Hi everyone! Hope you all have a good Valentine's Day. Personally, I think the holiday sucks. But, hey. That's just me.
Disclaimer: Not mine. Never has been, never will be. Maybe in my dreams. All the crappy stuff belongs to me.
The Silent Prince
Chapter 23: Reunion
Frodo stood on the highest tower of Liothiel's palace with Kellian, gazing out over Terin. It wasn't a big village. Compared to Rivendell, Frodo thought it quite small. But, except for Bree, it was the first human settlement the hobbit had been to, and he found it fascinating.
It was sprawled out over a large plain, bordered on one side by the mountains, and on two sides by rivers. Kellian had boasted that it was one of the best-protected settlements along the Misty Mountains. When the raids had been at their worst, it had been to Terin that the surrounding villages had come to for protection.
Frodo enjoyed the talks he'd had with the young guard over the past week. Kellian was a likable Man who had asked Frodo many questions about hobbits and the Shire and had, in turn, answered all of Frodo's questions. The two had spent most of their time together, and had become close friends. Frodo would be sad indeed when they finally left Terin.
It was true that Frodo enjoyed his time in the human village, but as the week went by, he became more and more anxious. There was still no sign of Aragorn and the others, and the worry was about to kill the hobbit.
~Maybe they couldn't get Legolas out. Maybe he was already dead. Maybe Saruman captured them as well. Maybe they're all dead.~
Frodo was quick to chase those thoughts away. ~Be positive. They'll all be fine!~
"This is really a fantastic view," Frodo said, coming back to reality. "You can see the whole village from up here."
"Aye." Kellian looked down from the tower with a fond smile. "I love coming up here to watch the sunrise. The way it causes everything to light up is just amazing."
"I would imagine so." The hobbit could just imagine it. The tip of the sun peering over the horizon, causing the rivers to sparkle and the straw roofs of the villagers homes to turn to gold. "Perhaps I'll get a chance to see it before I leave."
"I sincerely hope so. I promise that it's a sight you won't soon forget." Kellian leaned against the wall, his eyes sweeping over his home. "I must admit, I have dearly enjoyed your company over the past week. I will miss you."
The hobbit turned a smile on his companion. "I will miss you as well. But good-bye is not forever. Perhaps our paths will cross again one day."
"I certainly hope so." The young Man returned the smile. "But let us save our good-byes for when the time comes. For now, let's be cheerful! What would you like to speak about? I don't see hoe you can have any more questions. It seems as though you've asked a million already!"
Frodo laughed, a faint pink tinge appearing on his cheeks. "Gandalf says I'm much too curious for a hobbit. But I like to know things."
"And there's nothing wrong with a healthy curiosity," Kellian said firmly. "Even if it's not normal for your kind. I remember, when I was younger, my---"
He was interrupted by the door opening and Pippin sticking his head out.
Frodo frowned. "Pippin? What---"
"Come quick!" the younger hobbit said breathlessly, eyes twinkling in excitement. "It's Aragorn and the others. They're back. And they have Legolas!"
-----------------
Aragorn had never been so glad to see a village before. Legolas, cradled in the Ranger's arms, wasn't heavy at all. But he was *so* tired. It seemed just an effort to put one foot in front of the other.
It was such a relief when someone took Legolas from him, but he couldn't just let the Elf go. "He needs to see a Healer. He's been badly injured. And see about his voice. It's been taken from him."
A hand landed on his shoulder. Looking up, he saw a pair of kindly blue eyes looking down at him. "Don't worry, Estel," Gandalf said gently. "I will see that he is taken care of. You and the others need rest."
Aragorn wanted to shake his head, wanted to stay with Legolas. But he could barely stay on his feet.
The last thing he heard was Gandalf instructing someone to show them to a room. Then he collapsed in a heap on the floor, lost in darkness.
---------------------
Ylana was exhausted. Even Elves couldn't go long without sleep. She could only imagine how her three companions felt.
But, though her body felt as if it had been through the ringer, her mind was whirling.
It had all started five days ago, the day after the battle. They had just begun their trek when Legolas had collapsed. Aragorn had started to panic, not knowing what was happening. But Ylana did. Legolas's fever had never gone away, and his body had gone into overload, trying to fend off the fever and heal all his wounds at the same time.
They had been four days from Terin, three and a half if they made good time. So Aragorn had scooped up the unconscious Elf into his arms and started running. They hadn't stopped until they finally stumbled into Terin.
Now, they were all safe, all together again. Legolas was finally in the hands of a Healer and, after Ylana had explained what had happened, Gandalf promised to look at the male Elf's voice.
Everything was better now. Legolas was safe, they were all together, and she hadn't broken her promise to Gallas. She could continue with her mission to protect those that she loved.
With a smile on her face, she let herself fall into Dreaming.
