I know it's pretty short, but I wanted to get something through before y'all thought I abandoned you. These weeks have been hectic, between my school and my animals and getting ready for my summer job, and everything else. Plus we've been having some pretty major power outages in my area. But here it is, something to read. I hope to have more up soon. Enjoy and R&R.
Oo-_-oO
Legolas could not help but breathe a sigh of relief when the columns of Mirkwood came into view. The darkness of night was beginning to bear down upon them, and the woods were not as safe as they once were. Not to mention the only thoughts that occupied him on the hard ride throughout the day was of the curious creature, Elion.
Legolas stole a glance at him, still thoroughly unconscious in the pallet, strung between two of his warriors. His condition had not changed much, which Legolas as both a blessing and worrisome. While he was not getting any worse, he was not getting any better. The fever still had hold of Elion's battered body, and would not relent even after a full day and night of rest.
Legolas regretted that he was not able to keep up his constant application of cool cloths during the day whilst they rode. It would take them ages to reach their destination if they had to stop every time the cloth became warm and ineffective. So he settled for placing a few cloths, which he rolled up and soaked, in strategic locations on Elion's body and hoped that they would be enough to at least keep the fever from rising too much before they could get him to Mirkwood.
What was it about him that drew his thoughts in so completely? Since his decision to take him prisoner, Legolas could think of nothing else but him. Healing him, comforting him, protecting him. It was driving him positively mad. Perhaps after arriving home, and taking up his Princely duties once again his mind would be too preoccupied to think of Elion and give him some respite.
Legolas was drawn out of his musings when the horns sounded to announce their arrival. His contingent rode to the palace stairs before they all wearily dismounted.
"Ion-nin, Cormamin lindua ele lle," his father's voice called out. Legolas looked up to see his father descending the stairs, arms outstretched. He clasped his father's shoulders in greeting.
"How went your travels?" Legolas sighed and his shoulders almost drooped as he thought of their scouting trip.
"We ran into orcs, Ada. We were not alerted of their presence until we were almost caught in their trap. Three warriors died honorably in battle. We left none alive, but their leader whom we have brought back with us." King Thranduil frowned slightly, his elegant brows drawing together.
"Why spare the leader? We have no need for orcs in Mirkwood. Where is he?" Thranduil strode forward, searching out the one in question. Legolas followed behind him quickly, trying to explain.
"There is something you must know, Ada. Listen, the leader is not Orcish. He is something else, entirely." But Thranduil was not listening to his son. His keen eyes had caught sight of the pallet and he treaded to it. The warriors assigned to ride with him bowed and stepped aside.
Thranduil suddenly made a sound that was quite like a gasp. Everyone went silent. The King tore his eyes away from Elion and glanced at his son.
"Legolas, do you know whom you have captured?" At his son's slight shake of the head he continued. "You have captured the Prince of Mordor. Your prisoner is Sauron's heir.
Oo-_-oO
Ion-nin: My son
Cormamin lindua ele lle: My heart sings to see thee