A/N: timeline is going to seem a bit jumpy again…but this starts a few days after Legolas got sick. And if you like Boromir, I'm sorry, but he becomes an (excuse my language) ass-kissing-bastard for sure in this chapter. And also, if you haven't already noticed, the funky marks to indicate elvish have been replaced with parenthesis. :P yay!

Aralas: Yay! glad you liked!

Ilaaris: Why thank you. Hope you like this too.

Amensia: rotflmoa. Here, breath darling...a new chappie for you!

Pearl-MagicGirl: Thank you very much.

Ricissa Kat: I will not kill you. Just strangle you a bit and leave you for dead...lol. not really. Love to the Luv, and I'm glad your doing better! Here is your "hot and bothered, but only so much" chappie.

nobody'slittleprincess: lol, why yes. But can you figure out why? I'll be dropping more clues in as the story goes...and I'm not really sure. At this point I might go either way...We'll see which fits better with the ideas i have in mind. ;P

Chapter Sixteen

The Assassins

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The treaty was signed. Legolas breathed a sigh of relief as he tucked it into his belongings, making sure it was completely safe. It was a heavy burden lifted off his shoulders to know that they would have allies in their fight, but it was a heavy burden placed on them again when he thought how many more lives would be at stake.

He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose as he did. He really just wanted to lie down and sleep…to rest his worries away, but he also needed to make preparations for their departure later in the evening…

And that included telling Theoden he intended to court his niece and take her back with him as part of this courtship. He rubbed the bridge of his nose again, and sighed. Eowyn had been kind enough to tell him about his promise to her after she realized he could not remember a thing that had happened a few days ago. He did not doubt her, but he still was aggravated with himself for his rash actions during his drunken escapades a few nights before.

He sighed once more and ran a hand through his hair, pushing its stray strands from his eyes. He had not bothered in braiding it since he had arrived, as he had deemed it unnecessary, so it hung loose about his shoulders and fell into his face again as soon as he brushed it back. He straightened up and made his way to the door, making sure he had left nothing behind…and then walked down the hall to talk to Theoden.

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Eowyn stood nervously in the Golden Hall waiting for Legolas. She was about to try and tell the biggest lie she ever had to her uncle…and she wasn't sure she could pull it off.

"Are you alright Eowyn?"

She turned to see the familiar face of her brother looking at her concernedly.

"Yes, Eomer," she said with a weak smile, "I am fine. Why would I be otherwise?"

"You're lying to me." He stated his concerned look now a critical one. "What are you trying to hide from me Eowyn?"

She felt some of the color drain from her face, but she held herself tall, not wanting to let her brother know the truth of the matter. Not wanting to let him know what she was going to do…

"I am not. There is nothing wrong. I am fine." She said and turned to scan the hall again.

"Alright. Fine." He said turning her back around. "But I will find out sooner or later Eowyn. You know I will."

She stared defiantly at him for a moment before saying anything. "I guess it will just have to be later then…won't it?"

Eomer narrowed his eyes for a moment then walked off, his aura becoming dark and moody. Eowyn just watched him go, not exactly sad to see him leaving.

"What was that all about?"

She turned to see Legolas standing behind her, a curious smile on his face.

"He is doubtful of me…I wouldn't tell him why I am so nervous, so he became angry…"

"Ah. I see." He said. "I'm going to go talk to your Uncle in a moment, I just wanted to come over and say not to worry."

Eowyn, despite her nervousness, did feel a bit relieved at his confident air. She nodded, and then gave him a hug. He smiled at her as he pulled away, and walked towards her Uncle's study…

She may not have felt so good had she known what he was going to do.

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Aragorn was just tightening up the last strap on his horse's saddle when he felt a light hand on his shoulder. He jumped slightly and swung around to see Legolas standing behind him, a smile on his face.

"I was not expecting to see you out here so soon." He said with a smile, and stooped forward to capture Legolas's lips in a kiss.

He smiled even wider as he pulled away, leaning his pack against the stall. "The others will be out in a few moments, and then we can leave."

"Others?" asked Aragorn confusedly. "I thought only Eowyn…"

"Theoden thought it would be best if he sent along a set of ambassadors…one who knew the will of the Golden Hall, the other the will of the Rohan…so Theodred and Eomer stepped forward to accompany us…"

"And what of Eowyn?"

Legolas grimaced. "She too is coming, but she is not speaking to me at the moment."

"Why?"

"Because I told her Uncle the truth."

