Inside the Darkness.

Pairing: Legolas/ Lurtz and Elrond/Glorfindel.
Rating : nc-17.
Summary : Legolas finds himself in dangerous company (Lurtz) when he seeks refuge in a cave after a battle.
Author : Morgana (morganalebeau@yahoo.com)
Disclaimer: Only borrowing Tolkien’s characters for my fantasy.

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Prologue

It happened quickly. One moment he was on his feet, sending an arrow into an Orc's heart, the next he was tumbling down on to the ground when he lost his footing. A red, intense pain sliced through his knee, and while burying a tip of his arrow's in an Orc's eye socket, he looked down to assess the injury. White, shattered bone shone from the blood covered flesh and, reeling, he managed to pull himself into the cover of a tree that would hopefully hide him from the Orc's searching eyes.

 

Aragorn led the rest of the Fellowship away from the Orcs, never realizing he had lost one member in the heat of the battle. Legolas drew in a deep breath and managed to ignore the stabbing pain as he crept toward the entrance of a cave to his right. Maybe he would be lucky and the Orcs would forget about him. Pleased, he noticed that the cave went deep underground; it was a perfect hiding place where he could recuperate. Hopefully Aragorn would track him down once the Man realized what had happened. If not, he might be able to defend the narrow cave's entrance against intruders by himself.

 

The blood left a distinct trial on the damp earth, but he didn't have the time nor the energy to hide his tracks. Creeping deeper down in to the bowels of Middle Earth, he finally collapsed in a heap. The pain in his leg overwhelmed him, causing him to lose consciousness. Legolas' eyes turned blank and his breathing grew shallow as he slipped into a deep, black, sleep.

 

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A hungry growl emanated from deep within his throat. The scent of blood was strong and invaded his nostrils. Drawing in the slightly metallic scent, he ventured deeper in to the cave. He moved cautiously, and although his bulky body mass suggested otherwise, he could sneak close without giving himself away. Instinctively he followed the scent and he hid in the shadows of the cave when he located a fallen form in one of the corners.

 

Soundlessly he sneaked closer. The first thing he noticed was the beautiful, almost silver like hair that flowed down the stranger's back. He approached slowly, realizing the stranger was either asleep or unconscious. Encouraged he sat on his heels, trying to steal a look at the stranger's face. Cocking his head, he sniffed the air, inhaled the scent once more and carefully poked the stranger's shoulder.

 

He didn't get a reaction and he poked once more, harder this time. A soft moan echoed through the cave, but the figure remained motionless. Satisfied that the stranger was unconscious, he pushed against the other man's shoulders, hoping the face would be revealed.

 

He gently pushed the silvery hair aside and growled, finding pointed ears beneath his fingertips. An Elf! The stranger was a Firstborn! Momentarily confused, he looked over his shoulder at the entrance of the cave; maybe he should leave before the Elf woke and questioned him, but the metallic scent of blood stopped him. His eyes scanned the Elf's handsome features and suddenly he stared in to blank blue eyes. Ah, he remembered now... Elves slept with their eyes open.

 

Curiously, his fingers traveled down the Elf's face, throat, chest, leg, until they encountered bare bone. He hissed sharply, realizing the Elf was severely injured. He couldn't leave now, as he was unable to turn his back on someone in need. The Elf shivered, mumbled something intelligible and then moaned once more. The stranger's fair features contracted in pain, urging him in to action. Fire, they needed fire; the Elf needed to stay warm.

 

Next he needed to attend to the wound. Dark blood dripped from white bone. Repairing the damage would require force and skill. He had to maneuver the bone back in to the right position and then he would splint it. That meant he needed wood for fire and a few branches for the splint.

 

Gently, he maneuvered the Elf into a lying position, but the injured leg remained twisted. Wood, wood and branches, he needed those first!

 

He walked over to the entrance of the cave, ventured outside, and while ignoring the rain and blazing gale, he collected all the wood he needed. Making a fire would be difficult while the wood remained wet, but he had to try.

 

He returned to the Elf, sat down cross-legged and began to build the fire. It took him several minutes to get the fire going, but in the end the flame blazed strongly.

 

Looking at the branches that remained, he selected two to act as a splint. He moved closer to the Elf, wondering how the beautiful creature had gotten injured. He was about to examine the injured leg when a pair of sapphire blue eyes stared at him in shock.

 

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It was the presence of a gentle warmth that urged him to return to consciousness. Still fighting the dazzling pain, he managed to lift his eyes. He sucked in his breath, finding an Uruk-Hai close and staring back at him. The red and white paint on the dark skin had lost some of its intensity when it had been exposed to the rain, but the creature still looked intimidating. The long, dark hair framed forceful features and a pair of probing black eyes stared back at him.

 

Legolas suddenly realized he was holding his breath, and he released it with a sigh. Only now did he recognize the creature in front of him. The Fellowship had fought him and his men not so long ago. Lurtz, the leader of the fighting Uruk-Hai, sat on his heels next to him. His luck had run out. Lurtz would slowly kill him and the foul creature would most certainly enjoy seeing him suffer. Staring at his leg, he realized that fleeing wasn't an option. Lurtz was in control and all Legolas could do was hope that the Uruk-Hai would tire of him eventually. Maybe then the Uruk-Hai would kill him quickly.

 

Defiantly he met Lurtz's eyes, never begging for mercy and expecting the worst.

 

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Part 2

Questions

 

 

Legolas tried to reach for one of his hunting knives, but froze when Lurtz's eyes followed his every move. He slowly lowered his arm again, not wanting to give the Uruk-Hai a reason to lash out at him. His leg chose that moment to remind him of the injury and he bit his lower lip in an effort to smother a yelp of pain.

 

Lurtz sniffed the air and Legolas realized that the Uruk-Hai had smelled the blood long before Lurtz had tracked him down. It was probably the lure of blood that had brought the creature here in the first place.

 

Legolas took in the Uruk-Hai's appearance. The leather armor and paint were still in place, but the mask was gone. Only now did Legolas realize that Lurtz had started a fire; the foul creature probably wanted to stay warm, but why share the fire's warmth with him? With the enemy? Seeing the branches in Lurtz's hand, Legolas frowned. What were the Uruk-Hai's plans? He tried to move farther away from Lurtz, but his back only encountered cold stone; he was trapped and at the creature's mercy.

 

"You're injured..."

 

Surprised at hearing Lurtz speak, Legolas looked up. Wasn't it obvious that he was injured? What game was Lurtz playing with him? He refrained from answering, unwilling to play along. Suddenly a series of shivers swept through him. The injury weakened him and the cold added to the discomfort. He was too far away from the fire to draw any warmth or comfort from it and the violent shivers continued.

 

"And you're cold..."

 

Wasn't that obvious either? Legolas felt like screaming at the Uruk-Hai, but managed to stay in control of his feelings. He needed to be calm and cunning. "Aye..."

 

Lurtz's expression changed when hearing him speak and Legolas suddenly wondered about the Uruk-Hai. What did Lurtz want? If the Uruk-Hai wanted him dead, wouldn't he be dead by now? Or was Lurtz merely enjoying his games? He decided to wait for the Uruk-Hai's next move.

 

A growl escaped from deep within Lurtz's throat. "You're bleeding..."

 

Although the fact that the Uruk-Hai was actually capable of speech surprised Legolas, he wondered why Lurtz was asking him questions about his well being. Lurtz's eyes lacked their usual bloodlust and Legolas remained motionless. Maybe if Lurtz didn't perceive him as a potential threat the Uruk-Hai would let him live.

 

"I can help... I already started a fire, but I need to move you closer to it."

 

Legolas stared at Lurtz in disbelief; the Uruk-Hai actually seemed concerned! Impossible! A slashing pain found its way up his thigh and now his entire right leg throbbed angrily.

 

"I can tend to your injury... Let me help?"

 

Lurtz was asking him permission to look after his injury? Had the sword that had cut his leg in two been poisoned and was that poison now invading his body, making him hallucinate? Why would Lurtz help him? His hands turned in to fists as he tried to keep in control of the pain, but the anguish he was in clearly showed on his face as he was unable to hide it. He shouldn't show his agony in Lurtz's presence, but the pain was too much. Closing his eyes briefly, he tried to remain afloat on the sea of pain, but was quickly drowning. A strangled moan fled his lips and his eyes flashed open again, wondering what Lurtz would do at seeing him this vulnerable.

 

"I do not understand," admitted Legolas eventually when Lurtz seemed to expect an answer. Lurtz served Saruman and was brutal in battle. Why now tend to an injured Elf who was also his enemy? Legolas pulled back when Lurtz leaned in closer. Looking in to the dark Uruk-Hai's eyes, an unreadable expression stared back at him.

 

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Why was the Elf staring at him with such dread in his eyes? He was merely trying to help! "What's to understand? You are injured and I am offering to help." The look in the Elf's eyes darkened. "Your injury needs immediate attention." He had seen such wounds in battle. /What battle? What battles did I fight?/ Flashes of memories swept through him, showing him blood and gore, Orcs and Man fighting, but he never saw himself in the vision. Was it just his imagination or was he really remembering part of his past?

 

Why had he lost his memory? The first thing he remembered was waking up near the shore, dressed in armor and wearing a mask, which he had immediately disposed of. Ripping the mask from his face had felt liberating and he had started to run toward the trees, where he had found shelter.

 

But then this morning, while studying his armor, he had noticed the dried blood clinging to the leather and he figured he was some sort of warrior who had been injured in battle. While defending the weak he must have sustained a head injury. The Orcs in his vision and dreams were his enemies and he would fight them to the death. And helping a injured fellow warrior was the honorable thing to do. Why didn't the Elf understand that?

 

The blue eyes turned black and then blank. The Elf's stare was empty now and bereft of any emotion. /He's asleep.../ He felt grateful for that because then he could place the splint without causing extra pain. But first he pulled the Elf closer to the fire. The entire time he kept a close eye on the Elf, hoping he wouldn't wake. He sat on his heels and examined the injury, grateful that the fire illuminated most of the cave. His face contorted seeing the extent of the damage. A sharp blade had almost severed the leg and it would take a long time for the injury to heal.

 

His large fingers gently probed the white bone and he drew in a deep breath before pushing it back in to its proper position. A pain filled scream echoed through the cave and the Elf's fingernails dug deeply into the skin of his arm as the Elf tried to stop him from applying more pressure to the injury.

 

He captured the Elf's dazed glance with his eyes and held the other man's stare. "This needs to be done."

 

The Elf's eyes clearly revealed his pain. "Hurts..."

 

"The worst part is over..." He grabbed a corner of Legolas' cloak, ripped off pieces of cloth and used them to set the splint firmly in place. The Elf's nails continued to claw his skin, even drawing blood, but he allowed it, realizing the pain was too much for the Elf. "I'm almost done..." He checked his work and nodded contently. The bone had returned to its proper position and hopefully the improvised bandage would stop the bleeding. Now he had to keep the Elf from going in to shock due to the blood loss. /How come I know all these things?/  Was he a healer as well as a warrior? Why wouldn't his memories return to him? Then he would know who he truly was!

 

The Elf seemed to collapse in himself and startled he moved in closer. He frowned when the Elf tried and then failed to move away from him. It almost seemed like the other man was afraid of him. Why? "I won't hurt you."

 

The Elf's nearly hysteric laughter unnerved him and he feared the injured man was growing feverish. He raised his right hand with the intention to rest it on the Elf's brow to check for any fever, but the Elf suddenly tried to move away from him in earnest, creeping over the ground and dragging his useless leg behind him. "Stop it. You're adding to your injuries."

 

"Nay, I won't surrender without a fight..."

 

Suddenly the Elf lashed out at him with a hunting knife. Instinctively, he grabbed the injured man's wrists and forced the Elf to drop the weapon. As he sought out blue eyes they grew unfocused. The Elf had once more lost consciousness. /Why fight me when I don't mean you any harm? Why do you think of me as the enemy?/

 

Now that the Elf's body had gone limp, he slowly lowered the injured man back on to the ground. He regretted that he didn't have a blanket to cover the Elf with and hoped that the fire would provide all necessary warmth. Looking over his shoulder, he found that the storm was still going strong. He would venture out later, when the storm had settled down, to hunt and refill his water flask.

 

Watching the Elf closely, he wished he knew the injured man's name. He cocked his head and studied the Elf. A solitary beam of moonlight made it through a crack in the cave's ceiling and made the fair hair shine like liquid silver. The beauty of it stole his breath. Entranced, he was unable to look away. Involuntarily he lifted his right hand and let it hover above the silver locks. Curiously, his fingertips touched the braids and then a sea of soft hair flowed through his fingers, caressing the palm of his hand.

 

/I have never seen anything more beautiful... Have I ever seen beauty before? He touches my heart and I will look after him until he's healed enough to continue his journey. Maybe I am a healer; my heart wants to see him healed./

 

Confused, he stared in to the flames and once more visions of battle assaulted him, almost knocking him over and taking his breath away. This time the Orcs were so close that he could actually touch them in his dream. The ugly faces revolted him. His gaze settled on the Elf's face, hoping that the handsome features would drive away the horrid visions... And they did. The memories left him.

 

The Elf shivered violently and he checked the other man's brow for fever. /He feels hot and the fever will stay with him for some time. It will get even worse if the injury becomes infected. I must remain alert and check the wound regularly./ He moved closer and pulled the Elf's head in to his lap. His fingers tangled in the long hair, at times gently stroking the fair locks. Instinctively the Elf moved closer, trying to soak up more body heat.

 

He acted quickly and lay down next to the Elf. He wrapped his strong arms around the injured man and studied the handsome face. /Why fear me?/ The questions returned. /Why fight me?/ He tucked the Elf's head beneath his chin and watched over his charge during the night.

 

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Part 3

First steps.

 

Legolas' brow was covered in cold sweat. An hour ago the fever had gotten worse and he feared that the wound had grown infected. His attempt to check on the injury was stopped by Lurtz, who insisted he should rest instead. After a few more futile attempts Legolas gave in and allowed Lurtz to examine the injury.

 

Realizing he was utterly defenseless, he tried to keep an eye on the Uruk-Hai. Lurtz didn't appear very fond of conversation and remained quiet for most of the time, only speaking to inform him of the wound's condition or admonishing him to rest. He wondered about the Uruk-Hai; Lurtz' behavior mystified him and although he was curious to find out why the creature was acting this compassionately, he didn't dare ask that question, afraid of prompting a change in character and attitude. So he rested instead and let the Uruk-Hai take care of him.

 

Feeling sleepy again, he allowed himself to doze off. He felt strangely secure, being watched over by the Uruk-Hai.

 

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"Nay, I won't give up that easily..."

 

The Elf's rambling caught his attention and he quickly returned to the fire. He had ventured outside to fill his flask, but the Elf's screams pulled him back toward the cave. He would hunt later, hoping to catch a few rabbits which he could prepare over the fire.

 

Blue eyes stared at him in panic. The fever had gradually grown worse and momentarily he felt at a loss as what to do. "Don't move about that much." But the Elf didn't hear him, or maybe the injured man heard something completely different, for his panic increased.

 

"I will die fighting you." A startled scream left the Elf's lips. "Nay, I won't betray my friends. I won't let you kill them!"

 

The Elf took aim at him, but the fist never made contact with his chin. "Calm yourself..." He waited for the injured Elf to grow calm and then moved closer, pulling the shivering form against him. "I don't intend to kill you or your friends. Why do you think you need to fight me?" Dazed blue eyes reluctantly met his. Then something occurred to him. "Or do you know who I am and did you fear me in the past?" He didn't like that particular thought.

 

"You don't fool me," whispered the Elf in an exhausted tone. "I know your dark heart."

 

"My dark heart?" The Elf's determined tone made him tremble. "Who am I?"

 

"I refuse to play your games..." panted the injured Elf softly.

 

"I'm not playing games!" The Elf tried to move away from him, but he didn't allow it. He kept a tight hold on the other man while addressing the Elf once more. "Tell me your name then if you do not want to tell me mine."

 

"You already know my name..."

 

He frowned. /This must mean we met before./ "Remind me once more."

 

"Legolas..."

 

"Legolas..." he softly repeated the name, instantly liking it. "Legolas, now tell me my name."

 

"Nay... I already said too much. No matter how much punishment you deal out, I won't speak again." The sweat on Legolas' brow dripped down his face.

 

"You should rest..." The Elf was exhausting himself. "I give you my word that you're safe."

 

Legolas laughed bitterly. "I won't ever trust an Uruk-Hai..." Then his eyes rolled back in their sockets and he lost consciousness.

 

For a brief moment he feared the Elf had succumbed to the fever, but then he realized that Legolas was merely sound asleep. "Uruk-Hai..." The word sounded familiar, but he didn't know why. So he was an Uruk-Hai? He looked down, studied the armor and paint and found that it repulsed him. Although he didn't want to leave the Elf again, he placed Legolas on the ground, covered him with the Elf's cloak and then ventured outside once more, where the rain was pouring down.

 

He stepped beneath the icy water and smelled the approaching snow. It wouldn't be long before a unspoiled white blanket covered this part of Middle Earth. He didn't wonder why he knew the weather was changing, he simply accepted it. Maybe it was part of being an Uruk-Hai.

 

The cold water washed away the last remnants of war paint on his face. Impulsively he stripped, flung the armor on to a rock and extended his arms, trying to embrace the rainy clouds. Now that the ice cold water dripped down his body he felt somewhat cleaned, almost purified, like the rain had washed away some stain he had carried most of his life. Uncertain what to think of this revelation, he reluctantly put his armor back on and returned to the cave.

 

He found Legolas curled up next to the fire. The cloak did little to keep the Elf warm and angry red spots showed on the bandage. The wound had opened again; a bad sign. Sighing, he dropped to his knees and removed the bandage. Angry, inflamed skin showed at the edges of the injury. /I must stop this infection from spreading further, but how do I do that?/

 

He opened his water flask and washed the wound. A shocked hiss echoed through the cave as Legolas returned to consciousness. "It's growing infected."

 

Legolas bit his lower lip and it kept him from screaming out in pain. When he had found Lurtz hovering above him, his first thought had been that the Uruk-Hai had changed his mind and was going to use his injury against him in order to learn where the Fellowship was headed. He had dreaded that moment for he couldn't reveal Aragorn's whereabouts. Aragorn and the rest of the party had moved on and he had no idea where they were currently headed.

 

"I need you to tell me what to do."

 

Legolas blinked once. Lurtz was asking him for advice? The absurdity of the moment finally pushed him over the edge. Laughing hysterically, he stared in to dark eyes. "Why do you not finish it instead? Why keep me alive? I won't betray my friends, never! What do you want from me?"

 

"I want you to heal..." he said calmly. "And I want you to tell me why you think I'm after your friends. I don't even know whom you're talking about."

 

Legolas' laughter seized abruptly. "You don't know whom I'm talking about? What game is this?"

 

He drew in a deep breath. "I do not know who I am. The only thing I remember is waking up near the shore."

 

Legolas' eyes widened. "You're playing with me... This can't be true."

 

"You told me I was Uruk-Hai, but I do not know what that means. In my dreams I see Orcs and Men fighting, but I never see myself. I do not know who I am."

 

Legolas stared at him in disbelief. "You don't know who you are? I guess it would explain why you're looking after me..."

 

Something inside him stirred. "You don't think I would take care of your injuries should I know my identity?"

 

Legolas shook his head. "You really don't know who you are?"

 

"Do you now also think me a liar?"

 

Legolas relaxed slightly. "Your name's Lurtz and aye, you're Uruk-Hai."

 

The name sounded hollow and not like his at all. "My name is Lurtz?"

 

"Aye..." Legolas suddenly felt lightheaded. Maybe it was safe for the moment to let go and rest. Lurtz seemed to have lost his memory and maybe the Uruk-Hai could be trusted... for now.

 

Lurtz gave Legolas a long and thoughtful glance. "Why do you fear me?"

 

Legolas averted his eyes. It wouldn't be wise to discuss Lurtz's deeds right now. "I'm tired."

 

Lurtz realized what Legolas was up to, but allowed it. "You never answered my question."

 

Legolas sighed deeply. "What question?"

 

"What do I do when the infection grows worse? I do not possess the necessary skills or means to deal with complications."

 

Fatigue sneaked up on Legolas, but he still managed an answer. "Rivendell, the house of Elrond..."

 

"Rivendell?" Somehow the word sounded familiar. "Elrond?" The name sparkled knowledge hidden deep within his mind. An image of a dark haired Elf appeared in his mind's eye and although he knew he had never been there, he knew how to get there! Where did all this knowledge come from? "Journeying there will take days."

 

Legolas raised an eyebrow; he hadn't expected Lurtz to know about Rivendell. What if this was an elaborate scheme and the Uruk-Hai was merely pretending to be amnesic? What could Lurtz gain from this? And would Elrond even allow the Uruk-Hai to enter Imladris? "Elrond is a healer..." Elrond might be able to fight the infection.

 

Lurtz considered his options. /I must do something. By staying here in his cold cave I am not helping him heal and I do not possess the means to heal him. I don't have a choice./ "We will leave at the crack of dawn."

 

Legolas' face contorted. "But I can hardly walk." The trip to Imladris would sap his last strength and the pain would be unbearable, trying to walk. Maybe he could use some branches as crutches?

 

Lurtz threw some more wood on to the fire. "Then I will help you." So far Legolas had given him several clues to his identity. He now knew his name, race and that the Elf had feared to be tortured. He didn't really like the image Legolas was painting. He had been so sure he was an honorable warrior!

 

Legolas shivered again, feeling cold and tired. The added wood made the fire blaze more fiercely and he tried to get closer to it, but his leg hurt too badly, stopping him.

 

"You should drink some water..." Lurtz handed the Elf his flask.

 

Legolas stared at the flask, hesitated, but then accepted it. He slowly placed it at his lips, and wavered again.

 

/What is he thinking? That the water is poisoned? He really doesn't trust me.../ Lurtz nodded once. "It's fresh spring water."

 

Legolas made his decision and drank his fill, then handed back the flask. "Thank you."

 

"I will provide food later." Lurtz watched the Elf who was shivering again. "Let me help." As he rose to his feet, he saw Legolas flinch back, trying to put more distance between them. He froze, contemplating his next move. "I merely want to help you get closer to the fire."

 

Legolas privately berated himself. As long as Lurtz didn't remember who he was there wasn't any danger. He nodded slowly, indicating he accepted the help.

 

Lurtz slipped his arms beneath Legolas' shoulder and back and half carried, half pulled him as closely as possible toward the fire. He caught the soft content moan that left the Elf's lips and allowed himself to smile. "Comfortable?"

 

"Aye..." Legolas reached for his belt and uncovered a small piece of Lembas. "Here, it will give you new strength."

 

Lurtz eyed the food curiously. "It's Elven food."

 

"Aye, here, take it. You will need it if you want to escort me back to Rivendell." Legolas had quickly decided on a plan. As long as Lurtz was willing to help he would take advantage of it. He dropped the food in Lurtz's large hands.

 

"You should eat your share..." Lurtz divided the Lembas equally and handed it back to Legolas. "I will provide for the next meal," he promised. He took a bite out of the Lembas and frowned. It tasted oddly sweet, but he liked the taste.

 

Legolas ate slowly and felt himself slip in to sleep again. The Lembas took away his hunger, but the cold remained and the fever was making him shiver.

 

"You should sleep now..." Legolas' eyes turned blank and Lurtz wondered about the Elf. "I don't know why you won't tell me who I am, but I will find out." Seeing Legolas shake from the cold, he sat down next to the Elf and pulled Legolas in to his arms. He carefully watched the injured leg when he buried Legolas in a warm embrace. "You must stay alive... You must tell me who I am. I will take you to Imladris and Elrond will heal you... And you will reward me by telling me everything you know about me..."

 

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Part 4

Added injuries

 

Legolas gave Lurtz a look filled with disbelief. "You can't carry me all the way to Imladris."

 

"I can try..." Lurtz refused to release the Elf and even tightened his hold on Legolas. "You can't walk and this is the fastest way."

 

Legolas had long realized one thing about Lurtz; the Uruk-Hai was stubborn and wouldn't change his mind so he clasped one hand behind Lurtz's neck and held on tightly as the Uruk-Hai carried him along. Part of him still couldn't believe Lurtz was taking care of him, but then again... His feverish mind suddenly produced a startling thought... "Do you know how the Uruk-Hai were created?" He knew Lurtz thirsted for knowledge and he would feed the other man morsels until they reached Imladris.

