"Will you be able to do anything for him?" demanded Calaen impatiently,
looking down as Aragorn pulled off Legolas' tunic. The golden haired Elf
had fought hard to remain conscious since Gandalf had left ten minutes
back, but darkness had been swift to take him.
"With the medicine you have provided me?" asked Aragorn scornfully. "The future does not look bright for your brother."
"Do you mean Legolas is going to die?" whispered Pippin fearfully, whilst Sam's eyes widened in shock.
Aragorn sighed, and began work on undoing the silver clasps on Legolas' shirt. "Do not worry, he will live. But already I can tell that he will need more than just my healing abilities. Legolas is very strong, but it does not mean that he won't be in immense pain when he awakens."
"Why was he so reluctant for you to remove his tunic earlier?" asked Frodo quietly.
"Unfortunately, you'll find out soon enough," replied Aragorn, shooting Calaen a dirty glance.
The Elf rolled his eyes, and shook his head in annoyance. "Looking at me like that will not change anything for Legolas. Besides, there would be no point in using the Dolruín on him all those years back, if I did not intend for anyone to see it."
"Legolas has worked all his life to prevent it from being revealed," spat Aragorn, jumping to his feet and standing furiously in front of Calaen. "Do you not know how this will affect him, when he finds out that his...his scar has been seen? Can we at least go to another room?"
"No," said Calaen shortly. "You are not helping him at the moment, so I suggest you lay your anger aside for a while, and get back down on the ground."
Aragorn made a noise of disgust, but realised that Calaen spoke truthfully. He would rather slit his own throat than betray Legolas' trust, but he knew that nothing could be done now. He only hoped that Legolas would be able to forgive him.
The Ranger closed his eyes for a second, before pulling open the last four clasps of Legolas' tunic. He heard the hisses of surprise and cries of shock from the Fellowship, but he forced himself to ignore them, and ran his fingers expertly over Legolas' chest.
"What happened to him?" whispered Pippin.
Merry slowly shook his head, unable to tear his gaze away from the fiery word, so maliciously engraved into Legolas' abdomen. It had not faded, despite all the many years it had tormented the Elf. Gimli shook his head and rested against the wall, whilst Boromir curled his lip as bile rose in his throat. So shocked was Sam, that he did not even notice when Frodo turned his head to the side and was sick in the corner.
"He has three broken ribs," muttered Aragorn, sitting back on his heels and running his eyes sadly over Legolas' body. "I can already see that his wrist is broken; clearly he tried to protect his face and head. You see the bruising all over his torso? That will go down with time, but the pain will be excruciating."
"I did not know that anything was happening to him," said Calaen softly.
"No, but why should you care? After all you have ever done to him, this should not faze you," said Aragorn bitterly. "And why exactly are you letting me help him? Why have you provided me with bandages and medicine?"
Calaen shook his head, and gestured impatiently to Legolas' body. "Stop talking, and help him!"
"You see, that is what I cannot understand," said Aragorn, taking a thick bandage and slowly unrolling it. "Why are you so desperate to have me help Legolas when all you ever did was hurt him? It just doesn't make sense, none of it does."
"What exactly are you having trouble comprehending?" asked Calaen wearily.
"You can always count on an Elf to come out with a question like that," muttered Gimli. "Honestly, you hold us captive for no legitimate reason, you beat two of the Hobbits, you club Legolas nearly to death, and then have the nerve to ask something like that."
"Firstly, it was not I who had Legolas clubbed," said Calaen. "Let us get that straight, alright? Secondly, there *is* a legitimate reason as to why you are here, and it is not my fault that you do not know of it. There is one, however, who does know."
Calaen's eyes slowly travelled down to Legolas, and he smiled vaguely as Aragorn caught the glance. The Ranger shook his head, but it was noticed by all that he had slowed considerably in the process of wrapping the bandage around Legolas' stomach.
"What is wrong?" asked Calaen innocently.
"If Legolas knew anything, he would not hesitate to tell me," said Aragorn. "Do you really think that he wishes to be locked up here for longer than is necessary? Besides, if there was any way to save myself and the others, I know he would do it."
"Obviously you do not know Legolas as well as you think," remarked Calaen. "You see, my brother knows exactly why you are here, exactly what I want, and the exact way in which he can free you all. He has even agreed to help me."
Aragorn looked across at the remaining members of the Fellowship, and shook his head. "Pay no heed to what he says, for it is folly. Deceitful lies are the only things he knows, and they are dangerous to those who listen to them."
"But sometimes dangerous to those who don't," said Calaen calmly. "I can honestly assure you that I speak the truth. But if you choose not to listen, then so be it. Legolas knows though, and has been keeping it from you."
