Feud

Feud
http://feud.shadowess.com
By erobey: robey61@yahoo.com
Disclaimers: see initial chapter
Thanks: to all the readers and especially to Sarah for her beta work. Any remaining errors are only mine!

Chapter 49: Gûr o Iarwain [The Counsel of Iarwain]

In the wizard's chambers, Fearfaron approached Gandalf with thinly disguised resentment, ignoring the compassionate smile the Istar brought forth just for him. The carpenter could not dispel the fear that this servant of the Valar would care little for the archer's predicament beyond some utilitarian consideration. To these beings, how could Legolas seem important in his own right? Their whims were generated by factors originating far to the West and owing little to the day to day struggles faced by the Wood Elves. What Fearfaron wanted from the Maia he thought unlikely to have granted: the simple truth.

"Welcome, friend carpenter! Please, lay aside your harsh judgements until you have heard me out!" Gandalf said calmly. He was comfortably ensconced before the blazing hearth in an exquisitely comfortable armchair identical to those in Legolas' suite, swaddled in a warm fur.

Fearfaron approached but did not take the corresponding chair on the other side of the grate. Now that he was here, he was uncertain how to begin.

"Mithrandir, I truly do thank you for your aid to Legolas. I hope you can understand my concerns regarding the impact of this extraordinary method of healing."

Gandalf nodded slowly, though really he did not perceive why these elves were so agitated. Legolas would not be changed in any significant manner.

"I can only assure you again that I will always respect Legolas' integrity and never seek to override his free will. He is not enslaved, enchanted, or enthralled!"

The Istar had insisted on lighting logs gleaned from the kitchen ovens' fuel, refusing to bear the choking airs emitted when the black coal burned. They regarded one another amid the cheery comforting crackle of the wood fire, a jealously protective warning sharpening the mild Wood Elf's visage while a boldly possessive challenge marked the wizard's amiable smile. In the awkward pause a brisk rap upon the door was a welcomed distraction and Gandalf called for the visitor to enter. When Iarwain strode purposefully into the room Fearfaron was startled.

"Mae govannen, Counsellor! Your arrival is an unexpected boon, for I had hoped to speak with you soon. Please, be comfortable!" the carpenter said politely and stepped aside with a bow.

The ancient one smiled shrewdly at the carpenter but did not take the offered chair. Instead he made his way over to the wizard and stood glaring down at him.

"Gossip has disseminated the news of your connection to the outcast, Mithrandir, and I have come to learn the truth of it!" he intoned dramatically.

"I fail to see what business it is of yours to ask!" Gandalf snapped. If his knee was not aching badly he would have stood and faced down the ancient Elda. "Your Council saw fit to condemn Legolas to his fate; you should thank me for keeping him alive to complete it!" The vehemence of this retort surprised even the Istar, and he found Fearfaron's eyes upon him, staring with chagrin.

"Of course you do not comprehend the difficulties you have introduced! You are not an elf! Our Tawarwaith must be allowed to develop according to the will of Tawar; you are an outside influence he does not need!" the elders' voice rose in volume with every phrase that passed his lips. "You will only confuse his mind with all the issues of opposing peoples throughout Middle-earth! Legolas needs to concentrate only on what to do for our kind and Tawar! You are interfering in matters you know nothing about!"

"Iarwain, please!" Mithrandir calmed his own ire, willing his soul to settle, for arguing would produce nothing more than bad feelings and mistrust. "Let us not begin with a shouting match, for Legolas sleeps in the next chamber!" the wizard entreated. "Be seated here and the three of us will discuss the situation more rationally."

"Aye, Eldest Counsellor, there is much that has happened which must be made known to you. I am afraid it is not the wizard who brought external influences acrosr Tir Tirno's path. Legolas is in very real peril, even within these walls of rock, for Thranduil holds evidence that may force his expulsion from the Greenwood and Tawar forever."

The old elf at last took his seat and indicated for Fearfaron to join them. The carpenter settled himself on the settee, desperately hoping he was doing the right thing.

"Such words are irretrievable, Fearfaron! If you involve the King I will not be able to exclude him! Before you speak more," the Counsellor began, "let me tell you what transpired after you left the Council chamber yesterday.

"When Thranduil called you forth I knew there was trouble. This is veryvery topic he introduced; though, he did not bring any threats of further reprisals upon the outcast or state that he bore any evidence of that nature.

"It seemed to my ears that he wished to goad the Council into re-examining the events at Erebor, and stated he thinks there is an unwholesome element among our people seeking to unseat our King, using Legolas as the catalyst for such events.

