them down, and so that has kept me occupied. I know, I know, excuses excuses. In other news, my wrist is better now, so I am happy. Here are your reviewer responses.

Reviewer Responses:

Lindahoyland: Thank you for your review, mellon-nin. Don't worry, I didn't hurt my wrist in typing this chapter, so, I'm cool. Sorry for the late update, enjoy.

Neoinean: Thanks for your review, mellon-nin. I am sorry for not emailing you recently, but I have had a lot on. No excuse really. Hmmm, I am getting to the end now, so you won't have long to wait. I am not sure whether to put in anyone else except for a certain dwarf, but I will keep them in mind. Updates will be quicker now, so you won't have long to wait. Sorry for the late update and enjoy the chapter.

Silvertongue: Thank you for your review, mellon-nin! I do try, I have a talent for writing sad stories, not sure why. Well, sorry for the late update and enjoy the chapter.

Alexandra: Lol, s'ok. I'm lazy most of the time so you don't have to worry. Thanks for reviewing, mellon-nin, here's an update for you so you don't kill me, lol, enjoy.

Sally-Anne Drury: Mae Govannen, mellon-nin. How are you? I'm good. Here is another chapter for you, I hope you like it, even though you won't get round to reading it for a long time because you are still on chapter 4, oh well. Enjoy. Oh and I will look for that error and correct it as soon as I can. Thanks again.

Shadowfaxgal7: Mae govannen, Mellon-nin! Thanks for reviewing. Hmmm, I'm sorry you feel bad, I won't ask why, just in case I am intruding, but if you need to talk, then my email is on my bio page now, so. I don't mind writing even if I hurt myself; it's one of my greater passions so I just get on with it. Camp sounds great. I wish I could do archery, but I can't since I moved, so. I haven't seen Ned Kelly, but that duo does tend to cheer me up! Thanks for reviewing, shadow and enjoy the chappie, also sorry for the late update. Bye.

Right, I think that's it, here we are, boring legal bits:

Disclaimer: I don't think so, do you?

Rating: PG

Warnings: Ah, yes well, along with the usual fluffyness and friendship, this chapter is classified as slightly AU, not suitable for those who cannot read warnings and will therefore flame me about it later. If I get flames, I will block you and ignore you for the rest of the story so this is not for the canon police. You have been warned…

Summary: Same.

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Right here we go…

To Shirley, for being there.

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Chapter 13: Surprises

The sun shone brightly in the early morning, pouring its golden rays on to the white city of Gondor. Minas Tirith stood as a snow sculpture would and it glittered enticingly at passers by. It was too early for many to be awake, as the sun was just rising above the horizon, but for some, the night bought no rest at all.

Prince Legolas of Eryn Lasgalen sat in his usual place by the king's side, his thumb absently stroking Aragorn's palm as the man slept. The elf looked straight ahead, his eyes open and unblinking, lost in the throes of a daydream. The room was empty of all noise but the old king's breathing as he slept deeply.

Coming back to the ground with a bump, Legolas blinked twice before looking down at Aragorn. Deciding that Aragorn was not about to wake before his eyes, Legolas lay down the king's hand and stepped out of the open doors and on to the balcony.

The elf walked to the edge of the balcony and clutched the railing lightly as he looked out onto the city. The wind played with his hair and blew across his face, making the young elf feel fresh. He smiled and closed his eyes as he leant into the breeze, allowing it to caress his face gently as a mother would. This was Legolas's world, with the wind and the trees, he could live anywhere, as long as he could feel the wind on his skin.

Legolas sighed and the smile he had been wearing dropped as he opened his eyes. He wished Gimli were there with him. Alas, he was in the glittering caves and he was happy. Legolas would not pull him away from that, but even so, Gimli was that mixture of humour and stubbornness that lifted anyone's spirits. Legolas had grown, against his better judgement, rather attached to the dwarf, and Legolas enjoyed being in his company.

At the very least, He thought I will see him when we sail to the west. I shall see him then. Legolas sighed again and leant onto the railing heavily.

"Oh, Gimli, I need you" he whispered to the wind before going back to the king and taking his usual place by his side and escaping, once again into daydreams.

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Trotting along the paths of the realm of Minas Tirith came a snowy white horse. It boar two passengers, one a messenger from the human realm of the horse lords of Rohan and the other, a vivid red haired dwarf. Gimli, son of Gloin. The messenger of Rohan sat quite comfortably on the large horse, however Gimli, was rather disgruntled. He did not ride well on horses and trusted only one person to ride with him, an elf, strangely enough, Legolas.

Heightening his discomfort was the fact that this was the second journey he was on. He had first gone to Ithilien to see his friend Legolas only to find that his elven friend had gone to Minas Tirith to be by the king's side. Gimli, truly, did not mind really being seated on the horse again but worried for is friends. Aragorn and Legolas were his greatest friends. The dwarf did not like to think of how Legolas would be when he found them.

The horse was going further up hill now and the ride was bumpier. This, for the dwarf, was immense discomfort and made the messenger sure of it.

"Easy with the horse, laddie, lest I fall off!" he cried. The messenger laughed quietly before heartily replying,

"My apologies!" with a hint of laughter. Gimli grunted in indignation and scowled at the human's back before mumbling for the rest of the journey.

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Aragorn had woken and he and Legolas sat talking about Gondor.

"I like Gondor Legolas, I love it, truly I do. Though sometimes I wish I could be back in the wild, hunting and riding. I miss the fresh air and stunning countryside and, everything" sighed the king in resignation. Legolas half smiled at his friend. He truly felt the man's pain.

"I miss Mirkwood. Despite being dark and dangerous, it was my home for many a year." Sighed Legolas in defeat. He hadn't realised until then how much he truly missed it.

There was a knock at the door and a servant stuck his head round the door.

"My lord Legolas" he began. Legolas fixed his gaze upon the boy carefully. "There is someone to see you, will you receive him now?"

"Yes" replied Legolas, nodding. The elf smiled at his friend and sighed in further defeat as he knew that this person could not possibly be,

"Gimli!" he cried as the stout dwarf stood in the doorway, laughing at the surprised look the elf wore on his face. The king was no different, his expression matched Legolas' his mouth open wide in shock and happiness. Gimli walked forward and clapped Legolas on the forearm.

"How did you…Why did you?" stuttered Legolas most ungracefully.

"Well, I first went to Ithilien to see you, but that strange serving girl said you where here, so, I've spent the past good hour atop a horse that nearly bucked me off twice. I don't know how you elves contend with those beasts, but I certainly can't" he paused for a moment and scowled as the king and the Mirkwood prince both laughed delightedly.

"It's no laughing matter laddie, you won't see me on one of those creatures again, I tell you"

"Then how, dear friend, do you propose you shall get back to the caves and journey to the harbour or go anywhere else for that matter without a steed underneath you?" asked Legolas, folding his arms.

Gimli looked from the prince to the king, both with a look on their faces that Gimli didn't like. He spluttered for a moment before resigning himself to sitting on the chair opposite Legolas. Suddenly they all burst out laughing and could not stop for a very long time.

Tonight would be good. For all.

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Sorry, sorry, I know, terribly short but I have other arrangements. I hope you liked it. If you didn't then I am sorry.

Reviews: Pretty please!!!!!!!!!!

Ideas: Hmmm, bit late really, but if you have any, let me know.

Spelling/Grammar mistakes: Oh yeah that helps.

Flames: No thank you. I did say this was AU you know, so if I get any flames about that then the return is the same.

Namarie

Lady Nierwen

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