A story without a name
Legolas peered silently through a gap in the trees. His prey was getting harder and harder to track, although this might be the fact that his prey was a certain young ranger, a certain young ranger that was exceptionally good at not being found when he didn't want to be.
He gave a half smile as he leapt gracefully over an awkward branch that was in his way, the leaves brushing lightly against his green tunic.
Estel, the human he was hunting, had left the house of Elrond along with his twin brothers, Elrohir and Elladan, early that morning, and since then had not be found, despite many attempts by Legolas, until he had been lucky enough to just catch a glimpse of Estel dark tunic slipping among the trees.
At first Estel's trail had been remotely easy to follow, when it had cut of and it had taken Legolas several minutes to pick it up again. That had been an hour ago and now Legolas was getting bored.
He was already annoyed with Lord Elrond's three sons as they had woken him up for the fifth day running by tipping out of bed and dragging him, blankets and bed clothes alike, outside into the grounds and dumping him there. He had taken to sleeping with one eye fully open, but this never lasted long as he was always exhausted from that day's event, as much as keeping an eye out on any possible tricks.
Why did they always have to pick on him, Estel was much smaller and much, much, slower.
Suddenly, Legolas heard a crack from behind him and whirled round just in time to find an arrow pointed between his eyes. The bearer of the arrow was wearing a hood and cloak so Legolas could not recognise him. As Legolas stood there, perfectly still, his sharp elven ears heard another being come up from behind him. As he reached him, he pulled his hands behind his back and bound them with a length of rope. They were surprisingly gentle, which Legolas wouldn't have expected from kidnappers, which, he supposed, were what they were. After he was bound, a blindfold was placed over his eyes and he was lowered from the trees .From there it was 3 hours until they stopped, and during the whole time, neither of his captors spoke a word. Legolas had no idea who his captors were or how they had gotten into Rivendell. Were they from Mirkwood, or were they even elves?
When the small company finally stopped, Legolas was lowered to the ground and he heard a camp fire being set up. He soon smelt some kind of meat being cooked. Once more Legolas was surprised, as instead of his captors leaving him out of the food and letting him starve, they took off his blindfold and cut the bonds that held his wrists together.
Legolas reached for some food calmly, but as soon as the other two were engrossed in there eating Legolas jumped up, and, grasping his bow, arrows and twin knifes which had been taken off him when he had been caught, ran for the edge of the woods which surrounded the clearing that were currently resting in.
Just as he reached them another figure appeared from inside the wood and ran fall pelt into Legolas. The prince stumbled backwards and lifted his head just in time to see the hood of this third body dressed in black to fall down and revel his face.
"Estel" Legolas cried in astonishment.
Legolas turned round as the other two elves caught up with him and also lowered there hoods.
"Elladan, Elrohir."
"It was you the whole time."
"Er, yeah well.... if Estel had ruined the trick you wouldn't have found out" Elladan finally blurted out.
"Oh thanks" Legolas turned and walked stiffly over to the campfire and sat down to finish his meal. The twins and Estel looked at each other nervously.
"Do you think he's really upset" Estel said, licking his lips.
"If he is it's your fault for ruining the trick."
"He would have found out any way" Estel defended himself.
"Why didn't you look where you were going?"
"I was in a hurry, I had just found out that....
They had turned to the campsite to join Legolas when they had stopped. The camp was empty, Legolas had run off. Elrohir and Elladan groaned.
"We are in so much trouble now; if any thing happens to him Thranduil will kill us."
"Not to mention ada. We were supposed to be making sure that Legolas was resting and not going off on any adventures.
"Perhaps he went back to Rivendell" Estel said hopefully.
"Nah, we blindfolded him remember, and he has never been this far into the woods before, he's bound to get lost."
"Well let's go find him then, it shouldn't be that hard" Elrohir said going to the campsite and gathering up his weapons.
"Er, yeah, but as I was saying, I was in hurry because I just heard that there is an orc encampment round about here." Estel said, glancing at the twins. The twins looked just as worried as Estel when the unmistakable keening of an orc floated across the air from the south. With one accord, the three 'kidnappers' gripped their weapons and set off in the direction of the cry.
When the twins entered the clearing where the sounds of battle had come from, Estel not far behind, panting like a steam train, it was to find it empty with only a dozen or so orc bodies littering the ground.
Estel neatly stepped over one and bent down to the ground, picking up a green, glittering, leaf shaped object from the ground. Legolas's royal brooch in the shape of a wreath of leaves, the one he was never found without.
From there, Estel found it easy to follow the trail, as would even the dimmest mortal on Middle Earth, as all you had to do was to follow the mass of destruction that came in the form of bushes ripped from there roots, trees bent in every direction and every leaf in view crumpled, torn and non-recognisable. It would have saddened Legolas's heart to see the things he loved having been treated in this way. But, if Estel's guess was correct, then Legolas had been taken by the orcs and would have been lucky if he were conscious.
The small party followed the track in silence, thinking over what Legolas's father would do to them if they couldn't save Legolas. They all knew the deep hatred that the orcs had for the elves, and this pushed them off faster in pursue of the orcs as who knew what kind of torture they could be putting Legolas through right at this moment.
As they rounded a bend in the path of the flattened bushes, Elladan, whose ears were sharper than his adopted human brother, pulled the back of Estel's shirt. He heard the sounds of a fire a crackling, and could hear snatches of the orcs conversation.
The three crept forward, hidden by the undergrowth, until they were in sight of the camp. What they saw made Elrohir have to grab Estel from running out into the glade to help his injured friend. For there lay Legolas, slumped against the tree he was tied to, his bare chest heaving, with the bloody welts caused by being repeatedly struck with a whip, standing out vividly from his bare, pale chest. As it was, the scuffle between the two beings had attracted the orcs attention, and they advanced menacingly towards the source of the sound.
Still hidden, the three gripped their weapons, ready for the combat which was about to happen. With a wild yell, the orcs surged forward and succeeded on bringing the trio out of their cover. The twins and Estel were quick to defend themselves, and soon the front orcs were lying around in heaps of bloody mess. Elladan ducked a swipe from the orc on his left and pierced an orc on his right straight through the throat.
Estel, not being as quick as his brothers drew in a sharp breath as he felt an orc blade cut through his skin and rake painfully across his ribs. Estel hoped that the sword tip didn't contain any morgul poisoning as he tried to ignore the jagged pain that shot up his side. But despite there brave attempts, Estel and Elladan were soon caught and that just left Elrohir, who wouldn't give up, knowing that he was his friend and now his brother's last hope as well if they were to survive.
Elrohir doubled his defence, killing and injuring countless amount of orcs, without relenting, causing the orcs to back up, although they still stood around there three captives guarding them. Elladan yelled at Elrohir to go get help before he was backhanded roughly which left his head spinning. As Elrohir left the bloody clearing he was left with a terrible decision. Should he do as his older brother had said and go get help, which left the possibility that he might return to late and find them dead, or should he follow the orcs and wait for the right moment to rescue the three captives. As he heard Estel cry out in pain, his mind was made up. He couldn't leave them here, whatever Elladan said.
When Legolas finally awoke it was to find himself with such a headache that he could barely open his eyes. But when he heard a groan that sounded oddly familiar come from the side of him, he managed to wrench his eyes open and peer blearily into the eyes of his best friend. Whispering through cracked, split lips, he spoke Estel's name.
Hearing Legolas speaking, Estel turned his head towards the source of the sound, giving Legolas a view of the limp body on Estel's right. Like his own and Estel's, Elladan's torso was streaked with bruises and marred by the welts brought on only by whips. Elladan still had not woken, and this worried Legolas as he should have by now. It was then Legolas realised that he didn't actually know how Estel and Elladan had got here as he had been unconscious when the battle had taken place.
While Legolas was distracted by his friends, he didn't hear the sounds of an orc creeping up on his left until it was too late and he was once more knocked out.
The orcs seemed in no hurry to move on which was not good to the three captive as when ever they rested, the trio became the centre of attention. The orcs took particular pleasure in making fun of Legolas's fair looks, always pulling on his long braids and threatening to do numerous things to affect his appearance. So far they had not carried out any of their threats, for which Legolas was grateful as many of them ended up in drawing blood.
It was mid morning and the orcs had decided to rest after walking approximately 2 miles in over 3 hours. Dumping Legolas on the ground, the leader orc, Gangesh, kicked him over onto his stomach. Legolas refused to make any sound of pain, but stared at Gangesh out of icy blue eyes. This just angered the orc who drew out his whip.
Shaking out the kinks Gangesh leaned threatenly over Legolas. Turning his head, Legolas tensed, waiting for the stinging pain that he was sure was about to come. Instead, he heard the beast walk away.
Thinking he had gotten out of his 'punishment' some how, he relaxed. That is until he heard the swish of a whip, and Estel cry out in pain. Whipping his head back round, he saw Gangesh standing over Estel, flogging him mercifully. Legolas stumbled over to them and tried to stop the orc.
