Legolas: you know what, Aragorn? I think she is getting weirder!
Aragorn: is that even possible?
Legolas: well did you read this chapter? I think it is clearly shown that
it is!
Aragorn: oh crap, she is coming back. Act nice. *both show really fake
smiles*
Ok, I finally updated!! Yay! Umm, this story is kinda not what it was meant to be, but then again, are not all my stories like that? What I mean is, I have been sick for like ages and have kinda unintentionally turned this chapter kinda funny - especially Elrohir. It was the result of not talking to anyone in days as well as the loss of my voice so it kind of just happened. The little Legolas bit near the end is like how I feel at the moment, and the twins' bit was me trying to rationalize things in my own head. Next chapter is planned out (thought I ALWAYS change them) and will try to get back to the more serious side of things and the whole "I hate you," thing that is *meant* to be happening.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this anyway.
*****
Blurry.
*****
Elrond's eyebrows arched at the weak and unexplained words of his foster son. To say that this situation had startled him was an understatement as it was just too confusing to even contemplate. Who this blond Elf was he had no idea and why Estel had an arrow in his should was also a worrying thought.
Turning to Coravil he openly displayed his confusion, and at the look that the guard gave him in reply it looked as if he knew no better.
"My Lord," Coravil began somewhat shakily, "this Elf," he motioned to the sleeping blond, "tried to kill young Estel." As soon as the words had escaped his lips he felt a fool. Looking at the scene that was before him, he would not blame the lord if he called him a lair for surely, no one who had just had their life threatened would be holding the attempted murderer in their arms, rocking him to sleep.
Lord Elrond also looked to the two figures on the ground. The blond Elf looked as if he could not hurt a fly - especially in his current state - and Estel looked as if the Elf he was holding was a precious possession. "Are you telling me that this shaking Elf Estel is currently holding is the reason he has an arrow in his shoulder?" the Lord sounded as if he were about to laugh at such a preposterous idea.
"No, my Lord, that would be me," the younger guard said, stepping forward with his eyes to the ground.
"You shot Estel, Therion?" Elrohir choked out, half out of shock and half out of the need to conceal his laughter.
"I panicked," was all he said in reply to the elder Elf.
"So you shot him?" Elrohir asked before his father could.
"I was aiming for the Elf," Therion muttered, his eyes still fixated on the ground, "but Estel knocked him out of the way."
All eyes turned to Estel who was still on the ground and the young man had to force himself not to wave silly at them. Even to him all that had transpired this night seemed weird and he almost pitied his father and elder brothers. It was hard enough for him to understand let alone for someone who had not seen the happening to fathom. All he knew was that he did not want the Elf that he held to be killed but he did not even know why.
Throughout the entire conversation he had just sat there and rocked the now sleeping Elf backwards and forwards, stroking his hair reassuringly. Again he was overcome with the strong desire to protect the blond Elf and make sure that he was not harmed. None of it made sense, this Elf had tried to kill him and yet here he was, not wanting to let him go. All he could conclude was that he must have been going mad and the full impact of the loss of sanity had just hit him as the process of loosing his wits and his ability to think straight had sped up within the last half an hour.
"Why, prey tell," Elladan began while slowly approaching Estel as if he were a rabid warg, "did you knock him out of the way?"
Estel looked up at his elder brother with an innocent smile plastered upon his face. Elladan, Elrohir and himself got along well and they were the perfect brothers. Estel could remember when he was but a child brought to the house of the Lord Elrond and how scared he had been. He had expected the elder Elves and sons' of the lord to shun him for his humanity, but they did quite the opposite; they took in with open arms and, although they tried to hide it, were very protective of their human brother. The three were inseparable, always getting into some mess or another and Estel soon found that both twins shared the same light-hearted, easygoing sense of humor as he himself did.
Elrohir was the one that would laugh at anything and once he was started he could not stop to save his life, while Elladan was more likely to hide is amusement and have only his eyes lit with silent chuckles. Again, Elrohir being the youngest, even only by a matter of minutes was more of the trouble maker of the two, the trickster, but Elladan always found himself going along with whatever little plan his younger brother had and both would take Estel along for the ride.
It amazed Estel to no ends at just how alike they were and yet how different. Elladan was more in control of himself while Elrohir was more the free spirit of the two and did not care what others thought of him. Elladan was much more conscious that he had a duty to fulfill and had to be guarding of his manner in others' presence. Yet once he was alone with both Elrohir and Estel, he was the exact same as his brother.
Also, while they almost always agreed with each other, the twins would always take different sides when Estel was concerned. Elladan was more inclined to side with Elrond - whether it be out of duty or he truly did believe that what the lord said was always right - while Elrohir would side with Estel, lending his support in any debate that arose.
Even now, when Elladan looked down upon him, Estel could see the humor in the Elf's eyes, and 'twas easy to see that Elrohir was almost on the verge of tears from holding in his laughter. 'Twas this and this alone that helped Estel find the words that he was searching for, though not really knowing what to say.
"It seemed like the right thing to do?" he asked more that said. He was still not clear on the situation himself and it was fast becoming stranger. He was aware that even while he spoke and looked upon his adopted family he was still stroking the blond haired Elf's hair and had sub-consciously moved him into a sitting position in his lap so he could more easily lean the Elf's head on his shoulder.
At this Elladan smirked and out of the corner of his eye, Estel could see Elrohir start to bite on his thumbnail in order to silence himself. Elrond, on the other hand, looked less than pleased yet he said no more, patiently awaiting Estel to say something more on the situation at hand.
