Twisted Web of Fate
By the Sinister Sindar Sisters
Chapter Three
Doroniel twisted around to see behind her, although she already knew who was screaming by the voice, it was obviously Legolas. As she feared, the Prince seemed to be caught in the grips of a nightmare once again, if it was just a nightmare. His eyes were still closed in a sleep that was unnatural for Elves.
Thranduil still slept, but not for long. Already, she could see the King's eyes widen and slowly focus on the waking world in spite of the sleep-inducing tea he had been given. He looked down at his son in his arms and, though still groggy, he realised exactly what was happening. Looking around, he searched for Doroniel. As he recognized her dilemma, he nodded and began to try to wake Legolas himself.
Doroniel returned to her herbs and swiftly finished preparing the strong infusion for Calandor. She began to slowly feed him the tea, spooning it into his mouth in between the cramping seizures, careful not to choke him with too much of the warm liquid. Randis securely held his friend to prevent any harm befalling him because of his violent involuntary movements which had almost rolled him into the fire near the beginning of his seizure.
Finally, all the herbal infusion was gone and they waited, watching as his seizure slowly calmed and then stopped. She felt for his pulse once more, pleased to feel it slowly returning to normal.
That was more than could be said for what was happening behind her. Thranduil's voice had become more anxious as he tried to wake his son with no success. Legolas' cries were becoming more heartbreaking.
All within the cave were awake now. Some brought extra water to the pot on the fire to be heated in case of need. Two guards brought torches nearer to give the healer plenty of light to see by. However, unless their aid was needed, they stayed well back to allow the healer room to work.
When Calandor was peacefully resting once more, Randis settled him back on his own pallet and covered him with the blankets that had been strewn across the area by Calandor's movements, tucking them carefully around his friend. Worry shone in his eyes as he watched his friend lay there strangely pale and still after the violent activity of but a few moments ago, his steady breathing all that attested that he still lived.
Doroniel stood quickly to go help with Legolas. Her vision wavered for a moment as the world seemed to spin around her. She was dimly aware that Randis had also stood and taken her arm. He helped guide her around the fire. It was a relief when she sat down near Thranduil again, but she had to wait for the spinning dizziness to stop, not expecting the nausea that had seemed to hit her from nowhere.
"Aran-nin, may I take Legolas?" The weakness in her voice shocked her. She hoped silently that she did not look green as she reached for the distraught Elfling.
Thranduil sat up to pass his still-struggling son to her, his face suddenly paled to an interesting shade of green. He almost threw Legolas into the healer's arms before he rolled to one side of his pallet and promptly emptied the meager contents of his stomach onto the cave floor. Doroniel almost, just almost, joined him. Only the snide voice from behind her stopped her. It strengthened her resolve to not give in to the sudden weakness.
"That is quite disgusting!" Ruthwen made no effort to lower her voice. She had apparently been drawn to the King's side by all the commotion, though she had, again, not offered any aid.
Doroniel ignored her and continued to try to wake Legolas, who was now sobbing into her shoulder. "Randis? I need some more hot water and my herb bag, please?" If she had to move once more, she may just end up next to her King.
At that thought, Doroniel glanced to the King to see how he fared. He had again rolled onto his back on his pallet with his eyes tightly shut, breathing heavily. His face was still ashen. She noticed he seemed to be trying to hold onto the ground, as if overcome with dizziness too.
Randis nodded and hurried to retrieve her pack, pushing roughly past Ruthwen, not caring that it made her stagger and step in the pool of vomit that she had been looking at so disgustedly. Her outraged cries made many of the others in the cave hide their grins.
Randis ignored the glare he received as he carried the healer's pack and a goblet of hot water to Doroniel.
"Can you add some of these herbs to the water for the King?" She pointed out the herbs she wanted him to use.
Randis crumbled an amount of the herbs into the hot water before he assisted Thranduil to rise slightly so that he could take the tea. As he did so, one of his fellow guards quickly covered the vomit by his side with some hay normally used for the horses, then using one of the shovels that they had brought. He scooped up the mess and carried it outside and away from their sensitive noses. The King would be embarrassed enough without leaving the mess as a reminder.
Doroniel was still trying to waken Legolas. What worried her most was the fact that he had a fever already, no doubt from the filthy claws of the Orc. It would not be helping whatever else plagued the poor child.
"Do you want me to hold him?" Randis was beside her once more. Thranduil was lying back on his pallet again, still looking green. She would have to keep an eye on him, perhaps he was not as unscathed as they had all thought.
At Doroniel's nod, he took the still-struggling Elfling into his arms and began to softly try to comfort him. Doroniel again filled the empty goblet with hot water and began to crush more herbs, one to calm and one to aid the fever. Legolas would undoubtedly need both.
"Can they not shut the Brat up?"
Doroniel knew one thing at that moment, she was truly beginning to hate that voice. Her temper got the better of her. "If you think you can do better, Lady, then by all means, be my guest! If not, I suggest you shut up, by Eru, and let me work?"
"Ruthwen! If you do not do as Doroniel suggests, you can go back to Mirkwood come the morning and do not expect one of my guards to go with you." Thranduil's voice, while weak, held a hint of anger and steel within it. "And if I ever, ever hear you call my son 'Brat' again you will live to regret it! Do I make myself clear, Lady?" His ire was even more evident since he spoke through his teeth.
Ruthwen did not answer, but turned with her nose in the air and walked stiffly back to her part of the cave. She was seething inside, her face flush with anger. How dare he speak to her like that? And to back up that... that... thing! She would not deign to use her name! Imles quickly came to her side and led her back to her bed with an offer of a calming drink.
Doroniel, in the meantime, still had no luck in rousing Legolas, the longer she was unable to waken him the more worried she became. Legolas was fast going beyond distressed, almost hysterical. She made a quick decision and added a sleeping herb to the tea she prepared for him as well. With Randis and Bremoline's help she spoon-fed the still-crying Elfling the tea, though he resisted them. She should have been able to rouse him by now.
