Disclaimer: I own nothing of Tolkien's works. I only lay claim to my plot and to my own characters.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Part Two

Too Long

Mirkwood

Five Years Later

"What do you think?" Asked the man atop the bay horse of the golden haired elf as they rode through the forest. The elf surveyed the approaching city with fond recollection. He smiled at the human, turning and slowing his white horse to speak to his friend.

"It is good to be home." He said, nodding as if to confirm his statement. The human smiled,

"Truth be told, I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to come back." The man said. His garb was that of a noble, a leather tunic adorned with the white tree and seven stars of Gondor. A long scabbard was tied to his saddle, his dark hair pulled back into the fashion of a warrior.

A column of soldiers flanked the elf and man, both bearing the colors of their respective countries, Gondor and Mirkwood. The Elf smiled, his tunic and trousers were colored a dark green, the color of earth. His blue eyes wandered as the procession continued into the city. He had to hold back an amused chuckle as elves emerged from the flets and cottages which stood in various parts of the city, all gaping at the party and a few adventurous souls shouting calls of welcome and praise to the noteworthy visitors.

"It is good to be home." He repeated in reply to the human's question. His keen eyes did not see the smile that the man did not bother to hide. The man followed the elf's gaze, looking ahead.

"So...how far exactly is it to the palace?"

"Can you not remember mellon nin?" (my friend) Asked the elf in jest.

The man laughed, "It has been many years since last I came to your home dear elf."

The elf frowned slightly, his eyes seeking out eagerly what lay ahead. "Aye." He answered softly. "It has been too long."

The palace was just as magnificent as he remembered it. Elven warriors lined each side of the road as the elf and human rode past. Since the destruction of Sauron, and the end of the War of the Ring, the forest of Mirkwood had lost some of its foreboding nature. The elves standing behind the warriors cheered the elf and human as the dismounted and walked up a flight of large steps up to the palace door. There, at the top of the steps stood another elf, wisdom was written in his fair face that only comes with the passing of many years. His golden hair shone brightly in the summer sun from out under a crown of silver leaves.

The elf, Thranduil, King of Mirkwood, exclaimed a joyous welcome as he embraced the nearing elf. "Legolas!" He said in mirth, embracing his son with tenderness. He released him, looking back into the mirror images of Legolas' eyes. "I see that Elessar has brought you home in one piece." He said in mock seriousness, his gaze averting to the human king.

Aragorn chuckled from behind Legolas, and Thranduil bowed slightly, showing respect for his new found ally.

"My Lord Thrnaduil," Elessar replied, replying with the same gesture. "is it not as I promised?"

The Elven king could not suppress a laugh at Elessar's words. "So you did my friend. Come," He said gesturing to the hall behind him. "we have prepared a feast for you. It is not often that we are able to entertain so renowned," he looked pointedly at his son, "...guests such as these."

"Why does five years suddenly seem too long?" Asked Legolas of his father as he ate.

Thranduil laughed, "Don't you know my son? It is because you keep company with this foolish mortal." He looked at Aragorn. "I cannot count how many messes you got into together."

Aragorn laughed, "Well, five years is a long time for me anyway."

This time, Legolas chuckled. "Everything seems not to have changed though father.

It amazes me still about this place."

Thranduil frowned. "Not everything is the same."

"Meaning what?" Asked Legolas in confusion.

"The War did not only change the lands in the east my son. Strange things have been happening in Mirkwood."

"For instance?" Asked Aragorn curiously.

"There have been rumors of a ghost wandering the forest."

"A ghost?" Asked Legolas, his lips turning upward in mirth. "In the last five years? Isn't that a little quick for a ghost to appear?"

Thranduil frowned at his son, "I would have said so, but too many strange things have happened. She wanders the forest, glowing brightly."

"She?" Aragorn interrupted.

"Yes." Thranduil answered, eyeing Aragorn with a silent warning not to interrupt. Aragorn had been under that gaze more then once before in his years, and he only smiled at the elven king. "She cries, singing songs that no one can understand. It is said she flies away when approached, and has a home deep in the forest. From which, no one can seem to return from sane."

"What?" Asked Legolas in alarm.

"They return incapable of speech and in a daze." Thranduil explained, "They come out of it within two weeks, but none of them remember anything."

"It sounds as though you've had a number of these victims." Said Legolas.

"You could say that. The ghost has become...more violent of late...it is difficult to explain. Many warriors have gone in order to challenge the ghost, and all seem to meet the same fate."

"Does she have a name?" Asked Aragorn.

Thranduil nodded, "They call her, Gwenél."

"Maiden of a star." Muttered Legolas quietly.

There was silence for a moment. Thanduil once more filled the great hall with his voice. "Come, I did not welcome you home to entertain you with the petty troubles of Mirkwood. Now is a time of feasting, our prince has returned to us."

Legolas and Aragorn exchanged glances before they smiled at Thranduil and returned to eating. Aragorn met the prince's silver blue eyes, wordlessly expressing his thoughts.

This isn't over.

The Prince nodded.

I know.

Well, that is the end of chapter twenty-four. But I can assure you, this is only the beginning. :) I thank all of you for your support, and here we go for the second part of Safe in My Arms! I hope you all continue to read more story, and while you're all waiting for an update, why not welcome everybody's favorite LotR pair:)

Also, those who payed attention when I was describing Legolas, I'm leaning more toward book-verse for his physical description. Well, for his eyes anyway. In the movies they change from blue to brown. In the books, he's grey(silver) eyed. :)

Thanks to all who are reading and reviewing and a massive thanks to my beta, Kiann:)

TO BE CONTINUED...