Author's Note: I'm sorry. This is so much later than I intended. I can't promise another update terribly soon – I have a minor surgery next week, and exams the week after. But, with luck, I will manage updates fairly quickly once both of those are out of the way.

Many thanks to everyone who reviewed and favourited.

Part X

Rochendilwen returned them to their usual pairs for archery practice, so that they could continue with their usual drills. She told the Men to join any pair they chose. Brynn, without a moment's hesitation, made his way to Legolas and Saeldur.

Saeldur tensed at his approach. Whatever had been troubling Legolas the previous night, it still seemed to be a problem. He was visibly uncomfortable – more than could be accounted for by Bregolien's attitude, which was even more confrontational than usual where Legolas was concerned. It must be because of Brynn – Saeldur could think of no other cause, here in the middle of the forest –

Saeldur's fingers tightened on his bow. He had warned Brynn. If he was coming here to try to provoke Legolas again –

"Master Brynn," Legolas said, in a far politer tone than Saeldur could have managed just then. "You honour us."

"It will be my honour to learn from the Elf who will be the finest archer of this Age." His gaze flickered, briefly, between them. "Whichever of you that is… I fear that no Man alive today will live long enough to know."

That was what Brynn was after? After all this time – after Saeldur himself had assured Brynn that, if Legolas was one day given command of the archers, it would be entirely deserved –

"I hope you are not disappointed," was all Legolas said in response.

Saeldur did not trust his own voice enough to say anything. He gave Brynn a curt nod as they went to the shooting line – which, thanks to the rain, still falling in a fine mist, was marked by Rochendilwen and Bregolien at either end rather than a line on the ground. They readied their bows. As the first volley was called, all three of them released, Legolas and Saeldur almost simultaneously, Brynn a few seconds later.

Saeldur and Legolas had both made perfect shots. Brynn's was not quite as clean, but it was very good for a Man, in the rain and at that distance. Bregolien called the next shot before any of them could comment, but when he paused after the first round of twelve, Brynn, saying, "I will get all the arrows," hurried off to the targets.

"He will learn nothing from that," Saeldur said, amused despite his irritation. He could equal Legolas in an exercise, and Brynn, standing before the targets, was obviously unable to determine which was better than the other.

Legolas' smile was small and fleeting.

For a moment Saeldur wondered if he was angry that the Man was unable to discern what any Elf would have at once from stance and poise, that Legolas had the surer hand. Almost immediately he dismissed that thought as unworthy. Legolas was incapable of such pettiness.

He did wonder why Brynn was so intent on this investigation. Perhaps Arahael had said something to him. He was a loyal friend to Saeldur; that unfortunately meant that he was unwilling to see any good in Legolas. It made no difference that Legolas truly was the better archer. Arahael would not see him as anything other than a spoilt child – although, Saeldur thought, with an inward squirm, perhaps he should not be so quick to criticize Arahael for what he himself had done for so many years.

Brynn returned with the arrows. Bregolien called the next volley.

The set of Legolas' shoulder spoke of discomfort. But whatever Legolas was feeling, it was having no effect on his performance, other than, perhaps, to better it. Saeldur doubted that even Lord Thorontur would be able to match Legolas' stance and form that morning. Bregolien, standing nearest them and glaring in Legolas' direction, could find no fault.

All the same, he ought to have a word with Legolas later. Something must have happened last night. If Brynn had said something to Legolas, Saeldur would know what to do about it.

It was not easy to avoid private conversation with Saeldur, who was clearly trying to get him alone. All the same, Legolas managed it. For once he was grateful to Brynn. The Man, utterly oblivious to hints, drew Saeldur aside as soon as Rochendilwen released them, and poured out a flood of questions about the technical side of archery.

Legolas took the excuse to retreat into the trees.

He had not gone far when one of the trees said, They are speaking of you. You should stay nearby.

Legolas shook his head. I had much rather not. I am going to find a quiet place.

The Elfling need not stay, said another tree. We are here. We will tell him what the others say.

Before Legolas could point out that he did not want to know, a third tree chimed in with, Indeed, the further away you go, the better, Elfling. They will be unguarded in their speech. We will know exactly what they think.

We will tell you everything, insisted the second tree. Wait by the river.

