Disclaimer: Leave it all to Tolkien except Githil, Ruthiun and Herendil. They are MINE, MY PRECIOUS! *Glares at Tolkien*
Author's Notes:
Please, you HAVE to add me one your favourites. I am desperate! Please review! For those that have, THANKS! *blows a kiss*
Everyone: Be patient, my young padawan friends. *Stern look* Patience, Elrond will come. Rescue Legolas, he will. Now, I gotta get writing. I write 'til 12:00 for you guys AND I still have to wake up early for school! Reviews Please!
Lilyoda, Philomythus, confused-anhk and anyone I have missed: Thank you for adding me to your favourites. It means a whole lot to me.
Jacinta Kenobi: I have been waiting for you! To know that you are still reading is enough for me. I am really happy. Good luck on your story. I'll read it no matter what. Now hold onto hope, you will get over the writer's block soon. You can do it!
Vana E: Get better soon! I will still wait for you!
And the angst flows…Legolas' thoughts are in italics.
Legolas woke up in a strange bed. Pain radiated from his body. He closed his eyes and willed the pain away. He felt the pain fade to a dull throb and he fell back to sleep.
Herendil woke, it was close to dawn. He started towards the bed but at the last minute he changed his mind. He looks so innocent when he's sleeping, Herendil thought. Hurriedly, he placed a change of clothes and several necessities into his travel pack. The servants had packed all the other things for him. Between the layers of clothing, he hid some bandages, cream, salve and herbs for Legolas.
He sighed. He did not want to disturb Legolas in his sleep but he couldn't risk getting him into trouble. I'm getting attached to him, an inner voice said. Herendil shook his head slowly and walked to Legolas' bedside.
"Legolas! Wake up! We have to go!"
Legolas woke up blearily to Herendil's urgent voice. He was kind enough not to shake me. Herendil handed the thin and coarse slave tunic to Legolas who put it on slowly. At least it doesn't hurt as much with the bandages.
"You must realise I can't call you Legolas, no matter how much I want to," Herendil began regretfully.
"I understand. It is for your safety and mine that we must pretend to not like each other. If Ruthiun even hears of this," Legolas trailed off. What if he does hear about it?
Herendil seemed to read the young elfling's mind. "He won't. We have to be careful. I won't be able to change your bandages as much but I'll have to think up an excuse to. You, stay out of Ruthiun's way because if I cover for you it may appear suspicious." He gave Legolas a pointed look as it to tell him to keep his temper in check.
Legolas nodded. I'll try to keep it in mind. I don't want to get Herendil in trouble for helping me anymore than I already have. A pang of guilt stabbed at him but before he could dwell on it Herendil gave his pack for Legolas to carry, as was protocol, and ushered him out the door.
They met in the stable. Githil and Ruthiun were already there. They had identical sneers on their faces as Herendil entered with Legolas.
"Late? Not like you Herendil. The stupid slave must have kept you." Githil raised his eyebrows in pretend surprise.
Ruthiun just shrugged with a disapproving glance. Casually, he mounted a brown stallion with the grace and strength of a well-trained soldier.
"I expect you back in a month. If you wish to stay longer, just send a messenger." Githil said.
"I will, sir." Herendil inclined his head in understanding of the instructions. As he looked up, he realised there was only one stallion and his old grey mare. But what about Lego – Servant Greenleaf? "Sir? What about the servant?"
Githil looked irritated at the question but he did not want to lose his temper before farewelling his brother. "Obvious, he will run beside you. There are not enough horses to waste on slaves." He looked down at Legolas, who was kneeling.
Herendil hid his shock. Githil was lying, he knew, but he could not openly oppose him.
What!? Run all the way to Rivendell! He can't be serious. Legolas kept his head lowered so that his anger would be hidden.
"Very well. We must hurry to make up for the lost time." Herendil said coldly as he prepared his mount.
"Naamarie. Peace be with you and the Valar's grace be upon you." Githil said the formal goodbye. He looked only at his brother, he seemed to be ignoring Herendil and Legolas. At the last minute he tossed a rope to Herendil so he could tie Legolas to his horse. Githil then disappeared into the palace.
Herendil knew that Legolas was hurt by his attitude but he couldn't risk open affection. I'm sorry, he silently said. He gave Legolas' hand a surreptitious squeeze as he tied him to his horse.
Legolas did not notice. He betrayed me. He tricked me into liking me. He didn't even stand up for me! How could he! Now, Herendil is tying me up! Legolas raged inside, but if he paused he would have seen the sorrow in Herendil's eyes and the slackness of the rope. But he didn't notice. I hate him! He's a traitor!
Herendil was hurt by Legolas' refusal to even look at him. He is angry with me, he knew, but I would be too. He looped the rope in his hands and clicked his tongue softly. The grey mare whinnied and the started at a slow, walking pace.
"Will you hurry? Or won't that old thing move? Is that the fastest it goes?" Ruthiun was impatient.
Herendil glared but otherwise ignored the jesting. "Hurry up, servant Greenleaf." He tried to keep his tone more neutral but it sounded a little too real.
He really does hate me. Legolas was bitter as he ran to keep up with the mare.
After half an hour of trotting and cantering, Herendil tried to slow his horse so that Legolas could rest. He could see that the young elf was tiring, he was tripping over the rocks on the path.
"Ruthiun!" Herendil called. His voice sounded small in the vast forest.
Ruthiun turned around hastily and said, "What do you want?"
"My horse is tiring. I'll lead it over to the stream for a drink and we can refresh ourselves." Herendil stated as logically as possible. Valar, I hope he buys this lie, Herendil prayed.
Ruthiun just sighed audibly and said, "We might as well stop for breakfast. I'll look for any danger in the area."
"Thanks." Herendil did not doubt Ruthiun's warrior skills, certainly he was one was the best in the realm. He thanked Ruthiun for giving him privacy to speak with Legolas, but this Ruthiun would not know.
Ruthiun scowled and walked off in the bush after tying his horse next to the stream.
Herendil's mare gave an indignant neigh and pawed the ground. Herendil lead his horse to the stream, effectively pulling Legolas along with him.
"Legolas. I know you think that-"
"I know. I understand. You are doing it to protect me. I just wasn't thinking. I needed to blame someone. I'm so tired." Legolas slumped down by a rock. The back of his tunic was soaked with sweat, but red blood was beginning to soak through his bandages.
Herendil said nothing but he walked over to give him a hug. Legolas relaxed into the embrace.
"Now here is some food. Go and refresh yourself. We still have several days of travel." Herendil said sternly but Legolas knew he was only being playful.
Legolas gave a minute smile and started eating the food. I didn't realise I was so hungry. I suppose I haven't eaten for a day or so. Not since- the beating. The lembas tasted better than usual. I must be hungry. I used to hate the taste. Legolas licked the last crumps off his cracked lips and knelt down by the stream.
Legolas suddenly frowned and splashed some water on his face, soaking the bandages on his hands. Ruthiun hasn't noticed that yet, I bet he will later. He looked into the water, seeing his ragged reflection, his face distorted by the ripples. Who am I now? Am I the person I used to be? Would mother even recognise me if I were to pass?
Herendil glanced over at the little elfling. He is only an elfling. He looks so lost. Herendil fought the desire to comfort him because he felt that Legolas needed some space. Just as Herendil was rethinking his decision, Ruthiun walked back into the clearing…
Review, please. Happy, I will be. *Sorry, Attack of Yoda! *