Disclaimer: Legolas and Estel and the recognisable characters all belong to J.R.R Tolkien. All new characters belong to me although I wish I did own Legolas! Doesn't everyone? Remember, keep reading and reviewing.
Chapter 2Legolas glanced back. The barks and snarls of Wargs and Orcs were getting louder. The Elf was tiring after running for so long. Thinking fast, he realised that the only way to escape now would be to take cover from the trees around him. Risking another look back, the truth dawned that now the enemies were closer than ever. Legolas reached up, grabbing a low branch and pulled himself up. But at the last moment, something strong took hold of his lower leg, preventing him from escaping into the canopy.
"Legolas, grab my hand!" Estel suddenly appeared above him. The Ranger was reaching down, concern and desperation showing in his dark eyes. The force on the Elf's leg was increasing and whatever was gripping him was jerking the limb hard to attempt to make him fall into their claws. The blonde Archer's body was shaking from these jerky movements and the calls from above were not helping.
His muscles were screaming with the effort. With one last try, he heaved himself upwards and extended his hand to Estel. But it wasn't enough. The Elf felt his stomach lurch as the branch and Estel receded further and further away as he fell backwards. He closed his eyes in anticipation of what was to come. But the jerks and calls did not cease.
"Legolas?" The voice was soft, worried. Saruman? Surely not. He would not be worried about an injured Elf that was about to be tortured until permanently marred anyway. Only one way to find out. Blinking in the light, a face slowly came into focus.
"Elrond?" Legolas gasped, still panting. The older Elf smiled.
"Yes, you were having that dream again, were you not? You called out in your sleep, and knowing that you would not wish people fussing and thinking you were ill, I thought it best to wake you." The healer explained, perching on the edge of the bed. He leaned forward and placed a hand of the prince's chest, a frown forming on his face at the fast beating of the Elf's heart. "Legolas, you are hyperventilating. Breathe deeply and slowly. That's it."
"Thank you. What time is it?" The prince asked, quietly noting that Elrond was fully dressed.
"Just after dawn. The Elves of Rivendell are rousing. Breakfast will be served soon. I assume you will attend?" The younger nodded and the Elven Lord left after giving Legolas a knowing look.
After the morning meal, Estel and Legolas readied the horses and set off for a short ride. The day was much the same as the one before, sunny and warm with a light, cool breeze.
"Mellon-nin, are you well? The Ranger asked. The Elf turned.
"Aye, I am well. My mind drifts on the wind on this fine day. It is not anything to be concerned with." Legolas replied, his offered smile genuine. The Human nodded and smiled.
"It is indeed a fine day, but I wonder how far your mind drifts? Far enough that maybe a certain Elf may find himself in the lake over there because of his lack of attention?" Estel wondered aloud. Legolas mock-glared at him.
"If you dare to try then I welcome your feeble attempts. Though I feel that you will be surprised to find that you will be the one sitting saturated on your horse very soon." He laughed. Needless to say, neither Man nor Elf tried to push the other off his mount.
For a while, the two friends rode in silence, enjoying the peace and tranquil atmosphere that Rivendell provided.
Finding a secluded spot to dismount, Estel slipped off his horse and sent it off to graze in the nearby grass. Following the Ranger's lead, Legolas nimbly dismounted and let Arod wander beside Brego.
The blonde sat beneath a massive oak tree, leaning his back against the slightly rough bark. Estel brought over some fruit and bread and joined his friend.
"Remember that time in Mirkwood when we went to visit your father and on the first hunting tip of the season, got into trouble with the Orcs and were both poisoned. Then when we finally made it back to the palace, he was furious!" The Ranger laughed at the memory.
"Yes, he did not know what to do with us. He sent for Lord Elrond in the end." Legolas added.
"I knew very well what to do with you Legolas, and after the little lesson I taught you afterwards, I hoped that you would never disappoint me like that again." The young Elf shot to his feet and turned to face the new person in the conversation.
"Ada, I-" He started.
"You what? You don't remember the lesson. Well we can change that. You're coming back to Mirkwood, your future kingdom." Thranduil stepped forward and Legolas' face lost all colour. The stench of alcohol was strong around the King. The older Elf grabbed the prince and threw him towards his horse.
Estel had stood up, wanting desperately to help his friend but had remained still as he had been thrown looks saying 'do not do anything' from the Elf.
Two Royal Guards had been signalled to flank Mirkwood's prince so he could not escape even if he had dared with his father in this state.
The small company of the King, prince and a few guards began to ride off, but not without Legolas calling back.
"Do not follow me, Estel!"
At first, the young human stood rooted to the spot, unknowing of what to do, but heeding his friend's words so as not to get him into any trouble, headed back towards the Last Homely House in search of his own father. He would know what to do...
Thanks to all who took the time to read my first ever fanfic, here are the replies to all who reviewed:
irukapooka: Glad you enjoyed the first chapter – hope this one takes your fancy too!
Dee69: No-one's ever told me that my work has potential – now I'm scared that this chapter disappoints you!
Amon-ra1996: Lots of Legolas angst in following chapters!
Remember people: more reviews more chapters and angst!!!