Chapter 2

Well, I've certainly had a horrible, exhausting day, so publishing this actually cheered me up quite a bit :) I had a physics exam today, which seemed to go fine when I was doing it, but now looking back I keep freaking out that I didn't do the calculations right and everything, even though I'm about eighty percent sure I did. But it was a bit of a weird exam- some of the questions were rather strange. We had to calculate the internal resistance of a potato...

Anyway, here's your next chapter. It's a bit shorter, because otherwise it wouldn't end in as good a place. There's some funny bits, some angsty bits (because I just can't stay away) and the sea longing is dealt with, though perhaps not quite in the way you may expect, upon reading the first half or so of this. I know quite a few of you have said you like the tackling of the sea longing and everything- it is mentioned, and dealt with a little, but this story is about a lot more than just that singular remainder of the war, and so whilst the sea longing ties in, it is part of a larger picture and isn't explicitly dealt with and all tidied up. I'm probably going to deal with the sea longing more in another story that is on the vague edge of being planned.

Disclaimer: see chapter 1

0-o-0-o-0

The hall was filled with light. Cherry logs burnt in the enormous fireplace, their heady scent twisting through the air on tendrils of smoke. The doors at the end of the hall had been flung open, where torches filled the courtyard of the citadel with their red glow.

Aragorn stood up from the table, and slowly the hall fell silent. At the head table sat Aragorn, with Arwen to one side of him, and Legolas and Belhadron to the other side of him. Faramir sat to the right of Arwen, and Eowyn next to him.

Aragorn raised his goblet. "Tonight," he said, his voice ringing clear around the hall. "We welcome back one of those who fought beside you, and we welcome one who fought without our knowing at the time, though the deed was no less valiant."

Aragorn looked down to his left, where Legolas was sitting with a small smile on his face, and continued. "We welcome Lord Legolas Thranduilion and Captain Belhadron Arthonion of Eryn Lasgalen to Minas Tirith. Lord Legolas you all know as part of the Fellowship, and it was with his help that the Quest was completed."

"But it is all too easy to forget that there was fighting elsewhere. It is thanks to Captain Belhadron, the elves of Eryn Lasgalen, the men of Dale and the Dwarves of Erebor that we are still here in this city. We owe our lives to anyone who was willing to give their own to fight the shadow, including those fighting in the north. We are indebted to Captain Belhadron as much as we owe any captain who fought outside these walls, or on the Morannon. Let us give both of my friends the welcome they deserve."

The hall erupted in clapping, some of the soldiers amongst those at the tables actively cheering. They understood better than of the nobility or council members sitting in the same room what some people had given in this war.

Aragorn waited, and then once the clapping had died down, nodded to the pages waiting at the side of the hall. They came forwards and began to take away the platters of food on the table from their feast. Music from just outside in the courtyard started up, and once Aragorn and the rest of those at the head table had risen, others stood and began to mingle, spreading out into the courtyard.

Aragorn moved to Legolas' side as they headed out and stood on the steps of the citadel. It was dusk, the sky clear and the first few stars beginning to show. Torches along the stone balustrade lit up the citadel with their red, flickering light.

Legolas smiled at Aragorn. "A good feast, mellon-nin."

Aragorn chuckled. "I'm glad you think so." He sighed, looking out over the city. People were moving out around the courtyard, around the White Tree. Some were beginning to dance to the music.

"Does it still feel strange?" asked Aragorn softly.

Legolas glanced over. "Like all of this is going to shatter in an instant? Aye, it still feels strange. And maybe still a little daunting. I think anyone who fought in the war is still struggling to believe it. I know both Belhadron and I are."

"How is he?" asked Aragorn, his gaze drifting to where Belhadron was talking to some of the soldiers who had attended the feast, with Faramir by his side. Aragorn guessed that his Steward was maybe helping to translate a little.

When Aragorn had first met Belhadron, all those years ago in Mirkwood, the captain had spoken little Westron. That had been years ago, back when Aragorn had only been a Ranger and had visited then Mirkwood for the first time. The dark haired elf had been cold at first, but then Aragorn realised it was the norm, and that it was Legolas, with his curiosity and kind heart, that had been the anomaly in being so welcoming. It had taken a while for any of the elves of Mirkwood to warm to him, wary as they were of strangers.

Aragorn did not know Belhadron nearly as well as Legolas did, but he knew enough to see that the slightly cold, mysterious exterior that Belhadron wore was something the elf was doing on purpose, and that beneath it all, he was rather enjoying himself as he watched the councillors fall over each other to introduce themselves.

Legolas sighed slightly, drawing Aragorn back to the question he had asked. "I don't truly know," said Legolas, his voice soft. "I wasn't there. I think part of him is glad to be out from under the trees. Most days remind him of everything we lost, and though we had the victory, it is easy to remember how much we paid for it."