 

"No," whispered Lurtz and he looked Legolas in the eyes. "Will you tell me?"

 

"Aye." Legolas rested his head against Lurtz chest. He disliked the feel of leather against his cheek, but he focused on telling Lurtz about the origin of the foul creatures. "They were Elves once, but the dark forces caught and altered them." He didn't mention the evil that had taken hold of their once pure hearts, which had turned dark. Lurtz gave him a shocked glance and Legolas decided to continue, ignoring the danger of triggering Lurtz's memories. "An Istar called Saruman..."

 

The name triggered something inside Lurtz's mind and he growled dangerously. "Saruman..."

 

Legolas froze, hearing the dangerous hiss to Lurtz's voice. He had said too much! Why hadn't he been more careful? "Lurtz..."

 

"We serve Saruman..." Lurtz's eyes flashed ominously and he stared at the Elf in his arms, unexpectedly pulling back and dropping his charge hard to the ground.

 

Legolas reached instinctively and extended his arms to catch his fall. His right hand made first contact with the ground and Legolas' eyes widened, hearing the bone snap. Then the rest of his body impacted and a hot white fire sliced through his leg. Lurtz hovered above him, growling and eyeing him suspiciously. The Uruk-Hai's hands had changed in to claws and Legolas recognized the feral look in Lurtz's eyes. Suddenly Lurtz grabbed his already injured right wrist and yanked it hard. Unable to keep the pain inside, he released a keening wail. 

 

Lurtz blinked, released a shuddering breath and quickly stepped away from the Elf. The expression in his eyes changed and then they widened in disbelief. "Forgive me. I don't know what came over me. Did I hurt you?"

 

Legolas tried to read the expression in Lurtz's eyes and only found regret and guilt. Gone was the primal glare in those dark eyes, which had oddly softened. He cradled his broken wrist against his chest, annoyed at the added injury.

 

"Let me look at it," offered Lurtz in an uncertain tone. He extended one arm, opened his hand and offered his palm as a peace offering.

 

Legolas sighed and accepted. The evil that had taken possession of Lurtz was gone now. "It is nothing. Do not trouble yourself."

 

Lurtz shook his head. "I inflicted the injury... I should tend to it. I don't know what came over me... Orcs surrounded me and there was blood..." Lurtz frowned. "These Orcs wore war paint much like mine."

 

"They weren't Orcs," offered Legolas. "But Uruk-Hai."

 

"Why would I fight my own people?" Lurtz sat on his heels and gently pried Legolas' arm away from his chest. After manipulating it, he realized it was broken and he ripped off another piece of fabric from Legolas' cloak to bandage the damaged wrist.

 

Legolas bit his lip. He shouldn't really say this... "They are evil. The Uruk-Hai serve Saru..." He hesitated, recalling Lurtz's reaction earlier at hearing that name.

 

"Saruman," finished Lurtz for him, but this time the rage didn't come over him and he felt calm and in control. Why had he reacted like that to hearing the Istar's name? Lurtz shook his head. "But I am not evil."

 

Legolas remained quiet. /If only you knew the truth.../

 

"I can take them on should we encounter Orcs or Uruk-Hai," said Lurtz determinedly. "But now we should continue our journey. Rivendell is still days away..." And the Elf's fever worried him. Legolas' eyes shone with fever and cold sweat still covered the Elf's brow.

 

Legolas shivered. In spite of the fever raging inside his body he felt cold to the bone. The snow and dropping temperature were only making things worse. Suddenly he was lifted again and Lurtz pulled him close. "You can't keep this up all day..."

 

"We will make camp for the night," decided Lurtz. "And then I will hunt. You need to eat."

 

Legolas grimaced. He wasn't sure he could eat at all. "I'm not hungry."

 

"You will eat," decreed Lurtz, carrying the Elf deeper in to the forest.

 

Legolas watched the Uruk-Hai closely and was surprised to see the tormented expression in Lurtz's eyes. "What's troubling you?"

 

"I attacked you," whispered Lurtz. His tone was full of self loathing. "I must have assumed you were an Orc."

 

/Nay, your true nature showed for an instant and you recognized me as the enemy. You wanted to take me prisoner or end my life. When I yelped, the memories left, but they can return unexpectedly. You are a danger to me now. We need to make haste.../

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

"You're brooding," remarked Lurtz. He had made camp at a clearing, wanting to see their enemies approach in case of a fight. "I apologize for my earlier behavior. I never intended to add to your injuries."

 

Legolas shivered. The combined fever and cold were making it hard for him to think clearly. The cloak did little to keep him warm and the wood was too damp due to the snow to start a fire. "Cold..."

 

Lurtz nodded. "Maybe I can help..." He got to his feet and looked at Legolas. "I want you to sleep now. I need to hunt."

 

Legolas didn't want to fall asleep, but the trip had exhausted him and the cold was luring him in to unconsciousness.

 

Lurtz waited until Legolas' eyes were blank and then disappeared between the trees. Using hunting instincts and skills he didn't know he possessed he caught several rabbits and even a small deer. He returned to the fire and checked on Legolas. The Elf was groaning softly, and his brow was furrowed. "He is not getting better."

 

Why the Elf's well being was this important to him he didn't know, but he vowed that Legolas would recover, no matter what the cost. He gutted the animals, and removed the blood and gore from the fur. Using a piece of string and a sharp bone he began to sow the furs together, creating a small, but warm blanket. After cleaning it with snow, he placed it on top of Legolas' body. The Elf stirred at first, but then sighed contently, growing warm beneath the blanket.

 

Lurtz once more tried to start a fire and this time he succeeded. Pleased at his accomplishments, he selected the best pieces of meat and placed them over the fire. Tonight they wouldn't go hungry.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Legolas' nostrils twitched, smelling the meat. His eyes lost their vacant expression and he focused his glance on Lurtz, who was already eating. Suddenly he realized that something heavy was pushing him down and his hands explored the furs that covered him. Realizing that this was Lurtz's way of keeping him warm, he whispered a soft thank you.

 

"Eat." Lurtz handed him some meat.

 

Legolas took a bite, and was surprised at how well it tasted. Knowing how feral the Uruk-Hai were he had expected it to be raw and dripping with blood. This was a nice surprise. "Thank you," he whispered once more.

 

"Don't forget to drink."

 

Legolas shakily accepted the flask with his left hand and drank some of the water. "We will stay here for the night?"

 

Lurtz nodded. "I don't want to travel in the dark when you can't defend yourself. In the darkness we present an easy target."

 

Legolas felt the insane urge to laugh. "Are you worried about Orcs attacking us?"

 

"Or Uruk-Hai. I am not taking any chances."

 

Legolas marveled at the absurdity of the situation. /You are part of the Uruk-Hai. I don't know what will happen if you run in to them. Will your memory return? Or will you fight them? Given the chance, they will surely remind you of who you really are and then you'll delight in taking me prisoner or killing me./

 

"You're brooding again. Why is it that I see fear and doubt in your eyes whenever you look upon me? Is it because I accidentally attacked you earlier? I already told you that don't know what came over me. It won't happen again."

 

"I know you're serious," replied Legolas thoughtfully, wrapping the fur blanket closer around his shivering frame. "But you can't control this... darker side of you. When the memories take over you lose control. It will happen again."

 

Lurtz firmly shook his head. "I won't hurt you again!"

 

Legolas managed a weak smile. /I know you're serious, but you don't know what you're dealing with. Your true nature will show and guide you back to darkness./

 

"Legolas?" Lurtz moved in closer. "Tomorrow we will find a way across the river." They would cut their journey short with at least two days by crossing the river.

 

"Then we must find a boat..." Legolas' head lolled to its right. His leg was numb now and he felt thankful that the pain was momentarily gone. Even with the fur blanket he felt cold, icy cold. /Aragorn, I regret deserting you, but I can't lead Lurtz to the hobbits. I still can't rule out that this is a ploy to gain my trust. I hope the hobbits are well and that you will be able to destroy the Ring./

 

"You're still cold..." Lurtz rose to his feet.

 

"Aye, but I can manage..." His teeth chattered, revealing the lie. Legolas sucked in his breath when Lurtz lay down behind him, pulling him close and covering him with the blanket. /What is he doing?/

 

"I will keep you warm. It's the least I can do after attacking you."

 

/He really feels guilty about attacking me! I never believed an Uruk-Hai could feel guilt... or compassion, but... Lurtz seems genuine. Maybe it's the amnesia.../ Legolas felt uncomfortable when Lurtz maneuvered them closer, but the other man's body heat warmed his chilly bones. He was unable to pull away and create some distance between them.  A strong arm circled his waist, holding him close. Was it just his imagination or was Lurtz really stroking his hair? It had to be the fever!

 

"Sleep now. We have a long and tiring day ahead of us. The fire is dying, but I will keep you warm..."

 

Legolas was lured in to sleep when Lurtz continued to gently stroke his hair and the other man's body heat finally pushed him over the edge. He was warm and looked after... safe for the moment. He could rest.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Lurtz deeply inhaled Legolas' scent. In spite of the feverish sweat that mixed with the Elf's scent, he found it strangely soothing. His arms tightened, as an absurd urge overtook him; he would never again release Legolas. He would always stay close to the Elf, even if that meant following Legolas' lead and taking the Elf to Rivendell.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Part 5

The River

 

The first thing Legolas became aware of was being warm and feeling safe. Strong arms were wrapped around him and he sighed contently. The pain in his leg and wrist were momentarily subdued and he concentrated on the warmth surrounding him. Then he startled. There was only one person who could be holding him; Lurtz!

 

Alarmed, he wanted to move away from the Uruk-Hai, but Lurtz's hold was strong and he found that he barely had space to maneuver. Resigned to his fate, he remained in the embrace. /I wonder what he is thinking. Doesn't he wonder if he is evil as well now that I described the Uruk-Hai as evil? His concern baffles me and now I find myself in his arms and I even feel safe./

 

"You should rest a little longer. We won't leave until sunrise."

 

Lurtz's voice startled him. He hadn't realized that the Uruk-Hai was awake as well. After privately debating the matter, he looked over his shoulder and in to Lurtz's dark eyes. "You did not need to keep me warm."

 

"But I wanted to."

 

Lurtz actually smiled, totally baffling Legolas. Suddenly Lurtz's pointed ears made him wonder if there was an Elf hidden beneath the Uruk-Hai. However, the sharp teeth that showed when Lurtz smiled reminded him that he was dealing with Saruman's creation. "It stopped snowing," he remarked, trying to distract himself from his unsettling thoughts.

 

"But the wind is gaining in strength and it will work against us when we cross the river."

 

Lurtz made no attempt to release him and Legolas began to feel uncomfortable. It almost seemed like Lurtz enjoyed holding him close. There was an unreadable expression in those dark eyes. "How do you plan to cross the river?" He couldn't swim, not with his injured leg.

 

"I will build a raft," said Lurtz calmly.

 

Lurtz continued to gaze in to his eyes and Legolas eventually averted his, uncomfortable at being the center of attention. Why was Lurtz staring at him like that?

 

"You seem better today," noticed Lurtz.

 

Suddenly a large hand settled on his brow. The fever was gone, but the leg still throbbed painfully. "Elves recover swiftly."

 

"Even Elven bones need time to heal," remarked Lurtz, finally unwrapping himself from Legolas' body. "Stay under the blanket a little longer; you'll be warm there. I want to scout ahead and get started on the raft. I will come back for you when everything's ready."

 

"I can help," said Legolas stubbornly. He doubted he could walk unaided, but he didn't want to let his helplessness show.

 

"No, you will stay here. By trying to help you will only aggravate your condition."

 

Legolas sighed and pulled the fur blanket closer to his body. Lurtz wouldn't change his mind.

 

Lurtz turned around and walked toward the river.

 

/I am not even thinking of trying to escape. I should try to make it on my own to Rivendell, but Lurtz... I never thought I would say it, but I am starting to trust him. The only thing that worries me are his memories. When they return they will corrupt Lurtz and he will change back in to the brutal servant of Saruman./

 

Biting down the pain that emanated from his leg and wrist, he willed himself back to sleep.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Lurtz finished putting the raft together and looked proudly at his handiwork. It was big enough to carry Legolas over the river.

 

The river... The river worried him. It was growing restless, and the currents were getting stronger. Crossing the river was dangerous, but he couldn't postpone it. Legolas needed a healer.

 

Searching the sky, he shivered. A storm was brewing and would hit before nightfall. They had to hurry.

 

As a precaution he hit the raft between some bushes and he returned to the camp side where he found Legolas sound asleep. A smile crept across his features; the Elf was beginning to trust him.

 

He sat down on his heels and gently shook the Elf. "It is time to wake up, Legolas." His heart missed a beat as sapphire eyes met his. /He is beautiful./

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Legolas blinked dazedly; realizing that Lurtz wasn't the enemy he had been dreaming of took him a moment. The missing leather mask and war paint reminded him of  Lurtz's amnesia and once more he wondered about the expression in Lurtz's eyes. The Uruk-Hai almost seemed pleased. "I am afraid I won't be much help..." Being exposed to the cold while being immobile had made his leg go numb.

 

Lurtz reacted at once and Legolas sucked in his breath when Lurtz gathered him in his arms, always making sure the blanket covered him. Lurtz carried him to the river and Legolas tried to make sense of what was happening. The look in Lurtz's eyes made him apprehensive.

 

Unexpectedly Lurtz lowered him to the ground and Legolas watched as Lurtz uncovered the raft. Then he looked at the roaring river. "We can't cross today."

 

Lurtz shook his head. "I am not waiting for the river to calm down. We can't waste any time, not now your leg's infected."

 

Legolas considered objecting, but knew it would be futile. "The raft is not big enough for the two of us."

 

"It's big enough for you."

 

Legolas' eyes widened, realizing Lurtz's intentions. "You can't swim in that icy cold water!"

 

Lurtz shrugged his shoulders. "I will manage."

 

Legolas suddenly found himself lifted and being placed on the raft. "The water is wild and like ice. You can't do this." But Lurtz didn't listen and Legolas began to grow annoyed. Lurtz pushed the raft on to the restless river and the water already reached the Uruk-Hai's waist. "This is madness!"

 

Lurtz remained quiet and Legolas held on to the raft as the current pulled them in the wrong direction. Lurtz corrected their course and Legolas watched the Uruk-Hai with growing concern. The water had climbed to Lurtz's chin and the other man regularly swallowed mouthfuls of water.

 

"Hold on."

 

Lurtz's warning came just in time. Legolas held on to the raft when a wave of brutal water nearly threw them against a rock. Lurtz's strength saved them, pulling them away from the rocky shore. /This is madness! The river is wild and won't let us cross!/

 

"We're almost there..."

 

Lurtz's voice was barely audible through the roaring river. Legolas ignored the stabbing pain in his wrist and dug his fingernails in to the wood for support. His leg ached badly, but he was determined to see this through. Suddenly, another wave of water rolled over them and Legolas yelled a warning, but it was too late. The water closed over Lurtz's head, pulling him beneath the water.

 

Legolas frantically stared at the water, trying to locate Lurtz's form. His worry increased when Lurtz didn't make it back to the surface and suddenly his sharp eyes made out a form to his right. Arms stretched, head down, Lurtz seemed unconscious. Legolas acted at once, rolled off the raft and reached for Lurtz. The Uruk-Hai was heavy, but after a short struggle he managed to pull Lurtz back to the surface. "Breathe!"

 

Lurtz's eyes flashed open and he coughed up the swallowed water. Legolas quickly checked the expression in Lurtz's eyes; the Uruk-Hai was growing alert once more. "The shore... I can't swim..." Rescuing Lurtz had taken his last strength.

 

Lurtz's right arm enfolded his waist and the Uruk-Hai headed for the shore, dragging Legolas with him.

 

Doing his best to remain conscious, Legolas bit down the pain slashing through his leg. Spiting out some cold water, he watched the distance to the shore decrease. Lurtz was going to make it!

 

Lurtz grabbed him tightly, and carried him ashore. Then the Uruk-Hai fell to his knees and lowered Legolas on to the grass. They were safe now; the roaring water was behind them.

 

Legolas briefly closed his eyes, hardly believing they had made it.

 

"You're bleeding..."

 

Lurtz's voice pulled him back. He tasted the coppery tang of blood on his lips. "It is nothing..." He had bit his bottom lip when the pain had gotten too much. Now his leg was numb again, for which he was thankful.

 

"You saved my life..."

 

Lurtz's eyes were filled with gratitude and the expression caused a lump to form in Legolas' throat. "It is the least I can do..." Legolas sighed deeply. The cold, wet clothes were uncomfortable and he was losing the sensation in his right leg and wrist.

 

"You need to get warm..." Lurtz quickly assessed the situation and lifted Legolas once more.

 

"I can walk!" protested Legolas. He was getting tired of being carried around like a child!

 

"Be quiet!" Lurtz scanned their surroundings, hoping to find a cave... "I need to build a shelter."

 

Legolas simply allowed Lurtz to carry him deeper in to the forest where he was lowered on to the ground again. Lurtz busied himself with building a shelter made from branches. In the end, Lurtz carried him beneath the improvised shelter and he froze when the Uruk-Hai began to remove his tunic. "What are you doing?"

 

"We need to stay warm. I refuse to freeze to death now that we conquered the river."

 

Lurtz stripped him quickly and Legolas shivered, seeing blood drip from beneath the bandaged knee. The wound was bleeding once more. He grew alert when Lurtz began to remove his clothes as well. /Just what does he think he's doing?/

 

Lurtz didn't speak, but maneuvered them in to a lying position, which them laying face to face. He then grabbed the remaining branches and leaves and placed them on top of their shivering bodies.

 

The skin on skin sensation caused Legolas to sigh contently. Lurtz, wrapped all around him, held him tight. /I can't believe I am enjoying being this close to him. What's wrong with me? He is the enemy!/

 

"We'll leave at dawn. Our clothes should be dry by then and hopefully we will reach Rivendell the day after tomorrow."

 

Legolas nodded against Lurtz's shoulder. "I wish I was back in Mirkwood, in my bed..." He had always enjoyed sleeping in the open, beneath the starlit sky, but now he craved a warm and comfortable bed.

 

"Mirkwood?"

 

"My home..." Legolas felt himself slip away; soon he would be asleep.

 

"Legolas?"

 

"Aye?" Legolas was trying to listen, but sleep tugged at his exhausted soul.

 

"Thank you for saving my life, but don't do such a foolish thing ever again."

 

"Foolish?" whispered a sleepy Legolas.

 

"You could have drowned... or be smashed against those rocks. Elves can die, you know..."

 

Legolas smiled against Lurtz's shoulder. His mind was already asleep when he whispered his reply. "I am not ready to die yet..."

 

Lurtz returned the smile and stroked the long, wet hair. "Neither am I... and thanks to you I'm still alive." A new sensation slipped in to his soul. It was more than just concern, but he couldn't label the feeling. "You care about me..." Knowing that Legolas cared enough to save him from drowning warmed his soul. "I will stay with you, Legolas. I will watch over you." Lurtz pulled Legolas as close as possible and held on, needing to prove to himself that the Elf was still alive. The river hadn't bested them and their journey continued.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Part 6

Attack

 

Lurtz was unable to fall asleep that night. Until dawn he pondered everything that had happened to him since meeting Legolas. The Elf had told him that the Uruk-Hai were evil and deep down in his soul he knew that Legolas was right. That evil had taken over when the Elf had spoken Saruman's name. He had instantly recognized the name and it had unleashed an unbridled fury in him. Once his anger had awakened, he had realized that he had hurt his companion and he feared it could happen again. But leaving Legolas wasn't an option. The Elf still needed him.

 

/I want to stay with him, but I can't. I'm a danger to him. I must leave after we arrive at Rivendell. I can't continue to place him in danger like that./ The mere thought of leaving Legolas made his heart ache, but he knew it was the sensible thing to do. The rages still lurked in his mind and he might hurt Legolas even worse the next time his anger surfaced. He had to put some distance between them.

 

The Elf stirred in his arms and the blue eyes lost their vacant look. Lurtz immediately grew alert. "Is something wrong?"

 

"Aye... They're coming..." Legolas' eyes narrowed. "I can feel them."

 

Lurtz frowned. "Who are?"

 

"The Orcs... and Uruk-Hai. They must have followed our tracks." Legolas drew in a deep breath. "Hopefully I can still wield a sword."

 

"You're staying clear of the fighting," decided Lurtz. "You're too easy a target." The glare Legolas shot him made his blood flow faster. "I want you to hide and to let me deal with them."

 

Legolas shook his head. "I'm wounded, not incapable of defending myself."

 

Lurtz loved seeing the wild spirit shine from Legolas' eyes. "End of discussion."

 

Legolas groaned softly. "You can't take them on alone!"

 

"I can." Lurtz felt comfortable he could take out their enemies. "May I use your weapons?" He had lost his together with his memory.

 

Legolas nodded slowly. "They will serve you well."

 

Lurtz removed the branches and leaves that covered them and started to put his armor back on. Secretly he sneaked a look at Legolas. The Elf was naked and looked gorgeous in the moonlight. /I don't remember ever feeling like this.../

 

Lurtz finished dressing, reverently took hold of Legolas' sword and hunting knives and scanned his surroundings. "I sense them as well..." But his blood sung in welcome, like he was going to be reunited with his long lost brothers. He shook off the feeling, determined not to give in to his dark side and mentally prepared himself for the fight.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Legolas hated the fact that he was a mere witness to the fight; he would have preferred to participate in it, but Lurtz was probably right. Their attackers would concentrate on him and Lurtz's attention would be divided between defending him and attacking the Orcs. He obeyed when Lurtz ordered him to hide behind the shelter and from his hide out, he watched Lurtz.

 

The Orcs and Uruk-Hai that approached Lurtz suddenly came to a halt. Surprise shone from their eyes and Legolas feared that their presence would sparkle Lurtz's memory again. Then Lurtz would turn against him and in his current state he couldn't fight them off successfully.

 

The surprise in the Uruk-Hais' eyes changed to disbelief when Lurtz charged. Using the element of surprise to his advantage, Lurtz took out several Orcs and Uruk-Hai before they knew what was happening. Then they charged as well, aiming their swords, arrows and daggers at Lurtz.

 

Legolas couldn't help but admire Lurtz's fighting skills. None of their attackers stood a chance and once they realized that, they retreated.

 

Now that they were gone, Legolas pulled himself to his feet and leaned heavily against a tree for support. Lurtz's back was turned toward him and he couldn't see the expression on the other man's face. Slowly, biting down the pain, he advanced on Lurtz. Suddenly, Lurtz spun around, flung himself at him and Legolas released a keening wail when his feet were pulled away from underneath him. A red, hot pain sliced through his leg.

 

Lurtz's eyes were dark and wild and without recognition. Legolas remained completely motionless, hoping the berserker rage would leave Lurtz. "It's I, Legolas..." Lurtz was pushing him down and the Uruk-Hai had grabbed his wrists, pinning them above his head. He felt utterly defenseless. "Stop it."

 

Suddenly the expression in Lurtz's eyes changed, and his eyes turned warm. He instantly released Legolas' wrists and jumped to his feet.

 

Legolas sighed relieved. "Could you help me back on to my feet?" Lurtz's eyes avoided his and he read the guilt on the Uruk-Hai's face. He extended his left hand, hoping Lurtz would get the hint. After a long moment, Lurtz took hold of his hand and helped him to his feet.

 

"I did it again..." Lurtz's voice was heavy with guilt. "I'm a danger to you."

 

"You got carried away in battle." Legolas rested his left hand on Lurtz's shoulder for support. "You stopped when you realized you were hurting me. No harm was done... except to these foul creatures." Several dead Orcs and Uruk-Hai lay at Lurtz's feet. Legolas finally made eye contact with his companion. "You made the right choice. Given the chance they would have killed me."

 

Lurtz shrugged. "I saw trust in their eyes before I charged. Like they rejoiced to see me."

 

Legolas carefully chose his words. "Your heart is no longer ruled by hate and anger. The evil has left. You are no longer a part of them."

 

Lurtz shook his head. "I was one of them once, wasn't I? They knew me... They weren't going to attack, but ask me to join them."

