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?

10. Chapter 10

The Twisted Web of Fate. 9?

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

Disclaimer: Try as we might, we still don't own any part of the wondrous world created by the genius of J.R.R. Tolkien, so we just visit it and borrow a few characters for these stories. We write them for our own entertainment and we surely don't make any money off them.

Rating: PG13 Action/adventure/angst

Feedback: or on list.

Spoilers: Well, surely 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?

WARNING – Lots of angst and hurt/care.

Sorry, the graphic descriptions of the terrible wound and of extensive second degree burns appear here too and it is not pretty. They may be a bit too intense for some. Shell is a stickler for medical accuracy.

You may need a tissue or three for this chapter, maybe not….

We are aware we seem to be repeating the same story to different characters, but they have to be told what is happening too. We try to mix it with lots of new stuff.

Sorry if this chapter rambles a bit. Neither of us were exactly at our best. Shell was in the hospital and I had a few problems too.

YES, there is a cliffie.

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

Sindarin vocabulary………….

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

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

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

Mellon-iaur – old friend

Mellon-nin, mellyn-nin - my friend, my friends

Morn – black

Namarie – Farewell

Ned - of

Norn – twisted

Penneth – Young one

Saes - Please

Sîdh - peace

Suilad – Hail or Greetings

Terms and definitions…………………………..

Friable – delicate, easily damaged

/indicates thought or vision/dream/

---

Chapter Nine

---

Spring was still new to the year and the days closed early, leaving the evening blanketed in darkness. Hidden birds trilled a sleepy tune as dusk fell, but would soon give way to the nocturnal chorus of frogs and crickets as night slowly descended in Eriador in Middle Earth.

The sound of hoofbeats split the air with a rapid, steady rhythm.

Two horses came into view, identical horses that held two identical riders. Anyone leaving a tavern, after imbibing a few too many mugs of ale or mead, would think they were seeing double. They would have been mistaken…this time.

"I cannot believe…." The rider on the right began.

"…that we have actually…." The one on the left continued the sentence.

"…gotten away with this!" They both finished the sentence together before breaking off to laugh giddily.

They felt exhilarated. Both Elladan, on the right, and Elrohir had truthfully thought that they would have a lot more trouble getting away from Fornost than they had met earlier that day. None had challenged them. Not one person even seemed to have noticed that they had passed by.

This was starting out to be the best excursion that they had been on in quite some time. Even the weather seemed to welcome them on this journey. After the extremely long, hard winter spent literally trapped in Imladris by snow and ice, this was a welcome change. Now all they had to do was find their Adar, to see him safe, and they would be happy

As it was, they were covering the distance away from Fornost rapidly, on their way back over the same ground they had covered just a few days before on their trip into Fornost. Their horses had seemed to be as glad of the open road as they had been. They seemed to revel in the freedom to race ahead and enjoy what was left of the day.

"I hope that Daer Nana does not worry too much." Elrohir sounded worried as he thought about his Grandmother. She had looked so tired and pale the last time they had seen her that morning.

"She will be alright, Ro, you will see. When we find Ada…." Elladan was quick to reassure his brother.

"I know, I just…I know now what she and Ada feel like when they have a vision and it is not nice." Elrohir could only shiver as he recalled how pained he had felt last night after his vision. That was all he could recall, luckily for him.

Elladan's mood was dampened by the memory of last night and the fear that had chilled him when Elrohir collapsed. "I know, Ro, I was so scared for you. I never thought I would see you like that." He looked up at the rapidly darkening sky. "We should take a short rest and take advantage of the dusk."

"Good thinking. Let's find a nice little place away from the road." They both kept a good lookout for a suitable place for them to rest concealed for perhaps fifteen minutes.

They both knew that once it was fully dark their Elven glow would shine like a beacon in the open land. They would need the cloaks that they had brought with them to avoid attracting attention. The last thing they needed was to bring out the predators that roamed the lands or make it easy for any that followed to find them. At least the cover of their cloaks would prevent that. The night breeze was still chill enough that it would also make their ride more comfortable.

As their matching bay stallions, Saeleinior and Callon, grazed contentedly under the quarter moon, both Elladan and Elrohir took the chance to have an apple and some water. Tomorrow they could stop for a proper morning meal, but for tonight this was all they needed. Lady Banwen had, after all, made certain that they had partaken of a good meal before they left Fornost. They were both still sated from that meal.

It was fully dark by the time they were ready to leave. Before they mounted, they removed their cloaks from their packs and secured them around their throats.

As Elrohir was about to swing up onto Callon's back, a snow-white owl flew down from one of the trees around them, hooting a soft welcome, before disappearing into the night to hunt.

"Are you through dallying with the night life, Ro?" Elladan could not help but tease Elrohir.

Elrohir scowled at him. "Just because you are jealous that they will not speak to you… Are you ready?"

"Yes, the faster we are on our way the sooner we will get to Ada and Legolas." Elladan swiftly mounted and they headed off into the night, their Elven glow hidden by their hooded cloaks.

---

Celeborn and his small band were also setting a rapid pace. Fortunately, once they found Elladan and Elrohir's trail it was pretty straightforward. The twins had simply not bothered to hide their tracks.

It was obvious to him that all his grandsons were thinking about was getting to their Adar. He hoped and prayed that they would not just head straight into danger recklessly, blindly.

He could still recall in vivid detail the vision/dream that he and Galadriel had shared that morning. Ai, he could just strangle them for worrying Galadriel like this! She was already extremely anxious over Legolas and Elrond without this added to her burden of concerns.

/Meleth/ Galadriel's voice cut through his rapidly darkening thoughts.

/Galadriel, are you well/ He tried to keep his worried thoughts from her.

/Yes, I am well. Have you found them/ She was not even trying to shield herself from him and he could feel her fear for her grandsons and her family, including himself.

/No, but we are on their tails. They are not even hiding their path. We should be with them soon. Have you had any more visions? Any contact with Elrond/ Well, he could hope couldn't he?

/Nay, nothing. I will let you know as soon as I do. Please take care, Meleth./

/I will Meleth, I will soon be back with you./

Celeborn looked up into the cobalt-blue sky, darkening to violet-black. They would not be stopping unless necessary. He somehow did not think that Elladan and Elrohir would be either.

"We will stop for a short break." Celeborn did not rest neither did he eat as the others did. He was too worried to do any of that. Instead, he paced backwards and forwards in the small clearing, aware that the others were watching him in amusement. It was not often that he was seen in this state of worry. Only one other Elfling had ever succeeded in bringing him into such a state of agitation, his daughter Celebrian. Oh, how he missed her! And how like their mother his grandsons really were.

It was a relief when they continued on their journey. All wore their cloaks to hide their presence from unfriendly eyes. He was certain that unfriendly eyes were watching them. He could feel it, could almost sense them, even if he did not know exactly which direction it was coming from.

Only the moon and starlight guided their way through that long night. As they passed by, deep red eyes watched them closely and lips drew back in a silent menacing curl…

---

Mithrandir drew up in shock, his colour fled at the sight before him. If Elrond and Thranduil looked severely hurt, it was nothing compared to the Prince. In fact, if not for the blond hair, though matted and wet, he would not have recognised Legolas.

Legolas looked as if he had already passed from this world and it was only the frantic working of healer Nestoron and the other Elves that convinced him that he was wrong.

Legolas was deathly grey, his forehead swollen and bruised. And so thin, painfully thin, as if he had not eaten in weeks. This was far beyond anything that he had expected. He was very glad that Gwaihir was willing to take the injured back to Imladris for care. It was obvious that Legolas was in dire need of it.

Legolas was having convulsions, apparently caused by a fever. He was fitting, silently and eerily, as the healers tried to cool his overheated body in a small cloth-lined pool that looked newly-dug. His leg was held out of the water, wrapped tightly in a splint and it looked to be badly swollen. He must get the tale of what happened here before long, but for now, all that mattered was keeping Legolas alive…. if they could…

Mithrandir took a stumbling, shocked step towards Legolas, sure that he could give aid, when a harsh, bubbling cough came from behind him. He did not have time to stop or to look back to see who this could be, though he could guess it was Elrond.

Doroniel twirled suddenly on her heel in front of him. She had been on her way over to Legolas but began to hurry back towards Elrond, or would have, if she had not been so closely followed by Mithrandir. As it was, she ran into him at almost full tilt. Her wooooop was echoed by his as she landed bottom-first on the ground. Who would have known that a wizard would be so soft and bouncy?

"My dear, I am so sorry. Are you hurt?" Mithrandir bent to help her back to her feet and Doroniel would have answered but she was not given time.

"Doroniel!" Thoronhen's raised voice sounded panicked.

"Forgive me, Mithrandir, I am needed." She did not even wait for a reply, but pushed herself up from the ground and stepped around him. "What is wrong?"

"Hir Elrond is choking, even on the small amounts we are giving him." Rumil sounded as panicked as Thoronhen seemed. Haldir, with a very worried expression on his normally-austere face, was carefully supporting Elrond propped against Thoronhen's chest, with his head tilted back on the archer's right shoulder.

"Let me see!" She bent to examine him again. The swollen throat really was no better, but equally it was not any worse. "How much have you been giving him?" She watched as Rumil tried to feed the medicated tea to Elrond once more. "You have a little too much on the spoon. What you should really be doing is this..." She showed him. Gently placing one or two drops into the blue-tinged mouth, she then closed it and massaged the throat to stimulate Elrond's swallowing reflex, careful not to press on the bruised and scalded flesh too hard, but hard enough to do the job.

Rumil watched her every move, a worried frown in place. He had received a big shock and fright when Elrond began to choke. He was not really sure that he was comfortable with trying to feed the Elven Lord the medicated tea. He was no healer. He was a warrior, more used to fighting a foe than caring for wounded. The fact that Elrond was his foster kinsman, gwanur, made him nervous as well. He would not wish to do anything to harm him, even by accident. Elrond had always been kind to him and his brothers.

"Thoronhen, would you feed the tea to Elrond? I really need to find out what is happening with Legolas and Rumil does not seem comfortable doing so. I will be back as soon as I can. If only we did not give Gailarphen the herbs..."

Doroniel realised that she was mumbling and shook her head. Unfortunately, that re-awakened the headache that she thought had disappeared with her other symptoms.

Perhaps it came because she was still exhausted? Perhaps it was the fall she had just taken? The last few days, nay weeks, had been very difficult. Watching her friends suffer like this did not help.

"Of course I will, Doroniel. You know that. Can you help us while we change places? I do not think Hir Elrond should be laid down even for that short time." Thoronhen was watching the Elven Lord closely, in case he choked once more.

As a result, he missed the faint grimace of pain that crossed Doroniel's face when she moved. Maybe she would need to make use of some of the newly-gathered herbs? She moved delicately, making sure that she did not move her head unnecessarily.

She helped them hold Elrond upright as Rumil took Thoronhen's place next to Haldir and soon Elrond was resting against his chest with his head tipped back against his shoulder while Haldir steadied him there. Their positions seemed a bit awkward because they were leery of irritating Elrond's burns. Thoronhen quickly moved around and accepted the goblet from Doroniel. Under her experienced eye, he gave Elrond a few drops and repeated her actions from earlier.

"Well done, all of you. You make quite the team together. I will be back as soon as I can. If you are at all worried, call for me and I will come straight away."

Her words were rewarded with relieved smiles. She rose and hurried back to where the small gathering of Elves still milled around worriedly near the new water pit.

---

Mithrandir was not given the chance to reply to Doroniel as she hurried away. He did not try to stop her. He knew all too well to not get in the way of a healer on a mission, as Doroniel clearly was.

Shaking his head, he carried on his way, before kneeling beside Nestoron.

"How is Legolas?" It was a silly question, he knew, but also one that needed to be asked.

"Not good. I cannot get his fever down. I need some more of the anti-convulsion herb tea and possibly the paste if this does not stop soon." Nestoron was washing Legolas' pallid face as he held him in the water.

"Do you want me to get them for you?" Mithrandir asked, watching as Legolas seemed to draw his face once more into a painful grimace.

"Yes please, Mithrandir. Doroniel and I prepared some of the herbs earlier that we thought we might need. They are set out next to my pack." Nestoron looked up at him from the still-struggling Elfling. Mithrandir was struck with a strong urge to laugh then. Given different circumstances, he would have done so.

The normally-immaculate Nestoron was soaked from head to toe and getting quite muddy as he knelt in the dirt. His hair was hanging limp as water dripped from the ends of his braids. There was a wide smear of mud from his cheek to his nose. It was only then that Mithrandir realised that Nestoron was not the only one who was sodden. All the Elves near him were soaked as well.

Nestoron's voice was terse as he noticed the glint of amusement in Mithrandir's eyes. "The force of Legolas' seizure made his face slip under the water. We had to keep his leg out of the water. The last thing we need is for it to get wet."

"Of course, Nestoron." Mithrandir's lips twitched.

Nestoron sighed. "I could hardly let go and have the Prince drown, could I?"

"No, Mellon-nin, you could not and I, for one, thank you for that. Let me get the herbs for you." Mithrandir hurried to the pack and gathered up the tea and paste that Nestoron indicated with a nod and then hurried back with them.

"You will need to feed the tea to Legolas while I hold him, just a sip at a time. Then once that is done, we need to get him out of the pit and onto his side so that we can give him the paste. Do not, what ever you do, go anywhere near Legolas' legs! He is very good at making his kicks land right where you do not want them, and with force. Just ask Lathron about that." Nestoron was still trying to keep Legolas' face above the water. It was not an easy task.

"Why, what happened to him?" Mithrandir knelt beside Legolas, careful to keep distance from the thrashing leg that was not held out of the water. He could see that the other Elves were having a lot of difficulty holding onto his legs.

"Legolas kicked him right in the gweth, hard enough that he re-fractured his leg, or so I am told." Nestoron had gestured for Craban to help hold Legolas so that they could feed him the tea.

Mithrandir took it slowly, one or two sips at a time, to make certain that Legolas did not choke like Elrond had. It went against all his instincts to go this slowly. What he really wanted was to get the tea into Legolas as soon as possible, to stop this seizure now, but that could be the wrong thing to do.

He looked down at the ashen face beneath him and pictured Legolas as he had last seen him. Playing a game of chase with Minerella and laughing among the trees...

His train of though shut off then, as he finally took note of what Nestoron had said. "This is not the first seizure that Legolas has had?" It was really a statement rather than a question.

Nestoron sighed and looked up once more. "Yes, he has had more. He has even stopped breathing. Legolas is very ill. His leg..."

He did not get a chance to finish the sentence. Mithrandir didn't get the chance to give him any more of the tea either.

Legolas gave one huge convulsion, his right hand balled into a fist. He hit out, catching the surprised Maia with the force of it. It sent the goblet flying before he could even try to save it. Mithrandir swore...colourfully.

The force of the seizure took all of them by surprise and sent two of them flying. Rochon had no choice but to drop the injured leg. He truly could not have held onto it, no matter how hard he tried. The splinted leg fell into the water with a great splash and water spewed everywhere.

