Disclaimer: All together now: Mr Santa bring me an Elf, bring me the sweetest that I've ever met… Sigh I fear that is the only way that we will own Legolas. Suffice to say he does not belong to us.
Chapter Six
For long, long seconds no sound was heard in the chamber and Ventalion had to gulp the despair that was threatening to fill him and drown him at the same time. How could he tell his King this? How would he react after all that had happened?
"They will be well, Prince Legolas they were hurt in the accident. You need to rest them and they will heal." His voice was thick with unshed tears.
"Where is Ada? Please, I want my Ada." tears had spilt down the bruised cheek.
Elrond was about to intervene, the last thing Legolas needed was to be upset, just as he was about to move to stop it when he became aware of a knocking on the chamber window. Moving to open it he held his hand out to the bird that was perched exhausted on the windowsill. It was not the bird that he had sent two days ago, when he had realised with Ventalion's help, the weather would have been too much for the poor bird to cope with two journeys. Still it was one that he had used before when corresponding with Thranduil on critical matters that could not wait for a normal courier.
The bird hopped onto his hand with a squawk. "Well done, Brentto, very well done." As he moved back into the chamber with the Raven he stroked its feathers soothingly free of the snow that had had the chance to build up. The raven was very cold; he headed towards the fire, smiling as the bird hummed happily at the warmth. Settling the raven on the fire place the bird automatically held out its clawed foot that contained its message pouch.
Within minutes Elrond had the parchment spread out in his hands. Giving it a quick read he headed back towards the Prince on the bed who was still very distressed. "I have had a letter from your Ada, Penneth and he is coming here to see you."
The bright watery smile was a clear indication of the child's happiness. It was not the reactions of the adults in the group. They were horrified.
"But, Ada it is too late in the winter they will never make it!" Elladan was terrified just at the thought to actually try it.
"It is alright. Rather than take the high pass which will be impossible at this time of the year, they will cut through Lothlorien and up from there. In fact according to Thranduil's letter they are at present two days away from Lothlorien. They will take shelter there and restock their provisions before leaving." Elrond smiled at all three of his sons. "If I know you grandparents they will leave with a troop of Galadhrim with them."
"It will not be an easy journey, but it can be done and if they are that near to Lothlorien then it should not be too bad. The King will have a large troop of guards with him. I could go and meet him, if my Lord wishes?" Ventalion was as worried for his King as he was of his Son.
"No, Ventalion, you are needed here. Legolas needs your familiarity. Come, Legolas needs to rest. We can discuss sending some warriors to meet him when we have more indication of when they will be leaving Lothlorien." Elrond ushered them all out apart from Ventalion. He turned to him with a smile saying. "I will be back in ten minutes with an herb tea for Legolas so that he can sleep. Will you explain to him what has happened?"
"Of course, Hir Nin leave it to me."
Ventalion watched as Elrond left the chamber, his sharp ears listened to the sound of retreating feet. As soon as they were out of hearing range the Elf's face changed. Gone was the happy, eager to please manner. In its place was a hard, icy countenance.
"So, you tried to run away from me? I will have to punish you for that. If you ever, ever…" he took one small splinted wrist and shook it for emphasis ignoring the small cry of pain. "Tell any one here why you ran away you will not live to see Mirkwood or you father. Do I make my self clear?"
The blue eyes were wide once more with fear; this had been why he had run away from home. His father was too deeply grieving to realise what was really going on around him. He had thought that if his Ada was coming here to him then things may have changed. Apparently he was wrong.
"Yeth, Thir I underthtand." His lip made it difficult to speak.
"Good, I was glad to see that you remembered your place when you awoke. That I am pleased of. Any slip up and I will add more bruises to your collection. Know be quiet I do not want a sound from you until Elrond arrives. Human lover, it should really not be allowed." Ventalion was muttering to himself as he rose and crossed to the fire. He was unaware of the beady black, intelligent eyes that was watching him. The raven knew just what it had to do…
The door opened for Elrond to see a lovely sight. Ventalion was sat next to Legolas on his bed reading a short story. The Elfling was as far away from the other Elf as was possible in his condition, but that did not register with the other Elf Lord. They both looked up as he entered.
