Disclaimer: I own nothing Tolkien created.
Passing Shadows
Rating: R
Warning: Not slash but some mentions of rape and slight Elf torture.
Gwyn: Thank you very much 'mellon nin'. Thanks for the review. Keep reading, I hope you enjoy.
Wynjara: Thanks for the review. Poor Elrohir, I think he feels a little left out, never mind, it won't be for long.
Elenillor: I've been getting that 'Taron is evil' thing a lot. I wouldn't go so far as to say that Elrohir is stupid, just a little angry at being left out of everything. Thanks for the review.
angelic star: Thanks so much for the review. I hope it gets even more interesting for you.
angelwings6117: I know the feeling. I really didn't have a clue how to write about Taron as being an evil Elf. I like to think it worked though. Unfortunately for poor Legolas not all Elves are happy, peaceful creatures. Shame.
seeing spots: Thanks. Here's more for you.
DY TammyKat: Thanks . . .I think. Well, Legolas, I will put you out of your misery, here's the new chapter. Calm down there and read. Enjoy.
angelbird12241: You'll just have to wait and see. A lot of people have said that poor Elrohir has been left out a bit so maybe something exciting (and most likely dangerous) will happen to him later.
Gandalf01dirl: Ah, hello 'anonymous reviewer' I have read 'Tears Like Rain', it's on my favourites list and I love it and I highly recommend it to everyone (no one paid me to do that by the way). I read your story and thought it was very good, very interesting, it was well-written. Sorry I didn't review but Fanfiction doesn't seem to like me very much lately and won't let me review. Thanks for the review.
NightShadow131: Taron certainly does have a way of making everyone trust him. Thanks for the review. Keep reading.
TheSilentSenshi: Thank you so much. I'm glad you like the story. Elladan knew almost instantly that there was something not quite right about Taron. Feeling his evil was the only way I could think of doing it.
**
Ch 10 Findings
**
Elrond sat next to Legolas' bed. The Prince was still sleeping soundly despite the light pouring in through the window. It was probably best, although he had slept that night it was a disturbed sleep. Elrond had returned to the room right after questioning Ana and telling Elladan to find out as much about Taron as he could. He was hoping Legolas had awoken so he could find out about what happened. When he had entered the room there was a peacefulness, not just in the room but in Legolas, something he had not sensed since he first came to Rivendell, he had not wanted to disturb that so he decided it best to leave the Prince to sleep whilst he had the chance.
Legolas stirred in his sleep, obviously not wanting to wake but something telling him to do so. Maybe it was the memories of what happened that night resurfacing that kept him from opening his eyes for a moment or two.
"Legolas?" Elrond said gently, not wanting to startle the Prince when he was in such a fragile condition.
At first he got no response from Legolas and wondered whether he was still asleep and this was just another dream. However, after a moment he opened his eyes and looked up at Elrond who was leaning over him slightly. Elrond smiled encouragingly to Legolas, who still looked slightly muddled. Elrond left him a moment to get his bearings before saying his name once again.
"How do you feel?" He asked with a warm smile on his face.
"Better." Legolas said, closing his eyes again against the sunlight that shone onto his face. "What time is it?" He asked when he reopened his blue eyes.
"About eleven o'clock." Elrond said.
"Eleven? I didn't know it was so late. Why did you not wake me?" He asked sitting up and looking at Elrond directly. It was strange, he seemed like a different person that morning. Just last night he was crying and hurt and now to look at him you would never know anything happened.
"You were sleeping. I thought you could do with the rest. One late start will not do you any harm. Besides you cannot tell me you didn't enjoy it." Elrond smiled.
"No I can't. Sleeping this late is not usually permitted in Mirkwood when on duty and not many Mirkwood Elves ever want to." Legolas laughed, a proper laugh just as Elrond had heard before.
"Well, this isn't Mirkwood and you're not on duty. Think of this more as a vacation than anything else."
