Behind Blue Eyes
Chapter 2: Tentative beginnings
(Aragorn)
The sunrays stretched across the bedroom, falling on my face and making me roll away, seeking refuge in the blankets. Yet the sun seems to enjoy terrorizing me and I give up trying to hide from the morning. Sighing I throw the covers back and look over at Father's bed, only to find it empty, which isn't too abnormal since he usually wakes at dawn. Stretching my muscles I slowly climb out of the comfortable bed that keeps calling to me, I make my way to the bathroom to refresh myself after the night. Washing up in the large basin and then changing clothes I walk back out into the bedroom to find both Father's and I beds are made and the bags are now in the corner. Shaking my head I put my soft boots back on and make my way to the main hall, where I know breakfast is being served, by the smell. I walk in to find only Legolas at the table, silently eating an apple. He doesn't even glance up as I take a seat across from him, eyeing the Elven prince, taking in the mysterious and puzzling boy. Grabbing a handful of the small, pale green berries and popping them into my mouth I silently observe the Elf.
The Prince is dressed in typical Elven garb, but instead of being the bright whites and yellow they usually wear around the Kingdom his are a dark green and pale blue, colors of the surrounding forests. His long hair falls about his shoulders the two side braids falling in the front and the long one he wears in the back keeps the hair from his vision. He watches me with curious silvery-blue eyes as I watch him, slowly eating the apple in his hand. Something troubles me about Legolas, for he seems much more timid and quiet than the other many Elven children I have seen. Preferring to stay by himself Legolas obviously lacks the social interaction a Prince his age should have. The other puzzling matter I play over in my head was the look of fear that raced through his eyes last night when his father reprimanded him, the look almost seemed like a scared rabbit stuck in a hunters snare. But now those pale eyes hold only questioning and innocence as he gazes upon me.
(Legolas)
I didn't even have to look up to know that Elrond's adopted son has entered the hall, for the mortal boy has such heavy footfalls that it almost seemed that the whole establishment quivered under the boy's steps. He walks calmly in and sits himself across from me, looking at me with his steel- gray eyes. Estel grabs a handful of the green berries Tasinver and I gathered after he found me asleep in the embrace of the tree. Tasinver has been my other adult figure since the death of my mother, and I hold a great deal of respect for the man because he is the only other survivor of the attack other than myself. Yet the older Elf is getting along in his years and is no longer any use to my father, but he is to me. Tasinver has taught me much, mostly about Archery and fighting, but has also been there after the brutal beatings from my father. I have been able to trust the man and he has become my only true friend.
I catch Elrond's son staring at me, his eyes just roaming over me as he takes in my appearance. I take this chance to also look at him, since last night I didn't really want to know anything about him. Yet this morning my curiosity has risen and now I find myself taking him in. The human has long, dark hair that obscures his vision but he seems not to mind and absently brushes at it. Steel-gray eyes, so clear and filled with wonder stand out on his face more than anything, he is very different than the few mortal children I have seen. Although human Estel carries an air of Elven ways about him, and even dresses like a scout from Rivendell, in dark colored tunics and leather pants. I wonder how he can wear such clothing in the Hot season, but then again I myself wear only the warriors garb of Mirkwood, dark greens and light blues that help blend into the forests shadows, hiding us effectively from sight. I watch as the other boy opens his mouth to speak, then jump when another voice fills the hall.
" A staring contest?" The voice is filled with amusement and laughter as Lord Elrond comes to the table beside his son. Estel looks at his father and smiles, an act that Elrond returns with a light squeeze to the boy's shoulder. My heart clenches painfully as I watch the exchange, remembering the loving relationship father and I once had. Elrond looks at me and smiles, making me slightly weary of his intentions.
" Good Morning Legolas." He says and I nod, slowly getting from my spot as Tasinver comes into the hall the soft taps of his boots alerting me of his presence.
" Lord Elrond. I did hear you were visiting." Tasinver bows to the Rivendell lord and they begin chatting. I sigh, now I won't escape from the human boy and his father until noon at this rate. Picking up my bow and arrows I get out of my seat and move past the two conversing elves and outside. I am about to head down the stairs when the pounding of feet alerts me off Estel. Turning slightly I glare at the mortal, trying to make him feel unwelcome, but he only smiles and comes to my side.
