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?

8. 8a

The Twisted Web of Fate. 8A?

(Gwî Norn Ned Amarth)

By the Sinister Sindar Sisters (M. Cross and B. Kennedy)

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 drop in and borrow a few characters for these stories. We write them for our own amusement, not for pay.

Rating: T (PG13) Action/adventure/angst (hurt/care)

Feedback: or on list.

Spoilers: Well, I guess for LOTR

Summary: Thranduil and his young son must travel to a trade meeting very soon after the death of their wife and mother. Unknown to them, dire danger and darkness follows them. Will they survive to return to their beloved home alive?

WARNINGS: You may need a tissue for later in the chapter.

Characters are still acting strange at times. Yes, there are reasons.

Heavy gross stuff warning! There are graphic descriptions, including a surgical procedure, a seriously infected wound and someone being sick, burns and blisters and possibly more medical ickiness. Shell is a stickler for medical authenticity since she was a nurse for 23 years.

Authors' notes: We actually tried to keep this chapter under forty pages this time. I don't think it worked… We have far too many plot bunnies between us.

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Sindarin Vocabulary

(We are still learning. Corrections welcome.)

Adar, ada - father, dad

Amarth – fate, doom

Anor – Sun

Aran, Aran-nin - King, my King

Ardhon, Arda - the world

Caun - Prince

DaerAda, DaerNana – (roughly) Grandfather, Grandmother

Duáth – darkness

Elenath sila am le! - Stars shine upon you!

Elleth, ellith – elf-maiden, elf-maidens

Ellon, ellyn – elf, elves (male)

Fea - soul, spirit

Gwador – brother

Gwanur – 1. pair of twins 2. brother or kinsman, kinswoman

Gweth - manhood

Gwî – web

Hannon le – Thank you

Harn – wounded

Hennad - thanks

Hir, Hir-nin - Lord, my Lord

Iaur - old

Imladris – Rivendell

Ion-nin – my son

Lhaew hûn nestadren salab - digitalis, foxglove (My made-up Sindarin name, literally - ill heart healing herb)

Meleth – (My) love

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

Mellon-iaur – old friend

Mellon-nin - my friend

Morn – black

Namarie – Farewell

Naur – fire

Ned - of

Norn – twisted

Penneth – Young one

Saes - Please

Sell-nin – my daughter

Sîdh - peace

Suilad – Hail or Greetings

Taur - overwhelming

Other terms

Khuzdul - the language of the Dwarves

Sinus – pocket of infection

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Chapter 8A

The morning was bright and the day had turned warmish, for this time of the year. Along the winding forest pathway could be heard the sound of a wagon. It was pulled by an old horse. The horse was comfortable with its lot and trotted contentedly along the road though no one held the reins to guide it.

In the back of the wagon sat a hunched-over figure happily puffing on his pipe as he sang a very happy, if somewhat tuneless, song. A large wide-brimmed hat covered his grey-bearded face as shade and he was dressed in old and shaggy clothes that had seen far better days, not that their owner was concerned with things like material wealth you understand.

No, he had far different things to worry about, much more important things.

The last week had been spent gladly in the company of old friends, but he had felt a nagging need to move on. It was a feeling that he was needed elsewhere. So he and his faithful old horse had done just that...moved on.

He did not know where he was going but trusted that the Valar would make their wishes known before long. All he knew was that he was headed where he felt he needed to be. He had not missed the growing darkness on the land around him and he had an unhappy feeling that he knew what it meant, though he prayed that he was wrong. The disturbance also seemed to be centered well over the darkening Greenwood further to the east and past the Hithaeglir, the Misty Mountains.

Well, once this threat was faced and over, he would just have to make his way to the Elf King's Caverns and see his old friend, Thranduil, and his delightful son.

Yes, he had not seen them since before Queen Minerella's death, an unforgivable oversight that he must really put right. He had the distinct impression they hadn't even been aware he was there, in Northern Mirkwood, at that time, looking into the little problem of a dragon that had taken up residence in Erebor near there. News had reached him that Thranduil was refusing to see anyone at that time. Understandable at that, everyone had been in shock.

He had gone back west, over the Misty Mountains, looking for more answers shortly after that.

It had also been a while since he had seen Elrond or Galadriel. Yes, maybe he should make a short stop there as well, cover all bets and restock his food. By the time he reached them, he would be in need of more supplies.

Happy with his decision, he continued on his way, enjoying the first real signs of spring after the long harsh winter. Yes, this would be a nice trip and he would enjoy the time he had. Birds returning from the warmer lands of the South added their merry tune to his. Signs of life awakening to the siren call of nature were springing up all around him, late thought they were.

However relaxed he may have looked, his sword was never far from his hand these days. One could never tell in these uncertain times just when or where danger could or would spring out at you. The fear spreading through Mirkwood and Erebor over the dragon, Smaug, highlighted that all too well.

As the day moved on, though, his cheerful mood began to deteriorate. A dark cloud seemed to lower and surround him. In spite of the warm sunlight, he shivered unconsciously at the cold feeling of dread that began to work its way into his thoughts. Something was wrong. Something was terribly wrong, but where and with whom? All he knew was that he was moving in the right direction.

He had stopped his tuneless singing and he was no longer hunched over carelessly. He may still have the appearance of an old man but his stance was no longer the same. No, now he was bolt upright in the wooden seat and fully aware of his surroundings. His staff was in his hand, alert and ready for whatever trouble was surely bound to meet him.

The sky darkened ominously ahead as the sun sunk nearer the horizon behind him and the birds no longer sang, they could also no longer be found. His horse was also uneasy, looking around as if for signs of danger. The whole forest had gone quiet.

All through that day, and far into the night, he was on the alert as the feeling grew. This was not going to be good. Something bad was about to happen. He continued to travel long after the moon should have risen, though it was veiled by a great thundercloud flashing with lightning over the mountains ahead far to the east.

"Blasted Wood Elves! Where are they when you have need of them? They could tell me what is happening. Leaving me like this. You wait Thr..." He stopped his grousing and also stopped his horse and reached for his sword. Whatever this was, it was close, very close and growing stronger. It was a most uncomfortable feeling, one that he had felt before. It had a familiar evil tang to it, if he could only place it. Humming to himself in frustration, he concentrated.

Then, he paused when an old familiar feeling pulled at him. Somewhere, no great distance away, a Ring of Power had been used, a Ring that held a familiar scent. Elrond had just used Vilya! But wait...no, it was not just Vilya, Nenya had been used as well!

What had happened that would force them to use both Rings? The danger of detection was great and the growing darkness could well be able to sense them. No, if they had both been used at the same time, it meant something big and very unusual had just occurred.

The sky cleared and once again the birds sang as he blinked about him. Yes, now he knew where he was needed. And he was, needed, that is. This had been a summons, pure and simple. His mind made up, Mithrandir, Maia of the Valar, pushed his horse on faster than ever. They may not realise that he held the third Elven Ring, the Ring of Fire, entrusted to him by Cirdan, but he knew who the other Ring-holders were from old. He knew they would never use the Rings unwisely or without dire need.

He was needed and had been called, he may not have realised it at the time, but he was called to Imladris. He had just passed Last Bridge, over the River Mitheithel, or Hoarwell as men called it. Another day or so with luck and he could be there. Then he could get some answers.

A low whistle sounded out along the valley.

---

Galadriel and Elrohir waited for Elladan and Banwen to return to the chamber with the food. Galadriel was pleased that she was feeling so much better. It had calmed Elrohir greatly to see her more herself as they talked easily by the fire.

"Is Ada really alright, Daer Naneth?" Elrohir suddenly asked her.

"Yes, Penneth, he assured me that he is." She looked into his grey eyes. Something in them worried her. "What troubles you, Elrohir? You can talk to me. You know that." Her gaze held love and assurance for her grandson.

Elrohir looked uncertain for a moment, and then he began to speak. "I do not know what it is. I have an uneasy feeling that something bad is going to happen to Ada and I do not know why."

"Have you had these feelings often?" She smiled encouragingly at him. All Elves could be a little intuitive. It came from their closeness to Arda. It was not something to worry about normally.

Elrohir lifted one shoulder in a half-shrug. "Sometimes I feel I know what is likely to happen, but it never seems to be anything important, though it has been useful at times. Do you truly think Ada is well and safe?" He pressed once more.

She did not get a chance to answer him before the chamber door opened and Elladan entered, followed closely by Banwen and a couple of serving maids bearing laden trays of food. It was enough to feed them for a month. No Elf could eat this much in one meal!

"Good afternoon, Galadriel. You do look so much better, my dear. It is nice to see a touch of color in your cheeks. I hear you are hungry?" She directed the maids to place the food on a small table.

"Let me close that window for you. You must be cold." She bustled to the window which had been opened to let the pleasant fresh breeze into the warm room.

Then she turned to the servants and watched as they served the food. Banwen gestured for the twins to sit down and accept the over-filled platters from them. Galadriel watched, amused, as Elladan and Elrohir took their portions with eyes so wide that at another time it would have been amusing, until she saw the plate that was being handed to her. It held only marginally less than the twins' did.

"There, you all need some meat on your bones…so thin." She shook her head in despair.

She turned to Elladan. "Eat, child. You are a growing boy and your mother needs to give you more, will you not, Galadriel?" She gestured to Elladan not realising that at her words Galadriel herself now had wide eyes, twinkling with amusement and amazement.

"But, Banwen, they are not my..."

Banwen suddenly gestured to one of the serving maids and pointed to the fireplace. "Celebwen, please, could you have the fire banked? We do not want Galadriel to become chilled." She turned back to Galadriel, noting that she had not yet begun to eat the food. "You need to eat. How will you ever get well if you are naught but skin and bones? Oh, you were saying something, my dear?"

Galadriel, with a warning glance at the two goggling twins, shook her head and began to eat daintily. For a heartbeat, she had half-expected Banwen to try to feed her herself.

The afternoon passed pleasantly into the evening. They were not joined by their husbands, however. Lord Bainen and Celeborn sent word that they were still presiding over meetings of the trade conference at the insistence of some members who were not happy with the delays that had already occurred. As soon as dusk began to fall, Banwen left them briefly to organise the evening meal. Galadriel groaned, she was still full from their late midday meal, but Lady Banwen insisted they be provided an evening meal.

Banwen returned with servants carrying what looked to be another banquet. It was very lucky that Elves never grew fat or Galadriel feared she would have to alter all her clothes when she returned to Lothlorien.

Banwen kept up her friendly chatter as she once more dished them up mounds of food while the servants cleared away the remnants of the previous meal.

As it grew dark, a familiar pressure began to grow at the back of Galadriel's mind. She noted with surprise that Elrohir seemed to be aware of it as well, for a moment at least, but then he went back to eating his meal, likely distracted when Banwen added another dainty to his plate with a conspiratorial wink, as if hiding it from Galadriel that she was spoiling him.

Still somewhat bemused, Galadriel conversed gently with Banwen, listening as she commented that she was incredibly proud of her sons and her daughter and how successful they were in their lives. Galadriel had some doubts about the complete truth of that and was aware that Banwen did as well. She murmured gentle replies, not wishing to cause any ripples to form in their growing friendship. It somehow had become important to Galadriel to nurture this friendship.

The hair at the nape of her neck suddenly seemed to stand on end as a great feeling of fear filled her. The small pressure in her mind suddenly blossomed to a terrified plea for help. She knew the fea that sent out such a terrified feeling, knew it very well, and she was frightened herself… for him and for what it meant for Arda. She tried to look about, to warn someone that Elrond was in dire danger and needed help, but she could not move. She could not even speak.

The spoon fell from her suddenly nerveless fingers. With a small gasped "Oh" she fell to the floor as her eyes rolled back in her head.

"Daer Nana!" Elladan and Elrohir both dropped their platters and rushed to her side, heedless of the crash of broken pottery as Banwen also dropped and smashed her plate as well.

"Oh no! Galadriel!" She rushed to her new friend's side. "Oh, the poor dear! Healers, she needs a healer. Someone go get Mellroth. And Celeborn, your father should be here. Yes, a pillow for her head and blankets... lots of blankets! Oh how could this be happening?"

Banwen was in a real panic and neither twin wanted to take the time to explain that Celeborn was not their father. She was too nice, if a little overpowering, to hurt in the heat of the moment. As he covered his grandmother, Elladan watched the panicked Lady as she rushed from the chamber, calling loudly for help as she did so.

He turned to ask Elrohir to pass another pillow, when Elrohir suddenly slid to the floor beside his grandmother. His eyes were wide and staring. "Elrohir, gwador-nin! Elrohir, if this is a joke, it isn't funny!" After a few seconds and a couple of taps to his twin's cheek, Elladan was convinced that Elrohir was not pulling a prank on him.

Elladan panicked then. He really did not know what to do now that his brother had also seemingly succumbed to a trance. At least, he thought it was a vision trance. This was not something he was prepared for.

