Author's Note: More angst and anguish!

I've perhaps taken some liberties with the power of some characters here, but it was necessary to remain true to my original idea. And please, don't jump to conclusions about the way this chapter ends.

Elvish is in italics and comes from many sources. They are The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien, the website councilofelrond.com and The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth by Ruth S. Noel. I've never really tried to speak elvish, so if there are any inaccuracies here, they are my own mistakes. (Feel free to correct me, but please give me sources so I can learn as much as I can about Elvish.)

DISCLAIMER: JRR Tolkien, The Tolkien Family, New Line Cinema, Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Phillipa Boyens own this stuff. I don't. I am only borrowing the universe because it's so much fun! I am making no money from this.

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Encroaching Darkness by Ecri

Part 4

**

No elf dared leave the sick room. Food and refreshment was sent up to them, but most was sent back untouched.

Legolas slept not at all, though others drifted in and out of Elven sleep. Then, as night faded to dawn of the following day, Estel stirred. Legolas, thinking he would fall from the bed, tightened his grip, and was startled when Aragorn's voice and light laughter greeted his ears.

"Easy, Legolas, it is well."

Legolas moved then, shifting so he could see his friend more clearly. The two smiled at each other, but did not speak. Elrond, hearing the words, stirred from the chair he'd placed by his son's bed and took Estel's hand. "Estel, my son! How do you feel?"

"I am well, Adar. I feel weak, but better."


Elrond smiled, as did Elladan and Elrohir. Even Thranduil and his sons seemed greatly relieved, though their fear for Legolas was sharper and dearer in light of the man's recovery.

Aragorn returned the grip his father held on his hand. "I am well, Adar." He turned then to look into Legolas' grinning face, frowning at the lack of improvement, indeed at the worsening, since last he had laid eyes on his friend. "Legolas, you look terrible."

Thranduil cleared his throat. "Perhaps, Ranger, you can persuade my son to allow Lord Elrond to look after his hurts."

Aragorn turned startled eyes on the King, then back to Legolas. "You did not tell them?"

The elf shrugged. "I had more pressing concerns. My condition is not immediately life-threatening."


"Legolas!" Aragorn turned to his father. "Do not listen to him, Adar! He is unwell!"

"I gathered that much from his appearance alone my son, but when he refuses treatment there is naught I can do."

"Legolas! Tell them!" Aragorn commanded.


Legolas sighed then, but did as he was told, though the words did not come easily. "I am not myself. I hear not Iluvatar's song. I am chilled to the bone, and my throat has never felt so raw. I ache in more places than ever before in my life." He raised his downcast eyes and looked at Lord Elrond, though he would not look at his father. "I find my sight and hearing are not what they were, and my lightAi! Elbereth!my light has gone. I believe I have somehow become human."

Thranduil sputtered. "How is that possible?"

Elrond waved a calming hand at the King. "I will need to speak to them both to determine that very thing!" The look on Elrond's face informed the King that he would need to be silent if he wished to remain.

The Lord of Imladris turned to Legolas. "What makes you believe this? What happened out there Legolas?"

Legolas looked into Elrond's eyes in that disconcerting direct way he'd always had. It had always amazed Elrond that he sometimes found Legolas' stare as disconcerting as Galadriel's. His stare always contained his emotions, no matter the situation, and now was no different. His own confusion and fear warred with a resigned acceptance of what had befallen him and a desire to shield his friends and family from as much of his suffering as was possible.

Elrond took the Prince's hand. "It is all right, Legolas. I will do all I can to help. Tell me everything."

Legolas felt more solace at those words than he would have thought possible.

Aragorn shifted then, moving away from the elf. "Legolas, before we deal with that, you should let Adar examine you. If your throat is raw, and your nose red, and the sinking in the snow" He looked up at his father.

Elrond nodded. "Yes, come, Prince, and let me look at you."

Reluctantly, Legolas released Aragorn, and stepped gingerly from behind his friend. He stumbled then, the pain in his feet robbing him of balance. Elrond caught him, and easily swung the elf, who'd lost no small amount of weight in his travels, into his arms. Easing him onto the bed he'd had set up when he had not known how many of the four would be in need of help, he began to examine Legolas.


He liked not what he found. The Wood Elf's throat was indeed red and raw. It had to be painful to talk and to swallow. His head was hot to the touch, and he was obviously running a fever. It was, however, the elf's feet that concerned him most. Legolas was frostbitten. He straightened, glaring at the elf as he did at Estel whenever Estel hid some hurt from him.

"Legolas, you have lain in that bed nursing my son for nearly 24 hours, yet you not once told me of your ailments, or even hinted that you might not be well. Your feet! You must be in great pain!"

