Oh dear, its been ages hasn't it? I humbly beg forgiveness! Here is chapter 11. Hopefully Elladans' reaction is explained, at least for the time being. More should be on the way fairly shortly. I will try and have another chapter up before I start Uni in 2 weeks. Any thoughts are always appreciated.

Freddie23: Thanks so much for your review. Here is some more, though sadly long overdue!

Phoenixica24: Well you will find out if its jealousy or not now.

Ziggy3: So glad you liked it!

Alanic: Thanks so much. Its not soon I'm afraid but it is an update.

Aristania: Read below to find out!

Sweet-hearted SilverEars: You are such a great reviewer, I really appreciate it. That would certainly be interesting...

Without further ado

Chapter 11

Elladan Elrondian stormed out of the breakfast room and headed for the stables. Servants scuttled out of his way as he passed, many casting curious glances after him. He was over reacting, he berated himself, nothing had happened. He had gone to sleep late that night after being scolded by Elrond for his 'Baseless accusations'. He had awoken feeling far better about things but when he had entered the breakfast room all his worry had come back to him.

It was Elrohir sitting so quietly by himself that had set his nerves on edge. Every time the door had opened his twin would glance up anxiously then return to picking at his breakfast. Elladans' heart clenched in his chest again. He couldn't bear the thought of his beloved brother opening his heart only to be hurt. Elrohir was such a gentle soul.

He hadn't meant to be so sharp with Legolas, who had clearly had no idea what he was talking about. Guilt started to edge its way in around his anger. In truth he feared as much for Legolas as he did for Elrohir. Legolas, for all the hardship he had suffered, still had an air of innocence about him. Elladan loved him nearly as dearly as he loved Elrohir and only wanted his happiness. If anyone deserved a little happiness it was Legolas.

He took a deep cleansing breath and slowed his pace. He should never have interfered. It was not his place. When he had seen Glorfindel leaving that room he had been unable to stop the surge of protectiveness that had bubbled up. He owed Gorfindel an apology. He remembered the look on the balrog slayers face again with shame. It was not his place to bring up painful memories long since buried. What a mess he had made!

Deflated, he opened the door and headed out into the downpour, a ride to the borders would do him some good. And when he got back he would humble himself and ask forgiveness. He proceeded with a lighter heart.

O o 0

Legolas prolonged his breakfast as much as possible. He listened as Elrohir and Glorfindel talked quietly about the positioning of Rivendells patrols and recent activity on the borders. The steady gentle murmur and familiar topic set him at ease and he basked in the comforting presence of his favourite people. In truth he would be happy to stay like that forever. Who could ask for more than good food and good people. Of course Elladan was needed to complete the picture but it might be best to let him work off his black temper first.

In truth Legolas had things to do. He had planned to write to Thranduil explaining the recent decisions made and his next move. He was also meant to meet with Elladan and Glorfindel, to show them where he had met up with the human slavers. Elrond intended to send out a party of warriors to investigate the humans and free any captives. As for the slavers themselves, well that would depend on whether they surrendered or not. Legolas doubted that they would and knew with grim satisfaction that they would likely not be treated with much mercy by Elladan and Glorfindel.

Elrohir had wished to accompany the patrol but Elrond had ruled against it, claiming that Elrohir was needed to organise the other warriors who would be travelling to the Greenwood shortly.

With much reluctance Legolas stood from his seat and bid a soft farewell. If two gazes lingered on his retreating form longer than was proper, he did not notice it as he made his way to his chambers to write the accursed letter.

The solid door closed behind him with a muted click and he was reminded briefly of a prison cell clanging shut, he pushed the thought quickly aside and settled at the desk.

Adar

I have made it to Rivendell and secured the help of Elrond as you asked. I hit a few obstacles on the way.

My dear adar what will you say if I tell you that I have ended my relationship with Haldir. Would you be happy I wonder or would you worry for my heart? I worry for my own heart this day.

It is tainted with grief and anger Ada. I look around me and see orcs and wicked men and I relive my despair over and over again. And I think of Naneth, I think of her every day and it still hurts as much as it did the day I lost her. I wonder Ada, do you think of her every day? And when you mourn her passing, does a part of you mourn for me also? You lost both your wife and child that day I know. How much grief do you suffer? And guilt? Do you feel guilt for giving up your search? For leaving me for dead?

I am sorry that I cannot forgive you. I know that it pains you that I act the way I do. Perhaps if you had lived through what I did you could better understand. I am still angry Ada and the truth is that I don't know if I will ever forgive you. Perhaps you can forgive me instead, forgive me for not being the child you raised. Tolerate my strangeness and ignore the whispers that follow me.

I still love you Ada, with every bit of my twisted, torn heart. It scares me, I wish sometimes that I may be rid of this love. I wish for emptyness in my heart. What kind of monster have I become that I would wish for such a thing?

The whispers are true you know, I am mad. Sometimes I think that I may yet be free of it but at other times it hovers around the corners of my mind. Taunting me with vicious dreams and memories, sometimes I can't tell which is which. This is who you entrust with ridding the forest of evil? Perhaps you are the one who is mad Ada. Forgive me, that was unkind,,,

Legolas read carefully through what he had written, then slowly shredded the paper into tiny pieces, letting them fall to the floor to rest alongside the growing pile at his feet. It was only a letter. He berated himself. How hard could it be to write a letter to his father?

He sighed softly and pulled out another piece of parchment. He dipped his quill into the ink and tried again.

My king

I have done as you requested and have secured the help of both Lothlorien and Rivendell. Arrangements are currently being made and I will be departing with both forces within the next week. Hopefully we will travel swiftly and should reach the forest before too many weeks pass. I shall write again on the eve of departure so you may know when to look for our coming.

At your service

General Legolas

That would have to do. He knew the cold formal tone would hurt his father, but certainly not as much as the previous letter would. He folded the paper neatly and placed it into the leather cylinder that the hawk would carry it in. That was one task done.