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?

7. 7

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 our own fun and we surely don't make any money off them.

Warning – Scene shift. (Hey, we're ready for the pitchforks.)

Lots of angst and hurt/care. We repeat scenes from different viewpoints, with additions.

Note: very long chapter – 84 pages! We had to get you to where you all want to be somehow. Evil grin

(I was tempted to make you wait. Big Evil Grin - Shell)

Before you start, we know we are taking liberties with canon and its timeline here. Blame the Plot Bunnies.

We seem to have an Eveready Plot Bunny that just keeps going, and going, and going...and the Blot Punnies, they were vicious! Blame the weirdness on them. They made us do it.

The story is Alternate Universe to begin with, though heavily structured on Middle Earth history and research. Enjoy the show. It's all for fun anyway.

/indicates thought or vision/dream/

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Sindarin Vocabulary

(We are still learning. Corrections welcome, even encouraged!

I was misspelling Namarie earlier too. Oops. – Barbara)

Anor – Sun

Aran – King

Ardhon - World

Caun - Prince

DaerAda, DaerNana – (roughly) Grandfather, Grandmother

Elenath sila am le! - Stars shine upon you!

Elleth, Ellith – Elf-maiden, Elf-maidens

Fea – spirit, soul

Gwador – brother

Hannon lle – Thank you

Hervenn uin sell-nin – Husband of my daughter

Imladris – Rivendell

Meleth – (My) Love

Melethril, Melethron – (My) lover (fem., masc.)

Námo – true name of the Valar Mandos

Naneth uin Hervess-nin – Mother of my wife

Namarie – Farewell

Noro lim – Run fast

Penneth – Young one

Saes - Please

Suilad – Hail or Greetings

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Other explanations and definitions

Clouts – nappies, diapers

Friable - easily crumbled or pulverized - fragile

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By the way, does anyone want to do pictures or artwork for this story?

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Chapter Seven

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A gentle spring breeze shepherded the light clouds slowly across an azure sky as the merry sound of laughter filled the air.

Elrond Peredhil, Lord of Imladris, had a small smile of contentment on his face. It was a pleasure to hear the laughter of his sons, even if he did rather dread finding out what his twin hellions had been up to already this morning.

Even as that thought crossed his mind, an irate roar was heard from the small courtyard below. Glorfindel, it had to be the great Elven warrior, the legendary Balrog-Slayer, did it not? The twins had been warned to be on their best behaviour with their Edain hosts and, other than their own Grandparents and their guards, Glorfindel would be their obvious choice.

With a languid stretch, Elrond stood and made his way to the balcony. As he looked over, he saw the two pranksters, at least the back of their heads, beneath him. They were well hidden from Glorfindel in the evergreen hedges near the wall. He looked around and spotted his old friend. He had to stifle the gust of laughter that so wanted to leave him, though he could do nothing about the glimmer of mirth that shone from his eyes. He did not know what they had used, but it looked to be a combination of water and feathers. Whatever is was, his friend was soaked with it, his golden hair well-decorated with the feathers.

"Have they begun their antics already?" The amused voice came from behind him and he turned to see his mother-in-law standing there. She was smiling. It was that enigmatic smile that could so annoy at times, the one that said she knew things before they happened.

Elrond matched her grin. "Yes, Galadriel, I believe they have. Come, they have been here one whole day after all, and they behaved well while we traveled. I am surprised it took this long. They are young and they will have time enough to be serious later, if indeed they ever do become serious. I guess we had better warn Haldir and the others to be on their guard against their games."

"Indeed, you may be right about that. I will speak with Haldir and make certain they are aware of what the pair will and can do, though I believe they are familiar enough with their pranks from their visits to Lothlorien." Galadriel had joined him and watched as Glorfindel tried his best to find Elladan and Elrohir.

Elrond turned his face to the sun and enjoyed its warmth. "It is a relief to be here and no longer traveling. The weather behaved so strangely. I hope that Thranduil and his party travel in safety. Perhaps we should have waited at Imladris for him and traveled together. I am still surprised he agreed to come to the conference at all." Elrond mused. He was concerned about his old friend, aware that the Mirkwood King and his entourage had almost twice as far to travel to this important trade conference as they had just done. Thranduil also had more dangers to watch for while traveling through Mirkwood.

"He will be fine, Elrond. Aran Thranduil will recover. The one that worries me is the Prince." Galadriel was somber. It was unnerving to see. Her face normally appeared close to merry laughter.

"Legolas? What have you seen?" Elrond was surprised at her words. The Prince had been through so much in the recent year or more. Seeing your Naneth killed like that would take its toll on anyone, but they were now a year clear of the tragedy and word was that the Prince seemed to be recovering. Or maybe 'seemed' was the key word.

"I have not seen anything. I just have an uneasy feeling. I cannot put words to the feeling. I just feel... uncomfortable and worried. Almost as if something dire was about to happen. It does not sit well with me that I cannot see further." Galadriel had to admit the last. Unfortunately, she could not always tell if what she saw would come to pass, but not seeing? As if a huge cloud covered the small Prince? She shivered inadvertently. This reminded her of the events leading up to the loss of Queen Minerella. Her future had been shrouded from Galadriel's seeing then, as well.

Rarely did Galadriel's Mirror fail to show some possibility for a person's future even if dire and deadly, but it had remained dark when asked of Minerella's fate then, as it did now whenever asked of the young Prince of Mirkwood.

Elrond's sharp eyes did not miss her brief tremor. "Come, sit with me and enjoy Anor's warmth this morning. I will arrange tea. We start the negotiations on trade in herbs and the training of new healers this afternoon. We need you rested from our travels and in the best of health, not worried over something that may not have any grounding."

Galadriel seemed amused at his fussing. Elrond ushered her back to the table and made her sit as he talked. Yet, even as he spoke, a feeling of heavy foreboding filled him and he knew without a doubt that his words held false hope, but why and how he did not yet know.

He shook himself as the door to the chamber burst open and his sons entered, still laughing over their triumph over Glorfindel. They each gave a sketchy bow in greeting as their chuckles continued.

"Suilad, Ada, DaerNana. We thought we would..." Elladan began.

"…practice with our bows. We want to..." Elrohir carried on.

"…show Legolas our skill." Elladan finished. They both hurried to where their bows had been safely stashed in their father's chamber upon their arrival in Fornost.

"It will also keep you out of Glorfindel's way until he has calmed, no doubt." Elrond looked knowingly at his sons as they burst out laughing once more.

"You saw?" Elrohir was almost crying with laughter.

"His face was..."

"….so funny to see." They were practically holding each other up, their dark hair, so like their father's, fell over each other's shoulders.

Galadriel smiled indulgently once more and shook her head. Worry for the small Mirkwood Prince had once more been pushed to one side, though not totally forgotten.

Elrond thought to remind his mischievous sons of the serious nature of this trade conference. "Behave, please? No pestering the humans with your games. They do not know you as well as we do and could well take offence. Many of them already believe we do not take their concerns seriously enough."

Elrond tried to be stern, to convey the importance of his words but the happy glint of life that shone in his sons' grey eyes put a stop to that. Elrond was proud of his sons. They were growing into fine Elves who bore their responsibilities well, despite their frivolous reputations.

As soon as they had heard that Legolas would be coming with Thranduil to the conference, they had been determined to come along. Their reason was that they hoped to be able to help with Legolas' recovery. They also knew the pain of loss all too well.

Their mother, Celebrian, Elrond's beloved wife and daughter of Galadriel and Celeborn, had sailed from the Grey Havens to the Undying Lands to seek healing there about 250 years ago. Even now, the one thing that turned the twins aside from their frolicsome nature, and transformed them into deadly hunters, was any mention of Orcs. The foul creatures had been the reason behind Celebrian's departure for Valinor. They captured her and, before she was rescued from them, had wounded her in body and spirit beyond recovery on these shores. It seemed so long ago in human reckoning, but still fresh enough in Elven thought for the grief to be keenly felt by Elrond as well as her children.

The Peredhil twins had met Legolas when he was a very young Elfling and instantly adored him. So, as far as they were concerned, he was their friend and brother-in-heart even though there was no familial connection. Elrond was proud of them for that fact alone.

"We know Ada, we will behave properly. Besides, it will be more fun when Legolas arrives. We want to teach him how to shoot." Elrohir was earnest as he told his Adar their plans.

"You should wait and see if Aran Thranduil will allow it. He may not wish for Legolas to learn how to shoot with the bow. Come, I will walk you to the door. Galadriel and I wish for tea and some peace before we meet for the midday meal. When the signal bell rings you must come straight here. Saes, do not be late, that would be rude to our kind hosts."

Elrond added before they left his sight. "And do not wager with the Edain on your skills either."

Galadriel sat back and smiled as she let her family's voices wash over her. It was a rare moment of relaxation to be treasured. She felt for the deep connection she had with Celeborn. Yes, all was well. Her husband had asked Lord Bainen for a short tour of Fornost, leaving Galadriel to rest after their journey. The feeling she got from him spoke of polite attention to marginally interesting details, all that she had expected at this time.

Elrond returned and poured their tea. They settled back on the balcony for a time, simply watching as a group of Edain children played some sort of game that involved chasing a leather ball across the open green of the town. The children would shout and laugh with glee at times. They seemed so joyful and alive, yet it also filled the two older beings with a feeling of sadness to know that their lives would be but a blink in the lifetime of Elves.

"Spring blossoms will open fully soon. The season is late." Galadriel broke the comfortable silence.

"Yes, Arwen's favourite time of the year. She loves the blossoms." Elrond felt a little wistful at the thought of his young daughter. It had been decided that Arwen was too young to make the journey and she had remained at Imladris with her tutor, Erestor, to continue her studies.

"Yes, I know." Again there was that annoying smile. "This summer will be..." They both paused when a feeling of unease filled them. Together they turned and looked eastward, out over the balcony, at the vista before them. The sky was still the serene blue and the white fluffy clouds still meandered across the sky, yet...there was a great danger threatening. They could feel it.

Suddenly, they saw an enormous flash of lightning, seemingly out of nowhere, followed by a great deafening crash of thunder. They threw themselves under the table for protection and covered their sensitive ears against the loud crash.

And then, it was gone, as if out of nowhere. They both slowly stood and straightened themselves. Both blinked in confusion and looked around.

Nothing had changed. The children still played happily and the sky was still a brilliant blue. It was as if the lightning flash had never happened.

Elrond looked at Galadriel in confusion. "What was that?"

"A vision of sorts….or perhaps reality? You saw it clearly as well?" Her bright blue eyes looked knowingly into his.

"Yes, there was a lightning bolt and a thunder clap, all from a clear blue sky and a tree..." He tried to recall what else the fleeting glimpse had given him. "…a tree in flames and an Elfling. Legolas!" Elrond looked up in surprise, his grey eyes wide.

"Yes, I believe so, but has it happened? Or will it? That, neither of us can know for certain. Thranduil will have guards with him, whatever happens, they will have help. We can do nothing here." She raised her hand to smooth her hair back into place after her rapid dive to the floor. Once again, she was the calm, composed Lady of the Golden Woods that he had always known.

"I wish that we could be certain of that. If Legolas is hurt, Thranduil will be frantic. I have been in his place, or at least close enough. I am comforted by the knowledge that Celebrian will be waiting for me when I do decide to sail to the west. Thranduil does not have that hope. He has confided to me in missives that Legolas is the only thing keeping him in Middle Earth. I hoped that this trip would help and heal them both, but now it seems it puts them in greater peril."

"They will recover. You must have faith in that. Things happen for a reason. We may not know what that reason is for some time to come, but the reason will be made clear at the appointed time." Galadriel patted his arm gently "You have to believe that. I know you still grieve over Celebrian, as do I and her Adar, but I do also believe that there was a purpose, even for her leaving us so soon."

Elrond nodded, his eyes had grown sad and sombre as well. "I know, you have said…." The clear bell that was the signal for the midday meal pealed out over the city. The children on the green below them gave a yell of joy, as only children who are growing and always hungry could give, before they stampeded into the houses and huts around. "This discussion will have to wait. Our hosts will be expecting us. Let us pray that the Valar give us guidance to its meaning."

The two of them arose and left the chamber, perhaps looking much more calm and serene than either of them truly felt. They were met on their way to the great dining chamber by Glorfindel, much drier and calmer than he was when last seen. They looked at him with amusement and he did not miss the humor in their eyes. He glowered at them suspiciously, but nothing was said.

They had reached the dining hall when they were met by the innocent-looking twins.

"I would like a word with you two after the meal." Glorfindel practically growled at them both.

"Is there a problem, Glorfy?" Elrohir was all perfect innocence.

"You know very well that there has been a problem. Where were you all morning?" Glorfindel frowned at him. "And do not call me 'Glorfy'. My name is Glorfindel!"

"Of course it is, Glorfy." Elladan smiled agreeably at him in answer. "We were with Ada and Daer Naneth and then we went to the archery range to practice. Why? Did something happen?"

Glorfindel turned to his friends. "Were they with you?"

"Yes, they were, at about the time that we all heard you scream." Galadriel smiled, serenely, failing to add that it was after his bellow of rage.

Elrond had to look away. He would not miss this for all of Ardhon. Galadriel did not often aid her grandchildren in their mischief.

"We will talk later, Glorfindel. Now it is time to join our hosts for the meal." With that, they were ushered in and seated.

The meal was quiet and civil. Their Edain hosts, Lord Bainen and his wife, Lady Banwen, had been very generous, giving over an entire wing of their large home for the use of their Elven guests and had insisted that they take their meals with their family while they were there.

The only slight hitch in the arrangements so far was the fact that their eldest son, Amaruvdor, was definitely against any dealings with the Elves. His prejudice against the Elves was well-known in the town, but it mystified his parents. They had no idea what it stemmed from. He was also one of the merchant delegates chosen to speak at the trade negotiations of this conference called together here in Fornost.

It also seemed, because the twins appeared to be younger than he, that he assumed that he was their elder and behaved accordingly, or as he believed he should act around them. As yet, this had caused no problems, but Elrond was mindful of the situation and cautioned his sons to be tolerant.

Amaruvdor glowered at the Peredhil twins in particular through much of the midday meal and it was not a nice look. It took an elbow in his ribs from his father for him to look away.

Other than that, the talk was on niceties. That is, until just after the dessert was served. It was a delicacy of prepared dried fruits with fresh wild strawberries and looked gorgeous. Elrond had just taken a bite of the sweet when it happened.

Once minute he was calmly talking with Celeborn about the meeting that afternoon and the next, without warning, he had fallen sideways from his seat to lie stiffly prone on the floor, unresponsive, his eyes wide and staring.

The dining hall erupted into chaos. Glorfindel and Celeborn had risen from their places to help him when Galadriel's eyes rolled into the back of her head and she fell limply from her chair, joining Elrond on the floor.

The twins had seen this happen at times before with their Grandmother and their Adar. Still, it was startling when the visions overtook them so strongly. They had never seen it happen with both of them at once before.

Lord Bainen did not know what was going on, but he did know his Elven guests would not want to have an audience for this. "Clear the room! Everyone out! Amaruvdor, go call for the city guards, now, and take your mother to our apartments. Everyone is to remain under guard until we find out who is responsible for this poisoning."

Amaruvdor gave the Elves a darkly appraising and calculating look before he hastened to follow his father's orders, taking his mother by her arm and leading her reluctantly out of the dining hall.

Celeborn and the others were too occupied with Elrond and Galadriel to argue with the misconception that there had been a poisoning, but once the situation was under control, Rumil hurried to Lord Bainen's side and hastened to reassure him. He waited until there were no other Edain nearby before explaining.

"Peace, my Lord Bainen, please, there has been no poisoning. This is not unusual for the Lady Galadriel or Lord Elrond." He had to think quickly. Lord Bainen probably did not know about Elrond's gift of foresight and the Lord of Rivendell probably wished to keep it that way. "They both suffer from these 'seizures' from time to time. Although I have to admit that I have never before seen them both have one at the same time."

Bainen's eye grew wide with surprise. "Seizures? But, I always thought that Elves did not suffer from afflictions of any sort. You are Immortal, as my father always told us."

Bainen sounded absolutely shocked as he gazed incredulously at the young silver-blond Elf speaking to him. Even his youngest son, Rhovan, appeared to be older than he did. Could he really take this youth's word for it?

Luckily, Celeborn realised what their host had been thinking. He rose reluctantly from his wife's side. "Rumil, go help Glorfindel and Haldir to assist Elrond and Galadriel, I am sure they will recover very soon. He and your brother will need help. I fear that Elladan and Elrohir are more shocked than they show." He was shocked too, if the truth be told.

With a deep breath, he turned to his host. "Your father was correct, Lord Bainen, but I fear that he forgot to mention that we are also subject to injury or that we can be killed. Lady Galadriel has been having these 'seizures' for many, many years. They are nothing new and she will recover..." A low moan came from her direction. "….even as we speak. Lord Elrond still recovers from the loss of his wife, my daughter. The shock has caused him..." He swallowed thickly at the thought of his beloved daughter and of the unfortunate necessity of concealing the true condition of the two on the floor.

Fortunately, the Edain Lord took Celeborn's brief pause completely the wrong way and thought that the Elven Lord was upset about Galadriel and Elrond's current condition. "I am so sorry to hear that, Lord Celeborn. How long has it been since your daughter…I…I should not ask, my apologies. Should I send for Healer Mellroth?"

He could have kicked himself for both questions. The former should never have left his mouth and the latter should have been done automatically, without question, especially if he thought they had been poisoned.

"Please, Lord Bainen, it is Celeborn. We appreciate your concern, but no, a healer is not necessary. They really will recover very soon, though they will need to rest for a time this afternoon. Is it possible to re-arrange this afternoon's meetings for another day? I fear that Lord Elrond will not be up to meeting Master Healer Mellroth for their scheduled negotiations."

Celeborn glanced back and was pleased to see Haldir and Rumil help Galadriel back to her chair. Glorfindel and Elladan still leaned closely over Elrond, though he was moving again. Elrohir knelt near them, concern clear on his face. It had been several decades since Elrond had last fallen in a trance like this.

"Of course, Celeborn, and please, call me Bainen. I can make the arrangements without undue problem. Do they require anything more that I can provide?" The human Lord was eager to help with his charming guests. He was extremely relieved that no harm had come to them in his home. This was his first experience with dealing with the Elves and he found them to be much more pleasant folk than he had been led to believe.

"No, I thank you, but once Lord Elrond has recovered sufficiently I will have them taken to their chambers. I can continue with our negotiations this afternoon, by all means. I will perhaps be a little late, if you would make apologies to the assembly for me?" Celeborn needed to be certain that they were both unharmed before he would feel right leaving them.

"I can understand that and I would gladly delay proceedings for you." He turned to his butler. "Fyne, will you please make sure there is fresh water provided for our guests? Bring them anything they require. Let my son know that the guards will not be necessary. Also, please inform Lady Banwen that our guests are well. She will be worried."

Celeborn returned to his seat, pleased to see that Elrond was aware of his surroundings again as the twins helped him up and into his seat once more.

Elrond and Galadriel both looked pensive and also a little confused, but that was normal in the aftermath of a particularly strong vision.

"Elrond, how do you feel?" Celeborn looked him over, concern clear in his eyes. He had already silently inquired of Galadriel that she was unharmed and been reassured.

Elrond blinked back at him, still slightly dazed. "I am well. We must speak of it as soon as we can. I need to know what happened with Galadriel."

He had been able to keep his wits about him with the help of his sons and Glorfindel. They had whispered to him, in Elvish, what had happened and what had been told to their host as soon as he seemed able to understand.

"Good, I had no doubt of that. Are you well enough to make it to your chamber? And you, Galadriel?"

Galadriel nodded and sent a reassuring smile to their anxious host as well. "Yes, Meleth, I can make it that far. Elrond?" Galadriel was regaining her composure rapidly.

"Yes, I believe I can. I am well. Would you two please stop worrying?" The last was to Elladan and Elrohir, who were hovering over him like over-protective mother hens.

"You scared us, Ada." Elladan's voice was unusually subdued.

"I know and I am sorry, Ion-nin. I did not mean to." Elrond shakily raised a hand to pat Elladan's hand which still gripped his shoulder from behind his chair. He had not often felt this drained after a vision. Only the very strongest visions caused this to happen to him and they were fortunately rare. The majority of his visions were more like waking dreams or, like the one earlier, vivid flashes of sight.

"Let us get you both settled in your rooms to rest." Glorfindel's voice did not brook any argument and within minutes the blond warrior had the situation well in hand.

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Twenty minutes later, the two were seated in front of the fire in the suite of chambers given over for Galadriel and Celeborn's use. They had been served hot sweetened tea after they had finished the Miruvor that Celeborn insisted that they imbibe. They were both still far too shaken and pale for his satisfaction, although the miruvor had helped greatly.

Elladan and Elrohir sat at their feet and nothing would make them leave. Glorfindel was standing slightly behind them and Haldir, as head of the Galadhrim, was also present.

"No talking until you are both sufficiently recovered." Celeborn's tone was stern.

"I am fine, Celeborn. It was but a short vision, though quite powerful." Elrond shivered with the intensity of what he had seen. Elladan took his Adar's hands in his and chaffed them to warm them. They were not ice-cold but they were not exactly as warm as they should be either. His hands were normally quite warm, even in cold weather. Elrond seemed to be more physically affected by the vision than Galadriel had been.

"I agree with Elrond. The vision was unsettling, to say the least. Elrond, did you see what I saw?"

"If you saw a frightened Elfling surrounded by overwhelming darkness and in great danger, then yes."

Galadriel sighed and raised a hand to rub away the last of her post-vision headache. "It is as I feared. Celeborn, I believe that Aran Thranduil and his party have met with great danger in their journey."

Celeborn inquired gently. "I see, and what have you seen that makes you believe that this has definitely happened?" He watched as his wife shivered and moved to re-arrange the blanket that he had placed over her lap.

"Elrond and I also shared a vision this morning..." She was interrupted as her husband sighed.

"I see, and when were you going to inform me of this, Meleth?" His right eyebrow rose at both of them, making them feel like naughty Elflings once more. The twins grinned at each other at the rare sight. Celeborn was the only person they knew who could get away with speaking thus to their Adar.

"You would have been told after the meal had ended, Meleth. It happened just before the midday bell rang and was very short, a flash and nothing more."

"What did you see?" Celeborn sounded long-suffering as he looked at Galadriel with concern clear in his eyes. Sometimes he really wished that she would take better care of herself. He often worried when she was alone. She could fall into the fire, down the stairs or anything really, when the visions affected her like this.

Elrond's voice was distant, with the tone he always took when recalling a vision. "A flash of lightning, a thunder clap, a burning tree and an Elfling caught in the tree."

"What makes you believe that it was connected to Thranduil?" Glorfindel asked from where he stood behind Elrond.

"It was not just any Elfling in the vision, it was Prince Legolas. There was no mistaking him." The twins were not the only ones who gaped in shock.

Galadriel's face was sorrowful as she nodded. "The second vision also was about the young Prince. He is in dire danger. There is a great evil being leveled at him, from within and without. He was very frightened and called out desperately for help."

"As I saw in my vision, he is injured and in great need of me. I must go to him." Elrond tried to rise, but found he was yet still too shaky to complete the move easily.

