Disclaimer: I own nothing Tolkien created.
Passing Shadows
Rating - R
Warning - Not slash but mentions of rape and slight Elf torture.
A/N: Mistal, Autumn Priestess: Good I'm glad you want to hurt him, he is a very evil person, as you'll see later in the story. Keep reading.
Elenillor: Thank you very much. I always like to add a plot although I'm not against 'mindless elf torture'. Enjoy the rest of the story.
Wadeva: If you weren't joking then I won't be able to finish the story and you'll never find out who Legolas' attacker is. Thanks for the review.
tininath: Thank you, as for the slash between Legolas and Elrond well, you never know. Keep reading and find out.
Legolas4me: I know, poor Legolas. Hope you enjoy the chapter.
Dorothy Lee: Thank you very much. Here's the next chapter.
QueNighthawk: Thanks. Elrond gets even more father-like in the next few chapters so keep reading. I have no plans to make Legolas' life any easier. (a couple of vague spoilers in there)
Evenstar: Thanks, as I said earlier you find out a lot more about Legolas' attacker later on. Hope you continue to read and review.
Midnightprincess: Thank you, short and sweet, I like.
Now on with the story. . .
**
Ch 4 Talking with Elrond
**
Legolas knocked lightly on the door not wanting to disturb Elrond if he was working, after all he had said earlier that he had a lot to do. Legolas was about to turn away when Elrond's slightly irritated voice from within the room called for him to enter. He slowly opened the door as well as trying to look as though everything was perfectly normal. It seemed to work, when Elrond looked up he didn't look too surprised or concerned at all.
"Legolas. I wasn't expecting to see you tonight. How do you feel?" He asked sitting up straight and pushing his work aside for a moment.
"Better. I was tired earlier. I'm sorry if I was trouble with your guards as well as you." He smiled.
"Nonsense, there is no need for apologies. You were upset and rightly so. I have spoken to the guards and asked them to write you a formal apology to you." Elrond said standing to face Legolas, keeping the desk between them though, for which Legolas was very grateful.
"Really there is no need. I would have probably bound me as well." He laughed lightly, hoping it would sound convincing.
"Still they should have recognised you, you were wearing the colours of royalty. Anyway, that is proper procedure and I will make sure my people follow it. I don't want them tying up the next Prince they come across." Elrond smiled and was pleased when Legolas did the same and it looked genuine.
"Of course, all I am saying is that I understand why they did it. They certainly protect Rivendell well, perhaps you should raise their pay instead." Legolas laughed, only this time it was the strained kind Elrond had heard in his chambers earlier on.
"You never know." Elrond smiled. Maybe if he played along with Legolas' game he might get something from him. "Can I help you with something? You must be hungry, I know I am. I've spent all day trying to keep the three races of Middle Earth happy. I think this is the first time I've sat down all day."
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to disturb you. I'll go . . ."
"No, no that's not what I meant. I didn't mean that you were the problem. Dwarves and Elves, you know how it is." Once again he smiled but this time Legolas didn't even bother returning it, he just looked around uncomfortably. "We can eat here if you would prefer." Elrond said wishing there was something he could do to take that frightened look off Legolas' face.
"Yes, that would be nice. I hear the halls get quite busy at this time of night." Legolas stood tall facing Elrond, trying to keep his face straight and not give anything away. Unfortunately for him Elrond only had to look at him to know exactly what he was thinking. It felt to him like the older Elf was bearing into his soul.
"I'll send a servant to get us some food then. What would you like?" Elrond said walking towards the door.
"I really don't mind my Lord." Legolas said glancing around the study like a frightened child in a dark room.
Elrond grabbed a servant that was walking by and asked her to bring them some food. Once that was done Elrond turned back to Legolas who was still looking nervously around the room. It was strange he had no reason to be there and yet Elrond saw that he was just slightly more relaxed in this room. It didn't even have any guards protecting it.
"Please sit down." Elrond gestured to the couch near his desk. "You must still be in pain. I'll give you something later on and look at your wounds again. That bandage will probably need changing." Elrond sat behind his desk and turned so he could watch Legolas.
There it was again that fear in his eyes. It didn't surprise Elrond at all. After all he had been attacked and raped. He himself would certainly be jumpy after something like that. Elrond wished he could help Legolas but this was new territory for him. It wasn't very often that the Prince of Mirkwood came to his door in that state and he wasn't prepared for it.
