Summary: Aragorn found out the extent of Legolas's oath to protect him…the hard way.
Hello, guys! I'm baaaaaaack!!!!!!! Yes, I know some of you would say, "What?! This crazy girl again?!" Yes. It's me again, having nothing to do except torturing and tormenting Legolas to death! I'm still receiving reviews for my 1st story of the Manyan Series, so I would like to thank you all for that! Now that the Manyan stone is gone, my brother suggested that I named this the 'T Series' because all my stories start with the letter 'T'! (Yeah, very funny. Now go away, you pest!)
Warning : Okay, this story is related to 'Trauma'. You should know what to expect. Now read.
In the deep silence of the night, several riders were seen approaching the grand gate of Rivendell in great haste. Two of them were sharing one mount; the one riding in the back held tightly to the wounded form in front of him. They all halted in the courtyard just in front of the palace entrance, crying out, "Father! Father!"
Elrond looked up from he parchment he was reading in his study. That sounds like the boys. With a slight apprehension, he quickly got up from around the table and rushed downstairs. What could have possibly happened that makes them cry out in alarm like that?
When the lord of Rivendell appeared in the doorway, Aragorn rushed over. "Father! Elrohir's badly hurt!" Elladan was lowering his unconscious twin gently off the horse into Legolas's waiting arms. The prince of Mirkwood had a long bloody gash running down his left forearm but he seemed oblivious to the stinging pain.
Elrond came near and took his son from the prince. He noticed the bandaged wrapped around Elrohir's chest, soaked with blood. "What happened?" he asked, leading the boys inside as the servants hastened to take care of their mounts.
"Orcs," Elladan replied, staring anxiously at his brother's too pale face. "Stumbled upon them near the ridges of Garas a hundred leagues from here. And this stupid fool took the arrow that was meant for me!"
Elladan's voice was heavy with anger but Elrond knew it was not centered on his twin. His eldest son was angry with himself for letting his brother get hurt.
"I'm not…a stupid fool,…you idiot!!!" Elrohir suddenly spoke indignantly, his voice weak. He'd just regained consciousness in his father's arms and heard clearly what his brother had said.
"Indeed, you are, you knuckle head!" Elladan fumed. "That was the craziest thing you've ever done! What were you thinking, stepping in front of me like that?!!"
"It's not crazy!! I've…done it…many times…before, you moron!!!" Elrohir yelled back. Elrond sighed, hugging his son a little tighter to him as they headed for the younger twin's chamber. "Hush, Elrohir. You're hurting yourself more by screaming like this."
Elrohir groaned, grabbing his chest. "You're…right, father…it hurts…"
Elladan's face turned even paler. "You're hurting?" He crowded near in concern. "Hang on, brother. You'll be just fine. Here, grab my hand. That's right. Squeeze it, as hard as you can…Ai!!" Elladan cringed as Elrohir indeed squeezed his hand tightly. Aragorn and Legolas exchanged knowing looks and smiled wanly, shaking their heads. The twins were always at each other's throats, but the deep love between them was obvious.
Summoning the servants to bring him the needed medical supplies, Elrond lowered his son onto the bed. Aragorn and Legolas rushed about to gather fresh bandages and blankets while Elladan hovered near his brother's head, refusing to stay away from his twin.
Despite his father's gentle ministrations, Elrohir couldn't help but groan in agony when the bloodied bandages were taken off him. Elrond frowned at the deep wound. The arrowhead was still buried inside the flesh, the skin around it starting to puss.
Before he started his treatment on Elrohir, Elrond looked up and gazed at the other three youngsters who kept crowding over his shoulders. Aragorn had a big gash on his forehead; Elladan sported several bruises on his cheek and a split lip, while Legolas was cradling his injured arm. "I want the three of you to go now and take care of those injuries," he ordered.
"But father…" Elladan protested.
"Now." Elrond was adamant.
At that same time, Arwen burst into the room. "Elrohir!" She ran and knelt down beside her brother. Elrohir smiled feebly. "Hello, there…little star…"
"Oh, Arwen. Not you too," Elrond sighed. "I can't work if every one of you keeps hovering around like this. Give me room, please! Arwen, take your brothers and Legolas away and look over their wounds. I need some space."
"But will he be all right, father?" Arwen inquired, clutching Elrohir's hand, tears glistening in her eyes.
"He will if you all let me treat him in peace."
Arwen bent down and kissed Elrohir's head. "Get better, you hear me?" She straightened and grabbed the nearest hand, which happened to be Aragorn's, and dragged him away, calling for the others to follow. They obeyed reluctantly.
***************
Legolas gazed lovingly at Narasene, Lord Glorfindel's niece and Arwen's best friend, as she cleaned the blood off the long gash on his forearm. She looked lovelier than ever. He lifted his other hand and tenderly touched her rosy cheek. "I've missed you."