" I guess we got off on the wrong foot. Let me try this again. I'm Estel." He holds out his hand and I look into his eyes, unsure of how to react. In those steel-gray depths I see nothing but the want of friendship, and tentatively take the mortal's hand, flinching slightly as he encloses his hand around mine. His grip isn't strong, but enough to give a strong appearance. I let go and step back, still watching the other youth.
" Legolas." I state finally and begin to move away down the stairs.
" Hey would you mind if I tagged along?" He asks and I suddenly begin to feel like he has become an annoying fly that refuses to leave. To seem polite I stop and look at the smiling Estel
" I have to go to my lesson with Tasinver. But if he says it's fine than yes you may." Estel is about to say something when Tasinver calls down from the top of the stairs
" Young Estel! Ever want to learn how to use a bow? " I roll my eyes, now I will never get the human boy away from me! I follow slowly behind my teacher and human cousin, my ribs suddenly flaring with pain. Absently I place a hand to the aching area and continue tom follow, not really caring when Estel turns to look at me.
(Aragorn)
I have followed Tasinver and Legolas around all day, accompanying the prince and his mentor as they roamed through the woods and trained in archery. Now we sit beside a small brook at the edge of the Mirkwood territory, enjoying the shade and a bit of lunch. Taking off my boots and putting them into the clear, cool water I sigh and gaze up at the shady canopy of trees, my mind at peace.
" Tasinver! Stop!" I hear Legolas laugh and turn my head to look at the two Elves as they mess around. The older, dark haired elf is tossing rock- looking things at the younger atop a tree branch. I watch as Legolas steadies himself on the branch before nodding to the man below. Tasinver then tosses harmless leather packets at the elf, forcing him to catch it.
" Good Legolas! I can hardly see the tremble that was there before." Tasinver says and the boy stops his catching and smiles, the youthful features becoming more open. Legolas jumps from the tree as Tasinver turns, when he lands the Prince puts a hand to his side once again, and a slight grimace comes to his face, but the elfin boy quickly schools his features when he notices me watching.
" Boys I am going to go and look for some herbs. Stay here and rest. I'll be back." Tasinver says and leaves off through the brush. I remain seated on the bank, feet dangling inside the water, Legolas comes over with the four canteens and goes upstream a few paces from me, dipping his hands into the cool water to fill the leather bladers. He sets about this task silently and diligently as I watch he rubs his hand against his side again, making me curious as to why it pains him. Slowly lifting my feet from the water I stand and go over to where the golden-haired elf is, crouching at his side.
" What pains you Legolas?" I ask, watching the eyes and face. The prince gives me a sideways look and shakes his head, leaving his face expressionless.
" Nothing, a slight stitch, nothing else." He says and gracefully gets to his feet and walks back to the three horses. I watch, remembering all the lessons father and my brothers taught me about watching for injuries. All the things I was taught to look for are present on the form of Legolas, from the stiffness and slightly quivering steps and to the hidden look in his eyes. Going over to where the young prince is now I slowly approach, unsure how to begin my assault of questions. I watch as he reties the canteens to the pommel of the saddles and then turns right to face me. He gasps and backs away quickly, alarm exposed on his face. I allow a slight smile to creep on my features but when the Elven prince pulls out his two pale-handled knives from their sheathes on his back. He then angles his eyes behind me and I slowly turn, to find the ugly face of an Orc staring me down. Giving a slight yelp of surprise when the Elvish blade goes whizzing past my face I drop into a crouch. The Orc's weapon comes down and I avoid having my head caved in by rolling away, grabbing my own knife as I did so. Coming to my feet I watch as Legolas attacks the Orc furiously, no facial expression, nothing. His stony face did weaver slightly when the Orc caught him about the aching side with the club, making the Elf fall to one knee. Without thinking I lunge foreword, thinking only to defend my comrade, to find an arrow sticking from the creatures throat. As the body falls limply to the ground I look around, only to find Legolas, hands bloody, yanking the arrow from the foul creature's neck. Pain glazed his eyes and marks of weariness etched on his face.