 

Legolas nodded once. "Aye, it's true. You belonged to a pack of Uruk-Hai and you took part in their battles, but you changed."

 

"Will I change back in to what I was when the memories return?"

 

The lost expression in Lurtz's eyes caused a lump to form in Legolas' throat. "I hope not. I find that I value you as a friend, a companion."

 

Lurtz managed a weak smile at hearing that. "And so do I."

 

Legolas returned the smile. "We should leave now. They will come back with reinforcements."

 

"Shouldn't you put some clothes on first? You're still naked."

 

Legolas almost blushed, almost, as he felt Lurtz's eyes caress his body. He was old and experienced enough to realize what was happening. Lurtz was falling in love with him and he was starting to return those feelings. /We can never work out. I should not encourage him./ "Would you fetch my clothes? I'm afraid I will need your assistance."

 

Lurtz obeyed, collected the green tunic and helped Legolas slip in to his clothes. "Lean on me," he offered as the Elf almost took a fall while balancing on one leg.

 

Legolas slung an arm around Lurtz's neck and the Uruk-Hai's arm encircled his waist in return, almost carrying him. "If we make haste we can arrive at Rivendell before the moon rises again."

 

Lurtz remained silent. What was going through the other man's head? Legolas wished he knew. Fighting those Orcs and Uruk-Hai had definitely changed Lurtz's life. Part of him hadn't been sure Lurtz would follow through once realizing he was fighting his own kind, but apparently the urge to protect him had been stronger, for which he felt grateful. Stealing a look at Lurtz, he was surprised to find a content smile grace his features and he wondered what Lurtz would look like once properly cleaned up, hair combed and braided and dressed in a tunic. /I am making him in to Elf... What am I thinking? He is not an Elf and will never be one.../

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Lurtz grew concerned when Legolas began to heavily lean on him. They had been walking for hours and the Elf was tiring. He however, still felt energetic and didn't plan on stopping any time soon. He was determined to reach Rivendell as quickly as possible.

 

"What are you doing?"

 

Lurtz lifted Legolas and cradled him against his chest. "You're slowing us down." Legolas' big eyes amused him. "It is true, you're slowing us down!" Lurtz studied Legolas' eyes when the Elf didn't protest again. "Why didn't you tell me you're tired?"

 

Legolas gave Lurtz an apologetic look. "I'm not tired, not really, it's my leg..."

 

"I know you're in pain... That's why we can't stop." Lurtz quickened his pace.

 

"But even you have to rest! There's no point in exhausting yourself!"

 

Lurtz grinned. "Elf," he said teasingly, "I don't tire easily. I can go one for a few more hours."

 

Legolas didn't know how to react to the teasing tone and stared hard at Lurtz. The Uruk-Hai continued to march and the silence between them urged Legolas to speak again. "Are you troubled?"

 

"Troubled?"

 

"Our attackers..."

 

Lurtz carefully considered his answer. "What troubles me is the fact that I am capable of evil, of hurting you. I possess too much strength to lose control like that."

 

"You need to have faith."

 

Lurtz laughed bitterly. "When I fought those Uruk-Hai I saw myself reflected in their eyes. I'm like them."

 

"Nay, not any more," protested Legolas.

 

"You put too much faith in me, Elf..." Lurtz's tone softened. "I do not deserve your trust."

 

"You do." Legolas smiled weakly, wondering how many more hours Lurtz planned on carrying him.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Lurtz reluctantly agreed that they needed to search for shelter. It had started to pour and a strong wind slowed him down. He located a cave and carried Legolas inside. He lowered the Elf to the ground and found that the blue eyes were vacant once more. Acting instinctively he leaned in closer, brushing Legolas' brow with his lips. What madness was this?

 

His action startled him and he quickly pulled back. He shouldn't have kissed Legolas while the Elf was asleep.

 

Lurtz released a tormented sigh and rose to his feet again. Maybe he could find something to eat and refill his flask. He made sure Legolas was resting comfortably and then ventured out in to the rain again.

 

The sky had darkened and even the moon hid behind dark clouds. His sharpened vision guided him through the darkness and he grew alert when the air brought an alien scent with it. A horse... and its owner...

 

Lurtz hid behind a tree, listening closely as the horse approached. Surprised, he noticed that the black horse's saddle was empty. Where was its rider?

 

Unexpectedly someone crashed in to him from behind and Lurtz lost his balance, beginning to fall. Even during the fall he spun around and grabbed his attacker in a choke hold. At first he thought Legolas had been so foolish to sneak up on him, but the long blond hair didn't belong to his companion; the scent was wrong. His fingers located pointed ears beneath his fingertips. /Another Elf!/ He tried to twist around again, but he acted too late. The Elf hit the ground hard, his shoulder and back of the head taking the heaviest blow.

 

The blond Elf yelped in pain as he hit the ground and his face was finally revealed. Lurtz had never seen this Elf before, but the blue eyes once more reminded him of Legolas. "Who are you? Why did you sneak up on me?" The Elf's eyes suddenly cracked, and grew empty. Lurtz immediately bowed down, and as his hand cradled the Elf's head, something warm and sticky clung to his fingers. / A head injury... I can't leave him here... I will carry this one back to the cave. Maybe Legolas knows what to do.../

 

He ripped a piece of fabric from the blond's cloak and used it to bandage the Elf's head. Lurtz lifted his victim and shook his head. /Why is this happening to me? Why are Elves crossing my path now?/

 

Resigned, he started his way back to the cave, hoping Legolas knew how to care for this Elf.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

"Legolas, wake up..."

 

Lurtz's voice interrupted his sleep and his eyes opened slowly. Legolas was about to ask Lurtz why the other man had woken him, when he caught sight of the motionless form in the Uruk-Hai's arms. "What happened?" He brushed the locks out of the other Elf's face and sucked in his breath. "What's he doing here?"

 

"You know him?"

 

"Aye..." Legolas' fingers quickly examined the head injury. "What did you do?"

 

"It wasn't my fault," said Lurtz defensively. "He attacked me from behind, using his horse to distract me."

 

"His horse? Where is it?"

 

"Outside... it followed us back to the cave." Lurtz looked and sounded crestfallen. "How badly injured is he?"

 

"He'll survive," said Legolas softly. "But he will suffer headaches..." The wound was still bleeding and the loss of blood worried Legolas. "At least now we know we're close to Rivendell."

 

Lurtz raised an eyebrow. "And we know that because...?"

 

Legolas smoothed back a stray lock from the other Elf's face. "Because Glorfindel never strays far from Rivendell... Lurtz, we need to leave at sunrise." Suddenly he shot a grin at Lurtz. "Hopefully the head injury won't cause any amnesia."

 

Lurtz groaned. Now he had two injured Elves to take care of...

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Part 7

Inside the Darkness

 

Glorfindel groaned; his head felt heavy and a roaring drum sounded close to his ears. His memories were hazy, but he remembered sneaking up on an Uruk-Hai, sending his horse ahead of him to distract the foe. But the move had backfired. The Uruk-Hai had detected him and had thrown him to the ground with all his might. He felt embarrassed for losing consciousness like that, but the blow to his head had been shattering.

 

Waking up, he heard two strange voices to his right. One was firm and melodic, the other raw.

 

"You are safe here, Glorfindel. Lurtz regrets his actions, but he did not know it was you," said Legolas.

 

The empty look of sleep faded from Glorfindel's eyes, but the darkness around him remained. Where was he and why couldn't he see in the dark? His Elven sight should allow him to pierce the darkness and to make out his attacker's form. He cocked his head, rubbed his eyes, but nothing helped. The darkness remained. /I can't let my enemy know that I am at a disadvantage. I must act like nothing is wrong./

 

"Glorfindel? Do you not remember me? I am Legolas of Mirkwood. We met at Elrond's Council."

 

Aye, the name sounded familiar and he even recognized the voice. But why did the darkness remain? What was wrong with his vision? Had the fall caused this condition?  "Aye, I remember you..." He heard Legolas' relieved sigh; realizing the other Elf wasn't a threat he focused on his attacker. Legolas had mentioned a name, Lurtz. He was just about to ask Legolas some questions when another voice joined the conversation.

 

"I truly regret throwing you to the ground. I did not know you were an Elf... and a friend. Legolas only just told me who you are," said Lurtz softly.

 

Glorfindel finally managed to put the pieces of the puzzle together. /What an inconvenient time to lose my vision.../ But his other senses would grow more alert and compensate for the loss of sight. /And maybe Elrond can help./

 

"Elf...?" Lurtz cocked his head, trying to determine what was wrong. Glorfindel's face was hidden behind long blond hair and he was unable to read the Elf's expression, but he was fairly sure that something was amiss. He exchanged a glance with Legolas, who now removed the improvised bandage to check on Glorfindel's head wound.

 

"It is still bleeding," said Legolas concerned. "Lurtz, I need more fabric to bandage his head."

 

Lurtz grabbed what remained of Legolas' cloak, ripped off some fabric and handed it to Legolas. He frowned when Legolas tried to hide the pain that emanated from his injured wrist. "Maybe I should tend to him."


"I can manage." Legolas bandaged Glorfindel's head once more and pushed back some locks. However, he froze in his movement when Glorfindel pulled away from his touch. The other Elf's midnight blue eyes stared hard at the ground and an unsettling thought crept in to Legolas' mind. "Glorfindel?"

 

Glorfindel reacted instinctively, looked up and tried to stare at Legolas' face, hoping he wasn't looking in the wrong direction. He had to keep his blindness a secret until they reached Rivendell. "Why are you traveling with an Uruk-Hai for a companion?" Why hadn't the foul creature killed them yet and why had Lurtz apologized for his actions?

 

Legolas nodded slowly while passing his left hand in front of Glorfindel's face. The other Elf didn't react, confirming his suspicious. Looking at Lurtz, Legolas knew the Uruk-Hai had reached the same conclusion. Glorfindel was blind. "Lurtz lost his memory and while he was wandering about he found me. I was wounded in battle and I cannot walk. He is escorting me to Rivendell where I hope Master Elrond can heal my injury."

 

Glorfindel knew Legolas had seen through his pretence. Legolas' injury was clearly visible, but due to his lost vision he hadn't seen it. "Elrond is a gifted healer. I am certain he can tend to your injury."

 

"And what about your injury?" Patience wasn't one of Lurtz's virtues. "You can't see."

 

Glorfindel stared in the direction Lurtz's voice came from. "My injury is not your concern."

 

Suddenly Legolas' soft laughter echoed through the cave. "You do not know Lurtz very well and you cannot see his face. If you could, you would find guilt written all over his face."

 

"An Uruk-Hai who feels guilty?" Glorfindel had trouble believing that.

 

"It is true. I should have been more careful, but I was eager to hunt. You took me by surprise." Lurtz actually managed a smile. "You did sneak up on me successfully... and that is a first."

 

Glorfindel actually felt at a loss, another first in thousands of years. He had never expected to encounter a protective Uruk-Hai with a sense of humor. He truly didn't know how to react. Things would be different if he'd still had his vision. Now he felt handicapped. "Maybe we can call for some sort of truce between us?"

 

Lurtz nodded pleased. "A truce then..."

 

Legolas felt relieved now that they had come to an agreement. "Lurtz, we cannot wait until the morning. We need to leave now."

 

"I regained some of my strength," replied Lurtz. "I can carry you the rest of the way."

 

Glorfindel finally realized the nature of Legolas' injury and Legolas nodded. "Aye, it is my right leg. I cannot walk. Lurtz has been carrying me for days."

 

"Where is Asfaloth? My horse can carry us both," suggested Glorfindel. He wasn't looking forward to riding back to Rivendell blind. Elrond counted on him to supervise Rivendell's defenses and while being blind he would have a hard time carrying out his duties.

 

Lurtz approved of the idea and gently gathered Legolas in his arms. "Put your hand on my shoulder," said Lurtz, addressing Glorfindel.

 

"I can find my own way," said Glorfindel stubbornly. He had lived through worse.

 

Lurtz raised an eyebrow, but remained quiet as he carried Legolas outside where Asfaloth was waiting for them. Glorfindel followed, walking slowly to make sure he wouldn't bump in to something.

 

"Asfaloth," said the Elven lord. "I need your strength..." The horse whined softly and bowed his head in acknowledgement. Glorfindel awkwardly climbed on to the horse's back and then extended his hand to help Legolas, but Lurtz had other ideas. Suddenly the other Elf was placed behind him and Lurtz actually steadied Legolas until the Elf's left arm encircled Glorfindel's waist.

 

"Make haste," said Lurtz. "I will catch up with you later."

 

"Nay..." Legolas looked in to Lurtz's eyes. "We will travel together."

 

"Give me one good reason why you would let me slow you down." Lurtz took a step away from Asfaloth.

 

"What if we are attacked by Orcs? Glorfindel is blind and..." Legolas ignored Glorfindel's disapproving groan, and continued, "And I cannot defend the two of us. We need you!"

 

Lurtz realized he was being manipulated, but allowed it, mainly because he wanted to stay with Legolas to make sure the Elves reached Rivendell safely. "Then I will accompany you."

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

"Glorfindel, are you still awake?" Legolas whispered in to Glorfindel's ear. "I do think it would be unwise to sleep with such a head injury."

 

"I am awake..." Glorfindel massaged his brow. "I just wish the roar in my ears would stop and that the darkness finally retreated. Being blind is most unsettling." A guilty growl from Lurtz reminded him that the Uruk-Hai was still close. "Legolas, there is something I do not understand."

 

"Aye?"

 

"Why did you allow Lurtz to stay with you?" Glorfindel distrusted the Uruk-Hai. The foul creatures would never betray their real nature. "He will turn against you."

 

"'He' can hear you," said Lurtz annoyed. "Don't you think this occurred to me as well? I don't wish to harm him and yet I already did..."

 

"Legolas? How did he harm you?" Glorfindel looked over his shoulder, cursing privately when the darkness didn't lift. He had never realized how much he depended on his eye sight. How could he serve Elrond like this?

 

Legolas and Lurtz exchanged a look before the Elf answered. "His memory was triggered when I spoke Saruman's name. It was never his intention to hurt me."

 

"You have chosen a dangerous path," remarked Glorfindel. He wasn't sure why Legolas trusted the Uruk-Hai. When he had met Legolas at the Council he had admired the other Elf's dedication and fighting skills. He couldn't believe that Lurtz would manage to fool an Elf like Legolas. Something had happened between these two men and it had formed some sort of bond between them. "I am not sure Lord Elrond will allow him into Rivendell."

 

"I do not plan to stay. I merely intend to see you safely within the walls of Rivendell and then I will leave." Lurtz didn't want to admit it, but hearing that he wouldn't be allowed inside Rivendell made his heart heavy. He didn't know why but he had hoped the Elves would accept him. What a fool he was! From what he had gathered Uruk-Hai and Elves fought each other ruthlessly. Of course the Lord of Imladris wouldn't allow him entry!

 

"Then I will change his mind," said Legolas determinedly. "I won't allow injustice to be done to... one of my friends."

 

Lurtz averted his eyes. /A friend; he thinks of me as a friend.../ "I am honored."

 

Glorfindel sighed. "Maybe he will make an exception." But he doubted Elrond would allow a possible threat into Imladris.

 

"How much longer before we reach Rivendell?" Lurtz didn't like the paleness to Legolas' face and blood showed once more on the legging. "You're bleeding again."

 

Glorfindel grabbed Legolas' left wrist. "Tell me, how badly injured are you?" /Why must I be blind now when my guidance is needed?/

 

"A blade nearly severed his knee from his leg," explained Lurtz. "What really worries me is the infection."

 

Glorfindel encouraged Asfaloth to speed up. Lurtz reacted by breaking in to a run as well.

 

"Why did you not tell me your injury is this serious? We can't waste any more time." Glorfindel leaned in closer and whispered in to Asfaloth's ear, telling the horse to return to Rivendell as quickly as possible.

 

Lurtz managed to keep up with Asfaloth, but his thoughts strayed to falling behind on purpose. Maybe the two Elves wouldn't notice his absence until Rivendell. He didn't want to go through the humiliation that awaited him at Imladris; he would be denied entry and he couldn't bear seeing the disappointment in Legolas' eyes. They needed to separate before reaching Imladris.

 

"Glorfindel, stop. Lurtz is falling behind!"

 

Lurtz cursed privately; it looked like Legolas wouldn't make things easy on him. Why was the Elf so stubborn? Why not allow him to leave?

 

Glorfindel couldn't help but look over his shoulder, but the darkness wouldn't turn to light. "I would rather not rest. Imladris is only one hour away."

 

"Ride on," said Lurtz, easily catching up with them. He had fallen behind on purpose, but Legolas had thwarted his plans.

 

Asfaloth reared and this time Lurtz remained close, feeling Legolas inquisitive stare at him. /He knows I plan to leave him. Why doesn't he want me to leave?/

 

During the next hour Lurtz tried to slow down his raging thoughts and the fact that they were running in circles wasn't helping either. He needed to be calm and controlled when they reached Rivendell... when he left Legolas.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elrond looked out over Rivendell, and even after all this time he still felt enchanted. He had created a home here, the real first home he had known. He had spent his life as a warrior and only during the last millennia he had settled down, enjoying seeing his children grow up. When Celebrian had left him, his world had fallen apart, but he had refused to give in to his melancholy. In the end, the dark moods had lifted and he had started to enjoy life again.

 

Much of his happiness had to do with having Glorfindel close. Glorfindel had become his rock, the one person he could always depend on. Even Celebrian had been unable to give him such unconditional support. He sighed deeply, greatly missing his friend. /But he should return any moment now. He should be done with inspecting the borders today./

 

His heart felt strangely heavy, craving Glorfindel's presence. The ancient Elf usually made very pleasant company. /Company... You want more than just a companion. You need a mate... But Glorfindel never showed any signs that he is interested. Do not pursue this./

 

"Milord! Your presence is required at the gate! Lord Glorfindel has returned, but he is not alone!"

 

Elrond nodded at the guard and hurried to the gate. Two guards were aiming their arrows at Glorfindel... Why? Suddenly Elrond stopped in his tracks. He immediately recognized the Elf sitting behind Glorfindel; Prince Legolas of Mirkwood. But why were the guards not allowing them entry? Because they were not alone... What was that foul creature doing close to them? Gandalf had told him about the Uruk-Hai and he recognized the creature from the Istar's description. "Step away from them or my archers will end your life," Elrond ordered, glaring at the Uruk-Hai.

 

"Nay, master Elrond. Lurtz is not the enemy! He saved my life!" Legolas said defensively.

 

Elrond noticed the bloody bandage around Legolas' knee and realized the Wood Elf was injured. "You are bleeding. Let me tend to your injury."

 

"I will only enter if you allow Lurtz to enter as well!" Legolas placed his right hand on Lurtz's shoulder, keeping the Uruk-Hai in place.

 

Legolas' eyes revealed his pain and Elrond wondered what other injuries Legolas was hiding. "I cannot allow evil to enter Imladris." He was its guardian and he had to ensure his people's safety.

 

"He is not evil..." Legolas said stubbornly.

 

"Legolas, we knew this would happen." Lurtz studied Elrond closely.

 

Elrond didn't like feeling the Uruk-Hai's stare on him. "Legolas, you must understand... My people's safety comes first."

 

"A very wise decision. I will be leaving now." Lurtz started to turn around, but halted hearing Legolas' pain filled groan. /His injured wrist!/

 

"Milord?" Glorfindel had had enough. "Prince Legolas is injured and needs your attention. I doubt very much he will let you tend to him should the Uruk-Hai be send away. Maybe you should let them enter? My men will guard him closely."

 

Elrond frowned. Something didn't seem right, something was off. Glorfindel wasn't looking at him, but behind him. "Meldir?" Elrond kept a close eye on the Uruk-Hai when he ventured on to the bridge. "Glorfindel?" The ancient Elf actually seemed startled to hear his voice coming from this close. "Your eyes..." Elrond placed a hand on Glorfindel's knee, needing the contact. "I will tend to you as well." His gaze shifted to the Uruk-Hai. His instincts told him to be careful, but he couldn't see any evil in the creature's eyes.

 

"I will allow you to enter Imladris, but two guards will accompany you wherever you go," decreed Elrond. The surprise that showed on the Uruk-Hai's face told him that the creature never expected to be admitted to Imladris. He signaled the two guards to lower their bows and to help the wounded. "Take Prince Legolas to my study..."

 

Elrond watched as the Uruk-Hai gently lifted Legolas from the horse, carrying the Elf himself. /I seldom saw such raw protectiveness in someone's eyes. What happened between them that Legolas is willing to trust one of Saruman's creatures?/

 

Lurtz followed the guards, who showed him to Elrond's study.

 

"I told you I would change his mind," whispered Legolas exhausted. He was severely tempted to drift off in to sleep, but he had to stay awake. "Welcome to Imladris, my friend."

 

Lurtz's expression was unreadable, and Legolas wondered about the Uruk-Hai. /What exactly are your feelings for me? And how do I feel about you?/ Those questions would demand answers in time.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

"Glorfindel, what happened to you?" Elrond's heart contracted painfully seeing Glorfindel trying to find his way. "Let me guide you."

 

"Nay, I can find the way."

 

Elrond's face betrayed his emotional pain, but Glorfindel couldn't see it. "There is no weakness in accepting the help of someone who cares about you."

 

Glorfindel shook his head and immediately regretted doing so. His headache increased tenfold and he collapsed against the wall.

 

Elrond hurried to his friend's side and supported him. "Let me look after you, meldir. You need to lie down and rest. I will examine your head injury after I tended to the Prince's leg." Elrond guided Glorfindel to his chambers, and forced his friend to lie down. "I will be with you in a moment." Looking over his shoulder, he saw Elladan come down the corridor. "Elladan, my son, I need your assistance."

 

Elladan, curious and worried, stepped in to the room. "What happened to Glorfindel?"

 

"He will tell you," said Elrond. "Ask him questions, Elladan, and make sure he doesn't go to sleep. He has suffered an injury to his head and is blind."

 

"Blind?" echoed Elladan. "Do not fear, Ada, I will take good care of him."

 

Satisfied that Glorfindel was in good hands, he hurried to his study to tend to Legolas' leg injury. And then there was the Uruk-Hai. By the Valar, what had possessed him to allow the creature inside Imladris' walls ? He would never forgive himself if he had let evil in to his home.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

Part 8

Questions.

 

Lurtz ignored the two guards that remained standing at the entrance to Elrond's study, realizing damn well that he was lucky to be allowed to enter Imladris. The fact that both Legolas and Glorfindel had spoken on his behave also surprised him. Well, he had almost expected it from Legolas, stubborn as the Elf was, speaking up to the Lord of Imladris, but why had Glorfindel helped? The Elf was now blind because of him!

 

"Lurtz? I do not feel well." Making that admittance was hard on Legolas, who liked to think he could handle anything on his own. But his head was spinning and he had lost all sensation in his right leg, while his injured wrist still throbbed with pain.

 

"Lie down then," said Lurtz softly, lowering Legolas on to the couch in the corner of Elrond's study. "It won't be long now. Elrond will look after you."

 

Smirking, Legolas looked in to Lurtz's eyes. "I am so glad you are still here. Maybe you could use the opportunity to clean up. You do look like mess."

 

Lurtz then did something he had never done before; he blushed. Luckily it didn't show beneath his dark complexion. "I look like a mess because you dragged me in to hazardous situations."

 

"And how do you figure that one?" The nausea was getting worse and Legolas concentrated on their conversation instead.

 

"The storm, the river, the Orcs attacking us... All because of you," said Lurtz teasingly, wondering if he had ever teased someone before. Only Legolas seemed to awake that need in him. /Needs... I need to touch him, stroke his hair, feel his chest rise... He is alive.../

 

Suddenly Elrond entered the room, followed by another dark-haired Elf. "This is my son Elrohir. He will assist me. I think the two of you met before."

 

Legolas nodded once. "Aye, we did... At your council." And Legolas had had problems telling the twins apart. In the end he had concentrated on their eyes, finding Elrohir's slightly softer.

 

Lurtz noticed the way the twin's eyes studied him and he did not look away. Instead, he got to his feet and faced Elrohir directly, daring him to say something about his presence.

 

Elrohir quickly joined his father, listening and obeying Elrond's orders.

