Sorry it took so long guys. Real Life can be the worst.
---------------------------------
The trip just flew downhill after the initial joy. When the reality of Legolas's situation filtered through the troops, everything became graver. The prince had become so bad, Aragorn was no longer aiding in carrying his stretcher, but constantly at his side providing care. The hurting prince needed every ounce he could get, as he felt the world was indeed tearing him inside out, swallowed by pain.
"Don't worry Legolas, we'll be in Mirkwood soon. Very soon, my friend." The number of times Aragorn uttered those words took away a certain degree of the sincerity. Sometimes he himself didn't believe what he said, no matter how hard he attempted to assure himself. The troops had tried to decipher the quickest route to Rivendel, but small overseen ponds or landslides had swiftly paused their endeavors.
Moving as quickly as possible just wasn't enough anymore.
-------------------------------------
Time was nearly up. Every day hastened Thranduil's complete health and rise from bed, and more importantly every day and every moment the wizard gained more control. Too much longer and it's be too late.
Gandalf had already spent days chastising himself for not seeing this kind of traitorous work within his own people. The people they were too protect now were hurting, torn families and faces burdened the Istar continually. Now he realized he didn't believe he had enough power to banish this dark resonance. This self-doubt went unnoticed by most except Elrond, who lent his constant support but remained silent for the most part.
No guards or palace workers had given the small group any grief after the initial day Thranduil had ordered Gandalf thrown out of Mirkwood. Small meals were sent, and deposited by the door every morning. The elves were very considerate and acted as if nothing was odd at all.
"Elrond," Mithrandir called to the elf pacing by the window, looking for any trace of his three lost sons. "Soon we must go to Thranduil. Have Elrohir ready, we will need him."
After Mithrandir spoke, Elrond visibly wilted. "You do not believe they are coming back, then."
"Nay my friend, they will come. I just do not know when." Mithrandir said, worried over his friend's visible pessimism.
Elrond was not consoled- in fact he felt even more frustrated with Gandalf's admittance to ignorance. "I cannot feel them, I cannot see them- and to the Valar with it all, I don't know why! I don't know why Mithrandir!"
Gandalf strode to his friend quickly grabbed him by the shoulders. "Peredhil, come back to your senses! You will need them full when we leave soon to face Thranduil. Perhaps the wizard blocked them from you, perhaps Iluvatar did- but for Valar's sake! You can not give up on them so rashly!"
Elrond shook his head and sat down. "Of course you are right my friend. It's just been so long since I haven't felt their presence. It's never gone from me this long before. I just need some sign that they are alive, some sign that they are coming and alright."
Gandalf was about to reply when something caught his eye. "Well perhaps your prayers were heard sooner than you thought my friend. It seems we are not alone. I was wrong to doubt." Elrond was looking so perplexed, Gandalf couldn't help but laugh. "Look behind you , my friend."
Elrond still looked puzzled when he turned. The window they had looked out over a back garden of the palace, not the entrance. What was that blasted wizard talking about... And then he saw them.
Through the gardens, elves of Rivendel crept. The elves of Mirkwood that had been sent on tedious tasks were now returning (at intervals of course), and among the elves approaching the window was a bedraggled human, looking a bit worse for wear in all his journeys but not entirely terrible. What seriously caught Elrond's eyes though was the elf being carried on a stretcher of sorts towards the palace, and the elf with a great limp being aided on by another elf.
"Legolas, Elladan!" Elrond started towards the door as if to go out and meet them, but Gandalf caught his arm. "Mithrandir, what do you think you're doing?"
"Giving those clever youngsters their credit. Don't ruin this trickery they've actually put to good use. You can't waltz in the front door with Legolas, being carried by Noldor elves even! No, we'll bring him in another way... " Gandalf made as to walk out the door but was nearly instantly down where the arrivals were.
"Gandalf! Gandalf? Why are you here? Never mind- Legolas needs aid!" Aragorn was too worried for Legolas to consider much else. "But we do not know how to get him up to my father without letting Thranduil know!"
Letting Aragorn wear himself out a little before silencing him, Gandalf took a hold of the situation he had already quite summed up in his mind. "Do not worry, I have a plan. This other wizard will clearly see it, but- he will probably not be able to interpret it. Now, you Rivendel elves, go to the front, come back from your tasks. You'll find the Silvan very cordial. Except for you two." Gandalf pointed at Elladan and Estel. "Your father was worried sick about you three."