Just as Elrond was about to speak again a knock came from the door. Legolas visibly jumped at the unexpected sound.
"Come in." Elrond shouted but was careful not to startle the Prince any more. A young servant girl entered carrying two trays. She handed one to Legolas first with a small bow, and then gave the second one to Elrond, with the same bow, only this one lasted slightly longer out of respect for her Lord. She then turned back to Legolas who was staring blankly at his plate as if trying to work out what to do with it.
"Your Majesty." She got Legolas' attention. "Master Taron asked me to give you this." She bowed one last time as she gave a piece of paper to him and walked out the room closing the door lightly behind her.
"Thank you." Legolas said but she was already gone. He looked up at Elrond who was staring at him in that usual seeing all way. He opened the note and read what it said.
Prince Legolas of Mirkwood -
In the shadows I lurk. Like a tiger waiting to pounce.
(A/N: I don't know whether they have tigers in ME but for the purpose of this they do)
Legolas didn't know what to do. He looked at the note again, making sure he read it right. The girl said Taron had given it to her, why would he do that? Did he know what happened in the woods, if so why didn't he approach him? Legolas didn't understand nor did he wish to. Taron must have had some reason for saying this and Legolas was sure that eventually he would find out. Still there really was no need for the letter.
"Legolas, is everything alright?" Elrond asked quietly keeping his eyes fixed on Legolas' pale and frightened face.
He looked up and smiled weakly.
"Everything's fine. It is nothing, just some security matters from an over protective bodyguard." The smile still remained but Elrond knew that something else was wrong. He wished he could see what was written on that note.
They spent the next half an hour sitting in silence. Elrond was working whilst Legolas just sat on the couch looking at his food as though he didn't know what to do with it. Elrond eventually looked up.
"Do you not like the food? I can get you something else if you'd prefer."
"No, thank you. The food's fine. I'm just not hungry that's all." He smiled. Elrond was getting very tired of seeing that fake smile.
"Are you sure?" Elrond asked gently. Legolas nodded and looked back to his full plate. "Was there some reason you wanted to see me? I mean you came all the way down here and I was wondering if there was something I could help you with." Elrond knew this wouldn't make Legolas talk to him but it was worth a try.
"No, there was nothing except to thank you for your kindness."
Elrond was about to ask him why he really wanted to see him but got interrupted by a knock at the door. Legolas breathed a sigh of relief at not being asked the uncomfortable question again.
"Come in." Elrond called.
The same young servant girl that had helped Legolas find his way back from the depths of Imladris opened the door and bowed when he reached Elrond's desk. She glanced unnoticed by Elrond over to Legolas who smiled very slightly, something that was not missed by Elrond despite the discretion.
The young girl took the plates and glasses, not mentioning anything about Legolas' still full plate. She didn't even look up at him but just carried on doing her job as the servants of Imladris had always been instructed to do. They had gotten used to some strange circumstances over the years and had come to learn when to keep quiet and the girl obviously thought that this was one such time. Little did she know that Legolas was wishing she would say or do something that might break Elrond's penetrating stare.
"Is there anything else My Lord?" She asked politely.
"No thank you." Elrond said sharply, he was still slightly irritated that he had been disturbed at such a time. He wanted to talk to Legolas and every time he got going something happened to stop him. "Legolas, is there anything you want?"
"No thank you." Legolas said distractedly. He wasn't really listening to what was being said but the mention of his name pulled him from his thoughts. He looked up to Elrond who was still gazing at him, trying to see the thing that Legolas was hiding. "I'm fine." He smiled to the servant. She nodded.
"If there is nothing else. . ." She bowed.
"No that's all thank you. Actually could you ask someone to come here and make sure we're not disturbed? I have some important business to attend to. Thank you." Elrond said glancing over his papers, he missed the look of utter terror on Legolas' face. Somehow he knew that the 'important business' Elrond had to attend to had something to do with him and he got the feeling it would be more questions.
"I almost forgot My Lord, one of the healers asked that you check on the Hobbit Frodo some time during the night. His fever went up slightly earlier on." She bowed again before leaving the room.
That left Legolas and Elrond alone again and that familiar awkward silence was upon them again, something Elrond was regretfully getting used to by now when he was around Legolas.
