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Chapter Twelve
It was a long night for those who chose to stay in the healing wing that night. Oh, it had started off well enough. Legolas was drowsy with the herb teas that Elrond was giving him. That was not the problem. The problem was that Legolas would only let himself be held or comforted by Thranduil or Estel.
If he was passed to anyone else in the chamber so that either of them could rest, he cried. In the end, Elrond and Elardion decided that some sleeping herbs were the best thing for him. Legolas had to be sore, sleep would help him heal all the faster.
Then, the dreams started, dreams that seemed frightening for the Elfling, dreams that caused him to cry out unintelligibly. It was sad to see.
As a result, only a few were allowed to stay in the healing chamber, the rest were sent to their own chambers to sleep or at least try to sleep.
Morning dawned to find Thranduil with red-rimmed eyes. He had spent most of the night sitting in a chair between Legolas and Lomion. Legolas was finally sleeping peacefully, even though a frown still marred the small pale forehead. The bruises and swellings around his eyes stood out in stark relief against the pallid face.
Lomion looked better in the early morning light, he even had more colour in his face. He at least had slept well overnight and it had apparently done him much good.
Thranduil sighed. Today was not going to be pleasant. As soon as he got a reply to his missive, he would be having a serious talk with Drowlin, something he really was not looking forward to.
A slight tap on the door to the Healing wing caught his attention. It was loud enough for anyone awake to hear but not loud enough to awaken any sleepers.
It was one of the King's personal assistants bringing a newly-arrived message for Thranduil. With a bow and a smile, he handed it over and left the King to read his letter in privacy.
Thranduil looked down at the parchment, the cipher was that of Lothlorien. The carrier birds had done an exceptionally quick service this time, but then, he had stressed that it was extremely urgent. With a sigh, he broke through the wax seal and opened the parchment. Galadriel's clear and concise script flowed before him in elegant loops.
He lowered it at last with another sigh, only to look up once more as Elrond entered the chamber. Leaving Legolas' side, they woke both Nolvo and Lomion so that their dressings could be checked before they were allowed to have their morning meal. Legolas they left to sleep for as long as the herbs worked.
Once happy and content that both Elrond and Elardion were busy with the three invalids, he hurried off. He wanted to get this meeting out of the way and finished with. Thranduil made his way down to the large dining hall hoping to see Galion on the way. He was lucky and with a few quick words of instruction, he headed towards his study to wait for the one he had asked to have brought before him.
The King smiled as he looked out over the courtyard. The usual morning bustle was just beginning. Gentle greetings could be heard on the morning breeze. Bright light played across his face. He could hear the birds calling to each other and also the chattering of squirrels as they conversed in the large Mallorn tree that Legolas loved so much. If he listened carefully enough, he could hear the neighing of horses in the stables. As soon as this business with the spiders was cleared up and Legolas was well enough, he would take him riding on Patchy. His youngest son would love that.
A knock alerted him to the fact that he was no longer alone. He moved to his desk and sat down. Drowlin was led into the chamber. He gazed defiantly at his father. Two guards flanked him as per Thranduil's instructions.
"Good morning, Drowlin." Thranduil glowered at his son. This was really not the time for the Elfling to be playing mind games with his father. The frown deepened, as Drowlin did not answer him, but went to sit in the chair opposite him.
"Did I give you permission to sit down?" The King's voice was cold.
With a great unhappy sigh, Drowlin moved back to stand in front of him.
"I repeat again, Drowlin, good morning."
"Good morning." the voice was as sullen as his face.
"Do you know why you are here?" Thranduil looked across at him, determined to keep his temper today.
"Because of yesterday." Drowlin would not meet his father's steady gaze.
"Why, because of yesterday?" Thranduil leaned back in his chair, knowing full well that at this moment Galion was gathering his son's possessions in readiness of Drowlin's departure.
"I called Legolas a Brat." if anything the voice dripped with contempt as he spoke.
