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Chameleon
Chapter Four - Unaware
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The many days travelling had left the small group weary and their hearts were gladdened when they touched on the edge of the Mirkwood forest. Elrond had stressed that they were not to near the halls of the king. After the loss of the prince, Thranduil had abandoned all reason and any who were found in the forest, who shouldn't have been there, were instantly thrown into the kingdom cells.
As the trees grew thicker, the group stopped to make camp. The twins were left to collect firewood as Glorfindel and Estel readied the tents and tended to the horses. An hour later, the three elves and the man were sat, chatting merrily around the fire, unaware of the fact that they were being watched from the canopy above them.
"Do you think we will find him?" Estel asked quietly, interrupting a small argument between the two twins. Silence descended upon the group and Elladan and Elrohir looked nervously at one another.
"Estel…" Elrohir started, breaking off when he realised he did not have the words to soothe his younger brother.
"I think we should be prepared for a long hunt little brother." Elladan stepped in, refusing to sugar coat the situation they had found themselves in. "Even if we do find him… Estel, orcs roam these parts of the forest and there is a possibility that, even if Legolas did escape… It wouldn't have been without consequences."
"You think he may have been turned?" Estel whispered.
"Not completely." Elladan replied. "Legolas is strong and pure. He would have resisted with every ounce of his being. Nevertheless, he may be damaged. Either way, he will not be the same elf that you remember." Estel nodded reluctantly before lying down on his bedroll and turning away from the rest of the group, falling asleep without another word to his brothers.
"You think the young prince is a half-orc?" Glorfindel asked the twins, once Estel's snores reached their ears.
"We have considered the possibility. Amongst others." Elrohir said quietly. "However, it seems the most likely situation. If Legolas were still alive, he would not have endured two years in an orc pack without some form of mutilation."
"Do you think he is still alive?" The golden haired elf asked.
"In my heart yes." Elladan whispered. "I feel his aura as if it was right here with me now… However, my head tells me to see reason. It is extremely unlikely that even Legolas could have survived this long." The conversation was cut short be a rustling in the trees above them. In seconds Elrohir had his bow aimed and Elladan and Glorfindel had drawn their swords but none of them could spot the cause of the disturbance. Passing it off as squirrels the three returned to their bed rolls and soon followed Estel into the land of dreams.