Warnings: Violence
"Is...is he safe?" Gloin asked in shock, staring at the large wolf.
"Will he attack?" Bofur gulped. Legolas narrowed his eyes evilly.
"Only those he considers a threat." He said smoothly, reminding Elrond too much of Thranduil. The dwarves tried to harden their faces. Estel, however, moved forward.
"Hello there, boy." He said cheerily to the wolf. "I'm Estel. Alasse talks so much about you. Do you like Lembas?" He reached into his pocket and pulled out a large cake of Elvish shortbread.
"No, Estel. He does not." Legolas shook his head. "He loves it!" Estel smiled and handed the predator the treat. Fluffy scarfed it down in only four bites! Bilbo shuddered. He'd seen the sharp teeth. The creature could snap any of them up in less than a moment if he wanted to!
"There you go." Estel giggled, petting the wolf on the head. "I can give you more later!"
"Here, boy. Here, boy!" Bofur whistled to Fluffy, offering him some hardened biscuits. He did not know if the elf prince would approve of them trying to appease his dangerous pet. But Bofur, for one, did not want to become wolf meat! Fluffy stealthily approached, rising to his full height from sitting. "Good boy, good boy," Bofur crooned shakily, holding out his hand. Fluffy stood right in front of him, looking ready to pounce. Bilbo squeezed his eyes shut. Fluffy opened his large mouth as if to bite the dwarf's hand. But instead, he lapped out his long tongue and swallowed up the biscuits. Bofur could breathe again! "Yes, yes. That's it. You're a good fellow, aren't you?" He chuckled. Fluffy sniffed the dwarf's pockets. "Oh, sorry. That's all I've got."
"Here, laddie. Over here." Gloin called to Fluffy, offering some jerky. Fluffy came right to him. Soon, all the dwarves had fed the wolf till he sat down but watched them expectantly. Estel came from behind and scratched his ears.
"Ada is never going to let me hear the end of this!" Legolas whispered to his kin.
"It'll be good for him." Elrohir said. "He should learn that not everyone has to be stiff and unapproachable like him."
While Balin, Nori, Dwalin, and Gandalf worked on the 'jewels' to present to the criminals, Elrond, Glorfindel, Erestor, the boys, and the other dwarves went over maps of the Misty Mountains. Elrond pressed to Legolas that even with Fluffy's assistance, they would still need a map, especially if any passages were blocked and they needed a detour.
"Devlin, Devlin..." Legolas kept muttering to himself. "Where have I heard that name before?"
"I have been pondering over the same question." Glorfindel said. Elrond had forced him to at least sit down. "Legolas, this is the dagger they stabbed me with." He set a brown cloth on the desk and opened it. The weapon fine blade was bloodstained. Legolas stared at it and picked it up and gazed pensively at it.
"This belonged to a wood elf!" Legolas gasped, realization quickly sinking in. "The inscriptions, the design. This came from my kingdom!" He spaced out for a moment. "I know who he is!"
"You do?" Elrond asked.
"Devlin. Now I never met him in person that I remember, for I was very young. But I recently learned of him from our military history that our captain has been teaching me!" Legolas exclaimed. "He once attacked a village of humans without provocation or warning. Ada banished him for it. What I can't understand is how he knew we were here, unless he'd planning this for a long time."
"That seems the most logical explanation." Gloin said.
"That would explain how he knows of the Gems of Lasgalen. And why he was able to stab my captain with such efficiency" Elrond added.
"But why, why would he attack Alasse? She wasn't even alive then!"
"Revenge, elfling." Oin shook his head. "If this Devilin-"
"Devlin."
"Close enough. If he has harbored a grudge all this time, he will use any amount of leverage he thinks will benefit him."
"You speak as if you have experienced this before." Elladan spoke up.
"Ai. This is not the first time that Fili and Kili were kidnapped and held hostage." Bofur said sadly. "They were only children when it happened! Fortunately, Thorin knew exactly who it was when his sister Dis received the note demanding ransom. He knew the blackguard had a secret hideout that he thought no one knew of, and so we executed a secret ambush at that location and rescued the lads."
