Thanks for all the reviews. I am suffering from writers block so I may take
a while in posting (hopefully not too long) and am also trying to find
second year accommodation, not easy!!! Hope you enjoy!!! Please please
review!!
**
Azian didn't know how long he sat in the mud rocking Legolas slowly and smoothing his hair. The cold had seeped into his bones and he knew that he would not be able to move without help but he did not mind. He did not want to move, he did not want to face the warriors nor lead anymore. He just wanted to take his brother and disappear. He wanted to see his brother laugh, smile and be happy once again. His torture may be over but the there was still a long way to go. They had to lead these people and rebuild the kingdom. He and Legolas never wanted to rule, they shied away from anything to do with it and now they were the only hope. How cruel was the world.
"Azian." A soft voice said. He looked up to see Aragorn walk up to them. The concern on his face pushed Azian over the edge and he broke into sobs. Aragorn knelt down and mindful of Legolas he enveloped the elf into a hug. Nothing was said between the two for what seemed like hours.
"We need to leave." Aragorn whispered. Azian nodded.
"I can't move." Azian said with a tiny smile. Aragorn looked around and saw an elvish horse nearby. He had been white but was now covered in mud and blood. Calling to it the horse approached.
"Voronwer." Azian whispered. "Legolas's horse."
Aragorn checked the horse to make sure it was capable of carrying two elves. Apart from the superficial wounds the little horse was well. Aragorn picked up Legolas and gently placed him on the horse. He then helped Azian up behind his best friend. Azian wrapped one hand around Legolas's chest and put the other hand on the soft reins. Nudging Voronwer forward the man and horse walked back to the camp.
The dead had all been placed on horses and the advanced party and Mirkwood elves were all stood wearily waiting for instruction. Azian felt Legolas shift and he clutched him tighter.
"I am awake." Legolas said softly.
"Sleep." Azian whispered back as they approached the makeshift camp.
"No. You need me. I am fine." Legolas protested. Azian didn't want to argue further and a part of him selfishly wanted Legolas awake and making the decisions with him.
"We should go to the Haven." Legolas said. "We need to regroup and rest for when they come back." Legolas said.
"They are guarding the Haven." Azian said, "Even if they do not know it."
"The back way through the secret paths." Legolas whispered. Azian stopped Voronwer and got off. Legolas did the same.
"I do not remember the way." Azian said as they walked a few paces from the group. His legs still felt like they were going to collapse at any moment.
Legolas felt like he was dead. He no longer felt the driving rain and was beyond exhausted but they were responsible for everyone. It was their people and their home. The people who came to fight were there for them.
"I do. We can lead our people there. Maybe ada got them to safety." Legolas said almost wistfully.
"What about them?" Azian said indicating Aragorn and the soldiers who were all watching them. They were the commanders.
Legolas sighed.
"We cannot leave them. They are exhausted. They will not be able to defend themselves if the armies return."
"And why should we care? They did not listen to me to us when we begged.begged for help. They cannot expect help from us now." Legolas whispered fiercely.
"So you would condemn them to death?" Azian enquired
"It is not certain they would perish."
"They would if attacked. Aragorn is one of your best friends as is Gimli and Eomer.."
"They were friends but friends do not leave other friends to die."
"I agree. They know they made a mistake, they do not ask for forgiveness and they know we will not give it but for now let us show them that we can still be hospitable."
"Fine but it will not be the end of it."
"I know because I certainly have issues that I need to air." Azian said with a little smile letting Legolas know that he would be standing right behind him when they finally let their grievances out.
The two smiled and turned to look at the warriors.
"Mount up. Wounded in the centre. I want elves in the trees and at the rear." Legolas snapped. Azian smirked at the startled faces of those watching them.
"Or alternately we could sit here, wait for the armies to return and die horribly. Now which is it?" Legolas continued. Quickly the warriors packed up. Aragorn, Eomer and Gimli echoed the orders and walked over to the pair.
"Where are we going?" Eomer asked.
"To the Haven." Legolas replied too tired to explain any further.
"Which is?" Gimli questioned "and if it is some damned trees then you have another thing coming if you expect us."
"We do not expect you to do anything. The haven is where we are going and we will go there whether or not you come with us. For all we care you can sit here by yourselves." Azian snapped suddenly. Legolas looked at him with surprise.
"So the Haven is?" Aragorn asked softly.
"A hidden place where we take refuge." Azian said.
"Will we be welcome there?" Eomer asked.
