Disclaimer: For full disclaimer, please see chapter 1.
A/N:
*grins happily* Thank you so much! Look at all the lovely reviews! Well, it's amazing what a bit of blackmail can do... *hugs all of them* Thanks!
Okay, to answer the question a lot of people have asked:
Legolas won't be arriving in Rivendell any time soon. I'm sorry! *runs and hides from angry Legolas fans*
Well, somehow it seemed to be a good idea to let him start the whole thing in Mirkwood, but, of course, that was before I remembered how long it would take him to cross those blasted mountains! *hits herself *
However: Never fear, he will get into his fair share of trouble later on his way over the mountains, and I'm not talking about Glónduil... *evil grin*
But he will get there, perhaps in chapter 8 ... *whispers* or chapter 9 ... *g*
Well, here is chapter 5, folks, I hope you'll enjoy it!
And: Reviews might help to bring Legolas to Rivendell sooner! (Legolas: *outraged* That's a lie, and you know it!)
Okay, he is right, but it was worth a try, wasn't it? *g*
Chapter 5
Aragorn awoke to the sound of softly singing birds outside his bedroom's window.
Moving slightly, he immediately regretted his decision to return to the world of the conscious when a stab of pain that almost stole his breath away shot through his side.
'Okay then,' he thought breathlessly, 'Moving isn't such a good idea.'
Mentally debating if there was a way to kill these annoyingly cheerful creatures before they drove him insane with their incessant chirping so he could get some more sleep, he finally gave up and opened his eyes.
Blinking slowly and easing himself up in bed, he noticed several things at once.
First, he was lying in his own bed, a mount of at least a dozen colourful embroidered velvet pillows behind his head.
Second, his chest was swathed in so many layers of bandages that Aragorn was convinced that there couldn't be another piece of linen in the whole of Imladris.
And third, Elrohir was sleeping in an armchair next to his bed, head resting on one of the padded arms and eyes half-lidded, the dark hair that had fallen over his eyes moving slightly with every breath he took.
Gazing at his brother's dark hair, Estel suddenly bolted upright in his bed, ignoring his protesting side.
"Elladan!"
Waking with a start, Elrohir blinked a few times in rapid succession before fixing worried eyes on his young brother.
"Estel, you are awake! How do you feel? Does your side hurt? Do you need anything? I will get father," he asked so quickly that the human could barely separate the questions.
Gripping his brother's arm with his right hand, Aragorn stopped him before he could leave the room.
"Elrohir, wait! Where is Elladan? Is he alright? I can't remember what happened to him," he asked the dark haired elf urgently, his silver eyes searching his brother's scratched face for the answers he sought.
The younger twin dropped back down into his chair, a grin on his face that didn't reach his eyes.
"You wouldn't. You collapsed right after we arrived yesterday evening."
Seeing the worry in his human brother's eyes, he placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Do not worry, brother. Elladan will be alright. Ada spent a long time patching him up and putting enough stitches into his back to last him well into the next age. He is still sleeping, but he will be fine."
Breathing a sigh of relief, Aragorn allowed himself to fall back into the pillows and closed his eyes.
"Thank the Valar! I just thought he … But wait a moment, did you say yesterday evening? It's getting dark outside now!" he exclaimed, pointing at the slowly dimming sunlight that streamed in through the window.
"Yes, little one, I did indeed say evening, and if you don't calm down this instant, father will have me thrown out without batting an eyelid! You have been asleep for more than 20 hours," his elven brother explained, pressing him back down onto his bed.
"20 hours?" Aragorn repeated, staring at his brother with wide eyes.
"How is that possible?"
"Well, ada drugged you, of course," Elrohir explained with a smug grin.
"And there was the small matter of your wound, as well," he added, dropping his eyes and becoming very serious.
Estel eyed his brother confused. Reaching out again, he laid a hand on his brother's arm.
"Elrohir? What is it? I am fine, it wasn't that bad!"
His elven brother raised his head suddenly, tears of self-accusation shining in his eyes.
"It is all my fault!"
Blinking perplexed, Estel asked, "What is your fault, brother?"
"Well, everything of course! Elladan was wounded because he warned me of that warg that had been sneaking up behind me! If I had paid attention and seen it sooner, he wouldn't be lying in the hospital wing looking as if a horde of trolls used him for a doormat!
And I knew you had been wounded, but when we found Elladan, I was just so worried and I simply forgot! I almost lost both of you on one day! What kind of brother am I??"
Sighing inwardly, Estel finally understood what was troubling his brother. Even though he was not nearly as bad as Elladan, he was still ready to put all the blame on his shoulders. And then still some more, if possible.
He shook his head in exasperation, "The stupid kind, I guess."
Looking at his elven brother, Aragorn suddenly wished that time would stop so he could have a picture drawn of this sight. That specific look of open-mouthed confusion was extremely hard to come by.
He smiled innocently at Elrohir and continued with quiet conviction.
"Nothing of this was your fault, brother. You are to blame neither for Elladan's injury nor for mine. I didn't want you to remember my wound, in fact I had forgotten all about it for a while myself. When I saw Elladan like that, all I could think of was getting him home as quickly as possible," he told his brother and added, stressing every word and catching his brother's eyes, "This was not your fault. Everybody would have reacted just like you did."
"And that is exactly what I have been trying to tell him for the past 21 hours," a new voice interrupted their conversation, exhaustion and humour both very much evident.
The two brothers turned their heads into the direction of the voice to see their father stand in the doorway, a small pot with some kind of salve or ointment in the one and a pile of bandages in the other hand.
'That much to my theory concerning the bandages,' Aragorn thought wryly, 'He must have been stockpiling them somewhere…'
Elrond approached the bed his youngest son was lying in, positioned the items he held on a small wooden table next to his other son's armchair, an armchair he could have sworn he had last seen in the library by the way, and sat down on the edge of the bed, dark robes moving softly across the stone floor.
Smiling at the young human, he reached out and touched Estel's forehead, nodding satisfied when he could feel no sign of a fever.
"You gave me quite a scare yesterday, my son. How many times have I told you to take better care of your body? It is not as bad as we thought at first sight, but combined with the blood-loss and exhaustion it was enough to make sure that your body needs to rest for a few days. Why didn't you tell your brother?" he scolded lightly, letting his hand rest against his son's cheek.
Estel returned the smile, looking somewhat abashed.
