Hopefully this satisfies those who have been waiting. I apologize for the wait; place the blame on school and the GRE. Anyway, I hope I haven't lost anyone to my lack of updates. I'm working on updating every other week now. So please read, relax, and enjoy. Oh and please review. I love to get feedback.

Warnings: angry words

Tirades and Accords

Bari's first reaction was shock. Just seconds ago, Legolas was questioning Strider on his identity when the young ranger had suddenly flared out, attempting to strangle the elf prince. And now he feared for the safety of all present for around him all bows were drawn with an arrow notched in preparation.

'Stop,' he called out, a hint of desperation in his voice. 'Put your bows down,' he commanded his men. Although they hesitated for a brief second, they obeyed. A few seconds later, Legolas nodded to his elves to stand down. Now that the imminent fear of a fight was gone, Bari turned his attention to the catalyst and his victim.

'Prince Legolas,' he began, 'are you injured.'

'Nay,' the elf answered in typical stubbornness, despite the fact that he still held a hand protectively over his neck. 'But I would like to know the reason for such hostility.'

'As would I,' Bari glared at Strider, but the man gave no answer.

'Do not worry,' one of the advisors surrounding Legolas spoke. 'King Thranduil will get an answer from him before he sentences him.' Turning to Legolas, he spoke quickly, 'We should prepare to leave. We cannot do business with them.' Legolas nodded in agreement.

'Ready the horses,' Legolas told a guard on his left. 'We are leaving. Bind the prisoner.'

Hearing this, Strider struggled against the hands that held him, speaking in a voice that sounded more like a growl than anything else.

'I knew it. He was right about you. You are a heartless, cold elf. You've unjustly sentenced me to death when it is you who should be.'

Strider's tirade set off anger in Legolas and he moved to look at the man, glaring at him.

'I would kill you now, but I fear I would anger my father for not giving him the opportunity, human,' Legolas spoke vehemently. Everyone stared at him, he noticed, taken aback by his sudden outburst. Silently chiding himself for the sudden display he forced himself to calm before he spoke again.

'Where do you find cause for such words.' Legolas held his anger, but his voice was still angry and determined. 'I have never mistreated you. As you have told me, we never even met, insolent human,' Legolas felt his anger rise and checked it before it caused him to act rashly.

'Once you bind him, gag him as well. I do not wish to listen to him on our journey back,' Legolas spoke coolly, looking at the head guard holding the man. Then the elf turned; everything was almost set to return home.

'Wait,' Bari called. 'Do not call off the meeting over the actions of one man. We still have much to discuss. We have sought your aid, the aid that we need so much for this winter,' Bari paused. When Legolas stopped, he continued, 'If you do not help us, no one else will. Do not allow one man's stupidity to alter your mind.'

'I have already been attacked by one of your men,' Legolas spoke harshly. 'How do I know it will not happen again? What guarantee can you give me another will not?'

'I promise you none will. We are good men,' Bari spoke emphatically, but he saw no lessening in Legolas' face. 'None will come close to you. You may guard them as you wish. I will be the only one to be near you and you may guard me as well.'

Legolas considered his offer. It was reasonable.

'Set a guard on the rangers and a couple over captain Bari. Take the prisoner over to the horses and set a watch on him. Do not allow him to escape.'

The guard nodded, relaying the command to another guard, who arranged the watch over the rangers and Bari. Meanwhile the head guard, with the help of a few other elven guards took Strider, already bound and gagged for the journey, over to the designated spot. As the commands were being carried out, Legolas and Bari began to negotiate.

'My father has considered your request for aid. We have always had good relations with the rangers of the north and wish to extend these good relations to you as well. This being the case, he has agreed to allow you hunting rights on the northern end of Mirkwood.'

'How deep?'

'You will be confined to the eastern bank of the Forest River. You may cross the forest to reach it, by you must travel close to the river. Sentries will be posted to ensure you do not crossover.'

