Alright, in this chapter, it almost seems as if I have two events switched around. Sorry if it causes confusion, but it works out with the rest of the story.
-8-
Halbarad's message was shrouded in confusion and the lord of Rivendell finally decided on sending his sons to retrieve the second-in-command of the dúnedain. The twins were set upon looking for their brother and the ranger encampment would be on their way towards the Misty Mountains. They would meet with Halbarad and then be on their way to look for their human brother.
It took longer than what the elves wanted, but Halbarad, father of Anders, entered Imladris' gates. He did not acknowledge the elves that came to take his horse, nor did he look to Erestor as the advisor ran down the stairs to greet him. His eyes were set upon Elrond and his feet carried him to the elf lord's side.
"How is my son?" his first words, filled with such worry, immediately caused Elrond to turn and lead the way into the Last Homely House. The two did not speak but only paused slightly at the doors to the healing ward. Elrond turned to the man and put a hand to his shoulder.
"Anders is steadily healing, so whatever injuries you may see look worse than what they really are."
Halbarad nodded and then pushed through to reach his son's side. The heavy wooden doors parted and showed way to the brightly lit healing ward. Beds lined the room, all empty save one in the furthest corner from the door.
Anders eyes were closed and his dark eyelashes brushed his pale face. His breathing was even, except when he would move slightly with his dreams. His right arm was bandaged across his chest, held immobilized by soft strips of gauze. Halbarad took his son's injuries in swiftly as he crossed the way to Anders. The younger man did appear to have a little redness in the cheeks from fever, but the dúnadan did not let his mind dwell on sickness.
Dropping to his knees at Anders' bedside, Halbarad took his hand and placed his other weathered one on his son's forehead. With a soft groan and slowly opening his eyes, Anders laid his weary gaze on his father for the first time in months. Seeing Halbarad, and in his condition, tears gathered in the man's eyes.
"I am so sorry, Father. I did not mean for this to happen. Strider…" Halbarad made slight shushing noises to quiet his offspring as he gently stroked Anders' light brown hair.
"You are at no fault, young one. I am overjoyed to see that you suffered no real injury and have been returned to me." Halbarad's voice was overflowing with emotion as he gazed down upon his injured son. Keeping his hand moving in reassuring motions, Halbarad directed his next words to the elven lord standing directly behind him.
"Have we received no word of Strider?"
Elrond sighed and could only answer with, "No. Anders' words are the only ones we have to go by. The twins told you all that we know." Halbarad acknowledged Elrond's words and turned his attention back to his son. After a moment, he followed up with,
"Please, let me remain with Anders for a bit longer. I will tell you everything we know once I am finished." Elrond easily accepted and moved away towards the door.
"If you need anything, I can be reached in my study." The half-elven then turned and exited the healing ward, slowing his stride as he headed for his destination. He was in no hurry to be alone with his thoughts.
Halbarad's arrival followed one of the worst nightmares Legolas had had to endure since he had awoken. His young screams had echoed through the halls and had driven Thranduil near to tears to experience his son's suffering. Legolas had eventually calmed down; enough that he refused to drink the draught Elrond had brought to him. The young Mirkwood prince, determined to relay what he had seen, told his elders what it was that had set him off.
It had been the twins and the two had been within a cave, one with only a shaft of light shining through the ceiling. One had been in the center of the cavern, holding another while crying out in anguish. They both had been pale and seemed to be in physical pain. One had his leg pulled back as if injured and the other had blood streaming down his face.
Legolas had felt this one strongly, for not only seeing his friends in pain, but it was as if he could feel their pain through his vision. Their every ache became his.
Even on the next day, Elrond was unsure as to what he should think about Legolas' latest dream. The elf lord was almost certain that Legolas was remembering what Elrohir had told them when he and Glorfindel had found Elladan and Estel in the cavern after Kean. How an injured Elladan had cradled a life-less Estel in his arms, sobbing his heart out after losing his youngest brother.
Legolas could have easily mistaken Estel's form as one of the twins. So many people had said that if they didn't know that Aragorn was human and not really related to the Peredhils, that he could be introduced as a true Elrondillon. In Legolas' state, and after only seeing a beaten Aragorn in his dreams, Elrond was almost positive that Legolas was more remembering than having a vision.
Besides, the memories or the feat of remembering seemed almost more painful that the actual visions. The pain that Legolas had experienced could have surely been his head telling the rest of his body that it hurt.
Reaching the doorway to his study, Elrond sighed as he pushed open the door. Closing it behind him, he just stood before the portal and glanced around his refuge. The bookshelves were properly placed in the balcony and his desk was still perched before the floor-to-ceiling window. Nothing seemed out of place.
As he walked over to his desk and sat in his overstuffed chair, Elrond came to a realization. Nothing was out of place in his house, but everything seemed to be out of sorts with his life.
His youngest was missing, and it was inevitable that his other two sons would find their brother and trouble. Things were spiraling out of control, and the lord had a sinking feeling that it would only be getting worse.
-8-
It had been days, and so far, there was no sign of anyone, whether human or orc, passing through the Misty Mountains. Searching high and low, looking intently for any type of mark or footprint, Elladan and Elrohir Peredhil made their way as fast as they could without the danger of overlooking something.
The two had planned on heading for Mirkwood, since Thranduil had told them that two rangers had been captured near the border. They decided on this because they had no where else to look, and this was their only lead given that Anders' information hadn't been too helpful.
But nothing had turned up so far. The twins wanted to locate their youngest brother as soon as possible, but everything was turning out to be frustrating! They knew that Estel was in danger, and could very well be dying while they fruitlessly looked for him. Their worry was making them antsy, and that did not bode well for their tempers.