----------------
Gandalf stood over the unconscious Elf, eyebrows coming together in concentration. Legolas's body was crisscrossed with welts and injuries, but that's not what held the wizard's attention. That was the job of the Healer who stood across from Gandalf on the other side of Legolas. His main focus was the young Elf's voice.
Ylana had said that Legolas's voice had been taken away, and so the wizard had promised to see what he could do about restoring it. So he now stood, with his hand over the Elf's throat, reaching out with tendrils of magick.
~There seems to be no bodily damage,~ he thought as he continued his gentle, yet probing search. ~But...Yes. I thought there might be some spell here. Let's see what I can do...~
His closed his eyes and gave a slight *push*... Then let out a gasp and took a step back, his eyes flying open.
The Healer looked at him in surprise and concern. "Lord Gandalf?"
"I am fine," the wizard said, waving the Man away. "Tend to your duties. Think nothing of me."
His companion did not look convinced, but went back to redressing Legolas's wounds.
Gandalf once again stretched out a hand over Legolas, but cautiously. He would try again.
He knew what to expect this time, so he was prepared, and managed to grab the table next to Legolas's bed.
Gandalf frowned at the Elf. ~There's a spell, all right. But it's a powerful one, created just for him. Only he can break it.~
With a sigh, he looked at the Healer. "Will you be all right by yourself?"
The Man nodded, never even looking up. "He doesn't have any major injuries, just a lot of pretty bad ones. And he has infections. I've never treated an Elf before, but his body structure is close enough to that of a human. I should be all right."
Gandalf nodded. He'd spoken to the Man earlier, and knew that he was competent and trustworthy. "If you need me, I shall be around. Also, if you have a question that I can't answer, there is another Elf here. Though it may be a few hours before you can ask her. She's resting, and I don't want to bother her unless it's a dire emergency."
"It's all right, Mithrandir," came a tired voice from behind the wizard. "I'm having trouble getting to sleep and staying there. I can stay in here. That way, if he has any questions, he won't have to wait."
Gandalf's face was filled with concern has he turned to regard a very haggard-looking Ylana, who was standing in the doorway. "Ylana, what are you doing up? You should be resting! Even Elves need sleep."
She gave him her most reassuring smile. "I shall be fine. I can rest in here. I'll never get any sleep otherwise."
He regarded her for a moment, then nodded. "Very well, then. If you promise you'll rest, then you can stay. If either of you need me, I shall be with the prince." He fixed the female Elf with a hard stare. "I will need to speak with you later," he said, putting as much meaning behind the words as he could.
She nodded. "Of course." She gave him a brief bow, then took a seat by Legolas's side, watching the Healer with a curious eye.
Gandalf stood there for a moment, watching her. Then, satisfied that she would be all right, he turned and left the room.
--------------------
Frodo was nervous. He---along with the other hobbits, Gimli, and Liothiel---sat in the prince's viewing chambers, waiting for Gandalf. Well, perhaps not *sitting*. Frodo was pacing back and forth, feeling as though each moment that passed was as long as an hour.
Legolas had bee brought back alive and unchanged, but badly injured. And the hobbit had heard Aragorn say something about Legolas losing his voice before the human had collapsed. They would have no idea how bad off their friend was until Gandalf returned. And that gave Frodo enough time to think every horrid thought that he possibly could.
~What if he's hurt so badly that he dies? What if Legolas's voice is really gone? How will that affect him? What about emotional scars? What did Saruman do to his mind?~
Frodo shuddered at that thought.
"Mr. Frodo, please. Sit down. Your pacings making me nervous." Sam was wringing his hands.
The hobbit sighed and ran a hand through his curly brown hair. "I'm sorry, Sam. But I can't sit down. I'm too worried."
"I'm sure your friend will be fine," Prince Liothiel said reassuringly. "Our Healer is the best in all the outlying villages, and Gandalf is attending to him as well."
Frodo offered him a brief, thankful smile, but he could not be comforted. And he wouldn't be, not until he'd heard from Gandalf himself that Legolas was going to be okay.
And what about the others? Aragorn had collapsed where he stood, Boromir was dead on his feet, and even Ylana had looked exhausted. Frodo was dying to know what had happened, but knew that it would have to wait. They needed their rest.
He jumped as the oak door opened and a very perplexed-looking Gandalf stepped through.
Frodo was at his side immediately. "How fares Legolas? Will he be all right? What has Saruman done to him? And what about his voice? Is it really gone? Can you get it back?"
Gandalf raised a hand, a smile turning up the corners of his mouth. "Patience, dear Frodo. I will answer your questions, if you give me time to answer them. Now, if you will have a seat, I will be able to tell everyone my findings. That way, I'll only have to repeat myself once."
Frodo nodded. "Of course. I'm sorry." He gave the wizard a small bow, then turned to walk to an empty seat beside Sam.
Gandalf took a seat by the prince. He felt like a smoke, but didn't think the others could wait long enough for him to get out his pipe, fill it and light it. So he made himself comfortable and launched right in to it.
