Part 3 of a story that still doesn't have a name
Legolas swirled round to his right, easily blocking the blow meant for the young woman, and pierced the orc in the eye with one of his twin daggers. Leaping over the pile of bodies that was quickly growing around him, he tried to defend another of the slaves.
Legolas had come across the orc band quite by accident as he was too intent on getting away from Elladan to pay attention to his surroundings. His horse had run off when he had been shot and the prince hoped that the eldest twin would recognise him and bring help.
The orcs that he had disturbed had immediately turned on him and were now attempting to kill him. Somehow the orcs current group of slaves had been brought into the fight and the orcs didn't care who they'd killed. This was why Legolas was now trying to stop any of them getting slain, as it was his fault that the fight had started in the first place.
Unfortunately, despite his efforts, the orcs were pushing him further and further away from the slaves and into the undergrowth. He was now fighting a particularly large orc, while the others who had been with him went back to the larger scuffle, not wanting to miss out.
Suddenly, the orc thrust a large, black, scabby fist into Legolas's stomach winding him. The orc took the advantage of Legolas's distraction and brought his sword down onto Legolas.
Legolas somehow managed to dodge so only ended up with a deep cut on his arm. But the force of the weapon had pushed Legolas onto one of the paths running through the woods surrounding Rivendell. Right in front of a new band of creatures.
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Elladan and Elrohir found that it was easier to catch up with Estel than they had thought, due to the fact that the human had to leap off his horse every few minutes to check a track on the forest path. Finally, when the twins had reached the ranger, they had decided to tie their horses up (to retrieve later) and continue on foot.
Estel was just bending down to look at another print when a lone figure burst out of the undergrowth in front of them. Estel cried out when he saw the princes dishevelled clothing stained with blood, the sweat pouring down his face, and the many cuts and bruises he had sustained, especially the deep gash on his arm.
Legolas had brought his dagger up when he first noticed that there were more creatures in the wood, but on recognising the twins and Estel he motioned for them to help before a scaly hand shot out of the bushes, grabbed Legolas around the throat, and pulled him back.
Estel rushed forward with a yell and quickly killed the orc that was threatening to choke of his friends air supply. As Elladan and Elrohir ran into the battle to help the slaves which Legolas had told them were there, Estel stayed behind to check on the prince.
"I'm fine" Legolas tried to brush his friend off, but to no avail.
Finally he settled with Estel tying up his still bleeding arm, and then they joined the fray. The foursome fought fiercely and it wasn't long before the entire orc encampment was dead. They then tried to gather all the terrified slaves together and to determine how many human lives had been lost.
While Elrohir and Legolas went about doing this, Estel pulled Elladan over to the side.
"What is an orc camp complete with slaves doing so near Rivendell? It is rare that even a small camp of only orcs venture into these woods."
"I do not know Estel" Elladan whispered back "But we had better tell ada."
Estel nodded his head in agreement and joined Legolas. Overall there had been three lives lost. Two men who had lost their lives defending their family and the third a little girl of only four.
Legolas couldn't help the guilt that came crashing down on him and tried to hold the silvery tears that were threatening to spill down his face at the loss of a live so young.
Luckily he was saved as Elrohir called him over to find out where the now freed slaves lived so they could return home. The mother of the girl who had died Legolas recognised as the woman he had saved earlier, came over to the elf.
"Please, do not blame yourself for Elanor's death. I know you did all you could to save us and for that I thank you" She turned to go then looked back.
"Would it be possible to bury Elanor in this wood, there are too many of her friends at home for me to bear to bu...bury her at...at..." At last she couldn't stop the tears that began to flood down her face.
Legolas nodded numbly and tried to comfort the distraught mother. He knew the girl's mother didn't blame him, which helped him slightly, but if he hadn't been so bent on revenge for the twins, Elladan wouldn't have chased him, and he would never had started the stupid orc fight.
At the funeral.
It had been decided that the two men would be buried in the woods as well. Estel stood next to the prince as the child's lifeless body was lowered slowly into the ground. Her mother whispered goodbye and threw one of the many white flowers that grew in the woods into the grave with her.
Estel felt the princes shoulders begin to shake and guessed that his friend felt responsible for the child's death. This was one of the similarities between the two friends. Each had the habit of taking the blame wherever there was some needed. Or whenever they thought some was needed.
Legolas shook his head as Estel tried to convince him that it wasn't his fault. As Legolas stalked off Estel went to talk to the mother. He explained that Legolas thought it was his fault and the reasons why. When Estel had finished she held up a hand.
"But that is stupid. In one way, as much as I hate to say it, it is perhaps a blessing that she died."
"What?"
"Well, she had a disease, Tublonittries. Due to this there was great doubt that she would live past the age 6, and half that time would be spent in pain. The doctor said it would almost be a mercy if she went to...to...sleep."
"So, what are you saying" Estel asked slowly.
"Your friend er..."
"Legolas"
"Yes, Legolas, he saved all but 3 lives almost single handily. We are now free. The men who paid the price I know would not care whether they lived or died, as long as their families didn't. He saved us from living hell."
"I have to find him." Estel stood up and headed in the direction Legolas had disappeared in a few minutes before.
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Legolas jumped up and easily grabbed hold of the branch some two meters above his head. From there he effortlessly climbed the lofty birch and didn't stop until he had reached the top.
The tree he had chosen was obviously the tallest in the wood and Legolas could see for miles. He needed time to think. For hours he just sat there, perched precautiously at the top, caring little that he was over 200 feet high. He gazed unseeingly into the distance, trying, but failing miserably, to stop the guilt turning over and over inside his head.
He also paid little attention to the surrounding sounds so didn't hear the sounds of someone scrambling up a nearby tree. The tree right next to his in fact.
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Estel was having trouble following the prince's latest sets of tracks and had almost given up. He finally lost the trail beneath a large birch and flopped onto the leaf covered ground. Lying down on his back, he suddenly squinted as he caught sight of something moving.
From this point he could easily see the form of two boot clad feet swinging softly. It was also easy to guess who they belonged to. Unfortunately for Estel, there was no way he could possibly reach the lowest branch to climb up, as it was almost 3 meters above his head.
