On the other side of the bed, Nestaron and Elladan busied themselves grinding herbs, their eyes checking their patient every few moments, and just behind him, Glorfindel talked quietly with Mithrandir. He was unsure as to where Melven, or Glamohtar, and Dorhinen had vanished to, but he did not doubt they would be near.
"Legolas. Go and bathe, change and eat - and then come back if you must," said Elladan softly as he worked.
"No," came the flat reply and Elladan's eyes lingered on him a while. He startled though, when Nestaron huffed.
Elladan abruptly dropped the wooden bowl he held, its clatter drawing the attention of all those in the room, except for Dimaethor.
"What is your problem, Nestaron?" asked Elladan in irritation. "I respect you as a healer, but I despise your prejudice - it is unbecoming a scholar, and not to mention insulting to one that has done nothing to earn your disdain."
Nestaron stared back at Elladan in shock, as if nobody had ever dared speak to him in that tone.
"Prejudice?" he asked in stilted outrage.
"You do not realise, do you?" said Elladan with a frown. "You are not aware of what it is you do. You are so used to judging others without thinking - tell me, who is it that feeds you this nonsense? Where did you get the idea that Legolas erred on the battle field?"
"He left Lainion to die, Elrondion."
"Are you deaf, healer?" said Elladan, his tone rising along with his mounting ire. "I told you I was there, Glorfindel, Mithrandir were there, we saw what happened. Do you doubt our word? Do you presume the gift of foresight? Where does this orc shit come from!"
Nestaron's eyes were wide, he was shocked and for the first time, there was no come back from the elder Sinda. Instead he clenched his jaw and turned back to his pestle and mortar, jabbing at its contents with more vigour than was strictly necessary.
Glorfindel approached Legolas, his eyes lingering on the healer who would not remove his eyes from the paste in his bowl.
"Legolas. I and Mithrandir go to the king. We would report to him."
"Glorfindel," said Legolas hurriedly, "don't tell him about my - mission. It is something I must deal with myself."
"Alright, he said, glancing for a moment at Mithrandir. "I will make sure the wizard holds his tongue," he said with a wry smile. "I will be back soon. I will not say rest for I know you will not, but at least allow someone to bring you something to eat."
"I cannot, Glorfindel. My stomach is clenched shut."
Glorfindel said no more, simply touching Legolas' forearm with his fingers, before leaving together with the wizard, bound for the king's chamber and a long-awaited reunion with the son of the one that had been his heart brother.
Rumour had spread, and the healing halls were now surrounded by elves - Silvan, Sindarin, Avarin warriors and civilians, even children sat with their mothers, all waiting for news on Lieutenant Lainion, the Avarin warrior that stood upon the threshold of Mandos, in service to his land and king. Their feuds were forgotten for now, together in this one thing, their shared grief at the passing of a great warrior.
They sat and they talked quietly, respectfully, and when a group of four Avarin civilians walked solemnly past them, their heads bowed and their clothing dark, the soft words ground to silence. This was Lainion's family - his father, his aunt, his sister, the famed Spirit Singer.
Hands reached out to softly brush their robes as they passed, knowing what awaited them, the terrible trance they would now have to face. They would not leave, and should the Spirit Singer lift her voice in song, they would create a descant so sweet, so beautiful that even the Valar would shed tears.
Inside, Nestaron stood with Elladan, who had once more administered his strange concoction, even though it had had no effect, and beside the bed, knelt Legolas. Part of his hair had pulled from his tail but he could not care less. He would not move and Elladan had not the heart to make him. Melven was with him though, and Elladan new he would ensure Legolas' safety; he was a member of the Company now, Glamohtar, and although Elladan still had his doubts, he could clearly see the changes that had come about in the once mediocre, arrogant Noldo.
