Title: The Folly of Men

Summary: Vengeful marauders snare Legolas to be an underworld prizefighter in their cryptic domain of darkness. Aragorn finds out the only way to liberate the prince is to get captured himself but they both must combat an ancient prejudice that could mean their demise.

Authors: Celebdil-Galad and Tinlaure

Disclaimer: We do not own anything from the movie or book trilogy of Lord of The Rings. We also own nothing from Middle Earth. These things all belong to New Line Cinema and J.R.R. Tolkien. We also are not doing this for money, we are doing it because we have nothing better to do and that's as much a reason as you need! WE ARE NOT EXPERTS SO LETS MAKE THAT ABUNDENTLY CLEAR RIGHT NOW THAT WE DON'T CLAIM TO BE WHAT WE ARE NOT!

A/N: The characters Rothinzil and Ancú are ours and you can use them, but only if you contact us specifying how they are going to be used and why you need them. For instance, they are straight and definitely prefer the females as do any other OC males that you may find and females prefer the guys. If you kidnap them, trust us, we will find out and we will take action!

Hmmm...let us think...this tale starts with the court marshal of Anc, the Captain of the Guard. It is not long. We will try and back track, but we can't afford to retell the whole thing, so you will have to read the story prior, starting from roughly chapter ten and up. This should tell you that there are heavy spoilers for our previous story, "All That's Left of Yesterday." If you have not ready that fiction of ours it is not entirely necessary, but strongly advised.

We are not experts in the Elven tongue (as much as we try). If you see any mistakes...and it is highly probable that you will...do not be afraid to let us know. It will help and we really would like to get better at this whole writing thing.

Angst is inevitable. So don't be surprised to read some pretty bleak parts.

CHAPTER ONE

Justice

The Elves of Rivendell filed quietly and serenely into the council chambers. They were all too serene and quiet, thought the dark-haired Elf sharply. He drew in a heavy sigh and looked about himself as he stood before a podium upon a dais where Elrond, Lord of Rivendell had taken up residence.

Elrond seemed very grave and Ancú felt more than nervous. To say he was on the verge of having wobbling knees would not be an exaggeration by any means. But the Captain of the Guard managed to maintain a worthy composure and tried feebly to push all dark thoughts out of his mind and place everything realistically in focus.

However it was not really working entirely and he set his eyes to Elrond. He trusted his lord with his life, so why did he fear what was about to transpire?

Though he knew he deserved to be banished and yet he found it hard to believe that Elrond would do such a thing unless he had actually murdered someone and cruelly at that! But still, the thought of being banished and essentially dead for eternity and cut off from all he knew was enough to provoke more than a slight bit of anxiety.

They had to delay the trial of Ancú because of inflicted wounds. It was now a week away from the Winter Solstice or Yenearsira.

Elrond spoke calmly, "all rise." Erestor and Glorfindel stood on either side of him and Elladan stood by his brother, who was still a bit too weak to stand for long periods of time, but stood for the moment. He was allowed, along with Legolas and Ancú to be seated if the need arouse because of injuries sustained from Morceleb and his band of vengeful Elves.

Rothinzil of Mirkwood stood by his prince quietly, wondering what was going to happen. His clear, bright eyes shifted uneasily as he glanced about the fair room they were in. Legolas, gently and reassuringly touched the younger Elf's arm which he noticed was trembling slightly. The quaver unnerved the prince, but he could not deal with it now and everything was going to be alright, was it not? Of course, they were in Imladris and that meant well being and joy for those concerned. Though in all reality past events had not been so pleasant and that was the very reason for this ridiculous hearing.

Elrond spoke once more at Ancú, " Ancú son of Aglarcú, do you know and understand the charge brought against you?"

Ancú stared back at Elrond with calm, hazel eyes that showed no emotion. He did not want his

own eyes to betray his inner feelings. "I do Lord Elrond, but I do not think it would do harm to have it read over one more time."

Elrond nodded and said, "I agree. Erestor..." He gestured to the counselor.

Erestor nodded and said, " Ancú, son of Aglarcú, you stand charged with preventing Elf-lord's from guiding their people in war time and disobedience under a sworn oath taken years ago when you first chose to commit yourself to the service of Rivendell and its lords." This was stated rather flatly and everyone present could tell Erestor was not really concerned beyond getting this over with.

Ancú nodded and said, "thank you, Lord Erestor."

Erestor nodded back slowly. "You are welcome Lord Elrond."

Elrond frowned and inquired wearily, " Ancú, did you or did you not lock myself, Lord Glorfindel and Lord Erestor along with the Lords Elladan and Elrohir in the same room during wartime?"

Ancú said quietly, but serenely, "yes my lords."

Glorfindel asked quietly, "what was your purpose?" He seemed far off and as though he had other things on his mind and this was a side objective he really thought was wholly unnecessary and perfectly useless.

"I was thinking of their safety, as I am supposed to. If the Dark Elves attacked and would be to capture them, it could put their lives and the fate of the refuge of Imladris at great risk and I could not allow it," answered Ancú promptly. It was the truth and it was more than obvious he was hiding nothing, no hate or malice.

Erestor asked softly, "so you put aside your own safety to prevent harm from coming to your lords?" His dark eyes flickered slightly as he glanced from Lord Elrond to the darker haired captain of Rivendell.

Ancú said proudly and in a strong voice that was tranquil and withstanding all at once, "You can say that, yes."

Elrond sighed and said, "did you forget the penalty for this crime?" He raised his brows and looked at the papers before him somewhat skeptically.

The accused Elf frowned and lowered his head, "No, my lord. It is banishment. If we are not happy with the ruling of the land we are in when the ruler has done no wrong to the people who inhabit it and we are only stirring up trouble we do not deserve to live there. However, I would have you keep in mind that I did it to protect my lords, not to try and bring down their authority and I have ever been at their service."

Elrond said, "I will bear that in mind. Now I call Rothinzil of Mirkwood forward for questioning." Rothinzil looked at Ancú sadly and came forward slowly, it felt as though his feet had weights on them with heavy manacles. Perhaps it was his guilt, but he would get rid of that. "Rothinzil do you swear by the Valar and all that is good in Middle Earth to tell the truth and nothing less, so help you Elbereth?"

Roth managed to croak out, "I do my lord." His eyes met Elrond's and he looked away uneasily. These were not his people, though he be very distantly related and as he watched all the other Elves about his eyes grew a bit wider as his slight doubt began to gnaw at him. Pushing it aside, he turned to more important things at hand.

"Rothinzil, you were with Ancú at the time, were you not?" asked the Lord of Rivendell unequivocally.

"I was," he answered truthfully.

"Did he not forcefully shove Lord Glorfindel into the room that Elladan and Elrohir were in along with myself and Lord Erestor?" asked Elrond quickly. He wished to get this over with.He deemed it unecessary and a complete waste of his time that could be spent lecturing his sons for the one-hundreth time about the danger they and their foolish notions put everyone into and how they had to learn to think a bit more pragmatically.

"Yes, but may I say my lords, that I aided him so whatever fate you send him to, I would be more than happy to accompany him to it."

A murmur rose in the gathering of Elves. They had not known this. Also they applauded this klutzy wood-Elf's honestly and courage.The young dark-haired archer did not seem fearful, but calm and accepting.

"Very well Rothinzil. We will remember your request," said Elrond as he looked at the ground for a moment, wondering where to go from here.

Ancú shot Roth an annoyed look and asked silently with his lips, "why did you do that?" He had not wanted his best friend to be dragged into this mess and certainly did not want trouble to rise between Thranduil's realm and Elrond's. But of course, that meant he did not know the Elf-lord's half as well as he assumed he did.

Rothinzil just looked away and sighed. He looked at Legolas and saw his prince was smiling. He has done no wrong in Legolas' eyes. That was a comforting thought. The last thing he wished was to be estranged from two worlds. Legolas' eyes sported a dull dingy blue that showed he found this all very boring and would much rather be doing anything else, even fighting orcs the size of trolls.And it was most likely that if he would have been able to escape, unnoticed, he would have found some and been in dire need of stitches once more.

Elrond then said, "we will take a brief recess to pass judgement and when we return we will sentence the prisoner."

As Elrond, Erestor and Glorfindel filed out, Elladan went over to Ancú 's side and said seriously as he perused over all the facts and the proceedings in his head, "I know father will not give you anything unjust. He most certainly shall not banish you!" Ancú shrugged and said nothing. Elrohir looked at his elder brother and Elladan said, "we will go with you if you are banished."

Ancú smiled at the thought of their loyalty, but it also made him feel ill, and said, "my friends, no you won't. I won't allow it!"

Elladan and Elrohir laughed merrily and said, "of course you will!" There eyes were shimmering with jest, and yet he had known them long enough to know that they were in fact, not joking around and would do exactly what they had stated regardless of the consequences.

Legolas looked at Roth and said, "you did what was right. No wrong was in it Rothinzil and I will be with you, whatever happens." As Rothinzil looked at Legolas he thought it looked like the prince had awakened from a nap long awaited. He was more than obviously bored with the whole affair and would soon have it over and done with as soon as possible as did everybody else in the fair refuge of Rivendell.

Aragorn looked at him and said, "I will be with you both." If and when I can sneak away from Ada, his guards and all the rest of Rivendell. Ah, the power of friendship. It could heal and destroy everyone and everything.

About Five minutes had passed and the Elf-lords filed back in again.They seemed just as serene as ever, so their facades were no judge and that was more than annoying.

They all took their places and Elrond announced, "court is now back in session, if you will go to your places and remain standing we will sentence the prisoner and his companion then draw this trial to a close."

Ancú looked up unflinchingly at Elrond. His hazel eyes showed no fear, they spoke of no regret either. He was not afraid anymore and what he did he felt was not worthy of shame. He had a suspicion Lord Elrond did not think so either and was only putting this on for show. As a matter of fact, from the careless and apathetic look on every Elf present, it was more than obvious.

Elrond looked at the Captain of the Guard and said, " Ancú, son of Aglarcú, we find you guilty of preventing the Elf-lords from guiding their people during wartime. For this crime the proper punishment is banishment." Ancú felt a lump in his throat and he felt tears in the back of his eyes even though he knew it would most likely not happen the thought made him shiver. Elrond continued, "however, we find that since it was done for the well being of Rivendell that you shall be sentenced to probation and you will still hold your position as Captain of The Guard of Rivendell. If ever you should do this again you shall be banished."

Ancú breathed deeply and felt relief flood his senses. "Thank you for your mercy my lords," he said quietly and with much gratitude lacing his voice.

As they all filed out Roth ran up to Ancú and said in a breath, "that was close!" Obviously he did not know the Lord of Rivendell half as well as he supposed.

Ancú smiled tiredly and said, "I don't know. Somehow I doubt that Lord Elrond would banish anyone unless they had murdered someone." He shrugged slightly as though to brush the unpleasant thought off, "I guess I should consider myself lucky anyhow."

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged glances and said, "oh yes! You came really close to receiving death!" they teased.

Ancú shot them a venomous look that plainly stated in no uncertain terms that he found their humor completely off color and said, "I can just imagine it! Will you two please be quiet!" He was not in the mood to be bantered with and if they kept it up he feared he would do something that would garner death to him.

Elladan stopped and grabbed Ancú carefully by his shoulders, still cautious of his wound and he whispered, "you weren't really scared, were you?" Ancú raised a brow and gave a lop sided smile. Elladan persisted in a dead serious tone, "were you?" He hoped his best friend that he had known forever had not been frightened.

Ancú inclined his head slightly, "not really. I trust Lord Elrond. I knew that whatever I received would not be cruel."

Legolas smiled as he came up along side his friend Roth, "yes, that does make a difference, doesn't it?" Aragorn walked behind the prince, watching how his long braid that hung from the crown of his head swung from side to side in the back when he walked. He could not help but think of a little joke to ease things up a wee bit.

Roth looked back and saw what Aragorn was doing and then gave a mischievous smile. This was going to be interesting.

Legolas suddenly went stock-still. Something was tickling his hair. The only thing was, it felt like something that was big and ugly, with eight legs. Roth looked at his prince and said, "don't look now Legolas, but there is huge spider that just dropped from the tree and into your hair and is making the most horrid nest I ever saw in my life!" Legolas felt his eyes growing wide and he reached his hand back in his hair to try and brush off the beastly thing.

No, he was not afraid, but who wants a beastly spider in their hair?

He knew he should not have been surprised when he felt a hand in his hair. Grabbing it, he twisted around to look into the sheepish face of Aragorn.

Rothinzil snorted as he tried to suppress a chuckle. Legolas turned on him and said, "I believe somewhere there is a rule against lying to the prince." Legolas' facade had a smile on it and Roth burst into laughter that was uncontolable. Legolas just rolled his eyes and said, "you are so lucky I am not in the mood to commit a murder!" Then he muttered under his breath, "annoying klutz of an Elf and stupid ranger!...It isn't that funny!" he finished with a near shout.

Roth laughed all the more and said between gulps of air, "I am so grateful of your mercy Prince Legolas! I am forever in your debt!"

Legolas rolled his eyes once more and elbowed his friend in the ribs none too gently. Roth gasped a minute and then shot the prince a glare as he put a hand over his ribs. If there was bruise in the morning, he decided gloomily, he would find a horrible thing to get the prince back with later. Yes, something mean and most likely very childish would be best, he thought darkly as he glared daggers at his blonde liege. Legolas raised a blonde brow into a an arch and said in a matter of fact voice, "serves you right!" Roth just looked away and to the floor. When he lifted his face again it had a grin on it and twinkle in his eyes. Legolas growled, "you are impossible!"

Ancú said quickly, "I think I am going to be alone for a while. I am just feeling a little tired, my wound and all." Everyone looked at him and he said softly, "I will be fine. But you can't heal from a torn lung just like that, unless you are the twins, who seem to recover from everything remarkably well and just in time to nearly get themselves mauled again!"

Elrond came up behind Ancú from where he had been talking with Erestor and set his hands on the younger Elf's shoulders, "no you can't. I think another week of rest and you can return to duty." Elrond then looked at Prince Legolas and Rothinzil, "when are you two going to depart for Mirkwood?"

Legolas looked a bit uneasy and said slowly, "I...I think within the hour would suit us best, as I know my father would like us home for the celebration." Rothinzil nodded. This was true and they had not been home without being in bandages and limping for so long, he ached for it.

Aragorn looked at his father and then to Legolas, "I would like to go with him half way and then turn back for home." Legolas looked at the human with a quick smile. The ranger did not like staying in one place too long it seemed. Come to think of it, Legolas didn't really right now either, however, he did yearn for his home. He hadn't seen his father in months and even though he wasn't a child, he and his father were still remarkably close.

Elrond sighed as he thought over the juvenile human's question, "I don't know Estel. You would have to return alone and you only recovered a little while ago..." he had a feeling this was an uphill battle he was fighting.

Elladan and Elrohir stepped up, "we will go with him, how much trouble can all of us get into together?" asked Elrohir with a smile.

Elladan stomped on Elrohir's booted foot and said in a harsh whisper, "you aren't helping!" Elrohir just shot a look of intense eyes at his brother and stood on the unmarred foot tensely. He would have to get Elladan for that.

Elrond drew in a deep breath, "I still don't know..."

Elladan suddenly had an idea, though he was certain he would regret it later. "We can take Glorfindel with us! Then if something happened he could help us." Elrohir gave him a 'what do you think you are doing?' look and Elladan winked back at him. Elrohir then smiled back and put his finger on the side of his nose. Elladan nodded back slowly with the most mischievous as well as the most scheming expression seen on his fair features in quite a while . The scary part was for anyone they would be with, Elrohir had the same look that matched so well, you could scare tell the pair apart.

Elrond smiled and shook his head. In an almost weary tone he called for the Gondolin Elf, who was busy arguing with Erestor over whether or not the snows were going to come early this year.

Glorfindel came over and when he saw Elladan, Elrohir, Estel, the prince and Rothinzil he knew what was going on.It was just an instinctual response he had gathered over the years. "No! No! No! No!" he said over and over. "I have no desire to go and chase orcs in the start of winter when I could be calmly sitting in a chair by the fireplace in my study reading a relaxing book!"

"Please Lord Glorfindel?" begged Aragorn with a perfect imitation of a puppy face reflecting at the golden-haired Elf. Elladan and Elrohir looked at their brother and with smiles on their faces began doing the same thing. The identical puppy faces were more than hilarious, but no one laughed, save Elrond, who chuckled tersely. It turned out that Elrohir was the better puppy face maker though and that kind of figured.

Glorfindel narrowed his eyes and said firmly, "no." The looks continued and Elrond watched, his mouth curving with amusement. "No!" he restated in a growl. He began to wonder if this was how he had lost his sanity in the first place. He could feel himself about to say yes. But why? He could stay warm, dry, safe and perfectly happy in Rivendell, in his study. He knew the snows were coming soon, chances are he would be wet and miserable before they made it back from where ever they were planning on dragging him to. "Where are we going?" he asked with a sigh of surrender. Why did he do things like this?

Elladan smiled, "no where really, just halfway to Mirkwood, you know, over the mountains, to the River Anduin and then back over?" he answered with a contagious grin.

Glorfindel began to whine, "that has to be more than halfway! Can't we just stay right here and be warm, and dry. What do you five have against being safe? Do you try to make my life miserable or is that just a side benefit?" he growled.

Aragorn laughed, "you had better get packed Glorfindel, we leave within the hour!" The man took off towards his room. Legolas followed him, having already packed his own things since he had planned this near a week ago. Actually he had been planning it since he heard he would be well near to this date. Rothinzil had also packed prior to that morning and so he followed after his prince.

Glorfindel frowned, "within the hour! Why do I have a problem with that?"

He watched with a dark glare as everyone began to go and get their stuff together. Elrond chuckled and said, "I am sorry Lord Glorfindel, but you know as well as I do that without you they are most likely to go all the way to Mirkwood, call it an "accident" and then manage to get held up there from the snows."

Glorfindel just nodded and said, "I know. If that happened I would pity Thranduil. I already pity myself." He frowned and then grinned as he looked at the beautifully tiled floor etched with floral designs.

Elrond gave a small laugh and said, "it isn't that bad..."

Glorfindel snorted, "easy for you to say, you are rid of them for a week while I have endure weather that is anything but pleasant and baby sit!"

Elrond sighed and said, "I know you are never going to forgive me for this..." He shook his head.

Glorfindel echoed with a glare that looked nearly comical, "never."

Elrond looked into his friend's blue eyes and said, "you have about fifteen minutes to pack."

"Ai!" exclaimed Glorfindel with a snort. "Those little incompetent, bothersome, maddening..." he went off on a list of names which he thought described the twins, Rothinzil, Estel and Prince Legolas fairly well. Elrond watched as the golden-haired Elf stormed back to his rooms to pack everything he would need. He smiled as he knew that when Glorfindel returned he would hear nothing but how much the Gondolin Elf thought Lembas bread was tasteless and that he was certain that it was made that way by the bakers just to get on his nerves. The Lord of Rivendell was also more than assured Glorfindel would come back and complain that his bedroll was too hard and his muscles ached.

Erestor came up by Elrond and said smugly and with a smile pulling at his lips, "I can't wait to see Glorfindel's face when he comes back hauling Elladan, Elrohir and Estel by their ears!"

Elrond sighed and said, "that is about what it is going to take to get them home again, isn't it?" Erestor just nodded calmly and looked at his friend with a half smile that stated he thought every thing to be quite humorous.

"Too bad Glorfindel only has two hands, he will have to knock one of them out," said Erestor with a laugh. To him, this was wonderful and he had not felt happier since...a long time.

Elrond narrowed his brow and said, "I wonder which one?" It could be any of them.

Erestor grinned and said, "the first one to complain about having to turn back, knowing Glorfindel's mood."

They both looked at each other and Elrond chuckled dryly, "Estel for certain." Erestor nodded in agreement with his friend.

Legolas sat on the edge of Aragorn's bed and Rothinzil leaned up against the wall. Aragorn had his pack sitting by Legolas and was in the process of hastily cramming a spare tunic into it. Legolas sighed and said, "have you ever heard of folding your clothes human?" He said this in a tone that let the man know that he was teasing only.

Aragorn smiled and said, "you think you can do better? We are leaving soon."

Legolas just snorted and said, "we are leaving when I feel like it. I just told Elrond that so Glorfindel would have a fit and be forced to cram everything he owns into his pack." Aragorn laughed.

"No, really," he said with a smile. The young man looked up at the comical looking Elf that was grinning from one pointed ear to the other.

"Really. Although, I will admit that I would like to make it home in time for the Yenearsira Festival,"confessed the prince with some remorse. He shook his head and said, "if I don't get back I will hear of nothing else for the next ten to fifteen years!"

Aragorn snorted and said sarcastically, "who knows? Maybe it will blow off!"

Legolas straightened up and said in a deep and 'royal' voice, "now Strider, this is a serious matter!" He gave a dignified snort that sounded totally fake. Then he laughed to himself and said under his breath, "though it is not as light as we could wish either."

Aragorn was looked at his friend for a moment and then at Roth, "why are you so quiet? Thinking of locking someone else in a room?" he asked with a grin. There was no response. Aragorn looked at Legolas and the prince frowned then a smile crept back across his face.

"Roth?" No answer. Legolas tried again. "Roth I just received word that father has relieved you of your command and you are going to have to be put on kitchen duty!"

Roth didn't even look at him. All he said was; "that's a good idea. Tell me how it turns out." His voice was quiet and Legolas rolled his blue eyes. Although this was funny and he was indeed, very amused, he was going to have to do something about it.

"I found a warg pup and it attacked Glorfindel and demolished his study," he eyed the raven-haired Wood Elf incredulously.

Roth just smiled quietly and said in a low voice that sort of drifted along, "Legolas that isn't funny, someone could have gotten hurt."

Legolas scowled and yelled, "Rothinzil!"

Rothinzil glared at his blonde prince and said with anger edging his voice, "what!" He obviously was clueless, and embarrassingly so. His glare deepened as Legolas smiled and began to chuckle.

The Prince of Mirkwood snorted, "were you even listening?"

Roth looked more than puzzled and Aragorn said, "Legolas found a warg pup." He watched as Roth's entire demeanor changed.

"He did?" asked Rothinzil excitedly. "Do you still have it? Can I keep it?" he begged. He narrowed his eyes and then said in a serious and low voice, "you didn't kill it, did you?" His eyes went from Aragorn to Legolas and back to the man who was trying not to laugh. Roth was normal as far as mental stability went unless he found a helpless, orphaned baby animal, then he had to keep it or drive everyone insane until it was permitted. Legolas thought if it weren't for the fact Roth needed more energy, he would be a vegetarian. But then of course, the prince had to admit, if Roth had less energy he might actually act sane all the time and not just when it counted.

Legolas looked at Aragorn with his eyes hardly able to be seen under his scrunched brows that were a clear sign of his aggravation and mouthed, 'thanks.' He then looked at Roth and said, "well now that I have your attention..."

Roth looked wounded, like a little cub that had thought it had found a home and it turned out it was no more wanted than a plague. "So there's no warg pup?"

"No Roth, now listen..." began the prince quickly but it was wasted. He was going to gag that young miserable Elf any to think of it, that would be rather fun and he was rather bored at the moment.

He frowned as the dark-haired immortal said, "but why did you tell me there was?" He looked so pathetic Legolas was about ready to snap. He was not going to choke his friend, he was not going to choke his friend, he was not going to choke-

Aragorn relieved the situation, or tried to..."Roth, when you get back home you can go and discover some poor creature that really needs help."

But now Roth had put the animal aside. Why had his prince lied to him? He wasn't so much hurt as he was annoyed and he glared before asking in an agitated tone of voice. "Legolas why did you lie to me?" his glare turned into a full-fledged frown and it intensified immensely.

Legolas rubbed his brow in frustration and peeking around his fingers he said, "I didn't know if you were listening and I managed to catch your attention...Roth you are acting childish!" he yelled finally. Aragorn finally snorted and laughed. He could not help it and let chuckles burst out. Legolas gave him an edgy look and kicked him teasingly with his boot. Then he glared at Roth and said, "get your stuff out of your room, we are leaving!"

Roth growled back in a tone that was torn between laughing and screaming, "you think you are so funny! You know what? You're not so funny!" He pushed himself off from the wall and muttered to himself as he left.

Legolas stood up and said tiredly, "I need to get my pack as well."

Aragorn grabbed the prince's shoulders and forced the fair being to look at him. Legolas looked at the human like he had spouted two heads. What was the ranger's problem? Aragorn looked into Legolas' amused, silvery azure orbs and said, "are you well? I mean since the wound you took? It has only been a few months..."

Legolas smiled calmly and said, "you humans amuse me. I am an Elf, I heal faster than you and anyway, even if I was hurting, would I tell you?" he asked doubtfully, his eyes narrowing into slits of dark blue with a glimmer of laughter behind them.

Aragorn shook his head and said with a frown, "no, you wouldn't! And there lies the problem!" He gripped the immortal's shoulder tighter and said, "you know even Elves go through painful healing processes and need to talk to people about it." Aragorn's steely colored eyes constricted to match the prince's.

Legolas brushed the man off briskly and said, "I know if I need you you'll be there, so I don't plague myself with worry. I do trust you, more than I would willingly entrust any other mortal with my life."

Aragorn frowned and asked quietly and yet firmly, "so do you suffer?" He honestly did not expect the Elf to give any answer and just walk away, but he was surprised.

Legolas whispered lower than Aragorn had spoken, "only now and then." Legolas then raised his eyes brows and shrugged. "I had better go and check on Roth . You and your brothers need to drag Glorfindel out of his study."

Aragorn looked at Legolas and knew if he questioned the Elf further he would only anger the immortal and then things could get worse. He just smiled and said, "I can just imagine the sight that is going to make!"

The blonde being gave a smirk and said, "what, me getting Roth, or you getting Glorfindel?"

Aragorn said wistfully, "I don't know. Both I guess." He gave a shrug and then he laughed, "most likely Glorfindel being torn from his study."

It was not long before they all stood in the Hall of Fire, awaiting Lord Elrond to bless them on their journey. Glorfindel was not looking pleased in the slightest. He stood, leaning on the wall frowning at Elrond's chair. Aragorn guessed he was imagining the raven-haired Elf-lord sitting in it, reading a book. He also dimly guessed that Glorfindel was begrudging Elrond for getting to sit quietly, in safety and comfort, reading. With and inward chuckle, the human looked at the twins. Elladan was standing beside Elrohir who was sitting on the ground. Rothinzil and Legolas just stood nearby, not doing anything. Roth still looked irritated and weary and Legolas just looked tired.

Elrond came and his eyes did not look at all calm. He could not believe it, but he had nearly forgotten about Elrohir's wound. In his judging of Ancú, and sending the prince and his companion on his way he Lord of Rivendell had forgotten that his son's injury might not be healed enough to allow travel.

As he walked in Elrohir rose up. He knew that his father knew. If his father had utterly forgotten (which Elrohir had been praying he would) then he would not have that look of debate and intense doubt in his eyes. "Ada?"

Elrond sighed and said quietly, "Elrohir, may I have a word with you alone?"

Elrohir looked at Elladan and then at Glorfindel. He saw no attempt to relive him flickering in their eyes so he sighed heavily and said, "yes, Ada." He went quickly over to his father's side and Elrond set his am about Elrohir's shoulders gently. Elrohir noticed he was careful not to put all his weight on his shoulders.

"How is your wound Elrohir?" inquired his father closely. His eyes glanced down to Elrohir's side that had been pierced with Elladan's blade by accident months ago. To Elrohir the memory seemed very old and was not so vivid n his mind.

Elrohir smiled up at his father, "it is well. It is not very painful anymore. As a matter of fact, I would have to say it is near healed," he finished hopefully.

Elrond was not amused and hardly taken at unawares. They had held these conversations many times before and he knew exactly how it was going to go.

Elrond looked at his middle child for a moment and then spoke quietly, "I am not sure you should go on this journey, Elrohir. If it reopens or begins to burn again..."

Elrohir said calmly, "then I will come home. We should be back before the winter snows."

Elrond frowned and answered his son back darkly, "not before the mountains close up with snow and you are forced to take other paths inhabited by orcs and goblins. You know of which I speak."

Elrohir frowned and then responded softly, "I do. But what if we do not go past the mountains?" he asked quickly. "Please let me go. If I begin to feel wearied I will return for home with Glorfindel and let Elladan and Aragorn escort the prince and Roth home."

Elrond said thickly, "but that is just it, they will most likely find more trouble than you can imagine." He narrowed his eyes and furrowed his brow with concern. He was not going to send his son out there to die, again.

Elrohir narrowed his eyes as he realize he was losing the argument. "I will go back with Elladan then and leave Glorfindel to drag Estel back."

Elrond smiled at his child warmly and said, "I will let you do this, only because I think your wound is fit and I trust you will be well. But I want you to be careful."

Elrohir just hugged his father and said into the Lord of Rivendell's shoulder, "I will, Ada."

As both of them began to head back Elladan looked at Elrohir and Elrohir said, "I can't go Dan." Elrond looked oddly at Elrohir. Did he not just give him permission to go? He had a feeling this was a brother tease brother thing and that he had better stay and watch where it went.

Elladan said in astonishment, "what?" Elrohir had always found a way to get what he wanted unless it was extremely dangerous. He was finding this very hard to believe...

Elrohir said simply and with a sigh that sounded more than false, "sorry."

Elladan watched his brother and the fact that Elrohir was not too upset tipped him off. He suddenly growled, "Elrohir you brat!" Elrohir just grinned and went behind Aragorn.

Aragorn tried to fend off the younger twin who was about to get pounded by an over reacting Elladan. However, Elrohir would have none of it and he gripped Aragorn's shoulders, keeping him between him and the furious elder brother that wished to take his scalp, or at least come so close it would be scary. Aragorn said, "I am your little brother. You are supposed to keep me out of danger."

Elrohir frowned as Elladan nearly grabbed his tunic around the human. "Um...well...today is special," he muttered quickly. He then looked at Elladan, "I just got better. You wouldn't want to hurt me in front of Ada would you?" He looked at Elrond, who was watching the entire thing with a smile on his lips.

Elladan smiled and said in a low voice, "that is why I will wait until later." With a devilish smile and a sly look in his eyes, he lunged at Elrohir, faking him out and gripping his younger brother's tunic collar. Elrohir smiled sheepishly.

"Weren't you going to wait until later?" he asked with a playful grin as Elladan scowled at him-if it could be called a scowl. Elrohir thought it was more of a smile that was trying to turn upside down and failing.

Legolas just watched with a smile and Roth watched with frown. He thought the twins were insane at times and chose to hide it others. Aragorn ran over to the prince and dived behind him, not ready to be used as a human shield again. Legolas looked down at him and said, "I am going to protect you why?"

Aragorn snorted and gave the prince gentle shove, for he still feared that the Elf's wound was not as well as he thought it was. "You are cruel, you know that?"

Legolas laughed grimly and said, "so I have been told." He gave the human a shove back then refocused his attention on the twins who were still smirking and joking among themselves. They did bounce back too quickly and there were times when all of Rivendell wished they would have to stay in bed an extra month, but of course that was not going to happen. They would have to be chained and chances were they would run away before they would allow that. Unless they were conveniently knocked out, thought Legolas with a curl of amusement pulling at his lips that made him look mad to anyone who did not know his present thoughts.

Elladan laughed and said, "but who said I was going to hurt you now?" Elrohir just grinned and was about to respond back and maybe break free when Glorfindel broke up the joyful little fray.

"Can we just leave? The sooner we leave, the sooner I get back!" he seethed. His expression was mirth provoking. He was scowling and yet amusement flickered beyond his eyes. Elrohir laughed slightly before being released of Elladan's grip on his shirt. Both of the twins gave Glorfindel the, 'you-are-the-worst-spoil-sport-we-have-known' look. It made the Gondolin Elf chuckle inside and he said, "well its good to know I am appreciated that much!"

Elrond smiled and said, "I agree, you had better leave soon. Otherwise winter will be upon us before you are near there at the pace you are insisting on going." He looked out at the world beyond the Misty Mountains and said, "May your journey be well and may you come home speedily."

But his gut instinct told him that was not going to happen. It never did anyway, so in all actuallity it was probably reality speaking. Why did they always insist on going on expeditions that Valar wouldn't even do?

At least Glorfindel had argued a little...that was...hopeful. He began to think it was pretty sad when he had to say that Glorfindel was one of the more sane Elves of Rivendell counting himself. But then when he thought about that assertion further he decided that Erestor would have to be the sanest. After all, who actually fights a Balrog and then goes looking for more trouble after he is brought back to life?

CHAPTER TWO

Inborn Confrontation

They had been traveling for nearly two days and were nearing the other side of the Misty Mountains. Glorfindel growled, "it is going to snow soon. I can feel it."

Legolas looked at Glorfindel with a scowl and said, "well if you keep talking about it you are going to call in down upon us and then I will be forced to strangle you!" The yellow-haired Elf's eyes narrowed to slits and he rolled them with annoyance. Why did he do things like this?

Elrohir was acting a bit slow and weary. The gray tint to his face and the way he slumped just a little in the saddle made it more than evident that he was feeling under the weather. Elladan stayed close by his side. He knew that his brother was feeling the bite that come from little sleep, a wound still in healing and the stress of travel. The creases in the elder twin's brow stated his apprehension.

They were all seated on a horse. Asfaloth had regenerated remarkably well and was bearing Glorfindel. The Gondolin Elf vowed that the stallion was twice the horse he had once been. Elladan and Elrohir just said that he was more mischievous than before. They snickered and thought that it was just as well that Ancú had not been allowed to come. He would no let anyone sleep for fear Asfaloth might bite him or steal his things.

Rothinzil was riding old Naneth. She was being her sweet old self. Legolas was riding his steely colored dappled mare. He still could not get over the fact that Roth insisted on calling his horse Naneth. Valar forbid he should ever actually get a warg pup and name it something near as stupid. Legolas thought he would run away, prince or no. It would push him towards wanting to banish Roth if that Elf ever got a warg pup. As much as he loved the archer as a friend, he did not think he could stand a warg pup loose in the palace and keep his sanity.

Aragorn was being quiet and his eyes were mostly on Legolas; watching and wait for his friend to falter as he knew the Elf eventually would. He knew that the wound was hurting more than the prince let on. He would often see Legolas stop, pretending to fix the girth of his horse or adjust the bridle and bit. He knew that really the Elf was trying to 'walk off' the pain as he walked his horse around on the rocky terrain of the mountain pass with hardly a rest.

He rode up beside the prince; to the blonde Elf's left so as not to have Rothinzil between them. "Legolas you need rest. Your father is only going to care that you get home in one piece, "he persisted anxiously.

Legolas looked at him with a half-frown, half-smile and said quickly, "I am well, honestly Strider." He was going to get annoyed. He knew that the human had been watching him every time he stopped. His Elven pride would not let him admit easily that all was not well and he often began to feel faint.

Aragorn knew it and the man said with a sigh, "no, you aren't. I know you and you are not going to tell me until you are in agony!" He edged his horse closer to Legolas' and said, "your pride is going to kill you someday."

Legolas pulled back on his horse's reins and looked at the man riding beside him. Aragorn halted his animal as well and returned the prince's annoyed glance. "Estel," began Legolas somewhat tightly, "If I was really hurting and needed you I would ask. I am no fool, but there are some things that one needs to learn to endure. Only the strong survive."

Aragorn raised a single brow, inclined his head and stated quietly, "define 'strong'."

Legolas smiled and said, "fit for survival." Aragorn had suspected that such an answer would come so he was not taken off guard. He spurred his horse and moved forward, trying to end the conversation that was disturbing him. He let the chill wind that was coming from the north sweep across his face, flapping his hood about him and blowing his long golden locks of hair.

Aragorn heeled his horse and trotted up to his friend swiftly. "It also means being wise in their decisions. You know this, yet you do not act on it." His eyes were narrowed and he used his piercing gaze that often reminded other of Elrond to weaken Legolas' opposition. Those silvery eyes, now darkened to a stormy color of annoyance and frustration made Legolas uncomfortable-the desired effect.

Legolas sighed as he broke down to the young ranger's inquiry and said aversely, "alright, I am hurting, but I can make it home. It isn't that far, any more than six days or so. I really need to see my father Estel," he pleaded. His face looked anxious as his eyes wonder towards his homeland. He wanted to know more of what was transpiring back home. His many friends there he longed to see...the trails he longed to walk...it all beckoned to him.

Aragorn was not happy, but now he was going to let the matter rest. He had gotten the Elf to admit what he needed to and he feared if he pushed any further the prince would clam up again. He knew Legolas would, it was the Elf's nature. It could be a good trait, but by the same note deadly. If Legolas was having internal bleeding he had to know, it could mean the difference between life or death. He brushed aside (with much difficulty) the sudden urge to grab that Wood-Elf by his skinny throat and choke him to death.

Roth had let Legolas ride ahead and when he sensed that whatever his prince and Aragorn were talking about was drawing to a close he came up quickly. Both heard him coming and turned to see the youngest of the Elves hurrying to catch up. A brief look from Aragorn told Legolas that he was not through with him. They would talk more after they had camped and were settled for the night. Legolas just looked away, angry with himself for ever telling the whippersnapper of a human in the first place.

Elladan and Elrohir called up, "do you feel like waiting for others to catch up so we can actually accompany you or did you just bring us along to give us a taste of the fresh air?" They laughed and spurred their horses into a canter, for they were more than ten yards behind. Elrohir was slower, though it went more or less unnoticed by all.

Glorfindel remained silent. As far as he was concerned he was here to get them there safe and drag them back even if they were unconscious. Then a thought occurred to him, were they not supposed to stop at the Misty Mountains? Even though the original agreement was halfway they had to change plans because of Elrohir, did they not? Well, at any rate he wished to go home and the quicker he got the Sons of Elrond turned around the quicker he would be in his study, safe, warm and dry. He was honestly getting tired of being in the saddle already. It was chilly out and even for Elves it would make their muscles taut and cold.

"I think we should be turning back," he shouted to the others quickly. He found it odd that they had crossed over the mountains without any incident from the goblins. He guessed it was the winter and its chill. The goblins were probably deep in their lairs and holes like the bunch of debased creatures they were, planing wicked plots and mining for jewels and silver.

Elladan grinned in a way that made Glorfindel feel an argument coming on and said, "oh Glorfindel! You are such a spoil sport!" Oh yes, here it came. The Gondolin Elf rolled his eyes inwardly and sighed out loud.

Elrohir, who normally would have chimed in, was quiet and he said with a thin smile, "I think Glorfindel is right." All looked at the raven-haired Elf and their faces looked more aged with cares upon cares that they felt for there friend and brother.

Elladan looked intensely at his younger brother and could tell Elrohir was feeling the pinch of illness from the wound and needed rest. However he wished to move on and he knew Estel would brood if he could not continue.

Wrinkling his brow, he decided that Elrohir's health was far more important and further up his list than his youngest brother's pleasure.

Glorfindel continued, "the winter storms will be upon us before we can get through the pass. They are coming early this year, I can feel it." He shifted in his horse's saddle uneasily. Getting trapped in the mountains was death sentence. Not only from cold but if goblins did choose to come abroad, one had no way of defense and would be slain or taken by them to be slain later as the miserable orcs saw fit. He was charged with getting the twins and Estel back. If they even got into a confrontation with orcs and came back with a scratch Lord Elrond would not be happy at all and most likely lecture for an hour about the dangers of the mountains and how they all knew better.