" Legolas, are you alright?" I ask cautiously approaching the heavily breathing elf. Legolas flinches and moves away quickly, shaking as he does so. His eyes staring at the Orc laying at his feet, then at the blood on his own hands the shaking increases, I am about to ask again when suddenly his eyes roll into the back of his head and he slumps to the ground. Jumping to catch the youth I bring him slowly to the ground, careful not to disturb his injuries. Sighing when I realize Legolas has passed out I finally find the time to check his injuries. Slowly slipping the dark green tunic up slightly I take in a hissing breath at the sight.
Legolas's side is covered in dark, angry bruises and a long gash, bleeding a stream. His whole ribcage is covered in bruises that couldn't have come from the Orc's attack, and it suddenly begins to worry me when I notice the protruding bone right under the last rib. Pressing one hand to the injury I wince when I feel the bone move under my palm, the pressure making Legolas groans and tries to move away but I hold him in place.
" What in the seven hells happened!" I turn to see the Elder elf return through the brush, his arms loaded with herbs. His eyes go right from the Orc body to Legolas. He quickly drops the plants and comes to his Prince's side, eagerly picking the youth up.
" Wait his injuries!" I begin but shut up when the man mounts his horse, the unconscious youth in his hands.
" They weren't healing properly anyway. Come we must get him back to your father and quickly!" He kicks his horse into gear and Balthesair heads back down the path we came, racing with urgency only Elven horses can. Kicking Fenris into a steady trot I grab Sansicry's reins I follow quickly, leaving the dark body of the Orc behind.
(Elrond)
I am reading over some notes the Mirkwood healer had given me a while ago in the gardens, enjoying the silent speech of the trees as they talk about past years. The sound of hooves echo's through the garden as the loud sound pulses with urgency.
" Healer! Healer!" I jump at the voice and quickly race to the sound and widen my eyes at the sight. Tasinver is climbing down from his horse, holding a trembling figure in his arms. Estel comes racing up behind him atop Fenris, leading Legolas's horse. It suddenly dawns on me that the figure in the older Archer's arms is none other than the prince.
" What happened?" I ask coming to race up the stairs beside Tasinver my eyes darting to the pale and harshly breathing child.
" Orc attacked.." He then lowers his voice "and the Prince was injured earlier after a harsh beating." His gray eyes dart quickly to Thranduil's room, where I can briefly make out the slight outline of my brother. Growling slightly I pull the Archer to the hall that my room is and he quickly complies, bringing the youth in and placing him on my bed. Going quickly to the satchel I brought with me I gather the bandages and herbs I think will be needed.
" Take off his boots, and tunic, I need to get to the injuries." I order the elder Archer and turn to find my son coming in, shock evident on his youthful mortal face.
" Adar." He looks at me then at Legolas, and back. I am torn between explaining to my son and helping my nephew. My mind is quickly made up when I shocked cry from Tasinver bring my gaze to focus on the retching prince. Cringing when I notice the blood I move swiftly to the bed and begin my examination.
" Estel, get warm water and bandages. Don't allow anyone to know why." I tell my son and as he is about to leave Tasinver stops him
" Go to Ahdaric, she will be able to help you with the bandages." Estel nods and quickly races down the hall. Once I know the boy is gone I look up from my work at the archer, my gaze firm
" What did you mean harsh beating?" I ask. Tasinver's eyes cloud over and darken to a deep gray, making me slightly surprised at the look.
" Thranduil has taken to hurting his son. Just this morning I found him curled in the embrace of a tree. His ribs were broken and he was bleeding." I am shocked. I thought that the other Elven children were beating up young Legolas. Never had I ever thought that my own brother was capable of harming his only son. Gazing down at the pale boy I wonder how he could be bearing with this.
