A Healing Touch

I hope I didn't make you guys wait too long for this. Enjoy!

Steph: LOL, absolutely, Angst and reconciliation is a perfect combination. I'm happy you liked it, thank you!

giggle: Awe, don't be sorry, the headache was partially my fault... lol, it only happens when I'm stressed, and I was arguing with my mother so, yeah... she can be scary sometimes. Anyway, your absolutely right about the political marriage thing, as well as Mirkwood having more subjects than most realms, but if you imagine how many eggs spiders can leigh.... well, thats A LOT of spiders. And I actually like spiders but theres a limit to how many I could actually handle. I mean, over a hundred eggs per spider... ::shutters::

Mawgy: Really? Thanks. LOL, yeah, Glorfindel does seem to cheat death a lot. YAY!!! I made you cry. Go me! But yeah, that part about the nursery almost had me in tears, and I was the one writing it! And don't worry, eventually Elrond and Glorfindel will convince Legolas to let them... 'comfort him' in a very sensual way. And yes, your beloved Erestor will be coming in soon, give it a few more chapters and I promise his arrival will be well worth the wait.

lilith: ::Hands out tissue:: Here you go. Enjoy the next chapter.

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Disclaimer: If I had a million dollars, if I had a million dollars, I would buy J. Tolkien's elves, I would buy J. Tolkien's elves.

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While Legolas sobbed silently in the folds of his father's robes, Thranduil gently rubbed his back, offering what silent support he could and there father and son lay for nearly an hour until the prince’s tears finally dissipated and together they stay in silence, the younger elf’s head resting in Thranduil's lap while he rested his own back against the headboard, running soothing fingers through his son's golden mane until finally he broke the silence. "Legolas,” he quietly murmured. "why did you not tell me?"

"About what?" the elfling mumbled, his head still buried in Thranduil's robe.

"About the orcs, ion-nin. About how they attacked you and lord Elrond. About-- how they tortured you and.... took you against your will."

Legolas' head suddenly shot up and he looked at his father pleadingly. "Ada, please don't--"

"Nay, Legolas. This needs to be discussed for your own good."

"I have already 'discussed' it --"

"But not with me. Please, ion-nin. As your father I must know. You know I love you, and I would never blame you. Now tell me what happened."

The young elf swallowed hard, realizing how difficult this would be. With shameful and frightened eyes he looked at his father, knowing he would want his undivided attention and sat cross legged in front of him. He nervously licked his lips before he began. "When Nava's message came and told us of the danger Mirkwood was in, Elrond immediately dispatched several guards as well as he and myself . We were to come and see how badly Mirkwood was faring and after seeing it, planned to send our warriors from Rivendell to assist you in battle."

"I am already aware of that. Tell me what happened when you were held captive."

Legolas let out a shaky sigh before continuing. "At first they merely chained us up. We had manacles around our wrists which were attached to a post. They did not feed us nor did they give us water. Then came the beatings. They would take whips and chains and strike us with them merely for the fun of it. They used metal rods to brand us with. They broke Elrond's leg and then they- they..." Legolas choked on a sob and tried to hold back a whimper as he felt the familiar lump in his throat and new tears sting his eyes.

Thranduil tenderly took his son’s trembling hand between his, rubbing his thumb over it comfortingly. "Continue, Legolas."

Legolas sniffed. "The one lead orc, adar, he threw me to the ground and used those malicious teeth and claws of his to hold me down. Then he mounted me and--" he whimpered, sobs returning to his voice as he spoke out the last words. "and then he forced himself inside me."

Thranduil pulled his trembling son into his arms as his body racked with fresh sobs, holding him tightly and rocking him while Legolas curled up into his father's embrace, reminding Thranduil so much of him when he was still a mere elfling . He felt an unbearable amount of rage build within himself as images of his son begging for mercy under the retched beast’s form enter his mind, the only thing suppressing his need to release his temper being the sobbing heap in his lap. Taking a steady breath to control his own tears which threatened to fall, he held his son impossibly tighter and whispered silent reassurances to him. "That’s it, ion-nin," he soothed. "let it out. I am right here."


