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?

17. Chapter 17

The Twisted Web of Fate. 14?

(Gwî Norn Ned Amarth)

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

Disclaimer: Try as we might, we still don't own any part of the 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 only write them for our own entertainment and we surely don't make any money off them.

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

Feedback: Pretty please?

Spoilers: Well, surely for LOTR

Summary: Thranduil and his young son must travel to a trade meeting too soon after the death of their wife and mother. Unknown to them, dire danger and darkness follow them. How will they survive when they discover that the gathering evil has targeted the small elven Prince?

WARNINGS - There is a lot of angst and hurt/care throughout this story. Shell (MCross) is a stickler for medical accuracy and we are following the viewpoints of a lot of healers. There are violence, graphic illness and injury descriptions here. It may be disturbing to some. If that is not your interest, you might want to look elsewhere. 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. We are writing this story for our own amusement, but we hope you enjoy it too.

You might want a tissue or two.

Note: We could find no definitive information on the brothers Haldir, Rumil and Orophin, so we are taking matters into our own hands…

---- Sindarin vocabulary ----

References: Dragon Flame, Thain's Book and Encyclopedia of Arda

Adan, Edain ….. (The race of) man, men

Adar, ada ….. Father, dad

Amarth ….. Fate, doom

Anor – the sun

Aran, Aran-nin …. King, my King

Ardhon, Arda ….. The world

Avo bedo! ... Do not speak!

Brennil ….. lady

Caun ….. Prince

DaerAda, DaerNana ….. (Roughly) Grandfather, Grandmother

Daro! ….. Stop! Halt!

Echui ….. awakening

Elleth, ellith ….. Elf-maiden, elf-maidens

Ellon, ellyn ….. Elf, elves (male)

Eru ….. Ilúvatar, The One, leader of the Valar

Estë ….. Vala associated with healing, wife of Irmo

Estelio Nin ….. Trust me.

Fea ….. spirit, soul

Fileg ….. Small bird

Gerich veleth nín. ... You have my love.

Gîl síla erin lû e-govaded vín. ... A star shines upon the hour of our meeting.

Gwador ….. brother

Gwathel ….. sister

Gweston. ... I swear.

Gwî ….. web

Hain dago! ….. Kill them!

Hannon le ….. Thank you

Haust …. bed

Havo ….. sit

Heniach nin? ... Do you understand me?

Henion. ... I understand.

Hennad ….. thanks

Hír, Hír-nin ….. Lord, my Lord

Híril, Híril-nin ….. Lady, my Lady

Iaur ….. old

Îdh ….. repose

Imladris ….. Rivendell

Ion-nin ….. my son

Irmo ….. Vala of dreams and visions (also known as Lórien)

Laes ….. babe

Lefneg ….. filth

Lhaew hûn nestadren salab ….. digitalis, foxglove, (name is our creation - literally ill heart healing herb)

Losto mae! ….. Sleep well!

Mae govannen! ... Well met!

Meleth ….. (My) love

Melethron, melethril ….. lover (masc., fem.)

Mellon-iaur ….. old friend

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

Minno ….. Enter

Miruvor ….. Cordial of the Elves. Miruvor was a warm and fragrant clear liquid. Its special property was to give the drinker renewed strength and vitality. – Source: The Thain's Book site.

Naeg ….. pain

Námo ….. True name of the Valar Mandos

Navaer ….. Farewell

Ned ….. of

Nen ….. water

Norn ….. twisted

Penneth, pennyth ….. young one, young ones

Pen vuil ….. dear one

Saer ….. bitter

Saes ….. please

Sîdh ….. peace

Suilad ….. hail or greetings

Torog ….. troll

Westron ….. common language, the language of men.

Yrch ….. orcs

/ text / indicates thought, dream or visions

---

Chapter Fourteen

---

Legolas hurt. It was as simple as that. He hurt and he hurt badly. He did not want to move because he knew that it would hurt even more than it did now, but if he did not move he could not let them know that he was hurting as badly as he was. It was quite a dilemma for the small Prince.

Fortunately, there were others also looking out for him.

"Gailarphen, Legolas is awake and in a lot of pain. He fears moving because of this." The voice came from above him. Legolas would have grinned at the welcome voice, if he dared to. It was his friend, Gwaihir, watching over him.

"Hennad, Gwaihir." A sound of rustling cloth came near. "Hello, Penneth. I promise the tea will be ready for you in just a second. Stay as you are. We will help you very soon." The voice was calm and sure. Legolas knew the healer so well by now that he trusted every word that he said.

"I am awake and with you, Ion-nin, just rest. We will talk when you feel better." The voice was a rumble that Legolas heard in the ear that pressed against his Adar's chest.

He felt warm and loved. A very soft voice, spoke to him.

/Las?/ It was Fileg, his little friend. /Are you well/ He could hear the accompanying peep that told him that the little duckling was sitting on his lap.

"He is well, Fileg, he just needs some more of his medicine before he can speak to you." Thranduil told the duckling, his voice low and full of worry.

/I will be alright, Fileg. The tea will help./ Legolas 'thought' to the duckling.

/Good, I can feel your pain./

/I am sorry, mellon-nin, please forgive me/

"Legolas I need you to drink this for me." The goblet was at his lips. "Do not worry. I will be having some as well." Gailarphen assured him.

Legolas wished he could tell Phen that he did not care. He just wanted the tea so that this awful pain that was building in his head would go away.

"It is his head that pains him so badly." Gwaihir spoke once more.

"Hannon-le, I will be looking at him once he is feeling better." Legolas did not know whether or not to be glad about that. He was really too busy trying to get the tea inside him as quickly as he could. "Easy, Legolas. Drink it slowly or you will choke." Legolas could hear the gentle chiding in his friend's voice.

Soon there was no more to drink and it was moved away only to be replaced with a cup of fresh water. He gulped it down as fast as Gailarphen and Ada would let him. He was so thirsty.

Once that was gone, he was settled back against his Ada's chest with a sigh. This felt good. The warmth of his Adar seemed to fill him as did the warmth of the duckling on his lap.

Slowly, too slowly, the pain began to ebb away. Finally, and with relief, he could open his eyes. He blinked, trying to shake the sleep from them. Gailarphen smiled at him, knelt there before him, watching him closely.

"It is good to see you able to open your eyes once more, Penneth. Are you feeling better now?"

"Yes." It was little more than a weak whisper.

"Are you sure?" His response worried Gailarphen.

"Yes."

"Good, can you follow my fingers with your eyes?" He held up his index finger.

"Yes." Legolas frowned at that then winced as pain in his head increased momentarily. He tried to follow the finger, he really did, but the finger just was not where he was looking!

"My finger is here, Legolas." Gailarphen could see that Legolas was looking everywhere but where his finger was.

"Yes." Legolas was beginning to feel very frustrated.

Gailarphen frowned at that and his agile mind quickly caught on.

"Legolas are you feeling blue?" Thranduil looked shocked at Gailarphen's odd question but he motioned for him to stay quiet.

"Yes." Tears began to flood the blue eyes.

"Is the sky orange?"

"Yes." They trickled down the pale, thin face.

"All is well, Legolas. We will sort this out. I promise."

/Legolas/ Gwaihir's voice was softer in his head than it was when he spoke aloud.

/Yes, Gwaihir/ He was so scared. Why could he not talk properly? All he wanted was to speak normally.

/Tell me what you want to say to the others and I will tell them for you./ Gwaihir gently told him.

/You would do that for me/ Legolas could feel happiness bubble inside him with that thought.

/Yes, Little One. I would do that for you, and more./

/Hennad, please tell Phen that I cannot follow his finger, that it keeps moving. It is never where I look./ Legolas told the Great Eagle.

"Gailarphen?" Gwaihir turned to the healer.

"Yes, Gwaihir?" He was still frowning at Legolas.

"Legolas has asked me to tell you that he cannot follow your finger as it keeps on moving. It is never where he looks."

All sound in the chamber stopped. You could have heard a pin drop all the way to Mirkwood as everyone listened in shock.

"You can speak with Legolas?" Gailarphen had turned slowly to look at the Eagle.

"Yes, we all can."

"How?" Gailarphen's mind was whirling with all the possibilities.

"As we all speak to him, with our minds, as the Wood Elves hear the trees." Gwaihir made it sound so matter-of-fact.

Thranduil actually looked shocked at that. "But, we do not speak to the animals." Was all the stunned Mirkwood King could say.

In fact everyone, aside from Legolas, looked shocked at that. Since his awakening with the tree, Legolas had been able to hear all the animals and trees around him, but the most fun was actually the wind. It told such wonderful stories of lands far away.

Suddenly there was a low raspy call from across the room. "Phen." Elrond had been listening to all this. His sons sat on either side of his bed, where they had been most of the day. Arwen had been there for a time but had been sent to bed. She was exhausted. She had sat up with the twins all the night before, after days of sitting with Ada.

Gailarphen turned his head. "Elrond?" It was a mixture of query and warning at the same time. He still should not be using his voice unless absolutely necessary. His throat, and so his voice, were getting better but not nearly back at his normal power and still incredibly hoarse.

"Legolas?" Clearly, Elrond wanted to know what was going on with the little Prince.

Gailarphen rose to speak with his friend. Hopefully, Elrond may have some idea about what was happening with Legolas. He may just match his own suspicions.

"Legolas is having a lot of trouble speaking. In fact he can say only one word, 'yes'. Also, his eyes are tracking to the side. Gwaihir said that he is having increasing pain in his head. I have also noticed, although I have not yet looked into it, that he is having muscle spasms down his right arm." Gailarphen knew without a doubt where this was going. In his heart he had already feared this.

"Head?" Elrond turned his bandaged eyes in the direction where he thought Legolas was. He was looking in the wrong direction, slightly to one side.

"That is what I fear." Gailarphen worried at his lip but kept his voice low so that Thranduil would not hear. Thranduil was not listening though. He was trying to comfort his frightened elfling.

"Bad?" Elrond coughed harshly and Elladan helped him to sip some water to soothe his throat.

"I think so. I also think the fits that he has been having are due to this rather than the fever and infection." Gailarphen glanced over at Legolas. He was leaning back against his father with his eyes closed.

"Gwaihir?"

"He says that he can mind-speak to Legolas. I have never heard of such a thing." Gailarphen had to admit.

Mithrandir's voice sounded from behind them. "Just because you have not heard of such a thing does not mean that it cannot be so. You should have learned that lesson well by now, old friend."

"You are right of course, mellon-nin. I should have learned that lesson by now." There was amusement despite the worry in Gailarphen's voice.

"You are worried about Legolas?" It was not really a question, more an observation.

"Yes, we think he may…"

"Gailarphen!" Thranduil's voice was once more panicked. Gailarphen hurriedly turned. What he saw made his heart drop once more. This was becoming a regular thing with the Prince.

Legolas was pallid, his nose streaming with blood. He was again limp against Thranduil.

Gailarphen rushed to their side.

"Legolas?" No response. "Gwaihir?"

"I cannot hear him." Gwaihir almost squawked in his worry.

"We have to assume that he is bleeding into his brain." Gailarphen spoke quietly, yet they all heard him.

"B…bleeding? Legolas? You have to help him!" Thranduil could not believe his ears.

Elladan hurried over. "Gailarphen, Ada says to check his eyes and then come speak with him and Mithrandir."

"Hennad." He turned back to Legolas once more. "Legolas, I need to open your eyes and take a good look into them. I am sorry if it hurts you."

Legolas made no movement. Thranduil held a cloth beneath his son's nose, trying to stem the flow of blood.

"Phen?" Thranduil had unknowingly fallen back onto the familiar nickname.

"I will speak with you in a minute, Thranduil. I must see to Legolas." Gailarphen concentrated on Legolas, ignoring all else.

Thranduil fell silent and watched as his friend hurriedly examined his son. He felt strangely calm at the moment. His son needed him to be calm. He had to be calm for Legolas!

With a nod, Gailarphen rose "I have to speak with Elrond. I will be back with you very shortly." He made his way back to his two friends. Mithrandir and the twins could see the worry clearly as he walked towards them.

Mithrandir watched him closely. The further Gailarphen got from Thranduil and Legolas, the deeper the look of worry became.

As soon as he reached them, he sighed. "It is as I feared. Legolas is bleeding into his brain. The pressure is too high and he is bleeding from the nose. What do you suggest I should do?" The question was asked of Elrond.

"Take me. Vilya." Elrond's voice was gruff but sure. He struggled to sit himself up. Mithrandir reached to assist him.

"Elrond!" Gailarphen sounded shocked. "You are not well enough for this..." Gailarphen stared at him with shock. He intended to use Vilya in this state?

"I will aid him, Gailarphen." Mithrandir told him. He could use the Ring of Fire to steady Elrond and supplement Vilya. That would double the power that would help Legolas. If Galadriel could also aid them... Mithrandir prepared to contact her.

The door to the chamber opened and Linnathon hurried in. He looked worried.

"What is wrong?" For one awful moment, Gailarphen thought something more had happened in the outer chamber. He actually expected a case of murder to happen...

"I had a feeling I should be here. Something is wrong, I can feel it." He looked around. He paled and visibly winced when he saw Legolas.

Gailarphen nodded, it was a good talent to have for a healer, knowing when you are needed.

"Yes, Caun Legolas is very ill. Hir Elrond, Mithrandir and I will be seeing to him. Could you watch the others for me? They need someone to attend them."

"Of course." Anything to help the Elfling Prince...but Elrond? Wasn't he too ill? Linnathon worried that Gailarphen even considered letting him help. It must be dire indeed.

It took a while to get Elrond next to Legolas. He ended up needing help from both of his sons and Gailarphen, which he found quite painful and embarrassing. He was willing to endure it all for Legolas however.

Elrond was glad when they finally seated him next to Legolas. He was relieved that Glorfindel was not here to see this. Gailarphen had released him late that morning and he had gone to bathe and check what was happening with the warriors in the barracks, ready to resume his responsibilities in Imladris.

Gailarphen suddenly spoke over Elrond's shoulder and it made him jump. This blindness was beginning to get to him. How was he supposed to relax when he could not see where people were or what they were doing? What if this blindness was permanent? That thought nearly robbed him of his breath.

"All will be well, Thranduil. I am going to make you a tea that will keep you calm while we see to Legolas. Your heart is too unstable to leave you like this."

"I will stay awake." There was stubborn determination in Thranduil's voice and Elrond knew that he meant every word.

Gailarphen was clearly aware of that as well. "I know mellon-nin. I would not wish it any other way. I just need you to stay calm. I can almost feel your heart pounding from here."

Gailarphen's words startled Elrond and as the healer moved away, he concentrated. There! Gailarphen was right. Thranduil's pulse was really pounding away! He had never heard it this clearly before, not at this distance anyway. In fact, now that he thought about it, everything he could hear seemed sharper, almost crystal clear, the rustle of the leaves in the wind, the call of the birds, even the trees themselves, he could hear their heightened worry over Legolas. This was more than he could have expected.

"I will take it, but I swear if I sleep you will never be safe from me, not even in Valinor." That made Elrond smile. Yes he would also carry out that threat. It was very like Thranduil.

"I know, mellon-iaur, now drink."

Mithrandir stirred from where he had settled. "Galadriel will join us, Elrond. I have already spoken to her."

"Hennad, Mithrandir. That will make this a little easier." Elrond had no doubt that this would leave him exhausted and sick, but they had to do this for Legolas. "Guide my hand to Legolas' forehead. You touch his heart, Mithrandir."

"Of course Elrond, but let me know if you are in too much pain. The last thing I would want is to hurt you, old friend." Mithrandir had noticed Elrond jump like a startled cat when Gailarphen had spoken, pain clear on his face.

"You will not hurt me. I feel better than I did." A wry smile crossed Elrond's face. He could hardly have felt any worse than he had.

"Ada?" Elrohir's voice was tense and worried.

Elrond reached for Elrohir with his left hand. "It will be well, Ion-nin. Do you wish to stay?"

Elrohir gulped slightly and caught hold of his Adar's seeking hand. To see his normally-energetic little friend like this hurt, but the chance to see his Adar use Vilya to aid Legolas was too tempting. He was frankly surprised to be given a choice. He did not need to even look at Elladan to know what his decision was.

"Yes, Ada, we would like to stay." He gripped Elrond's hand affectionately and then released it to stand behind him.

"Good, you should know that Mithrandir also has the Elven Ring of Fire."

"Elrond you are speaking far too much! Stop!" Gailarphen was scowling at his friend. It was rather lost on the elder Peredhil.

"I have to explain." His voice was wavering as he spoke, sometimes barely there, other times almost like a growl. Elrond was finding all this frustrating. He did not like being a patient.

"I can tell them, Elrond. You just sit there and gather your strength." Mithrandir patted his hand. "I have been entrusted with Narya, the Ring of Fire. Together we will help Legolas."

"Good, he needs all he can get." Elladan spoke from beside Elrond.

"I agree, young one." Mithrandir smiled at him before turning to Elrond. "Are you ready for this, my friend?"

"Yes. We must work quickly now." He was aware that Thranduil was finally calmer. Legolas was now giving him more cause for worry. His pulse, he could hear, was raised and uneven.

Mithrandir gently took Elrond's left hand, where Vilya currently sat, and placed it on Legolas' pale forehead. He then rested his own hand that bore Narya on Legolas' chest. He was aware of the two young ellyn flanking their Adar as a warm glow enveloped the two Ring Bearers and Legolas.

They hovered protectively behind Elrond. It was heart-warming to see, but then, after what had happened with their Naneth, was it really that surprising?

Mithrandir mentally shook himself, and then calmed his thoughts. He had seen Elrond do this many times. Surprisingly, it came naturally to him and soon he was whirling in a myriad of colour that seemed to be alive.

---

(In the 'dreamscape' vision)

"Mithrandir?" Elrond spoke to him through the colours.

"Yes, Elrond?"

"Can you see me?"

"Yes."

"Good. Follow me and we shall see what we can do to help this precious elfling."

Mithrandir watched as the Elf Lord walked, surely and without hesitation, towards the bright spark of light that was Legolas' fea. He could not take his eyes off Elrond. He walked as if he was able to see exactly where he was going.

"Elrond?" Mithrandir inquired.

"Yes, Mithrandir?" Yes, even his voice was strong and clear as it should be and not damaged as it was back in the 'waking' world.

"Can you see?" There was an inkling of what might be happening growing in Mithrandir's mind.

Elrond's steps faltered, then he turned, surprise written clearly on his face, a face undamaged by scalds. "Yes, I can see." His eyes widened even more. "I can speak normally as well!" He sounded overjoyed but still mindful of their purpose. "We will discuss this later. We must find and help Legolas now."

That was something that Mithrandir had to agree with.

The light of the small spark was dimming even as they moved rapidly towards it. They had to move quickly.

As they reached the spark, the light coalesced into the limp form of the little Prince. Cruel, high laughter filled the air around them. Elrond found himself shivering. It was the same harsh laughter he had heard when he had been injured by the curses cast upon him before.

Elrond straightened and held himself upright and proud. He would not let this being make him cower with fear, he would not! He was not a little elfling to run and hide.

"Ah, it is the half-elf come to try and save the little Princeling again. Who is this you have brought with you this time?" The voice was as cold as ice and made Elrond shiver once more.

Mithrandir's voice was calm and clear beside him. "There cannot be true bravery if there is no fear to face."

Elrond's grey eyes went wide once more and then they seemed to lighten as understanding took hold. "He is not really here!"

"No, it is but an echo, although a very clever echo that can reach out and hurt, yet an echo that can be stopped if we work this right. He is fond of his curses, I see." Mithrandir sounded grimly amused.

The laughter cackled again. "A Maia? Well, Grey Wizard, what can a Maia hope to do against a stronger being?" Elrond would have spoken but Mithrandir held up his hand to stop him.

"We will not let you do this." He calmly told the shadow.

"How will you stop me, Maia?" The darkness seemed to assume the form of a shadowy great wolf standing over Legolas.

"We have our ways. The Valar will move to stop you."

"The Valar? They are as useless as you are, Maia!"

"Fortunately, not all of us believe as you do." The voice was cool and calm.

"Galadriel!" Elrond turned to see her suddenly beside him.

She nodded a greeting. "Elrond. We will be speaking shortly. Mithrandir, I hope you recall our conversation as to what you should and should not have told me about Elrond?" She raised an eyebrow at him coolly./

Mithrandir gulped. He had hoped that Elrond's sight would be returned before this happened. "I do, Galadriel."

"Good. We will also be talking later. But, for now..." She turned to the shadow that now seemed to stand before them, hovering over the form of Legolas.

"Galadriel, Lady of the Light..." The laughter was almost manic now.

"You are not welcome here. Go, leave this elfling be." Her voice was hard and cold.

"You have no right here, Lady." The voice sounded amused.

"We have more right here than you ever will." She held up her hand and a white light shined there, bright as a glowing star. "You know what this is?"

The hiss was answer enough as the shadow coiled in upon itself, like a snake.

Elrond stepped beside her and raised his own hand to meet hers. "And this?" A cool blue light glowed intensely from his left hand.

Another hiss, sounding as if he… it, was in agony from the touch of the combined light.

Mithrandir would have joined them, but a gentle voice sounded in his mind.

/No, mellon-nin. He is not aware you have Narya, it is better this way./

He held back. As Galadriel said, this was much better, a surprise for later, should it be needed.

"You will not stop me. The Princeling will be mine or he will die, I care not which, for I win either way."

"He will never be yours. He is greatly loved, by us and by the Valar." Galadriel's voice was like a shaft of light through the surrounding darkness.

"The Valar? Those old fools? They are complacent and exist only for their own peace..."

"Is that so?" A deep voice boomed like thunder from behind the dark figure, a figure they had yet to see clearly. The shadowy form yelped and jumped, not expecting to hear from those behind him where there had previously been nothing.

"You!"

"Yes, me, as a matter of fact, us." Three more figures stepped out from the shadow. "So, you think us old and complacent? We will show you who is old and complacent. At least we have corporeal form, able to move around Arda and Aman by our own free will."

"You think that worries me, Irmo? You think I care, when I have this child?"

"You will never have this child. He is one of ours and well-beloved. If you ever touch him again you will regret it until the day you are driven from this world."

Another sinister laugh rang out. "And you still believe that will happen, Námo?"

All the time they were speaking, Elrond had been concentrating on the small form that lay so still and silent on the cold ground.

/Check him for curses./ Mithrandir spoke to his mind via the ring's ability.

Elrond did so with his heart in his throat. The Valar were here? What was it about this elfling that caused such loyalty and love that the Valar themselves would come to his aid?

He knew how protective he felt, but it also seemed that the others also felt this way. He cleared his mind and concentrated. He shut out the others, shut out the angry words that were being cast between them like spears. All he needed to do was look at Legolas.

He could find nothing apart from what they already knew. This was frustrating, there had to be something!

He was about to give up in pure frustration and despair when he saw it, hidden so cleverly that it was amazing. There, right behind the break in the skull and partially hidden by the blood that was seeping so rapidly... That was it. Elrond could not say exactly what it was but the spell was there.

