Disclaimer Please see chapter one, but they do not belong to me, much as I would love to own them….

Thank you to my Beta Katy. You are wonderful!

Chapter Eleven

Haldir rested back in his chair; eyes closed trying to calm his throbbing head. The gentle of hum of Elrond's and Glorfindel's voice competed with that of Estel, who sat quietly reading a book to Legolas.

Legolas. It had been a shock to see his old friend so badly injured. Lady Galadriel had warned him before they had even left Lothlorien that the Princes future was clouded, she had not told him what she had seen in the mirror, but her face had been very pale. That alone worried the immortal.

But that had not been all the Galadriel had said. He had been warned that all would no be as it seemed. To trust only those he really knew. Odd, yes, but Galadriel had also told him to help guard the Prince as Middle Earths future could be compromised if he passed from this life…

And then there was the attack earlier, while they had all been targeted the main target was Legolas. Thank the Valar that Glorfindel had refused the tea. Legolas would be dead by now if he had not been so suspicious of the twins. Not that he could blame him.

Elrond had increased the guards after that. Now there were four in the hallway outside and four stationed around the outside of the House of Healing. Two in particular beneath the balcony. No one would make it into the healing room without them knowing.

But that brought up another problem. Who could be doing this and why? How did they know that Legolas was in Rivendell when only three knew he had left Mirkwood? For it was obvious to him that the assailant was from Rivendell.

Ai, this was making his headache worse. Maybe he should ask Elrond for the herbs he had offered earlier. No, just the thought of moving…..

A cry from Estel brought his eyes open, he was on his feet as he registered what Estel had said…. Legolas!

Elrond's breath froze in his throat. Joy leapt into his heart. Legolas was awake. The blue eyes looked clear but…

"Give Legolas some room, please." Everyone had crowded around the pallet, eager to get to their friend. The last thing Legolas needed was to feel as if he was being suffocated.

They moved with reluctance leaving Elrond and Estel by Legolas' side, but not one left the vicinity.

Blue eyes were sliding shut…

"Legolas, can you hear me?" The eyes opened with obvious difficulty. "Legolas?"

A frown passed over the fair face, if Elrond did not know better he would have said Legolas could not comprehend what he was saying…. Valar, no! Not Legolas…..

Urgency filled his voice. "Legolas, can you look at me?" Those beautiful eyes sloped off to the right, not catching and holding anything. Elrond's heart dropped. "Legolas?" The eyes turned to his, a frown once more marring the features. "Can you hear me?"

His heart rose, Legolas was looking at him. Actually looking at him. The frown on Legolas forehead deepened.

"Legolas, I need to look in your eyes. Can I do that?" The look of bewilderment did nothing to help Elrond's worry. Taking the candle a silent Glorfindel handed to him, he looked into Legolas' eyes, gauging pupil response; the left was definitely sluggish to react and was different in size to the right.

Elrond handed the candle back to Glorfindel, before taking both of Legolas' hands in his. "Legolas?" The eyes were once more sliding shut. "Legolas, I know you are tired and that your head hurts, but can you squeeze my hand?"

The look of utter bewilderment was heartbreaking and he heard the twins gasp behind him. "Squeeze my hand, like this?" He gently put pressure on the thin hands. The bewilderment cleared and to Elrond's delight he felt the pressure returned. Lightly yes, but there was pressure, more on the right and definitely weaker on the left. "Well done, Penneth." The frown was back. "Sleep." But the eyes were already shut and the body relaxed as sleep once more over took Legolas.

Elrond sat back feeling as if he had the weight of all Arda on his shoulders. Why Legolas? Why?

"Ada?" Estel's voice was full of fear.

"I do not know, Estel. He appears unable to understand me. He only responded to my hands because I squeezed his. I think we have to admit and accept that in all likelihood Legolas has suffered some brain damage. How much I can not tell. He still shows signs of damage in his eyes. Did you see how he could not track anything?" Estel nodded. "His left eye is also slow to react and the pupil is of differing size. Until I can examine him more, I really can not tell. I am sorry, Ion-nin." Elrond felt drained and for once felt every on of his age.

It was a very subdued group that returned to their former activities, although none really could relax. Estel returned the book he had been reading to the table, he did not have the heart to continue. Tears blurred his eyes. Had his friend returned just to be lost to him?

Elrond slumped in his chair, running his hands through his hair. This was a nightmare. A goblet appeared in front of his eyes. He looked up to find Glorfindel. A goblet in each hand. "Just wine, Mellon-nin. I think we both could do with it."

Elrond smiled his thanks, taking a long sip of the deep red wine. "How do I tell Thranduil this when he arrives, Glorfindel?"

"It will not be easy, but you must simply tell him the truth. To do any thing else would be cruel. He needs to know what Legolas will have to face. You can not hide this." Glorfindel was earnest, eager to help his friend.

"You are right, Glorfindel. But I wish I did not have to have this conversation with him. At least by the time he gets here we should have a very good idea of what we are dealing with." Nothing had been mentioned in Elrond's missive to Thranduil that he was needed here, there had been no need, the minute Thranduil received letter he would be making his way to Rivendell.

Legolas slept for the rest of the afternoon, although this time his sleep was disturbed. He did not look as comfortable as he previously had and it was obvious to mall that he was in pain.

They had just discussed their plans for the nights Legolas watch, when Elladan noticed that Legolas was awake.

He moved towards the bed, smiling in reassurance. "Hello, Legolas, do you feel any better?"

The frown appeared as if on queue, but this time Legolas opened his mouth to answer. Nothing came out, but Elladan was encouraged. Watched closely by the entire room he poured water into a goblet and helped Legolas drink it. "Is that better?"

Legolas opened his mouth once again and the weak voice made them all wince. "W… WH… who?"

"Who what, Legolas?" Elladan's voice was soft and gentle.

"Y… Y… you?" He was breathless by the time he had finished.

Stunned silence filled the room once more…..

To be continued

I would like to say a big thank you to all my reviewers. You are the best!

Replies to reviews:

PopcornandGreenery: Thank you. Yes, our dear Elf is awake….

Princess=Pirate: I am so glad that you like it, it means a lot to me that people do. Still a little insecure I guess. I it had been so long since I had done any writing. So thank you. Why do we so like having a hurt Legolas?

Deana: Thank you. Here is the next chapter for you. May be another later today. Pain? Why would the poor Elf be in pain? Snicker!

Shadow Fox777: Thank you Mellon-nin. Glad you continue to enjoy my baby. Namarie.

Iccle fairy: You liked? I am so glad!!! You will have wait and see why you do not like Faren. I'm glad it is coming over as I wanted it to. Luvu!

Gemini969: Just for you an update!

Jopru: I am glad you think so.

Vonnie836: Is Legolas going to be ok? Tough question. You will have to read to find out… You will have to see what is going to happen, though this chapter may just give you some clues….

Authors note. I am so sorry that this chapter is so late. First there was a problem with and then my poor Beta has been ill. Get well soon Katy, please? So as an apology I hope to give you two chapters today to say sorry.

Also, please head over and read my new joint story Once upon a time? My co-writer is Meisalliam. Please let us know what you think of it?

Please? Please, pretty please?

Love,

Shell

xx

Hi this is Meisalliam. I just wanted to add please come and read our story cause you have reduced Shell to begging and she really needs those reviews. So to make her feel better about Nick and various other problems review this and her newest story go on.

Please

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Meisalliam