Don’t look for trouble, it will come to you

Ch 8

Angel and Aragorn were almost through the murky pits of the Dead Marshes. It was a horrifying experience especially for Aragorn as the old battleground was full of phantoms; animated spirits of long past warriors appeared in all of the swampy pools. The Mere of Dead Faces was a mental war and battling the Orcs was a physical one.

Angel decapitated one Orc while he ripped another’s still beating heart from his chest. Aragorn was holding his own, the thought of his blond friend in enemy hands fueling his body to kill all in its path. Wiping the Orc blood from his blade Aragorn turned to Angel, “Good fight my friend.”

“Yeah gotta love working in the bright sun with pools of water screaming and grabbing at your feet not to mention the over grown hell beasts that seem to multiply like rabbits and have the life expectancy ocockcockroach. Oh but I could be home in the dark fighting hell beasts for people who are blind to what goes on around them and ok, I could also kill Cordelia for reading from a scroll she couldn’t translate but hey look on the bright side! At least it’s not the end of the world again cause that’s just so boring!” Angel ranted as he trudged ahead.

Aragorn was still at his side realizing his new friend was feeling the effects of war he let him rant. When he was finished, he looked at Angel, “What is a Cockroach and a Cordelia?”

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Willow burned the proper herbs and oils then poured the enchanted water into a silver basin and began to chant. “Vanya Sulie. Lalaith maska. Lleista no’ amin’ Kwentra lye I narn yearaerea belegera en’ templa! (Fair winds. Laughter light. Could you cast upon me. Tell us your tale ancient ones. I cast magic reflection!)”

A bright flash of light exploded from the water then Lord Elrond peered inside.

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Legolas was once again digging trenches. His shirt stuck to his back from the blood of his wounds as salty sweat poured into them increasing his pain. With every move, blinding pain shot through his back. He tried his best to avoid the guards today but they would whip him for not digging fast enough or any other infarction they could think up. By the end of the day his old wounds were covered in new and he longed for the peace of the dungeon.

He sighed inwardly when he was once again taken away from the others and into the small dark room. He swore in his mind that he would bring death upon himself before he let them befoul him. Legolas set on the dirt floor and hugged his knees to his chest. In the back of his mind he knew his torture would last generations bee hee he was immortal and although it was possible, death did not come easy for an elf. He heard footsteps approaching and pressed himself into a corner.

The man entered the room and knelt next to the bloody elf. Placing his hand on his shoulder, “Legolas, my son?”

Legolas’s head snapped up and tired eyes tried to focus, “Father?”

“Yes son I am here,” King Thranduil said pulling the elf into an embrace.

Legolas flinched as the pressure of the embrace reached his back but refused to let go. “How?” was all he could force past his lips.

“It is of no importance how my son. They wish to barter for your freedom; the Prince of Mirkwood has great value.”

“Nay father! You must not give into their demands! I would rather die then disgrace Mirkwood again.”

Thranduil laughed evilly; a laugh that sent chills down Legolas’s spine. “Stupid boy,” he snarled as he shoved the elf to the ground. “You are just like your worthless mother! Willing to risk your life to save others who do not care what happens to you!”

“What kind of evil is this,” Legolas demanded as he backed into a corner. “How dare you speak that way of my mother!”

Thranduil backhanded his son knocking his head into the wall and busting his lip and nose. “I have waited many years for the opportunity to make you pay and the time is at hand.” He rubbed Legolas’s soft face with the back of his calloused hand. “Your skin is like silk,” he sighed. “Just as your mothers was.” He leaned toward the elf, “Now it’s time to find out if you will scream as she did.”

Legolas struck his father knocking the King backwards, “You are not of your right mind father!” He tried to rationalize what was happening. Perhaps his father had been possessed?

Thranduil growled as he wiped the blood from his lip, “I am of perfect mind boy!” He quickly disrobed himself and reached for his son’s tunic. Legolas swung out with all his might and hit his father square in the jaw. Thranduil growled as his head snapped back, “I was hoping you would fight,” he smiled. He reached into a bag he had deposited by the door earlier and removed some chains and a flogger that had steel points attached to the end of each leather length.

