Hi peoples!!!

Celebrean; Lol! I've done some research and apparently it's spelt Celebrían! Thanks very much though!

Terreis; =) He he he... I know it's not a nice cliffie, but there we go... You'll have to see what Legolas has to do with Tiliath, and vice versa.

Astievia; I know how you feel; brothers can be so annoying sometimes... blushes Lol! Yeah, I have a thing about stars... they're just so pretty! And I just remembered; my name on fictionpress is Northen Star... yeah, it's supposed to be spelt like that! (Sorry; it's just that a friend of mine kept on about it...) He he he... well at least you can sleep safely at night now!!!

Amthramiel; Ah, you'll have to read to find out... =)

Wife of Elladan; Thanks!!!

Dha-Gal; LOL!!! I feel sorry for them... =) I got your guestbook signing on my site, thank you so much!!! Yeah; Dan and poisonous snakes... nice combo... =)

manders1953; yeah, I say it way too much DUDE!!!! No, I've kept you a secret!!! They won't come to your house with pitchforks yet!!!

Yavie Aelinel; IT'S ACTUALLY QUITE COMMON TO TALK IN CAPITALS!!! Lol!

Deana; Yeah, the new twist is because I got a little bored of the 'Leggy-gets-hurt-gets-better-everything-is-peachy' I started to get going there... plus it gets all my wonderful reviewers hiked up!!! =)

silvertoekee; Yup!!! Glorfindel is like me; EVIL!!! Lol! Hmmm... you're probably right; I'll just stick to regular ice-cubes from now on!!!

Coolio02; Thanks!

Mysterious Jedi; Ok!!!

Anarya; Yeah, I guess I did have to work for my reviewers... BUT I did get a bit of help; a couple of people have recommended me to other people, so that's only what I'm doing for you! If you don't want me to though I won't do it again! Oh... ='( That snake one was really good! Oh, you're guessing a Tiliath back-story? Best guess so far!!! Ah; Tolaith is based on my little 2 year old cousin; he can say a few words, like 'hello', 'ok', his name, 'bye', and his fave word; 'cookie'... which is usually followed by a 'NOW'! Lol!

Mellaithwen; No, she hasn't told me!!! What POTC fun-run?!?! I WANNA SEE THEM!!! JO!!!!! I haven't seen Troy yet, but I really want to! I have read adromir's fics and I think they're SO cool! I love Kel to bits!!!

leggylover03; Yes; a WHOLE STORY with just ARAGORN ANGST!!! =) He thought he had it easy because Legolas was my favourite, but now he's found out that he's equally my fave and he's a little... upset...

     ARAGORN: screaming I DON'T WANT TO DIE!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

     Oh calm down you stupid Ranger... =)

Stoneage Woman; Ah, you know me too well!!! Ok, I'll use a hybrid, but I might call it a different name... right; I'll remember the sucking venom bit!!! No, you're not giving me a bad impression, in fact, quite the opposite!!! I want to see all that stuff you see; it sounds so wonderful! I hate being stuck in a city actually; nothing of importance is here... just grey buildings, grey skies, and a grey feeling... no colour... in case you haven't noticed, I have the ability to speak with total disgust about where I live; London... the most boring city in the world... -- Really? We have another thing in common too; we both like LOTR!!!

Estel; That's a bad cough you have there Estel m'dear!!! TILLY?! TILLY?!?!?!?!?!!?! OO' Erm... I'm not sure he'd approve!!!

     Tiliath: Too bloody right!!!

     Yeah... lol! I go to an all girl's school too!!! St Catherines... yup... it's a catholic school; pray for this, pray for that, not that I have anything against it but it's always done the same old boring way... plus we have a sucky uniform... =P A cream shirt (till next year, when we get a blue one!!!) and a Blackwatch tartan kilt... -=shudders=- Eeew!!! Oh, did you know love, YOU ARE MY 150th REVIEWER!!!

eruve tinwen; Maybe... -=pulls out Sherlock Holmes-style hat and a pipe=- I shall investigate...