Deep, dark and pulsing with evil, it now glittered with a malevolence that was frightening.

Elrond knew it was beyond his ability to remove alone. He would need Mithrandir.

/I will help./ The sweet voice was soft and full of worry.

Elrond looked up to see Estë the Gentle on her knees beside him, soft tears of compassion running down her cheeks.

"Hennad, Híril Estë. I fear that Legolas needs more help than I alone can give."

/It is given and gladly./ She smiled at Elrond.

"Why?" He had to ask.

/Because he is worth the price that we are willing to pay. For this little one we would move the trees. We would find the Silmarils. For him./ She gently caressed the elfling's face.

"We must help him." Elrond could not even begin to understand what she was talking about.

"I will aid him. Join with me." She held out her hand to him.

Elrond placed his hand in hers and suddenly he felt like he was flying once more.

---

Elladan watched as his father and Mithrandir touched Legolas and essentially left this realm for the 'dreamscape' as they called it. A warm golden glow surrounded them.

This could take some time. They moved to the seats and waited.

Elrohir was alarmed at the look of fear that crossed Ada's face at one point. He had never seen that before... well, perhaps only once or twice but that was during the time that Nana was missing.

He did not like it.

Elladan gently took his hand and comforted him. "He will be alright, Ro. Mithrandir is with him."

"I know, but he is so frail. Look at him." This was the first time he had ever thought of his strong Adar in those terms. He really did not like it.

"I know, Gwador, I know. We are with him. Just because he..."

Elladan suddenly realised that all was not well with his brother when Elrohir's hand went lax in his. He turned to look at him.

Elrohir's eyes were wide and staring, he was rigid in the chair. "Ro?"

Gailarphen, who had been monitoring Thranduil and watching his friends aid the Elfling Prince, turned when he heard the worried voice.

"He is having a vision." His voice was soft and calm. He had, after all, seen this many times before with Elrond.

"What do I do?" Now that he was no longer alone and could hand over control to another, Elladan did not know what to do.

"We wait it out. Help me get him to a bed." Elladan did so and then sat between the two, watching both his father and his brother. He felt utterly useless when all he wanted to do was help.

It was a relief when Elrohir finally gave a sigh and relaxed before opening his eyes.

"Elrohir?" Elladan was there immediately.

"'Dan?"

"What did you see?"

"Give him a chance, Elladan. Help him to drink this." Gailarphen handed the elder twin a goblet of Miruvor.

"Of course, sorry. Ro, you need to drink this and have some sweetened tea." He helped his brother drink.

---

(Back in the 'dreamscape' vision)

It was the most incredible sensation Elrond had ever felt. This was a new way of healing. He could feel the evil spell dispersing like fog in the bright sunlight under Estë's touch.

"I will not let you have him!" The shadow's voice was an angry rumble.

"You have no choice in the matter." Irmo told the shadow tartly.

"No!" The voice changed, becoming high and strident. It sounded panicked.

"Yes, your influence over both of these elves will be gone in a second. You will never be able to do this to them again. Your powers are weaker than you think. You have angered us greatly over and over again. You will leave this place now." A great crash of thunder followed his words.

The shadow shivered. As Galadriel and Mithrandir watched, he pulled back away from Legolas. It was obvious that he was intimidated.

"He is mine." It was little more than a snakelike hiss.

"He belongs to no one but himself. If you come near him again you will regret it and we will know. Now go, Echo. Go back from whence you came!" He raised his arm and released a lightning bolt at the shade.

It gave an ungainly shriek and fled, disappearing from sight. Suddenly, sunlight filled the clearing and birds began to sing.

Galadriel's head turned around suddenly as if called by someone they did not hear. Irmo spoke to her.

"You must go. The message was given this way for a reason. Go, see to your son."

Mithrandir looked up at that and Galadriel turned to him. "Orophin has been injured. I must attend him." Her voice throbbed with anger.

"Orophin? What has happened?" Mithrandir was shocked at this turn of events.

"I do not know. Elrohir has informed me that there is a problem. I will speak with you and Elrond soon. Forgive me Híril and My Lords." She turned to the Valar.

"There is nothing to forgive. Legolas will recover now, as will Elrond."

"Hennad." With that reassurance, she faded from view.

"You have done well once more, Olórin. We are pleased with all three of you. Elrond will be in great need of sleep when he returns. This has drained him greatly. Take care." Eru told the Maia.

"I will make sure that he recovers." Mithrandir promised and the clearing faded from view...

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

The glow disappeared as the aged Maia pulled back from Legolas with a jolt. Mithrandir moved with amazing speed to catch the Elf Lord beside him as he slumped in his chair. Elrond lay limp in his arms.

"Ada!" Elladan cried as he saw his Adar fall as if he were struck down by a blow.

Gailarphen hurried to help. "Mithrandir?"

"He is exhausted only. I have been instructed to make certain that he sleeps." Mithrandir was just as tired.

"I will make certain he does, you look as if you could do with some as well." Gailarphen could see how exhausted the Maia was. "Let me take Elrond."

Elladan helped Gailarphen to carry Elrond back to his bed. Mithrandir had yet to move from the chair.

"How is Legolas?" Thranduil sounded so anxious.

"He will recover." Mithrandir opened one eye to look at the King. "See, the bleeding has stopped already."

Thranduil cautiously took the cloth from under the small nose. To his joy he found that his friend was right. The bleeding had stopped.

"What caused it?" He sounded overjoyed.

"A spell, much like the one that Elrond had been targeted with, it has been lifted." Mithrandir did not think that it would be wise at this point to inform Thranduil about the involvement of the Valar in Legolas' 'treatment'.

"Good, that is good. Sleep, mellon-iaur, you look tired." Thranduil all but beamed at him.

"In a bed, preferably!" Gailarphen called from where he was settling Elrond.

"That sounds good. I just need to move..." Mithrandir toppled from his chair.

---

Irfan surveyed the sparse chamber he had been provided. It was comfortable and adequate but not what he was used to. Once Elrond was better and back on his feet he would speak to the Lord of Imladris about professional courtesy.

This was not on. He should be in the best of rooms here and not this poky old thing. And then there was the matter of the treatment he had received upon his arrival. He still had not been provided proper clothing, and his own had not been returned to him. To say he was angry and upset was an understatement!

And the food… the food was fit only for the pigs, fruits and vegetables indeed. Meat and breads would be more to his tastes. That was a fine meal for a growing man, along with mead or ale, now that was a fine repast.

No, his needs had not been met, not been met at all. That would change. He stood and reached out for the goblet of wine that had been left for him. Wine indeed. Disgusting stuff!

The sheets that he had been provided for use as clothes slipped down so that his upper body was revealed in all his dubious glory.

He had just taken the first sip from the goblet when the door flew open with a bang, rebounding when it struck the wall. He jumped, spilling the wine all over the sheets and bed where he lounged.

"You!" Eirien stood in the doorway and even he could see that the woman was in a fine temper. He knew all too well that this was not a good situation to be in. "You despicable piece of scum!"

"Eirien, my friend, come in. Would you like some wine?" He tried to calm her down.

"Oh, you would like that, wouldn't you? I wouldn't drink with you if you were the last male on Arda!" She crossed the room with force and he scrambled back over the bed trying to get away from her, franticly clutching at the sheet covering him.

"What have I done?" He winced the minute the words left his mouth. Eirien would not fall for that even when she was ill and she was clearly not ill.

"What have you done?" She towered over him and poked him on the chest. He grunted with pain. "What have you done?" Another poke. "I will tell you what you have done!"

Over her shoulder, he could see others from along the corridor looking curiously in at them through the open door, grinning at his discomfiture.

"You lord it over everyone else, expecting the best of everything. I would wager that you were just thinking how you should have the finest food, the best ale and clothes! You disgust me you little crawling worm. You are no better than the orcs I saved you from! If I had known then what I know now, I would have left you to them!" Eirien poked him hard once more.

"Eirien, my friend, I am sure this is all just a misunderstanding..." He held up his hand to try and stop her.

"Let me say this so that you understand once and for all. I… Am… Not… Your… Friend!" Each word was emphasised with another poke.

"Eirien, please, I don't know what I've done!" He cried.

"My title to you, worm, is Lady Eirien." She saw the shock and confusion on his face as he processed the information. "Oh, but of course you have not heard the grievous news from Bree yet, have you?"

"N... News? Bree?" He was gaping at her.

"Yes, news of Bree. Bree has a new Mayor."

"Cadeyrn?" There was a flash of fear in his eyes.

"Dead, killed by the foul orcs he was flirting with." There was real venom in her voice.

"He's dead?" Irfan sounded a little faint.

"Yes, worm, dead. Bree is almost destroyed because of him. They attacked Bree. We have many dead and injured. Because of him, we are in deep trouble. If I ever find out that you knew what was happening, you will not have any balls left to pee with!" She was so spitting mad, that she didn't notice how muddled she sounded.

"I didn't know. I didn't! Cadeyrn would ask for things and made me do others, like letting the infirmary get run down ..."

"So you knew about that?" Her voice was ice cold.

"I... I..." He was looking for a way to escape this madwoman before him. He could not reach the door with her standing before him.

"Did you know about that?" It was a tone that demanded an answer.

"Not much... just what to stock and who to treat!" He cried as she rounded on him once more. His fear led to loose lips and he did not think about what he was saying.

"Who to treat!" There was a murmur from the hallway as the listeners understood exactly what had been said. "You were told who to treat!"

"Eirien?" The soft voice came from behind her. She glanced to see a mane of golden hair framing a familiar face.

"All is well for now, Glorfindel. This worm and I were just discussing Bree and what he knows." She had not taken her eyes off of the former Bree healer.

"Good then, my men will clear the hallways."

"Kind Elf, this woman is mad and has attacked me! You saw her! She has put words into my mouth..." Irfan tried to reason with the new arrival. He would get him out of this, he was sure.

"What I heard came from your own lips unheeded and if there is anyone less mad than the Lady Eirien, I would be amazed, especially as she is now the wife of the Mayor of Bree!" Glorfindel fixed him with cold eyes.

"W... What?" Irfan's face drained of colour.

"You heard me well enough. Eirien, into the chamber." Glorfindel pushed her further in and closed the door behind her before taking up his post at the doorway. This was going to be great fun. He could hear very well what happened from here.

Eirien glared at Irfan again. "Now, you were saying something about being told who to treat?"

Irfan sagged. He would have to tell what he knew and hope for the best. He looked hopelessly at the door. He realised there was no way out now.

"Cadeyrn had lists of people and whole families who had angered him at various times. I was told who to treat and to what level." He was reluctant to admit this. He had tried at the time to persuade the mayor that this would not work, then Cadeyrn had come up with a little blackmail material on him and he had found it necessary to bend to his wishes.

"Wolraven?" Eirien almost dared not ask, but she had to. She had to know the reason why he had refused to treat her son.

"Caric had angered Cadeyrn just the week before Wolraven was wounded. Wolraven had backed his father in what he was saying. It was unfortuna..."

"Unfortunate! Unfortunate?" Eirien's voice reached a high squeak before dropping to a menacing growl again "You refused to treat my son and he almost dies and it is unfortunate? Valar! Tell me you did not have a hand in the death of his babe..."

"That time I did all that I could. The babe would have died whatever I did. I tried all that I could think of for Ethalyn. I almost had Gytha called."

The sharp sound of a hand meeting flesh sounded and Glorfindel winced. He would much rather battle another Balrog than face Eirien in this mood. He certainly couldn't blame her though.

"You filth!" Eirien was crying amid her anger, for what could have been for her family. "The only reason they died was because you refused to treat Wolraven! And you call yourself a healer?" Slap. "You disgust me!" Slap.

"I didn't know!" Irfan held onto his wounded cheeks. "I would have he..."

This time the slap was harder and she left a bright red hand print on his pale flesh. "Don't you dare say you would have helped! We both know it is a lie. Did you know about Cadeyrn's plans for Bree?"

Glorfindel watched all this from the door he had opened a crack. This was not normally how he would allow guests to be treated in Imladris, but given the circumstances, he felt he should let Eirien continue. If they could get information from the fat Adan it might help to get Bree back on her feet faster than ever.

"Nothing! He told me nothing! Do you think I would have wi... left Bree if I had known there would be orcs around? They were going to do unimaginable things to me!" Irfan had to make them see that he had nothing to do with this. "All I know about is the infirmary and who I was to give aid to. Gytha was blacklisted because she was so outspoken. I wanted to send her to be trained for more than being a birthing woman but Cadeyrn told me that he would stop supporting me if I did. He also told me to give her as little work as I could. He had his fingers everywhere!"

"And you would not stand up to him, like the fat little spineless slug that you are!" Eirien could not believe what she was hearing.

"How could I? It would have made things even worse. Imagine no healer!" He tried to tell her frantically.

"It would have been better than having you!" She did not hold back this time. She did not hit him with her palm. She hit him with her fist, hard!

Irfan gave a small "Oh!" and then slipped to the floor with his eyes closed.

"Ouch!" Eirien shook her hand and then turned to grin at Glorfindel. "That felt very good." Even then, the smile did not reach her eyes. "I need to get a message to Caric."

"I know. Come, Lady Eirien, I think you could do with some wine as well." Glorfindel held out his hand. When she accepted it, he pulled her out of the room. "That was incredibly well done, mellon-nin. I think he is terrified of you."

"If he isn't now, he soon will be." There was grim promise in her tone. Irfan would rue the day he was born, if she had her way.

Glorfindel could not help but laugh. His friend would carry out her promise, he was sure of that and it was unfortunately needed this time. The human could not be allowed to get away with this.

"Sentel?" He turned to the Imladris soldier that had been politely clearing the hallway of on-lookers.

"Yes, Hir-nin?"

"Make certain that Irfan does not leave his chamber. Until Mithrandir and Hir Elrond can speak to him, he is thus confined and is only to have bread and cheese with water. After what he has had a hand in, he can go without for a little while." Glorfindel recalled the state of Bree when he stopped on their way from Fornost. To see the noble town so afflicted had hurt and to have one who had taken a hand in it taking refuge in Imladris...

"As you wish, Hir-nin." Sentel moved away, saluting with a gleam of delight in his eyes. He had already had dealings with the adan healer and his demands. This would be satisfying.

"Come, Eirien, you need to rest as well." He led a smiling Eirien down the hall, away from the small chamber.

---

He was warm and comfortable. He only had a few small, dull pains. Nothing, compared to how he had been feeling. He snuggled into the warmth, pleased not to be made to get up. It was so good to be comfortable.

"Peep!"

He so wanted to answer that, but he was too comfortable. He sighed and snuggled deeper, ready to fall back into his dreams.

"Peep!"

He frowned. All he wanted to do was make that annoying sound go away! He was sleeping after all.

"Peep!"

If he ignored it, maybe it would go away.

/Do you not like me anymore, Las?" The voice sounded so small and sad, it almost tore his heart in two.

He opened his eyes quickly, to find that he was eye-to-eye with Fileg. Wary that he had been unable to speak earlier, he looked deep into the duckling's eyes.

/Of course I still like you, Fileg! Why would I not?" He poured all the reassurance that he could into his thoughts.

/You would not answer me/ The little black eyes looked at him, full of worry.

/I was asleep and warm. I did not want to wake up. How are you feeling/ He could feel the pain that the little fellow was suffering.

/Sore. You/ Fileg still sounded worried for Legolas.

/I will see if Phen is awake./ Legolas looked beside him. His Ada was asleep beside him. He turned his head and looked about him.

His eyes widened as he saw all the beds in the chamber, so many had people in them, so many injured.

In a bed beside him was Mithrandir, eyes closed and snoring deeply to the ceiling. At least that was what Legolas thought he was doing. He had never seen anyone snoring before, although his Ada had told him about it.

Then there was Hir Elrond. His face was partly-covered with a white bandage but the skin he could see was red, not bright red, but a dull fading red that told the Prince he was healing. On either side of Lord Elrond sat Elladan and Elrohir. Ro was sleeping, Dan was reading.

Then was his friend Calandor, he was sitting up, talking with another ellon that Legolas did not know. He was laughing. It was good to see the creases around his eyes, Calandor liked to laugh.

In another bed beside him, sleeping with a small smile on her face was Doroniel. He smiled at the sight. He liked her and she was going to marry his new friend Cal! That would be fun to see.

"Hello, Legolas, how are you feeling?" He turned to see Gailarphen looking down at him from across his Ada.

"'Phen." Gailarphen smiled brightly when Legolas spoke.

"It is good to see you awake, Penneth. Are you feeling better?" He was pleased to see the bright, inquisitive eyes that shined in the Prince's pale face.

"I am good." Pleasure shone in Legolas' eyes as he realised that he could speak once more. "I speak!" Gailarphen's face lit up as well.

"Yes, Penneth, you can. Do you hurt?" He asked him seriously.

"Fileg hurt. I ache." Legolas told him with all seriousness.

"I will get you both some tea. Are you alright there?" He was pleased to see the little Prince so well.

Legolas looked around to make sure that he was not overheard. He then whispered. "Need to go."

It took all of Gailarphen's skills not to laugh aloud at that. It seemed that Legolas followed very closely after his Adar where privacy and certain actions were concerned.

"I will get that sorted for you." He promised him. To say he was pleased that Legolas had a need to use the necessary was an understatement. Gailarphen made certain that the prince was afforded the privacy that he wanted before helping him. The broken arm and tingling other hand made taking care of certain things alone almost impossible.

Once that was seen to and hands washed, Gailarphen poured out more of the pain tea for both of his little patients. Legolas might try and say he felt better, but the Master Healer knew better.

"Here, drink this and I will help Fileg to have his." He held the cup to Legolas' lips.

"No. Fileg." Legolas would not have the tea until his little fuzzy friend had taken his first.

"Very well." He used the same improvised straw to give the duckling his tea. Once more, the bird let him do so without any fuss. He then turned to Legolas. "Now will you drink your tea?"

"Yes. Will now." A rustle of wings heralded the return of the great Eagle. " 'Ryn!"

"Legolas?" The Eagle's head came in through the window above the bed shared by Thranduil and the Prince. "I had to leave briefly to be comfortable."

"Suilad." Legolas grinned shyly up at him.

"Greetings, youngling. You are feeling better, I hope?" Faunryn asked him.

"Yes, hungry." Legolas told him happily.

Those were the two most wonderful words that Thranduil heard as he woke from his reverie. His heart bursting with joy, he looked down at his young son propped up against his side.

"Legolas?" He did not dare hope that he was not dreaming. If this was a dream, he did not want to wake up.

"Ada! Awake!" Bright blue eyes looked into his. This was not the seriously-ill elfling from last night. This was his precious Las, or rather a lot more the true Legolas than he had seen in some time.

"Yes, you are, pen vuil. Did I hear you say you are hungry?" There was hope in his voice.

"Yes, very hungry. Fileg?" He turned to the duckling. "He too."

"I will organise some food..."

"I will go." Elrohir spoke from behind them. "Hello, Legolas. It is good to see you, Penneth."

"Ro!" There was joy, albeit subdued, in Legolas' eyes.

"I will be back very soon and then we will talk." Elrohir crossed to his bed and bent to kiss the still-swollen and bruised forehead.

"Fileg happy." Legolas turned earnest eyes to his father.

"I am glad, Legolas."

"Glorfy?" Legolas could not remember much, but the memory of Glorfindel telling him his own story was one of them.

"He has gone to check his warriors, ion-nin. He will be back."

Thranduil's words followed Elrohir from the chamber. With a smile, he hurried to find Glorfindel. If one of the first things his small friend asked for was Glorfindel, then Glorfindel was what he would get.

Legolas sighed as he snuggled back against Ada. All seemed right with the world. The pain in his head that was a distant thought seemed to be just that, distant. Why his head had hurt, he did not know. He did not care either, it was gone.

"While we wait for your food, can I look at your leg, Penneth?" Gailarphen was aware of how much the Prince's head injury had healed. Just one look would tell you that, along with the return of his speech.

"Yes. Not sore." Legolas frowned down at his bandaged and splinted leg.

"Good, the tea is working then. Let me know if the soreness comes back?" Legolas nodded carefully.

"Does he not need anything?" Thranduil asked worriedly.

"He and Fileg have had something. Legolas is not in pain anymore are you, Penneth?" Gailarphen asked the elfling.

"Nay, Ada, no pain. Fileg neither!" Legolas told him earnestly.

"I am glad about that, Ion-nin." Thranduil gently hugged him, relieved just to hear his son speak a whole sentence again.

Glorfindel and Eirien practically ran into the chamber, causing them all to jump.

"Legolas? What has happened to Legolas?" The Balrog Slayer skidded to a halt.

"Glorfy!" The small voice calling out happily was like music to his ears.

"Legolas? Oh, Penneth, when Elrohir told me I had to get here, that you needed me, I was so scared." It did not pain him to admit that, it was the simple truth.

"Why?" The blue eyes turned to him in query.

"I thought you were sick and I wanted to be here with you. How are you?" Glorfindel was happier than he could have said to see Legolas awake and speaking properly.

"Hungry." A bright smile accompanied the word.

Even Eirien laughed at that.

"I need to change the dressing on Legolas' leg, Glorfindel. Do you wish to help?" Gailarphen was sorely tempted to call him 'Glorfy' just for the sheer fun of it.

"Of course I will!" Glorfindel was all too eager to help.

"Why don't you tell Legolas a story while I assist Gailarphen?" Linnathon had just entered the inner chamber.

"That is a good idea. Would you like that, Legolas?" Glorfindel turned to the Prince.

Legolas nodded. "You?" The blue eyes were sparkling.

"You wish to hear about the fight with the Balrog again?" There was amusement in Glorfindel's voice.

"Saes." Legolas snuggled back against his pillow, namely, his Adar.

"Very well." It was obvious to the blond Elf Lord that he would be telling this tale a lot over the next few weeks. For the first time in a very long time, he really did not mind. If it helped Legolas recover, he was willing to tell it until the end of the world and beyond.

"You need to speak with Tarias, Master Gailarphen. You asked me to remind you today." Linnathon kept his voice low.

"Yes indeed, hennad for reminding me. As soon as I finish here I will go and see to him. It is not going to be pleasant. Hopefully, he will have calmed as well." Gailarphen sighed. He was determined to keep this from Elrond while he still recovered from his injuries.

"His guards tell me that he has been quiet and made none of the rash demands he started with." Linnathon helped him prepare the herb paste and the antidote tea to counteract the poison that Legolas had been targeted with.

Working together, the wound on his leg was soon exposed and they were pleased and relieved to see that, at last, real progress was evident in its healing. The infection had retreated greatly and the wound was not as deep and was granulating from the inside out, as it should do. Soon the chamber was filled with the sound of a laughing elfling as Glorfindel switched from the tale of the Fall of Gondolin to a tale of the twin's pranks as they had been growing up. It was a heart-warming sound and Thranduil found himself laughing along as well. It was a relief to finally be able to do so.