"I am sure he intended to have your input on this, for he said you have insight into dealings between the Lord of Imladris and the fallen archer! Had you not returned to Legolas' bedside, you would have been asked to reveal this to the Council then!"

Saying that Fearfaron was furious upon hearing these remarks would be too mild. "He wants to use a personal communication from Legolas to me as the damning blow!" he hissed through bared teeth, surely looking far more dangerous than one would consider a carpenter. "I will allow you to see this. And yet there is information I have that the King would not wish revealed; I would hold it as insurance against Legolas' well-being," the carpenter honestly remarked.

"I will not press you too far, then, until I have convinced you that my intent is not to harm Legolas," the elder decided to grant Fearfaron at least some of his secrets for now.

"I was surprised by your statement yesterday regarding the Noldor," Gandalf interjected. "To learn that the King also comprehends this intrusion further astounds me! I assume you learned of it through this letter you mention, but what of Thranduil?"

"I will get to Thranduil! As for the rest, that is true. Legolas told me of Erestor and some elf named Berenaur and bade me act upon it if he was unable. I consider he is not in any condition to contest with Thranduil right now, nor to face questioning from the Council. I have the note with me," he produced the document Legolas had penned and submitted it to Iarwain's perusal.

The elder read it quickly and frowned, handing it on to Gandalf when the wizard's hand reached out. Fearfaron remained quiet, his features inscrutable, until Mithrandir returned the document to him.

"I must tell you he has learned the truth, Fearfaron," the Istar softly said. "During the trip here, it became obvious to Aragorn that these were false names, for he was raised in Imladris and knows Erestor well. It will only add to your disgust with me, yet I admit that it was the connection established between us which gave the elf full knowledge of exactly with whom he had been interacting."

Another flare of anger surged through the humble craftsman and he got up and walked the length of the room and back. Legolas had faced the truth of his complete betrayal, the loss of his dearly cherished dream of someday having a loving parent, and the horrendous possibility that his only meaningful relationship had been incestuous, all without Fearfaron there to help him.

"False names, false hearts!" growled Iarwain. "So typically Noldorin! Who, then, were these elves our misguided outcast befriended?"

"There is another letter, which was sent to the King." Fearfaron drew and released a characteristically melancholy breath before continuing. He knew no other way to lessen the impact of this evidence than to make it known himself and attempt to sway the elder's heart against such slanders. "It is from Elrond of Imladris. The words in it are quite derogatory to Legolas, clearly detailing the abusive advantage he and Erestor took upon my foster son. Thranduil believes these statements will incite the Council to action and turn our people against Legolas for engaging in such vile acts with strangers unfriendly to the King."

"Elrond!" the significance of this name was not lost upon the ancient Elda; indeed there were scant few within the Realm's borders that did not know of the King's charges against his former wife. Iarwain's features stretched into a cold fury the diplomat rarely displayed. He looked as though he had just bitten into a particularly disgusting insect and wished to spit.

"This will require retribution from Imladris! I myself will draft the document of accusation! But there must be something more," Iarwain said before the carpenter could answer. "This is not evidence that would force us to punish Legolas, yet clearly this is your concern. He did not know who elveelves were, and had already sent his information ahead to aid his people. I see no cause for alarm regarding this note."

"Forgive me, I did not mean to sound as though I distrusted the scruples of the Council in judging such matters!" Fearfaron hastened to explain. "You have not seen this letter! The things written there make Legolas seem like, like a," the carpenter could not bear to speak words so ugly in conjunction with his adopted child's character.

"No need to say more, I believe we understand you!" said Gandalf sadly. "You fear the reaction of the Wood Elves should they hear these claims spoken aloud. Truly, they must be base and foul!"

"I do not think you need to worry, Fearfaron. Come now, when have the Woodland folk been influenced by what the Noldor think or do? If anything, this foreign Lord's deceitful actions will cause our people to rally round the Tawarwaith!" Iarwain reassured Legolas' protector kindly.

"Is there not some way possible to keep this information from becoming public knowledge?" Fearfaron begged. "Try to think how this will impact upon Legolas! He has already been reduced to lesser status than dwarves enjoy within these Woods!"

Since the day Fearfaron had announced the Release of his son, the elder had grown to appreciate the humble craftsman's quiet integrity and common sense approach to problems. Only with regards to Legolas did the craftsman sometimes think too much with his heart. Iarwain had begun manoeuvring to have Fearfaron named to the Council. The wise elder shook his head.

