Disclaimer: I own nothing Tolkien created.
Passing Shadows
Rating – R
Warning – Not slash but mentions of rape and slight Elf torture.
Gwyn: Thanks for the review, I'm sure Elrond will eventually figure it out, how could he not? I get the impression that you like Elladan so you'll pleased to hear that there's plenty more of him later on.
Elenillor: Thank you very much. You know what I love being mean to Legolas and I only do it because I love him so much. I just hope I'm not too mean. Keep reading.
Kept-Secret: Okay well you know that I can't answer any of those questions but I can guarantee that they are all answered later on so keep reading and reviewing I love hearing from you.
Okay mysterious reviewer (signed as none) you know who you are, as if I would ever make it that simple. There's a long way to go yet and I don't even know the ending and I'm meant to be writing it. The R rating was simply because I was writing about something that was very sensitive and I didn't know how people were going to react to it. Also later on there are some very violent scenes. My experience has told me that it is always advisable to be safe when rating, especially since you don't know what you're going to be writing next. I don't like being restricted by anything so I thought if I gave it a higher rating then I had more freedom to be horrible to the lovely Legolas. I have no plans to change my rating but if it makes you feel better you can pretend that it is a PG-13 but seeing as I don't know what's going to happen next I'm going to keep it as it is. Thanks for your opinion and the review I really do appreciate it.
Legolas4me: Thranduil is going to have a big role to play later on and don't worry he'll be sticking around for a bit longer. How could Elrond not help our young Prince? Would you turn him away?? I shall keep you in suspense no longer. I really don't know whether it being like a soap is a good or bad thing. Is it because you have to read it every week? Let's hope so. Thanks for the review I love hearing from you.
Over the past few weeks I've had some reviews asking whether there is going to be anything between Legolas and Elrond. I want to clear this up and say that this is not a slash (and people who interpret it that way it has nothing to do with me) I just didn't want people to think it is. Thanks so much for the reviews please keep them coming I really appreciate them. Okay enough of me chatting on with the story. . .
**
Ch 7 Convincing
**
Elrond walked through the halls trying to think of some kind of excuse for Legolas' behaviour. He wished he didn't have to lie to his children and that Legolas would allow him to tell the truth. However, he was a healer and it was his duty to do as his patient asked. Anyway, the sooner he did this the sooner he could go back to Legolas; he didn't like leaving the Prince alone even with his guards protecting him.
He walked into his study where Aragorn and the twins were waiting. Aragorn was pacing in front of the fire. Elladan was the only one who was sitting down, although he still had a concerned look on his face and from the glances he gave to Elrohir a few times Elrond guessed he had been asked a lot of questions.
Aragorn and Elrohir walked towards their father when they saw him enter.
"Ada, what is going on? What is wrong with Legolas?" Elrohir asked before Aragorn could.
"Father, if he's in trouble we need to know, we can help him." Aragorn added.
"Alright but you'll have to be patient. Legolas was attacked. A few days ago. That's all. There really isn't anything else in it." Elrond said bluntly.
"Then what about last night? He was upset, even we saw that." Aragorn said.
"Last night...last night Legolas was just a little . . .uncomfortable from his injuries." Elrond said hoping they would believe him.
"I have also trained as a healer and what I saw last night was beyond a little uncomfortable. Legolas was in pain and, from the looks of it, terrified." Aragorn said, raising his voice slightly.
"Estel, please, I can say no more." Elrond begged.
"What about Elladan? Legolas must have been in real trouble for him to dream about it. There's more isn't there ada?" Elrohir said.
"I'm sorry I can tell you no more."
"Elladan?" Elrohir turned to his brother who had been staring at his father. "You stayed with Legolas for some time last night. You saw something happen to him. You must know something. Please, just tell us."
"I can say nothing more than father already has. It might not have been the whole story Legolas told us but until he wishes us to be there for him there really isn't anything else I or ada can do."
