The Span of Solace
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Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction, therefore it never actually happened. Legolas and associated characters were created by JRR Tolkien. James Bond was created by Ian Fleming. Legolas' appearance belongs to Orlando Bloom in a wig.
Author's Notes: Well, I'm back. I had a fabulous time on orchestra. Estonia's a lovely place, go visit it. Not much writing done unfortunately, been a bit busy, but I'm doing my best. One more chapter after this.
Review replies: Idlewild: hmm, yes, creative juices applying to writing daft words for songs and plaiting boys' hair. Not much actual writing. Too much distraction. And for shame; actually wanting poor little Greenleaf to be nearly killed? I can't think why anyone would think like that ... hmm, I wrote this story, didn't I?
Nemo Returning: I suppose, thinking back, I probably should have killed the man off. But I'm too nice! (honest) I was just thinking that leaving a dead body in the woods would be a bit ... odd. Sounds more like a plot for Midsomer Murders, actually. There's always a body in the woods, but I digress. Ah well. That's how it was done.
theinklesspen: what makes you think I would poison the food? (please note the sarcasm there) I promise you: no poisoned food. There are other things to poison...
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Chapter 5. Pawns and Players
Before Greenleaf went up to his room, he decided to go and find Elliane. He wondered what she must be thinking after the attack in the woods and whether she would be blaming him. It wasn't as if it was his fault, after all. It was the fault of whoever was trying to kill him. He hadn't wanted to get her involved; she was just an innocent bystander. Admittedly, he had involved her, asking her about the other guests, but she had been quite happy to be involved. And she was hardly and innocent, he consoled himself.
He found her standing on the white bridge that spanned the waterfall. It was cool on the structure, as breezes were sent flying up by the tumbling waters. A rainbow hovered in the air, caught on the spray beneath their feet. Greenleaf walked along the bridge, feet making hardly any sound. Elliane turned as he approached.
"Legolas!" she exclaimed. "You're safe! Gimli said you would be but I'm so glad to see you."
"I'm glad to see you got back safely," said Greenleaf gallantly.
"Your Dwarf was an excellent escort."
"I'm sure," said Greenleaf wryly, noting the phrase 'your Dwarf'.
"Who was shooting at us?" she asked breathlessly.
Greenleaf had already thought up his story beforehand. "A hunter," he replied (that was the only true part), "out hunting deer. He got rather lost in the woods here, didn't mean to come here at all in fact. We showed him his way out."
"When you ran off clutching those fearsome weapons I was terrified! I was sure there was some murderer out there!"
"Well, we were ready for the worst. Luckily, it didn't happen."
"I'm glad of that!" Elliane smiled. "But, if I may ask, why did Gimli have his axe in the picnic hamper?"
It was Greenleaf's turn to smile. "That's just Gimli's way," he said, leaning on the rail of the bridge. "He can't bear to be parted from it, really he can't."
"I always thought Dwarves were quite odd," said Elliane delicately, "I always thought there was some form of ongoing argument between Elves and Dwarves."
"Oh, there is," replied Greenleaf, "always has been. I've despised them all my life then when I actually meet one of the little bug- blighters we get on quite well."
"Where did you meet him?" she asked.
"Out on my travels," said Greenleaf vaguely.
"Quite the international man of mystery," she commented.
"Elf," he reminded her.
"And is it true what they say about them?"
"About whom?"
She blushed slightly. "Dwarves. About, you know, them."
Greenleaf feigned ignorance. "I don't understand."
"Well, are they, ah, as well-endowed as they're rumoured to be?"
"Oh, I see," said Greenleaf, "I believe so. They tend to collect a lot of gold so they're generally quite well off."
"That's not quite what –oh, never mind." Elliane placed a hand on Greenleaf's shoulder. "It is very beautiful here, isn't it?"
"Indeed," he said, wondering at this sudden change in conversation.
"I suppose it is only fitting," she went on, leaning against him, " a beautiful place for beautiful people."
"I prefer Mirkwood," said Greenleaf, "it's less flashy."
"But just as fair, if you are a representative." She was by now practically draped over him."
"I'm biased," he said, wishing she wasn't quite so close. It was overpowering.
"I've often wondered," she whispered in his ear, "what Elves would be like as lovers."
