4. chapter: Missing
Warning: Chapter contains sexual scene
o0o
They had been walking for days, and had not found any more teammembers, not even a trace of any of them. Legolas' worry was rising for each day, dreading the state of the missing teammembers. He was walking on the east side of the river again, followed by Rozarko, Girion and Drannor of the fourth team. Rozarko and Girion tried their best to keep the spirit up, and teased Drannor when they could. The only elf from the fourth team did not mind the goodhearted teasing, and did his best to tease back. Legolas often smiled as their antics.
"Are you two really real worriers" Drannor teased, "or are you not actually more guards?".
Both Rozarko and Girion shot Drannor hot glares, but it bumped off of Drannor, who were older than all of the rest. Legolas chuckled.
"You can try and fight them" Legolas challenged, "and then make up your mind if they are worriers or guards".
Drannor looked up and down both Girion and Rozarko for a while. Both guards, worriers, or what they were, grabbed the handles of their weapons.
"No thank you" Drannor said as he walked right past them.
"A wise choice" Legolas told, "you would have been defeated before you even drew out your sword".
"Are they really that good?" Drannor asked, looking back as both Rozarko and Girion walked into steps right behind Legolas.
"They received the best training" Legolas told, "they are supposed to guard me at all times of day".
"So, they are more guards than worriers" Drannor said triumphant.
Legolas laughed shortly, "yes, but will beat any of you if you challenge them".
"I bet" Drannor said as he shortly looked back at them, "isn't it a bit annoying though, to always have one of them following you?".
"I'm used to it" Legolas told.
Drannor watched his crownprince and commander for a short while, he had never talked that much with Legolas, only a few short times during training. He seemed far more serious and stern than Lucien did, but the few days he had been with him, had change than look some. He still seemed stern and serious, but there was much more to the oldest prince than that. Drannor began to like the oldest prince more and more, he cared for his team in a way he did not quite understand, they seemed to have forged a strong bond.
"You care much for your team" Drannor said lowly, watching the reaction from Legolas.
"A captain has to" Legolas told, frowning a bit.
"But you seem to have a strong bond" Drannor said, wanting to understand.
Legolas smiled softly, "we have been through a lot. When I was exiled we slept together in the talains we build, we depended on each other, more than when we were just on patrol. This was really survival. For many years afterwards, we could not sleep if apart. They are not just my worriers, they are my friends, family".
Drannor nodded, he was beginning to understand. The water of the river was beginning to run faster, and in the distance, they could hear a waterfall. Legolas walked faster before he started to run, coming at a stop when the ground before him dropped, and the water cascaded down several small drops. Rocks was sticking out of the water, and the river turned and twisted around them.
"Varla" Legolas breathed, knowing it would be a miracle if his teammembers survived this.
"Legolas!" Elarus called from the other side.
Legolas turned and faced Elarus, he had also reached the drop, and was now jumping from rock to rock across the river, which had become more narrow near the fall. Lucien, Tristan, Rasfel, Itrian and Naronen followed behind.
"I guess you have reached the same conclusion as I?" Elarus asked as he looked down the many drops.
Legolas stared at Elarus for a while, and just as the other captain was starting to get uncomfortable, he turned his gaze to the river once more, breathing deeply.
"We are not giving up" Tristan said firmly as he came up to stand beside Legolas, getting his captain's attention, "we are not giving up!" he repeated firmly.
Legolas looked Tristan in the eyes for a short moment, then he clapped his shoulder before he made his way down the drop.
o0o
More days went by, and they still did not see or hear anything that indicating that the rest was alive. Legolas did not want to admit it, but he was starting to lose hope, and he could see that the others was too. With heavy heart, he decided to turn back when they had followed the river for two weeks. Elarus and his team joined Legolas on the east side of the river. Legolas had gone into the forest by himself when the decision had been made, and screamed and yelled in pure anger. The fourth team who did not know Legolas that well, looked stunned in the direction Legolas had gone, Rozarko and Girion was quickly to follow him, Tristan looked calmly at the scene, a tear slipping down his cheek, and he quickly wiped it away.
o0o
Cyan woke slowly from his sleep, feeling warm and comfortable. He looked to his left and was that he was in the healing ward. He breathed deeply, remembering Legolas had found him, stayed by his side until he had to sent him home. He looked around him, hoping to see his teammembers in the beds next to him, but he did not. His heart was starting to race, until someone placed a soft hand on his shoulder. He turned his head and saw Jalen, one of the healers.