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"Do you think they will be alright?" Glorfindel asked. The two elf lords walked at a slow pace down the dark halls side by side, the only illumination coming from the torches that aligned along the cave walls.

"I believe they shall be fine now. Perhaps seeing how badly Legolas has been affected by this incident, Thranduil may slocomecome out of his depression and act as a lighting beacon for his son’s darkened spirit. They both need emotional support from each other." Elrond sighed.

"Ironic, isn’t it?" mused the seneschal. Elrond looked at him with a raised eyebrow waiting for him to continue. "When Legolas was first brought to us it was our job to lend him the emotional support. Now that the lad is a grown elf it is his father from whom he requires comfort."

"Over the years, Legolas and Thranduil have distanced themselves from each other. Thranduil because of his increasingly growing depression, and Legolas because he felt as if his father had betrayed him by leaving him with us. I will always love Legolas as a son as well as my lover but the fact of the matter is that Thranduil is and always will be his father. He needs this right now. They both do."

"So then," Glorfindel mumbled after several moments of silence. "what happens now?"

"I know not, my love. Legolas may wish to stay by his father's side for a short while. It will still be some time before Thranduil recovers from his grief and now that Legolas has gained his father's trust I doubt he will leave his side until he is healed, but we will help them both as much as we can."

Glorfindel's only response was a thoughtful nod as the two walked in silence. When the two reached the end of the corridor they came to a steady halt as Lord Celeborn and the Lady Galadriel gracefully rounded the corner. The seneschal gave a polite bow to the high elves and the two nodded at him in response. Celeborn then turned and met Elrond's gaze. "Elrond, if we may have a word with you." Celeborn said nothing more but turned and walked back down the hall he had come from, hand in hand with Galadriel, expecting the dark haired elf to follow.

Elrond sighed and turned to Glorfindel. "I will see you later." and with that he turned and followed after the lord and lady of Lothlorien.

With a sigh, Glorfindel turned down another hall that led outside to the gardens. Once he was in the courtyard he sat himself on a boulder shaded by the branch of an elm tree which was overlooking a small stream.

The seneschal’s mind wandered over the events of the past few days. He thought of the fear he felt when Elrohir had revealed to him that Legolas and Elrond had been captured by orcs, and the relief when he found them alive. He also thought of the pure fear in the prince's eyes when he believed that he was unwanted by him after the orcs had touched him. Glorfindel felt the familiar lump in his throat form as he remembered the sight of Legolas' abused and tormented body, but quickly swallowed it back.

So lost was the old elf lord in thought that he did not hear a familiar figure approach him until he was lightly tapped on the shoulder. Wa sta start Glorfindel's gaze lifted from the stream to meet the kind old wise eyes of Gandalf. "Oh, Mithrandir, forgive me. I did not here you approach."

The old Istari granted him a kind smile before seating himself down under the elm tree, resting his back against the trunk and gingerly took out his pipe and began to puff on it. "That is quite alright, my old friend," Gandalf replied after exhaling the smoke, making small ringlets. "you were deep in thought, about something important I would imagine."

Glorfindel nodded. "Aye, that you are correct, my friend."

"About young Legolas, I'd wager."

The seneschal looked up surprised at the old wizard, mentally cursing for making his thoughts and emotions so obvious. "Do not act so surprised, Glorfindel of Gondolin, I know what has happened to the young prince. My heart weeps for him as does yours."

Glorfindel peered at the Istar suspiciously. "What else do you know?"

"I know many things," Gandalf chided. "like I know of the relationship that you , Elrond and Legolas secretly share." The Balrog slayer nearly blanched but before he could reply Gandalf purposely changed the subject. "I must admit I am rather intrigued as to how a small party of elves could so skilfully defeat a pack of orcs with so little casualties. Would you care to indulge my curiosity?"