"All that I am saying, Elladan, is that we've already looked over here! There's no point looking again if we found nothing the first time!" the younger twin's angry voice suddenly came from the silence of the trees. He was leading his horse, walking in front of the beast, and was looking over his shoulder at his older brother.
Elladan was much in the same pose, only across the trail from Elrohir. Irritably glancing over to the other, he rolled his eyes before he calmly explained,
"Yes, Brother, but we may have missed something. You never know if you don't double check." Elrohir gave an amused snort and rolled his own eyes.
"Whatever you say, dear brother, whatever you say." The older twin seemed ready to retort, but his gaze was averted as he saw something moving within the trees.
"Elrohir, did you see…"
-8-
Swords clanged together, and the sound caused birds to take flight through the surrounding trees. Grunts and gasps were heard, and the occasional thud of a body. The trees were now anxiously whispering to each other as they witnessed a small but deadly skirmish between two of the firstborn and many of the younger race.
Even though outnumbered, the firstborn were winning. They used their expert and highly toned skills to drive back their opponents, and were even taking the time to taunt each other.
"Oh, another one versus your two. I appear to be winning!" one cried as he spun and parried a blow meant for his legs. Jumping up and to the side, the elf struck with his sword, struggling to wade through the throng of humans so he could get high enough to use his bow. With the battle going on, it was too close quarters for any attempt at using a bow. So, he was resigned to his sword for the moment.
On the other side, the other elf was doing just as well as his comrade, and even managed to take out many of the opposition with only one strike. Moving towards the center of the fighting, as he knew his friend would be doing, the elf thrust his sword into the abdomen of one human, and then twisted around to stop the advances of another.
Suddenly, as if appearing out of thin air, a human was standing beside the elf that had spoken, and drove his wicked looking sword into the meaty part of the firstborn's thigh. Crying out in agony, the elf was unable to stop himself as he collapsed to the ground. Unable to rise from that position, he could only watch as the human laughed, and then slammed the hilt of his sword into the immortal's skull.
The other elf, not knowing of his companion's strife, kept fighting with everything he had. Still having a little fun with the lesser race, he spun and parried, thrust and feinted, thoroughly frustrating the enemies he went up against.
Then, out of the clanging of metal and steel, a strong voice echoed, "Stop, Elf, or I will kill your friend here." Spinning around in shock, the elf was surprised to see a human standing over his semiconscious friend.
The human smiled, and lightly tapped the captive elf with the steel part of his blade. "Cooperate, and he will not be hurt."
"No, Muindor, lastle! Nin ilye si kir, chebdagor /No, Brother, listen to me! I am already hurt, keep fighting/!" desperation shone in the captured one's eyes, and he begged his brother to not give up. "Think about Estel!"
The other shook his raven head, and threw his sword down. "Nin, muindor nín /I am, my brother/."
-8-
"NO!" screaming, Legolas opened his eyes as he shot out of bed. Beside him, Thranduil and Elrond rose from their chairs to gently push him back down.
Breathing heavily, the young prince closed his eyes as he tried to dispel the pictures that had gone through his mind. It had been of the twins this time! What evil had befallen them in their search?
Elrond leaned over the distraught elf, and gently handed him a mug full of calming herbs. "Drink, for I promise it is not a sleeping draught." Legolas eagerly took the mug and drank, clearly agitated over what he saw. Handing the goblet back to Lord Elrond, he took a deep breath as his father sat on the bed beside him.
"What did you see now, my son?" he asked quietly.
Legolas took a deep, calming breath, and then looked up to the two older elves.
"I saw the twins. They were fighting humans, and one got hurt. I don't know which one, but the humans made the other one stop fighting. He said he would hurt the twin who was injured unless the unwounded one stopped." Legolas shuddered. "He sounded evil."
Elrond sat back in his chair, but was perched on the edge of the cushion. He thought for many minutes, but finally took a deep breath.
"Where was the attack at, peneth er /young one/?" Legolas pondered over it, but then said,
"In the trees. I'm not sure where exactly, but I think it was the mountains. Or, I at least saw the mountains behind them. I'm not sure." Elrond nodded at the prince's response, and then thought some more.
After a time, he finally concluded,
"I cannot be too sure, but I think you are remembering something. Almost sixty years ago, you the twins and Strider were out by the borders and were attacked. You were injured pretty severely, and Strider was taken captive. But, he was made to surrender or they would have killed you and the twins. I think you have gotten the people mixed up, but I believe that is what it is. Unfortunately, it does not tell us where Strider is…"
Legolas stared at the lord in shock. "But, I know it's not a memory! I know that the twins are in danger…"
Elrond and Thranduil shook their heads. "The twins are fine, Legolas. I doubt very much they have found anything of Strider yet, and are still searching. From what you described, I don't think that they would be in the mountains, or be so close to them. If I know my sons, they're headed for Mirkwood."
Legolas turned pleading eyes to his father. "But, Ada, I know that something's wrong! I just know it!"
Thranduil looked skeptically between his old friend and his son. "Legolas, I think that maybe you should listen to Lord Elrond on this. The twins are probably fine."
Legolas finally closed his mouth at seeing the determined looks on the grown-up's faces, and he leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest.
"I know what I saw." Thranduil laughed and kissed his son on the forehead.
"Whatever you say, little Greenleaf. Whatever you say."
-8-
In the days that followed, Legolas' mind was made up that Elladan and Elrohir were in trouble. Every night, he woke up screaming after seeing torture sessions, and hearing the agonized cries of his friends. Every night, he woke up screaming Estel.
After a while, he stopped telling Lord Elrond and Thranduil what happened in his dreams because the same thing kept happening, over and over again. The young prince was tired of seeing the hurt and agonized look in the half-elf's eyes, and tired of the sympathy his father was giving him over the visions.
On the day following his worst vision yet, Legolas walked up and down the gardens located beneath the Hall of Fire. He was haggard and weary from what he had gone through, and his appearance showed it.