Looking around he spied a second birch which was almost as tall as the one his friend was currently residing in, and began the lengthy climb. It took him almost 20 minutes to reach the crown of the tree, but when he did, he poked his head through the top, nearly, he thought to himself, startling his friend enough to fall out of his tree.
Legolas has been staring into the leafy mass when a dark head had abruptly pushed its way through. The elf had jumped in shock before he recognised the grinning face. With a sigh he settled down once more, casually watching as his friend tried to find a branch to sit on in his tree.
Legolas resumed his gazing and this time was almost pushed out of the birch as a heavy form flung itself across the 3 meter gap between both trees and landed on him.
"Meth mof fee." Legolas tried to yell through Estel's thick leather coat.
"What?" The ranger asked confused, as he pushed his friend along the branch slightly so he could sit down too.
"I said get off me"
"But I am off you" Estel replied, still confused.
"Ahhhh" Legolas growled under his breath.
Estel looked at his friend for a moment before getting straight to the point.
"Legolas, Elanor's death was not you fault, her mother even said it may have been a blessing."
At Estel first words Legolas had silently groaned, thinking that Estel was going to start saying how he had tried his best and the rest, but his last words has caught his attention.
As Estel finished his explanation, the elf sighed.
"Legolas?" Estel asked cautiously.
Legolas turned to look at his friend and Estel was glad to see that he was smiling.
"Hannon lle mellon nin. I am glad you came after me. (Thank you my friend)
Estel just nodded, returning the smile before looking out into the distance. The smile quickly slipped from his face as he saw the dark storm clouds that were racing towards Rivendell and all that surrounded her.
Legolas also looked and for the first time since he had climbed the tree he actually saw. He gulped as he noticed that they were less than five miles away and were eating up the distance even as he realised this.
As he began mentally hitting himself for not observing this earlier, he felt Estel scramble over him. He gave his friend a surprised look, which he returned with a look that obviously said 'why are you just sitting there when we are up a tree with a storm that is now less than 3 miles away.'
Legolas grinned sheepishly before joining Estel in his race to reach the shelter of the woods before the storm hit. Just as the ranger and elf swung down from the last branch the rain began.
It begun pouring down and the two friends were soaked almost instantly. They set off at a quick run, heading for Imladris. They ducked over hanging branches and squinted through the torrents of rain which was coming down in sheets so thick they could hardly see two feet in front of them.
Estel cried out as he tripped over a hidden tree root. But this went un- noticed by the prince as the rain drowned out all sound so that even his sharp elven ears didn't hear his friend's shout.
Estel yelled Legolas's name but his friend just ran on. Estel cursed his bad luck and tried to stand up. He fell back to the ground with a second curse as his ankle gave way with a sickening crunch. Estel bit his lip as he felt his ankle twist and snap under his weight and collapsed onto the drenched forest bed.
Sweeping his arm out almost blindly he eventually grasped a thick, dead branch that had fallen from a tree, and decided to use it as a crutch. He then felt around for a smaller stick to use as a splint.
Upon finding one, he ripped a strip of cloth from his tunic and bound it tightly to his broken ankle. Gasping slightly, he managed to get to his feet and shuffled forward at a pitifully slow speed.
-----------------
As Legolas ran he began recognising the scenery more clearly and turned to tell Estel that they were nearing the house. It was then he finally noticed that his friend was no longer with him.
"Damn" Legolas cursed under his breath and turned round to head back in the direction he had just come from, ignoring the faint shape of Rivendell, just immerging from the wall of rain it was hiding behind.
He tried to re-track his steps but became lost at least 3 times before running into Estel. Literally. As the ranger stumbled back, a cry escaped his lips and this time Legolas heard it.
Legolas instantly leaned forward to catch hold of friend, apologising.
"Don't worry, I'm fine" Estel managed to gasp.
His ankle was sending sharp shoots of pain up his leg and the human was in agony. Bending down Legolas looked over the source of his friends pain, and, ignoring the protests, he swung Estel over his shoulders, carefully minding his ankle, and trotted slowly back to an over turned tree he had spotted a little was back, its large roots creating the perfect shelter over the little hollow they were spread over.
Estel frowned as he was hoisted over Legolas's shoulders and began beating his hands on the elf's back, with enough strength to irritate his friend, but not actually hurt him.
Legolas also frowned and whispered one of the only things he could think of to stop his friend's antics.
"Will you stop acting like a baby Estel and act your age. Your always telling me and your brothers that you are an adult and I may have to use this against you next time you bring it up and I'm sure you wouldn't want the twins to find."
Legolas grinned at the reply he received.
"Tsk, tsk, no pudding for you tonight."
Estel growled under his breath and Legolas laughed as he caught the words 'Auta', 'minqula' and 'yrch'. (Go-kiss-orc)
When they reached the shelter Estel was extremely glad to find that it really was protected from the rain and that everything was dry.
As Legolas looked round he saw that there were enough dry sticks in the hollow to start a small fire.
As he piled the sticks on top of each other he saw that Estel had begun to shiver. He tried to hurry up his task as he wanted to get Estel warm and dry as soon as possible so as to stop his friend from getting a chill.
Legolas looked out into the rain and decided they would leave for Rivendell as soon as it stopped.
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Estel edged closer to the fire, he couldn't stop shivering. He tried not to let Legolas see so his friend wouldn't worry but it was hopeless. Legolas had seen Estel shaking beneath both their now dry cloaks and had spotted trying to get closer to the fire, being as inconspicuous as he could.
Legolas worriedly felt Estel's forehead, it was burning. His friend had finally fallen asleep a few minutes ago and his breath was coming out in small gasps. His ankle had swollen to three times its normal size and Legolas could see that it must be very painful.
But despite this Estel had made no sound when he had been awake to alert the prince of his pain, and if Legolas hadn't felt his forehead and seen his ankle he would have felt sure that he was fine.
He looked out between the roots for the third time in that many minutes, but breathed a sigh of relief as he realised that the rain had finally stopped. As much as he hated to do it he knew he must wake Estel if he wanted to get him to Elrond. He put his arm around Estel to steady him and they slowly made their way back to the path and started along it. With Estel they were making painfully slow progress ,when Legolas heard the unmistakable sound of hoofs pounding through the undergrowth.
