Chapter Two:

Two Better Than One

Aragorn rode the horse swiftly, if not entirely silently.

Legolas had summoned him for some unknown reason to the palace of Mirkwood. The message brought by elf was urgent and the ranger had left immediately. Now four days into the journey he was nearing the palace. The trees around him were foreboding and dark, but Aragorn could sense nothing truly out of the ordinary. His horse snorted nervously. It never enjoyed returning here—it sensed too many dangers. Another horse trotted behind him. Araraug, the grey stallion was unafraid and followed Aragorn's horse with a toss of his head at the dangers that had the other spooked.

Rada, wanderer of the mountains, and Torrain of the West both rode the tall stallion. He was easily able to carry them both and they were soon gaining on Aragorn.

"We're close," Rada called. She wore the dark green clothing of a wood elf, making it easy to blend in when she wanted. She had grown up in Mirkwood but then left to wander the mountains alone. Aragorn didn't know why, and nobody would tell. Torrain, the seventeen-year-old scout had a less mysterious past. He had been staying in Rivendell for the last month and decided to come along when the summons came from Legolas. He wanted to see more of the world. Rada had come because she said that Legolas had a knack for finding trouble and when he did he would probably need her to get out of it. Besides, staying in one place bored her too much.

As they neared the palace, Aragorn began to worry again. It was his nature to worry about his friends. The unexpected and unlooked for call from his friend had caught him off guard. Legolas had left after the orcs had been slain and returned to his home. He hadn't been expecting to see his friend for some time.

Meanwhile, Torrain was also lost in thought. He had never been this far from home—it was an amazing, if dark, wood. He was enjoying every moment of this journey, even if Rada was not very friendly, Araraug was very frisky and Aragorn was too anxious for any good conversation.

Araraug was too sure of himself for his own good. That horse had always seemed prideful, but now it was simply ridiculous. A call from up ahead startled them all, even the stallion. He whinnied nervously and jumped back in surprise.

"Mae govanen, Strider!"

An elf jumped out of a tree and held up a hand. Aragorn stopped his horse and leapt to the ground. "What is wrong?" he asked. "Why did Legolas send for me?"

The elf, Eluross, smiled brightly. "You'll see."

"He is all right, isn't he?" Aragorn would not be calmed.

Eluross smiled again. "Follow," he replied, and lightly ran ahead.

Aragorn was very irritated. Torrain could see it easily. The elven gates swung open, and he marveled at the obvious magic all around them. Rada glanced at them, unimpressed. As they continued inside, servants took their horses and Aragorn led the way into the great hall. Rada slipped away into the crowd. Torrain watched as she disappeared, thinking she went unnoticed. The teen followed Aragorn as he headed directly for where the royal family was. Legolas had already seen them coming, and gestured for them to meet him in the corridor to their left.

Legolas smiled and clasped Aragorn's hand. "You came," was all he said.

"How could I not?" Aragorn countered. "No one will tell me what is wrong."

Legolas cocked an eyebrow. "Eluross," he called. The light haired elf stepped out of the chattering crowd

"Your highness?" he answered.

"Would you please take him to the guest quarters?" Legolas pointed at Torrain.

"Yes, sure. Come, follow me." Eluross had a gleam in his eye. Torrain nodded and followed him down the corridor. "Man eneth lîn?" Eluross asked the human as they walked.

"What?" Torrain gasped. "Wait, I know you speak the common tongue—you did earlier."

"Just a jest," Eluross laughed. "I said, 'What is your name?'"

"Torrain," he answered quickly. "Is it too personal a question, or what, but what is wrong with Legolas?"

"I'm sure he will tell you later…"

"Legolas," Aragorn threatened once they were inside the prince's quarters, "if you don't tell me what is wrong… I've been worrying for two days!"

"You've worried? Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't think you would worry." Legolas's eyes flashed with regret. "I should have thought about that. Well, as you know, the Nórui Celebration is a fortnight away. I need some support, and you brought just that. I saw Rada slither away from you, and Torrain came, too. I need friends."

"What about all your other friends here already?"

"Yes, but you know my father. He kind of… overreacts to any sort of trouble during celebrations, and I don't want you to miss this one. I've got a hunch this might be too interesting for you to fail to see. I've got a feeling that a few old friends of mine might show up…"

"Why?"

"You'll see."

"If I hear that one phrase again, I'm not going to be happy."

Legolas laughed lightly. "Well, let's just say I have a feeling this celebration is going to be a little chaotic…"

After one day had passed Torrain and Aragorn had settled in. Aragorn was still a little curious about why he was here—Legolas knew more than he was telling—and Torrain was still at a loss when it came to the Grey tongue, but they both managed. Rada had disappeared entirely, but Legolas was obviously not worried, so Aragorn didn't either. She could take care of herself. Torrain on the other hand stuck close to Aragorn. The Mirkwood elves didn't take so kindly to humans as the Rivendell ones did. Aragorn was the only human in a long time to earn their trust, and his friendship with Torrain eased his way a little.

During the midday meal of their third day, Eluross interrupted Aragorn and Legolas's argument about the best way to keep a bow in perfect condition. He glared at the prince with unconcealed annoyance.

"Man agorech?" he demanded.

Legolas blinked innocently. "Huh? Haro dad, Eluross."

"Man agorech?" Eluross repeated.

"What are they saying?" Torrain muttered to Aragorn. "I seem to be at a disadvantage."

"Eluross just asked Legolas, 'What did you do?' He answered very innocently, and avoided the question, saying politely, 'Sit down.'"

"Oh," Torrain said.

"They are here," Eluross replied darkly in the common tongue. "You invited them. That is why Rada came. They are all here."

"Who?"

"The Neled."

Legolas smiled, eyes shining with innocence. "You mean, Lûtharas, Míriel and Rada? I never invited them. They must have just decided to visit."

Eluross shook his head. "You hate the Nórui Celebration. You invited them to make it more interesting. In other words, to ruin it."

"Did I miss something?" Aragorn asked. "Don't answer, 'you'll see.'"

"Apparently," Eluross grumbled. "Your father is going to hate this."

Legolas smiled evilly. "Why are you so upset?"

"Your father put me in charge of this years celebration. If anything goes wrong, I'm blamed. I already have enough work to do without worrying what destruction your friends will cause."

"Besides, even if I did invite them, I couldn't cause any more trouble, now could I?" Legolas hid a grin.

Eluross glared at him. "Iston nach," he said resentfully.

"'I know you can,'" Aragorn translated for Torrain.

Legolas finally couldn't help the ominous sounding laugh that finally came out.

Aragorn sat inside Legolas's quarters. Torrain had fallen asleep in the chair, eyes closed peacefully. Legolas was carefully inspecting a rip in his dark green cloak, silver eyes still sparkling with elven mischief. Aragorn had learned long ago that when the prince had that certain look to him that trouble was usually well on the way. Eluross had obviously been upset, but the ranger had no idea why. Three females had journeyed to Mirkwood for the Nórui Celebration? What was so suspicious about that? Rada had seemed to just decide to come along when she heard of Legolas's call. Was there more than met the eye?

Legolas fingered the cloth absentmindedly. He did have a satisfied expression, Aragorn noted. He was thinking about something and was obviously pleased with it. Sighing, the elf leaned back and stretched an arm leisurely. He didn't notice the stare of Aragorn, and if he did he simply ignored it. Torrain rolled over slightly in the chair. Legolas's eyes were immediately focused on him. When the boy continued sleeping, he shifted his position once again returned to observing his cloak.

"Is that garment so interesting?"

Legolas jumped—he hadn't noticed Aragorn's study of him after all. He settled again and glanced his shoulder over at Aragorn with deliberate unhurried movements. "Perhaps."

"Legolas, would you please explain to me what is happening? Somehow I feel as if I'm not let in on a secret."

"Ha! The Neled are no secret. Those three have been around for over a thousand years. Of course it took the first five hundred for me to finally get used to them, but after that… My father has learned to dislike them greatly and I enjoy their company."

He paused. "Have I never mentioned the Neled?"

Aragorn had to think for a moment. "No, you haven't. Should I recognize the name?"

"Ah, the Neled are very interesting. They are three females that when we were all children we managed to pull off stunts that would have made the things Elladan and Elrohir do look effortless and safe! The Neled—the 'Three' in the common tongue—were called that because they were inseparable. We were all best friends, and still are. But of course we all grew up and had different adventures, different lives. First, to understand the Neled you must know who they are. The first was Rada, the wood-elf and warrior. Second there was Lûtharas, the older lore keeper. Third was the silver-haired Míriel with her schemes. It seems as if they got bored and decided to show up to wreck havoc at my least favorite holiday. No matter what Eluross thinks, I didn't invite them. So I maybe dropped a few hints, but I never invited them. All right, so I dropped some extremely large hints, but I still didn't invite them."

"Is that why you wanted me here?"

Legolas shrugged. "Ever since father got rid of my pet sparrows because they kept flying into his room and waking him up… well, I haven't had a very good time around him. He's horrible at holding grudges, you know. I decided a little revenge might be allowed in this case. And you have to see the Neled in action. It's the greatest wonder in the world how they can create chaos and adventure all at the same time."

Torrain rolled over again, and then sat up. He blinked several times. "Where am I…? Oh, I forgot." Brushing his bangs out of his eyes, he smiled at Aragorn. "What have I missed, O Translator?"

It was the nickname he had finally given Aragorn in thanks. He could understand none of the Grey Tongue and needed the ranger to translate a lot of what the elves said. Eluross had been trying to teach him a little, and he was learning fast but not fast enough for any type of conversation beyond 'hello.'

"Nothing," was Aragorn's quick reply.

Legolas stepped out into the hall, wondering where Rada was. The female had disappeared for a while now, and he was more worried than he let on. His father and Rada were not on very good terms. Correct that thinking, Legolas thought ruefully, Rada is too ashamed to face him and he will never admit he was wrong.

He decided to talk to Eluross. He was usually the most informed elf in all of Mirkwood, with his knack of finding out information before anyone else. He also was one of the king's advisors and a powerful elf, though few would recognize it because of his relaxed manner. He would know all the latest rumors on Rada's unknown whereabouts. It would also be good to know a few tips on how his father was taking the news about the Neled because chances were that he would be very annoyed. He had never liked Míriel or Rada. He had liked Lûtharas.

As for Daemîr… that was a whole different story.

He decided to look around the kitchens first. Holidays meant feasts, feasts meant extra cooking, extra cooking meant disorganization, and disorganization meant Eluross was somewhere near. He made his way through the corridors, and quickly found Eluross lugging a large barrel out of the kitchens.

"Need a hand?" Legolas reached out and helped Eluross put the barrel down before it fell. The sloshing inside it alerted Legolas that this one was probably filled with wine. One elf shouldn't be carrying this alone.

"What is it?" Eluross asked without preliminaries. "You want something, don't you?" With a smile he tried to pick up the barrel again.

"Yes, I do. Information, Eluross."

"I don't know everything, but I'll do my best," the other elf answered. "What do you need to know?"

"One, where is Rada hiding?"

"Ah, I'm not sure, but my sources tell me the stables would be a good place to check."

"Also, how has the king reacted to the news that his least favorite trio has returned during his favorite holiday?"

"My sources tell me he would try and kick Rada out of the palace if he could simply find her."

Legolas winced. "It's that bad, then?"

"Worse than you think, my dear prince. I fear that his wrath will reach you next. You did invite them, after all."

"Your 'sources' as you call them are not entirely correct. I didn't invite them."

"Then who did?"