"Legolas has been hurt badly. Saruman apparently tortured him, and he was already injured before he was taken. But I believe he will be fine. It may take some time, but Legolas will pull through.
"As for his voice, that's a little bit different, It's been taken by a spell. A powerful spell. One that even I cannot break."
Frodo looked stricken. "So there's no way he can get it back?"
"The spell *can* be broken," Gandalf was quick to assure them. "But only he can do it."
Frodo was still troubled, but he felt better knowing that Legolas was going to be okay.
"So what now?" Liothiel asked, looking concerned. "Do you think Saruman will come after you? Any plans?"
Once again, Gandalf raised a hand. The prince fell silent, blushing fiercely.
"I think that we should wait and decide on our plans once the others have joined us. And I'm not about to go and wake Aragorn."
"I agree," Liothiel said firmly. He'd seen the Ranger---~the future king of Gondor~---for about two minutes before the Man had collapsed. He didn't think anyone should look that bad. Unless they were terminally ill. Aragorn would be a welcomed strategist, but not if he was utterly exhausted. "From what you've told me, they had been through quite a lot before they left to search for Legolas. I'm guessing this is the first time they've been in a bed since then. Of course they shall rest."
Now that they all seemed satisfied, Gandalf pulled out his pipe. Now that all that worry was gone, the wizard felt as though a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders and he needed a good, long smoke.
"But there is *one* thing I'd like to ask about," the prince said as Gandalf filled his pipe with tabac. "Why was only Legolas taken? And what did Saruman want with him?"
The wizard frowned around the stem of his pipe. "That is a good question. One we'd all like to know the answer to." He lit his pipe and inhaled, sighing with happiness. ~By the Valar, that tastes good!~ "We have a theory that Saruman was trying to get back at me, and that Legolas would be the easiest of my companions to get to that would have the biggest emotional impact on me."
"But that wouldn't make sense," Liothiel said. "If that were the case, he did it in a strange way."
"I agree. Saruman must have some other reason for taking Legolas. He could have taken Frodo just as easily, but didn't."
"Do you have any idea why the White Wizard would go after Legolas and Legolas alone?"
Gandalf shook his head. "I don't know of any reason why. There's no point in asking Legolas, not while he is unable to speak. Aragorn is his closest friend, so we might have a chance in asking him when he wakes."
Liothiel nodded. He was curious, but it would have to wait. And, if not, well... He could live without knowing why Saruman had chosen the Elf for torture.
"I suggest we all go and get some rest for now," Gandalf said, standing and wincing as his joints creaked. "Once the others are awake and rested, there's no telling when we'll next find sleep."
The prince let out a sigh. ~There's no knowing what the future might hold...~
-------------------
"I thought I might find you here."
Legolas, standing by a small pool in Rivendell, turned at the sound of the voice, a smile spreading across his face.
"Ylana!" he exclaimed, moving forward to embrace the female Elf. "I was hoping you would come. It's good to be able to speak again, if only for a short while."
"I would imagine so." She laid a comforting hand on his arm. "Lin berio si, Legolas (1). We're in Terin, with your friends, and you are being treated by both Gandalf and a Healer. They know what's happened. You have no reason to hide anymore."
He blinked at her, and suddenly wasn't so sure if he wanted her here or not. "Hiding? Is that what you think I'm doing? This is where I feel safe. *That's * why I come here. When those Uruk-hai drug me to Orthanc, this is where I came. When Saruman was torturing me, this is where I came. Pardon me if I'm slightly attached to it."
"So you feel safer here than with us?"
"It's hard for me to feel safe with you," Legolas told her truthfully. "I barely know you, and you're always asking these questions. I don't want to answer, probing where I don't want you to go." He paused, getting ready to smooth over any feathers he might have ruffled.
But she didn't get upset, as he was afraid she might. Instead, she turned thoughtful. "You're right. You shouldn't trust me blindly. You know nothing about me, and I even less of you. If you wish, I shall take my leave of you."
"No, wait!" Before she could disappear, he reached out and snagged her wrist. When she looked to him in surprise, he offered her a weak grin. "I may not trust you as much as I trust Aragorn, but I'd much rather hold a conversation with you than with myself. Besides, how can we get to know each other better if we ignore one another?"
She blinked at him for a moment, then burst into laughter. "How right you are! Very well, Prince Greenleaf. What is it you wish to speak of?"
He started to shrug, then stopped as he remembered something his companion had said the last time they had spoken. "Actually, I do have a question."
"Ask away."
He gestured out towards the entrance of the Elven city. "The last time you were here---the day you and the others rescued me---you said that you sat in a certain tree every time I came here. Why?"
He folded her arms and leaned against one of the statues surrounding the chamber. "You and your kind fascinated me You were so different from us. Oh, I'd seen blond Elves before. I'd made the trip to Lothlorien with Arwen many a time. But you... You dressed different, you spoke with a different accent... I wanted to learn more about you."