The seneschal nodded, still eyeing the wizard suspiciously before he began. "Several days previous to Elrond's departure, Elrohir had awoken us claiming his father and Legolas were in danger. It turns out that he has inherited Elrond's gift of foresight and had just recently discovered his powers. He led us through the Misty Mountains and when we were searching for Elrond and Legolas we had discovered their horses in a small clearing. The horses lead us to where they were being held. It was close to sunrise when we found them. When we were close enough to get a clear shot at the orcs through the thick foliage we released a volley of arrows, slaughtering many of them. Then we charged out of the forest and killed the remaining number of orcs while Elladan and Elrohir released their father and the prince from their bonds and gave them directions to a small cave secluded by a waterfall to take refuge in until we found them," Glorfindel took a breath before continuing, "It was not a difficult battle for shortly after we attacked, the sun had risen and blinded the foul beasts, giving us the opportunity to slaughter the rest of them. I was later told by prince Tallen that they were the remaining pack of orcs from an attack on the Mirkwood boarders prier to that and they had escaped in the dark of night and Tallen's guard had lost their trail. They must have gone through water, I guess."

Both were silent for a long moment before Gandalf finally spoke. "These orcs.... they seem to be becoming more intelligent by the day. It's as if they are being guided some how."

Glorfindel nodded. "Elrond said they seemed to have more intelligence than the average orc. Even their speech seemed to be more intellectual. ‘Tis as if evil is arising once again."

"Let us hope that does not happen, my friend."

"Aye, let us hope."


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Elsewhere in Mirkwood, Elrond was perched on an intricately woven wooden chair seated across from lord Celeborn and lady Galadriel who sat on two similar chairs. All three held a chalice of red wine in hand. "Elrond," Galadriel gently said. "despite what you may believe, we do not loath you for sharing your heart with Legolas and Glorfindel. Our daughter would only wish for you to be happy but you must be certain that your decision is the correct one."

Elrond gently shook his head. "I am afraid I do not know to what you are referring, my lady.\ "W "When you sail to the west," Celeborn explained. "What will be your choice of action? Will you remain bonded with Glorfindel and the young prince or will you return to Celebrian's side? You have a difficult choice to make, Elrond. Choose wisely. We will respect your decision, whatever it is."

Elrond bit his bottom lip and looked down into his lap. He knew he would have to confront this matter sooner or later. Thranduil’s earlier accusations sparking the thought. Celebrian was his first love but after she left it was Glorfindel who came to comfort him and together they helped Legolas grow and together the three created an inseparable bond of love and complete trust. Elrond sighed. "After Celebrian was attacked by the orcs she could not even bear my touch. It was painful for me. I could no longer comfort her nor could I make love to her or even hold her and tell her that everything would be alright… It could never be alright." Elrond took a shaky breath and fought the tears that began to sting his eyes at the memory. "I wished more than anything that she would stay, if not for my sake than for our children, but to actually say it would be unfair. She was in pain and not even my skill could heal her broken spirit. Even Arwen's pleas were not enough to convince her to stay. It was difficult for all of us when she left. The twins were so hurt that they swore vengeance on every orc in Middle Earth and began recklessly hunting them down. I, myself, entered a deep depression after she left. I felt so hurt and betrayed that I had forgotten what love was and I did not believe I would ever find my heart again," suddenly a small smirk appeared on Elrond's face before it quickly disappeared "but then one night Glorfindel had come into my chambers and showed me my error in thinking such. For so long we kept our relationship quiet. We knew that Arwen and the boys would not understand at the time and would feel all the more betrayed. And then we found Legolas..." Elrond met the gazes of both elf lords. "Even if I did return to Celebrian's side, I do not believe she would allow my touch. She was too badly tortured and I doubt she will ever allow herself to love one again, aside from our children, of course. She could never stop loving them even if she desired it. The Undying lands may be a refuge from the world of men but we cannot escape our pasts there."

