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?

18. Chapter 18

The Twisted Web of Fate. 15?

(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: or on list.

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. Violence, graphic illness and injury descriptions as well as references to adult behaviours may be found 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.

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

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---- 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

Arda ….. The world

Avo … don't, do not

Avo bedo! ... Do not speak!

Avo garo! … Don't do it!

Beleg … mighty

Berio … to protect

Caun ….. Prince

Coth … enemy

Daer … great

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

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

Gon … Captain

Gwador, gwedeir… Brother, brothers

Gwathel, gwethil … Sister, sisters

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

Hoth … horde

Iaur … old

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!

Man le? ... Who are you?

Man le carel sí? ... What are you doing here?

Man pennich? ... What did you say?

Meleth … (My) Love

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

Mellon-iaur … Old friend

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

Merin sa haryalye alasse! … I wish you joy!

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

Naneth, Nana … Mother, Mom, Mum, Mama, etc.

Navaer … Farewell

Ned … Of

Nen … Water

Norn … Twisted

Nostad lín Sui orch! ... Your smell is like an orc!

Penneth, pennyth … Young one, young ones

Pen vuil … Dear one

Saer … Bitter

Saes … Please

Sîdh … Peace

Suilad … Hail or greetings

Torog … Troll

Ú-cared nîr … Do not weep

Ú-chenion. ... I do not understand.

Westron … Common language, the language of men.

Yrch … Orcs

---

/ Text / indicates thought, dream or visions

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

Chapter Fifteen

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

Morning came, as it invariably does. Nothing can or does stand in the way of the path of time. It was the one constant in a life that was, more often than not, harsh.

Anor's light broke through the grey clouds of the morning sky, but it was subdued. Even the normal dawn chorus was absent. One would think that all nature was in mourning for what had taken place the previous evening.

Slowly life began to stir in Fornost. Lights began to shine at windows. Smoke began to waft from chimneys of the houses of the town.

As the people slowly went about their business, they would stop to greet their neighbours and share the latest gossip that was currently making its way around the town. There was always something going on, always something that could either shock or delight the people of Fornost.

This morning's news was destined to shock, and shock it did, greatly. The guards coming off duty first told their families of the attack they had repelled the night before. It was at first treated with skepticism, until many more people spoke in a measure of shock of the same things. The lingering smell of smoke in the air, more so than normal, also gave credence to what they had been told.

It was terrible news! One of their own, working with the orcs? Never would they have believed it!

So it was that the shocked town rose as it came to know how close they had come to losing not just one of their kind and gentle ladies, but two!

In the house of Lord Bainen, life slowly returned to the people there. The servants moved almost silently about their tasks. They had all known Lady Elnora. She was well-known around Fornost for her help with the unfortunate poor and sick. The thought of what had happened to her and her parents made them all both sad and angry. To think that the heartless scum had been loved and helped by her!

Reluctantly, Lord Bainen wearily made his way down from his chambers. He had spent a great portion of the night trying to comfort Lady Banwen. Elnora had been like another adopted daughter to them.

"Good morning, Lord Bainen." Fyne appeared his normal, unruffled self, until you looked into his eyes. They held a sad cast to them. "How is our Lady this morning?"

"Good morning, Fyne. Banwen is sleeping, finally. I think it best that she remain undisturbed, as she had a very bad night." It had taken a lot of effort just to get her to leave the chamber where the sick, grieving and injured were being looked after.

"I am sorry to hear that. Garrick has asked for a meeting later this morning. He has asked to discuss the setting of patrols around Fornost." Fyne led the way into the morning room.

"Thank you, I wish to see him concerning the very same thing. We also need to bring Malthanel's daughters to see him, before they get wind of this from some of the gossips." Bainen's voice was hard. He had no doubt that the news was already doing the rounds. The last thing he wanted was to have them hear the news about their brother and foster mother from the gossips.

"I will send one of Lady Banwen's ladies to have them brought here." Fyne could only agree with Lord Bainen. The gossips could be a little vicious at times.

"Thank you, Fyne. That would be perfect. See to that for me now? I think it would be for the best."

Fyne nodded and hurried from the hallway. Bainen sighed as he turned to survey the smoke damage that had been caused by the fire. They had been incredibly lucky. They could have lost so much. He could have lost so much. The thought of his life without Banwen did not bear contemplation. He would never forgive Tarlanc for that, especially not when his wife had tried to help him so much. No, the talk later would not be pleasant.

Bainen had a very light quick meal. He had too much to do and wanted to be there when Malthanel's daughters arrived. He felt obligated.

Captain Garrick hurried in just as he finished the last of the meal and was speaking to the glazier. They would replace the broken window pane that morning.

Garrick gave a salute and a bow. "Good morning, my Lord Bainen."

"Good morning, Garrick. What news from the town?" He nodded to the workman and let him carry on. He was very much a 'hands on' Lord and liked to know and talk to his people. At least then he knew what was happening on the ground.

"It is very subdued. We may have some visitors this afternoon. I have been having some very interesting conversations with some of the young men of the town, all concerning last night." Garrick told him.

"I will admit, I expected that, after some of what you told me." Bainen sighed wearily. Some of the things he had learned last evening had been shocking and he had a feeling in his bones that he would be hearing even worse before the day was out. It was just that awful nagging feeling that he could not shake. "I just hope it is not as bad as I fear."

"There is also a feeling of great anger towards Tarlanc. When word spread that it was he who gave the information to the orcs... well, I doubled the guards on him. I do not think it would be safe either, for the guards to be less than vigilant."

"I would have asked you to do that after thinking on it overnight. I want to make certain that he will make it to trial. Tarlanc will stand trial, Garrick. For what he has done, he will face treason charges and as he and his friends were caught red-handed, what more does he expect? He tried to kill Banwen and he has had others murdered, and what he wanted to do to that poor elf." They both shivered. Neither held any illusions of Tarlanc's innocence.

"Good, I want him to account for everything that he has done, when I think of what the foul orcs would have done to young Orophin!" The voice came from the stairs behind them.

"Banwen, Dearest, you should still be abed!" Bainen called as he and Garrick hastened to join her. Banwen looked pale and shaken, with red-rimmed eyes from crying most of the night.

"I could not sleep. I need to see how Mal is. I was expecting you to still be with me, Bainen. What is happening?" Bainen looked from one to the other.

"We were making plans for later. Fyne has sent one of your ladies to fetch Aeronwy and Branda. I am sure they will want to be with their father as much as he will want and need them." Bainen hugged her to him, so relieved that he was able to do so.

"I am glad, the poor dears. I will go and make certain that tea and breads are provided, I'm certain they will not want to eat, but it will help. I will have rooms set up for them. I will not have them going home at this time. I will not dream of it. Have you seen Galadriel this morning? How is Orophin?" She paused on the stairs looking over her shoulder at them.

"Galadriel is well, Banwen. You should not worry for me." The calm voice made them all jump. They had not heard her approach. Garrick would have been puzzled had he not seen the other elves move so silently last night. He had come to realise that they had a tremendous ally in the Firstborn.

"Galadriel! You should be resting!" Banwen still could not believe that this thin beauty was strong enough to be standing this morning, let alone tending the injured and bereaved.

"I am well, mellon-nin. I came to see how you are? I have been up since before dawn. Orophin was in pain and then Malthenel awoke and was greatly distressed. It took some time to calm him back to sleep. He is resting now." She gave a small, sad smile.

"How is he?" Banwen wrung her hands in anxiety.

"I fear that he feels he has nothing left to live for." At Banwen's horrified gasp, Galadriel hurried forward. "I have helped him and he is resting. Malthenel will need you to be strong. Come, let us arrange the food and chambers for his daughters and then we can return to them all." Galadriel gently yet firmly took control of the situation. Much to Lord Bainen's amazement, his normally strong-willed and headstrong wife nodded and allowed it.

His eyes narrowed in contemplation as he watched. Banwen was more shaken by this than she realised herself. He would keep a close watch on her for now. Actually, he really did not want to let her out of his sight.

Garrick seemed to understand and they hurried after the two ladies.

Bainen continued his conversation with Garrick as they walked. "I want all patrols doubled and if possible more men brought into the town. The orcs may have got it into their ugly heads that we might be an easy target for them. I will not have that! They will not harm another person in this town!"

"I agree, my Lord. The numbers of people who have said the same have been heartening. I have even been asked about forming a Home Guard. They want to feel that they are helping. The townsfolk are outraged." Garrick's smile was not nice. "I almost fear for the orcs should they attack again."

"Good. I agree with them. We should have a Home Guard. I know we have never needed it, but perhaps we have been a little too lax at that." They stopped outside the kitchens. He could see Banwen from where he stood and was content with that. "In fact, do it. I want you to organise a Home Guard. You will be in command. I will not trust this to anyone but you. You can choose who you work with. I will leave all the details to you. Do you accept?" Bainen turned towards him.

There was a stubborn set to Lord Bainen's shoulders and mouth that Garrick knew. Bainen would not accept a negative reply and he knew that all too well. He was not likely to refuse this generous offer. How often does one as young as he have a position of command offered to them?

Garrick considered all the things he could do to change how things were handled in Fornost. No longer would the orcs infiltrate the town and kill with impunity. No longer would anyone do the things that Tarlanc managed to get away with.

"Fully, Lord Bainen, it would be an honour to do this for you." He bowed with great formality and then ruined it by grinning cheekily. "I can have whomever I want?"

Bainen laughed at that. "Aye, anyone you want, an increase in your wage as well and a budget for arms. Make a note of what is needed and it is yours."

"Thank you, my Lord Bainen. I will make sure of that. I will not disappoint you." Garrick knew this was a great honour, and a great responsibility.

"I know you will. You have my full trust. I would not trust Lady Banwen's life to anyone but you." Bainen's demeanor turned quite serious.

"I will not let you down, Lord Bainen! Lady Banwen means as much to me as did my own mother." Indeed, when he had been ill last winter after the death of his mother, Lady Banwen had made certain that he had someone to aid him. Since his parents' death, he was alone in the world. He had been touched, but that was Banwen for you. She cared for those around her. Never had he known a bigger heart that Banwen's, unless it had been Lady Elnora's.

"I know and she loves you as a son. This has hit her hard." He looked into the kitchen where Banwen was bustling about, giving out her orders for the day. She had made Galadriel sit down. Nothing would change her and he did not want it to. "I want her to feel safe walking the streets. I want my guests able to go out without being threatened and their lives risked." The whole incident still horrified him. "I cannot believe it. Tarlanc could have started a war with the elves by his actions!"

"We were very lucky that Lady Galadriel and her guards found Orophin when they did." Garrick could only wonder if it truly was luck, or something more. There was sometimes a look of such... knowing in her eyes. It was as if nothing was a surprise to her. Just the thought made him shiver.

"Very. I fear the poor elf would not be alive, otherwise." That brought another thought to the front of his mind. "Garrick, I want you to go around to all the inns and taverns and see if any of the young workers have been injured or are missing? I fear that Tarlanc will have left his mark." He sighed heavily.

"Of course, it was on the list of things I intend to do. It makes sense that Orophin would not be the only victim of Tarlanc and his friends." A dark scowl crossed his face. "How anyone can treat a fellow human like that is beyond me."

Banwen's voice startled them. "He must be very sick." They had not realised that Bainen and Galadriel were at their side, listening in. Their faces were very pale and worried.

Galadriel was serene, though worried. "I think that there is more to this than his being sick to do these things, Banwen. Who knows what was going through his mind at the time? No, I would like to speak with him, as I have said." Determination glinted in her eyes. She, of all people, would be able get the truth from him.

"I am not sure that is such a good idea." Banwen was already worried about letting her friend into the same room with that… that monster. Galadriel looked so frail, as if he could snap her in half as soon as look at her. What would Lord Celeborn say then? They really would have a diplomatic incident, and quite rightly too.

"I need to see him, Banwen. It may be our only chance to discover what he has been doing, and why." Galadriel was touched that they felt so protective of her, but it really was not necessary. She had fought in many a battle, major and minor in the past. She could handle a sword or bow along with the best of them. She had her brothers to thank for that.

"Yes, I know, but you look so pale, dear. You must have had a disturbed night. You should lie down and rest after you eat and you will be eating!" Banwen's voice was suddenly firm as she looked at the elven lady before her. Goodness, even her beautiful gown had more colour than she did!

"I will see him, Banwen. I promise you that. I can rest, if necessary, afterwards. I will eat. Some fruits and cheese would be nice." Galadriel smiled and took any sting out of her words. They were certainly not meant that way.

"But that is not enough." Banwen's stubborn determination had not diminished. She intended to feed her guest well.

There was fond amusement in Bainen's voice. He hugged her lightly as he spoke. "Banwen, Dearest Love, Galadriel is fully grown and can look after her own needs. They have managed long before they met us and I am sure they will manage equally well once they have returned to their home."

"They should have meat and bread or at least some porridge for the meal." Banwen pouted.

"Why don't we have that for the midday meal?" Galadriel suggested.

Banwen's face brightened noticeably at that suggestion. "That is a wonderful idea! Then we could have some lamb for supper. Cook does the most wonderful lamb." She then realised they were still standing in the hallway. "Well? We should get the food back to the injured. We will be having visitors soon and should be there to greet them."

Once certain that they had all they needed, Banwen hurried them along. Galadriel smiled. The two men had their arms laden with trays and cups while she was allowed to only carry one rosy-red apple, an apple that would not be whole when they reached the chamber. She had been firmly admonished to eat it on the way.

"I want you to go and sit down, Galadriel. I will see to the others. If you insist on going to see Tarlanc, you will rest." Banwen sounded stern.

"That is not necessary. I am perfectly well…"

"Your son was badly injured and I am sure you are still in a certain amount of shock. You made me rest last night." Lady Banwen rather indignantly reminded her.

It was obvious to Galadriel that this was an argument that she would not win, so she gave in gracefully.

The chamber was much the same as Galadriel had left it. Malthenel still slept, not that she expected anything else as she had used a mixture of both sleeping and calming herbs as well as Nenya to help him overcome the great shock that he had suffered.

She frowned. Even asleep, his breathing was laboured and he looked far too pale. He was a heavyset, middle-aged man and some men like that could have problems with their heart. This worried her, particularly with his admission that he did not wish to carry on.

Orophin was propped up against the pillows. He looked pale and bruised, but alert and aware of what was happening around him. Magorion was attentive at his side, also on the alert. They were all sure there would be no further trouble, but…

Another pair of elves guarded the balcony doors.

Magorion bowed to them in greeting. "Híril-nin, Híril Banwen and Hir Bainen, good morning to you." Orophin made as if to move, but was pushed back against the pillows with a firm admonition. "Stay. Failure to greet the Lord and Ladies will not matter that much for one day."

"Magorion is quite correct in that, Penneth." Galadriel crossed to his side, ignoring the glower given her by Lady Banwen.

"Nana, but I am… "Orophin winced as he tried to get comfortable.

"…feeling better? I am not so sure of that!" She smoothed his hair away from his eyes. "We need to talk later about how best to avoid Diplomatic Incidents, Penneth. It is not by letting you get beaten so badly." She bent to kiss the pale forehead. She whispered in his ear. "Your Ada said he was very proud of you."

His smile told her it was heard.

"How is Ada?" Orophin tried to take his mind off his aching ribs.

"He is worried about Elrond, as I am. There has been some trouble. I am sure that he will be well." She reassured him.

A cry came from outside the room, a woman's voice. "Father!"

Lord Bainen opened the chamber door and two young women hurried in, the older was blond, the younger dark-haired. They had both obviously been crying and appeared very upset.

"Father!" All etiquette was forgotten, even though it was not expected at a time like this. They hurried to the bed where he slept. "What has happened? Celebwen said that we would be told when we arrived here but Fyne would not tell us either. Is it not bad enough that we have been kept away from Father in the hours of darkness? Where is Tarlanc?" It was the blond, eldest daughter who spoke and she had sparks of temper coming from her eyes, even with the worry for her father.

"Come and sit down, my dear and all will be explained." Banwen took a hand from each of them. "My, but you are so cold. Come, the fire will warm you and I will have tea made." Galadriel moved beside Banwen to help her.

"We were so worried about Father, and Tarlanc seems to be missing as well." Tears streamed down the two faces again as they reluctantly left their father's side.

Bainen joined them. "You know then, what has happened to your poor stepmother?" He gently took the eldest girl's hands, Galadriel the other.

"Yes, the messenger came seeking Father last night, but he had already left our home and we could not find Tarlanc! We are so upset about Elnora. She was so sweet, we all loved her." Aeronwy, the blond daughter, told them with a small delicate sniff.

"Apart from Tarlanc." Branda sounded bitter.

"This is not the time for that!" Aeronwy berated her younger sister.

"They did not get on?" Garrick wanted to make sure of this fact.

"Not at all, Tarlanc blamed Elnora for Father wishing him to marry and settle down, seemed to think it was her doing." Branda wiped her pale face with a shaky hand. "What is happening? Please tell us? Will Father be alright?"

Lord Bainen spoke gently. "Your brother was caught last night, along with his friends, collaborating with orcs. There is evidence that he was the one to instigate the orc attacks on the town and the recent disappearances and killings." This was really not the way that they had wanted to break the news to them, but what choice did they have?

"No! I don't believe you. Tarlanc wanted Elnora dead? No..." Branda shook her head.

"I am afraid it is true. He was also caught trying to kill Lady Banwen."

Aeronwy cried once more. "I actually do believe all this. He has changed so much! He is not the kind brother I grew up with."

"In what way?" Galadriel's voice was soft and full of sympathy.

The two young women noticed her for the first time.

"Galadriel, I would like to introduce Aeronwy and Branda. This is Lady Galadriel of Lothlorien." Lord Bainen realised he had been remiss in introducing them all.

"I wish we were meeting under better circumstances." Galadriel's face was full of sympathy.

"As do we. Father told us so much about you, Lady Galadriel. He likes you. It was yet another thing that Tarlanc did not agree with." Branda's voice was laced with bitterness.

"There were problems?" Galadriel asked again.

"Yes. Tarlanc changed after Father re-married. He really resented Elnora and thought she was beneath Father's position. They have argued long and very hard in the last few months. He used to be so sweet and would do anything for anyone. I want my brother back! I want the boy who would bring me flowers and sing Branda to sleep." Aeronwy cried into her hands and Galadriel pulled her into a tight hug.

Banwen came back with the tea. "Drink this, it will help."

Branda could not take the goblet, she was shaking too much. "He would not, Tarlanc would not. He is kind and sweet and would not hurt a soul."

It was obvious to them all that she would believe no ill of her brother.

"Branda, I caught him, we caught him, talking with the orcs." Garrick indicated the Galadhrim soldier, Magorion. "Tarlanc planned to have them murder Lady Banwen!"

"I was present." Magorion told her with a nod. "Orophin here was on the receiving end of Tarlanc's fist. He is living proof that you are not as sure of your brother as you think. They then left Orophin unconscious and defenseless to be found by the orcs. If we had not found him..." He shook his head at that.

Branda's face was white and her eyes wide. Against the dark colour of her hair, it was rather striking. She turned to look at the fragile-looking young elf in the bed. She could see he was battered and bruised and his ribs were bound. "He hurt you? And he tried to kill you?" More tears spilled down her cheeks. Orophin only nodded, feeling uncomfortable under their gaze.

Bainen knew this was a shock for the young women. It was obvious to him that they were not to blame. "Tarlanc is safe and held alone under guard. We will be speaking with him later this morning. We need to find out who he worked for and what he hoped to achieve. I think you should stay here with Lady Banwen and look after your Father. He has need of you in this time. Elnora's loss has hit him hard."

"I want you to stay here for as long as you want. Our home is yours for the time being." Banwen made her tone soft and non-accusatory.

"You would have us stay here, even though Tarlanc has tried to hurt you both?" Branda was surprised and touched.

"Yes, we would do that for you. It is obvious that you are not involved in your brother's villainy. Your family has been nothing other than true friends. It would not be right to blame you as well." Banwen could never blame the two pale girls. "It is time that you eat. You both need some flesh on those bones."

The mood of the chamber was slightly lighter then as the Lady of Fornost went about her mission of stuffing her guests.

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

The dream was vivid and rather shocking. A screech and flashes of colour and then he sat up in bed, blinking. Already the dream was fading as he truly entered the waking world.

He was sore and thirsty. He looked around the large hall. What had he been dreaming about? It was so vague already. How odd.

"Are you alright, Cel?" Caric asked from beside him. He had been about to awaken Celeborn from disturbed sleep when he had suddenly sat upright with a gasp.

"Yes, just a dream." He scrubbed at his face and then winced. His leg throbbed, letting him know it was still very much there.

"You are sure? You look much shaken." Caric sounded worried.

"I am sure, just sore and my leg throbs." The moment the words were out of his mouth, he wished them back. There was no way that Gytha would have missed them.

He was right. "I will make a tea!" Did she have to sound so cheerful about it?

"I think I know someone who woke on the wrong side of the bed!" Caric grinned at the annoyed glare Celeborn gave Gytha.

"So would you, if your leg felt as if it was burning!" Celeborn scowled at him.

"Is it bad?" The laughter and teasing were suddenly gone.

"Very, at the moment." He sighed. "I do not mean to snap. I am sorry."

"With a broken knee and you standing on it, I am not surprised that you are grumpy as a bear with a sore head." Gytha called over.

Celeborn took this time to look around. More of the injured and homeless had been released, either to new homes or the care of family or friends.