"Yes, there is that. But there is also another reason. Is there anything that you would like to tell me about what you have been up too, these last few days?" Thranduil's voice was icy, so icy that it mirrored his eyes, causing Drowlin to shiver.
"N… no." Drowlin could not hide the fear and trepidation in that one word.
"Then let me enlighten you. There have been some vile rumours doing the rounds once more concerning your mother's fidelity and Legolas' paternity. These rumours, disgusting as they are, have been traced back to their origin. Do you have any idea where that would be?" Thranduil was watching the young Elf carefully.
"No." The voice was a little stronger this time, despite the fact that Drowlin was shivering inside with fear. His father could not know where this had come from, could he? If he did, he was in so much trouble, but then, if his father had found out…. He would make life very difficult for the so-called friends that had snitched on him.
"Then let me enlighten you. They have been found to begin squarely at your door. Do not go blaming your friends for my finding out. They were forced to tell me."
"Please, tell me one thing, Drowlin. Did you really think so little of your mother to do this? And Legolas? Not only did you have your friends spread these vile rumours, but you had to include others in your plan. Oh, I am sure they were not purely innocent of this foul act, but they were put up to it and that came from you."
Drowlin's face was white as he listened to his father. He knew it all, well almost all…
"And then, I find that you have distracted the guards so that the Elfling's could carry out their evil plans. I am so angry with you right now! Those guards were put in place to protect Legolas from an evil that you could not even begin to imagine! Or is that what you wanted, for Legolas to die?" Silence. "Well, was it?"
Drowlin could hold it in no longer. "Yes! Yes, I wanted the Brat to die! He is insidious! He worms his way into everything! He just has to smile and you all run to pet him. He is evil, pure evil, the way he can listen to any tree and animal. Even the wind, for Valar's sake! I am the only one to see him for what he is. Evil, witch-spawn that should be killed. Just like he killed Nan…"
"ENOUGH! I will not have you speak about your brother like that. He has more empathy and love in one hair on his head than you do in your entire body. He gives his love freely to all, even you! And this is how you repay him?! He did not kill your Naneth! The Orcs did that foul, despicable deed. You are the only one who cannot see that!"
Drowlin opened his mouth to speak, but thought better of it in the face of his father's burning wrath.
"Do you recall what I said would happen if I found that you were linked in anyway with this incident?" Thranduil tried to calm himself down, rubbing his head against the pain that was beginning to blossom there.
"Yes, Adar. You said you would send me awa…" The Elfling's voice stopped, his father would not do this to him would he?
"So, you were at least listening enough to recall that part of the conversation. You will be leaving Mirkwood this afternoon to travel to Lothlorien. While you are there, you will be under the direct supervision of both Lord Celeborn and Lord Haldir. You will do anything and everything they say. If you refuse or cause trouble of any kind, they have my expressed permission to punish you by any method they deem suitable. They will also be sending me weekly reports on your progress. Do not disappoint me this time, Drowlin, if you do it will be the last time. Oh, and while you are there you will not be considered Royalty. You will not be addressed as Prince. No one will bow to you. The other Elves of your age will be warned that they are not to be intimidated by you and have also been told to report it if you try. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Ada, I understand." The voice was barely audible. "How long will I be there?"
"As long as I deem it necessary for you learn this lesson. Before you go, you will also go and visit Legolas and apologise to him for what you have caused." Thranduil could not stop another sigh from leaving his lips. "Your mother would be very disappointed and saddened by your behaviour, Drowlin. Please take this time to reflect on your actions and learn from it. You may leave." At a nod towards the guards, he gestured for them to take Drowlin away.
Once alone, he slumped in his chair. This was so, so hard. He had told Elrond and Mithrandir that he understood and that he was alright with it, but he was not, not really. Oh, he meant the part about Legolas being his son. That would never change.