"A vacation? Mirkwood does not usually permit those either." Legolas smiled.
"Seriously though, how do you feel?"
"Feel? I feel . . .I honestly don't know. What happened last night?"
"What? You don't remember . . ."
"Yes I remember that, but what happened afterwards? Did . . .did you stay here all night?" Legolas asked cautiously, as though he was afraid of upsetting Elrond in some way.
"You were frightened, you asked me to stay and I did." Elrond said leaning forward so he could speak to Legolas directly.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to trouble you." Legolas looked down at his hands, embarrassed at what Elrond had just told him.
"I have already told you that you have nothing to apologise for. I am here to help you and I'll do anything I can, I don't know how much that is but I'll certainly try my best." Elrond said sincerely.
"Hannon le." Legolas smiled.
"You're more then welcome. Now, you need something to eat, you need to keep up your energy. You still have some recovering to do. I'm sure the kitchen staff will lay an extra place setting at lunch for you. It's only just begun." Elrond stood and held his hand out to Legolas.
Legolas, unsurprisingly, hesitated.
"Legolas?" Elrond asked cautiously, sensing what he was thinking but again wanting to hear it from Legolas himself.
"I . . ."
"Legolas is something wrong?" Elrond asked looking at Legolas with innocence in his eyes even though he knew exactly what Legolas was really thinking.
"I . . .forgive me my Lord. I think it would be best if I stayed here. I don't want . . ."
"Legolas, please. I have already told you that anything I can do for you I will but unfortunately I am not a mind reader, I can help you and I'll do whatever you want if it helps but I can't do anything to help you unless you tell me what you want." Elrond said, sitting once more on the bed and talking directly to Legolas.
"I know and I am trying but . . .I just . . ." Legolas started.
"Just remember that I'm here to help and I'll do whatever you ask me. Would you like me to bring you something to eat?" Legolas nodded, keeping his head down and avoiding eye contact with Elrond, he didn't want him to see what he knew he was clearly showing on his face.
"Hannon le." Legolas whispered. In truth he didn't want to eat anything and agreeing to food was just a way of getting Elrond out of the room so he could stop the questions. It must have worked because Elrond left almost immediately to go and find Legolas something to eat. He sighed when Elrond was gone, thankful that he would have a small break from the questions. He didn't want to lie to Elrond, he trusted him more than most but he knew that if he said anything to him Taron would make sure he was punished for it. He might even hurt Elrond, after all if he threatened a Prince then a Lord shouldn't be any trouble for him.
** Elrond walked slowly towards the kitchens, the mystery of Legolas' attack was compelling as well as disconcerting. Just the thought of someone in Rivendell being able to cause such harm was an awful thought, one which Elrond didn't want to believe.
He entered the kitchens and quickly put together some food for Legolas. He hoped that maybe this might make him a little less wary, as long as he thought Elrond was trying to help there was more chance of a trust between them. In truth Elrond was getting more worried about Legolas. He knew that the only reason the Prince had agreed to food was to get him out of the way. Over the years Elrond had become like a second father to Legolas but right then he felt so helpless. All he could do was wait until Legolas spoke to him, just like Elladan had said. He hoped that Thranduil would arrive the next day as he was supposed to. Maybe he could talk to Legolas and perhaps even find out who had attacked him.
Suddenly Elrond heard someone enter the dining hall, which was fairly unusual at that time of day. The person sighed and he instantly recognised it as Elladan. He put the plate down on the counter and walked through to the hall. His son was sitting there looking at his hands, which were flat on the table. He looked troubled, something Elrond didn't see very often in his son.
He approached loudly, not wanting to startle his son by sneaking up on him but Elladan didn't seem to hear, or if he did he made no sign of it.
"Elladan?" Elrond spoke when he stood next to his son. "Is something wrong?" Elladan finally looked up and Elrond knew instantly that there was something wrong, he knew that look in his son's eye all too well.
