Aragorn frowned as his search of the kitchens left him empty handed again. He had looked everywhere for Legolas, but so far, he had found nothing. His slave had fled the throne room faster than he could excuse himself and follow. Anger burned in his gut as he thought about Lord Thranduil's response. He knew the words had cut Legolas deeper than any mortal weapon could ever achieve. It was made worse by his slave adamantly stating that his father thought no different of him. It seems Thranduil could not see past the status and see that his son needed him.

Aragorn sighed and sat down on a step. He had searched the entire castle twice, and by now it was growing light outside. He blinked in surprise. He had not realized he had been looking throughout the evening and night for his slave. It seemed like just minutes ago Legolas was backing away, valiantly trying to keep the tears from spilling down his cheeks. The Prince got up and began walking again. He didn't notice he had fallen asleep until he walked straight into a tree. He shook his head clear and looked at the small pine. Suddenly, he knew exactly where Legolas was. How stupid could he be? Legolas had told him exactly where he went to seek comfort.

He strode quickly around the courtyard, finally coming to a stop beneath a grand oak. Now that he was close, he could faintly catch the sounds of little sniffles. Without thought, he climbed the massive tree. There, curled into a ball on a limb and pressed to the trunk, sat Legolas. He looked awful. Tears, long since run out of, stained the slave's cheeks, and he snuffled his stopped up nose periodically. He was quivering with emotion, his small arms unable to hold his body together.

"Oh Legolas…" Aragorn sighed softly. Forgetting all the rules that had been drilled into him since birth, he wrapped his arms around his slave. Legolas, for the most part, ignored him and just continued to sob hoarsely.

"It will be ok." He allowed his slave to cry against him, holding together the pieces as he fell apart in his arms. Much time passed before Legolas quieted down enough to talk and lifted his head slightly.

"Ada hates me. I am nothing but a slave."

"He does not hate you. He is a fool for what he did to you. He should have seen that you are still his son, whether you wear a collar or a crown, but he did not. You cannot let this break you. You are much stronger than this. You will return to the castle, head held high, and show the people what you have done for them. You are brave Legolas. I do not know if I could have done what you have. I envy your bravery greatly." Legolas sniffled, looking at his master."

"Really?" Aragorn smiled and nodded.

"Really. Now, let us get down from here. We have missed our chance at rest and must now face another day." He descended, his slave close behind. Legolas scrubbed at his face, destroying any evidence of his crying. He looked up and squared his shoulders, preparing himself for the worst.

"Ah, ion-nin. How were your travels?" Lord Elrond embraced his son, glad to have him back safely.

"Well Ada. I have concluded the business that needed tending to without concern. I am glad to be back."

"That is good. We must hold a feast tomorrow night in honor of your return. You have been gone far too long ion-nin." Aragorn chuckled. A month was hardly a long amount of time. His father made it seem as if he had been gone for the better part of year.

"I would be honored."

"Good. Now, you must rest. You seem tired from the ride. Go scrub the second skin of dirt you have acquired and rest easy."

"Thank you father." Aragorn bowed his head slightly in respect and left. Legolas met him at the door, falling into step beside him.

"So a feast?" The Prince laughed.

"It seems you were using your talents to eavesdrop Legolas." His slave just laughed as well and bumped his arm with his.

"Hardly. You speak loud enough for Mordor to hear." Aragorn had, over the time in Mirkwood, developed a strong friendship with his slave. He no longer saw him as his slave anymore, but rather as his best friend. They had some things in common, but their differences were what drew them together. Aragorn often found himself consulting Legolas in matters he was at a loss of what to do about. Legolas was very intelligent. He would think deeply before conveying his thoughts on the problem truthfully. It helped him many times on issues in Mirkwood. After the first day, Legolas stepped up and used his position to help his people.

"I am not that loud. Silence or I will throw you in the dungeon," he laughed jokingly.

"Oh, My Lord. Please forgive me. I will be good, just please let me have some of the amazing food." Aragorn pretended to consider the plea.

"Perhaps. Make sure you are ready by tomorrow night, promptly." Their laughter could be heard through the hallways, echoing loudly and brightening the air.

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Thanks for the reviews. I did change the fact that I said jeans in chapter two, so thank you AragornArwenLOTR998 for bringing that to my attention. More to come, on both of my stories. Enjoy.