Aragorn had over heard and was having nothing of it. "I said I would accompany them half way. This is a third!" The he began to wonder if Elrohir was the reason that they were turning back...

Glorfindel snapped, "nevertheless, I was told by Elrond himself not to go further once we were over the mountains. It is dangerous. What if the snow blocked the pass?" Glorfindel spurred his horse up and looked Aragorn in the eye; "your brother's strength is waning Estel. He came so he could be with you and you could go but he needs to return home."

Aragorn looked at Elrohir and then back at Glorfindel. His eyes showed plainly he was having doubt about whether or not this had been a good idea. "He is bad then?" asked the young Dùnadan slowly. If his brother were seriously hurting, Legolas and Roth would have to continue homeward alone. His brother came first, whatever the case, though Legolas was like a brother to him.

Glorfindel looked down or a moment, struggling for the right words. Elrohir was bad yes, but not that bad. Yet he needed to go home. He looked back up at Aragorn and nodded, "yes. We have to hasten back to Rivendell before something ill happens." Aragorn looked at Legolas and Roth, who stood silently, watching and waiting to continue. They were anxious to get home and Aragorn knew it. Elrohir would slow everyone down, but Legolas just was getting over a wound too. The Elf of Gondolin sighed and said, "he knows his way home. Roth will look after him and they will be fine. Nothing dwells in the plains that could really harm them this time of year."

Aragorn frowned and said softly, "let me explain it to Legolas." How could he tell his best friend that he would have to travel back alone besides Roth? But he knew that the Elf would understand, or at least his heart knew, for it also knew he always underestimated the blonde prince.

Glorfindel smiled and said, "he will understand Estel."

Aragorn guided his horse over to Legolas' and said, "Legolas I have to turn back." This was not going to be easy, even though it should be...

The blonde Elf narrowed his azure eyes and said, "it is Elrohir, isn't it?" He sounded pained and Aragorn looked at the ground quickly. Legolas said reassuringly and in a nearly soothing voice, "it is not your fault, now go. He needs you Aragorn." Legolas held nothing over the ranger. He knew what the man's obligations were and he could make it home solely with Roth. It was not far, he just hoped Anduin was crossable.

The human looked at the Elf and said, "hannon le, Legolas." The prince smiled and that was enough. Aragorn knew the Elf held nothing against him or his injured brother. He smiled thinly back and Legolas nearly laughed. He would have held onto that smile forever if he had known what was going to happen.

Legolas watched them all begin to turn back and he sighed. Looking at Roth he said, "we had better keep going, we might make it before it snows." Legolas felt a pain in his right side and knew the wound was not warm and was getting chilled and the muscles were cramping. He shifted, but said nothing of it for fear Roth would slow their pace to make up for him. All Legolas wanted to do was get home to his father whom he had not seen in months.

The prince began to turn his horse away and Rothinzil followed. He hoped they would reach the Anduin before mid week. He also hoped it was not flowing with ice, for that would make the crossing difficult and dangerous.

Aragorn watched as Elladan rode close to his twin, Elrohir was looking fine but Aragorn knew he could be hurting and never mention it, like any other Elf. In this sense he thought that Elves were fools. They didn't often ask for aid until it was too late.

Glorfindel rode in the back, making sure no one lagged or was left behind. He had his hood pulled up about his face as the wind picked up. He had a strange feeling, like some evil was no longer at rest, but he shoved it to the back of his mind. They soon would be home with no incident and he could relax.

Aragorn rode in the front and he was silent. He hoped Legolas would make it home with no trouble. But he also trusted Glorfindel. The golden-haired fair being seemed to be in haste to get back for more than the sake of getting back.

As the ranger looked about the ground that they were troding on, his eyes darted to the edges of the mountain path. He then looked out into the rocks and sandy patches beyond, but he saw something. The ground looked mutilated and crushed in some parts as though heavy shod feet had crossed there at one time. Orcs: there was no other explanation.

They must have come through in the night. The wind began to pick up, fell and chilled: a sign that winter had indeed come early and they would be lucky not to get snowed in. It whipped his brown hair into his face and before the man could brush it back the wind became stronger. He could here Elladan grumbling about it and though he could not hear Glorfindel because of the roaring in his ears he had a feeling hat the Gondolin Elf was complaining just as much.

When Aragorn looked at the tracks again he saw that they were gone, blow over and obscured b the wind. They were nothing more than small hills and crevices in the earth now. He cursed his ill luck and as Elladan passed he grabbed his arm. "Elladan, I saw tracks, in the sand. They were orc like but the wind picked up and shifted the sand to cover them."

Elladan nodded, "the winter that comes to these mountains has set its will against us. Who can wonder at that in a place inhabited and made filthy by orcs?" He looked at the spot and saw that the sands were moving again and the tracks were no more than a phantom. But the orcs were abroad, yet they had not been attacked.

Chances were the creatures were off raiding some small village or raiding themselves. He hoped the filthy beasts were unaware of them.

Elladan rode further up and Elrohir hung back with his human brother. He wished to talk. "Estel?" he asked quietly as he drew his hood about his face to fend off the wind.

"What?" asked the human crossly. He had not received much sleep and was not in an overly good mood. The wind was grating on his nerves too. This was quite a nasty combination in a man who had not as much patience as Elves and he was not afraid to snap his responses back.

Elrohir was quiet a moment ad then said, "I am sorry I caused us to turn back. I know how much you wanted to travel at least to the Anduin." He heeled his horse back onto the path as it began to stray off into the rocks. Unspilled tears hung like gems in the younger twin's eyes. He had let his brother down.

Aragorn smiled warmly, in a solacing way and said, "think nothing of it. You are hurt and need to be home and warm. I would not have it any other way." He instantly regretted how he had spoken to his hurting brother moments ago and wished he could go back in time, if only for a moment.

Elrohir coughed slightly and Aragorn noticed with distress that his brother shivered. He felt guilt at ever letting Elrohir come out to begin with. It was his fault. "Estel," he said after the ailment seemed to pass; "I know you wouldn't. But you worry too much." He then gave his human brother a sharp glance and snapped, "put your hood on!" He knew men got sick from this kind of weather and was of no frame of mind to haul his younger brother home half-dead from phenomena.

Aragorn hastily snatched his hood and pulled it about his features and he had to admit that it felt better and the feeling in his ears was coming back. "Elrohir you are coughing, Elves don't cough unless something is really wrong!" he retorted quickly. "And anyway, you worry ten times more than I!"

Elrohir just shook his head. "I am fine, I just got some wind blown into my mouth and it made me cough is all," he tried to convince the human briskly. The he made his horse trot up so he could catch up with Elladan.

Aragorn reached out and grabbed the reins, "you shivered, Elrohir!" he argued in a compressed voice. His patience was being stretched as thin as it could get and he was certain that Elrohir knew it.

Elrohir sighed and argued back, "I am fine! I can't get sick and you know it!" He gave the man a hard look and said, "you are the one who can get sick, so look after yourself!" Aragorn released the reins and let his brother ride up with Elladan. He began to wonder if Elrohir was scared.

Glorfindel saw that Aragorn had stopped his horse and rode up beside him, "just give him some space," he Gondolin Elf wisely advised. "He will come around in time."

Aragorn looked at the Balrog-Slayer, whom he noticed was anxious to press on. He knew that Glorfindel could not push Gondolin and the ambush in the mountains out of his mind. The young man spoke his sentiment and nearly to himself, "I wonder if Legolas is as bad off as Elrohir."

Glorfindel stared at the human for a minute and then said, "I tend to doubt it." He watched as Elrohir and Elladan rode ahead, singing silly songs that were pointless and he said, "I wonder if all young Elves are so assured of themselves, or if it is only Elladan and Elrohir who tempt the Valar so."

Aragorn laughed and said, "Elladan and Elrohir, definitely!" Glorfindel smiled and rode on and Aragorn pushed his horse up along the path as well. Then a sudden thought occurred to him, "but I must say this on their be-half; in their youth they have yet to find a Balrog and do battle with it!"

Glorfindel snorted, though it was lost in the draught of the coming storm and he laughed to himself. Yes, he was insane and at times spontaneous. Elrond had told him this long ago and so had Erestor, who had most likely heard it from Elrond to begin with. In any case, it was a perfectly correct assertion, he thought with an inward laugh and smile.

The wind continued to howl and beat down on them. It began to get darker and all knew a storm was approaching that was going to be terrible.

Legolas and Rothinzil looked back at the mountains and saw dark clouds coming swiftly as though Mordor itself was driving them. Both of the Elves suppressed shivers that lifted the hair on the back of their neck, thinking of Sauron having so much power. Legolas said, "a storm is coming. Roth we need to find shelter." He suddenly placed his hand under his cloak and touched his wound, or what was left of it. It was throbbing.

Roth saw his anxious look and his narrowed eyes that were a clear sign of pain and said, "we need some aid and a fire to warm you with too, but will you please tell me something I don't know?"

Legolas looked at him with a frown and said, "we do not know anyone around here. Elves are not as well loved as you may think."

Roth sighed as he thought, I know that! Then he said, "I know, but we still need to try. The storm is drawing closer and fast." They could see lightening in the clouds and knew that this was going to be a huge winter storm.

Legolas watched the clouds for a little while then said, "we will never make it home before this snowstorm hits." He sighed and tried to push thoughts of traveling home in the frigid temperatures out of his mind. "I concede, we do need aid." His wound was aching and he needed rest.

Both of he Elves rode a little further until they were near a forest of fir trees. They noticed with alarm that a bit of snow was already falling and a half an inch lay on the ground and in their hair, collecting in their hoods.

As they looked into the wood, wondering whether or not to go in for fear of wargs they heard the sound of many horses. The sharp hearing of the Elves could hear pawing and snorting, along with munching and neighing. But they were still cautious, after all, who was to say that the creatures or people hidden amongst the trees were friends and not foes?

Both of the Elves pulled here cloaks tighter about themselves as the wind picked up. It was truly miserable out. The snow began to swirl and they could hear rumbles of thunder that told them it was getting closer and if they did not find shelter soon or get a fire going they were done for.

Exchanging looks, both of the Elves began to ride into the evergreens, hoping that they met with friendly company. They were afraid that they felt a little too chill to fight in a battle.

It was not long before they saw the horses all crowded around each other for warmth against the winter chill. But they also saw the glow of a fire. It was welcome looking and they began o wonder if these were not fellow Elves moving a herd of horses to the palace for use after they were purchased from the Rhohirrim.

As they got closer, they saw it was men and Legolas looked on carefully. He did not wish to be seen if these men were not friendly. He slid silently from his horse and motioned for Rothinzil to do the same. The other Elf did so, but not without stepping on a twig. Roth never failed to be a klutz when the worst time for him to make a noise arouse. Legolas winced, but then recalled how the hearing of men were not as sharp as his own.

The Elves drew closer to the fire, so they could see the men's faces. Legolas smelled the thick smell of much smoke and liquor. He was not sure that was such a good combination with humans and was slightly put off by it. But then the wind picked up again and the horses were becoming uneasy.

It was an ideal spot to camp in good or bad weather and the wind was shielded some, for the fir trees blocked it as well as sheets or blankets spread between the trees. Snow drifts piled up all baout them, tall and glimmering.

Legolas began to fear the cold and harsh winds more than anything and did something that he normally would never do: he went against his judgement. Rising from the brush e walked cautiously amongst the men and into the firelight, for the cloud over had made the world quite dreary and it was getting onto dusk already. Roth followed and both of the Elves put their hands up as a sign of peace.

The men jumped up, all but one, a tall and burly looking man wrapped in a cloak. They grabbed their swords and unsheathed them. Legolas followed every move they made with his quick eyes and Roth felt a sudden urge to be sick. "What are you Elves doing sneaking around here all alone?" one snarled loudly over the wind that was bending the trees and sending varieties of leaves that had not yet fallen completely from the trees to dance about their heads in swirling masses.

Legolas spoke quickly, lest he should find a sword through his chest. "We need your aid for the night. We cannot make it home in this storm and to try would be insanity." He watched as one of the men came forward and put his sword tip onto his neck. He did not push it in, he did not need to , the intention was clear.

Legolas did not know what to do, but he had hoped this wouldn't happen. The sitting man said, "stay that sword. They came with a show of peace for aid! Is that the best you can do Calmir or do I have to show you better?"

The human that had threatened the prince dropped the blade but he still argued, "they are bloody Elves, the witches of Middle Earth!" Legolas stiffened at the title and would have a made a sharp remark back, but knew it was worthless and would only serve to increase tensions. "With all due respect father, how can they be trusted?"

"Calmir! You will sheath your sword and let them join us! You and I will talk later," he finished gruffly. He turned to Legolas and Roth, "go and set our stuff in the tent so this cursed snow doesn't soak it. You can then come and eat with us if you like or sleep, or whatever you like if it is possible in this cursed weather," he finished lamely.

Legolas breathed with relief. He looked at Roth and saw that his friend's breathing was still unsteady. The prince smiled and said, "thank you, we are sorry for the trouble we have caused you."

The man laughed, "no trouble at all master Elf. Glad to have you. It isn't often a man runs into the fair folk, just wish our welcome could have been better, eh Calmir?" he glanced at his son, who said nothing.

He was going to see those Elves dead. They could ruin everything.

Legolas and Roth set their packs in the tent and were grateful to get away from the wind. The tent was small, five bedrolls already occupied it and then there was their two. The Elves looked at each other and Roth smiled, "at least we are safe."

Legolas shrugged, "I don't know. That one...Calmir...he seemed eager to slay us on the spot and he probably wouldn't pass up the opportunity."

Roth sighed, "I am hungry, I think I will go out with them, are you coming?" he asked as he headed for the tent flap door. He was either oblivious to the danger, or he just didn't care. At the moment, Legolas could not decide which, but he was leaning towards the former.

Legolas smiled and said, "no. I am tired. I think I will stay in here for a time." He began to unroll his bed and Roth looked at him hard for a minute.

"Well at least eat some Lembas bread, Legolas. You need he energy, especially in this cold," he added. With that he turned and went out the door. Legolas sat on his bedroll and thought for moment. He wasn't really hungry and joining the men went against his better judgement.

Deciding to let Roth go ahead and take company with the men, he curled up beneath his blanket along with his cloak and tried to sleep. However the new environment he was in and the thought of getting murdered while he slept did not allow for much rest. He tried to blend night and dream together by leaving his eyes open as Elves do but it only served to provoke nightmares in which he was always freezing while a human stood over him with a naked sword ready to run him through the heart. Sighing, he did the one thing that felt most awkward and yet was the most relaxing at the time: he shut his eyes and let dream alone take over.

Roth came in with a bowl of hot soup, steam curling from the lip of the bowl. He looked at his prince, fast asleep and sighed. Legolas was more weary than he would willingly let on. Frowning, he wondered if he should wake the other Elf. Legolas had to eat or his body would get weak. Drawing a deep breath and letting it out slowly, he drew close to the Elf-prince and gently gripped his shoulder.

Legolas was instantly awake and he grabbed Roth's wrist with a speed only a frightened and startled Elf could possess, lucky it was not the hand with the soup, otherwise he would have been scalded. Roth said quickly, "Legolas it is I, Rothinzil." The blonde Elf looked at his friend with bleary eyes and then gave a small smile.

"Sorry, I am just a bit on edge about this whole stay over with men. Don't you find them a bit hard to trust?" he whispered wistfully.

Roth pushed the bowl of soup at him. "Eat."

Legolas looked at it and asked with a frown, "what is it?" It did not look like something he wanted to digest. Wrinkling his nose he sniffed thinking that it would smell as badly as it looked. However, he was pleasantly surprised.

Roth sighed, "it is good for you, that's what. Now eat." He shoved the bowl towards his prince again. Legolas refused.

"I'm not hungry," he said with a scowl. He yawned, "but I am tired. Wake me before dawn will you?"

Roth scowled back and said, "I watched them make it and nothing strange is in it, I can assure you. You must eat, don't make me force you Legolas. It would be rather ugly," he finished with a laugh.

Legolas sighed and took the hot bowl. It did smell delightful and it had to be better than Lembas bread. When he saw Roth with no bowl he asked quietly, "what about you?" If that skinny klutz of a Wood-Elf gave him all of what they had to share he would force it down his throat.

Rothinzil knew this very well and chuckled before he said, "I have already eaten while you were sleeping. You have slept for hours." He watched as Legolas downed a huge spoonful and looked around for water as the soup burned his mouth. He had been a little too eager. Rothinzil laughed again and said, "I am afraid what water we had is frozen, but I have some cordial in my pack that is mean to give strength." He looked at Legolas and said, "couldn't do you any harm to have some. I should have thought of it sooner."

He went to his pack and rooted through it for about five minutes before he found it. He tossed it to the prince, "a gift from Elladan and Elrohir," he said in response to the strange look on the blonde immortal's face. Legolas smiled and popped the top of the vial.

He knew it only took a few drops and it would work like a gallon of water to a weary and thirsty horse. As he felt the small mouthful of the liquid hit his tongue it instantly cooled the burns and eased the pain. He also felt new strength flow into his limbs and he felt his spirit lighten.

Roth smiled and said, "they are not bad folk once you get into talking. I think I will go and talk some more. You just get your rest."

Legolas nearly spat his soup out. "Roth, be careful what you say. Do remember the Corsairs?" he asked with a single golden brow raised and a dull look in his eyes. "I mean it Rothinzil, you could get us killed and I would have to kill you then if we somehow managed to survive. I do not think I would like that very much," he finished with a dignified snort.

Roth rolled his eyes and said, "they are different. Anyway, I am always careful!" he frowned. What was Legolas implying?

The blonde Elf made on last plea to get his friend to stay, "you are tired too Roth. You have been worrying since I was wounded and you worry still. You need rest as well." Legolas honestly feared something would happen to his companion. He knew how Roth liked to talk and was an utter klutz. What if he said something that put them and their home in danger?

Roth insisted that everything would be well. Legolas just frowned and whispered, "you be careful."

Roth just smiled and said, "always!"

As Roth came out of the tent with a scowl on his face as he contemplated once more all that his liege had mentioned Calmir asked, "your companion, he does not like to talk?" Rothinzil's head snapped up from where it had been staring intensely at the snow as though he was trying to burn it with his eyes. From the fire like look, it seemed as though it was remotely possible.

Roth eyed the liquor bottle in the young human's hand and he said tentatively, "he is just tired. He will be himself by morning." He was speculating whether or not the mortal had too much to drink and whether or not he should go back in the tent.

The man that he had come to know as Calstor called to him, "come sit here young Rothinzil and tell us more about you." Roth thought it was pretty paradoxical that the human was calling him young when he was at least two thousand, five hundred years older. But then again, to this man he probably looked only twenty most.

Roth looked at the human for a moment and then decided it would be worse not to join, for then the mortals would get suspicious and that could lead to disaster. When men could not understand something, they feared it and after they feared it they were not satisfied until they destroyed it utterly.

Going over, the Elf sat by the elderly and yet hale human with a grin. The man offered the immortal a swig from his canteen of liquor but Roth turned it down saying he was not in the mood for it.

"You Elves are strange folk," said the man as he shook his head. He ran a wrinkled hand over the white whiskers on his face that was nearly as full as a beard. "The alcohol will stave off the chill of the night and storm."

Roth smiled politely and said, "perhaps you did not know this, but we Elves do not feel the cold as you do. It is annoying to us and certainly if we are out long in it painful. Yet we can endure it longer." The Wood Elf nearly jumped as he heard a clap of thunder mixed amongst the wind and billowing snow. He was glad for the protection the men had put for the camp around the trees: blankets stretched between the trunks.

If it weren't for those they would be buried alive by ice and snow. The Elf wondered about the horses, but he knew they were sleeping, buried in caves beneath the blankets of snow that acted as an insulation to trap their heat.

The older man's son smiled evilly and said, "so after you are finished enchanting the weather, then what do you Elves do? Did you stop here to watch us suffer though it?" he asked scornfully. He sneered at the immortal and said, "well you won't have the satisfaction. We all have been out in worse and survived with little to speak of!"

Roth nearly snarled back at the man, but held his temper in check, knowing that is what Legolas would have done in this situation. Although he was NOT Legolas and if this continued he could not be responsible for his actions that they would more than have earned. "We do not bewitch the weather. It is what it is and we are not but beings dwelling here for a time. We are certainly not magical." He was beginning to get a little frightened, but not too much. It was enough, however, to make a shiver start at the nape of his neck, raising his hair, and race down his spine.

The man watched curiously as the Elf took out a pipe and began to smoke it thoughtfully. It was medium in length so as to be easily traveled with. It was made of clay and wood. "I did not know Elves smoked," he said with a laugh.

Rothinzil looked at the human and laughed as well, more to relieve tensions than because he found it amusing, "they don't, I do. I am Peredhil." They looked at him strangely and he explained, "I am sorry, that is half-Elven. My father was a man, mother an Elf." He blew out a puff of smoke. "But I learned this after she died and I was raised among men for a time."

The elderly man wrinkled his brow in confusion and some exasperation, "you were raised with men?" he asked incredulously. Shaking his head he said, "that is strange."

Roth smiled and said, "true nonetheless and Elves back home say that is why I am such a klutz." He gave a small laugh that seemed a bit more nervous than he was comfortable with. Drawing a breath of the sweet tasting smoke he sighed as it blew out between his lips. It was a pleasure that he could not often take.

The Calmir sighed in an agitated way and said, "father may I have a word with you?"

Calstor just smiled and said tersely, "later." He shot his son a quick cryptic look that stated as though it was written out in ink that he was in no frame of mind to be messed with right now and if his son knew what was good for him he would take a seat or go away and complain else where.

Calmir was about to argue but thought better of it. It would get him no where. He looked at Roth and sighed, He hated those damned Elves. He could not wait to get his hands on them and slay them.

Rothinzil just looked at the man and mentally shrugged. He was willing to make friends. Calstor seemed willing enough to be a friend and not try to rip his head off with sinister glares. He had half a mind to do something really strange and make them a little scared, even though he knew it could lead to disaster.

The Elf finally decided he should get back and check on Legolas. The prince was recovering after all and he did not want him to get murdered by one of these men. He smiled and put out his pipe. "I am sorry my friends, but I must take my leave. My companion is ill and I need to tend to him."

Calmir watched Rothinzil get up and go to the tent, draw back the flap and go in.

Rothinzil felt it, eyes on his back, and he went quickly to his bedroll, unrolled it and went inside. Memories were returning, ones he had not recalled for a very long time. So long he wondered if he would understand them. He closed his bleary hazel eyes and sleep found him quickly.

Calmir looked at his father and the other three men. He drew his sword and said, "I can go and kill them now. If they find out-"

"About the horses? Nay, they won't and if they do we can make like we was the ones that caught them stealing them," he said firmly and with a low growl. "I think that they will be gone in the morning without ever knowing." He shook his head and said, "if you harm them, I will kill you!" Calstor loved his son, but he knew how evil the young man could be and he knew how deep his hate for Elves ran.

Calmir sneered, "some father you are!" He set his hand on the sword hilt and fingered it a moment before taking his hand off it and then frowning, "what about the horses of theirs?" he asked in a rumble of annoyance.

Calstor just sighed, "we will let them keep the horses, either that or we give ourselves away and slay them. I would not see such a thing as an immortal flame be put out without need."

Calmir smiled cruelly, "who says we have to kill them? They could fight for us in the pit and make us scores of money!" He remembered the time he had captured a warg and had trained it to fight, but it had long ago been slain. He wanted to revisit the arena. He wanted to have the feel of cash in his hand again, of coins clinking and taste the smoke of the hidden chambers that held the pits where the illegal fights took place.

Calstor just growled back, "no! We would not be able to break them anyway. They are Elves, even if we did break them it would be their bodies not their spirit, which is what it will take to get them to fight and spill innocent blood." He drew a lung drink from his canteen of liquor. The old man nodded and said curtly, "if you harm them, may death find you swiftly."

Calmir came and gripped his father's shirt collar and then snarled, "it isn't as if we are virtuous or anything, you are the one who helped me and my boys get those damn horses for an equal share yourself." He gestured out to where he knew the beasts were waiting for the storm to pass.

Calstor flung his son's arm off in a rage and threw the younger man back roughly. Jumping up he shouted, "don't act that way with me boy!"

Calmir just spat at his father and he went to his own group of three followers who flocked about him. Calstor watched his son and knew that the boy was about to lose it. It was ironic how he thought of the child as a boy when the said son was going on thirty.

He and his son had never entirely gotten along. Calmir was too ambitious and anything that stood in his way was an obstacle to be removed by any means essential.

He and his daughter had always been close, but after they lost most of what they had because of a foolish venture, she grew estranged from her family and took to learning how to ride horses and would go away for long periods of time. She was compared with the Elves for her skill with horses and other creatures and her light feet.

Calmir looked at his comrades and said, "those cursed Elves could make us a lot of money like we have never seen the likes of before but my old man ain't gonna let us touch 'em!" He spat and then said, "Damn I want those Elves. Just imagine them in The Pit, just take a moment to imagine!" He could feel the gold in his pockets right then. Of course he knew breaking them would not be easy, but would that not be half of the fun?

One of those closest to him said, "and how do you expect to control them?" His voice was a low hiss that reeked of poison, poison for the ears. But his question was a rather blatant one that was lingering on everyone's mind. It just so happened he was the poor creature to point it out and made to look like a fool.

Calmir rolled his eyes and said, "Kushor, chains can hold anyone and Elves are no different. How do you tame a warg? One step at a time. A horse that bucks? You use spurs, you fool!" He smiled with a look of ice and steel that if the Elves had seen it, they would have ran for their lives and anyone else would have fled in sheer terror, "I will break them, and you can mark my words."

Kushor shook his head, "I mark them, but wait to see if they will come true." Calmir took a sip from his canteen and Kushor asked, "so your father won't let you touch them?"

"No, but will get them one way or another or they will die. We can take them with us when we take the horses into Rhovanian's black market."

He was going to capture and break those Elves, even if he had to commit a murder first. Nothing and no one were to stand in his way.

CHAPTER THREE

The Essence of Men

It was a cold morning that dawned on the sleeping Elves and men. The crisp and snowy air was filled with the snorting of horses.

Calmir was already awake along with his men. He had his naked sword in his hand, watching his father sleeping in the wrapping of his bedroll. It was this man who stood between him and glory, between him and his victory, he could not allow that. Anger, bitterness, hatred, envy, greed, welled up inside the younger human, molding onto a single mass of madness. Raising the sword, he held it above his father and he whispered, "see you in Hell!" With that he plunged the blade downward and the man who had raised him was dead without a sound.

He looked at his men and snarled, "get them Elves!" If the fair beings had heard the command they might have feared for their lives more.

Legolas, who had finally opened his eyes as he slept found that men were preparing to hurt him in his dream jolted awake to find reality not far from the mental images. He saw one of the humans over him with a club in his hand and a naked sword in the other. He saw another one nearby with rope and chain. The one with the sword and club he immediately recognized as Calmir.

He knew that the elderly man that they had been with would not have allowed this. His eyes went to where the man had choose to sleep and he saw red blood covering the mortal who had tasted his fate. Legolas's anger reared up towards the younger man who had killed his own father and Legolas and Roth's defender who was kind to them. "You snake!" he hissed the man pressed closer. The Elf vaulted up and stood in a wide stance, ready to sell his life dearly. However, he mentally groaned when he saw he was weaponless.

Calmir spoke thickly, "I very strongly advise you to give up." He gave a sneer. Legolas paid him no mind and instead looked at Roth. Legolas saw that Rothinzil was up and cornered in the tent, but the raven-haired immortal had his sword drawn. He was watching the men with fierce and yet bewildered eyes still a bit bleary from sleep.

Legolas turned back towards the human that had hemmed him in to the corner opposite of Roth. He was just in time to move away from the blade that was ready to rest on his throat. He raised a fair brow and asked with a frown and shrug, "why? I see no reason human!"

Legolas ducked another blow that had to be meant to knock him out, before he did a combat style roll past the man and leaped back to his feet by his bow and quiver. He certainly could not use his bow at this distance. He looked at it and noticed that the men had taken the time to cut the string and make it so it was impossible to use. They had planned this.

Regardless, they had forgotten to take his twin knives, or perhaps they had not expected that large of a conflict out of him or Roth, he smiled as he thought of how wrong they had been. He kept his front to the humans and grabbed his identical knives with a quickness and accuracy that was hardly matched to any in Middle Earth.

Kushor looked at Calmir and said, "damn he's fast!" Kushor readjusted the chains and ropes that he held uneasily. He noticed that his palms were slick with sweat. This Elf was a fighter and a quick one, able to deal out death fast and now they had him cornered. When animals are cornered they fight their hardest, because it means life or death. Elves were no different than animals, were they? He didn't think so; they had pointy ears like some odd creature, like an orc or something.

The humans all thought this, not even taking the time to consider the past and why there were some vague and twisted similarities between Elves and orcs.

Calmir snapped back at his comrade, "he's an Elf you fool! What do you expect?" He aimed the flat of his sword for Legolas' wrist, trying to cause enough pain to make the Elf release on of his knives. Legolas jerked his arm clear and struck at the men, cutting a large tear with his knife from his right hand into Calmir's tunic arm.

The dark-haired man looked at the tear and at the Elf with shock. But Legolas had leaped over to be beside Rothinzil, who looked relieved to have his prince fighting at his side. It felt good to know that his friend would support him now. Legolas and Roth stood back to back. They would rather go down in flames than give in.

The men all crowded around with their clubs and chains as though they were after mad beasts. Legolas looked sidelong at his friend and said quickly in the Gray Tongue, "I am sorry to have gotten you into this. I will distract them, you get away." He knew Roth's past and how he feared this more than anything. Legolas swung his knives as one quickly, in a dance like flow, driving the men back. The blonde Elf then yelled to his companion in the Elf-tongue, "go!"

Roth looked at his prince for a moment before putting his eyes back onto the mortals trying to seize him and said in Elvish, "and leave you with this dismal assemblage? Anyway, it is I who made you come here and so I should be the one who is sorry."

Legolas gave a snort and continued in the Elven Tongue of his homeland, "no! If it weren't for my wound we wouldn't be here! Tear through the cloth of the tent and I will keep them off of you as long as I can." He did not want to see Rothinzil relive his past. It would be like Elrond reliving all of his past, but worse. The prince's eyes shone hot with his resolve not to abandon his companion, not unless his body went cold and his heart failed to beat one more time.

Rothinzil growled back, "no! You can just try and make me. If we are caught we are caught together!" His hazel eyes flashed with some heat of his own towards his stubborn friend who had a chance to flee and was staying back because of him.

Legolas placed one of his knives against the back of the tent, pressing it gently against the cloth so it would not rip before they were ready. He looked at Roth and then locked eyes with his friend, "alright then, together." Roth gave a smile as he followed the other's eyes to the blade that was ready to rip through the material. Rothinzil placed his blade by the prince's, so the weapons were nearly touching and Legolas yelled, "now!" in Elven. The reaction was very much desired and very much expected.

This only served to make the men jump back in surprise, wondering what to expect, which is just what the pair of Elves had counted on as they leaped back through the tear they had created and out into the deep snow. It was as though an explosion had wracked the small tent of white weather-stained leather and wooden rods so great was the shock and fright of the fool hardy men that tried to lay their cruel and harsh hands on the pair of Elves.

Calmir, taken off guard by the immortal's sudden action yelled at his men, "get them you fools!" He was not going to allow them to get away. They had challenged him by being defiant and now only one would win, even if he did not capture them, he would slay them. He would be the one to stand; they had garnered his ire. They had to fall now. He arched his brow quizzically and stared at his men, "what are you bloody waiting for? Spring? Get them you oafs!"

Legolas and Roth stood on top of the snow as Elves do. Legolas was scanning the trees with alert and wide eyes as Rothinzil watched the men come floundering out into the world of white crystal. He suppressed genuine laughter as he watched the mortals fall down and fumble through the drifts that were all about them. He looked at Legolas and said, "it will be long before they reach us." But he also knew the hot and sinister determination in the men's hearts would drive them faster and that perhaps his statement had been vain.

Legolas' gaze went from the treetops that he longed to be in and back to his friend, "you would think." He looked at a large tree nearly covered by an enormous and glittering snowdrift, where each flake glowed as the early morning light fell upon its laced facet. Even if it was long before the men would catch up, he was taking no chances. With the swiftness of a young deer he bounded over the congealed white frozen drops of rain, leaving little or no impression on the soft shining dust. He ran up the side of the huge drift that nearly covered the tree and using it like a ramp, he leaped to the fourth branch up.

Rothinzil watched and his gaze was cautious and unsure. He was part human and for reasons that only he knew, he was not sure if he could make it. He bounded across the snow as Legolas had done with certainly no less skill showing in his movement and light steps and then ran up the drift but only made it to the second branch. He looked up at Legolas as the men struggled awkwardly closer. "Give me your hand," Legolas called to his friend that he had known since the raven-haired Elf was young.

Roth looked back at the men and then he took the hand that the blonde Elf had offered down. Legolas pulled with the desperation that came from near panic and Roth was soon up with him, braced against his friend and rescuer's chest. The branches had ice on them and the Elves had not counted on having that. Roth was a klutz anyway and now he was in dire danger. If he fell he would be captured or break something if he landed wrong. Legolas wrapped his arm around Roth's narrow middle, trying to hold his friend on the branch. Anyway, if his friend fell, this insured he would go with him. Roth knew what Legolas was doing, after all, he was no fool though he acted like one at times and said; "if I fall and you go with me that would be a cataclysmic mess Legolas, and you know something? We are extremely close to that ' cataclysmic mess '!" Here he sighed, "I can't allow you to fall with me. I am a guard and that would be a terrible failure on my part."

Legolas just snapped from fear and anger at defeat, "just stop squirming and don't argue! That is why I am holding you! I don't want you to fall, but if you do I won't let you go alone." He felt the ice beneath his feet becoming slippery as it melted and he heard icicles hitting the ground with soft and nearly imperceptible sounds that only sharp Elven ears could pick up. Glaring at the younger Elf he growled, "I command you to stop this nonsense and regain your senses!"

Calmir and his men were close. They were cursing the whole way. Legolas looked to see if any other high branches were accessable but he might as well have looked for a Balrog up in the tree perched like a bird. Sighing, their only options was to wait it out or fight free. He could feel Roth's heart beating fast as fear set in. The younger Elf had been through this before long ago.

Legolas just pulled his friend closer and sighed heavily.

He looked at his friend strangely as Roth went dead silent and said nothing at all. He could feel his friend going tense and alert. Rothinzil was strange in the sense that when something truly unnerved him, he would fall so silent and grow so stone like, that Legolas wondered at times if the other actually collected dust. The thought was laughable and Legolas would have gladly let out a snicker if they had not been ready to be captured by insane men with their utter agony in mind.

Legolas inquired carefully, "Roth? Are you alright?" There was no answer and Legolas could not afford Roth's silence. If they were going to escape, they needed to talk. He pulled Rothinzil closer still and gave him a gentle shake. "ROTH!"

The younger Elf glanced up languidly with a pale face of a chalky color, like one that has seen death on the horizon not more than a day ahead. His eyes spoke everything Legolas needed to know at the moment. Rothinzil was afraid, he felt weak, he felt ashamed and he obviously was being very negative thinking that they were not going to make it out of here alive. Legolas was somewhat negative, but he was a little more realistic than he was negative. There was a small chance of escape.

The men were drawing closer and Calmir panted in a scream of suppressed and utterly malicious rage, "when I catch you Elves, you are going to wish you were dead before I am finished with you!"

Roth sighed and said, "I am sorry Legolas. I didn't mean to, I just remembered some things..." He shivered and Legolas held him tight, knowing that it would not be long before Roth would fall from the tree if he did not. The prince wished that he could steal Roth's fear and pain, but for now all he could do was hold him close and try to calm the violent shivers racing up his friend's spine. However, from the sick feeling he felt, he also knew that they might not avoid capture unless help came. Legolas now thought that optimism was a very underrated quality that he would have to remember to never make light of again. He gazed out at the men and saw that more than one had bows.

"I know Roth," said Legolas bitterly. He now had to put forth all his will and thought in getting them out alive and in one piece. It was not going to be an easy task and he certainly did not expect to be victorious, but that did not mean that he had given up either.

Rothinzil sighed and said, "I know I am holding you back Legolas, just let me go."

Legolas snorted, "folly! You are my friend."

Roth wriggled and said, "I am getting down and am going to lead them away so you can get free!" He struggled against Legolas who held on tighter. Roth was mad! His fear had turned to stupidity. "Let me free, let me divert their attention. Please Legolas, it is our only chance!"

Legolas held onto his crazed friend and said, "Roth you are mad! You are staying right here! I don't want you dead with a bolt in you! They would most likely kill you or capture you and then come for me and then who will have my back?" He felt Roth's elbow hit his stomach and he grunted but held on tighter and Roth struggled harder. He was not going to agree with Legolas on this and he would rather have himself captured than his prince whom he had sworn to protect and who was his friend regardless.

Calmir saw the struggle between the two Elves and notched his bow. For a moment he watched, rather intrigued by the whole incident and amusement shown on his wind blown features. Foolish Elves! Oh well, it was their loss and his gain. He was going to force them to fall out. Aiming the bow for the tree trunk, particularly at a spot directly by Rothinzil's nose, he drew the feathers back alongside his cheek and matched up the sightings closely. Then he let the projectile fly.

Roth gave a yelp of surprise as the shaft struck by his face and he jerked backwards. Legolas felt his feet slide from the sudden movement on the ice that lined the branch and he felt them slide out from under him. He gave a shriek of his own when he realized they were falling down.

He watched as the ice and snow covered branches that waved above became farther away and then he winced as he felt them strike the snowy ground with Roth landing on top of him. In the fall one of his knives had twisted beneath Roth and then jabbed into Legolas' arm with a sting. The wound smarted with a vengeance and he grimaced. He made a grim mental note to choke Roth if they survived.

The younger Elf rolled clear of his prince and then saw the scarlet snow that was being stained by the small wound in the blonde Elf's arm. "Legolas! I didn't mean to!" he cried.

Legolas rolled his eyes, "I know! I am not angry with you, really. Get your sword raised and lets try to get out alive." Getting out in one piece was no longer a goal, it was already failed. But he still hoped to get out alive and with no more than the scratch that he had received.

Legolas didn't have to tell Rothinzil what he had. The ebony-haired Elf already was on his feet with his sword out and prepared for use. His gray eyes flashed as he pushed his past aside, concentrating on the present. His stance and sharp gaze dared them to try and touch Legolas or himself. He may go down but he would go down in flames and fighting.

Legolas leaped up and got his twin knives ready, but he heard another noise that seemed to be drawing closer, hounds baying and shouts. Then he recalled the horses. He could hear their hooves pounding in the snow and kicking up ice and frozen chunks of snow mixed with rock as they searched for food and played dance like games with each other.

The men closed in tighter in a ring bout the Elves. Roth and Legolas went back to back again and primed themselves to die fighting than be taken alive. Then men seemed reluctant to close in on the Elves that they had meshed in so there was no escape. The anger in the flashing immortal's eyes kept them back.

