Thank you for all the comments and reviews they are much appreciated. Sorry
for the delay in posting but I am in the middle of revising for the
upcoming exams. Hope you like this and please review. I need some happy
thoughts to keep me motivated!!!
** Legolas lay still for what seemed like an age. He had not the will or the energy to move. How could events spiral out of control so quickly? He was not used to not being in control. To have someone dedicate to him how he should act! To threaten his friends and others.
A loud banging on the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Come Master Elf, the feast is due to begin." Gimli's voice boomed through the woodwork.
"I will join you there, Gimli." He called back, surprised at how calm he sounded.
"Are you well, Legolas?" the dwarf called back, sounding very slightly concerned.
Should he tell him? Should he risk Gimli's life and others?
"I am fine, Gimli. I just have to compose a letter to my father and it is taking longer than expected."
"Just tell him that I have you hooked on dwarf ale and pipeweed. You'll hear his reply from here." Gimli roared with laughter and Legolas could not help smiling.
"Save me some ale then, Master Dwarf." Legolas could hear Gimli's laughter and retreating footsteps.
Legolas sat up, ignoring the aching in his body. Frowning at the mess of the smashed jug and mirror, he set about picking up the pieces, not caring if he cut his hands. After disposing of the pieces he went into his private bathing room. On the shelves he kept some items to do with healing and set about quickly applying a solution to dull the pain of the burn. Then he put on a silver tunic over his white shirt and silver leggings. He tidied his hair and took a deep breath. The feast would be a trial but he was not going to let those dark creatures defeat him or Gondor. They had threatened the wrong elf, he thought angrily.
Leaving his room, he quickly made his way to the banqueting hall. No one looked at him; it was true no one could see his injuries. He body hurt and it was difficult to keep his mind on anything but the pain.
** Tarkus was an old man. He had served many years in the service of Gondor's army but in his opinion he had received nothing in return. When he had been disabled in battle by an arrow wound in the shoulder, he had been given nothing. Only recently had he been able to gain work as a lowly server in the King's court. Still he was looked down upon as if he was below all the other servers despite having been a gallant soldier in defence of them. He was rarely talked to expect to be ordered to do something. Everyday he had to serve the King and his advisors, the very people who had ordered him to war.
In his mind, that was what justified what he was about to do.
When one of the men from the delegation of Thera had approached him, Tarkus had been more than willing to listen and the more the man talked, the more Tarkus agreed. He wanted the stewards rule to return, Gondor needed no King.
He did not have any personal grievances with Elessar, nor really the intended target of his mission, it was the principle and he was King. The man had assured him that this would lead back to the old ways before the War of the Ring.
Checking that no one was in the kitchen, he removed a small vial from his pocket. It was a slow working poison of the mind that would eventually kill its target. Uncorking it he poured the clear liquid into one of the goblets of wine and stirred it. Placing the vial back into his pocket, he again nervously glanced around before picking up the tray of goblets and leaving the kitchen.
Walking through the maze of back passages, he found his way to the private dining area where the King and his guests were eating. Silently he made his way in, balancing his tray on his damaged arm. A good server was meant to be silent and quick, not noticed. Approaching the table, he placed the goblets in front of each person making sure that the one he had added the poison to was placed in front of the elf. The elf turned to regard the man and Tarkus froze, but the lord just smiled and thanked him. At that moment Tarkus considered knocking over the goblet, he could not do this, to someone who had done nothing to him directly but then the man's words came back to him. 'Do it for the good of Gondor. Elves care nothing for us, what is one less elf.?' Tarkus left the goblet and moved away. One less elf. Elves gave him the creeps; it was like they could see into your soul. They were mysterious and cunning in his opinion. Do not trust an elf, they said. The King placed this elf higher than his own people. If he was removed the King would lose the support of the elves and could no longer remain in power.
'Yes' he thought 'I have done it for the good of Gondor'. He left the dining hall.
**
It was very late when the feast ended and all the slightly intoxicated guests made their way to their rooms. Legolas did not require sleep so made his way to the courtyard and watched the stars slowly travel across the night sky. They seemed to flicker brightly as if they knew the elf was watching them. He climbed up into the tallest tree in the gardens and rested in the tangle of branches. Softly he began to sing. As he watched the stars he began to think. His mind was troubled. Questions that had no answers threats that promised much. For once in his long life he did not know what to do. Gondor was in great trouble and only he knew. Should he go to Aragorn and tell them what he knew? If he did he had no doubt that Urguth would follow through on his promise to kill his friends. Would Aragorn believe him? Urguth had suggested that he had already done something to the minds' of Aragorn and the others so that they would not believe him.