"Then why did you never come and speak with me? Why have I never met you before now? Why have I never even heard of you?"
She shrugged. "That was the way I wanted it. You were a prince, royalty. I was a commoner. I didn't want you to think that I was a foolish girl with a silly crush."
He lifted an eyebrow at her. "A mere 'commoner' who happens to be best friends with the princess of Rivendell?"
She smiled. "My fathers' doing. He was one of Lord Elrond's top army advisors, and, when they would hold meetings, he would bring me along to play with Arwen. We were close to the same age, and neither one of us had very many playmates. We became fast friends and have stayed such ever since."
"And why have I never heard Aragorn or Arwen speak of you?"
"Because I asked them not to." She giggled. "I could only imagine *my* reaction if someone told me that there was a boy who sat in a tree watching me every time I came to visit."
Legolas had to laugh. "Yeah. I see your point."
She gave another shrug. "Besides, we still met and became friends. It just took a bit longer."
"And I'm glad we're friends," he said with feeling. Then he smiled. "Especially since you're the only one I can talk to right now."
"Mithrandir's working on that. He was checking you over when I came into your room."
He blinked at her. "Ylana, you *are* resting, aren't you? I know how tired you all were when you rescued me."
"Of *course* I'm resting. I just happen to be sleeping in the chair next to your bed. The Healer's never treated an Elf before, so I'm there in case he has any questions."
"All right. As long as you're getting rest." Legolas paused, and, when he spoke again, his voice was soft. "How's Aragorn?"
"Sleeping like the dead, thank the Valar." She walked over to drop into one of the stone seats. "We came in, he handed you over to Gandalf---very reluctantly, I might add---told him about your voice, and collapsed. I got him into bed before I even thought about lying down."
"Thank you. I was worried that he might try and stay with me. Not that I don't appreciate it, mind you. It's just that he needs his rest. The way he looked when you woke me up that day..." Legolas shook his head. "I've never seen him so distraught."
"I doubt that he'll be waking for awhile. He was worried about you that he exhausted himself mentally as well as physically."
The male Elf looked away so that Ylana wouldn't see the slight blush on his face. His cheeks burned even hotter when he realized that he was tingling all over. ~It's just that...Well, since my own brother wants me humiliated, it's nice to know that the Man I consider to be a brother cares about me. That's all.~
Ylana let out a deep sigh, bringing him back into awareness. "I miss this place," she said softly. "I miss Arwen, I miss Aragorn..." A ghost of a smile crossed her face. "I even miss the twins."
"Then why?" Legolas asked as he moved to take a chair next to hers. "Why are you always out on patrol?"
She gave a little shrug. "Because this place also holds memories, memories of the best times of my life. I know it's been thirteen years since Mother and Gallas died, but sometimes, when I look at places we used to go, or see people doing things we used to do, it hurts. Besides, a lot of other soldiers have families. I'd much rather they be able to go home to the people they love. All I have to look forward to is a soft bed. Oh, I talk to Arwen and to Aragorn, if he's there. But, for the most part, I stay away."
"I'm sorry," Legolas said softly. "I didn't realize that this bothered you so much. We can go somewhere else if you like."
"No, no, no." She quickly reached over to place her hand atop his. "This is where you feel safe, so here's where we'll stay. Besides, it's good therapy."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive." She paused. "Have you ever lost someone close to you, Legolas?"
He nodded. "My mother. It was a long time ago. I was quite young, only eight hundred or so."
"What was she like?"
A smile touched his lips. "A lot like you actually. She was strong and brave. She liked to ride out into the towns to speak with the people. Father hated the fact that she went out alone, but she refused to take a guard. When he tried to assign her one, she simply snuck out. It wasn't that Father didn't trust her or think she couldn't handle herself. It just happens that he's a natural born worrier."
"What happened to her?" Ylana's voice was still soft, gentle.
"She was killed by Orcs, same as your family." He clinched his fists so tightly that he could feel his fingernails dig into his skin. "Only she was tortured and raped before she was murdered."
Ylana gasped, and a hand flew to her mouth. "Legolas, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. I had no idea."
"It's all right. I don't mind talking about it." He gave her a wink. "Good therapy, I think someone called it."
She offered him a sad smile in return. "I guess we're not so different after all."
"I suppose not."
The two sat there for a few minutes, neither saying a word, both wondering what else there was to talk about.
After about five minutes of silence, Ylana stood with a sigh. "I guess I'd better go. I have my own dreams to tend to, and you can get back to healing yourself."
Legolas nodded as he got to his feet as well. "Thank you, Ylana," he said softly. "Thank you for coming to speak with me."
"It was my pleasure," she replied with a bow. "I hope we can continue to get to know one another, and perhaps work on our trust."
"I hope so as well." He gave her a nod. "Goodbye, Ylana."
"Namarie, Legolas," she replied. (2)
Then she was gone.