Not being sure if this was a threat or not, Legolas laid Estel down on his sight and grabbed his bow and arrow. As the two horses came into sight Legolas sighed in relief and lowered his weapons.
Elladan and Elrohir jumped down from Asfuloof and Nineron and greeted Legolas.
"We were just coming to find you, you've been gone almost a day and..." Elrohir stopped as he caught sight of Estel lying down on the ground, his face flushed and breathing deeply.
"Let us take him back on one of the horses" Elladan said, lifting Estel's now limp body into his arms and settling him on Nineron. He gasped slightly as he saw his brother's swollen ankle, the dark blue and purple bruises standing out vividly on the now pale skin.
"What happened" Elrohir breathed as Elladan sped off.
"He tripped when we were trying to get back to Rivendell and I didn't notice and kept on running. I think he has caught a fever from being in the rain for too long as well." The guilt that Estel had managed to remove from Legolas yesterday once more came crashing down on its victim.
His eyes clouded over as he remembered thinking that he had heard something but had carried on running thinking that it must have been the rain. If only he hadn't too stupid to check.
Elrohir noticed the change in his friend and sat down next to him.
"What's wrong mellon nin" (My friend)
"This is all my fault. I ran off so Estel followed me and then he got hurt because he helped me and its all my fault."
"Hhm, isn't that kinda what happened when us three pretended to kidnap you, and you ran off, we followed, and Elladan and Estel got caught by orcs."
"Elrohir, your not helping."
"Well your not helping yourself either. You didn't make Estel follow you"
"No"
"And you didn't make it rain"
"Ok"
"And you didn't make Estel fall"
"Alright"
"And you didn't..."
"I GET THE POINT"
"Good" Elrohir jumped up, pulling Legolas with him, and the two of them waked back to Rivendell, sending Asfuloof ahead.
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When they reached Rivendell they immediately went off in search of Estel. They found him in one of the medical rooms, sleeping peacefully, his face no longer flushed.
Elladan told them that Estel still had a slight fever, but overall he was fine. Legolas sighed in relief before literally collapsing into one of the nearby armchairs, exhausted. It was then the twins finally took a good look at Legolas and saw all the cuts and bruises that cruelly decorated his pale skin.
Elrohir ran off to get Elrond while Elladan led the prince over to the bed next to his brother and began washing the cut on his arm. Legolas winced slightly as Elladan removed the crude bandage and wiped away the dirt and blood encrusted around the gash.
When his father came Elladan allowed him to take over, but still stayed there with Elrohir and helped there father by getting the herbs and mixing the poultices needed.
Elrond calmly mixed a sleeping potion into the tea he offered to Legolas and the twins stared when he evenly denied Legolas accusation that there was said drug in there. Legolas gave him a look before sniffing the tea and finally taking a sip. When he had finished it Elrond spoke.
"Of course I could have been lying"
Legolas just stared at him incredulously before drifting into the deep, drug enhanced sleep.
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Legolas dived under again and pulled hard on Estel's legs, successfully dragging him under. Using quick powerful strokes the elf was already half way across the lake before his victim re-surfaced, spluttering.
The twins didn't even try and hide their laughter, and they almost went under several times due to their hysterics. Elladan managed to recover first so spotted Estel creeping towards them. Guessing his intentions he quickly swam away, 'forgetting' to warn his brother.
Elrohir had tears streaming down his face and barely made out the bleary figure in front of him. That is until he felt his legs being yanked out from beneath him and he went under, gasping. He struggled to the surface and took off after the unfortunate human.
2 minutes later
Elladan and Legolas took one look at Estel and burst out laughing. Upon catching Estel, Elrohir had taken the liberty of rubbing his little brother's face in the dirt, now mud.
Estel just stalked past them and bent down to wash his face in the water. He then went and sat on the bank and deliberately ignored his friend and brothers. It was obvious that the human was sulking.
After getting several meaningful looks from Elladan and Legolas, Elrohir made his way over to his brother, hoping to get him talking again. Estel waited until he was sitting down before turning, and rubbed the handful of mud he had been holding into his prey's face.
Estel, Elladan and Legolas took one look at his astonished face and burst out laughing again. In a few seconds a full-fledged mud fight had broken out. It was some half hour later that the four friends sat down again, none having escaped the coating of mud they all now wore.
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"Ouch! No biting"
"I did not bite you"
"You did"
No one could remember whose idea it had actually been, but it was because of him that the game started. It was Legolas and Estel against Elladan and Elrohir. Estel was sitting on Legolas shoulders, while Legolas stood in the water, and Elrohir was on Elladan's shoulders who was also in the water.
The object of the game was for the two on the top to try and knock the other over. Which ever team was left standing won.
As Elrohir and Estel wrestled, neither team noticed two elves creep down to the water edge and silently glide in. The dark haired elf whispered to the golden haired one and they began to make their way over to the four, fighting friends.
At a silent signal, both Elladan and Glorfindel stood up and threw themselves at the two teams, successfully knocking them both over. Legolas, Elladan, Elrohir, Estel stared in amazement as both elf lords swarm away, chanting,
"We won. We won".
Elrohir recovered first and raced after them, closely followed by every one else. But no matter how hard they tried, none of the four younger generations could catch the two elders. That is until Estel did, quite by accident.
The human given up on their chase much sooner than his friends had, due to the fact that he didn't have the elves endurance. He had then sat watching them for a while before rolling over onto his back and dozing off. The suns heat and the fact that he was exhausted caused him to fall asleep quickly and he did not even heed his friends and father's shouts and yells.
As he rested, he began moving over in his sleep, edging closer and closer to the edge of the bank, which stood almost 3 meters above the water. And it was this particular ledge that Elrond and Glorfindel happened to be under, having just slipped past the twins and Legolas again.
As they yelled most un-lordly like torments at their three chasers, they didn't notice the human's form balance precautiously on the edge of the outcropping, before toppling over and landing on top of the two elves.
The twins and Legolas just acted as if this type of thing happened every day and immediately leaped at the re-surfacing elves. Estel shook himself hard, sending silvery droplets of water flying every where, joining in again, his strength re-built and now thoroughly awake.