Legolas cried out with the first few lashes as the metal bits dug into his skin. He tried to escape his father’s reach but the room was too small and he could not get away.

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Aragorn and Angel finally reachee gae gates of Minis Trinth. “Who goes there?” the guard growled.

“Ranger Strider,” Aragorn replied. “I am here to speak with the Steward of Gondor.

The gate opened and they were taken straight into the palace. Introductions were made then Aragorn got straight to business. “Lord Denethor, we have reason to believe our friend is here. Perhaps taken by mistake,”offeoffered as an excuse. He wanted his friend back but knew he and Angel could not fight a war alone.

“What is your friend’s name,” Denethor asked calmly.

“Legolas Greenleaf,” Aragorn answered.

“The Prince of Mirkwood? What business have you with him?”

“Our business is our own sir,” Angel snapped growing impatient.

The Steward looked at him, “Of course Sir. I ask only because the elf is with his Father right now.”

“King Thranduil is here?” Aragorn asked.

“Yes.”

“We would feel much better is we could just speak with the Prince then we will be on our way. I am sure the King will understand,” Angel said.

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Ch 9

Lord Elrond tore himself away from the magic mirror and collapsed in tears. Glorfindel, his closest companion rushed to his side. “Are you alright my Lord? What did you see?”

“Make haste my friend. We must rescue them now!”

“My Lord, Aragorn and ..”

“No!” he interrupted, “They are there but will not save him in time. They all face certain death if we do not save them now!”

“But the ride will take days even on horseback,” Glorfindel said.

“There is away,” Willow, said softly unsure if she should speak.

“What is this way you speak of?” Elrond asked desperately.

“A…a teleportation spell but,”

“Then we shall do it! What will you need?”

“A prayer that I can pull it off,” she sighed.

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Legolas was almost unconscious from the beating he was getting at the hands of his father. He had pleaded with the man to stop, which earned him a harder beating for being weak. He welcomed the blackness that threatened to engulf him when the beating stopped and he felt cold chains laced around his wrists, ankles and neck. “I am growing tired of this,” Thranduil sighed as he began to rip the clothes from his son; happy that he met no resistance. “This will be magnificent,” he paused, “For me anyway.”

He ped ped his son onto his back and pushed his legs apart. He wanted to see the look on his face when he took his much-prided innocents from him. Legolas tried to fight back but his body would not respond. The only thing he could manage was a strangled cry of protest, “Please father, do not do this.”

Thranduil positioned himself Legolas’s tight entrance and without preparation or warning slammed forward sheathing himself fully. Legolas screamed, his abused vocal cords rasped as pain engulfed his lower body. He chanted a prayer to Elbereth to end this torture and his life. Asking also for forgiveness for the things, he did to bring this upon himself. His mind couldn’t register which was worse the physical pain, the indignation and humiliation or the fact he could feel his insides ripping with each thrust. “Please stop father” he begged. “I am sorry for whatever I did. I will be good from now on I swear.” Hot tears poured from his eyes as the torture continued.

Thranduil clasped a hand over the Prince’s mouth as he continued his brutal assault. “So tight,” he moaned as he shot his release.

Legolas’s lower body was nothing but a raw nerve of pain. Thranduil’s spent passion burned like fire to his raw insides. As the softening length was pulled from him he curled into himself and sobbed.
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Aragorn and A had had lost patience with Denethor. Aragorn pulled his sword and put it to the Stewards neck, “I tire of this banter sir! You will take us to our friend or pay the price!”

The guards in the thrown room sprang to action and Angel pulled his sword, “This should be fun,” he said standing back to back with Aragorn in a fighting stance. “If we get out of this, remind me to teach you how to negotiate.”
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Willow had prepared her ‘magic dust’ by grinding a few herbs then she placed one thing that belonged to each of the people she wished to teleport on the floor in front of her. She began to chant her spell. “Nick ta shan toz formos te lastan forso. Tics an tos fotshow lasta canta vobe nashat cree!” she shouted and tossed the dust into the air.

Aragorn and Angel appeared in the dining hall of Rivendell still back-to-back and fighting things that were no longer there. They both looked around as Elrond and Glorfindel gasped.