" Legolas is a strong Lad Elrond. He wouldn't allow anyone to confront the King in fear of them too being injured so he kept this all to himself, when I found out he begged me to not say anything and I haven't." He shakes his head sadly and I nod, letting my hands roam over the injured form. Sighing I look up and begin mixing herbs on the bedside table
" He has broken four ribs and one has pierced his lung, causing him to throw up blood. He has also been starved and even a form of Stiff Joint has set into his back. I'm afraid the boy is in severe danger. Not only is his body broken, his soul and mind are beginning to dwindle." I mix the water and crushed roots then roll the now gummy substance into a small ball. Opening the youth's mouth I drop the medicinal ball into his mouth, then closing it quickly I message the throat, forcing him to swallow it. Tasinver says nothing while I apply salve and bandages to the body, but keeps his eyes lowered and half open.
" Father! I brought the water and the bandages." Estel cries breathlessly as he shuts the door behind him. He comes to my side and puts the bowl of warm water down. I smile sadly at my son, noting the look of concern on his face.
" Estel, pack the satchels and make sure the horses are ready to go." I say to the boy and Tasinver looks up sharply.
" Why? Where are you going with the Prince in such a condition? You can't leave him here!" Tasinver objects and I bring my hand up making him silent.
" I am taking him with me. I'll not leave the boy here to be hurt by my brother any longer. Estel accompany Tasinver to the Prince's room. I want you to gather one satchel of what you think the boy will need. Don't speak of this to anyone." I snap at the Archer making him and my son jump. I have never become so angry as I am now, pressing my thumb and forefinger on the bridge of my nose I exhale, calming myself down.
" Go, the longer we stay here, the harder it will be to leave." I say and Estel and Tasinver go off, leaving my nephew and me alone in the room. My thoughts reeling at what I just learned, I will have a few choice words with my brother before I leave.
(Aragorn)
Tasinver leads me through the corridor and down a flight of stairs. He stops in front of a small door and opens it, revealing a darkened room with hardly anything in it. Unfurnished and dark the thought of Legolas staying in this place sickens me. Tasinver lights a candle and the light floods the tiny room, showing off the little amount of belongings. In the corner is a pile of rags, which I supposed, served as a bed and then a small chest. Nothing else was in the room, unlike my brother's and my room.
" In that chest there is a few changes of clothes and a satchel, pack that and I'll get some of the other things." Tasinver says and I open the small chest. Sure enough there are a few pairs of tunics and pants. Removing them I pack the satchel well enough so it can hold a few more possessions. Tasinver comes back from a place near the wall and I glance at it, seeing a block had been removed to reveal a small storage space. In his hands the Archer holds a stuffed creature and a few other things of Legolas's. He puts them gently into the satchel and he nods.
" Come, I'll get your horses ready." He says and he goes one way and I go the other. I head quickly back up to the bedroom and go in. Laying on the bed is Legolas, still out but breathing strongly now. Father is nowhere to be found but that doesn't concern me since the packs are packed. Looking down at Legolas I feel my heart constrict, but quickly brush it aside when his eyes slowly begin to open. He looks about the room before sighing and closing his eyes again, falling into a healing trance. Slightly shocked by the whole thing I become quite frightened when I notice Legolas closing his eyes, elves usually sleep with them open.
" Estel, come, we must leave now." Father says startling me from my thoughts. I quickly gather up the four packs as Father takes the limp form of Legolas. Together we walk from the room and to where Tasinver holds onto all three horses. Fenris is already tacked and Laconia has been as well. Sansicry is tacked to carry our packs. I quickly put the packs on the set up and mount Fenris while Tasinver holds onto the still sleeping Prince while Father mounts. Once mounted he takes Legolas into his arms and holds him in front of him, allowing the prince to rest his head on his shoulder. Father whispers something to the old Archer before asking Laconia to move away from the Kingdom of Mirkwood. As we leave the gates I turn slightly when I hear the angered howl of King Thranduil, looking at my father I wonder what happened between him and his brother.
Identity Thief: Yes! Second chapter done! How did everyone like it? I personally hated it actually, I think my writing sucks and so doesn't my English teacher. But hey, if it makes me happy in this dreary world. anyway! PLEASE REVIEW! ::passes out more Lembas and Dreamberry Wine:: REVIEW!