"Ada, what are you doing here?" Elladan said, seemingly puzzled at his father's appearance.
"I was in the kitchens preparing some food for Legolas. Is everything alright? You look troubled." Elrond said as he sat down in a chair beside his son. "Did you find something out about Taron?" He asked curiously.
"Yes, and that is what troubles me. I think I have learned more than I ever wished to." He sighed.
"What did you find out? Was there anything that points to him?" Elrond asked quickly.
"Everything points to him." Elladan sighed. "I went to see him, hoping to at least find out something from him, what I found I didn't like. I know it was him Ada." Elladan looked at Elrond with such confidence that Elrond didn't doubt him for a moment.
"Why do you say that?" He asked, knowing Elladan's theory had to be proved.
"When I first saw him I looked him in the eye, expecting to know whether he was telling the truth or not. I saw . . .nothing." He said looking everywhere but into his father's eyes almost as if he was afraid of seeing the same thing again.
"He was telling the truth?"
"No, I saw nothing. His eyes were like empty voids. There was no emotion there, no regret, no sadness, no concern. Just complete blackness. I have never seen anything like it before. Ada it scared me more than I can say. I didn't even see any evil there. It's like he just didn't exist. He touched my hand and Ada, it was freezing, everything about him was cold and . . .distant. I have never . . .I felt like I was standing next to something purely evil." Elladan visibly shivered when he thought of what he had seen in Taron.
"Did he say anything to you?" Elrond asked, noticing his son's discomfort and suddenly feeling very wary himself.
"I asked him about what happened to Legolas. I thought maybe even if he wasn't the attacker he would have noticed something from that night. He told me that Legolas had sent him away, which of course is possible, you know what he's like, he's fiercely stubborn anyway, but he would never send his bodyguard away if he sensed danger and he must have sensed it. He said that he felt it was safe to leave Legolas alone despite the orders from King Thranduil never to leave Legolas unattended. Taron shouldn't have gone against those orders and Legolas certainly never would have." Elrond nodded, taking all this in. "He didn't want me to leave. I said that you had asked me to do some work and I left. Ada I don't understand it. I have never felt such a coldness come from an Elf and I hope never to again."
"I am sorry I asked you to do a job like this. I had no idea Taron would be anything like the way you described." Elrond put his hand on Elladan's arm and was surprised to find that he was shaking very slightly.
"Elladan, are you alright? You're shaking." Elrond asked reaching to touch his son's forehead. He was more than a little surprised to find that his son had a fever. "Elladan?"
"I am fine Ada. I am merely tired." Elladan said as he ran his hand down his drawn face.
"Tiredness does not cause sickness, especially not in Elves." Elrond said, his voice creased with concern. "Come to the healing rooms and I will check you over."
"Really I am alright. I think I will go and lie down for a moment though." Elladan said, standing shakily. Elrond kept his hand on his son's arm as he stood with him. "There was one more thing I had to tell you Ada, I spoke to some people around Imladris and they all said that that first night when everyone arrived he didn't even leave his room. It is a strange thing for a Mirkwood bodyguard not to attend the customary celebrations of Imladris. Especially when ordered to do so by the King. That is two commands he has broken so far. Maybe that will give you the opportunity to question him further about Legolas."
Elladan turned and walked slowly to the door.
"Ada, I know he did it. I could feel it when I was with him." He looked directly at Elrond before leaving and heading towards his room.
Elrond stood alone in the room watching Elladan leave. He had never seen his son like that before and it concerned him. At least he now had a reason to question Taron officially. If he couldn't do it because of Legolas' attack then the breaking of the King's commands would be more than enough. He walked quickly back to the kitchen and grabbed the plate and strode towards Legolas' room, knowing what he must do. He would make sure Legolas told him the truth, no matter what it took. Elladan's evidence had been more than enough to confirm it for him but if he were to take any action it would not be sufficient evidence, he would need a confession from Legolas and he was determined to get it.
