Disclaimer: I own nothing Tolkien created.
Rating: R
Warning: No slash but mentions of rape and Elf torture.
**
Passing Shadows
Gwyn: Sorry to disappoint you, this is no where near the end. Keep reading, I hope you won't be disappointed.
Eleanor Rigby: Okay, thanks for the review. It did take a while for Elrond to catch on but Legolas was being very evasive.
Legolas Anime Luver: Thank you very much. Here's the next chapter for your enjoyment. I have no plans to make this a Legomance so don't worry.
ELFan: Thanks for the suggestion, I will consider it like I promised.
Elenillor: Thank you. I hope you enjoy the others.
TheSilentSenshi: Don't worry Elladan will turn detective in this chapter and there'll be plenty for you to think about. Please feel free to abuse Taron as much as you like. I enjoy reading about it. Thanks for the review. See you next time.
Kept-Secret: Don't worry about it. I have a terrible memory too. It must have been a really important secret if you even had to keep it from yourself! Sorry but no clue in the role reversal thing, I just meant that I wasn't saying what happened and you weren't telling me your 'secret'. I love getting long reviews and yours are always entertaining. Thank you so much.
ELFan (again): Okay, it's nice to get a review in two parts for a change. Taron will certainly get what's coming to him. I think that no matter what happens Taron won't get a chance to go back to Mirkwood, unless it's in Thranduil's dungeons. Thanks for the suggestion keep reading and reviewing.
Avari Minuial: We haven't heard the last of Taron's mischief I can assure you. As for hurting Elladan, well a lot happens in the next few chapters so keep reading. So far Ana has been a fairly insignificant character but she gets more involved later on but hopefully not with Legolas. . . Thanks for the review.
Legolas4me: Thank you very much. I appreciate your reviews.
Wynjara: Lots more Elf torture to come. I think maybe you are being a bit over suspicious there but then Ana may have some other role to play in all this.
**
Ch 9 Interrogation
**
Elladan was wandering around the halls. It wasn't unusual for him to be doing that so not many took any notice of him, apart from the odd servant who asked him if they could help them. He quickly sent them away, not wanting to attract any unwanted attention to himself. He had been searching discreetly for Taron for some time. He thought it too obvious to just go the Mirkwood Elves' rooms so instead he loitered around the halls, hoping to catch him before he went to breakfast.
Although he had denied that Taron had anything to do with what happened to Legolas at first he was beginning to change his mind. Elladan was not stupid, he could see that the Prince was frightened, it was just what he was frightened of that was confusing.
Ever since his father had mentioned about Taron Elladan had been getting more and more convinced that Taron had something to do with it. Everything inside him said that he was right and yet somehow he couldn't bring himself to admit it. He knew Taron almost as well as he knew Legolas, although not in the same friendly way. Taron had saved his life many years ago when Elladan had fallen into a fast-flowing river. Luckily the Mirkwood bodyguard hadn't been far away and was able to drag him to the shore, ultimately saving his life.
It didn't make sense that he was the one who attacked Legolas. He was the royal bodyguard, sent to protect the Prince, trusted by even the King. How could he do it? It did make a sort of sense, the Prince's most trusted person would of course have constant and easy access to him. He was certainly strong and fast enough to sneak up on another warrior and hold them down.
But there was still one question Elladan just couldn't understand. Why? Why attack your charge? Jealousy? Revenge? He didn't understand. Taron and Legolas were good friends, they had been ever since Legolas was an Elfling. In fact, it had been Legolas himself that pulled Taron off of the regular duty he hated and brought him to the palace to be his personal guard, a job that most Elves (including Taron at the time) would have given anything to have. And yet he always seemed dark in some way, like he was hiding something. Elladan had just never figured out what. One thing was for certain; Taron was a suspect and a very likely one at that.
Elladan was brought out of his thoughts by the sound of an opening door. He quickly turned around and made as if he was just walking through the hall. He put on his surprised face when he met Taron, even though he had been waiting for him for a while.
"Taron, what a pleasant surprise. I haven't seen you since you arrived." Elladan said, holding out his hand for Taron to shake.
