Meetings and Mendings
As it turned out, the whole village had come to the make-shift prison. Estel and the elves were released by men holding daggers, and once they had climbed the stairs and left the abandoned building whose cellar they had been kept in, several archers pointed their arrows at them.
The boy looked at the scene with what he hoped was a neutral expression. His heart was in his throat. To his left Elladan stood silently, emanating a calm strength that reassured the young human. Elrohir was at his right, once again holding Legolas in his arms. The wounded elf was deeply asleep and failed to show any reaction to what was going on around them. His head rested on the younger twin´s shoulder, the flickering lights of the villagers´ torches reflecting in his glazed eyes.
Estel heard whispers erupt on the prince´s account because several humans considered him dead. He could not help his lip curl in derision. If they did not even understand the most basic truths about elves, how could they deem themselves wise enough to accuse them of anything?
A man in a dark cloak approached them. Behind him stood the archer who had guarded Estel on their ride to the village. Once again he had an arrow nocked and ready, only this time he aimed the weapon at Legolas and Elrohir. The boy bristled silently. Elladan seemed to sense his feelings, placing a warning hand on his shoulder before he stepped forward to await what the man in cloak meant to tell them.
"My name is Breeth" ,the human stated without preamble, "I am the spokesman of this village. I must apologize for the way you were treated..."
"They are the poachers!" Botham´s voice was unmistakable, though he had wisely been pushed towards the back of the crowd. "They are Lord Elrond´s minions! Their traps have killed my boy." Several voices rose in agreement, but before the noise could grow, Breeth turned and called loudly: "You will get your chance to speak, Botham! Now stop stirring up unrest or things may just turn ugly for you tonight."
There was some commotion, then a few men could be seen angrily walking away, Botham among them.
Breeth turned to the prisoners again. "As I have said, my apologies. I was unaware that there was a young boy with you. Neither did I know that one of you was hurt..." He trailed off, suddenly unsure. "I trust that he is well?"
Estel couldn´t quite keep himself from snorting at such a blatantly silly remark. He also doubted that anyone in the village had missed their arrival.
Elladan kept his tone even. "Greetings to you, Breeth. I thank you for considering the well-being of my human brother and our friend who, as you can see, is rather unwell. He was gravely wounded by the same poachers who caused you so much grief."
Murmurs stirred at that and Breeth looked decidedly uncomfortable. "I was told that you were found surrounded by traps and that there were other indications that you were indeed the culprits. We have decided to hold a village meeting tomorrow to decide which steps to take. Until then, our elder Miran has offered you the hospitality of his home. Will you agree to go there without resistance and await our news?"
The nervousness in his voice had intensified, and Estel could feel the tension rise around him. He wondered how such a big crowd of people could be so scared of them, especially because it was clear that there was only one true opponent standing in their midst. Then again, this opponent was his eldest brother.
Elladan took his time answering, but then he bowed his head slightly. "It is not our wish to shed more blood. We have always strived to serve your community and help you in times of need. This has not changed. If you so wish, we will help you find the poachers and bring them to justice. For tonight, we gladly accept Miran´s gracious offer."
Multiple breaths were being released around them. "Good", Breeth said, looking like a burden had been lifted off him. Miran appeared at his side, grinning happily. The spokesman raised his voice again. "I take it that you understand our need to guard you on the way there and also during your stay?"
Elladan smiled a rather feral smile. "Do what you must to feel save from us", he replied, "though there truly is no need." He nodded at Miran, ready to move on.
They walked through the darkened village in a strange procession, Miran in front, followed by the prisoners who were in turn flanked by those humans brave enough to get close to them. The rest of the villagers followed at a distance.
Estel could see children peering at him from behind their parents´ backs with eyes that were both fearful and curious. He felt strangely detached from them, belonging to his brothers rather than these fellow humans who seemed to consider him little more than an oddity.
"Here we are", Miran announced finally, a little out of breath but with an air of pride. They stood in front of a cottage that could not contain more than two rooms. A small but impeccably kept garden surrounded the building and soft yellow light streamed from the windows in a most welcoming fashion.
The boy had barely taken all of this in when the door opened to reveal a woman who was several inches shorter than himself. Her rounded figure was dressed in plain brown garments. However, there was nothing ordinary about her features, which were wrinkled like an old apple and possessed two keen dark eyes that belied her age. As Miran walked past her he gave her a little peck on the cheek.
She smiled broadly at them all, then addressed Elrohir who stood waiting before her. "Now do not just stand there, young lord, come on in, come on in. It is time to give that poor creature in your arms a proper bed to rest in."
She ushered the twins into her house and then surprised Estel by giving him a warm hug. "Aye, what a fine young lad!" she exclaimed, holding him at arm´s length. "I am truly sorry for the poor welcome you received in this place. And you…" she raised her voice to be heard by her fellow villagers, "You should turn red and blue with shame! Consider what you have done today. You have insulted Lord Elrond´s sons, who have saved your families from tragedy not too long ago. Have all of you forgotten? Are the stories no longer told by the fireside? And to make bad matters worse, you have kept them from taking proper care of somebody gravely injured. Such heartlessness should have you beg the Valars´ forgiveness!"
