Sorry for the wait! (Hey, there actually was a wait for this one.) Uhm. . .
I have nothing to say. Since when does that happen? I could babble for a
while for you. . . nope, nevermind, no energy to. Read on!
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Legolas smiled as Aldarion waved to him. The prince redirected his purposed steps and made his way to his friend. "Mae govannen, Dar."
"And to you, Las. I wanted to ask you something, but I realized I couldn't."
An eyebrow was raised. "You can ask me anything."
"Well, I wanted you to be the leader of my line in the wedding."
Legolas smiled. "Oh. That's why you couldn't ask. If I wasn't royalty, I would have said yes in a heartbeat."
Aldarion nodded. "I know. I asked Telemnar, instead. But I just wanted you to know."
"Thank you. That really does mean a lot." The prince paused. "Sometimes, I think our rules are stupid, but don't you dare tell my father I said that."
Aldarion laughed. "Don't worry, I won't."
Legolas caught movement out of the corner of his eye. "Excuse me, Dar. There's something I need to take care of."
Dar nodded and headed towards his rooms as Legolas made his way to Minastir, his steps taking purpose again.
"Good morning, Tir."
The elf turned. "My lord, please, I must ask that you not call me that. I do detest it."
"Funny that you should mention that, Tir. You did something that I also detest."
The elf's eyes grew wide. "Legolas, you don't understand! I had to do it! My honesty as an elf rested upon it!"
By now, Legolas had the smaller elf backed into a wall. "Did you tell him who came to see me, Tir?"
Minastir looked around the hall, trying to find an escape route. When a member of the royal house was angry, it wasn't something to hang around for and watch.
"Minastir, you are supposed to be my greatest confidant, and I swear by the Valar if you told him-"
"No!" Minastir cut the prince off. Guards in the hall were glancing towards the argument, the prince's voice carrying well. "No, I did not tell him who, exactly. Yes, I am supposed to be your confidant, which is why I didn't name names. But you forget, my lord, that I work for your father, not for you. If that means disobeying a direct order from you, then so be it. I follow orders from your father, then from you."
Legolas shook his head. "Then as my friend you should have kept it to yourself! He would have never known anyone came if you didn't tell him. He knows who it was, Tir. You didn't give him a name, but who else would matter? You have to tell me what's going to happen to my brother."
Minastir's voice was rising with ire. "I told you, he is not your brother anymore! Now please, my lord, let me get back to my work."
"You made it happen, so you damn well better tell me what it is!"
"Nothing's going to happen! As a king, he needs the name, whether he knows who it is or not. There's always the chance that he could be wrong. Nothing is going to happen."
Legolas opened his mouth, then closed it and dropped his head. "You've no idea what you've done, Minastir."
"I've every idea what I've done. It's was nothing more than I was supposed to do. I did what I could by following your father's orders and trying to keep your secret safe. What would you have done, Legolas? Would you have disobeyed your king? If you would have done anything differently than I did, you do not deserve to be the crown prince."
Legolas head shot up, disbelief in his eyes.
Minastir raised an eyebrow. "What? Has no one ever told you before that you're not perfect? Then shame on them!" His voice grew louder with each word.
Legolas grit his teeth. "I know that I am not perfect. I know that no one in this kingdom wants me to be the crown prince! I do not need reminders of that; I see it everyday. But I swear to the Vala, if anything happens to my brother, for that is who he is, my *brother*, you will regret the day you ever decided to work for King Thranduil. Now get back to work."
The prince backed off the wall, allowing Minastir to leave. The smaller elf shot daggers at the prince with his eyes, but said nothing.
Legolas hung his head, taking several deep breaths. Finally, he set his shoulders back, lifted his chin, and turned back to the hall. The guards were watching him curiously, some having stopped their movement to wherever they were supposed to be.
"There is nothing to see here. Be on your way."
The guards that were to remain dropped their eyes to the floor. The other started to walk on again.
"Wait," Legolas said as an afterthought. The elves looked at him. "Not a word of anything you heard to anyone, and I mean that. Am I understood?"
They nodded.
"I will see to it that you never set foot here again if you disobey."
They nodded again. Legolas thought for a moment, then nodded his head, dismissing the guards. He walked towards his chambers.
When he reached the staircase at the end of the hall, he met Aldarion. "Having a bad day, Las?"
