Release From Lies

Title: Release from Lies
Author: Noelwing
Email: noelwing@aol.com
Disclaimer: Middle-earth and all characters within are the property of JRR. Tolkien. Any original characters are property of the author.
Pairings: Legolas/Glorfindel Legolas/Haldir Lindir/Figwit
Rating: NC-17
Genre: AU
Summary: After escaping from a life in captivity, Lindir and Figwit are free to explore their new lives and their feelings for each other.
Warnings: This story will contain rape in later chapters as well as abuse and torture.
Author’s notes: Well it has been a long sabbatical from writing but I hope posting this first chapter will give me incentive to get back to work. What we have here is a plot bunny that bit some time ago and it has developed into something of its own. Please feel free to send any questions or comments my way. Please enjoy.

Part one: The Safety of the Wood

Legolas’ heart leapt for joy when he took in his surroundings. Only a few hundred yards away lay the borders of Mirkwood. Already, Legolas could feel the trees calling to him, welcoming him home. “The forest of Mirkwood begins with those trees. Take heart my friends, we are nearly there.”

For days Legolas, Lindir and Figwit had been traveling nearly non stop in their effort to put as much distance between them and Rivendell as possible. So far they had been lucky enough to avoid recapture but Legolas knew luck was a fickle thing. Now his heart beat fiercer than ever. His home and freedom lay only a short distance away and how much Legolas wanted to sprint across the grass and disappear into the safety of the woods.

But as much as he wanted to, he could not. Lindir and Figwit were in no condition for an all out dash for shelter. Legolas was amazed that they had made this far. Their escape from Rivendell had not gone unnoticed and Legolas knew they were being pursued. It was because of that pursuit that Legolas had pushed the two elves to their most extreme limits and resting only out of complete exhaustion.

Legolas crouched back down into the grass that sheltered them. Figwit looked at Legolas with tired blue-gray eyes. His hair was a complete mess and dirt clung to the sweat on his face. Lindir was no better for his hands were cut and bruised and his tunic and leggings were worn and thread bare. Both of them were so tired and Legolas could feel there hunger and fatigue. In his heart, Legolas felt sorry for the state of the two elves that had willingly come with him when he escaped Rivendell. They both trusted him to take care of them and to get them to safety in Mirkwood.

“I know you are both very tired, I am too. But we need to make a decision.” Legolas said as he pulled the last piece of lembas bread out of his tunic. “We can either keep slinking in the grass like we have been for the last few days or,” Legolas inhaled deeply to prepare himself for he knew Lindir and Figwit would not like this next option. “We can eat this lembas and use the energy it gives us and make a run for it.”

Lindir groaned indignantly while Figwit cast his gaze to the ground. The both of them had lived as pampered consorts and were not accustomed to surviving in the wilderness. Figwit could feel every muscle in his body ache and his stomach rumbled with hunger. But like Legolas had said, they were so close; do they dare risk being seen by pursuers in an all or nothing dash for freedom.

“Legolas,” Figwit said softly.

“Yes Figwit.”

“I think we should make a run for it. If we really are so close then I think we should try.”

Legolas felt his heart beat with hope and his body felt empowered. Figwit, though greatly challenged by the journey, had shown great spirit and courage. Figwit was ready to face this last challenge but Lindir did not look so confidant. The poor elf was shaking and Legolas found himself doubting that Lindir had much energy left in him at all.

Figwit noticed Lindir’s trembling and went to him. “Lindir, I know you are tired but we are nearly there. We will be free soon we just have to pass this one last obstacle.” While Figwit tried to comfort Lindir, Legolas broke up the last piece of lembas bread. He gave Figwit and Lindir each a piece before eating his own. All three elves ate their share and just as quickly, their weary bodies began to pulse with strength.

Legolas was the first to stand. With his elven eyes, he scanned his surroundings; no sight of pursuers… yet. “We are only a few hundred yards away but I think it best that we start slow. That way if we have to sprint at the last minute we will be able.”

Figwit stood side by side with Legolas and took in the distance they had to make. Already his heart began to beat faster for the promise of freedom, real freedom was within his very sight. Lindir stood up as well but he still shook like a leaf. Figwit took his hand. “It will be alright Lindir, I will not let go of you.” Linder squeezed Figwit’s hand and straightened himself.

All three elves took a deep breath and prayed to the Valar that they would be delivered safely into that green wood. Knowing that it was now or never, they took off running.