"Nasty fellow he was!" Dori hissed. "Beat the poor laddies he did."
"If their attack on Glorfindel are any indication, then Thranduil, Alasse, Fili, and Kili will need tending when they are rescued." Erestor pointed out.
"That is what I am afraid of." Legolas gulped hard. He hated to think of those jerks hurting his father, who would surely give him an earful, but even worse, of them going after his baby sister! She was only a little girl!
"Fluffy will give them what for!" Estel smiled proudly. He was sitting down on the floor, petting the large wolf sitting next to him, straight and alert like any soldier. Bilbo was still afraid to go near the creature. "And so will I!" Estel announced. Everyone turned and gaped at him.
"No you will not!" Elrond declared firmly. "You are staying here with me."
"But, Ada!" Estel whined. "I'm a big boy now. And I want to help my friends!"
"It is too dangerous." Elrond said firmly, giving his 'death glare'. Estel glared back at him, but tears were starting to form in his eyes.
"But why can't I help? I'm not afraid!" Estel persisted. "The dwarves are as big as I am, and you're letting them go. You're not being fair!"
"Enough, Estel." Elrond said. Estel rose to his feet and marched angrily from the room. Elrond rubbed his head in frustration.
"You're making the right choice, mellon." Glorfindel told him. Legolas started to go after his little friend, but Bofur and Gloin stopped him.
"We'll see to him, Your Highness." Bofur smiled. Legolas arched his eyebrows.
"A lot like Kili, that one is." Gloin said fondly. "Fearless, reckless, but heroic."
"Reckless is right." Elrond muttered. Legolas silently nodded to Fluffy to find Estel. Bofur and Gloin followed him.
"So, we know that Thranduil, Alasse, and the princes are being held by an elf!" Elrohir shook his head. "But what does this Malcolm figure have to do with it?"
"I do not know." Legolas sighed.
"Easy money." Dori offered. "You all think we dwarves are the greedy ones! Have you forgotten the many misdeeds of men, all to feed their hunger for power?" Elrond listened quietly. Yes, the dwarf was right. If not for a man, and his weakness for power, much of the evil in Middle Earth would not be here right now! If only Isildur had tossed the Ring inside Mount Doom!
"Surely you do not think all men are the same." Bilbo suggested. In his constant silence, they'd forgotten he was even there.
"No, not all." Elladan smiled, sharing a knowing look with his brother as they thought of their little brother Estel.
Estel was standing on one of the balconies, propping his elbows on the railing, sulking. Fluffy bounded silently to him and nudge his arm with his big head. "What do you want?" Estel grumbled at him. Fluffy nudged him in the side with his nose. "Stop." Estel said, irritated.
"Do you think you are the only boy to feel left out of a battle, laddie?" Bofur smiled as he and Gloin appeared.
"Yes." Estel groaned. The dwarves moved closer, standing on each side of him.
"Nothing could be further from the truth, young one." Gloin chuckled. "Ai, our little Kili was a lot like you once. The youngest, the smallest..."
"I'm not that small!" Estel protested.
"Our apologies." Bofur grinned.
"Of course you're not, lad." Gloin played along. "Seemed he was always having to sit back at home and get left behind while the older, and bigger folk got to have all the fun. Kili would not stand for it. He would fuss and protest till his mum had a massive headache."
"Sounds like Ada and Glorfindel." Estel sulked. "When did they let him fight?"
"When he was ready. Ai, he had a stout heart!" Bofur said fondly. "He was quick with a blade and bow, but too rash. He did not pay attention first. Got him into many bumps and bruises."
"I don't care about bumps and bruises." Estel huffed. "I just want to help. Glorfindel and my brothers are teaching me to fight. I can fight! But Ada won't let me."
"And he is right, lad." Gloin said.