"Elladan is right. Legolas is frightened and he may need your help. Legolas himself must tell anything else about his condition or his feelings. Understand that I have a responsibility to my patient to keep quiet about the things he doesn't want made public knowledge." Elrond reasoned.
"Then there is something more?" Aragorn asked.
"Estel please I can say no more. And nor can your brother before you ask."
"Then I should go and talk to Legolas myself. Perhaps I can get him to tell me something more." Aragorn said walking towards the door.
"That is a good idea Estel but not right now. Legolas is tired and needs rest. Wait until he wakes. Please." Elrond put a hand on his son's shoulder.
Aragorn nodded, although a little reluctantly. "Very well, but eventually I will find out what really happened." He added.
"I have no doubt you will Estel." Elrond smiled. "For now we should just support Legolas and help him understand that there are people here for him, even if he doesn't want to tell us what really happened." Elrond said seriously, looking at all of them in turn. His eyes lingered longer on Aragorn than anyone else.
"I would not go against my friend's wishes but know I that I will be there as soon as he wants to talk."
"That is good but do not push him." Elrond warned seriously. He knew his son would never intentionally cause Legolas discomfort or harm but there was still that danger and at that moment Elrond was certain Legolas couldn't face a grilling from his best friends.
"I suppose we should just carry on as normal then?" Elrohir said bluntly.
"Yes, we should. It is what Legolas wants. I should go back to him, he still needs to be treated, some of his wounds are quite serious but don't worry Estel, you know he is in the absolute best care." Elrond smiled as Aragorn thought about that for a moment and nodded. "Good, now why don't you go and do whatever it is you usually do and me and Elladan will go and see to Legolas."
"Elladan? I thought you said that Legolas needed to be left alone. If that is so then why is it alright for Elladan to see him and us not?" Elrohir couldn't resist. "Because Elladan had already seen what happened to Legolas and as far as I'm aware Legolas is fairly comfortable around him. Now please no more arguments. Your friend is hurt, your priority should be him and not fighting over who gets to see him." Elrond said a little too sharply.
"Ada's right. If Legolas wanted to see you then he would ask for you. He needs to be comfortable. He's probably just embarrassed that he couldn't fight off his attacker. You know how he hates to look weak." It seemed that Elladan was simply talking to all of them but Elrond knew the comments were more directed at him.
"Elladan is right. Legolas always was very proud; it comes with being a Prince. Come now Elladan. We don't want to keep him waiting too long." Elrond said walking towards the door with the slightly older twin.
"Ada, if Legolas needs anything . . ." Arwen said as they walked away.
"Hannon le Arwen." Elrond replied before leaving.
They left and closed the door behind them. As soon as the others knew their father was out of earshot they started talking about what they had just been told.
"That was all a lie." Aragorn said instantly without leaving any room for doubt.
"Absolutely." Elrohir agreed.
"Something else must have happened, I just can't understand why Ada won't tell us, he knows he can trust us." Aragorn said pacing the floor in front of the fire. "Elladan knows something more as well, he has always been such a bad liar."
"Ada said that he couldn't tell us because Legolas asked him not to, if that's true then Legolas probably said the same thing to Elladan . . ."
"Which means they couldn't tell us anything even if they wanted to." Elrohir ended for his sister.
"That doesn't make sense. Why would Legolas not want us to know? We're his friends, doesn't he trust us?" Aragorn said, keeping his pacing even.
"Estel, maybe he is just embarrassed like Elladan said. You know how proud he is." Arwen tried to calm him.
"I don't care, that doesn't sound like Legolas at all." He said.
"Really, not telling us what he's really feeling, keeping secrets, it sounds an awful lot like Legolas to me." Arwen said as sternly as Aragorn.
"It doesn't matter anyway, there's nothing we can do. I'll wager that Ada and Elladan are in there guarding him right now." Elrohir murmured.
"And when have we ever allowed Ada and Elladan to come between a good friend and a plan?" Aragorn said, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"He might not even want to see you. What if he really is hurt and you go in there and just upset him more?" Arwen reasoned, she knew this was a bad idea.
