Just a short filler chapter I thought I would post now as an Easter thank you for all those of you still reading.
Special thanks go to LegolasLover2003,Teapot of transformation,Estaron and DaHybridQueen, for their encouragement and to those of you who are following or have favourited. You make it all worthwhile.
Revision is begining to take over my life now but I will try to keep updating as regularly as I can, especially as we are moving towards the end now.
Big hugs to you all and remember. A quick line to let me know how you feel is very much appreciated. :)
Chapter 51
Doronor stares at the unkempt, urine soaked man in front of him, unable to hide the horror and disgust from his face. He turns as Estel helps a stunned Legolas to his feet and out of the door, the archer clutching his blood brothers arm like a drowning man hanging onto a branch. His gaze fixed upon some distant horror only he can see.
After the storm of his fury had abated the prince had sat in silence as the brigand completed his sordid narrative. The only tell tale sign of his awareness was the visible tightening of the finely sculpted jawline and the white knuckles on elegant, slender hands fisted in his lap. Once finished Legolas had simply risen shakily to his feet as if in a dream and turned his back on the man. An expression of such anguish had settled on his face then that the Lieutenant had felt his heart turn over but before he could move forward Estel was there and the prince had grasped hold of his friend as if he would never let go.
"Well." Elladan breathes out once the pair have left the room. "That was, quite a revelation."
With dazed expressions the twins reach out to each other, needing the comfort of a familiar touch to help shake off the lingering darkness that seems to have permeated the room during the mans stark narration. Doronor watches quietly as they stand forehead to forehead, needing no words to comfort and soothe frayed nerves. He glances at the man, left unregarded in the centre of the room and wonders briefly if he truly knows the horror he has inflicted, then realises that there is no reason for him to understand., after all, he is a man not an elf. The short lived race has no comprehension of an eternity spent with torment and regret, committing murder seemingly upon a whim with no thought except the immediate gain. Men. He will never understand them, and the more he has to do with them the less he feels inclined to.
"You should feel lucky to still be alive, Adan!" He looms over the shrunken figure, "You disgust me. I have a good mind to end your miserable existence now." He kicks out, catching the mans ankle with his boot, causing Flinn to hiss with pain then brings his foot back for another blow.
"Doronor!"
The sound of his name pulls the lieutenant up short and he looks over to find two faces wearing identical expressions of disapproval either one of which could have formed the utterance. He stares back unabashed.
"My Lords?" He will not apologise for an action he feels more than justified. For what this man has put his beloved captain and prince through he would gladly separate his head from his body without a qualm.
" I feel we will have need of him yet." Elladan it is that speaks. "As much as I am loathe to admit it."
Doronor frowns, wondering what use they could possibly see for the loathsome creature.
"Lest Thranduil needs convincing of our words." Elrohir smiles wryly in explanation.
"You had not thought of that?" the elder twin raises an eyebrow at the expression of sudden comprehension that settles on the wood elfs features.
"Nay, indeed." Doronors thoughts turn to his King. "You mark Thranduil well my lords. He has ever been one to trust deeds over words. "He pauses then adds with a slight smile, "And from what I heard of your last encounter I do not think he would be inclined to see you again, never mind listen to anything further than a humble apology."
"Aye, that is true indeed," Elladan sighs as he sees once more the rage filled face of the King calling for his guards to take them away. "But that can not now be helped." He looks from the lieutenant to his brother. "Thranduil must be told of this plot, and quickly."
"Aye," Doronor agrees swiftly, "Lest there is more to it than this adan has told." His lips turn up in distate.
"And to allow Legolas his life back." Estel says fervently as he re enters the room catching the end of the conversation.
"How fares the prince?"
The young man frowns and lifts troubled eyes to the wood elf.
"Resting," he turns to his brothers and continues apologetically, "at least, he is lying down, but I do not know that he will really find much peace." He sighs. "He seemed needful of being left alone for a while. I shall go back to him later, once we have decided where we go from here."
"May I suggest that the first thing we do is get that creature a bath?" Doronor wrinkles his nose and waves his hand in Flinns direction. "I will not be able to stomach that stench all the way to the kings halls."
"And some clean clothes too I feel." Elrohir chimes in. Then winks at his human brother. "He smells worse than you Estel!"
"And that is no mean feat." laughs Elladan as he punches the young man lightly on the arm.
"Hey!" Estel protests. "I do not smell." He assumes an affronted expression, "'tis not my fault elves have such over sensitive noses."
"Over sensitive!" The twins reply in outraged unison.
"I do not know how Legolas puts up with you for so long out in the wilds." Elladan teases then dances out of the young mans reach to avoid the retaliatory slap he knows is coming.
Laughter fills the room lifting the pall of darkness that has fallen during Flinns account and Estel feels his heart lighten a little with his brothers playful teasing.
"So, what do we do now?" Estel sits on the chair so recently vacated by his friend. "Apart from cleaning this one up of course," he grins up at Doromor. "It would appear Thranduil will not be too happy to see my brothers once more never mind talk with them, so I suppose you and I will have to be the bearers of this news."
"Well, I have an idea," Doronors eyes twinkle with mirth, "But I'm not sure how your brothers will take it." He smiles sweetly at the twins.
"I have a feeling we are not going to like this muindor." Elladan sighs.
"I agree," Elrohir raises his eyebrows and turns to Doronir, "Just what do you have in mind Lieutenant?"