"No." Legolas said "but no harm will come to you."
The three looked at each other and nodded in silent agreement.
"Let's depart."
** "My lord a great army approaches at speed. They look like they are coming from Mirkwood." A scout said galloping back towards the main army.
"If they are coming back from Mirkwood that means they have either been repelled or have defeated the Mirkwood elves." Glorfindel said.
"Whatever the reason we cannot let them live." Elrond withdrew his sword and issued the order to attack.
Although they were outnumbered they defeated the army easily. The panicked orcs divided, as they had no leaders making them easy to pick off one by one.
"Casualties?" Elrond asked.
"Five elves my lord and twenty men." Glorfindel reported. "I fear that all we have fought is the disorganised remnants of a large army that has already served the purpose that it was bred for."
"Then with all haste let's ride to Mirkwood and give aid where I fear it will be sorely needed." Elrond commented.
"Do you think they will welcome us?" Elladan asked as he joined his father with Elrohir.
"Would you?" Elrond asked.
"I would probably use you for warg bait!" Elrohir commented imagining much worse things that he would do.
"Precisely. But we cannot leave without trying to aid them."
** Azian watched Legolas close his eyes and start to drift off to sleep. Moving his horse closer he made sure that as Legolas increasingly slumped to the side he leaned on him.
"We should rest Azian. He has been exhausted beyond all abilities." Aragorn said softly riding up next to them.
"He will not rest until we have reached the Haven." Just as Azian said this Legolas jerked and sat up.
"We are near." Legolas said and turned to face them. His iris's had expanded and was now silver. "Halt." He commanded.
"What's wrong with him?" Aragorn asked very concerned.
"Nothing." Azian said as he turned and faced Aragorn.
Aragorn flinched Azian's eyes were the same.
"What is wrong with you?" Aragorn asked
"We cannot explain." Azian said as both of the elven princes dismounted and walked forward. A bright flash of light engulfed both Azian and Legolas and then stretched to engulf them all, blinding them. When the light cleared instead of being stood in a dark and very wet clearing they were stood in a meadow. Exclamations of surprise echoed throughout the group of men and elves alike. The dwarfs just muttered about mad elves and their magic.
Aragorn turned to speak to Legolas but stopped as he watched a smile of tired bliss cover the elf's face. Instead he turned to his warriors and felt a warm feeling spread throughout his body. The air smelled of honeysuckle and there was a light breeze. Birds flew in and out of tall weeping willows. A waterfall was in the eastern corner of meadow and it shone with magic. Deer grazed on the tall grass.
"What is this place?" Eomer asked.
"This is the Haven of the wood elves." Legolas said approaching the group. "You are very privileged as you are the only living beings that have seen the Haven apart from the wood elves. I am afraid you will not be permitted to move beyond the clearing, you can make camp by the waterfall. The water is safe to drink and you will be safe here. But do not move beyond the clearing, as you will be returned to the forest with no way to return. I will arrange for healing herbs, bandages and food to be brought to you. Aragorn, Eomer and Gimli will you come with us."
The startled trio moved after the wood elves as the warriors slowly walked to the waterfall.
"Legolas?" Aragorn said softly as he walked beside the elf.
"Yes." Legolas said.
"Why did you bring us here?" he asked. "When you said yourself you hated us."
"Because I wish to see no more death. You would have died." Legolas replied as he watched a group of warriors gallop towards them from the direction of the castle.
"Thank you." Aragorn said gratefully not knowing if he would do the same if the positions were reversed.
"Prince Azian we thought you were dead. Prince Legolas." a surprised elf warrior exclaimed as he dismounted. "Sauron captured you."
Azian winced as he watched Legolas's pale face became even paler.
"Well we are very much alive and have brought the survivors of the attacks back with us."
"What of these? You know the rules about bringing non wood elves." The warrior continued disapprovingly.
"And when you become a prince of Mirkwood then you will be in a position to dictate the rules but as you are not stand down." Legolas snapped glaring at the warrior.
"We will not take them to the main castle and they will forget everything when they leave." Azian continued.
The warrior frowned but kept quiet.
"They need food and medical supplies. Arrange for them to receive some." Legolas said and the warrior nodded unhappily but went to do his princes bidding.
"We cannot take you to the castle and the tree homes as they cannot be seen by non wood elves. You have to remain here." Legolas said. "Do not allow your men, dwarfs or elves to leave the clearing as they will be sent back and you will not be able to get to them.
"We understand." Eomer said.
