Legolas was out of arrows. Each one had found it's mark yet the orcs still
came. He whipped out his twin knives.
The knives seemed to have a life of their own, spinning, twirling and twisting. Orc bodies fell, one after the other, but they kept coming. Searing pain in his left shoulder forced him to let one of his knives go. Grimly he kept on, unfazed by the injury. More pain in his right arm forced the knife to drop from his right hand. Orc bodies piled upon him as he tried to run. They wanted him alive. The arrows were ripped from his shoulder's, blinding pain seared Legolas body. They tied him up and slammed his back to a tree. His fingers searching for anything, they found what they wanted. A rock.
Estel took a deep breath, they had been searching for several hours now. They had heard orc screams earlier and they worked their way to where they thought the sound had come. Orcs, Raniean had explained, never entered this far into the forest. But something or someone had been worth it.
Pain ripped through Legolas' body. Not satisfied with the answers to the location of the child, they had thought that a whip would beat him into answering. His shirt was in tatters and his back not much better. Blood poured from his wounds and spilled down to the ground.
Ignoring the pain, Legolas began to scratch with the rock, an arrow, pointing up. He knew that his chances were slim, but if they could see the arrow, perhaps the baby would be saved.
"Where is the baby?"
An orc yelled into Legolas face. Legolas let his lip curl into a sneer, angered the orc backhanded Legolas, his metal gloves splitting open Legolas bottom lip. Legolas simply stared into the twisted face of the orc, he would give no answer. The orc hissed angrily. He walked away, but came back quickly holding a flask in his hand. He grinned evilly at Legolas
"A new kind of poison for you, elf." And forced Legolas to drink it. Though Legolas made no sound, his body writhed as it tried to deal with the poisons. Course laughter rang through the forest as the orcs watched the elf writhe. "This poison won't kill you, elf. It'll just take away your memories. It goes to your brain and...."
The laughter was stilled abruptly as noise was heard around them. Panicked the orcs grabbed the weapons and left the elf to die alone. Legolas could feel the poison traveling through his bloodstream. It was a numbing effect. Soon his legs were completely numb, his back was soon completely numbed and his arms were starting become numb. His head was making a buzzing sound in his head. "Strider!" He called out then all went black.
Ellendan looked up suddenly as course laughter rang through the forest. Instantly all 5 were running towards the sound. Ellendan motioned for Trelan and Raienan to spread out so they could surround them. Estel waited impatiently as they circled the camp where the orc laughter had rang out.
A bird whistled, Estel looked into the forest confused, he hadn't heard a bird for days. It whistled again. Estel whistled as well as he remembered that the Mirkwood elves had developed a system for just a few elves to surround a pack of orcs and make it seem like the orcs were completely surrounded. It was no bird but Trelan and Raienan whistling that they were ready. Two more whistles came and they slowly started walking to the camp.
A sudden cry startled them all.
"STRIDER!"
Estel's seemed to stop. He straightened and ran forward ignoring Ellendan's cry to stop.
"Legolas!"
His heart nearly stopped when he saw his friend tied up, blood running down his back. Legolas made no movement. Estel rushed up to him. "Legolas! Legolas!" He quickly cut the bonds, freeing the elf.
"Legolas! Wake up!"
Estel could see patches of white on the bloody back. He gently touched one of the white spots only to withdraw quickly realizing that he had just touched one of Legolas ribs.
Legolas moaned. His eyes fluttered, closed then opened. "baby." He gasped, "get baby."
Estel frowned what baby? A cry made him look up, he saw a bundle in the tree.
"Ok, Legolas, I'll get the baby. You just rest."
Legolas shook his head weakly "I've been poisoned. All my memories will be forgotten. Tell my father I love him."
What Estel heard was "Poison... memories ..forgotten.. father.." Estel gently shook Legolas.
"Legolas! Hold on!"
Ellendan, Elrohir, Trelan and Raniean looked in horror at the unconscious prince.
Cries were dimly heard as they all quickly knelt and tried to help the prince. Swallowing back tears Estel pushed Trelan towards the tree
"Trelan, get the baby down."
Confused Trelan stared at Estel. "What baby?"
"Can't you hear it?" Estel yelled.