"Easy now" Jalen soothed, "you are going to be alright".
"Where…" Cyan rasped, his voice hoarse from it hurt badly when he tried to talk.
"Here" Jalen offered and placed a cup before Cyan's lips. Cyan took a few sip of the warm tea, feeling as it soothed his sore throat.
"Anglond was brought back yesterday" Jalen told, "he has just been taken back from surgery, he had internal bleedings".
Cyan looked chocked.
"He will be alright" Jalen quickly added.
"The others?" Cyan rasped.
Jalen shook his head, "we have not heard from them, but I know Legolas and Elarus are still looking for them".
Cyan breathed deeply and settled back down in the soft pillows. He closes his eyes for a few moments, and when he opened them again, he saw that Anglond was being placed in a bed next to him. He had not realized he had fallen asleep. Anglond looked tired, but was awake, and their eyes locked the moment Anglond was placed in the bed.
"Are you alright?" Anglond asked tiredly.
"I should ask you the same" Cyan smiled softly.
"I'm tired, and sore" Anglond told, "but otherwise alright".
Belenor then entered the infirmary, and both worriers looked to him.
"Have you heard anything from Legolas?" Cyan asked.
"No" Belenor told and he inspected Anglond's bandages. He then looked up to meet Cyan's blue-green eyes, "sorry".
Cyan shook his head, "he will find them" he whispered, "I hope".
o0o
Legolas walked purposely through the stronghold towards his father's office, he had sent Elarus and his team off to write their side of the report, while he would go and give his father the verbal one. Outside the office the guards took one look at their prince, and quickly opened the doors for him.
Thranduil looked up when Legolas entered, and the worry intensified when he saw his son. Legolas looked exhausted and worn out, but what concerned him most was the look of defeat and sadness on Legolas fair face. Thranduil rose from his seat and walked around his desk until he came face to face with Legolas.
"Tristan is alright" Legolas told, not meeting his father's eyes, "we did not find the others… there was no sign, nothing… and… and we had to turn back at last".
Thranduil nodded before he enfolded his son in his arms, Legolas allowed him, and hold on to his father tightly, feeling as tears started to fall. Thranduil ran his hand up and down Legolas' back, and then guided him to sit on the couch before the fire.
Legolas took a few deep breaths to compose himself, "I will go out again, with your permission" Legolas told, "I am not ready to give up".
Thranduil nodded, "you do not even have to ask".
"There are some things I need to take care off first" Legolas said, taking another deep breath.
Thranduil nodded, "do what you have to".
Legolas rose as left the office, outside he came face to face with Jalen.
"Anglond and Cyan have been released from the infirmary" he told Legolas, "they are fine".
Legolas breathed relived, turned to walk towards the captains quarters.
"And what about you?" Jalen asked as he fell into steps with the prince.
Legolas turned pained eyes towards him, "I'm fine" he assured.
"Right" Jalen said slowly, "psychically".
Legolas stopped in the middle of the corridor, facing Jalen.
"Almost all of my team is missing" Legolas hissed, "so no, I am far from alright".
Jalen softly placed a hand on Legolas' shoulder, "I know" he said kindly, "do what you have to for now, I will seek you out when you return to your quarters".
Legolas nodded and walked away from the healer.
At the quarters of the captains, Legolas looked at the list on the wall with the teams on it, with a deep breath he listed the first team as incapacitated. It hurt him to do so, especially when he had to write that the time limit was indefinite.
Allain, captain of the seventh team, came into the room from the hallway, he took one look at the board and then turned to Legolas.
"How many did you find?" Allain asked softly.
"Tristan, Cyan and Anglond" Legolas replied.
"I'm sorry" Allain said gravely, "tell us how we can help".
"I will" Legolas said, "thank you".
