JastaElf – I'm afraid that you need to prepare for more heartbreak at the
end of this chapter. So be prepared. As to the Beauty and the Beast
vision see the end of this chapter. And just as I was sitting here typing
this in an idea formed for the next chapter. Thanks to you for that!!
Ayod Botla – Hope that the Happy Knitting session was fun! Very glad you thought the shovel part was funny. You have alliwantisanelfforchristmas and JastaElf to thank for that one. See also my response to Jan who has joined the Shovel Brigade.
Horus – I'm glad you like!! Waiting for more of ur story, too!!
Jan – Thank you for joining the Shovel Brigade!! Both JastaElf and alliwantisanelfforchristmas to thank for that inspiration. They both mentioned shovels, Arwen and Glorfindel in the same sentence. So I merely elaborated on the idea. You needn't worry about Elu usurping Elrond as Healer. Elu is very much a fledgling Healer. Glad to find another Elrond fan (and all male Elves, too. WooHoo!!) I have to admit, somewhat sheepishly that I didn't see the Elu/Boromir episode coming either. I had Boromir nice and lost in the Misty Mountains and the next thing I knew it coincided with Elu's Black Thoughts. Glad that you liked that. It kind of threw me too!
Shinigamio – Yes, come to tea anytime. We'd love to have you. Glad that you liked the Boromir part, too. That was kind of fun and since I like Boromir right well it was nice to scare him a little!
Rings of the cosmos – Elu-kun will do all he can to help, you may rest assured.
evyllen – Wow! What can I say?!! You've read all my old ones and reviewed them, too! I am impressed and very happy. Thank you so much. I am glad that you are enjoying them. I never thought about the Orcs much either until I wanted to write something different. So Egla Ash was born in a contemplative walk beneath my own trees. I am glad that you like my songs, more are coming. Some time in this fic. Thanks again.
alliwantisanelfforchristmas - Wow!! Thanks for another chocolate Legolas! It worked as always. I wrote this entire chapter this afternoon because of it!! I'm glad that your husband liked the last chapter and your daughter, too. My eight-year-old son likes them. I see you were caught by surprise, too, in the Misty Mountains with Boromir. As I told Jan I didn't see that coming either until it was there. And you, JastaElf, and Jan are the Shovel Brigade now! Thank you for that idea! You guys should get together with Salak and make a Shovel Dance!!
Author's Note – Tharkun is what the Dwarves call Gandalf.
Merry and Pippin had fallen asleep in their corner, leaning comfortably against one another, a piece of sweet bread still in Pippin's limp hand. Aragorn had left with Arwen, their eyes shining. It had been a joyous reunion for both. Legolas promised to tell them if anything happened with Frodo.
Mirkwood's prince had moved to sit on a stone bench near the gurgling, splashing fountain and gazed at the stars overhead. He wondered how things were going in Elrond's room. Occasionally low voices could be heard, but as yet no one had emerged. Soft sounds of singing drifted to him. Imladris was indeed a place of music and great peace. He sat quietly, letting his unease flow away. After a while he sang in hushed tones, his body still.
He heard footsteps approaching down the stone steps leading from the guest quarters. Heavy, lumbering footsteps. He narrowed his eyes. It was one of the Dwarves. He remained still, singing quiet Elvish words.
The footsteps faltered and stopped as the Dwarf became aware of the Elf sitting on the opposite side of the fountain.
"Taldannai, A Naug, galadh
Talt ned i eryn,
Long a brui;
Caniel an pan:
Im si!"
[(Your) footfalls, O Dwarf, (are as) trees
Falling in the wood,
Heavy and loud;
Calling to all:
"I (am) here!]
Gimli scowled. Though the tune was light and pleasant and the Elvish words smooth as silk, somehow he knew the words were directed at him and they weren't polite. Galadh was the word for light or trees –or something. He had heard it before in Elvish songs. But the rest were beyond him.
Then he tensed. He recognized the Elf now. It was the one from Mirkwood. His scowl deepened. Elves were everywhere in Rivendell. So of all the Elves why did it have to be that one? He growled slightly and moved across the courtyard. Too many unpleasant words hammered through his mind, but he kept them from reaching his tongue.
"My father sent me to check on Bilbo's nephew." He said, by way of greeting. "Have you heard how he is?"