Trelan looked up and nodded and quickly climbed the tree. Ellendan cut the remaining strips of Legolas tunic off. Taking a water flask he wet some cloth and gently began sponging off Legolas back. Legolas cried out in elvish
"Don't let them get the baby!"
Ellendan looked at Elrohir they both shared the same thought what had the orcs done to Legolas? He should have stopped bleeding by now.
Trelan meanwhile was trying not to wince as he got closer to the wailing. He peered into the bag. Though a human baby it obviously had elvish blood. It stopped it's crying as soon as Trelan had peered in the bag. It gave a squeal of laughter and yanked on the strand of hair that had fallen into the bag. Trelan let out a curse in elvish, as he tried to untangle his hair. Not succeeding he took his knife and cut his hair and the strings holding the bag. Trelan let out another curse. The baby squealed happily, into Trelan's ear, it had grabbed another fist full of hair and was yanked happily.
Ellendan and Elrohir went into the forest to find two branches they could use for a stretcher. Estel stayed by Legolas, trying to call him back. He was horrified at the bright blood of his friend, the whiteness of Legolas face.
"Please Legolas," he whispered. "Hold on."
*~*~*~*
They had made their way safely to the Palace. Legolas had been brought to his room and laid down. His back and shoulders were gently cared for but no one knew why he didn't waken. Estel had explained about the poison, and an antidote that was thought to be the one was given, but Legolas still didn't waken. Estel sat next to the still elf. He sighed
"Legolas, what is a matter?"
He asked the unconscious elf.
"Why aren't you awake yet?"
A quiet laughter came from the doorway Estel looked up, it was Thranduil. Estel sighed in frustration "Why won't he wake up?"
Thranduil laughed "Legolas never was one to take commands from anyone. Not even me."
Estel allowed a smile to creep on his face. "True."
Thranduil nodded. "Don't worry Estel, Legolas will wake up and everything will return to normal." He sighed "I hope you and Legolas always getting hurt is called normal." Estel laughed.
*~*~*~*
Several days had passed with no sign of change over Legolas.
Worried Thranduil sent for Elrond, who had come swiftly. He called Legolas back several times but each time failed. All the elves were baffled.
It was late one night that Estel unable to sleep wandered out into the courtyard. He sat on the edge of the fountain and stared at the stars that Legolas loved so much. He took a deep breath released it and allowed his fingers to wade in the softly trickling water. Every herb had been tried, anything anyone could think of had been tried. But Legolas still didn't wake. He ran a hand through his hair. What did the orcs give Legolas? He shook his head, got up and stretched.
He suddenly noticed a plant growing by the fountain. Funny, he had never seen it before. He knelt and gently grasped a leaf. Only to draw back quickly. The plant was armed with tiny spikes.
"What are you doing, Estel?"
Startled Estel leaped up and turned to confront the voice. It was Trelan. He was rubbing his head. Estel raised an eyebrow. Trelan frowned at Estel
"That baby won't let anyone else touch him except me!"
Estel laughed. Trelan shoved him good-naturedly "Be glad Estel, that baby has a grip like an adult."
Estel laughed harder.
"So answer my question, what were you doing?"
Estel gestured toward the plant.
Trelan shook his head "it has been there for several years now. No one know what it is but it has a powerful thistle, and the sting doesn't leave for hours afterwards." He noticed Estel rubbing his hand. He laughed "I see you decided you needed to experience it for yourself?" This time Estel shoved Trelan.
"I don't know why." Estel said somberly "But somehow I know that this is the plant for Legolas."
Trelan scoffed. "How do you know? For all we know it is a poison! And could kill someone. And I don't want that someone to be Legolas!" Trelan's voice had raised to a shout and Estel quickly shushed him.
"Shhh! You want everyone awake?" Estel sighed, looking down at the plant. "I don't know how Trelan, and I don't know why. But something inside tells me that this is the plant to wake up Legolas."
Trelan nodded slowly "But what if that thing inside of you is only awoken by your desire to see Legolas waken?"
Frustrated Estel ran his fingers through his hair. "I don't know, Trelan, ok? I just don't know." He turned to stare in the forest, frustrated with himself.
Trelan laid a hand on Estel's shoulder offering silent support. "I just wish he would wake up and be ok. It hurts to see him not moving, silent as death." He angrily scrubbed away the tears welling up in his eyes. "I just want him to be ok again."