"If you have work to do I'll go back to my room. I wouldn't want to disturb you." Legolas said getting up, hoping Elrond would let him go without the endless questions. He should have realised what would happen as soon as he saw him again but earlier in that corridor he felt so vulnerable and as much as he hated to admit it, with Elrond he felt safer.
"No, wait. I want to talk to you. Please sit down." Elrond gestured back to the couch as he walked around to join the Prince.
"Please My Lord. . ." Legolas said looking towards the door.
"No, I insist." Elrond said firmly, sitting down on the couch so Legolas would have to sit next to him. Legolas nodded although reluctantly. "I wanted to talk to you. You never really told me what happened." He looked deep into those blue eyes and only just realised that they were open to him, like Legolas was inviting him to see so he wouldn't have to explain it himself.
"Really, nothing that important happened that you don't already know about." Legolas said standing again.
"That's not what it looked like when you came here. You could barely stand as I recall. I am more than happy to do anything I can to help you but I must know what really happened instead of being fed half-truths. Legolas I will not judge you and I can assure you that your father will never find out. I promise." Elrond waited for Legolas to think about what he had just said.
"I don't remember a lot about what happened." Legolas mumbled, only just loud enough for Elrond to hear.
"Then tell me what you do remember." Elrond pushed gently.
Once again Legolas hesitated as if he was trying to work out whether he should trust Elrond or not.
"I . . .don't know what to tell you. That he touched me, that he . . .that he beat me . . .I couldn't fight back." Legolas' voice was distant, he was recalling the memory.
"Why couldn't you fight back?" Elrond asked being very careful what he said.
"I . . .he jumped me from behind. In the shadows. He pinned me down before I could fight back. I tried though, I tried so hard. I kept thinking about my father and what he would do but he was too strong. I tried. . ."
"I'm sure you did." Elrond reassured.
"He was very strong. Stronger than me. I fought back but it didn't seem to help. He stripped me of my weapons . . .and clothes . . .I couldn't get away. He held me down. He was so strong. I called out to the trees asking for their help but they couldn't help me. He had his hand clamped over my mouth so hard I couldn't talk to them. They cried out for me, shouting at him to stop but he didn't seem to hear them."
"He was an Elf?" Elrond questioned trying to disrupt Legolas' thoughts too much.
"Yes. A man could never sneak up like that, hide in the shadows without me sensing it. He was an Elf." Legolas finally turned round to face Elrond and the Elf Lord saw tears in Legolas' blue eyes. He stood up and faced Legolas, hoping to make him more comfortable.
"Then what?"
"Then he beat me. Kicked me. I couldn't stop him no matter how hard I tried. He was . . strong. He held his hand over my mouth so I couldn't cry out for help. I wanted to though, I wanted . . ."
"What? You wanted what? It's alright Legolas, I won't judge you." Elrond gently put his hand on Legolas' arm and felt the Prince flinch at the touch.
"I wanted someone to help me. My father. He always protected me and he wasn't there. I called for him but he didn't come. I know it wasn't his fault. Mirkwood is a long way from Rivendell." Legolas smiled slightly but it faded quickly. "No one came so I just stopped fighting. I realised he wasn't going to let me go. Every time I thought he would leave or I would pass out he would come back and . . .and do it again . . ." Legolas' voice almost turned into a sob at this revelation. "I cried for him to stop but he wouldn't. He just made it more painful for me. I think that's the only reason he did it. I tried to get free again but he still wouldn't let me move . . ." Legolas placed his hand over his face in a last desperate attempt to stop the tears.
Elrond watched him wishing there was something he could do but knowing he shouldn't say anything that would upset him more.
"Come and sit down." Elrond led Legolas slowly to the couch and helped him sit down. He sat in silence for a few moments before Legolas took a deep breath and began speaking again.
"I didn't want to come here. I didn't want to appear like I couldn't even fight off one Elf when I am here to volunteer for the biggest war for centuries." Legolas looked down at the floor making sure he never met Elrond's eyes.
"Legolas, some times it is harder to fight off a single attacker than thousands of them. Do you really believe I would have thought you weak if you had come to me for help? I am a healer and I've been told that I am fairly good." Elrond smiled and a ghost of a smile appeared on Legolas' lips. "I would never turn you away because of a 'weakness' as you put it. What he did to you, whether you told me the whole story or not, was unforgivable and I admit that I would probably acted in the same way as you." Elrond smiled when Legolas looked up in surprise.