He didn't want the beast harming his best friend because of him. Standing as best as he could over the prone body of the young ranger, Legolas brought his right arm up and let the weapon wind painfully round his wrist. Pulling backward, he wrenched the whip away from the creature, and stood his ground, ready to protect Strider if the need to occurred.
The orc, now enraged, lunged at the prince, bringing him down sharply. Pounding his captive roughly in the ribs, he dragged the now doubled over elf to the middle of the makeshift camp and held him dangerously close to the roaring fire. Legolas felt the flames singeing the back of his green tunic.
"Now you apologise or you are going to have a little meeting with my friend here" Gangesh growled in Legolas ear, waving the whip in front of Legolas.
"Never" Legolas spat back.
"Fine"
Once again Legolas tensed, and once again the orc walked away, dropping Legolas as he did so. He came back again, dragging the still bleeding Estel. The orcs had found out almost straight away that they could get Legolas to do anything if they threatened any of his friends.
"Now say it or you both go into the fire"
"Sorry" Legolas ground through gritted teeth, wishing he could punch the orc right in the middle of his smug grin. "That you're so disgusting, ugly and deserve to be sent to Melkor himself." He muttered under his breath.
"That better" Gangesh let go of Estel right where he was, hanging over the flickering flames. Using every elven instinct he had, Legolas some how managed to push Estel away in time and even missed getting burned himself. The orcs just laughed at this act and turned back to the various tasks. But Gangesh still wasn't satisfied, walking over to the where the elf lay protectively over Estel, he began kicking him repeatedly, ignoring Estel's feeble attempts to stop him injuring his friend. Eventually Legolas passed out, extremely thankful to be ridden of the pain if only for a few hours.
This time he awoke on the floor, being dragged along by a stout orc. He closed his eyes, trying to block out the pain when the beast that was pulling him stopped. He heard the sound of feet thundering over the ground, but there were more than just one pair, although the owner of the single pair of feet appeared to be slightly ahead.
He heard an orc scout manage to gasp out, "Hunters... just over the next hill... armed and... skilled in fighting."
Legolas wondered for a brief second if they could be Taradin and his band of hunters when he heard the feet stop and the clink of a sword against armour and suddenly a battle let use loose, but who the orcs were fighting he didn't know. Peering through lidded eyes, Legolas worked his way slowly over too Estel and Elladan who were also free.
Once joining them, the trio tried to stay out of the way of the fight and escape at the same time. Suddenly all went silent and Legolas glanced up to find a sword hanging over his heart held by a stranger, clothed in the average hunting outfit.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw a figure that looked strangely like Elrohir slip back into the woods Legolas supposed he had just come from, before his attention was brought back to the human standing over him. Two more hunters walked over dragging Elladan and Estel. Legolas clenched his fist, angered at how roughly these men handled his friends.
"What shall we do with these, Fith, they seem to be captives of the orcs." Fith, who appeared to be there leader thought for a moment then replied,
"Lets take them too the market, they will be of no use to us in this state." So saying, he lifted Legolas easily and threw him onto a cart already loaded with dead deer carcases, and Legolas felt Elladan and Estel being thrown down next to him, before the horses set off at a trot, leaving Legolas to groan as the cart jolted and bumped down the road off to the market where they were bound to be sold as slaves.
Elrohir cursed in dwarvish, having learnt a few words off Legolas, as an arrow flew wildly past his head. He had been tracking his friends for the last two days without being able to get close enough to rescue even one of the three victims. Now, when he had finally got a chance, a band of hunters had attacked the orcs. Even as he thought this, the battle ended.
He peered through the greenery and muttered a few more well chosen words. What he saw was a hunter standing over Legolas, looking to Elrohir as if he was about to pierce Legolas's heart.
Elrohir positioned an arrow directly over the hunter's own heart, prepared to penetrate it if the huntsman so much as loosened his grip on the piece of metal, when the stranger lowered his sword and beckoned two others over. As the new captors loaded his brothers and friend into their cart, he heard them mutter something about the market, and, guessing what they planned, set off through a shortcut, hoping to beat the hunters there.
Legolas lay on his back, staring up at the cloudless sky. It had been several hours since he had they had headed off to the market and he was bored. If he was in a better state it would have been easy to escape, but as it was he couldn't even sit up.
He started a little as he felt a rough hand shake his shoulder. Turing round as slowly as possible so as to keep down the pain, he turned to face Estel. His friend was holding out a small, shinning article. His brooch. Thank you mellan nin. He slipped the object into one of the inner pockets of his tattered tunic as he no longer had a clock to fasten it to.
"I am sorry I made you run off Legolas, I never meant to upset you. This is all my fault" Estel murmured, looking down.
"Don't you dare start on one of your 'it's my fault' speeches, as I remember you saying that the trick was Elladan's idea. Although, talking of your speeches, you still haven't told me how you got Elladan to shoot himself in the foot." Legolas whispered back jokingly.
"That's a long story" Elladan joined in the conversation, uninvited. "And any way Estel, I don't remember you telling Legolas to run off like that, so it is just as much his fault as any." Grinning at the glare Legolas sent in his direction, Elladan looked to see where they were. His smile disappeared though, as he saw the market place less than two miles away. He ducked his head as Fith jumped down from his horse, halting the precession.
"Here, put these on" he said throwing a bundle of rags at them. "You will never get sold if any one gets a look at those injuries." So saying he left them to their business and mounted his horse again, leading the way to the market.
Elrohir drew up at the market just as the group of hunters arrived, his pointed ears well hidden in the hood that he had used when kidnapping Legolas. Things were getting desperate. If he couldn't think of a plan soon he was going to lose his brothers and friend. As Elrohir made his way through the busy crowd, he heard someone hailing him. He turned to see Taradin and his adopted son Garith running towards him.
"It is good to see you again Elrohir" Taradin spoke, hugging Elrohir warmly when he had caught up with the elf.
"But where are the others. I thought you were always with them." Garith piped up. Elrohir pointed over the heads of the crowd to where Legolas, Elladan, and Estel were being hung up.
"A long story short, Legolas, Elladan, and Estel were captured by orcs and then recaptured by hunters, and are now about to be sold as slaves, you have to help." Elrohir ended in a plea, leaving out the whole kidnapping part. Taradin's face clouded over.
"Of course, but what do you plan to do?" Ever since Taradin had mistaken Legolas for a rouge elf and had beaten and drugged him almost to death, he had felt as if he were in the elf's debt, and was always keen to help when he was concerned, and the same went for his good friend Estel and the elven twins.
"Unless you are willing to pay those ...BLEEEEEP... it will have to be force"
"Force it is then" Turning to Garith, he pushed him in the direction of one of the numerous stalls. "When I signal, come and free the three at the end of the stall."
Re-joining Elrohir, they walked over to the slave stall, hands at the ready to grab there weapons if the need too occurred. Elrohir went up to the man that was obviously in charge.
"Where did you get those three," he demanded curtly, nodding at Estel, Legolas, and Elladan who were staring at him in disbelief, although Legolas not as much as the others, having thought he had seen Elrohir several times, this just proving the point.
"I brought them off a friend in Strayton, they'll cost five gold pieces each" he returned just as curtly.
"You know, I find that hard to believe when two of those beings are my brothers, and the third a very good friend."
"Are you calling me a liar?"
"Yes!"
"You little..." The hunter drew a sword and advanced on Elrohir who was immediately joined by Taradin. The hunter slowed a little to see the second man but still came forward. Elrohir easily ducked the swipe the man made at him, and disarmed him in a matter of seconds. By now a small crowd had gathered and were watching, hoping for more fighting.
Elrohir and Taradin stood on one side of the slave stall, with Fith and his men on the other. Grabbing a new weapon, Fith gave order for his men to surround the two beings. Taradin gave a slight nod, this being the signal for Garith. He prayed that the onlookers wouldn't give his son away as he wanted him to be as little as involved as possible.
The hunters all held out the swords in a typical fighting stance and faced Elrohir and Taradin who were back to back. It would have taken all of five seconds to disarm the attackers, but as they needed to give time for Garith to cut loose the prisoners, they had to take things slow.
In all, there were 7 men fighting the two challengers, and it was an easy task for Elrohir and Taradin to keep away from them, without out actually harming anyone. So far the two defenders had managed to keep the upper hand effortlessly, when at least half a dozen more men pushed there way through the thong of people.
Quickly going to the aid of there leader they joined in the fight. Taradin, growing alarmed as he had to work to stay away from these men now, stole a glance to see how Garith was getting on.
Unfortunately for him, Souldil, one of the original attackers, followed his look, and with a wild yell left the tussle and leaped towards Garith, who, instead of rescuing only their friends, had set about freeing the five other slaves.
Just as he had cut loose the last one and pushed him away, waving of the flood of thanks, Souldil, trailed closely by Limidon, Neonatal and Tongil reached him.
