From Fog To Starlight
4 of ?
Legolas! Elrond straighten at reading the inscription. One of the heirs of Greenwood. He sighed, could this get any more complicated? First the strange sensations, then the odd vision this morning - one which drew him from his meeting to the Halls of Healing -- and now this revelation. Suddenly, he felt a strange sense of panic wash over him. A feeling of desolation seemed to surround them both. Turning towards Legolas, he noted the pained look in his eyes.
"Legolas?" He slid his arm from the elf's shoulders and gently started to lower him to the bed. Legolas's body bowed in anguish as he struggled for breath. Elrond watched as his eyes fluttered.
"Legolas!"
Laying his hand at Legolas's throat he felt the pulse - it was too fast, but at least it was there. "Listen to me. Legolas, you must try to calm your breathing."
Another full seizure gripped the elf as Elrond held his shoulders down on the bed. Once he had lost consciousness, Elrond walked quickly to the door to summon assistance.
He moved back to the bed and swept the journal and the satchel to a nearby table; they would deal with the contents of those later. Quickly covering Legolas's shivering body, Elrond looked up to find Elladan standing near him.
"Ada, what can I do to assist?"
Elrond directed him to mix several potions as he layered another blanket on the bed. He gently rolled Legolas to the side to check his shoulder injury. The cut was healing well and the skin was regaining its healthy hue. Whatever ailed him did not come from this wound. Elrond removed the head bandages next. Both the forehead and neck wounds were slowly healing. The injury to Legolas's temple was of mild concern still, but he did not believe that to be the cause of most of the pain.
Elladan approached with one of the requested mixtures. Sliding in behind Legolas, Elrond cradled the elf against his chest while Elladan spooned the liquid to his lips. Thankfully, Legolas seemed to swallow the potion without fighting the taste or the effort. Looping an arm about Legolas's waist, Elrond gently leaned his head against the back of the elf in his arms. Starting to concentrate, he reached out with this mind and heart. He had never tried to penetrate another's feä in just this way before and wondered how much of his success would be due to the power of Vilya and how much would be due to the unique connection he seemed to share with Legolas. Grateful that the ring was always on his finger - even if it wasn't visible to most beings - he summoned its power to aid him in diagnosing his patient.
Elrond closed his eyes in concentration and found himself drawn into a great forest. The trees seemed old with knowledge and he spied Legolas standing in a small clearing. Wind was sweeping the area with ever increasing speed, churning up the leaves and forest detritus. As the force of the wind increased, Elrond could see small cuts appear on Legolas's face and clothing. Legolas looked as if he were trying to raise his arms to shield himself, but the force of the winds kept him from success.
Walking through the trees Elrond could feel a small bubble of calm surrounding him, offering protection from the violence of the storm. Edging closer to the injured elf, he felt the storm buffet his walls and push him back. He drew himself up and pushed forward, struggling to achieve Legolas's side.
Steps away from success, Elrond watched as Legolas began to crumple to the ground. Stretching onward with great might, he grabbed Legolas by the shoulders and eased him to the forest floor, cradling him. The winds continued to whirl and Elrond felt their power increase along with a keening sound that seemed to echo around them.
Bending over to further shield Legolas, he cupped the elf's jaw in his hand. Stroking Legolas's brow he began to speak softly to him. "Mellon- nin, please return. I am here - whatever forces you face, you do not face them alone."
Elrond continued to mutter consoling words while comforting with his body. He watched as Legolas shifted a bit and his head moved towards the comforting touch. Several of the smaller cuts stopped bleeding and the grimace of pain ease on Legolas's face. "That's it mellon-nin, come back. I am here and we will see this problem through together. Come just a bit further and I will be able to help you."
Elrond felt a surge of energy move toward him. His tenuous connection to Legolas's feä flared and he felt the other start to come back to himself. Relief poured through Elrond as he felt a resonance of the strength he had previously noted in his patient. Focusing more energy toward Legolas, he waited for the blue eyes to open.