"I," Estel managed to slowly say ere biting down on his lip. How could he tell the people watching that he wanted to protect this Elf? That he wanted to continue to hold him and get to know him? The entire idea was absurd and ridiculous.
Elrond continued to look at his two sons that stood before him, and eventually his eyes fell on Legolas. The lord could hardly help the slight glare that he sent the blond, sleeping Elf and as Estel defiantly pulled Legolas further into his arms having noticed Elrond's harsh look, the lord almost regretted it.
Finally a voice cut through the silence that hung heavily in the air, "this has gone on long enough," Elrond proclaimed ere waving his hand forward to tell the guards to separate Estel and the Elf. Both Coravil and Therion moved forward somewhat hesitantly, and were soon followed by another two of the guards. "Take the Elf to the holding cells and Estel to his room so I may attend his wound," Elrond concluded, being the first one out of all there to contrive a rational thought.
At this statement and the advancement of the guards, Estel tightened his grip on the Elf and moved as best as he could to put himself between the guards and the unknown blond. "He can come with me," he stated firmly and was relieved to see the guards' stop in their tracks.
"No he can not," Elrond contradicted and inclined his head to inform the guards to continue.
Again Estel hugged the Elf as if he were a favorite toy of a child that a parent had threatened to take away. Having already concluded that he did not understand the entire situation he had only one thing that he knew that he did fathom, and that was that he did not want to let the Elf go any time soon.
When a pair of hands came towards the Elf that he held, Estel angrily slapped them away ere putting both arms around the slender waist again and spitting out a harsh and pouty, "no."
Therion looked at Coravil with an astonished look, who then looked to Elrond. Unbeknownst to those three, Elladan was looking on in confusion at Estel and his new behavior and Elrohir was bent over doubled with quiet laughter and watching the best that he could through one open eye.
"Estel." Elrond said strongly while waving the guards' forward again. Therion and Coravil reached for the blond Elf for a second time only to be slapped away again.
Sighing in frustration, Coravil sent a puzzled look at Elladan and then Elrond, conveniently overlooking the now almost hysterical Elrohir. "My lord?" he questioned, hoping that Elrond would know what to do.
"Estel, let Coravil take him," Elrond said more sternly this time before sending an irritated glare at Elrohir who was now leaning against a tree.
Never before had Elrohir seen Estel act this way, and something about the way his lips were pushed forward in a sulky manner was just hilarious. It was so unlike his human brother to be so protective or even possessive of anyone or anything, let alone someone who had only moments before tried to kill him. After the look shot his way form Elrond, and yet another received from Elladan, he slowly thought it best if he try to gain a hold of himself. Telling himself that this was a serious matter and that the Elf that Estel was still slapping hands away from was a would-be murderer, he lifted his shoulders and bit the insides of his cheeks in order not to smile, giving him the appearance of a fish.
Almost hissing at Therion, Estel knew that this was starting to get ridiculous and that his father was right, the Elf should be taken to the holding cells. However, every time he had made up his mind to let the guards take him, he found himself instinctively lashing out time and time again, using one arm to continue to hold the Elf to his chest.
It was like a repetitive game of cat and mouse; every time one of the guards came at him, he told himself that this had gone on long enough and that he would let the Elf go - so he would hit them away yet again.
"Estel!" Elrond's voice commanded the attention that had been lost throughout the entire ordeal and all eyes, including Elrohir's, turned to him in shock at his angry tone. "Estel, this is not a game. This Elf tried to kill you and could quiet easily try again if we do not act before he awakes." Elrond's gaze again went to the sleeping Elf that was blissfully unaware of all that was transpiring around him, and his expression hardened even more. "Now let him go!"
Estel half shrunk back at the dominant tone in the lord's voice but still did not let go. It was at this point that the first rational thought that he had experienced in a long time came to him, and, deciding that he had nothing to lose, he resolved to act upon it.
Glaring harshly at the guards that stood near him and letting a slight growl pass his lips, he held the Elf close and prepared to put his plan into action. Estel was thoroughly pleased when the guards retreated a few steps, allowing him the leeway that he needed. Holding the Elf as tight as he could without crushing the thin creature, Estel leapt to his feet and swung the Elf up so that he had one arm under his knees and the other supporting his back. Pulling the Elf as close as possible he made to run away, but something stopped him.
A small moan filled the air and suddenly all eyes turned to the being that he now carried in his arms. Glazed over blue eyes blinked then slowly cleared and looked up at him and Estel found himself smiling down at the one that he held. The eyes blinked again, and once more before staying open and transfixed upon Estel's.
"Put me down," a soft voice said, causing all to lean in closer to hear it. Estel merely gazed back at the Elf and smiled again, pulling him as close to his chest as humanly possible, enjoying the feel of the Elf's silky hair upon his neck. His shoulder was paining slightly but he had long since decided that it was worth it to hold the Elf in such a manner.
"I said put me down!" the blond repeated in a tone that was astonishingly harsh for his current weak appearance.
Estel again felt the want to hold onto the Elf and that need to get to know him better. "What if I do not want to?" he asked teasingly while looking deep into the Elf's eyes.
Something in the blue orbs flashed and for the first time since Estel had fully seen his to be killer he saw him as dangerous and not some pretty thing that should be patted on the head. Before he could even think more on the subject, a sharp pain in his right shoulder told him something was wrong.
As the pain increased he heard a yelled protest from Elladan and an angry command form Elrond followed by a rather high-pitched scream that he knew unfortunately came from him. Looking down at the Elf in his arms, he saw that the Elf's eyes were wide and alert and almost shinning in pleasure while a twisted smile played at the corners of his mouth. One of the still nameless Elf's hands was around the back of Estel's back and he was slowly twisting the arrow in the wound and pushing it further in as he went.