Greenleaf thought fast. It was one of his talents. "Infrequent," he answered, with absolutely no compunction about slandering his race if it meant getting her off him. "After all, when you live that long why waste the time in bed?"
"How infrequent?" she asked.
"Very," he assured her," and quick."
"Oh," she said, sounding less keen.
"And it's not really my style," he said, trying to put her off further. It seemed to work.
"I did hear the rumours about your Dwarf," she began, moving away from him a little.
"What rumours?" asked Greenleaf innocently.
"Oh, look, there he is now," she said, pointing to the short figure just passing the end of the bridge on his was up to the halls.
"That's good," said Greenleaf, "I need to have a word with him about...something. By your leave, milady." He bowed elegantly and ran off along the bridge. Elliane stared after him then sighed.
"Well, damn," she muttered.
Greenleaf easily caught Gimli up, tapping the Dwarf on the head as he did.
"Are you busy?" he asked.
"Not particularly," replied Gimli. "Why?"
"Do you want to come and compare some handwriting with me?"
"Ah, why not? Can we get some drink in too?"
"I don't see why not."
They walked together up the path. Elliane, standing on the bridge, watched them go and sighed a little. That was it then. The Elf wasn't going to be hers, more was the pity. No use crying over spilt milk though. There were plenty more fish in the seas. Thus, thinking in these clichés, she left the bridge in search of a new man.
Greenleaf explained the situations to Gimli as they went through the corridors. The Dwarf was a little sceptical of the idea, but decided to go along with it. They were just approaching Greenleaf's room when an Elf came the other way, carrying the visitors' book. He handed it to Greenleaf.
"Would you like any refreshments?" he asked.
"Some wine for me," replied Greenleaf, "the usual, thank you."
"I'll have a beer," said Gimli," none of that fancy wine for me."
"I'll bring it directly," said the Elf, and walked off.
"I'll get you to like it someday," said Greenleaf, opening his door, "just you wait."
"When you start drinking beer," promised Gimli, following him in.
"Some hope of that," answered Greenleaf. He pushed the door shut behind them and laid the book on a small table. He dragged a chair over beside it as Gimli did the same. They sat down gladly. Greenleaf pulled the note out of his tunic, smoothed it out a little and passed it over for Gimli to look at. The Dwarf examined the paper, scowling.
"Quite to the point," he commented," nothing said that wasn't needed. No signature though."
"Grant the writer a little more intelligence than that."
"No clues from the wording then," continued Gimli, "but you reckon on finding something in the actual writing?"
"Perhaps," said Greenleaf, "we shall have to see."
He reached over for the visitors' book but paused when there was a knock on the door. He called them to enter. It was the Elf with their drinks. He set the tray on the table beside the book with a smile.
"I'll see that you're not disturbed," he said as he left.
"Thank you," called Greenleaf, just before the door shut. He picked up the book and opened it.
The pages were filled with many different names, dated back over many years. Greenleaf flicked through until he got to the current guests. One or two scrawls caught his eye. He was amused to see "Elliane of Brising" elegantly scribed in large, curling letters. None of the signatures particularly resembled the writing on the note. This could be a long process.
"Let's have a look," said Gimli, leaning over. "Blimey, there's quite a range of people staying here."
"And quite a range of suspects," said Greenleaf. "Staying at the moment we've got Elliane, of course; Lady Compton, who I haven't met face to face; Rose Khelek, don't know much about her; Lord Ernest Bloaf, he's part Easterling; Frank Scarmang, he looked a bit annoyed about losing at poker; not to mention sundry others."
His hand went to pick up his wine glass but changed direction halfway there and lifted the note from the table instead. He fiddled with it between his fingers, scrutinising each detail of the writing in search of some form of clue. It seemed a fairly masculine hand, though that could have been the effect of being all in capital letters. Determination was quite obvious in the strong pen strokes. Greenleaf sniffed it, but all he could smell was the hunter they had taken it off. He glanced again at the book on his lap.
"I think we can discount at least two of the women," he said, "Elliane and Lady Compton. The writing's just too different, look." He held up the book.
Gimli took a long look. "You're right. They couldn't have changed their hand that easily. But as to the rest –I suppose the thing to do is compare the capital letters."