"It's the Ring, isn't it?" asked Frodo quietly, from the corner of the cell. "You know about the Ring, and want to take it for yourself."
Calaen was about to deny this, but quickly thought of something else. "Long have I desired to look upon the Ring of Power, that is true. And now I have it within my reach. Think of the things I could do with it."
"You speak of taking it for yourself, but if you should do so, then all the world will fall into darkness," said Frodo in a low voice. "The Ring will not help you. If anything, it will claim your life. But this is why you hold us here, isn't it?"
"Well, I will not deny that is one of the reasons," said Calaen, moving slowly towards Frodo. "But there are other things. I will not speak of them now though, for I'm sure Legolas would rather tell you himself."
Aragorn drew in a sharp breath as Calaen suddenly darted forward and pulled the chain from around Frodo's neck. The Ranger made to stop him, but it just so happened that Legolas' eyes snapped open at that moment, and he cried out as waves of excruciating pain washed over him.
"Estel," breathed the Prince, reaching out with his uninjured arm and grabbing the front of Aragorn's shirt. Even that small movement caused him immense pain, and although he kept quiet, his eyes were screaming.
"Yes, Legolas, I am here," reassured Aragorn. "Keep still, alright? I don't want you to move at all. It is vital that you listen to my words and pay attention to them. You have broken three ribs, and although I have bandaged them tightly, any swift movement could cause them to puncture your lungs. Do you understand me, Legolas?"
The Elf made a soft noise of confirmation, and rested into his friend's embrace. Aragorn merely shot Calaen a venomous look, carefully laid Legolas down on the ground, then jumped to his feet as soon as he was sure his movement would not harm Legolas.
"You hold the Ring of Power," said the Ranger quietly, taking a dangerous step towards Calaen. "It is not something to be played with, as well you know. Give me the Ring."
Calaen grinned, and carelessly tossed the afore-mentioned Ring into the air. "I think not. But if you really want it, I suggest you come and fight."
"Then fight I will," declared Aragorn.
"Estel, no!" cried Legolas suddenly. He held a hand against his burning ribs, and pushed himself with much effort, off the ground. No sooner had he reached a standing position though, his legs buckled beneath him, and he collapsed. He would've hit the hard cell floor, had Aragorn not jumped back and caught him.
"I'll be back," said Calaen, pocketing the Ring, and smiling wickedly at the Fellowship. He left the room then, the door slamming shut behind him.
Aragorn leapt across to pull open the door, but the rough scraping of a key being turned, made him curse and slam a fist against the wall. Passing a hand over his eyes, he turned back to Legolas, not knowing whether to be angry and irritated that he had moved, or relieved that he was still alive. Sighing, the Ranger decided to be all three.
"I understand that you wanted to protect me, Legolas. But I told you not to move, and I also told you why it is better to keep still," said Aragorn almost sternly. "What you did just then was foolish, for yourself and the rest of us."
Legolas sighed, and pushed himself into a sitting position, ignoring the screams of protest from his injured body, and the hiss of frustration from Aragorn. "I know, and I am sorry. Forgive me, Estel. I was not thinking."
"Clearly," muttered Aragorn, though he smiled to take the sharp tone from his words. "Well, he's got the Ring now, and although I cannot get out of this cell, I am at least free."
The Fellowship watched as Aragorn stepped across to the opposite wall where Legolas rested, and began fiddling with the chains that had held Gandalf not that long ago. He pulled them occasionally, and sometimes banged them back against the wall, clearly trying to see how strong they were.
"Can I ask you a question, Legolas?" said Boromir coolly.
The Elf opened his eyes and nodded slowly. "Of course you can."
"Why did you stop Aragorn from going after Calaen?" asked Boromir. "You know how important the Ring is, yet you just allowed your brother to leave with it. I'm just curious as to why you should want to do something like that."
"What are you accusing me of?" asked Legolas frostily.
"No, you misunderstand me. I am accusing you of nothing. I just find it somewhat strange that you so easily let the Ring go," said Boromir truthfully. "We did not leave Rivendell so that the weapon of the Enemy can be passed onto Elves. We were entrusted to protect and eventually destroy it, not move it further away from us. But now your brother has it, and he..."
Aragorn's head snapped up as Boromir's words became slower and more hushed, and he broke off with a sharp intake of breath. Realising what the Gondorian thought, Aragorn whirled around and fixed him with an intense stare, willing him not to say anything foolish. Legolas also knew what was going through Boromir's mind, for his next words were sharp, and filled with anger.
"I have already realised the stupidity of my actions, and I do not need any of you to be laying false claims on what I have done," said the Elf, making to rise to his feet. Aragorn was on the ground in a flash though, his hand on Legolas' shoulder.
