Felt like putting these at the top - so they are here! READ THEM BEFORE
THE CHAPTER!!!!!
Bill-the-Pony - Hehe, I liked your comment about "From the moment they see one another they are hammering away at their insults, jests, and all out disrespect of their elders." And you have not even read THIS chapter yet!!! *Bill-the-Pony walks up to Culdôr and bitch slaps him upside the head.* Happy now!
legolaslover - Hehe, Elrohir is an all out entertainment package! And keep your guesses coming in on Rastur - oh, and Erestor is Elrond's advisor, Glorfindel is his guard.
Camlost - I am glad that it was not boring! Hopefully this one won't be either! And thank you for your lovely comment! Oh, and Elrohir is (in my opinion) funny in this chapter - his actions towards Culdôr at the council ;) also, sorry it has taken so long for this - but I had to stick to my resolve and finish the next chapter before putting this one up, and between that, the epic conclusion of Dangerously in Love that I am working on, Christmas shopping and a ban on updating from Fanfiction, it has not been easy! Lol.
Rikkali - again, keep your Rastur guesses coming! *big smile* 'The Great - I laughably say - Debate', as promised, is this chapter, and there is a nice little fight scene next chapter to keep you all happy!
LittleSpacedemon - thank you, I am really glad that you are enjoying it! And I am happy that so many people are commenting on how everyone takes care of Legolas - it is what I want you all to see as it is VITAL for later on *dropping evil hints until one lands on her foot* Ouch!
Dark Mage - NO COMMENT!
Gwyn - glad ya liked the preview - now here's the real thing! And sadily, 15 pages for me is not that long! Lol, the conclusion to DiL was meant to be one chapter - it is now over 30 pages. . .think I may have to break it down! LOL.
gemstone - ok, first off, I just have to say that I love your reviews! They really make me day - as do everyone's - but yours make me laugh and smile! Thank you.
Passion huh? I have yet to have been told that one! Lol. But thank you, I shall take it is a great complement. As said in the reply to LittleSpacedemon, I am really trying to stress that relationship and am happy to see that I seem to be able to do it!
Culdôr's end - well, it is written (I got sidetracked! Lol) and is actually really not something that you would expect from me! Lol *again the dropped hint hits her on the foot* LOL, oh, "Minkaitis" - has a nice Ring to it, huh? Lol, am I really that evil? *innocent-Elrohir look* as for how Culdôr was able to threaten such a thing - you will have to read on a find out later. . .
I am overjoyed that Rastur is confusing so many people! Lol, it is good to see that you are all thinking into it and not just going - "oh, he is evil!" but keep thinking.
As to the Elladan v Elrohir - I too see what you mean about being the older twin, and I show that this chapter; he does seem to have that need to feel his father's respect, but does not realize that he has it, and, Elrohir and Estel's as well. But that leads to why I think - I actually sat down and tried to work this out - I like him a little less. I myself am a much more impulsive, risk taking sort of person who despises all forms of responsibility that gets dumped unwillingly on my shoulders, and so, I can not relate to his character. As I said, I do not hate him, but I just like Elrohir a bit better, and while I do not claim that I am able to 'hold onto my innocence' (coughshadowswithindarknesswithoutcough) I find that I would more likely be the one that would give the stupid look, or say something just for the hell of it (or, as you will soon see, thump someone on the shoulder to keep them quiet!) But as you can see, Elladan gets his fair share of page time, as does Gilnen *is getting too attached to that Elf. . .* and it was my pleasure to put more of them in. Oh, and a shameful self plug, you may like the pointless little one chapter story that I wrote called "Serenity," it is on here and just about Elrohir and Elladan - just a thought.
Oh, and you will be sharpening something bigger then a knife after this chapter. . . have I mentioned that *I* hate Culdôr? Lol.
Enigma Jade - wait no longer for it has arrived!! *story gets thrown to you dressed in a square Superman outfit - yes, my story's have outfits!* Lol.
*****
The Eaters of the Dead
Chapter Four
The Council of the River City
*****
As the sun stretched forth her rays, gracing the world with her light, Legolas lay in a state half between consciences and sleep, neither wanting to wake to the world or acknowledge that the fact that he had to. It was only through this delirious form of wakefulness that he half heard the door to his room being pushed slowly open. . .and yet he was not entirely sure if it was the door or not.
A footstep moved across the floor, heading in his direction, and yet in his state it could have easily been the rustling of leaves in the trees outside.
A sudden rush of air stirred his hair that lay spread out on the pillow, sending the fine strands of gold flicking over the Elven prince's face. Finally coming out of his trance like state, Legolas' eyes, which had been unnaturally closed, snapped open just in time to see a blade plummet towards his chest.
Hands acting quicker then sight, the prince caught his attacker's wrist with his right and the long blade of the knife with his left, unheeding to the intense pain that shot through his palm as the steel sliced into the flesh.
Judging from the strength behind the attack, the would-be assassin was an Elf and from the firmness of the thin wrist they were well skilled in the arts of swordplay.
Closing his eyes against the force of the attack and the small droplets of blood which were seeping from his own hand, Legolas had a brief flash of the dark-haired Elf from the dining hall, Arlhach. He was tall and slender, firm hands as assessed from their handshake and, from what Legolas could tell, good with a sword.
Glancing up at the face of the unknown Elf, Legolas found it covered by a simple cloth mask of black. Cursing the stranger's obvious intelligence, the prince started to arch his back, getting ready to shove the attacker off him. Unfortunately the other being was well aware that Legolas would try such an act and, letting his right hand fall from the dagger, he applied a swift punch to the blonde's stomach thus effectively stopping any real form of resistance.
Half curling in on himself, Legolas felt the Elf above him press down further with his hands, slowly brining the dagger closer and closer to his heart.
It was with this horror in mind that two things happened. Once again the right hand of the attacker moved from the dagger only to this time clamp around Legolas' throat, squeezing in on the windpipe and causing the sufferer to gulp for air.
The other was a voice, quite unexpectedly, calling out from the other side of the locked door. "Legolas?" Estel questioned while knocking on the door. The door handle was jiggled only to find it safely locked, blocking all access into the room. "I was the one to close the door," Estel said, obviously to a third party, "I did not lock it."
"Legolas?" a louder voice cried while a thumping on the door and Legolas' heart picked up at the sound of Elrohir.
Startled by the new players in the deadly game, the assassin chanced a quick glance towards the door, seeing it move against its frame as the pounding continued.
Taking the small opportunity for all that it was worth, Legolas lashed out with his right leg, catching the standing figure in the left side. Feeling the hand let up at his throat, he lashed out again, turning his body onto the side so to have a better and stronger swing.
"Legolas?" it was Elladan this time, further lifting the prince's spirits as he again kicked at the figure. While his attacks were helping, the Elf seemed to know what he wanted, and even though he was being assailed in the side by the blond, he still did not completely remove his hand from Legolas' throat or stop pressing down on the dagger.
"Est-" Legolas tried to call out but was effectively stopped by the hand tightening on his throat. Feeling his head spin and seeing bursts of light before his eyes, Legolas felt himself slowly start to blackout. . .and still the hand pressed further into his throat.
*****
"Did you hear that?" Elrohir asked while pressing his pointed ear to the door. Looking to Elladan, he saw his twin nod his agreement and his brow knot in worry and concern.
"What?" Estel questioned, not having the better hearing of the Elves that stood on either side of him. When neither replied, he shot each a panicked look ere repeating his question. "What?"
"It sounded as if he called out your na-" Elrohir stopped and pressed his ear closer to the door, his eyes enlarging at what he obviously heard from within that the others could not. The Elf's breathing deepened and started to come in slight pants as he listened intently while holding up his right hand to hush the other two of their questions.
A chocking sound that all could hear was the thing that sent them whirling into action. "By the Valar!" Elladan cursed while pounding on the door with renewed force. "Legolas?"
Grabbing the Elves shoulders, Estel moved them away and started to ram the door with his shoulder, hoping the break the lock that still held fast.
Looking around them, Elrohir bit his lip while Elladan called out again. "Legolas, hold on, we are coming!" Sending a look to his younger twin, Elladan went to aid Estel in trying to snap the lock.
"Keep going!" Elrohir commanded of them, "I'll be back!"
"Where are you going?" Estel demanded while letting his right shoulder slam against the door once again.
Not even giving them an answer, Elrohir disappeared into Estel's room. Looking around frantically, he saw the human's pack lying at the far corner, still in a half filled state. Deciding that that would be his best bet, he hurried to it, rummaged through, and, smiling when he found what he was looking for, made his way to the other side of the room and the open balcony.
*****
As the door started to get pounded in, Legolas could see that his attacker was getting worried. Acting upon this, he waiting until the masked Elf had once again looked to the door, and then aimed his kick a little higher in his last desperate attempt to gain control of the situation. Catching the Elf in the left shoulder, he caught him completely off guard and sent the Elf wheeling back, his grip being torn from the prince's throat. Gasping as the dagger scraped the bones of his hand, Legolas used his right to plunge under his pillow, pulling out a bow-knife of his own.
Slowly standing, the archer was just on his feet when the other Elf rushed at him, dagger held high and all attempts of skill thrown out the window. Falling backwards before the Elf reached him, Legolas lifted his feet and, as the Elf was about to straddle him, grabbed his forearms and shoved him right over his head to fall off the other side of the bed.
Getting back on his feet, the prince moved around the bed, eager to defeat the intruder and find out their identity. The other Elf was already on his feet, and knowing now that the prince was not to be taken lightly, approached this time with a little more caution.
Circling each other, both tried to block out the frantic yelling that came from the other side of the door - as the ones lock out had heard the crashing sound of the other Elf falling to the floor - else they lose their concentration.
Deciding to make the first move, Legolas moved in for the attack, and, ducking a swing of the others blade, came in behind the Elf and elbowed him between the shoulders. The other spun on him and, before he had time to react, Legolas felt the dagger cut through his upper left arm, the blade tasting its second sample of blood from the prince.
Grunting in frustration and pain, Legolas blocked another attack and sent his fist hard into the stomach of the Elf much as he had done to Legolas only moments before. Following through with a well aimed kick to the same spot, the other Elf lost his balance and fell to the floor on his knees, one hand wrapped around his stomach while he desperately tried to get the air that he needed back into his lungs. As the Elf doubled over, leaving Legolas with a wide opening in his defenses, Legolas took swing with his blade and then. . .
Stopped.
Looking down on the Elf that was in pain and yet still watching the price with haunting eyes, Legolas knew that even after the attack and his attempted assassination he could not kill the other as he wished to do to the prince. That was the difference between them, one was a killer by nature and the other was a killer by necessity and not revenge.
Both stared at each other, eyes locked onto the others, seeing into one another's minds and hearts and if it were not for the door suddenly crashing open and setting off a mêlée of confusion, they most probably would have stayed that way, seizing up each others strengths and weaknesses.
As Elladan and Estel burst into the room, breaking the mental battle between the two, the other Elf jumped to his feet and strongly shoved the unsuspecting prince back, sending him wheeling and into Estel, who only just managed to keep them from both falling to the ground. Turning and fleeing towards the window, the other Elf was closely followed by Elladan who, after risking a quick look to his human brother and his Elven friend, pulled out his own dagger, intending to end this once and for all.
As the Elf took flight towards the balcony, he ran full pelt into Elrohir, who, after taking a rope from Estel's pack and jumping off his balcony, had lassoed it around one of the railings of the prince's balcony and had climbed up, also intending to put a stop to whatever was happening.
Seeing the new arrival as a threat, the masked Elf lifted his dagger and charged, a battle cry on his lips.
Coming in at the last moment, to say that Elrohir was slightly confused by the scene before him was an understatement. Legolas seemed fine - a little shaken and blood splattered but alive - and was still being held tightly by Estel who was wide eyed and looking from Elladan to Legolas with worry. Elrohir also observed that Elladan was charging at the masked Elf much the same way as the mask Elf was now officially charging at him, both with their knives held high and wearing the same expression of hate in their eyes.
Elrohir mentally stopped. . . wait, masked Elf charging at him. . . knife held high. . . not good.
Eyes opening to become wider then Estel's, Elrohir had no time to draw a weapon, and so settled for throwing himself to the side and pressing his back up against the wall as the crazed Elf ran past, turning his head to see where his intended victim had disappeared to.
