melme Colle (or: hidden love)

Chapter seven The rescue

They swiftly moved through the trees, desire to aid their friend and prince gave them wings and with Thranduil guiding them they went even faster through the wood, for the king knew where to go. They were happy they weren’t wasting precious time by searching Legolas’ trail. They weren’t worried about how to procafteafterwards. Orcs never hid their traces well enough.

Aragorn, Gimli and the twins were right behind the golden king, closely followed by Glorfindel and the Captain of Mirkwood, who in turn were instantly followed by at least fifty archers. Erestor rode amidst them.

Half of the wondering puzzled looks were aimed at him, for the warriors didn’t understand why he came along. He didn’t look like a warrior and was definitely too week to fight. But the twins had made it real clear he -was- coming and Thranduil knew them and Erestor well enough to know there was a reason. And he wanted him there in case he had another image of his son’s surroundings.

The other wondering looks were aimed at Gimli who easily kept up with the fast elves running up front. That was not something seen daily and though they knew he fought in the Ring War, that didn’t explain his endurance. Dwarves weren’t made for long distance running, they knew that.

Aragorn and twintwins were surprised themselves though they contributed it to his desire to aid Legolas and as long as the Dwarf muttered beside them they weren’t worried about him.

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Thranduil stopped so suddenly most of the others had run some steps further before noticing. Most of the archers had time to slow down and stop, but Gimli ran straight into the King, turning beet red and muttering unintelligently under his breath.

If the situation would have allowed it Thranduil would have laughed about it. Though he doubted his own thought the next moment when a horse jumped over his head. Erestor had no intentions of lingering back when he might be needed.

Elladan and Elrohir grinned, seeing the movement and held their snickers inside, that threatened to erupt at Thranduil’s surprised look.

Erestor nodded. This was the spot.
His eyes searched everywhere and he gasped when he saw blood. His heart skipped a beat but then he reprimanded himself. /I feel him still. He is alive./
His eyes widened when he noticed the connexion had grown stronger. /He’s close./

He steered the horse to Glorfindel, who had knelt to examine the soil. He -was- the best tracker alive. “Vanáro haiya símen.”
Glorfindel frowned at the words but nodded, not questioning him at this point.
Thranduil heard it too and reached inwards, trying to determine some bearings.

Glorfindel cocked his head into the desired direction. The orcs had left an easy enough trail.

Aragorn and the twins drew their swords, while Gimli held his axe a little tighter.
Seeing that prompted the archers to notch some arrows. They were obviously close and that meant they needed to be ready.

Glorfindel stayed next to Erestor, feeling it his duty to protect the counsellor.

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Elrond wringed his hands. He was beside himself with worry. He smiled when Arwen appeared beside him, smiling warmly. “Do not worry, ata, they will find him and bring him here alive. You must have faith.”

Elrond nodded, but his eyes were in the past, remembering another time when he had been forced to wait for the returning party. And back then the results hadn’t been good at all, forcing to lto let go of Celebrían.

Arwen understood her father’s thoughts, but didn’t agree. She was glad he was moving to Ithilien where she could keep an eye on him. maybe a change of surroundings would heal him? She really hoped so. Seeing her grandfather she smiled and left. She could see the desire to be alone with Elrond in his eyes.

Celeborn smiled at her retreating back. She had inherited Celebrían’s and Elrond’s good qualities, without their tempers and weaknesses. And Galadriel’s teachings had made her a powerful half-elf. He smiled. Thanks to Aragorn they would have a change to keep her after he died.

He gently touched Elrond, startling him out of his reverie. “You seem haunted, meldir.”
Elrond simply nodded.
Celeborn frowned when he saw the raw desire in those grey orbs. A desire he had seen so many times lately. “You’re planning to sail?” Now when had the half-elf decided that? He knew Elrond would always be full of surprises, but there were some he could do without.
Elrond shrugged. “It is my only road.”
Celeborn placed his hands on his shoulder. “I still disagree, but I will not speak of it. I’d rather part as friends. If there’s ever anything you need, know that you will have it.”
Elrond nodded. “Take care of the twins and Erestor.”