Legolas, having more endurance, was at least three strides ahead of Lindir and Figwit but he kept looking back to see them. Figwit clutched Lindir’s hand in his own but kept his eyes fixed on the trees ahead. Linder followed stride with Figwit and Legolas began to believe that they would make it. Already, Legolas could see the face of his ada, so happy to see him and Legolas couldn’t wait to throw himself into his ada’s arms. Yes, his ada would be waiting for him and Haldir, his dearest friend, would be waiting for him as well. Legolas felt his pace grow faster and faster.

Legolas looked back to check on his two companions and to his horror he saw five elven riders, fully armed and gaining on them.

“FIGWIT, LINDER RUN!” Legolas cried out at the top of his lungs. Legolas pushed his body as hard as it could possibly go and the sound of his heart pounding in his chest was matched only by the drumming of the horses that pursued them.

Figwit grasped Lindir’s hand and doubled the pace but he could feel Lindir beginning to ebb almost immediately. If that wasn’t bad enough, Legolas had run so far ahead of them and Figwit feared the prince was going to abandon them. It was like a horrible dream. He kept running as hard and fast as he could but the forest seemed to recede the closer he and Lindir got to it. But Figwit would not stop running; he decided in that moment that he would rather die than to be recaptured. He couldn’t bear to go back to the way he had been living; if he could just keep going.

Legolas was only a stones throw away from the trees, only an inch form his freedom and tears of joy were ready to spill from his eyes. “LEGOLAS!” The cry nearly caused Legolas’ heart to stop for he knew it was a cry for help. He looked back to see that Lindir had fallen and Figwit tugged on his arm; desperately trying to get the fallen elf up again. “LEGOLAS WE NEED YOUR HELP!”

Every fiber in Legolas’ being wanted to keep running and not to go back. But he couldn’t do that. Lindir and Figwit had trusted him to bring them this far, they had given up everything to follow him, he couldn’t abandon them. Legolas turned on his heel and dashed back to the stricken elves.

Figwit was dragging Lindir along with him when Legolas got to them. Without a word Legolas grasped Linder’s other arm, pulled him up and the three of them were off again. Lindir tried to keep up with the pace set by his two companions but he was having great difficulty. He could only go so fast.

The five riders were gaining on their prey. Their orders had been very clear; they were to recapture Prince Legolas as well as the two other escapees with him. The orders came from none other than Lord Glorfindel.

Their prey was at the brink of that mysterious and dark wood and would probably vanish at any moment. The leader of the of the riders was loathe to have to go into the woods but he knew that facing Glorfindel’s wrath if they failed would be far worse than any monster they might encounter in those woods.

In one blessed moment, he and his companions broke through the tree line. Legolas wanted nothing more than to cry out for the joy of being home but he couldn’t, not yet. He still had to get Lindir, Figwit and himself to some kind for shelter, a place where they could hide until their pursuers either gave up or were confronted by the guardians of Mirkwood.

Lindir’s body became all the heavier and Figwit was no better off; both were on the verge of collapsing. Legolas would have liked to have gone a little further but the place where they were at would have to do. At the roots of a gnarled tree was an enormous ditch and there they took refuge.

“We can hide here for a while,” Said Legolas as he climbed down first. He extended his hand for Lindir and the tired elf took it and let Legolas coach him down. Figwit needed no help and climbed in after Lindir. The bottom of the ditch was covered in moist moss and forest debris but Figwit did not care. The tired elf collapsed to the ground and Lindir was soon to follow. Legolas couldn’t help it either, he too fell to his knees and though he desperately wanted to sleep, he knew he kept his eyes and ears open. Their pursuers were still out there, Legolas was sure of it.

Figwit and Lindir leaned up against each other while they slept. Figwit’s mane of brown hair spilled over his shoulders and mixed with Lindir’s white locks. Both had dark circles under their eyes and their skin was sallow from lack of proper nutrition. Legolas felt proud that the two elves had made it all the way to Mirkwood.

Lindir and Figwit dozed off right away. Legolas still kept a keen ear on his surroundings. He listened for the sounds of the riders, the clip-clop of their horse’s hooves. He wouldn’t let them capture him again.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

/Breathe, just try to breathe/ Legolas told him self as he was jarred over and over again. He was on the back of the horse with his head and torso pulled over one side while his legs dangled on the other. His mouth was gagged and his hands were tied behind his back. His head ached tremendously and Legolas could feel blood oozing down his forehead and mix with the sweat that already accumulated there. Legolas’ mind was still hazy but he could vaguely remember being ambushed by several Rivendell elves. He fought as hard as he could but he was overpowered. Now he was their prisoner.