"I have one of two choices . . .Elladan or Elrohir? Wait don't tell me, I must learn." Taron smiled, concentrating on Elladan's face.
Elladan looked back, finding the perfect moment to examine the guard's eyes. What he found frightened him. He saw . . .blackness. A deep, never- ending blackness. He was forced to keep himself from letting go of Taron's hand.
"Elladan." Taron finally exclaimed, bringing Elladan back to his senses slightly.
"Well done mellon nin. Quite an achievement I have no doubt." He joked, hoping Taron couldn't see his fear.
"Indeed, one day all I'll have to do is look at you and I'll know." Taron laughed.
"I doubt that day will ever come." Elladan smiled weakly.
"Is something wrong mellon nin, you suddenly look pale? Are you well?" Taron asked, letting go of the hand.
Elladan nearly cried with relief, it was like his hand had turned to ice with Taron's coldness. He had never felt anything like that before.
"Elladan?" Taron asked, concern filling his face.
Elladan snapped out of the trance. "I'm fine. Merely tired, all this with Legolas is unnerving, to think someone did that . . ." He prompted, hoping to get at least a slight reaction out of Taron. It chilled him further to see nothing in those now dark eyes.
"Unnerving is to put it mildly. I just wish I could have done more to protect him. I am his bodyguard." Taron said looking away into the distance.
"Where were you anyway? When he was attacked I mean. Isn't the body guard meant to stay with the Prince at all times?" Elladan questioned lightly.
"Is this an interrogation? Or are you just trying to make me feel worse?" Taron smiled.
"Neither, truly. I am just worried. I wish I knew what happened."
"You and me both. Don't worry; I am conducting my own investigation into this. I will find out who did it eventually." Taron said sternly. "Will you join me for breakfast? That is if you're not too tired . . ."
"No not at all." They began walking together towards the dining hall. Elladan just wanted to run away and find Elrohir or someone that could get him away from this Elf who was frightening him so much. He had never before felt like this around anyone, least of all someone who he and other people trusted so much. There was no doubt in his mind now that Taron had either attacked Legolas himself or had played at least some part in it.
"So what did happen? Don't tell me Legolas sent you away again?" Elladan tried to keep his tone light and from Taron's slight laugh he guessed it worked.
"Actually yes." Too easy, thought Elladan. "You know how he is, fiercely independent."
"What did you do wrong this time?"
"Absolutely nothing, that's the strange thing. We were camping and suddenly for no reason the Prince ordered me and the other guard to ride ahead to Imladris. I was in no position to question the Prince so I did as he said." Taron explained, as they sat down in the dining room waiting for breakfast to be served.
Elladan knew instantly that that was wrong. Taron had absolutely no fear of putting the Prince in his place and would not hesitate to make his opinion known, certainly if he was concerned for Legolas' life. On orders from the King Taron had to protect Legolas no matter what, even a command from the crown Prince would not be enough to over rule Thranduil's orders.
"He really did that?" Elladan questioned. "Why?"
"That is a good question, one to which I simply don't have an answer." Taron nodded his thanks to a servant who placed his plate in front of him. "Maybe he just wanted to be alone or prove his independence. I don't know. I simply follow orders, nothing else."
Once again Elladan knew that was a lie. True Legolas was independent but he would never put that before his safety, or the safety of his people.
"What about your orders? Thranduil surely told you never to leave his son." Elladan asked.
"Of course, however, at the time there was nothing particularly exciting happening and there wasn't really any danger close by so I saw no reason to disobey Legolas."
"But something did happen. Legolas was attacked." Elladan couldn't keep that hint of anger from creeping into his voice. He didn't know how Taron could just stand there and say these things to him.
"Yes, Thranduil gives me orders to protect his son but those orders do not cover every single situation, there are times when I must make my own decisions on the safety of my charge. That night was just such a time. I made a decision, I was wrong, I'm sorry and I'll do everything in my power to help Legolas get better." Taron said firmly, looking slightly angry at being questioned by Elladan.