Celeborn gently pushed him back down into the chair. "We must discuss this further, Elrond. It is clear you are not yet able to go anywhere. How do you know that Legolas has been injured? It could be a vision of the future, a warning." It was Galadriel who answered him.

"Queen Minerella came to me in my vision and spoke to me. Both Legolas and Thranduil were injured in the lightning strike, two others as well." Elrond looked up in surprise. This he had not seen. Their visions were connected, but not the same.

"I believe it has happened. Elrond can tell you, I have been unsettled as to the future of the Prince for some time. Prior to this vision, his fate has been hidden from me as though a curtain had been drawn between us, as it was with Minerella. Perhaps the curtain has been blown aside for a time?"

Silence fell over the room as they all contemplated this news. No one doubted the truth of it. Galadriel never spoke of her visions lightly. When she told their message, it was wise to take heed.

The silence was broken by Celeborn. "Haldir, bring out the maps. We need to determine where Thranduil and his party could be. Glorfindel, do you know how many he planned to have traveling with him?"

Celeborn turned to Elrond and Galadriel. "You two will rest for the remainder of this day. If you are correct and have read the vision correctly, Elrond, you will need to leave come the morning and you cannot do that if you are still vision-weak. I want you both to your beds, now. Elladan, Elrohir, help them for me? I have plans to make and provisions to arrange and then I must meet the council assembly as well."

"DaerAdar, we wish to go with Ada." Elladan began, as Elrohir nodded his head to agree with his gwador.

"No!" Elrond's voice was sharp. "We will need to move swiftly and I would prefer you to stay here with your DaerNana."

"But, Ada!" Elrohir began but his father cut him off again, holding up a hand to forestall any more protests.

"No! Please be sensible, Ion-nin. If you are here, then I know that you are safe and well. It will be one less worry on my mind. Saes, do this for me?" Elrond truly was worried for his sons. He felt a threat over all of them, connected to the vision, but vague as yet. They had no idea what they were going to walk into, nor did he know that Legolas would be in a condition that he was willing for them to see.

Haldir spoke as he re-entered the chamber. "I will offer to accompany you, Hir Elrond. You will need guards for protection as you travel, if that is acceptable to you, Hir-nin?" Haldir looked to Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel for permission to go, since he was in their service. It was readily given.

"Thank you, Haldir. That would be wise, but remember we must travel fast." The Lord of Imladris broke off with a yawn, much to his embarrassment.

"You may pick your men, Haldir." Celeborn agreed with the arrangements. He then turned to Galadriel as she tried to hide a yawn as well. "As for you two, off you go to your beds, especially you, Elrond. I do not think that your sons will argue after your sensible plea, will you?" He turned to each of them as he spoke with a look that said they would be foolish to disagree.

"No, DaerAdar." They each hurried to their father and grandmother's side and helped them to their feet. "Come, you both need to rest." Elladan's voice sounded wise beyond his years and surprised them all. He sounded very much like his father.

Glorfindel looked down at his friend with a determined gleam in his eye. "We will make all the arrangements for you while you rest. Leave it with us, Elrond. I will be coming to help as well. I have no other responsibility at this time but your safety."

It was interesting to see the twins 'mothering' their Adar and would be great ammunition for later, in less stressful times. Who it would be used against, Glorfindel did not yet know. There were many pranks that needed answered and he had some ideas for the future, when it would be more appropriate. He smiled at them as they assisted Elrond to his feet, in spite of his protests that he was quite capable of rising on his own.

Elrond's sharp, yet tired gaze met Glorfindel's with a frown but then he smiled and nodded before letting himself be led to his own chamber.

oo

An eerie fog shrouded the early dawn, giving the beginning of this day an otherworldly feel. The flickering torch lights that stood rooted along the pathways were shrouded by the cold swirling mists and added an even greater feeling of being separated from the rest of the world. The grey clouds that hung low overhead threatened rain, or snow if it grew any cooler.

The long cruel winter past seemed reluctant to release these lands even now, when early crops should have been nearly ready to harvest, but late freezes had destroyed them.

After the fall's floods and crop failures and the extremely long and hard winter, the resulting lack of food stores was the compelling reason behind this trade conference in Fornost. Food would be scarce throughout the land this year. They had to trade for necessities or many would starve. The Elven Kingdoms would also feel the pinch, but they were willing to trade a portion of their stores of food to help their human allies.

It was the kind of chill spring morning where those who must be up and about wished to stay in the warmth of their beds. Even so, a small group was meeting in the courtyard outside the large house of the Lord of Fornost. The structure was imposing, made of heavy cut stone. It seemed more designed for the taste of dwarves than of men, or elves. All the elves had been uneasy when they had first sighted it.

Elrond and Glorfindel, with Haldir and a group of four other elves, were preparing to depart. Their numbers were kept deliberately small so that they could move fast, thus reach Thranduil and his party quickly. Elrond's sense of urgency had not diminished since his visions the day before.

Galadriel, Celeborn, Elrohir and Elladan watched as they finished the loading of their horses. Elrond still moved slower than was normal for him, after the two visions he had experienced the day before, but nothing could persuade him to delay, not when he knew with certainty that his healing skills were urgently needed.

"We are ready now, Elrond." Glorfindel stepped around the rear of his stallion. He had insisted that Elrond would not lift a finger that morning. The swift ride would be strenuous enough for him under these circumstances.

"Good, then we will be on our way. Galadriel, please give my sincere apologies to Lord Bainen and the council and say that we will return as soon as we possibly can. I would like my meeting with Mellroth as soon as possible after we get back. If we are fortunate, we will find that Thranduil has reached Imladris and found aid there. It is likely they were not far from there."

Elrond was worried. One of the first things he had done after resting the previous evening had been to go to the healing ward with Glorfindel to supplement his herb bags. What he had found had filled him with dismay. How the Edain healers could work in those appalling conditions he really did not know.

The sooner they could begin instructing the Edain healers, the better it would be. One of the first things he would absolutely insist on would be the tearing down of the current so-called healing ward. His stomach had churned at the over-crowded, unsanitary conditions. Hygiene, either personal or professional, was practically non-existent. If he had his way the whole thing would be torn down, burned and started anew. This could not continue.

The sick or wounded were literally lying so close to each other that it left no room for the healers to work between them. And dirty! The floor had been covered in moldy blood-soaked straw, old blood at that. The straw had not been changed in quite some time. They operated in the same small badly-lit chamber that the patients ate and slept in. The dark, smoky chamber was so stuffy that the air was almost fetid. He did not think that the windows could open even if they were meant to, the dirt was so thick. Even the horse-stables were cleaner.

Their herb stocks had been practically useless at best, badly labeled and so old that many had crumbled to useless powder. The person who was supposedly an herbalist had not known of many of the herbs Elrond had asked for. It was no wonder that Fornost had such a high death rate. The 'healing care' was literally killing their patients.

Mellroth was the Master Healer of Fornost. Be assured, he and Elrond would have a very interesting conversation when he returned.

"I will make certain that Lord Bainen and Mellroth know of your wishes." Galadriel looked him in the eye. "It was worse than you expected?"

They had all discussed their concerns during their journey to Fornost. Elrond had been asked to inspect their Infirmary 'to make it more efficient' while he was there. It had also been proposed that they establish trade in healer training and herbal lore and stocks.

"Yes, much worse. Celeborn, you will propose the changes we spoke of last night?" Celeborn would be beginning some of the changes while he was away.

"Yes, have no fear. I will speak with Lord Bainen before the mid-day bell." Celeborn nodded to Elrond.

"Hannon lle, I am sorry, but I feel we must go now. I will keep in contact as we ride. Saes, Galadriel, if you have any more visions, please contact me?" That was one of the advantages of being a Bearer of one of the three Elven Rings of Power, they could easily mind-speak if it became necessary to do so, though Galadriel had that ability naturally as well.

"Be at ease, Elrond, you will know should it occur. Be careful and may the Valar ride with you, Mellon-nin, and keep you safe. Elenath sila am le!" Galadriel raised her hand in farewell which Elrond did in return. "We will also make certain that Elladan and Elrohir behave and are kept safe here."

Elrond looked fondly to his twin sons, who were still unhappy because they had been forbidden to accompany their Adar. "You two behave now. I count on you to take care of your DaerNana while I am gone." He hugged each of them and kissed their brows in farewell.

"Hannon lle, Namarie!" With swift grace they all mounted and with a last nod at the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood, they began the long journey to reach their friends.

Between them, Celeborn and Glorfindel had worked out that Thranduil's party should be about half-way to Fornost, or more, if the weather had been kind to them.

They had also packed extra provisions. It seemed likely that the party would be running low on all things, including their healing supplies, if four or more had been injured. Elrond prayed that Legolas was not as badly hurt as he feared.

By mid-morning they had left Fornost far behind and were again riding through open land with a few small villages and isolated farmsteads spotted about. It was rather sad to see the withered and rotting vegetation in the farmer's fields. There was very little that the farmers could do to prevent this from happening. It was all in the hands of the Valar.

They rode south and would continue until the road joined with the Great East Road. They would then turn east, retracing their route taken while traveling to Fornost, and follow it until they found Thranduil. They all knew he should be well past Imladris by now.

Normally, Thranduil would have been with them in Fornost by now, enjoying the comforts that their hosts had provided for them, but it seemed, whatever happened, the word 'normal' never seemed to apply to the Mirkwood Royal Family. Elrond prayed that they would reach them in time, that what he feared was possible would not come to pass. It would be Middle Earth's great loss if it did.

While the road passed beneath him, Elrond's mind wandered to the first time that he had met the charming little Elfling Prince. From the very first it seemed he was destined for great things.

oo

Legolas had been born almost a full month too early and had been very small and frail. For a time, it was thought he would never see his first begetting day. Thranduil and Minerella had been seriously cautioned that if Legolas did survive, he possibly would not be like other Elflings. It was possible that he would be slow and have difficulty understanding what was happening around him, at best. At worse, he could be severely handicapped and never live a productive life.

To the Royal Couple's horror, Heleg, the healer who attended the Queen and the tiny Elfling, had actually suggested it might be best if they simply allowed the small baby, who struggled for each breath and had not even opened his eyes, to pass on to Mandos' Halls.

Thranduil had coldly told the Elven healer that he could never be persuaded to allow that to happen, that, if the tiny Elfling survived, even if he was 'impaired' (how he came to hate that word) it would not matter, for Legolas would still be loved and wanted.

Minerella had vowed that her child would live as long as she had strength to protect him. She would not see him die. She would give her own life first.

Thranduil had raged at the healer then, telling him he could not believe that he would suggest such an awful thing. If Thranduil ever found out that Heleg had allowed this to happen with other Elflings, he would have charges of murder brought against him.

Thranduil also declared that he had no place in his realm for anyone who would consider such a heartless, heinous thing, even if he had thought it was better for the family. Thranduil considered banishment as a merciful alternative to his first inclinations toward the healer.

Heleg left Mirkwood a week later, recalled to Imladris by Elrond for 'further training'. He did not know, but it had been at Thranduil's request. Elrond could still remember the true horror he had felt when reading the missive that Thranduil had written to him that night.

For any healer to behave, or believe, that way was unthinkable. It was the Valar's decision who should be returned to them, not any healer. He had readily recalled Heleg and had worked closely with him for the next five years. The years had been hard work, for Heleg had become set in his ways and had developed ideas that others would not even consider, let alone use. It was a great pity, for Heleg had once been a very fine healer with an open heart and had been willing to help all who came to him. He had even traveled over much of Mirkwood, going where he was needed.

In the meantime, Legolas had surprised them all. He had held on to life with a determination that brought tears to the eyes of the hardest, strongest warrior. With the unceasing care of his Naneth and nearly a month after his birth, he finally opened those startling blue eyes and smiled at his Adar. It had been the happiest day for the woodland realm since Queen Minerella had announced she was expecting Mirkwood's Heir. The news had flown around the Palace and the Realm.

For Thranduil, it had been vindication that he was right. When Legolas had looked at him, he was certain that his son had known him. The bright intelligence in the tiny child's gaze had taken his breath away.

Legolas had been a little slow at reaching his development milestones as he grew in the first few years, but he did make them. The day he called out 'Ada' had left both Thranduil and Elrond, who had been visiting to discuss Heleg, in tears of joy.

From that day on, Elrond had known that nothing would stop the little Elfling, or Dian Las, as everyone in Mirkwood called him. Truly, he was small, but he would march around and refuse to be carried, so small and dainty yet so full of fire and determination.

Elrond knew Legolas was meant to do something great in the future, though he could not see what as yet, but with time he was sure it would become clear. Until then, he would aid the Prince in any way he could.

Heleg never returned to Mirkwood. He had eventually become so 'wrong-minded' that Elrond could not let him practice as a healer any longer. Thranduil suspected, and Elrond agreed, that the growing darkness of Mirkwood had wrought these changes in the Elf. Heleg left soon after for the Undying Lands, to find peace there, but before he left, Thranduil brought Legolas to see him in Imladris.

The old healer had cried as he held the small, bewildered Elfling with the wide blue intelligent eyes. He had realised then the folly of his ways and begged forgiveness from Thranduil, his King, and Elrond, his teacher. Forgiveness had been swiftly given. The visit turned out to be a joyful one with much healing on both sides.

None could believe how lively the little golden-haired whirlwind was. He never seemed to stop, unless he was asleep. Elrond had worried, however, that he hardly seemed to have an appetite, but when he examined Legolas, he found him to be healthy, so he stopped worrying.

It had been during these days that Elladan and Elrohir had grown to love the small Prince. He was always eager to be with them, to share their adventures and to join in their fun. When it was time for Thranduil to take Legolas back to Mirkwood and his mother, they had tried to hide Legolas so that he could stay with them. It was mostly done in jest, but the sentiment was sincere.

Elrond smiled ruefully, they had not been the only ones with that thought. Arwen had mothered Legolas to an extent that amazed them all. In the evenings, he would sit happily on her lap as they listened to the Minstrel as he sang in the Hall of Fire. Arwen was also the only one in Imladris who could get the Prince to bathe. She had even made her sleeping chamber ready to hide him so that Thranduil could not take him away. He still remembered how broken-hearted she had been when they did leave.

Arwen had not been the only one who missed Legolas when he was gone, either. Elrond sneaked a sideways look at the stern visage of his friend. Glorfindel had been amazed at how intelligent and eager to learn Legolas had been, even at that young age.

The Elfling had practically worshiped the mighty Balrog-Slayer and loved to hear the tale of his fight with the Balrog. Though Glorfindel hated to be reminded of his painful past and could not normally be persuaded to tell the tale, he had found that he could not resist those beseeching eyes and the Prince's rapt expression afterwards.

He would sit next to Arwen in the Hall of Fire, re-telling the old story. Needless to say, the story would draw an interested audience each time it was told, though Glorfindel seemed oblivious to any but Legolas, telling the tale for him alone. Legolas would listen intently, not missing a word and 'oooooing' and 'aaahhhing' in all the right places, never tiring of the tale.

No, the Prince was too well-loved to risk ignoring these visions and possibly losing him as a result. They would all do what they could to keep the Elfling here with them. Elrond believed that the golden-haired Elfling was fated to have tales told of his own great deeds someday as well.

"Is something amusing you, Mellon-nin?" Glorfindel spoke to him from his galloping stallion, breaking Elrond's chain of thought.

"I was just recalling when Thranduil first brought Legolas to see us and to say Namarie to Heleg before he sailed." Elrond's smile was bright.

"Yes, he was rather adorable. I recall all the trouble you had keeping your children from kidnapping him and starting a war between Imladris and Mirkwood!" They both laughed at Glorfindel's comment. They also both knew it would never come to that, Thranduil and Elrond were too connected. They loved each other as brothers, and would never think of doing such a thing. There could never have been a war over an Elfling because he was too well-loved. What a thought! Elrond's smile widened at the idea.

Glorfindel looked around, seeking a word with Haldir. They agreed that this would be a good time to stop and let the horses rest while they ate.

It was a small sheltered clearing and now that the sun had burnt off the last of the chill morning mist, it had become a fine spring day. For Elrond, it was a relief to get off his horse. His muscles were still incredibly sore and stiff since the visions of yesterday.

In a way, calling their physical effect on him a 'seizure' was correct. It had caused all his muscles to tighten and seize. The aftermath left him weak, not that he was going to complain to Glorfindel or Haldir about that. They needed to move fast and he would not hold them up. He had gone to battle in far worse shape before, surely he could manage a simple ride?

As their horses grazed and rested, they enjoyed a lunch of a mixture of fresh bread and fruits, courtesy of their Edain hosts. Most of the fruit was dried, it was true, apart from a few apples and some small fresh strawberries that Rumil had spotted growing wild not far from where they had stopped and the bread would only last today. They still had a supply of lembas for later.

A shadow stopped the warmth of the sun from reaching Elrond where he sat and he looked up lazily to find Glorfindel hovering over him with a goblet in his hands.

"Lord Celeborn instructed me to give you a goblet of this at every stop we make for the next two days. I keep my promises. Drink it, all of it." Glorfindel's voice was stern and had an edge to it that Elrond was more than familiar with. There would be no arguing with him.

He raised his right eyebrow at Glorfindel, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth. "Oh and what is it? Not that I cannot guess." If he was to have a wager with the others in the party, his money would have been on Miruvor.

Glorfindel did not answer but handed him the goblet. Elrond took it, taking a small sniff to let the pleasantly sweet smell of the strengthening Elven cordial relax him. He had been right. It was indeed Miruvor. He drank it slowly as he ate and could feel its magical properties chasing the heaviness and ache from his limbs. He wasn't even aware that he had closed his eyes as he sat there in the warm sunlight.

Celeborn knew what he was doing when it came to herbs and Miruvor in particular. Elrond had noticed his tendency in the past to practically drown Galadriel with it while she recovered from a particularly violent or protracted vision. Perhaps he should do likewise. There was already a good-sized stock kept for use in the House of Healing at Imladris.

"Elrond? Elrond! Are you well, Mellon-nin?" Glorfindel's anxious voice brought him back from his wandering thoughts and he looked up once more to find him peering in his face with a worried look. "Are you able to continue on your own, or do you need to ride with me?" He had been trying to get Elrond's attention for the last few minutes without success. The others were all ready to continue on their way, apart from Elrond.

Elrond looked around in shock. The others had all finished their repast and were ready to mount their horses. They watched with worried frowns. This included Haldir, who he suspected had been told to watch and guard him with an eye to more visions. He would not expect any less from the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien. He finished the last strawberry and drained the last of his Miruvor before standing.

"I am well and can manage on my own, thank you, Glorfindel."

For one long moment he was tempted to call him 'Glorfy', just to see what his reaction would be, but sanity returned. Now was neither the time nor the place. He would also not humiliate his friend in front of the guards from Lothlorien, although they all knew of the nickname the twins had landed him with.

"Are you sure? I have been calling you..." Glorfindel could not stop his worry from growing. Often, visions took a lot out of the Half-Elven Lord and for him to have two in such short time... well it did not sit well with him. That Elrond was having visions at all seemed a portent of troubled times coming.

"I was thinking. That is all. I did not hear you." He quickly packed his goblet and plate away as he spoke. "We are ready?" He moved to his own mare and swiftly mounted. Glorfindel copied him with a low sigh. Seconds later, they were on their way once more.

They were traveling at a good pace as day turned to twilight and a cold wet wind began to blow from the east. They took another short break then to rest their horses, and for Elrond to have another goblet of Miruvor, before they continued once more.

The stars had just begun to shine from the dark curtain of the night sky when Elrond's mare, Thalagur, gave a soft whinny and shifted closer to Glorfindel's stallion, Corutal. Glorfindel looked across at his friend, startled by the sudden movement. Elrond's eyes were wide and staring once more. He was in the grip of another vision.

Even as Glorfindel watched, Elrond began to slide away from him. The loyal and trusted mare compensated for her rider's shift and moved to counter it. She thus prevented him from slipping unceremoniously from her back. At the speed they were moving he could have been seriously injured by the fall, if not accidentally trampled by the horses that galloped close behind him.

Glorfindel kneed Corutal closer to Thalagur and reached out to grab Elrond's arm to hold him safe. The others in the party realised what was happening then and they all began to slow. Haldir quickly moved his horse, Cellavorn, so that he flanked Thalagur and he could aid Elrond as well.

With both Haldir and Glorfindel guiding, the beleaguered horse was slowed to a trot and then to a walk. Finally, with the help of both Cellavorn and Corutal, Thalagur stopped and waited patiently for the other Elves to help her master.

Glorfindel held gently to Elrond's arm to steady him as Haldir slid off Cellavorn's back and hurried around to hold Elrond as Glorfindel did the same.

As Glorfindel steadied Elrond, he could feel his muscles contracting spasmodically with the force of the vision. If Elrond's muscles had already been stiff and sore, as Glorfindel suspected from surreptitiously watching him earlier, it would be doubled now. He hoped he had brought enough Miruvor and herbs for pain, though he also knew Elrond would deny needing them.

When Elrond had been eased safely down to Haldir's strong arms, Glorfindel hurried to join them. His eyes were still wide and staring as they settled him on the ground. Glorfindel looked around him. Luckily, this would be a good place to stop and wait for Elrond to recover.

They spoke to the horses, telling them to rest and eat while they could, then they released them. They would not go far from their Elven riders willingly and would come if called. They also acted as extra sentries, ever watchful for danger to themselves and their riders.

"Rumil make certain that there are no Orcs or other dangers near. We will need to wait for Elrond to recover before we can carry on. Take Brethil with you." Glorfindel nodded and smiled at the young Galadhrim. He could read the worry in the eyes and posture of each one in the small group. Something useful to do would also help to ease their tension.

"Of course, Glorfindel." The pair hurried silently from the clearing.

Glorfindel took the opportunity to look to the other two in their small group. Mund was already making a small fire that would help keep Elrond warm. If this was anything like his last vision, he would need that warmth.

Rhovan stood guard, on the alert for anything that could constitute a threat to them. Glorfindel was about to comment on how proficient Haldir's men were when Elrond gave a low moan and his eyes closed. They blinked open again almost lazily. His grey eyes showed confusion once more.

"Rest easy, Mellon-nin. We have stopped for a short time, so lay back and recover." Glorfindel's sharp blue eyes caught the tell-tale tremor in his friend's long-fingered hands. "Haldir can you get the Miruvor from my pack and a blanket? We will also need some hot water for tea." He pulled Elrond's heavy cloak a bit closer around him.

"Will you want some willow bark for his pain?" Haldir was already rising. Glorfindel noticed that Elrond did not object to the suggestion, but he may have still been dazed.

"Yes, but some hot tea as well, he is shivering." Glorfindel took Elrond's hands into his. They were just as chilled as he expected them to be. He would need to keep a watch on Elrond. For him to have so many visions in such a short space of time could seriously lower his strength and resistance to the elements. He would feel the cold more keenly that he normally would. He always worried that his friend's human heritage would suddenly let its presence be known. Unlikely as that was it still worried him.

"I am alright, Glorfindel. It was a short vision. I will recover quickly." Elrond winced at how weak his voice sounded and knew that it would not help convince Glorfindel.

Glorfindel shook his head slightly and spoke softly. "Is that why you are shivering and your muscles cramping? You can barely talk! Stop being so hard-headed, Mellon-nin, and let us look after you until we are satisfied that you can continue. You will also take the tea and Miruvor, as well as eat the food you are given, without complaint. Do I make myself clear?"

Glorfindel did a wonderful imitation of Celeborn with his raised eyebrow and confident manner that said that the Balrog Slayer expected him to comply with his wishes.

Elrond felt just as he did when Celeborn spoke to him thus. "I understand, but I do think that you are enjoying this just a little too much, Mellon-nin." He glowered at Glorfindel.

"I am thinking only of you, Elrond. It is a long ride and, as you say, we need to be quick."

Elrond's brow furrowed. "More than you realise. Legolas is in dire trouble. This vision showed that he is close to being consumed by darkness. That was all I saw this time, Glorfindel, deep darkness. It was almost like being smothered. A threat of impending doom was clear. We must hurry to get there in time. Thranduil needs us." Elrond tried to push himself up onto his elbow, but fell back with a groan as the muscles in his arms and back cramped once more.

"We will rest here while you recover, you cannot ride as you are." Glorfindel looked up as Haldir brought a filled goblet. He handed a blanket to Glorfindel, who draped it over Elrond to protect him from the chill wind, at least.

"You have about half a skin of Miruvor left, but I also have an almost full skin. Lord Celeborn felt that we might have need of it. I am under strict orders to be certain that Hir Elrond has a drink at every stop that we make. He made certain that we all had at least one skin each." Haldir grinned at the pleased expression that crossed Glorfindel's face.

Glorfindel smiled down at Elrond. "It seems I am not the only one who worries about you, Mellon-nin, or who understands that you refuse to admit to being weakened following a vision. You will drink every drop from this goblet then you will eat what is given to you. Only when I am sure that you have recovered sufficiently will we continue on our way and not before. You will also ride with me. It is only because Thalagur is more sensible than her rider that you are in one piece and not dashed beneath the hooves of our horses!"

Elrond opened his mouth to protest, but Glorfindel shook his head and would not give him the chance to speak. "I do not want to hear it, Elrond. You either accept what I say or we stay here until you do. Either way, you will rest."

Elrond sighed deeply. He knew that when Glorfindel was in this pedantic mood there was no way anyone or anything could change his mind. He also knew when to give in with grace. Arguing would only waste time and take strength he did not have to spare for it. "I will do as you say, although I will be riding…"

"No, you have not listened to me, Mellon-nin. You will be riding with me, so that, if you have another vision, you will be safe and we can continue to ride. If Legolas is in as much danger as you believe, then we need to continue on our way as quickly as possible. That way you are safe and we can get to Legolas. Now drink!" Glorfindel gave Elrond a pointed look as Haldir still held out the goblet with his face a carefully neutral mask. He was used to these two and their quarrelsome friendship.

Gazing at Glorfindel with an irritated expression, but knowing when he was well and truly beaten by logic, Elrond took the goblet. He needed both hands as they still shook slightly with the tremors that came as an aftermath of the vision. A small amount slopped over the side and he was thankful it was not hot or he would have burnt his hand and he did not think he could stand the I-told-you-so look he would get from his friend.

He drained the goblet then sighed with relief as the feeling of warmth flowed through him. He would be sure to keep a stock of this for his own use in future, it really did help. Though, Valar willing, he would not have such intense visions again to need it.

"Here, have some lembas and fruit. You know it will help you to recover. I will also bring you some tea when the water is hot." As Glorfindel was speaking, Rumil and Brethil returned. "Stay there, Elrond. Haldir, please stay with him while I speak with your brother?"

At Haldir's nod, he stood and hurried to meet Rumil while Brethil spoke in low tones to the others.

Rumil did not wait before giving his short report. "There are no signs of Orcs or goblins about and no signs of wolves or Wargs either. How is Hir Elrond?"

"Recovering, but still being stubborn. He is trying to convince us that he is well." He had to smile at the small snort of laughter that the Lothlorien warrior tried to stifle. "He forgets that we have all known him for far too long. I have informed him that when we continue he will be riding with me. I would not put it past him to try to mount Thalagur just to prove his point!" Glorfindel grinned at the idea of Elrond doing just that.

"That could be amusing to watch. Thank the Valar that Thalagur has more sense than to allow him to do that!" Rumil was laughing now as Glorfindel filled a clean goblet from his pack with warm tea. He had made it strong then cooled it slightly with cool water from his waterskin. He did not want Elrond to burn himself because his hands still shook.

"You think so?" Glorfindel's voice was wry as he spoke. "I say they deserve each other. Both are obstinate and hard-headed. They both like to have their own way at all times and they can never be wrong... oh no!" He sighed then and gave a wry laugh as he shook his head. "I also dread to think of what life would be like without either of them. I need to give Elrond his tea. Rest and eat. We need to move as soon as he is able."

"I will. I am glad he is unhurt." Rumil then moved away to join the others. Even then, he remained vigilant as he listened for any danger that could present itself.

Glorfindel crossed back to where both Elrond and Haldir sat by the fire, or rather Elrond huddled by the fire. He was still shaking. "Here is your tea. Have you eaten?" Glorfindel grinned once more as Elrond rolled his eyes at him.

"Yes, Naneth, I have eaten everything that Haldir gave me and yes, I do feel better. Please remind me to arrange for some more deliveries of Miruvor? It really does help with the aches." He took a deep sip of the warm tea. "Ah, that is better."

"I put some sweetener in it as Galadriel suggested." Glorfindel saw the smile that Haldir hid from his friend.

"I did not need sweetener! Why were you talking to Galadriel about me?" Elrond was truly affronted at that. He was, after all, Lord of Imladris and over five thousand years old, far too old to be treated like an Elfling just out of clouts!

"Yes, you do. Look at yourself. You have stopped shaking already and it is why Celeborn brings sweet tea to Galadriel after a vision." As much as Elrond hated to admit it, he had stopped shaking. "I talked with both Galadriel and Celeborn because I worry about you. You are my friend and I wish no harm to come to you!"

Elrond was taken aback at Glorfindel's response and was sorry for his outburst. "I know, Mellon-nin. I am sorry, Glorfindel. The visions always make me a little..."

"Cranky?" Haldir suggested.

Glorfindel gave a short bark of laughter as Elrond gave Haldir a surprised look. He eventually smiled slightly and shook his head. "Cranky is as good a word as any." Elrond sighed and rubbed at his temples. The post-vision headache was beginning to make itself known. He could also feel the fatigue creeping up on him. Forgive me, Mellon-nin?" He asked Glorfindel.

"Of course I forgive you, just do not call me 'Naneth' again! How are you feeling now?" Glorfindel knew all too well how much his friend suffered after a single vision.

"Tired, but I feel much better now. I think we can continue once I... ah... make use of the bushes." Elrond's face was suffused with colour at his admission. The last thing he wanted was for the whole camp to hear about his bodily needs.

"I will come..." Glorfindel was cut off from speaking.

"No! I can manage on my own without someone holding my hand. I have been able to for some time." Elrond's face was set with anger this time.

"I did not say you could not manage. What I was going to say was that you are still vision-weak and I am sure that you would rather not fall into the bushes or your…uh, anything else, come to that. I will be nearby. If I am needed I can be there in an instant to help you." Glorfindel did the perfect imitation of Celeborn once more and Elrond wished he knew when he had picked up that little trick.

Again, though, he could not fault Glorfindel's logic. It would be more embarrassing to be dirty from such a fall while he traveled. He sighed again. It seemed that today was not going to be his day.

"Very well, Glorfindel. I am sorry once more. This headache is making me..."

"…more than just a little cranky?" Glorfindel could not resist the teasing and even Haldir joined in with him. It was rare for the March Warden to let his wry sense of humor come to the fore.

"Yes. I rather like that description. It makes me sound as if I am a bear just out of winter hibernation." Elrond had his own quirky sense of humor. You could not live with his sons for all this time and not have one, not with their predilection for trouble and fun. Besides, Celebrian had always said they must have gotten it from him as she was far more sensible. Of course, she did say it with a devilish gleam in her eye at the time.

"You are acting like a grumpy bear as well. Come, let me help you Mellon-nin? Galadriel would have both my braids and my head if anything were to happen to you. Can you imagine them hanging from her bed post like trophies?"

Glorfindel helped Elrond to stand and led him away into the bushes so that he could at least have some semblance of privacy. Neither was aware of the amused chuckle that Haldir gave at the mental image that Glorfindel's words evoked. That was definitely worth remembering.

By the time they had returned, the camp was cleared in preparation of moving on. The fire had already been put out and all traces of it were hidden. Glorfindel crossed to speak with Haldir once more while Elrond quietly called Thalagur over to reassure her that he was well. She had not strayed far from his sight during the stop.

She nudged him in greeting and gave a small nicker before she snorted in his face, making him laugh at her antics. "I am well Thalagur. We will soon be moving on. I think I will get ready now."

If he was already mounted and ready to go, what could 'Glorfy' say?

With a wicked grin, Elrond rubbed her muzzle before he reached around to grip her mane. He was about to swing up onto her back when she sidled away from him. He frowned and moved closer only for the same thing to happen. Again and again he tried to mount Thalagur only for her to make it impossible. She had moved in a complete circle and he was just about to say a rather nasty Dwarfish swear word when an amused voice came from behind him.

"And just what are you trying to do?" Glorfindel grinned at him. He stood next to his stallion with his arms crossed. "Dance in the starlight?"

Elrond's voice reflected his exasperation. "I'm trying to mount my horse. What do you think it looks like?"

"Well it looks to me as if your horse has more sense than you at present as she does not want you on her back!" Glorfindel sounded greatly amused and pleased at what he was seeing.

"You do not have to sound so pleased about it! Come and help me!" Elrond was beginning to feel more than a little aggrieved at his friend and his horse. The two devils seemed to delight at making his life a misery right now.

"No." Glorfindel really did enjoy watching him struggle, perhaps a little too much.

"No? What do you mean, 'no'?" Elrond turned and practically gaped at him.

"What do you think 'no' means?" Again that annoying, knowing little half smile.

"Stop treating me like an Elfling!" Elrond let go of Thalagur's mane and threw his hands up into the air with frustration. Thalagur nudged him in the back then, straight toward Glorfindel and Corutal.

"Did you speak to Thalagur?" Elrond narrowed his eyes suspiciously at the golden-haired warrior as he was nudged again from behind.

"No. Why would I do that? Thalagur is just showing that she is smarter than you at present, but then, when is she not smarter than you?" The glint of amusement got through to Elrond and he was about to laugh with his friend when Thalagur's sharp head-butt to the middle of his back caught him by surprise and sent him sprawling to the ground.

"Do not say one word!" The growl in Elrond's voice was clear to all in the clearing, not that it was needed. Seven Elven faces were looking at him, openly shocked. It was Haldir who shook it off first and hurried to help Elrond stand. Elrond waved him away, as he got to his knees before standing.

Another, more gentle nudge, greeted him and, to Elrond's amazement and the others outright amusement, Thalagur seemed to be trying to make up for her previous transgression. With her head gently nudging under his chest, she was trying to help him stand!

With her aid, he managed to stand upright only to find that Glorfindel was almost crying with laughter. "It is not that funny!"

Elrond was highly amused then, as Thalagur shook her mane and snorted at Glorfindel, as if in agreement.

"Oh but it is, Mellon-nin. Only you could be knocked over by your own horse and then helped up once more by the same! That was highly amusing." Glorfindel was still laughing as he spoke.

"We do not have time for this!" Elrond was highly embarrassed over what had just happened. "Come, we need to go. Legolas can not wait for us to fool about." He also felt the urgency from his visions returning.

As he spoke, Thalagur once more gently nudged him over to Glorfindel and Corutal. "Alright, stop, I get the message. You will not let me ride. Glorfindel, it seems that you are going to have a passenger." Elrond stood next to Corutal looking disgruntled.

"Good, it is about time that you listened to what we have been saying." Elrond was quickly seated upon the stallion, Glorfindel behind him. Since the others were ready, they left the small clearing, still determined to reach their friend and his son as soon as possible.

oo

The moon had risen to walk among the stars. She lent her gentle light, filtered through the trees, to light their way.

They rode hard and made good time, although they had made two more stops in the night for the horses to rest. It was not lost on Glorfindel that whenever they stopped Thalagur would not let Elrond out of her sight. She had even tried to follow him when he had to answer the resulting call of nature caused by their pouring both Miruvor and tea into him at every opportunity.

Now, however, Elrond was fast asleep in Glorfindel's arms, seated before him on Corutal. He had finally fallen asleep not long after they had left their last camp. Glorfindel had been surprised that it had taken that long for sleep to overtake him. It could only be pure stubbornness that had kept him awake thus far. He did not need to be told that Elrond had a massive headache. The fact that he had agreed to take herbs to relieve it at their last rest point had spoken for him.

Glorfindel hated that these intense visions left his friend so debilitated. The resulting headaches left Elrond feeling sick and the weariness made his limbs ache. If Glorfindel were able take the symptoms and the visions away he would do so without hesitation, though he did not want to seem ungrateful for the 'gift' of foresight his friend possessed, at times it seemed more a curse, especially when the meaning and message of his vision was unclear.

Knowing Elrond would sleep for some time, now that he was asleep, they made the most of being able to ride without pause, quickening their pace slightly, yet mindful of the health of their horses.

Thalagur seemed to check on her master often as they made their way through that long, chilly night. She seemed determined to keep pace beside Corutal, wishing to stay near Elrond. Elves always had a great bond with their horses but Elrond and Thalagur seemed to have a greater bond than most.

Dawn was just breaking as Elrond began to wake. The sky was a deep red as the sun loomed on the horizon. It sent shivers down all their spines. A dawn sky this colour was not a good sign, its portent uncertain.

"Blood has been spilt this night." Haldir repeated the line often associated with a red dawn, but he was only voicing a fear they all felt in their hearts.

"Yes, let us hope it does not belong to either friends or kin." Glorfindel's voice was soft as he thought of the small Elfling Prince who had been so besotted with him. It went deeper than hero-worship and Glorfindel had loved the delicate Elfling with an intensity that still shocked him, even now, all these years later.

Elrond groaned as he awoke, his headache made itself known once more. Glorfindel looked down at him with a frown. "Elrond, how do you fare?"

"Sore. I feel as if I have been tossed around by a Troll. Where are we?" Elrond tried to sit up straighter but could only do so with Glorfindel's aid.

"We are near Bree. We thought we would take a short stop there to get some fresh fruits and bread. The horses can also rest and have some grain while we have a hot meal. A break of an hour will do us all good. If we carry on at this rate we should be near to..."

A loud shout from ahead of them cut off Glorfindel's words and they all reached for their weapons. Glorfindel's sword was in his hand in an instant. Elrond did not even try to reach for his sword, Hadafhang. He was too tightly clasped to Glorfindel's chest to be able to fight as well. It would only hinder his friend and put them all at greater risk.

The cry came from a rider whose own horse almost stumbled with exhaustion. They were wary and alert as he drew nearer. It could, after all, be a distraction for a well planned ambush. Any thoughts of ambush fled their minds, however, as they realised that the other rider was not only an Elf, but an Elf that they recognized.

He was dressed in the green and brown livery colours of Mirkwood's Home Guard. His long, dark hair whipped about him and he rode as if a Wraith were on his tail. For all Elrond knew, that could well be the case. Elrond's party relaxed a little as the rider approached.

Finally, Randis, for that was who the rider was, drew level with them. He spoke quickly and with urgency, though he seemed to scarcely have breath to speak. "Mae Govannen, Hir Elrond. I am pleased and surprised to find you. I was sent with an urgent request for your aid. There was a lightning strike. Aran Thranduil and Prince Legolas are injured, as is our healer and another. A messenger was sent to Imladris but Prince Legolas is especially in dire need of your healing skills. They await your help across the Misty Mountains. Will you come?"

"Mae Govannen, Randis. Fortune has indeed shone on us this night as you can take us directly to them. We will stop in Bree for a short while to rest, for we have traveled swiftly through a day and the night. You can give me your report there while the horses are fed and rested."

Elrond smiled to reassure the young scout, but it only served to worry Randis more as he realised that Elrond was not astride his own horse and was supported by Glorfindel. "Hir Elrond, are you not well?"

"I am fine, Randis. I had a vision and we felt it was safer that I ride with someone. I would not like to be dashed under the horses' hooves. If we hurry, we can be in Bree within the hour. I think that we could all do with rest and hot food that we will find there." Glorfindel edged his horse on at Elrond's words.

Randis had no choice but to follow. He was so relieved to have found Elrond that he had no objection to their plans, at least they were headed in the right direction and it was almost two days earlier than he had expected to return. He did not think to question why they had been on the road at all.

As they had estimated, the door keeper at Bree reluctantly granted them entrance less than an hour later. If it had been dark Elrond was sure their cloaked and hooded group would have been denied entry. As it was, the door keeper grumbled and groaned at how some people were so rude as to disturb a fellow breaking his fast.

Elrond and Glorfindel shared amused glances before Glorfindel leaned forward and spoke in the man's ear. "Is that the only welcome you have for old friends, Caric?"

The aging Edan's eyes widened in shock at the voice he had not had the opportunity to hear for quite a few years. "Lord Glorfindel? No. It can't be!"

Glorfindel lowered his cloak hood. "Oh but it can be, Mellon. How are you keeping?"

"Glorfindel! By all that's holy! It's so good to see you! You haven't got those twin Devils with you, have you?" Caric looked cautiously at the others in the group.

"No, just their father!" Glorfindel had to smile at the other's brusque, somewhat rude manner. It was not meant as it sounded and he and Elrond had been friends with him for many a year.

"Elrond's here? Where?" Caric was searching the other Elves' faces, peering at each one as if he couldn't see clearly.

"I am here, Caric." Elrond lowered his own hood and smiled down at the human.

"It's good to see you, my friend, but tell me why your beautiful horse does not carry you. Are you injured? Should I call for a healer? Wolraven!" He called over his shoulder to his eldest son.

"Yes, Father?" The almost exact, though younger, double of the Doorman came into view.

"Tell your Mother that we have eight guests for the morning meal and then send for the Master Healer. Tell him he will be paid double if he comes now!" Caric was searching Elrond for any signs of wounds.

"There is no need for the healer, Caric. I am unhurt." Elrond hurried to reassure only to hear Haldir cry out. "Randis!"

There was a loud thump as the young Mirkwood scout slid from his horse's back and hit the ground.

Haldir was off his horse instantly and knelt beside Randis. He quickly but carefully turned him over with Caric's help. "I think he is just exhausted. He has ridden hard to find us."

Rumil had also dismounted and hurried to Randis' horse. The stallion was obviously as exhausted as his rider. His flanks were lathered, his head drooped and his sides heaved. "I will care for his horse before I join you. He needs attention before he can rest easy. I know Randis would not like to see him forgotten after his loyal service."

Elrond needed to speak with Randis soon, but knew the Mirkwood scout would be better for a brief rest.

Caric stood. "Help me with him. He can rest in my home. As always, Elrond, my house is at your disposal. Do you need a hand down from there, Rondy?"

Haldir sucked in his breath. He had never heard anyone address the Imladris Lord in such a familiar way before and he waited for the explosion that he was positive was coming. When it did not happen, he was even more astounded. Elrond laughed, as did Glorfindel.

"I am fine and can dismount on my own." Elrond shook his head in an amused manner. "Only you can call me that, Caric. I hope you have not been teaching your sons bad habits since the last time I met them?"

"Not likely! Savin' your hide earnt me that privilege. They will have to do the same! You are all welcome. Come in, Eirien will be more than pleased to see you."

He hooked one shoulder under Randis' arm. With Haldir on the other side, they made their way into the house. Glorfindel dismounted then discretely helped Elrond down. Leaving Rumil with the horses, the rest followed in their wake.

A hearty woman's voice greeted them as they stepped though the doorway. "Elrond and Glorfindel! It has been far too long since we last saw you both! Come in and sit down while I see to this poor young one. What has happened? He looks exhausted! And you all look as if you could do with a good meal. Elrond you look positively skeletal. Don't you ever eat? Glorfindel you were meant to be looking after him, but you look almost as bad. Where is that other vagabond you used to run around with?" A red-headed woman was looking around them to see if more were waiting to enter.

"Vaga...you mean Thranduil?" Glorfindel looked bemused by her question.

Haldir almost choked in his astonishment. Today was certainly a day for surprises. Nothing about this pair of elderly Edain suggested that they were anything but that, but to be on such familiar terms with both Glorfindel and Elrond and to call Aran Thranduil a vagabond? He must be in the midst of a very weird dream. He pinched himself hard, just to make sure, wincing when his hand hurt. That was not a good idea.

"Of course I meant Thranduil! Where is my favourite Elf?" Eirien was looking around as she tucked Randis firmly into the bed by the fire as if he was nothing more than a small Elfling who needed mothering. It seemed to Haldir that she almost expected the King of Mirkwood to pop out of nowhere.

"I thought I was your favourite Elf!" Elrond actually pouted at her.

"You are, but you are here and he is not. So, where is he and is that wonderful wife of his coming as well? And what of your delightful sons?" She had finished with Randis and stoked the fire before stirring the large pot that hung over it.

"My sons are in Fornost and Thranduil is somewhere along the Great East Road." Elrond sobered as he considered their quest. "We can only stay a short time, Eirien. Thranduil and his son have both been injured and we are on our way to help them." He stood with a sigh. "I really need to check Randis over."

Eirien watched as Elrond moved to the Mirkwood scout lying in the bed. "You did not mention Minerella." Her voice was low and held a note of trepidation.

It was Glorfindel who answered her. "Eirien, I grieve to say that Minerella was killed by Orcs a little over a year ago. Legolas was with her and was hurt. You remember Legolas?"

Eirien's eyes started to tear up immediately. "That adorable Little One? How could I ever forget? How terrible to hear about Minerella. She was a fine Queen, wife and mother. It was a pleasure to meet them in Rivendell." She used the corner of her apron to wipe her eyes.

She walked right over to Elrond and shook her finger in his face. "You say it has been a year since she died? Surely someone could let us know too?" She then turned to Glorfindel and gave him the same stern look and shook her finger at him too. "You. You know how to write don't you? Why couldn't you spare a moment to let us know?"

The door opened to reveal Wolraven and the Master Healer. The Healer was over-weight and panted in his rush to keep up with the younger man's long strides.

"Ah good, Irfan, come in and let me introduce you to our guests.

Five minutes later, after a rather hasty examination, Healer Irfan informed them that Randis really was alright. He was obviously just completely exhausted. As soon as he was paid, the corpulent healer left.

It was clear from his manner that he would have been disgruntled at being brought away from his breakfast for no real reason but for the fact that he had been paid in gold and could now boast at having 'treated' an Elf. He could charge more for his services for that fact alone.

Elrond was not impressed. "Caric, you should not have wasted your money. You know I am a healer. I could have taken care of him myself."

Caric squinted one eye at Elrond. "You still look to me like a good wind will knock you down yourself. You need to rest, not go caring for others right now."

Elrond sat back down with a sigh and accepted the goblet of Miruvor from Glorfindel. He was also handed a hot cup of tea by Eirien, who was watching him closely.

"You have had more visions?" She raised her right eyebrow at him and he almost squirmed once more in his seat. "You look like you fear your head will fall off if you move the wrong way."

"Yes he has." There was almost satisfaction in Glorfindel's tone. "Three in two days."

"That is not good. You!..." She poked her finger into his chest once more. "….will not move from that seat until you have eaten a good meal. Why can men never look after themselves properly?" She shook her head as she spoke.

She muttered to herself as she turned to cut thick slices from the loaf of rich brown bread that had just come from the hearth oven. "Eat that!" She placed the platter before him. "You will eat and drink what I give you. You can also tell me what has been happening in Mirkwood. I can't believe you did not deign to let me know about Minerella. I write to you twice a year. It isn't as if either of you have no means to communicate! I want to hear from both of you at least twice a year and if I do not I will come and visit you myself. Trust me, that is not an idle threat."

She caught the amused grins her husband and eldest son were sharing. "What are you pair gloating about? You two are just as bad. Hiding injuries and hoping I will not notice them! Hadn't one of you better get back and watch the gate door?"

She cut more bread and handed it to the dazed-looking Haldir with a sweet smile. "Here you are, my dear. Make sure you eat all that. You are far to thin for my liking. You need a nice wife to look after you and feed you properly."

Haldir could only blink at her, his eyes glazed. How could one person be so sweet and so scary at the same time? Did she even stop to breathe? He could only watch in a mixture of shock and bemusement as Wolraven stood.

"I will look after the gate, Father, I have broken my fast. You have been on duty since early morn and with your friends here it is only right that you should remain with them. Lord Glorfindel, Lord Elrond, it is a great pleasure to meet you once more. Please excuse me?"

"Of course, Wolraven, and it has been our pleasure as well. We will stop on our way back and take the time to visit. I am unsure that either Randis or his horse will be in any condition to continue on their way with us. I may have to impose on your hospitality and ask if he may remain here to recover." Elrond smiled at the young man, recalling how he used to bounce him on his knee only a short while ago. It was amazing how fast these Edain grew.

Eirien seemed almost pleased at the prospect. "If that is so, he can stay here with us and I will feed him up. So thin! Why are you all so thin? Don't you ever eat? I will have to get some more eggs and bacon. Flour for bread, we will need more bread." Eirien was already cutting more bread, slathering it with butter before setting it once more between Haldir and Elrond. "Well? What are you waiting for? Eat!"

Elrond and Haldir did as told, not wanting to get on the wrong side of this formidable woman with the flaming red hair. If either of them knew anything it was that the red-headed woman could have the worst temper out of the lot of them! Yes, she even had Elrond's respect.

"Sit, Glorfindel, and I will make some tea. Eggs and bacon fine with everyone?" She did not even wait for an answer as she pulled out the huge skillet and began to cook.

It was not long before she had them all tucking into their food while she watched over Randis. She gently brushed the tangled hair away from his face. "Poor child, he looks too young to belong to Thranduil's guards. I will have to speak with him when I see him. Taking a child away from his family so young cannot be good." She was absently unbraiding his hair and working out the tangles gently with her fingers as she spoke. She didn't even seem to be really aware of what she was doing.

Caric almost choked on the mouthful of food he was chewing. Glorfindel had to slap his back before he could speak. "What in the world are you blathering about, Woman? He is older than you are! The Elves all look young. You just need to look at Rondy here to see that and you are, what Mellon, around five thousand years old?"

Elrond nodded with an amused gleam in his eye as he watched the woman 'mothering' the Mirkwood scout. "Almost. You are right, Caric, Randis is nearing two thousand, well past his majority."

Elrond had to smile at the two Edain who were currently eyeing each other up, ready for a verbal fight. Elrond loved watching this! The two humans had such similar personalities that it was a wonder the small house was still standing. Still, it made for an interesting life when they did start to argue. Yet they loved each other with a fierceness that could take your breath away. Threaten one and you automatically made an enemy of the other.

"Phhhht! Still an Elfling!" Randis' dark hair was quickly free of the braids and tangles. It was now spread over his pillow, making him look even younger. "Why aren't you eating?" She frowned at Elrond, who took a hasty mouthful and grinned impudently at her.

Haldir was not ready for her to turn to him once more. "Are you bonded?" Her question was out of the blue.

"No, my Lady." He had to swallow quickly to clear his mouth so that he could speak.

"Good." Eirien smiled at him brightly. "No female in sight?"

Caric cleared his throat in annoyance. "Eirien! That is..."

Eirien ignored her husband and just talked over the top of him. "I have a wonderful daughter that you just might like to meet." She was smiling widely at the Lothlorien March Warden whose eyes had widened in shocked horror as his face paled at the implication of her words.

"Errr, I... uh... I should go and let my younger brother come and enjoy this wonderful repast. I promised that I would take over from him." The March Warden's face was bright red. None of them had ever seen him quite like this. Elrond and Glorfindel exchanged amused looks. Glorfindel had been in Haldir's shoes. Eirien was always trying to match her beloved daughter with an Elf. It never worked."

"You will love my younger brother and I am sure he would be perfect for your daughter. I will go and relieve him so that you can meet him!" Haldir rose hurriedly and had just reached the door when Eirien's voice met his retreating form.

"I wondered where the last member of your party was. I would be delighted to meet him." With that Haldir fled the house. Just the thought that their host considered him for a son-in-law was enough to chase him from the cozy home.

He did not wait for the laughter that rang out the minute the door closed behind him.

oo

Rumil hurried to the small house near the town's gate-door that Haldir had directed him to. He shook his head with a mixture of worry and wonder. Haldir had seemed eager to look after Randis' horse. It almost seemed as if he could not wait for him to leave. Maybe the strain of the last few days was getting to him. Yes, that must be it, for Haldir to be so flustered.

He knocked politely on the door and entered when bidden to. The door opened onto a large chamber with a huge fireplace off to one side. In front of the fire was a large wooden table around which sat the rest of his party minus Elrond and Haldir. To one side of the chamber there was a bed that looked like it was intended for use in emergencies. Randis was tucked tightly into the bed, still sleeping. Elrond was in a chair beside the bed, trying to waken him.

"Ah, you must be Haldir's younger brother. Welcome, dear. Sit down and I will see to some food for you." Eirien was torn between glowering at Elrond for daring to move from the table and also the need to feed the younger Elf who had just entered. She did both in the end, cutting the bread and setting it before him. She also cut more for Randis. She knew he needed to eat too. She had been told of his flight to obtain aid for his King and Prince and could only feel pride and relief that the young one had found his quarry nearer than he expected Elrond to be.

"Will bacon and eggs be alright for you, little one?" She beamed at the young blond. He was very handsome. She could see his familial resemblance to Haldir. Yes, he would do nicely for Briena. "Tell me, do you have a wife?"

This time Glorfindel could not stop the muffled snort that escaped him. Elrond looked up from where he sat next to Randis and smiled, shaking his head with bemusement. Eirien would never change and he really would not want her to. He turned back to awaken Randis so he could ask him a couple of vital questions.

"Randis, I know you need sleep, but I need to know where Thranduil is. Come now, wake up."

Elrond was rewarded with a low moan and Randis tried to move away from the hands that were shaking him. There was no escape and soon the sleep-fuddled brown eyes blinked up at him.

"Welcome back, Randis. How do you feel?" Elrond watched him, a little worried. Randis felt warmer than he should.

"Tired. Hir Elrond. What?" He looked around him in shock at his unexpected surroundings.

"You passed out with exhaustion, as your poor horse nearly did. Peace, he is being looked after. I need to know where Thranduil can be found so that we can go and meet him. It may be better if you stay here."

"I will look after you young one!" Eirien called from the fire where her skillet was once more in use.

Rumil sighed with relief. He had yet to answer Eirien's question and it had given Mund the chance to whisper in his ear what was going on. He blushed and then froze when he realised that his brother had set him up. Haldir had known and done nothing to forewarn him!

Eirien turned back to the young silver-blond warrior. "So, you didn't answer my question. Are you married?"

Rumil thought quickly before answering. "No, but I have met the Elleth I wish to marry." He ignored the bewildered and shocked looks that the three other Lothlorien Elves gave him.

Eirien sighed with disappointment. Ah well, Haldir was still single, there was hope yet!

oo

"No, Hir Elrond, saes, I need to go with you. Aran Thranduil will expect me to be with you, especially if Hethuaur has returned from Imladris." Randis tried to sit up but found he was almost bound to the bed by the tightly tucked-in sheets and blankets.

"I think not, you have a fever and I cannot let you come with us." Elrond frowned down at him.

"I am only hot because of the blankets, Hir-nin. They are thick and meant for humans." Randis hurried to reassure the Imladris Lord, hoping he would be believed. "Aran Thranduil and the others are sheltering in a large hidden cave well off the road. It is easily missed unless you know where to look for it."

"I see. In that case you had better come have something to eat and tell me what you can of their situation." Elrond stood and helped him escape the covers and move from the bed. Soon they all sat around the table again with Elrond keeping a close watch on the young Elf at his side. He did not believe that he had been told the truth. Randis was pale but he had red spots on his cheeks. He was still convinced that Randis really did have a fever.

He waited while Eirien made certain that Randis ate. A large goblet of hot tea was given to each of them. Elrond took a sip, savouring the warmth, though he truly was not thirsty. He had been plied with so many cups of liquid in last hours he was feeling saturated and waterlogged. Placing the goblet back on the table, he watched as Randis began to eat. The other Elf was truly hungry. Elrond wondered if he had even stopped to eat in his haste to find them. He sat back and waited for the young scout to satiate his hunger. He appeared to need it.

/Elrond, Hervenn uin sell-nin/

Elrond almost jumped in surprise as Galadriel suddenly spoke to him in his mind.

/Yes, Naneth uin Hervess-nin/

/Your journey goes well/

/Yes, we have reached Bree. We met with Randis of Mirkwood on the road carrying a plea for aid from Thranduil. Our interpretation of the visions was correct. Both Thranduil and Legolas have been badly injured in a lightning strike./

"That tea will not drink itself, Elrond! You will let it get cold as well." Eirien had noticed that the goblet was still on the table and barely touched. She frowned when he gave no response. "Elrond?" It was then that she noticed that his eyes were blank and although he was looking at her he was not seeing her. She turned to Glorfindel. "Glorfindel, he is having another vision!"

Eirien hurried around the corner of the table. In an attempt to prevent any injuries, she tried to lean Elrond's head back against her bosom. Unfortunately, the move changed Elrond's balance and made him slump and slide limply to the floor, his forehead bumping against Randis' chair on the way down.

Eirien cried out. "Elbereth! I'm sorry! I didn't mean that to happen." She knelt beside him and carefully took his head onto her lap to prevent any further injury. Upset at what she had done, tears quietly started streaming down her cheeks.

Glorfindel knelt beside her on the floor with Caric on the other side of his wife. Glorfindel was filled with relief when he realised that Elrond was not exhibiting the usual signs of a vision but was in all likelihood concentrating on mind-speaking with Galadriel. He could not really tell their friends that, however. They had no idea about Vilya and for their safety it was best to keep it that way. As he checked Elrond's head to see what damage was done by his fall, he considered what he should tell them.

/OW/

/Elrond? What is wrong?...Elrond, are you well? Speak to me./

//I hit my head when I fell to the floor./

Elrond sounded much aggrieved, even to himself.

/Why must you contact me when I am not in bed? It would make things a lot easier. I am getting very fed up with finding myself on the floor. It does my old joints no good. My muscles are quite sore as well. I have had another vision./

Galadriel's tinkling laugh filled his thoughts. She would find this funny!

/You forget, Penneth, that my bones are older than yours! However, I am not complaining of being on the floor/

Galadriel sounded smug and Elrond's suspicions rose.

/Are you in bed/

/Elrond/

The merry laughter was back.

/Actually, yes I am. Celeborn and I learned a long time ago that I fall when talking with another ring bearer./

/You could have forewarned me of such things when Vilya came to me./

/It is something one has to learn for oneself. You are unhurt? Were you riding when the vision happened/

Galadriel sounded worried for him. Elrond was touched by her concern.

/Yes, we were. Glorfindel managed to keep me from falling with Thalagur and Haldir's help./

Her sigh of relief was clearly audible even through their link.

/I am glad, it would not be good to have you harmed, Elrond. You mean too much to us. You are drinking the Miruvor/

/Yes. Glorfindel is forcing it down my throat at every stop. I feel almost ready to burst, I have had so much! I am sure I will be made to have some more after this little episode and Eirien will probably force me to rest./

/Your friends are well/

/Yes, Eirien is at present trying to match her daughter with either Haldir or Rumil/ Again the clear light laughter filled him.

/You are well, Galadriel/ Elrond was as worried for her as she was for him.

/Yes, as you are, I am sore and I have also had another vision. What did your vision show/

/Nothing but deep darkness heavy with evil and a threat. I am growing progressively worried about Legolas. I can feel the urgency grow with every step closer we get to him./

/That is ill news. Elrond, you must be vigilant and careful, the darkness that surrounds Legolas also reaches out for you and your family. Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen are threatened as well, but Legolas is fading from my view with each vision. The darkness closes in to smother him. I do not wish any of you harmed by this threat./

/What do you think it is? Elrond could feel his worry grow with each of Galadriel's words. /

/I do not know and neither does Celeborn, but we do agree that something ill rises in the East. I fear that Legolas is its focus. His future is not certain and yours is becoming clouded. Thranduil's is full of pain and grief. We cannot let this evil win. You must hurry to reach Legolas. He is in dire need of Vilya's aid. Be careful Hervenn uin sell-nin. Elladan and Elrohir have been well-behaved and they send you their love. We will talk over the next few days. Elenath sila am le/

/Thank you, please give them my love? I promise to be careful. As soon as I have more news, I will contact you. Ellenath sila am le! Namarie/

All he could see was shadows as he blinked his eyes. He could hear sobbing from somewhere above him and he could hear Glorfindel's voice.

"Eirien, Elrond will be alright, he will come out of the vision shortly. The bump he took was not your fault. Look, there is not even a bump. Rumil, can you pour me some Miruvor and make some fresh hot, sweetened tea? Elrond will need it."

Elrond groaned and closed his eyes tight. At this rate, he would have to stop every ten minutes to get rid of the fluid that seemed to be sloshing around inside him. A sudden wet sensation on his forehead made him start and that made his muscles cramp. He felt slightly nauseated too.

"Elrond?" Eirien's voice sounded thick and full of tears as she rubbed a hand over his arm. "His muscles are taught and cramping! Caric get a bath ready. He will need it."

Elrond could only groan further at her words. He did not have time for a bath. Legolas did not have time for any of that!

"Let me have him, Eirien. I need to get some of this into him. Can you make sure that Randis is alright? He is as upset at this vision as you are." Glorfindel's warm arms seemed to surround him as he was shifted to a new position.

"Oh, of course! You poor thing, Randis! This is not your fault. You see, he will be back to his normal self very shortly. These visions never last long and he will be fine." Eirien could be heard moving away from him.

"Elrond, Mellon-nin, I need you to sip this. That's it, nice and easy." Glorfindel was nearly pouring the sweet fluid into his mouth.

As the warmth filled him, Elrond found the strength from somewhere to open his right eye slightly. Then the pain in his head made itself known with a new ferocity that took his breath away. With a muffled groan, he closed his eye again but, unfortunately for Elrond, Glorfindel caught sight of the half-open eye.

"Elrond? Can you hear me?" Glorfindel moved the goblet away from his mouth. In the background he could hear Eirien fussing over Randis. Her voice seemed to increase in volume with the pounding of his headache. He raised a shaky hand to his forehead.

Glorfindel caught his hand before it could reach the rapidly reddening area. "Easy, trust me, mellon-nin you do not want to do that."

Elrond managed somehow to open both eyes this time and looked up at his friend in bewilderment.

"Can you sit up?" Glorfindel watched wincing slightly as Elrond nodded out of habit and hissed as the pain escalated. "That is not a good idea. Come on, let's get you into a chair and I will look you over."

Glorfindel and Caric helped him get shakily to his feet. Rumil pulled the chair out so that he could sit comfortably next to Randis and be near to the fire's warmth. Elrond realised that he was shaking once again.

No sooner was he seated on the chair, than Glorfindel stood over him with his hands on his hips. "What do you think you are playing at? Four visions in two days! Are you trying to kill yourself!" Glorfindel was just getting into his stride when Elrond winced.

Eirien hurried to his side and slapped Glorfindel on his shoulder. "Enough!" Her loud voice caused Elrond to wince once more. "It is not his fault he has these visions and you treat him as if he does it on purpose. Look at him! He is pale and shaking. Look at that lump on his head! Do you really believe he did that to spite you? Well? Do you?"

Glorfindel winced. With every other word, Eirien poked him with a finger. He looked more closely at his friend and realised that she was right. Elrond was incredibly white and he had fine lines of pain around his mouth and his eyes were squinted half shut against the pain.

"Mellon-nin, I am sorry. I just worry for you. Let me get some willow bark for you. Stay there." Glorfindel turned to the fire and began to sort the herbs and add them to the boiling water.

"Rumil?" Elrond's voice was low, but even so, Eirien tried to make him be quiet. "Please tell Haldir that we will be leaving as soon as we can. We need to be on our way. We will need another horse for Randis or he will have to ride with one of our party."

"I will arrange it, Hir-nin." Rumil quickly left, thereby missing Eirien's protests.

"You can't be seriously thinking of leaving now? You need rest and are in no condition to ride at all. You will go no further than that bed! Honestly why do you men think you are all immortal!"

"Probably because they are, Dearest!" Caric could not help but answer that question.

"That's enough from you, if you know what's good for you!" Her voice rose even higher and Elrond sighed and winced, gently rubbing the sore spot on his forehead. Ouch, Glorfindel was right. He did not want to rub that particular spot.

"We have no choice. Legolas needed us yesterday and I will be fine with the willow bark. Besides, I will not be riding alone. Glorfindel would not let me and I do not think it wise at the present time. I think it best if Randis did not ride alone for a while either. We have no choice, Eirien, not if you wish to see Legolas once more." Elrond made sure that he rubbed anywhere other than the lump that was growing by the minute. He was certain he had a minor concussion along with the related nausea, but he was not going to let them know that!

Eirien huffed. She was not happy, but she could understand his reasoning. "You can go then, but I promise you this Elrond, if you fall off your horse and break your neck because you haven't rested enough, don't come running to me! I will not have sympathy for it."

Elrond grinned and chuckled in spite of the ache in his head. "I promise you that nothing like that will happen. We will stop here again on our way back to prove it." A mug appeared between them. A smiling Glorfindel looked down at him.

"Take this. The others are ready when you are."

It was then that Elrond realised that the others had already left the home.

"I just need to use your bath chamber. If I drink that before then, I think I will burst." Elrond stood slowly and swayed a bit as he gained his feet.

"Of course you can, along the corridor on the right. While you do that, I will see to some more food for you. You will need enough for the trip."

Eirien was muttering to herself once more as she walked away. Glorfindel was shaking his head and smiling. If he knew Eirien, the poor horses would be weighed down.

"Do you need help?" Concern was clear on Glorfindel's face.

Elrond raised an eyebrow at him and continued to the bath chamber. Glorfindel noticed his movements were careful and stiff.

When Elrond returned to the kitchen, Glorfindel and Caric alone stood waiting. Glorfindel had the goblet in hand and held it out with a questioning look. Elrond accepted it with a sigh and drank the entire contents quickly. He had, after all, said that he would.

Glad that Elrond had taken the bitter herbs without fuss, Glorfindel followed him from the house. The others were already mounted. Haldir held Randis before him, wrapped in a blanket. Eirien was fussing over him and making sure that it was properly tucked in. Elrond noticed that Randis had found time or help to redo his warrior's braids. The look on his face almost made Elrond laugh, but he somehow stopped himself as Eirien turned to him.

"Elrond, you get on first. Glorfindel, Caric, come help Elrond up." Glorfindel did not argue, but did arch an eyebrow in amusement as he aided Elrond to mount. Within seconds, Eirien was fussing over him, covering him with another blanket and telling him to stay covered and drink plenty. When Glorfindel mounted Corutal behind Elrond, she then began berating him about looking after Elrond and gave him instructions on how much he was to eat and when, much to the other Elves' amusement. Elrond was strangely quiet and accepted the treatment placidly.

Soon however, they were on their way out of Bree. The visit had lasted more than the hour that they had expected, but the rest had done all of them and their horses some good. They had not been riding more than five minutes before Elrond succumbed to the sleeping herbs that Glorfindel had slyly added to the herbal tea for his headache. It was the reason he had been unusually quiet as they mounted. Glorfindel knew Elrond needed the rest. The message from Galadriel and the visions would be taking their toll on him. He looked across to Haldir and saw that Randis had also fallen asleep. Good, it would help both of them.

They next stopped mid-afternoon. By then, Elrond was awake. He admitted that he felt better for the rest, even if he didn't appreciate being drugged without his knowledge. The bruise on his forehead gave him a rather rakish look. It was already showing signs of healing and would possibly be fading by the next day.

He was once again given a goblet of miruvor. He sipped it while he quietly explained what Galadriel had told him.

Randis was still asleep when they set off once more although this time Elrond remained awake. He still fought the remainder of his headache. He had tried rather unsuccessfully to remove the blanket that Eirien had wound around him as they left, but a glare from Glorfindel told him that he would not win this particular battle. He sighed and left it around his shoulders. The extra warmth admittedly felt good to his sore muscles. He had to smile at his friend's 'mothering' him though, as it reminded him of Lady Banwen doing the same to Galadriel before they left Fornost.

oo

Lady Banwen had been relieved to hear that their guests had not been poisoned but was horrified to hear about the 'seizures' they had suffered. Once they had both rested that day, Celeborn had invited their hosts to attend an informal meeting to explain that Elrond needed to take an unplanned journey back to Rivendell to (ostensibly) collect some of the healing herbs that were vital for treating some of the patients in the healing ward. He and Elrond had just returned from their brief visit there.

Elrond and Galadriel had been seated in chairs by the fire so that they too could attend this meeting. It had been amusing to see Lady Banwen fussing over Galadriel as if she was an Elfling and not someone millennia over the Lady Banwen's age. He had seen the amused glint in Galadriel's eyes as she gracefully accepted all the fussing without complaint. The last thing she wanted was to upset their hostess and Galadriel made certain that it did not happen. She could sense it was simply Banwen's way.

Lord Bainen's sons had not been asked to attend the meeting. Their animosity toward Elves was well known, even if Rhovan was nowhere near as bad as his elder brother, Amaruvdor. Both would see this meeting, and Elrond's need to leave, as a slight to their conference and also as suspicious.

Lord Bainen was aware that Amaruvdor especially would automatically think that the 'evil and untrustworthy' Elves could not be trusted and would argue that they should be made to stay for the duration of the trade talks. He had made similar comments several times already.

It was a relief to them all that the people whose opinions ultimately mattered did trust them. Bainen was hovering over Elrond himself as much as Banwen was fussing over Galadriel. Elrond was certain that Galadriel would be getting continuous spoiling the entire time they were in Fornost if Banwen had her way.

Lady Banwen had also shown that she had a great love of children, any children. She had found his sons to be enchanting and fussed over them too, making sure that they had enough food and were warm in their chamber. The twins had made the most of this, as Elrond knew that they would.

Elrond smiled at the memory and as he thought of Legolas, his smile broadened. If Banwen loved his twin sons, she would adore the little blond prince! Yes, Legolas would be getting a lot of attention from the ladies when he arrived safely in Fornost. At least that was his great hope.

Randis woke as night began to fall once more. They had arrived at the base of the Misty Mountains. They made a quick stop for some food and for the horses to have a small rest before they began the long climb up the mountains. Since Randis had informed them a message had already been sent to Imladris asking for their help, they would be bypassing Imladris so they could reach Thranduil sooner.

Rumil hurried to make a small fire as Glorfindel helped Elrond down from his horse. He was still very stiff and sore from the effects of the visions, though it seemed to be easing a little now.

Glorfindel had him seated by the small fire by the time Haldir had helped Randis down from his horse. Elrond did not miss the wince that Randis tried to hide as he reached the ground with a small bump. Nor did he miss just how pale and wan he looked. He should not still be so pale after the sleep he had.

Elrond waited until Randis was seated beside him before doing anything about it.

Randis relaxed as he sat beside the fire, though he felt hot and sticky. He had not dared try to take the blanket off. He had tried once and Haldir had practically growled at him. At first it had felt nice but now it was uncomfortably warm. The only good thing about it was that it had hidden the hole in his leggings from unwanted attention.

A hand touched his forehead and made him jump. He had to blink to clear his eyes. He really was exhausted, even after sleeping for the entire afternoon. He looked blearily at the rather forbidding face of Lord Elrond.

"And when were you going to admit you are unwell?" Elrond's tone was fierce.

Randis, warrior of Mirkwood, who had possibly seen more Spiders and Orcs than the rest of the group put together, seemed to shrink under that gaze. "Once we reached Aran Thranduil. That is my priority."

"And what will happen if you pass out from the effects of your injury and we miss the cave that Aran Thranduil is sheltered in? Will that be of help to them? Yes, I know you are injured. You cannot hide it from me. My own sons try to do the same and they fail also. We do not leave until you tell me and allow me to treat it."

Glorfindel had to smile at Elrond's words. "He is not jesting either. It would be better for all of us if you just let Elrond treat your wound."

Randis blushed as much as he could when he was so pale. "My leg. We fought a battle with Orcs prior to the lightning strike. One of them stabbed me. I have cleaned and bound it."

"You did not tell us you had been in an altercation with Orcs!" Glorfindel could not hide his shock.

"Let me see your wound." Elrond's voice held resignation. Why did the younger warriors have such a fear of healers? "And while I treat it you will tell us exactly what happened to Aran Thranduil and his party. Glorfindel, could you get my healing pack? Haldir, I need some hot water, both for drinking and for cleaning the wound."

The others hastened to follow Elrond's instructions and soon a very embarrassed Randis had lowered his leggings and lay with his lower half covered in the blanket that Eirien had supplied.

As soon as Elrond had removed a bandage that had been hastily wrapped around the leg some time ago and saw the wound, he shook his head and frowned. His already very low opinion of Bree's Master Healer plummeted even further. How the healer could have missed this was beyond him. He obviously didn't even check for a fever. Randis' fever was high and Elrond's fears from earlier were proven valid.

The right leg was white, apart from the stab wound high in the side of his thigh. That was bright red and was already somewhat infected, but what worried Elrond was the line of black that surrounded the wound.

The Orc blade must have been tainted with poison. Luckily for Randis, it appeared to have been weakened or added to the blade a few days before the battle and some of the poison had either washed off in the rain or used on others. If it were not the case, the poison would have made him much more ill by now than he was, but it was still serious. The wound would not heal properly until the poison was countered.

This would need to be treated with Athelas. Glorfindel and Haldir approached them with their bags and a bowl of water. The first thing Elrond did was bring out his pouch of athelas and crush some into the bowl of hot water. They all relaxed as the fresh smell permeated the air around them.

"Glorfindel, I need you to mix some echinacea, thyme, calendula and gentian. That will fight the infection. We will also need to add something for his fever. Some chamomile, willow bark and peppermint should do it, if you could get them ready for me?"

"Of course, I'll have it ready in a moment." Glorfindel sorted the herbs out of Elrond's healer's bag and began preparing them.

Haldir knelt beside the Mirkwood scout and gave him a very stern look, the look of a commander. "I thought you felt fevered earlier. I did ask you."

"My apologies, Haldir, all I thought of was the need to get help back to Aran Thranduil and Caun Legolas. I did not believe the wound was this bad."

"Has nothing gone right for Thranduil?" Elrond was already cleaning the wound gently with the athelas water.

"It had not when I left them. Even the weather had been against us. I have not seen such foul weather linger for so many days, it never stopped raining from the time we began the journey. And yet, when Hethuaur and I left them, we had only gone perhaps a half day's ride and the weather was like this. It is most peculiar."

Randis winced as Elrond caught the wound with the cloth, causing it to sting. There was a small uneven flap of skin caused by a nick in the blade he was stabbed with, or so Elrond imagined.

"I am sorry. Ideally this needs suturing but with the poison and the infection that would not be a good idea at all. I will pack it with Athelas until it is healed a bit more." Glorfindel knelt beside Randis and held out a lightly steaming mug.

"Ah, thank you, Glorfindel. Drink all of that while I finish cleaning the wound, every single drop." He raised an eyebrow at Randis, who had the grace to blush and then nod. Glorfindel helped him up to a sitting position and handed him the mug.

Glorfindel whispered in Elrond's ear as Randis drank the bitter potion. "You do not know why he is so afraid of you? Mellon-nin, if you could see how you look you would understand."

Elrond whispered back. "Oh hush. He knew he was in the wrong! He should have told us that he was injured yesterday. That idiot of a healer at Bree! Do not get me started on him! I will have words for him when we collect this Penneth's horse. I think Eirien will also have a thing or two to say to him considering how much gold he demanded."

Elrond could feel the fury at the fat healer building within him. Oh yes, he would rue the day he misdiagnosed an Elf! A devious look crossed his face as he considered. All he would have to do was let Eirien know what he had missed. That would be rather fun to watch.

As Elrond continued to pack the wound, they all listened to the tale that Randis had to tell. No one interrupted him until he got to the part about Legolas communing with the trees for the first time.

"Legolas was talking to the trees and understanding them, at his age?" Elrond was incredulous. There were not many that could hold this claim. For one so young, Legolas really was full of surprises. He would need to consult his books to confirm it but if his memory served him correctly they could expect even more in the young one's future. It would be fun to watch him grow.

"Yes, Hir-nin, and when the Orcs attacked, Aran Thranduil gave him up to the tree for protection. One Orc tried to pull him from the tree. I have never seen a tree attack a living being like that! There was not much of him left once the tree had finished. That was when the lightning strike occurred."

Elrond was pushing the herb far into the wound. Randis kept talking in hisses through clenched teeth, anything to keep his mind off of the pain.

Elrond tried to swiftly finish, he knew it was painful, but it must be done. "Tell me who was injured and what happened." He directed, in an effort to distract Randis from what he was doing.

"Aran Thranduil, he was caught in the lightning strike. It affected his hearing and sight. He was also being sick. Calandor, he stopped breathing. I have never been so scared in all my life. I never thought they would get him to breathe again. He was still unconscious when I left. He is a true hero in my eyes. He pushed Doroniel aside..."

"Doroniel is with them?" Elrond looked up from what he was doing. He was relieved at Randis' words. If Doroniel was the healer with them then things may not be as dire as he expected them to be.

"Yes, since she was helping Caun Legolas to recover from his injuries and nightmares, it was decided that she should accompany us. The Caun is still close to fading, I fear." Randis looked sad.

"After a year?" Haldir sounded shocked at the thought.

"Yes, even after a year. He is only just beginning to eat and smile again. I hope this does not set him back. He is so fearful of the Orcs. He calls them Monsters."

"We will help him all we can, I promise you." Elrond smiled at him in reassurance. "Was Doroniel hurt?"

"Yes, but not as badly as the others. She too was having problems with her ears and standing. But the Caun was cut on his ankle by the Orc's claws and he had a head wound. He was very poorly when I left." He watched Elrond as he began to wrap a bandage snugly around his leg.

"Had he wakened?" Elrond did not look up from his work.

"No. Dor was becoming very worried about that."

"Dor? Doroniel?" Elrond was smiling as he knotted the end of the bandage.

"Yes, sorry, it is what Calandor calls her and the name seems to fit. I think there is going to be a bonding in the near future if Calandor recovers. He had a seizure before I left. That was almost as bad as when he stopped breathing." Randis absent-mindedly rubbed at the faded bruise on his face that marked the spot where his friend had punched him at the beginning of that fit.

"Yes, they can be. Now you need to take the tea that Glorfindel has prepared and the Miruvor that I am sure that we will both be made to drink and then we can have some fruit and be on our way. I want to get to Aran Thranduil as soon as possible after your description of their injuries." Elrond gave a grim smile at the two mugs that appeared before him, one was Miruvor and Glorfindel handed it to him.

"Drink it. You need it after the last couple of days and, yes, Randis will be getting some as well." Glorfindel smiled back at his friend.

"Good, it will give him strength. Hannon le, Mellon-nin." Elrond sipped the sweet cordial once more.

Once he had finished, he was handed a plate of fruit. "Here, Eirien said you had to have these particularly." Haldir seemed a little tense at just mentioning her name. "Is she always like that?"

Elrond tipped his head in acknowledgement. "Yes, it took her years to stop attempting to arrange a bonding between Glorfindel and her daughter, and Briena was only seven at the time!" That caused laughter around the camp site. "Aran Thranduil was lucky he was already married. Eirien has a fondness for blond Elves, always has had."

"Thank the Valar, I am brown!" Randis exclaimed while fingering one of his warrior braids. It caused even more laughter.

"You are certainly among the lucky ones. Trust me on that!" Glorfindel's voice was rueful as he recalled all the times that Eirien had tried to convince him that he was perfect for her daughter. Again, laughter rang out around the small fire.

Before they prepared to leave, Randis decided to change his torn and stained leggings for his clean, undamaged pair.

That was when he found the letter that Thranduil had handed to him before he left the cave with Hethuaur. He had forgotten all about it in his exhaustion. He handed it over to Elrond immediately with his apologies. The apologies were waved away. Elrond understood that he had saved time by not resting. He would not be blamed for something that could not be helped in his condition.

The missive spurred Elrond to even greater haste. It held more details of the injuries that the small party had suffered, including Doroniel's fears that Calandor may have further internal damage than first thought, due to the shock of the lightning. Elrond feared that all four of them may be in that situation. Thranduil was most worried that Legolas was developing a fever as well.

They all felt a little more at ease when they resumed riding once more. The news of the injuries to Legolas and the others brought into clear focus just why they were making this trip. For Elrond, it was confirmation for the urgency he felt when he began this journey.

They rode hard into the night, trying to make up the time they had lost by their extended stay in Bree. Randis had informed them of the 'Ladies' antics along the way and how they were beginning to anger Thranduil. While Thranduil being angry at someone, in itself, was not uncommon, it was unusual when it came to Ellith. They could all tell that Randis also did not like the two females under discussion.

oo

It began raining just around midnight. It was a light, misty rain that, while it did not slow them down, did soak them, slowly but surely. The clouds also cut them off from the moonlight and made the night darker still.

They were preparing to stop for a short break for the horses when a loud howl echoed from the rocks around them. They could tell that the creatures were close by. Not close enough for their Elven abilities to discern whether they were wolves or Wargs, but a little too close for comfort. Rather than stop and make themselves a perfect target, they continued on. It was hoped they would tire of the chase and seek easier prey.

The winds gradually grew in intensity and the air around them seemed to crackle. The first crack of thunder split the air around them, causing them all to flinch as it hurt their sensitive ears. For Elrond, it made his headache pulse and flare once more, though it had been steadily decreasing. They continued at a steady pace for as long as they could. The rain began to fall heavier as the storm grew.

Again and again the howls sounded. Nearer and nearer, as if they were being guided by some supernatural force to their position. Not one of them now held the illusion that they would not have to eventually deal with the source of the howls. They rode with weapons in hand. Elrond had even drawn his dagger in case he was thrown from Glorfindel's horse in the fight.

They had just about reached the top of the pass through the Misty Mountains when they caught first sight of the source of the howls. Elrond felt a prickle of foreboding as Glorfindel caught sight of the evil yellow eyes gazing at them from the darkness. Then a howl came from behind them, with an answering one to their left. They were slowly but surely being surrounded.

More eyes shone from the darkness as Elrond's senses stretched to feel their presence about them. He could sense darkness and fear but not the overwhelming evil of Wargs. These were simple wolves then. They would be easier to handle, though they were dangerous enough in large packs.

They rode on, all of them tense and ready for any attack. The wolves kept pace at a distance. Haldir, the best bowman in the group next to Glorfindel, was pleased that Rumil had taken Randis on his horse at their last stop. It meant that he could use his bow unfettered. The others also had their bows ready.

Glorfindel had his sword in hand. With Elrond before him on the horse, his use of a bow was limited. At best, he hoped to protect Elrond from attack.

Nothing more happened for a long tense time until a dazzling blue flash of lightning lit up the entire area followed by a sudden crash, making the horses pause and stamp. The flash revealed a dozen or more large wolves pacing around them. With a piercing howl, one of the wolves leapt from its hidden spot in the rocks. Haldir fired and the arrow hit the wolf straight in the eye as it launched itself at Glorfindel and Elrond. It went down at Corutal's feet, dead.

The other wolves around them growled and then attacked in earnest. Two or three wolves attacked each horse, trying for distraction and a chance to pull them down. Thalagur, unburdened by a rider and free to move as she wished, reared and stamped, trampling one wolf as the other horses kicked and defended themselves and their riders as well.

Another wolf leapt from the rocks, knocking Rumil from his horse, but he rolled immediately to his feet with a blade in his hand as swiftly as the wolf turned to face him again. Rumil kept his back to a great boulder to prevent any attack from the rear as he eyed the great grey beast gathering itself to spring at him again. Rumil readied his sword and sidestepped as the wolf leapt for his throat and plunged the sword into its chest. He then swiftly mounted his horse once more before another wolf could come near enough to be a threat to him. He was back to using his bow quickly.

Most of the wolves did not even get the chance to come near, but were quickly brought down by the accurate shooting of the Elves. Soon only four of the wolves were left to threaten them. Haldir calmly nocked an arrow and fired it without thought. It brought down the large pack leader. With his death, the last three wolves disappeared into the night as suddenly as they had appeared.

Glorfindel lowered his sword with a sigh of relief but the relief soon faded as he felt Elrond's body shudder and stiffen before him. He somehow managed to hold onto him as he once more succumbed to the oblivion of another vision.

Haldir and the others were already on the ground making sure that the wolves were dead and gathering the arrows to use once again after they had been checked for any damage they might have sustained.

None of them realised yet that Elrond was having a vision or that Glorfindel was having difficulty keeping Elrond on his horse because he twisted and fought his friend for some reason.

Rumil was the first to notice and his shout for help brought them around to find the amazing sight of Elrond fighting against Glorfindel's hold atop Corutal. Haldir ran to help him as he realised exactly what was happening.

They somehow managed to get Elrond safely down and laid him on the ground, even with the rain still falling. They could not risk having him fall from the full height of Corutal.

oo

/Elrond was in complete and utter darkness, the air around him seemed heavy and redolent with the musty damp of deep dark places. He could not see anything, even with the aid of his Elven eyesight./

/Suddenly, out of the darkness a tall, dark figure loomed into sight. At its feet, another dark-cloaked figure bowed in submission./

/"What of the Bratling Prince? Have you had better success than the last one?" The echoing voice was cold and laden with evil that seemed to permeate the very air./

/Elrond was surprised when he heard a feminine voice reply. The voice was almost as cold as her master's. "He is fast losing the battle, My Lord. The fool of a healer misjudged just how badly he was hurt in your storm. He has a badly infected leg wound, it is also broken and poisoned, that has gone untreated. He suffers from seizures now. He will soon be gone from this world and hinder you no more, Master, just as you have instructed."/

/The voices were strangely familiar yet distorted to Elrond's ears and he felt a shock of recognition run down his back. Where did he know not only one, but both voices from/

/Suddenly the sound of crying could be heard, a very young one crying. Elrond searched for the source of the echoing sound. There was no one else here, but the crying was enough to break Elrond's heart. It conveyed despair, fear, loneliness and loss all in that soul-wrenching quavering wail./

/"Very good, but his life is not enough. I want the Father as well. His son is not enough, I want the entire Kingdom. Once it is mine, you will have your reward, just as I promised you."/

/There was a sneer in that voice and Elrond knew that whatever had been promised, it would not be what the woman had been expecting./

/"Thank you, Master. Tell me how I may best serve you. My wish is to please you, My Lord."/

/Why were these voices so familiar? What was he missing/

/"Kill the Prince within the next day. Then you will target the other fool. He will not even know what he has been fighting against, unless you can accomplish both deeds at once?"/

/"I will, Hir-nin! I will do anything to prove I am your loyal servant./

/"You do well. I am pleased with you." The crying grew in intensity. "My next target will...

Ahhh, there is another here! YOU!"/

/There was complete and utter hatred in the dark figure's voice as its gaze was directed at him. It was only then that Elrond realised that this was not a normal vision. Normally, he could not interact with those he saw and they could not see him. Why this one was different, he did not know./

/Elrond tried to wake himself, to break out of the vision, another first for him. But the feeling of cold, bitterly cold, fingers suddenly seemed to clamp tightly around his throat and lift him from his feet. Whoever this was, they were strong and he could feel the evil intent burn his skin beneath their touch. Slowly, no matter how he fought and struggled, they began to squeeze, crushing his throat. Soon he was gasping for breath, trying to break their relentless grip./

oo

Elrond still struggled and fought against some unseen foe, though his eyes were wide and staring. Glorfindel grew alarmed. This was not a normal vision. Elrond normally did not move at all until he came out of the trance at the end of the vision.

Suddenly, Elrond began choking and did not seem able to breath. His back arched and his heels dug furrows in the sodden ground beneath him. Iluvatar! Had Elrond just swallowed his tongue? The way his lips quickly became ringed with the blue tinge of cyanosis made Glorfindel think his fears were more than valid.

oo

/He felt as if his chest was going to burst and he knew he could not fight this alone. Soon, stars filled his vision while the crying seemed to increase to an unbearable intensity. Whoever it was, they needed his help! He had to get away, had to breathe! Had to…/

/His struggle had taken on a desperate edge. One he knew he was losing…/

/There was only one person who could possibly help him. He desperately needed help to escape from this dire situation. As his vision grew dim and darkness began to take him, he called out to the only one he could... /

oo

Across the plains a town was sleeping, guarded from danger by vigilant soldiers. Silence covered all, but for the normal sounds of the night creatures. Stars twinkled as the moon shone benevolently on the town of men.

In one of the upper chambers in the largest house in that town a husband and wife of many years lay sleeping quietly. Suddenly, the wife sat bolt upright in the bed, her long blond hair streaming around her shoulders.

One word came from her lips in a cry full of fear and anguish. "Elrond!"

Celeborn was wakened by Galadriel's sudden movement and cry. His heart was thudding from the anxiety that radiated through their bond.

"Galadriel? Meleth? What is it?" Celeborn took her into the safety of his arms. Her eyes were wide and it was clear that she was not completely with him in the chamber.

She spoke under her breath, but it was so low that he could not make out what she was trying to say, apart from that one clear name.

"Galadriel!" His fear increased as his bonded mate began to grow short of breath. Blue began to tinge her lips and her hands rose as if she were fighting an invisible foe. Then in front of his incredulous eyes, red marks began to form on her elegant throat. They resembled the marks left by fingers. "Galadriel!" His voice rose with fear.

The door to their chamber opened and Orophin and another Galadhrim on duty came rushing into their chamber with their swords drawn, ready to fight whatever threatened their Lord and Lady. They drew to a halt as they realised that there was no one in the chamber who should not be.

"Orophin, bring Miruvor and hot sweet tea. Linnathon, get some Witch Hazel and some Arnica. Now if you please!" His loud orders had them racing to fulfill them.

No sooner had they left than a bright light filled the chamber, making him close and shade his eyes to protect them. When he opened them, he realised that it came from Nenya, Galadriel's Ring of Power. He gaped at it for a full second before the light vanished and Galadriel sagged limply against him... lifeless...

oo

Glorfindel tried to lay his struggling friend flat on the ground, to try and clear his airway, but he was unable to do so as Elrond seemed to be fighting them all the way. The blue around his lips was deepening by the second and Glorfindel knew if they were going to be able to help Elrond it would have to be now.

Then he realised that his friend's hands were clawing at his throat, almost as if someone was choking him. Could it be? Frantic with worry he now tried to pull the strongly fighting hands away from Elrond's throat. It was too great a struggle for him to really win with the violent force of this seizure, but he did get a glimpse of the deep, long bruises that now ringed the pale throat.

If Glorfindel did not see Elrond before him, alone, surrounded by friends, he would have almost believed that Elrond was being strangled by some invisible foe.

He really did not know what to do for the best. It was not normally safe for him to wake Elrond prematurely from a vision, but if he did not, Elrond could very well die.

His decision made, he moved to wake him, only for a blinding flash of light to suddenly appear and dazzle them all. Then, Elrond spoke, just one strangled word that sounded as if it was more a plea than anything else.

"Galadriel!" As the light vanished, Elrond went limp, sliding from Haldir's grasp.

"Elrond!" Glorfindel reached for him. After Elrond's collapse, he had not yet taken a single breath. With shaking hands he felt for the pulse at his bruised throat. Now that his hands were no longer in the way, they could clearly see that the bruising was deeper and far worse than they had thought. Glorfindel sagged with relief at the fast but un-even pulse.

After a few long seconds, Elrond finally took a short, shaky, gasping breath, followed by another stronger breath and coughed weakly.

Glorfindel sat back, too shaken to think for the moment.

"Glorfindel, we need to cover him. He is shaking." Haldir was stark white in the darkness, worry filled his blue eyes.

"Yes and he needs some Miruvor and hot tea. We break here until he recovers but then we must go on. Something has happened. I am certain of it and it concerns Thranduil's party." Between them, they lifted Elrond and wrapped him with Randis' blanket when he pressed it on them. "Thank you, Mellon-nin."

"You are welcome. Hir Elrond would do no less for me. If someone would hand the kindling and flint to me, I can start a fire while the others make certain the wolves are gone." Rumil handed him the items. "Hannon lle, Rumil, saes, make certain we are safe. I fear Hir Elrond can go no further for a time."

"I will, Randis. Brethil, Rhovan, with me. You two make the camp safe from here. We will be back shortly." Rumil threw Elrond a worried glance before leaving with the other two Elves.

Glorfindel and Haldir had been busy trying to get the Miruvor into Elrond, but they could tell that he was having a lot of trouble swallowing. He kept choking on his own breath as well as the fluid.

"Easy, Elrond, take it slowly and just sip. That is it." Glorfindel watched as Elrond blinked blearily up at him.

"Glor..." Elrond broke off, coughing and gasping for breath as the attempt at speaking caused his throat to spasm in pain and choke him once more.

"Easy, do not speak yet, Mellon-nin, you are safe. Just rest." Glorfindel tried to reassure his obviously shaken friend.

"No... time... Leg'las..." His voice was little more than a whispery rasp.

