Author's note: I am so sorry! I have left you all hanging for almost a week now! I offer my sincere apologies. I am graduating soon, so all of the duties I have been skirting are finally catching up to me, and I have finally found the consequences of procrastination. Expect delays the next few weeks!
Update: 5/18, 1:20am – I have updated to correct an error in the spelling of Eorl's name. Thanks to islanderjen for bringing it to my attention!
-:-
Legolas watched as Lainien jumped down from her horse yet again to check their path. Each time, she would crouch down, peering through the woods and occasionally taking in the scent of certain trees.
He could hear the muttering from the fellow guard as they watched her strange methods. Legolas alone understood her eccentric tracking; she was recalling the wolf's memory. No doubt Lainien could hear both the audible muttering and the thoughts of the guard, the latter being much more skeptical, but she hid it well, seemingly unperturbed by their opinions. She is either incredibly strong, he thought, or very accustomed to blocking out the hateful comments. Probably both.
"We are close," she announced, climbing back onto the horse and taking the lead. "Perhaps a few more miles."
Legolas narrowed his eyes to take in her form, noting the stern focus and vigilance laced in her features; furrowed brow and constantly narrowed eyes, ever roaming the trees. How far away can she hear thoughts? He hadn't thought of her gifts as a tactical advantage yet, and as he mused over how to utilize it to their advantage, he felt her eyes upon him.
Looking up, he met her eyes. As always in the forest, they held more expression than usual, her icy demeanor thawing to expose deep emotion. She watched him carefully for a moment before turning away. Legolas sighed and released the breath he had been holding. She always made him feel exposed with just a single glance.
Elladan's horse cantered past him and sidled up next to Lainien, who spared a glance and a soft smile for the elf.
"Do you feel prepared?" Elladan asked, concern easily readable even to Legolas, who didn't have the power to read his emotions. Legolas grinned as he saw Lainien hold back from rolling her eyes.
"Yes," she answered, returning her gaze to the forest.
"First battles are always memorable," he continued. "There is something infinitely unique about fighting alongside others."
Lainien turned to raise a brow at him. "This is not my first battle," she said, her tone rather lofty.
"Oh," Elladan said, clearing his throat uncomfortably. "I see." He waited for her elaboration in vain for several moments, Legolas watching on in silent giggles as Elladan shifted upon the horse's back, looking to Lainien every few seconds.
"I did not always live in this forest," Lainien finally explained, turning back to Elladan for a glance. "I have seen battle."
Legolas' curiosity spiked. It had been over 1,000 years since the last time he had seen her, and he had often wondered where she had gone and what she had done.
"You are still quite young," Elladan started, earning himself a stern glance from the elleth next to him. "How many battles could you have seen?"
"The wars of men are considered battles, are they not?" she asked, brow raised. Legolas smirked slightly at Elladan's surprise.
"You fought with men?" Elladan asked, surprise coloring his tone.
"Yes."
"Which battle? How did you find yourself among men?"
Legolas watched Lainien sigh and he chuckled. Dark blue eyes met his for a moment as she turned her glare upon him. Unperturbed, he let his mirth flow easily through the slow current of his thoughts. She rolled her eyes at him, turning back to Elladan.
"I rode with Eorl, leader of the Éothéod, into battle when Cirion, Steward of Gondor, called for aid in the Battle of the Field of Celebrant," she replied finally.
Legolas watched Elladan's eyes widen, and he himself was surprised. That was a fierce battle with many deaths, he recalled, and one of great importance to men.
"How did you come to be with Eorl son of Léod?" Elladan asked.
Legolas observed Lainien's eyes become distant as she sank into her memories, a peaceful look upon her face. She was fond of him, he realized, watching her brow unfurrow.
"When I was young, I stumbled upon Gondor soldiers in the land south of my home. They were preparing to fight against Easterlings who threatened their land. Captain Marhari was a proud man with extremely proficient fighting skills, but he lacked the knowledge of the forest, and thus was losing many among the dangers of the trees. We grew quite close despite our short time together."
Legolas listened, extremely interested to know that Lainien had still wandered Mirkwood almost 700 years after she was exiled. Why did she not leave?
"I helped his men find food in the dark forest and taught them skills to survive. When it came time to fight, I wished to stay by Marhari's side and fight for his homeland." She lowered her head and raised her hand to her chest.
"I was not able to save him from death," she said, voice low. "But," she continued, voice stronger now, "his son Marwhini, who carried his father's strength and leadership prowess, lead the few survivors north. I followed.
"I stayed with their people for many years, watching the crowning of several kings. I traded my knowledge of the woods for their knowledge of horse lore, which was exceptional."