Obviously deciding that Elrohir was not worth going back and facing Elladan over, the masked Elf kept running out onto the balcony and, with a futile look over his shoulder, jumped off and into one of the trees on this side of the bank. He had completely vanished by the time that Elladan had reached the open area, and, seeing no point in attempting to chase after him when his friend could need his help, he turned and went back inside while returning his knife to his boot, his face back to the normal impassive look of an Elven noble.
Still standing pressed up against the wall; Elrohir saw the look of transformation on his bother's face and raised both eyebrows. "Well," he said, almost cheerily, "that was definitely a different way to start the morning!"
Shooting his brother a dangerous look, Estel tightened his arm around the prince's waist and escorted him over to the bed. Sitting the Elf down, he took his hand in his and inspected the deep and gushing cut. "'Tis deep,' he stated though it was hardly necessary. Next he turned to the cut on Legolas' arm and, biting his lip, he prodded the wound, ignoring the fait hisses that came from his patient.
"The point is to help him, not kill him!" Elrohir informed the young human while brushing him aside. The two twins were in the ever tiring process of teaching their human brother the arts of healing, and it was proving to be a thing that tales would be made about for many years. Estel was a wiling student but he was not as gentle as the Elves and had a habit of causing the wounded person more pain then soothing.
"He was not that bad," Legolas defended the human while allowing Elrohir to look at his arm. The Elf was much gentler and the prince could barely feel the fingers that inspected the wound. "Besides, he could use the practice."
"So," Elladan interrupted before they could get any further sidetracked. "Care to fill us in? What happened?"
Shaking his head, Legolas looked from one to the other. "I do not rightfully know," Legolas confirmed, "I remember you Estel, last night and I going to bed instead of walking with you, and then this morning - it was strange. I knew what was happening but at the same time I did not. The next thing I know, that Elf was standing over me with a knife and you were banging on the door." Looking over to give Elladan his best confused look, Estel saw red marks around the prince's neck, and, catching Legolas' chin in his hands', he tilted his head up and inspected them.
"He tried to strangle you?" he asked softly, concern unmistakable in his voice. Legolas merely nodded his conformation as both Elrohir and Estel inspected the marks.
"I'll get father," Elladan offered, seeing that his twin and younger brother were busy and knowing that Elrond would have their heads if he was kept in the dark about this. As he rounded the corner he literally walked right into Erestor and Rastur as they came tearing around the corner and into the room.
"What happen?" Erestor demanded as he approached the prince and pushed the other two away so he could look over the blond himself. Through all this, Legolas could not help but notice that, while everyone was taking their turn to 'inspect his wounds' no one was really doing anything to help him or stop the profoundly bleeding cut on his hand.
"Legolas was att-" Elrohir started to explain only to be cut off by Estel.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, having no regard for his superior. After what he had witnessed the night before, Estel was in no mind to let Erestor get too close to the prince, and, pushing his way past the elder Elf so that he stood between him and Legolas, he spared a look over at Rastur. The Elf seemed panicked, his breathing was labored and coming in short gasps and his face was flushed in such a way that anyone would have thought that he had run all the way from Mirkwood - or just fought with a skilled combatant.
"Estel," Elrohir hissed at the audacity of his little brother.
Rethinking his first approach, Estel though it may be best if he did not allow Erestor and Rastur onto his suspicions. Bowing slightly, Estel tried to make amends. "My apologies, Erestor. I only sort to protect the prince and know how it was that you got wind of the incident so fast." Estel said, the picture of Elven nobility and perfection displayed across his face while holding back the want to say 'since the only other person to know about this that has left this very room was the attacker.'
"We heard a loud crash - the sound of the door falling in," Rastur answered for the advisor while stepping forward and towards Legolas. Subtly blocking his way to the prince, Estel turned his attention to Elladan who had paused at the door.
"Go find father," he commanded, and was rather shocked when Elladan went without question or comment on Estel's inability to command him around.
Pushing the young man aside, Erestor knelt down in front on the prince, unheeding of the death looks that Estel shot him. Taking the Elf's face in hand, he lifted Legolas' chin to look at the angry red marks that dotted the pale skin of his throat.
"There is nothing I can do to stop the bruising, but it should be -" his voice trailed off as he looked up into Legolas' eyes. Gripping the Elf's chin again, he pulled the prince's face down to his eye level and peered into the blue orbs.
"What is it?" Elrohir questioned while pushing off the wall that he had been standing against, his arms folded in front of his chest and his right leg bent so that his foot rested on the wall. Coming to stand behind the advisor, he too looked down on the confused Elf and, biting his lower lip, knelt down and looked closer.
Erestor placed a hand on Legolas' brow and the shock on his face was easily read as he felt the heat radiating off it. "Elrohir, you are good with herbs, are you not?" he questioned quietly of the Elf next to him and this time it was Legolas who looked shocked as Elrohir nodded his head slowly.
"Why," he asked cautiously at the same time as Estel asked the same question.
"What do you make of this?" Erestor asked the younger Elf while talking Elrohir hand and pressing it to Legolas' brow. Recoiling his hand from the heated skin, Elrohir looked up to Estel and beckoned him forward.
"Help me lay him down," he commanded. The two gently pushed an overly confused Legolas onto the bed and grabbed his legs, moving them so that he lay at a horizontal to the side of the mattress.
"What is it?" Legolas asked and when he received no answer, he changed his tone to one more demanding, "What is it that you are not telling me?"
The two dark-haired Elves exchanged a worried glance, words being spoken with a mere look.
Stepping forward, Elrohir sat down on the edge of the bed and pushed a stray lock of Legolas' hair away from the Elf's heated face. "Legolas I think that you have been drugged," he stated quietly and, knowing how the prince would react, he pressed his hands onto the other's shoulder, keeping him pinned to the bed as Legolas struggled to sit up.
"What?" Estel half shrieked while moving forward and taking up Legolas' wounded hand, inspecting it further for any tell tale signs of a poison.
"No," Erestor spoke softly as he gently pulled the Elf's wounded hand from the human, "it looks as if it has been ingested."
"You mean someone poisoned his meal?" Estel asked while shooting a worried look at Legolas, who was still struggling with Elrohir, reassuring the other Elf that he felt fine.
"No, 'tis not a poison," Elrohir said pointedly while pressing Legolas down for the fourth time, "it looks as if it was just to knock his sense's - make him weaker -"
"So that that Elf could attack him this morning with ease," Estel concluded, catching onto the line of thought of the Elves.
"Exactly," Elrohir nodded, "look at Legolas' eyes, they are dilated and large yet glassy, as if he were in Elven sleep but we all know that he is perfectly awake. You can tell by the coloring," he pointed at the red tinge at the corners of the normally clear eyed Elf as a way of a visual lesson for the young human, "the red is not normal in an Elf, even a tired one."
"Will it do any damage?" Estel asked quietly while brushing a hand over his friend's hot face, "I mean, is it deadly?" His voice was soft and shaky, obviously worried about the Elf in question who just looked up at the four crowding around the bed.
"No, he will be fine in a few hours and once we get some food into him. 'Twas the strike of the assassin that was set to finish him, not this." As Elrohir said this, Estel took the opportunity to look to Rastur who had been standing quietly at the foot of the bed. The human found it slightly strange that the Elf would have so little concern about his prince as to stand by and only watch, a look of mild interest plastered on his face. At least Erestor seemed worried about Legolas' condition, which was much more then what Estel could say about the other that he had heard talking last night.
"What happened?" a commanding voice asked from the door as Elrond walked in with Elladan trailing behind. Moving aside for the Lord, Erestor waited until Elrond was seated on the side of the bed and inspecting the young prince before offering his small explanation, allowing Elladan, Elrohir and Estel to add their own knowledge of that morning.
Nodding his head as the story continued, Elrond turned to Elladan, "so you have no idea who it was?"
Elladan shock his head dejectedly, "he had already taken to the trees by the time I got to the balcony and I did not want to leave incase he came back."
"That is well," Elrond reassured his eldest, and, at the look of obvious self-blame in Elladan's eyes, Elrond, turned to the other's, "Erestor, take Rastur with you and go get some food of the prince and Elrohir, take Estel to the healer and get something to treat these wounds, also something to rid the system of a large dose of Valerian."
"Valerian?" Elrohir asked inquisitively, not recognizing the herb.
"Aye," Elrond replied while sending another look into Legolas' diluted eyes. "'Tis the only thing that would have caused such fatigue to overcome our young prince and yet not cause him any harm. It would have been easily slipped into his food or added to his wine and would have gone undetected."
All nodding their agreement and Elrohir in understanding, the four left, leaving only Legolas, Elrond and his eldest son in the room.
"You can not blame yourself," Legolas said softly before Elrond had the chance to say the same thing. "You got in here in time, which is all that matters."
Still seeing the self-loathing in Elladan's eyes, Elrond added, "I could not have put it better myself. He is alright and that is the best way to get back at the attacker, him having to know that his target is well and still on his feet."
"Speaking of being on my feet," Legolas said with a sigh, "if you two would excuse me, I have a council to dress for and win."
"Are you sure that is wise?" Elladan asked from the other side of the room, his face holding a large degree of worry. Seeing that Legolas was in no mind to answer, he shot a quick look to his father. "Father?" he hissed, "surly you can not think this wise!"
"He is right, Legolas. It is not a good idea, not after this," Elrond said gently, trying not to put the Elf in a rage or making him feel as if he were being babied.
"Or," Legolas contradicted, "maybe it would be better if I tell my news sooner as then at least I will not find myself as the only target." Raising one eyebrow, he looked at the other two expectedly, knowing that he would win this one way or another.
Sighing, Elladan looked to his father, who looked back at him and then to Legolas. "Very well," Elrond sighed, "have it your way and put us all in danger!" it was said in a kind way, not meaning to make the young archer feel bad about whatever this news was.
"Thank you," Legolas said with a large smile while pushing himself off the bed slowly so to not make his head spin too much. "Now, if you would both excuse me, I would like to have a bath before I once again am handed over to Estel and his 'healing' techniques."
"Very well, little one," Elrond said while ushering Elladan out of the door, "but he will be waiting out here!" he motioned to the oldest of his children who nodded his head in agreement and leaned up against the wall near Estel's door.
"As you wish," Legolas brushed the thought of a guard aside with a wave of his head, "but I am closing this!" He said while poking his tongue out and shutting the door on their faces in a playful manner.
"Youth!" Elrond murmured while walking down the corridor, earning a daggered look from Elladan as well as a small grunt from within the room of the prince.
*****
"Silence!" Elrond's voice boomed off the walls and trees of the outside congressing area. All eyes turned to him, each forgetting their own little bickering that they had been involved in.
Offering them a small smile with a hint of mocking behind it, Elrond relaxed back into his seat, glad that he had put a stop to what would seem inexorable. The entire morning had been bad. From word go nothing had gone to plan, setting all of Rivendell's higher society into a foul mood that reflected in their want and ability to communicate with others in the important council that was being held so the envoys from Mirkwood could plead their case - whatever it may be.
Elrond sat in the middle of the open end of the horseshoe created by the chairs that were a permanent fixture of the area. Behind him and to each side were the normal seats of his two twin sons yet today they had insisted in standing by their friend. To his left and at the first seat that started the curve sat Estel, his eyes, strangely enough, drifting from Rastur to Culdôr to Erestor in a look that Elrond knew all to well as being one of hate. Next to him sat Legolas, pale and slightly shaken with a bandage around his arm that still showed sighs of seeping blood. The twins stood still as trees behind him, their gazes missing nothing, while Gilnen sat on the other side of Legolas. To Gilnen's left sat, Dúelen, Culdôr, Rastur, Arlhach and Erestor.
On the other side sat Glorfindel with Galdor on his left. The head of the Rivendell guards, Erthalion sat next to him and his second in command Curuesgal. Another five Elves made up the council, not including the many guards that patrolled the borders of the raised dais that was reserved for such events.
Casting a quick look to the pale Legolas, Elrond was glad to see that his twin sons who stood protectively behind him and Estel, seated to his right, were each ready to grab at their weapons should anything like the happenings of that morning reoccur.
Feeling Elrond's eyes on him, Legolas turned to the lord and offered a smile, trying not to let his nervousness get the better of him and make him lose his stability of mind. That morning had been an interesting one at that and, even though Legolas had argued the importance of the council taking place this day, he was not entirely ready for it - mentally and emotionally.