Grabbing Garith by the arm, Souldil swung him round to rest the sharp blade of his knife on the soft flesh of the young boy's throat. As he prepared to draw the dagger across the soft tissue, he gasped, and, releasing Garith, he fell to the ground dead.
Taradin pulled his son up, retrieving his arrow from where it lay-sticking out from Souldil's back. Putting a protective arm around the teenager's shoulders, he yelled for Elrohir to come at once, as he thrust his own way through the crowd, banishing his sword at anyone who didn't move quickly enough. He soon reached the three victims, and, with the help of Garith -and Elrohir who had joined them by that time- he got them to the safety of the woods, where Legolas, Estel and Elladan practically collapsed onto the ground.
"Well... that.... was fun ...lets never..... do... it again." Estel panted.
"Agreed" replied Legolas and Elladan simultaneously, bursting out laughing as they did so.
"Ohh, don't make me laugh, it hurts too much." Legolas mock groaned, which set them all giggling again.
When they had recovered from there laughing fit they were faced with the problem of how they were going to get the two injured elves and human back to Rivendell.
"Ada", Garith said, having taken a liking to the word when he had heard Estel addressing his father in the same manner before, "Why don't we use the horses."
"The horses", Taradin repeated puzzled.
"Oh of course." Turning to the rest of the bewildered party he explained. On the way here we passed a farm that seemed in some difficulty. When we enquired it appeared that during the night six of there horses were taken, presumably by professional horse stealers as the owners of the farm knew nothing about until the morning which would have given the thief's at least a good 5 or 6 hours of which to get away. Anyway, we caught up with them the next day and were just setting off to take them back when we ran into you.
So saying he sent Garith off to fetch them.
Estel groaned, kicking himself at once for allowing the rest of the party to know he was in pain. He pushed back a second moan that was attempting to burst from his lips as Elladan rode up to him.
"What's the matter Estel" he demanded worriedly, but firmly.
"Nothing, I'm fine" Estel grunted back, wiping the perspiration away from his face.
"Where have I heard that before" Legolas trotted up to Estel on his right. But his smile faded as he looked into Estel glazed eyes. Yelling to the rest of the party to stop, Legolas and Elladan gently lowered Estel to the ground.
Legolas looked over Estel's body, searching for the source of his pain. As Legolas slender fingers passed over the whiter bandage covering the nasty gash from the orcs scimitar, he stopped. Quickly removing the dressing, he uncovered the now inflamed cut. He cursed himself for being so careless when they had first checked Estel's body for injuries .How could they have missed this. Looking up he caught Elladan's eye, his fear for Estel showing plainly.
"We have to get him to father, and soon!" The desperation in Elladan's voice spurred Legolas on as vaulted onto one of the horses, gripping tightly onto Estel as Elladan handed him up. Elladan would have gone himself, but he knew Legolas was the better horseman and right now, time was what would decide the human's fate. As Legolas flashed passed Elrohir, the latter's face paled.
"What's going on, where is Legolas taking Estel," Elrohir yelled at his brother.
"He has been poisoned by morgul from an orcs blade. Legolas is taken him to ada." Elladan whispered so quietly that Elrohir had to strain to hear him.
Taradan and Garith waited in the courtyard as Elladan and Elrohir rushed into the House of Elrond. They thought it would be better as they knew what the twins must be going through, not knowing whether there little brother was dead or alive.
Racing frantically through the house, they skidded to a halt outside the healing room where they were always taken when the came home with the numerous injuries they always sustained when having left on one of there various trips.
Now they had got here, the twins were terrified to open the door, knowing that when they did, Estel might not be there to welcome them in. Finally, Elladan pushed open the door and stepped hesitantly into the dimly lit room.
His face paled as the room appeared empty, but then sounds of soft breathing caught his attention, and, striding across the room, Elladan knelt down beside his little brother, bowing his head and thanking Ilúvater that Estel had been brought home safely.
As Elrohir dropped down next to Elladan, Lord Elrond stepped out from a little room joined onto the one his twins were in. He stopped in surprise, he hadn't heard them enter. He smiled softly as he walked silently over to them.
"He is fine, you have nothing to fear. Legolas brought him to me in time. He is simply resting." Elrond's deep, musical voice startled the two elves as they looked into the deep eyes of the father. Relief spread across the twins face, for Estel may have still had the morgul poison in his system. Rising, they enquired where Legolas was so that they could thank him. Elrond laughed as they started towards the door.
"Legolas is in the guest room, resting, which is what you two are going to be doing as soon as I have seen to your wounds."
"But..." Elrohir protested, "I wasn't even the one who was beaten, it was Elladan, why can't I go."
"Because I am still going to check you over and you are still going to have to rest." Elrond held up his hand for silence as they both started to complain, and led them firmly over to another free bed and placed them both down on it so he could tend to the cuts, bruises, and whatever other injuries they had sustained during their latest exploit.
Taradin was becoming worried. It had been almost two hours and not a sign of any of the household had appeared. Just as he was thinking this, an elf came round the corner. Seeing the two humans Celeboril rushed forward.
"What are you doing here, standing around?" he demanded.
"Er... we were just..." Taradin stammered before Celeboril hurried on.
"You must be freezing standing out here" he stated, ignoring the beads of sweat dripping off both of the visitors foreheads, and the rosy contrast to their cheeks,
"Come in come in, but mind you wipe your feet first, I just cleaned the hall last century."
"Er..." Taradin said again as Celeboril pushed him and his son towards the house.
When Legolas woke it was to the sounds of a softly spoken conversation. He recognised the voices as Elladan and Elrohir's. As he was still tired and didn't feel like talking, he settled back and listened with one ear. Elladan, having noticed that Legolas had risen from his slumber, whispered something in Elrohir's ear. Elrohir nodded and raised his voice slightly too make sure Legolas could hear exactly what he was saying.
"How are we going to break the news to Legolas?"
"I know, he and Estel were such good friends"
"Ada said the funeral is going to be a week tomorrow" Elrohir added a fake sob for good measure. What was just said ultimately got through too Legolas who shot right up in bed.
"Whatareyuoonabout, isEsteldead, wasn'tiintime. WHAT HAS HAPPENED" Legolas finally shut up as the twins fell about laughing at his outburst.
"You just tricked me didn't you?" Legolas muttered disdainfully.
"Mm hm" The twins now had tears streaming down their faces and Legolas sat back in bed, sulking.
"What's so funny" a weary voice came from the door"
"Estel!" all three cried out. Estel almost burst out laughing from the looks on their faces. Elladan and Elrohir rushed to his side and gently led him to an over-stuffed chair, exclaiming about him being out of bed.
"I'm fine, really" Estel tried to push them away, but was too weak. This just concerned the trio even more and Elladan sent his younger (by 58 seconds) twin to fetch Lord Elrond. When the noble elf appeared, his face was etched with worry as Elrohir, who on finding him, had let out a great babble of nonsense. Elrond, having caught the words Estel, weak, and unconscious had come at once.
"Where exactly does unconscious come into this situation" Elrond turned on Elrohir after he had checked Estel over and had been assured that he was fine.
"Er... well... you see..." Elrohir was saved from further explanation at a knock from the entrance of the room. Celeboril pushed open the door and entered with the two men in tow.
"You seem to have forgotten these two." Thus saying, Celeboril turned and left. Taradin and Garith now stood in the doorway, guiltily hiding honey cakes behind their backs, Celeboril having had a recent supply update from Beornings.
"Taradin, Garith, I'm so sorry, you should have come in sooner." Turning to Elrond, Elladan explained how they had helped Elrohir save them. Elrond held up his hand mid flow.
"I know, I know, Legolas has told me everything"
"Have you saved any of the story for us to tell" Elrohir asked huffily.
"Of course" Legolas replied sweetly "You get to tell him why it took so long for you to rescue us."
"Now that's not fair, their were like 30 orcs."
"Well you could have gone and got help like I said."
"Shut up Elladan"
"Or you could have just resisted from kidmpphhh." Whatever Legolas may have been saying was cut off as Elladan placed a large hand over his mouth and Elrohir began babbling nonsense loudly over the top. They did this very professionally as if they had been doing this for the last few decades of their lives. Since Estel had come to Imladris in fact.
Elrond raised one elegant eyebrow in question but remained silent, for the moment. Turning to Estel he began to speak but stopped as he realised that the young being was fast asleep. Picking the ranger up, he went to the door. But just as he was about to exit he turned.
The trio stared at him as he left having bid them to come to his study in half an hour's time and clarify just what 'kidmpphhh' was.
The silence that had settled over the house since the little group had arrived back home was beginning to rise. It seemed that no matter how hard they tried, they just couldn't be quiet.
Legolas came tearing around the corner, laughing like a maniac, followed closely by the twins.
"Just wait till we get our hands on you orc spawn."
Legolas slowed down enough to shout over his shoulder,
"Now that's not very nice is it?"