'I understand. My men will not disgrace your lands.'

Legolas allowed a slight look of disbelief to show at this. He was unsure his father would be so pleased at providing aid to the rangers after one had tried to kill him, but in his gut, he knew he could trust Bari, even if his emotions told him men were untrustworthy.

'And I would ask you to deliver my thanks to King Thranduil for his generous offer, which we will readily accept. I must ask, however, concerning the other matter I requested aid for.' Legolas nodded in remembrance.

'You may take shelter in any part of the northern forest as deep as the river runs.'

'Thank you once again. We will readily accept this offer as well,' Bari paused a moment. While they had been negotiating, the elven guards flanking him had relaxed as had those guarding his men. 'In return for your generosity, I offer the services of my men for whatever need might arise.'

'Your offer is graciously accepted. If we have need of your services, a message will be relayed to a sentry who will give you the instructions.'

'Agreed,' Bari bowed his head slightly.

'Agreed,' Legolas returned. 'We must leave now,' he turned. 'You may send a couple men with us to bring your ranger's body back, if you wish.'

'Yes, about the ranger.'

Legolas stopped, turning before he spoke firmly, 'He is to be punished for his crime.'

'I am truly sorry for his actions against you, but I assure you he has never committed such a crime before.'

'But he has now,' Legolas turned back to face the captain.

'There may be reason for his sudden actions. Not long ago he suffered severe injuries, the extent of which yet remain a mystery to me.'

'That is your excuse,' Legolas interrupted. 'An injury caused this.'

'I do not seek to excuse his actions. For those, he alone is responsible. I am asking you to reconsider your actions by offering an explanation for his actions,' Bari paused, waiting for the prince to answer. The elf merely nodded for him to continue.

'As I said I cannot guess at the extent of his injuries. I know there was some head injury that now causes his head to ache. From what medical knowledge I have, I know that head injuries can cause changes in personalities. Even if not, he still suffers from the emotional scars of whatever kind of attack he endured. He still have a long road to recovery.'

'What is it you are asking of me,' Legolas asked, suddenly wary of the man.

'I am asking you to release him to me. Give my healer and me the chance to heal his wounds, the physical and emotional ones. At the end of this winter, you may test him; see if he still poses a threat. If he does, then you may arrest him and do as you wish.'

'You pose an intriguing offer. One which I am not sure my father would approve of,' Legolas paused to think.

Bari hoped Legolas would agree to his proposition. He knew Strider under normal circumstances would not have attacked anyone unless he were provoked. Something was not normal about Strider's behavior. Up until he fell trying to get on his horse, he had seemed like the Strider he'd known. Quiet, attentive, and alert. But on the ride here, he noticed Strider seemed animated and when they arrived, he became nervous and agitated, like he was waiting for something to happen.

'Though rationale tells me this is folly,' Legolas began, 'I will release him into your charge. His attack inflicted more shock than pain,' Legolas' words drifted off as he seemed to consider something.

Breathing deeply, he returned his attention to the ranger captain, 'I hope that you are able to heal him of his injuries and ease his emotional trauma. I look forward to our meeting at the end of this winter. Until then,' he paused, 'I bid you farewell. Darkness is descending upon us,' Legolas spoke absently, his eyes gazing towards the sky.

Quickly, as if pulling himself from a daydream he turned his gaze to Bari again, his eyes full of newfound intensity. 'If we do not leave now, I fear we shall run into a trouble that dares not haunt the daylight hours.'

'I thank you for your generosity and once again ask that you extend our thanks to your king. I wish you a safe return home.'

Legolas nodded in receipt and turned to call for the elves holding Strider to bring him. The young ranger struggled against their grips as they brought him to their prince.

'I wish you,' Legolas paused to find an appropriate word, 'luck in dealing with him.'

