Lord Elrond sat quietly in the room that Legolas was in, and absent-
mindedly drummed his fingers on the arm of the chair. Two days had passed
since the Prince had been brought to Rivendell, and his father was expected
at any time soon.
"It was close for a while," murmured Elrond. "I was not sure he would make it."
The Elf who had ridden with Legolas, nodded from his side at the edge of the bed. "Well, if we had not arrived here, then he would probably not be with us now. My powers are great, but too much use of them is wearying."
"Yes, I should imagine so. How many times did you need to pour some of your strength into him?" asked Elrond.
"Too many times to count," replied the fair haired Elf. "He did not once wake from darkness. But then, it is to be expected. There are not many who are able to survive with a punctured lung for more than a few minutes."
Elrond nodded slowly, and in his eyes was great sadness. "Yes, and there are not many who have had to endure what he has. This should never be allowed to happen to anyone, but it is even worse for Legolas, considering what he went through before."
"But that was a long time back," said the fair haired Elf quietly. "I know that he was put through a lot, but many years have passed since then."
"And the wounds never healed," replied Elrond. He sighed, and passed a hand over his eyes. "Legolas was but a child, yet he had to cope with losing his brothers, both of whom he loved very much. Yes, he loved Calaen. It sounds strange, but he did."
"They were always close as children," said the healer, "so I can understand why his feelings towards Calaen did not change. He wanted to believe that things could go back to the way they were before."
Elrond nodded once more as he looked down at the still unconscious Prince. "The innocence of youth is a dangerous thing. It gives false hope, false beliefs, and there are many who end up being trapped by what they wish for."
The fair haired Elf made no reply, choosing to just incline his head as a way of acknowledgement. Silence fell then, and it hung between the two, the worry and hope for Legolas' recovery clearly obvious. The trees sang mournful songs outside, and even the birds had fallen quiet, just so that they could listen. Suddenly, the healer snapped his eyes up, and smiled knowingly.
"The King has returned."
Elrond glanced out of the window, and sure enough, there was Thranduil riding into the courtyard with eleven others just behind. He jumped off his horse, and without saying a word, ran up the steps and into the house. His companions, though all were eager to see Legolas, dismounted calmly, feeling it best to give father and son some time alone.
The healer was just about to say something to Elrond, when the door burst open. Thranduil ran in, and both other Elves smiled vaguely as they realized just how much the King cared for his son.
"How is he?" asked Thranduil anxiously, dropping to the ground next to the bed and putting a hand on Legolas' pale cheek.
"Your son is a fighter, mellon nin, but you knew that already," replied Elrond. "He lives, and it should not be long before he awakens to us. Small amounts of blood have been coughed up at times, but it is nothing fatal. All the same, we must still keep a close watch on him."
Thranduil let out a deep breath of relief, and glanced up at the fair haired healer. "You saved him. It is because of your powers that Legolas still lives. You and they are a blessing, and I thank the Valar for you."
The healer stepped forwards and placed a hand on Thranduil's shoulder. "I am not sure that I am a blessing, but I have to agree with you about my powers. They have saved one life already, and many more in the future, I hope."
"You are not going back to the battlefield?" asked Thranduil in surprise, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. "The bow and arrow always interested you more than anything else."
"Things have changed," said the healer distantly.
Thranduil smiled vaguely, and looked down at Legolas. Anger rose in his heart as he took in the paler than usual complexion of his son, and the too thin frame of his body. Calaen would pay for all of this, and that was an oath made then and there.
"Tell me, is Estel alright?" asked Elrond quietly.
"Yes, he is thin and weary, but fine apart from that," replied Thranduil.
The Elven-lord smiled, and got to his feet. "If you will excuse me, I am going to go and see Estel a moment, and I'm sure that the twins will be eager to report how they got themselves nearly killed, and..." Elrond sighed as he caught the amusement flickering in the healer's eyes. "They nearly got themselves killed, didn't they?"
"I think it best if you talk to your sons," said the healer.
"Ai Elbereth, when will it end?" muttered Elrond, crossing the room.