"Brui sern girith dan sern." [Noisy (as) stone against stone.]
Legolas looked over at the Dwarf whose reddish beard was bristling with dislike as he stared at the Elf.
"Did you say something? I am sorry, I didn't hear you."
The Dwarf frowned, narrowing his dark eyes.
"I asked if you knew how the Hobbit is doing?" His hand moved to his belt where his axe would normally have been. But it wasn't there. He growled again.
Legolas smiled and raised one eyebrow noting the movement.
"Lord Elrond is still with him." He answered, gazing once more at the cascading water. He didn't allow the smile the threatened his lips as the Dwarf puffed up angrily.
"If you will not answer me, then I will go and see for myself." Gimli declared, suddenly striding across the courtyard toward the Elf Lord's room.
"You will not." Legolas rose and moved to prevent the Dwarf from entering the room. "Lord Elrond does not wish to be disturbed. I am sure he will send word to your father when he can."
Gimli stared up a the taller Elf, his hands on his hips.
"You had better move out of the way, Master Elf, or I'll –"
"You'll what?" Legolas glared down at him, his arms across his chest.
"I'll strangle you both if you do not keep silent."
The two stared at the doorway behind them. Gandalf was standing there, his blue eyes filled with fire.
"I suggest you both leave now. You are disturbing Lord Elrond. If anything amiss happens to Frodo because of your inconsideration –"
"Nay, Mithrandir. I can do nothing else this night." Elrond stood in the doorway, his face weary. He sighed. "You may tell your father that Frodo is sleeping peacefully." He said to Gimli.
The Dwarf bowed.
"Thank you, Lord Elrond. Good night, Tharkun." He bowed to Gandalf. He glared up at Legolas then turned and stumped off, muttering in Dwarvish.
Elrond sighed.
"What was going on out here, Thranduil's son?"
Legolas cleared his throat.
"The Dwarf was asking how the Hobbit fared." He answered, his eyes wide and innocent.
"Was he indeed. And what was that little song you were singing earlier? Something about trees falling I believe."
Legolas swallowed and dropped his gaze.
"I apologize, Lord Elrond."
"You should apologize to the Dwarf, Legolas Greenleaf. I will have none of that here." The Elf Lord winced. His head was aching and he wanted to sleep. Healings were always tiring, but this particular one had been most wearisome. And he feared it wasn't over yet.
"Lord Elrond? Perhaps I might bring you some – "
"No, Elu! No tea." He turned to the Orc who had moved to stand behind him.
The Orc's blue eyes looked hurt at the harsh tone in his voice and Elrond immediately regretted his hasty words. He sighed.
"Very well. You may bring me some tea. But not with Vandal Root. Please not with Vandal Root." He sighed again. "I want to check on Frodo once more and then I will meet you in the room next to this one."
The Orc nodded and moved into the courtyard. He smiled at Legolas and sat on the bench to dig through his pouch of herbs.
"Accompany him to the kitchen, Legolas." Mithrandir said quietly, looking at Elrond. He, too, feared that there was something about this wound that they were missing. They couldn't loose Frodo now, not after all he had been through to get here. "Make enough tea for myself as well. And Bilbo and Sam. I doubt that they will be leaving Frodo's side until he is recovered." He noticed the two smaller Hobbits curled up in the corner. "Why don't you and Elu carry them to their rooms. I doubt they will awaken this night."
After Elrond told them which rooms had been prepared for the Halflings, Legolas and Elu gently picked up Merry and Pippin and carried them inside. They stirred slightly as they were lifted from the ground, but continued to sleep.
"I know, Mithrandir." Elrond said after they had gone, holding up one hand to stop the Wizard's words. "I know. I, too, fear that a piece of that cursed blade is still in him somewhere. But I am weary as is Frodo. We will begin the search again tomorrow." He turned away. "You may want to try and convince Bilbo to get some rest. Though I doubt it will do much good. These Hobbits are a stubborn lot when you get right down to it."
"As are the Elves, Elrond." Gandalf sighed, great weariness coming over him. "I will sit with Frodo tonight. With company that I doubt will be convinced to go. Rest, Elrond. If anything should change this night, I will alert you."
Elrond nodded and walked back into the room. He looked at the two Hobbits at Frodo's side. Sam's eyes were filled with worry as he stroked the cold, pale hand that lay in his own.
