Hi everyone, I'm back. Thanks to everyone that offered condolences for my loss. I really appreciated it! Now on with the story!

Chapter 21--Mirkwood Delegation

Glorfindel burst into Elrond's study without bothering to knock.

Elrond and his advisor, Erestor, looked up from the scroll they were studying. "Glorfindel, what has happened? Have my sons returned?" Elrond asked.

"No, My Lord, but one of the sentries have spotted a group of riders coming towards Imladris and they are wearing Mirkwood's colors. King Thranduil is with them," Glorfindel said.

Elrond sighed. "I had feared this would happen. Erestor have rooms prepared for our guests and tell the kitchen to begin preparing a meal," he said, standing and heading for the door.

Erestor stood and bowed then followed his Lord from the room then hurried off in another direction.

When the delegation from Mirkwood entered the courtyard Elrond and Glorfindel were there to meet them. "Welcome King Thranduil, I am honored by your presence," Elrond said.

"Let us drop the formality, Lord Elrond. I am here to see my son. I need to talk to him," Thranduil said.

"He is not here. I sent a message with one of your messengers. Did you not see it?" Elrond asked.

"No, I was rather distracted. Do you know where Legolas may be? I am worried about him," Thranduil asked.

Elrond frowned as he studied Thranduil intently. He saw nothing, but concern in the woodland King's eyes. "Come with me. We will talk. My servants will attend to your escort. Rooms are already being prepared," Elrond said. He led Thranduil to his study.

"Elrond, I know I have made a horrible mistake by withdrawing so far into myself, but I loved her and I was sure I would fade and die from grief," Thranduil. Can you at least tell me if Legolas is safe?"

"As far as I know he is. We found where he was through Lady Galadriel and my sons went to fetch him and bring him to Imladris. What about his pending execution?" Elrond asked.

"Withheld indefinitely," Thranduil said firmly. "I must speak to my youngest in person and look into his eyes when I do so. He has never been able to lie to me."

Elrond was pleased by Thranduil's words; perhaps this tangle could be unsnarled without the loss of any lives after all. Now all they had to do was wait for Aragorn and the twins to return with Legolas.

Meanwhile

Legolas tried to shift to a more comfortable position and winced as several sore muscles protested. He was starting to wish that one of his captors would just slit his throat and get it over with. After all if he was to be put to death anyway what did it matter when or how it was done? He had a feeling why though. The execution was probably to be done publicly where it would be witnessed by all of Mirkwood. Legolas sighed heavily. He would have never thought this would happen to him. He had protested the charges then and it had not worked. He doubted it would work if he tried to do so again. His fate was already decided and though he would never admit it Legolas was terribly afraid. Legolas closed his eyes. Since he was innocent surely he would be reunited with his mother in Mandos' Halls? That was the best outcome he felt he could hope for right now.

Finally dusk came and the two Elves stopped for the night. Legolas was dragged from the horse and dumped on the ground in an undignified heap. After the horses were tended and a fire built the two Elves settled by it and took out packets of food.

At the sight of food Legolas's stomach growled obscenely loud and both Elves looked at him and smirked. One rose and walked over to him. "You will receive no food tonight kin slayer nor tomorrow, but if you behave you may eat the day after that," he sneered then walked off to the other Elf who was laughing as well.

Legolas closed his eyes and forced himself to relax. Finally reverie overcame him and he slept.

Thanks again for all your kinds words about my loss and your encouragement! R/R please!