Estel's eyes' widened at the sadistic gleam in the blue depths as he continued to gasp out in pain and yet became fully aware that he had still not made any move to let the Elf go.
"PUT ME DOWN!" the blond screamed at him ere pushing the arrow through even more. Finally Estel came to his senses and released the Elf, who dropped rather ungracefully to the ground.
Looking frantically around him, Legolas assessed the trouble that he was in now. He did not have the slightest clue what had happened when he had been asleep but waking to find himself in the arms of the being that he had wanted to kill was just to peculiar - even for him to understand.
As he watched the human's face twist in pain he again felt that tinge of guilt and wondered for a moment just what his problem was. Then he remembered, this man had killed his best friend, his teacher and his bodyguard. Shot through the heart with an arrow and left to die - forced to leave this world well before his time and this human had been the cause of all that, and had not even admitted to it. Instead he had fled and never looked back and then he had the audacity to be angry at him for trying to kill him.
As two twin Elves, both dark-haired and grey-eyed started to approach him, Legolas decided that this would be the best time to make a run for it. Not even thinking twice, he turned and sent his fist into the face of one guard before kicking another in the stomach. As soon as that was accomplished, he fled from the clearing and into the thick trees that surrounded the Last Homely House, hearing the enraged shouts of the Lord trickle through the dense woods.
Running as fast as his tired legs could carry him, he headed back in the direction of his belongings that he had left behind in order to be able to sneak in easier. Jumping over boulder after moss covered boulder and dodging the trees' branches the best he could, he soon came across the area that he had left his bags and horse in.
His saddlebags remained on the forest floor where he had left them only a few hours ago and his horse was grazing over at the other end of the tiny clearing. Snatching up his gear, he sprinted over to the waiting white horse and threw the saddlebags over the back, strapping them to the simplistic saddle ere leaping up onto the horse and urging him onwards.
For the first time since he had woken he gave a moment to think about what had happened. The attempting to leave, then the hostage situation, the strange pain in his head and then the human saving him. He could recall the human being the one to help him when he was sick and then holding him and whispering softly in Elven into his ear to get him to relax. Legolas relised that he must have fallen asleep in Estel's arms and when he had woken Estel was attempting to take him somewhere. Where he did not know, but something deep down told him that he had done the wrong thing. That he should have let the human live and that he should not have acted so harshly.
As if it were the act of thought that spurred it on, the intense pain that had overcome him in the room returned threefold. Gasping in pain and squeezing his eyes shut, all he could do to stay on his horse and not hit the ground that rushed beneath him, and that even seemed too hard. Hugging to his horse's neck he lay his head down on the spot just below it's ears and shut his eyes, willing the pain to stop.
Screams echoed in his head. Mixed screams of both Estel and Teltaur, his bane and his lost friend. The one he hurt and the one that was hurt by Legolas' victim. They repeated themselves over an over again, allowing Legolas not even a single moment's peace of mind. It was like the howling wind of a thunderstorm through the long, stone catacombs and dungeons of Mirkwood. Long and shrill. Always there and permitting no way to escape. It felt as if it tore at his pointed ears, that it pushed upon his eyes and blocked up his senses.
Sinking even closer to his horse, Legolas found himself uncontrollably coughing and his entire body reeked in convulsions. Even hugging his horse's neck seemed a laborious task and was becoming harder and harder to continue to do. Tinnitus started to set in and Legolas felt as if he were surrounded by thousands on bells, all ringing madly and out of time yet through the loud commotion in his head he could still hear the screams and the anguish filled cries.
As he continued to cough and urge his horse on, he was alarmed to taste a metallic substance on his tongue and as Legolas proceeded to be nauseated, he saw a thin trickle of glistening blood run down the white horses' neck. Feeling his head begin to spin anew, trepidation overcame him as he brought up even more blood from deep within his chest and saw the world blur beyond that that is was from moving.
Pressing his eyes closed again, Legolas prayed to the Valar that it would end, but as yet another onslaught of choking and more blood followed he knew that it was pointless. Fighting to hold back the tears of pain that threatened to overflow, the prince of Mirkwood incited his horse on, forcing it to run at a cracking pace even though he knew that the animal could sense his plight. The only half-rational thought that came to Legolas through all the pain was to get as far away from Rivendell as possible.
As he thought of leaving the Elven City far behind him the pain intensified and the blood that he coughed increased. Legolas could feel himself growing weaker by the second and each passing tremor that ran through his body threatened to knock him from his horse.
Hope seemed lost to the prince as he realised that he could no longer even attempt to open his eyes. As he finally felt himself pass in to the blissful darkness of unconsciousness, the last thing that he was aware of was his horse rearing up slightly to allow the fallen prince to slide easily and gently to the ground.
*****
"Find him!" Lord Elrond half screamed at the guards that were standing there, wide-eyed and shocked. Elrond had made his way over to where Estel had collapsed and was attempting to stop the flow of blood that was leaving the wound. Elladan was attempting to calm Lord Elrond down before he yelled something that he should not as everyone knew that he was overly protective of Estel. Elrohir was torn between laughing and running after the blond Elf to drag him back to face the consequences of his actions.
Deciding that it was too hard to chose, he opted for both. Chuckling lightly to himself he ran in the direction to the stables, calling out over his shoulder. "Settle down, father, I shall find him."
At this both Elladan and Elrond exchanged horrified glances and looked to Estel who, despite all that had happened, was the calmest one of the lot.
