Back to Legolas. . . what's going on with our favourite elf? I don't have
any of the next chapter written, though I do know what's going to happen,
so it shouldn't take me long to write for ya. And Leggy's next chapter will
be really quick in coming. . . I hope.
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Telemnar rolled his eyes at Legolas. Aldarion only gave him a look that clearly told him not to say anything.
"What are you doing?"
"You've gotten horrible at hiding, Legolas."
Aladrion elbowed Telemnar in the ribs.
"I was just saying-"
"I know, stop." The smaller of the two elves glanced at his friend who was obscured from view by the full foliage of the spring trees. "Minastir is looking for you."
Legolas almost snorted. "Let him look, then. And I am not hiding." He looked pointedly at Telemnar. "If I were, you would not be talking to me, Tel."
Aldarion continued. "He just wants to talk business with you, and you can't avoid that forever."
"I am avoiding nothing. He is looking for me? Well, here I am."
"You're being rather childish. I think you get it from your father."
Aldarion elbowed the elf again while Legolas shot him a look that could kill.
"I shall have to remember to tell him you said that."
Aldarion shook his head. "Why King Thranduil picked you as one of his head guards, I will never understand."
"I tell things like they are," Telemnar said in a rare, serious moment. "Children will only remain children if they are babied. Children who are shown the truth grow up."
Legolas appeared at their feet only seconds later. He looked at Aldarion, "*That* is why my father chose him." He walked towards the palace.
The other elves shared a glance, then hurried to catch their friend.
"I still think you get it from your father," Telemnar said. Legolas laughed.
"Well, we know I certainly don't get it from Dar."
Aldarion was the only one not laughing at the comment. "Funny, guys. Should I remind you of all the times that my un-childishness saved you?"
"Not the time we needed a dictionary. Un-childishness, Dar?"
Legolas laughed at Telemnar's remark.
"You make it so hard to prove a point!"
"My point exactly!"
Legolas put his hand on Dar's shoulder. "This is where you give up and let him win."
"Oh, you two are infuriating, honestly. Séreméla!" The elf's attention was drawn away from his two friends as an elf-maiden walked by. Legolas and Telemnar stifled their laughter.
"Hello Dar. Legolas," She smiled at Telemnar in greeting.
"Hello, Cousin," Legolas said. "How does the evening find you?"
"Content," she replied, her eyes wandering to Aldarion. Telemnar rolled his eyes, an act quite typical of him.
"Come on, Legolas. I think they're going to start getting romantic, and you don't want to see your cousin doing that. I don't want to see Dar doing that."
"I don't know why you haven't exiled him yet, Legolas," Aldarion said as he took Séreméla's hand and walked the other way down the hall.
"I don't think I've seen two elves more in love than them," Legolas said, allowing Telemnar to lead him to his father's study, where Minastir surely was.
"Makes you sick to the stomach, doesn't it?"
Smiling, Legolas shook his head and changed the subject. "What is it Minastir wishes to speak to me about?"
"Our spider hunting expedition, I believe."
Legolas nodded, pushing the two oak doors wide open. Minastir and Thranduil looked up from their conversation and quieted immediately.
Legolas narrowed his eyes. Were they speaking of Mithfalas? 'No,' Legolas told himself. 'Stop being so paranoid.'
"We were summoned, my lord?" Legolas and Telemnar bowed in respect, then took two seats opposite of the king.
"Minastir and I were just speaking of the Festival, which I will speak to you about later, Legolas. Telemnar, you are here because of the spiders."
"Yes, my lord. I had an idea about that, actually."
Legolas looked at his friend in bewilderment.
"Maybe if we give them an Elven sacrifice, they will retreat just a little." He looked at Minastir as he said this. This did not go unnoticed by Legolas, who bit his tongue to keep from laughing. Thranduil creased his brows.
Telemnar shrugged. "Guess not. It was just a thought."
Minastir was sure he heard Legolas laughing behind his hand, which now covered his mouth from view.
Minastir smiled and finally laughed, which sent Legolas over the edge.
"This is no laughing matter," Thranduil's voice boomed above their mirth.
"I am sorry, Father," Legolas said, sobered immediately. "When shall we leave for this mission?"
Before the king could respond, Minastir opened his mouth. "Legolas, son of Thranduil, you are quite possibly the most immature prince I have ever had the misfortune of meeting. You said yourself that no one wants to be their king, and now I hope you see why. You never grow up. No one wants an elfing to rule them!"