No, Legolas said firmly. You know that is wrong. There will be no spying on the King's subjects –

What about the Man? He is not one of your father's subjects.

If you will not ask your friend yourself, and you will not allow us to tell you what he says, how will you know whether the other one was telling the truth?

"Legolas!"

Silence fell around him at the sound of Eredhion's voice. Legolas saw his approach with relief. At least in his presence the trees would behave themselves.

"One of the Men has practically taken Voronwë hostage to discuss archery technique," Eredhion said, dropping onto the branch beside Legolas. "Brynn was doing the same with Saeldur, I saw. At least you managed to get away. I suppose it is safe to leave Brynn with Saeldur? The last time they were on the archery field together, they almost started a war between Dale and Eryn Galen."

Legolas had not considered that possibility.

"Rochendilwen will keep the peace," he said, though he sounded doubtful even to his own ears.

"She may try. What does it matter? If anything goes wrong, it is Bregolien who will be blamed. He has charge. And it is not for long. We have footwork drills soon. That is what she sent me to tell you."

"Footwork drills? In this mud? What of the Men?"

Eredhion shrugged. "At least the ground will be soft when they fall. We have time to go to the river."

"Why do you want to go to the river?"

"Rochendilwen asked me to check on the bridge. It has been raining so much, the river is higher than usual. Bregolien wanted tracking exercises on both sides – I know," Eredhion said, when Legolas would have spoken. "The Men cannot do it. Do you think Bregolien cares? He wants to prove that this was a mistake so that he is never asked to escort Men into the forest again."

Feeling suddenly apprehensive, Legolas leapt up into the trees, as the quickest way to reach the river.

In this part of the forest, it was a deceptively placid stream, no more than ten feet across, flowing between grassy banks. Legolas knew better than to trust its peaceful surface. Only a little way upstream, the river was nearly five times as broad. It narrowed here, but ran deep to make up for the lost breadth. The undertow was strong, dangerous even for an Elf. Nobody ventured into the water here.

A thick rope stretched taut between two trees on either bank. It was the only bridge the Elves needed, if they had to cross. It was normal for tracking exercises to lead warriors back and forth across the river. Men, Legolas knew, did not have much sense of balance.

At the moment, the bridge looked a little green and slippery. No doubt the days of rain had had their effect.

"Someone is going to fall in," Eredhion said, echoing Legolas' thoughts.

Legolas grimaced. "I can just see my father's reaction if that happens." Then, his natural exuberance reexerting itself, he shrugged and laughed. "It will be memorable. There is no denying that."

"Do we need anything else memorable? You looked uncomfortable enough in the morning."

Legolas, who had not been expecting the conversation to take that turn, stiffened. "I have no idea what you mean."

Eredhion gave Legolas a level glance that said he would not be swayed. "Of course you know what I mean. Did Saeldur say anything to you?"

"What – of course not – I – what makes you think Saeldur said something?"

"I did not think he had said anything, actually, until this moment. What other option is there? I doubt Brynn could trouble you enough for me to notice, especially now that you are used to him. And… I do not think Saeldur has a malicious nature, but I know…" Eredhion paused, looked around belatedly to make certain they were alone, and dropped his voice. "I know you were hurt when it became clear that he preferred Arahael's company to yours."

"That was a long time ago."

"Not such a long time as all that. When did Saeldur begin his training? Ten years ago? I thought he had finally come to his senses. If I am wrong… It is clearly something to do with Saeldur. What did he say to you?"

"Eredhion, it does not matter."

"It does, if it troubles you."

"It was nothing Saeldur said." Eredhion simply looked at Legolas implacably. Legolas sighed. "You are right about one thing. He did make it clear that he preferred Arahael's company, and has shown no sign of doing otherwise. Do you think someone in his family is… asked him to…"

"Asked him to be friendly with you?" Eredhion finished. "I doubt anyone could force Saeldur to be even civil, leave alone friendly, against his will." He paused to cast a searching gaze over the muddy ground below. Failing to see even a somewhat dry spot, he settled himself as comfortably as he could on his branch. "Legolas, I will be honest – I do not particularly like Saeldur myself. But I do not think he is capable of deception for that long. If it were Arahael, now, I might believe it."