"Really?" He asked, apparently astounded by the revelation.
"Really. Sometimes even the greatest warriors and healers need the help of someone else. The only problem is people like you and me are often too proud or stubborn to admit to it. It doesn't mean you're weak to confide in someone or admit that you are frightened. After what happened to you no one, not even your father, would judge you for asking for help. I am sure that if he were in your position he would do the same thing. Just because you have a title before your name and many years experience doesn't make you immune to emotions, no matter how hard we try to conceal them." Elrond placed a gentle hand on Legolas' arm. "Would you like me to send for your father? He could be here in a few days." He asked hopefully.
Legolas thought for a moment. "Yes, but please do not tell him what happened, just that I want to see him and that I got into trouble on the way here. I do not want to worry him too much."
"If that is what you want." Elrond nodded.
"Thank you." Legolas looked over to Elrond and smiled, a proper smile, no false attempts.
"There is no need for thanks as I have already told you I am here to help and if there is anything I can do to make this easier for you then all you have to do is ask." Elrond said seriously.
"Thank . . ." Legolas smiled once again as Elrond shot him a warning look.
"You should go and rest, you look tired. I will check on your wounds later." Elrond nodded for Legolas to go. Legolas eagerly stood up and walked towards the door. For some reason he didn't want to go back out into that cold corridor, he liked it in the study, it had a warmth to it that so far he had not found in the other rooms. He placed his hand on the handle and waited.
"Is everything alright Legolas?" Elrond asked watching Legolas intently.
Once again that hesitation. "I . . .you said that you could give me something to help me sleep. I think that might be a good idea." He spun around trying once again to make his face blank. He was proud of his excuse and the fact that Elrond didn't seem to notice that it was a lie.
"Of course. My things are still in your room. I checked on you earlier and left them there. Come." Elrond led the way out. Despite Legolas' very good attempt at lying to him Elrond had seen right through it. He knew that Legolas didn't want to walk on his own and he couldn't really blame him, still he was disappointed that Legolas hadn't told him the truth like they talked about.
Even so Elrond decided not to mention it and escorted Legolas to his chambers.
**
Passing Shadows
Rating - R
Warning - Not slash but mentions of rape and slight Elf torture.
A/N: Mistal, Autumn Priestess: Good I'm glad you want to hurt him, he is a very evil person, as you'll see later in the story. Keep reading.
Elenillor: Thank you very much. I always like to add a plot although I'm not against 'mindless elf torture'. Enjoy the rest of the story.
Wadeva: If you weren't joking then I won't be able to finish the story and you'll never find out who Legolas' attacker is. Thanks for the review.
tininath: Thank you, as for the slash between Legolas and Elrond well, you never know. Keep reading and find out.
Legolas4me: I know, poor Legolas. Hope you enjoy the chapter.
Dorothy Lee: Thank you very much. Here's the next chapter.
QueNighthawk: Thanks. Elrond gets even more father-like in the next few chapters so keep reading. I have no plans to make Legolas' life any easier. (a couple of vague spoilers in there)
Evenstar: Thanks, as I said earlier you find out a lot more about Legolas' attacker later on. Hope you continue to read and review.
Midnightprincess: Thank you, short and sweet, I like.
Now on with the story. . .
**
Ch 4 Talking with Elrond
**
Legolas knocked lightly on the door not wanting to disturb Elrond if he was working, after all he had said earlier that he had a lot to do. Legolas was about to turn away when Elrond's slightly irritated voice from within the room called for him to enter. He slowly opened the door as well as trying to look as though everything was perfectly normal. It seemed to work, when Elrond looked up he didn't look too surprised or concerned at all.
"Legolas. I wasn't expecting to see you tonight. How do you feel?" He asked sitting up straight and pushing his work aside for a moment.
"Better. I was tired earlier. I'm sorry if I was trouble with your guards as well as you." He smiled.
"Nonsense, there is no need for apologies. You were upset and rightly so. I have spoken to the guards and asked them to write you a formal apology to you." Elrond said standing to face Legolas, keeping the desk between them though, for which Legolas was very grateful.
"Really there is no need. I would have probably bound me as well." He laughed lightly, hoping it would sound convincing.