Thranduil laughed quietly as his friend went out and shut the door. "He has just said exactly what I have been thinking. When will it end? Calaen broke the strong bond I had with Legolas a long time ago. My youngest son turned away, and he became a different person. We were together, but both so alone."
"I can only imagine how it must have been, but neither of you will be alone for any longer," said the fair haired Elf.
"I know, and that is part of the reason why you are a blessing," replied Thranduil. He smiled vaguely, and glanced down at his son. "Has he not awoken once? Has he made no sign of movement?"
"No, none at all," replied the healer. "But there is no need to worry, for although he will be in both physical and emotional pain when he finally opens his eyes to us, he is not in danger."
Thranduil inclined his head, and sighed deeply. "I do not wish to leave so soon, but I must take counsel with Elrond and Mithrandir. Calaen will be here either tomorrow or the day after, along with all of his followers."
"You did not kill him?" asked the healer in surprise.
"I wanted to, but a very wise old wizard told me to discuss matters before taking action," replied Thranduil. "I suppose he was right. He always is."
"Yes. Look, I know that you do not wish to leave Legolas, but I will stay here with him," said the fair haired Elf reassuringly. "He will not be left alone at all, I promise you that. You can trust me to look after him."
"I know," said Thranduil gently. He let his hand linger on Legolas' cheek for a moment, before turning and going across to the door. He paused when he got there though, and glanced back at the other Elf. "I could always trust you, and nothing has changed."
The healer smiled, and sat down in a chair next to the bed. He absent- mindedly reached out and took Legolas' hand in his own, pouring some of his strength into the Prince. A smile graced his fair features, as he realised that he would willingly give his life for the one lying unconscious in front of him.
............................................................................................................
"I don't believe it," said Elrond in wonder, holding up a small crystal phial and staring at the contents inside it. "So many years of trying to find an antidote, yet all we had to do was go to Síriel's caves, and we would've found it. Of course, it would help if we had actually known that there were caves underneath the town."
"All the same, I do not think that Calaen would've handed it over," replied Gandalf. "We are lucky to have found it. If I had not set soldiers to search through every single room in that place, then this would never have been found. Nor would this."
Elrond's eyebrows shot up as the old Wizard pulled out a golden ring on a chain. "Valar, what was he doing with that? Did you find anything else in your search?"
"Nothing of great value to us, but when I left the town, Elves were just about to resume looking, just in case," replied Gandalf. "It is a very big place."
"Can you imagine what would happen if this had not been found? It was chance that drove your hand towards it," said Elrond.
"Towards what?" asked Thranduil, coming into the room and shutting the door.
"Ah, we did not expect you so soon," said Elrond. "I take it Legolas is faring well? He is still being watched over though?"
Thranduil nodded as he sat down beside Gandalf. "Of course. So, what were you speaking about before I arrived?"
"Well, when I went back down to have a scout around the caves, I found a room which was bigger, more elegant, and a lot more habitable than any other," replied Gandalf. "It was Calaen's own chamber, and he-
"Typical," laughed Thranduil. "Of course he would give himself only the best."
"When children are growing up, they are taught never to interrupt their elders," said Gandalf pointedly. "I trust that you yourself learnt that?"
Thranduil inclined his head, a smile playing on his lips. "Forgive me. Please, carry on."
"Yes, as I was saying," continued Gandalf, somewhat irritably. "I was in Calaen's chamber, and there was a desk in the corner. On it were many phials, filled with different substances. Most of them I recognized as old torture methods. There was one however, which was unknown to me. Naturally, I put it in my pocket."
"Yes, I heard you say something about it on the way here," said Thranduil. "My mind was on other things, so I did not pay much attention."
"Of course," said Gandalf. "Anyway, this was also on the desk, tossed rather carelessly. Whether Calaen knows of its importance, I am not sure."
Thranduil arched an eyebrow as Gandalf held out the Ring, though his interest clearly lay elsewhere. "How...destructive that could have proven. But what about this phial? You started speaking about it, but then went onto something different."