With every gallop the horse made, Legolas was bounced up in the air only to come crashing down on the animal’s back. His ribs and midriff ached and breathing was a difficult task. On top of that, the many injuries he had endured already were only being made worse. It was so hard to breathe and Legolas felt his head get lighter and lighter with every minute. Finally he surrendered to the dizziness but just before he fell into darkness.

~~~~~~~~

“Are you awake, can you hear me?” The voice was calm and formal but sounded like one speaking from a distance.

Legolas moaned, his throat was dry and his head ached tremendously. Legolas didn’t know how long it took, but he forced himself to wake. He licked his lips and swallowed in an attempt to moisten his dry mouth and his eyes cracked open.

The place he was in was structured from lumber; not the cavern palace that was crafted by nature that was the Mirkwood abode. Light came from everywhere, the walls were a subtle beige color and the sounds of birds mixed the roaring of water was all around. Legolas knew he was a captive and a prison was a prison no matter how lavish it appeared.

Again, Legolas groaned. He felt so weak and powerless at the moment and his body felt no better. It felt as though there were a heavy weight upon his chest and his wrists and ankles felt constricted. Legolas tried to move one of legs, it was then that he heard the chink sound of metal; his leg had been chained. The twitching of his other limbs only confirmed that they were chained as well.

Legolas was startled by the feel of a hand brushing against his cheek. His head snapped in the direction of that hand and he looked to see a blond elf standing over him. The elf looked right back at him with dark, sinister blue eyes.

“Where…am I?” Legolas’ voice was nothing but a whisper but it was all he could manage in his weakened state.

“My, don’t you sound terrible.” The elf smiled at Legolas’ sneer. “But I guess that is to be expected, you have had such a long journey.”

Legolas winced at the elf’s choice of words for he didn’t remember coming to this place of his own fee will. “You kidnapped me.”

“Well, if that is what you wish to call it then you may Prince Legolas.”

Legolas paled at hearing his own name come from the other elf’s mouth. It was a reaction that the other elf did not miss.

“Ai, I know your name and who you are. You are Legolas, the only son and heir of king Thranduil of Mirkwood. But as of now…” Legolas tensed, he did not want to hear what the elf had to say.

“You are my consort. I am Glorfindel and from this day fourth I am also your master.”

This was beyond anything his darkest nightmares could ever conjure up. He felt tears, warm and moist begin to fill the corners of his eyes and in the back of his throat a groan of agony began to form. The groan matured into an agonized cry that burst forth from Legolas’ lips before once again, falling into unconsciousness.

~~~~~~~~

Legolas snapped awake. His forehead was drenched in cold sweats and his breathing came in rapid pants.

“Legolas, are you alright?” Lindir timidly whispered.

Legolas looked to see Lindir and Figwit huddled together only a few feet in front of him. “I am alright,” Legolas said though betrayed by his shaking voice. But he was relieved; it had only been a dream.

Legolas wiped his face with his hand and looked to the elves with him. “Was I asleep long?” He asked.

“Not too long,” Answered Figwit. “Just a few minutes.”

Linder remained close to Figwit. This wood was very strange to him. For as long as Lindir could remember he had always been pampered; a slave of course but a pampered one. His masters, even though some may have been crueler than others, had never taken him into the wild. Now he was so far away from everything that he knew.

The trees were dark and foreboding and the wind was mute and devoid of the serenity that he was accustom to while living as a slave of Imladris. He began to feel frightened and the sound of something approaching, something unknown, only deepened his fears.

Figwit heard the approaching presence and moved closer to Lindir. Figwit, calling on the experience that he did have, could tell that whatever approached was anything but their elven pursuers. Whatever approached apparently had no problem announcing its presence. Both Lindir and Figwit huddled together as whatever was approaching them came ever closer.

Legolas could see a shadow come over their hiding place and Lindir and Figwit turned white. Their bodies went rigid and their mouths opened in silent screams. Legolas turned his head in the direction of which his companions looked and then he saw it; a giant spider.

