Disclaimer: I own nothing Tolkien created.

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Sold Into Ruin

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A/N: Ok, so final chapter…

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Chapter 121 ~ The End

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The Handy Tavern…4 Months Later…

Legolas, Aragorn, Thranduil and Elrond entered the Handy Tavern with no hint of nervousness. Although the two friends would have expected to be slightly tense about returning to the scene of their original capture, they weren't. A Mirkwood guard was waiting outside for them, assuring their safety and something like that always leant them confidence. Aragorn led the way to the bar, following the same path as before, and the others followed. This time, Legolas was not challenged by anyone and his large hood his Elven complexion and slightly pointed ears so no one could easily recognise him as an Elf.

Aragorn leaned against the bar, along with Legolas whilst Elrond and Thranduil stood behind them, the latter looking completely out of place and decidedly uncomfortable. He hated men and being in one of their establishments was no an easy thing for him to endure and his distaste showed plainly on his face.

They had come upon the Handy Tavern completely by accident when returning from the trails in Gondor. Jadan and many of the other workers captured from the encampment had been tried and convicted of various crimes ranging from murder to extortion to intent to commit high treason. Most had received hefty sentences or punishments. Some of the guards had gotten off with suspended sentences but some had been put away with the head of the guards. In the past few months, Gondor had conducted a full investigation into what had happened in the encampment and several high-ranking Gondorian officials had been name, shamed and consequently discharged from the Council. At that very moment, Gondorian guards were destroying the last remnants of the encampment and filling in the mines so they could never be reopened.

Thranduil had overseen the investigation, throwing every bit of his considerable political weight at the trial, not trusting the Men of Gondor to conduct it efficiently. He had forced Gondor into a full trial and prosecution of all involved and settled for nothing less than what the people who had taken his son deserved. Legolas and Aragorn had also been there to testify – the star witnesses. Their testimonies had been paramount to the prosecution of the perpetrators. Thankfully, Jasmine and Arron had not been asked and neither Legolas nor Estel had told them any details about the trial, only the positive outcome.

Now, on their way home from Gondor, they had come upon this familiar place and, knowing there were few places to rest for a while, had decided to stop briefly for refreshments.

As before, the barman walked over to them, his uncanny ability to smell money coming to the fore again. "How can I help you gentlemen?" he asked politely, rubbing down the bar with a damp cloth.

Aragorn caught his gaze and asked, "Remember us?" with a smile. The second he looked at the man, the barman recognised him. His smile fell and he took a step back when he saw Legolas and Elrond as well. Aragorn grinned at his Elven friend and laughed, "I told you he would remember us." Legolas just smiled knowingly.

"I…I…Well, welcome back," the barman stuttered, looking decidedly nervous all of a sudden.

"How's business?" Elrond asked and the barman just smiled nervously. "Good." Elrond then turned to Thranduil and the king stepped up to the bar. "Might I introduce you to King Thranduil?" Elrond said, motioning to the stoic king who was glaring at the man with such force that it looked as though he might turn him to stone with his eyes. Few people who encountered that glare could stand it and, predictably, the barman eventually looked away, shaking slightly in his fear.

"It's a pleasure, Your Majesty," the barman managed to squeeze out of his throat.

Thranduil extended his hand stiffly and the barman took it with a trembling hand. As he shook it, Thranduil pulled him so hard that he nearly tumbled over the bar. The man yelped and clawed at Thranduil's hand but the king didn't move.

"So, you're the man who betrayed my son?" he asked coldly.

"Betrayed? No, my Lord. I would never betray your…your son." The man looked over at Legolas who was clearly wanting to break this up but allowing his father a chance to vent for a while before he did so. "Free drink?" he asked with a nervous smile.

Thranduil smiled coldly back and pulled the man clear over the counter and he fell hard on the floor. Thranduil pulled him straight back up though, letting him go and dusting down his jacket with a false smile still plastered on his face. "Say sorry," Thranduil said firmly. The man looked utterly confused and Thranduil yelled, "Say sorry," again, causing the barman to flinch back and try to pull away again but his efforts were futile. Thranduil was not going to let this go.

"Sorry. I'm sorry," the man stuttered.

