Chapter fourteen – Commanding armies
Legolas entered his brother's room inside the healing ward, following the directions of one of the healers who had been duly reprimanded by Elrond for his behavior just an hour earlier. The healer had apologized to him and had eagerly shown him the way to his brother's room.
His father was sitting on his brother's bedside, ever so gently caressing his hair, and looked up when the door opened. He opened his other arm and Legolas, feeling slightly like a small elfling once more, moved over to him and fell into his embrace. As he rested his weight against his father's strong form his mind momentarily shut down and took a second to rest. First when his awareness returned did he turn his head to gaze at his little brother.
Kirion was completely pallid and lying motionlessly on the bed. There were bandages wrapped around his forehead, spotted with blood over the place where the wound obviously was. A stab of pain flew through his heart as his eyes dwelled on the place where eyelids where hiding the view of Kirion's emerald green eyes.
"He's in a coma." Legolas heard his father say, "Elrond says that whether or not he wakes up will decide his fate. There is nothing we can do."
"Except not despairing and continuing to believe in him." Gwaur voice sounded and Legolas for the first time noticed that his brother-in-law was also in the room, sitting on a chair by the other side of the bed. Gwaur gave him a worried smile.
"Where is Taenor?" Legolas asked him.
Gwaur sighed, "He begged Húron to let him do something so I believe that Húron has done just that, but I do not know specifically. The Halls are in quite a chaos."
Legolas froze at this. The mere thought seemed to overwhelm his exhausted mind; it was something he had completely forgotten with Amath's death and Kirion's state. "Ada, we…-"
"I know." Thranduil interrupted reluctantly, his voice thick with pain and emotion. "Are you all right?"
"Well enough." Legolas answered quietly.
"I already have one son in critical condition." Thranduil whispered thickly, "I have no wish for my other son to end like that as well… If I could spare you I would chain you down on any bed and make you rest for the next century, but Mirkwood needs us to keep it together…"
"I can hold my own." Legolas said reassuringly, "I still have strength left in me."
"Still, my heart clenches." Thranduil sighed, "Take care of our military condition and leave everything else to me, I can manage handling the citizens, starting the household, giving a formal thank you to the other realms, and appease the council."
Legolas nodded and thought for a moment before saying, "We also need to call all warriors that we can spare from other places to the halls. The citizens in the settlements will have to move here for a time so that we don't have to use warriors defending them in the risky locations they live in."
Thranduil agreed with a nod.
"I will see to it then." Legolas said somberly, "We also need to identify all the dead so their families can be informed."
"I will have someone identify them, we can spare none of our warriors." Thranduil answered and then sighed, turning his eyes to Gwaur, "Will you watch over him while we are away?"
"Of course." Gwaur answered gently, "If he were awake then he would understand why you need to go. If anything changes in his condition then I'll send someone to tell you immediately."
"Thank you." Thranduil said and stood. He gazed at Kirion for a moment; all of his worry and guilt at leaving were visible in his eyes. When he finally gained the will to leave he did so quickly and without looking back, knowing that one glance at his son's prone form would stop him in his tracks.
Legolas smiled halfheartedly at Gwaur and then moved to the head of the bed. He reached out and brushed his hand over Kirion's hair before bending down to kiss his forehead. Kirion gave absolutely no reaction to his touch; he only remained lying lifelessly on the bed only his chest moving up and down as he breathed.
"Hang on tight little brother." Legolas whispered to him, "I'll be right back."
He then straightened out and after nodding to Gwaur he left the room as well, walking purposely through the halls until he came to the doors leading outside. Without hesitation Legolas reached up and pushed both of the doors open before stepping outside.
All eyes in the courtyard were instantly drawn to him as he stood there in the doorway. His hair was hanging loose down his back, brushed behind his ear on both sides of his face, and his clothes had been changed to a casual outfit with white leggings, a thigh-long dark blue tunic secured around the waist with a belt that held his twin long knives. Even looking like this, the noble and authoritative aura around him left no one in doubt of his position.
Legolas surveyed the courtyard as he made his way down the few steps. Nearly a thousand warriors from Mirkwood, Rivendell, and Lothlorien were standing mixed inside it and it was clear that everyone were on relatively friendly terms for they had been speaking together before he arrived. It was clear that everyone was waiting for orders to arrive since the cleanup had been accomplished.
As soon as he stepped onto the cobblestone, Tharbadon hurried up to him and handed him a scroll. "I completed the list you asked for my Prince."