"Let's hope you're right. Certainly anything that happens in Imladris is noticed by my father, no one will hurt Legolas here and anyone that tries will be punished severely." Elladan couldn't help putting in a subtle warning, hoping that if Taron was the person that did it, he would understand.
"That is good to know. No doubt I will sleep well tonight." Just a hint of mocking and irritation crept into Taron's cold voice.
"I am glad old friend." Elladan brought that smile back again.
"Not so much of the old." Taron laughed.
"I'm afraid I'll have to cut breakfast short but you're quite welcome to stay here if you wish. Just tell them you have my permission." Elladan rose.
Taron also stood up, like he didn't want Elladan to leave, the next thing he said confirmed this. "You're going? Where?"
"I am Elrond's son, I have work to do and unless you wish to be completely bored for the rest of the day then I suggest you let me leave." Elladan said.
"Can you not take the day off? I'm sure Elrond wouldn't mind."
"Take the day off? Why? I have no reason to. Besides, Ada has some important documents he wants prepared." Elladan said as he left the room.
He never thought he would be so pleased to leave the bodyguard. The room had been like ice, physically cold. Elladan had never felt or experienced anything like it. It was even worse than Elrond when he was angry. He leaned against the wall, trying to figure out what just happened. He was interrupted by Elrohir who was walking by.
"Elladan? Is something wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost." His brother asked, concerned.
"No, I'm fine. I need to see Ada. I'll talk to you later." Elladan said as he walked away from his brother.
"Wait. Tell me what's going on. All these secrets, there's something wrong. It's to do with Legolas isn't it? All this secrecy about what happened. You know something about it, why don't you just tell me? We always share secrets."
"I know and I'm sorry you have not been included but this is one secret I simply cannot tell you." Elladan answered, facing his brother.
"Why? Do you not trust me?"
"Of course I trust you. It's just that it's not my secret to tell."
"Legolas . . ." Elrohir said slowly.
"I'm sorry. I can't go against his wishes not even for you. You know that if I had a choice I would tell you but I really can't." Elladan said, making sure there was even more of an apology in his voice.
"Can't or won't?" Elrohir asked coldly.
"El . . ." Elladan began but Elrohir was already walking away, he waved his hand to stop his brother and walked into the dining hall.
Elladan sighed, knowing he could do nothing but feeling awful all the same. He wished he could tell Elrohir something but everything inside him told him to keep quiet. It was not only Legolas' wishes but also his father's. He couldn't disobey either of them. He turned again and went to find his father, he needed to tell him everything that happened with Taron, maybe he could shed some light on it.
**
Elrohir nodded to Taron as he took his seat at the breakfast table. He still couldn't believe what his brother had said to him. On one level it made perfect sense, he was bound to silence by two people that he trusted and respected but they were brothers and they shared everything.
"Elrohir, is everything alright?" Taron's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Fine." Elrohir said shortly.
"Well then I'd hate to see you upset or angry." Taron smiled.
"I'm sorry, I'm fine it's just Elladan, he's acting strangely." Elrohir said dejectedly.
"Strangely? How do you mean?"
"Do you ever get that feeling that you're missing out on something really important and no one is telling you anything about it, just keeping you in the dark about others that you care about and that no one takes any notice of you at all?"
"Not recently . . ." Taron said looking directly at the twin.
Elrohir sighed. "It's Elladan, he's keeping secrets from me. Important secrets. I know that they're things I should know but no one is talking to me, or Estel, or Arwen. It just doesn't seem fair that's all. I know it sounds childish but . . ."
"Is this about what's happening to Legolas?" Taron asked, suddenly interested in what he was hearing.
"You too?"
"No one has told me much and I'm his bodyguard so I understand how you feel. Sometimes it's hard being the one left out on the sidelines but Legolas has been through a lot and he's frightened. Elrond and Elladan are just trying to make things easier for him. I'm sure it's nothing against you."
"The other night Elladan had a dream that someone was attacking Legolas. He wouldn't tell me anything about it, only that it was bad. We went to see Legolas and he was crying, shaking, terrified. I have known him for some time and it must have been something very bad for him to act like that."