He then made his way towards the headquarters, knowing Cyan and Anglond would be there. When he opened the door, he was enfolded in to set of arms. Anglond and Cyan was hugging him tightly, and Legolas hugged them back just as tight.
"I'm so glad you are alright" Legolas whispered to them.
"We are too" Cyan whispered.
They broke apart, "I'm sorry, I could not find the others" Legolas told as he was pulled into the seating area at the fire.
"You did your best" Anglond told him, "they are still out there, I know it".
"You sound so certain" Legolas whispered.
"Because I am" Anglond assured him.
"You have not given up, have you?" Cyan asked worried.
"No" Legolas breathed, "or, I don't want to" he added, "but there were no signs, nothing".
"You found us" Tristan said as he joined them in the couch, "that's enough to give me hope".
Legolas nodded, closing his eyes for a moment as exhaustion took over.
"Go back and get some sleep" Anglond told him, "you look exhausted".
Legolas opened his eyes once more, barely aware that he had been closing them. With a not, he rose from the couch, stopping at the door.
"We will go back out there and search for them" Legolas told.
"And we will be ready to go with you" Anglond promised.
With that said, Legolas turned around and left the headquarter, going for his own quarter to get a bath and some sleep.
o0o
Legolas had just done bathing, and entered his bedroom with just a towel around his waist, his hair damp. As he opened his closet to find some clean clothing, he sensed someone inside his livingroom.
"Why are you hiding?" Legolas asked as he took out a cream shirt and soft leggings.
"I was not hiding" the voice of Ruviana sounded behind him.
Legolas turned and faced her, she was dressing in a light green dress, her hair loose around her slim shoulders. She stopped when her eyes fell on Legolas bare chest.
"Then what were you doing?" Legolas asked as he placed the clothing on his bed.
"Giving you some privacy" she grinned.
Legolas turned and looked at her, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
"Really?" Legolas said disbelieving.
"Mhmm" she hummed as he still looked at Legolas.
Legolas grinned as he turned to take on his shirt, deciding to tease her as he led the towel drop, still his back turned to her, as he took his leggings on.
"You are doing that on purpose" she said with crossed arms.
"I did" Legolas grinned as he moved forth until he was standing right before her.
"You're awful" she whispered.
"Oh, I know" Legolas said with a low voice, tucking her hair behind her ear, feeling as her body tensed at his touch.
She breathed deeply, "are you not going to kiss me?" she asked almost seductively.
Legolas did not answer, but moved closer, cupped her head and claimed her lips in a soft and tender kiss. Her arms circled around Legolas waist, and she pressed her body against his. He deepened the kiss even more. He only broke the kiss when he needed air, he ran his fingers through her hair.
"Sorry I have not been here" he whispered.
"You do not need to apologies" she smiled softly, "I heard what happened, and I came to see if you were alright".
Legolas smiled softly, placing his forehead against hers while he closed his eyes for a few moments.
"I am not alright" he told her, "I am worried sick for them, afraid of what might have happened".
"I understand" she told softly, "is there anything I can do? Maybe stay for the night?" she added hopefully.
"You want to stay the night?" Legolas asked with a wry smile.
"Yes" she smiled warmly.
"Then stay" Legolas whispered as he once more claimed her lips.
Her hands slipped under his shirt, caressing his muscled chest before they wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer to her. His hands travelled around her waist as well, and he started to push her backwards towards the bed. She smiled against his lips, allowing him to gently push her down his bed.
She looked seductively up at him, taking hold of his shirt and pulled it over his head. Her hands travelled over his chest, while his hand took hold of the hem of her dress, pulled it up her legs, and then he led his hand travel up her thigh. He claimed her lips again as he pushed her to lay down on the bed.
o0o
Jalen walked past the guards at the entrance to the royal wing, they had told him that Legolas had returned to his quarters, and he now made his way through the wide corridor. At the doors to Legolas quarters, he was surprised to see neither Rozarko nor Girion, but suspected they both were off duty to get some rest as well. He knew the guard though, one who guarded the royal family, and was fiercely loyal to them.
When Jalen was about to knock on the door, the guard stopped him.
"He is not alone" the guard told the healer.