---

Later that morning, Gailarphen entered his office a little reluctantly. He was not looking forward to this. He was very happy that Mithrandir had awakened and decided to come with him when he learned of the meeting with Tarias.

The chamber was quiet as he and Mithrandir sat waiting for Tarias to be brought to them.

"So you say he was acting far differently than the ellon you knew?" Mithrandir sat with a sigh. He ached more than he had in a long while.

"Yes, he once had also been eager to help and to learn. We had such high regard and good reports from Lothlorien that Elrond had no hesitation in offering him the position and yet, from the time he arrived here, he was nothing like the Tarias I had met."

"And there was nothing mentioned about this from Celeborn?" Mithrandir asked.

"We received nothing but good reports." He nodded towards the chamber door. "They are coming."

The knock sounded almost immediately.

"Minno!" Gailarphen sat up straighter in his chair and turned to face the door.

Tarias was brought in by the two guards that had been assigned to look after the trainee healer. It was not the same Tarias he had known from before.

He looked subdued and uncertain. He would not meet their eyes.

"Good afternoon, Tarias. You may leave him." Gailarphen waited until the door closed behind the guards before he faced the young ellon again.

Tarias gave a small bow of respect. "Master Gailarphen, Hir Mithrandir." Even his voice was different, calmer, as if this was a totally different person.

"Can you tell me what has been happening?" Gailarphen kept his voice calm.

His face showed distress. "I do not know! I was traveling from Lothlorien to begin my training and... and..." There was true confusion in his voice.

"And what, Tarias?" Gailarphen prompted. He could see how difficult this was for the ellon before him.

"And then it all seems a bit of a haze. Things seemed to happen from a distance and…I was doing things that I could not stop and saying the most awful things. I suddenly seemed to wake up last night, wide awake for the first time in ages. Clear and... and 'me' again." Tarias tried to explain, but realised that he was not doing that very well at all.

"When did you say things became clear?" Mithrandir asked urgently.

"Last evening, just before nightfall." He looked at the wizard with a mixture of worry and fear.

That was the time they, with the aid of the Valar, had confronted the 'echo'. This suddenly made sense.

Mithrandir stood and crossed to the fire. "If I have your permission, I would like to look at your memories of that journey. I promise you, Tarias, this will not harm you nor cause you any pain."

"You may do so if it can make things clearer, Hir Mithrandir." Tarias was once more the polite and eager ellon that Gailarphen recalled from old. It was also obvious to him that Mithrandir had an idea of what had happened.

"Good, come, sit in my chair." The Maia gestured for him to take his place. Tarias looked to Gailarphen for permission and it was given readily. He crossed to the chair and sat stiffly.

"Relax, Penneth. No harm will come to you. Just sit back." Tarias did so, but was still nervous. "Close your eyes and think of that journey. I will touch your forehead and heart. That is all that will happen." Mithrandir explained before doing just that.

Gailarphen sat back and watched with interest as Mithrandir stood over Tarias. The only sound was their soft breathing and the crackling of the fire as it continued with its burning cycle. He sat and mused as to what Mithrandir was looking for.

Time seemed to slow and stretch and eventually Gailarphen gave up waiting and began to see to the myriad of paperwork that went hand-in-hand with his healing duties.

He was lost in writing up a patient's treatment when a gentle sigh alerted him to the fact that Mithrandir was moving away from Tarias. He set his quill to one side and looked up.

Mithrandir looked even more exhausted than he had before. Gailarphen rose and brought another chair so that Mithrandir could sit. Tarias sat slumped in his chair with his head in his hands, weeping softly. There was no danger from that area. He crossed to the door and opened it. The two guards turned to him, their hands on their swords in readiness.

"I need some hot tea and food for two. Mayhap some wine as well, it looks as if we could all use some in here." Gailarphen told them. The ellon on the right nodded and left.

Gailarphen closed the door and returned to Mithrandir's side. The wizard was shaking slightly.

"What ails you, mellon-nin?" Gailarphen knelt beside him placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I am tired. That was harder than I expected. This has not been any of Tarias' doing. The same shadow that has been plaguing Legolas overpowered Tarias. Everything that has happened since his arrival has been engineered. Tarias did not know what he was doing. When he realised, it was too late to stop it." Mithrandir sat back with a sigh and rubbed his cold hands.

"It is gone?" There was urgency in Gailarphen's voice.

"Yes, there is nothing there, just a vague feeling. We will need to be alert, in case this happens again." Mithrandir told him.

"Yes, I agree. Ah, here is your food and drink." Gailarphen opened the door and let the servants in.

Soon they were eating, but Tarias only pushed at the food, not really taking any into his mouth. His face was still wet with silvery tears and he had yet to speak.

"Tarias, we do not blame you. We were targeted by great evil also. Not exactly like you, but we know a little of how you feel. Once it is revealed what the cause of this was, they will forgive you." Gailarphen set his food to one side and moved to the young ellon's side.

"But… the things that I said and did, I was so awful to Idhron! He is my friend and I have hurt him so much. I cannot face him anymore." He pushed the plate away, fresh tears starting from his eyes.

Neither of them noticed as Mithrandir slowly rose and quietly left the chamber.

"If he is truly a friend, he will understand that this was not your fault, Penneth."

"Ai, Valar! Hir Elrond! I hurt him, my own Hir. I should be banished. I should be disgraced and sent away. My parents will be disgusted." Tarias rocked himself back and forth in his distress.

Gailarphen did something that he would not have even contemplated earlier that day. He went to the distressed young ellon and wrapped his arms around the shaking shoulders, trying to comfort him.

"They will love you. They will always love you. I promise you that, Penneth. Hir Elrond will be more forgiving than you think."

The chamber door opened and Idhron hurried in. He looked worried. Mithrandir was close behind him.

"Tarias?"

Tarias cried aloud and pulled back, not wanting to even look up into Idhron's eyes.

Idhron dropped to his knees before him. "Tarias, mellon-nin, Mithrandir told me some of what happened. Are you alright? I have been beside myself with worry."

"You were worried about me?" There was shock in the hiccupping voice.

"Yes, very worried about you. You were so different from the mellon that I knew so well. I did not know how you could have changed so much." Idhron told him seriously.

"I am so sorry, Id, so very, very sorry." Tarias was crying once more and he reached for his friend, subconsciously falling back on the old nickname that he had used for so long when they were elflings together.

"It is alright, Tar, I forgive you. It was not you who did these things, this 'creature'…" He spat the word out. "…did those things. He used you. That is all. That was not you and we all know that now."

As Idhron reassured his broken friend, Gailarphen and Mithrandir left the chamber.

As he closed the door, Gailarphen turned to the guards. "You are no longer needed, hennad. Tarias is free to go, although he will be off-duty while he recovers from his ordeal."

The guards looked surprised but then nodded before leaving.

"Hannon-le, Mithrandir. We were worried about how different he had become, it is good to know that our instincts can still be trusted. You really think that there could be others like Tarias?"

"Yes, Gailarphen, I do. It seems odd to me that wherever Legolas is, there is trouble at the moment. We need to be careful and watchful. We must take care as well. The shade is angry and I imagine he will strike out at Legolas again." Mithrandir admitted.

"It really is after Legolas, isn't it?" Gailarphen asked as they made their way back to the healing wing, his face a mixture of worry and curiosity.

"It is looking more and more as if it is. Why, I am not sure. It is something that we have to work out." Mithrandir explained what little he could.

---

Galadriel awoke from her vision and the fight alongside the Valar and Elrond, with a look of worry mingled with anger in her bearing.

"Híril Galadriel? We were worried when you would not waken." The young Galadhrim told her.

"I am well. I need to get back to Lord Bainen's home, Magorion, there has been a problem. Orophin has been attacked." Her simple words had an instant impact.

"Can you walk, Híril-nin?" Magorion was instantly in command.

"Yes." The Galadhrim soldier helped her to her feet. "We need to hurry."

They hurried back the way they had come earlier in the day. When they reached the area where the town became more densely populated they slowed and began to search the surrounds for signs of a fight or, Valar forbid, a body. None relished the thought of having to tell Rumil and Haldir that their brother was injured, or worse, dead.

They found the first signs of elven blood near an abandoned shack. The silvery-red blood glistened in the late evening sunshine. All signs of life in the town were gone. A sunset curfew had been set for everyone's safety while the threat of orcs was present. The only signs that this was a live town were the lights that shone at some of the windows. Even the animals had been locked away, out of harm's way. This was a town under siege. Not even a cat lingered in the streets. To say it was eerie was an understatement.

Worried, they followed the trail to a large clump of bushes. Behind it they found the slumped form of Orophin, face-down. Magorion hurried over to his form and bent, feeling for a pulse.

"He is alive." He gently turned Orophin onto his side and then checked him over. "We need to get him back to Hir Bainen's house."

Two of the elven guards hurried to pick up Orophin while Magorion helped Galadriel to walk. She was shakier than she would admit.

They hurried through the darkening town, their unease growing as the atmosphere around the town seemed to change with the shift from day to night. It reminded Magorion of Mirkwood at dusk when the fell creatures rose to stalk the forest with a vengeance. Those portions of the forest were bad enough during the day, but at night they took on the most awful ambiance...

It was with great relief that they finally reached the main house only to find it in uproar with guards preparing to leave the safety of the house, donning armour and readying their weapons. Lady Banwen and Lord Bainen stood in the hallway. Banwen was crying and wringing her hands together.

"Oh, where could they be? Have they been seen at all? I would have insisted that they take some of our guards with them if I had thought. They should not be out at this time of the night, it is not safe, Bainen. You should have insisted!"

"Banwen, they are adults. You did not stop Amaruvdor from leaving and I fear that he is in more danger than Galadriel." Bainen knew just what his wife was like.

"Don't say that! Oh, Bainen, we haven't heard from him..."

Bainen wished he had never mentioned it. He would not hear the last of it now until they heard that Amaruvdor was well and had arrived with Celeborn. He had absolutely no doubt that the elves' offers of aid were genuine. Why would lord Celeborn leave his wife and men behind if he had no intention of returning? But once Amaruvdor got an idea into his stubborn head there was nothing to sway him. He would have to find Celeborn and see for himself.

He looked up to see the small group making its way towards them. "They are here, Banwen."

She rushed to meet Galadriel and took Magorion's place. "Galadriel, my dear, where have you been?"

"We ran into a little trouble." Galadriel told her.

"What happened? You ran into orcs?" She looked Galadriel over for injuries, worried that she looked so wan and tired once more.

"No, and I am uninjured. I wish I could say the same for Orophin." Galadriel nodded towards her foster son.

"Oh! Oh no! Bainen send for the healers! Out of our way, let us get back to your chamber. He can sleep in the chamber we set aside for Elladan and Elrohir. It is close to you so that you can get to him should he need it." She was leading Galadriel back to the rooms. "What happened?"

"I sent Orophin with a message to let you know that I heard from Celeborn and that Amaruvdor arrived safely in Bree."

Banwen stopped, turning to Bainen, and cried with relief. "See! I told you he would be alright! Scaring me like that, Bainen! One of these days I will no longer speak to you. Come, Galadriel, please finish your tale." They carried on their way.

"We found him as we walked back. He was attacked and had been dragged behind a bush, well out of sight. If we had not returned when we did, he could have lain out there all night." Galadriel shuddered just at the thought of it.

"This is terrible. Bainen, did you hear that? Someone attacked Orophin. We need to find out who did this! I want them brought to justice. To hurt the poor, sweet dear… Ooo, if I ever find out who did this..." Lady Banwen's face showed the ire she felt.

"I will find them, Banwen."

"When you do, Bainen, I would like to speak with them." There was determination in Galadriel's voice.

"I will, Galadriel. I will not let this happen to my guests and under my own nose. They will regret the day they chose to harm my friends." Bainen told her, for they had become friends

"Thank you, mellon-nin, I do appreciate that. I must see to my son." She wanted to make sure for herself that Orophin was alright.

"Come then."

They continued into the large suite that Galadriel and Celeborn had been given. Bainen hurried to ready the bed. They lowered Orophin onto it and Bainen bent to remove his boots. It gave Galadriel and Banwen their first good look at Orophin.

His silvery-blond hair was in disarray and bloody in places. His face was ashen and covered in a mixture of bruises, scrapes and blood. His left eye was swollen and was colouring even as they watched. His lip was also split and still bled a little.

Galadriel had tears in her eyes as she reached out a shaking hand to brush his face.

"We will find them, Galadriel." Banwen took one of Orophin's limp hands in hers. Galadriel glanced at her and then noticed that the hand she held, although bruised on the back, was not marked as it would have been had Orophin fought back.

"He did not fight back." Her words were a simple observation. His weapons were still in their scabbards.

"They beat him and he did not fight them?" Banwen's eyes were wide. "Why? Why would he not fight back?"

"We may not look it, Banwen, but we are very strong, much stronger than humans." Galadriel began.

Banwen looked shocked. The thin young things in front of her were stronger than humans? Simply not possible!

"Do not look so shocked, mellon-nin. We are hardier than we look. If Orophin had wanted to, he could have prevented them from hurting him and, in turn, he could have hurt them very badly, without sustaining a scratch himself. Just because we look frail does not mean that we are. Some of us have seen and done such great feats that you would be shocked." There was a gentle smile on Galadriel's face at the shock that graced Banwen's face at her words.

"But, he is so young..." Banwen could not get her head around the fact that this young boy could be so strong.

"Banwen, although he is young to us, he may not be to you." She again reached out to gently brush his battered face. "He is my youngest foster son. His father was killed by orcs in a great battle when he was still but a child and his mother died from grief. Celeborn and I raised the three brothers since and it has been a joy. They are as dear to us as our own daughter was."

Banwen sniffed back the tears. "The poor dear, he is lucky to have you. How old is he?"

"He is six hundred and fifty-seven. He has just recently reached his majority." He had also recently become a fully-fledged member of her guard. Not that she said that.

"You are having me on!" Banwen laughed aloud at the idea that someone could be that old and look so young.

"I am not." Galadriel laughed at her shock. Humans often could be like this and she was not upset by it. "Elrond is over four thousand years old and he is much younger than I am."

This time Banwen's shock was too obvious.

"We can talk about this at a later time. Suffice to say it appears that Orophin did not wish to harm any of your people, no matter what they do. A diplomatic incident would not have been a good idea. May I have some water, hot water?" Galadriel asked.

"Oh! I am sorry, I should have thought… and where is that healer?" She stood and gently placed the bruised hand on the bed before leaving the chamber.

Galadriel spoke to Orophin, though he had yet to waken. "You have done well, Penneth. I am proud of you and I know that your Ada will be as well, when he hears of this." She began to remove his jerkin so that she could remove his undershirt. She dreaded to think what she would find there.

"Galadriel, some of my men will be sent to search for signs of who did this to Orophin. Can you tell me where you found him?" Bainen asked her as he stepped back into the chamber.

"I can do better than that. Magorion, will you take some of your men and show them where we found Orophin? That way if they meet orcs you can help them in the fight." She did not add that the Edain would not even need to draw their bows.

"Of course, Híril Galadriel, I will leave some guards so that you are safe as well. I will return as soon as I can." Magorion bowed and left the chamber.

"They worry about you." It was a simple observation from Bainen.

"Yes, when he returns he will force me to drink sweetened tea and Miruvor and then rest." There was a wry smile on her face.

"You have had another vision?" Bainen asked, concerned.

"Yes, but I am well." Galadriel tried to reassure him.

"You will not move from that spot. Where is the Miruvor kept?" He looked around the chamber.

"There is some on the table." She nodded to the bedside table that Elrohir had been using.

"Good." Bainen stood and crossed to pour some and then handed it to her. "Drink this. I will make certain that some tea and food are brought to you. You must be hungry. I will not force you like Banwen would, but you will eat something, Young Lady, do you understand me?" He raised his eyebrow at her and she had to laugh. He looked so much like an older, but human, version of Elrond it was actually quite scary.

"I understand you. But, Bainen..."

He smiled at her. "I know. You are not young. I understand that, but please, humor me? My lady wife may not believe you, but I do. There is far too much sorrow and knowledge in your eyes for it to be anything other than true." He also knew it would take seeing what Galadriel said to be true before Banwen would believe it.

"Thank you, Bainen, and yes, I will humour you." Galadriel liked this quiet yet authoritative man.

"Good. I do not think that anyone that appears to me to be in his late teenage years should carry this many fine weapons. I certainly would not allow any of mine to be so armed at that age." He held up his hands and showed her Orophin's sword and curved knife held there.

Galadriel laughed lightly. "That is just a few. There will be others somewhere about his body and his bow is in his chamber. He wanted to bring it but the others were carrying theirs."

"He can use them all?" Bainen sounded far more interested about all this. He was examining the weapons in his hand with a keen eye.

"Yes, but he is best with the bow. Not as good as his elder brother, but he came top of his training group. The sword and knife were presents to celebrate that fact. The knives were from his brothers. I hope we find the ones who did this."

"We will, Galadriel, I promise you." He looked up when he heard footsteps in the hallway. "Finally, the healer is here." He moved back and away from where she sat so that Mellroth, the town's healer, could get in to help.

"What do we have here?"

---

Magorion led his soldiers in front of the men, bow in hand and wary. All his senses screamed that there were orcs nearby and he could feel the distress in the trees. While not as closely linked as the elves of Mirkwood, the Lothlorien elves still had some affinity with them.

He could tell that his soldiers were on the alert as well. The Edain guards, though, were talking among themselves and seemed to be more relaxed than he would have ever found possible. Could they not feel the tension in the air and the way the night seemed to scream out that danger was all around them?

"Quiet!" He practically hissed. "There is danger nearby."

The leader of the men, Garrick, rolled his eyes. Trust the elves to try and be mysterious. He nodded to the men and they grew quiet. None of them looked too happy.

The air suddenly crackled with tension from Lord Bainen's men and Magorion could have sighed with frustration. Did they think they could wander up to the place and act as if they were out for an evening stroll? It was not as if they could just stumble about laughing and joking, there were orcs about for Valar's sake!

He continued to lead the way, aware of the sounds of the night about them, or rather the lack of them. It had grown far too quiet.

Slowing, Magorion gestured for the others to stop where they were. He cocked his head to listen and then led them back the way they had come and changed their route slightly. The Fornost men shared surprised looks. The elves knew their way around Fornost that well? They would not have believed it possible in this little amount of time. It normally took visitors months to find their way around the main streets and the side streets like this! Well, it was a given that most did not even try.

They came by a roundabout way to the little clearing where Orophin had been found. The last thing Lord Bainen's guards expected out here were other human voices, but that was exactly what they heard.

The voice sneered. "Hah, did you notice that the pretty little elf never really tried to fight us? I loved that. What have we got between us? A few bruises and nothing more! I told you he was a weakling coward. Shame he was gone. We could have had some more fun."

The other men with him laughed sycophantically.

Magorion found his temper building and Garrick gently pressed a hand against his arm. There was real anger in his face, but he held up a finger to his lips and gestured for them to stay silent. This way they could find out a lot more of what was going on. These men should not be out here. There was a curfew.

"You hear the stories of how strong and wise these elves are, but I think it is all a lie. What have they done to show us they are wise? I bet Amar is saving their hides even as we speak!" The voice laughed again. "Unless, of course, he's thrashing them good for sneaking off."

"I don't like being out this late, it doesn't feel right." Another voice whined.

"Ah, stop being a baby. If you keep this up, we will have to look again at whether or not you really fit in with this group. We will not bow down to my parents or Bainen." The voice was snide and Garrick winced. He recognised the voice. Tarlanc was really not helping his cause.

Tarlanc's voice had affected a high, deliberately-misleading tone, mocking whoever he was quoting. "You need to get a job and stop messing about with your life!"

"Your Da?" The question ended in a guffaw from one of the others

"Yes, he thinks I should settle down." He muttered. 'Find a nice girl and marry.' Maybe one day he will realise I don't want a young girl, I want a nice... Ah here we are." Tarlanc did not finish muttering what it was that he wanted, but Garrick had heard some of the rumours as to what the man liked and it made him shudder.

"How long do you think we will have to wait?" A third voice from the group seemed impatient.

"Until they come." There was command in Tarlanc's voice. He seemed to be the leader of this group.

"I hope it is soon. It gives me the chills, having to deal with the likes of them." The voice sounded a little unsure of itself. It was the one who didn't like being out that late.

"But the reward is good. If only Bainen knew how the orcs stole and killed the things they wanted to!" Tarlanc laughed outright. "If Da doesn't quit his whining about me, I will give them his details." There was no laughter in his voice now.

Garrick's eyes glowered at the direction of the voice. He happened to be a very good friend to Malthenel, Tarlanc's father. To hear his only son speak like this angered him. The grip on his sword tightened.

He would not allow this to happen if he had anything to do with it.

"You would give your own father to them?" The voice sounded horrified. It was not one that Magorion had heard yet. "Are you mad? Did you see what they did to Daffyd? I would not wish that on anything, let alone anyone. No one deserves that!"

"And I'm supposed to care? Da has made my life a misery! It's about time I had my reward for that suffering. I will have my way. With him gone I will be the head of the family. What I say will go and no one can object. Then we will see who was right and who was wrong." Tarlanc's voice was almost a snarl.

Garrick would not let this happen. They all knew what had been whispered about this young man. The things he got up to in the name of fun and the way he frequented the wrong end of town, the young men he used and subjected to his cruel nature. No, he would not let this sick creature get away with this.

He took a step forward but was stopped by Magorion. The elf shook his head and bent forward to speak in his ear.

"Wait for whomever they are meeting. Then we can use what we hear to the best advantage. They will not get away with this."

Garrick nodded and bided his time. What was the old saying? Every dog had its day? Well this old dog could and would wait and have his day and he would enjoy every minute of it.

They stood that way for a while. It was uncomfortable for the humans. It was cold enough that frost was beginning to settle around them. It would be a relief to finally get the warmer weather expected at this time of year. It had been unnaturally cold this past winter. First it had been so wet there had been widespread floods and the ruin of what little of the crops that they had planted. Then, there came a deep winter with snowstorms that had fallen for weeks on end, snows that had cut them off from the rest of the world for almost two months.

There was something eerie about all this. It was not natural, not natural at all. Garrick had seen some bad winters, hard winters where they had thought they would not all make it through to see the trees begin to bud and flower once more. It was normally the most elderly or the youngest babes that succumbed to the killing cold then, but not this year. This year they had lost from across all the differing ages.

This year death had not been gentle. His own mother had fallen to the chest illness that normally took only the elderly. The 'silent killer' it was called. Their chest bubbled and they coughed and became feverish before slipping slowly away. It was gentle on the ones dying but it hurt those around them.

Garrick blew on his cold hands, glancing at the elves, expecting them to be the same. They, after all, had even lighter clothes than he and his men. They were also a lot thinner and had to feel the bite of the chill.

His eyes widened as he realised that they were not even slightly shivering. They stood tall and straight and, by the heavens, they glowed!