"I knew it. Everyone is on his side. I hate being small!" Estel growled.
"We are not ashamed of being small."
"But you're men. Everyone always says, 'You're too small, Estel. You're too young, Estel. You're too impatient. It's too dangerous. When you get older.' If they don't let me fight, I'll never get older!" He covered his head with hands.
"Sure you will, Estel. It will be here before you know it!" Bofur patted his shoulder.
"It feels like forever! I'm tired of being a boy. I want to be a man!"
"Then start acting like one." Gloin said gruffly.
"What?" Estel frowned at him.
"A man doesn't fritter away and throw a tantrum every time he doesn't get his way." Gloin said, as if he was talking to his son Gimli.
"But it's not fair."
"There is much in this life that is not fair."
"Do you think it's fair that your friends are being held captive?" Bofur asked softly.
"No, I don't! That's why I want to go too." Estel declared.
"Your father has a lot on his mind, laddie. He's worried about his friends, and you."
"I can take care of myself." Estel threw out his chest.
"Ai, that you can. But your father has lived a long time and seen much sorrow." Bofur said. "He does not wish you to burdened with that. There are some horrors he cannot forget, and it makes him sad. He wants you to be happy, not sad like he is because of the terrible things he's known. He wants you to be happy, so you can make others happy."
Estel cocked his head. "How did you know that?" He sputtered. "That is exactly what Glorfindel said about Ada!"
"We've lived a long time too, boy. And I feel exactly the same about my son Gimli." Gloin explained. "I want him to enjoy his boyhood before he has to bear all those sad things. Your father is wise. Do you want to make him more sad by ignoring him?"
"No! I don't!" Estel's angry face slipped away. "I should apologize!"
"There's a good lad." Bofur smiled. Estel ran from them and back to Elrond's study.
"Ada! Ada!" Estel cried. Elrond turned and Estel ran into him, throwing his arms around his waist. "I'm sorry, Ada. I'm sorry!"
"Sorry for what, Estel?" Elrond asked.
"For making you sadder." Estel looked up at him contritely. "You have seen much sorrow and want me to be happy, and not sad like you. And I made you feel worse because I was angry. I'm sorry, Ada!"
"Shh. It is alright, Estel." Elrond smiled. "I still do not wish for you to go along with Legolas and your brothers. But that does mean I didn't want you to help at all."
"Really?" Estel's eyes perked up.
"Ai. I have a strong feeling that King Thranduil, Alasse, and the dwarf princes will be hurt or sick when Legolas brings them home." Elrond said. "Do you think you could give me a hand in the healing ward, tending to their needs?"
"Yes! Yes, Ada! I can do that." Estel beamed. Elrond was training him even now to be a healer , and Estel was always eager to practice what he'd been taught.
"I am glad to hear that. That will be very important work, son." Elrond smiled.
"Yes, Estel. I shall feel very relieved knowing my friend will be ready and waiting to take care of my family. I know I can trust you to do a sufficient job." Legolas added.
"I'll do it!" Estel grabbed his father's arm.
"What did you say to him?" Glorfindel gaped at Bofur and Gloin. "Normally, his addle-brained brothers would be coercing him into a plot to fool his father and sneak out!"
"Hey!" Elladan and Elrohir protested.
Just at that moment, Gandalf and the others reentered. Thorin was shocked at the sight of the wolf. "Dwalin!" He hollered.
"It's alright, Thorin. He's our friend. See?" Bofur said. He went right to the dog and pat him. Fluffy merely panted happily. Thorin rolled his eyes and slowly sheathed his sword back into its place. These elves and their lifestyle was becoming screwier by the hour: a human son, then a pet wolf? What were they going to come up with next?
"How did it go? Are the fakes ready?" Legolas asked anxiously.
"I believe so." Balin nodded, smiling warmly. They laid two covered items on the desk and revealed them. One was a gorgeous necklace, of white and shiny silver with sparkling diamonds. It was breathtaking. "It may not be an exact copy of the Gems of Lasgalen, for it has been a long time since I have laid eyes on them." Balin said. "But Thorin remembered them better than I, and I believe they should suffice to fool the enemy."
