Rating: PG-13 to R (Angst... proceed with caution)

Summary: When Legolas is forced to make a decision that could very
well determine the fate of all Middle Earth, what will he do? And
what consequences will his choice have?

// = elvish translations
# = flashbacks
* = thought

Disclaimer and Acknowledgements: As in Chapter 1

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Chapter 9 - Gifts from the Heart

The rest of the afternoon passed by gracefully. The four companions
lay sprawled out on the grass enjoying their delicious lunch and the
warmth of the sun. They chatted and teased each other but never once
did they bring up the incident of the `bandits'. When the sun
began to dip behind the trees, the company packed up and headed for
home.

"I wonder what Ada has planned," Aragorn questioned his brothers
hoping to get some clues from them but the twins just looked at him
and then grinned at each other.

"It's a birthday party Estel! Lots of people...lots of food..."
Elladan said with a laugh.

"Yes, a lot of people eating dinner together," Elrohir put in with an
impish smile.

"Right." Aragorn nodded trying to ignore his brother's teasing
but the truth was he was rather excited.

This was the first large-scale party that he had for his birthday
ever since he was taken into the house of Elrond. But today was his
twenty first birthday and according to his father, it was a day worth
celebrating because in human years, this was the age when one turned
into an adult. Aragorn could not help but smiled.

The light banter between brothers and friends died as they entered
the house. The place was filled with elves, most of them Aragorn knew
by name. He was showered with blessings and good wishes as he and his
companions made their way to the dining area. The man was overwhelmed
with joy. He never thought the party would be that grand. Dinner was
magnificent. There were plenty of food and wine; enough to fill
hundreds of elves. The party continued until several hours after
sundown and gradually, the guests started excusing themselves to
return to their respective homes and before long, Aragorn found
himself in the presence of only his father, brothers and the elf
prince. Leaving Celboril and the rest of the kitchen helpers to clear
the table, Elrond suggested that they adjourn to the Halls of Fire.

Aragorn sank into a large chair beside the fireplace. The warmth from
the flame caressed his skin and the human sighed contentedly. The
twins and Legolas each commandeered a chair leaving one empty seat
for the elf lord. Elrond joined them moments later carrying something
in his hand. Aragorn watched as his father sat down opposite him and
handed him the object that he was holding.

The human accepted it and realized that it was a leather-bound book.
Turning the cover open gingerly, his eyes widened as he saw the
delicate drawings of a child... not just any child but drawings of
him. As Aragorn scanned through the pages, he saw pictures of him
taking lessons in the archery range, him having his first riding
lesson, sparring with his elven brothers. There were also pictures
drawn of him while he was asleep. The child in the drawing gradually
turned into an adolescent and eventually into a young man.

Aragorn looked up at his father, unshed tears brimmed in his bright
eyes.

"Oh Ada..." the man laid the book down and threw himself at his
father hugging him tightly. "Thank you."

Elrond chuckled and ruffled the boy's hair affectionately.
"You've grown into a fine young man and I'm very proud of
you," the elf lord pulled away from the embrace and tilted
Aragorn's head up by his chin, gazing deeply into the human's
eyes. He bent over and placed a small kiss on Aragorn's forehead
before rising from the chair.

"I must take my leave now," the elf lord announced to the other
occupants. "Enjoy the rest of your night." With one final smile, the
Lord of Rivendell left the hall.

Silence descended upon the room momentarily until Elladan cleared his
throat.

"Happy birthday Estel," the older twin said as he reached beside the
fireplace and pulled out a beautifully carved bow. Passing it to his
brother, the twin urged him to practice more on his aim.

"Hey, it's not my fault. The bows at the archery range were made
for elves and not man," the human protested but not without mirth.

"No more excuses, Estel. This bow is designed especially for you. No
more blaming your bad aiming on something else."

The human snorted and cuffed at his brother playfully but thanked him
nonetheless for the precious gift.

"My turn!" Elrohir caught everyone's attention with his small
shout.

The younger twin presented Aragorn with a small wooden box the size
of his palm. Aragorn took the box into his hand, turning it around to
admire the beautiful workmanship. Carvings covered the entire box and
judging by the delicate patterns, it was obvious that Elrohir had
made it himself. The box was tied off with a blue silk ribbon and the
words "Happy Birthday Estel" was engraved in elvish on the lid.

Aragorn looked up at his brother and smiled. "It is beautiful. Thank
you."

"Go on, open it," Elrohir prompted. His eyes gleamed with mischief.

Noting the all too familiar look on Elrohir's face, Aragorn
started to doubt the genuineness of the gift. "Is something big and
hairy going to jump out at me when I open the box?" he eyed the dark
haired elf suspiciously.

"I am not telling," Elrohir replied, a smirk tugging at the corner of
his lips.

The human hesitated and reached for the ribbon slowly but stopped
halfway and looked pleadingly at Elladan. The older twin shrugged,
indicating that he had no idea what his brother was up to.

With a loud audible sigh, Legolas reached over and poked Aragorn in
the ribs, making him jump. The prince folded his arms across his
chest and stared at the young man. "Hurry up Estel! Don't keep
the elderly waiting!" the elf chided lightly and earned himself a
glare from his friend.

"You know, if something jumps out at me, I will make you eat it!"
Aragorn threatened playfully.

The comment elicited a light-hearted laugh from Legolas, his silver-
blue eyes shining brightly, and for a moment, Delund and his threat
was forgotten. The party had taken his mind off the terror that had
plagued him since that fateful night. The horror could wait. Spending
time with his best friend whom had become as close as a brother to
him was the most important thing at that moment.

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To Be Continued...

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