"I'm sorry, father. Somehow my sword got stuck in that warg and then we found Elladan and I just …"
Elrond shook his head slightly, the worry he had felt for the human still lingering the depths of his dark grey eyes.
"There is no need to justify your actions, Estel. I know you did not do this on purpose. At least I hope so," he added with a mocking smile.
Estel laughed, clutching his side, a sudden mischievous gleam in his eyes.
"Well, I didn't plan it, ada, but when I saw that warg I just couldn't resist. I know how much you appreciate a challenge and so I thought 'Why not, it's been ages since he's had any interesting cases, he's looking positively unhappy…'"
Shaking his head in mock indignation, his father turned to his younger elven son, who had been watching the conversation with an amused smile.
"Just why didn't you feed him to the wargs as I ordered, Elrohir?" he asked, causing both of his sons to burst out laughing.
Seeing the way his human son was holding on to his side, Elrond rose, took up his supplies and gave his other son a light shove in the direction of the door.
"Go, you have exhausted you brother for far too long already. And take that armchair back to the library from where you 'borrowed' it," he ordered, giving Elrohir a stern look.
Looking like an elfling who had just got caught in one of the larders before a great feast, the younger elf grinned at his brother and left, pushing the chair out of the room.
Sitting back down, Elrond pushed Aragorn's shirt away from the bandages and started to uncoil the linen straps.
Sensing Aragorn's gaze upon him, he raised his eyes to the face of his son.
"Do you think he will be alright? It wasn't his fault, there honestly is nothing he could have done," Aragorn asked softly, worry for his brother evident in his voice.
Elrond smiled thoughtfully, remembering the countless times the twins had joyfully placed heaps of undeserved guilt on their shoulders.
"Yes, my son, he will be alright. Just wait, as soon as he has spoken to Elladan he will feel better, and in a few days he will be back to normal," he replied and carefully spread ointment on the wound whose edges were sewn together with soft elven thread.
At his words Estel sat up, a hopeful look spreading on his face.
"Elladan is awake? How is he? Can I see him?"
Mumbling softly under his breath about the impatience of youth, Elrond rewrapped the wound and turned stern eyes on his youngest.
"No, he is not awake, but he should wake up any minute now. He will feel a bit sore for the next few days, and his throat and back should take a bit longer to heal, but he will be fine. And no, you can't see him now," he stated, but added when he saw Aragorn's face fall, "Perhaps tomorrow, if you feel strong enough to get up. And remember, my son, if I catch you in Elladan's room before I expressly allow you to visit him, I will forget having ever said these words."
Estel lay back and relaxed into the comforting warmth of the bed, snuggling deeper under the covers and yawning sleepily.
"I wouldn't dream of it, ada. I would never do such a thing."
The Lord of Rivendell watched his son fall asleep, gathered his supplies and stood up.
Smiling down on the sleeping human, he wondered how many more times he would have to patch up his youngest yet again.
'It's probably best not to think about it,' he decided and headed for the door, snorting softly when he remembered Aragorn's last words.
'Do they really expect one to believe such statements?'
Legolas walked lightly across the clearing, calling softly for their horses.
At the clear sound of the prince's voice, the three animals lifted their heads from where they had been grazing and came up to him, whinnying happily.
Legolas reached out to pat his horse's neck, telling it softly in Elvish that it was the most beautiful horse he had ever seen, besides being the most intelligent, bravest and swiftest animal in existence.
The horse rubbed its white, gleaming nose against Legolas' green tunic, nodding its proud head in agreement with each statement.
Laughing lightly, the elf began to get them ready to travel.
'You, my friend, are the cockiest being I have ever met. Although Estel might give you a run for your money,' he grinned inwardly.
He had risen early this morning when he couldn't fall asleep anymore, and, with a quiet nod to Celylith who had taken the last watch, he had told him in a whisper that he would take care of their horses so they could leave earlier, very careful not to wake his other travelling companion. Glónduil had been nearly unbearable the other day, barely civil and stressing Legolas' title at each opportunity.
Giving his prince an unreadable look, Celylith had nodded back, fingering the bow that lay across his lap and scanning Legolas closely as he disappeared between the tall dark trees that were seemingly trying to shift closer together in an attempt to block out the early sunlight.
Currying his horse, Legolas heard a soft noise behind him, something probably only a wood-elf would have noticed.
Without taking his eyes off his task, he smiled slightly and said,
"So he has risen at last?"
Celylith scowled at his friend's back, abandoned his attempts at stealth and walked closer to the horses, giving his own an apple and, when the other two looked at him with a mixture of accusation and unbelief, produced two more.
"He is breaking camp. We will be ready to leave in about 20 minutes," he stated, watching Legolas intently.
"Very good," the fair haired elf replied, not willing to give away his feeling on this subject.
Sighing, Legolas' companion shook his silver head and decided that a direct approach was the only course of action that offered a slim chance of success. When Legolas wanted to be, he could be even more tight-lipped than a wizard when pressed for information.
"What is it that has been bothering you, mellonamin? You haven't been yourself lately. Is it because of Glónduil? He didn't mean what he said, don't take him too seriously," he asked, willing his companion to answer his question.
To his surprise, Legolas sighed and let his head rest against his horse's neck, closing his eyes.
A moment later he opened them again and smiled sadly at his friend.
"Nay, my friend, he meant it exactly the way he said. His words could not have been any clearer. But no," he added and started currying again, "It is not because of him, or at least not only because of him. It is … I don't know how to explain it," he said, frustration evident in his voice, and turned to face his friend, letting the horse brush sink again.
"Have a try," Celylith said with more cheerfulness than he felt.
"It is … like a darkness that is creeping closer and closer. Every time I try to fall asleep, it is there, waiting, growing, coming closer. There is danger coming, mellonamin," Legolas tried to explain, eyeing his friend closely.
The silver haired elf's face grew dark at Legolas' words; if the prince felt that danger was approaching, one could usually trust his judgement.
"Are we in danger?"
Legolas shook his head, his fair hair catching the first sunlight that had managed to creep through the dense trees all around them.
"No, at least I don't think so. The closer I come to Imladris, the more powerful this feeling becomes. There is danger approaching it, or already there."
He stopped for a second and turned despairing eyes on his friend.
"And I cannot help them! We cannot travel any faster than we already do, and we are still more than five days away!"
Celylith looked at his friend in sympathy.