Greenleaf smiled sweetly. "Believe it or not, that idea had occurred to me."
"Just wanted to be certain," replied Gimli, "I wasn't sure if you'd be thinking completely straight."
"I'm fine." Greenleaf balanced the book on his knees and reached over to pick up his glass. He rolled the stem between his fingers reflectively, staring down at the pages. Something caught his eye and he bent his head to examine it. His hair fell forward and he pushed it back irritably. "Now that looks similar," he began. He took a sip of his wine.
"What does?" asked Gimli.
"The 'R' here," said Greenleaf. He paused suddenly. "This wine tastes odd."
"Odd? How is it odd?"
Greenleaf stood, a little unsteadily. The book fell from his lap, crashing to the floor with a thud and a scraping of folding paper. "Odd," he managed to say. Through the fog setting in through his brain he put the glass on the table, his hand shaking as he did.
"Legolas? Are you all right?" asked Gimli. He stood up. "Legolas?"
"Don't think so..."
Greenleaf fell backwards, landing more by luck than judgement back in his chair. His arms fell limply to the sides, dangling over the chair arms. His head slumped onto his chest. Gimli rushed over and grabbed the Elf's shoulders, shaking him.
"Legolas! Wake up! Come on, Elf, answer me!" He took Greenleaf's face between his hands.
There was no response from the Elf. Gimli cursed and ran to the door. He opened it, but there was no one outside. With a quick, worried glance back at the recumbent figure sprawled on the chair, he hurried out of the room. Aragorn's room was just down the corridor and it was there that Gimli headed, running fast. He rapped on the door loudly and stood there, waiting, twitching from foot to foot. He knocked again, but no one was in. Cursing again, Gimli ran on down the corridor, only to then run slap bang into the man.
"Where's the fire?" asked Aragorn, looking surprised.
"Legolas collapsed," Gimli tried to explain, attempting to catch his breath, "he just said –whew- said that his wine tasted odd and then he just collapsed. I couldn't wake him."
Aragorn's expression became serious. "In his room?" Gimli nodded. "Come on then."
They both headed back down the corridor, neither saying a word. Aragorn uttered a short cry on seeing the still body in the chair, but quickly became calm and professional again. He lifted Greenleaf's chin and raised one eyelid to look into his eye. He frowned darkly.
"Go and fetch Lord Elrond," he ordered, turning to Gimli, "he should be in his study."
Gimli left without a word. Aragorn slid one arm under Greenleaf's knees and another behind his back. He lifted him and carried the limp form to the bed. He laid Greenleaf down, arranging the Elf's limbs straight. He touched Greenleaf's forehead; it was hot but not alarmingly so. The Elf's breathing was slow but strong, like his pulse.
The door swung open and Lord Elrond marched in, trailed by Gimli. He went immediately to the bedside.
"How is he?" he asked curtly.
"Not too bad," answered Aragorn, "it doesn't seem to be life-threatening."
"He only had a sip," put in Gimli, "hardly any really. He noticed something wrong straightaway."
"Then let's hope it wasn't enough to kill him," said Elrond. He gave the unconscious Greenleaf a quick examination, loosening the ties at the neck of the Elf's tunic to make sure his breathing was easy. "I want to test the wine," he went on, "but I think he'll be fine. The dose was sufficiently small to not kill him. I will be back shortly."
He swept out of the door, taking the wineglass with him. Aragorn sighed and sat on the bed beside Greenleaf. He glanced down at the Elf, worry in his face.
"That's the second time today," he said quietly, "someone's really got it in for him."
"You know what he'd say to that," said Gimli. "Hazards of the job."
"Yes, but this is a bit personal, isn't it? It's not as if they're just stopping him sticking his nose in somewhere. It's just someone trying to kill him, with no obvious reason."
Gimli didn't say anything. He fidgeted with his beard.
"And he's been lucky so far," Aragorn continued, "in escaping death. I mean, if he'd drunk more of that wine, or not heard that arrow."
"He'd be the first to say it was skill, not luck. And don't mope, he's still alive, you know."
Aragorn laughed. "I can see why you two get on so well. No nonsense at all."