He blinked and looked again. Yes, his eyes did not deceive him. There was a glow around the elves. It was beautiful. The glow seemed to come from within.

He cast a surreptitious glance at his men and they too seemed to be captivated by the elves. Who would have guessed that they could glow like a candle?

Magorion bent forward to speak to him once more. "Orcs are coming."

"Orcs!" It was a low hate-filled hiss. His hand instinctively gripped his sword tightly.

"Aye, orcs. This could be interesting." Before Garrick's eyes, the glow that had surrounded Magorion dimmed until it was barely noticeable.

"We cannot let them leave." Garrick hissed. The thought of those dark creatures this close to his beloved home did not sit well with him at all.

"We may have no choice, but there is something we can do about it." Magorion told him quietly.

"You have a plan?" Garrick perked up suddenly.

"I do indeed, but first we need to hear what their plans are."

Garrick could hear the coming orcs himself now. How on Arda had Magorion known they were coming? He was awed at the abilities they were all showing. Perhaps they had been wrong about the elves? Time would tell.

They crept forward, just the two of them. Their men stayed back. The last thing they needed was to alert these conspiratorial men and orcs to their presence.

"You are late." Tarlanc's voice was cold but sure.

"We 'ad ta eat." The orc's voice was equally as cold.

"That's no excuse. You have work to do and we can't wait all night." Tarlanc could not hide his disgust. "Our master will hear of this, mark my words."

"Ain't scared of 'im."

"You should be, vermin. You should be."

"Wat's e want enyway?" The orc sounded extremely disgruntled.

"We have another job for you, a rather special job, just for you."

"What?" The orc sounded almost pleased, the jobs from the master were always fun and when they let them play it was even better.

"It will be a joint job. You will need to follow our guidance so that we know it is done as he wishes."

"A'right."

"Good. Tomorrow night I want all of you waiting as soon as it is dusk. A fire will be set in Bainen's home. When they pour out in a panic, we will separate Banwen from her husband. She is yours to do with as you will." There was a gasp from the other men with Tarlanc. "Quiet! The one thing you have to make certain of is that she dies and her body is left for all to see. She has befriended the pathetic elves and must be disposed of." Tarlanc had glee in his voice.

"That'll be fun, anythin' we wanna do?" There was excited anticipation in the orc's voice.

"Anything you want. It is down to you. Just make her suffer as we have over the years." Tarlanc's voice was colder than the frost forming on the grass.

"Oh, we will!" Orcish laughter could be heard.

"Good. Now go and do as our master has bid you for tonight. I expect to see the sky bright with flames tomorrow night."

The voice of the apparent leader of the orcs called out orders. "C'mon, get goin'!" As the mixed group of elves and men stood silent, listening, they could hear the orcs move away. It took great control not to follow them.

One of the conspirators complained. "Tarlanc, you did not tell us who the target was tonight. This is treason!"

"Everything we've been doing is treason, right from the start, so don't go crying innocence and shock now. It is far too late for that!" Tarlanc told the owner of the voice. "We need to get back before we are missed. I have a certain little lovely that needs my attention tonight." The voices moved away in the opposite direction.

Garrick wanted to go after those men and show them they could not get away with this. He reminded himself that the elf at his side had a plan and they would need to stick with that. But to think that they would do such a thing to the Lady of Fornost, as kind-hearted a person as one would care to meet. The number of times she had taken Tarlanc into her own home and cared for him when his own parents had tired of his antics…and this was how she was repaid. Garrick fairly burned with ire at the very idea.

"We will go back and speak with Hir Bainen and Híril Banwen. I have an idea that could see the end to this for some time." Magorion was flaming mad. That they could even contemplate hurting such a kind and gentle lady was incomprehensible to him.

"I would like to hear your plan. Come my friend, it is cold out here." Garrick slapped his shoulder and then they walked back to where the men were standing.

The elves looked as annoyed as Magorion felt. They had clearly heard what the men and orcs had discussed and they were eager to get back to their Lady.

Much to the men's amazement, they were hard-pressed to keep up with the elves as they rushed back to Lord Bainen's home. Who knew they could sustain such speed?

Though they were all in good condition, by the time they arrived at their destination the men were all out of breath, but the elves were not even breathing hard. The men bent double to catch their breath, watching the elves with not a little awe. All of them were beginning to realise that there was far more to the Firstborn than they had been led to believe. There was a newfound respect on the men's faces as Garrick gave the pre-arranged knock on the front door.

The door opened a little and Fyne, the butler, peeked out at them. He widened the door when he saw who was there and let them in.

"I need to see Lord Bainen." Urgency was evident in Garrick's stance and voice.

"I will inform him. He is with the Lady Galadriel. Perhaps you should come with me? I am sure he will not wish to leave Orophin at this time. He feels highly responsible for this act of savagery." Fyne led them up the large ornate stairs to the wing of the house given over for the use of their elven guests.

Once again the elves seemed to do the impossible as they reached the top of the stairs before the men were even half-way up them. They waited almost too patiently at the top for them, mostly out of courtesy. They really wanted to find out how Orophin fared.

Finally, the men reached them. It was with relief that they made their way down the corridor.

"Wait here." Fyne told them as he knocked on the door to the chamber.

"Enter." Bainen's voice called.

Fyne did so, closing the door behind him. He came out less than a minute later.

"You can go in."

Garrick and Magorion did so. The chamber was actually quite calm, to Magorion's relief. It was brightly lit and the fire roared in the fireplace.

Galadriel looked up from where she sat beside Orophin, who was still unconscious. She was smiling calmly enough, but he could see that she was actually in a towering temper. He smiled grimly. Hurt one of Galadriel's children and you risked the wrath of both the Lord and Lady of the Golden Woods.

Galadriel placed Orophin's limp hand on the bed and rose to meet them.

"Magorion, what did you find?"

"Orcs, Híril-nin."

Banwen gasped from where she stood at the side of the bed. "Orcs?"

"Indeed, Híril Banwen, but that is not all." Magorion informed her.

"What else?" Bainen demanded.

"We also found some men, my Lord. You will not be happy when you hear who is involved." Garrick bowed to his Lord.

"Who?" Surprise was written all over his face.

"Tarlanc and his friends. They were waiting for the orcs, to give them orders from their 'Master'."

"Ah, yes the dreaded 'Master'. I do not think they will be getting new orders from him. He has been seen to." Galadriel told them. She should have realised that the shadow would be involved. Most of those present looked at her in confusion, unsure what she meant by that statement.

"Tarlanc? I knew he was involved in some nasty things, but..." Bainen shook his head sadly.

"You never told me that." Banwen looked at him angrily. "I would never have let Amar become involved with him had I know."

"Banwen, your children must learn by their own mistakes. You cannot keep them coddled and protected from the world forever." Galadriel was gentle.

"I know that, but Amar is such a sensitive child. He is delicate and needs watching."

Garrick watched Lady Banwen with a mixture of shock and horror. Amaruvdor was sensitive? He had never met such an insensitive lout in his life. And delicate? That could only be a mother talking. No one else would ever call Amaruvdor that. He was in fact one of the biggest bullies going, nearly as bad as Tarlanc. Garrick just prayed it was not in all regards. Thank goodness, he had not heard any rumors of Amaruvdor to support that fear.

"You still need to let him go."

"There is more, my Lady and it is not easy to hear." Garrick dreaded to say this.

Luckily for him, Magorion saved him the trouble.

"They planned to capture another hostage from the town. It seems that Tarlanc and his cohorts have been handing over those who get in their way as well as those that the Master targets. They mentioned someone named Daffyd. Tarlanc also said he would hand his father over."

"No! But that is terrible! Bainen we have to stop that from happening!" Banwen was truly horrified.

"I agree. Garrick I want you to find Tarlanc and his men and bring them..."

"You may wish to hear what they have planned for tomorrow before you do that, Hir-nin." Magorion told them grimly.

"I dread to hear it, Magorion, but go on." Bainen told him resignedly.

"They have arranged to have a fire set in this house so that it is evacuated. They are then going to separate you from each other so that they can take..."

"They are after me?" Bainen's eyes were wide with shock.

"No, Hir-nin. It is not you they are after."

"Then who?"

"It is me." The voice was quiet and yet so sure.

"Banwen! Why would they be...?" Bainen was shocked.

"Indeed, Híril Banwen, because of your growing friendship with us." Magorion told her.

"I will not let that happen!" Galadriel could not believe what she heard. She turned to Banwen. "How did you know that you were the target?" Galadriel had picked up on this fact where the others had not.

"I helped Tarlanc, or tried to, after his father remarried. They had argued about the marriage and Tarlanc left in high dudgeon. He had nowhere to go and I felt sorry for him."

Bainen suddenly recalled when his wife was talking about. "I remember that! He insulted you, called you a stupid old bat because you did not agree with something he had said."

"Yes, and he got all ridiculous when I would not bow to his idea. We argued, Galadriel. I asked him to leave in the end. We have not spoken since. I never thought that he would come to this." There was sadness mixed with horror in her voice.

"I do have a plan." Magorion spoke up once more.

Bainen brightened. "What would that be, Magorion?"

"Obviously we need to corner and kill the orcs. They are terrorising the town and we cannot let that continue. We must gather proof that Tarlanc is working with the orcs. We will keep Híril Banwen here with Híril Galadriel, out of harm's way. They would expect her to be in your own chambers?" He asked.

"Yes, they would. We normally retire after the eighth hour of the evening. It is only when we are hosting parties or guests that it changes." Bainen moved to hug his wife.

"Then let it be known tomorrow that, due to all the worry and concern over Orophin, you will be retiring early. Claim you slept poorly tonight. We will keep you here with some of our men and you will be safe. Garrick's men can see to Tarlanc and his group. I and my men can see to the orcs. We can slip behind them and encircle them."

"That is a wonderful idea, but will it work?" Banwen asked.

"I believe so, Híril. I cannot see why it would not. We must be careful not to forewarn them of what we have planned." Magorion stated.

"I wish we could warn Malthenel. He will be so upset about what is happening." Banwen was worried for the father of the man who planned to have her killed. He was an old friend, a close friend.

"Yes, but not as upset as he would be if the orcs get their hands on him." Bainen's voice was curt. Perhaps the nobleman would get a shock, how could he not, but at least he would be alive to learn to live with it.

"I will gather all the men that I trust and have them ready. The foul creatures said that they would be attacking elsewhere first. I do not know who they are after, but it will not be good." Garrick told them seriously.

"I gather as much. Gather those you trust. I will make sure someone stays here with Banwen and Galadriel. I will have an end to this." Bainen's face was unusually hard as he spoke. It was bad enough that they brought orcs into Fornost under the noses of the guard patrols and took its people, but to threaten Banwen!

"Of course, Lord Bainen." Garrick left to make all the needed arrangements.

---

It was late the next evening, well after curfew. Fornost was quiet, not a sound could be heard. All appeared calm and most of the townsfolk were asleep in their beds, unaware of what was about to take place.

Orcs crept slowly back into the centre from the outskirts of the town. In the distance behind them a small, but fierce fire lit the dusk sky with a crimson glow on the horizon.

The group stopped and watched warily as the humans came out to join them.

"Is it done?" Tarlanc did not bother with pleasantries.

"Yea. Dey're dead." There was glee in the orc's tone.

"Good, we will set the fire now. I am informed that Bainen and Banwen have retired early this night." He sneered.

Garrick nodded to his men. They were almost in position. They would end this one way or another tonight. Tarlanc would not get away with this.

The smashing of a window heralded the start of what was to come. They waited. They had to be patient and catch them with their hands on irrefutable evidence.

The smell of burning filled the air, followed by panicked shouts of "Fire!"

The door to Lord Bainen's manor house opened and people poured out. Garrick watched as Tarlanc and his men mingled with the others who had poured out and were now trying to help put out the fire. They were getting in the way rather than helping, another nail in their proverbial coffin.

The orcs were ready and waiting in the shadows nearby, almost salivating, eager at the thought of what was to come as they watched the fun begin.

They missed seeing the armed guards that moved to each of the men they had been working with. Who would notice in the melee that was going on?

"Get water! We need to get this under control!" Lord Bainen called loudly over the uproar. "Where is Banwen?"

That was their signal and all began as planned.

Garrick made his way to Tarlanc. He would enjoy this. The man did not even know he was there. Garrick used the hilt of his sword to knock him out. He went down like a sack of potatoes.

"Tarlanc!" One of the others had seen their leader go down.

The conspirators were suddenly surrounded. Leaderless, the other men simply gave up the whole thing as a bad job. They were caught.

The orcs stiffened. This was not meant to happen. This was supposed to be a smooth run and easy get-away with their plaything and meat. They had it all planned! This was going to ruin the fun! This was not fair. They tried to melt back into the surroundings. They had to return and warn the master that his plans for Fornost had changed. It would not be a happy meeting and the orc leader, Sarrl, would likely not walk away from it alive.

A voice came from between the orcs and the safety of the trees. "Running then, yrch lefneg?" Magorion was ready with his elves.

The orcs stopped and looked around, stunned. They were surrounded by elves with drawn swords and bows. Where had they come from? They should have been able to smell the elves before they got near! Why had they not been able to smell the elves? A wisp of smoke scent filled their nostrils and Sarrl growled, how stupid could they have been?

The orcs raised their weapons a little belatedly. They were going nowhere.

"Strategic withdrawal, elf." Sarrl snarled at him.

"What do you know of strategy? If you knew anything, you would not be here in this situation." Magorion smiled grimly. "You will not make it out of Fornost alive. Vermin like you will not escape." Magorion gave a nod of his head and the elves surrounded the orcs. They had nowhere to go...not without a fight.

---

Lord Bainen stood surveying the damage to his home from the fire. Luckily, it was not as bad as it might have been. They had taken the time to move much of the furniture from the chamber they expected Tarlanc to set the fire in. They had been right, but that had only been because of Galadriel's input.

Tarlanc and his cronies had already been taken away, into custody, and could no longer harm anyone. They now faced trial on charges of treason for what they had done.

Bainen was grateful that this skirmish had ended with no casualties on their side. He could still hear the sounds of the battle between the elves and the orcs behind him. He could only hope there were no casualties there.

A blond-haired man dressed in fine clothes arrived and hurried to Bainen's side, concern clear on his handsome face. "Lord Bainen, I pray you and Lady Banwen have taken no hurt? What happened?"

"Nay, Malthenel, we are uninjured. I must speak with you, old friend, but only once I clear this up. Please, go and wait in the safety of the house. Fyne, see to Malthenel's comfort, bring him refreshment. "Yes, my lord." Fyne bowed and turned to return to the house, expecting Malthenel to follow shortly.

Bainen turned to Garrick. "Go make certain that Magorion and his men are safe."

"I don't think you need to worry about that, Lord Bainen." Garrick looked in the direction of the battle. Malthenel still stood there beside Bainen, watching as well.

Bainen turned and was pleased to see all the elven soldiers making their way back to them. They were spattered and smeared with black blood, but no red showed. That was a relief.

---

(Only minutes earlier)

As soon as the circle closed around the orcs, Magorion gave the signal "Hain dago!" He made the first strike and sword met scythe in a clash of metal. Sarrl grinned, showing nasty yellowed teeth.

"Not such an easy target, elfling?" Sarrl taunted.

"Not exactly a hard one either, lefneg!" It was easy to counter the next blow from the scythe.

Sarrl growled and tried to make another swift blow, but this too was easily stopped. Soon the orc was panting, concerned that what should have been an easy kill was actually anything but that.

"So, is this as easy as you thought? You seem to be tiring." Magorion was aware that around them the fighting was rapidly coming to an end. Soon only he and the orc were left fighting, if one could actually call it a fight. Magorion was not even out of breath and was still barely moving as he easily countered every one of the orc's moves.

Sarrl did not speak. He had no breath but just drew his lips up in a snarl. He tried one last trick in an attempt to take off Magorion's head. It was the last thing he did.

Magorion simply dodged to the side in one swift move. As the orc was caught off-guard, he plunged his sword into the orc's chest. Sarrl gave a small "Erk!" before falling to the ground, dead.

"Is anyone injured?" Magorion looked around at his men. A chorus of 'no's met his question. Not one was injured, he was pleased to see, covered in black blood but no one even had a scratch.

"Good, let us clear away this scum and then report back to Híril Galadriel. We never did find out how Orophin fares."

They swiftly went to work.

---

Bainen greeted them with relief. "All is seen to?"

"Indeed, Hir-nin. They will worry your town no more." Magorion told him.

"Thank you, I cannot thank you enough. Come let us get inside. I want to assure the ladies that we are all well." Bainen led all of them, including Malthenel, into the house.

He ushered them up the ornate staircase and to the chamber in which the ladies and injured rested. Malthenel looked a little concerned as he was being led in the group.

"When we get there, old friend, not until then." Bainen told him, placing a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder.

When they reached the appropriate chamber Bainen gave the intricate knock that they had agreed upon as signal. The door slowly opened and Fyne once more looked out at them. Smiling with relief, he opened the chamber door to let them in.

Banwen looked up from helping a groggy-looking Orophin drink some tea for pain. The look of utter relief on her face was hard to miss. Galadriel stood sedately and hurried to greet them.

"It is good to see you are all well. It is over?" Banwen looked them over carefully for injuries.

"Yes, the orcs are dead and the conspirators in custody." Bainen told them. "You can relax, Banwen. The threat is over."

"I am glad." She had tears in her eyes.

Magorion crossed to Orophin's side. "How are you, mellon-nin?"

"I am well." He assured them, though it was said with a grimace.

"I can see that!" It was a relief to hear his friend say that. He truly was not that badly hurt.

"Don't believe him! He has some fractured ribs and lots of bruises as well as a head injury!" Banwen glowered at him. "We will be having words about not fighting back at a later date."

"I did not wish to cause a diplomatic incident." Orophin tried to explain.

"Later, when you feel better. Finish your tea." Banwen was gentle with him, despite her harsh words.

"But, 'Phin, your not fighting back has caused an incident!" Magorion could not help but comment in a little shocked voice.

"I said later!" Banwen hissed at him. "This poor lad is in no fit state to be talked at like this. You should be ashamed!"

"It is alright, Banwen. Magorion did not mean anything by his comment and he is right, even if it did end up turning out alright." Galadriel came to her warrior's defence, a gentle smile on her face.

"I suppose so, but he is in such pain!" Banwen smoothed the loose flaxen hair back from Orophin's bruised face. Magorion somehow smothered a laugh at Orophin's expression.

"What has been happening? Why did you ask me here?" Malthenel asked. He was very confused.

"Fyne, bring some wine please? I think we need it." Bainen was not looking forward to this.

"Of course, my Lord." Fyne left the chamber with a small bow as he closed the door.

"Come, sit by the fire with me, my friend. It is cold out there and I have gotten chilly." Bainen led the other Lord to a chair. "This is not going to be easy. What do you know of your son's whereabouts?"

"Tarlanc? He is staying with friends." He was surprised at the question. "We argued once again about his marrying. It is so sad. I am sure that if he were to find a nice girl he would be happy."

"I wish that was the case, Malthenel. I really wish that was the case." Bainen could only shake his head sadly.

"What has happened?" He was suddenly wide-awake and worried for his son.

"You know about the attacks and disappearances that have occurred in Fornost lately?" He looked at the suddenly grey-faced man in front of him.

"No, please no. He couldn't be…" His thoughts had turned to the sudden disappearances. Please, not his only son too!

Bainen, not knowing the direction Malthenel's thoughts had taken, went on. "He was. The young elf in that bed was attacked by your son and his friends. When we went to investigate, we discovered Tarlanc speaking with orcs, arranging for tonight's little pyrotechnics so that the orcs could capture Banwen and kill her. As you know, the orcs are dead and Banwen is safe." Bainen was most pleased by that fact.

"No Bainen, not Tarlanc. My Tarlanc would not do such a thing. He has never been in trouble, ever. They are lies, people are spreading lies..." Malthenel was mumbling almost incoherently as Fyne brought in the wine and some food.

"I know it is hard to accept, but he is not the innocent that you expect him to be. He was caught red-handed. Come take a drink." Bainen was not unkind and he realised that this had to come as a terrible shock to Malthenel.

Malthenel downed the goblet in one gulp and they all realised that he was shaking. Shock, Galadriel noted.

"Are you alright? Can I get you anything?" She asked him gently.

"No, I thank you, my Lady, apart from making this all go away." It was a forlorn hope.

"I wish that I could. I wish I could take all the pain away from you, but it does not work that way." She was gentle as she poured him another goblet of wine. "Please, drink this slowly. Can you recall where your son has been on the nights of the disappearances?"

Malthenel thought back and suddenly realised that with every one of those nights, Tarlanc had not been at home. "No, I have no idea. He was always out, said he was romancing." The nobleman hung his head and ran a shaking hand through his blond hair. "How could I have not known?"

"He was very good at hiding these things. I am sure when we speak to him we will find out more of what he has been doing." Bainen tried to help.

"When will you speak to him? May I be there?" Malthenel had to see this with his own eyes. His wife had repeatedly said there was something off with his son. Tarlanc had hated her with a passion from the first and had let it be known in no uncertain terms. But… for him to try and kill Lady Banwen? His only son? This was truly the stuff of nightmares.

"It will not be until the morning now. I do not think it would be best served doing it tonight. I think we all need a good night's sleep. Of course you may be there, Malthenel, just ready yourself for what you may hear. Your wife is away with her relatives, I believe?"

"Yes, she went to visit and have supper with them, they live on the outskirts of Fornost. She will return tomorrow since it is not safe to be out at night and there is the curfew." Malthenel answered automatically.

"Then I want you to stay with us this evening. You should not be on your own after a shock like this." Banwen arose from where she sat beside Orophin. Her mothering instincts had risen to the fore as well as her fear for her own sons.

Hearing all about Tarlanc had made her worry over Amaruvdor all the greater, since Tarlanc was one of his friends. Could he be involved in all this and what of Rhovan, their youngest son? There was obviously more going on than any of them realised.

A knock at the door alerted them to a visitor. It was Fyne. He looked extremely worried.

"What is it, Fyne?"

"There is a messenger for Lord Malthenel, my Lord. They say it is urgent."

"Bring them up." Bainen was suddenly nervous for his friend. He had an awful feeling he knew what this was about.

He stood and went to stand by Malthenel should his friend need him.

It was the messenger that was used for the farms that surrounded Fornost. Bainen's worry grew. This could not be good.

The messenger appeared distressed. "My Lords and Ladies, I am sorry to trouble you so late. I fear I bring ill news for Lord Malthenel and I was told I could find him here."

"What is it? What has happened?" Malthenel was panicked. He knew this messenger as one who often brought messages to his home.

"I am sorry, my Lord, but… there was a fire at the home of Lady Elnora's parents." He sounded hesitant to speak.

"Is she... are they alright?"

"I am sorry, my Lord… they all perished in the fire." It was said softly and with great sadness. Lady Elnora was well-known and well-loved around Fornost and would do anything for anyone.