"You've no idea. If there was anyone who didn't hear that, between Tir and myself, I'd be amazed."
"Hey, you know that Mirkwood is proud to have you as its future king."
Legolas sat on the steps. "No, it's not. I'm not cut out for this. They all know it."
Aldarion sat next to his friend, whose head was now in his hands. "Legolas, look." He looked down the hall to make sure no one could hear him. "Mithfalas was adored. I'll give you that. But you don't realize how much like him you really are. You are adored too. You should hear your contingent talk about you."
"That's just it! Fal was adored! And I was the reason he was exiled. No one has forgotten that."
"That was not your fault. If they knew the whole story, they would understand that too. Legolas, you have to stop doing this. You have to stop doubting yourself like this. You are going to make a fantastic king, and I for one cannot wait to see the day you are crowned."
There was silence between the friends. After a moment, Legolas heard footsteps coming towards him. That meant one thing: his father. He was the only elf that Legolas had ever been able to hear coming.
The king stopped in front of the two elves, his hands behind his back. Aldarion stood. "My lord," he said respectfully. Legolas remained seated, avoiding his father's eyes.
"You are dismissed, Aldarion."
"Yes, my lord. Goodbye, Legolas."
The prince nodded. "Thank you," he whispered, too quietly for his father to hear. Dar heard it, though; he gave Legolas a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder.
"Legolas," the king said, sitting on the steps next to his son. At that moment, anyone passing by would not have been able to tell the difference between the two. They sat together in complete honesty, not a king and his prince, but a father and his son.
"Father."
"I heard commotion from the hall. Is everything well?"
The prince nodded, half wondering if Minastir had not run to the king to tell him all about their argument.
"I need to ask you a question, Legolas."
"Anything, my lord."
Thranduil shook his head. "Not like that, Legolas. This is strictly between us. I want you to answer me as your father, not your king. Anything you say will only gain the reaction of a father, not a king. King Thranduil will never know of this conversation, unless you come to him later. But I want to talk to you. I want to know something as your father."
Legolas drew his brow in curious confusion, but nodded.
Thranduil nodded as well. "Did anyone of importance visit you in Lothlorien?"
Legolas licked his lips, contemplating his answer. He wasn't talking to the king, so no harm could befall Mithfalas if he told. As a father, all Thranduil could do was become angry. "No. No one."
"Please do not lie to me, Legolas."
"If you are so certain that someone visited, why are you asking me?"
"Because I need to hear it from you."
"Father," Legolas hesitated. He had always been taught never to lie. . . "No one visited me. The only visit worth mention is that of Arwen."
"All right. That is all. As my son, I believe you. Arwen must have been who Minastir had mentioned." He watched Legolas for a reaction, but was not given one. Thranduil stood. "Why don't you go for a ride, ion nin? You look like you could relieve a little stress."
The prince laughed. "Just a little. Thank you, Ada. I think I will."
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Legolas was riding hard, his horse snorting under him. He didn't know where he was running to, or more specifically, what he was running from, but he didn't care. He just needed to run.
He continued this way for hours, but slowed when he sensed that his horse needed a break. It was only then that he noticed his bird flying above him.
He dismounted, letting his horse cool off and graze. "Come here, Anwë. Let me relieve you of your burden."
'I wish only he could do the same for me,' the prince thought to himself. He sent the bird on his way, then sat against a tree and opened his letter.
The mention of Berylla brought a smile to the prince's lips. If it had been any other day, he would have laughed.
He growled slightly when he finished it. Childishly, the though how unfair it was that Aragorn knew the fate of his brother when he did not.
He whistled softly, but there was no answer. He called out to his horse, but heard nothing. There was silence for a full minute before the prince began cursing in every way he knew how.
"Blasted beast. Went off home without me," he continued mumbling as he started to walk back to his father's halls. This day had to be one of the worst in his life. Sure, he had been a slave several times, dead once. . . but those days ended. This one dragged on, and the sun was still just overhead.
It was then that he realized just how far south he had traveled. He managed to avoid the spiders, but the harsh rustling of plants made his heart settle in his stomach.
"Yrch." He said it almost resignedly, as if he knew it was bound to happen. He reached for his weapons.
"Oh, Valar, why do you hate me so?" He had left his knives in his room, and his bow was attached to his thin saddle, which he only used today because he brought food with him. The best laid plans. . .