Legolas laughed at that.

Saeldur did not have the chance to speak to Legolas in private until late in the day, when the tracking exercises had begun and Bregolien had sent Eredhion and Voronwë in the opposite direction. He had probably done it to ensure that Legolas had no friends nearby – Saeldur was finding himself growing increasingly uncharitable towards Bregolien. But, his motivations notwithstanding, Saeldur was glad for the opportunity.

Fortunately, Bregolien had the Men within a smaller and easier perimeter on this side of the river. Brynn being occupied there, Saeldur had no difficulty getting Legolas to himself.

He waited until they were well away from the others and safely out of sight.

He found, to his pleased surprise, that concealing their tracks required very little effort. He had known that the forest was Legolas' friend. He had never realized quite how much that was true until now, when the foliage closed beneath them and the branches swayed to ease their passage.

The trees' shameless abetment of Legolas made any effort on their part unnecessary; as long as they stayed in the branches, they would not be found. So as soon as he was certain they were alone, Saeldur said, "Legolas, what did he say?"

Legolas stopped, turning startled blue eyes on Saeldur. "Who?"

"Brynn, who else? You are not yourself. If he said something to you last night – I knew I should have had a stronger word with him. He must be as slow of understanding as all Men."

"Saeldur –" Legolas stopped short, something flickering in his face that Saeldur could not identify. "You need not interfere on my behalf," he said at last. "I am grateful that you tried to speak to Brynn, truly, but there is no need. I do not want to – you should not – Saeldur, I can take care of myself."

"I know you can. But if you think you should not, because – because of who you are… Legolas, if something is troubling you, let me help."

"Why would you want that?" Legolas said. "Let it be, Saeldur."

"Why would I want to help you? I thought we were friends!"

"So we were, once…" Legolas said, anger edging his tone. "At least, I thought so at the time. But perhaps that was forced on you as well." Legolas paused, as though startled by his own words, and shook his head. "Forgive me, I should not have said – thank you for trying to help, whatever the reason. I am grateful."

"Whatever the reason?" Saeldur said in astonishment, caused as much by the unexpectedness of Legolas' reaction as by what he said. "What did you think the reason was? I wanted to help you!"

"Yes, but if it was out of – out of a sense of duty, because – because you felt I needed – and certainly nobody can blame you if you did. You might well think I needed your help."

"What are you talking about?"

"Saeldur, I am not a fool," Legolas said, his tone growing angry again. "I know what the members of court say – some of them – the trees tell me all the whispering they hear –"

"What whispering?"

Colour suddenly flooded Legolas' cheeks. "Nothing – I – forgive me, I should not have said anything. It is very wrong of the trees to repeat gossip. I do try to discourage it, but they will not stop. But I should know better than to take any notice of it. It is not important."

"It is obviously important to you, if you mentioned it. What whispering?"

Legolas glanced away. "That I am no true lord of the Sindar, and –"

"That is what you think?" Saeldur said, furious."That I took pity on you because your mother is – do you honestly think I could insult the Queen so much as to suggest that her influence on you has been anything other than good? Others might be so degenerate, but how could you believe it of me?"

Saeldur half-expected Legolas to apologize again – and this time he felt he deserved the apology – but to his surprise, Legolas snapped, "What do you expect me to believe? You have certainly shown no sign of wanting my company for years – until now. And why should you?"

"I am beginning to wonder that myself," Saeldur snapped. "I was trying to be helpful. I certainly did not expect to be accused of… whatever it is you are suggesting."

About to answer, Legolas stopped and looked at the tree. Saeldur fought the urge to roll his eyes. He could sense something – indignation, for the most part – from the tree, but he could not hear their voices as clearly as some said they did; he could not tell what was causing the indignation. If he knew anything about trees, it was not angry with Legolas.

"Oh, I understand," he said. "The trees have been complaining of me – or perhaps telling you not to trust me." Sudden colour flooded Legolas' cheeks. It was all the answer Saeldur needed. "You let the trees tell you tales of me?"

"I do not let them do anything," Legolas said, still sounding angry. "The trees do what they wish – oh, wait a moment," he snapped, turning a glare on the beech behind them. "Do you not think this conversation is complicated enough?"