"The Prince was very upset." Taron said, looking now at the table rather than the twin.
"You know what happened?" Elrohir asked.
"Yes, well some of it. I wasn't there when it happened."
"When what happened?" Elrohir urged.
"He was attacked, when he first arrived in Imladris he was treated by Lord Elrond. I don't know all the details but people are thinking it was another Elf. Maybe someone he trusted."
"Like who?"
"I don't know, but could you imagine someone you cared about doing that to you?" Taron said, feeding the willing Elrohir his bait. He was just too easy to deceive.
"No wonder they are keeping it quiet. What else happened? Legolas is no stranger to being attacked, I've never seen him react like that before."
"They say he was raped."
"What?? Please tell me you're joking? Who would do that to Legolas? Why? When?"
"You're asking the wrong person. I'm only telling you what I was told, and like I said that wasn't much."
"But you are his bodyguard, surely Legolas would have told you, trusted you. You are one of his closest friends, I know he would want you close. Is this my father's doing? I knew he didn't like Mirkwood a great deal but to send you away when Legolas needed you most . . ." Elrohir shook his head, not believing his father could do anything like that.
"It was not just your father. The Prince himself asked me to leave. His was clearly upset. However, I follow his orders."
"Why would Legolas do that? He thinks the world of you." Elrohir thought aloud.
"I have been worried about him Elrohir. I don't know what is going on with my own friend, and my charge at that. If only I could have protected him maybe none of this would have happened." Taron said knowing Elrohir believed every word he was saying.
"Then I'll talk to Ada, try and make him convince Legolas that it is a good idea to see you. If he says no then we'll just have to wait until Legolas is alone. I know once he sees us he'll be pleased."
"I don't want to interrupt him." Taron said slowly.
"Nonsense. I'll talk to Legolas, let him know that you want to see him. Maybe I can convince him." Elrohir said standing and walking out of the room.
Taron was left alone in the room. He smiled when Elrohir closed the doors. Not the pleased smile you would expect but an evil smile that people get when they have something just the way they wanted it. That had just been too easy.
**
Rating: R
Warning: No slash but mentions of rape and Elf torture.
**
Passing Shadows
Gwyn: Sorry to disappoint you, this is no where near the end. Keep reading, I hope you won't be disappointed.
Eleanor Rigby: Okay, thanks for the review. It did take a while for Elrond to catch on but Legolas was being very evasive.
Legolas Anime Luver: Thank you very much. Here's the next chapter for your enjoyment. I have no plans to make this a Legomance so don't worry.
ELFan: Thanks for the suggestion, I will consider it like I promised.
Elenillor: Thank you. I hope you enjoy the others.
TheSilentSenshi: Don't worry Elladan will turn detective in this chapter and there'll be plenty for you to think about. Please feel free to abuse Taron as much as you like. I enjoy reading about it. Thanks for the review. See you next time.
Kept-Secret: Don't worry about it. I have a terrible memory too. It must have been a really important secret if you even had to keep it from yourself! Sorry but no clue in the role reversal thing, I just meant that I wasn't saying what happened and you weren't telling me your 'secret'. I love getting long reviews and yours are always entertaining. Thank you so much.
ELFan (again): Okay, it's nice to get a review in two parts for a change. Taron will certainly get what's coming to him. I think that no matter what happens Taron won't get a chance to go back to Mirkwood, unless it's in Thranduil's dungeons. Thanks for the suggestion keep reading and reviewing.
Avari Minuial: We haven't heard the last of Taron's mischief I can assure you. As for hurting Elladan, well a lot happens in the next few chapters so keep reading. So far Ana has been a fairly insignificant character but she gets more involved later on but hopefully not with Legolas. . . Thanks for the review.
Legolas4me: Thank you very much. I appreciate your reviews.
Wynjara: Lots more Elf torture to come. I think maybe you are being a bit over suspicious there but then Ana may have some other role to play in all this.