"Thank you Tharbadon." Legolas said, taking it from him. At that moment he sensed a familiar presence moving towards him quickly from the side and dodged within a hairs breadth as arms attempted to capture him in a hug. The person staggered forward slightly, having expected to make contact with another person instead of thin air.
"Have we gotten the number of dead yet?" Legolas asked Tharbadon.
"Yes…" Tharbadon answered perplexed, staring at the person Legolas had just avoided. He then sobered and turned his eyes to his Prince. "Nine of our warriors died in the fight as well as twenty-two from Rivendell and twenty-nine from Lothlorien. Forty-five of the overtaken elves have died."
"Forty-five…?" Legolas breathed.
Tharbadon nodded, "I think it was because they couldn't feel pain. They would keep coming at us even though their wounds were fatal."
Legolas nodded, "How many civilians were found dead in the Halls?"
"…One hundred and thirty-six, my Prince and twenty guards." Tharbadon responded quietly, "We've laid them in the Hall of mourning until they can be identified and buried."
Legolas nodded, pain visible in his nearly sapphire blue eyes. "My father will make sure that it is done. Thank you Tharbadon."
Tharbadon bowed and walked away once more, it was then that Legolas turned around and gazed at Glorfindel. The warrior was gazing at him worriedly, his eyes attempting to pierce into his soul.
"Are you all right?" Glorfindel asked softly.
"I will be." Legolas answered equally softly.
"I've been looking everywhere for you." Glorfindel said and moved forward before tentatively reaching out and placing his palm against Legolas' cheek. "Sorry about the hug, couldn't resist the relief I felt from seeing you. I should have realized that you weren't in the mood for it after all that has happened. Elrond told me."
"I see." Legolas smiled, he enfolded Glorfindel in a brotherly hug. It was only Glorfindel who could notice that he held him tighter than usual. "Thank you for coming." Legolas whispered and then drew back once more and nodded to him before turning his eyes to the courtyard.
His eyes locked on Haldir, Húron, Elladan, and an unknown Lothlorien elf. They came forth as soon as he turned his attention to them and formed a ring with him and Glorfindel, the commanders of all armies joined together.
Legolas smiled to those he knew and then turned his eyes to the remaining elf. "I don't believe we have met before?"
"No, my Prince." The elf said, placing his hand on his chest and bowing. "My name is Orophin, a brother of Haldir and a border-guard of the Golden wood."
When Legolas placed his own hand on his chest and returned the bow he saw Orophin's eyes widen in surprise. "Welcome. Anyone who would raise his or her bows or swords for our realm is more than deserving of my regard. I extend my thanks to all of you and your warriors for the aid you have given us." Legolas finished, looking also at Haldir, Elladan, and Glorfindel.
"We won't be leaving for a while." Elladan said, Legolas turned questioning eyes to him. "It's about time we do something permanent about your esteemed neighbor. Consider our warriors and our services at your command through us. Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel agreed that this was the only solution and will make an agreement with King Thranduil soonest possible."
Legolas looked seriously at the twin for a moment and then gave a melancholy smile staring into nothingness. "So it's war then." He seemed to think for a moment and then snapped his head up, his eyes piercing and confident.
He leveled his gaze at Húron and said, "From now on the forest will become dangerous, troops will have to be deployed to escort all citizens from the settlements to the Halls for their own protection and so we don't have to use our resources to protect them in their own homes."
"I agree, my Prince." Húron said formally, "Have you been briefed about the situation down south."
"Nay I have not." Legolas answered.
Without hesitation Húron reported how Alfirin had joined them on the journey to Rivendell and afterwards had gone before them and rounded a legion of wood elves to reinforce the patrol holding back Dol Guldur. He told him how a hundred orcs had attacked the patrol but also that there were more in Dol Guldur, awaiting the news from the first wave. Legolas took everything with an air of calmness and confidence, seemingly unsurprised at everything he heard.
When he was done Legolas nodded. "I trust Alfirin to hold the line until we can get there or to get a message to us."
"We have no way of knowing that for certain." Orophin said.
Legolas opened his mouth to answer but Elladan beat him to it. "I have no doubt either, even though I haven't known Alfirin long he seems to be a remarkably resourceful person. If anyone should be able to get a message to us then it would be him. Regardless, the wood-elves of Mirkwood are very fierce and absolutely detest orcs."
"Alfirin uses birds to carry his messages," Legolas said, "He can communicate with them."
"And who then can understand his message?" Haldir asked.
"Me." Legolas answered, giving a slightly feral smile, "I'm half wood-elf. Our first task must be to clear the forest of civilians."