"Mithrandir, wait, what are you talking about? What wizard? What are you going to do?" Elladan was thoroughly confused but not in much shape to argue. He just hoped Gandalf's plan wouldn't hurt his leg too badly. It had almost mended, bless Elven healing, but had not completely.
"Questions, Questions. Now- stay still." With that, Mithrandir drew up his staff, and muttered something and all four appeared up in Elrond's room.
"Wha? Gandalf, how?!!?!?" Aragorn was breathing heavily, to surprised to understand.
"It's a trick I know, but it has sapped to much needed energy. I am not always able to do that. Be lucky it was a good day. I'd hate to have transported only your bottom half, Estel. Though it would save me your chatter. Now- lets see too the young one."
If Elrond hadn't been so concerned about Legolas he would have insisted Gandalf rest after pulling a stunt like that. At the present though, his fears for Legolas had increased double fold after his initial analysis of the pale elf. Gandalf watched and sent his millionth prayer to the Valar this week before turning to Elladan and Estel.
"I'm sorry you two, but we're going to have to insist you leave while we tend to Legolas. I will have no objections. Though, I'm sure there will be few because I'm sending you off to see your brother." Gandalf always had the quick second side to the story.
Elladan's eyes lit up and he hobbled over, still leaning now on Aragorn. "Elrohir's alright? We can go to him?" Gandalf nodded and Elladan started to pull Aragorn forward.
The man resisted the force, much to Elladan's chagrin. Instead, he stayed focused on Gandalf. "Gandalf- you will tell us if... his condition changes, won't you?"
"Of course I will, dear boy. For now though, go great your brother. Who is probably still stuffing his face."
----------------------------------
True to his word, Elrohir was still consuming quite a bit of Elrond and Gandalf's meals, having long finished his own. When he saw Elladan and Aragorn enter, he choked on huge wad of bread he was eating and had to pound himself in the chest a few times, to the amusement and worry of his two entering brothers.
"Elladan! Estel! You're back! I was so worried! What happened?" Without letting either explain, Elrohir grabbed Elladan and sat him in a chair, and grabbed Aragorn and stuffed the rest of his father's bread in the man's mouth. "You both look terrible! Estel, you need to eat and rest, and Elladan you need to relax. What happened to you leg?"
Elladan shrugged nonchalantly. "A ladder fell on it." Elrohir, who was quick of mind and also had practically heard them all, didn't miss a beat.
Taking over Elladan's motherly ways with a mocking charm, Elrohir didn't stop, but picked up the remainder of Gandalf's soup and handed it to the sitting elf, and shoved the bread back into the protesting ranger's mouth when said man had tried to remove it and speak. "A ladder! Do say, that must be a terrific story. Oh, I'm so glad you two are back! Legolas is back as well, isn't he? Of course he is ... you wouldn't have come back without him... Would you have? Wait... Legolas is okay, right?" Elrohir finally stopped himself in fear for his brother of the heart, and took out the bread from the now grumbling rangers mouth. "Well, don't sit there eating, tell me!"
A much-exasperated ranger spoke swiftly, as if afraid to be silenced by another food substance. "I would never have come back without him! He's in with Mithrandir and father, but Elrohir- he isn't too good." Elrohir quickly sobered and moved closer to the ranger who was now lounging on another chair.
"Explain it to me. Tell me what happened." The ranger really didn't want to reiterate it all, explain Legolas's conditions, where he was... Elladan's injury, but he would not deny his brother the answers.
---------------------------------------
Reviews: -throws out Dr. Peppers- except to all you dorks that dont like Dr. Pepper :P. ( Like LegolasLover :P) JK, i love yall anywho. -throws Dr. Pepper to them to- What do you mean what should you do with it? Give it to a friend... put it in your pets waterdish... it has many uses ~_^
Sanfindell: My 100th reviewer! Yay! Well worth it? Yay! Yay! And yet again- Yay! -extra Dr. Pepper-
LegolasLover2004: A tree stump? A TREE STUMP?! Now you're using trees against the Dr. Pepper loving wood elves?! Despicable!!! ^_^ Consequences? -whstles innocently- what consequences?
LalaithoftheBruinen: Here's the next chappie for you ^_^. You prob wont like it... but hey, you cant win em all, right?
elfmage: Why thank you! -blushes- oh, stand up... I'm not a master of writing. But I'm so glad you're writing your own! This world needs more fanfic writers! Well that is if your not writing a baddly written Legomance... urg... lol. Oh yes, my cousin and her being hurt abilities are top notch!
