Poison

A note on ages: I made Aragorn older than Legolas by three years for this story. Just for the hell of it. Legolas was ten when he was poisoned, so as of this chapter, he is seventeen. Making Aragorn twenty, and having been told of his heritage and already fallen in love with Arwen. Other than ages, and that there was quite a bit of tension between Mirkwood and Lorien (I'm pretty sure I can think up some reason for that too ;)), the story going to (I hope) follow Tolkien's plot line.

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"Straighten your arm slightly... There. Now, loose the arrow."

Legolas did as instructed and hit the target dead centre. Haldir smiled and handed another arrow to his student. "Do it again."

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Glorfindel smiled from the edge of the training fields. He watched as Legolas fired three perfect shots in a row, all while Haldir helped him perfect his stance. He knew that once Haldir was satisfied with Legolas' stance and aim on a still target, they would move on to a moving target. One of the Marchwarden's specialties had been shooting while moving, at an almost ridiculous distance.

After an hour or so, Haldir had Legolas take proper care of his bow before dismissing the younger Elf. The Marchwarden stayed on the fields to practice his own talents.

"That was very good, Legolas," Glorfindel said once Legolas was closer to him. "And considering how long you have been out of practice, that display was very impressive."

Legolas smiled at the praise, "My archery may be well enough, but I fear any skill with a blade is gone."

"Then I will just have to remedy that."

"That would be welcomed," said Legolas. "Has there been any news of the twins?"

Glorfindel smiled, "A letter carried by a messanger bird said that they would be in within the day."

"I cannot wait to see them."

"I doubt they will even recognize you," Glorfindel teased. "You have grown quite a bit from the scrawny little Elfling they left behind."

Legolas smiled and the two made their way to the Hall of Fire for a late breakfast. Most of the inhabitans and guests of Imladris were already going about the day's plans, leaving the Hall almost empty.

"A fine morning to encounter two fine Elf-lords, is it not?"

The two turned to face Gandalf. Legolas grinned, "And one Istar, it seems."

Gandalf patted Legolas' shoulder, "I saw your practice earlier. It seems you have lost none of your talent."

"Thank you, Mithrandir."

The old wizard smiled and moved towards a table that was against one wall near the entrance doors. "Now, would either of you like to join me for a late breakfast?"

Glorfindel smiled, "Or an early lunch, depending on how you choose to look at the situation."

Before the three could actually help themselves to the ever-present and ever-fresh meal in the Hall of Fire, Erestor came in to tell Glorfindel that the twins and Aragorn had returned.

"I suppose our meal will have to wait then," Gandalf said. He waved Glorfindel ahead, while he and Legolas followed behind. Quietly to Legolas, Gandalf said, "Of course, the young still have to eat."

Legolas felt the smooth surface of an apple pushed into his hand and smiled thanks at Gandalf.

While most of the inhabitants were still going about whatever duties they had, Elrond, Erestor, Glorfindel, and Haldir stood on the grass in front of the front steps, waiting for the three sons of Elrond to make their appearance on the road. Gandalf and Legolas quickly took a place as the riders came around the small bend in the road.

As soon as they were close enough, the three dismounted and embraced their father while Glorfindel had a few stable hands guide the horses to the stable.

"It is good to see you again, father," Elladan, distinguished by his darker eyes, said.

Elrohir grinned at Legolas, "Surely this cannot be the young Prince of Mirkwood!"

Legolas smiled and found himself brought up in an embrace by the younger of the twins. The much younger blonde laughed, "'Tis good to see you too, Elrohir."

Elladan greeted Legolas in a similar manner, but much less enthusiastic. A simple hug and greeting, along with a comment on how well Legolas has grown.

"Well, now that it has been established that Legolas seems to be the only ones the twins missed," Glorfindel started; "perhaps we should go inside and let these weary travellers rest before the feast."

Elrohir slung rm arm around Glorfindel's shoulders, "We missed you as well, Glorfindel."

Elladan followed his brother's example with Erestor, "Aye, and you, Erestor."

"You should have seen Aragorn, father," Elrohir said once they had gotten inside and Erestor had sent a servant to make sure the rooms were ready. "He would practically throw himself into battle. I sometimes thought that Elladan and I could simply sit back and watch Aragorn win the battle for us."

Elrond looked at his adopted son, "Is that true?"

Aragorn sighed and glared at Elrohir, "Elrohir, do not worry father like that." He turned to Elrond, "In a sense... There are moments when the thrill of battle gets the better of me."

Elrond shook his head and Glorfindel chuckled. The ancient blonde snapped his fingers. "Ai! Aragorn, the Lady Arwen would like you to meet her in the gardens as soon as you can."

Aragorn, thankful for the excuse to escape a reprimand about his revealed recklessness in battle, excused himself and hurried off, leaving Elrohir with an 'accidental' kick. The younger of the twins glared at his retreating human brother and sighed.

"Father, really, Aragorn is a spectacular warrior. He is never in much danger."

Elrond smiled, "I know."

Elladan stretched, "Well, I am tired from the long ride home."

"Of course," Elrond said. "Legolas, I'm sure, will be happy to walk you to your rooms."

Elladan rolled his eyes, "We know where our rooms are."

Elrohir grinned, "But grateful for the company all the same."

Legolas nodded and left with the pair, talking happily about what adventures were had. Elrohir happily told him exagerated stories of their trip, while Elladan corrected as they went along.

"So, there were perhaps fifty orcs attacking this village," Elrohir started.

Legolas looked to Elladan, who sighed. "Twenty at the most."

Elrohir glared at his brother, "Must you?"

"Yes."

Turning back to Legolas, Elrohir tried again, "Twenty orcs were attacking this village, and we just happened to be on our way back from Bree-"

"We were passing through the village because one of the Rangers decided to get drunk there."

"And in we go, picking them off as we like. When Aragorn comes in and-"

"Halbarad."

"What?"

"It was Halbarad that came into the battle, Aragorn was with me the whole time."

Elrohir sighed dramatically, "Fine, Halbarad comes in and- Legolas? Are you well? You look a little pale."

Legolas smiled weakly and nodded, instantly regretting the action. Elladan caught the young prince when his legs seemed to give out.

"Hold him, I'll get father."

Elrohir accepted the weight of Legolas, who had started coughing now. Elrohir didn't know what to do. The twins were well aware of Legolas health, but had never seen him actually get sick before they left, or during the short visits home. It wasn't long before Elrond was there with Elladan, Glorfindel, and Gandalf.

Elrond placed a hand on Legolas' brow, "He's burning. Glorfindel?"

Glorfindel nodded and took Legolas from Elrohir' arms, picking him up. Elrond stood quickly, "I must retrieve some things from the Healing Halls. Bring him to his rooms and I will be there shortly."

Gandalf followed Glorfindel, matching the Elf's pace and placing a hand on Legolas' fevered brow. The Istar muttered a few words and felt the flesh cool beneath his hand. The twins were at a loss for what to do, so Elladan followed Elrond and Elrohir followed Glorfindel.

"What should I do?" Elrohir asked once Glorfindel had placed Legolas on the bed.

The ancient Elf looked around, "Get me that pitcher of water, over there."

Elrohir spotted the pitcher on the small table and retrieved it. Gandalf had torn a piece of cloth from one of the extra blankets and Glorfindel quickly placed the damp cloth on Legolas' forehead.

Elrond came in with Elladan. Elrond carried several vials of varying liquids, while Elladan's hands were full with cloths and a cup and bowl. Kneeling next to the bed, Elrond sent everyone save Glorfindel to the doorway and fell into his usual routine of dealing with one of Legolas' fits.

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*yawns* Okay, that was crap.