He stood and hurried to the chamber door, but did not reach it. As he was half-way to the door it flew open and Celeborn rushed in, followed by Orophin, Bainen and Banwen. They had apparently just returned from their meetings.

Banwen stopped short when she saw that Elrohir had also fallen to lie still on the floor. She turned to Elladan. "What is wrong with your brother?" She had tears in her eyes.

"He collapsed..." Elladan somehow expected his brother to finish his sentence and it felt wrong when he did not jump in.

"Do not worry, child, your father is here now and will help your mother and brother, you will see." She missed the incredulous look on Celeborn's face at her words. He opened his mouth to speak but Elladan broke in before him.

"She is not our mother. She is our Grandmother!" His voice sounded frantic as he watched Orophin gently lift his brother to place him on one end of the long couch near the fireplace while Celeborn did the same with Galadriel at the other end.

Banwen for once was lost for words as she assimilated the news from Elladan. "She is your... your Grand Mother? But how is this possible? She is so young!"

Celeborn looked up from making his wife comfortable. "My wife is over five thousand years old, my lady. These two are my daughter's children and are very precious to us. Let me see to Elrohir now." He turned to look into Elrohir's staring eyes, noting just how much he resembled his Adar at that moment. "What happened Elladan?"

"We were helping Daer Naneth when Lady Banwen went to get help, but then Elrohir collapsed just as do Ada and Daer Naneth. I have never seen this happen to him before." No matter how he tried Elladan could not keep the tears from forming, although, by sheer willpower alone, they did not fall.

"It will all be well, have no fear, Penneth." Celeborn gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Orophin is there enough Miruvor here for both of them? We will also need sweetened tea for when they waken."

"I will make sure, Celeborn." Orophin crossed the chamber to the table and checked the flask and the kettle. "Yes, we have enough here for both drinks." Without being asked to do so, he began to ready the drinks for the vision sufferers. He had no doubt that was what this incident was.

"What does 'Ada' mean?" Banwen now hugged Elladan in her distress, though trying to comfort as well. Bainen tried to help Celeborn in any small way that he could.

Celeborn answered her. "In the elven language it means 'father' and Elrond fulfills that duty. Daer Naneth means 'Grand Mother'. I am surprised that Galadriel did not explain this to you." Galadriel groaned and he turned back to her.

"Easy, Meleth. You have had another 'seizure' and you need to rest." Celeborn tried to reassure her.

Galadriel was both alarmed and confused, speaking quickly in her worry. "Elrond! I cannot see or contact Elrond. Something has happened. I can feel it."

They all missed the confused looks that the humans shared. Every single one of them also missed the glowering face that peered around at them from the open and unguarded doorway.

Celeborn spoke quickly. "We will deal with all of that once both you and Elrohir are feeling better."

"Elrohir?" Worry thrummed in her voice as Galadriel tried to sit up and see to her grandson.

"He has had his first 'seizure' tonight, it seems. He is well and will recover, Meleth." He reached out to her and reassured her through the link they shared. Galadriel knew a first vision could be extremely traumatic and Celeborn knew it would worry her.

"But he has never shown any signs of..." Galadriel broke off as she realised that they were not alone in the chamber. "…but now is not the time to discuss this."

Banwen edged a bit closer to speak gently to Galadriel. "Are you feeling better, Galadriel? I was so worried when you fell, dear, and when the lad fell ill as well..." Banwen had tears in her eyes once more. Galadriel could feel Banwen's concern pulse in waves around her.

"I am better, thank you, Banwen. Do not worry, it was a short 'attack' and has passed quickly." She smiled as Elrohir began to stir. "And Elrohir is wakening as well. He will need some Miruvor, Meleth."

Celeborn smiled at his wife. "It is in hand. Orophin has prepared some for you both." He glanced up as the goblet was handed to her. "Drink, then you will sleep again."

Celeborn then arose and crossed to where a dazed and very worried-looking Elrohir was being helped to sit up by Elladan. He looked very pale and a little ill.

Once at his side, Celeborn turned to speak to Banwen and Bainen. "Perhaps it would be best to let them both rest for a time. They will need to sleep." It was clearly a request for them to leave. He was willing to risk seeming rude at this point because they really needed the privacy to talk and both of them truly would need to rest.

"Oh, of course! Please forgive us, we should have realised. Of course they must both rest. Come Bainen, do not dawdle. You can see that both Galadriel and Elrohir need their rest. Well? What are you standing there like a statue for?" With that Banwen pushed him from the chamber, closing the door behind her with a quiet goodnight.

She left the others in the chamber a little shocked, to say the least. Not one of them could quite comprehend what had just happened. Lady Banwen really seemed to be a force of nature to contend with, at least in her own home!

Once they were alone and free to speak plainly, Celeborn turned to Elrohir. "How do you feel, Penneth?" He brushed hair back from his grandson's pallid face.

Grey eyes blinked at him in utter confusion. He looked around as if to figure out how he got there. "Sore. Tired. Is this how Adar and Daer Nana feel after a vision?"

"Yes, I am afraid it is, Elrohir, and it never becomes any easier. Now, can you drink this Miruvor?" Celeborn handed him a goblet.

Elrohir grimaced at the though of consuming anything else, even the soothing Miruvor. "I will try, although I am quite full."

Elrohir did try, but he could only manage about half of the amount he was given. He pressed the goblet into Orophin's hands. He looked quite uncomfortable, with a greenish tinge to his face. His other hand absently rubbed his stomach.

"Have you been at the sweetmeats again?" Celeborn knew all too well that the twins each had an impossible sweet-tooth and would nibble them all day if they could possibly get away with it. It wouldn't be the first time they had over-indulged.

Galadriel came to their defense. "No, Celeborn, they haven't. Banwen has been feeding us while she visited today. Let me just say that she will not take 'no' for an answer and will only accept an empty plate. She seems to believe we have been starving them." Celeborn was then aware of her discomfort as well.

She turned to Elrohir. "You can have some more Miruvor in a while, Elrohir, do not force yourself to drink more yet, but believe me, you do need it. Is your stomach very uncomfortable?"

Elrohir's look of distress emphasized his answer. "Yes, Daer Nana. It feels as if it might burst." They all had to smile at the look of alarm that crossed Elladan's face as he moved edgily from in front of his younger twin. Elrohir truly did look miserable, holding his hand gently over his stomach as if it hurt.

"I will have to have a quiet word with Lady Banwen and explain to her that we do not need to eat as much or as often as humans do. Nor do we normally eat such...stodgy food." Celeborn frowned down at the remnants of what looked like part of a dumpling that had fallen to the floor among the shards of the broken plates.

Orophin began moving the debris from underfoot, stacking it on one of the trays for removal.

"She means well, Meleth. Do not blame her for that. It is not a fault to be generous." Galadriel told him as she raised her right eyebrow.

Celeborn nodded and gave a brief sigh of frustration. "I know. I will be gentle with her. Do not worry, Meleth, I would not upset our hosts. I can see that you clearly were trying to prevent that today as well."

Celeborn sat next to his grandson. "Are you yet able to tell us what you saw?"

If anything, Elrohir seemed to turn even more pallid, but he nodded valiantly. Celeborn noticed that Elladan was also rubbing his own stomach as if it was uncomfortable, as he hovered protectively near Elrohir. It looked as if both of them, more likely all three of them, would need a potion to soothe their stomachs before they slept.

Elrohir paused, gazing into the fire, to recall as many details as he could. "I saw Legolas. He was in pain and very frightened. He called out for help. He was surrounded in darkness. He could not see where he was going and there was a large spider stalking him!" He shivered. "Then the spider became an Orc. It delighted in frightening him from the darkness, threatening torture, and taunting him. The foul creature called Legolas a Tree Rat! Why would it call him that?" Elrohir was greatly upset by this vision and they could all see it in his eyes. Elladan had looked grim when his brother spoke of an Orc.

"We do not know if your vision is yet to happen, Penneth, with luck we could prevent it from happening altogether. Is there anything more for you to mention to us?" Galadriel's wise old eyes seemed to see right into his fea.

Elrohir's eyes looked haunted. "Fire, I saw a great fire. Legolas was right in the middle of it. He will be alright, will he not, Daer Nana? I would not want to lose him." Elrohir's voice was low.

"We will do our best to prevent any harm from befalling the young one, I promise, Elrohir. Remember, not all visions will come to pass. Many only show what could be. Try to take a few more sips of the Miruvor. I am sure that you will feel better for it."

Galadriel really wanted to reassure her grandsons, but the vision that she had just seen would be of no help with that.

"I will try but I am really rather uncomfortable. What did you see, Daer Nana? Did you see Adar? Is he alright?"

"Yes, Penneth, I saw Elrond. Drink that now. It will not help you in the goblet." She smiled when all three of the males in front of her raised their eyebrows at her.

"Mayhap you should take your own advice, Galadriel?" Celeborn could not help but gently tease her. He could feel her distress at what she had witnessed in her vision. It was also obvious that she had no wish to speak of it in front of their grandsons. It must be dire news of Elrond.

The only outward response that he received from his bonded wife was a small smile, but that did not detract from the worry that seemed to radiate from her. She also took a small sip of Miruvor then grimaced at the uncomfortably full feeling in her stomach.

Celeborn saw the look on her face though. "I will make a tea that will help to settle your stomachs."

Galadriel smiled a bit ruefully at him. "It may not be of much help if we cannot drink it because we are too full, Meleth."

He paused when he noticed that Elrohir had begun to shake and looked more ashen by the minute. "Elladan, will you get Elrohir a blanket? I think he has need of it."

Elladan hurried to gather one to bring to Elrohir. He was worried when he realised just how cool Elrohir's hands were, just as their Adar's hands tended to be chilled after a vision.

Ironically, they had only recently discussed how glad they both were that they did not suffer the visions that overcame both Galadriel and their Adar at times. They looked to be frightening and painful at the same time. They were aware that even the minor visions Elrond experienced on rare occasions were greatly unsettling to him. The gift of foresight could clearly be as much a burden as a blessing. He was very worried that Elrohir seemed to be chosen by the Valar to have this gift, but why now?

"Here, help Elrohir to drink this while I help your Daer Nana. I want all of you to
rest. We have all had a trying day, it seems. I want to be certain that you are all well."
Celeborn helped Galadriel with her hot sweetened tea that also contained a little extra
something he had added to it. He could speak with Galadriel about her vision later that evening or in the morning, when she was recovered from the vision that had taken her earlier.

As worried as he was about Elrond, he also had to think of the others and their wellbeing.

Elrond was not present, as much as Celeborn wished he were, and he was therefore responsible to see to the needs of his family.

The unpleasant sound of gagging made him and Galadriel look up. Elrohir and Orophin were no longer in the chamber. Elladan sat very still, looking so grey that Celeborn would have wagered that he dare not move for fear of joining his twin in the bathing chamber. From the way he had his jaw clamped tight, he may be about to lose the battle against it.

With a low sigh Celeborn rose once more and hurried over to his own extensive healing pack, thankful that he always carried one with him. He never knew when he was going to need a healing pack on a trip like this. He knew there was most certainly going to be a need for it when his grandsons were around.

He selected the aromatic herb that was needed, a powerful anti-emetic that worked effectively and quickly. He then began to crush it with a small mortar and pestle until it resembled a fine powder. He crossed over to Elladan and bent over him. "Close your eyes, Penneth, this will help with your nausea." As soon as Elladan closed his eyes, Celeborn blew the powder into his face.

"It may be prudent for me to have some of that, Meleth." Galadriel's voice was strained and her face also had a slightly green tinge.

"I was going to give you some next. Elrohir will certainly have some." Celeborn had taken the time as he spoke to return to his pack for a little more of the ground herb to use on his wife. Her smile of thanks after he had treated her was more than enough reward. He had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling as Galadriel tried, unsuccessfully, to hide a yawn. Yes, the sleeping herbs he had slipped into her tea would be beginning to work nicely right about now.

"Come, let me help you to the bed. Once you are settled, Orophin can help me with our grandsons. You all need to rest." At Galadriel's nod he helped her to stand and move to the large wide bed that they were using while in Fornost.

By the time he had her settled comfortably, Elrohir was being helped back into the chamber. Orophin, also a bit pale of face, nearly carried Elrohir back to the couch near the fireplace.

The ominous grey pallor of his brother's face scared Elladan even more. If Elrohir had been shaking before, he now seemed like a leaf being tossed and torn in a gale.

Celeborn hurried to their side and administered the powdered herb to Elrohir. "Sit quietly for a minute until this works. Then you need to drink some sweetened tea before going to rest. You and your gwador both need it. I will be keeping an eye on you tonight to make sure that you are alright."

Elladan made sure his younger brother was warm and tucked back under the blanket that he had been using earlier. He did not move away, but sat close with his arm around him, lending comfort and support. He watched his brother with a worried expression on his face. He could feel his distress through the bond they shared as twins.