"Legolas, I need you to sleep for me. Will you drink this?" He had to smile at the Elfling's wary expression. "Estel is going to come and sit with you so that Ventalion can eat and get some rest. Drink this for me?" A wary nod and the Half-Elf was helping the Elfling to drink it, careful not to move his back. "I will go and get Estel. Will you stay here for a minute while I get him?" This last question was to Ventalion who nodded with a smile.
It changed when the chamber door closed. His back was to Elrond and so he did not see the Raven that hopped onto the shoulders of Elrond. As soon as the door closed Brentto informed the Lord that he needed to speak with him, but out of reach of Ventalion. Elrond nodded curious as to what had put that tone of voice into the normally friendly raven's voice.
It was not long before Estel sat in Ventalion's place as the other Elf left with obvious reluctance. Elrond gestured for silence as he spread out the herbs that he knew he would need onto the small table that stood beside the fire. Brentto still sat on his shoulder something that Ventalion had not even noticed. Not that he had really looked; he had been too worried that the Elfling would tell them why he had fled from Mirkwood.
Elrond listened to the retreating footsteps in much the same manor as the Mirkwood Elf had. "Now, Brentto what is wrong?"
The raven told his story aware of the growing anger in both Elf and Human.
"You mean to tell me that I have left him with some one who is abusing him?" Elrond cried, horrified just at the thought.
Estel was just as horrified. "Ada, we cannot leave him alone with Legolas. Valar knows what he will do to him. If he can shake Legolas' broken arm he can do anything!"
"I agree. There must be no time that Legolas is alone with him. How can an Elf stoop so low and not even his Elfling? Will you be alright while I go and speak with … No, would you go and bring the twins and Glorfindel here? I think that Mithrandir need to be informed so bring him as well. I will stay with Legolas."
"Of course, Ada. How can anyone do that to so sweet a child? Has he not been through enough?" Estel brushed the hair from the fair but bruised face.
"We will stop this, Estel that I promise you. It must be Thranduil who punishes them though. This must be why he is so frightened of Blond Elves."
"I will get the others. Ada, be careful, I do not trust him." With that Estel left the chamber. Brentto moved to perch on the top of the bed. Watching as Elrond tended the arm that had been shaken with such force.
Elrond had just finished when the others entered the chamber. Puzzled as to why they were here when they had been kicked out earlier.
When Elrond and Brentto had finished their tale Glorfindel was all for locking the Mirkwood Elf up. Elladan wanted nothing more than to leave him in the snow with no provisions and Elrohir wanted to run him through with his sword. It would have been comical if it had not been so serious. Mithrandir was silent and thoughtful though
It was quickly decided that they would sit with the Elfling in shifts so that Ventalion could harm him no further. Elrond also had decided to exposes to Thranduil what some of his personal guards were doing to his son. That thought brought another worry to the fore. If Thranduil were to be in the company of Ventalion's 'partners' was he safe? He had to inform Galadriel. Leaving Estel and Glorfindel with Legolas he hurried to his study. For this he needed peace.
When he returned to the small Elfling's chamber he had spoken to Galadriel with his thoughts. She was aware of what had been happening and had already sent Haldir and some of his fellow warriors out to meet Thranduil. They just could not take the risk. As always Elrond was amazed at his mother in law's ability to see the future both past, present and future.
He was happier than he had been after speaking with Brentto. Galadriel had also informed him that she would contact him as soon as she had any news. They were joined in this conversation by Mithrandir who informed them both that he would be leaving to join Thranduil so that if any thing did happen they could be prepared. Such speaking was the way with those who bore the Rings of Power and it came as naturally to them as breathing did.
Legolas was still sleeping and the traitor Ventalion was yet to return from his rest break. That gave him time to think of how he was going to react to an Elf that could do this to an Elfling. That had to try and react naturally to him, the last thing that they needed was to forewarn him that they knew. Valar knew what he would do to Legolas if he thought that they had told him. He voiced his worried to the others. Luckily they all agreed with him and by the time Ventalion did return they were all sitting relaxed around the chamber minus Mithrandir who as always had left as mysteriously as he had arrived.