"So you will choose to stay with Glorfindel and young Legolas." Celeborn bluntly stated, although not disappointedly.

"I will. I’ve grown too close to the both of them to leave them now."

Galadriel slowly nodded, the look on her face unreadable. "So be it," she gently murmured.

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When Elrond returned to Legolas' quarters later that night he found the young prince laying on his belly on the bed, head propped up on one hand and to Elrond it looked as if he was deep in thought. Slowly the elf lord headed towards the bed, his shadow cast over the prince rousing him from thought. Slowly, the elfling turned his head up, looking at the elf lord quizzically as he moved over, giving him room to sit on the edge of his bed as the Noldo began to speak. "Where is your father, penneth?" Elrond gently murmured as he ran a hand tenderly down Legolas' spine.

"He had duties to perform. He believes it is time that he started pulling his weight around as king again." Legolas sighed. "He.... he helped me. A lot."

The lore master nodded and a small smile quirked his lips. He knew once Thranduil started talking to his child he would slowly come out of his depression and regain some responsibility as the Mirkwood ruler. Elrond's smile was short lived however when the frown he walked into was still plastered to Legolas' face. "Indeed? Then tell me, Legolas, why it is that your eyes show such sorrow?"

The prince bit his bottom lip as he lowered his head and blankly stared at his pillow, his now un-braided flaxen hair creating a curtain around his fair face. He was silent for several seconds as he decided how he could put what he wanted to say into words until finally he broke the unwavering silence. "When you and my father fought this noon he mentioned something that has been plaguing my mind all day. I never truly considered the consequences of our joining until now but," he sighed, turning his bright sapphire orbs to meet those of Elrond's grey ones. "when you venture to Valinor will you choose to rejoin with your wife? I know the question is foolish as well as somewhat selfish and the answer should be obvious but if you should ever leave me I fear that I would-"

"Legolas, you are babbling." Elrond smirked and tenderly brushed Legolas' golden mane behind an elegantly pointed ear so it would not obscure his handsome face from vision. "You need not fear, cunneth. When Celebrian left me our marriage was forfeit. She will always be my children’s mother but we had decided long ago to end our bonding. I must admit I was heartbroken at the time but I recovered. Do not worry, my heart, I shall not leave you."

Legolas breathed a sigh of relief and despite feeling slightly guilty for bringing up the painful subject, a boyish grin spread across his face e abe abruptly wrapped his arms around the elvan king's neck, burying his face into the raven black hair draping over Elrond's shoulders breathing in his scent which smelt of flora, pine and spices. Elrond responded in kind, encircling the elfling’s waist tightly as he gently kissed him on top the head, his heart clenching at Legolas' fear of being rejected.

Still holding Legolas in his arms, Elrond lowered both their bodies down to the bed and positioned themselves so that Elrond was laying flat out while Legolas was on his side, his head laying in the crook of Elrond's shoulder while one arm and one leg were thrown casually over his chest and hip possessively, and Elrond’s arm wrapped tenderly around him. The elf lord sighed at the blissful quiet surrounding the room. "Perhaps, penneth, it is time I told you why I am not with my wife in the Undying Lands and instead linger here in Middle-Earth."

Legolas licked his lips as he replied somewhat awkwardly. "I already know."

Elrond raised an eyebrow as he looked to his side. "How is that possible? I don't recall ever mentioning anything about her to you and I doubt Elladan, Elrohir or Arwen would have the heart to mention her fate. Did Glorfindel tell you? Or perhaps Erestor?"

"Nay, Elrond," Legolas nearly whispered. "When I was still young, I remember eavesdropping on a private conversation you were having with Glorfindel."


