Voices In The Dark

Title: Voices In The Dark

A/N: By this point you should know the drill...
Read as you like, Review as you will.
All are Tolkien's, but with my little twist.
Love those elves! Happiness is!
Male Contortionists!

Over 10,000 hits!? Yikes! I still maintain that the counter must be jacked. Wow! Thank you everyone for taking the time to read this little story of mine. I must admit, I never expected it to get anywhere close to this sort of response. Thank you all!!!
WOW!
Oh, and forgive this bit of silliness; I’ve had an image of elves playing this particular game in my head for some time. It’s one of my favorite team sports!



Chapter 29: A Game

Soon afterwards Legolas picked up his weapons once more and began to train. First by himself, his body swiftly falling into familiar patterns of movement, then against the others as his body grew more limber. It was good mental exercise as well, and it gave him a chance to learn from Mórehua and Fánehua the fighting skills he lacked. His body knew the way, even if his mind did not, and Elrond assured them that the shared time spent overlapping perceptions was a good thing. Yet there was overlapping, and there was completely taking over, which was what the two warrior personalities often liked to do.

“Mórehua!” Glorfindel stated firmly, noticing the change that seemed to have nearly imperceptibly come over his opponent. They thought they were being crafty, but the older elf had learned quickly to recognize the signs of the others appearance. “Back down!”

The elf looked at him disappointedly, but complied and disappeared, leaving Legolas back in control.

“Good.”

Legolas gave him an amused look, and settled back into a fighting stance. Glorfindel wished for them all to be able to fight and fight well. What if something happened and one of the others didn’t come when needed? Legolas didn’t think that was about to happen, but humored him anyway.

“What of the others?” Glorfindel asked as they were putting their practice equipment away.

“I don’t know. Elanor was always too young to fight. I believe Ravan can hold his own, but I don’t think Aenos ever really learned how.”

Glorfindel nodded. “He was probably never meant too. But that will change.”

Legolas merely rolled his eyes and followed the older elf back outside.

* * *

“I propose a game,” Laurerána stated, a mischievous glimmer in her eye.

The elves were gathered on the grassy knoll located just above the practice yard, taking a break from practice to eat their midday meal in a picnic-like fashion. The Mirkwood guards and Imladrin Warriors mingled together, comparing stories and battle tactics with each other. It was early autumn, and the weather still holding onto the gentle heat of summer. Yet the brightly changing colors of the trees told of colder months swift approaching, and all could taste the cool tang of winter in the air.

“What sort of game?” Elladan asked, recalling the stickball match they had played several weeks before. It had been a rematch of the first game, and the sons of Elrond had made a better showing. Bruises abounded, and one elf twisted an ankle, but nothing any more serious. A close game it had been, yet Laurerána’s team won again, much to the twins’ dismay.

Lau’ turned her head to look at Legolas, her lips twitching as she fought to hold back a grin. “I think we should show them how to play Queen’s Football.”

“That doesn’t sound too dangerous,” Glorfindel said suspiciously. The female elf had shown herself to be quite bloodthirsty, and most games she proposed had some element of violence involved. Glancing over at the other Mirkwood guards, he noted smiles of eagerness appearing upon their faces.

Legolas couldn’t help but smile, both at the suggestion and Glorfindel’s remark. He knew this game very well, and it had been a popular sport in Mirkwood for many years. Such games were enjoyable for all, and took one’s mind away from the troubles at hand. A much needed escape during perilous times.

“It all depends upon who is playing,” Legolas replied with a smirk. “There are two teams, and a cloth ball. If you must get the ball to a marked area, which will score you points. There are only two rules. Your hands cannot touch the ball, and whatever the queen says, goes. When no queen is present, the highest ranking Lady will substitute.”

All turned to look at Laurerána, who smiled at them pleasantly. No one was fooled. “Shall we play then?”

“Certainly,” Elladan said, looking both wary and eager at the same time. “Stickball turned out to be quite fun.”

“You will join us, I hope?” Elrohir turned to Legolas. He hadn’t participated in the stickball games, even though he had finally conceded that he knew how to play. Although he had become more open with the others, nervousness still held sway when such interplay and group activities were concerned. Indeed, a reluctant look crossed his features, and it appeared he was about to decline.

“If you play, then so shall I,” Glorfindel said unexpectedly. He hadn’t participated in the stickball matches either, instead watching and setting himself as a guard to make certain the games didn’t get out of hand.