Lainfaer; oO You think I'm good at updating?!?! LOL, that's not right; it took me 7 months to update something once!!! Thanks for the review though!!!

ironic-humour; hello! Unless I'm very much mistaken, you're a new reviewer, yeah? HI!!! Thanks for reviewing!!!

shadowfaxgal7; LOL!!! Definitely!!! Yeah, everyone seems pretty much pleased! More angst? Not in this one; after all I do have 30 plus more Nilmé Series stories to write!!! You can expect angst in most of those though!!!

LAST CHAPTER PEOPLES!!! And of course, the obligatory preview of the next in the series; "Red Sun Rising"... enjoy!!!

.: Chapter Nine :.

Tiliath spun around.

"Wait, your name... Legolas? Legolas Greenleaf?!"

Legolas sat amid the quilts and blankets uneasily. The tone of Tiliath's voice was difficult to pin down... was it shock, or wonder... anger even? Something in the Ranger's eyes though drew him in, wanting to answer.

"Yes..."

Tiliath shook his head in disbelief, remembering a distant memory...

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

He could hear voices, strangely soothing melodic voices that were as soft as a summer breeze.

"Master Ranger? Wake up, come along now..."

Tiliath blinked himself awake, coming around to a burning sensation in his left arm and a pounding headache. Above him stood a figure, leaning over in an almost parental-like manner.

Then he noticed the pointed ears. An Elf.

The room stopped spinning and he could now clearly pick out the features of his surroundings. A shaft of sunlight beamed in through a window cut into the roof of the room, bouncing off of a large rounded mirror and spreading light across the area.

He was dressed in white, a bloody bandage on his left forearm. His muddled mind was cleared of shapeless fog long enough for him to recall that he and his troop had been attacked by spiders in the vast forest of Mirkwood, where they had been tracking a criminal wanted in Bree.

"My Lord, the Rangers's leader has woken now," said the Elf who had been standing over him. Tiliath's head turned towards the door, and there he saw another Elf, but this one felt much different.

This new Elf had an aura about him, a grandeur and royal air to him. His clothes were also noticeably richer than the others in the room (which Tiliath assumed was a healer's ward), robes embroidered with golden thread and a golden circlet atop his head.

"Thank you," he said, his voice filled with command and authority. "I wish to speak to him."

The first healer bowed and left the room. Once the door had clicked shut,

"If you do not mind my asking," said the Elf. "What on Middle-earth were you all doing out in that spider territory?"

"We were tracking a wanted man," said Tiliath simply, shifting on the pillows to make himself more comfortable. "It seems though that we took a wrong turn!"

The Elf laughed. "Well you may be pleased to know that all of your men have escaped unscathed; minor injuries here and there but nothing too serious. They worried dreadfully about you though; they'll be pleased to know that you are alive!"

Tiliath was confused. After blacking out in the middle of the clearing, he had no memory of anything afterwards up until the point he had regained consciousness. "May I ask of your name?" he posed politely.

"You may," replied the Elf. "I am Thranduil of Mirkwood, and this is my palace."

Tiliath was shocked. This was the King of the Woodland Realm?

He was suddenly broken from his reverie as the door burst open. An Elf who looked like a teenage human ran past with what seemed like a long range weapon in his hand. Tiliath took note that Thranduil suddenly seemed very exasperated.

"Ada!!!" cried a very young looking Elf who had just appeared in the doorway. Thranduil turned, rolling his eyes.

"Legolas Greenleaf, WHAT have I told you about knocking before-" began Thranduil.

"But Ada, Hal has taken my bow! I was practising and-"

"Legolas, please, I'm talking!"

"Ada!!!"

Tiliath resisted the urge to laugh. He had just married his wife Ecara a few months previously; if they were to have children he would leave them to her if this was how they acted.

"Legolas, if you do not go and sort this out with your brother in a civilised manner, I am afraid I will be forced to leave both of you tied up out in the forest.  Now go on!!!" growled the King, making his threat sound frighteningly pronounced. The young Elf nodded nervously and ran off to join his brother in the courtyard.