'Thank you,' Bari returned, motioning for a few of his men to take Strider, still bound in the elven ropes and gagged as Legolas had ordered. Now in the hands of the rangers, he was calm, giving no fight. Rather, he threw them a puzzled looked, silently questioning Bari as to the reason for his release.

'Prince Legolas has kindly agreed to release you to us,' Bari spoke harshly to the young man. 'That is all you need to know. Remove him from my sight,' Bari commanded the men holding him. The transfer now complete, Legolas left, rounding up the elves as they prepared for their journey home. Bari too decided it was time for his men to leave. Turning to them, he called out for them to mount their horses.

'We will ride as far north as the day allows,' he told them.

'What are we to do with Strider,' Penrose asked.

'Get him on his horse, but keep a close eye on him.' As he spoke, he remembered there was someone else to deal with. 'Glynn,' he called. Hearing his name, the older man stopped adjusting the straps on his horse and walked over to talk to Bari.

'I am getting ready to leave,' he answered before Bari had a chance to speak.

'I can see that,' Bari paused, thinking of the afternoon's events. 'Strider's actions…'

'Yes,' Glynn interrupted, 'quite out of character for him. I have never seen him act so rashly and foolhardy.'

'My hope is that this was a random event.'

'And if not,' Glynn asked.

'Then I hope that he is still suffering the effects of his attack for then perhaps we can help him to recover fully.'

'Aye, that would be ideal. Until the effects are gone, namely the headaches, I am leaving a vial of the medicine with him to ease his more serious headaches.'

'The medicine,' Bari pondered aloud. 'Do you think it might be to blame.'

'No,' Glynn answered quickly. 'Its purpose is to dull pain, sedate a person to an extent. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must be off before it gets much later.'

'Yes,' Bari nodded. 'Safe journeys.'

'And to you as well,' Glynn reciprocated before returning his horse, mounting her, and taking off towards the south. Glynn's hasty departure due to the dwindling daylight, reminded Bari of their need to move farther north. Returning to his men, he found Strider safely mounted on Caladwen. On either side of him was a ranger, just in case Strider lashed out again.

'Do you wish us to remove the gag,' one of the rangers asked.

'No, leave it on.' Bari felt his anger rising again. Before it could rise anymore, however, he left, finding Penrose holding his horse at the front of the group.

'Everything is ready for our departure, sir,' he spoke, handing the reins of Bari's horse to him.

'Good. We shall set out immediately and ride until the sun has nearly set,' the ranger captain spoke as he mounted his horse and then urged him forward. Penrose followed suit, relaying the command to the men. Though Penrose rode beside Bari, they spoke little on the afternoon's journey. Bari was deep in thought, pondering the actions of the day and weighing his options. After a few hours when the sun was nearly set, he drew himself out of his thoughts long enough to divide the men into small scouting parties, sending each group in a separate direction to find an appropriate campsite.

As they scouted, he and Penrose remained behind with Strider and Bari allowed himself to sink back into this thoughts. When the men returned a short while later, one group reported having found an adequate site for the night. Following their lead, the rangers urged their horses to the location. When they arrived, much of Bari's thoughts were still jumbled, but he had come to one decision- he would have to speak to Strider tonight.

Some time after the sun had set and the daily chores were finished, Bari called Strider to him. He had had Strider unbound shortly after stopping so that he could help set up the site and complete his daily chores. Though he was much calmer, all kept a close watch on him for any sudden actions.

'Yes captain,' Strider spoke.

'How is your head?' Bari asked.

'Better. No pain.' There was a pause as both considered their next words. 'About my actions earlier,' Strider started.

'Yes, I have been meaning to speak to you concerning that,' Bari worked to keep his rising anger in check.

'I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. I tried to hide the anger I felt, but before I knew it, it spread throughout me, forcing me to lash out.'

'Fortunately, Legolas was not injured, only stunned.'

'It is also fortunate that he realized the error he was making and released me,' Strider spoke confidently.