"Still they should have recognised you, you were wearing the colours of royalty. Anyway, that is proper procedure and I will make sure my people follow it. I don't want them tying up the next Prince they come across." Elrond smiled and was pleased when Legolas did the same and it looked genuine.
"Of course, all I am saying is that I understand why they did it. They certainly protect Rivendell well, perhaps you should raise their pay instead." Legolas laughed, only this time it was the strained kind Elrond had heard in his chambers earlier on.
"You never know." Elrond smiled. Maybe if he played along with Legolas' game he might get something from him. "Can I help you with something? You must be hungry, I know I am. I've spent all day trying to keep the three races of Middle Earth happy. I think this is the first time I've sat down all day."
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to disturb you. I'll go . . ."
"No, no that's not what I meant. I didn't mean that you were the problem. Dwarves and Elves, you know how it is." Once again he smiled but this time Legolas didn't even bother returning it, he just looked around uncomfortably. "We can eat here if you would prefer." Elrond said wishing there was something he could do to take that frightened look off Legolas' face.
"Yes, that would be nice. I hear the halls get quite busy at this time of night." Legolas stood tall facing Elrond, trying to keep his face straight and not give anything away. Unfortunately for him Elrond only had to look at him to know exactly what he was thinking. It felt to him like the older Elf was bearing into his soul.
"I'll send a servant to get us some food then. What would you like?" Elrond said walking towards the door.
"I really don't mind my Lord." Legolas said glancing around the study like a frightened child in a dark room.
Elrond grabbed a servant that was walking by and asked her to bring them some food. Once that was done Elrond turned back to Legolas who was still looking nervously around the room. It was strange he had no reason to be there and yet Elrond saw that he was just slightly more relaxed in this room. It didn't even have any guards protecting it.
"Please sit down." Elrond gestured to the couch near his desk. "You must still be in pain. I'll give you something later on and look at your wounds again. That bandage will probably need changing." Elrond sat behind his desk and turned so he could watch Legolas.
There it was again that fear in his eyes. It didn't surprise Elrond at all. After all he had been attacked and raped. He himself would certainly be jumpy after something like that. Elrond wished he could help Legolas but this was new territory for him. It wasn't very often that the Prince of Mirkwood came to his door in that state and he wasn't prepared for it.
Just as Elrond was about to speak again a knock came from the door. Legolas visibly jumped at the unexpected sound.
"Come in." Elrond shouted but was careful not to startle the Prince any more. A young servant girl entered carrying two trays. She handed one to Legolas first with a small bow, and then gave the second one to Elrond, with the same bow, only this one lasted slightly longer out of respect for her Lord. She then turned back to Legolas who was staring blankly at his plate as if trying to work out what to do with it.
"Your Majesty." She got Legolas' attention. "Master Taron asked me to give you this." She bowed one last time as she gave a piece of paper to him and walked out the room closing the door lightly behind her.
"Thank you." Legolas said but she was already gone. He looked up at Elrond who was staring at him in that usual seeing all way. He opened the note and read what it said.
Prince Legolas of Mirkwood -
In the shadows I lurk. Like a tiger waiting to pounce.
(A/N: I don't know whether they have tigers in ME but for the purpose of this they do)
Legolas didn't know what to do. He looked at the note again, making sure he read it right. The girl said Taron had given it to her, why would he do that? Did he know what happened in the woods, if so why didn't he approach him? Legolas didn't understand nor did he wish to. Taron must have had some reason for saying this and Legolas was sure that eventually he would find out. Still there really was no need for the letter.
"Legolas, is everything alright?" Elrond asked quietly keeping his eyes fixed on Legolas' pale and frightened face.
He looked up and smiled weakly.
"Everything's fine. It is nothing, just some security matters from an over protective bodyguard." The smile still remained but Elrond knew that something else was wrong. He wished he could see what was written on that note.
They spent the next half an hour sitting in silence. Elrond was working whilst Legolas just sat on the couch looking at his food as though he didn't know what to do with it. Elrond eventually looked up.
"Do you not like the food? I can get you something else if you'd prefer."
"No, thank you. The food's fine. I'm just not hungry that's all." He smiled. Elrond was getting very tired of seeing that fake smile.
"Are you sure?" Elrond asked gently. Legolas nodded and looked back to his full plate. "Was there some reason you wanted to see me? I mean you came all the way down here and I was wondering if there was something I could help you with." Elrond knew this wouldn't make Legolas talk to him but it was worth a try.
