Chapter 11 – Fractured Light
"E-Elrohir?" Legolas murmered, timidly touching the older elf's arm. He gasped when he felt his hand become wet and sticky with blood.
"E-Elrohir w-wake up," Legolas cried, shaking Elrohir a little more forcefully. He panicked. Elrohir was bleeding and hurt. Usually when he got hurt Rudiel would softly clean his injury before carefully wrapping it in a white cloth, kissing in better. Legolas' didn't have any white cloths to wrap Elrohir's arm in.
Elrohir had said the spider bit him. Did that mean he was poisoned? Usually when warriors were brought to the healers after being poisoned they were given something made from the spider plant. Legolas didn't know what to do; he didn't have any of these things with him. Tears welled in his eyes. Nothing was worse than seeing someone you care about hurt and being unable to help them. Legolas trembled at the thought. Then he remembered;
The spider plant!
His pocket was filled with leaves from the rare plant.
"Elrohir, Elrohir wake up, wake up," Legolas shouted as he shook Elrohir's arm. "Elrohir, you have to eat these. Please wake up."
But Elrohir was unresponsive, lying there with his eyes tightly closed. Thinking quickly, Legolas held a thick leaf above Elrohir's mouth and squeezed it so the precious juices fell onto his tongue. Legolas wasn't sure if this was the right thing to do, but he reasoned it was better than doing nothing.
Carefully the elfling rolled on the sleeve to Elrohir's tunic, he gasped at the sight of Elrohir's arm. It was all purple and swollen around two deep looking puncture marks. Eyes watering, Legolas quickly squeezed the juices from another leaf into the open puncture marks.
"I am sorry that I do not have any white cloths," he whispered, before rolling the sleeve back down.
Satisfied with his work he sat there and watched Elrohir for a couple minutes. Willing him to wake up. Night had come, the forest around him was dark. Not just by the lack of light, but he could feel something else around, an ill presence. Legolas panicked, grasping Elrohir's limp hand. It was so cold.
He didn't understand, he gave Elrohir the spider plant, but he wasn't waking up. Finally his tears flowed freely as Legolas leaned against Elrohir's uninjured arm, sobbing loudly into Elrohir's tunic. Legolas had never felt this helpless and this alone before. He wanted his father so badly. He felt so exhausted and scared.
A cold breeze tore through the air, giving Legolas the terrible feeling of being watched. He turned and was met with a pair of big yellow eyes; he could see his own terror through them reflecting back him, as he was met with a gurgling laugh.
Thranduil was beside himself with worry. This could not be happening. He felt as though his heart had been ripped out and crushed right in front of him. His Legolas, his precious Legolas was missing. And he was apparently the last one to see the elfling. Legolas arrows had been found still lodged within the target from their practice earlier that day. That would mean that Legolas hadn't been seen by anyone since midday, hours ago.
The entire palace had been searched clean, thrice over. Word had been sent out to the nearest villages. There was no sign of the elfling anywhere. Legolas was far too light and far too careful for his own good. No one would be able to find the elfling if Legolas did not wish to be seen. Thranduil had asked the birds for their help, the owls, having the keenest eyes in the dark. They were currently out scouring the forest, but he had not heard from them yet. Things were looking grim.
It did not help Thranduil's nerves that he had just concluded an extremely long meeting discussing the recent sighting of orcs. They had been spotted off to the south. Plans had been put in place to ride out at first daylight.
Using all his mental strength he willed himself to remain calm. It would do Legolas no good if he were to panic. To panic would only lead to hasty decisions and overlooked details.
Thranduil quickly stole a glance over at Elladan, the twin was not faring any better. Elladan was seated and visibly shaken. Elrohir was missing too. Elladan held such sorrowful expression on his face, and the look in his eyes, what was it? Guilt? Thranduil would ponder on the meaning of it later. He just wanted his son back.
Thranduil saw Elladan jump as the doors to the council room suddenly opened, followed by a breathless guard.
"Your Majesty, we found some tracks leading away, out from the southern gate."
Thranduil paled.
"It is odd," the guard continued. "No elf would leave such a trail."
"Elrohir!" Elladan exclaimed, as almost every warrior in the room shot him a look of deep dismay. "But Elrohir would never lead Legolas into danger," Elladan defended, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.
"Aye, that may be true, but since Legolas is nowhere to been seen, we can deduce that Legolas followed him, whether Elrohir was aware of it or not," Thranduil replied. "If Legolas was anywhere near here he would have been found by now. He is not one to miss dinner. Everyone gather your weapons we leave in five minutes."
