Disclaimer: all characters, settings, and elvish language are strictly from the mind of J.R.R. Tolkien or inspired by him.
Chapter IV
A Letter from Eryn Lasgalen
The room was brightly lit with sunshine coming from an open veranda. The faintest scent of athelas hung in the clean, fresh air. There was no one in the room, but two guards stood watch on the balcony. Scattered throughout were vases of flowers, most of which contained sprigs of the athelas. A faint breeze ruffled the curtains hanging around the bed keeping the room cool and pleasant. And there was a strange sound coming from the floor beside the bed.
Legolas felt very peaceful lying in that room, except for the sound. It entered his subconscious and became impossible to ignore. Picking up a cup on a table next to him the elf poured its contents onto the floor in the area where the noise was coming from. He was rewarded with an end to the racket, but it was replaced by spluttering and dwarvish swearing. A second later a very disgruntled dwarf popped his head up next to the bed to glare at the occupant. Legolas smiled back, innocently.
Try as he might, Gimli was not able to be angry or even fake being angry with his friend. He stood up and clasped the elf's hand fiercely. "Thank Aule, you're awake!"
The rough shaking from the dwarf reminded Legolas sharply of all his wounds. His side burned, and his right arm ached from shoulder to fingertip. Gimli caught the grimace on the elf's face and immediately ceased his shaking, "I am sorry, Legolas. I did not mean to cause you further hurt." The dwarf turned away, but not before Legolas caught a glint of a tear at the corner of one eye. "You gave . . . us . . . quite a scare for a while."
Judging by Gimli's reaction Legolas was fairly certain he had been very near death. "I am fine, Gimli. The wounds are just stiff, as is to be expected. I will be up and about in no time." To prove his point he struggled to sit up straight, but the movement made his side burn with renewed vigor, and he found that his right arm was bound tightly to his body making the maneuver impossible. With a sigh he relaxed back into the sheets.
Angrily the dwarf turned to face Legolas, "Oh, so you think you'll be up and about in no time do you? After lying there, comatose, for ten days you think you'll just spring out of bed and take a morning stroll?!" Gimli leaned over the side of the bed to stare at the elf. It was one of the few times he had ever looked down on Legolas. "It took all the skill of Prince Faramir's best healers to keep you alive, and you are going to rest in that bed until you have fully recovered." Gimli's eyes narrowed and his voice dropped to a low rumble, "If you do not, I have permission to tie you to this bed."
Legolas was tempted to make a smart remark in response, but the practical part of him knew that if the he were to switch places with Gimli then he would also be angry at almost having lost his dearest friend. Legolas nodded at Gimli, "I assure you, dear Gimli, restraints will not be necessary. I will remain here until the healers say I can go."
"Or I do," said a deep, commanding voice.
Legolas looked around the dwarf's head to see Elessar, King of Gondor, standing in the room. Beside him were Faramir, Eowyn, and Boromir. The king looked very regal in long dark green robes with golden embroidery at the neck and hem, not at all like the ranger Aragorn who had accompanied Legolas and Gimli during the War of the Ring.
"Now, Gimli," King Elessar spoke with only a hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth, "if you are done threatening our good elf then perhaps I can have a look at his wounds."
Gimli gave Legolas one final glare as if he thought the elf would try to get up and dance a jig the minute his back was turned. He then stepped out of the way and Elessar knelt beside the bed. Loosening the bandages around the elf's waist he looked intently at the gash left behind from the attacker. His face was grave. "Legolas, you are most hardy, even for an elf. I know few who could have suffered such a wound and lived to tell the tale." He re-wrapped the wound, "But it is healing, and I do believe you shall recover fully."
"What of my arm?" asked the elf. "Why is it bound to my body?"
"Your arm was dislocated at the shoulder during your battle, and I believe your elbow was sprained for it is quite swollen. It should not be moved until the swelling has subsided."
"I am honored to have you attend me, my lord, and I thank you. But, I do not seek to have the King of Gondor as my healer. Besides I have a wonderful dwarf for a nursemaid."
Elessar fought off a smile and said, "Legolas, you are my friend first and foremost. I have only done what you would have done in my stead."