That would help take the pressure off of Gytha and the other healers. Maybe she would be able to get more than a few hours of snatched sleep now.

"I had to get to Ivorhen." It was a statement.

"I know, but you could still have stayed off of that leg! You would not be in so much pain now." Gytha stirred the tea. "Drink!"

He accepted the goblet with another scowl, but drank it thankfully all the same. It was as bitter as he expected, perhaps more so.

"I will look at your knee when the pain settles. I want to splint it properly, if the swelling allows." Gytha was frowning at him. If she had known his knee was broken it would have already been done, but the swelling had hidden that little fact.

"When can I ride?" He was deadly serious as well.

"Ride? Are you stupid! With a broken knee!" Gytha openly gaped at him, not something seen very often.

"I must get to Imladris. My daughter's husband is very ill, Legolas as well. I have to get there and see what is happening." How could he convey his feeling of urgency?

"What if you injure your leg more?" It was Caric who spoke.

"Then I will be there and able to cope. I cannot stay here." Celeborn was adamant. He fought against the yawn that wanted to slip past his defences.

"My guard and I would accompany you." Amaruvdor surprised them all, him included if he were honest. He wanted to see the Elven Realm firsthand, to see if any of the stories were true, the stories that spoke of dwellings with golden ceilings and jewel-encrusted walls.

"You would be more than welcome." Celeborn could now keep an eye on the human and he would feel a lot better.

Gytha could not believe her ears. "I am not happy. Your leg needs rest, not racing across Middle-earth on a fool's errand!"

"I have to go sometime." Celeborn told her. He blinked sleepily, then realised what had happened. "You …you put sleep..."

"Did you really want to be awake when I set that knee? I don't think so!" Gytha looked triumphant!

"I did not want to sleep!" He sounded like a whiny elfling, but he had wanted to see the wound, actually he wanted to see if the infection in the wounds had lessened. He was worried about the burning feeling that seemed to be growing rather than abating.

She sat gently on the side of his bed. "Perhaps not, but I wanted you to! Celeborn, listen to me, start acting your age. This is going to hurt. You are going to hurt. I have to re-break the knee, you know that. I would not want anyone to be conscious for that." Gytha really was that worried about it.

Celeborn sighed, what could he do? What was done was done. "I understand Gytha, and thank you for caring. Just tell me honestly how the wounds are healing?

Gytha picked up on his worry. "You think there is a problem?" She watched him closely and reached out to test his forehead with the back of her hand. He did not seem to be feverish.

"I fear so. My leg really burns, although it may just be the break." He shrugged, yawning again.

"I promise I will tell you what is happening with your wounds, I will be honest with you. Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me." She was really touched by that. She knew well how he felt about their previous 'healer', not that Irfan deserved the honour of that title.

Celeborn struggled to stay awake. "You are a very good healer, Gytha. I want to speak to you about setting up healer training, coupled with Imladris. Elrond will want to be involved. You have some potential students already; Briena, Caelie, and even Bethany for starters."

"I was already leaning towards talking to them. Your recommendation seals that decision." Gytha smiled and suddenly looked years younger. "You are a good friend, Celeborn, I am honoured. Now please, my friend, sleep so that I can help you?"

He nodded and closed his eyes. So tired...

Gytha sat watching him for a bit, a sad look on her face, to see the proud elf hurting this badly. She waited to be certain that the herbs were working and he truly was asleep.

"Caelie, may I ask for your help?" She looked up to where the trainee shield maiden was helping Brennus drink some tea. The young scribe was doing much better this morning, awake for the first time since losing his hand, though too weak and drugged yet to be aware of much. He still had a minor fever, but the expected massive infection had yet to materialise.

"Of course, Gytha. Tell me what to do and I will do it." She sounded strong and sure, just what was needed in a healer. Yes, this one would bear watching too.

Wolraven looked up from where he sat with Caric. He smiled at Caelie. They had grown up together and had been close friends, though they had drifted apart over the years. Maybe, once the town was safe once more, he would renew their friendship. Good friends were hard to come by and it was too easy to lose them. He had learned that all too well.

She blushed and looked away, which confused him, hurrying to get what Gytha needed. He was completely unaware of his father's sudden intense look.

Caric saw where Wolraven's attention passed to, saw the smile and look in his eyes. He looked and saw Caelie. Sudden understanding dawned and he felt a warm feeling flood him. This was the first time since Ethalyn had passed away that Wolraven had taken notice of the opposite sex. This needed watching and sensitive handling.

All he could do was hope that finally his son was truly recovering.

Once Gytha was ready, she called Wolraven over as well. She would need his strength to break the callus of the already-knitting knee.

Caelie held the knee and Wolraven pulled hard on the leg as Gytha pressed down. The rest of the chamber waited for the sickening crack that they knew was to come.

It came swiftly. Then they all relaxed. Now Celeborn's knee could heal properly, without problems. It did not mean that they had to like hurting their friend though.

"Keep holding it. I need it straight. I have to look at the wounds." The other two did not move as Gytha removed the old bandages that swathed his leg from hip to ankle. She was worried, following their conversation. The fact that the leg was burning was not a good sign.

She almost sagged with relief. The infection was much better than it had been. She could only shake her head in wonder.

The numerous dark, thick stitches had once stood out stark against the bruised, swollen skin, but now the leg was almost back to normal. The stitches no longer pulled tight and it looked as if it had healed for a more than a week rather than days. If only all of her patients healed like this.

The knee, however, was so swollen and bruised that it was frightening. The splint would have to be carefully placed because of the previous wounds. She really did not want the knee to move at all. Celeborn would need a lot of pain medication in the next few days.

"How is it?" Ivorhen had woken with a start at the sound of the loud crack. He had quietly watched proceedings since then.

"His wounds are much better." Gytha smiled at him. "With the way that he is healing, he may be on his way by the weekend. How are you?"

"I have a headache. What happened?" Ivorhen was confused. The last thing he recalled was…was very vague, but it had to do with Tiera.

"I will get you something for that. Let me finish with Celeborn and I will come and look at you." She really wanted to check his eyes.

"What happened to Tiera? She looks pale." Ivorhen looked at the small bundle asleep next to him. Even now, she clutched a lock of his raven hair.

"It is a very long story. I will explain shortly, but rest and let me finish here?" She was bandaging Celeborn's wounds again, prior to splinting the knee.

Once finished, they gently propped the splinted leg on the pillows. That would help with the swelling that was growing slightly again after re-breaking the knee

"How are you feeling, Caric?" Gytha glanced at the new Mayor in the bed near Celeborn. He had watched the procedure worriedly.

"I am better. I think you could let me…" He stopped as Gytha snorted.

"Go? Eirien would have my hide. You really think I would do that? No, you are staying right where you are until I give you full permission to leave. Or I just might let slip what really happened that night with Jowan when you decided to irritate Irfan."

Caric went white. "But how did… You would not… She would kill me… she thought…" How did Gytha know of that?

"Da?" Wolraven looked entirely too interested.

"It was nothing, Raven, just a misunderstanding, your Ma would not understand." Caric told him. "I will stay here. I am quite comfortable and can keep an eye on Celeborn at the same time." He settled back against the pillows.

Wolraven was a little confused. "But Da you just said you wanted..."

"Your Da is fine, Raven. I am teasing him. Nothing happened that night apart from those two idiots getting very drunk and singing." Gytha winked at Caric and he relaxed. His naughty secret was safe for now… as long as he behaved.

"Oh." Wolraven sounded disappointed. For once he had thought there was something he did not know about his Da and it had caught his attention.

"He is still your old Da, the new Mayor." There was a twinkle in Gytha's eyes.

"Ma will really love that. Can you imagine her, Da, so proud of you?" Wolraven was proud as well. Maybe things would finally come right for them all.

"The letter should be getting to her soon." Caric was suddenly nervous again. How would she take the news?

"You worry too much, Caric. Eirien will be over the moon." Gytha stood. "I need to look at Ivorhen and the little one. Tiera has slept a long time."

"Go make sure they are both well." Caric smiled at her. He knew behind Gytha's gruff, hard manner was a heart of gold.

"I will." She crossed to Ivorhen's bed and stopped by his side.

"Now truly, how do you feel?"

"I am fine. See to Tiera first? She should not be sleeping like this." Ivorhen was worried about her.

"She is well, young one, just very tired." Gytha sat down beside him. "It appears that this little parcel of joy holds many secrets."

Ivorhen was still confused. How could a child of four hold secrets? "Secrets?"

She bent forward to whisper in his ear. Only he should hear this. They had to try and prevent it from becoming common knowledge. "Not only is Tiera a seer, she is an empath as well."

Ivorhen gaped at her and she nodded gently. "She healed you and then tried to heal everyone around. The poor dear is exhausted. That is why she is sleeping so heavily."

"I am glad she is well. Healed me? What was wrong?" He truly had no idea what she was talking about.

"Your headaches were caused by a fracture that was bleeding. Your nose began to bleed."

Ivorhen automatically began to reach up with his right hand to touch his nose only to find that he could barely lift the hand. He changed to his left and felt for his nose. Dried blood flaked off on his fingers before Gytha could stop him.

"Don't." She warned him, moving his hand away from his face. "It may start to bleed again. Leave it a couple of hours and we will wash it. Your hair desperately needs a wash. You have had a helping hand in getting it in a state." Gytha had to tease, for even as they were talking Tierra had snuggled up against him and the hand tangled in his hair had pulled it back to suck on.

Ivorhen gave a small laugh. "Will I ever get my hair back?" There was a twinkle in his eyes.

"Eventually, I think. How do you feel?" She had noted the weakness of his hand. "Give me the truth as well! I have had more than enough to put up with since Celeborn was hiding a broken knee."

"Celeborn?" He looked toward his friend with concern.

"He is asleep and probably will be for a while. I have set his knee. He will recover." Gytha reassured him.

"I am glad. I would not care to explain to Lord Elrond why he has not recovered." He sighed. "I can not feel my hand properly. It is there and yet not." He was truly puzzled.

"Let me see." She checked him over. Not only was his right arm weakened, but his right leg was as well, possibly his whole right side.

When she raised the blanket and exposed his unclad leg, Ivorhen was surprised. "Why have I no leggings on?" There was alarm and embarrassment in his voice.

"We had to remove your leggings to help treat you." She did not want to go into details just yet. "I think the problem with your arm is left over from the head injury, a lingering weakness. I think that you will recover fully. Compared with what could have happened, you have been very, very lucky. Celeborn wants to leave Bree by the end of the week, though I think he is being optimistic. I do not think he will be well enough." She held up her hand to stop his interruption. "You will not be going with him, even if he does heal enough. You will not be strong enough yet."

Luckily Wolraven stepped in to help. "I will help you change into fresh leggings. We can do so without disturbing Tiera."

As they did so Ivorhen carried on talking.

"I have to go with him. I am charged with his protection." Ivorhen told her. Once he was fully clothed once more he smiled gratefully at the young man. "Thank you, it is a relief. Especially with…" He looked down at Tierra.

"You are welcome." Raven smiled back.

Gytha continued without interruption.

"You can't even sit up, Ivorhen. How do you expect to mount a horse?" Gytha hated having to do this.

Bethany had entered the Hall in time to hear their conversation. "You can stay with us until you have recovered. We would be honoured to have you as our guest."

"I need to go with…"

Gytha interrupted him again. "It will not be possible, but I will make a deal with you, Ivorhen. If you recover, and if I am happy, we will look again nearer to when Celeborn is able to leave. Even with his rapid healing, I doubt he will be leaving as soon as he wants. You need rest and lots of it. Some good food would help as well. I don't think I have seen you eat at all these last few days." She was worried about that.

"I was feeling sick, the headache." He admitted sheepishly.

"And why did you not mention this?" She glowered at him.

"I was not aware it was something to worry about." His voice held a tinge of embarrassment.

"When did you last have a headache?" It was an unexpected question.

He had to think. "The last time I had a concussion, about two years ago."

"And you thought it was nothing when you had a constant headache? How old are you, exactly?" She crossed her arms as she spoke. Really, were all men the same, no matter what the race?

Ivorhen would not look at her, would not meet her eyes. He did not answer, for he knew she was right. He should have realised, but it was easy to think it would just stop and go away.

"My Elf?" A sleepy small voice was muffled against his chest.

"Sîdh, it is well, Penneth. Go back to sleep, you need the rest." He shushed the sleepy child.

"Need to go."

The look on Ivorhen's face was so funny that Gytha had to laugh. Bethany came to his rescue.

"I will see to you, my darling. Come to Ma." She gently lifted her child onto her hip. "We will be back." They left the chamber.

"She will be alright?" Ivorhen was still trying to absorb the fact that Tiera was empathic.

"Yes, we'll all look after her. Although, I think that she may have found a second father figure." She gently teased him. "I will make you that tea for your headache."

"She is easy to love. Her bravery with that orc still astounds me, and all because she would not climb over me for fear that she would hurt me. She is sweet." His eyes gleamed as he talked.

"Yes, you have been smitten." Gytha grinned as she mixed the tea.

"I think so." Ivorhen admitted with a lopsided grin. Gytha was not sure whether it was lopsided on purpose or not.

"Do you have any kiddies yet?" She was trying to keep him awake to examine him further. She could see Ivorhen was still very tired from his earlier seizure and his injuries.

"Nay, I am not even bonded yet. I would have children if they are like this little one." He grinned in Tiera's direction.

"You have been truly smitten, my friend. If you are not a father within two years, I will kiss an orc!" Gytha crowed as she returned with the goblet.

It brought a smile to Ivorhen's strained face. "Now, that I would love to be around to see!" His eyes took on a mischievous glint. "I may assure that just to see you kiss an orc!" He felt it a safe enough statement, since he had not even met an elleth to touch his heart yet.

"I believe you would at that!" She had to laugh once more as she lifted his right hand. "Try to squeeze my hand?"

He did so, though it took more effort than he would ever have thought to make his fingers grip her hand.

"Good. Well done." She was pleased that his hand was not as weak as she had expected. She sat him up so he could drink.

"How is Celeborn? His knee was truly broken?" He accepted the goblet of tea with his left hand.

"Yes it was. It has been set properly now, but he will not be happy over the next few days. We had to re-break it." Gytha watched as he drank the herb.

"He will not like staying abed even longer." He grimaced at the taste that the herbs left.

"He will deal with it." A decidedly evil grin crossed her face as she turned to gaze at Celeborn. "Or I shall. It depends how he wishes to have this end."

"He will try to get you to change your mind." Ivorhen frowned, why had Gytha started slipping off to the left?

"Very much so, I fear." Caric admitted. "Celeborn was never good at being injured."

"He will learn to deal with it." She shared a secretive glance with Hyacinth. She had a plan, indeed.

It had not been lost on Gytha how diligently and well the young hobbit-lass cared for the injured and sick. She would watch her as a candidate for healer training too.

"Are you alright, Ivorhen?" The sudden worry in Caric's voice made her turn to look at the elf once more.

Ivorhen looked very confused, and well he might, for he was slumped to the right and appeared to be unable to hold himself up.

She should have expected this and hurried to reassure him. "Let me help you up, Ivorhen. This is because you are using your left hand and not holding yourself up. It will ease as you recover. You may find walking difficult for a short while."

"But why?" Ivorhen's eyes were scared and she could sympathise. He obviously had not expected his body to ignore his commands.

"It is weakness lingering from your head injury." She gently helped to prop him up, using the cushions and pillows to anchor him steady. "This will ease, you just need patience."

"Not if I am to go with Celeborn to Imladris." His tone was stubborn. Elrond had appointed him to be Celeborn's aid and protector. He was determined that he would carry out that duty to the best of his ability.

Gytha sighed softly. Were all elves this stubborn? "Celeborn will not be traveling for some time. Trust me with that. If, and I do mean IF, you are recovered and I am happy with your recovery, we will talk again. I will not hear of this until I bring it up or I will give you medicine that you wish you never knew existed." She was half serious, half joking.

"I need to go with Celeborn…"

"You both have to get well. That, at the moment, should be of the highest priority, for both of you." Her voice was soft. "That is my main concern. Trust me, Ivorhen, you can't even sit up, let alone stand. I will do all that I can to help you. Don't fight me."

Ivorhen watched her closely. He could sense how sincere she was. He could only nod his agreement. He was tired. Now that the pain was eased by the tea, he was finding it hard to concentrate, especially when it seemed the chamber wanted to slide to the right… along with the rest of him.

"My Elf alright? He hurt?" Small feet pattered back into the Hall and hazel-green eyes gazed worriedly at Ivorhen.

"I am well, Penneth. Gytha gave me something that has helped. How are you?" He gestured with his left hand and she happily skipped the rest of the way to him.

"Glad. Tired." She tucked her thumb happily into her mouth again.

Ivorhen looked at her closely. She had dark rings beneath her eyes and looked quite pale and sleepy, not the happy little girl that he knew.

"Then why do we not take a nap together? I am tired too. We can have something to eat later, after we wake, then I can tell you a story." Ivorhen smiled at her.

"Will you?" Her eyes were wide once more and held a happy glint, much more like the child that she really was.

"Yes, really. Maybe, if you are a good girl, you may have a present." He chucked under her chin and she giggled.

"For me? What?" She liked presents. They were very few and far between in their harsh world.

"It would not be a surprise if I told you." He winked at Gytha. "Sleep and when you waken, you will see."

Tiera needed no further urging. She settled beside him, watching him closely, worship clear in her eyes. He began to softly sing to her.

Slowly her eyes closed as she settled to sleep, one hand slowly reaching to grasp his hair again.

"Gytha?" His voice was low and soft.

"Yes?" Her eyes were rather misty.

"Is there anyone here who can sew?" He did not look away from his precious burden.

"Yes, there are many, but Briena is one of the best. Why?"

"Will you ask her to come and talk to me?" He looked up with a smile.

"Of course!" She hurried to get the younger woman. She was easily found. One need only look wherever Athlon was.

Briena looked puzzled as she joined them. "What is wrong, Ivorhen?"

"If I can supply the materials, can you make something for me?" It was getting hard to think straight.

"Of course. What is it you want made?" Briena smiled, this would give her hands something to do while she waited for Athlon to waken again.

"Bethany, what is Tiera's favourite animal?" Her mother would know this.

"Rabbits, Tierra loves rabbits, soft and cuddly." Bethany told him.

I have some soft fur in my pack. If it is enough, will you make her a toy rabbit, a gift from me, with my deepest love?" Ivorhen blinked sleepily now.

"I will get your pack so that I can start." Briena could see that he would not be awake for much longer.

"Thank you. She deserves a present. As soon as I am well, I will make the baby something, maybe carve him an animal. Gytha, can I have some wood so that I can work? It will help my hand." Bethany had left.

"That would help." In fact it would do more than help. "I will have some found. How large a piece do you want?"

Ivorhen looked dazed. "Large enough to carve a horse for Erwan." He told her, sleepily.

"Leave it with me. Rest now, Ivorhen, you desperately…" Gytha did not need to finish it. Ivorhen had already fallen asleep, eyes closed.

Briena had returned with the pack and smiled at the sight the two made. "What should I do?"

"I will look for the fur. I am sure that Ivorhen would not mind." Gytha did so. Luckily the fur was lying on the top and she did not need to search for it. She handed it over. It was a soft brown and would be perfect.

"This will make a wonderful toy. I will get started right away. I will just get my kit." Briena hurried from the hall.

Gytha was pleased as she turned to Caric. "It will do Briena good to have something to do." Athlon was doing a lot better but he was still sleeping most of the time and until he woke properly, Briena would not relax totally.

"I agree and I think that was also part of Ivorhen's plan. Our friends understand more than we realise." Caric told her with a grin.

"Is that why they insist on being so awfully stubborn?" Gytha demanded.

"No that is just one quirk. If you think they are bad, wait until you have to treat Thranduil." He had to laugh at that. "He is even worse than Elrond and that is saying something!"

"They are worse than Celeborn? I know that Elrond can be a little… difficult when injured. I have seen it, but never dealt with him, but worse? He argues about everything and will not admit to being in pain."

"Trust me, this is nothing." Caric knew from experience and family stories.

Gytha actually groaned. "I do not wish to have to heal them in that case." Of course, she would, if necessary. There would be no doubt of that.

Caric laughed. They watched as Briena returned, she had even brought stuffing for the toy. They had no doubt that the rabbit would be finished by the time Ivorhen woke next.

"How is it going with the papers?" Now that it was quiet and things had calmed considerably, it was nice to be able to truly catch up with what was happening.

"Very long and hard. Cadeyrn was very clever, more so than I would have thought. The things we are finding are frightening, money being siphoned off, bribes to stop aid coming into Bree. I have a feeling that if we look into his affairs we will find some of the missing money. I would dearly like to speak with his wife." Caric sighed. The things he had found were worrying.

"If he were alive I would make him suffer." Gytha was not jesting and there was anger in her voice.

"Aye, I agree. But alas he is already receiving his dues in the Abyss. We can put this right. It may take some time and things will be hard but we will be a good town again." Caric was determined to make it so.

"You, Caric are going to be the best Mayor that this town has ever known." Gytha was serious. "You will make this town better than it has ever been and we will be behind you every step of the way."

Her words were met with agreement from all those around them. They were all agreed upon this. Caric blushed. How in the world had he inspired such loyalty?

He honestly did not know.

"Thank you, but I am not so sure that I am the right person for Mayor.

"Caric!" Gytha glared at him. "Trust us. You are the best person we could ever have. When Celeborn warned us of the orcs, Cadeyrn did nothing. You and Celeborn saw to the defence of the town. You made the plans that saved us from wrack and ruin and you are now the one that is putting right all that has been damaged. Is that not the mark of a leader?"

