Summary: see chapter one
Disclaimer: see chapter one
A/N: Still and AU fic any reviews will be welcomed.
Now to my awesome reviewers who make me smile
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Estelle1: hmmmmm maybe so
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Aranna Undomiel: GOOD LUCK on finding one! and Galadriel knows not all
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Thank you all! now to the chapter
Chapter 15
After many days the outline of the Golden Wood was in sight,and Thranduil sighed with relief. "Now we shall see what The Lady of the Light can do. She will be able to heal them all."
Elrond did not wish to crush his friend's hope, but he knew deep down they may be without hope of return to normal. Entering the gates they were stopped, and asked of their business in the Lady's Land.
Haldir however came rushing up and bowed deeply to the two elven lords. "We welcome you to Caras Galadhon. I see from your weariness you are in need of the healers, and food. Come I shall escort you personally to the Lord and Lady."
Haldir running ahead led them all to the Golden Wood and went to announce their presence. Within moments Galadriel and Celeborn met them.
"What troubles do you bring with you Elrond, for it has been but a short time since I saw you last. Arwen I am sorry to say is gone for a few days."
"We have come for your help my lady. The darkness of Sauron has taken the spirit of these two," he said pointing at Estel and Legolas. "We need to know if you can help us bring them back."
"Long it has been since I dealt with treachery such as Sauron, but we shall try. Come bring them to the room, and we shall see what we can do."
For hours upon hours they all worked trying to bring Estel and Legolas back to the two they once were to no avail. Nothing seemed to work not even the begging and pleading of the twins, or their fathers. Elrohir at last could take no more and he walked away from the group.
Taking no heed to where he was going he soon found himself back almost to the gates. He only stopped when an arrow was poised and aimed at his throat.
"You should be more careful where you wander young Elrondion." Haldir said. He then noticed the dried tear stains on Elrohir's face and turned to motion to the other guards he would be back. Prodding Elrohir forward he walked him to the stream nearby and they both sat down.
"What troubles your mind so deeply?"
Elrohir sniffled and calmed himself before speaking as not to cry in front of Haldir. "Nothing seems to be working. Ada has tried and even grandmother, but they have yet to find a way to cure their minds. If they do not then Legolas will end up sailing, but Estel will be lost to us forever." Elrohir choked out.
"Do not worry yourself on this matter, and it seems they are not the only ones with wounds," he said pointing to Elrohir's arm.
"This is nothing, compared to the injuries they both have. Broken bones, and cuts can be healed, but their minds cannot. I fear for them." Elrohir said finally succumbing to his tears. "I must seem cowardly to a great warrior like yourself."
"Nonsense, to love one's brother and friend as you do is not cowardice, it shows honor and love. Please now go and think no more on this matter, but I would ask you of a favor."
Elrohir stopped and turned back around. "What would you have me do for you Haldir?"
"I would have you tell the Lady of the Wood that I have an errand of up most importance to run, and shall return before tomorrow."
"I will tell her this, be careful and return swiftly, and hannon le for the kind words."
Haldir waited until he could see Elrohir no more before he went to the stables. Finding the swiftest horse there he mounted up and took off. "Mithrandir had only been gone from Lothlorien for a day, and if no one else knew of a cure for the two perhaps he would. Haldir had seen him perform many great deeds in his travels out in the wilds, and he knew the Lady trusted the Ishtari completely. He would bring him back, and hopefully Mithrandir could help.
Day had turned to night, but the mood in the small room was a somber one. Elladan and Elrohir now stitched up sat by the beds of their brother and friend, while their father and grandmother spoke in the other room.
"I know of nothing more that we can do Elrond. I have called to them here and in their minds, and yet all I see when I go there is darkness. They have no will to remain here. I have called many back to the light, and away from the darkness, but none have been tainted by Sauron's evil."
"I do not wish to lose my son, and Thranduil even now has not slept for days on end. He refuses to leave his son's side thinking that someway there is a chance he will come out of this. I cannot tell him all his hopes are for not. That his son's only hope is to sail to Valinor. He has lost his wife, he cannot bear to lose another so soon, it will destroy him. As for Estel he has nothing, but to live the remainder of his life as he is now. There is no haven for men. The twins will be devastated, and sail away, and I will not stay here afterwards, Arda will fall to the evilness of Sauron without Estel, and I cannot be witness to such destruction."
