DISCLAIMER: Lord of the Rings, and its characters, sadly, do not belong to me. They are the property of JRR Tolkien, et al. No money is gained from the writing of this story. Its sole purpose is for the enjoyment of myself and all who read it. I have also borrowed Ranien (also spelled Raniean) and Trelan from Cassia and Sio of the Mellon Chronicles, with Cassia's permission.
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Destinies Entwined
Chapter
10
Part
One
Just
as the sun begins to lighten the sky with it's lover's kiss, the
weary band of elves, and a ranger, come into view of the massive wall
that surrounds the elven city of Mirkwood. They still do not know if
their friends will yet live, but they are filled with a sense of
relief knowing that they are within reach of help. The gates are yet
closed, and Ranien yells for Lord Thranduil to be awakened as his son
has been found but his life, and the lives of the twin sons of Elrond
hang in the balance.
Having heard the yell from Ranien, one of the elves on guard rushes into the palace to speak with Maloren, Lord Thranduil's advisor. Lord Thranduil's anger is well known and the guard wants no part of it. Going to Maloren's chambers, the guard knocks softly and waits.
"Yes?" Maloren says, opening his door. "What is it?" he adds, when he sees the look in the guards eyes.
"My apologies for knocking so early on your door, but Ranien and the search party have returned. I was dispatched to inform Lord Thranduil so the gates can be opened."
Understanding the guards look of unease, Maloren gives him a small smile. "Return to your post. Tell Ranien that Lord Thranduil is on his way."
"Of course," the elf says, beating a hasty retreat.
Suppressing a smile, Maloren heads for Thranduil's rooms. Knowing the only reason Lord Thranduil is needed to open the gates is if Prince Legolas is unable to do so himself, Maloren's steps quicken. Just before knocking on the door to Thranduil's sleeping chambers, he wonders just how bad it really is.
Opening the door, Thranduil is concerned to see his advisor at his door so early in the morning. "Yes Maloren? What has happened that brings you here so early?"
"Pardon the intrusion my lord, but the search party has returned with Prince Legolas and the sons of Elrond. You are needed to open the gate."
All color drains from Thranduil's face for he too knows that the only reason he would be needed is if his son is unable to speak the necessary words of the spell. Rushing through the palace in just his sleeping robes, fear grips his heart for his son. So many times, Legolas has returned severely injured from one adventure or another, but he is rarely unconscious and is able to say the spell to allow them entry into the keep.
Not knowing what to expect, Thranduil utters a few words. When the gates open and the riders enter, an anguished cry escapes his lips at the sight of his battered son. The fact that Elladan and Elrohir are in the same, or worse condition does not register in his worry for his son.
Taking Legolas from the young Dunedain, he rushes his son to the healing hall, knowing that Ranien will see to it that the others are brought there as well. At the moment, all he can think about is his son's bruised visage and lacerated back.
After helping Ranien take Elladan down from the horse's back, Strider assists in carrying his elven brother to the healing hall. Likewise, Trelan and Rumil carry Elrohir, trying not to put too much pressure on their friend's back. Of the three though, Elladan is in the worst condition as he sustained more and deeper lashes from the whip than the other two. He was not only whipped on his back, but his legs and chest as well, and many of the lashes are very deep indeed.
Once at the healing hall, they lay their charges down and step back, giving the healers the room they need to begin their work.
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Waking as the sun begins to lighten the sky, Elendil feels a sense of urgency in the air. Not completely sure what it's from, she rises and quickly dresses. Leaving her rooms with the intention of watching the sunrise from the gardens, she stops in her tracks at the sight of her uncle rushing through the palace with Legolas in his arms. She starts to follow but sees her Lorien cousin out of the corner of her eye. Knowing that she will have to wait to check on Legolas, Elendil goes over to the weary elf. "I'm glad you have returned unscathed Cali," she says, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
"Aie. As am I."
"Has anyone shown you to the guest quarters yet?"
"No. I think they are a bit concerned with other things," he says, watching Rumil return from the healing halls.
