Seylin: For the disclaimers, see the other chapters, it hasn't changed. Italics represent thoughts, dreams & letters. I got my laptop finally up and working, but haven't sent all my files to in from my main comp yet. So sorry but no review replies for this chapter. Oh and I lied. There will be one more chapter, and it will be more funny than anything… as well as really short. It should be posted within the next couple of weeks.
The Forfeit
Chapter 10
A Respectful Reunion
"Estel, care for his fever. We need to clean the wound as best we can then put him into get the herbs we ended. Bring ada he will want to help," Elladan commanded, being the elder twin he took over in this situation.
His twin nodded and took off at a run. Hoof beats were heard moments later as he rode away.
"What can I do?" Neilana asked.
"I think you've done quite enough," Aragorn said with a scowl. Neilana glared back at him.
"Legolas told me elves heal quickly how was I to know he was hurt? When you came in he was bleeding but he taught me that elves heal quickly and when I saw him next h was not bleeding? How was I to know he had not healed!" She retorted. Aragorn went to make another comment but Elladan cut him off.
"If you would draw a cold cold bath, it would be most helpful," he told her. Neilana nodded and left the room shouting orders to her men. "Estel go easy on her. She knows nothing of elves or our abilities."
Aragorn frowned but didn't reply as he knew his brother spoke the truth. He dipped the rag into the water Elrohir had brought before leaving. He stared down at Legolas as he dabbed his face with the cool water. Legolas's cheeks were stained red from his fever, his breath coming out in quick gasps.
"Forgive me Legolas. I'm sorry I put us, you especially, in this position," he said quietly and leaned down placing a feather light kiss to Legolas's lips.
Elladan watched this out of the corner of his eye, a small smile came to his lips as he worked on Legolas's leg. The bleeding had stopped finally and he had gotten the infection that was already there cleaned out but he needed the herbs Elrohir would bring to make sure it wouldn't come back.
o-o
Both men looked up as some of Neilana's men carried in a large tub and other followed carrying buckets of water. Neilana followed them in and came over to Elladan.
"What else can I do?" She asked.
"Get out of the way," Elladan told her as kindly as he could. He and Aragorn quickly stripped Legolas except for the last bit of cloth that would still be in the range of decency.
They lowered him into the water and hen waited, checking his fever as time went by. When it was low enough hey picked him up and brought him to a bed.
"I'm going to watch for ada and Ro. Keep a close eye on his fever," Elladan told Aragorn. He nodded and sat by Legolas on the bed, taking one hand into his own.
o-o
Neilana stepped up beside Elladan bas he stood outside watching for his brother. The sun was setting now casting brillant colors over the sky.
"It's so beautiful," she whispered.
"When the sun rises red it means blood has been spilled in the night. For those who live near the sea a red sun in the morning is a sailor's warning, red sun at night is a sailor's delight," he told her. Neilana looked at him in awe.
"Where did you learn that?" She asked.
"My adar, Lord Elrond of Rivendell. He is very wise and has lived many years," Elladan replied.
"Is that the person you told your brother to return with?" Elladan nodded and watched as her eyes shown with the thought of meeting another elf.
"You have a great thirst for knowledge in you. I am Elladan," he commented and she looked down blushing.
"Neliana, please do not tell anyone. Among these people I am only needed as a leader now that my brother is gone. I learned to read only because Feanor taught me. My father would have skinned me alive if he had known," she answered. Elladan was about to reply but he tensed and stood straight looking to the trees. "What is it?"
"Some… no my brother and adar come," he answered. Neilana listened hard but heard nothing.
"I do not hear anything. Maybe you only thought.." she started but stopped as two men on horses rode swiftly out of the forest. Her eyes widened, watching as Elladan's brother slid down and the other elf followed.
"Elrohir get my herbs, Elladan lead me to Legolas," Elrond told him. Elladan quickly nodded and led him inside only half aware that Elrohir and Neilana followed behind.
o-o
Aragorn raised his head from where he was staring at Legolas as the door opened. Relief washed over him when he saw that it was Elrond. He quickly stood moving out of the great healer's way.