But, Valar! Could Laurelin not have spoken to him about what had happened? Why the secrecy? He would have supported her through it. Elbereth! He would have been behind her, pushing her the whole way. But she had not, she had buried it deep within her and that caused him more anguish than he cared to admit.
And Legolas, poor sweet Legolas, who would never recall more than a fleeting memory of her. Legolas who had been through so much already… Ai, he needed a drink! He walked to the bay window to check on the path of the sun. It was late enough in the morning for him to have a glass of wine without feeling guilty and then he would have to get down to work. He had yet more petitioners to see this afternoon. Hopefully they would be more suitable than the ones from two days ago.
Lomion and Nolvo were playing a quiet game of chess when Legolas woke up. At first the Elfling really was not sure where he was, everything seemed to be such a muddle and then the pain in his arm and ribs hit him. A small whimper escaped him and alerted the others that he was awake.
"Good morning, Leafie, how are you feeling today?" Lomion smiled over at his brother.
Dazed blue eyes blinked back at him, for one long heart stopping moment they were blank before memory flooded back, followed swiftly by pain. "Sore, tired."
"Rest, Little Leaf, you have nowhere you need to be right now but getting better and helping me to beat Nolvo at chess, can you do that with me?" Lomion could not help but ruffle the rumpled blond locks.
"Yes, Lomion. Where is Ada?" Legolas was looking around for Thranduil.
"He had some things to take care of, but he will be back for the noonday meal. Now, before we begin, I think Nolvo should go and let Elardion know that you are awake or our lives will not be worth living." Nolvo nodded at hearing this before doing going to find Elardion.
"How did you sleep, Legolas?" Lomion tried not to wince at the sight of the bruises that marred his brother's face.
"She back." The voice was barely above a whisper.
Lomion was confused, this he had not counted on. "Who is back, Leafie?"
"Sslina, she comes for me." there was fear in Legolas' eyes, now that Lomion knew to look for it.
"She will not get you, I promise you." Lomion gently hugged his brother, smiling at the small contented sigh that Legolas gave on the contact.
Elardion entered then, followed by Elrond and Nolvo. Lomion looked at them over the bowed, blond head his eyes dark with worry. Why had the spiders come back now? Every patrol had been out looking for the fell beasts, but all had come back with no news. So why now? Legolas needed a break from all of this. Lomion vowed then and there that nothing would harm Legolas any more; they would have to get through him to get to Legolas.
"Legolas, you have some visitors." He smiled as he spoke; only the smile did not reach his eyes.
"Good morning, Leafie, how do you feel today?" Elardion was watching his youngest brother closely and did not miss the small winces that flashed across the pale bruised face as the Elfling moved.
"Sore and tired." This last comment was followed by a huge yawn that stopped abruptly when his jaw let him know it was not happy with this maltreatment. He rubbed at the area, trying to stop the pain that was beginning to make itself known.
"Do not rub it, Legolas, that will make the pain even worse. How does your head feel?" Elardion had gently taken the small hand away from the darkly bruised jaw.
"Bad, it feels bad." This statement was low and sigh filled. Even the small voice seemed to throb with pain.
"It hurts? A lot?" As they were speaking Elardion was looking into Legolas eyes, trying to gauge pupil responses.
"Yes, that hurts!" Legolas tried to pull away from the healer, who was shining the candle into his eyes.
"I know, Leafie and I am sorry. I need to do this. I promise it will be over and done with very soon. Does your head throb?" Elardion was pleased with what he had seen with the candle. The concussion was still in evidence, but all-in-all the responses were better than they had been yesterday.
"Yes, I feel sick too." Legolas could not stop his eyes from watering.
"We can give you something to help with that, Penneth. How many of me do you see?" Elardion had to smile at Legolas' astonished look. "Is there just one of me or two?"
"Two. Why are there two of you?" Legolas was blinking and trying to stop this double vision in its tracks, it was a battle that he lost.