He walked down the corridor quickly, ignoring the questions he was getting from the servants about the arrangement for the council, which was luckily still two weeks away. He opened the door to Legolas' room to find him dozing. He closed the door loudly behind him, knowing it would wake Legolas, which it did. The young Prince sat up in bed startled by the sudden loud noise.
"I know who attacked you and I think you do too." Elrond said, placing the tray of food in front of him. Elrond's voice was harsh and Legolas was surprised that his tone had changed so much.
"I don't know what . . ." Legolas began but was cut off by Elrond's still harsh voice.
"I have heard enough of your lies. I know who attacked you and I think you know it too. You should not have to cover for him." Elrond said, not even trying to keep his voice level and calm.
"I . . .I promise you I don't know who it was." Legolas said looking with fear up at Elrond. He couldn't know, if he did Taron would hurt him. He couldn't know . . .
"It was Taron wasn't it? Your bodyguard, the person sent to protect you. I sent Elladan to question him about what happened and knew immediately that he was guilty. I believe my son Legolas, I know that he is telling me the truth. I only wish this could have come from you. I will be taking measures to ensure he is imprisoned."
"No." Legolas shouted, jumping from the bed and facing Elrond proudly, despite the obvious pain he was in from his earlier injuries. "Please my Lord. You are right it was Taron but I didn't know it at first. When I figured it out I thought I could avoid him. He told me that he did it . . ." Legolas trailed off, not believing what he had just said. So much for keeping it quiet and keeping himself out of trouble.
"And he was the one that attacked you in Rivendell?" Elrond asked, his voice much calmer now.
Legolas looked to the ground not wanting to look at the Elven Lord who now knew his secret. "Yes." He whispered.
"Legolas, why didn't you tell me this before? I could have helped you. This could have been sorted out very easily. Why did you lie to me?" Elrond asked putting a hand on Legolas' shoulder. "We all get frightened sometimes and we all need someone to help us, there was no shame in telling me that it was Taron who did this to you." Elrond said gently, hoping his words would calm Legolas, who was beginning to take on that frightened, untrusting look again.
"You don't understand." He said, still keeping his head bowed, not wanting to look at Elrond.
"What don't I understand? Taron hurt you, he could have killed you. He could have done this to someone else, someone inside Imladris. Surely you didn't want that?" Elrond asked, he knew his words were harsh but he wanted so much to understand what Legolas was thinking.
"He told me that I could never tell you. That if I did he would kill me and you. I tried to keep you safe but you couldn't leave me alone. I . . ." Legolas stopped himself before he could say anything else. He didn't want to make things worse, if that were at all possible. "I'm sorry I lied to you but I didn't know what else to do." He said. "I'm sorry."
Before Elrond could stop him Legolas ran past him and went through the door. He raced down the corridor faster than Elrond would have expected. He was about to go after him when he realised what he had said. Calling Legolas a liar and accusing him of brining danger to Rivendell was not what the young Prince needed to hear and it certainly hadn't helped. It did make more sense now though. The reason he hadn't said anything was to protect himself and Imladris. Elrond couldn't blame him for that, he would probably have done the same thing.
Elrond sighed, knowing what he had done. This was going to be much more difficult than he first thought. At least he knew who had attacked him now, it would be easy to apprehend him. If he couldn't get Legolas to confess openly then at least he had Elladan's accusations of him breaking Thranduil's orders.
Elrond walked out of the room and headed towards Elladan's room, he hoped that his son could tell him some other things about what Taron had said. The more information they had the easier it would be to help Legolas and make sure Taron wasn't allowed to leave. He decided to first go and see his guards and get them to arrest Taron.
Little did he know that it wouldn't be anywhere near that simple.
**
A/N: What's wrong with Elladan? Will Legolas be alright? Will they find Taron? . . . You'll have to read to see.
