Misplaced Trust
Author: Legolas Fanatic
Rating: T (PG-13)
Disclaimer: (See chapter one)
A/N: Hannon lle for the reviews, they are just terrific to read!! Look who updated on time!! Yay, I'm not late! I hope you all enjoy this chapter thoroughly, here you go…
Chapter Twenty-One: Fighting For Control
Legolas' eyes snapped open and he groaned as pain radiated throughout his head. He sat up slowly, blinking repeatedly to clear his swimming vision. He was still in the blackness, the horrible, claustrophobic blackness. He groaned again.
He peered around for Oliner, knowing the elf had to be somewhere. He sighed in relief when he saw the elf's limp form lying horizontally a few feet away from him. He looked unconscious, which was odd.
Legolas dragged himself to his feet, frowning at the captain's prone body. He approached him, crouching down next to his head. Last time, the elf had been erect, but now he was sprawled out on his back.
Legolas touched Oliner's cheek cautiously but the elf did not awaken, only shifted slightly and moaned. Perhaps he was really unconscious. Legolas smiled, this could be an opportunity for him to retake control over his body.
He stood, closing his eyes. He wasn't sure how it worked, whether it happened by itself or whether he had to try. He also wasn't sure how Oliner had fallen unconscious. His body might have been knocked out, rendering the captain unconscious as well. He couldn't think of anything else.
He scowled when nothing happened and opened his eyes. This task would frustrate him easily, of that he was sure. He sighed and decided to try pacing. He might be able to awaken his mind, allowing it to recognize him and give him control.
He took a step before his head swam and he found himself focusing on Aragorn's face. He blinked several times to bring his friend into focus, sighing in relief when he realized he had control over his body.
"Legolas?" Aragorn asked him cautiously.
"E-Estel?" Legolas inhaled deeply.
"Yes, Legolas, how do you feel?" Aragorn frowned at the elf, unsure how to act. If Legolas was still trying to kill them, he would have to be extremely careful.
Legolas groaned. His head was pounding; he found it hard to think. The human had just asked him how he felt, but there was no time for that, Oliner could wake up at any moment. "Estel, no, no, you must listen to me!"
The ranger's eyes narrowed as his frown deepened. "Legolas, what is wrong with you? You tried to kill your father! You tried to kill me!"
"NO!" Legolas sat up, squeezing his eyes shut tightly for a moment to try and clear his head. "No, Estel, I didn't."
"Yes, you did." Aragorn felt thoroughly confused. The elf was acting as if he didn't recall the incidents. He took a step back, his hand going to the hilt of his sword. "Legolas, what do you remember?"
The prince gazed at him sadly. "I know I tried to hurt you, Oliner told me. You must understand, I couldn't stop him!"
"What!?" Aragorn asked, anxiety lacing his voice. What had Oliner done?
"He's controlling me, Estel, my shoulder!" Legolas felt something hard collide with his mind, as if he had just been punched. "No, I'm sorry, it's him, it's him……"
"Legolas!" Aragorn grabbed the elf's head, shaking him. "No, Legolas! What has he done? You must tell me." He continued to shake the unresponsive elf.
"Estel, what is it?" Thranduil had heard Aragorn's frantic calling and had come back into the room. He had been conversing with the healer outside about Legolas' wounds and if it was possible they could have missed something in the examination.
"He was awake, hir nin," Aragorn said sadly. "He was saying that he couldn't stop Oliner, that he was controlling him or something. He has fallen unconscious again now."
The king sighed wearily. "We must stop Oliner. He has obviously found some way to enter my son's body, to control him. He will not succeed."
The healer appeared beside Thranduil. "My king, Oliner may very well have planted the source within Prince Legolas' shoulder. From what I have heard about what happened in the forest Oliner was fingering the wound. I do not think him doing that right before he died is a mere coincidence. Perhaps if we undo whatever he has done, it will free the prince's mind."
Thranduil sighed. "It has already been examined."
The healer nodded. "We could perform a more thorough inspection. It is very possible we missed a minute detail. Perhaps there is something small we missed, it would be worthwhile to just make sure."
Thranduil nodded. "It is worth a try. A second inspection could prove useful. Though, the wound has closed now. To examine it, we would need to reopen it."
