Hey, all! Great to see so many familiar faces back. ;)
Well, I don't have a WHOLE lot of time today, but I'm going to try and get all of your Feedback Response in. So here I go! ;)
Sadie Elfgirl: AW! Thanks for the VERY encouraging feedback! :D Yeah, they REALLY ought to outlaw horrible first-chapter cliffies. But, it DOES pretty much guarantee that even if everybody HATES the chapter, they'll still come back out of curiosity. LOL! Welcome back, Sadie!
ZeusDressageGrl: LOL! Oh, I'm sorry if I'm confusing you! ;) Length! (thanks for brining that up!) this story is 14 chapters long, just FYI, and some chapters will be longish, some rather shortish. This one is sort of in-betweenish. ;) LOL!
SarahK: SQUEE! So good to see you. :D Been a long time, eh? :P Oh, I'm so GLAD you found Chapter 1 a success, though it's not exactly the model beginning. ;) It'll get better!….eventually. :D
StriderGal (Megan): OH, thanks for coming!! I'm so glad you like it so far! Yes, and finally, the next chappie. It's great to see ya! ;)
Helluin: OH!! "squeeze" so good to see you! You're one of the ones I owe the MOST for pestering me. "nod nod" thanks a billion! Yes, this story is chock-full of holes, hm? Well, don't worry, I'm pretty sure I fill them before the end….I'm pretty sure…Elrond, who's Elrond? :P LOL!
Lady Laswen: Yup, totally cracking bonkers, I agree. :D LOL! Aw, but where would the fun be if everything was EASY on our favorite characters? Hopefully this chapter will help at least a little.
Deana: LOL! Thanks! :D
Leralonde: Yes, I'm so terribly sorry there was a such a huge gap between fics, because I'm sure a lot of this stuff is sort of odd, if you're not coming down off of Nefredal directly. But I'm pretty sure some things get sort of re-explained later, so hang in there! ;) Thanks so much for the feedback!!
Elvingirl3737: Oh, Hannon le! :D I'm glad you like it!
Maranwe: GIRL, thanks for showing up!! LOL! OH, I know you don't mean to be mean or anything, and constructive criticism is, well- constructive! ;) "grin" but it's so great to see you! I'm just glad you made it. :)
Firniswin: "SQUEEL" FIRN!! It's so great to see ya again! :D OH, I'm so glad you like the beginning too! Yes, I must admit, arresting Leoglas is kind of…fun, really. :P LOL! Welcome back!!
Lothlorien Leaf: LOL! Yeah, I did kind of jump right in, huh? But that's the beauty of a SERIES versus a STORY. ;) lol! And yes, bad angst, bad, making everybody's life miserable. "sigh" but so much fun to write, you know? ;) Great to have you back, and yes, I believe I do remember your review! :) Thanks for that again!
Enigma Jade: LOL! Glad you're intrigued! "blush" ;) And thanks for coming!
LegolasLover2003: Yeeeah, I hate Garaer too. Nasty vermin. I like to pretend he's got a good side, but the fact is, it's hard to excuse BRICK-HEADEDNESS for the "right reasons" isn't it? ;) LOL!! Thanks for coming!
Okee, well, I guess I'd better post. Hannon le rene, for all the great feedback! You're makin' me blush, which is a good thing "nod nod". Hope you enjoy the next chapter- to an extent at least. ;)
Okee! Ready to role. Cheers!
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Chapter 2
The Prince of Mirkwood
Legolas, still kneeling in the grass with his hands held in the air, made no trouble as Garaer's fingers slid down his shoulder, finding the place where his quiver buckled, and undid the straps. Legolas' back felt cold and strange without his weapons there, but he only tipped his head more erect as a few of the elves stowed their bows, and instead uncoiled a length of elven rope.
Light rain either started falling just now, or it suddenly seemed particularly cold and bighting on Legolas' back as he waited…waited for who knew what.
It only took one elf to tie the prince's wrists in front of him, for Legolas couldn't care less what they said or did, knowing his father would clear him. That is- unless Thranduil did not make it. How far was Bengwiil from killing him? Would he simply pass into a half death, half life like Aragorn had? Legolas had no idea, but he did know that the king was in critical condition and this arrest would only make it harder for him to help his father.
Luckily, it was a royal elf's right to have his hands bound in the front, not the back, so if need be, Legolas could fight his way out of captivity, though he dearly hoped it wouldn't come to that. He hoped they'd only get halfway to their destination, and Thrnauild's fit would leave, his head would clear, and he would tell Garaer it was all a big mistake.