Elladan looked to his father again ere sprinting off in the same direction as his younger brother. "'Tis no comfort to me knowing that only he will search for him," he yelled back at his father who shook his head in a sign of hopelessness.
Estel thought it only fitting that he should aid his brothers in their search and tried to get to his feet but a pair of restricting arms held him back to the ground. "You are not going anywhere till we get this arrow out and the wound healed," Elrond informed him sternly.
Looking desperately over his shoulder at the fleeting forms of his Elven brothers', Estel gulped. This was not good. Not only was he in trouble with Elrond, but the other two people that were protective of him were after the Elf that had hurt him, and they would be as relentless as usual. "Do not hurt him," he yelled at the twins' backs.
Turning back to Elrond, he was just in time to catch the lord roll his eyes in frustration. If the entire situation had been thought confusing before, Estel had now decided that it was even worse. Normally Elrond was the one to insist that all people be given the benefit of the doubt and aid that they might need, and to Estel it was clearly obvious that this blond Elf needed help. It made no sense that Elrond would take an instant dislike to the being and would be so harsh with him, especially since it was another Elf.
"Why do you hate him so much?" Estel finally asked of the lord who was assisting him to his feet.
"I do not hate him," Elrond insisted while steadying Estel and slowly walking back to the main entrance of the large house. "I just do not know him, and neither do you. I would advise you to stay away from him when they find him but I know that you will not heed my words."
"Of course I would not," Estel replied with a smile, "what kind of son would I be if I listened to everything that you said?" both laughed but any more conversation was cut short by the sound of running feet. It appeared that one of the guards had alerted the healers of the current situation and they had come to lend their support.
*****
Elladan and Elrohir raced through the woods on their horses, trying to find any sign of the passing of the escaped Elf.
"He may not have even come this way, Elladan," Elrohir insisted as he slowed his horse down to a trot. "I have yet to see any trace of him and I still say that he would have headed west from the clearing."
Elladan shot his brother an inquisitive look ere returning his gaze back to the forest. "Why do you say west?"
Elrohir looked down at his horses black mane and thought a moment before replying. "I do not rightfully know. I guess it is just what I would have done if I were in such a position." Truthfully he had no idea why he had chosen west over their current path of east but it seemed like the smart thing to do.
"But he headed east from the clearing," Elladan reminded his brother while looking around him, still hoping to find any sign of the Elf. He and Elrohir were the two best trackers in Rivendell and the thought of them loosing their prey was a devastating one and something that they would never live down if word got out.
"Indeed he may have," Elrohir agreed, "but, to successfully get into Rivendell unnoticed he would have had to cut in through the Hithaeglir as it is the one side that is not thoroughly guarded. Also, he is an Elf, he would have known about the path over the mountains and used it to his advantage." Stopping to look at his brother he saw that Elladan was seriously considering all that he had said and Elrohir was grateful for that. Knowing that he was on to something, but just not knowing what, he continued. "Also, by the greens of his clothing it is obvious that he hailed from Mirkwood, thus giving him a better pass from his home into ours."
"I do see what you mean, Elrohir," Elladan said thoughtfully, "but then should he not go back this way in order to get home quicker?"
"Aye, but not if he were fleeing from someone." Elrohir thought out loud. "He would have relised that we would note the way in which he ran away and possible even been aware enough to know that we would be able to tell his attire from any other Elven land. Why lead us straight back to his only safe place, to his home?" Stopping again to think of what he was saying, Elrohir bit his bottom lip while glancing let to right. "Now, suppose if you were being followed for something like this, would you not want to lead your pursuers' in the wrong direction?
"What if he simply went east to reclaim his belongings and probably his horse? Where then would you go?" Elrohir asked of his brother, hoping the he would be able to find something logical in his ravings.
Elladan though on this for a moment while putting himself in the place of the fleeing Elf. While it seemed logical to go over the mountain pass and back to Mirkwood, it also seemed too easy and predictable. "If I were him," Elladan started, thinking as much as a fugitive as he could, "I would not lead anyone back to my home. I would-"
He was cut off by Elrohir ending the thought for him. "You would, once being in possessions of any incriminating belongings such as a horse and bags, go in the other direction, specifically the opposite one to which your pursuers' saw you run - even if it meant heading away from your destination."
"But surely you can not mean to say that he would go all the way to the ford and then down to the gap of Rohan just to get back to Mirkwood?"
"If it meant the difference between staying free and alive from being caught, then yes, I would go that way. It may take longer, but no one in their right mind would think to look for me that way."
Not realising what he had said, Elrohir was surprised when Elladan shot him a worried glance. "So you are expecting me to believe an Elf who has just confessed to the fact that if anyone thought of such a route, they would not be in their right mind?"
"Ye-" realization came over Elrohir as his brother's words sunk in. Crinkling his brows in concern for his own well being, he bit his lip and tried not to laugh. "Well, yes, think of it as a crazy's intuition."
Both looked at each other and wordlessly turned their horses in the opposite direction and rode at full speed towards the west.
*****
Tbc.
Ok, that was it and your first real introduction to my other two favorite Elves - the twins. I am also working on another story featuring them, Legolas and Haldir before Aragorn was even born, so if anyone is interested let me know.
Anyway, more importantly, while looking for a word in the dictionary, I found out what I am going to do with my life!!! Yay, go me! Well, I always wanted to do forensic science, but being the fact that I failed chemistry, I think that is kind of ruled out now. So, instead I am going to be a Thenatoligist! "What," you may ask, "is a Thenatoligist?" Well, a Thenatoligist is someone that specialises in Thenatology which is the study of death and dying and their associated phenomena and practices. Do you not all think that that sounds like me? It would be a blast and good basis for writing.