"We trust your judgment." Glorfindel said, "How many men per troop?"
"Thirty should be enough." Legolas answered, "There are already warriors stationed at most of the settlements so they can help guard as they return."
"How many settlements?" Haldir asked.
"Twenty-one." Legolas answered, "Some large some small. The bigger the settlement the more warriors are appointed to them. Some of those warriors, we assume, were among the overtaken elves for we only have a hundred elves among them who are from the halls."
"You cannot say for certain where all of them come from?" Elladan asked.
Legolas hesitated for a moment in explaining but decided that he had to. "All of those who were overtaken have never come into physical contact with me. I know none of them other than perhaps their names. The King and I believe that there is a connection and that somehow my power is providing protection against the darkness for whomever I touch. It has not been proven but it is very likely."
"You protect people by touching them?" Orophin asked skeptically.
Legolas sighed and then reached out and placed his hand on the elf's arm. Orophin's eyes immediately went to it. "What do you feel?" Legolas asked.
"My arm tingles slightly and I feel calmness spreading into me." Orophin answered.
Legolas nodded and took his hand off of him. "I do this unintentionally. My power has become too great to suppress entirely so yes I believe that those I have touched are under my protection."
"Can you do this to everyone?" Elladan asked.
"I don't know if it will be too draining with so many people." Legolas said, looking over the thousand warriors in the courtyard, "but I will try. There may be people I miss though so we have to keep an eye on any suspicious behavior once we march towards Dol Guldur. Here everyone is safe." He absentmindedly reached out and touched Haldir.
"The patrols that are to be sent out should consist of ten warriors from every realm." Glorfindel said, "The sooner we get them done the sooner they can leave."
Legolas nodded and indicated for them to follow him as he turned around and headed back to the halls. He guided them through the Halls until they arrived at the library. The door was already cracked open so he only needed to place his hand against it and push and the library came into sight. Books had been thrown off of the shelves, papers and scrolls scattered on the floor.
"Bastards…" Legolas muttered under his breath and sighed before walking inside. The library was large with rows of bookcases so the amount of books lying of the floor was huge. Legolas led them to the back of the room were a sturdy oval table stood, the chairs around it had been thrown here and there but none seemed damaged.
"Well then. Make yourselves at home." Legolas said with a cheerful smile, before walking off, Húron following him. Haldir and Orophin gazed perplexed after him but Glorfindel and Elladan just shrugged and found some chairs, more used to Legolas' personality.
"HA!" Legolas suddenly exclaimed from the back and walked back with a triumphant grin on his face, Húron following him with a patient look on his face. "Guess they believed that we would keep all of our important records and maps out in the open. Idiots!" He then proceeded to smack his hand against on of the stones in the wall behind the table. Immediately a door-shaped outline popped slightly inward on the wall behind an overturned statue.
Before Legolas could move Húron braced his shoulder against it and opened it for him. Legolas walked into a small chamber with bookcases filled with more important documents on either side. They weren't normally used because there was a copy of almost all of them in the King's study; these were just a failsafe if anything should happen.
He scanned the shelves until he found the maps that he needed and then brought them with him out of the chamber. Barely had he stepped towards the table where the others were waiting when an angry roar suddenly pierced through his ears. The maps tumbled out of his lifeless arms even as he sunk to the floor. Húron reached out hurriedly and lowered him down, calling Legolas' name worriedly. He got reaction from Legolas whose eyes were vacant as if he was watching something else than what was in front of him.
Immediately Elladan and Glorfindel bolted from their seats and over to them, kneeling on either side of Legolas. As soon as they touched him they felt his power pulsing like mad and felt the slight tremble that was running through his body.
"An attack on the barrier?" Elladan asked.
"Without a doubt." Húron answered concerned.
Glorfindel nodded tensely and hurriedly steadied Legolas with his other hand as well when he suddenly lost what little color their was in his complexion and flinched violently, snapping his eyes shut and biting his lips to keep from crying out. He hunched forward in their grips, his hands clawing for something to hold.
Elladan reached down and took hold of Legolas' hand, as soon as Legolas felt his touch his hand closed around the twin's and held it so tightly Elladan was afraid that he would break it.
"It's possible that the overtaken elves were making reports to Dol Guldur every day." Húron rushed looking solely at Legolas, "It could have noticed that something was wrong by now."
