Chapter One

An Overdue Visit

Royal Wing of the Citadel

Minas Tirith, Gondor

Day before Prologue

Aragorn watched Gimli carefully. The dwarf had been standing on the balcony for a couple of hours now, looking south. He had not spoken much since he had arrived the previous eve, and Aragorn was concerned. This was not like Gimli at all. He knew his friend well enough to know the dwarf loved to talk, to tell of all his experiences. Gimli was a storyteller and a good one, and it had been a long time since they had seen each other. He should have been chatting away, telling all about Legolas's last visit to Aglarond and the mischief the dwarf and elf had gotten into; or excitedly discussing the newly found caverns in Mount Mindolluin, which had brought him here. Yet Gimli was silent, not a good sign.

Aragorn walked out to stand next to him. "What causes you to stand here so silently, my friend? I was sure you would be excited about these new caverns and a chance to explore them. You must have much to tell of Aglarond, as well! How went Legolas's last visit? Did he get lost again?" Aragorn smiled slightly, hoping his questions would pull the dwarf out of his silence.

His smile faded when Gimli turned to look at him. There was such pain in the dwarf's eyes – and concern. "Legolas did not come see me this last year, Aragorn. There is not much to tell."

Gimli turned away again. He looked troubled and deep in thought. Aragorn was taken aback by this news. Legolas had not visited! He had sensed something was not right when Legolas declined the last invitation to visit Minas Tirith. It seemed the elf had not seen anyone in a while, even Faramir reported Legolas declined to visit. This did not bode well. He looked down as Gimli spoke again.

"I fear for him. It is not like Legolas to disregard our plans. He did not even send word that he was not coming. When I sent a letter inquiring if all was well, his reply just stated that he had been busy and had forgotten. Forgotten, Aragorn! Then, he went on to say he would not be able to come in the spring either, as he usually does. No reason, just he was sorry he was unable to come." The dwarf's palm smashed down upon the balustrade with a resounding smack "Blast that elf! He's turned me into a sentimental fool!"

Despite his concern, Aragorn could not hold back a smile. It was true; there had been a time when Gimli would not have cared at all what Legolas did or did not do. They had so strongly disliked each other when they first met and were forced to work together as they traveled towards Mordor with the Ringbearer. That had all changed over the course of the Quest and the War, and Aragorn had been amazed at the strong friendship the elf and dwarf had developed. Those who did not know them well might still consider them enemies, as they bickered amongst themselves constantly. It was rare for one of them to admit to the deep feelings between them. He had been correct in his premonitions. Something was not right with his elf friend.

"I will send a letter to Asgarnen, asking him to come, Gimli. I already have a message going to Faramir; we will add one to Legolas as well. With this new discovery, I want him to be here. He has declined our offers to visit the last six months. Faramir mentioned Legolas did not look himself the last time he saw him, though our friend claimed he was just very busy in a new area of the forest." He sighed and glanced out over the city. "I have wanted to check on him, but I have been unable to get away. It seems our friend has made a habit of claiming he is busy in order to avoid his friends. Come Gimli," he gestured towards the adjoining room, "let us write to our missing comrade and make sure he cannot refuse to come!"

Gimli nodded and joined him. "Very well, Aragorn. But if he does not come, I am going to him. Obviously, he needs to have a discussion with the flat side of my ax!"

Aragorn chuckled as they both turned and headed towards his office, and soon after, a rider left the city gates, headed south towards Ithilien.

— o —

Ithilien

Legolas arrived back in Asgarnen the morning after he had made his decision to travel. He had been taking these trips alone for a while now, searching out new areas of the forest that needed the elves' touch. After last evening, he realized taking these trips alone was probably not the best thing to do. Shaking his head in disgust at himself, he entered Asgarnen and headed towards his dwelling.

The elves of Ithilien had slowly turned the land back to its previous beauty. The trees were recovering from the darkness. Young ferns, forest plants and flowers were growing everywhere in and around the elven city – if one could call it a city. Truly, there were few dwellings on the ground. All of his people lived in beautiful talans among the boughs of the great trees. There were a few guest quarters built below for occasional visitors, and a hall, of sorts, consisted of a large clearing with a scattering of stone tables and benches. The elves preferred to meet and feast under the stars. There was also a small stable which was only used when there were visitors, as Legolas and his people let their own horses roam free. A few other miscellaneous buildings were scattered amongst the trees, all a part of the landscape around them. It was a beautiful settlement.