Legolas' jaw dropped. Telemnar was gripping the arms of the chair so as not to lunge at the elf attacking his friend. Thranduil looked angry, but let the elf continue.
"If you are to hate me for what was done, then so be it, but do not go about it like this! I would have thought you had more dignity than to let your friends stand up for you, much less in such a childish manner!" With that, the elf stormed from the room, the doors clanging as they were slammed shut.
"I didn't know anyone was strong enough to slam these doors," Telemnar said, feeling the need to lighten the mood before Legolas went after his advisor.
"You will have your contingents ready in four weeks' time. Telemnar, you are dismissed."
The elf nodded to his king, bowed, gave Legolas a sympathetic look that see "I'll talk to you later," and exited the study.
Legolas turned to his father. "I did not say anything to him, it was Telemnar's joke, I only responded to it, and only because I know that Tel has never liked Tir."
"I am not angry with you, Legolas. I shall speak with Minastir. No one has the right to lash out at a member of the royal family. He should know that by now."
"Don't," Legolas said. "He'll only use that against me later. I'll talk to him."
"I'm afraid if you talk with him, he may wind up dead," the king said, smiling down at his son.
Legolas smiled weakly back. "You wanted to speak with me about the Festival?"
"I did, but I think you are not in the mood for it. Legolas, talk to me, ion nin."
The prince looked at his father, raising his eyebrows. "About what?"
"I'm going to tell you again that anything you want your father to know will never be known by the king, unless you come to me as your king."
Legolas paused, staring at his hands. Finally, "Can I talk to you as my father?"
"Of course, my son."
"When I was in Lothlorien, the reason I was even there, was because of Mithfalas."
Thranduil made no reaction, so Legolas continued. "It was only because of him that Dar and Tel. . . and Tir knew where to find me."
Thranduil nodded. "I know."
Legolas looked up. "Minastir did tell you then, didn't he?"
"No, he did not. He told me you received a visit that I would be interested in learning of, but that is all. He tried to remain as loyal to you as he could, given the circumstances."
"Ada, Fal came to me."
"I know."
Legolas waited, but nothing else happened. "That's all? That's all you're going to say?"
"What do you want me to say?"
Legolas thought for a second, then answered, "What is his fate, should I have told my king rather than my father?"
Thranduil sighed. "That I cannot tell you as your father or your king. I am sorry."
Legolas nodded, knowing he was going to waste his breath even before asking the question. "But you won't do anything now, right?"
"Correct. What did he say to you?"
Legolas shrugged. "He apologized a lot."
There was silence, then, "He's not the one that needs to apologize."
Legolas gaped at his father. Was he admitting that he was wrong? 'I should write this date down,' the prince commented to himself with sarcasm. "Father?"
"I won't lie to you, Legolas, but he should have never been exiled."
Legolas was torn. He wasn't sure whether to take his father's side or yell at him to allow his brother to come home, so he said nothing.
"I know you agree, my son, but there's more that went into his exile that you couldn't possibly know of. It wasn't just. . ." he trailed off, ashamed to admit what he had done to Legolas.
"Then bring him back!" Legolas said. "Send for him! I know where he is, and- "
"I can't, Legolas."
"Yes you can! You just won't!" Legolas' voice was rising with passion. He had not been able to talk about this for ages. It all came spilling out of his mouth at the chance.
"Legolas, hold your tongue."
The prince closed his mouth, his eyes lowering. "I'm sorry, my lord. Forgive me."
"Listen to me, Legolas. If I allow him back, you would no longer be the crown prince."
"I don't care. I never wanted to be in the first place."
"Mirkwood would think me weak for going back on my decisions."
Legolas countered again, "No, they wouldn't, but even if they did, it would be okay, because then you could finally sail across the sea, and Fal would be king."
"Mithfalas," the king paused. The name tasted bitter on his tongue, not having said it for who knew how long. "in turn, would also be thought weak. Mirkwood would disobey his rule and turn into chaos."
"No, they wouldn't! Everyone loved Fal! He was adored. Ada, saes, please."
"And, if none of the above proved true, our family would only be torn apart further."
Legolas said nothing, but raised a questioning eyebrow.
"I think you should find Telemnar before he assassinates my advisor."
The prince let his father change the subject. If he had been younger, when he was more brash, he would have pushed it. Now, he realized he had been lucky to get that much said. "Can't I just let Telemnar do it?"