Legolas watched them with intense blue eyes and he felt his arm throbbing with a great pain now that the shock of the wound was gone. He had his weapons in both of his hands and his expression was set to a grim and stony look as he faced off his opponents.

All the while he could hear the voices growing nearer and the dogs breath seemed so close that he could feel it but they were not there. The Elf hoped they were lawmen that could spare them the bitter fight that neither of them were bound to come out of.

Rothinzil looked back at his prince and then said, "we will take a few of them with us before it is finished." Legolas did not even nod, but Rothinzil knew that the blonde Elf was listening. Legolas did not like to kill and neither did Roth, but Legolas was more loathe to do it. He knew that once someone was dead, unless the Valar had mercy on them they were gone forever and nothing could change it.

Legolas looked at the tree ahead and one of the men, Kushor, saw him and said, "you are not that fast Elf, though you be quick enough to strike like a viper." Legolas shot the man a cold and yet slightly fearful look. Then his look changed to that of annoyance. The man just cackled coldly and said, "you would be dead before you got midway up." Calmir watched the Elves for a moment and then he heard the noises Legolas had picked up first.

"Damn it, the constabulary is coming!" he snapped in a growl. Legolas looked at him and in the direction of the noise that was steadily growing closer. Calmir lamented, "we are found! I knew this would happen." He fixed Legolas and Rothinzil with a glare that was so cold it made the hair stand on the backs of their necks. "But you aren't going to get off so easy when they get here. You will see, the town of Farlost hates your kind." He spat at the immortals, which did not even wince at the repulsive behavior.

Legolas said steadily, "we will see, for they are coming. And what is it you plan to do to us if we are taken? we will be out of your hands and will be set free."

Calmir laughed and spat a streak of saliva at the Elves' feet. "No, you misunderstand me Elf, they hate Elves and would like nothing less than seeing you two dangling at the end of a rope." He sneered and said, "poor little Elves, not used to feeling helpless and lower than the dirt? Hope you like it!" he barked at the two who were watching silently now, pondering the best possible escape route. He actually felt smarter and higher than he had in a long time as he listened to these fools talk.

Then they heard the baying getting closer and the Elves heard the horses snorting and kicking, running and rearing, at the sight of what both of the immortals knew had to be the hounds. The law force was coming and they hated the Elves.

Roth looked at his prince and said, "they are making it up in a last ditch effort to scare us Legolas, we will be saved," he reassured over his shoulder. Legolas said nothing and just shifted his weight. He was not sure that the men were lying. They had no reason to lie and he was also sure that Roth was bluffing.

Calmir cackled along with his men as Roth said this and said, "I wish we could tell you we honestly are. But you will see soon enough I suppose." He shrugged and said, "no skin off my nose if you don't believe me."

Legolas wasn't paying a bit of attention. He was waiting, for the baying of the hounds had ceased and all was curiously quiet and tense. The trees seemed to quiver with it and the air seemed thick and yet chill. His breath came out in a slow puff of white steamy fog as he looked around.

He suddenly saw a huge wolf hound come over the crest of a drift, balancing out its weight like a cat on large furry paws to keep from sinking. He let out a loud bellowing bark and his speed picked up to an intense gallop as he saw the Elves. Elves were not men, they were not live stock; they were not classified in his small mind and therefore were deadly, dangerous foes that he must eliminate. They were the enemy he had been sent to find.

Legolas saw another come over behind that one and it pulled back its lips in a snarl as its yes fell over the blonde prince. Legolas braced himself for the attack and Roth spun around to face the new danger. "Legolas!" he screamed as one of the huge beasts slammed all its weight into the older Elf, nearly making the prince lose his balance.

It had a mouthful of cloak and began to try and pull Legolas down. He used his knife and cut a gash across ones face. He did not wish to kill them, but they were attacking him and his friend. The dog was nearly stronger than the Elf and Legolas was forced to slice a section of his cloak free to even maneuver away from the snapping and ripping jowls.

One of the hounds went for Roth and managed to bowl the Elf over. Before Roth could regain his feet both of the hounds were on him. He curled up into a ball as he felt the fangs rip into his cloak and tear his tunic. Soon he knew they would sink into his flesh and taste blood then it would be all over.

Legolas ran over and grabbing a hound by its ear, jerked it, yelping, back and then hit it unconscious with the hilt of his knife. The other was about to get its crushing jaws around Roth's midsection and bite down. Legolas hit swiftly and that dog was out cold.

Roth got up and stumbled slightly as he did. He brushed the cold snow from his clothes and looked at the dogs and the smug men that watched the shocked look of the Elves. The men had not been lying.

Legolas went swiftly over to his friend and asked quickly and in a scared voice, "are you hurt? Did they bite you?" Dog bites were nearly as bad as warg bites if they went unattended to for long enough.

Roth shook his head and was about to say no, he was fine, when a thick voice that was filled with wrath that sent shivers in both of the immortals said, "drop your knives and swords Elves and put your hands up now or we will shoot you where you stand."

Legolas looked at Roth and Roth looked at the prince as they transposed glances. Legolas began to step towards the soldiers that held bows with their aim locked on the blonde Elf's heart. "Oh please! You can't think we did anything wrong-" he began but his comment was cut off by a vicious threat that he had nearly expected.

"I said drop your weapons, or do you want to be stuck like a pincushion?" snapped the head marshal with a snarl. He watched as Legolas looked at Roth and reluctantly began to lower his knives. The man snapped, "now Elf!" Legolas dropped them in the snow and they sunk in about a foot before hitting a layer of ice. Legolas figured that was why the men were not sinking as much and the horses were able to run. The men looked at Roth and said, "you too!" Roth dropped his knife and both of the Elves stuck their hands up.

Legolas frowned and said, " you really can't believe we did-"

"Save it Elf whelp! You stole these horses and don't you dare deny it!" stated the constable as he began to take handcuffs off his belt and walk over.

Calmir chimed in. "Not only that, we, me and my friends, were traveling back to town and these two showed up and demand quarter. We didn't like the looks of them and refused to give it and they murdered my old man!" He looked teary eyed, but Legolas knew better and watched with anger as the constabulary all nodded.

"That is a lie!" snapped Prince Legolas with much heat. "He killed his own father and we had no idea about the horses!" Calmir and Kushor sneered behind the marshal's back at the captive Elves. He mocked them and silently said with his lips, 'poor Elf whelps!'

Legolas grimaced as one of the marshals twisted his injured arm painfully when they set the iron cuffs about his wrists. Legolas felt the cold metal lock about his wrists and frowned. "I do not understand. What is going on? What are you doing to me?" His eyes looked around in a panic as he began to feel cold fear gripping his stomach and a sickly sweet feeling began to rise in the back of his throat.

The marshal securing his cuffs yanked them painfully and then grasped the prince's tunic, shaking him violently and then slapping him across the face with his hand. "Don't play cute Elf! Then we won't have an excuse to give you the beating you deserve!" he snarled.

Legolas looked at the man resolutely and said with a bitter hardness in his voice, "you will regret this morning when Strider finds this out! He is man just like you and he will set everything right!" snapped the Elf at his prejudice captures. Then he sneered and said scoffingly, "no, not just like you...he is fair and trustworthy!"

The man just stared at the Elf with a burning hatred and spat into Legolas' face, "What human would honestly waste his time helping the likes of you scum! Did you not care about the men that were left to die in the valley without the horses and at the hands of merciless orcs?" he snarled at the fair-haired being who took a slender hand and wiped the spittle away from his eyes with the back of his hand in disgust.

Legolas just asked, "what?" He was bewildered exclusively. Orcs? Was that why they had seen their tracks and not been attacked? It must have...but maybe not.

The man sneered and said, "as if you don't know Elf. I wager you thought it was fun to think of them being mutilated and screaming as they were taken apart by the scimitars of orcs with no horses to ride away on to their escape!" he accused angrily. "They were all loving fathers with families and now their wives are widows and their children fatherless, but you love it, don't you?" He gripped the chain attached to the prince's cuffs and began to lead him away. "Master Elf you are under arrest for the murder of Calstor and the theft of horses leading up to the slaughter of many innocent men."

Legolas shook his head. This was all going so fast and he did not get it all at all. All he knew as he was accused of crimes that these other men (that had first tried to capture him for a reason he did not know of) who were leaning on the trees and helping to round up the horses for the marshals to take back had committed and now he and his dear friend were to pay the price probably by death. "No. We didn't do it. We were on our way home. You must listen."

Roth nodded urgently as he was brought up alongside Legolas in bonds of iron cuffs that were much too tight. It was as though the men feared the Elves escape greatly and thought them capable of much that they weren't. "And anyway," asked Rothinzil, "who ever heard of two stealing nigh on a hundred or so horses?" He gave a snort to state his doubt it had and could ever be done.

The man thought a moment and then said, "no...but you Elves are witches and are capable of casting spells to put things under your will," he answered sourly as he silently conceded the point in his head.

Legolas stiffened at the slur to his race that he all too often heard and Roth scowled. But the more they argued the more trouble they seemed to get into so they decided that it might be best to say little and send word to Estel to get their names cleared. But then Legolas had a sudden thought sparked by his over protectiveness of his mortal friend, what if they took the ranger for a traitor to the world of men because he chose to side with a bunch of Elves?

Legolas made up his mind right then; he would not allow that. He would rather die than see his friend come into the trap of trying to save him and thus becoming an outcast of his own race.

Aragorn stroked his horse's velvety nose gently as he stood by Glorfindel and his brothers, surveying the now blocked pass. The snow had come hard, but the majority of it had fallen around Mirkwood's borders and he hoped Legolas was well. However, he had the distinct feeling that the Elf was not as well as could be hoped.

He knew that Elrohir was not doing all hat great either. The younger twin desperately needed rest and warmth not the bitter cold that threatened to freeze them all. Elladan had managed to hollow out a spot in the snow and he had given his cloak to Elrohir, in hopes the younger twin was not going to catch a chill.

The only bad thing was, they had no way to light a fire. They could not burn the snow and trees were buried. It looked as though they were going to freeze to death. For the Elves it would be a bit slower, but they would freeze just as well in time. They also knew that they would be lucky if the orcs did not find them half-alive and decide to finish the job.

Aragorn sighed. He missed Legolas and with this harsh whether his friends were safe or whether they were freezing or even worse...already dead. Buried in a world of white.

As he watched his brothers he saw the worry lining Elladan's face as he watched Elrohir suffer from the wound that was chilled now. Elrohir tried not to show it, but it was painfully obvious by the way he walked and the way he was so quiet. And every now and then, he shivered slightly. The younger of the twin brother's lips were turning a disturbing, indeed, very alarming, shade of blue-ish gray.

Glorfindel pulled Aragorn aside. "More snow is coming, you feel it as do I. We cannot linger, it will be Elrohir's death," said the Gondolin Elf with a moan.

Aragorn sighed with exasperation and said, "I can't very easily do anything about it, but I fear for Legolas and Roth. You know as well as I do that they couldn't have made it home yet." He shifted his gaze out beyond the mountains. "Legolas' wound wasn't healed enough yet Glorfindel, he needs help." Glorfindel followed the young ranger's gaze and the human whispered, "he can't be any better than Elrohir is...he could die." The Aragorn said even lower, "or is already dead."

Glorfindel sighed inwardly and said, "you want to go and find him, don't you?" The Elf of Gondolin was having an inward struggle. He was supposed to bring them back and yet he knew Legolas needed help. But if he went with the human, Elladan and Elrohir might not make it back. He doubted very much Aragorn would make it and even if he did Lord Elrond would never let him here the end of it.

Aragorn smiled and said softly, "Of course I do! He is my friend after all and I know he would do it for me." The man then pulled his cloak around himself tighter and shivered slightly. He tried to hide it but he could not, the cold was wearing on his young body and he was feeling weary. Aragorn put the horse between himself and the wind, but it helped little and the beast moved.

Glorfindel brushed some golden hair from his eyes that the wind had plastered against his fair face and then said, "you would freeze to death before you found him and what would Lord Elrond say to me?" Glorfindel was responsible for getting them back safely, or relatively so anyway. All that matters is that I try! All that matters is that I try. All that matters is-

His inward consultation and monologue was suddenly broken and he nearly flinched. He silently thanked the Valar for the sake of his pride and honor that he did not actually do so.

The young man said, "I would find him and all will be well. He can't have gotten far past the village of Farlost." How could Aragorn make his brothers or Glorfindel understand? Legolas needed him; he could feel it like he could feel an illness before it came. Fear for his friend made his stomach ill and he pushed it back, but that was not an easy task.

Glorfindel frowned and said, "then chances are if he knew the storm was coming and he and Rothinzil got help there." Glorfindel could draw no other conclusions and it did make him feel rather stupid. But he was grateful for one tiny thing that would hardly seem significant to anyone else save he: Erestor was nowhere to be seen. Of course he did not doubt that once Aragorn got back and had to give a half-way decent explanation it would all be poor Glorfindel's fault.

Aragorn could.

"No! The village hates Elves, if they have him or Roth they have them in prison and I doubt that it is very warm there," argued the ranger adamantly. "They both could die and the men of that town could care less." Aragorn knew that men often hated what they could not understand or what scared them and Elves were hard to understand indeed, for if you did not know them and they not you they spoke in riddles, though they did not mean to. "Farlost would be worse than being out in the wilderness and cold."

Glorfindel looked into the eyes of the ranger and saw the fear in them. He knew how Elves were hated all over, but in Farlost? He had never known that. "Are you sure?" he asked the man. "I had never heard of this."

Aragorn grabbed Glorfindel's shoulder and squeezed, "because Elves that go in there don't come back." He sighed, "most are shot before they come near the village by hunters and such." Aragorn had to admit this was one of those times he loathed his race and what they stood for. He had been raised around Elves and loved them for what they were, free and comical, yet serious and wise beings that were kind by nature and lived forever, watching ages pass them by and never feeling them. To most it would be a torment, but that is what the Elves endured and yet hated men not, save for a sparse few Elves that avoided men completely.

He saw Glorfindel give a shudder, of slight cold or disgust, he did not know. "And you think you could find him?" asked the golden-haired Elf skeptically with a raised brow.

"I know I can and bring him home, but I can't let any of you come with me. Elrohir wouldn't make it and he needs you to be with him," said Aragorn in a low tone. His facial expression became anxious and his eyes darted back to his brothers and to the land he had just come from only hours ago.

Glorfindel took his cloak off and draped it across the human's shoulders. "I hope this will help some. "He pulled the human closer and whispered, "I know that Legolas needs you, and I will give you as much aid as I may." He sighed and said reluctantly, as though the right words just wouldn't come, "be careful and come back in one piece, please. I would hate to have the twins after me, they can be quite mean."

Aragorn gave a wry chuckle and said, "yes, very. I will be careful, as always." He watched as the Gondolin Elf-lord sported a façade that clearly stated he had his doubts.

Glorfindel sighed and said, "I thought you would say that." He snorted, "If you don't come back in one piece I'm killing what is left."

Aragorn said, "and if I don't save Legolas or Roth I will readily let you!" He looked at his brothers. Elladan was trying to get Elrohir to lay down and relax and Elrohir was having none of it. He was insisting he was well and Elladan was insisting he be not. Aragorn was going to miss them, but he could take care of himself, couldn't he? Of course he could! Now was his chance to prove it. He said in a murmur, "look after them, will you? Particularly Elladan, he won't understand. He always was the mother hen."

Glorfindel smiled warmly, "I will do my best, but I can make no promises with those two." The Gondolin Elf shifted uneasily and said, "I might as well write out my will because once I get back I am sure I will be slowly killed!"

Aragorn laughed and said, "I understand that. But Ada will not kill you! You exaggerate. He will be grumpy, yes...stiff, yes...but murderous? Not father." He knew that by the look on the Gondolin Elf's face that Glorfindel was having other thoughts.

Aragorn just smiled and Glorfindel snorted, "well you had best begin your venture lest they should notice you are departing. I think they would quite willingly lynch me for an accomplice." He chuckled at his own humor and Aragorn just shook his head gingerly.

CHAPTER FOUR

Injury

The first impression one was put under upon entering the town that the Elves found themselves being lead into like animals was that it was rather dreary and that flower gardens and joyous things were not even heard of. It was bleak and a silent wind swept over it, brushing thatch off roves and sending it to blow across the street.

The faces were all made of stone, thought Rothinzil dully as he looked abut. There was not a single person wearing a color other than black, for they were in mourning for the dead that had met their doom at the scimitars of orcs and goblins.

The people shot them the most malicious and most venomous glares that Legolas had seen in a long while and he could feel Rothinzil drawing closer to him and nearly tripping over his feet. He began to wonder if whether or not his friend was scared out of his wits. It was most probable, decided the blonde Elf at length and he sighed as he looked at the raven-haired immortal walking numbly by his side.

The ground on the street was pure slush and muck from melted snow and dirty water. It soaked into the prince's suede boots and chilled his feet and it splashed up onto his clothes from the horses' feet, making the once warm clothing wet and cold.

Legolas watched the people of the town sharply, noticing every move they made. He saw men shoveling snow away from the steps and women gathering their children in. As the Elf watched he thought of Strider and the town of Bree. But Aragorn was miles away now and he was glad the man was not here.

One young human boy was shoveling snow for his mother took and cast a shovel full into the air; it landed on top of the Elves heads in a wet mush of mud and sleet. Legolas shook his head to get it out of his hair and off his face. Roth did the same and both of the Elves winced when a cold and sharp wind blew on them, freezing their faces from the water and slush that had once been on them.

As the Elves began to slow down, their fetters were pulled on so that they were forced to keep up or stumble into the mud and muck face first.

Small boys picked up snowballs mixed with hard pieces of ice and chucked them hard at the immortal's heads. Legolas and Roth ducked and tried to keep up with the pace of their captors but it was difficult. Of course Roth had to trip at some point.

When he did, he gave a cry as his bonds cut into his flesh, the iron cuffs were put onto the Elves tight, but the most tight on Roth. They cut his skin painfully and he hissed as he watched blood seep out from under them. The men did not care and pulled harder. The boys in the street saw the Elves' weak point and cast more hard snowballs at their heads.

Legolas stopped, not caring if the cuffs cut into him, and went to his friend's side, helping the other to his feet. Roth said in a harsh whisper, "what are you doing?"

Legolas said quietly, "helping you, you are hurt." He looked at the blood on Roth's hands and said, "remind me to tend to that." Of course, he knew that he would have to remind himself. Rothinzil wouldn't forget, but he would never trouble Legolas over it, and that was a fact Legolas had learned some time ago.

Legolas suddenly felt a pain as a snowball found its mark and hit his face. It burned and he closed his eyes against tears that threatened. He felt lonely, hurt and utterly miserable. He knew that he was feeling sorry for himself but it was hard not to. He hated this place, these people were insane and he wished he was anywhere but here. Legolas felt a cut where a chunk of ice had jabbed him, beginning to burn with fire and he felt the hot blood trickling onto his cheek. Roth's looked at Legolas and said in a whisper, "Legolas, we have to move."

One of the men on the horses yanked painfully on he blonde Elf's wrists, causing Legolas to stumble slightly. The prince dug in his heels and glared, "I would thank you to stop unreasonably hurting us."

The man laughed and said, "would you now? Too bad Elf!" He not only pulled, but struck out with his riding crop at the blonde Elf who stood stone still and let the fire in his eyes speak his thoughts. The baton came within centimeters of hitting the Elf's face, but Legolas didn't even have to move to avoid it.

The Elves were lead to the end of the town, to a cold and dreary jail obviously not been in use for some time. The jailer saw the men approaching and he could feel his eyes widen when he saw the Elves trailing behind them. "Elves, eh? So it was they what did all this mess?" He scowled. "I am not surprised." Legolas rolled his eyes against the slight to his people and home. It was a disgusting and painful aspect of life; men no longer liked Elves and the races were now estranged. Legolas knew that the Valar had to have a reason for this seemingly bleak outlook the races had on each other, but he could not understand it and he wished it had not happened in his lifetime. Although men were not his greatest fear, he had learned that they were not always to be trusted.

The other man said, "aye. Show them our best." He stopped his horse and handed the chain that connected Legolas and Roth together and was used to guide them, over to the jailer. He then dismounted and took a bag with him. "I've got their weapons in here."

The jailer smiled, "set them by the door and I will lock those up after I have locked up these little whelps!" Legolas and Roth stared at each other with wry and hardly recognizable smiles, they were far older than the men so being called 'whelps' was a bit odd. They also were taller than the humans were and that was a bit laughable as well.

They were taken to a small cell that could barely hold two and shoved roughly in. Legolas went to the edge by the bars and asked, "so what happens next?" He almost asked this sarcastically except for the fact that he feared the worst. He had a rough idea of what was coming, still the answer sent his blood to run frigid.

The man laughed and said, "you will get a hearing, but what good it will do you I know not." Then he gave a cold glare and said, "and if you are found guilty you'll swing."

Legolas growled, "but it wasn't us! It was those other men that were with the constabulary!" He knew these men would never listen and he was getting frustrated. And this was all because he was different, because he was an Elf.

Roth stood beside him and his glare was about as dark as the prince's, "you can't be serious!" he gasped. "How can two do all that you men are telling us of?" The younger Elf rolled his eyes and leaned back against he wall then jumped away like he had been kicked. It was damp and dripping. Slime, cold and shiny decorated the walls with its presence. He looked at his shoulder and saw it was soggy as well.

The prison guard began to laugh and then smacked his cloak against the bars of the cell and said angrily, "shut yer traps! Or I can make you! See?" Then he gave a cruel smile and said, "you Elves have a nice stay." Then man then took the keys and hung them up on a peg by the door (but far enough all hopes of reaching them were lost) then he shut the iron door to the jail and walked out.

Legolas glared at the keys for moment, they were so close and yet out of reach. It was enough to drive one mad if he dwelled on it and what did sulking ever do to get anyone anywhere? He leaned back against the wall and sighed. Rothinzil growled, "if only we could get those keys!"

Legolas looked sidelong and up at his friend. He said quietly, "what good is it to run like a criminal? It makes us in the wrong. I will face them and let the evil be on their heads, not on mine." He rested his chin on his knees and blew a curt blast of air upward to shift his loosening hair. Then he looked at Roth again, who was still staring at the keys with fire in his eyes. Legolas rolled his eyes back down to look at the floor and mumbled, "it does no good to sulk over something you can't have. It only worsens your state of mind." He closed his eyes and tried to cross his arms and realize that the shackles of iron were still on his wrists, linking them painfully together. His wrists were chaffed raw and hurt, for the cuffs were far too tight than they should ever be. What did they think he was?

Roth looked at his prince and saw the pained look in the blonde Elf's eyes. "I still wish I had the keys! But your wrists are horrible! If I could get a hold of those ruffian men-" he began gruffly.

Legolas frowned and gave his friend a harsh look of shear annoyance, "you would do what? Talk them to death? We don't have our weapons that are in a sack somewhere!" the fair-haired Elf pointed out abruptly. He set his chin back down onto his knees slowly and muttered, "those cowardly men are free. I bet that even if we are ruled innocent we will have to face them again."

Roth smiled and said, "of course we would! What do you expect?" He hit his forehead lightly on the prison bars, staring out into the dimness. He did not like it here; it was dank and dark, dreary, cold and lonely. There was no fire to warm them, it was about as cold as outside, but with no wind chill and from the small window snow blew in and fell on them. The floor was wet and uncomfortable. Yes, they had cots, but they were not very comforting at all.

The only light the Elves had came from the small window and a globe like lamp that hung from the ceiling and cast an odd glow that was eerie. Strange shadows danced on the walls and Legolas felt fear. It was too much like an orc den and he was wet and miserable. He was sure they would be 'forgotten' when it came to eating and he was also sure blankets were not even in the humans' dreams or farthest thoughts.

He looked at Roth with a darkened scowl and a look hat plainly showed he was not amused and said, "your wrists are in a bad way. Let me see if I can't get those dratted cuffs off."

Roth was silent for a minute and then said, "no, it is of no importance." He looked at his prince and saw red set against Legolas' pale cheek. Blood. His prince was cut. "Legolas!" he gasped and the surprised fair-haired Elf looked at him with a strange look. Was Roth finally completely mad or was he on the edge? Most likely completely mad, thought the fair-haired being grimly.

"What?" asked the blonde immortal with narrowed brows as he watched alarm gather on his friend's face like rain clouds. Roth had better not start mothering him again or he would end up killing himself before their trial began.

Roth stammered, "you gave a cut on your face! It is bleeding! Don’t you dare say you had no idea, or I will have to hurt you!" declared the younger Mirkwood archer wildly as he came to crouch by his liege's side. He narrowed his eyes as he squinted to get a better look in the dim light. It was better than no light, but honestly, he did not find much difference.

Legolas frowned harder than he had been before, (if that is possible) and put his finger on the wound that he just came to remember. "Oh," he said with a bit of surprise and then he mumbled, "I must have forgotten. Guess it is pretty small compared to the hot water we got ourselves in this time." He tried to down play his wound, hoping that Rothinzil would agree and let it go.

He should have known he was mistaken.

The raven-haired immortal had no intention of doing that. He hissed in pain that came from sympathy and gently ran his finger beneath it. "Legolas, that has to hurt. Don't tell me it doesn't. However, I think we are lucky, it is not deep," explained the younger Elf promptly and all at once. He grabbed the upper part of his cloak that had no mud on it and was mostly dry and clean. Then he carefully pulled it over enough that he could wipe the blood from the prince's face away.

Legolas winced slightly and closed his eyes so he did not have to look at the stone and iron walls that held them in, prisoners in the darkness. The wind blew chill and snow whirled in, falling onto the Elves and causing them to sigh with weariness. Legolas brushed Roth's finger away and said, "well, at least we can try and get some sleep. I doubt we will be bothered for some time." The cut, Roth noticed with relief, was no larger than a paper cut but had bleed considerably more.

Roth looked slightly wounded and said with a sigh; "I can't sleep here. It is too dark and cold. I do not like it here, but you lighten my heart Legolas, at least I am not alone." He drew a shaky breath and sat down beside Legolas and drew his knees up to his chin and rested his head on them with another sigh.

Legolas opened one blue eye to look at his friend, "shut your eyes, it is easier that way and pretend you are at home." He shut it again and drew a deep breath, then his breathing began to get easier and lighter as he tried to drift into peaceful slumber.

Roth frowned, "I am remembering Legolas." He shivered and Legolas opened both his eyes and lifted his head off his knees to stare his friend in the eye. They spared each other in a contest of sharp glances, trying to perceive beyond what was being shown by the other's features.

"Remembering what?" asked the prince in a low voice that was slightly unsteady. Roth's past was a sad one and Legolas felt compelled to listen. He did not want to hear it again really. It would be the last thing he needed to hear in this place, another depressing tale even though, he had to admit, the ending was rather blissful and fortunate.

"My life with men, before you found me and took me home to be with you and my brother."

Legolas thought he was going to be sick from weariness and the sorrow he felt for his friend. He asked softly, "care to talk about it?" What more could he do than be their for his friend? What better purpose did he have in this confinement than to comfort his companion? He was not sure and nearly found himself knitting his smooth forehead in consideration.

Roth shook his head, "there isn't much to say," he answered in a murmur. He was just beginning to understand it himself and did not expect others to try. Yet he knew he could trust Legolas. It was the prince who had save him and pulled him through. If it weren't for Legolas he would have died at age eighty-four in exile.

Legolas looked at him and said, "I know you know I am here, so wake me if you change your mind, alright?" He shut his eyes and listened, knowing his friend was going to start talking. But to his surprise, Roth was silent. In alarm, the fair-haired immortal lifted his chin off his knees again and looked at his friend with narrowed azure eyes and in the dim light it was hard to tell whether they were open or closed. "Roth?" he asked quickly; alarm adding a cold ring to his voice.

"I thought you said you were going to sleep?" asked the other Elf as he rested his own chin back onto his knees. His eyes watched his closest friend intently and with a very suggesting amount of gathering suspicion, wondering what Legolas was up to.

Legolas said, "I can't. You are hurting and I want to help you, but you have to let me." He knew that Roth was bottling all his pain up and he knew that if his friend did this long enough it would destroy him. Rothinzil was still giving him the 'don't-even-think-about-it' look that irked the prince at this moment. He thought of going over for a moment and shaking Roth by his neck, but that was not going to help things and it was rather unbefitting a Prince of the Elves. If Roth did not want to talk about, why bring it up? The young archer was testing the blonde Elf's nerves considerably. Legolas had always considered himself a rather patient Elf, but now he was beginning to question whether he even had that largely underrated quality.

"I would rather not tell you. You wouldn't understand and really, to be forthright, it is none of your concern Legolas" stated the other stubbornly and rather rashly considering that if Legolas ever wished he could get the other banished. He kept his eyes shut so he would not have to look at Legolas and meet his gaze and said, "now rest, you are obligated to it. Your stab-wound is still healing."

Legolas sighed and said, "not until you let me in on this secret you seem so centered on keeping from me and seem to have been doing a good job at it all these years!" His anger was rising now as well as his curiosity. He was already angry at their predicament and the injustice they were receiving because of their race, but now that his own friend was acting like he wouldn't understand and the blonde Elf was becoming positively irate.

Roth just said slowly, "they were cruel to me and I didn't even know it then. I suppose they never knew it either. I always thought that was how it was supposed to be." He wrinkled his normally smooth brow and raised his clear hazel eyes to meet the prince's blue ones.

Legolas narrowed his eyes in bitterness as he recalled the broken Elf he had found in dire need of relief and comfort. He knew Roth hated being drugged because he was when he was younger they had done it, and now this cruel treatment by men was bringing it all back. "You can tell me, I am listening."

Roth was silent for so long Legolas was about to check and see if against all odds the raven-haired Elf had fallen asleep. Roth then asked just as the prince began to grow uneasy, "they drugged me..."

Legolas sighed and said, "when they caught you, I know." He closed his eyes and set his chin on his knees.

Roth continued and asked with a frown, "I thought you were going to listen? Legolas, you look like you are asleep! Are you hurt?" he finished with concern mounting his voice.

Legolas shot his eyes open and said in a hurry, "no, I am not hurt! I am sorry Roth, I am listening now and was to begin with. You must remember my dear friend, that looks are often deceiving, as they were in this very case!" He narrowed his eyes to look at his friend with a slight scowl and watched as the younger Elf struggled for words.

Legolas knew it had to be hard, for mortals were the only family Roth had ever known in his entire life besides a vague memory of his mother. All he knew was that she had been beautiful and her voice had chased away pain for a short time...until she died.

A fair Elf-maiden dark of hair and light of skin clutched a young babe close to her side as they crouched in the grass and shadows of the night. The child had to be near three and he was dark of hair as well, but unlike her eyes, his were a hazel color that nearly glowed. He was trembling, not from cold, for it was the season of summer, but from fear.

They had been out with some other Elves and his father, a human when he had strayed farther than he should have, much farther. His mother had tried to find him and once she did, she began to guide him home. Being no stranger to the forest it was a rather easy task for her but fate was stronger.

As she was heading back towards the Mirkwood palace, she came across the still form of her husband, an arrow projecting from his breast and his sword in hand. The shaft was black; orcs were near. She caught her breath and pushed her young child back before scooping up and holding him close. He was already shivering as his Elven telepathy sensed his mother's distress.

She went a few steps further and saw the ground littered with her dead companions, maidens and their Elflings, warriors with their swords and bows in hand. One even had his sword embedded deep into the chest of an orc that had a knife driven likewise into the fair being.

Not knowing what else to do, she ran as fast as her skirts allowed. The one place her son would be safe that she could get to now was the border near Lake Town, where there were men who would most likely find the babe.

But even as she ran, the woman could hear the orcs crying behind her and she could hear their trampling feet, The ground groaned beneath them and she was her legs shaking even as she stumbled further.

They had been along the border as it was so it was not long before she broke the tree line and was running through deep and spongy grass. But her skirt hooked on a sharp and grizzled tussock and she tried to jerk it clear but she only managed to caught further.

Her eyes wee large and she knew that it was only moments before the orcs came. Her baby! She could not let them find him thus, alone and so young. But there was no escape.

She then found a hole in the ground as she stumbled into it. It was an old and hopefully abandoned badger burrow, but it would serve its purpose. She carefully slid her little precious child into the small hiding place. Her sensitive hearing told her she had only a second so she stopped down and held his hand tightly. He was shaking and all she really wanted to do was hold him close, but she was hoping that when she fell, she would fall over the whole and hide him from the orcs.

He wrinkled his brow, not fully understanding the dire situation and his chin quivered. "It will be okay..." She whispered softly, "it will be okay...I will keep you safe from harm my little darling child."

Then her eyes went wide as she jerked forward and the Elfling felt her hand go cold as the life of the Eldar left her and she faded into death's grip, her hand still firmly pressed into her son's tiny one.

Iron shod feet trampled over head and the child shivered uncontrollably. His mother wasn't gone forever, was she? He did not know. He tugged at her hand and rubbed his hand down her face but it was cold and she no longer laughed. Her eyes were open and yet forever closed and he felt the glow that she had carried rise and leave. It was then he knew his mother was gone and he began to sob without letting up.

His tears fell like rain and his buried his face into his small little hands.

But his sobbing also had attracted the attention of some orcs. Hearing the small cries, they searched for the source of the noise that was music to their ears, a helpless baby cry.

But he was not meant to become the orcs' latest toy and men traveling nearby heard the commotion and came running. Though the orcs outnumbered them, they slew them all. As one discovered the hole and cast the son's mother aside, a spear ran through the fowl creatures center and he was dead.

A man reached into the burrow instead, seeing what it was the beasts had wanted. When he saw the fallen Elf-maiden his heart went out and his hand was greeted with a set of fierce little teeth. He yanked his hand back with a cry of surprise and then reached back in and hauled out the trembling little Elfling by a single pointed ear.

He noticed how the child's gaze was unwavering and yet foam seemed to cover the hazel eyes, like dew on a flower and he said, "you need a home, don't you?" Smiling warmly he said, "ahhh, but I speak no Elvish, so I cannot know your name. So you shall be Rothinzil, the Foam-Flower."

The named Rothinzil ran against the man and hugged him for he sensed this was a human he could trust and the mortal reminded him sharply of his father. He was given a special tasting sort of way bread and suddenly everything dimmed and he went limp.

The man lifted the little youth off the ground and carried him away. But the dose had not been strong enough and had only served to impair the Elfling's speech and he could not move as he was taken away into a world that he had never really known and yet half of him belonged there.

Roth began again, "they drugged me, every night before bed. I used to think it was to help me sleep better and to their way of thinking it might have been, but now I know it was my torment while I lived with them. They always would complain about my eyes being open when I slept and so I was drugged...to keep them closed."

"My child you cannot sleep with open eyes. It is not healthy. Drink this," explained the man with a smiling face as he placed a spoonful of dark liquid to the young Elfling's lips. Rothinzil twisted his head away at first and his head was forced back the other way and the bitter tasting potion was placed in his mouth.

As he tried his best to sleep, dark dreams took him. He saw his mother dying and his home dark and eerie. Strange shapes of evil creatures swirled in his mind and chased each other around. It was misery that he faced every night and yet he thought it was how it should be.

Legolas looked at his friend and he felt tears in the back of his throat. It was miserable to sleep with your eyes closed and Elves only did it under stress, Roth had done it for eighty-four years straight every time he slept and he still did it sometimes out of habit.

The remember sighed and said, "they also would punish me for climbing trees...for walking on thin fences and things that cats walked on...I guess that is why I am still not a great tree climber to this day." Legolas could tell Rothinzil was in a lot of pain and yet he could not help but wonder what his real name had been.

Roth shivered and said in a little voice curious of tone, "I wonder if we can get blankets here." It amazed Legolas how quickly gentle Roth was to recover and change a subject. It could also be annoying at times. What ever was he going to do with this Elf? Valar only knew and only the Valar could help him!

Legolas gave a small laugh and said, "shhhh! We don't want a guard in here. The place stinks enough already and I bet what blankets they would give us would hardly be worth it!"

Roth didn't even catch the prince's jest and he just shut his eyes and kept his chin rested on his knees that were still tight up near his chest. Then he asked, "Legolas, do you recall how you first found me?" He sounded half-asleep and Legolas was sorely tempted not to answer. However, when Roth opened an eye and looked his way, he knew he had to. So he said quietly,

"Yes, I do." He would never have forgotten that day. It had been the first time in years he had been totally taken off guard and let another into his life since his mother's tragic death. He had been afraid to get close to anyone else ad Roth had opened his heart and perhaps...if Roth had not of found him by fate that day he would never have even given friendship with the twins or Aragorn a thought. Legolas knew he would have remained in Mirkwood forever, in his pain and loss. Even though venturing out meant taking chances and getting hurt physically, it was better than letting his inner pain brood and manifest itself in his heart.

Roth smiled and said, "I am glad you found me. I needed someone to teach me how to be an Elf!" He meant this in raillery but it came out half way serious.

Legolas laughed and said, "I am still not sure you have mastered it, but you gave it a good try!" He tried not to think about the poor state he had found that half-starved and shadow like Roth at the young and vulnerable age of eighty-four. Legolas himself had been already near five hundred.

Legolas and Celebalda were walking through the woods. The light was growing dim and they knew the spiders would be out soon. The both had their bows at the ready, expecting a little trouble or perhaps being overly jumpy. They were not too sure. Celebalda was in training to become the captain of all Mirkwood's Guard and he and Legolas were on their way back.

The pair were along the Northern part of Mirkwood's borders, near Lake Town, or well, within a day's walk. Anyway, they were eager and pressing on for home. Legolas was still in a state of heartache over his mother's death, though he would not recognize it at all. Who so ever pointed it out, got snapped at. The Mirkwood Prince had created a barrier about himself that even his father was finding hard to break through. As a matter of fact, Thranduil was fearing for Legolas' soul, he was worried his son would fall into darkness. You could not tell from the way he dressed or so much the way he acted, but more by the way he talked and the sad look in his eyes even when he laughed.

Honestly, King Thranduil was considering sending Legolas into the West where he knew for certain that his son would be cured beyond a shadow of a doubt. But the prince had other intentions, he did not want to leave these woods that he loved and in truth he was looking for a reason to stay.

Celebalda suddenly said in a bristling voice, "something is out there, can you not here the horses? Stay close my prince." The Elves made sure their bows were ready.

Legolas said, "I do not think it is dangerous, we would have known by now."

Celebalda said with a sigh, "it could be wargs feasting on the herd for all we know! They are your father's horses! What is that matter with you? You didn't used to be this way!" He ended ardently.

Legolas was about to respond when they heard a trembling voice say, "I don't want to hurt you. It is well, I promise." This served to rise the youthful Elf's intrigue and he was going mad with the want to go and investigate.

The voice seemed to fill with empty brokenness and great loss. Legolas sighed, the voice sounded too familiar. Should he know this voice? Or was it a figment of his imagination? But no! Celebalda had heard it too, so it was real. But who was it, for the voice was that of an Elf and yet broken.

Legolas looked at Celebalda and said, "whoever that is, we have to find him and bring him home. I think he is hurt and looking for comfort among the horses!"