Aragorn felt nauseous. That meant cutting into Legolas, causing him pain. He shuddered at the thought of slicing into his friend's skin. "It might be the only way."
The healer nodded. "I will fetch the required tools."
Legolas moaned as Oliner's fist smashed into his face, knocking him backwards. He had known that he had not had much time, though this was considerably less than he had thought.
The captain pushed him backwards. "Foolish princeling! You shouldn't have done that!"
"I will not let you hurt my father and friend using me anymore!" Legolas fumed as he stumbled back.
"I am not asking for permission, princeling," Oliner snarled, flashing out his left leg and hooking it behind the prince's ankle. A second later Legolas was sprawled on his back.
The archer released a gasp as he landed on the blackness. He tried to roll away from Oliner but the captain managed to pin him, digging his knee painfully into the prince's stomach. "I must say, princeling, you are making this more troubling than I had first anticipated. Though, it is more enjoyable."
"I will not stop fighting you Oliner," Legolas ground out angrily.
"That makes it more fun, though it wastes my time. You should cooperate; it would save you a lot of unnecessary pain." Oliner put more weight on his knee, making Legolas gasp.
Legolas hated that Oliner was making him squirm, it made him feel weak. He gasped again and tried to lash out at the captain but Oliner held his arms down. There was nothing he could do; Oliner had him completely at his mercy.
"See? I do not need your permission, there is nothing you can do about it," Oliner taunted, twisting Legolas' wrists painfully.
The archer winced and tried to pull his arms out of the other elf's grip but Oliner's knee in his ribs stopped him. He didn't know what to do, he had to stop Oliner. Aragorn had had pain in his eyes, emotional pain. He wouldn't let this happen, he couldn't. "NO! They will not fall for it again, they know it's you!"
"Maybe. Though, that will not stop them from feeling complete and utter horror as the Prince of Mirkwood draws a dagger across their throats." Oliner grinned and pulled Legolas up into a sitting position, sliding off of him slightly.
The archer immediately began to struggle as soon as the knee was removed. "I will kill you Oliner. I will snap your neck!" He twisted, trying to kick and punch but Oliner kept control over him, sitting on his legs and holding his hands.
"We'll see," Oliner grinned before standing, lifting Legolas from the ground a little bit. He then drew his knee forward and sent it crashing into the prince's face, smiling as blood spurted from his nose and his eyes rolled back in his head. He could now continue with his plans.
Aragorn sighed as the time ticked by ever so slowly. The healer was preparing to make an 'incision'. He didn't want to see Legolas cut open and shuffled through like a backpack but searching the wound again seemed like the only thing they could do at the moment.
He thought it unlikely that the healers had missed something, elves had keen eyes. They would find it harder to miss something than to not. Though, it was better than waiting for things to happen on their own.
Thranduil was also watching in anticipation. He was not pleased they were going to cause Legolas further pain but he had drawn the same conclusion as Aragorn, it was better than nothing. If they let things just play out, they would probably not end up in their favour.
The she-elf moved the small knife closer to the skin, making a fine cut. She then put pressure on the knife, digging it deeper. Her nose crinkled as blood began to pool from the skin.
A second later Legolas awoke with a start, moaning as his shoulder seemed to hurt. He turned furious blue eyes on the healer who took a small step back. "How dare you! What are you doing to me!?"
The she-elf closed her eyes and breathed deeply. "Hir nin, we are going to examine your wound. I thought you would remain unconscious. We didn't want to risk giving you herbs in case it affected you in an unforeseen way, heightening the problem." She lifted a small bowl. "Take this. I am choice less now."
"NO!" Legolas knocked the bowl across the room where it crashed with a loud 'thud'. "I am not a simpleton! That will drug me, knock me out. I do not think that will be happening!"
"Ion nin, you must," Thranduil ordered, trying to keep his voice firm. He hated seeing his son like this, it broke his heart.
He had been the one who had decided to avoid giving Legolas any sort of sleeping herb. The problem he was experiencing was obviously mental, and drugging him could have a disastrous effect. If he was fighting for control or resisting Oliner, they could unknowingly hinder him. That was not something Thranduil had wanted them doing.