The king smiled. "Thank you for telling me, Legolas."
"As always, Ada." The prince stood and bowed, then left the study feeling as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
Down the hall, he heard whispers, then, amidst them, his name. He followed the sound until he stood in front of his two friends.
"Legolas!" Aldarion said, effectively quieting Telemnar. Legolas narrowed his eyes, but said nothing.
"Did you get in trouble for my comment?"
"No, Tel." He turned to walk away.
"Wait, Legolas, where are you going? I thought we could all go for a ride and talk."
"Not tonight, Dar."
The smaller elf was not taking that as an answer. "Legolas, you've been in a dark mood for the past few days, and while I understand why, I don't think it fair of you to take it out on us. We've only ever tried to help you!"
Telemnar smiled. "Well, if you don't count the time we pushed him in the river. Or the Orc thing the other day."
Aldarion silenced him with a glare. "Legolas, what's going on with you?"
"I don't appreciate the fact that everywhere I walk in this Valar forsaken hole in a mountain, everyone is talking about me! I turn a corner and everyone stops talking!"
"That's not true, Legolas."
"What were you two talking about just now, then?"
Aldarion raised his eyebrows. "Telemnar was telling me how Minastir attacked you in front of your father. Are you done accusing us now?"
Legolas let his eyes drop, his rage rushing from his veins. "I'm sorry, Aldarion. I didn't mean to do so. I know that I can at least trust you two."
"Yes, we can tell."
"Dar, look, I said I was sorry."
"Oh, okay, that makes up for everything!"
Telemnar was trying to quiet his friend, a role quite opposite of those he usually took, but Aldarion could not be stopped.
"I know you're the prince, so you have that stress, and the things you've found out about your brother, and Minastir, I understand all of that, but you've never been one to succumb to stress. What is going on with you?"
Legolas took a deep breath. "I don't know what to say, Dar. Other than how sorry I am."
"You haven't been the same since. . ."
"Since I died?" Legolas asked almost laughing at how ridiculous the question sounded.
"Yes, to put it bluntly. Do you regret your decision to come back?"
"No!" Legolas sighed. "I'm sorry, to both of you. I've been a-"
"Royal son of a-" Telemnar stopped at Legolas amused look.
"King?" The prince offered.
"Yes, that's it! That's the word I was looking for."
Aldarion sighed heavily. "I don't know what has happened to you, Legolas, but please come back to us."
The prince was shocked. He had noticed a difference in himself, so he was not surprised to find out that his friends saw it too. What bothered him was their unyielding loyalty to him.
"I am right here, Dar."
His friend looked at him with loyalty in his eyes. "Don't leave us. Wherever you go, I am following you."
Telemnar nodded. "Aye, and I as well."
Legolas creased his brow in thought, but nodded. "And were either of you go, there too I will follow. I promise you that."
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Strider-
See? I told you your traitor was there. Don't think so hard and the answers will come. It is like trying to catch a butterfly. The harder you try, the farther they are from your grasp. When you sit down and be still, it will come to you and land in your palm.
If this girl makes you happy, take the risk. (As long as she is willing to do so, that is.) If you never take the risk, you will never truly live.
You're correct, however, they do seem to be varying opinions on my brother's fate. To be quite honest, my father will not tell me about it. Nor will anyone else, for that matter. I finally told my father about him, with his promise that he would not do anything. (I suppose that doesn't make sense, does it? It's a long story.)
Dar has amounted to a blithering idiot. You can't hold a full conversation with him anymore, Valar love him.
My paperwork for the year is complete, though we leave soon on our spider hunt.
I awoke one night with my left leg hurting. Nice coincidence, is it not? I do hope you've healed all right without your father there to patch you up.
Don't forget to take the risks you need to, Strider.
Legolas
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Telemnar studied his long-time friend with sympathetic eyes. For all the jokes he made, he felt the same was as Aldarion. He knew his friend would give his life if only to make Legolas' better, as would he. There was an underlying loyalty between the three of them that no one spoke of, but everyone noticed.
"He's okay, Dar. He's just been overwhelmed lately."
"I hear the servants talking. He dreams at night. Nightmares, I suppose. He talks through most of them. They say he's screamed in his sleep more often than not."
"He's had nightmares since his mother left, you know that. His experience with that man-king only made them worse.""
The smaller elf nodded, but did not look convinced. "I think he might be dreaming of things yet to be."
Telemnar quirked an eyebrow. "Why do you think that?"