As Legolas left, Tiliath caught his eye. Though the Elf looked very young, his eyes held many more years to them than his face did... though it was always hard to tell with Elves. The only ones he knew well were Elladan and Elrohir, the sons of Elrond, and even they held some secrets that he would never know of.

Thranduil laughed despite himself. "My sons," he explained to the Ranger. "I love them dearly but at times they can be such a handful..."

Tiliath and Thranduil talked for many hours after that, discussing the group of Rangers's original plan of capture and how the warriors of Mirkwood could assist, among other things. It seemed that they had struck up an unlikely friendship...

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

That had been eight years ago. The Mirkwood Elves had saved his life that day, along with all the men in his contingent. Looking at the Elf now sat on the bed, it suddenly hit the human how little he had changed.

"You're the Prince of Mirkwood!"

Legolas was shocked. How did he know?

Tiliath knew from the look of surprise on Legolas' face just what he was thinking. "Do not fret; I just know your father. Eight years ago, a group of Rangers and I were tracking..."

They sat for hours, talking the day away...

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

Ecara pulled on the rope of the well, raising the bucket up more and more with each tug. The water sloshed out of the side each time the pail swayed, but she didn't lose too much.

Meanwhile Tiliath was chopping at some large thick branches that had fallen during the storm. "Might as well put it to good use," he had said. Legolas was helping the couple by keeping little Tolaith occupied indoors.

Legolas had been confined to the house as he was still quite cold to the touch and Tiliath didn't want to take any chances. Elves were famous for being quite hardy when it came to the weather, but Legolas was still a little weak and tired from his misadventure. 

"So where is the bear?" laughed Legolas, holding the handmade child's toy behind his back. Tolaith giggled, clapping his hands.

"Leg'as!" he chuckled. He toddled behind the Elf. "Lookie!" He pulled the teddy out of Legolas' hands and showed him.

"Well done Tolaith!" cried Legolas dramatically, causing the little one to laugh even more. Tolaith began chewing the bear's ear.

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

Windshadow's hooves pressed into the snow, leaving tracks which Swiftfoot's feet filled. The twins rode as fast as they dared; the snow was still a cause for concern in case it was concealing any ice beneath it. After some time however, they finally saw Tiliath's shack, standing proudly at the top of the hill.

Elrohir saw the Ranger going about his wood-chopping task with his keen eyes.

"Tiliath! Ho, down here!"

Tiliath and Ecara looked down the hill to see the two dark haired Elves atop their steeds. A smile broke out on the man's face.

"Elladan! Elrohir!"

He picked his way down the hill to greet the brothers. "Well, this is a pleasant surprise! How long has it been since I saw you both last?"

"Far too long," replied Elladan cheerfully. They descended from the horses' backs. Tiliath noted that the twins' mood sobered ever so slightly.

"Mellonamin, we were wondering if you could help us?" began the older Noldo.

"We're looking for a young friend of ours," continued Elrohir. "He's about..." He put his hand to about shoulder height. "This tall... would you agree Dan?"

Elladan nodded. "Yes, and he has blonde hair and blue eyes. Please say you've seen him!"

Tiliath thought for a moment. "Is he wearing a dark green tunic and brown trousers?"

Elladan's heart leapt up. "Yes!"

Ecara joined the conversation. "You mean Legolas? Tiliath found him yesterday; he's up in the house!"

The couple were taken back slightly as the twins rocketed up the slope towards their friend, at long last...

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

Elrond looked out towards the gates of Rivendell, smiling with relief as he saw his sons entering with a tightly wrapped, sleeping bundle sat in front of Elrohir. It had taken quite a bit of persuasion on the twins' part to allow them to bring the young Elf home; in the end they had been forced to reach a compromise with Tiliath and Ecara. This was that Tiliath was allowed to make sure Legolas was fit for travelling, and complying with Ecara's forceful demand that the three elves get some warm broth into their bellies before they left. After all, it was still quite cold.

