Warning: There is some violence in this chapter, but it should still be T rating.
Author's note: Many thanks to my colleague flyingarrow for her fun yet hard work in creating Legolas. I should clarify that her work with Leggy will not end until much later because we have quite a few chapters (which I am still editing!).
Disclaimer: I, unfortunately, do not own any of Tolkien's characters or places. Any comments on the Elvenking's appearance are likely my own and do not reflect Haldir's thoughts. That is especially true of this chapter!
A/N 2: ccgaylord, I actually had planned to just leave the whole Rivendell thing alone, but your review made me decide to do otherwise. So I wrote this first half or so of this chapter today! Just for you!
Chapter 10
King Thranduil and his army ride furiously to Imladris. Glorfindel consults with him on their way and they arrive in record time. They arrive at a lull in the battle, so Elrond orders the gates open, allowing the Greenwood elves can come in.
The Elvenking majestically swings off his elk and his army follows suit. The Rivendell stable elves take the elk to be fed and rubbed down while the King of Eryn Lasgalen speaks with their leader. "Lord Elrond," he greets the Lord of Imladris.
Elrond gives a grim smile. "King Thranduil. I cannot thank you enough for coming to my aid."
"The wine Glorfindel has promised me for a year is sufficient so long as very few of my elves are lost."
"With your fresh army, perhaps we can beat the orcs. They have captured too many, including my dear wife Celebrían."
Thranduil's eyes widen. "Your wife?"
"Yes," Elrond sighs. "They captured her on the way home from visiting Lothlórien. The twins rescued her, but not in time for me to be able to fully heal her. I believe that is how this whole series of attacks has come about. They rarely bothered us before then, and even when they did only when my elves were in the forest away from my fortresses." His face looks sad and the twins come up to listen in.
"I truly am sorry, Elrond." They move to one of the private chambers to discuss stratagem and end up taking council with the army leaders for two hours.
Lindir interrupts them as they finish up, his dark hair a bit mussed and his already-wide eyes even wider than usual. "My Lord Elrond, the attacks have started again."
"Archers, to the battlements immediately!" Elrond yells as Thranduil directs his own army.
Swarms of elves gather at the edge of the kingdom, archers sending volley after volley of arrows into the orcs, thick as ants on the crumbs left over from a picnic. Once the goblins draw too near to safely release arrows, the swords clang out of their sheaths as the two elven armies rush towards their enemy.
Heads fly right and left as Thranduil enters the scene, his hair perfect and free of tangles, his robes unwrinkled. No dark orc blood dares to leave even a drop on his person or clothing or even his armor. He does not even break a sweat as orc after orc falls before him and he regally steps over their bodies, having had no time to mount his elk, Sigilaras. The battle ends in a matter of about thirty minutes, the orcs fleeing in fear of the ruthless Elvenking and his powerful army.
Elves immediately begin heaping the goblin remains in a large pile to be burned, seeing them as unfit for contaminating the earth in normal burial. The few elves who lost their lives are gently carried into Imladris, as are the wounded, who are tended first.
Lord Elrond approaches King Thranduil, his left arm dripping blood. Elladan follows and wraps some cloth around his father's arm as the two elven rulers converse. "I will see to it that you get the wine we have promised."
"Thank you. While I regret losing fifteen of my best elves, I am glad you have victory."
"I have lost more than that. Without you, I would have lost many more. Thank you."
"You are welcome."
"I promise to come to your aid should you ever need it."
"I highly doubt I will. Now go get that wound properly cared for," Thranduil urges.
Elrond obeys and the Greenwood elves spend a few days in the citadel recovering before heading home. The elven rulers depart in relatively friendly terms. Rumil and Orophin return home to Lothlórien, being warned of the Redhorn Pass where Celebrían was waylaid. They have no trouble and get home satisfied, their bloodlust curbed for at least a little while.
About a week later, everyone arrives back home in Greenwood, laden with quite a few barrels of wine. Queen Arabesque runs out the gates to greet her husband as he delicately hops off his noble elk, Sigilaras. "Thranduil, Meleth!" she screams as she crashes into his arms.
He smiles and kisses her. "I am fine, my Meleth. How have things been here while I was away?"
"Boring! Legolas is mostly recovered but still must take everything at a gentle pace. He and Haldir spend most of the day together now and I have not heard a complaint from either one. It wasn't the same without you by my side, though."
"Good," he smiles and allows his wife to lead him inside, where she gets him his favorite chocolate and coffee.
"Meleth, I received a letter from Luncar two weeks ago," she begins after they sit and dig into the treats. He frowns and laces his fingers with hers, looking concerned, but allows her to continue. "Since his banishment has been lifted, I asked him to come here. I meant just to visit me, but now he thinks I have offered to allow him to live here. He should arrive within the next week or two. I am sorry, Meleth."
Thranduil sighs. "How did he sound? Has he learned his lesson?"
