Chapter 11 - not revised
Thranduil watched as Nestadren and the Orc Egla Ash carried Legolas away. The Elf king's heart was aching and he wanted to follow them, but his job here was not yet finished. He turned back to see the rest of his people gathering arrows and helping the wounded. He strode over to Lindir who was embraced in another's arms.
"Lindir?"
The young Elf looked up at his king. He shakily rose to his feet, leaning heavily on the Elf at his side.
"Your Majesty, I -"
Thranduil waved a slender hand.
"Do not stand on formalities. How do you fare?" He took in the youth's pale skin, marred by cuts and dark bruises.
"I am well, your Majesty. Truly, I am glad to see you." He smiled, all the fear and agony of the past night slowly leaving him, now that he was safe.
"And I am glad to see you," Thranduil said, smiling, and clasping the younger Elf's arm. This one's lightheartedness and innocence reminded him of one who had died this night. Even as he grieved the one lost, he hoped this one would mayhap be able to help his son deal with his own pain at the same loss. He then turned to the one beside him. "Who is this brave young one?"
Meneliell stood with her head down, eyes on the ground. She feared what the king would say when he knew her secret. Her face burned and her hands clenched into fists.
Thranduil gently tipped back her chin. He gasped as she raised her flawless sapphire eyes to him.
"Your Majesty, she - " Lindir began, glancing uneasily from his king to his lover.
"Nay. I see," Thranduil studied her features for a moment. So brave, he thought, to follow us here to save her lover. Very brave indeed. He smiled gently, cupping her face tenderly. Then he bent and kissed her forehead. His own beloved Brennillas had been thus. He could see her in his mind, her fair skin glowing like finest porcelain; her eyes deep sapphire, as bright as any of his jewels; her long pale hair unbound and flowing about her like a mantle of spun gold. "I count it fortunate to have one so fair amongst my warriors this night."
Meneliell smiled, a rose blush painting her cheeks. She turned to gaze at Lindir who smiled down into her eyes.
Thranduil left them with a smile of amusement tugging at his lips. Then he moved to Calenthar and Cuil. After assuring himself that they were unharmed, he turned to one of his guards.
"The creature that Mithrandir brought us, where is he?"
The guard looked uncomfortable.
"We have seen naught of him since the fighting began. I fear we have lost him."
"You and some of the others must go after him. It would not do for us to loose him now. He cannot be far away."
The Elf nodded and rounded up several others and they disappeared into the dark woods seeking for Smeagol's tracks.
"If they find Smeagol, your Majesty, please do not be overly harsh with him."
Thranduil turned to see Cuil and Calenthar flanking Lindir and Meneliell.
"He tried to save me, your Majesty." Lindir said, his arm about Meneliell's slim shoulders. "He is truly not as bad as we had thought."
Thranduil disagreed with the young Elf's sentiments, but the king was good and wise and said nothing. He nodded and sighed.
"Very well. I will keep that in mind if they do find him. But now my heart flies home to Legolas. Let us leave this place. The others are seeking the creature and they will find him. if he may be found."
Together the remaining Elves turned northwest, following the path taken not long ago by the Healer and the Orc, bearing their cherished burden.
Smeagol had dropped from the Orc's back as soon as the first arrow had struck. He had seen the Elven archers emerge from the undergrowth arrows flying from slender bows, jewel bright eyes glowing with anger. He glanced at Lindir who was being loosed by one of the others. He would be fine now that the Elves were coming to rescue them. Smeagol raised his hand to the Elf in farewell, seeing another Elf kneel by him, touching him kindly. Loneliness bit at the creature and he felt a moment's sadness, then he sprinted into the trees and took to the branches, working swiftly away from the battle, his hands and feet grasping the stout branches easily. Soon he was far away and even the sounds of sword clashes and cries of agony or victory receded. But he didn't stop. He kept moving. Ever westward. Always west. The precious was calling him to come west. It was waiting for him. The precious was waiting for him to come and reclaim it.
"We are coming, my precious. We will be there soon." He paused only once to glance behind him. "Good-bye starry Elf," he called raising his hand once more. Then he vanished from sight.