Anyway, I am going off to start another chapter of another story now,
Minka Rain Greenleaf - Australia's first Thenatoligist.
Ok, I finally updated!! Yay! Umm, this story is kinda not what it was meant to be, but then again, are not all my stories like that? What I mean is, I have been sick for like ages and have kinda unintentionally turned this chapter kinda funny - especially Elrohir. It was the result of not talking to anyone in days as well as the loss of my voice so it kind of just happened. The little Legolas bit near the end is like how I feel at the moment, and the twins' bit was me trying to rationalize things in my own head. Next chapter is planned out (thought I ALWAYS change them) and will try to get back to the more serious side of things and the whole "I hate you," thing that is *meant* to be happening.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this anyway.
*****
Blurry.
*****
Elrond's eyebrows arched at the weak and unexplained words of his foster son. To say that this situation had startled him was an understatement as it was just too confusing to even contemplate. Who this blond Elf was he had no idea and why Estel had an arrow in his should was also a worrying thought.
Turning to Coravil he openly displayed his confusion, and at the look that the guard gave him in reply it looked as if he knew no better.
"My Lord," Coravil began somewhat shakily, "this Elf," he motioned to the sleeping blond, "tried to kill young Estel." As soon as the words had escaped his lips he felt a fool. Looking at the scene that was before him, he would not blame the lord if he called him a lair for surely, no one who had just had their life threatened would be holding the attempted murderer in their arms, rocking him to sleep.
Lord Elrond also looked to the two figures on the ground. The blond Elf looked as if he could not hurt a fly - especially in his current state - and Estel looked as if the Elf he was holding was a precious possession. "Are you telling me that this shaking Elf Estel is currently holding is the reason he has an arrow in his shoulder?" the Lord sounded as if he were about to laugh at such a preposterous idea.
"No, my Lord, that would be me," the younger guard said, stepping forward with his eyes to the ground.
"You shot Estel, Therion?" Elrohir choked out, half out of shock and half out of the need to conceal his laughter.
"I panicked," was all he said in reply to the elder Elf.
"So you shot him?" Elrohir asked before his father could.
"I was aiming for the Elf," Therion muttered, his eyes still fixated on the ground, "but Estel knocked him out of the way."
All eyes turned to Estel who was still on the ground and the young man had to force himself not to wave silly at them. Even to him all that had transpired this night seemed weird and he almost pitied his father and elder brothers. It was hard enough for him to understand let alone for someone who had not seen the happening to fathom. All he knew was that he did not want the Elf that he held to be killed but he did not even know why.
Throughout the entire conversation he had just sat there and rocked the now sleeping Elf backwards and forwards, stroking his hair reassuringly. Again he was overcome with the strong desire to protect the blond Elf and make sure that he was not harmed. None of it made sense, this Elf had tried to kill him and yet here he was, not wanting to let him go. All he could conclude was that he must have been going mad and the full impact of the loss of sanity had just hit him as the process of loosing his wits and his ability to think straight had sped up within the last half an hour.
"Why, prey tell," Elladan began while slowly approaching Estel as if he were a rabid warg, "did you knock him out of the way?"
Estel looked up at his elder brother with an innocent smile plastered upon his face. Elladan, Elrohir and himself got along well and they were the perfect brothers. Estel could remember when he was but a child brought to the house of the Lord Elrond and how scared he had been. He had expected the elder Elves and sons' of the lord to shun him for his humanity, but they did quite the opposite; they took in with open arms and, although they tried to hide it, were very protective of their human brother. The three were inseparable, always getting into some mess or another and Estel soon found that both twins shared the same light-hearted, easygoing sense of humor as he himself did.
Elrohir was the one that would laugh at anything and once he was started he could not stop to save his life, while Elladan was more likely to hide is amusement and have only his eyes lit with silent chuckles. Again, Elrohir being the youngest, even only by a matter of minutes was more of the trouble maker of the two, the trickster, but Elladan always found himself going along with whatever little plan his younger brother had and both would take Estel along for the ride.
It amazed Estel to no ends at just how alike they were and yet how different. Elladan was more in control of himself while Elrohir was more the free spirit of the two and did not care what others thought of him. Elladan was much more conscious that he had a duty to fulfill and had to be guarding of his manner in others' presence. Yet once he was alone with both Elrohir and Estel, he was the exact same as his brother.
Also, while they almost always agreed with each other, the twins would always take different sides when Estel was concerned. Elladan was more inclined to side with Elrond - whether it be out of duty or he truly did believe that what the lord said was always right - while Elrohir would side with Estel, lending his support in any debate that arose.
Even now, when Elladan looked down upon him, Estel could see the humor in the Elf's eyes, and 'twas easy to see that Elrohir was almost on the verge of tears from holding in his laughter. 'Twas this and this alone that helped Estel find the words that he was searching for, though not really knowing what to say.
"It seemed like the right thing to do?" he asked more that said. He was still not clear on the situation himself and it was fast becoming stranger. He was aware that even while he spoke and looked upon his adopted family he was still stroking the blond haired Elf's hair and had sub-consciously moved him into a sitting position in his lap so he could more easily lean the Elf's head on his shoulder.
At this Elladan smirked and out of the corner of his eye, Estel could see Elrohir start to bite on his thumbnail in order to silence himself. Elrond, on the other hand, looked less than pleased yet he said no more, patiently awaiting Estel to say something more on the situation at hand.
"I," Estel managed to slowly say ere biting down on his lip. How could he tell the people watching that he wanted to protect this Elf? That he wanted to continue to hold him and get to know him? The entire idea was absurd and ridiculous.
