94 I Know You, But Where?

Legolas' eyes fluttered open then closed again quickly as sharp pain lanced through his already throbbing head, yet that brief moment had been enough to warn him that something was wrong. He had worked out that he lay between soft sheets on what felt like a very comfortable mattress and his nose had picked out the scents of aloe, athelas and other herbs used in healing but he could not imagine under what circumstances one of those stunted, ugly, greedy creatures should be seated beside his bed, unless of course, he was supposed to be some kind of jailor. He huffed internally at his thought. How on earth could a dwarf hope to contain an elf!

The next time Legolas came awake his head felt clearer and as he carefully allowed his eyes to open the only light came from a small candle which flickered gently on a table beside an empty chair across the room. The same chair he was certain which had contained the dwarf when last he looked. Gently he rolled his head from left to right, trying to find some clue as to where he was and raised a hand to push at the cloth he could feel wound about his crown. An injury then, he thought but could not remember how nor why as he quickly catalogued the further aches and pains now making themselves known throughout his body.

"Ah Laddie," A gruff voice broke into his contemplations and he was unable to hide the start of surprise which raced through his body and set his nerves on edge.

"Awake at last I see." A red haired dwarf moved into his line of vision, braided beard waggling as he spoke.

Legolas stared at the creature, determined to stay silent and not give anything away.

"I told him you would be fine," the dwarf continued without a pause. "You may be a scrawny, pointy eared princeling but you are stronger than you look!"

The elf flinched as a heavy hand briefly patted his shoulder and he blinked in confusion as a wave of familiarity washed over him then trickled away again.

"You're much quieter than usual lad," a trace of concern crept into the dwarf's resonant voice. "It is a pleasure not to have to listen to your constant prattle."

His frown gave Legolas pause causing him to cut off the sharp reply he had intended and the sense of familiarity increased again. The dwarf gave him a sharp, knowing look and emitted a loud Hurrumph before opening his mouth to speak once more.

"Do you know where you are laddie?" He asked in a voice softer than Legolas thought possible for one of his ilk. "Do you remember what happened?"

"I… I'm not sure," confusion caused Legolas to reply as a vision of himself and the dwarf laughing together over the body of an orc flashed through his mind.

"I know you," he blurted out before he could stop himself "But where…?"

A/N

Sorry this is a little late but RL has been a mess. My father was rushed into hospital 2 weeks ago and just when we thought he was over the worst he caught COVID and is now seriously ill. Not sure when the next chapter will be up I'm afraid.

Please keep yourselves and everyone else safe.