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?

9. 8b

The Twisted Web of Fate. 8b?

(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. We went to 106 pages with this one…

---

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

Thuioladin galas breathe clear plant, a made-up herb with antihistamine properties

Other terms

Khuzdul - the language of the Dwarves

Sinus – pocket of infection

---

Chapter 8b

Elrond rested on his makeshift pallet and let Glorfindel's gentle chatter wash over him as the poppy tea worked its magic upon him. He hated to have to use it, personally. The side effects could be rather… alarming, if you did not know what to look for. But equally, it really did give relief from the pain that could be classed as unbearable and his had been reaching screaming point, even if he hated to admit it.

Now, rather than suffering in deep, burning, gnawing pain from the burns that covered him, or at least seemed to cover him, he now felt pleasantly mellow and calm.

Glorfindel wondered. "Do you think that Elladan and Elrohir will be up to much mischief? I hope that they do not cause too much chaos and mayhem for Galadriel and Celeborn… Elrond?"

"Hmmmmm?" It was a dreamy, slightly off, response that he got from his friend.

"How are you feeling now, Mellon-nin?" Elrond had the slightly vague look that came as a side effect of the drug. Glorfindel knew all too well how it felt. There had been need to dose him with the poppy tea at various times in the past as well.

"Hmmmmm? Where is Celebrian?" It was obvious from the brightness in his eyes that Elrond's mind really was not here in the cave with him. The fact that he asked for Celebrian only brought home that fact. He was obviously 'seeing' a different place and time at the moment.

"She is not here, Elrond. We are not in Imladris, mellon-nin. What do you recall?" Glorfindel found himself shocked and pained at the same time. Would he have to break the news of Celebrian's departure from the Grey Havens all over again? That could and would have a large number of ramifications. Not least of his worries was that Elrond really was not in the best state of health to deal with it right now. They had almost lost him to his grief when she left. He had been greatly tempted to go and join her in Valinor. Only Glorfindel's intervention had stopped that from happening.

"Where is she? She would not leave my side if she knew I was ill. Where are the boys? I cannot hear them getting into mischief. They are always getting into trouble and it frustrates Celebrian no end."

Elrond peered owlishly around, as if expecting his sons to come out of the rock face. "We used to be like that, 'member? With Thrandy and 'Phen? Always in trouble. No matter how hard we tried, we always got into some sort of trouble. What did Orf... Oropf... What did his father call us?"

It sounded to Glorfindel as if Elrond was completely drunk. He had seen it all too many times and had joined in the merriment once in a while, but he hated the feeling of loss of control that strong drink could bring. It also took a lot to get an elf truly drunk.

"Trouble with a capital T! He used to groan when he saw us coming. How many times did he threaten to lock Thranduil up to prevent him from leaving and getting injured or to lock us up to prevent us getting anywhere near him? I wonder if Thranduil will have the same problem with Legolas? They say these things come full circle and see what has happened with you!" He gently poked Elrond on his uninjured left shoulder.

Glorfindel could not help teasing Elrond. Those had been good days, days before Sauron's dark rise to power with the Ring, days when they had been innocent and allowed to roam freely over Arda, exploring its wonders. That was something Glorfindel feared that Elrond's children and Legolas would never have.

"Yesh and they are wonderful boys! 'M proud of 'em!" Elrond's voice was actually slurring as he peered around the cave. "Whysh it s'dark?"

Glorfindel felt his stomach tighten. He had hoped Elrond would not recall this for a time, but he had, now to deal with it. "We are in a cavern, do you recall? We traveled to find and help Legolas and Thranduil."

"But why's it so dark?" Elrond sounded really puzzled and more confused by the minute.

"Probably because caverns are always dark, Elrond!"

This was like talking to an inquisitive child and he would definitely enjoy telling Elrond of this at a later time, preferably within the twins hearing.

"Gailarphen is coming in. He may have news on Legolas." Glorfindel could not help worrying. What he had seen and heard of the wound, they would have a battle on their hands to simply save the Prince's life, let alone his leg.

"Legolash, who…?" At another time and place this would have been highly amusing, but not here and now, not with Elrond, Legolas and Thranduil so badly hurt.

"Thranduil's son, he was badly injured and Gailarphen had to operate on his leg." Glorfindel could have bitten off his own tongue. He had tried hard to keep Elrond from understanding what had happened to Legolas when they had left the cavern and now he had blurted it out like an idiot.

Luckily for the Balrog Slayer, Elrond had not truly been listening. All he heard was Gailarphen's name. "Is 'Phen here? Where?" Again, Elrond was looking around and frowning when all he saw was darkness.

"I am here, Elrond. How do you feel now?" Glorfindel was concerned when he realised just how tired Gailarphen sounded. Thinking on it, he had not seen him take rest since they had arrived from Fornost. Was it surprising then that after operating since mid-morning he would sound tired? He still had Elrond's dressings to take care of too. He hid a small wince. That was going to be unpleasant for all of them.

"Better, but it is so dark in here." Elrond sounded just like a recalcitrant child.

"That is not surprising when you are in a cavern and it is dark!" Luckily, he had heard Glorfindel's explanation on why Elrond could not see.

"Oh, well that is alright then." With that Elrond seemed to settle down. "Now what? Do you want to slip out while Orof… Orofother is not watching? We could go hunting. That would be fun."

Glorfindel and Gailarphen exchanged amused glances. It was not often that they got to see Elrond like this, letting his hair down. The affairs of state and the darkness sweeping Middle Earth saw to that, then coupled with Celebrian... Well things like that tended to make a person more serious.

"And what would we go hunting for? It is very early in the season." Gailarphen just had to ask that question. His dry sense of humor was prickled by the effects the Poppy potion were having on his friend.

"Rabbits! I like hunting rabbits. We could get them for Celebrian. She always says that she likes my rabbit stew." Elrond sounded both smug and proud at the same time.

"We shall see, once we have changed the dressings on your wounds, Mellon-nin. They have to take precedence, but perhaps we can go when you are feeling a little more like your normal self." Gailarphen shared a wry grin with Glorfindel. At present, they knew Elrond could not even look after himself, let alone go hunting.

"Wounds? What wounds? Was I hurt?" Elrond was peering around and trying to see what his friends were talking about.

"Come, let us help you outside. The air will definitely do you some good and mayhap will clear your brain a little." Together they gently picked Elrond up, but the pressure of their hands upon him and the movement caused the Lord of Imladris more pain than any of them expected, including him.

Elrond screamed.

They quickly lowered him again, looking down at him in shock.

Elrond's major colour was a washed-out grey. He uttered quite a few unmentionable phrases in Khuzdul that caused them to raise their eyebrows in shock, and then try to keep from laughing aloud. They were unaware that he even knew the Dwarven language, let alone could wield it so fluently.

"It is well for you to laugh! You are not the one in pain!" Elrond sounded suddenly very sober as the pain overrode the poppy tea.

"I am sorry, Elrond, but do you really want me to tell Thranduil what you said? He may not like being called the backside of an Orc! He was not even here to earn your ire." Glorfindel could not stop himself from laughing. Even Elrond smiled, until he realised that it hurt the right side of his face...a lot.

"What were you trying to do?" His serious question brought them all back to reality.

"Well, I really wanted to get you outside and under the trees. The atmosphere in this cave is not conducive to the well-being of any of my patients, it would also..."

"Conducive? That is a big word, Phen. Have you been in the library again? Erestor really will not like that." Elrond broke in, latching onto anything to get his mind off the burning, biting pain that had gripped him since the abortive attempt to lift and carry him outside.

"... help me to care for all of my patients in one..." The sound of running feet made him look up in annoyance as he was interrupted once again.

It was Haldir, with his sword in hand and a look of worry on his face. "Elrond!" He turned towards them and with one quick glance turned to the Ellith and placed himself between the small party and the two women. "Are you well? I will not have them harm you!"

"Sîdh, Haldir. We caused great pain for Elrond when we tried to lift him. Those two did nothing apart from glare at us..." Glorfindel broke off as another groan was heard to echo in the cave.

Calandor lifted his head and looked around blearily. "Who made all the noise? Ai, why do I feel as if I have been trampled by a Mumakil?" He sounded decidedly groggy as he laid his head back on the folded cloak for his pillow.

Gailarphen called across to him. "That was Elrond. Since you are awake, we will move you as well. Haldir, please get another to help carry Calandor out and place him next to Aran Thranduil. We will move Elrond. I am sure that now he is aware of what we are going to do, he will not attract any passing Orcs with his cries." He was beginning to sound annoyed.

Haldir ducked his head in embarrassment at having been caught out in rushing to Elrond's aid. He turned to leave the cave, but Glorfindel caught his arm and stopped him.

"Thank you, Mellon-nin." It was sincere.

Haldir smiled and nodded at him as he moved towards the entrance of the cave and snagged Sarnlome to help him carry Calandor from the cave.

"Now, Elrond if all the distractions and interruptions are finished, we will move you outside, closer to Thranduil and Legolas." Gailarphen's voice had a slight edge to it. The general feeling of being in the cave and subjected to its atmosphere was giving him a major headache. He needed to get out of here and he needed it now. That, added to the fact that he could feel the burning looks on his back from the two Ellith, and it had his nerves more than a little on edge.

"Thranduil is here? Legolas? Greenleaf? That name is familiar." Elrond was trying to think, to stop the pain from overtaking him, but it made the task of thinking all that much more difficult.

"It should do, Mellon-nin. We will explain it all later, once we have you settled. I just need two... Ah, Rumil and Benn, good, we will need your help to move Elrond." Within minutes he was positioning them, two of them on either side of Elrond. They were then ready to move him with their arms slipped under him almost like a stretcher.

"We are going to lift you, Elrond, so be ready for some pain. We will try to make it as quick and painless as we can." He turned to the others. "On the count of three. One, Two... Three!"

Elrond tried to prepare himself, but he bit his lip as the pain overcame him once more and his ashen pallor deepened. No matter how gentle they were, the pain was excruciating and seemed to rise and fall in waves. Later, he would not be able to recall much of that small trip. It would recede into the back of his mind, thanks in great part to the poppy tea, but also due to the mind's way of protecting itself from things it cannot endure.

All the others heard was short, quickened breaths that he tried, and failed, to make sound like normal breathing instead of the stifled groan it actually was. By the time they reached the cave entrance it was not even that anymore, but had turned into deep groans.

It took all of Glorfindel, Gailarphen, Haldir and the other's strength of will to carry on in spite of the pain they knew they were causing Elrond.

Somehow, somewhere deep inside, they knew that they absolutely had to get Elrond out of the cave, but why? They could not answer that themselves, but the feeling was there and none of them would ignore this quiet warning. They had all learned to trust their hearts on these matters many years ago. They were now too set in their ways to change that now, even if they wished it, which they did not. The Valar guided them in many ways and it would not do to question some things too closely.

By the time they arrived at the ancient Oak tree that sheltered the King and Prince, Elrond openly whimpered, not caring who heard.

But it was not that which gave them pause, it was the flet that had been built in such an astonishingly short amount of time. It was unlike anything they had seen as a flet before...and yet it made perfect sense.

How would they have lifted Elrond, Thranduil, Legolas and Calandor into a normal flet in the tree's limbs given their individual injuries? No, this was perfect, just perfect.

The 'flet' had been built on the ground and seemed to surround the budding tree. It was deep so that, if need be, the patients could be treated within sight of Anor or deep and close to the Oak so it could be touched if that was needed. It would protect from the elements as well. The side that faced outwards had been hung with blankets so that the injured could have a degree of privacy and shelter.

They had done an incredible job and even the tree was contented, knowing as it did that Wood Elves were nestled among its roots and not just any Wood Elves at that. Thranduil and Legolas still lay sleeping beside each other. Each of them had a hand resting on a twisted and gnarled root while their other hands were touching.

Calandor was propped against a great gnarled root beside Doroniel who had taken the time to check his wounds.

"We will put Elrond beside Thranduil. I think that that would be best." Under Gailarphen's urgings they carried him across and gently lowered him onto a waiting pallet. Elrond whimpered even more as his back made contact with the pallet, irritating the scalds and burns there.

"Easy, Elrond. You can rest while I ready the athelas water. Glorfindel..." The blond Elf was already soothing Elrond. "I guess I do not need to ask you to stay with him then?" Gailarphen asked rather needlessly.

"No, not even that half-wild beast that you ride could drag me away from here." There was no real censure in his voice.

"You and Mornroch never did get along did you?" Gailarphen's voice now held a touch of amusement.

"No and we never will. How you manage to ride that black devil, I will never know." As Glorfindel was smoothing the hair away from Elrond's face, he noted the grimace that crossed the ashen, drawn features. Elrond was trembling, probably as a result of the pain.

Glorfindel gently spoke to Elrond, trying to calm him, talking of anything that came to mind that did not warrant an answer, for Elrond was beyond that at present. Even breathing seemed to be a problem for him at the moment. Sweat shined on Elrond's face as he tried to stop the pain that thrummed within him.

Gailarphen watched worriedly as he steeped the Athelas and marigold water. He was torn with indecision. Should he proceed and change the dressings now, when Elrond was in such great agony or wait for him to calm and cause yet more pain for his friend later? Neither of the possibilities was palatable, really. The other solution was to dose Elrond with more of the poppy tea but he really did not want to resort to that just yet. It remained a viable solution if it became necessary. It would be too dangerous to mix the sleeping herbs with the poppy tea, or that would be the ideal solution. It would be much easier to do this if Elrond was asleep.

Steeling himself for the difficult task ahead, he rose with the athelas water and crossed to the other two Elves. Bending once more over his pack, he readied himself.

"Elrond, I have to change your dressings now. This is likely to become very painful for you, I want you to tell me if it becomes more than you can bear. The last thing I want is to torture you. I will begin with your hand and arm. They are badly burnt but it was a wonder they are not as deep as some of your other burns. I will then see to the scalds on your face and your eyes. Your back and chest I will leave for the last, as they really are the worst of them. I will be giving you some more poppy tea before I see to those, but not before then, as I need your mind clear so you can help in checking your eyes."

As he was speaking Gailarphen was gathering everything that he needed, even the bowl of herbal burn cream that Nestoron had already prepared. It was a relief that he had another who could help him. Doroniel made her way to his side once more and the silent look that she gave told him that he would have all the help he needed, whenever he needed it. He bowed his head in silent acknowledgement.

"My eyes? What is wrong with my eyes?" Elrond was still breathless and his voice was more hoarse than ever, from the strain of groaning and trying to stifle his own screams as well as the previous bruising. It was obvious he was still in a fog from the poppy tea.

Glorfindel answered. "They were injured when you were burned last night. You will recall once the poppy tea begins to wear off. I will be here for you to cripple my fingers, mellon-nin." He tried to ease the tension that had fallen over the small group with a carefree tone.

"But, if I do that, you will be useless in a fight. We all know how useless you are with a sword anyway." Elrond's panting had eased somewhat as he listened to Glorfindel, as he concentrated on what he was saying.

Glorfindel gave a small growl. "I am better with the sword than you are, any day! Who was the one who was injured at the end of the Last Great Alliance? It was not me!" He sounded indignant.

"Ah, but who was at the front? Me! Who went into Mount Doom with Isildur? Me. Who had to fight his way out again, due to the Edan's foolish actions? Me." It was Elrond's turn to sound indignant as he spoke. Unexpectedly, it did actually help with the pain. He would have to recall this later. Maybe he should make all his healers become patients for a time so that they realised just what it was like. The best way to learn was through experience after all.