He lowered his eyes, suddenly feeling guilty. “Aiya, Erestor. How do I tell him?” He slumped down and sighed. “I’ve know him since Lindon and yet I do not know him at all.”
Celeborn sat down beside him but remained silent, waiting for what was to come.
Elrond’s eyes misted over. “Gil-Galad once found him crying in his library. He never told us why and I still do not know.” He sighed. “But I do know it has made him the elf he is today.”
Celeborn frowned. “What would force someone to close their heart forever? How old was he, Elrond?”
Elrond shrugged. “Young. But already mature, if that’s what you’re asking.” He hung his head and played with Vilya. “When Gil-Galad gave me this he also asked me to take care of Erestor.” He closed his eyes to force his tears to remain inside. “When I see him I see my own failure. I could not aid him.”
Celeborn pulled Elrond close and shook his head. “Nay, he didn’t allow you to. That’s different, Elrond. How can any of us hope to unlock a door when we have no key?” He grinned. “And you are not the elf to kick in doors or you would not be a healer.”

He sighed. “Something has been troubling you ever since I’ve known you, Elrond. Is there some dark knowledge you carry?”
Elrond turned his head and smiled. “Nay. And yes.” He shrugged. “You know I have the gift of foresight. A lot of what has happened I saw. Elros’ death, our abduction, my wedding, her attack, her sailing, Gil-Galad’s death, Legolas’, but never did I see a second lover for me. I am not looking forward to an eternity of loneliness.”

Celeborn pulled him closer and frowned. /Legolas’ death? He saw Legolas’ death. I hope this does not mean what I fear it means./

He forced himself to concentrate on Elrond. “Maybe that is a good sign?” He nodded and looked hopeful. “Everything you saw was somehow painful. Knowing it would happen gave you time to strengthen yourself.”
Elrond nodded. He could see the reasoning behind that. But why would that be hopeful?
Celeborn smiled. “Maybe you never saw a second lover, because this one will not pain you? Because this one won’t be taken from you? It -is- an option.”
Elrond grinned. “Are you trying to convince me to stay and sit and wait until maybe sometime someone falls in love with me?” He shook his head. “Nay, I refuse to do that.”
Celeborn sighed. “At least open your eyes. You will not see love if you keep your blindfold in place.” He stood and poured them both some wine. He was now very anxious about the return.

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Legolas lay perfectly still on the grass, he didn’t want to attract any attention to himself. The orcs thought him unconscious and that was fine by him. Having a blindfold wasn’t annoying to him at all. He felt relieved. Now they wouldn’t see his alert state. But it did mean he couldn’t talk to the trees or he would reveal his alertness. He had to wait and bide his time.
His hands were bound behind his back and his ankles were tight together as well. Escaping would be difficult.

He didn’t know how long he’s been out or how long he’s lain there, tight, bound and gagged, but his hands and feet were already numb and he could feel an ache on his temple. He remembered receiving a blow there before he had passed out.

And though he didn’t know where he was he knew he was still within Mirkwood. The air was familiar.

Suddenly he heard an even more familiar and welcome sound on the air. The sound of flying arrows. He was about to be rescued. He silently promised not to run away from his minders again. He now felt guilty towards Gimli, realising the Dwarf must be going insane now. Not to mention his father and Aragorn. He allowed his thoughts to roam and stray as he waited to be released from the darkness and tight bonds.

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The twins sniffed and nodded. They were there. The next bend would lead them there. Silently they stalked forward, stepping aside to grant the archers a better shot. Aragorn did the same.

Glorfindel took Erestor aside, not risking anything and the archers silently crept forward until they had a good view. Arrow after arrow left their bows, all hitting target.

The orcen number was already down by 50% before they noticed the attack and countered it. The orcs that managed to come close faced three expertly wielded swords, whose owners were safe from the orcs as the archers continued firing their rain of arrows. All were so fixed on taking down the enemy that they didn’t see the danger.

Except the Dwarf.

He had instantly searched for the elf, needing to know him safe and he relaxed when he saw Legolas laying on the grassy soil. He leaned on his axe and for the first time was content to let the elves take care of it. But then his eyes widened, seeing the danger. An orc that somehow possessed a brain advanced on Legolas, intend on killing the prey before he could be rescued. He sprung forward, swinging his axe around and screamed his battle cry.