The many different thoughts, scenarios and outcomes whirled through his mind in a jumbled manner and soon his head began to ache. Sighing so softly that it merged with the gentle wind he allowed himself to drift into the elven world of dreams.
* Urguth watched the elf with a gleam of lust in his eyes, not for the elf but the thought of destroying its mind and the friendships that it held dear. To see such a supposed strong and mighty thing weakened to a pathetic creature made his blood boil in anticipation His master had shown him what it was capable of when it tortured an elf before Urguth's very eyes. He would never forget the moment the elf broke, it agonising cries and begging for help had made his heart surge in pleasure. To see Lord Legolas brought
to such a state.he could not express it in words. His mouth curved into a distorted smile and his hands clenched the railing of the balcony so tightly that they turned white.
"It must be something interesting to have held your attention for so long Urguth?" Thalos questioned as he stepped onto the balcony to join his advisor. Urguth turned to regard his 'Master'. The Emperor was wearing his formal robes still and his shrewd eyes looked over Urguth closely. It was no secret that Thalos did not trust him, but he needed Urguth as with Urguth came the allegiance of several warrior parties that were vital in his maintenance of power.
"The view." Urguth said as he swept past Thalos and back into the living area of the delegations rooms. Off it lay four bedrooms belonging to Thalos, himself and two of the most loyal bodyguards. Moving over he poured some wine into a goblet and sat down on one of the reclining chairs. Taking a sip he swirled it through his mouth savouring its rich flavour and closed his eyes dreaming of the power and riches about to befall him.
Thalos remained on the balcony. Urguth was plotting something, he had seen the signs. He looked to the trees where Urguth had been looking and saw a faint glow in one of the them. It was Legolas, one of the king's most trusted his friends. Urguth had a un - natural interest in elves and since arriving here a un - natural interest in Legolas. He had found the elf to be calm almost to the untrained eye cold but Thalos knew better. The elf was watching, observing. Thalos immediately sensed Legolas's distrust of Urguth and ruefully thought that he was a better judge of character than he. It had taken him many months to work out the true intentions of Urguth, although he would probably have discovered it earlier if he had not blinded himself to believe that Urguth had joined with him because of his admiration for Thalos's ideals.
Within the elf's eyes he had seen fire, a determination to protect his friends and allies. A fierce loyalty and pride. Pride was a dangerous thing within the wrong person but in the elf he could tell it aided him. Urguth was playing with fire. An elf is not to be messed with. Turning back and heading into his quarters he saw Urguth sat with a smile of his face and his eyes closed.
"I am going to retire, rest well." He said. Urguth barely acknowledged him and Thalos swept into his room.
* The dawn was crisp but the bright sky and raising sun promised the day was to be warm. The hobbits planned to take full advantage of this and were hurrying around their shared room packing items that they needed for the picnic.
Legolas had promised them days ago to take them to a small pool he had discovered on his travels. Today was the day, well Legolas did not know this fact yet but he was about to find out.
"Right find Legolas and then to the Kitchens." Merry announced ticking off the things to do on his fingers.
"Do you think they will have mushrooms?" Pippin asked as the four walked down the passage towards Legolas's room.
"Yes Pippin they are the kitchens of the king, strider would have made sure there were mushrooms, isn't that right mister Frodo?" Sam replied.
"Yes Sam I am sure they have." Frodo replied as they arrived at Legolas's door. He knocked on it and waited for a reply.
"Come in," a voice called and the quartet entered. Legolas smiled at them.
"What can I do for you?" he inquired although he had guessed the reason for their visit already.
"We want you to raid the Kitchens!" Pippin announced brightly. Legolas laughed.
"There is no need to raid the kitchens Pippin they will supply you with what you need."
"We think it would be better if you asked them." Merry continued. A thoughtful expression crossed Legolas's face.
"What did you do?" he asked.
"Us? Whatever do you mean?" Pippin demanded with an affronted expression. Legolas again laughed.
"I don't suppose that the two terrors that raided the kitchen yesterday morning and had the cook in an state happened to be you two did it?" he questioned.
"Well raided is such a harsh way of putting it, more of borrowing." Merry explained.
"With no intent to give it back I assume." Legolas said smiling. "I will go and get some food and you can go to the stables and find your ponies. How does that sound?"
"Good, Good." Merry said rubbing his hands together. Legolas left his room but was followed down the corridor with suggestions of what food to acquire.
