Author's Note: Hello!My computer is fixed. I was so excited I finished this chapter...but not the rest of the story. I'm sorry. Please bear with me, as it will be a long time before I post another chapter. I've had quite a bit of homework and projects recently, and I'm starting driver's ed tomorrow, so I will have little time to write. Besides that my mom keeps giving out random assignments...like yesterday, when I had to paint the blasted wrought-iron fence black. The paint, unfortunately, was rather sticky and permanent, so I have random black spots on my arms and a spot that greatly resembles a bruise on my leg. Oops...that one was my own fault. I kind of dropped the roller...hehehe. I'm a bit clumsy. Anyway, after that random and completely pointless story, I would like to say thank you to all my reviewers, and I'm terribly sorry that I don't have time to respond to each review individually. Your support is appreciated! I hope you enjoy this chapter.

"Legolas!" Aragorn cried as the elf brushed past him angrily. Neralin was rushing after the elf, clearly shocked. The boy stopped when Aragorn rested a hand on his shoulder. Once Neralin halted, Legolas turned.

The elf's eyes were filled with a sorrowful determination. With a sigh, he replied, "Look after the hobbits, mellon nin. And don't let that stubborn dwarf get himself into any trouble. I hope we cross paths again, Estel. Neralin and I must leave now."

Legolas' statement was greeted with an expression of understanding and concern. Aragorn declared softly, "You're still injured, Legolas. You can't leave now! You've only just returned, and what of us? Your friends? Have you forgotten that we are here upon your invitation, to see you? How can you leave now? Surely you could pardon Neralin's crimes and allow him protection here."

"Did you not hear my father? He is being unreasonable. I know he won't allow Neralin to have freedom." Legolas responded remorsefully, "I'm sorry that I'm leaving you now, but surely you can see why! I cannot bring myself to lead you away from the safety of the palace because of my promises. Besides, the fewer there are, the easier it is to remain hidden from the enemy!"

"But what happens when Saruman finds you, Legolas?" Aragorn asked irritatedly. He continued, "You are in no condition to fight, mellon nin, and the boy is young and frightened. It is unwise for you to leave!"

Legolas answered wearily, "There is no other way, Aragorn."

"I...I won't let you do this for me, Prince Legolas," Neralin spoke hesitantly. The elf raised a skeptical eyebrow, and he elaborated, "I won't let you abandon your friends and family for me. We will stay here, and if the king decides to end my life, then so be it. It would be better than going back to...to him...I'm sure."

"You're not going to be rid of us so easily, laddie!" Gimli announced as he stepped into the argument.

With a sigh of defeat, Legolas consented, "I suppose I'm not going to win this time, am I? Alright, we will stay here."

"Good," Aragorn smiled in relief. Legolas' uncanny ability to attract danger had nearly gotten the elf killed several times, and Aragorn certainly didn't want to allow his friend to put himself into another one of those situations. With a growing smile, he admitted to himself that he often found himself in dangerous situations far too frequently as well. Frankly, the friendship shared by the man and elf was nothing short of suicidal, considering the situations the two attracted. All the residents of Mirkwood and Rivendell had been shocked when Legolas and Aragorn both managed to get through the War of the Ring without any serious injuries.

"I suppose I should attempt to reason with my father again," Legolas said with disdain.

"Oh, and what would your argument be this time, ion nin?" King Thranduil asked as he stepped into the hall. His eyes held a silent apology that he sent to his son. Legolas met his gaze and smiled gently.

"Ada, I do not wish to leave Mirkwood," the prince announced sincerely. Legolas continued, "I also do not wish to see Neralin punished for the crimes he has committed here. He has suffered too much already."

"If you will not press charges, there is little I can do," King Thranduil returned. With a smile, he told his son, "You may be the judge, Legolas. If you do not wish to punish him, he will not be punished."

"Hannon le, Ada," Legolas thanked him softly. The prince sighed as if a great burden had been lifted. With an odd separation from reality, Legolas realized that everything was starting to spin. Darkness was edging in on his vision, and everyone's voices where becoming distant. Much to the elf's dismay, he passed out.

"Legolas!" Aragorn cried as the elf sank to the floor. As he and Gimli carried Legolas to his room, the man muttered, "And that, my dear friend, is why I didn't want you to leave. I can only imagine what would have happened had you passed out in the middle of the forest."