His fine blonde hair was not as neatly combed, and he had large bags under his eyes from his nights of fitful sleep. Legolas walked with a hunch in his step, and he swayed occasionally. Ultimately about to fall over, the prince walked over to the nearest bench and sat down ungracefully. Unbidden, a memory sprang to mind.
"Honestly, Human, if you were any clumsier…" Legolas laughed as he watched his young, human friend attempt to walk down the front steps.
Grunting with the strain placed on his sprained ankle, Aragorn looked up to his friend with a grimace slash frown. He had fallen down a slope on the way back to Rivendell from Mirkwood, and even though his father demanded he rest his ankle, the ranger was excited to spend a peaceful day with his friend.
"You know, Elf, you're lucky I am walking at all. If you hadn't distracted me and made me fall down that slope…"
Legolas laughed again. "As if you need a distraction to fall down something. Stop making excuses for your inbred clumsiness." Laughing with his friend, Aragorn made it to the second to last step, but as he was about to lightly step on his sprained ankle, his stronger leg suddenly gave out.
Giving a cry, he toppled forward and was prepared to hit the stone ground before a pair of strong arms wrapped around his shoulders and stopped his descent.
Shaking his head, but blue eyes full of concern, Legolas looked to his friend out of the corner of his eye as he helped Aragorn right himself. Keeping a steadying hand on the other's bicep, Legolas frowned as he spoke.
"Maybe we should just stay inside."
Aragorn looked at him incredulously. "I just got down the steps, and now you're thinking this was a bad idea?! No way, we are going out to the garden, even if it means I die trying." Legolas rolled his eyes.
"Nice choice of words, Ranger…"
Staring straight ahead, Legolas suddenly shook his head as the memory cut off. He now remembered that! Aragorn…Strider had gotten hurt, and then Legolas had demanded a day outside. He had offered to carry the stubborn human, but the ranger would not hear it. Aragorn had walked to the garden alright, but then, he had had to remain in bed for a week so the swelling could go down.
Excited that he had remembered something that wasn't tragic or full of pain, Legolas suddenly sprang to his feet. Unfortunately, he was still light-headed. Swaying as he tried to find his balance, the young elf felt gentle hands on his arms.
Turning his head to look at the new arrival, he first saw the raven hair as they helped him sit.
"Legolas, what are you doing out here alone? Does your father know?" Arwen's concerned questions reached him, and he shook his head.
"No, Ada and Lord Elrond are in some sort of meeting about something. Ada told Roth to watch over me, but I gave him the slip." Finally enjoying himself since the visions, Legolas smiled broadly at the she-elf.
"Guess what! I remembered something!" Arwen nodded and smiled, but didn't seem to get the other elf's meaning. Legolas noticed, and went on, flinging his hands out to express himself.
"I remembered walking down the stairs with Strider. I remember making fun of him, and then catching him before he fell over." Arwen's eyes went wide, and she stared.
"You mean, you thought of a normal time, not of something bad?" Legolas smiled and nodded happily at her. Arwen laughed and hugged him tight.
"Legolas, that is so good! I am so happy for you!" but, Legolas' joy didn't last long, even though she said that.
"Wen, the visions are getting worse. I swear they are about Strider and the twins, but Ada and Lord Elrond won't listen to me. They say I keep remembering thing about Dan and Ro, and that nothing's happening to them. But, I promise, they're in trouble!" Arwen seemed shocked.
"They don't believe you? Why ever not?"
Legolas just shrugged his shoulders. "They think that the twins aren't in the same area as Strider. Ada said that the twins wouldn't be too lucky to find him this soon." Undomiel's eyes widened further. Then, they flashed in anger.
"Well, don't worry, Legolas. I will speak to them about this for you."
-8-
"Thranduil, I know you worry for Legolas, as do I, but it does not matter whether or not you take him back to Mirkwood. He is receiving these visions for a reason, and he will experience them no matter where he is. It may be his memory returning, or more visions leading to Estel, but he will still have to endure them." Elrond's stern words cut through his study, making his meaning clear to the king across from him.
Anger traversed Thranduil's face, but it was not an emotion aimed at Elrond. He just needed to lash out. "Then what am I supposed to do, Peredhil? My son is being tortured by this, and he still has yet to recover from his amnesia! Anymore of these visions may seriously hurt him worse that he already is!" Getting to his feet, he made his way to stand beside a book case, keeping his back to Elrond.
"I cannot watch him go through much more of this, Elrond. Every time he screams for Estel, and doesn't know why…" shaking his head, he gently ran a hand along the ancient book spines. "This is tearing me up just watching him go through this."
Elrond nodded in understanding, but remained in his chair behind his desk. "No father can ever stand to see his children in trouble or discord, but sometimes there is nothing we can do about it. Whether these visions are from the Valar, or Legolas has some sort of foresight we have not encountered before, they are needed. Your son is not going through this in vain."
Thranduil nodded, and started to walk for the doors, but a knocking stopped him.
From behind, Elrond answered with a, "Come in." One of the doors opened, and Arwen came in holding Legolas' hand.
"Ada, King Thranduil, Legolas and I would like to speak with the both of you, please." Thranduil looked to Elrond, but then indicated that the two younger elves should take seats. Arwen led Legolas over to the chairs and saw him seated before she sat. Turning to look to her father and King Thranduil, who had walked over to stand beside the desk, she took a deep breath before speaking again.
"Legolas has told me of the past visions he has had, and I have to wonder, why you aren't worried about the twins?" her blue eyes no longer looked angry, but her attitude showed that she was drained beyond belief. The terrible ordeals were taking their tolls on the young elf maiden.
Elrond glanced to the blonde elf beside him before leaning forward to examine his daughter. "Arwen, things are complicated, and I truly believe that Legolas is remembering times past. The twins are not in danger."