Hannon le = thank you Ada= dad
Passing Shadows
Rating: R
Warning: Not slash but some mentions of rape and slight Elf torture.
Gwyn: Thank you very much 'mellon nin'. Thanks for the review. Keep reading, I hope you enjoy.
Wynjara: Thanks for the review. Poor Elrohir, I think he feels a little left out, never mind, it won't be for long.
Elenillor: I've been getting that 'Taron is evil' thing a lot. I wouldn't go so far as to say that Elrohir is stupid, just a little angry at being left out of everything. Thanks for the review.
angelic star: Thanks so much for the review. I hope it gets even more interesting for you.
angelwings6117: I know the feeling. I really didn't have a clue how to write about Taron as being an evil Elf. I like to think it worked though. Unfortunately for poor Legolas not all Elves are happy, peaceful creatures. Shame.
seeing spots: Thanks. Here's more for you.
DY TammyKat: Thanks . . .I think. Well, Legolas, I will put you out of your misery, here's the new chapter. Calm down there and read. Enjoy.
angelbird12241: You'll just have to wait and see. A lot of people have said that poor Elrohir has been left out a bit so maybe something exciting (and most likely dangerous) will happen to him later.
Gandalf01dirl: Ah, hello 'anonymous reviewer' I have read 'Tears Like Rain', it's on my favourites list and I love it and I highly recommend it to everyone (no one paid me to do that by the way). I read your story and thought it was very good, very interesting, it was well-written. Sorry I didn't review but Fanfiction doesn't seem to like me very much lately and won't let me review. Thanks for the review.
NightShadow131: Taron certainly does have a way of making everyone trust him. Thanks for the review. Keep reading.
TheSilentSenshi: Thank you so much. I'm glad you like the story. Elladan knew almost instantly that there was something not quite right about Taron. Feeling his evil was the only way I could think of doing it.
**
Ch 10 Findings
**
Elrond sat next to Legolas' bed. The Prince was still sleeping soundly despite the light pouring in through the window. It was probably best, although he had slept that night it was a disturbed sleep. Elrond had returned to the room right after questioning Ana and telling Elladan to find out as much about Taron as he could. He was hoping Legolas had awoken so he could find out about what happened. When he had entered the room there was a peacefulness, not just in the room but in Legolas, something he had not sensed since he first came to Rivendell, he had not wanted to disturb that so he decided it best to leave the Prince to sleep whilst he had the chance.
Legolas stirred in his sleep, obviously not wanting to wake but something telling him to do so. Maybe it was the memories of what happened that night resurfacing that kept him from opening his eyes for a moment or two.
"Legolas?" Elrond said gently, not wanting to startle the Prince when he was in such a fragile condition.
At first he got no response from Legolas and wondered whether he was still asleep and this was just another dream. However, after a moment he opened his eyes and looked up at Elrond who was leaning over him slightly. Elrond smiled encouragingly to Legolas, who still looked slightly muddled. Elrond left him a moment to get his bearings before saying his name once again.
"How do you feel?" He asked with a warm smile on his face.
"Better." Legolas said, closing his eyes again against the sunlight that shone onto his face. "What time is it?" He asked when he reopened his blue eyes.
"About eleven o'clock." Elrond said.
"Eleven? I didn't know it was so late. Why did you not wake me?" He asked sitting up and looking at Elrond directly. It was strange, he seemed like a different person that morning. Just last night he was crying and hurt and now to look at him you would never know anything happened.
"You were sleeping. I thought you could do with the rest. One late start will not do you any harm. Besides you cannot tell me you didn't enjoy it." Elrond smiled.
"No I can't. Sleeping this late is not usually permitted in Mirkwood when on duty and not many Mirkwood Elves ever want to." Legolas laughed, a proper laugh just as Elrond had heard before.
"Well, this isn't Mirkwood and you're not on duty. Think of this more as a vacation than anything else."
