*** " [ " indicates the contents of a written letter. " * " indicates unspoken thought. ***

A/N: Keeper-of-Grace: Welcome aboard! Its wonderful to see a new face… er… signature. :)

Evil Old Woman: Thank you so much for your comments. Don't worry; while you've been reading chap. 10, I've been writing chap. 14. So we've still got a lot happening before the end… lots of time for Legolas and Alede to figure out how they feel. Stick with me. I'll think you'll be surprised and hopefully pleased by the ending! BTW, I realize that I have not explained well enough the difference between green magic and the magic that Gandalf wields. I'll have to think that over… Green magic is used by village healers, its what we think of as old fashioned (bubble, bubble toil and trouble) witch craft. It is considered very "rustic and primitive" and a wizard would never use it or learn it. Alede is more versed in Green magic than wizardry, since she was a bit of a "drop out" at Orthanc. Does this make any sense or am I just babbling here? lol

For all you other wonderful, wonderful Readers/Reviewers: Thank you soooooo much. I read every review and take it quite seriously. Your comments are inspiring and helpful.

"The Caverns of Mirkwood"

Chapter 11

Arrow's Flight



[Dear Gimli,

I sincerely hope that you are jesting with me, my friend. While I know from your ale that Dwarves have a rather indiscriminate palette, this is beyond even my worst expectations. No wonder your race is so stunted. When I return I'll introduce you to some real food.

I thank you for the advice for my father. He is out of danger now and so am I. You need not be concerned, as the culprit has been caught. I will write more once I understand his motives.

Legolas]

*********

"Legolas!" Alede exclaimed furiously. Obviously she'd identified his voice after her initial fright.

"You should not have come here alone."

"You said that already," Alede reminded him as she bent to pick up her bundle. "I hate it when you sneak up on me! You frightened the life out of me."

"Did I?" he chuckled as he watched her from his perch. She straightened up and looked around.

"Curse it! Where are you?"

"Here."

She looked up, nearly looking right at him, but she still did not see him. Grinning, Legolas let one foot dangle down from the branch. Seeing it, she walked around the trunk of the tree and glared up at him, her fists resting on her hips.

"How long have you been here?" she asked.

"Long enough." He raised mischievous brows at her. "I did not realize that our lake had a mermaid."

"Ohh!!" Alede dumped her bundle on the ground again and snatched something up off the path.

"Alede, I…" Legolas suddenly had to duck as a very well thrown acorn shot past his head.

Laughing, he leapt down from the branch lightly. "Such a prickly temper you have."

"You frightened me and you were watching me!"

"With good reason." The breeze tossed a lock of her hair across her face and Legolas reached out, tucking it behind her ear. "You came down here without even your staff."

"I came here for a swim, not to perform magic."

"You should have been more careful."

"It is daylight so I need not fear Orcs and Lomomir is locked away." She shrugged. "There is no threat."

"Isn't there?" he asked. Taking hold of her arm, he turned her and pointed deep into the forest. "Do you see it?"

Alede squinted and followed his finger. She started to shake her head and then gasped.

Legolas nodded. "Yes, a spider and it has been watching you as long as I have. This is still Mirkwood forest Alede, and it is always dangerous."

"I… I had forgotten. It would not have attacked during the day, would it?"

"Not while you were in the water, but after you came out it might have."

"Will it…?" But Alede's words were cut off as Legolas suddenly whipped an arrow from his quiver and let it fly. The spider dropped with its legs curled up, his arrow lodged in it's head.

Alede let out her breath beside him and Legolas glanced down at her. The spider had not moved to attack them. But it was much too close to the palace and spiders were the only creature beside Orcs that Legolas would kill without mercy or reason.

This would be a good time to speak with her. He was a little surprised by how difficult it was. What he to say… would be asking a lot. Would she understand? But first he needed her promise.

"Please, Alede. If you return here, have Hithrawyn accompany you if I am unavailable. I don't want you to be alone in the woods."

"Apparently I wasn't," she retorted.

"Hmm?" he asked. His mind had been trying to formulate words and he had missed what she said.

"I wasn't alone. You were watching me."

