(A) Star is binding me
Chapter II – Retribution and Escape
When they reached Edhilbar that night, Legolas bade Celebhil to stable their horses and to see that they were provided with fresh water and hay. He and Talathion, who now carried the woman, made their way toward the Healing House, which was nestled within the northernmost bend of the small river that ran through the center of the elven village. In this time of peace, there were few who needed the attention of the healer, so the structure was small. The building contained only one room and was set upon the ground so that the injured could easily be brought there. In the towering oak trees above, the elves had built a dwelling place for Teldo, the healer, and several other quarters that could be used for recovering patients if the need arose. Most of the time, however, these rooms were empty or housed weary travelers or visitors to the elven realm.
When the prince and his warder reached the Healing House, Legolas sounded the silver bell that sat on a stand beside the door, indicating to Teldo that there was need of his service. The healer descended from the trees on a small platform that was raised and lowered by a system of pulleys. Many of the communal buildings were equipped with such means of transport from the forest floor to the treetops, for mortals would occasionally visit the lord of Edhilbar . It was Gimli, dwarf and elf-friend, and some of his people from the Glittering Caves who had helped the elves design and construct the pulley system, as they employed similar means in their mining operations.
Teldo jumped off the platform before it reached the ground and ushered Legolas and Talathion into the Healing House. Once inside, Talathion laid the woman on the bed that stood in the corner nearest the door as Teldo lit several sconces within the room.
"An unusual patient you bring to me this night, my lords. What is her story?" The healer asked.
"We found her unconscious in the large clearing four leagues west of here. She appears to be uninjured, yet did not stir on our ride back," Legolas explained.
Teldo listened closely to the prince's words as he removed the cloak wrapped around the woman. He examined her body meticulously, his eyes searching for cuts or contusions. He found nothing. He probed her body gently, his fingers searching for any hidden wounds. Again, he found nothing. He then turned his attention to her head. He ran his fingers along her skull, searching for any swelling that would suggest she had hit her head and thus give reason for her enduring unconsciousness. Once more, he found nothing.
His first round of efforts having failed, Teldo began a second wave to discover what was amiss with the woman. He watched the rising and falling of her chest as she took in her breaths deeply and regularly. He laid his left ear near to her breast and could hear the strong, steady beat within. The healer was unable to discern anything that would cause her to be in the state that she was. Frustrated, Teldo raised his head and sighed. Never have I seen a being, mortal or immortal, sleep so soundly without sufficient cause. He lowered his head to peer at the soft features of the woman's face. With his thumb and forefinger, he gently slid open the lid of one of her eyes. His bright, grey eyes peered into her dark brown eye. Her pupils dilated and constricted as he moved his other hand back and forth, shading and unshading the light of the candles from her face. Satisfied that her body was both functioning and responding normally, Teldo dropped his hand. He once again gazed into her eye and was drawn into the deep, muddy pool. He searched once more, this time with his eyes and his mind, trying to find some sign of awareness, some sign of consciousness. Nothing…there is nothing within.
Withdrawing his mind and letting her eye fall shut, Teldo turned to the two elves waiting patiently to hear his conclusion. "Her body presents no cause for her condition. I am at a loss to explain why she does not awaken."
"What is to be done?" asked Legolas.
"For now, nothing but observation. I wish not to administer any herbs as her body is functioning perfectly. If she does not wake in a week's time, I will attempt to look into her mind, though I am hesitant to do so. I feel no presence within the body."
She woke with a start. Something was wrong. Her existence was in danger. This place, it was not where she was supposed to be.
She opened her eyes a sliver to discover where she was. It was dark. It was forever dark.
Gradually, her sight adjusted to the darkness that filled the room.
There in the corner…someone was there. Why had she not noticed him before? He seemed to shine, his light permeating the darkness.
She watched him closely. He watched her. She did not think he noticed she had waked. He did not stir from his place in the corner. But he watched her. And she watched him.
She knew she must leave this place. It was not safe here.
The door was close, closer than he was to her. She could make her move to escape. But he would catch her. And then he would destroy her.
She had no choice. She must remain here for now. She must wait for the right moment.
But he must not find that she had awakened. Her existence depended upon it.
She closed her eyes. She was surrounded by the darkness once more.