"Well… when you put it that way… but what if I get it wrong?" This was his biggest worry.

"You will not, trust me it is not in you. All you have ever done has been in the best interests of Bree. That is all that is asked of you. That is all that will ever be asked of you." Gytha was smiling at him. All through her little speech the others were nodding and sounding their agreements.

"I just hope you are right, Gytha. I would never forgive myself if I did something to harm Bree." Caric could not meet her eyes. He truly felt he was the wrong person for the job.

"Do you think Eirien would let you? Trust me, you will be fine." Gytha knew her friend would be behind her husband with everything she had..

"I will help you all the way, Da. You will be perfect." Wolraven told his father.

"Me too, Da!" Briena looked up from where she was cutting out the outline of the rabbit.

"Thank you. I fear I will need your support."

"Not from what I have seen so far." The voice came from behind them and they turned to see Captain Thunor. He was disheveled, with smudges of soot and blood on his cheek.

"Thunor, come and sit down. Raven, get him some food and drink. You look exhausted." Caric could see just how tired the Captain was.

"Thank you, Lord Mayor…"

That earned him a growl from Caric. "It has always been Caric to you, Thunor, and it always will be."

"Thank you, Caric." He smiled at that. He then sat down with a sigh.

"How is it going?" Caric knew that it would be bad out there after the collapse of the building.

"We have finally cleared it all and recovered all of the bodies. Everything is safe." He sighed. It had not been nice.

"I cannot thank you enough. I just wish I could have been there to help you all." Caric's voice was sincere.

"We all know that, Caric, and there is nothing more you could have done." Thunor knew what the new Mayor would have done to help.

"Tell me what is happening." Caric sat forward.

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

"What is happening?" His own worries forgotten, Elrond sat forward, ignoring the stinging of his wounds.

"Calandor is having a seizure, Ada." Elladan answered as Gailarphen left their side to help.

They were all puzzled. How in the name of the Valar had Legolas known about this? Calandor had been alright. There was no sign of any distress, yet the Prince had known.

That side of the healing wing was in utter chaos. Doroniel looked terrified, with her hands to her mouth. Randis moved to comfort her. There was nothing he could do for Calandor apart from stay clear.

Ladeth and Talagan ran to assist Gailarphen from where they had been tending the other patients.

"He is fitting! I have been worried about this. The tea!" Ladeth ran for the tea while Talagan helped keep Calandor safe on the bed.

Calandor was foaming at the mouth. Randis moved so that Doroniel would be unable to see.

"What is happening?" Elrond asked, becoming more frustrated by the minute because he could not see.

"They are trying to help Calandor, Ada. The seizure is very bad." Elrohir answered.

"They are getting the tea for him." Elladan added.

"His heart." A small voice sounded amid the bedlam.

Eyes turned to face the speaker.

"Legolas?" Gailarphen would not dismiss this. He knew too much that was happening and was actually right.

"Cal's heart hurting." Legolas sounded scared.

Gailarphen reached for a wrist. The pulse was bounding and uneven, missing a beat now and again, like Thranduil's had. Valar, the Prince was right.

"I need some lhaew hûn nestadren salab as a paste and I need it now!" His voice was loud and urgent. "Calming tea, I need them last year!"

Chaos broke loose as Ladeth rushed to follow orders. The heart herb was the first thing she handed over. While she was making the tea, it would be working.

"Give me seizure paste as well." Calandor would be unable to drink the tea with the heart herb paste in his mouth. Thelion had come to help. He made the paste.

Gailarphen rubbed the heart paste into pale gums. This was not good. They would need to give this to Calandor frequently to prevent this again.

Legolas watched with wide scared eyes and tears fell down his cheeks. Glorfindel could not leave him like this.

"Legolas, would you and Fileg like to come outside and sit by the pond for a short while?" Glorfindel was aware of Thranduil's grateful look. He did not want his son to witness this.

"Go with Glorfindel, Ion-nin. Calandor will be alright, I promise."

Legolas looked hesitant and then to their surprise a little peep sounded.

"Fileg would like that. He would like to see the lake." It was said with a worried smile.

"Good, then come with me." Glorfindel very gently lifted Fileg from where he was on the bed beside Legolas and gently placed him in Legolas' arms and then he just as gently lifted the Prince and carried them from the chamber and outside. The last thing Legolas needed was to see this.

Gailarphen rubbed the last of the heart paste into the gums and then accepted the seizure paste. Calandor was already being rolled so that he could reach and he administered the paste as soon as he could. They all waited in tense silence as they waited out the fit.

Finally, Calandor gave one final twitch and lay still. Gailarphen then tested his pulse. The pulse was bounding. He counted it. 120… no wait 127, and that was without the missing beats, too fast and too infrequent. This was not good.

He waited, continuing to count. No one spoke in the chamber, all that could be heard was Doroniel's sobbing.

Finally the pulse began to slow as the herb did its job.

"I would like the calming tea now, saes." His voice was still tense. There was more damage here than they had realised.

Ladeth handed the goblet over silently, worried for the Mirkwood archer.

"Hennad." Talagan helped him to sit Calandor's limp form upright and then held him while Gailarphen fed him the tea.

Once finished, they set him back. Gailarphen turned to Talagan. "Stay with him." He took the pulse once more and sighed with relief, still not good, but much, much better. "I will speak with Thranduil and Doroniel."

Talagan nodded and took his place, knowing it was an honour to be singled out thusly while still a trainee.

Gailarphen rose tiredly. Valar, just when he thought things were getting better. He crossed to Doroniel's side. Once there, he sat on the bed, opposite to Randis.

"Doroniel, he is better. We stopped the fit and his pulse is coming down. I will not lie to you. The lightning strike has damaged his heart."

"I knew it had. He stopped breathing. Will he be alright?" This was an amazing lesson for her. Now she knew how the patient's relatives felt when she dealt with them.

"We can treat him, and yes, he will recover. It will take time and, like you, he will need rest. May I?" He gestured for her hand.

She nodded and held it out, watching as he felt for the artery and counted the pulse. She knew that it was high. She could feel the panicked thumping still.

"I want you to have some of the herb and some calming tea. I do not want to take any chances from this minute on, every four hours, tea and herb, alright?" Gailarphen was already calling for the heart herb paste. More had already been made.

"Yes, I would prefer to be safe. Thranduil?" Doroniel glanced over at the pale and worried King.

"The same, although he is already having it that frequently, due to his attacks. I need to speak with him. Are you alright, Randis?"

"Yes, Gailarphen, just worried." Randis was watching both of his friends having turned his chair.

"I understand. They will all be fine. If you need me, let me know. I will not be leaving the chamber." Gailarphen stood.

Thranduil looked up as Gailarphen crossed to his side. He blinked when Gailarphen asked where Legolas was.

"He went outside with Glorfindel so that he did not have to watch Calandor seizing."

"Good, that is the best thing. He would have been frightened." He sat on Thranduil's bed again, aware that Mithrandir was watching them. "How are you feeling?"

"I am well. How are Cal and Dor?" Thranduil wished that he could have gone to his friends side and helped comfort her. Mithrandir had prevented that, telling him that Gailarphen would not be happy if he did so.

"Calandor is sleeping now. The lightning has caused as much damage to his heart as it did yours. His heart-beat was uneven. I have treated that and it had eased already. Doroniel is panicked, that is normal. Again I am treating her, the same as the pair of you. Better than finding out later that we have missed it." Thranduil looked worried and was about to speak when Gailarphen held up his hand to stop him. "I will be checking Legolas as well."

Thranduil looked relieved. "Hennad."

"That is alright, mellon-nin." He gently picked up Thranduil's wrist. He counted the pulse. It was fast but acceptable. "We will continue to give you the herbs and tea at four hour intervals. I know it is all bitter but it is necessary."

"I do not care about that. I care about being alive to see my son grow." There was surety in Thranduil's voice and all who heard it felt their hearts glow. Perhaps, finally the threat of pellin in the King was over. Perhaps now Mirkwood herself could begin to truly recover.

"Good. That is good to hear. Ah, here is the herb." He took the small slip of paste from Ladeth. "Open and I will rub it in."

Thranduil did as he was told and waited patiently for the healer to rub the bitter herb into his gums. He hated this, hated this weakness. But it would ease. It would get better.

"We did not want Legolas to see Calandor like that. Glorfindel took him outside." He lay back. "They will both be alright?" He looked back over at Doroniel.

He had missed the fact that they had moved the two beds together. This way Doroniel could touch Calandor and reassure herself that he really was alright. This was better; the close contact would help their bond and help both to heal faster than they would otherwise do.

"Yes, they will both be well. I am sure that by the time Celeborn gets here we will all be well enough to accompany you to Fornost." Gailarphen smiled. Of this he was sure, though he would be staying. Nestoron and Faelien had need of him, as did his beloved home.

"Good, Legolas is already looking forward to the wedding and also having an elfling to play with." Thranduil smiled fondly at the memory. He would admit he was as surprised as Faelien and the others when Legolas had known about the laes and then the horses!

"That was rather amazing." The two of them gently laughed as Thranduil sipped the tea he was handed.

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

Glorfindel was keenly aware of the precious package that he carried. Legolas chatted happily as he was carried out of the healing wing. This was the first time since their arrival that he had been outside to see Anor's rays.

Legolas sighed contentedly as the warmth of the sun hit his face and heard the wind in his ears. He closed his eyes and raised his face with a smile.

"Are you enjoying this, Penneth?" Glorfindel smiled at the happy face.

His reply was a peep and he laughed.

"Yes, Glorfy. Very nice. I miss the trees. I touch one?" The blue eyes opened.

"Of course, Caun-nin." He carried Legolas to the nearest trees.

"Las. I called Las."

"Then I will call you Las too. So you want to be an archer? You like archery?" He doubted that the Prince had truly thought that far ahead.

"Yes! I hit target." Legolas sounded proud.

"Can you now, and how far is the target?" He hid his amusement. It was obvious that Legolas was being humoured.

Legolas looked around, seriously. "That beech." He pointed with his splinted hand.

The beech tree was at least a good fifty feet from them. Not even a mid-training novice could reach that far.

"Does your Ada help you hold the bow?" It was a trick that many parents used to encourage their children.

Legolas frowned and looked a little annoyed. That surprised Glorfindel. He did not often get angry, but…

"No, I do."

"You do, all by yourself?" Glorfindel wanted to clarify the situation.

A voice sounded from above, in one of the trees. "Yes, Legolas does it all by himself. He is one of our brightest young archers." Thoronhen had been taking advantage of the calm of Imladris to enjoy the trees when he had overheard the conversation. He had to join in. Legolas did not deserve to be doubted like that.

"He is?" Glorfindel did not seem surprised to see Thoronhen as he leapt down to join them on the ground.

"Yes, he was shooting before he reached the age of sixteen. Legolas is one of the best I have ever seen at such a young age." Thoronhen smiled at the small Prince, who blushed.

"Still miss." He muttered.

"Once. I have only ever seen you miss the target once and that was when your Ada distracted you." Thoronhen was serious, Glorfindel could see that.

"When your arms heal, I would like to see you shoot. Mayhap we could shoot together, practice a little?" Glorfindel asked.

Legolas turned to him with wide astonished eyes, anger all forgotten. "Me?"

"You." It was emphatic. Glorfindel saw Thoronhen nod happily.

"You help me?" Wonder shone from his eyes.

"Yes, Legolas, I will help you with whatever you want, although it sounds as if you do not need that much help. Come, you need to say hello to your friend and Fileg needs to see the pond." Glorfindel needed to speak to Thranduil later. He needed to know how far ahead Legolas was in his training. He wondered what in Arda had persuaded them to train the elfling. He should be having fun…

"Beech happy, he knew we were coming." As they came closer Legolas reached out for the rough bark as Glorfindel sat him close to the trunk.

"That is good, is he happy to be awake?" Glorfindel and Thoronhen stood nearby as Legolas carried out his 'conversation' with the tree.

While he was distracted, they spoke quietly.

Legolas greatly enjoyed the conversation. The tree was happy with the buds that were beginning to grow on its boughs. Birds had begun to make their nests and already there was a family of mice growing in the roots. Legolas was glad for all that.

Chattering sounded from above them and he looked up with a small wince of pain, pleased when the others did not notice. It was a bright red, bushy-tailed squirrel.

/Hello, mellon-nin, are you well/ Legolas watched him with wide eyes.

/I am hungry. It is cold./ Beady black eyes regarded him curiously.

/You have food/ Legolas was worried for the small animal.

/Somewhere… I want to remember. I think it is here…/ The squirrel was confused.

/You like nuts/ Legolas had a sudden idea.

/I love nuts, seeds and things…so much fun finding them… when I can recall where I left them…/

/Wait here a minute/ Legolas begged him. "Glorfy?"

"Yes, Penneth?" Glorfindel looked down and frowned. Legolas looked pale again.

"Do you have some nuts?" Legolas asked him.

Hope filled both Glorfindel and Thoronhen. Legolas was hungry for nuts? "Not with me, but we can get you some. Would you like that?"

"Saes." Legolas beamed at him.

"I will go to the kitchen." Thoronhen ruffled the silken hair before hurrying away.

"Would you like to go to the lake now?" Glorfindel was aware of the duckling.

"Saes." Legolas turned blue eyes back to the squirrel.

/We are going to sit by the lake. If you wait, we will bring you some nuts./

/You will do that for me/

/Yes, I will! I like all of the animals./

/Las is kind to us./ The little voice sounded beside him. Fileg had joined the conversation.

/Las, the Prince that can hear us? That is you/

/Yes it is me. I would help you all, if I could./ Legolas told him.

/You would really do that for me/ The squirrel did not quite believe it.

/Yes. You should stay in the tree./ Legolas smiled. /Fileg, we go to the pond/

/At last, my poor feathers need a good cleaning/ The duckling muttered.

/You may not be able to do that with your poor wing. I am sure that Glorfindel will help you./ Legolas assured him.

"Glorfindel, can we go to the pond now?" Legolas sighed contentedly. He knew his horse was alright. He wanted to see Gwaloth, but he was getting very tired now and once Fileg had bathed, he wanted to see his Ada. He also knew that Calandor was alright now.

"Of course, Legolas. You hold Fileg gently and we will go now. Your friend is alright?" Glorfindel had no doubt that Legolas could talk to the trees. Thranduil could, so it was not beyond the realms of possibility. He himself had been resurrected by the Valar and that should have been impossible. Who was he to say that it could not be done?

"They happy it warmer." Legolas gently cradled Fileg. He could feel the little bird's aching wing. Fileg would need some herbs as much as he did. His leg was hurting, as well as his head.

"Good and it will only get better. Here we are at the pond. Let me sit you down and I will help Fileg. He knows he cannot swim?" He was gentle with Legolas but did not miss the wince. Tea would be in order when they got back, if the pinched look said anything.

"Yes, Fileg knows. Would you help him wash his wing? He cannot do it on his own." Legolas worried for his friend.

"Of course, I would be honoured." Glorfindel lifted the fluffy duckling. Soon he would lose the fuzzy yellow feathers and become grey like the rest of his kind. Glorfindel stopped and blinked.

He was holding a duckling in his hands. He, who was terrified of ducks. When on Arda had that happened? He had not liked ducks and had been… well, he was not now.

"He thanks you. Fileg says that not all ducks are like she was. She was naughty. Did she really bite you?" It was an innocent question.

"Yes, she did, but she did not realise I would not harm her or her family. It was a long time ago." Maybe it was time to let it go?

"Should not have done that." Legolas' voice was soft as he watched Fileg trying to splash with his good wing.

"No, but she was scared. We all do things when we are scared." Glorfindel could see it all so differently now. How strange, that it had taken an elfling Prince and an injured duckling for things to become clear.

"Like running to hide?" Legolas' voice was soft and he would not look up at Glorfindel.

There was something in Legolas' voice that made Glorfindel pause. Pause and consider his options. He did not want to scare Legolas.

"Like running to hide. Have you run to hide? I have, and probably will again." Fileg had stilled to watch Legolas.

"I have. You have?" Legolas would look at neither of them.

"Yes, I have. You would be surprised, Penneth. When did you run?" Glorfindel was careful with what he was saying.

"You?" Big sorrowful eyes looked at him.

"It was after I returned to Middle-earth. I was frightened of fire." He still was to a certain extent. "I was fighting orcs when I saw flame and thought it was a Balrog. I ran. It was your Ada and Elrond, coming to save me."

"I hid." Even with elven hearing, Glorfindel struggled to hear what Legolas said. "Nana told me to hide and stay quiet. I hid in the tree. I should have helped her. I should have stopped them hurting her." Tears ran down the pale cheeks.

"From what I hear, Penneth, you tried and were hurt. Sometimes, the right thing is also the hardest thing to do." Glorfindel knew that of old.

"Not good enough." He sniffed hard and Glorfindel was suddenly worried. Legolas was still recovering from a major head injury and this may not be helping.

"It was more than good enough, Legolas. You are still with us and I, for one, am very glad about that." He pulled Legolas to him and gently hugged him. No wonder Legolas had almost faded, if he still blamed himself for his Naneth's death.

"Nana told me to stay quiet and be brave. How can I be brave when I am so scared of them?" Legolas' voice was hoarse.

"Scared of whom, Legolas?" Glorfindel was suddenly aware that this was possibly the first time that Legolas had spoken about the incident.

"Them, the Monsters. They are so scary." Legolas shuddered in his arms.

Thoronhen hurried back with the promised nuts but stopped when he became aware of the discussion. He sat down nearby. Legolas needed this.

"I know, Penneth, but I promise I will show you that they are not. They are just nasty and mean. Once you realise that, and the fact that they are just ugly, stupid and smelly, it will help." He hoped to get a laugh from Legolas, but to no avail.

"I dream of them. I try not to, but I do."

Glorfindel knew all about nightmares. "I do too." Wide, worried eyes looked into his and he had a sudden idea. "Legolas, could I ask you for some help?"

"Yes." Legolas looked worried once more.

"If I dream, will you wake me? That nasty Balrog still comes for me." Glorfindel admitted.

"He does? Nasty thing. I will help." Determination filled the small voice.

"Good, and I will do the same for you. That way we have no nightmares." Glorfindel sounded smug.

"I like that." A peep. "Fileg likes that."

"Good. Ah, Thoronhen has returned with the nuts for you." Glorfindel smiled.

"Not mine, for the squirrel." Legolas pointed to the squirrel. He had moved nearer to them.

"The squirrel?" Glorfindel laughed. He should have realised that Legolas would care for the animals.

"He hungry. Not remember where he hid his nuts. I said I would get him some." Legolas suddenly yawned.

"Good, we will leave them for him. It is time that I get you back inside. We need to dry Fileg." Glorfindel watched as Thoronhen left the nuts for the furry creature and then gently picked Legolas up. Thoronhen did the same gently for Fileg, who was actually quite dry.

They made their way slowly back into the healing wing. As they did, Legolas snuggled deeper into Glorfindel's arms. This was almost as good as with his Ada... almost.

He almost felt regret when the house closed in around him and yet he also felt a sense of relief. The pain was getting worse in his leg. How he wished he could stand.

"There we are, Las, did you enjoy being outside?" Glorfindel was careful as they entered the open doorway. The last thing he wanted was to knock the fractured leg.

"Yes, hennad. I hoped to see Gwaihir." Legolas was happy now.

"I am sure that you will see him at some point." Glorfindel had to smile. Legolas really did love all of nature.

"I will? I ride?" Legolas' eyes were wide.

"I am sure that one of the Eagles would love to do that for you." He suddenly realised that Legolas was looking over his shoulder at the open doorway, a look of terror on his face. "Legolas?" Silence, but the elfling began to shake in his arms. "Legolas?"

"Monsters. There are Monsters here."

"No, Legolas, there are no monsters here. Imladris is protected, hidden." Glorfindel tried to explain.

"No! Monsters!" Tears welled in Legolas' eyes. He had not looked away from the tree. "Nasty men too."

"Legolas, where are you?" Glorfindel began to suspect Legolas was again hearing something that he could not.

"Birds see them creeping..."

Glorfindel waited for no more. He hurried into the healing wing. He was surprised to see Elrond talking with his sons.

Thranduil looked up as they entered, relieved to see that they were back. He had been worried about them. His smile faltered as he saw the grim set to Glorfindel's face and the way Legolas seemed to be clamped on to him.

He arched an eyebrow as he was handed Legolas and the elfling tried to bury himself against his chest.

"Later." It was a terse single word. Thranduil understood and nodded. He then watched the Balrog Slayer hurry over to their friend.

"Elrond."

"What is wrong, Glorfindel?" Elrond could hear how worried he was.

"Legolas tells me that we have a party of orcs heading this way, men as well."

"Let me see." Elrond relaxed and sent the power of Vilya forth to probe Imladris, the hidden valley under his protection. There was evidence of strain as he raised his head and spoke again. "There is nothing. I can sense nothing out of the ordinary."

Gwaihir spoke from above them as he stuck his head in a window. "That is because the little one was too terrified to give the correct information."

Glorfindel looked up. "What do you mean, Gwaihir?"

"The bird that spoke to Legolas was young and excited. The orcs are not in Imladris. They are yet marching towards us, perhaps a day and a half to the west. Legolas is right, there are men with them."

"That gives us time to prepare and position our defenses." Glorfindel rested a hand on Elrond's shoulder in reassurance. "They will not enter Imladris. If they do, it will only be after my hard-won death." Glorfindel vowed as he rose.