"And you?" asked Aragorn. "Are you glad to be away from Eryn Lasgalen?"

Legolas turned to him, and his face briefly showed a deeper anguish. "I should have been there," he murmured. "So many people died, and whilst they were dying I was running across Rohan or sailing up the Anduin to here. I should have been there."

Aragorn shook his head. "I'm pretty sure we have talked about this before," he said. "Don't feel guilty because you survived when others didn't. I am incredibly, unbelievably grateful that you are still here talking to me, and not buried under the trees of Eryn Lasgalen. If you had not taken that message to Imladris and joined the quest, then maybe we would have failed. You cannot know. But believe me, Legolas, I am so very thankful."

Legolas smiled softly, and his hand briefly grasped Aragorn's shoulder. "Hannon le," he said.

"I was meaning to ask," said Aragorn, catching Faramir's gaze and beckoning him over. "About Ithilien."

"Ithilien?" asked Legolas as Faramir joined them. "That is where you and Eowyn are going to live, is it not?" he asked Faramir.

Faramir nodded. "The house is in the process of being built," he said. "It's in Emyn Armen, only a league or so from Osgiliath. But the forests of Ithilien will need a lot of work, more than I can give."

"And that is what I wanted to ask you," said Aragorn. "I know that we talked about it a little, just after Sauron fell, but then other things eclipsed it from both of our minds. Would you still like to bring a colony of elves from Eryn Lasgalen out to Ithilien?"

"The forests were once beautiful," said Faramir. "But the darkness and shadow from Mordor corrupted them. I have spent a lot of time out there after the war, cleansing the Morgul vale and the forests, but it will take more skilled hands than mine or my men to heal all the hurts inflicted. You and your people could do that."

"Besides," said Aragorn. "I want you closer than Eryn Lasgalen."

Legolas smiled, an easy smile. "I was wondering when it was going to come up," he said. "If the offer still stands, I would love to. And I am sure some people would follow me from Eryn Lasgalen. Some of the warriors, like Belhadron, I think may not want to stay for much longer."

And he knew why. It was one thing to see battle on a distant field. It was an entirely different thing to see it within your home.

"I will have to ask my father," said Legolas. "But he should see the wisdom in it. Much needs healing from the war, and he have to look beyond the borders of the forest now."

"Truthfully, I would be glad to have elven warriors in Ithilien," said Faramir. "There are still a few rogue orcs within the shadows of Ephel Duath, and we have found a new problem. Scavenging bands of Easterlings have begun forays into Ithilien, and they had found orcish weapons. We could use people more accustomed to fighting within trees than our own men."

Legolas nodded. "It could work out well," he murmured. "Maybe Belhadron and I could ride out to the forest at some point? We can see what we could accomplish in Ithilien."

Aragorn smiled. "Aye, that would be a good idea," he said. "Faramir, is Mablung here this evening?"

Faramir shook his head. "He left just after the meal finished," he said. "His wife is pregnant, and he wanted to be home early. But he is in the city."

Aragorn smiled at the news. "Unfortunately, I must be in council for most of the morning and afternoon. Faramir, you have few duties tomorrow. If Mablung and any of your Rangers who are in the city are able, would you accompany Legolas and Belhadron out to Ithilien? Just for the day, so Mablung can get home to his wife, but there is no better time to go."

"Aye," said Faramir. "I can check on the house in Emyn Armen as well, whilst my Rangers take you into Ithilien, is that is fine with you, my Lord Legolas?"

Legolas smiled. "It is just Legolas, my Lord. But if you are willing to do so, I would be glad to see Ithilien again. And I am sure Belhadron will be glad to spend a day out of a city of stone, no matter how good the view is from here."

Aragorn laughed. "Mellon-nin, do I have to remind you that your father's palace was hewn from rock, and that it is underground? You cannot protest about Minas Tirith being too full of stone when you grew up in what is, essentially, a cave."

Legolas glared at Aragorn, and he raised a hand in protest. "A nice cave!" he said. "A beautiful home, mellon-nin, and you know it. But it is still underground, and that is generally the defining quality of a cave."

Faramir laughed, and then Aragorn smiled apologetically. "I fear I might have to rescue my wife," he said, looking out to where Arwen was speaking with a few councillors. Only those who knew her well, mainly Aragorn, could tell how irritated she was getting with them. Aragorn chuckled. "I think they might be in more danger than they realise."

"Go," said Legolas with a laugh. "Before your Lady throws her goblet at them." And indeed, Arwen's long pale fingers were flexing slightly around the stem of her wine glass. Aragorn chuckled and quickly ran down the steps. He appeared at Arwen's side and with a grateful smile Arwen took his hand. They moved away and Aragorn smoothly swung Arwen around as they began to dance.