Elrohir, meanwhile, leaned his head back on Elladan's shoulder and closed his eyes, trying desperately to stop his stomach from turning. The powdered herb had helped, but had not completely relieved the problem as yet.

Celeborn had taken notice that Orophin also looked more than a little queasy, likely from witnessing Elrohir being ill, so gave him some of the powdered herb as well. Once he was happy that his family was treated and settled for the moment, he left the chamber to ready the twins' beds for them. He left his grandsons to rest under Orophin's watchful eyes from his post at the open chamber door, in case they had need of anything.

Bainen had directed that warming bricks be delivered to the chamber and the fireplace was well banked, much to Celeborn's delight. The Edan Lord had recalled how badly his other guests, mainly Elrond to be truthful, had suffered from the cold after having one of his 'seizures'. Celeborn had made certain that the bricks were placed at the foot of Elrohir's bed.

Once the chamber was ready and warm enough, he walked back into his own chamber. He smiled when he realised that Galadriel had already succumbed to the sleeping herbs and his grandsons were yawning widely and leaning on each other. Elrohir still looked a little grey, but he could at least move now without looking as if he was going to vomit with the slightest movement.

With Orophin's help, he soon had them moved into their own chamber and settled into bed. He kissed their foreheads gently then blew out the candles. Celeborn ushered Orophin before him as they left the chamber, leaving the door ajar so that he could see into the chamber without disturbing them.

"Orophin, I know you have been at guard on this chamber door for two nights now. Go get some rest. I will see you in the morning." Knowing that others were on guard this night, should Celeborn have need of help, Orophin did as he was told.

Celeborn re-entered his own chambers and settled down in the chair by the fire. He would spend most of the night like this, moving quietly between the two chambers, checking on his family and more worried than ever about Elrond. He prayed to the Valar that they would keep both Elrond and Legolas safe from harm this night.

---

For what seemed an eternity, no one in the cave dared to move or even speak. They were too shocked to even fully comprehend what they had all heard Legolas say.

It was Gailarphen who moved first to kneel once more next to Legolas. As he gently rested a comforting hand on Thranduil's shoulder, he turned to examine the small Elfling Prince.

"Legolas, my name is Gailarphen and I am an old friend of your Adar's. I am a healer. May I take a look at you to see what is wrong?"

"Ada?" They all winced at the pained, plaintive tone.

"I am here Legolas and I will not be leaving you." Thranduil placed his hand on Legolas' arm to reassure him.

Thranduil was pleased that he could sound so calm for his son when all he really wanted to do was panic. His son was blind? How could Legolas manage to live a productive life like that?

"Ada, where is Nana? She was here, I saw her." Legolas was trying not to cry in his fear and they could all see that.

"I know she was here, Ion-nin, but do you recall? She told us she had to go away again?" Thranduil was unaware of the startled looks from those that were near enough to hear his quietly spoken words. "Look inside your heart, Legolas, and you can still feel her. Can you, Penneth?" Thranduil's eyes grew moist as he spoke, remembering his own too-brief visit with her.

They were all transfixed at this little tableau and none could take their eyes off the small, ashen-faced Prince. It was clear to all of them that Legolas was still incredibly ill. Just because he was awake, it did not mean he was out of danger, just that he was a little more stable than he had been before.

His lip quivered, but Legolas obviously made the effort to do as his Ada said and looked inside, feeling for his Naneth's warm presence. In a moment, he noticeably calmed and gave a small contented sigh. "Yes, Ada, I can feel her. Nana is here." He rested a bandaged hand over his heart. "She sang to me." Legolas' voice was growing fainter as exhaustion began to overtake him once more.

"I know, Dian Las, I heard her. Will you allow Gailarphen to look at you now? He needs to see what is wrong with your eyes." Thranduil brushed the tangled pale hair away from an equally pale, bruised forehead. At least the parts that were not bruised were pale, far too pale. Legolas' fever was rising once more. He could feel the heat as he caressed Legolas' face tenderly.

"Yes, Ada. My head hurts." That simple admission scared Thranduil more than he would ever admit. Not even after Minerella's death had Legolas admitted to being in pain, or scared, come to that. He had just put up with the pain for fear of appearing weak. Where Legolas had gotten that notion from, Thranduil could not have said, but Legolas seemed to believe that admitting he was in pain or scared was a weakness. It was something that Thranduil would try to rectify.

"I will give you something for that Dian Caun. It will help, I promise." Gailarphen could tell that the small Prince was precious to the Elves from Mirkwood and he could really see why. He was rather adorable. Gailarphen promised himself that he would do everything in his power to bring him back to health.

"Will it taste yucky? I do not like yucky things." Legolas was beginning to tremble now, probably from a combination of pain, fright and the exhaustion of illness. Gailarphen pulled the blanket up a little to be sure Legolas was not chilled.

Gailarphen grinned at the question. He was pleased that Legolas was so alert especially after all he had suffered. "I will try not to make it yucky and if it is yucky then I will have some myself. How does that sound? I will also make certain that you get something nice afterwards. I need to feel your head now, Legolas."

He had to smile at the Prince, even if Legolas could not see it, for he held completely still under the healer's hands. "What would you like? You can ask for anything!" Gailarphen winked at Thranduil, fully expecting Legolas to ask for something impossible. He was about to be surprised, as Thranduil was well aware.

"Can I see 'Dan and 'Ro? They promised I could see them when we arrived. I want to show them..." Legolas broke off, seemingly embarrassed.

"What do you want to show them, Legolas?" Gailarphen tried not to show his dismay when he felt the bones shift slightly beneath his hands once more. Legolas could have asked for anything, but all he wanted was to see his friends. Truly this little Elfling was a constant surprise.

"My new bow, Ada gave it to me for my begetting day." Legolas winced as the healer's hands touched a particularly painful spot but he did not make a sound of protest.

"You are to be an archer then?" He sounded thoughtful. From the side of the cave behind him, he could hear Nestoron quietly asking Elrond questions regarding his eyesight. Had the scalding water affected his eyes after all? He returned his attention to Legolas, but would ask Nestoron about it later.

He took an appraising look at the small, thin body beneath his hands. At present, it was unlikely that Legolas would have the strength to even begin to pull a bow to fire an arrow. He was beginning to waste away from the lack of food since he was injured and the injuries and fever had worked to weaken him further. They needed to give him some broth and work their way gradually to giving him something solid to eat soon.

However, right now he needed to determine the cause for Legolas' blindness. He silently petitioned Ilúvatar that it would only be temporary.

"I hope so. Ada says I can if I wish to be. I want to keep him safe from the monsters." It was almost whispered and difficult to hear, but hear it Thranduil did. He had to blink away the sudden tears that flooded his eyes. "I want my Ada and friends to be safe, I promise I will be good."

"I am sure that you will be very good, Dian Caun."

"Why can I not feel my hand properly and why is it dark?" Legolas was beginning to shake a little more.

"Well, I have to figure that out for you, Legolas. Can you feel your hand at all? Which one is being naughty?" Gailarphen brushed the blond hair away from his forehead again to get a good look at the healing cut and the bruising. The swelling was great and he was glad that they had already removed the stitches. He would need to apply some Arnica to help reduce the swelling and fade the bruising.

"My left hand, it tingles and feels funny. Why is it being naughty?" The question was asked in all innocence, following the Healer's own words.

Thranduil had a good idea why his hand was tingling. His own hands still tingled for the same reason. "Do you remember what happened after the fight with the monsters, Legolas?" Thranduil did not want to frighten his son any more than he already was, so he did not call them Orcs.

Legolas started to wrinkle his brow as he was trying to think, but he gave in as the movement caused the pain in his head and forehead to grow even more. "Umm, there was a storm. I was pulled out of the tree." They noticed he did not mention the monster that had pulled him from the tree.

"That is right. You hit your head as you fell from the tree. The tree was struck by lightning. You fell in water and the lightning hurt you and your arm, but I am sure it will soon be mended. Am I right, Gailarphen?" Thranduil's eyes begged the Healer to agree.

"I am sure that given time, Legolas' arm will be perfectly mended. But, Penneth, you will have to do as you are told to make it better and that includes some exercises." Gailarphen had to admit that he was more than a little surprised that Legolas did not groan or complain at that, as some Elflings and grown Ellon would have done.

"Good, as long as I can learn to shoot, I will do all the exercises I need to." His voice, though somewhat weak, sounded very determined.

"I am certainly very pleased to hear you say that." Gailarphen did have a very pleased expression on his face. Truly this little Elfling was a wonder, if only all his patients were this motivated.

"Can you tell me how your hand and arm feel while I finish cleaning the cut on your forehead?" He was already washing away the old Athelas and preparing the new herb paste to pack it once more.

"It tingles as if it was numbed by laying on it too long. A pain runs up my arm like a squirrel up a tree..." Legolas had to stop and try to hide the wide yawn he gave. "It seems to throb in time with my head. Can you make it stop?" Legolas tried to hide his face in embarrassment as he made this admission but Gailarphen was ready to pack the cut on his forehead with the new paste and would not let him move.

"Hold still, Penneth, then I will get you something for the pain." He was aware that Doroniel was awake now. He was glad that she seemed much more as he remembered her this morning and she seemed to move without difficulty. She had started to brew more of the pain-relieving tea that would help Legolas and Elrond. Gailarphen had no doubt Elrond would be in a lot of pain from his burns.

Once he had finished applying the paste, Gailarphen accepted a goblet of the cooled herbal infusion from Doroniel. While Thranduil gently propped Legolas up against his shoulder, Gailarphen helped him to drink all of it. Legolas seemed to be very thirsty, as he swallowed the tea quickly.

"Now then, was that very nasty tea?" Gailarphen had to smile at the sour face Legolas pulled when the goblet was taken away from his mouth. "Oh my! I suppose that means I will have to have some myself then, Healer Doroniel. Your Prince commands it!"

It did all their hearts good to hear the small giggle that Legolas gave before he sucked in a surprised breath at the pain it caused him.

"May I now see the arm and hand that are being naughty?" Legolas held out his left hand to the Imladris Healer.

When he took down the bandages, he carefully washed away the herbal burn paste that had been applied before. Gailarphen was pleased to see that the burns he had been told of previously had healed enough that they would no longer need to be covered.

He then tested the small hand for any signs of nerve damage. The responses he received to his prodding were good, there was a slight discrepancy and it was clear that Legolas was receiving a lot of pain at the pressure, but given time and a lot of work by both Legolas and himself, the Prince would likely recover the full use of his hand and arm. It was encouraging that Legolas did have movement in his hand and fingers.

He was just about to explain this to Thranduil when a goblet appeared before him, presented by an amused Doroniel.

"I believe that this is for you, Master Gailarphen, as commanded by Caun Legolas." She was really smirking at him now and he raised his eyebrow at her in surprise. "You did promise him." She prompted as she moved the partly-filled goblet closer to him.

"Yes. Yes, I believe that I did and I keep my promises. Thank you Doroniel." He took the goblet with a slight salute to her. With an exaggerated sigh that caused Legolas to smile once more, he downed the bitter infusion.

Gailarphen knew what it tasted like, but he was still slightly surprised. "Gah! That does taste foul! I can well see why you do not like to take this potion, Legolas. I promise that I will make the teas more... well, less yucky for you, if it is possible." He thought the taste of the brew to be well worth the smile on Legolas' face however. It had been quite some time since he had an Elfling for a patient, but he remembered quite well how to put a child at ease.

As Gailarphen turned to hand the empty goblet back to her, he whispered to Doroniel. "Can you make certain that Elrond gets some of the tea now, since he is awake? Make certain that Nestoron knows to inform me if it does not adequately work for him." He knew he would not need to elaborate on those instructions as he looked into Doroniel's eyes. He knew she had dealt with burn patients before and knew the pain they suffered.

Doroniel nodded solemnly and moved to take a goblet of the tea to Nestoron for Elrond, whom she had not visited yet this morning.

Gailarphen placed a comforting hand on Thranduil's shoulder again. "Rest easy, I think Legolas will continue to have a little pain in his arm for a while but I am certain that it will heal completely." He was glad for the look of grateful relief that crossed the blond King's face.

Gailarphen could well understand his relief. Legolas faced enough problems without another possible handicap to deal with and Thranduil did not need another worry to strain his damaged heart and slow its healing.

"Now, Legolas I would like to take a look at your eyes and then I need to see to your leg too. Can you open your eyes wide for me? You must keep them that way until I say otherwise."

"Yes, Gailarphen, I can do that. Can I call you Gailarphen or should I call you Hir Nin?" Legolas had suddenly realised that he was probably being very rude to the Elf that was helping him.

"You are more than welcome to call me Gailarphen. Actually, it would be a privilege and my pleasure if you were to do so. Good, well done. I just need to... ah thank you, Bremoline." He took the lit candle from the Mirkwood Captain. "Now then, Legolas I am going to shine a candle into your eyes, can you tell me if you see anything, I mean anything at all?"