"They've been worse lately. When he screams, he calls his brother's name."
Both elves fell silent at the fact.
"It's nothing," Telemnar finally said. "He is remembering the day he left, that is all."
"I think it's something more. Keep an eye on him, Tel."
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Reviewers: Okay, who picked up on the foreshadowing in this chapter? ? ?
Don't worry! Here's why: That was the last tantrum Legolas throws. Well. . . along those lines anyway. The action starts picking up a lot in the next couple of chapters. Then you'll be sorry. . . ::evil laughter::
All right, I have a question for ya'll too. I'm just curious, who do you like better, Aldarion or Telemnar, and why? I like Dar. He's so cute and loyal and stuff. . . and I like Tel, 'cuz he's fun-loving.
SPEoD: We don't really have a problem with snow here. I've been stuck off horses because of rain though. It's supposed to rain tomorrow too, and that's when I have an actual lesson. Lol, I don't even have to ask for horse stuff, my parents just know. Uhm, Fal. . . is. . . not really in this story? Although. . . oooh, you did just give me a good idea! Thanks!
Deana: I'm trying to update quickly. . . doing kind of poorly so far. Aragorn and Legolas WILL meet up in later chapters, and there definitely WILL be tons of Legolas angst! (It starts in Leggy's next chapter. . . which is what, chapter 7? Yeah, 'cuz Aragorn gets 6.)
Silvertoekee: Oh! He's not going to be THAT stupid, lol. I hadn't really thought about putting in anymore of Nifren's story, to be honest, but that's why I like reviews. It lets me know what I'm leaving out. I will include the rest of his story, and I know exactly when he can tell it, too. Thanks a million!
Das Blume: Oh, Legolas is fantastic at embroidery. It's crocheting he's not so hot at, lol! Sh, don't tell anyone else, but, since you were the only one who mentioned that. . . his throwing abilities were not just meant for a passing comment. Rangerville! I was laughing when I read that. Not true, I was homeschooled and I had homework. It's just extended studies, if you think about it. I don't think it existed under that name in ME though. Did you notice the little connection pop up a tad here? Except they still don't know it. . . we'll see more of that though. (I have to stop giving away my plots!) And yes, it was morning when I uploaded the last chapter :-D
Sky14: It's okay! I know what that's like. I've been super busy with school too.
Wildefire2: Oh, so many questions. . . what can I answer without totally giving away my plotline? Yes, Legolas is going to get hurt, emotionally and physically. Legolas felt guilty about lying to his dad, and Thranduil knew it. That's why he finally confessed the chapter. A little tiny scene with Mithfalas is coming, but he'll actually be IN the next few stories. Was that too vague? Sorry!
Coolio02: Thanks! Sorry for the long wait!
Grumpy: Hi! Thanks a bunch! Curious, not sure about the barmaid in what way?
LegolasLover2003: Don't worry, Legolas doesn't flip out anymore, I promise. Not in a scary way, at any rate. Thanks for the review! Hm, any guesses on what that "something bad" might be?
Nenya: And after all my defending Tir, we're back to hating him, aren't we? Yeah, I figured. Uhm. . . well, yes, you're right. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but I'm not gonna tell you about what. You'll get a kick out of it though. Yes, but if he lied to Thranduil, he wouldn't be the king's advisor, now would he? No! Minastir isn't going to die. I'm not finished with him yet. The festival is soon, maybe a few Leggy chapters away. Tiara time! Sorry I didn't get this up soon enough to help with your exams, but I hope it helps with the post traumatic stress, lol. I hate finals. I'll tell you what you're right about after you read it, lol. Yeah, I saw the movie. Didn't like it, actually. Aragorn is a good therapist, but I'd go to Leggy. I can just drool all my troubles away. High school sucked. College is better, I promise. Hope you've managed your way out of the straitjacket, and I'm sure you didn't fail.
Dimostiel: I've decided the Mini-Bobs are jumping spiders. (Have you seen Big Fish?) Creepy little devils. I'm really busy too, so don't worry about it! I understand completely!
Lainfaer: Not very soon, was it? Sorry! I like the letters too, I'm glad they seem to be working!
Angel With No Wings: No, no, you asked for something bad to happen, it was you who failed to specify what and how. (Sorry, throwing a little Pirates in there.) It's all on you. EVERYONE LOOK HERE! ! ! If Mithfalas dies, it's ^her^ fault! ::evil grin:: That way the hate mail will go to you and not me :-D Hm, still don't like Minastir, do you? Yeah. . . see ya next time!