"Don't worry, mellonamin. We will reach the High Pass at the end of the day. Perhaps you are mistaken and …"
He stopped right there when he saw Legolas raise an eyebrow in question.
"Excuse me? Is this the same elf who pledged never to question my judgement again after we all very nearly got eaten by those wargs because no one would listen to my warnings?"
His friend smiled at him, midnight-blue eyes troubled.
"I was just being optimistic, my lord," he explained softly.
Returning the smile, Legolas placed a slim hand on his companion's shoulder.
"I know you were. You always are. Even when captured by spiders and about to be woven into a cocoon, you would still find something positive about the situation."
"Spiders are very interesting creatures! We could learn a lot from them if they would just give us enough time to get acquainted with each other," Celylith exclaimed and added, thoughtfully, "Unfortunately, they always try to eat us first, but if we could get past that…"
He took a look at Legolas' face and decided to let the subject drop. Most wood-elves weren't especially fond of the arachnids, and Legolas was no exception to that rule.
Smiling encouragingly, he told his friend, "They will be fine, Legolas. Nothing will happen to Lord Elrond or his sons. The twins are not so easy to get rid of, and Strider knows how to look after himself quite well for an edan. They will be fine," he repeated.
Legolas looked into the other elf's eyes and fervently hoped he could believe this.
Elladan was lying in bed, barely enjoying the first light of the morning sun that streamed through the window into the hospital room. Taking a look at the small bare room, the older twin sighed and started to work on his seventh escape plan this morning. It would work about as well as the six before it, but well, he needed something to pass the time.
'There is absolutely no reason to lock me into this small, stupid and boring room!' he complained inwardly and began to count the beams on the ceiling once again. He had done that about 45 times already, so it was still a relatively new and exciting pastime.
Since Elrohir's visit yesterday evening nothing, absolutely nothing of interest had happened.
Just when he had reached beam number 31, he heard a small noise outside his room. He tried to remember the position of this specific beam and looked down from the ceiling, expecting to see his father or one of the healers, who had come to torment him on the pretext of changing his bandages or something similarly sinister.
Instead of one of the elves who cared for him, he saw his young human brother sneak into his room, wearing a robe over a light shirt and nothing on his feet.
Elladan winced. If their father caught the ranger like this, there would be trouble.
"Estel?!" he whispered hoarsely, delight and reproach in his voice, "What are you doing here? Do you know what father will do with you if he finds you here?"
The human grinned at him as he plopped down into the only chair in the room. He took some books that Elladan had been reading in his room out of his robes, placing them next to his elven brother's head.
"I know how much you enjoy the peace and quiet here, so I thought I'd visit you and bring you something to read. And don't worry, father won't find me here, Elrohir is distracting him, or at least he promised me to. And … Ilúvatar, who decorated this room?" he asked in mock surprise, a wicked gleam in his eyes. It was a long-standing joke between the three of them.
His grin faded quickly when he took in his brother's numerous bandages.
"How are you, brother?"
Elladan smiled when he heard the worry in his brother's voice.
"I am well, Estel. I was lucky I had you and father to patch me up. My back will take a bit to heal, but father promised me he would let me go in two or three days. Another week and I will be as good as new," he stated and asked, eyeing Aragorn suspiciously, "But what about you? Elrohir said something about a near-fatal injury."
Aragorn rolled his eyes in annoyance.
"I'm fine, Elladan, really. 'Tis just a scratch, I will be able to stay out of bed today if ada allows it."
Elladan gave his brother a look that clearly said that he thought the human had very obviously taken a rather hard hit to the head.
"I know, I know," Estel said, sighing, "I will have to convince him. Speaking of which, I should return to my room, I think. I have not survived those smelly beasts to be killed by my own father because I'm out of bed against his orders."
He rose from the chair and gave his older elven brother a warning grin.
"When I come back later with father, could you please be so kind to hide the books and at least try and act as if you hadn't seen me for days? You spoiled the whole thing the last time," he told his brother, and left the room quickly before Elladan could find his still slightly damaged voice to reply.
Elrond's oldest son looked after his human brother, smiling sweetly.
'Just you wait, little brother, just you wait. Wait till you have seen what I did to your shirts a few days ago…'
Stoking the low fire, the lone elf sat in front of his small campfire and stared into the dancing flames. The wind had picked up during the evening, dark grey clouds blocking out the moon and stars, dipping the scenery into almost complete blackness. There was a storm coming, silencing the usual sounds of the forest, so that nothing apart from the howling of the wind could be heard. One couldn't even hear the soft murmuring of the creek that was but a few hundred metres away and after which Amon Siril had been named.
The dark haired elf grinned grimly. The weather fitted his mood just perfectly, which was so dark he was surprised one could not see the rain clouds hanging over his head.
'Perhaps Nólad was right after all,' he thought, picking at the hot ashes with a short stick, 'I shouldn't have done this on my own.'
To see Imladris after all these years had been hard, a lot harder than he had imagined. He had had to stop himself from riding right up to the gates, expecting a welcome from his friends and family.
'They are dead, you fool,' he told himself firmly, 'Dead! Every single one of them! Nólad is the only one left now, all the others are gone. And all because of the foolish decision of one elf, one person who destroyed so many lives with a single ill-founded decision!'
He gritted his teeth against the mental pain the memory of a day almost 3000 years ago was causing him, against the images of bloody dark hair, unseeing green eyes staring at nothing, and blood, so much blood…
The elf pressed the palms of his hands against his eyes, trying to block out the vision. His attempts were interrupted when he heard the unmistakable sound of approaching horses, and, by the sound of it, a lot of them.
Taking several deep breaths, he tried to get his feelings under control. He ran a still shaking hand over his face and suppressed the memories forcefully.
The dark haired elf turned from the campfire to the south to meet his friend and the men in the small woods that covered the hill on all sides and lead them to his campsite.
'There is a lot to discuss with Nólad and even the edain,' he thought as he picked his way through the undergrowth, 'I won't let them ruin the only chance of revenge I might ever get.'
TBC...
ada - father (daddy)
mellonamin - my friend
edan - human, man (sg.)
edain - men (pl.)
Well, you heard it, review and Legolas will arrive in Rivendell sooner! *puts her hand over Legolas' mouth before he can protest*
Honestly! *clueless, adorable look of innocence* So, please will you review? Please??