"You can beat this, Mister Frodo." He murmured fiercely. "You are stronger than they are. You can beat them."
Bilbo was sitting quietly, his eyes on his nephew's face. Silent tears wet his cheeks.
"Sam is right, Frodo, my lad." He said. "You are strong. You must get well so you can tell me of your own adventure." His voice broke slightly. "Don't leave me, Frodo. You must get well. You must come back to me."
He looked at the Istari who stood at his side. Tears shimmered in Gandalf's eyes.
"Do not fear, Bilbo." Elrond said quietly, moving to grasp the old Hobbit's shoulder. "He will recover. You must trust me in this."
Bilbo gazed up at the Healer and nodded.
"I know, Elrond. It's just that – I am so afraid for him."
Elrond's grip tightened.
:You are not the only one, friend Bilbo.: He thought grimly. :I fear for him also.:
Elu watched the teakettle that sat over the small fire. He wished it would hurry up and boil so he could take the tea back to Lord Elrond. He, too, was weary. He never knew that Healing could be so taxing. He hadn't done much, mostly he had watched Elrond, thinking of the many questions he would ask later when the young Hobbit was recovered. The room had been filled with such sorrow and fear that it was overwhelming. Perhaps he should make some tea for himself. He looked over at Legolas who was seated on a three-legged stool, swinging one leg back and forth, humming slightly. He, too, had heard the quiet songs that his friend had sung outside Elrond's room. He frowned and moved to stand before the Elf.
"Legolas Elvellon, why did you sing those words about the Dwarf?" He asked.
Legolas looked up at him.
"Well…I just…He was making so much noise that I had to…" He shrugged. He had been rude. But who cared. It was only a Dwarf after all.
The Orc raised his brows and turned away with a small smile on his face. He knew about the animosity that existed between the Elves and the Dwarves. And it didn't help that that particular Dwarf was the son of one whom Legolas' father had imprisoned. He suspected that this knowledge only made it worse. The kettle was boiling at last and he removed it from the fire and poured the hot liquid into the teapot that he had already warmed.
Just then someone entered the small cooking room.
"Uanui ulunn!" [Hideous monster!]
Legolas and Elu turned to see a tall dark haired Elf standing in the doorway. His brilliant green eyes were burning with disgust and anger. Legolas stood his own eyes darkening.
"Um raug." [Evil demon.]
Elu hung his head and turned away, tending to the tea. No one had come to confront him face to face yet, but he had been expecting it. He would not let himself become embroiled in quarrels and wars with words. He knew the danger in such things and he wished to avoid it at all costs. But not so Legolas.
"You have no right to call him that." He said rising from the stool to face the other Elf. He had none of Elu's qualms about confronting someone. "Lord Elrond has welcomed him and you must as well."
"Lord Elrond may have welcomed him, but I do not have to, you young whelp of Mirkwood. I will welcome no Orc regardless of what my Lord may say."
"You treat Lord Elrond's word so lightly? He would not be pleased." Legolas glared at the other one and was rewarded with a cold smirk.
"Le ni aglonnant an i anann le ah i Yrch." [You have been defiled by the time you were with the Orcs.]
Legolas gasped and Elu turned from his preparations in shock.
"I – I – "
The Elf laughed at the sputtering prince of Mirkwood.
"'Tis said that Spider poison runs in the veins of the Mirkwood Elves. So mayhap you enjoyed the company of the monsters."
Legolas was trembling with rage, his hands clenched into tight fists. How could this Elf know of his capture by the Orcs? And dare to suggest that he had enjoyed it!
"Don't, Legolas Elvellon." Elu whispered, putting the pot of tea on a tray with some cups. "Don't let him upset you so."
"No one asked you to speak, beast." The Elf spat at him. "You are an abomination as are all your kind. You do not deserve life. And if Lord Elrond had not decreed that you were to be spared you would be dead. Everyone despises you here. You are not wanted. Go back to that horror of a forest you call home, so Imladris can be cleansed of your presence."
The hands on the tray tightened slightly causing the cups to rattle. Elu swallowed and closed his eyes. No. No. He would not give in to the urge to strangle the haughty Elf. That would lead…elsewhere. Lord Elrond needed him. Bilbo needed him too.