The king stood and the others approached. All wished the elf a speedy recovery and promised to return and keep him company while he recuperated. They did not stay long, however. Eliessa, the head healer asked all who were present to depart for Legolas required much rest. When they did not leave immediately she proceeded to give a tongue-lashing to all making certain that all knew that even the King of Gondor and the Prince of Ithilien held no power in her domain. Gimli argued with her, but after a few comments regarding the dwarf's scent after days in the room without a bath he left as well.
Legolas smiled to himself at the wounded look on Gimli's face, but his elven senses were not completely dulled by his physical state. Elessar, Faramir, and Eowyn all had worn troubled faces despite the cheery masks they had put on for his benefit. Something else was amiss, but he knew they would not speak of whatever it was to him in his current state. He briefly wondered what could be wrong, but the thoughts drifted away from him. Within moments the elf was again fast asleep.
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The following day dawned gray and dreary. A storm had blown in during the night. Someone had lit a fire in the room to help ward off the chill. Winter was coming, and even though Amon Galen lay far to the south it was not free from chill weather. As if she had sensed the elf waking Eliessa entered the room carrying a tray with food. "Well, the color is coming back to your cheeks, which is a good sign. But that wound in your side still bears close watching." Setting the tray down on a table next to the bed she helped the elf to a sitting position propping him up with many folded blankets. "I'll warrant you're starving after not having any real food for eleven days now. We managed to get some water in you, but that doesn't help an empty stomach." She placed the tray onto the bed. "Now take it slow. You don't want an upset stomach to go with that hole in your side do you?"
The healer went to the fire and lifted a kettle of water from it. She poured the steaming water into a bowl at the foot of the bed and immediately the healing scent of athelas filled the air. Replacing the kettle over the fire she turned again to Legolas who was working on his favorite sweet cakes, "Slowly," she admonished. "Now, I will be back later for the tray." With that she swept purposefully from the room and was gone. Legolas smiled, for the healing woman's disposition so reminded him of his good friend, Gimli.
The food was wonderful, and coupled with the athelas Legolas felt almost as if he could get up and walk. Imagining the look on Eliessa's face, or worse, Gimli's, made him think better of the idea though. He was about to start in on his third sweet cake when Faramir and Elessar entered the room.
"It is good to see you upright, Legolas. How do you feel?" asked the king.
"Much better, though I am still quite stiff and sore, thank you."
"That is a minor thing considering the severity of your injuries. I also am glad to see you awake and alert."
Legolas put aside the cake for later and looked at the two men. Their faces still bore a masked sadness. "You are making brave efforts to conceal your minds to me, but I can tell something troubles you both greatly. I am well enough to hear bad news."
"There is grave news which we must deliver to you." Said Faramir. "Two more of your elves have been murdered in Edhil-e-londe."
Legolas was stunned and his heart ached to hear the news. "Who were they?" he asked.
"Lanuitha and Teleren. There bodies were discovered near to the southern borders of your valley in much the same manner as Luvien," said Faramir.
Legolas thought of the two elves. Teleren had been his friend all his life as they were close to the same age. They had fought in the Battle of Five Armies side-by-side. Lanuitha was Teleren's his wife. Legolas thought it a small mercy that they would not have to bear the pain of living one without the other. Yet deep inside the elf a rage began to grow. Born of helplessness and suffering the elf experienced a fury unlike any he had ever felt before, and though he wanted to scream only tears sprang to his eyes, and he wept.
Faramir placed a hand on the elf's shoulder. "You are not alone in your grief, Legolas, nor are the elves alone to fight this battle. Though they resisted I have ordered all the elves of Edhil-e-londe to come to Amon Galen. The last of your people arrived here three days ago accompanied by a guard of 100 men. They are well protected here, Legolas."
"And I have personally searched the area where Lanuitha and Teleren were discovered," said Elessar, "as well as their home. There was a great struggle in their house. I found a piece of a black cloak much the same as your attacker wore. There had to have been more than one in order to subdue both of them. I did find tracks leading to the place in the woods were the bodies lay, but I found no sign of tracks leading away from there. Whoever they are they must have some knowledge of tracking and have done their best to disguise their trail."
"There is one other thing, Legolas, though it pains me to say it." The king's face looked haggard and worn, much as it had during his years as a ranger, "I am not infallible, but the tracks leading to the woods appeared to that of elves."
Legolas was stunned at the implication, "But might not Lanuitha and Teleren have been forced to march to the site of their death?"