When Gailarphen removed the bandages on his right hand and arm, something made Elrond pause and then search mentally. Something was wrong with his right hand! He concentrated even harder before it dawned on him just what it was that was wrong. Not wrong exactly, but missing. Where was Vilya? He could not sense the ring on his right hand where it always was.

Glorfindel was watching Elrond's face and saw the moment that worry, understanding and then fear crossed his features. He knew immediately what bothered Elrond and leaned close to whisper to him.

"Vilya was moved to your left hand last night, Elrond. Your right hand is badly burned and swollen. Feel for her, she is there, Mellon-nin."

The small smile of realization and relief that crossed the battered face was reward enough as Elrond relaxed once more.

"I should have realised that she was there. Hannon le." He hissed as the last of the bandages were removed. It caused even more stinging and pain as the air hit the wounds. "That is sore."

"It will be, Elrond. I am sorry. I will be as quick as I can and cause as little pain as possible. If it is any consolation, they are looking better already. Whatever caused you to fall last night has not hampered your healing. When I am finished, I would like you to sleep. It will greatly help your body to heal itself."

Gailarphen really was pleased with the progress of the burns on Elrond's arm. The hand was another matter. Because of the way that Elrond had fallen, his hand had been caught beneath him and had taken the brunt of the fall and the fire. It appeared that he may yet lose a couple of his nails but they should grow back as he healed. It could have been so much worse though. Perhaps the Ring upon his hand had afforded him some protection?

The burns would take some time to heal and the blisters would need to be kept as dry as possible and whole, if that was achievable. The serous fluid in the blisters acted as the bodies own version of a sterile dressing, it was only once the blister was burst that infection could overtake the burn.

Working as quickly and as thoroughly as he could, he cleaned and then redressed the limb, trying not to wince at the small groans that his ministrations caused. It was a relief when he had finished that particular job. He sat back giving himself and his friends a small break. They all needed the relief and a chance to catch their breath.

"Rest, Elrond, for a short while. I need to change the water." Gailarphen stood and made his way out to the fire that had been started close to the 'flet'. As he emptied the bowl, he was startled to notice that his own hands were shaking. He knew all too well that it could be this hard looking after a dear friend or any other close to your heart. He had done it many times in his long life, but it didn't mean it got any easier. The fact that he had to cause Elrond great pain in the process just made it that much harder.

You just did it because it was necessary to heal the hurts, no matter the cost to yourself.

He noted absently that the Athelas was nearly gone. They were beginning to run really low on marigold as well. Perhaps they could find elder flower for the burns too? It was a good thing that Thoronhen had sent out a group to look for herbs, although he would have expected them to be back by now. He could only hope that they had not met with some mishap.

Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to calm down. Even the simple task of making the infusion of Athelas and marigold helped to calm him. His hands seemed to take on a life of their own as he did the task that he had done so many times in the past. He could have had either Doroniel or Nestoron do this, but he needed the simplicity of this mundane task to help him through this ordeal.

When he had finished, he made his way back to the 'flet'. Upon entering, he noted that Elrond seemed to have calmed a little. He was glad. Even if it was but a small respite before the greater pain that was to come.

"Are you ready, Elrond?" Gailarphen was pleased to hear that at least his own voice was steady

"No, but go on. I can cope. I know it must be done." Elrond's voice was even rougher than it had been.

"As you wish. Nestoron, while I am dealing with Elrond's face could you prepare him some more Poppy tea?" Gailarphen was readying himself for what was to come.

"Of course, Gailarphen, as I said before, anything to help you, Master Healer." Nestoron hurried to move to the fire but was stopped by Gailarphen's hand on his arm.

"If you call me 'Master Healer' once more, Master Healer, I will have you doing all the nasty jobs when we make it back to Imladris and I do not mean making the poultices." The cheeky grin that he received told him the friendly threat had been received and understood. Nestoron was, after all, not that far below Gailarphen in the hierarchy of Healers in Imladris. Satisfied, Gailarphen let his hand drop. He then washed his hands again before reaching for the bandage covering the gash on Elrond's head.

"Are you threatening my healers again, 'Phen?" Elrond asked wryly.

"Yes and if I were you, Rondy, I would watch out. You might be next." He was pleased that Elrond was cognizant enough to be aware of the conversations going on around him. He decided that, given the circumstances, he would even forgive him for using the abbreviation of his name that had not been used for many a year. If it gave Elrond comfort, then he was happy. Besides, it seemed he had a way to counter it now.

"Glorfindel! You promised not to tell!" There was definitely a whine in Elrond's voice.

The snort could not be missed. "I think that you will find that it was not I who told." Glorfindel could not help but taunt. He knew who had told alright, but he would not say unless given no choice or goaded by the other Elf concerned and he knew that could become a possibility, a distinct possibility. Yes, this could be worth keeping quiet about, if only as something to distract Elrond with.

"Who?" Elrond all but demanded.

"That is not for me to say." Glorfindel sounded smug to Elrond's ears, far too smug for his liking.

Gailarphen pulled the last of the bandage from the cut on his head and winced as the scab came loose with it. Quite a few strands of long dark hair came free with it also. He sighed with regret at the result. The wound was now bleeding freely once more. The cut was deeper than he remembered from last evening. Then again, Glorfindel had cleaned and dressed the cut in the dim light of the cook fire while he tended Elrond's burns, so he should not be surprised. He grabbed a loose cloth and pressed it against the wound. Pressure would stop the steady trickle of blood.

From behind him outside, he could hear the sound of raised voices above the sound of hoof beats. Craban and Rithlin had obviously returned from their trip to gather water. Good, they would have need of it.

He lifted the cloth, pleased to see that the wound had already stopped bleeding. He set the soiled cloth aside. Picking up a clean cloth, he rinsed it with the herb-laden water. From behind him, he could hear Thoronhen call for Doroniel. She rose and left the flet.

If he was needed they would call for him. He was certain of that. Gently, he parted Elrond's hair and cleaned the wound behind and slightly above his right ear. He noted the jagged edge where Elrond's head had struck the rock lining the fire as he had fallen. The cut to the scalp was nasty.

"How is your headache now, Elrond?" He gently spread the healing paste over the cut before binding it once more. He was glad that he had also taken the time to check the area around the cut. The skin around it had also been scalded by the boiling water that had splashed on him from the overturned pots around the fire. That was the reason for the hair coming loose from his scalp so easily, along with the fact that the hair had been caught within the dried blood stuck to the bandage. It was likely he could lose more hair as well.

"It has not gone but it is better." Elrond replied. This part of the treatment of his burns thus far had been easier. Apart from the sharp pain when the bandage had been removed, he had felt nothing and had calmed significantly.

"I am very glad. I am going to wash the paste from your eyes now and clean any debris from them." Gailarphen forewarned Elrond of his intentions.

"I am ready." They all stopped moving when he gave a painful cough then asked croakily. "May I have some water first?"

"Of course." Glorfindel went out to fetch a goblet of cool water for him. When he returned, he gave Gailarphen a worried look.

The healer picked up on it immediately. He simply gave Glorfindel an inquiring look as he continued to work.

"There has been a problem with one of the groups sent out this morning. Doroniel is seeing to them now. Nestoron gave me this to bring to you so that he could assist her." It was the poppy tea that Nestoron had prepared.

"Are there many injured?" It was Elrond who asked the question, his voice was getting fainter by the minute.

"Several, I think, but I did not have time to see who or what. It was the hunting party. Apparently Rithlin and Craban found them after some kind of attack. They had been returning with their prey. I am sure that all will be well. You need to concentrate on your own recovery and no other, Elrond."

As Glorfindel had been talking, Gailarphen dipped a small clean cloth in the Athelas and marigold infusion then washed Elrond's right eye from the inner corner by his nose to the outside in one clean sweep. He was a bit surprised when a great number of eyelashes came loose on the cloth. Discarding that one, he used another to do the same again, this time drying the eye. This was to prevent any possibility of infection or contamination. It was unlikely, but Gailarphen did not want to take any risks. He did the same with the other eye. More lashes came off with each wipe of the cloth. He then went on to clean the rest of Elrond's face of the dried healing paste. He was dismayed when he saw that Elrond's eyebrows were also coming out with even the lightest wipe of a cloth.

"Can you open your eyes for me?" Elrond did so, blinking as if trying to clear his sight. "Can you see anything?"

"No, it is all dark." Elrond sounded worried.

"I need to look into your eyes. Keep them open for me?" It was much easier in the light of day, but he still needed the light from a candle to look into the back of them. He took his time, even with the fact that Elrond's eyes were beginning to water from the strain.

Gailarphen finally sat back with a thoughtful look on his face. "Your eyes appear to have been burned. That is why you cannot see. I do not know if they will recover." Elrond gulped. He had not been expecting that.

Gailarphen continued quickly. "When we get back to Imladris, I will be able to take a really good, proper look. Until then, mellon-nin, do not give up hope. For now, I will bind your eyes to protect them. We do not want to risk any more damage to them."

Glorfindel sat back, stunned, a look of horror on his face. Elrond permanently blinded? That could not be, just simply could not be.

He watched as Gailarphen gently wrapped the cloth around Elrond's eyes. With the bandages on his head and the bright red of the scalds and blisters on his face, it made him look even more like an Umbar pirate than before. He could only hope that Gailarphen was wrong and Elrond's sight could be restored.

In the meantime, Glorfindel was determined to stick by his friend and help him to deal with this as he had been there to help him through so many other tragedies in his life.

"I have the poppy tea for you now, Elrond. Drink this and then have some more water. Treating your back is likely to be very painful." Gailarphen helped Elrond to sit up with Glorfindel's aid and between the two of them they fed him the tea. It spoke volumes that Elrond did not try to stop them or argue, but gulped the tea down with what appeared to be relief.

They exchanged looks once more, Elrond must have been in a lot of pain, more than they had realised. The tea was washed down quickly with the clear water.

"Hannon le." It was little more than a whisper.

"You are welcome, Elrond. I will need you to remain sitting up for this next part." Gailarphen changed the water in the bowl once more and then looked around for another who could help and was pleased to see Haldir walk into the flet. "Haldir, may we have your assistance?"

"Yes of course, Gailarphen, what would you have me do?" The blond March Warden crossed to join them.

A look of great concern crossed his face when he saw the bandages over Elrond's eyes. He had not been aware they were injured. His attention had been too focused on the two Ellith to be aware of all of the injuries Elrond had suffered. Self-doubt began to gnaw at him. Had he neglected his promise to the Lord and Lady to watch and protect Elrond?

Soon Elrond was sitting propped up between Haldir and Glorfindel, resting against their shoulders as they knelt facing him on either side of his knees. Gailarphen gently eased the dressings off Elrond's back and chest. The hiss of pain that escaped him could not have been missed, except by those unconscious or in the cave.

Gailarphen was dismayed that some of the dressings were stuck to Elrond's back. That could only mean one thing. The blisters, or at least some of them, must have burst when they were moving him from the cave. This would make it all the more difficult for both patient and healer.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, Gailarphen began to gently peel the bandages back. The only thing that could be heard was Glorfindel's steady reassurances and Elrond's choked sobs.

He got to about half-way down the right side of his back when Gailarphen reached what must have been a big blister. The blister had popped and the fluid that leaked from it had dried, causing the bandage to stick to the wound that was left behind. Easing the bandage back caused Elrond to cry out at the unexpected amount of pain. He turned his head to the right, without thinking and on pure instinct, he bit down on the nearest thing to stifle his cry of agony. He bit down hard.

Another voice cried out in agony instead, but Elrond was beyond hearing it, the pain was too much and he passed out, collapsing heavily against the Elves, or rather the one Elf that was still holding him up.

Glorfindel was now hunched over beside Elrond, the hand that had been smoothing back his friend's sweat-slicked hair in a gesture of comfort was now clutched at his own shoulder as he groaned in pain.

Elrond, in his agony and distress, befuddled by the poppy tea, had bitten down on the nearest thing to him. In this case it was Glorfindel's shoulder, near his neck. Who would have guessed he would have that much strength when he was otherwise weakened? This time though, his bite was strong enough to break the skin, through the cloth at that. Silver-red blood was now staining the neck and shoulder of Glorfindel's tunic.

A very stunned Haldir was holding Elrond up, albeit slightly slumped over. Elrond had shifted off to one side when Glorfindel retreated.

"Glorfindel? Are you alright?" Gailarphen could not go to his aid as he was still caught up tending to Elrond.

"Yes, Ai, I think so. Give me a moment and I will help you once more." Glorfindel could not believe the pain that a simple bite could cause. Finally, he was able to sit up and resume his hold on Elrond.

"I will treat that for you after I have finished here." Once Elrond was propped up again, Gailarphen went back to removing the bandage once more. This was a lot easier now that Elrond was no longer conscious. He did not have to fear causing him any more pain now.

Glorfindel though… He would have to look at his shoulder. Any bite was risky. No matter how clean the mouth, there was always a chance of debris and this could easily cause infection.

Once all the dressings were down, Gailarphen could only bite his lip with worry. This was far worse than the night before. A lot of the blisters and burns had burst and rippled so that it looked as if the skin had folded down on itself much like a piece of silk did if dropped. Some of the blisters had been large and covered an alarming amount of Elrond's back. They were also either a deep angry red and oozed either serous fluid or blood or just glistened in the light of day. Elrond was losing an alarming amount of fluid, far too much fluid. When he woke next they would have to pour the fluids into him to stop him from dehydrating.

Slowly he picked up another clean cloth and began to gently wash his back with the Athelas and marigold water. Working slowly but methodically, he worked his way down, under his right arm and around to Elrond's front.

Another huge blister sat about waist high and went all around the front and up towards the chest area. The amount of fluid it held could have been more than enough to fill a goblet twice. It was whole and how it remained that way Gailarphen would never know. He just praised the Valar and added thanks that it was not broken. If this one had popped, the resulting infection could be potentially fatal and that was without the greater fluid lost figured in.

He gently washed the blister, hardly daring to touch it, fearing it would break.

He groaned aloud when it did just that. The precious fluid drained away like a flood. Gailarphen tried to stop it as much as he could, even though he knew it was a waste of time. He muttered a few choice phrases of his own in Khuzdul and Westron that rivaled the ones Elrond had used earlier.

Cloth after sodden cloth was used and then discarded as he tried to keep the large new wound clean and dry, his mind racing ahead as he tried to think how to get around this new, potentially life-threatening problem. Finally, the flow of serous fluid eased to a trickle and then stopped altogether. He sighed with relief.

It took time for him to finish the task of cleaning and then dressing the burns and scalds with the burn cream that had been previously prepared. For that he thanked the Valar. If they had left it to do later, then he would have had to wait to dress the wounds while he made it. The possibility of infection would have increased frighteningly in that short time alone.

Thankfully, he could dress the wounds and then bandage them without waiting. Finally, he sat back with a tired sigh. He ached more than he had for quite some time. It must have been from kneeling over like he had been doing. He was used to treating his patients on comfortable beds that did not require that much bending to reach. Also he realized he was exhausted. He really needed to sleep, but that would have to wait for the moment.

He still needed to check both Thranduil and Legolas, as well as treat Glorfindel's shoulder. Only then could he go out to check on what had happened to the hunting party. It was suspiciously quiet outside the flet and that did not sit well with him.