"Excuse me." He said in a thick voice, moving across the room. "Lord Elrond wants his tea."
"Poisoned no doubt. Elrond is a fool if he drinks anything made by an Orc."
Elu paused, drawing a deep breath. Anger flared inside him. He stepped up to the Elf who was still standing in the doorway.
"I said excuse me."
"And if I do not let you past?" The Elf's green eyes were filled with a wicked delight.
Legolas could see the tension building in his friend, and his own anger dissipated as fear for what Elu might be feeling filled him. Not the Black Thoughts. Not now.
Elu raised his blue eyes to the Elf and let the full wrath and hate that he felt fill them. He laid aside the tray, putting it on a small, carved table near the door.
"Step aside." He growled, his fists clenching, teeth bared. He could kill this Elf it would be so easy. He had killed them before and he would do so again.
The Elf hesitated, the color draining from his face along with his smile. He did not doubt that the Orc would kill him in a heartbeat. He had pushed it too far. He moved out into the hall.
"I will not forget this, ulunn. Rest assured all will know of this. Then not even Elrond will be able to save you." He hurried down the hall.
"Elu?"
The Orc picked up the tray, which shook violently in his hands.
"Do not speak to me, Legolas Elvellon." He hissed, trying desperately to control the thoughts that surged through his brain like a wild fire. "Do not speak to me."
Legolas followed him into the hall and down the corridor. He watched as Elu took the tea to Elrond and without waiting for a word of thanks, hurried away into the night. The Black Thoughts were taking him into darkness once more.
I would like your opinion, dear readers, on something that a couple of you have said in past reviews. Back in Chap. 2 long under tree made the comment about Elu "perhaps he will become an Elf." And then JastaElf in Chap.7 spoke of her Beauty and the Beast vision "And Lo! He has turned into an Elf!" Well, I will admit that when long under tree mentioned that I think I just dismissed it. But then to hear it repeated, kind of stopped me in my tracks. So, here's the thing. I would like your opinion as to what the ultimate outcome of Elu's life will be. Will he always stay an Orc or should Elrond find a way to make him into an Elf? His fate is now in your hands, gentle readers. Let me know what you think.
Elenath sila erin le! Or for those of you who prefer Quenya: Elen silann tye!
Ayod Botla – Hope that the Happy Knitting session was fun! Very glad you thought the shovel part was funny. You have alliwantisanelfforchristmas and JastaElf to thank for that one. See also my response to Jan who has joined the Shovel Brigade.
Horus – I'm glad you like!! Waiting for more of ur story, too!!
Jan – Thank you for joining the Shovel Brigade!! Both JastaElf and alliwantisanelfforchristmas to thank for that inspiration. They both mentioned shovels, Arwen and Glorfindel in the same sentence. So I merely elaborated on the idea. You needn't worry about Elu usurping Elrond as Healer. Elu is very much a fledgling Healer. Glad to find another Elrond fan (and all male Elves, too. WooHoo!!) I have to admit, somewhat sheepishly that I didn't see the Elu/Boromir episode coming either. I had Boromir nice and lost in the Misty Mountains and the next thing I knew it coincided with Elu's Black Thoughts. Glad that you liked that. It kind of threw me too!
Shinigamio – Yes, come to tea anytime. We'd love to have you. Glad that you liked the Boromir part, too. That was kind of fun and since I like Boromir right well it was nice to scare him a little!
Rings of the cosmos – Elu-kun will do all he can to help, you may rest assured.
evyllen – Wow! What can I say?!! You've read all my old ones and reviewed them, too! I am impressed and very happy. Thank you so much. I am glad that you are enjoying them. I never thought about the Orcs much either until I wanted to write something different. So Egla Ash was born in a contemplative walk beneath my own trees. I am glad that you like my songs, more are coming. Some time in this fic. Thanks again.
alliwantisanelfforchristmas - Wow!! Thanks for another chocolate Legolas! It worked as always. I wrote this entire chapter this afternoon because of it!! I'm glad that your husband liked the last chapter and your daughter, too. My eight-year-old son likes them. I see you were caught by surprise, too, in the Misty Mountains with Boromir. As I told Jan I didn't see that coming either until it was there. And you, JastaElf, and Jan are the Shovel Brigade now! Thank you for that idea! You guys should get together with Salak and make a Shovel Dance!!
