Part 14

Posted: October 2003
Author: Inwe Saralonde

*****

If there ever was a time
That I could use your trust in me
And if there ever was a reason
For me to get down on my knees
And if there's any way
That you could love me anyhow
If you ever had much faith in me
I could use a little now
When I said it would suit me fine
If you were out of sight and out of mind
That wasn't me talking
That was my wounded pride
When I said I didn't want your love
And you were no one I was thinking of
Believe me baby I lied'
‘Believe Me Baby (I Lied)' – Trisha Yearwood
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Next morning in Mirkwood

Legolas' POV

When I heard that Aragorn was in Mirkwood, and would be at the royal residence by mid-morning, I panicked. I knew he could only be here to see me, and I feverishly began to think of how I could avoid him.

"I hope, iôn-nîn, that you were not planning to avoid Aragorn." Caught up in my musings, I am startled by my father as he entered my room.

Swallowing, I said: "Of course not, Ada." The look in my father's eyes told me that he knew I was not being truthful.

"I'm sorry, Ada," I said, hanging my head.

My father sighed. "Legolas, you cannot avoid him. You know as well as I do why he is here."

I nodded.

"Good. I will speak to Aragorn as soon as he arrives. No," he said, seeing the hopeful expression on my face, "I have no intention of easing the path for you. This is between yourself and Aragorn – I will not interfere. Aragorn said his piece back in Imladris – now it is time for *you* to talk to him."

"Yes, Ada."

"Oh, and Legolas," continued my father, a stern note evident in his voice, "talk rationally. Don't let your emotions get the better of you. I don't think Aragorn needs a hysterical elf on his hands."

"Hysterical? Ada, please! That is most unfair – I do *not* get hysterical!"

"True," retorted my father wryly, "but that doesn't mean there can't be a first time."

I looked at my father in consternation, inwardly fuming at his assumption. "Very well, Ada, I will try and not get hysterical," I said sarcastically.

"Enough, Legolas. I think you know what I mean. You may be an elf over 2,900 years old, but this is not some casual dalliance – you are truly in love for the first time in your life. This is a completely different situation for you."

Annoyed, I had to admit that my father was right – again. It was frustrating having a father who knew you so completely. It made me feel that I could never be able to hide anything from him.

Ada must have sensed what I was thinking, for he said: "If it's any consolation, Legolas, I was no different at your age. My father was forever pointing things out to me about myself that I knew to be right. So I can understand your frustration." He smiled at the rueful look that I gave him.

"Ada, can you please ask Aragorn to meet me in the library after you have finished speaking with him?"

"I will do that, iôn-nîn. Now, I must go. I have other matters to attend to before Aragorn arrives."

I watched my father leave, and proceeded to await Aragorn's arrival with trepidation.

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Aragorn's POV

I was growing increasingly more nervous the closer we came to the royal residence. I had already received word that the King wished to see me upon my arrival, and I was thinking the worst. How could I not? Although I replayed my foster-father's words in my head, I knew there would be some recrimination – Thranduil was not going to let me off that lightly.

Wrapped up in my thoughts, I was not aware that we had actually arrived until Silinde gave me a slight nudge.

Looking up, I recognised the elf in front of me as being the King's chief advisor, Gwindor. "The King is in his study – please follow me."

Silinde threw me a sympathetic glance, and I turned and followed Gwindor. Reaching the King's study, the advisor knocked.

"Who is it this time?" Thranduil roared from within, and my heart fell into my boots. ‘This is *not* going to be good,' I thought. Bracing myself, I waited until Gwindor opened the door and announced my arrival, before stepping aside to allow me through.

Murmuring: "Mae govannen, Hîr-nîn," I waited until the King acknowledge my presence.

"So, you're finally here, Aragorn." Thranduil looked up from the parchment he held in his hands. Dropping it onto his desk, he rose from his chair and came round his desk to stand in front of me.

"What do you have to say for yourself? Legolas was in good spirits when he left for Imladris, yet when he came back it was as if he had the weight of all of Middle-earth on his shoulders. Needless to say, I was not impressed when I heard what had transpired during his stay at Imladris. My son loves you, Aragorn. He had hoped to tell you his feelings, only to find you in the arms of another. I was led to believe you cared for my son. Is that the case? Or do you see him as some amusing plaything, to be discarded once you were finished with him? My son is hurting because of your actions, Aragorn. And what of Haldir? Do you care for him? Or are you toying with his feelings, making him believe that there may be something between the two of you?"

I stood there, feeling smaller than a Hobbit. ‘Yet what did you expect, you fool? Of course you were going to get a tirade from Thranduil. And he has every right to be angry with you.'

Hesitantly, I looked at the King. He stood there, glowering at me, obviously waiting for answers. I cleared my throat.

"My Lord, it was never my intention to hurt Legolas. I know I was fool, and I regret deeply what occurred between myself and Haldir. I have a great respect for Haldir," I said carefully, "but I do not care for him in the same way as I care for Legolas. I wish I could explain fully to you how it happened, but I cannot. All I can say is that it was a moment of madness, for which I can only apologise.

However, what I can say now, my Lord," I said, my voice becoming firmer, "is that this will never happen again. I *do* love your son, and I wish to prove that to him, as well as regain his trust in me. That is why I am here, and I can only hope that you will give me the opportunity to speak to him."

Thranduil remained silent, and any confidence I had left slowly disappeared. I watched as the King began to pace the room.

"Legolas requested that you meet him in the library. You may go."

My jaw dropped. What? That's it? ‘You may go?' "I…I'm sorry, my Lord?" I stammered.

"I said, Aragorn, that you may go."

Flustered, I start to make my way to the door.

"Aragorn." Thranduil's voice stopped me. "Yes, my Lord?"

"I believe you – now you need to make Legolas believe you as well. However," here the King's gaze became hard, "I will remember this conversation, and what you have said. Should something like that ever happen again, you will most definitely feel the weight of my wrath. I will not stand by and watch my son suffer like this again. Do I make myself clear?"

"Perfectly, my Lord," I replied.

I left the King's study, and after closing the door, I leant against the wall. I briefly closed my eyes, and willed my legs to stop trembling. After a few moments I opened my eyes, took a few deep breaths, and began to slowly make my way to the library and my meeting with Legolas…

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Translations:

Iôn-nîn – My son
Ada – Father
Mae govannen Hîr-nîn – Well met, my Lord

*****

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