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Mastermind
by Aranel Laerien
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Chapter XIV – Healing
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For a month, they fought their way northwards. With Legolas' familiarity of the terrain, and Henvir contributing what he knew, the orcs and spiders either retreated or were slain. Along the Forest River, they met a large party who had banded together to scour the area north of the realm.
"Nestagond?" Legolas asked in surprise as he found the familiar faces among the assembled Elves. "Esteldur? Cuindir?"
Esteldur nodded. "I called for as many as would come to join in a larger patrol."
"And they needed a healer," Nestagond finished. "Well-met, Prince Legolas!"
The company exchanged news and Henvir's story was soon known to all. Few, if any, castigated him, and the young Elf was soon at ease among those he came to know as his friends.
"It is different, having my friends address me by my own name," he told Legolas one evening as they reclined in a clearing.
Legolas smiled, "This is why I still would have you address me by name."
Henvir tried to bite back his pleasure and only succeeded in having Legolas burst into laughter.
But when they stepped into the Realm, all optimism seemed lost. Many patrols told of fatigue and loss, and few indeed there were, who were willing and in good state to set out again.
"Will they not listen to their Prince?" Legolas asked softly.
Henvir only placed a hand on his shoulder. "Wait," he said, "just wait."
In the end, they found no more than seventy Elves – though a marked improvement from Esteldur's earlier band of fifty. Nestagond and the other respected Elves had spread tales of their success within the Realm and while many were cheered, most still hesitated.
"For now, only," Henvir had added in a resolute tone.
Estel and the twins had left earlier to round up the dúnedain and join the Imladris company north of the Forest River. Legolas led the elites once more – Henvir had returned the command gladly, albeit without formal ceremony – and Esteldur brought the younger Elves to join them in proceeding towards the South.
"Raudon, why did you come?" Henvir asked, knowing he had earlier wished to rest at home.
The Elf shrugged. "Cuindir's here though his father threatened him, and if Legolas is around, I thought I had better be."
"Cuindir, your father did not wish you to come?" Esteldur asked.
Cuindir nodded sheepishly. "He was concerned that this company would not be well-led."
"Legolas has never led us astray, and we will follow him to whatever end," Bronadion spoke for all of them.
Legolas, hearing this from the front, only wished he deserved that confidence.
The rest of the time was spent in a flurry of skirmishes, cleaning, resting, and further preparations. Many of them suffered cuts and scrapes, and these quickly healed for the Elves to continue their fight.
But the day soon came, when all had to admit they were too weary and spent.
"And what have we accomplished?" Legolas asked sadly.
They fell into silence.
"Look, Legolas! There is a young sapling here!" Henvir suddenly pointed and continued almost breathlessly, "Its leaves are so green."
Legolas turned and smiled, a true warm smile for the first time in many days.