Jalen sent the guard a puzzled look, but soon understood, smiled and walked back down the corridor, letting the prince be for now.
o0o
The next morning Legolas slowly woke as sunbeams hit his face, as he turned around he was stunned when his face hit a cascade of cobber brown hair. He snorted as it tickled his nose, and popped himself up on his elbow. Right, Ruviana had stayed the night, he smiled when he looked at her peaceful, beautiful face. Her eyes slowly unglazed as she woke up, smiling softly at him when she saw he was looking down at her.
"Goodmorning" she smiled and stretched her body.
"It sure is" Legolas smiled as he placed a soft kiss on her lips.
Ruviana pulled him down when Legolas was about to brake the kiss, and with a grin he kissed her again, this time deepening it. She moved and pushed Legolas around and climbed on top of him. Legolas removed her hair with one hand, using the other to press her hips down. Grinning against her lips as he heard her moan.
o0o
"Legolas" Rozarko called from inside Legolas livingroom, the bedroom door was slightly ajar.
He heard Legolas more or less stumble out of bed and make his way out of the room, he was still in his sleeping clothes, and had thrown a deep blue robe around him. His hair was a mess, he had tried to smooth it down with his hands, but only half succeeding. Rozarko was holding back his mirth, shoulders shaking from restrained laugher.
"Just, shut up" Legolas said tiredly as he closed the door behind him and threw himself down in the couch.
Rozarko let out a bark of laughter before he settled down in a chair.
"Are you done?" Legolas asked calmly when the laughter had subsided some.
"Yes" Rozarko said as he pushed the tray of food towards Legolas.
"Guess you will be needing this" he added with a grin.
"I thought you were done?" Legolas said calmly as he took a piece of bread.
"I was done laughing, not teasing" Rozarko stated.
Legolas shook his head as he took a bite of the bread, faintly hearing his bedroom door open into the hallway, knowing Ruviana had left his quarters.
"Why are you here?" Legolas said as he suppressed a yawn.
"I'm on duty today" Rozarko said casually, taking a piece of bread himself.
"Right" Legolas breathed.
"Well" Rozarko grinned, "maybe if you got your sleep at night, you would remember who is on duty and when" he teased.
"I have slept" Legolas said.
"Mhmm" Rozarko hummed, pouring two cups of tea, "the whole night?".
"I think you already know the answer" Legolas grinned as he accepted the cup.
Rozarko just smiled as he sipped his tea, deciding that was enough teasing for now.
"Elarus will deliver his written report this noon" Rozarko told, "as there is a couple or ten you should go through on your desk".
Legolas looked to his desk behind him, seeing the stack of papers.
"Back to business then" he said as he took the cup of tea.
"The worriers are eager to go back out and search for your team" Rozarko told.
Legolas stopped midair with his cup raised, taking a deep breath before he took a small sip.
"They are?".
"Yes" Rozarko assured, "the fourth team are standing by, awaiting your orders, as is Allain's team, and a few others on standby and off duty".
Legolas looked thoughtful for a moment.
"Call the captains off duty together" Legolas told, "I want them assembled in two hours".
"You heard that, Girion?" Rozarko called.
"Already on my way" Girion's voice sounded from the corridor.
Legolas looked surprised at the slightly open door, and back to Rozarko.
"He was waiting to do that orders you might have" Rozarko told, "don't worry, he had breakfast hours ago" he added when Legolas' frowned.
"And you hadn't?" Legolas asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Well, this is my second breakfast" Rozarko grinned as he took a bite of the bread.
"There is nothing called second breakfast" Legolas stated.
"There is" Rozarko told good-naturally, "when you had breakfast really early".
"And did you have breakfast really early?".
"No" Rozarko grinned, "I am just enjoying your company".
"Flatter will get you nowhere" Legolas said as he took a bite of his bread.
"Are you sure?" Rozarko teased.
Legolas just shoot him a hot glare, before he smiled as he shook his head.
o0o
Lucien stood before the board in the captains meeting quarters, it was a large room with an oval table in the middle, with chairs enough to seat every captain of the patrols. Fifty captains in total, though it was rare that they all were present at the same time. Elarus, Lucien's captain, had already taken his chair, number four to the right of the head of the table. Matheon and Pantheon, brothers, and captains of the second and third team, was seated in the second and third chair.
