{}«Legolas' POV»{}

"Do we know if Calithilon made it back?" I asks the council and the attention is directed to me. We returned home only a few days ago and are now trying to decide our next move. 

"Yes," An ellon answers, "he was seen going into the mines a few weeks past. His forces are large, but if we attack now, while their leader is shaken, we can eliminate this force for good."

Another ellon spoke up now, "But the losses of an attack could be devastating. We don't outnumber them by much, if we outnumber them at all."

"But if we don't," the first ellon continues, "Then they will continue to attack and our losses will not only be soldiers, but ellyth and children as well."

"What of the Gondor?" A particularly young ellon asks, "They are under consistent attack as well, could we not join forces?"

I listen to all sides as they continue to argue. The young ellon provides a good point. I would not be opposed to joining forces with Aragorn and it would raise our percentages of winning.

I have already made up my mind so standing, I decide to end this conversation. "The slaying of a King is an act of war. As is the siege of the Mountains were." My words grant silence throughout the room. "If that is what they want, that is what they will get. Word shall be sent to King Elessar immediately, if he wishes to march with us, then so be it, and if not, than we will fight this on our own." The silence is shattered by the murmurs of the council.

"But my lord, we must discuss this." An ellon ventures to say. "And the rest of the council has not had their say."

I take a breath, masking the irritation that has crept up inside me and I turn to the council. "Then, what does the rest of the council say?" Silence follows and I turn back to the ellon. "I would say the council has made their position clear. We attack Moria." And with that I walk out of the council chamber.

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Weeks pass as we wait for Aragorn's response and soft knock sounds on the door of my study late one night. Odd, I specifically stated I did not wish to be disturbed. Standing, I make my way to the door, opening it a crack. Thaladir stands there.

"What is it?" I ask, irritated.

"Legolas, let me in. Please."

Reluctantly, I open the door and let him in. I take a seat and he does the same.

"Legolas are you alright? And don't lie to me."

His statement sounds well rehearsed and after a moment realization dawns on me and I sigh, "Elhael sent you did she not?"

His silence answers my question.

"Well, tell her I'm fine. The two of you have nothing to worry about," I tell him and then pretend to read one of the reports that clutter my desk.

"You should at least go talk to her. She's worried for you."

"I told you, I'm fine." I don't even bother looking up and I can sense the irritation mounting in both of us.

"But you're not. I mean look at you! You don't eat, Valar knows if you ever sleep, not to mention the wine glasses you have shattered. I'm not stupid, Legolas. Glass doesn't shatter spontaneously. Stop lying to me and to yourself!"

The paper crumples in my hands as I look up, meeting his gaze. "It would do you good to remember your place, captain."

Hurt flickers across his face before it is replaced with anger and frustration. He stands, the legs of the chair scraping across the floor and he walks out, slamming the door behind him.

After a moment, I take a breath and flatten out the paper I crumpled and continue to read it, though only halfheartedly. Why must they both hover over me constantly? I am King of the last great elven realm, I believe I can take care of myself.

Another knock sounds and the door receives a glare. Reluctantly, I stand and open the door again and this time Elhael enters. The two of them are persistent at least.

"Sit." She says, gesturing to the couch that lines the wall and I do as told. I may outrank her, but sometimes I wonder if she knows that.

She sits down beside me. "Legolas, talk to me, please. You have not been acting like yourself lately and I am worried."

I let out a breath and lean forward and bow my head, resting my elbows on my knees. "What do you want me to say?" I ask softy and she sighs, knowing I won't say anything that I haven't already said.

She puts her hand to my cheek and gently forces me to look at her. "It's not what I want you to say, but what you need to say. You must get it out Legolas, at some point. Keeping it in and holding a grudge will not make the hurt go away." She runs her fingers over the last lingering scar on my arm. "You have been hurt Legolas, and it's okay to admit that. It is not weakness."

Her voice is soft, as if she were talking to an elfling, but her words are deep. She does not speak just of the physical hurts, but of the emotional ones as well. And she wants me to forgive the one who caused them?! The notion has not even crossed my mind. How can I forgive someone who has hurt me the way he has.

She smiles softly. "Just think on it, alright?"

I nod in response. A few minutes pass in silents before she squeezes my hand. "You know where to find me," she whispers and turns and leaves. The door shutting behind her with a soft click.

I stay where she left me, my head resting in my hands. I don't think I can do as she asks. I shake my head. No, not now. I can't and won't forgive him. Maybe one day, but not now. My own hand traces the scar. Not after what he has done.

Another knock at the door bringing me out of my thoughts. I give up on having anytime to myself tonight. Sighing in defeat, I open it to reveal a messenger.

She hands me a scroll before curtsying and darting off.

The seal is Aragorn's seal and I hurry to open it, knowing the answer to whether or not we go to battle alone is held within it. I skim over the words, hardly taking the time to read it word for word and see Aragorn's signature at the bottom. His answer spills from my own lips, though there is none here to hear it.

"We fight."