As it turned out, before the prince had even the chance to half fill the others in on the reason that he and his unlikely companions where here, a argument broke out between the Rivendell Elves and the Mirkwood representatives about seating arrangements. The entire situation was screaming of its informality compared to the regal congress of Mirkwood and already Legolas found it hard to concentrate.
Even though he would never admit it, and as much as he had protested it before, he could still feel the symptoms of the strange drug that he had been somehow slipped during the dinner the night before. It was clouding his mind and making it hard to think on one subject at a time while steadily giving him a headache - which was a feeling that he was thankfully not all to familiar with. He was dreaded having to get up and speak, to try and prove his case to this council and, on top of the drug, it was also not a good sign that he did not know of many of these members very well so he had no real back history on anyone to subtly use against them.
Another disturbing thing was the fact that, due to the questioning that the kitchen servants had been put through, almost everyone in Rivendell knew of the Mirkwood prince's 'poisoning and attempted murder by a highly trained assassin', as it had been spread, the truth being twisted into a story more elaborate to entertain all those who heard.
"Thank you!" Elrond sighed as the last of the arguments died completely. "Now, as you may not have guessed due to your prior display, we are here for an important reason. As you can see," he motioned to Legolas and the other Mirkwood Elves, "we have guests from Mirkwood bringing news that needs to be discussed."
An Elf known as Fëandil, seated to the left of Erestor, glared over at the Culdôr, his eyes narrowed into thin slits, "if they now the meaning of 'discuss'!" he spat out, the distaste obvious in his voice as he looked upon the chief advisor of Mirkwood. He had been witness to the last so called council that consisted of Rivendell and Mirkwood and seen the way that Culdôr had treated the entire situation and threatened the prince, who, in his opinion was alright and one of the only good and justly Elves to come of the Greatwood.
"Fëandil!" Elrond warned the younger of the Rivendell Elves that was at attendance. He liked the Elf enough, but Fëandil was also known for his fieriness and quick temper, making him just as irrational as Culdôr himself.
At the triumphant look that Culdôr shot at the aforementioned Elf, which Elrond saw, the Lord glared right at the advisor, "that was not meant as a favor to you, Culdôr, only a way to try and keep this as civil as possible."
This time it was Gilnen to scoff at the lords words, not offering direct insult to Elrond but to the fact that a council with these members could ever be considered 'civil'. "I do think that such a thing will never occur, my Lord," he said. Now that he was in the safely of Rivendell, he felt much more inclined to speak up against Culdôr, let alone justified, and had no fear of Thranduil's wrath for any brash words that may escape him. "Not with a number of us present."
"Watch your words, Gilnen," Culdôr scolded, "do not think that just because you are here and no longer in Mirkwood that you may escape responsibility for them!"
"Why should I not?" Gilnen shot back, his temper flaring at the one Elf that he despised the most of all he had met, "why should I not think that I could escape it when you yourself evaded the reprimand that you disserved on our last visit?"
"I did what was needed," Culdôr hissed at the Elf around Dúelen, "and what my King commanded."
"Funny," Erestor spoke for the first time in the hour that they had been sitting there and arguing about various things, "I had it under good authority that Thranduil never ordered such a thing!"
At this all looked up, even Legolas who had let his head drop in both defeat at the subject at hand and the strange pounding from within. Now that he though of it, he and his father had never since talked on the subject and when he had arrived home, Thranduil was too angered at the prospect of Legolas throwing his crown into the wind as if it were useless then not having come home in close to five years.
"And who informed you of such slander?" Culdôr asked, his tone defensive and on edge.
"I have my sources," Erestor replied mysteriously and with an air of importance.
"Then your sources are wrong!" Dúelen defended his friend having seen the Culdôr was above furious and unable to speak.
"Are you calling Erestor a liar?" Arlhach demanded of the other. He had not been present for the subject that they argued about, but was fiercely loyal to the Elf that had taught him so much in his life and thus would not stand to see his honor insulted.
Elrohir took the scene in with unhidden interest, watching each Elf jump to defend the one that they saw as fit to receive words of backing. He knew that Glorfindel was observing everything and taking it all in and yet was unlikely to speak, just like Galdor, and he also knew that the others would not hesitate to flare up if the need called for it. The fact that Rastur had sat quietly through out the entire council so far, not seeking to defend his division, was slightly baffling, and, knowing that Legolas - even though the Elf had not confessed his thoughts - did not trust or like the Elf added further confusion to the situation.
Leaning over to Elladan, who seemed to be doing the same, he whispered, "this is going well, do not you think, brother?"
Elladan's reply came as a roll of his eyes and a slight sigh. As a rule, the two twin's had long decided that it was best to stay out of such things, as, like Fëandil, they had the habit of letting themselves run free with their words and, unlike the other Elf, they did not have that liberty to be able to do so. That was why it was such a big deal that they had become involved in the battle over Legolas so many years ago as it was one of the first times that they had spoken at a council for a few hundred years.
"If he still stands by his claim and refuses to tell me on what grounds he makes it, then yes, I am," Culdôr retorted in Dúelen's stead, knowing that the other had only spoken to defend him and that this really was his battle, "do you have a problem with that?"
"Yes! I do have a problem with you accusing my mentor of being a lair!" Arlhach whispered dangerously and where it not for Erestor's quick hand resting on his shoulder, he would have risen to his feet to continue his bland dislike of the accusation.
"Peace, Arlhach," Erthalion hushed the Elf from across the council and Arlhach bowed his head in defeat and respect to his superior.
"Why should he hold his peace?" Gilnen once again spoke up, not wanting to pass up the chance of getting Dúelen and Culdôr into conflict. "Insult has been issued, and therefore should be either proven or cleared from the associated name!"
"Gilnen!" Culdôr hissed again, this time accompanied by an angry look from both him and Dúelen.
"Do not seek to hush me, Culdôr!" Gilnen spat at the Elf and yet directed it at both him and Dúelen. "Your words do not scare me just as they do not pollute my head as your sorcery does to our king."
That did it. Having suffered insult himself, Culdôr leapt to his feet and made a rush at Gilnen, only to be grabbed by behind and shoved roughly back into his chair by a swiftly moving Elrohir. Both the twin's and the guards had seen what was coming, and, Elrohir being the closest to the Elf in question took it upon himself to stop Culdôr before anything too damaging happened.
Having both hands planted firmly on each of his shoulder, Elrohir pushed Culdôr back into the chair as he once again tried to get to his feet, the twin's strength exceeding that of the advisor.
"Take your hands off me, son of Elrond!" Culdôr almost yelled in rage as Elrohir pushed down harder.
Leaning down so that his head was almost leaning on Culdôr's shoulder, Elrohir whispered dangerously in his ear and yet loud enough for all to hear his words. "Not until you hold your seat as well as your malicious tongue!"
"He offered insult to me!" Culdôr protested, his face burning with hate and shame that the younger Elf was able to hold him so firmly.
"Just as you stained Erestor's name with your own!" Elrohir continued, "what comes around goes around, Culdôr, and since you stated this I think it only fitting that you should be the cause of it to cease." As Culdôr was about to protest again, Elrohir leaned even closer and let his last words pass only between them, "or shall I make you silent?"
Face fuming Culdôr set his jaw tight and glared straight ahead until the Elf behind him removed his hands and stood above him with his arms crossed to make sure not to offer Culdôr the opportunity to move again.
Meanwhile, Elladan, seeing that Elrohir had it all under control, moved silently to his father's side and crouched by the chair. "Father," he hissed, "you must put a stop to this!"
Holding his hand up to silence his son, Elrond shook his head. "Nay, I could not even if I wanted to!" Elrond declared, "they will tear each other apart and that will aid us well in the long run. Let them have at it and choose sides, and, as you will soon see, ours will benefit from it."
"How can we benefit from them all wanting to kill each other?" Elladan resisted the urge to yell out his words, releasing the disbelief that he felt.
"Look at the sides, my son," Elrond said plainly and yet full of wisdom, "do you not see that, ever so slowly, all are standing to oppose Culdôr and Dúelen?" At his son's nod, he continued. "Legolas knows this, which is why he says nothing. If there are too strongly opposed sides, then it will be easier to sway the enemy of his enemy. Remember, he knows not of most of these Elves so he must use whatever he can against them and to his advantage in persuading them. That key element in this case is their mutual hate for Culdôr and all who stand to back him. Give it a little more time and Legolas, I assure you, my son, will put a stop to this himself, winning both the respect of the others as well as the attention that he needs. "
Seeing the logic to it, Elladan stood and moved back to his position behind the blond Elf, his mind abuzz with concepts and possibilities.
"You have no right to force him into silence, Elrohir!" Dúelen protested while glaring up at the Elf, hate playing across his already dark eyes.
"Actually," a new voice came into the argument from across the hearing floor. "I believe that he does, since this is his father's home and you are a guest." Looking up, surprised to see that he had his own defender, Elrohir locked eyes with the Elf known as Findûr who sat next to Curuesgal.
"And just who are you?" Culdôr questioned with a sarcastic tone, angry that yet another was siding against him. Before he had even finished his sentence, he felt Elrohir's hand on his shoulder, squeezing the flesh with an iron grip in order to try and keep the Elf quiet.
"I am Findûr," the aforementioned Elf said, "and as a noble of this house I have every right to stand in the defense of my young Lord.
"As you will then," Dúelen snarled, "but he still has no right to order one higher in rank then him about!"
"Just as Culdôr had neither right nor justification to order his prince around!" Erestor spoke again, breaking his long silence.
"That is true," Belegdil, the house's public communicator spoke up, "so perchance, until the day comes when Culdôr learns to treat those above him with their deserved respect, neither he nor his subordinate should proclaim ill treatment!"
"I know not what you all argue about," Rastur spoke for the first time, his head bowed so that he kept his eyes locked upon the ground, "and I do not seek to take sides in this, but is not Elrohir above the ranking of Culdôr anyway?"
A hush fell over the council as they took in his words. It was true and all knew it to be of truth but each and every one of them had been so caught up in the volley of harsh words that none had picked up on the obvious.
Next to Estel, Legolas bit his lip and muttered under his breath, his words only just gracing Estel's ears as he fell into his native language. "Nor an Udûn, Rastur!" being careful not to let anyone see his unease, Legolas quickly tried to think of a way to get them back into the argument, cursing the day that he allowed Rastur to come. That one sentence could ruin everything for him and his chances of winning over this council for, now that they were forced to re-think on what was just said, some of the other allegations would surly come back to them and they would also see the errors in those, possibly resulting in a change of hearts and minds towards each other.
Yet, before he had time to find the words that would send them back into an argument and leave him blameless, another voice cut through the silence.
"It matters not," Elladan offered in hopes of getting them back into an argument, now knowing that Legolas needed it to be as such, "for Culdôr's allegations, as well as Gilnen's," he offered the other Elf a small unspoken apology for dragging him back into this, but from the other's eyes, Elladan had the feeling that Gilnen already knew what Legolas needed and was eager to aid his prince, "still stand and it is those, as well as Culdôr's actions towards his prince that -"
"Do not try to drag them back into an argww-" Culdôr's protests were cut off as Elrohir firmly squeezed the soft spot between his shoulder blade and his collar bone, ending his sentence in more of a wail then a word.
"Opps, sorry, did I hurt you there?" Elrohir asked innocently with a forged look of remorse while powerfully patting the man in the same spot, adding further pain to the now tense muscle.
As Dúelen once again protested, obviously oblivious to what the twins where trying to do, Elrohir offered Elladan a cheeky 'this is fun' look, which was secretly returned.
As the council burst into a babble of shouts and insults once again, Legolas smiled to himself, pleased that his friends where able to help without getting too dragged in at the same time. Waiting until the moment was right and that there were many people speaking, each over the top of the other in hopes of drowning each other out, Legolas, lifted his still pounding head and sent a quick prayer to the Valar for a clear enough mind to be able to do this.
"Stop," he said weakly and on purpose. His voice only carried to the few in the immediate area while the rest were still yelling at each other and shaking their fists. "Stop!" he repeated, this time a little stronger and alerting more to the fact that he wished to speak. Seeing that the time was right due to the fact that an extremely annoyed Culdôr - who was trying to talk in between Elrohir firmly thumping him on the back with an amused look on his face - was still arguing with Fëandil and Arlhach, Legolas stood to his feet without so much as a sound.
