Disclaimer: I own nothing Tolkien created.
Passing Shadows.
Rating: R
Warning – Not slash but mentions of rape and some slight Elf torture.
A/N:
Wadeva: I know that Legolas may seem a little 'weak' here but I was just trying to show that he had been through so much and it was his friends that finally helped him understand that it was okay to be frightened. I'm sorry if I made him sound too weak but I thought it was necessary and an important part of the story. I hope my weak version of Legolas doesn't put you off too much, I promise he'll become our favourite strong archer again soon. I liked the Elladan touch too, I honestly don't know where it came from, still I'm glad you liked it.
Gwyn: I agree completely, Elladan is very sweet in this story. Don't worry, like I just said, there'll be plenty of revenge later on and no doubt Elladan will be a part of it.
TheSilentSenshi: Okay, calm down there. I didn't know I was making people so upset by this. I'm sure that Legolas will. . .wait that would give away the ending to the story. Sorry but you'll just have to keep reading to find out what happens to Legolas and Taron. Enjoy. By the way I'm sorry I made you cry.
angelic star: Well, thank you. I'm glad this matches Leaving These Shores, I was worried that it wouldn't be as popular but I'm pleased you like this. Keep reading (and reviewing of course)
Kept-Secret: Yes Legolas does always seem to be in trouble. Oh well, at least it gives me something to write about. Keep reading.
WANTANELF: Good for you. I hope you liked it. Keep reading.
QueNighthawk: Thanks. Enjoy the chapter.
Elenillor: Thank you. At least it's a review and I do love getting them. Hope you enjoy the rest.
Wow, so many reviews. Keep them coming, I love hearing from you. Okay enjoy the chapter.
**
Ch 6 Explanations
The room was dark now, the candles had been too bright for Legolas to sleep so Elrond had promised that he wouldn't leave his side and blown them out. He was still in shock about what had happened to him and was trying, unsuccessfully, to keep a straight mind. He hated looking so weak in front of Elrond but he soon realised that he could not keep pretending that everything was fine. Elrond had spent some time constantly reassuring him that everything was alright and that there was no need for him to worry or apologise, as he had done several times.
Elrond was beginning to get used to the frightened Prince. He completely understood why he was upset and yet strangely it still unnerved him that royalty should be in such a state. He had to keep reminding himself that Legolas was still a person whether he was royalty or not. He should be treated in the same way as anyone else.
This was how Elrond intended to treat Legolas. The same as anyone else. Mirkwood and Rivendell were at least on more friendly terms by this time and there was no need to be wary around the Prince, even though Thranduil would surely not be happy that Elrond hadn't spoken to him sooner.
Legolas was still shaking slightly when Elrond placed a gentle hand on his arm hoping to let the Prince know that he wasn't alone. Legolas' earlier words to him and Elladan really surprised and in some ways upset him. Just that morning Elrond had promised him that nothing would happen to him whilst he was in Rivendell. Legolas had been distraught to learn that that wasn't the case and that he had been attacked in the place that he assumed to be safe.
Another thing that worried Elrond was Legolas' continued unwillingness to tell him anything about his attacker. All he knew was that it was an Elf. Elrond had known that from the beginning as only a very skilled Elf could sneak up on a warrior twice. Elrond knew that Legolas was holding something back. He jumped every time someone came to the door, mostly delivering update messages about orcs to Elrond.
Legolas was just beginning to fall asleep when a loud knock came from the door, startling both Elrond and Legolas. Legolas sat up straight and alert just in case it was the attacker. Elrond whispered something to him that in truth Legolas wasn't listening to and got up and went to the door. He smiled when he saw who it was.
"Taron, its good to see you again. Legolas is alright but I thought the extra security from his own people would do him good." Elrond moved aside to allow the bodyguard to enter.
Legolas couldn't believe what he was seeing. Elrond was talking quite happily with Taron, the Elf that attacked him. Of course Elrond didn't know that Taron was the attacker so he couldn't really blame him but still it shocked him.
"Your Majesty." Taron bowed, no sign of regret or anything else but (false) sympathy on his face. "I came as soon as Lord Elrond informed me. Are you alright? I never imagined anyone would hurt you in Rivendell. I think of it as a failure on my part that you were hurt. Thank goodness it wasn't too badly." He said, his voice filled with worry that Legolas knew wasn't real.