Mithrandir no longer found it funny that Nestoron was covered from head to toe with muddy water because he was also now just as wet. Muddy water now dripped from his beard.

Nestoron somehow managed to hold onto Legolas and keep him from falling under the muddy water, although he also swore very colourfully. He then blushed under the smeared mud on his face when a long pale hand reached out to help him.

It belonged to a grim-faced Doroniel. She said nothing, just helped them to lift Legolas out of the muddy water.

"We must have made the pit too deep." Rochon sounded subdued as they laid Legolas on a blanket spread on the ground nearby. "Will this help with his fever?"

"Not really, I did not have time to get all the tea into him." Mithrandir helped them lift Legolas and then covered his naked form with another nearby blanket, trying to help give him some privacy at least.

"Then we have to get the paste into him." Doroniel stated. "How is Thranduil?" She could not look because her back was to the Oak tree and she was helping to hold Legolas.

She had not even had a chance to look at the King when she crossed to help them with Legolas. The large splash had warned her that she was needed.

"I think he is having some kind of chest pain, but surely that is not possible in one of the First Born." Mithrandir was helping them to move Legolas onto his left side.

"Normally, no, but unfortunately this is far from normal. We were hit by lightning and Thranduil has sustained damage to his heart from the strike. He has been having palpitations and chest pain. Rochon, look and tell me, is Thranduil breathless?" Doroniel was rapidly rolling the thick paste into a compact ball between her fingers, ready to administer it.

Rochon looked over to where Bremoline was still frantically trying to calm Thranduil. It was obvious to the archer that his Captain was not making much progress. Thranduil looked grey and was panting. Even as he watched, Bremoline placed more of the powdered heart herb into the King's gasping mouth. He had no idea what the herb was called.

"Yes, Doroniel, but Bremoline has just given Aran Thranduil more of the herb you are using."

Doroniel looked up sharply at that, making her head throb. "He is? Go and give Bremoline more of the calming tea for Thranduil. Tell him that he is under no circumstances to give him any more of the lhaew hûn nestadren salab unless I say so. Too much of it can be as dangerous as too little. We will need to change the dressing on Legolas' leg before we can even think of moving him." Rochon nodded and moved quickly.

"I agree." Nestoron motioned for Lathron to hold Legolas' legs, noting the small wince he gave at the memory of what had happened the last time. He also noted the careful way he positioned himself. "We cannot leave the dirty dressing like this. There is already too much infection."

"Infection?" Mithrandir looked up from where he was also gently, but firmly, holding the Prince in place on his left side.

"Yes, Legolas was injured by an Orc. There was poison on the claws it cut him with. We did not realise at the time and the infection had time to take a deep hold. Gailarphen cleaned out the wound this morning. It took a while." Nestoron answered as Doroniel discretely administered the ball of herb paste then washed her hands.

They all watched the Prince with bated breath as they waited for the herb to work its magic. Legolas was still convulsing with alarming strength. Mithrandir was almost convinced that he would have to make use of Narya, which would, unfortunately, be likely to reveal its location to Sauron. He really did not wish to do so, but he may have no choice ultimately.

He had raised his hand, about to show Narya, when Legolas suddenly went still in their hands. It was frightening to see him go as limp as a rag so quickly when the convulsions stopped.

Doroniel reached out with a badly shaking hand to feel for a pulse at his pale throat. She frowned at her hand as she moved. When had she started shaking again? She put that thought to one side when she felt the rapid pulse under his hot skin. She almost sagged against Nestoron with relief.

"He is sleeping." Even her voice was shaking when she spoke.

Intelligent blue eyes noted the shaking of her hands, although Mithrandir did not comment right away.

"Good, now sit down Doroniel. You look exhausted." Mithrandir's voice brooked no argument.

Doroniel did not listen. "We cannot sit. Legolas needs his bandage changed."

Nestoron spoke up. "Rest, Doroniel. We are not ready to change the bandages just yet. We have to collect all that we need and prepare the antidote paste again. The roots will need to be cleaned and chopped before we can do anything." He was too busy trying to get more of the fever-reducing tea into Legolas to notice the frustrated glare he was receiving from Doroniel.

"There is no need for all that. I brought an herb pack from Imladris, courtesy of Arwen. That is one smart Elfling. She showed great foresight." Mithrandir handed Nestoron the pack he had brought.

Nestoron was greatly relieved for that small mercy. "Thank you, Mithrandir. That will certainly save us some time. I will need some hot water."

Doroniel started to rise. "I will get it for you." She could not just sit there when there was work to be done!

Before she could rise, Mithrandir spoke firmly and gazed sternly at her from under his bushy grey eyebrows. "No you will not! You will sit and rest. I saw the way your hand was shaking. If I have good recall, and I think I do, I seem to remember you saying 'WE were hit by the lightning'. Have you been checked over? Is that why you have a headache?" He was watching her keenly and had noticed her pained looks.

That caused Nestoron to look up from what he was doing with a look of shock. "You told me you were feeling better!"

"I was... am. This headache has just come on suddenly." Doroniel knew now that she would not win this argument.

Nestoron sought out someone nearby. "Lathron? Saes, would you make Doroniel a tea for her headache? Use some chamomile and willow bark. You, Doroniel, will sit down and let it work while we gather what we need for Legolas. Tell me, how is Elrond?"

She was glaring at both Nestoron and Mithrandir, but she also had to admit that she was beginning to feel the pull of her headache as it intensified. "He was choking but that seems to have eased. Once I have my tea, I will check both him and Thranduil once more."

"Good. Thranduil seems to be calming, finally." Nestoron sounded thoughtful as he glanced to where the Elven King sat propped against the Oak. An anxious Captain Bremoline was still bent over him with a goblet in his hand, trying to get him to take more tea.

"Yes, the minute he saw that Legolas was calm once more, he calmed as well. Nestoron, Elrond was having difficulty breathing because his throat was almost shut, it is so swollen. He was choking while we tried to give him some tea to help with it. We applied a paste to the outside to help reduce the swelling too. We will need to watch that it doesn't get worse again. There may be more damage to his throat than we first thought." Doroniel sat down beside Legolas and stifled a sigh. It was a relief to sit down.

Mithrandir and Nestoron may not want her to help, but she could at least wash the mud from Legolas' face and hair while she sat here, it would also help to keep his fever down.

Nestoron sighed as he put the finally-empty goblet down. Legolas had been given a full dose of the fever-reducing herb now. "I was hoping that would not happen, but he did have those bruises around his throat..."

Mithrandir looked up, startled. "Bruises? When did Elrond bruise his throat?" He had been gathering the clean bandages that he found in the pack as they emptied it to take stock of what was available to them.

"Elrond had a vision in which he was attacked. He was somehow left with severe bruising of his throat. It was rather frightening to see as I was told." Nestoron spoke as he watched Doroniel begin to bathe Legolas' face once more. He would allow her to do that, at least. It was not as if she was doing anything energetic or strenuous and he could understand her frustration, her need to be useful.

He reached into the pack to begin pulling out the herb packets. They would need more of the antidote paste for Legolas' leg. They would also need healing paste for his forehead, which also needed to be redressed.

He was crushing the herbs when Lathron returned to them with a small pot of hot water and the tea for Doroniel's headache.

"I will sponge Legolas while you drink this." He handed her the goblet and then took the wet cloth out of her hand.

She tried to glower at him as well, but that only earned her an amused look. Giving in, she took the goblet and began to sip the bitter fluid, reminded how Legolas had called it 'yucky' only that morning. She watched Lathron as he bathed the pallid face. He was so gentle it was almost unbelievable. Who would have thought that a warrior could be so gifted? But then, he was not the only one…

When Elrond was well on his way to recovery, she would speak with him about perhaps getting some healer training set up for them. If they had more healers with the patrols it would be a great help and save more lives as well.

Nestoron was watching her surreptitiously as he worked, trying to work out for himself if she was feeling as well as she said she was. He, too, had noted that her hands were shaking again. He thought he detected slight tremors shake her whole body at times as well. His worry that she also was badly injured would not go away. Her fea did not quite feel right to him and her 'recovery' had seemed a little too rapid, even for an elf.

He blended the athelas into a paste, chopped some more to put in the hot water and then began the task of making the antidote tea and paste to fight the poison in the Prince's leg. Once finished with Legolas, he would need to see if there was enough athelas to last. At least now, they could soon get the most seriously wounded to Imladris.

By the time he was ready to begin taking down the dressing, Doroniel had finished her tea and had joined him and Mithrandir by Legolas' leg.

"Mithrandir, could you hold Legolas' leg like this for me?" He demonstrated the grip he wanted the wizard to use then moved aside for him to take hold of the leg. "Dor, you can be my runner and Lathron, you keep sponging Legolas down and give the tea time to work. Are we ready?" Nestoron looked at each of them, and with their agreement, nodded once and began the job of unwinding the wet and muddy bandage.

At least this time it did not stick to the wound and was in fact a lot easier to deal with. After he removed the splints, he took off the soiled material and set it to one side. He then gently wiped away the old paste. The smell was still rancid but not as nauseating as it had been. The paste seemed to have been doing its job, drawing out and neutralizing the poison, but it still had a lot to draw out yet.

Concentrating carefully on what he was doing, Nestoron was lost to what was going on around him and so missed Mithrandir's horrified gasp when he saw the condition of the leg he held firmly in his handsTheir descriptions just couldn't prepare him for something this bad.

Lathron went a most interesting colour of white, interesting that is, to Nestoron. Nestoron first noticed scratches on Lathron's arms then because they contrasted so greatly to the pasty colour he had turned. Lathron had been out gathering herbs when Legolas' leg had been treated that morning and so had not seen the damage that the infection and Gailarphen's treatment had wrought on the thin leg.

"I did not envision that it would be this bad." Mithrandir's voice was soft and full of worry.

"I know. Gailarphen had to make the wound larger to get to the seat of the infection. He took no more than absolutely necessary." Nestoron replied.

"Would it not be better to amputate the limb? Surely that would be better than to waste time like this? It seems obvious that Legolas will not keep the leg..." Mithrandir stopped his musings abruptly when he saw the horrified looks on the others' faces.

Nestoron's voice was hard and cold, his lips thin. "Gailarphen wanted to give Legolas all the chances he could to keep his leg and we will do the same."

"I can see why, given Legolas' age, but…is it wise?" Mithrandir's blue eyes were intent on his. He saw the fear and concern behind the healer's professional mask.

"Yes, and no. Yes, it is wise to give Legolas every chance to heal. No, the infection is bad and ultimately I fear we will have no choice but to remove his leg, but that is not my decision to make, thank the Valar. Until the decision is made, I will continue as we have been doing." Nestoron's voice was adamant and Mithrandir found himself nodding in agreement.

"Very well. What do you need me to do?"

"Hold his leg as firmly as you can above the ground so that I can get underneath it as well. We will need to pack it with this paste. Lathron, will you be able to continue bathing Legolas?"

Nestoron had noticed that Lathron had gone suddenly still and had turned from stark white to a very alarming shade of green, not that Nestoron could blame him.

"Lathron?" Nestoron prodded when there was no answer to his question. "Lathron!"

Finally, Lathron looked up with wide, horrified eyes to meet Nestoron's. He gulped in air and the healer could see that he was struggling to keep himself from being sick right there and then.

"Go and rest. I am sure that Rochon will not mind taking over from you. You need to have those scratches seen to." Nestoron really could not blame the archer for feeling so nauseous. The wound really was rather awful.

When Lathron nodded slightly and began to move, Nestoron turned back to his task. "Another reason we have held off from amputating is the devastating effect that it has on the fea." He was working as he explained.

"What effect is that?" Mithrandir sounded distracted.

There was no amusement in Doroniel's voice. "Really, Mithrandir, when did you last see an Elf with an amputation?"

Mithrandir squinted at her from under his bushy eyebrows. A look of dawning realisation crossed his face. "Now that you mention it, Doroniel, I do not think I have ever seen one of the First Born with an amputation."

She nodded. "There is a very good reason for that. It is because very few Elves who do suffer an amputation will survive. Most fade from the shock sooner or later. Legolas' current condition would make that a certainty."

As they spoke, Rochon took Lathron's place, helping him to rise unsteadily from beside Legolas. They all noticed that rather than move away fully, Lathron only moved far enough that he could not see the leg and sat, gulping in fresh air as if he had been starved of it for quite some time.

"I can see that the state of Legolas' leg could cause problems, but is it serious enough for him to fade?" Mithrandir was shaking his head in wonder.

"You have not been aware of the problems in Mirkwood?" It was not very often that Nestoron was truly surprised, but this was one of those times. He thought Mithrandir heard about everything.

"Yes, I heard the devastating news about poor Queen Minerella's death and I was going to travel to Mirkwood to see both Thranduil and Legolas to offer my condolences."

"Have you heard the entire sad tale?" Nestoron watched Doroniel while he spoke. She seemed to brace herself in preparation of the tale she knew was coming. He knew all too well how the Elves of Mirkwood had felt about their Queen.

"Only that Minerella had been killed by Orcs." He looked up sharply. "Why? Is there more?"

Doroniel spoke as if from a great distance, staring off to a far unseen horizon. "Yes, Mithrandir, unfortunately, there is more, a lot more. Legolas was riding with Queen Minerella on the day when she was attacked by a horrible great horde that somehow got past our patrols and came close to the palace. He saw the whole attack. We almost lost him so many times during those first awful days. His injuries were grave then as well. When help arrived, he was the only one left alive, but only because the Orcs..." She spat the foul name out. "…had decided to 'play' with him." A sob escaped her as the memory was stirred into painful clarity.

"Easy, Dor, I know how this upsets you. I will continue the tale. Try and relax." Nestoron was quick to reassure her. He would have hugged her, but his hands were busy with treating the leg. They all hated the necessity of telling this tale, but, for Legolas' sake, they had to. "I was in Mirkwood at the time. Legolas saw the entire attack on his Naneth. Once he had recovered somewhat from his wounds, the shock to his fea became too much, we almost lost him to pellin, the fading."

They heard a muffled noise from nearby. Mithrandir looked across to Lathron, surprised to see the archer's shoulders shaking and tears on his face. Rochon's face was moist as he explained. "The King's Home Guard was on routine patrol when we encountered the Orcs and found Queen Minerella and Legolas. We carried them home to Aran Thranduil that day, along with the bodies of ten of our brothers-in-arms that had been their guards. We will not soon forget that day."

Doroniel had tears running freely down her cheeks as she brushed the wet hair from Legolas' hot face. She spoke barely above a choked whisper. "Legolas is still not truly recovered yet. He still calls Orcs 'monsters' and has such awful nightmares. He was just beginning to laugh again...and eat… If we must amputate his leg, we will effectively be killing him and I'm afraid it will not only be Legolas who will die." She could not keep her eyes from straying toward Thranduil.

"I understand, Doroniel, and I truly regret that I have upset you all again. I have been traveling far from here and had not heard the full story. I promise we will do all that we can to help Legolas. He is too precious for us to not make the attempt. I had a feeling I was being drawn here for a purpose, now I am certain." Mithrandir watched somberly as Nestoron removed the last of the paste and the true state of Legolas' leg was exposed for them all to see.