Celebalda looked at his prince with a look of complete lack of understanding and silent horror, "what are you saying? What if it is a thief? You would bring a thief home? Legolas you are mad, you know that! With all due respect, your father would not like it1 He does not take well to strangers!" pleaded Celebalda, but his lecture fell upon deaf ears as he should have known, he had wasted much breath.

Legolas as already out near the horses and the edge of the wood. They were crowding around a figure in he center. They did not seem scared and so Legolas knew that chances were this being that they would encounter was not evil, for the horses, being of Elven breed, would sense it. Subconsciously, the fair-haired Elf lowered his bow and did not even look behind to see Celebalda running up to guard and be with his prince. As much as Legolas was frustrated with him, it was his place.

Legolas walked cautiously in around the horses, they all seemed calm and did not even look at him. The fair-haired immortal just crinkled his brow in confusion and wonder.

As he neared the center of the ring of horses, the prince saw a being sitting on a small rock with his elbows on his knees and his chin cupped in his hands. Legolas was shocked to see the raven-haired being was thin and frail looking. He had dark rings under and around his eyes, making the white eyeball seem bright, but in the hazel eyes Legolas saw extreme pain.

The being trembled as in extreme cold or heartache. Legolas began to go closer when Celebalda's hand on his shoulder stopped him. "Legolas, I cannot allow you to do this! You cannot see whether or not he has a concealed weapon."

Legolas brushed him off and said strictly, "Celebalda, he is hurting and I wish to help him!"

The being jumped up when he realized someone was there and Legolas looked at the figure in utter shock, for he saw pointy ears, long and gracefully tipped and the face was fair. This was another Elf, but what was wrong with this picture? Obviously something, but it was hard to tell what it was for Legolas. For Celebalda it was simple. No Elf should be in that state.

The Elf seemed young and forlorn and Legolas watched this strange immortal and as he stared into the hurting eyes he saw his own face reflected back, maybe with darker hair and leaner frame, but the eyes, though hazel had a story of hurt to tell that certainly ran nearly parallel to his own tale of anguish. .

Legolas watched as the Elf opened his mouth and seemed to be scared, "please don't hurt me! Please, I didn't know you lived here, I will go peaceably!" The other seemed to tremble and Legolas was shocked. Why was this Elf frightened of him and Celebalda? It didn't seem right and he knew it wasn't.

"What?" asked the prince in utter bewilderment. "I would never hurt you, if someone has hurt you let me know, we will help." Legolas reached his hand out and the raven-haired immortal backed off a step, jolting off the rock as though he had been shocked by lightning or sat on ice.

"No! You Elves are cruel, after my mother's death, you deserted me and left me for dead!" he cringed and Celebalda sighed. This other was mad and it was no use trying to help. This Elf was broken and lost. He was beyond aid. It wasdn't that he was cold hearted, but he could see when it was no use anymore.

But for Legolas it was different. He had to believe that this Elf could come back...this Elf was broken...like he was. If this Elf could not come back, who could say he could? Legolas had to believe.

"I want to help you, but you have to let me," pleaded the prince. His blue eyes were pleading for understanding.

The Elf stopped and looked hesitant, between fear and yearning for friendship. "I c-can't believe that you would do that...for me..." He trembled, "it is a trick."

Celebalda said, "let us go back, if he wants to be left here-"

"I can't! He is young and broken. We are most likely his only chance and he is mine! Don't you get it?" snapped the prince with much heat.

So going over to the ebony-haired Elf he said, "I will help you, you have my word." The prince put his bow over his back and he smiled a thin smile. "I can take you back with me and you can live with me and my father."

The strange Elf asked in a awed voice, "who are you?" He had not received any kindness in weeks, not since his human parents had died...the only family he had ever known and trusted had failed him and he had been driven out. The other humans could not except an Elf and shunned him to the point of heartache and starvation.

Legolas smiled warmly, like he had not in a long time, "I am Prince Legolas Greenleaf Thranduillion of Mirkwood."

The other smiled back weakly and said, "I am Rothinzil, though I am known as Roth to those who I called family."

Now for both of them it was a matter of looking in the mirror and seeing their reflections past the mask of pain, but had it been too long since they last saw themselves? Would they recognize it if they saw it?

Rothinzil looked at Legolas to see if the prince was asleep, he had been silent for sometime now and Rothinzil was actually hoping his friend was getting rest. But to his dismay, Legolas was awake and yet Roth could see his thoughts were lost. He did not know for certain what the prince was reminiscing but he had an idea. "Legolas," he said quietly, "I wonder what will happen to us."

Legolas said as if he was just pulled out of a dream, "they are men Roth and they deal out justice all too often more in fear than in truth. I honestly do not know and to be outspoken I am trying not think about it." He shifted and their was a soft clatter of irons as his cuffs shifted. He could not sleep and he could tell that his younger friend was weary.

"Roth?" he asked softly and with a bit of anxiety tainting the tone in which he spoke.

"Hmmm..." asked the other without moving.

"Get some sleep. I can't so I will keep watch." Legolas wanted his friend to rest, Roth had done nothing but fret over him and his wound for months and he could more than us the rest. The wind blew again and the snow filtered in through that cursed and yet blessed window! Legolas shook his head and flicked frosty flakes out of his hair, but some melted, making him wet.

Roth said, "I can't Legolas. I don't sleep well in irons!" He sounded alarmed.

Legolas sighed and mumbled, "I can tell you a story and most likely it will be so boring you will fall asleep as soon as I begin to speak!"

Rothinzil groaned and rolled his eyes, "try me!" he growled. He was more than certain that the story would be anything but boring knowing the prince the way he did. The younger Elf settled back against the wall, unwilling to lay on the pallet that was on the wet and cold ground for the purpose of sleep.

As far as both of the Elves were concerned, the walls and floor were far more comfortable and smelled twice as clean.

Legolas sighed and said, "if you insist I will do my best." But now he had to think of a story. He knew many but he honestly wanted it to be boring, if it wasn't, then Roth would not sleep but get more excited than he already was. That would never do. Frowning, the fair-haired Elf said, "well...what one's haven't you heard?" He needed to know that first. Otherwise he had a feeling he would waste his breath telling one Roth already knew.

Roth muttered nearly under his breath, "Legolas, I was raised by humans!" Legolas had forgotten that part, silly as it was he had and he felt a fool. Leaning his head back against the wall he tried to think of a story. He knew many, but he did not want to give one that would excite his friend who was already bordering on madness.

"Do you know of Túrin of Turambar and Beleg Cúthalion? It is the tale of a man raised by Elves and his friend Beleg, an Elf who was a captain of a guard." Legolas cocked a brow and looked at his friend with a soft smile. Inwardly he was scolding himself, for this story was anything but boring. Roth would be near paranoid before he was finished.

Roth smiled back and said, "I must say I have not."

Legolas shook his head and said, "then I feel that you must know and so I must tell you."

But suddenly the Elves looked to the door and nearly jumped as they heard the key turn in the iron door. The men were back. They had other shackles and Legolas watched their eyes, cold and uncaring. He could see the want for swift justice in their eyes and began to fear they had come to carry it out on their own. It made the prince shudder inwardly, for he would never let them see it. He felt the hair raised on the back of his neck and cold fear grip his stomach. The thing fear did to the feared and those who did fear.

Roth just watched the men with wide eyes and then looked at Legolas, who was the one the human's eyes were on the most and he knew they had come for his prince. He felt sick and as he watched Legolas' face he knew then that the blonde Elf knew as well.

The Elves were going to be separated and after that only Valar knew what else could happen. Legolas looked at Roth with a moan and grumbled, "I guess the story will have to wait." He felt the sick feeling in his stomach rising and Legolas wished that Aragorn was there. He felt so alone in such a room with so many. It was a strange and eerie feeling that made him want to tremble.

Aragorn floundered through the deep snow. His feet felt frozen and he had a feeling they would be aching if only he could feel them at all! He had not brought his horse for fear it would freeze to death and so he had been walking for hours. The man wrapped he and Glorfindel's cloak about himself tightly.

The Gondolin Elf's cloak was warmer and it had the power of the Elves meshed within its weaving. It warded off the cold well and that helped some, but he still was more than a little disturbed by the thought that his feeling was gone in his feet and leaving his legs.

As the young man pressed towards the village of Farlost he began to wonder if he was freezing to death. For he felt more weary than he had in along time. But that also could come from a worried heart that had a feeling of dread over it. He expected to find Legolas' frozen body beside Roth's or find them at the hands of the people of Farlost. He did not know which he would rather hope for since one or the other was inevitable. Both would be a bad fate.

The snow was deep and hard on his body. The air was chill and that did not help things either, especially when it howled in his ears and blew his hair into his face. If he stayed out in the open long enough he would freeze and then what use would he be to either of his friends?

He tried to recall all that Elladan and Elrohir had told him about the dangers of cold weather, but his body was shutting down he was so numb. It was becoming increasingly harder to think and to remember to breath. He wished his brothers were here to guide him, but he was alone and he felt ill.

However, no matter how he felt Legolas and Rothinzil needed him and he would go to them. They could not be dead, not yet! He could not believe it, he was not willing to. It was impossible. His friends could not just die...not like this...frozen to death...could they? No, they could not. Wasn't there a air bubble or enclosure of some sort aroun them that protected them? None of them could die...but that was not true and the fact that he did not know if they were living or not was such a torment he wanted to stop moving altogether and give up.

What he really wanted was sleep, but that was the cold talking. No! He would not sleep! But what had his brothers always told him about ranging in fell weather? His mind was spinning backwards and upside down.

They had told him to get out of the wind, hadn't they? Go into a valley where the wind can't easily go and the snows are not to deep. But watch out for rockslides, was the other warning they had given along with a warning against mudslides.

Aragorn knew that near Farlost there was small valley with many caves and places near it. If he could reach their he could travel to the town the rest of the way by going through the valley and re-gathering his strength that was swiftly ebbing. He could feel it leaving with each gust of icy wind that burned across his face but he could not feel the pain.

The gorge was impending and the man was sure he would reach it within the next few minutes. Sighing, he continued to bumble his way through the snow, praying he would not step on the frozen bodies of his friends.

It was about ten minutes and he reached the gorge. It was still cold, but rock sides made it more of a ravine then a valley. It was steep and slick as he went down, the sides made slick by the ice and snow. Aragorn hoped he would not break something on the way down. However, he could not say it would be the first time.

But as he got closer he saw bodies, blue of face and yet blood covered their raiment in dark blotches frozen as well. Black, thick shafts stuck out from their bodies and heir own swords had black blood on them. Over some of the fallen men were orcs...no goblins. So this was where the goblins had gone? That is why they had not been attacked as they crossed the mountains.

Aragorn looked at the dead men ad wondered what family they had left behind and what life they had lead before it was cut so brutally short by the sinister orcs.

He also looked about at the crevices in the rock, scared that more orcs were about and watching him. He had to get to Legolas and Roth. The ranger had no time for the stupid orcs. If they attacked him he would make them pay for hindering his way to his friends.

Even though it was snowing, a mist was still around the rocks and low hung clouds created a thick fog. His hair was damp through the hood and he marveled at that, this mist was evil. How else could it pierce Glorfindel's cloak and chill him to his marrow? He knew it was aiding his enemy and that they had to be hiding in wait for him or others somewhere.

But as he looked at the bodies he wondered of his friends were amongst them. He began to wonder if they had been in the wrong place at the wrong time. He had to say he would not be surprised, but that would not help the sorrow he would feel if he did find them.

Even though he knew time was pressing and the orcs were lying in wait close by he had to look. The ranger began to look at all the fallen orcs, seeing if he could find Elven shafts in their necks or chests, but he saw none. So Legolas and Roth could not have been fighting, for even if it was close and man to man combat they would be able to fire at least two shots before having to use their blades. But perhaps not...Aragorn did not know so he began to look at the half covered and frozen corpses.

The man felt he was going to toss his Lembas, but he held his composure. They sight was going to haunt him for many a time to come...

Men with blood pouring from their mouths in frozen rivulets and their blue faces... The wet and the snow. The dismal feeling that held the gorge under its malice and eyes watching him from a distance. It was enough to send chills chasing up and down his spine and raising the hair on the back of his neck.

At long last and to his near complete relief he found no Elven bodies. Legolas and Roth could still be alive, but it was most likely that they were in prison. If that was the case they would not be alive for long.

He sighed and leaned back against the rocks so he could rest and think. He was grateful the wind was not so strong. As the young ranger surveyed the scene around him he knew it was absolutely imperative to keep moving. The man gave an inward chuckle as he realized that was Glorfindel's solution to everything: keep moving!

Pushing himself free of the rock wall, he willed his tired legs to move and to stop trembling. Surveying the rocks, he knew that he had to cross the gorge and climb out, then he realized that in his search for his supposedly fallen friends that he had crossed the gorge.

In surprise, the man sighed and gave a curt nod like gesture that stated, 'well that's over with anyway.' Brushing strands of his dark hair out of his face where they were sticking to his clammy skin, the man began to climb the wall.

He suddenly stopped, for he could of sworn he heard a sound like a bow being drawn back. However, when he stopped moving it stopped and so he continued against his better judgement.

But that was a mistake. It was too late when he heard the projectile released. It was too late when he tried to turn. Knowing he was most likely going to get hit in the head with it if it was well aimed, the man dropped from the wall and he heard a thud as the arrow hit the stone where his head had been. It clattered and crumpled as it fell down to him and hit his face.

Aragorn grunted as he hit the ground and stared at the mutilated arrow fell with him. He drew his sword and then took a defensive stance, ready to do combat with the fowl creatures. However a sharp and disdainful cackle caught his ears and he looked for the source of the cruel noise.

His eyes roved the ground when he could not find the source among the rock walls. It was then he saw a fatally wounded orc that was not dead yet, holding a bow. The creature had used its last shaft and Aragorn grimaced. He wished the thing would just die. But perhaps he could get some information from the miserable beast.

Going over he kicked the bow from the beast that gave a squeal and then snarled at him. Aragorn placed his foot on the creature's throat and pressed down, cutting off its air. The thing croaked and the ranger smiled cold as a frosty February morning.

The orc looked at its would be victim and saw the chilliest set of eyes it had ever seen. They were cold with anger and disgust and with urgency the beast would never understand. The man growled, "did you see any Elves?"

The orc was silent and Aragorn pressed his boot in further. The creature would talk or regret it. He had no time for games. "Did you?" he asked again in a stony and fell voice that set fear into the injured monster.

"I saw...no Elves...they would be dead!" he croaked around his contracted throat. His eyes went cold and he gave the man the darkest glare he was able to muster.

Aragorn was undaunted. "You lie to me! They had to of come through here!" He looked around desperately. "Where are they!" he all but screamed.

The orc cackled and said, "they were never here...No horrible Elves with bright eyes..." the beast looked as though it meant to say more when it went limp and black blood flowed out of its mouth. It had died. The blood went onto the human's boot and Aragorn shook his foot in abhorrence. He felt vomit rising in the back of his throat and left quickly.

He was going to get his friends. He was on his way and all he could hope was that he would not be too late. Farlost was not more than an hour away even with the heavy snow, but he knew that an hour was going to count for many. Time was fleeting like a swift flowing stream.

CHAPTER FIVE

Somebody Who Cares

One of the men, the one the prince recognized as the marshal that had placed him in this foul place to begin with, stepped forward and with the aid of the turnkey, undid the lock to walk into he Elves' cold cell. Legolas and Roth just watched the men unflinchingly. The man shut the door behind himself and then he said with a sneer, "I hope you didn't think that we would let such filthy, cold blooded murders and thieves stay together in each other's comfort?"

Legolas said, "I guess that was too much to hope for. I thought the men of this town were just, I guess the tales I had heard when I was young were greatly exaggerated." He let his blue eyes fall upon the human with a bitter azure glare.

The man chuckled coldly, "aye, they were. We love Elves not." He reached down and grasped the prince's handcuffs with a shocking strength for a man of his size, then he began to haul Legolas to his feet. The Elf did not struggle, it was pointless and he felt no need to waste his energy and gather this man's ire in the process. The fair-haired Elf just staggered when the man began to tug him out and had the Elf so close to him that they clashed. He tuned on Legolas, "and I guess the tales of Elves being agile were greatly exaggerated as well," he scoffed curtly. Legolas turned deaf ears to the slur meant to bite him. He was not here to argue with the men as far as whether he was agile or not.

Roth watched in consternation as the men lead his best friend out and then filed along behind the golden-haired Wood Elf, leaving him alone in the dim light. He was horribly frightened. He also was angry. Where were they taking his prince and why in all Valar was Legolas going willingly? The Elf had softened since he had known him; he had softened since he had met Aragorn. Rothinzil was more than aware of the fact that if Legolas had never befriended a human such as the ranger he would be making a great fuss right about then.

Rothinzil went to the far corner, not caring if he got wet from the slime on the wall; he just wanted to hide. He hated the dark and he hated being alone. He had trusted men all his life, but this was a side he had never seen before, a side he had hoped never existed. The dark-haired Elf curled up into a ball and hid his face in his arms.

He could hear the precession going own the halls, further into the jail that the immortal's had been dragged to against their will.

Legolas' eyes widened to let in as much light as he could find in this place that was utterly scarce of it. The men dragged him and shoved him along, but the small hallway was cramped and he was shoved into them and he tripped over them. They cursed and said, "clumsy Elf!" Legolas rolled his eyes. As if it was his fault! He shook his head in the dim light. Humans.

There was another cell in the back that was about the same size as the one Roth had been left in. Legolas sighed as he was shoved inside. He guessed he was going to be left alone in there to sulk. But alarm began to grow inside when the marshal went behind him and walked in as well, shutting the door with a frightening clang. Legolas felt his blood growing chill. Why was the man in here with him?

The human gave a cold chuckle and said, "I suppose you think you are doing whether well, don't you?" He walked up to the blonde Elf and put his face by the prince's, forcing Legolas to take a step back. But the man was not satisfied and shoved Legolas back so his shoulder's touched the wall and Legolas felt ill. But his eyes burned with a fire as he was determined no to show the sickness he felt.

"Don't touch me," he snapped coldly and tried to squirm over and out of the way. The man put his arms on either side of the prince, with his palms bracing against the wall for support. Legolas just said, "back off!"

The man did not budge. Instead the mortal spat at the prince's face and said, "you just don't seem to regret the crime you committed Elf, but that will change." Legolas wondered if Roth was getting the same treatment.

Legolas turned his face away from the marshal's and said stiffly, "what crime?" Then his tone changed to one of anger at his treatment, "I came to those men for aid! The storm came and we needed help. We don't know why the man is dead, but his son and friends tried to kill us! You can't think-" Legolas felt his face burn as the human back handed him.

"But I do. You stole those horses and left those men in the valley to die and wander in pain. You were cruel. Now the turn is ours and we will match what you did, you can bet on that." The dark-haired man glanced sharply at Legolas and asked, "and why was it Elves needed help of men? You lie!"

Legolas said, "we are not as strong as you think! We honestly sought help. " How could he prove this to them? He would have to show his wound to them, that was the only way. But it would show them his weakness, his vulnerability. He sighed and said, "I was wounded!"

The man scowled and said incredulously, "a mighty Elf, wounded?" He rolled his eyes. "I am not stupid!"

Legolas knew he would have to show it to the man, but that meant lifting up his tunic. Sighing, the blonde Elf began to lift his tunic up and the man backed off, wondering what this strange being with pointed ears was doing. Legolas revealed his lean waist and on the right side a large fast healing scar that would soon be gone, yet his muscle was still healing.

The man grabbed Legolas' tunic and pulled it down swiftly. "Don't go flaunting your injuries at me Elf, expecting pity! Who ever gave you that wound I am only sorry that they didn't it a bit higher and he flicked his finger against Legolas' neck.

The prince jerked back and he knew he should not have done what he did. He knew it was pointless. These men would never listen and he was only making himself look weaker. He suddenly saw the marshal's green eyes staring at his arm, his bleeding arm. It was the arm that Roth had accidentally caused to get nicked by one of his twin knives. Legolas tried to pull his arm away, but it was cuffed to the other and utterly impossible.

The human grasped Legolas' arm and applied enough pressure to cause the prince to have to stifle a moan. He gave a cruel look and watched as sweat beaded on the prince's brow with the effort to hold back twisted cries of pain. "What a pretty little wound we have here. " he scoffed in the prince's face.

Legolas snapped abruptly from the pain he was feeling, " When we are attacked by those we trust we are caught off guard, we can get hurt. I don't understand men, you think we are strong, and so what are you gaining by hurting those you think stronger than yourselves? You feel stronger inside." He tried to twist free of the harsh grip on his pained arm, but it was futile.

The man's face turned stormy and Legolas could have sworn he saw lightening flash in the human's eyes. "So you Elves are in the business of betraying one another as well as men who never did any wrong?" The man's voice was fell and Legolas immediately regretted saying anything at all. He should have known that they would twist his words and turn them into falsehoods.

"No!" He stated in exasperation. "That is not what we do at all! We do not like to kill and we never kill innocent people or any beings for that matter!" Legolas was getting very frustrated with this man berating him with his hatred and anger. Legolas would never have hurt any of those men! But he did not expect these fearful humans to understand anymore. Why had he in the first place? Because he had met a man named Aragorn and begun to trust men again.

"You are a liar Elf!" The man was so fast Legolas never saw the move coming and he twisted the fair-haired Elf's arm brutally and flung the Elf to his knees. Legolas instinctively knew a kick was coming next and rolled clear of the marshal's punishing boot. "You think you are wise and cunning Elf, but a malevolent tongue will get you no where here. It will be your death. If you know what is good for you, you will be silent."

Legolas growled acutely, "I am not the one calling an innocent person a liar! If any one had a barbed tongue to begin with it was you!"

He watched as the man sneered and said mockingly, "'if anyone had a barbed tongue to begin with it was you!'" Then he spat at the Elf and said, "stow it Goldy Locks!"

Legolas looked in unconditional detestation at the shot of saliva that landed on his chest. He then staggered up and stared at the man with darkened eyes. He had had enough, but he knew the human was not finished. Legolas knew that they had only begun.

The two faced each other in silence. Their wills striving with one another. The man's face was dark with anger and hatred, out and out loathing for the Elf he longed to make pay for his crimes right there and then. Legolas' face was dim with pain, mistrust, sorrow and anger at his treatment.

The blonde Elf watched as the man’s eyes seemed to glow with anger and hatred that was mind-boggling. The Elf was not sure what to do and he watched as the human looked at him for a moment. Suddenly the mortal drew back his fist and slammed it into the right side of Legolas’ jaw. The prince’s head rocketed back from the blow and he gave a surprised cry. The man just frowned and then he grabbed Legolas’ chin and squeezed it tightly as he forced the immortal to look at his face. “Elf, what have you got against men to make you do the cruel thing you did? What kind of a cold being are you that you do not care about the lives of others?” The man glared daggers at the Elf and snarled; “did you not care about the children who will be fatherless? Those horses could have saved the lives of the men in the valley and gotten them all out before the orcs attacked and slaughtered them like sheep!” He slammed the fair-haired being’s head back against the wall roughly and stars danced before Legolas’ eyes.

The Elf whispered in a near croak, “I didn’t do it! What do you hold against Elves that you blame them for crimes they never committed?” He answered a question for a question. This man was mad, the whole town was mad!

The marshal put a hand on the prince’s throat and pressed, cutting off the blonde Elf’ airway. “So now you are calling me a liar, Elf?” He constricted the throat tighter and Legolas continued to meet the man’s gaze evenly, but the immortal did not know how long he could hold it. He was beginning to starve for air, beautiful air, fresh and clean air...simple air!

Legolas managed to squeak out an answer but it was filled with anger that he felt at his handling, “Master human I am not calling you a liar I am just saying that we did not do what you have wrongfully accused us of and you are mistaken.”

The mortal just rolled his eyes. These Elves were just fools. They could not lie to him and expect him to believe it. “You really have no feelings, do you? You cold hearted monster!” he cried with much anger and his voice was tight.

If one would have seen the pair facing off, each staring ice picks at one another, they would have never hoped to see both Elf and man come out alive.

Roth was still curled up into a ball at the farthest corner of his cell. He was frightened, being alone. He did not know what they were doing to Legolas, but he sensed it was nothing that would help either of them.

Just then he heard the noise of foot steps on the cobblestone flooring down the hall Legolas had been taken into and he got up, walking cautiously over to he bars of his prison to see if they wee bringing back his prince.

To his dismay, he only saw men, but he missed counting one. The marshal that had leaded their arrest was gone. He had to be still back with Legolas. What was happening to his prince that he could not be there by his side? Roth yelled, “Where is Legolas? What have you done with him?”

One of the men came up to the bars and reaching through, grasped the raven-haired Elf by the front of his tunic. Roth struggled to be released of the tight grip, but was pulled against the bars and the man snarled, “unless you want the fun and games to begin right now Elf you had best shut up yer yap!” With this lethal warning he gave Roth a rough shove backwards. Roth, with his horrible sense of balance for an Elf, tripped backwards and had hardly time to catch himself before nearly striking the hard ground.

Roth felt his face flush scarlet as he heard the laughs of the men, scornful and yet fearful.

Not knowing what else to do, Roth decided that perhaps he would just try and see through the small window that provided a little light. Looking up at it, he mustered his strength and jumped so that his fingers grasped the edge and then he pulled himself up with his feet dangling beneath him.

The world outside was bleak, bleak as his heart was. It was gray and an icy wind burned his features with malice. Snow blew into his eyes and stuck his eyelashes and brows. Roth sighed and watched as the wheels of carts and peoples feet jostled by quickly in the busy streets.

He knew none of them cared to try and prove him or his liege innocent. He knew that because they did not understand they would see him dead, hanging by his neck. He did not understand how these people could be so cold.

A group of children came by and one of them peered his little round face down to stare at Roth and he said in a small voice that was the first kind voice other than Legolas' that Roth had heard, "hello, what is your name?"

Roth gave a wry smile and said quietly, "Rothinzil, but my friends call me Roth." The child looked so sweet and fresh innocence glittered in the small and alert eyes. The child did not care about the prejudices of his parents and he did not try to control and understand the universe. He did not fear but came in innocent kindness to see the thing that he felt people fearing so.

The little boy just grinned a small grin marked with missing teeth that made Roth actually grin back. "Master Roth, why are your ears pointy?"

Roth winced at the child even marking the difference even though the question was asked in sheer purity of heart and curiosity. But he was not going to try and hide the fact he was what he was and he answered softly and with a sigh, " I was born that way. I am...I am an Elf," he finished quietly and with a hint of shame that he did not understand.

Why did he feel ashamed because he was not like others when it was the differences that made the world work? How boring would it be if he was the same as everybody else? The child nodded and reached a tiny, pudgy hand through the grate to touch the graceful tips in a gentle caress that stated he meant no harm.

Roth resisted the urge to shiver as he marked the cold of the child. The hands felt as though they were made of ice. But their touch was gentle, yet Roth still felt like he was being petted like a dog. But this was an untainted child and he would gladly tolerate it. The little boy gave a tiny laugh that made Roth smile and the youngster said, "they are pretty!" The boy giggled some more and Roth just smiled as he felt the tiny fingers still playing and toying with his ears. He didn’t really mind.

The little one pulled too hard and Roth winced and he said with a snort and a snicker, "gentle, gentle!"

The child laughed some more and said, "you are weird, but I like you." He withdrew his tiny hand and Roth watched as the child crouched lower asked, "want to come out and play?"

The Elf withdrew his smile and said nothing at first. His face darkened and his heart returned to its bleakness. The boy saw how hesitant his new friend was and asked another question that was utterly confusing him, "what is wrong Roth?"

"I can't. I am sorry." He said not more and felt his muscles straining as he felt the need to drop.

The boy frowned and said, "oh." He rocked back on his heels and put his chilled hands in his pockets. Then he asked a question that made Roth laugh at the sudden switch of subject, reminding him how quickly children forget and forgive. "Have you ever had maple sugar?"

Roth gave a chuckle and said as he caught his breath, "yes, many times."

The kid smiled and drew a hand across his runny nose. "Bet you haven't had noth'n like my mother's." He smiled at the memory and Roth shook his head.

"I bet I haven't." He sighed. Suddenly he heard quick steps running through the slush in the streets' gutters. He saw the child look up and smile as someone ran up.

Roth stared into the face of an elder boy of around twelve. This child's face was dark with anger and mistrust. He gripped the other's hand and said, "come on Kip. Mother wants you home!" He saw Roth and snapped at Kip, "you stay away from it, it might bite you or something." He kicked slush onto Roth's face and the Elf shuddered as he felt it run down his neck and shirt.

The raven-haired Elf wrinkled his nose in disgust and found out quickly it was the wrong move. The older boy jerked his kid brother back and said, "watch out! He's gonna bite!" He kicked more slush onto Roth's face and he raven-haired Elf winced as a chunk of ice hit his eye. The elder youth yelled, "get back snake!" He grabbed his brother and beat a hasty retreat towards home.

Kip kicked at his elder brother and screamed, "put me down! Arien let me go!" Roth watched as the younger struggled against his older sibling. Roth should have known better than to hope to find friends in this town and to even try. These people would try and twist it around.

Arien must have threatened Kip. The child quit screaming and bawling. He just allowed himself to be taken away. Roth felt a fire burning with slow and sickening flames in the essence of his stomach.

The little boy, Kip, just waved good bye to the Elf he considered his friend. Roth was about to sink into his cell again when he heard the elder boy yell, "that Elf tried to hurt my kid brother through the bars of his cell! He was trying to pull him in!" Roth sighed, he had not, but it was pointless to argue.

He slid to the floor and wiped slush from his freezing face with a wipe of his sleeve. He was miserable again and he knew the men would come here and knock the snot out of him for nothing but the boy's cry against him. It was unfair and cruel, but this was what it was all about...insane cruelty.

He was right and moments later two marshal's came and they began to unlock his cell. Rothinzil felt fear welling up inside and he shut his eyes. But then, unwilling to let them see his fright, the Elf shot them open again with a mask of intense resistance.

The men shut the door behind them and one of them grabbed Roth by his irons and jerked him up, "threatening innocent children now Elf? Well we will see you remember that is not to be tolerated in this town."

Roth snapped, "I did nothing. I merely was talking to the small child!" The man was deaf to his plea. The Elf grimaced and decided that he was not going to waste his breath arguing.

"You spin quite a remarkable tale...too bad it is not based on a true story!" sneered one of the men as he placed a rope about Rothinzil's neck like a leash and gripped the iron chain between his cuffs roughly. Rothinzil noticed with growing alarm that the man's knuckles were white, white with the strength that he was placing behind his grip, the strength that came from sheer anger.

Rothinzil implored, "but you have to understand. I did no wrong. Please listen to me!" He felt his heart jumping wildly in his chest as he imagined what was about to transpire. He tugged at his bonds and he was answered with a sharp jerk to make him stumble forward as shackles were placed on his feet to hamper his movement.

They were heavy, they were noisy, and they made him feel trapped and slave-like. The feeling of suffocation frightened him beyond comprehension and he stiffened as he took his first unsteady step forward. Clink, the chains followed and he felt a hand shove him from behind and a thick voice say, "walk Elf, or it will only be worse, you will see."

Rothinzil tried to walk faster, but it was hard for one who should be free to find himself in chains and being forced to walk to his own punishment that would be anything but fair...anything but merciful.

He felt a rope come down hard across the his back and lunge him forward as he bit his lower lip to keep back a cry of fear and spontaneous pain.

As Rothinzil was lead out of the prison, he saw the town standing about, all expecting him to be lynched after a severe scourging. There faces still gave a stone statue a good run but they also had a grim and hateful look. Women held their children back with their hands and the younger children hid behind their mother's skirts, eyeing the Elf with great suspicion and wonder.

Rothinzil met their gazes as best as he could and tried to put on a brave and fearless face, but it was so difficult. He wished Legolas was by his side, telling him that it was all going to alright in the end. He used to think the prince was crazy and now he was more than certain of it. However, he still wished to hear it.

He found himself being driven and lead to a large poll placed in the front of the prison and clasps were there, to secure a prisoner's cuffs to the dreaded mast of wood.

The raven-haired immortal resisted the urge to wince and stop to stare as he was shoved up alongside it. He shivered from more than cold as he saw the men coming closer and one came carrying a large and cruel looking whip that looked to be worse than anything he had ever experienced in his entire life.

One marshal came and he jerked back on Rothinzil's cloak, snapping the clasp in half and nearly choking the Elf in the process. Rothinzil coughed tersely and he glared at the men as they tossed his cloak to the ground roughly before gripping his upper arms to hold him in place as another man slid a knife under the buttons on his tunic and proceeded to remove it from the dark-haired archer's back, leaving the Elf to shiver in the icy wind that was growing more cold by the minute.

They then grabbed his wrists and connected the iron manacles to the clasps swinging from the wooden post and then they forced Rothinzil to his knees by pressing on his shoulders. Rothinzil looked up at the men and followed them with a pair of icy eyes that were still cloyed with a dispassion for these people that were taking pleasure from his pain.

A marshal came before him and said, "Elf, you have just earned yourself fifteen lashes across your bareback." He drew a cold smile and held up the whip that Rothinzil had seen earlier and it had many tails. Some with serrated edges that looked horrible and evil, "fifteen lashes with this."

Rothinzil felt his throat constrict and then he swallowed his fear and answered back thickly and with great difficulty, "do your worst, you will pay for it later."

The man shrugged, "not in your lifetime Elf." And he walked behind the Elf that was on his knees with his head lowered between his arms and his forehead pressed against the wood so that he was sure the rough designs would be imprinted on his skin.

The Wood-Elf felt his breath stolen away and his back felt on fire as the tails of leather slammed into his back, creating a ripple of pain that lurched the Elf forward and to his everlasting regret, he gave sharp cry at the surprising agony. His breathing increased and his body trembled. He no longer felt cold, he felt hot and sweat broke out onto his features. He felt some blood on his back and he knew he had been cut. His smooth back was now striped with a single laceration that stung like wildfire and bees. As a matter of fact, those might have been more pleasant.

He bit his lower lip until he drew blood as two more consecutive blows fell onto his flesh and cut more bleeding welts. Only twelve more, only twelve more... he told himself mentally

He opened his eyes; hardly realizing he had shut them. He certainly had not done it because he had wanted to and he did not recall doing it so intent had he been on not screaming for their perverse pleasure.

As he opened them, he saw the small child he had chanced upon meeting watching him with a tear streaked face. Their eyes met and Rothinzil gave a weak smile as he felt another blow strike him, pitching him forward again. The boy ran over to Rothinzil and crouched by his flushed face that was half covered by his dark hair that fell over his shoulders. The child brushed away some strands of hair but just as it looked like he was about to speak, his mother came and grasped his wrist, snapping him away from the captive Elf.

Glaring at Rothinzil up and down, she kicked snow and slush into his face and snapped, "you dirty Elf. I hope you enjoyed threatening my boy, because you will never do it again."

Roth resisted the urge to shudder and wince as another lash struck him. He could not have helped it or stopped it if he had even dared to try. The men had their minds made up and they were set with them. Another blow struck him and it was brought down on his defenseless back with such force that the Elf sagged against his shackles and tried to draw in a shivering breath as his throat constricted even tighter.

Help Strider please come rescue me. And find Legolas. Valar knows what they are doing to him. Make it stop! Make it stop!

Aragorn was nearing the edge of the city and was grateful that the snow was getting shallower and made for easier traveling. He was also a bit lighter of heart because he had not found his friend's corpses in the snow, blue and frozen.

As he walked swiftly into the town he noticed how mournful everyone was and he knew it was for the dead men. He would have to guard his tongue well or wind up with Legolas and Roth. Sighing, he stared at the dismal world about him and he felt the cold slush seeping into his boots.

If Legolas or Roth were alive here, they had to be a world of confusion and hurt. The ranger knew well that the men would place the blame on the Elves that they loathed.

As he walked to the far edge of town where he knew the jail would be he asked some men outside of it that looked as though they had just come in from the wild. "Have you seen any Elves, my good man?"

The human laughed and said, "they be in prison. The one is getting the life knocked out of him as we speak. He assaulted a child."

Aragorn grimaced and wondered which one it was. But neither would ever harm anyone, let alone a little youth. He gave a curt nod and said, "thank you."

Aragorn broke into a run and seeing the jail open he burst through the door and ran down the corridor. The man desperately hoped he was not too late.

His feet hit the stone of the cobble floor hard and he ran on and then skidded to a halt before the first cell. To his horror he saw Rothinzil hanging limply from shackles that had cut into his wrists. The human winced as he saw the constables severing the rope to let the Elf drop to the floor. Roth cried out softly and they gave small smiles that vanished when they saw the cold look in the young ranger's eyes.

"You looking for something mister?" they asked in a growl. Aragorn eyed the whip they held and looked at Roth's still form. He had been too late...too late for Roth, but perhaps not for Legolas. Guilt built up inside and he did not try to shove it down.

Roth was such a gentle Elf, more so than Legolas or any he had ever known. Rothinzil would never hurt anyone at all unless it is the servants of the enemy or he was forced to for the greater good. He knew that the Mirkwood archer would readily kill himself first.

What they had done to him was so horribly wrong and the dark-haired ranger felt fire in his heart, struggling to burst forth with his guilt. He wondered of Roth would ever be the same, he knew that the Woodland Elf had recently (as Elf years go) learned to trust again. If Roth came out of this bent and broken he would never forgive himself. But perhaps he was not too late to guide the defenseless Elf back into the real world and out of the darkness that he knew from personal experience was trying to eat the immortal alive.

"I came to see the Elves. I wish to speak with this one." He watched as the two constables exchanged looks and then shrugged. They did not care about Roth's pain, other than they felt it was justified and the stupid Elf, as they saw him, asked for it with open arms.

"If you wish, but he probably won't be able to talk for some time. He tried to get away after his first punishment and we tried to place him back into the cell, so we had to double it and complete it here," they finished in explanation. They then brushed past Aragorn and shoved him aside against the walls muttering, "what man cares for Elves?" Then they called in angry voices, "you let them go you will join them!"

Aragorn paid them no heed. He was already kneeling by Roth's limp form. When he touched Roth's hand the Elf winced and then begged quietly, "no more. Please. Valar, what did I do to reap this?" Aragorn withdrew his hand, afraid of doing more harm than good. Roth's sickly pale face and his trembling chin and lower lip made the ranger's heart nearly stop; it made it shudder.

"Roth, it is I. Strider, "he whispered to the shivering immortal. Roth rolled over with much difficulty and looked into Aragorn's gray eyes. Blood came from a swollen lower lip and trickled from the Elf's nose. Aragorn could tell that they had gone beyond the limits of Rothinzil's "punishment".

Rothinzil breathed, "they hurt me. I did nothing to them." He struggled to sit up and Aragorn let him but watched to make sure the Elf would not pass out. In truth he was afraid to touch his hurting friend for fear the damage would be more extensive. The raven-haired archer took and placed a hand tenderly against his ribs and then drew it back with a sharp hiss. The hand came back sanguineous with blood.

The ranger hissed in sympathy and he saw Roth's tattered skin. Blood tangled Roth's midnight hair in matted clumps and sweat coated the fair skin in clammy patches. Roth had never been beaten in his life and he was utterly horrified. It then occurred to him just how strong Legolas was.