A flurry of activity heralded the arrival of visitors, and all eyes turned to the entrance, where four black-clad elves stood. The were tall and dark - their skin the colour of autumn leaves and their hair darker than a moonless night yet their eyes, just like Lainion's, were a brilliant blue. It was a strange sight to see the Avari away from the forrest, but to see four together, was nothing if not exotic.
Legolas' eyes were drawn to a female elf with the most singular face he had ever seen. She was beautiful yet it was not a soft, vulnerable beauty but a strong, handsome one; well-proportioned features, full lips and a skin so soft he wanted to reach out and touch it. It was her eyes though that sparkled with unshed grief, eyes so expressive he was momentarily mesmerised, and then Nestaron spoke and the spell was broken.
The four Avari had fixed their slanted eyes on the elf upon the bed. One covered her mouth with a shaking hand and broke into tears as she stumbled to the bedside and sat upon it, cupping the dying elf's cheek with her palm, while the other three assembled around her.
Legolas' heart clenched so tightly it hurt. He should not be here for this, he realised, and so he slowly rose from his knees until he stood full height.
The elder Avari, a stern looking man, caught Legolas' tired eyes and spoke.
"You are the Silvan?" he asked quietly, flatly.
"Yes, I am Legolas," he answered. It was almost a whisper for his voice had failed him.
The Avari simply nodded and then turned back to the one Legolas knew was his son - this was Lainion's father.
With eyes downcast, Legolas left the room in search of air, for he could not breathe and his chest hurt, and as he walked through the doorway and into the courtyard, he pulled up abruptly for there, before him, was a sea of elves, a blanket of multi-coloured hair. There were Sindar, Silvan and Avari here from all possible walks of life; warriors, civilians and children sat in shared grief and Legolas' eyes filled with tears, tears for the love he felt from them.
Walking slowly towards them, he folded his legs beneath him, and dared to sit in their midst, under the horrified stares of Melven and Dorhinen who had followed him to the door but it was too late, and as they watched him sink to the ground, their eyes shifted suspiciously to the elves around him.
Some reached out to touch him lightly on the shoulder, the thigh, others reached for his hair and he sat there, quietly, his hands sitting in his lap, his eyes closed. There was no danger here, they realised, for those that touched him, stared at him, were not only Silvan but Sindar - mostly warriors and yet here they sat, welcoming him into their midst for the first time.
A small child wiggled his way past his mother, a bunch of wilted wild flowers in his hand. Perhaps he had meant to gift them to the dying warrior or his family but his small, chubby hand reached out and placed the flowers before Legolas' face, his bright grey eyes looking on in trepidation, but also in awe.
Legolas reached out and slowly took the sorry looking flowers, turning to fully face the child, who slowly began to smile.
"Thank you," whispered Legolas, watching as the child smiled wider, and then giggled as he reached up to touch a twisted, Avarin braid.
Legolas smiled indulgently at him, and then, with his other, bandaged hand, he brushed his fingers over the drooping blossoms, watching as they suddenly stood taller, brighter, and the child gasped and then giggled - yet not so his mother, for she sat in stunned silence, as did the others that had been watching the exchange.
They said nothing, but their knowing glances were enough to read their thoughts. There was puzzlement too, but above all there was satisfaction, a hum of renewed strength. Under different circumstances there would have been joy too but not today, for Lainion was leaving for the undying lands, and they would accompany him in his passage.
As for Legolas, he smiled through his grief, for he felt a closenes
s to them,for the first time he was not rejected but welcomed, and the Sindarin side of him that he had rejected for so long, suddenly seemed to flare into life and then take its place beside his Silvan self, at peace for the first time.
As the evening darkened and candles were lit, Mithrandir and Glorfindel walked into the king's office.
Thranduil turned from the window to face Glorfindel, his eyes lighting up in genuine joy, joy that did not quite reach his mouth, for his smile was sparing.
"Lord Glorfindel, you are most welcome in my realm," said the king with a respectful nod.
Glorfindel bowed from the waist, and then smiled too, the face of his beloved brother popping into his head. Pushing him away with a playful, mental snort, he approached the king and grasped his forearms in salute.