"You are in no condition to carry on right now. Until you are, we cannot move. So relax and drink the Miruvor slowly. Then you can have the tea and then you can tell me what you saw." He had to smile as Elrond sighed with frustration.

However, he did as he was told and Haldir, for one, was pleased. He had thought the other visions had been bad enough, but this one beat them hands down. When Elrond had not seemed to be breathing...it had truly frightened him.

Finally, Elrond managed to finish the Miruvor. By that time, Randis had the hot, sweetened tea ready. Elrond was steady enough and able to drink it without aid, even though he still looked incredibly worried as well as shaken.

"What did you see?" Glorfindel's voice was gentle.

"A dark figure. Whoever, or whatever, is targeting Legolas is incredibly evil. I know them and they know me. They are also after Thranduil." Elrond's voice was still very hoarse and he was rubbing at his throat to try and ease the ache.

"Leave that, Mellon-nin, I know it hurts. I can even see the nail marks. I will treat it once you have finished the tea." Glorfindel pulled his friend's hands away from the afflicted area. "They are also after Thranduil?"

Elrond nodded. "They want Mirkwood." Elrond had to stop until a coughing fit eased and he caught his breath again.

"They?" Haldir asked, worry still clear in his voice.

"Yes. There are two of them. One must be a member of Thranduil's party. She gave her 'Master' an update on Legolas' condition."

"Could you tell who it was, Hir-nin?" Randis sounded very anxious at the mention of Legolas.

"No, but both voices were familiar to me, I know them from somewhere. I just cannot place where." Elrond rubbed his thumping head. The coughing was not helping his headache. Now that the adrenaline was leaving him, all his aches and pains were making themselves known once more, really making themselves known.

"What did they say about Legolas?" Glorfindel was crushing some Athelas and a couple more herbs into the hot water that was left in the pot Randis had heated.

"They claimed that Legolas suffered a broken leg as well as the infected and poisoned wound, gloating that he was having seizures and does not have long to live. I have to get there before that can happen. I will not let them win." Elrond's hoarse voice was adamant.

"We will not." Glorfindel's voice was vehement. They would not lose the young Prince if he had anything to do with it. "WE will not, not just you. To accomplish that, you must be able to make the journey. I have no need to guess that you feel as if a dozen trolls have rolled on you and trampled you again afterwards just for the sport." He arched his right eyebrow in inquiry.

Haldir and Randis wished they had the nerve to laugh at the look on Elrond's face. He really did look like that at present. The bruise stood out on his forehead, even if it was healing well, but the new bruises on his throat looked bad. Glorfindel was right. They could see the nail marks that those phantom fingers had left, if they had been phantom fingers. He was very pale and held himself so stiffly that they all knew he had to be in pain.

"I feel like it." He nodded ruefully. "Is there any hot water left? It might be wise for me to have some willow bark tea before we leave. I'm afraid I must continue to ride with you, Mellon-nin. I do not think I could stay on Thalagur on my own." Glorfindel was astonished and worried. If Elrond was admitting he needed help he must truly be hurting.

"I will heat some more water, Hir-nin." Randis was eager to help. He was more aware than ever now that they needed to hurry and get to the Prince.

"Thank you, Randis. I will need some Arnica and witch hazel for the swelling and bruises on my throat, Glorfindel."

"I know that, once it is cleaned properly. What makes you think I would let you ride on your own after this vision anyway? No, you ride with me for the foreseeable future if you expect to be able to help anyone once we get to Thranduil. What else did you see?" Glorfindel gently continued to clean Elrond's throat with the athelas water as Haldir searched out the required herbs for both the tea and the application.

"They could both see me somehow. The one called 'Master' attacked me. I could not get away. He was choking me and only with Galadriel's aid was I able to break free. I pray that she is unharmed. I will contact her come morning. If they are sleeping I would not wish to waken them. Never have I been attacked in a vision before nor been wounded. How could I carry the wounds from a vision?"

"There is some dark menace at work here, Elrond. Those wolves were led to us, I swear. The way they stalked us was uncanny. Wolves do not normally hunt horses with armed riders. We need to be on our guard at all times, not just here but when we reach Thranduil. Could you identify the voice if you heard it again?" Glorfindel was now applying the creamed herbs to Elrond's damaged throat. He still could not speak in more than a hoarse whisper.

"No, their voices were distorted, but each voice had something about it that was so very familiar. I wish I knew what it was. This will haunt me now until I can find the answers." Elrond was wracking his brains, trying to place the voices.

"It will come back to you when you least expect it." They both looked up as Rumil led his small group back. He looked pleased and relieved as he saw that Elrond was awake and went directly to them, nodding to his brother. Haldir nodded back as he handed the readied herbs to Randis for the tea for pain.

"There are no signs of any other wolves or Wargs in the vicinity now. There was sign of another group of riders coming through here much earlier in the night, before the rain started. It is good to see you looking so well, Hir-nin, you had us worried."

"Hannon lle, Rumil, I just wish I felt better." Elrond nodded his thanks to Haldir. The Lothlorien March Warden had just handed him the medicated tea.

"I added some honey as well to soothe your throat on the inside."

"Hannon lle, it will help. We must be on our way shortly. It is urgent that we reach Thranduil and Legolas as soon as we can. We only stop when necessary and only for fifteen minutes. We could be there by late afternoon tomorrow. Randis, ride with either Haldir or Rumil. We must also be on the alert for bigger weather problems. Whoever opposes us has influence over that as well. He caused the lightning strike and the odd weather that we have been experiencing. We must be ready for anything. I do not know whether our presence has been detected, but we must work on the assumption that it has."

"Enough talking Elrond, drink that tea. It will not help you if it remains in the goblet. Once it is finished you will talk only when you absolutely have to. You know as well as I do that it will not help your throat." Glorfindel glowered at his friend who had the grace to look abashed and did as instructed and drank his tea. He was still swallowing with difficulty and the action seemed painful from the grimaces on his face.

After Glorfindel discretely helped Elrond with a quick nature break. They were all relieved to be on their way once more. As they rode, Elrond recalled a comment from the conversation with Randis that afternoon, although it seemed to be much longer ago. He could have kicked himself over it.

As they rode, Elrond turned to whisper quietly to Glorfindel, sparing his throat. "Glorfindel, I must ask Randis something." Glorfindel frowned but turned and motioned to Haldir. "Come closer, Elrond needs to speak with Randis." Elrond watched as Haldir nodded and brought them closer. "Randis, did you say earlier that Hethuaur made for Imladris?"

"Yes, Hir-nin. We decided we should split and each would seek aid at the different locations. Imladris was nearest, but Doroniel believed your skill was particularly needed. That is why I rode for Fornost."

"Good, that will help. With luck, Gailarphen will either have sent a healer or gone himself. They should have been ahead of us. That would account for the tracks that Rumil saw earlier. That is hopeful news, but I still need to get there with all haste."

With that news, they continued their journey with a bit more hope in their hearts.

Morning saw them well down the other side of the mountains and making good progress. As soon as the time seemed right, Elrond tried to make contact with Galadriel.

oo

For one frightful moment, Celeborn thought the worst. Orophin, upon re-entering the chamber with a goblet of Miruvor, thought the same at seeing Galadriel so limp and unmoving in Celeborn's arms.

Celeborn shakily moved the cascade of hair that had hidden her face to get a good look and literally jumped in surprise when Galadriel took in a shuddering breath. With tears running unashamedly down his face, Celeborn clasped her even tighter, just glad that she was still with him.

"Celeborn? The miruvor?" Orophin hated interrupting Celeborn at that time, no matter how gently he did it, but he knew that Galadriel would need the Miruvor, especially after the violent vision that she had just experienced. For that matter, Orophin thought Celeborn could probably use a goblet of it as well.

"Hannon le, Orophin. Can you help me?" Together, they got Galadriel sitting up against Celeborn so that they could feed the warming drink to her. It was then that they noticed that her lips were no longer blue but their normal rosy colour. Also the marks that had marred her throat were gone, leaving no trace whatsoever of the bruises that they had seen earlier.

Celeborn decided that they could deal with the questions about their disappearance at a later time. Right now they needed to get the Miruvor into her. They had just given her the first sip when Galadriel tried to move away, groaning a little.

Her eyelids fluttered open to reveal exhausted blue eyes.

"Meleth?" Celeborn was rewarded with recognition in those normally bright eyes. "You had a very bad vision. Rest now and we will talk later. Before you sleep you need to drink this Miruvor and the tea that..." Linnathon entered the chamber with the tea plus the herbs that were requested. "…is here. I also need to look at your throat to make sure there is no injury there."

It took a good deal of Celeborn's loving patience to persuade Galadriel to drink both goblets of fluid before he would let her sleep. Once she was asleep, he could properly see to her throat. Miraculously, there was no bruising or swelling evident, which was a real relief but also a puzzle. Celeborn then dismissed Rumil and Linnathon, leaving him alone with his wife.

He knew he would not sleep any more that night. He was worried for Galadriel, but terrified as to what this could mean for Elrond and his quest. As the dawn slowly brightened to another perfect spring day, he found that he could not take his eyes off his wife, who was sleeping heavily with her eyes closed. It was not unexpected, but it still worried him.

The strength and frequency of these visions also worried him. It could only mean the Valar greatly wished them to know that something was happening, and that usually meant great troubles for all.

oo

Bright light was the first thing that Galadriel became aware of, then being held in a tight grip, a gentle grip that was warm and very familiar. She smiled, though aware of just how much she ached. She would have to take today very carefully, that is, if Celeborn even let her set foot out of the bed. It would be more than likely that he would not. A day in bed sounded wonderful though, especially with the aches and pains that were growing with her awareness.

"Good morning, Meleth, how are you feeling?" A light kiss landed gently on her brow.

"Sore and tired. What exactly happened?" Galadriel looked up at her beloved mate.

"I was hoping that you would be able to tell me that. You sat upright from your sleep and called for Elrond. You began to have problems breathing and marks appeared on your throat. You then collapsed and made me lose millennia of my growth. I thought I had lost you." Celeborn held onto her tightly, almost afraid she would still go away.

"No, Melethron, I am still here with you and I am well. Elrond required my aid with Nenya. He was trapped in a strange vision in which he was being attacked. Something had him by the throat. What you saw was what happened to him. I will have to contact him to make certain that he remains unscathed." Galadriel really did not want to move from the safe haven of Celeborn's arms at the moment.

"Not until I have made certain that you really are well and have eaten and had some Miruvor as well. Orophin has made certain that we have some waiting in the chamber. A light meal would be best I think and a note to explain that you have had another 'seizure' and are not well enough to attend any meals or meetings today. I am sure that they will understand and that Lady Banwen will be delighted to fuss over you once more." He was rewarded with a warm smile at the mention of Fornost's Lady. Galadriel had become firm friends with her over the course of the previous day.

"I will accept that. She is sincere and means well. I am sorry to have worried you, Meleth. I would never do that intentionally." Galadriel reached up with shaking arms to cup his face in her hands.

"I know, Melethril." He smiled fondly as he gazed into her eyes. "Now you must drink some more Miruvor and I will get Orophin to bring tea before he goes to his rest. He refused to leave his post until you awoke." Celeborn gently moved from behind her and helped her to sit upright against the pile of pillows behind her. "I will be but a moment." He leaned and kissed her brow again.

He spoke quickly with Orophin before he gathered the flask of Miruvor and a goblet and returned to her side.

It was a short time later that Orophin knocked and was granted entrance. He held a tray with hot water, tea, fruit and breads upon it. With him were Bainen and Banwen, both appeared concerned. They were genuinely worried for Galadriel after hearing of her disturbed night. Banwen hurried over.

"Galadriel, child, we have just heard. How are you? Do you need a healer? Anything?"

She shooed Celeborn away so that she could get a good look at the Elven Lady before her. "You look so pale, dear. You must stay in bed today. Bainen, there are to be no more meeting's today. These two poor children need a good rest and I will not have them disturbed."

"Yes, Dearest, I agree. If there is anything we can do for you, anything at all, please, do not hesitate to let us know?" He sounded as worried as his wife.

Celeborn answered from where he stood next to Orophin, who was a little wide-eyed at hearing the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien called 'children'.

"Galadriel only needs rest to recover, my lady. Some fresh food and a little more sleep will do her much good. My wife is already much better than she was."

He smiled at them, trying to reassure their hosts, and hoping to the Valar that they would not see any sign of the irritation that filled him as he had been pushed to one side.

"Good, then that is what will happen. Isn't that right, Bainen?" Banwen did not even wait for an answer. "You need to eat and then rest. Sit down, Celeborn, and I will sort your meal out. You must be exhausted, you poor thing. How long have you been awake? Why did you not waken us? I would have not minded, for something like this, especially!" Banwen did not even give Celeborn a chance to answer her questions as he was gently guided to sit next to Galadriel before she turned and began to prepare their food.

Bainen had the grace to look slightly embarrassed at her behaviour before saying. "I need to let the others know that you will not be attending today. Galadriel, if you will excuse me?"

Galadriel hurried to reassure her host. "Of course, Bainen I understand that you have obligations. I hope I will see you later when I feel better able to sit with you."

"I would like that, my lady. Until later." With a bow he left the chamber.

It took a while for Banwen to leave them. It was only after fussing a great deal over both of them, but finally they were alone.

"I need to try to contact Elrond now." Galadriel spoke the minute the door closed behind their hostess.

"I will be here with you and the Miruvor will be on hand, but then you will rest again." Celeborn made his face stern as he spoke but the twinkle in his eye took the sting out of it.

"I will, Meleth, I will, I promise." Her eyes glinted fondly as she reassured him.

"Go then and make sure Elrond is well." Celeborn watched as she leaned back and closed her eyes. He was concerned, but understood the need for her to do this now.

Using old well-known methods of relaxation, she slipped back into the darkness. Then, so suddenly that it stunned her, something bright began to form in front of her. At first she thought it was a twisted piece of rope unraveling.

/Slowly the bright strands began to unwind and twist away from the main strand until only three still held strong. She needed to mend that rope, to fix it back properly. It filled her with an urgency that robbed her of her breath. In the background she could hear a young voice calling his mother for help. It was heartbreaking and compelling. She could not ignore the plea./

/"Galadriel?"/

She was startled enough to jump and the crying voice and rope faded away.

/"Elrond? Are you well, Hervenn uin sell-nin? I am relieved to hear from you./

/"I am well, now, hannon le, Galadriel."/

/"What has happened? I was in reverie." /

/"I had a vision that was nothing like a normal vision and unlike any I have ever had before." /

/"You were attacked, Elrond."/

/"Yes, I was. It has never happened before. I even have bruises and finger marks. They saw me." His puzzlement was evident./

/"I wish I could help you with an answer. Visions always change. I have a feeling that there is a power behind these events that is greater than we knew. I fear that it may have been revealed that we each hold a Ring of Power, though it may yet be hidden. We must be wary of their use."/

/"We will be. I found out that both Legolas and Thranduil are their targets and they have power over the weather."/

/"So that is why the weather has changed?"She could not hide her shock from him./

/"Yes, so it would seem. He caused the lightning strike. It was purposefully targeted at Legolas. I think that once the injured are stable, I will take them to Imladris to allow them to recover. I believe it will be wiser and I fear the journey would be too long for them. Imladris is safe, it is nearer and the facilities are definitely much better. I would not treat anyone in that so-called healing ward at Fornost. It would be better done under the stars. How are my sons?"/

/"Behaving, for once. They are worried for you. You should probably be warned that Banwen worships them. They have thoroughly charmed her. I think that she will be trying to marry them off before the end of the conference. I am sure she has girls already in mind. If her daughter was not already married, I am sure she would be one of them."/

Galadriel was glad that she had managed to make him laugh, even if it were only for a time.

/"Please take care, Elrond. I fear what is ahead of us. I wish that Mithrandir were here. I fear we will need him before this is over."

"We will be cautious, Galadriel. I am sure that Mithrandir will know he is needed. He always seems to. Give my sons a hug and Suilad to Celeborn, make sure he makes you rest, you need to recover from last night as well." The healer in Elrond came to the fore.

"I will and he is already taking good care of me, as he always does. I fear I gave him a shock and a fright during the night. Please be careful. Namarie."

"We will. Namarie, Naneth uin Hervess-nin."/

Galadriel brought herself out of the trance and turned to see Celeborn ready and waiting, seated on the side of the bed with a goblet of Miruvor in his hand.

"Elrond is well, the danger has passed, for now." She could not prevent the yawn that made her pause.

"Drink, if he is well you can tell me later, drink and then sleep." He passed her the goblet.

"I can understand what Elrond meant when he said that he would burst if he had any more to drink." She could not help but complain gently between mouthfuls.

Celeborn only smiled at her, watching every drop that she took. Once she had finished it all, he helped her lie down. "Sleep, now, Meleth, I am here."

Obediently Galadriel settled back and slipped into the reverie of Elven sleep.

/Once again, there was the shining length of rope stretched before her and once again she could only watch as it unraveled, except, this time, only two strands remained unbroken. Again, the small voice was heard calling plaintively. There was a message here, she was sure of it. What was she missing/

Then, as abruptly as the rope appeared, the image and the voice vanished and she fell deeply asleep. Several times throughout her sleep that morning, the rope or the voice or both appeared to her. She wished she knew what message they were meant to give her.

oo

By the time Anor was high overhead at midday, the riders were back on more level ground and able to cover the distance quickly once more, even if they had to be mindful of their two injured and exhausted party members.

They had to stop once for Elrond to give Randis a strong tea of pain and fever-relieving herbs. His fever had risen again since their fight with the wolves. It was not lost on Glorfindel that Elrond had also made some of the tea for himself without being told to. That above all else convinced him. Elrond was suffering more than he let on.

Elrond only spoke when necessary, using signals to convey his meaning when he could. It was not a surprise to Glorfindel that he was drinking more too. In spite of his earlier complaints, he managed to slowly empty his waterskin. He was also still having difficulty swallowing. The internal and external bruising to his throat would be the cause of that. The bruises had deepened to a darker colour and the fingerprints seemed to be even more livid against them.

Elrond would heal quickly, but for now, his throat was still painful.

Glorfindel's anger grew each time he looked at the marks. If he ever found the person that caused them, he would certainly make them pay.

They had to stop again not long after as a result of all the fluid that Elrond had been drinking. Then they were swiftly on their way once more.

They had gone no more than thirty minutes before rain began to fall slowly again, as if the sky was weeping. It made Elrond feel uneasy for some reason, but it stopped thirty minutes later.

Randis suddenly sat bolt upright in Haldir's arms. "The trees are weeping, can you not hear them?"

"No, Mellon-nin, we do not hear them as clearly as you. Do you know why they weep?" Elrond's voice was stronger than it had been an hour ago and he looked better as well, not a lot, but it was good enough for Glorfindel.

"They cry out in anguish for the Caun. We must hurry! We are very close!" Randis sounded frantic.

Elrond did not need to tell them to hurry. They all urged their horses on.

oo

Galadriel was almost awake but only just. She was also very disturbed. The rope had appeared again before she awakened, but this time the voice had sounded even more frantic as it called for help from his Naneth and Adar. The second strand of the shining rope was slowly beginning to unwind.

Galadriel shuddered at the thought of what could possibly happen if the rope completely unraveled.

A knock at the chamber door brought her fully awake. Before she could call out, the handle turned and the door slowly opened, as if the person was hesitant to wake a sleeper. A dark head slowly came into view. It was Elladan. He spoke barely above a whisper.

"Shhhh, stop pushing, 'Ro. Daer Adar will flay us if we wake Daer Naneth."

"I am awake, Penneth, you may enter." Galadriel had to laugh as Elladan almost fell over in shock at her voice. "I am awake. Come in."

"Lady Banwen sent us to see if you were awake and needed anything, DaerNana. We said we could be quiet so that if you slept we would not awaken you." Elrohir appeared from behind his still-shocked brother. Together, they entered the chamber almost reverently. "How do you feel?"

Galadriel could tell that they were really worried about her. She smiled to comfort them. "I feel much better, thank you, Penneth, though I am a little hungry."

Elladan quickly moved to the door. "I will tell Lady Banwen. I will not be long. 'Ro will stay with you." He slipped from the chamber.

Elrohir turned to his grandmother. "Are you truly well? DaerAdar was very worried about you and did not want to leave you. We sat with you for a time earlier, but you slept."

"Yes, Elrohir, I really do feel better and your Adar asked me to give you a hug." She suited actions to her words. "I also have one for your gwador when he returns. I would like to get up and move to the fire, I think. You can tell me about your day so far while we wait for Elladan and Banwen."

Elrohir escorted her to the chair and made her comfortable. She listened to his chatter while they waited.

oo

Randis was becoming ever more anxious as they neared the area where Thranduil's party was sheltered. The trees seemed to be growing more distressed, whispering the name 'Legolas'. He could only pray that they were in time to aid the young Prince.

When Randis pointed out where to find the cave in the distance, they noticed a group of Elves standing alert near the cave. Even from this distance, they seemed to be tense and anxious. They gathered near the cave entrance as if waiting for something to happen, gazing into the cave more than keeping watch.

Elrond's group exchanged perplexed and worried looks. Elrond feared what the odd behaviour of the Elves outside the cave could mean.

The watchers around the cave finally saw them coming and began to signal urgently that help was needed and at Elrond's nod Glorfindel kneed Corutal and called to him. "Noro lim, Corutal, noro lim!" Corutal pulled well ahead of the rest of the group of riders.

They guards began to call for Elrond as soon as they were close enough to hear them. The fear and urgency in their voices was all he needed to hear.

Corutal had not even fully stopped at the cave entrance when Elrond slid from his back. He did not wait for the others, or even greet the waiting worried Elves. He somehow found the energy to run into the cave.

The large cave was dark, although they had two fires going inside. Everyone in the cave seemed to be gathered around a spot near the central fire, all looked shocked and worried. No one even took notice that he was there. When Elrond faltered for a second and had to shake his head to clear it before moving again, he was just as glad that he had not been noticed yet.

He was horrified at the scene that met his eyes. Legolas was obviously not breathing as Bremoline was giving him chest massage while Gailarphen was breathing for him. Another person (Nestoron?) was nearby, cutting herbs quickly. On the ground next to them, Thranduil seemed to be having major problems breathing and looked almost as bad as Legolas.

Elrond quickly knelt beside Legolas to feel for his carotid artery. "Continue with what you are doing, Gailarphen." The absence of a pulse beneath his fingers made him frown grimly. Surely they were not too late?

"Nestoron? Glorfindel is com...here." He had rushed into the cave as Elrond spoke. "Help him clear the cave immediately. Get everyone out who can be moved. I need space to work and Legolas needs the privacy." He spoke as loud and clearly as he could without choking himself with spasms from his damaged throat.

He looked up to see Faergon lending comfort to a member of Thranduil's Guard. Was that Craban? The light in here was very dim and his vision had blurred as he entered the cave. They were trying to help Thranduil, who was clearly hyperventilating. Elrond could not say he blamed him under the circumstances. Elrond could feel an oppressive heavy tension in the air here.

"Faergon? Can you move Thranduil...?"

He got no further as Thranduil reached out shakily and clamped a hand around Legolas' ankle. His knuckles were white and it was perfectly clear to him that Thranduil was not going to be moved without a struggle, which they didn't have time for.

