Chapter 3

This time, it wasn't only Legolas who tensed at the sudden exposure of Aragon's true identity, but the rangers around as well.

"Aragorn," warned Legolas his mind racing. How many people in Arda knows the existence of the last Heir to the throne?

But Aragorn waved him off.

"True, I am the son of the Kings," he admitted blatantly and raising his eyebrows, "What else do you know?"

"A fair amount," said Trohin a sly smile on his face, "I know of your Elven family my Lord, so if you want to assure their safety-"

Aragorn raised his eyebrows dangerously

"You are not to touch them you filthy scum," he said quietly. It was a quiet voice but the ever presence of danger was there.

Trohin smiled. It was a smile that sent Legolas a shivering feeling of dread. Somehow he felt that there was something more to this man than meets the eye.

"You will have to come with me my Lord, whether you like it or not for I… I have your twin brothers."

Aragorn froze and gave the man a hard stare while Legolas had another idea of expressing his own fury.

He shot forward without much thinking and let his fist do the talking. His knuckles made contact with that of Trohin's face and sent the man flying on the ground. Before Aragorn could react, there was uproar behind them and Halbarad's army came in view, surrounding Trohin's troupe at once.

Legolas grabbed the arm of his friend and led him away from harm.

"Halbarad will take care of it," he assured the man as they stood behind a tree. "Relax, Estel,"

"His lying wasn't he?" the man asked giving the Elf a piercing look.

"Yes," said Legolas nodding, "I could sense it. And we both know that your brothers were hunting at the southern parts, mellon nín. You know what? Next time I'll invite them to Mirkwood."

Aragorn laughed then suddenly stopped looking incredulously at the Elf.

"You just hit a man!"

"Aye, what if I did?"

"You said you'd never do it, Elf!"

"Then I was wrong," admitted Legolas glowering suddenly, "I do not appreciate people trying to get you by using your family… unforgivable…"

He looked up to Aragorn again, expressing his grief about the exposure of Aragorn's heritage.

"How can they know, mellon nín? This is something that worries me! Let us go back to Imladris for your safety!"

Aragorn saw the helplessness in his friend's eyes and felt guilty. He gripped the elf's shoulder and said in an assuring tone, "I am fine Legolas, do not worry yourself about such things at the moment!"

"Estel, Lord Elrond will want to know," countered the Elf, desperate to convince his friend to drive to safety and for his own heart settlement.

"He will want to," agreed Aragorn, "but let us not haste my friend, please,"

Legolas lowered his eyes and nodded.

"They were unforgivable…" he whispered again under his breath.

"Aye," said Aragorn shaking his head and noticing his friend's hands. He reached out and held the right hand the elf used to defend his friend. Seeing it bruised, Aragorn felt a twinge of revenge for the filthy man who brought this upon his friend but he shook the thought away. Instead, he leaned down and placed a light kiss on the Elf's fair fingers.

"Hannon le, mellon nín," he whispered, grateful was he to have such a friend who was ready to defend him if ever he needs it.

"Aye," said Legolas fondly, staring at the man with a smile on his lips, "What are knuckles for?"

~END~

It should end there :)