"I am glad to be back, my King - it has been too long."
"And most timely, I say," said Thranduil, moving to the wizard.
"Mithrandir," he said, his eyebrow arching and a wry smile playing on his lips.
"Well," said Mithrandir, seemingly affronted, "I assume I am welcome in your realm too, my Lord," he said sarcastically.
"So long as you behave yourself and do not meddle too much - then yes, of course you are welcome, Mithrandir," he said, his eyes twinkling in mirth.
"You know my son Prince Rinion," he began, waiting for the greetings to end, before nodding at Aradan, who they both already knew.
Formalities over with, Glorfiindel sat where Thranduil instructed him and the four lords and one wizard settled themselves, reaching for the glasses of wine that Aradan passed around.
"How is Lainion, Glorfindel?" asked the king in concern.
"He is dying, Thranduil, and even though Elrond's son strives to find something that will help him, there can no longer be any doubt - he will sleep with Mandos this night."
"Handir will be devastated," said the king quietly.
"And Legolas - they are close."
The king seemed surprised at that.
"Thranduil, we must talk. There is much to discuss and, it seems, little time - the situation seems to be deteriorating even as we speak…"
"Commander Celegon and General Huron have spent the better part of the afternoon with me, Glorfindel. There will be a meeting the day after tomorrow, an important one - you are welcome to join them, of course. They will deal with it Glorfindel," he said, his eyes lingering on the Gondolindrim lord.
"Are you sure, Thranduil? Your warriors are throwing stones…."
"I know," said Thranduil, holding up his hand to stop any further discussion. "I am aware of it, Glorfindel. Commander Celegon has requested the presence of Lord Legolas for that meeting and I have agreed to it - my people will see to it."
Glorfindel was not appeased, and he said as much. "If your warriors are that far gone, I dread to think what that meeting will be like, not to mention your council meeting, which I assume you will be holding" he said carefully, his eyes slipping to Aradan, who met his eyes squarely.
"There is an important meeting called for next week, a meeting in which I will introduce Legolas to the council. They wish to meet him, of course, before any political decisions are made with respect to his position here," he said his tone neutral.
Mithrandir spoke for the first time then. "May I join you, Thranduil? Lend council if you would here it?"
Thranduil considered for a while before answering. "I will consent, Mithrandir, but tell me first, what your intentions are. What is your interest in this meeting?"
The wizard smiled then, for the answer was easy, "I am concerned only with the will of those that command me," he smiled.
"What have the Valar to do with our council meeting, Mithrandir?" asked Rinion from his seat, his tone confident and clearly mistrusting.
"Oh they have a healthy interest in everything that goes on, my Prince."
"Do they? Who would have said, for we lose warriors with every patrol turn," he said sarcastically.
"I will not discuss the ways of the Valar with you my Prince. Suffice it to say I am where I need to be."
Thranduil allowed himself a snort of laughter, before sitting forward in his chair. "And thus you have said nothing at all, my friend. Come, tell us, what is your interest in this council meeting, and yours Glorfindel?"
Sitting back in his chair and drinking from his wine, Glorfindel ordered his thoughts before speaking.
"You have been informed of the events that transpired before Prince Handir arrived in Imladris, of course, I know Commander Celegon gave you a full report of that," he began, waiting should the king have any doubts - he did.
"Lainion extracted him," said the king sadly.
"Yes, they arrived two days before the rest of the escort."
"Celegon was somewhat - sparing when speaking of my youngest son. Why would that be, Glorfindel. Don't get me wrong for he spoke highly of the boy, saying only that he fought skillfully, and that he fell back from the party of injured warriors in order to protect them. He was generous in his words of praise but there are gaps in his report I knew he was purposefully trying to cover - why would that be?" asked the shrewd king.
It was Mithrandir that spoke then, and Glorfindel cast him a warning glance before the wizard could speak. Of course Thranduil saw it.
