A Healing Touch

Hey, guys, I decided to give you an early update.

Steph: LOL, yeah, I thought that was cute too. I couldn't resist adding it. Thanks for the compliment, its very appreciated. LOL, arachnids give you the creeps, eh? Personally, I like spiders, to an extent, of course. Don't worry, I'll try not to make the spider action too intense.

Isis: LOL, ::Poke, poke:: you awake, yet? I hope I haven't kept you in suspense for too long, I mean I tried. Hope you had a good sleep, by the way.

RyousMistress265: Hi! Thank you for your update, its well appreciated. I'm happy you like the addition of the spiders, and I totally agree with you, the spiders in The Hobbit were awesome! Hey, I hear PJ is trying to buy the rights to that book so he can make it into a film. YAY! We get to see Thranduil.

louise_oblique: LOL, glad you like it. Hope this chapter came quick enough. *hugs*

Silent Archer: LMAO! hey, I was abused in grade school, and then some, but I have no intention of becoming an evil dark lord. LOL, forgive me! Here, I'm making up for the cliffie with this early chapter.

giggle: LOL, building bridges? I'm not even going to ask. Yeah, little Leggy fics rule, I just love 'em, too. Lol, I'm glad the spiders & super orcs had a major effect on you, that was pretty fun to write, as was little Leggy spying on our dear elf lord and balrog slayer. More little Legolas in this next chapter.
::grins:: its a first telling of when Leggy meets Gandalf the first time.

Mawgy: LOL, yes, little Leggy gets more dessert. LOL! See? I told you, you're spychic! Man, you should be on Guinness or Ripley's. Heehee, yeah, Galadriel's so cool, but that's all I'll say. Not saying anything about Elladan either, you'll have to read this chapter to find out. Don't worry, Im an angst lover, myself. God knows why, but I am. And yes, you are obsessed with orc sex. As well as elf sex... especially Erestor sex. But don't worry, ever single person who reads/writes this kind of stuff, (including myself) has the same obsession. You are not alone.

lilith: Lol, yes I am doing it on purpose. It's fun. Don't worry, Narofea's still around. He's one of Glorfindel's soldiers now. As for Nuarhir, should I write another chapter with him in it? A grown up Nuarhir, lol.

Kirsten: Hey, I was wondering if you were still keeping up with this story. I'm glad you're enjoying this, and glad that I seem to be keeping you on the edge of your seat. BTW, your Legolas & Elrond picture is absolutely darling, in case I haven't mentioned it, the Macbeth one was pretty awesome too.

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Elladan ran as quickly as his legs would carry him through the densely packed forest, sprinting over rocks and fallen logs, minding his footing. His heart quickly raced with both the lack of breath he was struggling to inhale from his heavy exertions from running so far a distance, as well as the rising panic he felt at the very pit of his gut at what he had seen in the deep dark cavern where the enemies of Mirkwood were planning their invasion.

The twin had broken into a sweat as he pushed his body to the very limit. His legs were sore and tense, his mouth was as dry as the desert and his lungs felt like they were aflame but he continued on. The entire fate of Mirkwood rested upon his shoulders.

A sudden chill ran down his spine and he shuddered as he recalled the thousands of spiders whom colonized the massive cave. The memory of the countless arachnids that nested in the large cavern would be forever embedded in his mind. Shaking his head as if to rid his brain of the horrifying memory, he continued on.

Finally breaking through the clearing where Elrohir, Nava and Tallen awaited him, he collapsed to the ground on his hands and knees, panting audibly from his exertions.

Nava immediately stood and rummaged through his belongings. Pulling out a flask of water, he quickly bent down and handed it to Elrond’s eldest son, whom in turn greedily gulped down the refreshing liquid, relishing in its cool soothing texture as it slid down his dry throat. Regaining his breath, Elladan scanned his eyes over his surroundings, taking on a panicked look as he noticed his brother laying on the muddy forest floor, head resting in Tallen's lap as he seemed to be coming out of some sort of daze. The elder twin looked up questioningly at the older blond elf.

"Soon after you ran off Elrohir fainted. His body seemed somehow drained and I doubt it was because of our recent battle. I believe his vision was straining to his mind and he seemed to go into shock." The eldest son of Thranduil explained. "You need not worry, he is recovering quickly."