Additional A/N:
Ruth - Me, a review junkie? *look of fake indignation* NEVER! *snickers* Well, perhaps a bit ... a tiny little bit ... Thank you so much for your review! I love getting reviews! *hastily* Which, of course, doesn't make me a review junkie! *g*
Alexa - *blushes* Oww, thank you! I'm really sorry to disappoint you, but Legolas is still stuck on the wrong side of the Misty Mountains ... hm, or on the right side, when one considers what will be going on on the other side soon ... *evil grin*
E - E what? Interesting name though... *g* Pain for our favourite elves and human? Me? Whatever gave you _that_ idea? Well, he is planning to invite them all for a nice little tea party ... or not ... *g*
Mouse - Well done! *hands Mouse an Elrond plushie* Not a bad guess! You would have guessed after this chapter anyway... But what will he do? *evil cackle* Thanks so much for your compliments! I loved writing Glónduil ... and the evil elf ... is that normal? I love writing the bad guys ... I should seek professional help ...
MegumiFuu - Estel-whumping, you could say that ... And this, my friends, is only the beginning ... *evil laugh* I'm glad you like it! But Legolas and the twins will see their fair share of whumping, too ... and perhaps even Elrond, I haven't decided yet... *g*
CalliTrakand - Well, yes, I AM evil! I love hurting them ... but I patch them up as well, most of the time anyway... *g* Thank you for all your kind words AND the review, of course! I think I DID mention I love them ... once ... or twice ... *g* Believe or or not, I wondered whether to update today or Monday, and because of all the reviews I decided to do it today. So you really managed to convince me to update sooner ... and if you review again, I just MIGHT update on Tuesday... Blackmail again, I know!
Carrie - *removes her pink fluffy earmuffs* Done screaming? Thank you, my mother was already asking if I was murdering someone up here... *g* *reads review again* Estel is gonna get _what_? BURNED? By what's-his-name, Vandaril? NOOOOO!!!!! How could you? Uhm, I shouldn't be talking, I think... *grabs earmuffs tighter* I think I will keep them for the next chapter...
Reginabean - *sits down on top of the cliff* Well, you have to understand, it's not that I don't WANT to help you, there is just no point in doing so ... I mean, see it my way: Every time I post a cliffy (and there are going to be a few more times, believe me!), I will have to haul you up again. No, thanks! But I hope this chapter helped a bit ... all nice and quiet, but: Did you notice the title? *runs away cackling evilly*
ThE iNsAnE oNe - *whines* Where is your story? Well? You've got to post it or, or, or ... I will stop updating!! *looks pleased* So, what do you say? *takes a look at Fred* Well, uhm, just ... forget about it, will you? Of course I will update frequently, and did I mention that Fred is an extraordinarily beautifuil warg? *nervous smile*
Alilacia - *snickers* Oh, just you wait ... There will be much to give Legolas a reason to feel guilty! _Much_ more! Ah, I just _love_ knowing things other people don't ... does that make me evil? No, on second thought, don't answer that... *g* *narrows eyes* How did you know what Estel was planning to do? Never mind, your mind probably just works in the same scary ways mine does... Well, you forgot the scene where Aragorn is jumping across that chasm in Moria and Legolas catches him. _That_ is a great scene... *sighs*
Ciria - *hides* Oh, another Legolas fan! I'm sorry, but it will take him a bit longer to cross the mountains ... let me think ... Legolas will get off the mountains in three days and will be able to arrive in Rivendell in about four days, if my memory serves me right... So, in a few chapters he will join our favourite elves and human ... or not ... *g* Thanks so much for the review!
Acacia - Nothing's wrong with Estel, don't worry ... *pats her back* It's just a flesh wound! I hope you'll enjoy the rest as well! Thanks for reviewing!
Miss Undastood - *pales* You are right you are right you are right ... I changed it! I did! It's gone! Now it makes perfect sense ... at least I hope so ... *g* Thanks for telling me and thanks for the review!
Lina - You know, somehow I really LOVE Éomer ... He is a very sensible person ... a bit stupid, yes, but ... *g* Don't kill Glónduil! I still need him! I know he is a jerk, but that's no reason to _kill_ him ... Lina, get back ... put down Halo's hammer ... Lina!! *sighs* God! And, see, Estel is fine ... *whispers* for now ...
Zam - You thought of Legolas? God, I liked that scene! Now I will never be able to read it without thinking of you, a naked Glónduil or Legolas! Thanks Oh so very much! *gives evil glare of death* Well, I hate to tell you, but I think Aragorn yells "Elendil" because he was his great-great-great-...-great-grandfather. Is Gil-Galad _your_ grandfather? Hm? Are you part elf? I don't think so ... So, you will need to come up with another one, I'm afraid... *g* And, yes, Elladan's hair is still green, but only a little bit, you wouldn't even see it if you were not looking for it.
Jenny - You hate cliffhangers? Uhm, then I would advise you against reading any further! You won't like the next chapter, believe me! *evil cackle* But it's fun writing them! Thanks for reviewing!
ManuKu - Hey! Na, wenn das nicht die erste deutsche review ist, die ich bekomme! Danke! *umarmt sie* Freu ich mich doch, dass es dir gefaellt! Das bedeutet mir ganze Menge, glaub mir! Und gleich vier Stueck auf einmal! Du kannst dir nicht vorstellen, wie review-suechtig ich in allerkuerzester Zeit geworden bin ... das ist schon nicht meht schoen ... *boeses Grinsen* Tja ja ja, der boese Elb wird sich auch noch einige Zeit im Verborgenen halten, ist doch auch viel lustiger so, nech? Vielen Dank fuer die review!!
Roses - Thank you for the compliment! I try to let people know what the characters are thinking, this way I hope to minimize confusion ... emphasis on "hope" ... *g* And, thank you, I will definitely need all the luck I can possibly get! Thanks for the review!
Arafel - Don't worry, I will post more soon! Depends on how many review I get, of course... *evil grin* I'm glad you liked it! So, review this bit, and I might think about posting the next part on Tuesday... I love being able to blackmail people... *g*
Just Jill - Yeah, the friendship bit is really sad ... I haven't decided yet what to do with Glónduil, perhaps he will apologize ... he's still young (for an elf, that is!) and should be able to overcome his prejudices ... then again, maybe not... *evil grin* Thanks a lot for reviewing!
Thanks sooooo much for the reviews! They did make me post sooner! They really did! *hugs all of them* Thank you!