"How is the Prince?" Ventalion smiled at Elrond. What he really wanted was to shout at him for taking and raising the filthy human that sat next to him. He could feel his skin crawling, it was something that always happened around Humans and had started on his very first meeting. He had gone to Lake Town as part of the guard for a delegation. He had never met a human before then and he had wished afterwards never to meet another again.
"Sleeping still, his body needs the time to rest." Elrond answered easily. His hackles had risen at the way the Elf before him had looked at Estel. There was just something in the way he looked, something hidden. Elrond could not quite put him finger on it, but he stored it away so that he could think on it at a later date.
"Yes, he has been through a lot. Do you need me to watch him?" Ventalion needed to be alone with the Prince. Needed to be the only one there when he woke so that he could reinforce what had been said early. He needed to show the Prince his proper place once more. Prince? That was a laugh. This 'Prince' had caused his own mothers death, something which he made certain the Elfling never forgot.
"We will all watch him." There was definitely a look of disgust and something else that passed over the fair face before him. The others were watching as well, discreetly. "Sit; tell me of the growing darkness around Mirkwood please?"
So Ventalion found himself sitting next to Elrond and not Legolas as he wished explaining how far the darkness had encroached and what his King was doing about the situation.
The others realised that Ventalion seemed not to have any negative thoughts towards the King, but in fact seemed to have nothing but admiration for him. Elrond only found this all the more puzzling.
If Ventalion thought it strange that every time he tried to make it to Legolas' side that evening the others would engage him in conversation he gave no sign. Not once did he make it to Legolas' side before night fall and he could not say a thing as Glorfindel led him away to the Hall of Fire without it looking as if he was being petty.
LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
Morning rose still and bright. One by one the Elves in their homes and flets began their day. More snow had fallen over night, so the Elfling's had been given the joyful task of clearing the pathways of snow to make the Elves movements easier. Not that it was hard mind you and not that the Elfling's complained. They had fun in the snow and it kept them from under their parent's feet.
Up in one of the chambers of the Last Homely House one small Elfling was greeting the day in great pain. Between his arms and his head he was very unhappy.
"Easy, Penneth we will stop the pain soon, Ada is preparing the tea for you. Would you like to get Snuffles for you?" Estel was trying all he could to calm the small prince down.
"Thnuffleth'?" There was confusion in the small voice.
"Let me fetch him for you." Estel crossed to the fire where Snuffles had been sitting drying and then forgotten in the aftermath of finding the Prince. Estel heard Elrohir ask his father.
"Ada, why does Legolas not remember us?" It was something the human had asked himself.
"It may be because his injury is traumatic, it can sometimes happen if someone is trying to block out memories that are too painful when they remember, what happens between then is forgotten. You forget Legolas has been through a lot, first his mother's death, then his flight from Mirkwood and know his capture by the Human. He has more than enough to blank out."
"That is true, Ada I had not thought of it that way." Elrohir had to force himself not to turn around and glare at Ventalion. Elladan who was sitting behind said Elf had no reason not to and the glare would have sent any sane person running.
Estel picked up the battered toy and carried it to the Elfling. "This is Snuffles and he is very special. Any time you are scared hug him and I or one of my brothers will come running, is that alright?" He carefully placed the toy under the right arm so that the Prince could hug him without hurting himself.
"Thank you, he ith nice. I have a horthe at home." Estel was given a toothy grin.
"You have what is his name?" Estel smiled back, this was the first real conversation any of them had had with the Prince, well as himself anyway.
A clouded expression passed over the bruised face and he carefully shook his head. Estel was quick to realise that the opportunity for the moment was gone.
"Here we are, Penneth this will help you with the pain that you have." Elrond handed the tea to Estel and watched as the Elfling hesitantly took the tea from his son.
It was not a moment too soon. As he stood back Galadriel spoke in his mind.
Thranduil is safe. Mithrandir joined him this morning. They are a day from Lothlorien.
Elrond was surprised at this news, how on Arda had the Maia moved so quickly. Then he realised that as a Maia he could do things that not even Elves could do.
Mithrandir has warned him about what has happened. To say he is worried and furious is an understatement. I have been asked that you keep Ventalion there with you at all costs. Thranduil wants to speak with himGaladriel's voice held a mixture of mirth and satisfaction.