"Then we'll sneak in so he'll never even know we're there." Elrohir said, looking over at his brother who was nodding his head. "Have we taught you nothing sister?"
"Please just stay away. Legolas must have a reason for not wanting you there so just respect it." Arwen pleaded although she knew it wouldn't do any good. Aragorn already had that determined look plastered on his face. "Estel . . ." She warned, knowing her power over him.
"Arwen, he's our friend. If he needs help then we want to be there for him. No matter what it takes."
"If he needs help he'll ask for it." Arwen insisted.
"You said yourself how stubborn he is." Elrohir said. "Stay if you want but we're going to find out the truth." He said walking with Aragorn out of the room.
**
Elrond sighed as he left the room with Elladan.
"Ada, how is Legolas, truthfully?" He asked as they stopped and Elrond leaned against a wall.
"Physically he isn't too bad, apart from the obvious but it's the emotional side that I am more concerned about. He was terrified when we found him, you yourself sensed and felt it inside him."
"I know, it has been a long time since I have felt fear that great, to be honest it frightened me at the same time. Legolas has always been so strong, it hurt me to see him a wreak earlier on."
"Yes and then there's Taron." Elrond said to himself, he hadn't even realised he'd said it out loud.
"Taron? Legolas' bodyguard? What has he got to do with it?" Elladan asked, confused.
"Probably nothing, it's just something . . .he seemed frightened when Taron came in and when he offered to stay with him Legolas all but told me that he didn't want him there. He says it's nothing but I'm just not sure anymore."
"You said yourself that Legolas was frightened, maybe that's why he didn't want Taron to be near him. If he knew Legolas from Mirkwood he would only think of him as a Prince, perhaps Legolas didn't want to ruin that belief, maybe his pride got the better of him."
"I know Legolas is proud, he takes after his father in that respect," Elrond said as they began walking towards Legolas' rooms. "But I don't think he would push away his only protection, especially an old friend from Mirkwood. Why would he chose me over an Elf from his own realm, his family practically?"
"It could be that because you are neither his family nor from Thranduil's realm that he feels he can confide in you. Sometimes it's easier to talk about an awkward thing with someone you don't know."
"But he doesn't confide in me and that's what worries me. He won't tell me anything other than he was attacked and seemingly raped. He knows who it is, I'm certain he does but I don't want to push him too hard, not after everything he's been through."
"I understand that." Elladan sighed. This was a puzzle and one that he wasn't particularly looking forward to figuring out.
"Would you do something for me?" Elrond said turning to his son as he stopped.
"Of course, anything."
"Find out some more about Taron. He has been here several times before but I have never got to know him. He spends a lot of time in the halls with the Imladris Elves, perhaps some of them know him."
"Ada, you know you are treading on dangerous ground by investigating a Mirkwood Elf of such high status. Thranduil would not be pleased if he found out, and nor would Taron for that matter." Elladan warned.
"I am well aware of my position but I believe it would be far more dangerous to leave Legolas to sort this out himself. He is scared of Taron, that I have no doubt . . ."
"But you don't know why." Elladan interrupted.
"Please."
"Thranduil would break the treaty if something went wrong." Elladan said grimly.
"That is why I am setting you this task. I trust you to do it discreetly and without alerting Taron to your actions."
"Alright, but I will not be held responsible for the consequences." Elladan warned as they started walking again. "I will investigate him as much as I can without arousing suspicion but I don't know what you want to find. If Taron is doing something he's not going to shout it through the halls waiting for someone to take notice of him."
"No but even the wisest Elf can make a mistake occasionally maybe that's what Taron did. Please Elladan try, for Legolas' sake."
"If you're sure this is a good idea. I trust you but just remember that you're dealing with a King, not some random Elf."
"I know Elladan, but for Legolas' sake I have no choice." Elrond sighed.
"As you wish." Elladan nodded.
"I will go and make sure everything is alright with Legolas. Come to me as soon as you find anything out." Elrond said walking away slowly.
"Ada . . ."
"I know." Elrond said. "Just do what you can."