Legolas blinked several times before moving his eyes up to meet Elrond's. Confusion furrowed his brow as he stared back at Elrond. The winds ebbed and then reinforced, as Elrond leaned further over the prone body.
"You are safe mellon-nin, you must calm yourself." He spoke gently into Legolas's ear allowing the soothing stroking over his face to reinforce the sense of peace he projected.
"You've had quite a shock, although I do not understand the reasons behind all of this. You must allow yourself to follow me back to the world of the living."
Elrond watched as Legolas considered what he said. The winds again died down and the keening softened. Legolas reached for the front of Elrond's robe and grasped it firmly. Trying to pull himself up, he was aided as Elrond slid a supportive arm against his back.
Elrond brushed a few strands of hair from Legolas's face and tucked them behind his ear. He watched with a gentle smile as Legolas looked at him in confusion and wonder.
"How did I get here? I don't remember leaving the Houses of Healing." Legolas looked around the glade. "This looks like Greenwood, I don't understand, what happened?"
Elrond could feel the drain of the connection and the strength that it was taking to maintain it. He knew he had to awaken Legolas quickly or they both would suffer.
"We are still in the Houses of Healing, Legolas. We are both in your mind." He felt Legolas flinch at the comment. "And it is not safe for either of us to dwell here for too long. You have had a great shock, but we must return. I promise to explain as much as I am able when we are both stronger and awake."
Legolas once again looked around the clearing in confusion and the raised a second hand to join the first, clutching to Elrond. He took a deep breath, then said, "You must lead the way. I know not how I came to be here or the path to return."
Smiling down at the strength of purpose that shown in Legolas's eyes, Elrond helped him stand. "Take my hand, Mellon-nin, close your eyes and follow my voice."
Legolas dropped his hand to Elrond's and did as he was bid.
Elrond felt, rather than saw, a glowing tether, it was brighter than the strongest of mithril. He began to follow it away from the glade and back along the path he had trod. He coaxed Legolas along the trail with him, encouraging as they progressed.
Pushing forward, Elrond realized that the tether was of two parts, one weaving with the other. As he followed along his path, he could see the second grow in strength and brightness as it shimmered and followed with him. The interlacing of the line stretched forward as far as he could see. This gave him great pause, as he considered the implications, but then refocused on their quest to return home.
Elrond began to come back to himself, as he heard the worried words in voices behind him.
"Glorfindel, I agree with Elrohir, Ada has been that way since early evening. Eärendil is more than halfway through his journey and still he does not reply. We must do something!" Elladan's voice sounded controlled but strained.
Fighting toward the surface of consciousness, Elrond worked to answer his son. He heard the calm response of Glorfindel reply. "It could be just as dangerous to pull your adar from this trance as it is for him to remain in it. I do not sense danger here yet, Pen-neth. Your ada's spirit is strong and his healing powers great. We will remain on this vigil for a while longer."
"But Glorfindel, you remember what happened with naneth. It almost destroyed him."
"Elladan, that situation was quite different for a number of reasons, not the least of which was."
The voices faded out a bit as Elrond began to feel the stiffness in his body and the strong clasp of a hand about his own. He focused to assure that Legolas was still following his return and the continued to entice the elf along.
Opening his eyes, Elrond gazed down on Legolas. The elf was still cradled with his back against Elrond's chest. Elrond held one hand over Legolas's heart, and it was fiercely gripped by Legolas. Shifting Legolas down into the crook of his arm, he obtained a view of his face, eyes still closed. He watched as the gentle blue eyes opened, gained focus and finally signaled alertness.
"Welcome back, mellon-nín, you led me on quite the chase." Softly squeezing Legolas's hand in support Elrond watched as he took in the familiar walls of the room.
Legolas's reclamation was interrupted by shouts.
"Ada"
"Elrohir, let your adar catch his breath."
"Ada, are you alright?!"