Aly K: You're welcome for the Dr. Pepper, and yes- I like Legolas a lot better. Galdor sounds like... well, either a wizard or an eagle or something. Or maybe an ent. Legolas the ent... that'd be weird....
Deadly Chakram: OMG, when LOTR won the Oscars I was seriously screaming and it was like 1 am... Everyoen sleeping was so mad at me XD. It was funny. Hope the jobs going well ^_^ Can Thranduil be saved? There's a question...
lulu bell: Wow, talk about a novel! Yay! LOL. Well here's another chappie for you- hope you like it. I thought all of the Lord of the Rings chapters were intriguing and thought provoking, and I really need one of those magnet thingies! Would be very useful! Make sure all those other peeps keep their grubby hands off my elvses! LOL. Dododo... you play volleyball? I played for awhile... nearly killed myself because I hate the sport... but heh, thats life.
God's Child 27: All right, All right, I believe you. I'll keep writing! But really, if I had to chose who to kill... It'd be Aragorn -EG-
Actresschikmoiinimladris: Haha! Niiice name. You really an actress? I'm trying to get more into drama. I'm actually thinking of pursuing a career int hat and maybe writing. TY!
Snow-Glory: Well, I like Diet Coke too... but I'm sure you could find some use for the Dr. Pepper :P. lol. Here's your update!
Das Blume: Pssshhhhht, You think you can get me drunk ont hat? LOL! Well- with the right dosages you probably could, lol. I have too high a tolerance for beer and Elvish wines XD! Pride is an awesome weapon. Usually makes people turn and flee. I should know. Seriously- this guy Earl was so annoying. Hey came to a party he wasn't invited to, and started messing with the girls- mostly just annoying them, btu you know. So I grabbed him, punched him in the jaw and then chased him out of the building while he was yelling apologies. It was great.
inu lover: Yah... I still haven't gotten around to fixing those early chapters ^_^;;;; Don't leave you hanging? But cliffhangers are great! Don't worry, none here ^_^
SadieSil: Wow, impatient... lol. JK. Here's a chapter, btu I'm sure you'll probably be very dissappointed :P. Thsi si what happens when you rush :P. I'm glad you love the story though ^_^
Wow... thats all of them. i'd just like to thank you all again for the wonderful 100+! Yay!
-Caunoiech
---------------------------------
The trip just flew downhill after the initial joy. When the reality of Legolas's situation filtered through the troops, everything became graver. The prince had become so bad, Aragorn was no longer aiding in carrying his stretcher, but constantly at his side providing care. The hurting prince needed every ounce he could get, as he felt the world was indeed tearing him inside out, swallowed by pain.
"Don't worry Legolas, we'll be in Mirkwood soon. Very soon, my friend." The number of times Aragorn uttered those words took away a certain degree of the sincerity. Sometimes he himself didn't believe what he said, no matter how hard he attempted to assure himself. The troops had tried to decipher the quickest route to Rivendel, but small overseen ponds or landslides had swiftly paused their endeavors.
Moving as quickly as possible just wasn't enough anymore.
-------------------------------------
Time was nearly up. Every day hastened Thranduil's complete health and rise from bed, and more importantly every day and every moment the wizard gained more control. Too much longer and it's be too late.
Gandalf had already spent days chastising himself for not seeing this kind of traitorous work within his own people. The people they were too protect now were hurting, torn families and faces burdened the Istar continually. Now he realized he didn't believe he had enough power to banish this dark resonance. This self-doubt went unnoticed by most except Elrond, who lent his constant support but remained silent for the most part.
No guards or palace workers had given the small group any grief after the initial day Thranduil had ordered Gandalf thrown out of Mirkwood. Small meals were sent, and deposited by the door every morning. The elves were very considerate and acted as if nothing was odd at all.
"Elrond," Mithrandir called to the elf pacing by the window, looking for any trace of his three lost sons. "Soon we must go to Thranduil. Have Elrohir ready, we will need him."
After Mithrandir spoke, Elrond visibly wilted. "You do not believe they are coming back, then."
"Nay my friend, they will come. I just do not know when." Mithrandir said, worried over his friend's visible pessimism.
Elrond was not consoled- in fact he felt even more frustrated with Gandalf's admittance to ignorance. "I cannot feel them, I cannot see them- and to the Valar with it all, I don't know why! I don't know why Mithrandir!"
Gandalf strode to his friend quickly grabbed him by the shoulders. "Peredhil, come back to your senses! You will need them full when we leave soon to face Thranduil. Perhaps the wizard blocked them from you, perhaps Iluvatar did- but for Valar's sake! You can not give up on them so rashly!"
