Disclaimer: Look on a previous chapter.

A/N: Here's another update for everyone. First, I will post a few responses to my readers though. Thanks for all the reviews.

Deana: Glad you liked it. Yes poor Legolas. Lol. Don't worry. Everything will be fine eventually… I think… ;-)

Greeneyedelf001: YAY! A new reviewer. I'm always happy to hear from people that like my story. Thanks so much for your review and for adding my story to your favorites. Hope you continue to enjoy.

Celebdil-Galad and Tinlaure: Thanks so much for the review. I'm glad you enjoyed. Yes, I know it was a bit mean of Legolas to do that to Kalen, but Legolas has been through a lot lately and then to hear of Aragorn's death and Kalen doesn't even have any remorse, it kinda throws the prince over the edge a bit. Don't worry though. They will be friends again soon. And about Estel? Lol. Well, I shall continue to withhold precious information from you. Lol. Hope you continue to enjoy.

Alia G. L. Yes I know it's sad, but you know how it's going to end, so hopefully that makes it less sad for you. I like the parts with the twins too. I wish Peter Jackson would have included them in the movie too. Thanks for all your help with this story.

Nikki Kino: I don't remember from hearing from you before, so welcome. (And if you have reviewed before than forgive me, I just don't remember seeing your name.) Yes, I know the story is really sad. It's suppose to be that way. I feel sorry for Legolas too. Don't worry though. Things will EVENTUALLY get better for him… I hope…. Thanks for the review.

Okay I'm done. Thanks to everyone. Please continue to review. Oh and one more thing. Inside this chapter is a reference to another story of mine called 'He's my Son'. So you should go read that story if you haven't read it yet. You'll understand fine if you don't, but this chapter does contain mild spoilers for it. So anyway, to the story.

Chapter 21

Be Strong

'Now I can't go on - I can't even start

I've got nothing left - just an empty heart

I'm a soldier - wounded so I must give up the fight

There's nothing more for me - lead me away...

Or leave me lying here

Then from on high - somewhere in the distance

There's a voice that calls - remember who you are

If you lose yourself - your courage soon will follow

So be strong tonight - remember who you are

Ya you're a soldier now - fighting in a battle

To be free once more -Ya that's worth fighting for'

-Sound the Bugle -Bryan Adams

Elladan and Elrohir sat down silently in the council chamber. A few other elves including Glorfindel and Erestor were already there. Elrond sat down next to his sons and began to inform everyone of the plan to save Mirkwood. Elladan listened attentively, yet impatiently as his father spoke.

"I have talked with Lady Galadriel and we have agreed to help Mirkwood together." Elrond informed them. "Because of the dark evil that is spreading through the forest the elves have decided to fight. We cannot stand by and watch as Mirkwood falls into ruin. Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn have a plan to aid the elves in their war. Those who wish to help will ride with me at dawn to Lothlorien. There we will finalize our plan and unite with her warriors. Our hope is that together we will be able to overcome the vile evil that is destroying our friends."

"How many elves will Galadriel send?" Glorfindel asked.

"She is hoping for around one hundred of her elven guards and I'm hoping to provide another fifty." Elrond said.

"Do you think that will be enough?" Elrohir asked, already trying to plan a strategy.

Elrond sighed. "It will be enough to at least provide help to King Thranduil."

For a few more minutes, the elves conversed and planned until finally Elrond dismissed them and told them to rest. Glorfindel and the twins stayed behind to further question Elrond.

"Do you think the power of the rings, Nenya and Vilya, will aid us in this war?" Glorfindel asked now that they were alone.

"That is my hope." Elrond said as he stood.

"If only Mithrandir was here with us, then the power of the rings combined would be even more effective." Elladan commented.

Elrond grinned slightly. "Do not be so sure he will not be there. Mithrandir has a habit of showing up when he is needed most, not sooner, or later.

Elrohir smiled. "That he does."

Glorfindel nodded and stood to leave. "Get some rest, Elrond. You will need you strength for the morrow."

Elrond nodded. "Goodnight, my friend."

With that, Glorfindel left the room. The twins, however, stayed by their father's side, until Glorfindel had gone. Finally, Elrohir spoke what both the twins were thinking.

"Ada, are you all right? You seem weary and distant."

Elrond smiled slightly. "I am fine, my sons. I have just had many sleepless nights as of late." With a sigh, the elf lord changed the subject. "I know you both are ready to fight, but Elladan, I bid you a warning. Your strength is not yet full. I would use caution if I were you." He warned.

"I am fine, Ada." The eldest twin replied confidently.

Elrond nodded and smiled at his sons. "Very well. I suggest you both go get some rest."

Elladan left the room, but Elrohir lingered back to talk with his father.

"Ada, I'm worried about Estel."

Elrond chuckled dryly. "I'm always worried about Estel, ion nin." He sat down on a nearby couch and patted the seat next to him. "Sit down, son."

Elrohir sat near his father. "What if we never see him again?"

Elrond sighed. That thought was constantly on his mind, as well, for all his sons. "Elrohir, do you remember the time Estel ran away because he felt like he didn't belong in our family?"

Elrohir nodded. "He got lost in the woods and became really sick. His young mortal body could not handle the rain and cold."

"You and Elladan were so upset, thinking it was your fault he left. You were so worried you would never see him again." Elrond continued. "When we finally did find him, I began to think he would not survive. But he did. He was strong and his will to live was strong. Do you remember what eventually brought him through?"

"How could I forget? You were trying to heal him, but you almost killed yourself in the process. Elladan and I found you just in time and our strength together pulled him through."