"I am... What...? What did you just say?" Malthenel's face was totally white now. Bainwen rushed to hug Malthenel in sympathy. She was crying. Elnora had been her friend.

"I am sorry, my Lord. There were no survivors."

"No. Valar, no, not Elnora. Please, not my Elnora." He rocked back and forth, not caring who saw the tears that poured down his face.

With a sad face, Lord Bainen kindly dismissed the messenger. "Thank you, you may leave. We will care for Lord Malthenel."

"Thank you, Lord Bainen. If there is anything we can do, please, just let us know. We will do all we can." The messenger left, escorted by Fyne, he too wept.

Galadriel quietly moved to the herb pack that she and Celeborn were in the habit of taking everywhere with them. She began to prepare the herbs she needed without being asked. This had been one shock too many for the middle-aged human by Bainen's side. He was now in deep shock. If he was not aided, there would be no rest for him this night. Of that, she was certain.

Once the hot tea was mixed, she handed it silently to Bainen. He looked equally shocked, to her experienced eyes.

"Thank you, Galadriel." He knelt beside his distraught friend. "Malthenel, drink this. It will help. There is a bed you can use in this room and tomorrow, when you are feeling better… tomorrow we will move you to a chamber of your own, you can stay here with us for as long as you feel it is necessary."

Malthenel did not seem to notice him, but just rocked back and forth. In the end, Bainen did not feel he had a choice, he lifted the goblet to the bloodless lips and Banwen help him by tipping his head back.

"Drink, Mal, it will help." She assured him, Banwen too was still crying.

Tear-filled grey-blue eyes looked up at her. It was enough to break a person's heart. Malthenel had been heart-broken when his first wife had died from one of the sudden harsh diseases that sometimes swept through the towns. He had only recovered many years later, but then he had met Elnora. She had made him so happy, apart from Tarlanc's attitude.

"Drink." She urged him once more.

He drank obediently. Once he had finished, Banwen gave him more of the wine, not caring if it should be given with the herbs or not. All she cared about was helping a friend in need.

Garrick moved to help Bainen as he urged Malthenel to stand and move to the other bed beside Orophin. The elves all watched this with such sadness and empathy that it touched their hearts and took their breath away. Maybe, for the first time, Banwen could believe that they were as old as they said they were.

Malthenel was silent as he was guided to the bed. He had eaten nothing yet this evening and the drugs hit his system with a shock. He yawned widely as he was made to sit on the bed and his shoes were removed. He wanted to say something urgently, but he could not think straight…maybe in the morning, when he was able to think properly and his thoughts were not moving as if they were caught in a bog.

Garrick caught Malthenel as he fell back, already asleep...

---

Celeborn finally finished looking at all the papers that had been found in and around Cadeyrn's home and office. It was a greater mess than any of them had expected. If the ex-mayor had still been alive, Celeborn would have taken great interest in 'questioning' him. Still, the adan would get what was coming to him where he now dwells. Someone as evil as that could not have gone any place other than the Abyss for all eternity.

The things they had found were shocking and he was sure that this was just the tip of an ever-growing mountain. The work of reading through the papers had kept him busy as the town was set to rights and he was still confined to his bed. He hated being so effectively useless.

To his shock and pleasure, Amaruvdor seemed to be a changed person, helping wherever and whenever he could, doing what was needed, even looking after the injured. Celeborn had still not had a conversation with him. The change had not gone quite that far as yet, but the change was welcome. The man's previous insulting and snide comments were not missed at all.

"You should be resting," Gytha stood over Celeborn, hands on hips, with a stern expression on her face.

"I am resting, Gytha. I have not moved from the bed." He told her with amusement.

"That is not the resting I mean, Celeborn, and you know it." There was a gleam in her eyes once more.

"It is just reading. Besides, I have finished. How is Brennus?" Celeborn had been worried about the young scribe. He had been running a great fever in the aftermath of the bleeding and re-cauterization of his stump.

"Doing better, the herb you suggested has lowered his fever greatly. I think the next few days will be the turning point. If he gets through those, he will definitely recover." Gytha looked over to where Hyacinth was gently wiping the scribe's pale face.

"Good, it works every time." He smiled with relief. "And Athlon?"

The young blacksmith had yet to waken from his head injury. Briena was becoming frantic about him.

"No change at all. The only good thing is that he's had no seizures and he's reacting at odd times to what is happening around him. That makes it better than it was with Wolraven. He was seizing almost from the start. I will never forgive Irfan for that, so many people he injured." She sighed tiredly.

"Come and sit for a few minutes. I think you have been working too much and resting far too little. You need a drink and some food and then you should sleep." Celeborn felt sympathy for her, she looked so worn.

"I do not have the time. I have far too much to do." She protested, though the bed did look inviting. Maybe sitting for a short while would not hurt.

"What will happen if you collapse? You will, you know, if you do not take some rest." Celeborn had seen this before in similar situations and knew all too well what could happen to a healer who did nothing to care for their own needs, but only concentrated on others.

"Aye, I know, but who will look after the injured?" Gytha looked around her. There were not so many patients now, but still quite a few remained. They were the ones in greatest need of tending, or who had no one to care for them at home.

"I can keep an eye on them for you and direct the help that is needed from here. You take the bed over there and make certain you rest! We can call you if you are needed. Please, Gytha, they need you at your best and not dead on your feet." Celeborn knew that appealing to her common sense would work.

"I agree with Celeborn, Gytha. It would be better if you rested." Caric looked up from the words he was learning. He had taken to his lessons with a vengeance. He was determined to be the best mayor that he could be. Bree deserved it after all she had been through.

"Very well, as you both insist." She turned away to go to the bed she had been shown. "If I find I was needed and you did not wake me, your lives will not be worth living."

They watched her move away with amusement. They did not doubt that she meant it.

"How do you feel, mellon-nin?" Celeborn turned to Caric.

"I'm feeling much better, thanks, and you?"

"The leg is healing, I should be up tomorrow. We need to leave by the end of the week" A high-pitched giggle sounded in the chamber.

"I know someone who will hate to see you leave." Caric looked over to where Ivorhen tickled both Tiera and Erwan. Bethany laughed along with them, her face free of care for once as she watched.

Celeborn found himself wishing they had an artist here to sketch or paint the scene. Few would believe Ivorhen could be like this. He had always been kind and gentle with the elflings in Imladris and Lothlorien when he was there, but he had never really interacted with them. To see him like this… He would make a wonderful Adar when the time came. Celeborn was sure that it would come.

Maybe he could get someone to draw it from memory. There were plenty of wonderful artists in Imladris. He would speak to them when they arrived safely there. He really wanted a lasting keepsake of this.

"We will return, I do not think Ivorhen will wish to be parted from that Penneth for too long." Their relationship was so refreshing to watch as it developed. Tiera would not sleep anywhere other than with Ivorhen. She in turn also bullied him to eat, and she was only four! She would be as much a force as Gytha was when she was fully grown.

"That is good. She has become quite attached to him. What did you find in the papers?" Caric was grateful to Celeborn for looking through all the mess of paperwork. Much of it had been a little beyond his limited reading skills.

Celeborn heaved a disgusted sigh. "Cadeyrn was in contact with someone. He was never named, nor does it indicate where the missives were from or sent to. They seem to have been some sort of orders, nay they definitely were orders." He changed his mind half-way through talking. He lifted up one of the loose parchments. He began to read from it. "Have them move the animals away from Bree. They should be kept out of sight. Also set fire to the crops. My creatures will help you..." His voice trailed off.

"I see what you mean. They are orders, but 'creatures'?" Caric sounded unsure of that.

"I do not know either. I can hazard a guess, but I will not be absolutely sure until I speak with Galadriel." Celeborn moved his leg, trying to get comfortable. He winced, as it ached fiercely.

Caric caught the wince. "I thought you said it was better? That does not look like 'better' to me!" He sounded disgruntled.

"It is. The swelling has gone down greatly." Celeborn told him earnestly.

"Let me see." Caric would not believe him until he saw for himself.

Celeborn glowered at him, but he did as he was instructed and lifted back the covers to show Caric his leg. It was still swollen and bruised, but not nearly as bad as it had been. The leg was now only half again its normal size, the swelling had gone down by a quarter. It was better than nothing. Conversely, all the wounds from blades were closing rapidly and the stitches could be removed soon.

"That is better?" Caric's voice was droll and incredibly dry.

"Trust me, considering how it was, this is nothing." Celeborn was just as dry.

"Then I am glad it is better. Do you need any herbs?" He could see the strain around Celeborn's eyes, now that he was looking for it.

"It might be a good idea." He had to admit.

Wolraven had been following the conversation. "If I bring the herbs over, you can tell me what to do and how to make it. I don't think we need to wake Gytha for this."

"I agree." Celeborn looked over at the sleeping healer. It would be unfair, especially since he had nearly ordered her to sleep in the first place.

He explained to them what the herbs were, their properties and how to cut them and prepare them. He found, to his pleasure, that Wolraven was a quick study and incredibly bright, asking all the right questions he would expect from a trainee healer. He would have to speak to Gytha about this. She would need some apprentices. Bree was too large for her to manage on her own.

He drank the bitter tea with relief. His leg was throbbing now. Moving it had really not been a good idea.

"Are you alright, Celeborn?" Ivorhen had stopped tickling the exhausted children. He sat back now and watched his friend with worry.

"I will be, and you, your head?" Ivorhen still looked unusually pale, but seemed so much better than he had been, though he still seemed to have frequent headaches.

"I am well. Have you heard from Galadriel recently?" He was worried about the Lady.

"Not as yet. They may be busy. I will try later. I will wait for the tea to work." The last thing he wanted was to have Galadriel more worried by his pain, and he was certain she would be. "Are you sure you feel alright, mellon-nin?"

Now that Celeborn had noticed Ivorhen's pallor, he was worried. His right eye did not look right. He was worried about the Imladris Captain but he could not put his finger on what was causing his concern.

"I am well. I have a mild headache, but nothing too bad." Ivorhen lifted Tiera onto his lap. The little girl was happily sucking her thumb and absently twirled one of his braids around her fingers as she leaned back against his chest. She seemed to really enjoy playing with his braids.

"Maybe you should rest. Do you need herbs? I will have Gytha look at you when she wakens." Celeborn's worry increased with Ivorhen's soft admission. Ivorhen never liked to admit that he was in pain and when he did, it was enough to worry all of them.

"It is just a headache, worry not." Ivorhen tried to reassure Celeborn.

"I do not like it, Ivorhen. You should be recovered now, not still having headaches. Do you feel sick?" Celeborn would not let this go.

"No, not at all, just a headache." Ivorhen hugged Tiera to him.

"Rest, mellon-nin. Settle back and sleep. That will help."

"Would you like that, Tiera?" Ivorhen looked down at the heavy-eyed child.

"Yeth." It was said around a yawn as well as her thumb.

"Then we shall wake." Ivorhen told her, nodding with a smile.

Celeborn blinked. Had he just heard what he thought he had, the normally erudite Ivorhen, mixing up his words? If anything, his worry increased tenfold.

"Elf?" Tiera cocked her head sideways to look at him with wide eyes.

"Yes, Penneth?"

"Alright?" There was worry in her eyes.

"I am well, just awake." Ivorhen smiled down at her, oblivious to his mistake.

"Ivorhen, what is wrong?" Celeborn wanted to make sure that his friend was well.

"I am well, Celeborn. Why do you keep asking?" Ivorhen was confused.

"You are getting your words muddled. You never mix up your words."

"I am not." Ivorhen then noticed that even Caric and Wolraven watched him with worried frowns. "What words have I muddled up?"

"Awake for tired, wake for sleep." Celeborn told him, the others nodded their agreement.

Ivorhen looked, and sounded, surprised. "I must be more tired than I thought."

"Then sleep, mellon-nin." Celeborn told him, although his worry had not lessened.

"My Elf alright?" Tiera looked confused, yet smiled at Ivorhen. Was he being silly?

"Yes, mellon-nin. I am upright in îdh." Ivorhen told her with a reassuring smile. "Let us havo echui."

Tiera giggled even more. "Silly Elf, funny words."

Ivorhen blinked at her. Funny words? What was she talking about? He had just spoken in Westron. She should have understood him without problem.

"She is right, mellon-nin. You did not make sense at all. You are mixing languages and talking nonsense. I think we should wake Gytha, or, if you would come here, I will look at you." Celeborn grew more certain by the minute that there was something wrong.

Ivorhen yawned, he could not help it. He was really tired now. "Sleep."

Celeborn frowned at that. "Ivorhen, I am..."

"Tired, just tired." Ivorhen was almost pleading with him.

"Very well, then sleep. When you waken, one of us will examine you." Celeborn sighed. What was it with warriors? Why did they hate being treated for the injuries that came with being on the battle front? Life would be so much easier if they would just accept it.

They watched Ivorhen anxiously as Bethany helped them both to settle. Tiera was still giggling about how silly her Elf was.

Once they were settled in bed, all fell silent. It would help, they were sure, to get them off to sleep. They were right. Soon Tiera was asleep, sucking her thumb and holding on tight to one of Ivorhen's dark braids.

It would have been touching if Celeborn had not been so concerned. As it was, all he could do was watch the Imladris Captain and worry. He was sorely tempted to go to Ivorhen's side and forget the warning that Gytha had given him.

"I would not even contemplate that idea if I were you, Celeborn. Trust me. You would not want to have Gytha angry at you, and she will be." Caric he had been watching Celeborn's face and could well guess what he was contemplating.

"I am greatly worried about Ivorhen. She will never know." Celeborn made up his mind, threw back the covers and began to slowly move his leg so that it was not jostled. It meant that he took his attention away from Caric and the others.

He did not notice that Wolraven hurried to his bedside. Celeborn hissed in pain as he moved the swollen leg. Why did he have to injure it so badly? He was beginning to suspect what had happened to it, but did not want to admit it.

"I really would not do that if I were you, Celeborn. Gytha will know you have moved. She has a sixth sense about these things. You will find yourself drugged and strapped to that bed the minute she wakens." There was no jesting in Wolraven's face or voice. He was dead earnest.

"Raven is right, Cel. This could be one of the biggest mistakes you ever make." Caric backed his son.

"I really do not think I could do this anyway." The reluctant admission was hissed through gritted teeth. Even with the tea, moving his leg had been a very bad idea.

"Let me help you back to bed." Wolraven was amazingly gentle as he helped him get the swollen leg back on the bed and propped up on the cushions. Celeborn was panting by the time he was settled.

Wolraven was concerned enough to offer. "Ivorhen is asleep already. If you tell me what to do, I will look at him for you."

"You would do that?" Celeborn was pleased that Wolraven had offered. He was more determined than ever that he would speak with Gytha, he just may have found her first pupil.

"Yes, I would. I like Ivorhen, much as Tiera does. You have all done so much to aid us, this is nothing compared to that." Wolraven meant every word.

"Thank you, Raven, but you are our friends. We could hardly leave you to fight the orcs alone. Look at him, please, and tell me what he looks like."

Wolraven nodded and went to Ivorhen. He smiled at the way Tiera lay curled into his side. She still refused to leave him. He turned his attention to Ivorhen.

He had never seen an elf so pale. Not even Elrond had ever looked this white after a vision seizure. Ivorhen's raven hair lay in stark contrast beside the white skin. Wolraven felt his own worry begin to rise at the sight. He took a deep breath and began his report.

"Ivorhen is incredibly pale. I don't think I have never seen anyone this pale before." /At least, anyone alive…/ He thought. "His eyes are closed."

"I expected them to be." Celeborn sighed. A simple headache would not have caused him to sleep with his eyes closed. It made him even more worried. "Will you feel his forehead for me?"

Wolraven nodded and did so. The fair brow was cool to the touch and yet clammy also. He frowned. "He is cool, but wet." That was the only way he could describe it.

"He feels clammy?" Celeborn sat even more upright in alarm.

"His skin is wet." Wolraven nodded.

"Not good. Can you check his pupils? You know how to do that?" Celeborn looked to Wolraven.

"Aye, Gytha showed me once." Wolraven gently lifted the left eyelid and took the candle that, unexpectedly, Amaruvdor handed him. At any other time he would have been shocked, but he did not have the time to do anything other than thank him.

With the candle, he looked into the grey eye. The pupil was slow to react.

"It reacts on the left, but slowly." Celeborn frowned at this news. Wolraven let the eyelid drop, amazed that Ivorhen had not stirred at all. He moved to the right to repeat the procedure. That done, he let the eyelid drop once more. He turned to Celeborn. At the sight of Wolraven's grave face, Celeborn's heart dropped. "The right eye barely reacts. The pupil moves, but it is only a slight movement."

"I see, so it is far more than a slight headache. Can you take his pulse for me?" He really needed to get to Ivorhen's side to look at him. If he had what Celeborn feared, Ivorhen needed help, and soon. They would have to waken Gytha soon if he did not improve...

Nay they would not wait for that. That would be wasting too much time, time they might not have.

"Wolraven, I need Ivorhen's bed moved beside mine. I may not be able to go to him, but he can come to me. Bethany, could you take Tiera? You may not wish her to be with Ivorhen if this goes as I fear it might." Celeborn's voice was grave as he spoke to the young seer.

"I will move her. You think this will be bad?" She worriedly gazed at the elf warrior that they had all grown close to. If anything were to happen to him, she would have one heart-broken daughter and a very unhappy son. She would be very sad as well, come to that.

"Yes, I fear it is. I will know better when I can look at him properly." Bethany crossed to Ivorhen's bed. She was just reaching to lift Tiera when she suddenly slumped to the floor.

"Bethany!" Wolraven had been organising men to help him move Ivorhen's bed. He hurried to her side with one of the men. They gently lifted her into a chair. They were all familiar with this, had seen her collapse like this before.

"Is she alright?" Celeborn was not too concerned. He had seen this happen too many times with both Galadriel and Elrond.

"She will be. She is..."

"…having a vision. I know." Before Celeborn finished speaking, Bethany's voice could be heard, speaking in broken fragments. "Building... fall... dead... building... stop... plan..." She suddenly startled awake with a gasp. "Tiera!"

"Bethany?" Wolraven sounded worried as he helped to keep her upright in the chair.

"Vision… and Tiera..." They all turned to look at the small girl on the bed.

Tiera no longer rested easily beside Ivorhen but tossed her head in distress and tears streamed down her face.

"Should I wake her?" Wolraven's voice held a mixture of worry and pity. She was so young for this. At least he was the only one nearby who realised what was happening. It would be hard on the child if the other children heard of this, their teasing would be unmerciful.

"That is not a good idea. We do need to have some miruvor ready though." Celeborn could do nothing but fret with frustration and worry. "Both Tiera and Bethany need some, along with some sweetened tea."

"I will go. I know where it is. Please, watch Athlon for me?" Briena stood. When they nodded, she left the hall.

"She is terribly worried about him." Caric sighed. "I wish he would wake up."

"He will. For now, this little one needs our aid."

They all started as Tiera woke and sat up with a small scream. "Elf!"

"Tiera?" Bethany was worried for her daughter. What had she seen?

"My Elf?" Tiera poked at Ivorhen's cheek but got no result. She poked again, even harder this time. When she received no answer, she turned tearful eyes to the one person she knew could help him, Celeborn. "He hurt, help."

Celeborn held out his arms and the little one held out her own trembling ones in answer. She really did not wish to leave Ivorhen, but she needed to let them know what she had seen. It had frightened her greatly.

Amaruvdor took Wolraven's place to support Bethany. Wolraven then lifted Tiera and carried her over to Celeborn. As the small girl scrambled onto his lap, they could all see how careful she was not to hurt Celeborn's leg.

"What is it that worries you, Penneth?" Celeborn gently hugged her to him. He could feel her shiver and he gently pulled his blanket up to cover her.

"Saw nas'y things." Her shivers were growing worse.

"Here is the miruvor." Briena appeared at his side with a goblet of the precious elven cordial. Celeborn had never even heard her return. His whole attention had been on the small girl he held.

"Hennad." He spared a smile for Briena.

"The tea will not be long." Briena gave a wan smile in return.

"Good, this Penneth needs it." Tiera was shivering badly now. "Is it possible to bring a brazier close to us?" He was worried for the health of the little girl he had come to care about.

"Indeed, I will make sure that it is moved." Amaruvdor, surprisingly, had been the one to volunteer. He hurried to get the men to move the portable heat source.

"Tiera, Penneth, I need you to drink this for me. It is nice and sweet. Can you do that for me?" Wide hazel-green eyes turned to meet his. Celeborn could not stop a small shudder as he took in the tiny button nose and freckles then looked into eyes that seemed far too old to go with that face. The eyes were sad and yet full of knowledge, just like Galadriel's, just like his beloved.

"Yeth." Tiera's voice was sad and shaky.

Celeborn smiled reassuringly at her and helped her to drink the miruvor. He almost laughed as she took a sip with trepidation. Yes, she had obviously taken foul-tasting potions in the past, of that he had no doubt. He did smile when her face changed to a look of delight at the sweet flavour of the drink.

"Nice." She said between sips. She kept looking back at Ivorhen as if making certain he was still with them. The men were in the process of moving him closer to Celeborn.

"You like that, do you, Penneth?" Celeborn's voice held amusement. All the elflings liked the sweet drink as well.

Tiera nodded as she took another sip. To Celeborn's relief, she began to get colour back into her ashen cheeks. Her shaking had also died down as the miruvor did its job. He looked over to see that Bethany was drinking the miruvor as well. He was glad. She too looked more than a little shaky.

The drink was eventually finished and he set the goblet down. A small, cold hand touched his face and he turned to look down into those deep, never-ending eyes...

"You hurt." There was no doubt in Tiera's voice.

"I am well." Celeborn put all the reassurance into his voice that he could.

"Still hurt." The voice was soft and throbbed with worry.

Celeborn blinked. Could she be empathic as well? It was not unheard of, but he had not seen a human empath before, only elven. If this was so, then Tiera was a very special little girl indeed.

"Yes, I do, a little. Bethany, what did you see?" Celeborn hugged the little one to him, rocking gently back and forth, smiling as she begun to hum softly. It was a song that Ivorhen favoured.

"A large falling building, with injuries and deaths, it was planned all along. We have to stop it!" She rose shakily, before taking a step away from the chair she had been sitting in.

"That is not such a good idea, Beth." Wolraven caught her as she wavered and almost fell.

"I have to stop it from happening!" She tried to push him away weakly.

Celeborn knew that sometimes the visions came too late. "It may be too late for that, Bethany. Can you tell me anything more that could help?"

"Just that, a falling building. I couldn't tell what one. There were people being crushed, injuries and death and someone in the background laughing with glee. Such awful cold laughter, it seemed to echo all around." Bethany's voice seemed distant and thoughtful.

"Can you recognise any buildings around you?" Celeborn prompted.

"No, nothing seemed familiar." Bethany blinked at him, puzzled.

"Good, that means it is probably not in Bree. Relax back, Bethany." He reassured her. She gave him a shaky smile.