Turning, Elendil sees him as well. "Rumil. You've been injured," she says, noticing some minor cuts on the elf's upper arm.
"Ah, tis nothing to be concerned with. I am well. Tired, but well."
"I'm sure you are. Both of you. Let me show you to the guest quarters." With that, she turns and leads them through the underground palace. After showing them to the guest quarters, Elendil bids them a good rest and goes straight to the healing hall.
Entering the room, her eyes first fall on Legolas' still form. He is battered and bruised, and Elendil is overcome with a fierce protectiveness all of a sudden.
Coming further into the room, her eyes then fall on the elven prince who has captured her heart. Though her cousin appeared to have been beaten, Elladan looked as though a hundred teething wargs used him as a chew toy.
Feeling
her strength drain away at the sight of the lashes that cover every
part of his body that she can see, save for his face and most of his
arms, she begins to collapse from the shock. She is saved from injury
by the swiftness of the young edain who
catches her on her way
down.
Picking the she-elf up, Strider goes over to a chair and sits, pulling her trembling body closer to him. Trying to soothe her, he remembers an elvish song that was sung to him as a child. It used to soothe his fears and he hopes it will have the same affect on her. In a clear, soft voice, he sings in the high tongue of the elves, and slowly she begins to relax. That is, until the healers working on Elladan cry out. "Oh Elbereth, no! He's not breathing."
"Noooooooooooooo," Elendil screams, springing from the safe haven of the young dunedain's arms. Rushing over to Elladan's side, she drops down beside him and begins talking to him as Strider comes over and moves the healers aside.
"You cannot die on me Elladan Elrondion! Do you hear me? You cannot die I will not let you leave Middle Earth. Not like this. Do not walk the Halls of Mandos, melanin. You have to come back. I still owe you for the last time you tossed me into the water fountain! Do not think I have forgotten that. Please 'Dan...," she says, tears flowing freely from her eyes.
Staring at the still form of Elladan, she begins to fear that all is lost and that he has given in to the darkness. Lowering her head to the soft mattress, feeling as though a part of herself is dying, she jumps slightly when she feels his hand on her arm. Looking up at him, she sees pain- glazed grey eyes looking back at her.
"Looks like I owe you once again Lady Elendil for bringing me back from the darkness," he whispers, a small smile on his face.
Jumping forward, Strider looks into his brother's eyes. Wanting to help, he starts to grab herbs, but is pushed aside by the healers. After Elladan is given something to ease the pain, and send him into healing sleep, Elendil leans back and takes in the injuries covering the elf's chest, arms and legs. She knows without being told that there are more lacerations on his back, and can only imagine what he must have endured.
Feeling
a mixture of rage and disgust for the one who did this, mingled with
sorrow from Elladan's obvious pain Elendil wonders if the one
responsible for beating not only her cousin, but Elladan and Elrohir
as well, was brought to justice in the
wilderness. Watching
Elladan's chest slowly rise and fall in easy, even breaths, Elendil
softly kisses him, knowing it will be quite some time before he fully
awakens, and is completely out of the woods.
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Hearing a soft gasp from the entrance to the healing hall, Elendil turns and sees Meoi looking at the bed directly across from where she now sat beside the elder twin. Watching as her friend rushes over to Elrohir's side, Elendil feels a pang of guilt for not even having enquired about the other elf.
Knowing that neither she-elf will be leaving the healing hall until the sons of Elrond are healing, Lord Thranduil has cots and chairs brought in to make them comfortable.
Watching the young edain with his son, Thranduil can see the fear and concern etched on his face. Having been made aware of the young ranger's injuries, he has a chair brought in for him as well. After one of the healer's gives the ranger something to help him rest, Thranduil leaves, knowing that all three injured elves are in good hands.
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After leaving the healing hall, Thranduil goes to his private council room, knowing that Maloren will be there. Entering, he wearily sits down and takes the steaming cup of tea that is offered to him.
"Have you learned anything of what happened yet my lord?" Maloren asks, sitting across from Thranduil.