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FLASHBACK
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It was late midnight in the Last Homely House and all who dwelled within were lost in the land of elven dreams all save for the one young elfling tiptoeing through its quiet halls, mentally wishing not to be noticed as he headed towards the kitchens hoping to find some fruit to munch on or luckily some leftover dessert from the evening meal.

As Legolas turned the corridor that lead to the kitchens he heard muffled voices and as he was about to enter, he immediately paused in his tracks as he caught sight of lord Elrond and Glorfindel whom were deep in conversation and he quickly and soundlessly huddled his body against the wall. The young prince froze for several seconds, silently weighing his options on deciding whether to go back to his room or to take a chance at sneaking in to fetch a snack. Neither elf lord would be pleased if they knew Legolas was out of bed at this hour and he certainly did not wish to hear a lecture along the line of; 'if he would have eaten all of his dinner instead of just picking at it then he wouldn’t be hungry and searching for food late at night'.

Legolas' thoughts were suddenly interrupted when he heard a choked sob emit from the other room which sounded a lot like Elrond. That couldn't be, could it? Lord Elrond never cries. Curiously, the elfling peeked his head around the corner and to his incredibility, Elrond, King and Lord of the Imladris elves, was slouched forward on an oaken chair, weeping into his s. Ns. Now very intrigued, Legolas paid his attention to what Glorfindel was saying as he bent down and put a supportive hand on Elrond's knee. "There is naught you could have done, Elrond. You must let go of this grief before it claims your life. Celebrian would not have you lose your heart to this."

"Can you not see, Glorfindel?" the elf lord sobbed. "I sd had have been there! If I would have travelled with her, this would not have happened. If I was there I could have prevented those foul beasts from harming her. Now because of my stupidity my dear wife has left me wishing never for my touch again. I cannot say I blame her after those orcs tortured her, mutilated her precious body. Curse them!"

Legolas jumped in fear and surprise as Elrond began cursing in elvish. Never before had he heard Elrond use such language and was rather shocked to here his mouth issue such words.

"And now," the elf lord continued. "because of my mistake my own sons have taken on a reckless hunt for vengeance and my daughter has become so distraught that she must seek emotional support from her grandmother. And now I have another elfling I must save from grief before he slowly destroys himself and becomes entangled in the clutches of Mandos' keep because of those cursed creatures. I do not know why I bother. Everyone whom I care for seems to slip away from my very eyes. I am unworthy of my title as lord of Imladris as well as my title as husband and father."

There was an unwavering silence as Elrond attempted to calm his nerves and was practically panting for breath as he tried to regain his composure. It was in this silence that Glorfindel finally spoke.
"Your heart has become stone because of this incident, Elrond Peredhil. I will not have you beat yourself over the head like this," he said sternly. "You cannot change what has happened and it is unlikely that you could have prevented Celebrian from being tortured even if you were there at the time. As for your children, they are no longer elflings, Elrond. They have their own paths to choose and it is not our choice to withhold them from their destinies, you know that."

The seneschal sighed as Elrond remained silent, staring at his knees. Finally, without a word, Glorfindel tenderly pulled Elrond down into his arms. To his surprise the elf lord did not resist from this much needed physical contact. The elf lord buried his face into Glorfindel's golden tresses, his body racking with sobs anew while the Balrog slayer comfortingly drew circles over his back as he tenderly kissed his cheek. "Stay with me tonight." Elrond murmured into Glorfindel's ear after his crying had finally ceased. The seneschal merely nodded as he squeezed the younger elf’s body closer.

Both elf lords were momentarily startled when they heard a muffled yelp and then a thump come from behind the doorway as Legolas' bare foot got tangled in his nightgown and he unceremoniously tripped and fell to the marble floor.

Both elves immediately stood up, bracing themselves for any oncoming attack. Glorfindel's voice rang clearly as he readied himself fombatmbat. "Who goes there? Show yourself!"

