Wild Justice
Chapter 18: Cōnscius
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Elrond let the prince of Mirkwood leave, seeing the young Elf's need for solitude at the moment. He had not missed the look of betrayal in Legolas' eyes before he had left, even forgetting to take with him his bow and quiver. Turning back to his sons, Elrond of Imladris scowled heavily, meeting his sons' eyes only to have them look away in guilt.
"My Study, now." Was all he said. Elladan and Elrohir turned away and hurried to comply. Elrond watched angrily as some significant look was exchanged between the two, as well as a small nod before both bowed their heads and kept on their way.
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They stood before their father's large oak-wood desk, heads bowed in submission, unable to meet the angry eyes of Lord Elrond. "Would one of you care to explain exactly what you were doing to the Prince of Mirkwood?" his words were little more than a hiss but the fury behind them was enough to cause the young Lords to flinch, both at the emphasis on their friend's title, but also at Elrond's soft words. Both elves were familiar with their father's way of words, so both knew that the softer they were spoken, the angrier the Lord of Imladris was.
"Well?" He demanded slightly louder as his sons remained silent. After another long moment, Elrohir finally dared lift his voice in response, "We were worried about him, ada."
His words did nothing to alleviate the Elven Lord's anger and only sought to pique his curiosity on the matter all the more. Quirking an eyebrow at Elrohir, he waited in feigned patience for another explanation on the matter.
Elrohir shifted uncomfortably before blurting out what he considered to be his explanation on the matter.
"We had to find out if it were true. We were worried about him, he looked so sick and fragile we were afraid he was ill and too stubborn to seek help for himself. We, well, we were perhaps a little tactless-" Elrond snorted at this but let him continue on, "-but our intentions were good."
"You intentions were good? And tell me, what were your intentions exactly? What illness did you expect to find in young Legolas that merited such brash action from my own sons?"
Elladan and Elrohir shared a look, "Well, maybe illness isn't quite the right word for it."
"Yes," agreed Elladan, "Illness in no way justifies it, perhaps predicament would be more suited?"
Elrond looked from one twin to the other. They were hinting at something they obviously didn't know whether they were permitted to talk about or not. He zoned out of their blabbering and thought about the young prince. He had to admit that he had noticed the sickly pallor to the elf, especially on the day of their first meeting, but he had put that down to worry and what not since he had seemed to relax visibly and colour return to his cheeks once he had been granted his sanctuary.
Again when they had walked with each other, he had seemed withdrawn and reclusive, he hadn't looked too healthy either. Again Elrond, (who hadn't in any means dismissed it, but had pushed it aside for further investigation at a later date,) had been fooled by the young elf when he had relaxed once more under his presence enough to talk and even laugh. That alone had lit up his features and banished away any sickly look he held about him.
This was most interesting. Words he had heard his two sons speaking that same day after he had walked with the prince flowed back into his mind:
…Clothes... honestly looked tired… most unusual for him… you may just be right… come we must plan.
His brow furrowed, as he realised not for the first time that he too was suspicious of the young prince. Though with a bristle he liked to think he would have had a lot more tact. He tuned back into their words as his ears picked up a few words of interest.
"… Even the reason why he sought sanctuary…?"
Elrond gave a start, interrupting them from further speech: "What is it you know about the Prince? I have obviously not been informed of whatever this is and I demand to know what you two have discovered."
"You do not know?"
"We thought you did, we assumed…"
They shared a slightly scandalized look between them and Elrond stood, his eyes fierce as he looked down upon them. "Stop talking around the subject, my sons, I want to know what is wrong with the Prince this instant."
Suddenly feeling rather hesitant, Elrohir looked to his dark haired twin, whom- taking the hint- opened his mouth to deliver the news, only to be interrupted by a knock upon the door. His mouth snapped shut as all heads whipped round to the double-doors.
Elrond took a calming breath before he called out to inquire as to who it was at the door. Upon hearing the name of the speaker, Elrond permitted them to enter. The elder Elf, Abie, did so and greeted Elrond and the young lords politely, before asking if she may have immediate words with the Lord of Imladris. Elrond gave her his consent and watched as she stole a quick glance at the two young lords.
"I don't suppose, my lord, that your sons have informed you of Prince Legolas of Mirkwood's condition?"
Elrond appeared ruffled. "Condition? First an illness, then a predicament, and now a condition. I would like to know right now what is wrong with the Prince."
Abie nodded her head, taking his answer to mean that he had not yet been informed. "Before I say, my lord, I must tell you that the Prince is at this very moment planning to leave Imladris, I must implore you to stop him. He is not fit enough to leave. I found him in his room not more than ten minutes ago, frantic, his things packed. He is clearly not in his right state of mind. And begging your pardon, but I was given the impression that some prank or such played by your sons has lead to his rash actions."
Elrohir jumped to his feet. "Leave? He cannot leave!"
Elladan was not far behind his twin in fleeing their father's study in search of their wronged-friend. The last words Elrohir heard upon their exit were not those of his father shouting for them to return but of Abie whom was telling their father that "Prince Legolas is pregnant, my lord."
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To Be Continued…?
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Peace,
CS WhiteWolf
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