**
Ch 9 Interrogation
**
Elladan was wandering around the halls. It wasn't unusual for him to be doing that so not many took any notice of him, apart from the odd servant who asked him if they could help them. He quickly sent them away, not wanting to attract any unwanted attention to himself. He had been searching discreetly for Taron for some time. He thought it too obvious to just go the Mirkwood Elves' rooms so instead he loitered around the halls, hoping to catch him before he went to breakfast.
Although he had denied that Taron had anything to do with what happened to Legolas at first he was beginning to change his mind. Elladan was not stupid, he could see that the Prince was frightened, it was just what he was frightened of that was confusing.
Ever since his father had mentioned about Taron Elladan had been getting more and more convinced that Taron had something to do with it. Everything inside him said that he was right and yet somehow he couldn't bring himself to admit it. He knew Taron almost as well as he knew Legolas, although not in the same friendly way. Taron had saved his life many years ago when Elladan had fallen into a fast-flowing river. Luckily the Mirkwood bodyguard hadn't been far away and was able to drag him to the shore, ultimately saving his life.
It didn't make sense that he was the one who attacked Legolas. He was the royal bodyguard, sent to protect the Prince, trusted by even the King. How could he do it? It did make a sort of sense, the Prince's most trusted person would of course have constant and easy access to him. He was certainly strong and fast enough to sneak up on another warrior and hold them down.
But there was still one question Elladan just couldn't understand. Why? Why attack your charge? Jealousy? Revenge? He didn't understand. Taron and Legolas were good friends, they had been ever since Legolas was an Elfling. In fact, it had been Legolas himself that pulled Taron off of the regular duty he hated and brought him to the palace to be his personal guard, a job that most Elves (including Taron at the time) would have given anything to have. And yet he always seemed dark in some way, like he was hiding something. Elladan had just never figured out what. One thing was for certain; Taron was a suspect and a very likely one at that.
Elladan was brought out of his thoughts by the sound of an opening door. He quickly turned around and made as if he was just walking through the hall. He put on his surprised face when he met Taron, even though he had been waiting for him for a while.
"Taron, what a pleasant surprise. I haven't seen you since you arrived." Elladan said, holding out his hand for Taron to shake.
"I have one of two choices . . .Elladan or Elrohir? Wait don't tell me, I must learn." Taron smiled, concentrating on Elladan's face.
Elladan looked back, finding the perfect moment to examine the guard's eyes. What he found frightened him. He saw . . .blackness. A deep, never- ending blackness. He was forced to keep himself from letting go of Taron's hand.
"Elladan." Taron finally exclaimed, bringing Elladan back to his senses slightly.
"Well done mellon nin. Quite an achievement I have no doubt." He joked, hoping Taron couldn't see his fear.
"Indeed, one day all I'll have to do is look at you and I'll know." Taron laughed.
"I doubt that day will ever come." Elladan smiled weakly.
"Is something wrong mellon nin, you suddenly look pale? Are you well?" Taron asked, letting go of the hand.
Elladan nearly cried with relief, it was like his hand had turned to ice with Taron's coldness. He had never felt anything like that before.
"Elladan?" Taron asked, concern filling his face.
Elladan snapped out of the trance. "I'm fine. Merely tired, all this with Legolas is unnerving, to think someone did that . . ." He prompted, hoping to get at least a slight reaction out of Taron. It chilled him further to see nothing in those now dark eyes.
"Unnerving is to put it mildly. I just wish I could have done more to protect him. I am his bodyguard." Taron said looking away into the distance.
"Where were you anyway? When he was attacked I mean. Isn't the body guard meant to stay with the Prince at all times?" Elladan questioned lightly.
"Is this an interrogation? Or are you just trying to make me feel worse?" Taron smiled.
"Neither, truly. I am just worried. I wish I knew what happened."
"You and me both. Don't worry; I am conducting my own investigation into this. I will find out who did it eventually." Taron said sternly. "Will you join me for breakfast? That is if you're not too tired . . ."
"No not at all." They began walking together towards the dining hall. Elladan just wanted to run away and find Elrohir or someone that could get him away from this Elf who was frightening him so much. He had never before felt like this around anyone, least of all someone who he and other people trusted so much. There was no doubt in his mind now that Taron had either attacked Legolas himself or had played at least some part in it.
