Yippie! Thanks to all of you who read and reviewed! I really appreciate your continued support of this fic. I feel like every comment and criticism helps to make me a better writer. Also helping is the fact that I'm taking a creative writing class at my college! So hopefully that will give me a few new ideas.

On the West Wind Sails the Gull

Chapter 6

Ere tempers could be rekindled, Gimli tactfully diverted the rebuke which Legolas had been about to deliver. He bent close to the elf's ear and whispered; though his dwarven voice was nonetheless heard by all. "You're not youeself, lad! Say nothing more on the matter, for such things are best discussed in private!" Legolas wisely chose not to pursue the issue further.

Relief washed over Elrohir. Grateful for the reprieve, he accepted the chair his brother offered, though he continued to study Legolas' face. Elrohir keenly felt the need to speak with his beloved, to seek forgiveness and reassurance. Recent events had left him painfully aware of long buried insecurities.

Mithrandir pulled himself up with the aid of his staff and smiled humourlessly at the small counsel. "Well," he said, "Now that everyone has arrived, might I suggest that we return to the reason for which we gathered?" When no one raised their voice, the wizard continued. "I will leave with all haste to find out what I may about the nature of our mysterious aggressor. I suggest that we all keep our wits about us. Vigilance is our best ally."

"Aye," King Elessar agreed. "I shall let my men rest this day, and then set out at dawn tomorrow. I think it best that I increase the guard throughout Gondor and encourage Rohan to do the same. I will also send out spies into the city and beyond to the ruins of Mordor, Isengard and the lands of the Easterlings. We must learn all that we can, and quickly."

Thranduil placed an elegant hand upon Legolas' sound shoulder; though it was Elrond whom he respectfully addressed. "I must admit that I am greatly torn," the King said. Yet his face revealed little of his professed inner struggle. "My people wander among the forest, healing it and helping to purge the last of the mirk. Yet with this new gathering of shadow, I fear that the spiders and other evils which yet remain may make a final stand. They will have need of their King. Still, I do not wish to leave Legolas in your able care when you must tend to your own children's departure. Are there not any means by which he may be safely returned to my own household?"

Elrond did not answer immediately but cast his gaze to the young lovers. He spied the smouldering coals of ire in Legolas' eyes as they ignited once more. The prince's jaw clenched as he bit back a sharp response. Elrohir was subdued and far from his habitually youthful demeanour. He seemed somehow to have lost his natural buoyancy, as if the grief that had so nearly claimed him still stalked close behind.

In that instant, Elrond's mind was set. Even if he had to spend his eternity with a grudge wielding Thranduil, he was suddenly determined to provide Legolas and Elrohir with as much happiness as possible. "No," he said simply. "There is not. However, Legolas is no burden, not by any means. He is welcome to remain until he is fit to travel." Elrond diligently ignored the barely contained resentment the wounded prince radiated. Legolas disliked nothing so much as being spoken of as if he were not present. "Besides, I should be glad for his company as I too, will be staying here." Elrond took Elladan and Elrohir's hands in his. "There can be no help for it. Once more I must fulfil my duty to my people before that to my family. Peace, my sons! My heart goes with you both, though my body must wait a while longer to join you."

Elladan nodded in understanding as Elrond released their hands. Elrohir sighed inaudibly, though his father's course of action was not unexpected. Thus had passed much of their lives in the Last Homely House; a similar incident had once prompted the twins to make a name for themselves as orc hunters in hopes of occupying a larger portion of their sire's attentions.

Gandalf spoke up saying, "We are of an accord, then? Each knows his part and that of his fellows, so let there be no confusion. Communicate as little as possible. What messages and news you do send, do so discreetly and take no unnecessary risks. We will convene here again on the first day of spring, provided that there have been no significant new developments. And now, farewell." With that the white wizard departed.

All but for Legolas rose and the chairs were left like so many tapestry-covered tree stumps growing from the embroidered carpet. Elrond retired to his desk and Erestor joined him, knowing that his lord would require his counsel. Aragorn politely excused himself, citing the need to inform his company of their new orders.

"Legolas has fallen asleep," Gimli announced quietly. Or rather, he had finally succumbed to exhaustion and the potent medicinal herbs that had been administered earlier. Indeed, the aquamarine eyes were closed and golden lashes hid the dark circles beneath.

Thranduil turned to the twins, "Will you please send for servants to carry him back to the House of Healing?" he asked with only slightly forced civility. He did not even acknowledge the continued presence of the dwarf.

Elladan shook his head. "We'll carry him."

Elrohir gazed lovingly down at the top of Legolas' sun-touched head. "And we will put him up in his regular suite in the family wing. I don't think he likes being so far distant from the rest of us."

Thranduil chose not to argue and instead followed Elrond's children as they carried his own son, armchair and all to his usual quarters. The king was careful not to be impressed by the generous yet unpretentious rooms which rivalled the ones belonging to him in the Greenwood. It was clear that much effort had been made to tailor the apartment to Legolas' personal tastes. The atmosphere would have been quite relaxing, had not the loud breathing and ogre-like footfalls of the dwarf been rasping in his ears.