"A vacation? Mirkwood does not usually permit those either." Legolas smiled.
"Seriously though, how do you feel?"
"Feel? I feel . . .I honestly don't know. What happened last night?"
"What? You don't remember . . ."
"Yes I remember that, but what happened afterwards? Did . . .did you stay here all night?" Legolas asked cautiously, as though he was afraid of upsetting Elrond in some way.
"You were frightened, you asked me to stay and I did." Elrond said leaning forward so he could speak to Legolas directly.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to trouble you." Legolas looked down at his hands, embarrassed at what Elrond had just told him.
"I have already told you that you have nothing to apologise for. I am here to help you and I'll do anything I can, I don't know how much that is but I'll certainly try my best." Elrond said sincerely.
"Hannon le." Legolas smiled.
"You're more then welcome. Now, you need something to eat, you need to keep up your energy. You still have some recovering to do. I'm sure the kitchen staff will lay an extra place setting at lunch for you. It's only just begun." Elrond stood and held his hand out to Legolas.
Legolas, unsurprisingly, hesitated.
"Legolas?" Elrond asked cautiously, sensing what he was thinking but again wanting to hear it from Legolas himself.
"I . . ."
"Legolas is something wrong?" Elrond asked looking at Legolas with innocence in his eyes even though he knew exactly what Legolas was really thinking.
"I . . .forgive me my Lord. I think it would be best if I stayed here. I don't want . . ."
"Legolas, please. I have already told you that anything I can do for you I will but unfortunately I am not a mind reader, I can help you and I'll do whatever you want if it helps but I can't do anything to help you unless you tell me what you want." Elrond said, sitting once more on the bed and talking directly to Legolas.
"I know and I am trying but . . .I just . . ." Legolas started.
"Just remember that I'm here to help and I'll do whatever you ask me. Would you like me to bring you something to eat?" Legolas nodded, keeping his head down and avoiding eye contact with Elrond, he didn't want him to see what he knew he was clearly showing on his face.
"Hannon le." Legolas whispered. In truth he didn't want to eat anything and agreeing to food was just a way of getting Elrond out of the room so he could stop the questions. It must have worked because Elrond left almost immediately to go and find Legolas something to eat. He sighed when Elrond was gone, thankful that he would have a small break from the questions. He didn't want to lie to Elrond, he trusted him more than most but he knew that if he said anything to him Taron would make sure he was punished for it. He might even hurt Elrond, after all if he threatened a Prince then a Lord shouldn't be any trouble for him.
** Elrond walked slowly towards the kitchens, the mystery of Legolas' attack was compelling as well as disconcerting. Just the thought of someone in Rivendell being able to cause such harm was an awful thought, one which Elrond didn't want to believe.
He entered the kitchens and quickly put together some food for Legolas. He hoped that maybe this might make him a little less wary, as long as he thought Elrond was trying to help there was more chance of a trust between them. In truth Elrond was getting more worried about Legolas. He knew that the only reason the Prince had agreed to food was to get him out of the way. Over the years Elrond had become like a second father to Legolas but right then he felt so helpless. All he could do was wait until Legolas spoke to him, just like Elladan had said. He hoped that Thranduil would arrive the next day as he was supposed to. Maybe he could talk to Legolas and perhaps even find out who had attacked him.
Suddenly Elrond heard someone enter the dining hall, which was fairly unusual at that time of day. The person sighed and he instantly recognised it as Elladan. He put the plate down on the counter and walked through to the hall. His son was sitting there looking at his hands, which were flat on the table. He looked troubled, something Elrond didn't see very often in his son.
He approached loudly, not wanting to startle his son by sneaking up on him but Elladan didn't seem to hear, or if he did he made no sign of it.
"Elladan?" Elrond spoke when he stood next to his son. "Is something wrong?" Elladan finally looked up and Elrond knew instantly that there was something wrong, he knew that look in his son's eye all too well.