Chapter 2: Tentative beginnings
(Aragorn)
The sunrays stretched across the bedroom, falling on my face and making me roll away, seeking refuge in the blankets. Yet the sun seems to enjoy terrorizing me and I give up trying to hide from the morning. Sighing I throw the covers back and look over at Father's bed, only to find it empty, which isn't too abnormal since he usually wakes at dawn. Stretching my muscles I slowly climb out of the comfortable bed that keeps calling to me, I make my way to the bathroom to refresh myself after the night. Washing up in the large basin and then changing clothes I walk back out into the bedroom to find both Father's and I beds are made and the bags are now in the corner. Shaking my head I put my soft boots back on and make my way to the main hall, where I know breakfast is being served, by the smell. I walk in to find only Legolas at the table, silently eating an apple. He doesn't even glance up as I take a seat across from him, eyeing the Elven prince, taking in the mysterious and puzzling boy. Grabbing a handful of the small, pale green berries and popping them into my mouth I silently observe the Elf.
The Prince is dressed in typical Elven garb, but instead of being the bright whites and yellow they usually wear around the Kingdom his are a dark green and pale blue, colors of the surrounding forests. His long hair falls about his shoulders the two side braids falling in the front and the long one he wears in the back keeps the hair from his vision. He watches me with curious silvery-blue eyes as I watch him, slowly eating the apple in his hand. Something troubles me about Legolas, for he seems much more timid and quiet than the other many Elven children I have seen. Preferring to stay by himself Legolas obviously lacks the social interaction a Prince his age should have. The other puzzling matter I play over in my head was the look of fear that raced through his eyes last night when his father reprimanded him, the look almost seemed like a scared rabbit stuck in a hunters snare. But now those pale eyes hold only questioning and innocence as he gazes upon me.
(Legolas)
I didn't even have to look up to know that Elrond's adopted son has entered the hall, for the mortal boy has such heavy footfalls that it almost seemed that the whole establishment quivered under the boy's steps. He walks calmly in and sits himself across from me, looking at me with his steel- gray eyes. Estel grabs a handful of the green berries Tasinver and I gathered after he found me asleep in the embrace of the tree. Tasinver has been my other adult figure since the death of my mother, and I hold a great deal of respect for the man because he is the only other survivor of the attack other than myself. Yet the older Elf is getting along in his years and is no longer any use to my father, but he is to me. Tasinver has taught me much, mostly about Archery and fighting, but has also been there after the brutal beatings from my father. I have been able to trust the man and he has become my only true friend.
I catch Elrond's son staring at me, his eyes just roaming over me as he takes in my appearance. I take this chance to also look at him, since last night I didn't really want to know anything about him. Yet this morning my curiosity has risen and now I find myself taking him in. The human has long, dark hair that obscures his vision but he seems not to mind and absently brushes at it. Steel-gray eyes, so clear and filled with wonder stand out on his face more than anything, he is very different than the few mortal children I have seen. Although human Estel carries an air of Elven ways about him, and even dresses like a scout from Rivendell, in dark colored tunics and leather pants. I wonder how he can wear such clothing in the Hot season, but then again I myself wear only the warriors garb of Mirkwood, dark greens and light blues that help blend into the forests shadows, hiding us effectively from sight. I watch as the other boy opens his mouth to speak, then jump when another voice fills the hall.
" A staring contest?" The voice is filled with amusement and laughter as Lord Elrond comes to the table beside his son. Estel looks at his father and smiles, an act that Elrond returns with a light squeeze to the boy's shoulder. My heart clenches painfully as I watch the exchange, remembering the loving relationship father and I once had. Elrond looks at me and smiles, making me slightly weary of his intentions.
" Good Morning Legolas." He says and I nod, slowly getting from my spot as Tasinver comes into the hall the soft taps of his boots alerting me of his presence.
" Lord Elrond. I did hear you were visiting." Tasinver bows to the Rivendell lord and they begin chatting. I sigh, now I won't escape from the human boy and his father until noon at this rate. Picking up my bow and arrows I get out of my seat and move past the two conversing elves and outside. I am about to head down the stairs when the pounding of feet alerts me off Estel. Turning slightly I glare at the mortal, trying to make him feel unwelcome, but he only smiles and comes to my side.