"Indeed," Legolas whispered in awe, "you have outdone yourself, Master Dwarf. Although I have never laid eyes on the necklace myself, if this is even close to it, your skills at craft-making are remarkable! I do not know how to thank you for going out of your way to do this. You did not have to."
"Yes, we did." Thorin muttered. "If it hadn't been for my grandfather, we would never be in this mess, the rift with you elves or Smaug. His greed got us into this. We will put right his mistakes." It wasn't easy for him to say that, especially in front of people he still considered 'enemies'. It had taken a lot of gumption and no small part of persuasion from Balin for him to admit that out loud! But as he looked back on Thror's actions, whether he'd been in his right mind or not, he couldn't deny that so much trouble had happened because of his grandfather's greed. And even though Thranduil was the last soul on earth Thorin wanted to help at all, he unlike the elf, was willing to help those in need outside of his kin, even if he didn't always show it-for he too had known how difficult it was to scrape and struggle for survival.
"Besides, I feel we owe King Thranduil a recompense after the necklace was withheld from him." Balin said. "Perhaps then things may have turned out differently when Smaug attacked us. Perhaps we would not be scattered now."
Legolas stared at the little men. They truly did take their honor seriously! At least, this bunch did. Maybe his father was wrong. Yes, maybe Thranduil was wrong! Not all dwarves were treasure-hungry.
"What is that supposed to be?" Estel asked in awe at the other gem.
"That, my dear boy, is our replica of the Arkenstone." Balin said. Indeed, a round, white stone with blue and gold ripples flickering over it shone brightly inside the elf lord's study.
"It's...glorious." Elrohir stated with wide eyes.
"The heart of the mountain." Oin nodded. "The king's jewel."
"And worth a king's ransom." Bilbo murmured. He'd never seen the Arkenstone in person, but he had heard Balin, Gandalf, and Thorin speak of it many times. If this was only an artificial one, he could not begin to imagine how dazzling the real one was to the eyes!
"How did you get it to glow?" Elrond asked. Even he was stunned by this accomplishment! Dwarves did not use magic! Did they?
"Well, I may have helped a little with that." Gandalf said. "After all, we want it appear as authentic as possible." Estel hesitated, afraid that if he touched it, the magnificent stone would dissolve completely. But he couldn't help himself and reached out to run his fingers over it.
"Ooo..." He shivered. "It feels like silk. It's so smooth."
"Ahem!" Bilbo cleared his throat. "If I may say, if the kidnappers have never laid eyes on the true treasures in person, then I am willing to bet that they would not know the difference between these and the original gems!"
"No, indeed!" Elrohir agreed. "If luck is on our side, they will be fooled completely!"
"Elrond, my friend, would care to look over these?" Gandalf asked, showing his new sword. Thorin too, stepped forward, bearing a large, white, Elvish blade. Elrond took that one first. Legolas's eyes widened.
"These are old swords, of the High Elves of the West, my kin." Elrond explained, studying Thorin's sword closely. "Made in Gondolin for the Goblin wars. This is Orcrist, the Goblin Cleaver! A famous blade indeed." Elrond stated in astonishment, surprised at the party who had found it. "It will serve you well. You could not wish for a finer blade." Elrond said as he handed it back to Thorin, who lightly bowed and stared at the sword with new interest.
Goblin cleaver, eh? That could be useful! He thought to himself. Legolas, however, did not share his enthusiasm and was astounded at Elrond's generosity.
"You would hand over the famous blade of our kin to the hands of a dwarf?" He questioned the wise one in Elvish. "None but an elf should be allowed to wield, let alone bear that blade!"
