Legolas was slowly working his way towards Rivendell for a
visit. He was looking forward to seeing Lord Elrond and his sons and smiled
at the thought, but he was much looking forward to seeing Aragorn again.
Long had it been since ranger and prince conspired together. His friend and
fellow mischief-maker, Belegorath, Aragorn's daughter was supposed to meet
him close to a mile west from his current standing, as she was returning
the same time as he. She was only a decade and a half the last time he saw
her and the prince wondered how the mortal would have changed in a mere
three years. However he knew he wasn't going to reach Rivendell for awhile
yet. He gave a rough estimate, two days to reach Rivendell was being
hopeful, even if he continued without rest. He was late as it was and would
receive an earful from his friend. But he didn't care, her voice, no matter
the tone, was enough to keep him content for an eternity. The golden archer
thought of his last trip to the last homely house.
The prince walked along the well-worn path to the clearing near the pool, once again relying on the pair of Elrond's twin sons, Elladan and Elrohir to guide him. Bele, ever as silent as any elven tracker, strode between the elvish noble and his thoughts, keeping pace with him. "Do you enjoy you stay my prince? I know my father seems a century younger every time you grace us with your presence. He may be only human but he knows and has seen much. He dose so enjoy your company." Bele's gaze shifted awkwardly from tree to road but never resting on his eyes, and added, "as do I." " Yes, I love it here. Rivendell holds such majesty and beauty both in land and people especially you." Realizing what words just escaped his lips Legolas burst out laughing, quickly joined by Belegorath, who seemed more confused that amused. A shout from ahead called their attention from their uncomfortable conversation, much to the relief of both the prince and the scrappy teen. "When you, my prince, are done flirting with my niece, perhaps you would join us for a swim." Called Elrohir. "You are one to talk! I seem to remember a rather intimate situation between a certain son of Lord Elrond and a lady at my fathers court, Elrohir!" Shouted Legolas. With one last glance at Bele, he took of in the direction of the pool, laughing all the while. Legolas stood above a crystal clear lake, astonished by the beauty of it. He had never thought that anything could be so clean, especially having lived in a realm where darkness crept in the forests of his home. He steeped up to the edge of the pool, reading himself to dive, when from behind a pair of hands (he at that point assumed to be Elladan) forced the blonde archer into an uncharacteristically ungraceful cannonball. Legolas took in a large gulp of air upon surfacing and looked around to see who had spoiled his perfect dive, looking somewhat like a drowned cat. To his surprise he saw both Elladan and Elrohir on the ground laughing, but Belegorath on the other hand, standing where he had, hands placed triumphantly on her hips. That day she had never looked so enchanting. Ebony hair flying, clothing hanging loosely off her lean body, just smiling down at him. Just smiling.
//Her fathers wit and physical strength. Mother's charm and beauty of the Evenstar. she is so beautiful. No! She is a mortal! And no good comes of loving a mortal! And what about Moeran? You love Moeran. In the name of Illuvitar Legolas you're nearly wed! And besides that is revolting! You are old enough to be her ancestor. By all rights she should still be weaning! //
He was about to stop when a sound caught his ears. He spun around, grabbing his bow and knocking an arrow, looking around at the shadows of the living trees and plants around him. He then noticed the sound was coming from behind some high bushes. He readied his daggers and sprinted off towards the bushes with quiet graceful agility he was renowned for. Crouched in the bushes the blonde archer watched the scene unfold.
Nearly ten men were repeatedly beating a figure strapped to a tree. His keen elven hearing told him that there was four more standing guard. Using the green brush to hide him he planed his course of action. With deadly accuracy he dispatched three guards, but left the last alive and badly wounded. It was not like the prince to leave foes alive, it was his mercy that got him into trouble most of the time, but now he had a reason. Distraction. Temporary as it was, who ever was the object of these mortal's hatred could use the help. When Eyothaen and his men went to see what his guard was on about the prince of Mirkwood made his move. The young elf stopped short, horror shooting up his spine when he saw the ebony- haired elf that was bound to the birch tree on the opposite side of the campfire. The elf's hands were tied together over her head, suspended from a tree branch above her, and a second coil of rope around the elf's chest and legs held her in a standing position. The fair being's head had fallen forward and her dark hair spilled about her face, clinging to fresh blood that marred one corner of the elf's smooth mouth and right temple. Her body hung heavily against the ropes that held her. Her body shook violently. She was like a shadow, present yet not fully there. The young prince froze, his face going pale. He nearly called out but restrained himself. Hot anger burned bright inside Legolas' chest as he quickly pulled a dagger from it's sheath and cut the ropes that held his friend's hands strung above her head. The unconsious girl slumped forward limply and Legolas caught her. "Belegorath!" they had mere moments until the men returned and they were discovered.