Unfortunately, Legolas didn't look back in time and flipped over a rubbish sack brought out by Celeboril. He sat up covered in waste, and glared at the twins who had stopped their chase to giggle hysterically at the sight before them.
"You know Elladan; this is the perfect chance to get back at his highness for erm, you know what."
"Actually", Estel said, coming round the corner, "I don't".
"Well" Legolas began, grinning, "You see, it all started when Elrohir fell off the waterfampphhh." Once again, Legolas was cut off due to a rather large hand placed over his mouth.
"That's it, give me a hand Elladan." With the help of his twin, Elrohir dragged Legolas away from the courtyard, ignoring his yells of protest...
"Hey, this isn't funny anymore, are you listening to me." Legolas was hanging in a net at the edge of the woods surrounding Rivendell. He wrinkled his nose in disgust, the smell from all the rubbish was really starting to get to him. He had been there for almost 3 hours since Elladan, Estel and Elrohir had left him their. Suddenly, there was a sound from his left. He stiffened slightly and stared into the undergrowth. A few seconds later, a somewhat dishevelled Estel appeared.
"You didn't think I would leave you did you mellon nin?"
"Er, no" Legolas didn't trust the glint in Estel's eyes, but since he was Legolas's only hope out of this blasted net, Legolas decided to ignore it. Once Legolas was freed from the net, he set off towards Rivendell, taking long, swift strides.
"Er, Legolas" He turned round as he heard Estel call his name cheerfully. "I couldn't help but notice that you smell a little." Yeah right, Legolas thought to himself.
"Anyway," Aragon carried on, "The lake is just down that path, and I'm sure you don't want to go into the house looking, and er ,smelling like that, for one thing Celeboril would kill you and," Estel stopped as Legolas glared at him. Clearing his throat, Estel got back to the point.
"You could always take a quick bath in the lake before you go back and change." Legolas's face immediately brightened at this prospect, and he set off down the path his friend had pointed out. Estel rubbed his hands together in glee; so far the plan was going off without a hitch.
Legolas quickened his pace, the sooner he washed off the rubbish, the sooner he could get back. As he stepped over a fallen log he realised that Estel was no longer with him, and at the same time he heard a twig snap on his left.
Automatically he turned towards the noise, which was just what the tricksters had hoped, for as he didn't see the net come swinging down on him from the right. The force of the net rolled Legolas off the path and down a sharp incline to his left, down which was the lake.
The lake was normally reached by a path that wound downhill gently so as to smooth the slope, and it was along this that the three brothers raced, eager to see there plan in action.
They ran quickly as the view of the lake was blocked from the path. They were delighted though to hear the soft sound of a splash which obviously meant that the prince had landed, as intended, in the lake.
But they were not quite as happy to see that when the reached the edge of the lake Legolas had not yet risen back to the surface. All three faces showed identical looks of horror as they plunged deep into the depths if the lake looking for their lost friend.
Estel was fighting back tears. They had searched for Legolas until night had fallen and they had been forced to go home as the twins wouldn't risk having Estel, who's eye sight wasn't as good as his brothers in the dark, drown as well. For that is what they had thought had happened to their friend. They dreaded how they were too tell Lord Elrond.
After what seemed like hours, but was really mere minutes, the trio reached the house. They walked silently in and down the corridor to the Hall of Fire, as they were sure their father would be there. Elrond sat in the hall, writing something down on a thick piece of parchment. His back was to them. Taking a deep breath, they all walked over to him, and stood in front of the father. They all looked at him with big, sorrowful eyes. Elrond looked at them in question. Elladan couldn't stay silent any more.
"We didn't mean to hurt him" Elladan cried out. The other two, following his lead, began to speak as well.
"We're really really sorry."
"It was just a joke"
"We didn't know this would happen."
"Please forgive us."
"We thought he would cut the net and get out".
"Don't make us tell the king".
"Did I mention we're really sorry?"
"We just want him back" Elrond's face looked blank.
"Want who back" he asked, "Tell what king, please, what you are on about." Elrohir nudged Elladan in the back.
"Go on, you're the oldest."
"Only by 58 seconds,"
"Ahmm" Elrond cleared his throat, "Could someone please explain to me what is going on."
"Er...well you see... er" Elladan stammered, not knowing where to begin. "It all started when Elrohir fell over the waterfall and Legolas happened to say..."
Whatever Elladan was about to say was cut off as something caught his eye at the door which they had just come through. Elrohir and Estel were staring to. Poked round the door was a golden haired head.
Legolas grinned cheekily and gave them a cheerful wave before disappearing again. Elladan just goggled at the now empty doorway. Finally he came back to his senses.
Turning back to his father he mumbled something about making a mistake and took off for the door, closely followed by his brothers. Racing up the stairs they rushed into the guest room, christened 'Legolas's room' since he stayed there so many times, and found the owner of it spread out on the bed, laughing with tears streaming down his face, his silky hair falling over his crystal blue eyes. At one accord the brothers jumped onto the bed and grabbed Legolas.
"How did you get back here" they demanded, shaking Legolas until he stopped laughing due to lack of breath.
"Aright, alright, I'll tell. You see, unlike two certain elves and a human, I have a brain inside my head andahhh." He was cut off as all three lunged at him. "Hey, do you want me to tell" he managed to squeak out.
As they did, they relented and let Legolas finish his story. "As I was saying," he glared pointedly at the three brothers who were grinning innocently, "I used one of my knives to cut the net and jumped out. I them threw a rock into the lake to trick you into thinking I had fallen in, and came back here to enjoy a very peaceful evening, reading and eating the last of the honey cakes"
"Hey," Elrohir broke in indignantly, "Celeboril was saving those for us."
"Yeah well, when he heard what you did, or at least tried to do, "Legolas sniggered, but quietened as the trio leaned forward threatenly. Rubbing his neck were his last attacked had been placed, Legolas carried on
"When he heard he decided I deserved them."
"What, all because you were quick enough to escape."
"We spent 3 HOURS looking for you"
"Well that was your own fault" Legolas said smugly. That was too much for the tricksters and they couldn't restrain them selves any longer as they all grabbed a pillow and began to hit Legolas mercilessly over the head.
The twins crept silently down the hall to Legolas's room, hauling a bucketful of icy cold water between them. They still hadn't forgiven him about his comments last night.
As the reached their destination, Elladan, who was in front, held one finger to his lips as he pushed open the door. Stepping in, he never expected to be hit over the head with a cascade of freezing water.
Elrohir was also met with an unexpected shower, as the bucket Elladan was holding was thrown over his shoulder and straight over the younger twin. Legolas was on the floor with silent laughter. They couldn't make to much noise for fear of waking the household. The two elves were speechless.
"You didn't really think that I wouldn't be suspicious did you, not after all that happened yesterday." The twins just stood there astonished before turning back silently down the corridor to get changed. Legolas chuckled to himself as he slid back under the now cold covers of his bed.
He awoke a little while later, though he was not sure why. Then he heard the sound of his door being pushed slowly open and someone padding softly across the carpet.
"Oh no" Legolas groaned. "When will they give up?" With lightening quick speed he grabbed the spare bucket of water from under his bed and threw it in the direction of the intruder.
To his satisfaction he was met with the sound of a yell of shock as the trespasser was well and truly soaked. The light was snapped on in a matter of seconds and Legolas's grin faded immediately as he was fixed with an angry glare from the lord of the house himself.
"My Lord, I'm so sorry, I though that... you...were..." He trailed off, but couldn't help asking
"What are you doing here?"
"My two oldest sons came to me with tales of you feeling ill. But as far as I can see you are fighting fit. No, don't try and say anything, let's just try and forget this ever happened. Good night Legolas." As Elrond left he barely heard Legolas whisper feebly,
"Sorry". As soon as Legolas was sure Elrond had gone and was out of hearing range, he sped along to Elladan's room. As he had guessed, Elrohir was there as well.
They had well and truly got him back now, and they knew it, having heard Elrond's yell and seen him walking back to his room, leaving little puddles of water as he went.
Legolas leaped at both of them and soon had them pinned beneath him begging for mercy. When he finally let them up, Elrohir couldn't help saying
"You sure have gained some weight since your last visit." This of course just gave Legolas the reason to pummel him some more. When he had got that all out of his system, he stood up and walked stiffly from the room, choosing to ignore the sniggers that followed after him.
He tried to hide a yawn, but the twins still heard it and Legolas could hear them 'whispering' certain comments such as 'is little Leggy-poo tired,' and 'does he want mummy to tuck him in'.
Oh well, Legolas thought, there was always tomorrow, and after what he planned to do to them, well, let's just say what they were doing to him now, was absolutely nothing compared to what he intended to do them.
For part 2 I need at least FIVE reviews so press that purple button and get typing. ....ay from the courtyard, ignoring his yells of protest.s fort by c ng to rise.
PS. The same person sending 5 reviews does not count.
