Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my original characters. Everything else belongs to Tolkien.

Summary: AU When treason is suspected in the kingdom of Mirkwood it is up to Aragorn to save Legolas and the other royals.

The Scam

Chapter 5

Getting Ready for the Trip

I walked with Thianna for a few hours. We were discussing what to do about our current situation. It's kind of ironic, don't you think? I was talking with the villain about how to save my best friend. I guess there was no way I could have known, but still, I can't help but be angry with myself for allowing her to reel me in like she did. I feel for her act, hook, line and sinker.

"I think it would be best if you go up to the encampment. If I leave and go, it would give Elrond the - I'm sorry. I realize that it is hard for you to accept what your foster family is doing, but it is best that you know. It would kill me to know that they had gotten their claws into you. It would kill Legolas" she said to me.

That was probably it, you know, that way she made me fall for it. Legolas is, like I said, my best friend. She knew I would have believed or done anything just to have some hope that he was alive and that I could save him. She even knew that I would turn on my own family. "It's okay," I said. "I'm glad I know."

"So will you go to the encampment?" she had inquired.

I nodded my head. At the time I was willing to do anything to save Legolas. I wish I had been smarter, I wish I had been able to see through her, but there is no use in crying over split milk, right? "When should I leave?"

"I'm hoping today. I can try to hold down the fort over here. You'll only be gone for just over a month, perhaps six weeks. Either Elrond, Elladan or Elrohir will probably be going down there soon, I think so anyway. I mean one of them has to give the orders to the people down at the Iron Hills. But you should go back to the palace for now. I'll be in touch with you later this afternoon" Thianna said to me.

"All right" I replied as I began to walk back in the direction of the palace, only to be halted with I felt her hand on my shoulder.

"Thank you Estel" she said as she pulled me into an embrace.

"You're welcome."

*~*~*

"There you are" Elrond proclaimed as he walked over to me with all haste. "Do you have any idea how much worry you bestowed upon your brothers and I? You are not well Estel, and wondering around with all these dark elves out and about is not safe."

He had tried to put a hand on my arm, but I immediately flinched away. "I-I am sorry. I did not mean to concern you" I said as I consciously backed away from him.

Elrond had looked confused, though I was too scared to even notice that. "Are you all right Estel?" he questioned as he walked towards me, but I continued to move away from him. I didn't see it then, but when I think back on it, like I'm doing now, I can see the hurt etched on his ageless face. I guess he knew something was wrong, he just wasn't sure what it was.

"I'm fine, I'm fine. Really, don't worry about me" I stuttered as I dodged him and practically ran down the hall, in the opposite direction. I sprinted towards the quarters that I had been given, regardless of how much pain it caused my leg. I had not moved it in about a week and it had been shot, running was not the wisest thing to do. But I did.

When I got to my room, I entered it and closed and locked the door behind me. I let out a sigh of relief as I went to the mahogany dresser and removed a small bag. I began to throw some clothes in it along with some other essentials. When my bag was backed, I put on a black woollen cloak and I sat on my bed. I started to wait for Thianna. I knew I couldn't leave until I had spoken with her.

Finally I heard a soft knock on my door. I rushed over and opened it, and much to my desire, it was Thianna. "I got you some food to take on the trip. Remember, it is a two week journey there" she told me as she entered my room. "You'll have to ration this accordingly. Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Positive" I replied as I took the food she brought and stuffed it in my bag. It consisted mainly of Lembas bread, but at the time I had bigger issues to deal with, and some issues I didn't even know I had. "Are you going to be able to take care of things here, while I'm gone. Six weeks may not seem like a long time, but it is time enough to make you fall for three murders." I can't believe I even asked her that, I feel so- just so idiotic.

"I'll be fine, I promise. You do not have to be concerned about me. All you have to worry about is bringing my brother home. He is the only one who can prove my innocence. I will see you when you get back" she finished as she placed a kiss on my cheek and disappeared down the corridor.

After she left, I put the bag over my shoulder and attached my sword to my belt. I couldn't help but let a silver tear fall down my cheek as I touched the necklace that I was wearing. I had a bear tooth hanging on a thin chain around my neck. It brought me so much pain to even think about it. I had gotten the first time I had been allowed to go hunting with the twins. The first time I had been allowed to go hunting with my brothers.

When I was still under Thianna's spell, I actually felt a tinge of hate towards my family. I thought, how could they do something like this? I had always been under the impression that Elrond and Thranduil had been friends, or at least allies in some way. It just baffled my mind to think about it.

~*Flashback~ Twelve years ago*~

"Ada, do you love me?" I asked.

"Of course I do, Estel" Elrond responded as he picked me up and sat me down upon his lap. "I love you now, and I always will love you."

"And the twins love me too?"

"And the twins love you too."

"But I am not an elf, and you are. How can you love a human?" I questioned.

Elrond smiled. "You are not just a human, you are my son, just like Elladan and Elrohir are. Just because you are not an elf doesn't mean you are not a part of this family. Neither I, nor the twins would do anything that would hurt you, because we love you too much."

~*End Flashback*~

"This isn't fair" I thought to myself. "How come there has to be so much pain in this world? You said you would never do anything to hurt me, then why are you doing this? Why are you putting me in this position?"

I knew I couldn't dwell upon unanswerable questions, so I just shook my head and wiped away my tears. There was no time available to cry. Every minute that passed was a minute that I couldn't get back. I had to get to the Iron Hills, I had to save Legolas.