Legolas wound through the passages to the kitchen and selected a good variety of food and mushrooms for the picnic. He was not needed at the negotiations and Gimli had work to do so he had suggested to the hobbits the idea of going for the picnic. The more and more he thought about it he was glad he decided to do it. He needed time to think without the constant annoyance of the noise and bustle of Gondor. His head still ached, a dull thumping and instead of fading it was increasing in intensity. He would ask of Aragorn a solution to ease it. The King and Queen would be at breakfast now and he made his way to Aragorn's rooms.
Two guards stood outside, many more lined the corridor. He requested an audience with the king and was promptly admitted.
"What can I do for you?" Aragorn asked as he and Arwen rose from their positions at the table.
"I am accompanying the hobbits on a picnic." Legolas paused, if he said he needed it Aragorn would pester him with many questions, so he wouldn't. "I was wondering if you had any herbs for head pains?"
Aragorn raised an eyebrow, he didn't see the connection between the two parts of the statement. Seeing confusion on Aragorn's face he smiled.
"It has been my experience that while on picnic's with hobbits they tend to spend too long in the sun and spend the trip home complaining of headaches."
Aragorn laughed. "I will get some for you but you could have gone to the houses of healing." The man disappeared into his and Arwen's chambers.
"Will you be attending the feast tonight?" Arwen asked. Legolas nodded his head slightly, unsure of why the question had been asked. He had been invited, he didn't understand why Arwen would doubt his attendance.
"You do not seem comfortable in the Therans company." Arwen elaborated. Legolas kept his face calm but inside his mind whirled. He must watch himself more carefully in the future, he would not see Arwen or anyone harmed for his lack in composure.
"Nay my mind is on other matters. My father is requesting, in his usual tactful manner, for my presence at home."
Arwen smiled softly at him. She reached forward and gently clasped his arms.
"Remember we are here for you my friend."
"Thank you."
Aragorn walked back in with a few herbs and a small bottle of blue liquid.
"These should suffice. Be careful my friend even an elf cannot withstand four scheming hobbits." Legolas smiled.
"A mere mortal may have such problems but an elf will not."
"Pride comes before a fall, oh wise one." Aragorn retorted.
"You would know."
Aragorn growled lightly and aimed a swipe at the blonde elf's head. Legolas laughed and danced out of the way. He headed for the door.
"Take Care" Aragorn called as the door closed.
*
** Legolas lay still for what seemed like an age. He had not the will or the energy to move. How could events spiral out of control so quickly? He was not used to not being in control. To have someone dedicate to him how he should act! To threaten his friends and others.
A loud banging on the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Come Master Elf, the feast is due to begin." Gimli's voice boomed through the woodwork.
"I will join you there, Gimli." He called back, surprised at how calm he sounded.
"Are you well, Legolas?" the dwarf called back, sounding very slightly concerned.
Should he tell him? Should he risk Gimli's life and others?
"I am fine, Gimli. I just have to compose a letter to my father and it is taking longer than expected."
"Just tell him that I have you hooked on dwarf ale and pipeweed. You'll hear his reply from here." Gimli roared with laughter and Legolas could not help smiling.
"Save me some ale then, Master Dwarf." Legolas could hear Gimli's laughter and retreating footsteps.
Legolas sat up, ignoring the aching in his body. Frowning at the mess of the smashed jug and mirror, he set about picking up the pieces, not caring if he cut his hands. After disposing of the pieces he went into his private bathing room. On the shelves he kept some items to do with healing and set about quickly applying a solution to dull the pain of the burn. Then he put on a silver tunic over his white shirt and silver leggings. He tidied his hair and took a deep breath. The feast would be a trial but he was not going to let those dark creatures defeat him or Gondor. They had threatened the wrong elf, he thought angrily.
Leaving his room, he quickly made his way to the banqueting hall. No one looked at him; it was true no one could see his injuries. He body hurt and it was difficult to keep his mind on anything but the pain.
** Tarkus was an old man. He had served many years in the service of Gondor's army but in his opinion he had received nothing in return. When he had been disabled in battle by an arrow wound in the shoulder, he had been given nothing. Only recently had he been able to gain work as a lowly server in the King's court. Still he was looked down upon as if he was below all the other servers despite having been a gallant soldier in defence of them. He was rarely talked to expect to be ordered to do something. Everyday he had to serve the King and his advisors, the very people who had ordered him to war.
In his mind, that was what justified what he was about to do.