*~*~*~*
Thranduil stared at the pale face of his son. He gently stroked the pale cheek. He smiled at Legolas remembering the first time he held Legolas in his arms. How his heart had burst with pride.
"Everyone adored you."
He whispered to the still form. "They did anything for you. They loved you and still do." He stood up and looked out the window. "I remember when you left for Dorolyn and when you didn't come back." Thranduil closed his eyes remembering the days of anxious waiting.
"My heart nearly broke when I saw Elrond carrying you back, bloody, bruised, hurting." His voice trailed off. "And when you had the nightmares." A tear made it's way slowly down Thranduil's face. He quickly wiped it away. "Your mother was so proud when you sang her favorite song for her before she left." He wiped away more tears. "I remember how heartbroken you were when she left." He turned from the window and looked at Legolas. "Please don't leave me Legolas."
*~*~*~*
Elrond stared at the pale, still face. He sensed Legolas was struggling to come back, but couldn't. It was if something was blocking his way. Elrond placed a hand on Legolas' forehead and closed his eyes.
"Lasto beth nîn Legolas. Tolo dan na ngalad. (Hear my voice Legolas. Come back to the light.) Legolas took a deeper breath but didn't waken.
The door slammed open, Elrond looked up into the worried face of Estel.
"Father! I found a plant and I feel in my heart it will cure Legolas, but I don't know. Can you look at it?" The words tumbled from Estel.
Elrond gently took the plant from Estel. The thistles on the plant dug into Elrond's hands. He frowned studying the plant. He turned and set it down on the table, and using a knife he cut the plant open.
A thick green liquid oozed out. Elrond touched it and brought it up to smell. He could detect no poisons, but it didn't mean there wasn't any.
"Bring water Estel." He heard Estel leave. Perhaps this was the cure.
Elrond brought the mixture to a boil. He had taken the liquid and some other healing herbs and was boiling them in a sort of tea. He took the mixture from the fire and waited for it to cool.
"Are you sure this will work father?" Estel spoke up from the bed.
Elrond turned and looked at Estel. "I have tested the plant out Estel, there is no poisons. And somehow I feel as you do. That this is the plant to cure Legolas."
Elrond turned back to the cooling mixture. He tested it with a finger and finding it cool enough poured it in a cup and brought it over to Legolas. The Prince's back had healed, albeit slowly but it had healed completely. And now he lay flat on his back, his hands resting on his chest.
Elrond handed the cup to Estel and gently lifted the Prince up. Estel gently poured the liquid in Legolas' mouth. Instinctively Legolas swallowed the liquid. Elrond gently set him down when he was finished.
"Lasto beth nîn Legolas. Tolo dan na ngalad." He called.
Legolas gave a small sigh. Color started to return to the ashen face.
"Tolo dan na ngalad Legolas!" Estel called urgently. Legolas took a deeper breath and slowly released it. His eyes fluttered and then closed. He took a deeper breath but didn't open his eyes.
Eagerly Estel leaned over him "Legolas!" But Legolas made no movement. Estel heaved a sigh in frustration.
"Be patient Estel." Elrond admonished gently. "If this is the cure, he will waken."
A few more days passed with seemingly no other change, except for the color in Legolas face and the slighter deeper breaths. It was a bright sunny day when Estel entered Legolas' room taking Ellendan's place to watch over the prince.
"So nin mellon," He said good naturedly to the sleeping prince, "How are you this day? Well I hope. You know,"
He turned accusingly to Legolas, "you have a lot of nerve! You go off into the wild and don't tell anyone, you scare me out of my wits, worry your father out of his mind." He shook his head.
Legolas gave a little moan, instantly Estel leaned over Legolas. Legolas slowly opened his eyes. There was no mistaking the worried face in front of his. Panicked Legolas tried to move away from Estel, fear evident in his eyes.
"Us nin! Us nin!" (Leave me! Leave me!) Legolas cried out as he move away from Estel.
Shocked Estel moved away from Legolas. "Eam layaa mellon, Legolas!" (I am your friend, Legolas!) Estel cried in the confusion.
"Us nin!" (Leave me!") Legolas cried once more and fell back unconscious.
Estel looked toward his father who had entered in the confusion "What happened?" He asked confused.