Legolas’ eyes widened momentarily before he finally acquiesced. If Glorfindel agreed to play…that would be something to see.

“Good then.” Laurerána stood, brushing off her breeches. “We shall meet back here in one half hour.” She paused, and then looked over at the Imladrin elves as if something had just crossed her mind. “Ah yes. No formal robes are required for this match, but you must wear some sort of robe over your breeches nonetheless. Queen’s first decree.”

“Robes?” Glorfindel exchanged a doubtful glance with Elrohir while Elladan looked at Laurerána uncertainly.

“Oh, and bare feet as well.” She turned and strode away, a large grin settled across her lips. The other Mirkwood elves were smiling as well, as if such rules were expected. Perhaps they were?

Glorfindel turned his gaze to Legolas, who was moving to stand. “I assume you have played this game before as well,” he asked as he rose and followed the younger elf back towards their rooms.

“No,” came the reply, and much to the older elf’s bemusement the personalities shifted. Legolas’ smooth gait became more joyful, and his features took on the familiar, youthful cast of Elanor. “I have though. It’s been a long time. I really like this game.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. And Fánehua has played too, but he likes to get pushy, so you have to be careful.”

“Ah.” He had a feeling this would be an interesting game indeed.

* * *

The Imladrin elves understood the need for robes very quickly. No hands were allowed, but anything else was perfectly acceptable. No sooner had Laurerána tossed the rag ball into their midst did Legolas/Elanor scoop it up into their robes, running it swiftly towards the fluttering cloth strips that marked the goal. Luckily the teams had been evenly divided between Mirkwood and Imladrin elves, with Elrohir on Legolas’s side and Glorfindel and Elladan on the other. Several of the Mirkwood elves quickly caught up to Elanor and wrested the ball away.

Chaos ensued as the ball was kicked, carried, and tossed about the field amidst shouting and laughter by all. The Mirkwood elves were quite adept at catching the ball within the folds of their robes, then as their opponents came near, flinging it towards one of their teammates.

Even Elrond came down to watch, hearing the commotion from where he had been walking from the healing quarters to his study. The sight of the mighty balrog slayer rushing about like any of the youngsters made him smile, and seeing Legolas participating caused his heart to lighten further. He recognized the signs of shifting personalities within the game, not necessarily by look but by skill. Most of the transitions were very smoothly wrought, and had he not already known of Legolas’s condition, he might not have noticed it. Occasionally it was obvious one of the youngsters had decided to join, adding a very chaotic element to the game. No one seemed to mind, and although Elrond noted a few sidelong looks cast by several of the Imladrin elves, they all took it in stride.

It was a very encouraging sight. The spirits weren’t afraid to be aggressive in their play, and any fears they might have held over the closeness of the other elves seemed to have temporarily fallen away. It was an issue they had been working on over the past months, and strangely enough it was the burn scars that held the most power over them. While there were definite signs of healing, the damaged tissue was still a prominent feature over their back, shoulder, and thigh. Elrond judged at the current rate of healing it would take quite a few years for scars to fully fade away, if they ever really did. There was nothing to say Legolas wouldn’t carry remnants of that terrible fire for the rest of his life.

Very few elves knew the scars even existed, for Legolas still made certain to keep them covered. Even now, beneath the lightweight robes and breeches he wore for the game he also wore a long sleeved, high necked shirt. It wasn’t vanity, or even pride which kept the scars hidden, but the continuing thought, however miniscule, that their continued presence might be considered something of a dark taint. Of the few who knew of the burn’s existence, only Glorfindel had obtained a level of trust and comfort which allowed him to touch the scars without causing apprehension. And it wasn’t merely the scar’s presence which caused the woodelf to feel unease, but having someone behind him where he couldn’t see what they were doing. Elrond knew that this was partially due to the fact that Saeldis had nearly always come at him from behind, whether with the lash or with his body. Legolas’ reactions were merely a reflection of his still hesitant trust. Yet Glorfindel had somehow broken through that barrier, and still spent most every other evening with the younger elf, helping massage the healing oils Elrond prepared into the damaged flesh.

He was thankful it was Glorfindel Legolas and the others had decided to trust, for Elrond knew the older elf would never push things beyond what Legolas was comfortable with. He was also blessed with a patience that came with his long life; a patience that would see him through all the difficult times that were bound to come.

