The Jewel of Mirkwood

Chapter 31

Legolas had been overcome with joy at seeing Glorfindel in the hall along side his dark haired friend. The young prince had been expecting a horde of men just as evil as Keeldon to be waiting for him but upon seeing Glorfindel’s beautiful blue eyes his fears had momentarily stilled. The sight of both elves had momentarily made him forget what was restricting his movement before it was too late. The agony the chocker constricting sharply around his neck before his body landed unsoftened on the stone floor had made him cry out in pain. He was sure he had broken something in the fall, the sickening snapping and cracking inside his back was surely nothing natural. The pain that shot continually up and down his legs was like a trail of fire and while it hurt to move he could not contain himself from writhing around in agony on the floor.

Legolas had listened to the entire conversation between the men in the room and while he’d paid little attention to it’s meaning he knew it revolved around him. Lying on the floor in agony he had longed to be allowed into Glorfindel’s embrace, if only to feel safe for a moment, but Keeldon had no intention of letting him go so easy. Through the tears in his eyes he had watched as the evil red haired man rocked backwards and forwards on his chair at the table addressing the two Imaldris elves before an unfamiliar robed figure had appeared in a side entrance. Despite himself Legolas had suspicions that it was the same person he’d glimpsed in the hallway when he’d been brought into the hall. The same person he’d pleaded with to save him but had been ignored from. From the way Glorfindel and Erestor reacted to seeing the person it was obviously that they knew one another but it was an unexpected shock to both.

After Keeldon had toyed with the robed figure for a while, it was then that the conversation had turned again back to him again. Legolas had huddled himself tightly making himself small as if not to be noticed despite his whimpers of pain. As predicted Keeldon did not forget his presence and before he could scramble away from the man Keeldon had picked him up by the chocker and had held him tightly against his body. All Legolas had wanted to do at the moment was die of humiliation and pain as Keeldon began toying with his body, in much the same way as he’d attempted to do the pervious night. He didn’t know why but Legolas could not bear the thought that Lord Glorfindel was being witness to his torture and Legolas thought his shame would never die. Despite the situation Legolas had to admit he’d become fond of the legendary Balrog Slayer during their short time together and it pained his heart to think Glorfindel would think even less of him now, even after being witness to his fathers disapproval of him as well.

Before he knew what was happening he was being dragged over to the table and being securely positioned onto Keeldon’s lap in front of both Erestor and Glorfindel like a prize. Painfully Legolas had listened to the conversation that issued between the men wincing in regret at each piece of informa Ere Erestor told to Keeldon. Finally it had been too much to listen to and Legolas had merely stared blatantly and uncaringly at Glorfindel. Legolas had been so desperately close to the elf Lord, yet was not close enough to feel safe. It was while he was staring at Glorfindel that Legolas had caught the seneschal’s gaze shifting behind them to where the robed figure still stood. Glorfindel had looked back at him a sparkle in his eyes that gave Legolas rise to believe that not all was lost. He had been given little warning but now as Glorfindel rose from the chair did he realise this was the beginning of the end.

“Legolas duck!” In a flurry of movement Legolas obediently followed Glorfindel’s stern orders and put his head down in his lap and closed his eyes tightly. He felt Keeldon’s grip on him tighten but it only lasted a moment before the body he was sitting on fell limp a sticky liquid splattered across his body and his head and began running down his back……

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

….“Legolas duck!” Glorfindel had been cautiously watching Celeborn behind Keeldon’s back waiting for the cue from the elder elf as he silently planned his own moves. In a flurry of robes Celeborn seize his opportunity and sprinted over towards the table, reaching out for the sword that lay on the table beside Keeldon. Knowing what Celeborn had in mind Glorfindel instinctively called out to the young prince as the elf Lord skilfully picked up the sword from the table and swiftly sliced Keeldon’s head clean off his shoulders with one foul swoop. Standing from the chair Glorfindel hastily unsheathed his own sword and prepared himself for the fight of the now approaching guards. They had been momentarily stunned to see their Lord’s head rolling on the floor but they had quickly regained their composure and along with it their anger.

“Elebreth that felt good!” Celeborn joined Glorfindel beside the table and the elf Lord allowed himself a brief smile of satisfaction before he threw himself into the heat of the oncoming attack. Lord Celeborn’s sword was just an occasional flash in the air amongst the bodies of the guards and Glorfindel admired the warrior who despite his age had not lost his skill. Erestor had merely sat dumb founded staring stunned at Keeldon’s headless body despite the issuing mayhem around him. At having heard the two elves conversing above him Erestor had turned to watch Lord Celeborn disappearing into the crowd of guards. Glorfindel smiled down at the shocked expression on Erestors blood splattered face as his friend pointed purposefully at Keeldon’s headless body.

“Do you know what you’ve just done? We’ll be at war before the sun descends!” Erestor’s mind could not grapple with the situation he had just caused. He’d fought in many wars but never in his life had he been the cause of one before! Glorfindel rolled his eyes and reached down to wipe Keeldon’s blood off his friends face before man handling the stunned elf to his feet and pressing his sword into his hand.

”Don’t think of the consequences. The time for negotiating is over Erestor, now grab your sword and start killing things!” Erestor did not have time to protest before Glorfindel was pushing him into the mayhem and he was forced to block a blow aimed at his head. Glorfindel smiled in delight as he watched Erestor instantly get caught up in the task at hand the flashes of dark hair and silver the only indication that Erestor was really fighting. Glancing down again Glorfindel took a moment to insure Legolas would be safe sitting curled up on the chair for the moment before he too threw himself into the battle.

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(A/N) This chapter made me laugh. I don't know why it wasn't meant to be funny but Glorfindel's last line really made me chuckle Hey and you're speculating again on Celeborn this time and I'm telling you that's not a good idea.