Black Moon

For Vuaryn for getting me past that little bout of writer's block! Thanks big sis!

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Feinereg had not been able to convince Legolas to leave his room until far later in the day, and Rhiernil said that Thranduil was refusing to speak to his youngest. Both if the older Princes cursed the stubborness that ran through both their family members. True, they were ust as shocked at what their younger brother had done, but they would still recognize him as their brother.

"Adar feels bad about what he had said," Rhiernil said, falling into his chair at the dinner table. "But he still refuses to speak with Legolas."

"He is upset, brother. Of course, Legolas is still hurt, but he will not actively seek to clear things. I only fear he will run off again."

Rhiernil sighed, "I will see him after dinner. Keep an eye on any activities while I'm busy?"

Feinereg nodded and smiled, "I promise I'll behave."

"I'm sure."

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Elladan and Elrohir stood before their father joined by Haldir and Rumil. The latter pair had come from Lorien earlier in the month for a visit and to carry a message from the Lady Arwen. Elrond sat at his desk once more, his hands steepled in front of his face.

"Prince Nimelen of Mirkwood has come bearing strange news. The youngest Prince has apparently encountered some creatures none other have seen. At present, we're unsure if these creatures pose a threat or not, but I would like you to look into"
"

"Why us?" Elladan mused.

Elrond smirked, "Because the best hunter and tracker in Middle-earth is currently occupied with his duty to the Dunedain and you were close at hand. Haldir, Rumil, I am aware that you will be returning to Lorien soon, so I ask that you travel as far as the borders of Mirkwood, at least."

Elladan just sighed, "Adar..."

Glorfindel smiled, "If it makes you feel any better, Elladan, we are fairly certain that these creatures are not a severe threat."

Elrohir frowned, "Then what do you want us to do?"

"Simply go, see for yourself the extent of Prince Legolas' bewitchment. I have not yet spoken to Gandalf, but he has said nothing of any new dangers in Mirkwood."

"Mithrandir has been searching for that creature Gollum, though," Haldir said. "He was by Lorien when we left. I thought he wished to bring the creature to the forest once found."

Elrond nodded, "He has enlisted Aragorn's help. But that is a different matter. I just want you to be certain that these new creatures are not a threat."

There was a collective nod and the younger Elves left. [A/N: Heehee, timeline revealed! About 50-55 years after Bilbo finding the Ring]

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Legolas sighed as he sat on his little balcony, his arms folded on the railing. There was a light knock at the door. "Enter."

He turned to see Rhiernil come in with a tray. The eldest Prince came over to him after setting the tray down on the small table in the room.

"You were not at dinner."

"I was not hungry."

"Legolas, you need to talk to Adar, he is upset."

"And I'm not?"

Rhiernil sighed, "I know you are, but you can always leave."

Legolas rested his chin on his arms, "So you do not want me here either?"

Rhiernil started, then knelt and took one of his brother's hands and forced the younger Elf to look at him. "I did not say that! And you are well aware that I did not. I know you are upset, but so is Ada. You may always leave, you have that open to you. But Ada doesn't, do not let this fester between you."

Legolas looked away and Rhiernil started to get frustrated. "Legolas, do not leave us as well. We have already lost one family member to this forest, do not make it another."

That got through to Legolas and the younger Prince looked down. "I do not wish to."

"But that is how it seems. Why did you accept this? Are you so unhappy here?"
o! Ro! Rhiernil, no, I just...I don't know."

The elder of the two sighed, "Legolas, you must discover your priorities. Speak with Adar."

Legolas looked away from his brother, "I can barely speak with you, how am I to talk with Ada?"

Rhiernil huffed and stood. "Fine! Be stubborn, Legolas. I really don't care anymore. If you are not going to try to help me understand this, then you may as well leave."

With that, Rhiernil left, Legolas' sharp hearing catching the souof hof his brother's footsteps as they disappeared down the hallway. Legolas turned his gaze back to the forest, he perked up at the sound of a wolf howl not far away. Straining his newly enhanced eyesight, Legolas could just make out the great form of Draugaran in the shadows of a few beech trees a little ways away. Not thinking twice, Legolas made his way down and to the WolfKing.

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Rhiernil practically flopped into a chair by Feinereg. "That little brother of ours is nearly impossible to reason with."

"So's Ada," Feinereg pointed out, absently turning a page in the book he had found. Both straightened when one of the servants came in.

"My Princes, a message has come from Imladris from Prince Nimelen. Master Elrond has agreed to send the Lords Elladan and Elrohir to investigate this wolf issue."

Rhiernil nodded, "Thank you Filigir."

Feinereg smiled as the page left with a slight bow, "Should you tell Ada? Or should I?"

Rhiernil stood, "I will, you go talk some sense into that baby brother of yours."

"He's your brother too."

"Don't remind me."

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That's it until next time!