Dol Guldur was angry. Enraged. Furious. Wrathful. Seething. Revenge-seeking. Those were just some of the descriptions racing through Legolas' head as he held out against the frenzied assault. Dol Guldur was slamming against the barrier with unreserved force, shrieking at the anger that coursed through its veins. Every single time the darkness clashed with his barrier, with his power and energy, a flash of pain would speed through him, each one worse than the one before. At this moment with his complete exhaustion he could do nothing more than hold out against the attack.
He was aware that something took a grip on his hand and squeezed it for dear life as the force smashed into the barrier once more with even more vigor. He felt his previously dozing headache flare up with renewed force. He was not ready for this… he had just unleashed most of his power just an hour ago, damn it…
Everyone inside the library except Legolas snapped their heads up when the door crashed open. Thranduil rushed inside with an almost panicked look in his eyes, immediately he saw Legolas and hurried over to him. Without even waiting to explain he scooped Legolas into his arms. Unintentionally he pulled Elladan up as well because of the tight grip Legolas had on his hand but he just pried Legolas' hand off of the twin's and took it in his own, his glow spreading to enfold Legolas as well.
Then he dashed toward the door without even explaining to any of them where he was taking him. Húron, Elladan, and Glorfindel sprung to their feet without hesitation and followed the King. Haldir and Orophin needed only a moment before everything sunk in and they as well bolted from their seats.
As he ran, Thranduil could feel Legolas' strength slowly wane. His movements started becoming sluggish and his breathing sounded more like whistling. Even though he was giving his strength to Legolas it still wasn't enough, it wasn't near enough. Dol Guldur pounding against the barrier could be felt even by him and had alerted him of the situation. He had known that Legolas was barely recovered from the power he used to momentarily incapacitate the overtaken elves.
Without taking his attention away from Legolas, Thranduil turned just before the royal wing and pounded down the hallway that led to the cavern. Once he entered that large space he went over to the old tree in the middle and placed Legolas so he was leaning against its trunk, keeping his hands locked in his son's.
"Please help him!" Thranduil begged turning his desperate eyes to the old tree, "Please…"
It was clear the tree had heard him because in the next moment it was shaking itself awake, its trunk and branches groaning and its leaves rustling.
Calad-Luin's mind is tightly barred. I cannot reach him. The old voice sounded inside Thranduil's head and instantly his mind filled with panic.
He reached out and placed his hands on Legolas' shoulders before shaking him. "Legolas! Legolas open your eyes!" He snapped at his son in an attempt to draw his attention away from the attack. "Legolas!" In desperation he raised his hand and slapped Legolas hard over the cheek. Immediately, his son's sapphire blue eyes snapped open and not even a second later a green light surrounded him, coming from the tree.
Legolas gasped sharply in surprise, his eyes starting to glow slightly and his aura expanding. Thranduil kept his grip on Legolas, supporting him and enduring how the amount of energy flowing through Legolas was scorching his palms. His eyes were locked with Legolas' and he watched how he struggled with controlling the energy he had been given and using it to strengthen the barrier.
Neither of them noticed the audience they had. Glorfindel, Elladan, Húron, and Orophin were watching the battle with widened eyes. Blue, green, and silvery light was swirling around in the air around Legolas, Thranduil, and the old tree. The wind was making the leaves and white flowers of the tree sway and rustle, as well as the other plants in the cavern, among others a batch of lilies of the valley.
The sheer amount of power inside the cavern bore down upon their shoulders; the pressure of it was incredible. That was the amount of power Legolas was bearing that he could use to his own advantage. To them it seemed uncontrollable but at the eye of the storm was Legolas and there everything stood quiet.
"Stop." The single word carried so much authority and command. Immediately, the power in the room was wiped out and the light fell to the ground. Legolas was breathing heavily; his eyes clenched shut and his whole body trembling.
Húron didn't waste a moment in rushing towards his King and Prince but the others stayed where they were, intending to give Legolas a moment to recover without them crowding over him. Elladan and Glorfindel softly explained what had happened to Haldir and Orophin.
"How is he?" Húron asked softly as he kneeled beside Thranduil and gazed at Legolas' pale face.
"I don't know." Thranduil answered shakily, his own strength drained from giving Legolas his energy. He had been able to do so because of the bond he already shared with Legolas but the tree had been bared from creating a connection to him because he had been so focused on the attack that he hadn't realized the tree's attempts at reaching out to him.
"…Able to hear…" Legolas whispered weakly.
Húron didn't answer but he reached up and unclasped the pin that was holding his cloak together. He drew it off and wrapped it around Legolas, knowing that he was weak enough to feel cold.
