I'm back! And I wanna go back to Italy!

Seriously, Lake Garda is AMAZING. I got sunburnt up the top of a mountain (duh!), and spent 41 Euros on a LotR necklace (I love it!)

And an Italian waiter asked me out for a drink… Er…let's just say he was a little bit too old for me. And didn't finish work till 11. And we could barely understand what each other was saying. But still, I got asked out by an Italian! And got given a rose by another.

Yeah, was a good holiday…Grin.

So, here's the next chapter! And I REALLY enjoyed writing it! Ooooh, I just lurrrve suspense. Teehee.

Faerlain

Elerrina – Ah, you shall have to wait and see my dear. No, I didn't get your other review, but it doesn't matter. I'm improving? Wow! Blush. Thanks hun. As you can probably tell from my blabbering above, I loved Italy and wanna go straight back to my Italians! Teehee. Thanks for reviewing.

pwrhungryjr – I'm glad you like it! Thanks for reviewing.

Rayame325 – I loved writing that bit – was a bit of comic relief. Italy was fantastic! Oh, don't get me started again – I can blabber on for hours! Cross country! Shudders. I've always hated that. I don't go back till September 6th. Bounces. Thanks for reviewing.

Gemini969 – I have posted! Thanks for reviewing.

Tiara Shin – Grins. I lurrrve my Mirkwood children! Huggles all round.

I HAVE RETURNED! And I bring you…a new chapter. Gasp. I WANNA GO BACK TO ITALY! Cries. Though Leggy did get a tad jealous when I got given that rose…and got asked out for a drink…I made it up to him though.

Leggy: Grin.

We landed at the airport, and it was bloody raining! How typically English is that! I ask you…It's nice and sunny here at the mo…no rain yet please…

Returns puppy-dog eyes. Lease review again! And talk to you online sometime. And I'll show you me holiday snaps! Thanks for reviewing.

Chapter 3: They Shouldn't Have Gone.

The family was silent at dinner. The two empty chairs beside the King were unnerving them all. Lothriel pushed her food around her plate for a while, and then gave up. "I'm not hungry naneth," she answered to her mother's questioning gaze.

Hithaer and Gîlorn stared moodily into their half-empty goblets, wishing they were out with their brothers. Sîladiel and Nauralad were gripping each other's hands under the table, barely eating anything. Esgalloth hadn't even touched her knife and fork.

Thranduil and Aurêl looked at each other. The distraught look in his wife's eyes told Thranduil everything. He put down his goblet and looked round at his large family.

"They'll be back soon," he assured them. "Why is everyone so worried?"

"Something isn't right adar," Sîladiel answered, looking up at him. "I can feel it."

"So can I," little Lothriel put in.

"Everything feels wrong," Hithaer said quietly.

"One of them should have stayed here," Gîlorn told the King. "They should not have both gone."

"Everyone in the healing wards is getting ready for a large surge pf patients, even though no one knows what has happened yet," Nauralad added.

"We can all feel that something isn't right, isn't completely normal," Esgalloth finished.

Thranduil sighed and looked back to his wife. "Aurêl?"

She nodded. "I can feel it too Thranduil. They are my first-born and I know that something has gone badly wrong out there. I feel…separated from them. The only ever time this happened was when….was when Ladrenîl got captured. And I'm scared."

Thranduil leant his elbows upon the table and placed his forehead against his clasped hands. "Don't be. They'll be back soon", he repeated.

"How do you know that adar?" Esgalloth asked. "How can you tell?"

"Don't question me Esgalloth," he answered sharply. "They will be back before we know it. Now everyone, eat something. I will not have you all hungry tonight."

The rest of dinner continued in sullen silence. Sîladiel and Nauralad still had a hold of each other's hands, and Lothriel ate hardly anything at all. They could feel something coming, but knew not what.

That night, Aurêl spoke not a single word to her husband as she readied herself for bed. He sighed as she slipped under the covers, turning over to face away from him. "Aurêl," he soothed, slipping his arm round her. "Do not fear for them. They are fully grown, brilliantly trained warriors. The best in Mirkwood. No harm will come to them."