"No, there was nothing except to thank you for your kindness."
Elrond was about to ask him why he really wanted to see him but got interrupted by a knock at the door. Legolas breathed a sigh of relief at not being asked the uncomfortable question again.
"Come in." Elrond called.
The same young servant girl that had helped Legolas find his way back from the depths of Imladris opened the door and bowed when he reached Elrond's desk. She glanced unnoticed by Elrond over to Legolas who smiled very slightly, something that was not missed by Elrond despite the discretion.
The young girl took the plates and glasses, not mentioning anything about Legolas' still full plate. She didn't even look up at him but just carried on doing her job as the servants of Imladris had always been instructed to do. They had gotten used to some strange circumstances over the years and had come to learn when to keep quiet and the girl obviously thought that this was one such time. Little did she know that Legolas was wishing she would say or do something that might break Elrond's penetrating stare.
"Is there anything else My Lord?" She asked politely.
"No thank you." Elrond said sharply, he was still slightly irritated that he had been disturbed at such a time. He wanted to talk to Legolas and every time he got going something happened to stop him. "Legolas, is there anything you want?"
"No thank you." Legolas said distractedly. He wasn't really listening to what was being said but the mention of his name pulled him from his thoughts. He looked up to Elrond who was still gazing at him, trying to see the thing that Legolas was hiding. "I'm fine." He smiled to the servant. She nodded.
"If there is nothing else. . ." She bowed.
"No that's all thank you. Actually could you ask someone to come here and make sure we're not disturbed? I have some important business to attend to. Thank you." Elrond said glancing over his papers, he missed the look of utter terror on Legolas' face. Somehow he knew that the 'important business' Elrond had to attend to had something to do with him and he got the feeling it would be more questions.
"I almost forgot My Lord, one of the healers asked that you check on the Hobbit Frodo some time during the night. His fever went up slightly earlier on." She bowed again before leaving the room.
That left Legolas and Elrond alone again and that familiar awkward silence was upon them again, something Elrond was regretfully getting used to by now when he was around Legolas.
"If you have work to do I'll go back to my room. I wouldn't want to disturb you." Legolas said getting up, hoping Elrond would let him go without the endless questions. He should have realised what would happen as soon as he saw him again but earlier in that corridor he felt so vulnerable and as much as he hated to admit it, with Elrond he felt safer.
"No, wait. I want to talk to you. Please sit down." Elrond gestured back to the couch as he walked around to join the Prince.
"Please My Lord. . ." Legolas said looking towards the door.
"No, I insist." Elrond said firmly, sitting down on the couch so Legolas would have to sit next to him. Legolas nodded although reluctantly. "I wanted to talk to you. You never really told me what happened." He looked deep into those blue eyes and only just realised that they were open to him, like Legolas was inviting him to see so he wouldn't have to explain it himself.
"Really, nothing that important happened that you don't already know about." Legolas said standing again.
"That's not what it looked like when you came here. You could barely stand as I recall. I am more than happy to do anything I can to help you but I must know what really happened instead of being fed half-truths. Legolas I will not judge you and I can assure you that your father will never find out. I promise." Elrond waited for Legolas to think about what he had just said.
"I don't remember a lot about what happened." Legolas mumbled, only just loud enough for Elrond to hear.
"Then tell me what you do remember." Elrond pushed gently.
Once again Legolas hesitated as if he was trying to work out whether he should trust Elrond or not.
"I . . .don't know what to tell you. That he touched me, that he . . .that he beat me . . .I couldn't fight back." Legolas' voice was distant, he was recalling the memory.
"Why couldn't you fight back?" Elrond asked being very careful what he said.
"I . . .he jumped me from behind. In the shadows. He pinned me down before I could fight back. I tried though, I tried so hard. I kept thinking about my father and what he would do but he was too strong. I tried. . ."
"I'm sure you did." Elrond reassured.
"He was very strong. Stronger than me. I fought back but it didn't seem to help. He stripped me of my weapons . . .and clothes . . .I couldn't get away. He held me down. He was so strong. I called out to the trees asking for their help but they couldn't help me. He had his hand clamped over my mouth so hard I couldn't talk to them. They cried out for me, shouting at him to stop but he didn't seem to hear them."
