Poison

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The morning was passed in relative ease, the warmth of the valley had never inspired any Elf to be overly concerned with duties. Even the Lord of the House would sometimes take mornings to spend with his children, biological or not. So the midday meal found the powerful Elf sitting at a table with his daughter, a rather large 'feast' between them, and his hair still dripping. Legolas had run off, taking a few pieces of fruit and a roll or two and going to his favourite tree to wait for Glorfindel's return.

Elrond smiled at the thought. He was glad that Legolas had taken to Glorfindel so easily, and vice versa. Arwen looked up from her tea, "Ada? What causes this rarity to grace your features?"

"A thought."

Arwen sighed, "I assumed as much, but what thought would that be?"

Elrond helped himself to a roll with a little jam. "Legolas has settled well here. Though he still misses his forest." The smile faded. "If only I could find a treatment, at the very least. So that he may return to his father's home for a while. He misses the trees."

"He is a Wood-Elf, Ada," Arwen said, looking to the direction Legolas had run off. "The trees still cto hto him."

She poured her father some of the berry tea. "And you cannot blame yourself for his illness. The poison has done its damage and I doubt there is much more that can be done. Aside from finding a cure, all that is left is controlling the fits he has."

Elrond sighed, "And that seems near impossible. But he is too young to venture West."

Arwen gave her fata sta stern look, "And that is quite enough unpleasantness. It is a beautiful day, Ada. And your sons will return soon."

Elrond lifted his cup, "Indeed, let us enjoy the serenity before their arrival."

**************

Legolas sat among the branches of his favourite tree, eating an apple and watching the road below. He intended to hear Glorfindel's report before Elrond had made it clear what was 'not suitable' for younger ears.

He wondered if the twins would recognize him. It had been four years since they left with their adopted brother, and Legolas had changed much in such a short time. He smiled as he remember the twins. Elladan had taught him how to ride, and Elrohir taught him the proper care of his horse. They were like his brothers, only not as protective.

The steady sound of a horse's hooves and the wheels of a wooden cart brought Legolas from his musings. And the appearance of a grey, pointed hat brought a grin to the young prince's face. Gandalf's little wooden cart moved noisily along the road, and stopped beneath the tree where Legolas rested.

"I seem to have a distinct feeling of being watched," Galdalf said, not bothering to look around as he pulled his pipe from the folds of his cloak. "And I suppose a young woodland prince would not skulk in the shadows of the trees, would he?"

To anyone walking the same road, Gandalf would appear to be talking to himself, if not for the soft rustling of the branches above as a young blonde Elf climbed down. Legolas stood on the road, a grin across heatueatures as he waited for Gandalf's acknowledgment. The wizard patted the seat next to him.

As soon as Legolas was seated, Gandalf gave him a strong hug. "Ai, Legolas. I am sorry I have missed your begetting day last season."

Legolas smiled, "'Tis alright, Mithrandir. What brings you here? Do you have new stories?"

Gandalf chuckled and urged his horse forward. "As a matter of fact, I have a rather entertaining story from the Shire. It seems the Brandywine river froze during the winter and..."

**************

Elrond smiled as he caught sight of the sturdy little Hobbit-crafted cart and the two figures sitting on the little bench at its front. Gandalf positioned the little cart next to the balony where Arwen and Elrond sat.

Feigning nonchalance, Elrond took a sip of tea. "Mithrandir, how many times must I tell you not to ruin the grass with those wheels?"

Gandalf pretended to be shocked, "I see no harm done to the grass. Legolas, what do your wood-Elf eyes reveal?"

The young blonde smiled and shook his head, "I see no harm done."

Elrond sighed, "What brings you to Imladris, Gandalf?"

"Oh, I was merely passing by. I would have been here a season earlier, but there was a small delay in the Shire."

"You have never 'passed by', Mithrandir. What brings you to Imladris?"

Before Gandalf replied, Elrond realized that the two younger Elves were still watching them intently, and with quite a bit of amusement. The Elf-lord stood, "Legolas, Arwen, if you would excuse us."

