CHAPTER 3

Has not been update for far too long...it is time I think..^^"

sorry for the mistakes and please read and enjoy rightly!

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Aragorn remembered vividly how he swayed his fist and how it made contact with its target; how he did not stop and brought his full weight and jumped to another elf, who reacted at his attack and tried to defend his kin. All the shouting and screams around were distant songs to his ears as he concentrated hard to what his heart was justly screaming: Unforgivable!

He was mad, yes, and nothing could stop him- but the hard contact of something hard to his head made him cry in pain and he bolted- stumbled away, crouching and protecting the head that had met its match. Aragorn willed himself to not lose consciousness as hard as he could for he was being surrounded by hundreds of lithe feet!

"He attacked us!

"Get him!"

"Kill him!"

From behind, Legolas was shouting his voice hoarse as to stop any attempt to hurt the man, but they were either ignoring or hindering him in all manner they could. It vexed Legolas that in turn he was pushing them out of the way forcefully- Elrohir and Elladan were beside him in quick strides, and were angrily shoving the Elves away as quick as they could to reach and protect their youngest brother from the unleashed madness. Yet, it seemed that they wouldn't make it in time as an arrow was pointed at the man's head, notched and ready for a release. The Elf Prince's heart skipped a beat and doubled his force to get the foolish Elves out of his way. Time was running out- Legolas, Elrohir and Elladan were ready to kill to reach him- and the arrow was pulled-

"If that arrow should be released and by 'chance' grazed that head, and if a drop of blood from that boy ever stained my floor, I would have all of you answer my call and face the wrath none of you may ever forget."

Everyone froze; some Elves even cry in dismay for the voice was something unpleasant none of them would be willing to hear again.

It was the voice of someone dark speaking from above; malice lingered in the voice and almost everyone thought the Dark Lord himself has descended again- but as they looked at the one to whom the voice belonged, half of the Elven race wished it was the Dark Lord himself at some point, including Elladan and Elrohir, who sighed in relief in spite of themselves as they saw their father descending the stairs.

Lord Elrond, Master of Rivendell, looked darker than anyone had seen him before, though it was Elven light that was enveloping his body so. He had his eyebrows creased in a most fearful way that one may want to run if ever they were within his eyesight. His eyes were darker and something gleamed on them as he stared fixedly at the arrow pointed mercilessly at his youngest son as if daring it to free it self.

"Keep it away, Hordin!"

The bow and the arrow were immediately taken out of sight as the Elf Lord came forth with everyone looking at him, if not for awe and respect- fear.

Aragorn could feel his head bobbling as if a heavy chain metal was keeping it from moving and tried to keep it still. He heard his father spoke but was occupied with his wounded head, and as a healer himself, knew better than to move it in fear of making it worse. All the elves around were silent still as the Elf Lord reached the man without anyone daring to speak, but when the Elf Lord knelt down to check Aragorn and murmur inquiries to him did one dared to say what he saw.

"That man attacked us first, Lord Elrond, we wouldn't have retaliate if he kept his foot in line."

Elrond's eyes moved sideways to the young Elf speaking to him but did not turn. Estel's head (Estel, for that is how he liked to call him) was beginning to swell and the Elf Lord concluded a concussion or of that sort. If he dealt with the problem now it would be too late for Estel's most stone headed skull. His twin sons and the Elf Prince reached them and were lending a hand to Aragorn when Elrond stood up and instructed them.

"Bring him to the ward and do not leave him, take care of his wound, Elladan. I will be there in short notice."

The three younger elves nodded without a word and firmly caught the man in their arms. Eyes followed their movements and they swore all were of daggers as they vanished up the stairs. Elrond heaved an impatient sigh as he looked around his guest. It should have been a feast, a party to celebrate, yet things go from bad to worse almost always whenever Estel was around. It amused the Elf Lord to admit it to himself but he was not at all sorry for keeping the lad. His ears were not just pointed as a characteristic but it has a purpose, like all elves with keen hearing, his can go through all around his household and the reason why Aragorn had 'attacked' the Elves was not unknown to him. Well, it would have ended this way sooner or later, he thought, these Elves were itching to have their hands on the young man and given the chance they were ready.