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Telemnar rolled his eyes at Legolas. Aldarion only gave him a look that clearly told him not to say anything.
"What are you doing?"
"You've gotten horrible at hiding, Legolas."
Aladrion elbowed Telemnar in the ribs.
"I was just saying-"
"I know, stop." The smaller of the two elves glanced at his friend who was obscured from view by the full foliage of the spring trees. "Minastir is looking for you."
Legolas almost snorted. "Let him look, then. And I am not hiding." He looked pointedly at Telemnar. "If I were, you would not be talking to me, Tel."
Aldarion continued. "He just wants to talk business with you, and you can't avoid that forever."
"I am avoiding nothing. He is looking for me? Well, here I am."
"You're being rather childish. I think you get it from your father."
Aldarion elbowed the elf again while Legolas shot him a look that could kill.
"I shall have to remember to tell him you said that."
Aldarion shook his head. "Why King Thranduil picked you as one of his head guards, I will never understand."
"I tell things like they are," Telemnar said in a rare, serious moment. "Children will only remain children if they are babied. Children who are shown the truth grow up."
Legolas appeared at their feet only seconds later. He looked at Aldarion, "*That* is why my father chose him." He walked towards the palace.
The other elves shared a glance, then hurried to catch their friend.
"I still think you get it from your father," Telemnar said. Legolas laughed.
"Well, we know I certainly don't get it from Dar."
Aldarion was the only one not laughing at the comment. "Funny, guys. Should I remind you of all the times that my un-childishness saved you?"
"Not the time we needed a dictionary. Un-childishness, Dar?"
Legolas laughed at Telemnar's remark.
"You make it so hard to prove a point!"
"My point exactly!"
Legolas put his hand on Dar's shoulder. "This is where you give up and let him win."
"Oh, you two are infuriating, honestly. Séreméla!" The elf's attention was drawn away from his two friends as an elf-maiden walked by. Legolas and Telemnar stifled their laughter.
"Hello Dar. Legolas," She smiled at Telemnar in greeting.
"Hello, Cousin," Legolas said. "How does the evening find you?"
"Content," she replied, her eyes wandering to Aldarion. Telemnar rolled his eyes, an act quite typical of him.
"Come on, Legolas. I think they're going to start getting romantic, and you don't want to see your cousin doing that. I don't want to see Dar doing that."
"I don't know why you haven't exiled him yet, Legolas," Aldarion said as he took Séreméla's hand and walked the other way down the hall.
"I don't think I've seen two elves more in love than them," Legolas said, allowing Telemnar to lead him to his father's study, where Minastir surely was.
"Makes you sick to the stomach, doesn't it?"
Smiling, Legolas shook his head and changed the subject. "What is it Minastir wishes to speak to me about?"
"Our spider hunting expedition, I believe."
Legolas nodded, pushing the two oak doors wide open. Minastir and Thranduil looked up from their conversation and quieted immediately.
Legolas narrowed his eyes. Were they speaking of Mithfalas? 'No,' Legolas told himself. 'Stop being so paranoid.'
"We were summoned, my lord?" Legolas and Telemnar bowed in respect, then took two seats opposite of the king.
"Minastir and I were just speaking of the Festival, which I will speak to you about later, Legolas. Telemnar, you are here because of the spiders."
"Yes, my lord. I had an idea about that, actually."
Legolas looked at his friend in bewilderment.
"Maybe if we give them an Elven sacrifice, they will retreat just a little." He looked at Minastir as he said this. This did not go unnoticed by Legolas, who bit his tongue to keep from laughing. Thranduil creased his brows.
Telemnar shrugged. "Guess not. It was just a thought."
Minastir was sure he heard Legolas laughing behind his hand, which now covered his mouth from view.
Minastir smiled and finally laughed, which sent Legolas over the edge.
"This is no laughing matter," Thranduil's voice boomed above their mirth.
"I am sorry, Father," Legolas said, sobered immediately. "When shall we leave for this mission?"
Before the king could respond, Minastir opened his mouth. "Legolas, son of Thranduil, you are quite possibly the most immature prince I have ever had the misfortune of meeting. You said yourself that no one wants to be their king, and now I hope you see why. You never grow up. No one wants an elfing to rule them!"
Legolas' jaw dropped. Telemnar was gripping the arms of the chair so as not to lunge at the elf attacking his friend. Thranduil looked angry, but let the elf continue.