Nestadren's amethyst eyes traveled to the Elven prince in the Orc's arms. He was breathing laboriously, his skin burning with fever. The Healer feared that they would not make it in time. He and the Orc had sped away from the others and continued on through the rest of the night and into the dawning day. Egla Ash gazed skyward, dreading the paling in the dark sky above. He had to make it. He could not fail Legolas now. It had been a long night and they were still many hours away from their destination, Gladaran Thamas: the Wood King's Hall. The Healer could see the Orc was weakening as the sun rose. He hated to loose the precious time, but he slowed to a halt.
"If you use this," He said holding out the vile flask. "Can you make it?"
Egla Ash looked at the small bottle that had held death for Elves. He nodded. Gently he knelt and lay Legolas on the ground and drank from the bottle. He felt strength suffuse him. He stretched then bent and picked up the Elven prince once more.
"I will get you there, Legolas Elvellon," he promised, staring down into the flushed face of his friend. "I will not fail you." He wanted to sing to Legolas, but wasn't certain how the other Elf would feel. He knew that his voice was not lovely, but he could not help but think that it would help somehow if he sang. He glanced over at the Healer, trying to work up the courage to ask permission.
Nestadren feeling the Orc's intense stare turned to him.
"Is aught wrong, uh, Master Orc?"
Egla Ash smiled. Master Orc indeed.
"No. I was wondering if perhaps..If I might.If I might sing to Legolas."
The Healer's brows rose in surprise.
"You.You want to sing?" Nestadren asked. He had of course heard all about Prince Legolas' singing Orc. He hadn't believed it at first, thought that it was a joke concocted by Legolas, Brethil and Tavor. It was just the sort of thing they would do. But here beside him was the singing Orc. He found himself wondering what sort of singing voices Orcs had. He smiled tightly. "Perhaps that would be good," he said at last.
Egla Ash smiled. The Elf wanted him to sing.
"I menel gael ah i Anor erui moe echui Canui ed i aewen celeb aerlinn. I menel panna ath aglareb galad. Echui an i minuial."
[The sky glimmering with the sun's first soft light Calling forth the birds' silver songs. The heavens are filled with glorious light. Awaken to the dawn.]
Nestadren listened to the deep, somewhat grating voice. It was not beautiful, but was so full of earnestness and soorrow that the Healer found himself entranced by it. It was a beautiful song, one worthy of the Elves. He was pleasantly surprised.
"Will you teach that song to me, uh."
"My name is Egla Ash."
The Healer tipped his head.
"I am Nestadren. Will you teach it to me, Egla Ash?"
"I would be honored to, Nestadren."
The two continued onto Gladaran Thamas delighted with one another's company. Their voices rising in the morning air helping to lighten hearts weighted down with care and fear.
Legolas was trapped in his dreams once more. Voices and images plagued his tormented mind. Pain.always pain. And darkness.
"Im gar dannen nedh dae a mor.dae a mor." [I have fallen into shadow and darkness.shadow and darkness.]
For him shadow and darkness was Emyn Mor Esgal. He had been shut away for only a week in the never-ending darkness beneath the Dark Hiding Hills: a week, not much time at all, but a week without the stars or light of the moon; a week away from everything that he loved and held dear. He had been certain that he would die there, locked in the darkness forever.
Dae a mor. [Shadow and darkness.]
There had been only one bright glimmer of light in that all encompassing gloom: Egla Ash, his blue eyes so sweet.
"Gar estel annan i elenath sila." [Have hope as long as the stars shine.] But there had been another darkness, a greater darkness that had swallowed the Orc: "Dag enni! Dag enni, Legolas Elvellon!" [Slay me! Slay me, Legolas my friend!]
Arrows went astray in the night and he had been lost to Dol Guldur.
This had given flight to the black arrow of death.
"I morn gothfeng ned gurth ath maeg le." [The black arrow of death will pierce you.]
All was shadow. shadow and darkness.
Brethil, Tanglinna, and Meren all dead, their blood staining the ground beneath Beleg Doron.
"Daw na o an gar le an pan lu." [Night is about to hold you for all time.]
Lindir, Cuil, and Calenthar taken by Orcs.
"I elenath al-ath sila erin le." [The stars will not shine on you.]
And the black arrow had taken flight.
"Lothron le gar naeg le gwanna na I cam ned mellon." [May you have pain as you die at the hands of a friend.]
All is shadow and darkness.
Legolas whimpered as the dark dreams haunted him.
So much pain.so much .
Nestadren glanced over at his prince, who was moaning slightly. They were not going to make it. Egla Ash's face wore an expression of deepest fear and sorrow. The two hurried their pace, neither one speaking, feeling that speech would some how give life to their fears.