Elrond bowed his head. "He does not remember anything." He said quietly.
The knives seemed to have a life of their own, spinning, twirling and twisting. Orc bodies fell, one after the other, but they kept coming. Searing pain in his left shoulder forced him to let one of his knives go. Grimly he kept on, unfazed by the injury. More pain in his right arm forced the knife to drop from his right hand. Orc bodies piled upon him as he tried to run. They wanted him alive. The arrows were ripped from his shoulder's, blinding pain seared Legolas body. They tied him up and slammed his back to a tree. His fingers searching for anything, they found what they wanted. A rock.
Estel took a deep breath, they had been searching for several hours now. They had heard orc screams earlier and they worked their way to where they thought the sound had come. Orcs, Raniean had explained, never entered this far into the forest. But something or someone had been worth it.
Pain ripped through Legolas' body. Not satisfied with the answers to the location of the child, they had thought that a whip would beat him into answering. His shirt was in tatters and his back not much better. Blood poured from his wounds and spilled down to the ground.
Ignoring the pain, Legolas began to scratch with the rock, an arrow, pointing up. He knew that his chances were slim, but if they could see the arrow, perhaps the baby would be saved.
"Where is the baby?"
An orc yelled into Legolas face. Legolas let his lip curl into a sneer, angered the orc backhanded Legolas, his metal gloves splitting open Legolas bottom lip. Legolas simply stared into the twisted face of the orc, he would give no answer. The orc hissed angrily. He walked away, but came back quickly holding a flask in his hand. He grinned evilly at Legolas
"A new kind of poison for you, elf." And forced Legolas to drink it. Though Legolas made no sound, his body writhed as it tried to deal with the poisons. Course laughter rang through the forest as the orcs watched the elf writhe. "This poison won't kill you, elf. It'll just take away your memories. It goes to your brain and...."
The laughter was stilled abruptly as noise was heard around them. Panicked the orcs grabbed the weapons and left the elf to die alone. Legolas could feel the poison traveling through his bloodstream. It was a numbing effect. Soon his legs were completely numb, his back was soon completely numbed and his arms were starting become numb. His head was making a buzzing sound in his head. "Strider!" He called out then all went black.
Ellendan looked up suddenly as course laughter rang through the forest. Instantly all 5 were running towards the sound. Ellendan motioned for Trelan and Raienan to spread out so they could surround them. Estel waited impatiently as they circled the camp where the orc laughter had rang out.
A bird whistled, Estel looked into the forest confused, he hadn't heard a bird for days. It whistled again. Estel whistled as well as he remembered that the Mirkwood elves had developed a system for just a few elves to surround a pack of orcs and make it seem like the orcs were completely surrounded. It was no bird but Trelan and Raienan whistling that they were ready. Two more whistles came and they slowly started walking to the camp.
A sudden cry startled them all.
"STRIDER!"
Estel's seemed to stop. He straightened and ran forward ignoring Ellendan's cry to stop.
"Legolas!"
His heart nearly stopped when he saw his friend tied up, blood running down his back. Legolas made no movement. Estel rushed up to him. "Legolas! Legolas!" He quickly cut the bonds, freeing the elf.
"Legolas! Wake up!"
Estel could see patches of white on the bloody back. He gently touched one of the white spots only to withdraw quickly realizing that he had just touched one of Legolas ribs.
Legolas moaned. His eyes fluttered, closed then opened. "baby." He gasped, "get baby."
Estel frowned what baby? A cry made him look up, he saw a bundle in the tree.
"Ok, Legolas, I'll get the baby. You just rest."
Legolas shook his head weakly "I've been poisoned. All my memories will be forgotten. Tell my father I love him."
What Estel heard was "Poison... memories ..forgotten.. father.." Estel gently shook Legolas.
"Legolas! Hold on!"
Ellendan, Elrohir, Trelan and Raniean looked in horror at the unconscious prince.
Cries were dimly heard as they all quickly knelt and tried to help the prince. Swallowing back tears Estel pushed Trelan towards the tree
"Trelan, get the baby down."
Confused Trelan stared at Estel. "What baby?"
"Can't you hear it?" Estel yelled.
Trelan looked up and nodded and quickly climbed the tree. Ellendan cut the remaining strips of Legolas tunic off. Taking a water flask he wet some cloth and gently began sponging off Legolas back. Legolas cried out in elvish
"Don't let them get the baby!"
