"What happened to you, mellon nin? What did they do to you when you were
taken to Calaen?" asked Aragorn softly, nudging Legolas with his foot so as
to get his attention.
The Elf looked up slowly and made eye contact with Aragorn, but there was no emotion in his normally bright orbs. His hair was loose and un-braided, having come free whilst struggling with the guards. Along with his colder than usual silence, the rest of the Fellowship had been led to believe that something horrific had happened to him.
"Legolas? Will you not tell us what-?
"Nothing happened. I just talked with Calaen for a while," cut in Legolas, speaking for the first time in over many hours. "I am not hurt, so you worry yourselves un-necessarily." That in itself was a lie though, for the Elf suspected that one of his ribs was badly bruised, possibly broken, thanks to Garilion and Tolvanir.
Aragorn raised an eyebrow, and turned his head so that only Legolas could hear the words that were spoken. "If you are not hurt, why have you sat in silence since you were returned? It was over five hours ago, unless I'm much mistaken. And why have you been ignoring any questions that we ask?"
"I've just seen my brother after years of being separated from him," hissed Legolas, in a voice far from soft. "So that is why your questions have remained unanswered; because I was slightly shocked, and still am, to know that he is still around."
"Did you find out why we are here?" asked Gandalf swiftly, before Aragorn could reply.
Legolas flicked his eyes across to the Wizard and sighed, shifting restlessly against the chains around his wrists; he hated having to lie to the others. "No, Mithrandir. I...I asked him why, but he would not tell me. He said...all will be revealed in good time."
"I suppose this means we are stuck here until your brother decides to shed some light on the situation," huffed Gimli. He exhaled deeply, before his beard twitched as he gave a wry smile. The words that were about to spill from his lips were not mean to offend Legolas. Indeed, Gimli had come to realise that not all Elves were as bad as he had thought.
"What's so funny?" asked Merry, hoping for something that may cheer Pippin up, for the younger Hobbit was becoming more and more dejected.
"My father, Glóin, was held prisoner in King Thranduil's halls a long time ago," replied Gimli, blissfully oblivious to the anger that was being kindled in Legolas' eyes. "I just thought that this Calaen character is a lot like Thranduil, from what I've heard of him. It seems that he follows in his father's footsteps."
"Do not speak lightly of things you know nothing of," said Gandalf sharply. "Am I correct in believing that you have never met Thranduil, and know absolutely nothing of him?"
"Well, I...I was merely going by the tales I have been told by my own folk," said Gimli nervously.
Legolas was about to jump up and storm across to where the Dwarf sat, but of course he was held back by chains, so had to content himself with making an angry noise in his throat. "You know nothing of me, my father, or any of my family, and if you even *think* to compare Calaen to Thranduil again, then I will-
"What's this? Has my little brother lost his temper?" came a causal voice, as the door swung open. Calaen entered and cast an amused glance in Legolas' direction, where the younger Elf had just pulled particularly hard against his chains. "Is there a problem of any sort?"
Boromir opened his mouth to remark angrily that of course there was a problem. How could there not be whilst they were chained up like dogs? However, the Gondorian swiftly stopped himself from speaking, for although he was incredibly hot-headed, he also knew when to keep silent.
"I'll ask you again, Legolas, and this time I expect an answer," said Calaen sharply. "Is there a problem? Maybe you dislike the accommodation, as you are used to living in such better conditions. Is that it?"
Instead of answering, Legolas held his head high and stared straight into Calaen's eyes. Really, he was screaming inside, for he was being made to feel exactly the same way as he had done all those years ago when he was being held captive by Calaen in Mirkwood. But he refused to give the older Elf the satisfaction of seeing that.
"We are brothers, and I would expect you to be able to tell me anything," said Calaen, the anger now gone from his voice as he knelt in front of Legolas and put a hand on his shoulder.
"You are no brother of mine!" spat the golden haired Prince. In one swift movement, he uncurled one leg from underneath him, and threw his foot directly into Calaen's chest.