Aragorn nodded, "Indeed I believe they were, but I found 8 distinct sets of footprints, all bearing the light mark of an elf."
Legolas looked horror-stricken, "There is no one within my charge who could commit such an act!"
"I can only speak from my knowledge and experience as a tracker. The evidence tells only facts, but does not impart the whole story. My belief as to what race of person made those footprints does not go so far as to say from whence they came. There are, after all, other elves in Middle-earth."
The elf could not believe what he was hearing. Murder and foul play were unheard of in all the elven realms he knew of. There were stories, of elves from the First Age, who had committed unspeakable acts. But that was long ago, and he knew of nothing in his own time that would support Elessar's theory. Even the thought of an elf committing such brutal violence on another elf was unimaginable
Aragorn looked at Legolas in sympathy. "I know that my words have brought more hurt to an already painful situation, but if we are to bring swift justice to those who have committed crimes against us and our people then all possibilities must be looked upon."
Slowly the anger began to subside within Legolas. "I am sorry Elessar. I have spoken only from my heart when a cool head is what is required. On behalf of my people I thank you for all that you have done." Legolas bowed his head.
The king bowed his head in return, "I believe your people are safe within the confines of Amon Galen. I have sent word to the rangers up north. Some should arrive shortly to aid you in your hunt for the murderers. I must return to Minas Tirith. It seems war may be coming to Gondor again and I must make ready." Aragorn clasped the elf's hand firmly. "You I command to rest and recover from your wounds quickly. Your people have need of you, as does Faramir."
"I wish you great speed on your journey and a warm homecoming," said Legolas.
"I must leave you here for awhile," said Faramir. "It is my duty to see Elessar safely on the road, and besides Eliessa has been glaring at me through the door which is a good sign that it is time for me to leave you to rest."
Legolas smiled, "Of course you must go, but one thing before you leave. Where is Gimli? I had hoped to see him this morning."
Faramir smiled, "The dwarf was celebrating your health with the elves last night. He apparently had a bit too much elven wine, and he fell asleep next to the fountain at the heart of Minas Mallen. Several elves were needed to carry him back to his room. He was still asleep the last I heard." Wide grins spread across the faces of Faramir and Elessar. Legolas laughed out loud.
"Farewell, Legolas," said the king as he turned to leave.
"Farewell," replied the elf as the two men left the room.
Eliessa immediately entered and set to work tending his injuries. There was still a great deal of pain in his side as she redressed the wound with fresh athelas, but the elf hardly noticed. He was too busy trying to picture the faces of the elves who had carried an inebriated dwarf to bed.
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Days passed and then weeks and slowly Legolas recovered from his wounds. He had been allowed to return to his own room within a week after waking. Faramir had stationed two guards outside his door and two others on the balcony into his room, and Legolas's own people had insisted on providing him with a personal guard. But there were no more attacks.
Faramir had sent many of his soldiers to search out the area near Edhil-e-londe, but they found no signs of the killers. The elves had begun to talk of returning home, but Faramir was against it. The situation would have been mush worse if there had been little to occupy the elves, but there was work to be done. The city was not complete, but more importantly, there was war to prepare for.
More scouts had been sent to Mordor, and the news was not encouraging. The orcs and Easterlings continued to amass weaponry and armor, and there was evidence that both groups were training their people for combat. They had not begun to move towards Gondor, but all felt that war was imminent. King Elessar had prepared his soldiers to march to Ithilien at need, and Eomer had done much the same with his Rohirrim. Gondor was poised for battle.
Legolas had spent much of his time discussing war tactics with Faramir and Boromir. The elf-prince was confident in the skill of his elves in battle, and so his people spent a great deal of time helping to train the men of Ithilien. Gimli had returned to the mines to oversee operations. The dwarves toiled tirelessly to provide ore for the forging of weapons and armor. Faramir had sent a contingent of his soldiers to the mines for the dwarves' protection, but no dwarf had disappeared or been attacked. It seemed the killers were intent on elves alone.
On a chilly afternoon in November a rider arrived bearing a letter from King Thranduil out of Eryn Lasgalen. The courier was taken immediately to Minas Mallen, and some of Faramir's guards brought him to the room where he and Legolas were making further plans. Faluin was the elf's name, and as soon as his arrival was announced he bowed low before Faramir, "King Thranduil sends his regards to Prince Faramir, and also to Prince Legolas." Again the elf bowed before the elf.