Author's Note – Tharkun is what the Dwarves call Gandalf.
Merry and Pippin had fallen asleep in their corner, leaning comfortably against one another, a piece of sweet bread still in Pippin's limp hand. Aragorn had left with Arwen, their eyes shining. It had been a joyous reunion for both. Legolas promised to tell them if anything happened with Frodo.
Mirkwood's prince had moved to sit on a stone bench near the gurgling, splashing fountain and gazed at the stars overhead. He wondered how things were going in Elrond's room. Occasionally low voices could be heard, but as yet no one had emerged. Soft sounds of singing drifted to him. Imladris was indeed a place of music and great peace. He sat quietly, letting his unease flow away. After a while he sang in hushed tones, his body still.
He heard footsteps approaching down the stone steps leading from the guest quarters. Heavy, lumbering footsteps. He narrowed his eyes. It was one of the Dwarves. He remained still, singing quiet Elvish words.
The footsteps faltered and stopped as the Dwarf became aware of the Elf sitting on the opposite side of the fountain.
"Taldannai, A Naug, galadh
Talt ned i eryn,
Long a brui;
Caniel an pan:
Im si!"
[(Your) footfalls, O Dwarf, (are as) trees
Falling in the wood,
Heavy and loud;
Calling to all:
"I (am) here!]
Gimli scowled. Though the tune was light and pleasant and the Elvish words smooth as silk, somehow he knew the words were directed at him and they weren't polite. Galadh was the word for light or trees –or something. He had heard it before in Elvish songs. But the rest were beyond him.
Then he tensed. He recognized the Elf now. It was the one from Mirkwood. His scowl deepened. Elves were everywhere in Rivendell. So of all the Elves why did it have to be that one? He growled slightly and moved across the courtyard. Too many unpleasant words hammered through his mind, but he kept them from reaching his tongue.
"My father sent me to check on Bilbo's nephew." He said, by way of greeting. "Have you heard how he is?"
"Brui sern girith dan sern." [Noisy (as) stone against stone.]
Legolas looked over at the Dwarf whose reddish beard was bristling with dislike as he stared at the Elf.
"Did you say something? I am sorry, I didn't hear you."
The Dwarf frowned, narrowing his dark eyes.
"I asked if you knew how the Hobbit is doing?" His hand moved to his belt where his axe would normally have been. But it wasn't there. He growled again.
Legolas smiled and raised one eyebrow noting the movement.
"Lord Elrond is still with him." He answered, gazing once more at the cascading water. He didn't allow the smile the threatened his lips as the Dwarf puffed up angrily.
"If you will not answer me, then I will go and see for myself." Gimli declared, suddenly striding across the courtyard toward the Elf Lord's room.
"You will not." Legolas rose and moved to prevent the Dwarf from entering the room. "Lord Elrond does not wish to be disturbed. I am sure he will send word to your father when he can."
Gimli stared up a the taller Elf, his hands on his hips.
"You had better move out of the way, Master Elf, or I'll –"
"You'll what?" Legolas glared down at him, his arms across his chest.
"I'll strangle you both if you do not keep silent."
The two stared at the doorway behind them. Gandalf was standing there, his blue eyes filled with fire.
"I suggest you both leave now. You are disturbing Lord Elrond. If anything amiss happens to Frodo because of your inconsideration –"
"Nay, Mithrandir. I can do nothing else this night." Elrond stood in the doorway, his face weary. He sighed. "You may tell your father that Frodo is sleeping peacefully." He said to Gimli.
The Dwarf bowed.
"Thank you, Lord Elrond. Good night, Tharkun." He bowed to Gandalf. He glared up at Legolas then turned and stumped off, muttering in Dwarvish.
Elrond sighed.
"What was going on out here, Thranduil's son?"
Legolas cleared his throat.
"The Dwarf was asking how the Hobbit fared." He answered, his eyes wide and innocent.
"Was he indeed. And what was that little song you were singing earlier? Something about trees falling I believe."
Legolas swallowed and dropped his gaze.
"I apologize, Lord Elrond."
"You should apologize to the Dwarf, Legolas Greenleaf. I will have none of that here." The Elf Lord winced. His head was aching and he wanted to sleep. Healings were always tiring, but this particular one had been most wearisome. And he feared it wasn't over yet.