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"It was not that funny" Legolas glared around Estel, Elrohir, Estel, Glorfindel, Elrond, Ranien and Trealan who were Legolas laughing hysterically at a story Ranien had just told about Legolas.
Ranien and Trealan and arrived earlier that day while they were all at the lake as messengers from King Thranduil, asking about Legolas who should have returned home a fortnight since.
But that had been four hours ago. Now the small company were gathered in the Great Hall and were swapping stories about each other. Legolas had been the last victim, and now he sat there racking his brains to remember a story about one of them.
"Aha. I have the perfect story." As they all turned to look at him, Legolas grinned evilly at Estel.
"What?" Estel tried to think what story Legolas was about to tell.
Legolas motioned to his leg and ran a long, slim finger up it. As Estel watched it turned slightly pale.
Legolas tapped a finger on each of his thighs and shoulders, and then motioned to his sword. As Estel watched he turned slightly pale.
//No not that one please. He couldn't be that cruel// But apparently he could.
"This story happened when Estel was visiting Mirkwood. Now, one morning he had over-slept and so was in a rush trying not to be late. In his haste he failed to notice the stairs and gracefully fell down them, bouncing on the last three."
Legolas waited for the laughter to die down before he continued.
"Obviously everyone ran out of the dinning hall to find out what a Múmakil was doing in the palace."
"I do not sound like a Múmakil"
"When every saw Estel sitting there rubbing his rear-end they burst out in laughter causing Estel to storm off in a sulk. I tried to follow him but he had covered up his tracks so I went back to my half-eaten breakfast. The rest of the story I managed to weasel out of him."
"When he gone off he had gone into the woods and as he was still irritated he didn't take much notice of his surrounding. Now the day before I had warned Estel to stay away from the north-easterly parts of the forest due to the fact that my father had given permission to a group of about 20 elflings to use that area to practise their hunting skills, which included making traps."
Once again Legolas waited for them to stop laughing as they guessed what was going to happen next.
"As he stomped one of the open glades he triggered one of the traps. This particular trap is set off when someone steps inside the little loop, which our good friend did. As the loop tightened Estel was hoisted into the air and dangled upside down about 2 meters high. Now, as all this happened the owner of the trap was actually watching and when Estel was swung up she couldn't help giggling."
"She!" Elladan and Elrohir said in amazement.
"You got caught in a maidens trap."
"Shut up"
"So" Legolas carried on
"When Estel heard her he called out for help, thinking it was a male. You should have seen his face when he saw she was a female"
"You weren't even there, how did you see my face"
"Yeah, well"
"Anyway, luckily for him didn't make any comment about Sinai being a girl. Until she had cut him down. I found out from Sinai later on about he said, and I quote 'It is not safe for maidens as innocent as your self to be out in these parts of the woods, it may have even been you to step in that trap which one of our fine hunters must have assembled'
By this time everyone had tears streaming down their faces. And even Legolas couldn't carry on for a few moments due to laughter.
"Her response to this was something along the lines 'Why thank you, I do think I'm a fine hunter and maidens as innocent as *you* should be careful'"
"Now Estel was stunned and the only reply he could think of was I'm not a maiden. Sinai then said you could have fooled me and said she was properly better at most things then him any way. From there they some how managed to get into a sword fighting competition even though by our standards Sinai was a still only a teenager, and by Estel's standards he was an adult."
"But I will give Estel credit, he merely tried to disarm the maiden, and didn't try and score the usual points you get by tapping your opponent, or giving them a scratch etc. But alas, Sinai realised this so did every thing she could to get Estel to fight properly. But Estel wouldn't rise to it."
"So by then," Legolas broke off for a second, laughing,
"So by then she was so frustrated that she pulled out her bow and arrow and pinned Estel to the nearest tree with an arrow holding his tunic in place, here, here, here and here."
Again Legolas motioned to his thighs and shoulders.
"As he was held there Estel said to the maiden, 'you cheated' and the last thing Estel heard from her was 'maiden' ".
By this time they whole hall had begun to listen and it erupted with laughter as Legolas ended his tale.
This time it was Estel's turn to tell a story, and tried to decide on who it should be based. As Elrond ungracefully fell to the floor clutching his sides in laughter Estel thought,
"Ungraceful, of course."
As every one straightened up a again Estel began his story.
"This happened about two years ago around the time Elladan and Elrohir both broke their legs trying to do some childish dare."
"It was not childish" Elladan blurted out just as Elrohir said
"How were we suppose to know the stupid thing would bite"
"Would you rather I told every one that story"
"No"
"Then shut up"
"As I was saying, with both my brothers in bed I was very bored, so one day when I saw ada going out for his usual walk I decided to follow him."
Every one looked at Elrond at this point who just looked puzzled, not sure what was coming next.
"I followed my father down to the end of the field where we keep the horses and I saw him lean against the fence closest to the river. I not sure what he was thinking about but it must have been something absorbent as he didn't hear his horse come up behind him and nudge him."
Suddenly Elrond remembered.
"As your father I forbid you to tell any more of this story."
"I afraid father that it is up to everyone else to decide that. What do you say?"
"Yes"
"There you go then, I carry on."
"Now as Wessalden got up to my father he nudged him with his nose. To this touch Elrond responded with a wild yell and went flying over the bank of the river and into the water"
"As I reached the river edge myself I was just in time to see my father grab hold of a tree branch, pull himself out, and them let go and fall back in again. When did finally drag himself out he looked like a drowned rat and nothing like the lord he is."
Once again the whole hall joined in with the laughter only this time Lord Elrond was the one glowering.
Glorfindel took pity on his friend and leaned over to whisper something in his ear. As Elrond listened, he slowly broke out into a wide grin and nodded his head vigorously, suddenly looking 100 years old again.
As Elladan and Elrohir watched this display they noticed the change in their father and began to grow worried. No doubt this story would be about them, especially judging by the quick glances the two elf lords kept sending their way.
Elrond cleared his throat and looked round at the group, now much larger as the other elves currently residing in Rivendell became curious at all the laughter and had come to find out what it was all about.
As they quietened down Elrond, with a little help from Glorfindel began the story...