Ellendan looked at Elrohir they both shared the same thought what had the orcs done to Legolas? He should have stopped bleeding by now.
Trelan meanwhile was trying not to wince as he got closer to the wailing. He peered into the bag. Though a human baby it obviously had elvish blood. It stopped it's crying as soon as Trelan had peered in the bag. It gave a squeal of laughter and yanked on the strand of hair that had fallen into the bag. Trelan let out a curse in elvish, as he tried to untangle his hair. Not succeeding he took his knife and cut his hair and the strings holding the bag. Trelan let out another curse. The baby squealed happily, into Trelan's ear, it had grabbed another fist full of hair and was yanked happily.
Ellendan and Elrohir went into the forest to find two branches they could use for a stretcher. Estel stayed by Legolas, trying to call him back. He was horrified at the bright blood of his friend, the whiteness of Legolas face.
"Please Legolas," he whispered. "Hold on."
*~*~*~*
They had made their way safely to the Palace. Legolas had been brought to his room and laid down. His back and shoulders were gently cared for but no one knew why he didn't waken. Estel had explained about the poison, and an antidote that was thought to be the one was given, but Legolas still didn't waken. Estel sat next to the still elf. He sighed
"Legolas, what is a matter?"
He asked the unconscious elf.
"Why aren't you awake yet?"
A quiet laughter came from the doorway Estel looked up, it was Thranduil. Estel sighed in frustration "Why won't he wake up?"
Thranduil laughed "Legolas never was one to take commands from anyone. Not even me."
Estel allowed a smile to creep on his face. "True."
Thranduil nodded. "Don't worry Estel, Legolas will wake up and everything will return to normal." He sighed "I hope you and Legolas always getting hurt is called normal." Estel laughed.
*~*~*~*
Several days had passed with no sign of change over Legolas.
Worried Thranduil sent for Elrond, who had come swiftly. He called Legolas back several times but each time failed. All the elves were baffled.
It was late one night that Estel unable to sleep wandered out into the courtyard. He sat on the edge of the fountain and stared at the stars that Legolas loved so much. He took a deep breath released it and allowed his fingers to wade in the softly trickling water. Every herb had been tried, anything anyone could think of had been tried. But Legolas still didn't wake. He ran a hand through his hair. What did the orcs give Legolas? He shook his head, got up and stretched.
He suddenly noticed a plant growing by the fountain. Funny, he had never seen it before. He knelt and gently grasped a leaf. Only to draw back quickly. The plant was armed with tiny spikes.
"What are you doing, Estel?"
Startled Estel leaped up and turned to confront the voice. It was Trelan. He was rubbing his head. Estel raised an eyebrow. Trelan frowned at Estel
"That baby won't let anyone else touch him except me!"
Estel laughed. Trelan shoved him good-naturedly "Be glad Estel, that baby has a grip like an adult."
Estel laughed harder.
"So answer my question, what were you doing?"
Estel gestured toward the plant.
Trelan shook his head "it has been there for several years now. No one know what it is but it has a powerful thistle, and the sting doesn't leave for hours afterwards." He noticed Estel rubbing his hand. He laughed "I see you decided you needed to experience it for yourself?" This time Estel shoved Trelan.
"I don't know why." Estel said somberly "But somehow I know that this is the plant for Legolas."
Trelan scoffed. "How do you know? For all we know it is a poison! And could kill someone. And I don't want that someone to be Legolas!" Trelan's voice had raised to a shout and Estel quickly shushed him.
"Shhh! You want everyone awake?" Estel sighed, looking down at the plant. "I don't know how Trelan, and I don't know why. But something inside tells me that this is the plant to wake up Legolas."
Trelan nodded slowly "But what if that thing inside of you is only awoken by your desire to see Legolas waken?"
Frustrated Estel ran his fingers through his hair. "I don't know, Trelan, ok? I just don't know." He turned to stare in the forest, frustrated with himself.
Trelan laid a hand on Estel's shoulder offering silent support. "I just wish he would wake up and be ok. It hurts to see him not moving, silent as death." He angrily scrubbed away the tears welling up in his eyes. "I just want him to be ok again."
