Disclaimer: I own everything Tolkien doesn't. Sad but true.

Enjoy!

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Once back at the House, Clina excused herself to change into something a little more dry. Acilies bide Faramir farewell for a time as he too went to change. As the Elf walked into his room, there was a loud crash and then a struggle. The Elf had been pinned to the floor by a steal-clad boot that was biting into his shoulder. The cloaked figure leaned close to the trapped Elf.

"Your race is a plague to the rest of us who work harder than you! Curse you and your merriment!" the man twisted the Elf's arm tightly behind his back. "Man should rule not you long-lived Elves! Your entire race shall perish at the hand of Man!" The man leaned back and dragged the Elf to his feet. Acilies, in one swift motion, spun and drove his fist into the man's ribcage. The man groaned and then glared towards the Elf.

"You will pay for that Elf!" with frightening speed, the man had knocked Acilies painfully into the wall. The Elf groaned as his back struck the hanging picture. Taking note that the Elf's senses were stunned for a moment, the man flicked his dagger towards the Elf. Acilies managed to move but not quick enough.

"Ah!" Acilies gasped as the dagger's blade sliced a cut across his cheek. Acilies's hand went to the side of his face as he glared towards the Man. He only laughed at the sight of the Elf's rich blood running over Acilies's fingers and onto the Elf's still damp clothes.

"I will be back Elf!" he rammed the Elf hard into the wall then the world faded to black around Acilies's eyes though he fought it, it was a losing battle…

Several hours passed before the Elf's eyes slowly opened. The Elf was still on the floor and groaned when he tried to move. His hands had been bound tightly behind his back and the rope was cutting into his wrists. He was gagged and could not move his feet either. His shoulder was stiff and sore just as the rest of his muscles. Acilies knew he bleeding; the gag was slightly red. The Elf guessed his lip had been split when the man's fist and knocked him out. It seemed like hours before Faramir knocked on his door. To get his attention, Acilies used what strength he had to kick a nearby stand, sending the bowl and light crashing to the floor into millions of pieces. A moment later, Faramir appeared in the doorway.

"Acilies!" the man spanned the distance to the injured Elf swiftly. First he unbound the gag. Acilies gasped for air as his mouth filled with his blood, nearly causing him to choke. Faramir helped Acilies to sit up to reduce the chance of his choking. His world spun for a moment than he weakly said," We have trouble Faramir."

"What trouble my friend?" Acilies then proceeded to speak what happened…

When the Elf was done, Faramir shook his head in disgust. No Elf deserved an ill fate. Acilies sat on his bed, gently rubbing his shoulder. Faramir then bade the Elf to remove his tunic and his shirt so he may tend to him. Acilies did as he was asked with slow motions. There was a bright red gash upon the Elf's pale skin. He flinched at the sight then reached for the cloth. The Prince gently dabbed the Elf's wound. Clina came to her brother's room looking for him. She knocked then entered like she always did.

"Acilies I- Acilies!?" she was immediately at his side.

"It's all right Clina" Acilies spoke softly to her ere she gently hugged him. His sister may not have known what happened but she was worried. Acilies wrapped his arms around her in a gesture to comfort her. Without a word, Faramir rose and walked from the room.

"What happened?" she asked at length, gently bandaging her brother's wrists. With a wince, the elder Elf replied, " Please Clina, worry not." He hissed as she applied a light pressure to get him to talk. "I was attacked by a man. He said the Elves should die." She looked up to him and continued to bandage his wrists. She was so young and in her brother's mind, she should have no need to be exposed to pain and hurt. Acilies turned his back to her so she could tend his wound. Clina had learned how to tend wounds well at her mother's bidding. Most likely for the reason she was always with Acilies. The grey-green eyes of Acilies were on his sister's nimble fingers as she tied the end about his chest.

"You cannot hope to lie on your back tonight Acilies." She spoke softly then moved around to his front. She rose her hand and gently touched the cut on his fair face. For as long as she could remember, she had marveled at her brother's beauty along with the rest of the Elves. Acilies was very handsome, as he had been all his younger years as well. He flinched and tried to pull away but her hand on his shoulder stopped him.

"Do not pull away Acilies." She pulled him a little closer as she dabbed the blood off the side of his face. Acilies sighed.

"I am sorry Clina. I could not help it. "

"Just like you could not help becoming the best scout Mirkwood has ever seen?" she smiled and continued to work. Acilies smiled back a bit then winced. Once Clina was done, she looked at his face fully. The cut was not overly deep but it would leave a scar.

"Thank you Clina" spoke her brother softly.

"The day is nearly spent. Can I… can I stay with you this night?" with a slow nod, Acilies shifted and lay on his side for his back hurt to great. Clina placed the bowl of water; cloth and bandages on the table then lay beside her brother. Acilies smiled to himself as Clina placed her hand over his. She had always been protective of him, however no one could figure out why or where she got it from.