He shook his head at how some Elves could be as vain as dark creatures- well, maybe not dark creatures, but just simply vain.

"We are here to celebrate a gathering, not to raise revolution against all Men." he started first, his voice utterly calm, ironically at how his blood was boiling, "I shall not discuss this further if those who are involved (he looked sharply and pointedly at the younger elves Estel had attacked) does not want me to relay what they have been speaking about that would interest even my own ear."

The three or so younger elves that looked quite older than Elladan and Elrohir looked at each other apprehensively, then down the floor. They seemed unhurt to him, so with a raised eyebrow the Elf Lord addressed the crowd once more.

"If anyone disagrees with my decision, raise now and be enlightened, else we will continue this awaited event without further discussion."

Nobody spoke. Nobody even breathed.

Elrond inwardly sigh in relief, nodded at the crowd and bid them a happy feast before sliding up the staircase to where his sons and the Elf Prince were waiting. When his robe had swing last, all the Elves around the room breathed and looked at each other. There was a great deal of pause and then everyone broke into their own discussions.

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Legolas stood with his back leaning on the ward wall, his arms crossed and firm and his eyes following the bandage that was being encircled on his friend's head by Elladan and listening to their conversation quietly.

"Father made quite an entrance." Elrohir was saying as he watched both his brothers while he sat at one of the nearest chairs. "I thought I'd have to make a summersault to reach you, brother." He turned a cheeky smile to Aragorn who merely shook his head silently.

"My mentality is such…I couldn't- I didn't expect it… my behavior…but you did not have to perform any somersaulting."

"Don't move, Estel," said Elladan grimly in front of him, "I need not do any somersaulting myself, but I assure you I could throw a little punch or two if they still stopped me at that moment."

"I saw you hanging your mouth open in shock, 'Dan, but no punching." muttered Elrohir from his corner and he received a sharp glance from the older.

"At any rate, if they insist on beheading, Estel, which is a possibility beyond anyone's reach if they do not want ada on their heels, I could really throw those punches." stated Elladan seriously.

"Then I'll be shock." continued Elrohir smirking.

As the twins glowered at each other with hidden mirth on their eyes, Aragorn's eyes had traveled to his friend, who was looking at him uncomfortably from his position and when the word 'beheaded' was mentioned, Aragorn swore he saw Legolas shiver. A thought came to him and he looked sharply at his friend who merely smiled sadly and shook his head as if to say I can't help it. Aragorn inclined his head to his side, moving his eyebrows up as if to lecture the elf to stop but Legolas continued to shake his head.

Their silent exchange of words was soon halted when in came Lord Elrond, looking relieved when he saw the bandage fix on Aragorn's head.

Aragorn immediately stood up to apologize for his cause but Elrond shook his head, frowning as he did.

"Enough, I am well aware and have arrange the matter peacefully. I do not want to hear any of it now, though 'jumping' makes me wonder who taught you that combat style." He raised his eyebrows at the twins who tried to keep their faces straight. Elrond darted his eyes back to Estel then said more softly, "You can stay in your room if you like, or go out in to the garden to freshen up with your brothers and Legolas, I would not bother you of this meeting, I know you do not want any of it."

Aragorn stood straight at hearing this and said in a serious tone too sincere for his own good, "I would want anything that you like and worked for, ada, and I am truly sorry for the mess I have caused. I tried to still myself but by and by they provoke me and I ended almost endangering their respect for you. I will not go there, not because I do not want to, but to prevent any more heated dealings that could arise and destroy your name. Please forgive my shortcoming."

He reached for his father's hand and put a light kiss on it from his lip. Lord Elrond sighed and blessed the man, then turned to the other three.

"I would not ask for your presence as well for I fully well know where your allegiance really lies." He spoke the words with knowing smile and the three young elves nodded in understanding. Aragorn watched them with raise eyebrows and watched as his father turned to the door in urgent business of entertaining the guest as the host.

"Keep your head up, boy!" were Lord Elrond's last words from the hall.

Aragorn caught the words and stood up straight and the others willingly accompanied him to the garden as both company and guard.