"As you are aware, myself and Lord Elrond have spent a lot of time searching in the woods; concocting odd potions in dark rooms; and losing a lot of sleep over the thing we have been trying to achieve since Legolas was a child," said Gandalf. "Yet Calaen somehow managed to find the correct herbs, and has somehow managed to do what we could not."
"Are you telling me what I think you are?" asked Thranduil quietly.
"Well, I don't know. That all depends on what you think," replied Gandalf, though amusement flickered in his eyes.
"You have an antidote," said Thranduil, a joyful smile dancing on his lips. "You have an antidote for that damned Dolruín, and Legolas can finally be rid of...of the...well, you know."
Elrond nodded gravely. "Yes, we know. All we must do now is wait until Legolas is awake, so that we can administer it. I did a quick examination of it whilst you were up with your son, and I can guarantee it will hurt dreadfully once applied."
"Legolas will not care," said Thranduil.
"Hmm, I should think not," agreed Gandalf. "Now, we cannot delay any longer. The patrols should be here with Calaen and his men in the next few days, so we must decide what our plan of action is to be. Thranduil, I should imagine you want to..."
"I want him dead," said the Elven-king darkly. "I want to see him pay for what he has done."
"Yes, of course we will not let him get away with anything," said Elrond. "But I think you should consider your options before making a choice. And what about Legolas? He will want a say in the matter."
"That is all very well, I will listen to his opinions," replied Thranduil. "But knowing him, he'll come out with something ridiculous, like setting Calaen free so that he can get back to a normal life somewhere."
"You must respect your son's wishes," said Elrond quietly.
Thranduil narrowed his eyes, clearly trying to fight away frustration. "Of course I will respect them, but it does not mean I have to carry them out. At the end of the day, it is up to me to make the final decision."
"Alright, just do not be hasty," said Elrond. "Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that Calaen should not be punished in any way. I just think that we should take things slowly; and it will probably be wise to hold many discussions before action is taken."
"Yes, you are probably right," sighed Thranduil.
The two Elven-lords and Gandalf sat in silence for a while. Not one of them knew which way to really go about dealing with Calaen, and just when the atmosphere was becoming somewhat awkward, the door opened. Elladan and Elrohir flew in, their cheeks flushed and their eyes glinting joyfully.
"Your Highness, we have some news," said Elladan.
Elrohir smiled happily. "We thought you would like to know that Legolas is awake."
............................................................................................................
Inu Lover: My last day of school is Friday, and I'm kinda looking forward to it, but not really. I mean, there's only 300 people in the whole school, and that's ranging from infant through to sixth form, so everyone knows each other, and it's a really great place to be. But at least I won't need to get up really early!
Halimanya: No, Thranduil doesn't know who Aradan is yet, nor does Legolas. Oh yeah, he's unconscious. I forgot about that.
Mellaithwen: Yeah, I miss Airelus as well, and I like Elladan and Elrohir as well. They're the best!
GollumGirl: Yeah, I know I'm being kind. What's wrong with me???
Legolas-gurl888: Yeah, I'll see Troy again in the theatres, cos it's gonna be in there for quite some time. And if I don't have a free place in my schedule to see it, then I'll just make one. That's funny that people know you as 'that girl who's obsessed with Orlando Bloom'!
eleanor rigbey: You are not British? Lucky you! Sorry, Im just not particularly proud to be British. That sounds horrible. I wish I was American, but Scottish would also be cool!
Rachel13: Yeah, I don't like sexist people either. Damn Calaen! He just keeps on getting worse and worse.
CaryElweisHOT: Oh, thanks so much! That was really nice of you to say that, and I'm glad that you like my stories!
Galadriel1010: That's interesting! Sounds very confusing though!
Leeanne: I'm glad you like it!
Haldir's Heart and Soul: Yeah, I totally agree with you!
Lirenel: Yeah, Troy was cool! Are you gonna see it again?
