Pippin, unlike the others, didn't understand what was happening, "could you say this in a language that I can understand?"
They all turned to him, and then Gandalf who started to explain, "Legolas never left the city. He stayed and waited for an opportunity to get my staff."
Then Faramir cut in, "What Legolas didn't know was that Drake was planning to sell the King and the others to a group of Easterlings so he offered to hold us all hostage at his place to keep us safe."
Gandalf stopped him, "You missed a bit: when we were all under the influence of the sleeping potion, Legolas took my staff, but only planned to use it once we were safe."
Everything made sense up to this point to Pippin and he didn't want to lose track now, "Okay, I understand that part now, but we weren't really safe when he changed into Drake, what caused him to rush his plan?"
Aragorn turned everyone's focus to the lifeless body, "I think Drake tried to attack Legolas: Drake was taller so the stab wound would have got his heart. I'm guessing the spell only works on... fresh bodies so he must have had to go forward with his plan there and then."
So everyone now understood what had happened, but what would happen next?
...
Legolas hadn't meant to keep hold of Gandalf's staff but he was afraid the group would guess what his plan was... no – they wouldn't guess – would they?
He picked up the pace: he needed to go as far away as possible. Why didn't I take the horse?
He couldn't go faster than a light jog: he had the body of a mortal and would tire quickly if he ran too fast.
All he could do was hope they wouldn't guess his plan and come after him.
...
"Now that we've guessed his plan, we have to go after him" Thranduil was already grabbing his bow, "If Legolas can only change bodies if the body is 'fresh' then we have to find him, get him to come back and put him back into his body."
The others followed suit, packing everything they needed and loading the body onto a cart.
They knew he was on foot – they would catch him in no time.
...
Not eating and walking for days was taking its toll on Legolas: he wasn't used to being mortal. He was used to lasting for so much longer which made things much more frustrating.
The elven Prince's pace seemed painfully slow, but it wasn't just his body's limitations that were slowing him down: he couldn't keep the staff – not if he was going where he was going. That would only end badly. Should I go back and give it to him? No... He couldn't. That could only end badly too.
So there was nothing he could do...Oh wait... What about – Legolas changed direction. He would go to Rivendell, the twins and Lord Elrond would make sure Gandalf got his staff back. And then he could disappear forever.
...
"Lord Elrond"
The Lord lifted his head, "Erestor, where have you been all morning?"
"Forgive me my Lord, I was called out by one of the guards to discuss what should be done to an intruder that arrived this morning. His intentions are innocent enough but – forgive me for being prejudice my Lord – he is a man and as much as I'd like to I don't trust his words."
Elrond smiled, "You are forgiven my friend – bring him here and I'll decide his fate."
...
"How have we not found him yet?" Thranduil was well known for his short temper, "he was on foot and we are not – surely that must be a sign that we are stopping much too often"
"We need to tend to Legolas' body Thranduil, if your son has no body to come back to then this will not all be in vain" Aragorn growled through gritted teeth: he was just as frustrated at their lack of pace as Thranduil but he knew there was nothing he could do. They couldn't make any mistakes along the way if they wanted to succeed.
The elven King's mood lightened at the sight of the twins riding towards them: maybe they had information.
"I think the circus had arrived Dan."
"Me too Ro, first a strange man comes out of nowhere and now we have dwarves elves and even more men – what entertainment this all is... I thought Las would be with you."
"No Elrohir" Thranduil couldn't hold back a sigh, "but if what you just said is correct, he could be with you."
At the sight of two identically confused faces, Thranduil just said, "Allow me to explain..."
...
Those blue eyes didn't leave the table's surface: they might guess if they see... "I only tried to do what I thought was right. Please let me go."
Unfortunately for him, Lord Elrond didn't seem as impatient, this could take a while. "Alright Mr..."
"Drake, call me Drake."
"Drake who?"
"Erm... Underhill," Legolas inwardly kicked himself: surely the Elven Lord knows what happened in the Prancing Pony all those years ago – what a foolish mistake to make.
But apparently that mistake wasn't noticed – much to Legolas' relief, "Ok Mr Underhill, I would like to thank you first of all for bringing back friend's staff. I'm sure he'll be delighted to have it back. However, I must ask how you know of our friendship: I have a good memory and know we have never met."
"Oh, I have been told many stories of Gandalf, especially when he brought courage back into the hearts of men when Denethor deserted us."
"So you're from Minas Tirith I gather," another inward kick – Elrond would surely write to Aragorn about this, "I lived in Minas Tirith for a time and tried to help when the need was dire but I fear there is nothing more I can do for such a beautiful city so I'm heading towards my new home."
"Which is?"
"Is that relevant to the original topic?"
"You're not leaving until I say you can" his voice wasn't threatening or mocking which was confusing. Did he know? No – Elrond was like a second father to him, he has always been more affectionate to the real Legolas.
In an act of desperation, Legolas looked up and then kicked himself again – big mistake... Or was it? The raven haired elf's features only warmed a little, "would you care for something to drink Mr Underhill?" He nodded in response and eagerly emptied the goblet of its contents.
At first when he looked up, he thought the twins had sat in the Lord's place but he soon realised he was seeing double when the room started to spin. Don't fall asleep!
He knew... and the thought sucked the air from his lungs. He had to get away – he must get away! But he barely staggered two steps before crumbling to the floor.
Strong arms held him against a warm chest, don't fall asleep...don't...