Mithrandir was speechless for the first time in a very, very long time. Was that bone he could see? Surely not!

Nestoron was aware of what Mithrandir might be thinking as he stared into the wound. "Yes, it is bone, Mithrandir. That is how bad the infection has become." Nestoron had already started to wash out the wound with Athelas water. The amount of debris from the wound was still incredible. The wound may not smell as badly as before, but the infection was still present.

"That will take some time to heal." Mithrandir was truly horrified.

"Yes, I fear it will, but that is not the entire problem. The reason I have asked you to hold his leg so still is because there are multiple fractures there. We have already had to re-break and set it at least twice and may have to do so again if it does not fully heal. He also has a badly fractured skull."

As Nestoron was explaining the situation, he watched Doroniel. He knew that she still blamed herself for not finding either of the fractures. He hated the necessity of mentioning it, but he had to. It was not her fault. It was as simple as that.

"A fractured skull? That is not good. It is perhaps well that Gwaihir found me." He looked over to the Great Eagles. They had moved a distance away so that they would not distress the horses more than they already had. They were watching all the activity around the camp intently.

"How did that come about?" Nestoron was packing the gaping wound with the fresh antidote paste now.

"I was on my way to Imladris and felt the need to hurry. I had nearly reached the Bruinen when Gwaihir found me on the road. He was worried about what he had heard in Arda's Song, and he went in search of me. When he found me, he offered kindly to take me to Imladris. However, once we arrived, I realised that I was not needed there, so I came here." The way he explained it, Mithrandir made it sound as if he had simply been going for a stroll in the woods.

"I am grateful that Gwaihir has so kindly offered to aid us. It will probably make all the difference as to whether or not Legolas and Elrond recover fully. I am ready for the bandages, Dor." Nestoron had finished packing the deep wound.

Doroniel handed him the bandages and set aside the Athelas water that was no longer required. She could use it to wash Legolas' forehead when she was ready to dress that.

Gently, between them, they dressed the leg and secured the splints back into place. Once finished, Nestoron stood and stretched languidly. He could understand why Gailarphen was so exhausted after dealing with Legolas' leg that morning. Being crouched for just this short amount of time had been tiring and he had not had as much to do with the wound. Still, it was clean and freshly dressed now. It would last until they got to Imladris.

"I will check on Aran Thranduil and Elrond if you can manage?" Nestoron asked Doroniel. He really wanted her to rest until they were ready to leave on the Eagles. They would carry one patient and one other, preferably a healer, to hold them securely on each Eagle. He fully intended to be sure she was on one of the Eagles, healer or patient. She needed care and he knew she would receive it in Imladris.

"Yes, I will see to Legolas' head." Doroniel was already washing her own hands again prior to starting with the wound.

Nestoron moved away, leaving Mithrandir and Doroniel to finish dealing with the Elfling's remaining wounds while he saw to the others.

Mithrandir watched closely as she cleaned the old Athelas paste off of the wound on his forehead and he winced once more. "How did the poor child come by this wound?" His voice was low and gentle as he asked Doroniel. Tears still trickled down her cheeks occasionally.

"When we were attacked by the Orcs..."

"You were attacked by Orcs!" Mithrandir his eyes widened with surprise yet again. This sounded like a nightmare of a journey for the Mirkwood Elves.

"Yes, before the lightning strike. Thranduil placed Legolas into a tree for safekeeping before the battle, but an Orc found him and pulled him from the tree by his ankle. That was when both the damage to his leg and head happened."

"Your journey truly has been a nightmare. How was Elrond so badly injured?" Mithrandir could see how upset the Elves were at reliving all this and hurried to change the subject. Unfortunately, he did not realise that he had only made it worse.

"I did not witness it, but I was told that Legolas had stopped breathing as Elrond arrived. He rushed to help him and during that time he fell backwards into the fire. When he woke up he could not see." Doroniel tried to sound dispassionate, but failed.

"I see, hence the bandages around his eyes." Mithrandir looked pensive. It must have been at this point in time that Elrond and Galadriel used their Rings, it only made sense to him. For Doroniel not to mention it only made him feel more certain than ever that this was what had happened.

"Yes, Legolas was also having problems with his sight, but Gailarphen seemed to believe it would clear." Doroniel finished applying the Athelas to the head wound and set about giving Legolas some more of the herbal tea that would also act as an antidote for the poison in conjunction with the paste.

Nestoron rejoined them. "Elrond is settled again and resting as comfortably as possible for now. We propped him up to ease his breathing, but he is losing a lot of fluid from his burns and scalds. We will need to redress them before we leave. His throat is still incredibly swollen, but the tea seems to be helping him. We will keep a close eye on that."

"Good, I was hoping it would work. There was hardly enough peppermint oil left to prepare it. Will you change the dressings on the burns?" Doroniel finished packing away the remaining herbs in the pack Mithrandir had brought.

"Yes. Will you check Thranduil while I see to them? His dressings are saturated and I do not think it wise to let him travel like that." Nestoron was gathering the things he would need to do just that.

"I will and I agree. A chill is not what Elrond needs." Doroniel stood, but wavered a little as the pain in her feet suddenly flared into life again. She thought it had gone for good. "Rochon, saes, stay with Legolas while I see to Aran Thranduil?"

"Of course, Doroniel." Rochon watched with concern as Mithrandir steadied her. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, just tired." She would not meet their eyes, at least then they would not easily see that she was lying.

"Then you should rest." Mithrandir had been watching her closely and had seen the way that she avoided looking at them. He knew she was hiding something and it didn't take much to figure she was hurting more than she wanted to admit.

"I must see to Thranduil so we can get them on their way back to Imladris quickly. I cannot wait to get away from this place." Doroniel shivered as she looked around the clearing. There was something about this place that she could not figure out. Something dark, as if...

"Then at least let me help you over to Thranduil. You do not seem too stable on your feet at present." Mithrandir gave her a bland look and gallantly offered her his arm, which she took with a shaky smile.

"Hannon le, Mithrandir. My feet do ache again, more than they have since the lightning strike." Doroniel found that she could not be anything less than honest in the face of such open concern from the kindly wizard.

"You are more than welcome, Doroniel. Have you been looked at? Properly, I mean? You are far too unsteady, just for being tired, that is." Mithrandir was acutely aware that she was putting more weight on him than she should normally.

"Yes, Gailarphen looked at me." At least she thought Gailarphen had checked her after she had passed out. She did not think he would have passed up the opportunity to check her over, not after the way she had been acting. She blushed in embarrassment at what she could remember of her actions that night.

"Good, he will need to check you again once he is awake once more. I take it they will sleep for a while yet?" He glanced at Gailarphen and Glorfindel on pallets in the shelter. Both were asleep with their eyes closed and obviously drugged. Neither of them would willingly be asleep during a crisis.

Doroniel had the grace to blush at his question. "Yes, Glorfindel was double-drugged by accident, but it will do him good to sleep and the herbs will not hurt him. He had as trying a journey as Elrond did."

"So I understand." Mithrandir smiled that enigmatic smile of his.

"How did you know that Glorfindel and Gailarphen had been drugged?" Doroniel could not stop her natural inquisitiveness from coming to the fore.

"It is simple deduction, my dear. Neither Gailarphen nor Glorfindel would sleep while there are seriously injured to see to." Mithrandir cast a quick glance to where the two were still sleeping. "Is that a bruise I see on Glorfindel's neck? You did not mention that he had also been injured."

"He was, but not on the journey, that happened while he was here, just shortly before you arrived. He was helping to dress Elrond's burns when he bit out in his agony, even with the poppy tea that Gailarphen had given him. He literally bit into Glorfindel's shoulder." Doroniel also looked in that direction and yes, there was a large bruise that was forming on that pale skin, right at the juncture of his neck and shoulder.

Mithrandir shook his head. "That will be painful, and what of the other injured I saw?" They were almost to Thranduil's side.

"Oh, they were out collecting herbs and I would guess they were attacked." She sighed. "We will need to look at them as well. We have not had the chance to do that yet."

"You will not be doing that, Doroniel. You need rest as much as they do." He looked up as Bremoline stood. "Ah, here we are."

"Come and sit down, Dor, before you fall down. Calandor will not thank me for that." Bremoline was aware that Calandor was watching his betrothed with worried eyes.

"You are very right there, Captain. Are you alright, Dor?" He could not help her, could not even go to her and that frustrated him.

"I am well, Cal, just tired." She ignored the small snort that came from Mithrandir.

"I wish I believed that, Dor, you look dreadful. What will your Adar think of me if I cannot even keep you from harm?" Calandor was fretting about her and she knew it.

"You need not worry about me, Cal. I will not be far from you at any time. Adar will understand. Were it not for you, I would probably be far more seriously injured than I am at present." Calandor looked surprised and confused.

"Why? What happened?" He sounded more panicked than ever.

"Easy, Calandor, do you not remember? When the lightning struck, you pushed Doroniel out of the way and saved her life in all probability. Most of us saw it happen." Bremoline hurried to reassure his friend while Doroniel began to check out Thranduil. He was a lot calmer than he had been.

"How are you feeling, Thranduil?" Her voice was calm and kind.

"Better…than…you…look." Thranduil had to smile at the look she shot him. He was still breathless and had to pause between words to gather more breath to speak.

"I doubt that somehow. You have not looked at yourself recently." Doroniel shot him a quelling look. "Do not speak unless I ask you a question. You are still far too breathless yet. Better still, nod unless you have to say more, understand?"

Thranduil opened his mouth to argue but Mithrandir got in first.

"I would not argue with Healer Doroniel, Thranduil. She is tired and likely to drug you into submission just as she has done to Master Healer Gailarphen and Lord Glorfindel." He spoke with a twinkle in his eye but there was a hint of warning there as well.

Thranduil promptly shut his mouth without speaking and shot a glance to where the two sleeping Elves lay. Eyes wide, he looked back at Doroniel.

She crossed her arms and gave a small nod at his expression. "Good, I am glad that we understand each other." Her grin was wide, even if she did not feel like smiling. "How are you feeling? Do you still have chest pain?"

She was graced with a frustrated glare from Thranduil, but then he gave a reluctant nod.

"Is it still very bad? Feels like something is crushing your chest?" She was feeling his pulse during the entire time she spoke to him, with Mithrandir watching their every move.

Another reluctant nod.

"I see, and when you breathe in, does it burn?" Doroniel did not like what she was hearing.

Another, even more reluctant nod.

She placed her hand over his heart. "Did the powdered herb help at all?" Thranduil's heart was still pounding away under her fingers, way too fast and uneven for having just taken more of the herbs even though they were slow-acting.

Another nod, this time with a relieved look.

"Good, I am glad. I will not lie to you, Thranduil. Your heart has been damaged by the lightning strike and it is aggravated by each attack you have. That is why you are having both the pain and the breathlessness. The herbs you have been given will help, but you must remain calm at all times. I know you are worried about Legolas, but he is stable for now. As soon as Elrond is ready to move, we will be moving you all to Imladris. The Eagles that brought Mithrandir have offered to carry us. When all four of you are there, I will be happier, but for now I want you to sleep..."

"No!…need...to be…with…Legolas." He braved her anger. He believed he had a secret advantage when dealing with his friend.

"Legolas is asleep now and I really do think that it would be the best for you as well. You need rest to recover from this attack. I promise you that he will not be left alone. Saes, Thranduil, you risk a lengthy recovery as it is without adding to it."

Mithrandir watched with amused interest as Doroniel dealt with Thranduil, but he was listening intently to Calandor and Bremoline talking quietly beside him.

"You talk about how we look, but when did you last see your own reflection? You look awful, Captain, what happened?" Calandor was clearly worried about his friend.

"I do not really know. I am suddenly overcome with the strangest feeling at times. I cannot even describe it. Just as if something heavy was smothering me. I feel odd, distant, as if I am somewhere apart from this world..." Bremoline's voice trailed off and then he shook his head. "I am well."

Mithrandir had to speak up. The Mirkwood Captain still looked almost as ill as Thranduil to his eye. "No, you are not, Captain Bremoline."

"What do you mean, Mithrandir?" Calandor had to ask. He was becoming even more worried for his friend and Captain, given the description that he just heard. Elves just don't become ill for no reason. Had he been drugged or…could he have been poisoned?

Mithrandir gestured to Bremoline. "Look at him."

Even Thranduil stopped arguing with an incredibly frustrated Doroniel then to listen to them. Doroniel took advantage of his distraction and added some sleeping herbs to the water that Bremoline had been helping him to drink. She then set it back where it had been without any of them being the wiser. She could be just as sneaky as the best of them and with the sweetener that she knew Thranduil preferred in his water, he would have no idea that it had a little extra within it.

Once that was done, she did as Mithrandir had directed and looked at Bremoline, properly looked at him.

Doroniel carefully considered him with an assessing eye. He was just as pale as Calandor, even his lips seemed colorless. It emphasised the thick black rings under his eyes. He looked as if he was beyond exhausted, like he hadn't slept in days. He also had a fine tremor to his hands that she had not noticed before. He had done a good job of hiding it. If she had not known that he had not been injured, she would have said that he was in shock. "You do look unwell. Why did you say nothing?"

"There are others more important to attend to than me. I am not injured." Bremoline looked pointedly at Thranduil.

"Very well, but if you make one move from that spot, I will have you unconscious before you can say sorry. Understand?" Her right eyebrow rose in perfect imitation of Elrond.

"I understand." Bremoline was a bit amused, but truthfully, he was actually too tired to argue the point. As long as they allowed him to watch over Thranduil, he was content to sit there.

"I will watch the Captain, Dor, never fear. If he moves, you will know." Calandor looked earnest, and a bit cheeky. At last, something he could do to feel useful!

She smiled at Calandor. "Hennad, Cal, I will hold you to that. Now, Thranduil, I really need you to sleep..."

"No...I said..." Thranduil was adamant.

Doroniel gave a resigned sigh, knowing it would be counter-productive to continue the argument she had already won. "Very well then, as long as you rest and do not work yourself up into another attack, I won't insist. At least have some water? The more you drink the better for your kidneys." At that thought, she winced as she spoke, no wonder she had a headache. She could not recall when she last had a drink of water. She would have to remedy that, or at least have a non-medicated drink.

She watched with amusement as Thranduil looked at the water carefully before he took a drink. He obviously did not trust her not to drug him, especially after their conversation. The sip he took seemed to appease him and he took a longer, deeper drink of the sweetened water.

"Dorwinion...would...be...better." Thranduil's expression was hopeful. It was well-known how much Aran Thranduil appreciated his wine. The Dorwinion, in particular, was a favorite.

"I am sure it would be, and we will make certain you have some as soon as you are in Imladris. It would even be good for you. For now, would you like some more water?" Doroniel smiled at him and it widened at his eager nod.

His breathless panting was making his mouth dry, even with the fluid, so he was very thirsty. That could be to her advantage in several ways...