 

"Remove that filthy bandage..." ordered Elrond while preparing clean bandages. His gaze traveled from Legolas to Lurtz and the concern in the Uruk-Hai's dark eyes seemed strangely out of place. When Gandalf had told him about the new race Saruman had created he had thought them bereft of any warm emotions, but now he might have to admit he was wrong. "You might want to hold him in place," said Elrond, addressing Lurtz. "Setting the bone will be painful."

 

Legolas tensed. Painful? He could deal with the pain, but his headache was growing worse. "I can manage..." He should have felt trapped when Lurtz's big hands settled on his shoulders, but he didn't. To his surprise he found that he enjoyed the other man's closeness. The bond between them was growing stronger.

 

Elrohir cut away the dirty bandages and gasped, seeing the extent of the injury. Questioningly he looked at his father. Could Elrond save Legolas' leg?

 

Elrond's eyes darkened to near black, seeing the injury. "You should have come earlier."

 

"We hurried here," assured Lurtz the healer. /Luckily I found Legolas in time. He would never have made it here alive on his own./

 

Elrond leaned in closer and caught Legolas' elusive glance with his. "Repairing the damage will be immensely painful. I want to give you something against the pain first. You will fall asleep and be spared the terrible pain." Elrond was surprised to find that Legolas' gaze shifted to Lurtz.

 

"Take the offer." Lurtz nodded firmly. "I will remain close."

 

Elrond raised an eyebrow, sensing a deepening trust between Elf and Uruk-Hai.

 

"I accept your offer, Master Elrond," said Legolas eventually. He hoped they didn't think him a coward to accept the sleeping potion.

 

Elrond signaled Elrohir to prepare the potion and then the younger twin handed the goblet to his father. But Elrond handed it to Lurtz instead.

 

Lurtz's eyes revealed gratitude when he accepted the goblet. "Sit up." He helped Legolas in to an upright position and then placed the goblet at the Elf's lips. "Sip slowly..."

 

Legolas obeyed. The warm liquid flowed down his throat and he sighed at the pleasant sensation. He already began to feel sleepy and his draped eyes searched and found Lurtz'.

 

Lurtz smiled and nodded. "I understand..."

 

Legolas returned the smile. His eyes lost their alert expression as he drifted off in to a healing sleep.

 

Lurtz looked at Elrond, almost expecting to be removed from the room now Legolas was asleep. But Elrond signaled him to lower Legolas on to the couch again and Lurtz remained in contact with Legolas by fingering a lock of soft hair.

 

Elrond turned his attention to the ugly leg injury, telling Elrohir to hand him a set of clean bandages. He looked at Lurtz and frowned. "You care about him."

 

Lurtz nodded once. "I found him in a cave after he fought Orcs and I haven't left his side since then."

 

Elrond noticed the tenderness to Lurtz's touch when the Uruk-Hai pushed some stray locks behind Legolas' ears. This was not the time to really address this issue. First he needed to concentrate on the injury. "I think I can save his leg."

 

"That is good news indeed." Lurtz stayed true to his word and remained at Legolas' side the whole time while Elrond worked on setting the bone.

 

After long moments the bone was aligned again and Elrohir handed his father more bandages. Elrond first applied a salve to the infected parts and then bandaged the wound. "He will be bed ridden for at least one week. Elrohir, I no longer need you... You may be excused."

 

Elrohir exchanged a look with his father and left, eager to seek out his twin.

 

Now that Legolas' worst injury had been taken care of, Elrond examined the younger Elf more closely.

 

"His right wrist is injured... And that's my fault," admitted Lurtz.

 

"What happened?" asked Elrond while he manipulated Legolas' injured wrist.

 

"My memories took over and I was under orders to subdue him...When I realized I was hurting him the memories left." Shamefaced, Lurtz averted his eyes. "I am a danger to him and yet he refuses to let me go."

 

Elrond finished binding Legolas' wrist. "Where would you go then? Back to Isengard?"

 

Lurtz shrugged his shoulders. "Where else could I go? I am Saruman's."

 

Intrigued, Elrond searched Lurtz's eyes. "How much do you remember?"

 

"Everything... But Legolas doesn't know. I do not want him to worry about me when he is in pain himself."  Now the time had come to ask some questions of his own. "Why did you welcome me in Imladris? Aren't you afraid I will turn against you and betray Legolas and Imladris?"

 

Elrond walked over to the window and looked at his beautiful Rivendell. "I cannot look in to your heart, but when I looked in to your eyes I did not see any evil."

 

Lurtz didn't want to leave Legolas' side, but he rose and joined Elrond at the window. At that moment he realized how dirty and evil he looked, compared to the radiant Lord of Imladris. Maybe he should follow Legolas' suggestion to get cleaned up. "I vow not to betray you willingly, but there is always the danger of my dark side taking over. You should be aware of this."

 

Elrond nodded. "I understand your private struggle, but you did well, taking Legolas here and in the process you earned his trust."

 

Lurtz beamed with pride at hearing Elrond's words.

 

Elrond chuckled softly. "My guards will take you to your rooms and once Legolas can be carried there he will join you. He is safe here. My sons and I will watch over him. Why do you not take a bath and I will provide for new clothes? That is if you do not mind wearing robes and tunics."

 

Lurtz's eyes settled on Legolas' sleeping form. "Thank you for your hospitality."

 

Elrond signaled his guards to approach. "Take our guest to his rooms and make sure he is comfortable. I will visit with you later."

 

Realizing he was being dismissed, Lurtz began to turn around, but leaving Legolas behind was hard.

 

"Prince Legolas is in the best hands. I assure you he will be fine," assured Elrond Lurtz.

 

In the end, Lurtz sighed and followed the guards in to the corridor. Looking over his shoulder, he cast one last look at Legolas. The Elf was sound asleep and finally healing.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elrond hurried to Glorfindel's chambers. Now that he had tended to Legolas' injuries, he was most eager to check on his seneschal and best friend. He didn't bother to knock and entered quickly, relieved to find Elladan and Elrohir in Glorfindel's room. He smiled, hearing Glorfindel curse softly.

 

"I do not need you to watch over me! I can take care of myself!" Glorfindel promptly bumped into a table. "By the Valar, what's this table doing here?"

 

Elladan and Elrohir gave their father a concerned look. They had tried to keep Glorfindel in bed, but the blond Elf had insisted he wasn't severely injured. "We tried..." started Elladan, "but he does not listen," finished Elrohir.

 

"Who are you talking to?" Glorfindel spun around, nearly lost his balance and was forced to lean against the wall for support.

 

"Leave us. I will take care of him," said Elrond, advancing on Glorfindel. He registered the grin on his sons' faces before they left and then turned to his friend. "Stop being stubborn, meldir, and allow me to look after you."

 

Glorfindel wanted to shake his head, but didn't dare risk the motion. His head throbbed painfully and even his neck ached. Lying down was the sensible thing to do and he knew it, but he refused to admit his weakness. "I should be patrolling the borders and not being confined to this room!"

 

Elrond recognized the fear and vulnerability beneath the words. "Glorfindel, I know being blind is hard on you, but you must allow me to examine your injury. Maybe this condition is not permanent."

 

Growing hopeful at hearing those words, Glorfindel lifted his eyes, wondering if he was looking at Elrond or not. "I can no longer carry out my duties without help. I failed you."

 

"You could never fail me, meldir." Elrond placed a hand on his seneschal's shoulder and guided Glorfindel back to the bed. "I want you to lie down on your stomach so I can examine the injury. Trust me, Glorfindel, I will be gentle."

 

Elrond's last remark made Glorfindel chuckle softly. "Gentle... I can endure the pain, my lord."

 

"But why endure pain when it is not necessary?" Elrond helped Glorfindel to lie down on his stomach. The healer then gently brushed the long hair aside and removed the bloodied bandage. Tenderly he examined the injury. "You hit your head hard, maybe against a rock?" Elrond frowned when Glorfindel didn't answer. "Do not fall asleep, meldir."

 

"I am still awake," whispered Glorfindel, but Elrond's gentle touch had lured him in to a state of relaxation he had never known before. During the last thousand years he had wondered about his feelings for his Lord, realizing they went deeper than loyalty and friendship. He craved a different touch, a lover's touch, but Elrond had never shown such an interest in him and he had never pursued the Lord of Imladris.

 

"I will renew the bandage and I want you to rest during the next few days. You will experience some headaches and vertigo, but you should fully recover. Now tell me how you got injured." Elrond uncovered the bandages he had brought with him and after cleaning the wound he applied the clean bandages.

 

"I detected the Uruk-Hai's presence and his closeness to the borders worried me. I wanted to question him, but he managed to surprise me in turn. He flung me to the ground and I hit my head..."

 

"I wonder about him. Legolas seems to trust him though." Elrond finished bandaging Glorfindel's head and helped his friend when Glorfindel rolled on to his side, facing him. /What is it like, being blind?/

 

"My lord, you should keep a close eye on the Uruk-Hai. I would guard him myself, but..."

 

Elrond tasted the sadness in his friend's words and he instinctively curled his fingers around Glorfindel's. "Do not worry about Imladris' safety. You organized its defenses well and it can do without you... but only for a few days," added Elrond, seeing Glorfindel's crestfallen look.

 

Glorfindel was desperate to change their subject. He felt far too emotional to be discussing this with the one he secretly loved. "What about Prince Legolas? Could you save his leg?"

 

"Aye, he will also make a full recovery." Elrond allowed his emotions to show on his face now that Glorfindel couldn't see them. /I worry about you, meldir. What will being blind do to you?/

 

Glorfindel stifled a yawn, under the impression that Elrond didn't deem it safe for him to sleep. Being blind made him feel helpless and he didn't particularly like the feeling. He would rather travel to the Halls of Mandos and back again, but he had to endure this blindness. "Do you think it is only temporary or permanent?"

 

"I am counting on your healing powers to restore the damage. It will be a few days before we will find out..." Elrond smiled warmly.

 

Glorfindel grinned as well, but then sobered quickly. "Thank you for giving me hope, milord." Sleepiness crept up on him. "Can I sleep now or must I stay awake?"

 

"You do not seem concussed," said Elrond tenderly, while stroking the fair hair. "You can go to sleep and let the healing start. Do not worry about the Uruk-Hai, I will keep my eye on him." Seeing the expression in Glorfindel's eyes become vacant, he leaned in closer and pressed a chaste kiss on his seneschal's brow. "And I will keep a close eye on you, meldir..." How he longed to bury his face in the soft blond hair and to inhale the other's scent. But it was a luxury he couldn't indulge in and he forced himself to be content by looking at his friend. His heart craved admitting his feelings to Glorfindel, but he was fairly certain that the other Elf didn't return those feelings. For the last five hundred years he had suffered in silence and he would continue to do so for the rest of his life.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

Part 9

The mirror.

 

Lurtz stared at his reflection in the mirror, marveling at his changed appearance after taking a bath. He couldn't honestly remember ever taking such an elaborate bath. The bathroom had taken him aback at first, but then he had entered, brushing aside leaves and flowers. He had never seen anything like it. There was a small forest growing in the bathroom. Were there birds as well? He swore he heard them sing and fly about the place. He had descended in to the warm pool and had immersed his body completely. When he had surfaced again he had frowned, seeing the dirt and last remnants of war paint float on top of the water.

 

After taking his bath he had found large, warm towels next to the pool and he had wrapped them around this form. He had dropped them when he came to a halt in front of the mirror.

 

He now studied himself. Beneath the dirt and war paint hid dark skin, maybe a little closer to bronze, which didn't completely displease him. His body was rippling muscle, bred for strength as well as stamina. Next he studied his face, and for the first time he became really aware of his pointed ears. Now that the long wet hair clung to his back, he let his fingertips glide over the pointed ears. Legolas had told him that Orcs and Goblins had been Elves once, but they had been corrupted by the dark forces. Did he still carry some Elf traits himself?

 

Baring his teeth, he flinched. His teeth were sharp, created with the purpose of being able to rip Man flesh from their bones. He quickly closed his mouth again, feeling out of place here. Elrond should have send him away!

 

"I hope I am not interrupting..."

 

Lurtz looked over his shoulder, recognizing Elrond's voice. Their eyes met and Lurtz saw an unidentifiable expression in the half-Elf's eyes. Suddenly he realized it might be inappropriate to be naked and he covered himself with a towel.

 

"I brought you clothes," said Elrond, approaching his guest. "And I hoped you might join us for dinner this evening."

 

"Why are you doing this?" Elrond could have taken the easy way out by ignoring him. He accepted the burgundy robes that Elrond handed him, hoping Elrond had gotten his size right.

 

"Legolas seems to care about you and you are my guest. I would be a bad host if I ignored you." Elrond walked over to the window and pointedly looked outside.

 

Lurtz got the hint, dropped the towel and began to dress. The soft fabric felt alien to his skin, but he managed to properly don the robes. Once more staring at his reflection he startled at the change.

 

"I see they fit," said Elrond pleased.

 

Lurtz nodded. "Thank you..." His long dark hair was a mess and he wasn't sure what to do with it. He used his fingers to comb through the long strands.

 

"Allow me..." Elrond stepped behind Lurtz and signaled him to sit down.

 

Lurtz briefly felt confused. What was Elrond offering?

 

"Let me comb and braid your hair."

 

Lurtz  followed Elrond's order and sat down. This was most unexpected. He was no longer sure who or what he was. When he looked in to the mirror he saw hidden Elven features beneath the Uruk-Hai's.

 

Elrond took hold of a comb, beautifully crafted from wood, and began to untangle the dark mass. "I must admit to being surprised. You are nothing like I thought you would be."

 

Lurtz laughed bitterly. "I doubt I represent the majority of my race. I did terrible things whilst belonging to their pack. It still amazes me that I am capable of a different behavior."

 

"Maybe Legolas has something to do with that?" suggested Elrond, as he finished combing the tangles from the dark hair. Skillfully, he began to braid it.

 

"He has everything to do with it," admitted Lurtz. "How is he doing? I want to see him later."

 

"He is still asleep and you may visit whenever you want. You are very protective of our young Prince."

 

Lurtz snorted. "He is a Prince then? I didn't know that." Legolas hadn't told him.

 

"Aye, the youngest son of King Thranduil of Mirkwood. His father will be greatly thankful that you saved his son's life." Elrond opened a drawer and withdrew a hair clip from it.

 

Lurtz continued to study himself in the mirror. "I barely recognize myself."

 

Elrond nodded. He had finished braiding Lurtz's hair in a similar fashion to his own and now studied his handiwork. The Uruk-Hai looked handsome in a strange sort of way. "What are your intensions with Legolas?"

 

Lurtz gulped. "My intensions?"

 

"Aye, do you plan to stay or to leave him here?" Elrond searched Lurtz's eyes. "I see in your eyes that you are in love with him."

 

"I will leave," said Lurtz, staring at the floor, no longer able to bear his reflection. This was a lie. He wasn't an Elf!

 

"And I repeat my earlier question; where will you go?"

 

"Back to my pack," said Lurtz, shrugging his shoulder. "This isn't real..."

 

"It is real," said Elrond firmly. "Do not leave yet. I am sure Legolas will want to thank you properly."

 

Lurtz shrugged again. "I will visit with him when he's awake."

 

Elrond nodded and left.

 

Lurtz lifted his eyes now that he was alone and looked in to the mirror once more. The man that stared back at him was a lie. The Elven robes and braids didn't change his black heart.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Glorfindel struggled to his feet, wishing this damned headache would finally go away. Instead the throbbing intensified and he stifled a pain filled yelp. It was the same whenever he tried to leave his bed. Whenever he got vertical the headache overwhelmed him. He fought the urge to throw up, and leaned heavily against the wall. Luckily Elrond wasn't present to see his misery. At least, he hoped Elrond wasn't in the room. He didn't know for sure. No, if Elrond had been close, the Lord of Imladris would have made himself known by now... or wouldn't he?

 

"Elrond?" He steadied his breathing and listened to any kind of sounds in the room. No, he was fairly sure he was alone. The nausea hit again and he shivered violently. He hadn't felt this bad when he had been in the Halls of Mandos! This was torture. Realizing the bile was raising in his stomach and to his throat, he headed for the bathroom, hoping he had the direction right. The convulsions in his stomach suddenly brought him to his knees and he retched miserably. 

 

"Meldir, what are you doing out of bed?" Elrond rushed into his friend's room, blaming himself for Glorfindel's condition. He shouldn't have left! One of his servants could have tended to the Uruk-Hai, but he wasn't sure how his people would react to learning one of Saruman's creatures was inside the walls of Imladris!

 

Glorfindel flinched, hearing Elrond's voice. He didn't want Elrond to see him in this state! He wanted to say something, but more bile rose, making it impossible to speak. Suddenly one strong arm wrapped itself around his frame and his long hair was pulled back.

 

"Just let it happen," advised Elrond. His heart went out to his friend. When he had examined the head injury he had expected Glorfindel to become nauseous and dizzy. "I told you to stay in bed for a reason." When Glorfindel was done, he helped his friend back to his feet.

 

"Where are you taking me?" His bed was to his right, he knew that much, but Elrond was leading him in the opposite direction.

 

"You cannot stay here. Your rooms need to be cleaned and I cannot keep my eye on you here. I am taking you to my private chambers." Elrond heard Glorfindel take a deep breath and smothered the protest before his friend had a chance to voice it. "And that is final!"

 

Glorfindel swallowed his objections now that Elrond had made it an order. He couldn't defy his Lord!

 

Elrond pushed the door to his chambers open and guided Glorfindel into the bathroom.

 

Suddenly Glorfindel froze. "What are you doing?"

 

"Removing your clothes." Elrond marveled at the expression on his friend's face when he removed the stained tunic. "Trust yourself to me."

 

Glorfindel's head slumped forward as his strength left him. "I will always trust you." He quavered when Elrond's fingertips ghosted over his bare chest. He considered protesting when Elrond removed his leggings, but he didn't have the strength.

 

Elrond lowered Glorfindel in to the shallow part of the pool and made sure his friend was comfortable. "I need to contact the servants so they can clean your rooms. Stay here and do not worry about falling asleep. I am here to look after you."

 

"Thank you, meldir," whispered Glorfindel. He waited for Elrond to leave and then rinsed his mouth, eager to rid himself of the disgusting taste of vomiting earlier. The water did wonders and he started to relax. He wasn't sure how he felt about Elrond seeing him this weak and vulnerable, but his Lord's gentle touch made things bearable.

 

"Glorfindel? Are you still awake?" Elrond had returned and now studied his seneschal who seemed to feel better.

 

"Aye, I am still awake."

 

"I brought some towels. It is time to leave the pool and rest." Elrond unfolded the towels and wrapped Glorfindel in them after his friend struggled to his feet. Elrond indulged himself as his eyes explored every part of his friend's naked body. How he longed to wrap Glorfindel in his arms, with no clothes between them and his groin stirred, telling him how much he desired the other Elf. /Nay, I cannot give in to this desire... / He willed his arousal to fade as he guided his friend toward the bed.

 

Glorfindel suddenly felt a soft mattress beneath his fingertips and the silk sheets told him where he was. "This is your bed. I am sure my room has been cleaned; I can return there."

 

"Nay, you will stay here. I want you close in case you feel nauseous again." Elrond removed the towels, sighed privately at feeling the smooth skin beneath his fingertips and then pulled up the covers to keep Glorfindel warm. "I want you to rest and you are not leaving this bed. Do I make myself clear?"

 

Glorfindel whispered a soft yes, too apprehensive to move his head in order to nod. He was trying very hard to ignore the fact that he was in Elrond's bed, a place where he had craved to be in the past. /I am here because he is worried about my health not because he loves me. I have to stop doing this to myself./

 

"Rest now, sleep."

 

Elrond's voice almost lured him back in to sleep, almost. What really pushed him over the edge was Elrond caressing his face. The butterfly touches were soft and spoke of great concern. How he craved those caresses!

 

"Sleep, meldir, sleep..."

 

Unable to fight sleep any longer, Glorfindel gave in and allowed himself to drift off.

 

Recognizing the vacant stare in his seneschal's eyes, Elrond leaned in closer and brushed Glorfindel's brow with his lips. "I can never tell you how much I love you... nîn bellas."

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Legolas woke slowly, and he had trouble leaving the dreamscape where his healing had started. Eventually he managed to focus on his surroundings and he blinked once, trying to determine where he was. This wasn't the cave where they had taken refuge. /But nay, Glorfindel took us to Imladris. I am at Master Elrond's house and Lurtz is here as well./

 

"You're awake..." Lurtz smiled pleased. It was obvious that Legolas hadn't noticed him yet.

 

Legolas cocked his head and his heart missed a beat seeing Lurtz. The Uruk-Hai was dressed in Elven robes and his hair was braided. /I dreamt of him looking like this, but he seems uncomfortable... I wonder what is wrong./

 

Lurtz leaned in closer. "I'm here to say goodbye."

 

"Goodbye?" Startled, Legolas tried to sit upright, but his features contracted as pain traveled up his leg. "You cannot leave!"

 

"I must. I can't put Imladris or you in any danger. We both know the memories are strong and that they overwhelm me. I don't want to hurt anyone accidentally."

 

"Lurtz, stay. Together we will find a way to deal with your memories and I am sure Master Elrond can help as well." Legolas extended his left hand and possessively placed it on Lurtz's knee. "Do not go."

 

Lurtz was tempted to give in, but his concern for Legolas' safety won. "You must understand. I'm a danger while I am here. I can't take the risk of anyone getting injured because of me!"

 

Legolas unexpectedly removed his hand and stared at the ceiling. "I am unable to stop you then... I thought you cared."

 

Legolas' tone broke his heart. "It's because I care that I must leave..." He rose to his feet and looked in to Legolas' eyes. "I will stay two more days and then I will leave."

 

Legolas averted his eyes, and remained quiet. /I am going to lose him.../

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elrond left the dining room, disappointed that Lurtz hadn't joined him for dinner. It had been his intention to talk some more to the Uruk-Hai, but Lurtz had stayed in the guest rooms. Fearing something was wrong he made his way to his study where Elladan was watching over Legolas. Approaching his study, he heard their voices. He made his presence known by clearing his throat.

 

"Ada." Elladan smiled. "Legolas is doing better."

 

Elrond returned his son's smile and then directed his gaze at Legolas. The other Elf still looked pale, but the feverish expression was gone. Elrond frowned, sensing something troubled Legolas. "Elladan, leave us. I wish to talk to Legolas in private."

 

Elladan rose from his chair, grinned at Legolas and then left the room.

 

Elrond took the seat his son had vacated and studied Legolas. "There are questions that demand answers."

 

Legolas lowered his eyes. "You are referring to Lurtz."

 

"And to the feelings you have for him." Legolas blushed and Elrond couldn't help but smile. "You care deeply for him."

 

"It might be even more," admitted Legolas nervously. "I think I am falling in love with him."

 

"And he returns your feelings."

 

Legolas looked at Elrond questioningly. "Do you think he does?"

 

Elrond nodded. "Aye, I think he loves you, but his is a dangerous love, my young Prince."

 

"His memories are dangerous," whispered Legolas. "Everything should be fine as long as he does not remember his past."

 

"He admitted to me that he recalled everything," said Elrond reluctantly. "He remembers his dark deeds."

 

Legolas raised an eyebrow. "And he did not go berserk? He did not try to hurt you?"

 

"He was calm and in control of his emotions when he told me." Elrond leaned in to the comfort of the chair. "Am I to assume that you did not tell him about your attraction?"

 

Legolas' eyes darkened. "Nay, I did not dare mention it. And when he visited he told me he would leave in two days."

 

Elrond considered this new information. "You do realize he has no place to go but back to his pack?"

 

Legolas briefly closed his eyes. "Arguing with him is useless. He is stubborn."

 

"Like a certain Elf I know..." chuckled Elrond. "A lot can happen in two days' time, do not give up yet." He lifted his right hand and rested it on Legolas' shoulder, squeezing reassuringly. "I doubt he really wants to leave. I will talk to him."

 

Legolas' eyes filled with gratitude. "Do you think I should tell him how I feel about him?"

 

"I cannot answer that question," said Elrond thoughtfully. "Ask yourself if you trust him. Would you entrust your life to him?"

 

Legolas frowned. "Most of the time yes, but..."

 

Elrond nodded. "You need to talk to him about his past, his feelings. Only then can you make a balanced decision." Legolas was growing tired again and Elrond soothingly stroked the long hair. "Rest now. You can worry later."

