Hi there!

Yay, the break is here and with it time to write!! Updates will be more regular now, I´ll be going for at least two a week ;-) Thanks to all my readers who have waited so patiently for my rather slow updates these past weeks. Your reviews have been so encouraging!! Responses below, as usual.

Thanks also to Mor and especially to San for her help with this chapter. Sandra, I think you are moving at the moment so I´ve decided to leave you in peace with editing - I know how unnerving moving can be, LOL. I´ll get back to you next week if that´s OK with you?

Now enjoy the chapter - and don´t forget to keep the reviews coming. They truly make my day.

Alinah

Rating: PG 13

Disclaimer: Not mine (sadly...)

Escape from safety

An eerie silence engulfed Aragorn as he pushed Gwaef forward through the once so familiar woods. Even the horses´ hoof beats and occasional snorts seemed strangely subdued as if muffled by a huge blanket he could not see. The feeling of doom grew the farther they went. Upon leaving Imladris´ gates, there had been tension in the air but there had also been birds twittering at them, the occasional rabbit crossing their path. The human had hoped that Vilva´s power had freed the valley, driving the evil they were hunting past the Last Homely House´s borders. Now he felt that hope fading with every flex of his stallion's muscles beneath him.

The ranger glanced sideways at Elladan who was riding next to him and found his brother's attention fixed upon the still trees and bushes around them. The other elves were just as occupied, and although the human tried to concentrate his own senses, inferior as they were, he found it impossible to do so for any longer period of time. The forest felt wrong somehow. It reminded Aragorn of the breathless paralysis of a severe winter, when life became slow and painful. But the colourful leaves betrayed an autumn that should have driven the woodland animals into a frenzy of activity.

Yet no squirrels dug away their treasures, no red fox furs flashed beneath the bushes as the small hunters followed their prey. The birds were silent. Leaves rustled reluctantly when the wind forced movement into them. An invisible coat of fear had taken the place of winter's ice, and Aragorn felt a rush of irrational panic that it would never leave, extending to his own limbs when his strength began to fade. Making him a helpless cripple.

The ranger startled when a hand touched his arm and his head whipped around to his left. Elladan bowed his head apologetically. When the elf spoke, the sound of his voice was echoed by a subtle creaking. In Aragorn´s mind it was the air's icy coat that groaned when the sound travelled through it. "It is not that bad, my brother." Elladan smiled tensely at the surprise that the human knew to cross his features. If he, being human, could feel nature's plight, it must be almost impossible to bear for an elf.

"Vilya´s power has forced the evil forces that still linger around us into a deep slumber." Elladan´s eyes grew darker, taking a shade of anger that Aragorn had rarely seen and that he knew to be the harbinger of a fury that was deadly to unleash. "I would take great pleasure in slaying the stinking breed in its holes right here and now", the older twin stated with barely concealed heat, "yet our higher goal is to bring down the vampire first. I will have to reign in my blood thirst for a little longer." Even though Elladan winked at his brother with the last phrase, the ranger felt the cold in his heart intensify.

Trying to break the unease he began to feel towards his brother, Aragorn brought forth the only positive aspect that he could find in their situation. "At least Imladris itself seems better. Life has not left it, and father's intervention has spared the animals that dwell around our home."

Elladan gave a short and thoroughly unhappy bark of laughter at that. "Father has left every good creature untouched, Estel. Yet those creatures not close enough to Imladris to feel its rays of safety have fled. The quiet around us attributes to that. The poor beasts that still linger at the heart of our valley will be the first to be slaughtered should we fail. Should Imladris´ safety turn out to be nothing but a false promise."

With those words Elladan urged his horse on, passing his brother to seek out Lord Elrond ahead of them. Aragorn's heart raced when he glanced at the older twin's retreating back. He could not tell what scared him more, Elladan´s cold fury that seemed prepared to break his calm demeanour any second or the thought of Legolas, lying wounded in what might indeed turn out to be false safety. He had hoped to at least offer his friend protection by leaving him behind, and the rational part of him insisted that he had done just that. Yet doubts began to gnaw at his sense of courage, his belief in their victory melting away despite the ice he felt closing in.