"If it is complicated," Saeldur said coldly, "you are the one who chooses that it should be. I do not know why I tried to be your friend."

"I never asked for it," Legolas said, just as coldly. "So perhaps we should just leave it there."

They passed the next hour in frosty silence.

Legolas fumed silently as he sat on the branch. He had been glad when Rochendilwen had given them the order to separate for the remainder of the exercise, and gladder still that his task was merely to stay out of sight. He did not normally take advantage of the help the trees gave him, but he wanted some time to himself. He had settled down in a tree with particularly lush foliage, knowing that as long as he stayed still, it would ensure that nobody spotted him.

He had an excellent view of the river. It did little to lighten his mood.

He had to admit that he had not handled the conversation with Saeldur well. He had not intended to speak so openly, even tactlessly. He could not imagine what had come over him.

You were hurt, the tree said, since you had persuaded yourself he really did want to be your friend. I think perhaps he does. His indignation seemed genuine.

"I was not hurt," Legolas muttered under his breath. "Why should I care?"

Foolish Elfling, the tree said indulgently, infuriating Legolas more.

He leaned back against the trunk and tried to calm himself, keeping his gaze on the river. As deceptively as the depths were, the surface seemed perfectly calm. It flowed serenely, barely rippling around the occasional rock that broke the surface.

The sound of distant shouting broke into his thoughts. Evidently someone had been found. If it was an Elf, Bregolien would have their ears for making all that noise.

Then there was a splash.

Saeldur had, most unreasonably he had to admit, been snapping at Arahael and Brethil for the past hour. Neither of them was responsible for Legolas' vagaries.

"If this is the effect of spending a morning with Legolas and the Man," Brethil said, when a snapped twig underfoot led to an argument, "I hope you never do it again. It is bad enough having Bregolien here. I can do without you telling me I know nothing of tracking."

"We should not even be together," Saeldur said. "Then nobody would have a problem. Rochendilwen told us to stay apart –"

"If we stay out of sight, how will she know?" said Arahael.

"We are likelier to be found if there are three of us."

"Not at all. We can keep a watch in all directions."

"I do not think that is the point of the exercise," Saeldur growled.

"Then go and complain to Bregolien!" Arahael crossed his arms and glared at Saeldur. "And if you do not intend to do that, stay silent and work with us. As though matters are not bad enough, having to endure the company of Men –"

"Someone will hear you," Brethil hissed.

"Someone is coming," Saeldur said, sharp ears catching the sound of footsteps. "Men."

The three Elves leapt into the trees. Saeldur was conscious of the difference, now. The trees did not impede them. But they did not help their passage and their concealment as they had done with Legolas.

Saeldur's scowl darkened.

Of course the trees would side with Legolas.

He moved without quite noticing in which direction he went. It was only when he heard running water ahead that he realized he had come to the river.

He paused. A light rain was falling again. He did not particularly want to cross the river; they might be stranded on the other side if the rain grew heavier and the water rose. Besides, the Men would probably stay away from it. They were safe enough from detection.

Then he heard a whisper of movement and turned. Several yards away, the slender figure of an Elf shot behind a tree, but not before Saeldur recognized Voronwë.

Voronwë. Voronwë had never much liked him. Nor had Eredhion. Saeldur was not going to be found by Voronwë. He would probably let slip to Rochendilwen – or worse, Bregolien – that Saeldur, Arahael and Brethil had been together, and that would mean trouble.

Saeldur eyed the river. They were not far from the bridge, but they would have to get across Voronwë.

But just beside them, the branches of a tree extended almost to the middle of the river. From there it was not too much of a jump. They could do it.

"No," whispered Brethil, following Saeldur's gaze.

"I am not staying here to get caught."

And Saeldur was moving.

He could hear Brethil shouting at him not to try it, but he ignored him.

He was running out along the branch, which bent slightly under his weight –

He was almost there –

And his foot slide out from under him. The next thing he knew, he was in the water, holding his breath instinctively, struggling against the undertow. Someone shouted his name – Arahael perhaps –

Before he could get his bearings, he was flung against a rock. For a moment, dazed, he did not know which way was up.

Water was all around him. Saeldur's lungs were going to burst.