"They invited themselves."

"Anything else you would like to know?"

"Hm… yes. What is the state of the enemy?"

"Which enemy are we speaking of? The elves you dislike? The Neled? Your father?"

"The only one I can truly call enemy—the southern fortress."

Eluross's dancing eyes faded slightly and he shook his head. "The orcs and spiders have retreated somewhat in the last few weeks for reasons unknown, though my sources tell me there are rumors that we drove them off completely in our last attack."

"Impossible," Legolas mused. "We couldn't have."

"That's my opinion, too," Eluross agreed. "However, rumors are rumors and they are out there. If you'll help me with this barrel, I'll tell you more."

Legolas took one side and Eluross took the other. As they maneuvered the corridors, Eluross continued. "Anything else?"

"Yes. Why has Strider been so touchy about the phrase, 'You'll see?'"

Eluross laughed and carefully shifted the barrel so another elf could pass by them. "Because he was worried about you and I only said that to him when he asked anything."

"That would explain it. Oh, one other thing."

"Ask away," Eluross said, his focus on the barrel. He carefully kept the barrel from hitting the wall. A strand of light hair fell into his eyes. He shook it out of his face.

"Two actually. The first is, if my father put you in charge of the whole celebration, why are you lugging barrels around?"

"Someone has to, and the other elf helping me ran off suddenly." Eluross laughed. "When there is work to do, some find other things to do."

Legolas laughed as he carefully led the way into the hall. "The other thing is this—you mentioned my brother in all but blood is here."

"Ah, yes he is. I spotted him riding inside the gates. What is his name again? Daemîr?"

"How did you know it was him?" Legolas glanced over at the wry expression on Eluross's face.

"Let's just say, I knew."

"That makes no sense."

"He was wearing a blue tunic. You are wearing green."

"Ah. You won't tell anyone will you?" Putting on his most innocent expression, Legolas pleaded. "You won't tell?"

"What? That you are wearing green?"

"No, you know what I mean."

"I have a number of suspicions. I will not tell, but if you start… well, you know. You aren't going to do what I think you are going to do, are you?"

"Don't worry, nobody will get in on it this time."

Eluross sighed. "You are just as tricky and hopeless as the one I saw riding in the gates."

Legolas beamed. "This whole celebration would be pointless if someone didn't pull something." The two elves agreed on this, at least.

But then Eluross added, "I might forget the whole incident if you help me with a few more barrels…"

When Legolas was finally allowed to return to his rooms, he found a note sitting on the desk. He picked it up and read it.

Legolas, it is I, your old friend. I have returned to wreck havoc once again. If you want to join me, fine. If you want to stop me, catch me if you can!

Legolas smiled grimly. So Eluross had been right.

"Of course I won't stop you," he murmured. "You're going to be the main entertainment of the whole celebration."

"I thought you would say that."

An elf stepped out of the shadows. He was wearing the prince's normal robes, they fit him perfectly. His hair was pulled back in the same style as Legolas. However the thing most elves didn't know and the part Legolas and Eluross kept secret was that the elf that had stepped out of the shadows looked like he could have been Legolas's twin brother.

They were almost identical. Even though they were not related in any way, the resemblance was amazing. However, a hood usually concealed Daemîr's longer nose, larger eyes, and longer hair so that the obvious differences in the face were hidden.

"You've taken my clothing," Legolas said in amusement.

"How else am I to pass as you? I know Eluross recognized me." Daemîr shrugged. "So, are we going to do this again?"

"You mean wear the exact same thing and run around at the celebration, frightening many people because of the 'two' princes in the palace?" Legolas smiled broadly. "I know you would never forgive me if I denied you this fun. I would never forgive myself. This is too good an opportunity to miss."

"I saw two humans here," Daemîr remarked as he pulled on a pair of Legolas's boots.

"Ah, Strider and Torrain. I'll have to introduce you to them when our trick is over. You would like them very much, I think."

"So are the others here?"

"Yes, they have returned."

"Your father is going to hate this. He knows I exist, but he won't be able to tell who is who, and who is really causing all the problems."

"Problems? There have been none…"

"That is because I just arrived, my friend." Daemîr smiled wickedly. "Your father always disliked me. It's time to remind him why."

"You need to learn something other than mischief."

"You're going to enjoy this, too. You can't hide it."

"I'm not denying it. I regret ever saying this celebration was going to be boring."

A knock on the door startled them both. "In the closet," Legolas hissed. "If we are seen together yet, it will ruin everything."

Daemîr ducked in the closet as the door swung open. Aragorn strode inside. "Are you all right?" he asked in concern.

"Why would I not be?" Legolas kept a nervous eye on the closet. He thought he heard snickering coming from it.

"I heard you talked to your father about your visitors that you didn't invite."

Legolas sat down on the bed, motioning for Aragorn to join him. If he could just keep his attention from the closet… "He wasn't very happy that I've stayed away for so long, and I think this was the breaking point," he said quietly. "He demanded that I tell him where Rada was hiding, but I told him truthfully I didn't know. As for the others, he can tolerate them. Míriel and Lûtharas he can deal with. He's just under stress right now and I haven't been on his good side lately. He'll calm down after the celebration."

"So everything is fine?"

"As fine as it could be right now. Besides, what could go wrong?"

A loud snort came from the closet.

"What was that?" Aragorn asked sharply.

"I didn't hear anything," Legolas answered innocently.

"I did," Aragorn muttered, concerned. "It came from your closet… so much for the amazing hearing of the elves."

He stood and started for the closet, his hand reaching out for the door. Legolas made a face. So his plot was to be foiled so early! Aragorn pulled the door open and peered inside. "Nothing," he said finally.

"I told you I didn't hear anything," Legolas responded, working hard to keep the laughter from his voice. How in the world had Daemîr pulled this one off?

"Where is Torrain? I thought he would be clinging to his only translator," Legolas said with a still very innocent smile.

"Eluross kidnapped him, I believe," Aragorn laughed. "He said something about hundreds of barrels."

"Yes, I should go help him. He's in over his head. In both work and barrels."

The door suddenly swung open. A female stepped in, and pointed a single finger at Legolas. Her silver hair was awry, and her grey eyes sparkled with mischief and—at the moment—annoyance. "Legolas Greenleaf," she declared. "You could have at least warned me!"

"Míriel," Legolas said warmly, standing up. "I haven't seen you for such a long time. How are you?"

"Don't you 'How are you' me! Do not get off the subject!" Míriel stared at him, smiling broadly. "You didn't tell me he was coming, too! You and him are going to be up to your old tricks, aren't you?"

Valar, she was talking about Daemîr! Legolas cursed his bad luck. Why was fate against him and Daemîr today? Aragorn was no fool, he would catch on soon. "I don't believe my eyes," Míriel babbled on, seeing Aragorn. "Your father let him in? You are friends with a human? I never thought I'd see the day."

She stepped forward and bowed. "Well met… ah, I don't seem to know your name." She paused, tapped a finger against her thigh.

Aragorn was quite taken aback. Most elves he had met were suspicious of him, slow to trust a human. Even in Rivendell they had never been so… open. He looked at Legolas in confusion. The elf just smiled back, with the look of one that knows more than another. "Most call me Strider," Aragorn said slowly.

"Strider, huh?" Míriel surveyed him with keen eyes.

"Hm…" Legolas's attention was suddenly drawn somewhere else. His eyes darted to the side of the room. Aragorn followed his gaze to the closet. But why…?

Míriel had noticed Aragorn's confusion. "Don't be surprised, Strider. Some of elves aren't as cold as others. I won't mention any names of course." She coughed, and it sounded strangely like Legolas. She cocked her head. "I hear that Eluross could use some help. The feast will be in two days and I am settled in with nothing to do. What kind of work is there for us to do?"

"Moving barrels." Legolas smirked at Míriel. "Just your favorite job."

"Oh, no!" Míriel groaned. "Never mind. I can find plenty of things to do on my own, thank you very much." She glowered at him. "Did your father put you up to this?"

"No, but when he finds out that he once again has you lugging barrels… that will surely brighten his day."

"Legolas, you traitor!" Míriel put her hands on her hips, staring at Legolas with a stony glance. "You're working for the enemy."

"Which one?"

A deeper voice came from the open door. "I will repeat that question," she said calmly, staring at Miriel's outraged expression. "Which enemy is he working for? The elves we don't like? Orcs? His father?"

"The latter," Míriel muttered. "He's making me haul barrels again."

The new female laughed loudly, and stepped inside. Aragorn looked at this new arrival in amazement. Unlike all the elves in Mirkwood, her hair was dark. She stood taller than the petite Míriel and her presence was not easily ignored. She offered a gracious smile to the ranger and an even wider one to Legolas.

"Míriel spent over two hundred years taking barrels down the Long Lake," she explained to Aragorn. "The king does not approve of her, so assigning her that job was his sort of revenge."

"Revenge?" Aragorn asked.

"Don't think the king is above revenge," Míriel said making a face. "Believe me, I know."

"So, are we going to help Eluross with those barrels or not?" Aragorn decided he liked these two very much. Compared to the usually serious elves in Mirkwood, these two were like a breath of fresh air.

"I'll be along in a minute," Legolas said. "I'll just change my robes, I really don't want to get these ruined yet." Aragorn was talking eagerly with the dark haired female and Míriel as Legolas shut the door behind them.

He turned to see Daemîr getting out of the closet. "I don't want to know how you avoided detection," Legolas said sourly. "All I know is that the Valar are plotting against us."

"Don't say that… you'll give them ideas." Daemîr shrugged. "The others didn't find me." He sat down comfortably. "So you've made friends with a human."

"Why is everyone so surprised?" Legolas asked, picking a tunic out of the closet.

"You know the answer to that. You've changed, you know."

"No I haven't."

"I haven't seen you for a good five hundred years. Yes, you have changed. You're older."

"Well, so are you. Your point is?"

"You are more serious, less vulnerable. You remind me of someone."

"Who?" Legolas pulled the tunic over his head. He began to tie the clasps together. "If you say my father, I'll see that you are found in the first of your schemes."

"No, you are not like the king. It's someone else, someone much older."

Legolas threw an identical tunic at Daemîr. "You could tell me one of these centuries."

"No, you wouldn't believe if I did. I will say this, I am older than I act or look. I have seen much, and you remind me of someone in the First Age."

"I am not sure whether to be frustrated or flattered," Legolas said dryly. "You're acting strange, too."

"Why is that?"

"You're serious for once."

Daemîr laughed. "And for once you are not. Now that we've had our serious moment for the day shall we cause some chaos?"

"Don't get too carried away," Legolas warned him. "I'll see you later. By the way, I'll be carrying barrels, so wreck havoc on the other side of the palace."

"Agreed. The Imposter is out to do what he does best." Daemîr cleared his throat and did his very best imitation of Legolas. "What could go wrong?"

Eluross was very glad for the help and put all four of them to work. Torrain already had moved quite a few, but without their help he and Eluross would have worked well into the night. A pair would take a barrel up to the main hall. Lûtharas and Míriel, Eluross and Torrain, Aragorn and Legolas. Aragorn learned that the dark haired elf was Lûtharas. She was more serious than Míriel. They often argued, but as Legolas explained, it was how they showed they cared. But it was very amusing to listen to.

"You're holding the barrel the wrong way," Lûtharas said as she ran into a wall. "You're shoving it into me so I keep bumping into things."

"Be more careful," Míriel retorted, running Lûtharas into a doorway.

"Next time you'll walk backwards! You should have had more practice at this anyway, Maiden of the Barrels."

