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Chapter 53--A King's Rage And Help Arrives

Rian paced back and forth in his tent, seething with rage while his captain watched. "Again your men have failed to carry out their instructions. We outnumber them, yet we are not succeeding. Explain why to me, captain Roderick," he demanded.

"The Elves are fierce fighters, sire and they are on their home ground. The men are not used to fighting in forests and such," Roderick said. "We would do better if we could get them out of the forest."

Rian cursed violently. He knew there was no way the Elves would leave Mirkwood. "Get back to your men. Find a way or you will suffer the consequences!!" he yelled.

Roderick bowed and left. His second in command, Kirin, was waiting for him. "How are the wounded faring?" he asked.

"Three have died of their wounds and two more will not last the day," Kirin said. "What are our orders?"

Roderick sighed. "Come with me and we will talk about them," he said and the two men walked off together.

*Meanwhile*

Thranduil looked up as a messenger came up to him. "King Thranduil, we have good news!" he said.

"He means us," Elrond said.

Startled, Thranduil looked up. "Lord Elrond, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel! It is good to see you, but why are you here?" he asked.

"I had a vision that warned me you would need aid so we brought all the troops that could be spared from Rivendell and Lorien, some four thousand strong. Our troops have all ready went to join yours," Galadriel explained.

"But what about your borders?" Thranduil asked.

"We made sure our homes are protected well," Lord Celeborn said. "Mirkwood will not be allowed to fall either. Tell us all that has happened thus far."

Thranduil nodded and began telling them everything that had happened.

After it was done Galadriel shook her head. "Such dishonor, to attack the healers and the wounded," she said.

"Speaking of healers if you will excuse me I will join them," Elrond said.

"Your services would be most welcome and my thanks to you all," Thranduil said.

The arrival of the troops from Lorien and Rivendell boosted spirits. The Mirkwood Elves were able to rest and recover for the first time in days while the fresh troops stood guard.

Legolas and the others, including the twins sat down together for the first time in what seemed like ages and shared a meal. Syri touched Legolas gently on the shoulder. "How are you holding up?" she asked.

"I am fine. Thanks to Qui, Aragorn and his brothers. They have been close to my side," Legolas said.

"Of course, we need to keep an eye on Legolas or he would get himself in trouble," Elrohir teased. "He has a knack for it."

"Just like you, Aragorn and Elladan always had," a voice said.

"Father! It is good to see you!" Elrohir exclaimed.

Elrond smiled. "May I join you?" he asked.

"Of course, Lord Elrond," Boromir said. "Please sit down."

Elrond sank gracefully to the ground. "No need to be so formal. There are no lords here right now. We are equal on the battlefield," he said. He accepted a cup of wine and bread and cheese from Legolas. "Thank you, young prince."

"You said Aragorn and the twins had a knack for getting into trouble?" Syri asked. "Tell us about some of these troubles. I would love to hear about them."

"Indeed, every time they went off on a little adventure as they called it. I would make sure to have extra bandages and such ready. I always had to patch them up when they returned," Elrond said. "I recall them coming back from what was to be a relaxing ride. Aragorn had sprained his wrist; Elladan had sprained his ankle and Elrohir had two broken fingers. They had only been gone two hours. There were times that I was sorely tempted to lock them all in their rooms--for their own good. I am frankly shocked they managed to make it to adulthood."

"Father!" Elladan cried.

"We did not!" Elrohir protested while Aragorn looked sheepish.

The others laughed good-naturedly at the three of them. The laughter felt good after the long time of tension they had endured….

I needed to lighten up a little--don't worry. It won't last long!!! R/R please!!