"Not to me, you idiot. To Legolas," the king ground out.

"Ada," Legolas warned softly.

The man turned to Legolas and repeated the apology. "I am so sorry. I never meant…I'm sorry."

"On your knees," Thranduil said, placing his hands on the barman's shoulders and squeezing until his captive flinched. The man looked startled by this and didn't move so Thranduil slowly pushed him down until he was kneeling on the filthy floor. "Now apologise," he said once more.

"I'm sorry," the man said, panic beginning to get the better of him.

This seemed to satisfy Thranduil and please Elrond so the king pulled the man to his feet. "Now, about those free drinks…And you are trying each one first – just in case," Thranduil smiled, walking over to an empty table while the man scrambled to get behind the relative safety of the bar.

"I did warn you," Elrond smiled as he went to join Thranduil at a table.

Legolas and Aragorn obediently followed their respective parents.

Sitting there, drinking pre-tested drinks, they felt a sense of relief. This was the final challenge, predicted or not - to face everything that happened. This was where it all started, where Kallon had first taken them.

Eventually, they finished their drinks, left a poor tip on the table and left the tavern to return to Mirkwood. On their way out, Legolas paused, looking around. Something felt wrong here. He couldn't see anything out of place though, just some men sitting at the bar, their backs to the rest of the world. Brushing off the feeling, Legolas walked out of the bar. Someone getting off their stool bumped into him on the way out before moving away without a word of apology.

"Sorry," Legolas mumbled, turning around and watching the retreating men for a moment. Then Legolas left the Handy Tavern, hopefully for good.

The man Legolas had bumped into walked to their vacated table, ordered a drink and sat hunched in the chair, hidden beneath a ragged black cloak, hood pulled up so his face was cast into shadow. When he sat up straight and pulled back his large hood, his face was revealed. It was scarred and rough, bearded – not by choice but from too many endless days wandering the wild – and he was barely recognisable after his hardships. Across his next was an ugly ragged scar, not long healed.

Most people would have passed him by without a second thought and even the rattled bartender didn't notice…Kallon.

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Mirkwood…One Month Later…

Legolas wandered down the hall and hesitated at his father's door. He was a little reluctant to disturb the king. It hadn't escaped his notice that Thranduil had taken on a lot of his own work-load the past few weeks, not to mention the recent journey to Gondor, which had been long and hard on all of them. His hand poised to knock, Legolas sighed, going to walk away. However, his father's voice came into his head, telling him to come to him whenever he needed to.

Turning back to the door, Legolas tapped on it gently. He received no answer so he gently turned the handle. The room was dark but the curtains were open, allowing a little moonlight to shine into the room. The king's bedroom door was closed but Legolas saw candlelight shining through the cracks under the door. He sat down on one of the sofas and rubbed at his tired eyes. Pulling his hands back, he could do nothing but stare at the scars that marred them. They no longer hurt; ached a little in cold weather, but they remained a constant reminder of what had happened. The scars on his back and his chest were beginning to fade but were still too vivid for him.

It had taken a long time and a lot of effort to get this far. Building up his strength had been the hardest part and for so long after he couldn't walk far without getting out of breath. Shooting a bow was another matter altogether and the most demoralising of all. He had found that difficult but despite Elrond's warnings to take things easy; he had pushed himself into doing it, regardless of the pain and discomfort. It had been painful and tiring but his recovery had progressed far enough.

The nightmares, although slightly less terrifying than before, continued to disturb him. Hence his presence in his father's chambers in the early hours. He sighed, leaning back against the sofa. Closing his eyes, he felt at ease in this place. He had tried so hard to avoid doing this, lately especially. Of course Thranduil had told him that it never mattered if he needed him but Legolas saw how difficult this had been for his father and despite what he had promised Thranduil, he still felt the urge to protect his father from what was happening, from what he was feeling.

Legolas hadn't even realised he'd fallen asleep until Thranduil's hand on his arm as the king sat down next to him. Legolas sat up quickly, startled.

"What time is it?" he asked, looking out at his father, who was dressed ready for work.