"How can you be sure? Ada, Elladan and Elrohir could be in mortal danger, and none of us could really know until it's too late. Are you willing to bet their lives? Legolas has not been wrong so far, why would he be wrong in this?" Arwen was determined to make her argument heard, for she worried about her brothers. She knew in her heart that something was wrong, and it was making her unbelievably angry because her father wasn't listening.
"Ada, they are in danger! I don't know how to prove it to you, but I can feel it. In every ounce of my being, I know that they are in trouble and we are the only ones who can help them." Elrond shook his head before she could finish.
"Iel nín /my daughter/, I think I would feel the same way if they were at risk. Why would you be able to tell, and not me?" his refusing to see the truth angered Arwen and she finally stood, knowing that she would never be able to convince him.
"I see that it is futile to talk about this with you. You won't listen to me!" she shook her head and turned towards the door, oblivious to the incredulous stares her father, Thranduil, and Legolas were giving her.
"Then I will look for the twins myself. I refuse to lose them because of your stubbornness! You can usually see so clearly and even if there were the slightest hint of danger, you would send aid. The twins are not all powerful, and actually very easy to overcome. Legolas described there being many more men than them, so I believe they were overmatched and then taken. My brothers will not die, and I will see to it."
Heading for the door, she reached out for the handle as Legolas' quiet voice reached her. "And, I am going with her. Maybe I can see something no one else can. Maybe I can recognize something that could help." Standing, he looked to his father.
"They are my friends, and I have exhausted doing nothing." Walking over to stand beside Arwen, the two younger elves looked back to their fathers.
"We will be leaving as soon as possible." Leaving the bewildered lords behind, Arwen and Legolas swiftly exited.
Thranduil turned disbelieving eyes to Elrond. "They cannot be serious! They cannot be going after Elladan and Elrohir!" the half-elf also seemed to be in shock, and did not respond right away.
He knew that Arwen was serious, completely fixed on one thing--saving her brothers.
-8-
A little while later, as Arwen was getting ready for her journey, Rothinzil lightly knocked on her door frame. Smiling as the elf maiden turned, the younger elf walked into the room and sat in a chair beside the fire.
The young elf maiden was dressed in a simple travel tunic and leggings, and her hair was pulled back. She wore plain riding boots, and she was devoid of any type of face coloring or fancy braids for her hair. Arwen Undomiel was dressed in the way of mortal women, and besides for her pointed ears, looked the part. She sought to travel without any problems, such as the long draping folds of normal elven traveling robes. At one time, it might be necessary for her to fight, and she did not want any impediments.
Watching as Arwen packed, Roth spoke after a minute. "So, I hear you and Legolas are going after Elladan and Elrohir."
Arwen only nodded and turned to retrieve her sword from the cupboard located along the wall. Strapping the belt around her slender waist, she then reached as high as she could and took down a small box. Opening the lid to make sure all her herbs were there and in perfect condition, she closed the lid and gently placed it into her carrying sack.
Finally done, she sat on the edge of her bed and turned to look at Rothinzil.
"Yes, Legolas and I are. We are tired of everyone telling us they are fine." She shook her head and sighed. "I worry. Estel is in trouble, and now the twins. Why can't my family stay out of turmoil? Is something they are incapable of doing?" Roth just gave her a strange look.
"Am I supposed to answer that?" seeing her exasperated expression, he held his hands up and laughed. Though, he sobered up as he saw the sadness invade her face.
"It doesn't matter who it is now-a-days, but someone will find a way of getting injured, or lost, or captured… it's just the times." Arwen snorted quietly, but Roth still heard it and smiled. Standing up, he offered her a hand and pulled her to her feet.
"They will be fine, and I doubt very much that they managed to get caught by anyone other than the one who has Estel." He shrugged. "They just took the easy way of finding him."
Arwen laughed and turned to grab her pack. "If my brothers ever took the easy way…" drifting off, she faced the window and saw the ever bright sun.
"I pray that the Valar will keep them safe until I find them."
-8-
Outside near the stables, Roth was helping Legolas tack his horse. Gently instructing his friend, the Noldo elf stepped back and let the prince try and do it by himself. Laughing softly when Legolas attempted to pull the girth too tightly, the captain stepped back in and adjusted the saddle.
It had been decided that since Legolas was still considered an elfling for the time being, the young elf would use a saddle and bridle for the trip. Arwen didn't want Legolas to panic and fall off a horse without tack, so she had arranged for Aragorn's saddle to be put on Legolas' horse. The gray stallion didn't seem to mind as he cared for his master, and knew that something was wrong with the blonde elf.
Arwen was tying her packs to her horse, but turned when she heard very light footsteps. Seeing her father and King Thranduil, she rolled her eyes as they drew nearer. Thranduil did not look to Elrond as he met her, but glanced to Legolas as he laughed with Rothinzil.
Looking back to the she-elf, the king began to speak.
"Lady Arwen, I cannot allow you to go on such a journey. I know that you are a capable rider and fighter, but I would be able to live with myself if I let you go. So, Rothinzil and I will accompany Legolas. You will stay here in Rivendell with your father, and we will either bring word or your brothers back. Do you agree?"
Arwen seemed a little stunned, but she smiled. If anything, even though she wouldn't admit it, she didn't want to leave Imladris. She loved her brothers and wanted them to be alright, but she knew she would not be the best choice for a rescue operation.
Nodding, Arwen turned and started to remove her pack, and pulled it down to her chest. Turning to the elven king, which she just noticed was dressed in traveling clothes, she handed over her pack.
"Everything's in there, including herbs and water and food. I did not put any personal effects in there as I did not see reason. All that's in there is the necessities." Thranduil nodded his thanks and looked to his son.