"Naeg.naeg." [Pain..pain.]
"Legolas Elvellon!" The Orc moaned clasping the burning body closer to him. What was he to do? He could not let Legolas die. If the Elf should succumb to the death, he himself would not want to live. "Please stay with me," he whispered, tears falling from his cheeks to wet Legolas' face. "Please don't leave me."
Nestadren was amazed by the emotion displayed by the Orc. Orcs were vile, evil beasts that felt nothing good or redeeming. Yet this Orc clearly did.
Legolas shuddered, drawing a painful breath.
"I mor na ordaeth enni." [The darkness is overshadowing me."]
Egla Ash gave the Healer an anguished look. There had to be something they could do. He raised his eyes to the morning sky.
"Elbereth, help us. Don't let him be taken into shadow!" He cried aloud, tears flowing freely. As he lowered his head, something tugged at the back of his mind. Something here was familiar. He looked about. The trees were tall and beautiful in the light of the sun. They didn't glimmer as they did at night beneath the stars, but shone with a clean pure light. Glimmer.glimmer.
Egla Ash gasped. They were near Gael Dor. He turned to the Healer. If everything that he had felt about his home were true, perhaps the Healer could help Legolas there. Hurriedly he told the Nestadren of the clearing in Mirkwood, where he and the Rangers had taken Legolas all those years before. It was a place of peace he knew. Perhaps of healing.
Nestadren knew immediately of the place he meant, though the Healer hadn't been there in some time. He knew that the place held a special magic, but was it a magic he could draw on to heal the dreadful poison that was killing his prince? He fervently hoped so, for he feared that Legolas would be dead before they could reach Gladaran Thamas. They were still too far. He nodded and they headed toward Egla Ash's Glimmering Place.
The ring of huge trees spreading their green leaves in the summer sunlight welcomed the three travelers. Egla Ash knelt in the center of the clearing, gently laying Legolas down on the fragrant grass that was studded with tiny blue, white and yellow flowers. He smoothed back the ruffled blonde hair and stroked the fevered brow.
"I mor.I mor." [The darkness.the darkness.]
"Shh, Legolas Elvellon. You will be well. You have to be well." The Orc watched as Nestadren exclaimed with delight as he cut an athelas plant. He hurried over to them.
"Fresh is best," he murmured, smiling wryly as he repeated one of the first lessons in herbs. He quickly had a small fire going, and the plants boiling over it in his small pot. The fresh cleansing fragrance filled the clearing. Perhaps there was a glimmer of hope after all.
Egla Ash found some of his worries leaving him and he allowed himself a small smile. He held one of Legolas' hands in his own, stroking the smooth, pale skin. They eased him up and pulled the tunic off, followed by the blood drenched shirt. He watched quietly as the Healer applied some of the mixture directly to the wound on Legolas' arm and then bandaged it tightly. The unconsieous Elf gasped and arched his back, crying out slightly. Egla Ash felt his heart ache as Nestadren then placed some of it into a bandage and wrapped it tightly about his chest and back, covering the wounds made by morn gothfeng, his black arrow.
I did that, he thought, tears spilling from his eyes. I did that. Please forgive me, nin mellon.
"Help me get this into him, Egla Ash."
The Orc leaned the Elf against his chest as the Healer poured some of the cooling water between Legolas lips.
"No!" Legolas moaned, caught in his dream. Fengbad's leering face filled his mind. The Orc captain raised the flask to his lips. "No!"
Egla Ash wrapped his arms gently about the struggling Elf. Finally the Healer managed to get some down his throat.
Nestadren drew a deep breath and looked into the Orc's eyes, then placed his hands on Legolas' chest. He concentrated all his healing power on the prince. Egla Ash watched as the Healer's hands seemed to be wrapped in light, a shining orb glowed about them. He saw beads of sweat dot his brow. The Healing was hard on both the Elves. Legolas moaned again and Egla Ash could feel him shuddering as the poison warred with the Healer over his body.
"Come back to me, Legolas Elvellon. Please don't leave. Valmet tir i elenath eria godref." [We will watch the stars rise together.]
Nestadren's brow furrowed in concentration.
"Elbereth aid me! Don't let me loose him," he murmured. He gasped for breath, then opened his eyes, not removing his hands from Legolas. "Sing to him, Egla Ash. Call him back from the darkness. Please help me."