"Stay. Mellon nin, no-one is laying false claims on your actions," said the Ranger comfortingly. "Boromir was merely...well...Boromir? Would you mind explaining yourself?"
"Since you were stopped from going after Calaen, I have been running things over in my mind. I shall tell you my thoughts, and then you can see for yourself my ways of reckoning," said Boromir, purposefully avoiding Legolas' eyes. The truth was, he liked the Elf, and was secretly praying that his own ideas turned out to be wrong.
"Enlighten us," growled Legolas.
Taking a deep breath, Boromir began speaking. "Every one of us knew how dangerous this Quest was going to be, from the moment the Council began. Yet we all volunteered willingly. Of us all, you are the only one who had no real reason to do so. Gandalf and the three Hobbits volunteered because they will not be parted from Frodo's side, Aragorn because it was his duty, and I, both for my father and the honour of Gondor."
"You forgot Gimli," said Legolas through gritted teeth.
The Dwarf looked up, and slowly shook his head. "Kindly take no offence at this, Master Elf, but it is not my brother who holds us captive. It is not I who has to defend myself."
Legolas made a derisive noise. "Defend myself? I will defend myself against nothing, *Master* Dwarf, for there is nothing to defend myself against. However, I will listen to your accusations, though I see no real point. You-
"Calm yourself, Legolas," said Aragorn quietly, but firmly. "Boromir, continue."
"Thank you. Forgive me for saying so, but you have been reluctant to speak of your reasons for joining the Fellowship," said Boromir, now addressing Legolas. "If possible, you were even more loath to reveal anything about your family. You told us that you were an only child, yet on the very first night of rest, we are taken captive by none other than your brother's soldiers. Might I add that it was you who was watching that night? I did not think that Elves were unable to detect the presence of others."
"We are, but my mind was on other things," said Legolas. "I know it is indeed my fault that we are in this predicament, but I swear that my lapse of attention was by no means purposeful. Like I said, my mind was on other things."
"So much so that you missed the footsteps of the Elves?" asked Boromir.
"They were light, and-
"So much so that you could not see through the trees?"
"It was dark, and my mind was-
"On other things, yes, we know that," said Boromir. "Were you so wrapped up in your own thoughts that you could not detect their scent in the air? Could you not even hear the rustle of leaves, the snap of a twig or the drawing of a bowstring? Come, Legolas. I find it hard to believe that you were entirely oblivious to all of that."
"But I was, up until a few seconds before they ambushed us," protested Legolas, unconsciously jumping to his own defence, as he had sworn he would not.
Boromir shook his head, a grim smile playing on his lips. "It is too coincidental for my liking, that you, an Elf, were keeping watch when it happened. I just ran over this in my head a minute back, and things are making more and more sense as each second passes."
"Why did you offer to keep watch throughout the whole night?" asked Aragorn quietly.
Legolas snapped his head painfully up, great emotional hurt flashing through his eyes. "Not you too, Estel."
"I am not saying that I agree with Boromir, I just want to know," replied Aragorn. He spoke the truth, but also already knew the answers to most questions that Boromir would ask of Legolas. However, the Ranger was sadly aware of the fact that if he spoke for his friend, then Boromir would claim that Legolas could think of no honest answer.
"I...I...if any of you were to stay awake, you would be weary the next day," said Legolas, fighting hard not to stumble over his words. Why did he feel like such a traitorous criminal?
"That is fair enough," said Aragorn, staring pointedly at Boromir.
The Gondorian merely raised a cynical eyebrow. "If you say so. Now, I believe what you say about Calaen doing...well, the way he treated you when you were a child. But why the sudden change? Why did he order Aragorn to help you, and send Gandalf with a message to Thranduil? Why has he been treating you with care?"
"Calaen ordered the men to be locked away," replied Legolas slowly. "Then he said that he would not hurt me, and carried me here. He tried to be as gentle as possible, and when I asked why, he only said that the mind is a funny thing."
"That it is, Legolas. That it is," murmured Boromir.
"What other evidence do you have?" asked the Elf, ending the sentence in a dejected sigh.
Aragorn unconsciously reached down and touched a hand to his friend's shoulder. "Legolas, you speak as though you are being accused of some crime. There is no need to feel that way at all."
"It is hard not to when having to listen to all of this," retorted Legolas. Exhaling deeply, he flicked his eyes across to Boromir. "Go on."
"This...this mark that you have," said the Gondorian, his voice becoming uncertain now. "Can you possibly explain that to us? You see, because we have heard nothing of it before, and because it is such an evil word, I have been led to – maybe falsely – believe that you have killed before."