He watched as Elladan snatched up the ball for the last play, yet before the darker elf could make it more than a few steps, he was surrounded by the opposing team. Shaking his head with a grin of surprise, Elrond watched as Legolas and the others grabbed Elladan up, ball and all, and carried him to the goal, much to the other elves’ consternation. It was an amusing sight, and when Elrond looked towards Laurerána, a curious eyebrow lifted, she just grinned and shrugged. Her rules, and all was fair.

* * *

“They kept moving to the forefront, wanting to play.” Legolas told Glorfindel as they headed with the rest of the elves towards the bathhouse, looking exhausted. “It wasn’t so bad. Ravan kept everyone organized, letting all who wished to play have a chance.”

Glorfindel nodded, rubbing at a newly forming bruise on his upper arm with a bemused look. “Everyone seemed to enjoy the game. Especially Fánehua.”

Legolas ducked his head, looking abashed. “We’re sorry about that-”

“Nonsense!” Glorfindel interrupted, tapping the younger elf’s shoulder. “It was all in good fun. At least this time there were no injuries to speak of.”

They came to the entrance of the bathhouse, Legolas pausing as the others walked inside. Glorfindel said nothing, simply waiting and watching to see what the recalcitrant woodelf would do. It was a usual thing, this communal bathing between warriors. There was nothing sexual about it, merely the relaxing of worked muscles in the heat of the water mixed with pleasant conversation between both male and female elves. Legolas had never joined the others in either swimming or bathing, and uncertainty was etched plainly across his face. Glorfindel could see the play of emotions: courage warring with fear, resolution fighting with doubt; and he wondered if Legolas would finally overcome his trepidation to join them.

Yet it seemed it was still too soon, and he watched as Legolas shook his head with an apologetic smile before walking off to find a more secluded space. One step at a time. This day the woodelf had already extended himself much by joining the other elves in their fun, and even if he felt more comfortable with his own skin, he was still too tired to attempt more socialization. A period of peace and quiet is what he needed now. Perhaps he would join them at a later time, when his mind was more ready to deal with the questions sure to arise.



Review Responses:

MorierBlackleaf: Yeah, as much as I love reading fics about evil Thranduil (ahem…grin) I felt that a good, but inattentive father was more appropriate. And I’m finding this intellectual, psychiatrist Elrond to be quite sexy myself. I can almost see him slipping on a pair of spectacles, picking up a quill and parchment, and looking at the patient with that considering expression on his face… oooh, okay, change of subject. (grin)
Oh, and yes, slashy stuff on the way! Just give me a few more chapters. It’s evolved from one scene to two. I’m still not sure how that happened…

Yanic: I do plan on having them merge, probably in the last chapter. I have that part figured out at least! (grin) Things are going to go pretty fast from here on out. I’ve found it’s easy to find information on the disorder, but to find research on recovery… it seems many never fully integrate, and live perfectly happy in that fashion! But I can’t really do that, now can I? (smile)

Ertia: Thank you! I’m glad you liked how I handled that. It was a tough chapter to write, actually. Thanks!

Crookis: Yeah, I figured the other two might be a bit distracted, and I wanted Legs to hear their responses without their knowledge. That’s why I had Elrond face the door. But I’m glad you liked the chapter! Thank you!

Maara: Thank you for the suggestion! While I am familiar with the book, I have yet to read it. I went straight to the Sci-Fi section of the store to see if we had it, but we’re currently out. Next time that book comes in I’ll have to snag it. Sounds really interesting! I love book recommendations!

Zed: AWOL brain? Well, that’s not good. I hope it decides to come back for duty soon! (grin)
I’m glad you still like the story, despite your disappointment in the way I handled Saeldis and confusion over Oiolaire. For personal reasons I had to do it the way I did, and I like the way my cake tastes because of it. (smile) I’m sorry.
As for the personalities with multiple personalities thing, boy! That has even me confused! (grin) Actually it’s more like…taking a ball of clay and dividing it into ten pieces. Then take tree of those pieces and merge them together into a ball. Now it’s one piece, and you have seven. Soon all the little balls will merge into one ball! Unfortunately, I’m not going to be getting into all the details of how these pieces of clay will prepare to integrate. This story will be nearing its end quite soon. Honestly, I am exhausted, and my brain is ready to crack. This is the longest thing I’ve ever written, and in the shortest amount of time. The closest thing comparable is an original story I wrote of only 90 pages which took me two years to write. This one is at 148 pages, and not even finished yet! Not to mention that when I do finish it, it will be only the third story I’ve ever completed! Yikes!