Aragorn stiffened and asked, "where is Legolas?" Roth did not answer and Aragorn cupped the being's chin gently and although firmly, forcing Roth to look at him. Roth shuddered and the man said softly in the Gray Tongue, "I will not hurt you like they did. They are not men, they are animals." He released the ebony-haired Elf's chin and Roth just nodded and Aragorn asked again, "where is Legolas? What have they done to him?"

Roth drew a deep breath slowly as it hit and pressured his throbbing ribs. "They took him to the back chamber. Three went with him, only two came back out." Roth fell against Aragorn and the man put an arm carefully about the trembling Elf's shoulders then withdrew them as he recalled the lashes. Roth did not cry, but he shivered over and over.

Aragorn frowned, "I am so sorry Roth. I have to go and get Legolas now, alright? Here." The young man took his cloak off and wrapped it around Roth's shaking figure. Aragorn sighed and said like a mother talking to a scared child, "we will get this straightened out, I promise."

Roth smiled and said, "I knew you would come. But I am not broken yet, just a bit shaken." He willed himself to stand with the cloak about his thin upper frame. But his knees were not of the same mind. They shook like a pair of leaves and Roth dared them to stand, putting his will into it.

Aragorn shook his head, dark hair bounced around his face and chided, "worse than Legolas."

Roth rolled his eyes and said, "what is that supposed to mean?" He fixed Aragorn with a suspicious glare that caused the ranger to laugh.

"It means you can be dying from Valar knows what and call it a scrape or bleeding to death and it’s a paper cut!" teased the man good-natured humor.

Roth said, "does it now?" He looked at the ranger and then gave an dubious smile, "you are one to talk." Then he gave a small laugh and went to the corner of his cell, leaning his spinning head against the wall. It felt good and cool.

Aragorn sighed and said, "nevertheless that is how you two act!" He shot the immortal a grave expression said, "I will go and see where your trouble bound prince is." Roth just smiled and the ranger knew the Elf had heard. He watched as Roth closed his eyes in weariness then he left.

The man felt his blood pressure rise to another notch as he watched Roth recovering from his scourging. Nobody should ever have to endure what Roth had simply because of their race. It was completely unfair and cruel. Aragorn was going to make sure that they did not do the same thing to Legolas.

His walk turned into a trot like jog and his jog into a run. He felt adrenaline rushing through his system, and his eyes growing wide as he thought about what he might find.

It was not far down the hall, though to the ranger it seemed like ages. He knew he should have gone with Legolas to his home and risked the heavy snows. They had caught them anyway and travel had been delayed, why could they not have spent it in Mirkwood's halls?

The door to the cell Legolas was held in only had a small window guarded by bars so he could not see but he heard a voice say, "you damn Elf! You will pay for that!"

Aragorn was not going to wait to hear more and he grabbed the door handle and putting his rage behind it, swung it open. It banged loudly against the wall, causing everyone to jump in surprise.

The scene he saw was Legolas crouched in a corner, but with a dangerous gleam in his eyes. Straw and dirt was caught up in his hair, evidence of an obvious struggle. Blood trickled from the Elf's nose and the man was stooped over him with his fist drawn back, ready to strike.

Aragorn did not wait to see the fist connect with his best friend's stomach or eye but lunged at the man. He wrapped his arms about the elder mortal's neck and Legolas looked up in surprise crying, "Estel!"

The Elf jumped up as his friend was thrown over the marshal's shoulders and he hit the ground on his back with a cracking noise. The other man then went and was about to pick Aragorn up by his tunic and punch him in the jaw, But Legolas put an end to that.

He shoulder checked the man with such force that the green-eyed mortal was sent sprawling into the stone wall. Aragorn jumped up and put himself between Legolas and the angered marshal. Legolas, Aragorn noticed with much regret, was favoring his left leg greatly, but his face did not speak of much pain. The limb could not be broken, could it? No- Legolas' eyes would speak of that if it were so.

The marshal snarled, "what are you doing boy? You are letting the Elf get away!" snapped the man abruptly.

Aragorn stood his ground and said, "I will not move and let you harm him further. What has he done that he deserves this?" The man's steel gray eyes flashed a bright silver as his anger rose to a dangerously unhealthy level that taunted the others to try and challenge him. How could he make the constable understand? He couldn't and he didn't expect to, but they were not going to touch the Elves again. Aragorn snarled, "He is different and you hate him for it."

"Estel," said Legolas in Elven. "You should not be here. Your father will be angry." Legolas knew that Lord Elrond would be far from pleased about the storm and he was not too happy about it himself. He also knew that Elrond was not going to like another little mis-adventure in which Aragorn got hurt. The golden-haired Wood Elf also knew that Aragorn's broken arm had to be weak enough to be easily broken anew.

Aragorn said back over his shoulder in the tongue of the Elves, "I will not leave you to be tormented and die Legolas, no matter how much you insist on it." He then set his steely eyes on the man before him who had been obviously trying to pick a fight with Legolas and already delivered a few blows. "I suggest you leave him alone. Under the law you cannot continue to harass him. He is not going anywhere and I expect he is cold and hungry. While I tend to the wounds you wrongfully inflicted, you can bring that other Elf back here and get them both something edible."

Legolas stared in awe. Aragorn was going over his head about this. Legolas knew it, the ranger knew it, and so did the marshal. "Who says you are going to make me?" he snarled, "Elf lover."

Aragorn snapped at the attempted slur that he took as a rough compliment, "because if you don't I will charge you with prisoner abuse. If you help to heal the wounds inflicted I may be quicker to forgive and forget!" His eyes took up and eerie glow of anger and utter truth. If Legolas and Roth were not treated better he would demand retribution for them.

Legolas had not thought that Aragorn would go that far and he was horrible afraid that his friend would be murdered rather, but the other man just nodded and said, "aye, you have me. But if you let them out and free them then you will get hung as an accomplice."

Aragorn snarled, "I will look after myself. You get what I asked for!" He took a defensive stance as the man before he and Legolas moved and the mortal lifted his hands and said,

"I will get them some food. I will also drag that other one over here. But if they start to cause trouble together then out he goes!" The man smirked and said, "its not like they have long anyway. I didn't think that such cold blooded killers had feelings!"

Aragorn glared and said, "that will be enough! Now go!" This slander filled talk about his two closest friends, and applied to all Elf kind, made him sick with anger. He hated how when his race found one that was different, they feared them and had to bully them into submission or make their lives miserable simply because they were alive.

The fierce look that made it seem as though the ranger would follow him to death and beyond made the man go out of the cell at a run and he tripped over a loose cobble stone, falling onto his face. But he picked himself up and kept running.

As soon as the man left Legolas asked, "how did you get here? Where is Roth? Is he alright?" Legolas hoped they had not hurt Rothinzil too badly. He knew that the damage would run deeper than anyone, even the ranger knew of. Rothinzil was such a gentle creature and if these men destroyed that sweet innocence he would not be responsible for his actions. Roth was like his younger brother and he loved him as such...Roth was like a dog that was still a puppy at heart and would be young forever.

Aragorn sighed and said with a grunt, "they already thrashed Roth nearly senseless. I thought if I moved him in here with you he might calm down." The human sighed and said, "I know you are like a father or a brother to him Legolas...Legolas...he is hurting."

Legolas nodded and brushed a strand of golden hair away from his face. "If they destroyed his innocence I can't say I won't seek retribution on them. He was just learning to trust and love someone like family again. He doesn't show it, but it is true. You know how it takes Elves years to even relatively forget; yet they forgive easily. "

Aragorn nodded, "I know my friend." He saw Legolas' stooped shoulders and uncomfortable stance. He saw the pained look in his friend's eyes that he had seen before. He had seen that same look when Legolas had felt that he had failed him in past conflicts that they had endured together. "Legolas, it was not you fault. You could not have stopped it and neither could Roth. You have to learn that not everything that goes wrong is your fault and that you can't be everything at once. You are only one person in the wide world and there are things that are out of your control! Just because it is out of your control doesn't mean that it is your fault! Legolas, you are going to make your self sick."

Legolas just frowned and said, "Estel..." The ranger looked at him and watched with shock as Legolas finished quietly, as though deep in thought, "you remind me of an Elf-lord at times." Here the prince gave a small laugh and said, "I should not be surprised at this considering whom you were raised by."

Aragorn did not know what to say and he just stood there with a gaping mouth until Legolas said, "Well don't be so surprised my friend, you are of the line of Isildur and that counts for more than you think." Legolas faltered as he stood and sighed as he felt his leg give just a little.

Aragorn looked at his friend in alarm and asked, "Legolas what did you do to your ankle?" It wasn't like the prince to twist an ankle. That was more Roth's style.

Legolas just said, "it was that stupid human's fault." Aragorn winced at the way the Elf said the word human. He said it with a true bitter scornfulness that he was sure Legolas did not know he had let slip out.

Aragorn frowned and said, "Legolas, you do not have to call them humans, you hate it when they call you an Elf. Don't do like wise to them. It doesn't help situations at all."

Legolas snapped angrily, "it is what they are!" But then he regained control if his rage at the unnecessary abuse and said, "I am sorry, I said that. I suppose I was wrong. But most of my people scorn men and even some in Rivendell do, as you know well. It is hard not to let them rub off onto you even by accident."

Aragorn said quietly, "I know Legolas. I hold it not against you. Now what did they do to you?"

Legolas was silent and Aragorn was sure that what they had done had scared the Elf more emotionally than physically. But the Woodland Elf spoke just in time before the ranger was going to ask if Legolas had been abused sexually. The ranger regretted how his race could also be such pigs and give into lust.

"Aragorn he was angry with me. He thinks Roth and I murdered an elderly man we were with and stole horses which lead to the death of many at the hand of orcs." The Elf's voice squeezed off as he fought back tears. He would have never done that and he thought of Roth..."We didn't of course, but he would not see it that way. What he wanted to see was burned into his mind and he would no let it go. He punched me twice and slapped me quite often but I did not fight back. I was not going to add things against me that they could use."

Aragorn looked at Legolas' fearful eyes that indeed were one of the only signs he felt any fear at all. Legolas did not like cells, and who would? But he feared men, though he did not hate them because he feared them, but if it was not for Aragorn he certainly would not be as civil with them. Aragorn's voice quavered with pain and fears that came from sympathy, "I am so sorry I was not here. But I won't let them hurt you or Roth again, Legolas, I won't. But you have to trust me."

Legolas let his piercing blue gaze fall across the human and yet there was a cold and cryptic side to it. He could not expect the ranger to understand what hatred for a race could do. The man had not lived long enough and Legolas blamed him not for it. He diverted his gaze to wander past the bars where his heart lied. To the open air. He whispered softly, almost to himself, "I do trust you, but men are weak and in their folly they hate what they cannot understand or do not wish to. Even if I am ruled innocent I will be hunted until I get home by those who do not care for the ruling, and then what trouble will I bring with me? What trouble will Roth and I cause my father? This is the end mellon nin."

Just then a noise down the hall alerted the two to the return of the marshal and he was shoving before him a more than obviously weakened being. At first glance Aragorn knew it was Roth, but it took Legolas a moment. He had never seen his friend this distraught. If he had passed the other Elf in the street he would have never known it was he.

Roth saw Legolas ahead, in the other cell and his heart lightened a little. The man came and shoved Rothinzil in roughly, causing the midnight haired Elf to stumble into Legolas, who caught him quickly before his friend and near brother could fall. The green-eyed man then said, "I am going to shut the door so they can't escape. Are you going to stay the night with them or do you want out?" He asked as though it was only out of habit and he honestly did not expect the answer the human gave.

"I am staying. After you get through locking us in, I believe I asked for them to be fed. I myself am not hungry." Aragorn gave the other man a stern look.

The constable threw his hands up in the air and said, "what do you think this is, a half way house?" But he did not wish to see this strange wild like man that was unknown as he had again. He thought that this strange mortal acted like some sort of Elf-lord when he was angry and a fell light came into the ranger's eyes and spilled across its victim like ice. The very recall of the burning eyes he had seen sent chills down his spine.

Aragorn turned and looked at Roth. The Elf allowed half of a pale and nearly lifeless smile to play on his lips before quickly fading. His back and ribs were burning and he felt so very tired. Legolas just put his arms around his elven friend and guided him to sit on the pile of straw in the back of the cell. Roth was so eager to sit and relax that the younger Elf flopped into the straw.

Legolas looked at Roth and asked, "are you going to be well Rothinzil?"

Roth shivered and said, "I am now. When they came back to get me, I was so worried they were going to do it again." He closed his eyes and lay back against the wall. Legolas helped to guide his friend back as best as he could with shackled hands, for fear Roth would bang his head on the stone in his haste to let his neck muscles and aching headrest.

Legolas looked at Rothinzil's trembling frame and knew exactly what had happened. Well, that was not totally true...he wanted to know more. Aragorn and Legolas' eyes connected and the ranger saw the anger that glittered behind the seemingly bright and shatter resistant gaze of his blonde haired friend. Roth was going through more than he could imagine and fathom, even if he knew all of the raven-haired Elf's history.

As Legolas examine further he saw the blood on his friend's wrist and the gashes inflicted from Roth's weight being thrown against the metal edges of the iron shackles that had been cruelly tight to start with. Legolas felt his blood pressure shoot up another five notches and he feared that he might explode. Nobody should have that happen to them. His own cuffs hurt, but he could bear them. However, the prince was sure that Roth's were a torment.

He began to work them, trying to loosen them, but they were not like rope and it only made them rub against the lacerated skin even more. Roth hissed against the pain and he said, "leave it Legolas, please by the Valar leave it."

Legolas looked at Roth and said, "what all did they do to you? How long did this last?" His eyes narrowed and he said, "tell me."

Roth went a shade paler and he shuddered violently before saying. "They flogged me Legolas. They gave me thirty lashes... because they wanted too and I can still see their cruel eyes and the fear behind them that must have drove them on." Legolas could feel himself quake with compassion for his friend and the pain he was in. The prince knew well what hateful eyes looked like as you were being tortured.

Through clenched teeth, the blonde Elf said, "why did they even do it? They had to have some sort of reason to get away with it legally..."

Aragorn had been listening and shouted bitterly as though the words left a metallic taste, like blood in his mouth, "they caught him talking to a child and took it as an attack on the boy because they wished to rip Roth apart anyway! Then they accused him of attempted escape to give him fifteen more! Thirty merciless lashes all together! THIRTY!" The ranger was beyond controlling his anger.

Legolas sat by his friend and he said, "well that isn't going to happen again. So don't worry about it. When the man comes back we will ask for water so I can tend to your wounds." Legolas actually thought it would be better if Aragorn did it. He had his hands free and Rothinzil trusted the ranger with his life.

Rothinzil leaned back against the wall gingerly and said, "I wish to rest Legolas." After the beating he had taken he felt like strength was drained and everything hurt. His lungs too, burned from holding his breath. He also was ashamed because though he had not cried he had screamed towards the end. He was not able to take the pain anymore and he had screamed to the men's utter pleasure. It hurt and he wanted to cry his eyes out. But he wanted Legolas to think he was strong. What Roth did not realize was that his prince would understand.

Legolas sighed. If Roth went to sleep before he ate he would never eat and he would get sick from emotional trauma. Legolas knew he had to stay awake and he said, "I am sorry Roth, but you have to stay with us until you eat something and Strider has seen to your wounds."

Roth said softly and with a yawn, "I can't keep my eyes open. They want to close and are so heavy." He wanted only to retreat to the refuge of thoughtless sleep.

Legolas knew that Roth would nightmares if he went to sleep right away. He had to keep Rothinzil awake. Then he recalled the story he had wanted to tell him and he gave a swift smile. "Remember the story I was going to tell you Roth?" he asked his weary friend quickly.

Roth opened a single eye to meet his prince's. "Sure. Are you going to tell me it now?" he asked quickly, unable to keep the excitement out of his voice.

Legolas laughed and said, "I know how much you love stories, so perhaps it will keep you awake." It was odd how he as going to use it to try and get the other to sleep earlier.

Aragorn listened to the prince embarking on the tales of Beleg and Túrin of Turambar. The ranger knew them well, so he did not listen. As much as he too loved stories he was too unhappy and emotionally weary to listen and enjoy it. Beleg had died trying to free his friend, by the hand of his friend. It was a sad tale and Aragorn did not care to hear it now. He wanted to concentrate on trying to find a way to prove Legolas' innocence and Roth's as well.

Where was that dratted constable! Aragorn was more than ready to spit nails with frustration.

As he looked out the small grate of the tiny window and into the darkness he sighed with fear. He knew deep inside his heart that it was Legolas's turn to have the worst, but he did not know when or where. But something told him it would not be in an expected way.

Not that that would surprise him, Legolas always managed to find trouble in odd ways.

"Glorfindel!" seethed Elladan bitterly and with anger chilling his voice. "Why in all of Arda would you do that?" Elladan could not believe that Glorfindel would have let Estel go without so much as word o him. As though it was not like he had enough to worry about already. Elrohir was still not in the best of shape.

"He is growing up Elladan, and you know it! You can't prevent him from making his own choices!" Glorfindel growled back over the howling wind that was laced with flawless snow. He should have known that this would happen because of Elladan's over protectiveness. As he looked at Elrohir he could see the younger and more intellectual of the twins was torn between the two choices.

Elrohir had known that his younger brother would grow up, and yet he was hoping it would take longer. Yet he had to face the fact that Aragorn was not an Elf and grew up faster. How much it felt like only two years or so ago that they had brought the young edain home with them to be their brother. Why did it have to end so soon? Being Elves, the brothers did not weary of things very quickly, they just were not as hasty as men were.

He did not want Estel to leave so abruptly. After all, neither of the brothers may ever see him again.

Elladan snapped at Glorfindel as he crouched by his pale brother, "do you know what trouble he could get into in this weather alone? He could die Glorfindel!" To say Elladan was angry enough to strangle the Gondolin lord and enjoy every minute was a severe understatement.

Glorfindel was not oblivious tot he fact and was careful in what he said. "I know Elladan, but you have to understand Elladan. He is getting old enough to leave the nest and preventing it will only serve to weaken him. Sometimes the best thing to do is let go!"

Elladan sighed and rumbled something totally inaudible as he began to try and iron out the facts or rather try to understand what he did not wish to and what was already obvious. To him, an immortal Elf, it seemed that this was the first time, time had seemed to fly by and actually touch him. He felt his age and it unnerved him. Estel was still a small boy chasing him around with a wooden sword, right? He still needed protection from the world, right? Of course. After all Estel was only twenty-two. It was then Elladan remembered: Estel was mortal and was not going to stay the same forever. That fact made him sick. He did not want to say good bye after such a short time together.

"Glorfindel, I know you did what you thought best but if he dies, I swear, you will regret it." He had never seriously threatened the Gondolin Elf before, but this was different. Elrohir looked at his elder brother with a frown and his eyes spoke his thoughts. Elladan was mad, Elladan needed to pause and count to ten.

The snow continued to blow around them and the pass was nearly blocked. Dark clouds threatened more snow and ice. Elrohir looked at his twin and said, "Elladan I cannot believe that you just did that! What would father say?" Elrohir was more gentle in nature and he was not the type to threaten his elders unless it was in jest or he was furious beyond reason.

Elladan just frowned, "the thought of Estel out there, in that freezing snow makes me sick with fear for him Elrohir. Do you not care?" Elladan did not realize he had just set a spark in some dry and frail straw.

Elrohir was not about to be accused of loving his brother less and lashed out at Elladan with a vengeance, "Elladan what are you implying! That I love him less? How dare you even think that!"

Glorfindel scowled and shouted to them both, "he is out there! That is a fact that nothing is going to change. Now either we get home and then go and look for him after we get more supplies, or we go on from here, garner your father's wrath more than we already have and starve!"

The twins looked at each other and then they both glared at Glorfindel. The golden-haired Elf just frowned and said with a sigh of frustration, "don't tell me you both are out for my blood now?" He was really getting tired of this. Why didn't he just refuse to go and stay home warm, dry and safe? Did he really like being in danger, or was he just slowly going mad from knowing the twins so long? Inwardly shaking his head, he said, "we are going back and taking action from there."

Elladan just sighed and then his scowl deepened to a dark and dangerous look. Thickly he said, "fine." Elrohir looked at Elladan as his brother began to walk away towards home. He guided his near frozen horse behind him, knowing the creature's feet had to be sore and the hooves ready to split.

"Elladan?" asked Elrohir in a small voice as he had once when he had twisted his ankle when they had engaged in a fight and Elladan had left him behind. He did not want Elladan angry with him, anyway, what had he done to garner this anger?

"Elrohir come on!" snapped Elladan harshly and for a moment only forgetting his twin's wound in his anxiousness for his human brother. As soon as he remembered he ran back and Elrohir gave a thin smile. "I am so sorry Elrohir! I forgot!"

Elrohir shook his head and chided gently, "you are taking on the weight of the world again Elladan."

Glorfindel came up and said, "I will help him Elladan, if you wish to be alone and think, we will understand." Glorfindel gave Elrohir a hand up and Elrohir stumbled to his feet, ready to continue. None of them were using their horses, for fear the animal's hooves would be split from the cold. Though they had shoes, it was cold and perhaps they should have had newer ones on, but they didn't.

Elladan hesitated and Elrohir smiled, "I will be fine. By all means, be like Legolas, find a tree and talk to it!" he teased. "Is that not what he does when he is angry or frustrated?" He knew that Elladan thought that talking to trees was the most stupid thing in the world besides finding enjoyment in it. He was not a Woodland Elf and tree talking, in his opinion, was a waste of time. Anyway, even if he had wanted to, this was the rocky portion of the mountains and there were not trees save a few old and twisted pines that he had heard from Legolas were more than hostile.

"Elrohir I don't talk to trees! And anyway when you see a tree worth talking to you can show me how!" He apparently was not in the mood for a joke and Elrohir just sighed.

CHAPTER SIX

The Price of Love

Rothinzil was only partially awake after Legolas was finished telling the ending of Beleg's life when the constable arrived with their food. Legolas noticed it did have steam, so at least it was hot. That was always a bonus to having a full stomach. Strangely Legolas did not feel hungry.

The man hurriedly handed the food to Aragorn, who took the tray with the bowls and set it on the ground by Legolas' feet. Then he asked or rather demanded for clean water to cleanse Roth's wounds. "He is in a lot of pain from the wrongful and unlawful beating he received at the hands of your men. I am going to treat his wounds but I need cloth and water to do it."

The man said, "too bad, Nothing my men do is unlawful and you can stake your life on that. If they said the Elf whelp deserved it, I trust them."

It was too bad for the man that he had not put the door between himself and the ranger. Aragorn grabbed his tunic front and shoved the man against the wall roughly. "I would rather not trust my life on it, as I know this Elf and he would never do anything to reap thirty lashes!" The deadly flame in the ranger's eyes served as a good reason for the man to do as he was asked.

It was odd how this young ranger, that was thin and certainly weaker than he had more control over him. The ranger was like a bloody Elf when he was angry. "I will get the water and cloth, but you had better watch yourself ranger!" he spat and jerked himself free of Aragorn's grasp, but only, he noticed, because the younger man let him.

Aragorn went to Legolas and saw that already had Roth awake and was handing him the bowl with its contents, some form of soup. Legolas did not ask what was in it and he didn't try to figure it out. He had not been hungry before, but he definitely wasn't now. It utterly turned his stomach and he felt it doing flips.

However, he was going to make Roth eat. The younger Elf's condition would only deteriorate if he did not get any energy to go on and replace the energy he had lost. "Roth you have to eat."

Roth looked at the strange stew and suddenly turned away, "Legolas, I am going to be sick." His stomach felt so ill he did not want any food in him now. He began to shiver and Aragorn looked at Legolas and Legolas looked back, their eyes connecting. This was the answer they were expecting.

Legolas tried again gently, "you have to try. If it turns out you can't keep it down you can eat some more later."

Roth mumbled, "no, thank you." He lay back and curled into a ball. Legolas noticed the sweat on his forehead and he carefully brushed some of Roth's hair away from his sticky skin. He was angry. It was tragic that this should have happened. Damn it! Roth was a mess. Legolas did not think they had broken his friend, it would take more than that, but they had done a lot of damage.

"Rothinzil, I know you feel like your insides are turned inside out, but if you do not eat you will get weaker." Legolas was afraid for his friend. He would have rather had this happen to himself, he knew how to deal with it, but Roth was too innocent of heart and this was torment beyond anyone's knowledge.

Roth got up and sat on the straw, trying to stay off the cold floor. He shivered one last time and said, "Legolas, I am not hungry!" However, he really was, but the food just did not look like something he would like to eat.

Legolas appeared to have not heard and taking a spoonful of soup, he blew on it to cool it and put it to Roth's mouth. "Open up," he said flatly. Roth raised a brow and looked at Legolas to see if the blonde Elf was joking and Legolas raised one of his to match.

"Legolas this is not-" in came the stew. Roth was taken by surprise and swallowed before he even thought about it. It did not taste all that horrible, but the texture left much to be desired. It had a spicy taste that actually was kind of pleasant and it was hot. Legolas smiled as he watched Roth's face.

"Not hungry, huh?" he said with a grin. Roth shook his head and took the bowl from Legolas' hands. Now that he had tasted the food, he wanted more.

He smiled and said, "when did I say anything resembling that?" The raven-haired Elf then took and downed another steaming spoonful. He smiled and said after a moment, "it's not half bad."

Legolas just smiled and said, "good, eat it all."

Aragorn looked at Legolas and said, "why aren't you eating yours?" He tried to keep a smile off his lips but it was an uphill battle he soon lost.

Legolas just shrugged and said, "I am not hungry. I will eat it later." He drew his knees up to his chin as he sat and rested his head on them. This place was wearing on his heart. Its dankness, and the darkness that was creeping about them. He was frightened and that was disturbing. The Elf then raised both of his brows and asked, "do you want some then?"

Aragorn's smile broadened and he muttered, "Legolas do not make me force you. I will."

Legolas gave a snort and said, "you can't make me! I won't let you!" He gave a chuckle as the human frowned and said with total nonchalance,

"you are just asking for me to prove you wrong Legolas." The prince made no move for his soup and watched the human from the corners of his eyes. Aragorn wouldn't dare. "Legolas, do I have to make you in front of Roth? It would be a rather ugly episode, no?"

Legolas closed his eyes and smiled as he shut them. He knew he was inviting trouble, but he was beyond caring. Let the man try, he would show him for certain. He was not worried about being jumped by the man, after all, would he not hear the mortal before he sprang? Of course he would!

Legolas let his breathing relax and was nearly asleep when the young Dúnadan leaped on the blonde immortal, not enough to seriously harm the Elf, but enough to hurt his pride. Legolas gave a curt cry and Aragorn laughed as the Elf looked at him in shock. "Are you going to eat? Or do I have to demonstrate my capabilities further?"

Legolas just snapped, "how did you do that?" H stood up after the ranger released the Elf of the grip he had on the prince's tunic collar. Legolas brushed straw from his clothes and glared fire at the man who was smiling,. Legolas just snapped further, "what are you smiling about? I see nothing funny about this!"

"Elrohir taught me that," he said with a gin that was lopsided and Legolas felt it was also rather ill-conceived.

The prince muttered roughly, "that figures! When I get a hold of him I'll teach him something!"

Aragorn asked, "are you going to eat?"

Legolas just scowled deeper and said, "if you insist!" He was still picking straw out of his golden hair.

The young man laughed and said, "good, because I do." He picked up the bowl and handed it to the prince. "You are lucky. It is still hot." Legolas jerked the bowl from the human's hands with a snort of contempt.

"If you were not my friend I tell you truly you would be dead!" he said around a mouthful of hot stew that tasted so good and he was actually somewhat glad he had decided to eat. But the fact that Aragorn was not disturbed him and he said, "so my friend, where is yours? Coming perhaps? Oh! I know! You aren't hungry either!" If Aragorn had made him eat he could not resist the prospect to return the benefaction.

Aragorn knew this was in no mood to play the prince's game. He said back, "I have Lembas bread and that is good enough." He wasn't really hungry and he wasn't the one who needed to save his strength, was he?

Legolas looked at his friend and bit his upper lip before saying with a frown, "incase you have forgotten you are a ranger, a human ranger. The cold is going to take a heavy toll on you if you do not eat enough. Just be careful."

Aragorn was surprised that Legolas was not arguing with him and he watched the Elf curiously. Something was not all right. Legolas was not the type to pass up a chance to argue with his best friend in friendly jest. He knew these signs, he decided at length. Legolas was tired. He was acting like he had had the life beaten out of him and yet there was no evidence to support the conclusion.

Then he saw it, the gash in the prince's arm. It did not appear to run too deep or be infected, but all the same it looked ugly even if it wasn't. Aragorn said abruptly, "Legolas!" The Elf nearly jumped at the sound of his name being spoken so quickly and harshly. He sensed anger in it.

"What?" he snapped back with a flash of hot silver in his eyes that showed he was ready to do battle. He knew he sounded sharp, but he was beyond caring. This was place was making even breathing feel like a burden, because he felt hated, because it was dark, because it was dank...because the light of trees and stars were gone.

"Your arm!" Said the young ranger rather fiercely. He could not believe that Legolas had just forgotten about that. Actually, he could, because he knew exactly how Legolas would react to any wound he received that did not put him at Death's Door. In all fairness, Legolas could be ringing the bell on Death's Door and act like he had no more than a slight scratch or bruise.

Legolas looked at his arm and he said, "well, right now there are more important things than my arm! Roth is hurt, it is no more than a mere scratch and I will not let you see it until you have seen to Rothinzil!" He pulled his arm close and cradled it by his body. Now that he did remember it, it did hurt. It was smarting with requital and he would rather that it had remained forgotten.

Aragorn looked at his friend and he said quietly and serenely so as not to provoke another argument, "I will tend to him first then look at your arm, alright? Now settle down."

Rothinzil, who had been quietly watching after managing to drink the last of his soup said, "no you won't! See to Legolas first! I refuse to be put before my prince!"

Aragorn sighed and closed his eyes to ward off screams of frustration. Elves. They were impossible. Utterly stubborn and completely hopeless! He was about to take and strangle Rothinzil with his bare hands but Legolas relieved the situation.

Staring at the dark-haired Elf, Legolas said, "Roth can you ever just think of me as your friend?"

Roth said back, "I do, but you are my prince and I have to lookout for you as captain of the 1st guard of Mirkwood. What would your father say?"

Legolas rolled his eyes, "that doesn't matter. He is not here, I am and I say that you are acting silly and rather annoying! I command you to let Strider see to your wounds first!" The prince then watched as Roth's face darkened and his hazel eyes flashed a bit more bright green than Legolas liked seeing.

"Legolas," whined Roth, "you are being unfair! I do not think it is very dignified for an Elven Prince to use his position of power to get what he wants!"

Aragorn finally could take this no longer. If they had been doing it quietly, he might not have minded, but they were nearly shouting at each other. "Roth, I am going to see to your wounds first! And you will keep quiet and let me. Legolas, you are next whether or not you think it is severe enough!"

Both of the Elves fixed a mutinous glared on Aragorn and things might have gotten ugly, but the man returned, carrying a bucket of water and some ripped pieces of cloth.

Aragorn took the bucket and bandages quickly from the jailer, who was keeping a careful eye on the two prisoners. Legolas was glaring ice picks back and Roth was not looking at the man. He had not really wanted to meet anyone's eyes. The raven-haired Elf still felt horribly ashamed. He had screamed and he could not change that.

Roth sighed as he lay upon his stomach on top of Aragorn's spread out cloak. They had carefully pealed his tattered tunic from his back to reveal the horrible whip welts and bruises that were turning black and blue. Straw was under the cloak to prevent the younger Elf's ribs from hitting the stony floor as they were throbbing enough already.

Legolas noticed with distress that Roth's face was pale and his breathing was raspy in his misery. No being should have to suffer this, none on earth except perhaps servants of Mordor and doers of evil. Legolas had carefully shifted Roth's dirtied and tangled hair from the lacerations to keep it from interfering.

Legolas was glad that Rothinzil was putting a brave face on things. Roth looked up at Legolas and said sardonically, "Legolas, I think we should come back here for a holiday sometime."

Legolas smiled thinly back down and said, "how about we not and say we did."

Roth then recalled how it was drawing up to the day of the Winter Solstice. "We are going to be here on a holiday anyway." He dark-haired Elf snorted and drew a deep breath.

Aragorn took and dipped one of the three pieces of cloth that had been brought to them into the bucket of water. It was icy cold and he might have expected as much. This was not going to be pleasant and wouldn't have been under good circumstances. But anger flared up within the man as he thought of the pain that Roth was going to have to experience just to be healed.

He said softly, "Roth I am going to get them wet now so don't be surprised if they begin to really smart." Taking the cloth he wrung it out over the welts and jagged cuts that were already red and inflamed around the edges.

The water seemed to fall as though in slow motion in droplets of crystal before the prince's eyes. Rothinzil jerked slightly but not a sound, even a hiss, escaped him. Legolas watched as blood ran off the wounds, crimson and staining.

Aragorn watched as the blood ran onto his cloak to stain it. His cloak was stained with Rothinzil's blood as he felt his hands were. If he would have been quicker, if he would have stayed with them, he could have saved them.

Gently, the man folded the cloth up and began to carefully pat the wounds and cleanse them of any dried and caked blood that had not rinsed away. Roth just shifted uncomfortably under the attention and under the pain. He knew that Aragorn was trying to be as gentle as possible, but it still hurt.

However, it was hurting him in thought as well. A man had inflicted his wounds and now his wounds were stinging again. Though he trusted Aragorn, it was Legolas who had called him from the dark and bid his eyes to lift from the floor where they had been held for so long in shame of his difference and in fear of those who loved him.

He looked at Legolas and they connected eyes for a brief moment.

In those bright hazel eyes Legolas saw Roth's soul. Rothinzil was recalling things that Legolas did not know and remembering places the prince had never walked...seeing faces that Legolas had never seen and never would for they were dead. Legolas turned his head away and diverted his attention else where.

Roth just sighed and said in a shivery breath, "Thank you Strider." Then he said with a weak smile, "I know you tried to get here, don't blame yourself." Roth's voice then turned biter, only whether it was bitter towards himself or to the men of the town he did not know. "I should have known not to even try to talk with anyone."

Aragorn stated softly, "now you blame yourself unjustly." Roth opened his eyes and shifted his gaze up to the man stooped over him with the cloth, gently massaging his wounds. Aragorn said with a sigh, "you could not have helped it."

Roth seemed to read the young Dúnadan's heart. He said in a thoughtful quiet voice as he diverted his eyes to the soft cloak he was lying on, "neither could you."

Aragorn shook his head, "that is not true. If I would have stayed with you-" Legolas looked at Aragorn and his eyes plainly said he held the ranger blameless.

Roth rolled over onto his side and gripped Aragorn's hand. "It is because of you now I am being healed. Your name is Estel, that is 'Hope', well you have given me my share of it, Estel."

Aragorn looked away and said no more. He did not know what to say. Legolas just looked at Rothinzil. Rothinzil had made Aragorn think beyond his guilt, he had brought back the reality of the situation. That was something people often tended to over look or exaggerate.

Roth laid back on his stomach and closed his eyes as Aragorn began to wipe his wounds clean again. Roth noticed however, that the sting of the wounds was carrying more of a bite. Aragorn, in frustration with himself was rubbing them harder than he had been earlier.

Rothinzil said nothing of it however, and just set his jaw against the want to hiss. Aragorn had enough to think about.

Legolas just watched his mortal friend carefully cleaning the raven-haired Elf's back. Roth's eyes were closed now and a peaceful look was coming across his pale face. Legolas hoped that Rothinzil was drifting into sleep.

But Legolas noted the temperature. Elves did not feel the cold that much, but Roth was shirtless and he had human blood in his veins. Legolas began to wonder whether Roth had made the decision to be mortal in immortal. That would certainly have an effect on how he felt cold, but since Rothinzil was not shivering he guessed that his friend was immortal and was relieved. He knew that Aragorn was going to die and that twins could not stay forever.

Legolas was afraid to be alone. Chances were that his father would sail, but Legolas had never really given it much thought. He was a Woodland Elf and his heart was with the trees. If Roth choose to be immortal he knew that the other Elf would never leave his side. Legolas knew he would never be alone.

Even though it sounded selfish that was how Legolas felt. For Elves nothing was worse than being alone and watching their friends and the world pass them by.

It was about an hour later and Rothinzil was sleeping on top of the cloak still on his stomach. He was more weary than either of the friends could have guessed. Legolas had taken his cloak and draped it over his friend to help stave off the winter chill. He watched through a cloud of his own breath as Roth's back steadily rose and fell. Looking at Aragorn he said softly and in a low voice, "he sleeps."

Aragorn nodded and said, "now for your wound." Legolas did not argue as the human reached his hand out as though saying, 'give me your arm and don't make a scene.'

The prince walked over by Aragorn and took a seat on the ground before his friend that he very easily trusted with his life, much less his arm. Actually, if he lost his arm, he would loose his life. Archery was his favorite past time and was what his chief protection was. If he could not do archery, his spirit would recoil and he would die or be forced to sail.

Aragorn gently took and rolled up the sleeve of the tunic. Legolas hissed and the man looked at him with a single dark eyebrow raised nearly into his hair. "Legolas, come on my friend, Roth made less noise."

Legolas snorted, "he never made a sound."

Aragorn looked at it and asked with a sigh as he took up a cloth to cleanse the wound, "dare I ask where you managed to find this?"

Legolas said, "I wouldn't." He would never tell the man anyway. It was because he had fallen out of a tree. A Wood Elf had fallen out of a tree.

Aragorn looked at it and his curiosity peeked, "I guess I will be daring and ask: where did you get it?" He gently began to wipe the blood from it. Fresh blood replaced the old with a brightness that was astonishingly so. Aragorn did not want his friend to bleed to death and he put the cloth back on the wound, gently pressing.

Legolas answered the ranger quickly; "I refuse to tell you!" He would never live it down. And what if the twins or Glorfindel found out? His life would be miserable for at least fifteen years! This could not happen...

Aragorn looked at Legolas and saw embarrassment flickering in the Elf's azure eyes. The man gave a curt laugh and Legolas looked at him, "what?" he snapped.

Aragorn just laughed again and said, "you fell out of a tree or something of that nature didn't you?" He jolted Legolas' arm accidentally as he laughed and the Elf was more than irate about it.

"You are hurting my arm!" he growled more out of self-consciousness and abashment than anger and pain. In fact, it hurt very little.

Aragorn just laughed, "very well." The ranger winked, "you never fell out of a tree," he finished with another chuckle that he could not withhold.

Legolas said with a rumble of alight anger and aggravation, "you say that now but the first time you need to buy yourself free from Elladan or Elrohir's grasp you will tell them, I am sure." Aragorn snorted loudly in an effort to avoid laughing, but it was a failure. Legolas rolled his eyes and said, "I see nothing funny about this!" Then he looked at Roth's sleeping form. "And if you wake Rothinzil up now I will never forgive you for it!" he hissed venomously. The blonde Elf glared in the direction of his resting friend, "I think the blood of men in his veins must be the reason he is a bit grumpy to wake up."

Aragorn looked at Legolas and said, "that is supposed to mean what?"

