Legolas was relieved when he finally heard Uru calling and his new human acquaintances left out the opposite exit. He sighed, getting to his feet and heading back. He picked up the pace when he noticed Mairon waiting, sitting on a blanket that was covered in various dishes. Legolas felt embarrassed for forgetting he had asked Mairon to join him for lunch. "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting." He apologized, sitting next to Mairon who just smiled and ran his fingers through his hair removing stray leaves.
"It is quite alright Legolas. I heard you were making friends with some of the other residents. And if losing time is the price to pay as you begin to be happy here, then it is worth it."
His soft voice made Legolas melt and relax all over again, despite the quiet protest of his rational brain. 'I am not getting comfortable here!' The voice seemed to protest. But Legolas knew that was a lie. He was comfortable here, Uru did not scare him, nor did any orc or goblin. And Mairon made him feel safe, grounded, and at peace. He had always felt a longing to wander, as he had gotten older he had learned how to ignore it. That was until he had regularly been let out into the forest, he had started itching to leave, to explore the world and follow the pull south. He had of course ignored it, going to Rivendel instead. He sighed leaning into Mairon. "...How did your work go?" He finally asked.
"Better than it has been lately, I managed to work out the major issues with the small scale model…." Mairon mused but a frown remained on his face. "Though there was something I need to tell you. Lord Sauron had informed me that your ada is currently being held in Erebor." He knew that it wasn't good news to give their son, but he deserved news of Thranduil.
"What? In.. why?!" The boys eyes were wide with his anxiety. And Mairon pulled him closer, kissing his hair.
"Shhh its alright." he soothed redirecting Legolas to the food as he continued. "The captain of your escort survived the attack."
"You mean the attack you ordered?" Legolas grumbled.
"...Well I mean not in so many words.. And what… six elves died…" He groaned inwardly, cursing himself for bringing it up.
"...Eleven." Legolas huffed softly. "..I didn't even… learn their names.." his voice was soft with guilt.
Mairon frowned, so that was it then. His son was feeling guilty and blaming himself. "...Don't dwell on guilt. It will do nothing for you. You could not have stopped what happened. Orc hunters kill, they were in the way. Do you think they would have let you give yourself to Uru even if you had offered?" His hands found their way to his sons hair and began to braid, he recalled someone dear to him doing the same for him when he was young, with a soothing voice and strong hands.
"...I would have… I would have given myself for them to live… but no.. they would never have allowed it." Legolas eyed more of the sweets he enjoyed before giving in and eating one.
"Exactly… but the Captain lives, he is recovering in Dale awaiting Lord Elrond's arrival. Dreading perhaps. After all, Elrond adores you. Surely he would accept nothing less than your complete safety. The other reason you could not have saved them. Their loyalty to their Lord." He drank some wine letting his words sink in. He hardly minded throwing Elrond under the cart, he deserved it for robbing him of his chance to be a family with Thranduil and Legolas.
"No he… they would never have been able to return to Rivendel.." his son replied softly. "It wasn't fair… not to them."
"I know, Life and Death are hardly fair Legolas, not for men, dwarves or elves. Not even for the Maia… Life was hardly fair to me." Mairon admitted as he finished his sons braid. "But, we are not alone. Not in our pain and sorrow. Let go of the guilt my morningstar." He felt legolas relax more at the endearment, it was not one that Mairon used lightly, but one completely accurate to his sons existence. He was the morningstar bringing light back to his dark existence, he and Thranduil had given him something to love and protect. And he would burn this world to make the perfect one for them.. "Now as for your ada, he went to see the good Captain and for some reason… I'm going to guess alcohol was involved. Decided to tell him of his intentions to come to Mordor. King Bard must have found out as he had him detained for a little while before handing him over to King Thorin." Mairon finished his explanation.
"They think I am dead and that Ada has lost his mind… Please, you have to help him." Legolas gripped the sleeve of his robe and Mairon felt his heart melt.
