An Old Friend
chapter 2:
author rosethorn59
Legolas slowly regained consciousness with a horrible headache and a body that was screaming for some comfort from his still present agony. He had had horrible nightmares of torture and mind-shattering pain. He was locked inside himself, within that pain.
Orcobol had lit a fire early in the morning while Legolas was sleeping. At the moment, Legolas was lying painfully on his side, watching the reflections and shadows of the fire in the back of the cave, that were glowing and bouncing around on the wall. Legolas thought it was beautiful, he always had. As he watched it, he heard the crackle of the fire, the smell of smoke, and the heat of the flames. It all comforted him so much. In spite of his pain.
He finally fully awoke and the first thing he saw was an orc next to him, leaning over him. "How are you this morning, my friend? Are you feeling a little better?"
Panic overtook Legolas, and in his pain, he sat up and scooted quickly backwards in his uncertainty and fear. The orc reached out and grabbed his arm. "Where are you going? You are not well enough to go anywhere, yet."
Legolas pulled and tugged at his arm, frustrated because the orc was much stronger than he. The elf tried to hit him in the face, but his fist was stopped immediately. Legolas knew he couldn't hurt , or even attempt to defeat him with the poor condition he was in.
"Who are you, orc!? Why are you here? What are you doing here?" The elf asked, angrily and confused.
"Hmm. Three questions. Well, my name is Orcobol. I rescued you from near death from orcs, and I am here to protect you and do what I can to keep you well, until I can get you to your home. Your family can do much more to help you than I can."
"I am so sorry , the pain I have been in has confused me a lot to everything. Including you. Thank you very much for saving me and taking care of me. I appreciate it more than I can say. You are a very good friend."
"As are you. Would you like something to eat before we leave? I have an apple, a little cheese, and some lembas," the orc smiled...and Legolas grinned.
"Why don't you bring it with us. You can have it. I would love to have a little lembas, though."
"Water or tea besides?"
"Water would be good, thank you."
"My friend, I can only take you close to your home, not all the way there," the Orc told Legolas sadly, as he handed the elf a waterskin. "It's fresh and from the lake. "
Legolas took a few swallows, and looked at Orcobol uncertainly.
"Why can't you take me all the way home? You seem to know the way."
"I'm an orc, not an elf, remember? Any other elf would kill me on sight, except for you. I can't take that chance. I do not wish to die."
"I don't know where you live, only the direction. How far is it from here?"
"West. A couple of miles from the cave. And yes, of course I know that you are an orc. I don't know what's wrong with me. Perhaps it is still all this pain, and my headache. I still can't think well, and I feel dizzy."
"An orc grabbed your hair and twice forcefully hit your head on the tree. I imagine that is what happened to you to make you dizzy, and have some trouble thinking straight. It will get better, I'm sure of it."
"Thank you, Orcobol for helping and comforting me," he grinned at his new friend.
"By the way, I washed your tunic and cloak as well as I could in the lake, then dried them near the fire. They will give you something else to wear on the way home."
"Thank you."
The elf looked at Orcobol, uncertainly. "Where will you be going when I am home? I will see you again, won't I?" Legolas was very apprehensive. He desperately didn't want to never see his friend again...to lose him.
"I am planning on staying here around the cave for a week or two. Hopefully you are better by then and can come and visit. Unless I am found or injured by elves, men or orcs .But I'm sure I will be well," he answered quickly, noticing the worried look on Legolas' face." I am very good at hiding." Legolas gave him a very sweet smile.
"So. are you ready to go? Your pain won't get better here, my friend. I will have to carry you there, is that alright? Unless you'd rather be dragged all the way?"
"No, that doesn't sound very appealing," Legolas grinned. "The first choice sounds much better."
"Would you like a quick bath again before we leave? Otherwise we must leave now."
"No thank you, I believe I am ready to go," Legolas looked at him sadly. Orcobol smiled. .
"Come back and see me when you are well, again, alright? We can discuss more things about both of us. I have a lot to tell you, my friend.""As do I," Legolas told him sorrowfully,
As the orc put the fire out, and stomped the ashes, Legolas watched him. He was on the ground rolled in blankets, lying on his stomach. His back still ached, and stung from the flogging and torment he had received. It still probably would for a while.
The orc grabbed and carried as many belongings of Legolas' as he could. After Legolas put his clothes on, and wrapped up in blankets, they left for the Halls of Mirkwood. He picked Legolas up, and the elf gasped and hissed; his back burning. "I'm sorry. I know it must hurt a lot. Would you like me to carry you over my shoulder?"
Legolas thought about it for a minute." No, I'd rather you didn't."
"Well, I don't have a horse, so what would you like?"
"I wish I'd brought mine."
"Well, how about carrying me by my feet and dragging my head on the ground! This is getting ridiculous," Legolas snapped.
Orcobol swung him into his arms and started walking. Legolas was in so much pain, that he almost screamed. " We will be there soon. Hold on."