Do not worry, my Lady he will stay here and have no real contact with Legolas. it was a promise.
Galadriel's laugh was light and airy. The Prince has worked his magic on you and your sons? He has that ability. Keep him safe. I will contact you when I have more news
"Ada, are you alright?" Elrohir sounded worried and Elrond realised he must have zoned out after talking with his mother in law.
"Yes, Elrohir I was just thinking." He turned his attention to Legolas. "Are you looking forward to seeing your Ada, Penneth?"
The nod he received was very wary and hesitant "I know he is looking forward to seeing you. Now let me have a look at your arms. As soon as that tea has worked I can take a look at your back. I am sure that it must be sore with you laying on it." He carried on a barrage of useless chatter to try and put the Elfling at his ease.
There was no improvement on Legolas' legs, but some of the lesser wounds had begun to heal he was pleased to note. Some of the bruises had completely healed much to the others relief.
Later when Glorfindel was telling Legolas a story before he had some more sleeping herbs to help the night's sleep, Elrond heard once more from Galadriel. Thranduil and party had arrived and the entire troop taken into custody until they could ascertain who was in league with Ventalion. Thranduil would be continuing the next morning with a battalion of Galadhrim led by Haldir.
The next week passed in this manner, updates for Elrond from Mithrandir. They continued to keep a close watch on Ventalion, making sure that he was never alone with Legolas. Thanks to Glorfindel he was no where near as skittish around blond Elves as he had been, but he remained polite and could not be drawn into any conversation as such.
It was a relief when Elrond heard the bell from the great gates to signal visitors. Erestor rushed into the chamber to inform him of the new arrivals. He left the chamber silently to greet the new comers.
He arrived just as Thranduil dismounted. His old friend looked tired and worried.
"Mae Govannon, Thranduil." He grasped the other arms before giving the traditional Elven greeting of fist against heart sweeping out to the other. It was returned speedily.
"Mae Govannon, Elrond. Where is my son?" There was pure worry in that voice and it relieved Elrond.
"Follow me; I will take you to him. Erestor, please make sure everyone is taken care of and given chambers?"
"Of course."
It took them no time to reach the small Prince's chamber. Thranduil threw open the door eager to get to his son. He had been so frightened when Legolas had vanished. It had been the only thing that could have broken him free from his grief at loosing his wife.
What he was not prepared for, along with all but one of the group present was for Legolas to cower as his father moved towards him, well as much as he could with legs that would not work.
Thranduil stopped hesitant to cause more distress. "Legolas? Dian Las? It is me, Ada. Please Legolas?" There was deep pain in the King's voice and it broke through the fear that had begun to assail the young Prince. Only two Elves called him that, his Nana and Ada.
"Ada?"
"Yes, Penneth it is me." Thranduil was at the bed in a second when his son recognised him. How he wanted to lift his son into his arms and cuddle him to make everything better. How he wanted to do more than just stroke what he could of the bare arm before him. He had tears in his eyes as he looked down at the pale bruised face.
He was not aware of one Elf scowling before moving forward. The King had not been meant to reach his son with either of them being alive. What could have happened? Legolas was never meant to be found. This was so wrong on many levels. Still know they were here he could work with this. He and his fellows could use this to their advantage.
"Sire, it is good to see you. How was your journey? I was worried that at this time of the year you would have trouble." He bowed with reverence.
"Ah yes, Ventalion. I cannot tell you how pleased I am to see you. I was surprised when you left to come here, especially with the bad weather. I know how much you hate the cold. Come we have much to talk about. Penneth, I will be right back." Thranduil stood and gesturing for Ventalion made his way to the door. Once there he opened it and ushered the other Elf through.
Outside as they had agreed was Mithrandir and Haldir waiting patiently with a group of Elrond's warriors. Immediately and before Ventalion could react he was surround by armed Elves. There was nothing he could do; no way could he fight his way out of this situation. He could still use words though.
"Sire, what is this about?! I don't understand!" Somehow he managed to sound both indignant and surprised at the same time.