"Don't worry. I have already sent a letter to Erebor. Well a few. One for your ada, for King Thorin, and Lord Elrond when he arrives." Mairon had held out on sending the letters in truth, any communication from Mordor was likely to stir the relatively calm pot that was middle earth at the moment. But it was necessary to protect his beloved elvenking.
Legolas nodded after a moment though it was obvious he was still upset. "Alright… can I write them? Ada and Elrond?"
"Later, once I have had communications with them myself." Mairon felt disappointed that his son wanted to write to Elrond, but knew that it would likely be to plead for Thranduil, which was a small comfort. And useful in the long run, Lord Elrond had practically adopted his son.
"Thank you.." Legolas fell quiet and turned his attention to the food, finally remembering that he had not eaten since breakfast. He ate and remained silent as he processed everything Mairon had told him. He was not worried about how his Ada would be treated in Erebor, not with Bilbo and Tauriel there. Thorin even was not as rash as he seemed sometimes, but Elrond would certainly make Ada sail if he felt it was the best option. He supposed that direct communication for Mordor, assuring them that his Ada was not insane and that he was alive and well, may be enough to help. He looked back at Mairon who had also fallen silent and spoke up once more. "I had a question…. Er.. Uru mentioned that Azog was…. Failed?"
"Hrm? Ah yes Azog. He was failed in the sense that he was not what I had wanted, he was useful of course, but not for his intended purpose. Which was, as Uru's is, to protect and care for you." Mairon smiled slightly. "Blorg was much the same way. I suppose it is good neither actually ran into you. They would not have hurt you, but they were not.. Gentle."
"...Your master let you make orc… nannies?" Legolas raised an eyebrow.
"Well, it is hardly like elven genetic material is hard to come by." Mairon replied, looking amused back at him.
"I… have no idea what that means?"
"Ah yes of course… It is… related to the study of biology. See everything is made up of… code if you will, invisible chains that make up life. Souls are a separate matter, and orcs are technically just twisted mirrors of life, which is more complicated." The older man explained. "If you'd like to learn more I can show you the library later."
"Uh.. later." Legolas felt uncomfortable talking about this. He knew of course the stories about orcs being twisted elves. But Mairon made it sound like they were created from bits of elves rather than a one to one thing. Which made sense given how many orcs there were.
"Do not dwell on it too much, my morningstar. It is unpleasant business." Mairon whispered, running a hand through his hair once more. The touch and affectionate name distracting Legolas easily.
"I… alright." Legolas set aside his plate now that he had eaten his fill. "I think I want to go inside now." He sighed as Mairon removed his hand barely thinking how much he hated his thoughts being interrupted by his power.
"Of course." Mairon rose to his feet and gave Legolas a fond smile. "I will see you tonight, though I may miss dinner." with that he turned and left the garden.
Legolas sighed and got up himself falling in between his guards as they started to head back to the rooms. As they were walking he froze confused at the sight of a group of elves walking past. He had seen elves here before, he knew there was a population of elves somewhere in Mordor. But one stood out to him and made him frown. "Lindir?" he called cautiously. The elf that he had called to stopped his conversation and turned to face Legolas, looking over him and his guards.
"I beg your pardon Elfling." The elf replied a slight smirk playing on his lips, this was definitely not Lindir, he was slightly taller than the nervous secretary of Elrond, but they did look very similar.
"I'm sorry, I…. you look like someone I know." Legolas apologized feeling awkward and on edge from the smooth way the stranger spoke. He felt Uru shift herself suspiciously, unhappy, he assumed, with him stopping to talk.
"Lidir of Rivendel? Why he is my baby brother!" the elf explained. "My name is Calaer." he added with a polite bow. "And yours?" he eyed the orcs again.
"... Baldur… Morningstar. I'm new." Legolas hesitated unwilling to give his true name, something he had been advised about by Aragorn while they traveled together.
"Well Baldur, it seems your handlers want to continue. Perhaps we can speak later." Calaer waved his hand dismissively and continued with his own group before Legolas could respond.
"A bad elf." Uru told him ushering him along with a frown.
"I didn't know that Lindir had a brother… what is he doing in Mordor?" Legolas asked, frowning at her words.
"I do not know,banished from the elven cities I think. A captain here, of our Lords personal guards." She explained.
"Oh…" Legolas felt himself shiver, Calaer must be dangerous if the Lord of mordor had chosen him to be a captain. "Thank you Uru, I am sorry to worry you." He apologized.
Uru gave him a fond look back. "Little master is very curious and friendly. I was warned to expect it." She was teasing him again, he could tell by the way her eyes glinted. It would have scared him before, but now it did not. He had learned to pick up on orc body language and even a bit of black speech though he refused to use it himself. "And clever. Little master has learned some of our tongue, yes?" she added.
"... A little. I will not use it." Legolas replied stubbornly embarrassed by how obvious his thoughts were to Uru.
"Would make it easier, If i am not around and you need something. I can help the little master learn? You are cleaver and learn fast." She offered with a smile making Legolas sigh. He could hardly deny her when she had a good point.
"...Very well. Though I hope I will not have to use it… my tongue is not accustomed to such harshness." He said carefully.
"Yes, elves speak in flowers. But all can learn." she agreed as they climbed the final stairs to the hall that held the living quarters.
"Speak in flowers?" Legolas laughed softly. "Sure but some flowers have thorns, Uru."
"Does the little master have thorns?" she responded giving him a curious look as though she did not understand, he would have to show her roses.
"Well… My arrows are sharp and fly true." Legolas frowned as they reached the door. "... But you have no reason to fear my thorns… I could not bring myself to hurt you." he admitted earning himself another fond smile before he slipped into mairons home, closing the door behind him. He stood with his back to the door before deciding that he wanted to take a bath and sort through everything he had learned.
Legolas stayed inside the next several days taking lessons in black speech from Uru and going through books Mairon had brought him, puzzling over one that Mairon had taken back after realizing Legolas could not read the language written there. Though he had quickly forgotten about that book in favor of the ones on medicine that he suspected was written by someone of Mordor. While the elves knew that uncleanliness could cause infection and illness. These books spoke of tiny, invisible to the eye organisms that caused sickness within living beings, by editing their genetic codes. And explained that illnesses could live on surfaces that were not properly cleaned, and even be carried in the air. It was fascinating though he was still unsure about the genetic code part of it. This particular book didn't explain what a genetic code was. He startled as the front door opened. "Oh hello Uru, Did you need something?" he asked.
"You have some visitors." she stepped aside letting the humans he had met in the garden into the sitting room.
They looked around the room with raised eyebrows. "Wow," Naveen commented. "General Mairon has a nice home."
"Yeah." Jaya agreed before grinning at Legolas. "Hey Morningstar. We haven't seen you around so we did some asking. You didn't say General Mairon was who you were living with."
"I uh… didn't know he was a General, just that he was friends with my Ada." Legolas explained. "Who is he around Mordor?"
"Well… he handles all the guild masters, or he is supposed to. He is… notoriously hard to find." Naveen answered, laughing awkwardly. "Well less so nowadays! Which is good news for our father! He's the head of the traders guild."
"Oh… well i'm glad, where is he when he isn't… doing his job?" Legolas frowned slightly, everyone seemed to respect Mairon and he was sure that the Lord of Mordor would not keep around a slacking staff member.
"No one knows, but rumor is that he runs interference for Lord Sauron." Mina finally spoke up, she had been examining the silver dragon that had found a place on the coffee table with the books.
"In… nevermind." Legolas was about to ask but decided he did not want to know. "So.. did you… want something?"
"Just to hang out. You should come out with us!" Jaya said cheerfully. "We are just going to walk around."