Thranduil reached into his pocket and withdrew a small bottle of Miruvor, which he had grabbed before rushing out of his office when he felt the attack on the barrier. He uncorked it and placed it against Legolas' lips, gently pouring some into his mouth. Legolas frowned but nonetheless swallowed the liquid.
When he deemed that Legolas had had enough, he corked it once more before placing it back into his pocket. He then reached out and placed his palm against Legolas' cheek, tenderly moving his thumb over his son's cheekbone.
"What am I going to do with you…?" He muttered.
"I'll be all right." Legolas said weakly, "Don't worry about me. …How was the council?"
Thranduil snorted, "They're all idiots, trying to place the blame of everything that has happened the last month on other people because they want to draw attention away from the fact that they were so fearful that they followed every command the overtaken elves gave them. They gave the elves information of our defenses, our systems, even made a list of everyone who could possibly prove a threat to them. Many of the elves on top of that list were killed."
Legolas sighed deeply. "Fools…"
"They're beginning to use the fact that our people are still placing the blame on Amath even though most have been told that he was on our side and the rest have without a doubt heard some other way. They didn't go at me that much, but I think they will go at you Legolas… because there they have a chance. I am their King and they try to win my favors but long have they treated you more roughly, especially the parts of the council that are left. Try to stay away from them when I'm not there."
"If they request my formal appearance, and they will, then as a Commander of Mirkwood's forces I will have the choice between facing them alone or insubordination." Legolas answered, "There is nothing that can be done to avoid it. The only thing I can do is achieve as much as I can with the time given to me before they do."
"They're being stubborn." Thranduil sighed, "They now that they failed us during the last month and that any decent protector of Mirkwood would have chosen as Arron and Iôlon did and they fear the people's reaction should they learn of it."
"So they try and create bigger news." Legolas said.
"Can't we just inform people of what they've done?" Húron asked.
"No." Legolas answered, "It would create too much rioting and panic when there is so much need for order. If the people learned of this then the council is done for and even if they are fools that isn't something we have time to deal with now on top of the war that is coming."
"The council knows this." Thranduil added, "It's probably what they are telling themselves inside their heads to justify their actions. That it would be better for the people of Mirkwood to hate Amath, who is already dead, than to create rioting and panic by going after them."
Húron's face grew completely pale and he stared at Thranduil a moment before forcing his suddenly numb tongue to form the words. "…Amath is dead…?"
Legolas opened his eyes at this and gazed at his second-in-command. His eye-color had brightened slightly from the sapphire blue to a gentian blue thanks to the Miruvor but his condition was obviously still serious. "He died an hour ago." Legolas said quietly, "He was wounded in the battle and Elrond couldn't do anything but ease his passing. You saw how outnumbered he was after he drew away from us."
"…He really was on our side…" Húron breathed horrified, "…all this time…?"
"Yes, he was on our side." Legolas answered, his eyes gazing gently at Húron even though his voice was hard.
"Valar…" Húron gasped and then suddenly turned away from them and would have bolted if Legolas hadn't thrown himself forward and locked his arms around Húron's torso. He closed his eyes in pain when he felt the shudders that were running through Húron's body.
"…Amath is dead…" Húron whispered, almost like he didn't believe it himself, like he refused to believe it. "…Maer is dead… and all the others could be dead without us knowing it. I saw Taenor, Legolas. The grief has changed him… I could see the fire of anger deep inside his eyes and the spark of life seemed gone…"
"Maer was everything to him." Legolas said softly, "And I don't know if we'll be enough to fill that hole but we will have to try. I promised Maer that we would take care of him."
Húron nodded, "We will take care of him. I will keep an eye on him as often as I can, make sure he rests and eats. You need to concentrate on getting yourself better first."
"He's right Legolas." Thranduil said gently, "You need to take it easy for a while, regain your strength." Thranduil swallowed hard before continuing, "I know it is harsh of me to say this… but I need all of your focus on Mirkwood's situation… You know I would never ask you to choose between your duties and your friends, but I fear that the seriousness of this situation will force me to do so."
"I have never shied away from my duties." Legolas said slowly, "and I will not start now… I have many duties; one of those is to Maer to fulfill his last wish and take care of a person who is under my command and whom I as Prince have a duty to help. Another duty of mine is to aid Mirkwood in all possible situations should it be war or peace, and aiding the people of Mirkwood is not giving up on a person because it seems too hard or too difficult." He looked up at his father, "and I will do my duty my King, to you, to myself, to my Kingdom, and to my people."
