Author: Estelrond

Disclaimer: The words are mine, the elves aren't

Warnings and all that good stuff can be found in Chapter one. I appreciate reviews though. I'm a feedback junkie. (Plus, if you don't, I'll send my assassin elves after you.)

I have to give a hug to Sio and Carol, my most faithful reviewers; I don't think they've missed a chapter! You rock, ladies!

Trinka- Thanks for sticking with me. I know I'm just a confuzzled little girl, but you tolerate me anyway.

San, Claudia, Any, Morwen and Sa… my world wouldn't be the same without you.

The rest of this story can be found at (reviews there are nice as well)

This is probably the quickest update I've ever made…

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Part Nine

Elven Soul

Here in the shadows
I'm safe
I'm free
I've nowhere else to go but
I cannot stay where I do not belong
Show me the shadow where true meaning lies
So much more is made in empty eyes

--Evanescence

Farlest twisted his stray lock of hair around his finger for what seemed like the millionth time since 'Ros had started to talk. Well, not actually talk. Send was probably the better word, for, as a wolf, 'Ros couldn't speak.

"I still don't believe it." Farlest was quite frustrated and had displayed this fact to his furry friend quite openly, "How on earth do I get myself into these messes?"

It's really quite simple, Farlest. The wolf sent cheerfully, You have no luck and an even worse sense of timing.

Farlest glowered down at the unblinking animal, "Thanks." He said dryly. There really was no justice in this world.

You're quite welcome. came the reply, the beast seemed oblivious to the fact that his companion had said the word in anything less than a sincere tone, but then, 'Ros had always been that way and Farlest had learned to ignore it.

"You don't have the skill of dropping in at the opportune moment yourself, here I have it, I've worked on it, the revenge I've finally been waiting for, and I can't carry through with it just because part of the plan involves sacrificing one Dunadan!" The elf then had a bout of immaturity and stuck out his lower lip in an extremely child-like pout.

If the wolf could have, he would have clicked his tongue reprovingly, Now, is that any way for you to act? You know very well that there's only ONE heir of Isildur. If it had been any other ranger we might have let you get away with it. And let's not be stubborn, I can tell that you like him already. You really shouldn't make friends with your expendables, Farlest. I've told you that a thousand times. Besides, what of the Wood Elf? Do you want another kin-slaying on your hands?

Farlest sighed heavily, "No, 'Ros, going through one has been quite enough for me. How is it that you were wrong back then and right now and I still wind up listening to you?"

Perhaps It's my charming personality. suggested the wolf teasingly, but though he meant it lightly, he sounded quite serious. He did so enjoy tormenting his friend, which had been his only true enjoyment for longer than he could remember. Oh those foolish days! He had been so young compared to now. If only he had known what he knew now… But he had not, he had been rash, brave, and full of fire. And as a result had made some grave mistakes.

But Farlest allowed him no time for contemplation. "No, 'Ros, it's your personality all right. You have a very magnetic quality to you, and I'm glad, otherwise the mistakes that were made might have been more serious, most of our band were going to take things a step further."

Nay, Farlest, I don't get off so easily. If it wasn't for you and 'Lor…I-I hate to think what would have happened. I would have been responsible for the deaths of - The eyes of his friend were so mournful, that Farlest could almost see past the wolf-guise and into the other's soul. Could almost imagine the beautiful and powerful being whose very essence was contained in an animal's body.

And yet, it was fitting, for his personality had been so like the wolf's. It was the only creature that would suit 'Ros. They had been as brother's he and the fiery redhead. They had ridden into battle and death together, and the only time that Farlest had not been allowed to accompany him, his friend had died. So the sadness in the face of the creature that was indeed 'Ros, cut Farlest deeply.

He put his hand on the wolf's neck, his fingers stroking the soft fur, "It was not your fault. And no one died, mellon-nin. No one."

'Ros gave a mental sigh, Well, I suppose we should be getting back now. You're friends will be worried.

"We?" repeated Farlest, nonplussed, "You don't think they'll believe me do you? Well, I mean, that you're- well, you know…" the elf gestured helplessly at his friend as he floundered for an explanation.

'Ros's chuckle seemed to reverberate through his head, Well, let them figure it out for themselves, just say I'm a friend.

Rolling his eyes, the raven-haired elf gestured back the way he had come, "Well, let's go then. It's no use arguing with you. I'll bet you know everything that I say before I say it."

Not quite. remarked 'Ros, But almost.

xXxXxXx

Aragorn was asleep when Farlest and his friend arrived in camp, Legolas was keeping a silent, faithful vigil over his companion, leaning against a tree next to him. But his peaceful pose was deceptive. As soon as he saw the wolf, his daggers flew to his hands almost faster than the eye could follow. Leaping forward he prepared to do battle, the red-furred wolf snarled and crouched on his haunches, a defensive movement. The elf prince would have slain the animal, save Farlest stepped in front of the animal. Legolas barely pulled his charge short, his knife-tip rested dangerously on the rogue's collarbone.

The elf stared at the blonde; his green eyes were unreadable. "Will you kill me, Legolas?" he asked softly.

Aragorn had awoken when his friend had moved and was staring, transfixed, at the two elves.

The sudden battle-fire in the prince's eyes subsided, sliding away into the depths of those azure orbs. His eyelids lowered and so did his blade as he inhaled deeply, calming himself. Finally meeting Farlest's gaze, Legolas spoke, "No. I will not. But I think an explanation is in order."

The elf in front or him nodded, "Well, this is 'Ros, an old friend of mine." He motioned to the wolf, whose hackles had gone down and sat regarding the elf prince with a fascinated, but peaceful stare.

Legolas' brow wrinkled in confusion, "Friend?"

I think you're going to have to show him. 'Ros's thought came suddenly.

Farlest ran his hand through his hair, "Here," He grasped the Wood Elf's hand and then placed his other hand on the wolf's head.

Hello, Legolas.

The elf's lips parted and his eyes widened in wonder, and his gaze went questioningly to Farlest.

"It's not me." He assured, "It's him."

Legolas released the dark haired elf's hand and put both his hands on the wolf, one on either side of his head, and gazed intently into the strange cerulean eyes. For a moment, no one spoke, then the prince cried out in something akin to outrage and incredulity.

"Aragorn! This…this is an elf!"

To be continued…

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Carol: Yes, I went from funny to chilling, it's going to get worse before the end.

Aranna Undomiel: Well, 'Ros is an elf in essence, and Farlest knew him waaaay back in the when. He died, but was sent back. He has a job to do and probably knows more than the rest of the guys put together. I hope that relieves some of your confusedness, but by the end of the story, everything will be cleared up. (oh, and my spell-check says confusedness is a word. ::grin:: )

Námaríë

-Elven Dreamer