"Take my guards, they will want to help." Thranduil hugged his crying son. Fileg peeped in distress beside him. "Valar, I want to help!"

"No! Ada, get hurt! Baw, saes, no!" Legolas was truly terrified.

"I am going nowhere, Ion-nin. Ú-cared nîr, I am staying with you." Thranduil told the frightened elfling in his arms. "I will never leave you."

"I will gather the men. Hennad, Thranduil. Their aid will help." Glorfindel would not let these invaders get to his home. He left to alert the Imladris soldiers to prepare for battle.

Elladan spoke up. "Ada, we want to go with them. We can help." It had been an unspoken agreement with his twin. They hated orcs with a vengeance. Even though they no longer hunted them, if the orcs were coming to threaten their home, they could not sit idly by.

"I would prefer you stay here. I know you wish to fight, but I need you both here." Elrond's voice was tentative.

"Your Adar needs you beside him. Please, stay for this?" Gailarphen quietly requested.

"No go. Hurt. Please, not go." Legolas sobbed.

It was that which decided the question for them. Elrohir rose and went to the distraught elfling Prince.

"We will stay, Legolas. Sîdh, we will stay." He brushed the rumpled hair. "Are you hurting?" He could see the strain around his eyes.

Legolas nodded then told him seriously through his tears. "And Fileg, he hurts too."

Elrohir reached forward and brushed the tears away. "I will get you something, Penneth."

"Why did you not tell me you were hurting, Las?" Thranduil was worried once more.

"Monsters. Lots of Monsters." Legolas shivered and tried to hide in his father's shoulder.

Thranduil wrapped his arms protectively around his son. "They are not here, Penneth. I will not let them get you." He understood Legolas' fear, after all that had happened.

"They coming." The little voice quivered.

"They will not." Glorfindel had come back to the ward, after alerting the Gon on duty to muster the soldiers together. "Remember what I said about them being smelly and stupid?"

Legolas nodded.

"This just proves how stupid they are. They are heading for a heavily guarded area and we have had warning from you and Gwaihir. If they attack, they will be stopped." Glorfindel was confident of that.

"You run?" Legolas' voice was soft.

Thranduil was confused, but Glorfindel knew what he was saying.

"No Legolas I will not run. I will stay at your side." Glorfindel made it a solemn promise.

"Good, Ro?" Legolas turned to the younger twin.

"We will stay with you, Legolas. Have no fear." They would be here, if by some unlikely chance the orcs got here. "Have this tea, it will help. If Fileg will let me, I will give him some as well."

Fileg peeped, then waddled to the young ellon. As Legolas took his tea, so did Fileg.

"He is cute." Elrohir gently brushed the fuzzy feathers. Beneath the yellow, grey feathers were forming. He would not be a little duckling for long.

"He likes you." Legolas sniffled, relieved now that he knew his friends and, most importantly, Ada would be staying with him, not going off to face the Monsters.

"He does? Why is that?" Elrohir was surprised.

"You are kind and gentle. He likes his feathers stroked." Thranduil gently wiped the tears from Legolas' face, pleased that Legolas had not realised that some of his friends would be going along with the Imladris army.

Elrohir smiled down at Legolas as he yawned. "I am? That is good to hear, I do try. Do you feel better now?" He had added a sleeping herb to the tea for Legolas' pain. He was, after all, still healing and had a little too much excitement recently.

"Yes." Another yawn surprised Legolas. Fileg had settled and was already asleep, his head tucked under his good wing.

"Why not sleep and when you wake up, we can have something nice to eat, if you would like?" Elrohir asked.

"No soup?" Legolas sounded wary.

"No soup, if you wish it." He could understand the elfling's frustration at just having soup to eat. It was so good to hear him wishing for more than that.

"No!" Legolas was adamant despite his tiredness and enclosing darkness.

"I will make it so!" Elrohir teased him. "Sleep, Penneth. Fileg is."

Legolas glanced at the bird and he was indeed fast asleep. He yawned again.

"I sleep." He snuggled further into his father's side and sighed with relief as his pain eased. Soon he stilled, obviously asleep.

"He is wonderful." Elrohir's voice was soft. "I always wanted a younger brother and Legolas fits that perfectly. I am honoured to know him."

"Yes, he is very special. He loves you and Elladan. When we returned last time to Mirkwood, you were all he would gabble about." Legolas had been too young to really be able to hold a true conversation. All he could say was 'Dan and Ro', or 'Wen'.

"We missed you both greatly. It was too quiet without elfling giggles. I doubt we will hear them again in the Last Homely House, not for a long time yet." He felt so very protective towards Legolas.

"Who knows what the morrow will bring? One can never tell." Thranduil told him sagely.

"But Nana has sailed!" His heart hurt at the thought. He was also a little shocked.

"Yes, but there are other circumstances that can bring a child into your life. Is Legolas a brother by blood?" Thranduil hugged his only son.

"No, but it does not matter…" Elrohir told him. "Oh, I see what you mean. I understand now."

"Good, the Valar seem to have their own plans for our lives. We cannot always guess what they are." Legolas was an example of that, special and wonderful.

"I am glad of that." He stroked Legolas' hair once more. "I should get back to Ada. He is…"

As he spoke, Elrohir stood and took one step away from the bed but then fell to the floor, his eyes wide and staring.

"Elrohir!" Thranduil could not move with Legolas on his lap like he was and he had been told in no uncertain terms not to move without assistance. Gailarphen was taking no chances.

Gailarphen rushed to Elrohir's side. "He is having another vision."

Talagon rushed to help him lift Elrohir onto a bed. As before, they could only wait out the vision.

Thranduil was glad that Legolas was not awake to see this.

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

/Elrohir was in the healing wing. He could see Elladan asleep in the chair near Ada's bed. Arwen was again absent from the healing ward. Glorfindel slept on one of the beds next to Thranduil and Legolas. He was turned towards them so that, if needed, he could get up right away.

Elrond sat upright in the bed, talking quietly to Gailarphen. As he watched, the healer began to unwind the bandages binding Ada's eyes. He moved forward to speak. Ada should not be alone at a time like this.

/Ada…/ They took no notice of him and he stopped. It suddenly dawned on him that he was having another vision.

A deep, gentle voice spoke to him and him alone.

/The time for need has ended. His visions will return as before and yours will end. The visions were necessary to be seen and heeded. We regret your distress but very proud of you. You will have no more, for the rightful seer returns to strength and another finds the gift. We thank you, Elrohir Elrondion. One day we will do so in person./

The voice faded. As he watched, the bandages finally were removed and Ada's eyes were washed.

Gailarphen spoke. /Open them now, Elrond, and tell me what you can see./

Elrohir heard Ada's breath hitch as he opened his eyes. Would his fears be fulfilled?

For a long time there was no reaction, nothing.

/Elrond/ Uncertainty tinged Gailarphen's voice with anxiety.

The silence lengthened.

"I can see. Not properly and it is very blurred, but I can see/ Elrond's face lit with a joy to rival Anor in its splendor.

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

The younger twin groaned from the bed as his body lost the rigidity of the vision trance. "Elrohir are you alright?" Gailarphen had prepared the Miruvor and sweetened tea.

Elladan was suddenly quite glad that it had been decided they would stay in Imladris. If this had happened in front of the orcs or during the battle… "Ro? Muindor-nin, are you alright? Please, be alright."

A bleary grey eye opened a slit then closed again with another groan.

"Ro?" Elladan was truly scared. Even Adar had been frightened at Thranduil's panicked cry.

Elrohir gave a mumbled response. "M'alright… headache." He was not telling the whole truth, his skull felt like it had a dwarf beating on it with a really big hammer. His whole body ached again.

"I will make you something for it." Talagon hurried away.

"What did you see?" Gailarphen asked right away.

"I am not sure. It was the oddest thing I have ever seen. I think I would prefer to wait, to see if it happens." Elrohir admitted. The last thing he wanted was to get everyone's hopes too high, only to have them dashed again, especially Ada's.

"It was nothing major or worrying?" Elladan asked.

"No, when it happens, Dan, I will tell you." Elrohir spoke softly, with closed eyes.

"Elrohir is well?" Thranduil had been quite worried, seeing his son's friend collapse like that. Oh, he had seen it with both Elrond and Galadriel, but to see it happen to one so young had been startling, to say the least

Elrohir answered. "Yes, I am well Aran Thranduil."

"He will be once he drinks this." Gailarphen handed Elrohir the goblet of miruvor.

"I will let Ada know that you are alright." Elladan knew that Elrond was worried about Elrohir and that his anxiety was only compounded because he could not see what was going on.

Elrohir took the drink and sipped it.

"Where is Bremoline?" Thranduil suddenly realised that he had not seen his friend and captain for some time.

Gailarphen could have groaned. He would ask now! "I made him sleep."

"For two days!" Thranduil was aghast.

"Neither he nor Eirien would rest. They needed the rest after the trial of the journey. I had no choice." Gailarphen admitted.

"Eirien? You drugged Eirien?" Thranduil's eyes were wide with a mixture of admiration and shock. "Have you lost your mind!" There were sniggers from others around the chamber, even Elrond.

"She would not rest. She fussed over Legolas constantly. Arwen was ready to have words with her. I think that given half a chance she would have killed Irfan for some of the things he had a hand in." Gailarphen's voice was grim. When Glorfindel had told them of her little discussion in Irfan's room…

"She will be very mad at you." It was a simple statement. "So will Brem…"

"I am here, Thranduil. What has happened?" Bremoline hurried through the chamber. "Lathron said there was some sort of trouble with orcs." He hurried to his King's side before skidding to a halt in shock as he saw his Prince. "Legolas?"

Bremoline certainly looked much better He was no longer grey with exhaustion. He had colour in his cheeks and his eyes were bright. He had bathed and wore fresh clothes as well.

Thranduil smiled brightly. "He is much better, mellon-nin. He has even been awake and outside to see the trees. He even gathered news of the orcs that are heading this way."

"Your Home Guard will be ready. Thoronhen is gathering them now."

"I knew you would say that. You face the orcs daily and can be of great help with preparations." Thranduil knew that his friend was one of the best strategists available.

"It would be a pleasure. They will not get to you."

"I know, mellon-nin."

"How is Elrond?"

"Still blind. I fear he despairs over it, but he is putting on a brave face."

"I am sorry to hear that. He does look better though, stronger."

"It is a relief that we are all finally beginning to heal. We may look something like normal when Celeborn arrives!" Thranduil smiled.

"Yes we have…

"Gailarphen where are you!" The feminine voice was loud and angry.

They looked at each other and spoke together. "Eirien."

Gailarphen was stern as he stepped to meet her near the doorway. "I am here, Eirien. I would ask you to lower your voice. This is a healing ward and my patients must not be disturbed."

"You drugged me!" Eirien shook her finger at the tall, dark-haired healer.

"You needed it." Gailarphen was not moved nor worried by Eirien's admonition, not when he got a good look at her.

This was the Eirien he knew of old, eyes sparkling with vitality. She had a warm glow to her skin and no longer had black smudges under her eyes.

"That is no excuse to go around drugging decent people!" She had her hands on her hips and her eyes flared with anger.

"Is that why you do it?" He smiled amiably.

"It is not right, doing that to…" She stopped and blinked at him, the wind well and truly taken out of her sails. "What did you say?"

"You do it. I have witnessed it." He had to hide an even wider smile as Thranduil snickered under his breath.

"But, that was different, Caric was…"

Gailarphen nodded sagely. "He was exhausted and out on his feet. He also would not accept the fact. Sounds rather familiar, do you not think?" His smile was really wide now.

Eirien had the grace to blush almost as red as her hair. What could she say? He was right. He had been there at the time. Caric had been exhausted after working three days with no rest, alone on the gates at Bree and had fallen victim to the illness that had been going around the town. The stubborn mule would not accept that he needed rest, needed to sleep.

The illness in Bree had been so bad that Elrond had gone to help when he heard of it. Gailarphen had gone with him.

Eirien had just helped Caric along a little by adding a few sleeping herbs to his ale when he was not looking. She knew that he liked to drink the ale slowly as he ate his meal so she knew he would just have finished it when she was ready for him.

True to form, by the end of the meal he was well ready for his bed. It had taken weeks for him to recover from the illness.

But Gailarphen was right, she could not talk. She was as guilty as he.

"I will forgive you…" Thranduil did laugh this time. "…this time, but if you do this again I will have your hide! Two days, two whole days wasted sleeping when I have things that I need to be doing." Her face darkened at the thought of one of them.

It brightened though when she saw Legolas, the way he was snuggled against his Ada. "Oh, the poor dear."

Gailarphen had to smile at that. Eirien was off and running, like a horse fresh from winter stabling! Nothing about their friend would ever change. She would always be a mother first, beneath the mantles of warrior and wife.

"He looks so much better." Eirien beamed at Thranduil as she brushed the blond hair away from the child's pale face.

"He is finally beginning to recover. He is no longer having nightmares and he slept the night through. I cannot say what a relief that is." Thranduil was grateful.

"I am glad, it is time he recovered. I know of one little girl in Bree who will love him to pieces." Eirien had no doubt whom Briena would choose to hold her flowers at the wedding. She just hoped that Athlon would be alive to see the day. She was so worried about them all.

"Oh? I do not think we have met in that case." Thranduil could see her worry and tried to keep her occupied.

"Her name is Tiera. She is one of the most delightful children I think I have ever met. She is four and so adorable. I think Briena would take her into her own family if given the chance!" Eirien's smile was a little watery.

"I am sure that they are all well and recovering much as the others." He glanced over at Elrond, who lay wearily back against the pillows that covered the bed. His burns did look better, he looked stronger.

"Where is Elrohir?" Eirien suddenly realised that the younger twin was not there. She had grown fond of both of them during their urgent ride to Imladris.

"He had a vision and I think he is… yes, he is sleeping there." Thranduil indicated a bed further into the ward. Gailarphen had finished feeding Elrohir the miruvor and tea. Sleep was the best thing now.

"So young to be going through this, all of you." Eirien sniffed. "I will be back, I need to see Elrond."

She did not wait for an answer, just sailed forth. Thranduil could only shake his head as Gailarphen moved near him so that he could begin to form a plan on how to deal with Legolas and the orcs. Glorfindel soon joined them.

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

Morning dawned wet and misty with a chill in the air. There was a strange atmosphere to the forest. Silence lay like a thick blanket and not even the birds seemed to have left the safe havens they had found the night before. The world was waiting and tense.

Slim elusive figures slipped silently through and beneath the trees. If you blinked they were gone, they were that quick.

The Great Eagles had reported the approach of the incoming army. Their defenses were prepared and all the elven patrols now had to do was get into place and wait.

The figures that slipped through the trees were the Mirkwood Home Guard, more at home among the branches than the Imladris soldiers. They could move with a silent swiftness that even the Imladris elves had to admire. They could all move silently, but nowhere near the level that their woodland cousins did.

Bremoline was placed in charge of the army, chosen because of his extensive experience leading the Mirkwood elves against the fell creatures of his home.

Euronon, second in command, led the Imladris soldiers. Captain Ivorhen would normally have taken the lead, but he was currently not there. Thoronhen was in charge of the Mirkwood group. The Lothlorien elves joined them.

The group consisted primarily of those who had been together on the journey from the cave. They had learned mutual respect, therefore worked well together.

Silent gestures from Bremoline showed where he wanted the elves placed. They did as they had been bidden with quiet determination.

They were positioned just outside the Imladris border and were soon well concealed. The orcs were in for a great surprise. Imladris would not let them past the borders.

Silence fell as the elves blended into the surrounding area and all grew calm again. No one would know they were there since even the few creatures accepted their presence.

Back in Imladris, Elrond was ready to reach out with Vilya. He was determined to keep these abominations away from his home. He was ready and able, after a night drugged to make him sleep

Morning turned to midday. As Anor reached her zenith, Elrond sensed the first tingle of alarm from Vilya's protective power that cloaked Imladris.

"They are here." His voice was hard. Although he had abandoned warrior ways in favor of the healing gift, his hand itched to reach to his side for Hadafang, although he knew that his blade was not there and he was in no fit state to use a sword yet.

The chamber went silent and Legolas whispered fearfully.

"Ada, the trees are scared!"

"I know, Las, I feel it too, but I am here to protect you. Look, see Glorfindel and your friends are here as well." He tried to soothe his son.

He looked up into Gailarphen's eyes. He hated doing this to Legolas but perhaps it was the best thing. His eyes begged his friend silently.

Gailarphen nodded and he crossed to speak softly to Legolas. "Are you in pain, penneth? You look pale."

Legolas looked up with wide, terrified eyes. "Monsters. They want to hurt us."

"They will not. We will make sure of that. We must make sure that you are not hurting." He reached out to brush the blond hair from the blessedly cool forehead. "And you are hurting are you not?"

"A little." The voice was small. A peep alerted them to Fileg. "Fileg hurts too."

It seemed to the healer that the Prince was more worried about the small duckling's pain than he was about his own.

"I will make sure that he has something for it." At hearing about the Prince's pain, Eirien hurried over from where she had been urging Faelien to eat.

"Legolas is not feeling well?" She was concerned and moved next to the small elfling.

"Would you like to come get a hug and give your poor Ada a break from holding you?" Thranduil had not let Legolas go since he had returned from outside the day before.

Legolas peered at her with intense seriousness. He loved being with his Ada, but he did miss Nana so much… perhaps… He nodded.

Gailarphen smiled at that, he could just imagine what was going through the Prince's mind. There was nothing like a hug from a mother, or even a substitute mother.

"I will help you, Legolas, if Eirien will sit down. I am sure that your Ada could enjoy a chance to stand by the bed and even have a good long stretch?" That would do Thranduil some good.

"I would like that." Thranduil admitted.

"Look after Fileg?" Luckily, Legolas seemed to have forgotten that Monsters were around.

"I will look after Fileg for you." Thranduil nodded seriously.

With that assurance, Legolas let himself be lifted and carried over to Eirien, who sat in the chair beside Thranduil's bed.

She held out her arms and Legolas settled onto her lap. Her arms were warm and so inviting. So much like his Nana, yet with a different smell.

Gailarphen made the tea for Legolas, slipping in the herbs that would help him sleep, just as Thranduil had silently asked.

He handed Eirien the tea and then went to help Thranduil stand.

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

Bremoline felt the change in the forest as soon as the trees did. He could not hear them clearly like Thranduil or Legolas, but like all Wood elves he had an affinity with them.

The thrum of fear and anger that spread through the woods was warning enough and he announced in a bare whisper. "They are here."

Immediately the elves were on heightened alert.

Silence fell. Very soon, they heard the slow, heavy tramping of orc feet and the rhythmic crunch of human marching. They could never be quiet. They could be heard even across the Bruinen.

Bremoline shook his head. This was meant to be stealthy? They may as well blow horns to announce they are coming.

They waited until the invaders were well into their trap. They would be surrounded the moment they set foot in the River Brunen. Elrond had assured them of that.

"I wan' elf meat!" The voice was harsh, yet whining.

"There will be plenty of elves. The Master said that they would be around here. Cross the Bruinen, said he, and you will find a mighty village." It was the voice of a Southron soldier.

"Good, I'm 'ungry." There was an orcish mumble of agreement.

"You can have the elves, we will have the gold. Imagine houses made of gold and filled with jewels. Our families will never suffer or want again, food for their bellies and clothes for their backs, what more do we need?" The human voice sounded again.

Bremoline exchanged a look with Euronon. This is what was being told to the Edain and orcs? This falsehood could not be allowed to continue.

A rumble sounded. Euronon had heard its like before. The invaders had stepped into the Bruinen and had alerted the river's defences.

"What is that?" Bremoline asked.

"The river can distinguish between friend and foe. It is preparing an attack as well." Euronon grinned. "They stand no chance, really."

Bremoline nodded and then looked forward. The coming army was large, but nothing they could not handle between them.

"Wat was dat?" An orc asked.

"Nothing, it is gone. Come on, get your rabble to the other side. We must set up a camp to come back to." This was obviously the leader.

"I wan' da elves!" Again it was an orcish whine.

"You will get the damned elves, but first we have to set up camp. Or must I tell the Master that you can't control your own men?" Anger was clear in the human voice.

"I's jus' 'ungry."

"Quit your whining and get your men to…" An unexpected echoing roar stopped the tirade. They had nearly reached the far bank of the river and some of them were about to set foot on Imladris soil.

Bremoline readied his sword.

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

Elrond felt the familiar tingle as he used Vilya. He sensed the river's anger at the trespass that was being made upon it. Luckily, knowing what would happen, those who could be were moved from the healing ward. Those left behind were sleeping. The junior healers had been given instructions to stay out unless otherwise directed.

The light of Vilya filled the chamber as she rose in protection of her Master's Home.

Behind his fresh bandages, Elrond's eyes were closed. Sweat beaded his forehead as he concentrated. Arwen, Elladan and Elrohir were by his side in support and nothing on Middle-earth would shift them.

Thranduil observed all this while he held Legolas in his arms. He often felt jealous of Elrond for having this tool. Imagine what his home could be like with a Ring of Power? There would be no fell creatures, no dark animals and trees. It would be safe to walk the forest, safer than it had been for almost three millennia. But then he saw the toll the ring took when it was used and he thought that they were much better fighting for their home his way.

This way he could hold his head up. All the progress they made in Mirkwood was through their own efforts and nothing else.

Elrond muttered under his breath summoning the river to protect Imladris. It would attack the invading army of orcs and men that approached the hidden valley.