Legolas was not in the mood to banter now and he said candidly, "it means you are a grump in the morning!"

A heavy silence hung in the air and Aragorn did not like it. It was eerie and challenging. The young man finally broke the silence, "Legolas, tell me all that happened before I came here. I want to know exactly what we are up against or else it will be really hard to save both you and Rothinzil's lives."

Legolas gave a slight hiss as the cloth was removed from his wound and as he looked down he saw the bleeding had stopped. "Roth and I were on our way home. We...I...had problem's traveling...we decided to stay with these men, and around them was a herd of horses. It seemed safe enough and my wound was-"

Aragorn interrupted, "Legolas I told you, you were too weak to travel!"

Legolas glared and said, "that is not the point! Are you going to listen or criticize?" Aragorn held up the dry cloth and began to fold it to bind the wound with. Legolas frowned and said, "I am not sure what happened, but they tried to capture us. The one, Calmir, he wanted to get his hands on Roth and I so badly that it give me chills to think of it. But this man's father said no, and I do not know what happened exactly. He killed his father or some of his friends did it and apparently the horses were stolen as well."

"We were brought down by hounds and taken here where we were humiliated and treated cruelly and still are, but it is better now thanks to you."

Aragorn finished wrapping the wound and pulled the sleeve back down over it. "We need answers and I am going to get us some, but I am going to have to leave you now to do it. I will try to be back before dark. I know how much you hate it in here and other such places after dark." He brushed some dark, wavy locks from his eyes and finished, "it will all be well, I promise."

Legolas smiled, "I know it will. I trust you." He frowned and scooted closer to the wall. The Elf let his head go back against the wall and sighed. "If you are going to get back before dark you had better get going."

Ten minutes had passed and Legolas had found he could get no rest. He just was unable to sleep in this dreary place. His sharp ears picked up the sound of rats and mice scuttling around in the cracks of the walls and along the ceiling in the rafters. It was down right creepy and he did not want to hear anymore. But he could not make it stop.

Without Aragorn in this world of men he was afraid. It was a hard fact that he was loath to admit even to himself, but it was nagging him and he knew it. But Aragorn was going to be coming back some answers and all would be well, right?

A noise in the corridor outside his cell alerted him to some men standing outside of his cell. He pretended to not care about their eerie presence, but he was really alarmed. They came closer and Legolas heard the lock turning. He opened his eyes all the way and shot his head up right. "What is going on?" he asked wildly. "Where is Strider?"

The man, whom he had recognized as the constable that had tried to pick a fight with him earlier, said, "he is out for now, finding answers I believe. Hope he doesn't bite off more than he can chew!"

Legolas snapped quickly as four...five...six men filed in, "why are you here? Who are you?"

The man in the front laughed and it sounded as cold and fear filled as ice grating against metal and as scornful as fire hitting water and hissing in steam. "My name is Kixer. Do not tell me you do not recall me from earlier Elf!"

Legolas said, "regrettably I do!" The man nodded and two placed one of their feet each on Roth's back. The raven-haired Elf woke with a start and hissed as their boots ground into his healing lacerations. Legolas shouted, "have you not done enough to him? Leave him be!"

Kixer came forward and he grasped a handful of Legolas' long golden locks. He pulled the blonde prince to his feet, dragging him though the straw and said, "you are a dead Elf, you just don't know it yet." He looked into Legolas' eyes expecting to see fear, but that Legolas had carefully hid and he was not about to show anyone. He had a mask of defiant anger and loathing.

"You still have not answered one of my questions from earlier," said Legolas with a growl of anger. "Why are you here? I thought you were told to leave me be?" Legolas wrinkled his nose at the stench that came from the man's breath.

The mortal just laughed and said, "we aren't here to hurt you yet Elf, but to give you a warning for your friend's sake."

Legolas felt his heart growing cold and he asked carefully, "Strider?"

The human pulled Legolas closer with his grip tightening on the fair hair and he spat on the floor before saying, "what ever...That man is in danger here. See we figure if he is your friend, he must be in league with you bloody-handed Elves. If you want him to live, I suggest that you get him to leave. You seem to command him enough as it is..."

Legolas gasped, "what? Are you saying I have power over him? I have none! He is free to come and go as he wishes."

The man laughed and said, "Oh! We believe you!" He then shook Legolas so that his head seemed to rattle. "Just make sure he is gone before tomorrow or he won't see another day. Got it Elf? We can't abide possessed men in our town. They are nearly as bad as the warlocks and witches they serve!" He then threw Legolas to the ground and turned to leave.

The prince did not get up, but looked up at the man with burning eyes that were clouded with thunderheads that threatened to strike. But for Aragorn's sake he held his peace. If what he could say would threaten the life of his friend, he would rather be silent.

The other men released Roth and filed out behind Kixer. The man turned back around as his men went past him and said, "don't forget Elf, or it is his life..." Legolas would not forget. Rothinzil just looked at Legolas for a sign of what they were going to do next, but nothing other than bewilderment and frustration marked the prince's face. It seemed that this mess was a dead end that held no escape.

Elladan, Elrohir and Glorfindel stumbled into Rivendell.

Elrond had been pacing near the gates ever since his sons' and Lord Glorfindel's departure. He had hoping every evening and every morning to see them coming back safe.

He knew the snows had closed the mountain passes and some effects of the stormy and evil weather were seen in Rivendell. The snow was close to over three feet deep and though it was more beautiful here than any other place in the world, for snow and seasons never touched Lothlorien's beauty or charm.

However, The Lord of Rivendell was interested in the beauty of his home. It could be the ugliest place on Middle Earth as long as his sons and Glorfindel came back safe.

When he saw his son's and the Gondolin lord come limping back he could not contain his joy and a smile burst across his face. But as he only counted three, the smile flipped upside down and into a dark and dangerous frown. He missed Estel, where was his youngest?

Elladan and Elrohir looked at Glorfindel in a way that plainly stated this was not their idea. Elladan's face was shadowed and he looked like he had not ever agreed with the idea from the start. Elrohir looked numb, as though he knew it had to happen but wished it had not come so soon.

All of their faces were pail and careworn. Glorfindel looked surprisingly serene. Elrond glared at his friend and said in a thick and tightened voice, "what did you do Lord Glorfindel?"

Glorfindel said, "he feared something had befallen Legolas and Rothinzil in the town of Farlost. It was no use denying him the right to go. We could not very easily have gone, we would have ended up the same as them..."

Elrond interrupted pointedly, "if in fact they are there!" He narrowed his eyes and knitted his brows in a way that made Glorfindel uneasy.

The golden-haired Elf-lord said, "but I am sure they are. If anyone can help them it is a man with the courage to stand for what he believes in and the will to carry through. You know that town as few do."

Elrond closed his eyes and said, "leave me for a time Glorfindel. Elladan! Elrohir! Come with me!" Glorfindel just frowned. He understood Elrond, but as much as the raven-haired lord seemed to wish, fate was not going to stop and it was nearing Aragorn's time to leave the nest.

Elrond walked towards the Last Homely House, his sons walked beside him. Elladan and Elrohir had to trot to keep up. He asked them when they were far enough away he was sure that Glorfindel could not hear, "did you two even try to turn Estel aside from the path he chose and followed?"

Elladan looked at his father and said, "he left without a good-bye Ada, he left without a good-bye." Elladan wished he had had a chance to tell Estel how proud of him he was and how he was more worthy to live in Rivendell than many that did.

Elrohir did not say anything. He was deadened and asleep inside. He couldn't feel anything, he could hear his father speaking yet the words were not registering. His will seemed to have split. He wished for Estel to find his path and follow it yet he wanted his foster brother to stay with him forever, in safety. Who would look after him if not his family?

Often Estel had been separated from them, but he had never been parted from them in this extreme weather that could kill an Elf much less a man.

Elrond looked at his sons and said solemnly, "I could have spared you this you know. I thought of it, indeed, I thought of it for a long time. "

Elladan looked at his father curiously and Elrohir nodded quietly. The elder of the two asked, "what is this you speak of Ada?" He was not sure he wanted to know. A lump began to grow steadily in his throat as he awaited Lord Elrond's answer.

"I could have never given you the chance to love Estel and become close to him. I could have hid him from you as I hid Arwen from him for a time." Elrond's voice sounded lifeless...and even cold. They had never heard their father in this manner and it frightened them.

"You could have, but without a little pain nothing is won worth keeping," answered Elrohir in a near whisper. "It is better to be close to someone even for a short time, than to never love at all."

Elrond said with a smile, "that is what I thought at the time, though it seems now a large price for such a short time of joy. He is not Elven and some day will leave us. Even now he treads a dangerous road where none of us can follow, into a place where being and Elf is no advantage and I perceive one will die. My heart forebodes that it will not be Estel, it is not yet his time and in Legolas I see much promise for a bright future, but Rothinzil's road is darkened."

Elladan and Elrohir were silent and then they said, "you are not made at Glorfindel, are you?"

Elrond gave a thin smile and said, "no. He did what I have prepared for, for years and yet could not." Elrond's eyes seemed far away, lost in thought and bittersweet memories. He loved Estel with all his heart as he loved Elladan and Elrohir and even Ancú. He loved Estel for the relationship between them that was that of a father and son, of close friends, and if not only for the memories that he would hold for ages to come though time should decay the world.

Elladan smiled as he watched his father's face, "I take my leave then father."

Elrohir nodded, "and I as well."

Glorfindel sat on his bed with his chin in his hands. He did not think that what he did was wrong, but he wondered still...had he done it for the right reason. He knew it was very easy to do the right thing for the wrong reason or the wrong thing for the right reason.

The Gondolin Elf had not even taken his cloak off. He did not care that the melting snow was damp ad uncomfortable, he did not even feel it. His blue eyes watched the floor and the growing puddle from the snow sliding off his suede boots.

Erestor came and poked his head around the doorway. "Lord Glorfindel?" he asked quietly and in a tone that the golden-haired immortal had never heard before.

Glorfindel swiveled his azure orbs up to see Erestor. The raven-haired counselor was watching him and his eyes looked at the Elf of Gondolin with wonder and sorrow, surprisingly at Glorfindel's depression. He did not particularly like Glorfindel, but it still hurt him to see such a normally optimistic and proud Elf-lord now in such doubt. It made him uncomfortable.

Glorfindel mumbled, "not now Erestor."

Erestor knitted his brow and said in his usual manner, "Glorfindel you are acting like an infant! You did no wrong and Elrond knows that. You should not be so hard on yourself."

Glorfindel bristled at Erestor telling him what to do and said, "Erestor I told you! Not now!" He sighed and said, "do you even realize what I did? If Estel does not return, it is I who prevented Elrond from saying his last good-bye to him! I don't know if I can live with that!"

Erestor came in and said, "you could not have prevented it if you had wanted to. You know as well as I do he is an adult in human years and could have left if he had wished with or without your approval and you know he would have done it." The ebony-haired Elf wrinkled his nose and said, "pray will you stop acting this way? It is beginning to scare me!"

Glorfindel looked up at the counselor with a slight grin and a playful twinkle in his eyes, "you do care Erestor!" The Gondolin Elf laughed and Erestor looked horrified.

"I do not!" he argued in a near shout. "Now wait just a minute!" How could Glorfindel say such a thing? He was not allowed to, he would pay...

Glorfindel just smiled, "so you say Erestor, but why did you come looking for me in the first place? Afraid I was hurt perhaps? Or was it you wanted to help me unpack?"

Erestor frowned: Glorfindel's smile was grating on his nerves. How could Glorfindel be smiling while he was so serious? It wasn't fair in the least. Crossing his arms Erestor said, "if you insist upon knowing I was going to see if you were even in your room so I could get back the book of mine you just had to borrow and have not returned in ten years! Elf-lords (especially ones who can't seem to die) should not be sulking, so I could not help but investigate further!"

Glorfindel looked a bit uncomfortable and he said quietly, "oh." Where had that book gotten to? It must be in his study mixed with his papers and other books. Erestor glared and Glorfindel said, "what? I didn't lose it! It is in my study somewhere!"

Erestor shook his head and said, "as though that narrows it down!" The counselor's dark eyes flickered and he said, "did you ever even bother to read it?"

Glorfindel snorted and said, "of course! Why else would I dare to venture to your study to ask for it?" He then stood up and snapped, "it has not been ten years!"

Erestor just rolled his eyes, "yes it has!"

Glorfindel smiled ad said, "you are mistaken!" He would have never continue to keep a book that long and especially if he thought it would draw Erestor around him. That was like drenching yourself in honey and walking among flowers, yet expecting the bees to ignore you. It was not logical.

Erestor shook his head again, "no, I am not!"

Glorfindel said, "admit it Erestor! You messed up! As a matter of fact I think I returned the book to you some time ago. Are you sure you have not misplaced it?" Then the golden-haired Elf smiled deviously, "it is not becoming of an Elf-lord to accuse another of thievery when he has not checked his own study carefully, nor is it flattering to scold and argue like an old mother hen!"

The two were still arguing over the said book when Elrond came in. When he saw them quarreling for what had to be tenth time in three weeks he drew a long heavy breath and said, "can you too at least pretend to like each other around me? This is really beginning to give me a headache. Do I not have enough to worry about?" he asked with the last of his previously drawn breath. "I suppose I had better send a message to King Thranduil about Legolas, though I hate to tell him. I expect he won't be overly surprised though."

Glorfindel raised a brow and said incredulously about the implied needed delivery of a message, "now? In this weather? Who would go?" Elrohir could not go out into this and Elladan could not possibly go alone. Ancú was down for the count. His newly healed lung was in danger of ripping again.

Elrond looked at the Gondolin Elf and Erestor with raised brows, "I was hoping you two could go. You know well that I cannot send Elladan or Elrohir and Ancú is not allowed to rise for another month." He should have thought of this long ago. If he was lucky, their trip home would be delayed and he would be allowed a little peace. But, no, for that the twins would have to gone as well. Unless he confined them to their beds they would most likely break something or start a quarrel within the hour.

Erestor snorted, "Lord Elrond is that really necessary? I mean, he knows Legolas and if the prince hasn't returned home chances are he knows that his son is in trouble again. I doubt he needs a message to tell him that!"

Elrond shook his head and said, "he needs to know that I am doing something about it and he needs to know that Estel is out looking for Legolas and Rothinzil right now. Do you think Rothinzil could have at least made it out of trouble?"

Glorfindel frowned and said, "I honestly doubt it, Rothinzil would have willing stayed with his prince even if he had the chance to escape, which I doubt as well. I have one question, why us? It isn't like Erestor can fight!" He cast a glare at the raven-haired adviser and Erestor all but turned his nose up at the golden haired other.

The counselor snapped tersely, "I can so fight. I wager I can better than you!"

Elrond smiled inwardly. It was going to be rather pleasant being rid of them for a week, hopefully prolonged to a delightful month. "Nevertheless, you two are going to go together and tell King Thranduil all that has transpired."

Glorfindel said in a whine, "why can't one of the warriors go?" He had just gotten back after all. He did not want to travel all the way to Mirkwood this time in all that snow.

Elrond said flatly, "because I told you to and I think it will do you both some good. Who knows, maybe you will come back as friends." It was not likely, but there was always that little nagging hope that you could not ignore if you were desperate enough.

Erestor looked at Glorfindel and said, "don't tell me Lord Glorfindel is scared to leave his home again?"

Elrond looked at Erestor with narrowed eyes and asked, "is that really helping things? Remember, you have to travel with him." Erestor just sat on Glorfindel's bed and snorted in protest, but said no more.

As Elrond got up to go Glorfindel said, "I really don't think it is quite fair how you use your power to force me to travel with my worst enemy. Isn't that a little cruel?" Oh yes, it was!

Erestor said, "yes, it is undoubtedly despotic, not to mention extremely cruel..." He actually looked at Glorfindel for help as he was too flustered to think of any more words to say. Elrond felt his lips curving into a smile.

Glorfindel said, "Lord Erestor I think another word describing such abuse of power would be "destructive", particularly to me."

Erestor said, "I agree..."

Elrond nearly took a step back in shock. Erestor agreed with Glorfindel? That was truly amazing. Erestor looked at Elrond and said with a glare, "what is so amusing? I see nothing droll about this!"

Elrond shook his head and said, "it is good to see you two cooperating for once. Though I am not sure (while we stand here speaking of what is fair and what isn't) that two against one is entirely equal either."

Glorfindel frowned, opened his mouth as though to speak and then shut it again with a snap. No words could describe his frustration at the moment, so he just glared as hard as he could and Elrond said in a serious tone, "I m counting on you two." Then the raven haired Elf-lord left, leaving Glorfindel still glaring at the spot he had been standing on moments ago.

Erestor just scowled and said, "I am going to go and pack. You can pack your things. We will meet in the Hall of Fire." He was not looking forward to this trip at all. He gave Glorfindel a hard look and said, "I know you still have my book."

CHAPTER SEVEN

When You Thought You Were Losing

It was dusk when the ranger went up to the door of the magistrate of the town of Farlost. He could not help but feel butterflies fluttering about in his stomach as though they were being chased around in a cruel game of tag. As he gripped the brass knocker and knocked he began to wonder if this had been a mistake. It was going to attract people's attention and that was not something that was going to be helpful right about then.

A man opened the door to the house and Aragorn asked in a firm voice that was aided by his urgency, "is the magistrate in? I come on the behalf of two friends of mine."

The man, who was obviously the butler said, "he is, but he is occupied with dinner guests right now." The servant did not like the look of this man. He looked wild and dangerous. Aragorn knew it, but he could not afford to worry about himself so much now. The butler asked warily, "can I take a message to him or would you rather come back later tonight?"

Aragorn persisted, "I need to see him for about two minutes. Please. I am running out of time." He did not care what was thought of him if only he could get his friends out of this mess. As far as the ranger was concerned, his reputation was soiled anyway for even siding with the Elves so why not damage it further?

The butler snapped, "you are running out of time and I out of patience! Give me a message to deliver or leave!"

Aragorn looked at the man and said, "I don't have time for this! My friends are in danger!" He glared lancets at the butler who had no difficulty reflecting them right back.

A deep voice behind the servant said, "let me through! If he wishes to speak to me, he may for what good it will do." An elderly man in body yet seemingly younger in strength and spirit stood before him and he was about the same height as Aragorn, which many men were not. Aragorn watched him for a moment and the man said, "what is it you wish to speak of boy?"

Aragorn frowned and gathered some courage before saying, "I have two friends you are holding in jail, one already beaten for no reason. They did no wrong and are suffering greatly. When are the trail dates and when are they to be released?"

The magistrate met his gaze with scorn and said, "you mean the two Elves. They are not to be released. As a matter of fact, I have already looked at the evidence and have agreed to let the only living family member have his death right towards them. They will be executed tomorrow."

Aragorn did not know what to say. This was all happening to fast and the world seemed to be spinning, or was that his head? He felt numb struck and all he could do was gape. Finally he managed to croak out, "you can't do that! They didn't do it! Please! Give us a chance to prove their innocence! If you were half the man you think you are-"

The magistrate cut Aragorn off and said, "look here. You are wasting our breath. How do you expect to prove them innocent? I will give you one day. If you cannot prove them innocent then they are to be executed the next day! I will say no more." With that he slammed the door on Aragorn and the ranger stared at for a moment.

Now whenever he closed his eyes he saw Legolas, Legolas laughing, Legolas being...well...Legolas. He wanted so much for things to be back to normal. He had never thought this was how his friend would die; yet it seemed this was it.

He had to admit to himself that the evidence was strongly against Legolas and Rothinzil. How could he counter it? He didn't know. As he looked at the snow glittering on the ground, he picked some up and sifted it through his fingers but he did not feel the coldness. A hot fire was burning inside radiantly with the will to save his friends.

Legolas sat by the bars of the cell and Roth was asleep again. Legolas frowned when he thought of how weary Rothinzil was. It was disturbing and he hoped that Roth was not getting too depressed. That too could kill an Elf.

Legolas knew his own body was weakening. The Mirkwood prince was scared and the dark was still pulling his heart down into the depths beyond the rock bottom. He jerked his head up as he heard the sound of boots on the cobblestone. It was a sound he had grown to fear to his private shame. But the way the boots hit the stones made Legolas think more of an Elf than a man and he knew that Aragorn had to be coming back.

At first his heart rejoiced, but his joy soon turned frigid and was extinguished as he recalled the men's threat. He was certain that they would carry it out soon. They had no reason not to and if Legolas was to die he did not want to die knowing that Aragorn had gotten killed trying to prevent it.

Roth woke and stirred a moment before sitting up and shivering. He asked in a quiet whisper, "Legolas, who is it? Who is coming? I heard something in my sleep."

Legolas answered with a slight frown; "Strider has come. It is well. You slept for roughly two hours, you know that?" he teased lightly. However it came across more as a scolding than a jest and Legolas recoiled secretly.

Rothinzil snorted, "I don't see anything else to do here and after what I went through I could sleep for weeks." Legolas gave a chuckle and shook his head. He brushed strands of blonde hair from his face.

Legolas looked at Aragorn as the man came striding up. He was walking fast and Legolas did not like the numb and lifeless look that his friend possessed. It was disquieting and it sent shivers down the blonde prince's spine that chilled his marrow. Something was direly wrong and in moments Legolas would know exactly what it was.

As Aragorn came up he saw that Legolas and Roth looked rather disquieted and so Aragorn knew that they did not know of their planned execution date for the next day, or really the day after. If they did know of it he was certain that Legolas would recoil into his peaceful demeanor and that so would Roth, either that or Rothinzil would go into a rage. But neither of them would act frightened at all. They would not give the town the satisfaction.

As the dark-haired ranger drew nearer, he leaned against the bars of Legolas and Roth's cell, rubbing his temples with his hands in frustration at his lack of fulfillment. Legolas watched for a moment and then sighed heavily, "something is wrong."

Aragorn looked down a the Elf and said, "these are the times I hate it when you are so perceptive of things." He drew a deep breath and then said, "have you hard anything?"

Legolas crinkled his brow and said with concern, "anything about what?" As Legolas said this, Rothinzil got up and walked over to be beside his prince. If something was really wrong, he wanted to know and he wanted to be ready.

Aragorn shook his head and said, "obviously you haven't." He looked at the two Elves and said, "you were scheduled to be executed tomorrow but I was granted one more day to prove you innocent."

Legolas just frowned and said to himself, "it seems that everything is just a day away." He looked at Aragorn with iced over blue eyes. "You have to leave Strider. You are in danger here, grave danger."

The ranger shifted away from the bars and said, "I think not. Legolas I would never abandon you or Rothinzil. I could not bear to have you two die and I gave up. I could never live with you two being dead anyway."

Legolas spoke softly, "I could not bear your death either, which is why I ask you to leave." He turned away from the human as though to say that this conversation was over and he request not up for discussion. Rothinzil looked at his prince and at Aragorn, then turned away.

He was no longer frightened, it was only a matter of time before he died and he had excepted that fact, though it had not come easily. After all he was a fairly young Elf, who was supposed to live forever and now was going to be hanged like a public felon. It was nearly too much and maybe, if it weren't for Legolas's presence he would have broken down already.

Aragorn began to speak, "Legolas...Roth...?..." It was no use, they had made up their minds.

The ranger, however, had not given up. He was going to save them, or die trying. As the dark-haired man walked away from their cell he asked himself how many times he had ever resolved to save them or die trying. It was often enough, concluded the man at length. But he also thought of the times that Legolas had done the very same thing and Roth had always been there no matter how much of a fool he proved to be or how much of a klutz he was.

If he abandoned them now he would regret it forever...and that is a long time.

Walking out it no the night, he looked back and saw that Rothinzil and Legolas were both sitting on the ground, unmoving. It was as though they were already dead.

Legolas looked at Rothinzil as his friend was looking at the wall and moving his lips silently, "what are you doing?" He raised a blonde brow in question and Rothinzil stopped and said somewhat sheepishly,

"Counting bricks. Care to give it a try?" he asked with a grin. He shivered slightly and Legolas felt anger rising again. True, Elves did not feel the cold so much as humans did, but they could still feel it and Rothinzil was shirtless. In truth, Legolas was surprised he was not seeing sanguine by now from his animosity.

Nevertheless, Roth's answer made him give a light and hollow laugh, "interesting. But, no, I do not care to try." He glared then and said, "Roth how cold are you? You are shivering!"

Rothinzil narrowed his eyes and said, "I am not shivering!" He was, but he was not going to admit that! He was an Elf and it would be more than humiliating. However, when Legolas fixed him with a look that was disturbingly enough like one that King Thranduil would give, Roth conceded and mumbled, "I am shivering."

Legolas took the cloak that had been his and wrapped it tighter about his friend. Smiling shallowly, the prince said, "this will all be over tomorrow."

"Yes," said Rothinzil as he returned the weak smile, "I suppose it will." He honestly was wishing it wouldn't be. He had so much he still wanted to do that he had put off because as far as he knew he was immortal and now he would never get to do it.

Legolas then shifted. He was bored and had to think of something other than what tomorrow would bring. "Rothinzil, what happened to you before I found you? After you ran away from the village you were raised in?"

Rothinzil said, "not much. I hardly think it is worth speaking about but if you really wish for me to tell you I will tell you enough for your peace." He drew a deep breath, "I was out in the wild for at least a month. I did not eat, I weathered storms and such. Then you found me and refused to leave me alone or let me be imprisoned for trespassing." Legolas gave a sigh and he frowned,

"I do remember that. It was rather tragic when I saw you. However, all these years I have pondered whether it was you saved me or I saved you. And now I think I know..." He locked his bright azure orbs with Rothinzil's hazel ones and said, "you saved me."

Rothinzil wrinkled his forehead and asked softly, "how so?"

"To save you was to save myself as well, I think," answered the prince at length. "I was grieving over my mother's death and ready to sail, but I was trying to find a reason to stay. Then I found you and I realized that if I rescued you, you would need help and I wanted to be the one to help you. But you opened up my heart. Before you came along I had grown away from my father even. I had built a wall around my essence and armed it with thorns, but you were hurting enough that the pricking of the thorns seemed pleasant compared to everything else I suppose and you never let me alone either." He gave a chuckle. "Eventually I think you broke your way in."

Rothinzil smiled, "So in the end it worked both ways. I saved you and you saved me. The difference with me was you only had to scale a wall that was already crumbling."

Legolas smiled and said ethereally, "in the end." And whatever end they would come to tomorrow, they would never forget how they had saved each other's hearts when all they both had wanted was somebody who had cared.

Both of the Elves could not really see each other anymore. It was night and everything was dark. But they knew that if they looked at one another that the other would be bearing a smile as bright as the sunlight.

Aragorn walked softly through the snowy world that had turned into night. He kicked up bits of snow and slush with his boot toe as he walked the empty streets. It was a bit eerie, but not unlike anything he had ever seen before.

The man let the wind whip his cloak and hood around him and the air bite his face. He had become so hot inside with the want to free his friends that he did not feel the cold. Most would have taken it as an exaggeration, but it was real. The ranger watched the sky, the stars were veiled and everything bleak in the dark, for even the moon was gone to sleep for the night beneath blankets of cloud.

Aragorn sighed and wished that he could see the stars. Raised by Elves, they brought him a new hope that he desperately needed at this hour. He watched the sky for minute longer, before deciding to look at the ground. The snow seemed dull and lifeless as it had no starlight to reflect or moonlight. Had everything died when the Elves were condemned? It seemed so, and perhaps he had died more than just a little.

He wondered if these people, these men, saw the danger of their folly. The Valar would certainly not be pleased with them and their unnecessary cruelty towards the immortals. If they ended Legolas or Rothinzil's life it would be their own death sentence they had also signed in elvish blood.

Aragorn could hear the night watchman crying out he time. It was eleven. Yet, it seemed later with out the light or the Valar in this cursed place. Aragorn wished his brothers were with him, He so desperately wanted guidance, but they were not here. He had run away from them and so in his mind had also abandoned them. He wondered if that was what they thought of him.

But it was his time to go alone. His test, his struggle and he would never ask them to put themselves in danger. Besides, he really wasn't alone, was he? They were part of him. He couldn't feel them by his side, but he knew that in heart they were with him.

Aragorn was so in thought about what he had done wrong and what he could do now to make things right that he did not see an obvious danger.

Calmir watched wit his four men as the ranger paced the streets anxiously. They did not know him, but they did know this, he was close to the Elves and he was very near freeing him though they were sure the other did not know it. Calmir looked at Kushor and said, "if he frees those damn Elves the blame will fall on us and we will be arrested." Calmir shifted his short sword in his hand restlessly. He had killed before and he could do it again. "If I can't have those Elves I want them dead. They are animals anyway."

Kushor nodded by his partner's side. "What about the horses? Where did the men of he town put them?" He pulled his cloak tighter about himself as he felt the icy bite of the wind.

"They rounded them up in the corral just outside of town. We can get them if we hurry and make it to The King's in two more days."

"Not if that man frees those Elves and they get their names cleared," answered Kushor quickly. All of the thieves knew it was only a matter of time.

Calmir drew his sword out and said, "that is why he isn't going to be around to testify for them and they will die tomorrow." The others followed Calmir's example and drew their swords out. The blades glowed with a dull evil in the dark. It was as though they longed to immerse themselves in blood once more.

Aragorn halted, for he could have sworn he had heard the crunch of frozen slush beneath feet. His hearing was greater than that of most men and seldom failed him. He did not make a move like he knew that the noise had been made. He did not want to give himself away yet and by this he kept the element of surprise on his side.

However, he loosened his sword in its sheath beneath the cover of his cloak. The ranger had expected trouble at some point, just not yet. He was not afraid, but the man began to wonder how many there were and if he could go against them all.

He heard the snow crack behind him under a man's weight and he whirled around brandishing his sword and as he did so he looked straight into the steely eyes of Calmir. The other man just gave a ghostly smile and said, "you know it is dangerous for a man to walk after dark. People can get hurt."

Aragorn said, "true, but if you know where the vipers nest you can avoid them." It was meant to goad the man on into making a rushed move that would be easy for Aragorn to counter.

Calmir remained cool and said, "but vipers are masters of trickery. They can strike without you even knowing it and you find yourself flat on your back before you can blink and then it is too late." He took a step towards the ranger and Aragorn remained firm. This unnerved Calmir and he thrust his sword at the dark-haired Elf-friend.

Aragorn blocked the bow and metal clashed upon metal with sharp clangs. In the distance a dog howled and a deadly flame now kindled in Calmir's eyes. Men came three men came from different directions and Calmir grinned coldly, "you are out numbered here Elf-friend! Go away from here or taste death."

Aragorn looked at them and felt his heart beating in his chest; hard and fast as fear sped it up. "No," he managed. Then his voice hardened and held its own touch of ice and steel, "never."

Calmir smiled and said, "don't say I didn't warn you."

Aragorn quickly raised his sword just in time to bock one of the sweeping blows made by Kushor. These men were skilled in fighting and it was a little disturbing.

Calmir aimed his blade for the ranger's middle and the younger man quickly knocked the sword from the other's hand and it spun off into the snow and slid to a stop near an old house that looked as though it had seen enough service and was ready to collapse. Calmir lunged for it but Aragorn grabbed the elder human's cloak and through him down to the ground with his naked blade placed delicately on Calmir's neck.

His victory was short lived when Kushor ran up and struck the ranger with the flat of his sword in the back and Aragorn went down with a cry. Calmir got up and would have killed the young Dúnadan, but that would be too easy.

He pulled Aragorn up by the front of his tunic and then kicked him in the stomach. Aragorn felt hot pain blaze in his abdomen and the urge to throw up tugged at the back of his throat. However, he kept his gaze filled with ice, though it was far more of a challenge than he ever would have thought. Calmir snorted, "not so tough now are you?" He threw the ranger backward into the arms of Kushor and another man.

They gripped the ranger's arms and kept him still as Calmir drew up to stand before Aragorn with an evil grin on his face. "I would kill you, but that would be too good for you Elf-lover!" With that he drew back his fist and slammed it into Aragorn's face, rocketing the young man's head back.

Biting back a cry, the man looked at Calmir with a fierce look of utter defiance. Blood came from the young ranger's mouth in a small trickle. Calmir dealt another blow and it struck Aragorn's defenseless stomach. The younger mortal doubled over as far as the grips on his arms would allow.

Calmir would have beaten the ranger senseless and then killed him, but a shutter banged open and a voice yelled out, "what is going on?" They had been discovered.

Kushor looked at Calmir and said quickly and with a touch of fear in his voice, "we have to go. Leave him."

Calmir nodded and Aragorn was dropped to the ground. The snow felt so good against his swollen face that he welcomed it. But he saw Calmir's boots before his face and he heard the other whisper lethally, "this isn't finished ranger. We will hunt you down."

Aragorn said nothing and listened as the men left in a flurry of flying snow and scuffles of ice against their boots.

Even when he knew they were gone the young man just lay there in the snow and slush. It felt cool on his burning face though it froze the rest of him. He watched as the snow beneath his face turned a disturbing shade or crimson from the blood of his lower lip.

It felt so good just to lay on the ground and he closed his eyes. As he lay there he thought of how he had failed his friends and of all that had transpired that night.

But as Aragorn lay there, it was then he realized what his friends' deliverance could be. It could be found in the obvious. Two Elves could not steal so many horses. Besides that they had no motive. Elven horses are better than the horses of mortals by far, for they can understand the Elven speech. He was also sure that once the magistrate discovered he was dealing with killing an Elven prince whose father could have the town leveled in less than an hour he might be more easily talked into ruling in a favorable way.

Why had he not thought of this earlier? As the man watched the snow he saw it begin to sparkle. The stars had come back out and were adding light out the darkened world. The clouds had passed by and a brilliant light shined down from the celestial bodies. It was so bright and wonderful it made the ranger want to cry. Hope was rekindled and he thought that maybe now they had a chance.

Rising onto his knees, the man wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his sleeve. Then, he sheathed his word, but not before looking at the light of the stars glittering in it like sparks of white flame or rare jewels and pearls.

He thought it unique and more than a little comforting that only in the darkness of night you could see the stars. Otherwise, there light was unlooked for and so did not stand out. He also thought it odd that in the great darkness, they forced one to look up and not at the ground all the time.

As Aragorn began to walk back towards the jail he felt his spirits rising.

Elrohir walked slowly into Elladan's room after taking along nap. His hair was a bit frizzy, but he was in his own home and he was still not feeling the best. As he walked into Elladan's room, he saw that his brother was watching the sun set, as he loved to do. The leaves turned golden and orange in the fading light. "Elladan?" asked Elrohir in a whisper.

Elladan did not answer for a moment and then he said, "He is out there on his own Ro and it makes me sad. He is growing up. He doesn't need us all the time anymore." Elladan promised himself he would not cry, but it was difficult. This time had come too soon and the fact that it had caught him off guard when he had prepared for it for so long in his heart cut into him deeply, it cut so deep it hurt.

Elrohir sighed and went up beside his brother, his own gray eyes looking into the sunset as he spook, "He still needs us."

Elladan drew a deep and labored breath as he fought the urge to grieve, "then why aren't we there?" he asked. It was a question Elrohir had asked himself but had hoped he would not have to confront. It was because of him, his wound; his weakness. It was his weakness that was keeping them from Estel.

Elrohir did not answer and Elladan knew what his brother was thinking. He did not say anything other than, "you need rest 'Ro. Go back to sleep. It is dark now and there is just a bit of purple clinging to the twilight."

Elrohir shook his head and conceded, "for your peace I will go to bed even though I just got up."

Elladan suddenly said over his shoulder as Elrohir turned and was walking wearily out of his room, "Elrohir, it is not your fault. This was the test we had all been waiting for. If you taught that boy half was well as I think you have, he will not fail."

Elrohir just gave a hollow grin, "you had a hand in his training as well, so don't call yourself short Elladan!"

Elladan just gave a short laugh that ended rather abruptly, "yes, well, I was talking about you. But now that you mention it, I did do a rather fine job, did I not?" He turned around and watched as Elrohir spun about to meat his eyes.

"Elladan, I don't know what you are talking about" declared the younger twin with a sarcastic grin. Then he looked a bit weary and lowered his gaze, "but I think I will be going to bed now. Tell Ada good night for me."

Elladan felt his short lived smile fade, "I will. You just get better Elrohir."

Erestor sat in the chair of his study, maps before him. He was studying them earnestly. It had been long since the counselor had dared to venture out of Rivendell and even though Glorfindel may know where they were going he wanted to know it as well incase the Gondolin Elf made an error.

When Glorfindel came in and saw Erestor pulling over old maps and books he said, "oh please! You trust me no better than this?" Seeing Erestor doing this was rather insulting.

Erestor looked at him with a wrinkled brow and said somewhat calmly and in a matter-of-fact voice, "not only that. If something should happen to you (and I am sure it will) I would like to know my way home." He rolled up the map and put it back in the shelf he had taken it from.

He started to put away another and then he narrowed his eyes and held it aloft for Glorfindel to see. It had wrinkles in it where it had obviously been folded. The creases cut through some of the names and made an ugly mess. "By the way Glorfindel, roll the maps, do not fold them!"

Glorfindel snorted and said, "that was what Elladan did when he asked to borrow the map that I borrowed from you!" If this was how Erestor was going to be the whole way to Mirkwood, he did not want to go with him, rather with a pack of cruel orcs and wargs than this pushy Elf that seemed to think he knew all.

Erestor shook his head, "so you say! Is your stuff packed yet? I want an early start tomorrow,"' he said rather quickly as he began to roll the maps and put ledgers away.

Glorfindel leaned against the door-post and said in a quiet voice, "how early?" He certainly did not feel like getting up before the sun and if that was deal, too bad for Erestor.

The raven-haired Elf shifted his glance up at Glorfindel and said, "the sooner the better, around sunrise I would say." The reaction was not unexpected as he saw the golden-haired Elf-lord's jaw drop.

"Leave at dawn or up at dawn?" he asked in a stammer. He was all for an early start, but leaving at dawn would be too much. He doubted if he would be truly awake by then. Also, he figured that Erestor would be rather grumpy. He did not fancy to ride with a grumpy Elf, especially if he was of the same mind.

Erestor snorted and said, "I think leaving at dawn is best. Then we can get a better start and cover more ground before nightfall." He brushed some raven hair out of his face and set a book on top of some others on the side of his desk.

Glorfindel closed his eyes and passed a weary hand over them. No! "Erestor, you are going to bed early then?"

Erestor nodded, "right after I put everything away. And yourself?"

Glorfindel opened one eye and looked between his fingers almost shyly, "as soon as I get over my shock." Now he really needed a cup of good tea and if that did not work he was going to wake Elrond and beg to be drugged. Erestor never went to bed early. He read until around one and still got up early...

Erestor seemed not to notice what was said so the blonde Elf-lord was utterly amazed when the ebony haired Elf said, "you complain too much."

Glorfindel rolled his eyes as he removed his hand from his face and glared at the other. However, he was to in the mood to argue. He stood, watching Erestor arranging books and papers for a moment before asking in a quiet voice, "you don't mean to take all that with you?"

Erestor looked up at the Balrog-Slayer with a frown, "of course not! That would be folly! I may bring a map or two but that is all! However, if I wished to bring more you could not tell me otherwise!"