Legolas peered silently through a gap in the trees. His prey was getting harder and harder to track, although this might be the fact that his prey was a certain young ranger, a certain young ranger that was exceptionally good at not being found when he didn't want to be.
He gave a half smile as he leapt gracefully over an awkward branch that was in his way, the leaves brushing lightly against his green tunic.
Estel, the human he was hunting, had left the house of Elrond along with his twin brothers, Elrohir and Elladan, early that morning, and since then had not be found, despite many attempts by Legolas, until he had been lucky enough to just catch a glimpse of Estel dark tunic slipping among the trees.
At first Estel's trail had been remotely easy to follow, when it had cut of and it had taken Legolas several minutes to pick it up again. That had been an hour ago and now Legolas was getting bored.
He was already annoyed with Lord Elrond's three sons as they had woken him up for the fifth day running by tipping out of bed and dragging him, blankets and bed clothes alike, outside into the grounds and dumping him there. He had taken to sleeping with one eye fully open, but this never lasted long as he was always exhausted from that day's event, as much as keeping an eye out on any possible tricks.
Why did they always have to pick on him, Estel was much smaller and much, much, slower.
Suddenly, Legolas heard a crack from behind him and whirled round just in time to find an arrow pointed between his eyes. The bearer of the arrow was wearing a hood and cloak so Legolas could not recognise him. As Legolas stood there, perfectly still, his sharp elven ears heard another being come up from behind him. As he reached him, he pulled his hands behind his back and bound them with a length of rope. They were surprisingly gentle, which Legolas wouldn't have expected from kidnappers, which, he supposed, were what they were. After he was bound, a blindfold was placed over his eyes and he was lowered from the trees .From there it was 3 hours until they stopped, and during the whole time, neither of his captors spoke a word. Legolas had no idea who his captors were or how they had gotten into Rivendell. Were they from Mirkwood, or were they even elves?
When the small company finally stopped, Legolas was lowered to the ground and he heard a camp fire being set up. He soon smelt some kind of meat being cooked. Once more Legolas was surprised, as instead of his captors leaving him out of the food and letting him starve, they took off his blindfold and cut the bonds that held his wrists together.
Legolas reached for some food calmly, but as soon as the other two were engrossed in there eating Legolas jumped up, and, grasping his bow, arrows and twin knifes which had been taken off him when he had been caught, ran for the edge of the woods which surrounded the clearing that were currently resting in.
Just as he reached them another figure appeared from inside the wood and ran fall pelt into Legolas. The prince stumbled backwards and lifted his head just in time to see the hood of this third body dressed in black to fall down and revel his face.
"Estel" Legolas cried in astonishment.
Legolas turned round as the other two elves caught up with him and also lowered there hoods.
"Elladan, Elrohir."
"It was you the whole time."
"Er, yeah well.... if Estel had ruined the trick you wouldn't have found out" Elladan finally blurted out.
"Oh thanks" Legolas turned and walked stiffly over to the campfire and sat down to finish his meal. The twins and Estel looked at each other nervously.
"Do you think he's really upset" Estel said, licking his lips.
"If he is it's your fault for ruining the trick."
"He would have found out any way" Estel defended himself.
"Why didn't you look where you were going?"
"I was in a hurry, I had just found out that....
They had turned to the campsite to join Legolas when they had stopped. The camp was empty, Legolas had run off. Elrohir and Elladan groaned.
"We are in so much trouble now; if any thing happens to him Thranduil will kill us."
"Not to mention ada. We were supposed to be making sure that Legolas was resting and not going off on any adventures.
"Perhaps he went back to Rivendell" Estel said hopefully.
"Nah, we blindfolded him remember, and he has never been this far into the woods before, he's bound to get lost."
"Well let's go find him then, it shouldn't be that hard" Elrohir said going to the campsite and gathering up his weapons.
"Er, yeah, but as I was saying, I was in hurry because I just heard that there is an orc encampment round about here." Estel said, glancing at the twins. The twins looked just as worried as Estel when the unmistakable keening of an orc floated across the air from the south. With one accord, the three 'kidnappers' gripped their weapons and set off in the direction of the cry.
When the twins entered the clearing where the sounds of battle had come from, Estel not far behind, panting like a steam train, it was to find it empty with only a dozen or so orc bodies littering the ground.
Estel neatly stepped over one and bent down to the ground, picking up a green, glittering, leaf shaped object from the ground. Legolas's royal brooch in the shape of a wreath of leaves, the one he was never found without.
From there, Estel found it easy to follow the trail, as would even the dimmest mortal on Middle Earth, as all you had to do was to follow the mass of destruction that came in the form of bushes ripped from there roots, trees bent in every direction and every leaf in view crumpled, torn and non-recognisable. It would have saddened Legolas's heart to see the things he loved having been treated in this way. But, if Estel's guess was correct, then Legolas had been taken by the orcs and would have been lucky if he were conscious.
The small party followed the track in silence, thinking over what Legolas's father would do to them if they couldn't save Legolas. They all knew the deep hatred that the orcs had for the elves, and this pushed them off faster in pursue of the orcs as who knew what kind of torture they could be putting Legolas through right at this moment.
As they rounded a bend in the path of the flattened bushes, Elladan, whose ears were sharper than his adopted human brother, pulled the back of Estel's shirt. He heard the sounds of a fire a crackling, and could hear snatches of the orcs conversation.
The three crept forward, hidden by the undergrowth, until they were in sight of the camp. What they saw made Elrohir have to grab Estel from running out into the glade to help his injured friend. For there lay Legolas, slumped against the tree he was tied to, his bare chest heaving, with the bloody welts caused by being repeatedly struck with a whip, standing out vividly from his bare, pale chest. As it was, the scuffle between the two beings had attracted the orcs attention, and they advanced menacingly towards the source of the sound.
Still hidden, the three gripped their weapons, ready for the combat which was about to happen. With a wild yell, the orcs surged forward and succeeded on bringing the trio out of their cover. The twins and Estel were quick to defend themselves, and soon the front orcs were lying around in heaps of bloody mess. Elladan ducked a swipe from the orc on his left and pierced an orc on his right straight through the throat.
Estel, not being as quick as his brothers drew in a sharp breath as he felt an orc blade cut through his skin and rake painfully across his ribs. Estel hoped that the sword tip didn't contain any morgul poisoning as he tried to ignore the jagged pain that shot up his side. But despite there brave attempts, Estel and Elladan were soon caught and that just left Elrohir, who wouldn't give up, knowing that he was his friend and now his brother's last hope as well if they were to survive.
Elrohir doubled his defence, killing and injuring countless amount of orcs, without relenting, causing the orcs to back up, although they still stood around there three captives guarding them. Elladan yelled at Elrohir to go get help before he was backhanded roughly which left his head spinning. As Elrohir left the bloody clearing he was left with a terrible decision. Should he do as his older brother had said and go get help, which left the possibility that he might return to late and find them dead, or should he follow the orcs and wait for the right moment to rescue the three captives. As he heard Estel cry out in pain, his mind was made up. He couldn't leave them here, whatever Elladan said.
When Legolas finally awoke it was to find himself with such a headache that he could barely open his eyes. But when he heard a groan that sounded oddly familiar come from the side of him, he managed to wrench his eyes open and peer blearily into the eyes of his best friend. Whispering through cracked, split lips, he spoke Estel's name.
Hearing Legolas speaking, Estel turned his head towards the source of the sound, giving Legolas a view of the limp body on Estel's right. Like his own and Estel's, Elladan's torso was streaked with bruises and marred by the welts brought on only by whips. Elladan still had not woken, and this worried Legolas as he should have by now. It was then Legolas realised that he didn't actually know how Estel and Elladan had got here as he had been unconscious when the battle had taken place.
While Legolas was distracted by his friends, he didn't hear the sounds of an orc creeping up on his left until it was too late and he was once more knocked out.
The orcs seemed in no hurry to move on which was not good to the three captive as when ever they rested, the trio became the centre of attention. The orcs took particular pleasure in making fun of Legolas's fair looks, always pulling on his long braids and threatening to do numerous things to affect his appearance. So far they had not carried out any of their threats, for which Legolas was grateful as many of them ended up in drawing blood.
It was mid morning and the orcs had decided to rest after walking approximately 2 miles in over 3 hours. Dumping Legolas on the ground, the leader orc, Gangesh, kicked him over onto his stomach. Legolas refused to make any sound of pain, but stared at Gangesh out of icy blue eyes. This just angered the orc who drew out his whip.
Shaking out the kinks Gangesh leaned threatenly over Legolas. Turning his head, Legolas tensed, waiting for the stinging pain that he was sure was about to come. Instead, he heard the beast walk away.
Thinking he had gotten out of his 'punishment' some how, he relaxed. That is until he heard the swish of a whip, and Estel cry out in pain. Whipping his head back round, he saw Gangesh standing over Estel, flogging him mercifully. Legolas stumbled over to them and tried to stop the orc.