Thranduil gazed upon his son. There was a mixture of pride and sadness in his eyes even as he nodded and smiled worriedly. He leaned forward and pressed a kiss against Legolas' forehead. "Do so with my blessing then." He said quietly and then stood up.
Húron got up as well and together the two of them heaved Legolas to his feet, holding him for a moment until he was standing steadily.
Seeing that they were standing, Glorfindel, Elladan, Haldir, and Orophin walked over to them, all of them glancing worriedly at Legolas. Seeing their looks, Legolas gave them a reassuring smile.
"I have to go back to the council." Thranduil said, "I left quite… suddenly. Thank you all for coming to Mirkwood's aid and for your assistance hereafter. If there is anything that I can do to repay this debt then do not hesitate to tell me."
"There is no debt, my King." Elladan said formally, "Rivendell and Lothlorien do not deem this enemy yours alone and we deemed that it was high time for us to do something about it. Our warriors are yours to command and use through us in this war against Dol Guldur."
Thranduil looked astounded at Elladan but nevertheless his lips soon formed into a large, grateful smile, "Then I have twice as much to thank you for on behalf of myself and my realm. I am glad there is no debt for I wouldn't be able to repay you this service." With that he bowed and then turned and walked out of the cavern.
Legolas chuckled at the perplexed looks on Haldir and Orophin's faces but then led them out as well. Húron walked by his side the whole way back to the library, he didn't say anything but it was clear that he was prepared to steady him should he stumble. Legolas was thankful for his silent support because even with the Miruvor he felt completely depleted and his headache had come back full force.
In addition to this, his cheek also stung for reasons he could clearly not remember. After thinking about it though, an idea appeared in his head. "…He hit me didn't he…?" Legolas asked, his lips quirking in amusement and surprise. He could remember that pain was what had snapped him back to the present.
"You weren't responding to him." Húron answered softly, "He did what he had to." His lips then moved into a slightly mocking smile, "Does it hurt much? Shall I get you something cold to put on it? …You've gone weak Captain."
Legolas snorted, "You try a month in the dungeons with little to no food and water. I swear that even one glass of wine could knock me into complete senselessness at the moment."
"I think I'll pass Captain." Húron smirked.
"Really?" Legolas asked, sounding disappointed, "I could have it arranged you know."
"I know you could, but I would still like to pass."
When they reached the library Húron opened the door and guided Legolas over to one of the chairs so he could sit down before gathering all the maps that he had dropped during the attack and placing them on the table.
Legolas sank relieved into the chair but as he watched Glorfindel, Elladan, Haldir, and Orophin look at him worriedly while sitting down themselves, he knew that he had to address what had just happened.
"I'm sorry you had to see that, I doubt it looked pleasant." Legolas said, looking mostly at Haldir and Orophin. "I would have you understand that such attacks are normal and have been happening just short of everyday for a while, but this one was very strong only because Dol Guldur had gained knowledge that something had gone wrong with its plans, and it was angry."
"Do you know what it is that is attacking you?" Haldir asked; his face set in a frown.
"No, not exactly." Legolas answered. His eyes unfocussed almost like he was speaking to himself. "Only that it's a dark presence, very dark. It speaks to me though sometimes… and seems intelligent, chilling, but otherworldly. We know that it can sense other's presences, powers… that it can sense me. In many ways I seem like a threat to it, but it has shown during this month that it is interested in me as well…"
Húron was gazing worriedly at his Captain and crouched down beside Legolas' chair, placing his hands on the table and Legolas' armrest. "Legolas." He said softly.
Legolas seemed to snap out of his daze at the sound of his name and looked down at Húron. After a moment he smiled and nodded gratefully before turning his eyes back to the others. "You needn't worry about it though. I have everything under control." The firmness and surety in his voice brooked no argument so they nodded.
Legolas and Húron began explaining to them the dangers in the locations where the settlements were and showed them the locations on one of the maps. With this information they soon began choosing which warriors should form which patrols.
Within the hour they had formed the twenty-one patrols with thirty warriors in each and after that it was just about discussing the practical issues. All the warriors and especially those from Mirkwood were tired from the fighting and everything else that had happened the last month. Therefore, they had to wait with sending them out until they had gotten some decent hours of rest as well as food, which meant that they would first leave the next morning.
Despite this though, it would be a good idea to get the teams together before that and brief them before allowing each team's leader to go through the dangers of Mirkwood with those from Rivendell and Lothlorien. It had already been decided that a warrior from Mirkwood would be leading each team and of course that was how it should be for everything to work smoothly.