She once again cast an eye over to the King when they had finished. She saw that he still looked pale and nauseated. Bremoline still lingered quietly nearby, also keeping watch. She ventured to ask. "Do you still feel ill, Aran-nin?"
OOOOOOO
Thranduil wanted so much to go to Legolas. His son's cries of distress were tearing into his heart like a knife, but he was unable to move lest he was sick once more. Through his overwhelming dizziness, he heard Doroniel's voice close beside him. "Randis? I need some more hot water and my herb bag, please?"
There was no answer, but he heard movements from various places in the cave and a few seconds later he heard a smothered oath, but little more, aside from the frightened sobbing of his son. He would have opened his eyes to see what was happening, but dared not with the way his stomach was rebelling.
He heard the Healer telling his Scout what to do. "Can you add some of these herbs into the water for the King?" He did not dare open his mouth to tell her that he did not think that a good idea. However, he was given no choice in the matter as he was helped up on one elbow and the cup was pressed to his lips. To his surprise, he was able to swallow the warm tea without incident.
The moment he could, he lay back down and covered his eyes with his arm. It was then that he realised he could no longer smell the mess he had made and for that he was extremely grateful.
"Do you want me to hold him?" He could hear Randis' quiet voice and the whisper of their movement, then Randis' soft words as he tried to soothe Legolas. Next he heard the sound of water being poured into a goblet and the smell of herbs being crushed. How he avoided retching again, he did not know. Even the normally-pleasant smell of the herbs was offensive to his stomach at the moment.
"Can they not shut the Brat up?" That strident voice was the last thing he needed to hear. How dare she say that about his son at a time like this? He would not allow it to pass! He opened his eyes and was about to sit up when he heard Doroniel speak in a tone he had never heard from the normally calm and placid healer.
"If you think you can do better, Lady, then by all means, be my guest! The way Doroniel said 'lady' made it sound like a Dwarfish swear-word, or something even worse, and Thranduil found himself agreeing with the implied insult. "If not, I suggest you shut up, by Eru, and let me work!"
Thranduil found he wanted to cheer and cheer loudly at Doroniel's outburst, but he could not just leave it at that. In spite of his vertigo, there was much more that must be said now!
"Ruthwen! If you do not do as Doroniel suggests, you can go back to Mirkwood come the morning and do not expect one of my guards to go with you." He hated the way his voice sounded so weak but, somehow, he managed to make his anger plain. He spoke through gritted teeth, both because he was angry and because he was still desperately trying not to have a repeat performance of earlier. He still felt nauseous and the spinning, lurching cave did nothing to help.
Ai Elbereth! He felt so ill and he had become aware that his fingers and hands were tingling. "And if I ever, ever hear you call my son 'Brat' again you will live to regret it! Do I make myself clear, Lady?" Thranduil gave the title the same inflection as Doroniel had. He watched with satisfaction as she turned and with her nose in the air, Ruthwen made her way back to her 'corner'.
He then flopped back on his pallet. The cave lurched even more and his head began to throb now that he had seen to Ruthwen, though he had thankfully managed to do so without the loss of his dignity once again. Ai, which of the Valar had he offended to be so plagued with her?
Legolas was still crying and he wanted nothing more than to scoop him into his arms and soothe him.
He heard Doroniel ask Bremoline to help her and he barely opened his eyes to see them give Legolas another herbal concoction. Relieved that his son was getting help at last, help that he hoped would calm him, he again closed his eyes only for them to yet again spring open when Doroniel inquired if he felt ill.
"Yes." His voice might have been more forceful but for the dry retching that came with his word. Luckily that was as far as it went. He dared to open his eyes once more only to find Randis holding some herbs near his face. Doroniel had not moved from where she sat, cradling Legolas in her lap now, and giving him comforting contact as he settled.
"Crush them between your palms Randis, and hold then close beneath the King's nose. Their odor will help with your nausea, Aran-nin." It was then that Thranduil noticed that Doroniel had also crushed the same herbs under her own nose.
"Are you also unwell?" Were the first words out of his mouth as soon as he felt that he could safely open his mouth. The herbs did help, a little, but did nothing for his dizziness or the tingling.
"Yes . . . headache and nausea." Her smile was a little rueful.
"That is why Randis has become your helper?" Now that the herbs were working and the nausea had eased, he could find a touch of humor in the situation, especially now that Legolas had finally calmed once more.
She gave Randis a grateful glance before answering. "Yes and a very good one. He takes orders well, does not answer me back nor question every instruction as some do, nor does he make snide comments like others." She threw a glare towards Ruthwen who sat in a huddle with Imles. Imles had her arms around Ruthwen's shoulders, whispering in her ear as she sipped some kind of drink.
"That I am glad of. May I have Legolas now, please?" He needed his son with him now.
Bremoline did not wait to be asked. He carefully lifted Legolas in his arms and carried him to Thranduil, gently laying the Elfling in his father's arms. Thranduil sighed, his eyes closed for a moment as he cradled the hot bundle that was his son. Hot? Legolas should not be hot. His eyes shot open as he sought out Doroniel once more.
The healer was once more bent over Calandor and he realised with a stab of shock that he had not even asked how his son's new friend fared. After what Calandor had done for both of them, this knowledge did not sit well with him.
He waited, though, until Doroniel sat back, her eyes closed against the dizziness that hit her with the movement.
"How is Calandor?"
Doroniel opened her eyes and smiled weakly at him. "Better than he was. The seizure proved that he has some disruption of the brain. I'm afraid that is not unexpected. I am worried that neither he nor Legolas have woken properly. They will both sleep now until the morning and I will look at them then. For now, I think all of us can do with more rest." This was said with a pointed look at Thranduil and he had to admit that the thought of sleep sounded good, but that would leave Legolas alone.
"Randis, you have been up for half the night. You should go sleep and I will watch over both Calandor and the Prince. I will not leave their sides." Bremoline's offer was readily taken up and soon the camp was almost quiet once more, almost that is, apart from the low murmuring that could be heard from Imles and Ruthwen. The disapproving looks they received from Bremoline soon quieted them and they retreated to their beds, sending one last glower at Thranduil and Doroniel.