The thought drifted off as Legolas realized that he had only his arrows to fight with. Sighing, he pulled two out just as the enemy swept towards him.
Nothing happened. Then, laughter erupted, echoing in the dense foliage.
"What are you going to do, Legolas? Throw your arrows at us?" Telemnar was doubled over with laughter. Aldarion was laughing, but he also saw the look on his friend's face.
The prince returned his arrows to their quiver. "I hate you. Both of you."
Telemnar managed to stand straight, laughing at the prince as he turned and walked away from his two friends. "Oh come on, you have to know when you go off alone, at least one of us is bound to follow. Oh, you should have seen your face! And I thought we hadn't made enough noise! Dar said you were having a bad day."
Icy eyes turned to the said elf. "So you're the one I can blame for this?"
"Why are you walking?" Aldarion changed the subject, noting that Legolas did not find as much humor in the feigned attack as he and Telemnar had.
Legolas rolled his eyes. "I let her graze and she ran off without me."
Telemnar laughed, still oblivious to Legolas' mood.
"Come, then. Our horses are just back there. You can ride with me."
Legolas considered declining the offer, for fear that his dignity would be shot. Then he realized it would be even more damaged if he showed up walking. "Thank you, Dar. I also, in a strange way, should thank you for following me."
"What are friends for?" Telemnar asked, still smiling as he mounted his horse.
Legolas rolled his eyes, placing himself behind Aldarion. Dar sent a look to Telemnar that went unnoticed. He was slightly worried for Legolas, whose muscles were still tensed in anger.
Telemnar glanced at Legolas and his smile finally faded. "It was just a joke, Legolas. What's wrong with you?"
The prince turned his head, looking over Aldarion's shoulder. "Nothing."
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Strider-
Even with your dull description, you sound like you are fairing better than I. Your letter came today. It was the only nice thing that happened, in all honesty.
Don't jest yourself, I was laughing and you know it. Poetry does not suit you, either, my friend. "A newly bloomed flower." I was quite nearly in tears. (If you look really closely at this letter, you can see me rolling my eyes, I'm sure.) In seriousness, I am happy that you have found someone to make your stay there worthwhile.
I'm curious, what exactly did Lord Elrond tell you would happen to Mithfalas? It seems as though everyone has a different opinion on it, and the Valar know my father won't say a word of it to me.
Neither of us said anything specific. We just talked, before we heard Ada approach. We talked of life, really. There's so much that we've both missed from each other's lives. I was angry at first, but I realized it was misdirected. I was sorry to see him go, knowing full well that I won't ever see him again.
Aldarion is to be wed in the early autumn. Until then, he is still a warrior in my contingent, and thoroughly enjoying it. Of course, that is most because we haven't done anything in ages. We are supposed to deal with the spiders near the end of the season, but that is all we've been assigned to for quite some time.
Do not give up looking for your traitor. I would bet you that he is there. The reason you can't find him is most likely that he also knows you are there. I know it's difficult for you, my friend, but be patient. You will find him.
Yes, we have two festivals for every season, but the Spring and Midwinter's Festivals are the most important.
Don't judge Telemnar too quickly. He had been through similar experiences with Men as I have. Can you blame him for being a little rough around the edges? He, unlike I, has not been presented with the opportunity to realize all men are not like the few we've had the misfortune of happening upon. If you give him time, and patience, you will see a brand new elf before you. He reminds me of your brothers when he is at ease.
I was none too pleased with him today, however. Nor Aldarion, for that matter. They thought it fun to wait until I was alone and defenseless to pretend to be a band of orcs. I, through a series of misfortunes, had only my arrows with which to play darts. It was not a good day.
Remember, be patient. Things will fall into place.
Legolas
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The prince blew out his candle, falling into his bed. He sent a quick prayer of gratitude to the Valar for making this wretched day end.
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Reviewers: As a general note, so I don't have to type this thirty times, ARAGORN AND ARWEN WILL GET TOGETHER, JUST LIKE IN TOLKIEN'S BOOKS! I SWEAR THEY WILL! Berylla is just a distraction for now. Don't worry, you'll see. It will make sense in time. Hey. . . my chapters are a little bit longer than normal. . . cool!
Sara: Hey! You're back! Aw, thanks for bookmarking me! I'm honoured! So far, everyone seems to think that the paperwork is the worst torture I've put him through yet. . . hm, I'll have to remember that. Yes, what would Thranduil do?