Legolas swirled round to his right, easily blocking the blow meant for the young woman, and pierced the orc in the eye with one of his twin daggers. Leaping over the pile of bodies that was quickly growing around him, he tried to defend another of the slaves.
Legolas had come across the orc band quite by accident as he was too intent on getting away from Elladan to pay attention to his surroundings. His horse had run off when he had been shot and the prince hoped that the eldest twin would recognise him and bring help.
The orcs that he had disturbed had immediately turned on him and were now attempting to kill him. Somehow the orcs current group of slaves had been brought into the fight and the orcs didn't care who they'd killed. This was why Legolas was now trying to stop any of them getting slain, as it was his fault that the fight had started in the first place.
Unfortunately, despite his efforts, the orcs were pushing him further and further away from the slaves and into the undergrowth. He was now fighting a particularly large orc, while the others who had been with him went back to the larger scuffle, not wanting to miss out.
Suddenly, the orc thrust a large, black, scabby fist into Legolas's stomach winding him. The orc took the advantage of Legolas's distraction and brought his sword down onto Legolas.
Legolas somehow managed to dodge so only ended up with a deep cut on his arm. But the force of the weapon had pushed Legolas onto one of the paths running through the woods surrounding Rivendell. Right in front of a new band of creatures.
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Elladan and Elrohir found that it was easier to catch up with Estel than they had thought, due to the fact that the human had to leap off his horse every few minutes to check a track on the forest path. Finally, when the twins had reached the ranger, they had decided to tie their horses up (to retrieve later) and continue on foot.
Estel was just bending down to look at another print when a lone figure burst out of the undergrowth in front of them. Estel cried out when he saw the princes dishevelled clothing stained with blood, the sweat pouring down his face, and the many cuts and bruises he had sustained, especially the deep gash on his arm.
Legolas had brought his dagger up when he first noticed that there were more creatures in the wood, but on recognising the twins and Estel he motioned for them to help before a scaly hand shot out of the bushes, grabbed Legolas around the throat, and pulled him back.
Estel rushed forward with a yell and quickly killed the orc that was threatening to choke of his friends air supply. As Elladan and Elrohir ran into the battle to help the slaves which Legolas had told them were there, Estel stayed behind to check on the prince.
"I'm fine" Legolas tried to brush his friend off, but to no avail.
Finally he settled with Estel tying up his still bleeding arm, and then they joined the fray. The foursome fought fiercely and it wasn't long before the entire orc encampment was dead. They then tried to gather all the terrified slaves together and to determine how many human lives had been lost.
While Elrohir and Legolas went about doing this, Estel pulled Elladan over to the side.
"What is an orc camp complete with slaves doing so near Rivendell? It is rare that even a small camp of only orcs venture into these woods."
"I do not know Estel" Elladan whispered back "But we had better tell ada."
Estel nodded his head in agreement and joined Legolas. Overall there had been three lives lost. Two men who had lost their lives defending their family and the third a little girl of only four.
Legolas couldn't help the guilt that came crashing down on him and tried to hold the silvery tears that were threatening to spill down his face at the loss of a live so young.
Luckily he was saved as Elrohir called him over to find out where the now freed slaves lived so they could return home. The mother of the girl who had died Legolas recognised as the woman he had saved earlier, came over to the elf.
"Please, do not blame yourself for Elanor's death. I know you did all you could to save us and for that I thank you" She turned to go then looked back.
"Would it be possible to bury Elanor in this wood, there are too many of her friends at home for me to bear to bu...bury her at...at..." At last she couldn't stop the tears that began to flood down her face.
Legolas nodded numbly and tried to comfort the distraught mother. He knew the girl's mother didn't blame him, which helped him slightly, but if he hadn't been so bent on revenge for the twins, Elladan wouldn't have chased him, and he would never had started the stupid orc fight.
At the funeral.
It had been decided that the two men would be buried in the woods as well. Estel stood next to the prince as the child's lifeless body was lowered slowly into the ground. Her mother whispered goodbye and threw one of the many white flowers that grew in the woods into the grave with her.
Estel felt the princes shoulders begin to shake and guessed that his friend felt responsible for the child's death. This was one of the similarities between the two friends. Each had the habit of taking the blame wherever there was some needed. Or whenever they thought some was needed.
Legolas shook his head as Estel tried to convince him that it wasn't his fault. As Legolas stalked off Estel went to talk to the mother. He explained that Legolas thought it was his fault and the reasons why. When Estel had finished she held up a hand.
"But that is stupid. In one way, as much as I hate to say it, it is perhaps a blessing that she died."
"What?"
"Well, she had a disease, Tublonittries. Due to this there was great doubt that she would live past the age 6, and half that time would be spent in pain. The doctor said it would almost be a mercy if she went to...to...sleep."
"So, what are you saying" Estel asked slowly.
"Your friend er..."
"Legolas"
"Yes, Legolas, he saved all but 3 lives almost single handily. We are now free. The men who paid the price I know would not care whether they lived or died, as long as their families didn't. He saved us from living hell."
"I have to find him." Estel stood up and headed in the direction Legolas had disappeared in a few minutes before.
---------------
Legolas jumped up and easily grabbed hold of the branch some two meters above his head. From there he effortlessly climbed the lofty birch and didn't stop until he had reached the top.
The tree he had chosen was obviously the tallest in the wood and Legolas could see for miles. He needed time to think. For hours he just sat there, perched precautiously at the top, caring little that he was over 200 feet high. He gazed unseeingly into the distance, trying, but failing miserably, to stop the guilt turning over and over inside his head.
He also paid little attention to the surrounding sounds so didn't hear the sounds of someone scrambling up a nearby tree. The tree right next to his in fact.
--------------
Estel was having trouble following the prince's latest sets of tracks and had almost given up. He finally lost the trail beneath a large birch and flopped onto the leaf covered ground. Lying down on his back, he suddenly squinted as he caught sight of something moving.
From this point he could easily see the form of two boot clad feet swinging softly. It was also easy to guess who they belonged to. Unfortunately for Estel, there was no way he could possibly reach the lowest branch to climb up, as it was almost 3 meters above his head.