The council room scrambled with activity as elves made their preparations.
Elladan felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up and was met with Thranduil's worried expression. "Are you able to join us," he asked.
Elladan nodded.
"Good," Thranduil said. "Orcs were spotted off to the south, gather your weapons. We will meet in front of the Southgate."
Elladan's breath caught, his heart thumped wildly. Orcs? His eyes darkened at he prospect of a hunt, as he went off to his fetch his sword. He crossed by Elrohir's room, glancing in. A surge of panic stormed through him, Elrohir's sword leaning against the wall. Elrohir was weaponless. His worry and guilt increased tenfold. His words drove his brother away. This was his entire fault. Only if he had sat down and humored Elrohir's worries, none of this would have happened.
The air around Legolas felt heavy. He gripped tightly onto Elrohir's limp hand, his eyes not once leaving the big yellow ones. Four of the strangest looking creatures surrounded him.
"What have we here?" one of the creatures grumbled. Legolas' recognized the creature's words as Westron, common speech. He searched his memory for their meaning. He had been taught the language but rarely used it.
"Looks to me like a lost little elf," another one of them taunted. "So far from home."
Legolas gulped, desperately renewing his attempt to shake Elrohir awake. Something felt wrong about these creatures.
"And what's this, another elf. Looks like one of Shelob's kin got to it."
"M-my friend is hurt," Legolas managed to stammer.
The creature laughed, a loud gurgling sound.
"I-I need to get him h-home to my Ada," Legolas explained. "B-but I cannot lift him."
"And who is your Ada, little elf?" the creature asked.
Legolas furrowed his brow. These creatures did not know? He thought it common knowledge that everyone knew who the King of Mirkwood was. "King Thranduil," Legolas said.
A wicked smile stretched across the creature's face. "Did you here that Grog? It says its father is Thranduil. I wasn't aware that Elf King spawned any children."
"Oh ho, this will be mighty gift for our Lord."
"Perhaps he will let us keep the other one as a reward. We have not had a proper play thing since that she-elf in the mountains."
Legolas paid little attention to what the creatures spoke of, only understanding half of what they said anyways. He focused all his attention onto Elrohir. He did not understand it, why wasn't Elrohir waking up?
Trembling, Legolas put his hands over his ears as the creatures confided amongst themselves in their dark language.
"All right little elf," one of them spoke. "We have decided to help you."
"Really?" Legolas asked feeling a little relieved.
"Yes, follow us child, we will lead you home," the orc said in a tauntingly sweet voice.
Legolas hesitated as one of the creatures lifted Elrohir off the ground, throwing him unceremoniously over his shoulder. His instinct was screaming at him not to follow. But what could he do? They did say they would take him home.
Hesitantly he got up and made to follow. He clasped his leaf pendant tightly, as they lead him unknowingly deeper into the shadows.
Thranduil, Elladan and two patrol units lead by his Commander and Noron, closely followed Elrohir's fading footprints. They traversed through forest by foot, not having the heart to lead horses into such darkness. There were few horses in Mirkwood. The looming shadows of the forest spooked the poor creatures; it took a great amount of training to get the animals accustomed to such and environment. But there was no loss; the forest was thick, entwined with close growing trees. It was easier for the elves to move on by foot and not by the restraints of an animal.
Elladan tried to remain calm as he followed Thranduil's lead. But he could not shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong with Elrohir. He couldn't explain it, for he would not reopen their bond, he could just sense something was amiss. The anxiety was overwhelming. He wondered how Thranduil could appear to calm.
He saw all the elves around him tense as they ran on deeper in the forest, for once he was thankful he could not sense the trees or feel the darkness creeping around them.
"Be on your guard," Thranduil called to him. "Spiders are known to roam this area, amongst other dark things."
Legolas' legs were becoming very sore and very tired from all the walking. He whimpered and looked down. The ground was hard and cold, hurting the souls of his feet. It was not soft and warm like he was used to. This set off red flags in the elfling's mind. Any form of trust these strange creatures may have gotten from him was lost. This was not the way home. They lied to him. They were not taking him home.
Legolas stopped in his tracks and defiantly crossed his arms.
"Move along little elf," one of the creatures said as it nudged him, causing Legolas to stumble.
"No," Legolas said. "Take me home."
"We are." Came a gruff reply.
"No you are not," Legolas pouted, his eyes narrowing. "This ground hurts my feet. The ground at home does no hurt my feet. You lied to me."
