The Twisted Web of Fate

by Sinister Sindar Sisters

Thranduil and his young son travel to a trade meeting very soon after the death of their wife and mother. Unknown to them, darkness follows them. Will they survive and make it back to their beloved home alive?

5. 5

Twisted Web of Fate

By the Sinister Sindar Sisters

Disclaimer: Try as we might, we still don't own any part of the world created by the genius of J.R.R. Tolkien, so we just visit it and borrow a few characters for these stories. We write them for the fun of it, not for pay.

Note: very, very long chapter… & see notes at end (grin – you might want a drink and snacks)

Chapter Five

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OOOOOOO

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Doroniel's head snapped up at that cry and she immediately regretted it. Her headache, which had receded to a manageable level, flared to an almost unbearable intensity, making her vision swim with black spots once more as the nausea reasserted its grip. She swayed in her spot, seated near Calandor's head.

She blinked the spots away as quickly as she could. She then turned more slowly to where the low moan originated. The passing moments saw the cry increase to a higher pitch. It made her shudder. She struggled to stand, but her legs did not want to bear her weight.

The memory of a cry much like that alarmed her. She had only ever heard a cry like that once before. It had been at Imladris during her training there. It had come from an Edan baby who had been brought to Elrond by her parents. The child was very ill with a high fever that the human healers could not deal with. Within minutes of their arrival at the Last Homely House, the baby had begun to fit. Her cries had been terrible. The sound had been so high-pitched that it had hurt their ears. It had begun as a fever that developed from an ear infection. The fever had risen so high that it had caused febrile convulsions. The child very nearly died that night. Elrond had saved her life, barely.

That same heart-rending cry was what she was hearing now. It was the unmistakable sound of a child in pain. She had to get to Legolas and she had to get to him now! If only her stomach and head would stop their sickening roll and her legs would cooperate.

"Legolas….daro….saes!" Thranduil's voice sounded panicked as he once more tried to calm his son. Doroniel knew it was a hopeless task without the herbs he needed. Thranduil had his arms full of writhing Elfling.

Others hastened to lend their aid. Bremoline had been awakened once more by the thunder and the wailing cry. He seemed dazed for a moment before he leapt to his feet as well.

Doroniel again tried to stand, but still found it impossible with the pain in her feet in competition with the pain in her head. She began to crawl toward Thranduil and Legolas.

Thranduil had somehow gotten to his feet with Legolas wiggling and bucking in his arms. Legolas would gasp a quick breath, only to keen a bit louder each time. Other elves hovered at his side, unsure how to help.

Lucky for her, she did not have to crawl far, as Thranduil saw what was happening.

"Help her…Legolas needs her…now." Thranduil gasped as he struggled with his son. He had no breath to spare on words. Legolas' shrill cries gripped his heart with iron bands of fear. He could feel it thudding in his chest.

Rithlin lifted and carried her, seating her next to Thranduil. Within seconds the healer took Legolas from him and began issuing orders.

Thranduil was vaguely aware that Bremoline came to his side and helped him sit before his unsteady legs could give way. He wanted to help Legolas, to go to him, but it was as if a Mumakil was suddenly sitting on his chest. Bremoline's voice droned in his ear, but his words carried no meaning, though his tone was soothing. He heard the frightened neighs of the horses blended with the shrill cry of his son.

Please, I have to help Legolas. I promised him he would be alright. I must make it alright.

The more he tried to catch his breath, the harder it became, and his hands and feet suddenly tingled even more. Black spots began to swim in his sight and the light seemed to dim. Sounds became more distant though the sound of his heartbeat was as loud as the thunder.

What is happening? Is this the fading? Am I dying?

He felt as if he was being pulled in and swallowed by a heavy smothering darkness.

No! Legolas needs me. He will not survive another loss. This cannot happen, not now.

It was becoming harder to even think.

Thranduil could hear Bremoline call to him, but it seemed to be coming from such a long distance away. In the end, it was a relief when the darkness consumed his awareness.

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OOOOOOO

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Doroniel was grateful for the strong arms that surrounded and lifted her, even though the movement stirred her nausea and dizziness as well. It was more important that she get to Legolas fast. She pushed aside her own illness to concentrate on helping the small Prince.

She frowned at how breathless Thranduil sounded as Legolas was put in her arms.

Had she spared time for a glance to Thranduil, she would have seen him gasping and rubbing his chest as Bremoline lowered him back to the ground on his pallet. She did not see it, however. She was focused on the distress of the convulsing Elfling in her arms at the moment.

Legolas was burning hot to the touch and the seizures were getting worse by the minute.

"Is the pit ready?" She demanded, there was only one way to stop these now and that was to immerse him in tepid water. The herbs alone would not help until his fever was brought down.

"It just needs a bit more water. It is being filled as we speak." Thoronhen called from where he was pouring some hot water into the hole. "I will carry Legolas. Lathron you will need to hold his leg when we get to the water and prevent it from getting wet, I will see to his head. Doroniel will you attend the Prince?"

"Of course, if Rithlin will help me move again. We also need hot water for some herbs. We need to get to the root of this infection and stop it if we can." The small group made their way from the King's side to the small pit. Doroniel caught a glimpse of Bremoline as he was speaking quietly to Thranduil. Trying to calm him, perhaps? She was glad for the Captain's continued calm presence. He truly deserved his position.

They quickly stripped the Elfling of the remainder of his clothes before they placed him in the water. It took all the strength of both Thoronhen and Lathron to keep Legolas in the tepid water as he arched his back against the cool water with the force of his seizures. Legolas' keening continued with each breath he took. Everyone else in the cave, apart from Bremoline, was silent.

There was frenzied activity, however. Pots were being carried in and out of the cave to be filled with water, then either poured directly in the pit, or set to warm on the fires to keep the water warm enough to prevent sending Legolas into shock.

Some of the guards worked to calm the horses. They were neighing nervously and stamping, adding to the confusion and noise of the storm outside. The thunder and lightning had not lessened at all.

Ruthwen and Imles had stopped what they were doing and stood watching the scene before them, wide-eyed.

"Rithlin, I need you to quickly chop some herbs, these and these, as finely as you can, then mix them well with hot water and bring it when it is ready." She had already knelt beside the pit and was washing Legolas down as fast as she could but still keep his forehead dry. Ideally, she would have wet his head completely first thing, but she dared not risk getting the head wound wet.

Again and again, she scooped water in her hands and doused him as the others held Legolas in place as gently as they possibly could and yet still grip him firmly. This continued for an unknown stretch of time.

"Thranduil! …Doroniel!" Bremoline's startled voice behind her made her look up, her heart in her mouth. Now what?

Her mouth gaped as she saw Bremoline crouched over the King. He had collapsed onto his back, head tipped back and eyes closed.

"What happened?" She could not leave Legolas.

"He was rubbing his chest and gasping for breath. He passed out, I think." Bremoline was checking Thranduil's pulse at the neck. He visibly relaxed at what he felt. The King's pulse beat a little fast, but there it was, under his fingers. "His pulse is strong." Bremoline sounded slightly less panicked then.

"Keep him warm. As soon as I can, I will be with you, stay with him. Rithlin? The tea?" Doroniel called to the young warrior. Bremoline spread a blanket over Thranduil and sat close to observe him.

"Just adding the water!" Rithlin did not even pause to apologise as he bumped Imles' elbow and caused the pot to spill some of the hot water over her hand. She screeched and pulled back. She had opened her mouth to make a nasty comment when Ruthwen stopped her with a hand on her arm and a shake of her head. That was not what made Imles' pause though. It was the sight of the tears that were slipping down Ruthwen's pale cheeks and the look of horror on her face.

Rithlin had not noticed. All his concentration was on mixing the herbs and not dropping them with his shaking hands.

Once the herbal infusion was ready and steeped properly, he took it to Doroniel. She reached for her healer's pack once more and clumsily pulled out two more packets of herbs. She handed them over to Rithlin before carefully taking the goblet in both hands. She certainly didn't want to spill this infusion. It was needed now!

"Hennaid, Rithlin. Now grind these and make them into a thick paste in case of need. Add a little water at a time, it should slowly bind them. You are doing incredibly well, thank you." She gave the obviously shaken young warrior a calm smile. He had just seen his King and Prince collapse and was working under pressure. Healer trainees had fallen apart in calmer situations.

It earned her a shaky smile and a nod in reply as he moved away to do her bidding once more.

She needed help to feed the herb tea to Legolas. The effort was not helped by the uncontrollable shaking of her hands. Luckily, Thoronhen was able to care for Legolas' head and keep it steady while she tried to feed him tiny sips, nearly a drop at a time. Lathron squatted at the side, holding Legolas' bandaged leg out of the water.

The attempt to give him the infusion failed spectacularly. Legolas had his jaw clenched so tight that nothing would make it open. Small bits of blood-flecked drool crept from the corners. Perhaps he had bitten his tongue? She had spilled more of the tea over his chin and neck than had gone between his lips. It caused her to whimper a bit in frustration, though she did not realise it. She knew he had probably not swallowed any of it. She would need the paste that Rithlin was making after all. Until it was ready, all they could do was make sure they kept washing the Prince down and hope that it helped enough. He did seem to be getting a bit cooler.

It was very difficult. The Prince seemed to have taken on the strength of demons and they were having a hard time keeping him in one spot. It was hard to believe the small body in their grasp held so much strength.

Doroniel almost sobbed in relief when Rithlin put the bowl of herb paste in her hands. She directed Thoronhen and Lathron to then lift Legolas out of the water and move him to the pallet next to the pit. She and Thoronhen then struggled to hold him on his left side with both his knees drawn close to his chest. Lathron, again squatted near the Prince's feet, had difficulty bending the injured leg because it was so badly swollen. It would hurt later but this was necessary. It was the only way left for them to get the needed herbs into the convulsing Elfling.

The fleeting thought crossed her mind that it was probably best that Thranduil was not awake for this. Working quickly and trying her hardest to leave the Prince some dignity, Doroniel balled the paste between her fingers before administering it. No sooner had she done this than Legolas gave a louder keening cry and kicked out, surprisingly, with his injured leg. A loud crack sounded in the cave, echoing eerily.

With a gasp, Lathron lost his balance. To the shock of the others, who did not see what happened to cause it, he toppled on his back directly into the small pit that had been dug to accommodate the Prince, splashing the water everywhere. The fire was not put out, but the wood began to smoke slightly because it was dampened. Another warrior quickly took his place while Rithlin and Sarnlome moved to help Lathron.