The whinny of a horse caused his to avert his gaze to the center of camp. A rider, not of the race of men but of elves, clad in the green garments of Lothlorien was reared in the center of the band of men returning home after seeing what had happened to their fellow conspirators. "Oy! It's an Elf!" the auburn haired rider turned a cold glare on him, her green eyes glinting menacingly. He faltered, but another of his companions shouted, "Get her!" And leapt towards the mounted Elf. She smoothly swung her horse around and it reared appropriately, knocking the man flat on his back. "If you wish to seek your revenge," She replied confidently, replacing her blade in it's scabbard at her hip, "You will have to catch me first!" Like a flash they were off, seven riders of Rohan and one courageous if not stupid elf that saved their lives. "I would that Illutitar should smile on thee" murmured the male elf.
A coughing fit brought his attention back to the girl lying in his arms. He slowly and carefully turned Belegorath over on to her back and his breath hitched. Her skin was horribly pale, even by elven standards, her lips held no color what so ever. Soot, dirt and bruises covered her face. Clear patches of skin showed where her tears had washed them away. Trails of dark crimson blood that contrasted her pale skin and covered the girl's left shoulder and stomach, running on to the soft ground. Legolas could easily see she had been shot twice. The sight turned his stomach. New fears washed over the elf's body and he pressed a hand on to Belegorath's forehead and immediately felt unnatural heat, though it came as no great shock. Legolas swallowed hard and ran his fingers softly over the wound on his friend's stomach. The sword gash was shallow but that brought him little solace. The arrow, both arrows buried themselves in her flesh, blood flowing freely from both, and both were beyond his skills as a healer. But not as a friend. He would do any thing to save her.
Legolas knew he had to stop the bleeding and looked around to see if he could find anything to use to help him do so. He then remembered his small pack that he had dropped by his bow and arrow. Quickly grabbing the pack and his weapon, he went back to kneeling by Belegorath's side. Looking inside he found a long piece of cloth. Not hesitating he ripped it into three pieces. He used two to press hard against both the wounds and intended to wet the other one to try and keep Belegorath's forehead cool. Grabbing his satchel that contained healing herbs and salves he went to work. With his dagger Legolas cut away at the soiled and bloodied clothing, reveling a potentially deadly wound. He took a generous portion of the thick yellow healing salve, working it into his friend's injuries, whispering to her all the while. The pressure on both her wounds caused Belegorath to stir and slowly awaken, though when she felt the pain course through her body she wish she hadn't. She let a loud and pained gasp escape her throat before she could bite it back, grabbing Legolas' attention. "Belegorath?" he said quietly, gently sliding an arm under her head and being as careful as he could, lifted her limp form and laid her upon his chest, stroking her damp hair from her forehead, whispering words in their native tongue, soothing her cries of pain. The elf tried to escape the pressure of his touch by twisting as far as her mangled body would allow. The fair-haired prince began to fear that his friend had taken more hurt than he could see. He quickly unbuckled the clasps that held her quiver and daggers to closer examine his friend's injuries.