They also needed fresh bandages made and the stores of Athelas renewed. That was becoming a top priority. They were completely out of it and marigold now. He hoped that the group gathering herbs returned soon, with a large supply ready to use.

Under his instructions, they gently lowered Elrond to the pallet. Gailarphen noted the deep frown that marred what he could see of the white and red forehead. Even with the poppy tea and being unconscious, Elrond was in pain.

"We need to turn him onto his left side. The burns are too painful and the pressure will only cause more of the blisters to burst. When we have settled him, Glorfindel, I want to dress your shoulder. On the count of three, we need to lift and turn. On my mark, one, two, THREE!"

It was accomplished in one swift move and soon they had Elrond propped on his side with tightly-rolled cloaks and his knees bent. Their support would stop Elrond from falling flat onto his back if he moved.

Glorfindel gently covered him with a blanket before he stood.

"Remove your tunic." Even as Gailarphen spoke he was ripping his own under-tunic into strips that he could use both to clean and to dress the bite wound with.

Glorfindel readily stripped off the tunic and tried to look at the wound himself, but it was too close to his neck for him to get a good look.

A perfect circle of crescent shapes rimmed the pale shoulder. Elrond had bitten fully through the skin. There was already discoloration and Glorfindel would have a massive bruise there by morning. It would also be very sore for some time. There was a good possibility that it could become infected.

Oh how Gailarphen wished he had thought to bring more healers and provisions. He now had one patient with serious, life-threatening infection and the possibility of two more on top of that. Still, wishing for them did not make it happen. It was too late for that. They would have to make do with what they had and hope they got more herbs soon.

Glorfindel was stoic and did not even flinch as the stinging wound was cleaned and cleansed thoroughly. Gailarphen would not take any chances with this wound. As soon as they had some athelas and marigold, he would dress it with that. For now he could only dress the wound using the strips he had made earlier.

He quickly fixed a tea with some echinacea to help fight infection and willow bark and something extra to make Glorfindel rest. He watched as Glorfindel drank it without comment or question.

Once finished, he patted Glorfindel comfortingly on the shoulder and rose a little unsteadily. "I can imagine that you will be holding this incident over Elrond's head?" He raised his right eyebrow. He thought he knew the answer to his question.

Glorfindel smirked at him. "Of course I will. Why should I let this pass? I have the chance to make Elrond feel really guilty, and with a good reason this time!"

"And you would not wish to pass up that opportunity, would you?" Gailarphen was brushing down his leggings and straightened with a barely suppressed groan.

"Nay, it will be fun!" They exchanged a grin, this felt much like old times, simpler times. They both knew it could serve to distract Elrond from some of his pain as well.

Gailarphen moved to see his other patients. They were all sleeping, well, apart from Calandor, who had watched all the proceedings wide-eyed while propped against a huge gnarled root of the great Oak.

Calandor wished for all his worth that he had been asleep as well. The sight of the terrible burns on Hir Elrond's back had turned his stomach. They had looked so painful.

Bremoline was seated upright on a root, leaning against the tree with his hand on Thranduil's chest so he would be aware of any change in the King's condition. He was fast asleep, his eyes closed in exhaustion and his head leaned back against the tree.

Gailarphen shot Calandor a reassuring smile as he knelt beside Thranduil and reached for his wrist. Slowly he counted the heart beat. It was still fast and a little irregular. Once night fell, he would need to give Thranduil some more lhaew hûn nestadren salab, for his heart. He would also be giving him some calming tea. He intended to keep Thranduil calm at all costs. As it was, the damage to the King's heart would take some time to heal and with both Legolas and Elrond so badly injured, Thranduil would be greatly stressed. A dose of calming tea about every four hours would be the best thing, no matter how much Thranduil complained and pouted, and he would, of that Gailarphen had no doubt!

He gently placed Thranduil's arm across his chest and moved to look at his lips. His lips were no longer blue, he was very pleased to note. Yes, already Thranduil was responding to the slow-acting herb.

"How are you feeling, Calandor?" He knelt beside Legolas next and felt the small forehead. He was still running a very high temperature. The infection had such a strong hold on him that he would have to be patient and wait for the antidote and herbs to work on the poison and infection.

"Sore, but otherwise alright. My hands and feet are tingling as well." Calandor had to smile though. Doroniel had agreed to bond with him! How could he feel other than on top of the world? Well, he still had to face both of her brothers and her Adar. That thought alone was a bit daunting, and then there was Thranduil. He would have to seek Thranduil's permission. He would never regret asking Doroniel to bond, but the other things he could well do without. He thought he had been nervous asking Doroniel, now he felt even more so.

"I am not surprised. You have had a couple of rough days. It is good to see you awake once more. I know that Doroniel was particularly pleased to see that." Gailarphen had to smile at Calandor's blush.

"As was I. How is Legolas?" He was eager to change the topic for now. He really was worried about his young friend. Legolas looked so ill and he hated to see him so still and pale.

"Not good, but a little better, as well." He sounded thoughtful.

Calandor could not help the groan that slipped past his lips. "You are as bad as Mithrandir and Hir Elrond for talking in riddles."

"Indeed, it comes as part of the job. But seriously, Legolas was poisoned and his leg is badly infected. He also has some broken bones that have been treated. His fever is still high. We may have to use the pit again if it does not break soon."

He looked up as Thoronhen walked into the flet, carrying a water skin. He began to pour the fresh, clear water into the bowls that they had been using for washing their hands. It was the sound of the running water that made Gailarphen realise that he had not had a comfort break in quite some time. He had simply been too busy and had not had the time to even think about himself. Now that he had a moment to think, everything came back with a vengeance.

He was hungry, thirsty and tired, but above all he needed to go! He stood hurriedly.

"Saes, excuse me. Thoronhen, could you stay with Haldir and Glorfindel for a short while to watch the wounded? I will also take the chance to look at the hunting party. I am worried that it is so quiet out there." Gailarphen straightened with a stifled groan. He really was getting too old to be doing this. Still, it was at times like this that he loved his vocation. He would not change it for anything.

"They are trying to be quiet, Master Healer. They know just how badly injured Aran Thranduil, Hir Elrond, Caun Legolas and Calandor are and they are trying to help in their own way." In truth, the other Elves outside of the flet were even trying to breathe as quietly as they could, worried that even the slightest sound or movement might tip the scales the wrong way and cost the life of one of their kin and friends.

"They do not need to do that. They are all comfortable and sleeping now. I will speak with them. Hannon le, Thoronhen." With that he hurried from the flet.

He did not stop even when a few worried voices called out to him to see if he was alright. When he did not answer, Craban hurried after him just to make certain that he was well. To his momentary puzzlement, Gailarphen disappeared behind a large tree. All was revealed when he heard the sigh of pure relief. He grinned, aware now of what the problem had been. Craban moved back a little way so as not to embarrass the Imladris healer.

Once Gailarphen was finished they walked back to the camp and over to the fire where the injured of the hunting party had been gathered.

"Doroniel, how are things? Were the injuries bad?" Gailarphen looked around and could only see moderate to minor injuries.

"No, more were in shock than anything. They fought a pack of Wargs, still hungry from winter. They caught the scent of their kill." She turned and looked at him, noting his pale, tired features. "Sit, we have some stew that is almost ready. You need to rest. Once you have eaten, why don't you go get some sleep? We can take care of the injured. Who cried out?"

"Glorfindel. Elrond bit him when I was treating him." Gailarphen rubbed his eyes tiredly. "Elrond's back and abdomen are very badly burnt. We will need to keep a close eye on him and we need to make him drink, as much as he can get down. He is losing too much fluid from his injuries."

"You can leave that with us, Gailarphen. Gather your strength." Nestoron handed him some hot tea. "It is just tea. I do not think you need help to sleep, Mellon-nin."

"No, you are certainly right there. Also please watch both Legolas and Thranduil. Legolas has a high fever and may need to be immersed. I want him to have a drink every hour. Do the same for Elrond. He will need more herbs by nightfall, both for pain and anti-infection. Thranduil still has an irregular fast heartbeat. He will need some more of the lhaew hûn nestadren salab and also a calming tea every four hours. Calandor is complaining that his hands and feet are tingling, so please watch that." He broke off to take a sip of the warm and welcome tea.

"Do not worry, Gailarphen, we will. Eat and then rest. Once the herb gatherers return we will prepare the herbs as well. The others are making bandages. Doroniel thought we might be running low." Nestoron watched as Randis handed Gailarphen a bowl of stew.

"Everything is under control."

They all watched with satisfaction as he ate the stew.

---

Anor began her slow steady rise in the sky above Imladris. Birds sang merrily from the trees, heralding the start of what promised to be a beautiful spring morning. Rabbits scampered in the fields around the hidden Elven city. Not one Elf could be seen at first glance, but if you were to look closely you could see them, if they wanted you to. The guards stood well-camouflaged as they went about their duties silently, leaving no sign on the dew-laden grass that they had ever been there.

All seemed peaceful as the Elves began to ready themselves for the day ahead. Peaceful, that was, apart from the inhabitants of the Last Homely House. Within its walls, all was chaotic.

Erestor, the tall, thin and dark-haired Elven scholar who was in charge of Imladris while Elrond was away, was making plans with a group of Elves that stood before him. He looked harried and tired. His night had not been a peaceful one. In fact it had been just the opposite.

Behind him a door opened and they all looked around. A petite, dark-haired Elleth entered the chamber. She looked pale and drawn, as if she had been crying.

"Arwen, you should be resting. You have had a very trying night." Erestor hurried to her side and solicitously ushered her to the fire and one of the chairs that sat before it. Another Elf handed her a goblet of hot tea.

"Hannon-le, Shadron." Even her voice sounded weary.

"How are you feeling now, Penneth?" Erestor was worried about her, she looked so pale.

"Better, Erestor. I just wish that I had been able to tell you more." She took a sip of her tea, sighing at its welcome warmth.

"You have done wonderfully. Just rest there and I will be with you momentarily." At Arwen's nod Erestor went back to the table. He was still shocked after last night's occurrences.

They had all retired for the night. Erestor had been restless and unable to sleep. He had been reading long into the night in the privacy of his own chamber when Arwen's screams for her Adar had rung through the halls of the house.

To say that Erestor had been shocked was an understatement. Arwen had tried all her wiles on her father to persuade him to allow her to join the party heading for Fornost, even to the point of saying how unfair it was as her brothers and Legolas would be going.

It had taken a lot of persuasion on the part of Elrond to dissuade her from the notion that she wanted to travel that far and for that long.

He also did not wish her to fall behind in her studies.

So she had finally agreed to stay behind "to look after Erestor" and keep him from becoming bored without her brothers or Glorfindel there to keep him on his toes, not that she would even contemplate doing half the things that they did!

Arwen had experienced a few impressions in the past, but nothing as clear as her Adar's or Galadriel's visions, just inklings and feelings. It was to be expected in a family that had such a strong history of 'seeing' as theirs had. After all, it was on both sides of the family. Arwen, Elladan and Elrohir had all been pleased that they did not have to suffer the visions. They looked so painful and had to be disconcerting. Both their Adar and Daer Nana had to recuperate after each one.

All had been going well in Imladris since Master Healer Gailarphen and a few others had gone with Hethuaur to the aid of the Mirkwood group and nothing untoward had happened.

That is, until last night.

That was when Arwen had her first 'almost' vision. 'Almost', because all she had seen was a quick flash of her Adar screaming, surrounded by fire, wildly groping for something as if he was blind. In the background she had heard someone crying as if all of Arda had come to an end. The voice had been eerily familiar, if she could only place where she had heard it before. The part of the dream that truly horrified her, though, was the underlying sound of sinister laughter that weaved around the screams and the crying in terrifying counterpoint.

Arwen had awakened crying hysterically and shaking. She had been physically ill by the time Erestor had reached her side. He immediately sent for a healer while he tried to calm her.

His demands to know what was wrong only seemed to make her reaction worse. She wanted her father and no one else. It had taken both of them quite some time to calm down, but finally Arwen had calmed enough that she was able to tell him what she had seen and felt. All she could say was that Elrond needed help and now, that he was injured, badly injured, although she could not say how he came to be injured.

Arwen had demanded that Erestor immediately send out a troop with a carriage to help Elrond. He could do nothing to change her mind on the matter. Arwen had even threatened to go by herself if he did not do as she directed. She flatly refused to take the calming tea the healer brought for her.

So here they were this morning, with Erestor making plans with a Captain of the Imladris Guard and having a carriage prepared to send them out to find Elrond.

It took time to get the provisions together. They knew that Elrond would have left Fornost long ago, because Hethuaur had said a messenger had been sent to Fornost as well, but they had no idea just where he would be. They would need to take plenty of supplies, bandages, food and medicines. If Elrond was injured, as well as those in the Mirkwood party, they would be in need of even more provisions. It was midday before they were ready to leave Imladris.

Arwen and Erestor stood on the steps of the Last Homely House to see them off. Arwen was nibbling her bottom lip with worry.

Oh how she wished that she could ride with them. If Elladan and Elrohir were here they would be going with them, why was it so different for her? Yes, she was younger, but did that really matter?

They stood there until the troop and carriage finally disappeared.

"Come, Arwen you need to rest. Your Adar will never forgive me if I did not look after you. I want you to go and rest. I will bring you something light for the midday meal. I am sure that he will be well."

"Hannon-le, Erestor, I hope they reach them in time." Arwen cast a worried look over her shoulder.

Arwen rested for the remainder of the afternoon, both willingly and un-willingly. Erestor had been around the healers far too long for him not to have picked up some of the tricks of the trade. One of them was Elrond's love of secretly sedating those in need of sleep who denied it. At that moment, that same reasoning applied to Arwen. She rested but refused to sleep, so he medicated her tea, simple as that. It did not take long to work and she slept through the rest of the day and well into the next morning.

When she did waken, it was to a grey and dismal day that reflected perfectly how she felt. She was more worried about her Adar than ever. Growing in her mind was a feeling of sheer and utter dread and it kept on growing until she feared it would overwhelm her.

She had been furious with Erestor when she had awoken with a thick head and realised why. She had been drugged. Yes, she admitted, it probably had been a good idea, but it would have been nice to have been asked first. Although she had to admit to herself that she would have refused it. There would have been little chance that she could have attained any rest with that awful, mocking laughter in her ears. She shivered at the memory.

Erestor insisted that they try to carry on as normal. So Arwen was seated in the library, trying to work on her lessons and failing miserably.

She really should concentrate on her history lesson. It was hard though. She desperately wanted something to take her mind off of what had happened. Yet, now that she had something to work on, it was not working. She cast listlessly about for something here to distract her but nothing kept her interest. All she could hear and see was that crying voice and laughter as the flames surrounded her father...

Erestor watched Arwen from his desk. He was also trying to finish some of the paperwork that did not stop just because Elrond was gone from Imladris.

He was finding it very hard to work as worry for both Elrond and Arwen filled him. He would need to tell Elrond that Arwen was showing signs of having the foresight that plagued him so much. They had all hoped that it would miss this generation as it sometimes did. It had seemed to be so for a time. But now? Now, he was not so sure. It may not have been a full, all out vision, but it had been warning enough.

Both of them were only getting more frustrated as they sat there and neither seemed to be accomplishing anything. Erestor was also beginning to get a bad headache.

