I'm sorry that I haven't updated as often as I used to. It's because I am in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with my friend, and I am so busy with horse shows that I don't have time to update. I hope you'll forgive me. Here's the next chapter!

Chapter 18

The Twins Return

"They've been gone for a week..." Tari stated.

Legolas looked over at her from where he sat, writing a letter on his desk. "Yes. Your brothers are very capable of taking care of Estellia, Tari. Do not worry."

"It is only that I thought they would have returned by now."

Legolas rose from his desk, and walked up behind Tari. She was standing on the balcony, her eyes roaming the entire city, and the forests beyond. His arms encircled her waist, and he buried his head in the crook of her neck. He reveled in the softness of her skin... Oh, how he had missed her. How he had longed for her touch in his dark hours. Prayed to look upon her face, just once more...

"You are right..." Tari said at last, repressing a shiver as she felt Legolas's lips upon her neck. "I shouldn't worry about that. I should worry about when we leave for war."

Legolas raised his head from her shoulder, where he had pressed feather-light kisses. His eyes hardened slightly. "You are going nowhere, Tari..."

Tari turned on him, her own dark eyes beginning to kindle with fire. "Does thou intend to keep me from battle?"

"I do." Legolas answered sternly. "I cannot lose you again..."

"Does thou think that I am incapable to hold my own?" Tari asked waspishly.

"Nay, Tari. I know that you are capable of wielding anything from a sword to a bow. I keep you from battle, because I fear I am not strong enough to protect you." Legolas admitted.

"You worry about yourself, and I will worry about myself."

"No! Tari, I beg you, do not argue this. Please! Stay here, where you are safe! Haer auth, a nir, a naeth..." (Away from war, and grief, and despair) Legolas begged, taking her head in his hands, his eyes boring into her own.

Tari remained defiant. "I would grieve and despair if I stayed here. You are afraid that you cannot protect me, and I am fearful that I could lose you. Please, Legolas. Do not hinder me in this. Arya must die. And she will die by my hand, and no other."

"It is folly! Arya has grown more powerful! You do not posses any more magic."

"People can accomplish things without magic, Legolas." Tari retorted, breaking away from his hands.

Legolas grabbed her left hand, holding it so that she could see it. "Look at the band you wear upon your finger Tari... Look at mine..." he held his up, the elven engravings glittering as brightly as the day they were forged. "Did you not notice what was on my own band? 'My Husband, My Love, My Protector'? You have to trust me Tari... Let me keep you safe."

"I vowed to aid you, Legolas. And that includes battle. I will go with you, no matter what you say."

Before Legolas could retort, a loud shout rent the air, followed by more screams. Tari pulled away from him, gathering her skirts as she ran out of the room to see what the commotion was about.

It was Elrohir and Elladan. They were being supported by a few elves, and were covered in gashes and cuts all over. Both had fallen unconscious because of the pain. Tari's eyes widened fearfully.

"Estellia! Where is Estellia!" she called.

"She was not with them when we found them, milady." said a guard.

"What! Where is she then? Where!" Tari yelled. The guard paid her no mind, walking past to help with the princes.

Legolas came to her side. Tari rounded on him. "Where is she!" she cried, tears falling from her eyes like rain drops. Legolas didn't answer. He didn't know what to tell her. He knew just about as much as she did. Elrohir and Elladan had obviously been attacked. But where was Estellia?

Tari rushed past him, up the stairs after her brothers who had been taken to the Houses of Healing. As she entered the room at a sprint, she stopped as she saw her father, Galadriel, and Celeborn tending them. Elladan had awoken. Tari dropped to his side, placing a hand on his forhead, willing her strength into him. His eyes opened a little wider, and his pain subsided momentarily.

"Elladan, brother..." Tari whispered, gazing into his grey eyes.

Elladan looked up at her, tears cutting paths through the dirt and blood on his face. "I-I'm sorry, Tari..." he choked. "I tried b-but-"

"Elladan, where-is-Estellia?" Tari said, her voice gentle, but yet firm. Her hand remained upon his forehead, draining her of strength as she fought to keep him awake long enough for an answer.

"Uruks a-attacked us... There were too many. I told Estellia to run, but they caught up to her. They took her... L-left us for dead..." his hoarse voice was giving out. "They are t-taking her to Arya... Durthang..." He closed his eyes, falling into a deep healing sleep.

Tari removed her hand, standing up. Legolas grasped her arm to hold her steady, but she tore it away, striding out of the House. "I'm going after her."

"Tari-wait! No!" Legolas called out, grabbing her by the waist.

"Let me go Legolas!" she screamed at him, fury emanating from her like a beacon. "I WILL go after her! Nothing you say or do can stop me! I'm getting my daughter back! I'll kill Arya! I'll Kill her!"

"Tari! Stop! You're not thinking straight!"

"LET ME GO!" she roared, elbowing him hard in the chest.

Legolas relinquished his grip with a gasp of pain. She had hit him!

Elrond, Galadriel, and Celeborn exchanged surprised glances at Tari's actions.

Elrond went after his daughter, grabbing her arm in a vice like grip. She whirled around to face him, only to meet his hand over her eyes, and hear him finishing the chant of a swift sleeping spell. She was out cold before she hit the floor...