"I said STOP!" he commanded, causing all eyes to turn on him in a little shock. Making eye contact with as many people as he could, Legolas walked into the middle of the floor, blinking constantly to try and keep his eyes clear and unglazed. He could see Estel silently protesting his movement as he knew that the human knew that he was still overly dizzy, but, heeding him no attention, Legolas set his jaw tight in order to keep any giddy feelings from showing on his face.
"The point of this council is to discuss the present and try to foresee the future, not resurrect the past!" the prince stated sharply, "so I will have no more of this endless arguing. Do I make myself clear?" Legolas questioned, using his authority as the highest ranked Elf at the event to command their attention and respect. He did not like having to rule over Elrond's council, but at the same time he knew that they was why Elrond had been silent, allowing the prince free rule and the leeway he needed to get what he wanted.
When most had nodded their agreement, Legolas slowly began to move about the floor, only to stop halfway as the pounding in his head increased with the movement. Looking around the gathered Elves, Legolas was rather surprised to see all the different emotions and feelings displayed upon their faces.
Elladan and Elrohir looked slightly worried and rather preoccupied in keeping watch at the balcony above them and the woods behind for any sign of threat while Estel too looked concerned for the prince's well being. Gilnen's eyes showed him that whatever Legolas did, he had his support, which the prince was thankful for as he was met with hate and anger when looking at Dúelen and Culdôr. Erestor looked upon the prince as a teacher would his best student and Arlhach seemed to cast Legolas admiring glances, obviously having picked up on the reason behind the Elf's actions and silence throughout the meeting. Glorfindel and Galdor were both regarding him with respect, as was the two leaders of the guards. Most of the others were casting him inquisitive looks, the rumors of the happenings that morning and of his abilities mixing to form a confused form of respect and admiration.
Knowing that he was already getting more support then Culdôr who would, more then likely, try to convince them not to listen to his words - much as he had done at the Council of the Great Wood - Legolas offered them a smile.
"I have been sent here by my father, Thranduil, King of Mirkwood, seeking your council and hopefully your support in a matter that came to our attention only a short while ago." Legolas said evenly, his voice neither sweet and pleading or harsh and commanding. Having decided on the best way to break the news that he wanted them to save a group of humans, Legolas put his plan into action.
"We had a messenger come to Mirkwood, seeking aid in defeating an unknown evil near Ered Luin and I am here to plead with you to give me succor in helping these beings."
Having heard the location, Galdor sat up higher in his seat, leaning in to listen to the Elf a little more closely. It had been many years since he had journey back to his home land and the thought of something evil assailing it was a disturbing one at that.
"Is it near the Havens?" he asked of the prince.
Turning towards him, Legolas thought it best and safe if he stretched the truth just a little. "Yes," he replied, his lie coming easily to his lips and not affecting anything about him for the others to see. "It is gradually moving towards our beloved Havens, even as we speak now it is getting closer."
"That is a lie, Legolas!" Culdôr yelled, voice bouncing off the walls while jumping to his feet before Elrohir had the time to stop him. "Listen not to what he says about the Havens falling under threat. He speaks no truth on the matter and is only seeking to use your lives in order to aid humans!"
A small, disapproving murmur spread through the group and yet it worried Legolas not. Seeing out of the corner of his eye that Estel was glaring at all those who opposed the thought of aiding his people, Legolas bit back the want to laugh at the young man's behavior.
"Aye," Legolas confirmed while turning back to the council, "'tis humans that need our aid currently, but I assure you that the Havens are set to suffer the same fate as the score of human villages that have been completely annihilated!"
"So you admit to the fact that you lied about the Havens being under attack?" Dúelen demanded, pleased with what was a fault by the prince in his eyes.
Legolas just turned to the Elf and smiled, more of a motion of his facial features that indicative of any emotion.
"Why, prey tell," came the voice that Legolas was waiting for, "should we believe your words over that of the prince's?" Elrond asked both Culdôr and Dúelen and at the nods and whispered agreements, both Elrond and Legolas knew that they were in the clear.
"That is true!" Fëandil exclaimed, "why should we believe you over the prince when it has been you two that have offered insult throughout this entire council and the prince that has sat quietly by?"
"I for one am more inclined to believe Legolas," Galdor said with a nod of his head towards the standing archer, "so if he says that the Havens are in danger then I will take that as truth and reason to send aid."
"I am with you," Erestor said, standing to his feet and nodding his head towards the Elf from the Grey Havens. "Human or no, we should help them - especially if it involves the chance of ill befalling the Havens afterwards if we do not. Who is with us?"
As, one by one, the council stood, lead first by Gilnen and Estel, Legolas could hardly believe his luck. It had been much easier then he had ever expected and he put it down to the collective dislike and distrust of Culdôr.
When all but Culdôr and Dúelen were on their feet, Elrond too rose and walked to the middle of the floor to stand with Legolas. "Then it is decided. We will aid the human's in the far West - if only to save our Havens."
Looking at Legolas, he shot him one of the 'we need to talk' looks and the prince bowed his head in acceptance. He knew that Elrond was not overly fussed on the race of men as a whole - Estel was one thing but combined the humans were merely driven by lust and greed and Elrond was not a large supporter of either.
Culdôr, not wanting to admit defeat glanced at all the Elves that stood, and, shooting Elrohir a warning glance threatening him to stay out of this one, started to talk, "it is all very well that you have decided that it shall be as the prince wants, but have either one of you even thought about who to send? What Elf in his right mind would go on such a folly mission?"
Not to be threatened by Culdôr, Elrohir made up his mind quickly and stepped forth, "I will go!" he said, "whether it be alone or accompanied, I make this pledge - and it is already said that I am not of a right mind by many so perchance it is fate!" he hissed the last bit at Culdôr, obviously getting back that the Elf for some reason or another from the past.
Muttering under his breath at the impulsiveness of his younger brother, Elladan was thankful that that was one thing that he did not share with his identical twin. "Valar save them from you if we only allow you to go," he said while stepping forward and standing next to his brother in a sign that he would go with him.
Leaning over to smile and whisper in Elladan's ear, Elrohir looked around the circle hopefully. "I was starting to worry that I would be going on my own!"
A hand on his shoulder stopped him from saying anything else as Gilnen and Estel both stepped up to them with grins on their faces. Seeing the mirth of the others, Legolas also moved over to them, showing the council that he too would go.
"My prince?" Culdôr hissed threateningly, "that is not wise!"
"Do not threaten him again, Culdôr,' Erestor said as he, followed by Arlhach, stepped up with the others, baffling Estel even more. All the way though the council, Erestor had, in some way or another defended the prince, and yet it was him that he had witnessed only the night before conspiring with Rastur against Legolas. As he was thinking on the situation, Estel did not miss the harsh look that Erestor shot in the direction of Rastur, who, after catching the other's eye, rose to his feet and moved to the quickly forming group, much to Legolas, Estel and Elrohir's joint displeasure.
"Well," Erthalion said while standing to his feet as well, "if the advisor can go, then surly I can." As he walked over, Curuesgal began to rise, only to be stopped by Erthalion's raised hand, "you need to stay here. 'Twill do no good to have both the commanders of the guards gone, you know that." Nodding his head in disappointed agreement, Curuesgal retook his seat and watched as the others thought on what to do.
Next to move to the group was both Fëandil and Findûr who, up close, looked so alike that it became obvious that they where brothers, Fëandil clearly many centuries younger. The next to join them was the Elf Nimneldor followed by, to everyone's discontent, Dúelen.
When he received a number of ill looks, he shrugged and looked towards Culdôr. "I may not see eye to eye with all of you," he said, "but I will not let that stop me from doing what is bid the right thing, so, my prince," he bowed low to Legolas, and the Elf could not help but see how unnatural the act was for Dúelen, "if you chose to turn me away for past disagreements I shall go without complaint."
Cursing Culdôr within his head using every language he knew, Legolas saw the trap all too late. He had gained the respect and the help that he needed by pleading for aid and now it would seem insulting and he would be degraded in the eyes of the others if he turned away an offer of service.
Knowing that he had no other choice and that the twin's, Estel and Gilnen saw the trap also; he inclined his head and spoke as evenly as possible. "Of course I will not hold them against you, and we would be thankful for you help." Legolas only hoped that his words did not seem so forced to those that surround him as they sounded in his own head.
Elrond looked over the numbers, being happy with most of them. "Thirteen," he said idly, "an unlucky number."
"Then I shall balance it, if not just until home," Galdor said while standing. "This threat is new to me, and then it will therefore be new to the Havens, so, if you would have me, I will ride with you till there where I will see to it that the Havens become fortified in case of your failure - Valar forbid!"
"We shall be honored to have you along with us, my friend," Erestor stated with a bow of his head.
"Then it is decided!" Elrond said with the slightest of nods. "Fourteen will go if only for now. I will have the servants start the arrangements. This council is concluded."
With that said, most of the Elves hurried off, some to pack so that they would be ready for whenever they were to be set to leave, and others for their own purposes. Even Elrond moved out of sight, leaving only Legolas, Estel, Gilnen the twins and Culdôr standing there.
"Your father will hear of this!" Culdôr threatened the prince with his eyes narrowed.
"Why Culdôr," Gilnen said with a smile, "since you are the only one returning to Mirkwood, I would hope that you will tell the King of this else he suspect you of turning us over to a band of Orcs!"
Seeing that his friend had Culdôr under control, if only for the time being, Legolas moved back to his seat and placed his head in his hands, squeezing in on his temples to try and stop the pounding. Two bodies took the chairs on either side and Legolas looked up to see Estel and Elladan seated next to him.
"The drug still giving you trouble?" Estel asked softly and as the prince nodded slowly he saw that Legolas' eyes were once again glazed over and slightly red. Elrond had warned that it may actually take a few days to fully wear off and that during that time Legolas may have the occasional relapse, but despite that it was harmless.
Looking up, Legolas saw Elrohir standing next to Gilnen, a playful smile on his face. "Oh by the Valar, what is he planning?" Legolas groaned while letting his head fall back to his hands.
Glancing over at his twin, Elladan merely laughed ere he stood. "Who knows." He said while offering a hand down to the prince. "Come, Estel and I will get you to bed so you may sleep this off - it will go quicker that way." Nodding his agreement and letting another yawn pass his lips, Legolas realized that that must have been the first signs of the drug taking effect on him the night before - he seemed to recall yawning a lot through the evening.
Supporting the weakened Elf between them, Elladan and Estel slowly made their way into the large doors of the Homely House and towards Legolas' room.
Seeing that their friend's were leaving, Gilnen stopped his ravings about how Thranduil may think Culdôr did something to hurt the prince and how it was best if he did tell the King and looked to Elrohir. "Well," he said to the younger of the twins, "I do believe it is time that we were off. Sorry, Culdôr, I really do like talking to you and all, but I now have better things to do!" With a smile he turned on his heels and walked after the other three.
Elrohir, who had been standing to the side of Culdôr walked around behind the Elf and, placing his hands on the other's shoulders, he clutched them even tighter then he had before. Culdôr bucked up in pain but would not cry out as the young Elf leant over, "I hope you have a wonderful night!" Elrohir exclaimed with a broad grin while slapping his hands down on the taught muscles and making it look like a friendly gesture, "and remember, what comes around goes around, so I suggest that you be a good little Elf and tell the King the truth!"
Giving Culdôr another of his dashing smiles, Elrohir turned and followed his friend's, knowing that they would have been taking Legolas to his rooms.
While walking through the many corridors, Elrohir had to wonder why he had been afraid of Culdôr for so long. He knew that he no longer feared him else he would have never had the nerve to do as he had throughout the council, but he knew not why. The only explanation that he could offer his questioning mind was the fact that Legolas was growing stronger. His sway over people was deepening and, as seen today, he no longer hid or cringed at the chance to go up against his nemesis and bring him down, which, in turn made Elrohir feel more at ease around the insulted and embarrassed Culdôr, knowing that he could not touch or reprimand any of them. Not anymore.
*****
Tbc. . .
Oh boy, that was fun!!! I am really enjoying writing this story - it is a refreshing change to be playing more on words than trying to create that emotional impact. Fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I do not mean to sound narcissist, but I love my Elrohir - he is cool! This was also a good break from 'Legolas this' and 'Legolas that' like it has been the last chapters and gave me the chance to further develop my own characters like Gilnen (I like him too!)
Oh, and it was really hard to make Elrond not say "So be it, you shall be the fellowship of the west" or something! Lol. And if anyone is interested, Legolas told Rastur to "go to hell" - just thought that I would tell you that.