" I guess we got off on the wrong foot. Let me try this again. I'm Estel." He holds out his hand and I look into his eyes, unsure of how to react. In those steel-gray depths I see nothing but the want of friendship, and tentatively take the mortal's hand, flinching slightly as he encloses his hand around mine. His grip isn't strong, but enough to give a strong appearance. I let go and step back, still watching the other youth.
" Legolas." I state finally and begin to move away down the stairs.
" Hey would you mind if I tagged along?" He asks and I suddenly begin to feel like he has become an annoying fly that refuses to leave. To seem polite I stop and look at the smiling Estel
" I have to go to my lesson with Tasinver. But if he says it's fine than yes you may." Estel is about to say something when Tasinver calls down from the top of the stairs
" Young Estel! Ever want to learn how to use a bow? " I roll my eyes, now I will never get the human boy away from me! I follow slowly behind my teacher and human cousin, my ribs suddenly flaring with pain. Absently I place a hand to the aching area and continue tom follow, not really caring when Estel turns to look at me.
(Aragorn)
I have followed Tasinver and Legolas around all day, accompanying the prince and his mentor as they roamed through the woods and trained in archery. Now we sit beside a small brook at the edge of the Mirkwood territory, enjoying the shade and a bit of lunch. Taking off my boots and putting them into the clear, cool water I sigh and gaze up at the shady canopy of trees, my mind at peace.
" Tasinver! Stop!" I hear Legolas laugh and turn my head to look at the two Elves as they mess around. The older, dark haired elf is tossing rock- looking things at the younger atop a tree branch. I watch as Legolas steadies himself on the branch before nodding to the man below. Tasinver then tosses harmless leather packets at the elf, forcing him to catch it.
" Good Legolas! I can hardly see the tremble that was there before." Tasinver says and the boy stops his catching and smiles, the youthful features becoming more open. Legolas jumps from the tree as Tasinver turns, when he lands the Prince puts a hand to his side once again, and a slight grimace comes to his face, but the elfin boy quickly schools his features when he notices me watching.
" Boys I am going to go and look for some herbs. Stay here and rest. I'll be back." Tasinver says and leaves off through the brush. I remain seated on the bank, feet dangling inside the water, Legolas comes over with the four canteens and goes upstream a few paces from me, dipping his hands into the cool water to fill the leather bladers. He sets about this task silently and diligently as I watch he rubs his hand against his side again, making me curious as to why it pains him. Slowly lifting my feet from the water I stand and go over to where the golden-haired elf is, crouching at his side.
" What pains you Legolas?" I ask, watching the eyes and face. The prince gives me a sideways look and shakes his head, leaving his face expressionless.
" Nothing, a slight stitch, nothing else." He says and gracefully gets to his feet and walks back to the three horses. I watch, remembering all the lessons father and my brothers taught me about watching for injuries. All the things I was taught to look for are present on the form of Legolas, from the stiffness and slightly quivering steps and to the hidden look in his eyes. Going over to where the young prince is now I slowly approach, unsure how to begin my assault of questions. I watch as he reties the canteens to the pommel of the saddles and then turns right to face me. He gasps and backs away quickly, alarm exposed on his face. I allow a slight smile to creep on my features but when the Elven prince pulls out his two pale-handled knives from their sheathes on his back. He then angles his eyes behind me and I slowly turn, to find the ugly face of an Orc staring me down. Giving a slight yelp of surprise when the Elvish blade goes whizzing past my face I drop into a crouch. The Orc's weapon comes down and I avoid having my head caved in by rolling away, grabbing my own knife as I did so. Coming to my feet I watch as Legolas attacks the Orc furiously, no facial expression, nothing. His stony face did weaver slightly when the Orc caught him about the aching side with the club, making the Elf fall to one knee. Without thinking I lunge foreword, thinking only to defend my comrade, to find an arrow sticking from the creatures throat. As the body falls limply to the ground I look around, only to find Legolas, hands bloody, yanking the arrow from the foul creature's neck. Pain glazed his eyes and marks of weariness etched on his face.
