Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings. I do not make any money from this story.
Mirkwood:
The King was talking about something or other. As Captain of the Guard, Aethelred knew he should be listening to it, but he was concerned. Granted, the King had never quite regained the normal, healthy elven glow, the proper weight, or vigour. Somedays, he seemed downright frail, as an aged king of man. However, as Aethelred watched, the King faltered, left hand clutching convulsively at the table. The moment passed, but the King's voice was becoming weaker, he had to pause for breath. Low murmurs spread through the hall as other elves noticed the King's weakness. Something was wrong. He would have to speak to Legolas.
Thankfully, the King finished his speech and things soon returned to normal, the merriment continuing late into the night. When they returned to Legolas' rooms, however, Legolas was insensible with wine. Tomorrow, Aethelred thought. He would talk tomorrow.
"Legolas."
"Yes, Aethelred?" Legolas asked.
"Your father-" Aethelred began.
"I know. He isn't well, I can tell. He's cold to the touch. He won't tell me anything, though. He keeps insisting he's fine and Uncle tells me not to worry, it's probably Father still adjusting, but he isn't well," said Legolas, a frown marring his face.
Aethelred relaxed, as least they would agree on that much. What would be wrong, though? He couldn't think of anything that would make the King deteriorate like that… Except… No. It couldn't be, why would he? But the symptoms fit.
"Cold to the touch, you say?" Aethelred said, sharply.
Legolas nodded.
"It-He shouldn't be, but Legolas, what if-what if he-he's…" Aethelred drifted off, shaking his head. He couldn't be.
"Aethelred?" Legolas asked.
"Well, what if he's fading?" asked Aethelred.
"Fading?" Legolas scoffed, "Why would he be fading?"
"I don't know, but do you have any other ideas?"
Legolas sighed. "I don't. But if he is, what should I do?"
"Contact Lord Elrond. As far as I know, there is no way to stop fading, but he is a great healer, he may know something. If nothing else, as another elven lord, he deserves to know. We can tell Lady Galadriel if it is confirmed, but don't tell her now, there is little she would probably do."
Legolas nodded. "I will do that. Thank you, my friend."
To: Elrond Eärendilion, Lord of Rivendell
From: Legolas Prince of Greenwood the Great, Heir Apparent
Lord Elrond,
I hope this letter finds you and your family well. I know I told you in my last letter that everything was well, however, that is not strictly true. My Father has been weakening. Initially, I thought that the odd falter in his speech, the need to pause for breath, the chills, were figments of my imagination, however after he nearly collapsed last night, Aethelred voiced his concern that my Father may be fadign, however, we have no idea as to the source. I do not know what ails him, but his symptoms are as follows:
~ He is constantly cold to the touch
~ He lacks the normal elven glow
~ He is losing weight
~ He has to pause for breath
~ His voices is weak
~ His lacks normal grace and balance
~ He is always tired
~ He locks himself away
Any help that you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Please hurry,
Legolas Thranduilion, Prince of Greenwood the Great, Heir Apparent