"As I remarked at the outset; some words cannot be revoked. Thranduil has already requested a new investigation based upon the contents of the note Legolas sent to you. I have no doubt the King will produce his own letter during those proceedings, at the most dramatic moment when a full audience, and Legolas, are present!"

At this the carpenter groaned and sank back into his place on the sofa, dropping his head upon his hands.

"What of the knowledge you have not revealed, which you did not want to say in front of Thranduil? Do you feel confident enough of my support for the outcast to reveal it to me here?" Iarwain coaxed.

Yet still Fearfaron hesitated, for it felt strange and somehow ominous that he and Thranduil requested the same thing, though their reasons differed as fish from fowl. He decided to begin by establishing this difference more vocally.

"I, too, believe it is time to investigate what actually happened at Erebor. Talagan's company is here and Maltahondo is among them. He was with Legolas on the ridge. I propose we retain the troops here until the remaining survivors of that unit can be summoned. Talagan and his warriors will return soon from their pursuit of the Orcs that invaded the Realm, and the rest of his former company can be recalled from their respective patrols. I am convinced the errors Legolas made were unavoidable rather than careless!

"I ask you, Iarwain, what elf amongst our people has found benefit from these dread events?" The carpenter prodded gently, hoping in one sense that he was imagining the connection, and that the elder would not come to the same conclusion which had at last found a home in his own thoughts. Yet no other result was logical, as abhorrent as the idea was.

"Ah!" this exclamation from Gandalf drew both elves attention to him. "This is the line of reasoning I have also been following, Fearfaron, since the very beginning! Indeed, I even questioned Legolas, but he had nothing to offer on the topic. This will be a difficult subject to bring before the King, especially now! I fear this will not help endear Legolas to the Woodland Lord!"

"It is the only way to lift the Judgement!" hissed the carpenter. "He has suffered enough for things he never caused! He has even accepted the responsibility and has surely done enough brave deeds to free every warrior ever Lost since the First Age!"

Iarwain's brow furrowed as he considered the carpenter's and the wizard's words carefully, and after a few minutes he raised astonished and disbelieving eyes to his countryman. He found there that what had occurred to him was indeed what Fearfaron was suggesting, and the counsellor's face fell with aggrieved defeat.

"Oh, if this is true, it is unconscionable! The plotting of such acts! What punishment could we exact for so devious a scheme?" he railed in distress. "It is one thing to bring about death through carelessness or incompetence, but quite another to do so through malice! This would rend out peoples' very soul, to acknowledge such betrayal is possible against one's own!"

"I agree the treachery is beyond anything I would have thought any Wood Elf capable of conceiving, yet I do not think Legolas would demand any retribution. As for me, I want only for this dread decree to be lifted from him; surely he has been punished enough even before the Judgement."

Iarwain was nodding his head slowly, staring into the dancing orange flames within the fireplace.

"Fearfaron, what is the other evidence you hold?" he demanded in a voice so harsh the carpenter jumped a little.

"This is all hearsay!" he began evasively and earned a warning glare from the counsellor. "Elrond told the woodsman messenger that Sauron's Ring is hidden in Thranduil's treasure vaults!"

"What?" Now it was Iarwain's turn to rocket to his feet in astonished and livid wrath. He towered over the Istar and the carpenter, scowling alternately from one to the other.

"Oh dear," sighed the wizard and rubbed a weary trail across his forehead with the tips of his gnarled fingers.

"Tell me all that you know of this, Mithrandir, for it sounds too much like the stivetive conclusions so common from the White Council!" Iarwain was incensed. "Too often does your Order scurry about collecting bits and pieces of trivia which are then pieced together among the gathering of the Wise," he sneered over this word and continued, "who then issue a decision and determine a course of action, often without any proof of what has been surmised! And, might I add, frequently without any consideration of or input from the Woodland folk!"

The thought briefly flickered though Gandalf's mind that Iarwain was in surprisingly close accord with Thranduil on this point, but he elected to keep quiet on the observation.

"I know why Elrond thinks this, and you are correct that the matter has been brought before the White Council," he began.

"By the Elf Lord's petition?" Iarwain queried, and the Istar nodded.

"There is good reason to suspect this to be the place where the One Ring lies hidden, principally due to the unending harassment of your people by Dol Guldur. And why would the Dark Lord waste the energies of three of his devoted Wraiths here if he did not suspect his precious bauble to be found under this mountain stronghold?"

"If this rumour gets abroad, panic will engulf us!" said Fearfaron. "I believe Thranduil would rather quietly end his persecution of Legolas than have this news, whether it be faulty or true, dispersed among the population!"