"Ada, what are you doing here?" Elladan said, seemingly puzzled at his father's appearance.
"I was in the kitchens preparing some food for Legolas. Is everything alright? You look troubled." Elrond said as he sat down in a chair beside his son. "Did you find something out about Taron?" He asked curiously.
"Yes, and that is what troubles me. I think I have learned more than I ever wished to." He sighed.
"What did you find out? Was there anything that points to him?" Elrond asked quickly.
"Everything points to him." Elladan sighed. "I went to see him, hoping to at least find out something from him, what I found I didn't like. I know it was him Ada." Elladan looked at Elrond with such confidence that Elrond didn't doubt him for a moment.
"Why do you say that?" He asked, knowing Elladan's theory had to be proved.
"When I first saw him I looked him in the eye, expecting to know whether he was telling the truth or not. I saw . . .nothing." He said looking everywhere but into his father's eyes almost as if he was afraid of seeing the same thing again.
"He was telling the truth?"
"No, I saw nothing. His eyes were like empty voids. There was no emotion there, no regret, no sadness, no concern. Just complete blackness. I have never seen anything like it before. Ada it scared me more than I can say. I didn't even see any evil there. It's like he just didn't exist. He touched my hand and Ada, it was freezing, everything about him was cold and . . .distant. I have never . . .I felt like I was standing next to something purely evil." Elladan visibly shivered when he thought of what he had seen in Taron.
"Did he say anything to you?" Elrond asked, noticing his son's discomfort and suddenly feeling very wary himself.
"I asked him about what happened to Legolas. I thought maybe even if he wasn't the attacker he would have noticed something from that night. He told me that Legolas had sent him away, which of course is possible, you know what he's like, he's fiercely stubborn anyway, but he would never send his bodyguard away if he sensed danger and he must have sensed it. He said that he felt it was safe to leave Legolas alone despite the orders from King Thranduil never to leave Legolas unattended. Taron shouldn't have gone against those orders and Legolas certainly never would have." Elrond nodded, taking all this in. "He didn't want me to leave. I said that you had asked me to do some work and I left. Ada I don't understand it. I have never felt such a coldness come from an Elf and I hope never to again."
"I am sorry I asked you to do a job like this. I had no idea Taron would be anything like the way you described." Elrond put his hand on Elladan's arm and was surprised to find that he was shaking very slightly.
"Elladan, are you alright? You're shaking." Elrond asked reaching to touch his son's forehead. He was more than a little surprised to find that his son had a fever. "Elladan?"
"I am fine Ada. I am merely tired." Elladan said as he ran his hand down his drawn face.
"Tiredness does not cause sickness, especially not in Elves." Elrond said, his voice creased with concern. "Come to the healing rooms and I will check you over."
"Really I am alright. I think I will go and lie down for a moment though." Elladan said, standing shakily. Elrond kept his hand on his son's arm as he stood with him. "There was one more thing I had to tell you Ada, I spoke to some people around Imladris and they all said that that first night when everyone arrived he didn't even leave his room. It is a strange thing for a Mirkwood bodyguard not to attend the customary celebrations of Imladris. Especially when ordered to do so by the King. That is two commands he has broken so far. Maybe that will give you the opportunity to question him further about Legolas."
Elladan turned and walked slowly to the door.
"Ada, I know he did it. I could feel it when I was with him." He looked directly at Elrond before leaving and heading towards his room.
Elrond stood alone in the room watching Elladan leave. He had never seen his son like that before and it concerned him. At least he now had a reason to question Taron officially. If he couldn't do it because of Legolas' attack then the breaking of the King's commands would be more than enough. He walked quickly back to the kitchen and grabbed the plate and strode towards Legolas' room, knowing what he must do. He would make sure Legolas told him the truth, no matter what it took. Elladan's evidence had been more than enough to confirm it for him but if he were to take any action it would not be sufficient evidence, he would need a confession from Legolas and he was determined to get it.