Deep, purple-black bruises mottled Belegorath's chest, shoulders and torso. Just looking at them was painful. If the elf had no broken ribs it would be a miracle, and in a situation such as this he expected no miracles. She moaned softly as Legolas passed his hands probingly over her bruised ribs. The moan turned into a sharp gasp when he pressed on the second rib and Belegorath convulsed upward slightly, confirming Legolas' fear that his friend had at least one broken rib. It hurt her to breathe, to the point where she just wanted to stop. Belegorath tried to get her breathing calm but found it too difficult, taking ragged gulps of air as her body shook from the extreme cold she felt. But through the cold she felt a warmth that she had thought existed only in memory or dream. Stroking her hair from her face with a touch as light as a breeze. Words in her native tongue whispered softly, calming her fevered panic. "Legolas?" Her voice was hushed, quiet and shaky, but Legolas expected as much. "Yes Bele, it's me." "H-H-How? You can't be. It's a trick. You aren't here. No, you aren't real you never are.never" a tear rolled down her bloodied cheek. Her words took the prince by surprise, and then they're meaning sunk in. Had she really dreamt of him? He looked to the sky pleading that this wasn't happening, that he hadn't failed her in her time of need. Legolas joined her in her tears. "Shhh, save your strength Belegorath. I was coming to Rivendell to visit you remember?" Bele nodded a little and after a big gulp she spoke again, "R.iders .where?" "So it was the Rohan that did this to you?" Legolas asked, green eyes blazing in rage. He suspected it was men that had caused this damage, but he hadn't been sure. Belegorath nodded but regretted it as the pounding pain in her head increased, causing her to groan in agony. Coughing and regretting that she did, was too much for her body to take. Once more her eyes closed and darkness claimed her. "Hang on Bele." Legolas whispered. "I'm going to take you to Rivendell, we're not far from it now." She shuddered violently as her muscles went into a spasm. Legolas had to grip her firmly, still trying to be gentle though finding it very hard. The elf watched as his friend slip away and could only pray it was not forever.
~*~
Legolas jumped forward pressing his hands against the mortal's throat, feeling for a pulse. The beat was weak and erratic. He had no other choice. If she was moved she could very possibly die, but she had a better chance than staying here if she was. Belegorath was in this position because of him in the first place. //If I had only been there when I said I would! // Quickly he scuffed the fire out and collected only what was absolutely necessary. It would be a long hard day or so of travel but if they left right now they would make Rivendell by nightfall on the morrow. Dropping to one knee next to the unconscious elf, he broke open a small vial of wicked smelling portents and passed it under the ranger's nose. Estelea moved slightly, trying to escape the noxious fumes but Legolas held her still, "That's it, wake up." The elf's eyes snapped open and locked on to the male in confusion. The girl went into her regular fit of coughing, Legolas waited until she calmed. "Legolas?" "Yes, We are going home." He pulled the elf's arm over his shoulders, letting her rest all her weight on him. He knew he was pushing the ebony- haired warrior past what she could endure, but he had also heard tales that an elf could be pressed passed unimaginable limits and he was willing to test them now. He only hoped half elves could do the same. When Bele tried to protest, the blonde prince shushed her, "Do not argue with me you stubborn hearted creature. We're going home." He chuckled "Although I do not wish to face your fathers wrath," he said with a laugh. Bele laughed with him for a short time but it turned into a groan. "Saes don't make me laugh. Ta awra." she said with a forced smile. "Save your strength." He ducked under the elf's arm and supported Bele's weight on his shoulder, wrapping his free arm around his friend's waist he starting them into the darkened forest toward help.
The prince walked along the well-worn path to the clearing near the pool, once again relying on the pair of Elrond's twin sons, Elladan and Elrohir to guide him. Bele, ever as silent as any elven tracker, strode between the elvish noble and his thoughts, keeping pace with him. "Do you enjoy you stay my prince? I know my father seems a century younger every time you grace us with your presence. He may be only human but he knows and has seen much. He dose so enjoy your company." Bele's gaze shifted awkwardly from tree to road but never resting on his eyes, and added, "as do I." " Yes, I love it here. Rivendell holds such majesty and beauty both in land and people especially you." Realizing what words just escaped his lips Legolas burst out laughing, quickly joined by Belegorath, who seemed more confused that amused. A shout from ahead called their attention from their uncomfortable conversation, much to the relief of both the prince and the scrappy teen. "When you, my prince, are done flirting with my niece, perhaps you would join us for a swim." Called Elrohir. "You are one to talk! I seem to remember a rather intimate situation between a certain son of Lord Elrond and a lady at my fathers court, Elrohir!" Shouted Legolas. With one last glance at Bele, he took of in the direction of the pool, laughing all the while. Legolas stood above a crystal clear lake, astonished by the beauty of it. He had never thought that anything could be so clean, especially having lived in a realm where darkness crept in the forests of his home. He steeped up to the edge of the pool, reading himself to dive, when from behind a pair of hands (he at that point assumed to be Elladan) forced the blonde archer into an uncharacteristically ungraceful cannonball. Legolas took in a large gulp of air upon surfacing and looked around to see who had spoiled his perfect dive, looking somewhat like a drowned cat. To his surprise he saw both Elladan and Elrohir on the ground laughing, but Belegorath on the other hand, standing where he had, hands placed triumphantly on her hips. That day she had never looked so enchanting. Ebony hair flying, clothing hanging loosely off her lean body, just smiling down at him. Just smiling.