"We said we would take you home, we did not say to whose home."
"Is there a problem?" The leader shouted, approaching the pair.
"The elf-child will not move."
"Then we'll just have to make him," the leader said.
"Gin ú-heron," Legolas spat, glaring defiantly at the creatures. (I don't like you)
"You will not speak that language, do you hear me?" the creature shouted.
Legolas shrank back in fear as the leader towered over him. Legolas swallowed, his throat felt dry. He was so thirsty. His breathing sped up as he became more panicked by the second.
Legolas felt a tightening in his neck as the creature lifted him off his feet by the hem of his tunic. He thrashed wildly about as his limbs dangled helplessly in the air. Legolas whimpered as the orc shook him, his eyes filling with tears of fear.
And that is when he saw it. It seemed almost out of place on such unkempt creatures. A star shaped item was plastered onto the orc, caked with mud and dirt. If not for the keen eyes of an elf, the item would have been missed. It seemed oddly familiar, yet he could not understand why.
"You will do as we say or your friend over here will pay the price," the orc threatened.
Legolas caught sight of Elrohir who was still unconsciously slumped over the shoulder of another creature, and nodded.
"Good"
In a split second decision, Legolas grabbed hold of the star shaped item that was plastered onto the orc, the movement went unnoticed by the creature. Legolas tore the star off and pocketed the item, before he was thrown harshly to the ground, landing painfully on his side.
Pain filled tears escaped Legolas' eyes.
"Now, get up and MOVE along," the creature shouted, as Legolas lay there, frozen in terror.
The creature grabbed Legolas by his wrist. "I said GET UP."
Legolas screamed in pure agony as a searing sharp aching pain climbed up his arm. Legolas had never felt such pain before, it as unbearable for the elfling. The last thing Legolas heard before he blacked out was rumbling gurgling laugh.
"Uncle, we found something," Noron called out from ahead.
"What is it?" the Elvenking asked.
"A felled spider," he remarked, pulling a blade out from the creature's body. While another elf examined the spider more closely.
"I cannot make out the script on the blade," Noron said, handing it to Thranduil.
"That is because it is engraved in Quenya," Thranduil replied. "I believe this is Elrohir's."
"Aye," Elladan confirmed. "Father made it for him."
"Your Majesty," another elf called out.
Thranduil turned towards the voice, his eyes widening. "No," he whispered. The elf had in his hands a small bow and quiver. "Legolas."
Elladan searched the parameter for any sign of where they could have gone. He found an arrow caught in some bushes, before he saw on the ground, something he knew all two well.
"Orcs," he spat. "They were captured by orcs."
Thranduil looked as if he were about to be sick, holding on to Noron for support.
Anger flared through Elladan. Elrohir was captured by orcs. He was all too familiar with the cruelness of orcs. He would not let them hurt Elrohir like did his mother. He would not let those vile creatures lay hand on Elrohir. They would not take his brother away from him.
With newfound haste they followed the orc's trail.
In the forest of Mirkwood, the speed of elves was second to none, though the forest was filled with shadow many knew the lands for what they once had been and could easily maneuver through the trees.
Their confidence was lost when they came upon a rock outcrop; the trail was gone.
The group cried out in mixed despair and anger. Thranduil cursed violently in Quenya, his composure slowly folding. His only weakness, his son, in the hands of his enemy.
Elladan felt dizzy. Was his brother truly lost? Then he heard it, a voice in his mind, a voice that was not his own calling out to him, Elladan, where are you? I need you.
Elladan could not explain how, he could just tell. Though there was no logical motive he knew the direction they had to go. He could sense his brother's presence.
"Follow me," he called out, running ahead. Without hesitation Thranduil was at his side, leaving the group of Silvan elves standing there in surprise before they blindly followed their King.
When Elrohir came to, it was to the sound of a soft crying. His head swam in confusion. Where was he? What happened? Feeling had returned to his body, he wished it hadn't. He felt weak and lethargic. And he hurt. He hurt so much.
There was that sound again, crying.
Legolas
"Legolas," he called out, he cringed. His voice sounded weak and raspy to his own ears.
He heard a sniffle. "E-Elrohir?"
"Aye, tis me. Legolas, where are you?" he asked in a weak whisper.
"I w-want A-Ada," came the sobbed reply.
"I know, I know, shhh," Elrohir said, trying his best to make his voice sound comforting. "I need to know what happened."
"T-he m-monsters took us t-to a c-cave."
