Disclaimer: Hello people! I own Notilan and Danuinel and this storyline. Elrond, Estel, Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir all belong to Tolkien. This chapter does not reflect any of Tolkien's work. Thanks to all who reviewed, replies are waiting for you at the bottom. Thanks again, and enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 22

Despite the snow and wind, Elladan, Elrohir, Danuinel and Notilan built the extended shelter in record time. They spread fern leaves over the ground to make it more comfortable for the prince, who by now had awoken.

There was a grand unveiling of the shelter and the four had bowed before the prince as if it had been a proper event. Legolas put up with the pretence and added some of his own. Estel helped him into the shelter and the archer had inspected it before announcing that it would do, for the time being. Everyone had laughed and joked before settling down again.

Legolas and Estel had spent the rest of the day inside the bigger shelter, and had felt warmer and drier because of it. Elrond and the twins and their Mirkwood friends all moved under it too, after a while. It was even big enough to build a small fire, without any risk of burning the undergrowth.

For the first time in what seemed like weeks, Legolas felt almost comfortable. His wounds still caused some pain, but it had lessened slightly and he felt better just being outside.

"I believe the storm will have blown itself out by the morning, looking at the clouds. Just enough time for us to enjoy the shelter before journeying again." Estel reported to the group. He had been a Ranger since he was in his teens and had learnt many valuable skills. One was being able to read the weather.

"This is good news, Estel. It has been good to get some rest to break up the journey a bit." Elrond agreed. He was not much of a traveller but did not mind when the situation called for it.

"Have you thought about how Corriduil will take the news of your returning, Legolas?" Notilan asked. He despised the Advisor as much as Legolas but did not show it as outwardly as some.

"Yes, I believe he will not be best pleased, but he will have to do as instructed. He will not be the King once I am there and he will have to accept that. He wanted me dead, but his plans failed and he needs to face the consequences. I do not know how I am going to go about the situation, however." Legolas admitted. He had been thinking hard on the subject for days, ever since he had found out about the new King.

"I think that you will need someone there to help out when that time comes. I volunteer, of course." Estel submitted his opinion quickly. He knew perfectly well that his best friend could deal with the Advisor by himself, but in the condition that the prince was in at present, he was slightly doubtful. If there were to be a physical fight over the matter, Legolas would not stand a chance.

"Thank you for your offer, Estel. I take it up gladly. Though I hope that your help is not needed. Surely I still have some friends in court, Notilan?" Legolas asked, the more help he had, the better.

"Oh yes, most definitely. When it was announced that you had been killed, many of the Elves in the court were grieved by the news, and refused to go along with the new King. There was something not right about the way in which it was announced, and I rode to Rivendell, knowing that somewhere, you were still in this land, and had not been sent to Mandos' Halls. There are many Elves in Mirkwood who would back you in a second, have no doubt of that." Notilan said. The Elven Lord was feeling better about the confrontation, which would take place when they arrived in Mirkwood. At least the prince would have support.

"I will also help you, mellon-nin. Although I'm not sure exactly how much I can do." Danuinel was also eager to help, but with things on his side the way that they were, he was unsure if he would be allowed back into the realm.

"When we return to Mirkwood, and I take over as King, your banishment and everything else against you will be lifted and you will be free to come and go as you wish. Worry not about anything, mellon-nin. I just need to conquer Corriduil first. And that is not going to be an easy task." Legolas looked towards the fern-leaf covered ground.

"I wish not to change the subject, but it has stopped snowing." Elladan pointed out to the rest of the group. Everyone turned their attention to the weather and for a few minutes, peace settled over the small company.

As the Sun began to set in the sky, the six Elves and the human got out their bedrolls. It was going to be a cold, long night for all. Estel and Legolas slept side by side, as they always did when out in the wild. It let them share body heat, a precious factor to both at this time.

It was a long time before the prince received any sleep. His mind was plagued with thoughts of the upcoming argument. He was stubborn, as was Corriduil. There was one major difference between the two however, Legolas stood up for what was right, whereas Corriduil stood up for anything he wanted to claim as his own.

Estel fell asleep within a few seconds, on his side with both arms straying. His heavy breathing slowly turned into snoring. It was a human thing, one in which Legolas always took a great interest, but was glad that Elves couldn't do it. He didn't think it a very beneficial habit, and therefore, a pointless action. It did, however, take his mind off things and eventually the prince drifted into a light sleep.

The night was clearing, the storm clouds drifting off to the south, just as the Ranger interpreted. The winds had died down, and the stars were blinking out through the disappearing clouds. It had turned into a calm night, and a calm day was certainly to follow.

TBC

Replies:

treestumpwitch: Hey, you're always so complimentary. I always get the feeling that I'm on the right track after reading your reviews! Thanks for that. I agree that the two look really cute in snow scenes. How could they not! I thought it necessary to mention Aragorn's rejection of the throne. It seemed like an important part in the story and I thought that mentioning it even slightly would do fine. I'm sure that Legolas will find someone to hold the fort while he and Estel are out adventuring. I cannot see him staying in the palace for very long at a time. I don't think he likes being cooped up. But with Legolas, he might just prove us wrong. Thanks again for the review!

ashlyns: Thanks. I needed a way to end the chapter, and seeing the two of them caring about each other so much, it seemed appropriate. So thanks again!

Moonyasha: Sounds great. Everyone sends their 'warm' thanks! Your guys are looking a lot better now and are on their way home. My extreme thanks for that tent; Legolas is looking better now, and warmer too! Thanks for reviewing!

Fluffy's fangirls: Legolas says thanks for the hug, it warmed him up a bit. Thanks for reviewing!

Nomad6: Oh, I think you will have little horses round your place soon, if they keep acting like that. It is quite sweet though. Thanks for the advice on Arod, and he says thanks too. For backing him up. Going to go and get some sleep before work tomorrow. Next update on Monday! See you then!

LanierShazar: Oh he's fighting all right. He's not having much luck in the health department at the moment though. He'll get better soon though, hopefully. Thanks for reviewing!

HarryEstel: I think that Estel is right, Legolas' pride is going to kill him one day! I always try to write comical stuff, but like you, it all ends up with a certain someone getting hurt. But hey, it makes for good reading! I love angst, even when I'm not writing it. Thanks for reviewing!