"Arwen?" Nothing, no reply. Erestor looked over at her. She appeared to be daydreaming, looking out the library window and doodling aimlessly on a piece of parchment that should have held an essay on Gil-Galad. "Arwen." He called a little louder this time. Arwen jumped and looked hurriedly around her.

Erestor had to smile. It was not often that he caught Arwen so inattentive in her lessons. She was one of the best students that he had tutored for some time. "I think we should both take a break from our work. Would you join me for a walk in the gardens? It may raise our spirits and refresh us both."

"That would be nice, Erestor. I would like that. Let me get a shawl." Arwen rose and hurried off, leaving the parchment where it was. Out of curiosity, he stood and made his way across the library to see what she had been doodling.

What he saw there took his breath away. With a shaking hand he lifted the parchment from the table. Arwen had not been doodling at all. She had been writing and it was a warning. A warning that Caun Legolas was in severe danger, that peril stalked him at every turn. The last word written had almost been finished when he had called to her. It was 'Mithrandir'. He carefully folded the parchment and put it in his pocket. Elrond would need to see this.

He looked up as Arwen joined him once more and together they made their way outside. The air was refreshing with a cool nip in the air and it was still raining, only a light misty drizzle though. The walk did them both a lot of good. The fresh air, heavy with the scent of lilacs and other early-blooming flowers, helped to raise their spirits, but the sounds of singing in the trees lifted them even higher. The songs were soothing and small birds seemed to be adding a harmonious counterpoint to the Elven voices. It was enchanting to see and hear.

It was with much lighter hearts that they eventually made their way slowly back to the house. As they walked, Erestor noted idly that there was a dark spot in the sky that seemed not only to be getting rapidly bigger but nearer. He kept his eye on it, curious about what it could be.

Soon though, he knew exactly what it was, in fact had no reason to be uncomfortable with it. It was Gwaihir, Lord of the Great Eagles that lived on the Misty Mountains. Then another black shape appeared and another. Soon they were circling above them, spiraling down to gently land on the green in front of the Last Homely House.

To Erestor's great surprise, Mithrandir rode upon the Great Eagle's back. His hat had been jammed onto his head so that the wind would not cause it to fly off. In one hand was his staff, the other gripped the feathers so that he remained where he was on Gwaihir's back.

As Erestor and Arwen moved to meet them, Mithrandir jumped off of the great bird's back with an alacrity and nimbleness that would have shocked both Arwen and Erestor at another time. Now though, they hurried to greet their guests.

Mithrandir brushed down his ragged grey clothes. "Mae Govannen, Erestor, Arwen. Is Elrond around? I need to speak with him urgently." He rarely wasted time on needless formalities.

"I'm afraid that Hir Elrond is not here, Mithrandir. Mae Govannen." Erestor realised that he had not yet greeted the ancient Maia or the Great Eagles and gave a graceful bow to all of them.

"Elrond is not here? That is most unfortunate. May I ask where he is?" Mithrandir was confused and not a little worried. He could have sworn that Vilya had been used in this direction.

"He is attending a meeting in Fornost. May I be of some assistance? What is the matter?" Erestor and Arwen shared a worried glance.

"I need to see him. I have had a feeling of... great evil rising and when I felt the rings…" Mithrandir broke off to make sure they were not overheard. "Both Vilya and Nenya were used."

"That is unsettling news, Mithrandir. There has been a problem with Thranduil's party. He and Legolas have been seriously hurt and I think, no, I know Elrond has gone to help them. Gailarphen and Nestoron have also gone to their aid. They rest in a place just over the Misty Mountains on the Old Forest Road. It sounds as if their injuries were grave, especially those of dian Legolas."

"They will be in grave need of aid then." Mithrandir sounded even more worried, if that were possible.

"Yes, we sent out a troop this morning with a carriage to help bring them back." Arwen spoke for the first time. "I believe Ada has been injured too."

"I may have a way to get them back here sooner than that. Gwaihir, could I impose upon you once more, my friend? Elrond is in dire need of help, as is Thranduil and his son." Mithrandir knew that Thranduil and the Eagle were on close terms.

"Of course, Gandalf. Did I hear that Legolas is injured as well? We must hurry if that is true. I heard the trees' distress in the song of the land earlier, but I did not fully realise the reason. Climb on, we must hurry." Gwaihir extended a huge-taloned foot so that Mithrandir could climb aboard once more.

"Wait, you may have need of herbs. I will return swiftly!" Arwen ran into the house and gathered the healer's pack that always lay just inside the door in case of emergencies. She hurried back out and handed it to Mithrandir.

Meanwhile, Mithrandir spoke to the Great Eagle again. "You know Legolas?"

"Yes, we all do. He does not realise it yet, but he can hear us, as he does the trees. We are all a part of the Great Song. But come now, we must go." Once more he held out a great clawed foot and Mithrandir mounted. With a swift "Namarie", they were off once more. They quickly disappeared into the grey, rain-laden skies.

With a worried sigh, Erestor escorted Arwen slowly back into the house. They would need to make some arrangements. It appeared that they would soon be getting some very ill visitors.

---

Elrohir yawned, not sure what had woken him. Rubbing his eyes, he sat up. The chamber was in darkness, although a thin sliver of light through a gap in the curtains told him it was morning. He had slept well, very well following the potion that he had been given.

He felt much better than he had done last night. To his astonishment, he realised that he was hungry. As if to confirm that fact, his stomach gave a loud rumble. He also needed to use the facilities of the bathing chamber. When he looked across to the bed on the other side of the chamber, he realised that Elladan was still asleep, one hand curled behind his head.

Slowly he got out of the bed, not wanting to disturb Elladan from his reverie. He hissed as his feet touched the cold tiles, surprised at just how cold they were. He had not noticed it before. Then he realised that the fire had died down to embers barely glowing among the ashes. That must be the cause.

He quickly crossed the chamber and made use of the bathing room's facilities. He also washed his face and brushed his hair. Feeling a lot more like his normal self, he made his way back into the bedchamber. Elladan was sitting up in his bed, his hair at all angles from a restless night tossing in the bed.

"Good morning, 'Dan, how are you this morning?" He could not help but feel cheerful as he sat on the foot of Elladan's bed. He just felt so much better than he had done yesterday. Why he was not entirely sure.

"I slept well, 'Ro how about you? No more..." he broke off.

"No more what?" Elrohir was puzzled, what had he had 'no more' of?

"Uhmm, what do you recall from last night?" Elladan spoke warily. The last thing he wanted to do was upset his twin.

"We spent the evening with Lady Banwen. Daer Nana had a vision. Is she alright?" Elrohir was alarmed at this memory as it flitted back.

"Daer Nana was sleeping when I saw her last. I am sure she is well. More to the point, dear brother, how are you?" Elladan was watching his brother closely, concern clearly written on his face.

"Me? I am well. Why are you so worried about me?" Elrohir was getting worried at his brother's insistence.

"Elrohir." He spoke with quite reassurance. "You had a vision last night. Do you not recall?"

"A vision? Me? No, this is not funny Elladan, not funny at all." Elrohir glowered at his brother. They had talked about this and Elladan knew this was his greatest fear.

"I am not making a joke, 'Ro. Think, try to recall what happened." Elladan's voice was so earnest that Elrohir began to believe him. It was what convinced him to carefully recall in greater detail exactly what had happened the night before.

He gasped aloud and paled as the memory came rushing back. "Legolas!"

Elladan nodded solemnly. "Yes, gwador-nin… Legolas." He hated to see his twin so distressed.

"I need to speak with Daer Adar." He moved towards the door but stopped when Elladan caught his arm.

"Let me dress and I will come with you." It took Elladan only a few minutes to dress and brush his hair so that he at least looked presentable.

They moved down the short corridor that led to Celeborn and Galadriel's chamber. Strangely, no one stood guard outside their door and the door stood open. They could hear voices within.

Moving silently, they crept closer, intrigued by what was happening. They knew this was wrong and that they should let their Grandparents know that they were there, but the age-old lure of listening to things that they should know nothing about spurred them on and the chance that they might hear something more about their Adar. That was the thought that kept them from letting anyone know they were there.

It was something they would be both pleased about and regret when they thought about it later on, but at present they were not thinking.

As they crept closer the voices grew stronger and they were able to identify the speakers.

"Are you ready to tell me what it was that you saw last night, Meleth?" It was their Grandfather.

"Yes, Celeborn, I saw Elrond. He called for help, but it was almost as if he was unable to see anything around him. He was groping, searching for something. I know not what. There was a voice crying out in great fear."

They could almost see their Grandmother shiver as she spoke. "I am certain it was Legolas crying out. And there was laughter, such mocking laughter, as evil as any that I have ever heard. I fear that some great misfortune has befallen Elrond."

"What makes you think that, my Lady?" Orophin spoke next. So that was why there was no guard at the door?

"I can no longer sense him, neither can I contact him. I should be able to speak to him, even if he sleeps. It is as if he has vanished or is veiled from me. I fear greatly for him, Meleth."

Galadriel sighed. "I think he is still searching for Thranduil's party, I fear they have not reached him yet. All I saw was a bright light that seemed to engulf him and then nothing. That is what worries me and what we will say to Elladan and Elrohir." Galadriel's voice was laden with worry.

"I know, Meleth, I worry too. Was there anything else, anything at all?" Celeborn was trying to calm their Grandmother by the sounds of things.

"Just Legolas, he is so scared and distressed. The fact that Elrohir had a vision about him as well makes me feel certain that he is in grave danger. I worry for Elrohir as well. I had so hoped that none of our Grandchildren would suffer these visions. It seems so unfair. He was so scared. I need to talk with him about the visions. He needs to know that they are not as bad as they look."

"How can you say that, Galadriel? You are always in such pain afterwards. And Elrond! I know you are trying to protect him, but that will not help. It will only make things worse in the long run. This was his first vision, but he may never have another one." Celeborn tried to reason with his wife.

"I know. I know. I do not know what to do for the best!"

"You need to get some more rest, Galadriel. You are still exhausted from these visions. For you to have so many in such a short amount of time is not good for you. If only the Valar would make their meaning plainer, you would not have to suffer so many to understand their purpose." Celeborn sounded tired and frustrated.

Galadriel sighed as she sat back down on the bed. "I wish Mithrandir were here. He would know what to do. This threat is growing and it is targeted solely on Legolas for some reason. Perhaps he would have some idea why. I just hope the Valar watch over Legolas. I fear he will need all the protection that he can get."

Elladan turned wide grey eyes to his brother. The same look was mirrored on Elrohir's pale features. Their Adar was in great danger! Elladan looked to the room they had shared and nodded, his meaning clear as if he had spoken aloud. "Come back to the chamber. We can speak properly there." Elrohir nodded and they moved just as silently back into their chamber.

Once safely within the room, Elladan closed the door behind them. They both moved over to the nearest bed, which just happened to be Elrohir's and flopped down with worried sighs.

"I cannot just sit here and do nothing when I know Adar is in danger!" Elrohir was frustrated and worried.

"I know. There has to be something that we can do." Elladan was just as anxious.

"Well, we will not accomplish anything sitting here, but we also do not know where Ada is." Elrohir thumped his pillow.

"I know, but Daer Nana and Daer Adar will not give us leave to go to his aid." Elladan practically threw his hands up into the air. This was just so... so... well it went beyond frustrating and it was only getting worse as they thought about it.

"What if we slipped away before they found that we knew anything about it?" Elrohir caught his brother's eye.

The wicked grin and excited gleam told him that Elladan was in full agreement. "We could go to Lady Banwen..."

"…and ask for food. You saw the..." Elrohir stood and started gathering some of their things.

"…amount she tried to give us. She kept saying..." Elladan got their cloaks out of the wardrobe.

"…that we were far too thin! She would..."

"…not think twice about giving us food if we asked for it. Let us..."

"…go and see her now. If we get..." Elrohir pulled their packs out.

"…organised now, we could..." Elladan gathered their weapons and set them on his bed.

"…be leaving by the time the mid-day bell rings."

"Or before that even! We could be well on..."

"…our way before we are missed." Elrohir finished with a contented air, stuffing things into his pack as Elladan was doing the same.

Elladan sighed. This was how it should be, working together, and each finishing the other's sentences. It should never be just him, alone, as it had been last night. That had just felt so very wrong.

Soon their filled packs sat next to their weapons. It was then that they realised that there had never been any need for a discussion because the decision had already been made. They grinned at each other, both feeling the excitement growing within them. This would be a grand adventure and when they found their Adar, all would be well.

They had no fear of being out in the wilds on their own. They had done so before. In fact after their Naneth had been so hurt by the Orcs that she had sailed to Valinor, they had taken their leave of Imladris for some time to hunt down the evil beasts and make them pay. And pay they had. Those had been dark days, days when their anger and grief had taken them to places they never wished to see again, but they would willingly go back to them if it meant their Adar was safe with them.

"We need to let Daer Nana know we are awake and on our way to the kitchens for some food. That should keep them from worrying for a time. We can then come back for our packs and leave straight away." Elladan stood once more.

"Yes, they will not expect us..."

"…to leave on our own."

They went to their chamber door with their packs and set them down just inside it. Opening the chamber door, they made their way rather noisily down to their Grandparents chamber. With the noise, the elder Elves would have some warning that they were there.

The chamber door was still open and Orophin was still inside talking with Celeborn about the guard's duty list for the next few days. Galadriel was sitting up on the bed, resting. In the bright light that shined in the open window, the twins could see that she was almost ghostly pale and had thick black rings under her eyes.

Elrohir dry swallowed, would this be his future as well? Recovering from painful visions? He sincerely hoped not.

"Good morning" How do you feel this morning, Elrohir?" Galadriel smiled at him, pleased to see him so alert and in no pain.

"I feel well thank you, Daer Nana. We just wanted to let you know that we were hungry and..."

"…we were on our way down to the kitchens for some food to break our fast. We also..."

"…thought that if it was alright with you that we..."

"…would go for a ride around Fornost. Our horses have..."

"…not been ridden for a while and will be..."

"…getting very fat and lazy." Elladan finished with a smile.

"That sounds like a good idea, the fresh air will do you both a lot of good and no harm will come to you here. You are to be back in time for the evening meal." Galadriel had to bite her cheek to stop from laughing at their surprise.

Obviously they had not yet realised just how late in the day it was. They had missed the midday meal, although not by much.

Lady Banwen had been very worried that the two boys, as she called them, were still asleep and missed out on the food. Even though Celeborn had tried to patiently explain to her that Elves simply did not need to eat as much nor as often as men, Lady Banwen had not taken a blind bit of notice, but just kept muttering that they were far too thin to be healthy.

Lord Bainen had looked incredibly embarrassed as she had tried to give all of the Elves more food than they had served themselves. It seemed that Banwen had decided they needed mothering, or as she said, 'looking after', and nothing short of an act of nature would stop her. She reminded Celeborn of someone, but he could not quite place who.

He shook his head. He could figure that out later. He concentrated on the twins.

"It is past midday?" Elladan sounded completely surprised as he looked out of the wide windows to check Anor's progress in the sky. Yes, it was early afternoon and not mid-morning as they had both thought it to be.

"We slept that long?" Elrohir sounded just as astonished.

"Yes, Dear Hearts, you obviously needed the rest. You both seem the better for it. Now go and see about some food. I am sure that Banwen has saved plenty for you. She missed you at the meals today." Galadriel could not help but tease and was rewarded with twin groans as a reply.

