Disclaimer: I'm lazy, so NOT MINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: From Ancient Grudge
Rating: PG-13
-
-
CHAPTER 10
A group of wood Elves stepped from the surrounding trees, weapons raised against the companions. Gimli was hesitant, but Legolas jumped from Hasufel's back, tearing back the hood of his cloak.
"Stand down!" He said sharply in the most commanding tone Gimli had ever heard from him, "We have no time for this, let us pass!"
To the Dwarf's surprise, the Elves lowered their weapons and saluted Legolas. "Forgive us, Captain." the leader said, "We did not realise it was you. Allow us to escort you to the palace."
Gimli's jaw fell as realisation dawned. They were in Mirkwood!
Legolas shook his head. "There is no need, Citahel. We can make our way unaided."
The leader bowed then, "As you wish, Prince Legolas." The Elves melted back into the shadows of the trees and the horses set off running once more.
"Legolas, you blasted Elf! Why did you come here?" Legolas looked down and wouldn't meet Gimli's gaze.
"I am sorry, Gimli. This is the only place I know with such experienced healers within hundreds of leagues. I would have brought him to Lord Elrond, but by the time we reached Imladris, he would have faded. I do not ask you to come with me."
Gimli looked at his friend's back, struck dumb. He had been worried for Legolas' well being, not for his own.
Before he could think of anything to say, the palace gates loomed in front of them. "Edro!" Legolas said loudly and the gates opened only enough to let the two horses by, then shut again.
Legolas wasted no time in hurrying into the palace, Aragorn in his arms and Gimli in tow, heading straight to the Healers Rooms. A few glares and angry mutters floated towards them as Gimli's presence was noticed by members of the court, but they were not stopped.
Legolas burst into the Healers Rooms, startling the Elves inside. "Herani, please. You must help my friend! Orc poison flows in his veins that is days old and I did not see. He is very weak."
At a nod from the healer in question, Legolas set Aragorn on a bed and Herani hugged the prince tightly.
"It is good to see you again, Prince Legolas," she murmured into his shoulder.
Legolas scowled playfully. "What did I tell you, Healer?"
She laughed loudly. "I am sorry Legolas," she stressed, "Fear not, I will heal your friend."
The doors shut behind them and Legolas and Gimli paced anxiously in the corridor outside. A sound behind them made them turn. Gimli blinked. The Elf he was looking at looked very like his Elven friend, but was undeniably older. Subtle differences were in his stance to that of Legolas, but they looked very alike.
"I hear my son has returned, but he does not come to see me. Instead I find him wearing a track in the floor outside Herani's rooms!" The look in Legolas' eyes left Gimli in no doubt as to who this Elf was. "I am not here for you." He answered coldly, "I am here for Aragorn. He is ill."
Thranduil narrowed his eyes. "When will you learn that befriending mortals will only bring you pain?!" Gimli watched out of the corner of his eye as Legolas stiffened almost imperceptibly. "Yet these mortals are more like a family to me than you ever were."
Thranduil turned an alarming shade of red and turned, as if to go. Then, without warning he turned back and his fist flew out, connecting with Legolas' jaw and snapping his head back.
-
-
Again sorry for the delay!!!!!!!!!! Tithen Min