Thoronhen was so distracted by his friend's unexpected tumble that he did not see the small bandaged fist waving in the air until it was too late and he turned back just in time for it to hit him square in the eye. He jerked his head back in surprise, but did not lose his grip and they were able to wait out the remainder of the fit without incident.

Slowly, far too slowly for Doroniel's liking, the seizure and the keening wail gradually stopped and they all sat back, tired beyond comprehension. Legolas was limp after the ordeal. Doroniel pulled a blanket over him to prevent a chill and preserve a semblance of modesty for the Prince.

Thoronhen looked around for Lathron and found his friend just being helped out of the pit at that moment. It seemed to have taken him a long time to get out of the shallow hole. Rithlin appeared concerned for some reason. Lathron was pale and hunched over, sopping wet. Actually, the rest of them were not much drier.

"Are you alright, Lath? What happened?" Thoronhen was peering at his friend, confused at how he was hunched over painfully with his fists clenched and arms crossed in front of him, unable to stand straight, almost as if he was protecting his...gweth?

"Are you hurt?" Doroniel asked, concerned.

All Lathron could do was shake his head and suck in a breath with a shaky hiss, still unable to speak due to the huge amount of pain that seemed to be flooding through him.

"Let me see. Where are you injured?" All Doroniel could see was the Elf shaking his head franticly. There was a choked cough from Rithlin.

She looked to Rithlin puzzled. Yes, the younger Elf was definitely amused about something, but what? Why was his face red too?

"Lathron please let me help you. It is obvious that you are in pain. Let me see?" She reached out to try and touch him but he pulled back with a hiss. That was when she realised that he was pale, very pale, and the tips of his ears were a deep, dark red that spoke of deep embarrassment. Around them they could both hear the sound of more stifled giggles.

"I am fine." They could all hear the strain in his voice.

"No, I can tell you are not." Doroniel's voice was firm as she scooted over toward him and reached out once more, before pulling back in surprise as she realised what body part she had almost, almost, come into contact with. She knew now why he refused her aid. It was a part that an unbonded elleth properly should never come into contact with, healer or not.

Doroniel felt her own cheeks and ears warm with a blush as well. "You just need to sit and rest. Try not to move around."

That comment caused a snort from Thoronhen as it dawned on him just what had happened to his friend. He wasn't likely to be comfortable sitting either. Another muffled giggle from Rithlin set him off as well and he could not stop the chuckle that escaped him when Lathron leveled a glare at Doroniel for her suggestion. It was worthy of one of Thranduil's best. Thoronhen sympathized, he really did, but he couldn't help laughing as well. Sarnlome then guided Lathron over to his pallet and urged him to sit and rest for a time.

"Are you hurt, Thoronhen?" The healer turned back to him, her cheeks tinged red.

"Just a little bump, I am fine. How is the Prince?"

"He is more settled and a bit cooler, although I would prefer to have the pit kept ready, just in case Legolas may have need for it again. I want to check on Aran Thranduil now. I will then have to look at Legolas' leg and change the bandages on his leg and hands once more after he rests a while. We cannot leave the bandages sodden like that. Would you stay here with the Prince for a time and continue to sponge him down? Rithlin, do you think you can contain yourself long enough to help me across to Aran Thranduil?" This last was said with a twinkle in her eye as the humor of the situation caught up.

"How is the Prince?" Bremoline asked from his place near Thranduil.

"He seems settled for now. How is Thranduil?"

"He is sleeping now, I think, and his pulse and breathing have calmed considerably. I do not know what caused this. But Doroniel, should you not check to make sure the Prince is alright before you leave him?"

Bremoline did not think that he would ever forget the fear that had gripped him when Thranduil had collapsed like that, but he was also very worried about the small Prince. It was becoming clear to him that Doroniel was not thinking clearly. Then again, who in this battered little band was currently thinking or working clearly. They all looked as if they had been in more than a few battles. He knew that she was also suffering from the effects of the thunderbolt despite her continued activity.

Doroniel blushed as she realised that was exactly what she should have done before anything else. What in Ardhon was wrong with her? She hurried to do just that. Once she was sure that Legolas was at least stable for now, she let Rithlin help her get to Thranduil. Rithlin still shook with muffled chuckles as he helped her stand and move to the Captain's side.

"Let me see him now." Doroniel sighed with relief to be off her painful feet once more. This was not good. The short move had made her dizzy again and her headache could not be ignored now that she was not concentrating on helping Legolas. She could hear Craban in the background as he berated Imles for not watching the food on the fire. Unfortunately, the smell of the cooking food made her feel nauseous once more. As soon as she had finished looking at Thranduil she would need some more of the aromatic herbs for that.

With shaking hands, she reached out to find Thranduil's pulse. It took her a few minutes until she had contained her own tremors enough to feel the slightly fast pulse. His skin was also slightly clammy. It seemed as if Thranduil had received another shock. She frowned, thinking. Could the King be in some sort of shock? She quickly checked him over, but could find nothing out of place or unexpected.

"Did you say that Thranduil was rubbing his chest and was short of breath?" She cast a quick look at Bremoline.

"Yes, he was having great trouble catching his breath. I have never seen him struggle for breath like that before?" The last seemed like more of a question than a statement.

Doroniel laid her head gently against the King's chest and listened. His heart was beating steadily, if fast, but in tune with his pulse, which is as it should be. His lungs sounded clear as well. "Well, he seems to be asleep now and probably will be for a while. He has received a great shock and his body needs rest. We will keep an eye on him overnight, but I think we need to let him sleep until he wakes naturally, however long that may be. I think he has pushed himself too hard today."

"I think you are right. I am rested now. The two of us, Thoronhen, Rithlin, Craban and Lathron, if necessary, can continue with the care of our wounded. I am sure that between us we can manage for the night. Thranduil needs the rest."

Bremoline nodded to the others as he named them. He smiled with pride when they each nodded their agreement with no arguments. He was proud of every member of the Home Guard for the way they had reacted to the on-going crisis with both the King and the Prince injured and the extremely odd weather. He intended to tell them just that at some point in the very near future and he was sure that Thranduil would also do something very similar, if he knew his Liege.

He watched as Doroniel tried to take the herbs to ease her nausea without anyone noticing. He frowned with worry. It had been over three days now since the battle with the Orcs and the lightning strike. He had hoped that their symptoms would have eased by this night, but obviously they had not. Actually, some of their symptoms seemed to have worsened. Elves healed quickly, much faster than Edain. Most of the minor injuries taken during the battle had healed. He was also beginning to worry about Calandor. Shouldn't they have seen some improvement in his condition yet?

He sighed. How he wished that Hir Elrond was already here to help them. He longed to see the Prince's bright smile, the smile that had just begun to shine through the grief once more. He especially wanted to see the spark of joyful pride that showed on Thranduil's face every time he looked at his son, not the fear and worry that were currently there. He also wanted Calandor back as his normal cheerful, cheeky self, the same Elf that had made a friend of the young Prince. He heartily wished that Hir Elrond had been here days ago.

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OOOOOOO

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Once Doroniel was reasonably sure that she could move without disgracing herself, she sat back to take a deep breath. As she did, she noticed that Rithlin was moving closer to them with a worried look on his face. "Captain, Doroniel." He nodded apologetically to each in turn. "May I speak with you?" He cast a quick look over to where Lathron was sitting, still hunched over, leaning to one side and obviously uncomfortable.

"Yes of course, Rithlin. Is something wrong?" Bremoline had noticed the young warrior's distressed expression.

"I am worried about Lathron, Captain. He probably will not tell you this, but I was watching when the Prince caught him with his leg in a rather... delicate area. The kick landed with some force." The younger Elf could not help but wince at the thought of how that would feel. "There was the sound of a huge crack at the same time. I fear that Lathron may be hurt more than he is letting on."

The two Elves before him looked shocked as they also recalled the loud crack that had sounded at that time, when the leg and flesh connected. "He fell in the pit and lay there, unmoving. He was tightly curled in upon himself like a dying spider. It was a few moments before he even seemed able to breathe. He would not answer us or let us lift him. He has barely moved since we settled him down. He just shifts uncomfortably. Doroniel, will you look at him?"

Captain Bremoline spoke up quickly. "No, not Doroniel. That is an unfair thing to ask of the heryn. One of us will check on him. He would likely refuse her aid in any case."

In his mind, Doroniel was much more of a lady than the two hags currently seeing to their dinner. The two were still being watched closely and instructed by Craban, his comments caused amusement around them every now and then. Craban often glanced worriedly to the area where the King and the Prince were being cared for while he tried to make sure their dinner was not ruined.

Doroniel was grateful for this consideration. "Thank you, Captain Bremoline. You are probably right about that. I must begin bandaging the Prince's leg now. If you are still worried about Lathron after he is seen to, let me know. It may well be that he is just very sore and swollen. As it is, the last thing you will want to do is ask that he ride his horse today. He should lie down and rest for a time. He could be in shock. Maybe even riding tomorrow may be a problem. If you need any help, call for me, Bremoline?" She was aware that she was beginning to ramble a bit, to her embarrassment.

"Of course, but I think I should be able to deal with it. I have had some experience with this kind of injury before. It is not uncommon in battle." With a slight wink and a wry smile, he stood and crossed to where the archer sat, still hunched in on himself and obviously in pain. Lathron still looked very pale. Bremoline knew from experience that harn gweth was difficult to deal with because it was so embarrassing to the one wounded and there was little that could be done to ease it.

Again, with Rithlin's help, Doroniel made her way to the bedside of the Prince. The small distance was beginning to seem greater each time she walked it on her painful feet and shaky legs.

Thoronhen still watched Legolas and was bathing his upper chest and neck. He looked up when they reached him. He had a small smile for them. "I think he is much cooler and more comfortable in himself."

"Good, let me see to him. Rithlin, can you make certain that we have warm water and bring more bandages from my pack?"

"Of course, Doroniel, leave it with me." Rithlin hurried off as Doroniel felt the Elfling's forehead with the back of her hand. It was still burning hot, but not the inferno intensity it had been earlier.

That is much better, but you will need to keep sponging him down. The lower we can get his temperature the happier I will feel. Can you cope with that?" Doroniel looked up at the warrior as she asked.

"Yes, Doroniel, I can manage, if I need anything I am sure that Calarcyll will help me." The other warrior nodded his agreement.

Pleased that Thoronhen was content with looking after Legolas, she turned her attention to his swollen leg and began to unwind the wet bandage. At least this time it would not need to be soaked off.

She was about to take off the last of the bandages when a loud crash of thunder made them all stop what they were doing and cover their very sensitive ears.