"The greatest warrior can be slain by a single arrow Thranduil," she told him in reply. "Nothing can change Fate." She shifted so she was facing him. "They may be adults, but they are my children. They are our eldest Thranduil. And they are in grave danger."

He held her tightly, kissing the top of her golden head. "They'll be fine," he whispered. "They will not get hurt."

Whether he was saying those words to reassure himself or his wife, he did not know.

----

Sîladiel sobbed into her pillow as the blood started pouring from her abdomen. She clutched at the wound, desperately trying to stem the flow. Grabbing the quilt, she pressed it against her stomach. But it was soon soaked, and she began to feel faint and sick.

Screaming, she yelled for help. And in the midst of people rushing into her room and lamps being lit, she was heard to mutter a single word.

"Legolas…"

----

Aurêl bolted upright as the screams echoed down the hallway. "Sîladiel," she whispered. Jumping out of bed she grabbed her gown and rushed out. Thranduil hurried along behind her.

Nauralad and Esgalloth were already in there, amongst the numerous healers. They made way for the Queen, who was desperate to reach her daughter. When she saw the blood, she faltered in her steps, covering her mouth with her hand.

"She just started screaming naneth," Nauralad told her, leading her over so she could grip her daughter's limp hand. "We have managed to stop the blood flowing so much, but she lost consciousness just now, before you came in."

"Has she said anything?" Thranduil asked, placing his hands upon his wife's shoulders.

Nauralad nodded, tears trickling down her face. "She whispered Legolas' name," she told him, wiping at her tears.

Thranduil bowed his head as Aurêl started sobbing uncontrollably. He crouched down and held her tightly, murmuring soothing words in her ear. He brushed his fingers through her long gold hair, kissing her cheek. "Calm down melamin," he told her. "Calm down my love, he'll be alright."

Gradually the healers drifted away until only Thranduil, Aurêl, their daughters and two others remained. The sisters worked silently together to bind Sîladiel's abdomen, and the healers helped change the sheets on the bed. Aurêl had been seated in the chair next to the bed, and Thranduil was stood behind her, gripping her hand.

Sîladiel lay motionless on her bed, pale and silent. Aurêl had not let go of her hand, and it seemed she was not going to for the rest of the night. Once they had finished, Esgalloth pulled her sister away and out onto the balcony. Night had truly settled over Mirkwood Forest now, and most of the stars were veiled by cloud. Nauralad involuntarily shivered, pulling her gown round her tighter.

"Nauralad, something has happened to Legolas," Esgalloth whispered, so as not to alarm their parents even more. "Something bad."

"I know Esgalloth," Nauralad told her. "But what can we do?"

"Prepare ourselves for the worst." She swallowed. "For all we know, he could be dead…"

"No," Nauralad answered sharply. She took a deep breath. "If he had died, then Sîladiel would have died with him. As it is, we know he is fatally wounded. So we must be ready for when the scouts return. Let's get every ward ready, and all our current patients, the few we have that is, all into one room. Go and get the healers up and ready. I'll start making sure the rooms are prepared." She turned her eyes to the stars, biting back the tears. "He cannot die," she whispered. "Legolas…he cannot die. We almost lost Ladrenîl; we are not going to lose Legolas."

The two girls went back inside and to their duties. The King and Queen remained with their eldest daughter all through the night, preparing themselves silently for what was to come.

----

Legolas was laughing. Ladrenîl couldn't believe it, but he was. Legolas, whilst clutching at the gaping wound in his abdomen, was laughing his blonde head off.

"I don't see what's so funny," he said scathingly, glaring at his younger brother.

Legolas shook his head. He was deathly pale; leaning against a tree whilst they tried to bind his stomach. "Neither do I," he admitted through gritted teeth. He closed his eyes briefly, chuckling quietly. "I think they put something on that blade."

"Legolas if it's poisoned, then to put it simply…"

"I'm in the sh…"

"Language Legolas." He sighed, crouching down beside him and grasping his hand. "Don't you dare pass out on me," he warned. "Else you'll be for it when you wake up."

"I don't think this poison stuff is going to let me pass out." He laughed again. "It's too…too…what's the word? When something keeps you awake?"

"The first word that comes to mind is stimulating. But then again, you find a lot of things stimulating. Now come on, on your feet little brother." He helped him up, wincing as Legolas hissed in pain. "Don't worry, the palace isn't far away."