Egla Ash's mind seemed to go blank. He could think of no songs. Tears stung his eyes. He must think of something for his friend. Even when he himself had been caught in the darkness Legolas had remained true to him. He had been faithful. Sador Mellon. Faithful Friend. The words seemed to flood his brain and he sang of his friend and of their friendship, of all the hardships suffered and barriers overcome. He sang of the love they held for one another, even in the darkest of times. He sang of the hope that had come to them both. He sang for his friend.
Sador Mellon.*
* Note - Sador Mellon is the song Legolas sang in "Hope While the Stars Shine" when the Fellowship was sitting outside Moria waiting for Gandalf to open the doors.
Response to Reviewers
JastaElf - Your heart was breaking ?! You broke me with chapter 3 of your second fic. Plug: Go read JastaElf's stories! Just be warned. Chapter 3 of #2 is a painful painful chapter. Glad that you thought this was wonderful! AJ Matthews - Everything is getting better. Don't worry. Have hope! Horus - Leggy is getting better. Have hope! I am repeating myself again. Sorry. Salak - You are now a wonderful dance instructor as well as a superb dancer!! (applause from me and Egla Ash (he gives you a standing ovation!)) Ayod - Thanks for R/R "Hope While the Stars Shine". That was kewl of you!! Jan - I'm glad that you are feeling better. It broke my heart, too. And I like Gollum, so he can't be all bad, can he? Warm fuzzies!! Shinigamio - I'm glad that you are feeling somewhat better. Never fear, hope is here! And thanks for telling me that it was a great chapter, I wasn't too sure about it. alliwantisanelfforchristmas -I love writing to my reviewers! You are a good dance student. I am sure that Salak is very proud of you! I know we (Egla Ash and I) are!! Actually he ate the head off Legolas first. Yikes!! long under tree - Thranduil is not such a bad guy. I really kinda like him! And as to Egla Ash living with the Elves.That's the next story, though maybe not what you think. (heh heh) And be warned, nin mellon, there is some Elvish in this chapter! Sorry, but I couldn't resist. And ta da! Plug: Go read long under tree's story. It is great! (even if she is slow to post!) haha!!
Thranduil watched as Nestadren and the Orc Egla Ash carried Legolas away. The Elf king's heart was aching and he wanted to follow them, but his job here was not yet finished. He turned back to see the rest of his people gathering arrows and helping the wounded. He strode over to Lindir who was embraced in another's arms.
"Lindir?"
The young Elf looked up at his king. He shakily rose to his feet, leaning heavily on the Elf at his side.
"Your Majesty, I -"
Thranduil waved a slender hand.
"Do not stand on formalities. How do you fare?" He took in the youth's pale skin, marred by cuts and dark bruises.
"I am well, your Majesty. Truly, I am glad to see you." He smiled, all the fear and agony of the past night slowly leaving him, now that he was safe.
"And I am glad to see you," Thranduil said, smiling, and clasping the younger Elf's arm. This one's lightheartedness and innocence reminded him of one who had died this night. Even as he grieved the one lost, he hoped this one would mayhap be able to help his son deal with his own pain at the same loss. He then turned to the one beside him. "Who is this brave young one?"
Meneliell stood with her head down, eyes on the ground. She feared what the king would say when he knew her secret. Her face burned and her hands clenched into fists.
Thranduil gently tipped back her chin. He gasped as she raised her flawless sapphire eyes to him.
"Your Majesty, she - " Lindir began, glancing uneasily from his king to his lover.
"Nay. I see," Thranduil studied her features for a moment. So brave, he thought, to follow us here to save her lover. Very brave indeed. He smiled gently, cupping her face tenderly. Then he bent and kissed her forehead. His own beloved Brennillas had been thus. He could see her in his mind, her fair skin glowing like finest porcelain; her eyes deep sapphire, as bright as any of his jewels; her long pale hair unbound and flowing about her like a mantle of spun gold. "I count it fortunate to have one so fair amongst my warriors this night."
Meneliell smiled, a rose blush painting her cheeks. She turned to gaze at Lindir who smiled down into her eyes.
Thranduil left them with a smile of amusement tugging at his lips. Then he moved to Calenthar and Cuil. After assuring himself that they were unharmed, he turned to one of his guards.
"The creature that Mithrandir brought us, where is he?"