"Have your tea." Briena stood beside her with the sugared tea.

"As for you, tithen brennil..." Celeborn turned to Tiera and stuck his tongue out at her, surprising her into laughter, as well as a few others nearby.

Tierra giggled delightedly. Her Elf trusted him and so did she. She could feel the goodness that surrounded him like a warm blanket of safety. She also giggled at the funny words he spoke, just like her Elf. It was funny and light and filled her with a feeling of peace and such safety, the same she felt when in Ma's arms.

Her laughter, combined with that of the elves and men around him, made Celeborn's own smile wider. He could see why Ivorhen liked this little child. She was so refreshing, asking nothing but to be loved. They could certainly give her plenty of that.

Celeborn hated to ask her this, but they also needed to know what she had seen. "Tiera, what did you see in your dream?" There was hesitation in his voice.

"Nathty." Tiera was sucking her thumb again. She watched fretfully as Ivorhen's bed was lowered into place beside Celeborn.

"I know, Penneth, can you tell me?" Celeborn coaxed.

"Nathty black man, laughing. Boy hurt." She spoke around her thumb. Neither Celeborn nor Bethany chastised her for it. If it gave her comfort, how could they complain? "Bad man laughed. My Elf hurt too. Can feel it. He ith crying inthide."

Celeborn thought on what she had told them and considered what she had not told them. 'Nasty black man'? Could that be? Could she be referring to a Nazgûl? That sparked a memory, one that had been buried in the blur of shock after the battle and all that had happened since. There had been a Black Rider, an Úlairë, here, during the fight for Bree. He had not thought to mention that yet. He would have to, but now was not the right time. Now he had to concentrate on Tiera and her message.

Which boy could be hurt? Like all visions, this could be interpreted in many ways. Who could the boy be?

"Who was the boy, tithen pen?" Celeborn brushed her dark curls away from the bright eyes.

"Not know." Tiera shrugged and removed her thumb to speak. "He had hair like Gildor." She went back to happily sucking her thumb.

Briena appeared by his side once more. "Here is her tea, Celeborn."

"Hennad. Will you drink this, Penneth?" Celeborn lifted the steaming goblet to show her. "It is far too hot right now, but in a short while it will be perfect for you."

"Nice?" Bright eyes looked up at him.

"Yes, nice, Penneth, I promise you." He smiled as she grinned around her thumb. "What was the boy doing?"

"Thleeping." Tiera seemed certain.

"Sleeping?" Celeborn was puzzled.

"Pale and sad. He had dark red patches all over." Tiera told him seriously.

Dark red blotches? What, apart from burns, would cause dark red blotches?

"Was he an elf?" He had to ask. The only elfling he knew with blond hair was Legolas. His breath caught in his throat at just the thought. Surely it could not be him? If anything happened to Legolas, Thranduil would either fade or leave these shores, either possibility was devastating.

Tiera cocked her head and looked up at him with puzzlement.

"You could not see?" He could read her confusion.

Tiera shook her head.

"That is alright. What else did you dream about?" He checked to see if the tea was cool yet, glancing at Bethany as she sipped at hers. She looked much better following the two drinks. He would definitely send some miruvor to Bree for their use.

"My Elf." The voice sounded scared. "Talked to me."

"Ivorhen spoke to you?" Celeborn could not hide the surprise in his voice.

Tiera did not seem to hear him. "Head hurts bad. Too much hurt….he scared. I scared." There were tears in her eyes. Celeborn quickly set aside the tea and hugged her to him.

"We will help him, I promise, that is why he has been moved beside me. You need to drink this tea now. Your Ma has had hers, see?" Celeborn nodded to where Bethany was setting down her goblet. "Will you take yours now?"

"Yeth. You too? Your leg hurts bad." She turned worried hazel eyes to him.

"Celeborn? You are hurting and didn't say anything to us?" Briena had stayed where she was. This way she could watch over them and Athlon.

"It is nothing, I can cope." Celeborn told her as he helped Tiera drink the tea.

"Bad." Tiera stubbornly commented between swallows of the drink.

Celeborn was frustrated. Tiera was not helping him at all. He concentrated on the child on his lap so closely that he did not really take notice of Briena as she stepped near. It looked as if she was going to check Ivorhen, but at the last moment she changed directions and touched his injured, swollen leg.

"Ai! Lefneg torog! Naeg saer…" 'That hurt!' was the politest interpretation of the mix of languages that then came from Celeborn's lips in the next few moments. Tiera began to cry.

"And you are not in pain?" Briena commented dryly. "Calm Tiera while I make you something to help your pain."

"You have been well caught there, old friend." Caric chortled sympathetically as Celeborn attempted to reassure and calm Tiera.

Amaruvdor had watched all this with amazement. His total shock and astonishment had started the moment the haughty and snobbish Elf Lord had stuck his tongue out at the child to make her giggle. He was not meant to act like that! No elf was meant to act like that!

He had believed that the elves thought of nothing but themselves. They would never care for humans. Their trip to Fornost was surely just a pretense, a way of seeing and laughing at the misfortunes of the humans. He had even thought the friendship of Celeborn with the mayor was a pretense, a way of trying to get him to relax and accept the situation. Amaruvdor had sneered at all of that. He would not be so stupid as to fall for something as ridiculous as that!

At least that was what he had thought then, but now? Now he really did not know. He was slowly changing his view of the elves.

The fact was that Celeborn seemed to really care for the humans around him. The other elves here were helping the men to re-build their homes and repair the town. If they did not care, would they be working that hard? Would Celeborn take the time, when it was fairly obvious he was in pain, to sit and reassure a scared human child and then feed her the fluids to help her recover from what had obviously been a very bad shock?

Perhaps he had been wrong about them. He watched as Celeborn gently sang to the child as she finished sobbing in his arms. These were not the cold, uncaring elves that he had been warned against for so long.

Perhaps he should just sit back and watch what happened and then make up his own mind? Now that he was away from Fornost, the voice was gone that had whispered the foul words about the elves in his ears. Tarlanc could no longer tell him stories of seeing elves kill human children for sport.

Having witnessed Celeborn with Tiera, he could see that it was not true. Tarlanc was wrong, he was sure of that now. For the first time in some time, he felt as if he was seeing things clearly. Gone was the anger and frustration that had filled him at the very thought of the elves that would be visiting his home.

He was confused and didn't like feeling like a fool one bit. He could no longer trust anything his 'friend' had told him.

"They're sweet together aren't they?" Wolraven spoke from where he stood by his side, now that Bethany was totally recovered from her vision.

"Yes, I have never seen anything like it before." He told Wolraven honestly.

Wolraven blinked and looked back at the other man with surprise in his eyes. This was not the angry, spoiled young man that had arrived the night before. This was not the same brat that had demanded treatment before his more seriously injured men.

"You have heard tales of elves then?" It was a guess only.

"You could say that. Not all good either." Amaruvdor admitted.

As they talked, they all watched the Lord of Lothlorien with Tiera. Thus no one noticed that Ivorhen began to bleed sluggishly from his right nostril.

"You can forget all that. I have known Lord Celeborn and many other elves since I was a child and Da has since he was a child as well. They have never changed. They are always willing to help with any crisis, no matter what. A few winters ago we had a bad illness that got almost all of us in Bree. Lord Elrond came personally to help as the Healer we had was next to useless. No, whatever you heard against them is rubbish. I have never once seen an elf do anything to harm a human. I do not think that they could." Wolraven smiled as Briena made Celeborn drink the pain tea. He also grinned even more as he saw Tiera yawn and put her thumb back in her mouth.

With her left hand, Tiera sleepily reached up and back to grasp a silvery-blond braid. Celeborn looked down in surprise as he felt the tug and then smiled. He looked up and met Wolraven's smile. After finishing his tea, he waited patiently for it to work and for Tiera to go to sleep. He was sure that Briena had put some sleeping herbs into Tiera's tea.

He glanced over to Ivorhen and looked away only to look back with horror. He prayed he had not seen what he thought he had seen. Valar, he had! Blood was pouring from Ivorhen's nose. He looked more pallid than ever!

"Raven, will you take Tiera to her Ma? Briena, with me. Amaruvdor, wake Gytha, we have a sick elf to see to." There was such strength of purpose and leadership in Celeborn's voice that they all did as he instructed without question. "Tiera, go and sit with your Ma."

She grumbled and fussed but was too sleepy to do anything other than that. Once his plait again belonged to him, Celeborn rose unsteadily to his feet.

"Cel!" Caric's voice held a mixture of shock and warning. "Gytha said..."

"Gytha did not say that when Ivorhen was bleeding badly." He hop-walked to his friend's bed, where Briena met him.

She picked up a clean cloth and gently dabbed at the blood that seemed to gush from his nose. No sooner had she touched him than Ivorhen began to shake.

"He is fitting!" Her tone was calm as she bent to help the stricken elf. She was used to this with her brother. Between her and Celeborn they kept him safe from harm until Gytha and Amaruvdor joined them.

"I need herbs!" Celeborn told the new Healer of Bree. Since Ivorhen would be unable to drink at present, they would have to administer the dreaded paste. Gytha understood right away. As she moved, she glared at Celeborn for being out of bed but said nothing.

"Can you three keep him safe while I look at him?" He asked the three who were helping to hold Ivorhen securely on the bed.

They nodded, but not one of them took their attention away from Ivorhen.

"Good, I am letting go." He stood back and away, Amaruvdor took his place.

As soon as he was free, he hobbled to the head of the bed. Ivorhen was limp in between the seizures. The grey cast to the Captain's fair face and the blue tinge to his lips worried Celeborn more than anything else. This was more than a simple head injury. This was actually a major head injury. Celeborn was certain.

If only Elrond was here with Vilya, he would be able to help. He would be able to 'see' what was happening and deal with it. As for Celeborn, he would have to deal with this the hard way.

He took the candle burning steadily beside his bed. Then he settled back beside Ivorhen's bed without letting them know how much his leg really hurt him. He took a deep breath and looked up, right into Tiera's knowing hazel eyes. She watched, crying silently. He smiled at her in reassurance. He thought that Bethany would have moved the child away rather than let her see this. He looked at Bethany. She too watched Ivorhen, tears streaming down her face.

Gytha returned quickly with the paste.

"We need the screens, Gytha. Bethany did not move Tiera. I do not think that she should see this." He kept his voice low so that they could not hear him.

"I will see to it. You should have woken me!" She sounded fierce.

"I did, as soon as I realised there was a problem!" He hissed back at her. "Screens?"

She glowered, but moved away to organise the screens.

Celeborn sighed as he held up the remnants of the candle. He knew he was going to be in grave trouble with Gytha when they had Ivorhen sorted. He carefully leaned over the elf that had become such a close friend.

"Ivorhen, I need to look into your eyes, one at a time." He gently lifted the left eyelid. The pupil was sluggish and slow, far too slow. He let the lid drop gently back into place.

"Why are you talking to him?" There was puzzlement and curiosity in Amaruvdor's voice.

"Because hearing is always the last sense to go." Gytha answered the young man as the screens were set in place.

"They can hear?" Was Amaruvdor's next question. As Celeborn bent forward to check the other eye, he just nodded.

Once finished, he stood slowly. "We need to get him on his left side and give him the paste. We need to undress him."

They worked as one to do that, pulling down the trousers and turning him, they could undress him properly once the seizure had stopped. Gytha held a cloth beneath his nose to catch the continuing steady stream of silvery-red blood.

Celeborn had just finished giving Ivorhen the paste when it happened. It started as a low rumble that deepened and grew until it seemed to fill the air around them. The ground beneath them trembled. From outside, they heard frightened shouts and screams of men and women.

Gytha turned to him with shocked, wide eyes. "What is that?"

"I do not know. Maybe someone should go and see what is…"

A loud voice spoke up in the suddenly quiet hall. From behind the screens, Gytha recognised the voice as belonging to Riencar, the young farmhand who killed the orc that hurt Hyacinth and Brennus. "A building has collapsed. There are folks trapped!"

A voice from the doorway announced. "Riencar is right. Be ready to take injured." It was Hallam, Tiera's father.

Celeborn looked to Gytha. "Go, I can cope with Ivorhen. You need to make ready for the injured." It grieved his heart that Bethany had been right about the building collapse.

"You are sure?" She was torn.

"I am positive." Even as he spoke, Ivorhen's seizure stopped as the medication began to work. "See, he has stopped. Wolraven, Amaruvdor, go help Gytha. She has need of all the assistance that she can get."

The two men nodded and hurried after the healer. She was already calling out for herbs and bandages.

With a sad sigh, Celeborn returned his attention to Ivorhen, pulling a blanket over him, more for propriety and modesty than warmth.

"Do you think he is badly injured?" Briena was still holding Ivorhen's hand as she wiped the blood from his nose again. It was slowly easing, thank the Valar.

"Yes I do, based on the fact that he has had a nosebleed and a seizure. I think he has sustained a brain injury of some kind. The bleeding could be caused by pressure in his head." He admitted.

"He will recover?" She sounded fearful as she looked in the direction in which her beloved Athlon lay.

"Yes, an elf will always recover, given time, unless the injury is so obvious and damaging as to be fatal. There is no sign of a fracture and there is no swelling, which I would expect." He moved his leg awkwardly and winced.

"Gytha will have your braids when this is all over." She tried to lighten the atmosphere, even though her own heart was heavy at the sounds from outside the hall.

"Aye, she will probably drug me senseless for the rest of the week." He tried to match her tone, but the cries and sobbing from outside called for his attention. He could hear the sounds of his own men as they gave assistance. He was rightfully proud of them.

"More like the rest of the month, if I know Gytha. Just be glad that Ma is not here." She smiled without mirth. "You might be in danger of her frying pan then."

Gytha's voice was heard outside the screens. "Caric, sit down and stay in that bed or I will have Hyacinth sit on you and you will, won't you sweetling?" The voice had gone from harsh and angry to soft and soothing as she spoke to the halfling lass.

Hyacinth's voice cheerfully rang out. "Yes, Gytha, I will." As the conversation drifted to them through the screens, the two of them shared genuine smiles this time.

"Ma will be told of this, no doubt. Da will regret this for a very, very long time, but Ma will love having something to make him behave."

"I agree, Briena. It sounds the type of thing that Galadriel will do." He admitted wryly as he gently felt Ivorhen's skull for any movement that would indicate a fracture. So far, he had found nothing, he was pleased to say.

"Galadriel would do the same, if she found you were standing on that bad leg?" There was a gleam in her eyes that he really did not like.

"Yes, but you should relax. She already knows about the injury." He was relieved about that.

"Including the fact that you have defied the healer's instructions?" She raised her eyebrow at him. Oh yes, they had spent far too much time around Elrond.

"She would berate me and tell me I should know better, but given the circumstances, she would understand." The sounds of the first freshly injured being carried in made him wince.

"Then you are lucky. Is there anything?" She sounded worried again.

"No movement at all and no swelling whatsoever." Celeborn was pleased to report. "I need to concentrate on him."

"What do you need?" Briena would get anything Celeborn wanted, if it would be of any help.

He opened his mouth to say 'nothing' when the answer to his needs and Ivorhen's health literally popped into his mind as if it had been put there. He very well may have had help.

"Tiera, I need her." He told her seriously.

Briena gaped at him. "You need a child?"

"Yes, I do Briena." He did not have time for this. Ai! Ivorhen did not have time for this.

"But, Celeborn, she will be sleeping. I gave her a sleeping herb in her tea." Briena could not believe her ears.

"Please check. If she is awake, bring her here?" Celeborn asked her.

"She will not be awake." Briena was adamant.

"Please?" The sad regard in his eyes almost broke her heart. She nodded and left the screened area.

She fully expected to see Bethany asleep with Tiera in her arms. She was partially right. Bethany was asleep, but Tiera was awake, her eyes calm and watching the screens. It was almost as if she knew that Briena was coming for her.

She removed her thumb from her mouth to speak. "Elf?"

"How do you feel, sweetling?" Briena did not even realise that she had picked up Gytha's use of the familiar endearment.

"My Elf?" Those curious mixture of young/old eyes looked deeply into hers.

"He is not very well. Would you like to come and see him?" She looked up to see the first of the newly-injured patients being brought into the hall. This was not the right place for the child to be. Briena opened her arms and Tiera happily climbed into them.

"Go to My Elf." Her voice was adamant. It shook Briena slightly.

"Yes, sweetling, we are. Celeborn is with him."

"He needs herbs." Tiera told her with a degree of certainty in her voice.

"Ivorhen?" Briena looked startled again.

"Both. Big Elf hurting bad too. My Elf sad 'bout it." She had tears in her eyes.

"We will make sure that both of them have something for the pain." There was a happy gleam in Briena's eyes at that thought. "Will that be alright with you?"

Tiera nodded as they rounded the screens. Celeborn had not moved from where he stood, mostly on one leg. He was checking Ivorhen's pupils again. He looked up and smiled as they joined him

Tiera reached for Celeborn's pale face with her little hands. "Tired."

"I am alright, Penneth. I need some help, can I ask you for help?" He had no wish to scare her.

"I help. You hurt?" Her bright eyes held his.

"Thank you, Penneth, but as I said, I am well." He told her once more. This was making him a little uncomfortable. He carefully sat on the side of Ivorhen's bed, holding his leg out before him.

"Hurt." Tiera was adamant and she kept contact with his eyes as she moved her left hand to rest gently on his knee, his very sore and swollen knee.

Briena watched this closely with curious interest. Tiera knew what was wrong with Celeborn? Knew exactly why he was so pale? If she could tell that and could also help Ivorhen, could she aid Athlon? She watched even more closely as hope surged within her. It took all her strength of will to stay where she was.

"Tiera, I..." Celeborn then noticed her small hand on his leg. It was warm where she touched and there was no pain.

"Broked." Tiera blinked. "It broked and sore." The warmth left as she lifted her hand. "Take tea, get well?"

"Yes, I will, but will you tell me about Ivorhen so that I can also help him?" They had to be able to help him. Celeborn prayed to gentle Estë that this could be so.

"Yeth." Celeborn noticed that she had a slight lisp when she was tired and he felt guilty asking for her help now, but they needed her insight to aid Ivorhen.

"Thank you, Penneth. When you come to Lothlorien I will show you some of the most wondrous things." Celeborn could not have said why he was so certain that she would be visiting his home, but he was.

"Like that. Need to touch My Elf." She chewed her lip as she moved past him carefully.

"Your knee is broken and you are standing on it?" Briena asked him incredulously.

"I am not standing on it." She had missed the fact that he had sat down.

"When did you sit down?" She sounded astonished.

"You were concentrating more on Tiera, as is right." Celeborn replied.

"But you were still standing on a broken knee!" You must have been in agony. As soon as this is over I am dosing you good and proper and then Gytha will splint it for you." Briena told him in no uncertain tones.

"I agree with your terms, Fair Lady." Celeborn held up his arms in surrender, as if he was fearful of her, it caused Tiera to giggle as she turned to the unconscious elf upon the bed. "Please do not hurt me!"

Briena shook her head as if in exasperation, but there was a firm twinkle in her eyes, this was a slight reflection of the playful elf she had known growing up. What fun times they had been. Tiera was in for a treat once Ivorhen had recovered. As for Celeborn's knee...

"I will hurt you if you continue to behave like a small elfling and do not do as instructed." The twinkle in her own eyes brightened as she replied. "I swear you men are worse than children!"

"Be that as it may, Briena, but you love me anyway!" Celeborn's smile was in full force. How alike she was to her Mother, so gentle. "Tiera, can you help me?" He was suddenly serious as he turned to the small girl who was kneeling upon the bed.

Tiera did not answer but moved forward on her knees and gently touched Ivorhen's pale face. "He hurts, so sad. He calling for her."

"Calling out for whom, Penneth?" Celeborn had no idea who Ivorhen could be calling for.

"His heart." Tiera turned sad eyes towards him. "He call for his heart."

"I see." Celeborn had no idea how to answer that one. He changed the subject instead. He would have known if Ivorhen had met his bonded one and he was sure he had not. Still it gave hope to the fact that Ivorhen had not given up that hope, as many elves had who no longer even looked for an elleth. "What can I do to help him?"

But Tiera had already moved on, feeling Ivorhen's head. "Pain in here." It was such a simple statement that answered so many questions.

Celeborn watched as she gently placed a hand at the base of his skull, just above the neck, above where the spine left the protection of the skull. That could only mean one thing!

"It grows. Arm tingle and leg sore." She turned saddened hazel eyes to Celeborn.

"Thank you, tithen brennil, I can help him now. I thank you from my heart." Celeborn kissed her forehead gently.

"You help?" She brightened at the words.

"Ay, I can help him get better so that he can play with you." It was a silent vow as well, he was going to see the two of them running through Imladris laughing if it was the last thing he ever did.

"I like." She happily sucked upon her thumb again and then she stopped, suddenly stiff. She slowly turned towards Briena, her eyes filled with tears. "You hurt."

"Briena? Have you been hiding injuries?" Celeborn turned to her so fast, it made her blink. He was already searching her with his eyes for sign of injury.

"Briena?" Caric's worried voice filtered through the screen. He had heard all of the conversation through them and it had scared him.

"I am well, Da. I have no hurt. Not even a scratch!" Briena was really puzzled at this.

"You are telling the truth?" Celeborn asked her, if he found she had lied to him...

"I tell you, Celeborn, I have sustained no hurt." She jumped when a small hand suddenly touched her chest where her heart was beneath the skin.

"Hurt here." She indicated her heart. "…and scared here." Tiera gestured for her forehead.

At this, Celeborn suddenly understood. Everything became as clear as the dawn after a long and drawn-out night. It also confirmed to him that Tiera really was an empath, not that he had any doubt about that. All doubts had cleared when she had diagnosed his broken knee.

"You are scared and worried for Athlon. Tiera perceives that as being hurt. You heart is hurting and your brain is scared for him. It makes sense." Celeborn smiled at her and gently hugged Tiera.

"Thee him?" Tiera was once more sucking her thumb.

Celeborn could hear Caric's faint sigh of relief at his reassuring words. Always worrying, fathers were. He had done plenty of worrying as well, still did for Elrond, but at least he knew that Celebrían was safe and could come to no harm where she was. The Valar would protect her and those around her.

"You wish to see Athlon?" Briena was a little stunned, she had seen the small child's ability, but to have it turned to Athlon? Yet... if she could only know what was happening with her beloved, if she knew what was going to happen, it would help her.

The ebony curls jumped and jiggled as Tiera nodded.

"Celeborn?" Briena's voice was half hopeful and half scared.

"I think that is a perfect idea. What harm can it do? Will you carry her to him? I will hop..."

"No, you will not!" Briena suddenly leapt to her feet and glowered at him.

Celeborn had to admit that it was most impressive. He had been glared at by some of the best and Briena's was most effective. It rivaled her Mother's at her most intimidating.

"I will not?" He sounded amused, even to his own ears.

"No, you won't. I will have Hyacinth sit on you if you try." It was no idle threat either and Hyacinth had heard as well.