Elrond gave him a skeptical look. Yes, Legolas was more open to asking for help when he needed it in this case than Thranduil would be, that was for sure! But the prince still had his father's pride! "And yet it was not an elf who found and retrieved it after all this time now, was it?" Elrond replied quietly, perfectly calm. Legolas looked up at him sheepishly, reminding the elf lord of when he was a little elfling and had gotten in trouble with the twins.
Thorin pondered what Elrond had said when describing Orcrist. Even though he detested elves, what were the chances of him finding a blade of the best forgers, in a troll hole, and this wise, regal elf lord freely giving it to him for safe keeping? Even Thorin, as stubborn and proud as he was, was blown away and humbled. "I will keep this sword with honor. May it soon cleave Goblins once again!" He declared. Gandalf smiled proudly at him. Thorin was coming a long way in this quest. As was little Bilbo. Legolas shrugged. What was done was done. Besides, he had much more important things to worry about than arguing the Finder's Keeper's rule!
"And this is Glamdring, the Foe-hammer." Elrond spoke again, studying Gandalf's sword. "How did you come by these?"
"Yes." Legolas gazed down suspiciously at Thorin. "Where did you get this?" Thorin glowered back at him.
"In case you have forgotten how to use your eyes just now, it was given to me, Wood Elf." Thorin huffed.
"We found them in a troll hole, shortly before we were ambushed by Orcs along the Great East Road." Gandalf explained quickly.
Bilbo began to pull out his small sword Gandalf had given him, eager to find out what famous blade he owned now. "I wouldn't bother, laddie." Balin stopped him. "Swords are named for their great deeds in war."
"What? You're saying my blade hasn't seen battles?" Bilbo sputtered, offended and a bit hurt.
"I'm not even sure it is a sword." Balin said dismissively. "More of a letter opener, really." Bilbo frowned darkly and sheathed his sword back in.
"Well, I believe you are ready to set out. Fluffy will lead you, but you must bring a map so no one gets turned around. I suggest everyone rest up, and be prepared to leave for the mountains at dawn." Elrond instructed. "I shall remain here with Estel and prepare the healing rooms for everything we might need. I have a strong feeling we will need them."
"What? You're not going to even leave the safety of your home to help your friends?" Dwalin spat.
"Confound it, do shut up, Dwalin!" Gandalf bellowed. "Lord Elrond is a great master of healing, the best in Middle Earth! If young Fili and Kili have been inflicted with some dark spell of magic or poison from this wicked elf who took them, Lord Elrond will be more than capable to remove it from them and save them. If you have a problem with that, I suggest you leave the room!"
"And there is no one better I would entrust my father or sister to if they were grievously injured!" Legolas said firmly.
"Dwalin, apologize." Thorin muttered quietly. Dwalin growled with wide eyes. He had to have heard wrong! Thorin was telling him to apologize to an elf?!
"Do you realize what you are saying, Thorin?" He whispered angrily.
"Just do it!" Thorin kicked his shin. Dwalin glowered sourly.
"Sorry. I was not aware." He snarled.
"Well, that's that then. On the morrow, we will make for the Misty Mountains to save our friends!" Gandalf exclaimed.
Thranduil struggled and struggled against his chains but he could not wriggle out of them. His wrists and ankles were cut now. He sank back against the wall, panting and breathing heavily. His daughter's screams were pure pain to his ears and each new one felt like a spear stabbing him in the gut. He'd failed! He'd failed to protect his children, failed them as a father. Alasse was being tortured, and Thranduil knew Legolas would not give up until he found them. He would turn Middle Earth upside down if he had to, to save them! What kind of father was he, if he couldn't protect his children? And what was the last thing Alasse had heard about him? That he'd left people to die, because he and their leader didn't get along. Other little children had died, because he refused to lend a hand! Thranduil was absolutely wretched. If anyone, anyone could save them and get them out of here now, he could only pray they had more sense than he had years ago, and just do it! He would give anything, anything to be free and get his little girl out of here!