Her quiet laughter filled the air as they left the chamber. They deliberately closed the door behind them. Quickly, they made their way back down the hall and picked up their packs and weapons before they made their way down to the kitchens.

The kitchens were huge and full of bustling Edain workers who seemed to know exactly what they were doing. At one long table, a woman was kneading dough with a ferocity that surprised them both. In one corner was a young girl peeling potatoes, another beside her was peeling carrots.

Over by the big open hearth was a young boy of about ten turning a spit with large pieces of meat skewered on it. He looked bored to tears. Another lady was rolling out pastry to cover what looked to be a large apple pie. The delicious aromas were making their mouths water.

By the door, the head cook and Lady Banwen were in close conversation. They could hear only part of the conversation over the noise of all the kitchen preparations. They could hear 'food' and 'Elves' and looked at each other with trepidation. They were suddenly very glad that they would not be there for the evening meal.

The young boy had stopped turning the spit and was openly gaping at them as if he had never seen an Elf before in his life. Come to think of it, perhaps he had not. A clout around the ear from the cook had him quickly working again.

Lady Banwen spotted them then. "Oh my dears, you are awake! I was so worried when you didn't come down for the morning or mid-day meal. You must be starving! Come, sit and we will get you something to eat. Thenin please bring them some bread and strawberries. Yes, some strawberries." She turned to them and smiled fondly. "You liked them the other day, I saw that. Cheese..." Banwen was bustling about the kitchen getting the food ready and ignoring the sharp looks that the cook was giving her.

Elladan elbowed Elrohir and motioned to Lady Banwen.

"Uhmmmm, Lady Banwen? Would it be possible for us to take some food with us for later? DaerNana has said that we could go for a ride on our horses today." Elrohir put on the most endearing young-and-innocent expression that he could. It worked beautifully. Well, he had practiced the look for a few hundred years. It should work on someone who had not seen him use it before.

"Of course, Dear One. Thenin, what do we have that these young ones could take with them? It needs to be substantial. They are growing boys after all." She shared a smile with Thenin, whose irritation at having the Lady interfering with her kitchen had faded. Even she had been charmed by the Elven twins' presence.

"Let me see what we can find. What would you like? I will see what I have."

Within minutes they were seated at the large wooden table, tucking into the cheese and bread. It was really very good and the large goblets of fresh milk were welcome. While they ate, Lady Banwen and Thenin were gathering food for them.

By the time they had finished the meal the two ladies had put together two large food packs, enough to last them for many days without a need to hunt. That was good, they would then only need to stop for rest. Piled next to the food packs were a pair of water skins. Without knowing it, the ladies were playing right into the twins' hands. They would have plenty of provisions now and no one would be the wiser, at least for a time.

Full once more, they gave their thanks as they gathered the food and waterskins and left the warm and comforting kitchen. The ladies' goodbyes were still ringing in their ears as they picked up their other packs and weapons and made for the stables. They left their packs out of sight while they made their way to the stables and greeted the stable hands as they went about their work.

Their two large bay stallions, identical in almost every way, rushed to the stable doors, both whinnied a greeting as they heard their riders' voices. Elrohir laughed as his stallion snorted, blowing in his face and making his hair fly around him. It was obvious that they were both ready and eager enough for a swift ride.

"How do you fancy a nice run, Callon? You have been cooped up in here for far too long." The stallion nickered his agreement.

He could hear Elladan talking to his own horse, Saeleinior. He could recall the amusement that had abounded at their choice of almost identical horses, but they had been the ones that they liked and it had seemed natural as well. There were some differences if you knew where to look and what to look for, but at first glance there was no difference whatsoever, they were a fine matched pair.

He met Elladan leading his stallion outside the stall and together they made their way outside, calling a cheerful farewell to the stable hands as they went. They tried not to rouse any suspicions if they could help it. Once outside they led their horses over to the small copse of trees where they had hidden their packs and belongings. They quickly secured their packs on the horses and strapped on their swords and quivers. Their bows were ready at hand as they rode.

They made a point of taking the back way out of Fornost before turning and following the route that Elrond and Glorfindel had taken towards Imladris.

They did not realise it, but distinctly unfriendly eyes watched them as they made their way out of Fornost. They were the only ones though. No one else took the time out of their busy day to notice the two heavily armed riders and most did not even realise that they had seen them until later when the alert when up for the two missing Elves.

---

Back in their chamber, Galadriel and Celeborn were still discussing the situation with Orophin. Galadriel was unable to hide her growing fears as she tried, and failed, to reach Elrond. The more she tried, the more she became frustrated and the harder she tried. She was already exhausted and this was becoming more frightening for her.

She had never been unable to contact Elrond for this long before. The nature of the Rings of Power helped with that. This was echoing what she felt with Minerella and Legolas and she was more frightened than she would care to admit.

Then there were the dreams. Every time she slipped into reverie, she dreamt of that tattered, twisted web and each time the strands seemed to unwind further. She had not mentioned this to Celeborn at all. Perhaps she should. Her mind made up, she turned to him once more.

"Celeborn, there is something I have not told you yet, something that worries me."

Celeborn turned to her, his face drawn into a worried frown. "What is it, meleth?" He crossed to the bed and sat down beside her. He hated to see her so pale and wan, so exhausted and worried.

"I have had a dream for the last few nights. It is always the same, a web that is tattered and torn, it slowly unwinds until there is only two or three strands left holding it together. The last dream, last night, it only had one strand, one thick strand and even that was slowly twisting and unwinding. There is a voice in the background, always calling for help, always calling for his Nana or Adar. He is so young and I am so scared for him. I know that if the strand breaks it will go ill for Arda. Whoever this is, they are important. We cannot let that strand unwind, but I do not know how to stop it!"

Galadriel's distress was obvious. He took her hands between his own. "Easy, melethril. We will figure this out." Celeborn tried his hardest to reassure her. It failed miserably. Her building frustration and fatigue were making her anxious and impatient.

"But what if it is already too late? What if the last strand breaks? What then? And why a web? I am missing something. I know I am, but what? Elrond would be able to help me, but I cannot even reach him! What do I tell Elladan and Elrohir? This is awful! I wish I had my mirror. With that, at least I could focus the visions and perhaps make sense of what I am seeing."

"A web?" Celeborn was thinking hard. "Why a web? What does it look like?" He spoke without thought.

It earned him a scathing look. "It looked like an old web, an old and tattered web. It had holes in it. What more can I say?" Her patience was wearing thin with worry and frustration, though she regretted her words immediately.

She sounded completely exasperated with him and he blinked at her in surprise. It was very rare for Galadriel to snap at anyone. She must be more tired and worried than he thought.

Celeborn softly caressed her face and spoke gently to her. "Just relax, Galadriel. Show me what you have seen and together let us see what we can make of it. Take a deep breath and show me." This was the time that their bond came in useful, when Galadriel was this wrought up and exhausted, she could show him what she had seen, avoiding any miscommunication and frustration.

Galadriel gave him a small apologetic smile for snapping at him as she also caressed his face. She sent him her proper apologies as she closed her eyes and relaxed back against the pillows. Soon the images were flooding his mind.

/It was dark, very dark and he could hear a child calling out in fear. The darkness seemed to be all-consuming but then suddenly out of nowhere a bright object appeared. It was twisting and billowing in the breeze. Galadriel had been right when she said that it had been an old web. He saw a very old and tattered silver web with great holes that made it sag and droop./

/Celeborn had become more certain than ever that the voice he heard was an Elfling's. The child was becoming more and more distressed as time went by and he could not blame him. He could understand why Galadriel had become so concerned with this 'dream'./

/Slowly the web began to unravel even further. Threads fell away, weakening the whole structure. More holes seemed to fill the fabric of the web with black voids, ruining the pattern. It became more tattered and worn. No self-respecting spider would stay with a web like this. Just the thought of the giant spiders of Mirkwood gave him chills./

/Finally, there were just three anchored threads holding together the web. These began to unwind, strand by battered strand. As they did so, the crying increased in intensity and an evil laugh seemed to take any warmth there had been from the air around them./

/Slowly, as he watched, the strands gradually began to unwind further. Three strands became two and then, finally, only one. The shrill wailing grew in intensity and the panic in the small voice was obvious./

/Just when the sound started to become painful for him, another voice filled the air with a sweet song. It was a tune that Celeborn knew well, one that all Elven mothers sang to their babes. It filled him with sadness as well as hope. He had not heard this lullaby for many, many years. The crying gradually calmed before it stopped./

/The single strand seemed to glisten as if it were mithril shimmering in moonlight. The evil voice that had been laughing changed to a roar of anger. A wind began to grow around them and the strand of webbing began to shiver and shake as it was buffeted. The remaining strand grew dull and again began to unwind as he watched.../

The last of the dream vanished and he opened his eyes to a view of the chamber once more. He had Galadriel in his arms and she was quietly sobbing on his chest from reliving the dream. He could understand her feelings for he could feel hot tears upon his own cheeks. He hugged her tightly to him.

"Shhhhhhhh, it is alright, Meleth, we will work this out. You should have shared this with me earlier, I could have helped you." The last time he had heard this lullaby it had been Celebrian singing to a tiny Arwen, just as Galadriel had sung to Celebrian when she was small. The lullaby stirred the same painful memory for Galadriel as well. Even now, almost two hundred and fifty years after the incident with the Orcs, Celebrian's decision to leave for the Undying Lands still caused a sorrowful ache in their hearts.

"Celeborn, what is wrong?" Orophin sounded worried.

"Memories, Ion-nin, sad memories, that is all." Celeborn tried to reassure the warrior as he dried his face.

Galadriel and Celeborn considered the three brothers, Haldir, Rumil, and Orophin as their own children. They had, after all, raised them after their own parents had died and passed to Mandos' Halls. Their Adar had died due to grievous injuries incurred on a battlefield at the Last Great Alliance and their Naneth faded soon after from her grief at his passing. Haldir, though full-grown, had not yet reached his majority and needed help and guidance to raise his younger brothers.

Celeborn still crooned assurances to Galadriel as she settled. "I can feel your heartache, Meleth. You have grieved alone needlessly. You need not shield my heart from this too."

"You are both alright?" Orophin was still worried about his foster parents. To see both of them in this state of distress was very unusual and not a little frightening.

"Yes, there is yet a puzzle to solve but we will both be alright. Now, Galadriel you are going to rest. I can feel how exhausted you are. I will be here with you. I have asked that any meetings be adjourned for the next few days. Without either Thranduil or Elrond here there is little more we can do. So sleep, I am here if you need me." The fact that Galadriel did not argue as he helped her to lie down spoke volumes and worried him even more.

She had no sooner put her head on the pillow than she was fast asleep, with her eyes closed.

Motioning Orophin to the chamber door so that they could speak and not disturb her, Celeborn quickly explained what he had witnessed.

"I did not say anything to Galadriel. She is too distressed, but I am sure that the Elfling I heard crying was Legolas. This is no normal dream. I think this is another slow forming vision. I will be keeping a close eye on the dreams from now on. I am positive that the voice I heard singing was Minerella."

That hurt as well. They had all loved Minerella. She was such a well-loved wife, mother and Queen. The ripples her death had caused had been felt far and wide, were still being felt, if he was brutally honest. That they had also almost lost Legolas still sent shivers down his spine. His heart went out to Thranduil. How could he have handled his grief if both Galadriel and Celebrian had been hurt?

"But, how? Queen Minerella is..." Orophin decided it was best that he did not finish that particular thought.

"Dead? Yes I am aware of that, but nonetheless, I heard Minerella singing to Legolas."

Celeborn wearily rubbed at his face. "There is something very wrong going on here. A great evil is at work. We must be all on our guard. I have a feeling... well… I do not know what this feeling is." Celeborn seemed confused and surprised at his own admission. He sounded frustrated.

Orophin just looked more worried as he listened to Celeborn speak. How could you hear someone sing who had departed for Mandos' Halls? The look on his face caught Celeborn's attention.

"I know, it sounds ridiculous, but I heard Minerella. I have this feeling that some dire event is going to happen. It centers on Legolas and I want to do something NOW and not wait like some befuddled old Edan waiting for his end." Celeborn could feel the urgency of the situation pulling at him. He could feel that they were running out of time, knew that he wanted to do something to help, but what?

"I believe you, Ada. I have seen some things that I cannot explain as well. What can I do?" Orophin was prepared to lay down his life for his Lord and Lady, Adar and Nana, as he thought of them. Even for Legolas, whom he had seen only once. He had been looking forward to seeing the Elfling once more, they all had been. He just hoped that he got that chance.

"There is nothing we can do at the moment. We will just have to wait and see what the Valar have in store for us all. Ai, Elbereth, I hate this!" Celeborn wanted nothing more than to shout at the Valar for letting this happen to a small Elfling.

"Adar, it will all become clear. You should rest as well. You stayed up all this last night looking after Nana, Elladan and Elrohir and you slept little the night before and I know the meetings have been difficult. Let me take the next watch while you rest? Dan and Ro are out riding. I can have others guard the door and I can wait in here while you and Nana sleep. You will both feel better for it." Orophin was earnest. Celeborn really did look as exhausted as Galadriel did.

"You are right. Thinking myself in circles will not help. I will rest, but wake me in time to prepare for the evening meal and if Elladan and Elrohir get in trouble wake me immediately."

"Of course, Ada, just let me arrange the guards." Orophin slipped out of the chamber on his self-appointed errand.

Celeborn meanwhile readied himself to lie down beside his wife. He soon slipped into an uneasy reverie.

He slept uneasily. His worries about the 'dream vision' played over and over in his mind. The more he thought on the subject, the greater was his conviction that it was Legolas they had been hearing in such a distressed state.

At some point, Galadriel's hand found his and they both settled into a deeper sleep.

It did not stay peaceful for long.

/The same deep darkness surrounded the clearing. Hanging literally by just the one thread, the web was waving as if tossed in a strong wind. Slowly, oh so painfully slowly a strand came away and began the process of unwinding. Above the wind, he could hear the sinister laughter, as well as Legolas crying for help. Not even calling his parents this time. Just 'help' and from whomever would listen to him./

/Then, out of nowhere came another presence. The presence seemed to surround the web, as if trying to protect it. It was another Elf, although he could not get a clear look at his face./

/Celeborn could hear someone speaking, but not clearly and not loud enough to understand. There was one phrase that he could finally hear and it was this that proved to Celeborn that his deduction of the Elfling's identity was correct. The cold, sneering voice just said two clear words and they made him shudder. "Tree Rat." The same name that Elrohir had heard given to Legolas in his vision.

The male Elf spoke. With a deep jolt, Celeborn realised that he knew exactly who it was. Elrond!

Elrond's words were clear and defiant. "I will never see this innocent child within your grasp!" He seemed to pick something up and throw it to one side.

The mocking, cold voice seemed to echo around Celeborn, so evil and so utterly cold. "As you wish, Elf. By your own words." With those words, a bright, unnatural light filled his vision and with a start...

Celeborn woke and sat up suddenly, breathing as if he had run for hours and not been asleep.

"ADA?" Orophin hurried over to the bed, worried once more. Celeborn and Galadriel's sleep had become more and more distressed and he had not known what to do.

"A dream, Ion-nin, it was just a dream." He did not know who he was trying to reassure, Orophin or himself. This could not have happened. Elbereth, please let this not have happened.