The group of elves went swiftly to the Halls once more, Garaer stoically trying to ignore the fact that Thranduil went practically hysterical when he could no longer see Legolas. The elf prince's heart stung with those pitiful looks the king had thrown him before Legolas was marched towards the great gates that led to the woodland Halls, but what could he do? He only hoped something would come to him. Or someone. Where were Aragorn and Edren?
The hand on Legolas' shoulder was light, and did not push him in the direction they were going. In fact, it didn't even hold to the prince's shoulder, but simply stayed there, almost afloat on the air. It was clear the elf walking behind him didn't expect the prince would run.
"You believe me then?" Legolas asked as quiet as only elven ears can ear.
The other did not reply a moment. Then, "It would not be the first time Garaer was wrong. He was wrong about Estel, who turned out to be alive though he and I both attempted to bear his body to Rivendell. And he was also wrong about Harain, I believe. Since he has gone, Tiriniel seems out of his head, and Presomin has disappeared."
Legolas swallowed. He'd forgotten that he and Aragorn alone knew of Presomin's death. He didn't want to break it to the other elf right now, though. "Garaer is doing what he thinks is right," he said at last.
"Perhaps," was the only response, and then the two were silent.
"Garaer? We have just passed my room." Legolas knew full well that the prison itself was reserved for dwarves, orcs, and prisoners of war in general. He was not bound for the cells in the lowest level of the Halls, but his own room to await an audience with his father. But they had passed his door by, and it did not take long for Legolas to realize why that was.
They were climbing up great, stone stairs that echoed in the walls as you stepped. Familiar stairs. Terrifying stairs. "Why are we going to Mornaeg's room?" Try as he did, he could not hide the fear that was throbbing within him.
"Mornaeg is dead; this is no longer his room." It was not the answer Legolas was looking for, in fact, it was barely an answer at all. But he knew better than to question Garaer further. He had a quick temper, and Legolas didn't need to deal with someone else's attitude right now.
Upon reaching the top of the staircase, Garaer pushed the door open, and gestured the elf holding Legolas in place towards the doorway. Legolas and his 'guard' of sorts, though the elf still did not tighten his grip on the prince's shoulder, entered the room swiftly, followed by the rest of the contingent. Garaer closed the door, and turned.
Legolas was surprised as he looked about the room. It was clean now, all the woodchips and scraps of shredded fabric had been whisked away to who knows where, leaving a slashed curtain heaving in the heavy, and rain-dampened breeze, and a slightly chunked-up bed as the only clue of the mess that had once been there. Though, as Legolas turned his eyes to the floor, he found the ink still stained the wood permanently in places. That, he thought, would never go away. It sent chills up his spine to look at it. He wanted to be gone. To get away. He hated this room. He really hated it.
"This will be more secure than your room. More secluded as well." Garaer's tone was completely horizontal.
It was then that the full truth hit Legolas, causing his heart to beat in panic, though he did his best to keep his features calm. "You…mean to leave me up here?"
The other did not respond, as though he had not heard, and moved around in front of Legolas to begin untying his hands. He then steered the young elf by his shoulder to stand beside the left end post of the four-poster bed. "Kneel," he ordered curtly.
Legolas gave him a confused and wary look, but steadily complied, sinking to his knees beside the bedpost. Garaer got down beside him, bringing around the rope that had bound the prince before, and tying it once more to Legolas' right wrist. That done, he brought it around the post, and tied the other end tightly to Legolas' left wrist.
Garaer rose to his feet without a word, and began towards the door, the other elves in his wake. Legolas' heart gave a jolt. "When do I find an audience with the king?" he asked quickly, stalling Garaer in the doorway.
"When he has recovered," the other replied shortly.
Legolas shook his head. "My father is ill with the poison of Bengwiil, Garaer, he will not survive if I am not there to help him, you must understand this!"
"I will take no further orders from you, Prince Legolas Greenleaf!" Garaer shouted, causing Legolas to stiffen in surprise. "You have put yourself under suspicion and until you are cleared, you will be under my orders! Food will brought to you this evening."
The three elves left the room, followed by Garaer who reached angrily for the door handle.
"Garaer please, I cannot stay here!" Legolas' voice was nearly shrill as he tried to rise up on his knees. "I cannot!" The door slammed shut. "Garaer, please!"
Silence.
Quiet voices came only heard by elven ears from the other side of the door.
"Stay here, the both of you. No one is to go in or out except with my permission, is that understood?"
"Yes, Garaer, of course…but…if I may ask, why did you bring him here? Surely in his own room-"
"It is the better place, you know well as I. If indeed it is not the prince who has done this to King Thranduil, then he could likely be endangered by whatever it is that did do this. If his life is in danger, we must protect him as well."