"If you are to hate me for what was done, then so be it, but do not go about it like this! I would have thought you had more dignity than to let your friends stand up for you, much less in such a childish manner!" With that, the elf stormed from the room, the doors clanging as they were slammed shut.
"I didn't know anyone was strong enough to slam these doors," Telemnar said, feeling the need to lighten the mood before Legolas went after his advisor.
"You will have your contingents ready in four weeks' time. Telemnar, you are dismissed."
The elf nodded to his king, bowed, gave Legolas a sympathetic look that see "I'll talk to you later," and exited the study.
Legolas turned to his father. "I did not say anything to him, it was Telemnar's joke, I only responded to it, and only because I know that Tel has never liked Tir."
"I am not angry with you, Legolas. I shall speak with Minastir. No one has the right to lash out at a member of the royal family. He should know that by now."
"Don't," Legolas said. "He'll only use that against me later. I'll talk to him."
"I'm afraid if you talk with him, he may wind up dead," the king said, smiling down at his son.
Legolas smiled weakly back. "You wanted to speak with me about the Festival?"
"I did, but I think you are not in the mood for it. Legolas, talk to me, ion nin."
The prince looked at his father, raising his eyebrows. "About what?"
"I'm going to tell you again that anything you want your father to know will never be known by the king, unless you come to me as your king."
Legolas paused, staring at his hands. Finally, "Can I talk to you as my father?"
"Of course, my son."
"When I was in Lothlorien, the reason I was even there, was because of Mithfalas."
Thranduil made no reaction, so Legolas continued. "It was only because of him that Dar and Tel. . . and Tir knew where to find me."
Thranduil nodded. "I know."
Legolas looked up. "Minastir did tell you then, didn't he?"
"No, he did not. He told me you received a visit that I would be interested in learning of, but that is all. He tried to remain as loyal to you as he could, given the circumstances."
"Ada, Fal came to me."
"I know."
Legolas waited, but nothing else happened. "That's all? That's all you're going to say?"
"What do you want me to say?"
Legolas thought for a second, then answered, "What is his fate, should I have told my king rather than my father?"
Thranduil sighed. "That I cannot tell you as your father or your king. I am sorry."
Legolas nodded, knowing he was going to waste his breath even before asking the question. "But you won't do anything now, right?"
"Correct. What did he say to you?"
Legolas shrugged. "He apologized a lot."
There was silence, then, "He's not the one that needs to apologize."
Legolas gaped at his father. Was he admitting that he was wrong? 'I should write this date down,' the prince commented to himself with sarcasm. "Father?"
"I won't lie to you, Legolas, but he should have never been exiled."
Legolas was torn. He wasn't sure whether to take his father's side or yell at him to allow his brother to come home, so he said nothing.
"I know you agree, my son, but there's more that went into his exile that you couldn't possibly know of. It wasn't just. . ." he trailed off, ashamed to admit what he had done to Legolas.
"Then bring him back!" Legolas said. "Send for him! I know where he is, and- "
"I can't, Legolas."
"Yes you can! You just won't!" Legolas' voice was rising with passion. He had not been able to talk about this for ages. It all came spilling out of his mouth at the chance.
"Legolas, hold your tongue."
The prince closed his mouth, his eyes lowering. "I'm sorry, my lord. Forgive me."
"Listen to me, Legolas. If I allow him back, you would no longer be the crown prince."
"I don't care. I never wanted to be in the first place."
"Mirkwood would think me weak for going back on my decisions."
Legolas countered again, "No, they wouldn't, but even if they did, it would be okay, because then you could finally sail across the sea, and Fal would be king."
"Mithfalas," the king paused. The name tasted bitter on his tongue, not having said it for who knew how long. "in turn, would also be thought weak. Mirkwood would disobey his rule and turn into chaos."
"No, they wouldn't! Everyone loved Fal! He was adored. Ada, saes, please."
"And, if none of the above proved true, our family would only be torn apart further."
Legolas said nothing, but raised a questioning eyebrow.
"I think you should find Telemnar before he assassinates my advisor."
The prince let his father change the subject. If he had been younger, when he was more brash, he would have pushed it. Now, he realized he had been lucky to get that much said. "Can't I just let Telemnar do it?"
The king smiled. "Thank you for telling me, Legolas."
