Hi everyone! Believe it or not, here I am again! Hehehe First I wanna thank all the wonderful reviews and reviewers! You guys rock! You make me wanna try harder to make this story in my head something you would enjoy reading! Thanks for the inspiration:)

Now, secondly, I wanna say I'm sorry for the long time it took me to post this new chapter, and for that I have a bunch of reasons! Hehehe Don't I always:D Here's the list: my sister is visiting, my computer broke down, I got sick, my teachers swamped me with papers, not to mention the fact that next week is my test week at college, and for some weird reason I didn't seem to be able to finish this chapter… the thing kept getting bigger and bigger, and it's still not the way I wanted.. but I just had to post it :S ! Uff.. I guess that is all! So… am I forgiven? Hehehe I knew you guys would understand:D

Ok... one last thing before starting. In this chapter I mention Beleg Cúthalion and Turin Turambar. For those who don't know who these two are and are interested in knowing, here's a short version of their story that you can read in The Silmarillion, and that is fully related in the balad called Narn I Hîn Húrin. Beleg was an elf that befriended Turin, who was a man. They loved each other very much, and their friendship was deep and strong, but because of a curse from Morgoth that had befallen Turin's family their story ended up in tragedy, just as pretty much the rest of Turin's life. Turin, in a moment of confusion, ended up killing his best friend, Beleg, as the elf tried to save him from a group of orcs that had made the human prisoner.

There you have it! Hope you enjoy this freakingly huge chapter, hehehe and let me know what you think about it by leaving a review. :D Any grammar, spelling or whatever mistakes I made, please forgive them. Just tell me what they are and I'll make sure to fix them! Thanks!

A BROTHER'S LOVE – Chapter 3

The rest of the afternoon went by uneventfully, as the four friends kept each other company. Aragorn had watched Legolas the whole time, hoping he would give out something else… anything so he could have at least an idea of what was wrong, but as much as he looked for it, nothing ever came. For all that matters, the elf seemed to be truly fine.

The sun had already set when Elladan stretched his arms, stating tiredly.

"You know… I could keep on talking forever…"

"We know that brother" Elrohir cut in, patronizing him "you don't have to apologize for it."

"ha ha… very funny!" he said sarcastically, turning his back on his twin to effectively block him "as I was saying… the chat has been lovely but I'm afraid my wonderful and faithful bed is calling out for me… and I truly believe I should answer!"

At the thought of his own bed, Elrohir yawned widely, making the other 3 chuckle.

"What?" he said to the others in defense "You do know that it is impossible to get some proper rest with a constant screeching of a broken violin right next to you". The expression on Elrohir's face was one that screamed self-commiseration.

"What are you talking about? I don't think we ever had a trip as tranquil as this one." Elladan said eyeing his brother suspiciously.

Elrohir looked up in mock-disbelief, staring at his brother as if he was supposed to know what he was talking about, but Elladan just kept looking at him, waiting patiently for an explanation.

Elrohir finally relented, asking as if it was the most obvious thing in the whole world.

"That little habit of yours during the watches?"

At this, both Aragorn and Legolas let out an almost unison "Oh!", wincing theatrically, as they looked at Elrohir in sympathy.

Elladan immediately understood what they were referring to, and turned an indignant look towards Elrohir.

"Don't even think of going there! I have a great voice, and my singing is beautiful!"

Elrohir snorted, as he turned to his two 'accomplices', muttering under his breath. "Yeah… it certainly is if compared to a dying warg".

Elladan just gave his brother a playful smack to the back of his neck. "Shut up!"

They all started laughing… even Elladan who knew that his brother was only jesting.

As the laughter died down, it was Elladan's turn to give a yawn of his own.

"Apparently his singing managed to keep him up as well", Elrohir said, his voice still playful.

Elladan just rolled his eyes, choosing to ignore his twin for the time being.

That was when a feminine voice caught their attention.

"Excuse me, my lords."

They all turned to see a young maid standing in the hall's entrance. She bowed slightly, in a sign of respect.

"Lord Elrond sent for you. He is expecting you at the dining hall."

"And we shall not keep him waiting." Elladan said as he got to his feet.

The maid nodded timidly, and left.

"I believe our rest will have to be postponed." he stated, motioning for the others to follow.

Elrohir simply got up, following his twin.