"Ah, yes… Is that a blush, I see?" he asked, teasing her gently. Alede turned her head and Legolas caught her chin so that he might better joke with her. But when those soulful eyes looked up into his, he forgot whatever jest he planned to make. He also forgot his carefully planned speech.

Sunlight shown on her face, accenting the spattering of freckles on her nose and the green of her eyes. Her lips were parted slightly and suddenly everything that Legolas had decided vanished from his mind.

Still with one finger tucked beneath her chin, he leaned forward. He saw her eyes widen in surprise as she guessed his intent. And then a sound intruded on his Elvin senses… a sound that sent prickles of alarm racing up his spine.

Without even thinking, he threw himself to the ground, taking Alede. She landed with a cry of dismay beneath him. Legolas rolled off of her and surged to his feet, drawing his bow even as he rose.

Behind him, an arrow quivered in the trunk of a tree. Legolas scanned the forest. Movement on the crest of a hill, alerted him.

"Stay here," he hissed to Alede and sprinted toward the spot. But by the time he reached the hill, the attacker had gone. There was no sign even of trodden plants. Legolas made a thorough search, and then circled back to where he'd left Alede.

She was nowhere in sight. Ignoring all caution, he shouted her name.

"I'm here," she said slipping out of a cluster of trees behind him.

"I told you not to follow me! You could have been injured!" He put an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. Over the top of her head, he continued to scan the forest.

"I am well. But who could have done that?" she asked fearfully. "That arrow struck the tree right where you were standing! Who ever he was might have shot you as you raced toward him."

"He was too busy fleeing to shoot me," Legolas said, hearing the fright in her voice. He released her and pulled the arrow from the tree and examined it.

"Does it tell you anything? Who would shoot at you? Are we wrong about Lomomir?" Alede asked.

"I don't know," he said shaking his head. "I do not recognize the pattern of the fletching. It could be from the practice field, in which case anyone could have taken it. But they have a longer draw than I do."

Alede wrinkled her brow. "How can you tell?"

He held the notch end of the arrow between two fingers and placed it against his cheek, laying the rest of the arrow out against his other arm as it would be on a bow. Turning he showed it to Alede. The tip of the arrow went well past his fingers.

"That is not much to go by."

"Still, it is something. Come; let us get back to the palace. I fear something has happened. Stay close."

Legolas dropped into a crouch and led them off the path and into the deep undergrowth. Alede moved more quietly than a human would, but she was much too noisy for an Elf.

He turned and whispered to her. "Watch where I place my feet and step in the same place."

She was about to reply, but a slight noise in the trees interrupted them. Alede froze, looking up at him with wide eyes. Legolas scanned the forest, holding his breath and reaching out with all of his senses. What ever made the sound moved as silently as an Elf and made use of the thick foliage.

He signaled them to move on, but Alede shook her head and motioned him near. He bent down and her warm breath tickled his ear, giving him shivers.

"Go on without me," she whispered so softly he could barely hear her. "I cannot move as quietly and will give you away. You have a better chance without me. Go on."

He shook his head adamantly and took her hand, pulling her along. They reached the palace without any further problem, though twice they stopped while Legolas scanned the trees around them.

"Did you see who it was?" Alede asked with a shaky voice, once they crossed the threshold of the palace.

"No, they kept to cover that even I could not see through."

"Legolas… how did you know?" Alede asked and when Legolas turned to her, he could see that she was on the verge of tears. "I mean the arrow," she continued. "How did you know someone was shooting at you?"

"I heard the arrow's flight."

"You…" Alede stopped dead. "I did not know that was possible, even for Elves. You could have been killed," and her voice ended in a little sob.

Legolas put an arm around her and pulled her close. "The War of the Ring honed my skill. Do not be concerned. Now," he let go of her. "I need to gather warriors to comb the woods…"

"My Lord!" A page came running down the great stairs. "My Lord, we've been looking for you! Lomomir has escaped!"

*********

Alede had to run to keep up with Legolas. Franduil was in Lomomir's room when they arrived, but he was obviously just leaving.

"Legolas! Thank the Valar they found you! I have been worried."

"When did Lomomir escape?"

"We do not know, sometime during the morning. His absence was discovered when his midday meal was brought and the two guards stationed on his balcony are unconscious." Franduil turned to Alede. "Lady, if you would be willing…?"