The most interesting feature here was the home of its lord. Legolas smiled as he headed towards the tall tree that stood next to the edge of a large, rocky cliff. The main dwelling was in a talan built high in the splendid tree. It was the only one with a built in spiraling stair, which began near the entrance to a large cave system. Skilled dwarven hands had carved those caves into magnificent rooms, similar to those of the Elvenking's halls. It was here that Legolas's personal guests stayed. He often slept in the caverns when a certain dwarven visitor – one who detested climbing trees even if that consisted of climbing stairs – came to stay.

"My lord!"

Legolas stopped walking towards his dwelling and turned towards his second in command. He had known Tathar since they were children. Their friendship had grown from mere playmates to include military chain of command. When Legolas became a captain of his own patrol, Tathar became his lieutenant. When Legolas moved to Ithilien after the War, Tathar was the first to agree to come. Tathar took his duties as second in command and advisor very seriously. He knew his place and filled his role well.

"My lord," Tathar repeated as he hurried towards Legolas, his black hair billowing behind him like a storm cloud. "A rider arrived from Minas Tirith last night. He left a message for you from the king! He said you should read it as soon as possible." Tathar handed over a parchment to Legolas.

"Thank you, Tathar." Legolas smiled at his friend. "I will take this up and read it now. Unless the king requires something other of me, I will be leaving for Rohan," he held up a hand to still Tathar's protests, "and I don't want to hear any arguments about it either! I have already missed my regular trips to see Gimli, and nothing here is pressing. Unless Aragorn needs me elsewhere, I will be gone at least a month, perhaps two." Pausing to observe Tathar's expression of shock, he added, "I'll be leaving as soon as I can finish preparing my things."

"As you wish, my lord." Tathar's acquiescence came far too easily in Legolas's opinion, then his seneschal continued, making his dislike apparent, and at the same time surprising him. "I do not like you being away without a guard, but perhaps the time will be good for you. We will miss you, my lord." Legolas smirked, almost able to hear Tathar's thoughts. Sometimes there is just no arguing with that stubborn prince. Better to just accept the fact and make sure all stays well in Ithilien until the princeling returns.

Tathar strongly disliked his lord being away for any length of time, yet, his second was not arguing. He would take it as a mercy from the Star Kindler, and was assured all would be well in Ithilien while he was away. Legolas was confident of his second's abilities.

"Thank you, Tathar." Legolas started up the steps, then paused to call over his shoulder, "And stop calling me lord. You have known me long enough to use my name!" Legolas gave his friend a grin and turned back towards his talan.

"Yes, my lord," came Tathar's cheeky reply.

Legolas grinned and climbed the stairs rapidly. Once inside, he sat at a desk and looked at the parchment. Breaking the seal, he opened it and scanned it briefly. This was a personal letter rather than official business. He sat back and read.

Greetings Legolas,

I hope this letter finds all well with you. From last reports, all is well in Ithilien, and so your people can spare your arrogant arse for a time. It has been far too long since you visited us, Legolas! We have missed you.

A certain dwarven friend of yours arrived yesterday and is requesting your presence here, as well. It seems our city's engineers have come across some old caverns that run deep into the mountain from the city. Gimli is certain he could not explore these without your complaining and has requested I send a messenger to you. I quickly agreed, as I would have your opinions on these findings, as well.

In his words, "You better get here soon ,or I'll have to find a use for my ax on your backside!" Seems you are not in Gimli's favor at the time, my friend. Something about not visiting? Again, I wonder if all is well with you or have you just tired of our presence?

You have until the end of the week to present yourself in Minas Tirith. Failure to arrive in due time will require my sending reinforcements to fetch you. I'm certain you will wish to avoid having an angry, ax wielding dwarf coming to look for you.

We look forward to you gracing us with your fair presence again.

Be well,

Aragorn

A smile spread slowly across Legolas's face. Of course they would never believe that he had already been planning to visit, but by leaving this morning, he would arrive by late tonight. He would surprise them by showing up very early. Legolas smiled again. The dwarf would have to find other uses for that ax of his.

After informing Tathar of his plans, Legolas packed quickly. He slipped his knife in the sheath on his belt and buckled his quiver on his back. He picked up his bow and pack, and after a last look around, turned and left. A whistle produced Celedae, his grey stallion, and he mounted and headed for Minas Tirith without a backwards glance.

To Be Continued…