"Oh Taron, you should know that not even the Royal bodyguard can be everywhere at once." Elrond said placing a comforting hand on Taron's shoulder.
Legolas wanted to shout out that Elrond should throw the other Elf out but he remembered the threat Taron had made against him. Taron knew that Legolas would not say anything. Legolas thought he saw a kind of pleasure in Taron's eyes at seeing him trembling and helpless in bed.
"Prince Legolas was just about to get some sleep. Perhaps it would be better if I leave him with you. I'm sure he's prefer someone from his own home to be there, and his bodyguard as well. What could be safer?" Elrond said, he noticed that Legolas trembling had gotten worse but he decided it better not to say anything just yet. "Legolas?"
"My Lord, I'm sure Legolas will be fine, I just hope I never let this happen again." Taron said looking sincere. Legolas could hardly believe what he was hearing and how the Elf had the nerve to do something like that.
"No." Legolas shouted before Elrond could leave. He looked back to Legolas and then to Taron who was looking slightly confused. He hadn't been expecting Legolas to say that.
"Your Majesty, you're just tired, please try and get some rest." Taron said, he turned to Elrond. "I'm sure you're very busy, why don't you do what you have to and I'll stay with him." Legolas could hear in his voice that he was annoyed.
"No." Legolas said again, more softly this time and he gave Elrond a pleading look. Elrond, of course picked up on it immediately.
"I think I should stay for a while. His wounds still need tending to. Besides Legolas is far more important than my work. Isn't that right Legolas?" Elrond said looking down at Legolas who was wide-eyed and frightened.
"Of course. I'll stay as well. Ill be far better protection to the Prince." Taron smiled, not the evil grin like before but a warm comforting smile, one which Legolas knew immediately was fake. Elrond seemed to pick up on the tension in the room and was sure something else was going on. If only he knew what it was.
Legolas shook his head again telling Elrond he didn't want Taron to stay.
"I think perhaps it's best if you wait outside. Return to your quarters and I'll fetch you when I have finished." Elrond said opening the door to Taron. He waited and looked at Legolas one last time before smiling again and slowly walking out the door, making sure Legolas could see his face, and the warning it contained, as he left.
Once Taron had left, Elrond turned back to Legolas who was laid down again with a relieved look on his face. Elrond didn't understand what was going on. Legolas and Taron had never had any problems before so why should it be any different now?
"What was that about Legolas? Why didn't you want Taron here with you? He's far better protection than me." Elrond asked cautiously. He didn't want to upset Legolas any more than he already had that night.
"It's nothing. I just . . ." Legolas looked down at the sheet. He knew that he couldn't tell Elrond anything no matter how much he wanted to. He decided that Taron could definitely do all those things he threatened and knew better than to cross him.
Elrond sighed. It obviously wasn't nothing. Legolas was really frightened when Taron had offered to watch him. Elrond had no problem with staying with Legolas, in fact he almost enjoyed the thought of people feeling safe around him but still he knew he couldn't be there all the time. There was something else. Taron's look had changed when Legolas had told him he didn't want him there. Angry? Maybe just disappointed. After all Taron had served the Mirkwood Royal family for many years, he may have just felt betrayed by the Prince because of his unwillingness to trust.
"Alright. I don't think your wounds need too much attention so why don't you try and get some sleep?" Elrond said sitting in the chair next to the bed.
Legolas laid down again and turned on his side to face Elrond. He saw the look on Elrond's face. There was something there he didn't recognise at first.
"You're angry with me." Legolas said quietly.
Elrond looked up in surprise, he hadn't been expecting that.
"No. No of course I'm not angry." Elrond said quickly. "I could never be, it is your decision who sits with you. I'm just confused Legolas. I want to help you but I can't do that unless you help me as well. I can only guess so much but I need you to give me answers before I can do anything." Elrond said leaning close.
"I don't have any answers to give." Legolas said strongly. He wished it were the truth. The temptation to tell Elrond everything was so strong.
"I know that's not the truth." Elrond said bluntly.
"It is. I promise." Legolas said.
"That's not true." Elrond raised his voice but took a deep breath before looking at Legolas again. He knew it wouldn't do any good shouting at Legolas and making him even more nervous than he already was. "I'm sorry. I want to help you but you are not making things any easier." Elrond said, his voice changing to pleading rather than anger.