Hope you all are still enjoying this and that I have not let you down yet. . . so please review!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Minka.
Bill-the-Pony - Hehe, I liked your comment about "From the moment they see one another they are hammering away at their insults, jests, and all out disrespect of their elders." And you have not even read THIS chapter yet!!! *Bill-the-Pony walks up to Culdôr and bitch slaps him upside the head.* Happy now!
legolaslover - Hehe, Elrohir is an all out entertainment package! And keep your guesses coming in on Rastur - oh, and Erestor is Elrond's advisor, Glorfindel is his guard.
Camlost - I am glad that it was not boring! Hopefully this one won't be either! And thank you for your lovely comment! Oh, and Elrohir is (in my opinion) funny in this chapter - his actions towards Culdôr at the council ;) also, sorry it has taken so long for this - but I had to stick to my resolve and finish the next chapter before putting this one up, and between that, the epic conclusion of Dangerously in Love that I am working on, Christmas shopping and a ban on updating from Fanfiction, it has not been easy! Lol.
Rikkali - again, keep your Rastur guesses coming! *big smile* 'The Great - I laughably say - Debate', as promised, is this chapter, and there is a nice little fight scene next chapter to keep you all happy!
LittleSpacedemon - thank you, I am really glad that you are enjoying it! And I am happy that so many people are commenting on how everyone takes care of Legolas - it is what I want you all to see as it is VITAL for later on *dropping evil hints until one lands on her foot* Ouch!
Dark Mage - NO COMMENT!
Gwyn - glad ya liked the preview - now here's the real thing! And sadily, 15 pages for me is not that long! Lol, the conclusion to DiL was meant to be one chapter - it is now over 30 pages. . .think I may have to break it down! LOL.
gemstone - ok, first off, I just have to say that I love your reviews! They really make me day - as do everyone's - but yours make me laugh and smile! Thank you.
Passion huh? I have yet to have been told that one! Lol. But thank you, I shall take it is a great complement. As said in the reply to LittleSpacedemon, I am really trying to stress that relationship and am happy to see that I seem to be able to do it!
Culdôr's end - well, it is written (I got sidetracked! Lol) and is actually really not something that you would expect from me! Lol *again the dropped hint hits her on the foot* LOL, oh, "Minkaitis" - has a nice Ring to it, huh? Lol, am I really that evil? *innocent-Elrohir look* as for how Culdôr was able to threaten such a thing - you will have to read on a find out later. . .
I am overjoyed that Rastur is confusing so many people! Lol, it is good to see that you are all thinking into it and not just going - "oh, he is evil!" but keep thinking.
As to the Elladan v Elrohir - I too see what you mean about being the older twin, and I show that this chapter; he does seem to have that need to feel his father's respect, but does not realize that he has it, and, Elrohir and Estel's as well. But that leads to why I think - I actually sat down and tried to work this out - I like him a little less. I myself am a much more impulsive, risk taking sort of person who despises all forms of responsibility that gets dumped unwillingly on my shoulders, and so, I can not relate to his character. As I said, I do not hate him, but I just like Elrohir a bit better, and while I do not claim that I am able to 'hold onto my innocence' (coughshadowswithindarknesswithoutcough) I find that I would more likely be the one that would give the stupid look, or say something just for the hell of it (or, as you will soon see, thump someone on the shoulder to keep them quiet!) But as you can see, Elladan gets his fair share of page time, as does Gilnen *is getting too attached to that Elf. . .* and it was my pleasure to put more of them in. Oh, and a shameful self plug, you may like the pointless little one chapter story that I wrote called "Serenity," it is on here and just about Elrohir and Elladan - just a thought.
Oh, and you will be sharpening something bigger then a knife after this chapter. . . have I mentioned that *I* hate Culdôr? Lol.
Enigma Jade - wait no longer for it has arrived!! *story gets thrown to you dressed in a square Superman outfit - yes, my story's have outfits!* Lol.
*****
The Eaters of the Dead
Chapter Four
The Council of the River City
*****
As the sun stretched forth her rays, gracing the world with her light, Legolas lay in a state half between consciences and sleep, neither wanting to wake to the world or acknowledge that the fact that he had to. It was only through this delirious form of wakefulness that he half heard the door to his room being pushed slowly open. . .and yet he was not entirely sure if it was the door or not.
A footstep moved across the floor, heading in his direction, and yet in his state it could have easily been the rustling of leaves in the trees outside.
A sudden rush of air stirred his hair that lay spread out on the pillow, sending the fine strands of gold flicking over the Elven prince's face. Finally coming out of his trance like state, Legolas' eyes, which had been unnaturally closed, snapped open just in time to see a blade plummet towards his chest.
Hands acting quicker then sight, the prince caught his attacker's wrist with his right and the long blade of the knife with his left, unheeding to the intense pain that shot through his palm as the steel sliced into the flesh.
Judging from the strength behind the attack, the would-be assassin was an Elf and from the firmness of the thin wrist they were well skilled in the arts of swordplay.
Closing his eyes against the force of the attack and the small droplets of blood which were seeping from his own hand, Legolas had a brief flash of the dark-haired Elf from the dining hall, Arlhach. He was tall and slender, firm hands as assessed from their handshake and, from what Legolas could tell, good with a sword.
Glancing up at the face of the unknown Elf, Legolas found it covered by a simple cloth mask of black. Cursing the stranger's obvious intelligence, the prince started to arch his back, getting ready to shove the attacker off him. Unfortunately the other being was well aware that Legolas would try such an act and, letting his right hand fall from the dagger, he applied a swift punch to the blonde's stomach thus effectively stopping any real form of resistance.
Half curling in on himself, Legolas felt the Elf above him press down further with his hands, slowly brining the dagger closer and closer to his heart.
It was with this horror in mind that two things happened. Once again the right hand of the attacker moved from the dagger only to this time clamp around Legolas' throat, squeezing in on the windpipe and causing the sufferer to gulp for air.
The other was a voice, quite unexpectedly, calling out from the other side of the locked door. "Legolas?" Estel questioned while knocking on the door. The door handle was jiggled only to find it safely locked, blocking all access into the room. "I was the one to close the door," Estel said, obviously to a third party, "I did not lock it."
"Legolas?" a louder voice cried while a thumping on the door and Legolas' heart picked up at the sound of Elrohir.
Startled by the new players in the deadly game, the assassin chanced a quick glance towards the door, seeing it move against its frame as the pounding continued.
Taking the small opportunity for all that it was worth, Legolas lashed out with his right leg, catching the standing figure in the left side. Feeling the hand let up at his throat, he lashed out again, turning his body onto the side so to have a better and stronger swing.
"Legolas?" it was Elladan this time, further lifting the prince's spirits as he again kicked at the figure. While his attacks were helping, the Elf seemed to know what he wanted, and even though he was being assailed in the side by the blond, he still did not completely remove his hand from Legolas' throat or stop pressing down on the dagger.
"Est-" Legolas tried to call out but was effectively stopped by the hand tightening on his throat. Feeling his head spin and seeing bursts of light before his eyes, Legolas felt himself slowly start to blackout. . .and still the hand pressed further into his throat.
*****
"Did you hear that?" Elrohir asked while pressing his pointed ear to the door. Looking to Elladan, he saw his twin nod his agreement and his brow knot in worry and concern.
"What?" Estel questioned, not having the better hearing of the Elves that stood on either side of him. When neither replied, he shot each a panicked look ere repeating his question. "What?"
"It sounded as if he called out your na-" Elrohir stopped and pressed his ear closer to the door, his eyes enlarging at what he obviously heard from within that the others could not. The Elf's breathing deepened and started to come in slight pants as he listened intently while holding up his right hand to hush the other two of their questions.
A chocking sound that all could hear was the thing that sent them whirling into action. "By the Valar!" Elladan cursed while pounding on the door with renewed force. "Legolas?"
Grabbing the Elves shoulders, Estel moved them away and started to ram the door with his shoulder, hoping the break the lock that still held fast.
Looking around them, Elrohir bit his lip while Elladan called out again. "Legolas, hold on, we are coming!" Sending a look to his younger twin, Elladan went to aid Estel in trying to snap the lock.
"Keep going!" Elrohir commanded of them, "I'll be back!"
"Where are you going?" Estel demanded while letting his right shoulder slam against the door once again.
Not even giving them an answer, Elrohir disappeared into Estel's room. Looking around frantically, he saw the human's pack lying at the far corner, still in a half filled state. Deciding that that would be his best bet, he hurried to it, rummaged through, and, smiling when he found what he was looking for, made his way to the other side of the room and the open balcony.
*****
As the door started to get pounded in, Legolas could see that his attacker was getting worried. Acting upon this, he waiting until the masked Elf had once again looked to the door, and then aimed his kick a little higher in his last desperate attempt to gain control of the situation. Catching the Elf in the left shoulder, he caught him completely off guard and sent the Elf wheeling back, his grip being torn from the prince's throat. Gasping as the dagger scraped the bones of his hand, Legolas used his right to plunge under his pillow, pulling out a bow-knife of his own.
Slowly standing, the archer was just on his feet when the other Elf rushed at him, dagger held high and all attempts of skill thrown out the window. Falling backwards before the Elf reached him, Legolas lifted his feet and, as the Elf was about to straddle him, grabbed his forearms and shoved him right over his head to fall off the other side of the bed.
Getting back on his feet, the prince moved around the bed, eager to defeat the intruder and find out their identity. The other Elf was already on his feet, and knowing now that the prince was not to be taken lightly, approached this time with a little more caution.
Circling each other, both tried to block out the frantic yelling that came from the other side of the door - as the ones lock out had heard the crashing sound of the other Elf falling to the floor - else they lose their concentration.
Deciding to make the first move, Legolas moved in for the attack, and, ducking a swing of the others blade, came in behind the Elf and elbowed him between the shoulders. The other spun on him and, before he had time to react, Legolas felt the dagger cut through his upper left arm, the blade tasting its second sample of blood from the prince.
Grunting in frustration and pain, Legolas blocked another attack and sent his fist hard into the stomach of the Elf much as he had done to Legolas only moments before. Following through with a well aimed kick to the same spot, the other Elf lost his balance and fell to the floor on his knees, one hand wrapped around his stomach while he desperately tried to get the air that he needed back into his lungs. As the Elf doubled over, leaving Legolas with a wide opening in his defenses, Legolas took swing with his blade and then. . .
Stopped.
Looking down on the Elf that was in pain and yet still watching the price with haunting eyes, Legolas knew that even after the attack and his attempted assassination he could not kill the other as he wished to do to the prince. That was the difference between them, one was a killer by nature and the other was a killer by necessity and not revenge.
Both stared at each other, eyes locked onto the others, seeing into one another's minds and hearts and if it were not for the door suddenly crashing open and setting off a mêlée of confusion, they most probably would have stayed that way, seizing up each others strengths and weaknesses.
As Elladan and Estel burst into the room, breaking the mental battle between the two, the other Elf jumped to his feet and strongly shoved the unsuspecting prince back, sending him wheeling and into Estel, who only just managed to keep them from both falling to the ground. Turning and fleeing towards the window, the other Elf was closely followed by Elladan who, after risking a quick look to his human brother and his Elven friend, pulled out his own dagger, intending to end this once and for all.
As the Elf took flight towards the balcony, he ran full pelt into Elrohir, who, after taking a rope from Estel's pack and jumping off his balcony, had lassoed it around one of the railings of the prince's balcony and had climbed up, also intending to put a stop to whatever was happening.
Seeing the new arrival as a threat, the masked Elf lifted his dagger and charged, a battle cry on his lips.
Coming in at the last moment, to say that Elrohir was slightly confused by the scene before him was an understatement. Legolas seemed fine - a little shaken and blood splattered but alive - and was still being held tightly by Estel who was wide eyed and looking from Elladan to Legolas with worry. Elrohir also observed that Elladan was charging at the masked Elf much the same way as the mask Elf was now officially charging at him, both with their knives held high and wearing the same expression of hate in their eyes.
Elrohir mentally stopped. . . wait, masked Elf charging at him. . . knife held high. . . not good.
Eyes opening to become wider then Estel's, Elrohir had no time to draw a weapon, and so settled for throwing himself to the side and pressing his back up against the wall as the crazed Elf ran past, turning his head to see where his intended victim had disappeared to.