Elrond nodded. "Estel is strong and perhaps more importantly the bond he holds with his family is strong. If he holds on to that, he can make it through anything."

Elrohir bit his lip. "I fear something terrible has happened to him though. I cannot feel his emotions like I can feel Elladan's, but something troubles me. Perhaps I worry too much, but I have a bad feeling."

Elrond put a hand on the young elf's shoulder, squeezing gently. "I know. I too have been troubled and I fear something has befallen Estel, but we have to hold on to hope. We have to believe we will see him again."

Elrohir nodded and embraced his father, silently praying to Iluvatar to keep his little brother safe.


Thranduil sat silently by his son. Legolas had awoken sometime ago and had asked to see him. His elfling was recovering slowly, but steadily. He had finished eating a decent meal a few minutes ago which pleased the king. Legolas had hardly had a decent meal for days and did not feel well enough since he had been home to eat one. Legolas had not even felt like eating this meal, but after much persuasion, his son finally agreed.

Therapy lessons for his son would also begin later today. He had to start moving his left arm again and perhaps if he felt strong enough, he could stand up for a little while. Thranduil knew his elfling would not be confined to the bed for any longer than he had to be. Legolas was strong and would be back on his feet in no time at all.

"You're quiet today, ion nin. What troubles you?" He asked after some time.

Legolas looked at his father, his eyes full of grief. "Kalen said my friend was killed when I was rescued."

Thranduil sighed, not knowing quite what to say. "What was it about this human that made him your friend?" He asked curiously.

"He wasn't just a normal human, Ada. Estel was the child Lord Elrond took in as his own son. He saved my life." Legolas closed his eyes as unbidden tears formed. "I would have died a slave had it not been for the hope he gave me and his life that he risked to save me."

Thranduil placed a hand gently on his son. "Mayhap, he might have been a good man, Legolas, one of the rare good men in this world, but do not grieve yourself of the loss of a human. There are much more important things for you to worry and trouble over. Do not add to them with foolishness."

Legolas could not help but glare at his father. He knew his father did not mean for the harsh way his words were presented and he knew his father could never understand the friendship he had with Estel, but the words still hurt. Grieving over his friend was not foolishness. Instead of speaking anymore of it, however, Legolas swallowed hard and pushed the emotion from his heart. If there was one thing being a slave of Gerchen had taught him, it was to be able to hold your head high as you numbly functioned in your daily duties. He knew how to be numb, showing only his outer exterior.

With a sigh, Legolas decided to ask two questions that had been troubling his mind. He almost dreaded the answers, however, but he had to find out.

"Ada, what happened to the two guards that we with me when I was captured. I know one was killed, but what about Tralen? Was he ever found?"

Thranduil sighed and shook his head sadly. "I'm sorry, Legolas. Both of the guards were dead when we saw them."

Legolas lowered his head. He had expected that, but he had hoped that by some chance, the elf had survived.

"What about my friend, Salien? I haven't seen him since I have been home."

Thranduil lowered his eyes. He had hoped his son would not have asked that question.

Legolas saw his reaction and drew in a deep breath, preparing himself for the worst. "Tell me what happened, Ada."

"Rasiel was leading a group of elves against the orcs about six months ago. Salien was among them. Rasiel's group was attacked by orcs and spiders. Only one elf was found, barely alive. He told us what had happened before he passed into the halls of Mandos. That was when we first learned of the teamwork of the two creatures."

Legolas closed his eyes, cursing darkly in elvish.

"I'm sorry, Legolas. Your friend was never found."

Legolas drew in a few shaky breaths, before opening his eyes. He sat upright in bed, determination written on his face. He moved his leg slightly, ignoring the pain.

"Legolas what are you doing?"

"I must regain my strength quickly, Ada. Mirkwood needs me and I cannot sit here and learn of all my friends' deaths. I have to do something."

"You're still too weak." Thranduil said as he gently pressed his son back into the bed. "The healer will be in here soon to help you begin to regain your strength, but at least wait until then."

"I cannot. I can no longer sit still and wait. Help me stand, Ada."

Thranduil looked at his son, unsure if that was the best option.

"Please, Ada. Either you help me, or I will stand on my own."

Thranduil sighed, but gently supported his son as he stood. Legolas wavered slightly on legs, but managed to stay standing. His legs had not yet fully healed, but the injuries were nothing intensive enough to make standing on them difficult. His broken ribs however, did protest painfully against the movement. Legolas took a deep breath as he stepped forward. He cringed in pain, but determination kept him standing.

Thranduil winced, keeping a steady hand on his elfling. He was proud of his son, however. So much terrible things had happened to his son in the past two years and yet Legolas was still standing strong. He had barely had any time to rest, twice he had been captured and tortured horrifically, he had lost three friends, he still had not recovered from his last capture, and here he was determined to fight for his home as soon as he could. Thranduil smiled. Legolas was strong and stubborn, even more than he was. Even against all odd, Legolas kept his determination and his stubbornness. Thranduil just hoped that stubbornness wouldn't do more damage than good.


"Slave!" The cold hiss rang out bitterly.

A weak, almost lifeless individual stumbled to his feet and numbly walked towards the voice.

"Master?" The slave asked without any emotion.

Dark evil eyes glared back at him. "Bring me the King of Mirkwood. I want him alive."

The individual bowed. "As you command, master."

The slave cringed as a malicious hand was placed over his head. He wanted to scream as pain surged through every muscle in his body, but any movement he made was futile. He was completely paralyzed. Darkness danced in front of his eyes and every thought left his mind. Then, he fell lifelessly to the forest floor.

With a low growl, a dark figure passed over him, disappearing into the darkness of the woods.