"Ventalion, you are placed into the custody of these Elves for crimes committed against my Son and your Prince." Thranduil watched with satisfaction as at first uncertainty chased across the suddenly pale face, followed by fear and comprehension. "Oh yes, your little 'scheme' has been found out. The others in my guard are at Lothlorien. They will be brought here later when the weather allows it. You realise that due to the enormity of your crime's it carries the death sentence? Legolas could have died. Be very glad that he did not or I would have struck you down where you stood."
Thranduil's voice was that icy calm that one gets when their temper is white hot and barely contained. There was also a slight hint of fear there, too. Through out the long ride he had tried to halt his fear that he may be too late and that he had lost his only son and heir. It had been a difficult journey.
Ventalion shivered at the tone of his King's voice. He had heard it a few times before in his long life, but it had never been directed at him. This time it was. He tried again, though. "Hir Nin, I have no idea of what you are alluding too."
"You can drop the pretence. We have a witness to your threats to Legolas." Thranduil's voice dripped contempt.
"What? How? They lie!" Panic was rearing and Ventalion was rapidly beginning to loose control.
"This witness cannot lie and it will hold up in court." Thranduil held out his hand and gave a piercing whistle that had most of the group wincing. Brentto flew into his master's hand.
"That is the bird that brought news of you the other day." Ventalion said, hesitant.
"Yes, it is also the bird that was in the chamber when Legolas was threatened by you." Elrond's voice matched Thranduil's.
Ventalion could not stop the bark of laughter and disbelief. "You are taking the word of a dumb bird? This is just too priceless. Now I know you have lost your mind!"
"He is your King and you will speak to him with respect." Haldir's sword was sharp in his back.
"Dumb am I? Unable to listen and comprehend? I would say that it is you who is dumb. And you a Wood Elf? You are shameful!" Brentto spoke into the silence that had descended.
Ventalion jumped, a talking Bird? He had never heard of that one. Oh he had heard of the great Eagles but had considered them an oddity.
"Brentto is my main messenger bird. He witnessed everything you did to Legolas down to the shake of his broken wrist. How could you do this? I trusted you; I put Legolas into your care whenever I could not stay with him. What changed?" the anger was calmed now, they needed answers.
"He killed the Queen, had he not been there she would have moved to safety. But no, he falls from his pony and she returned to him along with my friend's. He killed them all that day." Ventalion had goner from being shocked to out right anger as he spoke of his feelings.
"It was not Legolas' fault and how you can blame an Elfling is beyond me. Had you been listening you would have know that the pony had been struck by an arrow. Legolas no more wanted to fall than you would in that situation. How could his mother leave him? She would not have been my wife had she done so. You choose what you believe, that all this was because of the Prince? It would appear that I never really knew you. Take him away, I wish not to see or hear from him until the trial."
The guards nodded and one produced some ropes. Ventalion glared all the time as he was restrained and led away, leaving Thranduil, Elrond, Haldir and Mithrandir behind.
Thranduil gave a tired, worried sigh. "How could I not know? It was happening under my nose and I still chose not to see."
"It is not your fault, Mellon-Nin. You have a lot to deal with at present. Do not blame yourself, Legolas needs you more than ever know." Elrond tried to reassure the anguished King.
"Will he walk again, Elrond? Will my Greenleaf run under his beloved trees once more? Can you tell me that?"
"Alas, Thranduil that is the one thing I cannot. The blow to his back was hard, time and rest will answer your questions. You cannot head back to Mirkwood and leave him here. I invite you to stay for the winter if your Kingdom can do without its King?"
"I have left one of my most trusted adviser's in charge, he will see that Mirkwood is safe and well for my return. I will need to inform him of where I am." At Elrond's worried look he smiled in reassurance. "Deanathol is my childhood friend. I would trust him with both mine and Legolas' life. He needs to know that there are some traitors around. I would never have believed that this was possible."
"This must have been building for some times, my friend. The death of the Queen was a wonderful excuse for them to latch upon. This would have happened even if the Queen had lived; they would have just found another excuse." Mithrandir's voice was apologetic as he spoke the unpalatable truth.
"You are right of course, Mithrandir just as you normally are." Thranduil's smile was true this time. "Come I need to be with my son, I also need to know how and why he has no hair. And what was all this about a slave? Mithrandir did explain, but I was not really listening." The latter was said with embarrassment. "All I could think of was getting to Legolas."