"I don't mean to make things hard for you I really don't. I just don't remember . . ." Legolas said trying his best to sound sincere. He wasn't sure it worked but he decided that he couldn't do much about it.
"Alright. Just remember that I'm here to help I don't want to make things harder for you. You really can tell me anything. Even something that you can't tell your father. I promise I won't betray your confidence." Elrond said nodding at Legolas who nodded back.
He only wished his excuse was the truth. He would have loved to trust Elrond but something told him not to.
"Thank you." Legolas whispered.
"How many times do I have to tell you that you have no need to thank me? I would do the same for any other person." Elrond said reassuringly. Legolas smiled at him. "Now try and get some sleep. It won't be long until dawn and I'll have to answer some questions about last night."
"What? What questions? Who will you tell?" Legolas said looking up desperately at Elrond.
"Relax Legolas I'm not going to tell them anything about what happened to you. But I must say something. You really don't want them making up their own explanations of what happened. Elladan saw what happened to you but I have no doubt that he will keep quiet until you tell him otherwise. Aragorn, Arwen and Elrohir saw inside the room. I'll have to tell them something . . .or even better, tell them the truth . . ." Elrond said hopefully.
Legolas shook his head. "No. I don't want them to know." He said adamantly.
"It might help to have some more people knowing. If the person that did this is still in Imladris it would be easier to find him if others know the truth. They will not judge you. You know that."
Legolas hadn't even considered the fact that Elrond would want to find the attacker. It was something he hadn't thought about. Would it be wrong if he allowed them to find Taron on their own, he wouldn't have told them anything and Taron would be thrown behind bars for the rest of his life. But then if he ever got out he would most likely take his anger out on Legolas. He couldn't risk that.
"My Lord truly there is nothing more I can tell you." Legolas said looking down at his folded hands.
Elrond sighed, he knew that there was no hope of Legolas telling him anything, he only wished he would.
"Just as long as you're sure. If you want to tell me anything, anything at all I'm prepared to listen. No matter how awful you think it is. Now, try and get some sleep. I won't leave you, I promise." Elrond said stroking Legolas' hair gently.
"Not even if Taron asks you?" Legolas asked sleepily.
"Not even if Taron asks me." Elrond said to the Prince who was already asleep. He wished he could spend all night with him but he knew that was impossible, he still had to run Imladris and there was the small matter of the Council to consider. The Dwarves and his fellow Elves would no doubt be at each other's throats by now. He needed to get back to his business as well as find the evil Elf that had attacked Legolas, that would be his main priority. Legolas might not want to tell him who it was but there was nothing he could do to stop him investigating it. And Elrond had no doubt that he would find who did it sooner or later; although he hoped for the Prince's sake it was sooner.
Once Elrond was certain Legolas was asleep he stood silently and walked to the door. He peered outside and caught an unsuspecting guard passing by.
"Come here, I have a very important job for you. Listen carefully. No one is to enter this room unless it is Elladan or myself. Not even Legolas' own guard Taron is allowed in without my permission. You will make sure no harm comes to him. Also make sure he stays in there, if he doesn't do not detain him but come and fetch me at once. I'm sending for a healer, they will stay in there; they will not leave unless it is to fetch me. I want to make this very clear, no one goes in. Do you understand?" Elrond knew he was slightly overstating but he wanted to make absolutely sure Legolas was safe and this was the only way he was going to do it. "I will come back in an hour and I want to see you standing outside this door. No breaks."
"Yes My Lord." The guard said dutifully.
Just as Elrond was about to walk away a young servant walked past. Elrond, like he had done with the guard grabbed her.
"Please I wish you to go and sit with Prince Legolas in his room. Make sure he is alright I have ordered the guard that no other except Elladan and me is allowed to enter. Make sure this is true. If he asks for me send for me immediately." Elrond instructed.
"Yes My Lord." She said as she walked into the room to keep vigil over Legolas.
"Oh and tell him that I'm sorry I had to leave and that something very important came up but that he can always send for me." Elrond said hoping Legolas wouldn't be too angry with him.
The servant nodded and closed the door silently. Elrond gave the guard his instructions one last time before walking down the corridor to find Elladan, Elrohir, Estel and Arwen. He knew he's have to answer questions, how he didn't know.