"As always, Ada." The prince stood and bowed, then left the study feeling as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
Down the hall, he heard whispers, then, amidst them, his name. He followed the sound until he stood in front of his two friends.
"Legolas!" Aldarion said, effectively quieting Telemnar. Legolas narrowed his eyes, but said nothing.
"Did you get in trouble for my comment?"
"No, Tel." He turned to walk away.
"Wait, Legolas, where are you going? I thought we could all go for a ride and talk."
"Not tonight, Dar."
The smaller elf was not taking that as an answer. "Legolas, you've been in a dark mood for the past few days, and while I understand why, I don't think it fair of you to take it out on us. We've only ever tried to help you!"
Telemnar smiled. "Well, if you don't count the time we pushed him in the river. Or the Orc thing the other day."
Aldarion silenced him with a glare. "Legolas, what's going on with you?"
"I don't appreciate the fact that everywhere I walk in this Valar forsaken hole in a mountain, everyone is talking about me! I turn a corner and everyone stops talking!"
"That's not true, Legolas."
"What were you two talking about just now, then?"
Aldarion raised his eyebrows. "Telemnar was telling me how Minastir attacked you in front of your father. Are you done accusing us now?"
Legolas let his eyes drop, his rage rushing from his veins. "I'm sorry, Aldarion. I didn't mean to do so. I know that I can at least trust you two."
"Yes, we can tell."
"Dar, look, I said I was sorry."
"Oh, okay, that makes up for everything!"
Telemnar was trying to quiet his friend, a role quite opposite of those he usually took, but Aldarion could not be stopped.
"I know you're the prince, so you have that stress, and the things you've found out about your brother, and Minastir, I understand all of that, but you've never been one to succumb to stress. What is going on with you?"
Legolas took a deep breath. "I don't know what to say, Dar. Other than how sorry I am."
"You haven't been the same since. . ."
"Since I died?" Legolas asked almost laughing at how ridiculous the question sounded.
"Yes, to put it bluntly. Do you regret your decision to come back?"
"No!" Legolas sighed. "I'm sorry, to both of you. I've been a-"
"Royal son of a-" Telemnar stopped at Legolas amused look.
"King?" The prince offered.
"Yes, that's it! That's the word I was looking for."
Aldarion sighed heavily. "I don't know what has happened to you, Legolas, but please come back to us."
The prince was shocked. He had noticed a difference in himself, so he was not surprised to find out that his friends saw it too. What bothered him was their unyielding loyalty to him.
"I am right here, Dar."
His friend looked at him with loyalty in his eyes. "Don't leave us. Wherever you go, I am following you."
Telemnar nodded. "Aye, and I as well."
Legolas creased his brow in thought, but nodded. "And were either of you go, there too I will follow. I promise you that."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~
Strider-
See? I told you your traitor was there. Don't think so hard and the answers will come. It is like trying to catch a butterfly. The harder you try, the farther they are from your grasp. When you sit down and be still, it will come to you and land in your palm.
If this girl makes you happy, take the risk. (As long as she is willing to do so, that is.) If you never take the risk, you will never truly live.
You're correct, however, they do seem to be varying opinions on my brother's fate. To be quite honest, my father will not tell me about it. Nor will anyone else, for that matter. I finally told my father about him, with his promise that he would not do anything. (I suppose that doesn't make sense, does it? It's a long story.)
Dar has amounted to a blithering idiot. You can't hold a full conversation with him anymore, Valar love him.
My paperwork for the year is complete, though we leave soon on our spider hunt.
I awoke one night with my left leg hurting. Nice coincidence, is it not? I do hope you've healed all right without your father there to patch you up.
Don't forget to take the risks you need to, Strider.
Legolas
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Telemnar studied his long-time friend with sympathetic eyes. For all the jokes he made, he felt the same was as Aldarion. He knew his friend would give his life if only to make Legolas' better, as would he. There was an underlying loyalty between the three of them that no one spoke of, but everyone noticed.
"He's okay, Dar. He's just been overwhelmed lately."
"I hear the servants talking. He dreams at night. Nightmares, I suppose. He talks through most of them. They say he's screamed in his sleep more often than not."
"He's had nightmares since his mother left, you know that. His experience with that man-king only made them worse.""
The smaller elf nodded, but did not look convinced. "I think he might be dreaming of things yet to be."
Telemnar quirked an eyebrow. "Why do you think that?"
"They've been worse lately. When he screams, he calls his brother's name."
Both elves fell silent at the fact.