Lucien kept on staring at the board, where the first team was listed as incapacitated on indefinite time. As the rest of the captains and a few more worriers made their way into the meetingroom, the talk began around the table.
"Will Legolas go out and search again?" Valronen, captain of the twenty-ninth team, asked.
"I don't know" Allain shrugged, captain of the seventh team, "he just said that he would let us know if there was something we could do to help".
"Well the first team patrolled the northern border" Matheon told, "some will have to take their schedule".
"And that is exactly what you are going to do" came Legolas voice as he entered the meeting room, papers in his hand.
All became silent as Legolas made his way to the head of the table, placing the papers before him. He did not sit down on the chair.
"I will make this short" Legolas told, getting straight to business, "I have a counsel meeting in one hour".
That explained the formal clothing, they all thought. Legolas was dressed in a dark, gray tunic, silver embroideries all over it, and his white circlet over his hair, braided back in the style of the house of Oropher.
"Captain Matheon and Captain Pantheon" Legolas started, handing both captains a piece of paper, "your teams will split the first team's schedule. I am more that certain you will handle it well. As for now the northern border is unguarded, and I need both of you to ride out as soon as possible. Within two hours" he added, giving both captain a firm look, leaving nothing up for discussion.
"You are dismissed" Legolas then told the two captains, "you will get a recommence of the rest of the meeting".
They both rose and bowed before sprinting of to find their teams.
"Someone will need to take the second and thirds teams schedule" Legolas then told, taking a few pieces of paper, handing them to Allain, Tipora, Valronen and Merkilar.
"You four will take turns covering the second and third teams schedule" Legolas told, "while covering your own. I will make the twentieth, twentieth-one, four and five cover yours and help. The rest is listed on this document" Legolas held up a long document, giving it to Rozarko who hung it on the wall.
"Elarus" Legolas turned to the captain, "I need you and your team to be ready on two days, you will ride out along the forest river and search for the first team again, Anglond, Cyan and Tristan are going with you. I suggest you use the team until departure to train together, and learn to know one another".
"You will not be joining us?" Elarus asked.
"If I can make time" Legolas said while handing Elarus a piece of paper as well, "but as for now, you will ride out on your own. Anglond will stand as second in command, all his orders are a directly reflection of mine, understood?".
"Yes, commander" Elarus said while inclining his head.
"Good, you are dismissed".
o0o
The council meeting dragged out for hours, at first, all updates on the flooding was given, both inside the stronghold and out in the forest. Inside the stronghold, some of the stocks with food had been flooded. Luckily, the stocks up north had not been damaged, and they needed a team to escort some elves up and receive it. Legolas appointed one of the teams off duty to do it.
Next the elves who had lost their homes out in the forest needed to have them rebuild, many of them was capable of helping, and Thranduil sent several elves out to help rebuild the settlements.
Next, Legolas was on the shooting line of almost all the councilors. They wanted to know what had become of the first team.
"Their status is right now incapacitated" Legolas told, keeping his face straight.
"For how long?" a councilor asked.
"Indefinite".
"Then you do not know if the first team will resurrect?" another councilor asked.
"No" Legolas told coldly, "worst case scenario; if no more worriers from the first team are found, then I will look into the others teams and pick out the best, and remake the team".
"What about their schedule?" a councilor asked gently, but worried, "will the northern border be protected".
"Two teams are on their way to the border as we speak" Legolas told calmly.
The councilor nodded, looking relieved.
"Will you go out and search for them again?" Ruvien, the head of the war council, asked gently.
"I am sending the fourth team out along with Anglond, Cyan and Tristan" Legolas told, "they are leaving in two days".
"But you are not going with them?" Ruvien asked surprised.
"If I can make time, I will" Legolas told.
o0o
Hours later, the meeting was done, and Legolas made his way back to his quarters. At the door, he was surprised to see that Jalen waited for him.
"You seem surprised to see me" Jalen said, crossing his arms.
"I am" Legolas told as he opened the doors and showed the healer inside, leaving Rozarko outside at the moment.