"With the way you are panting you will find that you quickly become very thirsty, frequent sips will help with that. It will also help cure any residual dehydration that you suffer from. You have not had enough water for a few days now. Just a word of warning though…." She broke off from speaking as Thranduil suddenly gave a large yawn, a look of surprise on his face. She looked a little embarrassed as she continued. "You will find that the herb for your heart causes you to need to make frequent use of the privy or a…uhm…handy tree." She had already decided that they would not be going back into the cave for anything, if she had her way. "You will need help."

Thranduil opened his mouth to argue that one thing he did not want or need was help doing something so private. Instead of speaking as he intended, he yawned once more. Surprised, he blinked. Why on Arda was he so tired all of a sudden and so quickly?

Doroniel had to fight hard to hide her smile at Thranduil's confusion. She calmly reached for the nearby water skin and poured herself a goblet of the pure water. Quickly draining her goblet, she watched him.

"I...do not...need...help with…that!" Thranduil had to take another drink of water to moisten his dry mouth once he had finished speaking.

"For the time being, Thranduil, yes you do. You will need help for some time to come while your heart heals itself. You will find that even moving from a sitting position will leave you exceedingly breathless and exhausted, perhaps dizzy. It is nothing to be embarrassed about, even I have need of help at the moment. Surely you saw that earlier?"

Thranduil tried to scowl at her words, but rather ruined the effect by yawning once again.

"Are you tired, Thranduil?" Bremoline asked. It was his task, self-appointed though it may be, to look after the King.

A slight shrug followed. "Little." It was a grudging admission.

Doroniel nodded sympathetically "Try to rest while we ready Elrond."

Mithrandir was not surprised that Thranduil suddenly seemed to be so tired. He would expect such tricks of a healer that had been trained by Elrond. That Noldor Elf Lord was far too happy to drug his patients when he felt they needed it and the practice seemed to rub off on his trainees as well.

"No... rest. Legolas." Thranduil was finding it more difficult to keep his eyes open all of a sudden.

"Legolas is sleeping." Doroniel shared a smile with Lathron as he came near. He looked a more normal colour than he had before, and quite a bit more composed.

"Good." Thranduil was blinking owlishly and Doroniel grinned, he was beginning to look more like a sleepy little Elfling than a mighty King.

"Do you want some more water?" She asked as she drained her goblet again. It really was refreshing. She herself had gone without for too long. That was the cause of her headache. Well, one of them anyway. The majority of it was from the lightning strike and its effect, not that she would admit that to anyone unless she absolutely had to do so.

Thranduil would have sipped the water in his goblet, would have loved to drink more of the refreshing fluid, but suddenly the task of lifting it to his lips seemed insurmountable. Luckily Bremoline realised this and helped him to sip. He did not realise that, while sipping the water, Thranduil had closed his eyes.

Doroniel noticed though and made certain that all around remained still and silent. Bremoline placed the goblet on the ground and sat watching his King as he slipped off into sleep.

No one moved for several minutes and then it was broken by Bremoline who spoke quietly, amusement evident in his tone. "You drugged his water." He smiled at her. "That was sneaky."

"Yes, the sweetener smothered the taste. Thranduil desperately needs the rest to begin to heal and I truly do not believe he should be awake for the journey back to Imladris."

Mithrandir sat back, pleased that his stubborn friend was resting at last. "You did the right thing, Doroniel. If Thranduil were feeling more himself, he would realise that as well."

"Hannon le, Mithrandir, I do worry about Thranduil. He needs the rest but will not accept it. He is resting now and that is all that I am concerned with." She smiled at the kindly wizard before turning to the two Elves beside her. "Now, I want the truth from both of you. How are you feeling? Calandor, do you have any pain in your hands and feet? I have some tea that will help if they do."

Calandor reassured her quickly. "Hannon le, I would be most grateful. They are beginning to let me know that they are coming alive once more. Should they be tingling so badly?" He had to ask because his hands and especially his feet really tingled painfully with the feeling one gets when the circulation returns to a limb that had gone numb.

"Yes, that is, unfortunately, normal. I have the same problem." She gently lifted his right wrist and felt for his pulse, careful not to press too hard on the tender skin under the bandages. "Do you have a headache or any chest pain at all?"

Doroniel was pleased with the rate and strength of his pulse. She looked up to see Mithrandir gently cover Thranduil with his own cloak. Thranduil was still supported upright against the mighty Oak's roots. It was a position which would also ease his breathing, the last thing that they needed was for him to lie down flat and compromise his breathing once more. Legolas had been moved to rest nearby, near enough to get some of the relief that the tree had given them both earlier.

If Doroniel would relax enough to be in tune with the Song of Arda she would have heard the tree singing a sweet lullaby to the Elfling Prince to give Legolas comfort. She would also have felt the thrum of underlying uneasiness that the tree was sending. Unfortunately, no one was listening and the two Elves that would have heard it effortlessly were in no fit state to do so. The tree's song and warning went unheeded.

Calandor was truly puzzled by Doroniel's question. It was just his hands and feet that had been hurt after all, wasn't it? "I have a mild headache but no chest pain. Dor, why do you think that my chest would hurt?"

Doroniel did not want to have to tell Calandor this, but he would have to know eventually and she felt it would be better coming from her. "There is no easy way to tell you this, Meleth, but when the lightning struck us, you stopped breathing. It was just pure luck that the warriors had just completed another session of their crisis healer training and it was still fresh in their mind. They worked together to get you breathing again, to save you. So, if I seem as if I am hovering over you, it is very likely because I am hovering over you. Saes, bear with me? I thought I had lost you. I was so scared. It was then that I realized just how much you meant to me and I feared I would never get to tell you." By the time she finished her voice was barely above a whisper.

"Oh Dor, I did not know! I am so sorry." Calandor wanted nothing more than to hug her and comfort her, but at present that was something that would have to wait.

"Nor did I." Mithrandir sounded decidedly grumpy though he was glad the young warrior had survived. "Is there more that I should know? Like why you are sheltering out here and not in the ideal cave behind you?" He gestured up the slope toward the dark mouth of the cave.

"There is probably far more that we have not even had time to recall, let alone tell you about. And trust me, Mithrandir, that cave is not as ideal and comfortable as you may believe."

Doroniel was mixing the herb tea for Calandor as Bremoline explained her comment to Mithrandir. "There is something about this cave that is strange. We did start out at first using it as shelter from the ceaseless rains, but the feelings and uneasy air about it brought us out here. Also, it was thought the sunlight and fresh air would do all the injured some good. I feel a little better out here than I did in there."

"In what way, can you tell me?" Mithrandir sat next to Bremoline and watched him intently as he tried to do just that.

"After Legolas began to have his high fever we had to dig a pit to cool him down..."

"You mean like the pit over there?" Mithrandir gestured to the muddy pit that was now empty as he also accepted a goblet of water from Lathron.

"Yes, we called it the Caun's pit. When we were digging it we found bones. Old bones, different kinds, many were obviously animal bones but some were Dwarves, Orcs, Edain and even Elves, we think. The air in there was...heavy and seemed to suck all hope from you. That was before we knew there were Spiders about." Bremoline was checking Thranduil as he spoke.

"Spiders!" Mithrandir almost choked on the water he had just taken a sip of. Could this tale get any worse?

"Aye, Spiders, with nests. Luckily, it is just the start of the season and the adults were still slow from the cold. They will bother travelers no more and their nests were destroyed." Bremoline sounded smug as he told the elderly-looking Maia this. They had been fighting Spiders for so long in Mirkwood that it was as natural to them as drawing breath.

"That is a worrying thought, having Spiders so far from Mirkwood. You say they were all killed, every last one?" Mithrandir was truly shocked. The thought of more of Ungoliant's spawn roaming widely in Middle Earth was not a happy one.

"Yes, they were all killed. Thoronhen and his group made certain of that." Bremoline accepted the tea from Doroniel and handed it over to Calandor, who managed the goblet between his bandaged hands.

"Good, I will take a look at this cave before we leave. It seems odd that a simple cave should have this influence." Mithrandir was almost talking to himself and just barely caught Nestoron calling to him.

"Mithrandir, could you help us change Elrond's dressing? I want Doroniel to rest, if that is possible, and we will need at least three to manage this task. Many of the others are preparing to leave this place. Rumil will be holding Elrond up so that we can work, but we will need more than that." Nestoron was ready to start the procedure.

"I would gladly help." Mithrandir sat his goblet on the ground and stood, shaking out his robe before he moved. He nodded to Thoronhen who was coming towards them, cleaning his hands on a cloth.

"Doroniel, I know that Nestoron is busy but we need help with some of the herb party wounded. Randis has taken a nasty wound to his leg that needs sutured. I would attempt it but I am not that sure I would do a good job. Faergon has damaged his shoulder, it is very swollen and he can barely move it." Thoronhen looked at Doroniel. She appeared to be almost out on her feet, very pale and shaky. He hated to ask for her help, but this was out of his experience and their need was real.

"I will come and see to them. I fear I will need a little help to get there." The admission was like squeezing blood from a stone. She would rather not admit it, but it was true.

He could see how much that admission had cost his new friend. He could also see that every word of it was true. "Then I will help you, My Lady. Would you take my arm or shall I sweep you off your feet and carry you away from this Elf that has stolen your heart from me?" He gave her an unexpected roguish look then winked at Calandor with a cheeky smile.

"An arm would be ideal, hannon le, Thoronhen." She smiled gratefully at the tall archer, thankful for his welcome lightening of the current mood.

Calandor watched with outright worry as Doroniel was helped shakily to her feet. As she walked, or rather limped, very painfully at that, away from him, he could see just how much weight she placed onto Thoronhen's sturdy arm.

"She feels worse than she is letting on." He turned worriedly to Bremoline who was once more checking on Thranduil's breathing.

Bremoline watched her struggle up the slope to where the other wounded were resting outside the cave and nodded. "I know and Nestoron will not be happy that she is not resting. It seems to worsen the more she tires herself." He sounded thoughtful. He knew that both Doroniel and Nestoron now regretted their decision to make Master Healer Gailarphen sleep, even if he did seem to be in dire need of it.

"I had not noticed." Calandor sounded surprised at this revelation.

"I have had more opportunity to watch Doroniel. You have had other things on your mind, Calandor." Bremoline could not help but tease him and was rewarded for his actions when the Elf before him blushed bright red, right to the very tips of his ears.

"I still cannot believe that she said yes to me. I never thought she would say yes!" Calandor was still over the moon at that.

"I am very glad for you both. You are well-suited for each other and I am sure you will be happy."

---

She sat inside the cave listening to all the sounds from outside the cave. She still could not believe that Haldir had the gall to order her into the cave. How dare he? Still, once all this was finished and her Master ruled Mirkwood, they would all bow to her and beg her forgiveness for their insults. The very thought of those fools, Thranduil and Galadriel, groveling on their knees before her, begging her forgiveness for their misdeeds, was quite pleasant to her. That is, if Thranduil was allowed to live, which she greatly doubted. A cruel smile curled her lips as she contemplated how she would humiliate them.

The Master's plan was about to begin in earnest. Who could have guessed that they would find this particular cave to shelter in? Out of all the many caves in these mountains along the way it had to be this one that the fools had chosen. What delicious irony. Still, her Master was well-pleased and that was all that mattered. Finding this particular cave was the best thing that had happened for a long time and her Master had told her exactly what to do and why. This would be amusing, and quite gratifying to watch.

She waited until only the two of them were left in the cave. All the others had moved everything out of the cave in the course of the day. She made certain that they had been ignored, it was so easy...

She looked across at the other Elleth who quietly stared off into the distance and showed no signs that she even knew where she was. So timid and docile she was, so easily bent to her will as long as her pitiful fantasies were indulged. Again, this had fallen into place as if it had been planned so for a long time and they knew what they were doing.

"Do you have the goblet?" Her voice was hard and unforgiving.

"Yes." The voice seemed to be devoid of emotion and was utterly cold.

"Good, give it to me. We will begin." She watched as the other carefully brought the goblet out of the pocket of her robe and handed it to her.

"Good, Master will be most pleased. Go to the entrance of the cave now and keep watch. Let no one in, especially that old fool Mithrandir. He must be kept away at all costs, do you understand?" She stared relentlessly at the other.

"Yes, I understand." She smirked as the other moved to the entrance. This had surpassed her original plans. She had intended to come on this journey simply to be near the King so she could convince him that he should bond with her, make her his new queen, if only for the good of the kingdom… But all that had changed.

She had seen Thranduil as he truly was. This trip really had only one purpose, to give away precious resources to the pathetic humans that should remain for his people. Pandering to the Brat's every wish, slavering over that pathetic healer. It sickened her to watch them. And to think, she had wanted to marry him? Thank the Valar that she had come to her senses! She was strangely pleased that he had rejected her. This way, the Master's way, she would have her revenge and she would still be the Queen of Mirkwood.

She stood and made her way to the back of the cave, cradling the precious goblet in her hands. When she reached the spot that she needed, she stopped and looked over her shoulder. Only her mindless, pathetic slave was at the cave entrance, listlessly watching out for the others in case they made a move to enter the cave.

Night was falling fast and she lit some candles so she could see. The last thing she wanted was to spill the precious fluid in the wrong place. It would be nearly impossible to obtain more, especially now that the stupid March Warden of Lothlorien was suspiciously watching their every move.

The cooking fire was bright behind her and had been banked high to last for some time. She gave a small gloating smile. They had thought tending the fire to be a punishment for her, but it had worked in her favour as a refresher course for this night.

Idiots! They did not know they were walking headlong and senselessly into the changing of the known world, no inkling whatsoever. It was another delicious irony that she savoured, this blind rush to their doom.

She placed the full goblet on the uneven ground, careful that it did not spill a single drop of the fluid inside it. She brushed the debris and dirt away from the spot. Yes, there it was, just as he had said it would be. Perfect.

She stood with one last glance over her shoulder to make sure that things were under control. She turned and closed her eyes searching for the connection deep within her. The connection was welcome within her. She was never alone. Always, he was there now, instructing her how to please him, making her do things that she would not have done otherwise, but that was good too. He praised her and promised her all she could desire. They would marry and their heirs would be strong, would serve only her. She would be Queen and the others would know their rightful places. Yes, he was perfect for her.

/Master/

/You are ready, child/ The voice was cold and empty, devoid of every drop of emotion. It was enough to make anyone shiver. The feeling of total evil was in that voice, but to her it was perfect.

/I am, Hir Nin./

/Very good, child. Close your eyes, let me come to the fore. I must perform this spell./ Spell? What spell? He had never mentioned this before. /Do you not trust me/ The voice had gone very hard.

/Of course I do, my Master./ There was a quaver in her voice.

/Good child, relax and let me in./ It was an order, pure and simple.

She did as she had been bidden and closed her eyes. It was an incredibly odd feeling, to suddenly have another presence in her mind, to feel herself being pushed to one side so that the Master could take control. Then suddenly she was pushed into a dark, enclosed place where she could neither see nor hear and there was no way out. She screamed with sudden overwhelming fear... then darkness overtook her.

Her body stood upright and if any one had been witness, they would have been more than a little confused for she seemed taller, stronger somehow. If they had looked into her eyes they would have stepped back in surprise. Her brown eyes were hard and cold as flint.