Obviously deciding that Elrohir was not worth going back and facing Elladan over, the masked Elf kept running out onto the balcony and, with a futile look over his shoulder, jumped off and into one of the trees on this side of the bank. He had completely vanished by the time that Elladan had reached the open area, and, seeing no point in attempting to chase after him when his friend could need his help, he turned and went back inside while returning his knife to his boot, his face back to the normal impassive look of an Elven noble.
Still standing pressed up against the wall; Elrohir saw the look of transformation on his bother's face and raised both eyebrows. "Well," he said, almost cheerily, "that was definitely a different way to start the morning!"
Shooting his brother a dangerous look, Estel tightened his arm around the prince's waist and escorted him over to the bed. Sitting the Elf down, he took his hand in his and inspected the deep and gushing cut. "'Tis deep,' he stated though it was hardly necessary. Next he turned to the cut on Legolas' arm and, biting his lip, he prodded the wound, ignoring the fait hisses that came from his patient.
"The point is to help him, not kill him!" Elrohir informed the young human while brushing him aside. The two twins were in the ever tiring process of teaching their human brother the arts of healing, and it was proving to be a thing that tales would be made about for many years. Estel was a wiling student but he was not as gentle as the Elves and had a habit of causing the wounded person more pain then soothing.
"He was not that bad," Legolas defended the human while allowing Elrohir to look at his arm. The Elf was much gentler and the prince could barely feel the fingers that inspected the wound. "Besides, he could use the practice."
"So," Elladan interrupted before they could get any further sidetracked. "Care to fill us in? What happened?"
Shaking his head, Legolas looked from one to the other. "I do not rightfully know," Legolas confirmed, "I remember you Estel, last night and I going to bed instead of walking with you, and then this morning - it was strange. I knew what was happening but at the same time I did not. The next thing I know, that Elf was standing over me with a knife and you were banging on the door." Looking over to give Elladan his best confused look, Estel saw red marks around the prince's neck, and, catching Legolas' chin in his hands', he tilted his head up and inspected them.
"He tried to strangle you?" he asked softly, concern unmistakable in his voice. Legolas merely nodded his conformation as both Elrohir and Estel inspected the marks.
"I'll get father," Elladan offered, seeing that his twin and younger brother were busy and knowing that Elrond would have their heads if he was kept in the dark about this. As he rounded the corner he literally walked right into Erestor and Rastur as they came tearing around the corner and into the room.
"What happen?" Erestor demanded as he approached the prince and pushed the other two away so he could look over the blond himself. Through all this, Legolas could not help but notice that, while everyone was taking their turn to 'inspect his wounds' no one was really doing anything to help him or stop the profoundly bleeding cut on his hand.
"Legolas was att-" Elrohir started to explain only to be cut off by Estel.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, having no regard for his superior. After what he had witnessed the night before, Estel was in no mind to let Erestor get too close to the prince, and, pushing his way past the elder Elf so that he stood between him and Legolas, he spared a look over at Rastur. The Elf seemed panicked, his breathing was labored and coming in short gasps and his face was flushed in such a way that anyone would have thought that he had run all the way from Mirkwood - or just fought with a skilled combatant.
"Estel," Elrohir hissed at the audacity of his little brother.
Rethinking his first approach, Estel though it may be best if he did not allow Erestor and Rastur onto his suspicions. Bowing slightly, Estel tried to make amends. "My apologies, Erestor. I only sort to protect the prince and know how it was that you got wind of the incident so fast." Estel said, the picture of Elven nobility and perfection displayed across his face while holding back the want to say 'since the only other person to know about this that has left this very room was the attacker.'
"We heard a loud crash - the sound of the door falling in," Rastur answered for the advisor while stepping forward and towards Legolas. Subtly blocking his way to the prince, Estel turned his attention to Elladan who had paused at the door.
"Go find father," he commanded, and was rather shocked when Elladan went without question or comment on Estel's inability to command him around.
Pushing the young man aside, Erestor knelt down in front on the prince, unheeding of the death looks that Estel shot him. Taking the Elf's face in hand, he lifted Legolas' chin to look at the angry red marks that dotted the pale skin of his throat.
"There is nothing I can do to stop the bruising, but it should be -" his voice trailed off as he looked up into Legolas' eyes. Gripping the Elf's chin again, he pulled the prince's face down to his eye level and peered into the blue orbs.
"What is it?" Elrohir questioned while pushing off the wall that he had been standing against, his arms folded in front of his chest and his right leg bent so that his foot rested on the wall. Coming to stand behind the advisor, he too looked down on the confused Elf and, biting his lower lip, knelt down and looked closer.
Erestor placed a hand on Legolas' brow and the shock on his face was easily read as he felt the heat radiating off it. "Elrohir, you are good with herbs, are you not?" he questioned quietly of the Elf next to him and this time it was Legolas who looked shocked as Elrohir nodded his head slowly.
"Why," he asked cautiously at the same time as Estel asked the same question.
"What do you make of this?" Erestor asked the younger Elf while talking Elrohir hand and pressing it to Legolas' brow. Recoiling his hand from the heated skin, Elrohir looked up to Estel and beckoned him forward.
"Help me lay him down," he commanded. The two gently pushed an overly confused Legolas onto the bed and grabbed his legs, moving them so that he lay at a horizontal to the side of the mattress.
"What is it?" Legolas asked and when he received no answer, he changed his tone to one more demanding, "What is it that you are not telling me?"
The two dark-haired Elves exchanged a worried glance, words being spoken with a mere look.
Stepping forward, Elrohir sat down on the edge of the bed and pushed a stray lock of Legolas' hair away from the Elf's heated face. "Legolas I think that you have been drugged," he stated quietly and, knowing how the prince would react, he pressed his hands onto the other's shoulder, keeping him pinned to the bed as Legolas struggled to sit up.
"What?" Estel half shrieked while moving forward and taking up Legolas' wounded hand, inspecting it further for any tell tale signs of a poison.
"No," Erestor spoke softly as he gently pulled the Elf's wounded hand from the human, "it looks as if it has been ingested."
"You mean someone poisoned his meal?" Estel asked while shooting a worried look at Legolas, who was still struggling with Elrohir, reassuring the other Elf that he felt fine.
"No, 'tis not a poison," Elrohir said pointedly while pressing Legolas down for the fourth time, "it looks as if it was just to knock his sense's - make him weaker -"
"So that that Elf could attack him this morning with ease," Estel concluded, catching onto the line of thought of the Elves.
"Exactly," Elrohir nodded, "look at Legolas' eyes, they are dilated and large yet glassy, as if he were in Elven sleep but we all know that he is perfectly awake. You can tell by the coloring," he pointed at the red tinge at the corners of the normally clear eyed Elf as a way of a visual lesson for the young human, "the red is not normal in an Elf, even a tired one."
"Will it do any damage?" Estel asked quietly while brushing a hand over his friend's hot face, "I mean, is it deadly?" His voice was soft and shaky, obviously worried about the Elf in question who just looked up at the four crowding around the bed.
"No, he will be fine in a few hours and once we get some food into him. 'Twas the strike of the assassin that was set to finish him, not this." As Elrohir said this, Estel took the opportunity to look to Rastur who had been standing quietly at the foot of the bed. The human found it slightly strange that the Elf would have so little concern about his prince as to stand by and only watch, a look of mild interest plastered on his face. At least Erestor seemed worried about Legolas' condition, which was much more then what Estel could say about the other that he had heard talking last night.
"What happened?" a commanding voice asked from the door as Elrond walked in with Elladan trailing behind. Moving aside for the Lord, Erestor waited until Elrond was seated on the side of the bed and inspecting the young prince before offering his small explanation, allowing Elladan, Elrohir and Estel to add their own knowledge of that morning.
Nodding his head as the story continued, Elrond turned to Elladan, "so you have no idea who it was?"
Elladan shock his head dejectedly, "he had already taken to the trees by the time I got to the balcony and I did not want to leave incase he came back."
"That is well," Elrond reassured his eldest, and, at the look of obvious self-blame in Elladan's eyes, Elrond, turned to the other's, "Erestor, take Rastur with you and go get some food of the prince and Elrohir, take Estel to the healer and get something to treat these wounds, also something to rid the system of a large dose of Valerian."
"Valerian?" Elrohir asked inquisitively, not recognizing the herb.
"Aye," Elrond replied while sending another look into Legolas' diluted eyes. "'Tis the only thing that would have caused such fatigue to overcome our young prince and yet not cause him any harm. It would have been easily slipped into his food or added to his wine and would have gone undetected."
All nodding their agreement and Elrohir in understanding, the four left, leaving only Legolas, Elrond and his eldest son in the room.
"You can not blame yourself," Legolas said softly before Elrond had the chance to say the same thing. "You got in here in time, which is all that matters."
Still seeing the self-loathing in Elladan's eyes, Elrond added, "I could not have put it better myself. He is alright and that is the best way to get back at the attacker, him having to know that his target is well and still on his feet."
"Speaking of being on my feet," Legolas said with a sigh, "if you two would excuse me, I have a council to dress for and win."
"Are you sure that is wise?" Elladan asked from the other side of the room, his face holding a large degree of worry. Seeing that Legolas was in no mind to answer, he shot a quick look to his father. "Father?" he hissed, "surly you can not think this wise!"
"He is right, Legolas. It is not a good idea, not after this," Elrond said gently, trying not to put the Elf in a rage or making him feel as if he were being babied.
"Or," Legolas contradicted, "maybe it would be better if I tell my news sooner as then at least I will not find myself as the only target." Raising one eyebrow, he looked at the other two expectedly, knowing that he would win this one way or another.
Sighing, Elladan looked to his father, who looked back at him and then to Legolas. "Very well," Elrond sighed, "have it your way and put us all in danger!" it was said in a kind way, not meaning to make the young archer feel bad about whatever this news was.
"Thank you," Legolas said with a large smile while pushing himself off the bed slowly so to not make his head spin too much. "Now, if you would both excuse me, I would like to have a bath before I once again am handed over to Estel and his 'healing' techniques."
"Very well, little one," Elrond said while ushering Elladan out of the door, "but he will be waiting out here!" he motioned to the oldest of his children who nodded his head in agreement and leaned up against the wall near Estel's door.
"As you wish," Legolas brushed the thought of a guard aside with a wave of his head, "but I am closing this!" He said while poking his tongue out and shutting the door on their faces in a playful manner.
"Youth!" Elrond murmured while walking down the corridor, earning a daggered look from Elladan as well as a small grunt from within the room of the prince.
*****
"Silence!" Elrond's voice boomed off the walls and trees of the outside congressing area. All eyes turned to him, each forgetting their own little bickering that they had been involved in.
Offering them a small smile with a hint of mocking behind it, Elrond relaxed back into his seat, glad that he had put a stop to what would seem inexorable. The entire morning had been bad. From word go nothing had gone to plan, setting all of Rivendell's higher society into a foul mood that reflected in their want and ability to communicate with others in the important council that was being held so the envoys from Mirkwood could plead their case - whatever it may be.
Elrond sat in the middle of the open end of the horseshoe created by the chairs that were a permanent fixture of the area. Behind him and to each side were the normal seats of his two twin sons yet today they had insisted in standing by their friend. To his left and at the first seat that started the curve sat Estel, his eyes, strangely enough, drifting from Rastur to Culdôr to Erestor in a look that Elrond knew all to well as being one of hate. Next to him sat Legolas, pale and slightly shaken with a bandage around his arm that still showed sighs of seeping blood. The twins stood still as trees behind him, their gazes missing nothing, while Gilnen sat on the other side of Legolas. To Gilnen's left sat, Dúelen, Culdôr, Rastur, Arlhach and Erestor.
On the other side sat Glorfindel with Galdor on his left. The head of the Rivendell guards, Erthalion sat next to him and his second in command Curuesgal. Another five Elves made up the council, not including the many guards that patrolled the borders of the raised dais that was reserved for such events.
Casting a quick look to the pale Legolas, Elrond was glad to see that his twin sons who stood protectively behind him and Estel, seated to his right, were each ready to grab at their weapons should anything like the happenings of that morning reoccur.
Feeling Elrond's eyes on him, Legolas turned to the lord and offered a smile, trying not to let his nervousness get the better of him and make him lose his stability of mind. That morning had been an interesting one at that and, even though Legolas had argued the importance of the council taking place this day, he was not entirely ready for it - mentally and emotionally.
As it turned out, before the prince had even the chance to half fill the others in on the reason that he and his unlikely companions where here, a argument broke out between the Rivendell Elves and the Mirkwood representatives about seating arrangements. The entire situation was screaming of its informality compared to the regal congress of Mirkwood and already Legolas found it hard to concentrate.