"It's nothing," Telemnar finally said. "He is remembering the day he left, that is all."
"I think it's something more. Keep an eye on him, Tel."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~
Reviewers: Okay, who picked up on the foreshadowing in this chapter? ? ?
Don't worry! Here's why: That was the last tantrum Legolas throws. Well. . . along those lines anyway. The action starts picking up a lot in the next couple of chapters. Then you'll be sorry. . . ::evil laughter::
All right, I have a question for ya'll too. I'm just curious, who do you like better, Aldarion or Telemnar, and why? I like Dar. He's so cute and loyal and stuff. . . and I like Tel, 'cuz he's fun-loving.
SPEoD: We don't really have a problem with snow here. I've been stuck off horses because of rain though. It's supposed to rain tomorrow too, and that's when I have an actual lesson. Lol, I don't even have to ask for horse stuff, my parents just know. Uhm, Fal. . . is. . . not really in this story? Although. . . oooh, you did just give me a good idea! Thanks!
Deana: I'm trying to update quickly. . . doing kind of poorly so far. Aragorn and Legolas WILL meet up in later chapters, and there definitely WILL be tons of Legolas angst! (It starts in Leggy's next chapter. . . which is what, chapter 7? Yeah, 'cuz Aragorn gets 6.)
Silvertoekee: Oh! He's not going to be THAT stupid, lol. I hadn't really thought about putting in anymore of Nifren's story, to be honest, but that's why I like reviews. It lets me know what I'm leaving out. I will include the rest of his story, and I know exactly when he can tell it, too. Thanks a million!
Das Blume: Oh, Legolas is fantastic at embroidery. It's crocheting he's not so hot at, lol! Sh, don't tell anyone else, but, since you were the only one who mentioned that. . . his throwing abilities were not just meant for a passing comment. Rangerville! I was laughing when I read that. Not true, I was homeschooled and I had homework. It's just extended studies, if you think about it. I don't think it existed under that name in ME though. Did you notice the little connection pop up a tad here? Except they still don't know it. . . we'll see more of that though. (I have to stop giving away my plots!) And yes, it was morning when I uploaded the last chapter :-D
Sky14: It's okay! I know what that's like. I've been super busy with school too.
Wildefire2: Oh, so many questions. . . what can I answer without totally giving away my plotline? Yes, Legolas is going to get hurt, emotionally and physically. Legolas felt guilty about lying to his dad, and Thranduil knew it. That's why he finally confessed the chapter. A little tiny scene with Mithfalas is coming, but he'll actually be IN the next few stories. Was that too vague? Sorry!
Coolio02: Thanks! Sorry for the long wait!
Grumpy: Hi! Thanks a bunch! Curious, not sure about the barmaid in what way?
LegolasLover2003: Don't worry, Legolas doesn't flip out anymore, I promise. Not in a scary way, at any rate. Thanks for the review! Hm, any guesses on what that "something bad" might be?
Nenya: And after all my defending Tir, we're back to hating him, aren't we? Yeah, I figured. Uhm. . . well, yes, you're right. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but I'm not gonna tell you about what. You'll get a kick out of it though. Yes, but if he lied to Thranduil, he wouldn't be the king's advisor, now would he? No! Minastir isn't going to die. I'm not finished with him yet. The festival is soon, maybe a few Leggy chapters away. Tiara time! Sorry I didn't get this up soon enough to help with your exams, but I hope it helps with the post traumatic stress, lol. I hate finals. I'll tell you what you're right about after you read it, lol. Yeah, I saw the movie. Didn't like it, actually. Aragorn is a good therapist, but I'd go to Leggy. I can just drool all my troubles away. High school sucked. College is better, I promise. Hope you've managed your way out of the straitjacket, and I'm sure you didn't fail.
Dimostiel: I've decided the Mini-Bobs are jumping spiders. (Have you seen Big Fish?) Creepy little devils. I'm really busy too, so don't worry about it! I understand completely!
Lainfaer: Not very soon, was it? Sorry! I like the letters too, I'm glad they seem to be working!
Angel With No Wings: No, no, you asked for something bad to happen, it was you who failed to specify what and how. (Sorry, throwing a little Pirates in there.) It's all on you. EVERYONE LOOK HERE! ! ! If Mithfalas dies, it's ^her^ fault! ::evil grin:: That way the hate mail will go to you and not me :-D Hm, still don't like Minastir, do you? Yeah. . . see ya next time!