Mending a Heart and the Tie that Binds

A/N: I sincerely apologize for the long delay in updating. I won't make any excuses for my absence except to say that real life has been very difficult over the last few months. Nevertheless, my story has remained firmly in my mind and so have all of you – each and every one of you who have taken the time to read my fic. Thanks so much for all of your support. Enjoy! :o)


Chapter 19: The Journey Within and Without


Thranduil gasped audibly when Legolas' eyes closed and the color slowly drained from his face. “Is he...”

Elladan did not wait for the king to finish his question. Without a word, he exited the healing chamber.

Elrohir watched his brother leave the room, noting the determined expression on Elladan's face. Deciding to try and console his brother, Elrohir set out in search for his twin.

“Lady Galadriel is he...” Thranduil began again slowly.

“Yes,” Galadriel responded when the king hesitated. “He has passed over into the Shadow Realm. But all is not yet lost.”

“You mean there is still hope?” Elrond asked, shocked. “But how can that be? No elf has ever returned from the Halls of Waiting.”

Galadriel smiled faintly. “Glorfindel has... many have... and, if we are fortunate, so will Legolas. But time is of the essence. I must ask you all to leave.”

“But why?” Dace asked, nearly choking with emotion on his words. “Can we not stay and help you? Surely there is something we can do.”

“I wish there were,” Galadriel said. “But I must do this... alone.” The Lady of Lórien ran her fingers through her golden tresses and stared at the prince's lifeless body with concern. “This will take some time,” she said. “Do not return here until my work is done.”

“But... how will we know when...” Makail began.

“You will know,” Galadriel said firmly.

“You are certain that you can bring Legolas back?” Thranduil asked, hopefully.

“Nay, I am not certain. The only thing I know without a doubt is that I will try. Should I fail...” Galadriel paused, meeting Celeborn's eyes, “the golden mallorn tree shall weep.”

“Are you sure you must do this?” Celeborn asked with concern.

“You do not understand. It must be done.”

Galadriel stated this in such a way that Celeborn knew her mind was made up. He decided to trust her as he always had and ushered everyone out of the healing chamber.

“What... what about Legolas? Celeborn, I do not understand. What does Lady Galadriel intend to do?”

“I do not know.”

“Well, what did she mean when she spoke of a golden tree?” Thranduil asked, confused. “She looked at you when she said this.”

“Aye,” Celeborn said, nodding. “There is an ancient legend in the Golden Realm. The most beautiful tree in all of Lothlórien is believed to be the embodiment of Galadriel in nature. It is odd... but the tree seems to know how she is feeling and responds accordingly. When Celebrían left Middle-earth, Galadriel wept for days. Oddly, the tree seemed to change. Its limbs drooped as if in sorrow. As time passed and Galadriel began to accept Celebrían's parting, the tree seemed to improve too. That was not the first time the tree seemed to respond to her emotions... it has been this way for many years.”

“So what did she mean when she said that the tree would cry?”

Celeborn frowned. “I am not sure what Galadriel plans to do, but whatever it is... it may kill her.”

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“Elladan! Elladan!” Elrohir called as he entered the stable.

Elladan did not answer. He was too busy readying his weapons to think about anything else. Already armed with a quiver full of arrows, he sheathed his sword. He eyed a small hunting knife critically, as it was no match for the knife that young Taran of Gaidon had taken, but decided that one small knife was better than no knife. Hurriedly, he placed the weapon in a pocket that was hidden in the folds of his cloak.

“Elladan? Elladan. Do you plan to ignore me?”

Elladan looked at his brother with an odd, vacant expression on his face. He shrugged coldly. “I have nothing to say.”

“Elladan... Elladan... you have suffered a terrible loss. I... I cannot imagine how you must feel. Please, come back to the manor. We can all try to get through this together.”

Elladan scoffed. “You are right, Elrohir. You do not know how I feel. You did not kill Ellaria. But I killed Legolas.”

“You did not kill him, Elladan,” Elrohir said gently. “The orc...”

“He died because of me!” Elladan exclaimed. “All of this... everything... it is all my doing. To bring my own life to ruin is one thing, but to destroy Legolas' life is another. I have to make this right, Elrohir. I have to.” Elladan mounted Ellie.