**
Passing Shadows.
Rating: R
Warning – Not slash but mentions of rape and some slight Elf torture.
A/N:
Wadeva: I know that Legolas may seem a little 'weak' here but I was just trying to show that he had been through so much and it was his friends that finally helped him understand that it was okay to be frightened. I'm sorry if I made him sound too weak but I thought it was necessary and an important part of the story. I hope my weak version of Legolas doesn't put you off too much, I promise he'll become our favourite strong archer again soon. I liked the Elladan touch too, I honestly don't know where it came from, still I'm glad you liked it.
Gwyn: I agree completely, Elladan is very sweet in this story. Don't worry, like I just said, there'll be plenty of revenge later on and no doubt Elladan will be a part of it.
TheSilentSenshi: Okay, calm down there. I didn't know I was making people so upset by this. I'm sure that Legolas will. . .wait that would give away the ending to the story. Sorry but you'll just have to keep reading to find out what happens to Legolas and Taron. Enjoy. By the way I'm sorry I made you cry.
angelic star: Well, thank you. I'm glad this matches Leaving These Shores, I was worried that it wouldn't be as popular but I'm pleased you like this. Keep reading (and reviewing of course)
Kept-Secret: Yes Legolas does always seem to be in trouble. Oh well, at least it gives me something to write about. Keep reading.
WANTANELF: Good for you. I hope you liked it. Keep reading.
QueNighthawk: Thanks. Enjoy the chapter.
Elenillor: Thank you. At least it's a review and I do love getting them. Hope you enjoy the rest.
Wow, so many reviews. Keep them coming, I love hearing from you. Okay enjoy the chapter.
**
Ch 6 Explanations
The room was dark now, the candles had been too bright for Legolas to sleep so Elrond had promised that he wouldn't leave his side and blown them out. He was still in shock about what had happened to him and was trying, unsuccessfully, to keep a straight mind. He hated looking so weak in front of Elrond but he soon realised that he could not keep pretending that everything was fine. Elrond had spent some time constantly reassuring him that everything was alright and that there was no need for him to worry or apologise, as he had done several times.
Elrond was beginning to get used to the frightened Prince. He completely understood why he was upset and yet strangely it still unnerved him that royalty should be in such a state. He had to keep reminding himself that Legolas was still a person whether he was royalty or not. He should be treated in the same way as anyone else.
This was how Elrond intended to treat Legolas. The same as anyone else. Mirkwood and Rivendell were at least on more friendly terms by this time and there was no need to be wary around the Prince, even though Thranduil would surely not be happy that Elrond hadn't spoken to him sooner.
Legolas was still shaking slightly when Elrond placed a gentle hand on his arm hoping to let the Prince know that he wasn't alone. Legolas' earlier words to him and Elladan really surprised and in some ways upset him. Just that morning Elrond had promised him that nothing would happen to him whilst he was in Rivendell. Legolas had been distraught to learn that that wasn't the case and that he had been attacked in the place that he assumed to be safe.
Another thing that worried Elrond was Legolas' continued unwillingness to tell him anything about his attacker. All he knew was that it was an Elf. Elrond had known that from the beginning as only a very skilled Elf could sneak up on a warrior twice. Elrond knew that Legolas was holding something back. He jumped every time someone came to the door, mostly delivering update messages about orcs to Elrond.
Legolas was just beginning to fall asleep when a loud knock came from the door, startling both Elrond and Legolas. Legolas sat up straight and alert just in case it was the attacker. Elrond whispered something to him that in truth Legolas wasn't listening to and got up and went to the door. He smiled when he saw who it was.
"Taron, its good to see you again. Legolas is alright but I thought the extra security from his own people would do him good." Elrond moved aside to allow the bodyguard to enter.
Legolas couldn't believe what he was seeing. Elrond was talking quite happily with Taron, the Elf that attacked him. Of course Elrond didn't know that Taron was the attacker so he couldn't really blame him but still it shocked him.
"Your Majesty." Taron bowed, no sign of regret or anything else but (false) sympathy on his face. "I came as soon as Lord Elrond informed me. Are you alright? I never imagined anyone would hurt you in Rivendell. I think of it as a failure on my part that you were hurt. Thank goodness it wasn't too badly." He said, his voice filled with worry that Legolas knew wasn't real.