" Legolas, are you alright?" I ask cautiously approaching the heavily breathing elf. Legolas flinches and moves away quickly, shaking as he does so. His eyes staring at the Orc laying at his feet, then at the blood on his own hands the shaking increases, I am about to ask again when suddenly his eyes roll into the back of his head and he slumps to the ground. Jumping to catch the youth I bring him slowly to the ground, careful not to disturb his injuries. Sighing when I realize Legolas has passed out I finally find the time to check his injuries. Slowly slipping the dark green tunic up slightly I take in a hissing breath at the sight.
Legolas's side is covered in dark, angry bruises and a long gash, bleeding a stream. His whole ribcage is covered in bruises that couldn't have come from the Orc's attack, and it suddenly begins to worry me when I notice the protruding bone right under the last rib. Pressing one hand to the injury I wince when I feel the bone move under my palm, the pressure making Legolas groans and tries to move away but I hold him in place.
" What in the seven hells happened!" I turn to see the Elder elf return through the brush, his arms loaded with herbs. His eyes go right from the Orc body to Legolas. He quickly drops the plants and comes to his Prince's side, eagerly picking the youth up.
" Wait his injuries!" I begin but shut up when the man mounts his horse, the unconscious youth in his hands.
" They weren't healing properly anyway. Come we must get him back to your father and quickly!" He kicks his horse into gear and Balthesair heads back down the path we came, racing with urgency only Elven horses can. Kicking Fenris into a steady trot I grab Sansicry's reins I follow quickly, leaving the dark body of the Orc behind.
(Elrond)
I am reading over some notes the Mirkwood healer had given me a while ago in the gardens, enjoying the silent speech of the trees as they talk about past years. The sound of hooves echo's through the garden as the loud sound pulses with urgency.
" Healer! Healer!" I jump at the voice and quickly race to the sound and widen my eyes at the sight. Tasinver is climbing down from his horse, holding a trembling figure in his arms. Estel comes racing up behind him atop Fenris, leading Legolas's horse. It suddenly dawns on me that the figure in the older Archer's arms is none other than the prince.
" What happened?" I ask coming to race up the stairs beside Tasinver my eyes darting to the pale and harshly breathing child.
" Orc attacked.." He then lowers his voice "and the Prince was injured earlier after a harsh beating." His gray eyes dart quickly to Thranduil's room, where I can briefly make out the slight outline of my brother. Growling slightly I pull the Archer to the hall that my room is and he quickly complies, bringing the youth in and placing him on my bed. Going quickly to the satchel I brought with me I gather the bandages and herbs I think will be needed.
" Take off his boots, and tunic, I need to get to the injuries." I order the elder Archer and turn to find my son coming in, shock evident on his youthful mortal face.
" Adar." He looks at me then at Legolas, and back. I am torn between explaining to my son and helping my nephew. My mind is quickly made up when I shocked cry from Tasinver bring my gaze to focus on the retching prince. Cringing when I notice the blood I move swiftly to the bed and begin my examination.
" Estel, get warm water and bandages. Don't allow anyone to know why." I tell my son and as he is about to leave Tasinver stops him
" Go to Ahdaric, she will be able to help you with the bandages." Estel nods and quickly races down the hall. Once I know the boy is gone I look up from my work at the archer, my gaze firm
" What did you mean harsh beating?" I ask. Tasinver's eyes cloud over and darken to a deep gray, making me slightly surprised at the look.
" Thranduil has taken to hurting his son. Just this morning I found him curled in the embrace of a tree. His ribs were broken and he was bleeding." I am shocked. I thought that the other Elven children were beating up young Legolas. Never had I ever thought that my own brother was capable of harming his only son. Gazing down at the pale boy I wonder how he could be bearing with this.