"Oh.. I can't go anywhere without my guards… Mairons orders.." Legolas rubbed the back of his neck, he knew that the guards, excluding Uru, were not good company.
"Well.. we could act as your guards. I'm sure your nanny wouldn't mind." Jaya looked at Uru who raised an eyebrow at her in response. "Well I mean if you are there, and the three of us who know our way around are with him." She offered.
Uru was silent for a moment while looking considering. "That is acceptable." She finally sighed, getting a woop out of Naveen. "Little master, get ready." Uru said, not that Legolas needed to be told.
He jumped up and quickly went to his room changeling into a light tunic and the boots he had come to favor. True to his word Mairon had gotten him lighter colors, beautiful greys, silvers, and gold. Like his Ada was fond of. He braided back his hair and stuck the rest into a ponytail before heading back out to the sitting room. "Let's go!" He said eager to explore the fortress of Mordor with the other teens, even under Uru's watchful eye. Uru sighed, ushering them out of the room and taking her position in front of them.
Legolas fell in with his new friends, content to follow around Uru. It was different from walking around surrounded by his guards, he noticed. For one the humans were happy to stop and chat with him and the other three. He was shocked by how normal they seemed. He had heard tales of the savagery of the men of mordor and yet, they just seemed like normal people. One even gave them snacks from the basket she was carrying. And Mina had explained that it was her aunt who helped in the continued much the same way until they hit something of a road jam. Jaya gave Legolas a grin and dragged him behind a group going the opposite way. "Come on." she whispered and he noticed the other two had followed her lead. "Time to ditch the babysitter."
Legolas went to argue but did not get a chance until they had been swept away by the crowd. "Jaya, Mairon said…"
"Oh come on, live a little, no harm in breaking a few rules." Jaya replied dragging him along. "So! Where should we go? Mina?"
"Oh! I know! Lets show him the pits! Hope you got a stomach on you." Naveen spoke up with a grin.
"I was asking Mina for a reason, nimrod." Jaya rolled her eyes.
"Oh.. I think we should show him the arena, I hear the Nauzgul are training today." Mina suggested softly. "I'm sure morningstar hasn't seen them before and anyone is allowed to spectate."
"Nauzgul...They are here?" Legolas had been about to ask about what the pits were, and if he was honest as awful as they sounded, they might be a better choice than watching the cursed shades train.
"Well yeah, they got chased out of Dol Guldar didn't they?" Naveen said, following behind Jaya as she led them down a new hall.
"Oh.. right." He let out a breath, feeling angry as he thought about the poison of Dol Guldar and what it had done to his beloved home and Ada. "... is there like… an armory?" He asked as an idea suddenly formed in his mind. "I could show you guys my archery later." he added.
"Archery? Well I guess you are an elf." Naveen said, looking amused.
"I will have you know I am regarded as one of the best archers in Arda, even among elves." Legolas huffed at him. He was proud of his skills, even his more impractical ones. The twins had always teased him that he was a cat as he used his trained flexibility to do things like bend down from a tree branch to shoot behind him. He found himself feeling pained at the memory and wishing again to be back in Rivendel.
"We can find you a bow later." Jaya promised, apparently noticing his sadness as she turned them all up a staircase.
Legolas nodded in thanks and winced as they stepped outside into the harsh air of Mordor, they indeed had come out into the stands of an arena. He looked around amazed, spotting various groups watching the activities going on below. The arena was made of the same black stone, and down below was covered in what looked to be black sand, he wondered briefly if it was to hide all the blood spilled there. Legolas inhaled sharply, as Mina had said the nine Nauzgul were there fighting through trolls and what appeared to be defective orcs. He shivered and followed the others to sit down near a group of elves. He noticed that Calaer, the elf he had met several days earlier, was among them, chatting freely with his company. He had not had the chance to consider that this elf was supposedly the elder brother of kind, nervous, soft spoken Lindir. Or how he had come to serve the Lord of Mordor himself.