**
Passing Shadows
Rating – R
Warning – Not slash but mentions of rape and slight Elf torture.
Gwyn: Thanks for the review, I'm sure Elrond will eventually figure it out, how could he not? I get the impression that you like Elladan so you'll pleased to hear that there's plenty more of him later on.
Elenillor: Thank you very much. You know what I love being mean to Legolas and I only do it because I love him so much. I just hope I'm not too mean. Keep reading.
Kept-Secret: Okay well you know that I can't answer any of those questions but I can guarantee that they are all answered later on so keep reading and reviewing I love hearing from you.
Okay mysterious reviewer (signed as none) you know who you are, as if I would ever make it that simple. There's a long way to go yet and I don't even know the ending and I'm meant to be writing it. The R rating was simply because I was writing about something that was very sensitive and I didn't know how people were going to react to it. Also later on there are some very violent scenes. My experience has told me that it is always advisable to be safe when rating, especially since you don't know what you're going to be writing next. I don't like being restricted by anything so I thought if I gave it a higher rating then I had more freedom to be horrible to the lovely Legolas. I have no plans to change my rating but if it makes you feel better you can pretend that it is a PG-13 but seeing as I don't know what's going to happen next I'm going to keep it as it is. Thanks for your opinion and the review I really do appreciate it.
Legolas4me: Thranduil is going to have a big role to play later on and don't worry he'll be sticking around for a bit longer. How could Elrond not help our young Prince? Would you turn him away?? I shall keep you in suspense no longer. I really don't know whether it being like a soap is a good or bad thing. Is it because you have to read it every week? Let's hope so. Thanks for the review I love hearing from you.
Over the past few weeks I've had some reviews asking whether there is going to be anything between Legolas and Elrond. I want to clear this up and say that this is not a slash (and people who interpret it that way it has nothing to do with me) I just didn't want people to think it is. Thanks so much for the reviews please keep them coming I really appreciate them. Okay enough of me chatting on with the story. . .
**
Ch 7 Convincing
**
Elrond walked through the halls trying to think of some kind of excuse for Legolas' behaviour. He wished he didn't have to lie to his children and that Legolas would allow him to tell the truth. However, he was a healer and it was his duty to do as his patient asked. Anyway, the sooner he did this the sooner he could go back to Legolas; he didn't like leaving the Prince alone even with his guards protecting him.
He walked into his study where Aragorn and the twins were waiting. Aragorn was pacing in front of the fire. Elladan was the only one who was sitting down, although he still had a concerned look on his face and from the glances he gave to Elrohir a few times Elrond guessed he had been asked a lot of questions.
Aragorn and Elrohir walked towards their father when they saw him enter.
"Ada, what is going on? What is wrong with Legolas?" Elrohir asked before Aragorn could.
"Father, if he's in trouble we need to know, we can help him." Aragorn added.
"Alright but you'll have to be patient. Legolas was attacked. A few days ago. That's all. There really isn't anything else in it." Elrond said bluntly.
"Then what about last night? He was upset, even we saw that." Aragorn said.
"Last night...last night Legolas was just a little . . .uncomfortable from his injuries." Elrond said hoping they would believe him.
"I have also trained as a healer and what I saw last night was beyond a little uncomfortable. Legolas was in pain and, from the looks of it, terrified." Aragorn said, raising his voice slightly.
"Estel, please, I can say no more." Elrond begged.
"What about Elladan? Legolas must have been in real trouble for him to dream about it. There's more isn't there ada?" Elrohir said.
"I'm sorry I can tell you no more."
"Elladan?" Elrohir turned to his brother who had been staring at his father. "You stayed with Legolas for some time last night. You saw something happen to him. You must know something. Please, just tell us."
"I can say nothing more than father already has. It might not have been the whole story Legolas told us but until he wishes us to be there for him there really isn't anything else I or ada can do."
"Elladan is right. Legolas is frightened and he may need your help. Legolas himself must tell anything else about his condition or his feelings. Understand that I have a responsibility to my patient to keep quiet about the things he doesn't want made public knowledge." Elrond reasoned.