Deana: I hope three makes you just as happy as two did!
Leggylover03: There will be more Estel pain, I promise!
Angel With No Wings: Wouldn't that be the Devil? Anyway. . . ah, I've never been compared to a fire before, thanks! Hey, the whole Thranduil being stupid thing only happened ONCE, okay? Never again, I swear! Yeah, kind of makes you wonder what the whole story behind Mithfalas is. And, maybe we'll find out what he'll do. But, the whole, not getting over thing is another small fault of Thrandy. See, letting his son back in wouldn't hurt his pride. He'd have to admit that he was wrong. Well, there's that and the need for Legolas to be the crowned prince in a later story. . . Something ghastly will happen, but to which prince do you want? It will definitely happen to Leggy, and I can come up with something to happen to Fal, if you'd like. (I'm not kidding, ask and ye shall receive!) Yes, there will be Arwen/Aragorn, I swear. But don't think Arwen was his first and only love, do you? Thanks, I hoped the connection between Aragorn and Legolas came off well, and I think it did. I thought I'd do the letters as a change of pace. I didn't think they'd actually go forever without talking to each other, but both of them are needed elsewhere. Uhm, that's all! Thanks for the review!
KitsuneRW: Aragorn will be the king, eventually, but he isn't yet. He's only about 30 as of now, and the Fellowship has not yet taken place.
Lainfaer: You're asking me about spelling? I can't spell for beans. (That's why I write on Microsoft Word, it has spell check!) I do recognize the old name. I'm glad you found them again!
Nenya: Ha, I know. Nothing's happened yet! GASP! What's happened to Elenillor? ::Wicked smile:: Yes, yes, by the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes. (Courtesy to Shakespeare for the quote.) Nope, I'm not gonna use Mithfalas as a torture device, though from now on, he's pretty much mentioned in every story. He's kind of important in this one too, since Leggy just found out about everything last story. It's not stupid! I can never pick up on foreshadowing. I can just write it, lol. Hm, something you said in your review about his love interest is interesting. SH!! There was a hint for you. This is Aragorn, he always does something stupid! You know, Nifren was just a filler character, but by the fourth chapter, (Aragorn's second,) he took on a life of his own! I was gonna kill him off too, but now I don't think he'll let me. Glad you liked the pictures! You can too pick up on foreshadowing. . . you're the only one who's even guessed what might happen in Leggy's storyline, and you're on the right track!
SPEoD: See, that's exactly WHY I like dressage, everything has to be perfect! I do hunter/jumper because the jumps are smaller. I don't like jumping horses over big fences, because in truth, it's not the greatest thing in the world for their legs. I get state line tack and back in the saddle, lol. I think I got horsefeathers once too. . . thanks for the links!
Das Blume: I had to go back on the fourth of January. It wasn't nice. Aragorn hasn't been properly introduced to Arwen yet. No worries, he will go for the she-elf. Have you ever seen Eddy Izzard? He's hilarious. He did this thing about guys when they like a girl, they have this whole thing planned out, then he sees the girl, and "Hi. I have legs." comes out. It's so funny. You know, if you can't find a plothole, you could just label it AU, and there you go, problem solved! Ha. . . nothing slashy coming, sorry, but they will eventually learn that they have that connection, and then eventually use it to their advantage.
WeasleyTwinsLover1112: You're the only one who said "poor strider" for that chapter, lol!
Coolio02: Well, this wait was a bit longer, lol. And I take my previous review back, Aragorn got more than one "poor."
Jazi: Ah, thank you so much! I was really trying to do something different, instead of the usual get captured, go through h#ll, escape, and do it all over again. I'm so glad you like it! Don't worry, he will get involved with Arwen! Berylla is really only there for the plot. . . . Thanks for the great review!
AuntiiTravis: Thank you so much!
True-Slytherin-gurl: Thanks! Hope the wait wasn't too long!
Arayelle Lynn: Paperwork seems to be the most effective torture device, though I discovered that quite by accident. Hey, whatever works. Estel can feel Leggy's pain too, actually. Leggy just hasn't had any yet. And they don't know that they can do that. Leggy has no clue why his leg hurt, and Aragorn has no clue that Leggy felt it. Yes! I do that too! Honestly, updating while I'm only two chapters ahead is weird for me. . . I just didn't want a three month wait while I wrote in a missing story. That's me, ever the giver. Thanks for the review!