"How is our guest?"
"What happened?"
"Ada ?"
"DARO!!" Glorfindel's powerful voice cut through the overlapping bellows.
All eyes focused on the seneschal and he quietly continued. "I'm sure your adar will explain everything when he catches his breath. This yelling cannot be good for the patient and I'm sure that everyone here could use a fresh breath before discussing this."
Smiling up at his longtime friend, Elrond nodded. "My sons, I am fine. Let me see to our patient here and then we can convene in my chambers shortly."
Overriding the twins' protests, Elrond continued. "Why don't you go to the kitchens and bring us up a late supper? I'm famished and I'm sure you haven't eaten either." Watching the wary faces, Elrond raised an imperious eyebrow at his children. The look had worked on young elflings and it didn't fail him now.
"Yes, Ada. We'll go and get some supper and await you in your study." Elrond watched them as they offered one more concerned stare and then exited the room with slumped shoulders. Amused Elrond realized, whether they were twelve or twelve hundred, his boys could still pout with flair.
Glorfindel withdrew to the far side of the room, offering a modicum of privacy to the two as they sat together on the bed.
Elrond eased his hand from Legolas's grip and brushed over his hair in comfort. "It is nice to meet you Prince Legolas Thranduilion, I am glad we have a name for you at last."
Elrond could feel the banter begin to relax the body in his arms. He continued to stroke Legolas's brow. "How do you feel?"
"The pain in my head is not as it was and the room has stopped swimming. I would judge this much improved. However, I still do not remember my purpose in coming here. Nor, do I understand much of what has just occurred."
"Nay, Legolas, not now. We have a name, and a great many questions. But I sense you are greatly weary from your struggle and I wish for you to rest. There will be time enough for the remainder after some much needed sleep."
Elrond slid from under Legolas and laid him back upon the pillows. He was started to find Legolas gripping his hand once again. "My Lord. I know part of what drove me here was a concern for danger - and others who may be affected by it. I can't help but feel that some of that danger is meant for Rivendell."
Placing his hand on top of Legolas's, Elrond rubbed at the strong hold. "Imladris is protected by a great many things Legolas. Not the least of which is a well trained company of border guards. If there is to be trouble, we will be well warned and well prepared. There is no threat upon us this night, be assured. Now rest."
Elrond moved his hand to cover the blue eyes peering worriedly back at him. Covering them, he concentrated and pushed Legolas into a healing sleep. Removing his hand, Elrond looked down into the now sleep-glazed eyes of the elf. He removed himself from Legolas's hold and studied him for a moment.
Glorfindel approached his side and laid a hand on his arm. "I will sit with him. Your sons are most worried and they will need your presence, not to mention you need some rest."
Pulling back, Elrond studied his friend. "You will stay?"
A slight twinkle appeared in Glorfindel's eye. "I believe if I can fight battles throughout the last three ages and return from death, I can handle one injured elf."
"If you should need anything ."
Glorfindel was now pulling him toward the entry to the room. "I will call Elladan, he is a fine healer, taught by his father. You will rest. This is only beginning Elrond, and exhausting yourself now will do neither of you any good."
Glorfindel opened the door and handed a surprised Elrond off to Erestor. "His sons are awaiting him in his private study with dinner."
Erestor took Elrond's other arm and began to propel him down the hall.
Looking back at his smug friend, Elrond asked, "And when did I lose control of Imladris? As its Lord I should be giving the orders."
Glorfindel leaned out the door. "You do give the orders - we just happen to assure that you are in the best condition to give them!"
He snapped the door on the infirmary shut before Elrond had the chance to reply.
***
Mellon-nín - - - - - my friend
meleth-nín - - -- - - my love Feä --- soul or spirit Pen-neth- - young ones Naneth ---- mother Ada/Adar - Dad, father Daro -- Stop
a/n: Once again thank you for all of your reviews, especially those who are commenting on every chapter. I'm greatly appreciative and it makes me look forward to checking my email.
