Wow, people actually liked this story! I was so pleased with the responses I got! I thought you wouldn't like it because it is a slash.
Well, this chapter is quite long. A bit more history is added in, and a few…surprises, I think is the word. Please review with what you thought at the end.
I put all my warnings in the last chapter. About…nasty Elves etc. Ok? Good. ^_^
~Lainfaer~
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The Marauders Dragon – Yeah, that's where I got the idea from1 Please tell me if it is too similar, won't you? And I'll try and change it. ^_^
bettina – Thank you! ^_^
ElvenRanger13 – Here's the next chapter for you. ^_^
kaya – I have continued for you. Hope you still like it. Thank for reviewing. ^_^
Elerrina – I know, he's a nasty git! I like the twins, so I had to put them in too! ^_^
Lothliana – Yes, just like you asked. Happy now? And PLEASE COME TO SCHOOL ON WEDNESDAY! Please? Oh, and er…thanks for reviewing! ^_^
horizon – Yeah ok, I admit it…I borrowed the plot line! But I thought it was a bit weird that Glorfindel would do such a thing like that. I mean, he's…Glorfindel, if that makes any sense. Are you mad with me for using the same idea? Please don't be! :(
Haldir's Heart and Soul - Nice name by the way! I'm a sucker for Legolas/Haldir fics too! I love 'em! Glad you like the story, and hope you enjoy the rest of it. Thanks for reviewing. ^_^
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Chapter 2: Nwalmaer. (Tormented One.)
Legolas woke alone the next morning. He grimaced as he sat up, pain shooting from head to toe. He somehow managed to dress himself, and washed his face.
He had a bruise on his face, and he knew the twins would not accept any new excuses. He had to stay in all day again. He went back into his room, and sat on the bed.
He was aching all over, inside and out. Astalder had been very rough last night, not like he used to be. Legolas fingered the ring around his finger. It was silver, with a single dark ruby set in it. Astalder had given it to him long ago, when they first got together. Legolas had given him one too, also silver, but with a green leaf entwined with silver vines.
Astalder did love him; it was just the drink that made him lose his temper with the quiet younger Elf. He was such a powerful figure in Imladris society, and Legolas felt honoured that Astalder had taken him as his lover. He loved Astalder too, and these rings bonded them. They had not said their vows yet, not had any official witnesses, but he felt bonded to the Lord. True, Astalder could be a bit forceful sometimes, but Legolas always let him continue willingly.
//Or do I?//
Legolas shook that thought out of his head. Of course he did, otherwise they wouldn't have made love as many times as they had. He loved Astalder, and Astalder loved him, that was all that mattered.
Legolas stood up and carefully stretched. He was stiff and sore, and desperately wanted to go outside. But people would ask about the new bruise on his face, and he couldn't risk questions. He prepared himself for another long day inside.
****
Down in the gardens, the twins formed a new plan.
"We have to get him outside," Elladan said determinedly.
"But how?" Elrohir asked. "You've seen what he's like."
"If I have to, I will drag him out that door myself," Elladan threatened, his fists clenching and unclenching. "Astalder isn't treating him right, and we know it, so does he. So does Legolas, he's just denying it, for reasons I cannot begin to fathom."
"Calm down
brother," Elrohir soothed, taking Elladans' hands in his. "Legolas is old enough to make his own decisions
now."
"But he's making all the wrong ones!" Elladan protested, pulling his hands away
and standing up. "He thinks that Astalder loves him, but he doesn't! He's just
using him for his own perverted pleasure. Treating Legolas this way makes him
feel good, makes him feel powerful."
"It's the drink Dan," Elrohir told him, also standing. "Everyone is beginning
to notice how much Astalder has been drinking lately. And they have only seen
him at night. We know otherwise, but no one else need know. We have talked to
father, and you heard what he said. Just let it run its course."
"But it's not love, its power and corruption!" Elladan argued. "I cannot just stand by and watch my best friend get hurt. I won't let it!"
"I hate it too Dan, but what can we do?" Elrohir asked desperately. "What do you propose?"
"Haldir!"
"What?"
"Haldir! He has seen this sort of thing before, and will know exactly what to
do with Legolas. Lets go and write to him." Elladan
started to run back to the House, but Elrohir grabbed his arm.
"Legolas will not go to Lothlórien Dan. As if he'll ever leave Astalder."
"Well then Haldir will just have to come here. It's time he visited us again anyway. Come on, what have we got to lose?"
"What have we got to gain is the question I'm asking."
"Our best friend back to normal." Elladan looked pleadingly at his brother. "Look, if you're not going to help me, I'll just go and do it anyway, you know I will. Come on, Legolas needs our help, and Haldir will be more than willing to help when we explain what we need him for."
"Alright. But we can't put that Legolas is being abused in the letter. Anyone could get hold of it."