 

Legolas sighed sleepily. "Do not let him leave before I have the chance to talk some sense in to him."

 

"I promise," whispered Elrond. The light in Legolas' eyes faded; the Elf was asleep. Elrond got to his feet and headed for his private chambers to see to his other patient.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Frustrated, Glorfindel considered thwarting Elrond's orders not to leave the bed. He had to change into clean clothes and join the dawn patrol. At least he assumed it was morning. He pushed back the covers, angry that he couldn't perform his duties. For thousands of years he had faithfully served and this was the first time that he felt like a failure. He had to find ways to compensate for the loss of sight!

 

And there was no better time to start then now! Determinedly he swung his feet on to the floor. He cursed as he sat up too swiftly. /Slowly, do everything slowly. You do not want to throw up in Elrond's private chambers!/

 

He lifted one hand to his chin and supported his head, which felt incredibly heavy. /Bite down the pain and the nausea./ Glorfindel pushed himself to his feet, but gasped in pain as his head lolled to its right. Maybe he should have followed Elrond's advise to rest. Suddenly his knees buckled beneath him and he started to fall. /I must make sure I do not hit my head again.../

 

Reaching out his right hand, he tried to break his fall, but he never hit the floor. A pair of strong arms wrapped themselves around his waist, keeping him on his feet. The first thing he noticed was the scent. /Elrond!/

 

"Glorfindel, I ordered you to rest! Do not make me tie you down!" Elrond's heart had missed a beat seeing Glorfindel crumble in front of him. He had rushed to catch the stubborn Elf and he now lowered Glorfindel back on to the bed. "Do you want your eyesight restored?"

 

"Aye," whispered Glorfindel, panting softly.

 

"Then rest! You must give your body time to heal!" Elrond placed a hand on his seneschal's chest and held him in place. "Please, meldir, listen to me."

 

Glorfindel sighed. "I hate being confined to bed when Uruk-Hai might be close. They attacked Legolas at one point and they might have followed us to Imladris. I should be out there, patrolling the borders. I am useless!"

 

Elrond understood only too well. He was a warrior at heart as well and realized how hard being blind was on his friend. "Rest a few days and I feel certain that your eyesight will return. Continue to disobey my orders and you will never heal. Must I lock my door the next time I leave to ensure you will stay and rest?"

 

"I regret causing you this much trouble," said Glorfindel apologetically. "But I can only think of my duty to you... and Imladris."

 

Elrond carefully studied Glorfindel. His seneschal looked depressed. "Legolas will make a full recovery. His leg will heal and he will be able to walk, run and ride his horse again."

 

Glorfindel smiled pleased, thankful that Elrond had changed their subject. "And what about the Uruk-Hai?"

 

"He bathed," chuckled Elrond, but then he grew serious again. "And he could almost pass for an Elf once he had dressed properly."

 

Glorfindel pushed deeper in to the comfort of the mattress, suddenly feeling old and tired. "And you are comfortable with him staying here?"

 

Elrond nodded. "Aye, I think he can be trusted... and our young Prince has fallen for the beast. Maybe he can tame it?"

 

Glorfindel grinned at the image Elrond painted. "The young Prince is stubborn."

 

"Aye..." Elrond sat down on the side of the bed and let his right hand hover above Glorfindel's brow, afraid to touch. "Do you promise to rest?"

 

"Aye, I promise..."

 

"Very well and now move over..." The startled expression on Glorfindel's face surprised Elrond. "I need to rest as well. Tomorrow morning I will check on our guests and inspect Imladris' defenses. I was a warrior once... I can carry out your duties while you are recovering."

 

Elrond riding in to battle was a sight Glorfindel would love to witness. Suddenly the mattress moved and a warm form settled down beside. "I should return to my rooms instead of continuing to invade your privacy."

 

"You have your orders, Glorfindel. You will rest here... The bed is big enough for the two of us." Elrond rolled on to his side until he faced his friend. He was tempted to wrap an arm around Glorfindel and hold him close, but his seneschal wouldn't accept or appreciate that so he forced himself to be content with staring at Glorfindel's handsome features. "Sleep will aid your recovery. Do not worry about Imladris or me... We are safe here."

 

Glorfindel wanted to believe that, but a sense of foreboding chilled him to the bone. /Elrond is in danger.../ He didn't know where the knowledge came from, but he knew he had to stay close to his Lord if he wanted to protect him from evil. /How can I protect him when I live in darkness? I can't even see the enemy!/

 

"Rest and sleep," said Elrond in a hypnotizing tone. "Sleep now, meldir, sleep."

 

Unable to fight the suggestion Glorfindel relaxed and dozed off.

 

Elrond, who was still watching his seneschal, sighed relieved when Glorfindel drifted asleep. "During all these years you kept me and my family safe... You helped raise Arwen and the twins. You comforted me when Celebrian left and I can do the same thing for you. I have been a healer far too long. This particular time doesn't call for a healer, but for a warrior. This time I will protect you,  nîn ind."

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Part 10

Recovery

 

 

 

The next morning a knock on the door woke Lurtz, who instantly rose to his feet. "Who's there?"

 

"It is I, Legolas... Master Elrond felt it was safe to move me. For some reason he wants us to share quarters..." Legolas felt embarrassed at seeing Elladan's smug smirk. Why had Elrond insisted Elladan carried him? A staff would have lend him sufficient support; no need for Elladan to carry him!

 

"Legolas?" Lurtz frowned, recalling the pain the Elf had been in the evening before when he had visited. Legolas should be lying down at once! He opened the door and stared at the dark haired Elf he saw earlier in Elrond's presence. What was his name? Elrohir? And why was he carrying Legolas? The only one allowed to carry Legolas was he himself! "I will look after him." Lurtz opened his arms, forcing the dark haired Elf with his eyes to hand over the blond. "Thank you for taking care of him... Elrohir," he added the name hesitantly, hoping memory had served him right.

 

"Actually," said Elladan as he placed Legolas in Lurtz's arms, "My name is Elladan. I think you met my twin brother Elrohir as well. People have difficulty telling us apart."

 

Lurtz stored the information for later. "I won't make that mistake a second time, Elladan."

 

Elladan grinned, turned around and said, "Father expects you to join him for dinner later today. Do not disappoint him."  Elladan chuckled, knowing from personal experience Elrond would send Glorfindel or Erestor to collect their guests in case they failed to show up.

 

Lurtz growled softly, then locked eyes with Legolas. "Are you still in pain?"

 

"It is bearable," said Legolas nervously, knowing he had to address the growing attraction between them. Was it just his imagination or was Lurtz blushing? He couldn't tell for sure. "You can lower me on to a bed." Lurtz seemed confused and Legolas wondered why.

 

/I would love to hold you for the rest of my live./ Lurtz nodded once and carried Legolas to the bed, suddenly realizing there was only one bed in the room. Were they supposed to share it? He would ask for a second bed later.  His eyes searched the bandage for blood, but he didn't find any. Hopefully the wound had finally closed. Then his eyes settled on the bound wrist. "You should rest now."

 

"I am not fragile!" Legolas was growing tired of being treated like this!

 

Lurtz smiled, lowered Legolas on to the bed and pulled up the covers. "I worry about you."

 

Legolas grew quiet at hearing the honestly in Lurtz's voice.  "Are you still planning to leave?"

 

"I will leave tomorrow evening," said Lurtz firmly. He couldn't let Legolas convince him to stay. "I had nightmares last night and... I found myself growling and snarling at my reflection in the mirror. Elrond made a mistake in making us share quarters and I will ask him to put me in another guest room."

 

Legolas gave Lurtz a thoughtful look and then patted the space next to him on the bed. "Sit down."

 

Lurtz obeyed and sat down. "Legolas, you know there's no other way for me. I don't belong here. I am not an Elf."

 

Legolas moistened his lips, gathering his courage. "Lurtz, Elrond told me your memory returned. Is it complete?"

 

Lurtz nodded slowly. "I remember everything."

 

"And yet you did not lose control." Legolas smiled warmly. "You are not as dangerous as you think."

 

"I'm Uruk-Hai... Saruman's creature. My mere presence defiles Imladris." Lurtz lowered his eyes and stared at the floor. "I don't expect you to understand, but that's the way I feel."

 

"Would you consider staying a little longer? There are some matters we need to discuss and I would prefer to do it when I feel slightly better." Legolas lifted his right hand and rested it on Lurtz's knee, knowing the other man wouldn't shake it off because of the injury.

 

"What matters?" Lurtz eyed Legolas carefully. There was a new expression in those blue eyes.

 

"Our feelings," hinted Legolas, squeezing Lurtz's knee.

 

"Our feelings?" Lurtz almost jumped to his feet, but he didn't want to jostle Legolas' injured wrist so he stayed seated instead.

 

Legolas wished he'd had more time to prepare this confession. "I never thought I would ever say this, but I developed certain feelings for you and they are deepening. The thought of you leaving makes me ache inside."

 

Lurtz swallowed hard. "You shouldn't be saying this."

 

"It is the truth and I suspect you feel the same way about me, or did I misinterpret your feelings?" Legolas now grew silent, giving Lurtz a moment to sort out his thoughts. "Do not leave yet. Give us a chance to find out where we stand in this matter."

 

"You can't love me," said Lurtz stubbornly. "You're an Elf and I..."

 

"You are unique. Do not limit yourself by labeling yourself Uruk-Hai. The bloodlust and anger no longer control you. You have been given a chance, do not throw it away. I will stand with you while you find your place." Legolas squeezed Lurtz's knee once more. "Give us this one chance."

 

Lurtz shook his head. "I'm not sure I can." He made eye contact with Legolas and sighed. "I'm living a lie here. I am not an Elf and I will never be one."

 

Legolas pushed himself into an upright position, and harshly grabbed a strand of Lurtz's hair with his left hand. "Listen to me, Lurtz. I refuse to give up on you. Should you sneak out of Imladris I will follow you and hunt you down."

 

"You're still injured..." whispered Lurtz softly, taken aback by the wild fury in Legolas' eyes. The hold the Elf had on his hair was painful, but he didn't dare move.

 

"This leg injury won't keep me back," vowed Legolas passionately. "I will hunt you down and find you. You will face the truth about us. I will make you!"

 

Lurtz stared dazedly in to Legolas' burning eyes. "You're serious."

 

"Aye, I am serious and should you run from this, you will find out just how serious I am!"

 

Lurtz suddenly smiled. "I never saw this... fire... in you before."

 

Legolas bared his teeth. "Know this, Lurtz. I am prepared to fight whatever memories or hold the past has on you and I will stand by your side... If I must convince you of my unconditional support, I will!"

 

Lurtz raised a hand and gently stroked back the blond locks that danced on Legolas' shoulders. "You're a feisty Elf."

 

Legolas finally allowed himself to grin. "Ah, now that I have got your attention, one more thing... You did clean up nicely... I like the braids..."

 

Lurtz suddenly grew shy. "Elrond braided them. My hair was a mess after I took that bath..." Awkwardly, he averted his eyes.  "Why are you doing this? We should never have admitted our feelings."

 

Legolas' eyes narrowed. "So you admit to having feelings for me?" The expression in Lurtz's eyes took his breath away. He had seldom seen such dedication and affection. /You were Uruk-Hai once, but you are someone different now and I happen to be falling in love with you.../

 

"You know I do," said Lurtz, and a sudden pride appeared in his eyes. "But I never expected you to feel the same way about me!"

 

"Lurtz?" Legolas cupped the other man's chin in the palm of his hand. "Kiss me?" His eyes widened when Lurtz shook his head. "Why not?"

 

The pride vanished from Lurtz's eyes. "My teeth... They are hideous. I might hurt you in the process."

 

Legolas suddenly realized just how insecure Lurtz felt. /I must take this slowly or I will lose him.../ Legolas ignored the pain in his leg when he leaned in closer.

 

Lurtz held his breath, feeling Legolas' lips brush his. Their eyes met, but he refused to part his lips or teeth.

 

Legolas smiled pleased, seeing the dazed expression in Lurtz's eyes. "I would love to carry on this conversation, but I am afraid I still tire easily..." His eyes briefly closed and a yawn made him look at Lurtz apologetically.

 

"Then go to sleep," said Lurtz tenderly.

 

"And you promise to stay?"

 

Lurtz nodded once. "I will stay... for now."

 

"Wake me when it is time to join Elrond for dinner..."

 

Lurtz smiled. "I will wake you, now go to sleep."

 

Legolas drifted off in to sleep with a smile on his face.

 

Lurtz marveled at the blond; Legolas had completely surprised him by showing such fire. He didn't doubt Legolas would come after him and make him pay for sneaking of. /I don't want your leg to grow worse again so I will stay... for now./

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Glorfindel's eyes were directed at the ceiling, but he only stared in to darkness. How much longer would it take for his body to repair the damage? Elrond was a fussing nuisance, making sure he stayed in bed. The Lord of Imladris was asleep beside him, at least Elrond's breathing indicated the half-Elf was asleep. /I dreamt of being in his bed, but I envisioned different circumstances./ The fact that he couldn't perform his duties was slowly driving him insane.

 

Suddenly Elrond moved and the half-Elf's arm slowly enfolded his waist. Glorfindel sucked in his breath at the unexpected contact.  /What is he thinking? Is he dreaming of Celebrian? That she is back in his arms?/ He was at a loss to why Elrond would reach and... pull him close! Elrond suddenly tightened his hold, pulling him to his chest. Glorfindel, afraid to wake Elrond, complied and involuntarily held his breath. Elrond was so close that he felt the other man's body heat and a strand of Elrond's hair brushed his cheek. Realizing he was holding his breath he slowly released it, drawing in Elrond's scent.  /I love you, Elrond.../

 

It almost seemed like Elrond had heard his thoughts, because the Lord of Imladris suddenly rolled him on to his left side until they faced each other... /I cannot even see his face!/ Glorfindel lacked the strength to resist temptation and gave in by resting his head against Elrond's shoulder. At once Elrond's second arm snaked around his waist until the embrace was complete. Unable to move at all, Glorfindel resigned himself to the situation.

 

/I craved being this close to him, being held like this, but... Elrond does not know it is me. How will he react when he wakes up and finds he held me in his sleep? I cannot even see the look on his face when he realizes he pulled me close.../ Feeling miserable he wished Elrond was holding him because the half-Elf loved him, not because Elrond was having a dream about Celebrian.

 

Things got worse when Elrond shifted against him. /By the Valar, he is aroused! I can feel his hardness against my leg! Why is this happening now?/ He was getting desperate to find a way out of this bed, but Elrond's hold was tight and unrelenting. /I have to wait for him to wake up.../

 

Warm rays of the sun flowed into Elrond's room and traveled up his body, telling him morning had come. It wouldn't be long now before Elrond woke up...

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elrond purred contently, feeling a warm body cradled against his. Instinctively he began to caress the soft skin beneath his fingertips. A sudden hiss of breath roused him from sleep. As he became aware of his surroundings he wasn't sure if he should be amused or petrified. Glorfindel was in his arms, his whole body tense. Looking at the blond's eyes, Elrond realized that the other Elf was very much awake. Unease shone from blue eyes and Elrond had a pretty good idea why Glorfindel was this tense. He had completely invaded his friend's personal space during the night.

 

Yet, something stopped him when he wanted to release Glorfindel from the embrace. It was the realization of how right this felt. Ever since Celebrian had left he hadn't felt this content. Glorfindel cleared his throat nervously and Elrond knew it was time to address this. "It looks like I found a way to keep you in bed, meldir."

 

Glorfindel trembled in his arms and Elrond grew concerned. "Is it the nausea again? Are you still experiencing vertigo?"

 

Unable to answer verbally, Glorfindel groaned softly.

 

Elrond only grew more concerned. "I will examine your head injury and when necessary I will apply clean bandages. Now be still and let me examine you." Reluctantly he released Glorfindel from his arms. He left the bed and sat down on the other side of the bed, his fingers ghosting over the bandage. "No blood," he muttered contently before removing the bandage. "The wound has closed and your blindness should go away during the next few days. You might start seeing dark and light shapes and color will be added later."

 

Glorfindel sighed. "Thank you for your care..."

 

Elrond smiled. His fingers gently stroked the blond hair, wishing he could slip right back in to bed and hug Glorfindel tight once more. But he couldn't and he should stop thinking about it. "Breakfast should be ready. Will you join me?"

 

"Will you let me leave your bed then?" Glorfindel tried to tease, but wasn't sure he succeeded. He sounded far too nervous.

 

"I might," replied Elrond teasingly. "Would you like to take a bath first?"

 

Glorfindel quickly whispered a no. He vividly remembered Elrond undressing him and lowering him into the pool earlier. He had been too confused and nauseous to grow aroused, but he couldn't take risk that it would happen now that he was beginning to feel better.

 

"Will you wait for me here? I will take a quick bath and I will bring you a new set of clothes. You look rumpled, meldir. What would they say, seeing you leave my chambers looking like that?" Elrond distinctly noticed the unease in his seneschal's eyes and regretted the teasing. "I regret my words, meldir. Making you uncomfortable was never my intention."

 

Glorfindel felt at a loss. "I still do not feel recovered, my lord. It is nothing to worry about. I will wait for you here."

 

Elrond deemed it best to give Glorfindel a moment of privacy and rose from the bed. Losing his robes, he stepped in to the bathroom.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Glorfindel struggled to his feet, cursing as the sheet wrapped itself tighter around him. He clumsily discarded the sheet and he rose from the bed. The nausea and vertigo didn't return and he breathed a relieved sigh. His vision hadn't returned yet, but at least this way he could carry out some of his duties. The image of Elrond riding out in to battle was alluring, but he didn't want his Lord to endanger himself.

 

Leaning against the wall, he massaged his left brow. He blinked, wondering if he was imagining things, but no, the darkness was receding. There was black, grey and white, just like Elrond had predicted. Now he felt truly hopeful that his eyesight would return eventually.

 

Movement to his right made him turn about and he frowned seeing a light form approach. /By the Valar! It is Elrond, naked!/ His black and white vision had returned enough to give him an impression of the dark-haired Elf's beauty.  He sighed in appreciation and quickly turned away, not wanting to embarrass Elrond.

 

"Glorfindel? Is something amiss?" Elrond, paying no attention to his current state, hurried to his friend's side.

 

"I..." Glorfindel feared this wasn't the right time to mention he had regained part of his vision. "I am hungry..." It sounded stupid, but he had to say something!

 

"I will join you in a moment, but I need to get dressed first." Elrond wondered about the faint blush on Glorfindel's face, but decided that being looked after made his friend uncomfortable. With practiced ease he slipped into his ceremonial robes, which he would exchange for armor later when he intended to inspect the borders. His agile fingers quickly braided his hair and he fastened the braids with a hair clip.

 

Glorfindel still stood motionless and Elrond frowned concerned. "I insist you tell me what is wrong."

 

Glorfindel realized he couldn't fool Elrond any longer. "I can see dark and light forms..."

 

Elrond smiled pleased. "The healing has started already. Be patient, your vision will be completely restored." He frowned when Glorfindel tensed once more as he rested a hand on his friend's shoulder. "I merely want to escort you... Does my touch bring you that much discomfort?" That realization saddened him.

 

"Nay, my lord." Glorfindel felt trapped. "It brings me warmth and comfort, but..." He could never say the words. /Elrond, I love you and your touches show me what I cannot have... It is torment./

 

"Come with me, meldir. If you eat I might consider allowing you along when I control the borders."

 

Glorfindel flinched. "You should not put yourself in danger like that." But sending Elladan or Elrohir to perform this duty wasn't right either. He didn't want any of the family to expose themselves to danger. /I am thankful Arwen is in Lothlorien... At least she is safe with Galadriel and Celeborn./ One less family member to worry about.

 

"With you at my side there will be no danger," said Elrond soothingly as he led Glorfindel in to the corridor. "After breakfast you will change clothes and we will meet at the stables... Agreed?" Suddenly he wondered if Glorfindel required help to change his clothes and in finding the stables. He was about to offer his assistance when Glorfindel carefully nodded his head.

 

"Agreed. I will be there..." Together with a large escort. He wasn't putting the Lord of Imladris in danger because he had problems with his vision! A dreadful sense of foreboding still nagged at him, warning him that Elrond was in terrible danger.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Legolas was getting tired of seeing Lurtz pace the room. "Can you not sit down for a sort while? Watching you makes me feel dizzy!" He had woken a few minutes ago and had been watching Lurtz ever since. "What is making you this restless?"

 

The look Lurtz gave him was haunted and the Uruk-Hai bared his teeth slightly. "I can sense them."

 

Legolas realized he had to proceed with caution, not wanting Lurtz to revert back to the Uruk-Hai he had fought. "Who do you sense?"

 

"The pack... They're close... They're calling me." Lurtz growled softly and banged his fist in to the wall.

 

"You must resist!" Legolas pushed himself to his feet and found that he was capable of walking unaided. Elrond had set his leg expertly. "Lurtz, listen to me. You no longer belong with them!"

 

Lurtz firmly shook his head. "They're close... Close enough to Imladris to call me... I should go."

 

"Nay!" Legolas placed both hands on Lurtz's shoulders. "Fight this!" Lurtz's growl grew louder and Legolas resorted to tactics he hoped would work. Acting instinctively he pressed his lips against Lurtz's.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Part 11

Danger.

 

 

 

Lurtz stared at Legolas in apparent shock and quickly stepped away from the Elf. "You shouldn't have done that." He turned away from Legolas and placed his hand over his mouth.

 

Puzzled by Lurtz's behavior, Legolas tried to move around him to catch the other man's stare. Absentmindedly he noticed that Lurtz's starting rage and unrest had disappeared, as the Uruk-Hai pondered the kiss. "What is wrong, Lurtz?"

 

Lurtz briefly closed his eyes, wishing he hadn't postponed his departure for he didn't want to talk to Legolas about this. "Nothing."

 

"You are lying..." said Legolas disapprovingly. "Something upsets you. Please tell me what it is." Legolas raised his left hand and cupped Lurtz's chin, searching the dark orbs.

 

"My teeth," whispered Lurtz ashamed.

 

Legolas raised an eyebrow. "Your teeth?" Lurtz's answer was unexpected. What could possibly be wrong with his teeth?

 

"They're rotten, and jagged." Hesitantly Lurtz showed Legolas.

 

Legolas wondered why he hadn't noticed before. Lurtz displayed a set of ugly Orc teeth, yellowish fangs. Compassionately he gently rubbed Lurtz's cheek with his fingertips. "I accept you as you are."

 

But Lurtz quickly closed his mouth and averted his eyes. "You shouldn't."

 

"If it bothers you this much we can go to the Healing House. Maybe one of Elrond's healers can restore or replace them." Legolas sympathized with Lurtz. "I truly did not notice before."

 

"I wonder why. It's evident."

 

"Maybe it is because I tend to look at your eyes..." Legolas smiled warmly. "How about touch? Does that make you uncomfortable as well?"

 

"Touch?" Lurtz quivered as Legolas' thumb trailed down his throat. Legolas taking the initiative was something he hadn't expected and he was tempted to back away from the Elf. An arm that unexpectedly enfolded his waist stopped his retreat. Realizing it was Legolas' injured right hand that rested at the small of his back, he remained motionless. "Why are you so determined to do this?" He didn't understand the Elf. Legolas was handsome, cunning and a skilled warrior. He, on the other hand, was one of Saruman's creations, ugly and untrustworthy. "I don't understand you."

 

Legolas nodded in understanding. "Lurtz, I am almost three thousand years old and..." He paused, hearing Lurtz's surprised gasp. "You did not know?"

 

"You look like a youngster," choked out Lurtz, truly surprised.

 

"In all those millennia I only fell in love once, and as is tradition, we married, but she died a thousand years ago. I never showed my loneliness, but I always craved a new mate. I know how easily love can slip through your fingers and I do not wish to give up on you without a fight, for I would regret it for the rest of my life and an Elf's life lasts several thousand years... I don't want to live that long, asking myself 'what if'. What if I had pursued you more determinedly? What if I had not let you get away?"

 

Lurtz felt nervous. "We Uruk-Hai are born in the prime of our life, our strength present even at birth. I never was a child or youngster. I came in to existence in this form." Lurtz suddenly realized how much he enjoyed Legolas' touch; the soft caress warmed his heart and he wished it would never stop. "I don't have anything to offer."