"His fever has returned but only slightly since we washed him down," he said. Elrond nodded and went over checking everything.
Legolas groaned slightly as he proded the injury on his leg. He slowly blinked and groggily looked at Elrond.
"E-Elrond?" He croaked, his voice cracking from lack of use.
"It is I. Sleep young one. We will have you back in Imladris before long," he replied. Legolas half smiled before his eyes closed and he sank back into the world of dreams.
"Will he be alright ada?" Aragorn whispered, asking the same question they were all thinking. Elrond looked back at Legolas's leg and then up at all their concerned faces.
"With the right amount of care our dear Legolas will make a full recovery," he answered and started to mix the necessary herbs for the infection in Legolas's leg and his fever. "I want you three to go out and build a large litter we can attach to one of the horses, Legolas cannot ride in this condition." When he saw none of them move his eyes became stern. "All of my sons. Go."
Hearing the sternness in his voice Elladan and Elrohir left, Aragorn turned to leave but paused looking back in worry, his eyes met Elrond's and he to left. Neilana was the only one left when Elrond looked at her. She slowly dipped into a curtsey before standing and coming over.
"Please Lord Elrond I have heard much about you from stories. Will you please teach me?" She asked quietly not looking up to meet his eyes.
Elrond studied her for a few moments before he smiled and raised her chin.
"Of course child," he answered, he began his first lesson by teaching her about the herbs he was using for Legolas's leg.
o-o
Neilana fastened her cloak about her shoulders as Elladan and Elrohir moved Legolas from inside to the litter they had made that was hooked up behind Elrond's horse. Aragorn made sure he was covered and secured.
"Tiran, I leave you in charge of these men and women. You served me and my brother faithfully with wisdom, I know you will do good with this new responsibility," she told him with a smile.
"Yes Miss Neilana but…" he started.
"Do not worry for me, I will be studying among the elves and I will be safe, Lord Elrond has assured me of that fact, if there is ever anything you need you know where to find me," she explained and he helped her onto her horse.
"We will miss you."
Elrond mounted along with all three of his sons, they glanced at each other before nodding and starting the slow journey back to Imladris.
o-o
3 days later…
He blinked slowly, each time his eyes clearing more. As his eyes finally clearing all the way he recognized the ceiling to his room in Rivendell… but last he remembered he had been with Neilana… then Aragorn… Aragorn!
Legolas felt something warm holding his hand and he turned looking. A smile graced his lips when he saw Aragorn's dark head laying on the side of his bed. He removed his hand from the mortal's hold and gently ran his fingers through his hair.
A few moments later Aragorn shifted, he missed the warmth of Legolas's hand in his own, he sat up quickly.
"Legolas!"
The golden elf prince smiled at this reaction pleased that he could make the other worry… it meant something to him.
"Suiliad Estel," he greeted. Aragorn raised his hand to cup his cheek smiling softly.
"I'm so glad you're awake. I was so worried. Are you hun…" he started but Legolas turning to look out the window stopped him. "Legolas?"
"He comes," Legolas almost whispered. Aragorn looked confused.
"Who?" He questioned.
"My father."
o-o
Aragorn and Legolas slowly walked out of the palace into the courtyard, Aragorn's arm looped about his waist to keep him steady. He couldn't see or hear anything and so he looked at Legolas.
"Are you sure he's coming?" He asked. Legolas only nodded his eyes focused on the gate.
Moments later thundering hooves were heard coming up the path. Great white and gray horses galloped through the gates coming to a stop in front of the steps.
Legolas removed Aragorn's supporting arm and took a few shaky steps down until he was on level ground and stood straight.
A golden blonde elf swung down from his horse and stood tall. He reminded Aragorn very much of Celeborn, broad shoulders with a slender frame. He expected Legolas to smile and run to this elf that he figured was Thranduil but instead Legolas bent slightly at the waist in a bow.
"My lord and father King Thranduil of Mirkwood," Legolas said his voice holding great respect.