Legolas had noted his father's clothes and manner, and smiled widely. The king smiled back and then headed into the stable for his own horse. Behind him, he could hear Roth's broken protests.
"I did not volunteer for this! Helluin wants me back in one piece! I would love to help find the twins, but come on…" Thranduil didn't hear Legolas' retort, but could plainly understand Rothinzil's incensed shout.
Laughing, he opened the stall door holding his tall stallion, and he gently led the powerful beast out. Patting the black hair, Thranduil turned outside the door and easily tied the pack to his horse's back. Ready, he quickly mounted.
Rothinzil stepped forward and held up a hand. "Now, Your Majesty, I understand perfectly that I must submit and everything, but might I at least have time to get my riding cloak, weapons, and mount?" Thranduil discreetly rolled his eyes but nodded. Roth saluted and quickly took off for the Last Homely House and the room he had been occupying for months.
Turning to Legolas, Thranduil guided his horse to stand next to his son's, and watched as Arwen and Elrond came over to help the prince mount. Only struggling a little, Legolas was seated in the saddle, and only scarcely nervous. Arwen and Elrond stepped back and smiled at the young prince.
The king spoke after a time. "Where do you suggest we start looking first?" Legolas thought a moment, but Arwen answered.
"We were going to start at the High Pass and work our way over to Mirkwood. I don't doubt Ada that Elladan and Elrohir would have started there, so we were going to cover ground and sort of back track." Thranduil acknowledged her words and smiled at Legolas.
"Our first trip together in I don't know how long." The prince smiled back and gently nudged his horse to walk around the courtyard. No matter what age he thought he was, the prince knew that it had been a while since he had last ridden a horse. Wanting to reacquaint himself with his mount, Legolas slowly got the rhythm of the horse's gait, and smiled as he remembered the proper ways of riding a horse.
Finally, after Legolas had taken a dozen laps around the courtyard, Rothinzil emerged from the Last Homely House, and nearly tripped down the stairs as he attempted to juggle his cloak, pack, and sword. His bow and quiver were already strapped to his back, but he had had no time to put on his sword or cloak.
Putting the stuff down in front of the stable doors, Roth rushed in and after a few minutes, came out with a disgruntled horse. In the months since the Noldo elf had come to Rivendell, he had neglected to ride his horse, and the beast was a little miffed at her master.
Soothing the animal with words and strokes of apology, Roth bent over and got his pack, and loosely secured it. Then, he threw his cloak over the horse, and quickly buckled his sword belt around his hips.
Ready at last, after a few glares from an impatient Legolas, Rothinzil mounted.
The lord and lady of Imladris stood together as they said their farewells, and then the three riders were off to find two, or possibly three, sons of Elrond.
-8-
On the way to the Misty Mountains, a wide-eyed Legolas tried to point everything out excitedly to Roth and his father. Pointing out the tall trees lining the road, the beautiful lakes and streams, and of the lovely plants and flowers. Nature was completely overwhelming the prince as he had not been outside much in many months.
Seeing the forbidding mountains looming in the distance, Legolas was beyond awed. He was so scared to be going into the ranges, but he was also excited and worried. As far as he could really remember, he'd only been to the Misty Mountains a few times in his life. But, no matter how excited he got, he still worried for the twins and Strider.
Legolas didn't want anything to happen to the three sons of Elrond, and he hoped to reach them before anything serious really occurred. Hope…
Looking over to his father, the prince grinned devilishly and then spoke casually to Rothinzil. "So, mellon nín /my friend/, would you care for a race, or has the traveling tired you?" the dark haired elf looked to the other with shock, but then his mouth morphed into a smile. Whether this Legolas remembered or not did not seem too important as the older Legolas seemed to be shining through.
"Oh, no, it is you we should worry about. I mean," here, Roth shrugged. "it is your horse who is under trained." At this, Legolas and his mount snorted. The horse stopped and seemed to glare at the Noldo elf, seemingly knowing what the immortal had said. Legolas patted the gray stallion's neck soothingly, and leaned over to whisper words of endearment.
Sitting straight in his saddle, Legolas said stiffly, "Then, race, you coward." And, kicking his horse, sprung forward along the trail. Roth laughed and with a backwards glance at King Thranduil, spurred his own mount to follow the elven prince.
Laughing with the thrill of racing with his old time friend, Rothinzil forgot for a moment that Legolas was a little boy. However, even with the impediment, it did not stop Legolas from picking up the lead and keeping it. Smirking with amusement as Roth gave mock angry yells, Legolas gave his horse free-rein to go however fast he deemed needed.
Excited with the pace, the horse leapt forward and kept his legs moving. Feeling the elf's childlike exhilaration, the charger whinnied as the duo raced through the trees.
Roth bent over his horse's neck, silently urging his four-legged friend to quicken their pace. Alas, the horse did not respond to her master's motions or indications, and kept her stride at one steady tempo. Growling to himself, Rothinzil struggled with his mare, trying to get the usually gentle and tolerant horse to respond to anything he said or did.
His attempts were in vain.
From ahead, Legolas glanced over his shoulder and laughed at his friend's misfortune, for it was easily read in Roth's expression and the horse's head throwing what was going on. Pulling up on the reins a bit, Legolas pulled his horse around and headed back towards Rothinzil.
The Noldo elf, seeing what his friend was doing, groaned and looked away as Legolas stopped beside him. Noticing Legolas' self-satisfied look, Rothinzil groaned again as he stopped his own horse. Muttering curses in dwarvish, he didn't detect Legolas' shocked and appalled look as he heard the curses and understood them.
They stayed that way until Thranduil stopped beside the two. "Well, that was fun…" seeing his son's look and hearing the rest of Roth's curses, the king became cross.