He didn't want the beast harming his best friend because of him. Standing as best as he could over the prone body of the young ranger, Legolas brought his right arm up and let the weapon wind painfully round his wrist. Pulling backward, he wrenched the whip away from the creature, and stood his ground, ready to protect Strider if the need to occurred.
The orc, now enraged, lunged at the prince, bringing him down sharply. Pounding his captive roughly in the ribs, he dragged the now doubled over elf to the middle of the makeshift camp and held him dangerously close to the roaring fire. Legolas felt the flames singeing the back of his green tunic.
"Now you apologise or you are going to have a little meeting with my friend here" Gangesh growled in Legolas ear, waving the whip in front of Legolas.
"Never" Legolas spat back.
"Fine"
Once again Legolas tensed, and once again the orc walked away, dropping Legolas as he did so. He came back again, dragging the still bleeding Estel. The orcs had found out almost straight away that they could get Legolas to do anything if they threatened any of his friends.
"Now say it or you both go into the fire"
"Sorry" Legolas ground through gritted teeth, wishing he could punch the orc right in the middle of his smug grin. "That you're so disgusting, ugly and deserve to be sent to Melkor himself." He muttered under his breath.
"That better" Gangesh let go of Estel right where he was, hanging over the flickering flames. Using every elven instinct he had, Legolas some how managed to push Estel away in time and even missed getting burned himself. The orcs just laughed at this act and turned back to the various tasks. But Gangesh still wasn't satisfied, walking over to the where the elf lay protectively over Estel, he began kicking him repeatedly, ignoring Estel's feeble attempts to stop him injuring his friend. Eventually Legolas passed out, extremely thankful to be ridden of the pain if only for a few hours.
This time he awoke on the floor, being dragged along by a stout orc. He closed his eyes, trying to block out the pain when the beast that was pulling him stopped. He heard the sound of feet thundering over the ground, but there were more than just one pair, although the owner of the single pair of feet appeared to be slightly ahead.
He heard an orc scout manage to gasp out, "Hunters... just over the next hill... armed and... skilled in fighting."
Legolas wondered for a brief second if they could be Taradin and his band of hunters when he heard the feet stop and the clink of a sword against armour and suddenly a battle let use loose, but who the orcs were fighting he didn't know. Peering through lidded eyes, Legolas worked his way slowly over too Estel and Elladan who were also free.
Once joining them, the trio tried to stay out of the way of the fight and escape at the same time. Suddenly all went silent and Legolas glanced up to find a sword hanging over his heart held by a stranger, clothed in the average hunting outfit.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw a figure that looked strangely like Elrohir slip back into the woods Legolas supposed he had just come from, before his attention was brought back to the human standing over him. Two more hunters walked over dragging Elladan and Estel. Legolas clenched his fist, angered at how roughly these men handled his friends.
"What shall we do with these, Fith, they seem to be captives of the orcs." Fith, who appeared to be there leader thought for a moment then replied,
"Lets take them too the market, they will be of no use to us in this state." So saying, he lifted Legolas easily and threw him onto a cart already loaded with dead deer carcases, and Legolas felt Elladan and Estel being thrown down next to him, before the horses set off at a trot, leaving Legolas to groan as the cart jolted and bumped down the road off to the market where they were bound to be sold as slaves.
Elrohir cursed in dwarvish, having learnt a few words off Legolas, as an arrow flew wildly past his head. He had been tracking his friends for the last two days without being able to get close enough to rescue even one of the three victims. Now, when he had finally got a chance, a band of hunters had attacked the orcs. Even as he thought this, the battle ended.
He peered through the greenery and muttered a few more well chosen words. What he saw was a hunter standing over Legolas, looking to Elrohir as if he was about to pierce Legolas's heart.
Elrohir positioned an arrow directly over the hunter's own heart, prepared to penetrate it if the huntsman so much as loosened his grip on the piece of metal, when the stranger lowered his sword and beckoned two others over. As the new captors loaded his brothers and friend into their cart, he heard them mutter something about the market, and, guessing what they planned, set off through a shortcut, hoping to beat the hunters there.
Legolas lay on his back, staring up at the cloudless sky. It had been several hours since he had they had headed off to the market and he was bored. If he was in a better state it would have been easy to escape, but as it was he couldn't even sit up.
He started a little as he felt a rough hand shake his shoulder. Turing round as slowly as possible so as to keep down the pain, he turned to face Estel. His friend was holding out a small, shinning article. His brooch. Thank you mellan nin. He slipped the object into one of the inner pockets of his tattered tunic as he no longer had a clock to fasten it to.
"I am sorry I made you run off Legolas, I never meant to upset you. This is all my fault" Estel murmured, looking down.
"Don't you dare start on one of your 'it's my fault' speeches, as I remember you saying that the trick was Elladan's idea. Although, talking of your speeches, you still haven't told me how you got Elladan to shoot himself in the foot." Legolas whispered back jokingly.
"That's a long story" Elladan joined in the conversation, uninvited. "And any way Estel, I don't remember you telling Legolas to run off like that, so it is just as much his fault as any." Grinning at the glare Legolas sent in his direction, Elladan looked to see where they were. His smile disappeared though, as he saw the market place less than two miles away. He ducked his head as Fith jumped down from his horse, halting the precession.
"Here, put these on" he said throwing a bundle of rags at them. "You will never get sold if any one gets a look at those injuries." So saying he left them to their business and mounted his horse again, leading the way to the market.
Elrohir drew up at the market just as the group of hunters arrived, his pointed ears well hidden in the hood that he had used when kidnapping Legolas. Things were getting desperate. If he couldn't think of a plan soon he was going to lose his brothers and friend. As Elrohir made his way through the busy crowd, he heard someone hailing him. He turned to see Taradin and his adopted son Garith running towards him.
"It is good to see you again Elrohir" Taradin spoke, hugging Elrohir warmly when he had caught up with the elf.
"But where are the others. I thought you were always with them." Garith piped up. Elrohir pointed over the heads of the crowd to where Legolas, Elladan, and Estel were being hung up.
"A long story short, Legolas, Elladan, and Estel were captured by orcs and then recaptured by hunters, and are now about to be sold as slaves, you have to help." Elrohir ended in a plea, leaving out the whole kidnapping part. Taradin's face clouded over.
"Of course, but what do you plan to do?" Ever since Taradin had mistaken Legolas for a rouge elf and had beaten and drugged him almost to death, he had felt as if he were in the elf's debt, and was always keen to help when he was concerned, and the same went for his good friend Estel and the elven twins.
"Unless you are willing to pay those ...BLEEEEEP... it will have to be force"
"Force it is then" Turning to Garith, he pushed him in the direction of one of the numerous stalls. "When I signal, come and free the three at the end of the stall."
Re-joining Elrohir, they walked over to the slave stall, hands at the ready to grab there weapons if the need too occurred. Elrohir went up to the man that was obviously in charge.
"Where did you get those three," he demanded curtly, nodding at Estel, Legolas, and Elladan who were staring at him in disbelief, although Legolas not as much as the others, having thought he had seen Elrohir several times, this just proving the point.
"I brought them off a friend in Strayton, they'll cost five gold pieces each" he returned just as curtly.
"You know, I find that hard to believe when two of those beings are my brothers, and the third a very good friend."
"Are you calling me a liar?"
"Yes!"
"You little..." The hunter drew a sword and advanced on Elrohir who was immediately joined by Taradin. The hunter slowed a little to see the second man but still came forward. Elrohir easily ducked the swipe the man made at him, and disarmed him in a matter of seconds. By now a small crowd had gathered and were watching, hoping for more fighting.
Elrohir and Taradin stood on one side of the slave stall, with Fith and his men on the other. Grabbing a new weapon, Fith gave order for his men to surround the two beings. Taradin gave a slight nod, this being the signal for Garith. He prayed that the onlookers wouldn't give his son away as he wanted him to be as little as involved as possible.
The hunters all held out the swords in a typical fighting stance and faced Elrohir and Taradin who were back to back. It would have taken all of five seconds to disarm the attackers, but as they needed to give time for Garith to cut loose the prisoners, they had to take things slow.
In all, there were 7 men fighting the two challengers, and it was an easy task for Elrohir and Taradin to keep away from them, without out actually harming anyone. So far the two defenders had managed to keep the upper hand effortlessly, when at least half a dozen more men pushed there way through the thong of people.
Quickly going to the aid of there leader they joined in the fight. Taradin, growing alarmed as he had to work to stay away from these men now, stole a glance to see how Garith was getting on.
Unfortunately for him, Souldil, one of the original attackers, followed his look, and with a wild yell left the tussle and leaped towards Garith, who, instead of rescuing only their friends, had set about freeing the five other slaves.
Just as he had cut loose the last one and pushed him away, waving of the flood of thanks, Souldil, trailed closely by Limidon, Neonatal and Tongil reached him.