The guard looked uncomfortable.
"We have seen naught of him since the fighting began. I fear we have lost him."
"You and some of the others must go after him. It would not do for us to loose him now. He cannot be far away."
The Elf nodded and rounded up several others and they disappeared into the dark woods seeking for Smeagol's tracks.
"If they find Smeagol, your Majesty, please do not be overly harsh with him."
Thranduil turned to see Cuil and Calenthar flanking Lindir and Meneliell.
"He tried to save me, your Majesty." Lindir said, his arm about Meneliell's slim shoulders. "He is truly not as bad as we had thought."
Thranduil disagreed with the young Elf's sentiments, but the king was good and wise and said nothing. He nodded and sighed.
"Very well. I will keep that in mind if they do find him. But now my heart flies home to Legolas. Let us leave this place. The others are seeking the creature and they will find him. if he may be found."
Together the remaining Elves turned northwest, following the path taken not long ago by the Healer and the Orc, bearing their cherished burden.
Smeagol had dropped from the Orc's back as soon as the first arrow had struck. He had seen the Elven archers emerge from the undergrowth arrows flying from slender bows, jewel bright eyes glowing with anger. He glanced at Lindir who was being loosed by one of the others. He would be fine now that the Elves were coming to rescue them. Smeagol raised his hand to the Elf in farewell, seeing another Elf kneel by him, touching him kindly. Loneliness bit at the creature and he felt a moment's sadness, then he sprinted into the trees and took to the branches, working swiftly away from the battle, his hands and feet grasping the stout branches easily. Soon he was far away and even the sounds of sword clashes and cries of agony or victory receded. But he didn't stop. He kept moving. Ever westward. Always west. The precious was calling him to come west. It was waiting for him. The precious was waiting for him to come and reclaim it.
"We are coming, my precious. We will be there soon." He paused only once to glance behind him. "Good-bye starry Elf," he called raising his hand once more. Then he vanished from sight.
Nestadren's amethyst eyes traveled to the Elven prince in the Orc's arms. He was breathing laboriously, his skin burning with fever. The Healer feared that they would not make it in time. He and the Orc had sped away from the others and continued on through the rest of the night and into the dawning day. Egla Ash gazed skyward, dreading the paling in the dark sky above. He had to make it. He could not fail Legolas now. It had been a long night and they were still many hours away from their destination, Gladaran Thamas: the Wood King's Hall. The Healer could see the Orc was weakening as the sun rose. He hated to loose the precious time, but he slowed to a halt.
"If you use this," He said holding out the vile flask. "Can you make it?"
Egla Ash looked at the small bottle that had held death for Elves. He nodded. Gently he knelt and lay Legolas on the ground and drank from the bottle. He felt strength suffuse him. He stretched then bent and picked up the Elven prince once more.
"I will get you there, Legolas Elvellon," he promised, staring down into the flushed face of his friend. "I will not fail you." He wanted to sing to Legolas, but wasn't certain how the other Elf would feel. He knew that his voice was not lovely, but he could not help but think that it would help somehow if he sang. He glanced over at the Healer, trying to work up the courage to ask permission.
Nestadren feeling the Orc's intense stare turned to him.
"Is aught wrong, uh, Master Orc?"
Egla Ash smiled. Master Orc indeed.
"No. I was wondering if perhaps..If I might.If I might sing to Legolas."
The Healer's brows rose in surprise.
"You.You want to sing?" Nestadren asked. He had of course heard all about Prince Legolas' singing Orc. He hadn't believed it at first, thought that it was a joke concocted by Legolas, Brethil and Tavor. It was just the sort of thing they would do. But here beside him was the singing Orc. He found himself wondering what sort of singing voices Orcs had. He smiled tightly. "Perhaps that would be good," he said at last.
Egla Ash smiled. The Elf wanted him to sing.
"I menel gael ah i Anor erui moe echui Canui ed i aewen celeb aerlinn. I menel panna ath aglareb galad. Echui an i minuial."
[The sky glimmering with the sun's first soft light Calling forth the birds' silver songs. The heavens are filled with glorious light. Awaken to the dawn.]
Nestadren listened to the deep, somewhat grating voice. It was not beautiful, but was so full of earnestness and soorrow that the Healer found himself entranced by it. It was a beautiful song, one worthy of the Elves. He was pleasantly surprised.
"Will you teach that song to me, uh."