Elrond and Mithrandir told him once again what had happened. Both noticed his even more rapid mood change.
"Mellon- Nin, you have to be strong. Legolas needs you now; we have to think of Legolas." Elrond's voice was almost pleading.
"I will try, but can you tell me that he will be well? Can you tell me he will walk, that one day I will see him running beneath his beloved trees? That is all I want for Legolas, My little Greenleaf to be well."
This statement was heartbreaking to all who listened to the King of Mirkwood speak. But the one it truly affected was Elrond. Elrond knew what a hard road that the small Prince faced. It would be long and painful.
"I am afraid I cannot say that, Thranduil. What I will say is this: I will do anything within my power to get him walking again. If I can he will run again. But just because he cannot walk does not mean that he has stopped being your son. Treat him as you normally would, scold him if he is naughty. He is still your Legolas, your little Greenleaf." Elrond knew how the other Elf must be feeling.
"I do understand. Can I see him now?" at the other's nod he pushed open the chamber door and entered.
Legolas was asleep, in his right arm held very gently was a very tattered, old dog that had seen many years and uses. Thranduil stood for a second looking down before turning and fleeing the chamber. He left behind some very stunned friends.
He returned to them seconds later with a small stuffed toy clasped in his hands. It too had seen many years. Thranduil very gently placed it in the other arm, making sure that any movement did not hurt or wake the sleeping Elfling.
As he stood the others were watching with barely concealed amusement. He shrugged before saying. "It belongs to Legolas, it was found beside the wagon tracks. It would have taken a lot of force for Legolas to live Roch-Nin behind. They go everywhere together."
"Roch- Nin, you called it Roch-Nin?" Elladan could barely stop from laughing and was soon joined by all in the chamber.
"It was Legolas who named him not I. I have tried to change it but he will have it have no other name. His Nana gave it to him." The chamber quieted at this. "She gave him it for his fifth birthday. How she loved him."
Elrond said nothing but just squeezed his shoulder to offer support. He knew what Thranduil was going through. The King had been there for him when Celebrian had passed to the West. The least he could do was return that favour. He ushered Thrnaduil into a sitting position before leaving to order wine and food for the party for they had to be tired and hungry from their long trip.
"When he returned they all ate and listened to Thranduil telling them about his son and the antics that the little Prince could get up to. That was what made this so hard. Seeing the normally whirl winded Prince so still. Normally you could only keep him in one place for less than two seconds.
"He loves nature in any form and we have to watch out for him. He tries to bring back wounded animals for the healers to see too. It was hard to explain to him that we could not bring back a wounded spider; he truly thought we could help it. He sulked for days. It took an injured baby Fox for him to talk to me again. Ai, he can be a hand full!" Thranduil enjoyed talking about Legolas; he was now the bright spark that kept him on Middle Earth and not sailing to Valinor.
If not for Legolas he would have almost certainly faded as well. As it was his biggest fear was loosing his life line; for that was what Legolas had become. The last three months had been hell upon Earth. But that was over now. Legolas was back with him and safe. The 'master' was dead; a small part of him wished he had been in the party that recovered Legolas. The man most certainly would not have died so quickly nor so easily. Ventalion and his fellows were safely in custody away from Legolas. That was all he wanted Legolas to be safe.
"He sounds as much a hand full as my three. They were always into mischief. Do you remember when you along with Galadriel and Celeborn came for a conference and they decided to sit in on it?" Elrond's voice was thoughtful bur his eyes sparkled with a glint that Thranduil knew all too well. It was a look that got them both into a lot of trouble as Elfling's, along with Elros, Elrond's twin brother.
"Yes, I do remember, that got so bored they began to play under the table. I do not think I will ever forget the look on Celeborn's face when he stood to fetch some water and the laces of his boots were tied together. In front of a delegation of Men too!" How Thranduil did not laugh aloud at the looks on the twin's and Estel's faces. They were almost beetroot red with embarrassment.
"Yes and the next morning he came down to the morning meal with purple hair because 'someone' had tampered with his shampoo!" Elrond was laughing now, openly.
