Breaking the Barriers

The two groups made their way to the cave. They were nearly there when Estel felt a pain in his mind. He grunted, grabbing his head until the pain subsided.

Glorfindel noticed and placed an arm around Estel. “What’s wrong?”

“He’s in pain. There’s something . . . something in his head, and it’s not good.” Estel sensed a change. “I can no longer feel him. Our connection . . . it’s gone. What is happening?”

“I don't know, but we will find out.” Glorfindel had to reassure his friend that Legolas was alright.

It was nightfall when they reached the cave. Three guards were posted outside. Halbarad motioned for Haldir to take them out.

Haldir released one arrow after another, and with quick precision, the guards were killed.

Halbarad went in then Glorfindel, Estel and the rest. They cautiously walked into the darkness. Halbarad was having a hard time seeing in the dark so he motioned Glorfindel to lead the party. Elves had the best eyesight when it came to darkness.

Glorfindel took the lead and quietly walked the halls. There were many tunnels on each side. He looked to Estel. “Can you feel Legolas anywhere?” he whispered. “Even a little bit?”

Estel focused his attention on Legolas and felt somethng small inside his chest. “Yes,” he whispered back, “not far from here. He pointed ahead.

They cautiously made their way forward, halting when a door opened. Pressing their backs against the wall of the tunnel, they saw the Witch King leaving the room. He went into the opposite direction and turned a corner.

There were two more guards here. Glorfindel took them out and two Dunadain dragged the bodies into the room. Estel rant to Legolas and peered into his eyes.

Legolas turned his head to see who had entered the room. There were elves and humans, one of which was staring down at him. He seemed familiar somehow, but Legolas couldn’t place how he knew the man.

Estel kissed his lover gently. Relief that Legolas was alive flooded through him and strengthened his will to go on.

“Who are you?” Legolas asked.

Estel drew back, hurt. It was like getting slapped in the face. Glorfindel raced to Legolas’ side and whispered, “be quiet! We need to get out of here before the Witch-king comes back.”

Halbarad and Glorfindel went to the table and tried to get the shackles off his ankles while Estel moved forward to untie the ropes off his hands.

Legolas had a hard time standing because of the potion that the Witch King had given him.

Glorfindel looked around to see if he could spot Legolas‘ clothes. Not seeing them he offered his cloak to him and wrapped it around his shoulders. Glorfindel lifted Legolas into his arms.

The guards standing at the door looked out to see if there was anyone around. They turned and nodded that the way was clear. They all carefully exited the room and made their way quietly down to the entrance of the cave.

The group had just left the caves when they heard a chilling scream. Glorfindel knew their rescue of Legolas had been discovered.

A group of orcs pursued them, but Haldir’s group quickly dispatched the creatures. Once that threat was gone they all headed back to safety.

Haldir had noticed the change in Legolas when Glorfindel passed by him. He was, after all, his teacher. He was the one that broke the barrier. Also being his mentor, Haldir was like a father to the Mirkwood elf. Haldir saw the vacant look in his student’s eyes and grew worried.

The assembly of Dúnedain, elves and Estel all got on horses and rode out. Glorfindel took Legolas with him to guard. They traveled most of the night stopping to make sure that Legolas was okay. Some of the Dúnedain made sure that they would not be followed. They backtracked many times to confuse their enemy.

It was breaking morning before they came upon a clearing with bushes all around. This would make for great cover. They would post about six men around the perimeter. They all dismounted and readied camp for the day. They knew that the orcs would not follow in the daylight.

Glorfindel got off his horse first and then grabbed Legolas by the waist.

“Haldir, can you assist me? You too Halbarad.” Glorfindel asked.

Estel ran up to Legolas wanting to put his arms around him. He wanted to make sure that he was safe and this was real. The look he got from the elf froze him. He somehow didn’t recognize the look from the eyes of his lover. There was no closeness to him. Then Estel saw it, the bonding light was dimmer from the elf.

“Glorfindel, what is wrong with him? He somehow doesn’t feel like the Legolas I know.” Estel was getting confused. This was the first time he had used his lover’s name since he disappeared.

“Estel, I will answer your questions when I have answers. Right now, I need you to find water and boil it. We need to get him cleaned up so we can examine him. Can you do that?”

“Yes, anything for my love.” Estel ran off and found a pot and searched the horses for water. He wouldn’t need much. He got a fire ready and heated the water. While the water was heating he grabbed his healing supplies he took with him just in case something happened to anyone out here.