Swiftly rising from his hands and knees, Elladan stumbled over and knelt at his brother's side, taking his hand in his own, ignoring his friend whom supported Elrohir's head. "Brother?"

"I am well, Elladan, worry not. The vision was just.... strainful."

The twin leaned in closer to his brother as his next words were spoken in almost a whisper. "What did your vision reveal?"

Elrohir closed his eyes as if in pain, recalling the dreadful scene that played in his mind. "There were shadows, many shadows that seemed to envelop the forest. They seemed to overrun the forest like locusts in a field of crops. Then I saw the cave of Thranduil," Nava and Tallen glanced at each other at the mention of their home. "The ground was littered with skeletons and it looked as if a sea of blood had flooded the earth. Something very bad is going to happen, Elladan, and soon, I fear."

"How are we certain we can trust these premonitions?" Tallen asked. "It could simply be akin to a nightmare."

"Nay," Elladan replied. "'twas no dream. I know of what my brother speaks. I have seen the evidence with my own eyes."

"What do you mean? When?"

" I followed that orc. It lead me to its lair."

"You didn't kill it? That was a foolish course of action. Now it will lead its pack back to us."

"I think not. Nay. I followed it to a cave and allowed it to enter. After I was certain it was deep within, I followed it. You are in more danger than what you believe Tallen of Mirkwood, for what I saw would make chills run down your spine and cause your heart to skip a beat. Mine certainly did."

"Well, what was it?"

"Orcs. And spiders. Thousands of them. They are in lead with each other, or rather the spiders in lead with the orcs. Deep within the caverns of the massive underground cave there is an army of spiders and orcs alike. The largest spider, their queen I assume, has acquired some sort of telepathic ability and is using mind control over the orcs, enslaving them it seems to do her bidding." Elladan was quiet for several seconds allowing this new information to sink into his friends and brother's minds. He noted the increasing look of fear masking their faces. "And now," He continued. "the spiders along with the help of the orcs are planning an invasion on Mirkwood, I heard the queen speak of it with my very own ears."

After the momentary shock wore off ever so slightly, Nava straitened and whistled for their horses, the animals immediately complying to their masters will. "Quickly," he ordered, shouldering his pack and retrieving his weapons, "we must return to the city and warn my father at once. It shall take us at least three days to return and it is vital that we arrive as soon as possible." The four elves quickly gathered their belongings and after Elladan was certain Elrohir was seated comfortably on his horse, he quickly mounted his own mare and the four took off towards Mirkwood in a steady gallop.


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"You may now rise, Thranduil." Galadriel gently lifted the palm of her hand away from the elven king’s forehead as he unsteadily sat himself up from the bed, supporting his weight on his elbows. Together in the Mirkwood lord’s chamber consisted himself, Galadriel, Elrond and Gandalf whom had just performed a healing spell upon him to help rid his anguished heart from the guilt and depression he had developed through the years.

Although, as the fair lady of light had already explained to the distraught king, it would take more then just healing elixirs and magic to cure him. His own need to want to be cured of his grief was a large roll to play, needless to say, as was the comfort and emotional support that his family granted him, particularly that of Legolas, since most of the elven king's despair revolved solely around him because of the incident that he was forced to endure so long ago. Often he felt guilt creep into his heart for not being able to protect the young prince from the harm he had sufferand and though the young prince himself did not fault him in the least, his youngest son's forgiveness was of great importance to him on its own.

With a groan, Thranduil stood on slightly trembling legs in the aftershock of energy that had coursed through him and then had completely drained from his body. Watching him grasp the bedpost for support, Elrond immediately, as steadily as he could from his own loss of energy, stood by Thranduil's side, offering what support he could.

Dabbing a handkerchief across her own flushed face, Galadriel quickly regained her composure and stood in front of Thranduil, hands loosely clasped in front of her, and gently but firmly addressed him. "You will require rest for the next week or so, Thranduil, and I expect proper rest from you without objection, as well as a proper eating pattern. And no more than two glasses of wine a day.” Thranduil went to protest but one stern look from the Lady of the Wood silenced him immediately. “I have already sent Legolas to the kitchens to fetch you a proper meal before I arrived in your chambers and I expect you to eat it. He should be here shortly.”

Thranduil, scowling at Galadriel for treating him as if he was some disobedient elfling, slumped grouchily in a well padded chair, shrugging off Elrond’s hand, muttering under his breath about 'overly protective she-elves and their confounded maternal instincts' which in turn Gandalf chuckled under his breath, and a barely concealed smirk crossed Elrond’s wise features.