Legolas reefed the blankets off and threw his legs over the side of the bed. He wore his leggings but his tunic was gone. He stood swiftly and knocked Thranduil back.
The king fell to the ground with a small grunt. "Legolas, NO!" He tried to get to his feet but Legolas kicked out at the king, hitting him in the jaw. He fell back down with a groan.
Aragorn rushed forward to restrain his friend but the elf brought up his fist and hit him squarely on the nose. The ranger stumbled back, holding his freshly healed nose which began dribbling blood again.
The prince turned and glared at the healer. He knocked her across the room with a swift punch where she sprawled, stunned. He then proceeded forward, sprinting from the room hastily.
He hid a grin as he moved swiftly down the hall. He would need to execute his plans with higher risk now. He swung through a side door and sprinted through the room, placing as much distance between himself and the healing ward. Perhaps he could locate some elves before his father and feed them a lie, twisting them to his side. It was worth a try.
His shoulder still bled freely but it was not too deep, it would clog soon and then hopefully the pain would lessen. He couldn't believe how close he had been to being cut open. If they had found the device, it would have dashed his plans. He sighed in relief and continued to run, not really focusing on where he was heading.
Thranduil rose from the ground, gazing at the door in shock. "We must get him," he muttered before running after Legolas. He exited the room and sprinted down the hall but Legolas was fast, very fast. He cursed angrily when he couldn't find any clues as to where the swift elf had gone.
"King Thranduil, can you find him?" Aragorn asked, catching up to the elf.
The elven king shook his head. "No, he is gone. I wish he was not so good at hiding himself sometimes." He turned to the human. "Are you okay?"
Aragorn nodded. "I am fine; it was just a punch. We need to stop him from hurting anyone but we also need to get our Legolas back."
The king nodded. "I agree. We will search for him; I will have every available elf looking for him." He turned and began down another hall, disappearing.
Aragorn sighed. Thranduil would take care of organizing search parties so that there was a higher chance of Legolas being found but the prince was very skilled, more skilled than most elves. If he was intent on not being found, he could usually achieve that goal.
He turned and ran back to the healing ward to check on the healer. He had momentarily forgotten her in his haste to catch up to Thranduil. He shuffled into the room and saw the she-elf placing some disturbed objects back into their correct places. Legolas had knocked a few things about.
"Lle mae [Are you well]?"
The healer turned to Aragorn, giving him a small smile. "Yes, I am okay. Did you locate Prince Legolas?"
The human shook his head sadly. "No, he is too skilled. It will take the whole of Mirkwood to track him down. Even then, they still might have trouble."
She chuckled softly. "I will finish here and then I will make sure that the other patients are protected, just in case. He will probably leave the healing wards alone but I cannot be certain."
Aragorn nodded. "He will probably try and eliminate King Thranduil and myself first. Oliner seems to want to take down any authority figures, he must be stopped."
The healer nodded. "Ist nîn be naw lîn [I agree]."
The ranger smiled before turning back to the hall. He was not sure how long it would take for other elves to join the search but he could start now; there was nothing more for him to do. He needed to find Legolas, to make things right again.
He unsheathed his sword and opened a door to his left. He entered cautiously, surveying the room. Legolas could be anywhere; he couldn't afford to be careless. Again, he felt anger swell up inside of him. Oliner was a foul, vile being. That one, single elf had caused more pain in two weeks than a group of orcs could in a month.
He closed the door behind him, never taking his eyes off of the wall in front of him. He was poised for an attack at any moment; the slightest hint of movement would alert him. He breathed softly so that he could listen carefully. He knew that there was definitely no chance of hearing an elf, they were too light on their feet, but he wanted to keep an ear out just in case there was something else to give Legolas away. Listening was always a useful skill when it came to tracking.
He approached another door, tentatively thrusting it open. His eyes roved around the next room quickly, searching for even the tiniest hint of Legolas' being here. The elf prince was incredibly skilled and would not be tracked easily, as would no elf. He sighed in frustration; this would be a long and daunting task.