"So what did happen? Don't tell me Legolas sent you away again?" Elladan tried to keep his tone light and from Taron's slight laugh he guessed it worked.
"Actually yes." Too easy, thought Elladan. "You know how he is, fiercely independent."
"What did you do wrong this time?"
"Absolutely nothing, that's the strange thing. We were camping and suddenly for no reason the Prince ordered me and the other guard to ride ahead to Imladris. I was in no position to question the Prince so I did as he said." Taron explained, as they sat down in the dining room waiting for breakfast to be served.
Elladan knew instantly that that was wrong. Taron had absolutely no fear of putting the Prince in his place and would not hesitate to make his opinion known, certainly if he was concerned for Legolas' life. On orders from the King Taron had to protect Legolas no matter what, even a command from the crown Prince would not be enough to over rule Thranduil's orders.
"He really did that?" Elladan questioned. "Why?"
"That is a good question, one to which I simply don't have an answer." Taron nodded his thanks to a servant who placed his plate in front of him. "Maybe he just wanted to be alone or prove his independence. I don't know. I simply follow orders, nothing else."
Once again Elladan knew that was a lie. True Legolas was independent but he would never put that before his safety, or the safety of his people.
"What about your orders? Thranduil surely told you never to leave his son." Elladan asked.
"Of course, however, at the time there was nothing particularly exciting happening and there wasn't really any danger close by so I saw no reason to disobey Legolas."
"But something did happen. Legolas was attacked." Elladan couldn't keep that hint of anger from creeping into his voice. He didn't know how Taron could just stand there and say these things to him.
"Yes, Thranduil gives me orders to protect his son but those orders do not cover every single situation, there are times when I must make my own decisions on the safety of my charge. That night was just such a time. I made a decision, I was wrong, I'm sorry and I'll do everything in my power to help Legolas get better." Taron said firmly, looking slightly angry at being questioned by Elladan.
"Let's hope you're right. Certainly anything that happens in Imladris is noticed by my father, no one will hurt Legolas here and anyone that tries will be punished severely." Elladan couldn't help putting in a subtle warning, hoping that if Taron was the person that did it, he would understand.
"That is good to know. No doubt I will sleep well tonight." Just a hint of mocking and irritation crept into Taron's cold voice.
"I am glad old friend." Elladan brought that smile back again.
"Not so much of the old." Taron laughed.
"I'm afraid I'll have to cut breakfast short but you're quite welcome to stay here if you wish. Just tell them you have my permission." Elladan rose.
Taron also stood up, like he didn't want Elladan to leave, the next thing he said confirmed this. "You're going? Where?"
"I am Elrond's son, I have work to do and unless you wish to be completely bored for the rest of the day then I suggest you let me leave." Elladan said.
"Can you not take the day off? I'm sure Elrond wouldn't mind."
"Take the day off? Why? I have no reason to. Besides, Ada has some important documents he wants prepared." Elladan said as he left the room.
He never thought he would be so pleased to leave the bodyguard. The room had been like ice, physically cold. Elladan had never felt or experienced anything like it. It was even worse than Elrond when he was angry. He leaned against the wall, trying to figure out what just happened. He was interrupted by Elrohir who was walking by.
"Elladan? Is something wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost." His brother asked, concerned.
"No, I'm fine. I need to see Ada. I'll talk to you later." Elladan said as he walked away from his brother.
"Wait. Tell me what's going on. All these secrets, there's something wrong. It's to do with Legolas isn't it? All this secrecy about what happened. You know something about it, why don't you just tell me? We always share secrets."
"I know and I'm sorry you have not been included but this is one secret I simply cannot tell you." Elladan answered, facing his brother.
"Why? Do you not trust me?"
"Of course I trust you. It's just that it's not my secret to tell."
"Legolas . . ." Elrohir said slowly.
"I'm sorry. I can't go against his wishes not even for you. You know that if I had a choice I would tell you but I really can't." Elladan said, making sure there was even more of an apology in his voice.
