Misplaced Trust
Author: Legolas Fanatic
Rating: T (PG-13)
Disclaimer: (See chapter one)
A/N: Okay, an Elvish note. In this chapter I have used the word 'Lau' for 'No' in Elvish. I think that 'Lau' might be Quenya, and I'm not sure if Legolas and Aragorn can speak Quenya or just Sindarin. So, if it bothers you and you want to tell me in a review whether they can speak Quenya or not, feel free. Thanks. Reviewers, yes, you know who you are, thank you massively. Without you this story would be going so much more slowly and would lack certain quality. Go on, clap yourselves on the back, you've earned it!!
Chapter Eight: The Wounds We Bear
Legolas saw a flash of metal and tried to move as fast as he could, but not even his Elven agility could save him completely. He felt an agonizing pain in his right shoulder and cried out loudly.
Gorlag grinned as his blade embedded itself deeply in the Prince's shoulder. Blood flowed hurriedly down the Elf's arm and onto the ground to stain the grass a deep crimson. "That ought to put you in yer place!"
Aragorn stood and kicked the orc in the chest, knocking it back. As soon as the orc flew back, Laythil grabbed him and drew the dagger across his thick neck. "My Prince, how are you?"
"It…hurts," Legolas ground out.
Aragorn moved forward and grasped the blade with his left hand. He pulled on it, sharply removing it from the skin. Legolas released a sharp cry of agony and glared at the ranger. "Thanks…for…the warning."
"Sorry mellon nîn," Aragorn threw the blade aside. "Laythil, you will need to wrap a bandage around his shoulder to stem the blood loss. I can't," he looked at his dislocated arm pointedly.
"Of course," Laythil tore a strip off of his tunic and moved forward to bandage his Prince's shoulder. Legolas gasped as it was secured. "There…"
"Hannon lle [Thank you]," Legolas mumbled. He stood and started forward, his legs feeling like they were devoid of bones. It was a struggle to make haste. Aragorn and Laythil followed. They stopped by Raaen.
"We must take him," Legolas whispered. Laythil stepped forward and cut the ropes.
The warrior then hefted the Elf in his arms and turned to the others. "I will carry him, you are both injured."
Aragorn and Legolas nodded and started in the direction of Mirkwood. "Where do you think Oliner is?" Aragorn asked the question that was on all three of their minds.
"It is impossible to tell. We should head for Mirkwood and hope that he has not commenced with his plan yet. I fear for my father," Legolas whispered the last sentence.
Aragorn and Laythil nodded and all three of them continued at as swift a pace they could manage. They were mere hours from Mirkwood but due to their injuries, it would take longer. Legolas sighed in impatience.
"It is okay, Legolas," Aragorn whispered.
Legolas turned on Aragorn. "No, it isn't Estel! Not only have I allowed Elves that trusted me die, but I've dragged you into this as well! My life and several other Elves' wasn't enough, oh no, I had to go and get my best friend dragged into this mess as well! Now, because I was too incapable to realize Oliner for what he was, my father is at risk! Because of me, the future King of Gondor, the King of Mirkwood and several precious immortals are going to die! How is that 'okay'?"
Aragorn looked at his friend, taken aback by the outburst. Legolas had tears in his eyes and looked as if the wind could blow him away with ease. He didn't know that the Elf was blaming himself for all this, that he considered it all his own fault. He also didn't realize that the archer felt guilty about allowing him to come. "Legolas, no, it is not your fault. There is no way you could have known Oliner was a traitor. He tricked everyone, he still is." He paused before continuing. "You say you feel guilty for dragging me into this? Legolas, remember all the adventures we've had together? You should know by now that I'll follow you wherever you go, invited or not. I wanted to come, mellon nîn. Your blame is unnecessary and unhealthy. Please, let it go."
Legolas lifted sad, pain-filled eyes to meet the ranger's. "As you wish," was his only comment. Before Aragorn or Laythil could say another word, the Prince turned and continued to stumble through the forest. They had no choice but to follow.
Every step was agony for Legolas. His back blazed like a fire, consuming his senses. If he didn't know better, he would have thought that someone was holding a torch to his skin. It took all his concentration to stop himself from moaning with every small movement the muscles in his back made. His arm continued to throb steadily, like a headache. The arrow wound was as tender as his back to the touch; it would be painful to dress. Even the pressure of applying herbs to it would probably make him scream in agony. As long as it wasn't bumped or touched, it would hopefully remain a throb. He also had several bruises marring his perfect skin. A large one ran down his left cheek and dried blood stuck to his face.
He was certain that the rest of his body was likewise afflicted. He didn't even want to see his torso; he knew it would be an ugly sight. With every step he felt a sharp pain in his chest, screaming with the other pains of his body, drawing him to the conclusion that he sported at least one cracked rib. Possibly more.