Faramir strode forward, "You are well received, Faluin of Eryn Lasgalen. Does your king send word?"
Faluin bowed again to Faramir, "He does, my lord, but the letter is for Legolas. The king apologizes for not sending the letter directly to you, but after you hear its contents he hopes you can forgive him this minor breach in etiquette. If not he hopes you will see it is only because of a father's concern for his son."
Legolas was puzzled by the elf's remarks, but took the letter that was handed to him. He broke the seal and quickly skimmed the contents. After a moment he spoke, "The letter is written in the language of my people, but I will translate into the common tongue for you."
My Dearest Legolas,
I am greatly distressed by the news Faramir has sent from Ithilien. Though they are of great import and should not be taken lightly it is not the threat of those in Mordor that concerns me most. Instead, it is the murder of Luvien. You are in graver peril than you realize. I have witnessed elves murdered in the fashion described in Faramir's letter though it has been many years, even by elven standards, since they occurred.
These enemies are more dangerous than almost any you have ever encountered. It would be best if you and all the elves of Edhil-e-Londe seek refuge in Amon Galen. They are cunning warriors, and can easily overpower a lone elf. You will find safety in numbers. Do not seek them out. I have knowledge of this enemy, for though I have never spoken to you of this, I played a central role in their long history. And so I feel I must come to Ithilien to play out my part. When you receive this letter I will have left Eryn Lasgalen for Ithilien. Expect me at the next new moon.
All elves should be alert and ready at all times, but do nothing until I arrive. I alone know the depths of our enemy's hatred and malice, for they bear great resentment and anger towards me. I feel it is no coincidence that they have chosen to reveal themselves in a land ruled by Thranduil's son. You must be careful, Legolas, for you are more valuable to them than all the mithril ever mined in Moria.
I fear that my past returns to haunt me.
Thranduil
Legolas sat down. The words of the letter expressed a fear Legolas had never seen in his father. That uneasy feeling he had first experienced when he and Gimli had discovered Luvien's body had returned. He had said to Gimli then that he felt there was more peril in the murder than was apparent at the time. His father's letter confirmed this, and Legolas could do nothing but sit and wait.
Chapter IV
A Letter from Eryn Lasgalen
The room was brightly lit with sunshine coming from an open veranda. The faintest scent of athelas hung in the clean, fresh air. There was no one in the room, but two guards stood watch on the balcony. Scattered throughout were vases of flowers, most of which contained sprigs of the athelas. A faint breeze ruffled the curtains hanging around the bed keeping the room cool and pleasant. And there was a strange sound coming from the floor beside the bed.
Legolas felt very peaceful lying in that room, except for the sound. It entered his subconscious and became impossible to ignore. Picking up a cup on a table next to him the elf poured its contents onto the floor in the area where the noise was coming from. He was rewarded with an end to the racket, but it was replaced by spluttering and dwarvish swearing. A second later a very disgruntled dwarf popped his head up next to the bed to glare at the occupant. Legolas smiled back, innocently.
Try as he might, Gimli was not able to be angry or even fake being angry with his friend. He stood up and clasped the elf's hand fiercely. "Thank Aule, you're awake!"
The rough shaking from the dwarf reminded Legolas sharply of all his wounds. His side burned, and his right arm ached from shoulder to fingertip. Gimli caught the grimace on the elf's face and immediately ceased his shaking, "I am sorry, Legolas. I did not mean to cause you further hurt." The dwarf turned away, but not before Legolas caught a glint of a tear at the corner of one eye. "You gave . . . us . . . quite a scare for a while."
Judging by Gimli's reaction Legolas was fairly certain he had been very near death. "I am fine, Gimli. The wounds are just stiff, as is to be expected. I will be up and about in no time." To prove his point he struggled to sit up straight, but the movement made his side burn with renewed vigor, and he found that his right arm was bound tightly to his body making the maneuver impossible. With a sigh he relaxed back into the sheets.
Angrily the dwarf turned to face Legolas, "Oh, so you think you'll be up and about in no time do you? After lying there, comatose, for ten days you think you'll just spring out of bed and take a morning stroll?!" Gimli leaned over the side of the bed to stare at the elf. It was one of the few times he had ever looked down on Legolas. "It took all the skill of Prince Faramir's best healers to keep you alive, and you are going to rest in that bed until you have fully recovered." Gimli's eyes narrowed and his voice dropped to a low rumble, "If you do not, I have permission to tie you to this bed."