A/N:
*grins happily* Thank you so much! Look at all the lovely reviews! Well, it's amazing what a bit of blackmail can do... *hugs all of them* Thanks!
Okay, to answer the question a lot of people have asked:
Legolas won't be arriving in Rivendell any time soon. I'm sorry! *runs and hides from angry Legolas fans*
Well, somehow it seemed to be a good idea to let him start the whole thing in Mirkwood, but, of course, that was before I remembered how long it would take him to cross those blasted mountains! *hits herself *
However: Never fear, he will get into his fair share of trouble later on his way over the mountains, and I'm not talking about Glónduil... *evil grin*
But he will get there, perhaps in chapter 8 ... *whispers* or chapter 9 ... *g*
Well, here is chapter 5, folks, I hope you'll enjoy it!
And: Reviews might help to bring Legolas to Rivendell sooner! (Legolas: *outraged* That's a lie, and you know it!)
Okay, he is right, but it was worth a try, wasn't it? *g*
Chapter 5
Aragorn awoke to the sound of softly singing birds outside his bedroom's window.
Moving slightly, he immediately regretted his decision to return to the world of the conscious when a stab of pain that almost stole his breath away shot through his side.
'Okay then,' he thought breathlessly, 'Moving isn't such a good idea.'
Mentally debating if there was a way to kill these annoyingly cheerful creatures before they drove him insane with their incessant chirping so he could get some more sleep, he finally gave up and opened his eyes.
Blinking slowly and easing himself up in bed, he noticed several things at once.
First, he was lying in his own bed, a mount of at least a dozen colourful embroidered velvet pillows behind his head.
Second, his chest was swathed in so many layers of bandages that Aragorn was convinced that there couldn't be another piece of linen in the whole of Imladris.
And third, Elrohir was sleeping in an armchair next to his bed, head resting on one of the padded arms and eyes half-lidded, the dark hair that had fallen over his eyes moving slightly with every breath he took.
Gazing at his brother's dark hair, Estel suddenly bolted upright in his bed, ignoring his protesting side.
"Elladan!"
Waking with a start, Elrohir blinked a few times in rapid succession before fixing worried eyes on his young brother.
"Estel, you are awake! How do you feel? Does your side hurt? Do you need anything? I will get father," he asked so quickly that the human could barely separate the questions.
Gripping his brother's arm with his right hand, Aragorn stopped him before he could leave the room.
"Elrohir, wait! Where is Elladan? Is he alright? I can't remember what happened to him," he asked the dark haired elf urgently, his silver eyes searching his brother's scratched face for the answers he sought.
The younger twin dropped back down into his chair, a grin on his face that didn't reach his eyes.
"You wouldn't. You collapsed right after we arrived yesterday evening."
Seeing the worry in his human brother's eyes, he placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Do not worry, brother. Elladan will be alright. Ada spent a long time patching him up and putting enough stitches into his back to last him well into the next age. He is still sleeping, but he will be fine."
Breathing a sigh of relief, Aragorn allowed himself to fall back into the pillows and closed his eyes.
"Thank the Valar! I just thought he … But wait a moment, did you say yesterday evening? It's getting dark outside now!" he exclaimed, pointing at the slowly dimming sunlight that streamed in through the window.
"Yes, little one, I did indeed say evening, and if you don't calm down this instant, father will have me thrown out without batting an eyelid! You have been asleep for more than 20 hours," his elven brother explained, pressing him back down onto his bed.
"20 hours?" Aragorn repeated, staring at his brother with wide eyes.
"How is that possible?"
"Well, ada drugged you, of course," Elrohir explained with a smug grin.
"And there was the small matter of your wound, as well," he added, dropping his eyes and becoming very serious.
Estel eyed his brother confused. Reaching out again, he laid a hand on his brother's arm.
"Elrohir? What is it? I am fine, it wasn't that bad!"
His elven brother raised his head suddenly, tears of self-accusation shining in his eyes.
"It is all my fault!"
Blinking perplexed, Estel asked, "What is your fault, brother?"
"Well, everything of course! Elladan was wounded because he warned me of that warg that had been sneaking up behind me! If I had paid attention and seen it sooner, he wouldn't be lying in the hospital wing looking as if a horde of trolls used him for a doormat!
And I knew you had been wounded, but when we found Elladan, I was just so worried and I simply forgot! I almost lost both of you on one day! What kind of brother am I??"
Sighing inwardly, Estel finally understood what was troubling his brother. Even though he was not nearly as bad as Elladan, he was still ready to put all the blame on his shoulders. And then still some more, if possible.
He shook his head in exasperation, "The stupid kind, I guess."
Looking at his elven brother, Aragorn suddenly wished that time would stop so he could have a picture drawn of this sight. That specific look of open-mouthed confusion was extremely hard to come by.
He smiled innocently at Elrohir and continued with quiet conviction.
"Nothing of this was your fault, brother. You are to blame neither for Elladan's injury nor for mine. I didn't want you to remember my wound, in fact I had forgotten all about it for a while myself. When I saw Elladan like that, all I could think of was getting him home as quickly as possible," he told his brother and added, stressing every word and catching his brother's eyes, "This was not your fault. Everybody would have reacted just like you did."
"And that is exactly what I have been trying to tell him for the past 21 hours," a new voice interrupted their conversation, exhaustion and humour both very much evident.
The two brothers turned their heads into the direction of the voice to see their father stand in the doorway, a small pot with some kind of salve or ointment in the one and a pile of bandages in the other hand.
'That much to my theory concerning the bandages,' Aragorn thought wryly, 'He must have been stockpiling them somewhere…'
Elrond approached the bed his youngest son was lying in, positioned the items he held on a small wooden table next to his other son's armchair, an armchair he could have sworn he had last seen in the library by the way, and sat down on the edge of the bed, dark robes moving softly across the stone floor.
Smiling at the young human, he reached out and touched Estel's forehead, nodding satisfied when he could feel no sign of a fever.
"You gave me quite a scare yesterday, my son. How many times have I told you to take better care of your body? It is not as bad as we thought at first sight, but combined with the blood-loss and exhaustion it was enough to make sure that your body needs to rest for a few days. Why didn't you tell your brother?" he scolded lightly, letting his hand rest against his son's cheek.
Estel returned the smile, looking somewhat abashed.