Doroniel had already suffered from slight hearing loss once. She did not want a return of that, even though it had not really completely cleared. She pulled the bandage off just as there was a huge flash of blue lightning. It illuminated the cave and gave everyone and everything in it an eerie blue hue. It made her shiver.

She had looked down at the sound, glad that she and the others had caught nature's warning to hide their eyes. If they had not they would all have their sight dazzled now.

The appearance of the wound took her breath away. The small foot was even more swollen than before and it sat at an odd angle, an angle that was not natural. More bruising was evident. Taking a deep breath she reached for her bowl of water, fresh cloth and athelas. She noted they were getting low on their supply of athelas. She probably would have to ask Thoronhen or one of the other guards to go search for some soon.

Bremoline hurried to her side. "Lathron is indeed badly bruised, but he swears that the crack did not come from him. He thought it was Legolas."

Doroniel gave an unhappy sigh. Her suspicions had just been confirmed. As she gently examined the swollen and infected leg, she applied pressure and then she felt it. The bones moved. How in Ardhon had she missed that? The swelling must have hidden it. She felt a hot rush of guilt. It had been three days since the Orc attack. The callus would have formed by now. She felt the foot again, feeling no resistance as she worked. The kick had re-broken the healing callus. She was grateful for that, at least. She would not have to resort to hurting Legolas more than she already had.

"I'm afraid he was right. The sound was not from Lathron, the crack did come from Legolas." She sat back with a frustrated sigh and a look of distress marred her brow.

"Legolas!" Bremoline asked, sharing a shocked look with Thoronhen.

"Yes, it was Legolas. The swelling must have hidden it. The only thing I can think of is that when the filthy Orc grabbed his leg, it twisted his foot and twisted hard. When Legolas kicked Lathron, he re-injured the limb, re-fractured the leg, actually. I will need to make certain that the bone is aligned before I splint it." Doroniel blamed herself for this. How could she have missed this fracture? She would never forgive herself, never.

"What do you need?" Bremoline asked. He would do anything he could to take that look of guilt off her face. He could tell she was terribly upset, but did not find her at fault for this.

Doroniel explained. "We need to find two stout pieces of wood long enough to reach the Prince's knee. While you are doing that, I will redress the wound so that we can splint it. The wounds will make it complicated. We will still need to change the bandages daily. When we do that, someone must hold the ankle so that it does not move again."

"I will organise a search for suitable splints and then come back and help you. I do not think that you can change Legolas' wounds on your own. You are shaking!" Bremoline sounded shocked at this discovery.

Doroniel blushed. "It started to get worse while you were sleeping. Rithlin had to help me to change the dressing on Legolas' forehead and leg. My fingers were tingling too badly to do it by myself and I was shaking as well."

"Then I will help you now. Let me organise the splint. Sarnlome, could you look for two pieces of wood that we can use as a splint? Take Rochon with you, so that you are not alone."

"Could you also search for some Athelas? That would be of great help. We are beginning to run low." Doroniel looked up at the other warrior, noting that he looked a little wan. "Are you alright?"

"I am well." Sarnlome gave her a sickly smile.

"I saw some athelas earlier, while we were hunting. It is in bloom." Thoronhen called from where he was still washing Legolas down. He quickly gave directions to the area where he had seen it. Sarnlome put on his cloak with a nod, and then beckoned to the other warrior and left the cave.

Bremoline watched the two warriors step out into the driving rain. "Have you ever heard of an Elf scared witless by thunderstorms?"

"Really? No, I cannot say that I have." She had to smile at that, not really sure if he was joking with her.

Bremoline then returned his attention to Doroniel. "I have asked Lathron to sit with Thranduil while he recovers and to call us if he is worried. Legolas gave him a very heavy blow. It must hurt a lot… for Legolas' leg to crack like that." Just the memory of that sickening crack was enough to make him feel nauseous.

"Yes, I agree with you. I'm afraid it is going to take some time for Legolas to recover from this. Can you take the bandage down for me? Rithlin, could you get me..." Doroniel did not have to continue, for a bowl of warm water appeared in front of her along with clean cloths and bandages. Next, he brought the athelas, ready for Doroniel to use. "Thank you." She gave him another encouraging smile. "Just exactly what I needed, hannon lle."

"You are welcome. Should you need anything more, I will be by the fire." Rithlin explained.

"Hannon lle, I will call you at need." She did not miss the knowing look on Bremoline's face. She chose to ignore it and focused on the work at hand.

Bremoline removed the muddied and sodden bandages. He then gently wiped the wounds clean, exactly as Doroniel instructed. It was much the same as Craban had been with Imles and Ruthwen, but just not exactly in the same way. Doroniel had the air of a real teacher about her, showing him the way to wipe the wounds clean so that the wound was not re-contaminated. It actually gave him a sense of doing the job well.

Unfortunately, once the wound was cleaned, all feelings of accomplishment vanished. The wound looked even worse. Doroniel winced. If she had realised that the small limb was broken, it may not have been so swollen and bruised. Possibly he would be on the road to recovery. This was her fault, all her fault.

How could she tell Thranduil, not only that she had failed him, but she had failed Legolas as well? She had just gained his trust and then she had to do something like this! She was very angry at herself.

They were just bandaging the wounds when Sarnlome hurried into the cave, followed by Rochon close on his heels. Sarnlome did not stop until he was far into the cave. They were both obviously soaked and Sarnlome had a wild look about his eyes. Doroniel was just about to ask what was wrong, when there was yet another loud crack of thunder, it sounded as if it was right overhead.

Sarnlome winced and ducked instinctively. His pupils widened as the lightning flashed again. They heard the booming crash of a lightning strike somewhere nearby and it made Sarnlome throw his arms protectively over his head, dropping the tree branches he had been carrying.

Imles screamed and hid her face against Ruthwen's shoulder at the same time. Ruthwen just stood transfixed, staring at the cave entrance.

Doroniel seriously wondered if Bremoline had not been joking about Sarnlome being afraid of thunderstorms. She could not believe it. Perhaps there was some kind of trauma in his life that would account for it? None of the other guards seemed to find his behaviour very odd. She would ask Bremoline later, but for now she needed the tree limbs that Sarnlome had dropped. Rithlin seemed to know what she was thinking and he stood and crossed the cave to pick up the fallen wood. He then hurried to Doroniel's side She was glad as she would need the extra help.

Bremoline called out to Sarnlome and the other warrior. "I thank you for the quick return with the wood for the splints. Do not worry about the Athelas for now. It is too dangerous to be out there in the storm and we still have some. Go and have some of the stew and dry yourselves." They both saluted and moved to the cook fire.

Doroniel took the stout branches as Rithlin reached her side and set them close to hand. "Thank you, Rithlin. Could you stay and help us?" She smiled at the young warrior.

"Of course I will help. What do you want me to do?" Rithlin was like an eager young puppy.

"You need to hold his leg where I am. Literally place your hands where I have mine and hold it steady. You need to be firm. You will not hurt him, so do not worry about that." She watched as Rithlin gingerly place his hands above hers. "Good, that is perfect, but you need to hold the leg tighter. That's better." She gave him an encouraging smile before she moved to the Elfling's feet, where Bremoline was crouched, gently holding the ankle.

Doroniel crawled to him and smiled again. "Are you ready to pull the break back into place?"

Bremoline actually turned green at her question, before another lightning flash made him look that eerie blue again.

"Yes, I can do it, if you would guide me?" He had a pleading look in his brown eyes. "I would not wish to harm the Prince further. I'm afraid I would pull too hard. I know it takes a great deal of force sometimes."

"Of course I will guide you. I can hardly leave you can I?" She could not stop the humor of the situation getting through for a minute, then reality hit home once more. "I am glad that Legolas is not awake for this storm. I have no doubt that it would frighten him."

"I think not. Legolas would probably surprise you on that. I have seen him at his chamber window, watching a storm with complete fascination and joy. There is more to the Prince than we give him credit for. Yes, he is fragile at present, but that will change as he recovers and becomes our little Prince once again." He smiled at her.

Doroniel smiled back, she was sure he was right, but they had to get down to business. "If you let me take over, I will hold his knee while you prepare yourself." They changed places. Doroniel crawled into position at the side, so that she could see what Bremoline was doing.

"You need to pull as hard as you can. Rithlin will be the counter-balance. When the bone moves back in place you will feel it and you will also hear it. The crack will be louder than it was earlier. Are you ready?"

Bremoline nodded and took his place once more as Doroniel placed the small foot back into his hands. "Remember, Rithlin, that when Bremoline pulls, it will be with some force. Whatever you do, please do not let go." Rithlin nodded and took a deep steadying breath in preparation for what they were about to do.

"On three?" At their nods, she continued, "Min, tad, neled!" Bremoline pulled and twisted as he had been instructed. The crack as the bone settled back into its proper place sounded very loud in the cave, echoing in the enclosed space.

Doroniel hastened to make sure that the bones really were in place. She could only feel the slight movement she would expect from a broken limb. At least it was not the large amount of movement she had felt earlier.

"It is in place, you did a good job, Bremoline. Well done. I know you are more used to working with adults and not Elflings. That was a very good job. Rithlin, can you pass the splints over to me, along with some bandages?" Doroniel was still gently palpating the small ankle when the splints were placed in front of her. They had already been quickly trimmed to size and smoothed by someone while their attention had been focused on the setting of Legolas' leg. She began to secure the splints in a way that suited her. This way they could at least get to the wounds the Orc had inflicted. It would take a few minutes and a bit of adjusting before she would be satisfied that the leg was properly splinted. She was determined that this would be done right. She would not permit herself to make a mistake this time.

As they all sat back, taking time to rest, Doroniel became aware of raised voices once more from the fire. It was Imles complaining yet again from beside the cooking fire about some small task Craban had given them. Doroniel tuned out the noise as she felt Legolas' forehead once more with the back of her hand. He was still too warm for her liking.

"Why do you do it that way?" Bremoline appeared very curious.

"Do what?" Doroniel had no idea what the Captain was asking about.

"Why do you feel the Prince with the back of your hand? I have always checked with the palm." Bremoline looked genuinely confused.

"That is actually the wrong way to do it. You feel your own heat. The back of the hand is cooler and gives you a clearer idea of what is happening. Try it. Feel my head with each and tell me what you find." She smiled at him.

Bremoline tried it and grew wide-eyed as he registered the differences between the two methods. He nodded. "I will remember that next time I have injured to care for. I will make sure that my men know it as well."