The older members of the Fellowship closed their eyes, for they knew that although it could not be helped, Legolas' anger was only making things a lot worse. The Hobbits, however, watched in horror as Calaen swiftly regained his balance and jumped back to Legolas, only to repay the favour by kicking the younger Elf harshly in the chest. Legolas drew in a sharp breath as pain shot through his already bruised ribs.
Calaen tangled his hand in Legolas' hair and pulled hard, snapping his brother's head up. As he began speaking, he leant close to Legolas' ear, so that the words would remain private. "I seem to remember saying that I will make you wish you were never born over these next few days. Are you so foolish that you would just make your situation worse? I don't need *any* excuse to hurt you Legolas, but Valar help me...if you anger me, I will not hesitate to cause you more pain. So it is up to you. Do I make myself clear?"
"As crystal," muttered the younger Elf, as the grip on his hair tightened considerably.
"Good. Now, you are going to tell me exactly what caused you to lose your temper a minute ago," said Calaen sharply, still not moving his head away from Legolas' ear.
"I will tell you if it's so important to you, just get away from me," said Legolas in a low voice.
"As you wish," said Calaen, letting go of his brother's hair, and standing up. "There you go, I'm away. Now speak!"
Legolas looked up into green eyes for a moment, before beginning his explanation. "You were mistakenly compared to Thranduil. I merely found it insulting that someone could see likenesses between you and my father. But I know it was an honest mistake, for that person has only encountered one of the two he spoke of. He did not know that Thranduil is actually fair and generous, kind and loving, whilst you-
"Alright," cut in Calaen, slightly stunned at the answer that had been given.
"Is the truth too much for you?" sneered Legolas.
Calaen shot his brother a venomous look, before spinning on his heel and swiftly leaving the room. The truth was, he needed Legolas on his side, for the golden haired Elf was the only one who had the full trust of Mirkwood and her King. Calaen had to work hard to get Legolas on his side, for he knew that without him, things would be a lot harder.
He also knew that he would stop at nothing to get what he wanted...
.............................................................................................................
Back in the cell, Gimli was busy apologising for landing Legolas in a bad situation, but the Elf had all but forgotten about what had been said about Thranduil. Now, his anger was directed at Calaen.
"Really, it does not matter," said Legolas wearily.
"No, I am truly sorry for what I said," continued Gimli. "I just presumed that-
"Exactly, you just presumed," cut in Legolas, forcing himself to smile briefly to take the edge off his words. "Look, the only reason I lashed out at you is because...I'm finding it hard to come to terms with the fact that my brother is back."
"Well, if you're sure," said Gimli hesitantly.
"I am. Just forget anything like this happened," replied Legolas.
Aragorn and Gandalf looked at each other in despair. Both of them had been caught in bad situations, but they had no idea how to get out of this one. Weapon-less, staff-less, they were helpless. Little did they know that the solution to their problem was sitting in the same room as them.
............................................................................................................
Sadistra: Don't worry, you're not the only one who was pronouncing it like that! My friend asked me something about him the other day, and she said it like 'Kay-o-lin'.
Elfobsession2931: Well, it would ruin the surprise if I told you!
Queen-of-Mirkwood: That's interesting. Sure you can borrow him if you want. But if I were you, I would wait and see what happens in this one. I won't give anything away though.
GollumGirl: Yeah, that was a long review! And I totally understand what you mean about Legolas' family being fascinating.
Deana: Yeah, I'd be really annoyed if my family thought that about me!
Fuji the Hobbit: Thanks for the compliment, it's really nice! And don't worry, that wasn't the end of 'Dan and 'Ro!
Legolas-gurl888: Yeah, I also see them like that. I see Elladan as being the more hot-headed of the two as well. Don't really know why, but never mind. 82 degrees??? Wow, that's hot! It's like 18 out here, or something stupid like that. Anyway, speak to ya soon, 'Princess' Mistopurr. LOL!