"Nin o Chithaeglir lasto beth beleg; Rimmo nin Bruinen dan in coth!

Nin o Chithaeglir lasto beth daer; Berio nin Bruinen dan in hoth!"

("Waters of the Misty Mountains listen to the mighty word; flow waters of Loudwater against the enemy!

Waters of the Misty Mountains listen to the great word; protect waters of Loudwater against the horde!")

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

The roar grew louder. Bremoline was puzzled, even as he felt the rumble under his feet. It sounded like a mixture of the rushing of water and neighing of horses. How could this be?

Most of the orcs and men stood in the middle of the river ford and began to panic at the noise. They did not know where it came from.

Bremoline made to rise. He needed to know what was going on.

"Wait, Captain." Again, the same knowing smile was on Euronon's face.

Bremoline trusted him and settled to watch.

He did not have long to wait. The roaring and neighing soon reached a thundering crescendo and even the Southron invaders began to look worried.

Then, to Captain Bremoline's absolute shock and amazement, from around the bend in the River Bruinen above the ford came a roaring, surging wall of water.

This was no ordinary surge and it was not ordinary water or at least Bremoline did not think it was. This was unlike anything that he had ever seen before in his long-lived life.

For mixed with the foam and the surge were the huge forms of horses. Beautiful white horses that rose and struck out at the orcs and humans who dared invade their home. Their bodies were tumbled and submerged in the roiling flood, washed rapidly down the river.

Great shouts and cries of pain and panic rent the air, interspersed with the twang of bows and whoosh of arrows that cut down any invaders that tried to flee the seething water.

Soon all that was left were the bodies of the fallen orcs and humans. Not one elf had even so much as a scratch.

Euronon turned to Bremoline. "Imladris is greatly protected."

"I could wish that we had such protection. I would not lose so many of my men and friends." Bremoline could not help but feel a little bitter.

"I wish I could help you with that, mellon-nin, I really do. Twarlann, make sure they are dead, and then burn the bodies. The last thing we need is carrion to cause more problems." Euronon knew all too well that a hungry pack of wolves could be as vicious as the wargs.

Twarlann saluted. "Of course." He took other elves with him to make sure that their enemies were truly no longer a threat.

Bremoline was still shocked at what he had witnessed. What could have caused that? How? With many questions, he turned to the Imladris soldier beside him.

"Do not ask, for I could not answer. All I know is that we are protected, but by what, or whom?" Euronon shrugged.

Bremoline nodded, all the Realms had secrets. He knew that all too well. Thranduil had his Gates to keep the creeping Darkness out of their home and the Enchanted River that ran through their forest. Yes, he could understand their secrets and admire them for keeping them.

"I understand. That was a shorter battle than I expected. Can you believe, they were told that our homes were made of gold and jewels?" He could only shake his head.

"It is a common enough thought. Many Edain think the same." Euronon shrugged. He had heard the same thing said frequently.

"But, still…" The rancid smell of burning orc flesh filled Bremoline's nostrils.

"Come, we can return. I will leave a small group to finish the work here. You need to get back to Aran Thranduil and discuss this situation." Euronon had no doubt of that, after what he had heard.

"Aye, both he and Hir Elrond will want to know the outcome of this. The plan worked wonderfully." Bremoline was gratified at how his plan had worked out. He just wished that he had known about the river.

"Your plan worked perfectly, mellon-nin. I do not think that Hir Glorfindel could have done so well." Euronon told him as they began to walk back through the forest with the Mirkwood elves and some of Euronon's Imladris guards.

They no longer had need of stealth and for once Bremoline really enjoyed the walk.

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

Elrond sank back in the bed. Exhaustion poured from him in waves. This had taken more out of him than he had expected.

"It is done. Imladris is safe." Even his voice sounded weary.

"It is over, and the orcs?" Thranduil wanted Legolas to feel safe, to know that he was able to relax and recover fully.

"Yes, all dead. The River got most of them. What few were left died swiftly. There were no injuries and no deaths on our side."

"Good, now I think you should sleep." Thranduil told him.

"Who made you a healer?" Elrond could not help but ask.

"I did, I set him to watch over you!" Gailarphen told him. "He is also quite right in his first diagnosis."

"I know. I am tired now." Elrond yawned.

Elladan and Elrohir moved to close and take the screens away while Arwen made sure Ada was comfortable. Elladan expected that Eirien would soon be rushing in to make sure that Ada and Legolas were alright.

She had taken to mothering them all.

"It is time for you to have some paste, Thranduil, and some tea once that has finished and then I need to check on Nestoron. He should be waking up and I want to see to the progress of his legs. Hopefully there will be more progress. The sooner we can begin to move his legs the happier I will be." Gailarphen sighed. They needed to get him moving the sooner the better, or his muscles would atrophy.

"You think the progress will be good?" Thranduil looked over to where Nestoron slept. Faelien was asleep by his side. She was exhausted. The babe drained some of the vitality from her at this crucial time.

"Aye, I do, the way his toe moved the last time we checked was most encouraging." Gailarphen was ready with the heart-herb to give him and Thranduil opened his mouth obediently.

Once finished, he grimaced and then said quietly. "And with Elrond's eyes?"

"I am uncertain, I will admit. I would have expected some sort of recovery by now. I begin to fear that his worries are valid, that he will never truly recover from this." He kept his voice low so that neither Elrond nor the twins could hear. This was not the way to tell them.

"He will sail." There was deep sadness in Thranduil's voice.

"Probably, yes. I believe that Elladan is strong enough to carry the burden as Hir of Imladris. He does have Elrohir at his side to support him and us to help. But let us not have the horses jump too high before their turn. Time will tell."

Talagon opened the chamber doors to allow the others in. The first through, rather predictably, was Eirien and she headed straight for Elrond, glancing at Legolas as she passed.

Seeing the Elfling asleep she descended upon the Lord of Imladris.

"What have you been doing to make yourself so exhausted?" She turned to Elladan and Elrohir. "How could you let him get like this?"

They could only glance at each other in confusion. What had they done other than support their Ada?

"He is too weak to go around doing silly things. Get some hot water. He needs a bath!" She was already rolling up her sleeves.

Glorfindel choked on the wine he had been given. Arwen gaped.

"No!" It was a cry of panic from Elrond.

"Nonsense, Elrond. A good wash will make you feel much better." She was sure of that. It helped with Caric.

Elladan exchanged wide-eyed looks with Elrohir and turned rather ineffectually to their father for guidance. It was an appeal that Elrond could not see to give help with.

Arwen found her voice at last. "You cannot be serious. You cannot do that to Ada!"

Luckily, Gailarphen saw what was happening. He came to Arwen's side, soothing her temper with a cautionary hand on her shoulder and a smile.

"I would advise strongly against bathing Elrond. He has paste upon his burns that I would prefer were left as they are." His voice was gentle but firm.

"I see. I did not think of that. Very well. How about some food? A good broth would help Elrond greatly I am sure." There was purpose in her voice once more.

Elrond protested. "I just want something for this headache and then to sleep. I promise I will eat later. I am just too tired now, Eirien."

"Then you must sleep." There was conviction in her voice and she hurried to his side. "Help me sit your Father up so that you can see to his pillows, we must make him comfortable."

At Gailarphen's nod the brothers rose and gently lifted Elrond upright. Eirien quickly changed the outer cases of the pillows and plumped them so that they were just as she wanted them.

They set him back gently, making sure not to bump the burns.

"Is that better, Ada?" Elrohir had noticed the wince his father had given.

"Much better, Ion-nin. Hennad." Elrond reassured them and then yawned.

"Shh, you are keeping him awake!" Eirien hissed at them.

Gailarphen hid his grin and said with great dignity. "I will make Elrond a tea. It will help him sleep."

"Just a mild one." He could tell by the look on his friend's face that he was too exhausted to really need anything more than a minor helping hand. "Mint tea I think, with some lavender oil on the pillow."

He walked away with intent, mumbling under his breath.

Arwen gently patted her father's hand. "I will get you some water, Ada."

"Hennad." Elrond rested his head back against the cool pillows. They did feel nice, but really, a bath? Anyone would think he was filthy! "Elladan?"

"Yes, Ada?"

"There are no injuries in the returning party. Make sure there are provisions? I do not think we need fear more orc incursions. This was larger than expected."

"Of course, Ada." Elladan hurried from the chamber.

Gailarphen returned quickly. "Here you are, Elrond. Drink this, and then sleep. It will do you a lot of good. All is well in Imladris. The injured are healing, as are you. So rest and return to health." He handed the goblet over.

Elrond took it and, with Eirien's un-needed help, drank the tea.

With Eirien fussing over him as if he were an elfling, she settled him down. Glorfindel found this most amusing and stored this for future reference when he needed a little 'blackmail' material.

Elrond was so weary that it did not take him long to slip off to sleep. Satisfied, Eirien moved to make sure that Legolas really was alright and asleep

Maybe she could bathe him later…

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

Once the initial stress and shock of what happened to their step-mother had worn off, Galadriel felt it was time to leave the girls to a little privacy with their father.

Orophin was asleep. Already his bruises were fading quickly, barely noticeable now. Another day and he would be up and about and none the worse for his adventure.

"Bainen, I think it is time that we saw Tarlanc." Galadriel spoke with determination, ignoring Banwen's groan. The Lady had hoped her friend had forgotten all about this nonsense.

"I think you are right, it is time." Bainen agreed. Ignoring his adoring wife's glare, he stood. "Garrick, would you join us?" The newly-made Captain of the Fornost Home Guard nodded.

Galadriel rose with grace and moved beside them. "Magorion, will you join us? This could prove interesting." There was cold certainty in her voice and Banwen looked surprised at the cold tone.

"Indeed, Híril Galadriel. If you would excuse me, Híril Banwen?" He gave a small bow to Fornost's Lady.

"Of course, child." She gave him a wide smile that turned worried. "Actually I think I should come with you. I would like to hear his excuses for myself."

"Banwen." Lord Bainen's voice held warning.

"It is my right. I was one of those targeted, and after all I tried to..." she sniffled, her eyes filled with tears.

Bainen felt guilty. His wife rarely cried but when she did it tore at his heart. He pulled her into a hug. "I know and you are right."

With a sigh he turned to Garrick. "Have him brought to my study. Double the guards if you feel it necessary."

"Of course." Captain Garrick bowed and left.

"Galadriel, Magorion, would you come with us?" Bainen looked at them over Banwen's head.

"Of course." Galadriel bent and kissed Orophin's forehead before following them from the chamber.

Bainen's study was large and bright. The furnishings were of dark wood and gleamed with polish. The wall hangings and curtains were in bright colours. A fire roared in the large hearth before them.

He ushered then all to the desk and arranged them in chairs facing the door. Fyne had already left to arrange refreshments for his Lord and Lady and their guests.

Rather than sit, Magorion stood behind Lady Galadriel. He felt better like that, more protective. Not that she needed his protection. He had seen her fight before. It just felt right.

They waited in tense silence until the two elves sat or stood even more upright than they had been, if that was possible.

Bainen noticed this and sat upright as well. The chamber door opened seconds later to reveal a much disheveled Tarlanc, surrounded by guards.

They practically marched him into the centre of the room and made him stand. No chair was provided.

Tarlanc actually appeared surprised when he realised that Bainen was not alone in the chamber.

"You had to bring the filthy elves." He sneered.

Magorion arched his eyebrows. Galadriel just smiled serenely.

"You will be quiet unless you are spoken to." Bainen's voice was hard. "Bring him forward."

They moved the prisoner to the front of the desk before flanking him at both sides and behind. Garrick moved to stand behind his Lord. All the guards had their hands on their weapons, not that Tarlanc could do much. His hands were tied tightly behind his back.

He looked pale, with rings under his eyes. A bruise shadowed his jaw line. Blood had run from a cut in his hair line, now dried and flaking. His dark hair was tangled. He looked a rather sorry sight.

"Tarlanc, you have been brought before me under the gravest of charges. How do you explain them?" Bainen thought it only proper that he give the lad a fair chance before condemning him.

"What exactly are the charges? They have not been fully explained to me." He sounded haughty. He had already decided overnight that the best way to deal with this was to pretend this was his father and bluff. He slouched in a careless pose.

"That is very easily put to rights." Bainen was not his father. He would not stand for this one bit. "Stand up straight!" He barked.

Tarlanc actually jumped and he was not the only one. Banwen actually squeaked. It was not often her husband raised his voice. Tarlanc unconsciously straightened and stared ahead.

"Tarlanc, son of Malthenel, the charges brought before you are these: That you have conspired to endanger the people of Fornost, that you have collaborated with our enemy to carry out vicious actions against us, that you are implicated in the murder of many of our friends and family members. You have also tried to break down an alliance by beating and leaving for dead a guest of this town who has come to give us aid." Anger filled his voice. "But by far the worse charges, that you arranged for the murder of your step-mother and her parents and also the attempted murder of my wife and your Lady. How do you plead and what do you say about these charges?"

At one point in the litany, Tarlanc actually swallowed thickly but wore a smug smile at the end.

"What proof do you have that I have done all this? What evidence? Which 'guest'." He spat the word out. "Was I meant to have tried to murder?" As far as he knew, they had no proof. This was all pathetic, as pathetic as his father.

"We have more proof than we need." Bainen stopped as one of Garrick's men came to the door. Garrick bent to speak with his Lord and then left the room at his nod.

Galadriel observed all with keen eyes. She had yet to look away from Tarlanc, not that he seemed to notice. "Garrick and Magorion here." Bainen gestured to the standing elf. "Saw you with the orcs."

"Can they prove it?" It was snide. Tarlanc dared to smile at Lord Bainen.

"Actually yes, the only reason there was little damage and none hurt last night was due to the information that they brought back."

"Why do you hate the elves so much?" Galadriel's soft voice filled the charged air with an unexpected question.

"Hate you? I don't hate you!" He fairly spat at her. "I loath all there is about you. You are evil, with your pointed ears and innocent looks. I know what you are. You are waiting for us to relax and give everything to you and then you will attack!" He looked wild and the guards moved closer to him, in case he tried to attack.

Galadriel's serene calm did not shatter. She stood and seemed to glide across the floor to him.

She looked to the guard behind him. "Release his hands."

"Galadriel, no!" There was fear in Banwen's voice. Tarlanc sniggered.

"Remove his bonds. I wish to speak with him." There was pure power and command in her voice.

The guard looked to his Lord and Bainen nodded. The guard did as he was told.

As soon as his hands were freed, Tarlanc rubbed them with glee. This was getting better and better. He could make it to the window and nothing could stop him...

"Planning to use the window, like the coward you are?" Galadriel asked softly.

"I am no coward, Devil!" Tarlanc sneered, cut by the words.

"No coward? Only a coward would attempt such a foolhardy venture when there are guards outside as well as in. Only a coward would hide behind such foul creatures as orcs to be rid of those he felt threatened by. You do feel threatened, do you not?" Her voice was hard, not soft as it normally was.

"Why would I feel threatened by one such as you?" He sneered at her once again.

"But you do. More than you will admit to yourself. I think somewhere in your past you were told false tales about the Eldar and how evil they are. I think that has grown in your mind, grown and overtaken it until you hate all about us. But, it is more than that." She went from angry to thoughtful.

Tarlanc was not sure what he hated the most. At last, someone in this godforsaken town was standing up to him rather than giving in!

"And what would that be, elf?" The haughty tone had returned. He looked at her with pure hate in his eyes.

"You feel that you have been treated wrongly by one of your parents." She gazed at him unblinkingly.

That made him blink. How did she know these things? He had never met her before. "What do you know, Witch!" He snarled as a thrill of fear went through him.

To those watching, she seemed like a sea of tranquility in front of the raging of his storm, so thin and delicate before his burly muscle. The contrast was awe-inspiring.

"I have been called that and more by people much greater than you, Tarlanc. You have no power over me. Not like you had over the others." Her voice had hardened. "It was your mother."

"And you would know?" The disdainful sneer was back full force.

"Yes. I do." Her words were quiet, yet full of power. "More than you know. I know about the girls and men you used and abused. I know what you did to them." Her eyes bore into his.

"You? How could you know? You know nothing and you can't pretend that you do!" He snapped back, unable to look away. He felt as if she was looking into him, right into him… deeper than any had ever done before.

"That is where you are very wrong. I can see. I sense how frightened you are, how you tremble and try to hide it. I sense the darkness inside that waits to strike out..."

"Darkness! You are babbling! I don't have to listen to this rubbish!" Tarlanc tried to raise himself up to his full height, to intimidate her. That had always worked in the past, always.

If failed miserably as her calm blue eyes met his stormy brown.

"Yes, you do have to listen, because I will not stop until I know why you have done these deeds. Why you attacked my son, then left him for dead."

"Your son? Was he the pretty elf? Your son is a coward who did not even try to fight back!"

"My son is more courageous than you ever could be." There was a bite and snap in her voice now. How dare he say these things about Orophin?

"Do you see any bruises on me that are not new? He did not even try to fight us, just let us beat him. Such a fine boy, so good-looking. A waste that he is an elf. I could have used..."

She interrupted him. "And abused him… as you have the others." There was a flicker of surprise in his eyes at this. She knew? But how?

Galadriel continued coolly. "Oh yes, I know. You wear it like a second skin around you. Tainted, that is what you are."

"Do you think you are better? If you were my woman, I would make sure that you did not answer back like this! You would be put in your rightful place!" Tarlanc suddenly clamped his lips shut. He had not meant to say that.

"And what rightful place is that, Tarlanc?" Galadriel pressed, unaware that the rest of the chamber watched her every move, fascinated.

Lady Banwen was shocked. This was not the delicate, gentle friend that she thought she had known.

Tarlanc just glowered at the elven female.

"Ah, finally, we get it, the 'manly' silence!" She baited him with an air of amused surprise.

He actually growled at her. She smiled sweetly back at him.

Galadriel spoke in a deceptively mild voice. "So, where is a woman's place, in your scheme of things?"

Silence. He would not even look at her, just stared straight ahead.

"In the kitchen? Surely not the bedchamber, from what I have heard." Her blue eyes narrowed and watched him. A tic had set up in the side of Tarlanc's jaw.

"Galadriel!" Banwen was shocked at her words.

Galadriel tipped her head. "Why be embarrassed over the truth? That is the truth, is it not, Tarlanc?"

"Do not use my name, Witch!" He bared his teeth in a snarl.

"Or what? Will the big brave man beat me, as he did my son, or try to have me killed, as he did his Lady? They both worked so well, did they not?" The note of sarcasm was not missed.

The look of malice and threat that Tarlanc turned her way would have cowed one of a lesser will. Galadriel did not care. Her face remained impassive.

"Yes, that worked so well that you have spent the night locked in a cell accused of murder, attempted murder and treason. I can see that you are doing very well for yourself now. I wonder how many of your friends will stick by your side now?" She sounded thoughtful.

"They will stand by me now and in the future, slut!" He was finally stung into answering.

"Ah, another insult, yes? You are very fond of those when things do not go the way that you wish them to. If I were to tell you that even as we speak one of your 'loyal' friends is speaking to his guards, telling them where to find the bodies of some of the missing?" Galadriel could tell he was getting more and more irate at her words.

"You lie!" Tarlanc drew himself up, not caring in that moment that he faced a woman. He had dealt with some stronger than the one in front of him. "They know better than to..." He bit his lips to keep from spilling more.

"So you keep them cowed with threats against their families?" She raised her eyebrow, unconsciously imitating Elrond.

"They are all cow..." He stopped himself, again.

"So they are all cowards for not standing up to you? As Orophin was? Would Lady Banwen have been a coward when the orcs took her? No, Tarlanc, there is only one coward in this chamber. That is you!" Galadriel watched as his hands balled into fists and his eyes narrowed even further.

"When she calls the likes of you 'friend' then yes, she is!" Anger poured from him.

"Because you do not agree with her and you humans are so fond of freedom of speech! It seems to me that it leads back to where we started, with your mother and her views." Galadriel knew that Tarlanc was close to losing what little control he had over his temper.

"Leave my mother out of this. She is more of a woman than you could ever be!" He hissed at her.

"But she never stayed did she? She left you, she went away and left you."

Tarlanc snarled and took a step towards her, his fists coming as if in protection.

"Bainen!" Banwen cried to her husband, terrified for her friend.

Tarlanc could not be stopped. Blind rage filled him, a rage that he had been keeping inside at the thoughts of all the orcs and the things they were doing to his fellow men.

"You bitch!" He raised his left hand to hit her, swung out to swipe at the irritating gnat in front of him.

Banwen shouted and the guards all surged towards him but stopped, stunned, as his hand was suddenly caught in what felt to be a steel-like grip. His sudden groan filled the chamber and froze everyone in place.

They could all hear the crunch of bones as Galadriel tightened her hold.

She seemed to grow and fill the room, seemed to become huge and dark where she had been delicate and light before. Lightning seemed to spark from her eyes as he fell to the floor on his knees, tears running down his face.

"Weak am I? Feeble? To be used and abused? Tell me, Tarlanc, do you like it? Do you like being on the other end? You think that just because we look thin we are weak? Orophin could have taken on every one of you and beaten you, without you laying a finger on him, but he had more respect and loyalty for your Lord and Lady than to start an incident. You meanwhile..." The air seemed to crackle.

The humans in the chamber all seemed to be in a degree of shock, much to Magorion's amusement, their mouths were hanging open and Bainen seemed to be gulping for air. Yes, the change in the Lady could be startling.