Legolas stayed perfectly still until Gailarphen had taken the candle and began to shine it in his eyes. A tiny frown creased the bruised forehead.

"Are you shining it, Gailarphen?" He worried at his lower lip.

"Yes I am, Legolas, can you see anything at all?"

Gailarphen tried to keep his anxiety from showing. He had hoped that the problem with Legolas' eyes was a throwback to the lightning strike, but the longer it took for Legolas to answer, the less certain he became. "Legolas?"

Gailarphen became aware that Thranduil had begun to breathe slightly faster again. This could not be good. Under no circumstances could they permit Thranduil to become so stressed again, it would do his heart no good whatsoever.

"I do not know." Legolas sounded frightened. "Ada?"

"I am here, Legolas. I am never going to leave you." Thranduil even sounded breathless.

Gailarphen leaned close and whispered in Thranduil's ear. "Try to calm down. I know it is hard, but Legolas needs you here with him now and all you are going to do is frighten him." He cast a quick look over at Thranduil's suddenly-grey face.

Thranduil nodded and tried to calm himself. What would they do if Legolas really was blind for the rest of his immortal life?

"Legolas, I can understand that you are frightened, but I need you to answer me. What can you see? Do you see anything, other than darkness?" He was carefully watching the Prince's blue eyes before removing the candle.

"I do not know. I am not sure. There may be something." Legolas sounded puzzled.

"Can you describe it for me?" Gailarphen rested the candle to one side for a minute.

"A small spark?" Legolas tried his best to describe what he was seeing. "It is like twinkling stars, there and gone."

Gailarphen was relieved to hear Legolas' description. "Good, you are doing very well, Legolas. I just need to take a good long look at your eyes and then you can rest, alright?"

Legolas yawned widely before he answered. "Alright. Can I sleep then?"

"Are you tired?" He was pleasantly surprised when Legolas opened his eyes wide so that he did not have to ask him again. Leaning forward he looked deeply into the Elfling's eyes with the candle. There was not much to see, his eyes looked normal, but then he had really not expected to see much, given Legolas' description.

"Yes, I am tired and sore. Why does my leg hurt?" He sounded confused again, but that was not surprising either. Legolas was exhausted by his injuries and it was beginning to tell on him. He also had a major head injury and that could not be forgotten.

"Your leg was injured when you fell from the tree. It is healing but I'm afraid it will still hurt. Are it and your head any better now?" Gailarphen put the candle safely to one side. "You can close your eyes now Legolas."

"They are better, but they still hurt bad." Legolas gratefully closed his eyes.

"We will wait for a little while longer and if the tea has not helped, I will give you something more. Rest with your Ada for a while now, Penneth, and I will be back soon to look at your leg."

Legolas sighed with relief. "Thank you, Gailarphen. I wish I could see you. I would like to see you."

"You will, Legolas. I will promise you that. Now, I need a quick word with your Adar and then I will let you both rest. Bremoline, do you feel able to sit with Legolas for a short time?"

Gailarphen looked critically at the Captain. Bremoline looked more than a little ragged yet and still had a shocked look about him, even after the sleep he had. A lot of the Mirkwood Elves needed looking after, aside from those obviously injured.

Bremoline gave him a reassuring smile and nodded. "Yes, Gailarphen, I think I can manage to sit with Legolas." Bremoline moved so that he was seated close to Legolas. He took Legolas' small right hand in his. "I have some good news for you, Legolas. In a year's time there is going to be a bonding and you are at the top of the invitation list, along with your Adar..." Bremoline spoke happily of the news he had about Doroniel and Calandor's betrothal, distracting Legolas from his Adar's building distress.

"Thranduil, come away with me for a moment so that we can talk." Gailarphen did not, could not, miss the look of panic that flashed across the King's ashen features as he took him by the arm to help him move away from Legolas to speak more privately near the cave entrance. Thranduil had not calmed very much as he had looked at Legolas. His breathing still seemed too laboured.

"What is it? Gailarphen? Please tell me what is it? Legolas' eyes?" The more questions Thranduil asked, the less chance he gave Gailarphen to actually answer his questions. The longer he went without an answer, the more panicked he became, and the heavier his chest seemed to become. Suddenly, it seemed he could not breathe at all. It became more and more difficult to draw breath once more. His steps became unsteady.

From what seemed to be a great distance, he heard Gailarphen's voice. "Thranduil, take a deep breath! Try to relax. Come on, sit down." Thranduil did not need to be asked for his legs gave way before the healer had even finished the sentence.

Thranduil's fingers began to tingle once more as he gasped for breath. Black and white spots appeared in his eyes. Pain was beginning to grow in his chest and along his left arm. The longer he could not breathe the worse it seemed to get, each symptom seemed to make the others ten times worse, feeding his fear.

Gailarphen took one look at the deepening grayish-blue pallor of the King's face. He stood there stunned as Thranduil collapsed to his knees, his lips turning rapidly from healthy pink to the deep blue of cyanosis. He dropped to his knees beside Thranduil, ignoring the panicked cries around him.

He automatically felt for the pulse point on Thranduil's wrist as Doroniel rushed over from next to Elrond where she had been deep in discussion with Glorfindel and Nestoron.

Gailarphen frowned. Thranduil's pulse was beating so fast that it was difficult to actually count each beat and every now and again the beat seemed to pulse twice with a pause and then stop for a short while. Resting his other hand against Thranduil's chest made him even more acutely aware of the missed and elongated heartbeats.

He shared a quick worried glance with Doroniel. They both knew that Thranduil was in a lot of trouble. The lightning had caused far more damage to the King's heart than they had first believed. They would have to treat this carefully.

"Doroniel, can you measure me some of the powdered leaves of lhaew hûn nestadren salab from my pack? We need to get Thranduil's heart back into a normal rhythm. Also make him a calming potion. We cannot have him worried at all." Doroniel nodded and hurried to prepare the needed herbs.

At that moment, Gailarphen was glad that Legolas could not see what was happening. It would have been terrifying for him. As it was, Rithlin and Craban were trying to help Bremoline keep him distracted as to what was going on with his Adar.

Nestoron had also joined him at Thranduil's side. Gailarphen kept his voice low so Legolas could not hear what was said. "Help me prop him up to ease his breathing. We need something to support him." Gailarphen started to search the area for something suitable when Faergon dropped into a seated position behind Thranduil with his back to him. He leaned forward, offering himself as a backrest for the distressed King. Between them, Gailarphen and Nestoron managed to prop him up against Faergon's back. They dare not let him lay flat when his breathing was this laboured because it would only make it worse.

Glorfindel watched them from beside Elrond's pallet. Worry was once more alight in his blue eyes. He was aware Legolas was awake but that something was wrong. Thranduil seemed upset and had just collapsed. He had not been paying much attention to what was going on over there. He had been much more concerned with Elrond's unexpected announcement of his blindness. He was still stunned by the news.

Elrond was restless and aware that something was going on. "Glorfindel, what is happening? Why did Doroniel run off so suddenly?

Glorfindel tried to reassure him and keep his voice low.

Doroniel hurried over with the powdered leaves of lhaew hûn nestadren salab and the calming tea. Gailarphen tried to talk Thranduil into taking them with reassurances that they would help, but Thranduil was too far gone to comprehend anything more than the fact he could not breathe. All they could do was attempt to get the medicines into him between gasping breaths. The bitter green powder was easily placed on his tongue and would be swallowed, but the tea was more difficult.

Gailarphen kept his fingers on that vital pulse, waiting and hoping that they would soon begin to see a change for the better. The bitter powdered herb was woefully slow to act, but when it did act, it would slow and strengthen his heartbeat.

They could all feel the tense atmosphere. It was really rather draining for all of them. Unfortunately, it was not long before Legolas picked up on the level of anxiety and began to cry again, frightened by the way the cave felt around him and the fact that everyone was acting strange suddenly.

"Where is Ada? I want Ada!"

Unfortunately, it did not help matters at all. Thranduil panicked anew upon hearing Legolas and tried to get to his crying son. It was all too much for him and with a burst of small supernovas that seemed to obliterate any remnants of sight he had left, he collapsed, unconscious, into their stunned laps. None of them could move fast enough to catch him, it all happened so quickly.

Bremoline's stunned and terrified cry of "Thranduil!" rang out in the echoing stillness of the cave along with several others'.

Utter panic ruled in the cave as Gailarphen and Doroniel reached for their fallen King and friend. Gailarphen could hear Legolas growing even more distressed, calling for his Adar. He was becoming even more frightened when his call went unanswered. He could only imagine the terror and terrible visions that must be running through the young Prince's mind.

He checked Thranduil's wrist and almost collapsed with relief when he felt the still-pounding pulse. All they could do was wait this attack out and make certain that Thranduil did not become this stressed in the future. His damaged heart could not take this constant stress, Elf or not.

The damage could still have the same consequences until the damage from the lightning shock eventually healed, and it would. A human's heart would probably never recover from this kind of damage, but with Thranduil's elven healing, given rest and time his heart would heal. Until it healed, there was, however, a danger of his heart ceasing to work at all if it was overstressed.

Now, though, they also had to calm Legolas. "Doroniel, can you see to Legolas and give him a calming draft? He is too injured and ill to be able to deal with this right now. I will make certain that Thranduil is stable and then we will move him so that he is close to his son. I would rather not move Legolas at present."

"Of course, Gailarphen, Legolas is comfortable with me. He would probably calm more easily for me than anyone else." She stood, with a last lingering look of worry for Thranduil, she hurried over to the sobbing Elfling. Despite his pain and fever, Legolas was trying desperately to get free of Bremoline and get to his Adar.

She leaned down and wrapped her arms around him as gently as she could, hugging him without moving him more than needed. "Hush, Legolas, it is Doroniel. Your Adar is going to be alright, he is sleeping now. Gailarphen is with him. In a short while we will be bringing him so he is next to you. You need to calm down, Penneth, or you will hurt yourself more. I promise that your Ada is ok, I promise." She had tears in her eyes as she saw how hysterical Legolas had become. She gently rocked him slightly as she crooned soothing words and smoothed his hair.

Slowly, she managed to calm him until his sobbing was almost stopped, apart from the odd hiccupping sob that shook him now and again. "I will just be by the fire, Legolas. I need to make you some tea. You need the warmth." She gently stroked his hair and again brushed away the hair that had fallen across the wound in his forehead as he thrashed around in his panic.

She was concerned at the heat that rose once more from the small Prince. She would need to add something for his fever as well. It might be a good idea to have the pit cleaned out and refilled. It could do no harm to be ready for any eventuality. The way this journey had been going, anything could happen.

After she had a quick word with Craban, he moved away quickly to get the pit ready. The water was dirty after soaking Elrond in it the night before because he had been covered in soot and ash and had bled in the water as well. They would have to carry water from the river or a pool nearby to fill it, now that it was not raining.

She went to the fire and began to mix the herbs. Looking over to where Gailarphen was tending Thranduil, she turned to speak with him quietly.

"Legolas' fever still seems high. I added some fever reducing herbs to his tea. I have also asked Craban to empty and refill the pit with clean water, just in case. How is Thranduil?"

"Calming. His pulse is still too fast for my liking, but it is better than it was. We may have to give Elrond some of that, as well." Gailarphen could hear him trying to get Glorfindel to explain in detail exactly what had happened with Thranduil. He apparently had been prevented from seeing it. Elrond was beginning to get a little too vocal for their liking. After all, they had just calmed Legolas down.

Doroniel nodded. "I will bring him some. Nestoron was worried about giving Elrond more pain relief as he had given him some not long ago. What do you want me to do?" The tea was prepared for Legolas but was currently too hot for him to take.

"Is Elrond in a lot of pain?" Gailarphen asked as he lowered Thranduil's tunic back into place after listening to his heart.

"Yes, he is, although he will not admit to it." Doroniel made a wry face as she spoke, it was something that Elrond also hated for one of his patients to do, yet he was doing the same.

"Then tell him he must take the herbs. It is not worth being in pain and they will help when we have to change his bandages." He winced at the thought of the pain that would cause. It would be unpleasant for everyone involved. He was glad that he had thought to bring a stronger analgesic preparation with him, even if he did not like the thought of using it. It could be dangerous if not used carefully.

"If he will not take it, let me know and I will make certain that he does." Gailarphen had a determined glint in his blue-grey eyes.

Doroniel knew that it was no idle threat either. She had seen Gailarphen do this once with another uncooperative patient. It had not been pleasant, but it had been highly effective. She had no doubt that Elrond would take the herb, IF he knew what was good for him.

"I will." She blew on the tea to cool it further as she crossed to where Legolas lay, encircled by Bremoline's gentle arms. The older Elf looked up as she joined them and she could see worry and shame that he had been the cause of some of Legolas' distress. She smiled gently at him. It was not his fault. After all, they had all been shocked at Thranduil's sudden collapse. Bremoline had not been the only one to cry out. He had just been the closest to Legolas.