She smiled lightly, bringing light to her eyes. "Eleanor, wife of Léod, had a beautiful son at the turn of my 600th year with the Éothéod. His eyes were a deep brown and his hair golden curls with skin pearly white. The child was instantly popular, as our little Estel is now," she chuckled, her laugh bringing even greater light to her face, completely losing its severe intensity, Legolas noted with a soft smile of his own.
"A stubborn and proud child he became, growing close with his horse and the ladies," she chuckled again at memories Legolas wished he could hear. But then her face fell. "At the young age of just 16, his father was killed in an accident. Eorl then become the youngest king of the Éothéod.
"I aided him as best I could, and he did extremely well. Eleanor and I had no worries for him. He grew into a fine king over the years and took a beautiful wife, much to the dismay of the women in the kingdom.
"Ten years passed when a messenger arrived, bearing news that Gondor was expecting an attack from Easterlings and called for aid. After little debate, Eorl led 7,000 mounted soldiers and together we rode into battle."
She ended her story, leaving Elladan still staring at her. Legolas looked to his right to see Haldir also staring a Lainien, his brows furrowed in thought. How incredibly useful it would be to hear thoughts, Legolas mused, curious of Haldir's thoughts to make such a face.
The group settled into silence, the guard on high alert as they followed Lainien's horse through the trees. Time passed as they moved through the forest, and Legolas' eyes were suddenly drawn to Lainien's back as she straightened, whipping her head to the left of their trail.
What has she heard? he though after turning to find nothing with his eyes in that direction.
Legolas turned back to Lainien, a question upon his lips, only to see her looking at him, eyes wide in fear.
"Duck!" she ordered, reaching out to him.
The sheer terror in her eyes made him follow the direction without hesitation. Legolas moved low against his horse's neck, the grey mane of his mare tickling his nose, and he felt the air stir above his head. An arrow!
By the time he righted himself, his bow was strung and pointed in the direction from which the arrow had come. "Where are they?" he shouted to Lainien, eyes searching the trees. "Lainien?" he called, turning to catch a glimpse of the elf. She was standing upon the back of her horse and reaching up into the trees.
"Lainien!" Elladan called, turning away from the threat to watch her pull her form onto a branch and moving through the tree, bow drawn.
"She will find them," Haedirn said, moving his horse to stand in front of Legolas. "She is seeking higher ground to gain the attack position, as she was taught."
"I will follow," Legolas started, preparing to join Lainien in the tree.
"No," Haedirn said harshly. "I will go." He turned to another Mirkwood guard, beckoning him to his side. "Stay with him," he ordered before climbing upon another branch and disappearing into the trees.
There was tense silence between the guards as they aimed their bows into the trees, straining their eyes and ears for a sign of the enemy. Several moments passed, and Elladan began shifting uneasily on the back of his mare, eyes wandering to the treetops. Legolas gave him a stern glare, stilling the restless elf. They will be fine.
With no sound to offer warning, Lainien dropped down from the trees 20 yards from the group, bow in hand. "Scouts," she said, voice tense and rough. She turned to watch Haedirn descend to the ground next to her. "Thank you," she said, nodding to the elf. "For your help."
Haedirn smiled and rested a hand upon her shoulder. Then he walked back to his horse. Legolas turned to observe the Guard. They still looked at Lainien wearily, but it was far more hopeful than the sinister glances they had been treating her to earlier. There is hope for them yet.
Legolas sighed as he watched his Captain and Lainien return to their horses and start off again, scanning the two for any injuries. Content that neither appeared hurt, he muttered directions to his mare and followed the rest.
"Are you hurt?" Elladan asked, coming to Lainien's side again.
"No, I am not," she responded, turning to him and softening her eyes at his concern.
Legolas resisted the urge to roll his eyes – I must be picking up poor habits from Lainien – at Elladan's question. She would not admit to it even if she were injured. What a useless question, he thought, a rather cold note in the tone of his thoughts.
This earned him a glance from Lainien. Don't try and deny it, he thought, aiming his thoughts at the elf. Stubborn elf. Her only response was to roll her eyes at him for the umpteenth time.
-:-
Legolas notched an arrow, pulling it back and resting it against the corner of his lip, aiming down at the creatures below. There are many more than we had expected, he thought, but we have the advantage of surprise. His eyes moved to scan the trees, ensuring the Guard was in correct position.
His eyes glanced over Lainien, noting the hard glint in her eyes as she stared down. Her predatory gaze was unnerving, and he could understand Haldir's fear of the elleth. She is an extremely proficient killing machine, he thought, recalling the first time he had seen her fight. Haldir will come to either fear her more, or respect her greatly at the end of all this.
