Thanks to everyone who has reviewed and I have replied to everyone at the bottom of this chapter. Thanks again.
Chapter 21The lack of response from Mirkwood's prince stirred up great concern in the hearts of the entire company. Elrond spun on his heel and was met by Estel as they rushed to the archer.
The sight that met their eyes would be another that would never leave them. Legolas, lying on his side to keep warm, had turned a deathly pale. Elrond put his ear to the younger Elf's chest and listened intently. There was no movement against the Elven Lord's face and a tiny, faint pulse.
"His pulse is slow and weak and there is no air entering his body. We will have to breathe for him. Estel, help me turn him onto his back." Together, father and son worked in turning the prince over. The twins, Danuinel and Notilan watched anxiously, praying for the life of their friend.
"Ada, is there anything we can do? Any herbs that we could collect for you?" Elladan asked, not wishing to be a bystander as the archer fought for his life before them.
"Yes, could you all get some athelas, houndroot and boil some water?" Elrond called as they leapt to their feet.
The healer tilted the young Elf's head back, opened the mouth and used his own air to help the prince breathe. Estel held Legolas' hand and spoke quietly to him, in some attempt to coax the archer to breathe.
It took a good few agonizing minutes before anything happened. Legolas twitched slightly and suddenly sucked in a small breath of his own. Elrond sat back and watched as his patient fought to be able to breathe.
"Easy, Legolas, take it easy. There's plenty of air here, just breathe gently. That's it." Elrond placed his hand on Legolas' forehead and was relieved when he found no trace of a fever. That was the last thing they needed.
The four friends burst into the clearing, and handed the herbs and roots to Elrond. They boiled some water and added some of the herbs to it. The Ranger mashed the mixture up into a paste and left the container beside the archer's head. The fumes from the paste helped clear the Elf's nose and throat, allowing for a deeper inhalation.
"Lord Elrond, is Legolas going to be alright? Danuinel asked the question that everyone was thinking. They all waited nervously for the answer.
"Yes, as long as he is kept warm and dry, away from the snow, then he should make it to Mirkwood with no more problems." The healer reported. It sounded like a simple enough task.
"Estel … I am … sorry about … Arod. I … did not … mean him … to go for … you." Legolas whispered around breaths. The Ranger laughed at the comment. It was typical for the prince to think of someone else before himself.
"Worry not, mellon-nin. The only damage done was to my pride and it is only temporary. I shall get you back in time. When you are least expecting it." Estel told his friend, after helping the prince into a sitting position. The Elf had more colour now, and his eyes were more focused than before.
"I want you to let someone know if you are feeling bad again, Legolas. We will try to keep you warm and dry but if you are feeling that there is something wrong, then tell me, or Estel. Anyone. I would ask for no more scares between here and Mirkwood. I want you to arrive there in one piece and standing, even if you are leaning on Estel." Elrond told the young prince. He felt slightly humiliated by the speech and guilty for worrying everyone, again.
The snow was far from subsiding; in fact, it had grown worse over the past two hours. The ground in the clearing was covered with a thick, white blanket. This weather made no difference to the five Elves. But Estel had donned thicker clothing on instruction from his father and Legolas was becoming increasingly frustrated by his physical and mental state.
The prince was so used to being able to go out in the snow in his usual clothing and being able to walk in top of the snow rather than through it. But being weakened by the snow, making him cold and wet, was an infuriating thing for the young Elf to deal with. Estel felt sorry for him inside, he knew what the Elf was feeling.
"Ada, we are going to make the shelter a bit bigger, that way the snow might not get in as far." Elrohir told his father. The twins, Danuinel and Notilan stood before the Elf with large branches in hand.
"That is a good idea, ion-nin. That way, Estel could sit with Legolas and might even stop him becoming ill too. Good thinking everyone." Elrond approved the idea straight away.
So the building began immediately. Legolas and Estel were moved back into the carriage with Elrond, and everyone else got to work. Inside the coach, the prince lay down on one of the seats. The eyes slowly closed, and within minutes, he was asleep. Estel sat on the floor, his head near to the archer's, listening constantly for breath.
Elrond watched the two with thought. Estel had come so far since the Elven Lord had taken him in as an infant. Starting off as a clumsy child, he had grown into a man. A healer, a ranger and holding the title of King. Estel, however, had rejected that route long ago, and although Elrond was wary of his foster-son's decision, he did nothing to change the young man's mind.
Legolas, whom he had known since the prince was born, had become the most accomplished archer in Middle Earth. The son of a King and soon to become a ruler himself. He held the memories of a difficult childhood, but loved his father dearly and tried not to linger in the past.
Together, the two had formed an amazing friendship. One of total loyalty and trust. They had been through hell together and come out the other end together. It wasn't something to be taken lightly. And wasn't something that many people could say that they had.
TBCReplies:
LanierShazar: I thought that it was quite a funny idea and decided to go with it. I'm glad you enjoyed it too.
Nomad6: I suppose that a real horse wouldn't do that, but surely it isn't impossible for that to happen. I just don't want to write something that isn't possible. I'm really glad that your horse is taking to life with you! I don't know much about horses but it's one of my dreams to be able to ride one and I plan to start riding when I get to university. Thanks for all your help again.
treestumpwitch: I really enjoy reading your reviews! You appreciate the little things as well as the big things, unlike some people. It's great to hear that people like the little 'interesting bits' that I put into the chapters. I must admit I'm very picky about what I read too. If something doesn't grab me in the first few chapters, I give up on it. Thanks again for the review!
Elf771: Thanks for the review, and I love giving people cliffys. They're so fun.
Moonyasha: That's fantastic. What is it exactly? Your boys are resting nicely and will be back with you in no time at all. Estel says thanks and will set it up when Legolas wakes up. Estel doesn't want to leave him right now, after the little incident earlier. Thanks again!
HarryEstel: Little bit more than sleeping, sorry. But he seems to be better now. But things can quickly change, as happens frequently when I am writing. Sorry about that, it keeps me on my toes and keeps the readers happy. Thanks again!