"Oh Taron, you should know that not even the Royal bodyguard can be everywhere at once." Elrond said placing a comforting hand on Taron's shoulder.
Legolas wanted to shout out that Elrond should throw the other Elf out but he remembered the threat Taron had made against him. Taron knew that Legolas would not say anything. Legolas thought he saw a kind of pleasure in Taron's eyes at seeing him trembling and helpless in bed.
"Prince Legolas was just about to get some sleep. Perhaps it would be better if I leave him with you. I'm sure he's prefer someone from his own home to be there, and his bodyguard as well. What could be safer?" Elrond said, he noticed that Legolas trembling had gotten worse but he decided it better not to say anything just yet. "Legolas?"
"My Lord, I'm sure Legolas will be fine, I just hope I never let this happen again." Taron said looking sincere. Legolas could hardly believe what he was hearing and how the Elf had the nerve to do something like that.
"No." Legolas shouted before Elrond could leave. He looked back to Legolas and then to Taron who was looking slightly confused. He hadn't been expecting Legolas to say that.
"Your Majesty, you're just tired, please try and get some rest." Taron said, he turned to Elrond. "I'm sure you're very busy, why don't you do what you have to and I'll stay with him." Legolas could hear in his voice that he was annoyed.
"No." Legolas said again, more softly this time and he gave Elrond a pleading look. Elrond, of course picked up on it immediately.
"I think I should stay for a while. His wounds still need tending to. Besides Legolas is far more important than my work. Isn't that right Legolas?" Elrond said looking down at Legolas who was wide-eyed and frightened.
"Of course. I'll stay as well. Ill be far better protection to the Prince." Taron smiled, not the evil grin like before but a warm comforting smile, one which Legolas knew immediately was fake. Elrond seemed to pick up on the tension in the room and was sure something else was going on. If only he knew what it was.
Legolas shook his head again telling Elrond he didn't want Taron to stay.
"I think perhaps it's best if you wait outside. Return to your quarters and I'll fetch you when I have finished." Elrond said opening the door to Taron. He waited and looked at Legolas one last time before smiling again and slowly walking out the door, making sure Legolas could see his face, and the warning it contained, as he left.
Once Taron had left, Elrond turned back to Legolas who was laid down again with a relieved look on his face. Elrond didn't understand what was going on. Legolas and Taron had never had any problems before so why should it be any different now?
"What was that about Legolas? Why didn't you want Taron here with you? He's far better protection than me." Elrond asked cautiously. He didn't want to upset Legolas any more than he already had that night.
"It's nothing. I just . . ." Legolas looked down at the sheet. He knew that he couldn't tell Elrond anything no matter how much he wanted to. He decided that Taron could definitely do all those things he threatened and knew better than to cross him.
Elrond sighed. It obviously wasn't nothing. Legolas was really frightened when Taron had offered to watch him. Elrond had no problem with staying with Legolas, in fact he almost enjoyed the thought of people feeling safe around him but still he knew he couldn't be there all the time. There was something else. Taron's look had changed when Legolas had told him he didn't want him there. Angry? Maybe just disappointed. After all Taron had served the Mirkwood Royal family for many years, he may have just felt betrayed by the Prince because of his unwillingness to trust.
"Alright. I don't think your wounds need too much attention so why don't you try and get some sleep?" Elrond said sitting in the chair next to the bed.
Legolas laid down again and turned on his side to face Elrond. He saw the look on Elrond's face. There was something there he didn't recognise at first.
"You're angry with me." Legolas said quietly.
Elrond looked up in surprise, he hadn't been expecting that.
"No. No of course I'm not angry." Elrond said quickly. "I could never be, it is your decision who sits with you. I'm just confused Legolas. I want to help you but I can't do that unless you help me as well. I can only guess so much but I need you to give me answers before I can do anything." Elrond said leaning close.
"I don't have any answers to give." Legolas said strongly. He wished it were the truth. The temptation to tell Elrond everything was so strong.
"I know that's not the truth." Elrond said bluntly.
"It is. I promise." Legolas said.
"That's not true." Elrond raised his voice but took a deep breath before looking at Legolas again. He knew it wouldn't do any good shouting at Legolas and making him even more nervous than he already was. "I'm sorry. I want to help you but you are not making things any easier." Elrond said, his voice changing to pleading rather than anger.