Legolas made a soft noise of distress and clenched his hands into fists as the twins gently lifted him onto the bed. With his anger and his pride both subdued by the honesty of sleep, the prince could no longer maintain the tenuous control over his wounded body. Thranduil stared openly as Gimli stroked Legolas' hair soothingly until the pain had passed, whispering comforting words – some of them in a heavily accented yet nonetheless accurate Sindarin! While the gesture was undoubtedly paternal, the dwarf was not patronizing. Blood rose in Thranduil's cheeks and the elf king did not tarry long.

Night stole over Arda, clear and cold. Elrond watched the familiar stars emerge from the darkening sky. His warm breath clouded the window glass and obscured the snow-laden courtyard below.

His heart was heavy though his resolve was firmly set. His greatest desire was to accompany his sons, but his duty lay with his people, especially in such a time of danger. Precious few elves yet dwelt in Imladris and those who remained would be in need of his leadership and protection. Elrond signed and turned away from the window.

Erestor smiled in gentle concern when his lord finally noticed his return. He doubted that Elrond had noticed his departure, more than an hour previous. "Are you well Elrond? You look horrible."

Elrond placed an arm around the taller elf's shoulders. "Thank you, Erestor. You are a true friend."

"In all seriousness, my Lord, the last days have been especially trying on all of us. Glorfindel has returned. Come, let us join him in my rooms for a glass of wine. There is a small favour which I would ask of you."

x x x

He was not a particularly tall man, and though he was lean and hard of muscle, not unattractive. His dark hair was clipped short and the high boned, aristocratic face was without beard or moustache. He wore a simple uniform of dark leather and finely woven cloth; the only adornments which betrayed his rank were a black mithril pendant bearing his personal insignia and the circlet on his head.

The Heir of Sauron studied the map of Minas Tirith which sprawled over an entire wall of the mansion's War Room. The flawlessly detailed diagram had taken nearly a year to complete. Human servants had daily disguised themselves as simple peasant artisans in order to enter the capital of Gondor. There they had explored the city, painting and sketching every building, alley and sewer.

One man of particular skill had even duped the idiotic and unsuspecting King Elessar into commission his services as a muralist within the very walls of the palace! Of course, the enterprising man had been promoted with all haste, an example of obedience and loyalty ought not to go unnoticed by others.

As the Heir stood contemplating the map and committing it to memory, the sound of knuckles connecting with flesh caught his attention. He turned to see three guards approaching, a semi-conscious figure bound and suspended between two of them. Blood spattered the floor in their wake.

"My Lord," spake the leader, a captain, as he dropped to one knee. "If it pleases you, we have captured an elf – a messenger for the host of Mirkwood. The missive he carried is, I believe, of great import to you, My Lord."

The elf groaned through split lips, yet managed to lift his golden head to spit at the feet of the Heir. "May the good earth spew you out like the vile vomit you are!" he croaked in the common tongue.

The captain rose and backhanded his helpless prisoner. "I only regret that I cannot kill you twice, elf!" he snarled. "Still, you had best watch your mouth unless you desire to be turned into an orc! You are in the presence of His Majesty, the Heir of Sauron, the Dark Lord Saberon!"

x x x

Glorfindel had already poured the wine and delivered the crystal glasses into thankful hands ere words of greeting had been exchanged. "Erestor has already informed me of the details of your counsel," the Eldar said without preamble, as he took up his customary place near the mantle. "I believe that there were good decisions made all around."

Erestor swallowed his wine and looked at his friend, a pensive expression on his handsome face, his dark brows knitted together. "Save for Legolas' decision to attend. I don't dare to think what may have happened, had he fallen or otherwise caused himself further injury.."

Elrond paused in his personal musings. "He is no different from the way we all were at that age. He has seen much death, it is true, but he still believes that his immortality makes him immune from lasting harm."

"That is undoubtedly so," Glorfindel murmured, swirling the wine in his glass. "Yet more than that, he is in love, and that lends him a new degree of imagined invulnerability."

"You had a favour to ask?" Elrond inquired, deftly steering the subject in another direction. He was too tired for such talk this night.

"I do," Erestor replied. "I would ask your permission to accompany the twins to the west." The advisor laughed at seeing the anxious reactions of his friends. "Nay, I am not leaving for the Grey Havens! I will not yet set eyes upon the sea." Erestor sobered and shook his head. "It is only that, though your children are grown, I do not think that this is a journey to be made alone. Elrond, I believe that I speak also for Glorfindel when I tell you that Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen have been – to us- the sons and daughter of our hearts."

The quiet Eldar smiled earnestly. "Yes, I feel that way also. It has been my greatest joy to share in the lives of you and your family, Elrond."

The lord of Imladris felt unexpected tears spring to his eyes. Erestor and Glorfindel had been considered family for centuries and he would never regret granting this request, only that he must stay behind. "Of course you may go with them Erestor." Elrond nodded, his voice somewhat lacking of its usual power and strength.

Sensing that their lord had reached the very limits of his endurance, Glorfindel abandoned his wine glass, and Erestor his seat and both elves warmly embraced Elrond, their dearest friend.

x x x

Well, what do you know? That chapter actually had some closure in it! But it also opened up a whole new can of worms! It was pretty long, too. At first I intended to leave off after the "bad guy" segment and leave the scene at the end for the next chapter – but I just had to get it in! As it is, I'm still a bit uncertain if the organization of the chapter was easy to follow. Would anyone mind please letting me know your thoughts on that in you review?