"We'll word it carefully. Come on." They ran up to the House and got to work.
****
"Melamin…saes…that hurts!" Legolas' eyes were watering as the Lord continued to push himself into the smaller Elf.
"Saes melamin!" Legolas cried out, gripping the bed covers.
But Astalder did not stop. He had done this before, and he was in no pain, so therefore, it did not matter to him.
Eventually, he came, and exited Legolas' trembling body. The Elf Prince collapsed onto the bed, sobbing, his insides hammering. Never before had Astalder been this rough. True, he had not always been lubricated enough to necessarily make love to Legolas, but it had never hurt this much.
Legolas felt Astalder move away off the bed. He stayed lying facedown, not able to look at his lover. Above him, Astalder sneered as he replaced his leggings.
"That will teach you for refusing me in future," he warned. He sat on the edge of the bed, and gently brushed his fingers through the silken locks. Under his touch, Legolas shuddered. For this, he got slap round the back of the head.
"Do not reject my touch melamin. You are mine, and I can treat you as I please."
"Sorry…melamin…it was just a…reflex action," Legolas pleaded, turning over and gazing up at the Lord. Tears still streamed down his cheeks, but he managed a weak smile, even though he found it almost impossible to move.
Astalder smiled. "Good, I'm glad to hear it." He leant down and kissed Legolas passionately upon his already bruised lips. He pushed his tongue forward, and Legolas had no choice but to accept it.
Astalder chased Legolas' tongue round his mouth in a wild duel, making the bruising upon his lips even worse. He drew away, and cupped Legolas' cheek in his hand briefly, then swept out of their room, leaving the Prince to tend for himself.
For about ten minutes, Legolas just lay there, unable to move. Gradually, he lifted himself up into a sitting position against the pillows. Tears of pain still fell from his eyes as he slowly swung one leg off the bed, followed by the other. He looked around the room.
His tunic lay in the middle of the room in shreds after Astalder had ripped it from his body. Half of his leggings he still wore, the other, he could not see. His boots lay discarded by the door where he had left them earlier, and they were the only part of his outfit that had remained unscathed. There were droplets of blood upon the bed-sheets where Legolas had been laying. He made a mental note to change them before Astalder returned.
He made his way slowly through to the bathroom, pausing when spasms of pain shot through his body like daggers. He sat on the edge of the tub, and removed the shredded remains of his leggings. He wrapped a large towel round himself, and proceeded to fill the large wooden tub with warm water.
He sighed blissfully as he sank gently down into the steaming water. The warmth relaxed his extremely tense muscles, and with the softest cloth he could find, he gently washed himself, wincing when he brushed over a particularly bruised area.
Half an hour later, he was re-dressed, and removing the bloodstained sheets. He covered the bed with clean ones from the linen closet, and dumped the dirty in the tub, which he had refilled with clean, hot water. He would leave them to soak overnight.
Once he had tidied up the room, and was feeling better, he wandered out onto the balcony. It was early evening, and the sun had just set over the mountains. It was a beautiful sight, but Legolas' heart was aching.
He wished his lover were back to normal. He wanted the old Astalder back, not the new one. He was scary, even without the drink. When he had had lots, he was much worse. Legolas shuddered as he remembered the various beatings he had been through. The sound of Astalder removing his belt passed through his mind, and his hand sub-consciously went to his back. Even though the material, he could feel the welts going in a diagonal line across it.
Astalder had been drinking slyly all day long, and it had been spirits. The worst thing possible…for Legolas anyway. The spirits were the most effective upon Astalder, and the more he drank, the more violent he became. He would find reasons to be angry at absolutely anything, and would take it all out on Legolas. His frail body would not be able to stand the torment much longer.
//Adar…//
A whispering thought of his father entered his mind, and Legolas lowered his head in shame. He had not written to his family for many years, and they would think he had deserted them. His mother had gone over the Sea long ago, and Thranduil had been left with four children, two boys, and two girls. The eldest was a girl, Neldor, and Legolas had always both adored and looked up to her. He was next in line, followed by his brother, Thoron. Last of all came Filigon, the youngest daughter, and Legolas had always cared for her. Even though there was at least a two hundred-year gap between them, Filigon was the one he had been closest to.
And now he had abandoned her. What would his Aenil think of him now? Allowing himself to be beaten and literally raped night after night by one of the greatest Elf-Lords that had ever lived?
She would be ashamed of him. Thinking of her brought tears to his eyes. Oh, how he wished he could be with her again, to hold her tiny body in his arms. Though he suspected she would no longer be as small as she was when he left. She would have grown much in the past century, and would soon be catching up with her older siblings.
Unable to bear the memories, he retreated into his room, and sat on the bed. He gasped as pain shot through his body, and he had to bite his lip to prevent himself crying out.