Galadriel turned over to face him. "I am afraid it is much more than just a dream, Celeborn. Elrond is in deep trouble and it is not just Elrond." Galadriel had silver tears running down her cheeks.

"You have seen more?" Celeborn could not hide his surprise.

"Yes and I really wish that I had not." Galadriel shuddered as he pulled her into a hug.

"Can you tell me, or show me?"

"I will show you. Orophin, would you please have Elladan and Elrohir found and brought back?"

"Of course, Nana. I will send for them now." Orophin gave them a last worried look as he made his way from the chamber.

Galadriel gave Celeborn one last horror-filled look before she closed her eyes and laid her head on his shoulder.

/Instead of seeing the tattered old web, Celeborn now found himself looking at a sun-filled clearing. Injured Elves lay around the base of a large old Oak tree. With a start, he realised that one of the Elves was Thranduil. He looked grey and very ill, one hand rested against the Oak's roots that lay twisted and gnarled above ground. His other hand was resting in the hand of a young blond Elfling…Legolas. He looked in far worse condition than Thranduil, pale and bruised and frighteningly thin and still, almost unrecognisable with his forehead so swollen. His other hand also rested on a root.

Near Thranduil's other side...Ai, no, it was Elrond, a very ill Elrond. He wore a bandage over his eyes. It made sense now, what the evil voice had said about being Elrond's wish and by his own words…"I will not see…." Celeborn found that his mouth had dried. It looked as if Elrond had been badly burnt. Bandages covered much of his upper body.

The scene changed and they were no longer in the clearing but in wide-open countryside. The sound of hoofbeats filled the air. Two horses came into sight. Two horses with riders that he knew all too well, Elladan and Elrohir. They were armed and had packs slung over their horses. They were riding fast.

From nowhere, a dark horde attacked them and they were lost from view.../

The chamber suddenly filled his sight and he found that he was hugging Galadriel desperately, fiercely. He was filled with horror and fear. Elrond had looked bad enough, as had Thranduil, they would have a long recovery ahead of them. But Legolas? Something about him made them think it would take more than a miracle for him to make it alive to Fornost. And if Legolas died... well the consequences did not bear considering.

"I still cannot contact Elrond. I fear greatly for him. He may be more gravely hurt than it appears. I wish Mithrandir was here. We could greatly benefit from his wisdom and guidance. Poor Legolas." She was sobbing once more and for once in his long life he did not know what to do to calm her, because he felt exactly the same.

The chamber door opened and Orophin entered with a fresh pot of hot water in his hands. He crossed to the table and began to make tea as he talked to them. "Captain Ivorhen has gone with some men to bring Elladan and Elrohir back, but they do not know in which direction they went. Lady Banwen has said they asked for provisions for the afternoon when they broke their fast." He poured some Miruvor as the tea steeped. "From her description, they had enough food to last them for a couple of days. She really does spoil them."

His tone was amused and he smiled, but as he looked up, it died on his lips as he took in their pallid looks. "What? What is wrong?"

He crossed to pass them each goblets of Miruvor.

"We have shared a vision of them being attacked by... I cannot be sure, but I think that they are Orcs. I did not really get a good look." Galadriel's voice shook as she spoke. The thought of her beloved grandsons being in the hands of those vile creatures upset her all the more. It was a little too much like deja vu, after all that had happened with Celebrian.

"They will be fine, Nana, it may not happen after all. You always say that. Please do not be upset. You know they have fought Orcs before." Orophin tried to reassure her.

It did not comfort her or still the fear she felt for them.

"But most of it has, I know it has. That is why I cannot contact Elrond and we already knew that Legolas and Thranduil were badly injured, that was why Elrond and Glorfindel went to meet them. It grieves my heart to think that something could happen to Elladan and Elrohir as well!" Galadriel ignored the goblet offered to her and began to cry softly once more.

"What will happen, will, Meleth, and we will face it then. Making yourself sick with worry will not help the situation. Come, drink your Miruvor and then we will have the tea. I think it would be best if we dined in the chambers this evening, I do not think that either of us is fit for company at this time."

"I have already explained that to Lady Banwen. I hope I did the right thing? She said that if Nana was still feeling unwell, she would bring the meal to you." Orophin added.

"That is good, hannon-le Orophin. I will be relieved as well when Elladan and Elrohir join us. I will not rest easily until I see them again." Galadriel gave the young Elf an incredibly watery smile.

"I know, Nana. They should have returned by now. It is getting late." The moment he spoke, Orophin wished he could bite the words back. What little colour the miruvor had returned to Galadriel's face fled once more. He could see Celeborn frown at him over her blond head.

Luckily for him, there was a knock at the door then. As Celeborn called for them to enter, his attention was distracted.

It was Lady Banwen and she brought with her what looked like, at least to Celeborn, a whole host of Edain women all carrying trays. The trays were piled high with more food than they could ever imagine being able to eat. He gave an almost silent sigh. It would appear that his little 'talk' had not made any difference whatsoever.

Lady Banwen was solicitous. "Galadriel, dear child, Orophin said that you were still feeling unwell. I do agree that it is best that you rest in bed for the next few days. I have told Bainen that the talks will only resume when you are feeling better. So you have time to sit with this poor delicate child, Celeborn. I do not want either of you troubled when you feel so poorly. I really think I should have our healer look at you, Galadriel. Please? It would put my mind at rest."

Her look of pleading tugged at Galadriel's heart and, even with the memory of Elrond's dire words regarding the state of the healing ward, she graciously agreed. She frowned deeply at being called 'delicate' however.

"Oh thank you, child, it will put my mind at rest, you look so pale and frail. Eat, and I will have him come attend to you. Have those adorable boys not returned from their ride?"

Only Celeborn's hand resting on her arm in warning stopped her from saying something she would greatly regret later. Galadriel's eyebrows almost rose into her hair at that. Frail! How on Arda could anyone think of her as both delicate and frail?She was in the best of health. Being an Elf she was never ill to start with.

"Thank you, Banwen that would be appreciated and no, Elladan and Elrohir have not returned yet. We have some of our people looking for them as we speak, they will return." Galadriel tried to keep the hard edge of irritation from her voice.

"Good, I will leave you to your meal. I will send for Mellroth now and he should be here as soon as you have finished. Enjoy your food." With a sweeping gesture, Banwen herded the serving ladies from the chamber.

Once the door had closed, there was a rather stunned silence and then a minor explosion as Galadriel broke the silence.

"Frail! Delicate!" Her voice rose with each word and Celeborn had to hide his smile. Without realising it, Banwen had done the best thing possible to keep her from brooding about the visions and their grandsons. "Child!" Celeborn was not really sure which word Galadriel was the most upset about.

"She means well, meleth." Celeborn was glad that she was not looking at him and continued to miss his amusement.

"I know, and that only makes it worse. Hannon-le meleth, for keeping me from speaking hastily. I do like Lady Banwen, but she can be a little..." Galadriel broke off, unwilling to voice the rest of the thought… "headstrong." crossed her mind even so.

It suddenly dawned on Celeborn that he knew exactly who Banwen reminded him of. How on Arda had he forgotten? "Eirien!"

His wife and foster son looked at him as if he had taken leave of his senses.

"That is who she reminds me of, Eirien of Bree!"

The wicked glimmer that shined from Galadriel's eyes made him groan and wish that he had remained silent.

"Ah, but of course, your Edan girlfriend, meleth?"

"She is not my girlfriend. All she did was inquire if I was married." Celeborn had the air of a man who had been teased about this subject many times in the past.

"Meleth, she asks every blond Ellon she sees if they are married. I have heard it from many of our people who travel there. I am sure that she would even ask Orophin here the same question should they meet." Orophin's ears were tinged red at her teasing and he no longer sniggered behind his hand.

"She asks Glorfindel that every time that she sees him and is never deterred. Her daughter means a lot to her and she wishes her to bond with a First Born. She will never change and would we really want her to change her ways?" Galadriel arched her right eyebrow teasingly at her husband.

"Yes!" Celeborn could not stop the reply leaving his lips.

"Hush, Celeborn, she knows that you are bonded. You, at least, are safe, but our Orophin?" The twinkle in her blue eyes was a delight to behold after her earlier fears and worries.

"You say she lives in Bree, Nana?" Orophin sounded suddenly very young and uncertain.

"Yes, Orophin, she does and if you ever happen to be that way and need help, she and her husband will go out of their way to help you in any way they can. Just watch out for their daughter!" She winked at the younger Elf and he knew then that he was being teased.

"I will make sure that I never go that way if I can help it!" He smiled back at her.

"Then you will miss the most incredible rabbit stew. Celeborn adores it, as does Elrond. Glorfindel would rather face a thousand Orcs, I think." She laughed at the incredulous look on Orophin's face. "When you see Glorfindel next, just say one word to him. Just this, 'Eirien' and see what happens!"

"I will do that, Nana, I will most certainly do that!" There was a look in his eyes that boded ill for the mighty Balrog Slayer. It was a mischievous look that they had seen him wear often as an Elfling but had appeared less often as he grew. It was such a rarity now that it was to be savoured and cherished. The brothers all seemed so serious and quiet most of the time now. They took their duties almost too seriously.

"Now, Galadriel, you need to eat. I will bring your meal. You are not to move from that bed." Celeborn stood and made his way over to Orophin and whispered in his ear. "Glorfindel is terrified of her."

This time Orophin could not hide the gale of laughter he felt at the picture that was being painted of Glorfindel. Never would he have thought he would be frightened of anything, never.

They had all finished their meal and the sun was beginning to set but still there was no sign of Elladan and Elrohir. Even Celeborn was beginning to feel anxious for their safety.

Finally he could wait no more and he stood, about to go and look for himself, when the door opened and in walked a very rattled Captain Ivorhen of Imladris.

"Have you found them?" Celeborn asked without preamble.

"No, Hir-nin. We have found no sign of them anywhere. No one has seen them all afternoon, not since they got their horses at the stable. The men are still looking for them and will continue to do so. Is it possible that they have followed Hir Elrond for some reason?"

Ivorhen hated the thought of upsetting the Lord and Lady before him, but he had no choice. He knew all too well what Elrond's sons could do and how much trouble they could find, seemingly out of nowhere. This was not the first time his group had been sent out to search for them, and likely would not be the last.

"They would not..." Celeborn sounded shocked and horrified. He had not even thought that they would leave Fornost, even after the vision/dream he thought they had been in Fornost, but now... Now the seeds of doubt had been sown. "They would." The latter was resigned. "I will go to see if there is anything missing from their room."

"We will come with you, Celeborn." Galadriel was about to climb out of bed but was stopped by her husband.

"No, Galadriel, stay, you need to rest. Orophin, please stay with your Naneth. I will return as soon as I can. Captain Ivorhen, saes, you come with me." The two of them left behind two very concerned Elves.

They entered the large empty bedchamber with a sense of trepidation. Now that he had thought about it, this was the most logical step for Elladan and Elrohir to take. They must have somehow overheard his conversation with Galadriel and Orophin. They must have. It was the only thing that made sense.

The beds had been made at some time during the day and wood was ready in the fireplace for a fire to be lit. He crossed to the large beech wood wardrobe and opened it. What he saw made his heart miss a beat. There was clothing missing, also their swords were gone from their place by the door. He had no doubt that if he were to check in Elrond's chambers their bows and quivers would be gone as well.

It left him no doubt that they had gone to find Elrond. He could only hope and pray that they got there safely and without hurt. They had at least thought to take provisions with them and for once he had to praise Lady Banwen for packing them more than sufficient food and water to last them.

Another thought crossed his mind and sent shivers down his spine. They had taken no Miruvor with them. If he had another vision, and he had no doubt that it would happen however much he hoped it would not, then Elrohir would have need of the strength-giving cordial. Had they even considered the possibility of more visions?

"I will have to go after them." There was certainty in Celeborn's voice, his decision had been made. He had no choice, he had to follow them. He would never rest easily nor forgive himself if he did not.

"I will accompany you, Hir-nin. I will split the troop. Half can stay here with Lady Galadriel to guard her safety. The others will come with us. I will arrange for provisions from the cook." Ivorhen turned to leave the chamber.

"Please make certain that we have plenty of Miruvor with us. I fear we will have need of it."

Celeborn wished he could be surprised at this, wished he could sigh, but he was too worried and too tired.

"By your command, Hir-nin." Ivorhen bowed and left the chamber.

Celeborn followed him and made his way back into his own chamber. He stopped at the closed door, took a deep breath and pushed the door open. He was set upon almost immediately.

"Well? Is there anything missing!" Galadriel would have jumped on him had she been out of bed and nearer.

"Yes, I am afraid so, clothing and their weapons. They have taken provisions but no Miruvor. They will have need of it, I am certain. Galadriel, you and Orophin will stay here. I will take half the troop and go after them. I cannot let them go on without following. I do promise they will regret this rash act. Mayhap one of the best things would be to have them working in Fornost's infirmary, even before it is rebuilt. That should curb some of their youthful exuberance."

"They have gone after Elrond?" Galadriel could not believe that her grandsons would do such a thing, especially at this time, with all that was happening.

"Yes, they have gone after Elrond. I want you to stay here and rest, gather your strength. This is far from over. Keep trying to contact Elrond and I will keep in contact with you through our bond. If you have any dreams or visions I want to know immediately, Meleth. Promise me?" He hated leaving Galadriel like this, but equally he had to go as well. For the first time in a long time Celeborn, Lord of Lothlorien, was torn in two directions. "Orophin, I want you to watch over her, be here to care for her when she has any other visions. You have done so before, you know what she needs."

"I will, Ada, I will stay with Nana at all times. Just get to those two hellions and bring them back. I will make certain that the healing ward is left just as it is for them." Orophin's tone was grim and Celeborn had no doubt that he meant every word he had just uttered. When his grandsons returned from their little adventure they would not get the warm reception they probably expected.

Celeborn and his small group left Fornost within the hour. The sooner they found the twins the happier he would be. They would not be stopping, apart from short breaks, until they found the pair and when they did... Well, as much as he would probably want to strangle them, he would probably hug them for all his worth.

Galadriel stood at the window of the chamber, Orophin at her side, as she watched her bonded ride away. Her heart was in her stomach. She hated to be parted like this, hated that her Grandsons had run off like this, so impulsively, without thought and proper planning. She would have a long hard talk with them when she had them in front of her. They would rue the day when they decided to do something so ridiculous.

---

Doroniel stood and watched as Gailarphen finished his stew. She was very aware that all the Elves around her were also watching his every move. Not that Gailarphen was aware of their scrutiny. He was too tired, too hungry and too worried about the injured to really give thought to anything else. She glared at them, not wanting him to become too suspicious. They turned back to their own jobs, ducking their heads with a guilty smile as they went.

Gailarphen sighed, contented and replete, when he placed the bowl on the ground. He felt much better for the hot food and warm drink. Now he needed to head back to his patients. He tried to stand but a firm hand on his shoulder made him stay where he was. He looked up in surprise. Doroniel stood over him and her look of satisfaction and amused concern made him blink.

"I do not think that you will want to get up just now, Gailarphen. In fact it might be better if you just lay down." There was a smug tone to her voice that made him look again.

An expression of realization swept across his face. "You drugged me, didn't you!" He sounded shocked as a great wave of fatigue washed over him.