OOOOOOO
Morning dawned to find the weather just the same. It was wet and dismal and all were pleased that they would be staying where they were. The morning meal was taken in near-silence in deference to the ill and wounded who were still sleeping.
Doroniel was curled up on her pallet next to Calandor, her eyes glazed in sleep, one hand on his wrist, subconsciously monitoring him for any change. Calandor had not moved, but neither had he suffered another fit, which was a blessing. Thranduil still cradled Legolas, who continued to sleep with his eyes closed. He also had not moved an inch.
Captain Bremoline had watched over them through all the hours of the night.
A portion of the hot porridge was set aside for them, along with the last of the fresh fruit. Hunters would be sent out later that day to supplement the food supplies, but that could wait for a while to see if the rain lessened.
It was mid-morning when Doroniel awoke with a start. She sat up in a hurry and regretted it almost immediately. The cave began spinning in an alarming manner. She was shocked because she thought that this dizziness would pass after she got some sleep, obviously she had been wrong.
Once the cave stopped moving once again, she looked around her, noticing the quiet industry of the other Elves in the cave. Many were grooming their horses while others cleaned weapons or cared for minor injuries obtained in the battle while yet others slept. She noted that Ruthwen and Imles sat huddled together in their corner, looking for all of Arda like common town gossips sharing the latest scandal over steaming goblets.
While she ate her breakfast, brought to her by Randis, Doroniel reflected that it was probably exactly what they were doing and the conversation was probably about her. She did not care. If she gave them a target for their malice instead of others, then she could bear with it. It made no difference to her. But, if Ruthwen said one more thing, one more snide comment about the young Prince, then she knew she would have a hard time controlling her temper. Legolas had enough to contend with at present without Ruthwen playing her games with him.
Thinking of the Prince, she looked across the fire and a smile came to her lips. The King still cradled his son as if he was the most precious thing in all of Arda, which to the King and the rest of the Mirkwood Elves, he was.
As she watched, she also realised that the King was waking up. She started to stand up so that she could check them both, but the world around her wavered once more. Bremoline was at her side in an instant and it was only his help that kept her from falling flat on her face.
She grasped his arm for the time it took for the dizzy spell to pass before she felt able to move. Thranduil was now watching her with worried eyes the exact shade of blue as his son's. Bremoline helped her to Thranduil's side and it was a relief to sit down once more.
"Good morning, Aran-nin. I hope you are feeling well this morning?" Doroniel watched him closely. She was aware that the King was an unusually difficult patient to treat. It was also a rarity, thank the Valar! He usually tried to pretend that he was not hurt, which was an incredible irritation to any healer. The fact that he had admitted to feeling ill last night was an amazing thing, he must have truly felt terrible.
"Better, I think. I am not as nauseous or dizzy and my headache is eased, but I have not moved yet. How is Legolas?" He had not dared to move for fear of waking Legolas and also because he had no wish to repeat his actions of the previous evening. "He feels very warm."
Doroniel gently placed the back of her hand against his forehead. The King was right, Legolas' fever was higher than it had been the night before. They needed to bring that down. She removed the bandage on his forehead. The stitches were holding well, but the skin around it was red and looked tender. A bruise was beginning to discolour the pale skin around it.
She washed the wound with warm water. She then patted the area dry with a soft cloth before applying a clean dressing. She gently unwrapped his hands next, pleased to see that the slight burns were already healing. She spread a salve on them and re-wrapped them as well. Then she opened the layers of blankets so she could get to Legolas' ankle. This was going to be bad, she just knew it, and there was no possibility that it could not be.
Unfortunately, her fears were confirmed. She tried to remove the bandage but found that it was stuck to the wound. It was only when she soaked it with warm water and eased it away, that she was able to remove it at all. When the bandage was finally removed, Thranduil's gasp of horror at the sight of the damage to his son's leg resounded in the cave. It let everyone know that something was wrong. They all stopped to watch what was happening.
Thranduil closed his eyes, fear for his son once more raced through his body. He hugged Legolas even tighter to him, needing the closeness.
Legolas' ankle looked ghastly.
The wound was raised and very red. Doroniel recognized the symptoms of the infection, it was a bad one, one that could not easily be treated here in these conditions. She washed the debris from the wound. Once the area was clean, she applied an ointment to fight the infection. She hoped she had enough to last until Elrond could help. This needed Lord Elrond's aid or their young Prince could either lose his leg . . . or his life. She had neither sufficient supplies nor enough of the right herbs with her to cure it completely.
She could clearly see the bruises that the Orc had inflicted. They showed the brutal force that had been used on the small ankle. It was swollen, with various shades of blue and black gradually forming nearly half-way to his knee. Whatever they did, Legolas would be unable to put his foot to the ground let alone walk. She sat back and looked at Thranduil with serious eyes.
"Legolas and Calandor need Lord Elrond's expertise and greater knowledge. I don't have what I need to cure their wounds but I do not think it wise to move either of them right now." Her face was grim. "I also do not think either of us is in the best condition to ride. I cannot even stand without help. I am sure that you are similarly afflicted, possibly worse than I. It has not affected you again yet because you have not moved but I think the force of the thunderbolt has affected a small tube deep in the ear that is filled with water that helps us with our balance. If this is interrupted, it can cause the dizziness and nausea. It will clear in time, but while it lasts, we will both be uncomfortable. I will keep a good supply of the herb tea to control nausea at hand. Please tell me if you need it? I will need to know, it will also tell me when you are getting better."
"I promise I will let you know if it is needed. I am convinced that you are right after what I experienced last night. I have never been so dizzy before. I felt like I was falling though I felt the ground solid beneath me."
Thranduil hated to admit to weakness at any time. It was a lasting legacy from a father who despised any sign of weakness. Thranduil had been taught from an early age that, if he showed any sign of weakness, he would be castigated and embarrassed in front of the Court. Thranduil's sire, King Oropher, was not a bad father, it was just the way that he had been raised and once something like that has become normal it is very hard to revert to another way. Thranduil had promised himself that if he was ever blessed with offspring they would never go through the anguish he had endured as an Elfling.
