Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR.

Rating: PG – 13

Author's Note: Happy New Year!

Many thanks to Sesshyangel, for reviewing In the Dark of the Night and A Winter Evening in Imladris! I was stunned at your interpretation of Erestor's unspoken anguish in the former story – no one had ever brought such an interpretation to me before! Brilliant! And yes, the scene is open to interpretation – but it will eventually be fleshed out in a longer story featuring Erestor and Glorfindel later. As for the pipe weed episode...that will be left to your imagination. I wouldn't want to spoil anyone's brilliant vision of it. ;) And as for your request of elfling stories...I already have a prequel to this current story planned out, which will feature an elfling Legolas once again. It's wonderful to hear that you can tell how much I adore the child. ;) My elfling episodes were light-hearted breaks to ease the gravity of my psyche while writing the heavier-toned ones, and right now I'm toiling away in the dark-themed project of the longer installments of the Greenleaf Chronicles. They're not the happiest stories in the world, but I am attempting to examine many complex themes in them, so I hope you enjoy!

Thank you also to SILD for reviewing Beasts of Burden! I am flattered!

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by Kasmi Kassim

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Chapter 7: The Trap of Truth

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Legolas rubbed his eyes wearily. He had not rested at all in the past week. Though he could easily go on without sleep for a few days, the constant tension added to the number of sleepless nights was beginning to take its toll. Perhaps a bit of rest would do him good. He rubbed his eyes again, and patted the neck of his white stallion.

"Stop."

The horse instantly halted, letting out a soft neigh. Legolas rubbed his eyes once more, and sighed. He needed to sleep. But his mind could find no rest; danger was near. He could not let his guard down.

Looking around, he surveyed the surrounding lands. The sunset was burning into the western horizon. No danger visible yet.

But something was wrong. It was becoming more and more wrong by the passing moment. A soft wind blew across the plains, whispering warning to his wary ears. Keen eyes flickering side to side, Legolas drew his bow. His hands were paler than they usually were. He needed more rest.

He smiled ruefully. Perhaps he should have listened to Arwen's indignant demands. He had left as soon as he had greeted the Lord and Lady of the Golden Woods. He had exited the forest as soon as he had made sure that Arwen was in good hands. After having escaped her reach, exiting the forest unseen was easy. Only one person had stopped him on the way.

But that was to be expected. Haldir knew him well, after all.

Slowly, eyes riveted on the horizon, Legolas lowered his body. He brought his lips close to the horse's ear.

"Run."

A white whirlwind swept the grounds as the horse broke into a thunderous gallop.

He had not apologized. He had wished to, but apologies were meaningless in the face of the guardian. He had only looked up into his eyes, solemnly, searching for a light of understanding. It was childish, he knew. Irresponsible. But Haldir had laid a hand on his shoulder without a word, and looked back into his eyes. And no verbal exchange was necessary.

Soon, he had said. I will return soon. And Haldir had only nodded. And saw him off to the edge of the forest.

Legolas always kept his promises.

The wind stung his face. He clenched his teeth. He was being followed. His eyes were tired.

Have you ever killed an elf, Father?

The world blurred past him. The sun was setting. Darkness would come soon.

Did you know that we have been killing tortured, mutilated, wretched elves?

He shut his eyes.

He should not have spoken so. He could still remember the expression on his father's face when he blurted those words. He opened his eyes again.

The study had been silent, when he let those words lash the air. His father had not been harsh to him. He had patiently asked him why he had refused to kill the orcs. Why he had stood still, helpless, while the guards around him were falling. Why he refused to finish the lives of the injured orcs, once and for all. And Legolas had only responded with those sharp questions. No, not questions. He shook his head, brushing the wind-swept hair out of his face. Accusations. They were accusations. And his father had fallen silent.

The grim triumph with which he had stormed out of the study seemed so young and foolish, now.

The sound of hooves pounded into his ears. He drew in a deep breath, and let it out. The air was becoming cooler.

Of course his father had known. He had fought alongside King Oropher and had survived in the Battle of the Last Alliance. He had to know. And he had still done what he had. Which was perfectly reasonable. Did the orcs not kill his mother? Did they not kill his elven kin, tried to besiege the castle? He took another deep breath.

But it was not fair.

He gritted his teeth.

Why?

It was so easy, to know the enemy as nothing more than a nameless, faceless monster; he could fight without thinking, slaughter without feeling. But not anymore.

The enemy had a name. The enemy had a face. The enemy had a life, a beautiful and blessed life, before all of this ever started. And the enemy was suffering.

It was not fair.

He wildly turned his horse around, gaze burning through the sunset.

"What do you seek of me?"

The dark-clad men halted abruptly, attempting to calm their bewildered horses. They quickly spread out into a circle, surrounding him. Legolas did not move. His eyes were ablaze with the copper blood of the sun.