0-o-0-o-0

Belhadron watched from beside the fountain as Aragorn danced with Arwen, and a small smile came across his face at the sight.

He had been to many feasts and celebrations in Mirkwood, but now they were different. Before the War, Belhadron had known all too well why King Thranduil had thrown so many feasts: as a distraction from the shadows that had loomed over them for so long. Belhadron had never really liked them; always a little apprehensive that something was going to go wrong. It had usually taken Legolas and a stolen flask of wine to get him to loosen up.

But now there was actually nothing to worry about, no apprehension over battles that would be fought the next day. Now Belhadron could look at a crowd and not think of who would be there in a month, and who might be in the healing wards or dead. It was over.

At least, that is what the rational part of his mind knew. The instinctive part of him, the part that had kept him alive for so long was still making his hand twitch towards the knife at the small of his back every so often, when it became too quiet. It was still making him scan every place he walked into for danger, and still, that part of him made him watch Legolas' back carefully, just in case.

After so many years at war, to suddenly be free from it was a strange feeling.

Legolas appeared at his side with a smile and a gentle nudge. "Do you like Minas Tirith?" he asked, slipping almost without knowing into Silvan as he spoke.

Belhadron looked over at him and smiled. "If you ignore the fact that it is stone, then yes, I like the city. It is peaceful, more peaceful than home can be sometimes. It is a different place, after all. Even if half of the councillors here have been trying incredibly hard to gain my attention." Belhadron chuckled. Luckily Faramir had the same opinion of politics as him, and had helped him evade the advisors and lords, and introduced him instead to the many captains and soldiers also around the courtyard.

Legolas laughed. He had exactly the same view of politics as Belhadron. Both of them could think of far more important things to do.

The song that was being played finished, and Aragorn and Arwen stepped away from where couples were dancing. Arwen was laughing at something that Aragorn said as they came over to the two elves.

"Will you dance?" Arwen asked Legolas, holding out one hand. Aragorn laughed, fondly kissing his wife's cheek.

"She will insist," he said to Legolas. "You will have to give in, mellon-nin."

Legolas laughed. "I suppose I must," he said, taking Arwen's hand. With a grin at Aragorn and Belhadron, he led Arwen out and began to dance. Faramir led Eowyn out as well, Eowyn's white skirts swinging around her as Faramir spun her in his arms.

Belhadron watched Legolas as he left, barely glancing over to Aragorn, who came and stood by his side.

"You are still watching out for him, then?" asked Aragorn in Sindarin, his voice soft and pitched so even Legolas, with his elven hearing, would be hard pressed to hear him. Belhadron could only hear Aragorn's voice because he was standing next to the man.

Belhadron nodded. "Someone has to," he murmured. "It has been my job for hundreds of years." He chuckled. "It is rather hard to give up now, even though there is no danger. Though knowing Legolas, he could find danger in the storerooms of Eryn Lasgalen."

Aragorn laughed. "That is true," he said. "But then so could you, mellon-nin."

Belhadron shrugged. "Maybe," he said, but a smile crept across his face and he laughed. Aragorn chuckled, and watched as Legolas danced with Arwen.

"So he is really alright?" asked Aragorn softly. "Coming this far south again?"

Belhadron frowned, and turned to Aragorn in confusion. "What?" he asked.

Aragorn momentarily froze. In his head he cursed. He had assumed Legolas had told Belhadron everything, including the part about the gulls. It was a rather natural assumption to make, as he thought he knew Belhadron and Legolas had known each other far too long to even try to keep secrets from each other. But apparently, this time he had erred.

Luckily, Aragorn had had a lifetime to practice thinking quickly, and as a Ranger had sometimes had to rely on the skill of his tongue. He shrugged as nonchalantly as he could. "I don't know half of the things that go on in his head, and you probably know him far better than I do, Belhadron. You have known him for longer, after all. But if seeing the city every day for me dredges up memories, I'd imagine it would do the same for him."

Belhadron shrugged. "I think he is a little relieved to be away from home," he said. "It seems like the forest is no longer big enough for him. Besides," he murmured with a sigh. "Legolas still feels a little guilty over not being in Mirkwood when we were fighting. I told him that if he had not followed you and watched your back, you probably would have gotten yourself killed at least twice, but I am not sure how much he believes that."

Aragorn chuckled. "That is true," he said. "Has Legolas spoken to you of Ithilien?" He daren't say too much, in case Legolas had not told his friend yet another thing.

Belhadron nodded. "He said you briefly spoke of an elven colony in the forests east of the Anduin, to heal the hurts inflicted by Sauron."

"Faramir has offered to take you and Legolas out to Ithilien tomorrow with his Rangers," said Aragorn. "But if Legolas did decide to come down here, would you follow him?"