Míriel gave the barrel—and Lûtharas—another shove towards the wall. Eluross and Torrain tried to go around them in the narrow corridor.

"Mind your own space," Míriel laughed as Eluross was bumped.

"You go too slow, and I've got more work to do than you can imagine."

Once all the barrels were up in the main hall, Eluross found out that they were to be taken outside to the site of the feast. "How are we going to manage that?" he said darkly.

"Let me kidnap a few others to help," Míriel offered.

"You'll run off and not return, I know you too well."

"Eluross, that is a very untrue thing to say! I'll get help and then run off."

"I have two days," Eluross muttered. "Two days. I'm doomed."

"You've got plenty of help," Legolas argued. "If the Neled hadn't shown up, where would you be?"

"I would still have you and the humans," Eluross replied.

"Do you have to refer to us as livestock or something?" Torrain asked with a laugh.

"You look like it," was Miriel's snappy answer.

Torrain was either growing more comfortable, or simply mad. "My hair is the one that looks like it hasn't been brushed in a few days."

"You little insolent mortal!" Míriel shrieked in surprise.

"Stubborn elf," Aragorn countered.

Míriel stared at both of them for a moment. "Wait a few moments—I'll think of a witty come back."

"Less talking," Eluross commanded. "More barrel moving!"

They continued their quest of getting the barrels simply out the gate. "From there," Legolas had said, "we can get horses to do the rest." Míriel was quiet for once. "You don't know how rare that is," Eluross muttered to Aragorn as he passed on the way to grab another barrel. Torrain laughed. He was obviously becoming more comfortable thanks to Eluross and the others. Legolas was quiet and thoughtful, his eyes straying in one particular direction as they went up and down the corridors moving the large and heavy barrels.

"Why do you keep staring that way?" Aragorn asked.

"The stables are in that direction," Legolas replied, taking a better grip on the barrel. "This one is full of apples, I can feel it."

"Why would you be so concerned about the stables? Araraug hasn't killed anyone yet to my knowledge."

"No, I'm worried about Rada. She and my father aren't on good terms. Well, actually he was accidentally almost killed by a mistake in her judgment, or so both of them think."

"What?" Aragorn was startled.

"It's a long story, but don't worry, she didn't murder anyone," Legolas said hastily, seeing his friend's expression. "Here, I will explain. She used to be a warrior. Yes, most females aren't warriors but she was. She is a very talented fighter with blades. But you see, the trouble arose when—"

Something heavy slammed into Aragorn's back. He gasped in pain, and stumbled forward. He had been walking forward and Legolas backward, so the barrel fell into Legolas. Both elf and man fell, the barrel onto Legolas and Aragorn onto the barrel.

"Oh, Míriel!" Lûtharas's voice sounded alarmed. "I told you not to shove me! Now look… are you two all right?"

"Get off of me," Legolas whispered loudly. Aragorn rolled off of the barrel it clattered to the ground as Legolas scooted out of the way. The lid came off and several apples bounced out.

"I told you it was full of apples," Legolas chuckled. "Are you hurt?"

"No, just my pride." Aragorn stood and glared at Míriel. She stood there, staring at them both with a strange look on her face.

"What is it?" Legolas raised a single eyebrow. Lûtharas had the same expression.

The two females looked at one another, and then burst out laughing. "I never saw anything more awkward then the way you just fell over, Strider," Míriel gasped.

"I'm so sorry, I shouldn't laugh." Lûtharas tried very hard to keep a straight face but failed.

"Help me pick up these apples or continue on your way," Aragorn said crossly.

"We'll just continue," Míriel replied hastily. "Come Lûtharas."

"Thanks for all the help." Aragorn stooped to pick up the fallen apples.

"We are going to be doing this until dawn," Legolas commented, "unless we get moving a little faster. If Míriel keeps running into things we'll never get done at all."

"Agreed, so we'll just have to move faster." Aragorn closed the barrel.

"Well, they are all outside the gate," Torrain said, rubbing his aching arms. "Now what?"

"Eluross and Legolas come through with those carts." Lûtharas stretched. "Those barrels are heavier than they look. But all we have to do now is load them onto two carts, and then drive them over to the site picked by the king for the feast. Oh, and we have to unload them."

"Night falls fast," Torrain observed. "Hasn't it been said never to travel in Mirkwood by night?"

"Yes, but we are too far north for anything to attack us. This close to the palace, nothing can happen."

"And my sources tell me the spiders have moved southward."

Eluross and Legolas appeared, each leading a horse. "Our work is almost done," Legolas hummed. "Let us finish soon!" They started to lift the barrels onto the two carts. The night was warm and the stars brightly twinkled into view. Cloaks were loaded on the carts along with barrels. In less time than thought possible everyone was ready to go.

"We don't want to stress the horses too much, so we shall walk." Míriel waved to Eluross. "We'll see you in a few moments!"

"Moments?" Lûtharas sounded skeptical.

"If you walk faster…"

Even Torrain as tired as he was made it to the place that Thranduil had chosen quickly. Tables were already set out, as were chairs. Legolas and Eluross had already begun unloading. "Why bother having feasts outdoors anyway?" Eluross was grumbling. Legolas laughed light-heartedly.

"Because, my friend, we would have no excuse to be out here on a warm summer night if we didn't." Legolas closed his eyes for a moment and lifted his arms to the sky. "See the stars through the gap in the branches," he said a moment later. "They give us strength. Come now, this isn't so bad." He inhaled deeply.

The other elves smiled and began to help unload. Torrain tapped Aragorn's shoulder. "They are far beyond me sometimes," he said quietly. "But that is what makes them so enchanting. They seem to see everything. But since I don't have the eyes of an elf, I brought a torch."

Soon the barrels were unloaded and the horses were stamping their hooves restlessly. "I wonder what is wrong with them." Lûtharas put a soothing hand on the horse's neck. "Shh…"

"I see eyes…" Torrain whispered.

Several pairs of yellow eyes stared at them through the bushes. "Calm down, this is normal." Míriel put a hand on Torrain's shoulder. "The trick is to stare at them right back."

"I think I would prefer to go back to the palace," Torrain responded.

"You are so insulting of my home," Legolas sighed.

"This place is creepy," Lûtharas retorted. "You're home is creepy, Legolas. You will never understand."

Legolas shot her a surprised glance. "You grew up here, too! It is practically your home, as well! Just because you spend most of your time somewhere else…" Míriel patted him on the shoulder, trying to calm him. Legolas swatted her hand away.

The second horse suddenly reared in terror. Torrain jumped out of the way of its flailing hooves while Eluross sprang forward, trying to calm it. The other horse snorted nervously. Eluross kept his hand on the horse's forehead. "Shh," he said softly.

"See, the horses know your home is creepy," Lûtharas said, not a trace of nerves in her voice.

"The spiders are south of here," Eluross repeated. "We have nothing to fear. Come, before the horses are alarmed even more."

Eluross led the way, with Torrain at his back. Legolas went last, his keen eyes scanning the area around them. Aragorn slowed his pace and slipped back. "Do you see anything?" he asked. "What spooked the horses?"

"It could have simply been the eyes, but I doubt it." Legolas tapped the knife strapped to his belt. "Maybe Eluross's 'sources' were wrong… whatever it is, I don't want to stay and find out."

As the group made their way back to the palace, Aragorn could sense someone or something following them. Legolas kept his knife sheathed, but his hands near his sides so he could grab it in an instant. Míriel kept looking back, while Lûtharas and Eluross pointedly stared forward.

A dark shadow dropped from the trees before anyone could react. With inhuman speed, it grabbed Legolas from behind and pressed a blade to his neck.

Aragorn turned and reached for his sword. In horror he realized he had foolishly left it back at the palace. Eluross stopped in his tracks when he heard Aragorn's yell and the other ran back. "Not a step farther," the shadow hissed. Eluross slid to a halt. "What is my name?" the shadow inquired suddenly.

Legolas grunted. "Rada, if you don't take your hands off me…"

The shadow slithered away from him and its hood was flicked back. Rada's bold eyes gleamed in the dim torchlight. "For a moment I thought you were orcs. You gave me quite a scare, so I decided to return the favor."

"You're very lucky Strider didn't think his sword would be needed for unloading barrels, or else you would be chopped in five different pieces by now," Legolas muttered, rubbing his neck.

"And you would already be dead if I was a real enemy," Rada replied coolly. "Your pride has been once again tacked down a mite."

"What in…?" Eluross took one deep breath after another. "Curse you, Rada!"

"I would cut you in half if were closer," Míriel snapped. "I think I just aged five hundred more years."

For once Lûtharas had lost her calm. "Rada that was a dirty trick and you know it!"

"Of course it was, but fighting dirty is what I do best."

Aragorn finally slowed his racing heart. "You—you!" he gasped. "I always wondered about your sanity, but I guess I now have my answer to that question."

Torrain glared at Rada. "Why try to frighten us all?"

Rada shrugged in an unconcerned manner. "I thought you were orcs at first. Think how much that scared me? I thought orcs were invading the palace or something."

"They couldn't invade," Eluross informed her. "Only a member of the royal family can open those gates."

"They are always open during the feast, though," Legolas put in.

"Worry about invading orcs, then." Míriel tossed her head. "Are you coming with us?"

"I'm just heading back to the stables. If the king finds out where I hide before the feast, I'll be in for it."

"Especially after you attacked the prince," Lûtharas pointed out.

"Come, will you ever forgive me?" Rada smiled innocently. "It was just an opportunity I couldn't miss."

"Elf humor," Torrain muttered. "I will never understand it."

As they made their way back towards the palace, considerably more cheerful, they didn't notice the spider watching them. It stared as they walked inside the magical gates. "So," it hissed to the other scout. "Did you just hear everything that was said?"

"No, I wasn't listening," the other spider replied.

"Only one of the royal family can open the gates, and in two days during the feast they will be kept open."

"So?" The second spider had little interest.

"So, if we can snatch up the king and the prince first, the others will have no protection because no one can close the gates. They will be left wide open."

"Ah, you're right. And then we can pay back the elves for everything they've done."

"But we can't do it alone. We'll have to gather everyone. Come, let's spread the news quickly." The two spiders scurried off. Unaware of the danger they had brought down upon all of Mirkwood, the elves and two humans settled in for the night.

"I never thought I'd see an elf panic," Torrain remarked cheerfully. "In the tales told, they were always so calm and mystical." He was hauling plates to a table. Several large ones were set up in the forest clearing. It wasn't so creepy in the daylight, in fact it was beautiful. He was enjoying Míriel's company, even if Eluross was slowly losing his calm.

"I guess we've ruined that fantasy," Míriel responded. "Then again, I'm not like most elves. Most are wary of humans, usually grave, quiet and peaceful." She beamed. "Any of those describe me?"

"Not one. But you are kind, open, cheerful and sometimes loud. Do you think Eluross is well?" he asked, hastily changing the subject when he saw Míriel threaten to throw an apple at him.

"He is just fine. I think all this responsibility has gone to his head, though. In a few hours the evening feast will begin. Eluross has everything piled on him, because the king didn't want to deal with it this year."

"He keeps idle while he hands me the work of the year," Eluross muttered sourly. He had come over to the table and overheard their last words.

"He keeps all of northern Mirkwood safe from the forces of evil and darkness and he is the idle one?" Míriel teased.

"Compared to the job of organizing all this, yes he is the idle one." Eluross frowned.

A twig snapped behind them. "Rada, if that is you…" Míriel started.