When they were close to the Halls, the orc set him down on the grass under a grove of trees to make him as comfortable as he could. He laid Legolas' weapons, all of which he'd collected, next to Legolas in case of more potential danger. He also threw Legolas' pack on the ground next to him.
"Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. I am extremely grateful."
"Of course, and thank you for trusting me," he grinned.
"You are extremely easy to trust."
"Thank you, " he smiled.
….
"Would you do me a big favor?"
"Of course I will. What would you like ?" Legolas asked, grimacing in pain.
"Before someone finds and rescues you, would you please wait to yell for help. Maybe 20 or 30 minutes. Otherwise I could get killed. I know you're hurt and it's a lot to ask for. I need help to get away and please don't mention me. Perhaps I could be a man who helped you."
"So good luck in getting well quickly, and I will see you soon, my good friend."
The orc patted him on the shoulder and smiled at him.
As did Legolas.
…..
Legolas watched Orcobol as he walked away. He laid on his stomach, trying to get as comfortable as possible. His back hurt the worst. as well as his broken bones. He desperately needed help for his injuries, but he would never let his friend down. No matter what.
He turned his head to the side smelling the fresh grass and flowers. The trees smelled so fragrant and relaxing to him. He adored them. He was so sore and achy, and it seemed that the pain would never disappear.
After what Legolas believed to be about 30 minutes, he yelled for help. The guards found him quickly and carried him into the Halls, to his room. They knew he needed special treatment. He was so miserable. Shortly after he was found, he fell unconscious.
….
"Garion, go get some healers and bring them here. As well as an herbal healer. Make it as quickly as you can. I'll wait here with his Highness. Hurry!"
"Someone should let his Majesty know."
"We will, now go!"
The guard, Elerehast, at his side, removed Legolas' tunic and boots. He was still covered in seeping blood and had many infections, ripped and torn skin and broken bones. However it seemed that someone had helped him to some extent, and tried to keep the injuries at bay, until he could get better help. Legolas was moaning, so the guard knew he was awake.
The healers quickly arrived and led the guard to the door. "We can take over now, thank you for all your help, it has been greatly appreciated. .Please stay outside the door and keep an eye on things, Thank you."
The head healer, Lymist, removed the rest of his clothing to check him very carefully and see what they had to deal with first. He and another helper drew a hot bath with oil of athelas. They laid him in the tub, and gently rubbed his back, his front, and all the wounds they could find to clean him and relax him. His hair was scrubbed and washed, also. Lymist with his assistant picked Legolas up and gently laid him down on his clean bed and pillows. He checked his temperature, which was rather high.
"Excuse me," Elerahast said, "has anyone told His Majesty about this, yet? I haven't seen him here. Is he aware of his son's injuries?"
They all raised their eyes uncertainly. "Please go find and fetch him here, immediately. He will be very upset if if he doesn't find out right away and will want to see Legolas and check his wounds." He was a very loving and protective father. They all knew he would be there immediately. They set and wrapped his broken bones, made a paste of athelas, and prepared some athelas tea for him. Then they waited for the king.
So the guard left, cringing, hoping the King would not be angry at him.
Before his Adar got there, Legolas woke up, moaning and groaning, slowly falling to sleep again. Suddenly his eyes flew open.
"Did you look for my rescuer, today?" he asked almostly fearfully.
"No, not yet, I don't believe. We would like to find him and thank him, though. We are just concentrating on you, for now," the head healer told him. "Why, Legolas, is there an important reason?"
"Yes, there is. I was rescued by a human from orcs today. He is a very good man, but he is a loner, and prefers to be left alone. So please respect his wishes."
"My Lord, we shall respect your wishes. It was very obvious he helped you. But when we found you, there was no scent of human around you. Nothing but orcs."
Legolas tried to keep his anger in tact. "I was attacked and tortured by orcs. He rescued me, ergo, we both reeked of orc. Do you understand now? Then please let it go."
Thranduil threw his son's door open and went straight to him. "What happened, Legolas?" Then he turned to the healers. "How is he?" Then he looked him over carefully. He found all the scars and deep dangerous cuts on his back, and horrible marks from whips and knives Looking at all the wounds made the king shiver.
He turned his ion-nin part way over. There were more whip marks, which reached around his front, back, and around his ribs. Legolas was very pale and had a high fever. "Oh, my son, I am so horribly sorry this has happened to you."
He gently pulled him into his lap, trying very hard not to hurt him.
Thrandul held him and combed his hair with his fingers. He held his chin on Legolas' head, and kissed it.
I love you so much. my son."
"And I you, Adar."
Thranduil gently laid him down on his bed, again.
"Legolas, they will take very good care of you. But you already know that."
"I must go for now, but I will be back before long. Get some sleep, Legolas."
Lymist took over, covered him with athelas paste, and wrapped him with more bandages.
The room was covered in scented candles and also gave the Prince athelas tea to help with his fever and his pale demeanor. He received painkiller, and a relaxant. "I hope you feel much better when you awaken."
Legolas felt much better in a few days. The Prince, Legolas was visited quite often by his father, and that encouraged him a lot.