Legolas' breath suddenly caught in his chest, and immense emotional pain flitted across his bruised face. He bowed his head down, and closed his eyes as the Hobbits made noised of surprise mingled with fear, not noticing as an arm – clearly Aragorn's – was wrapped around his shoulders.
"I have been friends with Legolas for years," said the Ranger sharply, almost furiously. "Do you really think that I would not immediately sever those ties if he was indeed a murderer? That was not the first time that such an accusation has been thrown at Legolas, for Calaen wrongly said the same thing when they were younger. He said that their mother had been killed by Legolas, and he believed his own lies."
"But I do not see what that has to do with the word. Why should...?" Boromir trailed off as realisation dawned, and he made a face which did not completely show how he felt. "Forgive me, Legolas. I was not aware that any being could be so...so cruel to one of his own."
The Elf looked up slowly, just about to reply, when the door swung open. Aragorn jumped up, expecting the newcomer to be Calaen. He was taken by surprise though, as just over twenty five Elven soldiers ran into the already small cell.
"You know what the orders are!" shouted Tolvanir. "Ten of you to the Ranger, and five of you to each of the Halflings. I care not which ones you choose, but bring two of them. The rest of you will bring Prince Calaen's brother."
Everything happened so quickly, that Aragorn did not even have time to defend himself or the others. Soldiers leapt forwards and grabbed him roughly, holding him still whilst silky but tough Elven rope was tied around his wrists. His eyes widened in rage as he saw the same treatment being administered to Merry and Pippin, the former clearly still sore from the beating he had received a couple of days back.
"Do what you wish to me, just leave the little ones," snarled Aragorn, leaning forwards and viciously head butting an Elven soldier.
"Hold him still," commanded Tolvanir. "I don't care how you do it; just make sure he is unable to harm any of us."
"Cowards!" hissed Aragorn, as a sharp blade was suddenly sliced across his shoulder. "If you think a small cut like that will stop me, you are mistaken. I will not-
"Maybe a cut will not stop you, but what about this?" demanded Tolvanir, stepping behind Legolas. The Prince had been pulled to his feet, his injuries seeming to go un-noticed by the guards.
Aragorn drew in a sharp breath, though he ceased struggling as Tolvanir grabbed Legolas' hair, forcing his head up. A glinting knife was placed against the younger Elf's exposed throat, and nothing but fear for his friends flashed through his eyes.
"Good, I see we have found someone who is able to control your actions," smirked Tolvanir. "If any of you should play up or cause trouble for me and my men, then your friend will pay the price. Take heed of my words, for I do not make idle threats."
Aragorn watched in despair as Merry and Pippin were dragged from the cell, and tears fell from Sam's eyes. He listened helplessly to the noises of anger being made from Boromir and Gimli, and from the corner of his eye, he saw a few drops of blood trickling down Legolas' throat, from where Tolvanir still had the knife pressed. But the Ranger was damned if he was going to let his friends suffer any more.
Making a noise of fury, Aragorn pushed himself to his feet, fighting hard against the strong rope tied around his wrists. It would not move, but that did not stop him from using his head, shoulders and feet to get the soldiers away. Many of them were knocked down, some jumped back of their own free will, but Aragorn was forced to stop when Legolas was thrown to the ground.
"Clearly the Ranger does not care *that* much about you," laughed Tolvanir, throwing his knife into the air and catching it, before kneeling next to Legolas, and plunging the blade deep into his arm.
"Ai Elbereth!" gasped Legolas, slamming his head back onto the floor as Tolvanir wrenched the knife free. He had thought, when being clubbed by Farath and his men, that to feel even more pain would be impossible. But this made the Prince wish he were dead, and that was something he had not wished in a long time.
As Aragorn was dragged away, he locked eyes with his friend for a brief moment. Legolas' orbs were shining with physical pain, but there was a great turmoil within them. It was in that moment, that Aragorn realised with a jolt of horror, that Legolas believed Tolvanir's words.
............................................................................................................
Irish QT: Sure you can hurt them! Be sure to leave some for me though!
Inwe Elendil: Heck, you're right: it wasn't a cliffhanger! This one is though! Hee hee!
Cloud 123: Yeah, my and my brother are exactly the same. I love him lots though. (Hope he doesn't read this!)
coffee-beans: Thanks for the compliment, it was really nice, and made me happy!
Halimanya: Yeah, he is twisted like that. And sadly, it is rape. But there's not gonna be anything, like, huge mentioned about it. I'm not gonna go into any details, and I doubt that it will happen to any of the Fellowship members, so don't worry!
inu lover: Ah, that's alright! Hope there's lots more chapters soon as well!