By the time they went back to the courtyard, the warriors were conversing, either sitting on the cobblestone or standing and were just finishing with the breakfast that had been brought out after Thranduil had started the household once more.
Most didn't even notice them when they came out of the Halls and Legolas watched for a moment as Haldir attempted to get everyone's attention, resulting in only a few actually realizing what was going on. Húron watched Haldir's attempts as well with an equal amount of amusement and incredulity before puffing Legolas forward.
"Attention!" Legolas called in a loud command.
The next thing that happened had Elladan, Glorfindel, Haldir, and Orophin's chins dropping because the Mirkwood warriors' reaction to their commander's voice was to instantly jump to their feet, abandoning all conversation, and forming ranks like a finely shaped army.
The warriors from Rivendell and Lothlorien heard the command as well and startled, their panic only growing as they saw how those from Mirkwood reacted. They then began scrambling into positions themselves, standing straight and throwing glances at both him and his warriors to make sure they were doing the right thing, standing in the right position. It was clear that they were not used to such drills.
"At ease." Legolas then said while taking some more steps towards them. The Mirkwood warriors relaxed their positions and after realizing what it was about those from Rivendell and Lothlorien did the same.
Legolas looked back at Haldir and the others in a silent question if he should continue or if one of them would like to take over. When he was met with gazes of surprise and awe he knew that he had just gotten the job so he turned his head once more, sighing soundlessly.
He trained his gaze on those from Rivendell and Lothlorien and gave a reassuring smile at their nervous looks. "For those of you who don't know, my name is Legolas Thranduilion and you will be working with me as the commander of Mirkwood's army, so if you have any complaints or questions then you're welcome to come to me or, if I'm not available, one of my Captains. I heard from Haldir and Elladan that you've already been briefed about the current standing between our three realms but allow me to tell my warriors."
He turned his eyes to familiar faces and said, "Rivendell and Lothlorien are lending us their aid and their warriors in the coming battle against Dol Guldur, which we are immensely grateful for. The next weeks these warriors are going to be your brother-in-arms so I will hear of no fighting or disrespect, is that clear?"
"Yes sir!" The warriors said in unison. Legolas caught relieved, skeptical, and thankful faces among his warriors.
"Good." Legolas said and then turned to the whole group, "The first undertaking you're going to do together is retrieving a number of elves that live separately in a total of twenty-one settlements around the forest. Each team will have a commander from Mirkwood and will consist of ten warriors from every realm, which will set out tomorrow at dawn so you have time to rest and eat."
"It is also a good time for you to learn everything that you can about Mirkwood and its dangers from your Captain." Haldir said, coming up beside him and looking at both Rivendell and Lothlorien warriors, "It would be foolish to go out there unprepared and to waste the knowledge that your Captains are sure to have."
"Tharbadon, you're leading the first team." Legolas called and waited for him to move away from the other warriors and over to him, "You're going to lead your team to the settlement closet to Dol Guldur at point fourteen, fifty miles south of the Old Forest Road." Tharbadon nodded, so Legolas went on to listing the ten warriors from Mirkwood that would go with him. He chose the most skillful for that location because it was closet to danger and farthest away.
When Haldir listed the ten from Lothlorien that would go with them and they came up one by one, Legolas greeted each with a firm handshake, disguising the fact that he was making an effort to protect them from Dol Guldur's influence. He did the same with those from Rivendell when Elladan called them up and in the span of a few minutes the first team was made. Legolas saw with relief that there was a certain amount of respect in the Lothlorien and Rivendell warriors' eyes when they gazed upon those from Mirkwood, knowing that it would work best if they let those who knew the area and the dangers take control without protest.
Elladan had taken it upon himself to be a part of that team as well just like Orophin and Glorfindel would be a part of two of the other teams. Haldir stayed as a representative of Lothlorien and to be by Galadriel's side to protect her when she came to the Halls as well just like Húron was staying to support him. Elladan and Glorfindel went because Elrond and Elrohir were still at the Halls to represent Rivendell and control their warriors.
After the teams went off to plan and the rest were dismissed, Legolas spent the rest of the morning and well up into the day with arranging for normal perimeter patrols to start up again and also sending messages to the different stations around the forest, among others Urion's station at the ford of the Forest River. They needed to recall these warriors for they were going to need everyone they could get. These posts had been made to be able to hold out for months on the rations they had so of course none on them had heard of the siege of Mirkwood. The overtaken elves had timed their attack perfectly and prevented anyone from getting word out. If it hadn't been for Legolas sending Faneth and the others then it would have been a long time before help could have arrived.