"I'd rather not think about that," Gimli declared with a shudder.

Frodo spun toward the door as it opened, revealing a man and a dwarf supporting an extremely pale, unconscious elf. A young human boy was hovering in the background, as was the king, both of whom were shooting anxious glances at the still being. The hobbit quickly unmade the bed and adjusted the pillows for his friend, while Aragorn and Gimli carried him forward. Beside Frodo were Merry and Pippin, both of whom started asking questions the moment the door opened. Legolas opened his eyes as he was placed gently on the bed, and smiled slightly when he saw the hobbits who were gathered around his bed, asking questions even though no one was listening.

"Legolas," Aragorn started in a calm voice, assuming the role of the healer.

The elf cut him off before he could say any more. With a small smile and a wistful tone, Legolas stated, "You want to know what happened, aye? In the excitement downstairs, I seem to have caused my arrow wound to reopen. 'Tis nothing, do not worry."

Aragorn shook his head, knowing it would be pointless to argue with the stubborn prince. With a sigh, he replied, "Ah, yes, but every time you tell me not to worry I simply worry more. You aren't what one would call forthcoming about injuries, Legolas. I know you would sooner allow yourself to bleed to death than admit you received anything more than a scratch."

Pippin cut in to the conversation with his own commentary. "But Legolas wouldn't do something that foolish!"

When Legolas grinned sheepishly from his bed in reply, Pippin looked down and muttered, "Oh. Stubborn fool."

"I heard that, Pippin," Legolas remarked with a false scowl. Aragorn went to work, re-stitching the hole in Legolas' side. In the chairs around the bed, Merry and Pippin were arguing about whether or not Legolas had truly been able to hear Pippin's comment, and Thranduil shot them several annoyed glances while thinking, How can anyone stand to be around those little beings and not lose their sanity? It seems I've underestimated my son once again, considering how long he survived their company. Not that he's completely sane, either, if you ask me. Thranduil chuckled quietly at his thoughts.

Still hovering in the doorway was Neralin, who was concerned about Legolas' well-being, but at the same time didn't feel entirely comfortable with the entire group inside the room. The hobbits were amusing, but the others Legolas chose to be with were a bit more intimidating. Especially if one happened to be the cause of a rather deep arrow wound in the elf's side. Focused upon the happenings inside the room, Neralin failed to notice the approach of the wizard from behind, causing him to nearly cry out in fear as a hand touched his shoulder. Only years of rather unpleasant training allowed him to stay silent. Neralin stepped quietly to the side, allowing the wizard to enter the room, while keeping his eyes averted.

Gandalf stepped inside the room, allowing Neralin to resume his position of hovering in the doorway, and then turned back to the boy. A puzzled look crossed the child's face, and he opened his mouth to ask a question, but Gandalf spoke first, "What are you doing there? Should you not be in the room?"

"I…um…well, you see…" Neralin stuttered. After taking a deep breath to calm down, he continued, "I don't feel like I belong with them. They…I'm scared to go in there…but I wanted to be sure that Legolas is okay."

The wizard chuckled, and giving the young human an encouraging smile, told him, "If Legolas is willing to accept you, then his friends shall not question his judgment. Not in front of you, at least."

At the look of horror on Neralin's face, Gandalf's smile broadened. Once he noticed Gandalf's expression, he relaxed a bit, and allowed himself to laugh. With a faintly nervous smile, he entered the room. Once he stepped inside, Legolas shot a grateful smile at Gandalf, and then turned to Neralin, "I'm glad you've decided to join us, my friend. You need not be afraid here, we shall keep you from harm."

"For that I am grateful, your highness," Neralin responded, shifting nervously as he felt the room's occupants' stares burn into his back.

With a grin, Legolas replied," Tis nothing, mellon nin. And please, just Legolas will do. I've always disliked formalities."

2 Days Later

Mirkwood

A gentle breeze wept across the balcony. Leaves rustled nearby, and a few strands of long blonde hair blew into the eyes of the young elf that was perched on the balcony's rail. His eyes were partially closed, and his hand rested lightly on a nearby tree. A contented smile graced the fair being's face as he communicated with the tree. His posture was slightly more stiff than usual, but that was to be expected after his injuries, which were thankfully almost healed. At the sound of approaching footsteps, the young elf sighed and turned toward the door, which opened moments later revealing the elf's father.