Monsters? Spiders? No that can't be right, Elrohir thought in a daze, as he struggled to pull himself up, leaning rather heavily against the rough cave wall. He took in their surroundings. Looks like they were trapped. Elrohir doubt if he'd be able to move, let alone stand up and walk. That's probably why his hands were unbound.
"Legolas, are you able to move?" Elrohir softly asked. "I need you to come to me."
He heard the elfling sob, as he slowly made his way over. Elrohir felt the elfling's warm body hit him, leaning into him with a whimper. Elrohir painfully lifted Legolas onto his lap, hoping it would help calm the frightened child.
He closed his eyes from the exertion of energy. "Are you injured?" he asked.
"Y-yes," came the sobbed reply. "M-my a-arm."
"Can I see?" he asked. "I promise I will cause you no further harm."
Legolas trustingly held out his arm. True to his word, Elrohir's touch was feather light, causing the elfling no pain. He probed the wrist. He found the bone was cracked and prayed a silent prayer of thanks to Valar that he would not have to set the bone, a small mercy. Elrohir ran his fingers down Legolas' arms, chest, and legs, finding only bruising. The elfling's arm was the worst of his injuries.
Elrohir felt so helpless. This was his fault. If he had not had been careless and brash like Elladan had said, if he had not gone running into the forest, Legolas would not have followed and all this would not have happened. He always ran ahead without ever thinking of the consequences. He was not alert and was not paying attention to his surroundings when he should have been. Valar, he did not bring a weapon. It was his fault Legolas was in pain. His fault Legolas was scared. Now his first and only priority was to ensure Legolas' safety. Nothing else mattered.
He was frustrated and angry with himself. His gift of foresight was useless. Why couldn't he foresee this? This would have been more useful than repeated visions his brother dying. Visions that he was helpless to do anything about. He wished he had a stronger gift of healing. Maybe then he could have helped his brother, prevented all this.
In his thoughts, Elrohir came to only one conclusion. "Legolas," he whispered. "I'll take all your pain away." He had little strength left, but would do anything to stop the unnatural sounds of pain coming from that tiny elfling in his arms.
Legolas looked up and felt Elrohir gently place both of his hands over his wrist. Slowly the pain lessened. His arm was still sore but it didn't hurt as much as it did before.
"I am sorry, that is all I am able to do," Elrohir whispered, stroking Legolas' hair with a trembling hand.
"Thank you," Legolas whispered. "Elrohir I am scared. I do not like those monsters."
"I know," Elrohir soothed. "But I am sure your father is out searching for you," he said weakly.
"And Elladan is searching for you," Legolas replied.
"Perhaps."
Elrohir closed his eyes, overcome with dizziness. He felt weak, light-headed, and sick. He knew he would not last. He controlled his breathing, willing himself to stay conscious. It was his job to watch over Legolas, he would not fail. Elladan had refused to open their bond, Elrohir had realized that he would have to face it sooner or later, he was alone.
"Are you alright Elrohir?" Legolas asked.
"At the moment I am very weak," Elrohir replied as his body started to tremble.
"Would you like to hold my leaf with me?" Legolas asked, offering his pendant out to Elrohir. "Ada says that When the memory of fear and darkness trouble you, this bring you aid."
"Then you should hold onto it tightly for the both of us," Elrohir suggested. He blinked rapidly, desperately struggling to keep in eyes open.
His body stiffened. He heard two pairs of approaching footsteps.
Orcs
He was vulnerable, utterly defenceless.
"I thought I heard some noise, so the poisoned one is awake," one of the orcs called, while the other reached out and roughly grabbing hold of Legolas, easily ripping him away from Elrohir's gentle grasp.
"No, do not touch him," Elrohir helplessly shouted.
The orc only laughed. "My, my," it said, kneeling down to lift Elrohir's chin with a vile hand. "You will be fun to break."
Elrohir felt a burning sensation across his face as the orc cut a thin line down his cheek with a sharp nail.
To weak to move Elrohir could only glare, his eyes ablaze filled with deep hatred.
"Come on Grog," the orc said, as it punched Elrohir in the gut, winding him. "Let us have some fun with the elf child before we set out."
Elrohir moaned and gasped in protest as he saw orc called Grog drag Legolas away. Elrohir had never hated himself more than he did at that moment. He knew this was indirectly his fault. Legolas, I am so sorry, he thought. Elladan, where are you? I need you.