But Alede was already moving toward the balcony. She knelt beside the two Elves. They were completely out and their faces were ashen.

*Heartbeat is much too slow,* Alede thought with a frown. When she leaned over to listen to their breathing she noticed a powdery substance on one of the guards faces. Wiping it off with her finger, Alede examined the white powder. She touched it to her tongue and then immediately stood up and spat off the balcony.

"Alede?" Legolas joined her after finishing his conversation with Franduil.

"Asgolath powder," she said turning back to him.

"What is it? Will they be alright?"

"I think so," she said with a worried frown. "The Asgolath plant is of the Nightshade family. The roots, when ground to a powder are extremely toxic when ingested. But in this case, it appears that Lomomir threw the powder in their faces. Inhaled, it rendered them unconscious, but I don't think it has done any permanent damage. I'll need to get my bag and my staff."

"I'll come with you. I need to speak with Father. Franduil goes to order out the troops for a search."

They left Lomomir's rooms and Legolas continued. "The guards outside Lomomir's door heard nothing and his bow and sword are gone."

"Oh dear…" Alede sighed.

"Yes. I'm worried for Father. Franduil already tried to speak with him. Apparently Father's guards' heard loud voices in his room, but when they asked if he was alright, he was alone and he denied it to Franduil."

"Indeed?" Alede said, puzzled. "Do you think Lomomir went to your Father's room?"

The young prince shrugged. "I don't know what to think yet." He stopped outside Alede's door. "I'll send for Hithrawyn to watch over you. Be careful Alede."

She caught his arm before he could turn away. "You be careful as well. And don't forget, we must find the female Greymalcin. She could still be used against your family."

Legolas nodded. "After I speak with Father."

*********

"How are you feeling Father?" Legolas asked quietly as he entered the King's chambers.

"Ah Legolas," Thranduil stood up carefully, griping the edge of his desk as he did so. "I wondered when you'd come to see me, Son."

Legolas laughed without mirth. "I've seen you many times, Father. You've just been asleep and therefore did not see me."

"Yes, I know. You and Franduil have had a difficult time of it. I am grateful for your vigilance." Thranduil held out his arms and Legolas gladly embraced him. He was amazed at how such a simple gesture could transport him back to his boyhood. Inhaling his father's clean scent and being wrapped in his warm arms made him remember times long ago. The King had been Legolas' entire world when he was young and he'd loved him without thought or reservation. But that was long ago before Legolas had come of age and they'd begun arguing about everything, long ago when the prince's life had been so simple.

They released each other and Legolas stepped back. There were tears in the prince's eyes and his father touched the side of his face.

"Be at ease, Son," Thranduil said softly. "I am well and I regain my strength. I thank you for the part you played in my healing."

"Alede is the one…"

"Nay," Thranduil said holding up a hand. "Franduil told me that it was you who remembered the Greymalcin. I should have remembered it myself. You begged me to read that book to you so many times, I'm surprised that it is not permanently etched into my memory."

"Yes," Legolas said slowly. This was not going to be easy to discuss with him. "And you know that, that book is missing?"

Thranduil shrugged. "What of it? Some other child with a morbid curiosity no doubt took it."

"But Father, that book contained information on the Greymalcin as did the book that Alede carried when she was pushed over the railing. Lomomir hid it…"

"Yes, yes," Thranduil said impatiently. The soft fatherly voice was replaced by that of an irritated king. "Franduil told me of your little theory concerning my brother."

"But…"

"But nothing. It is nonsense. All of it."

"Then how do you explain the Greymalcin, Father?"

Thranduil shrugged. "They are cave dwelling creatures. Obviously one found its way into the food stores in the caverns. If you wish to do something useful, then search for the beast and kill it so that no one else is harmed."

"I intend to. Alede and I will search later today."

"There is no need to take her. The caverns are no place for a woman."

Legolas snorted. "I doubt that Alede will be daunted by the caverns. And what of the figure I saw in the caverns? Franduil told you of that, did he not?"

"Hmm…" Thranduil considered. "I suppose it is possible we have a thief. Wine has been stolen from the caverns before. Once I am healed, I will…"

"Thief?" Legolas said incredulously. "It is no thief we seek Father! It is Lomomir! He meant me harm in the caverns, he attacked Alede twice, he stole two books concerning Greymalcins and just this afternoon he nearly put an arrow through me!"

