Disclaimer: Not mine!! :(
Title: To New Mutiny
Rating: R
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Note:: I'm sorry I didn't get all the reviews answered but I'm right up against it and wanted to get this chapter out for Christmas… Sorry I Haven't updated forever but I've been on placement for the last 7 weeks plus working my other job and trying to fit in time to see my new partner everything's been a bit mad but I promise I'll regulate soon. So sorry about the delay and hope you can forgive me, it's the happy season!! :) I'll have more out soon and thanks for being so patient.
Christmas hugs for all.
.:Tithen Min:.
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Chapter 28
The Elves swiftly broke into their respective groups; one to find Tolren, the other to hunt Anamaer, and moved out to carry out their orders. Thranduil gently shifted his son's weight and got to his feet, with the help of Aragorn and Herani. As they turned towards the door to take Legolas somewhere more comfortable, a voice behind them made them turn.
"Aragorn?"
They turned to find Gimli and Narso standing there, their eyes wide and disbelieving as they settled on Legolas. Gimli stumbled forward and touched the Elf's cold hand.
"Wh— What happened, Aragorn?"
Aragorn had no time to reply, as he had to catch Narso, who had lunged past him in a rage to try and get at Thranduil.
"Narso!" He gasped, restraining the larger man with difficulty, "Narso, calm down!"
"Calm down?" Narso cried, "He has harmed my son again and you want me to calm down?!"
Thranduil raised a scornful eyebrow at the man standing in front of him. "Your son, Human? And who might you be?"
Aragorn was hard put to keep the irate man away from the Elven king as he once more tried to lunge for Thranduil's throat.
"Who am I?" Narso growled, "I am the one who has been taking care of Legolas for the last nine months! I am more of a father to him than you ever were, or so I hear!"
Thranduil's eyes flashed dangerous fire as he stared at this arrogant Human. He stepped towards Narso, but Legolas' weight shifting at the slight movement brought his mind back to his original task.
"I would love to stay and trade worthless words with you Human," Thranduil sneered, "but I must take my son to somewhere he will be more comfortable."
Narso went to follow the king from the room, but Aragorn put a gentle hand on his arm to restrain him. "Peace, I will speak with him. He is…not a bad person, Narso, he cares deeply for his son. He will put Legolas' interests first, just as you would."
All the rage seemed to drain from the older man and he sagged against the wall. "Do not let him keep me from Legolas," He begged, "Please, I must see him."
"I will not let him keep you from Legolas. Perhaps you can learn to get along, you both care for him." He paused, "Wait here for me. I will go and speak with Thranduil,"
Narso nodded wearily, looking worriedly at where Thranduil and Legolas had disappeared. He stepped back and sank into the chair that Thranduil had been resting in not long before, dropping his head into his hands.
* * * * * * * * * *
Aragorn and Thranduil travelled the hallways in silence, neither wishing to disturb the uneasy peace that had fallen between them. As they reached the top of the stairs leading to the private wing of the palace, Aragorn hurried forward and opened the door to Legolas' rooms, passing through and turning back the covers on the bed.
Thranduil smiled gratefully as he entered behind the man and lowered the young Elf gently to the bed. Legolas' body jerked as his over-sensitised skin hit the sheets. Thanks to Anamaer's cruelty, the prince could not escape his agony even in unconsciousness. Tears sprang to Thranduil's eyes at this reaction and Aragorn looked at him questioningly.
"Darathnil," The king muttered, and Aragorn's eyes grew wide with horror. Such a drug was rarely used these days, but he knew of its reputation, and the effects it must be having on his friend.
"He must be in agony…" The man muttered sadly. Suddenly, Thranduil's eyes shot to his face.
"You are a healer, Aragorn, can you not purge it from his system?" He asked desperately.
Aragorn shook his head regretfully. "In the state he is in, I would fear for his life should we attempt such a thing. He is too weak," he sighed sadly, "I cannot."
Thranduil's eyes grew dark, but before he could respond, a knock came at the door and an Elf looked in.
"Tolren is here, my lord."
* * * * * * * * * *
Tolren eyed Thranduil warily as the king entered the room. The older Elf looked to be in pain, holding himself carefully, and his face was pale and strained.
"Tolren, I am grateful that you have come. Walk with me," He beckoned, and Tolren slowly rose from his seat and followed.
"Do not look so worried," Thranduil's weak voice sounded slightly amused by his brother-in-law's wariness, "I do not intend to harm you or your family. I have summoned you because we need help, and you are the only one who can provide it— "
Tolren turned a sceptical gaze on the king. "Now you wish for my help? I have had to bring up my family in exile thanks to you! You have no right to ask for my help, Thranduil."
The king turned to him, and Tolren was taken aback by the strong emotion in the deep green gaze. "I would not ask, were it not for Legolas' sake, Tolren!" He cried desperately, "Please do not allow your hatred towards me be the end of my son!"
The younger Elf stopped in his tracks. "Legolas?" He breathed, " What has happened?" Tolren had always loved Legolas as his own when his sister was alive, but he had not seen his dear nephew in many centuries.