"It's too dark. I can't see where I'm going."

"Oh bloody hell." Ladrenîl cursed even more under his breath.

"Language Ladrenîl," Legolas mimicked.

"Oh shut up Legolas," he told him. With the aid of a couple of others, he mounted his own horse and sat Legolas in front of him. Glînvara had been put in charge of Legolas' weapons and Cullas in charge of his horse.

The fight had been bloody, and they had lost many. Some were remaining behind to take on the awful duty of burying their friends, whilst the others hurried back with the Princes to get Legolas and the other wounded into the healing wards as soon as possible.

"Why can't I see in the dark anymore?" Legolas asked wearily as they set off.

"It's the poison," Ladrenîl told him. "It's affecting your senses. But don't you dare pass out."

"You've already said that."

"And I'm saying it again to make sure you stay awake. At least you remembered that I had told you to stay awake. That's good."

"I'm tired 'Ren."

"I know Legolas, I know." He kissed his cheek reassuringly as they galloped on. "But you have to stay awake until we get home. Now, I want you to recite every member of our family."

"Why?"

"To keep your brain active. Come on, start with adar."

"Ok, ok. Adar is called Thranduil, and naneth is Aurêl."

"What was our grandfather called?"

"Oropher. And naneth's mother was Grandma Hinonen."

"That's right. Carry on. Who's the eldest?"

"You, you idiot."

"What's my name?"

"Ladrenîl."

"Who's next?"

"Me! Legolas Greenleaf."

"Right, next."

He paused for a second. "I think Sîladiel is next. She is the eldest daughter."

Ladrenîl's mind raced with worry for his sister. She would have suffered Legolas' wounds. "Yes, that's right. Next one Legolas. Keep going, you're doing brilliantly."

"Then its Gîlorn. He's the one who sneaked along with me to rescue you."

"Indeed."

"And Esgalloth is next." He laughed drunkenly, leaning his head against Ladrenîl's chest and peering up at him. "Is it me or she getting more and more moody?"

"Legolas!"

"She is. Anyway, it's the youngest son next, Hithaer. The one who wants to be like me, though for reasons I cannot fathom. I don't think he'd want to be like me right at this very moment, do you?"

"No."

"Having to recite every member of our ridiculously large family."

"Come on Legolas. How many more?"

"Two. There's Nauralad, who likes to heal people. Maybe she'll heal me. I hope so, because she's my sister and I love her."

"I should hope you do love her. And the last one?"

Legolas smiled dreamily. "Little Lothriel," he said softly. "My little Loth. The youngest child of the Mirkwood Royal Family, and one very special Princess."

"Well done Legs." He kissed the top of his head. "Nicely done." He looked over to Glînvara who was riding alongside them. "How much further?" he asked.

"About two miles my Lord."

Ladrenîl grimaced. He did not think his brother would stay awake that long. Desperately, he tried to think of other things to get Legolas to do.

"How old am I?" he asked.

"1,000."

"And how old is…Hithaer?"

Legolas had to think for a moment. "He is…500."

"And Gîlorn?

"762."

"Nauralad."

"Three hundred and…sixty-five."

"How old are you?"

"I think I'm 945, but I'll have to come back to you on that one."

"Yes, you are 945. How old is adar?"

"I daren't ask."

Ladrenîl laughed. At least his brother still had his sense of humour. "Who is looking after your weapons at the moment?"

Legolas looked to his right. "Glînvara."

"And your horse?"

"Cullas. He had better look after my horse!" He waved an arm drunkenly behind him to emphasise his point to Cullas.

"Your horse will be fine." He dug his heels harder into his steed's flanks. Legolas' answers were becoming slower and more sluggish. No matter how hard Ladrenîl tried, Legolas was going to lose consciousness soon.

"Sing me a song," he said.

"I can't think of any."

Ladrenîl cursed. "What day is it today?"

"Well it was Wednesday last time I checked. Might be Thursday now of course, seeing as it is probably past midnight."

"Good. And the month? The season?"

"July, right in the middle of summer."

Ladrenîl looked to Glînvara again. "Just under a mile my Lord," he replied.