Kneeling beside him, she spoke to Legolas once more. "Legolas, I have your tea. Bremoline and I are going to sit you up very carefully, alright?"

Legolas' lower lip trembled with a mixture of fear, pain and exhaustion. His unseeing blue eyes were wide and still awash with tears. It was a look that could always melt her heart. "Yes, Dor. I can call you Dor? Bremmy said I could."

She had feared only last night that Legolas would not even be alive and with them today, let alone talking with them, so she was delighted to hear his voice at all.

"If you drink this tea you can call me whatever you like, Penneth. It should not be very yucky. So, it is Bremmy now, is it, hmmm? I believe he only lets those closest to his heart call him by that name." Doroniel exchanged a small delighted grin with Bremoline.

"Now, we need to sit you up slowly so we do not hurt you. Then, while Bremmy supports you, I will help you to drink this, alright?"

"Yes, thank you, Dor." It was obvious as they were moving Legolas into a position to drink the tea that he was in far greater pain than he had told them he was. No wonder the other tea had only taken the edge off his pain. Doroniel was acutely aware that even grown Ellon would have been reduced to tears by these same injuries Legolas suffered long before this.

Once she was happy that he was propped as high as was necessary, she tipped the goblet to his lips. It took them both by surprise when Legolas began to gulp down the calming tea as if it were plain, clear water. He must have been incredibly thirsty, but if he continued like this, the tea would come straight back up.

She moved the goblet away for a moment. "Easy, Legolas. I know you must be thirsty, but you need to be slow to drink it or you will be sick. Once you have finished this, I will get you some water. Saes, let me know whenever you are thirsty and I will bring you water, anytime."

They could all see the reluctance that Legolas felt at having to take small sips only. Soon the goblet was drained. Rithlin handed her a clean goblet of water. It was only a short time later that the goblet was empty once more. Doroniel reminded herself to make sure that he had a drink every hour when he was awake. With the fever, she did not want his condition to deteriorate any further due to dehydration.

Bremoline helped her to lay Legolas back down and covered him with a light blanket. He closed his eyes, nearly asleep again.

Once they had Legolas settled again, Craban and Rithlin helped Gailarphen move a pallet and settle Thranduil next to Legolas. Doroniel gently placed Legolas' small hand into his Adar's bigger hand. It lightened her heart when she saw the smile of relief that eased his pallid, gaunt face as he realised whose hand it was that he was holding.

Standing once more, Doroniel crossed to where Gailarphen had retreated. "I am worried about Legolas' fever. This is how it all started, from the infected wound. I have not seen his leg recent..."

"His leg!" Gailarphen's startled cry made several people jump as he hurried to his pack, Doroniel in close pursuit.

"What is it, Gailarphen? What about his leg?" She watched anxiously as he reached into the pack and withdrew the glass slides. She knew very well what they were used for.

"I took some samples to see if I could find the cause of the infection, but with everything that has been happening..." Gailarphen sounded mortified. How could he have forgotten, again! He never forgot things, especially when they were this important!

"Take this opportunity then and look at them while I make Elrond some more tea for his pain." Doroniel returned to the fire, but paused when they heard Elrond call for Gailarphen.

"Gailarphen, I must speak to you. It is important." Elrond's voice was weak and faint. There was still a noticeable hoarseness from his bruised throat.

Gailarphen rose and crossed to him. "Elrond you should rest. You are unwell, Mellon-nin."

Elrond spoke urgently. He was filled with the same urgent feeling from his visions that drove him to make the journey here. He needed to tell Gailarphen this information right now! "Poison, there is poison in Legolas' leg wound. The attack was aimed at him." He was almost panting as his pain took a firmer hold.

"Easy, Elrond, I understand and I will look for that as well. I believe you need something stronger for your pain. I will get you something..."

"No!" Of course, Elrond knew the risks of the stronger herbal analgesic.

"Elrond..." Glorfindel practically growled.

"Yes! Elrond, your burns were deep and we can all see that you are in pain. You will be taking this tea." Gailarphen's face took on the stubborn, cross look that both Imladris Elves knew all too well. Elrond would ultimately end up losing this fight, no matter what.

"I do not need any more tea, Gailarphen. Leave me alone and see to your other, more worthy, patients. Legolas needs you now more than I do." Elrond glowered at the spot where he thought his friend and fellow healer was standing. Unfortunately it was in the wrong direction. The sounds in the cave echoed and the bandage for the cut on his head muffled the sounds enough that he had misjudged Gailarphen's location from the sound of his voice.

Gailarphen realised that something was wrong right away and moved closer to Elrond and Glorfindel. "What is wrong with your eyes, Elrond?" His voice held an urgency that was rarely heard.

"Nothing, I have a headache. That is all that is wrong." Elrond frowned at the tone of his friend's voice.

"Look at me, Elrond!" Gailarphen's voice was short with worry. He shared a worried glance with Glorfindel, who lightly shook his head then glanced away. He appeared upset. That confused Gailarphen for a moment. What had he meant?

"I am looking at you." Elrond's voice was sharp and almost dared the healer to contradict him. Alas for him, he was with the two people who would and could contradict him, and get away with it.

"No, Elrond, you are not looking at me. I am next to Glorfindel. You are looking at the entrance to the cave. Now I will ask you again, Elrond, what is wrong with your eyes?" Gailarphen was not going to back down and they all knew it. He could be just as stubborn as Elrond.

Elrond muttered something so low under his breath that not even their Elven hearing could pick it up. "I beg your pardon, Elrond? I couldn't hear you."

Elrond would have yelled, had his bruised throat allowed it. "I said I cannot see! Is that what you want to hear?" He sounded more like a petulant Elfling rather than a mighty Elf Lord. Gailarphen could detect a touch of fear behind Elrond's anger.

Gailarphen's face softened to a look of great concern at his old friend's words. "No, Elrond, it is not, but it is what I feared. What happened, Mellon-iaur?" He knelt and reached towards Elrond to look in his eyes.

Elrond turned his head away at Gailarphen's touch. "Nestoron has already looked at them for me. I cannot see anything." He kept his face turned away from Gailarphen as he spoke. "As I was bringing Legolas back, I somehow encountered the enemy that is after Legolas, one called 'Master'. He threatened Legolas and tried to take him from me. I told him I would never see that happen. He laughed as he declared it would be as I wished. He threw something at me. It struck me in the face. There was great pain and I...I fell. After that, I remember nothing, until I woke up here on this pallet. All I could see was darkness when I opened my eyes, duáth taur."

Elrond was panting again and his voice had roughened with emotion as well as pain by the end of his narrative. His jaw had a stubborn set to it. He was trying to master the emotions this realization stirred in him, refusing to show weakness.

The shocked silence that fell after his explanation was more telling than being able to see it.

Gailarphen broke the silence, speaking gently. "Elrond, I know that Nestoron has looked in your eyes, but, saes, let me look? I also want you to take something more to relieve your pain, it will help." Elrond opened his mouth to protest and Gailarphen carried on over him. "I will not take no for an answer, mellon-nin. I need to change the bandages on your burns and you know very well that it will be painful. You admit that your head aches. That tells me that you are in great pain. I know you very well, Mellon-iaur, and normally you will not admit even a massive headache. I am not above having Glorfindel hold you down, if needed, and force the tea down your throat. Now you can make it easy or hard for yourself. Which is it going to be?"

Elrond actually pouted while Gailarphen spoke. Even with the seriousness of the situation all too clear, Glorfindel found himself smiling at Elrond's temper. He really did look a sight, a very sorry sight at that. Suddenly, he sobered. He was very glad that none of Elrond's children were here to see the state that their Adar was in. They would be terrified and quite rightly so.

"I do not need more tea." Elrond was stubbornly insistent.

Glorfindel gave a long weary sigh. Elrond could be so stubborn at times and then he wondered where his sons got it from! All he needed to do was look in the mirror...He pulled up sharply at that thought.

Glorfindel knelt again and leaned in close to speak in a low tone for Elrond's ears only. "Elrond, Mellon-nin, I have seen your burns and the wound to your head. Trust me, you do need this tea. If I am given no other choice, I will hold you down while Gailarphen doses you. Do you want me to do that with all these people here, from Imladris, Lothlorien and Mirkwood, as witness? Do I have to tell Celeborn and Galadriel that you were a fool who would not accept treatment because of your mule-stubborn pride? Take the pain relief as Gailarphen asks and I will not tell your sons who actually put the snakes in their beds that time."

Elrond's face seemed to harden as Glorfindel's speech continued, it turned to consternation at the mention of his wife's parents and then embarrassed horror at the implied threat of telling his sons exactly who had actually been behind the deviously successful little payback trick against them.

Glorfindel had been blamed for that one and he had done nothing to dissuade Elladan and Elrohir from that fact. It had actually raised the Balrog Slayer's standing in their estimation.

"I will take the damned tea!" He glowered vaguely in Glorfindel's general direction and could easily picture the smirk that sat upon his blond friend's face, he had seen it often enough.

Gailarphen was relieved. "Good, when I return I am going to look at your eyes. I will be but a minute." Gailarphen stood but before he could turn to leave, Elrond called to him again.

"Gailarphen, what is wrong with Thranduil? Glorfindel would not really tell me anything. Saes?" He really was worried about him and when Gailarphen had called for that particular herb… It was one he knew the purpose of, and its dangers, quite well. It was not used lightly because the plant was poisonous at the wrong dosage, or if used for too long a time.

Elrond shuddered slightly and then gasped as his many wounds and aches awoke into what felt like flames within him. Glorfindel grasped his undamaged left hand and squeezed, offering comfort.

"If I tell you, will you promise that you will have the tea?"

"Yes, I have already said that I would. Saes…Thranduil?"

Gailarphen sighed in defeat and then hurried on to explain. If this stopped Elrond from fretting, it would be more than worth it. "Thranduil's heart has been badly damaged by the lightning strike, apparently more than any of us realised at first. He has had periods of increasing breathlessness and just now this escalated. He had palpitations and his pulse was fast and very irregular. He fainted. I will keep him resting. If I must sedate him to achieve it, I will. He is now resting beside Legolas, who was terrified and hysterical over the incident. We just got him calmed again, so saes keep your voice down? Now rest and I will see to the tea for your pain."

Elrond was not relieved, far from it. He had dealt with many victims of lightning strikes in his long career as a healer, though most of the victims had been Edain, to be sure. Though most cases were swiftly fatal to begin with, for those who did survive, he knew the damage could be long-lasting or permanent. The thought of the mighty Mirkwood King being restricted due to a damaged heart did not sit well. There was hope that his elven healing would repair all the damage.

And what of Legolas? If Legolas had suffered irreparable damage also, that would only complicate the damage to Thranduil's heart. Elrond deliberately made himself stop thinking along those lines. It was simply too terrible to contemplate. What would he tell his sons?

Elrond turned his face to where he thought Legolas was laying. "Hannon-le, mellon-iaur. I hope that Legolas is alright?"

"Legolas was hysterical, frightened by what was happening to Thranduil. He is also in a lot of pain given his injuries, but he calmed down as soon as Thranduil was settled beside him." Gailarphen looked across at the father and son. They were both sleeping now. Legolas was still holding tight to his Adar's hand. Good, that would do them both more good than harm. "They are now both sleeping. I will mix that tea for you." He had purposefully kept Legolas' blindness from Elrond, for now.

Gailarphen left them then and soon was carefully measuring and mixing the dried poppy powder into the goblet of hot water, along with some calming herbs. He really needed Elrond to be kept calm, at least until he could also look at his eyes properly and could possibly tell him the outcome of the damage.

Once the powder was thoroughly dissolved and mixed, he brought it over to Elrond. Kneeling, he spoke to his friend. "I want you to drink all of this now while I take a look at the slides I took from Legolas. Once you are more comfortable, I will treat your burns. Until then, do not move and try to stay calm. Anything you need, I mean absolutely anything, ask one of us for it. I do not think that Glorfindel will be leaving your side for too long a period of time. He needs to rest as well, although I am sure he will deny this if asked."

He sneaked a peek at Glorfindel from the corner of his eye. True enough, he had opened his mouth to debate this, but shut it quickly when what Gailarphen had said sunk home.

Glorfindel blushed slightly in embarrassment, reminded of his collapse last night, yet grateful that it was not mentioned.

"Glorfindel? What is wrong, mellon-nin? Where you injured?" Elrond sounded worried once more.

"No, Elrond. The journey was just trying, tiring as well. Do not worry for me, I am well. You need to drink this now. Here, Gailarphen let me give that to him while you look at those slides from Legolas. If Elrond is right about the poison there is no time to lose." Glorfindel took the tea from Gailarphen. He gently propped Elrond against one of his legs, regretting the pain it caused him. He then began to coax him to drink the sharp, bitter fluid. It was apparent Elrond still had slight trouble swallowing as well, so he fed it to him slowly.

Gailarphen nodded, satisfied that Elrond was taking the pain relief with less fuss than expected. He then stood to return to his pack and the slides.