"It's early," the king answered. Legolas looked down and found a blanket draped over him. "You looked so peaceful," Thranduil smiled, taking a sip of his tea. "I didn't like to disturb you." Thranduil looked over at Legolas, who was trying to clear sleep from his eyes. "You look tired. Hard night?" Legolas looked over at his father with tired eyes. "You should have woken me."

Legolas shrugged. "You were sleeping."

"I can be woken," Thranduil said pointedly, standing up and putting his mug down on the mantle. "Come on," he said, holding out his hand to his son.

Legolas stood and walked over to Thranduil, who walked him to the door and opened it. "Where are we going?"

"To get you to bed," Thranduil said, walking his son down the hall towards his own rooms.

Legolas stopped suddenly. "But, Ada, I said I would look over the Guard reports this morning and…"

"Legolas, stop." Thranduil waited until a few servants had passed by so they could speak privately. "Don't think I haven't noticed that this is still a problem. I know you still have the nightmares and I know that you still don't come to me all the time." Legolas looked away in embarrassment. "I thought we were clear about this; you were to come to me if you need to."

"I know."

"So what changed?" Thranduil asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"I don't know."

Thranduil placed his hands on Legolas' shoulders. "All right. Now, you go back to bed and get some sleep. You look shattered."

"I'm sorry, Ada."

"It doesn't matter. Go on to bed. I'll see to the Guard's meeting. And send for me if you need anything, all right?" Legolas nodded. Before he could leave though, Thranduil called a servant walking down the hall. "Can you take Prince Legolas back to his room please?" Legolas sighed dramatically. "And don't think I won't tell every Council member not to talk to you today. No meetings."

"I promise," Legolas smiled, following the servant towards his rooms but dismissing him as soon as they rounded the first corner. However, he did follow his father's instructions, going to his room and crawling under the bedclothes with a tired sigh.

OIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

Legolas woke mid-afternoon with a shout. Another nightmare had made sure his rest was not peaceful. He wiped sweat from his brow and pulled the sheets off. He went to his cupboard and pulled a cloak out before leaving the room. He knew exactly where he was going.

"I brought you some lunch. I thought you might be…" Thranduil started, opening his son's bedroom door. The ruffled sheets were thrown back but the room was empty. The king put the tray on Legolas' desk and sighed. "Legolas, what are you doing?" he whispered to himself.

He walked through the halls, asking various servants if they had seen his son. None of them had though so Thranduil kept searching, determined to get his point across to his son. The king had excused Legolas from all his meetings today. He had allowed Legolas to return to partial duty a few months ago, although he had put tight reins on him, only allowing him to do a certain amount of work and keeping a close eye on him all the while. The king was well aware that grief didn't just disappear and although Legolas was improving he knew it still affected him. Thranduil still snapped at the advisors who grumbled about things not being done on time. The king was having none of it though. Anyone who dared speak ill of his son or anything that had happened to him got a serious telling off and a suspension.

"I saw him not a few minutes ago in the graveyard, Your Majesty," one of the guardsmen said when Thranduil asked him about his son's whereabouts.

"The graveyard? Thank you," Thranduil said, running through the halls, ignoring comments from the servants. The graveyard was the last place he thought he would find his son. Despite the fact that Legolas had told his father about what happened to his mother and had come to accept it a little he still could not find the courage to visit the graveyard where his mother's memorial stood.

Thranduil slowed to a walk when he came to the small graveyard a few metres outside of the palace grounds. At first, he couldn't see his son then he caught sight of a flash of gold from beside Nienna's memorial. He pulled open the gate and walked over to Legolas, who was kneeling next to the stone tomb. Although empty of everything but a few trinkets from the family, the crypt remained a symbol of the Queen's reign and her presence was still felt. The crypt itself was sealed but an inscription was carved above the door; Nienna's name and a rest in peace. A large, beautifully carved stone sculpture stood on top, always kept in the best condition. Flowers, new and old, were laid in front of it and for the first time; Thranduil saw that Legolas was holding on to some of his own – white daisies, the same as he had chosen for her funeral.

Thranduil knelt down next to his son and put his hand on his shoulder, not saying anything but looking at the tomb with sad eyes. He had come here every week ever since she had died, with the exception of when he was away on business. He had never forced Legolas to come here and had never stopped him from doing so either.