"Don't know what you're talking about," muttered Gimli. He went over to the table and bent to pick up the book that lay on the ground. He looked at the page as he straightened the folded corner. "Now, what was it he noticed?" he asked, half to himself.
"What was that?" Aragorn looked over from checking Greenleaf's temperature.
"He was saying something about an 'r' matching," answered Gimli, "but I don't know which."
"Let's see," said Aragorn, "may be we can..."
He was interrupted by Lord Elrond entering the room, carrying an empty bucket. He set it by the bed, giving Greenleaf a cursory glance. He was apparently satisfied.
"It's quite a common poison," he said, "but it would have killed him if he had drunk anymore. As it is, he should wake up soon with few ill effects, and only short term ones at that."
"Then what's the bucket for?" asked Gimli.
"You'll see," answered Elrond, "just wait until he wakes up."
As if on cue, Greenleaf began to stir, twitching a little. His face contorted and his eyes suddenly snapped open. The urge to vomit was strong and he retched painfully. Then Elrond's cool hands were guiding him over the bucket and holding his hair back as he emptied his stomach in a series of heaves that left him gasping. At last it ended and he sat up, panting and hating the sour taste in his mouth.
"How do you feel?" asked Elrond, still holding Greenleaf as if afraid he would fall.
His answer from Greenleaf was a sardonic eyebrow raise.
"I see," said Elrond. "Aragorn, a glass of water please." He laid a hand against Greenleaf's forehead. "Hmm."
Aragorn pushed a cold glass of water into Greenleaf's hands. The Elf drank it gratefully, draining it in seconds.
"Take it easy," admonished Elrond, "you had a lucky escape."
Greenleaf waved off Elrond's rather mothering hands. "I'm all right now," he insisted.
"You should rest for the remainder of the afternoon," said Elrond, equally insistent.
"I've got a poisoner to catch, haven't I?" said Greenleaf.
"You can do it from your bed for now," said Elrond sternly. "Where were you planning to start?"
"Talking to the Elf who got the drinks," said Greenleaf, "Lindir, I think his name is."
"I'll send him up," said Elrond, "you stay there." He went out of the room.
Greenleaf immediately stood and made his way, albeit erratically, across the floor. He dropped into a chair, and then looked up to see Aragorn and Gimli's disapproving glares.
"Leave it out," he said, "at least I'm sitting down. I'm just not lying on my bed all afternoon."
"You don't look too well," said Aragorn, "you're far too pale."
"That's not my fault! I didn't ask to be poisoned, you know."
"I'm not blaming you. I'm just concerned."
Greenleaf sighed. "I know. I'm sorry. I'm just a bit irritated, that's all."
"That's not surprising," said Gimli. "This person's moved fast. You haven't been back long."
"They were probably waiting to see if you'd return," said Aragorn.
Greenleaf frowned, thinking. "There can't be many people who had the opportunity to poison my drink. Only..." he broke off as there was a knock on the door. "Enter."
The door opened and Lindir came in, looking rather nervous.
"Do sit down," said Greenleaf, indicating the empty chair, "I won't bite."
Lindir sat, glancing around as he did. Gimli stood behind Greenleaf's chair, and Aragorn had seated himself on the edge of the bed. Greenleaf sat in his chair, leaning heavily against the back and trying to pretend he wasn't.
"Lord Elrond told me about the poison," said Lindir worriedly. "I'm so sorry! I don't know what happened. I promise you it wasn't me."
"I'm glad to hear it," said Greenleaf. "Do you have any idea when anyone could have done it? Any idea at all?" He blinked, trying to will away the ache in his head.
"Well," said Lindir slowly, "I stopped for a moment on the way to your room. One of the smaller statues had fallen to the floor and I placed the tray on the balcony rail to pick it up. It didn't take me long but I had my back to your drinks while I did it. That could have given someone the opportunity, I suppose."
"The statue could have been pushed over on purpose," Gimli pointed out.
"I thought I might have heard something," admitted Lindir, "but it wasn't very loud."
"Was the statue damaged in any way?" asked Greenleaf.
Lindir looked puzzled. "No, it wasn't. That's odd, isn't it? I hadn't though about it."
"Why would that be important?" asked Aragorn, crossing one leg over his knee.
"Whoever did it didn't want to attract attention," explained Greenleaf, "but they did want to stop Lindir for a short while. It doesn't take long to slip something into a drink."