Yeah, that wasn't a cliff-hanger, but I guess that's ok, right? Anyways, I don't have much to say, so I'll speak to you on Tuesday! Yay, ROTK comes out then!!! Luv Misto x-x
"It was close for a while," murmured Elrond. "I was not sure he would make it."
The Elf who had ridden with Legolas, nodded from his side at the edge of the bed. "Well, if we had not arrived here, then he would probably not be with us now. My powers are great, but too much use of them is wearying."
"Yes, I should imagine so. How many times did you need to pour some of your strength into him?" asked Elrond.
"Too many times to count," replied the fair haired Elf. "He did not once wake from darkness. But then, it is to be expected. There are not many who are able to survive with a punctured lung for more than a few minutes."
Elrond nodded slowly, and in his eyes was great sadness. "Yes, and there are not many who have had to endure what he has. This should never be allowed to happen to anyone, but it is even worse for Legolas, considering what he went through before."
"But that was a long time back," said the fair haired Elf quietly. "I know that he was put through a lot, but many years have passed since then."
"And the wounds never healed," replied Elrond. He sighed, and passed a hand over his eyes. "Legolas was but a child, yet he had to cope with losing his brothers, both of whom he loved very much. Yes, he loved Calaen. It sounds strange, but he did."
"They were always close as children," said the healer, "so I can understand why his feelings towards Calaen did not change. He wanted to believe that things could go back to the way they were before."
Elrond nodded once more as he looked down at the still unconscious Prince. "The innocence of youth is a dangerous thing. It gives false hope, false beliefs, and there are many who end up being trapped by what they wish for."
The fair haired Elf made no reply, choosing to just incline his head as a way of acknowledgement. Silence fell then, and it hung between the two, the worry and hope for Legolas' recovery clearly obvious. The trees sang mournful songs outside, and even the birds had fallen quiet, just so that they could listen. Suddenly, the healer snapped his eyes up, and smiled knowingly.
"The King has returned."
Elrond glanced out of the window, and sure enough, there was Thranduil riding into the courtyard with eleven others just behind. He jumped off his horse, and without saying a word, ran up the steps and into the house. His companions, though all were eager to see Legolas, dismounted calmly, feeling it best to give father and son some time alone.
The healer was just about to say something to Elrond, when the door burst open. Thranduil ran in, and both other Elves smiled vaguely as they realized just how much the King cared for his son.
"How is he?" asked Thranduil anxiously, dropping to the ground next to the bed and putting a hand on Legolas' pale cheek.
"Your son is a fighter, mellon nin, but you knew that already," replied Elrond. "He lives, and it should not be long before he awakens to us. Small amounts of blood have been coughed up at times, but it is nothing fatal. All the same, we must still keep a close watch on him."
Thranduil let out a deep breath of relief, and glanced up at the fair haired healer. "You saved him. It is because of your powers that Legolas still lives. You and they are a blessing, and I thank the Valar for you."
The healer stepped forwards and placed a hand on Thranduil's shoulder. "I am not sure that I am a blessing, but I have to agree with you about my powers. They have saved one life already, and many more in the future, I hope."
"You are not going back to the battlefield?" asked Thranduil in surprise, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. "The bow and arrow always interested you more than anything else."
"Things have changed," said the healer distantly.
Thranduil smiled vaguely, and looked down at Legolas. Anger rose in his heart as he took in the paler than usual complexion of his son, and the too thin frame of his body. Calaen would pay for all of this, and that was an oath made then and there.
"Tell me, is Estel alright?" asked Elrond quietly.
"Yes, he is thin and weary, but fine apart from that," replied Thranduil.
The Elven-lord smiled, and got to his feet. "If you will excuse me, I am going to go and see Estel a moment, and I'm sure that the twins will be eager to report how they got themselves nearly killed, and..." Elrond sighed as he caught the amusement flickering in the healer's eyes. "They nearly got themselves killed, didn't they?"
"I think it best if you talk to your sons," said the healer.
"Ai Elbereth, when will it end?" muttered Elrond, crossing the room.
