An: You know things are only going to get worse. Heh. But they only get slightly better too!
Flames of the moon: Ah. So that's who I was thinking of. Thanks. I was just hoping it wasn't exactly the same as another authors name for a young boy. The elves I've see have all had straight hair, (In LOTR I mean…I don't see elves walking around everyday…I think)v But this one is either an example, (or they aren't natural) I'm sure elves have some way of curling their hair, or putting it in ringlets.
Aisu Dragoness: I love stories about Legolas and Thranduil too! Some of my favourites are listed on my favourites list.
Swasti: No it's not too late…
Kelhuin Lossehelin: They are both as well as can be for now (Come to think of it. Legolas isn't particularly well)
Chapter 4:-Further Complications
The search party rode along the river in silence save for the occasional call of 'Legolas' from one of the members. But so far there had been no answer. Thranduil was becoming increasingly distraught, and rode now in silence at the front of the group, head bowed in silent contemplation. None dared speak to him, not even to suggest they turn back from the fruitless search.
"None could have survived the waterfall" Thranduil overheard an elf further back whisper
"Even if they did they would likely be paralysed" whispered another sympathetically
"Poor Prince Legolas" he heard the first say "and our King too, what will become of him…if Prince Legolas truly is dead?"
Thranduil blocked out their conversation then, the realisation that Legolas could be dead dawning on him at last. And if he's not…dead…paralysed? My Son paralysed? Thranduil shook the thought from his mind. Deep down he knew he would rather his son be dead that paralysed, unable to move for the rest of eternity, for he knew his son would hate that and death would save his son…and himself…countless misery. The King chewed his lip in agitation, fearing what he might find…
"My Lord, get back!" Tirinvo hissed as he rode his horse in front of the King, who felt the other elves surround him. "Who goes there?" called Tirinvo then, fitting an arrow to his bow. Thranduil looked up in expectation, his breath catching in his throat as the figure emerged from the trees. It was a young elf, Thranduil softly groaned
"Please sir. I am Tauro" He said a slight tremor in his voice "I need to reach Thranduil's halls. I have a message for the King."
"Now is not a good time" Tirinvo said softly
"But Please, I have to. It concerns Prince Legolas"
On hearing his sons name Thranduil looked up and pushed his horse through the crowds "My Son? You know where he is?" he asked, a hint of desperation in his voice "He lives?"
Tauro looked slightly taken aback at being confronted in such a manner by an elf he guessed to be King Thranduil.
"Yes My Lord, he is alive. My sister and Father found him yesterday by the river. He is in our home in the Raft-Elves' settlement."
Thranduil nodded relieved "Thank the Valar," he muttered "Can you lead us there?" he asked then
The youngster nodded "My Father asked me to, The Prince has done nothing but worry about getting a message to you since last night"
Thranduil mustered a smile "He would, always worried about anyone but himself" he looked at the elf "Is he injured badly?"
Tauro looked uncomfortable "The Prince did not want you to know of his condition, My Lord" he said after a while
Thranduil to his surprise nodded "He only doesn't want me to worry. Please, I need to know. I will not let on that you told me. You won't be breaking his trust"
Tauro thought for a moment then nodded "I'm not sure about the full extent of his injuries, but I know he has a broken leg and a broken arm, and several broken ribs. Oh! And a deep gash in his leg. Other than that he is just bruised"
Thranduil swore and ran a hand through his already untidy hair "Reckless Elfling!" he hissed. At the look on Tauro's face he shook his head "Not you, my blasted son
Tirinvo walked over to the King "Calm down Thranduil!" he urged the King "let us go and get Legolas" he knew full well that though the King was furious now, the minute he laid eyes on Legolas, the anger would evaporate and be replaced by concern for his son and heir.
Legolas leant back on the pillows; half asleep listening to Alasse chatter on about her family, her pony, the flowers and anything else that delighted her. He was quite content to listen to her idle chatter. But then his eyes bulged and he began to cough relentlessly.
"Nana!" he heard Alasse scream as she ran out "Legolas is dying" then he heard footsteps racing to his room, when the coughing finally subsided he moved his hand from his mouth only to discover that it was covered in blood. His blood. He heard a sharp intake of breath from the door and looked up to meet his Father's horrified eyes
Thranduil could only stare at Legolas for a moment, a look of horror on his face. Then in an instant he was at his son's side, sat beside him on the bed, using his own cloak so wipe the blood from his son's lips. The Elf King wrapped an arm round his son's shoulders, holding him close for a moment. "Thank the valar you are safe" he whispered "I thought I had lost you"
Legolas looked up at his Father "You didn't" he managed to whisper before collapsing against his Father.
"Legolas!" Thranduil cried pulling his son into his arms and standing up, hurrying out of the room he almost collided with Tauron, who looked concerned "Is he…?" the elf asked
"I think he may have suffered a punctured lung" Thranduil keeping his voice as strong as possible. "Tirinvo!"
The commander entered the small room "Yes, My Lord?"
"Take Legolas and start back to my halls. I will join you in a moment." The King said, reluctantly handing Legolas to him commander. "Be careful" he warned him then, in a tone that told the commander that if anything happened to Legolas, his status as commander would not protect him from the King's wrath.
As Tirinvo exited the room Thranduil turned to Tauron and Losse "Thank you." He stated "I do not know what I would have done had I lost him. You have my deepest thanks. I am forever in your debt"
"There is no need My King, we only did what anybody would" Tauron protested
"No, many would have left him lying there. I cannot be more grateful. Without you he would have died, and without your son," he looked over at Tauro, "I would never have found him. Thank you" he bowed low to them
"King Thranduil" a small voice asked "Will Legolas be alright?" the elf king looked down at the small female elfling and smiled
"I hope so, I really hope so…" he whispered. "Now, if you will excuse me, I must return to my son. Namaarie!" he nodded once more to them before leaving the room. Once outside he mounted his horse and rode of in the direction of Mirkwood with a great cry of "Noro Lim! Noro Lim!" on his lips.
TBC…
I'll be back tomorrow about the same time. Maybe not. I may decide to review the last couple of chapters.