She gazed back at him with her beautiful green eyes. As her lips tilted in a soft smile, she replied, "I've missed you too, my lord."
Narasene gently wrapped a long bandage over the wound, glancing at Legolas's eyes now and then. They first met nearly thirty summers ago, and deeply fallen for each other instantly. But then, Narasene had accompanied Arwen to Lothlorien to study the healing art and medicines. This was the first time after so many years that the couple got to see each other once again.
Now, they were in Elladan's chamber, which was situated right next to Elrohir's. After Arwen had put some soothing balm over his bruises, Elladan had immediately rushed out to be at his brother's side. Across the room, Elrond's daughter was tending to Aragorn's injuries; their two raven heads very close, whispering between themselves.
Legolas looked on the scene in thoughtful silence. He noticed the way Aragorn gently kissed Arwen's hand as she tended to the cut on his head. I should've known! Legolas thought in shock. He really has feelings for Arwen! And she responds back! No wonder Kel had backed away from her. My brother had known that she has her heart set on someone else.
Legolas's own heart hurt a little as he thought about his brother, Keldarion, who had sailed for the Undying Lands over three months ago. Legolas missed his brother very much. Thankfully, the Rivendell brothers had agreed to spend the remaining autumn season in Mirkwood, giving him company throughout his mourning. Then they all decided to leave for Rivendell before winter sets in, much to King Thranduil's relief. The boys were starting to hit on his nerve with their loud exuberant ways.
"Tell your father I said good luck," the Mirkwood king had said on the morning of their departure several days ago, which had caused the youngsters to laugh crazily. Then Thranduil had hugged Legolas tightly to him, a little reluctant to part with the only child he had left.
It was a peaceful and joyful journey…until they reached the ridges of Garas. The small troop had been ambushed by a herd of orcs. There were many of them, about thirty in all. Legolas was the first to sense them, but by the time they'd figured out ways to avoid running into the orcs, the foul creatures were already upon them. The four companions had fought desperately. They had no time to wonder why the orcs roamed near the Rivendell border. Then Elrohir had gotten badly hit. They had broken through the first opening they got and made a mad dash for home.
Legolas looked up at Narasene. "When?" he mouthed, glancing meaningfully at the other engrossed couple.
Narasene's lips twitched in amusement. "Since last spring, right after Arwen and I returned from Lothlorien. Lord Elrond doesn't know," she mouthed back. Legolas rolled his eyes. Great. There are going to be fireworks if the lord finds out.
"Didn't I tell you to stay away!" Lord Elrond suddenly appeared in the doorway, dragging his eldest son along with him. Then he stopped short when he saw his daughter in the young man's gentle embrace. The couple instantly sprang apart as if hit by lightning. They stared back at Elrond, blinking in uncertainty.
Elrond frowned but said nothing of it. He pushed Elladan inside and ordered, "Stay here! Do not go in there until I'm finished!"
"But I can help! Please, father, I couldn't bear to hear Elrohir scream when you pulled out that arrowhead…"
"I'll make you scream if you disobey me!" Elrond then sighed heavily. "I beg you to stay here, Elladan. He's going to be fine. I'll call you when I'm finished. I promise." Glancing at his daughter and Aragorn one last time, the lord left.
There was a long silence after that. Aragorn avoided looking at Elladan while Arwen finished her ministrations on him. Elladan was glaring back at them both, his arms crossed over his chest. A little uncomfortable, Legolas took Narasene's hand and quietly led her out of the room.
Hand in hand, they went into the palace garden, heading straight for the huge weeping willow tree. It used to be their favorite meeting place…and still was. Sitting down on the ground with their backs against the bark of the tree, Legolas pulled Narasene into his arms. She sighed softly and laid her head on his shoulder, her palm on his steadily beating heart.
"You looked a little sad, my lord," she said. "Don't worry. Elrohir's going to be fine. Lord Elrond had said so."
Legolas smiled. She kept calling him that even though he'd asked her to call him by his name, like others did. But he didn't mind, really. Actually, it sounded so nice and affectionate, coming from her delectable mouth. "I know that, Nara. I'm just thinking about Kel."
Narasene looked up. "Kel? Your brother? That's right, I didn't see him. Why is he not with you? You both are inseparable."
Legolas looked down at her, staring deeply into her eyes that shone brilliantly in the dark. "We're already separated, my sweet lady. He has gone sailing over the sea…to the Undying Lands, the Gray Heavens."
Her eyes widened. "When?"
"About three months ago."
"Oh, my love…" She embraced him tighter, understanding his loss.
They stayed under the tree for a while longer, hidden from other people's eyes by the many sweeping branches (sans the leaves) that danced softly in the night breeze…
TBC…P/s : You know how hopeless I am in my own love life, so please excuse the terrible legomances!!