It must have been nearly afternoon when he just took a moment to sit down on the steps that led to the entrance to the Halls and immediately it was as if a great weight settled on his shoulders and he felt unable to stand up again, his vision going slightly foggy. He had avoided sitting down and resting for the whole day, keeping on his feet even through the small portions of breakfast and lunch that he had forced down.
It was needless to say that it was Húron who first noticed his state. He had been speaking with some warriors inside the courtyard. Immediately, he rushed over to him, having been anticipating for a collapse sooner or later. He kneeled beside him and gazed worriedly into his slightly unfocussed eyes.
"You need rest Legolas, I can take care of the rest." Húron said softly, "Can you stand?"
Legolas blinked rapidly to dispel the haze in front of his eyes and shook his head in an attempt to wake up. Then he turned to Húron and nodded, allowing him to pull him to his feet.
Húron started leading Legolas into the Halls, sending nods in the direction of those who were watching them with worried looks, something that Legolas should have noticed but didn't.
"I want to go see Kirion." Legolas said when they got close to the healing ward. Húron was about to protest but thought better of it since he realized that he could get one of the healers, preferably Ecphen or Lord Elrond, to check the Prince.
He deposited Legolas in one of the chairs beside Kirion's bed and then went in search of a healer. Ecphen was the first he came by.
"Húron." Ecphen greeted, somewhat preoccupied as he checked the supplies, "What can I do for you? I don't recall you being injured."
"I'm not." Húron answered, "I brought Legolas to Kirion's room after finding him sitting at the entrance with a dazed expression."
If anything could get Ecphen's attention quickly then that was it, he immediately turned alert eyes to Húron. "What do you know of his condition?"
"Lack of rest and food," Húron said, "Multiple stab-wounds to the chest, which I believe Elrohir has already seen to, …" he lowered his voice and added, "and Dol Guldur attacked the barrier some time ago."
Ecphen sighed heavily, despite his attempt to seem annoyed Húron could see the worry in his eyes as he collected a few items from the storage. Afterwards the two of them walked to the room that Kirion was laying in and upon entering found that Legolas had already fallen asleep in the chair, his eyes closed.
"Insufferable patient." Ecphen muttered as he walked over to Legolas and crouched down before him, reaching up to take his pulse and temperature. Afterwards he lifted Legolas' tunic to check if the bandages were still free of blood or if he would have to wake him up to treat his wounds. Unfortunately there were several spots of blood so he gently shook Legolas' shoulder until his dark blue eyes fluttered open, looking disoriented from sleep.
"I think you've sprung some of your stitches." Ecphen said once Legolas had realized who was before him. "I'll have to redo them." He then turned to Húron, "Will you make some tea for him while I do?"
"There is no need." Legolas said tiredly, "Just let me sleep."
"There is every need, now sit still." Ecphen responded softly but firmly as he started undoing Legolas' tunic and lifting it off, followed by his undershirt. When the bandages came off to reveal the near dozen of more or less healed wounds on Legolas' torso, Ecphen's eyes widened and he gazed at first them and then Legolas. "These were strategically placed."
Legolas nodded but didn't answer the underlying question. Ecphen didn't pressure him either; instead he just started taking care of the wounds that had opened slightly. It wasn't long before he was wounding bandage around his chest once more. Húron then gave Legolas a mug of tea, which he drank despite noticing the taste of both pain-relieving and sleeping herbs because of the unrelenting look Ecphen was giving him.
"Let me take you to your room." Húron said when he had finished, seeing that the herbs had already just about knocked Legolas out.
Legolas shook his head almost woozily and closed his eyes while leaning back in the chair. "Just leave me here… have no wish to go back to an empty… ruined room."
Húron couldn't figure out a response to that and therefore only watched as Legolas nodded off once more in the chair beside his brother's bed. Kirion was completely unaware of his visitor, as he was lying still as death on the bed, completely pallid. Húron eyed him sadly but got to his feet and him and Ecphen walked out of the door, leaving them to their rest.
"I will inform the King that Legolas is sleeping here." Ecphen said once they were outside, "I must admit I'm surprised you aren't staying with Legolas."
"I would rather get as much of his work done as I can while he is sleeping so he doesn't have everything waiting for him when he wakes up." Húron said, "There are still a lot of things that need supervising." He then nodded to Ecphen and walked out of the healing ward. In the hallway outside he came across a maid and without further ado asked her to see to it that the royal family members' rooms were seen to.