They spread out a blanket on the ground and sat Legolas upon it. He somehow seemed reluctant and turned to look at Haldir noticing this elf right away. Tears welled up in his eyes and overflowed. Looking into Haldir’s eyes, he knew he could trust this elf. Haldir knelt beside Legolas and gathered him in his arms. The young elf was looking for comfort that only Haldir could give him. Somehow Haldir made him feel safe but he didn’t know why.

After trying to calm him down, Haldir asked Legolas to lie down. He reassured him that they would not harm him. “They only wanted to see what kind of damage was done.”

“I needed Estel out of the way so we could do this examination. He would have only been in the way.” Glorfindel said this to the ones that were there. "I need to check Legolas to see what kind of injuries he has."

“Legolas, Glorfindel needs to check you out down below. He wants to find out if you have been physically abused by that vile creature. Is it alright?” Haldir gave Legolas a reassuring look.

Legolas looked at the two elves and nodded his head. He didn’t know how he felt at the moment and laid back. Legolas had no feelings. He felt empty inside but something inside him told him to trust these two elves.

Glorfindel pulled back the cloak and noticed there was no damage.

Estel was carrying the pot of heated water back to Glorfindel when he stopped in his tracks. He watched as Glorfindel examined Legolas. He quickly got to Glorfindel and set the pot beside him.

He sat beside Glorfindel and proceeded to help. He helped Glorfindel with the clean up and went and grabbed his pouch of healing herbs from beside him. He made a healing tea with some of the water. Placing it in the cup, he gave it to Haldir.

Glorfindel watched as Estel became a different person right before his eyes. It was strange that Estel did not yell more words but became quiet. This young King before him was changing and growing up before his eyes. He helped Estel tend to Legolas’ wounds around his ankles and wrists. He watched Estel make a poultice from some of the herbs.

Estel spread the poultice on a cloth and handed it to Glorfindel and motioned for him to place it around his ankles and wrists.

“This will heal as well as numb his pain.” With the rest of the water, Estel proceeded to clean up his love.

“I will wash some of this grime off him.” Glorfindel said. “Estel could you go find him some clothes. We need to get him warm.” He watched Estel make his way to the horses.

Haldir was watching this young man grow up before his eyes. It was amazing how in such a short time Estel went from a man who he knew so little about the wild to a man who took responsibility. He looked into the eyes of Legolas and saw a difference in the elf.

“Glorfindel,” Haldir said, “I think his mind has been touched by evil. From the look in his eyes, his bonding light is dim.”

“I believe you could be right. The light is almost gone out. I don’t think he recognized Estel at all,” Glorfindel said.

He watched as Glorfindel was getting rid of the dirt when Legolas’ eyes stared into his. They were cold.

Legolas watched the young man who was aiding Glorfindel, then looked into his eyes. He did not recognize him yet, but something told him that the one they called “Estel” was important in his life. He would have to ask about that later. Right now he wanted all traces of the Witch King removed from his mind and body.

Estel turned and went in search of Legolas’ pack that carried extra clothes in it. Upon gathering the clothes he noticed there was a small book. Taking out the book, he noticed it was all poetry. He flipped the pages and noticed sea blue flowers falling from it. These were the flowers I picked for him when I saw him in Adar’s private garden. He kept them! Taking a few of the flowers, he put the rest back inside the book. He went back to Glorfindel with the clothes.

Glorfindel had washed Legolas by the time Estel got back with the clothes. He also saw a smile on Estel’s face.

“Something the matter, Estel, that put that smile on your face?” Glorfindel asked.

“Yes. Do you remember the flowers I picked for Legolas when we were in Adar’s garden?” Estel handed the clothes to Haldir while talking.

He nodded while dressing Legolas.

Legolas didn’t put up a fight. He was getting comfort from this elf. When he heard the mention of flowers he quickly stared at the man. Something from his past came to mind about flowers.

“I found them inside a book of poetry in Legolas’ pack.” He opened his hand and showed a few of the flowers. He knelt by his love and showed him.

Legolas sat up and took the petals from the man and a tear ran down his face. Why was he crying? He had no feelings for this man or did he? He looked at the man called Estel and tried to remember him.

Estel stared at his love and tried the mind bonding, hoping the closeness would work.

//Meleth, are you there?// Estel said inside in his mind. He was speaking Sindarin.