Even though he would never admit it, and as much as he had protested it before, he could still feel the symptoms of the strange drug that he had been somehow slipped during the dinner the night before. It was clouding his mind and making it hard to think on one subject at a time while steadily giving him a headache - which was a feeling that he was thankfully not all to familiar with. He was dreaded having to get up and speak, to try and prove his case to this council and, on top of the drug, it was also not a good sign that he did not know of many of these members very well so he had no real back history on anyone to subtly use against them.
Another disturbing thing was the fact that, due to the questioning that the kitchen servants had been put through, almost everyone in Rivendell knew of the Mirkwood prince's 'poisoning and attempted murder by a highly trained assassin', as it had been spread, the truth being twisted into a story more elaborate to entertain all those who heard.
"Thank you!" Elrond sighed as the last of the arguments died completely. "Now, as you may not have guessed due to your prior display, we are here for an important reason. As you can see," he motioned to Legolas and the other Mirkwood Elves, "we have guests from Mirkwood bringing news that needs to be discussed."
An Elf known as Fëandil, seated to the left of Erestor, glared over at the Culdôr, his eyes narrowed into thin slits, "if they now the meaning of 'discuss'!" he spat out, the distaste obvious in his voice as he looked upon the chief advisor of Mirkwood. He had been witness to the last so called council that consisted of Rivendell and Mirkwood and seen the way that Culdôr had treated the entire situation and threatened the prince, who, in his opinion was alright and one of the only good and justly Elves to come of the Greatwood.
"Fëandil!" Elrond warned the younger of the Rivendell Elves that was at attendance. He liked the Elf enough, but Fëandil was also known for his fieriness and quick temper, making him just as irrational as Culdôr himself.
At the triumphant look that Culdôr shot at the aforementioned Elf, which Elrond saw, the Lord glared right at the advisor, "that was not meant as a favor to you, Culdôr, only a way to try and keep this as civil as possible."
This time it was Gilnen to scoff at the lords words, not offering direct insult to Elrond but to the fact that a council with these members could ever be considered 'civil'. "I do think that such a thing will never occur, my Lord," he said. Now that he was in the safely of Rivendell, he felt much more inclined to speak up against Culdôr, let alone justified, and had no fear of Thranduil's wrath for any brash words that may escape him. "Not with a number of us present."
"Watch your words, Gilnen," Culdôr scolded, "do not think that just because you are here and no longer in Mirkwood that you may escape responsibility for them!"
"Why should I not?" Gilnen shot back, his temper flaring at the one Elf that he despised the most of all he had met, "why should I not think that I could escape it when you yourself evaded the reprimand that you disserved on our last visit?"
"I did what was needed," Culdôr hissed at the Elf around Dúelen, "and what my King commanded."
"Funny," Erestor spoke for the first time in the hour that they had been sitting there and arguing about various things, "I had it under good authority that Thranduil never ordered such a thing!"
At this all looked up, even Legolas who had let his head drop in both defeat at the subject at hand and the strange pounding from within. Now that he though of it, he and his father had never since talked on the subject and when he had arrived home, Thranduil was too angered at the prospect of Legolas throwing his crown into the wind as if it were useless then not having come home in close to five years.
"And who informed you of such slander?" Culdôr asked, his tone defensive and on edge.
"I have my sources," Erestor replied mysteriously and with an air of importance.
"Then your sources are wrong!" Dúelen defended his friend having seen the Culdôr was above furious and unable to speak.
"Are you calling Erestor a liar?" Arlhach demanded of the other. He had not been present for the subject that they argued about, but was fiercely loyal to the Elf that had taught him so much in his life and thus would not stand to see his honor insulted.
Elrohir took the scene in with unhidden interest, watching each Elf jump to defend the one that they saw as fit to receive words of backing. He knew that Glorfindel was observing everything and taking it all in and yet was unlikely to speak, just like Galdor, and he also knew that the others would not hesitate to flare up if the need called for it. The fact that Rastur had sat quietly through out the entire council so far, not seeking to defend his division, was slightly baffling, and, knowing that Legolas - even though the Elf had not confessed his thoughts - did not trust or like the Elf added further confusion to the situation.
Leaning over to Elladan, who seemed to be doing the same, he whispered, "this is going well, do not you think, brother?"
Elladan's reply came as a roll of his eyes and a slight sigh. As a rule, the two twin's had long decided that it was best to stay out of such things, as, like Fëandil, they had the habit of letting themselves run free with their words and, unlike the other Elf, they did not have that liberty to be able to do so. That was why it was such a big deal that they had become involved in the battle over Legolas so many years ago as it was one of the first times that they had spoken at a council for a few hundred years.
"If he still stands by his claim and refuses to tell me on what grounds he makes it, then yes, I am," Culdôr retorted in Dúelen's stead, knowing that the other had only spoken to defend him and that this really was his battle, "do you have a problem with that?"
"Yes! I do have a problem with you accusing my mentor of being a lair!" Arlhach whispered dangerously and where it not for Erestor's quick hand resting on his shoulder, he would have risen to his feet to continue his bland dislike of the accusation.
"Peace, Arlhach," Erthalion hushed the Elf from across the council and Arlhach bowed his head in defeat and respect to his superior.
"Why should he hold his peace?" Gilnen once again spoke up, not wanting to pass up the chance of getting Dúelen and Culdôr into conflict. "Insult has been issued, and therefore should be either proven or cleared from the associated name!"
"Gilnen!" Culdôr hissed again, this time accompanied by an angry look from both him and Dúelen.
"Do not seek to hush me, Culdôr!" Gilnen spat at the Elf and yet directed it at both him and Dúelen. "Your words do not scare me just as they do not pollute my head as your sorcery does to our king."
That did it. Having suffered insult himself, Culdôr leapt to his feet and made a rush at Gilnen, only to be grabbed by behind and shoved roughly back into his chair by a swiftly moving Elrohir. Both the twin's and the guards had seen what was coming, and, Elrohir being the closest to the Elf in question took it upon himself to stop Culdôr before anything too damaging happened.
Having both hands planted firmly on each of his shoulder, Elrohir pushed Culdôr back into the chair as he once again tried to get to his feet, the twin's strength exceeding that of the advisor.
"Take your hands off me, son of Elrond!" Culdôr almost yelled in rage as Elrohir pushed down harder.
Leaning down so that his head was almost leaning on Culdôr's shoulder, Elrohir whispered dangerously in his ear and yet loud enough for all to hear his words. "Not until you hold your seat as well as your malicious tongue!"
"He offered insult to me!" Culdôr protested, his face burning with hate and shame that the younger Elf was able to hold him so firmly.
"Just as you stained Erestor's name with your own!" Elrohir continued, "what comes around goes around, Culdôr, and since you stated this I think it only fitting that you should be the cause of it to cease." As Culdôr was about to protest again, Elrohir leaned even closer and let his last words pass only between them, "or shall I make you silent?"
Face fuming Culdôr set his jaw tight and glared straight ahead until the Elf behind him removed his hands and stood above him with his arms crossed to make sure not to offer Culdôr the opportunity to move again.
Meanwhile, Elladan, seeing that Elrohir had it all under control, moved silently to his father's side and crouched by the chair. "Father," he hissed, "you must put a stop to this!"
Holding his hand up to silence his son, Elrond shook his head. "Nay, I could not even if I wanted to!" Elrond declared, "they will tear each other apart and that will aid us well in the long run. Let them have at it and choose sides, and, as you will soon see, ours will benefit from it."
"How can we benefit from them all wanting to kill each other?" Elladan resisted the urge to yell out his words, releasing the disbelief that he felt.
"Look at the sides, my son," Elrond said plainly and yet full of wisdom, "do you not see that, ever so slowly, all are standing to oppose Culdôr and Dúelen?" At his son's nod, he continued. "Legolas knows this, which is why he says nothing. If there are too strongly opposed sides, then it will be easier to sway the enemy of his enemy. Remember, he knows not of most of these Elves so he must use whatever he can against them and to his advantage in persuading them. That key element in this case is their mutual hate for Culdôr and all who stand to back him. Give it a little more time and Legolas, I assure you, my son, will put a stop to this himself, winning both the respect of the others as well as the attention that he needs. "
Seeing the logic to it, Elladan stood and moved back to his position behind the blond Elf, his mind abuzz with concepts and possibilities.
"You have no right to force him into silence, Elrohir!" Dúelen protested while glaring up at the Elf, hate playing across his already dark eyes.
"Actually," a new voice came into the argument from across the hearing floor. "I believe that he does, since this is his father's home and you are a guest." Looking up, surprised to see that he had his own defender, Elrohir locked eyes with the Elf known as Findûr who sat next to Curuesgal.
"And just who are you?" Culdôr questioned with a sarcastic tone, angry that yet another was siding against him. Before he had even finished his sentence, he felt Elrohir's hand on his shoulder, squeezing the flesh with an iron grip in order to try and keep the Elf quiet.
"I am Findûr," the aforementioned Elf said, "and as a noble of this house I have every right to stand in the defense of my young Lord.
"As you will then," Dúelen snarled, "but he still has no right to order one higher in rank then him about!"
"Just as Culdôr had neither right nor justification to order his prince around!" Erestor spoke again, breaking his long silence.
"That is true," Belegdil, the house's public communicator spoke up, "so perchance, until the day comes when Culdôr learns to treat those above him with their deserved respect, neither he nor his subordinate should proclaim ill treatment!"
"I know not what you all argue about," Rastur spoke for the first time, his head bowed so that he kept his eyes locked upon the ground, "and I do not seek to take sides in this, but is not Elrohir above the ranking of Culdôr anyway?"
A hush fell over the council as they took in his words. It was true and all knew it to be of truth but each and every one of them had been so caught up in the volley of harsh words that none had picked up on the obvious.
Next to Estel, Legolas bit his lip and muttered under his breath, his words only just gracing Estel's ears as he fell into his native language. "Nor an Udûn, Rastur!" being careful not to let anyone see his unease, Legolas quickly tried to think of a way to get them back into the argument, cursing the day that he allowed Rastur to come. That one sentence could ruin everything for him and his chances of winning over this council for, now that they were forced to re-think on what was just said, some of the other allegations would surly come back to them and they would also see the errors in those, possibly resulting in a change of hearts and minds towards each other.
Yet, before he had time to find the words that would send them back into an argument and leave him blameless, another voice cut through the silence.
"It matters not," Elladan offered in hopes of getting them back into an argument, now knowing that Legolas needed it to be as such, "for Culdôr's allegations, as well as Gilnen's," he offered the other Elf a small unspoken apology for dragging him back into this, but from the other's eyes, Elladan had the feeling that Gilnen already knew what Legolas needed and was eager to aid his prince, "still stand and it is those, as well as Culdôr's actions towards his prince that -"
"Do not try to drag them back into an argww-" Culdôr's protests were cut off as Elrohir firmly squeezed the soft spot between his shoulder blade and his collar bone, ending his sentence in more of a wail then a word.
"Opps, sorry, did I hurt you there?" Elrohir asked innocently with a forged look of remorse while powerfully patting the man in the same spot, adding further pain to the now tense muscle.
As Dúelen once again protested, obviously oblivious to what the twins where trying to do, Elrohir offered Elladan a cheeky 'this is fun' look, which was secretly returned.
As the council burst into a babble of shouts and insults once again, Legolas smiled to himself, pleased that his friends where able to help without getting too dragged in at the same time. Waiting until the moment was right and that there were many people speaking, each over the top of the other in hopes of drowning each other out, Legolas, lifted his still pounding head and sent a quick prayer to the Valar for a clear enough mind to be able to do this.
"Stop," he said weakly and on purpose. His voice only carried to the few in the immediate area while the rest were still yelling at each other and shaking their fists. "Stop!" he repeated, this time a little stronger and alerting more to the fact that he wished to speak. Seeing that the time was right due to the fact that an extremely annoyed Culdôr - who was trying to talk in between Elrohir firmly thumping him on the back with an amused look on his face - was still arguing with Fëandil and Arlhach, Legolas stood to his feet without so much as a sound.
"I said STOP!" he commanded, causing all eyes to turn on him in a little shock. Making eye contact with as many people as he could, Legolas walked into the middle of the floor, blinking constantly to try and keep his eyes clear and unglazed. He could see Estel silently protesting his movement as he knew that the human knew that he was still overly dizzy, but, heeding him no attention, Legolas set his jaw tight in order to keep any giddy feelings from showing on his face.
