Black Moon

Lady of Legolas: He didn't talk to his family because it was something he wasn't sure about. Notice how I've said several times that he was griefstricken? And since we all know that Elves begin to fade when faced with immeasurrable grief, he wasn't exactly thinking clearly. Besides, where would the drama be if I left it without that little conflict, never mind the grounds to introduce Legolas' stubbornness.

This is the last part of Black Moon, it'll continue in 'Gwain Ithil'

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Thranduil glanced back at Elrohir as they followed Draugaran through the forest. They had left soon after the meeting, Elrohir taking his swords and Feinereg fetching Thranduil's.

"I'ven hen here..." Elrohir muttered as they came to the entrance of a cave that seemed to rise from almost nowhere.

Draugaran nodded, "Indeed, you and your brother gave us all quite a scare."

The boulder that had blocked the end of the cave was rolled away by two creatures like Draugaran and the long stairway was revealed. Both Elves stopped and gaped at the expanse of the cavern.

"Come, Legolas is not far."

Across the cavern, the two Elves could feel the eyes of the Wolves that were near following their every move. Draugaran stopped in front of what looked to be a long passage and turned to another black Wolf.

"Is he still in there?"

A nod.

"Is he asleep?"

A shake of the head in the negative response. Draugaran patted the creature's shoulder and led Thranduil and Elrohir through the passage.

Legolas was still seated before the fire, looking to be lost in his thouhgts. Draugaran stepped aside to allow Thranduil to pass.

"Legolas?"

The younger Elf turned, "Ada? What are you doing here?"

Thranduil knelt next to his son and Elrohir took a 'post' at the entrance to the room.

"We need to talk."

Legolas nodded and Draugaran left to let the Elves reconcile.

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[A/N: I'm too lazy to think up what a father and child would say to each other in reconciliation.]

~A while later~

"So you wish to stay here?"

Legolas sighed, "I would rather be able to go between freely. But if you do not want me-"

"Nonsense, Legolas. Go between as often as you so wish, just stay at home for at least a few weeks."

"What of the Wolves?"

"If they truly mean no harm, then I see no problem with working together."

Legolas smiled and hugged his father. Elrohir cleared his throad bod both royals turned at the sound.

"Well, the others will be getting worried soon."

Thranduil nodded and stood, brishing off his clothes. "It is late. Will you return tomorrow?"

There was a nod from Legolas and the young Elf stood. Elrohir came over.

"You've grown from when I last saw you. Still headstrong, I see."

Legolas smiled, "And you still look like your brother."

"He looks like me," Elrohir said, smiling. "I look forward to actually talking with you, Prince Legolas."

"Sometime later, if you remain in Mirkwood long enough."

Thranduil smiled, "I'll see you tomorrow, Legolas."

"Yes, Ada."

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The Elves and Wolves had worked out a system over the course of four and a half years, resulting in a steadily growing partnership. Legolas posed as an ambassador for both races and wandered freely between.

"So, my Prince," Filigir, one of the patrol guards, said; "Any news?"

Legolas shook his head, "Nothing of value. Oh, but Mithrandir is coming, and will arrive soon."

"Now, as a matter of fact."

The two Elves turned and smiled at the Istar. Gandalf frowned slightly, "You've changed, drastically, Legolas."

Legolas nodded, "I will tell you of it later."

The Istar waved it off, "Not at the moment, I'm afraid; much to do. I do have a favour to ask of you though."

Gandalf looked over his shoulder and Legolas caught sight of what had been giving off strange smells, confusing his senses. A Man stepped up, with all the practiced grace of an Elf, nearly dragging a creature with him. Legolas cocked his head curiously.

"I wish for you to take custody of this creature, 'Gollum'," Gandalf said, noting the look Aragorn and Legolas were giving each other, sizing each other up. "And, as you see, Aragorn is dire need of a bath."

The Man huffed and Filigir chuckled. Aragorn handed the leash over, "I will not disagree that I have been wandering in your company for far too long, Gandalf."

He bowed to the two Elves, "I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn."

Legolas bowed in greeting, "I am Legolas Greenleaf, son of King Thranduil."

The Man smiled and Gandalf bid Legolas to take a letter from Elrond to his father. Once the Istar had left, the two Elves and Man headed to Thranduil's palace.

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Draugaran watched everything from the trees, sensing that trouble was afoot.

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End of Part One. Part Two, 'Gwain Ithil', soon to be up.