“What do you mean to do? Certainly you do not plan to go to Gaidon and call upon the men of the Northern Dúnedain to aid you in this.”

“That is exactly what I plan to do.”

“Elladan?”

“What?”

“Elladan, this is madness. Yours is a death quest.”

“My life does not matter anymore. If Legolas is truly gone... if I cannot save him... I will die anyway. I believe that if I can find the orc that is responsible for the prince's suffering and kill him, there may be a chance to release Legolas from this possession. The only thing that keeps me alive now is my journey and its purpose. Dying in battle or failing in my attempt will yield the same results – death. I go to Gaidon... for Legolas.”

“You will not go,” Elrohir said, stepping in front of Ellie, blocking Elladan from leaving the stable.

“Move, Elrohir!”

“Nay.”

“Stand down this instant!”

“Nay!”

“Elrohir, I am warning you...”

“You may do whatever you wish to me, but I shall not move!”

Elladan nudged Ellie hard and the steed charged forward. Without hesitation he hoisted his bow and fitted it with an arrow, aiming directly at Elrohir. He fired at one of Elrohir's outstretched arms, and watched sorrowfully as the arrow clipped Elrohir's forearm.

“Ai!” Elrohir grasped his wound in pain and watched dismayed as Elladan galloped by without looking back.

In an instant, Elrohir found himself in the midst of his father, his grandfather, Ellaria and everyone else who had been in the healing chamber when the prince died.

“Elrohir?” Elrond asked in horror. “Do my eyes deceive me? Elladan didn't just...”

“Aye. He did.”

“Has he gone mad?” Elrond asked angrily, ripping his cloak and wrapping the fabric around Elrohir's wound. “We could hear the two of you shouting at one another all the way in the manor. What happened? And where is he off to?”

“He is so distraught about losing the prince... now that Legolas is... is...”

“But he isn't,” Thranduil interrupted. “Not yet, anyway. The Lady of Lórien said there may still be a chance. She is going to try to help him.”

“So is Elladan,” Elrohir said.

“What do you mean?” Elrond asked. “How can Elladan help Legolas?”

Elrohir looked at Ellaria and sighed. “Father... King Thranduil... we need to talk.”


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Galadriel observed Legolas for quite some time before willing herself to try and save the prince. Since the prince's parting, she had become very weak and like Legolas, felt a pull from the Halls of Waiting. A deep-seated guilt wrenched her heart and she wondered how Legolas would behave if he discovered the truth. Pushing her worry aside, the Lady of Lórien decided to focus on the task at hand – trying to bring the prince back from the shadows before she joined him there as well.

She took a deep breath and exhaled purposefully. She repeated this action and placed her hands, palms down over Legolas' torso. She closed her eyes and focused all her attention on any bit of light that still lingered within the prince's being. Her hands started to tingle and an odd warmth and light swept over her and illuminated the entire room. Soon, Galadriel found herself being pulled forward, head first into some sort of vortex. She was falling, tumbling quickly through what seemed to be an endless tunnel of light until she landed firmly on the ground. She opened her eyes slowly, trying to still her still swaying mind and was startled when she heard a bewildered, male voice.

“Lady Galadriel... is that you?” Legolas asked, astonished.

“Yes... yes,” Galadriel muttered, still trying to regain her composure.

Legolas knelt and offered his hand to the Lady. She grasped his hand gently and he pulled her to her feet with ease.

Galadriel threaded her fingers through her flaxen tresses, smoothing them carefully in an attempt to avoid Legolas' curious eyes. Instead, she observed her surroundings. She was surprised to be in a large room with cream colored walls and plush furnishings. A large, plum hued settee was situated against the westernmost wall with a small table in front of it. A few bookcases were spread throughout the room, littered with only a few tomes, and a minuscule number of pictures decorated the walls. Although the room was sparsely decorated, it was cozy. Galadriel was especially impressed by the amazing view from an enormous bay window that was set in the south wall. Pristine and freshly trimmed grounds bowed before a magnificent forest that stretched into the distance. Even further away, glorious snowcapped mountains that reached endlessly for the heavens and seemed to stand haughtily against the sun-filled sky. The Lady of Lórien was in awe of the beauty of this place.