"Dude, you need to not stare." Naveen said, elbowing Legolas. "You already stick out like a sore thumb, you do not need to draw anymore attention."
"Sorry.. I met him the other day… I know his younger brother… I didn't know… he existed." Legolas explained softly.
"Look, do you know how we get new elves here? Why we asked if you were banished?" Jaya added frowning hard. "Because if you come to Mordor seeking asylum, chances are you were banished for something pretty bad. Calaer was banished for murder as far as I've heard."
Legolas frowned. "He's a kinslayer…" he muttered softly.
"Yeah sure, just… be careful Legolas." Naveen said, turning back to watch the fighting. Legolas followed his lead but found he struggled to pay attention to what was happening. He was distracted by the thought of Lindir, and how his brother being a kinslayer would explain a lot about his nervousness. Perhaps he had witnessed his brothers crime. If he ever got back to Rivendel he would have to ask.
"Mornimgstar," Minas voice broke into his thoughts. "Come on, we are going to go get lunch from the kitchens." she laid a gentle hand on his shoulder briefly before standing. Legolas felt relief flood him as he stood up.
"We should keep an eye out for Uru, she is probably waiting to pounce on us there." he joked.
"Oh yeah, I forgot we ditched your new mommy." Mina giggled with a grin. "Don't worry, you can just blame us for it."
"Don't worry, I was already planning to throw you all under the cart, I do not want Mairon to lock me in my room again." Legolas sighed.
"Ah, what did you do to get locked in the first time?" Jaya asked looking confused.
Legoals frowned then figured he should be honest. "I tried to escape." His three companions stopped in their tracks and turned to stare at him.
"Escape? Like if you aren't… wanting to be here… are you a…" Jaya looked speechless for once.
"I am not technically a prisoner. But… I was kidnapped and brought to Mordor. I was on my way home to greenwood to ask my ada some questions only he could answer." Legolas couldn't help but sound tired. It had somehow not occurred to them that he was not here on his own free will. Which he could understand, he suspected that if there were other prisoners here they were somewhere deep in the fortress.
"Oh… Legolas… we didn't realize.. Do you know why?" Naveen asked, looking as shocked as his twin.
"I… suspect it is because I am.. the prince of Greenwood." He sighed again.
"You're a prince?!" Mina squealed a little, breaking out of her own silent upset. "That's so cool!" she looked at Legolas amazed and it actually made him smile.
"It's nothing special. I'm just… Legolas." He assured them turning again to continue down the hallway as he did Jaya grabbed his shoulder pulling him down to the ground with the other two. He glanced up to see what was going on and dropped his head again gripping his knees as a group came to pass by, in the center was a tall figure completely covered in armor, Sauron himself. Legolas found it hard to breath, and think. Praying silently that he would not notice them and just continue on his way. That it seemed was not his fate, the footsteps stopped next to them and Legolas felt his friends stiffen, though they did not seem as stuck with terror as he was. He swallowed and dared to open his eyes, moving his head ever so slightly to get a better look at the dark lord. He regretted it as an armored hand reached out for him.
He closed his eyes again, prepared to feel it close around his face or neck. But was surprised when the hand found its way to his hair instead. Those metal claws ghosted his scalp undoing the braid and ponytail as though they were not to his liking. The touch was almost gentle and it confused him. Once his hair was free the fingers returned to his scalp, this time brushing against it causing a small shock to run through legolas who opened his eyes gasping. He had a thought when it happened one he couldn't quite grasp before it slipped away. But he felt warm, like a fire had been lit inside him. Warm, promising. And it frightened him. He turned his head up fully to find Sauron had moved on leaving out the door to the arena.
"... Let's uh.. let's go back to General Mairons rooms." Mina suggested after a few moments of silence between them. "Morningstar? Are you ok?"
"Yes.. I'm just tired." Legolas managed to answer.