"You hear that Legs? Just under a mile. You can hold on for that distance can't you? I'll tell you what. If you stay awake until we get inside the palace, then I'll get you a new set of twin daggers."

"Don't…need new ones."

"But it'll be nice to have some. How about ivory hilts and gold filigree? With mithril in the blades? You can keep them just for ceremonial purposes or something."

"There's no point…in having knives just for…ceremonial purposes. They have to be used."

"Well whatever. Or I'll get you a new bow, new quiver…whatever you want. We could travel to Rivendell together, just us two. Go and see the twins again. That would be fun, don't you think?"

Legolas nodded. He was feeling so sleepy. He just wanted to drift off, go to sleep…

"Legolas stay awake!" Ladrenîl prodded him. "Don't close your eyes. Stay with me little brother, we're almost there."

"Why do you always call me that?"

"Call you what?"

"Little brother."

"Because you are my little brother and I love you. It's a protective endearment I think. Its what I've always called you."

Legolas mumbled something and sifted in Ladrenîl's embrace. With alarm, the older Prince noticed blood seeping through the makeshift bandages covering the wound. He urged his horse on faster, leaping over fallen logs and ducking under overhanging branches. He cursed the fact that he was blind in one eye, as it impaired his vision, and he felt many leaves slap against his face and branches rip at his clothes. They were racing for his brother's life, and they didn't have a lot of time left.

The path started getting clearer, and Ladrenîl knew they were a few mere meters away from the main gates. His horse was far ahead of the others now, and kissed Legolas' cheek again, willing him to hold on. "Legolas, I bloody hope you're awake."

"Still here 'Ren…just about..."

And they were in the courtyard. People rushed over from all sides, helping the Crown Prince down with his precious bundle. Gathering him carefully in his arms, he ran up the steps into the caves, shouting for people to make way.

Up the main staircase, and he carried on talking to Legolas, keeping him awake. "We are going to Rivendell Legs!" Ladrenîl told him. "You held on. Well done little brother. We're going to Rivendell, and we're going to see the twins again."

"Dan and 'Ro," he whispered. His eyes were clouding over with the pain.

"That's right." Along the corridor to the healing chambers. Who had built them so far from the main door?

Bursting in through the first door he came to, he stopped as Nauralad and various other healers looked up. "Legolas…" he whispered.

Nauralad lowered her head, taking a deep breath, but then contained herself and ran forward to help him. Laying the now unconscious Prince down on a bed, Ladrenîl slumped down onto the floor. He refused to let go of the cold, pale hand he still held, and just sat there silently as the healers got to work.

He heard the rest of the Elves arrive back several minutes later, but still did not move. He should go down and check that they were all ok, but he had not the strength. He could only sit there and pray for his brother's survival.

Nauralad knelt down beside him. "He's very ill 'Ren," she told him softly. "The poison is spreading through his system faster than we can counteract it."

"You keep trying," he told her firmly. "Me and Legs are going to Rivendell. He is going to survive this, you hear me?"

She nodded and kissed his cheek. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered, clasping his free hand. "You did so well to get him here."

"He was still awake in the corridor. He was talking to me."

"That's a good sign. He's strong, we all know that. He's not going to give up easily."

"Keep fighting for him Nauralad. Don't let him go."

"I won't, I promise." She got to her feet again and carried on with her work.

Someone came and tended to a cut on his leg, but he ignored them. Legolas' weapons were brought up and kept outside the door. But still he sat there, gripping his brother's hand.

You never gave up on me, and I refuse to give up on you. Don't let go Legolas, hold on for me. You have never given up hope with anyone, so don't do it to yourself. You're stronger than this. Come back to me Legs, don't let go. I've got you; I'm not going to let you fall away from me.

The Sun would be rising soon. This hellish night would be over soon. With the coming of the Sun would come a new day, and so would begin Legolas' true fight for survival.

Heh heh heh. I'm evil aren't I? AndI managed to get some family details in there. (I am not famed for my subtley). I had to get Legolas laughing in there somewhere – I feel it is what he would do in circumstances like that. Well, in my stories anyway! I know Tolkien wouldn't do that…Tolkien rules! Grins.

See you soon dears.

Faerlain

Runs off to try and grab plane back to Italy