Aragorn stared for a moment, then nearly doubled over laughing.

"So I take it the lady was not pleased when she found out about you telling him about her wish to run away from her ill fitted suitor?"

Legolas just shot him an exasperated look and began to saddle his horse as Aragorn began to hear the approaching footsteps.

"Let's just go home…" sighed Legolas, and Aragorn, still laughing, turned to help their companions with their gear.

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The shadows suited them well. Not even the keenest of their brethren's eyes could see them when they slipped into the shadows. They carried cruel looking weapons that could be concealed in the palm of a hand in the fold of a cloak…they were deadly, trained and honed in their lethal art. They could slaughter entire villages, man woman and child, at the gates of a great city, and not leave the slightest trace. They kept their pale bodies concealed…their faces covered so only icy eyes were visible, with the colors of the night, of the shadows they called home.

And it was these creatures that Arathorn called upon to do his bidding. There were traitors in the Forest to the north; only a few days ride east from Rohan. The Captain Boromir had provided two names, that of the Sovereign Prince, Aragorn, the other of the Captain Faramir, who had been missing for several days. And it was these two men that they were out to kill…along with any Rebels who tried to stop them.

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Haldir paced around his room impatiently. It had been a few days since they had received word at Haven that Legolas and Aragorn were returning from the Rohan. They could be there at any moment. And he was eager to discuss the problem of this new man inside Haven with them…There was a sharp knock on his door that drew him out of his brooding thoughts.

He crossed to the door and threw it open to see a young page standing there, an apprehensive look on his face. "General." He said with a slight bow. "The Lord Elrond wishes to speak with you. General Greenleaf has returned and he awaits you with the Lord in his study." Haldir motioned the boy away as he walked out the door, headed straight for Elrond's study. He was unsure of exactly what the Lord of the Haven wanted but he was sure he would find out. He wound his way quickly through the halls, and entered into Elrond's study.

"I came as soon as I…" he began, but trailed off at the sight that awaited him.

In the study stood Elrond and Legolas, as he was expecting. But there were also five humans in the room. Two he recognized as Faramir and Aragorn…but the other three.

"General Greenleaf has just returned from his diplomatic mission to the Rohan. Along with their alliance, The King Theoden has sent these three diplomats…" he shot a dark look at the three newcomers as he spoke, and crossed to Haldir. "They need rooms…and," he said lowering his voice so only the elves in the room would be able to hear, "place them next to the other humans, and see if you can't get them new clothes…their attire is not suited for this city."

Haldir shot a look at Legolas who stood with his head down in the corner between the window and the bookshelf with his head down. It looked as if Elrond had already berated him for bringing the humans in. Haldir nodded and turned to lead the human gathering out.

"Legolas shall go with you." Said Elrond sharply, and Legolas nodded slightly and followed them out, the object of a rather obvious defeat.

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Eowyn was in awe of the city around her. Despite the fact that she had had to sit in on Legolas's obvious rebuke (she had not understood a word, as it had all been in their native tongue) she felt oddly attracted to the place, and all its people. She had been exceptionally surprised to see another human besides them there.

He was a tall Gondorian man with reddish brown hair and startling grey eyes. The tall elf in front of them, the one whom the Elven lord had called Haldir, lead the group to a set of rooms. The Gondorian man nodded slightly to her as he took the room on the far end of the hall, next to a large stone and wood veranda that lead further up into a magnificent tree. Haldir gave both Eomer and Theodred rooms closer to the entry before opening the door next to the other man's.

"This shall be your room milady. I hope you will find it to your liking." Said the tall elf, practically ushering her into the room.

"Please," she said with a laugh, "call me Eowyn. I require no title."

The Elf looked taken aback for a moment, then nodded slightly. "I shall leave you for now. If you need it, I shall send someone to show you around until you get your bearings. After that, your on your own."

Eowyn nodded. "Thank you Haldir. I appreciate it."

He eyed her questioningly for a moment before exiting the room, leaving Eowyn to her own devices.

She looked about her room, at all its intricacies, and its simple, open beauty, and knew that she could not stay mad at the elf who had helped her get outside of the Golden Hall…

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The scout stumbled as he ran into the clearing, barley recovering his momentum as he tumbled into the bright moonlight. He felt as if they were close behind, but he could not be sure. All he knew was that he had to get back to Haven, and quickly. He had to warn the rest of the people…tell them of the monsters that had wiped out the rest of his patrol…He started to run in the direction of safety, but stopped. If he ran back to Haven, he would be leading them straight there…

He stopped cold in the center of the clearing, turning every which way, trying to make the best call. He paused, and took and a few deep breathes, then turned to run the other way. He stopped short as he bounced off a tall figure clad in dark browns and blues and blacks…icy grey eyes stared down at him with almost pure hatred.

(Where is the city?) it hissed. The scout stared wide-eyed for a moment at the creature, then tried to turn and run the other way, only to find his path blocked.

The voice hissed again, sounding more guttural, angry even. (Do not be a fool. Tell me…) he felt a cold hand grip his shoulder, (where is the city?)

The scout unsheathed his blade quicker than any eye could follow and turned, slashing the creature behind him. A piece of midnight blue cloth that shimmered black fell away from the things face, fluttering to the ground at the scouts feet. Beneath it lay a pale Elven face…the scout felt himself pale at the sight.

They were Shadow Walkers.

He snatched up the piece of cloth and wrapped the hilt of his blade in it, knowing that at any moment he would die. The Shadow Walkers left none they intended to kill alive…

He looked back up at the Walker defiantly. (I will never tell you.) he growled. He held the blade point down towards the grass as he did. The effect of his words was instantaneous. He felt the pain of the stiletto that buried itself in his shoulder…and gasped as it pierced his heart. He felt the blood soaking around his chest…running down his hands onto the blade he held…he looked up at the Walker, a slow grin spreading over his face as the blood began to flow at the corners of his mouth…he fell forward, the weight of his body driving his blade deep into the ground beneath him, to the point where almost no one would be able to see it.

He felt the Walker flip him over and begin to drag him into the Shadows…Into a place where no one would ever find him alive again…he opened his eyes blearily to see that they were taking him away from the gates, away from the city. The city was still safe…he smiled again and let the arms of darkness eternally embrace him.

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Legolas entered his room and headed straight for the bed, wanting to sleep all his troubles away. He let himself fall face first into the pillows, burying his face deep in them. He didn't cry; he wasn't that upset at what had happened. But he did let out a frustrated growl as he lay there, not really wanting to get up for the next week or so.

He felt the bed sink on one side as Aragorn sat down next to him. "Are you alright?"

Legolas rolled over onto his side and looked up at the concerned look on his face. He smiled faintly at him before rolling over the whole way. "Not really. But I'll live." He said looking over at Aragorn.

"I'm sorry about Elrond…I don't think any of us had any idea about how mad he'd be…"

Legolas sat up on his elbows to stare at Aragorn. "Why are you sorry? You were at no fault." He asked quizzically. Aragorn smiled and leaned over Legolas so his lips were barely brushing his.

"Because I don't like to see you upset." He whispered, and leaned all the way in, capturing his lips in a tender kiss. Legolas twined his fingers through his hair as he leaned back, pulling Aragorn with him.

He felt Aragorn's tongue brush against his lips, asking for entrance. Legolas smiled and pushed Aragorn back breaking the kiss. The man looked at him with an almost sad expression in his eyes. He smiled out right at this and pushed Aragorn over, so that he straddling his hips. He leaned forward and kissed Aragorn hungrily, causing him to gasp in surprise. Legolas took the incentive to deepen the kiss, which made Aragorn go wide eyed for a moment, but he was not shocked for too long. He let Legolas kiss him for a moment before he began to battle him with his own tongue, wanting the dominance he had always held in his relationships…Legolas pulled back and laughed, playing with a rather stunned Aragorn's hair as he did.

"Not today." He said playfully as he sat up and took off his cloak, throwing it to the floor. Aragorn took the opportunity to deftly undo some of the fastenings on his shirt, and run his hand under it making Legolas pause for a moment and suck in a breath. He looked down at Aragorn for a moment and then smiled mischievously as he began to unfasten the top. Aragorn sat up all the way, undoing the bottom, until their hands met in the middle. He caught Legolas's lips in a kiss before undoing the last of the fastenings and letting the garment slide from his shoulders.

Aragorn felt himself becoming aroused at the sight of Legolas's bare skin; it's creamy color smooth and completely unblemished. He nipped slightly at his throat, and Legolas gasped, moaning slightly as Aragorn continued. Legolas ran his hands down Aragorn's shoulders to the top of his shirt, where he began to undo the clasps that held his tunic together. He felt Aragorn's hands leave the small of his back where they had been resting, and rise to help him with the job, but the kisses still came; across his neck and shoulders, his collar and chest…Legolas fought to keep himself in check, but with each passing moment it became more difficult…Aragorn's shirt fell away, revealing the tanned skin beneath. Legolas sat still, looking at the man in front of him for a moment. Then he pushed Aragorn down, kissing him with more passion than ever before. His hands felt their way to Aragorn's breeches, to the belt that held them in place. He had it undone and off before Aragorn could even react.

