Wow, I feel loved, Seventy-five reviews in seven chapters, thank you from me and the plot bunnies! Here's the next chapter!

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Chapter 8--Fading

Thranduil sat by the window of his rooms, gazing out over the trees without really seeing them. He had felt so empty since he had laid his beloved Rhianna to rest. He wasn't sure how long ago that had been. The days seemed to blur again. He only ate or drank when he was forced too. His thoughts turned to his oldest son. He had been so brave despite his own grief. He made sure every thing was running smoothly. For all intents and purposes Alarion was ruling Mirkwood. Thranduil knew it was wrong to lay the burden on his son, but he found it didn't matter. Nothing seemed to anymore. He was sure he was fading, but that meant nothing either.

"Ada, it is time to eat," Alarion said from behind him. "Please, you haven't eaten or drank all day." He entered the room and put the tray down on his father's lap.

Thranduil glanced at his son's pleading eyes then began to eat though the food tasted like ash to him. He finished everything then returned to looking out the window. "Alarion, have they found him yet?" he asked.

Even though no name was given Alarion knew exactly who was meant. "Nay father, but they will and he will be punished for what he did. You should rest," he said.

"Legolas, I want to see him, I want to ask him why. Bring him back, Alarion," Thranduil said before yawning.

"I will, let me help you, ada. You need to sleep and get strong. Our people need you," Alarion said. He helped his father over to the bed and got him settled comfortably. "Rest now, ada. All will be well."

"Thank you, Alarion," Thranduil said. His eyes turned vacant as he fell into reverie.

Alarion headed for the door. He smiled at his father in a way that would seem rather cruel to Thranduil if he'd seen it then he left.

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Elrond shoved the stack of paperwork aside with a frustrated sigh. He was finding it difficult to concentrate. He was too worried about his sons and the business with Legolas. He rose and went over to pour himself a glass of wine and sipped at it. He felt tired and he hadn't been sleeping well. He prayed that his sons would find Legolas quickly and that they would return safely. Perhaps then they could settle this tangle.

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It seemed to take forever to find the town where Legolas was supposed to be though really it had though it had really only been a week or so. Aragorn, Elrohir and Elladan entered the city just an hour after dusk.

Elrohir looked around and made a face. "This place smells. Where do we start looking?" he asked.

Aragorn glanced around then nodded at a building. "There is an inn. That would be the best place. Someone there might have seen him. Legolas might even be staying there," he said.

"Alright, let us go then," Elladan said. They urged their mounts towards the inn, eager to find their friend and return to Rivendell.

A stable boy took their horses then the three of them entered the inn. It was crowded and noisy. It seemed to take forever to make their way to the bar. When they finally got there it was another ten minutes before someone came over to them.

"Good day, good sirs. I am the owner, Darren. How may I assist you?" the man asked.

"We are looking for a friend. He is an Elf with blond hair and blue eyes. Have you seen him?" Aragorn asked.

Darren frowned thoughtfully. "Do not see Elves around here, so I would have noticed him, but I saw no such Elf. Sorry I could not help. Do you require a room?" he asked.

"Thank you, perhaps later. We wish to search for our friend a bit first," Aragorn said. He gestured to the twins and they left.

"He was lying," Elrohir said.

"Sure was," Elladan agreed.

"I feel the same way. Something is not right," Aragorn said.

That was when a voice called to them from the alley and they all glanced that way to see an elderly woman gesturing to them. They exchanged looks then walked over.

"I heard what you said and I know where your friend is," the woman said…

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Help is on the way! R/R please!