"How are you feeling, ion nin?" the older elf asked.

"As well as to be expected, I suppose," Legolas answered. He knew his father wasn't here for a casual conversation. Before his father could explain his purpose for coming, the young prince asked, "Have there been any more problems with the orcs?"

With a sigh, the king nodded. A saddened look crossed his face, "They have become more of a problem than I had thought. Most of the normal patrols have been overwhelmed. I have requested help from Lothlorien and Imladris, but I fear they shall come too late. It is difficult for me to request this of you so soon after your recovery, ion nin, but I must ask you to return to your patrol. You are Mirkwood's most skilled warrior. We need you to fight, lest we fall into darkness."

"I shall go, ada," Legolas replied solemnly. Smiling, he declared, "I'm sure my friends will help as well. It has been long since we have fought together, but before the Fellowship we fought naught at all. We have won many battles together. This shall be no different."

Thranduil was proud and devestated at the same time. Twas only to be expected, for it is difficult for a father to allow his only son to charge off into battle, death a possibility at any given moment, while at the same time he is incredibly proud at the sacrifices his child is willing to make for his home, and the prowess in which he achieves his objectives. He was pleased that his son had friendships that he was willing to trust boundlessly. Legolas smiled encouragingly before he darted out the door to gather his friends.

Sitting out in the courtyard were Aragorn, Gimli, and the hobbits. Legolas approached them, excitement and concern clearly discernable. With a grin, he said, "Let's hunt some orc!"

Gimli and Aragorn laughed at his statement, for it was not the first time they had heard it. The hobbits exchanged puzzled glances before Sam asked, "Are you sure you're ready for that, Legolas? Seeing as how it's only been two days since you were injured."

A musical laugh drifted in the wind, and the elf replied merrily, "Of course, Sam! Forget not that elves heal more rapidly than one may expect. My injuries shall hinder me no longer. The borders need more protection, and we are running short on warriors. Many have departed for Valinor, and help from the other realms will arrive late. I must fight, and I must request aid, lest Mirkwood fall to evil."

"That shall not happen if I can help it, mellon nin, " Aragorn replied, "I, for one, will fight. Though I fear that help from Gondor would arrive too late to be of assistance."

"I'll fight as well, laddie!" Gimli announced, grinning broadly, "I shall kill more of the foul beasts than you, without a doubt!"

"We will fight," Pippin spoke. He then turned to Merry and asked, "We will fight, won't we?"

Chuckling, Merry replied, "But of course!"

Sam and Frodo agreed as well, and the Fellowship separated, going to their respective rooms, to prepare for the journey in the woods. Legolas' side was aching more than he cared to admit as he packed what he would need for the trip. Suddenly, he realized that he had yet to tell Neralin and Gandalf of his plans. The boy, he knew, would be safer at the palace. But Gandalf he had not seen since he awoke after reopening his arrow wound. He decided that the wizard must be up to something, and surely his father would tell Gandalf of their plans if he reappeared soon.

In the morning, the Fellowship set off with a small company of elven warriors, Legolas' good friend Raenin amongst them. With only minor misgivings, Legolas led the way to their assigned region along the border, and the coming battle.

Shortly after the company left, Gandalf returned, requesting an immediate audience with King Thranduil. His wish was granted, and he burst into the king's study, announcing, "Saruman is not after Mirkwood. He desires to capture the members of the Fellowship, and seek his revenge. You must not let them leave the safety of the palace, for if they do they shall walk straight into a trap."

Misery clearly showing in the king's eyes, Thranduil replied softly, "Tis too late. They left at my request to defend the borders. There is naught we can do now but wait, and hope that by some miracle they will come home."

Saruman smirked, declaring, "Here they come! All goes as planned..."

TBC

Author's Note: Hello again. This is the part where you SEND A REVIEW! please! Anyway, thank you for reading, and reviewing. And for all you silent readers (yes, you, my dear reader who isnt planning on sending me a review...) thank you for reading, and I hope you will come back when I eventually update again! Thank you for your patience!