The light that broke through the branches overhead shown on Legolas as he walked over. "How is everything coming?" he asked.

"Fine, just fine…" Eluross put a stack of plates down on the table. "Why are you wearing a hood anyway?"

"So Rada doesn't recognize me," the elf laughed. "If she jumps out at me again, I don't think my nerves will survive."

"If you have nothing to do, there are plenty of things you can help me do here." Eluross glared at the table, loathing in his eyes.

"Don't mind him, he's just regretting all the responsibility he's taken on." With a wave of her hand, Míriel showed them the cluttered tables. Legolas looked at them. Plates were stacked in disorganized piles around the tables and Torrain was trying to put them in place. Míriel was unpacking apples while the anxious Eluross rushed around telling elves what they were doing wrong. He was slowly losing reason. Míriel favored Legolas with a pleading smile. They needed more help dealing with the cracking Eluross.

"I'm sorry, I have other business to attend to." Legolas shrugged an apology. He nodded a goodbye and turned to go. Eluross stared after him angrily.

"Very well," Eluross yelled after Legolas's retreating back. "Thanks for all your help!"

Míriel aimed an apple at his head. "Hold your tongue! Or better yet, bite it! He helped you with all the barrels. If it wasn't for him, you'd probably still be lugging them here!"

Torrain shook his head in wonder at Eluross's anxious movements. He continued to pile plates. Grumbling softly, Eluross headed for the palace. The other elves all breathed an anonymous sigh of relief. Míriel allowed herself a breath of happiness. "Finally, peace." The only human there let his aching arms go limp for a moment. Then he grinned. Torrain handed another apple to Míriel. "Think you could hit him from here?"

Aragorn hastened to meet Lûtharas at the gates as he said he would. He was already late after Eluross had made him help unload about a thousand plates… He rounded a corner and saw Legolas coming towards him. Strangely, the elf was hooded and cloaked even in the warm summer air. "Legolas," he called, raising a hand.

Legolas stopped and stared at him for a moment in what seemed to be surprise. Then his face smoothed out and he nodded a greeting. "What are you doing? I'm surprised Eluross let you go."

Aragorn chuckled, "Lûtharas needed me to help her, so he had to. Why aren't you with the others?"

"I have other business to attend to," Legolas answered. "I'll see you at the feast this evening."

He headed down the corridor from Aragorn had just come. Wondering what the elf could be up to, Aragorn continued heading towards the gates. Suddenly, Legolas was in front of him.

"What…?" he said in confusion. "You just went back there… how did you get back in front of me?"

"Oh, what?" Legolas stared at him. "Ah, I needed to go back for something," he finished lamely. He headed down the corridor… again.

Odd, Aragorn thought. But the ranger simply shrugged, wondering if he was seeing things. He had no time to think about it, though, if he was going to meet Lûtharas on time. Although the female was patient, he was starting to border on ridiculously late and didn't want to seem rude. So he brushed off the strange happening and started for the gates at a jog.

As the ranger faded from sight, two Legolas met. "You almost ruined everything," the first one said.

"So?" Daemîr replied. "Even your best friend couldn't tell us apart."

"I'm heading down to the kitchens. I heard they need help," Legolas sighed. "Try to stay out of trouble."

"Oh," Daemîr's face broke into a very evil smile, "I will."

"I worry about you." Legolas glowered at him. "And whatever happens, we cannot be seen together."

"LEGOLAS GREENLEAF!"

The yell shook the corridor. Both Daemîr and Legolas winced, staring in the direction it had come. King Thranduil stared at both of them. "You didn't," the king said finally.

"Hello," Daemîr and Legolas said together.

"This is the absolute lowest… you brought him back. I know one of you is Daemîr, and the other is my son. Now Legolas, I know you invited him specifically so you could terrorize the entire palace with the rumors that you secretly have a twin." He frowned at both of them. "I had hoped Daemîr would stay at the Grey Havens. Or sailed over the sea."

"No luck there," both Legolas and Daemîr said in unison.

"Now, let's not start this again. Now Daemîr—whichever one he is—is going to not wear the exact same thing as Legolas."

"Foiled again," both elves muttered.

Daemîr ran a hand through his hair, letting his hood fall backwards. "Greetings, your highness."

"Now don't think being polite is going to save you this time, Daemîr," Thranduil said sternly, though his eyes twinkled with amusement. "Legolas, I'm going to tell Eluross that you are now his personal assistant. You know that means…"

"It means I'm in over my head."

"Yes, you are. You invited Daemîr, so you are responsible for his actions. You will be setting tables until sunset. As for you, Daemîr." The Legolas-look-a-like smiled innocently. "You have two choices. You can join Legolas and Eluross or march yourself down to the kitchen to wash dishes."

"I got the easy job," Daemîr muttered to Legolas. "Have fun with Eluross! I know him well enough to remember he cracks under pressure. Farewell, my friends!" With a dramatic wave, he sauntered in the direction of the kitchens.

Aragorn and Lûtharas ran down the corridor just after. "What? What is going on?" Lûtharas gasped. "We heard…"

Her words died as she saw Legolas's expression of badly concealed mischief and Thranduil's mixture of annoyance and amusement. "What is going on, your highness?" Aragorn glanced at Legolas in puzzlement but directed his words to Thranduil.

"Just a small matter, taken care of. As long as my son keeps busy he has no time to plot. Daemîr shall move into the guest quarters and you will stay as far away from them as I can make you. Do any more of this switching business and I'll have to start with drastic measures."

"Like what?" Lûtharas asked, interested.

"The only thing he could do is disfigure my face so he could tell us apart," Legolas replied cheerfully.

"Don't give me ideas." Thranduil smiled grimly and started after Daemîr, his footsteps echoing ominously. Aragorn and Lûtharas both turned on Legolas at once.

"What just happened?" Aragorn asked.

Lûtharas broke into a grin. "He just found out about him, didn't he? The imposter?" Legolas merely smiled weakly and nodded.

"I've been assigned to Eluross," he said. "I'm not his assistant. Nice knowing you all." He trudged in the direction of the gates. Lûtharas continued to grin playfully.

"He's been found out, by his own father, no less," she all but cackled. Her wavy hair bounced as she laughed and her blue eyes sparkled.

"What is going on, Lûtharas?" Aragorn said impatiently. "The whole time I've spent here at Mirkwood I've felt that I've only been let in on half the story and the more important half has been kept a secret." Lûtharas finally got her mirth under control but continued to smile.

"His name is Daemîr," she said simply. "He is in no way related to Legolas, but he looks as if he could be his twin. They are the same height, have the same build and almost the same features. To hide those, Daemîr will usually wear a hood. But when we were younger, it was Legolas's favorite trick to have two princes running around the palace at the same time. We've managed to keep the second Legolas's identity a secret for a long time, now. Thranduil found out and has foiled almost every single plot of those two. It seems that after five hundred years, Daemîr and Legolas are up to their old tricks again. And caught by the king, again! Daemîr never really grew up… he always acts like a child and Legolas is no better when he is around."

"That time in the corridor," Aragorn realized. "One of those was Daemîr. Legolas came from two different directions, but I thought nothing of it."

"So you have had your encounter with the imposter," Lûtharas laughed again. "I bet Thranduil will have quite a lecture in store for Legolas later. The old 'scaring other elves into thinking you have a twin isn't appropriate for a crown prince' thing again. It wouldn't be the first time he's heard it, and probably not the last!" The female chuckled and started back for the gates. "Come, we still have work to do." Aragorn shook his head, feeling a little more in on the story than he had before. Why hadn't Legolas had told him? He felt a little annoyed that he had been the last to know. He was Legolas's friend, didn't he deserve the truth?

Meanwhile Legolas was going through the misery of being a close worker of Eluross's. "Father was too harsh," he muttered to Míriel, who he had told everything to. She had beamed at him, glad to be right. She had thought she had seen Daemîr earlier and she had been right.

"Serves you right," she giggled. "Here, take this stack of plates."

"We've got five minutes," Daemîr groaned loudly. "Run! Run, my friends, if you value your lives!"

Legolas glared at him. "Just come on. You can borrow some of my robes, as long as they are not identical to the one's I've already chosen." Míriel and Lûtharas seemed almost hysterical. They were even more desperate than Daemîr as he bemoaned their lack of time.

"Females," Daemîr remarked as they ran past him. "Only they could take hours to dress for a feast." The two sprinted into Legolas's chambers. Legolas pulled on a silver robe and threw a green one at Daemîr. He hit him the face and he fell over with a loud thump!

"Stop messing around," Legolas snapped as he pulled the outer tunic on. "We have no time as it is."

"Don't you think I know that?" Daemîr struggled to pull on a pair of Legolas's boots. "These are too small, you know that?"

"Then take the time to make some new ones! Do it—if you can in four minutes."

Daemîr hopped on one foot as he pulled on the other, and then lost his balance. He landed on his face this time. "Argh, that is going to leave bruises." Legolas grabbed him and hauled him to his feet.

"No time," he hissed. "Come!" The two elves tore down the corridor, racing to the wide-open gates and beyond. "Why is my father so particular about being on time to these feasts?" Legolas grumbled as they ran.

"Why don't you ask him?" Daemîr nearly tripped over a log. "And while you're at it, mention why we have these feasts outside?" They slid to a stop a moment later as the tables came into view. Legolas smoothed his robe and headed towards the largest table. He sat down at the king's right, next to Eluross. Daemîr meanwhile, looked for the table farthest away from the royal family. He found Rada, Míriel, Lûtharas and a young human sitting at just the one.

"Greetings, friends," he said cheerfully. "I see I am not the only on to hide from thy king this evening!"

The human smiled at him. "I guess you're Daemîr. I've heard a lot about you." Daemîr raised an eyebrow. He pulled up a chair next to the human.

"And how did you recognize me?"

"You look like Prince Legolas, you come in late making some sarcastic mention about hiding from the king! From everything I've heard, it's definitely. Daemîr."

The elf roared with laughter. "I like this one, very, very much! I can tell he has spent too much time with Míriel. Speaking of that…" he pointed a fork at the female. "You were behind Legolas and I. And females always take longer to get dressed. How did you manage to get here before us?"

Lûtharas beamed. "That is for us females to know, and you never to find out."

"We hear your plans were thwarted long before you could wreck havoc," Míriel said innocently. Before she could say any more though, another person sat down.

"Another loner coming to join us," Daemîr said cheerfully, "at the 'Hide-From-The-King' table! What is thy name, stranger?" Aragorn stared at him as if he was mad.

"I'm guessing that is Daemîr," he said warily.

"Once again my reputation precedes me," the elf snickered. "So, what is your tale? Your Legolas's friend, aren't you?"

A muttered, "I thought I was" was all that Daemîr could hear in reply. He shrugged. It was none of his business, after all. The king at that moment stood up.

"Here we go with that old speech again," Míriel said with a grin. "I could recite this with my ears covered…"

"My friends," King Thranduil said formally, "thank you for coming to this year's Nórui Celebration! I see returning friends and those that stay here all year. I am glad you have all come on time." There was a glance at the "Hide-From-The-King" table as Daemîr had dubbed it. The imposter gave everyone at the table a self-satisfied look. Meanwhile the king continued, "The summer is passing and now is our time to celebrate the wonderful warm season. I hope you enjoy the feast. It has taken time and work to prepare it, I know."—"You have no idea," Torrain and Míriel muttered in unison—"So relax now. Let us spend this pleasant evening together."