Elrond continued to look at his two sons that stood before him, and eventually his eyes fell on Legolas. The lord could hardly help the slight glare that he sent the blond, sleeping Elf and as Estel defiantly pulled Legolas further into his arms having noticed Elrond's harsh look, the lord almost regretted it.
Finally a voice cut through the silence that hung heavily in the air, "this has gone on long enough," Elrond proclaimed ere waving his hand forward to tell the guards to separate Estel and the Elf. Both Coravil and Therion moved forward somewhat hesitantly, and were soon followed by another two of the guards. "Take the Elf to the holding cells and Estel to his room so I may attend his wound," Elrond concluded, being the first one out of all there to contrive a rational thought.
At this statement and the advancement of the guards, Estel tightened his grip on the Elf and moved as best as he could to put himself between the guards and the unknown blond. "He can come with me," he stated firmly and was relieved to see the guards' stop in their tracks.
"No he can not," Elrond contradicted and inclined his head to inform the guards to continue.
Again Estel hugged the Elf as if he were a favorite toy of a child that a parent had threatened to take away. Having already concluded that he did not understand the entire situation he had only one thing that he knew that he did fathom, and that was that he did not want to let the Elf go any time soon.
When a pair of hands came towards the Elf that he held, Estel angrily slapped them away ere putting both arms around the slender waist again and spitting out a harsh and pouty, "no."
Therion looked at Coravil with an astonished look, who then looked to Elrond. Unbeknownst to those three, Elladan was looking on in confusion at Estel and his new behavior and Elrohir was bent over doubled with quiet laughter and watching the best that he could through one open eye.
"Estel." Elrond said strongly while waving the guards' forward again. Therion and Coravil reached for the blond Elf for a second time only to be slapped away again.
Sighing in frustration, Coravil sent a puzzled look at Elladan and then Elrond, conveniently overlooking the now almost hysterical Elrohir. "My lord?" he questioned, hoping that Elrond would know what to do.
"Estel, let Coravil take him," Elrond said more sternly this time before sending an irritated glare at Elrohir who was now leaning against a tree.
Never before had Elrohir seen Estel act this way, and something about the way his lips were pushed forward in a sulky manner was just hilarious. It was so unlike his human brother to be so protective or even possessive of anyone or anything, let alone someone who had only moments before tried to kill him. After the look shot his way form Elrond, and yet another received from Elladan, he slowly thought it best if he try to gain a hold of himself. Telling himself that this was a serious matter and that the Elf that Estel was still slapping hands away from was a would-be murderer, he lifted his shoulders and bit the insides of his cheeks in order not to smile, giving him the appearance of a fish.
Almost hissing at Therion, Estel knew that this was starting to get ridiculous and that his father was right, the Elf should be taken to the holding cells. However, every time he had made up his mind to let the guards take him, he found himself instinctively lashing out time and time again, using one arm to continue to hold the Elf to his chest.
It was like a repetitive game of cat and mouse; every time one of the guards came at him, he told himself that this had gone on long enough and that he would let the Elf go - so he would hit them away yet again.
"Estel!" Elrond's voice commanded the attention that had been lost throughout the entire ordeal and all eyes, including Elrohir's, turned to him in shock at his angry tone. "Estel, this is not a game. This Elf tried to kill you and could quiet easily try again if we do not act before he awakes." Elrond's gaze again went to the sleeping Elf that was blissfully unaware of all that was transpiring around him, and his expression hardened even more. "Now let him go!"
Estel half shrunk back at the dominant tone in the lord's voice but still did not let go. It was at this point that the first rational thought that he had experienced in a long time came to him, and, deciding that he had nothing to lose, he resolved to act upon it.
Glaring harshly at the guards that stood near him and letting a slight growl pass his lips, he held the Elf close and prepared to put his plan into action. Estel was thoroughly pleased when the guards retreated a few steps, allowing him the leeway that he needed. Holding the Elf as tight as he could without crushing the thin creature, Estel leapt to his feet and swung the Elf up so that he had one arm under his knees and the other supporting his back. Pulling the Elf as close as possible he made to run away, but something stopped him.
A small moan filled the air and suddenly all eyes turned to the being that he now carried in his arms. Glazed over blue eyes blinked then slowly cleared and looked up at him and Estel found himself smiling down at the one that he held. The eyes blinked again, and once more before staying open and transfixed upon Estel's.
"Put me down," a soft voice said, causing all to lean in closer to hear it. Estel merely gazed back at the Elf and smiled again, pulling him as close to his chest as humanly possible, enjoying the feel of the Elf's silky hair upon his neck. His shoulder was paining slightly but he had long since decided that it was worth it to hold the Elf in such a manner.
"I said put me down!" the blond repeated in a tone that was astonishingly harsh for his current weak appearance.
Estel again felt the want to hold onto the Elf and that need to get to know him better. "What if I do not want to?" he asked teasingly while looking deep into the Elf's eyes.
Something in the blue orbs flashed and for the first time since Estel had fully seen his to be killer he saw him as dangerous and not some pretty thing that should be patted on the head. Before he could even think more on the subject, a sharp pain in his right shoulder told him something was wrong.
As the pain increased he heard a yelled protest from Elladan and an angry command form Elrond followed by a rather high-pitched scream that he knew unfortunately came from him. Looking down at the Elf in his arms, he saw that the Elf's eyes were wide and alert and almost shinning in pleasure while a twisted smile played at the corners of his mouth. One of the still nameless Elf's hands was around the back of Estel's back and he was slowly twisting the arrow in the wound and pushing it further in as he went.