Apparently satisfied, Doroniel continued. "I think it would be best if a few of the guards were sent ahead to Fornost to request that Lord Elrond come here to us, with help. I can look after Legolas and the rest of us in the meantime with a little help, but I would rather not move either of them."
She hated to admit it, but it was true, Calandor could very well have internal damage and the fact that he had not so much as twitched, apart from his seizure, worried her. It set her healer's instincts on alert and her heart ringing like a bell.
And then there was Legolas. He was still so fragile. She was more worried about him than she would let the King know. What effect could this new encounter with his 'monsters' have on his already-troubled spirit? His nightmare from the night before seemed much different than his usual ones and the fact that they could not wake him added to her worries.
Had the thunderbolt done more damage to him that she could not see?
Why had he still not awakened? She wanted, no, she needed to have Elrond examine him. She had every confidence that her mentor would know what was wrong with him and how to treat him, body and fea.
Doroniel checked her King over as these troubled thoughts haunted her. As she suspected, he was not as well as he was trying to show his people. She knew all too well how she felt and suspected that the King felt much worse. Thankfully, his sight had returned to normal and his hearing was clear again.
She mixed a good supply of the tea that would help their dizziness and nausea. Then she asked for help to check Calandor again.
Bremoline once more stepped up to assist her. She gave him a shaky smile of thanks as she was helped across the fire to where Calandor lay, still so silent.
Randis had attended to his good friend while Doroniel saw to the King and Legolas. He stood and moved away so that both the healer and his Captain could have room in which to move. Thranduil caught his attention, had gestured silently to him, and he crossed to his King.
Doroniel sat again and waited once more for the cave to stop its antics before she turned to the stricken Elf before her. Never again would she underestimate what effect simple dizziness could have on an individual! This experience had certainly been an eye-opener for her as a healer.
Once able to move, she began to closely examine Calandor. He was pale as moonlight. If he had been laying in a bed, rather than the thin pallet the warriors used, he would blend in well with the colour of the sheets. The only colour to his face was deep black circles around his eyes.
Worry filled her once more. There could only be two reasons for the change in the skin around his eyes. First, and simplest, it could be because of a concussion, much like the one that the Prince suffered. That would mean that the black was caused by simple bruising and would only deepen at a steady rate before it healed on its own.
Second, and more troubling, it could mean that Calandor was haemorrhaging. If that was the cause, he was in severe danger. There was no way that she could cope with a major blood loss and probable surgery in these primitive surroundings they currently found themselves in.
No, if she had to perform surgery, then she feared that Calandor would die. The thought was not a pleasant one. She preferred to not even contemplate that possibility! She suddenly realized that she cared too much for Calandor for that to happen now.
She looked around for the nearest torch to use and blinked in shock when she found one appear before her. A concerned Bremoline once more anticipated her needs.
Apparently the healing classes for the warriors were proving to be a blessing. She would make sure, when they got back to Mirkwood, that all of the warriors attended them. Currently, her two helpers seemed to be particularly adept in the art of healing. She would have to observe them closely for the remainder of the journey. If they were as adept as she had a feeling they were. . . . Well, the Master Healer and the King would be glad to know that there were more candidates for possible healers in the field. Unfortunately, there was always need of healers in Mirkwood.
She was aware of whispers behind her and she was more than aware that she was being watched. Calandor's care was more important than their scrutiny though, so she accepted the torch from Bremoline with a small smile and ignored everything else. She made use of its light as she checked his pupils. A breath she had not realised she was holding was released in a whoosh. Both of his pupils behaved as they should and Calandor had no other indication of bleeding. She would continue to watch him closely. Even if there was no sign of bleeding now, it did not mean that his condition could not suddenly worsen. She would still be happier if Lord Elrond was here to help.
She handed the torch back to Bremoline before she reached for Calandor's right wrist and frowned when she felt the fine tremors that ran down his arm. That was not normal, but it was something that happened at times with a lightning strike. It could also be a sign of brain and nerve damage. His superb reflexes could be compromised. A warrior lived or died by his reflexes. . . She was suddenly overcome with fear for his future.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She was supposed to be a healer, meaning she was supposed to remain calm and in control of the situation! Yes, she liked the Elf. Yes, it may actually be more than that, but she could not let her training get away from her like this. Calandor was relying on her to help him, as were her king and his son.
"Bremoline, could you touch his arm and tell me if you feel any tremors?" Doroniel ignored the puzzled look that the Captain gave her as he handed the torch off to another Elf and did as he was asked.
"There are a few minor tremors. Why is that?" Bremoline sounded puzzled.
"And my arm, is it the same?" She ignored his question for the moment, but held her arm out for him to check as well.
Bremoline hesitantly reached out to take her arm gently in his hands. His expression changed to one of shock as he felt it. "You have them too"
"Yes, it is due to the effect of the lightning. I fear that all four of us were affected. Our King and the Prince also have them. We were near the tree when it was hit. I hoped that it might be the case."
Bremoline looked confused again. "Why did you hope that?"
I'm sorry, I mean that, since I also have them, it made Calandor's feel that much harsher. I now know that his tremors are not as bad as I feared. Thank you for your help once more, Captain, it has proven invaluable. I need help to change the bandages on his arms and hands. Do you feel you can help me? I do not feel it is right to ask Randis, given his closeness to Calandor."
"I will be glad to help you. I admit that I am concerned about Calandor as well. I feared we had lost him yesterday. He is a loyal and valued member of the King's Home Guard. I have noticed that Randis is quite worried about him. They have been close friends for a long time." Bremoline glanced behind Doroniel. "Randis seems to be speaking with the King, anyway, and I would not think it wise to interrupt them." Bremoline smiled once more as he spoke.
Doroniel looked around to see Randis kneeled down close as Thranduil whispered to the Scout. So that was the voices she could barely hear. It was then that she realised that two pairs of hostile eyes were watching and she knew exactly from which part of the cave. Really! Did they have nothing better to do? There were many things they could be putting their time to, not wasting it like this!