It was more likely that Legolas would find him before he found the archer. If Legolas wanted both him and Thranduil dead, then he would also be on the hunt. He would need to keep his eyes even more peeled, he couldn't risk any mistakes. Legolas wanted to kill, which was a disadvantage to Mirkwood. To fight to kill meant having more options left open to you, that was something Legolas had which they did not.
He was now in a study of sorts, a small collection of dusty books residing in one corner of the square room. A few chairs donning cushions sat in the centre of the room, a writing desk and quill over to one side.
He maneuvered through the furniture slowly, using his peripherals to keep an eye on the corners of the room. He saw the room was clear and retraced his steps, unable to go any further that way. He made his way back to the hall and continued in a different direction.
He never lowered his sword, always in expectation of an attack. As he walked, he heard a noise from ahead. There were voices. He approached cautiously, his feet as quiet as a human's could be on the ground. As he approached the corner he made out the sounds of two distinct male voices. One of them made his stomach shrivel.
"I assure you that if these orders are not carried out, you will be punished."
"Of course, hir nin," Another voice replied shakily, clearly put off by his lord's threat.
Aragorn pressed his back against the wall and poked his head around the corner. He was met by Legolas' piercing sapphire eyes staring straight at him.
"Ah, Estel, what are you doing poking your head around corners?" The golden-haired archer sauntered forward.
Aragorn gasped and took a step back, brandishing his sword. He noticed Legolas had located a tunic, hiding the cut that had been made into his shoulder. It was not one of the prince's but a spare one, no doubt located in a rush. Behind the prince stood a dark-haired elf who looked completely bewildered.
"Legolas, Oliner is using you. You must fight him!" He held his sword out straight to stop the elf's advance.
"Estel, what are you doing!?" The anonymous elf asked, shock written into his fair face.
"Master Edhel," Aragorn looked at the elf briefly, "this is not the prince we know. Oliner has corrupted him, he needs help. I suggest you run to alert the warriors and King Thranduil to the fact that we have located Legolas."
The elf's eyes were still wide but he nodded and sprinted off down the corridor.
Legolas grinned at Aragorn. "And then there were two."
"Legolas, can you hear me? Mellon nin?" Aragorn didn't lower his sword but his voice was pleading, begging his friend to respond.
The archer raised an eyebrow. "Give it up, edan; your efforts are in vain." He ducked and lashed out with his long leg, tripping the human who had not had the time to blink.
Aragorn landed with a grunt, his sword slipping from his fingers. His head hit the floor painfully and all he could do was close his eyes for a moment as he experienced an assortment of spinning colours.
When he opened his eyes it was to see Legolas' curious face staring down at him. The elf tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. "I will not allow you to cut into my shoulder."
"We will stop you Oliner!" Aragorn ground out between clenched teeth. He tried to sit up but the archer planted a foot on his chest firmly.
"I sincerely doubt that."
Aragorn glared up at the prince. "We will undo whatever you have done to Legolas and then your foul presence will be gone from this world. Middle-Earth will be rid of you!"
Legolas shifted his weight, placing more on the ranger's chest. "I am going to kill you, Aragorn." He kicked the human, hitting him in the nose again.
Aragorn cursed in elvish, his hands going instinctively to his nose. He felt hot blood assault his hands and senses. It ran down into his mouth, allowing him to taste it, it surrounded his nose, allowing him to smell its metallic scent. He grimaced and opened his eyes which he had closed in pain.
Legolas grinned own at him, now holding the human's discarded sword. As Aragorn had been momentarily sidetracked with his nose, Legolas had taken the opportunity to sweep down and claim the weapon. He pointed it at the ranger's throat threateningly.
Aragorn searched the elf's eyes for any sign of his friend, the Legolas he knew and loved like a brother. He knew that there was every chance Legolas was fighting to regain control but he wished that he would hurry up. He didn't want Oliner to kill him, not like this, not using Legolas.
"Well, here ends the life of Isildur's heir," the elf taunted sadistically before pressing own with the blade.
Legolas tackled Oliner's legs, desperate to stop him. His peripheral vision was blurred due to his state of half-consciousness but he was aware enough to know Oliner needed to be stopped. He groaned as he smacked into the everlasting blackness, bringing the captain down with him.