"Galadriel had refused to use it but would not say why! I think she knew all along!!" If they could have all three that were targeted by this would have disappeared right about then. Even Haldir who was normally hard to make laugh was almost weeping at the picture the two Lord's were making of his foster father. How he would have loved to have been there to see that!
"Celebrian was pulling her hair out at the end of that one and I think the men could not wait to leave! We have had some fun, Mellon-Nin." Thranduil had calmed somewhat and was stroking the small Elfling's fuzzy hair.
"Aye, we have and poor Glorfindel has been target practice just as often!"
It was now the Balrog Slayers turn to blush and the twins to sit up with attention.
"Elrond…" There was a warning in Glorfindel's voice as he took in the two still smiling friends.
"Remember Estel shooting his foot?"
"Yes and the curses, then Elrohir shot him in the shoulder…" A sleepy murmur from between them made them stop the jesting. For a minute Thranduil thought that Legolas was going to wake up, but he settled back once more as the laughing stopped.
The King rose despairing eyes to the healer before him. "It is good that he rests, he needs it, and it will help his body to begin to heal as well as his mind. Having you here with him will be the best medicine in the world. I will also enjoy spending some time with you, Mellon-Nin." Elrond gave a small smile of encouragement.
"Thank you, Elrond I do not know how I can repay you all for what you have done for my son."
"There is no need of any thanks, you would and have done the same." Elrond was now smiling at his son's. It had been a bad time when they had disappeared travelling to Mirkwood. Thanks to Thranduil though, they were safe and well.
Mithrandir was watching this with twinkling eyes an amused smile on his lips. It was always fun around these Elves. The pranks and laughter. What the three younger ones did not realise was that some of the pranks that they blamed each other for were actually done by their father's. They probably would never know that.
"Now, I need to show you all what Legolas needs, it is best to do this while he is sleeping." Elrond was all business once more, humour seemingly gone in a flash. The group stood and hurried to the bed side. Elrond began talking them through the massage techniques that they would need to do six times a day to stop muscle wastage. When the small Prince was in better health, this would extend to proper movements of his legs. He would need to be much better and his back more stable.
Elrond stood back slightly watching as each person, even Haldir and the Maia, took turns at showing him they understood his instructions. Then once happy with that the Elven Lord ran through the diet that Legolas would need for some time. A diet that would help his body and stomach get used to having food in it. Food that would be rich in proteins and vitamins. Food that would be soft and easily digestible.
Once everyone had left to continue with other things, leaving Thranduil, Elrond and Mithrandir alone; Elrond headed down to the kitchen to speak with the cook about the food types that he wanted Legolas to have.
It was only as he reached the kitchens that he realised that he still had a visitor, for on his shoulder his intelligent beady eyes taking in everything was Brentto. Elrond had completely forgotten about he bird. He reached up absently to stroke the warm feathers.
"I will not ask you to travel once more, Mellon. I think a rest and some good food for you is in order. Hannon le for your help with the Prince. Without it he could have sustained further injuries that may never have healed."
'You are welcome, I like my Prince, and he is always kind to me.' Brentto had turned to face the Elf.
"He is? In what way?" Elrond desperately wanted to hear what the Prince was really like. Not the frightened cowered Elfling that would not speak; but the confident fun loving Elfling that kept his father amused.
'He always talks to me and scratches my back ridges. He never ignores me or my kind and the trees and bushes love him. He is truly a Wood Elf but more.'
"Why do you say that?" Elrond was confused by the bird.
'A Wood Elf can listen and comprehend, but the Prince understands to a level even greater than the King. When you go out listen to the trees, they are moaning in distress, even here where they know him not.'
"I see, thank you. Does his father know this?" Elrond was bemused at the Bird now. He would love to see the Prince among the trees. He made a silent vow there and then that the Prince would walk once more.
'The King has a lot to cloud his mind. The darkness grows further and he is giving it his attention. Since the Queen died he has had more, he will find out. The best thing for the Prince is to be near the trees; somewhere he can see and speak with them.'
"Thank you once more, Brentto. I will have the cook prepare you a meal, although I fear that if you continue with me into the chamber he may not be happy. Perch here and I will return." with that the raptor left his shoulder to perch on an elaborate chair, one of many that dotted the halls.