Taking a deep breath, she began to chant in a language only Mithrandir would have been able to understand. Her voice echoed and thrummed in the hollow of the cave, somehow lending it power.

"Darkness present, darkness beyond, listen to my call. Fire and burning, darkness and hate, listen to my words. Hatred and anger, fury and hate, listen to my voice. Come from the darkness, come to the light, bring forth your hatred and set it afire. Leave all that is good, bring forth your hate and set afire those who once sealed your fate. Listen to your Master and follow my voice. I promise you victims, I promise you prey. Awaken from darkness and come into this world! I give you this blood and I promise you more. I promise you terror to feed in abundance. I promise you terror that comes with it all. Come to the light, bring darkness to kill it. I will protect you and aid you. I will be your Master once more!"

With one swift move the goblet was picked up and upturned right over the spot that she had cleared away earlier. It was held inverted until the goblet was empty. Thick clotting blood dripped until there was nothing left and a smile curled her lips. The Caun's horse had been so handy in front of them, how could they not make use of this gift? Who knew, maybe the Brat would try to ride the mare before the injury was found and be thrown. That would save the necessity of having him hunted down.

So far, all the attempts to end the Caun's life had failed miserably. He would have to remedy that. He would not allow this threat to his success to live. And if they took King Thranduil with it, that would be all the better.

The last drop fell and smoke began to rise from the ground. A mild shake caused the Elleth by the cave entrance to fall, but he did not. He was ready and waiting for it. Pleased, he waited for five minutes before covering the blood offering with more dirt and sand, not that it would be seen. The foolish Elves had moved from the protection of the cave and made their camp under the moon and stars now.

They would never realise just how right their instincts were, the cave was not safe, was far from it, in fact. They would soon learn, to their terror.

"Come, sit with me and eat. We have time." The Elleth looked into the eyes of her companion and shivered before she obeyed. It would be a while before the creature that he had re-awakened made itself known. Until then, he had plans for this body before he left it to its true owner..

---

Mithrandir walked around the base of the great Oak tree. It was rapidly becoming dark and the fire was now the only light. Eruonen of Imladris was doing the rounds with a lit candle, lighting those that had been placed around Elrond's pallet. It was more proof to the ancient Maia that this group was familiar with caring for the injured outside and with little provisions. At least with the candles lit they would be able to see to change Elrond's bandages.

He reached Nestoron's side and knelt beside him. Up close, Elrond did look ill. Not as bad as Legolas, thank Elbereth, but certainly bad enough. The bandage around his eyes scared Mithrandir more than he cared to admit.

"How is Thranduil?" Nestoron asked as he was in the process of washing his hands.

"Sleeping now, thanks to Doroniel and her magic water." Mithrandir could only smile at the memory.

"Ah, I take it that Thranduil was being stubborn once again?" There was laughter in his voice as he replied.

"Yes and then he wonders where Legolas gets it from!" He washed his hands as well. "Suilad, Haldir, Rumil." He nodded to each of them in turn.

"Suilad, Mithrandir. I hope you are well?" Haldir stood beside Elrond, ready and waiting to help.

"I am. I see you have been helping Hir Elrond wonderfully. What can I do to help?" Mithrandir was pleased to see both the young Elves blushed under his compliment. It was rare to catch either of them unawares.

"Haldir is going to be the runner. Anything we need he will bring. He will also help with the bandaging when we get to that stage. I fear there is a lot." Nestoron had begun to unwind the sodden bandages from his arm as they were talking.

"I can see that." Mithrandir's voice was low and serious.

"I will need your help while I clean the burns and apply more burn cream."

"Certainly, Nestoron. Can I help you remove the bandages?" At Nestoron's nod he got to work.

They were working on Elrond's arm from the shoulder down. As the bandages were being unwound, sticky serous fluid was falling in steady drips as they worked.

The bandages came away easily, a relief for all of them. That is, it was a relief, until Nestoron realised that some of the previously blistered skin was coming off with the bandages. The skin that was not removed with the bandages hung like wrinkled old loose stockings. It had taken on a horrible, filthy-looking grey colour.

Nestoron looked to Mithrandir who was in turn looking at Elrond's arm with shock and horror.

"I did not think that Elrond had been burnt so badly." Mithrandir's voice was shaking.

"This is mild compared with his back and chest. You also have not seen his hand yet." They were just reaching the wrist. "Do you feel that you are able to carry on? I will understand if you cannot."

"I will manage. It is the least I can do for Elrond. He has done so much for me in the past." Mithrandir's wise old eyes found Rumil's, searching deep. "Will you be able to continue?"

"Yes, Mithrandir, we helped and watched the last time that Elrond was tended. I will stay. Indeed you would find it difficult to take either of us away." Rumil had determination in his voice. Mithrandir gave both brothers a carefully appraising gaze. Haldir firmly nodded his agreement.

"I am glad. Elrond will need those around him to remain strong." Mithrandir smiled his approval then bent back to his work.

Nestoron nodded without looking up from his task. "That is very true, Mithrandir. It will be a long time before Elrond can use his hand again. He will need a lot of help and support until then." Nestoron was carefully peeling the sodden bandages back and had reached the wrist. He would have to take it slower now for the burns and scalds were overlapping and the damaged skin was likely to be very friable. He certainly did not want to be the one to cause irreparable damage to his friend and mentor.

"How bad is his hand?" Mithrandir was catching the dressings as they were loosened. They were stained pink in many areas.

"Very bad. He fell into the fire with it under him. That caused a lot of damage though I am amazed that it wasn't worse. We had to move his ring." The last was said as a whisper nearly in Mithrandir's ear so only he could hear.

"That bad?" Mithrandir was amazed. For them to have even touched Vilya told him how truly dire the situation was.

Nestoron nodded grimly. "That bad. It could have been more extensive, but we were able to get him into cool water quickly." He was concentrating hard on the hand as he slowly removed the bandage. The burns looked bad, worse than they had earlier, bright red in places and shiny, but then in others a deep angry red. They looked very sore and Nestoron winced. He thanked the Valar that Elrond was still unconscious, and prayed that he would remain so.

"That looks bad." Mithrandir's words made him look up.

"Yes, and I for one am grateful that Elrond is not awake for this. I am not happy giving Poppy tea without Gailarphen's approval. He has had two doses today already." He was down to the knuckles now and the skin was just hanging limp where it had fallen. Hardly any of it was like normal skin. It still resembled rumpled stockings.

When he pulled the bandages away from the fingers, it was Haldir who gasped with a mixture of shock and horror. Nestoron looked up quickly to see what was wrong. Haldir was looking down at Elrond, well at his fingers to be precise. Nestoron looked down, following his line of sight.

He was staring straight at the bandages. Nestoron understood what had shocked Haldir, for stuck on the bandages were two of Elrond's fingernails.

"Do not fear. That can happen when the blood flow to the nail is compromised as it will be with burns like this, but they usually grow back." Nestoron hurried to reassure them. Looking up he realised that Rumil looked very white. "Are you well Rumil?"

"Yes, I just did not expect to see..." Rumil looked away, swallowing hard.

"That happens. Take some deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your nose. That will help. Haldir, can you take over from Rumil? He is not feeling too well." Nestoron watched Rumil closely.

"Of course, Nestoron." Haldir quickly took Rumil's place. "Are you alright, Gwador?"

Rumil's face had gone even paler, in moving he had unfortunately seen more of the burns and their magnitude. Despite his long warrior training, he had not seen anything like this. And the fact that this was his foster gwanur only made it worse.

He found that, no matter what, he could not take his eyes away from the wounds. He swallowed heavily.

"Rumil, look at me!" Nestoron did not have time for this.

Thoronhen had heard and seen what was going on and came over to help. He knew that neither Nestoron nor Mithrandir could do anything for Rumil. They were too deeply into the procedure to help should he become sick or even worse.

Rumil swallowed once more before he looked away from the wounds.

"Go and sit down, Rumil, you cannot help like that. We can manage." Nestoron felt badly for him.

"Come, Mellon-nin, I will help in your stead. You look very white. Stand up..." Thoronhen helped him to his feet, but he did not quite make it. The minute he got to his feet, he paled further and then fainted dead away. Thoronhen caught him easily. He took Rumil to a nearby bedroll and laid him gently down and covered him before returning to Nestoron.

"How is he?" Haldir had not moved from where he held Elrond up. He shot worried glances at his younger brother.

"He just fainted, Haldir. He will be fine, apart from his bruised pride." Thoronhen could not help but joke.

Luckily Haldir saw the funny side of the situation. "Yes and I for one will not let him forget it."

"Some just cannot deal with burns, Haldir. I have seen a few mighty warriors faint at the slightest drop of blood. Rumil lasted longer than most. These are very bad burns." Nestoron was cleaning the wounds as he spoke, not wasting even a moment of time in getting this done quickly.

"Rumil is a warrior, he has seen much worse than this. Why would he faint now?" Nestoron, who was kneeling to get to all the burns, thought Haldir sounded as if he was gloating.

"It is because the burns are worse than they were before and it is someone he knows, someone he cares about." He shook his head. "I may have to debride some of this skin, it will only harbour infection." That was the last thing Elrond needed, on top of all his injuries.

"Debride? What is that?" Haldir sounded confused.

"It is where damaged or dead flesh is removed so that a wound can heal." Mithrandir answered the startled warrior.

"How did you know that?" Thoronhen sounded completely surprised.

"I have been around Elrond for far too long. Am I right?" Intelligent blue eyes peeked out from under bushy grey eyebrows.

"Aye, you are right. The skin is dead. It will not heal. If it is not removed, it would be an ideal place for infection to start. Not all of it will have to be removed, but a large majority of it will." Nestoron shook his head regretfully.

Haldir said one word, but it was heart-felt. "Ouch."

"Yes, 'ouch', but it is necessary." Nestoron was cleaning the wound with athelas water mixed with peppermint to try and alleviate any infection. "It is what Gailarphen did to Legolas. You take back the skin until the healthy tissue shows."

"How does it show?" Thoronhen asked. Haldir's nose was drawn up in a look of disgust.

Nestoron was aware that Thoronhen was keen to learn healing skills. Doroniel had spoken to him about the Mirkwood warrior's aptitude for the healing arts. He would explain everything, if he had the time.

"By bleeding, that is the only way that you can tell. I would not even dare to try it here. Not here. If it is attempted, it will have to be back in Imladris. It is too dirty here. The threat of infection is too great as it is without giving it a head start. I will add the burn cream all the way down to the fingers. "

"That seems a good idea to me." Mithrandir was gently patting the area dry that Nestoron had cleaned. Between them they could dress the wounds faster than if it had just been one of them.

Nestoron had returned his attention to the hand. It was still weeping large amounts of sticky fluid and he wanted to get the wound covered as soon as he could. "His fingers are very badly burnt. He will not be able to use them or bend them for some time. I want the dressing done differently. Instead of each finger being bandaged, we will put a pad of bandage between the fingers and then bandage it as if Elrond was wearing mittens like an Elfling."

"We can do that. Do you have enough of the cream?" Mithrandir was ready to help get the wounds dressed.

Nestoron found it easy to speak as he worked. He was used to explaining things to the healers in training. "Yes, this is a cream that will stop the burning from the wound as well. With normal burns you do not put any ointment or grease on them, as that only makes it worse and the burns become greater. This has been made especially for burns and stops that particular side effect. If you have nothing to dress a burn with just use cold water and plenty of it."

"Why just cold water?" Thoronhen held the bowl of burn cream ready so that Nestoron could get to it easily.

"It takes the sting out of the burn. Also if there are blisters, leave them intact if you can." Nestoron took the first spoonful of burn cream.

"I know that, Nana told me once a long time ago to leave them whole, she never said why though." Thoronhen was quick to say that he did not know something and was not embarrassed to admit it. Nestoron grinned at the warrior's enthusiasm to learn. Doroniel had been right about this one.

It was Haldir who gave the answer as he heard Rumil stirring. "The blisters form a protection for the wound underneath. It keeps the area clean and infection free. Ada has told all of us, has he not, Rumil?" He looked over to where his still rather pallid brother had just sat up after re-gaining consciousness. He got a grunt in answer. Rumil would not even look at his brother.

"That is correct, Haldir. Your Adar was quite right." Mithrandir had also started to gently smear the cream over the alarmingly large burns.

" Your Ada? But, Haldir, I thought that your parents were d..." Thoronhen broke off, not sure whether or not to carry on.

Haldir was not bothered by the question. "Dead? Yes, they are, and have been for many years, but we have foster parents. We were fortunate to have been raised by Hir Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. We now consider them to be our parents." He looked down sadly at Elrond. "Elrond is then a part of our family. That was part of the reason that Rumil could not cope with seeing him so hurt. He has always been most kind to us."

"I can understand that. I am sorry I did not know of your connection." Thoronhen gently patted Haldir's shoulder.

"Hannon-le, Thoronhen, I appreciate your understanding." Haldir smiled back at the Mirkwood Elf.

"Hennad, Thoronhen. That is enough of the paste for now. Could you pass the bandages?" Nestoron and Mithrandir had moved quickly and had covered the burns and scalds. All that was left was the bandaging of the burns.

It did not take them long to finish bandaging his arm and then move onto his back, chest and abdomen. The wounds there were not as bad as his hand, but covered a far greater area. It made the loss of fluid all the more dangerous. The serous fluid was constantly draining and could become a great problem if they were not careful.

They both worked quickly to finish cleaning and dressing the wounds, by the time they had finished Mithrandir's lips were drawn into a thin line. He had been told the burns were bad, but again, as with Legolas, Mithrandir had not truly believed it until he had seen them with his own eyes. Now, more than ever, he was glad that they had the Eagles to help them get to Imladris.

Mithrandir realised that the carriage that had been sent from Imladris to carry the wounded would have been far too slow and painful for Elrond to ride in, even if he had not sent it back when the Eagles spotted it and the troop of Imladris soldiers on their way here. It had taken some time to convince the Captain that it would be for the best to return to Imladris and prepare for their return. He did not realise at the time how true that was.

Nestoron washed his hands of the sticky fluids and took a deep breath. "Hannon-le, all of you, mellyn-nin. That would have taken a lot longer to accomplish on my own and Elrond would in all probability have woken up. At least that did not happen."

"You are welcome, Nestoron. How long do you think it will be before we can get the injured upon the Eagles and ready to leave?" Mithrandir was concerned with getting Elrond and Legolas to Imladris where they could get more care

"I would need to look at Legolas, Thranduil and Calandor before I can say." He turned to look for Doroniel where he had last seen her beside Thranduil. She was no longer there. Puzzled and a little worried, he looked further for her.

"Doroniel is seeing to the injured from the herb party near the cave. They were attacked by Wargs." Thoronhen hurried to explain. He had seen the worry flare up in the healer's brown eyes.

Nestoron's lips thinned. "Hannon le. I wanted her to rest. She is as unwell as Calandor is." He could not hide the irritation in his voice.

"I know, but Randis had a large wound that was bleeding badly and needed stitched. Faergon had a dislocated shoulder. I was unable to aid them." Thoronhen felt frustrated that he had not been able to help the wounded more that he had.