"Legolas we must go with you. To see the king. To apologise." Aragorn demanded.
Legolas whirled on him his eyes flashing in anger.
"We do not know if he lives." He snapped.
"But I thought this has been where you were hiding." As soon as he said it Aragorn wished he could take it back.
"We have not been hiding, we have fought and we have not been able to return to the Haven as it has been guarded by dark forces. We have been cut off and slowly picked off one by one. You are not in a position to question what we have been doing!" Azian cried angrily.
Before Aragorn could respond a cry caught all their attentions.
"Azian!"
Legolas turned to see his father riding towards them.
"Ada!" Azian cried and ran towards him. Thranduil dismounted and enveloped his second youngest son in an embrace. "I thought you had died." Thranduil said tears running down his cheeks. He didn't care who saw him. Their hug broke apart and he turned to see Legolas stood next to Aragorn.
"Legolas." He whispered as he stumbled forward.
"Ada."
They walked towards each other only aware of the other. Legolas stumbled and Thranduil raced forward before he hit the ground. Legolas clutched Thranduil as if his life depended on it sobs wracking his thin frame. Thranduil clutched Legolas tightly.
"How?" he whispered
"They rescued him." Azian said indicating the mortals.
"Thank you." Thranduil said gratefully.
"Your gratitude is more than we deserve. If not for us he might not have been caught." Aragorn replied.
"My Lord." A voice called. "Lord Elrond and an army of men and elves have entered the forest."
"Send out a scout party and lead them to the enchanted waterfall in the forest. We can bring no more here to the Haven; we need to get the people in the Haven out. They cannot stay here. Treat the wounded here and then take them to the waterfall as well. I will go to the castle with my sons. Aragorn you will come too. I have many things to discuss."
Aragorn winced; he knew perfectly well what was going to happen. Legolas had fallen into an exhausted sleep and Thranduil picked him up.
"I want to go too." Gimli announced. One look at Thranduil's expression told him his thoughts on the matter but he resisted them from voicing them as Legolas was in his arms.
"Please.I know I have no right to ask but I wish to be at Legolas's side." Gimli pleaded.
"Fine." Thranduil snapped "but I swear you cause him anymore pain and you will die." The elf turned and walked off. Azian quickly followed and Aragorn and Gimli walked after them knowing they were not wanted and would be in for an interrogation.
**
**
Azian didn't know how long he sat in the mud rocking Legolas slowly and smoothing his hair. The cold had seeped into his bones and he knew that he would not be able to move without help but he did not mind. He did not want to move, he did not want to face the warriors nor lead anymore. He just wanted to take his brother and disappear. He wanted to see his brother laugh, smile and be happy once again. His torture may be over but the there was still a long way to go. They had to lead these people and rebuild the kingdom. He and Legolas never wanted to rule, they shied away from anything to do with it and now they were the only hope. How cruel was the world.
"Azian." A soft voice said. He looked up to see Aragorn walk up to them. The concern on his face pushed Azian over the edge and he broke into sobs. Aragorn knelt down and mindful of Legolas he enveloped the elf into a hug. Nothing was said between the two for what seemed like hours.
"We need to leave." Aragorn whispered. Azian nodded.
"I can't move." Azian said with a tiny smile. Aragorn looked around and saw an elvish horse nearby. He had been white but was now covered in mud and blood. Calling to it the horse approached.
"Voronwer." Azian whispered. "Legolas's horse."
Aragorn checked the horse to make sure it was capable of carrying two elves. Apart from the superficial wounds the little horse was well. Aragorn picked up Legolas and gently placed him on the horse. He then helped Azian up behind his best friend. Azian wrapped one hand around Legolas's chest and put the other hand on the soft reins. Nudging Voronwer forward the man and horse walked back to the camp.
The dead had all been placed on horses and the advanced party and Mirkwood elves were all stood wearily waiting for instruction. Azian felt Legolas shift and he clutched him tighter.
"I am awake." Legolas said softly.
"Sleep." Azian whispered back as they approached the makeshift camp.
"No. You need me. I am fine." Legolas protested. Azian didn't want to argue further and a part of him selfishly wanted Legolas awake and making the decisions with him.
"We should go to the Haven." Legolas said. "We need to regroup and rest for when they come back." Legolas said.
"They are guarding the Haven." Azian said, "Even if they do not know it."
"The back way through the secret paths." Legolas whispered. Azian stopped Voronwer and got off. Legolas did the same.