Looking around he spied a second birch which was almost as tall as the one his friend was currently residing in, and began the lengthy climb. It took him almost 20 minutes to reach the crown of the tree, but when he did, he poked his head through the top, nearly, he thought to himself, startling his friend enough to fall out of his tree.
Legolas has been staring into the leafy mass when a dark head had abruptly pushed its way through. The elf had jumped in shock before he recognised the grinning face. With a sigh he settled down once more, casually watching as his friend tried to find a branch to sit on in his tree.
Legolas resumed his gazing and this time was almost pushed out of the birch as a heavy form flung itself across the 3 meter gap between both trees and landed on him.
"Meth mof fee." Legolas tried to yell through Estel's thick leather coat.
"What?" The ranger asked confused, as he pushed his friend along the branch slightly so he could sit down too.
"I said get off me"
"But I am off you" Estel replied, still confused.
"Ahhhh" Legolas growled under his breath.
Estel looked at his friend for a moment before getting straight to the point.
"Legolas, Elanor's death was not you fault, her mother even said it may have been a blessing."
At Estel first words Legolas had silently groaned, thinking that Estel was going to start saying how he had tried his best and the rest, but his last words has caught his attention.
As Estel finished his explanation, the elf sighed.
"Legolas?" Estel asked cautiously.
Legolas turned to look at his friend and Estel was glad to see that he was smiling.
"Hannon lle mellon nin. I am glad you came after me. (Thank you my friend)
Estel just nodded, returning the smile before looking out into the distance. The smile quickly slipped from his face as he saw the dark storm clouds that were racing towards Rivendell and all that surrounded her.
Legolas also looked and for the first time since he had climbed the tree he actually saw. He gulped as he noticed that they were less than five miles away and were eating up the distance even as he realised this.
As he began mentally hitting himself for not observing this earlier, he felt Estel scramble over him. He gave his friend a surprised look, which he returned with a look that obviously said 'why are you just sitting there when we are up a tree with a storm that is now less than 3 miles away.'
Legolas grinned sheepishly before joining Estel in his race to reach the shelter of the woods before the storm hit. Just as the ranger and elf swung down from the last branch the rain began.
It begun pouring down and the two friends were soaked almost instantly. They set off at a quick run, heading for Imladris. They ducked over hanging branches and squinted through the torrents of rain which was coming down in sheets so thick they could hardly see two feet in front of them.
Estel cried out as he tripped over a hidden tree root. But this went un- noticed by the prince as the rain drowned out all sound so that even his sharp elven ears didn't hear his friend's shout.
Estel yelled Legolas's name but his friend just ran on. Estel cursed his bad luck and tried to stand up. He fell back to the ground with a second curse as his ankle gave way with a sickening crunch. Estel bit his lip as he felt his ankle twist and snap under his weight and collapsed onto the drenched forest bed.
Sweeping his arm out almost blindly he eventually grasped a thick, dead branch that had fallen from a tree, and decided to use it as a crutch. He then felt around for a smaller stick to use as a splint.
Upon finding one, he ripped a strip of cloth from his tunic and bound it tightly to his broken ankle. Gasping slightly, he managed to get to his feet and shuffled forward at a pitifully slow speed.
-----------------
As Legolas ran he began recognising the scenery more clearly and turned to tell Estel that they were nearing the house. It was then he finally noticed that his friend was no longer with him.
"Damn" Legolas cursed under his breath and turned round to head back in the direction he had just come from, ignoring the faint shape of Rivendell, just immerging from the wall of rain it was hiding behind.
He tried to re-track his steps but became lost at least 3 times before running into Estel. Literally. As the ranger stumbled back, a cry escaped his lips and this time Legolas heard it.
Legolas instantly leaned forward to catch hold of friend, apologising.
"Don't worry, I'm fine" Estel managed to gasp.
His ankle was sending sharp shoots of pain up his leg and the human was in agony. Bending down Legolas looked over the source of his friends pain, and, ignoring the protests, he swung Estel over his shoulders, carefully minding his ankle, and trotted slowly back to an over turned tree he had spotted a little was back, its large roots creating the perfect shelter over the little hollow they were spread over.
Estel frowned as he was hoisted over Legolas's shoulders and began beating his hands on the elf's back, with enough strength to irritate his friend, but not actually hurt him.
Legolas also frowned and whispered one of the only things he could think of to stop his friend's antics.
"Will you stop acting like a baby Estel and act your age. Your always telling me and your brothers that you are an adult and I may have to use this against you next time you bring it up and I'm sure you wouldn't want the twins to find."
Legolas grinned at the reply he received.
"Tsk, tsk, no pudding for you tonight."
Estel growled under his breath and Legolas laughed as he caught the words 'Auta', 'minqula' and 'yrch'. (Go-kiss-orc)
When they reached the shelter Estel was extremely glad to find that it really was protected from the rain and that everything was dry.
As Legolas looked round he saw that there were enough dry sticks in the hollow to start a small fire.
As he piled the sticks on top of each other he saw that Estel had begun to shiver. He tried to hurry up his task as he wanted to get Estel warm and dry as soon as possible so as to stop his friend from getting a chill.
Legolas looked out into the rain and decided they would leave for Rivendell as soon as it stopped.
-----------------
Estel edged closer to the fire, he couldn't stop shivering. He tried not to let Legolas see so his friend wouldn't worry but it was hopeless. Legolas had seen Estel shaking beneath both their now dry cloaks and had spotted trying to get closer to the fire, being as inconspicuous as he could.
Legolas worriedly felt Estel's forehead, it was burning. His friend had finally fallen asleep a few minutes ago and his breath was coming out in small gasps. His ankle had swollen to three times its normal size and Legolas could see that it must be very painful.
But despite this Estel had made no sound when he had been awake to alert the prince of his pain, and if Legolas hadn't felt his forehead and seen his ankle he would have felt sure that he was fine.
He looked out between the roots for the third time in that many minutes, but breathed a sigh of relief as he realised that the rain had finally stopped. As much as he hated to do it he knew he must wake Estel if he wanted to get him to Elrond. He put his arm around Estel to steady him and they slowly made their way back to the path and started along it. With Estel they were making painfully slow progress ,when Legolas heard the unmistakable sound of hoofs pounding through the undergrowth.