(1) Lin berio si---------you're protected now
(2) Namarie-----Farewell
Disclaimer: Not mine. Never has been, never will be. Maybe in my dreams. All the crappy stuff belongs to me.
The Silent Prince
Chapter 23: Reunion
Frodo stood on the highest tower of Liothiel's palace with Kellian, gazing out over Terin. It wasn't a big village. Compared to Rivendell, Frodo thought it quite small. But, except for Bree, it was the first human settlement the hobbit had been to, and he found it fascinating.
It was sprawled out over a large plain, bordered on one side by the mountains, and on two sides by rivers. Kellian had boasted that it was one of the best-protected settlements along the Misty Mountains. When the raids had been at their worst, it had been to Terin that the surrounding villages had come to for protection.
Frodo enjoyed the talks he'd had with the young guard over the past week. Kellian was a likable Man who had asked Frodo many questions about hobbits and the Shire and had, in turn, answered all of Frodo's questions. The two had spent most of their time together, and had become close friends. Frodo would be sad indeed when they finally left Terin.
It was true that Frodo enjoyed his time in the human village, but as the week went by, he became more and more anxious. There was still no sign of Aragorn and the others, and the worry was about to kill the hobbit.
~Maybe they couldn't get Legolas out. Maybe he was already dead. Maybe Saruman captured them as well. Maybe they're all dead.~
Frodo was quick to chase those thoughts away. ~Be positive. They'll all be fine!~
"This is really a fantastic view," Frodo said, coming back to reality. "You can see the whole village from up here."
"Aye." Kellian looked down from the tower with a fond smile. "I love coming up here to watch the sunrise. The way it causes everything to light up is just amazing."
"I would imagine so." The hobbit could just imagine it. The tip of the sun peering over the horizon, causing the rivers to sparkle and the straw roofs of the villagers homes to turn to gold. "Perhaps I'll get a chance to see it before I leave."
"I sincerely hope so. I promise that it's a sight you won't soon forget." Kellian leaned against the wall, his eyes sweeping over his home. "I must admit, I have dearly enjoyed your company over the past week. I will miss you."
The hobbit turned a smile on his companion. "I will miss you as well. But good-bye is not forever. Perhaps our paths will cross again one day."
"I certainly hope so." The young Man returned the smile. "But let us save our good-byes for when the time comes. For now, let's be cheerful! What would you like to speak about? I don't see hoe you can have any more questions. It seems as though you've asked a million already!"
Frodo laughed, a faint pink tinge appearing on his cheeks. "Gandalf says I'm much too curious for a hobbit. But I like to know things."
"And there's nothing wrong with a healthy curiosity," Kellian said firmly. "Even if it's not normal for your kind. I remember, when I was younger, my---"
He was interrupted by the door opening and Pippin sticking his head out.
Frodo frowned. "Pippin? What---"
"Come quick!" the younger hobbit said breathlessly, eyes twinkling in excitement. "It's Aragorn and the others. They're back. And they have Legolas!"
-----------------
Aragorn had never been so glad to see a village before. Legolas, cradled in the Ranger's arms, wasn't heavy at all. But he was *so* tired. It seemed just an effort to put one foot in front of the other.
It was such a relief when someone took Legolas from him, but he couldn't just let the Elf go. "He needs to see a Healer. He's been badly injured. And see about his voice. It's been taken from him."
A hand landed on his shoulder. Looking up, he saw a pair of kindly blue eyes looking down at him. "Don't worry, Estel," Gandalf said gently. "I will see that he is taken care of. You and the others need rest."
Aragorn wanted to shake his head, wanted to stay with Legolas. But he could barely stay on his feet.
The last thing he heard was Gandalf instructing someone to show them to a room. Then he collapsed in a heap on the floor, lost in darkness.
---------------------
Ylana was exhausted. Even Elves couldn't go long without sleep. She could only imagine how her three companions felt.
But, though her body felt as if it had been through the ringer, her mind was whirling.
It had all started five days ago, the day after the battle. They had just begun their trek when Legolas had collapsed. Aragorn had started to panic, not knowing what was happening. But Ylana did. Legolas's fever had never gone away, and his body had gone into overload, trying to fend off the fever and heal all his wounds at the same time.
They had been four days from Terin, three and a half if they made good time. So Aragorn had scooped up the unconscious Elf into his arms and started running. They hadn't stopped until they finally stumbled into Terin.
Now, they were all safe, all together again. Legolas was finally in the hands of a Healer and, after Ylana had explained what had happened, Gandalf promised to look at the male Elf's voice.
Everything was better now. Legolas was safe, they were all together, and she hadn't broken her promise to Gallas. She could continue with her mission to protect those that she loved.
With a smile on her face, she let herself fall into Dreaming.
----------------
Gandalf stood over the unconscious Elf, eyebrows coming together in concentration. Legolas's body was crisscrossed with welts and injuries, but that's not what held the wizard's attention. That was the job of the Healer who stood across from Gandalf on the other side of Legolas. His main focus was the young Elf's voice.