Thranduil flinched. The arrow was news to him. But to Legolas' astonishment, Thranduil dismissed it.

"A stray arrow. Perhaps someone was practicing and it ricocheted or perhaps it was the thief."

"Father! This morning your own guards heard loud voices in your room, when supposedly you were alone."

"Do you now believe the word of the guards over that of your own father, Legolas?"

"I know not what to believe. But I think it possible that you seek to cover up Lomomir's…"

"Silence!" Thranduil bellowed. "I will have no more of this foolishness about my brother! You will tell Franduil to call off the search for him. Lomomir often wanders in the woods seeking medicinal herbs, you know that. No doubt that is where he has gone. The other matters are coincidence. Dismiss them."

Legolas gaped at him. *Thranduil was protecting Lomomir! Could his love of his brother blind him so much that he'd risk his life for him?*

Legolas started to speak again, but the look on his father's face forbid it. Fuming, Legolas turned toward the door; obviously he was wasting his time here.

"Legolas," Thranduil said in a gentler voice, causing his son to turn back around. "Heed my warning about the healer, Alede. She seeks to bewitch you."

The prince shook his head. "Father, you misjudge her. She intends no harm. You do not know the kindness of her heart."

"I admit that I judged her too harshly, son. But beware. She would imprison you with her love."

"Nay Father," Legolas shook his head. "Her love sets me free."

*********

"How did your father take the news?" Alede asked with concern as Legolas stepped out of his father's chambers. She and Hithrawyn had been waiting for him.

"He denies it."

"What?"

"I think he seeks to protect Lomomir."

"But that could cost him his life!" Alede was astonished.

"I know, I know…" Legolas cast a glance back at his father's door.

Alede reached out and squeezed his arm reassuringly. "Give me a moment," she said softly. "I need to check on him anyway. Perhaps I can persuade him…"

"No," Legolas caught her hand and turned her away. They began walking toward the hall and the caverns below. "He is well enough to argue and appears in no discomfort. I don't want you going in there while he is in such a mood."

"But…"

"Please Alede. I would not have him argue with you as well."

"Very well," Alede conceded. She did not tell him that she'd already had a sample of Thranduil's mood that very morning.

Beside her, Legolas sighed. "I have not been this frustrated or worried since we lost the young hobbits to the Orcs. I wanted so badly to press on, but Aragorn held us back. I knew he was right, but my heart plagued me to keep going. It is like that now. I know that my father is in grave danger. I've increased the guards that surround him, yet still someone slipped into his room today."

"I'm so sorry. I wish I could help."

"You have. More than you know." Legolas gave her shoulders a quick squeeze.

Alede smiled up at him, "I have a bit of good news for you. The two guards on Lomomir's balcony have recovered and will be fine. I sent them to rest. I know I don't have the authority, but at the moment, I'm the only healer here."

"You did correctly. I am relieved that they will be well."

"It was actually rather ingenious. I have never heard of Asgolath being used in such a way."

"Let us hope that it will not be used again."

*********

Alede waited nervously as the Guardsmaster, Nilmand lit a torch to lead them into the dungeons. She really did not wish to be back down here and kept a tight grip on her staff. The only person who looked more nervous than herself was Legolas. He was actually fidgeting.

"Has anyone ever asked to borrow the keys?" Alede asked.

"No," was the stiff reply from the Guardsmaster. Obviously he hadn't forgotten her from her last visit.

"Have the keys ever gone missing?"

"No."

Alede impatiently brushed a lock of hair out of her eyes. "Has anyone ever gotten in here that shouldn't have?"

"No," the Guardsmaster said fixing her with an irritable look. "And no one has ever escaped except an Istari witch."

"That's not quite true," she said levelly as they made their way down the dim corridor. "I seem to remember hearing that one Hobbit and several Dwarves escaped. As well as that nasty creature Gollum."

The entire party stopped as Nilmand glared at her.

Alede raised an innocent brow. "Shall we continue?" she asked.

Nilmand again led the way, his back rigid with indignation. Once inside the actual dungeon, they took torches and separated to look into each cell.