Doroniel drank deeply from a waterskin as she continued to sit beside Legolas to help keep him calm. She was also monitoring Thranduil as she had been asked by Gailarphen. Nestoron was changing Calandor's bandages. His burns were slowly healing and he was still sleeping deeply.

Thoronhen had taken it upon himself as second-in-command to take on the duties of the Captain of Mirkwood's Home Guard. Bremoline was concentrating on helping to care for Legolas and he still looked shocked and exhausted as well. He was really in no fit state to be giving out orders.

Thoronhen had organised all the able Elves into groups and gave each a specific job though all were expected to be on the watch for Orcs, spiders and other dangers and to scout the area. Some were to hunt for the herbs that they needed; Athelas, elder flower, dandelion, yarrow, willow bark and whatever other herbs and edible plants could be found. Another group was assigned to hunt for fresh meat. They would all need to have hot food today but especially the wounded would need some rich broth to strengthen them. A few were to see to the horses and let them graze and exercise. Others were to stand guard in rotations so that those in the cave could relax. The wounded and exhausted were ordered to remain in the cave and rest.

On that thought, Thoronhen had not heard anything from the two troublesome Ellith in some time and he looked around to find them. They were not in the cave and he suddenly realised he did not recall seeing them since the night before when they had all been outside. They had all rushed in at Thranduil's cry...

It was then that he caught sight of Haldir standing at the cave entrance, looking out. His hand was on his sword and something in the warrior's alert stance made his hackles rise on the back of his neck.

He made his way over to the Lothlorien March Warden.

"Haldir, what is wrong?" He could not hide the worry he felt.

"I am keeping watch. There is something about those two..." He pointed to the area outside the cave. "…that I do not trust. That one..." He pointed to Ruthwen. "...almost attacked me during the night. I will not let them near Elrond, Aran Thranduil or Caun Legolas."

"I agree, but you cannot stand there all day and night without letting us help. We are all aware of what those two are like and have all agreed that they get not within reach of them. They are malicious and disruptive. I believe Ruthwen means to harm the Caun and has from the beginning of this trip. We are all on our guard against them. Have you stood there all night?" Thoronhen almost laughed at the surprised relief that crossed the other's fair face.

"Yes, I have. They made no move to come into the cave but the other did something to one of the horses, I did not see what. Which one is in charge?" Haldir relaxed his stance somewhat.

"I would wager that it is Ruthwen. She seems to give the orders and Imles hardly speaks. You are right not to trust them. Come in, have some tea, you must be tired after your journey and your vigil. I hear it was rather an interesting ride." Thoronhen pulled him into the cave and over to a seat by the cook fire.

He took the boiling pot from the fire and began to make a fresh pot of simple tea. As soon as he poured the water, he moved to refill it once more as they had all begun to do since they had camped in the cave. They did not know when Legolas, or any of the other injured, would have need of the hot water.

He noticed that the first water skin was light, and as he moved through them, he discovered they were all nearly empty. They would need to be refilled soon. "Craban? Take Rithlin and a horse to carry the load and go to the river to refill the water skins."

He returned to speak to Haldir. "You said that you saw Imles do something to one of the horses? Which one?" He handed Haldir his tea as Craban and Rithlin gathered the waterskins.

"The small snow-white mare. She shines in the moonlight." Haldir took a sip of the hot drink and sighed. It was a relief to have the tea and relax.

"That mare belongs to Caun Legolas. I will have a look at her once they have been moved. I do not want to make them suspicious and put them on the alert." Thoronhen made the decision quickly. The last thing they wanted was for Caun Legolas' horse to be hurt or killed. He loved that little mare. She was not yet a year old when she was given as the last Begetting Day gift Legolas received from his Naneth before she was killed.

"I can do that for you. Just distract those two witches." Both Haldir's voice and face were hard with dislike.

"We can do that later, once the rest of the groups have left. Craban, you may want to take the cloak that lined the Caun's pit and wash it. Use mine in the meantime. I have no need of it." Craban nodded and collected the soiled cloak.

"Why do you call it the Caun's pit? What is its purpose?" Haldir had seen the pit but had not really thought about it over-much. He was more interested in what was happening outside the cave.

"Caun Legolas has had high fevers and ... I think Doroniel called them febrile fits. To cool him down, we have been using the pit to soak him in. During one of the episodes Lathron found out how strong the Caun is. Legolas kicked him."

"He did?" Haldir had to smile.

"Aye, Legolas caught him in his gweth and knocked him into the pit. The poor Ellon could not even breathe, the pain was so great. We had to give him pain-killing herbs. He is still moving a little gingerly and prefers to stand rather than sit. He insisted he was able to go with the hunters today anyway." Thoronhen had to smile. His poor friend really had suffered, as much from embarrassment as the pain.

"And your eye?" Haldir smirked at the surprised look that Thoronhen gave him.

He blushed right to the tips of his ears as he touched the eye. "I was hoping that you would not notice that. I thought that it had faded. Legolas did that as well. Trust me. There is a lot more to our small Caun Legolas than meets the eye."

"It is barely visible, mellon-nin, but I have known you a long time and to me it shines brightly." Haldir hurried to reassure his friend.

"I am glad. At one point, I could not even open it for the swelling." Thoronhen gave a small embarrassed grin then changed the subject.

"How fare the Lord and Lady?" Thoronhen had spent part of his childhood dwelling in Lothlorien and had come to love Galadriel and Celeborn as much as he did the Mirkwood Royals.

"They were well when we left. They have Hir Elrond's sons with them to keep them on their toes. I am sure they are going to have their hands full." Haldir knew all too well just what a handful the Peredhil twins could be. Even he had been the target of their mischief at times.

"I am glad. I wish I could say the same for Caun Legolas. He worries me. He came so close to fading and now this..." Thoronhen's voice drifted off.

"I am sure he will recover. Hir Elrond would not allow it to be any other way." Haldir hurried to reassure his friend.

"I hope so, Haldir, I truly hope so. Mirkwood cannot take another loss like our Queen. The shock was great and Legolas..." He closed his eyes in remembrance. "They were terrible dark days."

"Then we will just have to help Legolas realize that the days can be light once more and I know just the two who could do it." Haldir's voice was emphatic.

"Elladan and Elrohir?" Thoronhen had to smile. "Yes, those two could probably even make Sauron smile if they wished it."

"Indeed. They insisted on accompanying Hir Elrond once they knew that Legolas was also attending the conference. Everyone tried to persuade them to stay in Imladris. They are in Fornost right now. I do not think that Elrond had much choice but to let them come, short of locking them in the cells."

That caused Thoronhen to laugh heartily. Truly, even though they could be a handful, Elladan and Elrohir had the reputation as truly responsible people and a credit to their parents.

"I can just picture them following shortly..." He broke off as a commotion sounded behind them. They turned, unsure as to what was happening.

Gailarphen had returned to Elrond's pallet with a slide in his hand.

"Elrond! Why did you not tell me that the poison was this bad? I should have treated this last night. Combined with the infection..." Gailarphen broke off as he noticed the pained expression that crossed Elrond's face at the sound of his voice. All the others awake in the cave were alert and listening.

"What is wrong? What pains you? Has the poppy tea not helped?" Gailarphen had gone from indignant to worry in one breath.

"My head aches and your shouting does not help it. I did not know what poison it was. Only that it was there." Elrond's voice was short and to the point.

"Why did you not say anything about your headache?" Glorfindel sounded resigned. Really, Elrond could be the worst patient going.

Elrond growled back. "It had settled. I jumped when 'Phen shouted and it came back tenfold." Elrond was in too much pain and felt too ill to give Gailarphen his full given name, but instead used the abbreviated version that the healer hated to be called. Elrond also felt very nauseated. He would not admit that for all the Orcs alive on Arda.

Gailarphen knelt down and spoke quieter. "I am sorry I shouted, Elrond, but this poison mixed with the infection... If it is left any longer, Legolas will not just possibly lose his leg, but his life. Now why is your head so bad that the poppy tea has not stopped the pain?" Gailarphen cast a quick gaze over the grey face before him.

Glorfindel spoke up before Elrond could. "Elrond has had two head injuries and multiple visions since we left Fornost. Couple that with a concussion and everything else..." Glorfindel gave a sweeping wave of his arm, presenting Elrond's current condition as the outcome.

Elrond turned to glare at Glorfindel but he looked much more like a very sick and sorry puppy.

"You would be feeling very nauseous then." Gailarphen was already reaching for his herb bag and the anti-nausea herb they were beginning to run low on. Thank the Valar they had sent out a group to search for more. The fresh herbs could be more effective as well.

"No, I..." Elrond stopped as he went a very unbecoming shade of green and clamped his jaws shut. Combined with the angry red scalds on his face, he truly looked bad.

Gailarphen would not take no for an answer, not that Elrond could argue at present. The herb was crushed and blown into his face before he could even try to argue, as they both knew he would if he could.

"Rest there quietly now and let that work. I need to make the antidote of the poison for Legolas now and then I will be back to give you a really good look over. I will want to know the number, length and severity of the visions and also where and how you hit your head. I will take no argument on this Elrond. You are too important to all of us to take chances with. Your life and well-being is precious to us, even when you are being as stubborn as a thick-headed dwarf.

Elrond looked indignant. "Now, see here…" He could go no further however and clamped his mouth shut again.

Glorfindel turned to the tall dark-haired healer. "I will tell you everything, Gailarphen. I was there for almost all of them, and even if I was not, I was informed of them. Elrond will try to miss one or two or gloss over some events. I will not. Go now, see to Legolas and we shall talk very soon." His broad smile showed that Glorfindel had not missed the glower that Elrond sent his way or rather tried to send his way.

"Very well. Rest, Elrond, I will change your bandages and look at you the minute that I have finished with Legolas." With that, Gailarphen rose, knowing full well that Elrond was in the best care possible. Glorfindel would not let him get away with doing anything foolish.

He gathered up the herbs and roots that he needed. This was going to be a complicated combination of a strong tea for Legolas to drink and a paste that would need to be spread across the claw wounds on his leg.

"I will soak the bandages off for you." Doroniel looked up from her position beside Legolas and Thranduil. "It will save time and, if I heard correctly, time is of the essence. I am glad that Thranduil is sleeping off his heart arrhythmia. This would worry him all the more."

"I agree, the last thing he needs is another attack. Please do see to the bandage while I make the antidote, the sooner Legolas has this the better I will feel." He began to chop and cut the herbs and roots, working quickly and with the ease of one who has had much practice. Every now and again he looked over at her or glanced in Elrond's direction. "How are you feeling today, apart from elated?"

Doroniel blushed and then smiled. "Much better, the deep sleep helped greatly, hannon-le. I want to apologize for my foolish behaviour…"

Gailarphen shook his head. "Do not dwell on it. You were ill, leave it to that.

I asked about today." He smiled encouragingly at her, with a tip of his head.

"I am greatly relieved that Calandor is finally responding to treatment and with last night...well I have never been happier. I never thought he would ask me to bond with him!"

She was soaking the bandages as she spoke. Bremoline had moved so that he sat next to Thranduil and could make certain that he was alright. It took that little responsibility off of her so she could concentrate on Legolas.

Unwinding the first bandages that held the splints in place, she felt a thrill of horror run through her. In spite of Gailarphen's assurance, she still felt that this was her fault. She had failed to diagnose Legolas' broken leg, and he could bear permanent damage because of her mistake.

Sudden hot tears flooded her eyes and she had to blink them rapidly away so that she could see what she was doing. She needed to be able to concentrate, so she pushed the thoughts to a tiny corner of her mind and mentally locked them away to deal with at a later time. She took a deep, steadying breath and continued, falling back into the discipline she learned in her healer training under the patient guidance of Elrond. She refused to fall apart again, especially now that Hir Elrond himself needed their help too.

As the last bandage fell away and the splints were exposed, she could not keep a gasp from leaving her lips. Instead of two stout branches holding his leg straight, there were four pieces. The splints had been broken, no doubt during Legolas' last seizures. It did not truly matter when the damage had been done. The fact was, it had happened and they would have to deal with the consequences. It amazed her that it could have happened at all. She thought the splints had been strong.

Pulling the pieces of splintered wood away she noted that the leg was no longer straight and had a bulge on the left-hand side. Legolas had re-broken the forming callus again. They would have to reset the bone, again. But…wasn't that higher than the previous break?

The bandage itself was stuck fast to the wounds and even without touching it she could tell that a great amount of pus had escaped the wound, it had formed a hard crust and would take gentle, patient work to remove. She set out to do just that, using the warm water that had been supplied to her.

Slowly, she soaked the bandage and gently pulled the muslin material away. From the start, the smell was stomach-churning and she knew that the wounds had to be even worse than the last time she had seen them. She prayed to Eru that it was not as bad as she feared.