Kili was on his back, shivering and he had a whopper of a headache. Fili was futilely trying to dampen his face with what moisture was left on the slightly wet cloth. Now that the water was spilled on the ground, he had no hope of getting his brother's fever down. And he winced as he heard Alasse screaming. He glanced over at Thranduil was saddened by how helpless and miserable he looked. He truly felt awful for the great Elvin king. If it was Kili in there, he would be acting the same way. "Maybe someone will find us." Fili attempted to be encouraging.
"No one will find us. They do not know where we have been taken." Thranduil moaned.
Suddenly, the screams stopped! Dead silence reigned. They all gazed toward the door. An icy silence hovered in the room. Kili looked up at his brother. "Why did they stop?" He asked worriedly.
Thranduil's face scrunched with heartache. There could only be one outcome if his daughter wasn't screaming to him now! Heavy sobs were threatening to come out of his chest. She must be dead! He sweet, innocent, funny, baby girl must be dead! Devlin and Malcolm might as well have just impaled him clean through. It would've been more merciful than the deep pain he knew now!
"We don't know that!" Fili broke into his thoughts. Just then, the door opened. Devlin, Malcolm, Rajiv, and Griffin appeared. They went right to the king.
"Ahh, so you heard, did you?" Devlin crossed his arms smugly.
"Where is my daughter?" Thranduil snarled dangerously.
"What have you done to her?!" Fili demanded.
Devlin smiled so sickly that Thranduil was taken aback that one of his own could be so evil! "Oh, the princess?" Devlin chuckled. "Are you that dense? She'd dead, King Thranduil."
Thranduil's stomach roiled. He had to be lying! "You lie..." Thranduil curled his lip. Kili swore colorfully in dwarvish, but his rash outburst gained him harsh coughing. Devlin leaned closely to Thranduil's face.
"Would I lie about something like that?" He sneered. "I may be cruel, but I'm not that devious! Your beloved princess is dead."
"Yup. Dead as a door-nail." Malcolm shrugged casually. Thranduil lost it. Though he couldn't stop the tears, he spat directly in Devlin's face and kicked him fiercely, swearing profusely.
"I will kill you!" He threatened.
"Oh, yes?" Rajiv shook his head. "What are you going to do? Headbutt him?"
Thranduil yanked Devlin toward him by the throat and wrapped his chains around the elf's neck, squeezing as hard as he could. Devlin choked and struggled but he was no match for the livid king. Rajiv smacked Thranduil upside the head, hard. Thranduil did not relent...until Rajiv slammed a sword hilt down on his knuckles. Thranduil released Devlin who fell to the ground, and groaned, holding his injured hands.
"Die a death of misery, you maggots!" Kili hollered in dwarfish.
"Temper, tempers." Malcolm tsked. "These prisoners are as hot headed as ever I've seen." He turned toward the dwarves. Rajiv kicked Kili in the teeth, and the poor dwarf spat out blood. Then Rajiv kicked him in the ribs and Kili began choking. Fili turned him on his stomach as he heaved and gagged.
"Cowards! Spineless cowards!" Thranduil yelled at his captors. "You will all pay!"
"Oh, we'll see about that." Malcolm grinned. They helped Devlin to his feet and hauled him out before locking the door again.
"Kili! Kili!" Fili cried, shaking his brother's shoulders. Kili lay his head on the floor, finally able to breathe, even though his sides quivered as his inhaled painfully.
"She...can't...be...dead..." Kili panted heavily.
"My daughter..." Thranduil began to sob. He lost all sense of dignity and could not hold back his heartache any longer. It poured out of him like a fountain. "Alasse...my precious little girl..." He held his head in his hands.
"I do not believe it." Fili shook his head. "We must not believe them! You cannot believe them, Your Majesty!" He urged Thranduil. "She's still alive. Or else they would've brought her in here." Thranduil glanced sadly at the young prince.
"You are right." He breathed. Fili had to be right! But what have they done to her? When I see the torture they inflicted on my daughter, they will feel my wrath! And I will take no mercy!