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Legolas smiled as Aldarion waved to him. The prince redirected his purposed steps and made his way to his friend. "Mae govannen, Dar."
"And to you, Las. I wanted to ask you something, but I realized I couldn't."
An eyebrow was raised. "You can ask me anything."
"Well, I wanted you to be the leader of my line in the wedding."
Legolas smiled. "Oh. That's why you couldn't ask. If I wasn't royalty, I would have said yes in a heartbeat."
Aldarion nodded. "I know. I asked Telemnar, instead. But I just wanted you to know."
"Thank you. That really does mean a lot." The prince paused. "Sometimes, I think our rules are stupid, but don't you dare tell my father I said that."
Aldarion laughed. "Don't worry, I won't."
Legolas caught movement out of the corner of his eye. "Excuse me, Dar. There's something I need to take care of."
Dar nodded and headed towards his rooms as Legolas made his way to Minastir, his steps taking purpose again.
"Good morning, Tir."
The elf turned. "My lord, please, I must ask that you not call me that. I do detest it."
"Funny that you should mention that, Tir. You did something that I also detest."
The elf's eyes grew wide. "Legolas, you don't understand! I had to do it! My honesty as an elf rested upon it!"
By now, Legolas had the smaller elf backed into a wall. "Did you tell him who came to see me, Tir?"
Minastir looked around the hall, trying to find an escape route. When a member of the royal house was angry, it wasn't something to hang around for and watch.
"Minastir, you are supposed to be my greatest confidant, and I swear by the Valar if you told him-"
"No!" Minastir cut the prince off. Guards in the hall were glancing towards the argument, the prince's voice carrying well. "No, I did not tell him who, exactly. Yes, I am supposed to be your confidant, which is why I didn't name names. But you forget, my lord, that I work for your father, not for you. If that means disobeying a direct order from you, then so be it. I follow orders from your father, then from you."
Legolas shook his head. "Then as my friend you should have kept it to yourself! He would have never known anyone came if you didn't tell him. He knows who it was, Tir. You didn't give him a name, but who else would matter? You have to tell me what's going to happen to my brother."
Minastir's voice was rising with ire. "I told you, he is not your brother anymore! Now please, my lord, let me get back to my work."
"You made it happen, so you damn well better tell me what it is!"
"Nothing's going to happen! As a king, he needs the name, whether he knows who it is or not. There's always the chance that he could be wrong. Nothing is going to happen."
Legolas opened his mouth, then closed it and dropped his head. "You've no idea what you've done, Minastir."
"I've every idea what I've done. It's was nothing more than I was supposed to do. I did what I could by following your father's orders and trying to keep your secret safe. What would you have done, Legolas? Would you have disobeyed your king? If you would have done anything differently than I did, you do not deserve to be the crown prince."
Legolas head shot up, disbelief in his eyes.
Minastir raised an eyebrow. "What? Has no one ever told you before that you're not perfect? Then shame on them!" His voice grew louder with each word.
Legolas grit his teeth. "I know that I am not perfect. I know that no one in this kingdom wants me to be the crown prince! I do not need reminders of that; I see it everyday. But I swear to the Vala, if anything happens to my brother, for that is who he is, my *brother*, you will regret the day you ever decided to work for King Thranduil. Now get back to work."
The prince backed off the wall, allowing Minastir to leave. The smaller elf shot daggers at the prince with his eyes, but said nothing.
Legolas hung his head, taking several deep breaths. Finally, he set his shoulders back, lifted his chin, and turned back to the hall. The guards were watching him curiously, some having stopped their movement to wherever they were supposed to be.
"There is nothing to see here. Be on your way."
The guards that were to remain dropped their eyes to the floor. The other started to walk on again.
"Wait," Legolas said as an afterthought. The elves looked at him. "Not a word of anything you heard to anyone, and I mean that. Am I understood?"
They nodded.
"I will see to it that you never set foot here again if you disobey."
They nodded again. Legolas thought for a moment, then nodded his head, dismissing the guards. He walked towards his chambers.
When he reached the staircase at the end of the hall, he met Aldarion. "Having a bad day, Las?"
"You've no idea. If there was anyone who didn't hear that, between Tir and myself, I'd be amazed."