"I told you I would come and see if you indeed, was alright" Jalen told as he walked into the livingroom.
"I thought you would do that last evening" Legolas said as he closed the door.
"You were not alone" Jalen grinned.
Legolas grinned as he walked over to the seating area, "right".
Jalen joined him, accepting the cup of tea Legolas handed him.
"So, ask away" Legolas said as he seated back in the couch, watching the healer in the chair.
"You claim to be alright" Jalen said, sipping his tea, "I just wanted to make sure that you really were".
Legolas regarded the young healer for a while, or, younger, he was much older than Legolas, but much younger than Belenor.
"Over half my team is missing on the third week" Legolas told, "so, what do you think".
"I believe you are far from alright" Jalen said as he placed the cup on the table, "but you conceal it well, as you always do".
Legolas breathed deeply.
"I am not concerned, yet" Jalen told gently, "but if you don't mind, I will keep an eye out for you".
"Do I have a choice?" Legolas chuckled.
"No" Jalen stated, smiling.
"Then it's alright" Legolas smiled kindly, sipping his tea.
Jalen regarded the young prince for a while.
"You are not going and searching for them again" Jalen then said, more of a statement than a question.
"I do not believe so" Legolas said, no small amount of regret in his voice, "I am swamped with duties, the papers and reports are piling on my desk… I want to, though. To go out and search for them again…".
"Isn't there anybody who can take some of your workload?" Jalen asked.
"Yes" Legolas told, "and I am considering throwing my work at them… But… Some of it I would prefer to do myself".
"Understandable" Jalen nodded.
"I still have two days" Legolas said, then looking out the windows, it was almost dinnertime, "well, one and a half day, to be done with my work before Elarus are going out again".
Jalen nodded, "can you do it?".
"If I don't sleep" Legolas said.
"You didn't get that much this night" Jalen grinned, "just remember to get some sleep in between your duties, and…".
"And what?" Legolas pressed with a small smile.
"You know" Jalen said, sipping his tea, giving Legolas a knowing glare over the cup.
Legolas laughed, as he took his own cup to take a sip.
Jalen then placed his cup on the table, rising from the chair, "and will see you again tomorrow" he said as he made his way past the couch towards the door, "just make sure to get some proper sleep tonight, when you are done with your work, fun or nor".
Legolas chuckled, "he is off in an hour" he then said, "if you want some fun for yourself".
Jalen stopped, "I do not know what you are talking about" he lied.
"I think that you are" Legolas turned and looked at Jalen, who turned to look at Legolas as well.
"You wouldn't mind?" Jalen almost whispered.
Legolas shook his head, "no".
"What about yourself then?" Jalen crossed his arms, "you are embracing the Sylvan way of life in almost all matters, are you sharing or taking a new?".
Legolas looked at Jalen for a while, not really knowing what to say.
"Sharing, I suppose" Legolas then said.
Jalen left the room with a smile, while Legolas walked to his desk, getting started on the huge pile of documents waiting for him. Girion brought dinner an hour later. They ate together while Girion helped Legolas sorting the reports. As the night dragged on, and as the darkness settled, Girion walked around the room lighten candles before he walked outside the door. Legolas barely registered he had left, and barely registered that the door opened just a short while after.
"Are you busy, my lord?" came a gentle voice from just in front of his desk.
Legolas looked up at the beautiful, smiling face of Ruviana. She was dressed in a light, purple dress, the fabric seemed to almost lick her slim body. Her long hair framed her face and fell in cascades over her shoulders.
"Not for you" Legolas said as he followed her with his eyes as she made her way around the desk.
He pushed his chair back when she squeezed herself in between him and the desk.
"Good" she breathed as she bent down and captured his lips, moving closer before she seated herself across him, a leg on either side of his hips. His hands travel up under the hem of her dress, feeling the smooth skin of her thighs, hip and back. Grinning when he felt that she was not wearing underwear. He deepened the kiss, pulling her even closer to him. He would allow himself to lose himself in her, take comfort in her. Just for now, he would forget it all. Forget his duties, forget that his team was still missing. He needed to forget, or the thought would be too much, and he was grateful that she was there, offering herself to him.