Elrond shook his head and sat down. "Of course you are right my friend. It's just been so long since I haven't felt their presence. It's never gone from me this long before. I just need some sign that they are alive, some sign that they are coming and alright."
Gandalf was about to reply when something caught his eye. "Well perhaps your prayers were heard sooner than you thought my friend. It seems we are not alone. I was wrong to doubt." Elrond was looking so perplexed, Gandalf couldn't help but laugh. "Look behind you , my friend."
Elrond still looked puzzled when he turned. The window they had looked out over a back garden of the palace, not the entrance. What was that blasted wizard talking about... And then he saw them.
Through the gardens, elves of Rivendel crept. The elves of Mirkwood that had been sent on tedious tasks were now returning (at intervals of course), and among the elves approaching the window was a bedraggled human, looking a bit worse for wear in all his journeys but not entirely terrible. What seriously caught Elrond's eyes though was the elf being carried on a stretcher of sorts towards the palace, and the elf with a great limp being aided on by another elf.
"Legolas, Elladan!" Elrond started towards the door as if to go out and meet them, but Gandalf caught his arm. "Mithrandir, what do you think you're doing?"
"Giving those clever youngsters their credit. Don't ruin this trickery they've actually put to good use. You can't waltz in the front door with Legolas, being carried by Noldor elves even! No, we'll bring him in another way... " Gandalf made as to walk out the door but was nearly instantly down where the arrivals were.
"Gandalf! Gandalf? Why are you here? Never mind- Legolas needs aid!" Aragorn was too worried for Legolas to consider much else. "But we do not know how to get him up to my father without letting Thranduil know!"
Letting Aragorn wear himself out a little before silencing him, Gandalf took a hold of the situation he had already quite summed up in his mind. "Do not worry, I have a plan. This other wizard will clearly see it, but- he will probably not be able to interpret it. Now, you Rivendel elves, go to the front, come back from your tasks. You'll find the Silvan very cordial. Except for you two." Gandalf pointed at Elladan and Estel. "Your father was worried sick about you three."
"Mithrandir, wait, what are you talking about? What wizard? What are you going to do?" Elladan was thoroughly confused but not in much shape to argue. He just hoped Gandalf's plan wouldn't hurt his leg too badly. It had almost mended, bless Elven healing, but had not completely.
"Questions, Questions. Now- stay still." With that, Mithrandir drew up his staff, and muttered something and all four appeared up in Elrond's room.
"Wha? Gandalf, how?!!?!?" Aragorn was breathing heavily, to surprised to understand.
"It's a trick I know, but it has sapped to much needed energy. I am not always able to do that. Be lucky it was a good day. I'd hate to have transported only your bottom half, Estel. Though it would save me your chatter. Now- lets see too the young one."
If Elrond hadn't been so concerned about Legolas he would have insisted Gandalf rest after pulling a stunt like that. At the present though, his fears for Legolas had increased double fold after his initial analysis of the pale elf. Gandalf watched and sent his millionth prayer to the Valar this week before turning to Elladan and Estel.
"I'm sorry you two, but we're going to have to insist you leave while we tend to Legolas. I will have no objections. Though, I'm sure there will be few because I'm sending you off to see your brother." Gandalf always had the quick second side to the story.
Elladan's eyes lit up and he hobbled over, still leaning now on Aragorn. "Elrohir's alright? We can go to him?" Gandalf nodded and Elladan started to pull Aragorn forward.
The man resisted the force, much to Elladan's chagrin. Instead, he stayed focused on Gandalf. "Gandalf- you will tell us if... his condition changes, won't you?"
"Of course I will, dear boy. For now though, go great your brother. Who is probably still stuffing his face."
----------------------------------
True to his word, Elrohir was still consuming quite a bit of Elrond and Gandalf's meals, having long finished his own. When he saw Elladan and Aragorn enter, he choked on huge wad of bread he was eating and had to pound himself in the chest a few times, to the amusement and worry of his two entering brothers.
"Elladan! Estel! You're back! I was so worried! What happened?" Without letting either explain, Elrohir grabbed Elladan and sat him in a chair, and grabbed Aragorn and stuffed the rest of his father's bread in the man's mouth. "You both look terrible! Estel, you need to eat and rest, and Elladan you need to relax. What happened to you leg?"
Elladan shrugged nonchalantly. "A ladder fell on it." Elrohir, who was quick of mind and also had practically heard them all, didn't miss a beat.