He settled back to enjoy the scene before him. Tarlanc was about to realise that he really had just met his match and in the biggest way possible.

"You dared to have your Lady murdered because you did not agree with what she was doing, murdered your step-mother because you felt she was wrong for your father? From what I could see she was one of the best things that ever happened to him!" Her voice seemed to echo in the chamber and fill it. Tarlanc looked like a small child before her.

Even her clothes seemed to have changed rather than the soft material of the pretty dress it appeared that she wore dark armour, with sleeves of long flowing material. Nothing about Galadriel stated calm at that moment, rage and a thirst, but not calm. Even her hair seemed to have changed and become wild and on her left hand was the brightest light that any of them had ever seen.

"W... was told... to..." Tarlanc tried to stutter through his pain. How could she be this strong? How had he got this so terribly wrong?

"And being a good servant, you have followed him blindly, this wonderful Dark Master of yours, this Dark Master who has deserted you." She seemed to shrink and change back to the Galadriel they all knew. She stepped back.

Tarlanc cried out and grabbed at his poor abused hand as she released it.

"You may think he will be loyal to you, but he never is… ever. Trust me on this. Never treat others like this again. I doubt you will get the chance anyway."

Lord Bainen finally seemed to find his voice again. "You are right, Galadriel. The things that I have heard this day sicken me. How one could hold such hatred..."

Garrick spoke from the doorway. "It gets worse, Lord Bainen." He had returned while Galadriel had their total attention. His voice was as grim as his face.

"Oh?" Banwen looked up at that. There was more?

"I have done as you asked and sent men to inquire at all the ale houses and inns. It transpires that over the last few years any of the young men, or in the few cases, young ladies, that were seen in Tarlanc's company have either wound up so badly hurt that their own families did not recognise them, or dead. The last count I had was thirty-six." Garrick's voice was hard. He had been shocked. Not as shocked as he had been at seeing Galadriel the way he had, but horrified, deep-down bone-chilling horrified at the number of missing and... well, damaged was the only way of describing it.

"All after seeing Tarlanc?" Bainen sounded as horrified.

"All after seeing Tarlanc and no one else. We have witnesses. We have statements. We even have a couple of them that survived and are willing to testify. Also one of his other... men." There was distaste in his voice. "Has decided to talk, to try to save his own worthless skin." There was disdain in his voice as well.

"Very good. Thank you for your hard work Captain." Startled eyes had turned to Galadriel. How had she known that?

"You are welcome, My Lord. Most are loyal to you, but anger is growing in the town and I am worried they may take matters into their own hands." Garrick admitted.

"A lynch mob?" Bainen sounded as horrified as the others felt.

"Aye." It was a reluctant statement, but they had to be prepared.

Galadriel had seated herself in her chair once more, calm and unruffled, as if nothing at all had happened. "You may have some of my men. They will supplement your guard. Magorion, would you arrange it?"

"Of course, Híril Galadriel." He bowed, eyeing the still-slumped and defeated human who had not yet risen from his knees.

"How did they manage to hide all of this? For that number?" Banwen was shaking in her chair, those poor young people. To have those things done to them... except not any of them had exactly said what had been done to the poor things and she really was not sure that she wished to know.

"We have asked, and from what I could gather, they formed a gang of thugs when they were still together in their training. When Brandel was killed in that attack with the Guards two years ago, dear 'good citizen' Tarlanc here took his place." He was not being funny either, he was deadly serious.

"So when did all this start?" Bainen was tired of the underlying treachery that they were finding. To think that all this time Amar... "Oh, dear Valar, Amaruvdor!" He slumped in his seat.

"He was not involved in most of the treachery. From what I can gather, he was just a bully and nothing more. We will have to find out exactly what he was involved in when he returns from Bree." Garrick told them. It had been a concern of his as well.

"Oh, thank you!" Lady Banwen looked as if she was about to burst into tears. Galadriel gently hugged her. "I will kill him for worrying me like this!"

"No, you will love and cherish him. He is a good boy beneath all of this..." Galadriel tried to soothe her.

Tarlanc's voice was snide and full of hate. "A good boy? Amaruvdor! You really don't know him well then."

Galadriel turned to him with blazing eyes. "I do not think you have much to crow about. He does not have the blood on his hands that you do!" She snapped.

Tarlanc shrank back at her fury. This was one elf he would never take lightly again. Now that he looked, really looked at Magorion too, there was a set to his body that told of strength and vitality and the eyes! Perhaps it was those that scared him more than anything. They were so old at times and yet so young at others, seeming to cut you to the quick with their wisdom and age. He may have badly played this.

"I will bargain with you." Hope had suddenly reared its head within him. He could manipulate this situation to his own advantage.

"Why would we do that?" Banwen asked the prisoner.

"You want to find out if Amaruvdor is implicated and I want to save my life." It was simply put.

"Why should we believe you? So far you have told lie after lie until caught out in them. It becomes a very twisted and tangled web, Tarlanc when we choose to deceive those around us and that is what you have done. Can you truly say you know truth from fiction anymore?" Galadriel would not let him play her friends like this.

"How do you know that this is not the truth?" Again a simple, easy question.

Galadriel rose and crossed to him and gently touched his forehead with her left hand. He pulled back as if stung by her touch.

Again light flared, not as brightly, for just a blink of an eye, making those around wonder if they had really seen it. Tarlanc's eyes widened and stayed that way. He could not look away from the Lady in front of him. It was as if he was joined to her somehow.

She suddenly broke away with a shudder. "He is not telling one bit of truth, Banwen. Amaruvdor may be a bully and more than just a little spoiled, but nothing like this one. He hopes that we will believe him and save his sorry life." Galadriel was suddenly weary and wanted nothing more than to lie down. Where was this unexpected tiredness from?

"Take him away. He disgusts me!" Bainen told Garrick and his men. "He will be tried properly and sentenced at another time. For now, he is to be held apart securely. No one is to talk to him."

"Of course, my Lord." Garrick gathered his men and they forced Tarlanc from the chamber, elves joined the prisoner's escort as instructed by Magorion.

"Come and sit down dear, you look tired." There was a new respect in Banwen's voice as she spoke to Galadriel. Who would have thought it of the pale beauty?

"I am well, Banwen, it was a long and tiring night." Galadriel sighed. She was worried about Celeborn and Orophin as well as Elrond, Thranduil and Legolas. The pain in her leg was getting worse by the minute, even making her feel quite nauseous.

Galadriel realised that Bainen was talking to her.

"You look pale. I knew this was too much for you. Come, sit, and I will get you some wine. Yes, I know, you are well and strong, but I am still worried about you. You are my friend." Bainen's eyes were filled with concern.

She smiled sadly, recalling she had one less she could call friend now.

"Some wine would be wonderful and a sit would be even better." Galadriel realised that she was favouring her left leg and yet it was uninjured. She was uninjured, curious, very curious.

Bainen helped her, unnecessarily she thought, into a chair and Banwen poured the wine. As she sat, a sudden, sickening pain in her leg filled her awareness. She could have sworn that she heard a crack sound. Then darkness took her away.

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

A deep burning pain, worse than before, filled him as he woke. He was disorientated and had no idea where he was in that second.

"Galadriel?" His hand searched around for his beloved.

"Celeborn?" The voice was soft and worried.

"I think I will let Haldir see to things today, meleth-nin. I think I will stay right here." He kept his eyes closed, actually scared of opening them and of what could happen with the nausea that was running through him.

"You will not be going anywhere for some time, my friend. That leg needs lots of rest and I mean to make sure that you get it." The voice had hardened a little.

"Galadriel?" Even to Celeborn, his voice sounded odd.

"She is not here, Cel, just Gytha and I." He knew that voice. Where did he know that voice from?

"I do not feel very well." It sounded plaintive even to him.

A cool hand felt his forehead. "I am not surprised, after what you have been through. How is the pain?" The voice sounded soft and worried once more. Celeborn was sure that if he dared to open his eyes he would see shared worried looks passing between the owners of the voices.

He would have been completely correct as well.

Gytha's eyebrows were lost in her hairline. Caric actually gaped.

"I will make you some pain tea and something for that nausea I am sure you have. We had to re-break your knee and it was not at all easy." Gytha stood and then stopped. As she turned away, she shot Caric a look. "Stay with him. I don't think he really knows where he is."

"I will not leave his side." They did owe this elf and his ilk a great debt, after all. If just sitting with him helped, he would continue to do so.

As he turned back to Celeborn, he found him trying to sit up in the bed, wincing, eyes tightly shut.

Caric had to smile as he gently pushed him back down onto the bed. He really was as weak as a newborn kitten. "That is not a good idea, Cel. Gytha will tie you to the bed."

The voice suddenly made a world of sense to the muddled and drugged elf. "Caric? When did you arrive? You should be resting in your own chamber. Galadriel will help you with that. Now where is she?" He turned his head, as if looking for Galadriel, yet with his eyes closed.

"She is in Fornost, Celeborn, do you not recall?" Caric was more worried about him by the minute. He reached out hesitantly to touch the pale forehead. It was cool. There was no trace of fever. That had to be good, he hoped.

"Fornost? Why did she go there? Why did she not say?" There was real confusion in his voice.

"You were there with her… Here is Gytha with the tea. That will help, I promise. We will talk later when you feel better." Caric told him gently.

"Help me raise him up. Try not to move or touch his leg." That was the last thing that Gytha wanted. It would be agony and the poppy tea she had made would take a long time to work.

"I understand." To their surprise, Amaruvdor moved in to help them lift him, being so gentle you would have thought he was handling a babe.

At their look, he blushed. "I want to help, anything to make up for my harsh words and actions. Lord Celeborn has always been fair with me." Amaruvdor mumbled, a little embarrassed.

"You did not seem to realise that then." Gytha had yet to forgive him properly.

"That seemed to be a time of darkness. I do not know of any other way of describing it." Amaruvdor moved in behind Celeborn so that he was resting back against him.

That earned him a sharp look but nothing more as they all tried to coax Celeborn to take the tea.

He was having none of it, thinking that they were trying to keep him from seeing Galadriel. Caric, in the end, was tempted to knock him out, but decided against that. Celeborn was already in too much pain.

"My Big Elf?" It was a tiny voice and made them all jump. They had been concentrating on Celeborn.

"Tiera, this is not the place for you at the moment..." Gytha tried not to sigh or sound too frustrated.

"Celebrían, is that you?" Celeborn called out and his eyes opened at the sound of the child's voice, though he still seemed to be seeing something from the past. Had Ivorhen been awake, his heart would have broken for his friend.

"Celebrían?" Gytha asked, Celeborn had never mentioned the name as far as she knew.

Caric hurried to explain. "His daughter. She has passed."

"Passed? Oh, the poor dear." Gytha felt very sorry for the Elf Lord.

"No, not like... "

"Celebrían, can you find your Nana for me?" Celeborn moved his head once more.

"Need drink." There was determination in Tiera's voice.

"I will help you get one in a moment." Gytha tried to say.

"Now!" Tiera held out her arms to be picked up. They could all see the determined set to her mouth.

Gytha picked her up. She did not stay in her arms long, but gently crawled across the bed, careful not to hurt Celeborn.

"Nana wants you to drink. She says I make you." Tiera looked at him innocently, her hazel eyes wide.

"You have a bossy Nana, penneth. I had better take it then. Once I have, can I have a hug?" He loved cradling his small daughter in his arms.

"Please." She crawled carefully towards him and watched with wide eyes as he drank the potion in one go.

"There, you can tell your Nana, I had the nasty tea!" He tickled her chin, trying not to groan and worry her.

Gytha gaped at the child. She was sure they would have still been arguing with Celeborn weeks from now, but Tiera had managed it with a few sentences! She truly was gifted.

"I will. You better? My Elf is." Tiera watched Celeborn closely. She could see the pain.

"I will be, now that Nana made me have the tea. What have you been doing? Have you been riding?" Celeborn had gathered her in his arms for the promised hug.

"Helping Ma." Tiera was happy and warm where she was. It was not the same as her Elf but she was happy. She was needed here.

"You are a good girl. I am so proud of you." Tiera yawned. "You need to rest as well. Playing has tired you out. I do hope you have not been climbing the trees with your cousins, Celebrían. I would not be happy." Celeborn kept on talking as if she was his daughter.

"What is wrong with him!" Caric demanded as soon as he was at Gytha's side.

"I think, perhaps, it is a mixture of pain and exhaustion. He has no fever. If he is the same when he wakens later I will give him a fever potion, but I really do not think that is the problem." Gytha still watched Celeborn closely.

Tiera began to suck on her thumb. She closed her eyes and settled back against Celeborn. Soon her rhythmic breathing had slowed. Silence reigned as they all watched her fall asleep cradled in Celeborn's arms.

Celeborn's eyes slowly closed and he too fell into reverie.

"I would not have believed he would respond like that to her." Caric was truly amazed.

"I hardly believe it either, but she did help. I am glad. We could have been here fighting with him for a lot longer otherwise."

"I hope he's alright." It did not seem right to see his mighty friend like this. He was normally so strong, healthy and alert.

"I am sure he will be. He just needs rest. As do you! To bed, My Lord Mayor!" She ushered Caric to his bed and made certain he too was comfortable. She could only marvel. The last few days had been mighty strange indeed.

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

A deep pounding pain welcomed Galadriel back to awareness. Her left leg throbbed but nothing could compare to the headache that pulsed behind her closed eyes.

"I think we should send for the healer." Banwen sounded very worried and uncertain. "I told you we should have, the minute this happened, we should not have left her. I don't care what Magorion said, this is not right."

"If Galadriel is not awake within the next hour we will do that, but you must remember that Magorion has known Galadriel far longer than we can ever dream to." Bainen tried to reassure her.

"That is not good enough!" Banwen raised her voice without realising she had done so.

The pain seemed to sharpen in Galadriel's head and she could not stop a groan. If only they would be quiet, she would be much happier.

"Galadriel?" She winced when Banwen cried out her name. "Oh, my friend, I was so worried!"

"Banwen, give her a chance to waken properly. Stay with her. I will get a healer." Footsteps made their way across the chamber.

"Nana?" The familiar voice beside her was soft and very worried.

Orophin… there was something wrong with Orophin. She tried to open her eyes but they would not cooperate.

"Nana?" Orophin asked again and Galadriel could feel the worry pour from him.

"I am well." She managed to croak the words out. Valar! Was that really her voice? It sounded like it belonged to someone else.

"Nana, you are far from well." Orophin would never forget the sight of Nana being carried into the chamber, unconscious and white. He had never seen that before. He never wanted to see it again either!

"It is not me." Galadriel tried to explain.

"Don't talk, rest." Banwen's voice was worried. "Have some water, it will help."

Orophin ignored Lady Banwen and spoke once more to his foster mother.

"Not you? Is it Ada?" There was even more worry in his voice. He knew the deep bond between the two.

"Indeed." Galadriel finally managed to open one eye to look at Orophin. He looked so much better, even in this short amount of time. At least, she thought it was a small amount of time. "Help me up?"

Magorion moved in to help her, glowering at Orophin when he moved to do so. "Let me help, Híril-nin. The last thing Orophin needs is to hurt his ribs further."

"I agree. Orophin, do not move."

All Orophin could do was wait and watch.

Galadriel groaned as her left leg moved. Banwen caught on right away.

"You were hurt!" Banwen moved beside Orophin and pulled the blanket down to look at Galadriel's leg.

Even Galadriel herself gaped at her knee. It looked badly bruised and swollen.

"Galadriel! You should have said something. That must hurt greatly! I am glad that Bainen has gone for the healer." Banwen gazed worriedly at the leg. She was sure that if she dared to touch the leg it would be burning. It had to be.

"I have not injured it..." Galadriel tried to explain through the pain, but Bainen would not have that.

"Don't give me that! Look at it!" She pointed to the limb.

Galadriel rather politely ignored the twittering woman. "Orophin, I need you to write a missive to your Ada or Caric. I need to know what is happening."

"Of course, Nana." He moved to do as she asked, but stopped. "You cannot contact Ada?" Worry rose once more.

Galadriel was just as worried. "He is very confused and all I sense are odd flashes. Nothing makes sense." She accepted the water that Magorion gave her. "Hennad."

Magorion was apologetic. "I would make you something for the pain, but with the healer coming..."

"That is fine, penneth."

Just as she sipped the water, the door opened. Lord Bainen entered with Mellroth, the healer of Fornost.

"Stop!" The healer called out.

Galadriel paused and gazed curiously at the man. "What is wrong?" She was puzzled.

"I wish to examine you before you eat or drink anything." Mellroth calmed once she placed the goblet to one side.

"Lord Bainen tells me you fainted?" Mellroth watched her closely as he crossed to the bed. He noted that she was very pale.

"Yes, I had pain from my knee before." Galadriel decided she may as well be honest with him as he was here and everyone else knew.

"I see. You had hurt your knee previously?" He sounded thoughtful but his eyes did not leave hers.

"No, I had no injuries before I stood up." She admitted to him.

"May I take a look at it?" He asked. Galadriel was surprised. She had expected him to come in and take over without really speaking with her. He at least was taking the time to talk with her.

"Please do." She knew it was not really hurt, but at least if she had the healer saying that…

Mellroth gently lifted the bedding and then Galadriel pulled up her night dress to reveal the swollen bruised knee.

"That is swollen." He gently touched her leg above the swelling. "Does that hurt?"

"No."

This continued until he had thoroughly examined the knee, making sure that she could bend it. She was even made to stand so that he could see her standing. Finally he stood away.

"Well, your leg is very bruised and swollen. If I did not know any better I would have said it was broken, but that I do not believe. You can stand on it and you would not be able to do so with a broken knee. I think that if we treat it with rest and a mixture of arnica and witch hazel on it, this will help. Some peppermint might help ease it as well." He gently felt her pulse. "A little high too. May I see your eyes?"

Despite her headache, that surprised Galadriel and she agreed.

Once satisfied, he stood back once more. "Have you hit your head at all?"

"No, why?" Now Galadriel really was confused.

"Your eyes are glazed. I think you may have a concussion. That would also explain why you have the awful headache." He smiled down at her.

"Oh." She was thinking hard, how in Elbereth's name would she explain this away?

"Have you hit your head?" He sat gently on the side of the bed and turned to Bainen. "Could I have some hot water? Lady Galadriel needs something for the pain."

"Of course." Bainen hurried to the door and called for Fyne.

"No. I have not been alone. Magorion and Banwen will confirm that." The two promptly nodded.

"What do you think has happened then? Has your husband been injured recently?" He began to mix the paste for her leg.

"Yes, he has." Galadriel was surprised at his question. It seemed that was a constant feeling for her since she had woken. "How did you know?"

"I like to be prepared when we have guests. I read up on elven healing. It is why I am not shocked that most of the young lad's bruises are almost gone. He will be up and about by this evening, I am sure." Mellroth smiled at their looks of shock. "I must be prepared. If something were to happen and I could not help... well, let me just say that I would never, ever forgive myself."

Galadriel gave a small smile and nod. "You are a very good healer." She settled back against the pillows. "Celeborn's leg was injured in an orc attack a few days ago. He has been in pain since then. Just before I fainted, I felt and heard a great crack." She trusted the healer, but then she had done since he had spent so much time treating Orophin the night he was attacked. She sensed that he was a very good person. She also liked his manner.

"Your bond must be very strong and deep." Mellroth gently began to spread the cream over her knee.

"You know about our Bonds?" That deeply surprised her.

"I do not like not knowing things. I had plenty of time to prepare for your visit. I am very glad that I did." Mellroth admitted.

"I am glad. It makes things so much easier. I think you would get on well with my daughter's husband." Galadriel hissed in surprise from the pain when he hit a part of the knee that was particularly sore.

He spoke while he continued his task. "He is a healer?"

Galadriel looked into Mellroth's face and smiled. "Yes, you might say so. He is Elrond of Imladris."

He looked up, shocked. "The Lord Elrond, of Rivendell?"

"Yes, child." Her smile softened. She could tell that he held Elrond in high regard.

Mellroth blinked at being called 'child' by one who looked much younger than he did.

"Is Galadriel alright?" Banwen demanded. She was fed up with the conversation. This could wait until she knew that her friend truly was alright.

"She will be. She is not really injured, My La..."

"Not really injured! I do not believe you, Mellroth! Look, you can see the bruises and how pale she is. Galadriel fainted dead away and that is not normal! How can she not be... injured or... or sick?" Everything was fast catching up with her. She was tired and so worried about so many people...

"Calm down, Banwen, so that we can find out what is happening with Galadriel. We cannot find this out if you become upset." Bainen watched his wife, worried.

Mellroth tried to calm her. "It has been a long night, My Lady. Perhaps some calming tea would help." At her alarmed look, he shook his head, "No sleeping herbs, just something to help you stay calm?"

"It is for the best, My Love. Let him give it to you?" Bainen hated to see his wife like this. It took so much to distress her this greatly. This told him that she was at the end of her tether.

"I will, My Dearest." She leaned into him to garner some strength. She was just so shaken, more than she had ever been in her life and she had to get a grip on herself. She was the Lady of Fornost! The people looked up to her. She had to be calm! She had guests to see to today.

Mellroth patted her shoulder. "Very good, I will make it. I want Lady Galadriel to take one as well."

"I do not need it, Mellroth." Galadriel would not accept it.

"And what would Lord Elrond say to that if he was here?" He arched an eyebrow at her. Orophin choked back a grin. The expression was too familiar. Did all healers practice this look?

"He would make me drink the potion." Galadriel grudgingly replied with a small chagrinned smile as well.