Legolas’ head snapped up and his eyes grew in size. He stared at Estel and noticed a nod from the man.

//Who are you?// he thought, //Do I know you? And why are you speaking in another language that I can understand? You are no elf.//

Estel could not believe his eyes. His love didn’t know who he was.

//I’m Estel, I’m your melethron, meldir, and gwedor (brother). I learned how to speak Sindarin from Lord Elrond.//

//I have no lover. I have never been betrothed to anyone.//

//I can call your secret name if you want. I did it when you were in that cave.//

//I somehow remember a word that is different from all others. Do you know what it is?//

//Mallos. I gave you that name, it means golden flower.//

Legolas was startled by the intimate way the young man spoke to him. But the mind bonding was using much of his remaining energy. His head began to pound and he passed out.

“What did you say to him and don’t lie. I know you were using the mind bonding.” Glorfindel asked Estel after he made sure that Legolas was okay.

“I told him his secret name. Somehow I needed to let him know it was me.” Estel had tears coming down his face. “He didn’t know who or what I was to him.” He felt scared, got up from the blanket and ran off not letting anyone see his weakness, not letting anyone know that when he probed his loves mind there was something dark and sinister still there. He would have to make his love remember who he was and get him out of that darkness.

Haldir looked to Glorfindel. “I think that Legolas will be alright. What the Witch-king has done to him and the excitement of the day may have been to much for him plus the bonding of the minds. Why don’t you go look after your charge while I make mine more comfortable.

Glorfindel nodded and got up from the blanket. He went to find Estel. He knew that Estel was holding something back, he could feel it. He looked to the guards and they pointed in the direction that the young king went. Nodding, he pursued him.

Estel made his way to a beech tree and climbed up the first branch. He needed to be alone to grieve for his lover. And being alone, he needed to think about his future if his love did not come back. Tears were streaming down his face and he could not stop them. He wanted his lover back. Estel wrapped his arms around his waist and cried softly.

Glorfindel watched as Estel climbed the tree.

“Estel come down so that we can talk.” Glorfindel stood below the branch that the man was sitting on. “Why are you up there anyway?”

“Leave me alone.” He never looked at his teacher.

“Estel, I know you know something about Legolas. Come down so that we can talk.” He waited. Hearing the sobs in Estel’s voice, he took a seat at the base of the tree and remained.

Estel knew that Glorfindel had all the patience in the world. Estel was still in the tree as the sun was setting. Not one word was said between them. He knew that the seneschal would not move from his post. Estel got up from the branch and jumped in front of Glorfindel.

Glorfindel was startled by the jump. He got up from the ground and looked at his student. His face was streaked with tears and his eyes were swollen. He knew that he was letting his emotions get the better of him.

“You have to tell me what you saw when you probed his mind. We don’t know what the Witch-king has done to him, only you.” Looking into Estel’s eyes, he was trying to find honesty.

“I don’t know how to describe it but it was some kind of wall that surrounded a part of his mind that even I couldn’t seem to penetrate. When I first saw it, it was like I wanted to be angry at everything. It made me mad. That is maybe why my love is like this. I feel like I’m losing my mind. How can I keep this up with him the that way, Glorfindel,” he pleaded, “help me!” Fresh tears were taking up the path of the old ones.

Glorfindel took a step forward and put his arms around him. “I will help you. Right now you will have to help Legolas. His mind is weak from the progress that the Witch-king put on him. His mind will need healing as will yours. Elrond might be able to help with his mind. While he sleeps you can be with him but as soon as he wakes up you must leave. The more anger he shows could do more damage to his mind. Let' s go back to camp and get you something to eat. I know I’m hungry.” He was running his hand up and down the man’s back. It was soothing his fears and the tears that fell were becoming less.

They made their way back to camp. Everyone was sitting around a fire except for the guards that were posted around the perimeter. They would make sure that the young elf would be secure and would not have to fear anything. After passing many men, they made their way to where Legolas was still laying on the blanket. Haldir was there but they noticed that Halbarad was gone.

Estel made his way to Legolas. When he seen Legolas asleep, he sat beside him. Legolas had his head on Haldir’s lap while Haldir was stroking his head. The prince had his eyes fully closed. This was not good for an elf. It meant that he was not in a healing sleep like he should be. This made Estel concerned.

Glorfindel motioned with his head that he wanted to speak to Haldir and he nodded.

“Estel, let’s put Legolas’ head on your lap. Maybe he can find comfort in it. He seems to be stirring in his sleep.”