When one of the men from the delegation of Thera had approached him, Tarkus had been more than willing to listen and the more the man talked, the more Tarkus agreed. He wanted the stewards rule to return, Gondor needed no King.
He did not have any personal grievances with Elessar, nor really the intended target of his mission, it was the principle and he was King. The man had assured him that this would lead back to the old ways before the War of the Ring.
Checking that no one was in the kitchen, he removed a small vial from his pocket. It was a slow working poison of the mind that would eventually kill its target. Uncorking it he poured the clear liquid into one of the goblets of wine and stirred it. Placing the vial back into his pocket, he again nervously glanced around before picking up the tray of goblets and leaving the kitchen.
Walking through the maze of back passages, he found his way to the private dining area where the King and his guests were eating. Silently he made his way in, balancing his tray on his damaged arm. A good server was meant to be silent and quick, not noticed. Approaching the table, he placed the goblets in front of each person making sure that the one he had added the poison to was placed in front of the elf. The elf turned to regard the man and Tarkus froze, but the lord just smiled and thanked him. At that moment Tarkus considered knocking over the goblet, he could not do this, to someone who had done nothing to him directly but then the man's words came back to him. 'Do it for the good of Gondor. Elves care nothing for us, what is one less elf.?' Tarkus left the goblet and moved away. One less elf. Elves gave him the creeps; it was like they could see into your soul. They were mysterious and cunning in his opinion. Do not trust an elf, they said. The King placed this elf higher than his own people. If he was removed the King would lose the support of the elves and could no longer remain in power.
'Yes' he thought 'I have done it for the good of Gondor'. He left the dining hall.
**
It was very late when the feast ended and all the slightly intoxicated guests made their way to their rooms. Legolas did not require sleep so made his way to the courtyard and watched the stars slowly travel across the night sky. They seemed to flicker brightly as if they knew the elf was watching them. He climbed up into the tallest tree in the gardens and rested in the tangle of branches. Softly he began to sing. As he watched the stars he began to think. His mind was troubled. Questions that had no answers threats that promised much. For once in his long life he did not know what to do. Gondor was in great trouble and only he knew. Should he go to Aragorn and tell them what he knew? If he did he had no doubt that Urguth would follow through on his promise to kill his friends. Would Aragorn believe him? Urguth had suggested that he had already done something to the minds' of Aragorn and the others so that they would not believe him.
The many different thoughts, scenarios and outcomes whirled through his mind in a jumbled manner and soon his head began to ache. Sighing so softly that it merged with the gentle wind he allowed himself to drift into the elven world of dreams.
* Urguth watched the elf with a gleam of lust in his eyes, not for the elf but the thought of destroying its mind and the friendships that it held dear. To see such a supposed strong and mighty thing weakened to a pathetic creature made his blood boil in anticipation His master had shown him what it was capable of when it tortured an elf before Urguth's very eyes. He would never forget the moment the elf broke, it agonising cries and begging for help had made his heart surge in pleasure. To see Lord Legolas brought
to such a state.he could not express it in words. His mouth curved into a distorted smile and his hands clenched the railing of the balcony so tightly that they turned white.
"It must be something interesting to have held your attention for so long Urguth?" Thalos questioned as he stepped onto the balcony to join his advisor. Urguth turned to regard his 'Master'. The Emperor was wearing his formal robes still and his shrewd eyes looked over Urguth closely. It was no secret that Thalos did not trust him, but he needed Urguth as with Urguth came the allegiance of several warrior parties that were vital in his maintenance of power.
"The view." Urguth said as he swept past Thalos and back into the living area of the delegations rooms. Off it lay four bedrooms belonging to Thalos, himself and two of the most loyal bodyguards. Moving over he poured some wine into a goblet and sat down on one of the reclining chairs. Taking a sip he swirled it through his mouth savouring its rich flavour and closed his eyes dreaming of the power and riches about to befall him.
Thalos remained on the balcony. Urguth was plotting something, he had seen the signs. He looked to the trees where Urguth had been looking and saw a faint glow in one of the them. It was Legolas, one of the king's most trusted his friends. Urguth had a un - natural interest in elves and since arriving here a un - natural interest in Legolas. He had found the elf to be calm almost to the untrained eye cold but Thalos knew better. The elf was watching, observing. Thalos immediately sensed Legolas's distrust of Urguth and ruefully thought that he was a better judge of character than he. It had taken him many months to work out the true intentions of Urguth, although he would probably have discovered it earlier if he had not blinded himself to believe that Urguth had joined with him because of his admiration for Thalos's ideals.