That caused Doroniel's smile to grow even wider. That was another part she liked about her calling, the look of wonder when a student learned something new. Bremoline was a student at this moment. He had proven to her that he was adept at healing and, as such, she would help him. She was familiar with that feeling of wonder. She had felt it often during her training under the watchful eye of Hir Elrond, it remained to this day.

"Can you tell the difference?" She had to smile at his eager nod. "Good. Unfortunately, Legolas is still too hot for my liking. We must keep a close eye on him. If the fever grows higher once more, we will have to bathe him again. I just..."

She was cut off as the brightest flash of lightning yet filled the cave. The smell of ozone tickled their noses and the static charge from the lightning made their hair stand on end. Everyone froze and thanked the Valar that they were safe inside the cave and not outside surrounded by the water from the overflowing river. At the same time, a loud crack of thunder roared. It still sounded as if the storm was right above them.

Doroniel instinctively ducked as did almost every other Elf in the cave with her. In the silence that followed, a soft moan was clearly heard. For a minute, Doroniel's heart dropped and she found herself praying that it was not from Legolas. His small body would be unable to take much more. The continuous trauma could cause lasting problems.

It was with great relief that she realised the moan was not coming from Legolas, however, but from Calandor. Bremoline shared a pleased incredulous look with her. Was Calandor about to awaken at last?

Her attention was then caught by a sudden movement at the edge of her vision. She turned, puzzled, to see what was wrong. She would never in all of her long years have expected this.

Sarnlome was huddled against the wall in front of them, facing away from the entrance. He had the side of his face pressed against the cool stone. He was pale and shaking, eyes wide with absolute terror. His face was stark white, even with the eerie blue that was lighting the cave every few minutes. They heard the roll of thunder as an almost continuous growl in the distance as well.

The storm showed no signs of letting up and she could not leave Legolas until she was satisfied that the Elfling's condition was unchanged. Then and only then would she be able to go to Sarnlome and make certain he was alright. From the corner of her eye, she could see Rochon go to Sarnlome with a dry cloak over one arm. Rochon wrapped the cloak around his shivering friend and led him to his pallet for a warming cup of tea. She was relieved that he had a friend to look after him, at least.

Finally, to her relief, she had adjusted the splints further until they were positioned to her satisfaction. "We need to keep his leg raised slightly to bring down the swelling. It should not be raised too high, because of the infection, but enough to help." Doroniel looked around for something suitable. Her eyes rested on the small pack that Legolas had brought along. It would be perfect. It also brought a small smile to her lips.

Thranduil had given in, with great reluctance, to allow Legolas to bring a pack. Legolas so wanted to be like the others in the group that he had asked again and again to be allowed to bring his own. The small pack had been a compromise. No one actually knew what was in the small pack since Legolas had insisted on filling it all on his own. It was rarely opened.

All Doroniel knew was that, whenever Thranduil saw the little pack, he would smile fondly. Legolas also kept the pack close to him and smiled happily when he looked at it as well.

"Rithlin, could you bring the Prince's pack to me? It will be perfect for what we need." She watched as he quickly moved to retrieve the pack and handed it to her. Doroniel smiled. "Thank you. Once Legolas is settled, could you help me over to Calandor? I need to check him again." As she spoke, another low moan came from his direction and her heart sang with rising hope.

She gently felt the small pack. There were a few sharp edges that confused her, but after padding it with soft folds of her cloak, she gently placed the splinted leg on it. Once that was done, Rithlin helped her to stand.

Once she was settled next to Calandor, she gently felt his forehead. She noted with relief that it was no longer clammy, as it had been earlier. His pulse was almost back to normal. The soft moan came from him again.

"Calandor, can you hear me? Calandor, I need you to open your eyes for me, only for a minute, then you can sleep again. Calandor!" Doroniel called to him as she watched his face closely. Yes, he was definitely trying to waken.

It was then that she realised the only other noise in the cave was Imles and Ruthwen's complaints. Even the horses had settled. Imles' voice was shaking as if she was filled with terror, but if you listened carefully enough, or knew her well, you could tell that she was not truly scared and that it was all for effect.

Doroniel shut out the noise. She even managed to forget that everyone in the cave, other than their King and the Prince, was anxiously watching every move that she and Calandor made.

"Calandor? If you want some of the stew, you had better wake up before Bremoline eats your portion too." This elicited another low moan and a restless movement of his head. Calandor was definitely trying to wake up, but he needed a little help. She had two options now. She would try the first.

Balling her right hand tightly, she pressed her knuckles on his raised collarbone. Pressing hard, she rubbed them up and down. The pressure would ordinarily be enough to waken a sleeper, but not in this case. Calandor only moaned a bit more and tossed his head again. It was encouraging that he also tried to move away from the knuckles that were causing the pain, but he still would not open his eyes.

That left her with one choice, as much as she hated using it. She held off for a second more, in the hope that he might wake up without it. In the end she looked up at Bremoline as if seeking permission.

Luckily, he seemed to understand what she was silently asking. "Do what you must, Doroniel. We all trust you and know that you would not intentionally hurt any one of us."

Doroniel looked around at the Elves nearest to her and they all nodded at her, faces serious. She was touched that they trusted her that much, especially after what had happened with Legolas. That was something she would never forgive herself for, nor forget.

A snort of derision came from the fire. It could only come from one position. She did not have to do or say a thing. Bremoline did it for her.

At the snort, he turned with a look of fury at the Ellith where they sat beside the fire, under the supervision of the gimlet eyes of Craban. "That is enough! At least Doroniel is doing something useful. That is more than could be said of you two. I could arrange not only for you look after the privy but also you could muck out the horses."

There was a succession of expressions that rapidly covered their faces, from shock to horror to indignation.

"You have no authority to order that." Ruthwen did not even bother to hide her contempt. "You are just a warrior, therefore expendable. It was a wonder you were not killed in that Orc attack, you are that pathetic." Her eyes narrowed with spite. She was just about to get into her stride and say what she really thought of him when he spoke over her.

"Actually, Ruthwen, I do have the authority. With Aran Thranduil unconscious, the charge of command comes to me. As Captain of the Home Guard, I am the highest ranking person here. As such, you will do exactly what I say, and without complaint, or you will end up seeing to the horses' droppings tonight."

Ruthwen opened her mouth to protest at this, but he cut her off again. "I do not care who your father is or what rank he holds in Aran Thranduil's Court. That will have no bearing here, nor will it when we return to Mirkwood. Doroniel's father holds a position higher than your father does and I have not heard her complain once. She has crawled across the ground to help Aran Thranduil and Prince Legolas and you complain about cooking dinner. You snort because we trust her and not you? Trust and respect must be earned. Once you have proven yourselves, then, perhaps, we will trust you as we do Doroniel. Until then, keep quiet, do you understand me?" He did not wait for her reply but turned back to Doroniel, who smiled at him.

Ruthwen glared at Bremoline's back for a moment with her lips pursed as if she contemplated saying more, but turned and ignored him instead. A strange look passed between Ruthwen and Imles then and they shared a secret satisfied smile.

"Hennaid, Captain."

"No thanks are needed, Heryn Doroniel. They must learn that we all must work together and not pull apart. I doubt that they will listen, though. Go, do what you must to wake Calandor. Any help you require, I and my men will support you. You need but ask."

"I will remember that, Bremoline." She was surprised to find that tears had come to her eyes. "You have no idea how much your words mean to me."

Doroniel took a deep breath and turned back to Calandor. As she moved, she caught the eye of Ruthwen, who glowered at her. Her look was one of intense disgust. Doroniel smiled sweetly back, ignoring the urge to glower as well. She knew deep down that to do so would only lower her to Ruthwen's standards and she would not do that. All she would do was smile and act normally, no matter how much she disliked the pair of them. She had been brought up with better manners.

If she did anything less than that, she would disgrace her father. She would not lower herself to that position.

She took another deep breath and moved into position near Calandor's head. This was not something she had used often. She reached out to take an elegantly shaped earlobe between her fingers and thumb and pressed firmly. Calandor moaned even more and Doroniel took a deeper breath and again pressed his earlobe.

Calandor groaned this time and tried to move his head away. Doroniel was not having any of it.

"Calandor? I need you to open your eyes for me. Calandor?"

Again nothing, so she repeated the procedure again and this time she was rewarded with a glance of his brown eyes as he blinked. Her heart beating faster, she continued. "Calandor, you are doing well. Can you look at me?"

Dazed brown eyes flitted about the cave, not really looking at or focused on anything.

"Calandor can you hear me?" This time Calandor looked at her and she smiled at him in encouragement.

"Dor…Doroniel?" Even his voice spoke of confusion. There was a soft murmur of voices from all around them as the sound of his voice was heard.

"Yes, Calandor I am here. How do you feel?" Bremoline had joined her by the fallen warrior's side.

"I am well."

"The truth, please, Calandor? Then, and only then, can I help you." Doroniel shared a triumphant grin with Bremoline. They had been here before with Calandor.

He frowned slightly for a moment, as if taking stock of his senses before answering. "Sore. My hands hurt and I have a headache. What happened?" The confusion in his voice deepened

"You were caught in a lightning strike. Can you recall what happened?" Bremoline asked gently.

"I remember fighting the Orcs. Legolas screamed. Legolas!" He would have bolted upright, if Doroniel and Bremoline had not been on the alert for him to do just that. They pressed him gently back to his pallet.

"Legolas is fine, as is Aran Thranduil. You were the one that caught the brunt of the strike. You have been unconscious for some time. Now please, tell me where you hurt." It was an order from Doroniel, pure and simple.

"Head aches badly and my ears are ringing. I see two of you." He blinked again. "Why do I see two of everything? My hands are very sore, why would they be sore?" They could tell that his confusion was deepening.

"As I said, Calandor, you were caught by a lightning strike when it hit the tree next to us. You pushed me out of the way. Unfortunately, we were also kneeling in water at the time and you caught almost the full force of the strike." Doroniel felt her mouth go dry just at the thought of how close they had come to losing him. "Your hands were in the water and were burnt. They have been treated and, as long as you do as you are told, you will recover full use of them." She hurried to reassure him

"You are sure?" The deep brown, almost velvety, eyes begged her to say she was sure. She could lose herself in those eyes. She mentally shook herself. Wait for another time, not now.

"Yes, Calandor I am sure. How do your feet feel?" She was worried by the fact that he had not mentioned his feet at all.

"My feet? They are fine." Calandor seemed to shrug the question off and that worried Doroniel even more. It could only mean one thing. The burns had affected the nerve supply to his feet, that the pain receptors had been damaged, but hopefully, not beyond healing.