"Good, he sounds like a healer after my own heart!" Mellroth approved of this. "I do hope to meet Lord Elrond when he returns. I have admired his work for a long time."

"I am sure that you will. May I have my water?" She was thirsty and really needed the fluids.

"Of course, my apologies, I should have thought. Please drink, the last thing we need is for you to be dehydrated. I will make the tea for you both." Mellroth finished applying the cream. He stood wiping his hands and made for the table where he knew he could cut the herbs.

Galadriel happily drank the water that Magorion handed her. Orophin scribbled frantically on some parchment at another table.

"Orophin?" Banwen suddenly spoke to him.

"Yes, Híril-nin?" He looked startled. He had been engrossed in writing the missive, now that he had started.

"It is Banwen, child. If I write a letter for Amaruvdor, would you send it with yours?" There was such anxious need in her eyes that he could only agree.

"Of course, Banwen. I would be delighted."

"Thank you, I am so worried about him. I do wish he had not gone and yet... What would have happened had he stayed?" She referred to the events of the previous night. Tarlanc would surely have tried to involve him somehow.

"That is something you should not think about, mellon-nin. It did not happen and no matter what Tarlanc tried to say, it will not work. He cannot implicate Amaruvdor. I am sure that Celeborn will be working with him. He will not let anything happen to him." Galadriel knew she was worried, she could feel it radiating from her friend. "Try and rest. Come and sit with me. When you have had your tea, you can write your missive and we will send it by bird."

"Send it by bird?" Banwen did as she was told and sat beside Galadriel, unconsciously taking her hand and hanging on for dear life.

"We have message birds that consent to carry missives that are extremely important or need a quick reply. It was Thranduil of Mirkwood who came up with this wonderful idea. He encouraged the birds to help. Magorion, could you call one for me?" Galadriel smiled, despite the pain she was feeling.

"Of course, Híril-nin." He bowed and smiled, pleased to see his lady, while not well, at least looking better than she had.

He crossed to the window as he heard Banwen say: "Birds? Oh, my!" She sounded a little faint.

He opened the large windows and whistled in a complicated tune and held out his arm.

Banwen watched, sure that they were being silly. No one could call birds like that...

A large bird of prey, an eagle, soon landed on his outstretched arm. Banwen gasped, she would never have believed it had she not seen it herself.

A real eagle, just sitting on the elf's arm as happy as could be! She could not take her eyes away from the bird. He was incredible. She had only ever seen the beautiful raptors from a great distance, normally high in the air. She had never thought they could be this incredible. If only she could have the will to touch him, she was sure he would be soft.

"Have you never seen one up close before?" Orophin asked the question.

"Not this close, no. In the air and far away but never like this. He is incredible." As she spoke the bird turned to watch her and then turned to Magorion.

"He says that if you would like to touch him you can." He carried the eagle nearer to her so that she could do so.

"He would let me?" There was wonder in her eyes and her fears and concerns were gone for the moment.

"Yes he would. His name is Tâlmeag.

Banwen gently reached out to stroke the eagle as if he was a cat and the look of wonder made Bainen smile. He was grateful to them for doing this. It was a relief to see it after her concerns of earlier. He would thank them all properly later, when she was resting.

"It is as soft as I expected it to be. Hello, Tâlmeag, it is a pure pleasure to meet you. What does his name mean?" She turned smiling eyes to Magorion.

"Sharpfoot. They are named much as we are by our parents. I have worked with him for some time and we are close."

"I am honoured, Tâlmeag, truly honoured, thank you." She gave a little bow hoping that she did not look as stupid as she felt.

"Here is your tea, my Lady." Mellroth held out the metal goblet for her. He then turned and moved to hand Galadriel's to her, but stopped when he saw the bird of prey in the chamber. "Is that really…?"

"An eagle? Yes." Magorion was surprised at how surprised they were. "He is."

Galadriel watched all this as she took the tea from the healer. She needed this.

As soon as Banwen finished her tea, she wrote her letter to Amaruvdor. She was honest and told him everything that had happened, explaining all that Tarlanc had been involved in. It would be a shock, but he needed to know.

Soon Tâlmeag was on his way high in the sky with the missives tied to his leg.

Galadriel decided now would be a good time to sleep. Banwen was already asleep, held tight in Bainen's arms. Magorion helped him get her settled in a bed and the house settled to get some well deserved rest. They all knew they would need it when Tarlanc's family woke and realised that he was truly guilty of his crimes.

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

The morning broke with the soft sigh of warmer winds and the bright pink horizon that some humans thought heralded danger from the weather. To the elves it meant something much worse. It meant that blood had been spilled this night.

Glorfindel stood at the doorway and pensively watched as the red dawn rose. It always took him back to that dreaded morning when his life had fallen apart. The fine hairs on his arms rose at the thought. All he could do was wish that his family and friends were safe this morning.

"It bodes ill for someone." Gailarphen spoke from behind him.

"I pray all that we love are safe." Glorfindel's voice was just as grim. He hated feeling this useless. He liked to be doing something.

Gailarphen nodded absently. "I am going to look at Elrond's eyes again this morning." Glorfindel blinked at the change in the direction of the discussion.

"Do you think he will recover his sight?" It was the biggest worry they had, now that they knew that Legolas was alright.

"We will find out today." Gailarphen would not be drawn on the subject.

"I see. Will Nestoron recover fully?" That might be a safer subject.

"Again, I will be looking at him today. I am worried about the amount of pain he is feeling." Gailarphen admitted.

"Oh? I thought that the pain was a good sign that he is healing." Glorfindel was surprised at the healer's words.

"Ordinarily, I would be the first to shout it gladly from the rooftops." Gailarphen admitted wryly. "But this is too much. I am worried that he may have long-lasting problems. Let me check him later and we will talk then."

"I will hold you to that." He really looked closely at Gailarphen for the first time in a while. The healer had seemed to be constantly on the move this entire last day. Glorfindel was horrified at what he saw. "When did you last sleep, mellon-iaur?" His voice was gentle with concern.

"Some time ago. I am fine." Gailarphen dismissed it.

"No, you are not." Gailarphen looked at him slightly shocked. "You are exhausted, the last thing we need is for you to collapse. You need to think, you need to be sensible. Elrond himself will tell you that."

"But, if I sleep and something happens..." Gailarphen literally shivered.

"But what if something happens and you are too tired to help? Surely that would be worse? We can always wake you from sleep, but if you collapse..." Glorfindel was trying hard to make him see that he had to sleep.

"I believe Glorfindel is right, Gailarphen. You need rest and you need it now. If you do not rest, then I will make you, just as you have done for me." Thelion's voice sounded from behind them and Gailarphen jumped. He was so tired that he had not heard Thelion enter the chamber. "The fact that you did not hear me shows that clearly, mellon-nin."

"I do not think it would..."

"I can stay here and keep an eye. All is calm in the outer chamber. Most of the injured have recovered and been allowed to leave. I can stay here and watch for you. It would be a pleasure." Thelion looked at his friend sternly. "I am not joking about the tea!"

"You will stay? I am worried about Calandor and Thranduil and I want a close watch kept on Elrond, he worries far more than is good for him."

"I understand." Thelion took over and led Gailarphen to a spare bed that had been set up for just this reason. "Just rest. You will know if you are needed."

Gailarphen nodded. It did feel good to sit on the soft mattress. Maybe a short break would do him some good.

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

"Gailarphen?" He rolled over, this was too comfortable. "Gailarphen, you need to wake up." He tried to brush the irritating hand away. "Master Healer Gailarphen!" The voice barked and it was as if a candle had flickered into life.

Gailarphen sat up with a start, eyes wide.

Thelion stood near his bed with a goblet in his hand.

"Finally! I was beginning to think that you would never waken!" His friend grinned and eased his thumping heart.

"What is wrong?" He demanded, looking around. He was sure that something was wrong, that one of his patients had deteriorated.

"Nothing is wrong, but it is mid-afternoon and we need to change Hir Elrond's dressings and get some food into him." Thelion told him with a cheeky grin.

Gailarphen gawped at him. "I have slept all that time?"

"You needed it, mellon-nin. You had not slept since your return. I would not have woken you even now, but..." Thelion shrugged.

"I suppose that I did need it. I certainly feel better." His nose caught the scent of fruit juice, his favourite berry juice at that. "Is that for me?" He was very hungry.

"Certainly, we have food coming for you." Thelion handed over the goblet.

"That is good. I am hungry. How is everyone?" The chamber looked quiet and peaceful.

"They are stable. Legolas is sleeping." Thelion grinned widely. "With his eyes open."

"That is brilliant, wonderful news!" He looked over to where Legolas was sleeping and, true enough, Legolas had his eyes opened, but glazed. "Does Thranduil know?"

"Aye. He was the one that first noticed. It has buoyed him up. His colour is better as well."

"I can see that." Gailarphen was pleased, Thranduil had colour in his cheeks. "Elrond?" He looked over in that direction. Elrond was talking with Elladan quietly. "Elrohir?" Elrohir was nowhere to be seen.

"He has gone to get some sleep, as has Arwen. It was decided..." Gailarphen snorted delicately at that and Thelion grinned. "Alright, I told them that they had to get some sleep or I would make them sleep. They will take it in turns."

Ladeth then entered with a tray of food for Gailarphen. He was soon tucking into the bread, fruits and cheeses. The food was satisfying and his appetite full.

Once finished, he stood. "I will go and wash my hands and face. I will then look at Elrond, if you wish to stay?"

"I would appreciate that." They were all worried about Elrond, their friend and healer, and firsthand knowledge would really help ease them.

"Good, give me a moment? Prepare some hot water and some wipes to clean his eyes?" Gailarphen asked. Thelion nodded his affirmative as he crossed to the herb table.

Gailarphen left the bath chamber and crossed to where Elrond was still talking to Elladan, who looked up at his approach.

"Ada, Gailarphen is here." He warned his Adar.

"Gailarphen?" Elrond turned to where he thought his friend stood. It was almost right this time.

"It is time that we looked at your eyes once again, mellon-nin. This time we may have some good news." He told his friend.

Elrond gulped and looked a little pale. He was worried about this.

"We need to know, Elrond. Then we can make plans." Gailarphen placed a hand reassuringly on Elrond's left shoulder.

"I know. We need not put this off." Was that really his voice? It sounded so unsure.

"I am here, Ada. Whatever happens, we are all here for you." Elladan held his hand tightly, a worried look on his fair features.

"Hennad, Ion-nin. I appreciate that." Elrond gave a weak smile to his son.

"Should I go and wake Elrohir and Arwen?" Elladan was about to stand to leave the chamber.

Elrond would not let go of his hand. "Leave them to sleep. It is not worth waking them for. I have you and that will help." Elladan glowed with the warmth of his Adar's words.

"I will take the bandages off, but I want you to keep your eyes closed. I need to wash them before you open them." Gailarphen instructed him, needlessly, he knew. Elrond nodded his agreement.

When the bandages were removed, Elrond had his eyes squeezed tightly shut.

"Relax, mellon-iaur. This will not hurt and I need to clean them properly." Gailarphen's voice was soft. He understood Elrond's nervousness after the disappointment of last time they checked.

Elrond forced himself to relax, but he still jumped when the warm cloth touched him. He sat there, tense. This was the worst part. The waiting, he decided, was the absolute worst.

"You can open your eyes now." Gailarphen's voice was low, anxious.

Elrond sat for a minute gathering the courage. Finally, he opened them but just sat there unmoving, unblinking.

Tense silence filled the chamber. Elladan exchanged grim looks with Gailarphen.

"Ada?" Elladan finally could take the silence no longer.

Still Elrond did not move, though tears filled his eyes and started to trickle down his cheeks.

Gailarphen sighed. He had hoped, prayed it would not come to this. "It is not the end of your life, mellon..."

"I can see you!" Finally, Elrond was able to speak through the lump that had filled his throat. "Not well, to be honest, but… I can see you!" There was joy in Elrond's voice, despite his tears

It was the latter that jolted Gailarphen into action. "Let me see."

He looked around for a candle and found one held out to him by a grinning Thelion.

"Hennad, mellon-nin." He turned to Elrond. "Look at me and try not to blink."

Elrond did as he was asked and opened his eyes wide. He did his best not to blink. By the time the flame was removed from before his face, his eyes were watering even more.

"Well…?" Elladan demanded.

"The burns in the back of the eye are healing. It is much better. How many fingers am I holding up?" He held up two fingers.

"Two." Elrond announced with a smug grin. He had never been so glad to see fingers in his life.

"Exactly what can you see?" Gailarphen was pleased for his friend. When Elrond had stayed silent he had felt his heart drop, but now... there was hope, real hope that things would get better and they would have their Lord back.

Elladan laid his head in Elrond's lap, suddenly overcome with tears. He could not help it. He had been so afraid that if Ada remained blind, he would sail, would leave them all alone. It was a frightening thought. It had been so very hard when Nana had sailed. Saying goodbye to her was the hardest thing they had done so far.

"Sîdh, Elladan. Everything is alright, ion-nin." Elrond gently patted his son's head and then grinned at Gailarphen. That was answer enough, he thought.

"Good, that is wonderful. I will leave your eyes un-bandaged but I want you to continue to rest. I am going change your burn dressings now."

Elrond nodded as his friend reached for more of the cleaning cloths and began to wipe the dried burn/scald paste from the pale face. This was much better. The burns were finally healing and only looked like shiny red marks rather than sore burns.

"They are looking much better. I am most worried about the burns on your chest. They were the worst ones." Gailarphen admitted to Elrond.

"You were worried about them." Elrond recalled the healer's concern.

"Yes, but these are healing, so I am sure that the others will be as well." Gailarphen was so pleased. "I will leave these to the air. That will dry them up nicely." He dried the burns carefully.

Elrond reassured Elladan as he raised his head. "See, Ion-nin, I am healing. Gailarphen is pleased with me." Elladan nodded, the tears had dried. He watched Gailarphen as he treated his Adar.

"Now for your chest." He gently opened Elrond's nightshirt and cut the bandages free with a knife and then gently pulled them away from the burns. "Oh, this is much better. You are healing rapidly now, mellon-nin, and everything is as it should be." Gailarphen hurried to reassure father and son.

He cleaned the burns. They still looked raw but were not as angry and well on the way to healing. Gailarphen left the wounds free to the air. It would help the last stages of healing, the drying stages.

Then it was time to see his right hand. Elrond knew it was better. He was able to use it with little pain, but seeing it would only bring that fact home.

He could only sigh as he finally saw his hand when the bandages were removed. It was a mess. He could tell that even from his blurred image. The burns were deep and, while healing, were not as well advanced as the other burns were. His fingernails were beginning to grow back, but he knew this would take some time.

Eirien hurried into the chamber and called out breathlessly. "Elrond, is it true?" Apparently, the news was spreading over Imladris already.

"Aye, Eirien, I can see!" Despite his worry over his hand, he could not help but grin at her, his relief returning tenfold.

"Oh, my friend I am so pleased! I was so worried." She sat beside Elladan and gave him a quick warm hug before turning back to his father. "Oh, Valar! Your poor hand!"

"It is healing, Eirien." Gailarphen reassured her. "Elrond, can you feel this?" He ran his fingers gently across the palm of his hand.

"No." Elrond frowned down at his hand.

"I am not surprised. The burns were deep and it will take time for the damage to reverse itself."

"The nerves were involved?" Elrond frowned at him and Gailarphen sighed. Elrond knew what this meant.

Gailarphen sat down on the bed and took the undamaged hand in his. "Elrond, you suffered second and third degree burns. It would have been amazing if there was no nerve damage. As it is, the damage is minor and when you think of how badly this hand could have been affected, then you should be grateful."

"I know, I know. But, Gailarphen, this is just so frustrating!" Elrond knew he sounded like a whining elfling, but he had not expected this. Yet he should have known when the hand did not hurt and he should have had pain.

"How did you burn it?" Eirien could not keep the concern from her voice. She had known that his hand was burned, but not how badly. That had to hurt.

Elrond frowned. He could not recall. He was sure he had been told, but it was incredibly hazy. "That is a very good question, Eirien. Gailarphen?" He turned interested eyes to his friend.

"You fell unconscious into a fire during a vision." Gailarphen explained.

"Oh, yes, that would happen." Elrond still sounded puzzled. He normally fell to the ground during a vision but not into a fire! That was a first for him. Did he need to worry about this?

"There were other circumstances that I will explain to you later. You were with Legolas." Gailarphen prompted him and suddenly understanding filled him. This was when he was healing Legolas, when he had been attacked.

"I see and understand now. Hennad, Gailarphen. The burns will heal, Eirien. You will see."

"I hope so, Rondy, I truly hope so."

There was the sound of choked laughter in the chamber at the uncommon use of his shortened name.

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

He was bored, bored and lonely.

He had been kept in his room for four interminable days after his confrontation with Eirien. Long boring days that he thought would never end. This was not helped by the fact that no matter what he asked for as food all he got was bread and water. Really! This was no way to treat a healer!

At least now they had let him leave the stupid small room that they had placed him in and given him some clothes. Well, if you could call them clothes. They were essentially just a loose tunic and leggings, simple and plain and he hated them.

The next thing would be that he would be made to have another bath. Well, if they thought that was happening, they had another thing coming!

The late afternoon sunshine shone through the trees as he walked around Imladris. It was pretty, he had to admit that, but so boring. How could the elves stand it every day with nothing but singing of songs and the telling of stories? How utterly boring. What this place needed was a good inn with some fine ale. That would make things better.

Perhaps he should go and offer his considerable knowledge to help the elves? They seemed to have a lot of injured. Sanity returned quickly. Why should he help them, after all they had done to him? Four days, on his own, with not even a book to read!

The path led down to a small waterfall. That was another thing. There was water everywhere here. It drove him mad and there were so many animals! They should be seen to, the vermin.

He sighed. This had been a mistake, but when he had seen Eirien and the boys in the wilderness he had been so relieved that had offered aid for him to escape from the orcs. He shivered at the things the orcs had delighted in telling him they would do to him. He had never been so grateful to see an 'enemy' in his entire life.

But now? Now he regretted staying with them, even with both boys unconscious. He should have left on his own there and then and found another town to practice in.

He reached a small clearing that opened to the left and he took the path through it without looking up, deep in his plans, only to knock someone off their feet.

"You fool! Now see what you have done!" The voice was snide. "Are you alright?" The question was not directed to him.

"Yes." The new voice was low and meek.

"How could you not be looking where you were going? Do you know who we are? Thranduil will hear about..." The voice faded out. It belonged to a small woman with dark hair. Her companion on the ground, another female, was also small, though not as dark. "You are an adan." There was distaste her voice now.

"I am sorry my Lady, it was remiss of me. I should have watched where I was going. Are you injured at all? I am a healer and could aid you should you need it." He asked almost hopefully. It would give him something to do after all.

"I am uninjured, hennad." The meek maiden would not look at him and he suddenly felt all protective. Why did he feel like that? He had never felt like that before.

"Hennad?" He asked.

"She said thank you." The snide one answered.

"Oh, you are welcome. I am sorry I almost hurt you. I should leave..."

"So, what is a human doing here?" The snide one asked. Even her look made him shiver. It was almost as if she looked right into you and saw everything with those dark eyes.

"I was brought here by Eirien. We had Lord Ewon's sons with us. They were injured and I helped heal them." It was a little twist to the truth but these two need never know that.

"Ewon's? Oh, Elrond's brats?" Understanding lit the grey eyes. "How were they injured?"

"Orc attack. They were ill prepared to deal with it." He puffed his chest up importantly.

"And they were injured? That was unfortunate." The tone of her voice was disappointed, mind you.

"Though very fortunate that I came along, yes." Irfan smiled at her, unaware that he looked smarmy and ingratiating. He thought it made him look important. "I am Healer Irfan of Bree." He introduced himself with a small flourish.

"I am Lady Ruthwen of Mirkwood. My companion is Lady Imles." She looked at the hand he held out with distaste. The last thing she wanted was to touch the disgusting creature. It looked as if it had not washed in centuries.

Seeing the look, but not really understanding it, he pulled his hand back.

"A pleasure to meet you in this wonderful, charming place." Irfan made a show of looking around.

"It is?" There was disgust in Ruthwen's voice. "This place is too... too nice, so clean and happy." Her lip curled.

"I know what you mean. Bree is nothing like this. Now that town has character, real character, with all the people. I miss the inns." There was longing in his voice. The thought of a large mug of ale was turning into a great longing. The fruit he did not mind now, not after having lived on bread and water for four days, but his ale... He missed that more than anything.

"What are inns?" Imles asked shyly.

"Places where you can drink ale and wine and talk with your friends. You don't know how much I miss that." He sighed mournfully.

"You will go back to Bree?" Ruthwen observed him closely.

"I think that it is time for me to move on. I have outgrown them." Irfan commented, dismissively.

"Walk with us, Healer Irfan. Tell us about Bree." Ruthwen motioned for him to join them and he glowed. Someone appreciated him after all.

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

Gentle chirping woke him. The sound was so happy that he was smiling before he even awoke fully and he knew what he would see.

He felt so much better. His hand no longer tingled and it felt more alive than it had done in ages. His tummy grumbled.

"I think there is a certain someone who needs to have something to eat." The voice rumbled beneath his chest and he giggled. This was more like it. Ada always made him feel safe. "Good morning, Ion-nin, and how do you feel this bright morning?"

Legolas finally focused bright blue eyes and smiled up at Ada.

"Better, Ada. So does Fileg." He had a bright happy grin that seemed to fill the chamber.