Within the elf's eyes he had seen fire, a determination to protect his friends and allies. A fierce loyalty and pride. Pride was a dangerous thing within the wrong person but in the elf he could tell it aided him. Urguth was playing with fire. An elf is not to be messed with. Turning back and heading into his quarters he saw Urguth sat with a smile of his face and his eyes closed.
"I am going to retire, rest well." He said. Urguth barely acknowledged him and Thalos swept into his room.
* The dawn was crisp but the bright sky and raising sun promised the day was to be warm. The hobbits planned to take full advantage of this and were hurrying around their shared room packing items that they needed for the picnic.
Legolas had promised them days ago to take them to a small pool he had discovered on his travels. Today was the day, well Legolas did not know this fact yet but he was about to find out.
"Right find Legolas and then to the Kitchens." Merry announced ticking off the things to do on his fingers.
"Do you think they will have mushrooms?" Pippin asked as the four walked down the passage towards Legolas's room.
"Yes Pippin they are the kitchens of the king, strider would have made sure there were mushrooms, isn't that right mister Frodo?" Sam replied.
"Yes Sam I am sure they have." Frodo replied as they arrived at Legolas's door. He knocked on it and waited for a reply.
"Come in," a voice called and the quartet entered. Legolas smiled at them.
"What can I do for you?" he inquired although he had guessed the reason for their visit already.
"We want you to raid the Kitchens!" Pippin announced brightly. Legolas laughed.
"There is no need to raid the kitchens Pippin they will supply you with what you need."
"We think it would be better if you asked them." Merry continued. A thoughtful expression crossed Legolas's face.
"What did you do?" he asked.
"Us? Whatever do you mean?" Pippin demanded with an affronted expression. Legolas again laughed.
"I don't suppose that the two terrors that raided the kitchen yesterday morning and had the cook in an state happened to be you two did it?" he questioned.
"Well raided is such a harsh way of putting it, more of borrowing." Merry explained.
"With no intent to give it back I assume." Legolas said smiling. "I will go and get some food and you can go to the stables and find your ponies. How does that sound?"
"Good, Good." Merry said rubbing his hands together. Legolas left his room but was followed down the corridor with suggestions of what food to acquire.
Legolas wound through the passages to the kitchen and selected a good variety of food and mushrooms for the picnic. He was not needed at the negotiations and Gimli had work to do so he had suggested to the hobbits the idea of going for the picnic. The more and more he thought about it he was glad he decided to do it. He needed time to think without the constant annoyance of the noise and bustle of Gondor. His head still ached, a dull thumping and instead of fading it was increasing in intensity. He would ask of Aragorn a solution to ease it. The King and Queen would be at breakfast now and he made his way to Aragorn's rooms.
Two guards stood outside, many more lined the corridor. He requested an audience with the king and was promptly admitted.
"What can I do for you?" Aragorn asked as he and Arwen rose from their positions at the table.
"I am accompanying the hobbits on a picnic." Legolas paused, if he said he needed it Aragorn would pester him with many questions, so he wouldn't. "I was wondering if you had any herbs for head pains?"
Aragorn raised an eyebrow, he didn't see the connection between the two parts of the statement. Seeing confusion on Aragorn's face he smiled.
"It has been my experience that while on picnic's with hobbits they tend to spend too long in the sun and spend the trip home complaining of headaches."
Aragorn laughed. "I will get some for you but you could have gone to the houses of healing." The man disappeared into his and Arwen's chambers.
"Will you be attending the feast tonight?" Arwen asked. Legolas nodded his head slightly, unsure of why the question had been asked. He had been invited, he didn't understand why Arwen would doubt his attendance.
"You do not seem comfortable in the Therans company." Arwen elaborated. Legolas kept his face calm but inside his mind whirled. He must watch himself more carefully in the future, he would not see Arwen or anyone harmed for his lack in composure.
"Nay my mind is on other matters. My father is requesting, in his usual tactful manner, for my presence at home."
Arwen smiled softly at him. She reached forward and gently clasped his arms.
"Remember we are here for you my friend."
"Thank you."
Aragorn walked back in with a few herbs and a small bottle of blue liquid.
"These should suffice. Be careful my friend even an elf cannot withstand four scheming hobbits." Legolas smiled.
"A mere mortal may have such problems but an elf will not."
"Pride comes before a fall, oh wise one." Aragorn retorted.
"You would know."
Aragorn growled lightly and aimed a swipe at the blonde elf's head. Legolas laughed and danced out of the way. He headed for the door.
"Take Care" Aragorn called as the door closed.
*