Ylana had said that Legolas's voice had been taken away, and so the wizard had promised to see what he could do about restoring it. So he now stood, with his hand over the Elf's throat, reaching out with tendrils of magick.
~There seems to be no bodily damage,~ he thought as he continued his gentle, yet probing search. ~But...Yes. I thought there might be some spell here. Let's see what I can do...~
His closed his eyes and gave a slight *push*... Then let out a gasp and took a step back, his eyes flying open.
The Healer looked at him in surprise and concern. "Lord Gandalf?"
"I am fine," the wizard said, waving the Man away. "Tend to your duties. Think nothing of me."
His companion did not look convinced, but went back to redressing Legolas's wounds.
Gandalf once again stretched out a hand over Legolas, but cautiously. He would try again.
He knew what to expect this time, so he was prepared, and managed to grab the table next to Legolas's bed.
Gandalf frowned at the Elf. ~There's a spell, all right. But it's a powerful one, created just for him. Only he can break it.~
With a sigh, he looked at the Healer. "Will you be all right by yourself?"
The Man nodded, never even looking up. "He doesn't have any major injuries, just a lot of pretty bad ones. And he has infections. I've never treated an Elf before, but his body structure is close enough to that of a human. I should be all right."
Gandalf nodded. He'd spoken to the Man earlier, and knew that he was competent and trustworthy. "If you need me, I shall be around. Also, if you have a question that I can't answer, there is another Elf here. Though it may be a few hours before you can ask her. She's resting, and I don't want to bother her unless it's a dire emergency."
"It's all right, Mithrandir," came a tired voice from behind the wizard. "I'm having trouble getting to sleep and staying there. I can stay in here. That way, if he has any questions, he won't have to wait."
Gandalf's face was filled with concern has he turned to regard a very haggard-looking Ylana, who was standing in the doorway. "Ylana, what are you doing up? You should be resting! Even Elves need sleep."
She gave him her most reassuring smile. "I shall be fine. I can rest in here. I'll never get any sleep otherwise."
He regarded her for a moment, then nodded. "Very well, then. If you promise you'll rest, then you can stay. If either of you need me, I shall be with the prince." He fixed the female Elf with a hard stare. "I will need to speak with you later," he said, putting as much meaning behind the words as he could.
She nodded. "Of course." She gave him a brief bow, then took a seat by Legolas's side, watching the Healer with a curious eye.
Gandalf stood there for a moment, watching her. Then, satisfied that she would be all right, he turned and left the room.
--------------------
Frodo was nervous. He---along with the other hobbits, Gimli, and Liothiel---sat in the prince's viewing chambers, waiting for Gandalf. Well, perhaps not *sitting*. Frodo was pacing back and forth, feeling as though each moment that passed was as long as an hour.
Legolas had bee brought back alive and unchanged, but badly injured. And the hobbit had heard Aragorn say something about Legolas losing his voice before the human had collapsed. They would have no idea how bad off their friend was until Gandalf returned. And that gave Frodo enough time to think every horrid thought that he possibly could.
~What if he's hurt so badly that he dies? What if Legolas's voice is really gone? How will that affect him? What about emotional scars? What did Saruman do to his mind?~
Frodo shuddered at that thought.
"Mr. Frodo, please. Sit down. Your pacings making me nervous." Sam was wringing his hands.
The hobbit sighed and ran a hand through his curly brown hair. "I'm sorry, Sam. But I can't sit down. I'm too worried."
"I'm sure your friend will be fine," Prince Liothiel said reassuringly. "Our Healer is the best in all the outlying villages, and Gandalf is attending to him as well."
Frodo offered him a brief, thankful smile, but he could not be comforted. And he wouldn't be, not until he'd heard from Gandalf himself that Legolas was going to be okay.
And what about the others? Aragorn had collapsed where he stood, Boromir was dead on his feet, and even Ylana had looked exhausted. Frodo was dying to know what had happened, but knew that it would have to wait. They needed their rest.
He jumped as the oak door opened and a very perplexed-looking Gandalf stepped through.
Frodo was at his side immediately. "How fares Legolas? Will he be all right? What has Saruman done to him? And what about his voice? Is it really gone? Can you get it back?"
Gandalf raised a hand, a smile turning up the corners of his mouth. "Patience, dear Frodo. I will answer your questions, if you give me time to answer them. Now, if you will have a seat, I will be able to tell everyone my findings. That way, I'll only have to repeat myself once."
Frodo nodded. "Of course. I'm sorry." He gave the wizard a small bow, then turned to walk to an empty seat beside Sam.
Gandalf took a seat by the prince. He felt like a smoke, but didn't think the others could wait long enough for him to get out his pipe, fill it and light it. So he made himself comfortable and launched right in to it.