Legolas entered the Healing House, Talathion and Celebhil following him. The
prince had visited this place more times in the past four days than he had in
the seven years that the building had stood on the earth. At least thrice
daily, he had come to check on the woman, hoping to discover that she had
awakened or at least stirred from her deep sleep. But each time, Teldo reported
the same news—the woman's condition was no different from when she had been
brought to the house. Legolas knew that the healer grew tired of his duty,
though he would never admit it. It was a tedious task to keep watch over the
woman, waiting for any sign of change. When they were able, Legolas and
Celebhil had both taken turns spelling the healer of this responsibility.
Nevertheless, the task fell to the healer for many hours of the day and for all
of the night.
This morning, however, Legolas entered the Healing House for a different
reason. He and Talathion had been sparring. Although neither expected to have
need of their talents in battle, they were loath to allow their skills to
decline because of lack of use. As seasoned warriors, they also took much
enjoyment from the exercise and the friendly competition.
After several hundred years of sparring together and fighting beside each other
in battle, the prince and the warder knew the maneuvers and tactics that the
other would employ. Rarely did one manage to best the other, their practice
sessions frequently ending in a draw.
But the session this morning was different. Legolas was eager to exact his
revenge on the warder for seeking rest in the same tree as he during their
journey. The prince had deemed the action offensive and sought to teach his
warder a lesson about etiquette. Once again, he felt it necessary to prove to
Talathion that he was a masterful fighter and did not require the extensive
protection that the warder insisted upon providing for him.
When they began the match, Legolas was mindful of the importance to fight as he
normally would. Any modification in his style, no matter how slight, would be
noted by Talathion and would alert the warder that Legolas had an ulterior
agenda. And so Legolas allowed himself to fall into their familiar rhythm of
fighting. Musical clanging rang throughout the small clearing for all to hear
as the steel of long knives struck one another over and over. The prince,
though focused on evading and blocking the warder's attacks, was aware of the
crowd who had gathered to watch their contest. Talathion will not soon forget
this lesson. He was pleased so many had come this morning. Celebhil,
his accomplice in the ruse, had done a cunning job of promoting the match,
subtly urging the elves of Edhilbar to come observe their prince and his
warder in a test of skills and assuring them it would be unlike any they had
ever witnessed before.
As the spar continued, the prince bided his time, waiting for the right moment
to unleash the frustration that had built over the years because of Talathion's
persistent vigilance. Talathion continued to deliver blow after blow, swinging
his knife swiftly and deftly to and fro. Legolas blocked each attack, catching
the steel of the warder's knife with his own. Growing tired of being on the
defensive, Legolas quickly ducked to his left and slid underneath another
series of attacks by Talathion. The warder's direct and forceful actions
propelled him past the crouched prince, and Talathion barely managed to turn
around in time and raise his weapon to stop his opponent's knife only inches
from his face. Legolas' right leg thrusted out at his opponent's exposed torso,
forcing the warder to stagger backwards.
Prince and warder became engaged in a complicated dance of spins and twists as
Talathion advanced towards an awaiting Legolas. The white knife of Legolas took
the offense for some time, but eventually Talathion's black-handled knife led
the attacks. Now, now is the time. The youngest son of Thranduil baited
the warder into believing he was gaining the advantage in the spar. The prince
continued to block Talathion's determined blows, though only an inch from their
intended target. The warder spun away, and quickly spun back, bending his arm
and jabbing his elbow and shoulder hard into Legolas' upper body.
Legolas stumbled and fell to the ground, his chest absorbing the full impact of
Talathion's powerful blow. Smirking at the audible intake of air from the crowd
of elves who had been so entranced by their fighting, Legolas gasped for air of
his own, his breath having been momentarily stolen from his lungs. He lay to
one side; his left arm clutched his body while his right hand, out of sight,
kept its hold on his knife.
Legolas watched carefully as Talathion once again move toward him, the warder's
intent to continue the match written plainly on his face. The advancing elf
stopped abruptly as he saw that Legolas made no attempt to regain his footing
or dodge the eventual attack. Worry knit the warder's brow as it became
apparent Legolas would not soon recover from the blow. Lowering his knife and
his guard, Talathion stepped forward slowly and crouched next to Legolas to
offer what aid he could to the fallen prince.
The instant Talathion's knife fell to his side, Legolas rolled away and then
sprang toward his victim, bringing his own knife up and lightly catching the
warder's right cheek with the sharp steel. Talathion stood frozen,
disbelieving, his hand on his cheek, red blood seeping through his fingers.
Satisfied that Talathion had received his due, Legolas stepped back and with a
smile bowed to his warder.