"I do not remember the way." Azian said as they walked a few paces from the group. His legs still felt like they were going to collapse at any moment.
Legolas felt like he was dead. He no longer felt the driving rain and was beyond exhausted but they were responsible for everyone. It was their people and their home. The people who came to fight were there for them.
"I do. We can lead our people there. Maybe ada got them to safety." Legolas said almost wistfully.
"What about them?" Azian said indicating Aragorn and the soldiers who were all watching them. They were the commanders.
Legolas sighed.
"We cannot leave them. They are exhausted. They will not be able to defend themselves if the armies return."
"And why should we care? They did not listen to me to us when we begged.begged for help. They cannot expect help from us now." Legolas whispered fiercely.
"So you would condemn them to death?" Azian enquired
"It is not certain they would perish."
"They would if attacked. Aragorn is one of your best friends as is Gimli and Eomer.."
"They were friends but friends do not leave other friends to die."
"I agree. They know they made a mistake, they do not ask for forgiveness and they know we will not give it but for now let us show them that we can still be hospitable."
"Fine but it will not be the end of it."
"I know because I certainly have issues that I need to air." Azian said with a little smile letting Legolas know that he would be standing right behind him when they finally let their grievances out.
The two smiled and turned to look at the warriors.
"Mount up. Wounded in the centre. I want elves in the trees and at the rear." Legolas snapped. Azian smirked at the startled faces of those watching them.
"Or alternately we could sit here, wait for the armies to return and die horribly. Now which is it?" Legolas continued. Quickly the warriors packed up. Aragorn, Eomer and Gimli echoed the orders and walked over to the pair.
"Where are we going?" Eomer asked.
"To the Haven." Legolas replied too tired to explain any further.
"Which is?" Gimli questioned "and if it is some damned trees then you have another thing coming if you expect us."
"We do not expect you to do anything. The haven is where we are going and we will go there whether or not you come with us. For all we care you can sit here by yourselves." Azian snapped suddenly. Legolas looked at him with surprise.
"So the Haven is?" Aragorn asked softly.
"A hidden place where we take refuge." Azian said.
"Will we be welcome there?" Eomer asked.
"No." Legolas said "but no harm will come to you."
The three looked at each other and nodded in silent agreement.
"Let's depart."
** "My lord a great army approaches at speed. They look like they are coming from Mirkwood." A scout said galloping back towards the main army.
"If they are coming back from Mirkwood that means they have either been repelled or have defeated the Mirkwood elves." Glorfindel said.
"Whatever the reason we cannot let them live." Elrond withdrew his sword and issued the order to attack.
Although they were outnumbered they defeated the army easily. The panicked orcs divided, as they had no leaders making them easy to pick off one by one.
"Casualties?" Elrond asked.
"Five elves my lord and twenty men." Glorfindel reported. "I fear that all we have fought is the disorganised remnants of a large army that has already served the purpose that it was bred for."
"Then with all haste let's ride to Mirkwood and give aid where I fear it will be sorely needed." Elrond commented.
"Do you think they will welcome us?" Elladan asked as he joined his father with Elrohir.
"Would you?" Elrond asked.
"I would probably use you for warg bait!" Elrohir commented imagining much worse things that he would do.
"Precisely. But we cannot leave without trying to aid them."
** Azian watched Legolas close his eyes and start to drift off to sleep. Moving his horse closer he made sure that as Legolas increasingly slumped to the side he leaned on him.
"We should rest Azian. He has been exhausted beyond all abilities." Aragorn said softly riding up next to them.
"He will not rest until we have reached the Haven." Just as Azian said this Legolas jerked and sat up.
"We are near." Legolas said and turned to face them. His iris's had expanded and was now silver. "Halt." He commanded.
"What's wrong with him?" Aragorn asked very concerned.
"Nothing." Azian said as he turned and faced Aragorn.
Aragorn flinched Azian's eyes were the same.
"What is wrong with you?" Aragorn asked
"We cannot explain." Azian said as both of the elven princes dismounted and walked forward. A bright flash of light engulfed both Azian and Legolas and then stretched to engulf them all, blinding them. When the light cleared instead of being stood in a dark and very wet clearing they were stood in a meadow. Exclamations of surprise echoed throughout the group of men and elves alike. The dwarfs just muttered about mad elves and their magic.