The great beast stood over the hiding places of the three elves and peered at them with eight, shinning, beady eyes. Its legs were black, gaunt and covered with prickly hairs and the beast brandished its white fangs. Lindir was the first to start screaming and Figwit, being just as terrified, started screaming as well.

“NO DON’T SCREAM!” Legolas cried at the top of his lungs and he waved his arms in the air to try and stem the screaming of his companions. But it was to no avail. The two elves were frightened beyond reason. They clung to each other crying out and whimpering pathetically.

Legolas did not know what to do, how could he possibly explain that the famed giant spiders were actually allies of the Mirkwood elves. Deciding that trying to convince the hysterical elves was pointless Legolas turned his attention to the creature.

“I am sorry,” He pleaded to the spider. “They come from a place where people tell dark tales of your kind.” At that, the spider went on the offense and raised its two front legs.

“No,” Legolas cried. “These two seek sanctuary in these woods they are not like the ones who have hunted your kin in the past.”

Though still trembling, Figwit was able to here the words of a conversation. He opened his clenched eyes and looked to see a most peculiar sight. By all appearances Legolas was talking with the giant spider as though he were talking with an actual person. Figwit listened in disbelief as Legolas not only vouched for him and Lindir but he asked the spider to go and seek out the other elves of Mirkwood. The spider made a kind of chirping noise before climbing up into the tree tops and disappearing.

“Legolas, what in the name of the Valar was that? Giant spiders are monsters; it could have eaten you.”

Legolas, seeing that at least one of his companions had calmed down, decided to try and explain. “It is alright Figwit, I know how she must have looked to you but you needn’t fear her.”

“I do not understand.”

There was no time for lengthy explanations and Legolas simply told Figwit that the elves of Mirkwood had long ago forged an alliance with the giant spiders. It was that allegiance that preserved Mirkwood from being conquered by the encroaching Noldor. Legolas also told Figwit that they no longer need fear their pursuers for the spiders would deal with them in their own way.

If ever there was a time that Figwit needed a sip of some strong draught it would be now. He was surrounded by so many strange things. Would he be able to adapt to life in Mirkwood and would he ever think of the giant spiders as his allies? It was too much for his tired mind to comprehend but at least he had Lindir.

With the air of the danger of being recaptured gone, Legolas felt himself for the first time in months beginning to relax, to really relax. He had asked the spider to give notice of his position to the troops of Mirkwood. Soon his kin would be here to collect him.

He did not have to wait long. Like angels in a dream, Mirkwood elves came and Legolas cried out with joy when he saw that his father, king Thranduil, was with them. Both father and son shared a warm embrace and the elves in the King’s guard were just as happy to see their prince returned to them.

But the elves were not too lost in the happiness of their reunion not to notice the two companions that Legolas had with him. Lindir and Figwit did not know how to react to the many stares from the strange elves that surrounded them. But Legolas suddenly declared their names to the company, that they were friends of his and that they sought freedom under the canopy of Mirkwood.

Thranduil was the first to approach them. Clad in armor and girded with a sword, Thranduil was indeed worthy of the title of a warrior king. But then Lindir and Figwit looked into his eyes; completely absent was the malice and arrogance that the Imladris elves often referred to when they spoke of the woodland king. Instead there was only kindness and compassion within the blue eyes.

“Welcome to my home Lindir and Figwit. I hope that within my kingdom you will find all that you seek and more.” His voice was mighty but his tone was that of wisdom and genuine hope for the happiness for newest residents of Mirkwood.

Lindir and Figwit, being unable to just dash away so many years of conditioning, bowed their heads in subjugation. Legolas was the first to tell them that such gestures were unnecessary but his father stopped him before he could finish. Thranduil knew his son meant well but he knew that Lindir and Figwit would have a lot to learn; it was no use forcing them. For now, Thranduil would allow Lindir and Figwit to do whatever made them comfortable.

So, with their prince and his companions within safety, the elven party made its way back to the royal city of Mirkwood. Legolas rode with he father while Lindir and Figwit each rode with a guard. Understanding the nervousness of their charges, the guards made sure to ride very close together so that Lindir and Figwit remained within sight of each other.

Legolas clung to his fathers shoulders and took in this most tender moment. His heart nearly broke when he reflected on time where he thought he would never see his father again. But he had made back to Mirkwood, back to love and safety.

