Amystika

To everyone that offered their condolances, thank you. It meant a lot.

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Eomer watched Aragorn pace the length of the study they were in as he waited for the 'meeting' to start. Gimli and Faramir sat near each other, talking quietly as they waited for Aragorn to start.

It had been a week since Gimli's letter had arrived in Gondor, and nearing two weeks since Legolas had disappeared. Aragorn had called his friends to Gondor to see if any news had passed through their lands of the fate of the Elf Prince.

Finally, the King stopped his pacing. "You all know why you're here. Has there been any news?"

One by one, each lord gave a negative reply. Sighing, Aragorn sat in the chair behind his desk.

"Word from Elladan and Elrohir is that they will not arrive for another day. Both are eager to help find Legolas."

There was a small silence before Eomer spoke. "I have heard of Elves becoming lost in their thoughts for hours, sometimes forgetting to eat or sleep. Perhaps this has happened to Legolas? I have seen him lose himself in thought for several minutes at a time."

"While Legolas was indeed prone to such things," said Gimli; "he would not lose himself in his daydreaming or tarry in a forest for so long as to make us worry."

Farmir nodded, "Aye. While I cannot claim to know Legolas as well as any of you, we have spent much time together as the lords of Ithilien. He has never made me wait for longer than an hour. I cannot believe that he would not have at least sent word to the Elves."

Eomer thought a moment, then frowned. "You presume that Prince Legolas Greenleaf, Lord of South Ithilien, and companion to the Ringbearer and King of Men, is in danger?"

"Not in danger," Aragorn started. "I have known Legolas since my childhood. And while he can be a little too... playful.. at times, he is a capable warrior. Faramir is correct though, he would have contacted his father at least. I doubt Legolas would intentionally make us worry."

"Well, he has not done so in a long while," came a new voice. The gathered looked to see the twin sons of Elrond come in. Aragorn stood and one twin made a dismissive guesture.

"Do not trouble yourself, brother. We were never fond of formality."

Aragorn nodded and sat. "I thought you two were not coming for another day."

One twin shrugged and both grinned. Eomer shook his head, "Could you do something to let those of us who have not the keen sight of Elves, or the kinship of Lord Elrond, distinguish Elladan from Elrohir?"

One smiled and pulled back raven hair with a strip of cloth Aragorn gave. "I am Elladan."

Satisfied that there would be no further interuption, the twins began their explanation. "We rode out from Lorien earlier than expected," Elrohir began. "Grave news from Mithlond reached us."

Elladan nodded, "Galadriel can no longer sense Legolas."

There was an uncertain silence in the room before Gimli chose to break it. "What is meant by this?"

Elladan sighed, "Celeborn was preparing to go to Imladris, when he recieved a letter from Galadriel. She had written to say that she could no longer feel Legolas' spirit in Middle-Earth. I remember when the little prince was born, she knew before any outside of Mirkwood, and perhaps before a few within Mirkwood. His spirit is strong, and even our father had a sense about the princeling's health..."

"You think him dead?" Faramir asked.

Elrohir shook his head. "No. But something has happened. All Elves had been anxious for the past week or so... We believe something has happened, and that it has been centered around Legolas."

Eomer leaned back in his seat, "What could possibly have happened to do this?"

"Has there been any action?" Aragorn asked the two that had been his brothers.

"Haldir rides in ever wider partols," Elrohir said. "He searches for Legolas quite tirelessly. It is only a matter of time before he reaches the borders of Rohan, and perhaps Gimli's caves."

"But nothing has been found?" Faramir asked. "Has no word come from Thranduil?"

Both twins shook their heads and Elladan answered. "Legolas would sometimes leave his father's home for days at a time, just in the forest. Thranduil will not worry for another week or so."

"And any others?" Faramir pressed.

Aragorn shook his head, "Legolas is well known as a warrior. It is only because we know his habits so well, that we worry."

There was another silence before the twins started to shift. "Well," Elladan started; "it would seem that we've done all that we can."

Elrohir nodded, "All that can be done now is wait for any information."

Gimli huffed, "There must be-"

"There isn't, Master Dwarf," Elladan said. "Legolas, or news of him, will turn up. There is nothing more we can do."

Aragorn stood, and placed his hands on his desk, leaning forward slightly. "As it stands, the best thing for us to do in the immediate future, is to not worry. I assume you will all be coming to dinner?"

There was a collective nod and the King smiled. "Good. If you'll excuse me, I would like to spend some time with my children and wife. You have run of the castle."

As soon as he saw the grins spread across the twins' faces, he turned to them. "Within reason."

The twins mocked childish pouts and nodded.

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Not as long as I would've liked. I promise to get to Legolas next time and after that too. ;)

Again, thank you to all that offered sympathies and condolences. This is for you.