 

"You are wrong. You have a lot to offer to a mate." Legolas studied Lurtz. "Are you attracted to me?"

 

Lurtz nodded. "You know I am."

 

"Do you want to touch me? Kiss me? Hold me? Get to know me intimately?" He was winning this argument, reading surrender in Lurtz's eyes. "Do you want to experience love for the first time in your life?"

 

"You know I do," whispered Lurtz lost, but then he shook his head saddened. "But we can never be."

 

"Why? Why must you be so stubborn?" Legolas was losing his patience.

 

"You're an Elf, Legolas. A beautiful Elf. You can do so much better than me. Look at me! How can you possibly desire me?" Lurtz turned and looked at his reflection in the mirror. "Just look at me!"

 

Legolas slowly moved behind Lurtz and looked at the reflection as well. "I see someone strong in mind and body, who has overcome his feral nature. You recognize beauty and although you might not want to admit it, you want to cherish it. Since we met you have been considerate and protective, maybe even possessive of me. At first I did not know what to think of your behavior, but now I feel the same about you. You will be one of the greatest warriors that ever lived and we will fight the dark forces together."

 

"Fight Saruman?" whispered Lurtz, entranced by Legolas' soft, firm tone.

 

"Aye, we will fight him and Sauron. We need warriors to help us against the evil ones and you would do extremely well." Legolas rested his head on Lurtz's shoulder, looking at their reflection. "The warrior in you calls out to me. Your strength and stamina appeal to me and I am convinced you would be a remarkable mate... and lover."

 

Lurtz swallowed convulsively. "I do not know how to be a mate... or a lover. I only know how to kill and maim."

 

"Then I will teach you... if you let me." Legolas favored his injured leg as he moved in front of Lurtz. He placed his hands on the other man's waist and stared in to the dark eyes, that still looked haunted to him. "Will you throw away your one chance at love? Will you deny us this chance?"

 

Lurtz was speechless. Only moments ago he had been determined to reject Legolas, but now he found he was yearning for the Elf's touch. An image of Saruman and the dark caves beneath Orthanc flashed in his mind, reminding him of his true nature. Saddened, he shook his head. "Legolas, I never felt like this before and I don't know if it is love or lust, or something else. I truly enjoy your company and yes, your touch, but we shouldn't pursue this. Only pain and sadness will come of it."

 

Legolas sighed. "I will change your mind eventually and you will give in," he vowed passionately.

 

Lurtz knew then that it was time to leave Imladris. /I will drag you into Shadow if I stay. I must join my pack and return to my old ways. You won't find me that easily and I pray you won't try to confront me when I am with my kind. They will tear you apart and enjoy it. I must leave now and put enough distance between us. Although I would prefer to stay and become your lover I cannot do that. Leaving Imladris is for the best.../

 

Legolas sensed some of Lurtz's intensions and tensed. /I am not letting you out of my sight.../

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Glorfindel paced impatiently. Asfaloth ever so gently poked his nose in the blond's back, hoping to make the Elf stop before he bumped in to something. The Elven horse realized something was wrong with his master and wondered why Glorfindel wasn't resting.

 

Glorfindel's right hand came to rest on Asfaloth's neck, gently rubbing it. "Stop it, Asfaloth. I know you feel restless, but we will accompany our Lord today when he inspects the borders and I need you to be my eyes. Although I regained some of my sight, I would hamper our forces in battle. I am counting on you, my old friend."

 

Asfaloth still felt Glorfindel was acting foolishly, but the stallion would never desert his master.

 

"Thank you, my trusted friend. I knew you would help me keep Lord Elrond safe."

 

"Talking to your horse, meldir?" Elrond, slightly amused, smiled at his seneschal. Had Glorfindel needed help in finding the stables? His friend's eyes were slightly misty. /I still think you should stay here and rest./ Glorfindel accompanying him worried Elrond. He didn't want Glorfindel to take unnecessary risks, but at the same time he realized that Glorfindel would never let him ride alone, even if a whole battalion of warriors accompanied him. Glorfindel was always concerned about his safety. /You are my best friend and wisest council. I would be lost without you./

 

"Please stay close to our escort. Do not leave on your own," said Glorfindel. "I am still responsible for your safety..."

 

Elrond interrupted his friend by placing his hand on Glorfindel's shoulder, wondering why his seneschal tensed at his touch. /What is wrong with you, meldir?/  Elrond spoke in a soft tone, hoping to calm Glorfindel down. "I am a warrior, Glorfindel. You may know me as a healer, but I fought Sauron once. I can take on Orcs and Goblins; do not worry about me. I never lost my fighting skills, although they may be a bit rusty. I can take care of myself..."

 

Glorfindel reprimanded himself. "Forgive me, my lord. I did not mean to insult you. I tend to forget that you are more than a healer. When I look at you..." Glorfindel flinched, seeing Elrond's features only dimly in the grey swirls, "When I look at you I see a kind and noble soul, dedicated to the healing of the sick and injured. I never saw you ride in to battle." /And I feel protective of you... This sense of foreboding makes me nervous./  If he had his say in this Elrond would never leave Imladris.

 

Elrond smiled. "Thank you, meldir." It meant a lot to him that Glorfindel thought of him as a kind and noble soul. "I will watch your back and you will watch mine." Now it was Elrond's time to cringe. "I did not mean to offend you... You will regain your eyesight..."

 

"No offense taken," said Glorfindel, forcing a smile on to his face. "Are you certain you want to accompany me? Now that I regained part of my eyesight I can see to Imladris' defenses myself." His men were well trained and could probably perform this duty without his presence, but he wanted to convince himself that no Orc or Goblin could penetrate Imladris' defenses.

 

Elrond gently squeezed Glorfindel's shoulder. "We will see to Imladris' safety together." He was surprised to find that he looked forward to riding with the patrols once more. Maybe he had locked himself up too long. After Celebrian had left, most of his energetic spirit had left with her. Now the fire in him was awakening again because of Glorfindel. He almost hoped they would encounter some Orcs so he could wield his sword once more. /But nay, Glorfindel would be at a disadvantage during such a fight. I should hope that we encounter no enemy forces./

 

Their escort arrived and waited for them to mount their horses. Glorfindel slipped on to Asfaloth's back, hoping Elrond would stay close as the Lord had promised. A sense of discomfort swept through him and he looked at Elrond, seeing the black eyes stare back at him through a grey mist. /I need my eyesight restored now! But I cannot force it to return, not while I am still healing. I must stay close to Elrond... He is in danger.../

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Lurtz stared at Legolas' face, which was beautifully relaxed in sleep. "I don't want to leave you, Legolas, but... You live in a dream, believing we can be together. In reality we're worlds apart... races apart." Lurtz rested a large hand on Legolas' brow and gently caressed the soft skin. He wished he could kiss Legolas like the Elf wanted him to, but he couldn't. Running his tongue along his teeth, he flinched, feeling how sharp and jagged they were. /Rotting teeth for a rotten soul.../ 

 

Closing his eyes, he concentrated on the feel of Legolas' soft hair flowing through his fingers. /We were Elves once,/ he recalled Legolas' words, /before the dark forces corrupted us. Is there still something of an Elf inside me? Is that the reason why I am drawn to him?/

 

Lurtz opened his eyes again, relieved that Legolas was still sound asleep. He didn't want the Elf to wake and stop him from leaving. His mind was made up. /I must leave so you can stay inside the light. I don't want you to follow me into darkness... into Shadow.../

 

Lurtz leaned in closer and pressed his lips against Legolas' brow, careful not to hurt the Elf with his sharp teeth. "You are so right," he whispered, reassured now that Legolas couldn't hear him. "I am attracted to you and what I feel might be love... I will never know though..." Lurtz smiled saddened. "Pray we never meet again, Legolas, for my kind would not allow you to live. Do not come after me... I don't want you to get hurt or killed because of me."

 

Lurtz ingrained Legolas' features and stored the Elf's scent in his memory and slowly rose from the bed. The time had come to leave.

 

Lurtz sneaked out of the guest room and in to the corridor. His instincts guided him well and several minutes later he located the gate through which they had entered. The guards seemed to still remember him and they nodded gravely, watching his every move. He didn't blame them. He had exchanged the soft robes for his leather armor again and he had undone the braids, his hair once more flowing freely over his bare back.

 

As he walked through the gate he shivered. Was he making the biggest mistake of his life by walking out on Legolas? It would take time for the pack to accept him as one of their own as he had fought them when they had cornered Legolas. Was this folly?

 

/It's too late to reconsider. I made my choices and I must face the consequences. Staying at Imladris with Legolas was never a real option. I don't belong here... Or do I? Do I belong with Legolas?/ His heart contracted in pain. If only he had been born a true Elf, and had never been corrupted by the likes of Saruman. Maybe then Legolas and he would have had a future together.

 

He quickly disappeared between the trees, staying out of sight. /Hopefully Elrond and Glorfindel will keep Legolas from following me... He is in no condition to ride on horseback./ Lurtz suddenly froze. /Why am I so certain that he will track me down? He did promise to hunt me down and confront me. I should have told Elrond to keep an eye on him./

 

Lurtz looked over his shoulder at Imladris, almost expecting to find Legolas hot on his trail, but the Elf was sound asleep. /Let me go, Legolas. We were never meant to be.../

 

Lurtz broke in to a run, sensing his kind near. The blood in his veins began to sing and he growled low in his throat as he put more distance between him and Legolas. /Maybe one day you will forgive me.../

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Legolas woke with a silent scream on his lips. His eyes searched the room, and he realized what had happened when he found it empty. "By the Valar! Lurtz!"

 

"Legolas!" Elrohir opened the door and stormed inside, alerted by the harsh tone of the other Elf. His father had instructed him to keep an eye on Legolas and he had been on his way to check on the Prince when he had heard Legolas curse. "Is something ailing you?" He rushed over to the bed and placed both hands on Legolas' chest when the other Elf tried to struggle to his feet.

 

"Let go of me! I need to find him before he does something unforgivable!"

 

Elrohir applied more pressure and forced Legolas to lay back. "You are in no condition to leave your bed. Ada ordered you to rest for at least a week and I plan to carry out his orders."

 

"You do not understand! That stubborn..." Legolas panted hard as a sharp pain sliced through his leg. "He left!"

 

Elrohir finally realized what had happened. "The Uruk-Hai left?" But why was it upsetting Legolas like that? "Ada told me that he saved your life, but..." The defeat in Legolas' eyes took him aback. "Legolas?"

 

"You do not understand..." His energy left him and Legolas sighed deeply. "He is no longer one of the fighting Uruk-Hai. He changed. He cannot go back to what he was. His soul won't let him."

 

"You care deeply about him, why?" Elrohir was stunned to hear the concern in Legolas' voice. What piece of the puzzle was he still missing?

 

"I fell in love with him," admitted Legolas, expecting to see disapproval in Elrohir's dark eyes. "I never intended it to happen..."

 

Elrohir calmly registered the new information. "And does he know?"

 

"He returns my feelings," said Legolas softly. "And now he is gone."

 

"But why leave if he loves you?" Elrohir brushed a blond, stray lock back behind a pointed ear.

 

"He fears he might hurt me... He is so stubborn!" Legolas sighed exasperated. "I tried to talk some sense in to him, but he never really listened. I now realize that his mind was already made up." Legolas stared at the ceiling. "I must go after him and convince him to return."

 

Elrohir shook his head. "You cannot. I will not let you leave this room even if it means fighting and restraining you." He ignored Legolas' foul expression. "I promised Ada to look after you. He would be furious if he found you gone upon his return." Elrohir shuddered. "Trust me, you want Elrond on your side, not against you. Maybe he can locate your Uruk-Hai, but I refuse to let you leave. Your injury would open again as you haven't healed enough yet."

 

"Elrohir, I beg of you, let me go." Legolas looked at Elrohir pleadingly. "Lurtz is making a grave mistake and when he realizes what he has done it might be too late."

 

"I cannot let you go..." Elrohir regretted distressing their guest, but he couldn't comply. "But I can send a messenger and ask Ada, Glorfindel and Erestor to look out for your Uruk-Hai. Maybe they can convince him to return to Imladris."

 

Legolas gasped and grabbed Elrohir's hands. "Please do so for I fear Lurtz will be out of reach when the moon rises. He moves swiftly and his pack is calling him to join them. Please dispatch this messenger now."

 

"Lie down, Legolas." Elrohir pried Legolas' hands from his and forced the other Elf to lie down again. Hearing footfalls, he looked over his shoulder. He wasn't surprised to see Elladan in the door opening. His twin was always close. "Elladan, I need you to deliver a message to Ada."

 

Elladan nodded. "I overheard some of your conversation," he explained, seemingly not feeling guilty for eavesdropping. "I will leave at once if that keeps our guest in bed."

 

Elrohir leaned in closer and captured Legolas' elusive gaze with his. "Do you promise to rest if I send Elladan to inform Ada? Do you promise you won't sneak off?" Seeing the tormented look in Legolas' eyes, his own gaze softened. "I am certain Ada will try to find your Uruk-Hai, trust in him."

 

Legolas slowly nodded his head. "I promise..." He would do and say anything as long as Elladan left -now-.

 

Elladan saw the urgency in Legolas' eyes and exchanged a look with his twin. "I will leave now. Keep a close eye on him... He may have promised to rest, but he might act impulsively and leave after all. He is in no condition to search those woods."

 

"Do not worry, Elladan, I won't let him out my sight." Elrohir gave Legolas a stern look.

 

Legolas sighed distressed, but found comfort in the fact that Elladan had already left. /Lurtz, you should not have left... They will never accept you back.../ Images of Lurtz, with a sliced throat and bleeding to death, tormented him. /Why did you leave? Why? Why?/

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Lurtz sniffed the air, knowing his pack was close. Their leader, Ugluk, wouldn't welcome him with open arms, but he hoped to regain his leader's trust.

 

/Can you still kill without remorse? Carry out orders that condemn innocents to death?/

 

Lurtz came to an abrupt stop and searched his surroundings. "Legolas?" The voice had been Legolas', but the Elf couldn't possibly have caught up with him! Legolas couldn't even walk properly! Leaves rustled and the wind played with his hair, but there was no Elf in sight. "How can I hear your voice when you aren't near?"

 

Suddenly a strong body slammed in to him, attacking him from behind. Lurtz growled and tried to grab his assailant, but the scent that surrounded him was familiar. Emitting another, louder, growl he spun around, taking his attacker with him. They ended up with Lurtz on top, pinning the other Uruk-Hai beneath him. Yellow and suspicious eyes stared back at him as he recognized one of his own kind. "Take me to Ugluk," he demanded, pulling the other Uruk-Hai to his feet.

 

A growl, followed by a nod, reassured him that his guide would take him to Ugluk. Staring at the other man, he noted the hated mask and war paint that covered most of his body.

 

"Aye, captain," growled the Uruk-Hai.

 

Lurtz followed, trying to radiate calm and control, but unease and apprehensiveness were starting to consume him. Glaring at his guide, he began to realize he lacked the necessary bloodlust and anger that burned in the other Uruk-Hai's eyes. /Ai, Legolas... You were right again. I shouldn't have come here... I have nothing in common with this beast... Forgive me, beloved.../

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Part 12

Capture

 

Lurtz maintained an icy glare when he was led in front of Ugluk. The leader of the Uruk-Hai wore his leather body armor and the white hand of Saruman was painted on his face, clearly stating his alliance. Lurtz already regretted coming here, but he couldn't go back to Rivendell now. Ugluk's glare spoke of distrust and Lurtz emitted a loud, angry growl. "Finally I managed to return. I was kept prisoner against my will."

 

Ugluk growled in return. "Prisoner? How did you escape?"

 

Lurtz met Ugluk's stare head on. "I killed several of their guards, snapped their necks and cleaved their heads." Until now he hadn't thought about explaining his return. Now he had to improvise, hoping Ugluk wouldn't smell the lies on him.

 

Ugluk circled him and Lurtz tensed, never breaking eye contact. Ugluk would put his loyalty to the test, not just once, but several times. If he failed, Ugluk would order him killed.

 

"You smell... clean, not of blood... Your hair, it's clean as well. Did you betray our ways?" asked Ugluk.

 

Lurtz's gaze briefly shifted to the rest of the pack. In their eyes he read suspicion as well. Had Legolas been right? Wouldn't they accept him back? "I never willingly betrayed our ways... I briefly lost my memory and I forgot who I am..."

 

Ugluk growled dangerously. "Tell me, who do you serve?"

 

Lurtz privately flinched. "Saruman." He knew what answer Ugluk wanted to hear and gave it to his leader, but his heart provided him with a different answer. /I no longer serve evil, not Saruman... It belongs to Legolas./

 

"I don't trust you," said Ugluk directly. "My men told me you turned against them and defended that accursed Elf."

 

Lurtz outwardly remained calm, but privately he burned with self hate. /I should have listened to Legolas... He was right. My heart is no longer one of the fighting Uruk-Hai. I changed./ Ugluk's sharp growl reminded him that he was supposed to explain his behavior. "As I said before, I lost my memory and I was under his spell. Once I realized what had happened I returned here."

 

"You will need to earn our trust again," said Ugluk, taking a step away from Lurtz. "You will stay close and obey my every order. One wrong move, one sign of betrayal, and you're dead..."

 

"I understand." Ugluk had let him off easy, which surprised him.

 

"Your knowledge of the accursed Elves might come in handy later..." Ugluk hinted, but then grew quiet again.

 

Two Uruk-Hai suddenly marched toward Ugluk and one of them whispered softly in to Ugluk's ear.

 

"Finally, our time has come..." Ugluk bared his teeth and looked at his men. "Prepare for attack. Lurtz, you will stay here until we return. Guard our camp..." Their camp consisted of a fire, a dead horse that served as a source of meat, and two tents.

 

"I will not fail you," vowed Lurtz, relieved that he wasn't included in the hunting party. /Legolas was right. I can no longer kill without regret or end an innocent's life. I would have betrayed myself had Ugluk ordered me to hunt with them./

 

Ugluk raised his arms, and called out to his men. "No mercy!"

 

"No mercy!" repeated the pack as they broke out in a run following Ugluk who led the way.

 

Lurtz watched them leave and felt worried. Where were they headed? Who were their intended victims? Thankfully Legolas was safe in his bed, watched over by Elrond.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Glorfindel cursed his impaired sight when Elrond's hand suddenly steadied him, preventing him from taking a fall. Asfaloth had come to a sudden stop and he had hadn't seen the low branch, too white in his grayish landscape.

 

"Careful, meldir." Elrond actually felt more worried than he wanted his seneschal to know. /I should have insisted you stayed at Imladris. In case of an attack you present an easy target./

 

Glorfindel murmured his gratitude and curled his fingers in Asfaloth's manes. "I regret being a burden on his mission."

 

"Never a burden," reminded Elrond Glorfindel. He guided his horse closer to Glorfindel's and couldn't bring himself to remove his hand from the small of Glorfindel's back. His men might wonder about his concern for Glorfindel, but Elrond decided it wasn't worth tormenting himself over. Maybe it was time to probe Glorfindel's emotions and a possible interest in him. /I will reveal my feelings to him when we return to Imladris. Now that his eyes cannot see clearly, maybe his mind will and realize my interest is true./

 

Glorfindel wondered why Elrond's hand still lingered at the small of his back. Asfaloth was treading carefully now, making sure he wouldn't be hit by any branches. Elrond's touch burned through the fabric of his tunic and he lowered his eyes, trying to figure out why Elrond was acting like this. Was it merely because of his injury?

 

"Would you join me in my study when we return at Imladris? There is something I wish to discuss with you." Elrond carefully observed Glorfindel's reaction to his request and for some reason his seneschal paled.

 

"Is it because I am no longer fit to lead your forces?" Glorfindel cringed. His life purpose was to serve Elrond.

 

"Nay," said Elrond reassuringly. "It is a personal matter." He frowned when that admission seemed to make Glorfindel even more nervous. Thinking back he realized his friend's unease had started when he had led Glorfindel out of his room and to his private chambers. Glorfindel had tensed each time when being touched. And then there was that one morning where he had woken with Glorfindel in his arms. /Did I read him wrong? What if he does have an interest in me and thinks I cannot be possibly interested in him? By the Valar, what if my feelings are returned, but I was too blind to see?/

 

Studying Glorfindel's reaction, Elrond gently rubbed his seneschal's back through the soft fabric of his tunic. Glorfindel groaned softly, blushed and tried to move away from him. Elrond smiled. /I was right. He is this tense because he takes pleasure in my touch. I must tell him I feel the same way./

 

"Glorfindel?" Elrond moved his horse even closer to Glorfindel.

 

"Aye, my Lord?"

 

Elrond ignored the presence of his men and briefly leaned in closer, allowing his lips to brush Glorfindel's. The other Elf gasped startled, but didn't pull back. /Aye, I was right. He has feelings for me as well./ Elrond felt ecstatic, realizing his feelings were returned.

 

Glorfindel panted softly. "My Lord?"

 

Elrond pulled back, but his hand stayed at his seneschal's back. "This is what we need to talk about."

 

Glorfindel allowed his long flaxen hair to fall in front of his face to hide his features. "I do not know what you are referring to."

 

Elrond smiled warmly and leaned in closer once more. This time he teasingly licked the tip of Glorfindel's pointed ear before whispering soft words to his seneschal. Glorfindel's blush turned crimson and Elrond wondered about the other Elf. Glorfindel had seen battle, had lived for thousands of years and these caresses made him blush? Elrond was tempted to nibble on Glorfindel's ear, but his men alerted him that a rider was approaching. "I will go back to behaving myself," he whispered in to Glorfindel's ear. He had been cooped up in Imladris much too long and only now that he was riding with his men again did he feel vigorous and daring. If his suspicions were correct and Glorfindel felt the same way, then he would pursue the blond until they had revealed their feelings.

 

"My Lord, it is Elladan," announced one of Elrond's archers.

 

"Elladan?" Elrond frowned and waited for his son to arrive. Cocking his head, he quickly glanced at Glorfindel, finding a soft blush still lingered on his friend's face.

 

"Ada!" Elladan locked eyes with his father. "Elrohir sent me to inform you that the Uruk-Hai has left. Legolas wanted to go after him, but we managed to convince him to stay in bed. The Prince is hoping that you will look out for the Uruk-Hai." Elladan's eyes suddenly sparkled. "Can you imagine they are in love? An Elf and an Uruk-Hai?" He had never thought that possible.

 

Elladan suddenly noticed the faint blush on Glorfindel's face and was tempted to ask if something was amiss, but his father's gaze warned him not to get involved. "I will also inform Erestor... Maybe we can retrieve the Uruk-Hai?"

 

"My Lord? If I may?" Glorfindel's voice sounded oddly weak and it earned him a surprised look from father and son. "Lurtz has been inside Imladris and has seen some of our defenses. Letting him run loose presents a risk to Imladris."

 

Elrond nodded his head. "You have spoken wisely, Glorfindel. We should find him..."

 

"I will look for him as well after I informed Erestor..." Elladan gave his father and Glorfindel a probing look, wondering what was going on between them. "I will be off then..." Secretly he hoped his father would tell him the reason for Glorfindel's blush and unease, but the expression in Elrond's eyes told him nothing.

 

"Be careful, Elladan..." Elrond's gaze shifted from his son to a handful of his men and he ordered five warriors to escort Elladan.

 

"But that only leaves you ten men!" Elladan protested, fearing for his father's safety.

 

Elrond shook his head. Had everyone forgotten he was a warrior as well as a healer? "Do not defy me, Elladan..."

 

Elladan sighed and allowed the five warriors to accompany him.

 

"You do not approve of me giving him an escort," said Elrond after Elladan had left.

 

Glorfindel shrugged. "My primary concern is your safety and that of your family, my Lord."

 

Elrond's gaze was warm and soft when he searched his seneschal's eyes. "How many warriors would you have accompany him?"

 

Glorfindel nervously licked his lips. "I would not have allowed him to leave at all; not with the Uruk-Hai running loose."

 

Elrond shook his head. "Tell me, who are you more protective of, me or my children?"

 

Glorfindel sighed. "You and your children are precious to me. I would die for each of you."

 

Elrond grew serious. "Do not die on me, Glorfindel. You already scared me when you returned home blind."

 

Glorfindel smiled nervously. "Does that mean..." He was unable to finish his sentence, afraid he had reached the wrong conclusion.