"But what of- the Precaution? The king will be furious if his son finds out-"
"Why do you think I bound him? He will not find it, of that I am sure. Now I must go to make sure Tirniel is assisting the king, and help as well if I may."
"Very well, Garaer."
Legolas pressed his forehead against the polished bedpost his hands were tied around. Fantastic. More secrets. And where, oh where were Aragorn and Edren?
I didn't know that
It was so cold and
You need someone to show you the way
So I took your hand and
We figured out that
When the time comes, I'd take you away
"All You Wanted" , Michelle Branch
How long had Legolas been kneeling there? An hour at least. Maybe a little less. He'd lost all feeling in his hands, but he didn't particularly care. All he could think about was Thranduil. Was his father even still alive? Would they come and tell him if he was dead, or be too afraid of a desperate escape?
The door creaked open, but Legolas didn't look up. He had a feeling he knew who was there. "I am not hungry, Garaer. Please go unless you've the intention of freeing me."
"Legolas?"
Legolas looked up to find one of his guard elves standing a few feet away, his hand locked firmly on another visitor's shoulder. The visitor was a human.
"Estel," Legolas breathed, smiling for the first time in a long while.
The young Ranger tried to advance a step, but the elf beside him pulled him back by his shoulder, now putting his other hand on the human's chest, keeping him in place. "Garaer's orders," he said apologetically.
Legolas twisted his numb wrists. "I am going nowhere, can he not approach?"
The elf shook his head with a half-shrug. "Garaer is…a careful elf."
"A paranoid elf," Aragorn muttered, brushing the other's hand of his chest. "I am not one of your prisoners." The elf simply let his hand drop to the knife at his belt and nodded. Aragorn turned back to Legolas. "Are you all right?"
Legolas shrugged slightly. "Mae ea im. What happened? Where…where were you?" He did his best to keep hurt out of his voice, not wanting to imply he felt Aragorn had betrayed him, since that wasn't the case at all.
But Aragorn caught the tone and was afraid he knew what it meant. He sighed, "I'm so sorry- I didn't know where you'd gone. Edren said it would best to wait for you outside your father's door rather than interfere with whatever it is you had planned to speak with him about. I was rather put out by the logic, but I actually think Edren was twice as tensed by his own words."
Legolas half smiled despite himself. That was Edren, all right.
"We waited outside his room for a long time, and didn't hear any commotion, so we simply continued to wait. Edren ached to see Thernäd and dispel her worries, so I told him I would keep watch by the door. A long while passed, and then Tirniel and a few others came running up the hall, supporting your father between them. 'Where is Legolas?' I asked, and they told me you'd been arrested." Aragorn bit his lip.
"Well, I didn't know what to think, and them being in such a hurry, I received no clues either. I had no idea even where to start asking around, so I went immediately to find Edren. Needless to say, he was furious when he found out, and so came with me to search out the head of the king's bodyguards."
"Garaer," Legolas interjected, nodding slowly.
"Exactly," Aragorn responded. "When we finally tracked him down, it was just outside the Hall's gates- that is why it took me so long to get here, I'm afraid, it was nearly half an hour to find him; Edren was positive he'd been the one to arrest you, and we had no idea where you might be.
"But as I said, he was outside the Hall's gates with a few others, 'taking certain precautions' I believe is what he said. The moment they were safely back inside the Halls, Edren lit into Garaer as you would not have believed! Demanding where he had the authority to subject you to an arrest without the king's consent- and seeing what condition your father is in, it was likely without his knowledge."
Legolas only nodded.
"When Garaer stated his reasons, Edren calmed down a bit, seeing that it would not take much to clear up. He and I both asked to see you, but Garaer said that the regulations permitted but one visitor was allowed within a three-hour period, and that in his 'riled state' Edren would not be that one.
"Edren was upset, but also eager to see to the king, and continue his questioning of Garaer. He bid me be the one to come up, and I- well, I was only too eager to agree." Aragorn paused, glancing around the room, and squinting slightly with controlled emotions. "When I heard they'd put you here…Garaer must be a madman or he has forgotten the things that happened to you and I both in this room."
Legolas' eyes also followed the room's walls, leading his sight to the window. The window out of which, Mornaeg had thrown himself. Yes, this room held many bitter memories…no.
No- not many, right? Mornaeg's death, that was one, and before that, Mornaeg's attack on Aragorn. So that was two. Only two? Then why, oh why, did this place scare him? Mornaeg was dead- no more than he deserved, seeing he'd taken his own life. And Aragorn was alive and well. Why was he so scared?
Secrets, he thought, now I keep them from myself, it seems.