Legolas was tempted to make a smart remark in response, but the practical part of him knew that if the he were to switch places with Gimli then he would also be angry at almost having lost his dearest friend. Legolas nodded at Gimli, "I assure you, dear Gimli, restraints will not be necessary. I will remain here until the healers say I can go."
"Or I do," said a deep, commanding voice.
Legolas looked around the dwarf's head to see Elessar, King of Gondor, standing in the room. Beside him were Faramir, Eowyn, and Boromir. The king looked very regal in long dark green robes with golden embroidery at the neck and hem, not at all like the ranger Aragorn who had accompanied Legolas and Gimli during the War of the Ring.
"Now, Gimli," King Elessar spoke with only a hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth, "if you are done threatening our good elf then perhaps I can have a look at his wounds."
Gimli gave Legolas one final glare as if he thought the elf would try to get up and dance a jig the minute his back was turned. He then stepped out of the way and Elessar knelt beside the bed. Loosening the bandages around the elf's waist he looked intently at the gash left behind from the attacker. His face was grave. "Legolas, you are most hardy, even for an elf. I know few who could have suffered such a wound and lived to tell the tale." He re-wrapped the wound, "But it is healing, and I do believe you shall recover fully."
"What of my arm?" asked the elf. "Why is it bound to my body?"
"Your arm was dislocated at the shoulder during your battle, and I believe your elbow was sprained for it is quite swollen. It should not be moved until the swelling has subsided."
"I am honored to have you attend me, my lord, and I thank you. But, I do not seek to have the King of Gondor as my healer. Besides I have a wonderful dwarf for a nursemaid."
Elessar fought off a smile and said, "Legolas, you are my friend first and foremost. I have only done what you would have done in my stead."
The king stood and the others approached. All wished the elf a speedy recovery and promised to return and keep him company while he recuperated. They did not stay long, however. Eliessa, the head healer asked all who were present to depart for Legolas required much rest. When they did not leave immediately she proceeded to give a tongue-lashing to all making certain that all knew that even the King of Gondor and the Prince of Ithilien held no power in her domain. Gimli argued with her, but after a few comments regarding the dwarf's scent after days in the room without a bath he left as well.
Legolas smiled to himself at the wounded look on Gimli's face, but his elven senses were not completely dulled by his physical state. Elessar, Faramir, and Eowyn all had worn troubled faces despite the cheery masks they had put on for his benefit. Something else was amiss, but he knew they would not speak of whatever it was to him in his current state. He briefly wondered what could be wrong, but the thoughts drifted away from him. Within moments the elf was again fast asleep.
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The following day dawned gray and dreary. A storm had blown in during the night. Someone had lit a fire in the room to help ward off the chill. Winter was coming, and even though Amon Galen lay far to the south it was not free from chill weather. As if she had sensed the elf waking Eliessa entered the room carrying a tray with food. "Well, the color is coming back to your cheeks, which is a good sign. But that wound in your side still bears close watching." Setting the tray down on a table next to the bed she helped the elf to a sitting position propping him up with many folded blankets. "I'll warrant you're starving after not having any real food for eleven days now. We managed to get some water in you, but that doesn't help an empty stomach." She placed the tray onto the bed. "Now take it slow. You don't want an upset stomach to go with that hole in your side do you?"
The healer went to the fire and lifted a kettle of water from it. She poured the steaming water into a bowl at the foot of the bed and immediately the healing scent of athelas filled the air. Replacing the kettle over the fire she turned again to Legolas who was working on his favorite sweet cakes, "Slowly," she admonished. "Now, I will be back later for the tray." With that she swept purposefully from the room and was gone. Legolas smiled, for the healing woman's disposition so reminded him of his good friend, Gimli.
The food was wonderful, and coupled with the athelas Legolas felt almost as if he could get up and walk. Imagining the look on Eliessa's face, or worse, Gimli's, made him think better of the idea though. He was about to start in on his third sweet cake when Faramir and Elessar entered the room.
"It is good to see you upright, Legolas. How do you feel?" asked the king.
"Much better, though I am still quite stiff and sore, thank you."