Thranduil laughed quietly as his friend went out and shut the door. "He has just said exactly what I have been thinking. When will it end? Calaen broke the strong bond I had with Legolas a long time ago. My youngest son turned away, and he became a different person. We were together, but both so alone."
"I can only imagine how it must have been, but neither of you will be alone for any longer," said the fair haired Elf.
"I know, and that is part of the reason why you are a blessing," replied Thranduil. He smiled vaguely, and glanced down at his son. "Has he not awoken once? Has he made no sign of movement?"
"No, none at all," replied the healer. "But there is no need to worry, for although he will be in both physical and emotional pain when he finally opens his eyes to us, he is not in danger."
Thranduil inclined his head, and sighed deeply. "I do not wish to leave so soon, but I must take counsel with Elrond and Mithrandir. Calaen will be here either tomorrow or the day after, along with all of his followers."
"You did not kill him?" asked the healer in surprise.
"I wanted to, but a very wise old wizard told me to discuss matters before taking action," replied Thranduil. "I suppose he was right. He always is."
"Yes. Look, I know that you do not wish to leave Legolas, but I will stay here with him," said the fair haired Elf reassuringly. "He will not be left alone at all, I promise you that. You can trust me to look after him."
"I know," said Thranduil gently. He let his hand linger on Legolas' cheek for a moment, before turning and going across to the door. He paused when he got there though, and glanced back at the other Elf. "I could always trust you, and nothing has changed."
The healer smiled, and sat down in a chair next to the bed. He absent- mindedly reached out and took Legolas' hand in his own, pouring some of his strength into the Prince. A smile graced his fair features, as he realised that he would willingly give his life for the one lying unconscious in front of him.
............................................................................................................
"I don't believe it," said Elrond in wonder, holding up a small crystal phial and staring at the contents inside it. "So many years of trying to find an antidote, yet all we had to do was go to Síriel's caves, and we would've found it. Of course, it would help if we had actually known that there were caves underneath the town."
"All the same, I do not think that Calaen would've handed it over," replied Gandalf. "We are lucky to have found it. If I had not set soldiers to search through every single room in that place, then this would never have been found. Nor would this."
Elrond's eyebrows shot up as the old Wizard pulled out a golden ring on a chain. "Valar, what was he doing with that? Did you find anything else in your search?"
"Nothing of great value to us, but when I left the town, Elves were just about to resume looking, just in case," replied Gandalf. "It is a very big place."
"Can you imagine what would happen if this had not been found? It was chance that drove your hand towards it," said Elrond.
"Towards what?" asked Thranduil, coming into the room and shutting the door.
"Ah, we did not expect you so soon," said Elrond. "I take it Legolas is faring well? He is still being watched over though?"
Thranduil nodded as he sat down beside Gandalf. "Of course. So, what were you speaking about before I arrived?"
"Well, when I went back down to have a scout around the caves, I found a room which was bigger, more elegant, and a lot more habitable than any other," replied Gandalf. "It was Calaen's own chamber, and he-
"Typical," laughed Thranduil. "Of course he would give himself only the best."
"When children are growing up, they are taught never to interrupt their elders," said Gandalf pointedly. "I trust that you yourself learnt that?"
Thranduil inclined his head, a smile playing on his lips. "Forgive me. Please, carry on."
"Yes, as I was saying," continued Gandalf, somewhat irritably. "I was in Calaen's chamber, and there was a desk in the corner. On it were many phials, filled with different substances. Most of them I recognized as old torture methods. There was one however, which was unknown to me. Naturally, I put it in my pocket."
"Yes, I heard you say something about it on the way here," said Thranduil. "My mind was on other things, so I did not pay much attention."
"Of course," said Gandalf. "Anyway, this was also on the desk, tossed rather carelessly. Whether Calaen knows of its importance, I am not sure."
Thranduil arched an eyebrow as Gandalf held out the Ring, though his interest clearly lay elsewhere. "How...destructive that could have proven. But what about this phial? You started speaking about it, but then went onto something different."