"Legolas has been hurt badly. Saruman apparently tortured him, and he was already injured before he was taken. But I believe he will be fine. It may take some time, but Legolas will pull through.
"As for his voice, that's a little bit different, It's been taken by a spell. A powerful spell. One that even I cannot break."
Frodo looked stricken. "So there's no way he can get it back?"
"The spell *can* be broken," Gandalf was quick to assure them. "But only he can do it."
Frodo was still troubled, but he felt better knowing that Legolas was going to be okay.
"So what now?" Liothiel asked, looking concerned. "Do you think Saruman will come after you? Any plans?"
Once again, Gandalf raised a hand. The prince fell silent, blushing fiercely.
"I think that we should wait and decide on our plans once the others have joined us. And I'm not about to go and wake Aragorn."
"I agree," Liothiel said firmly. He'd seen the Ranger---~the future king of Gondor~---for about two minutes before the Man had collapsed. He didn't think anyone should look that bad. Unless they were terminally ill. Aragorn would be a welcomed strategist, but not if he was utterly exhausted. "From what you've told me, they had been through quite a lot before they left to search for Legolas. I'm guessing this is the first time they've been in a bed since then. Of course they shall rest."
Now that they all seemed satisfied, Gandalf pulled out his pipe. Now that all that worry was gone, the wizard felt as though a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders and he needed a good, long smoke.
"But there is *one* thing I'd like to ask about," the prince said as Gandalf filled his pipe with tabac. "Why was only Legolas taken? And what did Saruman want with him?"
The wizard frowned around the stem of his pipe. "That is a good question. One we'd all like to know the answer to." He lit his pipe and inhaled, sighing with happiness. ~By the Valar, that tastes good!~ "We have a theory that Saruman was trying to get back at me, and that Legolas would be the easiest of my companions to get to that would have the biggest emotional impact on me."
"But that wouldn't make sense," Liothiel said. "If that were the case, he did it in a strange way."
"I agree. Saruman must have some other reason for taking Legolas. He could have taken Frodo just as easily, but didn't."
"Do you have any idea why the White Wizard would go after Legolas and Legolas alone?"
Gandalf shook his head. "I don't know of any reason why. There's no point in asking Legolas, not while he is unable to speak. Aragorn is his closest friend, so we might have a chance in asking him when he wakes."
Liothiel nodded. He was curious, but it would have to wait. And, if not, well... He could live without knowing why Saruman had chosen the Elf for torture.
"I suggest we all go and get some rest for now," Gandalf said, standing and wincing as his joints creaked. "Once the others are awake and rested, there's no telling when we'll next find sleep."
The prince let out a sigh. ~There's no knowing what the future might hold...~
-------------------
"I thought I might find you here."
Legolas, standing by a small pool in Rivendell, turned at the sound of the voice, a smile spreading across his face.
"Ylana!" he exclaimed, moving forward to embrace the female Elf. "I was hoping you would come. It's good to be able to speak again, if only for a short while."
"I would imagine so." She laid a comforting hand on his arm. "Lin berio si, Legolas (1). We're in Terin, with your friends, and you are being treated by both Gandalf and a Healer. They know what's happened. You have no reason to hide anymore."
He blinked at her, and suddenly wasn't so sure if he wanted her here or not. "Hiding? Is that what you think I'm doing? This is where I feel safe. *That's * why I come here. When those Uruk-hai drug me to Orthanc, this is where I came. When Saruman was torturing me, this is where I came. Pardon me if I'm slightly attached to it."
"So you feel safer here than with us?"
"It's hard for me to feel safe with you," Legolas told her truthfully. "I barely know you, and you're always asking these questions. I don't want to answer, probing where I don't want you to go." He paused, getting ready to smooth over any feathers he might have ruffled.
But she didn't get upset, as he was afraid she might. Instead, she turned thoughtful. "You're right. You shouldn't trust me blindly. You know nothing about me, and I even less of you. If you wish, I shall take my leave of you."
"No, wait!" Before she could disappear, he reached out and snagged her wrist. When she looked to him in surprise, he offered her a weak grin. "I may not trust you as much as I trust Aragorn, but I'd much rather hold a conversation with you than with myself. Besides, how can we get to know each other better if we ignore one another?"
She blinked at him for a moment, then burst into laughter. "How right you are! Very well, Prince Greenleaf. What is it you wish to speak of?"
He started to shrug, then stopped as he remembered something his companion had said the last time they had spoken. "Actually, I do have a question."
"Ask away."
He gestured out towards the entrance of the Elven city. "The last time you were here---the day you and the others rescued me---you said that you sat in a certain tree every time I came here. Why?"
He folded her arms and leaned against one of the statues surrounding the chamber. "You and your kind fascinated me You were so different from us. Oh, I'd seen blond Elves before. I'd made the trip to Lothlorien with Arwen many a time. But you... You dressed different, you spoke with a different accent... I wanted to learn more about you."