"You were planning to blackmail the King?" Iarwain asked, aghast and a little amused at the same time. He failed to suppress the wicked smile stretching his dark lips, for he would enjoy bringing the proud Sinda to his knees thus!

"That is rather strong!" Fearfaron huffed, but coloured in embarrassment to hear the true charge he would be bringing upon himself, and in which he had now made the eldest elder an accomplice!

"Nay, we cannot handle the matter that way," Iarwain was shaking his head and indulging in a just barely audible chuckle as he enjoyed the mental image of Thranduil's expression if Fearfaron confronted him with this proposition. "However, I would prefer it not to become public knowledge, at least until the truth or falsity of the claim can be determined."

"You must use care in this regard!" warned Gandalf, "for if the Ring is found here Thranduil may claim it! Perhaps he would be happy for the news to remain quiet, affording him the time to search through his numerous possessions and come upon this dire thing! What then would he do with it; that is what the White Council fears!"

Neither of the elves had an answer for the wizard, so low was their opinion of their Lord's motives concerning the Woodland Realm. Too often had his desire to become great in the manner of Thingol been observed and far more frequent were his expressions of contempt for the simplicity beloved by the Wood Elves.

"I wish it were possible to spare the Woodland folk more distress, yet such is not our fate. How can we hope to combat what we fear to face, whether that be invasion from foreign realms or the decay of our spirits under the influence of this ever-growing Shadow?" Iarwain finally spoke in a voice wearied with the long Ages of his steadfast watch over his peoples' lives.

"I will petition the full Council for an investigation of the events at Erebor. I do not think it is possible to prevent calling Legolas forth to be questioned, particularly if Thranduil raises his charge of consorting with an adversary."

"Why is it considered treason when Thranduil and Elrond are not engaged in any open aggression against one another's lands?" demanded Gandalf irritably. "Surely this is just a case of some personal grudge match, hardly a matter of state!"

"Indeed, ridiculous as the claims may seem to you, it is possible these Noldor do desire to displace Thranduil and have corrupted Legolas to this end! If Elrond wishes to destroy Thranduil's legacy, what better way to go about it? It is not inconceivable to me that Legolas might wish to return some of his pain upon those who abandoned him to so cruel a fate!" said Iarwain.

"And if I can imagine it, who considers the Tawarwaith true, then others not as convinced of his valour will be quite able to do so! The forest Darkens daily, folk want to be able to blame someone and desire to believe the remedy is as easy as doling out punishments. They hope by removing those tarnished elements from our Woods that all will return to normal.

"Our own laws condemned Legolas and he accepted the Judgement. This will have to be done publicly, for the truth will be unbelievable and unacceptable otherwise! No doubt must remain regarding either his actions at Erebor or his motives for the future."

The Istar scowled fiercely and sent the carpenter an accusing glare. He did not see that any of this would be good for Legolas in his current physical and mental state.

{And he fears my impact upon the fallen archer!}

"Ai! I know it must be, yet I did not wish him to face all this again! At least we must wait until he is stronger," Fearfaron groaned. This had not gone exactly as he had hoped, pushing Legolas into a public forum to be questioned by the Council and accused by Thranduil. He had thought Iarwain and the elders would investigate the situation privately and only bring to light evidence that would counteract the Judgement. He truly had no desire to have the guilty ones exposed or punished if Legolas would suffer further!

{What have I done?}

"Of course we will wait until Gladhadithen determines him strong enough to endure it!" Iarwain was a bit disturbed that Fearfaron would think otherwise of him.

"As for the Ring, that issue must be addressed as quietly as possible! I charge you both with an oath of secrecy concerning the matter! Fearfaron, you must trust to the Council to be fair in this re-hearing of the Judgement and withhold this contentious gossip! It will avail nothing to clear Legolas' character if in the process you destroy our homeland!"

Reluctantly Fearfaron swore to remain silent regarding the Ring while Mithrandir easily gave his word.

In the adjacent room, Legolas shifted in his sleep and his frame tightened as tension swept through his body in a worrisome shudder. Instantly Lindalcon leaned down until his mouth was right next to Legolas' ear and gripped his shoulder tightly.

"Legolas! Legolas, you must wake up now; I need you to awaken!" the young elf called sharply as he jostled his friend. "Now, Legolas, you are needed! Where is your bow, archer, do you not heed the alarm?"

The wounded elf's eyes snapped open and he stared at Aragorn in perplexed confusion for a few seconds before he realised there was someone beside him on the bed. With a complaining moan he lifted his head and glanced back at Lindalcon, who was grinning.