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Legolas jolted back to the present when he heard Gimli’s cry. Instantly he strained his hearing and frowned when he heard the Dwarf coming towards him. But then he knew why. An orc was standing close. /He’s too far away. Gimli, you can’t safe me./

He knew his life would be over soon. He awaited the inevitable but gasped in shock when a body fell atop of him.

Instantly he heard Gimli’s battle cry anew, very near this time and almost simultaneously he heard the twins and Aragorn about five metres to his right and Glorfindel released a growl that would have scared a Balrog behind him. He wondered what had happened.

Whose body was this? The orc?

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The remaining orcs fled and the archers instantly set in pursuit. They would not leave their realm. Anger flared within them.

Thranduil ran towards his son and instantly embraced him. “Ion-nin, I’ve been so worried. Are you all right?”
Legolas nodded and growled a little. “Get that orc of off me.” He heard the others gasp but didn’t respond and started shaking his head, trying to get rid of the blindfold.
Thranduil understood and removed that first before moving to the bonds.

Legolas’ eyes widened when he saw Elladan, Elrohir and Aragorn tend to someone he didn’t see, a horse hovering nearby.
Glorfindel stood there as well, looking crestfallen. “He just pushed me away and left. I had no idea.”
Gimli muttered. “Stupid Elves.” He forced his eyes away and looked at Legolas. “Laddy.” His voice was filled with worry and pain, but Legolas instantly heard the underlying guilt. A deeper guilt than he would have expected.

He looked at them. “What happened? Who is that? Ata?”
Thranduil sighed, his eyes lowered to the ground. He felt responsible. He should have… He flared up when he felt the Dwarf’s hand on his shoulder. “I was not fast enough.”
Thranduil smiled, understanding him. “We are all to blame.” He stood. “You tend to Legolas, I am needed.”
Gimli nodded and sat down, continuing the work on the ropes.

Legolas growled frustrated. “It just overwhelmed me. And then they showed up. What happened?”
Gimli sighed. “An orc tried to kill you.”
Legolas nodded. “I know, you were trying to rescue me. I guess your aim is better than I thought.”
Gimli’s eyes watered and he shook his head. “Nay. That horse suddenly jumped from the trees and the elf…” He swallowed, still seeing it happen. It wouldn’t leave him for quite a while. “He took it for you.”
Legolas’ eyes widened in understanding. “That wasn’t an orc?”
Gimli nodded, seeing the fear in Legolas’ orbs. He shrugged. “Counsellor Erestor.” There was no use in stalling.

Legolas gasped and clasped his heart. Ignoring the Dwarven mutters and his muscles protests he crawled forward, needing to see the counsellor.

Elladan smiled, seeing him come closer, and move a little so he could see as well.
Legolas gasped. The orc-blade had almost severed the chest and the surrounding grass was red with blood. Remembering feeling the body on his own he looked down and saw the amount of blood on his tunic and his eyes filled with tears.

He looked at them. “Will he live?” He wouldn’t be able to live with himself if Erestor had died for him. His heart had contracted painfully and he realised he would become a ghost if Erestor died. He would not be able to fade because Erestor’s sacrifice couldn’t be in vain, but at the same time he didn’t want to live without him. He knew that now. /I’ve done so much to guard my heart and yet you’ve conquered it, Erestor./

Elladan suddenly leaned forward and brushed away a few locks. “Easy, meldir, do not move.” Erestor’s eyes scanned the area and Aragorn sighed relieved. The elf had a chance.
Erestor smiled when he saw Legolas. He looked at Elladan and Elrohir and saw their worry. Feeling Elladan’s hand on his he squished it, hoping the Peredhel understood, which he did.
Elladan leaned in closer to catch the counsellor’s words. “Eauvaro ú ni.” He had wanted to explain why, but he lacked the energy and passed out again, knowing full well he would never see them again. And yet, he didn’t mind. His only concern was their pain, he hoped his demise wouldn’t upset them too much.

Translations:
Vanáro haiya símen : means : he is close
Eauvaro ú ni : means : He will live without me too

TBC

beta-read by Bettina