"I had a dream that she was standing here, waiting for me to come," Legolas said after a moment, his voice barely audible. "I've never even been here before."

"It hasn't changed at all."

"You still come here?" Legolas asked, looking at the flowers Thranduil had laid out just days before. There was always a small, handwritten note with 'Nienna. Love Thranduil' written on it.

"Every week."

"She must hate me so much," Legolas whispered fiercely.

"Hate you?" Thranduil asked, looking at his son. "Your mother could never hate you. I know she would understand how hard this has been for you if she were here. And she would be so proud of how you have handled this."

Legolas shook his head. "I don't think so."

"She has been in your thoughts every single day since her death – for better or for worse. You don't have to come here to remember her."

"But I didn't remember her, Ada. I did everything I could to forget her," Legolas argued, tears falling from bright blue, tired eyes.

"You did what you had to in order to get through this. Nienna would have understood that. And she loved you, Legolas, and I know that if she was here she would still love you, despite everything that has happened. Don't you ever forget that."

Legolas nodded, tears falling steadily now, and placed his small bundle of flowers on the monument with all the others. He bowed his head, saying a quiet prayer and Thranduil respectfully did the same.

"You can't keep doing this to yourself, Legolas; torturing yourself for your mother's death is not going to bring her back or change what happened to you. You need to know that." Thranduil raised his hand and tucked Legolas' long hair behind his ear, causing the young Elf to look over at his father. "I am so proud of you; of how far you have come. You can't even begin to understand how proud you have made me." Legolas smiled at his father then hugged him tightly, his head resting on the king's chest as he tried to stop the tears falling. "Maybe one day you can forgive yourself for what happened." Legolas nodded and pulled back. "Now, I have a trade meeting and a council session to cancel."

"You don't have to do that, Ada. I can do it. I'll be fine, really," Legolas reassured, standing up and casting one last sad glance to the stone statue.

"I know I don't," Thranduil said, putting his arm over his son's shoulders. "But I thought we might have a picnic in the grounds, maybe practice some archery. I bet I can beat you this time."

"I wouldn't count on it," Legolas chuckled as they walked away.

"Oh no? What if I blindfolded you?"

"Still couldn't do it."

"Ah, I'm sure I could if I really tried…"

OIOIOIOIOIOIOI

"Can I sit?" Aragorn asked, startling Legolas from his thoughts. He hadn't even heard the man enter the room.

"Of course," Legolas offered a chair to the man, who sat down, smiling at the prince.

"I didn't mean to startle you," Aragorn apologised but Legolas waved it off. "What were you thinking about?" Legolas just glanced briefly at him, the look in his eyes telling him that he would not get an answer. "You've been spending a lot of time with your father this week."

"I know. I'm sorry, I haven't had much time lately," Legolas said.

"It's fine. I think it's a good thing. It was nice to see Jasmine and Arron again, I wouldn't mind going back for another visit, maybe getting to know her husband better." Aragorn was hinting and Legolas instantly picked up on this.

"You want to go back to Rohan?" Legolas asked, already knowing what the answer would be.

"I thought I might stop by when I return to Rivendell."

"You're going soon?"

"At the end of the week. I thought I would go with Ada a part of the way then meet him back home in a few weeks."

"A week? So soon? You're cutting it a little fine."

"I wasn't sure whether I should go just yet," Aragorn admitted, his eyes fixed on Legolas, who was staring blankly at the table.

"Why not?" Legolas asked curiously, his blue eyes now flicking up to his friend. Aragorn just looked at him and then Legolas knew the answer. "Because of me?" Aragorn nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on the prince, who looked more alert than Aragorn had seen him in a long time. "Tell me you haven't been staying in Mirkwood all this time because of me." Still Aragorn said nothing and Legolas knew that the answer was yes. "Estel, you don't need to protect me," Legolas laughed gently.

"Old habits die hard," Aragorn muttered without thinking but then realised what he had said. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean…"

"It's all right," Legolas stopped him before he could work himself into a hole he couldn't get out of. "Estel, I know that I haven't been around a lot during your stay and I certainly haven't been good company," Aragorn shook his head in protest but Legolas put his hand up to stop him from verbally protesting, "and I am sorry. I just want you to know how grateful I am for everything you've done for me. Ada and Elrond told me that you were around a lot whilst I was recovering and I never really thanked you properly."