"Lord Elrond? Perhaps I might bring you some – "
"No, Elu! No tea." He turned to the Orc who had moved to stand behind him.
The Orc's blue eyes looked hurt at the harsh tone in his voice and Elrond immediately regretted his hasty words. He sighed.
"Very well. You may bring me some tea. But not with Vandal Root. Please not with Vandal Root." He sighed again. "I want to check on Frodo once more and then I will meet you in the room next to this one."
The Orc nodded and moved into the courtyard. He smiled at Legolas and sat on the bench to dig through his pouch of herbs.
"Accompany him to the kitchen, Legolas." Mithrandir said quietly, looking at Elrond. He, too, feared that there was something about this wound that they were missing. They couldn't loose Frodo now, not after all he had been through to get here. "Make enough tea for myself as well. And Bilbo and Sam. I doubt that they will be leaving Frodo's side until he is recovered." He noticed the two smaller Hobbits curled up in the corner. "Why don't you and Elu carry them to their rooms. I doubt they will awaken this night."
After Elrond told them which rooms had been prepared for the Halflings, Legolas and Elu gently picked up Merry and Pippin and carried them inside. They stirred slightly as they were lifted from the ground, but continued to sleep.
"I know, Mithrandir." Elrond said after they had gone, holding up one hand to stop the Wizard's words. "I know. I, too, fear that a piece of that cursed blade is still in him somewhere. But I am weary as is Frodo. We will begin the search again tomorrow." He turned away. "You may want to try and convince Bilbo to get some rest. Though I doubt it will do much good. These Hobbits are a stubborn lot when you get right down to it."
"As are the Elves, Elrond." Gandalf sighed, great weariness coming over him. "I will sit with Frodo tonight. With company that I doubt will be convinced to go. Rest, Elrond. If anything should change this night, I will alert you."
Elrond nodded and walked back into the room. He looked at the two Hobbits at Frodo's side. Sam's eyes were filled with worry as he stroked the cold, pale hand that lay in his own.
"You can beat this, Mister Frodo." He murmured fiercely. "You are stronger than they are. You can beat them."
Bilbo was sitting quietly, his eyes on his nephew's face. Silent tears wet his cheeks.
"Sam is right, Frodo, my lad." He said. "You are strong. You must get well so you can tell me of your own adventure." His voice broke slightly. "Don't leave me, Frodo. You must get well. You must come back to me."
He looked at the Istari who stood at his side. Tears shimmered in Gandalf's eyes.
"Do not fear, Bilbo." Elrond said quietly, moving to grasp the old Hobbit's shoulder. "He will recover. You must trust me in this."
Bilbo gazed up at the Healer and nodded.
"I know, Elrond. It's just that – I am so afraid for him."
Elrond's grip tightened.
:You are not the only one, friend Bilbo.: He thought grimly. :I fear for him also.:
Elu watched the teakettle that sat over the small fire. He wished it would hurry up and boil so he could take the tea back to Lord Elrond. He, too, was weary. He never knew that Healing could be so taxing. He hadn't done much, mostly he had watched Elrond, thinking of the many questions he would ask later when the young Hobbit was recovered. The room had been filled with such sorrow and fear that it was overwhelming. Perhaps he should make some tea for himself. He looked over at Legolas who was seated on a three-legged stool, swinging one leg back and forth, humming slightly. He, too, had heard the quiet songs that his friend had sung outside Elrond's room. He frowned and moved to stand before the Elf.
"Legolas Elvellon, why did you sing those words about the Dwarf?" He asked.
Legolas looked up at him.
"Well…I just…He was making so much noise that I had to…" He shrugged. He had been rude. But who cared. It was only a Dwarf after all.
The Orc raised his brows and turned away with a small smile on his face. He knew about the animosity that existed between the Elves and the Dwarves. And it didn't help that that particular Dwarf was the son of one whom Legolas' father had imprisoned. He suspected that this knowledge only made it worse. The kettle was boiling at last and he removed it from the fire and poured the hot liquid into the teapot that he had already warmed.
Just then someone entered the small cooking room.
"Uanui ulunn!" [Hideous monster!]