Legolas mentally cursed his robe, using one of his newly acquired words from Elrond's 'vocabulary lesson'. The young elfling knew it was futile to attempt an escape as Elrond would have his entire house in an uproar thinking he was some intruder, so he decided to merely bide Glorfindel's command and quickly jumped into the doorway, once again stumbling in his night clothes. "It’s only me Legolas," the child quickly blurted, holding his hands up. "don’t hurt me."

Both elf lords immediately relaxed and audibly sighed in relief at seeing the young child. "Legolas," Elrond sighed, his voice almost croaking from his weeping, "What in Arda are you still doing awake?"

"I.... I was hungry and came looking for something to eat." Legolas deliberately did not mention that he heard the elves personal conversation and knew that if he he he would wound the elf lord's pride and dignity which he realized were very important to him.

To Legolas' upmost surprise Elrond merely nodded as he bent down and picked him up into his arms, carrying him over to the dining hall and setting him down on a chair at the table before he, himself took a seat beside him while Glorfindel searched through the cupboards for a light snack. Finally deciding on a freshly made cherry pie and dismissing the fact that their chief baker would most likely kill him, the seneschal cut three pieces, accompanied by two glasses of wine and a glass of milk for the prince, and brought them to the pair sitting at the table before seating himself down on the other side of Legolas, delicately laying a napkin over the prince's lap so he would not get crumbs of the dessert on his nightgown.

Wiping his mouth with his own napkin after he had finished the last of his dessert, Elrond did likewise with Legolas, much to his protests, while Glorfindel stood and stretched.

The elf lord then picked the prince up as he and Glorfindel headed out the door. "Now, Legolas, let me be blunt," Elrond chastised sternly as he looked down at the elfling in his arms, one eyebrow raised. "I will let it go this once but next time I expect you to eat all of your dinner before you even think about touching the sweets. And no more gallivanting around the house late at night. Do I make myself clear?" Legolas yawned as he nodded his understanding and buried his head in the elf lord's long dark mane, breathing in the comfort that his scent seemed to entice. "Very well." Elrond said as he took on a lighter tone, feeling a sense of comfort at holding this child in his arms. The elf lord then stopped in front of a door and turned his attention back to the prince. "Now, must you use the privy before bed?"

Legolas nodded tiredly and Elrond set him down on the floor. The prince pushed open the door, walked in and shut it behind him, emerging several seconds later almost stumbling again as the elf lord caught him and picked him back up, a small smile gracing his features.

This too caused Glorfindel to chuckle under his breath. Not just the fact that Legolas refused to admit how tired he truly was but also because the vulnerability he exhibited seemed to make Elrond open up more and he seemed to take on a protective streak with him. The boy obviously made him happy. Now that Elrond's children were grown up and Celebrian gone, Glorfindel didn’t think that the elf lord felt he had anything else to live for, with the exception of ruling his kingdom. But then Legolas came, needing all the heart that Elrond could give to him and unknowingly to the lore master, Glorfindel already knew that he had unconsciously given his heart to the little one.

Rounding the hall the three elves had finally reached the prince’s bed chamber. Pushing past the tapestry, Glorfindel walked in, lighting several candles on the wall with one single candle from the corridor.

Setting Legolas down on his bed, whom was already nodding off, Elrond pulled up the covers over his small frame and tenderly kissed him on the forehead. As he turned to leave, he was slightly surprised when a small hand tightly grasped his. Elrond looked down questioningly at the prince, one eyebrow raised. "Stay with me." Legolas mumbled.

After a moment’s hesitation, and a look at Glorfindel whom only smiled, Elrond removed his shoes and climbed up on the bed behind Legolas and laid down. The elfling immediately cuddled up against him and wrapped his arms around his neck, hugging him tightly, the act obviously touching the elf lord as tears seemed to spring to his eyes, though he held them back not wishing to upset the little one. Legolas turned his slowly dulling eyes to Glorfindel. "You too."