"My son, do you remember when I suggested you take your horse, weapons, and some friends to help you out when you get in trouble again? As you know you will."
" Please do as I say."
"I will try, Adar." "Do not try to do it. Do it" Legolas smiled at his Adar and Thranduil grinned back at him.
"But..."
"No..."
"That is fine. I shall do just as you wish."
"You do plan on remaining here for a while, now, don't you? I cannot tell you what to do at your age. But I can imprison you for three months or so if you do not take my advice."
Legolas frowned, then glared at his Adar. You wouldn't dare..."
"Oh, just watch me!"
"Yes, I will stay for a while, my Lord." He knew how serious his Adar was about situations such as these. He also knew he had to get to his friend as quickly as possible.
He rested a couple more days, with the healers all over him. He was much healthier, but very frustrated and bored. He wished he could leave now. He hoped no one would find he and his friend, after the Prince left. At least Thranduil had said nothing about his rescuer, and that made him very appreciative and proud of his father. He was also being very respectful of Legolas' wishes concerning he and his friend.
One night, The King came to visit with him before he went to bed. "So, Legolas, I'm so grateful that you are well again. I don't know what I would ever do without you."
He picked up his son's comb, and slowly braided his hair."There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you, so please don't make it hard on you or I. Please be careful."
"I always will my Lord."
Thranduil was a little hesitant, but he always gave his son the benefit of the doubt.
"Goodnight, my son. I shall see you in the morrow."
"Goodnight to you as well, my Adar." Legolas knew The King was overprotective, but that made him even more endearing to Legolas.
A few minutes after the King left, Legolas felt safe enough to change his clothes, grab his weapons, and blow out all the candles in his room. He walked very softly and quietly to his bedroom door. He opened it and looked up and down the corridor. With no one there, most probably sleeping, he quickly shut the door, and left for the entrance of the Halls.
Legolas walked very quickly, casually looking around. He was quite nervous, but hoped it didn't show.
The elf walked directly to the front doors at the entrance, and knocked on the doors until the guards answered.
"Your Royal Highness, I hope you're having a good evening."
"I am, thank you," he said to a guard, feeling frustrated. He did not want to be held back.
"Oh, Highness, I am so sorry for keeping you from your trip."
"That is fine." Legolas started backing up from the front doors, when the guards finally let him out. He breathed deeply of the warm, fresh breeze, much better than in the Halls. The bright, sparkly stars had a warmth to them all their own. Legolas walked in a circle, staring at the stars and moon, unable to take his eyes off them. He was totally in awe.
Then he remembered his friend, and excused himself. "Good evening, gentlemen," he smiled at them.
"Good evening to you, too, my Lord."
Legolas had stopped at the pantry earlier that evening and chose plenty of food for Orcobol. So he was all set for his ride.
The elf crossed the bridge, and approached the stables. He grabbed some oats, and gently led his horse out of his stall. Legolas petted him with love. He brushed him, lay against him and comforted his horse. Legolas climbed on, and walked him out of the stables, heading north, then east. going north past the King's Halls.
After he got past there, he picked up the pace, trotting, his long hair flying backwards, past the pine trees. How he loved them. He tried to get to the large cave as quickly as he could to reach his friend. The elf hoped he was fine after being in the grotto for so long.
His horse tripped on rocks, grassy clumps, large tree roots. He nearly fell himself. This added to the worry about his friend.
Legolas slowed down when he approached that area.
"Orcobol," he whispered, trying to be just as quiet as he could around the grotto. "Orcobol," where are you? I am well and back again to see you. Are you here?" The elf jumped off his horse, and led him slowly to the lake, feeding him the oats he brought for him
He was frightened that his friend had already left. "Are you here, my good friend?"
"Sh! I'm in the cave," he quietly answered back.
"What is wrong? Are you in trouble?"
"I don't know. I have been feeling that someone or something has been following me and stalking me all day. I don't know for sure. But I will feel better having you here."
"What makes you feel this way?"
"Someone or something has been moving around the cave, today, and I feel that I might be sought."
"I see or hear no one now, my friend."
"Orcobol, who are you really? An orc,? An elf? You confuse me so much."
"Haven't you figured it out, yet?" he grinned.
"No, I haven't. You look like an orc and an elf. But you have long somewhat blonde hair, and blue eyes. And very few of the features that an orc has."
"Would you really like to know...Legolas..."
The Prince gaped at him in surprise.
"You know who I am, what I am? How do you know this?"
"We knew each other many, many years. I wasn't always an orc. I was an elf at one time."
"My name is Anarion," he told his old friend with fear and hesitancy.
"We knew each other many, many years. I wasn't always an orc. I was an elf at one time."
"My name is Anarion," he told his old friend with fear and hesitancy.
He thought perhaps Legolas would not accept him as his friend, anymore.
He looked at Legolas apprehensively and saw the biggest grin on his face.
Anarion smiled as widely as Legolas. At that moment, he knew he had his friend back.
The two of them were enjoying each other's silent company.
Twang. Thud! An arrow flew right past them near the cave. Legolas dove at his friend to save him...
TBC