Legolas! Elrond straighten at reading the inscription. One of the heirs of Greenwood. He sighed, could this get any more complicated? First the strange sensations, then the odd vision this morning - one which drew him from his meeting to the Halls of Healing -- and now this revelation. Suddenly, he felt a strange sense of panic wash over him. A feeling of desolation seemed to surround them both. Turning towards Legolas, he noted the pained look in his eyes.
"Legolas?" He slid his arm from the elf's shoulders and gently started to lower him to the bed. Legolas's body bowed in anguish as he struggled for breath. Elrond watched as his eyes fluttered.
"Legolas!"
Laying his hand at Legolas's throat he felt the pulse - it was too fast, but at least it was there. "Listen to me. Legolas, you must try to calm your breathing."
Another full seizure gripped the elf as Elrond held his shoulders down on the bed. Once he had lost consciousness, Elrond walked quickly to the door to summon assistance.
He moved back to the bed and swept the journal and the satchel to a nearby table; they would deal with the contents of those later. Quickly covering Legolas's shivering body, Elrond looked up to find Elladan standing near him.
"Ada, what can I do to assist?"
Elrond directed him to mix several potions as he layered another blanket on the bed. He gently rolled Legolas to the side to check his shoulder injury. The cut was healing well and the skin was regaining its healthy hue. Whatever ailed him did not come from this wound. Elrond removed the head bandages next. Both the forehead and neck wounds were slowly healing. The injury to Legolas's temple was of mild concern still, but he did not believe that to be the cause of most of the pain.
Elladan approached with one of the requested mixtures. Sliding in behind Legolas, Elrond cradled the elf against his chest while Elladan spooned the liquid to his lips. Thankfully, Legolas seemed to swallow the potion without fighting the taste or the effort. Looping an arm about Legolas's waist, Elrond gently leaned his head against the back of the elf in his arms. Starting to concentrate, he reached out with this mind and heart. He had never tried to penetrate another's feä in just this way before and wondered how much of his success would be due to the power of Vilya and how much would be due to the unique connection he seemed to share with Legolas. Grateful that the ring was always on his finger - even if it wasn't visible to most beings - he summoned its power to aid him in diagnosing his patient.
Elrond closed his eyes in concentration and found himself drawn into a great forest. The trees seemed old with knowledge and he spied Legolas standing in a small clearing. Wind was sweeping the area with ever increasing speed, churning up the leaves and forest detritus. As the force of the wind increased, Elrond could see small cuts appear on Legolas's face and clothing. Legolas looked as if he were trying to raise his arms to shield himself, but the force of the winds kept him from success.
Walking through the trees Elrond could feel a small bubble of calm surrounding him, offering protection from the violence of the storm. Edging closer to the injured elf, he felt the storm buffet his walls and push him back. He drew himself up and pushed forward, struggling to achieve Legolas's side.
Steps away from success, Elrond watched as Legolas began to crumple to the ground. Stretching onward with great might, he grabbed Legolas by the shoulders and eased him to the forest floor, cradling him. The winds continued to whirl and Elrond felt their power increase along with a keening sound that seemed to echo around them.
Bending over to further shield Legolas, he cupped the elf's jaw in his hand. Stroking Legolas's brow he began to speak softly to him. "Mellon- nin, please return. I am here - whatever forces you face, you do not face them alone."
Elrond continued to mutter consoling words while comforting with his body. He watched as Legolas shifted a bit and his head moved towards the comforting touch. Several of the smaller cuts stopped bleeding and the grimace of pain ease on Legolas's face. "That's it mellon-nin, come back. I am here and we will see this problem through together. Come just a bit further and I will be able to help you."
Elrond felt a surge of energy move toward him. His tenuous connection to Legolas's feä flared and he felt the other start to come back to himself. Relief poured through Elrond as he felt a resonance of the strength he had previously noted in his patient. Focusing more energy toward Legolas, he waited for the blue eyes to open.