"Now, Rothinzil…" the captain looked up and realized what he had just said. Only blushing a little bit, he urged his horse to the side, away from the other two elves, and muttered,
"It's not like he doesn't know them himself." Still not getting his horse to respond, Roth threw up his hands and turned to his saddle bags. Grumbling the whole time and ignoring Thranduil and Legolas, he pulled out a long, juicy looking carrot. Dangling it by its green leaves, the Noldo elf waited until he had his mount's attention before speaking.
"You will listen to me, or you will not get anymore treats like this, understood?" the mare eagerly bobbed her head and then reached up to snatch the carrot away from Rothinzil. The three elves heard hurried munching, and then noticed when the horse began to move in the earlier direction indicated by her master.
Smiling, Roth tightened his hold on the reins and nodded. Turning to the other two, he said, "You just have to know how to handle them." The horse gave an exasperated snicker, and then seemed like she was about to stop. Giving her a swift kick in the midsection, Rothinzil made sure she kept moving.
"Shall we continue?" Legolas and Thranduil exchanged looks, but then followed the captain through the trees towards the looming mountains ahead.
-8-
Hours later, the three elves had to abandon riding and lead their horses through the rough terrain of the Misty Mountains. Legolas seemed to be enjoying the trek, unlike his traveling companions. Thranduil did not like the delay, as a light snow fall had begun the higher they climbed.
Rothinzil, even though he was half-elven, hated the cold and snow, as his human side decided to show up. Shivering only a little bit, the cold being a little more than he was used to, Roth didn't complain too much, as he was still able to walk a top the snow like normal.
The horses seemed to be unaffected, but they did make the going slow as they were forced to walk through the snow and up the rocky mountain. They, like Roth, only wanted to be someplace warm and dry.
Finally, as the sun had just started to dip beyond the tallest point, the three elves reached a camping spot near the top. Letting the horses graze for what they could, Roth, Thranduil, and Legolas built camp, with only one tent. They didn't light a fire, for as high as they were, the fire would eat up the oxygen in the air. So, the three elves were getting ready for a light, but filling, dinner of venison and fruits packed from Rivendell.
Where they were camped, it was flat land, with a few trees showing up from further down the mountain. Caves littered the rock face, but none looked big enough for any type of shelter. Snow covered the ground in places, and covered the measly patches of grass that managed to grow at the elevation. The sky was fairly cloudy, but not enough to stop the sun and its rays from shining to the small troupe.
After the camp had been built and the three had eaten, Legolas decided to explore the surrounding wilds. Climbing a top a boulder only a few yards out of sight of his father and friend, the prince took a deep breath of the mountain air. Closing his eyes, the blonde elf reveled in the smells and feelings of being outdoors and among the trees.
He knew he recognized some of the way the three were traveling, but he just wasn't getting any type of feeling from the recollections. He knew he'd been this way, but for the life of him, he couldn't remember a single instance that he had been here.
Sighing, Legolas looked down and saw a snow covered valley far below where he sat. Smiling as he saw a deer and her fawn, he watched as the two grazed for food. Noticing the way their heads popped up and they stopped, Legolas knew something was wrong. Looking around himself, he cried out in surprise and nearly fell off his boulder as he came face to face with a dark haired human.
The human smiled, and steadied the young elf with a hand. "I thought all elves had good balance?" he joked as he saw Legolas' surprise leaving his face. The prince stiffened as he saw the human fully, and he answered quietly,
"You surprised me, is all. Even elves get shaky when they're startled." The human laughed and nodded his head.
"So true, Friend, so true. Well, why don't you come down that way I can introduce myself properly?" Legolas thought about it for a minute before he mutely nodded. With the human's help, the prince slid down the rock and stood in front of the man. Seeing his cheerful brown eyes and his brown beard, Legolas couldn't help but smile back as the man's grin grew.
Then, from behind, Legolas suddenly heard his father's voice. It was cold and full of meaning as he asked, "Ion nín /my son/, is everything alright?" turning to Thranduil, Legolas saw the king and Rothinzil behind him, each with a hand on their sword hilts.
Nodding, Legolas turned to the man who had startled him. "Aye, Ada, I am fine. This is…I'm sorry, you never said your name."
"I am known as Ceorl, if you please." Seeing the threatening looks the two "older" elves laid on him, the man continued with, "My friends and I are camping up here as we are on our way to Lake-town." Thranduil nodded, and then stepped up beside his son.
"We are on our way to Mirkwood, and are just camping for the night." Looking diagonal to Legolas, he asked in elvish,
"What do you want to do?" Legolas looked to his father with confusion, and then answered back in Sindarin,
"We could always invite him and his friends to our camp. I'm sure we could always need the company. Besides, Roth and the twins said I should learn to trust humans more. Maybe this will help." Thranduil looked skeptic, but then turned back to Ceorl and spoke Westron.
"It would please us if you and your companions would join us at our campsite for drinks and talk. I would like to hear of the goings of Men for a time." Ceorl smiled and nodded, sticking his hand out, which Thranduil shook reluctantly.
"I will return, I just must fetch my friends." The three elves nodded and watched him go, in which Roth commented,
"I have a bad feeling about this."
-8-
About half-an-hour later, a small fire was burning and men's laughter could be heard. Surprisingly, Roth and Thranduil were having a good time talking with the humans, and Legolas was regaled with tales of the journeys the men had experienced.
Just before dusk, Ceorl asked Legolas if he would like to watch the sunset on the boulder they had met on. Legolas turned to his father and silently asked the king.
Even though Thranduil enjoyed the men's company, that still didn't mean he trusted them. "Of course, ion nín, but only if Rothinzil goes with you." Legolas nodded and eagerly pulled on Roth's hand, following the man to the boulder. Roth was so busy watching Legolas and keeping his balance that he did not notice the slight nod of Ceorl's head as they passed the end of the tree line.