Oliner shrieked as he hit the hard blackness, dazing him for a moment. As soon as his vision cleared he kicked out at the barely conscious prince, knocking him back.
More blood spurted from Legolas' nose and split lip. He fell back, his vision blacking out dangerously before returning, still slightly hazy. "Leave…my father and Estel a-alone!"
"No," Oliner said aggressively, rising and approaching the figure sprawled out on the blackness. "You will pay for your continual interferences!"
Legolas scuttled backwards, his head still pounding. He didn't want Oliner to knock him out again, he wasn't sure he would be able to regain consciousness as quickly as he had been doing so far. "I will not allow you…to use me without fighting you."
The captain grinned down at Legolas, a sadistic spark in his eyes. "As much as I love to hear that, I cannot waste too much time on you." He bent and reefed the prince's head back by his golden locks. "Though, I can always spare a little while. Consider yourself an exception."
Legolas moaned as Oliner sent his fist crashing into his face. He felt even more blood dribble down his chin and his vision dim considerably. He struggled weakly against the captain but was held firmly in place by his hair.
"Aragorn is dead, Legolas, you killed him," Oliner purred next to the archer's ear softly. "You held the sword that pierced his heart."
"No…" Legolas moaned, pulling against the captain feebly. "No, you're lying!"
"I assure you I am not. He is dead, nothing more than a lifeless corpse staining the ground with his blood. I wonder what his final thoughts were as Legolas Greenleaf plunged the blade into his chest, as he felt his existence fading."
"Stop!" Legolas commanded feebly, glaring at Oliner icily. "Stop."
The captain chuckled and rammed his fist into Legolas' stomach, pleased when he gasped and tried to curl in on himself, only to be once again thwarted by the hand holding his hair. "Legolas, you killed Aragorn."
"NO!" Legolas thrashed wildly despite the pain in his scalp. He couldn't believe Aragorn was dead, he couldn't. Oliner had to be lying; he wished so much that Oliner was lying. He had no proof either way, though, and all he could do was hope. Hope. Aragorn was Hope. Was Hope gone? If Aragorn was dead, there was no Hope. If there was no Hope, what was the use in fighting?
Oliner grinned as Legolas' body slackened, a silver tear escaping the corner of the archer's eye. "I watched the pure, absolute horror that passed across his eyes before they glazed over."
Legolas released an involuntary, dry sob. "Estel…"
"Is dead," Oliner said happily. He lifted Legolas to his feet, smiling wickedly as the elf prince didn't struggle. "He is gone Legolas."
The prince gazed at Oliner sadly, a deep depression shining through his eyes. "I will kill you."
"I'm already dead," Oliner grinned. "In a way."
Legolas felt rage boil inside of him. This elf was responsible for the destruction of his life. This single elf. He growled inhumanly and swung his leg out, kicking the captain in the knee.
Oliner stumbled and gasped in pain. "I do not know why you insist on doing things the hard way, princeling."
Legolas didn't comment, only leapt forward and presented Oliner with a swift uppercut to the jaw. He gave the elf a second to stumble back before advancing once more and executing another uppercut.
The captain moaned and grabbed Legolas' wrist as the prince aimed for a third strike. He grinned at Legolas through blood and twisted his wrist painfully.
The prince gasped and dropped to his knees, surprised that Oliner had caught his fist mid-swing. He winced as his wrist was strained further. The captain was twisting his hand around, ignoring his bones' protests at being bent the wrong way.
He lifted his other hand to try and stop Oliner but was stopped by a swift hit to the head, stunning him. He cried out sharply as his hand was pulled around in a full circle. He felt his bones grating, shifting. It was excruciating and he cried out again.
Oliner laughed in pure glee as he twisted the archer's wrist. He shuddered in pleasure as he heard a sickening 'snap' followed by a short scream.
Legolas' forehead was covered in a fine layer of sweat and he trembled against his will, gasping and moaning with each movement his wrist made. It was definitely broken.
Oliner inhaled deeply, as if consuming the pain Legolas was feeling. "That was wonderful," he whispered.
Legolas grimaced in pain as the captain squeezed his wrist and emitted another anguished cry. He tried to pry Oliner's fingers off of his wrist but only succeeded in jostling the broken body part further. The captain held his wrist in a vice-like grip.