It took them a few minutes to clean, re-cream and bandage Calandor's hands. She was glad to determine in the process that his burns were not going to be crippling to the archer. He would be able to use his hands once again with all the skill he had ever possessed, hopefully, it would be very soon.
Once they finished, she tried to stand again without thinking. She stumbled and ended up once again next to her patient, but on her hands and knees. Her stomach started to do the most incredible somersaults and she wished to Elbereth that she had not had anything for her morning meal. She was sure she had heard a smothered giggle when she stumbled.
Calming hands reached out to steady her as the aromatic leaves were crushed under her nose. Another brushed her hair out of the way and she actually found great comfort in those cool hands as she gratefully breathed in the refreshing scent of the herbs.
When the attack passed, she was helped to sit up and she realised that it had been both Bremoline and Randis who had come to her aid. Thranduil was sitting as she had left him, but she noticed that he was watching her with worried eyes. Legolas was still cradled in his arms. He was not about to let his son go, that was becoming obvious. She smiled weakly at him as she was moved away from Calandor and nearer to the King and the fire.
Some of the herbal tea that she had prepared earlier was poured into a goblet and presented to her. "You will drink this and stay right where you are until you feel better. If any of your patients need help you can instruct us in what to do, but you do not move. Do you understand?"
Captain Bremoline was looking at her with a determined expression and he was backed up by Randis. Their concern made her pause and she glanced at Thranduil. His nod of agreement stopped any further thought that she may have had of arguing with them. After all, she knew they were telling her exactly what she would have told one of them in the same situation.
She took the goblet and drank its contents without hesitation. She deliberately did not look in the direction of 'the corner' as she had begun to think of it. She did not think that her temper could withstand their gloating looks.
Thranduil spoke to her as Randis once more covered his friend with the blankets. "It has been decided that, since we have a safe shelter and there is clean water nearby for our use, it is best that we take advantage of it. Randis will choose another scout to accompany him to Fornost to take this message to alert them of our plight. He will request that Lord Elrond return with him with whatever aid he can bring. Our provisions are low and we must prepare for a wait. We will send out hunters so that there is fresh meat for tonight."
He held up his hand when he saw that she was going to interrupt. "I know that neither of us may want anything to eat at present, but by the time the evening falls, with the Valar's grace, we will all be feeling better, even these two." Thranduil looked down at his son, a wistful look on his face.
He raised his head once more and continued. "Captain Bremoline will remain here with his troop to lend aid where he can. You, my dear lady, are going to stay exactly where you are until we are both feeling more like our normal selves. The ladies yonder will help they will have no choice. Until Lord Elrond arrives with help, we will all be doing our part to help where and when we can." The way Thranduil said 'ladies' made them all aware of the antipathy that he held for the two in the corner.
"They will not be happy with that, Aran-nin." Bremoline kept his voice so low that it could not be heard across the cave above the sound of the pouring rain.
"They will have to put up with it along with the rest of us. They insisted on coming with us. We all have things to do that we do not like, including dealing with people we do not wish to have with us!" He did not expound on what he meant by this comment but his dark look at 'the corner' spoke volumes and they all had the feeling that Lady Ruthwen would not be having things her way in the up-coming days.
"Before we proceed with that, however, I must ask for your assistance, Bremoline." Thranduil looked a little sheepish as he gestured for Bremoline to come closer.
"What is that, Aran-nin?" Bremoline hurried to his Liege's side and leaned in so that the King could whisper in his ear.
"Oh! Oh, of course. I am sorry, Aran-nin I should have been more aware!" Bremoline looked as embarrassed as Thranduil and that piqued Doroniel's interest.
"My Lady, will you take Legolas for a short while? I must leave the cave." Thranduil would not meet her eyes.
"Aran-nin, I do not really think that is a good idea" She would have stood if she was able, but she knew better than to even try it now. Why did he have to be so stubborn?
"Neither would be my staying here, my lady. I must answer my body's needs..." The last was barely above an embarrassed whisper.
Doroniel blushed for having inadvertently added to his discomfort, as well. She lowered her voice to a whisper. "Oh, I am so sorry! It is well though, it means the strike did not damage your kidneys. Of course, I will care for Legolas for you." She gently accepted the limp Prince before Bremoline helped his King to stand. "Although it might be better if we arrange a private corner for such use for the time being..."
"No! No, I would rather get wet than do... do it near them." The last word was practically a hiss. She did not need to know who 'them' was. She also agreed with him wholeheartedly.
Then, to her amusement, a grin passed over the King's pale features. "But that does not mean that it is not a valid idea. Neither Legolas nor Calandor will be able to safely leave the cave when they awaken, I believe?" He looked to Doroniel for confirmation and she gave a small nod. "Bremoline, we need to make sure that a small section in the cave is sealed off and prepared for this purpose. Can that be arranged"
Bremoline grinned at the sight of the amusement in the King's blue eyes. "Of course, Aran-nin, when we return, we can sort out the details."
"Bremoline, would you please just call me Thranduil, as I have asked before?" He then looked to Doroniel. "You too. If we can speak of these things together, can you also use my name, at least when we speak in private?"
Bremoline grinned at his King and saluted him "I will try to remember Thranduil."
Doroniel, was surprised, but readily agreed. "I would be honored to ….Thranduil."
Thranduil reached for the hand Bremoline had extended to assist him to his feet. When he was fully upright, his face paled once again and he remained very still for a moment with his eyes closed, swaying a bit. It was clear that he was incredibly unsteady as Bremoline supported him and guided his wavering steps to the mouth of the cave. Thranduil brought them to a stop as he came level with the two smug females in their little corner of the cave. "Lady Ruthwen, when I return could I have a word with both you and Lady Imles? It is most important." His voice sounded most sincere and neither of them noticed the glimmer in his or Bremoline's eyes.
"Of course, Aran-nin it would be our pleasure" Ruthwen practically purred, her voice sounded pleased and triumphant as she spoke. She gave Doroniel a superior glance as well.
Bremoline felt Thranduil stiffen at the tone in her voice, but his voice remained level as he spoke once again. "Good, I will see you in a short while." With that they made for the cave opening and disappeared into the curtain of falling rain.