"Good. Do you feel up to eating something now?" She was not going to worry her patient at this moment. She wanted Hir Elrond to look at him first.

"Yes, I am hungry and thirsty too." His stomach gave a loud growl at the mention of food. "See? It agrees." He grinned. It was his typical cheeky grin that they had all missed.

"Good, it is well that our meal is just about ready then. Let me help you." Bremoline moved to help his friend sit up. He made sure Calandor was surrounded by soft packs so that he was supported. Unfortunately, it also gave him a clear view of the rest of the cave, including a clear view of Thranduil and Legolas.

"What is wrong with them? You said they were alright!" He turned accusing eyes on both his Captain and the healer.

Bremoline stepped to the cook fire to fill a bowl for Calandor but Craban had it filled before he got there.

"They will be alright. Aran Thranduil is just sleeping." Doroniel was quick to reassure him again.

"But, Legolas? His leg…. and why is Thoronhen washing him?" They could all hear the worry for the Prince in his voice, mingled with ongoing confusion.

Bremoline accepted the bowl for Calandor with a grateful nod. He gave the ladies a meaningful look as he passed them, indicating that they should be serving up the stew now. "Legolas has a broken leg and a fever, but he will be fine. You need to eat and then rest."

Many of the cave's occupants nodded at him, relieved to have Calandor wake once more.

"How will I feed myself?" He looked down at the large bandages that protected his hands.

"You will have to be helped. Either I or Bremoline can help you, if you wish?" Doroniel was hoping...

His eyes lit with a hint of his usual good humor. "If someone must help me, I would prefer it to be you." He saw the small smile that Doroniel gave him.

Calandor gazed around the large cave, taking note of everyone present and those who were not. "Where are Randis and Hethuaur? Has something happened to them?"

"We sought shelter because we had injured in our party unable to ride and the rain was still..." A great flash of lightning followed by a loud crash punctuated the sentence as she spoke. "…falling very hard, in fact, it has not stopped. Randis and Hethuaur went for help."

"That bad?" He watched the activity in the cave for a moment. A furrow appeared between his brows as he took in what was being said. Why was he so confused?

"Yes, unfortunately." She was interrupted by Bremoline bringing his food.

"Are you sure about this, Doroniel? The stew is very hot." Bremoline was worried. How did Doroniel expect to hold the bowl and spoon steady long enough to even get anything from the bowl? He looked down at her hands and, yes, they still shook badly.

"I can manage, thank you." She reached out with both hands for the bowl. Behind them the others were also making their way to the fire to fill their own bowls.

Bremoline shrugged. Well, he had tried. The moment his hands left the bowl he knew this was a bad idea. As soon as he had relinquished the bowl, it began shaking so badly that stew was spilt over the side and onto Doroniel's hands. With a lunge, Bremoline caught the bowl before the lot could spill.

"Dor? What is wrong?" Calandor asked worriedly. He watched with concerned eyes as Bremoline took the bowl from her.

"Nothing! It is nothing, Calandor. I am just pleased that you are awake, that is all. I have been very worried about you." Doroniel hurried once more to reassure. She looked at Bremoline and gave a tiny embarrassed smile. "Maybe you should help Calandor after all Bremoline?"

"I think that is a good idea. Once I have helped Calandor, I could help you have yours?" He could not help his gentle jesting, but underneath that, there was a hint of serious intent as he knew she would be unable to manage on her own. It was becoming more obvious that, despite what she said, Doroniel had more problems than she was letting on. She was having far more problems, and Bremoline was aware of it now. He would watch her closely.

"I think I can manage, thank you, if you can see to Calandor?" Doroniel made as if to stand up on her own.

Bremoline stopped her with a firm hand on her shoulder. "Doroniel! Please, stop being stubborn! You know better than I do that you find standing painful. Stay where you are and, for once, listen to me. As soon as Lord Elrond gets here, you become a patient. Until then, you are our healer. We need you clear-headed and able to deal with whatever comes our way. This is not helping. Now, please, sit down and let me help you." Bremoline had his Captain's Voice on, stern and to the point, though, he reflected, it sounded much like the voice he used with his daughter as well.

"You are right. I am sorry." She had the grace to look embarrassed. "I will do as you say. Once everyone is finished with their meal, I will need to visit the privy, but I need help to get there." Her face had flushed a bit pink and her voice had gone soft. That had cost her a lot of pride to admit.

He lowered his voice to a more private level and squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "Hannon lle, Doroniel. I am sure you will have plenty of help once the meal is finished. Can you hold on until then?" Bremoline settled himself down beside Calandor and readied himself to feed his friend.

She nodded. "I will be able to manage. Now, help Calandor or his stew will go cold. Calandor, once you have eaten, I will look at your hands and your feet. I need to make sure they are healing alright. Until then, I will go check Legolas once more." Now that she knew she could crawl for short moves, it made things a lot easier. It was just too great a distance to get to the privy in that manner.

At her words, Bremoline nodded and gave her an encouraging smile. He then turned and began to spoon the stew into Calandor's mouth. Calandor, understandably, had a lot of questions for him between mouthfuls of stew. He answered them as well as he could, explaining all that had happened in the time since the battle with the Orcs. He left out a lot of details, for now, however.

He got a muffled laugh out of Calandor as he explained what Thranduil had said and done about the two troublesome ellith. Calandor glanced over, every now and again, to see that Doroniel was alright. Bremoline could tell he was clearly worried about the young healer.

Rithlin had seated himself between Thranduil and Legolas so that, if he was needed by either of them, he was right there. Truthfully, he had also seated himself nearby in case Lathron needed help as he watched Thranduil. He had risen and helped Doroniel the last few inches.

"What is wrong with Doroniel?" Calandor whispered so that only Bremoline could hear, even though they were only across the fire. Doroniel was checking on Legolas with help from both Rithlin and Thoronhen. Actually, she seemed to be directing them how to check him, since she was having so many problems with her hands.

"She was caught in the same lightning strike as you were. She had trouble hearing earlier. Also, like you, she has had a bad headache and the shaking that you can see. There has also been some dizziness and nausea. Aran Thranduil has been the same. They both tell of tingling in their hands and feet as well. That is why she crawls or needs help to walk."

"Hannon lle, for being truthful, I would hope that Doroniel would tell me these things, but I guess that is wishful thinking, if she would not even talk to you." Calandor sounded downcast.

"You like her." It was not a question. It was a statement of fact.

"Yes, I hope that she will someday bond with me." Calandor paused and wrinkled his brow a moment. "Why do I feel so… odd? I feel as if everything is taking place at a vast distance and I am so muddled." Calandor took the last mouthful of stew. He tried to ignore the feeling of fullness and nausea that were beginning to assail him.

"Maybe you should rest now? Let me help you." Bremoline set the empty bowl on the ground and, removing a few of the packs propping him up, gently helped him to lie down on the pallet before covering him with the blankets once more.

"This is so embarrassing, I feel like an Elfling again. I will never live this down." Calandor could only groan.

"That is rubbish, Calandor. What you will have to live down is the fact that you saved Doroniel's life while aiding our King and the Prince. We all saw what you did. It was a brave act, trust me. Not one of us present will ridicule you for needing a bit of help for a time, not after what we saw you do." Bremoline was aware of what his men had said about the incident and it was just as he said to Calandor. To the others, he was a hero, not that Calandor would believe that of himself.

Indeed the young Elf looked as if he wished the earth floor would open up and swallow him. "I am no hero. I simply acted on instinct."

"Well, if that is instinct, mellon-nin, I pray that we all have it. I think that Doroniel would be a fool if she says no to you. You seem to be destined for each other."

If Calandor had blushed before, he positively glowed now. His pale drawn face definitely had bright red spots on his cheeks and even the tips of his ears were red. "She is wonderful. Such a talented healer, to be asked to come on this trip by Aran Thranduil is a great honor alone. Considering she is a junior healer, this says much of his trust in her."

"I agree, I do not think that she will be a junior healer for long. She has more than proven herself on this trip. Prince Legolas has been very ill since the lightning strike and she has cared for him wonderfully. If only she was not so stubborn!" Bremoline could not help that latter from coming out, it was true though.

"I know what you mean. She is stubborn, wants her own way and never gives in, but also beautiful and talented. What more can you ask?" Calandor had not taken his eyes of off Doroniel as he lay there praying to the Valar that his nausea would settle.

"You have it bad, mellon-nin, very bad." Bremoline was grinning fondly at Calandor. He recalled clearly when he had first fallen in love with his wife. It had been, and still was, a wonderful feeling, those first stirrings of love. He had been married for almost two millennia now, but still he felt the same way for Miriel, his wife. He hoped that Doroniel returned Calandor's love, although he was sure that the healer more than returned the feeling. He had seen the way Doroniel looked at Calandor when she thought that no one was looking.

"What do you mean?" There was uncertainty and confusion in Calandor's voice.

"Love, Mellon-nin, you are very much in love." Bremoline's smile was broad as he realised that Calandor actually did not realise what was happening with him.

"Oh." Calandor's voice was quiet, then. "Oh!" Yes, it had just hit home. "Yes, I do love her."

"You would not think of bonding with her if you did not." Bremoline could not help but tease.

"No, I would not. Do you think she would...?" His face had paled once more as the embarrassment wore off. Bremoline was reminded that his friend was badly injured.

"Yes, I think she would, but there is only one way to find out. Ask her. Before you decide to do that, however, you need to rest." Bremoline fussed at the blankets that covered the young archer.

"I need to speak with Aran Thranduil when he wakes. If he agrees, I will ask Doroniel when we reach Fornost." Calandor paused and closed his eyes tightly for a moment. "Bremoline?" There was weariness in his voice.

"Yes?"

"Would you ask Doroniel if I can have something for my headache? And my hands are becoming too painful to bear. I am also nauseous." Calandor looked down at the heavily wrapped hands that lay upon the covers. He blinked. He still saw two sets of hands.

"I will get Doroniel. Do you think you will be...?" Bremoline stopped what he was saying as he realised that Calandor was looking far too pale, and slightly green. He grabbed one of the pots that they had been using to carry the water and gently helped as his friend lost the little food he had eaten. Bremoline made sure that few could see him.

Rithlin helped Doroniel to his side and carried her healer's pack. "Perhaps stew was not the best thing for you to have so soon." Her voice sounded a bit contrite. Doroniel was already reaching for the aromatic herbs that she and the King had been using for their nausea.