A mere second later Legolas appeared. Everyone cried out at the sight of the Prince. They all rushed to his side as Aragorn and Elrond knelt beside him. Before anyone could react Willow collapsed, blood trickling from her nose. Angel lifted her into his arms, “I’ll take care of her. The spell drained her.” He carried her to their chambers as the others attended to the Prince.

Elrond wrapped his cloak around Legolas and lifted him into his arms; “We must get him to my chambers before the staff comes in.”

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Willow opened her eyes as Angel placed her on the bed, “Am I dreaming?”

“No,” he smiled. ”You saved us all.”

She smiled back brightly pulling him into a kiss. “I was so afraid I would never see you again.”

“I will never leave youlow.low. I love you and somewhere we will find a way to be together, even if it means you taking a husband and having me on the side.”

“I want you Angel and no one else. I don’t care about the repercussions anymore,” she cried.

He leaned down as if to kiss her again, “If you ever do anything as dangerous as that teleportation spell again, I will personally see to your punishment,” he growled to stress his point.”

She laughed at the rumble he made, “Is that an idle threat or a promise?” she giggled.

“Vixen,” he teased. “Now sleep, your body needs rest.”
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Elf tears poured freely as the three men looked at the battered body lying prone on Elrond’s bed. Elrond took a deep breath, “Let’s get him cleaned.” Aragorn filled a washbasin and got two cloths placing them on the bedside table as Glorfindel began preparing the healing herbs.

They began to clean his wounds and Legolas cringed as something cool and wet touched his skin. His eyes were swollen shut so he could not see where he was or who was touching him. He tried to fight but was held down.

Elrond was surprised at the strength the boy still possessed as he fought to get free. He assumed it was adrenalin, either way it took both he and Aragorn to hold him down. “Legolas diana, uuma dela araromnlmy lle naa yassen mellonea” (Legolas be silent, don’t worry my champion you are with friends.) The Elvish language seemed to calm him a bit. “Tis us Lord Elrond, Aragorn and Glorfindel, we are going to take care of you.” The blond elf laid still and Elrond picked up his hand, “If you understand me squeeze my hand.” He sighed in relief as he felt pressure around his fingers. Aragorn went about cleaning the wounds wile Elrond spoke further.

“Legolas I have important news that cannot wait. I saw into the past through one of Lothlorien’s enchanted mirrors.” He paused unsure of how to continue when he felt Glorfindel’s hand on his shoulder for support. “I had a forbidden affair years ago with an Elvin woman who was betrothed to another. My wife had sailed to the undying lands many years before and the maiden was trying to escape her duty to her fathers thrown. Our affair lasted but a night but our love burned forever. She was married not long after and I never heard from her again. Legolas, that maiden was your mother and you are MY son.”

Aragorn’s jaw dropped as Elrond felt Legolas squeeze his hand. He continued, “Please believe that I had no way of knowing that you were mine nor did I know how mistreated you were in Mirkwood. On all your journeys here and hunting trips with Aragorn and the twins you seemed so happy and explained away the cuts and bruises we could see as hunting or sparring accidents.” Elrond leaned forward, kissed Legolas’s brow and sobbed, “I’m so sorry my son.”
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Ch 10

Elrond and Aragorn had spent a week at Legolas’ side keeping constant vigil. Glorfindel teased that they were like two stone knights waiting to do battle. They had discussed Elrond’s past with his daughter and twin sons and they were ecstatic to have Legolas as a brother. He had always seemed like part of the family from his childhood visits now it was just official. Now they had to wait for him to wake before they could tell him hap happy they were. Like obedient guard dogs Elrond and Aragorn kept everyone out of the room, allowing each of them a mere moment to peek in on the Prince.

Legolas opened his eyes and tried to stretch. His body was sore and still unwilling to move but it was healing. Looking to the side of his bed he smiled, Elrond and Aragorn both sat asleep in their chairs. He lowered his head back to the pillows.

“You’re awake!” Elrond said, smiling causing Aragorn to wake. He sat on one side of the bed as the groggy ranger sat on the other.

Legolas smiled at his friend, “Scruffy human.”