"Perhaps. I really cannot tell from his letters since he seldom writes me except when he wants something. He said he knew what he did was wrong and asked my forgiveness, which I had already given him anyway. He is my brother, after all. Do you mind giving him another chance, for my sake?"
"You know I would do anything for you." He draws her close for a kiss to enforce his answer. "Does Legolas know yet?"
"No…" she replies, looking worried. "Would you please tell him? You have much more success in being firm with him than I do."
"Alright," he agrees. "But only after we snuggle! I have missed you more than anything." He wiggles his eyebrows and pulls her into his lap before she can protest and she giggles.
Meanwhile, I receive word from my brothers that they are home in Lorien and are doing well. They tell me things are not the same without me and they wish I could come home. How I wish that as well! But alas, I have my own obligations here in Mirkwood. I have found another good reason to stay that will make my year here worthwhile if things go the way I wish and hope.
A couple of weeks pass and Legolas wanders around the halls, bored. King Thranduil has just returned two days ago from helping Lord Elrond.
I return from a very refreshing bath and tea after a long, hard day of fighting off a nest of spiders that appeared much too near the palace for anyone's liking. Since the Prince has been ill, he is not allowed to join us on such fights yet, so I decide to check on him when I run into him in the halls. "Prince Legolas, I was looking for you. Is something wrong?"
"No, just bored. You know I am not allowed outside. And what do you need me for?"
"I came to check on you."
"To boss me around," he states dryly.
"No, nothing of the kind. Why don't we do something fun together?"
"Fun? Like what?" he asks, interested.
"I'm not sure. I wish we could go boating down the river or something."
He sadly shakes his head.
"It needs to be something low key. How about playing a nice, quiet game of chess?"
He nods. "Sure."
"Is something else wrong? You don't seem yourself."
"I do not feel so well, but I'll be fine."
I give him a concerned look. "Have you been drinking the tea my brothers and I gave you?"
He shakes his head. "I ran out about a week ago."
"Why didn't you tell me?" I scold.
"I didn't think it mattered. I was feeling so perfect, and so it thought I was fine."
I sigh. "I'm afraid it's something you have to drink daily the rest of your life. Why don't you come to my room with me and I'll see if I have any there? You need to rest."
"I'm fine."
"No, you're not. You look pale, and you are definitely not yourself. Come on, please?"
He frowns. "I really don't want to, but fine. After all, you are supposed to order me around."
I smile a bit. "You'll be fine. And that was a request, not an order." I lead him to my room and rummage around, finally finding a small bag that I fix into the tea. "Here."
He takes it, drinking while he sits on a soft, dark blue faux velvet chair I keep near the fireplace.
I take a seat near him on my deep green ottoman and put my elbows on my knees so I can rest my chin on my hands, which I clasp together. "Come on, something else is bothering you," I press, wondering if I have offended him again.
He scowls. "Does it really matter to you?"
"Yes. I thought we were friends now?" I give him a puzzled look.
"It's just… a little personal."
I give him a small smile. "I understand. But you know you can come to me any time, right?"
"Yes, I know," he sighs. "You see, someone is coming, someone who I hate."
"Oh. Is there any way I can help?"
"No, not really. My parents have it solved...I think. If he is going to do something, he will find a way."
I hope I look as confused as I feel. "How's that again?"
"My Uncle Luncar, Naneth's younger brother…He used to do horrible things to me when I was an elfling. You ever wonder why I know so much about the world?" he starts out.
My mouth forms an O. "No. I rather assumed your father taught you."
"My Ada assigned my uncle to teach me. Luncar cornered me, forced me to study late at night. I only had three hours of sleep each night, and if I missed a question, or misspelled anything, I would be beaten. If I told anyone, he said he would kill me. One time I tried to run from him, but I got locked in a cold, cramped closet for a day." His voice shakes.
"Legolas," I breathe, "I'm sorry. That is cruel."
"That way, I was so scared that I learned everything very quickly. This went on for about thirteen years, until one day Ada saw blood on my tunic. He asked what had happened, and I turned and ran. He caught me and gently took my shirt off, finding deep whip marks on my back. I eventually told him, and my uncle was punished."
"Good. He deserves death for what he did!" I practically spit out.
"He did not get killed. He was banished, for 200 years. But he is coming back now."
I again stare in shock. "Why? Why does King Thranduil allow this? Has your uncle repented?"
"Aye, he did."
"Yet you still do not trust him," I surmise.
"No, I never will."
"I cannot blame you there. How can I help when he arrives?"
"I do not think you can. As I said, if he wants to do anything, he'll find a way."
My face hardens. "He will not harm you as long as I'm around!"
"I hope not."
I reach over and squeeze his shoulder. "I promise I will protect you with my life."
"Thank you. He should get here in an hour."
I pat my sides where I like to keep my weapons. Since my sword is missing, I strap it on. "If anyone asks, I'm hoping for some sword play."