Dark blue eyes flashed to him from across the small clearing. Are we ready? She gave a slight nod and returned her glance to the orcs below. Legolas motioned to the Guard, giving the signal to prepare.
At his second signal, just a slight motion of his fingers, all fired. The orcs scattered as their fellows began to fall to the arrows coming swiftly in all directions.
Lainien, Legolas called in his mind. The elf turned her gaze to him for a moment in response before aiming and firing again. Follow the group escaping to the south. Bring Haldir. He added, nodding to the elf closest to her. She turned and leapt to the branch next to Haldir, touching his arm and motioning to follow her. The two bounded through the trees in pursuit of the escaping enemy.
Arrows spent, Legolas moved down the tree and pulled out his short swords, breathing deeply and preparing to fight.
Around him, Elladan, Amras, Haedirn, and the rest of the guard descended as well, each drawing weapons with resolve bright in their features.
Elladan and Haedirn each led a small group of elves, attacking from one end of the clearing, while Legolas and Orophin, Haldir's second-in-command, led the remaining Guard to attack from the opposite side.
The four groups surrounded the orcs, attacking swiftly. Several fell in the first few moments, overwhelmed by the sudden presence of the elven fighters, but soon their large number helped them gain advantage over the elves.
A soft grunt from across the clearing made Legolas look up. Elladan had his back against a tree fighting two orcs, blood running down the side of his leg. Amras left the several enemies he was fighting to move to his captain's side, gutting the orc directly in front of Elladan and turning to the second. His distraction gave Elladan precious seconds to wrap his upper thigh with fabric from his tunic, swearing lightly as he tied the fabric.
Before Legolas could move to assist the pair, he heard movement behind him and slashed out, cutting down the orc approaching from behind. He continued his swing, ducking to avoid the blade from the enemy coming from the side, and caught the orc in the arm with his first blade, the second catching it in the stomach.
He sidestepped another creature, crouching low as he had seen Lainien do so often in practice, and struck out at the knees of the creature beside him. It fell back, harsh voice breaking in an animalistic cry
From his crouched position he now faced another two orcs, who towered above him. Legolas moved quickly to the side, dodging the first sword. The second orc moved toward him and he blocked the downward cut with his swords. Its companion moved to strike him, the axe moving swiftly toward his shoulder.
Grunting with effort, Legolas moved one sword from its position holding off the first orc, to block the second. Both pressed down with surprising strength, forcing the elf to one knee, pushing hard against his enemy.
He spared a glance toward the other group, slight panic building as two more creatures came to the aid of their companions. I will not fall here, he thought, snarling up at the creatures. With his right hand he lunged forward, ducking under the blade that came at his shoulder. His sword connected with the orc, piercing his middle. Pulling the blade out of the fallen orc, he moved to strike his fellow.
The blade was stopped by one of the incoming orcs, who then moved his blade down the elf's, connecting with Legolas' forearm. He hissed in pain, but struck out at the creature, landing a blow of his own. Still close to the ground with now three orcs upon him, he was out of many options.
He kicked out at one, catching him off balance, and moved to strike, when another swung its axe, aiming at his chest. Switching directions quickly, he pulled his sword to block the incoming weapon. Growling lightly as the contact jarred his injured arm, he held his position, the orc's axe stopping inches from his shoulder.
The orc grinned, sharp yellow teeth clenched in a wicked smile, gurgling laughter sending chills down Legolas' neck. His eyes searched for weaknesses in his opponent, registering that he favored his left leg. Striking out again with his foot, he connected with the orc's knee, a loud snap audible over the sounds of battle.
One orc down, he scrambled back from the remaining two, watching them with sharp eyes. He turned his head at the sound of footsteps and took in a large club wielded by a savage-looking orc, his face twisted in a sinister grin. He moved back, but not fast enough to avoid the entirety of the enormous weapon. It made contact with the side of his head above his left ear, sending him crashing to the ground, bright lights flashing before his closed eyelids.
Legolas tried to blink the light away, holding on desperately to his swords, instinctively swinging out before him in self-preservation. But now three orcs were bearing down upon him, his befuddled head showing six hazy figures with raised weapons.
He raised his swords, preparing to defend himself, his head pounding and world spinning.
A lithe figure appeared, standing between him and the oncoming orcs, double swords covered in black blood raised in his defense. Legolas narrowed his eyes to focus on the figure as it struck out at the first orc. Lainien.
There was no mistaking her now. He recognized her quick, abrupt fighting style which lacked fluidity and technique, but quite capable in its raw power, speed and precision. Legolas shook his head, trying to clear away to dizziness and pounding.