"Sîdh, Thoronhen, forgive me. It is not your fault that you could do no more than you have to help. Hannon-le, for the valuable work that you have done. I will check the King and Prince and get back to you, Mithrandir. In the meantime, please give Elrond some water? Just drips so that he does not choke. Haldir knows what to do. Do not put him down on his back. He needs to be kept upright, it eases his breathing." Nestoron had filled the goblet with cool, clear water as he spoke and handed it to Mithrandir.

Nestoron watched as they gave Elrond small drops of water and then gently massaged the bruised throat, careful not to irritate the bruised tissues too much. Satisfied, he turned and moved to where Legolas and Thranduil lay.

---

Doroniel looked up from putting the last stitch in Randis' leg to watch Nestoron's progress for a few minutes before she bent back to her work. She cast aside the thorn needle that had been threaded with silk that they always carried for just such a purpose. She then cleaned the leg of any blood that leaked since she had begun to sew the gash closed. Once clean and dry, she put a dressing on it.

"Yes, Dor, as you have told me every time I have ever been hurt." He gave her a thankful smile, in spite of his teasing words. "I know the Warg was not exactly clean, but I won't worry about that one any longer. Faergon saw to that." Randis sounded smug. He would walk with pain for a few days, but that did not matter to him. He had dealt with worse wounds before. Doroniel had given him this same lecture on caring for his wounds more times than he cared to remember.

"Is that where he got the broken collar bone and dislocated shoulder?" She was just tying off the bandage on Randis' leg. Faergon's wound had been nasty and needed twelve stitches to close it. Any further damage to the skin over the collarbone and she would not have been able to do the sutures. It would have been impossible to sew directly over the bone and would have healed badly and taken longer, even for an Elf.

"Yes, he pulled the Warg off me with his bare hands. I never saw anything like it." Randis glanced behind Doroniel. "I think Nestoron is looking for you, Dor." Randis winced as he moved his leg. It was amazing how just a bite could be so painful.

"Hannon le, Mellon-nin. I think I may be in trouble, Nestoron wanted me to rest." Doroniel looked up and watched as the healer walked up the slope towards her. She sighed. She was more exhausted than she cared to admit. As she had been suturing Randis' wound she found it necessary to concentrate really hard to stop the needle and her hand from shaking. The more she tried the worse the shaking became and she thought that Randis or Faergon would make some sort of comment and tease her about it. To her amazement they had made no comment at all.

"Why did Nestoron want you to rest, Dor? I thought that you had recovered." Randis sounded amazed and he looked closely at his friend.

To his surprise he was rather shocked by her appearance. Doroniel normally was fastidious about her appearance. You could not tell that at present. Her clothes were horribly creased and covered with both mud and blood. Her hair, normally contained in either a bun or braids was wild, really wild. It fell into ringlets that were matted and knotted as well. It also had a liberal coating of mud. It would take her a long time to wash and comb them out.

Her face held little colour and she had some of the thickest black rings under her eyes that he had ever before seen in his life. She also had a smear of mud across her nose and down one cheek. It made her look so very young and he wanted nothing more than to hug her and tell her all would be well. Calandor would not thank him for that and quite rightly too.

As he spoke she ducked her head as if embarrassed by his scrutiny.

"Dor? Are you well?" He could feel his worry rising. Every time he thought that one person in their group was recovering something had to prove him wrong. It was bad enough that Hir Elrond and Aran Thranduil were so badly injured, that Legolas looked to be little more than a step away from entering Mandos' Halls, but now Doroniel as well? He had thought she was recovering so well, but now he did not know what to think.

"I have a headache." Doroniel hoped that, if she admitted that, then Randis would accept it as the explanation.

"Why did you not say? I would not have let you..." Randis was not happy with his life-long friend. She tended to neglect her own needs far too much.

"What? You would not have let me help you? Do not be stupid, Randis. I know that you are not." Doroniel was glaring at him in the light of the fire. "If I had not cleaned and sutured your wounds, the chance of you having an infection would have been incredibly hard. You may still get an infection because of the length of time that has passed since you were wounded until you were treated. And Faergon? If he had not been treated and the joint not re-located back into its place, it could have caused a lot of damage. The swelling would have increased until no one could have put the joint back into its rightful place. Then where would he have been? He would have lost the use of that arm. Who has heard of a one armed archer? Hmmm?" Her voice had risen as she talked and it was obvious that she was becoming very upset about the situation.

"Peace, Dor we know that you only think of your patients and not of yourself. You worry about us, let us worry about you? Saes, Mellon-nin?" Randis' voice held a plea and they all heard it.

Doroniel stared at him for a few very long minutes before seeming to deflate in front of them. She sighed tiredly and rubbed her eyes with a balled hand, just as an Elfling would do.

"I am sorry, Randis. I should not have snapped at you when you are being kind to me and letting me know that." She looked up at him bleary-eyed, her headache really had taken off to new proportions.

"There is nothing to apologise for. Just please take the tea that Nestoron has for you?"

Doroniel looked around to find Nestoron holding out the tea that was ready for her to take.

"It will not put you to sleep, Dor, but it will help the pain. I know you had some just earlier, but it won't hurt you to have more. You do realize that we will have to help take the injured with the Eagles?" He watched amused as she lost what little colour she had previously held.

"F... Fly?" She sounded both terrified and horrified at the same time.

"Yes, Dear Doroniel, we will fly. It is the only way to get Elrond, Thranduil, Legolas and Calandor back to Imladris with speed. They will all be relying on us to help them. You know they cannot remain on the Eagles alone." Nestoron nudged the tea towards her once more.

"But fly! I have never flown before!" She still sounded horrified.

He gave a grim smile. "Neither have I, if it is any comfort, so it will be a first time for both of us. Now, please drink that tea Dor, it will not help you if you sit and stare at it in the goblet."

He grinned at her. The line had become a joke between them some time ago. He had to admit that the thought of climbing atop of one of those huge raptors terrified him more than he had ever been scared before. But for Doroniel, Dear Brave Doroniel, who would do and face anything for her friends, he would put on a brave face, as she would also do for her friends and patients.

Every good healer knew that some things you had to do because it was for the good of the patient. Your own concerns came second.

Doroniel took the tea with a scowl and began to drink it in small sips. Nestoron watched her closely as she finished it all and was rewarded with a small sigh and the loosening of the pain lines around her mouth.

"Better?" He accepted the empty goblet back.

"Yes, it did help, hannon le, Nestoron. How is Elrond?" She stood and brushed down her stained and ragged leggings, trying to disguise the trembling of her legs.

"Still leaking a lot of fluid from his burns. I will only really be happy when we get him and Legolas back to Imladris. The warriors, were they injured badly?"

A sudden thought entered Doroniel's mind, prompted by Nestoron's question. Who will care for the wounded here until Gailarphen wakes? Valar, Gailarphen! He will NOT be happy at being left behind because we drugged him either! Nor, she supposed, would Glorfindel. The thought of leaving on the Eagles was suddenly a bit more appealing.

"No, nothing too bad, just a mixture of minor broken bones and cuts. When do you want to leave?" She glanced nervously to where Gailarphen and Glorfindel were still sleeping.

"Once we check Legolas and Thranduil. Why are you suddenly in a rush to leave?" Both Nestoron and Randis looked at her with visible concern.

"Well, to be truthful I do not wish to be anywhere near either Gailarphen or Glorfindel when they do awaken." Doroniel tried to explain.

"Why? They are our friends." Randis was shocked by her words.

"Yes, they are our friends, friends whom we have just drugged senseless without their knowledge or consent. You know how either one is when they get mad. Do you want to face both of them then? They will..."

"…not be happy with us when they do wake up." Nestoron was suddenly as worried as she was. "I will check on Legolas and Thranduil." With that he hurried away to check the injured. He had taken perhaps three steps when the ground moved beneath their feet.

Doroniel grabbed Randis to try and hold them both upright. It was over in a blink of an eye. Randis looked around wide-eyed.

"What was that?"

"I have no idea. Is anyone injured?" That was Doroniel's first thought, her fellow Elves.

There was no answer. Randis sighed with relief when there was no answer to the dreaded question. He then turned to Doroniel.

"You drugged both of them!" He had a mixture of awe and dread on his face.

"Yes, but they needed the sleep!" She tried to justify what they had done.

"I trust you, Dor, but I just do not want to be anywhere near you when they realise what you have done! Would it be an idea to send a messenger to Fornost? Lady Galadriel will be very worried I am sure."

Doroniel watched him closely as he spoke. Somehow, she knew what would be coming and she would stop this before it had started. She turned and called down the slope. "Thoronhen? Are you and Haldir free to come speak with us?"

They had just finished settling Elrond in a position propped up against Rumil's chest, to allow him to rest until they were ready to put him on an Eagle. Haldir had also taken a moment to make certain his younger brother really was alright.

They hurried over, a contemplative Mithrandir came with them.

"What is the problem, Dor?" Thoronhen looked concerned.

"There is no problem, Thoronhen. It is only that Randis had the idea that it might be well to send a messenger to Fornost with news." Doroniel gave a gloating smile at her archer friend.

Randis swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry as he realised that Doroniel knew exactly what he had planned.

Haldir nodded to Randis in agreement. It was a good thought, one he felt he should have considered as soon as they arrived. "That is a very good idea. The Lord and Lady will be very worried about Aran Thranduil and Caun Legolas. I am sure she will be anxious about Elrond as well."

Thoronhen was already considering which of the soldiers, from any of the three realms, was in any condition to send on such a journey. It was sobering to think there were so few he would consider from their numbers. "I agree and will arrange that, though we may need to request a messenger to take the news from Imladris."

"I wi..." Randis began, but Doroniel whirled on him with fire in her eyes.

"No, Randis you will not be the one to go. You have just completed a very tiring journey to Fornost and back again. You are still recovering from your previous wound, which you hid from me, and do not think I have forgotten it was poisoned either. Then, rather than resting, you decide to go out herb gathering, ending with you being injured again. Randis, you lost a fair amount of blood. You are exhausted and you will be staying here until everyone leaves for Imladris, even if I have to drug you into oblivion!" Doroniel looked at him, right eyebrow raised and eyes flashing with determination. She punctuated the air as she emphasised her thoughts. "Your leg needs rest, not to have weight on it. You really should be laying down now. You will not be the one to go to Fornost if you know what is good for you."

"I... I.."

Randis looked down with consternation. Even feeling as ill and exhausted as she was, he would not like to cross her when she was in this mood. He could certainly see her father in her, the stance, that same intense glint in her eye and the set of her mouth. Doroniel was no pushover. Randis decided to try just once more, though he held little hope of success.

"I am the best trained scout here..."

Doroniel raised her eyebrow at him once more and whispered in his ear. "Do I have to be the one to tell your Naneth who it was that played with the bottles in her bathing chamber and changed the colour of her hair?"

All Randis could think was how good she had gotten at the raised eyebrow 'look'. She had really learned that trick well from Elrond.

"I…I…You would not..." He could barely get his words out, he was so stunned.

Doroniel smirked. "Yes, Randis, I would. Then, I would tell her why I was revealing it only now, so long after it happened."

The scout seemed to deflate in front of them. "Perhaps you should choose another to go. I think I should stay here."

"I think that would be a good and wise decision, Mellon-nin." Thoronhen was trying his hardest not to laugh aloud at his life-long friend's dilemma. He had not intended to send Randis in any case, for all the same reasons Doroniel had given.

"Did any of you notice the way that the ground moved?" Mithrandir sounded troubled.

"Yes, we did, it would have been hard not to notice. It has not done that previously, to my knowledge." Doroniel answered from where she was watching the deflated Randis. This was the first time she had won in a situation like this with her old friend. She did not feel as good about the triumph as she had expected. It left her more worried than before. Was Randis hiding wounds? Could she have missed something as she had with Legolas? She shivered at the thought. Perhaps she should look again.

"I see, intriguing. I wonder what could have caused it? Perhaps I should look at this cave while I am here. We are nearly ready to depart on the Eagles." Mithrandir turned towards the opening, but turned back sharply. "You say there has been nothing like this shaking of the ground before? You are certain?"

They all nodded again and he turned back. Haldir joined him as he made his way to the cave.

"I am happier that a messenger is to be sent to Hir Celeborn. I know that they were incredibly worried as we left."

"I can understand that after witnessing the aftermath of your travels. You must have ridden hard and fast to have reached here so quickly." They were making their way slowly up to the cave mouth.

"We only stopped when we had to and then it was mostly when Elrond had visions." Haldir lead the way so that Mithrandir would not stumble in the dark, taking his arm in places to lead him around stones. The wizard seemed able to negotiate the way fairly well on his own, however.

"How unusual." Mithrandir sounded completely perplexed.

"What is wrong?" Haldir looked around him, but could see nothing out of place.

"The sky has suddenly darkened. There are no longer any stars to shine the way," Mithrandir was searching the skies for some sign of what had caused this.

"No stars? But there have been stars since before the Valar began!" Haldir sounded shocked as he too began to scan the skies.

"Be that as it may, they are no longer shining. Come we need to see this cave and perhaps work out its distinct presence. You say you felt a 'heaviness'? Can you describe it for me?"

Haldir did so. The only thing he did not mention, for some reason, was the way that the cave affected him. He felt that he could not speak to anyone about that. He pushed it to the back of his mind, to the part where he could not and would not go.

They entered the cave just as he finished his tale. It had a gloomy, over bearing feeling about it. The large fire in the middle of the cave looked to have been tended at some point, but now it was beginning to die down. The logs underneath were almost burnt through and it smoked as well.

The heaviness in the air hit them almost physically. It was like walking into a hard wall.

To Mithrandir, he could almost see the air, as if it was being formed and changed. He had been right. There was something happening here, something tainted with ancient evil.

He looked around the cave, trying to find where the darkness emanated from. He could find no sign of the source. He could feel it begin to cover him, as if someone was placing a heavy cloak upon him. Luckily for him he could resist its baleful influence. He was not so sure that Haldir was safe from its influence, however.

He was still scanning the cave when Haldir moved to the fire. "Here are the Ellith that were with Aran Thranduil's group. They are unconscious!"

Mithrandir hurried to them. It was as Haldir said, the two Ellith were unconscious. He could find no reason for them to be so.

"Is this Ruthwen? I have met her once before." From Mithrandir's tone of voice it had not been a happy meeting. "I do not know the other one. They appear to be only sleeping, but with their eyes closed?" Mithrandir was muttering to himself as he knelt beside the elleth he had reached first.

"Her name is Imles and she seems harmless enough. Without Ruthwen's prodding, I do not think that she would say boo to her own shadow. Ruthwen is a nasty piece of work, some of the stories that I could tell you! Poor Legolas has been the target of her dislike, some of the things that she has done to him. It would make your beard curl!" Haldir was glaring at Ruthwen with what could only be described as hatred.

Mithrandir looked at him with surprise. He had never seen the Lothlorien March Warden behave like this before.

"Haldir?" Mithrandir asked, watching Haldir closely as the other Elf glowered at the Ellith.