Belhadron laughed softly. "Estel, why even ask that?" he asked lightly. "Of course I would. Besides," he said, his gaze falling past the torchlight courtyard and out towards the inky expanse of Gondor. "I think my forest's borders are not so big now, after all."

0-o-0-o-0

The sun rose early in Gondor, but even then it did not beat the blond elf who was leant on the balcony, watching the first rays spill over the mountains to the east.

There was a slight rustle behind him, and the elf smiled. "I am sure that I shut the door to my room," he said softly.

Belhadron chuckled, and leant next to Legolas on the balcony. "You know closed doors only encourage me," he said. He glanced over at Legolas. The blond elf's forehead was creased slightly, and Belhadron could not fail to notice how Legolas' eyes were resolutely fixed away from the south.

He had worked it out last night, fairly quickly after Aragorn's question. Belhadron had known Legolas far too long to not notice when something was different, but he had attributed it to the fact that the war had just finished, and all of the changes that came from that. Only last night had he realised what it was some of his friend's actions had been trying to tell him.

Of course, it would have been a lot easier if Legolas had actually told him.

"Are you alright?" asked Belhadron softly. That question was never going to get a straight and honest answer, he knew that, but it was a way to at least try and start a conversation.

Legolas chuckled. "Are you even expecting an honest answer?" he asked lightly. "I am fine, mellon-nin."

"So there is no reason at all why you cannot look south today?"

The question was said lightly, but the moment it left Belhadron's mouth Legolas tensed, turning away from Belhadron. There was a long silence.

"Did Aragorn tell you?" said Legolas finally, his voice quiet.

"By accident," replied Belhadron. Both of their voices were careful, as if they were trying to tread lightly. "But I would have worked it out eventually. I knew something was wrong."

Legolas inclined his head, but didn't say anything. Belhadron, to his surprise, laughed suddenly, the sound breaking through the face of irritation that he had been wearing.

"I'm not angry," he said. "A little…irritated, but then I have known you for hundreds of years, and as such have had plenty of time to get used to such a thing." He shook his head with a smile. "I was close to working it out anyway. Aragorn just confirmed what I was beginning to suspect."

Legolas sighed. "Of course you were," he said wryly, leaning more heavily on the balcony. "I'm sorry. I should have told you, but-"

"For the love of the Valar," said Belhadron with a smirk. "I don't mind. I truly don't. You know I have not told you everything of what happened whilst you were making sure Aragorn didn't get himself killed, just as I knew you had not mentioned everything."

Legolas chuckled. "You cannot tell me you where not angry for a little while," he said, glancing up at his friend. "I know you too well for you to lie to me, remember."

"For a few hours," said Belhadron with a shrug. "But I'm not pretending to understand what it is, what it is like, and so I have no right to be angry at you over something I have no hope of properly understanding." He knew perfectly well that he and Legolas were not even the same race, that Legolas was Sindarin whilst he was merely Silvan, and so he knew that he could not even possibly begin to understand something like the sea-longing.

Legolas looked at Belhadron with a face of slight shock. "Since when did anything that made that much sense come from your mouth?" he asked, jumping back slightly as Belhadron half-heartedly swatted at his shoulder.

"I took notes whenever Mithrandir came through and talked sense into your father," Belhadron replied with a smirk. "He seemed to do well with the King, especially with the whole dragons and dwarves problem."

"There was only one dragon," Legolas pointed out. "And it was dead before we even got involved." Belhadron nodded slightly in agreement, leaning back on the balcony and looking out over Minas Tirith.

Legolas straightened from the balcony. "We should go," he said. "Faramir is meeting us soon to ride out to Ithilien." He smiled, a soft smile, and his gaze drifted to the green expanse across the river. "I think you will like it," he murmured.

Belhadron slid down from the balcony. "If there are no spiders, then I am happy," he said with a grin. He glanced over at Legolas with a smile, who smiled back in return, and any residual anger he had felt over what Legolas had not told him left. He could never hold a grudge very long.

When Eryn Lasgalen had been Mirkwood, when they had been fighting for so very long, arguments were more than occasional, but nobody had held grudges. It was rare for any of the warriors to remain angry at each other for very long. It happened, of course. But Belhadron had almost made it a rule to never part from Legolas angry, to never hold a grudge against his oldest friend. They had never known if one of them wouldn't come back one day.

And though the fighting had finished, though the war was over and Mirkwood didn't even exist anymore, still these things lingered. Still the shadow of it all remained.

To Be Continued...

I told you I couldn't stay away from angst! I'd admit, Belhadron's reaction actually surprised me a bit, and I invented him, but hopefully as you get to know him, it will make sense (if you want the deeper reasoning behind his response, which ties in to his backstory a bit, then feel free to drop by and ask).

As always, thanks a lot for reading, and reviews are very welcome! Next chapter will come on Friday (UK time).