"I'm sorry, father. Somehow my sword got stuck in that warg and then we found Elladan and I just …"
Elrond shook his head slightly, the worry he had felt for the human still lingering the depths of his dark grey eyes.
"There is no need to justify your actions, Estel. I know you did not do this on purpose. At least I hope so," he added with a mocking smile.
Estel laughed, clutching his side, a sudden mischievous gleam in his eyes.
"Well, I didn't plan it, ada, but when I saw that warg I just couldn't resist. I know how much you appreciate a challenge and so I thought 'Why not, it's been ages since he's had any interesting cases, he's looking positively unhappy…'"
Shaking his head in mock indignation, his father turned to his younger elven son, who had been watching the conversation with an amused smile.
"Just why didn't you feed him to the wargs as I ordered, Elrohir?" he asked, causing both of his sons to burst out laughing.
Seeing the way his human son was holding on to his side, Elrond rose, took up his supplies and gave his other son a light shove in the direction of the door.
"Go, you have exhausted you brother for far too long already. And take that armchair back to the library from where you 'borrowed' it," he ordered, giving Elrohir a stern look.
Looking like an elfling who had just got caught in one of the larders before a great feast, the younger elf grinned at his brother and left, pushing the chair out of the room.
Sitting back down, Elrond pushed Aragorn's shirt away from the bandages and started to uncoil the linen straps.
Sensing Aragorn's gaze upon him, he raised his eyes to the face of his son.
"Do you think he will be alright? It wasn't his fault, there honestly is nothing he could have done," Aragorn asked softly, worry for his brother evident in his voice.
Elrond smiled thoughtfully, remembering the countless times the twins had joyfully placed heaps of undeserved guilt on their shoulders.
"Yes, my son, he will be alright. Just wait, as soon as he has spoken to Elladan he will feel better, and in a few days he will be back to normal," he replied and carefully spread ointment on the wound whose edges were sewn together with soft elven thread.
At his words Estel sat up, a hopeful look spreading on his face.
"Elladan is awake? How is he? Can I see him?"
Mumbling softly under his breath about the impatience of youth, Elrond rewrapped the wound and turned stern eyes on his youngest.
"No, he is not awake, but he should wake up any minute now. He will feel a bit sore for the next few days, and his throat and back should take a bit longer to heal, but he will be fine. And no, you can't see him now," he stated, but added when he saw Aragorn's face fall, "Perhaps tomorrow, if you feel strong enough to get up. And remember, my son, if I catch you in Elladan's room before I expressly allow you to visit him, I will forget having ever said these words."
Estel lay back and relaxed into the comforting warmth of the bed, snuggling deeper under the covers and yawning sleepily.
"I wouldn't dream of it, ada. I would never do such a thing."
The Lord of Rivendell watched his son fall asleep, gathered his supplies and stood up.
Smiling down on the sleeping human, he wondered how many more times he would have to patch up his youngest yet again.
'It's probably best not to think about it,' he decided and headed for the door, snorting softly when he remembered Aragorn's last words.
'Do they really expect one to believe such statements?'
Legolas walked lightly across the clearing, calling softly for their horses.
At the clear sound of the prince's voice, the three animals lifted their heads from where they had been grazing and came up to him, whinnying happily.
Legolas reached out to pat his horse's neck, telling it softly in Elvish that it was the most beautiful horse he had ever seen, besides being the most intelligent, bravest and swiftest animal in existence.
The horse rubbed its white, gleaming nose against Legolas' green tunic, nodding its proud head in agreement with each statement.
Laughing lightly, the elf began to get them ready to travel.
'You, my friend, are the cockiest being I have ever met. Although Estel might give you a run for your money,' he grinned inwardly.
He had risen early this morning when he couldn't fall asleep anymore, and, with a quiet nod to Celylith who had taken the last watch, he had told him in a whisper that he would take care of their horses so they could leave earlier, very careful not to wake his other travelling companion. Glónduil had been nearly unbearable the other day, barely civil and stressing Legolas' title at each opportunity.
Giving his prince an unreadable look, Celylith had nodded back, fingering the bow that lay across his lap and scanning Legolas closely as he disappeared between the tall dark trees that were seemingly trying to shift closer together in an attempt to block out the early sunlight.
Currying his horse, Legolas heard a soft noise behind him, something probably only a wood-elf would have noticed.
Without taking his eyes off his task, he smiled slightly and said,
"So he has risen at last?"
Celylith scowled at his friend's back, abandoned his attempts at stealth and walked closer to the horses, giving his own an apple and, when the other two looked at him with a mixture of accusation and unbelief, produced two more.
"He is breaking camp. We will be ready to leave in about 20 minutes," he stated, watching Legolas intently.
"Very good," the fair haired elf replied, not willing to give away his feeling on this subject.
Sighing, Legolas' companion shook his silver head and decided that a direct approach was the only course of action that offered a slim chance of success. When Legolas wanted to be, he could be even more tight-lipped than a wizard when pressed for information.
"What is it that has been bothering you, mellonamin? You haven't been yourself lately. Is it because of Glónduil? He didn't mean what he said, don't take him too seriously," he asked, willing his companion to answer his question.
To his surprise, Legolas sighed and let his head rest against his horse's neck, closing his eyes.
A moment later he opened them again and smiled sadly at his friend.
"Nay, my friend, he meant it exactly the way he said. His words could not have been any clearer. But no," he added and started currying again, "It is not because of him, or at least not only because of him. It is … I don't know how to explain it," he said, frustration evident in his voice, and turned to face his friend, letting the horse brush sink again.
"Have a try," Celylith said with more cheerfulness than he felt.
"It is … like a darkness that is creeping closer and closer. Every time I try to fall asleep, it is there, waiting, growing, coming closer. There is danger coming, mellonamin," Legolas tried to explain, eyeing his friend closely.
The silver haired elf's face grew dark at Legolas' words; if the prince felt that danger was approaching, one could usually trust his judgement.
"Are we in danger?"
Legolas shook his head, his fair hair catching the first sunlight that had managed to creep through the dense trees all around them.
"No, at least I don't think so. The closer I come to Imladris, the more powerful this feeling becomes. There is danger approaching it, or already there."
He stopped for a second and turned despairing eyes on his friend.
"And I cannot help them! We cannot travel any faster than we already do, and we are still more than five days away!"
Celylith looked at his friend in sympathy.