"He was an Elf?" Elrond questioned trying to disrupt Legolas' thoughts too much.
"Yes. A man could never sneak up like that, hide in the shadows without me sensing it. He was an Elf." Legolas finally turned round to face Elrond and the Elf Lord saw tears in Legolas' blue eyes. He stood up and faced Legolas, hoping to make him more comfortable.
"Then what?"
"Then he beat me. Kicked me. I couldn't stop him no matter how hard I tried. He was . . strong. He held his hand over my mouth so I couldn't cry out for help. I wanted to though, I wanted . . ."
"What? You wanted what? It's alright Legolas, I won't judge you." Elrond gently put his hand on Legolas' arm and felt the Prince flinch at the touch.
"I wanted someone to help me. My father. He always protected me and he wasn't there. I called for him but he didn't come. I know it wasn't his fault. Mirkwood is a long way from Rivendell." Legolas smiled slightly but it faded quickly. "No one came so I just stopped fighting. I realised he wasn't going to let me go. Every time I thought he would leave or I would pass out he would come back and . . .and do it again . . ." Legolas' voice almost turned into a sob at this revelation. "I cried for him to stop but he wouldn't. He just made it more painful for me. I think that's the only reason he did it. I tried to get free again but he still wouldn't let me move . . ." Legolas placed his hand over his face in a last desperate attempt to stop the tears.
Elrond watched him wishing there was something he could do but knowing he shouldn't say anything that would upset him more.
"Come and sit down." Elrond led Legolas slowly to the couch and helped him sit down. He sat in silence for a few moments before Legolas took a deep breath and began speaking again.
"I didn't want to come here. I didn't want to appear like I couldn't even fight off one Elf when I am here to volunteer for the biggest war for centuries." Legolas looked down at the floor making sure he never met Elrond's eyes.
"Legolas, some times it is harder to fight off a single attacker than thousands of them. Do you really believe I would have thought you weak if you had come to me for help? I am a healer and I've been told that I am fairly good." Elrond smiled and a ghost of a smile appeared on Legolas' lips. "I would never turn you away because of a 'weakness' as you put it. What he did to you, whether you told me the whole story or not, was unforgivable and I admit that I would probably acted in the same way as you." Elrond smiled when Legolas looked up in surprise.
"Really?" He asked, apparently astounded by the revelation.
"Really. Sometimes even the greatest warriors and healers need the help of someone else. The only problem is people like you and me are often too proud or stubborn to admit to it. It doesn't mean you're weak to confide in someone or admit that you are frightened. After what happened to you no one, not even your father, would judge you for asking for help. I am sure that if he were in your position he would do the same thing. Just because you have a title before your name and many years experience doesn't make you immune to emotions, no matter how hard we try to conceal them." Elrond placed a gentle hand on Legolas' arm. "Would you like me to send for your father? He could be here in a few days." He asked hopefully.
Legolas thought for a moment. "Yes, but please do not tell him what happened, just that I want to see him and that I got into trouble on the way here. I do not want to worry him too much."
"If that is what you want." Elrond nodded.
"Thank you." Legolas looked over to Elrond and smiled, a proper smile, no false attempts.
"There is no need for thanks as I have already told you I am here to help and if there is anything I can do to make this easier for you then all you have to do is ask." Elrond said seriously.
"Thank . . ." Legolas smiled once again as Elrond shot him a warning look.
"You should go and rest, you look tired. I will check on your wounds later." Elrond nodded for Legolas to go. Legolas eagerly stood up and walked towards the door. For some reason he didn't want to go back out into that cold corridor, he liked it in the study, it had a warmth to it that so far he had not found in the other rooms. He placed his hand on the handle and waited.
"Is everything alright Legolas?" Elrond asked watching Legolas intently.
Once again that hesitation. "I . . .you said that you could give me something to help me sleep. I think that might be a good idea." He spun around trying once again to make his face blank. He was proud of his excuse and the fact that Elrond didn't seem to notice that it was a lie.
"Of course. My things are still in your room. I checked on you earlier and left them there. Come." Elrond led the way out. Despite Legolas' very good attempt at lying to him Elrond had seen right through it. He knew that Legolas didn't want to walk on his own and he couldn't really blame him, still he was disappointed that Legolas hadn't told him the truth like they talked about.
Even so Elrond decided not to mention it and escorted Legolas to his chambers.
**