Lainien's head turned slightly, her eyes catching his for a moment. He noted the movement and projected his thoughts to her. I have no serious injuries, I just need a moment. Collecting himself, he stood.
Legolas moved toward her, eyes raking her form to check for injuries. She moves with no hesitation to suggest any pain, he thought. Content with his cursory inspection, he came to her side, bringing his sword to deflect a blow from an enemy.
Together they fought, their contrasting forms and techniques flowing together as a formidable opponent to any orc coming their way. Legolas dispatched his final foe and turned to Lainien.
The elleth was standing amid the bodies of her foes, eyes keen and bright, with her tangled hair coming loose in curls against her neck, which shined in sweat. Legolas found his eyes drawn to one curl that gathered in the hallow of her collarbone, which was now exposed due to tearing of the fabric at her throat.
He moved his eyes quickly to hers again, which were boring into his own, a slightly accusatory glare in them. Legolas cut off the flow of his thoughts swiftly, ears turning slightly pink. Though that will only serve to criminalize myself more in her eyes, he thought.
"Lainien!" Elladan called, anxiety thick in his voice. "You're hurt!"
Legolas' eyes widened in surprise, sweeping her form again before turning back to Elladan, who bounded over to her side. She flinched away from his touch, caution in her eyes.
"Do not touch me," she said, her voice harsh and cold. Elladan's shoulders slumped forward, hurt in his eyes at her rebuff.
Legolas watched as Lainien backed away slowly, eyes darting to the remaining elves in the clearing.
"Let her be for a while, Elladan," Legolas said, coming to the elf's side and resting a hand upon his shoulder. "She needs time to recover from the fight before we approach." He led the concerned elf to the other side of the clearing to join a weary looking Haldir and Haedirn.
We will stay here until you are ready to have your injury tended, he thought, turning his eyes back to Lainien. She held his glance for a moment, relief shining in her eyes for a second before cold indifference returned. She nodded and retreated to the trees, where she gathered herself amid its roots and sat, cross-legged with her eyes closed.
Legolas returned his glance to the group, and began tending to wounds. Haedirn had sustained a blow to his ribs that had likely broken several of them, dark purple bruising already forming against his pale skin. "It will be fine," he said, swatting away Legolas' concerned hand.
Finally, Legolas stood and looked over to where Lainien was still sitting, seemingly in a meditative position with her legs crossed and hands upon her knees. At his glance, she opened her eyes, focusing upon him.
"Lainien," Elladan called out, moving in front of Legolas and examining the elleth for himself. "Please come, your back needs treatment." Legolas' eyes widened. Her back?
Elladan moved forward, coming to stop at her side. "I will clean the wound," he said softly, leaning down beside her.
"I am sorry for my harsh words," she said suddenly, looking at Elladan, contrition evident in her dark blue eyes. Elladan looked surprised, but recovered quickly. "It is nothing." He brought forth the cloth and water to clean the wound. Legolas watched Lainien lean back, away from his hand.
"I will tend to it myself when we reach the city," she said, quite adamantly. Legolas watched the hurt play across Elladan's features. The injury is not in a sensitive location, Legolas thought, puzzled at her resistance. At the thought, her eyes caught his, and she sent him a desperate look. He frowned, thinking. Her back… her back! Understanding hit him hard.
"The Young Prince can assist me," Lainien said suddenly, standing swiftly and moving away from Elladan, whose face was now a mixture of several emotions.
Feeling the disbelief from Elladan, Legolas turned and retrieved medical supplies. Gathering the goods into his arms, he met Haedirn's glance – the elf's eyes were bright with humor and he wiggled his eyebrows at him. Legolas rolled his eyes at his Captain's antics during such a situation, and turned to approach Lainien.
Elladan was still quietly arguing with her, insisting that he could help her just as well. "Elladan," she said tiredly, "I would prefer this."
"Yes, but why?" he asked, a slight whine creeping into his voice. Legolas narrowed his eyes at the elf. "It is not like you to act petulantly," he said, surprised at the venom in his own voice. Elladan mirrored his surprise, but Lainien just turned to catch his gaze, a mask of ice covering her features.
Elladan held Legolas' gaze for a moment before standing and turning his back on the pair. Legolas sighed. Such a difficult elf.
Legolas moved to sit behind Lainien, noting the way she watched his every move carefully, her eyes hawkish and predatory. He moved his eyes to her back and gasped softly.
Flashes of memories played before his eyes as he gazed upon her blood-soaked back. Lainien immediately stiffened, watching his memories. "My apologies," he said, recovering quickly. Wetting the cloth, he began cleaning the wound. His brow rose as Lainien sat quietly, uttering no sound nor tensing in pain at his ministrations. She is strong and proud, he noted, observing the deep cut and realizing the great pain she must be in.