She continued her work as Gailarphen mixed and ground the paste to dress the wound with. It would draw out and destroy the poison as it fought the infection. He was also steeping Athelas so that they could clean the wound with it. The refreshing spring-like smell helped to banish the last miserable fears and lighten her heart.

It was needed when she finally finished removing the bandage. Legolas' leg had been awful before, but it was horrifying now. The wounds had grown both in width and length. They also seemed to have deepened. It was as if the poison was eating away at his flesh.

All around the wound almost a finger-width of the skin was black, almost as if from Morgul poisoning... only worse, if that were at all possible. Thick, red branching lines seemed to reach out at various spaces to spread into smaller ones, almost like limbs of a skeletal tree, down to the swollen, red ankle and up to the even more swollen knee. One white line seemed to creep past his knee, toward his inner thigh, showing the slow advance of the poison toward his heart.

But it was the wounds that made her shiver with horror. The green pus seemed to be flowing in a never-ending stream, sometimes thick, sometimes thin and stringy. The more she cleaned away, the more appeared. How could so much come from so little wound? This could not be natural.

The smell was nauseating and seemed to even overpower the Athelas that still hung in the air. Despair greater than ever before filled her.

She had little hope left that Legolas would keep his leg. The infection was too severe. Even now the poison was reaching for his heart. Doroniel feared that the only way they could save Mirkwood's Crown Prince was to amputate his leg, but few Elves survived the loss of a limb. Often they faded without coming to terms with the change in their body.

"G…Gailarphen?" There was no answer, the Imladris healer was deeply concentrating on the paste and tea he was making, or perhaps he was praying. She was aware her voice had sounded weak and unsure. She tried again. "Gailarphen?" No response.

Bremoline had never seen an infected wound this bad, not even in a human let alone an elf... Ashen-faced, he gently shook Gailarphen's arm. "Doroniel needs you."

Gailarphen looked up from his mixing. His eyes widened in astonishment when he saw how waxen the Mirkwood Captain looked. He turned to Doroniel and noticed the horrified look in her eyes although her face remained an impassive mask.

"What is...?" He looked down at the Prince and did not need to go on. "Ai, sweet Elbereth! That is worse than I feared." His low voice told how shocked he was.

Doroniel whispered, as if afraid to say the words aloud. "I fear that we cannot save the leg. We may need to..." She could not bring herself to continue. She did not need to. All who heard understood what she was saying.

Nestoron had finished looking after Calandor who was once more asleep, a true healing sleep this time, rather than unconsciousness.

He joined them next to Legolas. Nestoron knew he would be needed to help with this. It would take all three healers to help Legolas.

If only Elrond were not so badly injured. Vilya's help might be needed once more, only this time they could not call upon the ring's powers for its keeper was too weakened to risk using it.

"What can I do?" Nestoron spoke quietly as he settled beside Gailarphen.

"Can you finish the paste? I need to clean this and see what can be done. I do not wish to amputate unless I absolutely have to. Doroniel, saes, hold his leg as still as you can. I need to examine the wound. Randis, can you go to my pallet and bring me the thick black bag? Be careful with it and do not let the air into it. Rochon, can you build up the fire for me? We will have need of it. Bremoline? Do you need herbs for your stomach?"

Gailarphen had slipped fully into his familiar role of healer, giving clear and concise orders. They all jumped to their tasks without argument.

Bremoline was truthfully sickened but refused to give in to it. He shook his head. "I am well. What can I do to help?"

"Once Nestoron has finished the antidote for Legolas, he will be making a sleeping draft. Can you give it to Thranduil in small sips without waking him? The last thing he needs is to wake and see this. The tea will make sure that he rests and can recover from his own collapse." Gailarphen was adding more Athelas to the warmed water. "Then could you stay here, to watch over him for me? I want him to be monitored for a time yet."

"Yes, I can do that." Bremoline moved to ready Thranduil so that when the tea was done, he would not have to be moved and chance waking him.

"We will need to take this outside. I need proper light. Thoronhen, can you see to the arrangements, saes? We will need a large clear area with plenty of light. Make certain it is beneath the trees, if that is possible. I have a feeling that it will help Legolas."

He recalled the story told to him earlier, of Legolas' affinity with the trees. He was willing to grasp at every possible advantage for Legolas that he could think of. He knew Wood Elves could draw strength from the trees and Legolas would need all he could get.

"Of course, Gailarphen, I will see to it right away." Thoronhen gathered a blanket to spread on the ground for Legolas. He was not alone when he left the cave, for Haldir accompanied him, his hand ready on his sword in case of trouble from the two sinister Ellith.

Haldir found himself hoping and praying that they would start something. He was eager for a fight. That brought him up short. Why on Arda had he thought that? He had never harboured such malice towards another Elf, especially an Elleth at that. He shivered as he moved with Thoronhen. He would have to contemplate this fully later. It unnerved him.

It was a great relief when he stepped into the bright sunshine. He took a deep, cleansing breath and felt better immediately.

Shaking his head in wonder and a little confused at the feeling, he walked with Thoronhen towards the Ellith who sat glowering at them and glancing at the cave. They looked hard and rather ugly as he drew near them. Again, Haldir had no idea where that thought had come from, but there was truth in the thought nonetheless, the very sight of them repulsed him.

Their mouths seemed to be pulled down in a rictus of displeasure at their approach. Imles wore a deep frown, but it was their eyes that stunned the two warriors. They seemed to be deep pools of dark hatred. They both shivered at the Ellith's gaze without even realising it.

Thoronhen spoke first. "I have been asked to move you back inside the cave. We have need of Anor's light and no audience."

"And why would we want to go back in there?" Ruthwen's voice was as cold as her eyes.

Haldir's voice was just as cold and hard as hers in his determination. "Let me say this to you, Lady. You will move yourself into the cave or I will move you. We do not have time to sit and debate this, even if I wanted to, which I do not. Now, we are not asking you to move, we are telling you to move. Do you understand?"

Ruthwen's face assumed a haughty sneer. "Perfectly, Haldir. We will talk about your discourtesy to us at another time, when the Lady Galadriel is present to hear of your lack of manners and respect. We will see if you retain your rank then. I will not be spoken to thus. Come Imles, I do not wish to remain with such low company." The two Elleth rose. With a sniff of disdain towards the two warriors, they made their way into the cave.

Thoronhen and Haldir shared an amused glance of disbelief before they moved down the slope to the small grove of trees at its base. There, beneath its open green canopy, they cleared a level dry area of fallen wood and bushes. They used what they cleared for making a fire. Sorrow showed on Thoronhen's face as he listened to the trees. They cried out in fear for their Prince. The wording surprised him... 'their Prince'? He did not have the time to work it out now, but he would contemplate this later.

They made certain that the ground was cleared of any twigs or stones that could cause discomfort before they spread Haldir's cloak over the doubled blanket that Thoronhen had placed in a sunny spot between the roots of an ancient oak. They hurried back into the cave to let the healers know the spot was ready.

The atmosphere in the cave seemed to hit Haldir like a physical barrier as he stepped back in. He could feel the dark heaviness in the air as it seemed to press in and down upon him. He cast a quick look at Thoronhen as they entered, but he seemed not to notice it. That puzzled him greatly. Surely the others could feel it?

It could not be missed!

They crossed back to where Gailarphen was bent over Legolas, closely examining his leg. None had really moved from their places, apart from the two Ellith who sat over to the side, darkly watching the group. Dissatisfaction was evident in their every move.

Thoronhen saw that Bremoline was dosing Thranduil with the sleep-inducing tea that Nestoron had prepared. "We have readied the area for Legolas and made a fire. Do you need another hand to move him?"

"Perhaps, but not for a while. I want to make sure that Thranduil is deeply asleep, Legolas as well." Nestoron was also giving Legolas some of the tea to be sure he was deeply asleep. This could be very painful for him even so.

"What can we do in the meantime?" Thoronhen was truly horrified when he saw the condition of the Prince's leg.

"Can you move my herb bag out there? We will have need of a lot of hot water and clean bandages as well." Thoronhen nodded and went to gather the requested items and make sure they were ready when needed.

"Haldir? What on Arda is wrong!" Gailarphen had just noticed the Lothlorien warrior's odd actions.

The tall blond stood with his back stiff, his hand on his sword, ready to draw it, almost as if readying against an armed foe. He was giving Ruthwen and Imles a dark menacing scowl. They in turn were staring defiantly at him from their places across the cave.

"They are up to something, I can feel it. The way they sit there, gloating, enjoying the hurt that Thranduil and Legolas endure. I will not have those witches near either of them. They turn my stomach!" He nearly spat the last words in a vehement growl of pure, deep loathing. Not one of them in the group could believe Haldir's behaviour, and most of them had known the March Warden for a very long time. It was completely unlike him.

"It is well, Mellon-nin, have no fear. There are plenty of us to see that they will not have access to either of them. Why do you not go and set out my herb bag with Thoronhen? I have finished giving Legolas' the antidote tea and we can bring him outside. We will be able to manage Legolas."

Gailarphen was watching Haldir closely. There was something clearly wrong with the Galadhrim, but what could it be? Unfortunately, Gailarphen did not have time to solve that puzzle at the moment. He must concentrate on Legolas right now.

"Come, Haldir, you can take a look at Gwaloth, Legolas' mare, now and make certain she is well!" Thoronhen did not wait for a response, but practically pushed Haldir out of the cave, carrying a pot of hot water in his other hand.

As soon as Haldir stepped out of the cave and into the warm sunlight again, he blinked and shook his head. It was as if an oppressive blanket of hatred had once again been lifted and he could think clearly once more.

This was worrying. The moment that he stepped into the cave, he had seemed to lose himself, as if he no longer completely controlled his own mind, yet it was unlike anything that he had ever encountered before. This seemed to inflame his anger and suspicion and feed on it as well.

"Thoronhen, what happened in there? I felt a heavy darkness and then..." Haldir did not really know what to say.

Thoronhen looked grim. "Emotions are running high in the cave. It is not surprising that everyone is finding it difficult to remain calm." Thoronhen seemed to be satisfied with that explanation, but Haldir could not and would not leave it at that.

Footsteps behind them heralded the arrival of the small group. Legolas was cradled gently in Gailarphen's arms, his leg held firmly in Doroniel's hands. Nestoron carried a bowl of the antidote paste Gailarphen had just made. Haldir hurried to help them and soon they had Legolas laid between the roots of the oak on the cloak they had prepared earlier. He was covered by nothing but a blanket, as he had been since the last time he had been soaked in the pit.

"What are you going to do? Amputate?" Doroniel asked. Now that they were out of the cave, and away from prying ears, she felt she could ask the question they had all been afraid to voice.

"No, that will be an absolute last resort. I will debride the wound first. I want to give

Legolas every chance to live normally and if I amputate straight away, without exploring other options, I would forever feel that I had taken away that chance."

Gailarphen looked around him in puzzlement. Something felt different, but what?

"Nestoron, can you make sure that we have plenty of hot water boiling and keep the fire burning well? Bremoline will be staying with Thranduil while we see to Legolas. I will need you to be my runner for whatever I may need."

"I will make sure you have everything you need, Master Healer Gailarphen. You need only name it." Nestoron gave him a bow of respect before he set about placing things in order around Legolas.

Thoronhen spoke to Nestoron. "I will see to whatever details I can between here and the cave. I will make sure you have plenty of wood for the fire at least." Before he returned to the cave, he bent and gently picked up Legolas' small limp right hand and placed it in contact with the root of the large Oak tree that sheltered them. Not one word was said, but Doroniel could hear the tree's quiet assurances to the Elfling Prince that it would guard his sleep. It brought fresh tears to her eyes.

Gailarphen had already bent back over the swollen leg. With a sigh he straightened and then stood before crossing to the water that had been brought from the cave for use while more was brought from the river.

He washed his hands and dried them thoroughly. "Are you ready, Doroniel? This may take some time." She took a deep breath and nodded with a pensive look on her face as she washed her hands and dried them too.

Gailarphen reached for the cloths that he had set aside for cleaning the wounds. They would need to be burnt once he had finished, he just hoped that he had enough on hand.

The exudate was massive. He had never seen so much of the foul fluid that seemed to pour from the wounds. He knew he had to clear it all. He dare not leave any of the infection behind. After many minutes, he finally had to admit that he was losing the battle.

"Nestoron, I need the blade. I will have to take away the infected flesh and pack the wound."

Nestoron hurried over to the pack that Thoronhen had placed ready earlier. Picking it up, he hurried back over to Gailarphen and opened the pack. It was filled with surgical instruments. The instruments had been boiled and securely packed so that they could be used immediately in such an emergency.

Gailarphen reached for the bright, sharp knife as Anor's brilliant rays from overhead reflected from it. His own image was reflected back to him, seemingly surrounded and filled with the light. With a sigh, he bent back to work. Holding the knife at an angle he began to work the infection away from the wounds, working as slowly and as surely as he could, so that only healthy tissue would remain. He worked and wiped so that he could see what he was doing.