"Then why did you never come and speak with me? Why have I never met you before now? Why have I never even heard of you?"
She shrugged. "That was the way I wanted it. You were a prince, royalty. I was a commoner. I didn't want you to think that I was a foolish girl with a silly crush."
He lifted an eyebrow at her. "A mere 'commoner' who happens to be best friends with the princess of Rivendell?"
She smiled. "My fathers' doing. He was one of Lord Elrond's top army advisors, and, when they would hold meetings, he would bring me along to play with Arwen. We were close to the same age, and neither one of us had very many playmates. We became fast friends and have stayed such ever since."
"And why have I never heard Aragorn or Arwen speak of you?"
"Because I asked them not to." She giggled. "I could only imagine *my* reaction if someone told me that there was a boy who sat in a tree watching me every time I came to visit."
Legolas had to laugh. "Yeah. I see your point."
She gave another shrug. "Besides, we still met and became friends. It just took a bit longer."
"And I'm glad we're friends," he said with feeling. Then he smiled. "Especially since you're the only one I can talk to right now."
"Mithrandir's working on that. He was checking you over when I came into your room."
He blinked at her. "Ylana, you *are* resting, aren't you? I know how tired you all were when you rescued me."
"Of *course* I'm resting. I just happen to be sleeping in the chair next to your bed. The Healer's never treated an Elf before, so I'm there in case he has any questions."
"All right. As long as you're getting rest." Legolas paused, and, when he spoke again, his voice was soft. "How's Aragorn?"
"Sleeping like the dead, thank the Valar." She walked over to drop into one of the stone seats. "We came in, he handed you over to Gandalf---very reluctantly, I might add---told him about your voice, and collapsed. I got him into bed before I even thought about lying down."
"Thank you. I was worried that he might try and stay with me. Not that I don't appreciate it, mind you. It's just that he needs his rest. The way he looked when you woke me up that day..." Legolas shook his head. "I've never seen him so distraught."
"I doubt that he'll be waking for awhile. He was worried about you that he exhausted himself mentally as well as physically."
The male Elf looked away so that Ylana wouldn't see the slight blush on his face. His cheeks burned even hotter when he realized that he was tingling all over. ~It's just that...Well, since my own brother wants me humiliated, it's nice to know that the Man I consider to be a brother cares about me. That's all.~
Ylana let out a deep sigh, bringing him back into awareness. "I miss this place," she said softly. "I miss Arwen, I miss Aragorn..." A ghost of a smile crossed her face. "I even miss the twins."
"Then why?" Legolas asked as he moved to take a chair next to hers. "Why are you always out on patrol?"
She gave a little shrug. "Because this place also holds memories, memories of the best times of my life. I know it's been thirteen years since Mother and Gallas died, but sometimes, when I look at places we used to go, or see people doing things we used to do, it hurts. Besides, a lot of other soldiers have families. I'd much rather they be able to go home to the people they love. All I have to look forward to is a soft bed. Oh, I talk to Arwen and to Aragorn, if he's there. But, for the most part, I stay away."
"I'm sorry," Legolas said softly. "I didn't realize that this bothered you so much. We can go somewhere else if you like."
"No, no, no." She quickly reached over to place her hand atop his. "This is where you feel safe, so here's where we'll stay. Besides, it's good therapy."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive." She paused. "Have you ever lost someone close to you, Legolas?"
He nodded. "My mother. It was a long time ago. I was quite young, only eight hundred or so."
"What was she like?"
A smile touched his lips. "A lot like you actually. She was strong and brave. She liked to ride out into the towns to speak with the people. Father hated the fact that she went out alone, but she refused to take a guard. When he tried to assign her one, she simply snuck out. It wasn't that Father didn't trust her or think she couldn't handle herself. It just happens that he's a natural born worrier."
"What happened to her?" Ylana's voice was still soft, gentle.
"She was killed by Orcs, same as your family." He clinched his fists so tightly that he could feel his fingernails dig into his skin. "Only she was tortured and raped before she was murdered."
Ylana gasped, and a hand flew to her mouth. "Legolas, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. I had no idea."
"It's all right. I don't mind talking about it." He gave her a wink. "Good therapy, I think someone called it."
She offered him a sad smile in return. "I guess we're not so different after all."
"I suppose not."
The two sat there for a few minutes, neither saying a word, both wondering what else there was to talk about.
After about five minutes of silence, Ylana stood with a sigh. "I guess I'd better go. I have my own dreams to tend to, and you can get back to healing yourself."
Legolas nodded as he got to his feet as well. "Thank you, Ylana," he said softly. "Thank you for coming to speak with me."
"It was my pleasure," she replied with a bow. "I hope we can continue to get to know one another, and perhaps work on our trust."
"I hope so as well." He gave her a nod. "Goodbye, Ylana."
"Namarie, Legolas," she replied. (2)
Then she was gone.
(1) Lin berio si---------you're protected now
(2) Namarie-----Farewell