Gandalf chuckled and dismounted from his cart, Legolas following his lead quickly. The Istar handed the horse's reins to the young Elf. "Would you be so kind as to show my friend a green pasture, Legolas?"

"Of course, Gandalf."

Arwen smiled sweetly and said that she would make sure Gandalf's room was prepared for him. Elrond led Gandalf inside, and presumably to his study, while Legolas was lefttaketake care of the wizard's gentle mare.

He led the horse to the stables, where the cart was placed aside and the horse was released to the fields where she could graze in peace. Smiling at the peaceful sight, Legolas slowly made his way back to the houses. Deciding to check the road once more, Legolas found that the morning patrol was begining to return. Waiting on the steps, Legolas greeted Glorfindel.

"Is Lord Elrond in his study?" Glorfindel asked after another warrior took his horse for him.

Legolas nodded, "With Gandalf."

Glorfindel walked the familiar path to the study with Legolas. "Have you started lessons yet?"

"Lord Elrond said that I would tomorrow. After the morning meal."

Glorfindel nodded, saying a quick greeting to Gandalf as the wizard left the study. Taking Glorfindel's place next to Legolas, the two continued on to the room that was always set aside for the visiting Istar. The two talked as Gandalf invited the younger Elf in to share the small meal that had been left.

The room was similar to the rooms of the inhabitants and ruling family. The balcony overlooked the gardens and rivers, rather than the courtyard as many of the guest rooms did. The bed was placed against the center of the wall opposite the door, with a private bathing room beyond a nearby door. There was a large closet, but Gandalf never put any clothes in it, what extras he had were often draped over the back of a chair.

"Lord Elrond expects his sons within the week," Gandalf said.

Legolas nodded, "Yes, Erestor seems to think there is need for worry."

"Erestor always thinks there is need for worry," Gandalf said with a chuckle. He placed his staff against the wall next to his bed before he took a seat near the small table. "Pour some tea, will you, Legolas?"

The young Elf did so, handing one cup to Gandalf and pouring one for himself. "I have recently come from a visit with the nothern Dunedain. The twins were, of course, stirring up mischief just to annoy Aragorn now that he has taken the rolechiechieftan. But all are healthy, and quite the warriors."

Legolas smiled, "That is good news then."

"And as Elrond tells it, you are becoming quite a warrior yourself. Though your lessons seemed to have subsided for a month or so."

"I was ill for a time during the winter. Lord Elrond thought it best if my training was stopped until spring."

"And now that spring has come?"

"I will be training with Glorfindel once more, and Haldir of Lorien has agreed to help me improve my archery."

Gandalf put down the half-empty cup and took a piece of bread. "And just how is your illness? Have you had any good news?"

Legolas sighed, "I am well. I have had fewer fits now, but Lord Elrond says that they cannot be stopped at all. I think nothing short of going West will cure this weakness."

"You will overcome it, Legolas. You are a strong lad."

Legolas nodded, but seemed less than convinced.

****************

"There have been orc attacks on some small encampments closer to Bree. And signs of the hordes coming closer to Rivendell have become more apparent."

Elrond absorbed this information, "Should they come too close, are we prepared to fight them?"

Glorfindel nodded, "Yes, but just barely. We would need help from the Dunedain, but that would leave Bree helpless."

There was a pause as Elrond considered the choices, "Have our defenses strengthened, but do not call upon the Rangers unless we know it is inevitable. I'm sure the twins will have more news on the matter."

Glorfindel nodded, "What news from Gandalf?"

"He claims to only be coming for a short rest. Though I am certain he wished to check up on Legolas."

"You expect Legolas to begin training with Haldir tomorrow?"

"Yes. I have had little time to speak with Haldir though. I will have to tonight."

Glorfindel smiled, "You will be joining us for dinner tonight?"

"Yes yes."

Glorfindel turned to take his leave, still smiling. "I will drag you from this study myself if I must."

Elrond sighed, "I know."

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Okay, I'm not sure when the next chapter will be up, but I'm going to start working on it. As well as chapter 16 for Amystika, if anyone is wondering.

I might try to get back into my PotC fics too, but I think I'll finish at least Amystika first.