"You don't need to thank me. I was glad to do it."

"Well, you didn't need to and I appreciate it."

Aragorn nodded and laid his hand on Legolas' arm. "I should thank you too."

Legolas laughed, the concept amusing him considering everything that Estel had done for him. "What for?"

"Getting those people convicted, locking them away for so long, for throwing your considerable political weight behind this. You didn't need to do that and it means a lot to me that you would fight for justice despite everything you went through. Especially seeing as I was so utterly useless throughout the whole thing."

"Estel, your testimony was invaluable. I couldn't have done it without you. And it was more my father and Elrond than me."

"No, I know you talked him into it. I couldn't do anything with this secrecy thing and…"

"Estel…"

"I'm just pleased you didn't ignore it. That you fought for it."

"You didn't honestly think that I would let them get away with it? What they did… They deserve everything they get." Aragorn nodded. "Anyway, let's just call it even now."

"Sounds good to me," Aragorn grinned. After a few moments of comfortable silence, he said, "So you don't mind me going home?"

"Of course I don't mind. You and Elrond have stayed here long enough, longer than you probably should have. Besides, you both have a kingdom to run and you can't keep doing that from Mirkwood," Legolas laughed and Aragorn nodded. "You should go home."

"All right." Aragorn stood up. "I'm going to bed; it's late."

"I'll see you tomorrow."

"Are you staying up?" Aragorn asked, a little surprised.

"For a while," Legolas smiled thinly. "Don't worry, Estel."

"I'm sorry. It's payback for all those 'Elrond' comments," he laughed and Legolas joined him. "It's good to see you happy again," Aragorn smiled. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Aragorn."

"Estel," the man corrected quickly and Legolas looked up at him in question. "You called me…You meant Estel."

Legolas nodded but said, "I meant Aragorn." Despite it feeling odd, someone using that name openly, Aragorn quite liked it and smiled gently down at Legolas in thanks. "Goodnight," Legolas called as Aragorn left and for the first time his friend sounded like how he used to and everything was beginning to look up.

Thranduil, who had been waiting outside, knocked gently on the door and sat down next to his son. Legolas was obviously a little shocked that his father might have overheard Estel's secret. He still didn't know that Thranduil knew the truth. "How much did you…?" he asked, not wanting to inadvertently give anything away.

The king waved away Legolas' concerns though. "I just got here," he reassured. "What did Estel want?"

"Oh, he's returning to Rivendell next week," Legolas said, downing the remainder of his tea.

"Are you all right with that?"

"Why wouldn't I be? He has to go home some time," Legolas said.

"I know. Maybe you want to go with him, spend a little time in Imladris? We can spare you for a few weeks. Have a holiday?" the king suggested.

Legolas smiled weakly. "Thank you but I don't think I could…you know. It's a long way and I think I should give the travelling a break for a while," he answered in almost embarrassment.

"You're right, of course. You should rest. That's what's important." Thranduil took his son's hand in his own. "You're doing really well with all this, you know? I know sometimes it doesn't feel like it but you are," he said gently, squeezing his hand. Legolas directed his gaze to the table, not wanting to make eye contact with his father. "I mean it, Legolas, I am really proud of you."

Legolas smiled gently then looked up, tears shining in his eyes. "I'm…I'm going to bed; it's late," he said, standing up slowly, his father mirroring the action.

"Goodnight, ion nin." Legolas just smiled at him, not trusting his voice to be steady enough.

Legolas went straight to his room, locking the door behind him so he wouldn't be disturbed. He lay down on the bed, falling asleep without even undressing. The room was dark enough so he couldn't see the shape hiding on the balcony, looking into the room to catch one more glimpse of the person who had destroyed his life.

THE END

A/N: Thank you so much to everyone who has read this story. And to everyone who has reviewed and added me to their favourite/alert lists. I hope you all enjoyed the journey and I look forward to seeing you all soon for my next story: 'As You Were'.

Please review and let me know what you think for one last time for Sold Into Ruin. Thank you.