"You took a very nasty blow to the head and it is because of that. How does your arm feel?" Elardion had moved down to the small splinted wrist.
"It throbs." There was a hitch to Legolas' voice as he spoke.
"It will for a while, I'm afraid, Leafie. I will give you something for that after I have looked you over." Elardion quickly finished his examination. It was obvious that Legolas was not a happy little Elfling and as far as he was concerned Legolas had every right not to be.
He had just finished giving Legolas two teas, one for his nausea, the other for the pain, when the chamber door opened and Thranduil came in. Elardion's eyebrows rose with surprise, it was the time for the noonday meal? Where had the morning gone?
One by one, guests and family made their way to the healing wing. All, that is, except Drowlin.
By the time Estel and his brother's, the last to arrive, made themselves comfortable the meal was beginning to be served by some of the staff. Legolas was settled once more in Thranduil's arms, all noticed that the Elfling barely moved, evidence of the pain that he was in.
The meal was subdued. Legolas would normally have been racing around, chattering away, not still and quiet like this.
The food by contrast was, as usual, wonderful, a delicious stew full of meat and vegetables. Legolas' had been pureed at Elardion's request to make it easier for him to eat it.
"There we go, my Leaf, is that nice?" Thranduil carefully offered the small spoonful to his son.
"Yes, Ada, thank you….Ada?"
"Yes, Legolas?" Thranduil took a spoonful of his own stew.
"What is a whore?" The voice was quiet but it rang as clear as a bell in the chamber that had fallen into an even greater silence due to shock.
Thranduil choked on his stew, not expecting that question by a long shot. Elrond sitting next to him patted him on the back to try and clear the obstruction before handing him a goblet of water. It took him a while to calm down.
"Where did you hear that, Legolas?" Surprise still clouded his voice.
"The Elfling's yesterday, they said that…"
"They were wrong, Leafie to say that, very wrong and it was not true. It is a nasty word and I do not ever want you to say that again, do you understand me?" Thranduil's voice was firm, but he was angry, angry that Legolas had had to hear that.
"Yes, Ada I understand…. Ada?" Legolas was watching him with wide blue eyes.
"Yes, Legolas?" Thranduil was loading the spoon once more from the bowl before him.
"Can Sslina get in?"
That comment made every single person in the chamber freeze.
"No, Legolas she cannot. Why do you ask?" Thranduil tried to still his suddenly thumping heart.
"She said last night that she comes for me and that nothing will stop her this time. Please say she will not, Ada, I do not like her. I want to stay with you. Please do not make me leave!" There were tears in his eyes as he was saying this.
"Legolas, I will never make you leave here. Never and I promise that she will not be able to get to you. Just relax and get better, my Leaf and then we can go riding on Patchy."
"Really? Really, Ada we can?" Legolas' eyes were wide with excitement now.
"Yes, Leafie we can. But you have to get better first, so come and finish your meal and then you need to rest. Drowlin will be coming to see you later. He is leaving on a trip and wants to say goodbye to you." Thranduil was smiling down at the small treasured Elfling who sat on his lap.
"Drowlin is going away?" The little lip quivered.
"Yes, but it will not be for long, he will soon be back have no fear."
The rest of the meal passed quietly, with no further nasty interruptions. Thranduil's mind was far away and he was working out a plan to keep Legolas safe in the palace.
Lomion sighed with relief as he lay back down on his pallet. As much as he wanted to be upright, it was still very painful and a pleasure to lie back down again. A goblet appeared from nowhere. He looked up to see a grimly smiling Elardion.
"Drink, it will help with the pain." Elardion watched with amusement as Lomion took the proffered goblet with a grimace before drinking it. "I will stay with Legolas while you sleep. I have promised him another story later and I am sure that you would wish to be awake for that?"
At Lomion's eager nod he laughed. "I will wake you later then. Sleep and get better."