Not being sure if this was a threat or not, Legolas laid Estel down on his sight and grabbed his bow and arrow. As the two horses came into sight Legolas sighed in relief and lowered his weapons.
Elladan and Elrohir jumped down from Asfuloof and Nineron and greeted Legolas.
"We were just coming to find you, you've been gone almost a day and..." Elrohir stopped as he caught sight of Estel lying down on the ground, his face flushed and breathing deeply.
"Let us take him back on one of the horses" Elladan said, lifting Estel's now limp body into his arms and settling him on Nineron. He gasped slightly as he saw his brother's swollen ankle, the dark blue and purple bruises standing out vividly on the now pale skin.
"What happened" Elrohir breathed as Elladan sped off.
"He tripped when we were trying to get back to Rivendell and I didn't notice and kept on running. I think he has caught a fever from being in the rain for too long as well." The guilt that Estel had managed to remove from Legolas yesterday once more came crashing down on its victim.
His eyes clouded over as he remembered thinking that he had heard something but had carried on running thinking that it must have been the rain. If only he hadn't too stupid to check.
Elrohir noticed the change in his friend and sat down next to him.
"What's wrong mellon nin" (My friend)
"This is all my fault. I ran off so Estel followed me and then he got hurt because he helped me and its all my fault."
"Hhm, isn't that kinda what happened when us three pretended to kidnap you, and you ran off, we followed, and Elladan and Estel got caught by orcs."
"Elrohir, your not helping."
"Well your not helping yourself either. You didn't make Estel follow you"
"No"
"And you didn't make it rain"
"Ok"
"And you didn't make Estel fall"
"Alright"
"And you didn't..."
"I GET THE POINT"
"Good" Elrohir jumped up, pulling Legolas with him, and the two of them waked back to Rivendell, sending Asfuloof ahead.
---------------------
When they reached Rivendell they immediately went off in search of Estel. They found him in one of the medical rooms, sleeping peacefully, his face no longer flushed.
Elladan told them that Estel still had a slight fever, but overall he was fine. Legolas sighed in relief before literally collapsing into one of the nearby armchairs, exhausted. It was then the twins finally took a good look at Legolas and saw all the cuts and bruises that cruelly decorated his pale skin.
Elrohir ran off to get Elrond while Elladan led the prince over to the bed next to his brother and began washing the cut on his arm. Legolas winced slightly as Elladan removed the crude bandage and wiped away the dirt and blood encrusted around the gash.
When his father came Elladan allowed him to take over, but still stayed there with Elrohir and helped there father by getting the herbs and mixing the poultices needed.
Elrond calmly mixed a sleeping potion into the tea he offered to Legolas and the twins stared when he evenly denied Legolas accusation that there was said drug in there. Legolas gave him a look before sniffing the tea and finally taking a sip. When he had finished it Elrond spoke.
"Of course I could have been lying"
Legolas just stared at him incredulously before drifting into the deep, drug enhanced sleep.
------------------
Legolas dived under again and pulled hard on Estel's legs, successfully dragging him under. Using quick powerful strokes the elf was already half way across the lake before his victim re-surfaced, spluttering.
The twins didn't even try and hide their laughter, and they almost went under several times due to their hysterics. Elladan managed to recover first so spotted Estel creeping towards them. Guessing his intentions he quickly swam away, 'forgetting' to warn his brother.
Elrohir had tears streaming down his face and barely made out the bleary figure in front of him. That is until he felt his legs being yanked out from beneath him and he went under, gasping. He struggled to the surface and took off after the unfortunate human.
2 minutes later
Elladan and Legolas took one look at Estel and burst out laughing. Upon catching Estel, Elrohir had taken the liberty of rubbing his little brother's face in the dirt, now mud.
Estel just stalked past them and bent down to wash his face in the water. He then went and sat on the bank and deliberately ignored his friend and brothers. It was obvious that the human was sulking.
After getting several meaningful looks from Elladan and Legolas, Elrohir made his way over to his brother, hoping to get him talking again. Estel waited until he was sitting down before turning, and rubbed the handful of mud he had been holding into his prey's face.
Estel, Elladan and Legolas took one look at his astonished face and burst out laughing again. In a few seconds a full-fledged mud fight had broken out. It was some half hour later that the four friends sat down again, none having escaped the coating of mud they all now wore.
---------------------
"Ouch! No biting"
"I did not bite you"
"You did"
No one could remember whose idea it had actually been, but it was because of him that the game started. It was Legolas and Estel against Elladan and Elrohir. Estel was sitting on Legolas shoulders, while Legolas stood in the water, and Elrohir was on Elladan's shoulders who was also in the water.
The object of the game was for the two on the top to try and knock the other over. Which ever team was left standing won.
As Elrohir and Estel wrestled, neither team noticed two elves creep down to the water edge and silently glide in. The dark haired elf whispered to the golden haired one and they began to make their way over to the four, fighting friends.
At a silent signal, both Elladan and Glorfindel stood up and threw themselves at the two teams, successfully knocking them both over. Legolas, Elladan, Elrohir, Estel stared in amazement as both elf lords swarm away, chanting,
"We won. We won".
Elrohir recovered first and raced after them, closely followed by every one else. But no matter how hard they tried, none of the four younger generations could catch the two elders. That is until Estel did, quite by accident.
The human given up on their chase much sooner than his friends had, due to the fact that he didn't have the elves endurance. He had then sat watching them for a while before rolling over onto his back and dozing off. The suns heat and the fact that he was exhausted caused him to fall asleep quickly and he did not even heed his friends and father's shouts and yells.
As he rested, he began moving over in his sleep, edging closer and closer to the edge of the bank, which stood almost 3 meters above the water. And it was this particular ledge that Elrond and Glorfindel happened to be under, having just slipped past the twins and Legolas again.
As they yelled most un-lordly like torments at their three chasers, they didn't notice the human's form balance precautiously on the edge of the outcropping, before toppling over and landing on top of the two elves.
The twins and Legolas just acted as if this type of thing happened every day and immediately leaped at the re-surfacing elves. Estel shook himself hard, sending silvery droplets of water flying every where, joining in again, his strength re-built and now thoroughly awake.