Doroniel waited until they had gone from sight before moving, thanking the Valar for their timely intervention. Now she could examine Legolas without the King's knowledge and without him anxiously hovering. She felt his pale forehead, knowing already what she would feel. The heat that was coming from Legolas told her that his fever was even higher than it had been before. Legolas had seemed uncomfortable and restless when Thranduil has passed him to her, which had made her think he was about to wake up, but he had settled quickly at her touch, much to her disappointment.
She removed the multiple blankets that had been wrapped closely around the small Elfling, finding that the blanket next to his skin was soaked with sweat. She loosely rewrapped a dry blanket around him.
She needed help to cool him down, this fever was not good. She also needed to check his pupils as well. There had to be some reason for him to still be unconscious. She feared she was missing something, it was a possibility given her condition. She just needed to check once more.
She gently peeled back one eyelid. The pupil reacted sluggishly, but not enough to really worry her, given his concussion. It was the same with his other eye. Doroniel knew that something was wrong, but what? She gently felt his head. It was swollen, but then again, she would have expected that, his head wound itself was enough to cause that.
She did not dare even try to look at his ankle. She did not think she would have time to re-dress it and have it settled before Thranduil got back. No that would have to wait.
She looked up from re-settling Legolas comfortably just in time, because just then two figures appeared through the rain. . .
OOOOOOO
It took a good ten minutes before Thranduil and Bremoline returned, soaked through to the skin. Bremoline was all but carrying Thranduil, who looked ashen once more. His steps were staggering and slow. It looked for all of Arda as if Bremoline wanted nothing more than to pick him up and carry him back to his bed.
Doroniel worried as she watched them cross the cave floor. Legolas had calmed once more in her arms and she could not have moved if she had wanted to. He had still not wakened.
Thranduil sat with a relieved sigh and accepted the dry cloth from Randis. The weather seemed to have worsened as they feared it would. The fire was a warm and welcome sight to Thranduil. He noted that more wet wood was spread close to the fire to dry for use later on. He also accepted the goblet of warmed tea from Randis with relief.
Bremoline smiled once his King was settled comfortably again. "Should I bring the Ladies to you, Thranduil?" He knew what the two were in for. He had spoken with Thranduil during their little trip and he wanted to witness this firsthand!
"Yes please, Bremoline that would be good." He nodded at the eager Elf who bowed formally and hurried away. "How is Legolas?" He inquired quietly.
"Unchanged but settled. Would you like him back now?" She knew Legolas needed his father almost as much as his father needed him.
"Not for a while, hannon-le, Doroniel. Perhaps I should dry somewhat first." In a slightly louder voice, he announced. "Randis, we need a couple of uninjured warriors with shovels to make a privy for the use of our injured and the maidens." Thranduil smiled at the pair of them. He was so going to enjoy this! Perhaps he should not, but they had brought it upon themselves.
Randis nodded and hurried off. Bremoline walked back with the beaming Ruthwen. Imles stood close by her side.
"You wished to speak with us, Aran-nin? What can we do to help" Ruthwen's voice was slick and almost oily enough to set anyone's teeth on edge.
"Ah, Lady Ruthwen, Lady Imles, please come and be comfortable. I have a request to make of you." Thranduil watched the pleased grin spread across the face he had begun to despise. Ruthwen calling Legolas 'Brat' had finished the process.
"Thank you, Aran-nin. It would be our pleasure to help you with whatever you need of us." Ruthwen sat as near to him as she could. "Oh, but you are soaked!"
"It does happen to be raining, my Lady." Was the dry comment from Bremoline. Thranduil had to look away to keep her from seeing his grin. Doroniel had to bite her inside cheek to stop sudden laughter from bubbling out. It was even more difficult when Ruthwen glared at the Captain for his cheek.
"I am fine, Ruthwen, I will dry soon enough. I am glad you are eager to help, though. We need to move you from your corner and further into the cave." Thranduil began, but was cut of by Ruthwen's loud protests.
"But, why must we move? It is perfect for us! We cannot be stuck among the soldiers..."
Imles squeaked. "It would not be fitting or proper…."
"We must make certain provisions for both you ladies and our injured. It would not be wise for you to leave the cave to have to attend to...er…" He looked to Doroniel for help.
Doroniel came to his rescue. "What our King is trying to say in a delicate way, Ruthwen, is that you need to have a place to take care of your bodily needs in privacy. Outside of the cave would not be safe or private since at least one guard would have to accompany you." She had called her by name in an attempt to placate her, but to no avail.
"You will address me as Lady Ruthwen! I would rather leave than..."
Thranduil broke in before it could degrade to an argument. "Ruthwen! That is enough! You have said that you wished to help us and you can. You are able to leave the cave at need, but Legolas and Calandor cannot. You will be moved out of the corner, it is as simple as that! The small area you had settled in is the ideal location for it. It can be blocked off for privacy easily. It is near the entrance to prevent odors from permeating the rest of the cave, but even so, it will need to be covered each time it is used. It will, therefore, be your responsibility to see that it is taken care of."
"What! But . . . but . . . You cannot expect that of me! I am a Lady, it is beneath me! There are others here to do that, not us! No, I will not..." Ruthwen was outraged. How dare he suggest that! It was bad enough that she was going to have to be the Brat's teacher, she would not be doing that for him! She was not his nursemaid!
"You said, not a few minutes ago, that you would do anything to help us and this would help us greatly. The guards are here to protect us, not to do that for you. As you will be making use of it, it is fair that you should deal with it." Thranduil made his voice stern and watched with amusement as she realized her own words were being used against her.
"But, it will not just be me using it, they will be as well" She nodded to Legolas and Calandor.
"I know for a fact that they would be the first to offer their help if it were needed, unfortunately they are unable to do so. Would you do less than my son would do?" Thranduil's point was not lost on most of those present, but would Ruthwen see it?