"I am pleased to hear that. Do you have any pain this morning, Penneth?" Legolas brushed tangled hair away from the face that finally had more colour in it than Thranduil had seen in a year.

"Just my leg, Ada. That is just an ache and nothing else. I need no medicine!" It was said earnestly but did not fool Thranduil one bit.

"Are you sure about that, Dian Las?" There was amusement in his voice. Legolas would get out of taking his medicine any way that he could.

It rarely worked on his Adar. Their familial connection told him exactly where Legolas was aching and to what extent and at the moment his leg was throbbing, which meant that Legolas had to be hurting. The impressions from their bond had begun to return to Thranduil as Legolas healed from his head wound.

Luckily Gailarphen came to Thranduil's rescue.

"Good morning, my dear young Caun. How are you this fine morning?" Gailarphen was very happy with the way the morning and day itself had so far progressed.

"I am good, Phen. I am hungry." A cheep told them that Fileg agreed with that sentiment. To Thranduil's great pleasure, Legolas giggled. "Fileg too!"

"Then we will need to make sure that you both have some food. But first I want you both to take some medicine with me and then I can change your bandages and see how Fileg is doing." Gailarphen leaned in and winked "Then perhaps, if you would like it, we could go for a walk. I am sure that Glorfindel would enjoy showing you around once more."

Legolas grinned happily. "I would like that." Thranduil's heart flipped as he realised one huge factor that he had been missing. His son was back. The Legolas from before Minerella's death was definitely back, with the easy smile and ready giggle. His heart sang and the trees echoed it.

"Trees are happy." Legolas' eyes were wide as he looked around. "Why are they so happy?" It was the one thing that he could not tell this time.

"They are happy because you are happy, Ion-nin. I cannot put into words how wonderfully happy I am as well." He gently hugged his precious elfling, more aware than ever of how delicate his health was.

"I will make our tea." It was Gailarphen's way of acknowledging that he still had an agreement with Legolas over the taking of the medicine. It was something he intended to honour.

Legolas giggled once more. "Will you, Glorfy?" He would love to see all of Imladris with his hero. Glorfindel was, and always would be, just that. Right from the start, he had loved the story of the Balrog Slayer. He would listen to the story raptly and cry when he died and sighed with relief when he was returned to life by the Valar. That it was the real person beside him was incredible.

Eirien chided gently. "I will get some food for Legolas, Fileg and you, Thranduil. You have yet to eat this day, after dealing with an armful of sleeping elfling." Her eyes sparkled with joy to see Legolas so well after he had been so ill. Valar! He had nearly died so many times, after all! That he was strong in spirit was undeniable.

Thranduil smiled easily, more easily than he had done in a while. "Hennad, Eirien. That would be welcome." He also felt more at ease, as if a great weight had been lifted from him, a weight that had been such a burden, yet one that he had borne without realising it.

"I will wake Elrohir as well. It is time that Elladan got some sleep and Ro needs to see how well Elrond is." Eirien smiled at Elrond as she passed him on the way out of the chamber.

"Ada?" Legolas began to play with one of Thranduil's braids with his left hand, running his fingers over the length of it, simply feeling it.

"Yes?" Thranduil blinked. "Ion-nin, your hand?" He was little stunned. He had not even realised that Legolas was using the lightning-injured hand until then.

Legolas shrugged it off. "It is better. The robin wants to know when the blossoms will come on the trees. What do I tell him?"

"What robin, Legolas?" He had no idea what Legolas was speaking of until a sudden warble sounded from the high windows. There, sitting next to Faunryn, was the largest and brightest-coloured robin Thranduil had ever seen.

Legolas pointed with his left hand. "Him, Ada. He wants to know when to start building his nest, but I do not know what to say." As Legolas held out his small hand, the robin chirped happily and flew down to land on it.

It was Elrond who answered. "The blossoms will be out within the next few weeks. Already the land around us warms and wakens. It will not be long."

Legolas looked over at him, only to break into a wide smile and say excitedly. "You can see!"

"Yes, Penneth. I cannot say how glad I am to see you looking so well." Elrond carefully smiled back, aware that the delicate new skin of his facial burns was still a little tender. Amazingly, as the day had progressed, his sight had cleared even more, as if, now that he was aware of his sight, it was being aided. Why or how he could not say.

"You are better?"

"Yes, I am, much better for knowing that you have recovered too. Who is your new friend?" The robin was still happily sitting on the Prince's hand warbling to Fileg.

"Robin." As if that answered it all. "He says he lived here a long time and comes to visit, but no one spoke to him before."

"I am not surprised. Not even your Ada will be able to speak to him properly." Elrond told him.

"Why not, Ada?" Bright inquisitive eyes turned to him.

"Because you have the clearer perception." Thranduil tried to explain.

"And Elrond should have been resting, not talking." Gailarphen's smile took the sting out of his words as he approached them..

"I have had more than enough rest!" Elrond protested.

"No, you have not, Ada." Elrohir's voice came from the door. "You may have your sight back." A bright warm smile at that. "But you are still far from well."

"I agree with Ro." Elladan sounded just as happy and Elrond glowered mildly at the pair of them. It felt good just to be able to do so.

"Ro!" Legolas called just as happily.

"Suilad, Legolas. It is very good to see you." Elrohir could not miss seeing the robin perched on his hand. "And your new little friend." It was said with amusement. Legolas seemed to be attracting a lot of little friends along the way.

The robin sang at him.

"He says hello to you, too." Legolas sounded so happy.

"I am glad." Elrohir moved over to gently hug his father. "I am so happy and relieved for you, Ada."

"You are a welcome sight, Elrohir. I never thought the pair of you would look so good again. What is this about you having visions?" They could speak properly now.

"They are finished, Ada. I was told so in a dream." Elrohir sat down. "You should go sleep now, Dan."

"Not until you explain what has happened." Elladan wanted to hear this. He had, after all, nursed his younger brother through the visions.

Elrohir could tell that his brother would not take no for an answer. "Very well."

He made himself comfortable. Even Legolas watched him, stroking Fileg and whispering to the robin and as he finished, the bird gave a little bow and chirp and rose to fly to Faunryn's side once more.

He then watched Elrohir with interest. He sighed. This was probably not for elfling ears but what choice did he have?

"You were sleeping, Dan, as was Ada. I had another vision. The Valar, at least that is who I think it was, spoke to me and told me they were very proud and pleased with me and how I had handled my burden. They said that this would be the last vision and that the need was no longer there as Ada would be able to 'see' once more and that I had been chosen out of need. They showed me an image of you getting your sight back Ada. I saw how you scared Phen, as he thought you were still blind and would sail." Elrohir's voice broke, just at the thought.

Elrond and Elladan reached out to reassure him. Gailarphen overlooked the hated shortening of his name. This time it did not seem so important.

It was perhaps the latter statement that convinced them all. How could Elrohir know about that, when he had been in his chamber asleep? There was only one way he could know and that would be a vision.

"I am glad you will have no more, Ro. I know they hurt you." Elladan had hated that, and the helpless feeling he had known each time.

"Yes, but you helped, muindor-nin. You were there every time." Bright grey eyes met identical eyes and love and respect shone in each.

Elrond's face showed the pride he felt for his sons. "I am proud of both of you. Like Elladan, I am glad that you will have no more. As Glorfindel is fond of saying, the Valar move in the most unusual and mysterious ways."

Elrond leaned back against his pillows before glancing over at Nestoron. He really wanted to check his junior healer and friend over, but he knew that would be vetoed.

"Now that we have that out of the way Elrond, you must rest and no talking. Elladan, go and rest. I wish not to see you for at least eight hours if not longer. Elrohir, you will eat with Legolas and Thranduil when Eirien brings the food. And Elrond?" Gailarphen looked over at his Lord.

"Yes, mellon-nin." Elrond had forgot already that he was not meant to answer.

"If you take action to your thoughts and make them work, I will drug you into next year." There was quiet promise in his words.

"I did not even cons..." He decided not to continue, due to the look on Gailarphen's face. It was clear that he had known exactly what Elrond had been thinking. Elrond knew that. You could not live and work with some one for this length of time and not know them.

"I will rest, I promise." He settled back against the pillows. It did feel good.

"And no speaking! I know your voice is getting stronger and soon will be back to what it normally is, but that will not last if you continue using it. I will check Nestoron while Legolas is eating and then I will look at him. Glorfindel will enjoy the walk around Imladris with Legolas."

Elrond dutifully nodded his agreement as Elladan kissed his brow gently and left the chamber. Elrohir took his place in the chair next to the bed. One of them would always be with him. He still had a lot of healing to do. This had been a big scare for them, to see their mighty Adar fallen so low and injured had scared them. It was not something you saw every day, Valar, in millennia if it came to that!

Gailarphen nodded and left to gather those he would need to help with Nestoron. Hopefully he would sleep through this. The poppy tea would still be working. Gailarphen admitted to himself that he was more than a little worried about Nestoron's back. He could not say what or why but he was sure that all was not well. He would not tell Faelien that until he was sure, that was true.

As he passed their bed, he handed Thranduil the tea for Legolas and made a show of drinking his own. A promise was a promise after all.

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

Nestoron was still asleep. They persuaded Faelien to have a short break and get some fresh air, stressing how good it would be for the laes. She had readily agreed, to Gailarphen's relief.

Once she left the chamber, Gailarphen organised his helpers. He had worked this so that he could concentrate on the patient while the others moved and held him. He had wished it this way.

Linnathon gently took Nestoron's head, Thelion his chest, Talagan his back. This was the most important part. Tirrith, under instructions, gently supported Nestoron's legs. When they were in position and ready to move Gailarphen gently spoke to Nestoron.

"Nestoron it is Gailarphen, I need to look at your back. The others are going to turn you onto your side and then I will examine you. If I hurt you, please let me know. The last thing I want is for you to hurt, mellon-nin." He was not sure that Nestoron could not hear him, but you never knew and he would not take that chance.

When there was no answer, he sighed and nodded to the others. "When I say three, turn him in one smooth move and no jerking please. That will make things worse." The others nodded and readied themselves. "One, two and three!"

They turned him easily and without the jerking Gailarphen had been worried about. Once Nestoron was stable on his side, Gailarphen began to examine his back.

The swelling had gone down greatly. When he checked the reflexes, he was pleased to see that Nestoron responded. Gailarphen was greatly pleased about that.

What he was not pleased about was the lump he found over the discs that had been damaged. It was not swelling. It was not fluid. It was hard and firm, callus of healing bone. It confirmed his suspicions.

"Nestoron is healing too quickly. The bones in his back have fused." Gailarphen sighed. This was what he had feared.

"What can you do?" It was the junior healer in their group, Tirrith, who spoke. He seemed to think the Master Healers, Gailarphen included, could heal anything.

"Nothing. I dare not do anything. As the swelling that has compromised his nerves go down you can see that his feeling and movement improve. Anything I do could hinder that. I would not wish for that to happen. I would not wish to be the one to paralyse my friend." It was the simple truth.

"He would be paralysed?" Tirith shivered and inadvertently moved Nestoron's leg.

"Keep concentrating. Yes, there is a huge possibility that we could cause more damage than there already is. I need to make sure that his skin is intact. I will wash and dry it, if you are all content to stay as you are?" He looked up at them.

That was another worry that the skin would break open and cause infection. If that happened, Nestoron could very well die from that.

"We are content to aid you." Linnathon told him. He was willing to do anything for Nestoron, his long-time friend.

"Hennad." Gailarphen was about to rise and get the bowl of warm water he would need, but suddenly a bowl and towels appeared in front of them.

Ladeth gazed at him anxiously. "I thought you could use these quickly." She eyed Nestoron with great worry.

"Hannon le." Gailarphen smiled at her, although the smile never reached his eyes. He was too worried for Nestoron.

Gailarphen gently washed the skin, pleased to see that the skin of Nestoron's back was as yet the same tone, though showing many healing bruises, but no new redness was present. That was one less worry.

Once finished, he nodded and they gently lowered Nestoron flat onto his back.

"Hennad that will be all but I need you to come back in four hours so that we can relieve his back once more." They would need to do this frequently. They had to keep the skin intact while he recovered.

They nodded and moved away, leaving Gailarphen to see to the remainder of his task.

He again spoke to his sleeping patient, never sure whether he might be able to hear. "Well, Nestoron, that is your back seen to for now. Now it is time to look at the rest of you. I am going to undo your nightshirt." He suited actions to words and untied the strings. Bruises marred the pale skin here as well, differing hues from all across the spectrum. The bruising was not surprising at all. The fall had been huge.

Gailarphen gently felt across the rib line, feeling for the breaks and checking that they too were not healing too fast as was the spine. If this was so, he may have to re-break the callus.

Who would have thought that, as a healer, he would rue the day that elves healed so fast? It would seem that this was one of those days.

The first rib was intact and did not move at all. The second gave a little but did not cause him that much worry. The third gave. The healing here was not as fast as it had been with his back.

All was well until he got down to the twelfth rib. Then he found an excessive amount of callus so large that he could feel the unevenness through the skin. This rib was also healing too fast and would have to be watched. At least it was the bottom rib and would not inhibit the action of breathing. That had been a worry.

"Mellon-nin, you do know how to worry me." He frowned down at his silent patient and friend. He sighed again and then felt along the left arm, careful not to disturb the splint. This at least was healing normally.

He moved on to the left leg. He gently removed the bandage and looked down at the wound where the bone had broken through the skin. The stitches stood out stark against the pale skin. Again when he checked the fracture site he was relieved to see that it too was healing normally and not as his back and rib were.

That at least was something. But the biggest worry was Nestoron's spine. That really worried him. He gently sat and picked up a warm hand.

"We are here for you, Nestoron. You will not go through this alone. I promise that we will all help you."

"Why, where am I going?" The voice made him jump. He had not even noticed that Nestoron was awake.

"Nestoron! How long have you been awake?" He glared at his friend but there was not really any fire in it, just relief.

"Since you touched my leg." Nestoron told him.

"You could feel it?" Gailarphen stood and reached for his legs again.

"Yes, very much." Nestoron winced. His legs felt as if they were on fire and his back… well, he did not know how to describe the pain in his back.

Gailarphen removed the blankets and turned to Nestoron. "Can you move your toe?"

He stood waiting and watching with bated breath. And then so slowly that he could have screamed, the large toe moved. "It moved!" The healer stated the obvious.

If he had not been in so much pain Nestoron would have laughed at the surprise in Gailarphen's voice.

"Can you move your small toe?" The Healer was fully back in charge.

Nestoron concentrated. It took effort but he managed it. "Good, that is excellent." Mithrandir had moved over to join them, watching closely.

"You are doing well, old friend. Faunryn will be very pleased about that." Mithrandir was relieved as well, for he too felt responsible.

"Can you move your entire foot?" Gailarphen watched as Nestoron slowly did that. He then ran his hand down the side of the right leg. He did not want to cause Nestoron any more pain than he was already having.

"Yes." It was said through gritted teeth. "Why is my back so sore?"

"We will talk later, Nestoron." He did not want to tell his friend the news right at this moment.

"No. We will talk now. Gailarphen, I need to know. Saes?" Nestoron had to know what he, and in turn, Faelien, were facing.

"Very well. Your healing powers have kicked in and almost gone into a fast reaction. You are... over-healing for lack of a better description. Your back and one of your ribs have progressed with callus formation that should not be there for weeks yet." Gailarphen found that he was actually very pleased, relieved, to be able to talk about this to his friend.

"That does not sound good." Nestoron knew all too well what he was saying and the implications. "That is why the pain is so bad."

"Aye, the three bones of your spine that were damaged have knotted with this new bone formation." Gailarphen kept his voice neutral.

"All three of them? They have joined together?" There was worry in Nestoron's voice.

It was a quiet admission. "Yes they have." There was a great deal of regret in his tone.

"That is not good. I will need a long recovery and I will always have problems with my back." There was not question in his voice. He was sure about it.

You are right, but there is one bright light. You can feel your legs and you can move them. For a time, I was not sure that you would even do that."

Gailarphen would never forget the tearful description Linnathon had given of Nestoron splayed unconscious and helpless on the ground with an equally unconscious Faelien over the top of him. He had come close to losing two wonderful friends that day. He thanked the Valar for Mithrandir's timely intervention.

Nestoron's next question sounded fearful. "Will I be able to continue as a healer?" It was his life's calling, after all.

"There will be some limitations. Lifting will be impossible for you and I would advise very strongly against you ever doing that again. But I cannot see why you cannot continue to work with us. We would miss you far too much." A small gleam entered his grey eyes. "Who would I tease and order around otherwise?"

Nestoron replied with equal fervour, but a touch of teasing as well.. "Someone else? Saes, say someone else?" He had to close his eyes as the pain in his back was growing.

"Very well, but on one condition." Gailarphen face became serious.

"What is that?" Nestoron opened one eye to look at Gailarphen.

"You take the tea that I will make for you and rest. I will admit you have a long recovery ahead of you, but as I said earlier, we will all help you through it."

"All of us." The voice was soft and held tears. Nestoron looked up to see Faelien standing directly behind Gailarphen so that he had not seen her come back into the chamber. Her hand rested lightly on her still-flat abdomen. How soon it would round and swell with the burgeoning life within her. "We will all help you."

"I know Meleth. I will do my best to make sure that I do my part." There was determination in his voice. He had eleven months, elven months to be well in time for his beloved laes to be born. What joy. He wished he could reach out and touch her hand, but until his back was stable he would be unable to.

Faelien read and felt his need through their bond. She moved to take his hand and smooth back his hair. "We know. We can feel your determination." She smiled at him. How could she not be happy? Yes, the news about his back was bad, but they could live and work with it. She would learn how to massage his muscles, if it helped him.

"I will make that tea now. Stay and rest, Faelien. I am sure that you are not needed for the foreseeable future." Gailarphen softened his tone, they had already had this conversation, but he wanted Nestoron to know of it as well.

"I can work!" She sounded frustrated.

"Faelien, we need you to concentrate on Nestoron, yourself and your laes." Gailarphen wagged his finger at her. Legolas giggled at that a few beds down.

"Legolas?" Nestoron sounded surprised to hear that giggle, the last he had seen of the Prince... Well he would not have expected to have heard it so soon.

"Doing much better, even eating when the food arrives. I will be changing his dressings once he has eaten and is asleep." Gailarphen smiled fondly over at the Elfling Prince.

"You have no idea how glad I am to hear that!" Nestoron had to admit, he really thought they would lose Legolas in that awful cave.

"We all feel the same." His voice was soft but then he turned to Faelien. "I also mean what I say. You will return to work in the wards only when I give you permission and not until. Am I making myself clear?" That dark eyebrow went up again.

"Yes, Master Healer Gailarphen, you are making yourself very clear." She had to smile. Some time alone with her beloved actually sounded wonderful, even though it would be some time before that actually happened.

"Good." He was satisfied with that and smiled back her. "Keep this incorrigible bonded of yours quiet and I will make his tea." At her nod, he moved away to do just that.

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

Legolas finished the last of the thin porridge with gusto. He was also pleasantly full, even though his bowl had not been full.

Normally, his Ada made him eat one whole bowl and sometimes even more. What the difference was now, he did not know, not that he was going to complain.

"Well done, Dian Las. Was that nice?" Thranduil had finished his own much larger bowl.

"Yes, Ada. Can I go and see the trees with Glorfy?" He had not forgotten the promise of being taken around this wonderfully pretty place.

"I think that Gailarphen wants to look at your leg and arm first, Ion-nin." Thranduil had to bite his lip to stop from laughing as Legolas pouted at that. "You can go later though. Perhaps I will be allowed to join..."

"I do not think so, Thranduil, at least not yet. A few more days and I will reconsider it, but for the time being I want you to continue resting." Gailarphen had heard their conversation.

"I am sorry, Legolas I have been told that I cannot join you." Thranduil felt a pang of sadness.

"That is alright, Ada. I can wait until you can come with us. I do not need to go today." Legolas snuggled back into his father's arms, warm and secure.

"But you wanted to go and speak to the trees..." Thranduil tried to protest.

"I want to be with you too." Legolas smiled at him. "The trees can speak to me from here." He seemed quite content to be with his father.

"If you are sure?" Thranduil sounded dubious.

"I sure." Legolas stroked Fileg.

"Very well. It would appear, Glorfindel, that none of us will be making that walk." He told the Balrog Slayer.

"Imladris will always be here. We can see her when Legolas is ready." As long as Legolas was happy, so was Glorfindel.

"I think I will look at your arm now, Legolas." Gailarphen moved beside Glorfindel.

"Will it hurt?" Legolas looked worried.

"No, Penneth, you had the tea, remember?" Thranduil asked him.

Legolas nodded but that did not really stop his worry as the healer moved towards him.

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

The day was sunny and warm. Irfan had found the talk with the two elven ladies to be very useful. Once you got past the initial greeting, they were very pleasant.

The best thing though was that they had helped him get some more food. That would make up for missing so much food over the last few days. That would help greatly.

They had also given him a little job to do. One that Lady Imles said would suit his abilities down to the ground.

Once he had heard what the task was, he had agreed with them. It would get him back doing the one thing that he liked. It would also afford him the opportunity to get back at Eirien...

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

Across the miles, silver eyes opened from a deep sleep and a frown marred the pale forehead. Something was about to happen in Imladris and he had a very unsettled feeling about it.

He had to get to Imladris, he tried to sit up but was stopped by a sharp admonition. "And where do you think you are going?"

He turned to see one furious healer glaring at him...

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

To be continued

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