A/N: I'll make this brief so we can get on with the story. Thanks to all of you that are reading this. It pleases me beyond belief that I am actually entertaining you with this. BTW: Thanks for ALL of the reviews. I appreciate them more than you can know, especially the ones that let me know where I'm messing up. Remember it's not a flame if you're giving constructive criticism, and I will in no way be offended. BTW2: I know it's cliche' to go to Rivendell for medical help, lol, but I would have chosen somewhere else if there was an easier way for Elrond's appearance (I'm being lazy,hehe)....but that will be in later chapter...actually, in the next one.
There was a silence shortly after the words left her lips. 'But you were'? What could that possibly mean? Legolas gave a puzzled look as he glanced at Gimli. The dwarf shrugged, showing his shared confusion. Perhaps she was only speaking meaningless riddles as a result of her delirious state.
"Come, let us be on our way quickly, Fornost is near" said Legolas as he adjusted the female's body, bringing the crook of his left arm to rest under her head and the right to bear the bulk of her legs.
"Yes, but how are we to reach Fornost? We have before us, not one, but two dilemmas. The first, being our mode of transport, and the second being Fornost itself. Uninvited travel has not been permitted to the town since the coming of the man, Valdrin. It is said that he practices the Dark Arts and is in league with demons".
Legolas furrowed his brow for a moment, affirming that they, indeed, were faced with quite a dilemma. He searched his thoughts, trying to come by the solution. It would only take a few moments for the wise Elf to come up with their answer.
"There were horses about. They will bear us, as they appear to have been stolen and not bred by the creatures of darkness. As for Fornost, we will ride past to Rivendell. Lord Elrond will know what to do".
Gimli turned and ran into the darkness. He returned after a short time, leading two Bay colored mares. The vertically impaired Dwarf struggled to mount one of the large steeds, using a large boulder to aid him. When he sat comfortably on the back of the mare, he led the other toward Legolas.
It took some work and enormous effort, but soon, Legolas was also mounted. Strands of his golden hair intermingled with Kalen's midnight locks as he held her against his chest. Tilting his face down towards the top of her head, he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. They would need to ride hard to Rivendell if she was to be healed. Time was of the essence, and everything depended on their speed. Opening his eyes, and glancing back up, the Elf gave a loud cry:
"Nero Lim, Nero Lim" and kicked his heels into the horse's side.
Both of the mares reared and then galloped forth with the speed of a wild wind. They rode hard; as fast as the horse's feet would take them, arriving in Rivendell after only a day and one halves journey.
The fillies slowed to a trot upon entering the gates of Imladris, and Legolas and Gimli were met by a curious Elf with long, dark blonde hair and bright blue eyes. He was Numerius, messenger of Elrond, Lord of Rivendell.
"What have you there, Legolas"? Numerius queried and tilted his head in an attempt to discover the identity of the wounded woman.
"I must see Lord Elrond. It is urgent".
"I am here" the Lord of Imladris said as he walked down the steps leading into the courtyard. "I heard you coming and came down to see what news you bring". Elrond furrowed his brow. "This woman is badly wounded. Numerius, prepare a room and call my healers. There is much work to do. Legolas, you and Gimli may explain this after she is settled into her room".
"Thank you my friend" Legolas whispered to the horse that had carried him, and then followed Numerius as he led them through the large doors of the palace. Kalen was completely unconscious and rolled out of his arms easily when he laid her onto the soft bed.
"She will never remember this," Legolas thought as he leaned down to place a soft kiss on her cheek "but that may be for the best" and then raised up. He released the sigh that he had been holding inside and walked out of the room, leaving Elrond's healers to their work.
That evening, Legolas and Gimli spun their tale to Elrond; telling him of their meeting at the river, the cup of elements, and then finishing with their recount of the battle with Morgluk the day earlier. The Elf lord seemed troubled with this news, and dismissed the two concerned friends, calling for Numerius to bring writing utensils and parchment to him.
"Numerius, you must take an urgent message to Taureliloomis. Declare that you are my messenger, and you shall be allowed entrance to their city".
A chill passed through Elrond as he instructed Numerius to deliver the message to someone he had known many, many years ago. Would she come to him after the passing of so many ages? She would, and he knew it. One of her people lie in his home, wounded and at the very door of Death, himself. She would come, if for no other reason than that.
The night seemed to last forever, as Legolas and Gimli awaited word on Kalen's condition. Gimli would, from time to time, leave for a bite to eat, but return quickly whenever he did. Legolas remained ever vigilant, standing in the hallway just outside of her door. He grew anxious with the passing of the minutes and just when it seemed he could wait no longer, one of the healers emerged from the room.
"You grow anxious for word I suppose" the Elven woman said and then noticed the Elf's growing anxiety. "She will live, though, as her wounds heal with much pain and leave their markings, she may wish that she had not. Please, retire and try to find rest. You may return in the morn and perhaps I will have news for you".
He was reluctant to leave, but Legolas knew Kalen was in safe hands. He also knew that he would not be allowed to see her until the healers deemed it appropriate. Sighing loudly with defeat, Legolas turned to Gimli.
"Perhaps, my old friend, I will rise in the morn to find this all a terrible nightmare".
Gimli smiled, trying to reassure his friend that all would be well and that only time, herself, could know the outcome of things
"The Lady Time is a mysterious creature. She keeps all of her secrets hidden until the moment of her choosing. She has many more of her secrets to reveal, and I also believe that they will have happiness as their outcome".
Legolas smiled faintly and nodded. How lucky he was to have Gimli. This sorrow and worry would be unbearable were he to carry the weight of them alone. Muttering a 'Goodnight', he turned and walked the hallway until he came to his bedchambers. Looking at the bed made his heart sink. He would find no rest until he could see with his own eyes that his friend was well.
Tiny beams of sunlight poked through the window as the sun rose from her slumber and stretched her rays as though they were arms. It had been a sleepless night for Legolas, and he continued to stare toward the ceiling. It was early still, but the sun had risen, and the birds were singing their serenades to her. Their songs fluttered into his ears, and then the sound of horses arriving in the courtyard roused him from his trance. He started towards the window and found that Numerius had returned. How had he returned so quickly, having only set out hours earlier? Numerius dismounted his horse as the second rider stood by, his charcoal colored cloak rustling about as his feet silently touched the ground.
Legolas noted that the second rider was female, he could see it in her feminine stance. Her golden hair fell about the back of her own cloak, and she had a look of distress on her exquisite face. Something about her seemed so familiar, but he could not place his finger on it. Having finally decided on a suitable explanation for the familiarity, he quickly dressed and ran down to greet her. Though she did not know him, she knew Kalen, and her clothing told him that she was from Taureliloomis.