"Ok!" he grins, starting to feel safer.
"You may want to carry at least a dagger too," I caution.
He shows me his belt, where one is carried. "I never go without it."
"Good. Now why don't we play some chess?"
He nods, relaxing a bit. "Yes, let's!"
I smile and get out the game, hoping to take our minds off things.
He helps me set it up and I allow him to make the first move. We play for some time before a strange voice sounds at my door. "Legolas? Are you in there?"
He jerks, freezing. "Y...yes." he answers.
"Remember me? Let me in!" comes the coldest, most chilling voice I've ever heard. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and my body tenses, my hand somehow resting on my sword hilt, even though I do not recall putting it there.
"I am busy, thank you!" he calls, and I can see him tense.
The voice gets angrier and my hand grips the hilt tighter. "You did not greet me! Can you not give your uncle a proper good day?"
"I said I am busy! Go away!" he shouts, quite scared.
I stand, whispering, "Stay in here. I'll try to discourage him."
He nods, shaking just a little.
I open the door, not quite knowing what to expect. Shutting it quickly behind me, I explain who I am and that Legolas is not feeling well. The elf stands tall and hard in front of me, having about two inches more in height and a bit more muscle. His facial features definitely resemble a male version of the Elvenqueen but without her kindness. He refuses to listen to me.
"Let me see my favorite nephew!" he growls.
"No!" I repudiate as he pushes me. My hand tightens on the hilt of my sword. "If you do not leave him alone, I will be forced to take drastic measures," I state, calm and collected and obviously quite angry.
He growls at me and before I know what's going on, I have a streak of blood running down my fingers onto the floor where he's slashed my arm. Whipping out my own sword, we engage in combat. While Legolas is definitely a skilled swordsman, his uncle is even more so. I know I am in for a hard time as we circle each other, glaring. Metal clashes against metal as our swords meet again and again. I try to push him further down the hall, away from my door, and he is so angry he does not realize what I'm doing. At last I push him a few doors down and manage to disarm him. He produces a knife and throws it at me, but I dodge at the last second. I make sure he leaves before returning to my room, clutching my wounded arm.
Legolas gasps when he sees me, his eyes widening. "What happened!?" he asks.
"It's just a scratch. Will you bind it for me please?" I would much rather have Tywien tend my minor wound, but I do not want to leave Legolas alone. Or try to explain things to that beautiful maiden…She has such a way of getting things out of me I really do not want to share! However, I always feel better afterwards.
"Sure." He takes a bandage and wraps it around my arm as I shake my thoughts from that lovely healer.
"Thank you. Is there any way we can use a random spare room for a few days?"
"Yes, we can go talk to Ada. He will arrange for it."
"Good. How are you feeling?"
"A little phased."
"Well, we must see your father. I'm sure he'll help with that." I motion for him to come with me to the throne room, once again checking to see if my weapons are still on me, which they are.
He follows me, sighing.
We arrive in the throne room only to find Legolas's uncle there already. Queen Arabesque is nowhere in sight. My brow furrows and I glare at that impudent elf, who is consulting with the king.
Legolas stiffens, his breath hitching at the sight of him.
I instinctively place myself in front of my friend as the two elves turn towards us.
Luncar points at me. "There! That is the creature who attacked me!"
I stay silent, giving him a look that says, "Sure, sure. You were the one who attacked me!"
The Elvenking turns to me, noticing my wound. I explain everything, and King Thranduil makes Luncar leave. He looks at his son, apologetic. "I am sorry, Ionnîn. I thought he had changed."
Legolas just stands there. "A different room, please."
"Yes, that is a good idea. And Haldir, please stay with him."
"I will," I promise. We are told to go to the keeper of the keys and randomly choose, that way we will be the only two people to know.
Legolas takes a small, simple key, and finds the room it goes to.
As we walk, my gaze travels around to all the places Luncar could be hiding. I wish my brothers were here to help, but they have already gone back to our home. They were no longer needed since they helped to save Imladris from the orcs and Legolas and I finally get along now.
He opens the door and looks around. "Well, it works, I guess."
"Yes, I think it will be fine. How long is he supposed to be here? I didn't think to ask."
"He lives here now."
My mouth forms a perfect O. "Forget this, then! You need to come to Lothlórien with me."
"NO!" he shouts. "I am not going there!"
"Rivendell, then?"
"I want to stay here, in my home! I can't imagine anywhere else."
I sigh. "I suppose running isn't the answer anyway."
"No. I'll probably have to face him sometime." He walks in and plops down on one of the two dark walnut twin beds.
"Yes. But first we have to get you feeling better. I've sent word to Lothlórien that we need more of that herb. I have enough to get you by for two more days."
He nods. "Ok."
A/N: This whole thing with Leggy & Luncar was my coathor's idea, not mine, although I am responsible for Luncar's words and behavior. Someone read it & thought it a good plot twist, so I decided to go with it for now. Let me know what ya'll think!