Daemîr studied the faces at the royal table. King Thranduil was smiling in a relieved way, while Legolas was looking around. Eluross was grinning in a strained manner and trying to cut an apple into a thousand pieces. All the other elves seemed to be having a good time, though. Daemîr couldn't help himself. He grinned. Taking a sip of the wine, he commented, "This isn't bad. The stuff at the Grey Havens isn't half as good."

"Should be." Míriel toyed with a leaf that had fallen on the table. "We hauled enough barrels of it." She was wearing a long red dress. Its sleeves were long hung in folds around her small wrists. Her hair was pulled back for once. The neckline was so low that sleeves were almost a separate piece of clothing. Lûtharas on the other hand wore a sweeping blue gown, embroidered with a darker shade of blue with a vest on the top in an elegant way. Her dress was form fitting until her ankles where it widened and curled along the ground. Lûtharas's long dark hair hung around her shoulders and the tresses curled gracefully. Rada had traded her usual dark clothing for a simple dress of silver. The sleeves on this one almost seemed to glow from within, and were separate from the dress itself. A long golden chain hung from her neck and her blonde hair was allowed to do as it pleased.

"I will never understand it," Daemîr finally said in admiration.

"What?" Torrain asked. He had, too, been admiring the elven clothing.

"How a female can get dressed so quickly, then run to a feast, and then still look so fair." Lûtharas smiled widely. Míriel giggled with pleasure at the compliment. Rada snorted.

Aragorn ignored all of this. Míriel saw that he was feeling down and scooted past Lûtharas and Daemîr. She sat down next to the ranger. "Are you enjoying yourself?" she asked with a gesture towards the laughing elves.

Aragorn tried his best to smile. "I guess so."

"What is wrong?" Míriel propped her chin up on a fist. "You can hide nothing from me. Eluross thinks he has all the informers working for him, but he's mistaken! Seriously," her voice softened, "what is it?"

"The entire time I've stayed here, I've felt no one was letting me in on a secret or two. Well, to the point… I never knew about Daemîr…"

Míriel's mouth twisted. "And now you feel betrayed because Legolas told you nothing of what was happening, isn't that right?"

Aragorn turned surprised eyes on her. "I'm not as thick as I look," Míriel exclaimed. "I can figure out these things. I don't blame you; we all felt the same way when Legolas didn't introduce us to Daemîr, as he didn't in the beginning. It's a hard feeling to think that we would tell someone everything and then not to get that in return. But I'm sure Legolas would have told all about Daemîr once the joke was over. He really does care about you, and no prank would ever change that." Míriel smiled suddenly. "Males can be a bit slower to figure out these things," she said pleasantly.

"Oh really?" Aragorn laughed. "Tell me, O Wise One, what is the story behind Rada, then?"

Míriel's eyes dropped. "What about her?"

"Um, perhaps why she has hidden herself in the stables for the last past few weeks, why she is on the bad side of the king and why she seems so serious all the time."

The female took a long sip of her wine. "All right, I'll tell you. But it is a long story, and not a very happy one. Rada's father was in the guard. She adored him… her mother had sailed for the undying lands when she was just a baby. He was a loving father and taught her everything he knew about fighting. While some females grew up sewing and playing with toys she spent her time sparing and playing with swords. Rada wanted to join the guard when she was old enough, you know around seven hundred or so is the normal age. Just old enough to know how to use the weapons. Perhaps you wouldn't know. Well she was very concerned with her skills, so she waited a long time before requesting to join. She spent her years with her friends and fighting. Those were her passions. But then… the year she requested to join things were very bad here. The darkness creeping into our forest had multiplied and become much, much stronger.

"So to join the guard, one must pass test, sort of. One has to go out into the forest with several experienced fighters to prove their courage, their ability to think on their feet and their simple ability to wield a bow. It just so happened that the king was out with his guard that day, and he decided to let her simply prove her skills while with him and his fighters. Her father came along. I think it was the proudest day of his life… but it quickly fell apart. She tried to take on a little more than she could handle." Míriel uneasily glanced at Rada, who was poking Daemîr with a twig. "Well, in the end the our forces were overwhelmed. The king almost died, but Rada's father did. The king was in such a rage! He said many things he probably never meant, and he's never had the courage to admit it even today. He said she was too rash, brainless and didn't have the courage or heart it took to be a fighter for Mirkwood. I don't think Rada ever forgave herself. She fled and for a long time no one thought we'd ever see her again. But then she reappeared in the mountains around Rivendell. She has been there ever since," Míriel finished. "This is the first time she has returned. And she hides in the stables because she had not the courage to face the king after she let him down. Or at least that's what she thinks."

"What a story," Aragorn said softly. "I never imagined… I can't envision what it would be like. To feel as if you were not enough, as if you let everyone you ever cared about down. No, I think I might know. The guilt will never let its grip on her go."

"Yes, but Rada didn't let anyone down in truth. Only her skills as a fighter saved the king in the end, but I don't think either of them knew it then, although Thranduil probably realizes it now. I guess we all have something to overcome, and that is Rada's challenge." Míriel smiled brightly. "I'm such a clever elf!" she exclaimed. "I never knew I could be so deep!"

They chatted for a while on light topics. Aragorn, feeling considerably more cheerful, simply because his troubles at the moment felt so small compared to Rada's, found he could joke with the others. Daemîr and Torrain were once again talking about the three fair elf maidens in front of them. Lûtharas smiled that knowing smile at the end of their sentences. Míriel would pretend to ignore them while Rada made sarcastic and unladylike retorts to everything they said.

"This is interesting, isn't it?" Torrain said cheerfully. "The food isn't bad, either!"

Aragorn opened his mouth to comment, but never got the chance. An unearthly shriek filled the air. Everyone fell silent and heads began to turn in every direction. Complete silence fell for exactly one second before the spiders dropped from the trees.

Aragorn reached for his sword… and realized it was once again back at the palace. The elves also reached instinctively for their weapons only to realize they had not brought them to the feast. Only the guards posted around the area had them. Every elf jumped to his or her feet and did the only thing they could in this situation—run. Daemîr swore loudly and pulled a long blade out of his boot. "Do not ask me how I managed to hide this long blade in my short boot," he advised Aragorn as he rushed over. He brandished his weapon. "Damn spiders, dare to attack the Shadow Jewel! You will all live just as long enough as to regret it!"

A spider dropped from above Aragorn's head and landed heavily on the table, slashing with one long leg as it did so. Lûtharas sprang back while Rada rushed forward, pulling a knife from inside a sleeve. "AIIIEEEEE!" She screamed her usual war call and attacked the spider in a frenzy.

Aragorn decided he was never going to eat, sleep, bathe or go to a feast ever again without his weapons. He tried to get to the royal table. Those from the "Hide-From-The-King" table scattered in all directions. Daemîr ran at a particularly large clump of spiders chasing unarmed elves while Lûtharas and Míriel ran after those who were fleeing the danger. Torrain disappeared from sight almost immediately, lost in the chaos. After killing her first spider, Rada matched strides with Aragorn.

A spider was attacking Legolas. He also had a long silver blade and slashed at the spider, mortally wounding it. It screamed and lunged for the king, opening its mouth wide. Legolas pushed his father out of the way and the spider was caught on the knife. Rada screamed again and killed a spider that approached Thranduil's back. Aragorn nodded at Legolas. "You hid that under your robes?"

"Pure instinct," Legolas replied. "I've never seen so many! Where did they all come from? And why would they dare attack us directly?" He leapt out of the way of a charging spider. "Do you have a weapon, Strider?"

"No," Aragorn replied, frustrated.

"Then head for the palace, now," the prince commanded. "Those who do have weapons will cover the retreat."

Before Aragorn could protest he was knocked to his knees. The last thing he saw was a spider coming at him before Legolas's knife sang through the air and sunk into the arachnid. Legolas retrieved his only weapon from the dying beast and glared at Aragorn. "Go, Strider!"

"That means you, too, Your Highness," Rada said stiffly to Thranduil. She casually stabbed another spider. "Get going."

An enormous amount of spiders were crawling out of the bushes and racing at the king. "Why us?" Rada called to Legolas as the eyed the approaching enemy. "Why only go after us now? Do I really look that appetizing…?" She ripped the bottom of her dress of with a single stroke of her sword. "That's better. I don't want to have to worry about maneuvering in one of these annoying things, too."

"Get them," a spider shrieked. "There are the royals!"

"Oh," Rada muttered. "That's why. You were always the one to get me in trouble, Legolas. Now it's gone too far."

Aragorn grabbed the king by the arm. "We have to get you out of here, Your Highness." Thranduil stared at spiders with loathing in his eyes. He paused, watching Legolas, Rada and the remaining guards fighting. Then he nodded. Suddenly, a spider dropped from above and threw Aragorn to the ground. It went directly for Thranduil, and grasped him in its deadly hold, fangs exposed. He struggled wildly while the ranger looked on in horror. Rada turned.

"DON'T MOVE!"

Thranduil stayed perfectly still. Rada flung her sword at the spider. It missed the king's head by mere inches and killed the spider instantly. He dropped and crawled away from it. The spider shrieked one last time. Rada picked her sword back. Thranduil sent her a grateful look. The female ignored it to slay a spider that was advancing on Legolas. "We need to get back to the palace," Thranduil shouted. "From there we can regroup and counterattack."

"Kill the king!" a spider hissed. A chant rose. "Kill the king, kill the king, kill the king, kill the king…" Rada backed up a few paces as she took out two spiders with one sweep of her sword.

"Die, you filth," she spat at the spiders. "Eight-legged," she swiped at another, "monsters," another strike, "don't deserve to live!"

"Kill the king! Kill the king! Kill the king! Kill the king!"

"You'll never get the chance," Legolas called while stabbing furiously. Aragorn retreated to the king's side as they turned to run. A spider approached Legolas's back and slashed the elf from behind. Legolas stifled a yell of pain and fell forward, dropping his knife. Rada screamed again, but she was surrounded by spiders and couldn't move. Aragorn and Thranduil stopped in their tracks. At least ten spiders changed their target and zoned in on the fallen Legolas.

"Kill the prince! Kill the prince! Kill the prince…"

"No!" Aragorn shouted, trying to break through the wall of spiders. Legolas rose only to be beat down again. Thranduil, beyond all reason rushed forward. Aragorn was separated from him. "Stop!"

Thranduil picked up Legolas's knife where it had fallen. With a single blow he killed the first spider to approach Legolas. "Stay back or face your death!" he roared. Legolas staggered to his feet, reaching a hand out to the king.

"Father…"

The moment of distraction was all the spiders needed. While Aragorn looked hopelessly on, Thranduil lurched forward a spider ran into him. It grabbed him and began to drag the king away. Legolas dove forward and disappeared into the fight. "No!" Aragorn yelled in terror. It couldn't end like this…

"AIIIIIEEEEEE!"

Rada's shrill war scream echoed in the trees. The female sprinted after the king as he was drug out of sight. "You won't get away, you demons!" Aragorn started after them, but a hand clamped down on his shoulder.

A guard stared at him. "We have to regroup, or else all is lost," he said, holding the ranger back. "We will need your help!"

"Legolas!"

"He will need your help back at the palace!" The guard had to force him back. The ranger fought, trying to return to the battle. If anything had happened to his friends…

Rada fought for the king desperately. "You won't get him!" she screamed over and over again as she ran through the woods. But the spiders chanting continued, causing Rada to shudder.

"Kill the king! Kill the king!"