"My name is Egla Ash."
The Healer tipped his head.
"I am Nestadren. Will you teach it to me, Egla Ash?"
"I would be honored to, Nestadren."
The two continued onto Gladaran Thamas delighted with one another's company. Their voices rising in the morning air helping to lighten hearts weighted down with care and fear.
Legolas was trapped in his dreams once more. Voices and images plagued his tormented mind. Pain.always pain. And darkness.
"Im gar dannen nedh dae a mor.dae a mor." [I have fallen into shadow and darkness.shadow and darkness.]
For him shadow and darkness was Emyn Mor Esgal. He had been shut away for only a week in the never-ending darkness beneath the Dark Hiding Hills: a week, not much time at all, but a week without the stars or light of the moon; a week away from everything that he loved and held dear. He had been certain that he would die there, locked in the darkness forever.
Dae a mor. [Shadow and darkness.]
There had been only one bright glimmer of light in that all encompassing gloom: Egla Ash, his blue eyes so sweet.
"Gar estel annan i elenath sila." [Have hope as long as the stars shine.] But there had been another darkness, a greater darkness that had swallowed the Orc: "Dag enni! Dag enni, Legolas Elvellon!" [Slay me! Slay me, Legolas my friend!]
Arrows went astray in the night and he had been lost to Dol Guldur.
This had given flight to the black arrow of death.
"I morn gothfeng ned gurth ath maeg le." [The black arrow of death will pierce you.]
All was shadow. shadow and darkness.
Brethil, Tanglinna, and Meren all dead, their blood staining the ground beneath Beleg Doron.
"Daw na o an gar le an pan lu." [Night is about to hold you for all time.]
Lindir, Cuil, and Calenthar taken by Orcs.
"I elenath al-ath sila erin le." [The stars will not shine on you.]
And the black arrow had taken flight.
"Lothron le gar naeg le gwanna na I cam ned mellon." [May you have pain as you die at the hands of a friend.]
All is shadow and darkness.
Legolas whimpered as the dark dreams haunted him.
So much pain.so much .
Nestadren glanced over at his prince, who was moaning slightly. They were not going to make it. Egla Ash's face wore an expression of deepest fear and sorrow. The two hurried their pace, neither one speaking, feeling that speech would some how give life to their fears.
"Naeg.naeg." [Pain..pain.]
"Legolas Elvellon!" The Orc moaned clasping the burning body closer to him. What was he to do? He could not let Legolas die. If the Elf should succumb to the death, he himself would not want to live. "Please stay with me," he whispered, tears falling from his cheeks to wet Legolas' face. "Please don't leave me."
Nestadren was amazed by the emotion displayed by the Orc. Orcs were vile, evil beasts that felt nothing good or redeeming. Yet this Orc clearly did.
Legolas shuddered, drawing a painful breath.
"I mor na ordaeth enni." [The darkness is overshadowing me."]
Egla Ash gave the Healer an anguished look. There had to be something they could do. He raised his eyes to the morning sky.
"Elbereth, help us. Don't let him be taken into shadow!" He cried aloud, tears flowing freely. As he lowered his head, something tugged at the back of his mind. Something here was familiar. He looked about. The trees were tall and beautiful in the light of the sun. They didn't glimmer as they did at night beneath the stars, but shone with a clean pure light. Glimmer.glimmer.
Egla Ash gasped. They were near Gael Dor. He turned to the Healer. If everything that he had felt about his home were true, perhaps the Healer could help Legolas there. Hurriedly he told the Nestadren of the clearing in Mirkwood, where he and the Rangers had taken Legolas all those years before. It was a place of peace he knew. Perhaps of healing.
Nestadren knew immediately of the place he meant, though the Healer hadn't been there in some time. He knew that the place held a special magic, but was it a magic he could draw on to heal the dreadful poison that was killing his prince? He fervently hoped so, for he feared that Legolas would be dead before they could reach Gladaran Thamas. They were still too far. He nodded and they headed toward Egla Ash's Glimmering Place.
The ring of huge trees spreading their green leaves in the summer sunlight welcomed the three travelers. Egla Ash knelt in the center of the clearing, gently laying Legolas down on the fragrant grass that was studded with tiny blue, white and yellow flowers. He smoothed back the ruffled blonde hair and stroked the fevered brow.
"I mor.I mor." [The darkness.the darkness.]