"That is a minor thing considering the severity of your injuries. I also am glad to see you awake and alert."
Legolas put aside the cake for later and looked at the two men. Their faces still bore a masked sadness. "You are making brave efforts to conceal your minds to me, but I can tell something troubles you both greatly. I am well enough to hear bad news."
"There is grave news which we must deliver to you." Said Faramir. "Two more of your elves have been murdered in Edhil-e-londe."
Legolas was stunned and his heart ached to hear the news. "Who were they?" he asked.
"Lanuitha and Teleren. There bodies were discovered near to the southern borders of your valley in much the same manner as Luvien," said Faramir.
Legolas thought of the two elves. Teleren had been his friend all his life as they were close to the same age. They had fought in the Battle of Five Armies side-by-side. Lanuitha was Teleren's his wife. Legolas thought it a small mercy that they would not have to bear the pain of living one without the other. Yet deep inside the elf a rage began to grow. Born of helplessness and suffering the elf experienced a fury unlike any he had ever felt before, and though he wanted to scream only tears sprang to his eyes, and he wept.
Faramir placed a hand on the elf's shoulder. "You are not alone in your grief, Legolas, nor are the elves alone to fight this battle. Though they resisted I have ordered all the elves of Edhil-e-londe to come to Amon Galen. The last of your people arrived here three days ago accompanied by a guard of 100 men. They are well protected here, Legolas."
"And I have personally searched the area where Lanuitha and Teleren were discovered," said Elessar, "as well as their home. There was a great struggle in their house. I found a piece of a black cloak much the same as your attacker wore. There had to have been more than one in order to subdue both of them. I did find tracks leading to the place in the woods were the bodies lay, but I found no sign of tracks leading away from there. Whoever they are they must have some knowledge of tracking and have done their best to disguise their trail."
"There is one other thing, Legolas, though it pains me to say it." The king's face looked haggard and worn, much as it had during his years as a ranger, "I am not infallible, but the tracks leading to the woods appeared to that of elves."
Legolas was stunned at the implication, "But might not Lanuitha and Teleren have been forced to march to the site of their death?"
Aragorn nodded, "Indeed I believe they were, but I found 8 distinct sets of footprints, all bearing the light mark of an elf."
Legolas looked horror-stricken, "There is no one within my charge who could commit such an act!"
"I can only speak from my knowledge and experience as a tracker. The evidence tells only facts, but does not impart the whole story. My belief as to what race of person made those footprints does not go so far as to say from whence they came. There are, after all, other elves in Middle-earth."
The elf could not believe what he was hearing. Murder and foul play were unheard of in all the elven realms he knew of. There were stories, of elves from the First Age, who had committed unspeakable acts. But that was long ago, and he knew of nothing in his own time that would support Elessar's theory. Even the thought of an elf committing such brutal violence on another elf was unimaginable
Aragorn looked at Legolas in sympathy. "I know that my words have brought more hurt to an already painful situation, but if we are to bring swift justice to those who have committed crimes against us and our people then all possibilities must be looked upon."
Slowly the anger began to subside within Legolas. "I am sorry Elessar. I have spoken only from my heart when a cool head is what is required. On behalf of my people I thank you for all that you have done." Legolas bowed his head.
The king bowed his head in return, "I believe your people are safe within the confines of Amon Galen. I have sent word to the rangers up north. Some should arrive shortly to aid you in your hunt for the murderers. I must return to Minas Tirith. It seems war may be coming to Gondor again and I must make ready." Aragorn clasped the elf's hand firmly. "You I command to rest and recover from your wounds quickly. Your people have need of you, as does Faramir."
"I wish you great speed on your journey and a warm homecoming," said Legolas.
"I must leave you here for awhile," said Faramir. "It is my duty to see Elessar safely on the road, and besides Eliessa has been glaring at me through the door which is a good sign that it is time for me to leave you to rest."
Legolas smiled, "Of course you must go, but one thing before you leave. Where is Gimli? I had hoped to see him this morning."
Faramir smiled, "The dwarf was celebrating your health with the elves last night. He apparently had a bit too much elven wine, and he fell asleep next to the fountain at the heart of Minas Mallen. Several elves were needed to carry him back to his room. He was still asleep the last I heard." Wide grins spread across the faces of Faramir and Elessar. Legolas laughed out loud.
