The two watched the elf lord until he disappeared into his study, then the Prince of Mirkwood turned an inquisitive glance on his friend.
Estel's smile was sad. "Come, my friend, there is a great deal I wish you to hear."
Chapter 12 Unguarded WordsLegolas was sitting with his back against the head of the bed with one hand resting on his friend's shoulder. Recounting recent events for Legolas had totally exhausted the young man and he had fallen asleep almost as soon as the story was done. The fair elf was so absorbed in mentally reviewing what Estel had told him that he actually jumped when someone knocked softly on the door. Easing out of bed so as not to wake the human, Legolas moved silently to the door just as it opened to reveal Lord Elrond. The younger elf bowed to the Lord of Rivendell and with a swift movement of his head indicated they should step outside the room. Elrond paused only long enough to glance at his human son before leading the Mirkwood Prince to the elf lord's own chambers. Once there, Legolas went immediately to stand on Elrond's balcony. His gaze looked over the garden, but the elder elf suspected he did not see it. Moving to stand beside the young prince, Elrond tilted his head in an attempt to see the prince's face.
"Young Prince?" It was an old term of affection and respect.
"I am sorry for your affliction, Lord Elrond."
Elrond winced at the term affliction' in spite of himself. "I am well enough, Legolas. However, I am concerned about my sons." Elrond hesitated briefly. "Elladan has decided to focus on healing. He will be laying aside his sword and bow. Beginning tomorrow evening, Elrohir will lead their patrol alone. It was a difficult decision, but one they were determined to make and at the end of the day, Elladan is eldest." Another pause. "How does Estel
seem to you?"
Estel had prepared Legolas for the news about the twins, but he was still saddened by it. This family did not deserve such a level of pain and it angered Legolas. He studied the elf lord carefully before replying. "He is frustrated that someone was able to do this to him without his knowledge. He feels if he had been more careful none of this would have happened. He overheard the twins discussing one of them working with you as a healer and it distresses him…" Legolas paused self-consciously, wishing he could call back those last words.
Elrond turned Legolas to face him and placed a hand on each of the fair elf's shoulders so they were face to face. "Legolas, I believe the Valar brought you to us for this visit. My sons will have need of a shoulder to lean on and I fear yours will get much use. I am grateful beyond words that you are here and I assure you, there is no need for you to guard your words with me. Truthfully, I would welcome your confiding in me. I fear my sons will cease doing so."
Legolas bowed his head in respect to the elf lord, but did not speak. Seeing the concern in the younger elf's eyes, Elrond pulled him to him in a fatherly embrace.
Pulling back from the embrace, Legolas spoke, "Nin hir /my lord, I have been thinking on all Estel told me. I would ask a question of you."
Elrond tilted his head and considered the young prince. "Of course, Legolas. You may ask me anything."
Legolas smile was grim. "I hope you do not regret that decision."
Elrond smiled reassuringly.
"You do not believe this act was random, Lord Elrond?"
"Of course not." Elrond was confused. "The Shaman obviously poisoned Estel to avenge what he views as his lost honor."
"There is more than lost honor at stake here, my lord. Is it not obvious that you were his target and Estel was a weapon set against you? My lord, even you do not have the expertise to do to another what was done to you. How could a man who shuns elves have this knowledge? And why are you and your sons simply sitting at home instead of seeking him out?"
Elrond's voice was gentle. "We are not simply sitting at home, Legolas. Estel has not regained his full strength. I would not risk him again to this Shaman. My other sons will be at greater risk, as they are elves. Soon, Elladan and I will review my journals for a cure. But if no cure is found, then the loss of this one facet of my life is not worth the lives of my sons to me. I will not endanger them for this, Legolas. But we will seek a cure.
I plan to send a messenger to Galadriel but the last messenger sent to the Golden Wood took a message of death. I will see Nimar buried before I send yet another message of sorrowful events. Tomorrow we will honor our dead and I will comfort my sons in the loss of their friend. There will be time enough later to deal with my affliction."
It was Legolas' turn to wince at the term. "Of course, my lord. Forgive me. I will say no more on the subject." The fair elf silently completed the sentence with "for now." He understood the elf lord's concern for his sons, but Legolas was an elf who believed in action. He was not reckless, but he would not remain passive. He would attend the services tomorrow and spend some time with his friends, but if nothing had changed in a brief span of days, he would leave for Wisdom.
xxx
Many days later, Legolas was still at the Last Homely House. Even though he was frustrated by staying in Rivendell instead of seeking out the Shaman of the human village, Legolas was loathe to leave while he felt his friends needed his presence and support. As a representative of the Mirkwood and as a friend to the House of Elrond, the prince had joined the elves of Rivendell at the service for Nimar. He and Estel assisted Elladan and Elrond in searching through medical journals for any reference to a situation similar to Estel and Elrond's. Occasionally, he rode out with Elrohir's patrol. He knew it was not the same as having Elladan by his side, but it seemed to ease Elrohir to have him there. The delay in taking the offensive chaffed at the prince, who considered who or whatever had injured his friend no better than a Mirkwood spider, but he hid it well and kept his word to Elrond to say no more on the topic.
When Nimar's brother returned to Rivendell, he was escorted by a small group of elves led by Haldir, Marchwarden of the Golden Woods. The Lord of Rivendell had invited the Marchwarden into his study and told him of Estel's return from the human village and all that had happened since. Haldir had offered to stay in the event a contingent was dispatched to Wisdom, but Elrond declined the offer, assuring the elf from Lothlorien that he would feel much better if Haldir delivered his message personally to the Lord and Lady of the Golden Woods. While rumors of his disability were spreading through Rivendell, Elrond wanted to contain the information as much as possible. He knew Haldir could be trusted completely. Legolas had considered attempting a private conversation with the Marchwarden, but feared his friends in Rivendell would look it upon as a betrayal. He would not add to their burdens but he could not help but wonder if Haldir agreed with his opinion that it was time to confront the Shaman and see where his magic' came from. In the end, he had watched Haldir leave, fervently hoping that if Galadriel did not have the answers they sought, they she would at least send a message of counsel.
tbc