"Shh, Legolas Elvellon. You will be well. You have to be well." The Orc watched as Nestadren exclaimed with delight as he cut an athelas plant. He hurried over to them.
"Fresh is best," he murmured, smiling wryly as he repeated one of the first lessons in herbs. He quickly had a small fire going, and the plants boiling over it in his small pot. The fresh cleansing fragrance filled the clearing. Perhaps there was a glimmer of hope after all.
Egla Ash found some of his worries leaving him and he allowed himself a small smile. He held one of Legolas' hands in his own, stroking the smooth, pale skin. They eased him up and pulled the tunic off, followed by the blood drenched shirt. He watched quietly as the Healer applied some of the mixture directly to the wound on Legolas' arm and then bandaged it tightly. The unconsieous Elf gasped and arched his back, crying out slightly. Egla Ash felt his heart ache as Nestadren then placed some of it into a bandage and wrapped it tightly about his chest and back, covering the wounds made by morn gothfeng, his black arrow.
I did that, he thought, tears spilling from his eyes. I did that. Please forgive me, nin mellon.
"Help me get this into him, Egla Ash."
The Orc leaned the Elf against his chest as the Healer poured some of the cooling water between Legolas lips.
"No!" Legolas moaned, caught in his dream. Fengbad's leering face filled his mind. The Orc captain raised the flask to his lips. "No!"
Egla Ash wrapped his arms gently about the struggling Elf. Finally the Healer managed to get some down his throat.
Nestadren drew a deep breath and looked into the Orc's eyes, then placed his hands on Legolas' chest. He concentrated all his healing power on the prince. Egla Ash watched as the Healer's hands seemed to be wrapped in light, a shining orb glowed about them. He saw beads of sweat dot his brow. The Healing was hard on both the Elves. Legolas moaned again and Egla Ash could feel him shuddering as the poison warred with the Healer over his body.
"Come back to me, Legolas Elvellon. Please don't leave. Valmet tir i elenath eria godref." [We will watch the stars rise together.]
Nestadren's brow furrowed in concentration.
"Elbereth aid me! Don't let me loose him," he murmured. He gasped for breath, then opened his eyes, not removing his hands from Legolas. "Sing to him, Egla Ash. Call him back from the darkness. Please help me."
Egla Ash's mind seemed to go blank. He could think of no songs. Tears stung his eyes. He must think of something for his friend. Even when he himself had been caught in the darkness Legolas had remained true to him. He had been faithful. Sador Mellon. Faithful Friend. The words seemed to flood his brain and he sang of his friend and of their friendship, of all the hardships suffered and barriers overcome. He sang of the love they held for one another, even in the darkest of times. He sang of the hope that had come to them both. He sang for his friend.
Sador Mellon.*
* Note - Sador Mellon is the song Legolas sang in "Hope While the Stars Shine" when the Fellowship was sitting outside Moria waiting for Gandalf to open the doors.
Response to Reviewers
JastaElf - Your heart was breaking ?! You broke me with chapter 3 of your second fic. Plug: Go read JastaElf's stories! Just be warned. Chapter 3 of #2 is a painful painful chapter. Glad that you thought this was wonderful! AJ Matthews - Everything is getting better. Don't worry. Have hope! Horus - Leggy is getting better. Have hope! I am repeating myself again. Sorry. Salak - You are now a wonderful dance instructor as well as a superb dancer!! (applause from me and Egla Ash (he gives you a standing ovation!)) Ayod - Thanks for R/R "Hope While the Stars Shine". That was kewl of you!! Jan - I'm glad that you are feeling better. It broke my heart, too. And I like Gollum, so he can't be all bad, can he? Warm fuzzies!! Shinigamio - I'm glad that you are feeling somewhat better. Never fear, hope is here! And thanks for telling me that it was a great chapter, I wasn't too sure about it. alliwantisanelfforchristmas -I love writing to my reviewers! You are a good dance student. I am sure that Salak is very proud of you! I know we (Egla Ash and I) are!! Actually he ate the head off Legolas first. Yikes!! long under tree - Thranduil is not such a bad guy. I really kinda like him! And as to Egla Ash living with the Elves.That's the next story, though maybe not what you think. (heh heh) And be warned, nin mellon, there is some Elvish in this chapter! Sorry, but I couldn't resist. And ta da! Plug: Go read long under tree's story. It is great! (even if she is slow to post!) haha!!