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Author's notes:: Sick of me yet? Two running at once, WOW!! I'm insane…the first two chapters were written while trying to get my head around exam stress so I don't know if they're any good…this is a work in progress so tell me if you want more and I'll write it!! =) .:Tithen Min:.

Legolas paced the room he shared with Gimli and Aragorn, now empty save for himself. They were remaining in Theoden's halls for the time being, helping him prepare to fight the darkness that threatened to overtake the free lands of Rohan. Already the Westfold had fallen to the treachery of Saruman.

So much had happened, and they had been in Rohan for less than a full day. The sun was only setting on the day Saruman was cast out of Theoden's mind, on the day that Grima Wormtongue was exiled from Rohan, on the day the Humans had finally come to see what they were really up against. Dark times had fallen on these lands.

He thought of their brave Hobbit friends, Frodo and Samwise, perhaps already nearing the black borders of Mordor. Thinking of the Hobbits made him feel closed in and more than a little complacent.

Frodo was out there, doing something for the cause, for the good of Middle Earth, and he was in this small room, waiting for a sign while Gandalf, Aragorn and Gimli ate with Theoden and Èowyn.

He let out an impatient growl and stalked to the door of the room, throwing it open and walking out into the corridor outside and down the stairs. He headed for the main doors, feeling a desperate need to be outside, but he was brought up short when a hand grabbed his arm and spun him around.

"Where are you going, Legolas?" Aragorn questioned quietly, "I thought you were resting."

Legolas shook his head impatiently. "Who could find rest in this…hall of men?" Aragorn chuckled at his friend's obvious disdain. "It is nothing but mortar and stone, Aragorn." Legolas' voice took on a pleading note, "Please, I need to see the sky. Release me."

Aragorn frowned, looking closely at his friend's face. Legolas' ageless eyes held the look of a trapped animal and Aragorn knew he was more uneasy than he was letting on.

"Legolas…I am not caging you, my friend. You may go if you so wish." He released the Elf's arm. "Will you allow me to accompany you?"

Legolas felt a flash of irritation at the man's over protectiveness, but realised he would appreciate the company and nodded his consent.

They began walking towards the door when Gimli called after them. Aragorn did not catch what was said, but Legolas chuckled warmly. "Fear not, Master Dwarf," The Elf called back, "We will not tarry over-long."

Gimli ambled up to them, a leg of some variety of meat in one hand and a tankard of ale in the other. "Now, Aragorn," the Dwarf began, pointing at the Ranger as best he could with both hands occupied, "Do not allow this flighty Elf to draw you into anything involving tree hugging or talking the ears off innocent wildlife."

Aragorn chuckled and Legolas turned back towards the doors, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You could always accompany us, Stupid Dwarf, if you so wished. I am certain we can find some nice protruding rock formations for you to kiss…"

Gimli scowled playfully, "No thank you. I have more important things to do than watch certain Elves climb trees."

Legolas looked pointedly at the items in Gimli's hands. "So I see," He smiled and pushed the doors open, revealing the slumbering city blanketed in the semi-darkness of the young night.

Gimli grumbled incoherently to himself as he returned to the table to join Gandalf and their hosts once again. Aragorn grinned and followed Legolas outside. They made their way down the steps from the Golden Hall and strolled through the darkened settlement in companionable silence.

"It is so peaceful tonight." Legolas spoke softly, looking up at the gathering stars, as the evening grew ever darker, "It is easy to forget that we are preparing for war…"

Aragorn smiled encouragingly at his long time friend. Elves were, by nature, a peaceful people and he knew that the darkness of these days weighed heavily on the Elven prince. "Take heart, Legolas," He murmured, "Your friends are with you and we will face this together."

Legolas smiled sadly, slipping through the gates of the city and into the open land beyond. They stayed close to the city wall, where the light from the torches above cast light on the land below. Gamling called down to Aragorn from atop the wall and Aragorn paused to speak with him. Legolas continued on alone.

The Elf stopped suddenly, a strong sense of unease sweeping over him and darkening his thoughts. He heard the footsteps of a man behind him and, thinking it to be his companion, he half turned, not taking his eyes from their appraisal of the surrounding area. "Something is not right, Aragorn. I— "

Before Legolas could turn around fully, something hard slammed into the side of his head, flooding his body and mind with white-hot pain. He cried out in pain and surprise as he collapsed to the ground.

Cold, cruel laughter of a voice he had heard not long before followed him down into darkness.

Let me know what you think?? :) Reviews are always welcome!