Sorry I didn't update last night, but this chapter took quite a while to type up. Not too sure if there'll be a new chapter tomorrow, but you can always check. See you all soon! Luv Misto x-x
"With the medicine you have provided me?" asked Aragorn scornfully. "The future does not look bright for your brother."
"Do you mean Legolas is going to die?" whispered Pippin fearfully, whilst Sam's eyes widened in shock.
Aragorn sighed, and began work on undoing the silver clasps on Legolas' shirt. "Do not worry, he will live. But already I can tell that he will need more than just my healing abilities. Legolas is very strong, but it does not mean that he won't be in immense pain when he awakens."
"Why was he so reluctant for you to remove his tunic earlier?" asked Frodo quietly.
"Unfortunately, you'll find out soon enough," replied Aragorn, shooting Calaen a dirty glance.
The Elf rolled his eyes, and shook his head in annoyance. "Looking at me like that will not change anything for Legolas. Besides, there would be no point in using the Dolruín on him all those years back, if I did not intend for anyone to see it."
"Legolas has worked all his life to prevent it from being revealed," spat Aragorn, jumping to his feet and standing furiously in front of Calaen. "Do you not know how this will affect him, when he finds out that his...his scar has been seen? Can we at least go to another room?"
"No," said Calaen shortly. "You are not helping him at the moment, so I suggest you lay your anger aside for a while, and get back down on the ground."
Aragorn made a noise of disgust, but realised that Calaen spoke truthfully. He would rather slit his own throat than betray Legolas' trust, but he knew that nothing could be done now. He only hoped that Legolas would be able to forgive him.
The Ranger closed his eyes for a second, before pulling open the last four clasps of Legolas' tunic. He heard the hisses of surprise and cries of shock from the Fellowship, but he forced himself to ignore them, and ran his fingers expertly over Legolas' chest.
"What happened to him?" whispered Pippin.
Merry slowly shook his head, unable to tear his gaze away from the fiery word, so maliciously engraved into Legolas' abdomen. It had not faded, despite all the many years it had tormented the Elf. Gimli shook his head and rested against the wall, whilst Boromir curled his lip as bile rose in his throat. So shocked was Sam, that he did not even notice when Frodo turned his head to the side and was sick in the corner.
"He has three broken ribs," muttered Aragorn, sitting back on his heels and running his eyes sadly over Legolas' body. "I can already see that his wrist is broken; clearly he tried to protect his face and head. You see the bruising all over his torso? That will go down with time, but the pain will be excruciating."
"I did not know that anything was happening to him," said Calaen softly.
"No, but why should you care? After all you have ever done to him, this should not faze you," said Aragorn bitterly. "And why exactly are you letting me help him? Why have you provided me with bandages and medicine?"
Calaen shook his head, and gestured impatiently to Legolas' body. "Stop talking, and help him!"
"You see, that is what I cannot understand," said Aragorn, taking a thick bandage and slowly unrolling it. "Why are you so desperate to have me help Legolas when all you ever did was hurt him? It just doesn't make sense, none of it does."
"What exactly are you having trouble comprehending?" asked Calaen wearily.
"You can always count on an Elf to come out with a question like that," muttered Gimli. "Honestly, you hold us captive for no legitimate reason, you beat two of the Hobbits, you club Legolas nearly to death, and then have the nerve to ask something like that."
"Firstly, it was not I who had Legolas clubbed," said Calaen. "Let us get that straight, alright? Secondly, there *is* a legitimate reason as to why you are here, and it is not my fault that you do not know of it. There is one, however, who does know."
Calaen's eyes slowly travelled down to Legolas, and he smiled vaguely as Aragorn caught the glance. The Ranger shook his head, but it was noticed by all that he had slowed considerably in the process of wrapping the bandage around Legolas' stomach.
"What is wrong?" asked Calaen innocently.
"If Legolas knew anything, he would not hesitate to tell me," said Aragorn. "Do you really think that he wishes to be locked up here for longer than is necessary? Besides, if there was any way to save myself and the others, I know he would do it."
"Obviously you do not know Legolas as well as you think," remarked Calaen. "You see, my brother knows exactly why you are here, exactly what I want, and the exact way in which he can free you all. He has even agreed to help me."
Aragorn looked across at the remaining members of the Fellowship, and shook his head. "Pay no heed to what he says, for it is folly. Deceitful lies are the only things he knows, and they are dangerous to those who listen to them."
"But sometimes dangerous to those who don't," said Calaen calmly. "I can honestly assure you that I speak the truth. But if you choose not to listen, then so be it. Legolas knows though, and has been keeping it from you."
"It's the Ring, isn't it?" asked Frodo quietly, from the corner of the cell. "You know about the Ring, and want to take it for yourself."
