--- Chapter 2 ---
The first thing legolas noticed as he returned to concouisness was the pain. He had falled uncouncious sometime during his punishment. The beating had been slow and brutal, his entire body was now decorated with cuts and bruises from head to toe. The little elfling wrapped his arms around his knees, sobs wracking his small form. How had life become so terrible so fast?
Flashback
"Come on kimber! Stop daydreaming, I would like to get home before Ada dies of old age you know!" Legolas yelled out as he urged his horse forward.
"Elves do not ddie of old age you silly elfling!" kimber replied as she came up beside him.
"Well, he will be the first to do so if you keep dreaming about Elrohir, witch i know you have!" Kimber stopped in surprise and looked towards the young prince.
"How did you....," she started to say when a low howl interupted her. At that moment several warg riders came crashing through the trees directly towards the small goup of elves. They fought bravely untill then end when all the elves but Kimber and Legolas where left standing.
Legolas stood back to back with Kimber as they fought off the ring of orcs, but they were too many and he was not yet skilled in the elven fighting ways. His arms were growing heavy and sore and it took all his strength to keep from falling. Just then he spotted a large warg leap towards Kimber. He turned to warn her, but as he did a orc club conected with the side of his face and darkness claimed him.
Elrohir was walking in the gardens of Imladris. His thoughts still centered on the young princes birthday. Not nessicarily on Legolas, but on her. By now every one knew what had happended between the two under the Mallorn tree. It made Elladan smirk and tease him when ever they were in the same room. Then there was young Arwen who thought it just wonderfull that her brother fell in love with such a pretty elven woman.
On the other side of Imladris, Lord Elrond was just on his way to the stables when a horse and rider came charging down the walk-way. The rider, a mirkwood gaurd by the looks of him, pulled the horse to a stop, hopped down, and bowed to the Lord of Rivendell.
"My Lord. King Thranduil sent me to give you a urgent message." The gaurd stated in one breath.
"Yes messenger, give me the message." Elrond asked, a hint of anxiety in his voice.
"It is Prince Legolas, my lord. He was due to arrive home with Kimber 3 days before yesterday when i set out for Rivendell, and he has yet to return. And scouts found the remains of the princes gaurds strewn all over a valley and Legolas and Kimber could not be found. King Thranduil feels that much is amiss."
"Very well, tell your Lord that I shall send out a search party emediatly, and that I shall arrive in Mirkwood with in the week." Elronds anxiety was at its peak now, whatever would he tell Elrohir?
"Yes, my Lord, King Thranduil will recive you message." With that the gaurd re-mounted his horse and headed back to Mirkwood.
Elrohir was just making his way back to the main hall when his father, Lord Elrond, came hurrying towards him.
"Ada, why the hurry? Is there word from Kimber?" At this Elrohir smiled, but his smile fadded to a look of dismay when he saw the fearful look upon his fathers face.
"I am afraid not my son, I'm sorry to say that Kimber and Prince Legolas have yet to return to Mirkwood. I fear that something terrible has happened." Elrond stated solemly.
At this Elrohir paled considerably.
"No.." he whispered meakly, "not kimber..." Tears began to run down his cheeks, and he turned and darted off towards the stables. Intent on finding his love well and alive along with the little prince Legolas.
TBC