When the wound had been cleaned, he lifted the edge of her tunic to wash the blood off the remainder of her skin. She hissed, a low feral sound escaping her throat as she turned to him with warning clear in her eyes.
"I will need more direct contact to clean it properly and assess the severity," he explained. Legolas waited for her permission, holding her gaze as she contemplated him. I already know what I will find, he insisted quietly, trying to whisper the thoughts to her.
She sighed, the fire leaving her eyes to be replaced by sadness. "Do what you will."
He nodded to her and lifted the several layers, exposing a large expanse of ivory skin. Legolas couldn't prevent the intake of breath at the sight of soft skin marred by thick white lines running from the base of her neck and disappearing at the line of her leggings. They run so deep! He thought, astonished. How did she survive such an attack? How could a father do this to his own child? His thoughts whirled with questions and contrasting emotions of pity and disgust.
"If it is so unappealing to your eyes," Lainien snapped at him, "then I will deal with it myself." She pulled down the fabric and made to stand, anger etched in the lines of her face.
"No," Legolas argued, grabbing her wrist. "That is not it. I hold no disgust toward you, but to the elf who put these marks upon you." He held onto her wrist, knowing the contact would strengthen her ability to read his conviction and earnest. "Now, allow me to finish helping you. You are still bleeding."
She continued to stare at him with narrowed eyes. Legolas was quite sure she was still evaluating his mind, and so he left it deliberately open and free, welcoming the intrusion. After a tense moment, Lainien relaxed her shoulders and pulled her wrist from him. "You may continue," she said quietly, turning away from him.
Legolas waited a moment before pulling up her shirt again, exposing her back once more. "It is not very deep, but I will bind it until Lord Elrond can decide if you need stitches," he explained, carefully wiping blood off her skin.
He finished his work, sliding his hand across the fabric now tight against the cut, but stopped as Lainien shivered violently. Did I hurt you? He checked for new blood, but found nothing.
"I am fine, thank you for your assistance," she said quickly, standing abruptly. She made her way swiftly to Haedirn, coming to stand by his side rather stiffly. Legolas sighed and stood, making his own way back to his horse.
Elladan mounted his horse, looking around as the others followed. "We ride for Imladris," he said, eyes stern. Legolas observed the elf, noticing the rigid set of his shoulders and tight grip upon his reigns, a cold, stern glare in his eyes. Such emotion will only hinder him from his goal, he thought, pitying the elf.
He turned his eyes to Lainien, noting her continued stiff stance, even now upon her horse. Is she feeling pain? He wondered, thinking back to the wound. It was not very deep, but no doubt causes pain. Not that she hasn't suffered through worse, he reasoned. Slowly, Legolas took in a deep breath, closing his eyes and focusing on his heartbeat. Taking a moment to ensure he had completed the task of closing his mind, he let out his breath.
He then let his thoughts wander to the deep scars upon the elleth's back in the privacy of his own mind. The marred skin sent several feelings bubbling up in his chest. Guilt and sadness first that flowed slowly toward anger and resentment. Toward who? Myself? Her father? MY father? He wasn't sure. I still have so many reservations about my feelings toward the elf.
She is strong and efficient in battle, he reasoned, thus, a proficient guard for the Heir of Men. But she lacks social skills and often falls into visions of her own nightmares, losing sight of the present. She is certainly not stable.
But there is lightness in her soul sometimes, another part of him argued against the cold pessimism. She cares for a few with warmth and gentleness that radiates with love, which I did not think would be possible for one with such a dark past.
She is certainly an enigma, he thought, shaking his head slightly. But she is worth the struggle to comprehend, even should it take years. I will not try to fix her, but rather, come to understand the elf she has become with the hopes of gaining her trust and, eventually, friendship.
His thoughts echoed in his mind, moving slowly and presenting him with a vision of her back; the smooth, ivory skin shining lightly in the filtered golden light from the sun. She was so soft, contrary to the harsh severity of her piercing eyes. And warm… Legolas looked down at his hand, rubbing his thumb gently over his fingers. He shivered.
Shaking his head, he cleared the suddenly uncomfortable image from his mind, and brought his horse next to Haedirn's, content to listen to the elf's descriptions of the new home he built. Friendship, Legolas repeated in his head, mentally chastising himself. I will be lucky to gain even that from the cold elleth. The elf sighed and returned his eyes to the forest, forcing his mind to wander easier paths as the rhythmic steps of his horse matched his heartbeat as it returned to its normal, steady beat.