All supposed they should be lucky that Thranduil allowed them to treat him at all, considering his very renowned disdain for the Noldor, especially that of Galadriel, a daughter whom descended directly from the bloodline of one of the Kin-slayers. It was no secret that the Mirkwood king despised the Noldor for their ancestors mistakes, a prejudice no doubt passed down by his father, Oropher. And if it were not for Legolas' persistent pleading, Elrond doubted the Mirkwood lord would have allowed their help at all.

There was suddenly a knock on the door before the elfling timidly entered the massive chamber, tray in hand filled with several pieces of fruit, a light salad, bread and some cheese, and four glasses of red wine. After setting the tray on a small end table at the top right corner of the bed, the youngest prince of the Woodland realm politely bowed to his elders then nodded in greeting at the Istari, a shy smile on his face. “I thought that perhaps you all would have need to quench your thirst.”

“Thank you, child,” Galadriel cocked her head and smiled as she reached for her glass, “‘tis most gracious of you.”

Legolas blushed slightly, not entirely comfortable is the presence of the lovely lady. “‘tis my pleasure, my lady.”

Elrond smiled lightly at Legolas as a sense of pride overcame him at the prince’s modesty as well as his courteousness towards his elders. He had taught the boy well, that much was true. That was not to say that Thranduil was a bad role model but his elder sons always seemed to hold a bit of his arrogance as well as his temper. The Rivendell elf lord had taught Legolas otherwise and though the prince could become very cocky and reckless at times he was never intentionally rude or ignorant. In fact, Legolas was quite the opposite. As a small child he had been very shy and timid and other than a few temper tantrums, (Elrond recalled Legolas kicking Elladan promptly in the shin for an insult he had made regarding wood elves), Legolas had been a fairly well behaved child, if a little mischievous. Even the shy smile that graced his lips as he greeted Mithrandir brought back unprovoked memories of the elfling’s childhood. He would never forget Legolas’ reaction at his first encounter with Gandalf long ago in Rivendell.

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FLASHBACK
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Elrond patiently stood upon the balcony to his house alongside the members of his household consisting of Glorfindel, Erestor, Elladan and Elrohir, Arwen and a rather agitated Legolas whom was impatiently shifting from foot to foot, picking at the fine golden embroidered beach leaves of his pine green tunic. Together they awaited their long time friend and honoured guest, Gandalf the Grey, or known more familiarly to the elves as Mithrandir, the grey pilgrim.

Looking down beside him with a raised eyebrow, Elrond firmly addressed the boy in as low a voice as he could muster. "Legolas, be still."

In turn, the princeling looked up, a scowl upon his features. "But, Lord Elrond, it itches."

"Well I'm sorry, penneth, but you will have to bear with the discomfort for a while longer. Worry not, Mithrandir should arrive shortly." The elf lord replied as he bent down and re-adjusted the collar of Legolas' robe.

The boy let out a sigh of frustration, the scowl lighting his expression never leaving. Elrond smiled sympathetically to the unfortunate elfling in understanding. He too was forced to suffer the discomfort of the formal robes that he was so adamant that his house wear on special occasions. He recalled similar confrontations with Elladan and Elrohir when they were elflings, always refusing to wear the offensive garments in formal situations but Elrond, being the proud and respected elf lord that he was, was very insistent on the elaborate attire.

Hearing the approaching sound of huff beats, the lore master looked towards the distance and seeing the old Istari trotting his horse through the gates, he smiled. He had not seen the wizard since around the time the Watchful Peace had ended and the White Council was formed.

Smiling as he stopped in front of the stairs and dismounted his chestnut mare, Gandalf cheerfully ascended the stone stairs, bowing his head lightly in greeting. "Mae govannen, Elrond o Imladris."

Waving off the formalities with a swish of his hand, Elrond gently grasped the old Istar's shoulder and nodded his head. "'Tis good to see you again, Mithrandir. It has been some time."

"Aye, it has, hasn’t it?" Gandalf sighed as he spoke in more of a whisper. "I am sorry to hear about Celebrian, mellon-nin. She was a kind soul." A look of pain crossed the elf lord's features but he waved it off. At seeing the reaction the mention of his wife's name caused him, the wizard quickly changed the subject and turned to face the rest of Elrond's house. "Ah, Glorfindel. How have you been?"

