Disclaimer: I don't own anything. It's all lies!

Author's note: I can't believe I haven't updated for more than a year. I really, really would like to apologize to all the readers. Real life just sort of got in the way.

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Chapter Nine:

An unnatural fog covered the forest; strange magic was at work this morning. Despite the warning in their hearts, the Elven scouts under Thranduil's command had ventured deep into the misty woods. They knew the importance of their mission; they must recover the lost Hope of Men. Only he could turn the tide of the war against the Dark Lord.

Labored breathing of fleeing Orcs soon drifted to the Elven King's keen ears; Aragorn was close. With a silent wave of his hand, he signaled his team to quicken their pace. Soon, the Man would be in their keeping once more.

As he neared his prey, the Elven King could not help but feel this unexpected turn of events was for the best. In allowing the Lord of Fire to escape, Legolas had branded himself a traitor. None would plead for mercy on the young Prince's behalf now; the King would finally be able to rid Middle Earth of the aberration that was his son.

A sudden gale roused the Sindar from his musing. Though Elves were immune to the cold, the very warmth of his blood seemed stolen away. Powerful dark magic sought to thwart their chase. Silent as an ultimate predator, Thranduil notched an arrow. Long years had he defended his lands from the creatures of Sauron; he knew danger lurked in the shadows ahead.

Haldir drew his weapons and moved forward, taking his stand beside the sovereign of Mirkwood. The Lòrien Elf would walk through fire and death for the one he loved. If there were to be a fight to free Aragorn from the Dark Lord's clutches, he would be at the forefront. He would make the Man see his true destiny.

Suddenly, a rain of black arrows flew forth from the depths of the forests; the soft wisps of their flight the only prelude to the ambush. Instinct honed by millennia of battle, Thranduil aptly dodged and pulled the Lòrien Elf beside him to safety behind an ancient tree.

"Take cover!" the King called out to his team. But the order came too late; not all the scouts had the Sindar's skill in battle. Many had been struck down by the enemies' trap. As the remaining warriors scrambled to carry their wounded out of danger, Thranduil knew the odds were against them.

There was no forewarning of an attack, no sound of movement or shifting shapes in the shadows. The Sindar knew that it was no small feat, to cast a spell so strong that could deceive the keen senses of the Elves so completely. Without Mithrandir, their foe was beyond them. To stay and fight would amount only to meaningless sacrifice.

With a heavy sigh, Thranduil announced his decision. "Evil sorcery is at work here. We must turn back."

Haldir felt his heart shattered at the Elven King's pronouncement. He wanted to argue, to insist on carrying on their pursuit, even if it would be at the cost of his life, but he knew the Sindar would not be swayed. He had no choice but to let Aragorn go. Fist clenched tight enough to draw blood, he nodded his assent.

"I am sorry, my friend," replied the Elven King as he laid a sympathetic hand on Haldir's shoulder. He knew the Lòrien Elf loved Aragorn; and he approved greatly of the match. He had no doubt the beautiful Guardian would be able to bring out the goodness buried deep inside the Man's heart.

But now, because of a single treacherous Elf, the Hope of Men and Middle Earth was lost to them once more. Face set in a harsh scowl, the Elven King added, "The traitor will pay dearly for this loss; this I can promise you. Let us go."

Though Haldir's heart bled, he did not despise the one who set Aragorn free. He knew Legolas truly believed the Man would renounce the Dark Lord and return. Though he did not share his friend's optimistic faith, he could not hate the Prince for doing what his heart felt was right. Besides, the assassin's death would not bring back the one he loved. He did not wish to lose a friend over what could not be changed. He would plead for mercy on Legolas' behalf when they reached the safety of their camp.

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Consciousness returned as a dull throb on the back of his head. Legolas' eyes snapped open when the pain jolted him sharply back to reality. Leaping to his feet, he scanned his surroundings. He was dismayed to note that only Mithrandir was with him; the Elven scouts must be off in pursuit of Aragorn and his 'soldiers'. Without the protection of his magic, he feared that the Man would be captured and the Orcs slaughtered.

Offering the young Elf a kind fatherly smile, the Grey Wizard said, "Ours are not the only powers that walk the woods this day, my Prince. Worry not for the Hope of Men; things have been set into motion that cannot be undone. We must hurry if you are to escape King Thranduil's wrath."

It was not in Legolas' nature to trust; he could not help but feel there was an ulterior motive behind the compassion in the Wizard's voice. "Why should you care what punishment my father deems fit for me?"

Holding the Prince's piercing ice-blue gaze, Gandalf said, "Because in my heart, I believe what you did was right."

With a soft sigh, Legolas answered, "Aragorn may be many things; but I know he is not an oath-breaker. He will return and reclaim what is his."

The Wizard chuckled as he noted the restrained passion lurking in the young Elf's voice. He was now certain his 'premonition' was right; Legolas' destiny was entwined with Aragorn's. It made perfect sense; that only the Hope of Men could touch the Ice Prince's heart; that only Legolas could bring out the Man in the ruthless Lord of Fire. "Yes, he will come back for the one he loves."

The Prince frowned at the strange smile Mithrandir cast his way. The Wizard could not possibly think that Aragorn cared for him. The limited intimacy they shared was no than a game on the Man's part. After all, no one would ever be truly interested in damaged goods like him when they had the love of a sweet, perfect Elf like Haldir. "Yes, for Haldir."

Gandalf shook his head and decided it was time to speak plainly. Now that he knew what was meant to be, he would do all in his power to help fate along. "I believe you are mistaken, my Prince. He may love the noble Guardian, but he and you are kindred spirits. You understand him as none ever did; and in return, he warms your heart. It is you he will come for because it is you who completes him."

A tingle of joy surged through Legolas at the Wizard's counsel before he ruthlessly crushed it. Aragorn had rekindled the frozen ashes of his heart, gave him a reason to feel again; this, he could no longer deny. But regardless of his newfound feelings, he could not covert the heart of the Hope of Men for his own. It would be a betrayal to his only friend; and his honor would never allow it. Softly, voice thick with sadness, the Prince replied, "It can never be."

The Istar's next words died as the trees announced the return of the pursuit party. They must leave immediately if Legolas were to escape certain death at his father's hands. "Come, my Prince. We will speak more when we are safely out of the King's reach."

Resolute, expression hardening once more into an emotionless mask, the Prince of Ice said, "I will not run, Mithrandir. I will face the consequences of my actions."

The Wizard would resort to physical methods of 'persuasion' if he must; but he preferred reason. "Do not throw away your life so lightly, young one! I sense that much will rely on you before the end."

Gathering his full powers, the assassin locked gazes with the ancient Istar. As a testament of his faith in Aragorn, he had to stay and face his accusers. He would not be coerced into shying from the responsibilities of his decision. "I thank you for your concern, Mithrandir, but I have made my choice. As your heart guided you to help me, mine bides me to stay. I will not deny it, even if the cost is my life."

Before another word was said, the Elven pursuit party arrived onto the scene. It was too late for an escape. Mithrandir sighed as the Prince allowed himself to be bound at Thranduil's command. The Wizard could only hope his wiles would be enough to keep Legolas safe until Aragorn returned. He had no doubt the Hope of Men would be lost to them forever if the young Prince died.