Once the herbs had helped settle his nausea, Calandor was being fussed over. As soon as Doroniel was satisfied that all that was wrong was the pain from his hands and headache and nothing more insidious, she made him a tea for his pain, but inconspicuously added a sleeping herb to it as well. Calandor needed to sleep more to begin healing properly.

Calandor took it gratefully and was soon lost to a deep sleep, with closed eyes, thanks to the herb. He did not even stir when his hands and feet were cleaned and dressed.

Once Calandor had settled again, Doroniel turned to Rithlin. "Could you help me over to the privy?" She was bright red with embarrassment.

Bremoline spoke up, noting that Rithlin had blushed as well. "I will help you. Rithlin, you stay with Calandor and watch in case he needs you." Bremoline took Rithlin's place and helped her to the privy. He was aware of just how painful it was for her to walk. Every step was a battle and once they had made it past the two Ellith, who openly glared at both of them with contempt, he gently picked her up and carried her over the remaining distance in spite of her mild protest.

"Will you be alright and able to manage?" He whispered to her as he set her gently on her feet beside the privy screen.

"Yes, I am sure I can manage. Hannon-lle." She was more than embarrassed now.

"I will wait to help you return as well." He watched as she hobbled with as much dignity as she could, under the circumstances, into the privy.

Once she had closed the screen, he turned to the two Ellith. "You will see to the privy once she is finished and I do not want to hear one word of complaint from you." They glowered back but said nothing.

When she was back beside the fire afterward, Doroniel noted that none of the others had moved at all in her absence.

She felt so small and embarrassed when Bremoline helped her to eat her stew. It had become hard for her to even hold the goblet she used for drinks. One-handed, it was impossible. Even two-handed, it was difficult and she would spill it more often than not.

That had not been the worst part. It had been Ruthwen and Imles sneering at her as Bremoline aided her. She tried to ignore them, but they made sure it was difficult. Bremoline realised that her attention was not really on her food and followed her line of sight. His eyes narrowed. It would be those two!

He glowered at them, his displeasure showing. Ruthwen tossed her head in disdain, only stopping when Bremoline mouthed the word 'horses' at them. Only then, did they go back to whatever it was that they did together of an evening, not that he cared one jot.

"Do not let them get to you, they are only jealous." He hurried to reassure Doroniel.

"What have they to be jealous of? I am nothing special." Doroniel was shocked by the deep hatred that she felt directed at her from the two Ellith and had felt right from the start of the trip. She would have to speak with Thranduil about it at some point in the next few days. Certainly, before they reached Fornost. She really did not think that Ruthwen was a suitable tutor for Legolas. The further the journey continued the more certain she was of that fact.

"Do not belittle yourself, Doroniel. There is much for them to be jealous of. You are good at what you do, a very competent healer." Doroniel was shaking her head vehemently at this. Bremoline would not let her naysay him. "Yes, you are. Thranduil holds you in high esteem and would prefer to speak to you rather than them. You were asked to come on this trip as you are close to Legolas and have his trust. I think they were only allowed to come because Legolas' tutor wanted to stay with his family."

"His wife is close to giving birth. Can you blame him? I fear that Aran Thranduil will not think that highly of me once he learns what I have done to his son." Doroniel could not hide the dismay in her voice.

"He will thank you for helping Legolas. If it had not been for you, Prince Legolas could have died with that fit. That is all he will care about, trust me."

---

OOOOOOO

---

It was a long evening for everyone in the cave. Doroniel spent her time moving between her three patients. They all took turns looking after Legolas and sponging him down to keep his temperature under control. Luckily there had been no more seizures from the small Prince. Thranduil slept silently by his side.

Gradually, most of the Elves in the cave settled down to sleep. Ruthwen and Imles went to their beds as early as they dared under the eyes of Captain Bremoline. Three guards took rotas to guard the cave in four-hour watches. Those of the small group who had agreed to look after the injured in the party decided that they would take turns sleeping. Thankfully, the storm quieted and the thunder and lightning ended as everyone was settling, even the rain was less intense, though it still fell steadily.

The first ones in the group sent to sleep were Thoronhen and Craban. They had been awake the longest of group as well as having been quite active. Bremoline had sent Lathron off to his pallet, with a goblet of tea Doroniel mixed for him for pain and sleep, after seeing how pained and pale he still looked. That left Doroniel, Bremoline, Rochon and Rithlin to care for the injured and to keep the fire burning for warmth and hot water. It also meant that they could keep the small pit filled with warm water, in the event that Legolas had another seizure.

Doroniel sat by the fire and watched Calandor sleeping, eyes closed, and that unnerved her, even though she knew the reason why. She admitted to herself that she really wanted to see his gorgeous eyes. She sighed and glanced around. Bremoline looked up from where he sat next to Legolas, still bathing the feverish little body.

"Are you alright, Dor?"

Doroniel had to smile at the shortening of her name. It seemed that Calandor had started something, not that she really minded. It sounded so nice coming from Calandor.

"I am fine." She gave him a small smile.

It was Bremoline's turn to sigh and shake his head. Why did she have to make it so difficult? "No you are not. It is clear that you are both tired and hurting. Is it your head, still?"

"It is only hurting a little." He raised his right eyebrow at her in doubt. She ducked her head and grinned guiltily. "Alright, it is hurting a lot."

"Have you taken anything for it?" He knew she had not, but wanted her to admit it.

"No, it is bearable." She actually squinted at him across the light of the fire and he sighed once more.

"You mean to tell me, Oh Great Healer, that you have seen to all four of your patients and made sure that they are all comfortable and ignored yourself? What would Hir Elrond say about that? How is that aiding your patients?"

Doroniel would not meet his eyes, so he continued. "You have given Calandor herbs for both pain and sleep. Aran Thranduil is sleeping, but you have given him herbs for his headache and nausea. Legolas..." He had to clear his throat as it had suddenly gone tight at the thought of Legolas so badly hurt and the painful memories it had stirred as he bathed him. "Legolas is sleeping off his seizure. When do you think he will waken?"

Doroniel blinked at the sudden change of topic. "I have no idea. It depends upon each person. Legolas is very weak, physically and in spirit, at present, so I expect it will take longer."

"And that brings me to Lathron." He could not help but wince. The poor Elf had been in a lot of pain following his injury. "You gave him both pain and sleeping herbs. Will you not take anything for yourself?"

"I need to remain alert, in case I am needed." It seemed an inadequate reason, even to her ears.

"I can wake you if you are needed. At least take something for the pain? Tell me what you need and I will make it for you. Please?" Bremoline tried to make her see sense.

Doroniel finally agreed to take a tea for the pain, but just that and nothing more. She mixed it herself, so that she knew exactly what she was taking. It was not that she did not trust Bremoline... she just did not think she could afford to sleep at the present time, Legolas might need her at any moment.

As soon as the bitter tea was ready, she took it under Bremoline's watchful eye. She could not have done anything less as she had to have his help to actually drink it.

As Bremoline returned to Legolas, he looked satisfied that he had achieved this small victory. "Good. Now sit and rest until the tea works. We will watch Legolas until you feel better. Why do you not lie down and rest? You do not have to sleep, you can just rest. Surely that would not hurt?" Bremoline was worried about her. She could tell. It was plain in the look on his face and the tone of his voice. It reminded her of her father.

"I will be fine here, resting close to the fire." She tried to smile and reassure him. She hoped that it would work even though she did not believe it herself. Her real fear was that, if she did lie down, she would fall asleep and not wake up for quite some time. While she was their only healer, she could not let that happen. Once Hir Elrond arrived... well that was a different situation.

"Have a blanket at least? How do your hands feel?" He specifically did not mention her feet. He already knew how bad they were.

"Tingling and sore. The blanket sounds like a nice idea." Rithlin jumped to his feet and snagged one of the unused blankets. Under Bremoline's amused gaze, he carefully draped the blanket around her shoulders, making sure that it covered her.

"Hannon-lle, Rithlin. That is better." Doroniel gave him a small smile.

Silence fell between them. The only noticeable sounds were the crackling of the fire and the ever-steady fall of the rain outside. They had let the cook fire burn out to save firewood, shoveling the remaining embers into the fire they were using to heat the water during the night. There was a ring of filled pots sitting close around the fire.

Doroniel continued to gaze at Calandor as he slept, trembling hands holding the blanket around her, aware that she was being watched now and again. She would look up and catch the eye of either Rithlin or Bremoline. Each time they would give her a small smile.

When she felt better and the headache had receded, thanks to the herbs, she turned to Bremoline.

"How is Legolas? Is his fever any higher?"

Bremoline gently touched the small forehead, brushing the loose hair away from the stitches that ran down the pale forehead. Once the golden strands were moved away, he placed the back of his hand against the pale skin. He had not really needed to do so. He could feel the heat before he even touched his skin.

"It is still high, not as high as earlier but still high, all the same." He could not help the worried sigh that escaped him. "We will continue to wash him down. Do we need to give him some more fluids?"

"That would be a good idea. Can you manage to do that? Give a little at time, so that he does not choke. Take it very slow." Doroniel knew that they knew this, but she just wanted to remind them.

"I recall that from earlier, I will feed him the water myself. You rest. Stay there!" The last was an order to her. He was shaking a finger at her as if she was a misbehaving Elfling.

With Rithlin's help, he carefully sat the Prince up and rested him back against the younger warrior's chest. Filling the small goblet with fresh clear water he began to slowly spoon small amounts of the precious fluid into the small mouth. He took his time and only gave him small amounts and was on the alert so that if Legolas was to choke he could help. As it was, he had no need to worry. Each tiny sip was swallowed before another was given.

Doroniel kept a close eye on him as he fed the fluid to the Elfling, but she interspersed this with glancing at Calandor, to make sure that he was still sleeping peacefully. She was not as worried about him as she had been. The fact that he had awoken earlier and knew them all was a blessing in itself. She wished that she felt that confident about the Prince's condition.

Doroniel was not aware that she had closed her eyes as she watched Calandor, but the next thing she knew, she was being gently laid on the ground. She opened her eyes to see the smiling face of Bremoline.

"Shhh, go back to sleep. Everything is quiet. Rithlin and I are about to bed down. Thoronhen and Rochon know what to do and will wake you if you are needed."

"No, I need..."

"You need to sleep, that much is obvious. Doroniel, you are exhausted and unwell. You need to sleep and take care of yourself. If I find you have not slept, I will not be happy. Do I make myself clear?" Bremoline realised he was using the tone of voice that he had used on his own daughter, Idhreniel, all those years ago.

He noticed she had glanced at the two warriors who were seated beside Legolas washing him down and checking on the King. "They will tell me if you do not sleep, have no fear of that. Sleep, even if it is only for a little while."