"As you are aware, myself and Lord Elrond have spent a lot of time searching in the woods; concocting odd potions in dark rooms; and losing a lot of sleep over the thing we have been trying to achieve since Legolas was a child," said Gandalf. "Yet Calaen somehow managed to find the correct herbs, and has somehow managed to do what we could not."
"Are you telling me what I think you are?" asked Thranduil quietly.
"Well, I don't know. That all depends on what you think," replied Gandalf, though amusement flickered in his eyes.
"You have an antidote," said Thranduil, a joyful smile dancing on his lips. "You have an antidote for that damned Dolruín, and Legolas can finally be rid of...of the...well, you know."
Elrond nodded gravely. "Yes, we know. All we must do now is wait until Legolas is awake, so that we can administer it. I did a quick examination of it whilst you were up with your son, and I can guarantee it will hurt dreadfully once applied."
"Legolas will not care," said Thranduil.
"Hmm, I should think not," agreed Gandalf. "Now, we cannot delay any longer. The patrols should be here with Calaen and his men in the next few days, so we must decide what our plan of action is to be. Thranduil, I should imagine you want to..."
"I want him dead," said the Elven-king darkly. "I want to see him pay for what he has done."
"Yes, of course we will not let him get away with anything," said Elrond. "But I think you should consider your options before making a choice. And what about Legolas? He will want a say in the matter."
"That is all very well, I will listen to his opinions," replied Thranduil. "But knowing him, he'll come out with something ridiculous, like setting Calaen free so that he can get back to a normal life somewhere."
"You must respect your son's wishes," said Elrond quietly.
Thranduil narrowed his eyes, clearly trying to fight away frustration. "Of course I will respect them, but it does not mean I have to carry them out. At the end of the day, it is up to me to make the final decision."
"Alright, just do not be hasty," said Elrond. "Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that Calaen should not be punished in any way. I just think that we should take things slowly; and it will probably be wise to hold many discussions before action is taken."
"Yes, you are probably right," sighed Thranduil.
The two Elven-lords and Gandalf sat in silence for a while. Not one of them knew which way to really go about dealing with Calaen, and just when the atmosphere was becoming somewhat awkward, the door opened. Elladan and Elrohir flew in, their cheeks flushed and their eyes glinting joyfully.
"Your Highness, we have some news," said Elladan.
Elrohir smiled happily. "We thought you would like to know that Legolas is awake."
............................................................................................................
Inu Lover: My last day of school is Friday, and I'm kinda looking forward to it, but not really. I mean, there's only 300 people in the whole school, and that's ranging from infant through to sixth form, so everyone knows each other, and it's a really great place to be. But at least I won't need to get up really early!
Halimanya: No, Thranduil doesn't know who Aradan is yet, nor does Legolas. Oh yeah, he's unconscious. I forgot about that.
Mellaithwen: Yeah, I miss Airelus as well, and I like Elladan and Elrohir as well. They're the best!
GollumGirl: Yeah, I know I'm being kind. What's wrong with me???
Legolas-gurl888: Yeah, I'll see Troy again in the theatres, cos it's gonna be in there for quite some time. And if I don't have a free place in my schedule to see it, then I'll just make one. That's funny that people know you as 'that girl who's obsessed with Orlando Bloom'!
eleanor rigbey: You are not British? Lucky you! Sorry, Im just not particularly proud to be British. That sounds horrible. I wish I was American, but Scottish would also be cool!
Rachel13: Yeah, I don't like sexist people either. Damn Calaen! He just keeps on getting worse and worse.
CaryElweisHOT: Oh, thanks so much! That was really nice of you to say that, and I'm glad that you like my stories!
Galadriel1010: That's interesting! Sounds very confusing though!
Leeanne: I'm glad you like it!
Haldir's Heart and Soul: Yeah, I totally agree with you!
Lirenel: Yeah, Troy was cool! Are you gonna see it again?
Yeah, that wasn't a cliff-hanger, but I guess that's ok, right? Anyways, I don't have much to say, so I'll speak to you on Tuesday! Yay, ROTK comes out then!!! Luv Misto x-x