The seneschal chuckled under his breath. How he adored this boy. He too then climbed up on the bed after removing his shoes and laid in front of Legolas putting him in the middle of the two elf lords.
Still cuddled up to Elrond, Legolas reached over and took Glorfindel's large hand in his small one and clutched it to his chest and the three remained in that position until he finally fell asleep, followed not too long after by both elf lords.


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END FLASHBACK
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Elrond sighed after a few moments of silence. "So," he murmured. "you were aware of what took place that night."

Legolas nodded. "Yes. I did not wish to mention it for fear of wounding your pride."

"I thought I heard the pattering of small feat that night." Came a new voice from the doorway. Both elves looked up to see Glorfindel smiling gently at them who then walked over and joined them both on the bed. "You seem to have a way with warming peoples hearts, Legolas. That is a wonderful gift."

Legolas smiled at the seneschal in thanks for the compliment. He then turned serious again as he turned his gaze back to Elrond. "I realize you still grieve for your wife, Elrond, and I do not hold resentment towards you for that. But she was your first love and I-- that is why I needed to know."

"Oh, Legolas," Elrond smiled as he pulled the prince into a tight hug. "never doubt my love for you."


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It was late in the evening, and deep in the forest of Mirkwood a pile of orc carcasses were carelessly thrown into a pile and burned. The battle had been difficult considering the four elves were outnumbered but they had prevailed. Elladan grunted as he hurled the last body into the fire and wiped a hand across his sweaty brow. "That’s the last of them." He turned to his three companions, wiping off the dark blood from his knife onto his leggings.

Immediately after the council the day before, Elladan, Elrohir, Tallen and Nava had agreed to go orc and spider hunting together. Elrond had recapped to his sons about the orcs seemingly intelligence increase and asked that if they went hunting with Thranduil's sons to keep aware of this new threat. Naturally, the twin sons of Elrond were intrigued and so convinced the sons of Thranduil to come hunting with them to further investigate. In turn the Thranduilions had askhem hem to hunt spiders with them. Willingly they agreed.

"Your father spoke no word of a lie," panted Tallen. "Never before have I seen orcs fight like this. I had suspected some sort of intelligence increase in recent battles but merely dismissed the thought, thinking it too ridiculous to even consider. It seems I was proven wrong."

"Obviously." Nava mumbled, earning a glare from his younger brother. "What are we to do now? Perhaps it would be wise to return home and confirm your father's suspicions."

A look of disappointment crossed Elladan's face but he reluctantly nodded. "Perhaps you are right." the elder twin walked over to his pack and hoisted it over his shoulder as he spoke to his brother. "Ready yourself, Elrohir. We… Elrohir?"

When Elladan turned around he noticed his brother staring out into space, his eyes glazed. At first glance one would think he fell asleep standing and the twin would have thought this so if it weren’t for his brother's slight trembling and fresh sweat running down his brow. Elladan slowly approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Elrohir?"

"Something's out there," the younger twin replied almost automatically. "Something bad is going to happen. Something dreadful..."

Nava and Tallen slowly approached the twins side, clear confusion written all over their faces. Without them asking, Elladan answered their silent question. "He has the gift of foresight. Elrohir, what do you see?"

As is snapped out of a dream, Elrohir cried out in alarm. "An orc!"

Elladan immediately dropped his pack to the ground, readied his knife and charged the bushes. At the most, he was expecting an attack but instead the orc leapt from the bushes and raced off in the other direction, the eldest son of Elrond hot on his heels.

Tallen was ready to chase after them but paused as Elrohir suddenly collapsed, Nava grabbing him before he hit the muddy and bloody ground and gently lowered him. Almost instinctively, Tallen searched through his pack, laying out a blanket over the younger son of Elrond whom seemed to be in shock. He then raced through his pack, pulling out medical supplies, hoping to help him.

"Perhaps one of us should stay here and tend to him while the other goes after Elladan." Tallen suggested.