Calaen was about to deny this, but quickly thought of something else. "Long have I desired to look upon the Ring of Power, that is true. And now I have it within my reach. Think of the things I could do with it."
"You speak of taking it for yourself, but if you should do so, then all the world will fall into darkness," said Frodo in a low voice. "The Ring will not help you. If anything, it will claim your life. But this is why you hold us here, isn't it?"
"Well, I will not deny that is one of the reasons," said Calaen, moving slowly towards Frodo. "But there are other things. I will not speak of them now though, for I'm sure Legolas would rather tell you himself."
Aragorn drew in a sharp breath as Calaen suddenly darted forward and pulled the chain from around Frodo's neck. The Ranger made to stop him, but it just so happened that Legolas' eyes snapped open at that moment, and he cried out as waves of excruciating pain washed over him.
"Estel," breathed the Prince, reaching out with his uninjured arm and grabbing the front of Aragorn's shirt. Even that small movement caused him immense pain, and although he kept quiet, his eyes were screaming.
"Yes, Legolas, I am here," reassured Aragorn. "Keep still, alright? I don't want you to move at all. It is vital that you listen to my words and pay attention to them. You have broken three ribs, and although I have bandaged them tightly, any swift movement could cause them to puncture your lungs. Do you understand me, Legolas?"
The Elf made a soft noise of confirmation, and rested into his friend's embrace. Aragorn merely shot Calaen a venomous look, carefully laid Legolas down on the ground, then jumped to his feet as soon as he was sure his movement would not harm Legolas.
"You hold the Ring of Power," said the Ranger quietly, taking a dangerous step towards Calaen. "It is not something to be played with, as well you know. Give me the Ring."
Calaen grinned, and carelessly tossed the afore-mentioned Ring into the air. "I think not. But if you really want it, I suggest you come and fight."
"Then fight I will," declared Aragorn.
"Estel, no!" cried Legolas suddenly. He held a hand against his burning ribs, and pushed himself with much effort, off the ground. No sooner had he reached a standing position though, his legs buckled beneath him, and he collapsed. He would've hit the hard cell floor, had Aragorn not jumped back and caught him.
"I'll be back," said Calaen, pocketing the Ring, and smiling wickedly at the Fellowship. He left the room then, the door slamming shut behind him.
Aragorn leapt across to pull open the door, but the rough scraping of a key being turned, made him curse and slam a fist against the wall. Passing a hand over his eyes, he turned back to Legolas, not knowing whether to be angry and irritated that he had moved, or relieved that he was still alive. Sighing, the Ranger decided to be all three.
"I understand that you wanted to protect me, Legolas. But I told you not to move, and I also told you why it is better to keep still," said Aragorn almost sternly. "What you did just then was foolish, for yourself and the rest of us."
Legolas sighed, and pushed himself into a sitting position, ignoring the screams of protest from his injured body, and the hiss of frustration from Aragorn. "I know, and I am sorry. Forgive me, Estel. I was not thinking."
"Clearly," muttered Aragorn, though he smiled to take the sharp tone from his words. "Well, he's got the Ring now, and although I cannot get out of this cell, I am at least free."
The Fellowship watched as Aragorn stepped across to the opposite wall where Legolas rested, and began fiddling with the chains that had held Gandalf not that long ago. He pulled them occasionally, and sometimes banged them back against the wall, clearly trying to see how strong they were.
"Can I ask you a question, Legolas?" said Boromir coolly.
The Elf opened his eyes and nodded slowly. "Of course you can."
"Why did you stop Aragorn from going after Calaen?" asked Boromir. "You know how important the Ring is, yet you just allowed your brother to leave with it. I'm just curious as to why you should want to do something like that."
"What are you accusing me of?" asked Legolas frostily.
"No, you misunderstand me. I am accusing you of nothing. I just find it somewhat strange that you so easily let the Ring go," said Boromir truthfully. "We did not leave Rivendell so that the weapon of the Enemy can be passed onto Elves. We were entrusted to protect and eventually destroy it, not move it further away from us. But now your brother has it, and he..."
Aragorn's head snapped up as Boromir's words became slower and more hushed, and he broke off with a sharp intake of breath. Realising what the Gondorian thought, Aragorn whirled around and fixed him with an intense stare, willing him not to say anything foolish. Legolas also knew what was going through Boromir's mind, for his next words were sharp, and filled with anger.
"I have already realised the stupidity of my actions, and I do not need any of you to be laying false claims on what I have done," said the Elf, making to rise to his feet. Aragorn was on the ground in a flash though, his hand on Legolas' shoulder.