Glorfindel just shook his head. He honestly had more important things to think about. "Good night Erestor." As the Gondolin Elf left the room he heard a hastily mumbled 'good night' returned and he smiled wryly.

As he left and was heading to his room he felt a hand suddenly grip his shoulder tightly and spin him around. Fears of Dark Elves flashed through his mind as he thought about what had taken place only a few months ago. Then he heard a familiar voice ask in a faint whisper, "Lord Glorfindel where are you going?"

"Ancú? Should you not be resting?" asked Glorfindel in a surprised breath. He had not seen the Elf warrior that was like a son to him since he came back to Rivendell with the twins. At least he knew that the younger immortal was healing well.

Ancú looked at Glorfindel and said, "Glorfindel can't I come with you and Erestor? I am well, Lord Elrond just insists that I stay in bed because I think I get on his nerves from time to time and I think that I should come with you as the Captain of The Guard-"

He was cut short, as Glorfindel said; "No it is winter. Elrohir was having trouble with his wound and his had healed quicker than yours had! A torn lung is not something to be taken lightly and I do not feel like hauling your frozen corpse home. Ancú, if you died I don't think I could bear it."

"You raised me to always fight and never give in and that is what I am going to do," he argued adamantly and with a flash of his hazel eyes that caught the starlight of Rivendell.

Glorfindel snapped back, "Ancú you are not coming. The twins need looking after and lets face it, other than Elrond you are about the only one who can really bully them around." He placed his hands gently but firmly on the dark-haired Elf's shoulders, forcing him to look into his eyes. "Do I not have enough to look after with Erestor coming? He can't have used a sword for near two millennia! I can't be fighting orcs and looking after you and Erestor. You and I both know that would be suicide!"

"Erestor can't even fight, so why should he get to go and I am left behind? Glorfindel-" contended Ancú angrily as he pulled away from the golden-haired Elf's grip.

"Erestor is better at negotiations than you will ever be and that is a fact!" said Glorfindel with a laugh. "You are a warrior and so am I. All it takes to go and deliver a message to Thranduil and talk to the king is a counselor and a warrior to protect the counselor and help him as he needs it. However, if you wish to go, talk to Lord Elrond about it. I certainly do not fancy traveling with Erestor myself."

Ancú turned around to leave and said, "admit it Glorfindel! If anything happened to Erestor that put his life in danger you would never forgive yourself! If he died...you would not be able to bear it!"

Glorfindel chuckled and said, "I admit that having him die would not be exactly what I want, but never forgive myself? Somehow I doubt it." He sighed and said, "Elbereth help me tomorrow and Elbereth help Erestor if he doesn't shut up and let me guide him over the mountains. I am expecting the goblins will be up to mischief and it will be a miracle if one of us is unscathed by the time we get home." He shook his head and smiled at Ancú, "I actually wish that you could come now. That way one could argue and another could keep watch."

Ancú glanced around Glorfindel and down the hall to Erestor's room where the candle was still lit and light was shining out from the doorway. "You do the arguing, I'll do the watching. Or at least that is how I would like it should I go with you and Erestor."

Glorfindel laughed as he began to walk towards his room, "so you would give me the hard part? That is just like you!" he teased gently as he suppressed a yawn. Ancú watched Glorfindel go and he shook his head. For being so much older Glorfindel acted like a young Elf of only two thousand years at times and it was more than a little disturbing. Ancú guessed it came from being reborn or living with the twins, perhaps the both together.

He knew that Glorfindel was a great warrior though and had helped teach the twins and himself. For Glorfindel he had great respect, like that between a father and son. It was Glorfindel who along with help from Erestor and Elrond had raised him as an Elfling.

CHAPTER EIGHT

When You Believe

Aragorn stumbled back into the jail and he went up alongside the bars of Legolas and Rothinzil's prison. Legolas and Roth had been soundly sleeping, Legolas had his head leaning on Rothinzil's shoulder and Roth was pressed up against Legolas for warmth, but both were fast asleep. Aragorn could hear their even and heavy breathing. It made the whole situation almost serene and put his heavily pounding heart at ease to see his friends carefree for a brief period of time.

He was not going to wake them, but Legolas fluttered his eyelids open due to his Elven keeness to noise and through the dim light he squinted at the figure near them, just outside of the cell, which was their only safety zone at the moment. He asked quietly, "Strider?" His voice was damped with sleep; it was practically a yawn.

Aragorn said, "Legolas, it is I. Nothing is wrong. Are you awake then?" he whispered back in the dark.

Legolas answered back as quietly as possible so as not to waken Rothinzil, "yes. I haven't really been sleeping and I sensed your presence. What are you so joyous about?" He felt Roth stirring slightly and he held still for a moment and his breath caught.The other needed sleep and Legolas was about to do anything to let his friend remain lost in dreams.

Aragorn sat down as close to the bars as possible so Legolas could feel he was here and that the he and Roth were not alone. "I can prove you innocent. I have a way." He sounded so assured...exactly the opposite of what Legolas felt. It was also exactly the opposite of what his tone carried.

Legolas' tone of voice suddenly went very cold and he said, "no. You won't! You will be ambushed for certain! They will murder you Estel!" Does he not understand the urgency, or must he always challenge the Valar like his brothers? thought the prince antagonistically.

Aragorn gave a wry chuckle and said quietly, "they have already tried." He was not sure that ws something to be laughing at, but it was too late now and anyway, it was rather humorous that they had not succeeded. Or at least, that was how he tired to justify it in his mind. He knew that Legolas' opinion hardly concurred with his own and so he was not surprised to hear a little outburst from the Elven prince.

Legolas did not bother to hold still so that Roth would not wake. He spun around in the dark and grabbed the figure of the ranger by the shoulders. "Did they hurt you? Are you in pain?" he asked imperatively. "Estel! It isn't funny!"

Aragorn was undaunted and said, "they did me no lasting harm Legolas. Calm yourself Son of Thranduil." He gently moved Legolas' hands from his shoulders. As he did the Elf felt the chill of them and he gasped,

"Strider, your hands are like ice. You should be inside, you are not the one being charged with a crime here," pleaded the Elf. He would wager his life that the ranger could not feel his fingers. "You shall get frostbite!" he declared with a twinge of anger.

"I am staying here with you Legolas, mellon nin, you and Roth are not going to go through the night alone. Do not fear, we will get you home soon."

Legolas laughed with a bit of scorn in his voice, "home? That is across the Anduin and as we are now we still have miles between us and its waters!" He drew a heavy sigh and said, "you just don't know when you are defeated, do you? Men, you can't tell when you are beaten." He shook his head and all but spat, "this is the end, whether you can see it or not!"

Aragorn reached his hands through the bars and took the prince's head in his hands, bracketing it gently, "The end of the horse thieves. I will clear you and Roth's name then we will hunt down those cowards and bring them back to meet the people they betrayed."

Legolas tried to pull away from the man's firm grasp and the ranger let him. "No. You do not understand. They will fall in the end, yes, they will. But right now we are going to sink with them."

Aragorn sighed and taking Legolas' hand, he held it gently and then gave it a squeeze. The prince just laid his forehead back against the bars. "Legolas, you must trust me." Legolas gripped the ranger's hand back and said,

"I am so tired of fighting. I am just so very tired. Men hate us and we fight, win for a day, then they reject us again. There is so much evil in the world, and in its mocking face the foes of one enemy are separated because they cannot understand each other anymore. Men do not wish to understand that which they fear and Elves do not wish to fight it. I am just so very tired. Even the Lake Men grow leery of us and us of them. I trust you Aragorn son of Arathorn. You have never let me down and have been my friend even when it gets rough. I am too tired of fighting and so if you, in your youth, feel the need to carry on I wish you the best of luck. But know this," here Legolas closed his eyes as though against the dark, "it is an uphill battle."

Aragorn heard a soft yawn emit from the blonde Elf and Legolas' breathing even out into deep and slow breaths. He still held Aragorn's hand as though it was all he had to keep him holding on. Aragorn knew that in his heart the prince did not wish to quit and he could go on strong for a long time yet if he was pushed.For this the ranger was grateful.

Aragorn looked at Rothinzil in the dim light and he saw how the Elf was clothed in only his breeches and his along with Legolas' cloaks. Pity rose in the ranger's heart. Tomorrow, when this was all over, he would make sure that they were fed and that Roth got a proper tunic to wear.

The Elves would both have extra clothes in their packs, but those were locked away with their weapons.

Aragorn looked into the darkness. He could not sleep, he felt so excited and yet like he had struck bedrock. He shut his eyes, but sleep did not come. He opened them and stared about the dank prison and still sleep did not come. He felt Legolas' hand go limp and he guessed the Elf was finally in a deep sleep. He was no longer worrying, no longer fighting and Aragorn knew it was because Legolas was not fighting any more, but it was not because he was broken. No, he knew he had someone else fighting for him who was worthy and Aragorn felt the burden of both of the Elves lives placed upon his shoulders.

He knew it was not something to take lightly and he let go of Legolas' hand gently, so as not to wake the prince. Putting both his hand sin his outer tunic's pockets, the ranger kept them warm and felt them tingle as life came back to them.

Aragorn opened his eyes and saw light glittering through cracks in the stone and he realized he must have actually gotten some sleep that night because it was morning and he had opened his eyes. On the other side of the bars, Legolas slept peacefully. Roth had shifted closer to his prince during the night to ward off the chill he felt.

It made the ranger smile to see the friendship between the two Elves. It reminded him of his brothers. Rothinzil and Legolas were not brothers by blood, but Aragorn knew what many did not: they were sworn brothers. He did not know all the thought and reason behind it, but he did know that was what they were.

He got up carefully, to make sure that Legolas and Roth stayed asleep. They needed rest and he could tell they were both extremely tired because even Legolas had his eyes closed. He could see the Elves' breath coming out of their noses in puffs of white steam.

Looking at them he said in a faint whisper, "I will be back Legolas and Rothinzil. Just sleep a little longer and do not fear, for today you will be free." Legolas seemed to stir and then he held still.

Aragorn walked quietly out and he blinked as he walked into the bright world. The wind nipped him and he drew his tunic in closer about himself, since Roth had both his and Legolas' cloak. As he walked, the freshly fallen snow crunched beneath his feet and the noise seemed so loud in the early morning.

But he had to get to the magistrate's house again and wake the man if need be. He was not going to let his friends get killed that day. Brushing his unkept hair from his lean face, the ranger began to walk across the town towards the chancellor's home.

As he walked through the streets he saw that hardly anyone was about but boys doing their chores. It was earlier than he thought. The slush in the streets had frozen anew over night into awkward little waves and mountains with ankle twisting valleys.

The man found it hard to believe that he had even been out here the night before. The morning was crisp and no clouds hung in the sky. It was red, however and faint tendrils of night still clung about the crimson sky. It was actually beautiful in its own way as the colors mixed and welled together to create wonderful scene. If only he could be sharing it with his best friend. The whole landscape was ethereal and it seemed to be a sign from the Valar, all will be well and the night cannot last. A new sun has to come.

When the ranger reached the door, he knocked. There was no answer. He knocked again and banged even harder on the door. No answer still. As he waited another moment he took a chance to survey the house in the light of morning. It was not large nor was it small. It was made of logs and was seemingly snug.

He was about to knock again when the magistrate himself came to the door. He was wearing a nice robe, with a maroon colored cord about his waist. When he saw Aragorn he said, "my butler is not even awake yet. What is it you want? You can't possibly have any way to prove those Elves innocent. I shouldn't even waste my time..." He eyed Aragorn ad said with some reluctance, "well, come on in."

Aragorn entered with some reluctance himself. Even though he was a man he was used to the homes of Elves. They were close to nature and this place made him a bit uneasy. He had to tell himself that he was doing this for Legolas and for Roth. Otherwise he would have gladly run the other direction.

The magistrate stood by his own chair, which was large and very nearly over stuffed. But before sitting, he motioned for Aragorn to make himself comfortable in the chair across from him so that they might talk. "Don't get me wrong, ranger. I do not like to kill. I do not believe in puffing out flames, but these Elves..." He shook his head and sighed, "I can't trust them."

Aragorn said, "but the blonde one...he is an Elven prince...he is the crowned Prince of Greenwood the Great! Surly that must count for something? Do you wish to start a war with a race that if they so chose, could annihilate you?" Aragorn's voice was growing more and more distraught.

The other man shook his head and ran his fingers through his thinning hair. "No, I do not. Since the orcs destroyed our able men, we would not even be able to resist." He drew a heavy breath. "Yet if they did this horrible crime and let those men suffer and die at the hand of merciless orcs...then I can't say that I won't kill them." He then raised a brow at Aragorn and said, "don't bandy words with me. I know what place it is you speak of and saying its old name does not hide the evil it has turned into. Mirkwood it is now and should have always been. Where the Elves dwell are dangerous places."

Aragorn felt his mouth waiting to drop in shock as soon as he would let it. The elderly man gave a wry chuckle and said, "caught you off guard?" He gave a laugh, "those Elves used to be allies of ours until one betrayed us to the orcs. We were told he was captured by them first, but we do not know for sure."

Aragorn grimaced inwardly, for any Elf captured by orcs he would not be surprised if they were driven to betray those they cared for. Especially under the threat of torment they could receive for being an Elf, it would be doubled if they did not comply and orcs had a knack for making sure you were awake when they wanted you to be. "I am certain that the Elves did not do it on purpose. But you must understand Elves are not inhuman. They are beings like us and can be slain just as easily, they have feelings as we do and don't think for one minute that Elf did not lament, for if he betrayed you it is most likely his own kind was betrayed as well."

The man nodded slowly, as though processing all that he had been told thus far. He still was unmoved about the sentence of his prisoners. "Ranger, let me tell you something. The constabulary found them at the scene of the crime with a man dead and the others trying to capture the Elves. What does that tell you? Do you think that Elves are incapable of evil? Everyone can be evil if they wish, whether you choose to see it or no."

Aragorn shook his head sadly and said, "no. I know Elves can be evil, just as everyone else. But they have to be driven into it. Their hearts lie in peace and in joy. I have known evil Elves and so has Prince Legolas and his friend Rothinzil." The young Dúnadan sighed and looked at the floor for a moment. How could he explain to this man that the Elves were not evil, just misunderstood? "If you are not going to believe in the goodness of their hearts, then will you at least listen to reason?" he asked quietly.

The other snorted, "if I can believe it."

Aragorn said, "Two Elves cannot steal over twenty horses! They have no magical powers, despite popular beliefs. Or do you think they like your prison enough to not use a miracle to escape? Don't flatter yourself! " He scowled darkly and said, "it is impossible for them to bewitch others, that is the work of dragons, their bitter foes."

The elderly man nodded again and said, "Yes, as I recall not too long ago. They did defy the worm Smaug. But rumor has it they were after the treasure of his hoard more than because they disliked the creature."

Aragorn sighed. Yes, it was somewhat true. But the Elves also had grievances with the dragon. He had killed their people and helped to make their woods evil. It was not the fault of the Elves that their woods were turning into places of brooding evil and malice. Thy kept great vigilance over the places they still held for a time. He spoke slowly, as he tried to explain the immortals' point of view; "That is not entirely true, he let evil take their lands and after he left much evil fell, though it is returning and they are without aid to fight against it. They may live forever, yes. They can only abide so long on this earth being hated as they are by many and the day that they leave is the day that all man kind will rue bitterly, for then much that was good will be gone." The ranger looked the other straight in the eyes as he spoke.

The other said nothing for a few minutes and there was a silence between them that were heavy with the striving of wills. Finally the elder man spoke, "how can I know you are not lying? You see them with a friend's eye, and may be more willing to over look their faults."

Aragorn had expected this question and yet was still not wholly prepared for it. Perhaps it would best for the Elves to talk with this man themselves. "If you are willing I am sure that Prince Legolas and Rothinzil his close friend will be more than willing to tell you truthfully all about their home and what honestly happened at the time of the crime they are wrongfully charged with." He made sure to place emphasis on Legolas' title. He wanted to make sure the other knew the fact that whether his town was leveled by enraged Elves or not was his decision.

"I still see no alibi for them being there at the time of the murder." The graying man shook his head in frustration. Although he was beginning to believe that perhaps he had been wrong and now he was beginning to wish he had been.

"It was said the men were trying to lay hands on them," said Aragorn slowly. "Perhaps they wished to capture the Elves for other reasons unbeknownst to us. I know them and they would never murder anyone, no matter how much they hated them, in their sleep. Elves, especially Legolas and Rothinzil believe in a fair fight if it must come to that, though they would rather avoid it. Which is part of the secrecy of the Elves. They do not like to go around looking for trouble, which is often why are the first blamed for it, because they are thought to be hiding."

"Then who killed the man? I do not think the son would. But Calmir and his gang along with his father showed up in this town not too long ago and so I have not gotten the chance to know them. If the Elves were there, which they don't den that, then that leads me to believe that they did it."

Aragorn did not like what he was hearing. It sounded like the magistrate still found the fault to lie within the Elves and their race. Perhaps he was still afraid. But maybe Aragorn could use this fear. But he knew that would not be what Legolas or Roth would have him do. It would only serve to cause more tensions even if they were free. It only wins a day, they hoped to gain the trust of a town. The fight for innocence had turned into a fight for perception.

"I do not know, but if the son wanted to capture Legolas or Roth badly enough, then he would have killed anyone who got in his way."

"I cannot picture any son doing that to his own father." The man seemed to close his mind to the thought. It was not something he wanted to hear. It made him frightened and the thought of such cold hate and evil in his own mankind made him sick. If it was in Elves it was more tangible and it seemed that then they could get rid of it, if they killed the Elves. But as they did this, they did not realize that they were adding to the hate and fell chill that lurked within all Mankind. Every mortal had the potential for evil, but not all had the will to over come it with good.

"I have known men this cold. It does happen. I think you should talk to Legolas and let him tell you what happened. Do not be afraid of him," said the ranger. "He has saved my life, the lives of my brothers and many others before. Do you think I would not readily trust him with my life again?"

The elderly man sighed and rubbed his hand through his graying hair before saying, "I do not see yet what good you see in them. I will go and talk to them for your peace and mine. But before I do, I am going to get dressed for the cold." He looked at Aragorn and said, "are you not freezing? Where is your cloak?"

The young Dúnadan answered truthfully, "I gave it to Rothinzil, who was beaten nearly senseless under the charge that he attacked a child. He would never do that and I was told by him he no more than talked to the boy. Roth is now shirtless," told the ranger with anger rising in his voice.

The magistrate sighed and he said, "we sill straighten all this out when I get down there lad. Keep your cool."

Legolas heard the door to the jail being opened and he lifted his head from where it had been resting against the wall. Perhaps they had come to take him away and end everything. He looked sidelong at Rothinzil, who returned the glance. Both of them looked at the two figures approaching. One was certainly Aragorn. The other was older and he was taller, with broader shoulders, though they were withering. "Elves!" he called out to them, earning a sharp look from Aragorn.

The ranger whispered in his ear, "how would you like it if you were called 'human'? If you wish to get as much out of them as possible, talk nicely." He called out to Legolas in the Elven speech, "mellon nin, I have brought him here to talk to you and Rothinzil. He means no harm."

Legolas had guessed as much and he stood up, going over to the edge of the cell and pressing his forehead against the bars. "Estel..." he spoke to the ranger as the younger man came over first to make sure that all was well. "How do you expect them to believe me or Roth?" he spoke to his friend in Elven.

Aragorn answered back, "I am not sure I do. But you must try Legolas." Then he teased lightly, "I know you can be extremely mule headed if you really want to. Don't give up yet."

Legolas chuckled dryly, "alright ranger. I will try for what it is worth."

The turnkey of the jail came net to Kixer who had conveniently decided to show up. The jailer took the keys and handed them reluctantly to the magistrate, who snatched them away. The turnkey obviously was scared of the Elves and said, "Sir, are you sure you want to go in with them?" Kixer looked nervous and watched cautiously. They obviously were afraid of the Elves taking advantage of their lord's kindness.

The elderly man snapped, "half the danger is your head! Now leave immediately!" He did not want them around, for he feared that it would cause tensions to be raised between he and the Elves. They left without any argument, save the looks on their faces.

Legolas looked at him and then said to Aragorn in a worried voice, "you are going to stay here, are you not?" He feared an interrogation alone. Rothinzil too looked uneasy.

Aragorn smiled and said, "right beside you. Just tell him exactly what happened, nothing will be forced out of you, I promise."

Legolas looked at his friend and whispered, "then I trust you. You have always been a true friend to Roth and I." Aragorn smiled on the outside, but inside he was frowning. He could tell that Legolas was suffering a little from the cold and his friend's breathing was quick, though even. He could tell that Legolas was frightened a little. He felt honored that his friend had so much faith in him, when he had so little power to help him. The thought was also a bit alarming; what if he let the prince and Rothinzil down? What if he failed?

The lord of the town waited until Aragorn had finished speaking with Legolas and assuring him all would be well. Then he stepped forward and said, "hello Prince Legolas and Rothinzil, Captain of Mirkwood's Guard." Roth knew that was not entirely true, he was only a captain, not the captain. But it was close enough and that was not what this was about.

Legolas watched as the door was opened and both Aragorn and the other man stepped in. Legolas and Rothinzil watched him with fierce eyes. The man said, "if you would be more comfortable sitting, do so. I mean no harm to you."

Legolas and Roth sat down slowly, for not only did they still not fully trust this man, but their muscles ached from cold, and lack of exercise. "What is it you wish to talk about Lord of Farlost?" asked Legolas as politely as he could find it in his heart to say. There was still an edge of bitterness.

The man did not seem to notice or if he did, he did not mention it, "I want to speak to you and Rothinzil of what happened the day of your arrest."

Legolas looked from Aragorn and then he looked at Rothinzil before answering, "to do that will involve speaking not only of that day, but the night before."

Rothinzil nodded and said to back up his prince's answer, "lest things should be mixed up or not fully understood."

They then told all that had happened and when they were finished they looked to Aragorn, who was watching everyone quietly. The magistrate nodded slowly and said, "so you know not the reason why they wanted to capture you, seemingly alive?"

Rothinzil answered this question with a quick look at Legolas, "that is unknown to us, yes." He then sighed and said, "we meant no harm to the town, horse or man alike and we grieve to see that you lost so many lives. But if you need a target to avenge their deaths..."

"I do not need a 'target' Master Elf. I need answers and I need to get the outlaws, which right now the evidence still strongly points to you." He shook his head.

Suddenly Kixer ran in and he was panting heavily as though he had run for miles. His breath came from his mouth in short puffs of steam, white in the cold. "The horses! They are gone! The did not escape for the gate was locked, but the lock has been melted into weakness and broken it seems!"

Legolas raised his head and his blue eyes connected with the lord's dark ones in a knowing gaze. The man looked at Kixer and said, 'are you sure?" This would mean that the Elves were innocent. Something he would be loath to admit, but it was true he would try to make right the wrongs that had been made.

Kixer stammered, "I have never been so sure in my life!" He drew a quick breath before blurting out, "Calmir and his men are no where around either!"

The Lord of Farlost looked at Legolas and Rothinzil. He saw their haggard faces and tired looks. They had done no wrong and yet had been treated as murders. It was then he saw the wrong in it and he looked at them both, "you two and your ranger friend are to stay at my house and recuperate. Anything you need will be given, horses, food, clothing..."

Legolas smiled and said, "you more than have our thanks. But we cannot trust (or thank properly) a man whose name is unknown to us."

He smiled back and said, "my name is Ryxen, Lord Ryxen." He then looked over to Kixer, who was still panting in the doorway. "Round up the boys and then bring them to my house. We then can all talk."

Glorfindel strode behind Erestor. It was now near eleven in the morning and he was not in a wonderful mood. The Gondolin Elf was downright grumpy. However, he felt slightly smug when he thought of how Erestor was taking everything. The raven-haired counselor was even worse and he was not afraid to show it. "Glorfindel, can't you keep up? What do you think this is? A cake walk?" he snapped fiercely as he rolled a map of the mountains they were crossing up and stowed it quickly in his pack.

Glorfindel retorted in a harsh whisper, "if you want to call attention to every goblin ever spawned, keep up your obnoxious and very loud grumbling!" They were not able to use horses in this weather and even though they could walk on top of the snow, they did not particularly like it. It made traveling slower to walk and it mean that if goblins came they were fair game. The only good thing was that it was easier to them to hide themselves than horses. All in all, they were a pair of extremely grumpy Elves that got on each other's nerves when they were in good moods.

Erestor just rolled his eyes and looked ahead. More mountains. He hadn't done this much traveling for a long time and was finding it far from pleasant. The wind whipped his hair into his face and he brushed it lightly aside. "Where are we?" he mumbled to himself.

Glorfindel sighed, "well, if we would have taken a right back there then we would be over this mountain by now and through the gape, hence we would through with this blasted terrain!" He whined, "but some ones else thought that reading an old map was better than experience!"

Erestor snapped, "did I ask you?"

Glorfindel rumbled, "no, but there was nobody else to answer unless you are talking to snow and rocks! Do you have any idea where we are? We are closer to the goblins, that's where! If we get attacked by their main patrol, then we are as good as forgotten and dead." He looked sidelong, "If you want to know what Mandos looks like I can tell you. Or if you want to see him in person I see no need for I to go as well."

Erestor wrinkled his nose. "That is not capricious Glorfindel!" He pulled his hood up about his face and said, "very well. If you think you can lead us back, then do it! I am tired of arguing!" He was about to walk forward when he saw a huge track in the snow. It was of a giant paw. As he looked about he saw more and he felt the hair rise on the back of his neck. He had never seen tracks this big before. His stomach did a flip and he looked back at Glorfindel. The Gondolin Elf was not there.

Glorfindel had started back and to the right, where he felt they should go. However when he looked back and saw Erestor's still form he asked, "are you frozen? What is the matter with you?" He then mocked, "What do you think this is? A cake walk?"

Erestor just stammered, "Glorfindel, how big are most wargs?" The Erestor's fingers were nearly dog-earing the edge of his own map made the Gondolin Elf a bit uneasy.

Glorfindel knitted his golden brows and said, "I suppose the size of a bear, why?"

"Well then there is a rather large one around here some where. I found tracks." Erestor's voice quivered and Glorfindel did not like the sound of that. Erestor did not get afraid. He always strategically figured things out and judged them. Now his voice sounded weak and totally undignified. Had they not been traveling in a place known to have wargs Glorfindel would have found it quite humorous.

But now their lives were at stake and if he took this lightly they could be killed. All though, what may be big to Erestor may be a medium sized warg in his eyes. He trotted over to his companion and looked to where Erestor had his eyes locked.

It was large. Both of his feet could stand in it and one of Erestor's. It also was alone. This meant it was most likely hunting or was hurt. For the larger wargs hunted alone because like other animals they began to find other company obnoxious as they got old. Glorfindel hoped it had already ate or was returning to its den to sleep.

Looking at Erestor he said, "lets keep moving." He gripped Erestor's cloak and gave it a tug to get the raven-haired Elf motivated to walk on.

Erestor pulled free of Glorfindel's grip and said, "so there is a hungry warg about looking to have raw Elf for lunch? Wonderful! Traveling with you is such a joy!"

Glorfindel snorted and then hissed venomously, "if you keep shouting that way we might as well drench ourselves in sauce and stand here, waiting for them. It wouldn't be long before they found us and then I can say, 'this is Erestor and he has always wanted to be an Elf pastrami!'"

Erestor did nothing but scowl daggers at his 'enemy' and swirl his dark eyes upward in annoyance while stating, "Oh wonderful! Well in that case I will tell them, 'this is Glorfindel and he always wanted to be an Elf roast, but you don't want to eat him, he's spoiled. You might get a tummy ache!'"

Glorfindel rolled his eyes in turn and commented, "that is like the pot calling the kettle black!"

Erestor snorted before rebutting, "oh, is it?" His brows rose and he looked at the Gondolin Elf with a fiery glare.

This argument continued for another hour and kept building up more and more momentum until something had to happen.

As they neared a precipice that would be good to survey the land before them they stopped. Glorfindel went to go look around and Erestor fumbled through his bag, looking for the correct map. As Glorfindel watched Erestor he sighed. This was getting rather annoying. He needed something to throw.

Looking on the ground he saw the nice white snow. It was a bit cold to make into a ball, but after holding it in his hands a few seconds it warmed up enough to mold into a large ball. He threw it at Erestor, but he missed and hit the bag of Erestor's maps.

Of course, it had to fall over the edge of the cliff. Erestor looked at Glorfindel and growled in a low and virulent whisper, "you can go and get those!" He set his jaw and glared at Glorfindel then for greater affect. When he saw that the Gondolin Elf was by no means going down the cliff to get his maps he sighed, "if I want something done right, I might as well do it myself."

Glorfindel looked a bit alarmed and said, "I wouldn't do that. There is a lot of ice. Do you wish to break your neck?" he finished. Then he added as an after thought, "I think that might very well be the best objective you have conjectured yet Lord Erestor!"

Erestor had already begun to descend down a narrow lip of rock that if he followed it carefully enough, he could reach the bottom. It curved into the edge of the precipice, providing a near ramp like way down. "I highly doubt I will break my neck!" he retorted savagely. "But I think my best thought was of you coming down to get me, then if I was lucky, you would break yours!"

It was only seconds after he had reached the bottom and collected the said maps that he realized he was trapped down there. As he thought of the warg he began to feel cold fear tickle his spine and he looked up at Glorfindel, "I can't get back up."

"That is a problem, now isn't it?" said the golden-haired Elf shaking his head. This was too entertaining to end it right away and pull the midnight-haired Elf up. He sighed, "too bad the warg is probably down there somewhere looking for something to eat..."

Erestor narrowed his eyes; "This isn't amusing! You forced me down here and you had better help me up!" he snapped. Pulling his cloak around himself tighter he said, "and we don't have all day!"

Glorfindel frowned, "alright, keep your cloak on straight! I'm coming!" Glorfindel then took and laid his bow and quiver on the ground after unstrapping it from his back. It choked him when he laid down and he didn't need to pass out and fall in. He laid flat on his stomach with his head and shoulders leaned precariously over the edge of the bluff. Stretching his arms downwards, he said, "now reach!"

Erestor jumped for the Gondolin Elf's hand and grabbed it, but his weight was just enough to cause Glorfindel to slide on the slippery snow and tumble over the edge in a cascade of snow and golden hair.

The blonde Elf landed on top of a surprised counselor who said under his breath, "nice." His voice was cold and sardonic. Then he rolled his eyes up at Glorfindel, who was picking snow out of his pointy ear, "do you mind getting off me and then dealing with personal hygiene?" He felt his face burning with snow and he was certain it had to be up his nose.

Glorfindel said, "hold on a minute. I nearly have all of the snow out and don't wish to miss any." He continued batting his ears and flicking them clean of snow. Erestor scowled and shoved Glorfindel off roughly. Glorfindel got up from the snow and brushed it of himself. He looked up at the edge and said, "nice, not even my bow made it down here or my quiver! At least we still have our swords! Way to go Erestor!"

The raven-haired Elf got up and spat back, "if you hadn't thrown the snow ball-"

The golden-haired Elf shook his head, "lets not make this worse by pointing fingers, shall we?"

Erestor growled, "because its your fault!" He shouted, "admit it! If you had been a little more mature and kept your head on straight we might not be stuck down here now waiting to be an Elf lunch and Elf snack!"

Glorfindel rolled his azure eyes in annoyance, "Erestor, didn't your mother ever teach you not to play the 'blame game'? The fact is it was your fault!"

Erestor was not even going to respond. A low growl was heard and the raven-haired Elf looked at Glorfindel, "I told you to eat breakfast! I'll wager you 'forgot' to."

Glorfindel shook his head, "Erestor, that was not my stomach, please say it was yours." And by what means had Erestor told him to eat breakfast? It was probably during a part of the morning when the Gondolin Elf was hardly alert. And anyway, he did NOT have to be told to eat breakfast!

Erestor shook his head and said, "it was not I." Suddenly a huge shadow was cast on the ground from above and they stared up into the face of a huge warg. It had to be the warg, whose tracks had been found by Erestor. It was the greatest one either of the Elves had ever seen. It was old by the scraggly looks of it with patches of fur missing, but it was not a he, it was a she. She did not have as much mane on her back and her pelt was a bit shorter and finer (despite the random bald patches), if that can describe the hair of a warg. Glorfindel's bow looked tiny next to her large foot.

Glorfindel felt the color drain from his face and saw Erestor was frozen in place with a face as white as death.

Glorfindel whispered to Erestor as quietly as he could without moving from his spot, "no sudden moves." After all, Glorfindel' bow was up on the cliff edge. Perhaps if the knocked it down they could then shoot the creature, but because of her shear mass, she was going to be a challenge for two swordsmen alone. Anyway, Glorfindel knew it was long since Erestor had ever wielded a sword. All Elves have the potential to be deadly...all except Erestor. His talent was in counseling, not in fighting.

The dark-haired Elf whispered back through grit teeth, "don't worry about that." He had no intention of moving. He was as close to being petrified with fear came. If it was goblins, he would welcome those. He could fight those. Not a warg that was at least ten times as large and as powerful as he was. He asked Glorfindel, "so what is your plan of action?"

Glorfindel answered, "I don't know. My bow is up there." He personally had no problem fighting big creatures. Long ago he used to call it fun, until he had been turned into Elven toast by the Balrog. He would fight this warg, but it was not moving. It was waiting for them to make the first move.

Erestor whispered, "maybe if we act bigger than it is it will leave. You seem to enjoy throwing snowballs, throw some at it!" he hissed.

"You can do that and then tell me from its jaws what to do next!" seethed Glorfindel. Then an idea struck him, "you distract it. I am going to see if I can't knock my bow and quiver from the edge and make them fall to me."

Erestor frowned, "me? Distract that? Are you out of your mind? How?" he snapped.

Glorfindel said, "I don't know! Throw things at it! Make it only look at you!"

Erestor rolled his eyes as he said corrosively, "no! Really? That is usually what the meaning of 'distraction' is!" and bent down stiffly to get some snow. He felt his hand trembling and he hoped that Glorfindel did not notice. Molding the snow into a odd shaped ball, he lobbed it at the warg. She growled and watched as it flew past and fell off the right to mix with more snow. In a scornful growl, she barred her teeth into a wicked looking smile. Erestor could understand what she was saying as though she had spoken. "I am going to eat your little friend and when I bore of ripping him apart and playing with his corpse you are next weak one."

Erestor whipped his sword out. "Do you really want to fight then, Hound of Sauron?" he seethed. Fear was turning into anger. She growled and to Erestor it seemed she was laughing. He tightened his grip on his sword, which to his dismay was slick with sweat from his palms. Perhaps this was not a good idea.

Glorfindel looked over and shouted, "Erestor you fool!" But the other Elf was not even listening. He placing all his concentration on the she-warg that was ready to lunge for him.

Now Glorfindel had to get his bow or let Erestor become that ugly beast's lunch. Couldn't that stupid counselor ever even think? Had he no thought for his preservation? Why had Elrond ever placed him in a position that required so much thought? Well, he certainly was distracting the warg. If only Glorfindel could reach his bow with the quiver. But he could not.

The warg jumped down straight for Erestor, whose face went white as he saw it coming straight for him. He raised the blade but she knocked it aside with a powerful fore paw as she landed. With her other paw she pinned Erestor to the ground, crushing him into the snow and knocking the breath out of him. He stabbed at her paw with his sword, but it was no use. She grinned evilly and he winced as her saliva dripped onto his face. He was going to be brunch! "Glorfindel! Glorfindel!" he screamed for the Gondolin Elf.

Glorfindel looked over and saw his companion being crushed by the weight of her paw. He cringed inwardly as her claws shifted to rest on Erestor's throat. A little more pressure, a little more movement from one of those huge claws and Erestor would be dead. "Erestor!" he called back. The other looked at him with an expression of complete terror. Erestor actually looked pitiable.

Glorfindel looked at he warg and shouted at it, "you stupid, mangy, ugly, filthy.." the list could have gone on but it turned its head to look at him and he said, "of course I am talking to you!" She growled at him, but pressed its claw further into poor Erestor's neck. Glorfindel saw that her other paw was holding down Erestor's sword hand and his fingers had released their grip on the hilt automatically, and it had slid to the ground. Erestor's breath was coming fast and the adviser seemed to be contemplating all the normal ways of death and thinking of which one he would have preferred compared to this.

If he let Erestor get eaten Elrond would never forgive him. The Gondolin Elf picked up some snow and flung it at the warg's head. It hit its mark and the creature growled as the white power fluttered into its eyes and ears. It slowly got off of Erestor and stalked towards Glorfindel. Erestor rose up slowly to a sitting position and he watched as the beast went to devour the blonde immortal.

It suddenly went for Glorfindel and even as the Gondolin Elf-lord yanked his sword out, it slammed into him, driving him into the side of the ledge. He succeeded in slicing the animal's paw so it was no longer useable, but his body was completely crushed against the rock and pain shot down his left side. He slid to the ground and the warg slammed him against the wall of rock again with her other fore paw. The shear force of it caused a vibration up the side.

Glorfindel saw spots and looked at Erestor who was crawling over and picking up his sword again. The warg followed Glorfindel's eyes and was not ready to allow the dark-haired Elf to kill her from behind. She turned about and snarled at the counselor, who grabbed his sword and stood up. Taking a defensive stance, he prepared to do battle with her.

But she hardly considered him a threat now, for she could smell the fear scent strong upon him and she saw it reflecting in his eyes. She spun her bulk back around to face the Elf she thought to be fiercer. Glorfindel was dazed and he stumbled up to fight again. But she banged him back against the rock. He felt pain score his body a second third time. But this time the vibration shook hard enough and his quiver along with his bow slide from the lip of the precipice and fell at his side.

The beast was too close and he could not use it properly with her hampering every move he made. He looked past her at Erestor and mouthed, "distract her."

Surprisingly, the raven-haired Elf nodded and taking his sword he swung it at her flank. It bit into her flesh and she howled. Spinning around she leaped at the Elf that had dared to strike at her and spill her blood. Erestor ducked her jaws and ended up beneath her, only to be ready himself to be crushed alive.

The stench of her made him sick and he cowered to the ground, not in terror (though he was frightened) but in illness and fatigue.

Glorfindel had his bow notched and ready. He was just grateful that it did not break when it fell. Aiming for the back of the she-warg's head, he drew it back until the feathers were aligned with his cheek and then he let it fly.

It killed her swiftly but to his dismay, she fell on top of Erestor. He heard the dark-haired Elf give a cry and then Glorfindel saw a pair of leg and feet sticking out from beneath her body. They were thrashing about furiously and Glorfindel ran over to the warg's carcass.

With horror, he realized Erestor was suffocating. Yes, he had loathed this Elf, but not enough to see him die this way. As he tried to lift the creature, he wondered how long Erestor could last without air. Three minutes? Four? Or maybe two?

He noticed that the struggles Erestor was making were becoming less and less strong. He was dying. Glorfindel gripped the animal's hair in his hands, desperately pulling at it and putting all his strength into trying to move the creature. But his body was beginning to tremble from his effort and he was making little progress. Erestor was hardly moving now and the golden-haired Elf-lord knew that time was running out.