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In Imladris, Legolas' own heart unknowingly mirrored Aragorn's feelings. He still sat with his head buried in Faun's mane. The tears had long subsided, and Calen had left him to enjoy his faithful horse's company. Yet there was no joy left in his spirit. He stroked the stallion's long neck, feeling the contend nicker vibrate through the massive frame before the sound actually broke free. The wounded elf was soothed by his animal's trust as if it was a warming fire and it almost shattered his resolve. How could he endanger one whose faith in him had very nearly killed him before? How could he add one more to the long list of friends that faced death on his behalf?

Legolas knew that the vampire was an ancient creature, and that it had awoken now because dark clouds were gathering at a shifting future's sky, yet he could not help feeling responsible. He forced himself to relive the fateful ride home at Aragorn's side, the bantering and the careless joy. He could not even tell when the song had entered his mind, beginning to corrupt him. Had he been more attentive, much sadness and death might have been averted. Without realizing it, the woodland elf began rubbing his arm. His fingers played along the raised scars that marred his skin. He did not mind them. It felt right that he should have been marked for what he had done. For what he had failed to do.

Faun began to tense under his strokes and Legolas drew back. The horse was studying him with his big eyes, and the elf felt the need to explain himself. To share his plan, even though he was now unsure whether he would find the strength to carry it out. Pausing for a heartbeat to listen, Legolas was reassured that there was no elf near enough to overhear. He reached up and stroked Faun´s light fur again, unwittingly seeking out the animal's own scars, left by his master's knives.

A sad smile played on the elf´s lips. "We have both been marked, you and I", he whispered. Faun nickered quietly. The sound carried agreement, at least to Legolas´ ears. "We are bound more than we ever were, mellon-nin. This evil has taken its toll on both of us, and both of our friends have now left us to destroy it in our place. In my place." Another tear broke free and travelled down his cheek, yet the elf was beyond sadness. Speaking of the vampire rekindled his anger. "I cannot leave to them what is my obligation. Middle Earth stands to lose so much in this battle that it will be left weakened past recovery should even one of those who rode out not return." He swallowed the fear that rose in his throat as the dream image of Aragorn appeared before his inner eye, an Aragorn that was broken and torn apart by death's claws. Leaving a heritage unanswered that would determine the future of the world, plunging it into darkness.

Faun neighed and nudged Legolas´ shoulder. The elf realized that he had stopped talking, and the horse seemed to sense that he had not yet spoken his mind. Sometimes this stallion's perception surprised even him. He smiled. "I cannot sit here and pray to the Valar to protect them. I have to play my own part. I would love to leave you here, in safety, but I cannot. I need you to carry me." He took the big grey head into his hands and placed his forehead against that of the animal. He desperately hoped that he would be able to sense the answer to the question he was about to ask, for it would tear his soul out should he force his horse into what could well turn out certain doom.

"Aeno curu-nin, rince-nin, huor-nin." [Be my skill, my speed, the courage of my heart.] "Aeno na nin. Nirvo dúath gwa-nin." [Be at my side. Face the darkness with me.] "Anno nin daf?" [Do you give me permission?]

None moved. A complete stillness came over elf and horse, settling around them, freezing their bond in place and time. After many heartbeats a slow rumble rose from Faun. Gently, he pushed against Legolas´ hands, brushing past them to rest his soft snout against the elf´s cheek. A warm breath travelled over the prince´s face, carrying a low sound into his ears. A sound he had never heard before, but one he understood immediately. He let out a trembling breath. "Ai, a im berion-le, gwador." [Yes, and I will protect you, brother.]

The pledge made, Legolas and Faun waited for darkness.

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When the riders reached the boundaries of Imladris, the group drew to a halt. Even though no fence marked those borders, they all knew where they were to be found. Aragorn gazed ahead, and he thought he could see a slight flicker in the air, the kind of blurring that usually appeared in the heat of summer. He wondered whether his mind was playing tricks on him or whether he could indeed make out Vilya´s shield of protection.