"Yes, you needed it. You were not about to go rest, were you? You were going back to your patients." She smiled at him, pleased with herself. "Come, lay down near Elrond. You will be close to him when you waken then." She helped him over to a spare pallet in the shelter and aided him down onto it carefully, so he didn't simply collapse in a heap. He was already very unsteady on his feet.

"I will make you pay for this, Doroniel. What was it in, the stew?" The latter was said around the yawn that threatened to split his lean face.

"Yes, it was the stew. We knew you would suspect the tea." Doroniel gave a small mischievous grin. "You are exhausted, Mellon-nin. You really need the rest to get through the next few days with both Legolas and Elrond. Thranduil's condition is far from stable as well. Nestoron and I will watch them tonight. They need you in the best of health and not in the state that you are in now." Doroniel helped him to lie down and he was asleep almost instantly when he stretched out his long legs. She covered him with one of the blankets that had been folded and set to one side

Doroniel stood and made her way back over to the fire, grinning widely at Nestoron. Neither she nor he really thought that the Master Healer would fall for such a devious trick as drugging his stew, but it had worked and worked well, at least this one time. The fact the others had almost given it away, by stopping and watching him eat, could be addressed at another time. She could and would get her own back on them when they least expected it. Being one of Mirkwood's healers did have some benefits after all.

Haldir stood nearby with a small grin on his face as he also watched the small drama play its way out. He could tell that Master Healer Gailarphen did not stand any chance of winning this decision. The young Mirkwood healer had learned from two of the best in the art of Healing and now he was going to have to accept the consequences of being one of those said teachers. Haldir had no inclination to intervene on his behalf either. He had seen the healer awake the entire night before as he stood watch. With that thought, he decided to dish up his own stew later, just to be certain they didn't try it on him.

He looked around the campsite. He felt much better now that he was out of the cave, in the fresh air. He was pleased that Elrond and the others had been moved. There was something about the cave that unnerved him, something that felt wrong. Something even other than the two Witches.

When he recalled the Witches, for that was how he thought of them and nothing would ever change that feeling, he also recalled Thoronhen saying that they needed to check Legolas' mare. They had been doing something to the mare.

"Thoronhen? Saes, would you come with me? We still need to check Caun Legolas' horse."

Thoronhen nodded and made his way over. A frown marred his fair face. The herb gathering party he sent out that morning had still not returned and it was nearing evening. He was beginning to worry about his friends.

There was nothing more that he could do for the moment and Haldir was right. They needed to check the mare. He vowed that if they had harmed one hair on the mare's body then he would make them pay. The other Mirkwood Elves would feel the same, he was sure. Legolas had already been through far too much to see his much-loved horse harmed as well.

As they walked to where the horses had been put to graze, they scanned the herd. The little white mare, Gwaloth, was standing next to Thranduil's steel-grey stallion, Tinugwath, a little away from the rest of the horses. It almost seemed to them that she was leaning against him rather than next to him and they shared a worried glance.

As they came closer, the two horses raised their heads to look at them, pricking their ears at their approach. Tinugwath neighed at them in recognition and almost seemed to nudge the mare towards them. It spurred them to move to her even quicker.

Gwaloth favoured her left hind leg, badly. She barely put any weight on it. They were right. Tinugwath was taking her weight or at least a lot of it. To Haldir, it seemed that the stallion was protecting her, so he approached cautiously.

"Gwaloth, come, let us take a look at you. Did those two nasty Ellith hurt you?" Thoronhen spoke gently to the mare. He had been around the mare and dealt with her often in the past and she knew and trusted him.

Both Thoronhen and Haldir watched with concern as Gwaloth tried to come to them, but it was with such obvious pain when she tried to bear weight on that leg that they could not bear to let her even do that and rushed to help her. Even as they moved, Tinugwath stepped beside her and prevented her from falling and nudged her gently with a soft nicker as if trying to comfort her.

"Easy, easy Gwaloth, we will come to you. Tinugwath, can you stay with her?" Haldir would have laughed at any other time. He could have sworn that the stallion had just rolled his eyes at Thoronhen. The stallion stayed perfectly still, though, and let Gwaloth lean almost all of her weight on him.

It was Haldir who bent to look at her leg. It did not take long to see what the problem was and it made his ire rise. When he got his hands on those two Witches, he would make them pay! To hurt a poor defenseless animal like this! No, when Thranduil could be approached with this, he would report it to him. He was sure that the King would give them suitable punishment.

Thoronhen shot Haldir a look of utter surprise when he heard the deep growl that the March Warden had uttered at the sight of the injury. "What? What have they done?" He bent to join him in looking at the leg.

"They are utter, despicable Witches!" Thoronhen could not hide his anger either.

"Aye, they are. We will leave them for Aran Thranduil to deal with as he wishes. We need to help her right now. Can you go ask Doroniel if there is any Athelas left, and bandages? We need to dress this. She cannot be ridden as she is. She can hardly even walk." Haldir was trying to see just how deep the wound had gone.

"Then perhaps it is just as well that Caun Legolas cannot ride her at present. It will give her time to heal." He sounded grim. This would undoubtedly hurt Legolas should he find out. "I will go and speak with Doroniel" He left Haldir to stay with the horses.

Gwaloth had one long, deep wound down the back of her leg, along where the hamstring ran. The elastic muscle had been cut lengthwise to perhaps three quarters of the way through, enough to make her lame for quite some time, but not enough to cripple her. She would have pain when standing and moving around.

If Legolas had been able to ride and tried to mount her, well, suffice to say that Legolas would not have been able to remain mounted, even as good a young rider as the Elfling prince was. He would not have been able to remain on her back and would likely have sustained some injuries.

Thoronhen hurried back. "There was just a little Athelas left that Doroniel has given us to use. I recall seeing some growing maybe a half-day's travel from here. Sarnlome has offered to go and get some, but if I recall correctly, Lathron was aware of that patch and that is why, in all probability, they have been gone so long today." He looked up at the sky, gauging the length of daylight left to them. "They should be back within the hour if that is so."

"Good, we can use this to clean and dress the wound. Gwaloth will need some pain herbs as well. She must be in quite a lot of pain." Haldir gently rubbed her nose and she made her reply with a whinny into his hand.

"Yes, fortunately Doroniel has given me some other herbs for both the pain and inflammation. Some willow bark, elderflower and thyme to ease the pain also yarrow and valerian to aid healing. They should help you, darling one. I promise they will help you and I will not let those... vile Witches near you again." Thoronhen may have started off talking to Haldir but he finished speaking into Gwaloth's ear. She rested her head trustingly against his chest.

"Can you keep her like that, while I work? I can manage on my own, but I think this beautiful little Blossom needs comfort from both you and Tinugwath." Haldir grinned at the sight of Thoronhen with one horse resting against his chest and the other with his head on his shoulder. These horses trusted Thoronhen. That was blatantly obvious.

"Aye, I think so too. That and the fact that I dare not move!" Thoronhen was jesting. He could have easily moved but did not really want to. He also trusted these horses not to hurt him.

"Good, then do not move one muscle until I have finished!" Haldir got to work, first cleaning and then dressing the leg. He bound the herbs in place with a bandage, wrapped just tightly enough to help support the leg as well.

Gwaloth seemed to breathe a sigh of relief as the treatment went on and the herbs began to do their work. By the time Haldir had finished, she was nickering and snorting in Thoronhen's dark hair, making it fly in all directions as the Elf laughed at her antics. It seemed the gentle mare could be as lively and playful as her young master. It was good to see, after knowing how much pain she had been in earlier.

Haldir was laughing as he finished the bandage that he was winding around the leg, the two horses were having great fun playing with the warrior's hair and blowing it about, when an unexpected nudge from behind sent Haldir sprawling. That caused the others around him to laugh aloud. Haldir had been so engrossed in giving his aid to Gwaloth and laughing at the horses' antics with Thoronhen that he had not noticed that more of the horses had come to see what was going on. They gathered nearby in the hopes that there might be some treats to go around.

They had all patiently watched as Gwaloth's leg was treated but, as soon as that was done, they began searching for treats. Laughing, Haldir stood and shook his hands at the gathering horses. He tried to show them that he had nothing for them, but they just became more excited at that.

Sarnlome took pity on the beleaguered Haldir and brought him some bits of dried fruit so that they could give something to the patient, nosy horses. As the horses passed, they all nudged or sniffed at Gwaloth as if to see that she really was alright. Sarnlome had passed some dried fruit bits to Thoronhen for the two 'royal' horses that would not leave his side. Soon the three of them were being nudged and snorted at as the pair waited impatiently for their food.

Once the fruit was gone, the horses went back to their grazing. They left Gwaloth and Tinugwath for Haldir and Thoronhen to see to.

"I think it would be best to move Gwaloth a bit closer to the camp so that we may keep an eye on her. I do not trust those... two to leave her alone." Haldir would not deign to name them.

"I agree, they will also be near to Legolas and I think all of them would be happier with that." Thoronhen knew how much Legolas loved both horses and the sentiment was returned. The young Prince enjoyed visiting the stable to see them.

It took both of them to help Gwaloth to slowly move nearer to the camp by the Oak and nearer to Legolas. Tinugwath never left her side the entire time. Then Haldir and Thoronhen helped her to lie down on the ground comfortably. As soon as she was comfortable though, Tinugwath was fussing over her like they were an old married couple. It was lovely to see.

From where they stood, they could see the Elves digging the new pit. They all hoped that Legolas would have no need for it, but they had to dig it, just in case. They simply could not be caught without a water pit for Legolas while he still had a fever. His fever was already rising and, if the state of his leg was anything to go by, then it would only get worse.

They moved back towards the Oak, where Thranduil and Legolas rested. They had moved the horses to the perfect spot, right within line-of-sight from the clearing. Nothing could get to them to hurt them without being seen.

Legolas was still asleep, but Thranduil was awake now. He was being given the herb tea to help keep him calm. The herb for his heart sat to one side ready to be taken when he had finished the tea.

Bremoline had woken with a start when Thranduil stirred. He had helped Thranduil when he insisted he wanted to sit up and lean against the tree. Bremoline looked better as well, much better. He was still not in perfect health but nearer to it than he had been since just before the Imladris healers had arrived at the cave.

The cave, it had to be the cave, but what was it about it that was affecting them all so badly?

Haldir took an assessing look around, taking in everyone in the clearing, noting those who were still absent. His keen eyesight sought out the Wood Elves sleeping in the trees and those standing among their limbs, keeping watch for any signs of problems. Even the Elves of Imladris were resting easy, now that the major panic seemed to be over.

It was so peaceful in the clearing now. All the tension seemed to have eased and they could all take the time to breathe and rest a little, even Haldir relaxed a bit.

Doroniel and Nestoron were preparing what herbs they had left, so that when needed they were easily available.

Bremoline was gently talking to Thranduil, helping to keep him calm. He looked better to Haldir, not that he really knew that much of the healer's art. Thranduil did not look so grey. Although he was still very pale, he was not nearly as white as parchment. His lips, although still slightly blue-tinged, were not as deep a blue. All in all he looked better.

Legolas, though, looked even worse. Haldir had hoped that when his leg was properly treated it would help, but to look at him, it did not seem so. Haldir looked grim. With Elrond so badly incapacitated it made these things seem all that much worse. Elrond was still laid on his left side, facing away from Thranduil. He had not stirred since they had settled him there after his bandages were changed.

A cry from behind him made Haldir turn. One of the younger Mirkwood guards, Rithlin, called them over to the new pit. He looked worried. Thoronhen stood and went with him over to where the pit was almost finished. Captain Bremoline watched them closely from beside Thranduil, a worried frown on his face.

"What is wrong?" Thoronhen asked as he reached them.

"Come and see. It is as it was in the cave. We have found more bones. These have been gnawed on." Rithlin's voice was grim.

"Gnawed!"

"Bones!" Thoronhen and Haldir spoke at the same time.

Thoronhen was quick to explain to the Lothlorien Elf. "We found bones when we dug the privy and a few more when we dug Legolas' pit. They were ancient bones, possibly a mixture of Elf, Edain, animal, Dwarf, and Orc bones, with metal bits and rust mixed in."

Thoronhen turned back to Rithlin. "You say they were gnawed on? Show me."

There was no mistaking the order in his voice and the young member of the King's Guard did not hesitate to obey.

The bones were all scattered and intermingled as if they had gotten covered over once they had fallen into this state and not before. They could see the gouges and scrapes of tooth marks on the bones. Strange markings they were as well. Markings that none of them had ever seen before. It sent cold shivers down their spines.

"I have never seen anything like that. What could cause such deep gouges?" Thoronhen asked, shocked.

"I have no idea either. It does show that something is very wrong about this place and we need to move from here as soon as we can." Haldir's tone was emphatic.

"I agree. We will double the guard. I do not want to leave anything to chance." The others all nodded their agreement to that. "If you find any more bones let me know. Come Haldir, we will sort out the guard duty."

The two of them walked back to the main party. Haldir noticed that Thranduil had a hand on Legolas' head. He looked concerned and, as they passed, Haldir heard him ask Bremoline. "Should Legolas be this hot?"

They stopped as Bremoline also gently touched the small, swollen forehead. "No, he should not. Doroniel! Legolas' fever is rising again!"

Doroniel stopped what she was doing and hurried over. Nestoron came with her as well. They shared a worried glance. They had feared this may happen.

She dropped to her knees beside the Elfling Prince and gently brushed the matted hair away. If this continued, they may have to cut his hair for they feared to brush or wash it, for the pain it could cause with his fractured skull. As it was, his hair was already becoming a problem. Thranduil may not allow them to cut it though.

She winced. The heat of his fever met her hand. "We need to wash him down again. I need warm water and some wadding." Haldir hurried to bring them to her, anything to help.

It did not take long to get this fever spike down and they all relaxed gratefully. Doroniel was glad the new pit was being prepared in case the fever rose again.

Bremoline once more spent the entire time speaking to Thranduil, keeping him as calm as he possibly could, though he was also filled with worry.

Evening came and still the herb gathering party had not returned. Thoronhen was becoming more and more concerned that perhaps something had happened to them as Anor began her westward descent toward the Misty Mountains. When Rithlin let them all know that the evening meal was ready, Thoronhen decided to eat, but if they still had not returned when the meal was over, he would organise a search party.

As they sat down with some of the others gathered around the cook fire to eat, Haldir commented very quietly that Glorfindel had been very quiet and subdued. He realised that the March Warden was correct.

They settled down to eat the delicious stew that Gailarphen had partaken of earlier that day. It was very good. The talk was gentle and quiet in deference to the sleepers and injured.

Haldir, Rumil and Thoronhen were having a deep and meaningful conversation with regards to the threat of the dragon, Smaug, when Glorfindel seemed to suddenly slide sideways into Rumil's lap.

"Are you alright, Glorfindel?" Rumil asked as he helped the blinking Balrog Slayer sit upright once more.

"Yes, sorry. I do not know what happened then. This stew is nice." Glorfindel's eyes were wide as if he was trying to keep himself awake.

"Yes, it is. Enjoy it." Rumil went back to his conversation, missing the almost triumphant look that crossed Nestoron's face from where he sat on the other side of the fire.

Thoronhen was half-way through telling the two Lothlorien Elves the humorous tale of Lathron walking into the spider's web a few days before while hunting, when Glorfindel ended up almost face first in his lap. Shocked, Thoronhen helped him to sit up to spare his wounded shoulder any pain. He shared a perplexed look with the others. Glorfindel seemed as puzzled as they were. A wide yawn split his face, as he tried to stay upright. None saw the smirk that Doroniel hid behind her hand at the sight Glorfindel presented as he wavered in his place in front of her.