This was just like last time. She hadn't been able to save her father then, either. She hadn't been able to save anyone. She remembered watching all those guards die because she had lacked good judgment… with a howl of pain and rage Rada tore after the spiders. She shoved her sword into the abdomen of the spider that clutched the king. He fell to the ground, rolled and then jumped to his feet.

"My son, where is he?" the king demanded. Rada looked over her shoulder.

"I don't know, but you have to return to the palace! Run, I'll cover you."

"But Legolas," Thranduil was almost pleading. He couldn't leave him out here, he just couldn't!

"You'll do him no good if you're dead," Rada snapped harshly. "Go Your Royal Stubbornness!" She hadn't meant for that last part to slip out, but it had and there was no time to apologize.

The king turned and ran.

Rada concentrated on the spiders, they were furious and turned that anger on her.

"Kill the guard! Kill the guard! Kill the guard! Kill the guard!"

So they mistook her for a guard, did they? Rada smiled grimly. That was one good thing to all this. She turned and stabbed another spider as it dropped. But her attention was elsewhere and another spider turned and tried to wrap her in a web. Rada hacked at it and it fell backwards. However her wrist was caught firmly and she was stuck to a tree. Another spider crept up on her—she felt fangs sink into her right arm. "AAIEEEE!" Rada killed it instantly but could feel the venom entering her body quickly. It wouldn't kill her but slowly paralysis would come over her. She continued to fight one after another after another, after another…

Rada was close to sobbing. Her wrist was still captured by the web and she was fighting with only her left hand. The spiders just kept coming and coming. Fighting back tears of exhaustion, she slashed at a particularly large one. It reared back and snapped showing fangs. It lunged and Rada ducked, falling as low to the ground as she could with her wrist bound to the tree trunk. The spider passed inches from where her neck had been, and she stuck at its vulnerable underside. It shrieked in pain, darting away to let others continue the fight against the lone elf.

Completely drained and close to simply collapsing, Rada stared helplessly at all the spiders advancing. She couldn't handle them all. She had been in danger many times, even tracked it down. But never had death stared her in the face so. She had always been in control of the situation, always chose the time and place, always been the hunter, not the hunted…

A spider hissed and jumped at her from behind. She felt claws grab her arm, and she spun. Her knife sank into the spider's head and it screamed in shock. Pulling her only weapon free, Rada turned to face another… and another.

She finally sank to her knees. She couldn't do this. A spider cackled in triumph and scurried forward. An arrow hissed through the air and embedded itself in the spider's abdomen. It fell, as it three more. The spiders glanced around anxiously, fangs clicking. Where was this new attacker?

Daemîr, cloak flowing out behind him dropped from the trees. Moving with astonishing speed, he killed the nearest spider next to Rada, and soon the spiders were backing up. Dealing with two elves was just too much. They scattered and disappeared.

Daemîr turned and saw Rada, limply hanging from the tree by her right wrist, bound by a thick spider web. Fearing the worst, he slowly touched her shoulder.

"Rada? Can you hear me? Rada, speak!" Rada weakly lifted her head.

"Daemîr?"

"Thank the Valar," Daemîr murmured in relief. With some difficultly he cut the web and Rada fell into his arms.

"Oh, Daemîr," she whispered, and burst into tears. Memories came rushing back and overwhelmed her.

Completely taken by surprise the other elf gently hugged her back. "It's all right," he said soothingly. "I'm here. You'll be fine."

Rada looked up, tears streaming down her face. "If you tell anyone about this, I'll kill you," she said softly.

Daemîr laughed. "You are definitely going to be all right!" He lowered her to the ground. Rada didn't even have the strength to sit up. Daemîr glanced up. Dead spiders were piled everywhere. How had she managed? "I'm guessing you can't walk," he assumed.

"No, I don't think so," Rada muttered. "Too tired."

Daemîr smiled to himself and scooped her up in his arms. Rada scowled darkly. She noticed that one of Daemîr's sleeves had been ripped off, just like her own. So he had been attacked, too. Three gashes in his arm looked like claw marks. Blood tricked down his arm and his hair was slightly messy. Then he noticed the two cuts that looked as if a spider had bit her. That explained her weakness. He set off at a fast pace through the forest, heading towards the palace.

Rada closed her eyes, so relieved to have escaped the fate she had been so sure of. In a moment she was unconscious. Daemîr glanced down at her. The venom had finally taken over her body. In half an hour or so she would awaken with a pounding headache. Whatever Rada had been through, it had not been easy. Frowning, Daemîr began to run. Something was wrong. He could sense it. A darkness had descended on the wood, darker and more foreboding than the night. He could hear howls behind him. Wargs. So the attack was not over. Cradling Rada in one arm, he used the other to swing up into the trees. It was safer here and he could move even faster going by branch to branch.

He swiftly headed towards the one place he knew to be safe in this cursed wood. Only the palace had the power to withstand such an attack. By the power of King Thranduil, it would be safe. Unless… Daemîr tried hard to push the thought out of his mind. The king was all right. He hoped. But if for some reason the royal family hadn't survived the spiders, any chance of safety would be dead, too.

The first thing Aragorn did once inside the palace was try to find his friends. However, that was going to be harder than he originally thought. It was total chaos inside.

Elves cried out for friends and family, rushing through already packed corridors. Every single elf in Mirkwood had crowded inside the palace in hopes for safety from the sudden attack of spiders and wargs. The elves were usually warriors, but when caught completely off guard…

He finally ran into Torrain. The teen's cloak was ripped in two, dirt marked his forehead and he had a rather shaken expression. Aragorn gripped him by the shoulders. "Are you well?"

"Fine," Torrain replied. "And you?'

"Unhurt," Aragorn answered. "Have you seen Legolas or Thranduil? These elves need a leader right now."

"I have seen neither inside. I had hoped Legolas would be with you. The last place I saw both of them was during the attack. Legolas was covering the retreat and Thranduil was with Rada. I tried to stay with them, but got dragged inside by Míriel." He smiled suddenly. "She is stronger than she looks. Lûtharas is trying to organize everything, but the elves won't listen. The gates won't close without a command from either the king or Legolas. They are all terrified that the wargs and spiders are going to invade the palace itself!"

This was bad. Aragorn's mind whirled, trying to figure out a solution. "You go find one of the Neled and stay with them," he ordered. "Keep out of trouble!"

"Where are you going?"

"To find at least one of the royal family." Aragorn turned and ran in the direction of the gates. Armed with his sword and bow he headed back out into the forest. Elves were still coming inside, nervously talking amongst themselves. Several guards stood in front of the gates, bows at the ready. Míriel was there, arguing with some of them. He had only taken a few steps outside when he saw an elf drop from the trees. "Legolas?" No, it was Daemîr. Aragorn's heart felt heavy as he hurried towards the elf that held someone in his arms. Feeling a twinge of fear Aragorn rushed over to him.

Daemîr smiled as the ranger approached. "Good to see you." He held Rada… whose eyes were closed.

"Oh, no," Aragorn breathed.

"She's still alive," the elf said hastily. "Just more weary than she's been in a long time, and scratched up a bit."

"Rada was with King Thranduil, wasn't she?"

"Well, she certainly isn't now." An uncertain expression came over Daemîr's face. He frowned and commented, "She was some ways away from here, alone, outnumbered. She would have died if I hadn't heard her yelling. The king wasn't anywhere near."

Aragorn was troubled—where was the king, then? Rada obviously couldn't give them answers. The elf was completely out of it.

"Míriel!" Daemîr called. The female's head jerked up as she recognized the voice.

"Daemîr? What is it?"

"Come and take Rada from me!"

Míriel clutched her dress to keep from tripping as she dashed over. "Oh, what happened?" she cried.

"You're stronger than you look," Daemîr said, unknowingly echoing Torrain's words. "Take Rada inside and give her the care she needs."

Míriel gently took Rada in her arms and met Daemîr's eyes with her uncertain ones. "She will be fine," Daemîr assured her. Míriel turned and strode back to the gates, gently cradling her friend.

"Something's wrong, I can see it in your eyes." Daemîr turned to Aragorn.

"The royal family is missing," Aragorn responded.

Daemîr cursed to himself. "That means that no place is safe."

"We need to find Legolas and Thranduil."

"Agreed. Two are better than one, so don't argue about me coming along."

Aragorn nodded. Daemîr stepped out first, leading the way back to where the feast had been. Aragorn was content to follow. The elf knew exactly where he was and how to get to where they needed to be faster. The soft steps of the elf and heavier of the ranger were the only sounds to betray their going.

Worry made both of them move even faster than usual. During the time of celebration the elven gates had been left wide open. Now, any warg, orc or spider could invade the only refuge in all of Mirkwood. To close the gates and ensure everyone's safety, a member of the royal family had to order them shut. No one else could do it. Daemîr shot two spiders that were still at the feast tables. "This is where the prince was seen last," Aragorn told him. "He disappeared, and I couldn't get to him. The spiders pulled the king away and Rada went after him. And then you found Rada. So what happened to Thranduil?"

"We will find out," Daemîr said firmly. "I'm going to look to our left, why don't you take the right? Search for any clues."

The ranger nodded and veered to his right. He stooped closer to the trampled ground, searching for any tracks other than spiders. Nothing. A sudden howl made him look up in fear.

A single warg stood only ten feet in front of him, growling viciously. It leapt forward only to have an arrow put through it. Daemîr was Aragorn's side in a moment. "Wargs. Just wonderful." The elf shook his head. "However, I'm not going to say 'At least things can't get any worse,' because I'm sure they could. Come on, I think I found something." Daemîr turned to walk back from where he had come. "Look."

A large rip of silver cloth was on the ground, sparkling a lone reminder of what this evening had supposed to be like, instead of what it was. "That was a part of Legolas's robe, wasn't it?" Aragorn twisted to look at Daemîr's face. The elf nodded.

"He wore the silver, I wore the green," he murmured so softly that Aragorn barely caught the words. "Thranduil said we couldn't wear the same clothing for fear he would accidentally mistake me for Legolas." He pressed a hand to his forehead. "I should have been there for him."

Suddenly his hand dropped and he fell to his knees, a look of complete shock on his face. Fearing the elf injured, Aragorn grabbed his shoulder and looked around for any danger. Daemîr lifted his head. "I am an idiot," he said solemnly.

"What?" Aragorn couldn't understand what he was talking about now.

"I can't believe it took me this long to figure it out," Daemîr all but laughed. He shivered and then stood. "You find the prince and king, I am returning to the palace."

"Why?"

"Because the wood-elves need their prince, and appearances are deceiving," Daemîr chuckled.

Aragorn caught on. "You're going to pose as Legolas again! Oh, no… that is so crazy it might just work." He frowned. "No, it wouldn't. You can't close the gates."

"Who says we have to? I'll just calm the people and try to get everything under control!" Daemîr had regained his roguish grin. "Give me two minutes to get back there and find a robe identical to the one Legolas wore earlier tonight and everything will be fine! However, that doesn't change the fact we need the real prince. Not to mention the king," he added after a moment of thought. "Come, you have to find them, I'll send a guard or two to aid you. The evening is passing and every moment counts. Go, go!" With a wave, the false prince left the clearing at a run.

"Crazy, but it might work," Aragorn repeated to himself. Kneeling he examined the ripped cloth. It lay on the ground and leading away from it was exactly the clue that he was looking for—Legolas's tracks. "Here I come." The soft tracks were those of one fighting, dodging and running from one side to another. Legolas had clearly been trying to return to his father and couldn't. The tracks led deeper and deeper into the wood. Howls could be heard surrounding him and night was darkening but he wasn't going to turn back.

