Legolas watched in silence as the archer ordered Airion to bring the two Orcs back to the castle first. "We will question them further. But all of us can't move now. I think Aradan has dislodged a bone in his shoulder as well. We will wait for dawn. Do send horses and a cart. 'Tis best that Aradan is not moved as much as possible."
As Airion hurried to do her bidding, leaving the remaining soldiers as guard, the archer turned to Commander Aradan. The latter was still conscious and obviously in pain as he lay face down on the grass. Legolas could see that the archer cared for his Commander as she laid his head upon her lap and stroked his hair. "You will be alright, Aradan," she was saying softly. The sword had struck a little deep despite it being a swipe and the archer said that she was worried about the possibility that Aradan could have dislocated his shoulder. He had saved Legolas though. Else her son would be dead now, the sword having found his neck.
As the archer blinked back her tears, it suddenly dawned on Legolas who the archer was. They had taken her prisoner, hadn't they? Tauriel had wanted to kill her and …he hadn't disagreed. She sounded very authoritative now. Who was she? Was she Commander Aradan's mate? She certainly cared for him a lot. Legolas could see that from the look on her face. She was holding back her tears. Once in a while, she turned to him as well and checked that he was alright.
"Would you like to go back to the palace with Airion first, ionin?"
Legolas shook his head to the archer's question. He could not possibly leave his Commander and go. Even though, he was not crying, he certainly felt like it. He had been so rude to his Commander, the elf who had nearly brought him up along with his Ada. As the archer used a cloth to wipe the blood and stop the bleeding, Legolas went to wet a cloth with water and handed it to the archer who took it gratefully, though she appeared surprised. As she cleaned the Commander's wound, Legolas saw his Commander's body tremble and bit his lips. Commander Aradan was still conscious and in pain.
Going over, he removed his Commander's boots and cleaned his feet as well. Else it would be so uncomfortable for him. The archer looked surprised and pleased with him. But not the Commander. "What are you doing, ionin? You are my Prince." he mumbled unhappily.
"Do not talk now, Aradan," the archer stopped him and Legolas agreed.
"Do not strain yourself now, Commander Aradan. The bleeding has to stop first. Is there anything we can do?"
The archer shook her head. "Your shoulder is probably dislocated as well, Aradan which is why I can't bandage the wound as well until we fix the shoulder…"
Legolas watched as the archer lost her composure and started to cry and moved away to give her privacy. All this was his fault. The Commander was consoling her and their conversation seemed to be very private as he gripped her hand. After a while, the archer appeared to regain her composure as she wiped her tears and bent down to kiss his Commander's forehead.
The Commander could not have taken a mate, could he? No, she was not his mate. Legolas was sure of that. She did not behave like that. But, she certainly cared for his Commander a lot. "Like Tauriel did for him? No," Legolas corrected himself. He knew that his relationship with Tauriel did not run that deep. Legolas sighed. This archer would not leave his Commander's side now no matter what happened. Legolas knew that Tauriel had asked to leave and see to the dwarves' burials whilst he had been burning with fever. He did not blame her. She had loved Kili and though it had hurt then, Legolas had to admit that it did not now. He hoped Tauriel would get over Kili and find her happiness with another, if that was possible. As for him, he was glad that his Ada had stopped him from pursuing Tauriel, interfering as it had been, for he could see that it would only have ended in heartache for them both. They were too headstrong, stubborn and serious. Kili had been good for Tauriel, his carefree and jovial nature, complementing Tauriel's serious manner.
"What are you thinking, ionin? Are you alright?" the archer had turned to him now.
"Huh..I am well, my lady. I ..I just miss my Ada. I want to see him again," Legolas was surprised at his own confession.
The archer appeared surprised and slightly happy. "Why don't you go ahead first, ionin? We will be alright here."
Legolas shook his head, "I cannot leave Commander Aradan now. Anyway, Ada will be here soon."
The archer looked surprised again, "How would you know, ionin?"
"'Tis the Commander who is hurt. Ada would surely be anxious. He would not say it aloud but Commander Aradan means a lot to him."
The archer smiled. It was a sad smile.
Legolas hesitated and then said, "My pardon, my lady. I believe I was very rude to you when we first met. You saved my life then too, taking the weapon unto yourself…..may I know who you are?"
This time the archer's eyes filled with tears. Before she could say anything, the sound of the horn announced Thranduil's arrival.
"I believe our King will explain all, ionin," the archer said softly.