Finally, giving in to her body's demands, she let him cover her before he went to his own bedroll. Her eyes were closed again before he reached it.

---

OOOOOOO

---

Doroniel was warm and dreaming of deep brown velvet eyes, when she was awakened by a hand on her shoulder, urgently shaking her. She blinked blearily up at Thoronhen's worried face.

"What is it?" She was suddenly wide awake.

"It is the Prince, his fever has risen. It is very high. Nothing we have done can stop it." Thoronhen's voice was urgent. "I will carry you to him, it will be faster."

Doroniel let herself be lifted and carried to the Elfling's side. She took the time to look around. The guards at the cave's entrance had changed. It was still fully dark and she heard rain falling steadily. Rochon knelt beside Legolas, washing him down with single-minded intensity. They had removed his blanket to sponge down every bit of skin they could, trying to cool Legolas and lower his fever.

Thoronhen set her gently down beside him. She immediately reached out to feel his forehead. Hissing, she pulled her hand back before it even touched the skin. The fever had grown worse since she last checked. He was in danger of another febrile convulsion if it wasn't lowered quickly.

"Is the pit ready to take him?" Doroniel shook her head, still trying to clear her mind of sleep. "I knew this would happen. I knew I should not have slept! Thoronhen, please waken Bremoline. We will need help."

"Yes, the pit is ready. I will waken Brem..."

"No need, I am awake. What has happened?" Bremoline was standing just behind them. Half the inhabitants of the cave seemed to have been awakened, if they had truly been sleeping to begin with.

The atmosphere in the cave seemed to be electrically charged. Imles and Ruthwen were the only inhabitants that had not moved or seemed indifferent. Even the drugged sleepers seemed to be restless, moving in their sleep. Neither Ellith seemed interested in what was happening. That set Bremoline's nerves on edge. Ruthwen would not have missed a chance to snipe about the noise or the attention that the Prince was receiving from the others in the cave.

"The Prince's fever is very high and we cannot get it down." Thoronhen explained.

Doroniel's voice was urgent. "We need to bathe Legolas in the pit once more, Rochon will you please stay and watch the others? Thoronhen, would you help Bremoline and me to see to the Prince?"

Bremoline carefully scooped Legolas into his arms, mindful of the splinted leg. Thoronhen also scooped Doroniel up in his arms to move her without even asking this time, though she did not protest either. "I will take his head again, Thoronhen take his leg. Make sure it stays as dry as you can keep it. Also, stay to one side. I do not want you to have the same problem as Lathron." They all moved quickly, with Legolas held gently in Bremoline's arms. Once they were at the pit Doroniel tested the water. She was satisfied it was warm enough for him, so they lowered Legolas into it.

Doroniel quickly began to wash him down, working feverishly to try and prevent another seizure from happening. It was the last thing they all wanted. Again and again she worked her way around the small body making sure that no part that could be washed was missed. It was easier to keep his leg dry this time. He was not struggling against them and thrashing around.

It was almost an hour before Doroniel sat back with a sigh of relief. His temperature was at least a little lower, which was a relief.

"You can take him out now, his temperature is lower." Sarnlome moved next to them with one of the dry blankets that could be used a towel. Bremoline and Thoronhen moved as one and quickly moved the Elfling to the blanket and covered him so that he could not become chilled.

Bremoline then began to dry him. His movements spoke of some experience at caring for an Elfling. They covered him once more in a dry blanket and moved him back to the pallet near the fire where he had been since the previous soaking. When she had him settled again and his leg resting on his little pack once more, Doroniel made certain that the bandage that was under the wooden splint was dry. She then moved to his hands. The bandages covering the tiny hands were sodden, that could not be helped.

"Bremoline, could you take down the bandages on Legolas' hands? I need to change them." Doroniel was already gathering the ingredients for the paste that she would need for them.

"Of course." Her orders were followed to the letter as she had Thoronhen make the antiseptic healing paste for her.

"Should you be using a paste on them? My Naneth always said that you should not use any type of oil or grease on burns." Thoronhen asked.

Doroniel had to smile at the question. "That is a very good question and your mother is right, but this will contain only herbs and has no oil or grease in it. This will aid in the healing of the wounds. If you were to put either oil or grease onto a new burn it will cause even more problems. This is safe or I would not be using them."

Thoronhen blushed. "I did not mean to..."

"Peace, Thoronhen." She smiled kindly for him. "I know you did not. I am glad that you asked and would prefer that you do so. That applies to any of you. If you ever wonder about something or have a query, ask. I will always answer and never be upset." She shared a smile with them all, glad that she had put them at ease once more.

"Do you want me to apply the paste?" Bremoline asked her. He was aware that her hands were still shaking, although not to the degree they had been earlier.

"Yes, please. It would take me forever otherwise." Her voice was wry. It was clear she was frustrated at her inability to do the simple task herself.

Doroniel watched closely as he washed the old paste off and was pleased to see that the herbs were beginning to heal the burns, slowly and not with the normal speed of a healthy Elfling, but it was happening. Legolas, unfortunately, could not exactly be called a healthy Elfling right now, no matter how they wished it was so.

"They do look much better. Make sure that the entire palm is covered. That is good. You can bandage now. Hopefully, by tomorrow, we will be able to leave them to the air as they are beginning to heal. That will do them a lot of good."

She watched as he bandaged them just as she wanted them. He knew how frustrating this must be for her. "Thank you, Bremoline you did that well. When we return to Mirkwood, I would like to discuss with you about possibly adding more healers to your patrols. I want you and a few others to have further training as well." She smiled at his surprise.

"Oh?" It was Bremoline's only reply.

"I have noticed that a few of your men and you in particular, have an affinity for healing. I think it would be wise to make use of that."

Bremoline seemed contemplative for a moment. "I did want to be a healer when I was young, but then the Necromancer came and everything changed." He broke off as he thought of how things had changed. His father had been one of the first casualties of the spiders that so plagued his home. It was but another reason why he hated them so much. "Greenwood needed warriors more than healers at that time."

"I understand, Bremoline. We will just have to see to your training on the job, so to speak."

"Do you mean it?" His eyes were wide with shock.

"Yes, I mean it. I will be speaking with Thranduil as well. I do not see why you cannot train to be a healer while you continue in your position as Captain of the Home Guard. I will also speak with Hir Elrond when he arrives, about the best way to see to it happening. I would be honoured to have you as a fellow healer." Doroniel knew he would be a good healer. She had seen it in the way he helped the injured here. Why it had been missed before was beyond her.

"Thank you, I would like that." Bremoline had gone red right to the tips of his ears. "Who else would you consider?"

"At this moment and without knowing any others in the patrols, Thoronhen," The Elf looked up shocked as well. "Rithlin, Randis and Rochon."

"They are all good candidates, I know." He could not help but smirk. "But, you did not name Calandor?"

"Calandor? Why?" It was her turn to be shocked.

"Well, I know that you like him. Perhaps you more than like him?" He gave her a teasing smile. "Having him in training would mean that you could be near to him." He watched in amusement as Doroniel blushed bright red. "Aha, you do like him!"

"Yes, I do. I am hoping he will like me..." Her voice trailed off as she looked towards the place where Calandor still slept.

"Oh, he does. Believe me, he does."

"We need to talk about this later, Bremoline. Right now, Legolas needs us to have our minds on the job." She felt his forehead once more. He still had a fever, but not as high as it had been. She looked to the entrance of the cave. Dawn was approaching. Even with the rain, the sky was not as dark as it had been. All the others had either returned to sleep or were moving around silently, getting ready for the new day.

Craban was piling wood for a new cook fire. However, Doroniel noted that he did not light it. She looked to the sleeping forms of Imles and Ruthwen. They would be awakened soon, of that she had no doubt.

Even as she thought it, Craban moved to them and began to wake them up. He was polite but firm as he did so, even cheerful in his morning greetings. Doroniel bit the inside of her mouth to stop herself from laughing. Oh yes, they would not be happy about that.

She bent back over Legolas and took another look at the stitches that graced his forehead when she heard grumbling come from their direction.

"I would keep quiet if I were you." Bremoline's voice was hard. "We have injured who still sleep. I do not wish them to be awakened by your noise. If you do wake them, my idea from last night still stands. You will do what is required of you and you will do it silently."

Doroniel looked up in time to see them glare icily at Bremoline, although the warrior did not seem to notice.

No one took note that the wind had just begun to howl at the entrance of the cave, save the warriors who stood guard there. Doroniel went back to her work and missed the angry glare that was thrown their way. The wind grew in intensity and seemed to get stronger as the two Ellith were given their tasks for the morning.

They did notice when Thranduil began to toss and turn on his pallet. He seemed to be caught up in a nightmare. Thoronhen hurried to his side to try to calm the King without resorting to waking him. He seemed to settle again, though his face still looked troubled.

He was caught in a dark place, a place that was heavy with a dark presence of evil that pressed upon his heart from all around him. There was a chill of malice that made him shiver as he looked around, as if a malevolent power watched him from the dark. All he could see was a vast black void before him. He could not even see the uneven surface he trod upon. As he moved, he reached out to feel for a wall or anything of substance but met nothing. He stumbled along blindly for some time, finding nothing, until a distant small flicker of light caught his attention.

He stumbled hopefully toward the light. He at least had a reference to focus on now. As he neared the small star-glimmer, it grew brighter. Suddenly it flared and flickered into a small familiar form that he realised he had been searching for all this time.

"Legolas!"

"Legolas, Ion-nin, how did you get here?

Legolas did not answer him. He hurried to his son's side. Legolas lay face-down, almost rigid, upon the cold floor. Gently, he reached for his son, to turn him over. When he did, he drew back in shock. Legolas' mouth was stretched wide. He was screaming or appeared to be screaming and he seemed to be in great pain, but no sounds left his mouth. Nothing.

"Legolas? What is wrong? I will get Doro..." It was then that he realised that he was alone. There were no others with him here.

"Legolas? Leg..."

Something shook him and shook him hard. He opened his eyes to find Rochon bending over him. "Aran Thranduil, you are dreaming, wake up. It is but a dream."

"I am awake. Hannon lle. I dreamt of Legolas, he needed me..."

He looked over to the small pallet beside him, where Legolas had lain before... Before he had... Legolas had been fitting and then... he recalled the pain and the feeling of smothering darkness, the same feeling he had in his dream.

There was a small group gathered close around Legolas who was lying on another pallet on the other side of the fire. At least that was what it seemed. He could not see his son. He was the only thing he wanted, nay, needed to see.

