Reviewer responses for Chapter One:

Sielge: Thanks for reviewing, I meant to post this earlier today but couldn't get on!! Enjoy.

Aranna Undomiel: As I said in my review of my OWN story...you don't HAVE to read Then and Now first, but it will make understanding some of this a bit easier. Thanks for reading.

Finnigan Irish: Ah, so you don't like Legolas, eh? Well, then you might like him being hurt...

Deana: Always a pleasure to hear from you! I am so glad you are reading this story too! I hope I can appease your desire for Leggy angst!

Mornflower: I'm lucky my mother lives 1400 miles away...she can't yell at me for my Elvish! Glad you are liking this story so far, I don't honesty know what possessed me to write it but I am!

Marbienl: Yeh, I did post a sequel rather fast didn't I? I hope it is good! Good guess about the argument...Predictable huh? I know it's been done, but I wanted to do it anyway.

Star Wars Forever and Gymnastics101: You may not be the first reviewer for the story, but you ARE the first to review it TWICE! LOL. Glad you like...I like Star Wars as well, I don't know if you read that in my profile or not! Enjoy this chapter.

Nautika: Nope, you can tell me you liked Then and Now here! I don't mind. I didn't think to do a sequel after it, but it can be considered more of a continuation if you like...where the other left off. As for the "uptight"...OOOPPPSSS...that was likely a bit of me coming through there! EEKK, I'll try not to do THAT anymore. :-)

Galadriel Evenstar: Glad you liked! I hope this is soon enough for you!!!

Lizard13z: Thanks for reviewing and I am glad you like this so far. Hope to keep you interested!


Chapter Two: Arrival and Sudden Departure

Morning had only just begun to break through the bows of the trees when Legolas woke from his slumber to the sounds of breakfast on the forest floor below. Looking around, he frowned lightly. Estel was not on the flet.

Sighing, he slung his bow over his back and readjusted his quiver before climbing from the tree top.

"Good morning, sleepy-head!"

The Prince grunted in response, shaking his head and brushing his hair from his eyes. "I am surprised to find you down here. It is not safe to roam the forest alone, you know."

It was now Estel's turn to grunt. "I'm not blind, deaf or stupid, Legolas. I can manage to catch us breakfast without you, you know. Even in the mighty Mirkwood, might I add." He flung a plate toward Legolas and commanded, "Eat."

Not questioning his friend, the Elf did as he was told, a small smile on his face. "Are the horses well?"

Nodding, the man took a bite of his own food. "They stayed near the tree last night and appear to be just fine. I, unlike you, can not speak to them but I think they faired well."

Legolas laughed lightly. "I believe you, Estel. Once we are finished eating, we best move on. I slept longer then I would have liked. I guess I was a bit tired after all."

"You?" Estel laughed. "The unstoppable Warrior Prince was tired? My goodness, what are we to do!?"

The Elf groaned. Ever since he had mentioned that the warriors used to call him the Warrior Prince, Estel had taken to using the name to mock him. It was just as annoying now as it had been then.

"Don't start that again," Legolas pleaded, plopping rather ungracefully beside the small cooking fire. "I had to live for a few hundred years with the warriors calling me that, don't you think that was torture enough?"

Estel laughed. "No. I rather enjoy the look on your face when I use that name!" The man also sat now. "Besides, we need a little humor right now, this place is so gloomy."

The Elf shot him a peeved look. "This is my home you are calling gloomy, Human. Watch what you say or a wood-Elf might jump from the trees and shoot you down where you stand for your words. We are prideful and not fond of humans after all."

Estel chuckled, knowing his friend was goading him. "Yes, I will watch my backside then. Knowing the aim of the wood-Elves, I would likely take an arrow in my behind seeing that it's one of the larger targets on my body."

Now Legolas smacked him. "Not funny, Estel. You know as well as I that we wood-Elves here in Mirkwood are the best archers."

"Elladan and Elrohir would dispute that."

