I am astonished at the number of wonderful and, might I add, helpful reviews. I'm truly glad that so many people are enjoying my work. Let me know if there is anything I can do to make it better!

Once again, I'm sorry that this chapter took as long as it did. For financial reasons, I was forced to transfer colleges at the last minute. Almost literally. I had only one day in which to go through the exit process at my previous school and get admitted to the new one! Phew, at least now I'm in classes and moving forward again. Good news though! I'm taking fewer academic credits than previously planned, so (hopefully crosses fingers) I will have more time to write. I make no promises, however – but I'll do my best!

On the West Wind Sails the Gull

By looked up from where he was tending the brazier which heated his office as Thranduil swept in. The elven king had all of the force of a summer squall, though he was possessed of an icy demeanour which may have frozen water. Mithrandir followed; his grey eyes were sharp and his weathered face was set firmly in thought. Gimli was afire with barely restrained anger. Estel was on clearly on edge. His entire body spoke of unease and he declined to sit, instead choosing an almost defensive position with his back to the wall. Elladan and Erestor were in deep conversation, their dark heads bent close together as they spoke in hushed voices.

Silence settled quickly, thick and heavy like marsh fog. The room seemed to grow dim with it, the rich reds and browns of Elrond's finely woven carpets becoming muted and dull. Yet Elrond took his time breaking the oppressive atmosphere. Gracefully he paced the length of his scroll shelves and the bookcase that housed the ledgers and memoirs of an Age. He made a full circuit of his study, pausing only briefly to glance at the portrait of his beloved wife, her gentle countenance smiling benevolently back at him.

When Elrond took his place before the hastily assembled counsel, his mind was clear and focused. He was pleased to note that Thranduil had managed to recover his personal restraint once more, as had the dwarf. He raised a single brow, and though he was not surprised to notice that their ire so obviously directed at one another, he would have them remember that now was not the time for quarrels between those who were supposed to be allies.

The Lord of Imladris launched into the briefing he had prepared. The abrupt sound of his voice brought all eyes and ears upon him in an instant. He summarized the events of the past few days, and recounted Legolas' earlier revelations. "This new enemy knows that to destroy the Fellowship is to destroy the hope of the world."

Aragorn rested one hand on the hilt of his sword. "Then there is to be another war?"

Elrond shook his head. "I believe that another war can be avoided. The peace which was created with the fall of Mordor is as fragile as a newborn babe. To subject the peoples of Middle Earth to more bloodshed is to aid the enemy."

"Then what do you propose we do?" Thranduil asked, and for once there was no anger in his words, only a genuine uncertainty.

"I have already sent a contingent of warriors to protect the hobbits, especially the Ring-bearer. They were instructed to disguise themselves as pilgrims traveling to the Grey Havens and taking their ease for a season in the Shire. I would send messengers to Faramir, Gladriel and Arwen, informing them of the situation if not for the great risk of doing so." Elrond said, tucking his hands into the sleeves of his robe. "However, the course of action which we must now take lies in shadow. A threat is growing and I feel that it is not far off."

Gimli tugged at his beard. "That is precisely our problem! We have no way of knowing who is behind the attacks on the Fellowship," the dwarf stalwartly ignored Thranduil's dark stare and continued without pause, "and he has proven that he has the ability to disrupt our correspondence."

"Yes, but what to do? Defining the facts we already know is useless!" Elladan exclaimed.

Mithrandir placed one gnarled hand on Elladan's shoulder. "There may be much to learn, if all have the patience to listen. Let Master Gimli finish," the ancient wizard advised.

With a slight nod of gratitude for Gandalf, Gimli went to stand before the small counsel. "We know that the enemy controls orcs, and that they seek to kill, not to capture. Also, they 'ave yet to launch a concentrated or frontal assault – meaning that they want to maintain secrecy. Perhaps the threat which comes upon us now is in some way related to Sauron!"

Incredulous murmurs broke out; Aragorn shook his head fiercely, dark hair obscuring his unshaven face. "No! It is not possible! The One Ring was destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom!" Elrond, Elladan, and even Thranduil echoed the human King's sentiments.

"Is it really so hard to believe," Mithrandir's calm voice sliced through the heated murmurs, "that one with such power and possessed of such cunning as Sauron would have thought to make provision for his evil to live on? It is true that the Ring was cast into Mount Doom, and it is true that with it, the Dark Lord perished. And while he would never have shared his power with another, as Saruman discovered, perhaps he created an heir in order that he might yet exist in another way?"

The room was quiet once more as the wizard's words penetrated minds. Finally, Elrond gave a curt nod. "Very well, then. How do you propose we go about discovering the identity of this heir, if indeed, he is as you say?"