As he entered the kitchen Elrond gave a small bemused smile to himself. He was thinking of listening to a bird's advice. Admittedly it was good advice, but from a Bird?
Later that afternoon, Elrond spoke quietly with Thranduil. It was agreed that a chamber near to trees would be a good idea. The move would have to wait until he was better, but Legolas would be near to his beloved trees. The other matter Elrond kept to himself, he had decided to watch the Prince and see what happened.
They had just finished the midday meal when Legolas began to moan, caught up in the web of nightmares and crying for his mother, a mother who could not come to him.
It fairly broke Thranduil's heart as he tried to calm his son, wishing above all else that she was here, that his sons wishes would be answered.
The two were left alone, privacy the King did not expect. Before he left Elrond left a goblet of herb tea to give the Elfling for the pain that the healer knew he was undoubtedly feeling.
Elrond gave one last sad look at his friend from the chamber door. Both father and son were crying and holding on to each other as best they could given the Elfling's restrictions. It hurt to see his friend like this, so sad and broken. He was certainly not the cantankerous friend that he knew of old.
Closing the chamber door he made his way to the study deep in thought. Maybe the fact that King and son had to stay in Imladris was for the best, it would give both the time to heal both emotionally and physically in Legolas' case. They would also be surrounded by friends, Mithrandir and Haldir would be staying as well, the latter under the orders of Galadriel.
With his mind and heart easier he carried on his way, he would have to arrange a bigger feast for the winter solstice. That would help. It was always celebrated in all Elven cities. But this one with his old friends at his side would be the chance for them all to let their hair down and relax.
Yes, He needed to speak with Glorfindel and Erestor. His mind already on other matters he changed his route to go to Glorfindel's office where he over saw Imladris's defence.
To be continued
Thank you once more to all our wonderful readers and our fantastic reviewers. Please continue to let us know what you think?
Responses to reviews.
Barbara Kennedy: Uhm, no bets on that one. LOL!!!
Manawathiel: Yes, he broke his back, bless him. Wow you would really have the elves do all that? LOL. Yes, he did have it easy, but he was drunk and used to bullying people he probably thought no one would have the gall to confront him,. He was wrong about that!
Isildwen: Yes, I felt awful doing that to him, it just kind of happened as I was writing. How could he not have emotional problems after that? You are right about the backward step. More soon on that.
Tina7610813: Thank you.
Lelann37: Well it means that he has got some of his memory back, some not all more on that next chapter.
Chem: Why, thank you that seems to be the opinion of everyone: kill him again Glorfy! Yes, what of Legolas now. More very, very soon.
Dark Borg Drone: leggy says thank you.
Haldir's Heart and soul: Thank you, sorry about the errors I will try and do better with that.
Triptych: This one is too, I hope you like? Yes, we do. Rotten aren't we?
Aranna Undomiel: Don't worry that's the type of thing I do and I'm not blond!!!! LOL, Everyone hated that man and wished I had made it awful for him, I wonder why? Legolas is beginning to remember some things; you will have to read and find out what and why alter. This can happen in traumatic head injuries. More on Ventalion here and why he is so scared of him. More to come on that as well.
Alatariel Narmolanya: Yes I did! Wow. Sorry to keep you hanging I hope you like this.
Mornflower: Clam down now, nice deep breaths, yes Leggie can't feel his legs, Sorry and you couldn't scare us into not continuing with this story. We are having too much fun!!!
Rhys: Sorry the chapter was a little rough, but I felt awful, sorry I perhaps should have waited and gone back over it. LOL! You wanted his death to be awful too? Incredible how people hated him.
Dawn: Thank you. Blushes. You really think that? Wow. Thank you. I find out on Tuesday when the operation is going to be and Mei is still swamped bless her.
Moonshine44: Thank you and no we don't mind having suggestions and comments about our work, it is the only way we can improve. I have a big problem with now and know for some reason and I don't always pick up that it is wrong nor does Mei when she reads it through. Problem is it seems to be catching and Mei is doing the same!!!!
Star Light1: You will have to wait and see what happens to leggy and his legs. Glad you like it though.
Thank you all once more and hold tight it will be updated later this week, so keep a look out.
Love,
Mei and Shell