"I would like to see them try..."


The gates of the palace of Mirkwood rose up in front of the travelers and Legolas drew his horse to a halt a little ways away. He and Estel had already passed the border guards and Legolas had asked that they not ride ahead with news of his arrival.

Supper time was fast approaching and the gates were tight shut as was the custom at night. Looking to Estel, he steeled himself for the reproaching looks he didn't doubt would come from his father.

"Is something wrong, Legolas?" The man asked, unaccustomed to Legolas hesitating unless they were in danger.

"No," the Prince sighed. "I just fear my father's reaction to your presence. Pay it no mind, I will speak to him."

Nudging his horse forward, Legolas reached the gate and heard the call of the guard on the other side. "Who approaches and seeks entry to the house of King Thranduil at this late hour?"

Legolas smiled lightly. "Celronen, it is I, Legolas. There is no need to summon father, I will open the gates myself, mellon nin."

A small chuckle reached their ears and Legolas smiled. It is good to be home. Looking to Estel, he smiled again. The man had not seen this aspect of Elvish architecture before and it was sure to surprise him. Raising his hand to the gate, Legolas spoke firmly but not overly loud. "Edro." {Open}

At his command, the gates swung inward, revealing the courtyard and a waiting Elf, leaving Estel to stare wide-eyed at his friend. Celronen hurried forward, bowing to his Prince and eying the man with him in confusion. "Welcome home, hir nin. It has been long since you left us and we missed you. Who is ?"

Legolas didn't answer right away. He and Estel rode through the gate and the Prince, without turning, pointed his hand at the gate and commanded it to seal itself once more before speaking. "This is my close friend, Celronen. His name is Estel and he is the adopted son of Lord Elrond of Rivendell. I expect he will be treated as a respected guest."

Celronen bowed again. "Yes, of course, hir nin." His lips curved into a small frown. "Does your father know of this, Legolas?" he whispered, taking the reins of both horses from their riders.

Legolas looked away slightly. "No, Cel, he doesn't. I am loath to bring down his wrath, but Estel is my closest friend and I will not allow the animosity of our people towards his to ruin that. I will speak to my father."

Celronen nodded and wished them luck before taking the horses to the stables, leaving Estel and Legolas alone in the darkening courtyard.

Estel grew uneasy now that he was moments away from meeting the infamous King Thranduil. Though he knew the Elvenking had great love for his son, he worried that he would not be overly fond of his human friend. After all, Thranduil had lost his father and many of his people in the Last Alliance and the Elves of Mirkwood were still not over those losses.

"Come, Estel. We might as well get this over with."

The man obediently followed Legolas into the palace and through the corridors to the dining hall. Their progress was followed by many Elvish eyes as the two made their way there.

The servant at the door looked shocked to see Estel. "Hir nin? Who is this man?"

Legolas grew agitated. "Do not show disrespect before you know the nature of the visitor, Menerion {son of Mener}. This is Estel, adopted son of Elrond of Rivendell, you would do well to remember that."

The servant shrank back at his Prince's anger and nodded quickly. "Yes, hir nin. I will announce him as such."

Hurrying through the doorway, followed by Legolas and then Estel, the servant cleared his throat and spoke. "My King, I happily announce the arrival of your son, Prince Legolas, and...a companion...Estel, adopted son of Lord Elrond of Rivendell, hir nin."

After bowing, he moved aside and Legolas appeared in the doorway. Estel, hanging behind him, not wanting to draw attention to himself, saw the King stiffen at the sight before him. He quickly regained his composure and stood.

"Legolas, ion nin! It is good to see you!" he grasped his son and embraced him, his eyes never really leaving Estel. "I am surprised to see you in the company of a man and more surprised to learn the name of said man."

He waited for Estel to explain and the man did not hesitate. In perfect Sindarin Elvish, he responded quietly and with as much reverence as he could muster under the circumstances, "I am Estel, adopted son of Lord Elrond Peredhil of Rivendell, gwador to Elladan and Elrohir and friend of your own son." The last bit he added as he looked into the King's eyes, daring the Elf Lord to object.

