Disclaimer: I must apologise once more, for all the problems with the computer returned. This time, we had to go drastic and that should fix things permanently. I'm sorry for the wait and hopefully you will not kill me. So I send my thanks for your patience and have replied to everyone at the bottom of the chapter.

I do not own anyone in this chapter except from Notilan, the mysterious Elf from Mirkwood. Prepare for an angsty chapter! Enjoy!

Chapter 15

It had only taken two days for the strange Elf from Mirkwood to reach the borders of Rivendell. He had not stopped much at all, the Elves possess an ability to go without food or rest for longer than the mortal race.

The weather had been on his side, staying sunny with no rain. His horse panted, its flanks heaving with the effort of running for so long. The dark mane and tail blew back as the pair nearly flew through the woods. They would reach the Last Homely House in minutes.

The Elf handed the reigns of his horse to a stable-hand and made his way indoors. He headed straight for the Dining Hall. It was still morning and his senses told him that everyone would still be enjoying the morning meal. This sense was to prove him right.

"My Lord, there is someone to see you. Shall I show him in?" One of the servants at the door to the Dining Hall announced. Elrond nodded his head at the question, and a tall Elf entered the room and headed straight for the table.

"Lord Elrond. I have come from Mirkwood in search of Prince Legolas Thranduillion." The Elf said. His dark eyes darted around the room, taking in every detail of his surroundings. Legolas looked up at the mention of his name but said nothing. The Elf had his back to the prince and Legolas could not see the stranger's face.

"You know my name, but I have not the pleasure of knowing yours." Elrond stated in a friendly voice. The Elf almost blushed at forgetting his basic manners.

"I am Notilan, of the Mirkwood realm." The Elf said, bowing low. As he straightened, a voice spoke.

"Notilan?" Legolas asked, almost in disbelief. This Elf had been in training with him and although they had not spoken much, they had not been enemies. Notilan spun round at the voice and his eyes fell on the prince.

"Prince Legolas! Forgive me, I did not see you." Notilan moved towards the prince and bowed before him. Legolas motioned for him to rise. "I did not expect to find you here, alive."

"I'm sorry, I do not understand. Why would I not be alive? What has happened in Mirkwood?" Legolas asked, confusion showing in his voice. He tried not to let it get to him and risk another seizure.

"After you were banished, Thranduil … Corriduil…he…" Notilan started, he could not get the words to form. "I do not know how to say this, my Lord."

"Firstly, we trained together, do not call me that. I was banished, no longer a member of the Royal family until I can prove myself worthy." Anger flashed in the young Elf's eyes and it did not go unnoticed.

"Legolas," Elrond started.

"It's fine, I'm all right." Legolas said, smiling at the Elven Lord. "Start from when I left."

"Things went downhill rapidly after you left." Notilan began after taking a deep inhalation. "Corriduil and your father, they were arguing and then he lunged. The King was stabbed. There was nothing that the healers could do; they tried everything. The King died. Corriduil took the Throne and sent someone after you. They returned and reported that both the King and Prince were dead. I feared the worst for you, but it seems that my fears were short-lived."

Legolas' eyes were wide and his face paler than previously. As much as he tried, he could not get his head around the fact that his father had been killed. Murdered by someone he had trusted, if only he had listened to his son. The prince had never liked nor trusted the Advisor and had avoided him at all costs.

Suddenly, with the sound of wood scraping against stone, the prince stood, pushing his chair back. He walked quickly round the table and headed for the door. Estel stood and ran after his friend. The rest of the occupants were instructed to stay seated. The Ranger dashed after the blonde prince who had stopped for a moment. He leaned precariously against a wall before starting to walk again.

"Legolas, where are you going?" Estel asked, after catching up with the prince.

"To Mirkwood, I cannot let that son of an Orc rule my kingdom. My father told me I had to prove myself, what would he think of me if I just stood back and watched as Mirkwood falls to ruins? I do not ask you to come with me." Legolas said, never looking at the Ranger.

"I will follow you to Mirkwood, and beyond if that is what it takes." Estel reassured the prince. Legolas nodded his thanks and his hand shot to his stomach. The archer's body slipped to the floor and he cried out.

"Legolas, calm yourself. This cannot happen, not now!" Estel cried in frustration. He put his hands on Legolas shoulders and looked him in the eye. "Come on, fight it. I know you can do this!"

"I cannot … stop it … this time…" Legolas whispered, his face showing the pain he felt. Estel watched as a large crimson stain crept over the prince's chest and side. The convulsions were a lot faster in developing since the last time, and there was nothing the prince could do to stop them. "Valar, hurts…"

"ADA!" The Ranger yelled at the top of his lungs. Things were going from bad to worse. He had turned Legolas onto his side, the Elf still conscious, and was trying not to let the Elf hurt himself. The tenseness in the Elf's body suddenly disappeared as Legolas lost consciousness. There was a sickening gurgling sound and Estel quickly reacted, as his best friend was sick. He cleared the Elf's mouth and made sure that he was not in any danger of choking.

By this time, Elrond had appeared, running down the corridor. He skidded to a halt on his knees and helped his son.

"He just started shaking, then he vomited. I cleared his airway and have made sure that he won't choke. I did not want to move him without someone there to help. His wounds have reopened." Estel reported.

"You have done well, Estel."

TBC

Replies:

Sindauviel: No showers? What were you doing there? We had to do an outdoor thing not that long ago and there were no showers there either. Must be an outdoor centre thing. Thanks for reviewing!

Fluffy's fangirls: Thanks very much, here's the next update for you!

Nomad6: Hopefully, you'll enjoy this chapter as much as I did. I really enjoy writing this story, sometimes its good but sometimes the words just don't flow. That sounds really deep, doesn't it? Sorry, thanks for reviewing!

HarryEstel: Well, he might be getting better, or he might not! You'll have to wait and see, now that Notilan has arrived. Thanks for the review!

LanierShazar: Thanks for all four of your reviews, as mentioned in the disclaimer, I have been having problems with my computer again. Read the top for more details. Thanks!

Elf771: Gosh, thanks for the compliments in your review. I'm glad that this sequel is going down well with everyone who read Hidden Truth. This story will be finishing soon, not sure when, but I plan to begin writing another one after this. So watch this space!