"That," Mithrandir said with a smile. "I do not know."

Erestor's smooth features twisted into a frown. "Alas that such misfortune should befall us so close to the departure of the twins!" Aragorn and Gimli agreed.

"Aye, it is most unfortunate," Elladan sighed. Then he stood and his expression was sombre. "However, I have decided to remain in Arda until all has been set to rights."

Elrond shook his head. "Until Middle Earth is no more than a withered husk, dry and barren and without life; until all that the wind touches is ash and chaff, there will be evil. It is the balance of the world. Evil can never be fully eradicated, which is why there must always be heroes to do battle with it." Elrond looked fondly down at his son. "And that is why this battle will be left up to other heroes, Elladan. You will begin your journey in a fortnight, as planned."

"Nay father!" Elladan cried, surging to his feet. "That is what you told me when the others prepared to leave with the Ring-bearer! I would have gone; I wanted to! Arda is my home and I would happily give my life to protect it. I felt like a coward staying here, patrolling and getting into minor skirmishes whenever orcs got too close to our boarders of those of our allies! And now you want me to take my brother over the sea and abandon…"

Mithrandir cut him off, "Are you quite finished?" he asked.

"I am not," Elladan replied, though he had managed to check his temper between one breath and the next. "I have not yet convinced my father…"

"Nor will you. The Lord of Imladris is rarely wrong and even more rarely does he change his mind." Everyone in the room spun to face the door but the wizard, who continued to sit as if nothing remarkable had happened. Legolas rested in the open portal, leaning heavily on the thick oak frame and a cane Elrond recognized as having been kept in the Healing House. He wore loose trousers, an open robe and slippers. Sweat shone on his forehead and his every breath was audible, catching slightly in his throat. The wounded elf's face was grim, belying his cheerful tone. "But what is this I hear about the twins leaving?"

Thranduil was already at his son's side, and Legolas gratefully allowed his father to half carry him to the most comfortable chair in the room. The king fussed over Legolas, reprimanding him for his irresponsible behaviour while bringing a cushioned footstool underneath the prince's heels.

Elrond looked down his nose at Legolas, "This is precisely why we did not tell you." Aragorn laughed. He felt a little sorry for his friend, having been the recipient of that same demanding stare on more than one occasion himself. "It is not amusing, Estel. Else I have highly overestimated your sense of duty as a healer."

Aragorn stopped laughing.

Gimli was holding Legolas' hand, having completely forgotten the elven king's earlier warning. "What were you thinking? What if you've undone all of Lord Elrond's work?" he asked, fingers hovering uncertainly over Legolas' hip. "You should have stayed in bed!"

Legolas, who had been somewhat amused at all of the attention his father and his friend were lavishing upon him, was suddenly angry. Angry in a quiet way which burned hotly in his eyes. "I am not a child to be left behind when important doings are happening under my very nose! And now I find that the one I love has been lying to me with every breath! There is danger in Middle Earth again; Elladan and Elrohir will pass into the west and while I am powerless to prevent it, I will not lie idle."

"Yes, that is exactly what you will do!" Thranduil said. "I have heard enough of your foolishness! You were honourably wounded in battle, and by the grace of the Valar you live. I refuse to loose you to your own pride," he spoke the last with forceful sincerity.

Ere the prince could reply, a shout resounded from the hall. "Legolas!" There came a pause and then a darkly clad body burst into the Elrond's study. "Father! Legolas has vanished! He asked me to fetch him a…Legolas!" Elrohir caught sight of his errant lover as Gimli hastily stepped aside.

"Hello Elohir," Legolas smiled. "I was hoping you would decide to join us."

x x x

The Heir of Sauron sheathed his practice sword and tossed it to a waiting attendant. He cut a youthful figure, lean and sleek as a well-bread colt. As he walked from the field, long muscles rippled beneath earth coloured leggings. Leggings now stained black with the blood of the pathetic orc messenger who had brought him displeasing news. It would not be long before his tireless efforts came to fruition, and incompetent minions would not be tolerated any longer.

Well, that's all for this chapter! Please let me know what you think, okay? There wasn't a whole lot of action in this last chapter and I want to know if anyone's getting bored yet. If so, please hang on just a little longer!

Coming soon:

Things come to a boiling point in Elrond's household!

AND

Everyone departs for the Grey Havens!

PLUS

Who the hell /is/ this mystery bad guy? Shocking new developments are on their way!

So tune in next time for more of "On the West Wind Sails the Gull"

(Sorry! Don't know what came over me there! Please don't base your review on that last part!)