"Look in all the corners," Legolas instructed. "It will most likely have made a nest of sorts, usually out of cloth and dung if they can find it, or maybe even straw. It will be small, no larger than a fist. They look human almost, with an oversized head and black skin."

"Don't kill it," Alede added.

Legolas raised a brow at her.

She shrugged. "I suspect the only way someone could collect its spoors would be to feed it."

"And it will recognize the one who fed it, should my father require proof," Legolas finished grimly.

Alede nodded. She'd been unwilling to voice that opinion, but was relieved that Legolas understood her meaning.

The three elves moved off and a moment later, Alede heard Legolas' voice.

"Guardsmaster, is it not customary to keep the individual cells locked?"

"Nay, your Highness. We've not done that since your Highness has been grown."

Curious, Alede went to join them. "Why were the cells locked?"

"Well," Nilmand looked a bit uncomfortable. "When his Highness was a boy, he and a few friends wandered down here to explore a bit…"

"And I accidentally shut myself into one of the cells," Legolas finished. "By the time Nilmand found me I was panic stricken. I have not cared for underground places since."

Alede glanced at him sharply noticing the shudder that passed through his lithe frame. She wondered how he survived the Mines of Moria if caverns made him so uncomfortable.

A shout from Hithrawyn alerted them and they went running. Hithrawyn met them at the doorway. "I found it! It is just as you said, my Lord."

Alede pushed past him and put a hand over her nose as she stepped into the dark cell. The smell was intense. Hithrawyn shown his torch on the back corner and a dark object scuttled into a pile of rags and filth.

Lighting her staff, Alede crept closer, Legolas right beside her.

"Uhg, that's it," she confirmed as the light revealed the hideous creature. It crowded in a corner; it's head outrageously large for it's little black body. Tiny clawed hands clenched and unclenched as the Greymalcin blinked beady eyes at them. Sharp fangs snapped and the needle thin egg tube hung down behind the creature and lashed from side to side like a miniature tail.

"Look how large it is," Alede said. "Someone has been feeding it. Feeding it for a long time. And it's obviously a female."

"Now what do we do?" Hithrawyn asked, a look of complete disgust on his face.

"Well, we need to catch it." She turned to the Guardsmaster. "Is there something we could use as a cage? Something it couldn't chew through?" Nilmand looked bewildered. "A fish trap, perhaps?" she prompted.

"Oh, yes," he nodded and left the cell quickly.

Alede turned back to the two elves who were obviously waiting for her lead. "Don't look at me," she said. "I imagine it will take Elvish reflexes to catch it. Try to get it by the neck though. They have a nasty bite and watch out for the claws."

She ignored the two disgusted looks that she received, though secretly the following few moments were a bit amusing. She learned a few Elvish curse words that she hadn't heard before and a few others she suspected Legolas had learned from his friend Gimli.

"I didn't realize you spoke Dwarvish so well, Legolas," she remarked as he stood up with the slimy creature.

"Your Greymalcin," he said irritably. Alede dropped her staff clumsily as Legolas pushed the snapping demon into her hands.

"Uhg!"

"My thoughts exactly." Legolas picked up her staff and stalked from the cell rather like an indignant cat.

*********

A/N: Its time that Alede learned archery herself! And who better to teacher her than Legolas? A bit of a break from all the tension, with some laughter and a little teasing. But don't miss when a new suspect tries to steal the Greymalcin! Coming next weekend in Chapter 12 "Lessons Learned and Lessons Missed". Don't forget to review! Your comments are so important to me! :) ~Nebride

List of Original Characters:

Lomomir: Mirkwood's Healer and Thranduil's youngest brother.

Unilyn: A young she-Elf, probably about Legolas' age. She is Legolas' former lover.

Prince Franduil: King Thranduil's second son. He is now the crown prince, due to the oldest son's death in the War of Five Armies.

Princess Elvothien: Wife of Prince Franduil and sister-in-law to Legolas.

Elvomir: Prince Franduil and Evlothien's little boy. Nephew to Legolas.

Hithrawyn: A warrior sent to guard Alede

Thrania: Prince Franduil and Evlothien's little girl. Twin to Elvomir and niece to Legolas. He affectionately calls her Nia.