Aragorn looked up from the papers spread before him, watching his slave as he worked. Legolas was bent over the small side table, reading over letters and sorting them into piles. His brow was furrowed in concentration as he studied the horribly illegible paper. He chewed his lip unconsciously before coming to a decision and placing it neatly on the important mound.

His slave was settling in nicely. Every morning he would complete the chores his master demanded without complaint. Afterwards, if his help was not required for anything else, he was free to do whatever he wished until evening chores. More often than not, Legolas could be found out in the gardens, singing softly to the wildlife around him. His beautifully melodic voice had already impacted the greenery.

Everything was bursting with vibrant colors and great blooms. Aragorn found himself watching his slave from his study, as it overlooked the courtyard of flora. Legolas' face would ease of the tension it had been holding the moment he would step out of the castle. Aragorn was glad that the elf found something that made him happy.

Legolas was not broken, he was not arrogant enough to believe that. To break the former Prince would kill him, and Aragorn did not want to break him. His spirit was a magnificent sight to behold. Though enslaved, Legolas' soul shone brighter than any star in the sky. Aragorn shook off the straying thoughts and concentrated on the matter at hand. His father had called him in to a council earlier that day to discuss a matter of great importance.

Lord Elrond looked up from his desk and smiled at the sight of his son hovering in the doorway.

"Ion-nin. Please. Sit." He gestured his hands elegantly to the chair in front of him. Aragorn took his seat, waiting for his Adar to speak his mind. Elrond leaned back, steepling his hands under his chin in thought. After a few beats of silence, he spoke.

"I need you to act as my envoy and travel to Mirkwood. There are still some unresolved matters there that need to be fixed. You will leave at first light in the morn." Aragorn nodded immediately. He would do anything for his adopted father, and a trip sounded exciting. He had been cooped up in the stone walls of the castle for far too long. He rose to leave, but his Adar's words stopped him.

"I have, at great expense ion-nin, procured a parting gift for you. It is something that I believe you have been in dire need of." Elrond smiled, presenting a cloth wrapped bundle. Aragorn beamed in delight. Gifts from his father were far and few between. With fingers shaking slightly in eagerness, he unwrapped the present, baring the gift.

In his hands lay a thin piece of leather. It was soft to the touch and adorned with fine jewels that sparkled radiantly in the sunlight. At one end was a buckle. It was obvious the offering was a collar. It looked to be painstakingly made. All of the gems were placed evenly on leather that was pounded until soft as silk. Aragorn examined it closely, realization dawning on him.

"This is for L-my slave?" He cut himself off quickly before he said Legolas' name. It would not do to let his Adar hear him saying the name of his slave so freely. Elrond nodded in response to his question.

"I know you have had difficulties with his behavior. He was most unsatisfactory at the dinner a fortnight erstwhile. The collar will be a reminder to him to whom he belongs to. He will have not such a lapse in judgment a second time. I have had it specially made, as he is the slave to the Prince of Rivendell." Aragorn could see that his father demanded obedience in this matter. A protest would be futile.

"I thank you Father. This is a most lavish gift you have granted me. My salve will wear it proudly." He bowed before taking his leave.

Aragorn allowed the memory to complete, stroking his thumb over the smooth leather of the collar he had grasped in his hand. He had hesitated to tell Legolas, not only of the gift, but of the trip to his homeland. As his slave, he was required to accompany him on his travel to the place of his birth. Where he was once Prince; once the first born son of the King. All of that was ripped from him in the blink of an eye. And now he was required to face his Kingdom bearing a collar that denoted his new status. The Prince sighed, deigning to get the deed over with as soon as possible.

"Legolas?" The elf stopped in his readings, looking up to his master questioningly.

"I have something for you. Come here." Legolas rose from the chair, stretching his back, aching from being in the same position all afternoon. He glided over to Aragorn, kneeling when he was motioned to do so. His master held out his hand, showing him the strip of leather. It took a few moments for Legolas to realize what it was, but when he did, he shot to his feet shaking his head violently.

"No! I will not wear it! I am no animal!" He backed away slowly as Aragorn stood with him and neared him with the collar. Legolas glanced around wildly for an escape, looking very much like a spooked deer at the moment.

"Legolas," Aragorn thundered sternly. "You are my slave, and it pleases me to see you wear this and so you will. It will aid you in remembering who you belong to and who you represent and it will keep you in line. Your objections have no effect on the matter. Stop this behavior so I may place it on you.

"Please. Master please!" Legolas dropped to his knees and leaned forward onto his hands, kissing Aragorn's shoes. "Please do not make me wear it. Let me keep whatever dignity I have left. I will do anything you request. I will be the perfect slave. Just please, do not make me wear it master." His broken words almost stayed Aragorn's hands. To see the once great Prince on his knees begging was hard to say the least. But his Adar demanded that the slave be collared like the others. He squared his shoulders and bent down, fitting the collar to the elf's thin neck; making sure it was not too tight. He locked it into place quickly and pocketed the small key.

Legolas flew backwards with a cry, gripping the collar and tearing at it. His body heaved with great sobs as he writhed on his back, contorting his body in desperate attempt to yank off the offending item. He could feel the walls closing in around him; hear the taunts ringing in his ears. All that he had held dear to him since becoming slave was driven away. The collar burned at him, crushing off the air supply to his lungs. Aragorn laid a hand on his slave's trembling shoulder, endeavoring to calm him, but the shoulder was yanked away immediately.

The Prince sighed, standing and leaving the room. He understood that his slave needed time to process all that had happened, and would tell him of their mission when he had calmed. He pulled the door closed softly, grimacing when he could still hear the elf's anguished cries through the thick wood.

Legolas let his hands fall from the collar limply. No amount of strength would pry it from his neck. All he succeeded in doing was bruise the pale skin. He dragged himself to a corner and hugged his arms around himself. He was now just a slave, and nothing more. His cries went unheard in the dark room as he sobbed of a broken heart.

o-o-o-o-o

I just want to thank everyone who reviewed. Your words gave me the courage I needed to carry on. As promised, the story has gotten better (hopefully). I looked through yall's comments and tallied up whether people wanted a slash story or not, and it was a tie. No really, it was. So I have decided not to make it a slash (you may envision my face and beat it now if you wish) but I am sticking to my decision. I am hoping to appease both sides with this decision and just make the story as good as I can. Another chapter probably tomorrow, as it is also a snow day and I am getting a serious case of cabin fever. Hope you enjoyed. Please review. I love hearing from y'all. :)