Oliner studied Legolas curiously. "I am going to break every bone in your body, princeling. Then, you will not interrupt me."
Legolas forced himself to form a coherent sentence. The pain was blinding. "W-what about…t-time?"
Oliner sneered. "I have all the time in the world." He pulled Legolas forward by the wrist, rolling his eyes in mirth when Legolas screamed again.
Legolas felt fear contort his stomach as Oliner grabbed his index finger. He tried to curl his hand into a fist but his wrist was experiencing too much pain. All he could do was stare, wide-eyed, as Oliner grabbed his finger lovingly. "Every. Single. Bone." He pushed it back harshly. There was a sickening crunch before Legolas cried out loudly. Agony shot through his body in unrelenting waves. He wished for unconsciousness now, it would be a blessing.
The captain grinned. "I am going to mutilate your body, princeling. Well, this body anyway. You will not interfere again."
Aragorn gaped as Legolas dropped to the ground, his eyes rolling back in his head. He sat up shakily, pushing the sword away from him. He had been a second away from being killed by his best friend.
He stood shakily, breathing deeply to clear his mind. He bent down and checked Legolas' pulse; glad the elf was only unconscious. Perhaps Legolas was fighting back, thwarting Oliner. It was a hopeful guess.
He just rested for a moment, thanking the Valar that he was still alive. Legolas had been less than a second away from ending his life, it was a miracle. If it had happened any later than when it had, he would not have been here right now to think about it.
He jumped slightly as Thranduil appeared behind him, worry etched into every feature of his face. "Legolas?"
Aragorn pointed at the limp form on the floor. "He was so close to killing me, hir nin, before slumping to the ground unconscious."
Thranduil sighed in relief and nodded. He bent down and picked his son up gently. "We must take him back to the healing ward and examine his wound as quickly as possible."
Aragorn nodded and reclaimed his sword, sheathing it in his scabbard. "I will go ahead and alert the healer to our coming."
The elf king nodded and started forward as fast as he could. He had a group of ten warriors with him, all of which were shooting cautious glances towards their limp prince. They were all armed and ready for a fight, should one arise.
Aragorn started forward at a jog, ignoring the protests from his delicate leg. He didn't want to reopen the wound but he needed to reach the ward as quickly as possible. He turned the corner and reached the ward a minute later. The healer looked up, surprised, as he entered.
"We have Legolas, King Thranduil is bringing him here now," Aragorn relayed, shifting awkwardly. They were going to cut into Legolas now.
The she-elf nodded. "I will prepare his bed." She moved over to the bed Legolas had been resting on earlier and began lifting sheets, preparing it for when Thranduil entered.
The king carried Legolas in a moment later, seeing the bed which was Legolas'. He laid his son down gently and made sure that he was in a comfortable position. "We need to examine his wound as fast as possible. I still do not want to risk herbs, not if he is fighting mentally, but he must remain unconscious." He signaled to a warrior to come forward. "If he awakens, do not hesitate to render him unconscious again."
The warrior nodded, still not looking all too confident about hitting his prince but the king had ordered him to do so, so he would. "As you wish, my king." He wordlessly drew his sword and held the hilt at the ready. He remained a short distance off though, to give the healer room to maneuver.
Thranduil nodded and moved back, making room for the healer. "Are you ready?"
The she-elf held up the small knife. "Yes, I will begin now. Though, searching for something small will not be easy. It may take awhile."
"Let's hope it doesn't. I do not want him to wake up before we finish, it will be an unpleasant experience. Begin."
The healer nodded and removed Legolas' newly acquired tunic. She grabbed a clean, wet cloth and began cleaning the wound so that it was sterile. She grabbed a towel to prepare for the amount of blood that would be involved before placing the knife back to the wound and reopening the small cut she had made earlier.
TBC
A/N: YAY!! Give it up for chapter twenty-one!! This story won't be too much longer, only a few chapters left. I hope you all continue to review; you've made this story such an enjoyable experience for me thus far! I will try an update in two days, which will make it Monday, though I am still busy so I'll give you a small warning. If it isn't up on Monday (but it really should be!!) it will be up really soon. I PROMISE! :)