"I will do it too." Hyacinth called proudly. "I am good at it!" The thought of sitting on an Elf Lord made her want to laugh aloud.

Celeborn laughed along with the others, but he knew that he was also beaten. Not that it mattered, he could hear just as well from here, but he had wanted to be with Tiera. Still, it meant that he could get on with helping Ivorhen now that he knew what was wrong.

"I will stay, but once you have finished with Athlon, I need to have some herbs cut and a tea or two made for Ivorhen." Celeborn would not admit it aloud but he was very pleased that he did not have to stand. His leg had screeched in protest at the mere thought of standing again.

"Of course, come Tiera, you need to meet the man I am going to marry." Briena gently lifted Tiera into her arms. "That is such a pretty name that you have."

Tiera happily sucked her thumb as she was carried to the pale figure on the bed. She could feel him already. She had always had this, could always tell what other people were feeling. It had helped so many times in the past, but surely others felt the same as well?

But if that was so, why had they asked for her especially? She shrugged. What did it matter? If it helped her Elf she really didn't care. All she wanted was a cuddle from her Elf... her Elf. She liked him so much. He had chased the nasty monsters away and had helped her to sleep. The monsters had scared her so very much... until her Elf. Now she knew they were not monsters and could be hurt as well.

Athlon was scared. She could feel his fear, scared and lost in the dark.

"Tiera? This is Athlon. We are getting married in the summer." Only a few very short months away, if he was alive and well enough…

"Call him." Hazel eyes suddenly locked with hers.

"W... what?" That had been the last thing that Briena expected to hear.

"Call him. He scared, looking for you." She tucked her thumb into its home. The place that had been built for it, no matter what her Ma said.

Briena looked at her for a long minute, uncertainty clear on her face before determination replaced it. If this was what it took to get Athlon back, then she was willing to pay that price and look silly.

"Athlon, it is time to wake up, Dear One." She felt incredibly stupid and she was glad that there were very few who were listening to this little drama. They were mostly too busy with the mass of casualties that had poured into the hall from the collapsed building. Once more, sadly, Bethany had been right. "Athlon you need to wake. We have plans that need to be made for the wedding."

Athlon did not move. Briena turned to Tiera again, with tears in her eyes She should have known better than to go along with this charade. She just had to come to terms with the fact that she had lost the love of her life. That she would end up a spinster, old and bitter just like Gytha.

"Not stop." Eyes so old-looking that they were frightening captured hers. Tiera took her hand into her own smaller one. She then placed it on Athlon's head. "Heard you. He trying."

"This is silly, Tiera. He will not be waking. Athlon will..." She broke off as a very low groan met her ears. She dared not hope. She closed her eyes. She did not have to look at him. If she did not look, she could pretend it was Athlon that had groaned...

Tears began to run down her face, she could not move and it seemed as if Briena heard everything from a great distance.

"Wake, she need you." Tiera seemed so cheerful.

Another groan sounded. "Aflon? Aflon woked!" There was utter joy in Tiera's voice and Briena, shield maiden in training, could hide no longer.

Her eyes flew open and she looked down to find that Athlon's bright blue eyes gazed at her. "Bri?" He was the only one who could get away with calling her that.

"Athlon?" There was wonder in her voice. Briena was not aware when Tiera slid to the floor and happily trotted to where Celeborn listened to all this.

Celeborn's smile for her was full of pride. "Well done, tithen brennil nin. That was wonderfully done." Celeborn carefully lifted her back onto his lap. His smile widened when the first thing she did was to reach for a platinum braid where it hung from behind his ear.

"He lost, need called." She shrugged it off.

"You did more than that, Tiera, and I thank you." Caric told her.

The screens had been moved from Ivorhen's bed to surround one of the newly-injured men. From the sobs that could be heard from behind them, the news was not good.

"They hurt. She ith crying for her son." Tiera solemnly watched the screens.

"Thank you, Tiera. Oh, thank you so very much!" Briena cried as she returned to hug the child to her. The sadness that had previously clung to her had now vanished and she seemed to glow with happiness.

"Need help." Once more hazel eyes looked into hers.

"Who needs help, sweetling?" Briena would give this wonderful child anything she wanted, all that was within her power she would do.

"Them" She pointed towards the screen.

Celeborn told her. "They can manage for a few minutes more, Tiera. I need help for Ivorhen. Briena is going to help me. As soon as that is done, we will help them. That I promise."

Tiera nodded happily. They were going to help her Elf!

"You will stay where you are. I will help. If you so much as even raise yourself one inch from your place on the bed I will drug you into next year!" Briena told him succinctly.

"I cannot move, but I can prepare herbs." Celeborn would not sit and do nothing.

"I can prepare bandages and stir the teas." Caric happened to agree with his old friend.

"I agree. Can you make it to the chair, if I help you, Da? That way you will be beside Celeborn and my little spy can keep an eye on you. Won't you, sweetling?" She smiled down at Tiera.

Tiera's smile was wide as she nodded. "Yeth, they not thtand and they both have tea. Make them tea?"

"Da, you are in pain?" She glowered at her father. Really! Did they enjoy being in agony? What was the attraction?

"A little." Caric would not meet her eyes.

"Men!" Briena cried to the air in frustration.

"Lot." Tiera cut in, sucking happily on her thumb.

"You would do better not to lie, either of you. I will find out. I have someone who will inform me. I will make you both some tea. You will drink it and when the pain begins again you will tell me, or Tiera will. Trust me. It would be better for you if you were to tell me." Briena warned them before moving to prepare the herbs and roots she needed.

The look the two shared would have been hysterical, but she was far too worried for that. She had the goblets ready in no time and handed them over with a glower. "Drink!"

She turned back after watching them drink to hide a grin. This was fun at times. She ruffled Tiera's hair and winked at her. She began chopping herbs and roots indiscriminately. They would all be needed, she was sure.

Tiera's voice cut through the sudden silence that filled the small area. "They finished."

"Good. I will wait five minutes and help you move, Da. What herbs do you need, Celeborn?" She had not forgotten that Ivorhen was still in need of their help.

Celeborn directed her, adding an herb to help ease the bleeding. Ivorhen may have stopped bleeding from the nose, but he would need herbs for the clot slowly building at the base of his skull.

Briena prepared them slowly and carefully, as she had been taught.

Wolraven entered the hall and hurried over to speak with his father. He looked exhausted and he had a smear of dried blood along one cheek. His clothes had blood on them as well.

"Raven, are you alright?" Caric was worried that he would have another fit because of all the stress. And yet... well this was Wolraven, the real Wolraven, his son. There had been no seizures for almost three days and those days had been full of stress.

"I am well, Da. I just wanted to let you know what happened." Wolraven sounded exhausted as well.

"Come and sit." Caric patted the bed. Wolraven sat with a relieved sigh.

"Thanks, Da." Wolraven smiled at his Da but then frowned. His father looked pale and strained around the eyes. "You are in pain."

"I have had some tea!" Caric held up his hand to stop Wolraven from going on.

"Good. You look as if you needed it."

"What news have you?" Caric changed the direction of the conversation.

"The building that fell was one of those that we burned during the battle. It seems it may have been deliberately... shall we say, helped?"

"From someone in Bree?" Caric was suddenly very much on the alert.

"It would appear to be so. It is being looked into. Thunor will not let this pass. We lost five men and two women in the collapse. Many more were injured, although Gytha thinks they will all recover." Wolraven sighed. He hated being the bearer of bad news.

"Knee bad." Wolraven looked up at the small voice of the child. Tiera sat next to Celeborn on Ivorhen's bed.

"Celeborn?" He asked, worried. Had he damaged his leg further?

"I too have had some tea, it will settle soon." Celeborn smiled his reassurance, but Wolraven was not reassured.

"Raven, will you help Da over to sit next to Celeborn? Celeborn is going to help us by preparing the herbs and Da by readying bandages. Also we need a chair so that Cel can stretch out his leg, sitting cramped like that will not be helping his broken knee!" Briena glared once more at the Elf Lord.

"Broken knee! And you stood?" There was a mixture of worry and awe in his voice.

"It is not something to be proud of!" Briena slammed the knife down as she turned to glare at her brother.

Wolraven's eyes grew wide. He knew better than to say anything else. "Are you ready, Da?" His eyes pleaded with Caric to be ready and Caric grinned. They were both scared of the tempers that the female side of the family carried.

"Aye, the pain is better." Briena returned to prepare the last of the herbs for the first tea that they were going to give to Ivorhen.

Wolraven sat his father in the chair, noting the proximity of the table. "Do you need me to move the herb table, Briena?"

"Aye, if you don't mind?" She smiled at him, anger forgotten at his thoughtful offer.

"Of course not, little sis." He had a soft spot for his only sibling.

Briena shook her head at his antics, but inside she was happy. He was so different from the depressed, angry and forgetful man he had become.

Wolraven pulled over a chair and helped Celeborn lift his leg carefully onto a cushion on the chair. He was about to move to the table when a small hand reached out to take one of his own. He looked up, startled.

He looked right into knowing hazel eyes. He could not look away from them. They were hypnotic.

A small hand reached up to touch his head. Right on the area that had taken the fateful injury. He felt warmth spread out from her small hand.

"Tho thore." Her voice was low and he struggled to hear. "All gone. No more shaking." The eyes bore into him. "Back to then."

"Tiera?" Celeborn asked. It seemed this was a mixture of empathy and prophesy.

"Raven back to then. No more pain or shakes, no more."

"Cel, what does she mean?" Wolraven heard Caric ask.

Her hand moved down to his chest and rested lightly there. "Pain here go, another comes to help you."

That was what made Wolraven finally blink. He was going to have someone to help him? What did he need help for? He lived with his parents, had work as the gate keeper...

"What do you mean, Tiera?" Celeborn's voice was calm. It helped to settle Wolraven's suddenly bounding heart.

"She coming to help him, make pain go away." Tiera yawned suddenly.

"You need to rest, my darling." Wolraven then realised what she was saying.

Meet someone else, another woman? He was not sure that was something that he would ever willingly do. He had vowed that he would never love another in that way again. Losing Ethalyn had hurt far too much.

"It go, that dark empty place go." Tiera reached out to touch his chest again and Wolraven felt the warmth spread once more. He blinked as the dark, depressed thoughts seemed to flee along with the aching emptiness that seemed to have been with him for so long... too long.

"Tiera!" The startled cry brought him out of the daze that he had fallen into. He looked around. Tiera was not before him. Instead, she was limp in Celeborn's arms. Briena had dropped the knife and herbs on the table and knelt beside Celeborn.

"Cel? What is it?"

Celeborn had a good idea what had happened. He just needed to look her over. He did so, although it was only a very quick look over. "She is just exhausted, that is all. She is very young for her strong powers and has done too much. All seers and empaths do this when they first find their powers. Of course, they are normally a lot older when it happens."

"This will happen again?" Wolraven was not sure he liked the thought of his little 'niece' collapsing like this all the time.

"Not if we are careful and keep a close eye on her. She needs to be watched. She will try to heal everyone she meets, I think." There was fondness in Celeborn's voice, just at the thought of it. He had a feeling she would even try to heal animals if they let her.

Celeborn considered what she had done in this small amount of time. If not for her, Athlon would possibly not be awake for some time to come, Ivorhen would still be close to death and not just sleeping, Celeborn himself would be in a great deal more pain than he currently was.

"Aye, I can believe that as well!" Wolraven smiled fondly at the small girl he considered as a niece since her father, Hallam, was close as a brother.

"She would do that!" Briena shook her head. "Let me see to her. I will make sure the poor darling rests."

"Thank you. I think she would have tried to help Gytha, if she could have. I am not sure we would have been able to stop her either." Celeborn yawned. He was suddenly overcome with a wave of weariness. A wave of such power that it took him completely by surprise.

It was not missed by Caric. "You need to rest, my friend. We can manage."

"I can cope. You need all the help that you can get. I can go on."

"You will rest. You, like me, have been injured. I am sure that Galadriel will do the same to you as I suspect that Eirien will do to me when she finds out what has happened." Caric's smile was sympathetic.

"Galadriel already knows, mellon-nin. She al..." Suddenly, Celeborn stopped talking as he stared off into the distance, but he was not seeing anything happening around him.

"Raven!" Caric turned to his son.

"I have him, Da. I will put him to bed." Wolraven gently lifted the light form of the Elven Lord over to his bed and carefully positioned his wounded leg on the cushions again. Until the vision was over they could do nothing.

/Beloved/ Galadriel's voice sounded worried.

/Melethril/

/Are you well, Celeborn? You sound weary and pained./ Galadriel told him.

Celeborn's answer started with a tone of mild sarcasm but ended with a hopeful note. /We have had some more fun here, but I have found a young seer/empath./

/You have? A human/ There was open curiosity in her voice, as he had expected.

/Aye. Ivorhen is quite taken with her. I am very taken with her./ He laughed at that.

/How old is she/ Galadriel's amusement shone like a beacon.

/Four, I think./

/Four/ Her voice tinkled with laughter, like merry bells.

/Aye. Tiera has just found her powers and has already exhausted herself. Her mother is the present seer. We may have to bring them both to Lothlorien so we can give them guidance and aid as she grows./

/I am sure you will all enjoy that! Is she devoted to Ivorhen/ He could tell that Ivorhen was going to be teased when they were together again.

/Tiera calls him 'My Elf'. I am 'Big Elf'. I believe that she can see our fea, or can sense our true age./

/She sounds a marvel and I would adore to meet her./ He could hear her sincerity.

/You will love her. How are you/ He was not the only one who sounded tired.

/I... I have some pieces of bad news for you./ Her voice was hesitant, reluctant to upset him.

/Pieces? What/ Worried thrummed through him.

"There has been an incident here in Fornost. Orophin was attacked. He was injured, but he is recovering as we speak. The ones responsible have been caught and will be held to account. Both Bainen and Banwen are horrified, as Orophin did not fight back. We will see them in the morning. They collaborated with orcs." Her voice was grave as she related all this.

/As did Cadeyrn. This has to be all linked. It is far too much of a coincidence for it to be anything other." Celeborn's voice was bleak.

/Aye. I agree with you, dear heart./

/You said there were 'pieces' of bad news, there is more/ Celeborn hated to think what the other news was. He was so angry that someone could attack his son!

/Yes. It is not easy for me to tell you this, but Elrond has been badly injured./

/What? How/ Shock filled him once more.

/He was attacked while helping Legolas. Mithrandir told me about some of his injuries but apparently not all. I think he expected Elrond to recover before we became aware of the true nature of the injuries./

/And they are/ He had to ask.

/Elrond is blind./

There was complete and utter silence. She could feel Celeborn's shock.

/Is… blind/ There was such shock and fear in his voice that it shook Galadriel.

/Yes, he is blind. I saw and felt it most keenly when we last used the rings to help Legolas. I think that Elrond has also been aided. He will recover, but I just do not know when./ She had truly had that feeling. She just hoped she was right about that.

/Then, he will recover his sight/ There was such hope in Celeborn's voice that she winced.

/I hope so. The Valar came to aid Legolas. I am sure they would not ignore Elrond. They used Elrohir to inform me of Orophin's injuries as well./ This was making such sense, they were using and being used all the time by the Valar.

/Then we must be patient and all will be well./ Celeborn had no doubts about that. /Have you had other dreams, the Web/

/Nothing since we spoke last. It seems they have stopped./ Galadriel was still puzzled at that.

/Bethany, Bree's seer, has been having the same dream. This is no coincidence, melethril. The Valar must have a reason to aid all of us. We should thank them./ There was warmth in Celeborn's voice.

/They know, Cel, they already know. Have no doubt of that. When will I meet this penneth of yours/ Galadriel suddenly changed the subject and her tone was teasing. /Perhaps I should worry that I have a rival for your affection/

/I am wounded that you could think so little of me. I am crying/ It was a game they had played when Celebrían had been an elfling, one they had both missed.

/I would kiss those tears away if I could, meleth-nin. Your pain is deep and you are very tired. You have been doing too much/ Celeborn could sense her worry and it went deeper than she let on.

/I have been resting. I have been made to rest by Gytha and Briena, especially now that Tiera has told them about my.../ If he could have, Celeborn would have kicked himself. He was so comfortable with Galadriel, so used to having her at his side that he would never hide things from her normally, but now they were so far apart and he missed her so very much! How could he worry her more?

/Told them about your what? Celeborn Silvertree, what are you hiding from me/ There was no anger, just fear and worry in her voice. Fear and worry for him. It both hurt and brought him wonder. He often wondered what it was that had made her first look at him and choose him from all the others that she had known at the time. There were others that were far more worthy of her love and yet she had, chosen him that is. He would forever be grateful.

/Celeborn, tell me/ It was more of a plea than an order, though there was a hint of that as well.

/The injury to my leg is more grave than I informed you previously./

The resigned sigh he felt told him that she had been aware of that, at least had suspected it.

/I know, my knee and leg have a constant ache about them. What have you done/

/My knee is broken. My mount fell on it twice before it was killed. It is also very swollen and I have more stitches than I care to count. Once Gytha has finished with the other injured here, I will have her splint it so that it can begin to heal./

/Twice? You certainly kept that fact quiet. No wonder mine aches. When did you find out it was broken/

/It was too swollen to tell before, but Tiera told me about an hour ago. I hope that Orophin did not inflict too much damage on his assailants/ He suddenly realised that she had not told him.

/You are in need of more sleep than I realised, Meleth. I did mention to you that Orophin did not fight back. He was too worried about causing a diplomatic incident. They beat him badly but he would not entertain the idea of hurting them back. They did not deserve his consideration./ Pure indignation laced Galadriel's voice.

/He is too kind-hearted. I do worry about that./ Celeborn sighed tiredly.

/For once it worked to our advantage. My blood chills when I think of what they were going to do to Banwen. I have a few things to say to Tarlanc/

Celeborn shivered. He was glad that he was not there to witness that confrontation. When his normally-placid bonded got this particular tone to her voice it did not bode well for the poor unfortunate it was directed at. They would wish they had never been born, Valar help them.

/Just be careful, Meleth? I do not wish to have to soothe ruffled feathers when I return./

Galadriel's laugh was like a tonic to his heart, he had needed to hear this so badly. His knee pained him badly, even with the herb tea he had taken earlier.

/If there are ruffled feathers, and I do mean IF, it will not be towards us. Bainen is most aggrieved that one of his own could do this to his guest and then, to leave him where orcs could find him... On that thought, what has happened with Amaruvdor/

/He seems to have settled since his arrival and is even helping with the injured. That is something I would never have thought to witness./

/Good, I will let his parents know. They have been very worried about him. Celeborn, please get some sleep? I am very worried about you. I cannot recall the last time you were this tired and sore./ Galadriel sounded worried again.

/I will, melethril. I admit that I am tired and have told the others as much before we spoke to each other. I am sure that they are very worried that I have not woken yet./

/Then you had better go. But sleep? Losto mae, meleth./

"If you will, Dear Heart. I can feel how tired and worried you are as well. Saes, give our youngest hugs and a kiss from his Ada and tell him how proud I am of him? How proud I always am of him/

/I will, but he is already aware of that./

"Good, I miss you all, Galadriel, very much. Until the sun shines upon the hour of our meeting once more, Gerich veleth nín.

With a sigh he relaxed onto the pillows. He would rest for a short while and then he would waken. He did not want to worry his friends and Tiera would be very worried about him. He also needed to take some Miruvor and sweetened tea... or Galadriel and Eirien would have his braids.

But that could wait for a short while, for now the pull of sleep was too great to resist.

---

Briena set the empty goblet aside on the table. She had hated doing this, hated it terribly. But... the drawn, grey face told her that Celeborn needed the sleep. The fact that he had yet to waken from the vision worried both her and her Da. She had even gone to speak with Gytha about it. They had reached the conclusion that he needed to sleep.

She had also made certain that the next drink he had would be Miruvor followed by tea. Just because he was asleep, it did not mean that he could not take them. She was patient enough to feed them to him.

"I think it would be nice to have a memorial for those who fell during the siege. They deserve a permanent monument as well." Caric's voice was calm and quiet. He had given this some thought during the long wait during Celeborn's vision. They had all lost friends during and after the recent battle.

"That would be nice, Da." Briena's eyes filled with tears at his words. It still hurt to think of those they would never see again, the happy little hobbit family, her friends and, almost, Brennus. They could still lose him from the fever yet.

"You would make a permanent monument?" Gytha wearily joined them. Amaruvdor helped her every inch of the way.

"Aye, and add the names of those who fell this afternoon. They are as much victims of this siege as the others. I want whoever caused the building to fall to be found and held accountable. I will not stand for anyone to collaborate like this, not against their own town and family." Caric was so angry that someone he trusted could do this.

It made him wonder if he knew some of the townspeople at all.

"Yes they are. We may still lose another. When do you plan to hold the memorial?" Gytha smiled up at Amaruvdor as he helped her to sit. "Thanks, Hon."

"You are welcome, Healer Gytha. Can I get you some food or drink? You have had neither since this morning." Amaruvdor found himself fussing over her, she reminded him so much of his own beloved Grandmother before she had passed from this world. Everything was again so bright and fresh.

"That would be most welcome, but only if you have something yourself." Gytha was aware of how hard he had worked to save those who were not even his own people.

"I will." He hurried off, but paused on his way to make sure his own men needed for nothing either. It was time to make up for some of his earlier harsh words.

"How are the others? Ivorhen?" Gytha was about to push herself up from her seat when Briena stopped her from moving.

"You can check them once you have eaten but not until. Tiera has helped them all and more. It is time for some rest and coddling for you. Put your feet up." She had turned the chair around that Celeborn's leg had earlier rested on so that they could share it.

"Tiera? How has she helped them?" She brushed off Briena's help, but it was good to have the weight off of her feet.

"You need to be aware, as our healer and also as a friend, but we need to keep this as quiet as we can. Tiera is not only a seer, but an empath as well. She has been helping heal." Caric told her quietly.

"I am not surprised. I always knew there was something special about her. That is why she is sleeping? She has overdone it?" Gytha reached out to brush the dark curly hair from the pale face. Even exhausted, Tiera was still happily sucking her thumb. She looked so pale and vulnerable laying there. They would all have to watch out for this.

Tiera would be at the mercy of those who would use her for their own advantage. Gytha had seen it happen in the past. Just because Tiera was young, it did not mean she was safe. It actually meant the opposite.

"Aye, she even helped Raven. She said something about no more shaking." Caric told her.

"She stopped the seizures?" It was not often that Gytha was this shocked. She normally took everything in her stride. Well, everything other than a certain 'healer' called Irfan. That man could try the patience of a saint or the Valar.

"She says so. I guess time will tell. Celeborn may have an idea to help both Tiera and Bethany for the future. It is going to be hard for the child, growing up with such a stunning gift. You are right, she will need careful watching." Surprised, Gytha looked sharply to Caric. "I could tell where your thoughts were running. Imagine if Cadeyrn had known about her."

They all shuddered at Caric's words. The very thought was horrifying.