Rada lifted her head and then let it drop again.

"Ow, my head." She opened her eyes again. She was propped up against several pillows in the main hall. "Talk about chaos," she muttered. Everything was pure pandemonium. Elves were everywhere, running around in circles crying out names of family and friends. Putting a hand out to the wall cautiously, she rose to her feet. Spider venom. Only that could have caused the fierce headache she had. Daemîr must have brought her here. But… what about the king?

She noticed for the first she wasn't alone. Standing with his back to the wall, Torrain was staring out at the chaos with a chilly gaze. "You feeling all right?" he asked curtly.

Rada began to nod but then stopped herself. "Yes. What has happened? Tell me everything."

Torrain didn't return her wry smile. "Legolas and the king are missing," he said quietly. Rada's smile fell. So she had failed. Again. "Aragorn and Daemîr left to find them. This place is chaos; only the guards by the gates are organized. It's been this way for a while now."

The female curled her long fingers around a knife she always slipped into her clothing. She wouldn't let it end like this. She would not fail again. Nothing would stop her. "I'm heading out there," she said abruptly.

"Míriel said you were to be kept here," Torrain replied. He was about to continue but choked. Prince Legolas stepped up to Rada's side. He wore the same silver robe he had before except the hood was raised slightly.

"The prince has returned," the elf said with a huge grin.

"DAEMÎR?"

Daemîr covered her mouth with a hand. "Shh," he hissed. "I'm posing as Legolas for now. If I can't get things under control, no one can." He removed his hand. "Don't blow it now!"

"This is never going to work," Rada said hotly.

Daemîr merely shrugged and ran to the throne. Stepping up on it he called, "Hello, my friends! Could I please have your attention?"

Everyone ignored him at first, but then a few heads turned in his direction. As they saw who it was, a low murmur began to hum throughout the crowd. "We need to be organized," Daemîr said in a clear, loud voice. "We have held the darkness of the South at bay for hundreds of years, and by the Valar we are not going to let it conquer us now!"

A lone voice yelled from the crowd. "Then shut the gates, my prince!"

Daemîr looked around, trying to place the voice, but couldn't. "Is that what you would have me do?" he shouted. "Shut the gates so we can cower behind them? Where is your courage, my friends? Must we hide? I say this, let us keep those gates open and fight! We will not be conquered. We will not cringe in a hole hoping that no one will hurt us!"

A loud cry of agreement rose.

Rada's mouth fell open. "That witless, stupid, ignorant, insane imposter is going to have us fight…"

However the majority of the elves in the hall didn't agree with her. "Arm yourselves," Daemîr yelled. "The guards will put you into organized groups and we will launch a counterattack immediately. I am putting Rada daughter of Tara in charge of the guards… as the usual captain is, uh, unwell and cannot lead the guards. She will do a fine job, I'm sure."

Rada nearly fell over. "Daemîr, you fiend," she whispered.

Elves began to hurry out of the hall, now that they had something to do. Several guards spotted Rada and hastened to her side, asking what their duties would be. Rada took a moment to calm her whirling thoughts. She would fail again! How could Daemîr do this to her? Everything would go wrong. Rada took a deep breath. She had to try, if nothing else. Opening her mouth she began to bark orders.

Torrain hurried through the crowds to Daemîr's side. "Legolas—ahem, Daemîr—what am I supposed to do?"

Daemîr jumped down from the throne. "Just follow me." He beamed at the young human.

Torrain had one more question. "Who is the usual captain of the guards?"

Daemîr grinned, if it were possible, harder. "He is unwell," the elf muttered. "He has been cracking for a while now and when the spiders attacked he lost whatever common sense he had scraped together. Eluross cannot lead them at the moment." With a nod he acknowledged the amazement in Torrain's face. "Yes, Eluross has been the captain of the guard for a time now."

"I just thought he was an advisor to the king," Torrain said, gaping at Daemîr in shock.

"That, too. Oh, yes and the fact no one can find him might also help our case that he can't lead the guards," Daemîr answered cheerfully. "I'm amazed that worked so well. I can't believe I'm in charge!"

"Just until the royal family is found," Míriel declared, walking towards them. "Dae—ahem, Legolas, that was the riskiest thing you have ever done."

"It worked didn't it? Now it's all up to Rada to protect us all, and Aragorn to save the real prince… oh, yes the king, too."

"Legolas! Answer me!" Aragorn called. The tracks simply stopped. They led to a great deal of nothing. Feeling as if his tracking skills had betrayed him, the ranger began to search the area for the fifth time. So intently did he study the ground he didn't notice the warg lunging at him. Aragorn heard the growl and rolled out of the way, bringing his sword into play. The warg dodged it and twisted to come back in a different direction. An arrow was unexpectedly stuck in its throat and it fell. Aragorn looked up. A guard stepped out from behind a bush.

Aragorn shook his head in frustration. "I cannot find the prince anywhere!" The guard nodded and pulled his hood off. Eluross drew another arrow. Aragorn looked at him in astonishment. "Eluross?"

The elf nodded. "I brought my bow just in case Daemîr tried anything," he said quickly. "It turns out I had more important uses for it. As for Legolas," he jerked a thumb over his shoulder, "you'll find him behind those bushes."

With renewed hope Aragorn tore through the bushes. Legolas was indeed there, leaning up against a tree wearily. "Strider," he said warmly. "You're all right."

"What about you?" Aragorn stared at Legolas.

The elf smiled. "Fine. I probably would be dead if Eluross hadn't been so suspicious of Daemîr, or at least that is his excuse. I think he just brought the bow in case anyone complained about the feast. He was ready to kill anyone who whined by the time of the feast." His gaze darkened. "Strider, where is my father?"

"I don't know, he has disappeared," Aragorn replied seriously. "Everyone has feared both of you lost or worse. Daemîr has got this crazy idea to pretend to be you and calm everyone down, so I have no idea what state the palace will be in when you return."

"I am not returning, I have to find my father," Legolas murmured.

"Yes, you are returning, even if Eluross and I have to drag you. You have to close the gates! They are wide open to an attack," Aragorn explained. The elven prince's eyes widened.

"Fine, I will return to close the gates, and then I'm heading right back out." A spider dropped from above, screeching.

"Here is the prince! Kill the prince! Kill the prince!"

Eluross burst through the bushes and aimed an arrow at the spider immediately. Aragorn had already killed it, though. "I'm down to my last arrow," Eluross grumbled. "Hurry, my prince. I think the coast is clear for the very first time since the attack. You have to go, now!"

Legolas nodded. "Come, Strider. Let's end this." The three darted forward in the direction of the palace. A warg howl startled them all and Eluross's last arrow was put to good use. As the three neared the palace, they were stopped again. Spiders jumped down from the trees and tried to surround them. With nothing else to work with, Eluross began to use his bow as weapon, hitting spiders as hard as he could. Legolas still had his knife and Aragorn his sword. "You said Daemîr has seized power under my name?" Legolas asked casually as he defended himself.

"Daemîr has done what?" Eluross whacked another spider over the head. "Oh, he had gone too far…"

"He's trying to keep everyone calm," Aragorn responded as he killed a spider approaching Eluross.

"Still…" Eluross dodged another attack. "He's never going to let us forget this. But I'm not there, so who is going to lead the guards?"

"You're the captain of the guards?" Aragorn gasped, nearly missing the next spider's pounce. He had had no idea… "I never knew!"

"You never asked," Eluross objected. "Could we continue this conversation later? I'm a bit tied up at the moment." He hit two spiders at once with one huge sweep of his bow. "I promise we can continue talking about Daemîr's take over of the Mirkwood throne later."

Legolas chuckled. "To your left, Eluross." Another spider sprung at Eluross from the left. The captain smacked the spider. It fell backwards, shook its head and them jumped forward again with a furious shriek.

"Foolish one is coming back for more?" Eluross grunted. Tightening his grip on the bow he prepared for another swing.

"No, look out!" Legolas yelled. "Behind you!"

Eluross turned to see a spider leaping out at him. He caught the spider in the face and it fell backwards. The other spider looped a long leg around his throat and pulled backwards. The elf dropped his bow, his hands flying to his neck protectively. Legolas took only a moment to aim.

The knife sunk into the spider's head before it could touch Eluross with its fangs. Eluross shrugged the spider off of him and snatched his bow from the ground. Legolas, having thrown his only weapon at the spider ducked an attack instead of fighting back. Three spiders surrounded him. He leapt up and grabbed a branch, trying to swing out of reach. He hadn't counted on the spider in the tree, though.

A yell alerted both Eluross and Aragorn to Legolas's desperate situation. Eluross had Legolas's knife and had killed a spider that had come too close. Aragorn was busy with a lone warg who had accompanied the spiders. The prince was hanging from a spider's claw that was hooked firmly in his tunic. Legolas struggled to get away, but failed. Eluross ran over, but Legolas disappeared into the leaves being dragged into the trees by the spider. A spider tackled Eluross from behind before he could jump up. He turned and hacked at the spider. Aragorn did away with the warg and jogged to Eluross's side. "Where is he?" Aragorn asked instantly. Eluross shook his head, motioning for silence. He listened intently, his eyes trailing the direction he heard the spider hauling Legolas was moving in. He pointed south.

"That way."

"I'll kill that spider before it has a chance to move another inch," Aragorn growled as they ran after the retreating spider.

"Don't," Eluross advised. "It's bringing Legolas to the place where the spiders would take the king if they had him. It's our only chance. Legolas is the bait, we just have to follow them to trap the spiders and get our royal family back."

"Very well, but then I get to attack it." The two fighters followed the spider as it navigated the trees. Slowly they could hear all the spiders moving in the same direction above them. "They all move in the trees," Aragorn whispered.

"It's faster, but we have to stay on the ground to avoid detection." Eluross leaned forward as he charged ahead.

"Kill the king! Kill the prince! Death to the spider killers! Kill the king! Kill the prince! Death to the spider killers! Kill the king! Kill the prince! Death to the spider killers!"

The raspy chanting of the spiders grew louder and stronger. "So they do have Thranduil!" Eluross's face was grim. "We are going to need help!" He put two fingers in his mouth.

He blew two short blasts, and then three long ones.

"What does that mean? Won't the spiders know we are here now?"

Eluross smiled in a forbidding way. I called, 'Enemies—close—south.' And yes the spiders will know someone is here, but the trees echo the sound, making it hard to place. Any guard knows the whistle code, they should come if they hear it."

Aragorn wondered at the change in Eluross. The mild elf that had seemed to splinter underneath the pressure of a simple feast was taking on a dangerous situation in which it could mean the entire safety of Mirkwood with the ease that he had used to move barrels. The guard's entire focus was on keeping the royals safe and nothing would come between him and that.

They continued following the spider. It was becoming harder now, but Eluross trusted his hearing. Aragorn followed unquestioningly, having nothing else to go by. Finally, Eluross stopped and put up a warning hand. "There." A single finger was pointed at a clump of bushes. "Beyond those." He knelt and peered through the leaves. Aragorn did so, too.

The King Thranduil was tied to a tree by spider webs, and he was defiantly glaring at everything around him. His golden hair was also caught in the sticky threads so he couldn't move his head. It seemed no venom hindered his movements, Aragorn noted with relief.

A spider dropped. It was the one that held the struggling Legolas. He wildly struck at the spider with his fists, but it simply made a shrugging motion and smacked the elf over the head. Stunned, Legolas fell to the ground and didn't move.