"Don't worry, mellonamin. We will reach the High Pass at the end of the day. Perhaps you are mistaken and …"
He stopped right there when he saw Legolas raise an eyebrow in question.
"Excuse me? Is this the same elf who pledged never to question my judgement again after we all very nearly got eaten by those wargs because no one would listen to my warnings?"
His friend smiled at him, midnight-blue eyes troubled.
"I was just being optimistic, my lord," he explained softly.
Returning the smile, Legolas placed a slim hand on his companion's shoulder.
"I know you were. You always are. Even when captured by spiders and about to be woven into a cocoon, you would still find something positive about the situation."
"Spiders are very interesting creatures! We could learn a lot from them if they would just give us enough time to get acquainted with each other," Celylith exclaimed and added, thoughtfully, "Unfortunately, they always try to eat us first, but if we could get past that…"
He took a look at Legolas' face and decided to let the subject drop. Most wood-elves weren't especially fond of the arachnids, and Legolas was no exception to that rule.
Smiling encouragingly, he told his friend, "They will be fine, Legolas. Nothing will happen to Lord Elrond or his sons. The twins are not so easy to get rid of, and Strider knows how to look after himself quite well for an edan. They will be fine," he repeated.
Legolas looked into the other elf's eyes and fervently hoped he could believe this.
Elladan was lying in bed, barely enjoying the first light of the morning sun that streamed through the window into the hospital room. Taking a look at the small bare room, the older twin sighed and started to work on his seventh escape plan this morning. It would work about as well as the six before it, but well, he needed something to pass the time.
'There is absolutely no reason to lock me into this small, stupid and boring room!' he complained inwardly and began to count the beams on the ceiling once again. He had done that about 45 times already, so it was still a relatively new and exciting pastime.
Since Elrohir's visit yesterday evening nothing, absolutely nothing of interest had happened.
Just when he had reached beam number 31, he heard a small noise outside his room. He tried to remember the position of this specific beam and looked down from the ceiling, expecting to see his father or one of the healers, who had come to torment him on the pretext of changing his bandages or something similarly sinister.
Instead of one of the elves who cared for him, he saw his young human brother sneak into his room, wearing a robe over a light shirt and nothing on his feet.
Elladan winced. If their father caught the ranger like this, there would be trouble.
"Estel?!" he whispered hoarsely, delight and reproach in his voice, "What are you doing here? Do you know what father will do with you if he finds you here?"
The human grinned at him as he plopped down into the only chair in the room. He took some books that Elladan had been reading in his room out of his robes, placing them next to his elven brother's head.
"I know how much you enjoy the peace and quiet here, so I thought I'd visit you and bring you something to read. And don't worry, father won't find me here, Elrohir is distracting him, or at least he promised me to. And … Ilúvatar, who decorated this room?" he asked in mock surprise, a wicked gleam in his eyes. It was a long-standing joke between the three of them.
His grin faded quickly when he took in his brother's numerous bandages.
"How are you, brother?"
Elladan smiled when he heard the worry in his brother's voice.
"I am well, Estel. I was lucky I had you and father to patch me up. My back will take a bit to heal, but father promised me he would let me go in two or three days. Another week and I will be as good as new," he stated and asked, eyeing Aragorn suspiciously, "But what about you? Elrohir said something about a near-fatal injury."
Aragorn rolled his eyes in annoyance.
"I'm fine, Elladan, really. 'Tis just a scratch, I will be able to stay out of bed today if ada allows it."
Elladan gave his brother a look that clearly said that he thought the human had very obviously taken a rather hard hit to the head.
"I know, I know," Estel said, sighing, "I will have to convince him. Speaking of which, I should return to my room, I think. I have not survived those smelly beasts to be killed by my own father because I'm out of bed against his orders."
He rose from the chair and gave his older elven brother a warning grin.
"When I come back later with father, could you please be so kind to hide the books and at least try and act as if you hadn't seen me for days? You spoiled the whole thing the last time," he told his brother, and left the room quickly before Elladan could find his still slightly damaged voice to reply.
Elrond's oldest son looked after his human brother, smiling sweetly.
'Just you wait, little brother, just you wait. Wait till you have seen what I did to your shirts a few days ago…'
Stoking the low fire, the lone elf sat in front of his small campfire and stared into the dancing flames. The wind had picked up during the evening, dark grey clouds blocking out the moon and stars, dipping the scenery into almost complete blackness. There was a storm coming, silencing the usual sounds of the forest, so that nothing apart from the howling of the wind could be heard. One couldn't even hear the soft murmuring of the creek that was but a few hundred metres away and after which Amon Siril had been named.
The dark haired elf grinned grimly. The weather fitted his mood just perfectly, which was so dark he was surprised one could not see the rain clouds hanging over his head.
'Perhaps Nólad was right after all,' he thought, picking at the hot ashes with a short stick, 'I shouldn't have done this on my own.'
To see Imladris after all these years had been hard, a lot harder than he had imagined. He had had to stop himself from riding right up to the gates, expecting a welcome from his friends and family.
'They are dead, you fool,' he told himself firmly, 'Dead! Every single one of them! Nólad is the only one left now, all the others are gone. And all because of the foolish decision of one elf, one person who destroyed so many lives with a single ill-founded decision!'
He gritted his teeth against the mental pain the memory of a day almost 3000 years ago was causing him, against the images of bloody dark hair, unseeing green eyes staring at nothing, and blood, so much blood…
The elf pressed the palms of his hands against his eyes, trying to block out the vision. His attempts were interrupted when he heard the unmistakable sound of approaching horses, and, by the sound of it, a lot of them.
Taking several deep breaths, he tried to get his feelings under control. He ran a still shaking hand over his face and suppressed the memories forcefully.
The dark haired elf turned from the campfire to the south to meet his friend and the men in the small woods that covered the hill on all sides and lead them to his campsite.
'There is a lot to discuss with Nólad and even the edain,' he thought as he picked his way through the undergrowth, 'I won't let them ruin the only chance of revenge I might ever get.'
TBC...
ada - father (daddy)
mellonamin - my friend
edan - human, man (sg.)
edain - men (pl.)
Well, you heard it, review and Legolas will arrive in Rivendell sooner! *puts her hand over Legolas' mouth before he can protest*
Honestly! *clueless, adorable look of innocence* So, please will you review? Please??