The seneschal smiled politely. "Quite well, Mithrandir, and yourself?"

"Very well, thank you."

Only after greeting each of the elves that stood before him on the balcony, was it that Gandalf noticed the small golden headed figure whom would appear around his eleventh year in the eyes of man, tightly clutching to Elrond's side and looking up at him in both awe and fear.

"Ah, and whom is this young elfling?" Gandalf smiled gently.

"This is Legolas Greenleaf," Elrond replied, seeing as the seem-to-be-stunned child would not answer, too fixed on Gandalf's facial hair. "the youngest son of Thranduil. He is fostering here in Rivendell until his majority."

"Hmm, I see," Gandalf murmured. "and I take it he has never seen the likes of man before?"

"Not other than the rangers my sons travel with, nay."

Gandalf slowly bent down, resting his aged hands on his knees as he addressed the wide eyed elfling. "Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion."

Legolas cocked his head to the side, one eyebrow raised in an incredible likeliness to Elrond.
"Din laws ann a thinn ve I ngaraf- iaur."

"Legolas!" Elrond firmly chastised, anger as well as shock issuing in his voice.

Glorfindel snorted at Legolas' innocent yet insulting comment, trying to stifle a chuckle while Elladan and Elrohir openly broke into hysterics, Elrohir clutching his belly as he laughed while Elladan held onto his brother's shoulder as so he wouldn't fall to his knees. Arwen placed a hand over her mouth to stifle her own giggles and even Erestor cracked a smile though he tried to conceal it.

To Elrond's surprise and utter relief even the Istari was chuckling, quite amused by the remark, leaning on his staff for support. "Do not be fooled by my appearance, hen-nin. This old wolf still has much energy in him yet."

Legolas smiled shyly and went to reply but Elrond immediately interrupted, somewhat worried of the next reaction the prince words may elicit. "Legolas, ped mi Westron."

The elfling nodded as he turned his attention back to the wizard. "How come you have hair all over your face?" Elrond internally groaned. This was not how he had planned to introduce the young prince to the Istar.

Gandalf only chuckled at yet another innocent comment that issued from the princeling's mouth.
"'Tis how the Vala created me, penneth. Would you like to touch it?" At first Legolas just gaped at the wizard, utter shock upon his youthful features but as curiosity got the best of him, the prince thoughtfully nodded and Gandalf bent down once again and issued for the child to come closer. Looking up at Elrond for reassurance, the elfling slowly walked towards the Istari and timidly brushed the long grey beard with his fingertips. Curious at the strange texture, Legolas buried his fingers deeper into the course hair and grinned in astonishment. "Would you like to see some magic little one?"

Legolas glanced into the grey eyes of the Maia and eagerly nodded. Gandalf then set his staff against the banister and then cupped his hands, placing one on top of the other, and began murmuring words into the gap he created by parting his thumb from his index finger. Then as his hands seemed to glow red and beams of golden light shown through the gaps between his tightly cupped fingers, he parted them and a golden butterfly appeared in his palm, spreading its sparkling wings as it began to flutter before it flew off, leaving a trail of falling glittering sparkles behind it.

Legolas stared up in awe at the Istari, utter amazement on his young face before words suddenly blurted from his pink lips. "That was wonderful! Can you do it again?"

"Now, Legolas, I'm sure Mithrandir would like to rest after such a long journey--"

"Oh nonsense, Elrond. Legolas, I shall make you a deal-- allow me to settle myself and after noon meal I shall show you all sorts of magic tricks."

The elfling was clearly beaming at the prospect. "Alright. Then we should settle you in quickly. The sooner you are settled, the sooner we will have dinner, and the sooner we have dinner the sooner you'll get to show me more magic tricks." Grabbing Gandalf's pack from the floor, Legolas quickly scrambled up the stairs, trying not to trip on his robe, as he headed towards the guest chambers where the Istari was to reside.

Chuckling out loud, Gandalf turned his head to a clearly annoyed Elrond whom was glaring at the stairs Legolas had just ascended, while Glorfindel and the others were trying their best not to burst out into laughter but failing miserably as their lord's face seemed to be beaming a deep scarlet. "Well then," Gandalf replied. "shall we?"

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END FLASHBACK
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Elrond was snapped out of his reverie when he heard footsteps approaching. At the knock at the door, Thranduil bid entrance and appearing in the doorway were Glorfindel and lord Celeborn. It was the high elf who first spoke. "The soldiers from Lothlorien have arrived. They wait in the courtyard."

Thranduil nodded. "Very good. Have rooms been prepared for them?"

"Yes, adar," Legolas replied. "shall I bid them entrance?"

"Yes, ion-nin, tell them I shall speak with them shortly."

"Have my guardsmen not come yet?" Elrond asked his seneschal.

"I’m afraid not, my lord, but I am sure they will arrive soon." Glorfindel replied.

Just as Legolas was about to leave the room, Elladan, Elrohir, Nava and Tallen burst through the door in a state of panic, pushing past Celeborn and Glorfindel and stopping right in front of Thranduil, breathing heavily, sweat running down their faces. "Adar," Nava panted. "We must ready our forces at once. An army of spiders and orcs are headed this way, we must be swift!"

The elven king looked sternly at his eldest. "Calm down, Nava, and explain yourself."

"We were out hunting. We had just slain a pack of orcs when one of them escaped and Elladan chased after it to a large underground cave."

All eyes turned to the said twin for confirmation. "He speaks the truth," Elladan confirmed. "deep within the caverns of a cave deep in Mirkwood forest dwell thousands of large spiders as well as many orcs. I heard their queen spider speak. She spoke of the destruction she and her kin would create upon the woodland realm along with the help of the orcs while she uses her mind control over them."

"Mind control!?!" Glorfindel exclaimed. "that’s absurd."

"Nay, Glorfindel, it is true. Somehow the queen spider has developed telepathy that she can use to control the actions of the orcs. Can you not see? It was the spiders all along-- the attack upon Mirkwood, Legolas' torture, my father and Legolas' abduction, this behaviour is rarely consistent with orcs, it was all a supposed distraction that will lead down to this moment when the spiders attack Mirkwood once again, but this time they will be prepared. While they think we are distracted they are planning their attack!"

All stood in an unwavering silence, simply staring at Elladan until Thranduil spoke. "How can you be certain of all this?"

"Because my brother has foreseen it."

All eyes immediately shifted to Elrohir and he sighed. "My vision showed the cave. The ground was bathed in blood as dead bodies littered the ground. The forest lurked with shadows, many shadows, and large red eyes in their darkness. The trees looked dead and they seemed to weep in sorrow as their wilted leaves shrivelled to the bloody forest floor."

Walking over towards her grandson, Galadriel lifted his face with her elegant fingers, staring into Elrohir's eyes. "Open your mind to me, hen-nin… do not be afraid."

Together the pair stood in silence for several seconds, doing naught but staring into each others eyes as if in a trance. Then as if physically struck, Galadriel's head flew back and a look of fear crossed her beautiful features as Celeborn swiftly approached her side, gently grasping her shoulders in support.

"We must prepare for an attack," she cried, her eyes haunted. "Elrohir's vision is not false. Quickly, we must ready for an invasion."

Thranduil looked completely stunned as old memories resurfaced. It was happening again. At least this time he would be ready. "How many days away are they?"

"Four at the most, adar." replied Tallen.

The Mirkwood king nodded as a look of rage crossed his handsome features. "Tallen, prepare your soldiers and tell them to be on their guard. If the slightest thing seems out of place I want to know about it. I want double shifts on our boarder patrols, extra guards placed at every entrance."

Thranduil let out an aggravated sigh and he lifted his gaze to his youngest son, and walked over to him and lightly cupped his cheek, staring into his sapphire eyes before removing his hand, turning to address everyone in the room. "No more attacks, no more threats to my kingdom. The line must and will be drawn here. No more will I allow my people to live in fear everyday of their lives. I will wipe Arda of those confounded creatures once and for all even if it kills me. Prepare for the attack, have the guard ready their weapons." In a whirlwind of anger, Thranduil abruptly turned and left his chamber, his robe soaring noisily behind him as his footsteps were unusually audible as he marched down the hall.

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penneth: young one
ada/adar: father
mae-govannen: well met
mellon-nin: my friend
din laws ann a thinn ve I gnaraf-iaur: his hair is long and grey like an old wolf
ped mi Westron: speak in Westron
ion-nin: my son
hen-nin: my child

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I know, it was short. But wasn't it worth it?

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