Thoronhen had just finished the tale along with the comments about his looking to the sky and still not walking into any waiting webs when Doroniel's amused voice split the air.

"If you were in such dire need of a pillow, Glorfindel, I would have offered my lap to you earlier." They turned to see Glorfindel sprawled on his back with his head in the amused healer's lap. Silence followed her words as they all waited to see what Glorfindel would do.

Nothing happened.

"Glorfindel?" No response was forthcoming. Alarm began to grow in Doroniel and she reached for his pulse. The others around her all looked worried and were beginning to shuffle uneasily until she smiled in relief. "He is just asleep. I think the sleeping herbs I gave him are working."

Across the fire, Nestoron froze and then almost squeaked out. "Please tell me you did not add sleeping herbs to his stew."

"Alright then, I will not tell you I added sleeping herbs to Glorfindel's stew. Why do you ask?" She realised the reason almost straight away when the look of horror crossed his face. "You did not add..."

"Aye, to his tea. What did you give him? No wonder he fell asleep so quickly." As the other Elves watched them, gaping in shock, they swapped the names of the sleeping herbs they had given him. Luckily they had used two different mild herbs that could be used in conjunction with each other. Neither would cause Glorfindel harm, together they would just make him sleep longer and deeper.

Haldir and Rumil set aside their bowls of stew and rose to help Nestoron make a very limp and relaxed Glorfindel comfortable on a pallet in the shelter next to Gailarphen, close to Elrond.

Thranduil watched all this from where he still sat propped against the tree next to Legolas. Bremoline was helping him to eat some stew. This was the first time that Thranduil had eaten properly for a while and he was surprisingly hungry.

Calandor was just waking from another deep healing sleep when they finished tucking Glorfindel in, just as they would a drowsy little Elfling. They moved a couple of the blanket walls of the shelter to allow those by the tree a view of the others seated at the fire and to allow the healers to keep an eye on their patients.

Rithlin noticed right away that he was awake. "Are you feeling any better, Cal? Are you hungry?" He had moved to his friend's side and helped him to sit up, propped against the tree root again.

"Yes, thank you. Something to eat would be most welcome, I am hungry. I do feel a lot better." Calandor could hear the contentment of the tree as it still hummed to Legolas as he slept.

Calandor looked around the campsite, noting the relaxed attitude of the Elves around him. This was much better than the last time he had been awake. It was also good to be in the fresh air where he could see the sky.

"Good, I will bring you some stew." Rithlin hurried back to the fire, alerting Doroniel that her future husband was awake. She hadn't really needed told as she already knew and was smiling at him widely.

"Are you truly feeling better, Calandor?" Calandor jumped, startled at being addressed by Thranduil. He hadn't noticed that the King was awake. Thranduil's voice sounded so unlike its normally robust timber. Instead, he sounded weak and ill. He looked it, as well.

"Yes, Aran-nin, I am much better. Hannon le." He watched with concern as Bremoline helped Thranduil to eat.

Thranduil shook his head slightly against the tree and gave a weak smile. "It is Thranduil, Calandor. To my friends it will ever be Thranduil." Calandor was overwhelmed to be counted as a friend by his king.

"Are you well, Thranduil?" It felt wrong to call him that, but he was glad to see Bremoline's pleased nod at his use of the familiar name. Obviously more had been going on than he was aware of as yet. He would never have believed his King to seem this weak.

"Nay, but I am better." He turned his gaze to Bremoline. "This hot stew will help, hannon le, Mellon-iaur, for all your help, without it I would have gone hungry. I doubt I have the strength to even hold the spoon." Thranduil sounded embarrassed.

"That is what friends are for, Mellon-nin. You know I will help in any way that I can. I would be shamed to ever let you go wanting for anything if I could prevent it."

A strange soft noise from beside him caught Calandor's attention. Elrond was making the odd noise as he breathed. He had heard something like it somewhere before, but where? Then he recalled a trip to talk to the Woodsmen in Mirkwood. This was the noise that many of the men made in their sleep! What was it called? Sneering? No, that did not seem to be right, but he could not think of the true Edain word for it.

Would Elrond make that noise? He did not know, but then, Elrond was Peredhil after all, Half-Elven. Maybe he had some Edain characteristics? It was possible that he would also breathe noisily in his sleep if that was so.

Satisfied with his reasoning, he turned away and concentrated on Thranduil and Bremoline. His attention was further diverted when Rithlin returned with the bowl of stew and some herb tea for him. The smell was enticing and it made his stomach rumble with hunger. Rithlin helped him to eat as he still could not use his bandaged hands. They all chatted as the two incapacitated Elves ate with the help of their friends.

Calandor was aware that the sound of Elrond's breathing was getting deeper and seemed to be struggling at times. He looked over now and again but could see nothing. He did mention it to Rithlin who seemed to be as puzzled as he was.

Calandor had just finished the stew and was drinking his tea with Rithlin's aid when Thranduil was interrupted by Doroniel bringing him more calming tea. It had been four hours since he had awakened and been given some.

"You need some more of the calming tea, Thranduil. As Bremmy told you, you need it every four hours along with..." She noticed the herb to treat his heart still lying where it had been placed and then forgotten earlier. Looking up she noted the horrified look on Bremoline's face and recalled that Legolas' fever had spiked at the same time that Thranduil was being given the herbs. "There is no harm done, Bremoline, as long as it does not happen again." She gently took Thranduil's pulse to make certain. "It is still too fast and irregular but not as bad as it could be. Please take the herbs now Thranduil? They rest on your tongue and you let them dissolve..."

She stopped and looked around. Something was very wrong. She could feel it in the trees. Their song had changed, became urgent.

"The trees are saying that both Legolas and Elrond need help!" Thranduil's weak voice was urgent as he heard the tree's alarm first. Calandor realised it second, followed by Doroniel.

"Legolas and Elrond?" She moved towards Legolas, swooping to give him a cursory check before moving to Thranduil's other side to look at Elrond. What she saw and felt alarmed her. "Nestoron! I need help, NOW!"

The other healer moved like a scalded cat as she knew he would do. When another healer used that tone of voice, they moved with alacrity and it was no joke.

"What can I do?" Nestoron had brought with him what little was left of the herbs they had.

"Legolas' fever is high again. We will need to make use of the pit. Elrond is having major difficulty breathing. I need to..." Doroniel broke off in horror as Legolas suddenly gave a jerk and began to fit once more without warning. Thranduil gave an inarticulate cry and tried to reach for him.

It spurred Bremoline into action. Before the King had time to close his mouth, the bitter powdered herb had been pushed onto his tongue.

Already the Elves from all three realms were working together to line and fill the pit in the shortest time possible. Urgent hands helped to lift and gently carry the convulsing Legolas to said pit and removed the blanket that was all that clothed the small body. Nestoron thanked the Valar that they had not taken the chance or time to put any clothes on Legolas. It saved time now. Soon Legolas was being lowered gently into the slightly warm water. He noted with a burst of amusement that no one stayed near those thin legs. They had all been warned of the strength of this young Elfling or seen the evidence themselves.

Doroniel did not have the time to even think about what was happening with Legolas however. Elrond was in serious distress. Calandor tried to tell her of the 'sneering', he had meant snoring actually, that he had noted earlier. No Elf snored, whether full or half-elven. This told her that Elrond had been having trouble breathing for a few minutes. Elrond's lips were a deep-blue cyanosed colour and she could hear the stridor. It was a harsh snort that finished the breath. It was evident in his breathing. The frightening fact was that Elrond was not getting enough air in his lungs for this to continue for much longer. She looked at Rithlin who hovered nearby in worry. He wanted to help.

"Help me sit him up. Now! We need him upright. Careful how you hold him." They moved quickly, careful of his burns. It did ease Elrond's breathing somewhat, but not enough. She bent to look in his mouth and then felt his throat. There was swelling in his throat, it was huge and had almost completely blocked his throat and airway.

Doroniel winced. Ai, Valar! They had almost lost Elrond and not even been aware of it. "I need thuioladin galas, peppermint oil and some arnica and I need them now!" They needed to get this swelling down right now, before Elrond's throat closed off entirely. Fortunately those medicines were already prepared as tinctures and stored in sealed glass vials in Gailarphen's extensive healer pack.

"We do not have enough peppermint. It has all but been finished!" This time Doroniel did swear, putting any front-line warrior to shame. It would just have to do. At least they did have a small amount she could use.

A voice was raised in a hail from above them in the tree. She could have burst into tears with relief. The watch had just spotted the returning herb-gathering party! She turned to look in the direction the sentry was pointing.

A very battered group it was too. Three were moving together... limping together by the looks of it. Two of them were supporting a third, who could not put his left leg to the ground. Another had a bloody dressing around his head. A third had a sling on his arm. All in all, the entire group had seen better days, but one held a bulging pack up for all to see. They had the herbs!

Haldir did not wait for them to get to camp. He swiftly ran to the group and with a quick word of warning, grabbed the pack from Rochon and brought it to the camp. Others, unable to be of any real help with their Prince and Lord, hurried to help the group.

Doroniel knew she would have to treat their injuries, but they would have to wait their turn. Elrond needed her now more than they did, as Legolas needed Nestoron's attention.

She worked quickly to create a paste for applying to the outside of Elrond's damaged throat. She directed Haldir to apply it as she made the tincture mix to reduce the swelling inside his throat. This would be the tricky one... getting this into Elrond and past the swelling without him choking on it.

She had just finished mixing it in a goblet when she heard a strangled gasp and then Bremoline again called out. "Thranduil!" Thranduil's heart was having yet another attack from the stress of these other emergencies.

Doroniel could not believe this! She and Nestoron had thought that everything was under control when they had given Gailarphen the sleeping herbs and now... now they desperately needed him and it would be very difficult to wake him. They just didn't have the time now. What more could go wrong? She asked herself desperately.

She should not have tempted fate, for even as her thought was finished, Thoronhen caught sight of a large creature flying towards them. He could not believe that with all the panic that was going on around him he could still keep a look-out in the sky. He gave a quick warning.

"Dragon!" He yelled as loud as he could for all to hear.

The word had a magical effect on the Elves. Some hurried the injured parties out of sight. Others readied their bows or swords to protect the injured that could not be moved.

A loud whistling cry filled the air. It was a cry that Bremoline knew all too well.

He called out, to calm the panic. "Wait! It is not Smaug, it is Gwaihir! The Great Eagles are here!

The Elves lowered their bows but did not put away their arrows, nor did they relax, but watched as the large black form in the sky over the mountain got nearer and split into two and then three. It was then and only then that they relaxed.

"Praise Iluvitar! We may have some chance of moving the injured now..." Doroniel muttered as she and Haldir continued to help Elrond swallow the small dribbles of tincture tea without choking him on it.

"Who would have sent the Eagles?" Bremoline sounded as frantic as Doroniel felt as he tried to help Thranduil. Luckily this attack had not been as bad as any previous. He had not passed out entirely this time. He could see why the healers were insistent that Thranduil took his medicine without fail. He would make certain Thranduil took the herbs now, even if he had to sit on him to do so.

"We will find out soon!" Thoronhen called, trying to help where and when he could. The Eagles would be with them soon, very soon.

He peered up into the darkening blue sky, thankful once more that he had more than lived up to his name with his sharp Eagle eyes. What he identified on the back of Gwaihir made him rejoice.

"It is Mithrandir, he is with the Eagles! Clear some space for the Eagles. We need them to come near to the injured!" The Elves who had been ready to defend them hurried to follow his orders.

"How is Hir Elrond?" Rithlin asked. He could not believe that he had almost caused the Elven Lord's death by his ignorance and inattention.

"Better. We will need to keep him upright and watch him very carefully for now. It is not your fault, Rithlin, you did not know that he does not snore. Do not place blame upon blameless shoulders. Would you bring Mithrandir directly to us as soon as he has landed?" She did not blame him at all. She should have thought to check on Elrond's damaged throat. He had been getting progressively hoarser as he spoke earlier. The swelling had probably started then.

"Snore? That is the word I was trying to recall!" Calandor was equally worried that he had not known to draw Dor's attention to Elrond's breathing.

Rithlin was a little relieved, but still worried. "I will, Doroniel, as soon as I possibly can."

The Eagles landed close to the great Oak, folding their wings and stepping nearer. This caused panic among the horses. Gwaloth was trying to rise from where she lay on her side, nickering in panic and thrashing around. Tinugwath placed himself between the mare and the Eagles. His protective stance could not be missed as he snorted with his ears laid back along his skull and pawed the ground in warning. It was an impressive display against a creature large enough to carry him away in one huge-taloned foot.

Mithrandir dismounted with alacrity. The sight of the white mare on the ground when they approached had worried him greatly. His unease had only risen when Gwaihir had informed him of the trees' distress at the Elves' condition. He had not said which Elves and Mithrandir did not have to ask...

Rithlin hurried over to him. "Mithrandir! Mae govannen! We are very glad to see you. We are in great need of help."

"I know and I come to offer it." He held up a healer's pack as he spoke. They hurried back over to the shelter as he looked around. "Gwaihir has offered to fly your injured back to Imladris. They are prepared to receive them. Ai, this is worse than I thought!"

Indeed, to Mithrandir's eyes, the shelter was in a state of utter panic and some who seemed injured looked out of the cave up the hill. Captain Bremoline sat on a tree root to one side trying to keep a very ill-looking Thranduil calm. Thranduil's lips were blue and his eyes wild, but so were Bremoline's. He held his breath in fear that Thranduil's heart would give out at any moment. To Mithrandir, he looked almost as ill as Thranduil at the moment.

Another elf with bandages on his hands and feet sat on a pallet nearby. He looked frustrated and anxious as he watched the others around him.

Mithrandir saw with great concern that Haldir and Doroniel were gently but firmly trying to give a very blue-lipped Elrond some medicine of some kind, apparently trying to do so without choking him. Ai, Valar, there are bandages over his eyes. Arwen was right, he is severely wounded. Bandages covered much of his body, over what appeared to be burns. How could that happen?

Gailarphen and Glorfindel appeared to be unconscious nearby. And where was Legolas? He looked around for the Prince only to find a crowd of Elves away to one side. Nestoron was in their midst and he had an air of calm panic about him. The air of one afraid but who HAD to stay calm when panic was the last thing they needed. It was rare to see that in a healer and all the more shocking because of that.

Mithrandir tried to look around the other elves to see who they had with them when a startled cry of "Legolas! No!" cut through the air from their midst.

Doroniel hurriedly gave Rumil the goblet of tincture and gestured for him to take her place and continue giving Elrond the medicine nearly a drop at a time. As she hurried over to the group, Mithrandir stepped in neatly behind her. He noted in passing that Thranduil was clutching at his chest as if he was having some kind of pain there. Odd, could Thranduil...? No, that was impossible.

As they reached the group, the elves parted so that they could see what was happening. Mithrandir felt his heart drop as he got his first good look at the Elfling Prince that he knew so well...

To be continued …

---

We would like to thank you all for the wonderful reviews, they mean a lot to us and it hurts that we can no longer reply to them here. If you leave your email address with your review we will contact you with our reply.

Thank you all once more,

Love,

SSS