“It is beautiful, isn't it?” Legolas asked, interrupting Galadriel's thoughts.

“Yes. It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen.”

“I never imagined that the Halls of Waiting would look like this...” Legolas said, staring out of the window. “But I guess...one never knows what to expect... when they die.”

Galadriel nodded slowly and knew that she must reveal all she knew to the prince. The only problem was... she didn't know how. Taking a deep breath, she began her explanation. “I am not certain that this is the abode of Mandos, Legolas. In fact, I believe that this is a place of peace for the undead – like yourself.”

“What do you mean?” Legolas asked, shocked. “I am dead. I felt my death... and if you are here... you must be dead, too. Speaking of which...” he said slowly, “what are you doing here?”

Galadriel inhaled sharply and nodded. “There is much to say, Prince Legolas. I have a great deal to tell you and very little time.” The Lady guided Legolas to the window seat where they both sat down, turning slightly so they could speak with one another.

“What do you mean?”

“Your death was accidental. You are here because of me.”

“What?” Legolas exclaimed. “That is not possible. My being here is not your doing. I am here because I was possessed by an orc.”

“Legolas...”

“Nay,” the prince interrupted, “last summer, Elladan and Elrohir journeyed to Somerset to collect a rare herb for Lord Elrond. When they got there a horde of orcs had nearly destroyed the place. They went after the fell creatures and discovered their lair. The orcs were not there so they set about trying to help anyone who may have been taken by the evil beasts but were too late to save any. They turned to leave when they heard a cry for help; it was their nursemaid, Henna.”

“Henna?” Galadriel interjected. “But that cannot be. Henna was killed when Celebrían... when my daughter was kidnapped.”

“Apparently, she had not been killed. The orcs took her and had been... torturing her...”

“For all this time...” Galadriel said softly, rising to her feet.

The troubled look on her face made the prince's heart ache.

“Please... go on...” Galadriel urged.

“Elladan and Elrohir were horrified when they found Henna – she was in a very bad way.”

Galadriel shuddered and folded her arms across her chest as if in some sort of self protection.

“They urged her to return with them to Rivendell but she only wanted one thing – death.”

Galadriel met the prince's eyes; her shock and dismay was evident.

“She asked Elladan to kill her. He refused. So... so she took his knife and took her own life. She died in Elladan's arms.”

Galadriel touched her chest as if in pain and her eyes welled with tears. “Elladan...” she whispered softly.

“Enraged, Elladan and Elrohir waited for the orcs to return and when they did there was a battle between them. Elladan and Elrohir killed every orc they could find. More of the creatures were coming – there were too many of them for the twins to kill. However, their saving grace was when the light of day emerged and streamed through the trees. The orcs had to flee from the light. Before the orcs left, though, one promised that he would kill Elladan or someone he loved; he said that he could tell the twins apart and that he would get his revenge on Elladan specifically. I became ill soon after that and Elladan believes that the orc used some sort of spell to bring me to harm – to kill him indirectly.”

“Nay,” Galadriel said, shaking her head. “No orc has the power to do this to you. Only a very powerful being could possess you in such a way – a wizard or an ancient elf... like me.”

“Nay,” Legolas said vehemently. “You did not do this. It had to be the orc. I had dreams about terrible things. I envisioned odd things... and my power... it changed... or something... I don't know. I only know that you cannot... could not do such a thing.”

“I did,” Galadriel said, taking a seat once more beside the prince. “Last summer, I had a horrific vision of the future... Elladan was killed by an orc during a battle. I knew that his death would have a profound effect on Elrohir, Arwen, Elrond... and Rivendell... My daughter's family has suffered so much since her departure to the west... I couldn't allow this to happen... but I knew I couldn't stop it. I needed someone to intervene... someone who Elladan could trust. When you journeyed here, and I learned about your power – your ability to communicate with animals – I knew that you were my only chance to save Elladan. So, I put a powerful spell on you... and on me. I took a part of myself and embedded it in you. I linked our gifts so you would gain the power of foresight... so you would have visions, like me. I thought that if you foresaw Elladan's death, you could warn him... you could save him. But something has gone terribly wrong. The spell killed you... that was not supposed to happen... You were supposed to have visions and then the spell was supposed to dissipate. It was never meant to cause you pain.” Galadriel's voice caught and she looked at her hands shamefully. “I am sorry,” she whispered.