"What do you seek of me?"

The men drew closer. One of them stepped forth. That man. The leader who had tormented him while he had been unconscious...

"Greetings, Master Elf. We come in good will."

Legolas narrowed his eyes. The men amounted to twenty at least. All of them wielded weapons. He waited patiently. The clouds were streaking into a lavender hue.

"What you did in that town was very impressive." The man grinned. His teeth glistened in the golden light. "But this time, you will not trick us so easily."

Legolas calmly looked up, gauging the sky. Daylight would fade soon.

"I have no need to trick you," he replied, impassive gaze falling back onto the men. "What is your will?"

The man wasted no time. "We need to go to Mirkwood."

Legolas' sharp gaze was unwavering. "Identify yourself."

The man seemed almost amused. He tilted his head. "Rolof," he replied slowly. "And I know that you are a Mirkwood elf."

The young elf did not answer. He stared at the man in silence.

Rolof eyed the elf, and then cocked his head again. His hand came up to his ear. And at that motion, the men rushed forward.

Legolas' horse whirled around and broke free from the impending net of riders. The men started to give chase after the initial chaos, but halted breathlessly as they found an arrow tip pointing at their midst. The elf stood a distance away, his arrow ready to fly.

"We elves do not kill men." His eyes darted from one man to another. The young elf did not seem afraid at all. "But I will break that rule if necessary."

Suddenly, Rolof broke into a harsh laughter. The jagged voice rang into the quiet twilight. Sharp blue eyes of the elf shot toward him.

"Elves do not kill men, eh?" The man was holding his abdomen, wiping his eyes. His shoulders still shook with laughter. "To hear that from you, of all elves! You really are a jewel, Master Elf."

The adolescent elf narrowed his eyes. "What mean you by that?"

"We mean," snarled Rolof, the laughter suddenly gone, "you owe us. And you shall pay for what your king has done to us."

Azure blue eyes widened in disbelief.

Instantly, the young elf was surrounded, and men hurled themselves at the frozen figure. Legolas automatically turned away, trying to escape, but it was too late. He was blocked.

Whispering a silent apology, he leaped onto his feet, and jumped off of the steed. He broke into a run.

He could stay and fight, he knew. But he was not in the state to be battling. He needed time to think.

A sudden pain blazed through his arm. Without looking, he absentmindedly reached for his arm, and pulled out the dart that had embedded itself there. His legs faltered. He gritted his teeth. Sedative.

The world began to swim. He could hear voices upon his back. They were close. He still continued to run, however, determined to fight to the last. Who would have thought that it would end this way? He could have laughed. He did not even have time to apologize to his father. His last memory shared with his father would be that of a quarrel. That was not how he wanted to be remembered.

A rope came hurling through the air. He dodged it, steps faltering and skidding, and more ropes came flying in loops. They entangled themselves around the prince, and Legolas' body was forcefully jerked down. He rolled in the ground and jumped back to his feet, only to find more ropes jerking at his body. Soon his body gave way and fell again. Legolas' vision hazed. The sedative was taking effect. He gritted his teeth. They wanted him alive.

Forgive me, he whispered, as he felt himself losing the battle to stay conscious. His father would be worried. And he still did not keep that promise to Haldir yet.

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To Be Continued

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elvingirl3737: Haha, did I aid in your survival now? I feel special...;) Thank you for the review!

Brazgirl: Thank you! Happy New Year to you too! You picture Thranduil as a womanizer? You know dear, I have an image of him being popular with ladies too...;) And I agree with you, it really is sad how men in the western culture are so careful with their displays of affection...

Unsung Heroine: Haha, are you still home for the holidays? I'm sorry I haven't updated more often during the duration of your holidays...it's a delight to hear that my story manages be enjoyable among the swamping number of fanfics written by younger writers these days! Thank you! ;)

Rede: Ah, there you were! I was wondering if you had disappeared from my list of readers. It's good to know that you're still sticking around for my humble little tales! Thank you!

Galadryal: Wow, I am so surprised and happy to see you again! I remember seeing you in my first multi-chapter story, The Strength of One Green Leaf, and have fond memories from the experience...thank you for stopping by again!

Beling: You make me so happy with your enthusiasm for my humble little writing. Always such encouragement! ;) I would like to tell you what is going on, but it will slowly be revealed along the way...;) Haldir and Legolas will have a story all for themselves, dedicated to the difficult path to their friendship. I am glad you want to hear about it, because Haldir-Legolas friendships is as intriguing to me as the legendary Erestor-Glorfindel friendship. Hehe. I am also glad to hear that you liked Galadriel's thought sequences! Thranduil's younger life will also be further explored – oh, how I love that elf! I love your phrase, "tragically haunted and heroically challenged" – it gives such a sublime aura of greatness to my Legolas that I am sure my humble work does not deserve! Thank you!