Uncomfortable murmurs arose in reaction to her flaming speech, but the stout woman was not done yet. "And you did not even stop at that. You forced a young boy into captivity as well, even though not even the most thick-headed amongst you could seriously consider him a poacher. What would you say if your children were treated like that? Now go home and mend on your ways!"
Estel´s ears had turned red at being displayed as a helpless child, but he was rewarded by the way most villagers hung their heads and slowly walked away like pupils chastened by their teacher. Some remained though, gloomily staring at the woman and the house, and as decided earlier, armed men took their position around the building.
The woman gave them a dark look that would have put Estel´s adopted father to shame and then brusquely turned, taking the boy into the house with her.
Inside, a merry fire warmed a room that served as a kitchen and a small living room. Elladan had spread several blankets on the ground and Elrohir was gingerly lowering Legolas onto them, careful not to jostle his leg.
Miran stood beside them with a slightly sheepish expression on his face. "I tried, Meila, but they would not accept using our bed."
The woman shook her head in disbelief. "I do not mean to add further insult to what has been done to you already, my lords, but do you wish to shame me? I have housed the injured for many years, and none has ever been forced to camp on the floor like a dog."
Elladan rose and bowed to Meila. "Forgive us, mistress. We had no wish to make you angry, but we would be very thankful for your permission to stay in this room. Access to the fire will make it much easier for us to tend to our friend´s injuries." The woman stared at him, seeming to search his polite answer for any way to disprove him, but then allowed herself a smile.
"Very well, if you so wish. Miran, go and fetch the extra pillows from the back at least. And you…" she addressed Estel, "go and sit by the table, lad. I have prepared a small supper. It is not much but it will have to do for now." No sooner had she uttered the words than Estel´s stomach growled its loud approval. "Go on, go on and help yourself", she laughed, "no need to wait for anyone to join you. Table manners shall be sacrificed to practical needs in this house tonight."
The boy happily complied. The bread and butter tasted better than anything he could remember, as did the fresh warm milk.
"Do not eat too hastily", Elrohir warned while he gently cut the bandages from Legolas´ leg, "you have not had anything in a long time. You will make yourself sick." Estel grumbled but tried to slow his pace.
In the meantime, Meila had sat down by Legolas´ head, well out of the twins´ way who were carefully cleaning the prince´s wound, and watched intently. Estel noted how she took everything in, how her eyes lingered on the elf´s chest to monitor his breathing, how she gently placed the back of her hand against his cheek. When the twins were about to apply the healing salve anew, she held up her hand.
"If I may", she asked, then leaned over to look at the injury, shaking her head in dismay after only a short while. "I sorely hope that what is being said about elvish healing abilities is true. A human with this injury would never walk again."
Elrohir smiled reassuringly. "It is kind of you to worry, but if all goes well, he will be up and about in little more than a week."
"A week?!" she exclaimed. "That is truly astonishing."
"On crutches, of course, and only if we manage to set the bones and keep further infections at bay", Elladan cautioned. His twin shrugged with a small grin. "As I said, if all goes well. We have seen this one through far worse, have we not?"
Elladan nodded, clearly not in the mood to elaborate. Meila seemed to have seen enough for she got up from the floor with a little difficulty, groaning as her back creaked. "In any case, elf or not, I can tell he is famished. He has probably not eaten in far longer than our young friend at the table. I still have all I need for a nice strong chicken broth. It will do him a world of good once he awakes." Not waiting for anyone to reply, she began working at the hearth.
From the back of the building they could hear Miran mumbling to himself, still in search of the pillows he had been told to fetch. "In the left cupboard, husband!" Meila called, shaking her head with a small smile.
The twins sat down beside Legolas, their backs to the wall. Estel could see that they were about to use the general activity for a silent conversation, so he immediately grabbed the piece of bread he had been chewing on and joined them. He was not about to miss any of their planning.
Elladan raised an eyebrow at the obvious intrusion but the boy spoke quickly. "I can help you!"
"Doing what exactly?" Elrohir asked.
Estel took a deep breath. Thinking fast, he replied: "I wager that first you will decide when to set Legolas´ leg. I would say if he sleeps well and is coherent tomorrow it is best be done right away. Meila seems to have some healing experience, so mayhap she can help with the preparations."
The twins regarded him silently, so he simply went on. "And then you will have to find a save way out of here..." This was where his momentum left him and he fell silent, feeling color rise to his cheeks.
"What say you, brother?" Elladan asked.
"I say he has a sharp mind for a human child, though his manners need some coaching", Elrohir answered. "I whole-heartedly agree with what he said about our wounded friend. As for further plans, I cannot make any suggestions yet. We will have to wait what the new day brings."