//Her fathers wit and physical strength. Mother's charm and beauty of the Evenstar. she is so beautiful. No! She is a mortal! And no good comes of loving a mortal! And what about Moeran? You love Moeran. In the name of Illuvitar Legolas you're nearly wed! And besides that is revolting! You are old enough to be her ancestor. By all rights she should still be weaning! //
He was about to stop when a sound caught his ears. He spun around, grabbing his bow and knocking an arrow, looking around at the shadows of the living trees and plants around him. He then noticed the sound was coming from behind some high bushes. He readied his daggers and sprinted off towards the bushes with quiet graceful agility he was renowned for. Crouched in the bushes the blonde archer watched the scene unfold.
Nearly ten men were repeatedly beating a figure strapped to a tree. His keen elven hearing told him that there was four more standing guard. Using the green brush to hide him he planed his course of action. With deadly accuracy he dispatched three guards, but left the last alive and badly wounded. It was not like the prince to leave foes alive, it was his mercy that got him into trouble most of the time, but now he had a reason. Distraction. Temporary as it was, who ever was the object of these mortal's hatred could use the help. When Eyothaen and his men went to see what his guard was on about the prince of Mirkwood made his move. The young elf stopped short, horror shooting up his spine when he saw the ebony- haired elf that was bound to the birch tree on the opposite side of the campfire. The elf's hands were tied together over her head, suspended from a tree branch above her, and a second coil of rope around the elf's chest and legs held her in a standing position. The fair being's head had fallen forward and her dark hair spilled about her face, clinging to fresh blood that marred one corner of the elf's smooth mouth and right temple. Her body hung heavily against the ropes that held her. Her body shook violently. She was like a shadow, present yet not fully there. The young prince froze, his face going pale. He nearly called out but restrained himself. Hot anger burned bright inside Legolas' chest as he quickly pulled a dagger from it's sheath and cut the ropes that held his friend's hands strung above her head. The unconsious girl slumped forward limply and Legolas caught her. "Belegorath!" they had mere moments until the men returned and they were discovered.
The whinny of a horse caused his to avert his gaze to the center of camp. A rider, not of the race of men but of elves, clad in the green garments of Lothlorien was reared in the center of the band of men returning home after seeing what had happened to their fellow conspirators. "Oy! It's an Elf!" the auburn haired rider turned a cold glare on him, her green eyes glinting menacingly. He faltered, but another of his companions shouted, "Get her!" And leapt towards the mounted Elf. She smoothly swung her horse around and it reared appropriately, knocking the man flat on his back. "If you wish to seek your revenge," She replied confidently, replacing her blade in it's scabbard at her hip, "You will have to catch me first!" Like a flash they were off, seven riders of Rohan and one courageous if not stupid elf that saved their lives. "I would that Illutitar should smile on thee" murmured the male elf.
A coughing fit brought his attention back to the girl lying in his arms. He slowly and carefully turned Belegorath over on to her back and his breath hitched. Her skin was horribly pale, even by elven standards, her lips held no color what so ever. Soot, dirt and bruises covered her face. Clear patches of skin showed where her tears had washed them away. Trails of dark crimson blood that contrasted her pale skin and covered the girl's left shoulder and stomach, running on to the soft ground. Legolas could easily see she had been shot twice. The sight turned his stomach. New fears washed over the elf's body and he pressed a hand on to Belegorath's forehead and immediately felt unnatural heat, though it came as no great shock. Legolas swallowed hard and ran his fingers softly over the wound on his friend's stomach. The sword gash was shallow but that brought him little solace. The arrow, both arrows buried themselves in her flesh, blood flowing freely from both, and both were beyond his skills as a healer. But not as a friend. He would do any thing to save her.