“Why?” Legolas asked gently.

“Why?” Galadriel asked, wiping a tear from her cheek. “I caused you months of agony. When I arrived, Elrond told me of your suffering. He told me about your nightmares... about your slow demise. I truly had no idea. The spell should have worked... but I failed somehow.”

Legolas gasped suddenly and his body became illuminated with golden light. Just as quickly as the light had come – it disappeared.

At the same time, Galadriel clutched her chest slumping over in intense pain. But the feeling withered in an instant. “What happened?”

“The Valar...” Legolas said slowly. “I will not be in this place for much longer. They are going to take me... and... they are going to take you.”

“I know. I linked our powers, remember. If you die... then I...”

“You will not die. We will find a way to release you from the spell.”

“Legolas...”

“Lady Galadriel... our time is short; we must act now if you are to return.”

“I want you to come with me.”

“I do not think I can,” Legolas said. “I died... I cannot go back.”

“Yes you can. Glorfindel and others have returned... so can you.”

A blinding light flooded the room. Legolas' entire being was consumed with light.

Galadriel screamed and clutched her chest. She fell to the floor trembling in agony. Moments later there was an eerie silence.

“Lady Galadriel, are you alright?” Legolas asked, rushing to her side and helping her up.

“I... what happened? I feel so strange.”

“I know,” Legolas said, nodding. “I understand, now. Everything makes sense. You enchanted me the last day I was in Lórien, didn't you?”

“Aye,” Galadriel said, slightly shocked by the prince's sudden knowledge.

“I remember, you wanted me to give Elladan a message and then you disappeared. Wait... that wasn't you at all was it? That was your essence – the part of you that was going to possess me. I understand now... I found it a bit odd that you were there one minute and gone the next.”

Galadriel nodded slowly.

“I know why the spell did not work.”

“How...” Galadriel began. “What do you mean? How can you know?”

“I am truly dead now. The light you saw... I died.”

Galadriel's eyes widened. “So the pain I felt... I am...”

“Aye, you are dead or rather undead... just as I was a few moments ago. The only reason you can still speak with me is because we are still connected. Once you die completely, our link will be severed – we will go our separate ways... forever.”

Galadriel stood in the chamber in silence. There was nothing left to say.

Legolas continued without much hesitation and ignored Galadriel's obvious despair. “The spell did not work because our powers are incompatible; they are too different to be linked. Thus, when you cast a spell on me, your power manifested in a strange way. Instead of visions I had nightmares. My power of communication with animals drastically increased, too. In fact, my relationship with animals changed slightly. For example, I came across a pack of wolves... they revered me... called me 'The Ancient One.' I suppose they could sense your power, which is ancient, and that is why they thought I was much older than I am.”

“Legolas... I have failed...”

“I did have some visions, eventually... but they were too powerful. Having your visions would render me unconscious. And because I did not understand the nature of my nightmares or visions... I did not know to warn Elladan. I saw him die many times and never knew what was causing them... until now.”

“Legolas...” Galadriel said.

“Shh...” Legolas said, raising his hand. “We are going back to Rivendell.”

“What?” Galadriel asked. “We are both dead.”

“That is true,” Legolas said, smiling. “I am completely dead, but you are only partially dead. And through you I am still partially alive.”

“What?”

Legolas' smiled widened. “Both of us can escape from here but we have very little time. How did you get here? What did you do so that you could journey here?”

The Lady of Lórien hesitated for a moment before speaking. “I... I placed my hands over your chest and willed myself to connect with my power... the power that I had placed inside of you. Then, I allowed my power to guide me here.”

“Then that is what we will do now.” The prince walked over to Galadriel and offered her both of his hands. “Take my hands and do what you did before. I will focus on the power within you while you concentrate on the power within me. We shall will each other back to Rivendell.”

“Legolas, this will never work. You cannot connect to the power within me because it is my power... not to mention the fact that you are dead.”

“Aye,” Legolas said, grinning, “it is my death that will allow this to work.”

“What?” Galadriel asked, shaking her head in disbelief. “Legolas...”

“Lady Galadriel, there isn't a moment to lose. I will explain all to you in due time. For now we must return to Rivendell... for soon it shall be too late.”

Galadriel nodded. She did not understand why Legolas believed his plan work but she decided not to question him further. After all, she had nothing to lose by trying. She grasped the prince's hands firmly and began to concentrate on his chest. She tried to reconnect with the power inside the prince but was having a great deal of difficulty finding it. She broke her concentration for a moment to look at Legolas and watched him curiously as he tried to connect with her.

Suddenly a flood of light entered the room and engulfed her and Legolas. She felt herself being lifted up and pulled away from the prince, but Legolas tightened his grip.

“Do not let go,” Legolas said, struggling to hold on to the Lady's hands. “Keep focusing. Will yourself back to Rivendell.”

“What is happening?” Galadriel asked as she and the prince were pulled higher and higher into the air.

“Your time has come,” Legolas said. “It is time for you to die. You must fight it; you must...”

Galadriel nodded and began to focus harder than ever on reconnecting with the power inside the prince. She fought against the light as hard as she could and as it tore her away from Legolas, she still held her hands out, as did the prince, in a last effort to return to the world of the living.

Suddenly the light vanished. Galadriel fell to the ground, hard, and everything faded to black.

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Everyone entered the parlor and sat down and soon after, Elrohir began to talk. He told everyone present about what he and Elladan had faced the previous summer. He spoke of the orc attack in Somerset, Henna's death, Elladan's pain, and the orc's threat to kill Elladan or someone he loved. He also told those present about why his twin had left in such a hurry – about Elladan's desire to try to find and kill the orc in an attempt to save Legolas. As he spoke, Elrohir felt freer than he had in a long time. He stopped talking, finally, and waited for a response.

The room was silent for quite some time. It was as though everyone was trying to process all that had been said.

“Why did you not tell me about this sooner?” Elrond asked, shaking his head slowly.

“I couldn't. I wanted to, but...”

“You were being loyal to your brother's wishes,” Elrond said, interrupting his son. “I knew something had happened in Somerset... you and Elladan were behaving so strangely when you returned. I never imagined that the two of you had faced such danger.”

“We are very capable warriors, Father...”

“I could have lost you... and your brother,” Elrond said softly. “And Elladan... I hardly know him anymore. Why would he leave like this? Why would he risk his life when his journey will most likely be fruitless?”

“For love,” Thranduil said, avoiding Elrond's eyes. “Look, we cannot sit here and pass judgment on what Elladan and Elrohir did or what they should have done. Their actions are in the past. Now, we must focus on the situation at hand and try to determine how to resolve it before more tragedy strikes today.”

“He is right,” Celeborn said. The Lord of Lórien was sitting next to Elrond and placed a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. “We must decide what to do.”

“The decision is simple,” Elrond said. “We must go to Gaidon; we must find Elladan and bring him home.”

“He will not come willingly,” Elrohir said. “I know Elladan better than anyone. Once he has made up his mind about something, it will be nearly impossible to change it. If he aims to find that orc – to face him – he will search the whole of Middle-earth; he will never stop until he finds him.”

“Then he will not be alone in his pursuit,” Joren said. “Let us go. “We, the brothers of Legolas, shall help Elladan find this evil creature and kill it.”

“Joren, you are the crown prince of Mirkwood,” Thranduil chided firmly. “I will not have you gallivanting all over Middle-earth looking for some orc. For all we know the creature could be dead.”

“If the orc were dead, Legolas would be alive now,” Dace said.

“Legolas is not dead,” Thranduil said firmly. “And how do you know that the orc really did do something to Legolas? Fell creatures typically have no power aside from brute force. They are warriors... not sorcerers. What say you Glorfindel and Lord Celeborn? You are the eldest elves here. Have you ever heard of orcs casting spells and the like?”

“I have not,” Celeborn responded.

“Nor have I,” Glorfindel said. “But I suppose it is possible. Perhaps they killed a wizard to glean the power to do such a thing. If that is the case... this orc is a threat, not only to Legolas, but a threat to anyone who crosses his path. I hate to say it, but I agree with Joren. We must journey to Gaidon to find Elladan. We should assemble a band of warriors right away.”

“There is no time to select suitable warriors for such a journey,” Makail said. “We must leave now if we have any hope of catching up with Elladan.”

“Makail is right,” Joren said. “I am going.”

“So am I,” Dace and Makail echoed.

Thranduil started to protest but Joren raised his hand. “I know that I am the crown prince. And I know that I have a responsibility to the kingdom... but my first responsibility is to my family... to my brother. Elladan is acting out of love for Legolas... and so am I. My wife is in charge and is leading with grace and power. Should I fall...”

“You will not,” Thranduil said, smiling genuinely at his son.

“Should I fall,” Joren continued, “you will still rule. Do not forget that we elves are immortal. I hope never to reign in Mirkwood, but serve by your side instead.”

“Unless I perish in the near future,” Thranduil said, rising to his feet.

“What? What do you mean?” Joren asked.

“I am going with you to Gaidon.”

“Father, you cannot,” Joren said firmly. “Your place is here, with Legolas.”

“Nay,” Thranduil said. “My place is on the battlefield... defending the life of my son. I already lost your mother... I will not sit by and let the orcs take someone else I love.”

“Nor will I,” Joren said, standing.

“Joren, you are young. You have a lovely wife. You have been groomed to be a king. I know you love Legolas, but you do not need to fight this battle; I will go in your stead.”

“Nay, Father. I could never rule in the way that you do. You stay here and tend to Legolas when Lady Galadriel comes out of the healing chamber. I will go.”

“But Joren...”

“This could go on for a fortnight and neither of you would be able to choose who should go and who should stay,” Glorfindel said. “We all care about Legolas and Elladan and need to make a decision quickly. This is my suggestion... we shall all go to Gaidon... with the exception of Arwen and Ellaria.”

Arwen frowned and looked at her father.

“Arwen shall rule while we are away.”

Arwen's eyes widened. “I... I do not know if I can...”

“You are an amazing young lady,” Thranduil said warmly. “You will be fine.”

Arwen smiled and nodded at Glorfindel to continue.

“We will arm up and leave at once. As soon as we arrive in Gaidon and locate Elladan we will separate. Elrond, Celeborn, Thranduil and Joren will return to Rivendell as all of you are too valuable to be lost in battle. Elrohir, Makail, Dace, Haldir and I will accompany Elladan in search for the orc. Haldir, if you wish, ask your brothers, Rúmil and Orophin, to join us, as we may need a few more warriors to aid us in this. If Elladan has already spoken to the humans by the time we arrive in Gaidon, the men of the Northern Dúnedain may choose to accompany us... I do not know. I am concerned that the humans could slow us down, but time will dictate that. So, what say you?”

The room was silent for a moment but there was an air of relief that someone had made a decision.

“Agreed,” Elrond said, while everyone else either murmured or nodded their approval.

“Let us away,” Thranduil said enthusiastically, forcing a faint smile as everyone left the parlor. In his heart, however, he feared the worst.

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Elladan raced towards Gaidon with only one thing on his mind – Legolas. He had been traveling for what seemed like an age and sighed with relief when he finally reached the borders of Gaidon. He reared back slightly to allow his mare, Ellie, to slow her pace. He approached the boundary of the realm slowly.

Five border patrolmen approached him at once with their weapons ready.

“Halt!”

Elladan stopped.

“State your name and your business in Gaidon,” a tall, thin human said firmly.

Elladan remembered when Gaidon was not so well protected, but knew that orc attacks had become more commonplace in human cities and thought it wise for people to attempt to safeguard their loved ones. However, he wished for safer days when he could simply ride directly into Gaidon and bypass the inquiries of the border patrol guards. He tried to remain calm despite the urgency he felt in his heart. “I am Elladan and I am from Rivendell. I have come here to speak with Kress. He knows who I am,” he added quickly. “My brother and I returned his commander's son, Taran to him, not too long past.”

“Ah yes,” the man said, smiling. “I remember you. My name is Dugan. If you recall, I escorted you and your comrades into Gaidon the last time you were here. You are one of the twinship.”

“Aye.”

The guards lowered their weapons.

“You are welcome here.”

“Thank you,” Elladan said, relieved that he wouldn't have to fight his way past the border patrol in order to find Kress.

“You are trusted here and are permitted to enter without being escorted. Good journey to you.”

Elladan nodded and guided Ellie into Gaidon. As he journeyed, his mind returned to Rivendell and to Legolas. In his mind's eye, he saw Legolas wincing with pain – dying. Then he saw Henna run herself through with his knife. He saw his mother's battered body after being tortured by orcs and remembered the day she left to go west. He felt his heart ache painfully as if it was being torn out of his chest but it did not matter. As far as Elladan was concerned the loss of so many loved ones would be his undoing anyway – unless, he could save Legolas.

Elladan came to his senses and realized that he had journeyed quite far into Gaidon. Before he could ask anyone where Kress was, the human warrior approached him.

“Hello, do you remember me? I am...”

“Yes, I know who you are. In fact, you are the reason that I have journeyed here. I mean no disrespect, but do not want to waste precious moments on formalities or introductions. I am Elladan of Rivendell and I must speak with you about an urgent matter regarding orcs and the great 'twinship' battle that the Northern Dúnedain saw near Cal' way last summer.”

Kress arched his eyebrow in curiosity. “Very well, please come to my home. It is only a short distance from here. We can talk... and you can eat if you'd like.” Kress did not know Elladan but remembered what he and Elrohir had looked like when they had come to Gaidon before. The elf in his midst now, was so shrunken that he hardly recognized him, save the distinctive necklace that he wore around his neck.

Elladan nodded and the two headed toward a thatched house that was only a few meters away.

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Once inside Kress' home Elladan explained his reason for coming to Gaidon and spared no details when recounting what the orc had done to Legolas.

Kress was greatly concerned about any orc having a wizard's power and agreed that he would speak to the commander and chieftain and convince them to allow him and the other men to assist Elladan in his search for the fell creature. The only problem was that many of the Northern Dúnedain warriors had set out a few days before to get some supplies from the human city, Esup, that was south of Gaidon. The men would return that evening so the journey to find the orc would have to be postponed until then.

Elladan was disappointed that the journey would have to wait, but was pleased to have the aid of the Northern Dúnedain. He had never given much credence to human warriors, but knew he needed more brute force than he alone was capable of if he wished to kill the orc.

Kress offered Elladan food multiple times, which he politely refused. Instead, the Rivendell warrior took refuge in a large tree and waited. His mind wandered to when he Legolas, and Elrohir had come to Gaidon many months before and how humorous it had been to try to prove that Legolas looked like a she-elf. That was also the day that he and Legolas discussed their interest in one another. He found himself smiling at the memory and felt more resolute than ever about saving the prince. He did not believe that Legolas was truly dead and even though it would take some time for he and the Northern Dúnedain to find the orc, he believed that killing the creature would restore Legolas' life. Elladan was so lost in his thoughts that he was surprised to hear Kress call to him and say that the men had returned. The commander and chieftain had been told about the threat that the orc posed and hey had agreed to help Elladan. The other warrior's had been briefed about their new mission, and were preparing to leave once again.

Elladan leapt out of the tree, apologized to Kress for losing track of time and mounted Ellie.

In no time, Elladan and nearly thirty men were leaving the borders of Gaidon. They were headed back toward Rivendell, but would veer west before reaching the elvish realm. Their destination was Somerset near the forest of Cultee – the last place the orc had been seen.

Elladan noticed that nightfall was quickly approaching, but he was determined to get as far as he could before the humans or their steeds needed rest.

The battalion had only traveled a few kilometers when one of the human warriors screamed and fell off of his horse. He had been struck with a spear in the back and lay dead on the ground.

In an instant Elladan and the men had readied their weapons and were poised to fight when Elladan heard a familiar voice.

“Hello, Elf. Do you remember me? I am Garg, the orc you met near Somerset last summer.” He smirked, standing boldly in front of Elladan's mare.

“I know who you are,” Elladan said through clenched teeth. “We were just setting out to look for you.”

“Indeed,” Garg said, grinning. “Then we have something in common. My army and I have been tracking you since your little visit to our lair.” As Garg spoke, dozens of orcs emerged from behind the trees and foliage that lined the road leading from Gaidon. “You see, I am an orc of my word. I always keep my promises. That is why I am here... I have a promise to fulfill... by killing you!”

Elladan leapt from his horse and drew his sword. He knew that this fight would be to the death.


---

TBC...