"Then there is something more?" Aragorn asked.
"Estel please I can say no more. And nor can your brother before you ask."
"Then I should go and talk to Legolas myself. Perhaps I can get him to tell me something more." Aragorn said walking towards the door.
"That is a good idea Estel but not right now. Legolas is tired and needs rest. Wait until he wakes. Please." Elrond put a hand on his son's shoulder.
Aragorn nodded, although a little reluctantly. "Very well, but eventually I will find out what really happened." He added.
"I have no doubt you will Estel." Elrond smiled. "For now we should just support Legolas and help him understand that there are people here for him, even if he doesn't want to tell us what really happened." Elrond said seriously, looking at all of them in turn. His eyes lingered longer on Aragorn than anyone else.
"I would not go against my friend's wishes but know I that I will be there as soon as he wants to talk."
"That is good but do not push him." Elrond warned seriously. He knew his son would never intentionally cause Legolas discomfort or harm but there was still that danger and at that moment Elrond was certain Legolas couldn't face a grilling from his best friends.
"I suppose we should just carry on as normal then?" Elrohir said bluntly.
"Yes, we should. It is what Legolas wants. I should go back to him, he still needs to be treated, some of his wounds are quite serious but don't worry Estel, you know he is in the absolute best care." Elrond smiled as Aragorn thought about that for a moment and nodded. "Good, now why don't you go and do whatever it is you usually do and me and Elladan will go and see to Legolas."
"Elladan? I thought you said that Legolas needed to be left alone. If that is so then why is it alright for Elladan to see him and us not?" Elrohir couldn't resist. "Because Elladan had already seen what happened to Legolas and as far as I'm aware Legolas is fairly comfortable around him. Now please no more arguments. Your friend is hurt, your priority should be him and not fighting over who gets to see him." Elrond said a little too sharply.
"Ada's right. If Legolas wanted to see you then he would ask for you. He needs to be comfortable. He's probably just embarrassed that he couldn't fight off his attacker. You know how he hates to look weak." It seemed that Elladan was simply talking to all of them but Elrond knew the comments were more directed at him.
"Elladan is right. Legolas always was very proud; it comes with being a Prince. Come now Elladan. We don't want to keep him waiting too long." Elrond said walking towards the door with the slightly older twin.
"Ada, if Legolas needs anything . . ." Arwen said as they walked away.
"Hannon le Arwen." Elrond replied before leaving.
They left and closed the door behind them. As soon as the others knew their father was out of earshot they started talking about what they had just been told.
"That was all a lie." Aragorn said instantly without leaving any room for doubt.
"Absolutely." Elrohir agreed.
"Something else must have happened, I just can't understand why Ada won't tell us, he knows he can trust us." Aragorn said pacing the floor in front of the fire. "Elladan knows something more as well, he has always been such a bad liar."
"Ada said that he couldn't tell us because Legolas asked him not to, if that's true then Legolas probably said the same thing to Elladan . . ."
"Which means they couldn't tell us anything even if they wanted to." Elrohir ended for his sister.
"That doesn't make sense. Why would Legolas not want us to know? We're his friends, doesn't he trust us?" Aragorn said, keeping his pacing even.
"Estel, maybe he is just embarrassed like Elladan said. You know how proud he is." Arwen tried to calm him.
"I don't care, that doesn't sound like Legolas at all." He said.
"Really, not telling us what he's really feeling, keeping secrets, it sounds an awful lot like Legolas to me." Arwen said as sternly as Aragorn.
"It doesn't matter anyway, there's nothing we can do. I'll wager that Ada and Elladan are in there guarding him right now." Elrohir murmured.
"And when have we ever allowed Ada and Elladan to come between a good friend and a plan?" Aragorn said, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"He might not even want to see you. What if he really is hurt and you go in there and just upset him more?" Arwen reasoned, she knew this was a bad idea.