Aragorn scoffed in mock horror, “Stupid Elf.” They both laughed. He put his hand on the elf’s shoulder, “You are looking much better my friend.”

“Thank you.”

Elrond interpreted, “Would you mind giving us a moment Aragorn?”

“Certainly,” he said, “I’ll be back later.”

Once the door was shut Elrond brushed the hair out of Legolas’s face, “Do you remember anything I told you after your rescue?”

He cast his eyes away from the man before him, “It wasn’t a dream?”

Elrond forced the blond to gaze upon him, “No my son it was no dream. I am sorry for failing you, for not knowing sooner. I curse myself for not being fast enough to keep that beast from harming you so.”

Legolas shut his eyes at the painful memories as tears escaped him, “At least he was not my father.”

“He will pay for what he has done to you. I swear it.”

“How many people know of my befouling?” he asked with disgust as he remembered some very uncomfortable and embarrassing treatments used to stop his hemorrhaging.

“Myself, Aragorn, Glorfindel, Angel and Willow know of your rape, the twins and Arwen know only of your beatings. I assure you none of them will speak a word of it.” He could see the look of self-loathing in his son’s eyes.

“Was I such a bad son to deserve this? Am I of such evil that a man who was supposed to be my father would take my pride, dignity and spirit?” he questioned through tears.

“It had nothing to do with you, Legolas and everything to do with your mother and I. If I had only known sooner, Thranduil would have never lived to do this. You were punished because of your mothers love for me. She always suspected him to be a moniquendi (dark elf) and was going to try and expose him to her father. I never heard from her again and I got enthralled in my Kingly duties to try to take my mind off my broken heart. Thranduil found out about our affair and killed her when she tried to expose him. After that was when he slowly began to destroy you. The ‘ransom’ when you were kidnaped as a child, when he gave up the Mirkwood jewels was a farce. He had you kidnaped so he could sell the jewels and blame it on you. He sold them to the Dunedain kings that held the rings of power. He intended to sell Mirkwood itself this time and its elves into slavery.”

Legolas was trembling from all the information and the incredible pain that still wracked his lower body. Elrond lowered his gaze, “I’m sorry, I have said too much too soon.”

“Nay you have not. The pain is great both in my mind and body but it eases my heart to know the elf was not my father. My concern now is can my real father accept me now that I am a used and worthless shell of an elf?”

Elrond wiped his son’s tears away, “You are not used and are far from worthless! I love you and am proud to have you for a son!”

Legolas set up as best he could and embraced his father, tears poured from both elves eyes as years of hurt and pain freed themselves. They stayed in the embrace until Elrond heard a rumbling noise. He smiled, “Hungry?”

“I’m afraid my stomach betrays me,” he said forcing a smile.

“I shall bring you some food.”

“I would like to eat downstairs if it’s alright with you.”

“Are you up to it,” he asked concerned.

“I think so. I have been in this bed for far to long.”

Elrond helped him to his feet and put his robe around him. Legolas stumbled, his legs still weak and Elrond caught him, “Are you sure?”

He nodded yes and leaned on his father for support. He wasn’t sure why after what had happened to him but he was not afraid of Elrond’s touch, in fact it made him feel safe and protected.

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In the dining hall Willow and Angel were telling Glorfindel and Aragorn of their adventures in demon slaying. Their laughter echoed through the large room when a pale, limping Legolas and Elrond entered.

Elrond felt his son tense when silence filled the room. “Legolas felt well enough to join us for lunch,” he smiled.

Willow stood and hugged the elf, “I’m so glad you are feeling better and are home safe.”

“Home safe because of you I hear,” he kissed her hand. “Thank you.” Angel stood and shook his hand. “Thank you as well Sir for searching for me and for taking care of the human. He can be such a conceded pain in the arse, ” he teased.

Aragorn stood and approached Legolas, “When you are well young elf I will have to teach you your manners again.” Everyone laughed.

Legolas placed his hand on the back of Aragorn’s neck and pulled him close until their heads touched, “Thank you my friend for saving me.”

“I fear I did not save you instead I let you down. You had to pay dearly for my failure,” the Ranger choked out.

“You have not failed me mellonamin (my friend) I live to fight another day.”