"Alright, Thranduil, you can stay. Faergon? Take your friend outside and stay with him. Make certain that all the Mirkwood Elves are given warm drinks and comforted. I will let you know when you may return."

Elrond watched with growing impatience as the cave was quickly cleared of its inhabitants. As fast as it was, it seemed to take an Age. Soon though, only his men, Thranduil and Bremoline remained. The two Ellith had been removed, carried almost passively from the cave. The only others left were unconscious. As they had neared the entrance, Imles had suddenly tried to fight and stay, but she had lost the battle in the end. She looked to be close to tears as she was carried out.

Elrond had barely been aware of the sounds of the people leaving the cave. He was concentrating on what must be done when they were gone, preparing himself for a battle for Legolas' life.

Once the cave was empty, Glorfindel sat beside Thranduil and spoke to him quietly, trying to comfort and calm him. He knew it would help Thranduil's breathing if he could calm himself.

Elrond took a deep breath and looked at Bremoline. "What you will see you must never speak of to anyone. Do I have your promise?"

Bremoline was sobbing quietly as he kept up the rhythmic pressures on the small chest. "Yes! Just save the Prince!" He sounded as desperate as he looked.

Elrond looked closely at him and was moved by the tears that glistened on the warrior's face. "We will speak later, I promise." With that, Elrond closed his eyes, clearing his mind, as he raised his right hand above the small, bruised and swollen forehead.

Bremoline had to look away at the sudden bright glow but Elrond was no longer watching. His left hand had rested itself on the Prince's still chest, his right on his forehead. The glow was so beautiful that it robbed the Captain of the Mirkwood Home Guard of his breath. It was then that he realised that this must be one of the three famed Rings of Power created by Celebrimbor. But how? When?

He was so stunned that he did not even realise that he had gently been moved away from the Prince and was no longer trying to push to get the still heart going again. It was a moment before he noticed that Gailarphen had stopped breathing for the Prince and was sitting back and simply watching Elrond.

Bremoline felt his own heart freeze with sudden fear. If they stood by and did nothing, Legolas would die! "What are you doing? The Prince will die if we stop." His panicked fear led him to try to get Elrond away from Legolas. He had expected more than this.

Gailarphen touched his arm gently and it shocked him enough to make him pause. "No, Bremoline, watch." He squeezed his shoulder in reassurance and nodded towards Elrond.

Bremoline turned to look and had to shield his eyes, blinking madly at the incredibly beautiful white glow that surrounded both Elrond and Legolas. It also seemed to bring him deep comfort from within. It was wonderful and calming and so peaceful. He was aware that Glorfindel reached for Thranduil and turned slightly to help him when he realised that Thranduil had gone limp and glowed with the same soothing, gentle light that surrounded Elrond and Legolas. Thranduil still had a tight hold on Legolas' ankle! He reached for Thranduil without thought, moved to loosen that hold, but he was stopped by Glorfindel.

"It is too late for that. We can only wait." He tried to reassure the shaken Mirkwood Captain who looked at him incredulously before turning to Gailarphen, who nodded his own reassurance.

Glorfindel hoped that Thranduil's inclusion did not make Elrond's task harder. It was already going to be a struggle for Elrond to return Legolas in his condition.

Bremoline turned back to Glorfindel "What is happening? What is he doing to Legolas?" He did not mean to sound so accusing.

Glorfindel could easily see how shocked and traumatised Bremoline was by the tears that still ran down his cheeks and the grey cast to his skin. He did not take any offence at his words. "Elrond is helping Legolas in the only way possible now. We can do no more than be here for them when they waken." /If Legolas wakens./ He added silently, not wishing to distress the other Elf any more than he currently was. "You look like you could do with a drink of Miruvor."

Both he and Gailarphen knew that this could take some time, if it was going to work at all. There was no way of knowing just how long it might take.

His own worry for Elrond overshadowed the hope for his success in helping Legolas. Was Elrond risking his own life to bring back Legolas, who was surely being sought by Námo to be gathered to Mandos' Halls, even now?

Even if Námo had not greeted the young Prince yet, it would take a spark of Elrond's own life to keep Legolas alive long enough to bring him back, much like starting a fire in kindling. Glorfindel prayed that the fire of life would still burn for both of them after this day. He felt that they were both fated to do much in this world yet.

It was Gailarphen who moved to get some of the precious cordial from his pack and Glorfindel smiled at him. "We have plenty more if that is all you have with you. Celeborn made certain that we had plenty." There was a smile in his voice as well.

"Oh? Your journey was that bad then?" Gailarphen raised his eyebrow in prefect imitation of Elrond.

"You have no idea! Oh, the trip to Fornost was straightforward enough, but when we got there, the visions began and then we went to see the healing ward at Fornost." Glorfindel could not stop a shudder of horror that shook him.

"That bad? I had a feeling there was more to this trade conference than met the eye." Gailarphen passed them each a goblet of the clear sweet fluid, filling his own goblet as well. Gailarphen still observed Bremoline as he conversed with Glorfindel. He could not fail to notice that Captain Bremoline anxiously kept his gaze on Elrond or Legolas. He moved at times so that Thranduil was included in the searching, worried look.

"Yes, the healing ward, if you could call it that, is truly awful to behold. It consists of only one chamber, where everything is done. No room between the beds. No herbs to use and filthy! I have seen cattle sheds that were cleaner. It will have to be completely torn down. Elrond has plans already for a new ward."

Glorfindel paused to take a sip. "Our journey from Fornost was fraught with difficulties from the start. Elrond has had several strong visions in the last couple of days. The first ones were what prompted us to begin the journey here before the messenger could reach us. We met him near Bree. Randis was injured. We got stuck at Eirien's. Then, we got attacked by a pack of wolves last night in the mountain pass."

Glorfindel had to smile at the shocked look on Gailarphen's stern face. He lowered his voice so that Bremoline would have difficulty hearing them, not that the Sindar Elf even seemed to be aware that they were in the cave with him. "But the worst was when Elrond had his last vision. I thought we had lost him. Only Galadriel's intervention saved him, of this I am sure. He is exhausted, ill and injured. This is the last thing he really needs, but if this is the Valar's will..."

"I see. I should prepare some herbs for Elrond then. He will need strengthening tonics as well. I thought his voice sounded hoarse when he entered." Gailarphen sipped the Miruvor while casting a critical eye over Elrond.

"Yes, he will need them. It is a wonder he can speak at all. He was strangled in his last vision."

It was perhaps the first time ever that Glorfindel had witnessed the stern, yet kindly healer so surprised. His comment made Gailarphen choke and snort his drink. Glorfindel had to thump his long-time friend on the back to help clear his airway.

When he could speak again, Gailarphen asked for confirmation from Glorfindel. "I am sorry, forgive me. I must have misheard you. Did I really hear you say that..."

"Yes, Gailarphen, you heard me correctly. Elrond was attacked, by one of the entities in his vision. Elrond is as stunned as we are. We will need to keep a close eye on him once he has helped Legolas." Glorfindel looked to the softly glowing figure of his friend.

"Yes and we will need to ponder why his visions have changed so violently. This cannot be good." Gailarphen was still more than a little stunned.

"No, it definitely was not good and cannot be a sign of anything good to come. I will be discussing this event with Galadriel even if Elrond may not be willing to."

Glorfindel turned to look directly at the healer, his face a study of worry and fear for his friend. "Gailarphen, Elrond even stopped breathing! I do not think I have ever been so scared, not even when..." He broke off, his eyes bleak. He really did not like to think of that part of his past, let alone discuss it. Even now all these millennia later, it hurt to think of his homeland in flames, a Balrog threatening them all.

Gailarphen knew Glorfindel still had night terrors of the time he spoke of, though they were thankfully rare. "Hush, Mellon-nin that time is over and Elrond is here before you. You survived and are here with us. The demon is where it belongs. You and Elrond are both safe. Now drink that Miruvor while I go see to Bremoline. I think he may be in shock and is very likely exhausted. I will also need to check Calandor and Doroniel once again. Were there any other injuries with your group?" Gailarphen was trying to both comfort and reassure Glorfindel as well.

"No one, apart from Randis, but he was injured before he left here to seek aid. Apparently he hid the wound. An Orc stabbed him in his right leg, not only that, but the blade was slightly poisoned. Elrond has treated and dressed it. It will need attention soon. It is packed with Athelas."

"Good, I can see to that as well, if Nestoron has not done so already." Gailarphen moved over to where Bremoline was seated, staring at Legolas once more. "Bremoline, come now, that Miruvor will not help you sitting cradled in your hand. You really need to drink it, Mellon." Glorfindel watched, a bit concerned, as Bremoline was coaxed to drink the restorative drink. Bremoline did not even seem to know that they were there. Not once did his attention seem to stray from the tableau before him.

Glorfindel sighed. The bright light from Vilya was steady and had been since the healing trance had begun. That at least was hopeful, the steadier and stronger the light, the better.

oo

Bremoline would never be able to say how long he sat there that night. It seemed to be many hours for the still-shaken warrior. The last he really recalled was the goblet of Miruvor that had been passed to him, but his hand was empty now.

Night had fallen, but what had brought him back to awareness was Gailarphen leaving the cave to take news to the worried Elves outside. He had also taken provisions of food and water for them. All Bremoline could clearly think was that it was a blessing that this was the first dry night that they had experienced since leaving Mirkwood. He felt very guilty though, he should have been the one to think of his friends and his men's needs. As their Captain, he had a duty to them, to see to their welfare.

Before Gailarphen had made it out of the cave, Bremoline called to him and gave him a message for Hethuaur. He then let Gailarphen go on with his task.

Gailarphen soon returned to say that Hethuaur was fast asleep, next to Faergon. It amused Bremoline greatly to think that a friendship could have come from such a disastrous start and that Craban was hovering over them both protectively. He was also very glad that his warning to Hethuaur was not needed. He had been very worried that his exhausted friend would be up and pacing about. It did worry him that Hethuaur was sleeping with his eyes closed, but then, he also knew he would also be sleeping thus if he could sleep.

The one thing that did worry him deeply was the news that Ruthwen was wearing an incredibly smug expression upon her face as she sat out there. She was up to something. He knew it. He did not trust her as far as he could throw her and if he had his way she would not get near either Thranduil or Legolas ever again. He would rather place himself between them and go to Mandos' Halls than live knowing he could have prevented harm to either one of them and had not. He made that silent vow.

"Sit back, I will make us all tea, it is getting cooler and we all may have a long wait ahead of us." Gailarphen's voice held a hint of an order and Bremoline relaxed automatically, without even thinking about it. A good soldier followed orders.

Gailarphen turned to the fire, satisfied that Bremoline was doing as he was told and not arguing, although he had expected him to. At that moment, Elrond gave a great convulsive lurch, throwing his head back, his brow knotted as if in pain or concentration.

Bremoline jumped, he had been staring at Elrond again and had not expected the sudden move when all had been so still. His heart almost stopped as he realised that silver tears were making their way down Elrond's pale cheeks. It was then that he also saw for the first time the deep, dark bruising to the Elven Lord's throat. He looked at the others, but they seemed as shocked as he was.

Bremoline turned back to Elrond to see that the healer had settled back again over Legolas and that the tears were drying unheeded on his pale face. Bremoline's heart was still thumping too fast. What could have caused this? What did this say about Legolas' condition?

"What was that?" His voice held a tremor that he could not stop.

"I do not know. I have never seen anything like it. Gailarphen?"

Glorfindel was seriously worried about Bremoline. He had known Captain Bremoline for some time and he had never seen him like this before, so much on-edge and worried, terrified for those in his charge. There had obviously been more going on here than he was aware of. He wanted to ask Gailarphen what had happened but not in front of Bremoline. He held his tongue, but only just.

"You know Elrond better than I, Mellon-nin, but no, I have never seen this before." Gailarphen sounded just as puzzled and worried as Bremoline felt. "He seems to have settled once more. How is Aran Thranduil?"

Bremoline gave a small start. Thranduil! He had failed to think of his King! He had only thought about Legolas and Elrond. Turning quickly he checked his fallen King. He had still not moved an inch. He settled back with arms shaky with relief. What was wrong with him? He needed to pull himself together or he would be of no use to Thranduil or Elrond, or anyone else.

"He has not moved." Worry throbbed in Glorfindel's voice as he too checked Thranduil.

Nothing more happened at that time, even though they waited with hearts thumping and worry seeming to leak from every pore. When it became obvious that nothing more was going to happen, they all relaxed, yet felt very disappointed.

Gailarphen decided to finish his self-assigned chore and made them tea with some of the hot water from the circle of pots close around the fire. He mused at the ingenuity of the arrangement as he waited for the tea to brew. That, and the small water-pit, had made an impression on him. Doroniel had actually done very well under the circumstances she had been working with. It was evident to him that they had all worked hard together and did everything possible to keep Legolas alive.

They had their tea while seated on empty pallets near the central fire, close behind Elrond. Bremoline stretched out his senses as he relaxed a little. Apart from the crackling of the fire, the cave was eerily quiet after the days of pouring rain and thunder they had become accustomed to hearing. His mind seemed to wander aimlessly from one thing to another as he anxiously waited.

He could hear the occasional shift of a tired horse. They would need to be cared for properly soon, and fed. They would also need to be exercised. At least most of them had been able to graze today.

Thinking of the fire, it would need to be tended. The last thing they needed was for Legolas to become cold and chilled. Now that the rain had stopped they could gather more wood for the fires. He at least assumed and hoped Legolas would be sensitive and vulnerable, at the moment, towards the cold. It would mean he still yet lived. He prayed fervently that it was so.

Bremoline started when a plate appeared in his line of vision and he looked up. He had not even been aware that Thoronhen had brought food silently into the cave for them. He really had to pull himself together. He was far better trained than this.

As it was, all three of them did little more than pick and play with their food. They were too concerned for the Prince to even feel hungry. Glorfindel was also so worried about Elrond that it almost made him feel ill.

Bremoline now kept his anxious face averted from the trio by the fire. He really did not want to look and confront his deepest fears. He just did not dare to look at them any longer, too afraid of what he would see.

They had all heard the queries directed at Thoronhen by those waiting outside when he returned from the cave, even though he could not tell them any more than they already knew. That hurt Bremoline, he wished with all his body and fea that he could go out there and tell them that all was well and that Legolas would recover. How he wished!

After they had finished playing with their food, Glorfindel poured them each another goblet of the Miruvor that he had brought. They all had need of the magical properties that the tincture provided. As they drank, they continued their seemingly never-ending, silent vigil for their friends surrounded by the Elven Ring's glow. Bremoline realised that was what all three of them were to him, even Legolas, who had been so ill for so long after Minerella's death.

Gailarphen busied himself cutting herbs and making some of the medicinal teas he was sure to need when Elrond came out of the trance with Legolas and Thranduil.

Bremoline began to fidget. It just felt so wrong to sit and do nothing, so very wrong, it felt useless. He needed to be active, had to move and do something, anything!

He began to look around for more wood for the fire. He could stack more of the damp wood nearer to the fire and make certain that it dried so that they had plenty for use later. He went quietly about his self-appointed task and once finished, headed over to check on both Doroniel and Calandor.

Gailarphen had deemed them to be too badly injured to move and so they had been left exactly where they lay. Both were still deeply asleep, although, with a hot rush of relief, he realised that Calandor now had his eyes half-way open! It was such a relief that he could not even put it into words. It could only mean one thing; that Calandor was truly beginning to recover from his terrible ordeal. Bremoline knew that it would be a long time before he once again took his place on a patrol, but he would.

That was one major worry off his troubled mind as he sat back with a small sigh. Could this be the beginning of greater news? If Calandor was going to recover, surely Legolas would as well?

It was night now and the moon and stars shone down from the first clear sky on this journey, although those in the cave were completely unaware of this. Those inside were also unaware that the others had reached the end of their patience and wanted, nay, needed to know what was happening with the Caun.

Bremoline was just about to get back up from where he was kneeling beside Calandor when he noticed Craban enter the cave. His friend looked most uncomfortable and walked slowly, as if he was about to enter the Necromancer's own quarters at Dol Guldur. He realised that Craban deliberately kept his eyes averted from Legolas, something he was inordinately pleased about.

Gailarphen and Glorfindel also looked up in surprise. It was only because of this that none of them were aware when Thranduil gave a large jerk as if jolted by a shock. As it was, by the time their attention was returned to him, the King was once more as still as he had been previously. Because his face was turned away from them, none of them saw the tears as they poured down his pale face.

"Craban, what are you doing in here? Prince Legolas needs privacy right now." His voice was sharp and throbbed with anger. He was very unimpressed that his men, and this one in particular, should ignore his wishes and orders. He was aware that he was more than just a little exhausted. He was in fact close to reaching the end of his tether. He was completely stressed and now his men had chosen to rebel on him!

"We just wanted to know..." Craban began, almost apologetically, but that was as far as he got.

A loud, deep groan filled the cave then. It sounded like a person in mortal agony. It made them all turn wide-eyed towards the once-frozen tableau to find they were frozen no longer. To their horror, Legolas was trying to fight, to get away from Elrond! He was trying to squirm away, yet seemed to be trying to reach for something that only he could see and hear.

Glorfindel felt his mouth go completely dry. This was what he had feared all along, that Legolas was too far gone. Was he struggling because he was trying to stay with Námo? Valar! He could take Elrond with him! Was it Elrond who had made that pained noise?

Suddenly, after one last massive convulsion, Legolas was still, utterly limp under Elrond's hands. Horrified, all four of them moved closer to try and give any aid that they could, if they could.

They stumbled to a halt as they saw the look on Elrond's pale, bruised face. Once again it glistened with the silver sheen of falling tears.

Thranduil, too, was crying, but even more frightening was the look of utter loss and despair upon Thranduil's grey, haggard face. Apart from their labored breathing, they made no move at all. Not one.

Bremoline turned automatically to Glorfindel to ask if he knew what happened, but from the stricken look on his stark white face, he feared that he already knew the answer to his unasked question - that they were about to find out the shocking, horrible truth that Prince Legolas Thranduilion was no longer to be numbered among the living. Bremoline closed his eyes, again afraid to look and see for himself. It would make it real and that would mean the end of his world and all he held dear, the end of the Elven Kingdom of Mirkwood, for King Thranduil Oropherion would surely be lost as well…

oo

/Elrond had his hands full of squirming, crying Elfling. One minute Legolas had been unconscious, the next fighting, trying to get to whom? Who could be here other than him and Legolas/

/Then he felt the oppressive, evil presence. HIM. He did not dare face him with Legolas in his arms. He had to get Legolas away./

/"Well, well if it isn't the Half-Elven poking his nose in where it is not wanted. You have interfered once too often, I think. Give me the Tree Rat!"/

/"No. He is not yours. You will never have him!" Elrond felt his breath hitch at the title that was given to the Prince and then anger flooded him. 'Tree Rat'/

/"You have no choice, Elf, and once I have my precious, you will have nothing at all. Now give me my Precious!" The voice seemed to hiss in an odd way./

/"No, I will never hand this innocent over to you!" It was then that Elrond realised that they were not alone. Someone stood just slightly to one side of him. He turned his head slightly and felt his heart beat harder as hope rekindled. Thranduil! By the Valar! But how did he get here? Maybe there was still some time for them to act and save Legolas./

/"He is mine and I will claim him. You cannot and will not hide him from me. Give him to me. He will be my slave. I had intended to just kill him, but he has a strength I have not felt in a long time. I will make good use of it and he will serve me well. Bring him to me NOW!" The voice was sibilant and almost hypnotic./

/Elrond had taken three unwitting steps before he pulled himself back and stopped. "I will never see this innocent child within your evil grasp!" He turned in one swift movement and tossed Legolas to Thranduil./

/His eyes wide with fear and horror, Thranduil stepped forward and caught him./

/"As you wish, Elf. By your own words…" The voice was filled with evil laughter./

/There was suddenly a bright flash of light in the darkness, aimed directly at Elrond. Thranduil gave an inarticulate cry. It was the last thing that Elrond saw. Suddenly, there was a flash of heat that knocked him back, followed by a sharp pain and he was falling backwards as if from a great height. There was nothing to stop him as he spun and twisted. The pain was great and there was nothing he could do. Agony seemed to fill him, to consume him both inside and out. That was his last thought before darkness took him.../

oo

Suddenly, as they all stood grieving for the Prince, Thranduil gave a sharp, convulsive jerk and a panicked cry. "Elrond! NOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Glorfindel felt his heart stop as the light from Vilya surrounding all three of them flickered and then failed altogether. Elrond fell. He made no effort to catch himself, just seemed to crumple limply to one side.

It all happened in a moment, but each second took a lifetime as they watched, unable to help. Details jumped out and became vivid.

They could only watch as he fell to the right, directly towards the central fire. More fear filled all of them as they tried to rush forward all at once and fell over each other in their haste.

They all yelped and watched as Elrond fell towards the fire and the pots filled with boiling water that had been forgotten, towards a small pile of rubble and stones left over from where they had dug the pit for Legolas and also the fire pit with large stones around it.

Not one of them could help, only watch with fear and sickening certainty of what would happen. Loud voices and the sound of running feet told them help was coming, prompted by the loud cry, but it would be just that bit too late.

Elrond fell on his right side across the fire, knocking over most of the circle of cook pots filled with steaming water, sending a mixture of flames, sparks and hot water flying into the air. His head hit the largest rock on the other side of the fire. All heard the sickening thump as head and rock collided. The scalding water made the remnants of the fire sizzle as it was doused. A lot of the steaming water hit Elrond directly in the face.

He lay there limp and smoking as many of the Elves from outside stumbled to a halt and saw it all. The nauseating smell of burned flesh and singed hair filled the air.

Horror and shock were the predominant expressions as Nestoron was the first to reach Elrond's side. He pulled Elrond away from the smouldering flames and batted out the flames that had taken hold on Elrond's clothing with his cloak without thought to his own safety. He tried to find out if Elrond was even still alive as others gathered quickly around them.

Relieved when he felt a bounding pulse beneath his fingers, Nestoron gently tried to move the heavy robes away from Elrond's flesh. They were charred and some had even stuck to the burns that dotted the fair skin. There were a lot of them. He looked up and caught Gailarphen's eyes as he finally untangled himself from Glorfindel, where they had fallen over each other in their haste to reach Elrond. Without words, the two healers changed directions. Gailarphen headed for Elrond and Nestoron to Thranduil, who had fallen silent after his agonized cry.

Moving quickly, Gailarphen rushed to Elrond and knelt beside him. Glorfindel was at his side, blinking in shock, unable to even put a voice to the fear that coursed through him in time to his rapid heartbeat.

Gailarphen gently pulled the robe away once more and saw the mixture of burn and scalds that dotted the pale skin. Some were blistering even as they watched. The hot water soaked into Elrond's clothes was still causing burns. They needed to cool them and cool them fast. Cold water! They needed cold water, but how to get so much over so many burns? Then it came to him, the pit! The pit made for Legolas, yes it would be small but it would also be perfect for laying Elrond on his side.

"Bremoline, I need help to get Elrond into the Caun's pit now. It will cool the burns and stop further damage. I also need to have some herbal burn cream made to dress them with. Wait! The water will be too cold! Elrond will go further into shock than he is already. Is there any hot water? I will also need some with salt in it, just plain water and salt for him to drink. It will help with the shock." The entire large pot of hot water from the cooking fire was then claimed for this purpose and quickly moved and dumped into the pit.

Gailarphen had barely finished speaking when Elrond was gently moved by several hands. One of Thranduil's guards crossed to make the herb cream. Gailarphen was about to give him orders when Bremoline stopped him. "Doroniel taught Rithlin to make the cream for Legolas and Calandor. You can trust him with this."

They gently lowered Elrond on his right side into the pit, now quickly filled with slightly warm water. It was only when Thoronhen moved his hand to lay Elrond's head gently on a folded cloak he had been provided that Gailarphen realised that his hands were covered in the silver-red blood that was characteristic of Elves.

He moved once more, gently lifted Elrond's head from the make-shift pillow and bent to look. Yes, the wound, a gash slightly above and behind the ear on the right side of his head, was flowing earnestly, as was the way with all head injuries. It was slowly soaking his hair and the cloak.

He gently, but firmly, palpated the skull around the gash. There was no movement and he gave a relieved sigh. This time it was definite that there was no skull fracture. The way Elrond had fallen, he was incredibly lucky it was no worse.

Gailarphen needed to check Elrond's pupils. Brushing away singed hair, he winced as he saw the bright red scalds that covered the majority of Elrond's face, including the tender skin all around his eyes. This was not good. He tried to open the left eyelid, but paused, not wanting to damage the friable skin. It was already stretching and swelling as a result of the scald. Instead, he rinsed the pallid face with cold water. Goblet after goblet of cold water was poured over Elrond's face and scalp until he was sure that it had removed some of the heat and reduced damage to the skin.

Then, and only then, did he gently open one eye at a time to check the pupil sizes and accepted a candle from one of the guards to look into the dark circle. They reacted completely normally. Gailarphen was relieved. Elrond was likely to have a minor head injury, but nothing major, as it could well have been.

"We need to move him now so we can cut his robes away and clean the burns. How are Thranduil and Legolas?" No sound had come from their place by the fire.

"They are still unconscious." Nestoron's voice was sharp.

It caused all of them to look up in shock once more. This was becoming quite a habit with this party. "Legolas is alive!"

"Yes, and breathing well. He has yet to make a sound or move, however." Gailarphen could hear muted cheers and relieved laughter from behind him. In spite of his worry over Elrond, Gailarphen found he was grinning madly in his own relief. He looked at Glorfindel, but it looked as if Glorfindel had not even heard the news.

Gailarphen asked a moment later. "And Thranduil?"

"I am awake. Elrond?" Thranduil sat up shakily next to Legolas. The Elves around him moved so that he could get a good look at his friends.

"A little singed and bruised but he is also alive. Can you tell us what happened, Thranduil?"

"Elrond was attacked. A dark, shrouded figure demanded he give up Legolas. Elrond refused to give Legolas to him and threw him to me. His attacker threw a ball of burning light at him. When it hit him, he fell...as if he fell into an abyss! I could not reach him! There was nothing that I could do. He brought Legolas back, but at what cost? Iluvatar! I never wanted this!" Thranduil was crying once more, as shocked as the others at what he had witnessed. First Minerella and now this, the Valar were truly testing him!

"Do not blame yourself, Mellon-nin. You had to attend to Legolas. That is what Elrond wanted and would still want you to do. Elrond will recover and so now will Legolas."

After slitting Elrond's robes along the seams with a sharp dagger, carefully removing the cloth where it stuck slightly to his burns and discarding the charred rags, Gailarphen worked quickly to clean all the burns with water mixed with the leaves of the Athelas plant. The last thing they needed was to have an infection form in the burns.

Glorfindel blinked slowly as if waking up from a long, long deep sleep. "Elrond will be alright?"

"Yes, Glorfindel, he will. Come, you need to get some rest as well, you have been traveling long and..."

"Where is Haldir?" Glorfindel realised that the March Warden was not in the cave as he looked around.

"He is here, he was with..." Craban looked around. He had seen Haldir as he came into the cave. He had been standing near the two Ellith. Ruthwen had been standing by the front of the cave, watching its entrance. "By Ruthwen!" Alarm rang in his voice.

Faergon rested a steady hand on his shoulder. "Stay here, I will make sure that he is safe with those... "Words failed him, or he was too polite to use the words that came to his mind. "They will not harm him, if that is their wish." He gave a grim smile. His eyes had been opened since he had first entered this cave and seen them treated seemingly so harshly. Now he knew all too well why they had been treated thus.

He did not wait for an answer but swept from the cave, hand already poised over his sword.

oo

Dark, beetle-like eyes had watched the cave entrance for some time, waiting for some sign of what was happening. Whatever it was, it was taking too long. How she wanted to be in there, watching as her master finished with the little Tree Rat.

She ignored all others around her. They were all beneath her contempt anyway.

A loud cry of horror sounded from the cave and she smiled. It was a deeply satisfied and yet evil smile. She did not move while everyone around her left what they were doing and ran into the cave.

/So it was finally finished. The Tree Rat was dead. Good! She had no pity for him. He deserved it, surviving as he had after so many attempts./

She was unaware that she was being watched, that she was not alone. Her slave had not moved. She did not even spare a thought for her.

Behind Ruthwen, Haldir remained on watch, though he had desired to see what was happening as well. Imles still lay on the dry stony ground facing Ruthwen and the cave. An air of satisfaction seemed to fill the air around the two Elleth. Then the cry of "Elrond!" echoed around them and Ruthwen stiffened where she stood.

/Noooooooooo! This could not be right, it was meant to be the little Rat! She would have to finish her work after all. She could not fail her Master./

"Ruthwen?" Suspicion clouded Haldir's voice as he called over to her. Nothing, there was no reaction. She did not move. "Ruthwen?" It was louder and with more insistence this time.

Her back stiffened as he watched. Then, slowly, she turned and Haldir felt a chill run down his spine. He had never seen a look like this upon an Elleth's face before. It was cold and emotionless, like a serpent about to strike. Her dark eyes seemed to glitter with menace in the moonlight.

"Ruthwen? What are you doing?" No answer and no sign that she had even heard him. In her left hand she held a wickedly curved Elven dagger. She raised it as he watched. She advanced a step toward him and he warily drew his own sword. He would not kill her, but he would stop her if necessary. He was right to defend himself, if she attacked first.

She neared him and her face pulled back into a sneer... the knife rose higher and he brought his sword up to protect himself. Faergon suddenly rushed out of the cave. Not seeing Imles where she lay, he stepped on her. She did not move.

Ruthwen blinked and looked up at the knife in her hand, confused. For a second, she looked surprised. Then she saw Haldir in front of her, his sword ready to protect himself. She dropped the knife and stepped back, her eyes full of confusion.

"I am sorry, Hir Haldir, I was not on Arda for a moment. Saes forgive me?" Haldir had to admit that she sounded a little dazed as well. She looked around and seemed to notice that they were alone. "What?" Then she spotted Imles still lying on the stony ground. "Imles!"

Both Haldir and Faergon watched, surprised, as she rushed over to her friend and knelt beside her. Faergon looked Haldir over critically.

"Did she harm you?"

"No, Faergon, she did not touch me. That was odd though. It was as if she was not here or aware. How fare Legolas and Elrond?" He shook his concerns away for the minute.

"Both live, though Hir Elrond has been hurt. He fell into the fire. It would be better if you come in with me. It would be better for you not to be near this... Elleth." His tone was one of deep distrust.

"Yes, I would like to see Elrond, Thranduil and Legolas for myself." With one last glance at the Ellith he entered the dark cave.

Behind them dark eyes looked up and the evil glint and smile returned. "As you wish, my Master. I will wait and bide my time. I will follow your wishes. Their time will yet come..."

oo

The cave was incredibly dim after the bright moonlight outside, especially with the main fire still extinguished. Many of the Elves were crowded around, watching, while others were helping with the injured. Haldir could not help but feel a deep shock fill him at just how weary most of the Elves in this group looked, as if they had been in a great battle against a terrible number of foes. The smell of burned flesh still lingered, completing the desperate battlefield feeling in the air.

Gailarphen finished the treatment of Elrond's burns. Thank Eru, the heavy winter robes and cloak seemed to have protected him somewhat, or the burns would be worse. They had taken a lot longer to clean than expected, but at least they were only minor to medium burns and nothing deeper, although they had held a quantity of ash and dirt. He dare not leave any of it in the wounds it would increase the likelihood of infection, such as Legolas had... Legolas! Ai, Valar! He had not looked at the slides he had taken of the infection! He would have to rectify that as soon as possible. Once Elrond was stable and his wounds covered.

It was a while later that he sat back, pleased with his work. Elrond now looked more like one of Umbar's pirates of the South rather than a respected Elf Lord. His head had only been slightly injured and it was not as bad as he had at first feared.

Glorfindel had at least pulled himself together enough to treat that, and slowly feed Elrond the salted water and a goblet of tea for pain as well, even if his hands had been shaking.

"Thoronhen?" Gailarphen looked up at the second in command of the Mirkwood Home Guard.

"Yes, Gailarphen?" Thoronhen stepped up quickly, eager to be of any help to the healer.

"Can you start the fire again and make certain that Glorfindel, Thranduil and Haldir each have a goblet of Miruvor? They look as if they could use it."

"Of course, Gailarphen, I will give the Miruvor first." Thoronhen gathered goblets to fill.

"Nestoron, how are Calandor and Doroniel?"

"They are stable and still sleeping. We may need to look for some fresh Athelas in the morning. Some of the other herbs are running low as well. We have used a lot tonight and will need more when we change dressings tomorrow for Legolas, Calandor and Elrond." Nestoron spoke as they worked.

"Yes, and we also need to change Randis' dressing as well." Gailarphen commented and did not see Bremoline's shocked look.

"Randis is hurt? Where is he?" He looked around once more trying to find his friend.

"I am here, Captain, and I am fine and healing well." Randis sat near the cooking fire. Rithlin, Lathron and Hethuaur were gathered around him protectively. They were also in place to watch Calandor and Doroniel. Neither of the other Ellith had moved back into the cave, but Bremoline was not overly concerned for their wellbeing at the moment.

Hethuaur knelt next to Glorfindel, trying to help him to drink his Miruvor. It looked as if all the shocks the golden-haired warrior had weathered over the last few days were beginning to take their toll, even on one as strong as he. Gailarphen looked at him critically. Glorfindel sat staring at the cave wall near the privy screen. Yes, he certainly needed some sleep.

"Craban, would you come here a moment, please?" Gailarphen called over to the Elf where he stood once more beside Faergon.

Craban hurried to his side. Gailarphen hurriedly whispered in his ear. He nodded and kept his back towards Glorfindel as he moved to the cook fire. Seconds later, he returned with a goblet of tea and handed it to Gailarphen before stepping away to watch.

Standing and turning, Gailarphen sat beside Glorfindel, whispering in his ear. "Mellon-nin, I do not have time to drink my tea, but I do not wish to waste it. Would you drink it for me and do not mention it to Craban? He worked hard to get it for me. I do not wish to hurt his feelings."

Glorfindel took the tea without comment and Gailarphen watched with worry as he drank the tea quietly, not even letting it cool. Haldir moved in beside Glorfindel ready for the herbs to work that they all knew the tea contained. This was not like the mighty Balrog Slayer that they had all known for so long, he was never this passive or unobservant.

The tea began to work quickly, showing how exhausted he was. Glorfindel began to lean towards Haldir who gently supported him. His eyes closed and he sighed as sleep overcame him. Haldir bent forward with a slight smile and whispered so that only Glorfindel should have been able to hear. "Do not worry, mellon-nin, I will not let the Lady take either your braids or your head for her bedpost. I believe she has better ideas for both of them."

With Craban's help, Haldir settled Glorfindel on a pallet next to Elrond and covered him with a blanket, knowing he would wish to remain close to his friend.

Haldir stood and gazed around the cave. "We need to make the cave safe and settle for the night. We will need to set guards. I think it would be better to mix them so that we can all get some rest." Haldir gestured for Bremoline to stay where he was with Thranduil. The King was watching his friends with worry clear in his eyes and he would not leave Legolas side for one minute.

With the ease of long experience Haldir went about setting out the orders for the night and settling down the cave.

Soon they were all bedded down for the night, apart from those on guard duty and seeing to the injured. Both Bremoline and Thranduil had also been 'persuaded' to take some sleeping herbs, although not in the devious way that Glorfindel had taken his.

The cave was quiet and the few Elves awake were thoughtful and worried. Nestoron had taken the first healer's watch from Gailarphen and kept a close watch on all of the injured.

oo

Doroniel blinked her eyes, suddenly awake. Darkness seemed to surround her, broken only by the flickering shadow of the flame from the central fire wavering on the cave wall. She felt better than she had done in some time. What was it that she had been worried about? She knew there was something important. Something that she had to do...

She looked lazily around. She froze when she caught sight of Calandor so still beside her. She sat up with a start as memory flooded through her intertwined with horror. Legolas! Ai Valar, Legolas!

Doroniel looked around in a panic as Nestoron made his way over to her and smiled at her in reassurance.

"Mae Govannen, Mellon-nin. How do you feel now?"

"B..." Her mouth was too dry to talk. Her lips had even stuck together. Nestoron quickly filled the goblet nearby with water. Doroniel drained the cup without pause. "Better, hannon le. Thranduil and Legolas?"

"Better. Legolas stopped breathing for a while, but he is doing well now. We are just waiting for him to waken. Aran Thranduil is asleep and is likewise better than he was."

"Legolas' infection? His broken skull?" Her voice was quiet and incredibly subdued.

"They were not your fault and you should not blame yourself. No one else here does. Legolas will recover as will the others." Nestoron poured her another goblet of water.

"The others? Only Legolas was seriously hurt and that was my fault." Tears began to once more trickle down her face as she looked around.

Then she realised that she had missed the fact that there were more Elves in the cave than there had been before. She looked around, shocked, and then froze as she saw familiar dark and blond heads in the cave. They had certainly not been there before!

She turned wide, wet eyes to meet his and whispered. "Elrond? Glorfindel?"

"Arrived here yesterday in the afternoon. Doroniel, you should know before you see him, Elrond has been very badly injured. He was healing Legolas and fell into the fire. He suffered burns and a minor head injury. He was exhausted from the journey and multiple visions." His eyes widened as Doroniel began to cry harder. "There is more, I am afraid. Glorfindel practically collapsed at seeing it all happen. He is sleeping now." Nestoron took her in his arms to soothe her as she sobbed without restraint.

He whispered trying to calm her. "Shhhhhh, Doroniel, they will all recover, you will see. Come the start of day they will all begin to waken and you will wonder what you were blaming yourself for. Legolas will give you that bright smile of his and if I know you, you will mother him. Just think of that. Forget the past and any mistakes you feel you have made. Legolas has need of your help, here and now. Will you let him down?"

Even though she was crying hard, Doroniel was listening to every word he uttered and she realised that he was right. Legolas and Thranduil did need her help. While he recovered from this ordeal, Legolas would likely have more need of her presence and she could not take that away from him.

She nodded and tried to compose herself, wiping away tears with the back of her hand. "You are quite right, Nestoron. Legolas still misses his Naneth more than most of us realise and having another encounter with his 'monsters' will not have helped his nightmares." Slowly she pulled herself together and, wiping her eyes, looked around once more.

Calandor was still unconscious between her and Thoronhen, his face turned away from her.

"How is Calandor doing?" Had he even woken at all since she had been asleep?

"He is much better. He has not woken, but I do not think it will be long before that changes. I can feel his fea growing stronger by the hour. I think he will be completely well given time. You all will."

"Thank you, Nestoron. You have no idea what a relief your words are, Mellon-nin. It will be a joy to see him awake once more, he is a wonderful person." She was smiling widely at him, her eyes the normal bright orbs that he recalled.

"You love him." It was a simple statement.

"Yes, with all of my being..."

A groan made them sit up straighter and their smiles widened when they realised who it was that made the low noise.

"Calandor!" Doroniel immediately moved to his side.

Calandor coughed as he looked blearily at her. "D..." His voice broke off with another cough.

"Here, have a drink." Nestoron handed Doroniel a goblet of cool, clear water. She helped him to drink it, her smile wide.

"How are you feeling? It is so good to see you awake once more!" Doroniel really wanted to hug him and never let him go.

"Better, but please keep your voice down. I have a thumping headache." His voice was low as well.

"I will get you something for that." Nestoron moved away to pour him some tea prepared earlier for pain. He had known it would be needed soon.

When Calandor looked back at Doroniel, a wide smile crossed his pale face. "I love you too, Dor. More than I can put into words. Will you bond with me once I have spoken with Aran Thranduil?"

For a long while she could only gape at him, her heart pounding.

/Surely she had not heard what she thought she had heard? Calandor LOVED her and wanted to bond with her? With her/

He carefully nodded once when he saw her shock and uncertainty.

"Dor?" He sounded just as uncertain when she did not answer. His heart dropped when the silence continued to stretch. Then she smiled and it was as if the light of Anor had suddenly lit up the cave, even though it was the middle of the night. From her eyes shone pure love and he needed no words to know her answer.

"Yes, Calandor, I will bond with you. I wish to spend eternity with you. I love you so very much!" She hugged him, once more weeping, only these were tears of happiness.

"I wish for that as well, Meleth. I will speak with Aran Thranduil as soon as Legolas is recovering. He is better?"

"A little, Nestoron told me that Hir Elrond has been able to aid him and he is only sleeping now. I am so happy." Doroniel had not stopped smiling.

Low clapping from around them startled them and they realised then that many of the sleepers were no longer asleep, other than those who were drugged or unconscious, which seemed to be quite a few. They looked around and saw all their friends clapping. Doroniel blushed but remained smiling.

"About time. We have been waiting for this for a while now." Rithlin came across and hugged Doroniel and lightly squeezed Calandor's shoulder.

The others soon joined in. Soon Gailarphen had added his congratulations and sent them all packing back to bed so that they would not disturb his patients. The smile he gave them was genuine though. He truly was happy with this outcome and a little happiness was just what Mirkwood needed.

Soon the others had settled back down and Nestoron handed Calandor the herbal potion with a small smile. Doroniel took it though and turned to help him drink it when she stopped and looked at the goblet and her hands, stunned. She had just realized, they were no longer shaking and she had walked without any pain. She also did not feel sick any more. The deep sleep had helped her more than she had thought possible.

She smiled at him again, not sure she could contain the happiness that wanted to burst from her. When he had finished drinking the bitter herbal tea, she helped him to have another cool drink of water. "I would like to have Legolas at the ceremony with us. We will have to wait the usual year so that would give him plenty of time to fully recover. Aran Thranduil would officiate I am sure. I would love to have both of them there."

Calandor settled back down and, with a smile, listened to his beloved chatter on about what she would like to have for their bonding ceremony. If she wanted the moon he would have done everything he could to get it for her.

He fell asleep again with his smile firmly in place, unaware when Doroniel covered him with his blanket and kissed his brow.

oo

Gailarphen was awake and checking a still-unconscious Elrond just after sunrise the next morning. One of the first sights that he saw was Doroniel cuddled against Calandor, both fast asleep. It was a wonderful sight to behold. Truly hope had not died among their Mirkwood cousins.

The other Elves moved around quietly, making sure not to waken them and their smiles matched his

Gailarphen accepted the warm tea that was handed to him by Craban. He sat back, enjoying it. Elrond had held his own over the night, as had Legolas and for that he was glad.

He was about to rise and gather herbs so that he could begin to tend Legolas' head and then his ankle when Glorfindel woke. He seemed to be a lot brighter and better, more himself, if a little embarrassed at what had happened.

After Glorfindel had some untreated tea he went to sit next to Elrond, glad to see him sleeping as comfortably as possible.

It was then he spotted Calandor and Doroniel and raised an amused eyebrow at Gailarphen who smiled widely back.

"There is going to be a bonding ceremony, it seems. Calandor proposed last night when he woke and was accepted."

"That is wonderful news! We always wondered when Doroniel would finally meet her match. Elrond will be most pleased, as will Thranduil. That has started the day well." With a smile he turned back to Elrond.

With a much lighter heart than he had felt since leaving Imladris, Gailarphen was preparing the warm water to wash the accumulation of pus off of the wounds. Crushing Athelas into it, he was reminded that, along with the herbs for pain relief they would also need to gather some Athelas today. They were using a lot and the supply was growing low.

Gailarphen was washing his forehead gently when Legolas moved. Gailarphen froze, unsure whether he was imagining it. No, it was there once again and Legolas was pulling away from him, away from his hand.

He reached for the Elfling once more but with a groan Legolas pulled away from him again. "Nana?" There was no mistaking that. Legolas was trying to wake up. Thranduil sat up straight away at hearing his son's voice, suddenly wide awake.

"Legolas? Ion-nin, can you hear me?" He reached for his son as he spoke.

"Ada? Where is Nana?"

"Elrond?" Glorfindel turned his friend and leaned closer as everyone else concentrated on the Prince. Not one of them had realised that Elrond was also waking. "Mellon-nin, can you hear me?"

Elrond groaned and tossed his head once more, grimacing at the pain it caused his head. He truly looked awful this morning. The scalds to his face had blisters fully formed and full of fluid. The bandages around his arm and body made him look as unlike his normal self as possible and almost oddly...human.

Glorfindel winced. Elrond was really going to be in a lot of pain today. "Easy, rest easy. You are safe and among friends."

"G...Glorfy...?" Elrond's voice was incredibly weak.

"I am here. Just rest." Glorfindel was trying to hold his head still so that he would not hurt himself any more than he was already. "How do you feel?"

"Hurt." It was succinct and took Glorfindel's voice away. Elrond rarely admitted that he was in pain and only after much moaning would he admit it and then only reluctantly.

"I will get Nestoron." He looked around for the other healer.

"Here." Nestoron had realised that Gailarphen was preoccupied with Legolas and had come to their aid with the herbs.

"Ada? Where is Nana? Nana was here." Legolas was crying softly and tried to get away from Gailarphen once more.

"Shhhhh, Legolas, I am here. Your Nana loves you, but I am here." Thranduil was trying to calm Legolas.

"Here, drink this, Elrond, it will help the pain, then we will take a look at your face." Nestoron and Glorfindel carefully helped him into a semi-raised position to take the tea for pain mixed with herbs to aid healing. When he had managed to swallow all of it, they helped him to lie down again. Even that small movement had obviously been quite painful for Elrond. Glorfindel and never heard him whimper, ever, before this.

"I have some warm Athelas water, Elrond. I am going to gently clean your eyes so that you can open them, alright?" Nestoron had already crushed the leaves.

"Yes." They could hear the relief in his voice already as the properties of both the tea and the healing herb helped him to relax. Nestoron gently cleansed the sleep and debris from his eyes where the red and swollen lids had become stuck together during the night. Elrond slowly opened his grey eyes.

"I want my Nana!" Legolas cried and opened his blue eyes. Then he froze.

What happened next would stay with the Elves in that cave for long years to come along with the fear, for two voices could be heard in the sudden silence that fell.

"Glorf... Why is it dark?"

"Ada, I cannot see you!"

A pair of dark eyes was watching. Lips pulled back with evil mirth, she heard her master laughing manically in her mind. He was most pleased. His plan had gone better than he expected. Much better, yes this was an unexpected bonus...

oo

To be continued.

oo

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