" Legolas is a strong Lad Elrond. He wouldn't allow anyone to confront the King in fear of them too being injured so he kept this all to himself, when I found out he begged me to not say anything and I haven't." He shakes his head sadly and I nod, letting my hands roam over the injured form. Sighing I look up and begin mixing herbs on the bedside table
" He has broken four ribs and one has pierced his lung, causing him to throw up blood. He has also been starved and even a form of Stiff Joint has set into his back. I'm afraid the boy is in severe danger. Not only is his body broken, his soul and mind are beginning to dwindle." I mix the water and crushed roots then roll the now gummy substance into a small ball. Opening the youth's mouth I drop the medicinal ball into his mouth, then closing it quickly I message the throat, forcing him to swallow it. Tasinver says nothing while I apply salve and bandages to the body, but keeps his eyes lowered and half open.
" Father! I brought the water and the bandages." Estel cries breathlessly as he shuts the door behind him. He comes to my side and puts the bowl of warm water down. I smile sadly at my son, noting the look of concern on his face.
" Estel, pack the satchels and make sure the horses are ready to go." I say to the boy and Tasinver looks up sharply.
" Why? Where are you going with the Prince in such a condition? You can't leave him here!" Tasinver objects and I bring my hand up making him silent.
" I am taking him with me. I'll not leave the boy here to be hurt by my brother any longer. Estel accompany Tasinver to the Prince's room. I want you to gather one satchel of what you think the boy will need. Don't speak of this to anyone." I snap at the Archer making him and my son jump. I have never become so angry as I am now, pressing my thumb and forefinger on the bridge of my nose I exhale, calming myself down.
" Go, the longer we stay here, the harder it will be to leave." I say and Estel and Tasinver go off, leaving my nephew and me alone in the room. My thoughts reeling at what I just learned, I will have a few choice words with my brother before I leave.
(Aragorn)
Tasinver leads me through the corridor and down a flight of stairs. He stops in front of a small door and opens it, revealing a darkened room with hardly anything in it. Unfurnished and dark the thought of Legolas staying in this place sickens me. Tasinver lights a candle and the light floods the tiny room, showing off the little amount of belongings. In the corner is a pile of rags, which I supposed, served as a bed and then a small chest. Nothing else was in the room, unlike my brother's and my room.
" In that chest there is a few changes of clothes and a satchel, pack that and I'll get some of the other things." Tasinver says and I open the small chest. Sure enough there are a few pairs of tunics and pants. Removing them I pack the satchel well enough so it can hold a few more possessions. Tasinver comes back from a place near the wall and I glance at it, seeing a block had been removed to reveal a small storage space. In his hands the Archer holds a stuffed creature and a few other things of Legolas's. He puts them gently into the satchel and he nods.
" Come, I'll get your horses ready." He says and he goes one way and I go the other. I head quickly back up to the bedroom and go in. Laying on the bed is Legolas, still out but breathing strongly now. Father is nowhere to be found but that doesn't concern me since the packs are packed. Looking down at Legolas I feel my heart constrict, but quickly brush it aside when his eyes slowly begin to open. He looks about the room before sighing and closing his eyes again, falling into a healing trance. Slightly shocked by the whole thing I become quite frightened when I notice Legolas closing his eyes, elves usually sleep with them open.
" Estel, come, we must leave now." Father says startling me from my thoughts. I quickly gather up the four packs as Father takes the limp form of Legolas. Together we walk from the room and to where Tasinver holds onto all three horses. Fenris is already tacked and Laconia has been as well. Sansicry is tacked to carry our packs. I quickly put the packs on the set up and mount Fenris while Tasinver holds onto the still sleeping Prince while Father mounts. Once mounted he takes Legolas into his arms and holds him in front of him, allowing the prince to rest his head on his shoulder. Father whispers something to the old Archer before asking Laconia to move away from the Kingdom of Mirkwood. As we leave the gates I turn slightly when I hear the angered howl of King Thranduil, looking at my father I wonder what happened between him and his brother.
Identity Thief: Yes! Second chapter done! How did everyone like it? I personally hated it actually, I think my writing sucks and so doesn't my English teacher. But hey, if it makes me happy in this dreary world. anyway! PLEASE REVIEW! ::passes out more Lembas and Dreamberry Wine:: REVIEW!