"No. The edain says that all he and the others from the rescue party knows is that those responsible are dead. We will have to wait until one of them awakens, and hope they can tell us more."
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Sitting beside Elladan, Elendil looks over to where Meoi is talking softly to Elrohir. So many things have happened in such a short time, and she could almost feel her friend's thoughts. It has been some time since she has used the mind- speech with her friend, but, not wanting to leave Elladan's side, she sends her thoughts out to her friend. Meoi's mind is full of anguish over the beating Elrohir had received, but there is also anger, which puzzles Elendil.
It seems that either they are grievously wounded or we are nearly each time we meet, does it not, cousin? Getting no response from the friend that she so recently discovered was also her cousin, Elendil tries again. Perhaps the next time, no one will be injured. Though, with the four of us, that almost seems an impossibility. Hoping to get at least a worried chuckle from her friend, Elendil is shocked by the vehemence in the other she-elf's mind.
How dare you! 'Ro was lying here alone but all you could see was 'Dan. Did you even bother to check on Legolas? You could have sent for me but you didn't. You were so wrapped up in yourself that you didn't even bother to do that!
Though she knows her friend is lashing out in fear, the anger and resentment cut her deeply. Shrinking back into the chair, she turns away from her best friend, and allows her tears to flow.
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Not fully understanding what is happening between the two she-elves, Strider begins to sense the tension that is developing. Watching them closely, he can see anger flashing in the eyes of one and confusion in the eyes of the other.
Hearing a soft moan beside him, his attention is pulled away from the two she-elves. Turning slightly, he looks down at the blond elf lying there. "Well, you finally decided to return to the land of the living, mellon nin. I was beginning to think you were enjoying the joys of Mandos already and didn't want to come back," Strider says, trying to lighten the mood in the room.
"Perhaps I was, but there was this little, annoyingly arrogant voice in my head. It kept insisting I wake up," Legolas says, smiling at the ranger. Suddenly remembering the events that lead up to him awakening in the healing hall, a frantic look comes into Legolas' eyes. "Elladan? Elrohir? Are they...?" he says, trying to rise.
Gently pushing the elf back against the bed, Strider understands his friend's concerns and puts his mind at ease. "They are both here Legolas. They are still unconscious, so we do not know yet how much more serious their injuries might be. Right now, my concern is for you."
"I am fine Strider. I fear they got it worse than I for I have awakened but they have not." Trying to sit up again, Legolas grimaces at the pain in his back.
"You need to rest nin mellon. Do not try to get up so soon," Strider says, shaking his head at his stubborn friend.
Part
Two
Going to check on the condition of his son, Lord Thranduil enters as Strider is gently chiding Legolas for trying to get up. Rushing over to his son's bedside, he can feel tension in the room but does not give it his attention.
"Legolas. Thank the Valar you're awake. You gave us quite a scare ionnath," he says, looking his son in the eyes.
"I am fine Adar. Or, I will be as soon as my muscles quit aching and the fire leaves my back," Legolas says, smiling sheepishly at his father.
"Who was responsible for this ionnath?"
"Verillian," Legolas says, anger burning in his eyes.
"What?", Thranduil begins, but Strider cuts him off.
"He's dead, my lord. I saw to that myself," Strider says, a satisfied look on his face.
"Annon le nin mellon," Legolas says, before his father can react.
Turning to the young edain, Thranduil is again struck by the concern in the human's eyes for his son. Something tells him that their friendship will stand the test of time.
"Be at peace now Legolas. You need your rest," Strider says, knowing his friend has already used up the meager bit of strength he had upon waking.
"Yes ionnath. Rest. We will talk of this more once you are healed more." After his son lies back on the bed, Lord Thranduil turns and leaves the room, still not taking note of the tension in the air.
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After the silent conversation with Elendil ends, Meoi returns her attention to the injured elf lying unconscious on the bed beside her. When Lord Thranduil enters the healing hall, it barely registers but she smiles softly upon realizing that Legolas is going to be fine.