Lomion's eyes were already closing as the herbs did their job. Elardion looked around the calm healing wing. He had released Nolvo to the care of Alcarnor with the admonishment that if he had to treat Nolvo once more for this wound he really would sedate him and keep him that way until he was satisfied the wound was fully healed. That left just two patients, Lomion and Legolas.
His father had warned him that Drowlin would be along to see Legolas and to give them some much needed privacy to speak.
As a consequence, when Drowlin finally did arrive at the healing wing Elardion moved to the shelves that held the herbs, it also meant that Drowlin was at least semi-private with Legolas. The guards hovered at the door, their orders had been not to let Drowlin out of their sight.
"Hello, Brat, Ada says that I must come and say goodbye to you." Drowlin smiled at the small Elfling, but the smile did not reach his eyes.
"Drowlin! It is good to see you, I have missed you." Legolas reached out to be picked up, but this was brushed aside.
"Well, I have not missed you. You do realise that this is all your fault? Ada is sending me away because of you!" Drowlin had leant down so that he was close enough to be heard by Legolas and not any one else.
"No, not me." Legolas was shaking his head and regretted it when the world around him spun. Drowlin pulled the Elfling into a tight hug, ignoring the gasp of pain that Legolas could not hold in.
"Yes, you. If you had never been born, Nana would still be alive, I would be happy and not being sent away. Ada would be with Nana. I hate you with every inch of me. If you tell anyone what I have said you will live to regret it. Do you understand? Well?" Drowlin tightened his grip causing tears to come to Legolas' eyes. He looked around to see if anyone realised what he was doing, the guards looked bored and Elardion was still busy.
"Yes, Drowlin,. I will tell no one." The small voice quavered. Drowlin hated him? But why?
"Good, oh and Legolas, I promise you this: if I was the King I would not have let you live, you are an abomination and evil. If I can I will make your life misery for as long as I can!" Saying that, Drowlin swept from the chamber, after one final bone-crushing hug. Elardion looked up from where he was preparing the herbs before hurrying over to his youngest brother.
Legolas watched him go with big sad eyes, he really did not know what it was that he had done to Drowlin, but it must have been bad. Did he really kill his Nana?
Tears began to fall, silently. Elardion, thinking that his brother was in great pain he gave him more pain-killing herbs and watched Legolas as he sang him softly to sleep.
Thranduil, meanwhile, was sitting in his study, going over some paperwork before heading down to the council chambers for the afternoon's petitions.
The sound of raised voices caught his attention and he crossed to the window to see Drowlin and his escort ready to leave. He hurried down to the front doors to bid them farewell and safe journey.
Once they were off, he hurried back to the study, along the way he passed both sets of twins and Estel. All, apart from Nolvo, had their bows and swords in evidence.
"We are heading out to practice. Ada. Do not worry I will not let this idiot do anything foolish!" Alcarnor was smiling and had to duck out of the range of his brother's right arm.
Laughter floated down the hall behind them and it raised his spirits. It was with a lighter step to his gait that he made the rest of the journey.
The afternoon had passed quickly and without any major problems when a loud shout from outside sounded.
Galion left to check it out, but he soon returned with the news of a large spider attack. Thranduil hurried to the healing wing to find out what had happened.
The chamber was once more in chaos. Elrond and Mithrandir were helping the healing staff. A large proportion of the warriors were suffering from bite wounds, stings and poison. Only one Elf had returned unharmed out of a group of thirty. It was enough to bring despair to even the strongest of hearts.
Thranduil made his way over to the patrol leader who was having his arm dressed by Elrond.
"Elrond, is Amondal well enough for me to speak with him?" the wound being dressed was deep and nasty looking.
"Yes, Thranduil, but make it quick I need to suture this and I do not think that Amondal would be happy being awake for it." Elrond was being deadly serious as he worked.
"I understand, Mellon-nin." Thranduil smiled down at the lieutenant before him. "Can you tell me what happened, Amondal?"