He walked down the corridor quickly, ignoring the questions he was getting from the servants about the arrangement for the council, which was luckily still two weeks away. He opened the door to Legolas' room to find him dozing. He closed the door loudly behind him, knowing it would wake Legolas, which it did. The young Prince sat up in bed startled by the sudden loud noise.
"I know who attacked you and I think you do too." Elrond said, placing the tray of food in front of him. Elrond's voice was harsh and Legolas was surprised that his tone had changed so much.
"I don't know what . . ." Legolas began but was cut off by Elrond's still harsh voice.
"I have heard enough of your lies. I know who attacked you and I think you know it too. You should not have to cover for him." Elrond said, not even trying to keep his voice level and calm.
"I . . .I promise you I don't know who it was." Legolas said looking with fear up at Elrond. He couldn't know, if he did Taron would hurt him. He couldn't know . . .
"It was Taron wasn't it? Your bodyguard, the person sent to protect you. I sent Elladan to question him about what happened and knew immediately that he was guilty. I believe my son Legolas, I know that he is telling me the truth. I only wish this could have come from you. I will be taking measures to ensure he is imprisoned."
"No." Legolas shouted, jumping from the bed and facing Elrond proudly, despite the obvious pain he was in from his earlier injuries. "Please my Lord. You are right it was Taron but I didn't know it at first. When I figured it out I thought I could avoid him. He told me that he did it . . ." Legolas trailed off, not believing what he had just said. So much for keeping it quiet and keeping himself out of trouble.
"And he was the one that attacked you in Rivendell?" Elrond asked, his voice much calmer now.
Legolas looked to the ground not wanting to look at the Elven Lord who now knew his secret. "Yes." He whispered.
"Legolas, why didn't you tell me this before? I could have helped you. This could have been sorted out very easily. Why did you lie to me?" Elrond asked putting a hand on Legolas' shoulder. "We all get frightened sometimes and we all need someone to help us, there was no shame in telling me that it was Taron who did this to you." Elrond said gently, hoping his words would calm Legolas, who was beginning to take on that frightened, untrusting look again.
"You don't understand." He said, still keeping his head bowed, not wanting to look at Elrond.
"What don't I understand? Taron hurt you, he could have killed you. He could have done this to someone else, someone inside Imladris. Surely you didn't want that?" Elrond asked, he knew his words were harsh but he wanted so much to understand what Legolas was thinking.
"He told me that I could never tell you. That if I did he would kill me and you. I tried to keep you safe but you couldn't leave me alone. I . . ." Legolas stopped himself before he could say anything else. He didn't want to make things worse, if that were at all possible. "I'm sorry I lied to you but I didn't know what else to do." He said. "I'm sorry."
Before Elrond could stop him Legolas ran past him and went through the door. He raced down the corridor faster than Elrond would have expected. He was about to go after him when he realised what he had said. Calling Legolas a liar and accusing him of brining danger to Rivendell was not what the young Prince needed to hear and it certainly hadn't helped. It did make more sense now though. The reason he hadn't said anything was to protect himself and Imladris. Elrond couldn't blame him for that, he would probably have done the same thing.
Elrond sighed, knowing what he had done. This was going to be much more difficult than he first thought. At least he knew who had attacked him now, it would be easy to apprehend him. If he couldn't get Legolas to confess openly then at least he had Elladan's accusations of him breaking Thranduil's orders.
Elrond walked out of the room and headed towards Elladan's room, he hoped that his son could tell him some other things about what Taron had said. The more information they had the easier it would be to help Legolas and make sure Taron wasn't allowed to leave. He decided to first go and see his guards and get them to arrest Taron.
Little did he know that it wouldn't be anywhere near that simple.
**
A/N: What's wrong with Elladan? Will Legolas be alright? Will they find Taron? . . . You'll have to read to see.
Hannon le = thank you Ada= dad