Legolas looked down at his hands, which he held in his lap. "I thought not of it. My heart was with Aragorn."


Elrond frowned, but, restraining the questions and fears that raged in his mind, Elrond treated the miserable elf. Ointment and warm wrappings on his feet, and a warming tea and broth and soon Legolas felt nearly normal.

Elrond glanced around the room. There were far too many people in it. He looked to the twins and to Thranduil's older sons. They would have to leave. As though reading his mind, Thranduil bade his sons to return to their own rooms to rest. They were prepared to argue, but Legolas called to them.

"Tarm, Oro, I am well." He held out a hand to each of them, and they crossed to his bedside, taking his hands and overwhelming him as they both stooped to hug him. The three whispered to each other in hushed words and loving tones, but in the end, they parted. Tarm and Oro left with a last glance to their Father, trusting that he would see to their Little Greenleaf's health.

Once they had gone, Elrond turned to his own twins. He did naught but raise an eyebrow, a half smile quirking his lips. Elladan nodded, nudging his brother, but they first took their leave of Estel in much the same way Legolas' brothers had of him.

Elrond and Thranduil turned then to look at their youngest sons.

Aragorn and Legolas glanced at each other. "How much?" Aragorn asked.

Legolas considered. "From after the attack, I suppose."

Aragorn nodded. "That would seem to be where it all began to unravel."


Legolas laughed wincing at the human sound of it. "It unraveled well before that, mellonin, but that is where we both were stricken!"

Elrond and Thranduil glared at them during their debate.

Legolas sighed and began his tale. "I rescued Aragorn from orcs who held him captive, and we rode far and fast to be sure we weren't pursued." Legolas continued with his story until Aragorn decided to take over the narrative.

"I awoke the next morning, well, nearer afternoon to find Legolas unconsciouswith his eyes closed," he added carefully.

He continued and detail for detail the two shared their story with their worried fathers. Legolas explained about Sauron. Aragorn explained his dreams that he knew were more than dreams. He then recalled Legolas' chant and how it had kept him close until Elladan and Elrohir had joined them to break the Enemy's hold. Thranduil and Elrond both felt horror at the suggestion that such corruption had touched their sons on so intimate a level.


Elrond spoke then asking questions of Legolas as Thranduil sat by his son's side. "You say you remember naught of the evening before you awoke like this?"

Legolas nodded. "I remember only a blinding light" he frowned. "And"

"And what, Legolas? Tell us." Elrond spoke softly, persuasively.

"I remember the Black Speech."

Thranduil cursed causing all in the room to turn surprised eyes on him. "The taint of Mordor grows!" He spat the words as though they tasted foul on his tongue.

Elrond considered the words of both father and son. His heart was heavy for he did not think there was much he could do. "I must consult my books." He said at last. He rose then and looked his patients over once more then he went to his library. He did not emerge for three days.

**

Elladan assumed responsibility for his brother's and Legolas' treatments, and both healed well, though Estel was greatly irritated that the blood loss had left him weak and unable even to sit up for long. Legolas laughed heartily at his friend's discomfiture, much to Elladan's delight, and Estel's irritation.

"Truly, my friend, you bellow like a bear, yet you have less strength than a newly hatched sparrow!" The Prince laughed.

Legolas' human-sounding laughter grated on Thranduil's ears, and though he would hide this from his son, Legolas could tell. He only laughed or sang now if Thranduil was out of the room. When he was present, Legolas made a great effort to modulate his voice so he sounded more elven. If he was present at mealtimes, he ate as he would have before the odd change, denying the mannish hunger that growled deep in his belly.

Now, he laughed with elven abandon as his father had left to speak to his brothers.


Aragorn mock-glared at his friend, secretly pleased to hear the sound of laughter from the elf even if it was at his own expense.

Elladan changed the dressings on Legolas' feet as the two friends laughed. Elrohir sat in a chair nearby to assist Elladan should he need anything. The twins shared a smile now at the sound of the two invalids recovering their spirits.

Elladan sobered as he removed the bandages from Legolas' right foot. The left had healed nicely, but the frostbite on the right seemed less improved. Covering his concern, Elladan wrapped fresh bandages upon the afflicted appendage after spreading a thick athelas paste over the injury.

He looked over then at Estel, and saw his brother looking at him with concern in his eyes. Elladan glanced at Legolas, but the elf was deep in conversation with Elrohir, and had not noticed either Elladan's or Estel's concerns. Elladan rose then and made as though he would check Estel's bandages again. He settled at his brother's bedside and began fussing with his bandages.