 

"It means you are also very precious to me, meldir, very precious." Elrond wished they were alone, but the remaining members of his escort were growing restless and wanted to move on. Glorfindel's expression showed how surprised the blond was and Elrond grinned wickedly, contemplating teasing Glorfindel some more.

 

"Ta naa neuma! En!" One of the archers alarmed the rest, seeing a pack of Orcs and Uruk-Hai leave the cover of the trees and attack.

 

Glorfindel immediately tried to organize the ten men he had left, but feared their only hope might lie in retreat. They had to cover Elrond's back, making sure the Lord of Imladris escaped. "Elrond, make your way back to Imladris and alert our troops. We will fight them off long enough for you to escape!"

 

"Nay, I will fight!" Elrond, furious that the foul creatures dared to come this close to his Imladris, drew his sword. Loud growls ripped the air apart as the Orcs and Uruk-Hai approached. The archers did their best to take out as many enemies as possible, but the Orcs pulled them from their horses while the Uruk-Hai advanced on Elrond and Glorfindel.

 

Elrond met Glorfindel's stare, recalling that his seneschal's vision was still far from perfect. "Stay behind me. We will not part."

 

"My Lord, please," whispered Glorfindel, drawing his sword to fight the first Uruk-Hai that had reached them. "Please let me die knowing you are safe."

 

"You will not die! I will not allow it!" Elrond buried the tip of his sword in an Uruk-Hai's chest and twisted it, ending the creature's life. /By the Valar, what if Lurtz is with them? Can I end his life now that he may have joined his kind again?/

 

Glorfindel leaned in closer, whispered something in to the ear of Elrond's horse and then slapped its rear hard. The horse whined, reared and broke out in to a run.

 

Elrond furiously looked over his shoulder at Glorfindel. /I am going to make you pay for that!/ He tried to stop the horse, but it seemed determined to carry out Glorfindel's whispered orders. "Damn you, Glorfindel! I can fight!" The horse carried him away from his escort, but as he looked at Glorfindel, he saw relief in the blond's eyes. /Ai, Glorfindel, I was blind. Only now I recognize the emotion in your eyes. Why did you hide it from me? I feel the same way about you!/

 

Elrond stopped trying to make his horse turn about, knowing Glorfindel had found a way to make the Elven horse carry out his orders. "Keep heart, Glorfindel, for I will return with reinforcements..." But what if they killed Glorfindel? /And what about your men? You should be equally worried about them!/ But to his eternal shame he had to admit that he only worried about Glorfindel. Did that make him a bad leader?

 

With his sword still in his hand, he looked over his shoulder once more, wishing his horse would let him return to the battle ground. Four of the five archers lay slain on the ground. Glorfindel and the one remaining archer were fighting off an overwhelming force of twenty Uruk-Hai. /I must believe he will survive.../ He wasn't sure he could lose another loved one. Surviving after Celebrian had left had been hard on him, but Glorfindel had pulled him through. "Please stay alive..."

 

The wind was suddenly knocked out of him when an Uruk-Hai launched himself from the branches of an old oak tree and slammed in to him. The Uruk-Hai dragged him down on to the ground and a large fist connected with his chin, temple, stomach and... Elrond desperately clawed at the creature's face, trying to gain the upper hand, but several other Uruk-Hai appeared, keeping him down and pummeling him.

 

Elrond's eyes widened when darkness descended on to him. /Glorfindel, I failed you,/ was his last thought, while losing consciousness.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

"I am leaving. Do not try to stop me!" Legolas managed to get to his feet and started for the doorway while Elrohir tried to block his path. "I mean it, Elrohir. I know I am being impolite, being your guest, but I cannot rely on Elladan reaching Elrond. What if something urgent comes up and he cannot tell Elrond what happened? Nay, I must search for Lurtz myself." Legolas winced as his leg protested, but once he rode a horse the leg injury no longer mattered.

 

"Legolas, you cannot leave like this!" Elrohir shook his head in disbelief. Every attempt to stop Legolas failed. "Legolas, stay here. Let Elladan and Ada take care of this."

 

"Nay," said Legolas firmly. He draped his cloak over his shoulders, took hold of his weapons, and slowly made his way down the corridor, hoping he remembered correctly where the stables were. Surely Elrond wouldn't begrudge him a horse in his current state.

 

Elrohir gave up. "In that case I am coming with you."

 

Legolas glared at the younger twin, but realized he wouldn't be able to change Elrohir's mind. "Do not get in my way, Elrohir."

 

Elrohir smiled, shaking his head once more. "You are very eager to retrieve your Uruk-Hai."

 

"I told  him not to run away from this, but he did not listen. Now he has to learn the hard way!" Legolas limped into the stables, waiting impatiently for Elrohir to join them. "You pick the horses..."

 

Elrohir quickly led his black stallion outside. "You can ride with me." He didn't like Legolas riding alone. What if Legolas wasn't able to stay on the horse's back?

 

"Nay, I do not wish to slow us down."

 

Elrohir sighed and led a white mare outside. "She is always careful about the one who rides her... Wait here..."

 

"Hurry!" Elrohir briefly left and Legolas grew even more impatient. He cringed, seeing Elrohir return with a saddle. "I do not need one."

 

"Stop making objections," said Elrohir firmly. He placed the saddle on the mare's back, and she reluctantly allowed it. He then helped Legolas in to the saddle, uncovered a piece of rope and tied Legolas to the saddle.

 

Legolas indignantly glared at Elrohir. "I have been riding for thousands of years. I won't fall off!"

 

"I am not taking any risks," said Elrohir calmly. "Your leg is still healing and a fall would complicate the healing process."

 

Legolas' glare hardened. "I can take care of myself, son of Elrond!"

 

Elrohir smiled teasingly. "I do not doubt you can take care of yourself, Greenleaf, but Ada put me in charge and I am not giving in on this matter. If you want to search for your Uruk-Hai we will ride like this or we will not ride at all. What do you say?"

 

Legolas nodded his reluctant consent. He might have misjudged Elrohir. The twin was stubborn...

 

Elrohir slipped on to his stallion's back. "Let us ride then..."

 

Legolas inspected his weapons; he wouldn't leave without them. Looking at Elrohir, he noticed that the dark haired Elf also carried his sword. /Lurtz, I will find you... and I will stop you from running away for once and for all!/

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Glorfindel staggered on his feet. Their escort had been slain and he was the only one left standing. Hopefully he had bought Elrond enough time to escape. One particularly foul looking Uruk-Hai was fighting him and Glorfindel felt himself weakening as his headache and vertigo returned. /I will die buying you more time, my Lord./

 

Suddenly a second Uruk-Hai came up behind him, raised his sword and let it descend on the unsuspecting blond.

 

Glorfindel's eyes grow big, his features contorted in pain and a strangled wail left his lips as the sword connected with the back of his head. Falling to his knees, he looked up dazedly at the Uruk-Hai, whose form gained color. /Is it not ironic? Now that I am to die my eye sight returns to me.../ Glorfindel's eyes closed and he collapsed in to a heap at the Uruk-Hai's feet. Sounds and colors disappeared, plunging him in to a deep darkness.

 

{{"Ta naa neuma! En!" It's a trap! Look!}}

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Part 13

Pain.

 

 

"Elrohir!" Legolas grew instantly worried, seeing Elrohir collapse while releasing a wail that nearly froze the blood in his veins. He cursed the fact that he was tied to the saddle, but managed to steer his mare close enough to Elrohir's stallion to put one arm around the twin's waist. "What ails you?" Elrohir leaned heavily against him and acting instinctively he pulled the dark haired Elf in front of him on to the mare. Now that Elrohir was close enough, he wrapped his arms around the other man. Elrohir's stallion whined pitifully, having lost his rider, but Legolas paid the animal no attention, too focused was he on Elrohir. "Tell me why you are suffering, Elrohir."

 

Elrohir's eyes briefly turned vacant, but then he released another yelp. Legolas tightened his hold on Elrohir, wondering what he should do. If only Elrohir hadn't tied him to the saddle, then he could have lowered the other man on to the grass to rest. "How can I help?"

 

Elrohir finally regained some of his senses. "It is Ada... He is in pain." Elrohir shook his head in disbelief. "I never knew this connection existed... Does it mean Elladan feels it as well?"

 

"What is wrong with Elrond?" Legolas signaled Elrohir's stallion to follow and he urged on his own mare.

 

"I feel a great pain in my heart..." Elrohir rested his head against Legolas' shoulder, grateful that the Prince was close. "We must find him... help him. I cannot bear this pain..."

 

Legolas felt inwardly torn. His heart urged him to find Lurtz and confront him, but he couldn't turn his back on Elrohir, who was in obvious pain. Sighing, he reached the only decision he could possibly make. "We will find Elrond."

 

Elrohir felt relieved. Vaguely he realized that Legolas was sacrificing his own love to save Elrond and a flash of guilt moved through him. "We could separate..." But he didn't like that idea either. Legolas was still vulnerable while he was healing.

 

"Nay," said Legolas. "We will stay together. Do you know which direction to head in?"

 

"My heart draws me west," said Elrohir burdened. /Elladan, do you feel Ada's pain as well? Why are we feeling his pain in the first place? Please join me if you can... Please hear me.../ At times he thought that his twin could read his mind when necessary and maybe their bond would come through once more; he hoped so.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elladan cried out in pain, hugged his waist and his eyes widened in disbelief. What trickery was this? Pain coursed through him, and although it wasn't of a physical nature, it felt real enough. Why was he sensing someone else's pain and where was Elrohir when he needed his brother to explain this to him?

 

His escort came to a halt and inquired worriedly if he was feeling unwell. Elladan raised his hand and brushed off their concern. He managed to push himself in to an upright position again, and he straightened his shoulders, not wanting to appear weak.

 

/Ada, why does this pain make me think of you? My heart is heavy with your voice, telling me to hurry. What do you want me to do?/ Elrond's face clearly appeared in his mind and he realized he was being summoned to aid his father by a force unknown to him. "What do I do?" he whispered nervously.

 

/Elladan, do you feel Ada's pain as well? Why are we feeling his pain in the first place? Please join me if you can... Please hear me.../

 

"Elrohir..." He had never been more relieved to hear his twin's voice, even if it could only be heard in his mind. His twin felt Elrond's pain as well and now called out to him. "I will find you, Elrohir... We will face this together."

 

Once more his escort inquired if he was feeling well. Irritated Elladan nodded once. "We are heading west..." He ignored their surprised glances and urged his mare on, heading west to join his brother at full gallop. The five warriors followed quickly, while exchanging worried looks.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

"Wake up, Elf!"

 

Elrond startled awake, his vacant eyes growing painfully aware of his surroundings. He was lying on damp earth, hands and feet bound tightly, face first in the mud. Behind him, growls grew closer and advancing footfalls announced his captor's arrival. Should he risk a look over his shoulder?

 

"Don't try any tricks, Elf, or you'll regret it..."

 

The harsh voice promised only pain and Elrond decided to play along for now; he had to know his kidnapper's identity first. A cold wind swept across his naked back. When had his clothes been removed? He was merely wearing his leggings... The hair clip and braids were gone as well and his raven locks hung loose down his back.

 

He hissed when his captor grabbed a handful of his hair, pulling him into a kneeling position. Elrond no longer had a choice as the hold on his hair tightened, forcing him to look at his enemy. /Uruk-Hai... just as I suspected. Do they know who I am? Was I taken prisoner for a reason? By the Valar, is Glorfindel still alive?/

 

Ugluk hovered above Elrond. He cocked his head, cruelly pulled at Elrond's hair and spit in to the Elf's face.

 

Feeling the foul creature's spit slide down his face disgusted Elrond, but he refused to show any emotion, simply meeting Ugluk's glare.

 

"I know who you are, 'Lord', Ugluk said mockingly. "You will tell me everything I want to know about Rivendell and its defenses. Saruman wants it destroyed and you will help me."

 

"Never," spat Elrond angrily. If only his hands weren't tied! Then he could put up a fight. Ugluk's hand suddenly tightened around his neck, slowly squeezing off his air supply. His eyes bulged and his lips turned blue. /He won't let me die; he wants the information./ Elrond closed his eyes, trying to gather his strength and courage. He had to be strong now; his people depended on him, his family depended on him!

 

He dropped forward when Ugluk unexpectedly released him. He spat out the dirt that had found a way in to his mouth and tried to come up with some sort of plan. He had to find a way to convince Ugluk to untie him.

 

Ugluk turned to one of his men. "Tie his hands to a pole of the tent..."

 

The Uruk-Hai obeyed, and pulled Elrond in to the back of the tent. He roughly grabbed Elrond's hands and tied them to the pole above his head.  Ugluk's approving stare told Elrond that his tormentor didn't plan to leave yet. The interrogation had only started. A storm of blows, aimed at his stomach and head, swept over him. He endured the torment, spitting out the blood that had gathered in his throat. Suddenly the beating stopped and he sighed slowly, not wanting to put any unnecessary pressure on his abused ribs.

 

"That's just a small taste of what's to come," announced Ugluk with a pleased grin on his face. "You will tell us about Rivendell's defenses... You will betray your people..."

 

"Never," whispered Elrond once more, but softer this time due to the pain in his chest.

 

"Still disrespectful?" Ugluk grinned, and raised a fist, which he aimed at Elrond's right eye.

 

Elrond reeled from the blow, but his hands were still tied to the tent pole and he couldn't dodge the second blow that now approached. This time Ugluk aimed at his left temple and he stifled a cry of pain, not wanting the foul creature to know just how badly he was hurting. He was only a half-Elf. His father had been human and his healing abilities didn't compare to those of a full Elf. He would suffer from these injuries for a long time.

 

Ugluk raised a hand, ordering the beating stopped.

 

Elrond cringed privately, knowing only too well that Ugluk would resort to even more painful tactics to get the information he was after. Elrond closed his eyes, trying to lock out the Uruk-Hai's presence, and he was relieved to hear them leave the tent. He was given a moment to recuperate, but they would be back later to deliver more torment and pain.

 

He bowed his head, recalling Elladan and Elrohir's faces from memory and then his daughter's eyes looked at him adoringly. /Arwen, my beautiful star... My sons... I doubt I will ever see you again. Glorfindel... I wish I had told you how much I love you... I regret keeping my feelings a secret. We might have known some bliss, had I spoken freely./ Elrond opened his eyes again and tasted the metallic tang of blood on his lips. The taste was also present at the back of his throat. The Uruk-Hai had done some serious damage and now he was bleeding internally.

 

Droplets of blood dripped from his lips onto his bare chest. His scalp hurt from being dragged across the tent and he sighed deeply, wishing he had listened to Glorfindel's warning to stay safely inside Imladris' walls. /Nay, they captured me and now I must endure. I will not give up. I must believe that Glorfindel survived and that he will find me. I must hold on. I cannot betray my people... I will see Arwen again, listen to her voice, which is so much like Celebrian's. I will look upon my sons' faces again... hold them in my arms once more. I must believe.../

 

A river of pain meandered through his stomach and he groaned in pure agony. Ugluk had aimed his blows well. /I must endure, must believe... must hope.../ Elrond clung to his memories, trying to focus on Glorfindel's face. /I must endure, must believe... must hope.../

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Lurtz wondered about Ugluk's secrecy and pleased look when his leader left one of the tents. When the pack had returned from their hunting trip, he had seen they carried something, a bundle of sorts. But Ugluk hadn't informed him and Lurtz wasn't tempted to find out as long as he was on 'probation.' He couldn't risk them to turn against him.

 

Ugluk growled at him, demanding his food. Lurtz handed his leader his share of the dead meat and then stared at his own portion. At Rivendell he had eaten Lembas and although it had taken him time to get used to its taste, he much preferred it to the rotting meat in his hands. Feeling Ugluk's eyes on him, he forced himself to rip some meat of the bone, but he almost threw up at the horrid taste. He managed to calm down his stomach, but Ugluk seemed to have noticed.

 

His eyes drifted off involuntarily to the tent where someone was kept prisoner. /What if it is Legolas? But no, that can't be. Legolas is safe at Imladris and knows better than to venture outside while wounded... But what if they went in and managed to abduct him. What do I do?/ A plan formed in his mind. He was going to find out who was being imprisoned in that tent. He had to bide his time, but then he would make his move.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elladan urged his mare on, seeing Elrohir and Legolas to his right. What was the Prince of Mirkwood doing here? Ada had ordered Legolas to stay in bed, not rid off... tied to his saddle? Elladan smiled; he would always recognize Elrohir's touch. "Elrohir, you called me here. Pray tell me what happened to Ada!" He quickly led his mare next to Elrohir's stallion and looked at his twin questioningly. "The pain is still there."

 

"It was stronger at first," murmured Elrohir, "but it has lessened during the last hour." He locked eyes with his twin, seeing his pain reflected in Elladan's brown orbs. "I never felt anything like it before. I did not even know this connection existed."

 

Elladan nodded. "I spoke Ada at sunset. Glorfindel and he were still inspecting the borders. He even gave me these five warriors for an escort. What happened in the mean time?" His escort remained at a distance, giving them some privacy, but Elladan gestured one of them to approach. "Return to Imladris and tell Erestor that something has happened to Lord Elrond. Gather reinforcements and follow our tracks after you return here. We must assume that the Orcs and Uruk-Hai got to them "

 

The other Elf nodded and sped away, eager to deliver his message.

 

"What do we do now?" Elladan turned to Elrohir for advice. He briefly glanced at Legolas, finding a determined expression in the Prince's eyes. No blood showed on the leggings, and that hopefully meant that the wound was finally healing and hadn't reopened.

 

Elrohir took control of the situation. "We need to find Ada. Where did you see him last?"

 

Elladan pointed to a hill in the distance. "I delivered your message and Ada said he would look for the Uruk-Hai. They were fine when I last spoke to them..."

 

"Then we will follow their tracks. We should hurry though." Elrohir's eyes met his twin's. "My heart feels torn."

 

"Then what are we waiting for?" Legolas urged his mare in to action and the twins followed at once. The four archers took the rear as they headed for the hill Elladan had pointed out to them. Legolas tried hard not to let his thoughts center around Lurtz. There was nothing he could do right now, but he vowed to continue the chase once they had found Elrond. Lurtz wasn't getting rid of him this easily!

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

"Don't play coy with me, Elf. I know you're awake. Start answering my questions. How many guards at the main gate?" Ugluk was losing his patience with his prisoner. Elrond's face was black and blue and bled from numerous scratches, but the lips remained sealed. "How many guards?"

 

Elrond weakly shook his head. "Nay..." Blood flowed from his lips, and his eye sight was blurred due to the fact that Ugluk had given him a black eye. Droplets of blood dripped from his brow, clouded his vision and then flowed down his chin. He would die before endangering his people! Another blow was delivered to his kidneys, making him hiss in pain.

 

"Untie his hands," ordered Ugluk and his second in command obeyed.

 

Elrond collapsed in to a heap, having lost all sensation in his arms during the last few hours. His dark hair, now stained with blood, clung to his face and he knew better than to look up at his nemesis.

 

"How many guards and what are their positions? How do we get in to Imladris without being noticed?" Ugluk grabbed another handful of hair and forced Elrond to look at him. Seeing the agony in the half-Elf's eyes filled him with perverse pleasure.

 

Elrond stifled a pain filled moan when Ugluk's fingertips clawed the back of his neck, almost crushing several muscles in the process. Briefly, he felt paralyzed and his head lolled to its right.

 

"I can inflict so much pain..." threatened Ugluk. "You'd better tell me what I want to know."

 

"Never..." Elrond knew he would pay for giving Ugluk this answer, and prepared for more pain. Ugluk's boot buried itself in his chest and he gasped in agony, hearing at least one of his ribs crack.

 

Ugluk studied his prisoner. The half-Elf needed some time to recuperate; a dead Elrond was of no use to him. He signaled the other Uruk-Hai to follow him. Elrond was going nowhere in his current state and he dismissed tying him down again. The next time he interrogated Elrond he had to find a way to make the half-Elf more cooperative.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elladan noticed the slain bodies first. Several Orcs, three Uruk-Hai, and Elrond's escort lay dead at their feet. Elladan jumped off his horse, quickly followed by Elrohir. "Ada, be alive..." He shivered and tears build in his eyes. When he looked at Elrohir he saw tears in his twin's eyes as well. Both dreaded to think of what would happen if Elrond was among the dead.

 

Legolas stayed on his horse, cursing being tied to the saddle, and urged his mare to follow the twins. The archers left their horses as well to bury their fallen brethren.

 

Elladan suddenly released a tormented cry and Elrohir's heart faltered briefly before beating its normal rhythm once more. "Ada?" No, his father couldn't be dead!

 

"Nay, it is Glorfindel." Elladan knelt at the fallen Elf's side and rolled Glorfindel on to his back. Dried blood clung to the back of the seneschal's head and the normally alert eyes were vacant and half closed. "Elrohir, Ada taught you how to heal the injured. Tell me, how seriously hurt is he?" Elladan watched Glorfindel's face closely, searching for some sign that the blond was waking up. He quickly glanced around him. There was no dark haired Elf among the dead. /Ada is alive!/

 

Elrohir gently examined Glorfindel. "Why does he always get hit in the head?" He probed the closing wound and ripped some fabric from his cloak to bind the wound. "He should be fine. I suspect they thought him dead and left him here. He was extremely lucky."

 

"There is no sign of Elrond," said Legolas worried. "We should find his tracks and follow them. If he was taken prisoner he might be in grave danger."

 

"Should we move Glorfindel?" asked Elladan softly, recalling the faint blush on the seneschal's face earlier. He could have sworn there had been some sort of tension between his father and Glorfindel.

 

"As long as we move him slowly he should be fine," Elrohir said, as he finished bandaging the wound. "I will see to Glorfindel. Elladan, scout ahead and try to find Ada's trail."

 

Elladan nodded and left at once. Legolas watched Elrohir struggle with Glorfindel's limp form as he eased the seneschal on to his stallion. "I would like to help."

 

"Just stay in your saddle and out of trouble," whispered Elrohir. He slid on to the horse's back and pulled Glorfindel tight against his body. The blond's head came to rest on his shoulder and Elrohir released a concerned sigh. "Let us hope the head injury won't greatly affect him. Ada told me Glorfindel was regaining his eye sight in bits and pieces."

 

"He is alive," said Legolas. "It is more than we could hope for." He lowered his eyes and flinched, seeing the dead Uruk-Hai. At first he had been concerned that one of them was Lurtz, but the faces were unknown to him. /What if Lurtz joined them and took part in this slaughter? Could he hurt Glorfindel and Elrond? What will I do should he be involved in this? Can I end his life in the heat of battle? Or will I falter?/

 

"Legolas, Lurtz is not among the dead... Maybe he reconsidered and did not rejoin his pack. You must hold on to hope... like I do." Elrohir pressed Glorfindel closer to him, making sure the seneschal was as comfortable as possible. 

 

The dark of night crept upon them and Elladan returned with a startled expression in his eyes. "I found his trail. The foul creatures took him! Ada is their prisoner!"

 

Elrohir considered the new information. "We set up camp for the night. We are at a disadvantage during the night and we will follow them at dawn. Hopefully the reinforcements will have arrived by then." Elrohir looked at Glorfindel, who was still unconscious in his arms. "Glorfindel and Legolas both need rest and we need to think up a plan for when we find the Uruk-Hai."

 

Elladan wanted to object, eager to move on, but realized Elrohir was right. The night belonged to the Uruk-Hai, the day to the Elves. "Look after Glorfindel. I will tend to Legolas... Did you have to tie him to the saddle?"

 

Elrohir smiled saddened. "I could not risk any complications." He watched as Elladan walked over to Legolas, removed the rope and helped the Prince to slid down from his horse. Legolas limped toward the fire their escort had build and sat quietly near the fire. /He worries about Lurtz... I understand him so well./

 

Elladan realized his brother hadn't moved and offered to take Glorfindel from him. Elladan caught the seneschal when Elrohir lowered Glorfindel to the ground and carried him to the fire as well. "Elrohir will look after you," he whispered, brushing red locks behind Glorfindel's ear. The blood gave the blond locks an eerie red reflection and the fire only added to the illusion that Glorfindel's hair was drenched in blood.

 

"Here." Elrohir handed Elladan his blanket.

 

Elladan covered Glorfindel with the blanket. "Do you want me to collect some healing herbs?"