Additional A/N:
Ruth - Me, a review junkie? *look of fake indignation* NEVER! *snickers* Well, perhaps a bit ... a tiny little bit ... Thank you so much for your review! I love getting reviews! *hastily* Which, of course, doesn't make me a review junkie! *g*
Alexa - *blushes* Oww, thank you! I'm really sorry to disappoint you, but Legolas is still stuck on the wrong side of the Misty Mountains ... hm, or on the right side, when one considers what will be going on on the other side soon ... *evil grin*
E - E what? Interesting name though... *g* Pain for our favourite elves and human? Me? Whatever gave you _that_ idea? Well, he is planning to invite them all for a nice little tea party ... or not ... *g*
Mouse - Well done! *hands Mouse an Elrond plushie* Not a bad guess! You would have guessed after this chapter anyway... But what will he do? *evil cackle* Thanks so much for your compliments! I loved writing Glónduil ... and the evil elf ... is that normal? I love writing the bad guys ... I should seek professional help ...
MegumiFuu - Estel-whumping, you could say that ... And this, my friends, is only the beginning ... *evil laugh* I'm glad you like it! But Legolas and the twins will see their fair share of whumping, too ... and perhaps even Elrond, I haven't decided yet... *g*
CalliTrakand - Well, yes, I AM evil! I love hurting them ... but I patch them up as well, most of the time anyway... *g* Thank you for all your kind words AND the review, of course! I think I DID mention I love them ... once ... or twice ... *g* Believe or or not, I wondered whether to update today or Monday, and because of all the reviews I decided to do it today. So you really managed to convince me to update sooner ... and if you review again, I just MIGHT update on Tuesday... Blackmail again, I know!
Carrie - *removes her pink fluffy earmuffs* Done screaming? Thank you, my mother was already asking if I was murdering someone up here... *g* *reads review again* Estel is gonna get _what_? BURNED? By what's-his-name, Vandaril? NOOOOO!!!!! How could you? Uhm, I shouldn't be talking, I think... *grabs earmuffs tighter* I think I will keep them for the next chapter...
Reginabean - *sits down on top of the cliff* Well, you have to understand, it's not that I don't WANT to help you, there is just no point in doing so ... I mean, see it my way: Every time I post a cliffy (and there are going to be a few more times, believe me!), I will have to haul you up again. No, thanks! But I hope this chapter helped a bit ... all nice and quiet, but: Did you notice the title? *runs away cackling evilly*
ThE iNsAnE oNe - *whines* Where is your story? Well? You've got to post it or, or, or ... I will stop updating!! *looks pleased* So, what do you say? *takes a look at Fred* Well, uhm, just ... forget about it, will you? Of course I will update frequently, and did I mention that Fred is an extraordinarily beautifuil warg? *nervous smile*
Alilacia - *snickers* Oh, just you wait ... There will be much to give Legolas a reason to feel guilty! _Much_ more! Ah, I just _love_ knowing things other people don't ... does that make me evil? No, on second thought, don't answer that... *g* *narrows eyes* How did you know what Estel was planning to do? Never mind, your mind probably just works in the same scary ways mine does... Well, you forgot the scene where Aragorn is jumping across that chasm in Moria and Legolas catches him. _That_ is a great scene... *sighs*
Ciria - *hides* Oh, another Legolas fan! I'm sorry, but it will take him a bit longer to cross the mountains ... let me think ... Legolas will get off the mountains in three days and will be able to arrive in Rivendell in about four days, if my memory serves me right... So, in a few chapters he will join our favourite elves and human ... or not ... *g* Thanks so much for the review!
Acacia - Nothing's wrong with Estel, don't worry ... *pats her back* It's just a flesh wound! I hope you'll enjoy the rest as well! Thanks for reviewing!
Miss Undastood - *pales* You are right you are right you are right ... I changed it! I did! It's gone! Now it makes perfect sense ... at least I hope so ... *g* Thanks for telling me and thanks for the review!
Lina - You know, somehow I really LOVE Éomer ... He is a very sensible person ... a bit stupid, yes, but ... *g* Don't kill Glónduil! I still need him! I know he is a jerk, but that's no reason to _kill_ him ... Lina, get back ... put down Halo's hammer ... Lina!! *sighs* God! And, see, Estel is fine ... *whispers* for now ...
Zam - You thought of Legolas? God, I liked that scene! Now I will never be able to read it without thinking of you, a naked Glónduil or Legolas! Thanks Oh so very much! *gives evil glare of death* Well, I hate to tell you, but I think Aragorn yells "Elendil" because he was his great-great-great-...-great-grandfather. Is Gil-Galad _your_ grandfather? Hm? Are you part elf? I don't think so ... So, you will need to come up with another one, I'm afraid... *g* And, yes, Elladan's hair is still green, but only a little bit, you wouldn't even see it if you were not looking for it.
Jenny - You hate cliffhangers? Uhm, then I would advise you against reading any further! You won't like the next chapter, believe me! *evil cackle* But it's fun writing them! Thanks for reviewing!
ManuKu - Hey! Na, wenn das nicht die erste deutsche review ist, die ich bekomme! Danke! *umarmt sie* Freu ich mich doch, dass es dir gefaellt! Das bedeutet mir ganze Menge, glaub mir! Und gleich vier Stueck auf einmal! Du kannst dir nicht vorstellen, wie review-suechtig ich in allerkuerzester Zeit geworden bin ... das ist schon nicht meht schoen ... *boeses Grinsen* Tja ja ja, der boese Elb wird sich auch noch einige Zeit im Verborgenen halten, ist doch auch viel lustiger so, nech? Vielen Dank fuer die review!!
Roses - Thank you for the compliment! I try to let people know what the characters are thinking, this way I hope to minimize confusion ... emphasis on "hope" ... *g* And, thank you, I will definitely need all the luck I can possibly get! Thanks for the review!
Arafel - Don't worry, I will post more soon! Depends on how many review I get, of course... *evil grin* I'm glad you liked it! So, review this bit, and I might think about posting the next part on Tuesday... I love being able to blackmail people... *g*
Just Jill - Yeah, the friendship bit is really sad ... I haven't decided yet what to do with Glónduil, perhaps he will apologize ... he's still young (for an elf, that is!) and should be able to overcome his prejudices ... then again, maybe not... *evil grin* Thanks a lot for reviewing!
Thanks sooooo much for the reviews! They did make me post sooner! They really did! *hugs all of them* Thank you!