After a long, hovering silence, Elrond spoke. "Whatever we will meet once we pass out of the valley, let me remind you that I may not use the ring's power beyond it. There will be no exceptions made." His words added to the gloom the ranger felt, and he idly asked himself what his foster father's powers of foresight might have told him. Then again, he preferred not to know. Fate would show him when the time was right. Prior to reality knowledge could be a burden to make the strongest budge.

"I do not feel the heart of evil close", Elrond continued, and Glorfindel silently nodded his agreement. "We will continue to the lake that so very nearly took Legolas from us. Estel, if you would take the lead." Aragorn glanced up, surprised. He was aware that his father knew large portions of the way, having travelled it to come to his human son's aid. The ranger had also explained the location of the lake to the elf lord and he was sure Elrond could easily find his way there. As could the other elves. Yet they sat on their horses motionlessly, awaiting the human's move.

Gwaef sensed what was expected of him and his rider and pranced, eager to be off ahead of the others. Aragorn held him back, causing the horse to dance and turn in one spot. Gwaef shook his head in irritation, but the ranger hardly noticed. His eyes picked their way into the rocky plain. In his mind he travelled on, beyond the rocks that had offered them protection one stormy night that seemed a universe away, beyond the small grove of trees where his peace had been shattered with Legolas´ disappearance, on to the cold glow of the white water. It seemed to beckon him from the distance, from past his range of vision.

Without a word, Aragorn suddenly released the reigns and Gwaef shot ahead with a mighty leap, quickly gathering speed, his lean body breaking the ring of Vilya´s safety. The ranger felt of soft brush against his body as if he had passed through lingering cobwebs, then there was nothing but the wind in his face, the thunder of hooves beneath him and the road to evil in front of him, securely mapped out in his mind.

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Calen paced Legolas´ room nervously. He had hoped for the battle of wills to be over with Faun's appearance in the wounded elf's room, but now he saw himself pitted against not one but two strong minds. "He will stay here", Legolas stated calmly, "and if you want to reduce the damage I would recommend a layer of straw to be placed on the floor. It does not matter to me either way. I will not have another friend leave me." As if to underline his master's words, the stallion threw back his head and neighed forcefully.

The healer sighed. He was anything but happy with the way things were developing. Lord Elrond and he had been aware of the fact that the departure of his friends would affect the woodland elf negatively, but Calen had not expected this sort of madness to ensue. It was highly unusual to have any kind of animal inside of a sick person's room, but a horse - he sighed again when he looked at his patient. Despite the strength of the prince's voice, the deadly paleness that seemed to grow worse with every word he spoke belied his state. Calen had just re-bandaged the broken leg and it looked slightly better, but the stress was wearing Legolas out. Calen was well aware that a new bout of fever would likely follow, and he had to do whatever he could to keep the damage to a minimum.

"Very well", he said curtly, "but if I see any negative effect on you that horse will leave. I will carry him out myself if I have to!" The threat made Legolas chuckle despite the situation, but he did not doubt the healer's seriousness. He felt slightly guilty towards Calen for what he was about to do, knowing that his well-being was of great importance to the other. There were sacrifices to be made, though, and this, he was sure, would neither be the last nor the worst one. "He will not interfere, I swear", Legolas promised, and for the rest of the evening, his words were proven true.

Then the night came.

It was strange how sometimes the sad consequences of harsh times could work to one's advantage, Legolas mused. Usually, Imladris would be full of life deep into the night. Elves would walk the gardens, deep in conversation, or gather in the hall to sing or exchange tales. Today, however, the gloom of their uncertain future and Elrond's absence drove the remaining inhabitants of Imladris to their own quarters quickly, allowing an unnatural calm to fall over the Last Homely House. There were few elves still walking the halls.

Legolas had prepared his escape as best as he could. Escape. How out of place this term seemed when it came to leaving the warm embrace of Imladris. He had talked Calen into leaving him to sleep alone in his room, doing his best to convince the healer that with the horse in his presence he was contend and unlikely to do anything foolish. He had tied stripes of cloth around Faun's hooves. He had collected herbs against pain and placed them into a small leather bag that now hung at his belt, within easy reach. He had painfully pulled a warm tunic over his head and a boot on his healthy foot, having abused a rather reluctant Faun as a fetch dog to collect items for him from around the room.