Estel had gone back to sleep in his room; the boy would be fine. The incident with the apparition reminded the Elven Lord once more just how fickle visions were; all too often it was easy to assume that things were worse, or better, than they seemed.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you?" said a voice. Elrond glared at Glorfindel as he entered.

"I'm surprised to see you here; surely you know about the price I've put on your head for that little trick you played earlier?"

Glorfindel carried a look of mock unease about him. "Ah; compared to you, a Balrog is nothing!" They laughed and the blonde Elf sat down near his friend, and in companionable silence they relaxed, forgetting all the troubles of the past two days.

"Do you ever get the feeling that those two will never really be able to stay out of trouble?" asked Elrond suddenly. Glorfindel pondered this for a moment.

"You're supposed to have the gift of foresight; you tell me!" he replied mischievously.

Elrond rolled his eyes, at which Glorfindel merely laughed. "I meant, do you think that Estel and Legolas will one day have a little self-control over what they get into or will trouble follow them like a lost pup for the rest of their days?!"

Glorfindel shrugged his shoulders, not truly knowing the answer to the Noldo's question. "I'm afraid I have no answer for that mellonamin," he replied truthfully. As the sun set and the twinkling stars began to emerge from their hiding places, he sighed.

"I guess we shall just have to wait and see..."

The End   

=) Of course, WE all know the answer to that question, don't we? =) But, as I promised, here is the preview to the next episode... see you there!!!

Red Sun Rising

A red sun rises on Rivendell after the Twins, Estel, and Legolas go out on hunting trip. Glorfindel, determined to find out who is hurt this time, goes out in search, but he could never have imagined what he finds...

Elladan coughed violently as the dust around him settled. A sharp pain in his right leg alerted him, and he looked down to discover the limb was pinned under a large rock.

Three dark shapes silhouetted against the bright overhead sun above him, coming in at the sides of the hole he had fallen down.

"Dan?! Are you alright?!" came Elrohir's voice. The older twin squinted as he looked up.

"I'm down here!" he shouted back.

"Yes we know that!" said Estel, a comment which only served to gain him a punch from Elrohir.

"This is no time for stupid comments Estel!" he told the sixteen year old fiercely. Legolas, not wanting to get involved in the dispute, decided to remain the clear-headed one in the situation.

"Are you hurt Dan?"

Elladan tried to shift his leg from under the small boulder. This was a bad idea as it only made his leg more painful. Most of the burning sensation seemed to radiate from around his ankle.

"I think my ankle's broken," he shouted up, wincing as the rock slipped another tiny jolt. "I'm stuck!"

Estel and Elrohir had stopped bickering as they heard their brother's cries. Elrohir stooped over the hole again, his face a mask of worry. "Alright Dan; we'll get you out in a minute!"

Estel on the other hand was busy looking at the sides of the pit. There seemed to be twigs and leaves arranged in a criss-cross fashion, some of which had snapped and fallen down with his brother. The realisation hit the young man like a tidal wave.

'This is a trap!!!' he thought to himself, horrified. Who would set a trap like this so close to Rivendell? The Elves certainly didn't use methods like this when hunting animals... this was assuming that that was what this trap was intended to catch.

Meanwhile, Elladan's teeth were gritted in an attempt to keep the pain at a bearable level. He wouldn't be able to handle it much longer though; the sharp edges of the rock were digging into the soft skin.

"Hurry!!!"

That wasn't all of the elder twin's problems though. A soft, deadly hiss close by caught his attention. He felt all of his muscles tense up in apprehensive fear. Looking slowly to his right, Elladan's eyes widened as he saw a dark green snake slithering towards him. He knew the effects of this particular poisonous snake.

One thought ran through his mind. This was a potentially deadly situation. 'Oh Valar help me...'

So there's the Elladan Angst that people have been asking me for!!! And trust me; THIS is going to be the darkest story so far, though there are many more darker ones in the future... MWUHAHAHAHA!!! =)