"Stay. Mellon nin, no-one is laying false claims on your actions," said the Ranger comfortingly. "Boromir was merely...well...Boromir? Would you mind explaining yourself?"
"Since you were stopped from going after Calaen, I have been running things over in my mind. I shall tell you my thoughts, and then you can see for yourself my ways of reckoning," said Boromir, purposefully avoiding Legolas' eyes. The truth was, he liked the Elf, and was secretly praying that his own ideas turned out to be wrong.
"Enlighten us," growled Legolas.
Taking a deep breath, Boromir began speaking. "Every one of us knew how dangerous this Quest was going to be, from the moment the Council began. Yet we all volunteered willingly. Of us all, you are the only one who had no real reason to do so. Gandalf and the three Hobbits volunteered because they will not be parted from Frodo's side, Aragorn because it was his duty, and I, both for my father and the honour of Gondor."
"You forgot Gimli," said Legolas through gritted teeth.
The Dwarf looked up, and slowly shook his head. "Kindly take no offence at this, Master Elf, but it is not my brother who holds us captive. It is not I who has to defend myself."
Legolas made a derisive noise. "Defend myself? I will defend myself against nothing, *Master* Dwarf, for there is nothing to defend myself against. However, I will listen to your accusations, though I see no real point. You-
"Calm yourself, Legolas," said Aragorn quietly, but firmly. "Boromir, continue."
"Thank you. Forgive me for saying so, but you have been reluctant to speak of your reasons for joining the Fellowship," said Boromir, now addressing Legolas. "If possible, you were even more loath to reveal anything about your family. You told us that you were an only child, yet on the very first night of rest, we are taken captive by none other than your brother's soldiers. Might I add that it was you who was watching that night? I did not think that Elves were unable to detect the presence of others."
"We are, but my mind was on other things," said Legolas. "I know it is indeed my fault that we are in this predicament, but I swear that my lapse of attention was by no means purposeful. Like I said, my mind was on other things."
"So much so that you missed the footsteps of the Elves?" asked Boromir.
"They were light, and-
"So much so that you could not see through the trees?"
"It was dark, and my mind was-
"On other things, yes, we know that," said Boromir. "Were you so wrapped up in your own thoughts that you could not detect their scent in the air? Could you not even hear the rustle of leaves, the snap of a twig or the drawing of a bowstring? Come, Legolas. I find it hard to believe that you were entirely oblivious to all of that."
"But I was, up until a few seconds before they ambushed us," protested Legolas, unconsciously jumping to his own defence, as he had sworn he would not.
Boromir shook his head, a grim smile playing on his lips. "It is too coincidental for my liking, that you, an Elf, were keeping watch when it happened. I just ran over this in my head a minute back, and things are making more and more sense as each second passes."
"Why did you offer to keep watch throughout the whole night?" asked Aragorn quietly.
Legolas snapped his head painfully up, great emotional hurt flashing through his eyes. "Not you too, Estel."
"I am not saying that I agree with Boromir, I just want to know," replied Aragorn. He spoke the truth, but also already knew the answers to most questions that Boromir would ask of Legolas. However, the Ranger was sadly aware of the fact that if he spoke for his friend, then Boromir would claim that Legolas could think of no honest answer.
"I...I...if any of you were to stay awake, you would be weary the next day," said Legolas, fighting hard not to stumble over his words. Why did he feel like such a traitorous criminal?
"That is fair enough," said Aragorn, staring pointedly at Boromir.
The Gondorian merely raised a cynical eyebrow. "If you say so. Now, I believe what you say about Calaen doing...well, the way he treated you when you were a child. But why the sudden change? Why did he order Aragorn to help you, and send Gandalf with a message to Thranduil? Why has he been treating you with care?"
"Calaen ordered the men to be locked away," replied Legolas slowly. "Then he said that he would not hurt me, and carried me here. He tried to be as gentle as possible, and when I asked why, he only said that the mind is a funny thing."
"That it is, Legolas. That it is," murmured Boromir.
"What other evidence do you have?" asked the Elf, ending the sentence in a dejected sigh.
Aragorn unconsciously reached down and touched a hand to his friend's shoulder. "Legolas, you speak as though you are being accused of some crime. There is no need to feel that way at all."
"It is hard not to when having to listen to all of this," retorted Legolas. Exhaling deeply, he flicked his eyes across to Boromir. "Go on."
"This...this mark that you have," said the Gondorian, his voice becoming uncertain now. "Can you possibly explain that to us? You see, because we have heard nothing of it before, and because it is such an evil word, I have been led to – maybe falsely – believe that you have killed before."