He hated having to inflict more damage on Legolas, but this could be the last resort for saving his leg. When bright blood finally began to flow, he knew he had reached healthy skin and tissue.

Holding a fresh cloth steeped in Athelas water so that they could stem the flow of blood, he applied pressure. Looking around him he realised that some of the Elves that Thoronhen had sent out that morning had begun to slowly return. They had begun to gather up the slope from the small clearing but in such a position that meant the healers still had some privacy but they could also have a good idea what he was doing, and why.

Gailarphen caught Doroniel's eyes and creased his brow in a silent query as he pointedly glanced at the assembled elves on the hillside.

She gave a small frustrated sigh. "The trees are warning them that Legolas is very ill and that they fear for him. I think they can feel my concern, and yours as well, even if you do not hear them. I cannot mask it from them. I think that the trees' worried cries may have brought them back early." A small smile graced her troubled face. "The trees are calling Legolas their Prince. I think it is sweet. I must inform Thranduil when he is a little more stable."

"I think Thranduil will like that. It might even help him to recover too." Gailarphen lifted the wet cloth to check the wound. There was no pouring of blood even if it had not stopped seeping entirely yet. Laying the cloth back to protect the open wound, he moved on to the next one. The Orc's claws had been sharp and inflicted more damage than he would have believed possible. The poison in the wounds had also prevented any healing in them at all since they were made.

The third wound was the worst and deepest of the lot. It seemed that no matter how much he scraped away at the infection, it keep on coming. He had to carry on though. He could not leave any of the infection to simmer away even if it meant doing what he was doing, scraping into muscle.

Doroniel kept Gailarphen supplied with clean cloths and both she and Nestoron watched Legolas for any change in his condition or in case he began to wake or show any hint of distress. At times, Doroniel became aware of a low song coming from the trees, a soothing song meant to help Legolas to remain asleep.

Nestoron gathered the soiled cloths and disposed of them in the fire, making sure they burned completely. He also brought a bowl of clean water for them to wash their hands several times during the procedure.

Gailarphen shot a worried glance at Doroniel, this was more serious than either of them could have imagined. Even as they worked and watched a hole seemed to appear in the area where he was working. Probing gently, he could have cursed aloud, the sinus went right down to the bone, possibly even into the bone. Legolas would have a long recovery ahead of him, if they could save his leg. Gailarphen was becoming more pessimistic of that happening by the minute.

It was a relief when finally there was no more infection pouring from the wounds. He would also need to keep a close eye on the state of the bone. It took the greater part of the morning and well into the afternoon before he was happy with the tissue that remained.

Gailarphen had Nestoron mix more of the paste because the resulting wounds were even larger than the original ones and it would take more than he had previously made to sufficiently cover it. Only then were the wounds packed with the antidote paste and securely bound with fresh bandages.

Now they had to re-break and set the leg. This would be unpleasant. Thoronhen had found and prepared two very sturdy sticks that they could use as splints, really sturdy this time and not likely to splinter as the previous ones had. With both Doroniel and Nestoron's help, it was quickly done. The sound of the bone cracking into place echoed eerily in the small clearing.

Though she was outwardly calm, Doroniel had tears on her face, brought on by the guilt that this had to be done yet again. There was also the niggling feeling that this was not the same break they had reset before, but another that she had possibly missed. She was certain now that it was higher on his leg than the previous one.

"Gailarphen, may I query something?" She tried to keep her voice calm.

"Of course you may, Dor, you know that." He smiled at her, trying to reassure her with his eyes. This was rough on all the Mirkwood Elves, but her in particular, given that she had been so close to Legolas and had missed the broken bones. Not that he thought he could have caught them under the circumstances either. The massive swelling would have hidden the breaks. Still, it was a policy that Elrond had instigated among his healers that anyone with a question about anything related to healing could ask it and not fear ridicule or anger. It was better to be sure, to make the right informed decision than to make a mistake and live with the burden for the rest of their immortal lives.

"Thank you, 'Phen." She smiled cheekily at him, if he used an abbreviated form of her name, so could she. The amusement soon faded though.

"I noticed that this break appeared to be higher than the one I set earlier. Could Legolas have broken his leg again during the seizure and what could have caused it? A bone just would not break like that. I know that there was no other break, I checked specifically once I found…" Doroniel could not continue on, she still felt terrible about missing the tell-tale signs.

Gailarphen's face showed consternation. "Let me have another look, I did not notice." With a frown, he bent back to the swollen leg and examined it once more, probing very gently with his fingers. Sitting back up once he had finished, he sighed. "You are right, Doroniel, there are two breaks there. Both are nasty and the first has not even begun to heal. It will be some time before he will be able to put that leg to the ground unaided and even longer for him to walk properly."

Gailarphen was deep in thought as they began to place the splints on the leg. "This is most odd. As you say, bones do not 'just break'. Yes, his last seizure was hard and Legolas did kick with astonishing vigor, but I do not believe it was strong enough to break the bone. I need to think on this. Thank you for bringing it to my attention, Doroniel. If anything seems unusual or worries you, saes, tell me or ask. I need to be made aware of these things. I would not have known the location of this fracture was different from before if you had not told me."

"I will, Gailarphen. I just wish I had picked up on the breaks right away, maybe Legolas would not be as ill as he is now." She could not stop the self-hatred from pouring into her voice.

Gailarphen's face turned suddenly stern, but the gentle kindness of his blue-grey eyes softened his stern visage. "Enough of this, Doroniel! I am sure that even Elrond could not have found these breaks! The swelling was too great. I certainly would not have. You did the only thing that you could have done, under incredibly trying circumstances. You were the only healer dealing with a lot of patients while injured and exhausted yourself. Do not heap guilt upon a guiltless fea. You are blameless. If you have to hate someone for this, direct it at the one who set this attack on Legolas. Use it to see that they will not win and defeat you as well, and be assured, they will win if you continue like this. Thranduil does not blame you, neither do I or Elrond. Legolas certainly will not, that leaves only you. We all make mistakes, Doroniel."

He had to smile at her look of open shock. "Yes, even me, and even Elrond. Nestoron can tell you tales that would make your hair curl even more than it does already."

"Much more than that, Gailarphen. Remember the time you missed the thorn in Elladan's foot?" Nestoron caught on with what his friend was doing.

"As if either he, or Elrohir, would ever let me forget!" Gailarphen could only shake his head, resigned. "To hear them talk, I did it on purpose because of the little prank they played on me, as if I would do that!"

"There was also the time that Elrond missed the knife wound on Glorfindel's arm." Nestoron was beginning to enjoy himself just a little too much for Gailarphen's liking.

"Glorfindel did have other, more pressing, wounds that needed to be tended at that point. Still, I recall the time when you..."

"I need to go check the Athelas stock. We are running very low. We may be almost out. I need to speak with Thoronhen about it." With a panicked look at Gailarphen, Nestoron hurried away, leaving the other healer chuckling at him, while Doroniel looked after him in shock.

They watched him hurry back to the cave as they finished adjusting the splint on Legolas' leg. Gailarphen grinned at Doroniel. "When you have time, Doroniel, and if Nestoron has had more than enough of Dorwinion some evening, get him to tell you about how he met his bonded wife. It is a delightful tale. I often wonder how or why she forgave him."

He was still chuckling to himself as they moved Legolas nearer to the tree and made him comfortable. He looked around and up into the branches of the ancient oak above them as he sat back on his feet. The sunlight filtered down to them through the budding leaves. "Yes, I think that we will bring Thranduil and the others out here to sleep. The atmosphere is much healthier and the sun and air will do them all good. Haldir, do you think that you could gather the others and make a flet so that they are sheltered? I will need to change Elrond's dressings and a flet would be perfect."

Constructing the shelter would also give the worried Elves that had gathered something to do. More had gathered in the time since he had begun to work on the Elfling. Some seemed reluctant to go back to the confines of the cave yet.

"Of course." Haldir moved from where he had been watching the proceedings, his face a blank mask that did not reflect the whirling maelstrom of his thoughts. It troubled him to see something this horrendous happen to such a young Elfling. It was truly awful.

He chose some of the Mirkwood Elves and Rumil from the group on the hill and hurried away to plan and gather the needed materials.

"Legolas will love being out here with his friends. It just seems so much brighter. I felt so low in the cave, but as soon as we got out here..." Doroniel blushed and broke off, she had begun to waffle.

"You felt as if a great weight had been lifted from your shoulders? I know. I felt it also." Gailarphen gently brushed the hair from Legolas' forehead, its bright strands blowing softly in the light wind. He reflected that he seemed to be doing that a lot lately. Perhaps it was an excuse to try to comfort the child?

"You did?" Doroniel did not know whether to be pleased or worried.

He glanced over at her and flashed a grim smile. "Yes, I did. Stay with Legolas for me while I arrange for Thranduil to be brought outside?" Gailarphen stood stiffly. He had been on his knees leaning over Legolas for far too long.

"Of course I will. I want to give him some more water as well."

"Good, I will leave that to you then." Gailarphen looked around him until he found the Elf that he wanted. "Thoronhen, can you come with me? I want to arrange to have our wounded brought out of the cave."

Thoronhen hurriedly joined him. "How fares Legolas? His leg looked dreadful."

"Yes it does. I fear he will have a long recovery ahead of him. Thank you for placing him so near to the tree. I am sure that it will also be a great help in his healing. Doroniel was telling me that the trees call Legolas their Prince. It will be fascinating to see his relationship with the trees and woods we come across." Gailarphen tried to move the conversation away from the talk of the wounds.

"Yes, I could hear them calling for him. They are very distressed. They called the others back without really telling them why. All they could say was that they had to return here." Thoronhen was as puzzled as the others were at this, but he could not figure it out.

"I did notice that many had returned. Haldir will be making a shelter for the injured. I want to move them all out of the cave, starting with Aran Thranduil. We will then do the same with Elrond and Calandor. If those Ellith want this cave so much, it can be theirs for the taking. Of course that would leave them to deal with the privy, but I am sure they will manage."

Thoronhen looked at the stern Imladris healer with surprise. Surely he could not have just done what he thought he had? But yes, there was the telltale gleam in the older Elf's eyes, a glimmer of great humor. It looked for all intents and purposes as if Hir Elrond's sons had rubbed off on others. It had to be that did it not? Or was this normally-austere Elf beside him hiding something more behind a professional face?

"I am sure they will and Aran Thranduil will be more than happy for them to continue using it for as long as they see fit." His voice was low and deliberately light, as he spoke.

Gailarphen could not prevent the laugh that fell unheeded from his lips. "Aye, he would at that, Thoronhen. He would at that!" He was sure Thranduil would let them have the cave, if they would just stay there…

The laugh set Thoronhen off and they were still laughing when they entered the cave. The grim, heavy atmosphere hit them like a blow to the head. They could both feel their good mood dissipate like water running down a channel.

For Gailarphen, this was proof enough that he needed to get his patients out of this Valar-forsaken hole. He was also more than aware of the decidedly unfriendly looks that were being thrown his way, he studiously ignored them.

Soon, with Bremoline's help, they carried Thranduil from the cave and gently made their way to the clearing where Legolas lay. He was still deeply asleep but his colour looked much better.

The Elves that had remained on guard were all on heightened alert, tense and waiting for anything to happen. It was good that they felt this obligation to their King and Prince. But then, having seen Legolas and what a wonderful personality he had, their devotion was really not that surprising to Gailarphen.

As they passed them, Bremoline directed the guards to follow them to the clearing to continue their duty there. They were, after all, assigned to guard the King, not the cave.

Gailarphen did notice that Bremoline seemed to feel a difference when he left the cave. He distinctly heard a sigh of relief come from him as they stepped into the light and his colour seemed to improve a bit. He just seemed to breathe deeper and more freely than he had been. Gailarphen might have missed the signs but for the conversation he had with Doroniel just earlier that had piqued his curiosity.

They gently settled Thranduil down next to his son and arranged him so that they could both be in contact with the great ancient Oak tree if they wished it. Once he was happy that Thranduil was settled, Gailarphen took his pulse to double-check that he really was alright. The pulse was a little on the fast side still, and once in a while missed a beat, but considering what it had been like earlier, this was a great improvement.

Gailarphen thought it would be interesting to see what the King would have to say when he was told that his healer would not permit him to ride and that he would have to travel with Legolas, Elrond and probably Calandor, in whatever manner they were carried.

Ah, yes and that left the little problem of how they were going to get all the wounded back to Imladris. They did not have a coach or wagon to hand and it would be foolhardy to think that any of them would be well enough to ride, either on their own or with another rider. For Elrond, it would be nothing short of torture for some time to come. The pain from his burns would not allow him to ride. Even being carried on a stretcher would be painful.

Standing with a deep sigh and a little grimace because he was still so stiff, Gailarphen and Thoronhen began the walk back to the cave to see to Elrond, leaving Bremoline with Doroniel to watch over Legolas and Thranduil.

TBC

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Chapter 8B coming soon…

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