Then something caught at his tunic and hauled him up.

Coughing, Saeldur looked up into Legolas' face.

Legolas was crouching on the bridge, holding it with one hand, his other hand grasping a fistful of Saeldur's tunic. Saeldur did not even want to think about how he was managing to keep his balance. He managed to get his hands to the bridge, but his head was still spinning, and he needed Legolas' help to get to shore.

"You idiot," Legolas said. "What were you thinking?"

Even in this extreme he remembered to keep his voice down. Saeldur could not help laughing as he answered, "I was thinking that I would cross the river, but clearly I was wrong."

"There is no point trying to change into dry things." The drizzle was turning into steady rain. "How did you fall in? Are you hurt?"

"Only my pride," Saeldur said.

"You look unsteady. Did you hit your head?" Legolas paused. Saeldur could sense a rush of excited chatter from the trees, though he could not tell what they were saying. He felt a stab of returning irritation.

Then Legolas shook his head. "You did hit your head. You should tell Rochendilwen. And trying to leap from a branch? You should know better."

"Is there anything the trees do not tell you?" Saeldur demanded, lurching away from Legolas.

"You should be glad they told me you had fallen in the water!"

"I would have been fine! I fell in. I would have climbed out. I did not need a rescue, least of all from a pampered little prince – who would never have fallen in, I suppose, since the trees would have stopped the river before they allowed that to happen."

Legolas glared at Saeldur. "That is not fair and you know it. But if that is how you feel about it, I will not help you next time."

"What is happening?"

The cold voice made them both turn. Neither of them had heard or seen Bregolien, too intent on their argument. But he was there, arms crossed, looking almost pleased to have caught them breaking the rules. Legolas' posture grew rigid with discomfort.

"What is happening?" Bregolien repeated.

"It was my fault," Saeldur began. "I was trying to get across, and –"

"You were trying to cross the river, and Legolas came to you."

"He came to help me –"

"You needed no help. You said it yourself." Although Bregolien addressed Saeldur, his glittering dark eyes stayed on Legolas. "Legolas, as usual, cannot resist an excuse to break the rules."

This was so patently untrue that Saeldur opened his mouth to protest –

And closed it, realizing that Bregolien would only take any frustration out on Legolas.

"The King will hear of this," Bregolien said coolly. "I hope he will not be too disappointed. It is astonishing that the Prince of Eryn Galen is incapable of completing a simple training exercise, in the presence of the King's guests, without causing trouble. Now get on with it before I decide I have even more to report to him."

"Legolas," Saeldur said, when Bregolien had stalked away, "I am sorry, I did not intend to get you in trouble. I probably did need the help."

Legolas shook his head. "You should go back to your friends."

And he leapt up into the trees and was lost to sight.

That evening, when it was his turn to keep watch, Saeldur felt a low humming in the back of his mind. For a moment he was alarmed – such a thing had never happened to him before – and then it dissolved into an endless refrain of ElfElfElfElfElfElf…

Saeldur almost fell out of the tree in shock.

Be careful! Said the voice in his head.

"Did you…" Saeldur looked at the branch beneath him. "Did you… speak to me?"

Of course. Who else is near enough? I have been trying to make you hear ever since sunset. Your mind is not as open as the Elfling's.

"The Elfling? Legolas?"

Yes. Her son, and so always the Elfling to us. He argued with you, said the tree, sounding unbearably cheerful.

"Yes, I know," Saeldur snapped irritably. "Evidently you think I am not to be trusted – and Legolas clearly believes you, since he has been avoiding me all evening. I expect you told him I was trying to get him into trouble. I am glad you are pleased."

Do you not understand, foolish Elf? The tree swayed so much in its excitement that Saeldur had to hold on with both hands. He argued with you. He does not argue with anyone – not anyone at all. Nobody. Never. But he argued with you, and he has not tried to come and apologize, or make amends, or –

"What is your point?"

The Elfling trusts you. Or he would have been here hours ago to settle matters. He trusts you enough to argue with you, though he may not yet realize it himself.

"Oh." Saeldur considered that. "Does he? Truly?"

Of course, foolish Elf, said the tree.

"Do you think I should go and speak to him?"

No. Let him be. He should come to that realization by himself.

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