Disclaimer: See chapter 1.

Review Responses:

Karone Evertree: Yes Legolas is definitely in this chapter. As a matter of fact it is all Legolas.

manveri mirkiel: Yes Aragorn definitely has the big brother thing down. And being a human he grows older faster, and that makes him even more so. And poor Legolas has got a shocker in store.

Sindarin terms:

Mae govannen: Well met

But Why?

It had been almost a year since Legolas had visited Rivendell. Estel had visited Mirkwood and said his goodbyes a few weeks earlier, but they had both been worried for their friend left behind in Rivendell. Though she had accepted Estel's decision, he had not been sure that she would not grow despondent during his absence. Legolas had wanted her to know that she would not be alone during her adoptive brother's absence. He had vowed to make more time for trips to Rivendell.

He entered the courtyard of the Last Homely House expecting to be met by his friend, or at least by the twins, but was surprised to find the only one waiting for him was the Lord himself.

"Mae govannen, Lord Elrond." Legolas said touching his chest in the elvish form of greeting, after dismounting.

"Mae govannen, Prince Legolas." Elrond also gave the formal greeting. Legolas saw the distressed look in the Lord's face.

"Has something happened my Lord?" He asked with a look of concern crossing his face. "Where is Atavus?"

"I'm afraid she has gone." Elrond answered.

"Gone where?" Legolas answered in shock.

"I'm afraid I can not say. Come to my study. We must speak." Elrond said turning back to the door.

"Has she followed after Estel?" Legolas asked worried that maybe she hadn't accepted his leaving as easily as Estel thought.

"No. I don't believe she wanted either you or Estel to know she was going. She waited a few days after he left to go. She stole away in the night with only a letter to me so that I would not worry. In the letter she said that she had a destiny to fulfill, that wasn't quite so grand as Estel's, but she could no longer forsake it." Elrond explained.

"What destiny is she speaking of?" Legolas did not understand this at all.

"She believes that the Ilúvatar created her the way she was for a reason. She was meant to be a healer. Here she had very little chance to do what she feels she was meant to do." Elrond tried to explain. He understood why she left, but he only wished she had not left in the way she had.

"I can not believe she left like that." Legolas spoke what was in both their minds.

"She said to tell you that she wished she could have seen you before she left, but that would have been harder for the both of you. She does not want you to follow her. She said that you each have separate duties to perform, you in Mirkwood, and her elsewhere." Elrond knew the words would not ease the young elf's pain.

"Will you excuse me Lord Elrond? I need time to myself. I think I will retire to my room." Legolas asked standing. Lord Elrond could hear the pain in his voice.

"Yes of course. Rivendell is as much your home as any other. You may stay and rest as long as you need." He watched as the elf that he had accepted long ago as just another member of his extended family left the room. He could see the slump of the elf's shoulders, and knew that the news he had just given would deeply affect his spirit.

Instead of going to his own room Legolas first ventured into the room across the hall that Atavus had occupied. The room was neatly kept, and he noticed more the things that were missing, instead of what was there. Her weapons, which always stood polished and ready in the corner, were gone. He then looked into the wardrobe and noticed that her comfortable leggings and tunics were missing, but she had left the beautiful gowns that Elrond had, had made for her. Where ever she was going she planned on being comfortable while there, and traveling light to get there. He sat on the bed staring into the wardrobe, and taking in the rest of the room. Nothing else seemed out of place to him. But the room felt empty without her there. He didn't like the feeling.

He moved on to the room right next to his. It was Estel's room. He knew what to expect when he entered there. The room was filled with all of the many odd things that the Ranger had collected over the years that he had been in the wilds. Unlike Atavus' room though neat and tidy it was filled with all kinds of objects, some of which Legolas did not even know the origin. Rocks of many shapes and hues, seeds to be planted that he did not recognize, and many plants that would come in handy for making the healing potions that his Ada had taught him to make. It looked ready to be occupied at any moment, but Legolas knew it would not see it's occupant for many years to come.

He moved on to his own room feeling overwhelmingly tired at the moment. He had rode hard to get to Rivendell. But he knew his weariness, had more to do with the missing friends than with any amount of exertion on his part. As he entered his own room he noticed how much it resembled Atavus' own, almost bare except for a few cloths in the wardrobe, and a few books tossed on the desk. That caused a thought that was not very pleasant. Did she feel as if she was just a sometimes guest in her home in Rivendell, just as he was? Surely not. Elrond and the twins had always made her feel as if she was part of their family also.

But then he noticed something on his nightstand that he had not left there on his last visit. He approached the stand and picked up the book lying on top of it. It was a very old, very well worn copy of a book that described the traits, and history of the Valar. He opened the book to a page that the corner had been turned down as a mark. A piece of paper fell out to the floor. He bent to pick the paper up as he stared at the marked page. It was the description of Estë. Legolas remembered comparing Atavus to Estë once. It had embarrassed her to be compared to one of the Valar, he remembered.

He took a seat on the bed and first read what was on the page of the book.

Estë is widely known as Estë the gentle. She is often seen clad in grey and gives the gifts of sleep, rest and healing. She walks at night under the starlit heavens in gardens filled with night flowers such as red poppies and with trees like pine and cypress. She can hear the songs of sleepy Nightingales and walks paths lit by Glowworms. By day she sleeps on the Isle in the midst of Lake Lorellin. Upon this island are her fountains, lulling her to sleep.

Legolas had compared Atavus to Estë because of her healing abilities, and the fact that she loved the nighttime hours more than the day. Many nights he would find her walking through the gardens of Rivendell, listening to the sounds of the night.

He then opened the piece of paper, and found that it was a letter addressed to him.

Legolas,

I am sorry mellon-nin for leaving without seeing you, but I knew you would fear too much for me, and do everything in your power to either keep me here or follow me where I must go. But you cannot follow me. You have your life, and your duties back in Mirkwood. And I have my own destiny to follow.

You once compared me to Estë, and though it both flattered and embarrassed me, it also made me think. If the Ilúvatar and the Valar with the Great Song created all beings great and small, then just maybe you are right. If I was created by any of the Valar it would have to be Estë, and there would have to be a reason. I cannot stay hidden away in Rivendell, forsaking the gifts that I have been given. They were meant to be put to use, and I must do just that.

I will not tell you where I have gone. But I promise you I will be careful. Please don't be angry with me. I only do what my heart says I must.

Remember one thing though. I never started really living until I met you and Estel. You two are my light. The whole reason why life has been worth living for me these last few years. I will always hold you in my heart. And if the Valar are willing I will see you both again someday. That is the hope I hold dear to.

Please hold that hope also,

Atavus

Legolas carefully folded the letter and placed it back in the book. He then relaxed on the bed lying on his side holding the book close to his chest. As he fell into his waking dreams they were of three friends sitting together around a campfire laughing at many stories and jokes. All three friends had smiles on their faces, and they were the happiest times he could remember.

Author's Note: Well there is your Legolas fix, for now. And I wish to thank the members of the Council of Elrond website for the wonderful description of Estë. Next chapter jumps into the thick of things, and also jumps ahead many years. So be prepared.