He tasted the copper tang of blood, and wiped it away with his sleeve. He had done it before. The pain had been so much, he had almost screamed, and to prevent that, he had bitten his lip, and drawn blood as he had bitten it so hard.
A knock at the door startled him. He tried to stand, but the pain stopped him.
"Come in," he finally said in defeat.
Elrohir popped his head round the door. "Hello Legolas. Fancy an evening ride?" Legolas was sat in a shadow, and he could not see any of the new bruises. For this, Legolas was thankful.
"Can't, I'm still wearing this." He held up his arm with the cast.
"Yes, but I've got an idea." He came right in, and shut the door. "Ride with me. Sit in front, and I'll hold onto you. I promise I won't let you fall." He grinned.
Legolas looked at the floor. "I can't El. I don't…feel that good today."
Elrohir frowned and went and sat beside his friend. He gasped at the now purple bruising on Legolas' cheek. "Sweet Eru Legolas, what has happened?"
"Nothing," Legolas assured him, standing up.
But straight away, he doubled over in pain, crying out. Elrohir rushed forward and caught him before he hit the floor.
"Legolas! Legolas, tell me what happened! Legolas!" But the Mirkwood Prince was out cold.
Elrohir gently scooped him up into his arms, and headed for his fathers' study.
"You bastard Astalder," he whispered as he hurried along the corridor, ignoring the looks of passers-by. "You are seriously going to pay for this."
"Adar!" He burst into Elronds' office, taking the risk of anyone being in there with him.
But he was alone. Elrond stood up, first anger, then shock passing across his face.
"Elrohir, you do not…Legolas?" He dashed to his sons' side. "What in Middle-Earth has happened to him?"
"I don't know. Can we just get him to someplace safe. As far away from his quarters as possible." Elrond nodded. "Come, we'll take him to my room."
Elrond led his son through his study, into his own private sleeping quarters. Elrohir gently laid him down on the bed, and watched anxiously as Elrond examined Legolas.
"This bruising…it is not accidental. This bruise here." He pointed at the large one on Legolas' cheek. "It is at least two days old."
"I've got to find Dan," Elrohir said. He rushed out to find his twin.
"Oh Legolas, "Elrond said softly, his heart going out to the frail Prince beside him. "What have you gotten yourself into?"
The twins were soon back, and the anger on Elladans' face was clear.
"I'm going to kill him," he threatened, pacing round the room, watching his father check Legolas' injuries.
"Peace Elladan, you are not helping," Elrond scolded him.
"Adar, can you blame me?"
"No," Elrond agreed, rising to his feet. "He is wounded internally. I cannot proceed any further without his permission."
"Adar!" both the twins yelled in unison. "He is really sick Adar. You have to carry on," Elrohir pleaded as Elrond washed his hands.
"I cannot examine anyone internally without their permission. Sorry, but that's the law."
"But… what if he's bleeding…" Elladan started, but stopped as a feeble moan escaped Legolas' lips.
The three Elves rushed to his side. He opened his eyes a fraction, and the first person he saw was Elrond.
"My Lord…" he whispered.
"Yes Legolas, it is I," he said firmly, motioning for the other two to distance themselves from the bed. They did as they were told.
"Where am I?" was his first groggy question.
"You are in a room of healing Legolas. You are badly wounded. I have to examine you. Is that all right with you?"
"What do you mean examine me? I'm fine."
"Legolas, we no longer believe you. Please, you are injured inside. I have to check you." The twins silently left the room.
Legolas' eyes widened as he realised what the Elf-Lord meant. "Why am I here?" he asked.
"Like I already said, you are very badly hurt. Are you going to allow me to examine you."
"What…down there?"
"Yes, down there." Legolas swallowed nervously, but he knew he could trust Elrond.
"I will not judge you," he promised, seeing the look of panic upon the younger Elfs' face.
Legolas nodded, and obediently rolled onto his side.
He flinched as he felt Elrond remove his leggings. The Lord just slit them off with a knife, to prevent Legolas extra embarrassment. He moisturised his fingers, and gently examined Legolas inside.
Every time Elrond slipped a finger inside of him, Legolas winced in pain. He was extremely bruised inside, and if he was touched, pain shot all through his body.
After a couple of minutes, and a thorough examination, Elrond removed his fingers, and washed them. He covered Legolas with a sheet. He remained lying on his side, as it was more comfortable.
"Well?" he asked Elrond as he sat beside him.
"You are severely bruised inside Legolas. There are also several open wounds, which are, or have been, bleeding. What is going on? Who has done this to you Legolas?"
Legolas sighed. "It's the drink Lord Elrond," he began. He had to make sure Elrond knew that. It wasn't the normal Astalder. It was the drink.
"Astalder," Elrond interrupted, already guessing the full story. "Legolas, you cannot allow this to continue." He leant forward on his knees, staring Legolas straight in the eye. "He is not allowed to treat you this way."