"Hey, you know that Mirkwood is proud to have you as its future king."
Legolas sat on the steps. "No, it's not. I'm not cut out for this. They all know it."
Aldarion sat next to his friend, whose head was now in his hands. "Legolas, look." He looked down the hall to make sure no one could hear him. "Mithfalas was adored. I'll give you that. But you don't realize how much like him you really are. You are adored too. You should hear your contingent talk about you."
"That's just it! Fal was adored! And I was the reason he was exiled. No one has forgotten that."
"That was not your fault. If they knew the whole story, they would understand that too. Legolas, you have to stop doing this. You have to stop doubting yourself like this. You are going to make a fantastic king, and I for one cannot wait to see the day you are crowned."
There was silence between the friends. After a moment, Legolas heard footsteps coming towards him. That meant one thing: his father. He was the only elf that Legolas had ever been able to hear coming.
The king stopped in front of the two elves, his hands behind his back. Aldarion stood. "My lord," he said respectfully. Legolas remained seated, avoiding his father's eyes.
"You are dismissed, Aldarion."
"Yes, my lord. Goodbye, Legolas."
The prince nodded. "Thank you," he whispered, too quietly for his father to hear. Dar heard it, though; he gave Legolas a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder.
"Legolas," the king said, sitting on the steps next to his son. At that moment, anyone passing by would not have been able to tell the difference between the two. They sat together in complete honesty, not a king and his prince, but a father and his son.
"Father."
"I heard commotion from the hall. Is everything well?"
The prince nodded, half wondering if Minastir had not run to the king to tell him all about their argument.
"I need to ask you a question, Legolas."
"Anything, my lord."
Thranduil shook his head. "Not like that, Legolas. This is strictly between us. I want you to answer me as your father, not your king. Anything you say will only gain the reaction of a father, not a king. King Thranduil will never know of this conversation, unless you come to him later. But I want to talk to you. I want to know something as your father."
Legolas drew his brow in curious confusion, but nodded.
Thranduil nodded as well. "Did anyone of importance visit you in Lothlorien?"
Legolas licked his lips, contemplating his answer. He wasn't talking to the king, so no harm could befall Mithfalas if he told. As a father, all Thranduil could do was become angry. "No. No one."
"Please do not lie to me, Legolas."
"If you are so certain that someone visited, why are you asking me?"
"Because I need to hear it from you."
"Father," Legolas hesitated. He had always been taught never to lie. . . "No one visited me. The only visit worth mention is that of Arwen."
"All right. That is all. As my son, I believe you. Arwen must have been who Minastir had mentioned." He watched Legolas for a reaction, but was not given one. Thranduil stood. "Why don't you go for a ride, ion nin? You look like you could relieve a little stress."
The prince laughed. "Just a little. Thank you, Ada. I think I will."
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Legolas was riding hard, his horse snorting under him. He didn't know where he was running to, or more specifically, what he was running from, but he didn't care. He just needed to run.
He continued this way for hours, but slowed when he sensed that his horse needed a break. It was only then that he noticed his bird flying above him.
He dismounted, letting his horse cool off and graze. "Come here, Anwë. Let me relieve you of your burden."
'I wish only he could do the same for me,' the prince thought to himself. He sent the bird on his way, then sat against a tree and opened his letter.
The mention of Berylla brought a smile to the prince's lips. If it had been any other day, he would have laughed.
He growled slightly when he finished it. Childishly, the though how unfair it was that Aragorn knew the fate of his brother when he did not.
He whistled softly, but there was no answer. He called out to his horse, but heard nothing. There was silence for a full minute before the prince began cursing in every way he knew how.
"Blasted beast. Went off home without me," he continued mumbling as he started to walk back to his father's halls. This day had to be one of the worst in his life. Sure, he had been a slave several times, dead once. . . but those days ended. This one dragged on, and the sun was still just overhead.
It was then that he realized just how far south he had traveled. He managed to avoid the spiders, but the harsh rustling of plants made his heart settle in his stomach.
"Yrch." He said it almost resignedly, as if he knew it was bound to happen. He reached for his weapons.
"Oh, Valar, why do you hate me so?" He had left his knives in his room, and his bow was attached to his thin saddle, which he only used today because he brought food with him. The best laid plans. . .
The thought drifted off as Legolas realized that he had only his arrows to fight with. Sighing, he pulled two out just as the enemy swept towards him.