*~*~*~*
Thranduil stared at the pale face of his son. He gently stroked the pale cheek. He smiled at Legolas remembering the first time he held Legolas in his arms. How his heart had burst with pride.
"Everyone adored you."
He whispered to the still form. "They did anything for you. They loved you and still do." He stood up and looked out the window. "I remember when you left for Dorolyn and when you didn't come back." Thranduil closed his eyes remembering the days of anxious waiting.
"My heart nearly broke when I saw Elrond carrying you back, bloody, bruised, hurting." His voice trailed off. "And when you had the nightmares." A tear made it's way slowly down Thranduil's face. He quickly wiped it away. "Your mother was so proud when you sang her favorite song for her before she left." He wiped away more tears. "I remember how heartbroken you were when she left." He turned from the window and looked at Legolas. "Please don't leave me Legolas."
*~*~*~*
Elrond stared at the pale, still face. He sensed Legolas was struggling to come back, but couldn't. It was if something was blocking his way. Elrond placed a hand on Legolas' forehead and closed his eyes.
"Lasto beth nîn Legolas. Tolo dan na ngalad. (Hear my voice Legolas. Come back to the light.) Legolas took a deeper breath but didn't waken.
The door slammed open, Elrond looked up into the worried face of Estel.
"Father! I found a plant and I feel in my heart it will cure Legolas, but I don't know. Can you look at it?" The words tumbled from Estel.
Elrond gently took the plant from Estel. The thistles on the plant dug into Elrond's hands. He frowned studying the plant. He turned and set it down on the table, and using a knife he cut the plant open.
A thick green liquid oozed out. Elrond touched it and brought it up to smell. He could detect no poisons, but it didn't mean there wasn't any.
"Bring water Estel." He heard Estel leave. Perhaps this was the cure.
Elrond brought the mixture to a boil. He had taken the liquid and some other healing herbs and was boiling them in a sort of tea. He took the mixture from the fire and waited for it to cool.
"Are you sure this will work father?" Estel spoke up from the bed.
Elrond turned and looked at Estel. "I have tested the plant out Estel, there is no poisons. And somehow I feel as you do. That this is the plant to cure Legolas."
Elrond turned back to the cooling mixture. He tested it with a finger and finding it cool enough poured it in a cup and brought it over to Legolas. The Prince's back had healed, albeit slowly but it had healed completely. And now he lay flat on his back, his hands resting on his chest.
Elrond handed the cup to Estel and gently lifted the Prince up. Estel gently poured the liquid in Legolas' mouth. Instinctively Legolas swallowed the liquid. Elrond gently set him down when he was finished.
"Lasto beth nîn Legolas. Tolo dan na ngalad." He called.
Legolas gave a small sigh. Color started to return to the ashen face.
"Tolo dan na ngalad Legolas!" Estel called urgently. Legolas took a deeper breath and slowly released it. His eyes fluttered and then closed. He took a deeper breath but didn't open his eyes.
Eagerly Estel leaned over him "Legolas!" But Legolas made no movement. Estel heaved a sigh in frustration.
"Be patient Estel." Elrond admonished gently. "If this is the cure, he will waken."
A few more days passed with seemingly no other change, except for the color in Legolas face and the slighter deeper breaths. It was a bright sunny day when Estel entered Legolas' room taking Ellendan's place to watch over the prince.
"So nin mellon," He said good naturedly to the sleeping prince, "How are you this day? Well I hope. You know,"
He turned accusingly to Legolas, "you have a lot of nerve! You go off into the wild and don't tell anyone, you scare me out of my wits, worry your father out of his mind." He shook his head.
Legolas gave a little moan, instantly Estel leaned over Legolas. Legolas slowly opened his eyes. There was no mistaking the worried face in front of his. Panicked Legolas tried to move away from Estel, fear evident in his eyes.
"Us nin! Us nin!" (Leave me! Leave me!) Legolas cried out as he move away from Estel.
Shocked Estel moved away from Legolas. "Eam layaa mellon, Legolas!" (I am your friend, Legolas!) Estel cried in the confusion.
"Us nin!" (Leave me!") Legolas cried once more and fell back unconscious.
Estel looked toward his father who had entered in the confusion "What happened?" He asked confused.
Elrond bowed his head. "He does not remember anything." He said quietly.