Aragorn shook his head in bemusement. No wonder the youth had never seen the full extent of the nightmares, he had obviously been taught what signs might herald such an event and how to force the Woodland warrior from unconsciousness. While there was no way he could have possessed such knowledge, the human regretted thoroughly not being able to use this tactic that night in the black water fen.

The mortal healer let his inner eye scan Legolas thoroughly, resulting in a pleased and astounded countenance. Just as on the morning before the spider battle, the wild archer's recuperation was speedily progressing.

{Now if we can prevent any further confrontations for a time, mayhap I will find this elf to be formidable indeed when not impeded by injury and illness!}

"Sorry, just wanted to make sure you were not slipping too far away this time!" Lindalcon was saying and gave the archer another gentle shove on the shoulder.

Legolas let his head drop onto the pillow with a sigh. He felt Lindalcon lightly pat him on the back and smiled a little before succumbing to a tremendous yawn. He knew why his friend had really awakened him and shifted uncomfortably as the sensation slowly receded and his arousal diminished, once more sensible of his nudity beneath the blanket.

"Lindalcon, I need clothes. What happened to my leggings?" he said quietly. He wanted to get out of the bed and into the bathing room to relieve himself. Under no circumstances was he going to do so naked and in front of his friends.

"Clothes? Is that what you call those rags you were clad in when you got here?" the younger elf laughed.

"Legolas, we sent that tattered garment to be burned with the refuse! Surely you know there was no way to salvage that!" said Aragorn. "The spider guts and orc gore were completely ingrained, and your own blood thoroughly saturated the material!"

"Then I must borrow something! Lindalcon, let me have a pair of your leggings," the archer pleaded and looked over his shoulder to gauge his friend's reaction.

"Well, I promised I would not do that."

"What? Who asked such a promise of you and why?"

"I think you know it was Fearfaron! He said that keeping you bare is one sure way to stop you from getting out of bed too soon!"

Aragorn could not suppress a small snicker of amusement and earned a searing glare from the Tawarwaith.

"Alright, then you will find me something to wear!" Legolas pushed up from the mattress onto his elbow and pointed at the Man.

"Do not drag me into this! I am but a guest here and know nothing of where spare clothing, if such even exists, is kept!"

"That is not a problem. I have plenty of clothes at home in Fearfaron's talan. You will go and get them!" the former prince demanded.

"I am not going anywhere until Fearfaron comes back! We both promised to keep watch over you until his return," Aragorn was laughing through his words at this imperious command from the naked elf.

"Fine, I want to see Fearfaron! He will not treat me this way, even if my own friends show such disrespect and contempt for my comfort," he mourned pitifully.

"I am immune to such paltry attempts to instil guilt into my heart, Legolas!" Lindalcon snorted and pushed Legolas' head down onto the pillow playfully. "You know it is for your own good that Fearfaron does this. Have you forgotten the last time we had you home and you almost fell when climbing down from the talan?"

The archer flushed in embarrassment as the mortal failed to stifle a loud bark of merriment, for it was unheard of for an elf to be so lacking in grace and balance. Immediately Legolas pulled the pillow from behind his head, swatting Lindalcon with all the limited resources of his recovering strength.

"I cannot believe you told that!" he railed and swung the cushion again as Lindalcon, laughing gleefully, skilfully evaded the blow. "So much for brotherly support and protection!" Legolas grinned wickedly. "I do not suppose you have mentioned to Aragorn that you still sleep with a baby's…" Lindalcon's hand clamped over the wild elf's mouth to shut off the words, and Legolas promptly bit his fingers.

The younger elf's loud yelp of pain and Aragorn's hoots of laughter drew the carpenter, the counsellor, and the wizard from their conference. They hurried to the Tawarwaith's rooms and shoved open the door, halting on the threshold to gaze in amused consternation from one to the other of the rough-housers.

Legolas was smiling as Lindalcon hastily restored the abused pillow to its proper place behind the invalid's head and helped the archer turn onto his back. Aragorn rose and graciously smoothed out the rumpled coverlet making sure Legolas retained his dignity. They managed to look up rather contritely at their frowning visitors.

Lindalcon and Legolas snickered when all three of the venerable elders decided to level their displeased countenances upon the Man.

"What? Lindalcon started it!" Aragorn cried in exasperation before any one could speak.

Tbc

A/N: just letting folks know there is now a website for feud! Go check it out if you like! http://feud.shadowess.com
The story will always be kept current here as well.