Aragorn rose from his seat, for he knew Elrond didn't like to be kept waiting, not to mention the fact that he was indeed really hungry. That's when he noticed that Legolas hadn't moved from his place.

"Aren't you coming, my friend?"

"I'm not that hungry" the elf answered with a shrug, averting his gaze to one of the paintings in the room.

There. At that brief moment he could see in Legolas' eyes reluctance, and so much anxiety that it took him by surprise.

'I knew it wasn't my mind playing tricks on me', he though as he took in his friend's demeanor.

They were both alone, so he figured this was the perfect moment to approach his friend. That decision made, he tried to be as straightforward as possible, not bothering to mask the concern in his voice.

"Legolas, what is going on? You know you can tell me anything."

Legolas let out a long exasperated sigh, shaking his head. "Aragorn… you're still worried about earlier today? I told you it was nothing then, and I can tell you again, that it still hasn't changed".

With that he quickly left for the dining hall leaving Aragorn behind.

"This is not over, Legolas, I hope you know that", he said quietly, as he too left to meet the others.

Legolas grew quieter and quieter throughout dinner. To him, the meal went by slowly… way too slowly for his liking. It felt as if they had been there for hours, when actually it couldn't have been more than 30 minutes. Time seemed to drag itself, as if deliberately trying to drive him mad. He did his best to enjoy the delicious food... maybe if he focused on eating, time would go by faster, but even that proved to be an impossible task. The fine wine tasted like old water, and the wonderful food might as well have been chalk, for he couldn't find any pleasure in it. So he settled for just rearranging his food on the plate, as he struggled to pay attention to the conversation, but found out that it was just as an equally impossible task. All he needed at that moment was to leave, but if he got up right then, Aragorn would certainly follow him, bombard him with infinite questions, and that was the last thing he needed. So he waited for the right moment, which came when the meal was over and the twins finally excused themselves, heading for their own chambers, to get some much needed rest.

Right after their departure, it was Legolas' turn to get up.

"If you'll excuse me, Lord Elrond, I'll take my leave now… for the night is much too beautiful to be spent inside walls, even ones as beautiful as these", he said using the best smile that he could muster at that point, and bowing in respect of the older elf.

And with that he left, Aragorn's eyes never leaving his friend's retreating back.

As soon as Legolas was out of the dinning hall, the smile he had managed to plant on his face faded. He felt that if he had to keep that front for another minute he would've gone crazy.

He had done his best so no one would notice there was anything wrong, but still Aragorn suspected something. He cursed himself at that thought. Aragorn suspecting him. They had never suspected or doubted each other, for they never had had any reasons to… until now. But there was no other choice. Too much was at stake. And he would not fail again. He could not. Not this time.

If he was supposed to do this by himself, that's how it was going to be. And with the Valar's help, he would pull it through.

With that thought in mind, his resolve hardened, quickening his steps. His will was set on the task ahead, and there was no force existent on all Arda that would make him back down now.

Getting at his room, he checked his weapons, strapping them, twin knives and quiver, to his back. Taking a hold of his bow, he headed for the balcony.

Legolas carefully looked around, making sure there was no one in sight.

'At least this time luck is on my side', he thought with a small measure of relief.

Wasting no time, he climbed down to the gardens, urgency making him almost run all the way to meet Thalion.

Aragorn kept staring almost in a trance to the corridor that Legolas had just disappeared into. He had watched his friend the entire afternoon and dinner, had tried to talk to him twice, only to be promptly dismissed… both times. He knew Legolas was hiding something; it was not even a question to him anymore. It was a certainty.

With that certainty came anger and indignation. How could Legolas just lie straight to his face? How could he mock so carelessly at the trust they had in each other like that? But then he remembered his friend earlier that day… how desperate and hopeless he looked. And suddenly the anger gave way to a deep concern.

Not a minute ago he had watched his friend excuse himself, saying that he was going outside to enjoy the evening, but instead of taking the path to the gardens, Legolas went down the corridor that led to his room.

He couldn't believe it. The elf had lied again. In a different situation it probably wouldn't have mattered to Aragorn that small bit of misinformation, for it could mean just that the archer had wanted to get something before heading out, or just realized he was tired and needed to get some sleep, but with everything that had already happened that day, it only meant one thing to the young human, that Legolas had lied… again. It was suddenly too much for him to take. That stubborn elf would tell him the truth… willingly or forcefully!