The retribution had transpired as planned. Legolas had detected the obvious
disgrace and shame Talathion felt, as the warder had believed he had seriously
injured his prince, the one he had sworn to guard and protect. Anger and
embarrassment now covered Talathion's features. The seasoned warrior had been
deceived and defeated, and many elves had been witness to the great event. The
prince was pleased.
Thus was the reason Legolas, Celebhil and Talathion now entered the Healing
House, though Talathion was quite reluctant to do so. The cut Legolas had given
him was not deep, but the prince had instructed Talathion to have the wound
tended to, knowing that it would only add to his humiliation. Celebhil had been
eager to accompany them, anxious to see the warder experience more
embarrassment. Legolas very much hoped the healer would find good reason to
stitch the gash so that Talathion would be reminded of this day for some time.
"Talathion has been gracious enough to provide you with a distraction, Teldo,"
Legolas said to the healer as they entered the house.
The healer looked up from where he sat beside the bed in which the woman still
lay unconscious. "It seems today has been an eventful day. Tell me, Talathion,
how did you receive this cut?" Teldo asked, moving to the far side of the room
where he kept his bandages and other supplies. "It has been many years since
Legolas has even come close to besting you in your matches, and several more
that you have ever needed my attention because of him doing so."
"I received the wound not because my opponent was more skillful, but because he
behaved without honor, in a manner most unbecoming a prince," Talathion
replied, glaring at Legolas.
"Then perhaps you will not see it fit to call me Prince any longer,
Talathion. My friend, you have always taught me never to drop guard, even
when you believe your opponent is down. Come allow Teldo to see to your wound
and let the matter drop."
The warder crossed the room and sat in the chair next to the healer's table. As
Teldo worked to clean the wound, Legolas and Celebhil related to him that
morning's events, demonstrating with great passion the entire match and taking
great joy in reminding Talathion of it all.
"I thought you said to let the matter drop, Legolas," Talathion said miserably.
"He said you should let the matter drop, Talathion. He did not say he
would do so," Celebhil replied matter-of-factly. For once, Legolas was grateful
to his friend for his unique observations.
"Think you that he will need the gash stitched, Teldo?" Legolas asked the
healer, hope coloring his voice.
"Nay, your efforts there, my lord, have failed. Stitching will only take the
wound all the longer to heal completely; no doubt that is what you wish," Teldo
informed him, smiling at the youthful mischievousness of the prince.
"I know not what you speak of; I ask only out of concern for my warder,"
Legolas replied, a little too innocently. "I simply feared he might be
scarred."
"Nay, no scar either, at least not on his face. Though I believe you have been
successful in scarring his pride," Teldo chuckled and then became serious as he
addressed his patient. "The dressing will need to remain only for the day." The
healer laughed again as Legolas' face fell in disappointment. "Come, Legolas,
sit. If I remember your story, Talathion delivered quite the blow to you. I
would have a look at you as well."
Legolas shook his head indignantly. "I merely exaggerated, and my response on
the field was simply an act, meant to draw Talathion near."
"You are certain?" The healer inquired. Legolas nodded his golden head several
times in assurance. "Very well. Then there are other, more serious matters of
which we should speak." He drew his eyes to the bed across the room.
"The woman?" Legolas asked, turning to look at the figure that still lay in the
bed nearest the door. "Has there been a change in her condition?"
"I am not certain yet. I was about to examine her when you entered. She has
still not awakened, but this morning I did sense something new within her."
Legolas walked over to the bed and leaned over the woman's body. She looked
very much the same as when he and Talathion had brought her into the Healing
House four days ago, though she was no longer naked; Teldo had clothed her in a
simple white dress. Sensing something, Legolas cocked his head and reached out
to touch her brow.
Without warning, the woman's hand reached out and grabbed the white handle of
his knife. Legolas stood fixed, surprised by the sudden attack, the cold steel
pressing on his neck.
"My lord!" Talathion and Celebhil exclaimed together as they both jumped up
from where they had been sitting. Their weapons were in their hands in a flash
as they both began to make their way across the room toward their prince and
the woman.
"Hold," Legolas ordered, seeing the panic in the woman's eyes. "We are here to
aid you only. You have no need to fear us," he said softly to the woman,
switching to the Westron tongue.
The woman made no move at the sound of his words. She held his gaze, and
pressed the blade harder against his skin, a thin red line appearing under the
pressure. Legolas, his body still frozen, tried to calm her again, this time
speaking gently in Sindarin. "Peace, my lady. You are safe here." The woman
still did not release him.