"Thranduil," began Mithrandir. "It seems that he is a listener, as you call them…"
"I have heard that yes," said the king expectantly.
"Well, let us just say that his skill is considerable, for he sensed the presence of two groups, not one, he predicted the ambush with sufficient forewarning to avoid that catastrophe."
Thranduil scowled, as did Rinion, who now spoke for the first time.
"Then why did they not avoid it?" he asked.
"Because their lieutenant would not listen, instead accusing Legolas of insubordination. Valuable moments were lost in the squabbling…"
Thranduil sat back but Rinion spoke again.
"Why would the lieutenant - Silor - if I am not mistaken, accuse him of insubordination, Mithrandir? Something else must have happened."
"It seems," said Glorfindel with the slightest of smiles, "that this, Silor, managed to crash into a mighty warrior by the name of Ram en Ondo- he ended up fuming and on his backside, claiming he had been flung to the ground.
"Fool," said Rinion, surprising his father who had obviously thought he would argue the point. "I never trusted that one - and he is, or was, a trainee lieutenant. I do not think he has much chance of earning that rank now."
"Be that as it may," continued Mithrandir, their quest to deliver the wounded was a harsh one, and Legolas proved his metal, my friend - not even the Sindarin warriors refute this."
"Well, there is that," said the king somewhat ironically. "You are hiding something from me, Glorfindel…" he said matter-of-factly, and Glorfindel was not surprised.
"Yes. There are things left unsaid, that Legolas himself will explain to you once things settle, things we have both witnessed and will speak of, when the time comes."
"Why not just tell us now, Lord Glorfindel," asked Rinion, his icy stare locked a little too boldly on him.
"As I have said," he spoke slowly, "it is not for me to tell," was all he said, and Rinion held his peace, albeit he scowled.
"Lord Glorfindel," said Aradan, "tell us then how their training went, I believe you oversaw this yourself."
"I did," said Glorfindel with the ghost of a smile. "Your warriors credit this land, Thranduil, especially your son," he said as he sipped on his wine.
Thranduil resisted the smile that tugged at his lips for this lord would surely know how much he yearned for information on his son. It was hard to come by, yet with Rinion there, he would not want to dwell on that point lest his son use the opportunity to discredit him.
"Go on…" he said.
"I have a written report for you of course," he said, "but suffice it to say I have recommended him for the rank of lieutenant, and that he begin training - as a Captain."
/> "What?!" scoffed Rinion, "you cannot be serious, Lord Glorfindel!"
"Surely you jest," said Thranduil, his brow drawn tightly together. Aradan, however, sat back in his chair, his brows close to his hairline.
"I do not jest - 'tis neither the time nor the place for that, my Lord. I am serious, this is my opinion, you esteem it or not."
Silence settled over them as Glorfindel's words sunk in for some, and simply bounced off the surface of another - Rinion.
"This Silvan is seven hundred and forty-four years old, has been a warrior for scarcely a year - and he is to train as a captain?" This is madness," he spat as he stood and strode to the window.
Thranduil's face remained as blank as it had been before Rinion's outburst, but that did not reflect the king's emotions at all, indeed when he reacted to his son's words, Glorfindel and Mithrandir were left in admiration of the Greenwood's monarch.
Standing himself, the king addressed his son without turning to face him.
"Prince Rinion, you will return here - now," he said softly, and soon enough, Rinion stood before him, seething in pent up anger he had not even begun to vent.
"How old are you, child?"
Rinion's nostrils flared as he answered. "One thousand four hundred and twenty seven," he said.
"And what is your rank?"
"Lieutenant."
"And what do you think our guests are thinking now - answer with the truth, Prince," he said, the glint of a warning in Thranduil's light blue eyes.
"They are thinking I am jealous, of course. They are thinking that I am twice his age and am still a lieutenant, after eight hundred years as a warrior of this realm. They compare me with him and find me wanting."
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