"What do you think Celeborn will do?" Gytha looked over at the Lord of Lothlorien asleep across the way. His noble face looked just as strained and pale as the little lass did.

"I don't know. We will have to wait for them to both waken and talk about it. Here is your food. Come and join us, Amaruvdor. You are more than welcome." Caric was willing to give the young lad another chance. He certainly seemed to be making a good try of it.

"Thank you, Mayor Caric." He nodded to him shyly. "My friends call me Amar."

"Then it is Caric as well and none of this 'Mayor' rubbish. This is Raven and Briena." The two nodded at him, following their father's lead, as if meeting him for the first time.

"It is a pleasure to meet you. You said something about a memorial? What kind of monument will you build?" The bread and soup were more than welcome, savory and hot, as Amaruvdor brought up the subject again.

---

Thranduil happily sat in his bed, eating his mid-day meal. His omelet was fluffy and just the way that both he and Legolas adored them. Strange how they even liked the same foods the best. They were alike in so many ways and he, Thranduil, for one, rejoiced in that.

"Would you like some more omelet, Penneth?" The sun streamed in through the high windows. The weather in the last day had taken a turn for the better. While there were still night frosts, spring had well and truly arrived. Trees and flowers had burst forth with buds and life was returning to Arda once more.

"Saes, Ada, hungry." Legolas was recovering well and quickly now. Since the joint effort healing there had been no stopping him. Just one day had passed since that traumatic time and yet the difference in both the King and Prince was incredible.

Legolas was chatting once more, happily playing with Fileg and making up pranks with Glorfindel to play on Dan and Ro. He chatted happily with all that came to visit him. He was much closer to being the happy elfling they all knew.

If only all in the healing chamber were this happy.

Alas, not all could be. Nestoron, for one, was decidedly un-happy. His legs had come back to life with a vengeance. He would almost rather they were still asleep and numb rather than alive and painful as they currently were.

If one more person told him he had to stay still, he would not be responsible for his actions! He was not moving his legs deliberately! He would rather they did not move. It hurt when they moved.

He knew he was grumpy and out of sorts. He could not help it. He hurt a lot and he hated being a patient. He hated it with a vengeance. No healer in their right mind liked being a patient and being a patient in their own healing ward was even worse.

He sighed. Having to accept aid for intimate bodily functions did not sit well with him. Oh, he knew the others did not mind... but he minded!

"Do you need some pain tea, Nesty?" Faelien, his dearest heart, came into his limited line of sight.

"My legs hurt." Valar, he sounded like a whiny elfling. He cringed at the thought.

"I know, Beloved, I know. Let me get Gailarphen." She vanished from his view. She and their babe were the only things keeping him going at present. Her and their little beloved Blip of course. He could not continue to call him Blip. They needed a real name for him, a suitable name.

"I hear that you are in a great deal of pain, mellon-nin." Gailarphen appeared beside him.

"My legs are very bad. Valar, I hate sounding like a baby."

"I will get you some poppy tea. Nesty?" Serious eyes the blue-grey colour of a stormy sky turned to look at him.

"Yes, 'Phen?" Weary grey eyes opened to look at him. They looked suspiciously bright to the older healer.

"Cry, if it helps with the pain? No one here will take a blind bit of notice, and you do not sound like a baby!" He turned away with a small reassuring smile.

"Nestoron?" The voice was filled with trepidation and came from above them. It was the Great Eagle, Faunryn, peeking in the window near Nestoron's bed.

Only Thranduil was aware of the way the blond head of his son shot up when he heard the name. Blue eyes turned to lock onto his.

"Know that name."

"Yes you do, Legolas. Nestoron looked after you after Nana..."

Tears filled the blue eyes at the mention of his beloved Nana. "Can I see him?" It was a barely-there whisper.

"I do not think that is wise..." Thranduil knew how badly injured their friend was.

"Saes, Ada?"

"I will take him over, Thranduil." Glorfindel knew his friend had just well and truly lost the argument to his elfling son.

Thranduil nodded. "Would you mind? Gailarphen will tie me to the bed should I try."

Legolas giggled at the thought of his wonderful Adar tied to the bed. No one would dare do that to him! He was the King, after all!

"Come, Penneth. You can say hello to Faunryn as we go." Glorfindel carefully lifted Legolas so that his leg was not jerked and hurt.

"Hennad, Glorfy. Suilad, Faunryn." Thranduil watched, amused, as Legolas called cheerfully to the Great Eagle that now looked into the healing room from a window near Nestoron's bed.

Good morning, Legolas. Have you met my friend Nestoron?" The Eagle bobbed his head at the Elfling Prince.

"I think I may have once, 'Ryn, but I do not recall." The more Legolas talked, the more Thranduil saw his confident son return. "Hello, Nestoron. I hope you do not mind my coming over with Glorfy to say hello. You are ill?" There was worry in the young voice.

Nestoron tried to set aside his pain to greet his welcome, though unexpected, visitor. "Hello, Legolas. Yes we have met once upon a time. I have had an accident, but I am healing. How are you?"

"Worried about you." Legolas spoke the honest truth.

"I will be alright, you will see. Gailarphen is making me some tea that will help." Nestoron smiled, it seemed that the young Prince had not changed at all.

"He having some too?" Legolas had turned to watch the Master Healer make the potion.

"Why would he have some as well?" Nestoron was shocked.

"Because I promised Legolas that I would have medicine when he must have medicine. Did I not, Penneth?" Gailarphen put the tea down and ruffled the Prince's hair that was returning to its normal lush silkiness once more.

"Yes." Legolas grinned back at him.

"I am going to help Nestoron to drink this, Legolas. Do you want to stay?" Gailarphen lifted the goblet from the table.

"I help?" There was bright interest there.

"Of course, Legolas." In reality, Gailarphen did all the work, but Legolas did not need to know that.

Once he had finished drinking the bitter fluid, Nestoron turned his face to the Prince. "Do you want to be a healer when you are older, Legolas?" It was a silly idea, but he had to ask. He was greatly relieved to see the Prince so improved.

"No, be a warrior and help Ada." There was pride in the small voice.

"Really, and what will you be doing?" Nestoron asked, trying to take his mind off of the pain that was filling him from his legs, his ribs and his head.

A cool hand gently slipped into his and he looked up startled, shocked to find that he had closed his eyes. The small hand belonged to Legolas, who frowned worriedly at him.

"Be archer." The Prince answered him automatically. "You hurt badly. I can feel you hurt badly." Legolas frowned and held his splinted arm out to hold his hand over Nestoron's broken leg. The hand did not touch him, just wavered over the wound. "Tea will help?"

Wide, blue, tear-filled eyes turned to Gailarphen. "Yes it will help, Legolas. I promise it will help."

Glorfindel silently hugged the Prince to him and then settled him back down. "Good, he hurts a lot. Not nice, hurting." There was a depth of knowledge in the quiet words. Yes, Legolas did know what it was like to be in pain.

"You want to be an archer?" Nestoron asked and then groaned as his broken leg went into spasm again, jerking painfully in its binding. "Aaiii!" A cry was wrenched from him.

"Nestoron!" Legolas sounded terrified and he tried to reach for his new friend.

"Let me see, Penneth. Glorfindel?" Gailarphen waited until he moved out of his way so he could get to Nestoron. "Try not to move your leg!"

"I am not moving my leg! It is moving itself! Ai, Elbereth, it hurts!" All he wanted was to be able to hold his leg to him and cradle it until the pain went away, to block out the sounds of distress that he could hear all around him. Not all this could be coming from him, surely not?

"Easy, Nestoron, listen to my voice. I am going to give you something for the cramp. That will help. I am mixing some more herb tea for the pain. Faelien, stay with him!" Gailarphen took a second to gently ruffle the distraught elfing's hair as he passed.

"Nesty?" Legolas hiccupped around his tears.

As soon as he could draw enough breath to speak, Nestoron tried to reassure the frightened elfling. "I am well, Penneth. Come here." He gestured for Legolas and Glorfindel moved him so that he was by the side of the bed. "It just hurts." With a shaky hand he wiped away the tears racing down his pale cheeks.

"Easy, Nesty. Try not to move, meleth. Easier said than done, I know, but try?" Faelien wanted to cry with her bonded, to see him so low and depressed, trembling with such awful pain.

"Las, this is my bonded, Faelien. She is expecting our first laes next spring. Just think an elfling to play with! That would be nice for you." He spoke through gritted teeth. The pain in his legs was building, not abating as he had hoped that it would.

"An elfling?" There was wonder in Legolas' voice.

"Yes, Caun Legolas, an elfling." Faelien laughed at the shocked yet pleased look on Legolas face.

"Is he hungry? Glorfy, we get him some food, a blanket?" Legolas was enchanted at the idea. A baby elf! "What you call him?"

Nestoron blinked at that. They had not mentioned that the babe would be a boy and yet Legolas had known. How odd.

"We have not thought of it. Legolas, how did you know we are having a boy?" It was Faelien who answered. She could see how much pain her beloved was in, could feel it in their bond, despite his efforts to block it away from her.

"'Ryn told me and the tree you made him in is very happy about it." Legolas told her happily.

Faelien did not know whether to be overjoyed or deeply embarrassed. It had all happened late one night in the talan when no one else was about and had started so innocently. It had been a clear late night with the moon shining large and bright in the spring sky, perfect weather for lovers, as her Naneth would have said. Nesty had just returned from Mirkwood, after such a long absence.

But to have it splashed about the healing ward like this?

"All the trees sing of it. It has been many years since a child has been begotten here with such joy." Gwaihir joined his kin at the window. "It has always been seen as a blessing, a gift of Ilúvatar."

"So, it is rare?" Faelien's eyes were wide as Gailarphen moved back with the goblet of herb tea.

Gwaihir bobbed his head. "Very. The last time it happened was when Celebrían conceived Arwen." They all looked over to Elrond who was luckily speaking with his sons, oblivious of their discussion.

"We are in very good company then. You need to drink this, Nesty. It will help." Faelien was too worried for her husband to be embarrassed for long.

"I will." With her help, he took the first few sips of the tea. Half-way through, he stopped for a short rest, to catch his breath. His broken ribs were now very sore from trying to suppress his sobs and each breath hurt. "I am sorry if I worried you, Legolas. I will recover, very soon."

"I am glad. I want to play with you and Blip." Legolas smiled at them serenely.

Legolas was totally unaware of the state of shock that the babe's parents were in. They had told no one of the pet name they had given their babe. Only the two of them knew what they had called him, not even their families knew. How did Legolas know? The gender was an easy fifty-fifty chance to guess, but to pull a name like that out of thin air?

Legolas seemed to know what they were thinking. "Trees and wind told me. I hear him in the Song."

"You hear him in the song?" Faelien's tone was as faint as she felt. The Prince could hear their son in the Song?

"Easy, Faelien, take deep breaths." Gailarphen stood beside her and had noted the shocked expression that had crossed her face.

"He can hear our babe." She sounded even fainter.

"Yes, he can. Legolas is a very special little elfling." Gailarphen could not help but be proud of the little Prince. "He has had a rather early and unusual awakening."

Faelien nodded distractedly. She had heard the others talking about this earlier, about how unusual and early this awakening was, about how he could hear more than he aught to be able to. She had not entirely believed them, could not believe that the fragile-seeming Prince could be this strong.

Gailarphen listened as Legolas spoke to Nestoron.

"Nesty, Blip need food? I get it." There was promise in his voice.

Glorfindel assured the Prince. "Blip is alright, Legolas. He gets all his food and anything he needs from inside his Nana. We will have to make sure that Faelien is looked after well, will we not?"

"Yes." Glorfindel had no doubt that Legolas would do all he could to help Faelien. "Nana feeding him, like Gwaloth is her laes?" It was an innocent enough question.

A sudden choked sputter could be heard from behind them and Glorfindel turned to find Thranduil choking on the watered wine he had been given.

It took a moment for him to recover enough to speak. "Gwaloth? Did Legolas say Gwaloth is in foal?" He asked, almost frantically.

"Yes he did. Thranduil, what is wrong?" Glorfindel was confused and shared worried looks with Gailarphen.

"If Gwaloth is in foal that would mean that the sire would be..." Realisation struck home.

"Who?" Glorfindel asked, although he had a very good idea who it was. He had seen two certain horses together in that small clearing.

"It can only be my Tinugwath. It makes sense now. His odd reactions are now making sense." Thranduil took another contemplative sip of wine.

"Tinugwath being Ada?" Legolas sounded excited and Fileg gave a pleased peep from where he sat beside Thranduil. He was happy, as long as he could see Legolas.

"Yes, Penneth, I guess Tinugwath is going to be an Ada." Thranduil could only shake his head. He was going to have to watch this connection closely.

"Good, I help look after her. She will be loved lots." Thranduil smiled at the sight of his son contentedly leaning his head against Glorfindel's shoulder.

"I know she will, Legolas, I know." Of that he had no doubt. Legolas loved the little mare anyway. She had been a begetting-day present from his Nana, the last she gave him.

"Elrond hurting." Legolas was suddenly sad.

Gailarphen looked up at that. Nestoron and Faelien were gently talking together as he waited for the tea to take effect. His skills were not needed here right now, but he did need to change Elrond's dressings and see to his eyes. Hopefully, he would see some improvement. As he moved to the herb table he prayed silently to the Valar that this would be so for the gentle Lord of Imladris.

Elrond had been quiet and pensive since he had awoken today from his exhausted sleep after the healing of Legolas, not even speaking of it to his sons.

Once the needed teas were ready, he crossed to Elrond. "Drink this, Elrond, it will help the pain. I will change your dressings shortly. You will want it for that too. You will help your Ada?" This latter was to Elladan and Elrohir.

"Of course! We would not leave Ada to struggle!" Elladan was shocked that Gailarphen would even think they would.

"I know!" Gailarphen eased their worries. "I just did not want to take you for granted."

Elladan had the grace to blush and look embarrassed. "I am sorry, Gailarphen, I did not mean to jump at you."

"You have nothing to be sorry for. You have been through quite an ordeal yourselves. Allow us to look after you a little as well?" There was affection in his voice.

"Of course, Phen. Ada, come, drink your tea, we will help you." Gailarphen smiled as he walked over to check on Doroniel. He had a feeling that Elrond's sons were enjoying this all a little too much. It was normally them on the receiving end of such treatment.

"How are you two feeling?" He took the time while the tea took effect on Elrond to check over his Mirkwood patients. Doroniel and Calandor were seated as close as they could get in their separate beds. They looked happy to just be close to each other. They were going to be happy in their lives together, he could see that.

Doroniel smiled at him. "Much better, hannon le. It is good to see everyone beginning to recover so well. Legolas had me greatly worried yesterday."

Randis spoke up from beside Calandor. "Us, Dor, he had all of us worried. I am happy to see him look so good." Randis looked a lot better than he had, well enough that he was out of the bed now, with permission this time.

"Yes I would not have believed it myself last night. I thought we were going to lose him for sure. He is a very strong elfling and I think he will become an extremely strong ellon." Gailarphen glanced back at Legolas, who was now happily chatting with Fileg as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"I believe he will and he will be all the more loved because of his strength." Doroniel spoke from experience.

"I know. How is the pain in your hands and feet?" His attention was on Doroniel.

"It is much better. I still have some tingling, but nothing like before and I can stand without fainting now."

She smiled at the memory. One of the first things that Calandor had asked when she awoke from one such faint was. "Why do you keep falling for me?" His sense of humor was one of the many things she loved about him.

"Good, I am most relieved at that." He turned to Randis. "Your leg?"

"Almost back to normal." It was said with a devilish grin.

"Good, but you are to keep off of it fully until given other instructions, do I make myself clear?" The Master Healer arched his eyebrow at him.

"Aye, I do understand. I do not wish to have it re-sutured yet again." Randis was suddenly serious.

"Good." He turned to Calandor then. "How are you? Any chest pain?" He was one victim of the lightning that still had Gailarphen very worried.

"I feel good and very happy." Cal squeezed Doroniel's hand gently. His hands had healed enough to not need bandages any longer.

"Good. I do want to look at you properly once I have finished with Elrond. You will both keep an eye on him for me?" They nodded and he hurried off.

He had just reached Thranduil's bed when he heard Elladan's voice raised in shock. "Ada! What are you doing! Leave those bandages alone!" Gailarphen put on a spurt of speed. What now?

Elrond was trying to undo the bandages around his eyes one-handed. He was fighting Elladan with an amazing amount of strength, given how ill he had been.

"Elrond Peredhil, what do you think you are doing?" Gailarphen roared. The entire chamber came to a halt and the only sound was a frightened "peep" followed by. "It is alright, Fileg. He did not mean to shout." Legolas, it seemed, knew him better than he himself did.

"Well?" Gailarphen's voice was quiet, but still demanded an answer.

"I... I was trying to help save you some time." Elrond dropped his hands as if they were burning.

"Is that so?" Gailarphen crossed his arms, thoroughly un-amused. "And just who is currently the healer on duty?"

"You are." Elrond's voice was so low and small that Gailarphen could barely hear it.

"I beg your pardon?" Gailarphen straightened himself, surprised by Elrond's meek response.

"You are." Elrond's voice was a little higher.

"Right, and as such I and my staff can decide when bandages come off and not before. Heniach nin?" There was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes that Elrond obviously missed, with his eyes covered as they were.

"Henion." Elrond sounded contrite. His sons were silently laughing, this was the kind of thing that they would do, not their Ada!

"Good. Now let me take a look at your burns first. I want to check them over."

The twins were rather shocked with their first view of their Ada's burns but a few warning glances from Gailarphen kept them silent. At one point Gailarphen indicated he would speak with them later.

Twenty minutes later, Gailarphen stood back, very pleased with the improvement in Elrond's burns. They were healing very nicely now. It seemed as if his healing powers had finally accelerated. There was no longer any sign of infection and new skin was forming at a rapid pace. Even the hair and fingernails he had lost were slowly re-growing.

"They are much better, mellon-nin. I do not think they will need dressings for much longer. The worst are still the ones on your chest, but even they are much improved. Let me dress them now, and then I will see to your eyes." He turned away and so missed the distressed look that flashed across Elrond's face. This was what so worried him and yet he was eager to find out about. He had, after all, been touched by Estë the Gentle. He hoped then that his sight would have returned. Gailarphen said that his burns were so much better… surely his eyes would be too.

Elrond startled as cool hands touched his forehead, he had been silent and still since Gailarphen had started his dressings. Now that it had come to it he was not sure that he wanted to find out. He felt the urge to laugh a little hysterically. A short time ago he had been about to remove the bandages himself, but now?

Now that it had come to it, he sat there anxiously, his mouth dry and hands clenched as tightly together as he could, given the bandages on the right. His stomach was churning with such force anyone would think it was alive. What if he could not see? What if he never could see again? What would he do? What good was a healer who could not see?

"Ada, are you alright?" Elladan spoke from his right. He had noticed that Elrond was trembling slightly

"Yes." He really wanted to scream 'No'. A sudden urge to run from the chamber gripped him. Only the supporting hands of his sons on either of his arms stopped him.

"I will begin, Elrond, if you are ready?" Gailarphen's voice was gentle, sensing Elrond's anxiety. The chamber was silent and seemed to fill with sudden tension.

"Yes... No... I...I am not sure I am." Elrond looked around helplessly. He was not too proud to admit that he was scared.

Glorfindel tried to give Legolas back to Thranduil so that he could go and give his friend some moral support, but Legolas would not let him go. In the end, he had to take the Prince with him.

"I am here, Elrond. All will be well." He placed a gentle hand on Elrond's tense back. Elrond leaned gently back into it. The support was much needed and appreciated.

A small hand reached out and touched his cheek. "You be well."

Warmth seemed to flood through him at the touch, unlike anything he had ever felt before. It was a nice feeling, although one that he could not fully explain.

"Thank you, Legolas. I am sure that I will be." He suddenly felt stronger than he had in some time. More able to cope with what was about to happen. He could face this. "I am ready." His voice was as steady as a rock.

"Good, the sooner this is over the better for you, I think, mellon-nin." Gailarphen told him.

Elrond felt the hands on his head once more and he closed his eyes. He knew the routine all too well. The small warm hand had moved to rest on his back.

"I will wash your eyes and then I want you to open them." The fresh air against Elrond's skin felt good as did the cool touch of the water.

Finally, though, they could go no further. It was up to him.

"I need you to open your eyes." Gailarphen sounded suddenly as nervous as Elrond had felt.

Elrond's mouth seemed to dry further. This was it. He could not stop now. Whatever happened next was out of his hands.

He opened his eyes slowly.

"Elrond?" Glorfindel's voice was low.

Elrond said nothing but just blinked once more.

"Elrond?" There was worry as well as urgency in Gailarphen's voice.

"Nothing... just shadows. No colour… nothing." Elrond's voice was flat, his face white. He could not stop the tear that ran down his cheek. It was soon followed by another. His worse fears had been confirmed. He was blind. He had greatly hoped that Estë had cured him of this affliction. He would never see his son's faces again. Never see the delight that always shone from Arwen's eyes. Never see the beauty of Imladris at any time of the year.

He would leave Middle-earth. There was nothing to hold him here now.

He would not be dependant on others for his daily needs. That was not his way.

"Let me look." Gailarphen's voice was soft. Elrond felt the warm hands of his sons hands gently grip his arms and heard their dismayed gasps as his words sank in.

He sat still as Gailarphen thoroughly examined his eyes and then sat back.

"The last time I examined your eyes, you could see nothing. Now you say you can see dim shadows. That may not seem much, Elrond, but it is a vast improvement." Gailarphen tried to reassure him.

"But what if that is it? What if it does not improve? Goston môr 'oeol sen natha manadh nîn." Another tear joined the others as Elrond's voice broke. He had allowed his hopes to soar so high… His sons gently wrapped their arms around him, silent tears on their faces.

"It is hard, I know, mellon-nin, but we have to be patient and see what happens. You may find that your eyesight recovers fully or it could be that this is as good as it gets. I am sorry." There was real sorrow in Gailarphen's voice.

"Glorfy?" It was the small voice of Legolas.

"Yes, Legolas?" Glorfindel was trying to get his head and heart around the notion that his friend and lord may be permanently blinded. He turned to the Prince on his hip.

"Cal is poorly." Legolas looked worried.

Glorfindel looked over to where the three friends sat watching what was happening. Well, two were watching. Calandor had his eyes closed, his head leaned back.

"He is asleep, Penneth. He is alright." He turned back to Elrond.

"No, he poorly, wind is worried..."

"Calandor!" Doroniel's frightened scream made them all jump and turn to look.

---

To be continued…

This Sindarin phrase is placed here because it would give away too much if I added it in the vocabulary list. - Barbara

Goston môr 'oeol sen natha manadh nîn.
I fear this terrifying darkness is to be my final fate

(Watch for a picture based on this scene.)

That is it for now. But, the next chapter has already been started. Please let us know what you think? Your reviews are treasured and appreciated .

More very soon,

SSS

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