Legolas blinked several times before moving his eyes up to meet Elrond's. Confusion furrowed his brow as he stared back at Elrond. The winds ebbed and then reinforced, as Elrond leaned further over the prone body.
"You are safe mellon-nin, you must calm yourself." He spoke gently into Legolas's ear allowing the soothing stroking over his face to reinforce the sense of peace he projected.
"You've had quite a shock, although I do not understand the reasons behind all of this. You must allow yourself to follow me back to the world of the living."
Elrond watched as Legolas considered what he said. The winds again died down and the keening softened. Legolas reached for the front of Elrond's robe and grasped it firmly. Trying to pull himself up, he was aided as Elrond slid a supportive arm against his back.
Elrond brushed a few strands of hair from Legolas's face and tucked them behind his ear. He watched with a gentle smile as Legolas looked at him in confusion and wonder.
"How did I get here? I don't remember leaving the Houses of Healing." Legolas looked around the glade. "This looks like Greenwood, I don't understand, what happened?"
Elrond could feel the drain of the connection and the strength that it was taking to maintain it. He knew he had to awaken Legolas quickly or they both would suffer.
"We are still in the Houses of Healing, Legolas. We are both in your mind." He felt Legolas flinch at the comment. "And it is not safe for either of us to dwell here for too long. You have had a great shock, but we must return. I promise to explain as much as I am able when we are both stronger and awake."
Legolas once again looked around the clearing in confusion and the raised a second hand to join the first, clutching to Elrond. He took a deep breath, then said, "You must lead the way. I know not how I came to be here or the path to return."
Smiling down at the strength of purpose that shown in Legolas's eyes, Elrond helped him stand. "Take my hand, Mellon-nin, close your eyes and follow my voice."
Legolas dropped his hand to Elrond's and did as he was bid.
Elrond felt, rather than saw, a glowing tether, it was brighter than the strongest of mithril. He began to follow it away from the glade and back along the path he had trod. He coaxed Legolas along the trail with him, encouraging as they progressed.
Pushing forward, Elrond realized that the tether was of two parts, one weaving with the other. As he followed along his path, he could see the second grow in strength and brightness as it shimmered and followed with him. The interlacing of the line stretched forward as far as he could see. This gave him great pause, as he considered the implications, but then refocused on their quest to return home.
Elrond began to come back to himself, as he heard the worried words in voices behind him.
"Glorfindel, I agree with Elrohir, Ada has been that way since early evening. Eärendil is more than halfway through his journey and still he does not reply. We must do something!" Elladan's voice sounded controlled but strained.
Fighting toward the surface of consciousness, Elrond worked to answer his son. He heard the calm response of Glorfindel reply. "It could be just as dangerous to pull your adar from this trance as it is for him to remain in it. I do not sense danger here yet, Pen-neth. Your ada's spirit is strong and his healing powers great. We will remain on this vigil for a while longer."
"But Glorfindel, you remember what happened with naneth. It almost destroyed him."
"Elladan, that situation was quite different for a number of reasons, not the least of which was."
The voices faded out a bit as Elrond began to feel the stiffness in his body and the strong clasp of a hand about his own. He focused to assure that Legolas was still following his return and the continued to entice the elf along.
Opening his eyes, Elrond gazed down on Legolas. The elf was still cradled with his back against Elrond's chest. Elrond held one hand over Legolas's heart, and it was fiercely gripped by Legolas. Shifting Legolas down into the crook of his arm, he obtained a view of his face, eyes still closed. He watched as the gentle blue eyes opened, gained focus and finally signaled alertness.
"Welcome back, mellon-nín, you led me on quite the chase." Softly squeezing Legolas's hand in support Elrond watched as he took in the familiar walls of the room.
Legolas's reclamation was interrupted by shouts.
"Ada"
"Elrohir, let your adar catch his breath."
"Ada, are you alright?!"
"How is our guest?"