Legolas scooted back off his hips pulling the breeches down slightly as he did.

"What are you…?" Aragorn began huskily, but stopped short, moaning with pleasure as Legolas pressed his thumbs into the top of his hipbones. Legolas felt himself suppressing a laugh as Aragorn practically melted under his ministrations…

There was a sharp knock on the door. They both looked up at the door, the whole moment between them lost.

"My Lord?" came a voice along with another knock.

Legolas practically leapt off of Aragorn, retrieving his shirt from the floor as he did.

"What are you doing?" asked Aragorn as Legolas pulled his shirt back on, and began to hastily button it.

"We can't be found together like this! What would Elrond think? One of his greatest Generals with a Human?" he hissed, throwing his cloak over his shoulders and fastening it.

"Luck man?" said Aragorn with a sly grin. Legolas just shot him an exasperated look.

"I already got in trouble once today. Get dressed." He whispered, and crossed to the door. "Just a moment." He called, and after running a hand through his hair, walked out of the door.

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(We found this out in the clearing.) said Elrohir placing an Elven blade on the table. It was covered it dirt up above it's hilt, and was stained with blood. (It was discovered after one of our patrols didn't return. A scouting party was sent out and they discovered that. This was wrapped around its hilt.) he continued, a placed a blood soaked piece of cloth of midnight blue and black onto the table.

(Shadow Walkers!) hissed Haldir.

Elladan merely nodded as Elrohir began to explain further.

(The Shadow Walker's wiped out the last patrol, and are merely waiting for the next. It is my guess that they cornered this poor fellow, and tried to get information on Haven's whereabouts from him. When he refused, they killed him.)

(How does that explain the blade and cloth being left behind? They leave no trace.) asked Elrond.

(He tried to fight back.)

Everyone sat in silence for a few moments before Elladan spoke.

(We need to find a volunteer to try to lead the Walkers away from Haven. Even kill a few of them if need be.)

There was silence again when a grim voice spoke from a dark corner of the room.

(I will go.) said Legolas, stepping forward. ( I will not see the place I fought so hard for lost…)

The twins both nodded. They knew what he meant. (You will leave as soon as you are ready then.)

Legolas nodded coldly, turned on his heel and walked out the door.

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Aragorn sat patiently in Legolas's room, waiting for him to return. He had silently cursed whoever had interrupted them earlier, but now he was simply waiting. He had even gotten dressed like Legolas had asked. But while he sat, his mind began to wander, and he began to think of things that had been bothering him since he had gotten to spend time in Rohan with him…

The sicknesses were the first thing that came to his mind. He found it startling that an elf could fall prey to such sever, and seemingly random illness. All his life Aragorn was told legends of how elves could never fall ill, lived forever, and could only die from either grief or blood loss. And he had seen no evidence to the contrary until he met Legolas. He sat pondering further, until a soft voice in his ear caused him to start.

"What are you thinking so deeply about?"

Aragorn looked up to see Legolas standing beside him, a soft smile on his face.

"About you." He answered truthfully.

Legolas sighed, and sat down next to him, rubbing the bridge of is nose as he did. "May I ask what?" he said, his smile much sadder than it had been before.

"I was just wondering what could make you sick…"

Legolas looked at him sharply, then stood back up with another sigh.

"I have to go. I volunteered for a scouting mission, one that will hopefully lead our enemies away from our Haven."

"What enemies?" asked Aragorn, rising to stand as well.

Legolas was quiet for a moment he answered.

"The Shadow Walkers."

Aragorn took a sharp breath.

"Legolas I don't think…"

"I have to do this." He interjected. "I don't want the dreams to come true again. Never again."

Aragorn recognized the look of pure determination in his eyes, and nodded.

"Just promise you will come back to me Legolas." He whispered, giving him a soft kiss. "I don't want to lose you."

Legolas looked as if he was going to cry for a moment, then looked him straight in the eye.

"I promise you Aragorn, I will come back to you."

Aragorn nodded and let Legolas go, and after a moment he disappeared out the door, bound to either save Haven, or die trying.

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Shorter than what I wanted…but it'll work. A penny for your thoughts?