So he got up, determined to find his friend and make him explain what was going on. That's when he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. He had been so focused on Legolas that he didn't realize that Elrond was still at the table talking to him, and now, looking at him worriedly.

"What's going on between you and Legolas?" the older elf asked, not bothering to try and approach the subject subtly.

Aragorn wasn't surprised at his father's question. The older elf always knew when something was happening to any of his sons, be it good or bad. So he didn't even try to dismiss his worries, and just relented on telling the short version of the facts, not really wanting to get into any details before having the chance to discuss it with his elusive friend.

"Legolas lied to me, Ada. And I don't know why", he said as plainly as possible.

Elrond could sense the sadness and resentment all too present in that small sentence, knowing how much it must have been hurting Aragorn. Those two had such a strong friendship… one that reminded him of the story of Beleg Cúthalion and Turin Turambar, only he had a strong feeling that this story would have a much brighter ending.

"Estel…" he said softly, trying to make his words a soothing balm to his youngest son's heart. "Legolas loves you, and I know he would never do anything to hurt you willingly. Don't judge him until you have all the facts."

Aragorn looked at his father, and smiled at him fondly. Elrond pulled him into a hug, hoping to give his son some comfort and reassurance he knew the young man needed.

"Hannon le", was Aragorn's response as he let himself rest in his father's shoulder. But Elrond knew that his youngest would not be able to find peace before clearing this story with Legolas. So tightening the hug briefly, he parted from his son, holding him at arms length.

"Go… find Legolas and talk to him. If this is bothering you so, it certainly is having the same affect in our young prince, penneth."

Aragorn nodded to his father, a small smile gracing his features. He loved how the older elf always had this ability to calm him down, and to understand what he was going through without him having to explain much.

Giving his father's hand a light squeeze in thanks, he left to find his friend, heading straight to the elf's room.

Getting to the doors, Aragorn didn't even bother to knock, walking right in.

"Legolas, we need to… talk!"

Aragorn looked around puzzled, as if not wanting to believe what his eyes were seeing… or rather, what they weren't. The place was empty… again!

"He came this way! I know he came this way!" he repeated to himself in disbelief. This wasn't happening. This couldn't be happening.

That's when he noticed the empty corner of the room, the very place where Legolas kept his weapons. He looked around frantically, hoping that by any chance the elf might've misplaced them, but to no avail. They were really gone, just as his friend.

"No… this cannot be good!"

Aragorn felt a chill going down his spine as a cold sense of dread gripped his heart. He didn't even think twice before bursting into a desperate run towards the place he knew the elf would've gone next. The stables. If Legolas was planning on going somewhere with his weapons, he was definitely going to take Thalion with him. He just prayed to Eru that he was not too late.

And his prayers were heard. As he approached the stables he saw Legolas leaving the place, guiding his horse out, taking the path to the gates.

When he reached his friend, Aragorn stopped running, but kept on walking by the elf, who didn't seem to have noticed the human's presence which was really strange.

Aragorn was about to say something when Legolas stopped his horse, asking in a harsh tone, without turning.

"What are you doing here?"

So the elf knew he was there after all. Aragorn wasn't really surprised by that. What took him off guard was the harsh tone Legolas had used. Those five words were so dry, so curt that for a moment he had a hard time believing that the blond elf standing in front of him was indeed Legolas.

After the initial shock that the meeting had caused on him, Aragorn finally managed to find his voice and keep it strong and steady.

"I believe that is my question to ask, my friend. What are you doing here? Leaving in the middle of the night without saying a word, fully armed?"

Legolas kept his back turned to the ranger, his tone sharper than before.

"Stay out of this, Aragorn. This matter does not concern you."

Aragorn couldn't believe his ears. What did the elf mean by that? And why was he treating him as if he was a complete stranger? What on Middle-earth was happening? Aragorn felt like he was in a different reality, because in the world he knew, Legolas would never behave in such a way.

"It does not concern me? You lie to me, hide things from me, try to leave this house without saying a word, and you dare to say that is does not concern me? What is going on Legolas?"

The elf didn't bother to answer. Ignoring his friend's questions he made mention to mount his horse.

When Aragorn realized it, he practically jumped in front of Legolas, effectively blocking his way.

"You are not going anywhere before you tell me the truth." He shouted, letting his emotions take over.