********

By the time Thranduil had returned with his son to the palace of Mirkwood the sun was beginning to set. Legolas could feel fatigue pulling at him but he refused to give in. On the other hand, Lindir and Figwit had long since fallen asleep. Even as the two guards transferred the elves from the horse’s back to their arms, Lindir and Figwit remained asleep.

Legolas was once again seized by a surreal happiness as he looked upon the royal palace. It was the place of his birth and like so many other things he had encountered that day, it was also a place he thought he might never see again. Everywhere there were smiles and sighs of relief that he had returned safe and sound. But just though there was relief there was curiosity as well; just who were these two elves that Legolas had brought with him?

Thranduil had been so happy to see his son that he had not even bothered to ask questions. Legolas was so tired and it would not be good to question him at the moment. Thranduil would wait until his son was rested.

Thranduil dismounted and Legolas did the same but the moment his feet connected with the ground his legs failed him. Legolas stumbled backward and would have fallen had it not been for the arms that caught him. Legolas looked to see that the one who caught him was none other than Haldir.

When Legolas saw him his heart had nearly stopped beating. But there he was and he was real. “Haldir…” Legolas’ voice rang throughout the hall as he enveloped Haldir in a strong embrace. “I missed you so much.” Haldir couldn’t hold back his tears as he too was reunited with some one who was very precious to him. Thranduil joined in the embrace as well, an embrace of father, son and dearest friend.

Legolas, knowing he was in the safest place imaginable, finally gave into his fatigue and fell into sleep. Haldir lifted Legolas up and cradled him against his chest. The former march-warden of Lorien waited for Thranduil to accompany him to Legolas’ chambers.

Only one other matter needed attending before Thranduil could tuck in son into bed. The two elves that had been brought with his son were still asleep and Thranduil instructed that the two elves were not to be separated from each other. The two elves were going to wake in unfamiliar surroundings but at least they could wake with familiar company. The guards understood their king and went to attend to their guests. Thranduil then lead the way while Haldir followed with his precious charge still asleep in his arms.

When they arrived at Legolas’ chambers, Thranduil opened the door and Haldir carried Legolas in. The next half hour was spent bathing Legolas and tending to any wounds he had. Thranduil watched as Haldir reverently combed Legolas’ hair; never had he seen such love go into such a simple task.

“Will you ever tell him?” Thranduil asked softly.

“Thranduil?” Haldir stopped what he was doing and looked at the woodland king. “Tell him what?”

Thranduil smiled. “You know what I mean. Are you going to tell my son just how much he means to you, that you love him?”

Haldir blushed. It was true, he had been in love with Legolas for a very long time now. But never once had he been able to tell Legolas how he felt about him. But that didn’t mean he did not want to. Haldir just did not know how to do it.

When Legolas had been taken prisoner Haldir’s heart had nearly broken and he cringed to think about what Legolas had endured during his captivity. At one point he thought that if Legolas was to appear before him, even if it were only for a minute, he would tell Legolas just how much he cared about him.

Now Legolas was back but Haldir found that he could not reveal his feelings. “Legolas has been through a terrible ordeal and will probably have enough to deal with emotionally. I do not want to burden him with my feelings.”

The two of them fell back into silence. Haldir resumed his task of combing Legolas’ hair. Thranduil did not press the matter further. He had spoken his piece for the time being.


*********

Legolas inhaled deeply and stretched out on the bed that Haldir had just placed him upon. Legolas had barely stirred the entire evening. Even as he was being handled earlier he didn’t wake once. So it was quite a change to see Legolas cuddle a pillow to his chest and rub his feet together under his sheets before falling still again.

Thranduil watched as Haldir pulled a thick quilt up to Legolas’ chin and fluffed the pillows. /Such fuss/ thought Thranduil as he pulled a chair up beside the bed of his son. He wondered what Legolas would do if he knew just how much Haldir had fussed over him this night.

“Well, that is all, he should sleep well tonight.” Haldir said as he stared at the face of his beloved. “I shall take my leave now.”

“You can stay if you wish Haldir.”

Haldir was tempted by Thranduil’s offer. He did indeed want to stay by Legolas but he felt that it would be better if father and son had some time alone. Thranduil understood but asked if Haldir would then be there in the morning and he agreed. The two elves bid each other goodnight and Haldir left the room.

/Haldir, I severely doubt Legolas would find your feelings for him a burden/ Thranduil thought as Haldir left the room.


TBC
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