"Yes, Mithrandir?" Even his voice seemed to thrum with hatred.

"Why are you so angry at the two Ellith?" He placed his words carefully. It really was unlike Haldir to behave thus.

"Angry? Me? Mithrandir, what are you talking about?" Haldir blinked at him in surprise.

"Haldir, what I am about to ask you will sound as if I have lost my mind, just bear with me for a short while."

"Of course, Mithrandir, I trust you implicitly." Haldir was puzzled now, what could the respected wizard do that would make him think he had lost his mind?

He got his answer less than a minute later. Mithrandir, his hand on Haldir's arm, pulled him out of the cave. He was watching Haldir as they stepped out into the night. A night that was incredibly dark, unnaturally dark. Not that Mithrandir noticed, for his attention was focused entirely on Haldir.

As they reached the open air, Haldir reacted as one who had been drowning, but suddenly was pulled free of the water. He no longer felt as if a Mumakil was sitting on his chest and pounding in his head. What could have caused this?

"How do you feel now, Haldir?" Mithrandir was chewing absently on a piece of hair from his beard.

"I feel better, but how? All was well before I went in there… What is this deviltry in the cave? I am well, now that I have escaped its grip!" Haldir looked around, puzzled.

"It is the cave, Haldir. There is something unnatural about this cave. I do not yet know what it is. Do you think you can put it to one side, momentarily? We must get them out of there." Mithrandir did not know whether to be pleased or worried that he had been right with his theory. He chose worried in the end.

"Why can we not leave them?" Haldir would not have left them behind, truly he would not, but the temptation was huge.

"We cannot leave them in there. The 'atmosphere' in the cave is growing stronger and they are Elves. Even if they are not liked, I could not in all conscience leave them under its baleful influence." Mithrandir looked at him with grey eyebrows drawn together and pensive.

Haldir was embarrassed that he had even said it. "I agree, Mithrandir, forgive me. I truly would not have left them there, no matter what they may have done."

"I know, Mellon-nin. I understand as well. If you will take Imles, I will take Ruthwen. That way there is no need for you to go near her. Is that satisfactory?"

"Aye, I think that would be the best way of doing it." Haldir looked at the cave entrance with trepidation.

"Good, we will then have Nestoron check them for any injuries."

They turned to look at the cave and began to walk that way.

"I do not think he would let Doroniel look at them and she will not offer... if she has any sense!" Haldir had to laugh before going back into that awful atmosphere.

"I agree, if she has moved he would have tied her to the Oak. Are you ready?" He looked worriedly at the Elf. What could there be in the cave that affected the Elves like this. This he would have to look into.

"I am ready and want this to be over with." Haldir had pulled himself together and was ready to re-enter the cave now that he knew what was causing his unusual feelings.

The minute they moved into the cave's mouth he felt the heaviness in the air, the odd feeling of something sitting on his chest and the feeling of utter rage that he had felt before. The only difference was that now he knew what it was, and was prepared for it.

Haldir was aware that Mithrandir was looking at him, and he could not blame him, there was something about this cave that reeked of evil.

They crossed over to the dying cook fire and to the two Ellith that lay nearby. Neither had moved. They split when they reached them, Mithrandir going to Ruthwen and Haldir to Imles. They each bent to gently pick up their charges.

Haldir was the first to stand. His face twisted into a fierce scowl when he noted the careful, gentle way that the ancient Maia lifted Ruthwen.

"You need not be so gentle with the foul witch. She would not be so caring if the tables were turned!" Haldir's voice was once more harsh, the fury from earlier had returned.

"I will be as gentle as I care to be, Haldir. Now let us get out of this place." At Haldir's relieved nod they made their way from the cave.

As they were making their way out, Mithrandir noted that some of the soil near the Ellith had been recently disturbed. To one side sat a goblet on its side, forgotten it seemed in the rush to get out of the cave. It appeared to have held some kind of red liquid that was rapidly drying.

He noted where it was and what it looked like, but he had more pressing things to see to at present. As they stepped free of the cave mouth, Haldir again breathed a great sigh of relief. Mithrandir noted a great visible change in him from the dark scowling figure of a moment before.

"There is definitely something odd going on in that cave." Haldir walked towards the fire by the Oak with the small elleth safely in his arms.

"I agree, Haldir. It was interesting to see how you were affected, though." Mithrandir had no trouble holding Ruthwen. Despite his ancient and decrepit appearance, he was actually very strong and fit, he had to be.

"In what way?" They had reached the fire and gently lay the Ellith beside it. They were aware of the looks that were being sent their way. They ranged from anger to outright hatred and it was all aimed at the Ellith that lay so limp against the ground.

Mithrandir looked up to find Nestoron making his way over to them. He looked over to where Doroniel sat. She had a rebellious, unhappy look on her face. She was also shooting glares at Nestoron's back as he walked away from her.

"What happened?" He came to a halt beside Mithrandir and knelt beside him so that he could get a good look at Ruthwen.

"We found them like this when we entered the cave. Ruthwen was holding Imles' hand. They have not stirred." Mithrandir said, watching as the healer began to check Ruthwen over. "How are Thranduil and Legolas?"

"They are well enough for us to move them, I would prefer not to, but they will be much better in Imladris, as will all of them really. It is just the move that is worrying me." Nestoron felt Ruthwen's pulse and then checked her pupil responses.

"What is worrying you about the move?" Haldir sounded confused, as well he might, Mithrandir was as well.

"It is just the move. What will happen if Legolas has a seizure while we are flying? Or Thranduil has another attack? We could do nothing!" Nestoron could not hide his growing fears.

"That will not happen, Nestoron." Doroniel's calm voice made the Healer turn in surprise. "What are you doing up Dor? I told you to stay and rest!" Nestoron could never say who it was that had helped her, but he did not think she would have made it all the way to them otherwise.

"I know and I can rest just as well over here as I can over there. You seem troubled, mellon-nin. What is wrong?" Doroniel was still pale and shaking and very grateful to Thoronhen for helping her to move.

"I am worried that, while we are flying, Legolas will have another seizure or that Thranduil will wake and have another attack of heart problems. We could not help them if that happens!" He could find nothing wrong with Ruthwen and hurried on to Imles.

"Then we make plans to prevent that from happening. When do you plan to move the injured, Mithrandir?" Her calm attitude was like a balm to them all. Mithrandir was grateful for her presence.

"As soon as you think they are ready, Nestoron?" Mithrandir asked.

"We can leave now, but my fears?" He glared at Doroniel. How could she take this so lightly? If either Thranduil or Legolas were to fall… Well, it did not bear thinking about.

"I will see to that." Mithrandir stood and shook the dust from his clothes.

"You?" Nestoron blinked at him, a little stunned. "What can you do? You are not a healer!"

Doroniel spoke with exasperation. "Mithrandir may not be a Healer, Nestoron, as you have so politely pointed out, but he is Maiar!" Doroniel glared at her friend. How could he be so rude, and at a time like this?

Nestoron's face flushed pink. "Forgive me, Mithrandir, I was not thinking..."

"You can say that again!" Doroniel stated, still glaring at him.

Mithrandir shook his head, unconcerned at Nestoron's words. "There is nothing to forgive. Doroniel, calm down, we do not have time for this." Mithrandir looked at her sternly. This was indeed most interesting. Could whatever influence that was in the cave be affecting them way out here? For either Doroniel or Nestoron to act like this was so incredibly rare... still, they were both beyond exhausted… It seemed that Doroniel's symptoms of the lightning strike were also becoming more pronounced.

Doroniel stood still glaring at Nestoron until Mithrandir's words filtered through and began to make sense. What on Arda was happening to her? She blushed and looked down. "I am sorry, Nestoron, Mithrandir, this is unlike me." She ran a hand through her matted hair, stopping and groaning when she found a large tangle. "I do not know what possessed me."

"I will only accept your apologies if you accept mine, Doroniel." He smiled at the Healer in front of him, and was relieved when she nodded her agreement. He turned to Mithrandir. "There really is something happening here and it seems to feed off of negative feelings. We have seen it before this."

"Yes, it does. How are the Ellith? If they are alright and we can fly, I will speak with Gwaihir. Perhaps it would be best if you ride with Elrond, Nestoron. Thranduil will fly with me. If he has an attack I can help him immediately. Legolas can ride with you, Doroniel. Are you happy with that?" Mithrandir looked around at them.

They both nodded a little uncertainly. Both had worries and fears about mounting the Great Eagles, but neither would admit it. After all, they had patients who needed them.

"What about Calandor? His condition is a lot more stable than it has been, but he still should not try to ride on his own." Doroniel shivered at the thought. "If he were to fall from a horse, as is likely in his condition, he could be badly injured, if not killed."

"He is numbered among your seriously injured. We will make another journey to include him. Perhaps, when we get to Imladris, you might consider flying back with us to retrieve him?" Mithrandir was aware that their relationship was deeper than friendship. He could see it in the way that they sent glances to each other when they thought no one was looking. Oh yes, he was sure that these two would be bonded.

"I would like that. Hannon le, Mithrandir." Doroniel gave him a happy and relieved smile.

"Very well, let me speak with Gwaihir." He made his way across the campsite. Looking up, he frowned. It was so dark that if it were not for the fire and the Elves inner glow he would be unable to see in the darkness. It seemed as if something was literally trying to smother them.

"Gwaihir, Mellon-iaur, they will be ready to fly shortly. We will need to make two trips if that is well with you? The number of their grievously injured is greater than can be carried safely at once." Mithrandir stood before his old friend and looked him directly in the eye.

"I will agree to do that, Gandalf. However, the others must leave this place at once, it is not safe."

"You feel it too?" Mithrandir looked surprised at this.

"Gandalf, I listen to the Song of Arda and also the life around me. I cannot miss this. The only one of their number who can hear it without effort is unable to at present." The Great Eagle blinked his large eye at the Maia.

"Legolas, you mean?" This ability was so rare that Mithrandir had never come across any who had it, other than the Great Eagles.

"Yes indeed, it is the Prince that I mean. Take care of him, Gandalf. Do not let the darkness succeed in taking him. It bodes ill for Middle Earth if this were to happen." Gwaihir kept his eye on the Maia as he stood beside him.

"What is in the Song?" Mithrandir stood pondering what had been said already.

"Just that the Prince must remain in the Song, yet there is warning for him to leave this evil place. The trees weep for the pain he feels and the pain that is still to come."

"That does not bode well." Mithrandir was beginning to worry, this did not sound good for any of them.

"You must go with them, Mithrandir. You will be needed by the end of this. Be there for him and for Thranduil."

"I will. I promise."

"Good and you must warn them that they must leave this place. There is evil here, an ancient and malevolent evil. They must leave. I will find them when we return."

"Thank you, Old Friend. I will let them know." With that, Mithrandir turned and hurried back to the Elves, Gwaihir's warnings ringing clearly in his mind.

Nestoron and Doroniel looked up from their preparations as he hurried back. He was joined by Thoronhen as he walked.

"Gwaihir has agreed to make two journeys, Doroniel." He smiled at the healer.

"Hannon-le, Mithrandir." They had covered the still-sleeping Ellith, but had otherwise left them as they had been placed near the fire. They had not stirred.

"Thoronhen, once we leave, it might be better if you were to move away from the cave. Gwaihir tells me that Arda's Song is giving warning and tells... warns that there is great evil here. If you move, Gwaihir can easily find you." Mithrandir watched the archer closely as he spoke, was that relief he could see in his eyes?

"Hannon-le, Mithrandir. Bremoline and I had just discussed this. We had already decided that we had to move." Mithrandir looked around while Thoronhen was speaking. The Elves had begun to pack up their things and break camp. "We both feel that it is too perilous to stay here. The trees say that we cannot stay here. I wish you could hear them, Mellon-nin. They are practically shrieking in anger and fear."

Mithrandir looked up and was astonished to see that all the trees in the clearing, except for the ancient Oak sheltering Legolas, were moving, swaying their boughs and limbs as if a strong wind moved them, but there was no such wind blowing. All he could hear was an eerie moaning and wooden creaking while they moved as if in acute distress.

"We cannot find the stars. The entire night sky is empty!" Thoronhen sounded shocked.

"Yes, I know. It is good that you are moving. We leave at the same time then? Calandor can ride with another?" Mithrandir watched as the shelter was swiftly dismantled

It was amazing how quickly the camp was cleared. All the Elves from the three different Realms worked together as they emptied the clearing. The horses were called and soon were being readied with packs and supplies in place.

Nestoron knelt beside Legolas and was gently covering him in one of the blankets. Someone had dressed the Prince in the remnants of his tunic and nothing more. Once he had finished Nestoron made his way to Thranduil, another blanket in hand. Doroniel was incredibly gentle while wrapping Elrond as well.

They did not realise that, behind them, two others were trying to be helpful. They were gently wrapping Legolas in three more blankets while Nestoron was distracted by Bremoline innocently asking questions about Thranduil's condition.

It was only when Lathron noticed that Legolas' hands were chilled that they realised that something was happening to their patient.

"Doroniel, you need to come and see Legolas, his hands are icy cold." Lathron sounded worried and the whole camp stopped what they were doing to watch. They all knew that Elves never normally had cold hands.

"Pardon?" Doroniel had heard what he had said, but she just hoped that he was saying anything other than what she had just heard.

"Legolas' hands are chilled as ice." Why he had called for Doroniel rather than Nestoron, he was not sure. Perhaps it was just force of habit.

"I will come." Doroniel was aware that she was being watched as she crossed to the other side of the huge Oak that was nestling them.

It was when she was kneeling beside Legolas that she realised that he was wrapped in four blankets and not the single blanket that she and Nestoron had been covering their patients in. She took a deep breath before she spoke, to calm herself. They were only trying to help and doing their best at that.

"Who placed the blankets around the Caun?" Her voice was calm. Getting annoyed with them would only make the situation worse. She noted dimly as she was unwinding the extra blankets, that she was shaking again.

"I did, he is cold. Look at him shaking!" Lathron could not hide his worry.

"Saes, Lathron, come here?" She beckoned him nearer to her. "Feel his forehead and tell me if you think he is still cold."

Doroniel had to smile when he took Legolas' temperature just as they had seen her do, with the back of his hand. It had been a lesson well-learned.

"But he is burning hot!" Lathron was openly surprised.

"Yes, Legolas still has a very high temperature and this is his body's way of trying to cool down. If we were to leave him with four blankets, then he would have another febrile seizure. Can you imagine that happening during our journey on the Eagle? We could have lost him. I know that it may seem barbaric to you, but trust me when I say that we would do nothing to harm any one of our patients." Doroniel was quickly undoing the blankets from the small body.

"I did not realise, I thought I was helping the Caun." Lathron was horrified at what he could have done.

"I know, Mellon-nin, I understand. We will see to the injured, if you can see to some rope to hold the injured and their healers onto the back of the Eagles?"

Lathron nodded eagerly, pleased to have something to do.

Nestoron had walked over to Doroniel. "You are wonderful when dealing with family and their friends. Shall I make more fever reducing tea for Legolas?" The last thing to be seen to in the camp was the fire, for just this reason.