"You've been warned, human." The elf hissed. "Get out of my way"

"No", Aragorn yelled grabbing the elf's shoulders, forcing the archer to face him. "You will not leave like that, you will tell me the truth".

Legolas' gaze finally met the young ranger's, and for a moment they only stared at each other… blue eyes filled with anger and determination, and gray ones filled with hurt and confusion.

Aragorn felt exhausted. He didn't think he had ever felt this emotionally drained. He didn't wanna fight with Legolas… he shouldn't have to. He didn't understand why the elf was behaving that way, and he didn't know what to do anymore. So he poured his heart in one desperate plea, his eyes never leaving the ones of his friend.

"Legolas… mellon nîn… Im gwador lín a le gwador nîn... man le trasta?"

Aragorn watched as Legolas' cold facade fell, giving way to the real Legolas. The anger and determination were replaced by pain… so much pain that cut Aragorn deep, much deeper than the harsh words that had just spoken to him. But he could also see something else… something he had never seen in his friend's eyes before. Fear. And that alone was enough to scare Aragorn. What could the elf possibly be afraid of? He had never seen Legolas afraid of anything… not even in battle, when the odds were all against them.

"Gwador nîn, please, don't shut me out. Tell me what happened. I know it was no bad joke on that note you found. The thing that I don't know is what it could be that made you believe you couldn't confide in me. But I'm here for you, Legolas. Whatever it is, I am here for you."

The elf closed his eyes, as if to will a great pain away. Taking a deep shaky breath, he answered... his voice barely a whisper.

"They have her"

Aragorn didn't really understand what Legolas meant and waited for the elf to elaborate.

"They have my sister, Estel. They have Gloreloth."

Legolas' words felt like a punch to Aragorn's stomach. But with that terrible discovery he could finally understand his friend's behavior earlier that morning when the elf read the note. He couldn't think of anything to say to offer some comfort, so he just asked the first thing that came to his mind.

"Who are 'they'?"

The words were barely out of Aragorn's mouth, when he noticed the change in Legolas behavior once again. The elf tensed up, his answer dripping with hatred.

"The same ones responsible for my mother's death".

Aragorn went pale. This was much worse than he had thought possible. But Legolas needed him to be strong, and so he somehow found the strength to give his friend hope.

"Legolas, we'll get her back. Fear not my friend. I'll get Ada and the twins. We'll have a patrol ready for battle in less than 20 minutes, and by this time tomorrow she will be here with you."

But Legolas was already shaking his head.

"No… Aragorn, you don't understand. I must go alone."

"What? No! There is no way you will be going there by yourself. We'll have a better chance by sticking together." Not in a million years he would let Legolas go alone.

"Estel, this is not my choice to make. If I don't go by myself, they will kill her", was Legolas' desperate plea.

But Aragorn wasn't easily persuaded. His experience in battle could never agree with that plan… and his love for his friend would never let him face such danger alone.

"You don't know how many they are, Legolas. If you go by yourself you will be endangering both of your lives. If you show up alone, unaided, you will be giving them what they want. They might kill you".

"So be it" he shouted. The fear of loosing his sister and the anger towards the ones responsible for her kidnapping ruling his reason. "If that is what it takes to get her back, so be it."

"No Legolas… no one has to die. No one is going to die. We can do this… together."

Legolas took a deep breath, looking at his friend, thankful for him, but regretting what he had to do next.

"I am sorry, Estel" he said softly.

Before Aragorn realized what was going on, Legolas fist met its mark, striking a hard blow to the human's temple, rendering him unconscious. Before Aragorn hit the ground, Legolas caught him, laying him gently to the ground.

"I'm sorry my friend" he whispered "I hope you can forgive me for this."

Mounting Thalion, Legolas took one last look at the still form of his friend laying on the grass. He felt guilty for hurting him like that, but knew that the human would have never relented.

Patting his horse's neck, the elf urged him to ride fast.

"Ride with the wind, Thalion. Noro lim."

And so he disappeared into the night.

TBC…

PS. I believe this time it would be nice of me to put the elvish translations, just in case! hehehe So here they are.

Hannon le – Thank you

Penneth – Young one

Mellon nîn – My friend

Im gwador lín a le gwador nîn – I am your brother and you are mine.

Man le trasta – What troubles you

Noro lim – Ride fast

So… what did you think? Is it bad? Is it terrible? Or maybe… is it good:) Let me have a piece of your mind! Till next time :)