"Then we'll sneak in so he'll never even know we're there." Elrohir said, looking over at his brother who was nodding his head. "Have we taught you nothing sister?"
"Please just stay away. Legolas must have a reason for not wanting you there so just respect it." Arwen pleaded although she knew it wouldn't do any good. Aragorn already had that determined look plastered on his face. "Estel . . ." She warned, knowing her power over him.
"Arwen, he's our friend. If he needs help then we want to be there for him. No matter what it takes."
"If he needs help he'll ask for it." Arwen insisted.
"You said yourself how stubborn he is." Elrohir said. "Stay if you want but we're going to find out the truth." He said walking with Aragorn out of the room.
**
Elrond sighed as he left the room with Elladan.
"Ada, how is Legolas, truthfully?" He asked as they stopped and Elrond leaned against a wall.
"Physically he isn't too bad, apart from the obvious but it's the emotional side that I am more concerned about. He was terrified when we found him, you yourself sensed and felt it inside him."
"I know, it has been a long time since I have felt fear that great, to be honest it frightened me at the same time. Legolas has always been so strong, it hurt me to see him a wreak earlier on."
"Yes and then there's Taron." Elrond said to himself, he hadn't even realised he'd said it out loud.
"Taron? Legolas' bodyguard? What has he got to do with it?" Elladan asked, confused.
"Probably nothing, it's just something . . .he seemed frightened when Taron came in and when he offered to stay with him Legolas all but told me that he didn't want him there. He says it's nothing but I'm just not sure anymore."
"You said yourself that Legolas was frightened, maybe that's why he didn't want Taron to be near him. If he knew Legolas from Mirkwood he would only think of him as a Prince, perhaps Legolas didn't want to ruin that belief, maybe his pride got the better of him."
"I know Legolas is proud, he takes after his father in that respect," Elrond said as they began walking towards Legolas' rooms. "But I don't think he would push away his only protection, especially an old friend from Mirkwood. Why would he chose me over an Elf from his own realm, his family practically?"
"It could be that because you are neither his family nor from Thranduil's realm that he feels he can confide in you. Sometimes it's easier to talk about an awkward thing with someone you don't know."
"But he doesn't confide in me and that's what worries me. He won't tell me anything other than he was attacked and seemingly raped. He knows who it is, I'm certain he does but I don't want to push him too hard, not after everything he's been through."
"I understand that." Elladan sighed. This was a puzzle and one that he wasn't particularly looking forward to figuring out.
"Would you do something for me?" Elrond said turning to his son as he stopped.
"Of course, anything."
"Find out some more about Taron. He has been here several times before but I have never got to know him. He spends a lot of time in the halls with the Imladris Elves, perhaps some of them know him."
"Ada, you know you are treading on dangerous ground by investigating a Mirkwood Elf of such high status. Thranduil would not be pleased if he found out, and nor would Taron for that matter." Elladan warned.
"I am well aware of my position but I believe it would be far more dangerous to leave Legolas to sort this out himself. He is scared of Taron, that I have no doubt . . ."
"But you don't know why." Elladan interrupted.
"Please."
"Thranduil would break the treaty if something went wrong." Elladan said grimly.
"That is why I am setting you this task. I trust you to do it discreetly and without alerting Taron to your actions."
"Alright, but I will not be held responsible for the consequences." Elladan warned as they started walking again. "I will investigate him as much as I can without arousing suspicion but I don't know what you want to find. If Taron is doing something he's not going to shout it through the halls waiting for someone to take notice of him."
"No but even the wisest Elf can make a mistake occasionally maybe that's what Taron did. Please Elladan try, for Legolas' sake."
"If you're sure this is a good idea. I trust you but just remember that you're dealing with a King, not some random Elf."
"I know Elladan, but for Legolas' sake I have no choice." Elrond sighed.
"As you wish." Elladan nodded.
"I will go and make sure everything is alright with Legolas. Come to me as soon as you find anything out." Elrond said walking away slowly.
"Ada . . ."
"I know." Elrond said. "Just do what you can."
**