"My Lord, he loves me," Legolas implored. "He does, I know it. It's just the alcohol."
"Legolas, whilst you are staying in Imladris, you are under my supervision. I cannot allow this to continue. If you don't speak to Astalder, than I shall deal with him myself."
"No my Lord!" Legolas begged, raising himself on his elbow. Elrond immediately pushed him back down. "He will get better, and I'll help him."
"How can you in this state?" Elrond asked, sitting back. "Look at yourself Legolas. You're a mess. Sorry to be so abrupt, but its true. You're covered, head to toe in bruises and cuts. You're injured inside for pities sake. He has literally raped you!"
"No!" Legolas yelled in argument. "He would never, ever take me by force!"
"Well explain your internal injuries to me," Elrond pressed, folding his arms across his chest. "Legolas, if you two make love, which I know you do, as you are lovers, your passage would not be as damaged as that, if you were doing it properly. He has been entering you when he has been too hard for your body to take. It must be painful."
"Yes, but I can endure it. When he's drunk, he doesn't realise."
"Then you should not allow him to take you so!" Elrond contended. "Legolas, if he has been taking you when he has been too hard, it is rape."
"Not if I allow him to do it."
"But why do you? If it hurts you?"
"Because…" Legolas whispered, tears welling up. "Because I love him."
Elrond looked at the floor. He hated doing this so harshly, but the Prince had to be told. He leant forward and wiped the tears away. "He is not worthy of your love Legolas," he said softly.
"What do you know?" Legolas asked bitterly.
"I have been in love many times Legolas. I know, I understand." He slipped forward and sat beside him on the bed. He lifted Legolas' head into his lap, and stroked the fair hair. "Legolas, you have to understand. What you and Astalder have… is no longer love. He is controlling you, using you for his own pleasure. It is sad that such a tremendous person has gone downhill so rapidly due to alcohol, but I am afraid he does not love you the way he used to. He only stays with you, so he can control you. It makes him feel good, makes him feel powerful."
Legolas stifled his sob. He knew what Elrond was saying was true, but he did not want to believe it.
"I am so sorry Legolas," Elrond whispered, stroking his back. The Mirkwood Prince was like a third son to him, and he treated him so. If only his real father could see him now… what he would think of him.
Legolas suddenly burst into tears, gripping the fabric of Elronds robes. Every memory washed over him, the good, and the bad. The times when he and Astalder had first met, how it had been love at first sight. They had danced together, and their first night alone had been heavenly bliss.
Then Astalder had given him the ring, and Legolas had given his in return. That's when he'd lost contact with his family. Astalder started drinking, and cut off his letters home. He had grown fiercer and more brutal with his young lover. Legolas had lost count of the amount of times he had been beaten, but the number seemed endless.
Once upon a time, Astalders' touch was like silk against his skin. Now, it reminded him of barbed wire or knives, cutting into him, destroying him bit by bit, day by day. His kisses were no longer passionate; they were bruising and rough. He wasn't gentle, he was vigorous and painful.
But here, in Elronds' grasp, he finally felt safe. He knew Astalder could not hurt him here, and he slowly relaxed.
"Diolla lle," he whispered as the sobbing ceased.
"Legolas, I am always here for you, you know that," Elrond assured him, holding him slightly tighter, but not so much as to hurt the Elf. "You are like a son to me, and I treat you as one. If you ever need someone to just talk to, I am here for you."
"I know Lord Elrond," Legolas answered, looking up at him. "I'm so sorry."
"You have nothing to be sorry for Legolas," Elrond chided him. "Absolutely nothing at all. Now, what do you want me to do about Astalder?"
"Nothing."
Elronds' jaw nearly hit the floor. "Legolas, after everything I have just said, you are going to let him get away with this?"
"I am not staying with him, if that's what you're thinking," Legolas replied. "I just don't want him hurt. It isn't his fault entirely. It's the drink."
"Legolas, if he is not strong enough to withstand the temptation of drinking to get you into bed, then he is weak. If he chooses drink over you, what does that make him, hmm? Please Legolas, you must do something. Maybe, by prosecuting him, it will help him. It could make him see the error of his ways."
"No," Legolas replied softly, moving his head out of Elronds' lap. "Do not do anything, please my Lord. Not yet. Wait till his reaction at my leaving him." He smiled knowingly at the Lord. Maybe, if Legolas left him, he would change. Then, over time, they could get back together. It could work, he knew it could.
Elrond raised an eyebrow, but said nothing more. He stood up. "Very well. If that is your decision, I shall do absolutely nothing." He left the room, quietly shutting the door.
* Aenil - angel
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See what I mean? Surprises…kinda.
So, please review with your thoughts, and chapter 3 will be up very, very soon. Cheers! ^_^
~Lainfaer~