Ok, I bet you are all screaming at Legolas to tell them what Calaen said? Well, there is a reason why he doesn't, but you'll find that out next chapter. Anyway, sorry this took a while longer to get up. I had family over for Easter. I saw FOTR today, and for some reason I cried my eyes out in the last 15 minutes. Strange. Sorry, I'm talking about random stuff. See you tomorrow! Luv Misto x-x
The Elf looked up slowly and made eye contact with Aragorn, but there was no emotion in his normally bright orbs. His hair was loose and un-braided, having come free whilst struggling with the guards. Along with his colder than usual silence, the rest of the Fellowship had been led to believe that something horrific had happened to him.
"Legolas? Will you not tell us what-?
"Nothing happened. I just talked with Calaen for a while," cut in Legolas, speaking for the first time in over many hours. "I am not hurt, so you worry yourselves un-necessarily." That in itself was a lie though, for the Elf suspected that one of his ribs was badly bruised, possibly broken, thanks to Garilion and Tolvanir.
Aragorn raised an eyebrow, and turned his head so that only Legolas could hear the words that were spoken. "If you are not hurt, why have you sat in silence since you were returned? It was over five hours ago, unless I'm much mistaken. And why have you been ignoring any questions that we ask?"
"I've just seen my brother after years of being separated from him," hissed Legolas, in a voice far from soft. "So that is why your questions have remained unanswered; because I was slightly shocked, and still am, to know that he is still around."
"Did you find out why we are here?" asked Gandalf swiftly, before Aragorn could reply.
Legolas flicked his eyes across to the Wizard and sighed, shifting restlessly against the chains around his wrists; he hated having to lie to the others. "No, Mithrandir. I...I asked him why, but he would not tell me. He said...all will be revealed in good time."
"I suppose this means we are stuck here until your brother decides to shed some light on the situation," huffed Gimli. He exhaled deeply, before his beard twitched as he gave a wry smile. The words that were about to spill from his lips were not mean to offend Legolas. Indeed, Gimli had come to realise that not all Elves were as bad as he had thought.
"What's so funny?" asked Merry, hoping for something that may cheer Pippin up, for the younger Hobbit was becoming more and more dejected.
"My father, Glóin, was held prisoner in King Thranduil's halls a long time ago," replied Gimli, blissfully oblivious to the anger that was being kindled in Legolas' eyes. "I just thought that this Calaen character is a lot like Thranduil, from what I've heard of him. It seems that he follows in his father's footsteps."
"Do not speak lightly of things you know nothing of," said Gandalf sharply. "Am I correct in believing that you have never met Thranduil, and know absolutely nothing of him?"
"Well, I...I was merely going by the tales I have been told by my own folk," said Gimli nervously.
Legolas was about to jump up and storm across to where the Dwarf sat, but of course he was held back by chains, so had to content himself with making an angry noise in his throat. "You know nothing of me, my father, or any of my family, and if you even *think* to compare Calaen to Thranduil again, then I will-
"What's this? Has my little brother lost his temper?" came a causal voice, as the door swung open. Calaen entered and cast an amused glance in Legolas' direction, where the younger Elf had just pulled particularly hard against his chains. "Is there a problem of any sort?"
Boromir opened his mouth to remark angrily that of course there was a problem. How could there not be whilst they were chained up like dogs? However, the Gondorian swiftly stopped himself from speaking, for although he was incredibly hot-headed, he also knew when to keep silent.
"I'll ask you again, Legolas, and this time I expect an answer," said Calaen sharply. "Is there a problem? Maybe you dislike the accommodation, as you are used to living in such better conditions. Is that it?"
Instead of answering, Legolas held his head high and stared straight into Calaen's eyes. Really, he was screaming inside, for he was being made to feel exactly the same way as he had done all those years ago when he was being held captive by Calaen in Mirkwood. But he refused to give the older Elf the satisfaction of seeing that.
"We are brothers, and I would expect you to be able to tell me anything," said Calaen, the anger now gone from his voice as he knelt in front of Legolas and put a hand on his shoulder.
"You are no brother of mine!" spat the golden haired Prince. In one swift movement, he uncurled one leg from underneath him, and threw his foot directly into Calaen's chest.
The older members of the Fellowship closed their eyes, for they knew that although it could not be helped, Legolas' anger was only making things a lot worse. The Hobbits, however, watched in horror as Calaen swiftly regained his balance and jumped back to Legolas, only to repay the favour by kicking the younger Elf harshly in the chest. Legolas drew in a sharp breath as pain shot through his already bruised ribs.
