That's right, Ladies and Gentlemen- you're not hallucinating. You're not going mad. This is a real, rushed, unedited chapter- in true Me style. I'll attempt to come back and clean it up...but seeing as it's been so long since I updated, I figured that unedited is better than nothing. Right? RIGHT? *crickets*

I know it's not much, and that it's just a filler- but at least it's something!

Please enjoy!

"You are being incredibly stubborn."

"I am being stubborn? Valar, did the blow to your head cause severe damage? YOU are being the stubborn one!"

"I am only being stubborn because you are not allowing me to make my own decisions!"

Thranduil breathed deeply, swallowing the anger he could feel rising in his chest.

He knew that bickering is how the twins showed their worry for each other- but after fifteen minutes of back and forth arguing, the Elvish King was finding it difficult to bite his tongue.

"I will walk the rest of the way, Elladan. I have not broken my legs- I can walk the rest of the way." Elrohir told his twin.

"No, you will not. You will lie back down and allow your body to rest. You are as pale as a sheet, and your hands are cold. If you push yourself too much, you will regret it."

"I-"

"For the love of Eru! Perhaps I should shoot you in the leg, Elrohir, and force you to lie back down? Or perhaps I should shoot BOTH of you, just so we can have a moment of peace?"

Thranduil raises an eyebrow as Beridhren spins around, stalking towards the twins.

"You may be the Sons of Elrond, but at this particular time I couldn't care less! We are only half an hour away from home. I, and I'm sure everyone else, would like to finish this tiresome journey in SILENCE."

There's a small cheer from the surrounding Patrol and Thranduil couldn't help but smirk slightly as Elladan threw his hands up in mock surrender.

"Fine, I give in. If my dear, daft brother wishes to walk and case himself pain, who am I to stand in his way?" He conceded as he stepped away from his brother. Elrohir grinned cheekily, clearly happy with his victory as he climbed off of the stretcher. A flash of pain crossed his face and Thranduil almost found himself ordering him to lie back down. The King knew that the only reason Elrohir was insisting on standing is because he didn't wish to be a burden on the already exhausted patrol- but he can't help but wish that Elrohir would just listen to his brother. As the group continued on the final part of their journey, Thranduil casually fell back so he could keep an eye on the young Elf. He watched as Elladan fell into step with his twin, matching his every step. As Thranduil observed, Elladan leaned slightly towards his brother.

"When you collapse, I am going to remind you that I told you that you would." Elladan hissed at his twin.

"Elladan? Just shut up."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Less than an hour later, Thranduil swept through the palace. His long strides carried him quickly towards his destination, not stopping to change his clothes as he almost sprinted towards his son's bedroom. Just as he reached for the door, it flew open to reveal the exact person he was searching for.

Without hesitation, Thranduil pulled his son towards him, holding him close.

"Adar, all is well. I am fine." Legolas murmured, leaning into his father's warm embrace.

"I know." Came the reply. "I am also fine, if you are wondering."

"I am glad to hear it."

The stand there for several moments, both enjoying the moment until a soft cough interrupted them. Thranduil stepped back, leaving a hand on his son's shoulder as Celegon bowed his head in greeting.

"Lord Thranduil, I am extremely grateful to see you have returned in one piece. Perhaps we should move inside so we may discuss the current situation? Much has happened in the last few days."

"Excellent idea, Mellon Nin." Thranduil agreed. The King and Prince stepped inside, followed closely by the Advisor. They're joined a few moments later by the twins.

"My apologies for taking so long- we took a detour through the Healing Ward to tuck a certain human into bed." Elladan joked as they sat down with the others. Thranduil smiles slightly.

"It is no issue. Now, where shall we begin?"

Two hours later, the group sat in silence as they attempted to take in all the information. From the attempt on Legolas' life and the escape of the prisoner, to the attack on the patrol so close to the border… all of it is heavy information.

A few moments went by in silence before the King stood, letting out a breath he didn't realise he'd been holding.

"We must deal with all of this immediately. Come, let us move to my office- I believe I may have something there which can help us to find this….Missing Elf."

The Sons of Elrond stood as well, Elladan running a hand over his face.

"Perhaps we could take a moment to clean up, Lord Thranduil?" He suggested, glancing over at his twin. The King followed his glance, and caught on to the hidden request from the older twin.

"Of course, Elladan. Let us meet in half an hour. I-"

Without warning, the younger of the twins swayed dangerously.

"Lord Elrohir? Are you well?!" Celegon cried out in alarm. The Son of Elrond blinked twice as the colour rapidly drained from his already quite pale face. Both Legolas and Celegon jumped forward, arms out to catch him as his legs gave out from underneath him. It is Thranduil who manages to catch the twin before he hits the ground, mindfully avoiding the twin's healing wrist.

Elladan however, simply looked down at his now unconscious twin with a slight look of amusement.

"I told you so."

I swear I'll update again. I'm finally in a good space, mentally and worldly, to return to writing!