"I understand your pains Elrond, for they are mine as well, but I know not what else to do. We shall have to pray to the Valar that they return on their own. Do not give up hope just yet."
The two having said all there was to say walked back in and sat down to watch over the two boys. The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Legolas and Estel lay upon the beds, without taking in any food, without drinking any fluids except what Elrond had forced down them. They simply laid there their eyes open, revealing the horror which dwelled in their minds.
Elrohir jumped in his seat and turned to Galadriel. "Grandmother, I am sorry for I have failed to deliver to you a message. Haldir said he would return before tomorrow night, for he was on a mission of great importance."
Galadriel smiled at her grandson. "Thank you for the message, late as it is. I do wonder what mission is so important to take him from our borders at this time."
"Grandmother you spoke of Mithrandir having stayed here not long ago." Elladan said tearing his gaze away for a moment.
"Aye, Yes he was here not but a couple days ago. It is a shame really that we did not send for him sooner. Perhaps he could help in this matter."
"Why not send for him now, if he can help?" Thranduil said from his perch on his son's bed.
"The borders have been littered with orc attacks, and all the guards have been on alert. To have them go now would leave us defenseless to attack.. Perhaps in a fortnight or so we can send for his aid."
"By then they will have both starved to death, or simply give up from despair. We cannot wait for that long."
"I do not think Gandalf could help them, but he has known to surprise me" Elrond spoke from where he sat. "We cannot leave all of Lorien to suffer a fate of orcs. I will head out soon myself and try to find him."
"Ada you cannot leave Estel and Legolas. What if they need your healing skills?"
"I am sure your Grandmother's healers can handle it for a few days, and I am not leaving right away Elladan. I will wait to see how they manage."
The night brought no comfort, or easing of their minds. On the contrary in deepened their fears. Legolas screamed out every few moments, and Estel had cried until his body had no more tears left. They could not be comforted, and they were slowly slipping further into their comatose states. Thranduil looked to Elrond for some means to explain what was happening, when Legolas had bitten down on his tongue, and drawn blood.
Elrond shook his head and let the few tears collecting in his eyes fall. "I am sorry mellon nin. The blackness of Sauron it seems is too great. They will not regain themselves, I have seen this now."
"Then I shall leave within two days for the shores of Valinor. I will beg the Valar to have mercy on Estel, and make his passing one of ease."
"No, How can you speak of letting Estel simply die. He is my brother. Will you not try everything?"
"Elladan, I have tried it all, and I promise you I will ride for Mithrandir before the next moon. "
What Elrond nor any of the others knew was that Haldir was approaching a small campfire. Here he saw Mithrandir and jumped from his horse, and ran over.
"Mithrandir, I beg of your counsel for a moment." Haldir spoke as he bowed.
"What can an old wizard do for you young one.?"
"The Lords Elrond and Thranduil are in Lorien now. They have brought Estel and Legolas back from the clutches of Sauron, but now they linger as if only a shadow in our world."
"Come let us ride and you will tell me everything you know along the way back. I do hope you have rested well for we will not be stopping."
The two mounted back up and Haldir tried to explain all that he knew to the Ishtari. "They do not look well, and I fear Thranduil will take his son and sail away. Estel however will not have this option for he is adan."
Mithrandir seemed to ponder something for a minute before he spoke. "How is it a march warden of Lorien is so concerned over the welfare of a adan child. Is it simply that he is Lord Elrond's son, or do I sense something else."
Haldir seemed to fidget on his horse before he spoke. "I was on a scouting mission two years ago when I ran into Estel and Legolas. We traveled together for many days, and I stood watch each night so they could sleep. The third night I fell asleep while on watch for only a moment. That moment was the one the wargs decided to attack. Estel stood between me and the warg, and took the blow intended for me. He was badly injured, but he fought side by side with Legolas and myself, until all were dead. He is more than Lord Elrond's son, he is a friend as well, one I would not have suffer any longer."
"Did Galadriel send you for me?"
"She did not, and she will more than likely be upset I have left my post for so long, but I could think of no one else to help."
"I will see what I can do. We should tarry no longer, and move ahead with all speed."
The two elf and wizard too off in hopes of reaching those that needed them swiftly. What they did not know was that both had taken a turn for the worst.