Calaen tangled his hand in Legolas' hair and pulled hard, snapping his brother's head up. As he began speaking, he leant close to Legolas' ear, so that the words would remain private. "I seem to remember saying that I will make you wish you were never born over these next few days. Are you so foolish that you would just make your situation worse? I don't need *any* excuse to hurt you Legolas, but Valar help me...if you anger me, I will not hesitate to cause you more pain. So it is up to you. Do I make myself clear?"
"As crystal," muttered the younger Elf, as the grip on his hair tightened considerably.
"Good. Now, you are going to tell me exactly what caused you to lose your temper a minute ago," said Calaen sharply, still not moving his head away from Legolas' ear.
"I will tell you if it's so important to you, just get away from me," said Legolas in a low voice.
"As you wish," said Calaen, letting go of his brother's hair, and standing up. "There you go, I'm away. Now speak!"
Legolas looked up into green eyes for a moment, before beginning his explanation. "You were mistakenly compared to Thranduil. I merely found it insulting that someone could see likenesses between you and my father. But I know it was an honest mistake, for that person has only encountered one of the two he spoke of. He did not know that Thranduil is actually fair and generous, kind and loving, whilst you-
"Alright," cut in Calaen, slightly stunned at the answer that had been given.
"Is the truth too much for you?" sneered Legolas.
Calaen shot his brother a venomous look, before spinning on his heel and swiftly leaving the room. The truth was, he needed Legolas on his side, for the golden haired Elf was the only one who had the full trust of Mirkwood and her King. Calaen had to work hard to get Legolas on his side, for he knew that without him, things would be a lot harder.
He also knew that he would stop at nothing to get what he wanted...
.............................................................................................................
Back in the cell, Gimli was busy apologising for landing Legolas in a bad situation, but the Elf had all but forgotten about what had been said about Thranduil. Now, his anger was directed at Calaen.
"Really, it does not matter," said Legolas wearily.
"No, I am truly sorry for what I said," continued Gimli. "I just presumed that-
"Exactly, you just presumed," cut in Legolas, forcing himself to smile briefly to take the edge off his words. "Look, the only reason I lashed out at you is because...I'm finding it hard to come to terms with the fact that my brother is back."
"Well, if you're sure," said Gimli hesitantly.
"I am. Just forget anything like this happened," replied Legolas.
Aragorn and Gandalf looked at each other in despair. Both of them had been caught in bad situations, but they had no idea how to get out of this one. Weapon-less, staff-less, they were helpless. Little did they know that the solution to their problem was sitting in the same room as them.
............................................................................................................
Sadistra: Don't worry, you're not the only one who was pronouncing it like that! My friend asked me something about him the other day, and she said it like 'Kay-o-lin'.
Elfobsession2931: Well, it would ruin the surprise if I told you!
Queen-of-Mirkwood: That's interesting. Sure you can borrow him if you want. But if I were you, I would wait and see what happens in this one. I won't give anything away though.
GollumGirl: Yeah, that was a long review! And I totally understand what you mean about Legolas' family being fascinating.
Deana: Yeah, I'd be really annoyed if my family thought that about me!
Fuji the Hobbit: Thanks for the compliment, it's really nice! And don't worry, that wasn't the end of 'Dan and 'Ro!
Legolas-gurl888: Yeah, I also see them like that. I see Elladan as being the more hot-headed of the two as well. Don't really know why, but never mind. 82 degrees??? Wow, that's hot! It's like 18 out here, or something stupid like that. Anyway, speak to ya soon, 'Princess' Mistopurr. LOL!
Ok, I bet you are all screaming at Legolas to tell them what Calaen said? Well, there is a reason why he doesn't, but you'll find that out next chapter. Anyway, sorry this took a while longer to get up. I had family over for Easter. I saw FOTR today, and for some reason I cried my eyes out in the last 15 minutes. Strange. Sorry, I'm talking about random stuff. See you tomorrow! Luv Misto x-x