His latest wound, the deep cut on his right shoulder, agonized him immensely. The wound, though bandaged, continued to lose blood. Legolas knew that he would need it to be bandaged properly; staunching the blood flow, to prevent further blood loss but nothing could be done here. Every movement his right arm made caused him to wince visibly.
Then there was his ear. He felt ashamed about what had happened to the sensitive body part. He had tried touching it earlier, when Aragorn and Laythil were occupied. It had made him nauseous. He wasn't sure if the point would remain so extremely sensitive permanently, but he was powerless in the decision. Even the slightest wind brushing against the left side of his face caused him to shudder. What if his ear could never be touched again…?
"Do you need rest?"
Legolas turned sharply at the question. He had been too focused on his pain to remain alert to his surroundings. More foolishness…
Laythil repeated the question patiently. He realized how traumatized his Prince's body must be. "Do you need rest?"
Legolas shook his head. Of course, he did need rest but he still remained too proud to admit to that. Aragorn stood forward, looking frustrated.
"Legolas, you may be the Prince of Mirkwood and consider it your 'duty' to go to their aid as fast as possible, but you will help no one in the state you are in now." His face mimicked that of Lord Elrond's when the Lord of Imladris was having trouble with particularly stubborn Elves in the healing ward. Legolas knew from experience.
"You are no better," Legolas gestured to the dislocated arm.
The human scowled. "We are talking about your wounds, not mine."
"Let me fix it," Legolas stated. He wasn't asking for permission.
Aragorn grimaced but allowed Legolas to approach. He knew this was going to hurt.
The Elf wrapped his slim fingers around the joint and, with Elven speed, twisted the bone sharply and placed it back in the correct place. He flinched as Aragorn screamed shortly. The cry was cut off as the human visibly bit his tongue.
Aragorn inspected his arm. It no longer hurt with every movement but he still cradled it to his chest to prevent it from sustaining further harm. "Now," he glared at Legolas, "let me see to your wounds."
The archer scowled deeply. "Estel, we must hurry…"
"Lau [No]," The ranger's voice was firm, commanding all the authority of a King. "You will be tended to. I will see to you to the best of my ability."
Laythil hid a smile as the human marched forward and started to inspect his Prince. This human was an amazing friend to the Prince, he cared so deeply for him and Legolas seemed to listen to Estel more than his own father. It was a truly fascinating occurrence…
Aragorn started with the most threatening wound, the shoulder gash. He ripped some tunic away from his body and tied more around the shoulder, thickening the support to try and stem the blood flowing from it. Aragorn made sure to use his sore arm delicately, to prevent more pain.
As soon as the wound was further dressed, Aragorn moved on without a moment's hesitation. He gingerly touched the arrow wound on his friend's left forearm, raising an eyebrow at the Elf when he writhed and released a moan. "Tender?" The Prince nodded.
Aragorn ripped off another piece of material before wrapping it around Legolas' forearm. The archer forced himself to remain still, even though the small pressure was torture to him. Aragorn tied it off and nodded. "That will have to do for now. These wounds will need proper tending to once we reach Mirkwood. Understand?"
Legolas rolled his eyes. "Yes, now can we continue?"
The ranger shook his head. "Not yet." He extended his good arm and felt the Elf's chest testily. He shook his head when Legolas inhaled sharply as he found the cracked rib. "Impossible," Aragorn muttered. "Only you could find this many ways to get injured."
"Or you," Legolas smiled, though it did not reach his eyes.
Aragorn was forced to ignore the rib, knowing that nothing could be done for it here. His gaze then went to his friend's ear. He noticed that there was a line of blood across the tip and the ear was a hideous red colour. He touched it gently.
Legolas whirled back, his arms going up defensively. Aragorn gaped as Legolas seemed to cower under the touch. He had no idea how sensitive the ear now was. He felt pity and sympathy swell in his heart for the Prince. Elves' ears were already sensitive enough without being further incensed.
"I'm sorry," Aragorn said quickly, horrified by what he'd done.
Legolas calmed a bit. His ear felt like it was being ripped from his head slowly. "No, Estel, don't be. It's just…tender is all."
The ranger nodded. "We are going to rest."
"Lau [No]," Legolas demanded. "My father is in danger."
"My Prince, you are barely standing. Please, rest," Laythil knew he couldn't tell the Prince what to do but he could ask.
Legolas shook his head. "Oliner…"
"-Can wait. There is time for rest." Aragorn walked over to the large root of a tree and sat down, reveling in the reprieve. Laythil joined him, laying Raaen down on the ground gently. Legolas sighed before stalking over to them, his gait exhausted. As soon as he hit the ground he laid back and closed his eyes, Aragorn smiling at him.
"Maybe I'm a little exhausted," Legolas yawned before his eyes reopened and glazed over.
"Of course," the ranger grinned as he studied the forest canopy. He was content just to rest for the moment. Laythil soon drifted to sleep beside him.
Aluer stood gracefully and made her way towards King Thranduil. They had stopped to allow the horses a drink. They would be continuing in mere moments. She decided that now would be as good a time as any to voice her thoughts to her lord.