"The point of this council is to discuss the present and try to foresee the future, not resurrect the past!" the prince stated sharply, "so I will have no more of this endless arguing. Do I make myself clear?" Legolas questioned, using his authority as the highest ranked Elf at the event to command their attention and respect. He did not like having to rule over Elrond's council, but at the same time he knew that they was why Elrond had been silent, allowing the prince free rule and the leeway he needed to get what he wanted.
When most had nodded their agreement, Legolas slowly began to move about the floor, only to stop halfway as the pounding in his head increased with the movement. Looking around the gathered Elves, Legolas was rather surprised to see all the different emotions and feelings displayed upon their faces.
Elladan and Elrohir looked slightly worried and rather preoccupied in keeping watch at the balcony above them and the woods behind for any sign of threat while Estel too looked concerned for the prince's well being. Gilnen's eyes showed him that whatever Legolas did, he had his support, which the prince was thankful for as he was met with hate and anger when looking at Dúelen and Culdôr. Erestor looked upon the prince as a teacher would his best student and Arlhach seemed to cast Legolas admiring glances, obviously having picked up on the reason behind the Elf's actions and silence throughout the meeting. Glorfindel and Galdor were both regarding him with respect, as was the two leaders of the guards. Most of the others were casting him inquisitive looks, the rumors of the happenings that morning and of his abilities mixing to form a confused form of respect and admiration.
Knowing that he was already getting more support then Culdôr who would, more then likely, try to convince them not to listen to his words - much as he had done at the Council of the Great Wood - Legolas offered them a smile.
"I have been sent here by my father, Thranduil, King of Mirkwood, seeking your council and hopefully your support in a matter that came to our attention only a short while ago." Legolas said evenly, his voice neither sweet and pleading or harsh and commanding. Having decided on the best way to break the news that he wanted them to save a group of humans, Legolas put his plan into action.
"We had a messenger come to Mirkwood, seeking aid in defeating an unknown evil near Ered Luin and I am here to plead with you to give me succor in helping these beings."
Having heard the location, Galdor sat up higher in his seat, leaning in to listen to the Elf a little more closely. It had been many years since he had journey back to his home land and the thought of something evil assailing it was a disturbing one at that.
"Is it near the Havens?" he asked of the prince.
Turning towards him, Legolas thought it best and safe if he stretched the truth just a little. "Yes," he replied, his lie coming easily to his lips and not affecting anything about him for the others to see. "It is gradually moving towards our beloved Havens, even as we speak now it is getting closer."
"That is a lie, Legolas!" Culdôr yelled, voice bouncing off the walls while jumping to his feet before Elrohir had the time to stop him. "Listen not to what he says about the Havens falling under threat. He speaks no truth on the matter and is only seeking to use your lives in order to aid humans!"
A small, disapproving murmur spread through the group and yet it worried Legolas not. Seeing out of the corner of his eye that Estel was glaring at all those who opposed the thought of aiding his people, Legolas bit back the want to laugh at the young man's behavior.
"Aye," Legolas confirmed while turning back to the council, "'tis humans that need our aid currently, but I assure you that the Havens are set to suffer the same fate as the score of human villages that have been completely annihilated!"
"So you admit to the fact that you lied about the Havens being under attack?" Dúelen demanded, pleased with what was a fault by the prince in his eyes.
Legolas just turned to the Elf and smiled, more of a motion of his facial features that indicative of any emotion.
"Why, prey tell," came the voice that Legolas was waiting for, "should we believe your words over that of the prince's?" Elrond asked both Culdôr and Dúelen and at the nods and whispered agreements, both Elrond and Legolas knew that they were in the clear.
"That is true!" Fëandil exclaimed, "why should we believe you over the prince when it has been you two that have offered insult throughout this entire council and the prince that has sat quietly by?"
"I for one am more inclined to believe Legolas," Galdor said with a nod of his head towards the standing archer, "so if he says that the Havens are in danger then I will take that as truth and reason to send aid."
"I am with you," Erestor said, standing to his feet and nodding his head towards the Elf from the Grey Havens. "Human or no, we should help them - especially if it involves the chance of ill befalling the Havens afterwards if we do not. Who is with us?"
As, one by one, the council stood, lead first by Gilnen and Estel, Legolas could hardly believe his luck. It had been much easier then he had ever expected and he put it down to the collective dislike and distrust of Culdôr.
When all but Culdôr and Dúelen were on their feet, Elrond too rose and walked to the middle of the floor to stand with Legolas. "Then it is decided. We will aid the human's in the far West - if only to save our Havens."
Looking at Legolas, he shot him one of the 'we need to talk' looks and the prince bowed his head in acceptance. He knew that Elrond was not overly fussed on the race of men as a whole - Estel was one thing but combined the humans were merely driven by lust and greed and Elrond was not a large supporter of either.
Culdôr, not wanting to admit defeat glanced at all the Elves that stood, and, shooting Elrohir a warning glance threatening him to stay out of this one, started to talk, "it is all very well that you have decided that it shall be as the prince wants, but have either one of you even thought about who to send? What Elf in his right mind would go on such a folly mission?"
Not to be threatened by Culdôr, Elrohir made up his mind quickly and stepped forth, "I will go!" he said, "whether it be alone or accompanied, I make this pledge - and it is already said that I am not of a right mind by many so perchance it is fate!" he hissed the last bit at Culdôr, obviously getting back that the Elf for some reason or another from the past.
Muttering under his breath at the impulsiveness of his younger brother, Elladan was thankful that that was one thing that he did not share with his identical twin. "Valar save them from you if we only allow you to go," he said while stepping forward and standing next to his brother in a sign that he would go with him.
Leaning over to smile and whisper in Elladan's ear, Elrohir looked around the circle hopefully. "I was starting to worry that I would be going on my own!"
A hand on his shoulder stopped him from saying anything else as Gilnen and Estel both stepped up to them with grins on their faces. Seeing the mirth of the others, Legolas also moved over to them, showing the council that he too would go.
"My prince?" Culdôr hissed threateningly, "that is not wise!"
"Do not threaten him again, Culdôr,' Erestor said as he, followed by Arlhach, stepped up with the others, baffling Estel even more. All the way though the council, Erestor had, in some way or another defended the prince, and yet it was him that he had witnessed only the night before conspiring with Rastur against Legolas. As he was thinking on the situation, Estel did not miss the harsh look that Erestor shot in the direction of Rastur, who, after catching the other's eye, rose to his feet and moved to the quickly forming group, much to Legolas, Estel and Elrohir's joint displeasure.
"Well," Erthalion said while standing to his feet as well, "if the advisor can go, then surly I can." As he walked over, Curuesgal began to rise, only to be stopped by Erthalion's raised hand, "you need to stay here. 'Twill do no good to have both the commanders of the guards gone, you know that." Nodding his head in disappointed agreement, Curuesgal retook his seat and watched as the others thought on what to do.
Next to move to the group was both Fëandil and Findûr who, up close, looked so alike that it became obvious that they where brothers, Fëandil clearly many centuries younger. The next to join them was the Elf Nimneldor followed by, to everyone's discontent, Dúelen.
When he received a number of ill looks, he shrugged and looked towards Culdôr. "I may not see eye to eye with all of you," he said, "but I will not let that stop me from doing what is bid the right thing, so, my prince," he bowed low to Legolas, and the Elf could not help but see how unnatural the act was for Dúelen, "if you chose to turn me away for past disagreements I shall go without complaint."
Cursing Culdôr within his head using every language he knew, Legolas saw the trap all too late. He had gained the respect and the help that he needed by pleading for aid and now it would seem insulting and he would be degraded in the eyes of the others if he turned away an offer of service.
Knowing that he had no other choice and that the twin's, Estel and Gilnen saw the trap also; he inclined his head and spoke as evenly as possible. "Of course I will not hold them against you, and we would be thankful for you help." Legolas only hoped that his words did not seem so forced to those that surround him as they sounded in his own head.
Elrond looked over the numbers, being happy with most of them. "Thirteen," he said idly, "an unlucky number."
"Then I shall balance it, if not just until home," Galdor said while standing. "This threat is new to me, and then it will therefore be new to the Havens, so, if you would have me, I will ride with you till there where I will see to it that the Havens become fortified in case of your failure - Valar forbid!"
"We shall be honored to have you along with us, my friend," Erestor stated with a bow of his head.
"Then it is decided!" Elrond said with the slightest of nods. "Fourteen will go if only for now. I will have the servants start the arrangements. This council is concluded."
With that said, most of the Elves hurried off, some to pack so that they would be ready for whenever they were to be set to leave, and others for their own purposes. Even Elrond moved out of sight, leaving only Legolas, Estel, Gilnen the twins and Culdôr standing there.
"Your father will hear of this!" Culdôr threatened the prince with his eyes narrowed.
"Why Culdôr," Gilnen said with a smile, "since you are the only one returning to Mirkwood, I would hope that you will tell the King of this else he suspect you of turning us over to a band of Orcs!"
Seeing that his friend had Culdôr under control, if only for the time being, Legolas moved back to his seat and placed his head in his hands, squeezing in on his temples to try and stop the pounding. Two bodies took the chairs on either side and Legolas looked up to see Estel and Elladan seated next to him.
"The drug still giving you trouble?" Estel asked softly and as the prince nodded slowly he saw that Legolas' eyes were once again glazed over and slightly red. Elrond had warned that it may actually take a few days to fully wear off and that during that time Legolas may have the occasional relapse, but despite that it was harmless.
Looking up, Legolas saw Elrohir standing next to Gilnen, a playful smile on his face. "Oh by the Valar, what is he planning?" Legolas groaned while letting his head fall back to his hands.
Glancing over at his twin, Elladan merely laughed ere he stood. "Who knows." He said while offering a hand down to the prince. "Come, Estel and I will get you to bed so you may sleep this off - it will go quicker that way." Nodding his agreement and letting another yawn pass his lips, Legolas realized that that must have been the first signs of the drug taking effect on him the night before - he seemed to recall yawning a lot through the evening.
Supporting the weakened Elf between them, Elladan and Estel slowly made their way into the large doors of the Homely House and towards Legolas' room.
Seeing that their friend's were leaving, Gilnen stopped his ravings about how Thranduil may think Culdôr did something to hurt the prince and how it was best if he did tell the King and looked to Elrohir. "Well," he said to the younger of the twins, "I do believe it is time that we were off. Sorry, Culdôr, I really do like talking to you and all, but I now have better things to do!" With a smile he turned on his heels and walked after the other three.
Elrohir, who had been standing to the side of Culdôr walked around behind the Elf and, placing his hands on the other's shoulders, he clutched them even tighter then he had before. Culdôr bucked up in pain but would not cry out as the young Elf leant over, "I hope you have a wonderful night!" Elrohir exclaimed with a broad grin while slapping his hands down on the taught muscles and making it look like a friendly gesture, "and remember, what comes around goes around, so I suggest that you be a good little Elf and tell the King the truth!"
Giving Culdôr another of his dashing smiles, Elrohir turned and followed his friend's, knowing that they would have been taking Legolas to his rooms.
While walking through the many corridors, Elrohir had to wonder why he had been afraid of Culdôr for so long. He knew that he no longer feared him else he would have never had the nerve to do as he had throughout the council, but he knew not why. The only explanation that he could offer his questioning mind was the fact that Legolas was growing stronger. His sway over people was deepening and, as seen today, he no longer hid or cringed at the chance to go up against his nemesis and bring him down, which, in turn made Elrohir feel more at ease around the insulted and embarrassed Culdôr, knowing that he could not touch or reprimand any of them. Not anymore.
*****
Tbc. . .
Oh boy, that was fun!!! I am really enjoying writing this story - it is a refreshing change to be playing more on words than trying to create that emotional impact. Fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I do not mean to sound narcissist, but I love my Elrohir - he is cool! This was also a good break from 'Legolas this' and 'Legolas that' like it has been the last chapters and gave me the chance to further develop my own characters like Gilnen (I like him too!)
Oh, and it was really hard to make Elrond not say "So be it, you shall be the fellowship of the west" or something! Lol. And if anyone is interested, Legolas told Rastur to "go to hell" - just thought that I would tell you that.
Hope you all are still enjoying this and that I have not let you down yet. . . so please review!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Minka.