They turned Legolas over onto his other side and Estel crossed his legs and they placed his head on his legs. Estel was feeding all his love into this elf. He wanted him back! He was stroking his hair and felt him stir.

“Shh… I’m here my love. I won’t let anything touch you anymore. I will be here with you always. When you need a helping hand, I will be there for you, my love.” Those soothing words made his love settle. He was in a deep sleep.

Glorfindel and Haldir headed to a secluded area to talk.

“Something evil has entered his mind,” Glorfindel said. He told Haldir what Estel had told him.

“We need to get him back to Rivendell. Maybe Lord Elrond can do something. Maybe he can penetrate his mind and find out what the Witch-king has done to him.” Haldir was uneasy about the whole thing. “If he doesn’t get help soon, he might stay like this forever and we can’t have that.”

Glorfindel nodded in agreement. “I think you’re right. I’ll go talk to Halbarad and see about leaving as soon as possible.”

With that he left and Haldir made his way back to the two lovers.

The March Warden noticed that Estel was now lying beside Legolas, his arms wrapped protectively around the Elf. They were both asleep. He walked over and found a blanket nearby and placed it on both of them. He rose, looked one more time and noticed a guard standing close at hand. Walking up to the guard, he asked him to move closer and guard them with his life. Finding another Dúnadan, he asked him if he could stand guard next to the lovers. He nodded and went to find another position to stand guard.

Haldir needed something to eat. He was feeling very protective about his student. He wouldn’t be gone long. When he finished eating he went back to relieve the first guard. Somehow he needed to feel close to Legolas just in case something happened.

Glorfindel found Halbarad sitting with his men making sure that guards were posted and that the area was secure. Sitting next to Halbarad, he waited until he was finished with the preparations before he spoke.

“We need to get back to Rivendell. Haldir and I think that Legolas’ mind has been probed with evil and we need to seek Elrond’s help. I fear that Legolas, if left for too long, could get angrier and maybe bring harm to someone.”

“I believe you could be right. I have made preparations to break camp in the morning and head that way. From what I have seen, even the Dúnedain could be of no use. We have never come across this before.” Halbarad agreed. “We’ll make our way to Rivendell at dawn. Get some sleep, Glorfindel.”

Glorfindel nodded his head and made his way back to Estel and Legolas.

When he arrived he noticed Haldir standing guard.

“We have guards for this. You don’t need to do this.” Glorfindel looked into the march warden’s face.

“I need to do this for myself. I have known him since he was a young elf and always in trouble. I somehow got him out of situations when he was in Mirkwood. Somehow I feel responsible for this. He needs help and I will give him all the help he needs.” Haldir was sincere in his words. Being like a father to Legolas, he would not let him down.

Glorfindel put a hand on his friends shoulder and gave a nod. He knew exactly how he felt. He had watched as Estel grew from a young boy to a man. Being seneschal of Rivendell, he observed Estel go from a child to a man with responsibilities. He never thought he would amount to anything until the day Elrohir and Elladan took him under their wing and taught him the things of the elves. From braiding hair, to repairing his own clothes, to teaching him how to speak Sindarin and Quenya. Somehow he had learned Dwarvish from Erestor. He watched as Elrond taught him about the purposes of healing herbs and what each one did to a person and how to recognize each one in the wild. This was a long process because there were so many plants out there that if not mixed into the right potion, it’s effects could kill you. He walked over to another tree near the two lovers and sat at the base. He pulled his cloak about him and fell asleep, keeping one eye on the two people that meant so much to him and to Middle Earth. Their survival meant everything.

When everyone woke the next morning, they got ready to leave. After a hasty breakfast, camp broke up and all got ready. They left no sign that they were in the area. This is the way of the Dúnedain. Estel was worried about his love. Whenever Legolas was awake, he stayed away from him. It was hard but it was necessary to do this so that Legolas would not show signs of emotions.

Estel was beside Legolas on the last night before they arrived in Rivendell. Legolas woke up sometime in the middle of the night and looked at the person sleeping next to him. He screamed and Glorfindel and Haldir ran towards them. Legolas did not want that man anywhere near him! Estel was so scared that he found solace in Glorfindel’s arms the remainder of the night. Haldir tried to sooth Legolas but it took time to settle him down. Estel never slept. He thought for one moment that he lost his love but somehow he knew he would get him back. He just had to!

*****

tbc