"Can't or won't?" Elrohir asked coldly.
"El . . ." Elladan began but Elrohir was already walking away, he waved his hand to stop his brother and walked into the dining hall.
Elladan sighed, knowing he could do nothing but feeling awful all the same. He wished he could tell Elrohir something but everything inside him told him to keep quiet. It was not only Legolas' wishes but also his father's. He couldn't disobey either of them. He turned again and went to find his father, he needed to tell him everything that happened with Taron, maybe he could shed some light on it.
**
Elrohir nodded to Taron as he took his seat at the breakfast table. He still couldn't believe what his brother had said to him. On one level it made perfect sense, he was bound to silence by two people that he trusted and respected but they were brothers and they shared everything.
"Elrohir, is everything alright?" Taron's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Fine." Elrohir said shortly.
"Well then I'd hate to see you upset or angry." Taron smiled.
"I'm sorry, I'm fine it's just Elladan, he's acting strangely." Elrohir said dejectedly.
"Strangely? How do you mean?"
"Do you ever get that feeling that you're missing out on something really important and no one is telling you anything about it, just keeping you in the dark about others that you care about and that no one takes any notice of you at all?"
"Not recently . . ." Taron said looking directly at the twin.
Elrohir sighed. "It's Elladan, he's keeping secrets from me. Important secrets. I know that they're things I should know but no one is talking to me, or Estel, or Arwen. It just doesn't seem fair that's all. I know it sounds childish but . . ."
"Is this about what's happening to Legolas?" Taron asked, suddenly interested in what he was hearing.
"You too?"
"No one has told me much and I'm his bodyguard so I understand how you feel. Sometimes it's hard being the one left out on the sidelines but Legolas has been through a lot and he's frightened. Elrond and Elladan are just trying to make things easier for him. I'm sure it's nothing against you."
"The other night Elladan had a dream that someone was attacking Legolas. He wouldn't tell me anything about it, only that it was bad. We went to see Legolas and he was crying, shaking, terrified. I have known him for some time and it must have been something very bad for him to act like that."
"The Prince was very upset." Taron said, looking now at the table rather than the twin.
"You know what happened?" Elrohir asked.
"Yes, well some of it. I wasn't there when it happened."
"When what happened?" Elrohir urged.
"He was attacked, when he first arrived in Imladris he was treated by Lord Elrond. I don't know all the details but people are thinking it was another Elf. Maybe someone he trusted."
"Like who?"
"I don't know, but could you imagine someone you cared about doing that to you?" Taron said, feeding the willing Elrohir his bait. He was just too easy to deceive.
"No wonder they are keeping it quiet. What else happened? Legolas is no stranger to being attacked, I've never seen him react like that before."
"They say he was raped."
"What?? Please tell me you're joking? Who would do that to Legolas? Why? When?"
"You're asking the wrong person. I'm only telling you what I was told, and like I said that wasn't much."
"But you are his bodyguard, surely Legolas would have told you, trusted you. You are one of his closest friends, I know he would want you close. Is this my father's doing? I knew he didn't like Mirkwood a great deal but to send you away when Legolas needed you most . . ." Elrohir shook his head, not believing his father could do anything like that.
"It was not just your father. The Prince himself asked me to leave. His was clearly upset. However, I follow his orders."
"Why would Legolas do that? He thinks the world of you." Elrohir thought aloud.
"I have been worried about him Elrohir. I don't know what is going on with my own friend, and my charge at that. If only I could have protected him maybe none of this would have happened." Taron said knowing Elrohir believed every word he was saying.
"Then I'll talk to Ada, try and make him convince Legolas that it is a good idea to see you. If he says no then we'll just have to wait until Legolas is alone. I know once he sees us he'll be pleased."
"I don't want to interrupt him." Taron said slowly.
"Nonsense. I'll talk to Legolas, let him know that you want to see him. Maybe I can convince him." Elrohir said standing and walking out of the room.
Taron was left alone in the room. He smiled when Elrohir closed the doors. Not the pleased smile you would expect but an evil smile that people get when they have something just the way they wanted it. That had just been too easy.
**