"Unfortunately, some of us are in no condition to ride, so we will be staying right here until help can arrive. Messengers are prepared to travel on to Fornost to request aid. While we wait, the guards will be hunting, as well as protecting us all. Obviously, they will have little time to attend to your private needs as well. The choice is yours, as it was before. You can do this to aid us or you can leave now. You might still make it back to Mirkwood before the spiders become too active and you will both be on your own. I will order none of my guards to go with you. This is not an idle threat, ladies. I will have no one travel with me who will not do their share to help the wounded nor do I wish them to teach my son. I suggest you consider your decision carefully." In spite of his position, propped on his pallet, his commanding presence was very evident.
Thranduil had no doubt what Ruthwen's answer would be. He had no real worry that she and Imles would be traveling alone in a dangerous area. It was only a matter of waiting for them to realise that there was truly no decision to make.
Bremoline had enjoyed watching Thranduil deal with Ruthwen and her companion. They were beginning to get on everyone's nerves with their demands for food, fresh water and firewood. Nothing was good enough for them.
Thranduil then addressed his Captain. "Bremoline, have you chosen the hunters?"
"Yes, Aran-nin. Thoronhen, Lathron and Craban are each good hunters. I would trust them with my life. I think we can trust them to safely bring back dinner." The three soldiers had stepped forward as they were named. They were wrapped in their cloaks, ready to leave as soon as the word was given. Bremoline's last words caused smiles to spread to the other guards.
"Good. When will they be leaving?" Thranduil ignored the two ladies who had moved off to the side to whisper urgently together.
"They are ready now and will leave at your word." The three Elves were ready at the cave entrance, bows in hand.
"Good, they may leave. Navaer and safe hunting." He wished the hunters well.
"Hannon-le, Aran-nin, navaer." With a quick salute, the three disappeared into the deluge.
Thranduil turned to the two before him. "Well, Ruthwen, what is your decision?"
"We will do as you wish." Ruthwen grudgingly answered, but it was clear that they were not happy with their situation.
"Good, I am glad that you see sense at last. Bremoline, can you see to these changes? The sooner we have the privy ready, the better."
"Leave it to me Thranduil, I will organise it right now." Bremoline bowed and hurried off.
"Randis? Have you chosen someone to accompany you to Fornost?" Thranduil pointedly ignored the two whispering near him once more.
"Yes, Aran-nin, Hethuaur will come with me. We are ready to leave at your word."
Randis really did not want to leave Calandor like this, but he also knew that his friend needed help and he had been chosen to get it. Fornost was still two days ride from here in fair weather, in this constant rain it could take longer. They had already agreed that they would not be stopping except to rest their horses. Randis could not shake the dread feeling from his mind that the Prince was also in deep trouble. Doroniel seemed to be happy with his condition, but surely he should be awake by now if that was so? It was possible that she also was injured more than she knew. He had felt the same tremors in her as he had felt in Calandor and the Prince. No, the sooner Lord Elrond arrived here the better.
"That is good. Here is the message for Lord Elrond." Thranduil handed a sealed parchment over to Randis that he had prepared earlier. He gave them a formal Elven blessing. "Elenath sila am le. Navaer and travel in safety." They saluted, with their hands over their hearts and returned the blessing before they left the cave. Randis glanced at his friend once more as they led their horses out of the cave.
Thranduil watched them go before turning back to speak to Doroniel. "I will have Legolas back now, if I may?"
Doroniel nodded and was about to ask for Bremoline when he appeared at her side and helped her hand the Prince over to Thranduil again
Thranduil quickly noted that his son was no longer wrapped in as many covers as before. "Should he not have more blankets? He is shivering."
"No, he suffers from the effects of the lightning strike, as do you. You have surely noticed you have muscle tremors, as do I. Legolas has them too. It is easy to mistake the tremors for shivering from a chill, but that is not the cause of his shivering. His fever is high and he has been sweating heavily. His blankets were saturated. We need to try to keep him cool to keep his fever down as well. We must also make sure he has enough water. Before we settle him for the..." Doroniel broke off at an outburst of noise that got everyone's attention.
It was Ruthwen, of course. She was complaining to the guards that were moving both her and Imles. It was loud and they obviously were not in favour of their new location. Bremoline sighed heavily before excusing himself and going to his men's aid.
Thranduil frowned, his brow drawn tight, as if pained. "I think I must speak with those two. They are really beginning to cause animosity with others in our party." Thranduil said as they watched the Captain move away.
"I am really beginning to wonder why I ever agreed to allow Ruthwen to travel with us, especially to teach Legolas." He rubbed his forehead with tingling fingers and shook his head carefully to avoid aggravating his dizziness and the pain that still lingered. He then returned his attention to their conversation. "You were talking about Legolas?"
"Yes, we need to clean his leg and change his bandages again before we settle him for the night. It needs done twice a day while the wound is discharging as much as it is. I also want to keep a watch that it does not worsen. We both need to rest as well. That is the only way our bodies can recover from the shock. I suggest that you try to sleep now while I watch over Legolas and Calandor. Captain Bremoline has been a great help and seems content, even eager, to give his aid whenever there is need. I am. . . ."
Once more she was interrupted, but this time from a call for their Captain by the Elves working diligently digging the hole to be used as the privy. Bremoline crossed to them and looked down in quiet conversation with his men. They dug around a little and moved something on the ground as they talked. Bremoline then approached Thranduil and Doroniel, a worried look on his face.
"It seems they have uncovered a large number of bones. There is metal and rust among the bones."
"What? How far down? Are they near the surface" Thranduil looked around, worried that perhaps their perfect shelter might not be as perfect and safe as he thought. He unconsciously drew Legolas closer to him as he looked around, as if prepared to protect him from any new danger.
"No, they are over eight inches deep under the dirt and undisturbed. Many are animal bones, some I think are orc or goblin, but some may be the remains of men. . . . or elves. They are all in the same area."
"If they were all together and undisturbed then they may have been there for many years. The cave was clear of any sign of orcs when we got here. We would have smelled them, if they had been here recently." Doroniel reassured those around her.
Thranduil nodded thoughtfully. "You are right of course, Doroniel. There can be no caves or crevasses in these mountains that orcs have not used at some point. There was only debris from trees and leaves found on the floor of the cave when we arrived. Still, Bremoline, I want everyone on the alert just to be safe. No one is to leave the cave alone. At least they will not be causing problems, for a short time." He nodded to Ruthwen and Imles, who had grown very quiet since the bones were discovered in 'their corner.'