The night was upon them when they went out, the moon was out and so beautifully that Legolas' heart lighted a bit. There in the middle of the tranquil garden was a round table and finely carved chairs, and it was there where they decided to spend the night. The leaves were whispering silently as the wind blew at them softly. The fresh air caught their faces and the four could not help but to smile and laugh as nature welcomed their adoring presence.

As the night passed on, they became contented of speaking quietly about the trip they were planning, yet again, if day light should come.

"I would not bring any more wooden materials if I were you, 'Ro, it only makes your load heavier. Why not come and cut some wooden trunks from trees."

"Did you hear that, Legolas? He wanted me to ruin a tree. A Tree! You Wood-Elves should have something to say at that."

"I have none." said Legolas earnestly and Elladan smirked at Elrohir, "Trees are very fond of helping Elves that if one should ask a part they are willing to give as long as it is for greater purposes."

"Mine's of great purpose, I say." said Elrohir boldly, "Why through them I carved magnificent things of old and new! Like that carved horse I gave you not long ago, Estel, when you were five, do you remember? I told you to keep it safe like you keep yourself."

"That was sixteen years ago, 'Ro, and I daresay that's quiet long ago!" said Aragorn smiling widely and amused at how Elves take the time of their lives and not aging.

"Is it the one with a little star on its side?" asked Legolas suddenly, turning to both Elrohir and Aragorn.

The man merely shrugged but Elrohir nodded as if the very object was right in front of him.

"Yes, that it is. How did you know?"

Legolas turned a straight look at Aragorn who seemed to notice nothing, then said with a chuckle, "Because I have it in my room at Mirkwood. Estel gave it to me sixteen years ago, when I came here for a visit."

Elrohir's eyes went large and round, his jaw dropping that made Elladan laugh out loud. Aragorn had his eyebrows up and was looking at the Elf Prince inquiringly.

"You gave it to me, Estel," said Legolas, smiling still at the memory he was very fond of. Estel had been five then and was but a little squirt and angel... He remembered it as if it was only yesterday…

He found the boy pondering about himself outside Lord Elrond's study room and clutching something in his hands.

"What are you doing here, young one?"

The little boy turned at him in surprise then a splitting smile came out wide from his lips.

"Legolas!" as he said so, his little arms opened wide.

Legolas smiled and carry the expectant child to his arms.

"I say what you are doing here?" he repeated once again.

The child seemed to think for awhile, pondering once again before saying, "I'll give you my horse."

Legolas raised his eyebrows at the thought of the small child having a horse then came into an understanding when Estel raise a wooden horse from his clutch and press it down the Elf Prince's chest.

"Take care of it, please." he told the elf so quietly that the Elf became curious to ask.

"Thank you, Estel, I will gladly take it…but tell me, to what event do I owe such a gift?"

Estel looked at the horse thoughtfully "My brother gave it to me and said I should take care of it like I take care of myself but…" he turned a round earnest eyes up at the Elf Prince and said with what the Prince fondly recognize as sincerity, "I do not know how to take care of myself. I always tumble everywhere so I need someone to look after my horse instead. Will you take care of it?"

Legolas brightly smiled at the child, a bit taken aback, and nodded.

"It is my pleasure." he said.

The child enthusiastically bounded from his arms to the floor then happily went around the hall and waving at Legolas, encouraging him to come. Legolas had nodded fondly and made to follow the child, but then stopped thoughtfully as he stared at the horse.

"Looks like I have to keep you safe forever if the child means he is you."

And on that, Legolas had been most overprotective of the small being. Even as a grown man…he is still but a child…

"Your horse is well kept, mellon nin," Legolas reported with a smile. Aragorn chuckled and lowered is eyes on the ground, unable to meet Elrohir's eyes of accusation while Elladan promised to keep a straight face.

Something distracted the movement of the wind and Aragorn looked up at once. He thought he heard something went pass his head but there was none on the wind. Frowning, he looked around in time to see the three Elves fell forward the ground with loud thuds.

Clearly not breathing.

The man's heart skipped.

What the…?

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~TBC~

That was one 'mad' cliffy ^^"

I hope you all like the story so far! Thanks for reading!