Chapter two.

Meeting Shadows

Legolas blinked.

And blinked again as the mid afternoon sun scorched his sleep covered eyes. He rubbed them wincing as the movement caused forgotten pain. Memories rapidly returning he experimentally moved his limbs feeling relatively no pain, his face tightened in suspicion. His only cause of pain was his chest and back that he found wrapped in tight white bandages, helping keep his torso straight. His breath came in low gasps as he tried to sit up only to fall back with a low keen. He could feel his back bruise further. He closed his eyes as black spots popped in his vision. Sluggishly trying to stay alert he pulled himself up grinding his teeth to the pain; using only his arms to drag him the little distance to the tree trunk he found himself under, he rested. Sweat had already accumulated on his forehead and he was panting slightly as he pressed his face into the bark.

Legolas's eyes snapped open momentarily forgetting his pain in favor of looking around. His situation had caught up to him and his eyebrows drew together in confusion and fear. Last he remembered he had thought himself dying in an open meadow. This, this wasn't a meadow. No, this was a dark forest, despite it being the afternoon; you couldn't see 10 feet in front of you. It was almost like his own Mirkwood except Mirkwood he knew like the back of his hand and didn't send chills down his spin. He knew without a doubt he wouldn't be able to find his way home even with his great navigation skills. Weary and confused he darted his wide blue eyes around, searching for something, someone.

He felt himself stiffen abruptly as he caught sight of the shadows of to his right from the corner of his eye. His heart beating faster with every second he couldn't find it in him to look away when the shadows twisted and grew. Soon he found himself face to face with crimson eyes 5 feet directly in front of him. His face must have given him away as he saw a knowing glint appear in the eyes.

They were almost mocking him, telling him that it was the creature's choice to be seen.

Legolas's breathing hitched as the otherworldly being uncurled its self, slowly standing reaching an impressive height.

'As tall as an elf.' Legolas thought moments before the being started to glide towards him; still watching him with those cruel eyes. The shadows followed behind him ominously. The whole aura this creature was giving off screamed evil, both alluring and repelling Legolas. Even when Legolas could clearly tell this being was a male.

Legolas struggled not to bolt as it stopped its approach to him inches away. The seconds that followed where the tensest Legolas had ever been in. It felt like you could cut the air with a dagger. He gripped the bark behind him digging his nails in to keep him grounded; he felt the nails break and start to bleed down his hand. But he did nothing, just continued to stare at the creature before him. He kept his eyes on the creatures shoulder unable to; look into those fiery pits of hell that were studying him intently.

"Do not hurt yourself further little efling, especially not on my account. I'll not talk the time to heal you again." Despite the rough way the creature spat out the elvish tongue, he had a deep, smooth voice. He sounded much like an elf although he had a weird guttal accent.

Legolas shoved down the feeling of hope that was slowly welling in him. If this was an elf then it would help him. Surely it knew a royal family member when it saw one, right?

He gulped nervously never the less straightened his spin as best he could and leveled his chin. He slowly met the eyes of his 'savior'. There was nothing in them but burning indifference. Legolas's eyes narrowed aggressively. Now a glint of amusement came into them.

"I know of Elvish Royalty little one. That does not make you something worth wild in my eyes. So tuck in your chin, you are not in a manner to question me."

Legolas couldn't deny that, he could already feel his body shutting down. He hadn't a chance to begin to stop the blush that was taking over his pale ivory cheeks. Opening his mouth intending to defend himself he broke into a fit of coughing that shook his whole body and brought tears to his eyes. In his distraction the creature had come closer. Legolas felt something tipping his head back and forcing something up against his mouth. He complied and swallowed it in no shape to refuse. Chocking a little he gagged against the taste. His head fell forward on his chest and he breathed raggedly. He raised his head after awhile to see what the creature was doing out of curiosity. Only to realize that the creature was now centimeters from his face. Giving a little start Legolas retracted his hands that had somehow got caught in the creature's robes. Legolas gave a half chocking sob holding them protectively in front of his face. As he did so instinctively, he wondered at the lack of facial expressions he could see from the creature. The hood covered his whole face.

As soon as he let go he could feel the creature move and stand up. Legolas peaked through his hair, lowering his arms.

The creature turned his back to him and started to walk away.

Legolas gave a rough shout grapping his throat as he did so; he winced as blood came up and pooled out of his mouth. He tried to wipe it off, only managing to smear it across his chin.

The creature stopped a cocked his head to the side as if listening.

"Please, do-don't le-ave me!" Legolas whispered as loud as he could.

He quickly turned away bending in half as another coughing bout struck him. Blood continued to come up and out. Legolas could only pray that he would die quickly as he glanced up through the film of tears pooling out of his eyes. The being was gone.

Legolas sighed pathetically when the coughing stopped. He leaned back feeling way older then he was.

Trying to get his act together, Legolas worked his hazy brain. First he had to manage to stand up. And if he could do that he'd see where that went. Immersed in these thoughts Legolas was unaware of the creature looking down at him crouching in touching distance of him on a tree branch. Coming to a decision (when he saw Legolas struggling to pull himself up to his knees) the being stepped off the tree branch and forward.

Legolas grunted as he was lifted high off the ground and pulled to a hard chest. Bridal style Legolas snapped his head up to look at the creatures face. He only caught a glimpse of sharp white teeth before he couldn't see anything. Waiting a few moments the creature took in Legolas's disposition. Legolas blinked before laying his head down onto the creature shoulder hesitantly. When the creature did nothing Legolas gave a sigh of relief and all tension lifted out of him. He snuggled deeper into the embrace ignoring the twinges his ribs were giving him.

'Elflings trust to easily.'

A small upward turn of the mouth responded to that thought beneath the beings cowls and slowly twisted.

Sorry it took me so long. I was busy and lazy at the same time…I working on the third chapter now! And yes I know the chapters are short. It'll get better… hopefully…

If you have any questions ask me lol, I'm currently rereading the lord of the rings and plan to buy more backround books about the world so I can get more of a feel for it.

Ps. I like the word twisted. Plus it goes really well with this story. Let me know what you think! (: