DISCLAIMER:
See chapter one.
Series:
None.
Spoilers:
See chapter one
A/N: My gosh, all these nice reviews have made me decide to update again! Keep reviewing and I keep writing—I promise, okay? :-)
I know, I'm bummed, too, that the hobbits won't be coming along for the ride. :-( Oh well. The humor will come from more bitterness between Gimli and Legolas. Or maybe I'll have Legolas visit the Shire on the way to the Gray Havens. If he doesn't die in Mordor…hey, I never said it'd have a happy ending. *Readers and Legolas fans converge on her, a deadly gleam in their eyes* *Author panics.* Okay, okay, I'll be good! Not. *she mutters, them makes a break for it as the readers chase her off into the distance.*
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Three Rings for the Elven-Kings
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Chapter Three
The Road to Rivendell
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"Endara?"
Endara jerked; he'd been dozing near the fire. The embers had burned down to a warm, red glow. He looked over at Legolas, lying prone and on the other side of the fire. The voice had come from him.
"My lord?" Endara circled the fire and came to his lord's side, kneeling and peering in his face.
"May I have a…" Legolas licked his lips, unable to finish the sentence.
"Water?" Endara asked, and Legolas nodded. "Of course, my lord."
As he grabbed a waterskin, he also threw more wood on the fire. It crackled and gave off heavy smoke. The wind shifted, bringing it towards the two elves. "My apologies, my lord," Endara whispered as he helped Legolas sit up. Legolas flinched as his injured arm shifted. His eyes were dull and glazed, and he seemed not to recognize Endara for a moment.
"Come on, now," Endara coxed, holding the waterskin to Legolas' lips. "Drink it down."
Legolas managed a few sips, and then went limp in Endara's arms. Slowly the elf lowered his lord to the forest floor. The wood caught and blazed, crackling loudly and burning hot. But Legolas continued to shiver long into the night, and Endara stayed close beside him.
* * * *
When Glorfindel walked back into the camp several hours later, he found a sword point against his throat. Briefly startled, he then recognized the wielder.
"Peace, Endara, I come in friendship."
The other elf relaxed and lowered the sword. "How is he?" Glorfindel asked as he knelt by Legolas' side.
"Not good. He seems not to recognize me, and he is very cold. He does not respond to his name anymore."
"This will help." Glorfindel took out a cooking pot, and filled it with water. A small breeze came up and blew against the fire. As Glorfindel added more branches to the fire it roared up into the night. The water began to bubble.
"Should we not try and conceal our tracks?" Endara asked; but even as he spoke a chill came over him and he shivered.
"The Nine know we are here," Glorfindel answered calmly. "But they dare not attack us yet, not with a fire and the stars bright above." He removed the pot of water, and then took out three strangely shaped leaves from his belt pouch. He threw them into the water and laid it near Legolas' head. The elf prince stirred and sighed. Endara felt suddenly fresh and strong. His eyes shone with renewed hope.
"Help me remove his shirt."
The two elves pulled the over-tunic carefully over Legolas' head, and then unbuttoned the silk shirt underneath. Glorfindel carefully avoided looking at the One Ring lying on the prince's chest from a golden chain. Glorfindel gently bathed the wounded shoulder and arm with the water.
"Athelas leaves," he explained as he dipped the cloth back into the water. "It will help to slow the poison."
Endara nodded, and held his lord's head between his hands. Legolas stirred and focused his eyes on his friend.
"Endara?"
"Yes, my lord?"
"How far are we from Rivendell?"
Endara's eyes flitted to Glorfindel's face. The Elf-Lord was unmoved, concentrating on his work, and did not look up. "Not long, my lord."
Legolas relaxed back against the ground. The chill in his side and arm lessoned under Glorfindel's trained, gentle hands; but Glorfindel's face was grave as he examined the wound, as if what he found troubled him.
They let the fire die, and then dumped water on the coals; and when it was sufficiently out and cold enough for Glorfindel, they helped Legolas back onto Asfaloth's back, and rode off into the night.
* * * *
The days and nights blended together for Legolas; he barely knew up from down anymore. Endara's voice helped him continue, but he felt so cold that all he wanted to do was just give into the shadows.
"No, my lord," a soft voice said by his ear. "Not yet. We are so close."
Glorfindel looked back at Endara, who was softly coxing Legolas on, keeping the prince's mind on something besides his pain.
Then Endara began to sing. The words and tune were well known in Rivendell, and Glorfindel joined in, the duet bringing onlookers from the forest creatures.
I walk a journey cast in shade
Watching hope and daylight fade
Wishing I could find my home
Instead I walk the wilds roam
I watch the moon at end of night
And wish that I could end the fight
Time has not come for me to go
But time can pass so ever slow
I wander dark'ning paths and tread
On places where still walk the dead
And evil creeps its way along
My heart into my voice and song
But still my feet on carry me
To the distant shores of Sea
And 'yond the stormy waves I spy
The golden ships that passed me by
But pass me by they do not do
I now have known I made it through
The paths I wandered where I tread
On through the place of living dead
Above the ocean shines the star
Above the darkness oh so far
Gil-Estel makes its way through night
And brings some hope to us in flight
May darkness never piece my heart
Nor harm to home from which I part
For though the darkness walks beyond this way
Beyond all darkness is light of day
And so singing they came to the Ford of Bruinen.
*?*?*?*?*?*?*?*?*?*?*?*?*?*
Yes, we will get to Rivendell soon…but I couldn't rush it. Writer's rule. So, what do you think? Complaints? Comments? Questions? Too short, too long, too boring, not boring enough…just kidding about the last one. :-) Let me know!