"You cannot hide your fears, brother." Aragorn spoke softly, knowing Legolas' hearing was not what it was and that Elldan's elven hearing could easily hear him.

"I suppose I cannot." He sighed. "His right foot is not healing as well as it could be. I would go to Adar"

"Then go!"

"He has not responded to anyone for days. I do not know if he plans ever to come out of his library."


"You know he would if he thought Legolas needed him. Go! And if he wishes not to be disturbed tell him I sent you out of fear for my friend."

Elladan placed a gentle hand on Aragorn's shoulder. "Rest easy, Estel. I will go to him now. Just keep Legolas' mind off of his problems."


"What do you think I've been doing the last three days?"

Elladan smiled at his brother before leaving to speak to his father. Aragorn was right. Elrond would drop whatever he was doing if he thought either of his patients needed his help. Elladan approached his father's library, surprised to find the door ajar. He paused, and listened to see if someone already was speaking to his father.

He heard Thranduil's voice speaking gruffly. "Lord Elrond, I insist, if you cannot help him I must return him to Mirkwood!"

"Thranduil, please, be reasonable! His best chance is to go to Lothlorien. Celeborn and Galadriel will surely"


"I will not bring him there! You Noldor elves are hard to take, do you know that? Yet, you, for all your half-elven stupidity should at least know that Galadriel and I have not spoken for centuries. Surely the family feuds are mentioned from time to time when you visit the mother of your wife!"

"Is such a feud worth your son's life?"

"We have healers in Mirkwood!" Thranduil's insistence faltered a bit at the realization that what healers he did have in Mirkwood didn't possess half the knowledge of Elrond and Celeborn.

"My friend, we have never faced such an affliction. Galadriel and Celeborn are much older than either of us. I am sure that, of all the elves on Middle-earth, they would be most likely to find a cure for him!"

Elladan had heard more than enough, and since they discussed Legolas, perhaps hearing what he had to say would sway Thranduil to see the logic in his father's words. He leaned closer to the door, knocking, as he slid the door gently open and called to his father. "Adar" he paused as though surprised to find Thranduil inside. "Forgive me, Adar, King Thranduil" he nodded at the King, then turned to his father. "It is Legolas. I have done what I can for him, but his right foot does not heal as it should. I thought you could come and look at it."


Before Elladan had completed his request, Elrond gathered up a few books and a sack of herbs. "Come, Thranduil, and tell Legolas you would take him home when his only hope lies in Lothlorien!" He stormed from the library, Elladan at his heels.

Thranduil followed.

**

On the way to Estel's room, Elladan had explained that he hadn't let Legolas see his concerns, but he was sure Legolas would not think it odd if Elrond looked over both his patients considering his long absence.


Elrond entered the room, handing his books and herbs to Elladan. He forced a smile on his face and addressed both his own son and Legolas. "I trust Elladan has taken good care of you while I have been unable!"

Estel and Legolas laughed, before Legolas realized his father was behind Lord Elrond and hastily cut off his own laughter for fear the sound would upset the King.

Estel sighed. "Yes, Adar, though Elladan is about half the healer you are. In a few thousand years, he may yet be two-thirds as good as you!"

Elladan playfully cuffed Estel on the side of the head as Elrond made a show of checking Estel's injuries. A cursory examination later, he was beside Legolas, checking first for fever, then inspecting the redness of the elf's throat. "Your fever has broken. Your throat looks much better! How do you feel?"

Legolas smiled. "I am well, Lord Elrond. I can swallow!"


Elrond returned the smile. "It was a minor symptom." He moved then to Legolas' feet, expertly hiding an undue concern. "And your feet? How do they feel?"


Elrond unwrapped the left first. It was all but healed. Another day or two, and he would be well. As he unwrapped the right, he looked expectantly at Legolas who had yet to answer his question.

Legolas knew something was wrong with his right foot, but he had hoped he'd misinterpreted the signs. He had never before had a human reaction to anything. He thought it reasonable to assume his elven instincts might misinterpret the pain. Realizing this was obviously not the case even as he realized that Elladan must have gone to his father because of this, he dropped his gaze. "It pains me, Lord Elrond. My right footthere is something wrong."

Elrond's heart went out to the prince. He unwrapped the bandage and examined the toes. They had not healed as they should have, and indeed looked bad. Not allowing this to show, Elrond smiled again at Legolas. "It is not as bad as all that." He tried to sound reassuring. "Elrohir, prepare some athelas." Elrohir did as told and Elrond gingerly placed a hand on the injured toes.

Legolas inhaled sharply at the touch causing both Estel and Thranduil to jump slightly.