"Before we go, yes, but I would ask you to look at Elrond first." Doroniel had finally removed the unwanted blankets and set them to one side. They would all have a spare blanket with them on the back of the Eagle, just in case they had need of them.

"Of course, Dor, is there something the matter?" Nestoron had risen from beside Legolas and turned towards where Elrond rested, the roots hid most of the Elf Lord below his waist. From this distance they could see how pale Elrond really was and the livid bruises around his throat stood out in stark contrast to the rest of his skin.

"I am not sure. When I checked him over I was certain that I heard a stridor again when he was breathing. I am just not happy with his breathing. My mind would be eased if you were to look at him." Doroniel worried her lower lip. This was, after all, the Lord of Imladris and the one who had taught her in the healing arts that she was treating and the fear of doing something wrong was at the forethought.

"Of course, Dor it is wise to ask if you are not sure. I will see to him while you make Legolas' tea." He smiled at her, noting the trembling that had worsened as they worked. He had a feeling that was why she had asked for the rope harness.

"Can I be of help at all?" Mithrandir asked as he moved close to them.

They had temporarily forgotten about the wizard in the rush to prepare the injured for their journey.

"Saes, Mithrandir you could help me sit Legolas up so that he can take the tea." Doroniel smiled at him, while everyone else was busy breaking camp, this would be ideal.

"Of course I will, Doroniel. I also need to do a little more to help them sleep." He sounded so different to the Maia that she knew that she did not know quite what he meant by this and looked at Nestoron for guidance.

Nestoron nodded to her to show that he knew what the aged wizard was talking about and in that single look she knew she could trust him.

She felt a little guilty at doubting Mithrandir after knowing him for so long as well. She headed over to Nestoron at his beckoning.

"You can trust Mithrandir, Dor. He would never harm either Thranduil or Legolas. But yes, you were right to question him. That is very good, well done. Make the tea for Legolas while I see to Elrond?"

The two went to their separate tasks.

Rumil was still sitting in the same position as earlier with Elrond held gently against his chest, speaking softly into his ear. He looked up with a small, worried smile when Nestoron drew near. "You have a visitor, Uncle. You are very popular today. Glorfindel is going to be so jealous when he finds out! Suilad, Nestoron."

"Suilad, Rumil. I trust Elrond has given you no trouble?" Nestoron was looking at his still-unconscious friend and mentor.

"No, he has been sitting as asked and taking his water." Even as he spoke, Rumil gave Elrond more of the vital fluid, just a tiny sip but better than nothing. It was essential that they keep giving him water while he was losing so much fluid.

"Very good, Rumil. I need to look at his throat." He lowered the blanket further so that it revealed the top half of Elrond's chest.

The bruising was still substantial. Many colours of the rainbow showed all the way up his throat showing that it was beginning to heal. Most were dark and his throat even looked swollen from the outside. But what made Nestoron pause and blink was the hand print that still showed all so clearly where the crushing grip had been. The hand print stood out and was as clear as day.

"We need to apply more arnica and witch hazel on his throat." He then pulled the lax mouth down so that he could look into the throat with the limited light available. The throat was still swollen, but not as bad as it had been previously. It was no longer nearly closed by the swelling, thank Ilúvatar. He was happy with that. Just a bit more of the herb teas and that would rectify the situation.

Nestoron left Elrond's eyes alone. Even Gailarphen had steered clear of them. They would be thoroughly examined once they returned to Imladris. The cloth around his head that covered the eyes was also left. The last thing that Elrond needed was for a speck of dust to get into his eyes and cause even more damage than there already was.

He was just about to ask Doroniel what had caused her such worry, when he saw it. Just in that one glance he could see what she was so worried about. Elrond's lips were still a shade of blue. She had left one of the minor scalds free of bandages at the base of his throat. Normally, a scald was a bright, angry red. This was a deep red, a deeper red than he had seen before, but he had seen descriptions and illustrations in a book in Elrond's vast library. It meant one thing and one thing only; infection.

He sighed with deep worry. They needed to get Elrond home and treat the infection before it got out of hand. He went to one side and washed his hands. There, laid out ready for him, were the remains of the cream for burns and some clean bandages. If he had looked, he would have noticed that Doroniel had left the dressings for him. She wanted him to see the problem for himself.

He cleaned and dressed the scalds before completing the dressings. Then he knelt and listened to Elrond's chest. His brow creased with concern. There was a definite stridor on the right side. He knew what was causing it. The muscles of his chest were contracting as the burns pulled. They would have to monitor both symptoms, that and the blue lips, this could turn nasty and very quickly. At least he would be flying with Elrond, no matter how much he hated the idea of flying.

He looked up into Rumil's worried blue eyes. "We will be moving soon, but until then I would like you to call either Doroniel or myself if his breathing seems to be changing."

Rumil seemed even more worried for his foster kinsman now. "I will certainly do so if there is any change." Rumil looked from Elrond's face to Nestoron. "Elrond is seriously ill, is he not?"

"Hennad, Rumil. Yes, I fear he is, the burns are becoming infected in spite of our best efforts." He looked up in time to see the deep worry that Rumil felt. He gave a brief smile of reassurance. "Once we get him to Imladris, I am sure he will recover." He gently patted one of Rumil's hands. "Just watch him for me?" Rumil nodded.

Nestoron crossed to where Doroniel and Mithrandir knelt, giving Legolas the tea for his fever. "How is he?"

"There has been no change. His fever is still high. How is Elrond?" Doroniel was giving Legolas sips of the tea as Haldir gently held him up. Mithrandir was holding Legolas' right hand while gently cradling the side of the young Prince's face with his other. He did not seem to be aware of anything that was going on around him. His staff leaned against his shoulder.

Nestoron nodded grimly. "His burns are infected, as you feared and his breathing is still laboured. I have finished the dressings, but we need to get him to Imladris with haste, Legolas too. They both worry me." Nestoron once again gently pushed the sodden hair away from the wound on Legolas' forehead. "We really must cut his hair. It is getting so matted and this piece alone will cause problems with his healing if it remains in this condition."

"That is a decision that Thranduil must make, not us. I would not dare to presume that he would want it cut." Doroniel cast a worried look at the Maia. "I am worried about Mithrandir. He seems to have gone into some kind of trance. His staff flared then went still."

"He is well, do not worry. Mithrandir is using his powers to stabilise Legolas before we start. This means that Legolas will not waken during our…journey." He could not bring himself to say 'flight' for he knew that Doroniel hated the idea as much as he did.

"Legolas is ready to be lifted onto the Eagle?" Thoronhen asked as he made his way towards them.

Mithrandir opened one eye and glowered at the archer. "That Eagle, as you put it, is called Thoronneth. It would go better in your relationship to call him by name"

Thoronhen was embarrassed at his lapse. "My apologies, Mithrandir. The ea... Thoronneth," He blushed, it was so much like his own name that it felt strange on his lips. "Would not speak to us."

"Very well, come with me. They can be very temperamental at times, especially the younger ones. Come on then!" Mithrandir stood and was already striding across the camp and had called over his shoulder to Thoronhen.

Thoronhen shared a look of amusement with the healers before he followed the wizard. Doroniel stood as Haldir cradled Legolas and lifted him gently in his arms. Together they followed the tall archer and the wizard. Doroniel inwardly cringed again at just how frail Legolas appeared in Haldir's arms, so thin and gaunt. As they left the protection of the Oak, the tree gently lowered a branch to Legolas and caressed the bruised face gently.

"The tree is wishing Legolas well. I have never seen anything like this before." Doroniel was stunned, not even for Aran Thranduil had any of the trees done this.

They reached the Eagles just shortly after Mithrandir and Thoronhen had stopped before them.

"Gwaihir, may I introduce you to the Elves that you will be working with?" Mithrandir asked the Wind Lord.

Gwaihir looked at them with his dark eyes flashing with anger.

"Really, Gandalf! They insisted on putting these ropes on us like common horses!"

Thoronhen surprised them all by stepping forward. He bowed deeply and swept his arm out in greeting. "I would like to offer my deepest and most humble apologies. My name is Thoronhen and I meant no insult to you. Please accept my apologies?"

Mithrandir was quietly applauding the archer. This was the best thing that he could have done.

"That is much like my own name!" The Great Eagle to the left of Gwaihir almost squawked with excitement.

"Thoronhen please meet..." Mithrandir began to make introductions, but he was interrupted.

"Thoronneth!" The young Eagle broke in eagerly and stepped forward to meet the archer. "I regret I gave you such a difficult time. You may put the ropes on me now."

"I am pleased to meet you, Thoronneth. The ropes were meant only to help keep Caun Legolas safe upon your back." Thoronhen's words seem to have a magical effect.

"I am to carry the Prince?" Thoronneth's voice was almost reverent as he looked for Legolas. "I am deeply honoured that you feel me worthy of this task. Please make certain that the ropes are securely tied. They will not hurt me."

"You have Legolas with you?" Gwaihir's voice sounded calm but he seemed eager to meet the Prince.

"Yes, we have Legolas." Haldir stepped forward with Legolas still cradled in his arms.

Gwaihir stepped forward to meet them He gently nudged Legolas with his beak and then turned to speak with Mithrandir once again.

"We must hasten to get Legolas away from here. The trees are doing their best to help him, but the evil is rising against him. He is very precious to us all. You do not know what you have been blessed with. Hurry, Gandalf, we must get away from here!"

They did not need to say that twice and soon there was once more a sense of purpose in their haste to clear the camp.

Doroniel was the first to be mounted, Legolas secure in her arms. Legolas was also secured by the ropes. He was deeply asleep in Doroniel's arms and wrapped in such a way that the wind would cause him no harm.

Elrond and Nestoron were settled next, both tied into place securely with the harness around their hips. The fire was being put out and the ashes scattered so that no sparks could flare off and cause another fire. When no one was watching him, Nestoron looked terrified. He had been introduced to the Great Eagle, Faunryn, but he still would rather have his feet back on the ground already and they had not even taken wing yet!

To get his mind off the impending flight, he watched as Mithrandir climbed onto Gwaihir and settled himself. Thranduil was then passed up to him and the ropes knotted around him, so that he too was safely secured on the Eagle.

Once happy that their charges were prepared and comfortable, the Eagles rose with great sweeps of their wings into the air. Looking down, they could see that the remaining Elves had mounted their horses, some had two. Those belonged to the unconscious or injured.

The Eagles circled once and then began to fly away to the west, rising over the Misty Mountains.

A great flash of lightning made them all shield their eyes, followed by one of the greatest crashes of thunder that many of them had ever heard. It made the group on the ground hurry even more. Another great blue flash hit the rocks above the cave they had taken shelter in, rocks and dirt showered the ground. It was followed by another roar of thunder, it sounded like a roar of anger.

Mithrandir looked back, a knowing look on his face before he saw to his charge once more. It was then that he realised that rather than Gwaihir being in the center of the group, it was Thoronneth who held that prestigious place.

"Gwaihir!" He had to shout above the roar of the wind.

"Yes, Gandalf?"

"Why is Thoronneth in the middle and not you?"

"For the Prince, we must keep him safe at all times so he is sheltered in the middle." Gwaihir stated.

"He is that important?" Mithrandir was astounded. He had known that Legolas was special. He was the heir of Mirkwood after all, but this?

"Yes, Gandalf he is that important. I will do all that I can to ensure that he is kept safe."

"As will I, Gwaihir, as will I." Mithrandir then looked to Thranduil to make sure that the King was still settled.

---

They had not been aloft for long before they all became aware that there were once again bright stars shining in the sky and that they could see the silvery crescent of the moon. It greatly eased the minds of all of them.

The flight was a nice one for Mithrandir. He always enjoyed his flights with Gwaihir. It was a great and rare privilege and he never took it for granted. He looked over to his right where Thoronneth flew silently and with great care. He noted that the Eagle flew very careful and did not make any of the sharp turns that the winds sometimes made them do. Thoronneth made certain that he missed those. It was evident that he knew that he had a very breakable, very precious passenger in his care.

Mithrandir mused that it was exactly what they were doing. Only now had he realised just how precious their passenger was, not only to the Mirkwood Elves but to Arda and the future. He would have to take a far more active interest in Legolas.

He gave a rueful smile at just how uncomfortable Doroniel looked. From where he sat, it looked like she had a white-knuckled grip on the rope harness. He had done exactly the same on his first flight. Across from her was Nestoron. Mithrandir chuckled. If Doroniel looked worried and fearful, Nestoron looked positively terrified. He held Elrond tight to him, and lay as low as he could upon Faunryn's back. He appeared to have his eyes tightly shut most of the time.

Mithrandir knew that Nestoron would never want to fly again. Doroniel he was not so sure of.

Mithrandir could not see through the clouds below and he did not want to risk using his staff while on the back of his friend. "Gwaihir, how long before we reach Imladris?"

"Perhaps another slight turn of the moon. We will land well before the sun rises to warm our nests." Was the Wind Lord's reply.

Mithrandir settled back. That would be half an hour at most. Good, very good. He had a feeling that they were expected in Imladris as well.

Later, he would admit that things had seemed to have gone far too well for comfort. Legolas and Thranduil remained asleep with Mithrandir's spell to help them. Elrond was also still sleeping with the help of the herbs that Nestoron had given him.

They were just beginning their slow descent into Imladris and Mithrandir could see the lights that shone brightly, even during the middle of the night. As brightly lit as The Last Homely House was, it seemed they were more than expected.

Soon Mithrandir could make out individual homes and the Elves that were gathering to meet them.

They were mostly healers, ready with litters for the wounded. He could not see individual faces and afterwards he would be glad of that. He had just relaxed with the thought that they were safe when Doroniel shouted out a warning to Nestoron.

"What is the problem?" Mithrandir shouted over the wind.

"Faunryn's rope is shredding!" Was the answer that Mithrandir really did not want to hear.

His breath caught with sudden fear. He watched helplessly as Nestoron untied the rope harness from around himself so he could reach and retie the part that was shredding. Elrond, at least, was safely tied on, but Nestoron was left without anything to hold onto. If there was a sudden shift in the winds, he could fall.

It was then that a strong thermal updraft caught Faunryn's wings. Normally there would be no problem, but today the two outer Eagles were trying to keep Legolas and Thoronneth from being buffeted by the thermals and winds. To do so Faunryn had to swerve away sharply, tipping to the side, making Nestoron slip. Nestoron tried his best to keep his hold on the Eagle's back, but he had no real chance.

Doroniel could only scream as her friend fell from the Eagle's back. Gwaihir and Faunryn both tried to catch the falling Elven healer, to no avail.

All any of them could do was watch in horror as he tumbled in the air and hit the ground.

---

To be continued.

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Well that ends another long chapter! We tried to keep it short...we really did. It just never worked. We are both sorry that this chapter is late. I (Shell) am in hospital and Barbara had a sudden bereavement and had to go home to her parents. Still you have it now. Please let us know what you think? If you add your email to your review I will reply to you. I wish I could reply here to you, but our wonderful host has changed the rules as of a couple of nights ago.

Take care and see you very soon,

Love,

SSS