Taking over Elladan's motherly ways with a mocking charm, Elrohir didn't stop, but picked up the remainder of Gandalf's soup and handed it to the sitting elf, and shoved the bread back into the protesting ranger's mouth when said man had tried to remove it and speak. "A ladder! Do say, that must be a terrific story. Oh, I'm so glad you two are back! Legolas is back as well, isn't he? Of course he is ... you wouldn't have come back without him... Would you have? Wait... Legolas is okay, right?" Elrohir finally stopped himself in fear for his brother of the heart, and took out the bread from the now grumbling rangers mouth. "Well, don't sit there eating, tell me!"
A much-exasperated ranger spoke swiftly, as if afraid to be silenced by another food substance. "I would never have come back without him! He's in with Mithrandir and father, but Elrohir- he isn't too good." Elrohir quickly sobered and moved closer to the ranger who was now lounging on another chair.
"Explain it to me. Tell me what happened." The ranger really didn't want to reiterate it all, explain Legolas's conditions, where he was... Elladan's injury, but he would not deny his brother the answers.
---------------------------------------
Reviews: -throws out Dr. Peppers- except to all you dorks that dont like Dr. Pepper :P. ( Like LegolasLover :P) JK, i love yall anywho. -throws Dr. Pepper to them to- What do you mean what should you do with it? Give it to a friend... put it in your pets waterdish... it has many uses ~_^
Sanfindell: My 100th reviewer! Yay! Well worth it? Yay! Yay! And yet again- Yay! -extra Dr. Pepper-
LegolasLover2004: A tree stump? A TREE STUMP?! Now you're using trees against the Dr. Pepper loving wood elves?! Despicable!!! ^_^ Consequences? -whstles innocently- what consequences?
LalaithoftheBruinen: Here's the next chappie for you ^_^. You prob wont like it... but hey, you cant win em all, right?
elfmage: Why thank you! -blushes- oh, stand up... I'm not a master of writing. But I'm so glad you're writing your own! This world needs more fanfic writers! Well that is if your not writing a baddly written Legomance... urg... lol. Oh yes, my cousin and her being hurt abilities are top notch!
Aly K: You're welcome for the Dr. Pepper, and yes- I like Legolas a lot better. Galdor sounds like... well, either a wizard or an eagle or something. Or maybe an ent. Legolas the ent... that'd be weird....
Deadly Chakram: OMG, when LOTR won the Oscars I was seriously screaming and it was like 1 am... Everyoen sleeping was so mad at me XD. It was funny. Hope the jobs going well ^_^ Can Thranduil be saved? There's a question...
lulu bell: Wow, talk about a novel! Yay! LOL. Well here's another chappie for you- hope you like it. I thought all of the Lord of the Rings chapters were intriguing and thought provoking, and I really need one of those magnet thingies! Would be very useful! Make sure all those other peeps keep their grubby hands off my elvses! LOL. Dododo... you play volleyball? I played for awhile... nearly killed myself because I hate the sport... but heh, thats life.
God's Child 27: All right, All right, I believe you. I'll keep writing! But really, if I had to chose who to kill... It'd be Aragorn -EG-
Actresschikmoiinimladris: Haha! Niiice name. You really an actress? I'm trying to get more into drama. I'm actually thinking of pursuing a career int hat and maybe writing. TY!
Snow-Glory: Well, I like Diet Coke too... but I'm sure you could find some use for the Dr. Pepper :P. lol. Here's your update!
Das Blume: Pssshhhhht, You think you can get me drunk ont hat? LOL! Well- with the right dosages you probably could, lol. I have too high a tolerance for beer and Elvish wines XD! Pride is an awesome weapon. Usually makes people turn and flee. I should know. Seriously- this guy Earl was so annoying. Hey came to a party he wasn't invited to, and started messing with the girls- mostly just annoying them, btu you know. So I grabbed him, punched him in the jaw and then chased him out of the building while he was yelling apologies. It was great.
inu lover: Yah... I still haven't gotten around to fixing those early chapters ^_^;;;; Don't leave you hanging? But cliffhangers are great! Don't worry, none here ^_^
SadieSil: Wow, impatient... lol. JK. Here's a chapter, btu I'm sure you'll probably be very dissappointed :P. Thsi si what happens when you rush :P. I'm glad you love the story though ^_^
Wow... thats all of them. i'd just like to thank you all again for the wonderful 100+! Yay!
-Caunoiech