Grabbing Garith by the arm, Souldil swung him round to rest the sharp blade of his knife on the soft flesh of the young boy's throat. As he prepared to draw the dagger across the soft tissue, he gasped, and, releasing Garith, he fell to the ground dead.
Taradin pulled his son up, retrieving his arrow from where it lay-sticking out from Souldil's back. Putting a protective arm around the teenager's shoulders, he yelled for Elrohir to come at once, as he thrust his own way through the crowd, banishing his sword at anyone who didn't move quickly enough. He soon reached the three victims, and, with the help of Garith -and Elrohir who had joined them by that time- he got them to the safety of the woods, where Legolas, Estel and Elladan practically collapsed onto the ground.
"Well... that.... was fun ...lets never..... do... it again." Estel panted.
"Agreed" replied Legolas and Elladan simultaneously, bursting out laughing as they did so.
"Ohh, don't make me laugh, it hurts too much." Legolas mock groaned, which set them all giggling again.
When they had recovered from there laughing fit they were faced with the problem of how they were going to get the two injured elves and human back to Rivendell.
"Ada", Garith said, having taken a liking to the word when he had heard Estel addressing his father in the same manner before, "Why don't we use the horses."
"The horses", Taradin repeated puzzled.
"Oh of course." Turning to the rest of the bewildered party he explained. On the way here we passed a farm that seemed in some difficulty. When we enquired it appeared that during the night six of there horses were taken, presumably by professional horse stealers as the owners of the farm knew nothing about until the morning which would have given the thief's at least a good 5 or 6 hours of which to get away. Anyway, we caught up with them the next day and were just setting off to take them back when we ran into you.
So saying he sent Garith off to fetch them.
Estel groaned, kicking himself at once for allowing the rest of the party to know he was in pain. He pushed back a second moan that was attempting to burst from his lips as Elladan rode up to him.
"What's the matter Estel" he demanded worriedly, but firmly.
"Nothing, I'm fine" Estel grunted back, wiping the perspiration away from his face.
"Where have I heard that before" Legolas trotted up to Estel on his right. But his smile faded as he looked into Estel glazed eyes. Yelling to the rest of the party to stop, Legolas and Elladan gently lowered Estel to the ground.
Legolas looked over Estel's body, searching for the source of his pain. As Legolas slender fingers passed over the whiter bandage covering the nasty gash from the orcs scimitar, he stopped. Quickly removing the dressing, he uncovered the now inflamed cut. He cursed himself for being so careless when they had first checked Estel's body for injuries .How could they have missed this. Looking up he caught Elladan's eye, his fear for Estel showing plainly.
"We have to get him to father, and soon!" The desperation in Elladan's voice spurred Legolas on as vaulted onto one of the horses, gripping tightly onto Estel as Elladan handed him up. Elladan would have gone himself, but he knew Legolas was the better horseman and right now, time was what would decide the human's fate. As Legolas flashed passed Elrohir, the latter's face paled.
"What's going on, where is Legolas taking Estel," Elrohir yelled at his brother.
"He has been poisoned by morgul from an orcs blade. Legolas is taken him to ada." Elladan whispered so quietly that Elrohir had to strain to hear him.
Taradan and Garith waited in the courtyard as Elladan and Elrohir rushed into the House of Elrond. They thought it would be better as they knew what the twins must be going through, not knowing whether there little brother was dead or alive.
Racing frantically through the house, they skidded to a halt outside the healing room where they were always taken when the came home with the numerous injuries they always sustained when having left on one of there various trips.
Now they had got here, the twins were terrified to open the door, knowing that when they did, Estel might not be there to welcome them in. Finally, Elladan pushed open the door and stepped hesitantly into the dimly lit room.
His face paled as the room appeared empty, but then sounds of soft breathing caught his attention, and, striding across the room, Elladan knelt down beside his little brother, bowing his head and thanking Ilúvater that Estel had been brought home safely.
As Elrohir dropped down next to Elladan, Lord Elrond stepped out from a little room joined onto the one his twins were in. He stopped in surprise, he hadn't heard them enter. He smiled softly as he walked silently over to them.
"He is fine, you have nothing to fear. Legolas brought him to me in time. He is simply resting." Elrond's deep, musical voice startled the two elves as they looked into the deep eyes of the father. Relief spread across the twins face, for Estel may have still had the morgul poison in his system. Rising, they enquired where Legolas was so that they could thank him. Elrond laughed as they started towards the door.
"Legolas is in the guest room, resting, which is what you two are going to be doing as soon as I have seen to your wounds."
"But..." Elrohir protested, "I wasn't even the one who was beaten, it was Elladan, why can't I go."
"Because I am still going to check you over and you are still going to have to rest." Elrond held up his hand for silence as they both started to complain, and led them firmly over to another free bed and placed them both down on it so he could tend to the cuts, bruises, and whatever other injuries they had sustained during their latest exploit.
Taradin was becoming worried. It had been almost two hours and not a sign of any of the household had appeared. Just as he was thinking this, an elf came round the corner. Seeing the two humans Celeboril rushed forward.
"What are you doing here, standing around?" he demanded.
"Er... we were just..." Taradin stammered before Celeboril hurried on.
"You must be freezing standing out here" he stated, ignoring the beads of sweat dripping off both of the visitors foreheads, and the rosy contrast to their cheeks,
"Come in come in, but mind you wipe your feet first, I just cleaned the hall last century."
"Er..." Taradin said again as Celeboril pushed him and his son towards the house.
When Legolas woke it was to the sounds of a softly spoken conversation. He recognised the voices as Elladan and Elrohir's. As he was still tired and didn't feel like talking, he settled back and listened with one ear. Elladan, having noticed that Legolas had risen from his slumber, whispered something in Elrohir's ear. Elrohir nodded and raised his voice slightly too make sure Legolas could hear exactly what he was saying.
"How are we going to break the news to Legolas?"
"I know, he and Estel were such good friends"
"Ada said the funeral is going to be a week tomorrow" Elrohir added a fake sob for good measure. What was just said ultimately got through too Legolas who shot right up in bed.
"Whatareyuoonabout, isEsteldead, wasn'tiintime. WHAT HAS HAPPENED" Legolas finally shut up as the twins fell about laughing at his outburst.
"You just tricked me didn't you?" Legolas muttered disdainfully.
"Mm hm" The twins now had tears streaming down their faces and Legolas sat back in bed, sulking.
"What's so funny" a weary voice came from the door"
"Estel!" all three cried out. Estel almost burst out laughing from the looks on their faces. Elladan and Elrohir rushed to his side and gently led him to an over-stuffed chair, exclaiming about him being out of bed.
"I'm fine, really" Estel tried to push them away, but was too weak. This just concerned the trio even more and Elladan sent his younger (by 58 seconds) twin to fetch Lord Elrond. When the noble elf appeared, his face was etched with worry as Elrohir, who on finding him, had let out a great babble of nonsense. Elrond, having caught the words Estel, weak, and unconscious had come at once.
"Where exactly does unconscious come into this situation" Elrond turned on Elrohir after he had checked Estel over and had been assured that he was fine.
"Er... well... you see..." Elrohir was saved from further explanation at a knock from the entrance of the room. Celeboril pushed open the door and entered with the two men in tow.
"You seem to have forgotten these two." Thus saying, Celeboril turned and left. Taradin and Garith now stood in the doorway, guiltily hiding honey cakes behind their backs, Celeboril having had a recent supply update from Beornings.
"Taradin, Garith, I'm so sorry, you should have come in sooner." Turning to Elrond, Elladan explained how they had helped Elrohir save them. Elrond held up his hand mid flow.
"I know, I know, Legolas has told me everything"
"Have you saved any of the story for us to tell" Elrohir asked huffily.
"Of course" Legolas replied sweetly "You get to tell him why it took so long for you to rescue us."
"Now that's not fair, their were like 30 orcs."
"Well you could have gone and got help like I said."
"Shut up Elladan"
"Or you could have just resisted from kidmpphhh." Whatever Legolas may have been saying was cut off as Elladan placed a large hand over his mouth and Elrohir began babbling nonsense loudly over the top. They did this very professionally as if they had been doing this for the last few decades of their lives. Since Estel had come to Imladris in fact.
Elrond raised one elegant eyebrow in question but remained silent, for the moment. Turning to Estel he began to speak but stopped as he realised that the young being was fast asleep. Picking the ranger up, he went to the door. But just as he was about to exit he turned.
The trio stared at him as he left having bid them to come to his study in half an hour's time and clarify just what 'kidmpphhh' was.
The silence that had settled over the house since the little group had arrived back home was beginning to rise. It seemed that no matter how hard they tried, they just couldn't be quiet.
Legolas came tearing around the corner, laughing like a maniac, followed closely by the twins.
"Just wait till we get our hands on you orc spawn."
Legolas slowed down enough to shout over his shoulder,
"Now that's not very nice is it?"