His knives, however, were stowed away in a drawer. Obtaining them would be the first challenge of many. Legolas motioned Faun close to the bed and took a deep breath. There was no sense in waiting any longer. Straightening up, he reached for Faun's mane with his left hand and placed the right onto the broad back. He then pulled himself unsteadily onto his good leg. Even though he had been careful not to jostle the broken leg too much the pain that raced through it almost made him pass out.

Legolas swayed and leaned heavily into Faun. The stallion turned his head in concern. He gently nudged his master, trying to get a response, but the elf was concentrating hard on staying conscious. He cursed his weakness, the pathetic picture that he presented by failing to mount his steed. What use would he be in battle? What use would he be at all? He gritted his teeth and willed away the nausea that threatened to overcome him. Just when he thought he was getting a grip on himself, he felt his support slip away.

He gave a muffled groan of surprise when his body leaned forward on instinct, and he realized that Faun had knelt to allow him easy excess to his back. He flushed with a mixture of shame and relief but accepted the gift, slowly pulling himself onto the horse. Once he was on, Faun carefully rose. For long moments, Legolas simply lay still, hands buried in the mane, head resting against the warm fur of Faun´s neck. The elf could feel cold sweat run down his back. His stomach heaved painfully but he refused to give in, breathing deeply. He had no idea how much time had passed when he was finally able to straighten.

Even now the room was blurred around him, threatening to tilt at any second, but Legolas did not allow himself to be disturbed. He looked across to where his weapons were kept and as if reading his thoughts, Faun moved exactly where he had wanted to go. The elf debated with himself whether to take his bow along with his knives, but pride and habit quickly won over reason. It took the elf another endless row of painful movements to strap on his weapons, but when he had, he felt strengthened. He felt like a warrior again. Useful. A wounded warrior, yes, but that was better than worried patient.

Legolas took one more look around the room. He could almost see Aragorn sitting in his usual chair. If the ranger were here now, he would shake his head in denial. Nay, he would jump up and try to forcefully pull his friend off the horse and drag him back to bed. The elf smiled at the thought. "Sorry, my friend", he whispered to the Aragorn that would have been, "but I made a promise that I must keep. You shall not fight my battle alone." With that, he steered Faun towards the door, ducking through it once he had pushed it open.

The corridors were silent and dark save for the occasional torches that were left to guide the way in the night. Legolas knew that this was unusual for an elven household and remembered how he had wondered about it when he had first encountered it. When he had first met Aragorn. It was touching that the remaining elves left this measure unchanged, as if Estel were here or likely to return any second. He would return. Legolas would make sure of it.

Faun carefully picked his way, the sounds of his movements subdued by the cloth on his hooves. They reached the long staircase that would lead them into the entrance hall. Legolas tried to balance himself as well as he could, aiding his steed, but the horse stepped ahead without hesitation. The elf relaxed and left the work to the stallion. He looked around and took in his surroundings. Even though his journey had only just begun, he felt as if he had been doing this for hours: Riding through Imladris´ silent halls. Looking at his second home from his horse´s back.

Strange how familiar places changed with perspective. It was one thing Legolas had always loved about climbing trees. The world looked different once you changed the angle to look at it. He glanced at the unfamiliar view Imladris presented to him now, and vowed to recommend this to Estel. He was sure that Lord Elrond would not thank him for putting new mischief into his human son's head, but the wrath they might have to face for such a prank was something the prince was fiercely looking forward to, for it would signal the return to life as it had been.

Faun had reached the foot of the stairs and the change of gait made Legolas dizzy once more. He gripped the mane tightly, riding out the wave that had hit him. He felt hot. It would be good to be outside, breathe fresh air. He was just about to make for the door when something stopped him. He frowned unaware of why he was suddenly halting. Something rose within him. He could feel it separate from his being and strive to make itself known. With a gasp he clung to Faun's neck, holding on tight in expectation of another bout of nausea. Instead, the world seemed to clear.