Legolas was so excited that he did not detect anything amiss, and clambered on to the boulder, watching the brilliant colors of the sunset. In awe, the elf noticed how the colors of red, yellow, orange, and blue seemed to mix and come to the colors of purple and pink, and displayed a breathtaking sight. Sighing in contentment, the young prince was oblivious to the two below him.
Rothinzil and Ceorl stayed at the edge of the boulder, and looked each other over, sizing-up one another. Finally, Ceorl asked,
"What is up with him?" tilting his chin in Legolas' direction, he kept his brown eyes on Roth. Rothinzil seemed uneasy.
"Whatever do you mean?" Ceorl only looked at the Noldo elf in surprise.
"Why does he act like a little kid?" Rothinzil sucked in a breath and did not let it out right away. Avoiding the other's eyes, he spoke hesitantly.
"It's a long story, and one I do not wish to discuss. I will just say that a lot has happened to Legolas, and there is a reason for the way he is right now." Looking up to Legolas, Roth felt a twinge of regret as he saw the delight in his friend's face. Legolas was truly enjoying the sunset and the wonders it showed.
Behind his back, Ceorl made a motion with his hand and about ten men began to emerge from the tree line.
Turning back to his human companion, Roth was about to add something to his statement, when he caught sight of the men. Seeing their swords drawn, and one even holding a bow and arrow, Roth cursed their luck as his hand flew to his sheath.
Unfortunately, the sword was still in camp, as Roth had removed it in good faith. Growling, he yelled, "Legolas, stay right where you are!" turning to shove Ceorl away from him, Roth immediately moved into a defensive stance as the men approached.
Seeing their cocky grins and smirks, Roth smiled to himself as he noticed their overconfidence. They believed him unarmed and worthless. Elbereth, would they ever receive a rude awakening.
Waiting until the first man ventured forward, Roth grabbed his sword arm to begin, and then spun the human until he had torn the weapon away. Spinning it around his body, he thrust forward into the small wave of men, and beat them back. Seeing Ceorl join the fighting, Rothinzil suddenly had a flash of thought. If Ceorl had led Legolas and him into this…then King Thranduil was left alone in the camp!
Torn between defending his king and his prince, Roth decided to just concentrate on Legolas right now. The poor prince wouldn't even know what to do in a fight right now…
From a top the boulder, Legolas watched with growing horror as he witnessed the fight between Men and elf. He somehow knew that Roth was outnumbered, and was suddenly reliving fighting techniques, knowing exactly what it was that each and every man was doing wrong.
A strong ache began in his body, and Legolas couldn't explain it. It was like he wanted to get involved in the fighting!
Still watching the skirmish, Legolas was amazed as he saw Ceorl stalk over to the distracted captain. Something akin to lighting going through his mind, Legolas screamed in warning,
"ROTH! WATCH OUT!" spinning around too late, the hazel eyed elf was suddenly confounded as he looked down and saw a sword embedded into his chest. Looking up into the now cold, brown eyes Rothinzil was overcome with waves of agony. Dropping his sword, the Noldo elf was forced to his knees with the long blade still within his body. Hearing Legolas' despaired cries, Roth struggled to his feet as his prince suddenly began to scream.
"Legolas…" finding himself on the ground after a strong punch from Ceorl, Rothinzil watched as Legolas was dragged from the boulder by three men. Struggling against the darkness threatening to claim him, the dark haired elf fought against the pain trying to overwhelm him.
Winning for a time, the Mirkwood captain fought to his elbows, propping himself up to gather strength for the climb to his feet. Ceorl, looking down at the overwhelmed elf, rolled his eyes as he heard Legolas' panicked shrieking.
Seeing the anger building in Roth's eyes, he knelt, and showed an evil sneer.
"Good-bye, Roth…" he then hit Roth hard across the temple, sending the valiant elf into oblivion. Smiling, Ceorl turned to the crying blonde elf and his men, and his look turned to one of disgust.
"I thought elves were supposed to be unbreakable, not sobbing little babes." The other men laughed, and shook Legolas a little.
The young prince seemed beyond terror, and couldn't get himself to stop shaking and crying. Seeing Rothinzil laying like that on the snow-covered ground, a growing pool of blood beneath him…it was bringing back so much.
Through the trees more men came, towing King Thranduil of Mirkwood with them. The Sindarin king did not look happy, and he was bleeding from his right side. Hearing his son's panicked cries and seeing Roth lying motionless on the ground, Thranduil's anger grew.
"What is the meaning of this? What have you done to my captain? Unhand my son!" the authority in his commands did not faze Thranduil's captors, and Ceorl only yawned at the king.
"It amazed me that more elves came to snoop around. I never thought we'd be so lucky as to get three more." Motioning with his left hand, Ceorl turned to Rothinzil's body.
"Start taking them towards the lair. Make sure our lord knows we are coming." The other men nodding to their "leader", they began to drag off Thranduil and Legolas as Ceorl bent over Roth with a dagger in his hand.
Legolas, seeing what was happening, began to scream louder in panic. "ROTH! NO!"
Thranduil attempted to shush his son, but his comforting words had no effect on Legolas. The prince was going through a lot, for his mind was combining the pain of possibly losing Rothinzil with something else, something he could not identify.
The men leading them got tired of Legolas' cries, and one backhanded the prince into silence. Thranduil glared daggers at the man who had dared harm his son, but Legolas was silent the rest of the trek, stunned beyond words. He unexpectedly wore an impassive mask, and Thranduil could not make heads or tails of what Legolas was thinking or feeling.
As they neared the entrance of a cave Thranduil had spotted earlier, Ceorl met up with them, cleaning his dagger in plain sight of the two elves. Thranduil felt a pang in his heart as he thought of the implications of those motions.