Elrond closed his eyes then and focused on the injured toes. Slowly he poured some of himself into the prince, willing his toes–and his spirit–to heal.

After several moments, Elrond opened his eyes. Legolas stared at him, doubt and shame for some reason in his eyes. Elrond furrowed his brow questioningly.

Legolas shifted uncomfortably under the gaze, but finally looked the Lord in the eye. "Hannonle, but I did not deserve that."

Elrond was confused and allowed the confusion to show. "What mean you, Legolas? You are not deserving of proper healing?"

"I cannot ask you to do more than you have done. You have long been away, and by your return at Elladan's request, I can see you have no idea what to do for this malady I bear. I know you tried to heal it as you tried to heal my foot. I felt it, Lord Elrond, and I do not deserve to drain you of your healing powers when obviously there is naught to heal. I am human now, and I must adapt to that."


Elrond's eyes searched Legolas'. He believed these words he spoke, Elrond could tell. He believed there was no cure and would not have Elrond attempt the impossible. Elrond stood, moving closer to Legolas and cupped Legolas' cheek in his open palm as his other hand sought the Prince's hand. "Legolas, I have not yet given up hope of curing this, though you are right in that I have found nothing in my books that seems to address this peculiar condition. I do, however, have a suggestion for treatment."

"Elrond!" Thranduil's voice contained all his elven fury that Elrond intended to tell Legolas of this.

"Thranduil, he is well past the age where you may choose his course for him. I would have him know of any hope I can offer!" He turned again to Legolas and explained to him that he should go to Lothlorien.

Legolas' eyes danced at the thought. "I have never seen the Golden Wood," he admitted and the desire to see them shone strong in his face. In a moment, however, the desire slipped away to be replaced by doubt and unworthiness. "But to see it now, with human eyesAi!"

The anguish in his voice gave pause to all present save Aragorn. Clearing his throat, the Ranger spoke, humor touching his words. "I have seen the Golden Wood with human eyes and I do not believe their beauty was diminished. Truly, given what I have heard the past few days, I am amazed that you all have been able to tolerate my presence for so long and that you have managed to keep my plight from me all my life!" He looked across the space that separated him from his friend, and, without asking anyone's leave, tossed aside his own blankets and rose.

Standing under his own power again for the first time in over a week should have made him dizzy, but if it did, he hid it well. He crossed the space to Legolas bedside and took the elf's hand away from his father. Dropping to one knee, his eyes locked on Legolas'. "You once pledged your life to me, vowing to see me take the Throne of Gondor. I say now in front of witnesses that such a destiny would mean naught to me without you by my side to offer advice and counsel. I vow to you, Legolas, as I did when first we discovered this affliction, that I will see you restored. While there is life in me and breath in my lungs, no matter the cost, I will see you dance among the trees again. Sen gweston, Legolas." (This I swear, Legolas.)

Legolas eyes moved rapidly across his friend's face searching for something to offer solace and comfort. He must have found it for a small smile graced his fair features, and those who looked upon him now would have been hard pressed to say he had lost his elven grace if they'd been asked at that moment. "Cuilnin navi caimlîn, Estel Elrondiongwadornin." (My life is in your hands, Estel, son of Elrondmy brother.)

Aragorn smiled, pleased to have his elvish name given preference over his given name. This was an elven matter and would be best dealt with that way.

Elrond smiled as well, at the response having rarely heard the elvish form of his youngest son's full name. Legolas, it seemed, had a knack for knowing just what to call his son.

Legolas turned then to face Elrond and Thranduil. "I will go to the Golden Wood."

To Be Continued

Karri: Thanks!

Jade: Was this fast enough?


Andmetwen: Yeah, Legolas can be pretty single-minded! Thanks for the cookie!

Chloe Amethyst: As you can see from this chapter, Elrond needs help to fix this one! Thanks for the review!


Tithen Min: Masterpiece? I don't know about that, but I am flattered. Tolkien's work is the only real Masterpiece. Me? I'm just obsessed, thank you very much!

Felian: I enjoy reading your thoughts on the subject, and I am glad you like the story! I agree that a lot of fanfiction does make elves out to be incredibly superior. I don't really like that myself. I don't think of them as better, just different. Honestly, it must be difficult to be an elf and watch the world you love change so drastically. I do see your point but I couldn't get around the weight thing. If they weigh less than a bird'cause even a bird can sink into the snow a bitthen how could they function? I like your solution about their bones, though. Even if it didn't work out to be feasible, it sounds good! LOL!


White Wolf: Astute observation! Yes, Legolas' troubles are just beginning!