The twins scooted apart, making room between them for Estel to sit before Elladan continued. "I agree with the both of you. With any luck they will hear us at their meeting tomorrow. I hope and pray that most of the villagers have not fallen into Botham´s madness. Their agreement to allow us better lodgings is a hopeful sign."
Elrohir nodded thoughtfully. "No matter whom they hear or what they decide, it would be best if Legolas had been taken care of by the time they make their choice. There is no telling whether we will have the opportunity and peace to concentrate on such a delicate treatment again anytime soon."
Estel had been looking back and forth between his brothers, proud to have been silently accepted into their council, but their words stirred fresh fear in his heart.
"You expect them to attack us tomorrow?" he asked nervously. "Maybe it would be best for me to try and slip out of here to get..."
Elladan held up his hand to silence the boy. "No brother. Running before there has been any decision will only play into Botham´s hand. Should Elrohir and I have to take any action, we need you to look after Legolas. It is a task not to be taken lightly."
Estel nodded, a cold knot forming in his heart. The younger twin placed an arm around his shoulder. "Do not worry too much, Estel. Remember how much better we are off now than last night in the glade."
"Yes", Elladan chimed in, adding his arm from the other side. "And to think that you are now on your first adventure with us – was that not what you desired?"
"Adventure?" Estel asked in a confused voice.
Elrohir shrugged. "Saving a friend, fighting wolves, trying to see justice done… Is it different from what you had expected?"
"Yes", the boy replied with a yawn. "It is much more terrifying and exhausting." His eyes drifted shut, and the last thing he heard before he fell asleep were Elladan´s quiet words: "There it is, Estel. The world of those grown beyond childhood."
/
"Draug!" /Wolf!/ The shout had Estel scrambling to his feet, the blankets that had been placed around him falling away from his shoulders. He stood in the grey morning light filtering into the cottage with a thumping heart until the fog of his confusion cleared.
His brothers had either been awake already or much faster to realize what was truly going on, because they were both a Legolas´ side, attempting to keep him on the ground.
"All is well now, the wolves are gone", Elrohir said soothingly. "Look around you, my friend, you are safe."
Legolas´ eyes had lost the glaze of sleep, the alarm on his features slowly melting away, leaving confusion in its wake. Seeing the change, the twins let go of him, but the Elrohir kept a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"When…" The wounded elf´s voice faltered and Estel quickly turned to get some water for him. "Right before you would have died", Elladan answered the question. "Is that not our accustomed time to arrive at your side?"
The wood-elf´s gaze had cleared considerably and after a small sip of water, so had his voice. "You were late", he rasped. "Had to send Estel in first."
The younger twin shrugged with a grin. "He is of the house of Elrond, too, so he counts aswell. It was his turn to save your hide."
"He saved mine, too", the boy filled in. He wondered whether all the jibes at his expense would not make his friend feel even worse. Awake though he was, pain was etched into his features and his breaths had become rather uneven.
Elladan was busy at the fire, warming a liquid over the flames, and said over his shoulder: "Help me recall, my friend, has Arwen ever had the honor of keeping you among the living? If not, we may have to summon her home at some point or she will feel left out."
A grin tugged at Legolas´ lips but he remained quiet, leaving the answer to Elrohir. "I seem to recall an incident by the river", the dark-haired elf replied. "It involved Legolas hitting his head…"
"Nay, that was you", the prince interrupted. "I wonder whether the bump you received…" He had to pause to draw in a sharp breath, but then continued"…left your memory impaired."
"My memory is fully intact", the older twin grinned, returning to his friend´s side. Elrohir had carefully lifted him into a sitting position and now helped him sip from the cup Elladan had given him. "Both of you went under, and I had to save you. Which means our dear sister still needs to prove that she is capable of such a deed."
"I will try to provide her with the opportunity", Legolas replied with a sigh. Estel could see that whatever his brothers had given him was easing his pains. "But maybe not too soon."
Elrohir gently eased the prince back down. "I would appreciate that. Now, we will let you rest awhile before we see to your leg. And then there is the delicious broth that our hostess has prepared for you last night."
Estel felt the tension from his abrupt awakening finally recede. He stepped to the window and opened it, allowing fresh air to sweep into the room. A new day was dawning and he prayed that it would bring them good news.
To be continued…
Another rather quiet chapter – the next one may have a little more bloodshed in it *g* Thank you for reading and reviewing!
Review responses:
Mirwood Warrior: Thanks! I hope you liked this one, too.
Horsegirl01: I promise the leg will be seen to next chapter. I wonder why you think that the worst is yet to come... *looks innocent*
SnoCat: No worries, reviewing is not a race – I´m very thankful to anyone who does leave a review, they are such a pleasure to read. About Miran, yes, he´s good for them. The question is whether they are good for him...