"Farewell, Legolas," said the king as he turned to leave.
"Farewell," replied the elf as the two men left the room.
Eliessa immediately entered and set to work tending his injuries. There was still a great deal of pain in his side as she redressed the wound with fresh athelas, but the elf hardly noticed. He was too busy trying to picture the faces of the elves who had carried an inebriated dwarf to bed.
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Days passed and then weeks and slowly Legolas recovered from his wounds. He had been allowed to return to his own room within a week after waking. Faramir had stationed two guards outside his door and two others on the balcony into his room, and Legolas's own people had insisted on providing him with a personal guard. But there were no more attacks.
Faramir had sent many of his soldiers to search out the area near Edhil-e-londe, but they found no signs of the killers. The elves had begun to talk of returning home, but Faramir was against it. The situation would have been mush worse if there had been little to occupy the elves, but there was work to be done. The city was not complete, but more importantly, there was war to prepare for.
More scouts had been sent to Mordor, and the news was not encouraging. The orcs and Easterlings continued to amass weaponry and armor, and there was evidence that both groups were training their people for combat. They had not begun to move towards Gondor, but all felt that war was imminent. King Elessar had prepared his soldiers to march to Ithilien at need, and Eomer had done much the same with his Rohirrim. Gondor was poised for battle.
Legolas had spent much of his time discussing war tactics with Faramir and Boromir. The elf-prince was confident in the skill of his elves in battle, and so his people spent a great deal of time helping to train the men of Ithilien. Gimli had returned to the mines to oversee operations. The dwarves toiled tirelessly to provide ore for the forging of weapons and armor. Faramir had sent a contingent of his soldiers to the mines for the dwarves' protection, but no dwarf had disappeared or been attacked. It seemed the killers were intent on elves alone.
On a chilly afternoon in November a rider arrived bearing a letter from King Thranduil out of Eryn Lasgalen. The courier was taken immediately to Minas Mallen, and some of Faramir's guards brought him to the room where he and Legolas were making further plans. Faluin was the elf's name, and as soon as his arrival was announced he bowed low before Faramir, "King Thranduil sends his regards to Prince Faramir, and also to Prince Legolas." Again the elf bowed before the elf.
Faramir strode forward, "You are well received, Faluin of Eryn Lasgalen. Does your king send word?"
Faluin bowed again to Faramir, "He does, my lord, but the letter is for Legolas. The king apologizes for not sending the letter directly to you, but after you hear its contents he hopes you can forgive him this minor breach in etiquette. If not he hopes you will see it is only because of a father's concern for his son."
Legolas was puzzled by the elf's remarks, but took the letter that was handed to him. He broke the seal and quickly skimmed the contents. After a moment he spoke, "The letter is written in the language of my people, but I will translate into the common tongue for you."
My Dearest Legolas,
I am greatly distressed by the news Faramir has sent from Ithilien. Though they are of great import and should not be taken lightly it is not the threat of those in Mordor that concerns me most. Instead, it is the murder of Luvien. You are in graver peril than you realize. I have witnessed elves murdered in the fashion described in Faramir's letter though it has been many years, even by elven standards, since they occurred.
These enemies are more dangerous than almost any you have ever encountered. It would be best if you and all the elves of Edhil-e-Londe seek refuge in Amon Galen. They are cunning warriors, and can easily overpower a lone elf. You will find safety in numbers. Do not seek them out. I have knowledge of this enemy, for though I have never spoken to you of this, I played a central role in their long history. And so I feel I must come to Ithilien to play out my part. When you receive this letter I will have left Eryn Lasgalen for Ithilien. Expect me at the next new moon.
All elves should be alert and ready at all times, but do nothing until I arrive. I alone know the depths of our enemy's hatred and malice, for they bear great resentment and anger towards me. I feel it is no coincidence that they have chosen to reveal themselves in a land ruled by Thranduil's son. You must be careful, Legolas, for you are more valuable to them than all the mithril ever mined in Moria.
I fear that my past returns to haunt me.
Thranduil
Legolas sat down. The words of the letter expressed a fear Legolas had never seen in his father. That uneasy feeling he had first experienced when he and Gimli had discovered Luvien's body had returned. He had said to Gimli then that he felt there was more peril in the murder than was apparent at the time. His father's letter confirmed this, and Legolas could do nothing but sit and wait.