"I didn't see anyone," said Lindir, "but I wasn't paying much attention." He looked faintly bashful. "I was thinking of a new song. Is that all you need me for?"
"Yes, thank you. And it's not your fault."
"Thank you." Lindir stood and went out of the door. The three watched him go then turned to look at each other.
"Does that count anyone out?" asked Gimli.
"Not really," answered Greenleaf, "the corridors and balconies round there are open to anyone. There're plenty of alcoves to hide in as well."
"So we aren't any nearer then," said Aragorn, sighing, "it would have been nice to have got something out of this."
"Apart from a headache," added Greenleaf.
"You've got a headache?" asked Aragorn, his face suddenly full of worry.
"It's nothing," said Greenleaf, "sit down. It's only a slight pain."
"Legolas," said Gimli, remembering something, "what was it that you noticed just before you collapsed? You said something about an 'r' looking similar."
"Did I?" Greenleaf frowned, rubbing the side of his head. He took the visitors' book from Gimli and flicked through it. "Oh yes. This one here. The 'R looks like it matches, as does this 'K', and the 'o' looks about right."
"So you think you know who it is?" asked Aragorn. He sat forwards, eager to know.
"I believe so," replied Greenleaf, "though I need to make sure. They'll probably be at the gambling halls tonight, so I intend to check their room through. I'll need you to keep watch."
"Who is it?" asked Gimli impatiently.
"I'll tell you later," said Greenleaf, "I don't want to close your minds to other opportunities if I'm wrong."
Gimli made an irritated noise, clearly not happy with the answer. Aragorn stood and went over to Greenleaf, pressing the back of his hand to the Elf's cheek. Greenleaf flapped at him in an annoyed fashion.
"Will you stop that?" he protested.
Aragorn gave him a stern look. "As you're not doing anything until this evening, you can rest for the afternoon. And," he held up a finger as Greenleaf opened his mouth, "no arguments. You aren't going anywhere, partly in an effort to prevent anyone killing you. Gimli and I will remain here."
"I am not a child!" argued Greenleaf. "I do not need you to protect me. I am no coward to hide away in my room!" He stood angrily and made to leave the room, still somewhat unsteady.
Gimli and Aragorn exchanged a glance, and then both moved together. They lunged at Greenleaf. Gimli, going for the knees, brought the Elf to the floor cursing. Aragorn seized Greenleaf with some difficulty and hoisted him onto his shoulder. He half threw the Elf onto the bed and knelt beside him, pinning his arms down. Gimli, with apparent enjoyment, sat on Greenleaf's legs. Greenleaf scowled ferociously at Aragorn, who looked back impassively.
"Get off me," ordered Greenleaf, fighting their hold.
"Do you want us to tie you down?" asked Aragorn calmly. "Because we will."
Greenleaf looked up at him. The man was completely serious. Greenleaf rolled his eyes and gave up.
"There's a good Elf," said Aragorn, standing up straight. He patted Greenleaf on the head playfully, pulling his hand back quickly as Greenleaf pretended to snap at it.
"You're too much like Lord Elrond sometimes," grumbled Greenleaf, "far too much. Gimli, kindly get off my legs."
Gimli did so, grinning as he did. He went over and settled himself in one of the chairs. He reached for his beer, but stopped short of actually picking it up.
"It's probably not poisoned," said Greenleaf from the bed, "it's not you they're after."
"Still," said Gimli, "I'd rather be careful." He slid off the chair and headed for the door. "I'll get another. Do you want one, Aragorn?"
"That'd be good."
Gimli left the room. Greenleaf shifted, rubbing his shins with a reproachful look at Aragorn.
"You didn't have to be quite so violent," he said accusingly.
"It was necessary," replied Aragorn, "you wouldn't have listened otherwise. Sometimes I think force is the only thing you do understand."
Greenleaf said nothing, picking at the threads of his tunic.
Aragorn grinned. "Now I know you're tired. You didn't have an answer for that." He pushed Greenleaf to lie back on the bed. "Get some sleep. That's an order."
Greenleaf wanted protest, but he was very tired and the bed was very soft. He was dimly aware of Gimli returning but after that he was asleep, eyes closed.
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