Thranduil saw his son sprawled there. "Legolas! Let him go! Don't touch him!" Another spider whacked Legolas as he tried to rise. The prince fell again, crying out softly. Thranduil looked murderous. "Don't hurt him! Take me instead!"

Aragorn tried to stand but Eluross held him down. "Not until the last moment," he said softly. "We have to give reinforcements a time to come. We cannot handle them all while protecting those two."

Legolas sat up. A spider advanced on him menacingly. "You are the downfall of your kingdom," it screeched in laughter. "Because of you and your friends you and all the spider killers will die!"

"What are you talking about?" Legolas said angrily, eyeing Thranduil in concern.

"You and your little friends were talking nights ago. Gave away the secret you did. Only you two can open the gates! Without you the elves are doomed. They will have no place to hide. All of our friends will have already stormed your palace," it cackled. "There are much more of us than you can imagine."

Legolas appeared to be thinking for a moment, then his face smoothed out. He laughed and stared at the spider boldly. "You've failed, then," he said calmly.

"What are you talking about?" the spider snapped.

"I'm not the prince," Legolas said.

"Of course you are." The spider seemed confused.

"No, the real prince is at the palace right now. I am his bodyguard, his loyal friend. And the ruse has worked. You've failed in your plans because you've kidnapped the wrong elf." Legolas smiled brightly at the spider. Thranduil stared at Legolas with confusion in his eyes. This was his son, wasn't he? It couldn't be Daemîr—he wasn't wearing a hood.

"This cannot be," the spider rasped. "You have—you have to be—"

It was obvious that this had thrown the spiders. They muttered among themselves, whispering what should they do now that the tables had been turned? The prince was back at the palace, he could be counterattacking, the gates would close and they would all be killed…

"Kill them both," the leader spider screeched in rage. "Kill them both!"

Eluross dove out of his hiding spot. He still had Legolas's knife and attacked the leader spider in a fury. Aragorn was only an instant behind the elf, attacking with his sword. Soon the ring of spiders around the royals was dead, but others were rushing in to take their place. Eluross cut the king loose. "Pleased to report for duty," he said with a grim smile.

"Your only duty right now is get Legolas out of here alive," Thranduil answered.

Aragorn struck a spider that had ventured too close to the king. "Good to see you alive," the ranger put in cheerfully. "I had almost begun to worry."

"Almost?" Thranduil ducked a spider's leg. Eluross lunged forward. A spider charged at Legolas and the captain slashed at it. Legolas rolled twice out of danger and sprang to his feet, striking out with a leg. Another spider fell.

Legolas darted to Thranduil. "I can't believe that worked. The spiders actually believed me."

"I can't believe what is going on here," Eluross retorted, beheading a spider with a backhanded sweep. "First Daemîr pretends to be you and seizes power within the palace—"

"Daemîr has done what?" Thranduil's expression was one of horror.

"—Then you pretend to be Daemîr to buy time. When will it all stop?" Another spider went down. Eluross tossed the knife back to Legolas. "Here, you might want this. I can still hit spiders over the head with my bow, just fine."

Legolas accepted the weapon thankfully. Aragorn frowned when he saw the countless spiders emerging from the woods. "We cannot handle them all," he said quietly to Eluross. "Best to let Legolas and Thranduil make a run for it while we hold them off."

"You will do no such thing," Thranduil said indignantly. "I'll help. Three can hold off more than two. Then Legolas will run."

"That will happen the day Daemîr gives up his pranks," Legolas retorted as he stabbed a spider.

"One of the royal family has to live, at least," Thranduil argued.

"All of us will make it out of here," Legolas replied, "or none at all. None will sacrifice themselves, least of all you."

The spiders surrounded them again. One pounced on Thranduil, trying to drag him down. Legolas defended his father with a swift knife thrust that left himself wide open. Eluross dashed ahead to take the blow meant for the prince. "Eluross!" The captain fell heavily. Legolas looked on in horror. "Eluross!" He killed the spider instantly.

Eluross stood unsteadily. Legolas gripped him by the arm, keeping him upright. Aragorn watched as more spiders poured out of the trees. They were done for.

"AAAIIIIIEEEEEEE!"

Eluross closed his eyes for a moment. "I should have known."

Rada, with many guards at her back, leapt into the fight. "You thought we wouldn't come in time?" she asked smugly when she saw Thranduil's surprised look. Soon all the spiders were dead and the rest had run away screaming. Rada had a proud gaze and ordered the guards with confidence as Eluross looked on.

"Well, now," Thranduil said softly.

Rada turned to Legolas. "We've got almost everything under control. The spiders thought they could break into the palace, but got a nasty surprise." A smirk accompanied this statement. "Daemîr somehow managed to pull it off. No one panicked once he took control. The people really thought their prince had come to rescue them."

"I'm not sure to be flattered or simply insulted," Legolas mumbled. "They thought Daemîr was me."

Eluross smiled and limped over to Rada. "You took charge of the guards, did you?"

Rada coolly stared at the captain. "I was ordered to by the Imposter Prince. No one could find you. It wasn't as if I volunteered."

"No, I'm sure you didn't," Eluross murmured. Rada kept her arms crossed in a defensive position and turned away. She walked back towards the palace. Several guards followed her. Others looked a little confused, as if to await orders from Eluross or Rada. Finally they reported to the king—they couldn't go wrong that way.

Legolas grinned in a weary way. "Everything turned out all right. I had no doubts."

Eluross snorted. "Don't make me laugh, your highness."

The group began to trudge back towards the palace.

The Imposter Prince Daemîr was happily ordering people around when the real royal prince returned. He was directing those who had lost family or friends in the crowd to where they could be found. Even Eluross and Thranduil had to admit he had done a good job organizing everything. Torrain looked tired but waved at them merrily.

The Imposter Prince beamed at them all. "I see everything went well," he chuckled. "And to think that you yelled at me earlier for doing this, your highness."

Thranduil just shook his head. "Come to think of it, this could be slightly dangerous. If you were hired by my enemies, you could have easily killed my son and taken his place. Then what destruction could you have caused?"

"Plenty, but it so much more satisfying to annoy you in the process," was the Imposter Prince's reply.

Rada stretched her arms. "Well, I think I'll return to my quarters for the night. The gates are closed tightly, the spiders driven off, the royals safe, I can't think of anything more that needs to be done. And it is midnight, for anyone who doesn't know."

"You're quarters?" Thranduil said in shock. "Don't you mean the stables?"

Rada flushed. "Uh… yes, that's what I meant. Araraug and I get along just fine…" Torrain laughed.

"No, there is one more matter to settle." The king stared hard at Rada. She stared back boldly. "If I can recall correctly, you called me, I quote, 'Your Royal Stubbornness' earlier this night."

Everyone within earshot nearly fell over in surprise.

Daemîr began to laugh so hard he did fall over. Eluross looked shocked while Torrain clapped a hand to his mouth to stifle his own laughter. Aragorn mumbled something no one could hear and bit his lip very hard to keep from laughing. Legolas pretended to examine the rip in his robe and covered his face with an arm. All the guards had to turn away.

Rada and Thranduil's faces were the only truly serious ones. "There is also the matter of you taking control of the royal guard without the proper instruction to do so." Daemîr opened his mouth, but the king cut him off. "I mean, formal instruction, Daemîr. By the genuine royals. But tonight you have shown amazing courage and the ability to protect Mirkwood. I formally invite you to join the Mirkwood guard."

Eluross cleared his throat loudly. Everyone turned towards the captain. He took a deep breath. "My lord, I have decided that I am retiring from my position as the captain of the Mirkwood guard. Too much responsibility, and some think that it is affecting me"—"Too right you are," Daemîr cackled—"so I have the right to recommend my successor. I recommend Rada."

"I will have to think about it, but I will take that recommendation into account when I appoint the next captain. Thank you, Eluross. I will see you all in the morning, I suppose. You all need rest, so go to your quarters. Oh, and Rada! Find a place to stay that isn't somewhere in the stables, please!"

Rada, Daemîr, Aragorn, Legolas, Torrain, Míriel, Lûtharas and Eluross all met inside Legolas's rooms, ignoring Thranduil's command that they sleep. "Too much excitement to sleep," Míriel said with a shrug. They all sat down in various places.

"Captain of the guard?" Lûtharas asked incredulously.

"That's a leap up from near-exile," Míriel agreed. Rada threw her a dirty look. "No, I meant that as a good thing!"

Eluross busy bandaging his leg. Daemîr had insisted on helping and the two quickly finished. Eluross flashed a bright smile. "I know you are all wondering about my sudden retirement from my post as captain. I also know you think I crack under pressure."

"You don't crack, you lose all reason," Daemîr pointed out happily.

Eluross glowered at him. "I have decided simply being an advisor is enough for now."

"I also think your sources are wrong," Rada said loudly. "I have not been living the stables for the entire time. I only moved into the stables a few nights ago. Before that I was living in Legolas's closet."

Daemîr snorted with laughter. "I met her in there when Aragorn nearly stumbled on our plot that day, Legolas!"

Aragorn stared at him. "I knew I heard something in that closet!"

"That's why I was laughing," Daemîr explained. "She said it was roomier and more comfortable than most of the guest rooms around here. That is the largest closet I have ever seen in my life. Just how many clothes do have stored in there, Legolas?"

"I lived with Araraug after that incident," Rada said, grinning. "Araraug gets along with me."

"I think I'm just going to let that horse stay with the elves," Torrain muttered. "He just barely puts up with me and he's a menace."

"I can't believe everything that has happened," Lûtharas said thoughtfully. "Daemîr and Legolas's trick turned out to save Mirkwood, Rada's a guard, and…" She struggled to think of something else.

"We found out that an elf can live in Legolas's wardrobe?" Daemîr snickered.

"We'll see how long you last if I lock you in there," Legolas retorted. "As for how much clothing I have in there… don't ask."

"You've got more clothing in one closet that I've ever seen in my life," Rada chortled. "I nearly suffocated several times."

"Prince's privilege?" Míriel guessed.

"No, the prince's privilege is he can call the guards to throw his friends out of his room when they make remarks like that," Eluross put in, smiling broadly.

Everyone but Legolas laughed. He was almost smiling, but not quite. "No," he said pleasantly. "The prince's privilege is that he has a twin and a very large pile of ideas of revenge forming in his mind right now."

"He's got that look in his eyes again." Rada grinned.

"You mean that look when he jumped out that trapdoor in the cellars into the river just to prove that he could?" Míriel rubbed her hands together.

"You mean that look when he put the baby spiders in Eluross's bed after the guard caught him sneaking out of the palace one night?" Daemîr rolled his eyes at the memory.

"You mean the look when he scared his father half to death when he thought he could try and fly?"

"No, I think he was just trying to see how many bones he could break when he jumped off of that tree, Míriel."

"You mean the look when he ran headfirst into that warg pack simply because Rada dared him to?"

"You mean the look when he stole the king's best wine out of the cellars because of another dare?"

"I get the idea," Aragorn laughed. "It's a miracle the king lets you of his sight."

"I was young," Legolas replied.

"And you still are," Eluross muttered. "You mean the look when he imitated those orc calls and had half the guard searching for the invading orc army that wasn't there?"

"You mean the look when he swore he could shoot an arrow right through the apple Eluross was eating and it hit the elf in the hand instead?"

"You mean the look when he saw Eluross's face?"

Legolas smirked at that memory, and then glanced at Daemîr. The Imposter Prince grinned. Should we teach them a lesson? he mouthed at his partner in crime.

Of course, Legolas mouthed back.

All was well again, for now at least…

To Be Continued…