Legolas and Elu turned to see a tall dark haired Elf standing in the doorway. His brilliant green eyes were burning with disgust and anger. Legolas stood his own eyes darkening.
"Um raug." [Evil demon.]
Elu hung his head and turned away, tending to the tea. No one had come to confront him face to face yet, but he had been expecting it. He would not let himself become embroiled in quarrels and wars with words. He knew the danger in such things and he wished to avoid it at all costs. But not so Legolas.
"You have no right to call him that." He said rising from the stool to face the other Elf. He had none of Elu's qualms about confronting someone. "Lord Elrond has welcomed him and you must as well."
"Lord Elrond may have welcomed him, but I do not have to, you young whelp of Mirkwood. I will welcome no Orc regardless of what my Lord may say."
"You treat Lord Elrond's word so lightly? He would not be pleased." Legolas glared at the other one and was rewarded with a cold smirk.
"Le ni aglonnant an i anann le ah i Yrch." [You have been defiled by the time you were with the Orcs.]
Legolas gasped and Elu turned from his preparations in shock.
"I – I – "
The Elf laughed at the sputtering prince of Mirkwood.
"'Tis said that Spider poison runs in the veins of the Mirkwood Elves. So mayhap you enjoyed the company of the monsters."
Legolas was trembling with rage, his hands clenched into tight fists. How could this Elf know of his capture by the Orcs? And dare to suggest that he had enjoyed it!
"Don't, Legolas Elvellon." Elu whispered, putting the pot of tea on a tray with some cups. "Don't let him upset you so."
"No one asked you to speak, beast." The Elf spat at him. "You are an abomination as are all your kind. You do not deserve life. And if Lord Elrond had not decreed that you were to be spared you would be dead. Everyone despises you here. You are not wanted. Go back to that horror of a forest you call home, so Imladris can be cleansed of your presence."
The hands on the tray tightened slightly causing the cups to rattle. Elu swallowed and closed his eyes. No. No. He would not give in to the urge to strangle the haughty Elf. That would lead…elsewhere. Lord Elrond needed him. Bilbo needed him too.
"Excuse me." He said in a thick voice, moving across the room. "Lord Elrond wants his tea."
"Poisoned no doubt. Elrond is a fool if he drinks anything made by an Orc."
Elu paused, drawing a deep breath. Anger flared inside him. He stepped up to the Elf who was still standing in the doorway.
"I said excuse me."
"And if I do not let you past?" The Elf's green eyes were filled with a wicked delight.
Legolas could see the tension building in his friend, and his own anger dissipated as fear for what Elu might be feeling filled him. Not the Black Thoughts. Not now.
Elu raised his blue eyes to the Elf and let the full wrath and hate that he felt fill them. He laid aside the tray, putting it on a small, carved table near the door.
"Step aside." He growled, his fists clenching, teeth bared. He could kill this Elf it would be so easy. He had killed them before and he would do so again.
The Elf hesitated, the color draining from his face along with his smile. He did not doubt that the Orc would kill him in a heartbeat. He had pushed it too far. He moved out into the hall.
"I will not forget this, ulunn. Rest assured all will know of this. Then not even Elrond will be able to save you." He hurried down the hall.
"Elu?"
The Orc picked up the tray, which shook violently in his hands.
"Do not speak to me, Legolas Elvellon." He hissed, trying desperately to control the thoughts that surged through his brain like a wild fire. "Do not speak to me."
Legolas followed him into the hall and down the corridor. He watched as Elu took the tea to Elrond and without waiting for a word of thanks, hurried away into the night. The Black Thoughts were taking him into darkness once more.
I would like your opinion, dear readers, on something that a couple of you have said in past reviews. Back in Chap. 2 long under tree made the comment about Elu "perhaps he will become an Elf." And then JastaElf in Chap.7 spoke of her Beauty and the Beast vision "And Lo! He has turned into an Elf!" Well, I will admit that when long under tree mentioned that I think I just dismissed it. But then to hear it repeated, kind of stopped me in my tracks. So, here's the thing. I would like your opinion as to what the ultimate outcome of Elu's life will be. Will he always stay an Orc or should Elrond find a way to make him into an Elf? His fate is now in your hands, gentle readers. Let me know what you think.
Elenath sila erin le! Or for those of you who prefer Quenya: Elen silann tye!