"Lieutenant," Thranduil greeted the she-Elf as she approached him.
"My King," she bowed deeply. "I wish to speak with you," she looked around at the surrounding warriors tending to their horses, "in private."
The King nodded and turned, heading for the edge of the clearing. The water sloshed as horses ran through it, relaxing their tense muscles. Some Elves bent down and lifted mouthfuls of water to their lips. The water was so pure; it was hard to believe that they were under threat here. It was so tranquil.
"Aluer, what is it?" Thranduil turned to face his Lieutenant.
"I do not like the fact that we are out here with so few Elves," she started. "What if the orcs have set up a trap?"
"Lieutenant, Captain Oliner specified that there were no more than ten orcs alive. I trust his word, as you should." Thranduil studied the young she-Elf, looking for a reason to her distress.
"My lord, the trees," she swept her arm out, taking in the whole forest, "they speak of an ill-fate. They continuously pass warnings to us."
Thranduil nodded. "Yes, I can hear them. They are probably warning us about the orcs. We must be getting close. Do not worry, Aluer, we can easily take on ten yrch. Keep your spirits high."
Aluer gazed at the King's retreating form sadly. She knew he was probably right, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was horribly wrong. She did, however, know that this was not going to go as easy as anyone planned.
"What burdens your mind Lieutenant Aluer?" Oliner came up behind her.
"I fear that there will be complications with this rescue," she didn't turn to look at the captain, only continued to stare ahead dreamily.
"We must hope for the best," he clasped her shoulder. "We are stronger than you think. Do you really believe that there could be a complication with killing ten orcs? They are probably wounded as well. This will be easy."
Aluer smiled at the captain. He had a way of boosting her hopes. "Maybe you are right. I am just naturally paranoid by nature."
"Don't be," he squeezed her shoulder gently. "Prince Legolas may rely on our confidence, we cannot let him down."
Aluer smiled back at Oliner. He seemed to be able to lift the spirits of even the saddest creature. She felt truly reassured with him in her presence.
"Are you faring well?" He whispered by her ear.
"I am as well as can be expected under the circumstances," she grinned at him. "Lle anno nîn estel [You give me hope]."
Oliner smiled back at her. "Glassen [My pleasure]." He felt a certain amount of affection for Aluer. She was one of the few Elves apart from the King whom he had gotten along with. He would feel bad betraying her, but there were better things than friendship. Much better things…
Aluer smiled gracefully again before turning and stalking back towards her white stallion. She felt encouraged but the trees continued to murmur endless warnings to her. She could tell the other warriors were unnerved by the tree's whispers as well by the way they looked around nervously. She smiled and tried to push the thoughts from her mind, she needed to focus on rescuing her Prince.
As she mounted her stallion she saw a flicker of motion to her left. Immediately her bow was in her hand, an arrow strung, ready to fire. Her keen eyes surveyed the trees, looking for even the slightest amount of movement. As she turned her head a flash of white through the green could be seen. She took careful aim.
The white flash seemed to get closer, she pulled back her right arm…before lowering the bow and releasing a small cry of surprise. She cursed herself for what she had been about to do and called to the King. He almost seemed to materialize out of the air, appearing with indescribable grace. "What is it?"
Aluer lifted her elegant hand and pointed in the direction of the magnificent white being. "I believe it is Oloser, my lord."
Thranduil gasped and narrowed his eyes. "Yes," he exclaimed before whistling musically to the horse. It trotted through the trees without a moment's hesitation.
The stallion was still a magnificent sight, except it sported a large scratch across its shoulder. Thranduil fumed when he saw the wound an orc blade had left. The foul creatures had attacked the horses as well. He patted the horse fondly, trying to calm it down. He had never seen Oloser this agitated.
The horse continuously shook its head from side to side, shifting its hooves in anticipation for an attack. The Elven King whispered words of comfort to the horse and it slowly began to stand still.
Oliner kept his face impassive even though he was boiling inside. He would reprimand the orcs; they would pay for not disposing of all the horses. That was, after he lead the King to the clearing of course.
"My King, we are getting closer to where the orcs were last situated," Oliner urged casually.
"Good," Thranduil smiled with determination. "It's about time I had a talk with these orcs." He called an Elf forward. "Sinarel, make sure Oloser has a long drink and then escort him back to Mirkwood." The dark-haired Elf nodded to his King and lead Oloser over to the lake.
Before anyone else could say another word Thranduil swung up onto his horse and rode further into the forest. Oliner grinned. It wouldn't be long now…
TBC
A/N: Chapter 8!!!!! There, that chapter was pretty docile. Happy? Hehehe, you should all be appreciating this rare occasion. Well, chapter 9 will be up in a couple of days, as usual. Designated date is, at the moment, Wednesday. Thanks for reviewing and continue to do so. For my sake! :)
{Again, if you still see any mistakes feel free to let me know in a constructive manner!! Hannon lle}