Aragorn turned to speak to Legolas but stopped as he watched a smile of tired bliss cover the elf's face. Instead he turned to his warriors and felt a warm feeling spread throughout his body. The air smelled of honeysuckle and there was a light breeze. Birds flew in and out of tall weeping willows. A waterfall was in the eastern corner of meadow and it shone with magic. Deer grazed on the tall grass.
"What is this place?" Eomer asked.
"This is the Haven of the wood elves." Legolas said approaching the group. "You are very privileged as you are the only living beings that have seen the Haven apart from the wood elves. I am afraid you will not be permitted to move beyond the clearing, you can make camp by the waterfall. The water is safe to drink and you will be safe here. But do not move beyond the clearing, as you will be returned to the forest with no way to return. I will arrange for healing herbs, bandages and food to be brought to you. Aragorn, Eomer and Gimli will you come with us."
The startled trio moved after the wood elves as the warriors slowly walked to the waterfall.
"Legolas?" Aragorn said softly as he walked beside the elf.
"Yes." Legolas said.
"Why did you bring us here?" he asked. "When you said yourself you hated us."
"Because I wish to see no more death. You would have died." Legolas replied as he watched a group of warriors gallop towards them from the direction of the castle.
"Thank you." Aragorn said gratefully not knowing if he would do the same if the positions were reversed.
"Prince Azian we thought you were dead. Prince Legolas." a surprised elf warrior exclaimed as he dismounted. "Sauron captured you."
Azian winced as he watched Legolas's pale face became even paler.
"Well we are very much alive and have brought the survivors of the attacks back with us."
"What of these? You know the rules about bringing non wood elves." The warrior continued disapprovingly.
"And when you become a prince of Mirkwood then you will be in a position to dictate the rules but as you are not stand down." Legolas snapped glaring at the warrior.
"We will not take them to the main castle and they will forget everything when they leave." Azian continued.
The warrior frowned but kept quiet.
"They need food and medical supplies. Arrange for them to receive some." Legolas said and the warrior nodded unhappily but went to do his princes bidding.
"We cannot take you to the castle and the tree homes as they cannot be seen by non wood elves. You have to remain here." Legolas said. "Do not allow your men, dwarfs or elves to leave the clearing as they will be sent back and you will not be able to get to them.
"We understand." Eomer said.
"Legolas we must go with you. To see the king. To apologise." Aragorn demanded.
Legolas whirled on him his eyes flashing in anger.
"We do not know if he lives." He snapped.
"But I thought this has been where you were hiding." As soon as he said it Aragorn wished he could take it back.
"We have not been hiding, we have fought and we have not been able to return to the Haven as it has been guarded by dark forces. We have been cut off and slowly picked off one by one. You are not in a position to question what we have been doing!" Azian cried angrily.
Before Aragorn could respond a cry caught all their attentions.
"Azian!"
Legolas turned to see his father riding towards them.
"Ada!" Azian cried and ran towards him. Thranduil dismounted and enveloped his second youngest son in an embrace. "I thought you had died." Thranduil said tears running down his cheeks. He didn't care who saw him. Their hug broke apart and he turned to see Legolas stood next to Aragorn.
"Legolas." He whispered as he stumbled forward.
"Ada."
They walked towards each other only aware of the other. Legolas stumbled and Thranduil raced forward before he hit the ground. Legolas clutched Thranduil as if his life depended on it sobs wracking his thin frame. Thranduil clutched Legolas tightly.
"How?" he whispered
"They rescued him." Azian said indicating the mortals.
"Thank you." Thranduil said gratefully.
"Your gratitude is more than we deserve. If not for us he might not have been caught." Aragorn replied.
"My Lord." A voice called. "Lord Elrond and an army of men and elves have entered the forest."
"Send out a scout party and lead them to the enchanted waterfall in the forest. We can bring no more here to the Haven; we need to get the people in the Haven out. They cannot stay here. Treat the wounded here and then take them to the waterfall as well. I will go to the castle with my sons. Aragorn you will come too. I have many things to discuss."
Aragorn winced; he knew perfectly well what was going to happen. Legolas had fallen into an exhausted sleep and Thranduil picked him up.
"I want to go too." Gimli announced. One look at Thranduil's expression told him his thoughts on the matter but he resisted them from voicing them as Legolas was in his arms.
"Please.I know I have no right to ask but I wish to be at Legolas's side." Gimli pleaded.
"Fine." Thranduil snapped "but I swear you cause him anymore pain and you will die." The elf turned and walked off. Azian quickly followed and Aragorn and Gimli walked after them knowing they were not wanted and would be in for an interrogation.
**