But he did not say that aloud. Instead, he turned his eyes on Aragorn again. "Garaer seems to think he is doing what is right."
"And perhaps he is," Aragorn conceded, sighing. "But he must see that your father needs you-"
"My father." A thought struck Legolas like a thunderbolt. "Estel, you have seen him, then, have you? Is he well?" He added quietly, "I can think of little else up here."
Aragorn licked his lower lip, choosing to place his gaze on the wood beneath his feet rather than the young elf before him. "It does not look well, Legolas, I cannot lie. When but a little I saw him, he was barely awake and calling your name. He says you are the only sight he wishes to see, and keeps screaming 'Meltha'.
Legolas too looked down at the floor. "May he keep calling my name. Perhaps then Garaer will realize he needs me. Ai grâ hz!" he swore, pressing his head hard against the bedpost again. "How will he find the strength to fight Bengwiil without comfort? He keeps seeing my mother's death over and over…I seem to be the only thing he can see as real, and only here and there. What could Garaer be thinking?"
"I will speak with him, and work with Edren to show him reason."
Legolas smiled slightly. "Don't let them kill each other- Edren and Garaer never really got on too well."
Aragorn nodded. "I had that impression."
"Your minutes are up, Estel." The elf beside Aragorn began to steer him to the doorway, where the second guard stood with the human's weapons he'd been made to leave behind.
"Very well," Aragorn agreed, turning and walking towards the doorway. Legolas opened his mouth to say something, but shut it again. What could he do? But he didn't want Aragorn to leave. Left up here with nothing but thoughts and memories? No one to speak with? Hours on end? He tried to concentrate on being reconciled to the idea. It wouldn't be as hard as it sounded, surely. But it was strange that Aragorn did not even give him a last look.
The elf led Aragorn to the doorway, letting go of his shoulder for the first time. No sooner was the other's hand lifted, then Aragorn did an about-face, and ran towards Legolas, not caring to hear the words of the startled elves behind him.
He fell to his knees in front of his friend, grabbing the rope binding the prince's wrists together in his own hand. "I can get you out of here, mellon-nin. Just ask me to, and I shall."
Legolas met his friend's eyes with a look of longing. "I cannot, Aragorn, or else I lose my innocence."
"But your father-"
"They would instantly put my father under lock and key, should I escape, and then all chance of seeing him will be gone…and I would not endanger you for that." Leoglas was talking quickly, knowing they had mere seconds.
Sure enough, the hand was on Aragorn's shoulder again, but it was joined by another this time. They were trying to tug Aragorn away, but the human resisted, his eyes fixing on the prince's ropes, and then coming to rest on his eyes a second time, the expression both painful and earnest. "I don't like to see you this way, Legolas…I'm- going to come back soon."
Legolas smiled. "I know."
As the two elves hauled Aragorn away from the prince, Legolas felt a spark of hope fire up inside him. Maybe? Just maybe there was a chance? With Aragorn and Edren firmly on his side, surely something would work out…
The door slid shut, and the sound of the elves' brusque words came through the door, followed by unconcerned tones from Aragorn as he collected his weapons.
"Garaer will be furious, Estel, and you could get your visiting privileges revoked. You should be ashamed."
"Me? Ashamed? In that case, while you are reporting my 'shameful actions' to Garaer, ask him this," Aragorn laughed humorously as he ran off down the stone staircase. "Who tied Prince Legolas to his enemy's bed? Ask him for me, will you? There's a lad."
Legolas couldn't help grinning at that. Aragorn, Aragorn. No one else was like him, for certain. Legolas found himself fortunate to be in the company of the only such human…about the only thing that seemed fortunate right now, actually.
The young elf eased off his knees into a sitting position, resting the side of his head against the bedpost.
"I'm going to come back soon."
…soon. According to what Garaer had told Edren and Aragorn both, he was only allowing one visitor every three hours.
The prince sighed a quiet, lonesome sigh. "Aye, Aragorn…I shall see you the moment you've been gone three hours."
He closed his eyes, resting his tired body for a few moments before opening them once more. Already he could imagine the sound of Estel's restless feet outside his door twenty minutes before three hours were up.
Legolas smiled, and decided on resting awhile longer. Just to rest…for a moment…he hadn't thought he was worn much, even after the battle in the forest, and rescuing Estel…but maybe he was a bit tired after all. Just a bit.
When one of his guards came in an hour later with a mug of tea and an apple, he found his charge lying slumped against the bedpost he was tied to, his eyes half shut, and his breathing steady.
Leaving the food in a place accessible to the prince, the elf stepped quietly out of the room, and shut the door silently.