'Fortunate?' Bari questioned, now barely able to check his anger. 'It is not fortune that gained your release. Rather it was my pleading on your behalf; trying desperately to explain a reason for your rash actions.'

'And it is fortune that he listened to your reason,' Strider's confidence had not been dampened by Bari's words. 'That princeling is impetuous and callous; he has absolutely no concept of reason. I am quite fortunate that he did not order me killed on site.'

Strider's tirade left Bari speechless. He could not believe what he was hearing. How had Strider ever come to the conclusion that Legolas was unreasonable. What prompted him to such a negative view of the elf prince. Though his heart told him to lash out, to furiously defend Legolas' honor with a diatribe on par with Strider's, his mind told him otherwise. He needed to remain calm; something was not right and he needed lucidity to comprehend it.

'What reason do you have for such a statement?' Bari tried to gain a grasp on whatever was wrong.

'His lack of sense forced Glynn out into a storm that nearly killed him. And just last year, he tried to kill me,' Strider spoke emphatically.

'Tried to kill you,' Bari asked incredulously. 'I thought you could not remember having met him.'

'The instant he said he tried to help me, I remembered. I felt a heavy weight on my chest,' Strider put a hand to the area where he remembered the weight. 'I remember looking up in pain, trying to breathe as the weight forced air out of my lungs and there I saw a blonde elf, his foot on my chest and an evil grin on his face. I didn't recognize him at the time because I didn't know him, but now I know it was Legolas, the elf prince,' Strider spat the last words as though they were venom.

There was little Bari could think to say in response to Strider's story. He didn't know Legolas well and thus couldn't discount the story even though he believed the prince would never attempt to murder a man. As his mind processed the story, one thing struck him as odd.

'How did you know of Glynn's sickness that resulted from his foolhardy decision to ride through a storm on an unseasonably cold summer night?'

'He told me on our way here,' Strider explained. 'I asked him of the elves for I had never met with the Mirkwood elves ere today.'

'Glynn told you,' Bari quietly pondered aloud. 'Before today, did you ever have the same lack of control over your thoughts and emotions?' Strider thought for a moment.

'Occasionally since the accident I've had troubles,' Strider answered.

'Last night you told me you were not fully recovered from the injuries you sustained then,' Bari stated with a slight question in his voice.

'I did,' Strider answered. 'My father warned me I was not fully recovered; that there were some injuries that were beyond his abilities.'

'Some physical and I believe emotional.'

'That is likely. Why?'

'I believe that these lasting injuries may be the reason for your outbursts and lack of control. That is what I explained to the prince,' Bari continued, not allowing Strider to interject anymore words against the elf. 'I convinced him, as I myself am convinced, that these injuries can be healed at last and you will not suffer from such outbursts.'

'And if they are permanent?'

'Then you can be taught to control them.' When Strider didn't say anything, Bari related the terms of the deal. 'You have until the end of winter to overcome these troubles or you will be arrested and tried by King Thranduil.'

'I see,' Strider paused. 'Do I have a choice?'

'Not if you wish to remain a ranger.'

'And if I choose not to be a ranger any more?'

'I will have you bound and taken to Mirkwood to stand trial as per the agreement,' Bari stated matter-of-factly.

'It seems I have no choice,' Strider's voice betrayed his anger. 'Either I submit myself to your aid or a die. How do you think you can heal what my father cannot. He is a far more talented healer than Tudor.'

'I don't know. But I hope you decide to allow us to help.'

'Seeing as I do not wish to die, I am left with no option, but to accept. What do I do now, master healer,' Strider mocked. It took all of Bari's efforts to quell his rising anger.

'First you rest. For your actions earlier and your lack of respect tonight, you shall rise an hour early in the morning to care for the horses and prepare the morning meal. Good night,' he finished harshly. As Strider left, Bari considered the conversation. He had a lot of work ahead of him, dealing with the obstinate ranger, but he refused to believe the injuries could not be dealt with in some way that would relieve him of the lack of control.