Knowing the outpour of emotion was taking its toll on the weakened elf, Elrond pulled out a chair for him to set. He limped over with the help of Aragorn and sat awkwardly; this was going to be harder then he thought. He ate a bit of food and enjoyed the conversations with his friends for a while but the pain that still wracked his lower body magnified and he wavered in his chair. Elrond and Aragorn both grabbed him. “Are you well?” Elrond asked.

“Nay, the pain is worse,” he said weakly.

“To bed with you then,” he said lifting his son from the chair into his arms. Both he and Aragorn were well aware of the blood staining the bottom of the elf’s cloak. He was hemorrhaging again and they had done all they c to to stop it.

Normally Legolas would have protested being carried anywhere, it was not in his nature to allow such a thing but for now he buried his head in his father’s shoulder and let himself be carried to his room. He was unaware that everyone else had followed them.

Elrond laid him down on the soft bed and put pressure on his lower abdomen causing him to yelp out in pain. Glorfindel looked to the floor and shook his head no; there was nothing more Elvin healing could do for him. Angel and Willow stepped up to the bed, “We can help.”

Elrond, who was too encompassed in his sorrow, did not hear them so Angel forcefully moved him. Each sat across from each other and began to chant a spell of healing over the elf. His body was wrapped in a white mist that seemed to burrow into his skin and to their surprise it was drawing out a black mist. The pain showed on Legolas’s face as the battle was waged in his body. Finally both Willow and Angel collapsed. Aragorn and Glorfindel tended to them while Elrond checked his sons bleeding. “They did it! It’s stopped!”

Both were back on their feet but drained and excused themselves to their chambers to rest. Elrond sent three servants to see to their needs. Legolas was beginning to come around as well when he realized he was once again naked and his father was touching him. He knew Elrond would not harm him but he couldn’t stop his body’s reaction as it began to tremble.

Elrond felt the body beneath his hand began to shake violently and he realized that shock widened eyes were glued upon him. He quickly removed his hand and covered Legolas with a blanket, “You were bleeding again,” he explained.

“I know,” came a whisper. “They saved me again.”

“You will be fine now,” he assured him. “You body still has injuries to over come but the worst physically is over. I am going to give you something to help the pain and make you sleep. It will not taste good but it will work.” He did not object as he watched his father pour a white powder into a goblet of water. Gently his father lifted his head, as if it would break from his handling, and touched the goblet to his lips. Elrond couldn’t help but laugh at the awful face Legolas made when he swallowed the water. He placed it on the nightstand and lowered the blond’s head to the pillows. He could see his eyes already glazing with sleep.

Legolas grabbed his father’s hand just before sleep calmed him, “Amin mela lle ada” (I love you father.)

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After another day of drug educed sleep Legolas was well enough to walk around on his own although he was still plagued by a limp. Aragorn had happily explained the limp to those who questioned as an injury received when Legolas fell from a tree on their latest journey. The elf vowed revenge on the human for saying such a thing, he was a wood elf for pity sake he would never fall from a tree, but knew he could not deny it for fear of the truth being revealed.

Willow and Angel had joined him and Aragorn for walks in the woods and many nights of laughter before they decided to go home. Angel had told them that he was TPTB’s champion and he knew he had to go back and fight the good fight even if it was for a world that didn’t care. Elrond held a feast in their honor and they were given many gifts of gratitude.

Elrond approached them before Willow could cast the spell to return home. “My family and I wish to give you a gift in thanks for saving Legolas but this gift has no monetary value. I learned the plight of your soul and the curse that binds it through my daughter’s talks with Willow. There is no loner a happiness clause; you may be with your mate without risk.”

They were both speechless for a moment then Angel shook Elrond’s hand, “I do not deserve such a kind gift sir but I accept it and will use it well. Thank you for everything.”

Aragorn stepped forward, “Legolas and I would like to visit your land and help you with your fight as you have helped us. Would you permit us to accompany you?”

“Are you sure?” a shocked and baffled Elrond asked.

“Yes,” Legolas assured him. “We can return anytime and I feel I would like to learn from them. Perhaps it will help end the evils of middle earth.”

With that agreed upon Willow opened the portal and the friends were off.

The end.