"What happened?"
"Ada ?"
"DARO!!" Glorfindel's powerful voice cut through the overlapping bellows.
All eyes focused on the seneschal and he quietly continued. "I'm sure your adar will explain everything when he catches his breath. This yelling cannot be good for the patient and I'm sure that everyone here could use a fresh breath before discussing this."
Smiling up at his longtime friend, Elrond nodded. "My sons, I am fine. Let me see to our patient here and then we can convene in my chambers shortly."
Overriding the twins' protests, Elrond continued. "Why don't you go to the kitchens and bring us up a late supper? I'm famished and I'm sure you haven't eaten either." Watching the wary faces, Elrond raised an imperious eyebrow at his children. The look had worked on young elflings and it didn't fail him now.
"Yes, Ada. We'll go and get some supper and await you in your study." Elrond watched them as they offered one more concerned stare and then exited the room with slumped shoulders. Amused Elrond realized, whether they were twelve or twelve hundred, his boys could still pout with flair.
Glorfindel withdrew to the far side of the room, offering a modicum of privacy to the two as they sat together on the bed.
Elrond eased his hand from Legolas's grip and brushed over his hair in comfort. "It is nice to meet you Prince Legolas Thranduilion, I am glad we have a name for you at last."
Elrond could feel the banter begin to relax the body in his arms. He continued to stroke Legolas's brow. "How do you feel?"
"The pain in my head is not as it was and the room has stopped swimming. I would judge this much improved. However, I still do not remember my purpose in coming here. Nor, do I understand much of what has just occurred."
"Nay, Legolas, not now. We have a name, and a great many questions. But I sense you are greatly weary from your struggle and I wish for you to rest. There will be time enough for the remainder after some much needed sleep."
Elrond slid from under Legolas and laid him back upon the pillows. He was started to find Legolas gripping his hand once again. "My Lord. I know part of what drove me here was a concern for danger - and others who may be affected by it. I can't help but feel that some of that danger is meant for Rivendell."
Placing his hand on top of Legolas's, Elrond rubbed at the strong hold. "Imladris is protected by a great many things Legolas. Not the least of which is a well trained company of border guards. If there is to be trouble, we will be well warned and well prepared. There is no threat upon us this night, be assured. Now rest."
Elrond moved his hand to cover the blue eyes peering worriedly back at him. Covering them, he concentrated and pushed Legolas into a healing sleep. Removing his hand, Elrond looked down into the now sleep-glazed eyes of the elf. He removed himself from Legolas's hold and studied him for a moment.
Glorfindel approached his side and laid a hand on his arm. "I will sit with him. Your sons are most worried and they will need your presence, not to mention you need some rest."
Pulling back, Elrond studied his friend. "You will stay?"
A slight twinkle appeared in Glorfindel's eye. "I believe if I can fight battles throughout the last three ages and return from death, I can handle one injured elf."
"If you should need anything ."
Glorfindel was now pulling him toward the entry to the room. "I will call Elladan, he is a fine healer, taught by his father. You will rest. This is only beginning Elrond, and exhausting yourself now will do neither of you any good."
Glorfindel opened the door and handed a surprised Elrond off to Erestor. "His sons are awaiting him in his private study with dinner."
Erestor took Elrond's other arm and began to propel him down the hall.
Looking back at his smug friend, Elrond asked, "And when did I lose control of Imladris? As its Lord I should be giving the orders."
Glorfindel leaned out the door. "You do give the orders - we just happen to assure that you are in the best condition to give them!"
He snapped the door on the infirmary shut before Elrond had the chance to reply.
***
Mellon-nín - - - - - my friend
meleth-nín - - -- - - my love Feä --- soul or spirit Pen-neth- - young ones Naneth ---- mother Ada/Adar - Dad, father Daro -- Stop
a/n: Once again thank you for all of your reviews, especially those who are commenting on every chapter. I'm greatly appreciative and it makes me look forward to checking my email.