Estel's eyes' widened at the sadistic gleam in the blue depths as he continued to gasp out in pain and yet became fully aware that he had still not made any move to let the Elf go.
"PUT ME DOWN!" the blond screamed at him ere pushing the arrow through even more. Finally Estel came to his senses and released the Elf, who dropped rather ungracefully to the ground.
Looking frantically around him, Legolas assessed the trouble that he was in now. He did not have the slightest clue what had happened when he had been asleep but waking to find himself in the arms of the being that he had wanted to kill was just to peculiar - even for him to understand.
As he watched the human's face twist in pain he again felt that tinge of guilt and wondered for a moment just what his problem was. Then he remembered, this man had killed his best friend, his teacher and his bodyguard. Shot through the heart with an arrow and left to die - forced to leave this world well before his time and this human had been the cause of all that, and had not even admitted to it. Instead he had fled and never looked back and then he had the audacity to be angry at him for trying to kill him.
As two twin Elves, both dark-haired and grey-eyed started to approach him, Legolas decided that this would be the best time to make a run for it. Not even thinking twice, he turned and sent his fist into the face of one guard before kicking another in the stomach. As soon as that was accomplished, he fled from the clearing and into the thick trees that surrounded the Last Homely House, hearing the enraged shouts of the Lord trickle through the dense woods.
Running as fast as his tired legs could carry him, he headed back in the direction of his belongings that he had left behind in order to be able to sneak in easier. Jumping over boulder after moss covered boulder and dodging the trees' branches the best he could, he soon came across the area that he had left his bags and horse in.
His saddlebags remained on the forest floor where he had left them only a few hours ago and his horse was grazing over at the other end of the tiny clearing. Snatching up his gear, he sprinted over to the waiting white horse and threw the saddlebags over the back, strapping them to the simplistic saddle ere leaping up onto the horse and urging him onwards.
For the first time since he had woken he gave a moment to think about what had happened. The attempting to leave, then the hostage situation, the strange pain in his head and then the human saving him. He could recall the human being the one to help him when he was sick and then holding him and whispering softly in Elven into his ear to get him to relax. Legolas relised that he must have fallen asleep in Estel's arms and when he had woken Estel was attempting to take him somewhere. Where he did not know, but something deep down told him that he had done the wrong thing. That he should have let the human live and that he should not have acted so harshly.
As if it were the act of thought that spurred it on, the intense pain that had overcome him in the room returned threefold. Gasping in pain and squeezing his eyes shut, all he could do to stay on his horse and not hit the ground that rushed beneath him, and that even seemed too hard. Hugging to his horse's neck he lay his head down on the spot just below it's ears and shut his eyes, willing the pain to stop.
Screams echoed in his head. Mixed screams of both Estel and Teltaur, his bane and his lost friend. The one he hurt and the one that was hurt by Legolas' victim. They repeated themselves over an over again, allowing Legolas not even a single moment's peace of mind. It was like the howling wind of a thunderstorm through the long, stone catacombs and dungeons of Mirkwood. Long and shrill. Always there and permitting no way to escape. It felt as if it tore at his pointed ears, that it pushed upon his eyes and blocked up his senses.
Sinking even closer to his horse, Legolas found himself uncontrollably coughing and his entire body reeked in convulsions. Even hugging his horse's neck seemed a laborious task and was becoming harder and harder to continue to do. Tinnitus started to set in and Legolas felt as if he were surrounded by thousands on bells, all ringing madly and out of time yet through the loud commotion in his head he could still hear the screams and the anguish filled cries.
As he continued to cough and urge his horse on, he was alarmed to taste a metallic substance on his tongue and as Legolas proceeded to be nauseated, he saw a thin trickle of glistening blood run down the white horses' neck. Feeling his head begin to spin anew, trepidation overcame him as he brought up even more blood from deep within his chest and saw the world blur beyond that that is was from moving.
Pressing his eyes closed again, Legolas prayed to the Valar that it would end, but as yet another onslaught of choking and more blood followed he knew that it was pointless. Fighting to hold back the tears of pain that threatened to overflow, the prince of Mirkwood incited his horse on, forcing it to run at a cracking pace even though he knew that the animal could sense his plight. The only half-rational thought that came to Legolas through all the pain was to get as far away from Rivendell as possible.
As he thought of leaving the Elven City far behind him the pain intensified and the blood that he coughed increased. Legolas could feel himself growing weaker by the second and each passing tremor that ran through his body threatened to knock him from his horse.
Hope seemed lost to the prince as he realised that he could no longer even attempt to open his eyes. As he finally felt himself pass in to the blissful darkness of unconsciousness, the last thing that he was aware of was his horse rearing up slightly to allow the fallen prince to slide easily and gently to the ground.
*****
"Find him!" Lord Elrond half screamed at the guards that were standing there, wide-eyed and shocked. Elrond had made his way over to where Estel had collapsed and was attempting to stop the flow of blood that was leaving the wound. Elladan was attempting to calm Lord Elrond down before he yelled something that he should not as everyone knew that he was overly protective of Estel. Elrohir was torn between laughing and running after the blond Elf to drag him back to face the consequences of his actions.
Deciding that it was too hard to chose, he opted for both. Chuckling lightly to himself he ran in the direction to the stables, calling out over his shoulder. "Settle down, father, I shall find him."
At this both Elladan and Elrond exchanged horrified glances and looked to Estel who, despite all that had happened, was the calmest one of the lot.
Elladan looked to his father again ere sprinting off in the same direction as his younger brother. "'Tis no comfort to me knowing that only he will search for him," he yelled back at his father who shook his head in a sign of hopelessness.