"We will be vigilant, rest assured. May I suggest, Thranduil, you should. . . ."
"Try and rest? Yes, Captain, I am aware of that. Before I rest, hear this, I meant it when I said we will all do our part to care for the injured. I want to share in the care of Legolas and Calandor, then there will be two if us with them at all times, should they require help." Thranduil held them with his gaze.
Thranduil had come to like and respect them both. He had already trusted Bremoline with his life. If he did not, Bremoline would not be the Captain of his Home Guard. He was a skilled warrior and a born leader. This was the first time he had been in such frequent contact with Doroniel. Although she was still a junior healer, she was working her way up the ranks quickly. The Master Healer had trusted her enough to recommend her as Legolas' personal healer and the fact that Legolas trusted her was significant. He did not give his trust lightly since his nana's death. On their return to Mirkwood, he would speak with the Master Healer in praise of her part in their care.
"Yes, that sounds like a good idea, though I think you should rest for a few hours now. I will sleep next if you agree, Bremoline?" Doroniel was pleased that the King would at least agree to rest. That was a start.
"That will be fine. I would prefer to remain awake while the ladies are still complaining and my men working." He shot a dark look across the cave at the two, who were finding something else to comment on. Their voices were strident and painful to sensitive ears.
"Thank you most kindly, Bremoline." Doroniel looked embarrassed. "Since the King is settled with Legolas can you help me outside? I fear I need the same assistance as the King did, but I truly do not wish to ask either of them for their help."
"I can certainly understand that. I will gladly aid you, my Lady..." He gave a small bow before he offered her his arm. With great care, he helped her to stand, waiting as she caught her bearings.
"Should I attempt to bring Legolas' fever down, Doroniel?" Thranduil asked anxiously before they began to move away from him.
"Yes, that would be an excellent idea. If you can begin to wash him down with tepid water I will take over from you when I get back." Doroniel was pleased that her king had thought to ask, she had intended to do just that while he slept.
"Certainly, leave it with me." Thranduil called for the things that he would need as Bremoline helped Doroniel to leave the cave. They were both aware of the hostile and speculative looks that were following them once more.
OOOOOOO
The rain fell steadily and the sodden ground made footing uncertain in areas, even for the normally fleet-of-foot Elves. So far they had seen no sign of prey. Nothing stirred in the area around the cave. Not one of them could recall weather this bad and nor a time when the rain had lasted so long... ever.
With silent signals and understanding of long association, the hunters moved further into the forest without speaking, hopefully, they would find prey further in.
It was a relief when the trees provided some respite from the downpour, their boughs,heavy with rain, seemed at first to make it worse, but gradually they joined to shelter them as they walked, bows at the ready.
The forest grew denser before they eventually came across signs of life, birds and rabbits, but nothing larger. They targeted one rabbit before they realised that she was a nursing mother. All Elves believed in the sanctity of life and only killed when they had need. If they kill the mother it would kill her brood and that would be wrong. They could find other prey.
They moved on, senses alert, when they realised that the air around them had grown still and heavy. A sense of foreboding filled the air and they grew wary.
As they went further into the trees, all agreed that the surroundings were taking on a familiar feel, the familiar feel of a creeping evil, the eerie feel of home.
They did not see anything to confirm their growing suspicions until they rounded a tree and Lathron walked right into the tattered remnants of old webbing. It took the help of both his friends to cut him loose. They knew their fears were not baseless.
Silently and cautiously they continued, alert to the sounds and scents of the forest and the trees' faint warnings. The smell of death was in the air.
The next sign they found was that of a freshly-wrapped Orc, hanging head-down in a large web. It appeared to be dead, but when Craban poked it with an arrow tip, it squirmed. Perhaps it was one of the few that had escaped their wrath from the day before. It was definite proof that there were spiders about.
Hesitantly, they carried on... right into the hanging body of another decomposing animal. They could not tell what it had been but it was large.
Thoronhen suddenly released an arrow from his bow, the sound as it hit his target was loud in the silent clearing. A large black spider fell to the ground, dead.
That was when they realised that there was not just one spider here. They were surrounded.
Seven sets of red eyes glittered at them from the trees.
OOOOOOO
To be continued….
OOOOOOO
WOW! This was 22 pages in Word!
We just couldn't stop…….Barbara
Elenath sila am le- Stars shine upon you!
Aran-nin - My King
fea - soul, spirit
Navaer - farewell
Hannon-le - thank you
We would both like to thank all our wonderful readers and reviewers. You are all wonderful. Barbara has said that she would speak to you all, but she is too busy bouncing around the room in excitement because you all like this!
We would also like to apologise for the fact that this chapter is soooooo short. We really struggled with the content of this chapter and did not think we had enough and it just... grew. LOL...
Replies to reviews:
Deana: Is this soon enough? LOL we agree... poor legolas and thranduil... Snigger...
Kirsten: Thank you and here is more for you.
Zammy: Here you are...
Eleina: Why thank you, we are glad you like it and love the fact you think we are evil... wait and see what is to come is all I say! Mwahahahahaha! You should fear for them... Ruthwen? Mad? Now what gives you that impression? Is this fast enough and the next chapter is already in the works...
Manderly: Thank you, we are glad you like this. The relationship with Legolas and Thranduil just feels natural like this and will and can only get closer...
Sylvie: Thank you, we are happy you like it that much. Will it help if we tell you that this is only the start of a series of stories featuring Thranduil and Legolas? This is also likely to be quiet a long story too...
Messenger of the ElvenKing: Thank you.
Mistopurr: Thank you! We try very hard to get over what we both picture. We are glad it is working. Watch out for Ruthwen...
VelvetSkies: Thank you so much for your kind words...we will try...
Daw the minstrel: Thank you so much, your kind words have helped... glad you like Calandor and Doroniel... we do too...
That is all for now. Keep a watch out... next chapter very soon!
Love
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