They stood like that for some time: Legolas at the mercy of the blade,
Talathion, Celebhil and Teldo halfway across the room, reluctant to draw closer
for fear that they would startle the woman and she would use the sharp blade to
end the prince's life. After what seemed an eternity, even for an elf, the
woman drew the knife back, though it was still dangerously close to Legolas.
She rose slowly from the bed.
"Please, my lady, put the knife down. We mean you no harm."
Legolas resumed his attempts to calm her and again, was unsuccessful.
"Perhaps she is unable to hear," Celebhil offered.
"She hears our words, Celebhil," Legolas corrected as he saw her eyes glance in
the direction of the elf who had spoken and then return to hold his gaze again.
"I think she does not understand them."
"Draw away from her slowly, Legolas. She appears to be relaxing," Talathion
said, taking a step closer.
The woman, aware of the movement, brought the blade back to Legolas' neck. Her
dark brown eyes pleaded for release.
Legolas blinked, understanding her need. "Go," he mouthed the word, his eyes
glancing toward the door. "Go."
The woman took a step toward her escape, her brow knitted in confusion. Again,
she pulled the knife a few inches away from Legolas.
"Fall back, Legolas," Talathion said and darted across the room.
Even if Legolas had had the ability to follow his warder's command, there was
no time to execute the move as the woman quickly drew the blade upward, the
sharp steel slicing into the prince's left cheek. Frightened, the woman turned
and ran out of the Healing House and into the thick trees to the north.
Talathion quickly moved to follow her, Celebhil on his heels.
"Stay," Legolas ordered, authority ringing in his voice. Feeling the return of
movement to his body, he brought his hand up.
"But, my prince…," Celebhil started to question, though he had ceased his
chase.
"Stay," Legolas repeated. "She has done no harm save for this scratch. She does
not wish for our aid. We will not pursue her."
"Surely, Legolas, she has nowhere to go. She will not survive the wood, at
least not long," Talathion argued, standing in the doorway, anxious to follow
the woman.
"She has made her choice. We will not pursue," the prince said once again, his
tone leaving no room for argument.
"It will be as you say," Talathion spoke reverently, nodding his head in
acceptance of Legolas' words. Then, lifting his eyes to those of the prince, a
spark ignited within his dark grey orbs. "Come, my prince, allow Teldo to tend
to your scratch. It appears you may need stitches."
Edhilbar: Dwelling of (the) Elves. Er, at least, I think. I made this word up, though it does sound quite familar to me. I have not ran this by my fabulous beta reader, so let me know if it's wrong or if it has already been used.
The mysterious woman has awakened. Chapter three is almost ready, one last section to write and then off to the great beta in the sky.
Melian: My first reviewer! And such kind words you had for me. Thank you again for both beta'ing and reviewing. You're awesome! Talathion is great; I think he enjoys getting under Legolas' skin. Who wouldn't? Gimli will eventually come to take his turn in annoying the prince...er, I think. I love elf/dwarf banter, but I'm hesitant to write it. I should start practicing my insults now.
TreeHugger: Well, I figured that since you have convinced me of the glory of your Glory story, then I need to at least try and convince you that good Legomances do exist. I hope this will become one of them. Thanks for noticing the one-liners! They made me laugh, too. The "encounters with the mortal women" is my favorite--yeah, I think Talathion was referring to me! You and Al both know how much I love Legolas' cute little elfbutt. How quickly do I write? Well..., I'm not sure. I'm pretty slow right now. But I'll try my hardest. Thanks for the review!
Ista of the Dreamers: Thank you for reviewing! Yes, I did try really hard to pack some deeper meaning in that chapter. I'm so glad you picked up on that. There will be much more of that to come.
Alliwantisanelfforchristmas: You know, I just realized that everytime you log in, you have to type your entire name! Do you ever regret choosing such a long name? I love it, but I deem you "Al of the Commas" from now on. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to log in and review! How was my comma usage by the way? I'm glad I kept you guessing their identities--I worked hard on being vague. Another one who enjoyed Legolas' encounters with mortal women! You know, you're one of those women, too. After all, you've got him staying at your house. So when do I get to elfsit? I'll be gentle, I promise!
Don't forget--drop me a review and let me know your thoughts. I know my character and storyline put me dangerously close to MarySue territory, and I'll even admit that there will be elements of such in this fic. (There will be good explanations for this, but all in due time, all in due time....) I am depending on all of you who are reading this to be my warder and keep me out of there.