Thranduil was silent, than he looked to his son for clarification.

"Estel is a dear friend, Adar, and I owe him much," Legolas' eyes shifted to the rest of those assembled, namely members of the court and high Lords of the realm. Quickly, he added. "Should we not discuss this matter in the privacy of your chambers following the meal, Adar?"

Thranduil frowned, but quickly replaced it was a forced smile and addressed those assembled. "Please welcome my son home from a long journey and greet his friend from Rivendell."

A greeting went up and places were set for the newcomers, Legolas beside his father and Estel at the Prince's side. Many eyes rested on Estel as he sat and the man withstood them well, glancing momentarily at Legolas and giving the prince a rather disgusted look for all the attention he was garnering.

Legolas smiled lightly, then turned to his father and graced the Elf with another smile. Thranduil relaxed a little, choosing to wait until they were in private to vent.
Legolas and Estel trailed after Thranduil toward his study in silence. This was probably the first time in his friendship with the Prince that Estel saw him nervous. The emotion surrounded the Elf as they progressed further into the palace.

Since leaving the Dining Hall, Legolas and Thranduil had not spoken once. Their conversation during the meal had been limited to discussion of the realm's affairs and Estel had said very little, only once commenting on the welfare of Imladris.

Now, they turned into a well-lit room, furnished with rich redwood furniture and deep, majestic fabrics of burgundy and hunter green. Estel froze in the doorway when he saw the looks that were traveling between the immobile Prince and his father.

Thranduil spoke first. "What were you thinking, Legolas? Bringing an edan to this city? You know our people's feelings of their kind? What do you think they would assume when they saw their Prince in the company of a human? Did you stop to think they would be reminded of our folly in the Last Alliance?"

Estel resented that statement and would have answered if not for the look of warning from Legolas. Instead, the Elf answered. "We can not blame Estel for a distance past, Adar. Yes, he is Human but he is also my best friend and I do not see why he is not welcome in my home."

"Your best friend? Surely you have better friends among your own kind, ion nin?"

Legolas shook his head. "No, Ada. Estel is my best friend and I would not have it any other way. You do not know what transpired in my absence and I beg you not to judge him before you hear of it."

Estel stiffened at that. Legolas planned to speak of their recent harrowing experience and Estel was not ready for it. He feared the reaction of his friend's father. "Legolas, do you really think you are ready to speak of this?" he asked quietly.

Thranduil glared at him, but Estel glared right back, thinking only of Legolas' well-being, not caring for one second if his friend's father did not approve of his words. Legolas gripped his friend's shoulders and stood behind him.

"Adar...I owe Estel my life. If it wasn't for him I would still be treading Mandos' Halls and would not be here speaking to you."

The Elvenking froze half-way between a standing and sitting position, his head snapping up and his eyes burning into his son's. "What?"

Legolas gathered his resolve and continued. "Estel and I were attacked by Orcs and we were both wounded," he paused, choosing his words carefully. "Estel was worse, impaled to a tree just as I had been those years ago, Ada. I brought him back to Rivendell, but in my haste I did not realize my own wounds were poisoned."

Thranduil's eyes narrowed as he listened. But he did not interrupt. "Estel nearly died, but still...despite his pain and his weakened state, it was he not Lord Elrond who had to call me back from the Halls. He dragged himself to my side and brought me back to you."

Estel didn't move, just looked at the Elf King. Thranduil's expression was unreadable. Slowly, he looked between the two in front of him. "Estel of Imladris, I owe you thanks for saving the life of my son." He frowned. "But it does not excuse who you are, you are still human, still the heir of Isildor, and still not in my favor."