Unfortunately, Legolas didn't look back in time and flipped over a rubbish sack brought out by Celeboril. He sat up covered in waste, and glared at the twins who had stopped their chase to giggle hysterically at the sight before them.
"You know Elladan; this is the perfect chance to get back at his highness for erm, you know what."
"Actually", Estel said, coming round the corner, "I don't".
"Well" Legolas began, grinning, "You see, it all started when Elrohir fell off the waterfampphhh." Once again, Legolas was cut off due to a rather large hand placed over his mouth.
"That's it, give me a hand Elladan." With the help of his twin, Elrohir dragged Legolas away from the courtyard, ignoring his yells of protest...
"Hey, this isn't funny anymore, are you listening to me." Legolas was hanging in a net at the edge of the woods surrounding Rivendell. He wrinkled his nose in disgust, the smell from all the rubbish was really starting to get to him. He had been there for almost 3 hours since Elladan, Estel and Elrohir had left him their. Suddenly, there was a sound from his left. He stiffened slightly and stared into the undergrowth. A few seconds later, a somewhat dishevelled Estel appeared.
"You didn't think I would leave you did you mellon nin?"
"Er, no" Legolas didn't trust the glint in Estel's eyes, but since he was Legolas's only hope out of this blasted net, Legolas decided to ignore it. Once Legolas was freed from the net, he set off towards Rivendell, taking long, swift strides.
"Er, Legolas" He turned round as he heard Estel call his name cheerfully. "I couldn't help but notice that you smell a little." Yeah right, Legolas thought to himself.
"Anyway," Aragon carried on, "The lake is just down that path, and I'm sure you don't want to go into the house looking, and er ,smelling like that, for one thing Celeboril would kill you and," Estel stopped as Legolas glared at him. Clearing his throat, Estel got back to the point.
"You could always take a quick bath in the lake before you go back and change." Legolas's face immediately brightened at this prospect, and he set off down the path his friend had pointed out. Estel rubbed his hands together in glee; so far the plan was going off without a hitch.
Legolas quickened his pace, the sooner he washed off the rubbish, the sooner he could get back. As he stepped over a fallen log he realised that Estel was no longer with him, and at the same time he heard a twig snap on his left.
Automatically he turned towards the noise, which was just what the tricksters had hoped, for as he didn't see the net come swinging down on him from the right. The force of the net rolled Legolas off the path and down a sharp incline to his left, down which was the lake.
The lake was normally reached by a path that wound downhill gently so as to smooth the slope, and it was along this that the three brothers raced, eager to see there plan in action.
They ran quickly as the view of the lake was blocked from the path. They were delighted though to hear the soft sound of a splash which obviously meant that the prince had landed, as intended, in the lake.
But they were not quite as happy to see that when the reached the edge of the lake Legolas had not yet risen back to the surface. All three faces showed identical looks of horror as they plunged deep into the depths if the lake looking for their lost friend.
Estel was fighting back tears. They had searched for Legolas until night had fallen and they had been forced to go home as the twins wouldn't risk having Estel, who's eye sight wasn't as good as his brothers in the dark, drown as well. For that is what they had thought had happened to their friend. They dreaded how they were too tell Lord Elrond.
After what seemed like hours, but was really mere minutes, the trio reached the house. They walked silently in and down the corridor to the Hall of Fire, as they were sure their father would be there. Elrond sat in the hall, writing something down on a thick piece of parchment. His back was to them. Taking a deep breath, they all walked over to him, and stood in front of the father. They all looked at him with big, sorrowful eyes. Elrond looked at them in question. Elladan couldn't stay silent any more.
"We didn't mean to hurt him" Elladan cried out. The other two, following his lead, began to speak as well.
"We're really really sorry."
"It was just a joke"
"We didn't know this would happen."
"Please forgive us."
"We thought he would cut the net and get out".
"Don't make us tell the king".
"Did I mention we're really sorry?"
"We just want him back" Elrond's face looked blank.
"Want who back" he asked, "Tell what king, please, what you are on about." Elrohir nudged Elladan in the back.
"Go on, you're the oldest."
"Only by 58 seconds,"
"Ahmm" Elrond cleared his throat, "Could someone please explain to me what is going on."
"Er...well you see... er" Elladan stammered, not knowing where to begin. "It all started when Elrohir fell over the waterfall and Legolas happened to say..."
Whatever Elladan was about to say was cut off as something caught his eye at the door which they had just come through. Elrohir and Estel were staring to. Poked round the door was a golden haired head.
Legolas grinned cheekily and gave them a cheerful wave before disappearing again. Elladan just goggled at the now empty doorway. Finally he came back to his senses.
Turning back to his father he mumbled something about making a mistake and took off for the door, closely followed by his brothers. Racing up the stairs they rushed into the guest room, christened 'Legolas's room' since he stayed there so many times, and found the owner of it spread out on the bed, laughing with tears streaming down his face, his silky hair falling over his crystal blue eyes. At one accord the brothers jumped onto the bed and grabbed Legolas.
"How did you get back here" they demanded, shaking Legolas until he stopped laughing due to lack of breath.
"Aright, alright, I'll tell. You see, unlike two certain elves and a human, I have a brain inside my head andahhh." He was cut off as all three lunged at him. "Hey, do you want me to tell" he managed to squeak out.
As they did, they relented and let Legolas finish his story. "As I was saying," he glared pointedly at the three brothers who were grinning innocently, "I used one of my knives to cut the net and jumped out. I them threw a rock into the lake to trick you into thinking I had fallen in, and came back here to enjoy a very peaceful evening, reading and eating the last of the honey cakes"
"Hey," Elrohir broke in indignantly, "Celeboril was saving those for us."
"Yeah well, when he heard what you did, or at least tried to do, "Legolas sniggered, but quietened as the trio leaned forward threatenly. Rubbing his neck were his last attacked had been placed, Legolas carried on
"When he heard he decided I deserved them."
"What, all because you were quick enough to escape."
"We spent 3 HOURS looking for you"
"Well that was your own fault" Legolas said smugly. That was too much for the tricksters and they couldn't restrain them selves any longer as they all grabbed a pillow and began to hit Legolas mercilessly over the head.
The twins crept silently down the hall to Legolas's room, hauling a bucketful of icy cold water between them. They still hadn't forgiven him about his comments last night.
As the reached their destination, Elladan, who was in front, held one finger to his lips as he pushed open the door. Stepping in, he never expected to be hit over the head with a cascade of freezing water.
Elrohir was also met with an unexpected shower, as the bucket Elladan was holding was thrown over his shoulder and straight over the younger twin. Legolas was on the floor with silent laughter. They couldn't make to much noise for fear of waking the household. The two elves were speechless.
"You didn't really think that I wouldn't be suspicious did you, not after all that happened yesterday." The twins just stood there astonished before turning back silently down the corridor to get changed. Legolas chuckled to himself as he slid back under the now cold covers of his bed.
He awoke a little while later, though he was not sure why. Then he heard the sound of his door being pushed slowly open and someone padding softly across the carpet.
"Oh no" Legolas groaned. "When will they give up?" With lightening quick speed he grabbed the spare bucket of water from under his bed and threw it in the direction of the intruder.
To his satisfaction he was met with the sound of a yell of shock as the trespasser was well and truly soaked. The light was snapped on in a matter of seconds and Legolas's grin faded immediately as he was fixed with an angry glare from the lord of the house himself.
"My Lord, I'm so sorry, I though that... you...were..." He trailed off, but couldn't help asking
"What are you doing here?"
"My two oldest sons came to me with tales of you feeling ill. But as far as I can see you are fighting fit. No, don't try and say anything, let's just try and forget this ever happened. Good night Legolas." As Elrond left he barely heard Legolas whisper feebly,
"Sorry". As soon as Legolas was sure Elrond had gone and was out of hearing range, he sped along to Elladan's room. As he had guessed, Elrohir was there as well.
They had well and truly got him back now, and they knew it, having heard Elrond's yell and seen him walking back to his room, leaving little puddles of water as he went.
Legolas leaped at both of them and soon had them pinned beneath him begging for mercy. When he finally let them up, Elrohir couldn't help saying
"You sure have gained some weight since your last visit." This of course just gave Legolas the reason to pummel him some more. When he had got that all out of his system, he stood up and walked stiffly from the room, choosing to ignore the sniggers that followed after him.
He tried to hide a yawn, but the twins still heard it and Legolas could hear them 'whispering' certain comments such as 'is little Leggy-poo tired,' and 'does he want mummy to tuck him in'.
Oh well, Legolas thought, there was always tomorrow, and after what he planned to do to them, well, let's just say what they were doing to him now, was absolutely nothing compared to what he intended to do them.
For part 2 I need at least FIVE reviews so press that purple button and get typing. ....ay from the courtyard, ignoring his yells of protest.s fort by c ng to rise.
PS. The same person sending 5 reviews does not count.