Poor Rothinzil…
Legolas did not even notice Ceorl's return, and he continued to stare forward, not blinking or twitching a single facial muscle. They entered the cave, and Legolas did not utter a single word or move. All he did was walk mechanically behind his captors.
Following passages of stone, Thranduil was growing uneasy as the group traversed further into the cave. He knew that when Legolas finally got out of his shock, he would panic once more, for the prince hated caves. No one knew why, or what had happened, but Legolas had encountered some horrifying experience with them, and practically refused to enter any he came across.
Finally, the group came to a gigantic cavern with stalactites hanging from the ceiling, generously lit by lanterns and torches spread throughout the space. It was nicely furnished, with rugs and carpets adorning the floors, and wardrobes and cupboards, with small couches and chairs. It was evident that someone with riches resided here, but why with someone with all these be here? In a cave?
Looking around, Thranduil was surprised when he was forced to sit on a couch facing a short table. Legolas already sitting down next to him, the king noticed desserts and tea cups sitting on the table, and then he looked up with confusion to the men surrounding them.
None looked to the elves, but glanced up and stepped back when a door opened to the side and a wizened old man emerged. The man had stark white hair, and not a lot of it. Hair only sat behind his ears and right on the very top of his wrinkled head. He was hunched over and required a cane to walk, so he made slow time reaching the couch across from Legolas and Thranduil. He was dressed in fine robes of violet lined with gold, and the colors managed to match his eyes perfectly.
Unlike the rest of him, which appeared old and unawares, his violet eyes were piercing and quite alert. They scrutinized the immortals in front of their owner, but then the wrinkles surrounding the mystifying eyes crinkled and a raspy voice said,
"Welcome to my humble home." Bending forward and nearly falling from his seated position, the old man hefted a tea cup from the table and stretched as far as he could to hand the cup to Thranduil. The king slowly took the offered drink, and only took a small sip.
Holding the tea in his lap, the elf met the other's eyes.
"I will not sit here and be insulted. We are not here voluntarily, so do not make pleasant conversation. Tell us why we are here, and do not lie." The old man smiled amiably and shook his head.
"Your Majesty, you misunderstood my invitation. I only wish to speak with you." Thranduil gaped a moment at the man, and briefly considered the mortal mad.
"If your "invitation" included the death of one of my finest captains, then yes, I am afraid I "misunderstood" it." The king's cerulean blue eyes flashed dangerously, and he was so focused on the seemingly civil man in front of him, that he did not notice the light coming back to Legolas' eyes.
"I do not know why you wish to speak to me, or how you know of who I am, but I can assure you that I will not stand for this. You must release my son and me, and not harm us any further."
The wizened man held up his hands, and smiled neutrally. "My friend, I only wish to speak. In my good nature, I will first hold out the proof of my good will by introducing myself. I am Olrunár, and I am but a humble man struggling to end my life in peace."
Thranduil looked skeptic, but answered in turn. "I am King Thranduil Orophorion, and this is my son, Crown Prince Legolas Greenleaf. We were on a quest to locate missing friends before we were deceived and betrayed. Now, an elf that I fostered lies dead on the mountain."
Olrunár seemed unconcerned about Roth's death, and waved a hand. Before he could comment, the door he had exited opened again and another man stepped through. However, agonized screaming followed this entrance as the door was closed.
The newcomer seemed agitated and not to see the two blonde elves across from his master.
"Sir," he began in a shaky voice, "the human has lost consciousness again. We think he's dead." The old man immediately jumped to his feet and rounded on the cowering servant.
Forgetting his ancient appearance and his "guests", the "old" man spat out, "You imbeciles! I told you not to kill him!" Olrunár gave a silent command and two men came forward and grabbed Legolas and Thranduil.
Legolas had recovered from his shock, and was now confused. The man had spoken in a different language, one the prince was sure he didn't know, but Legolas had understood every word of it. Looking to his father to see if Thranduil had understood the mysterious language, the young elf couldn't tell from the king's expression.
Being dragged through the doorway behind Olrunár, Legolas' eyes flicked around the room, and feelings of fear and despair invaded him. Hearing his father's angry intake of breath, Legolas looked down and saw a horrifying sight.
Elladan and Elrohir were dangling from a lower ceiling, and both appeared to be unconscious.
Each elf was equally wounded it seemed, but Elrohir had the tell-tale marks of an arrow wound in his leg. Elladan had a deep gash on his temple, and he appeared paler than normal, and whiter than his brother.
Jumping back in surprise, Legolas was saddened to see his friends in such a condition. With his juvenile mentality, the sight of blood and the marks marring the other elves' bodies was very upsetting and the prince didn't know what to do or think. However, freakishly enough, the sight was somehow familiar to him, the same way the desire to fight had been.
Hearing something to his left, Legolas looked over and saw a ghastly and heartbreaking sight.
The old man was yelling at a motionless form and kicking the helpless man in his anger. Legolas watched with a frozen look of disgust, but couldn't help but looking. Then, he recognized the man being abused on the cool cavern floor.
The blood soaked hair, what was left of the ranger clothes and the left index finger…the ring…
Gasping as he focused on the blood covered face; Legolas' mind was drawn to his nightmares and the overwhelming feeling of grief that invaded his heart. Then, everything came flooding back.
His childhood in Mirkwood, first meeting Estel, learning of his friend's lineage, Ancú, Helluin, Aragorn's death and resurrection, Freca…
"Estel…" the whisper escaped his lips before he could stop it, and Thranduil snapped his head around to look closely into his son's memory-glazed eyes.
"Legolas…" the younger blonde elf turned with a familiar, dangerous glint in his blue eyes and he nodded, smiling the whole time.
However, the smile promised something, and showed the anger boiling inside the elf's body. This smile was deadly.
tbc…
Well, how did everyone like that chapter? Hope people like it, and see everyone on the next, and final, one!