Thranduil sighed wearily. "Legolas has managed to inherit the gift that you and Larien shared," Tolren gasped softly, "He was never trained in its use, for it was not known for certain whether he possessed it…" Thranduil closed his eyes sadly, "He used it on me, to save my life…when he himself was already fading."
Tolren's eyes hardened. "You allowed him to— "
"I was not aware!" Thranduil cried, heartache filling every word, "I was unconscious and close to death…"
"I must see him," Tolren said softly, "Take me to him."
Thranduil nodded dumbly and resumed walking towards Legolas' room. He opened the door and walked in, gently shooing Aragorn and Gimli from Legolas' bedside. Tolren followed behind, slightly confused at the presence of the Dwarf and the Human.
He looked down at his young nephew, who was now fully grown. He had been but a small Elfling the last time Tolren had laid eyes on him. He smiled slightly, "He is the image of you, Thranduil."
His gaze grew serious as he gently drew back the covers and took in the injuries Legolas had taken. "Oh my little warrior," He sighed, "What have you done?"
Thranduil watched anxiously, but could remain in silence no longer. "Can you help him?"
Tolren carefully placed a hand on the prince's forehead, frowning faintly when he felt the critical weakness in the young spirit. "I know not, Thranduil, but I give you my word that I will do the best I can."
"Do you wish me to leave?" Thranduil asked, hesitant to leave his son's side.
Tolren glanced at his brother in law. Thranduil looked totally miserable, a side of him the younger Elf had never seen. "No, Thranduil, please stay. He will need a presence he recognises if he is to find his way back to us. He may not know me,"
The king nodded silently, sitting at the bedside and taking his son's hand in his own. Tolren sat on the other side of the bed and laid his hands on his nephew's forehead and chest.
"I should warn you, Thranduil…he is very weak. This may take some time,"
Thranduil nodded. "I understand,"
Tolren closed his eyes and concentrated on locating the source of Legolas' weakness, before beginning to slowly release his healing energy in controlled amounts, as he had been trained to do.
Thranduil watched in awe as the glow around the two Elves pulsed and grew stronger, lighting up the room. He gripped Legolas' hand tighter as he felt the young Elf's breathing even out, becoming less laboured, slower, as Tolren's power put him into a deep sleep.
Tolren slowly withdrew and raised his head to look at the king. "His reserves of energy are severely depleted. I have managed to push his subconscious into a deep state of rest, where he will use less energy and give his body the chance to build the reserves up again." Thranduil nodded. "It will strengthen him, but it takes time. He is mostly out of danger for now, although I cannot make any promises just yet. His body must build up its own energy, there is only so much I can do."
Thranduil smiled understandingly, seeing Tolren's weariness. "You have done all you can for now. Come, I will have quarters arranged for you and your family."
The younger Elf raised his eyebrows at this show of hospitality, but chose not to comment as he followed the elder from the room.
Aragorn and Gimli met them at the door. "What news?" Aragorn questioned urgently, "What has happened?"
Thranduil paused. "Tolren has done all he can for now. He was able to stabilise Legolas' condition for the time being, but now he must rest. You will stay with my son?" Aragorn and Gimli nodded. "Good. I shall be back shortly. Watch over him, Aragorn, he is not yet out of danger."
The Ranger nodded. "I shall,"
As Thranduil led Tolren away, Aragorn and Gimli entered the room quietly and sat at the bedside once more. Aragorn looked worriedly at his silent friend, sighing softly.
"I wish there was something I could do to help him…" he muttered.
Gimli glanced up at him. "Much as I hate to trust these fool Elves, Aragorn," He sighed gruffly, "He is in good hands here, with his kin."
The Ranger nodded. "You are right, Gimli."
The Dwarf snorted. "Of course I am,"
Aragorn shook his head and grinned. As he was about to reply, he glanced down at Legolas and froze. The Elf's lips were almost blue and he seemed to be struggling to breathe. Gimli followed his gaze and gasped.
"What is wrong with him?" The Dwarf demanded.
Aragorn reached down to check for a pulse. "Fast and weak…" He muttered, "It must be another side effect of the drug. Damn that Elf!" Aragorn looked torn. "Quickly, Gimli, go and fetch Tolren and Thranduil back. Tell them it is urgent,"
Gimli took off down the corridor after the two Elves and Aragorn leaned over the prince, framing his face with both hands. "Hold on, Legolas…it is over…you cannot give up now…"
TBC…
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Special thanks to I-Like-Chickens, itarilde-elenastar, Sparrow Greenleaf, ivorybrowneyes, Ivory Novelist, LegolasLover2003, ConnJS1, Alice7, MoroTheWolfGod, angelbird12241, Tsgumiwolf, Kit Cloudkicker, Sirith, Lolita, Deana, tamara, DXPrincess, Lefty, Black Hawk, LilLeggs and Fenris 5000 for taking the time to review the last chapter…
I'll reply to all reviews with the next chapter hopefully, but for now to all my wonderful reviewers and any lurkers out there…MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!! Have a relaxing and peaceful holiday. .::.
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