Legolas' breath suddenly caught in his chest, and immense emotional pain flitted across his bruised face. He bowed his head down, and closed his eyes as the Hobbits made noised of surprise mingled with fear, not noticing as an arm – clearly Aragorn's – was wrapped around his shoulders.
"I have been friends with Legolas for years," said the Ranger sharply, almost furiously. "Do you really think that I would not immediately sever those ties if he was indeed a murderer? That was not the first time that such an accusation has been thrown at Legolas, for Calaen wrongly said the same thing when they were younger. He said that their mother had been killed by Legolas, and he believed his own lies."
"But I do not see what that has to do with the word. Why should...?" Boromir trailed off as realisation dawned, and he made a face which did not completely show how he felt. "Forgive me, Legolas. I was not aware that any being could be so...so cruel to one of his own."
The Elf looked up slowly, just about to reply, when the door swung open. Aragorn jumped up, expecting the newcomer to be Calaen. He was taken by surprise though, as just over twenty five Elven soldiers ran into the already small cell.
"You know what the orders are!" shouted Tolvanir. "Ten of you to the Ranger, and five of you to each of the Halflings. I care not which ones you choose, but bring two of them. The rest of you will bring Prince Calaen's brother."
Everything happened so quickly, that Aragorn did not even have time to defend himself or the others. Soldiers leapt forwards and grabbed him roughly, holding him still whilst silky but tough Elven rope was tied around his wrists. His eyes widened in rage as he saw the same treatment being administered to Merry and Pippin, the former clearly still sore from the beating he had received a couple of days back.
"Do what you wish to me, just leave the little ones," snarled Aragorn, leaning forwards and viciously head butting an Elven soldier.
"Hold him still," commanded Tolvanir. "I don't care how you do it; just make sure he is unable to harm any of us."
"Cowards!" hissed Aragorn, as a sharp blade was suddenly sliced across his shoulder. "If you think a small cut like that will stop me, you are mistaken. I will not-
"Maybe a cut will not stop you, but what about this?" demanded Tolvanir, stepping behind Legolas. The Prince had been pulled to his feet, his injuries seeming to go un-noticed by the guards.
Aragorn drew in a sharp breath, though he ceased struggling as Tolvanir grabbed Legolas' hair, forcing his head up. A glinting knife was placed against the younger Elf's exposed throat, and nothing but fear for his friends flashed through his eyes.
"Good, I see we have found someone who is able to control your actions," smirked Tolvanir. "If any of you should play up or cause trouble for me and my men, then your friend will pay the price. Take heed of my words, for I do not make idle threats."
Aragorn watched in despair as Merry and Pippin were dragged from the cell, and tears fell from Sam's eyes. He listened helplessly to the noises of anger being made from Boromir and Gimli, and from the corner of his eye, he saw a few drops of blood trickling down Legolas' throat, from where Tolvanir still had the knife pressed. But the Ranger was damned if he was going to let his friends suffer any more.
Making a noise of fury, Aragorn pushed himself to his feet, fighting hard against the strong rope tied around his wrists. It would not move, but that did not stop him from using his head, shoulders and feet to get the soldiers away. Many of them were knocked down, some jumped back of their own free will, but Aragorn was forced to stop when Legolas was thrown to the ground.
"Clearly the Ranger does not care *that* much about you," laughed Tolvanir, throwing his knife into the air and catching it, before kneeling next to Legolas, and plunging the blade deep into his arm.
"Ai Elbereth!" gasped Legolas, slamming his head back onto the floor as Tolvanir wrenched the knife free. He had thought, when being clubbed by Farath and his men, that to feel even more pain would be impossible. But this made the Prince wish he were dead, and that was something he had not wished in a long time.
As Aragorn was dragged away, he locked eyes with his friend for a brief moment. Legolas' orbs were shining with physical pain, but there was a great turmoil within them. It was in that moment, that Aragorn realised with a jolt of horror, that Legolas believed Tolvanir's words.
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Irish QT: Sure you can hurt them! Be sure to leave some for me though!
Inwe Elendil: Heck, you're right: it wasn't a cliffhanger! This one is though! Hee hee!
Cloud 123: Yeah, my and my brother are exactly the same. I love him lots though. (Hope he doesn't read this!)
coffee-beans: Thanks for the compliment, it was really nice, and made me happy!
Halimanya: Yeah, he is twisted like that. And sadly, it is rape. But there's not gonna be anything, like, huge mentioned about it. I'm not gonna go into any details, and I doubt that it will happen to any of the Fellowship members, so don't worry!
inu lover: Ah, that's alright! Hope there's lots more chapters soon as well!
Sorry I didn't update last night, but this chapter took quite a while to type up. Not too sure if there'll be a new chapter tomorrow, but you can always check. See you all soon! Luv Misto x-x