Estel thought it only fitting that he should aid his brothers in their search and tried to get to his feet but a pair of restricting arms held him back to the ground. "You are not going anywhere till we get this arrow out and the wound healed," Elrond informed him sternly.
Looking desperately over his shoulder at the fleeting forms of his Elven brothers', Estel gulped. This was not good. Not only was he in trouble with Elrond, but the other two people that were protective of him were after the Elf that had hurt him, and they would be as relentless as usual. "Do not hurt him," he yelled at the twins' backs.
Turning back to Elrond, he was just in time to catch the lord roll his eyes in frustration. If the entire situation had been thought confusing before, Estel had now decided that it was even worse. Normally Elrond was the one to insist that all people be given the benefit of the doubt and aid that they might need, and to Estel it was clearly obvious that this blond Elf needed help. It made no sense that Elrond would take an instant dislike to the being and would be so harsh with him, especially since it was another Elf.
"Why do you hate him so much?" Estel finally asked of the lord who was assisting him to his feet.
"I do not hate him," Elrond insisted while steadying Estel and slowly walking back to the main entrance of the large house. "I just do not know him, and neither do you. I would advise you to stay away from him when they find him but I know that you will not heed my words."
"Of course I would not," Estel replied with a smile, "what kind of son would I be if I listened to everything that you said?" both laughed but any more conversation was cut short by the sound of running feet. It appeared that one of the guards had alerted the healers of the current situation and they had come to lend their support.
*****
Elladan and Elrohir raced through the woods on their horses, trying to find any sign of the passing of the escaped Elf.
"He may not have even come this way, Elladan," Elrohir insisted as he slowed his horse down to a trot. "I have yet to see any trace of him and I still say that he would have headed west from the clearing."
Elladan shot his brother an inquisitive look ere returning his gaze back to the forest. "Why do you say west?"
Elrohir looked down at his horses black mane and thought a moment before replying. "I do not rightfully know. I guess it is just what I would have done if I were in such a position." Truthfully he had no idea why he had chosen west over their current path of east but it seemed like the smart thing to do.
"But he headed east from the clearing," Elladan reminded his brother while looking around him, still hoping to find any sign of the Elf. He and Elrohir were the two best trackers in Rivendell and the thought of them loosing their prey was a devastating one and something that they would never live down if word got out.
"Indeed he may have," Elrohir agreed, "but, to successfully get into Rivendell unnoticed he would have had to cut in through the Hithaeglir as it is the one side that is not thoroughly guarded. Also, he is an Elf, he would have known about the path over the mountains and used it to his advantage." Stopping to look at his brother he saw that Elladan was seriously considering all that he had said and Elrohir was grateful for that. Knowing that he was on to something, but just not knowing what, he continued. "Also, by the greens of his clothing it is obvious that he hailed from Mirkwood, thus giving him a better pass from his home into ours."
"I do see what you mean, Elrohir," Elladan said thoughtfully, "but then should he not go back this way in order to get home quicker?"
"Aye, but not if he were fleeing from someone." Elrohir thought out loud. "He would have relised that we would note the way in which he ran away and possible even been aware enough to know that we would be able to tell his attire from any other Elven land. Why lead us straight back to his only safe place, to his home?" Stopping again to think of what he was saying, Elrohir bit his bottom lip while glancing let to right. "Now, suppose if you were being followed for something like this, would you not want to lead your pursuers' in the wrong direction?
"What if he simply went east to reclaim his belongings and probably his horse? Where then would you go?" Elrohir asked of his brother, hoping the he would be able to find something logical in his ravings.
Elladan though on this for a moment while putting himself in the place of the fleeing Elf. While it seemed logical to go over the mountain pass and back to Mirkwood, it also seemed too easy and predictable. "If I were him," Elladan started, thinking as much as a fugitive as he could, "I would not lead anyone back to my home. I would-"
He was cut off by Elrohir ending the thought for him. "You would, once being in possessions of any incriminating belongings such as a horse and bags, go in the other direction, specifically the opposite one to which your pursuers' saw you run - even if it meant heading away from your destination."
"But surely you can not mean to say that he would go all the way to the ford and then down to the gap of Rohan just to get back to Mirkwood?"
"If it meant the difference between staying free and alive from being caught, then yes, I would go that way. It may take longer, but no one in their right mind would think to look for me that way."
Not realising what he had said, Elrohir was surprised when Elladan shot him a worried glance. "So you are expecting me to believe an Elf who has just confessed to the fact that if anyone thought of such a route, they would not be in their right mind?"
"Ye-" realization came over Elrohir as his brother's words sunk in. Crinkling his brows in concern for his own well being, he bit his lip and tried not to laugh. "Well, yes, think of it as a crazy's intuition."
Both looked at each other and wordlessly turned their horses in the opposite direction and rode at full speed towards the west.
*****
Tbc.
Ok, that was it and your first real introduction to my other two favorite Elves - the twins. I am also working on another story featuring them, Legolas and Haldir before Aragorn was even born, so if anyone is interested let me know.
Anyway, more importantly, while looking for a word in the dictionary, I found out what I am going to do with my life!!! Yay, go me! Well, I always wanted to do forensic science, but being the fact that I failed chemistry, I think that is kind of ruled out now. So, instead I am going to be a Thenatoligist! "What," you may ask, "is a Thenatoligist?" Well, a Thenatoligist is someone that specialises in Thenatology which is the study of death and dying and their associated phenomena and practices. Do you not all think that that sounds like me? It would be a blast and good basis for writing.
Anyway, I am going off to start another chapter of another story now,
Minka Rain Greenleaf - Australia's first Thenatoligist.