Legolas' grip tightened painfully on his friend's shoulders and he shook a little. "You can not blame him for the mistakes of his distant relative, Adar! I will not let his ancestry stand in the way of our friendship, I will not! I have not been able to speak of my own injury in the war party until I met him. Do you not think that to be something?"

His father sighed. "Legolas, you are still young. There is much you do not know of humans and their kind. I will allow him to stay a few days to recover from your journey, than I will have him escorted to the borders."

"Adar, you can not do this!" Legolas' voice was dangerously raised and Thranduil reacted to it.

"I can and I will. I am the ruler of this realm and I decide who can and can not enter it."

Estel turned in Legolas' grip and looked at his friend, gripping his arms. "Sidh, mellon nin, it is obvious you will not sway your father's mind. Please, do not cause a rift between you for me, Legolas." {Peace, my friend}

Legolas shook his head, "You don't understand, he will never let you return. I will only see you when I have occasion to go to Rivendell and as a Prince of Mirkwood, he can see to it that is not often, Estel."

The Prince threw an icy glare at his father and the King was momentarily taken aback. Never did his son seem so distant from him. Never had they argued as such before. All over a human. What does he see in this edan? The King wondered, eyes roving over the man.

Legolas spoke to him now, his voice weary. "Can you not at least give him a chance?"

For a moment, the Elf did not respond. But his thoughts dwelled on the story his son had told and the things he had undoubtedly left out. "No, ion nin, you do not know the agony I felt over the loss of my father because of his kind. Now to learn I could have lost you because you were with him and not your own kind when attacked..."

He wasn't given the opportunity to finish that sentence before Legolas burst out again, this time, shouting. "Did you not hear anything I said, Adar!? Estel saved me...not just by bringing me back from the Halls, but in battle he saved me to his own detriment. Just as I saved you."

And then, to the surprise of both Estel and Thranduil, Legolas flung open the door to the study and fairly flew from the room, leaving the two in stunned silence. Then, Estel turned dark and angry eyes on the King.

"I am not a subject of yours and after that display I do not hold any allegiance to you, hir nin," he spoke the title with disdain. "Your son is the most talented, valiant, and strongest Elf, strongest being I know and you have just hurt him beyond words. He always described you as a loving Elf, a loving father, but I see that I should have heeded the rumors of strangers...you are callous beyond belief."

Estel saw the King's ire rise, but didn't let him speak. "Why can you not accept that your son and I have a deep bond; a friendship beyond most!? I love him like a brother, King Thranduil, I would die for him and I do not doubt he would do the same for me. Put the past behind you and learn to once again trust the world of men, because the time of the Elves is ending and those who remain here will remain in the time of Men."

Estel looked toward the doorway, a far-off look in his face. "We have been friends for years, my Lord, and he has kept it from you because he feared your reaction. How could a son keep a best friend from his father? How is that right? How could you allow the circumstances to merit those actions?" he looked back at the Elf. "Legolas has no doubt left the palace gates and he is in a right state. He will not heed his senses; I fear he will be in danger. You'll not stop me, I will follow him and I will bring him back here, even if you do not allow me entrance I will break down your gates to get him home."

Thranduil was suddenly transformed. His shoulders slumped and his head fell. The change was so swift that Estel was momentarily speechless. "I have wronged him greatly, Elrondion. I do not know why I can not accept you; I have no real reason to hate you thus." The king looked up with weary eyes. "Please accept my apologies. I had no right to disrespect you like that, Estel. I see now you are a good and noble friend to my son. Please, bring him home safely." He smiled lightly. "There will be no need to break down any gates, I'll let you pass."

Estel felt his knees go weak. "Thank you, I accept your apology. Forgiveness for the losses that Mirkwood suffered will come slowly, but I am glad that we have made some headway. I will bring him home, hir nin." This time he spoke the title with deep respect.

Turning on his heel, Estel hurried from the room. Thranduil watched him leave and sighed, his head falling into his hands. Please, keep him safe and return him to me. Valar what have I done!?
PLEASE R/R!!!