"Nay, 'tis too dangerous. Elrohir is obviously no use fighting right now if there is an attack. One alone would not have a chance to defend himself."

"What about Elladan?"

"Elladan is an able warrior, he can take care of himself. I just hope he knows what he’s doing."


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Despite the orc's efforts to lose his hunter, Elladan had kept up with the foul creature but instead of killing it, he allowed it to lead him to its supposed domain. The orc, fortunately for the young elf, believed he had lost his enemy far back as he weaved through foliage and trees and through water, but Elladan being the experienced hunter that he was, was not so easily fooled.

He had finally tracked the orc to a large rock formation. Hiding up in an old pine tree thick with needles obscuring him from vision, the elf watched as the orc slunk into a crevice of the rock. After several long moments of waiting and the orc did not emerge, curiosity took its hold on the eldest son of Elrond as he quietly climbed down the tree and walked in front of the large rock wall. Cautiously, Elladan looked around for enemies and when he saw none he quietly slipped inside the crevice, keeping his eyes and ears open for unwanted guests.

If it had not been for the few cracks and holes in the ceiling of the rock, eyesight would have been impossible. Taking a few moments to adjust his vision from the sudden darkness, Elladan slowly and soundlessly walked the narrow path of the apparent cave, squeezing his body in parts that became too narrow.

The cave was growing darker from lack of light and Elladan was strongly considering heading back the other way when suddenly he heard a rapid tapping noise coming from the distance. Straining his elven vision as far as he could see, he caught sight of a large spider quickly crawling on the wall and around a corner. With a new spark of interest, Elladan quickly followed it.

The young elf ran as quietly as he could but when he rounded the corner he had to stifle a cry as he nearly fell over an edge and in to a pit, grabbing an eroded piece of the cave wall that was shaped very much like a spike. Regaining his composure, Elladan squatted on the floor, pushing his body as deep into the wall as he could as he scanned his surroundings. Peering over the edge of the cliff he had nearly fallen off, he felt his heart catch in his throat at the sight that met him down below.

Thousands upon thousands of large spiders infested the cave. The entire colony seemed busily at work crawling back and fourth into different burrows. Much like Thranduil's cave, this one had different honeycombs in the walls where spiders were coming and going through.

One very large particular spider among the others was what caught the twin’s eye. The obvious queen of the colony. If that wasn’t enough to peek Elladan's interest he also noticed that same orc whom he had chased after was standing in front of her. They seemed to be speaking to each other, or rather the queen was speaking to the orc. Elladan narrowed his eyes as he strained his hearing on what the spider was saying in her highly pitched, screeching voice. It was strange, he thought, as the orcs eyes seemed totally vacant. Then as the queen stopped her loud screeching, the orc seemed to snap back into awareness.

Elladan knew very little of the spiders language but several words he did understand. Spiders.... orcs.... attack.... Mirkwood elves.... ambush. The spiders alongh thh the orcs aid were going to attack Mirkwood.

As clear as a bell, things suddenly began to make sense. It was the spiders all along. Their queen appeared to be using some sort of mind control on the orcs. The orcs were only being used as pawns in this sick game. It was never the orcs at all.

When Mirkwood was attacked all those years ago and the elves believed the orcs were herding the spiders in, in actuality it was the spiders who were leading the orcs in. And when Legolas was brutally forced upon as a small child, and again when he and Elrond were taken prisoner, this behaviour was not entirely consistent with orc behaviour, no. The spiders were the ones guiding them. And now with Thranduil lack of attention to his kingdom, they were going to invade Mirkwood.

As quick as lightening, Elladan rose from his position and rounded the other corner and found his way out the cave. He squinted at the sun's rays, readjusting his vision. He then took off to where his brother and friends awaited him. He had to get back to Mirkwood as soon as possible for all their sakes.

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penneth: young one
cunneth: princeling
ada/adar: father
nana/naneth: mother

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DUN DUN DUUUUUUN............

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