Although
she is worried about Elladan, the one who occupies her thoughts is
Elrohir.
Remembering the last time he was injured, and how her
voice helped bring him back, she speaks softly in his ear, praying to
Illuvitar that Elrohir can hear her.
"This is the second time you have done this to me melanin. You are laying here dying, but I will not let that happen! Do you hear me, 'Ro? I will not let that happen. You are the sun rising in the morning and setting at night. You are my everything 'Ro. I could not remain in Middle Earth without you. You have to come back! You have to."
Leaning her head on the side of the bed, she begins to weep softly. It is not long after that Elrohir begins to move his arm, though she doesn't realize it. As he shifts slightly, Meoi feels his hand come up and touch her cheek, sending little shivers down her spine. Looking up, she finds herself staring into a pair of deep grey eyes, ones that hold a mixture of both merriment and pain.
"'Ro! You've awakened!" Meoi says, jolting Strider and Elendil both into action.
Moving over to his brother's bed, Strider feels a sense of relief. He knows that Elrohir too will be fine, but he still checks him over to make sure.
"'Dan. Legolas. How are they?" Elrohir croaks, his throat dry.
Reaching for the cup and pitcher on the low table beside the bed, Meoi pours him some water. After helping him drink a little of it, she sets the cup back down, still giving her friend the silent treatment.
"Legolas is fine 'Ro. He awoke a short while ago and is resting," Strider says, avoiding the other part of the question.
"And 'Dan?, Elrohir asks, fear for his twin in his eyes.
"'Dan is going to be fine as well 'Ro," Elendil says, saving Strider from having to answer. "He woke up briefly, but it's going to still be sometime before we know the full extent of his injuries," she adds, remembering the redness of several of the lacerations on his chest.
"You need to rest and let yourself heal 'Ro," Meoi says, ignoring Elendil.
"Meoi's right. It will do no one, least of all you, any good if you don't," Strider says, taking in the hurt look on Elendil's face.
Moving away, Elendil mixes something that will help Elrohir to rest and takes it over to the bed. After handing it to Strider, she returns to Elladan's side, hurt by her friend's continued anger.
After Elrohir drinks the potion and settles into a healing sleep, the hall becomes very quiet as the three watchers are lost in their own thoughts.
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Later that night, Elendil is awakened by the soft moans coming from Elladan's bed. Moving forward, she turns up the lamp on the table beside the bed and can see the pain etched on his handsome features. "Damn," she whispers, reaching her hand out to his cheek. Pulling it back quickly, she is amazed that he yet lives.
"Strider," Elendil yells, waking the edain. "Elladan's burning with fever. And I do mean burning. We have to bring it down, NOW." Her fear mounts as he starts thrashing about in a fevered delirium.
Hearing the commotion, Meoi awakens and hears what Elendil says. She may be angry with her friend, but there is no way she is going to let Elladan suffer. "I will go get the healers," she says, rushing from the room.
While Meoi goes and gets the healers, Strider and Elendil get started on bringing Elladan's fever down. Working side by side, they prepare an elixir that will calm his body so that they can heal the fever. As Strider supports the elf, Elendil helps him drink it down, and she sighs as Elladan's body reacts immediately. However, before they can do anything more, the healers enter and both Strider and Elendil are moved aside.
Watching the healers, Elendil sees the swollen red lacerations that had concerned her earlier. They have gotten worse and a wave of intense guilt washes over her. Had she done something earlier, the obvious poison in his system would have already been purged. As it stands, his already taxed system now has to fight both the poison and the exhaustion.
As the healers fight to bring the fever down and purge the poison from Elladan's system, Elendil curls up in the chair, hating and berating herself for not doing something sooner.
After several hours, the fever has finally broken and the poison has been identified. An antidote is prepared, given to the unconscious elf, and then the healers leave.
Still curled up in the chair, Elendil watches Elladan, praying to Illuvitar that he will awaken soon so she can ask his forgiveness for failing to see that he was poisoned. Not forgiving herself, she wonders if he will either.
TBC...
