Not mine never were never will be
The next few days passed in blur to the main family of Rivendell. The main packing was completed that day, although the twins and Estel insisted on helping Legolas with his riding lessons.
While they were doing this and under Glorfindel's sharp eyes, the Balrog Slayer was modifying the Princes' wheelchair so that it could be folded in order that it could be carried on one of the spare horses.
Legolas was making good progress; he actually found it easier to ride with another person. Having the warmth of someone behind him and whispered words of encouragement and calm helped him tremendously.
Today was the first day he had gone faster than a walk since the accident, his heart still thumped and his mouth was dry, but he did it none the less.
The evening meal was lively that night as they celebrated Legolas' continued improvement.
The next morning found Elrond and Glorfindel in Elrond's study looking over the maps. It had been decided that as the trip would take longer with Legolas in his current condition, they would also need to make frequent stops. Between them they marked out the best places to stop both during the day and at night. It was agreed that the last thing that Legolas needed at the moment was to become exhausted, that could only bring on more seizures.
Then finally the morning arrived when they would be leaving. Erestor would be left in charge of Imladris during their absence.
Legolas was nervous, more than he would have thought possible as he was settled into place in front of Elrond. This would be his big test. Once they were moving and had left Imladris he would have to manage, before if he needed to stop and return to the Last Homely House he had had that choice now he would not.
"It will be fine, Ion-nin I am with you." Elrond's whisper in his ear helped calm him as with a final wave at those who had come to see them all off they set off on the long journey to Lothlorien.
All went well for the first part of the journey. Elrond could feel when Legolas was becoming nervous of the ride and continued to voice his encouragement. It was still with a sigh of relief that Legolas found himself being helped to the ground at their first stop two hours later.
Estel helped him to the shade of the tress as Elrohir saw to the fire they would need for their comfort. The Prince could only grin sheepishly as Elrond handed him the herbs to chew that would help with the pain that still lingered in his legs. It was with a sigh that he felt the pain recede, even if it never totally disappeared.
By the time their warm food was ready, Legolas was sleeping his eyes tightly closed, testament to his exhaustion. They did not have the heart to disturb him and put his meal to one side for when he woke.
His sleep had not been long and Legolas woke feeling better than he had done. He was being held in warm, safe arms. He looked up to find Elrond smiling down to him.
"Did you rest well?"
"Yes, Ada I feel much better. I think I am hungry though."
"That I am glad of as we kept you some food back." He nodded in front of him and he turned to find Elladan holding out a platter for him. To every ones delight he cleared the plate.
Twenty minutes later they were on their way having broken camp.
Despite the stops Legolas was in deep pain and almost dropping with exhaustion by the time they stopped for the night. Elrond had brought more than enough if the herbs with him, just in case and he was glad that he had done so.
Once Legolas was settled on the ground, on a blanket, by the fire; Elrond began to massage his cramping muscles. Legolas could not stop the hisses caused by this. Glorfindel joined them, handing Legolas the stronger herbs to chew. The Prince did so with relief.
Elrond only stopped once the muscle cramps had diminished. He waved Legolas thanks away; he did not need them, if it meant Legolas would be comfortable for the evening he would continue. The talk about the camp was lively that night, although Legolas did not join in much. He also only picked at his meal. He was asleep before night fell and the others around the camp lowered their voices so as not to disturb him.
Elrond set the watches, he did not want to risk any stray Orcs coming across them, but also he wanted a watch kept on Legolas.
As such the night was split in two for the others. Legolas did not even stir once.
The Prince was in a better mood the next morning the good sleep he had had helped. It was with relief that the others noticed this.
Soon the days found a rhythm, Legolas would be bright and happy in the morning, limp and exhausted by night fall. Every day he had to have massages and also his exercises to stop the cramps. Luckily they had come across no Orcs or Wolves yet far.
It was on the fourth day that Legolas had his first seizure since leaving the haven of Imladris. It was just lucky that Elrond had been concentrating or Legolas could well have fallen from the horse. Not one word was spoken as the others dismounted and came to his aid. It did not take long to get it under control thank fully and they continued on their way, Legolas asleep in Elrond's arms.
No one said a thing but it was with relief that Lothlorien came into view, Legolas had never ever felt this exhausted in his life. All he wanted was a soft bed. He was brought from his musings by greeting cries from the trees.
He looked up to see Haldir and his brothers as well as others he knew very well coming to meet them. It was a joyful reunion even if they looked a little puzzled as to why the Mirkwood Prince was riding with Elrond.
Together they made the final trip into Imladris and onto the Lord and Ladies Talon in the centre of the clearing.
Galadriel came out of the Talon to greet the visitors and smiled brightly at her two grandsons by blood and the third adopted one. They quickly dismounted from their horses and embraced their grandmother.
Glorfindel moved from his horse to help Legolas get down from Elrond's horse. He supported the blond until he got the feeling back in his legs and was able to stand alone. Legolas managed to stand on his own as the pain flared in his legs. Seeing this Elrond quickly dismounted and placed his arm around Legolas' waist to support him.
Legolas managed to walk with jerky movements over to Galadriel. Bowing slightly he smiled at the golden lady. "My Lady, I thank you for your hospitality."
The Lady of the Woods laughed. "Spoken like a true Prince. But now is the time to act and be family not Royals, so come and give your Grandmother a hug, young one." Legolas looked questionably at the Lady. "I treat Estel as my family, so why not you?" Legolas moved with his fathers help and stood next to the lady and they embraced.
Glorfindel pushed the newly assembled wheel chair over to the Prince. Legolas gratefully sat down releasing the tension on his legs as the pain dimmed slightly.
Elrond started to massage the weak limbs as he talked to Lady Galadriel.
"Now tell me, Young Prince everything that has led to this day."
And Legolas found him self telling her everything, the pain and the recovery. The seizures and all the problems associated with them. Legolas found tears running down his face as he spoke of the humiliation and fears. He was just speaking of his riding lessons with Glorfindel when a slow sadistic clapping drew his attention.
It drew everyone's attention and there behind them stood the tall figure of the King of Mirkwood, Thranduil. Legolas' birth father. Behind him stood many of the warriors of Mirkwood all staring in shock at their Prince sitting in the wheelchair.
Thranduil ignored every one except Legolas. Walking around his son he muttered with mock sympathy. Finally he spoke with condescension in his voice. "Really, Legolas you are filthy. Just look at that piece of dirt that you have on your leg."
Legolas looked down and all he could see was Elrond. Then he realised.
Elrond stood up and stared straight into the King's eyes. Legolas started to shake but no one noticed as the two leaders were getting ready to fight.
To fight over honour and respect.
To fight over Legolas.
Thanks to all who reviewed and i ambegging you to do so ore. I really need the encourageent. I am going to be making some decidions in the next few weeks as to wether i continue to write so often and updates may be cut dramatically as i am starting college as well as wriing a load of other things. S pleas review as i need the praise.