The strange detachment disappeared. As if a blanket had been pulled off him he suddenly heard silent voices. Two elves in quiet conversation outside, no doubt sentinels who were intend on not letting anybody in. But they would certainly not let a wounded elf out, either. Legolas cursed himself for his lack of planning, but then words came to his mind. He felt the urge to speak them, and even though he could recall their meaning, he frowned at his desire to voice them. Still, something within gently nudged him on, and Legolas obeyed, seeing no harm in the action.

He reached out for the heavy doors and whispered: "A panta."[Open.] As if guided by a gentle breeze, the dark wood parted for him and swung open. As he had expected, two elves were at the gate that he could now see. One had been standing beside the gate, the other on the wall but now jumped down as the wounded elf rode into the yard. Both looked at him with wide eyes when he slowly came closer. One of the guards stepped forward, hand outstretched to place on Faun´s broad chest. "Ernil Legolas, man garach?" [Prince Legolas, what are you doing?] he asked, totally bewildered. Legolas could not blame him. Instead of answering, he placed a gentle hand on the other's shoulder, speaking in Quenya again: "A lorna." [Sleep]

And sleep he did. Both guards slept, an expression of surprise on their faces even though they could not see the gates noiselessly opening and then closing behind them, releasing one horse and rider into the dead of night.

TBC

Review responses:

Leanne: Welcome! I hope you´ve also enjoyed the rest of the story (without anybody chasing you away from the computer, LOL) and will continue to do so.

Deana: Thanks! And what do you mean, no more minds taken over - where would be the fun? LOL

Ertia: Thank you! And yes, maybe Calen should have drugged Legolas, but then again you are always smarter after things have happened - poor Legoas but poor, poor Calen too...

Estel Elven Enchantress: Yes, you are quite right that things will get ugly again ;-). And you are also correct that I had exams - but from the other side of the fence, so to speak. I hope I´m not driving anybody away by admitting I´m a teacher, LOL

White Wolf1: Thank you!! And I promise to have rather quick updates now ;-)

Beling: Oh wow. Thank you for the extensive review - I was so happy to read it!! I hope this chapter was worth the long wait, too.

Someone Reading: Thank you - another wonderful, long review. What a treat :)

I´m sorry to hear about your horse. I have lost a few pets in my time but I have never owned a horse (sadly) and I can only imagine how sad you must be.

As you can see, your idea that Legolas would do something "unwise" was quite true, even though our stubborn elf has a different point of view on it.

Night Shadow 131: Yes, yes, poor Legolas - all those bad readers and writers that are after him all the time ;-) Thank you for your kind comments!

Astalder 27: Hi, welcome! I hope you have survived the suspense, LOL. And believe me, it is not over yet...

Alariel: Thanks - and things HAVE settled down, even though at the moment I cannot really believe it yet. And what your question is concerned, there are just two parts to the puzzle - hope that helps :)

Amy: Thank you - and there is more Legolas to come, naturally (although the others will have their parts to play, too). Legolas could not have stayed behind even with one leg, I think, it´s just not his nature the way I see him. But of course, his stubbornness will cost him (again).

Tychen: Oh yes - a lot of trouble!! But Elrond and Glorfindel (and don´t forget that Legolas of Gondolin is also along for the ride) sure are ready to fight - or so they believe. And I will post much more quickly now, promised.

Moralinde: Thanks. LOL, I know what you mean that sometimes the body disagrees with the mind...I´m happy to serve as a substitute for too much Coke.

Gozilla: No need to apologise - I love being pushed ;-) Thanks for your support.

Demon Faith: Hi, welcome to you, too! I´m glad that I could captivate you like that :) Of course Legolas would not leave his friends to face the danger alone, but that will get him into deep, deep trouble - he gets a late start, after all...

Candidus-lupus-full Moon: Thank you!!

Another Someone Reading: Hi!! I made you cry?? Oh, bad me - I´m touched that you reacted to my story so strongly. As you can see, Legolas did not abandon Faun, but he endangered him again. And this danger will be no smaller than the last...

THANK YOU ALL!!!