Disclaimer: Still trying to figure out why I don't own LotR... thinks nope... nothing, haven't got a clue.

AN: In case you were wondering why I'm so late...again. I was 'trying' to score high marks at school (How I hate taking examinations) and I'm still anxiously waiting for the results. So er...stay nice when you review. Btw, you may not believe it but… this is the last chapter! (of this story at least.)

A Brother's Safety

Chapter 10: How unknown?

The dark-haired elf let out a pained cry when an arrow that seemingly came out of nowhere embedded itself in his hand. He stared in wonder at the trees where the arrow had apparently come from. He cursed, his plan had failed miserably and he now had only two choices: run or carry on. Elrond and the others had noticed him and they were coming after him so he decided to start running.

He didn't get far... a blond elf suddenly landed right in front of him.

"This is yours I believe?" He asked as he indicated his hand.

Legolas who was now blocking his path smiled victoriously.

"I don't have time for this, let me pass."

"No."

"Then you leave me no choice but to kill you, elfling."

Legolas tried to recognise the elf in front of him, he somehow seemed familiar.

"Look behind you, you can't escape."

"Funny, I was thinking something else," the older elf said as he took out a knife.

Legolas sidestepped the attempt and tried to pull the arrow out of his attacker's hand.

The elf gave another pained cry before falling to his knees. "You will pay," he said before oblivion took him.

It was then Legolas saw two more arrows embedded in the unknown elf's back and he looked up.

"Legolas, are you all right?" he heard his father asking.

"I'm fine adar."

Elrond knelt down beside the elf and felt for a pulse, he was surprised he actually found one.

"He's still alive, take him to the healing wing and make sure he can't escape."

Thranduil frowned. "Escape? Mellon-nin have you seen the condition he is in?"

"Just to be sure," Elrond replied.

"I'm glad he's caught and I'm sure he will get the punishment he deserves."

Elrond smiled slightly, "That he will."

"I think it's time for us to leave Imladris now." Thranduil eyed his son for a moment and then locked eyes with Elrond again.

"I understand, I will see you soon."

Thranduil waited for Elrond to follow his warriors before accompanying Legolas to the carriage.

"Are you serious? I told you I was feeling fine adar."

Thranduil had expected his son's reaction. "Who's going to take Eleiden then?"

Legolas rolled his eyes in reply. "Fine, it's not as if I'm able to change your mind."

After a silence Legolas added, "Where is my little brother anyway? And where's Arandur?"

"Waiting over there," Thranduil pointed out.

The sight that greeted him was heart warming and made a smile appear on his lips.

"I think you will make a good father one day," he complimented his friend when he saw Eleiden sleeping in Arandur's arms.

And so the small family was ready to leave Rivendell and head home.

The Mirkwood elves mourned their queen's death for a long time but they also warmly welcomed their new prince. They wondered how it was possible to feel so much joy and sadness at the same time.

A couple of months after his wife's death Thranduil received a message from Rivendell.

He was eager to find out what his friend wanted to tell him and immediately started reading.

Mellon-nin,

Once again I'm the bearer of bad news.

The elf that tried to kill me has escaped.

I do not intend to worry you, I only want you to be very cautious and I hope we'll be able to take care of this problem without bloodshed.

Before he succeeded in his escape attempt we managed to find out how he calls himself. I'm not sure if this is of any importance but his name is Aranhil. I hope you won't encounter him because he is, as you know, very dangerous…

Your friend,

Elrond

There was more to read but Thranduil stopped and dropped the letter on his desk.

A loud knock interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in," he called after regaining himself.

"Adar? Is something wrong?"

He tried to smile reassuringly. "No ion-nin, everything's fine."

… The End …

Btw, thx for all the wonderful reviews… and I'll be using the 'reply' button!

Nice addition in my opinion!

Thanks once again for all the 'nice' comments.

Aurehen