"It was a trap, Sire. They lured us into a trap. We stood no chance. They were talking, Sire, yelling out instructions. I have never seen anything like it. The orders came from this large spider; I have never seen one this size before. It was huge!" There was horror in the Elf's green eyes.
"Sslina." It was one word, spoken with a crisp clipped voice that spoke of the King's clear hatred for the arachnid that was behind all of this.
"H… How did you know?" Amondal's stuttered question would have been amusing at any other time.
"She is after Legolas. We knew she would be back." Thranduil's cold tone sent shivers down the spines of all those who heard it.
"She said to tell you the prince would be hers and that nothing you do would stop her." Amondal tried to recall, as best he could, all that he had heard from the monsters.
"She will never get her claws into him. I will kill her first!" It was a vow, pure and simple.
"I need to give Amondal his tea, Thranduil. I am sorry whatever else you need to discuss is going to have to wait." Elrond had already handed the injured Elf a goblet of herbs.
"Rest and get well, Amondal we will speak later when you are more recovered." Thranduil spent the next hour moving from bed to bed checking on his soldiers. To his great sorrow, six died from their injuries and at least seventeen more were very badly injured.
He finally finished his rounds beside Legolas and Lomion's beds. Both were still sleeping, although Thranduil's sharp eyes noticed the silver tear tracks on the Elfling's face. He gently reached out and brushed them away. Tenderly, he brushed the hair from the bruised forehead. He would need to speak with Jalenta about Legolas' guards. The fact that Sslina was back meant they all had to be extra aware.
It was then he recalled that the twins and Elrond's sons were last seen outside of the safety of the palace. Fear coursed through him. If the spiders were attacking without provocation… he hurried off to find Jalenta, he needed some Elves to go and bring them back to the palace.
Legolas was warm and safe. He could feel warm, gentle arms around him. With a sigh he snuggled back with a small smile on his face as he settled once more into the oblivion that the recent dose of drugs gave him.
Sssso, you thought you were free of me, did you?
Legolas started and looked around him. It was dark, dark and cold. He could smell the damp in the air. His heart began to thump with fear.
You cannot get away from me… If you wish to ssssee your brothersssss and friendssss ssssafe once more, you will come to meet me. I have usssse of you.
"No… No, leave me alone!" Legolas could not hide his fear any longer.
I will never leave you alone, not until you are mine…
"No… please, no. Nana? I want my Nana!"
The only reply that Legolas received was a mocking hiss of laughter…
Elrond was working on the last of the patients when he became aware of the distressed sounds that came from behind him. Turning, he realised that it was Legolas. He was tossing his head from side to side, tears ran down his face. It looked as if he was trying to get away from something.
He was also mumbling under his breath. Without another thought, he stood and hurried to the Elfling's side. What he heard made his heart break.
"No… please, no. Nana? I want my Nana!" With that the frightened blue eyes opened wide. But Elrond could tell that whereever Legolas was, it was not in this chamber. It was not even in the palace…
To be continued
Thank you to all our wonderful readers and reviewers, you are the best!
Replies to reviews:
moonshine44: hehe, you wiill have to weait and see the reason for Thranduil noty being able to relax, but the fun has already started!!
Alatariel Narmolanya: LOL!!! Almost, I'm glad you could puicture the scene though, that means i am doing my job right! Poor Drowlin, yes his Adar's found out exactly what he has been up to.
Lirenel: Here is another update so that you can find out what is going to happen.Trouble? Legolas? What makes you think that?
Little Crazy1: Good, I am glad that you like the updates, here's another for you. Ahhh, but is Thranduil alright with what's happened or is he just being pragmatic and realising that nothing can change the past or his love for his wife? More to come on this subject, it's not over yet!
Little-Legolas-Lover: Thank you we are glad that you like it.
Well, everyone that is it for the time being, more coming very, very soon..
Love
Mei and Shell, along with all the gang!