"I don't mean to make things hard for you I really don't. I just don't remember . . ." Legolas said trying his best to sound sincere. He wasn't sure it worked but he decided that he couldn't do much about it.
"Alright. Just remember that I'm here to help I don't want to make things harder for you. You really can tell me anything. Even something that you can't tell your father. I promise I won't betray your confidence." Elrond said nodding at Legolas who nodded back.
He only wished his excuse was the truth. He would have loved to trust Elrond but something told him not to.
"Thank you." Legolas whispered.
"How many times do I have to tell you that you have no need to thank me? I would do the same for any other person." Elrond said reassuringly. Legolas smiled at him. "Now try and get some sleep. It won't be long until dawn and I'll have to answer some questions about last night."
"What? What questions? Who will you tell?" Legolas said looking up desperately at Elrond.
"Relax Legolas I'm not going to tell them anything about what happened to you. But I must say something. You really don't want them making up their own explanations of what happened. Elladan saw what happened to you but I have no doubt that he will keep quiet until you tell him otherwise. Aragorn, Arwen and Elrohir saw inside the room. I'll have to tell them something . . .or even better, tell them the truth . . ." Elrond said hopefully.
Legolas shook his head. "No. I don't want them to know." He said adamantly.
"It might help to have some more people knowing. If the person that did this is still in Imladris it would be easier to find him if others know the truth. They will not judge you. You know that."
Legolas hadn't even considered the fact that Elrond would want to find the attacker. It was something he hadn't thought about. Would it be wrong if he allowed them to find Taron on their own, he wouldn't have told them anything and Taron would be thrown behind bars for the rest of his life. But then if he ever got out he would most likely take his anger out on Legolas. He couldn't risk that.
"My Lord truly there is nothing more I can tell you." Legolas said looking down at his folded hands.
Elrond sighed, he knew that there was no hope of Legolas telling him anything, he only wished he would.
"Just as long as you're sure. If you want to tell me anything, anything at all I'm prepared to listen. No matter how awful you think it is. Now, try and get some sleep. I won't leave you, I promise." Elrond said stroking Legolas' hair gently.
"Not even if Taron asks you?" Legolas asked sleepily.
"Not even if Taron asks me." Elrond said to the Prince who was already asleep. He wished he could spend all night with him but he knew that was impossible, he still had to run Imladris and there was the small matter of the Council to consider. The Dwarves and his fellow Elves would no doubt be at each other's throats by now. He needed to get back to his business as well as find the evil Elf that had attacked Legolas, that would be his main priority. Legolas might not want to tell him who it was but there was nothing he could do to stop him investigating it. And Elrond had no doubt that he would find who did it sooner or later; although he hoped for the Prince's sake it was sooner.
Once Elrond was certain Legolas was asleep he stood silently and walked to the door. He peered outside and caught an unsuspecting guard passing by.
"Come here, I have a very important job for you. Listen carefully. No one is to enter this room unless it is Elladan or myself. Not even Legolas' own guard Taron is allowed in without my permission. You will make sure no harm comes to him. Also make sure he stays in there, if he doesn't do not detain him but come and fetch me at once. I'm sending for a healer, they will stay in there; they will not leave unless it is to fetch me. I want to make this very clear, no one goes in. Do you understand?" Elrond knew he was slightly overstating but he wanted to make absolutely sure Legolas was safe and this was the only way he was going to do it. "I will come back in an hour and I want to see you standing outside this door. No breaks."
"Yes My Lord." The guard said dutifully.
Just as Elrond was about to walk away a young servant walked past. Elrond, like he had done with the guard grabbed her.
"Please I wish you to go and sit with Prince Legolas in his room. Make sure he is alright I have ordered the guard that no other except Elladan and me is allowed to enter. Make sure this is true. If he asks for me send for me immediately." Elrond instructed.
"Yes My Lord." She said as she walked into the room to keep vigil over Legolas.
"Oh and tell him that I'm sorry I had to leave and that something very important came up but that he can always send for me." Elrond said hoping Legolas wouldn't be too angry with him.
The servant nodded and closed the door silently. Elrond gave the guard his instructions one last time before walking down the corridor to find Elladan, Elrohir, Estel and Arwen. He knew he's have to answer questions, how he didn't know.
**