He suddenly heard a mumbled voice on the other side call out, "Glorfindel? Where are you, you golden-haired lummox!" Glorfindel drew a quick breath and raced to the other side of the creature and he saw Erestor's head sticking out from beneath the creature. His shoulders and arms were free as well. He had managed to wiggle beneath the she-warg's neck and twist his head out to get air. But the fact that he was panting meant that he had only been able to breathe a few seconds ago.

Glorfindel said mordantly, "having fun yet?"

Erestor glared up at him, "if you know what is good for you, you will pull me out and not say another word!" He began to struggle a bit more and Glorfindel smiled broadly as he watched Erestor wriggling around.

Gripping the raven-haired Elf's arms, he said, "you smell like warg!" Erestor's face contorted to one of annoyance and slight anger. He rolled his dark eyes and gave Glorfindel the coldest look that the golden-haired Elf had even seen on him. That only served to make the Gondolin Elf laugh more as he dragged the counselor from beneath the Hound of Sauron.

The dark-haired Elf gritted his teeth and whispered, "could you be a bit more gentle? It feels like I had a giant boulder on me." Glorfindel dug some of the snow away and smoothed it to make it more slick and easier to drag out Erestor. Erestor's scowl darkened and he growled, "wipe that smirk off your face this minute!"

Glorfindel just rolled his eyes, "if you keep up all that complaining I will leave you right here!" He began to let go of Erestor's arms.

Erestor growled, "you wouldn't!" His dark eyes flashed.

Glorfindel looked at the sky and said almost to himself, "actually, I would, but Elrond would kill me and Mandos can be rather grumpy. I do not fancy to see him again so soon." He shrugged and looked back down at Erestor. "Are you going to help me or lay there like a dead thing?" The answer he received was one he had expected.

"I was just nearly mashed by a warg and you think that I can move?" he barked at the Elf staring down at him with a derisive grin on his fair face.

Glorfindel took a moment to sweep some strands of blond hair away from his face. He felt slightly dazed still, but he was well for the most part. One more good pull and Erestor was out from under the warg except for his feet.

The absolutely irate and totally relieved counselor drew a deep breath and sighed. His lungs could rise and fall so much easier now. Air had never tasted so sweet or felt so wonderful before.

As he looked up at Glorfindel's face he said between deep breaths, "I honestly have never been more happy to see you in my life!"

"You say that now, but I bet you will say it again some other day," answered the Gondolin Elf as he tugged the rest of Erestor from beneath the warg.

The black-haired counselor looked up at the sky and then his eyes narrowed as they saw the steep edge of the precipice that both of the Elves had tumbled own. He snorted air through his nose and said, "how are we going to get out of here?"

CHAPTER NINE

Second Chances

As the Elves entered into the house, they felt slightly out of place. Removing the hoods from their cloaks, they surveyed the room about them. It was fine as far as human dwellings went. It certainly was warmer and Legolas felt Roth began to get less tense as he began to re-gather his warmth. Aragorn followed behind the Elves and put a hand on Legolas' shoulder as if to say, 'I told you it would be well. Why didn't you truly trust me?'. The prince looked back and smiled warmly.

Ryxen looked at the three friends and said, "there is a room where you can take baths. I used to have children, so there are several tubs in there if you choose to take baths together and have more time to talk. He motioned to the closed door on his right. He also laughed, "I suppose you will want some spare clothes to wear afterwards? I will send someone for your packs and weapons that were confiscated as soon, as may be. In the mean time, I have many robes you are welcome to use." Here he laughed, "after all, you are slimmer than I and they no longer fit me." He patted his fleshy stomach pointedly.

Legolas said quietly, "thank you for your kindness, and I can assure you all of your offers will be taken up." He actually smiled, but Aragorn thought the smile to be rather hollow.

The magistrate laughed and said to Legolas, "Master Elf, I would not have it an other way." He then nodded to them; "I have business to attend to, as you understand. When you are finished resting, you are more than welcome to help in any way that you know of." He then went into another room and began to talk in close whispers with his servants.

Legolas, Rothinzil and Aragorn went into the other room to get a warm bath.

The bathroom was tiled with brick and there was a stack of towels by each brass tub. It seemed to them to be the most wonderful sight in a long time. Servants knocked and entered in with three big basins of hot water with steam dancing across the tops and soap along with three robes, red of color.

Legolas noted with some slight pain that the servants acted afraid and hurried out quickly without uttering a word. Perhaps one might think it was for them to have their privacy, but it seemed more like they did not wish to be in the room with Elves more than they had to.

To all three of the companions thought the hot water felt beyond praise. Roth felt the cold leaving him and his throbbing back felt strangely soothed with little burn feeling.

Legolas sat in his tub, surrounded by bubbles and he was using his thin fingers to unbraid his long blonde hair. Once this was done, he plunged his head beneath the surface of the steaming water and came back up spluttering.

Ryxen was standing outside the room talking with one of his servants talking quietly and they began to walk to another room when a high pitched scream came from the room and he heard a cry, "I have soap in my eyes! Estel, you are dead!" The magistrate looked shocked at first, then he shook his head. It reminded him of his children long ago.

Finally, nearly two hours later, Legolas came out first in a scarlet robe fastened about the waste with a red cord to match. His long blonde hair was still not completely dry and hung limply about his shoulders, looking much longer wet than it did dry. The prince was in the process of pulling it back into its normal braids.

Around theblonde being'seyes, was a bit of red. A result of soap getting into his eyes from the ranger, who had lobbed a soap bar at him, hitting him square in the face. But if it were not for Legolas launching a towel at the human's head, Aragorn would have had no need to pitch a bar of soap at the Elf. So in the end each had gotten what they had deserved really. For once Rothinzil was not helping to stir up the tensions between the ranger and prince.

The saidRothinzil, dressed in a robe, appeared out of the steaming room nextand healready had his hair pulled back into braids like the ones Legolas was attempting to put in. He was actually laughing again and that was a joy to the prince's heart for the laughter was clear and rang true.

Last came Aragorn in his robe. His hair was already nearly dry and obviously was not brushed yet. Legolas looked at him and said, "you need to brush your hair out! Will you never learn?"

A servant came up and interrupted the momentas hesaid, "Masters, your clothes are here along with your weapons and Master Strider, the Master has some clothes he thinks will fit you rather well." The servant was a young boy, no more than twelve. He was looking at the pointy ears on the Elves as though they were going to bite him.

Legolas looked at Aragorn and decided it would be better for the ranger to do the talking. The dark-haired man said, "thank you. Where might we find them?"

"The Master used to have children long ago before the disease came. In the back room there are beds for you to sleep on tonight of you wish. You will find your clothesthere too," finished the boy concisely.

Finally, the Elves and Ranger were dressed. The clothes were a perfect fit for the ranger, but he still felt awkward in them because they did not have the same feeling as his own. They were not of the same style and material. But they were comfortable.

Legolas and Roth were glad they had brought an extra pair and they felt fine in them.

They found themselves seated at a medium sized table being served hot brandy. After the maids had left, the Elves looked at the steaming amber liquid with slight frowns on their faces. They never really drank anything like this and Aragorn took a long pull from his mug. He looked at the Elves over the rim of his vessel. Setting it down on the table he said, "try some, its good."

Legolas looked at the ranger like he was crazy. Rothinzil took a sip and then smiled and gulped some. "It remind me of what I would be given after I came in during the winter as an Elfling." He drank some more and Legolas continued to scowl at his.

"I suppose it isn't going to kill me..." he muttered, as he watched the liquid swirl about the flagon when he sloshed it around in the mug. He took a small sip and said to himself, "well it isn't horrible, but if this is chiefly what men get drunk from they must drink it by the gallon!" He sipped some more and smiled slightly. Oh yes, it was much less potent than his fahter's wine.

It felt good to be warm and dry, safe and sound. But he wondered if they really were safe. For the moment, yes, most likely, but would it last? It couldn't.

Ryxen stepped in with Kixer and he smiled, "feeling better, yes?"

They all nodded and said simultaneously, "yes, thank you."

Ryxen frowned and said more seriously, "we have to talk. I would love to let you stay here, but we need your help. You seem to know these men and what they were doing. Elves are known for tracking, as are rangers. We would be honored if you would help to get these men and bring them back."

Legolas looked up and said, "In plain words you fear us staying here with you and want us to be on our way as soon as possible." He shook his head and said, "you could have just told us and we would not have cared. However, we mean to go after these men and will help you anyway we can. They did not only wrong you and the whole town, but us as well."

Rothinzil nodded and Aragorn stared at the brandy in his flagon.

Ryxen said, "Kixer and his men will go with you and aid you, for their horses were among the ones stolen and anyway, it is their job. I expect you three will want fresh cloaks and such. I have plenty of old ones, some were my sons' some were mine when I was smaller." He chuckled wryly and said, "I will be out in the study and you may come and speak to me before you go, unless you wish to stay."

It was not long before they were saying farewell to the elderly man and walking out the door with a snug leather cloak each, lined with wool or rabbit furs.

They met Kixer outside the town along with some more of his men, four to be exact. They had no horses now and were forced to travel on foot. They were not hostile towards the Elves and ranger, but they did shun them. It was perhaps not intentional, but it happened.

They were not so withdrawn about Aragorn, but with Legolas and Rothinzil there was no doubt that they were doing it. Legolas and Roth felt the their fear and tried to keep away from them as well.

When they walked on top of the snow, both of the fair being's felt scornful eyes upon them, cast from humans forced to trudge behind them and flounder in the deep white flakes. The eyes made Legolas shiver, but they did not have much effect on Rothinzil.

He could remember things for a long time, but he did not hold grudges or continue to find fault with those who wronged him after they had asked for forgiveness or showed remorse. It was not his nature and so their scornful looks did not hinder him, but they made Legolas uncomfortable.

Aragorn knew this and kept close to Legolas' side. Legolas looked at Aragorn and smiled, "I guess I won't be home for the festival tomorrow." The ranger gave a soft laugh and answered,

"No, I don't think so." He stumbled in the snow and Legolas gripped his arm to keep him from falling. The snow was getting deeper and harder for the men to travel in, even as they walked in the path plowed by the many horses they were tracking.

Legolas did not even have to say, 'be careful.' It was written on his face. Aragorn smiled back at his friend and Legolas snorted, "next time I will let you fall." The man just laughed and the blonde Elf prince felt his lips curl up into a smile to replace the alarmed look his face had taken when his friend tripped.

Rothinzil was ahead with the men, his fair face was troubled and he stopped, letting the men walk by. Then, looking back at Legolas and Aragorn, he said, "they are not too far ahead now. I can hear the snorts of the horses."

Legolas listened and he too heard the snorts of the animals and their hooves tearing at the snow. If they went ahead much farther and over the knoll that loomed ahead they would loose the element of surprise. If that happened, many more men could die and the town would know an even greater loss. These thieves would not give up without a fight now that they knew the chase was on.

Legolas called out to Roth in the Gray Tongue, "tell them to stop! Tell them the men are over the knoll!" Rothinzil nodded and trotted lightly over the snow to walk alongside the men. Legolas could hear him talking with the men and telling them and he whispered to Aragorn, "this is it. But you know as well as I do that they will not give in easily. We have to surprise them."

The wind plastered the prince's hair to his cloak hood and nipped the Elf's nose. Kixer and his men came back with Roth beside them. The green-eyed marshal asked, "what do you propose we do then? We cannot surprise them! That is folly!"

Aragorn said tersely, "it would do you well to listen to what Legolas and Rothinzil have to say. They have lived longer than we have and faced dangers you cannot fathom, yet come out alive." A hardened look came to the ranger's face that made him seem like an Elven-lord when he spoke with such sincerity. Legolas and Roth even had to wonder if the bit of Elven blood in his veins did not seem to flow stronger than it had in his ancestors.

Legolas said, "I think you Roth have a good chance of rounding up the horses. Roth and I can take care of the men easier than could you. We wish to be the one's to take them down and bring them back." Rothinzil nodded and said,

"We can buy you time to get the horses and keep them off your backs."

Kixer said with a growl in his voice, "how do we know you aren't one of them, Elf?" He eyed Legolas suspiciously, as though he expected the Elf to try and attack him.

Legolas suddenly notched his bow with extreme accuracy and speed and pointed it at the man's head. The man's suspicious look melted away into one of fear and anger. Legolas nearly smirked, "if I was against you, you would be dead by now Kixer and your men as well. Do not underestimate me and take me for a fool." His voice sounded lethal and Kixer backed off with his hands raised.

"Alright Elf, I will trouble you and your companion no more about whose side you are on. You have made your point very clear."

Legolas put his bow, along with the arrow away. "Good," he said with a smile, "then let us continue." His blue eyes danced and Aragorn knew that Legolas had just played a sort of Elven joke on the men. To the Elves' way of thinking, it was whimsical. Legolas sighed and said, "first of all, if you go straight at them, they will see you and shoot you, if we divide up too much we will be killed one at a time."

Kixer nodded, "I see your point Elf." What he did not see was that Legolas was giving himself and Roth the most dangerous part and the townsmen a chance at coming out of this mess alive. But Legolas had a feeling that he would be the one with the element of surprise this time and he and Roth would win this match. All the men could see, however, was that the Elves did not wish to be with them and they took it as the immortals were hiding something. Legolas, Roth and Aragorn all knew it, but arguing it was like arguing over spilled milk.

Aragorn looked at Legolas and said, "I am going to come with you." Legolas gave Aragorn a hard look, but the man shook his head. He would be dead before he would be left behind.

Kixer divided up his four men into two groups, one to go for the horses right and one to bring up the left. More reinforcements were expected to come from a neighboring town so they could bring the horses back up to Farlost and fix the lock on the corral.

Legolas carried his bow loosely in his grip as he prepared with Aragorn and Roth to attack Calmir and his men. "The sooner we get started, the sooner we can be rid of this... unpleasantness," said Legolas bitterly. He was tired of being around men and wished to go home and be with his people. He had never thought that he would miss home as much as he did then.

Legolas, Aragorn and Rothinzil waited on top of the knoll. They lay on their stomachs, in quiet watchfulness for the running of horses, the signal to spring the trap.

The Elves' eyes could see farthest and they could see the men circling carefully about the horses. With regret they each saw their own horses mixed with the human's horses. The difference in the horses was more than obvious. The Elven horses were bigger and much sleeker, even in winter their hair was not shaggy.

Suddenly the horses began to run and the companions began to slide down on their bellies. In this way they would avoid being seen until the opportune moment. They were being careful not to slide down and give themselves away, but ice had been frozen onto much of the hillside from the storm. As they neared the bottom Legolas stopped and he whispered, "something isn't right. I don't see them. They should be here." He looked at Aragorn with narrowed eyes and an alarmed look.

Did they not have the element of surprise? What had they missed? But then the thought struck him, who were they dealing with? Roth just snorted and shook his head. "It's like they vanished, "he whispered.

Aragorn returned Legolas' disquieted gaze and said, "I think we are being watched."

Legolas stood up carefully and then Roth stood up beside him and Aragorn looked up at them before rising himself. Legolas sprinted cautiously ahead and checked the around where the men had been and saw something odd. They had a fire going. It was then he knew that they were expecting to stay here and a chill went down his spine as he understood, they were the not the hunters, but the prey now.

Somehow the men had found a way to turn everything around and it was disquieting and Legolas spun around to see Rothinzil up behind him. The dark-haired Elf said, "Legolas, we are the prey and they are a pack of crafty predators." The other being's face was marked with a considerably credible look of intense thought.

Legolas said, "but it was reversed and strangely so." He felt confused and unsure. It was not a feeling he liked and he looked at Rothinzil with concern lighting up his face, "where is Strider?"

Rothinzil spun around on his heel and said, "behind-" his jaw dropped. Aragorn was gone. Rothinzil looked at Legolas and his whole comportment had changed from one of thoughtfulness, to one of regret and shock.

Legolas turned an icy look on Roth that he only used when he was really furious, "why did you leave him Rothinzil!" seethed the Wood-Elf through clenched teeth.

Rothinzil stammered, "he told me to go and see what you were doing and make sure nothing ill befell you! I did not think! Legolas I am sorry!"

Legolas snapped, "you are right, you didn't think! He is out there and for all we know he could be dead!" Roth saw the icy looks in his friend's eyes and cast his gaze from the blonde Elf's face. He felt horrible, not only had he let his prince down, but also his friend and he felt queasy in his stomach now with guilt.

Legolas suddenly looked and saw Aragorn come running over the knoll edge and then he saw another man come and slam into the ranger, toppling him down the hill. Legolas notched his arrow quicker than sight and aiming a little off by mistake , he shot the man in the leg as the outlaw tried to harm his friend.

The prince normally would have not shot to kill, but this human was far too close to taking Aragorn's life than he took comfort in. The man who had thus attacked his friend was one of four who deserved to go back and be tried for his crime. It was not Legolas' call whether he lived or died, but the law. Roth notched his bow as well. Aragorn came running towards Legolas.

"Run Legolas! Noro lim! Run Roth! Mellon nins, RUN!"

Legolas and Roth did run, towards their human friend. The four men were coming over the crest of the hill and they could see what was happening. As the Elves ran lightly over the snow they clashed with the thieves head on.

But Legolas found out swiftly as he fought that there was more than just these four. Other men came over the hill and surrounded the Elves. Legolas suddenly felt hampered and he felt weight crushing him to the ground. He found himself looking through a net of heavy iron chain links that had covered him. His knives could not free him and he was pressed into the snow.

He thrashed around and he felt men pile up on top of him. The Elf could still kick and buck like a possessed thing and he was fighting his way free when a cold voice he had heard before said, "struggle anymore Elf and your friend gets his throat cut. Not only that, you will get to watch."

Legolas wondered which friend the man was talking about. When he saw Roth being held by his hair with his head tipped back he resisted the urge to take a sharp intake of breath. He could see Rothinzil was still struggling, even with the knife being pressed into his throat.

Legolas felt pain in his shoulders as the shear pressure of bodies pressed him down. The links pinched his skin and he went limp, collapsing into the snow. He sighed in temporary defeat and Calmir came forward. He placed his boot toe through the net and placed it under the prince's chin. "I must say I thought that they would kill you. But I also have to tell you I am glad I was wrong." He kicked Legolas in the face roughly, "you know why we wanted to catch you earlier Elf? You are a fighter and we were thinking that we could mold you into something more befitting..."

Legolas licked his now bleeding lip, tasting the coppery tang and said, "you mean an arena slave?" He did not even look up from the snow. "A prizefighter? An animal? A raving corruption of life?"

He heard Calmir's cruel laugh and the thief said, "having that attitude will do you no favors Elf. And since you caused us to loose the horses and killed so many of our men, tonight we shall have to reward you. Remember Elf, it's an eye for an eye."

Calmir's voice turned to one filled with much scorn and bitterness. "You won't be around to see me hang Elf. I can guarantee you that." He kicked Legolas in the side and the prince withheld a grunt of pain.

"Strider will come for me, I can guarantee you that," snapped the prince with a bitterness of his own. He shifted beneath the mass of men that were pressing themselves upon the Elf to hold him to the ground. Legolas then spat out insultedly, "I will thank you to stop calling me 'Elf'!" The last remark went ignored.

"You mean that scrawny ranger that was with you and your little Elf friend?" Calmir laughed loudly with ice and steel lacing his voice and said, "I don't think so. Kushor has taken care of him. But I will let him tell you in gruesome detail how he died." He paid no heed to the struggling being's request and Legolas just rolled his silver blue eyes in complete annoyance.

But then reality set in and he said nothing...at first. He just let the silence speak for him, he was mourning his friend's death. But he kept his face stony and though tears formed behind his eyes he did not cry. Crying was what you did when you despaired or were in extreme pain. Right now he was in shock and all he could say was, "no. You lie."

"Maybe he is alive," admitted the man with a sigh that almost seemed counterfeit and it was completely bereft of pity. Then an evil glint came into his eyes and he said, "and even if he is alive, you will be miles away wishing you were never born before he even begins to realize where you have got off to."

The blonde Elf felt his color fading from his features and knew he had to look as crushed as he felt inside to think of them killing his friend and Aragorn dying alone and without saying a final good-bye to his brothers, or to anyone. If Aragorn really was dead he would never see his best friend again. Not unless he died as well and Mandos permitted it. The thought frightened him and though he was warm in the cloak and tunics, he felt his marrow go chill.

He had just been walking with me? How could he be dead? No! It can't be true. They are lying. He got away and he's coming back for me. He would never let me or Roth get hurt. No, he is coming back for us, I cannot believe he is dead unless I see his body. He has a destiny to fulfil, so he can't die.

All these rationalizations went through the blonde Elf's mind and he hung onto each and every one of them as the men dragged the chain net off of him and pulled him up by his hair. Legolas so much in shock he didn't even struggle really. The prince fought some, but a savage kick in his gut ended that quickly and he doubled over to his knees.

A sharp movement near him caused Legolas to look over and see Rothinzil showed into the snow roughly beside him. The other's face was no longer fearful, although he knew that Roth was scared, it was wrathful and perilous to look upon. The younger Elf's eyes were lit with a deadly fire and Legolas noticed that several men had their hands pressed onto Rothinzil's shoulders. At least he knew Roth was not in any form of intense physical pain at the moment.

Calmir stood before both of the Elves and his face was glowing with perverted amusement at their pain and frustration. Legolas then noticed that the man was a bit taller than he had once thought and that this mortal definitely looked like one who is used to getting what he wished and was not beyond using any kind of means to get to it.

Legolas jerked his head away with more indignation than Rothinzil thought he was susceptible to as Calmir ran his hand through some of the prince's golden hair. The mortal's face was vexatiously smug in the Elves' eyes. Calmir's lips turned upward with indulgence situated at his defenseless captive's ire.

The prince looked about him with eyes of emotionless blue ice. He snarled, "when my father finds out about this, you will be the ones wishing you had never been born!"

Calmir came closer to the prince and said, "nobody will ever know where you went. You will just be missing Elf, you and your friend." He drew out his sword and looked at its sharp edges eerily and with a sense of deep foreboding. "You had better hope nobody comes for you, or they will be dead and that includes your ranger friend."

One of the men near the Elf began to place a rope about the fair being's neck to act as a leash. Calmir stopped him and said, "he isn't going to be awake for this trip. Neither is the other one." Legolas had no time to ponder what this meant beyond him obviously being knocked out in some fashion before he saw spots and felt a pain in the back of his head. And then he felt another pain and his world dimmed into black and peaceful nothingness took over.

Roth saw them hit his prince over the head with a club and he only had time to gape before he suffered the same treatment.In seconds everything was black for the Elves and the men around them flashed a few quick smiles.

Calmir looked at the two limp Elves lying side by side on top of the snow. "I will not risk them evading us a second time." He looked over to the crest of the hill and saw Kushor stumbling back.

He did not have to be told. The ranger had to be dead. If he was not dead, why would only Kushor be returning? The ranger was not going to be coming for the Elves. They were alone and that was just how he wanted it.

"So we must carry these damn Elves?" asked one of the men angrily as he began to drag Legolas up from the ground by his arms. He shot a fiery look towards Calmir who was glaring at him with dark eyes of deep observation and calculating malevolence.

"Do you think that they are going to walk?" he snapped irately. "Pick him up and sling him over your shoulder. Don't worry, we will have fun with them when we get to the mines." He smiled coldly and said, "then after that I will become more wealthy than father could ever have dreamed of."

Legolas felt himself flung over the man's shoulders, for though he had been hit, it had not been enough to keep him out for as long as the men could wish. But the words the men spoke did not even mean anything to him. He was so dazed that everything that was happening seemed of no importance and it seemed to him that he was watching these goings on from within the safety of a bubble.

It had not yet crossed his mind that bubbles can be broken, though he knew this fact and so for the moment even though he knew he was far from safe, he felt shielded from pain, misery and fear. The Elf prince closed his eyes and then he knew no more.

> > > >

Glorfindel and Erestor looked up at the cliff's steep wall. The Gondolin Elf sighed and knew that there was no way that they could get over it. It was impossible and so he had already made his mind up not try. Erestor just scowled and said, "So now what do we do? We can't turn back, Elrond would kill us! We can't go forward, unless we can fly!"

Glorfindel mumbled, "if you can't say anything encouraging or amusing, please just say nothing at all! I am trying to think!" Perhaps we are not trapped. The cliff does not run far. If we followed it to the left as we stand facing it, then we may have a chance of going around it and thus onto our journey. It is worth a try anyway.

But that will take some four miles out of our way. Oh well, if we don't try we are dead. "Erestor we are going to go around. It will only take us four miles out of our way. I know however, that is not on the map. This knowledge comes from experience and Erestor you are going to have to blindly trust me."

Erestor just looked at the snow and said, "me? Blindly follow you? Glorfindel, we...I...it isn't going to work!" he fumed. "When we get to Thranduil's Halls I will be so relieved I will kiss the floor!"

"You will?" asked Glorfindel with a thin smile. "Good. I will inform Elrond that you need to be replaced on charges of insanity! I will also make sure to tell Thranduil that he needs to keep his floors exceptionally clean during your stay." He strapped his bow along with the quiver onto his back and buckled it. Then, he picked his sword up off the ground and sheathed it. Suddenly a smile burst across his face and he looked at Erestor, "who ever taught you to use a sword then?"

Erestor frowned, "my father. Why?" He narrowed his eyes into dark slits of questionable anger and Glorfindel frowned slightly as he spoke,

"You are a bit rusty is all." The Gondolin Elf looked at the slain warg and gestured to it, "when she got above you, had you known what you were doing, you could have slain her."

Erestor just looked at Glorfindel and said, "I am a counselor. Never before have I even considered killing unless it be in my thought towards you my Lord Glorfindel." Knitting his brows and casting wrinkles on his usually smooth forehead, he asked incredulously, "and you could teach me how to fight? That is surprising, but why would I want to learn from one who is constantly coming back in need of stitches, medication and bandages might I ask?"

Glorfindel said, "I could, were we back in Rivendell and all was well. But not here, we need to move on. Staying in one place too long can be dangerous Erestor. Goblins can come up on you swiftly. You really have never done something like this before, have you?" He choose to ignore the other comment about his death and constant injuriesthat had been made against him, but he would not forget it and if Erestor was lucky he would decide not to retaliate.

"Yes, I have. But it was long ago and it was my journey to Imladris from my home in Hollin." Erestor looked a little sad and Glorfindel did not press the issue. This was another side of Erestor that he seldom saw.It was a little bit unnerving.

Shrugging his shoulders to make the quiver and bow rest easier on them, the golden-haired Elf said, "we had best keep moving if we wish to enter Thranduil's Halls in one piece." Erestor said nothing, but shouldered his bag of maps and then went to the corner to pick up the small pack of inconsequential supplies they had. It was manly consisting of Lembas bread and cordial should one get hurt. There was also one spare cloak and two blankets that rolled up incredibly small as was their design, but kept so warm it was like you were in bed.

Erestor frowned and said, "and I suppose before we even get there we will have to deal with those beastly giant spiders! How can they live so close to those things?" He then went to where the warg lay dead and seeing his sword hilt sticking out from beneath the warg, he gripped it and pulled his weapon out.

As he sheathed it, he looked at the warg. Her claws were huge and her eyes were still open, yellow and yet cloudy now with death. Her teeth were still fierce and her lips were curled into a bloody snarl. He was waiting for her to lunge up and sink her long fangs into his throat.

Glorfindel came over and said, "don't worry. She is dead." He nudged her with his foot and Erestor snapped,

"I know that! Now lets get moving!"

Glorfindel shook his head. "You looked like she was going to get up and bite you."

Erestor brushed past him and turned around with a gaze that was pierced with annoyance and anger. "Looks are deceiving Glorfindel, "he answered thickly. Pivoting on his heel, the raven-haired Elf walked stiffly ahead and Glorfindel watched him go for a moment before following.

CHAPTER TEN

Though You’re Not Here

'Where am I? Where is Aragorn?

He is dead.

No. He can't be, because I live. How can he be dead and I am not? And if he should be dead, Why is he and I am not? Was it me he tried to save and fell for? Or did he really try to run and was cut down. No he wouldn't run.

See, you doubt.

I do not doubt him or what happened! Aragorn lives! He is alive! No1 He cannot be dead! He said he would be back for me, he promised and he would never break a promise. He promised he would not let them hurt me anymore and would never break a promise if it were in his power to keep it!

But it is out of his power now. He is useless and so are you. You are weak and alone. You know he was killed, because of you! If he didn't have you for a friend he could have ran away and lived, but he stayed and died for you.

No. He lives, I can feel it.

But not so strong. It fades in and out like the tide and burns you with unbearable anguish; the knowledge of your friend's death.

He is not dead and he will come for me. I won't have to be here any longer. How can he be dead when I live/ He can't, not now, not here. You lie to me. My own fears lie to me and I will not fall for it. He lives and I will see him again.

Unless you die first and never get to see your father, or Rothinzil again. Or see Imladris and the friends you have that dwell there in peace. Will they even miss you Legolas Greenleaf Thranduillion?

Yes! And they will not let me fade into memory! They love me as a brother! But where is Roth? Where am I? Aragorn has to be here! He was with me! ARAGORN!'

Legolas blinked as he opened his eyes, but it made no difference, everything was still dark. He could hear voices and tried to move, but he felt heavy chains around his wrists and ankles. He had forgotten the pain of his wrists from the cuffs that he had placed on them earlier in Farlost. Now the pain was more than doubled.

But that was not the most horrible feeling. Something was on his neck. It felt hot and itchy. He felt like it was choking him and his heavily weighed down hands went to his neck and touched the strange object. He winced in shock as he felt something prick his finger, a spike of some sort.

It was then that he realized that he had a collar on. He was not frightened yet. He did not know what was going on and was not going to fear as long as he had no need to. As he tried to sit up, he felt the horrible thing tug at his throat and realized that it had a chain on it. He was being kept like a dog.

His ankles were free. The Elf whispered in the dark, "Roth? Strider?" The silence was loud as he waited for the much-wanted answer that never came. He was alone. He whispered, "anybody?" Still no answer. The dark pressed in and he felt himself trembling with fear, fear of the unknown. Was he the only one alive? Had they killed Rothinzil? Or were they all just separated?

"Is there anyone out there?" he shouted into the blackness. There was still no answer. Where was Rothinzil? What were they doing to him? Legolas tried to stand up, but the collar and chain were too short and it was plain that they were meant to hold an animal.

He felt it choke him and holding him low to the ground, keeping him near the dirt where he was expected to stay. It made him angry and he shouted, "who is here? Where am I?" At first there was an eerie silence, but then that ended in a low growl that came from the prince's left.

Legolas looked to his left in alarm and the growl turned into a malicious bark and an evil howl. The Elf knew that noise. A warg was here with him in the pitch dark. He tried to back away, but his collar hampered him. So this was their torment? He was to be a warg's play toy?

He could feel the creature's hot breath on his face and stared into the darkness. It continued barking like a mad thing, which it probably was. But, it never attacked. The blonde Elf could hear it’s nails scraping the floor and its snapping jaws. It too was chained and it made Legolas even angrier to know he was placed in the company of a warg and yet separated from his friends.

He saw a light above and it shined down, causing him to blink. A door was opened above and men were coming down. It seemed he was hidden away in some sort of cellar to a large barn or some such place. He saw lanterns being lit and torches cast alight.

When the light was cast, Legolas saw that he was in some sort of shaft. Around, in cages, were animals; wargs, wild boars with fierce tusks, bulls with sharp horns and wolves along with dogs and a giant spider. In the far corner was a dungeon like cage and in the corner he saw another creature. It was small and looked nearly human, but he could not see it and his attention were diverted to his right.

Rothinzil lay on the floor in peaceful unconsciousness and his black hair was fallen over his pale face and it sifted through the spikes in long strands of midnight. His chest rose and fell methodically and yet he never stirred.

Straight ahead was a door of thick wood that led into another tunnel. They were in an old mining shaft, he realized. For in the walls were still some traces of gold or silver, glistening like lost and forgotten stars. This was still a place where gold was held in high worth and where it constantly changed hands.

Beyond that door, he could here voices and screaming, along with barks of animals and he knew what this was. He was going to have to fight. Here, lost in this dark and cryptic world until he faded or died in a battle to the death, watched by hundreds, loved by none. He would have to be here until he died alone.

But not alone. Roth was here, he would have a friend. But he knew that they would be separated and he knew that Roth, with his gentle spirit, would not last long. Roth would die of a broken heart if he was not slain first. Legolas knew that his dark-haired friend would sooner die than kill for the pleasure of others. He looked at Roth and felt his anger rise further, for he hated to see his friend's innocence and gentle spirit possibly destroyed. Why did men have to fear what they did not understand and hurt or kill it to make themselves feel better?

The men came to look at the prince that was on his knees, weighed down by the collar and the iron spikes that had been placed on his neck for his protection as much as his torment. While the collar on none would dare to go for his once defenseless neck, fearing that the horrid spikes would prick them.

As Calmir looked into the Elf's eyes he saw anger and abhorrence glittering in them. But he also saw doubt. That was a weak point he had to strike at. Smiling, he asked, "time to have some fun Elf."

Legolas looked up at the man and then his hands went to his collar and he began to grip it between the spikes, bitterly pulling at it. But it did not loosen and Legolas panted for air. The men all laughed and Calmir said, "what's wrong Elf? Not liking the dark and the pretty collar about your pretty little neck?" He walked over and taking a key from his belt, he unlocked the chain from the steak it was attached to in the ground.

He pulled and forced the Elf to get to his feet or choke himself. Legolas snapped, "you are cruel and I will never serve you. You can kill me first."

Calmir smiled and said, "but that is what you don't understand Elf. You are mine and I will do what I want with you." He pulled the chains more and Legolas did not move. The Elf pulled back and dug his heels into the ground. However, he could not hold this for long, the collar was biting him and he would have to let go or break his neck. But he was making his statement.

Someone shoved him from behind and he jerked forward, but the chains made him awkward and he fell at the feet of the man he was expected to call master. Calmir smiled and Legolas glared daggers at him before spitting on his feet. Calmir's eyes lit with a deadly fire and he kicked hard and brutal. Legolas felt his lips swell from where the boot had connected with it he gave a small cry.

Calmir knelt down and gripped the prince's collar between the spikes, hauling him up by his neck, "I do not wish to break you Elf, it makes your value go down. But I can do it or take your life."

The warg nearby growled and Calmir kicked at its face. It yelped and coward down to grovel. It had been beaten badly before and it was more than obvious that it held great respect for these men and for all human kind. Legolas vowed he would not stoop that low, he would not grovel. He also noted than Calmir liked to kick.

Calmir looked at the men around him and said, "get that other one awake. It is time to teach them who the leader is and where their place is!"

Kushor went and he grabbed Roth's limp body rolled the Elf over. Then, he grabbed a bucket of icy water, he dumped it all over the dark-haired Elf and then slapped Roth's face harshly. The dark-haired Elf fluttered his eyes open and he asked deliriously, "Wh-wha-what is go-goi-going on?" He stared around as though he was dazed, which he was and when he saw Legolas looking at him he frowned and asked, "wh-where are we mellon nin?"

Kushor slapped him in the face and Roth bit back a cry of surprise and reborn fear that chilled him. He shuddered and felt his teeth chatter a little. It was cold already and now that he was soaked, it was positively miserable. The man snarled, "no using that snake like tongue here master Elf. Next time your punishment will be severe." Roth was wide-awake now and he saw the white like look on Legolas' face and knew that something horrible was about to happen.

Calmir just chuckled and said, "lets go now." He began to drag the prince by the accursed collar and Legolas stumbled along behind as they were lead into a back room that Legolas could tell was a training room and it reeked of old and fresh blood. It filled his nostrils with a metallic odor and made his stomach do flips and his senses sharpen to a painful point.

Calmir dragged him over to where there was leather thongs attached to a pole marked with former and new blood. Legolas felt his heart enter his throat and yet he refused to tremble even though inside he was shaking like a leaf. Something told him this was going to be the first phase of horrible pain to come and he closed his eyes. He could feel the men ripping him free of his tunics and cloak, tossing them into a heap on the floor. The Elf shivered with cold and cringed inwardly in anticipation to what he was in for as the leather ropes were threaded around his wrists and pulled painfully tight.

His hands were above his head now and his back to the men. The prince rested his forehead against the smooth wood and drew in a shaking breath. He would not scream and he would not give in, they could beat him to death first. But that was a scary and horrible thought. He knew if they even started that and he got a chance, he would go mad and end his own life.

Roth looked at Legolas as he was forced to his knees before the prince and his head held in place so he could always see his prince's face that was contorted with fear. "Legolas..." he breathed in horror. "Oh, no." He closed his eyes and shivered. He knew now what it was like to be beaten by men now and he knew the things that scarred the prince's life.

The man holding his head in place by his chin, Kushor, laughed as he felt Roth's unmistakable shivers and said, "stay awake my gentle little Elf. You get to watch it all and enjoy every minute and if you miss some, we can do it all over again."

Roth opened his now bleary eyes, filmed by unspilled tears that burned as though someone had set his eyes aflame. Legolas whispered to him, "stay strong my friend. I don't want to see you break in front of me. You can do it, please don't cry for me. I will be well. Just don't succumb to what they want, we can get past this." Legolas said this with a whole lot more conviction than he had a whole lot more than what he felt.

Roth nodded and watched as Calmir took a cruel looking whip with little barbs on the end and then he drew it back and brought it down hard across the prince's slender and yet muscular shoulders. It stole the prince's breath and he closed his eyes in agony. He could feel the cursed barbs bite and burn his skin with a pain he had never felt. Now he knew why blood marked this post, but whose blood was it? He pressed his head against the wood harder and prayed, take me now Elbereth, take me now. I don't want to die, but I don't want to live now either. They will use me and break me. I know they will. Claim me first. Please. I don't want Roth or Aragorn to see me when they are finished, they will not know me. I would have them remember me this way rather than after I am broken and changed.

The lash struck again and the prince was caught unawares. He hissed and fell against the post, but shoved himself hastily away, lest they should see his pain and take joy from it. He opened his eyes with horrible pain as a barb caught his flesh in another blow and tore his back. He looked at Roth and the other Elf looked as though he was ready to cry.

Roth's chin quivered as he watched his best friend and really, older foster brother, suffer at the hands of these cruel, stupid and absolutely heartless men. He wished he could stop the pain if he willed it all away, but if he could not feel the pain he would go numb and if he went numb, what would be left to hold onto? Nothing, for he would have no heart, hearts feel pain unless they are broken and blistered. He had not fallen that far and he would rather be slain then do so.

More and more blows fell like rain upon the helpless Elf bound by raw and bleeding wrists to the post, a prisoner of pain undeserved. Legolas could feel his own blood running down his back in small red rivers. He closed his eyes, not willing to let Roth see the intense pain reflected behind them. The blows were becoming heavier and they bit and stung twice as hard as before. "Whom do you serve Elf?" asked Calmir in a stony voice as he watched Legolas raise his head and spit back,

"I serve none, save King Thranduil." He wasn't about to say that was his father. But it was becoming so much harder to answer against what Calmir was tormenting him into speaking. It was so very hard and he was more than ready to give in, but he did not want to die knowing that he had failed. He would rather die knowing that he did well and did not give in; that he had passed the test appointed to him. He wanted to tell Mandos that he was not a craven had been true to the death.

Roth was trembling with the effort not to look away lest his prince should have to endure it all over again. Legolas gave hi