-----------------------------
"It was not that funny" Legolas glared around Estel, Elrohir, Estel, Glorfindel, Elrond, Ranien and Trealan who were Legolas laughing hysterically at a story Ranien had just told about Legolas.
Ranien and Trealan and arrived earlier that day while they were all at the lake as messengers from King Thranduil, asking about Legolas who should have returned home a fortnight since.
But that had been four hours ago. Now the small company were gathered in the Great Hall and were swapping stories about each other. Legolas had been the last victim, and now he sat there racking his brains to remember a story about one of them.
"Aha. I have the perfect story." As they all turned to look at him, Legolas grinned evilly at Estel.
"What?" Estel tried to think what story Legolas was about to tell.
Legolas motioned to his leg and ran a long, slim finger up it. As Estel watched it turned slightly pale.
Legolas tapped a finger on each of his thighs and shoulders, and then motioned to his sword. As Estel watched he turned slightly pale.
//No not that one please. He couldn't be that cruel// But apparently he could.
"This story happened when Estel was visiting Mirkwood. Now, one morning he had over-slept and so was in a rush trying not to be late. In his haste he failed to notice the stairs and gracefully fell down them, bouncing on the last three."
Legolas waited for the laughter to die down before he continued.
"Obviously everyone ran out of the dinning hall to find out what a Múmakil was doing in the palace."
"I do not sound like a Múmakil"
"When every saw Estel sitting there rubbing his rear-end they burst out in laughter causing Estel to storm off in a sulk. I tried to follow him but he had covered up his tracks so I went back to my half-eaten breakfast. The rest of the story I managed to weasel out of him."
"When he gone off he had gone into the woods and as he was still irritated he didn't take much notice of his surrounding. Now the day before I had warned Estel to stay away from the north-easterly parts of the forest due to the fact that my father had given permission to a group of about 20 elflings to use that area to practise their hunting skills, which included making traps."
Once again Legolas waited for them to stop laughing as they guessed what was going to happen next.
"As he stomped one of the open glades he triggered one of the traps. This particular trap is set off when someone steps inside the little loop, which our good friend did. As the loop tightened Estel was hoisted into the air and dangled upside down about 2 meters high. Now, as all this happened the owner of the trap was actually watching and when Estel was swung up she couldn't help giggling."
"She!" Elladan and Elrohir said in amazement.
"You got caught in a maidens trap."
"Shut up"
"So" Legolas carried on
"When Estel heard her he called out for help, thinking it was a male. You should have seen his face when he saw she was a female"
"You weren't even there, how did you see my face"
"Yeah, well"
"Anyway, luckily for him didn't make any comment about Sinai being a girl. Until she had cut him down. I found out from Sinai later on about he said, and I quote 'It is not safe for maidens as innocent as your self to be out in these parts of the woods, it may have even been you to step in that trap which one of our fine hunters must have assembled'
By this time everyone had tears streaming down their faces. And even Legolas couldn't carry on for a few moments due to laughter.
"Her response to this was something along the lines 'Why thank you, I do think I'm a fine hunter and maidens as innocent as *you* should be careful'"
"Now Estel was stunned and the only reply he could think of was I'm not a maiden. Sinai then said you could have fooled me and said she was properly better at most things then him any way. From there they some how managed to get into a sword fighting competition even though by our standards Sinai was a still only a teenager, and by Estel's standards he was an adult."
"But I will give Estel credit, he merely tried to disarm the maiden, and didn't try and score the usual points you get by tapping your opponent, or giving them a scratch etc. But alas, Sinai realised this so did every thing she could to get Estel to fight properly. But Estel wouldn't rise to it."
"So by then," Legolas broke off for a second, laughing,
"So by then she was so frustrated that she pulled out her bow and arrow and pinned Estel to the nearest tree with an arrow holding his tunic in place, here, here, here and here."
Again Legolas motioned to his thighs and shoulders.
"As he was held there Estel said to the maiden, 'you cheated' and the last thing Estel heard from her was 'maiden' ".
By this time they whole hall had begun to listen and it erupted with laughter as Legolas ended his tale.
This time it was Estel's turn to tell a story, and tried to decide on who it should be based. As Elrond ungracefully fell to the floor clutching his sides in laughter Estel thought,
"Ungraceful, of course."
As every one straightened up a again Estel began his story.
"This happened about two years ago around the time Elladan and Elrohir both broke their legs trying to do some childish dare."
"It was not childish" Elladan blurted out just as Elrohir said
"How were we suppose to know the stupid thing would bite"
"Would you rather I told every one that story"
"No"
"Then shut up"
"As I was saying, with both my brothers in bed I was very bored, so one day when I saw ada going out for his usual walk I decided to follow him."
Every one looked at Elrond at this point who just looked puzzled, not sure what was coming next.
"I followed my father down to the end of the field where we keep the horses and I saw him lean against the fence closest to the river. I not sure what he was thinking about but it must have been something absorbent as he didn't hear his horse come up behind him and nudge him."
Suddenly Elrond remembered.
"As your father I forbid you to tell any more of this story."
"I afraid father that it is up to everyone else to decide that. What do you say?"
"Yes"
"There you go then, I carry on."
"Now as Wessalden got up to my father he nudged him with his nose. To this touch Elrond responded with a wild yell and went flying over the bank of the river and into the water"
"As I reached the river edge myself I was just in time to see my father grab hold of a tree branch, pull himself out, and them let go and fall back in again. When did finally drag himself out he looked like a drowned rat and nothing like the lord he is."
Once again the whole hall joined in with the laughter only this time Lord Elrond was the one glowering.
Glorfindel took pity on his friend and leaned over to whisper something in his ear. As Elrond listened, he slowly broke out into a wide grin and nodded his head vigorously, suddenly looking 100 years old again.
As Elladan and Elrohir watched this display they noticed the change in their father and began to grow worried. No doubt this story would be about them, especially judging by the quick glances the two elf lords kept sending their way.
Elrond cleared his throat and looked round at the group, now much larger as the other elves currently residing in Rivendell became curious at all the laughter and had come to find out what it was all about.
As they quietened down Elrond, with a little help from Glorfindel began the story...