Legolas knew he had to stop the bleeding and looked around to see if he could find anything to use to help him do so. He then remembered his small pack that he had dropped by his bow and arrow. Quickly grabbing the pack and his weapon, he went back to kneeling by Belegorath's side. Looking inside he found a long piece of cloth. Not hesitating he ripped it into three pieces. He used two to press hard against both the wounds and intended to wet the other one to try and keep Belegorath's forehead cool. Grabbing his satchel that contained healing herbs and salves he went to work. With his dagger Legolas cut away at the soiled and bloodied clothing, reveling a potentially deadly wound. He took a generous portion of the thick yellow healing salve, working it into his friend's injuries, whispering to her all the while. The pressure on both her wounds caused Belegorath to stir and slowly awaken, though when she felt the pain course through her body she wish she hadn't. She let a loud and pained gasp escape her throat before she could bite it back, grabbing Legolas' attention. "Belegorath?" he said quietly, gently sliding an arm under her head and being as careful as he could, lifted her limp form and laid her upon his chest, stroking her damp hair from her forehead, whispering words in their native tongue, soothing her cries of pain. The elf tried to escape the pressure of his touch by twisting as far as her mangled body would allow. The fair-haired prince began to fear that his friend had taken more hurt than he could see. He quickly unbuckled the clasps that held her quiver and daggers to closer examine his friend's injuries.
Deep, purple-black bruises mottled Belegorath's chest, shoulders and torso. Just looking at them was painful. If the elf had no broken ribs it would be a miracle, and in a situation such as this he expected no miracles. She moaned softly as Legolas passed his hands probingly over her bruised ribs. The moan turned into a sharp gasp when he pressed on the second rib and Belegorath convulsed upward slightly, confirming Legolas' fear that his friend had at least one broken rib. It hurt her to breathe, to the point where she just wanted to stop. Belegorath tried to get her breathing calm but found it too difficult, taking ragged gulps of air as her body shook from the extreme cold she felt. But through the cold she felt a warmth that she had thought existed only in memory or dream. Stroking her hair from her face with a touch as light as a breeze. Words in her native tongue whispered softly, calming her fevered panic. "Legolas?" Her voice was hushed, quiet and shaky, but Legolas expected as much. "Yes Bele, it's me." "H-H-How? You can't be. It's a trick. You aren't here. No, you aren't real you never are.never" a tear rolled down her bloodied cheek. Her words took the prince by surprise, and then they're meaning sunk in. Had she really dreamt of him? He looked to the sky pleading that this wasn't happening, that he hadn't failed her in her time of need. Legolas joined her in her tears. "Shhh, save your strength Belegorath. I was coming to Rivendell to visit you remember?" Bele nodded a little and after a big gulp she spoke again, "R.iders .where?" "So it was the Rohan that did this to you?" Legolas asked, green eyes blazing in rage. He suspected it was men that had caused this damage, but he hadn't been sure. Belegorath nodded but regretted it as the pounding pain in her head increased, causing her to groan in agony. Coughing and regretting that she did, was too much for her body to take. Once more her eyes closed and darkness claimed her. "Hang on Bele." Legolas whispered. "I'm going to take you to Rivendell, we're not far from it now." She shuddered violently as her muscles went into a spasm. Legolas had to grip her firmly, still trying to be gentle though finding it very hard. The elf watched as his friend slip away and could only pray it was not forever.
~*~
Legolas jumped forward pressing his hands against the mortal's throat, feeling for a pulse. The beat was weak and erratic. He had no other choice. If she was moved she could very possibly die, but she had a better chance than staying here if she was. Belegorath was in this position because of him in the first place. //If I had only been there when I said I would! // Quickly he scuffed the fire out and collected only what was absolutely necessary. It would be a long hard day or so of travel but if they left right now they would make Rivendell by nightfall on the morrow. Dropping to one knee next to the unconscious elf, he broke open a small vial of wicked smelling portents and passed it under the ranger's nose. Estelea moved slightly, trying to escape the noxious fumes but Legolas held her still, "That's it, wake up." The elf's eyes snapped open and locked on to the male in confusion. The girl went into her regular fit of coughing, Legolas waited until she calmed. "Legolas?" "Yes, We are going home." He pulled the elf's arm over his shoulders, letting her rest all her weight on him. He knew he was pushing the ebony- haired warrior past what she could endure, but he had also heard tales that an elf could be pressed passed unimaginable limits and he was willing to test them now. He only hoped half elves could do the same. When Bele tried to protest, the blonde prince shushed her, "Do not argue with me you stubborn hearted creature. We're going home." He chuckled "Although I do not wish to face your fathers wrath," he said with a laugh. Bele laughed with him for a short time but it turned into a groan. "Saes don't make me laugh. Ta awra." she said with a forced smile. "Save your strength." He ducked under the elf's arm and supported Bele's weight on his shoulder, wrapping his free arm around his friend's waist he starting them into the darkened forest toward help.