"What is wrong with my son?" He looked at the other Elf, fear clear on his pale face as he struggled to rise. Where has my strength fled?

"Legolas is alright, Aran Thranduil. Doroniel is looking after him." Rochon hurried to reassure the worried King.

Thranduil was not comforted. "What do you mean Doroniel is looking after him? What is wrong? Tell me, what is happening to my son!"

"Legolas is fitting once more, or at least I think he is." Rochon quietly admitted.

"You think! I need to be with my son. Please, will you help me to him?" Thranduil was almost frantic. He needed to be with Legolas now.

"As you wish, Aran-nin." Rochon helped Thranduil stand. Perhaps with his Adar there, Legolas might recover faster.

It was not until Thranduil stood, that the pain in his feet flared to an excruciating level and he had to stifle a cry of agony. He leaned heavily on Rochon as the group beside Legolas parted so that he could move from his pallet to sit beside his son.

Doroniel was feeling Legolas' forehead as he sat down and she flashed him a quick worried look. Bremoline was mixing the herbs that Doroniel needed and Legolas…

Legolas lay rigid on his pallet. His arms were stretched above his head and locked upright. It appeared that the only way to get them back to his sides would be to break them. His fingers were stretched and splayed stiffly in a strange clawing posture, evident even with the bandages covering them. The blond head was thrown back in what looked like extreme pain, mirrored by the look on his face. It was frozen into a rictus of deep agony, his mouth open. It was just as it had been in his dream. Legolas made no sound. His silent screams of agony were more alarming than the keening of the previous seizure.

It was eerie, to say the least, eerie and very frightening. Absently, Thranduil realised that the air was heavy with that same feeling of malevolent evil that was so present in his dream.

"Rochon, make everyone move. The last thing Legolas needs is for them to see him like this. Give them things to do if necessary." He turned to Doroniel. "Is there nothing you can do for him?"

"All I can do for him is give him the herbs. To do anything more may harm him."

Almost at once the crowd dispersed. For that, Thranduil was grateful because almost immediately Legolas lost control of his bodily functions, as attested by the growing dark stain on the Elfling's blanket. Doroniel, as gently as she could, removed the wet blanket and covered him with the blanket from Thranduil's bed.

"That happens and is normal, do not worry." She tried to reassure the worried and scared Adar across from her.

"What has happened to Legolas' leg?" Thranduil's look of horror was plain for her to see. She groaned at herself. She should have remembered that Thranduil did not know about the Prince's broken leg.

"While you were sleeping, Legolas was having seizures." She tried to put it as delicately as she could to avoid upsetting him further. "Legolas kicked out at Lathron and caught him very hard in his gweth and we heard a loud crack." At that news, Thranduil looked to where the archer lay, still in a drugged sleep. "He will be fine. He will not want to ride his horse for a while. The crack came from Legolas. It was caused by the re-breaking of a healing fracture that the swelling had hidden. We have treated it as you can see. I am sorry, Aran Thranduil. I have failed in your trust." She hung her head in shame and there were tears welling in her eyes as she spoke the last.

"No, Heryn Doroniel, you have not failed me, or Legolas. I saw how swollen his leg was. The blame can all be laid directly upon the Orc that did this foul thing to my son. You have worked in poor conditions with limited provisions while injured yourself. I could not ask more of you than that. No, I still believe in your ability and trust you to look after my son. And please, Doroniel, we have been through this. My name is Thranduil. I am your friend, nothing has changed that."

"Hannon lle, Thranduil. Your trust is precious to me and I would not wish to lose it." She had to blink away the tears of gratitude as she looked down at the seizing Prince. He was still locked in the same quivering position as earlier. This did not seem like the same type of convulsion as before. This worried Doroniel greatly. She did not think it was caused by the fever. "Bremoline, how are you doing with the tea?"

"Just steeping, it will not be long before..."

A commotion at the mouth of the cave caught their attention and they looked up in time to see the guards stationed there drawing weapons, a mixture of swords and bow, with arrow knocked and ready to fire should it prove necessary.

"What is happening?" Bremoline called, still concentrating on the vital herbal tea he was brewing.

"We have visitors! There is movement and sound." One of the guards answered, not relaxing at all. Everyone who was able had their weapons ready.

Bremoline carried the goblet of medicinal tea and set it near Doroniel and Legolas before moving to his own bedroll to retrieve his sword.

"Who is it?" Thranduil could not believe this was happening. His son was convulsing and a battle was possibly on their hands. Thranduil got painfully to his feet and stood ready to defend his son. Bremoline brought Thranduil's sword and placed it in his hand then stood ready to fight beside his King.

"We cannot see clearly through the rain!"

All were tense in the cave. Even the two ellith had risen and brought their daggers to the ready position. Had Orcs come, seeking shelter from the ceaseless rains? Long minutes that seemed to last forever were finally broken by a cry from a distance away from the cave.

"Mae Govannen! I have returned with aid. May we approach?" They all knew that voice, and knew it well. It was their scout, Hethuaur.

Captain Bremoline looked to Thranduil for his approval, even though he knew it would be given, and gladly.

At Thranduil's nod, Bremoline called out. "Mae Govannen! You are most welcome Hethuaur. Minno!"

They all shared a shocked glance before the figures seemed to emerge from a silver curtain of driving rain to walk into the cave. It was Hethuaur returned earlier than expected with a small group of warriors and healers from Imladris.

Thranduil had never been so glad to see anyone in all his life...

The sword suddenly seemed far too heavy and he lowered it carefully but it almost slipped from his painfully tingling hand. His head felt light and giddy.

The group was incredibly wet and looked exhausted, as did the heavily-laden horses that followed them inside. The horses' heads drooped and they looked as if they had been ridden long and hard. They probably had been. That is the only way the group could have arrived here from Imladris this soon, but, where was Randis?

"Mae Govannen, Aran Thranduil. How may we help you?" Thranduil realised with a thrill of shock that the speaker in front of him was Gailarphen, Elrond's senior healer, first in charge of the healers of Imladris after Elrond.

"Legolas... Doroniel can tell you….better than I. I do not..." He broke off as the heavy feeling of evil grew more oppressive.

It felt like a malevolent weight was smothering him. He could see Doroniel speaking to him, but it was as if his head was leagues away from the words. He turned to see the Imladris healer lean over Legolas and say something, but all that seemed so distant. Even the burning pain of his feet faded into insignificance. He could not catch his breath once again and the more he tried the more it seemed to elude him. His chest was gripped with a crushing pain once again. Doroniel seemed to reach for him... but the darkness swallowed him once more...

---

OOOOOOO

---

To be continued…

---

OOOOOOO

---

Translation from Sindarin

(We're still learning, so expect mistakes.)

Edan, Edain – man, men

Elleth, ellith – elf-maiden, elf-maidens

Hir - Lord

Harn – wounded

Gweth - manhood

Hennaid – thanks

Legolas…daro…saes! – Legolas…stop…please!

Hannon lle – thank you

Heryn – lady

Min, tad, neled – one, two, three

Ardhon – world

Mae Govannan! – Well met!

Minno – Enter

---

Explanation of other terms.

Callus – the fusion of healing fractured bones. (Shell – correct please?) - Barbara

Yes, it is the formation of new bone that covers the fracture. – Shell

I don't advise trying the thing with the earlobe (back edge) on yourself. It hurts. If you do, tell us. LOL, I did it when Shell told me about it. - Barbara

As Barbara can advise the above really hurts, this technique is used in hospitals to waken patients after surgery as is the rubbing of the collar bone. I have used them in the past and they are very effective. They also hurt while it is being done. - Shell.

Creams and pastes used on burns currently are: Flamazine, Colomycin, Cicatrin, Bactropan and Sofra-Tulle - as in British National Formula page 518. Flamazine is the first to be used though. – Shell

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Authors' notes and Review answers.

Hm, a few Elves seem to be acting very odd. Don't they? Now why would that be?

Mwaaaahahahahahaha!

Hey friends, sorry if you think the story seems to move too slowly or gets mired in details. Shell and I are writing this one to amuse ourselves.

It is hurt/care/angst and full of elves, and their side-stories, because that is what we enjoy. We use our considerable personal knowledge and do a lot of research as well to get it as correct as possible.

We just hope you can enjoy the story too. It is always more fun to share.

– Barbara

Deana: Thank you and we are glad that you like Calandor.

Daw the minstral: You will have to wait and see what is causing the weather to be as it is. As for the evil twins cooking the food, remember Craban is watching them closely and 'teaching' them how to cook! Yes, Poor Thranduil. As for Legolas being scared of the Orc that will be covered in the next chapter...

Lyn: Firstly, I would like to say that your reviews are incredibly rude and you should tone it down before someone really takes offence. Also you might check out what the authors do for a living. As it is, I have been a nurse for 23 years. I have two degrees and am currently doing my third year at university taking a Ph.D in Biology.

In reply to your criticisms, creams are used on burns. The one used in England is Flamazine and, as I worked in the ER for 6 years, I have used it on burns. Also, if an unconscious patient cannot swallow they would drown from their own secretions as they sleep. If you give a tiny amount and are careful and patient, they will be able to swallow fluids unless their swallow reflex is damaged, as it can be with a stroke victim. Also this comment about sneak and duck. I went back over the chapter in question and neither of these appeared so we have no idea what it is that you are talking about. So please, before you go off the deep end at people, speak with them nicely first or don't bother reviewing the story. - Shell

Lyn, - I'll leave it at what Shell said. She was far more polite than I might have been. I accidently deleted your review for chapter three when trying to get rid of a random flamer's truly pathetic comment, but truthfully, I was tempted to just delete all yours too. There are proper and nice ways of giving constructive criticism.

Your way is not it. - Barbara

Kel: Aren't they just? He will be very, very soon, I promise.

Zammy: I know, I always liked that part, I just forgot it! You will have to wait and see what it is that is going on with Ruthwen, we wouldn't want to spoil it for you. Elrond is coming...

Karone Eventree: Wow, thank you. I hate spiders as well.

Mistopurr: I know what you mean, I am terrified of spiders myself and caused hilarity at Christmas when I found one in my bedroom. We got rid of it but I wouldn't sleep that night! We're glad you like Rithlin he is becoming a favourite of ours as well.

Sindauiel: Thank you and we are glad that you like the long chapters, this chapter is even longer!

I-murcuryuk: Thank you. You will ahve to wait and see what is happening with Ruthwen, here is your update.

Well that is all for now and we hope you enjoy this. Would you please review and tell us how we are doing?

Love,

SSS