The orc roughly handled Legolas as the elfling sobbed in fear. Legolas closed his eyes and clutched his pendant tightly with both hands. This time it offered him no comfort. He was trapped; a jewel could not save him.
Legolas tumbled roughly to the ground; new bruises were created as the orc released its tight hold on him. Legolas slowly opened his eyes only to find himself surrounded by at least 30 loathsome creatures. He curled himself into a ball trying to make himself as small as he felt. It was dark out that night. The stars could not be seen, the moon lay behind a blanket of clouds.
"What is this?" one of the creatures asked, seeing the elfling clutch at something that lay around his neck. It reached for the object, pulling it out of Legolas' grasp.
"M-my l-leaf," Legolas answered, frozen in fear.
A horrid sound came from the orcs mouth as it laughed. "No, it is my leaf. I think I deserve a small token for capturing the son of our greatest enemy."
"B-but it w-was N-nana's," Legolas helplessly sobbed as the pendant was torn from his neck. He weakly made to reach for it, but his hands were only kicked away. He felt so empty without it around him.
Legolas' lip trembled as the creature held it high in above him.
"If you want it, come as claim it," the orc said, swinging the precious object back and forth.
Legolas stood on shaky legs. He reached up for it, only for the creature to lift it higher out of his reach. The creature laughed as it played this game. It would lower the pendant only to lift it higher when Legolas jumped for it.
The circle of orcs surrounding them only laughed at the elfling's humiliation.
"Hey Zluk, catch," Grog said, throwing the pendant to his brother. Legolas' whimpered. "Go on elf, it you want it back, go claim it."
Legolas ran to the other creature, and jumped up for it, only to have it lifted higher out of his reach. Tears ran fresh down his cheeks. He felt so hopeless. His only connection to his mother lay in the hands of this ignoble creature.
"Grog, catch," Zluk shouted, throwing it back to his older brother. Legolas ran back and forth as the creatures ruthlessly teased him in the most merciless way possible.
The pendant landed once again in Grog's unworthy hands. The creature teasingly held it before the elfling.
"P-please return my l-leaf," Legolas sobbed.
"The little elf wants its prize," Grog shouted to the group of orcs as they cheered in jest.
The orc held the thin emerald stone high above for all to see. "I say we shall let him have it," the orc said, as he grasped the emerald tightly in his hands, squeezing it with all his strength.
Legolas' breath caught in his chest as he heard the distinct crack, as the precious stone shattered within the orcs hand.
The orc opened his palm, letting the pieces fall to the ground, raining glimmers of green as the pieces sparkled, dancing through the sky before falling to the ground, losing their shine.
"NOOO," Legolas wailed in horror, a wretchedly heartbroken cry. His heart crashed down to the earth along with the shattered remains of his mother.
A deep merciless laughter filled the dark air, smothering Legolas as he sat there.
Legolas sobbed pitifully as he lamented the loss of his most treasure item. The only connection he had with his mother broken beyond repair, gone forever. The last green leaf of the winter to fall, it shattered, along with his innocence.
Hearing Legolas' heart felt cries, the orc almost regretted it actions. Almost.
Elrohir, laying a distance away could only watch. Helpless in his half-conscious state, fighting the urge to close is eyes. His heart was crushed along with the leaf pendant. To hear such cries coming from an elfling was unbearable. He failed. He could not protect Legolas either.
"Will someone shut up that noise?" one of the orcs gruffly shouted. "It will lead of Shelob's children to us."
"You heard the boss," Zluck shouted, lifting Legolas up by the hem of his collar. "Shut up," he roared, shaking Legolas harshly.
Legolas only wailed louder at the treatment. He felt empty and cold. The pain in his heart hurting, overcome with fear and darkness. There was no comfort. No aid.
"Shut him up now," the orc leader called again. "Force him if you have to."
Legolas' closed his eyes and cringed as he saw Zluk raise his hand. Legolas waited in fear for the orc to strike him, his heart pounding rapidly in his tiny chest.
He waited.
The blow never came. Legolas opened his eyes and saw Zluk lying on the ground with an arrow through his hand, another in his neck.
Before Legolas was aware of what happened he felt familiar warm arms enclose him. He breathed in the familiar scent, losing himself in the comforting embrace. His body shook as he cried even harder in relief.
"A-Ada," Legolas sobbed.
Elrohir saw as a great sense of relief washed over him. Legolas was safe. Now he could rest. Retreating far within himself Elrohir allowed his eyes to finally close, shutting out the world around him. Where he could be safe and alone, unable to longer hurt the ones he cared for.
TBC