Nothing happened. Then, laughter erupted, echoing in the dense foliage.
"What are you going to do, Legolas? Throw your arrows at us?" Telemnar was doubled over with laughter. Aldarion was laughing, but he also saw the look on his friend's face.
The prince returned his arrows to their quiver. "I hate you. Both of you."
Telemnar managed to stand straight, laughing at the prince as he turned and walked away from his two friends. "Oh come on, you have to know when you go off alone, at least one of us is bound to follow. Oh, you should have seen your face! And I thought we hadn't made enough noise! Dar said you were having a bad day."
Icy eyes turned to the said elf. "So you're the one I can blame for this?"
"Why are you walking?" Aldarion changed the subject, noting that Legolas did not find as much humor in the feigned attack as he and Telemnar had.
Legolas rolled his eyes. "I let her graze and she ran off without me."
Telemnar laughed, still oblivious to Legolas' mood.
"Come, then. Our horses are just back there. You can ride with me."
Legolas considered declining the offer, for fear that his dignity would be shot. Then he realized it would be even more damaged if he showed up walking. "Thank you, Dar. I also, in a strange way, should thank you for following me."
"What are friends for?" Telemnar asked, still smiling as he mounted his horse.
Legolas rolled his eyes, placing himself behind Aldarion. Dar sent a look to Telemnar that went unnoticed. He was slightly worried for Legolas, whose muscles were still tensed in anger.
Telemnar glanced at Legolas and his smile finally faded. "It was just a joke, Legolas. What's wrong with you?"
The prince turned his head, looking over Aldarion's shoulder. "Nothing."
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Strider-
Even with your dull description, you sound like you are fairing better than I. Your letter came today. It was the only nice thing that happened, in all honesty.
Don't jest yourself, I was laughing and you know it. Poetry does not suit you, either, my friend. "A newly bloomed flower." I was quite nearly in tears. (If you look really closely at this letter, you can see me rolling my eyes, I'm sure.) In seriousness, I am happy that you have found someone to make your stay there worthwhile.
I'm curious, what exactly did Lord Elrond tell you would happen to Mithfalas? It seems as though everyone has a different opinion on it, and the Valar know my father won't say a word of it to me.
Neither of us said anything specific. We just talked, before we heard Ada approach. We talked of life, really. There's so much that we've both missed from each other's lives. I was angry at first, but I realized it was misdirected. I was sorry to see him go, knowing full well that I won't ever see him again.
Aldarion is to be wed in the early autumn. Until then, he is still a warrior in my contingent, and thoroughly enjoying it. Of course, that is most because we haven't done anything in ages. We are supposed to deal with the spiders near the end of the season, but that is all we've been assigned to for quite some time.
Do not give up looking for your traitor. I would bet you that he is there. The reason you can't find him is most likely that he also knows you are there. I know it's difficult for you, my friend, but be patient. You will find him.
Yes, we have two festivals for every season, but the Spring and Midwinter's Festivals are the most important.
Don't judge Telemnar too quickly. He had been through similar experiences with Men as I have. Can you blame him for being a little rough around the edges? He, unlike I, has not been presented with the opportunity to realize all men are not like the few we've had the misfortune of happening upon. If you give him time, and patience, you will see a brand new elf before you. He reminds me of your brothers when he is at ease.
I was none too pleased with him today, however. Nor Aldarion, for that matter. They thought it fun to wait until I was alone and defenseless to pretend to be a band of orcs. I, through a series of misfortunes, had only my arrows with which to play darts. It was not a good day.
Remember, be patient. Things will fall into place.
Legolas
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The prince blew out his candle, falling into his bed. He sent a quick prayer of gratitude to the Valar for making this wretched day end.
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Reviewers: As a general note, so I don't have to type this thirty times, ARAGORN AND ARWEN WILL GET TOGETHER, JUST LIKE IN TOLKIEN'S BOOKS! I SWEAR THEY WILL! Berylla is just a distraction for now. Don't worry, you'll see. It will make sense in time. Hey. . . my chapters are a little bit longer than normal. . . cool!
Sara: Hey! You're back! Aw, thanks for bookmarking me! I'm honoured! So far, everyone seems to think that the paperwork is the worst torture I've put him through yet. . . hm, I'll have to remember that. Yes, what would Thranduil do?
Deana: I hope three makes you just as happy as two did!
Leggylover03: There will be more Estel pain, I promise!
Angel With No Wings: Wouldn't that be the Devil? Anyway. . . ah, I've never been compared to a fire before, thanks! Hey, the whole Thranduil being stupid thing only happened ONCE, okay? Never again, I swear! Yeah, kind of makes you wonder what the whole story behind Mithfalas is. And, maybe we'll find out what he'll do. But, the whole, not getting over thing is another small fault of Thrandy. See, letting his son back in wouldn't hurt his pride. He'd have to admit that he was wrong. Well, there's that and the need for Legolas to be the crowned prince in a later story. . . Something ghastly will happen, but to which prince do you want? It will definitely happen to Leggy, and I can come up with something to happen to Fal, if you'd like. (I'm not kidding, ask and ye shall receive!) Yes, there will be Arwen/Aragorn, I swear. But don't think Arwen was his first and only love, do you? Thanks, I hoped the connection between Aragorn and Legolas came off well, and I think it did. I thought I'd do the letters as a change of pace. I didn't think they'd actually go forever without talking to each other, but both of them are needed elsewhere. Uhm, that's all! Thanks for the review!
KitsuneRW: Aragorn will be the king, eventually, but he isn't yet. He's only about 30 as of now, and the Fellowship has not yet taken place.
Lainfaer: You're asking me about spelling? I can't spell for beans. (That's why I write on Microsoft Word, it has spell check!) I do recognize the old name. I'm glad you found them again!
Nenya: Ha, I know. Nothing's happened yet! GASP! What's happened to Elenillor? ::Wicked smile:: Yes, yes, by the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes. (Courtesy to Shakespeare for the quote.) Nope, I'm not gonna use Mithfalas as a torture device, though from now on, he's pretty much mentioned in every story. He's kind of important in this one too, since Leggy just found out about everything last story. It's not stupid! I can never pick up on foreshadowing. I can just write it, lol. Hm, something you said in your review about his love interest is interesting. SH!! There was a hint for you. This is Aragorn, he always does something stupid! You know, Nifren was just a filler character, but by the fourth chapter, (Aragorn's second,) he took on a life of his own! I was gonna kill him off too, but now I don't think he'll let me. Glad you liked the pictures! You can too pick up on foreshadowing. . . you're the only one who's even guessed what might happen in Leggy's storyline, and you're on the right track!
SPEoD: See, that's exactly WHY I like dressage, everything has to be perfect! I do hunter/jumper because the jumps are smaller. I don't like jumping horses over big fences, because in truth, it's not the greatest thing in the world for their legs. I get state line tack and back in the saddle, lol. I think I got horsefeathers once too. . . thanks for the links!
Das Blume: I had to go back on the fourth of January. It wasn't nice. Aragorn hasn't been properly introduced to Arwen yet. No worries, he will go for the she-elf. Have you ever seen Eddy Izzard? He's hilarious. He did this thing about guys when they like a girl, they have this whole thing planned out, then he sees the girl, and "Hi. I have legs." comes out. It's so funny. You know, if you can't find a plothole, you could just label it AU, and there you go, problem solved! Ha. . . nothing slashy coming, sorry, but they will eventually learn that they have that connection, and then eventually use it to their advantage.
WeasleyTwinsLover1112: You're the only one who said "poor strider" for that chapter, lol!
Coolio02: Well, this wait was a bit longer, lol. And I take my previous review back, Aragorn got more than one "poor."
Jazi: Ah, thank you so much! I was really trying to do something different, instead of the usual get captured, go through h#ll, escape, and do it all over again. I'm so glad you like it! Don't worry, he will get involved with Arwen! Berylla is really only there for the plot. . . . Thanks for the great review!
AuntiiTravis: Thank you so much!
True-Slytherin-gurl: Thanks! Hope the wait wasn't too long!
Arayelle Lynn: Paperwork seems to be the most effective torture device, though I discovered that quite by accident. Hey, whatever works. Estel can feel Leggy's pain too, actually. Leggy just hasn't had any yet. And they don't know that they can do that. Leggy has no clue why his leg hurt, and Aragorn has no clue that Leggy felt it. Yes! I do that too! Honestly, updating while I'm only two chapters ahead is weird for me. . . I just didn't want a three month wait while I wrote in a missing story. That's me, ever the giver. Thanks for the review!