 

Elrohir nodded thoughtfully as his glance shifted to Legolas, who looked angry and depressed. Elrohir sighed as his brother left to gather the herbs and he sat down at Glorfindel's side, hoping the older Elf would wake up shortly. "Do not torment yourself, Legolas. You cannot take responsibility for Lurtz's actions. If he decided to go back to his old ways it is his decision, not yours. You are not to blame..."

 

Legolas looked up and stared in to Elrohir's compassionate eyes. "I warned him this would happen if he left. He did not listen, why?"

 

"Lurtz makes his own destiny, like you make yours. You must respect his wishes." Elrohir sucked in his breath, seeing Glorfindel's eyelids flutter. "He is waking up... I hope."

 

The wail that left Glorfindel's lips upon awakening made Legolas close his eyes and Elrohir quickly soothed the troubled seneschal. "Glorfindel, calm yourself. The attack is over and your attackers have left."

 

Glorfindel swallowed convulsively, then rolled on to his right side and threw up bile and sputum that threatened to choke him.

 

Elrohir soothingly rubbed his back, pulled back the golden locks and waited for Glorfindel's stomach to settle down. Chills ran down his spine, hearing Glorfindel's desperate moan.

 

"El... rond?" Glorfindel managed to make eye contact with Elrohir. "Did... he es...cape?" Only one good thing had come from this attack; his vision had returned.

 

"We found his tracks," said Elladan, joining them. "Can you tell me what happened?"

 

Glorfindel was surprised to see Legolas as well, but the stubborn expression in the Prince's eyes told him not to comment on his presence. "They were upon us before we knew we were under attack. There were Orcs and Uruk-Hai. I told Elrond to make for Imladris..." Glorfindel briefly grinned. Seeing their curious expression, he explained, "He would have preferred to fight, but I had to think about his safety first."

 

"They got to him after all," whispered Elrohir. "They took Ada."

 

"Then we must find him!" exclaimed Glorfindel. The seneschal threw off the blanket and tried to rise to his feet. Emitting a strangled moan, his eyes widened and he dropped back on to the blanket, trembling fiercely.

 

"You must give yourself time to heal," said Elrohir. "Rest tonight and hopefully you will have recovered enough to join us tomorrow when we search for Ada."

 

Glorfindel trembled. "It is my fault we walked in to that trap. I was distracted..." It had been Elrond, who had unexpectedly kissed him, throwing him off balance.

 

Elladan nodded once. "I remember you were distressed when I talked to Ada. What was it about?"

 

Glorfindel averted his eyes. He could not tell them he loved their father! When Celebrian had left, he had seen the pain of abandonment in their eyes. Learning that Elrond might be interested in a new lover would not fare well with the twins.

 

Legolas, who had been silent up until then, suddenly spoke. "It is love, is it not, Glorfindel? You love him..."

 

The twins sucked in their breath and stared at Glorfindel in obvious surprise. "You love Ada?" they said simultaneously.

 

Glorfindel bit his bottom lip and glared at Legolas, but he wasn't really angry with the young Prince, knowing he had probably given himself away looking at Elrond in that certain way. "Aye, but do not dwell on this matter. I respect your father and... Celebrian. I will never..." Elladan fiercely shook his head, surprising him. Glorfindel wondered what he had done wrong! He had wanted to state that he wouldn't act on his feelings even though Elrond might. The boys still loved their mother dearly and wouldn't want him to take her place at their father's side.

 

"Glorfindel," exclaimed Elladan, "For how long has this been going on?"

 

"I only admired him from a distance," mumbled Glorfindel nervously.

 

"How long?" questioned Elrohir, exchanging an amused look with his twin. This was joyous news indeed! During long nights in which they had talked about their father's loneliness they had hoped love would return to Elrond's heart. That Glorfindel would bring back that love surprised them, but looking back, the twins realized that Elrond and his seneschal had been best friends for a very long time.

 

Glorfindel averted his eyes. "A few centuries."

 

"And you never told Ada?" Elladan frowned. "You know Glorfindel, for someone as old and 'wise' as you are, you should know better!"

 

Glorfindel hesitantly met Elladan's eyes. "I do not understand."

 

"You thought we would fight this," said Elrohir. "That we would not allow this."

 

Glorfindel nodded slowly, cursing his headache. "I would never have spoken of my love for him."

 

"We will sort this out when we find Ada," said Elladan firmly. "For I have a feeling Ada might be pleased to learn of your feelings for him." A warm grin appeared on his face. "We always suspected there was something going on between the two of you..."

 

Glorfindel couldn't believe what he was hearing. The twins approved of his love for their father?

 

"Rest now, Glorfindel," said Elrohir, easing Glorfindel down on to his back. After covering him with the blanket once more, he accepted the healing tea that Legolas had prepared while listening to their conversation. He smiled thankfully at Elladan, who had gathered the herbs and at Legolas for brewing the tea. "Drink this." He helped Glorfindel empty the mug and then watched the older Elf fall asleep. "May your sleep give you new strength for you will need it."

 

Elladan sat down in between Glorfindel and Elrohir. "I was right all along. I knew something was going on between them!"

 

Elrohir smiled pleased. "Aye, it seems you were right, Elladan. I always wondered about their closeness, which now makes sense. I do think Ada returns his feelings." The twins locked eyes. "We must find Ada..."

 

"And tell him about Glorfindel's feelings for him," finished Elladan.

 

Legolas looked at the full moon and wondered if they would be in time to save Elrond from the Uruk-Hai. /Lurtz, where are you? If you indeed joined your pack again, watch over Elrond and keep him safe./

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Lurtz caught some movement near the tent where Ugluk had taken his prisoner. Ugluk still hadn't told him the prisoner's identity and he was curious to find out. Sneaking closer, he noticed the prisoner's slow movements, who was doing his best to sneak out of the camp unnoticed. /They hurt him.../ Dried blood clung to long dark hair. Something about the prisoner struck him as familiar. Lurtz frowned. The prisoner bore some resemblance to... Elrond, but why would the Lord of Imladris leave Imladris?

 

A pain filled moan left the prisoner's lips and Lurtz's pace quickened, eager to find out if he was right about the other's identity. /What do I do when it is Elrond? He allowed me in to Imladris and treated me kindly. I owe him.../

 

The prisoner slowly walked toward the trees, but Ugluk suddenly appeared, blocking his path and knocking him off his feet.

 

Lurtz hurried closer and knelt beside the prisoner.

 

"Take him back to the tent. I will make sure he won't escape again!" Ugluk signaled one of his men to hand him a heavy axe.

 

Lurtz rolled the prisoner onto his back and brushed the black locks aside. Startled, he recognized the noble features. His eyes narrowed, seeing the bruises and scratches on Elrond's face. A growl involuntarily left his throat. What had Ugluk done to the half-Elf?

 

"Lurtz, take him inside!" Ugluk repeated his order impatiently.

 

Lurtz stopped himself in time from slipping his arms beneath Elrond's back and knees. By treating Elrond kindly he would give himself away. Suddenly Elrond's eyes regained their alertness and he saw recognition in the brown eyes. /Don't give me away! I might be your only hope of escape!/

 

It seemed like Elrond understood, for the half-Elf remained quiet. Lurtz was torn, he didn't want to inflict more pain on Elrond, but Ugluk was watching him closely. In the end he threw Elrond over his shoulder, and carried him back to the tent, where he dropped him on to the ground.

 

Elrond almost cried out in pain, but didn't want Ugluk to gloat at his torment, so he bit his lip and remained quiet. Seeing Lurtz among them had taken him aback. At first he had been tempted to give Lurtz away, but then he had reconsidered, seeing the look in the Uruk-Hai's eyes. Lurtz didn't agree to any of this and might be persuaded to help him.

 

"Put him on his feet," ordered Ugluk, carrying the axe with him.

 

Elrond tried to control his unease at seeing the axe. What were Ugluk's plans? His hands were tied above his head to one of the tent poles and he glared at Ugluk as the Uruk-Hai raised his axe. Suddenly Ugluk turned the axe around and aimed the handle hard at... Ai, his left ankle! His eyes almost bulged from their sockets as pain coursed through his ankle. Tears of agony shone from his eyes as Ugluk repeated the procedure, crushing his left ankle as well. Finally Elrond understood.

 

"Try to run away with broken ankles, Elf," Ugluk spat venomously.

 

Before passing out from the pain, Elrond managed to catch Lurtz's gaze. Lurtz looked startled. /Will you help me escape? Will you?/ Unable to hang on to consciousness any longer, he gave in to the pain and raced toward the soothing darkness, where he no longer felt any pain.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Lurtz tried to hide the horror he felt at Elrond's treatment. He carefully shielded his gaze from Ugluk, who left the tent, laughing loudly. Now that they were alone Lurtz hesitantly placed a hand on Elrond's chest, rubbing dried blood between his fingertips. /You treated me kindly when I least expected it. I will repay your for your kindness... I will help you escape.../

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elrohir and Elladan slept restlessly, emitting a yelp simultaneously. Instantly awake, they sat upright and stared at each other. "Ada... He is pain..." They spoke as one.

 

Glorfindel swallowed hard. "I failed him..."

 

Legolas stared in to the darkness, hoping the sun would rise shortly. /Lurtz, if you hurt Elrond, you will pay.../

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Part 14

Admissions.

 

 

When Elrond regained consciousness he released a choked moan. He was still on his feet, although he more hung than stood. His hands were tied to the pole above his head and the pressure put on his feet was almost unbearable. Ugluk had surprised him by crushing his ankles like that. /I grew soft at Imladris. I forgot the ways of the enemy, his cruelty. I was lured into a false sense of safety at Imladris./

 

His breathing was labored, due to the broken rib he had suffered at Ugluk's hands. Looking down at his body, he was thankful he was still wearing his leggings; they kept some of the cold at bay. /What if Ugluk resorts to even more sadistic tactics? Would he rape me in order to break me?/ He wasn't sure if he would die after being raped; he wasn't a full Elf and the human part in him might keep him from going to the Halls of Mandos, condemning him to live with his shame and humiliation.

 

/And I cannot take my own life because I do not want to put my children through that ordeal. They already lost their mother./ Elrond closed his eyes, scared to imagine what could happen next. He didn't put it past Ugluk to resort to such vile tactics to get his information.

 

/Lurtz... Lurtz is here. Maybe he will help./ But he dreaded to put his trust in the Uruk-Hai; what if Lurtz was merely playing a game with him? Nay, he couldn't rely on Lurtz. The Uruk-Hai had left Legolas, who loved him, to be with his pack.

 

His hands felt numb and cold, and the position he was in put pressure on his ribs, which he couldn't alleviate by standing straight for his ankles were broken. Agony ran up his ankles and met with the pain that descended down his arms. Even in case he survived, this would change him forever.

 

The cold made him shiver violently and he groaned at the new pain those shivers caused. /I let them capture me... What kind of warrior are I? Gil-galad would never allow himself to be captured. Am I still a warrior? Ai, poor Glorfindel, I should have stayed at Imladris, but I wanted to show you I could stand my ground during an attack. My foolish pride got in the way.../

 

A small voice in the back of his mind corrected... A voice that sounded awfully like Glorfindel's. /You were trying to protect me and I was distracted because of your kiss.../

 

The kiss... Elrond smiled at the memory of Glorfindel's surprise. /I wish I could kiss you again.../

 

"Ah, Elf's awake..." Ugluk stepped in to the tent and watched Elrond closely. "Still not broken..."

 

Elrond, startled, opened his eyes and looked at Ugluk, still meeting the other's glare. "You may break my body, but not my mind." Just uttering those words cost him his last strength. The constant pain was beginning to wear him down and he wasn't sure how much longer he could hold on to his composure. Ugluk would strip him of his pride and dignity, had already made a start with it.

 

Ugluk circled his prisoner. "I beat you, broke your ankles and yet you defy me..." He leered at the dark haired Elf and placed his right hand on Elrond's chest. "I now know how to make you talk, but you won't survive my 'method of questioning'. Are you sure you're willing to die for this?" Ugluk leaned in closer and his foul breath made Elrond cough violently. "You're of no use to me dead, but Saruman wants this information badly."

 

Elrond tensed when Ugluk's hand traveled lower. The Uruk-Hai possessively placed it on his buttocks, squeezing hard. /Nay, do not let him do this!/

 

"You know what I plan to do," said Ugluk slowly. Leaning in closer, his lips made contact with Elrond's in a mockery of a kiss. Then he opened his mouth and bit down hard, drawing blood.

 

Elrond's strength deserted him. He now hung from his hands, his feet giving away beneath him. The unexpected pressure on his ribs nearly made him faint, but Ugluk's perverse caress stopped him from losing consciousness. Ugluk twisted a nipple between his fingertips, laughing sadistically. /I must anger him so he will kill me. I won't let him force me... Never! I will die first... Ai, Glorfindel, we wasted so much time.../

 

Ugluk growled angrily when the Elf's eyes turned vacant. He had pushed too far, forgetting he was dealing with a half-Elf who didn't heal as quickly as full Elves. Annoyed, he marched out in to the open. He was running out of time and Saruman was becoming impatient. He had to force a breakthrough the next time Elrond awoke.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Lurtz waited for Ugluk to disappear from view and then sneaked in to the tent. His breath caught, seeing the damage done to Elrond. "What is it with these Elves? First I find Legolas, then Glorfindel gets injured and now Elrond is in need of help. Why me?" Lurtz sighed and approached Elrond. He flinched, seeing the maimed ankles. "You won't walk out of here, Elf... I'll carry you much like I carried Legolas."

 

He pushed raven black locks, smeared with dried blood, behind Elrond's ear and wondered how much strength the Lord of Imladris had left. "I must plan this carefully. I'd prefer to simply carry you out of here, but I can't. We need shelter..."

 

Alert, he watched Elrond's eyes come alive again and he read the agony in them. "You must hold on a little longer."

 

Elrond moaned softly. "I... will... try..." Cold sweat formed on his brow and violent tremors shook his body. How much strength had he left? Looking at Lurtz, he was surprised at seeing the compassion in the Uruk-Hai's eyes.

 

"I don't agree with Ugluk," said Lurtz softly. "And I don't agree with their ways. Legolas tried to tell me I had changed, but I didn't want to accept that. I no longer belong with them."

 

Elrond nodded tiredly, his neck strained and his eyes growing misty because of the constant pain. "I do not know... how much longer... I can withstand... Ugluk."

 

"I'll help you escape at the first opportunity," promised Lurtz. "I'll take you back to Imladris."

 

"Thank you," muttered Elrond exhausted.

 

Lurtz wondered if he would get away with making Elrond more comfortable, but he couldn't lay the half-Elf on to the ground. Ugluk would get suspicious. "I'll be back," he promised, but Elrond no longer heard; he had lost consciousness once more.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Legolas woke due to some unidentifiable unease which coursed through him. The twins had finally dozed off, holding each other close. Feeling Elrond's pain had shaken them and they had turned to each other for comfort.

 

Looking about, he found the reason for his unease. Glorfindel sat upright. The blanket had slipped and faint red spots of blood showed through the bandage on his head. The blond was whispering something intelligible and looked lost and confused.

 

Legolas pushed himself to his feet, relieved that his leg was improving as the now familiar pain stayed away. He covered the distance and sat down beside Glorfindel, who didn't seem to notice his presence. Legolas probed the blue eyes and found them swimming with unshed tears. "Glorfindel?" He rested a hand on the Elf's shoulder and squeezed gently. "Elrond does not die easily. We will find him in time."

 

A shudder coursed through Glorfindel, growing aware of Legolas' presence at last. "Die..."

 

Legolas regretted his choice of words. "He is alive. The twins can still sense his presence."

 

The reinforcements had arrived some time ago and they were now strong enough to attempt a rescue. The kidnappers would never know what hit them.

 

 "I am sorry I blurted out that you loved him. I should have been more discrete."

 

Glorfindel wiped away the tears that finally made it down his face. "I vowed to never tell him..."

 

"Why? Legolas moved even closer and hesitantly folded an arm around Glorfindel, uncertain if his comfort would be welcomed. He shouldn't have worried for Glorfindel leaned in to him, resting his injured head on his shoulder. "Why would you vow such a thing?"

 

Glorfindel shook violently against him and Legolas frowned concerned. "Will you tell me?"

 

Glorfindel sighed and his eyes took on a distant expression. "Mandos is a cold and dreadful place. I prided myself on being the greatest of warriors but during my stay at Mandos I realized how arrogant I truly was. I started to hate myself and... Then came the call."

 

Legolas vaguely remembered the tale of how Elrond had bound Glorfindel to himself after taking him back to Arda. "Please tell me more."

 

"Elrond was calling out for Gil-galad, and everyone heard that call and the pain in Elrond's soul. We gathered around Gil-galad, but he refused to return to Arda. He never gave a reason for his behavior. Elrond's call continued and I sensed his pain more deeply than the others because I was in emotional pain as well. My heart went out to this tormented soul and I felt drawn to him."

 

Legolas interrupted. "Why did Gil-galad not want to return? I know he did not tell you, but you are perceptive and..."

 

Glorfindel locked eyes with the younger Elf. "As I said before, Mandos is a cold place. After some time your feelings fade. To most it is a blessing; can you imagine feeling eternal grief and pain because you are separated from your loved ones? Only because I was in such emotional turmoil my feelings did not fade as easily as the others' and... when Gil-galad did not answer Elrond's call, I did... I could not turn my back on Elrond's pain."

 

"That's how you returned? I always thought Elrond... I did not know he was calling for Gil-galad. The tale never spoke of that." Legolas feel deeply for Glorfindel. "What happened next?"

 

"It hurt..." whispered Glorfindel as memories assailed him. "My rebirth was painful. Elrond pulled me with him and... I heard his cry when he realized he had taken the wrong person with him. I woke up, saw his startled expression and read the anger in his eyes. I tried to explain that I had acted out of sympathy, but was too weak to speak. I do not know how my body traveled back to Arda, but I was naked and weak as a newborn."

 

"You must have been terrified..." Legolas tried to imagine what Glorfindel had been through, but failed.

 

"I did not know what to do," confessed Glorfindel in a shaky tone. "I was unable to move or talk much to Elrond and I could see the anger in his eyes at retrieving me instead of Gil-galad. I would not have blamed him had he walked out on me. I would have faded quickly, returning to Mandos once more."

 

Legolas listened breathlessly and as Glorfindel briefly averted his eyes, Legolas' gaze came to rest on the twins, whose eyes were no longer vacant. Elladan and Elrohir were listening as well. Should he tell Glorfindel? But then he saw Elrohir's swimming eyes and decided the twins had a right to hear this. "Glorfindel?"

 

Glorfindel composed himself again. He lowered his eyes and stared blankly at his hands which rested in his lap. "He did not walk out on me. I must have appeared helpless to him and he took pity on me. He is a natural healer, drawing from deep within himself. Elrond gave me enough strength to recover. I slept for days while healing and when I woke next I was at Rivendell. Elrond sat in a chair and was watching me. When he felt I had recovered sufficiently he asked me why I had answered his call instead of Gil-galad. I read dread in his eyes and I could not tell him the truth, that Gil-galad had refused to return to Arda. I do not remember exactly what I told Elrond... My memory has holes in it when it comes down to those first days when I was back at Arda. I think I told him his pain had called out to me and that Gil-galad had been forbidden to return. I do not know if he accepted that explanation, but he nodded once and told me I could stay. I vowed to never disappoint or desert him and I dedicated myself to serving Elrond and his family."

 

Legolas' gaze collided with Elrohir's, seeing the shock and sympathy in those dark orbs. "When did you realize you loved Elrond?"

 

"It happened slowly, but my feelings became stronger after Celebrian had left. Elrond looked lost... in need of a true friend. Knowing I could never be more than a that, I offered him my friendship and he accepted. I longed to take him in my arms when he cried at night for the loss of his wife, but I kept my distance. The children were grieving as well and I could not possibly reveal my feelings to Elrond. I had Arwen and the twin's feelings to consider."

 

Elrohir was unable to remain at a distance any longer and crept over to Glorfindel's side. "Ada deserves to be loved as much as you do."

 

Glorfindel startled, hearing Elrohir's voice from this close and his eyes grew big, finding Elrohir at his side. Elladan moved closer as well and Glorfindel now felt distinctly uncomfortable. "It was a mistake, do you not understand? I should never have returned from Mandos. Your father never called out to me."

 

Elladan shook his head. "You answered because Ada moved you. What you did was right. Gil-galad was not interested in returning and your heart responded to his. This was no mistake. Your destiny lies with Ada..."

 

Another tear dripped from Glorfindel's chin. He cocked his head and stared deeply in to Elladan's dark eyes. "I never thought you would accept this."

 

Elrohir smiled, trying to lessen Glorfindel's apparent unease. "We welcome it, Glorfindel."

 

A weak smile broke through on Glorfindel's features. "You do?"

 

"Aye," whispered the twins as one.

 

Legolas smiled brightly and soothingly rubbed Glorfindel's back. "Now that you have been reassured you should rest. We will leave at dawn and you do not seem fully recovered to me."

 

Glorfindel nodded sleepily. "I never told anyone... Do not tell Elrond. Knowing that Gil-galad chose not to return will greatly hurt him."

 

"Go to sleep now," soothed Legolas, gently stroking the long locks. "We will not let Elrond die."

 

Glorfindel's eyes revealed his pain. "What if Elrond is already dead and arrived at the Halls of Mandos? What if he learns that Gil-galad no longer is the man he used to be and no longer has an interest in him?"

 

"Do not worry," said Elrohir softly. "Ada is alive; we can still sense his life force." Elrohir gently lowered Glorfindel on to his back and pulled up the blanket. Glorfindel's eyes turned vacant and Elrohir looked at Legolas and his twin. "I spoke the truth. Ada is in great pain, but he is still alive."

 

Legolas sighed. "We must find him then... and reunite them."

 

Elladan nodded his head. "They are hurting Ada and they will pay for tormenting him. I will kill them all." Seeing the expression in Legolas' eyes, Elladan realized Legolas' dilemma. "What if Lurtz is with them? Is part of them who hurt Ada? Will you stop me?"

 

"I do not know," whispered Legolas upset. "I truly do not know..."

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elrond eyed Ugluk suspiciously when his nemesis reappeared. Ugluk carried a knife, whose blade dripped with a black substance. Defiantly, Elrond waited for Ugluk to make the first move. He had saved his strength and hoped it would serve him well during this encounter.

 

"Saruman created this," said Ugluk, showing the knife to Elrond with a pleased expression in his eyes. "It's made of Uruk-Hai blood, mixed with a drop of Saruman's."

 

Elrond suddenly realized that Ugluk was talking about the substance on the blade and not the knife itself. The pain clouded his thinking, making it hard to concentrate. Looking past Ugluk, he noticed Lurtz hiding in the shadows and he felt relieved knowing he was not alone with Ugluk. Hopefully Lurtz kept his word and helped him escape when the time was right.

 

"One cut makes you tell the truth..." Ugluk came to a halt in front of Elrond and caressed a strand of the raven locks. Elrond shuddered and Ugluk growled. "I would have loved to put my hands on you, to get to know you... intimately, but Saruman wants you alive. Maybe we can play later?"

 

Elrond tried hard to remain motionless when Ugluk's tongue slithered down his throat, licking the blood that dripped from still open wounds, already growing infected. "I still plan on taking you... later, once Saruman no longer has a use for you."

 

Elrond flinched involuntarily when Ugluk's hand fondled him through the fabric of his leggings, but he didn't get the chance to react to that violation because the knife suddenly slashed his cheek, drawing blood that flowed down his chin and splashed on to his chest.

 

"It's only a matter of time now," growled Ugluk pleased. "Lurtz, watch him and inform me when he starts to talk." Ugluk ran one sharp nail along the cut, drawing even more blood. "Such a shame of that pretty face..."

 

Elrond shivered uncontrollably as the poison began to slither in to his veins. He felt relieved when Ugluk left and he finally judged it safe to make eye contact with Lurtz. He had never begged before, but he would do it now, for the safety of his loved ones. The poison would force him to speak the truth, to tell Ugluk about Imladris' defenses and his people would die. He couldn't allow that so he swallowed his pride. "Lurtz, please... help me escape..." After uttering those words the pain finally got too much for him and he lost consciousness once more.

 

Lurtz drew in a deep breath and sighed as he stared at Elrond. "I will repay my debt to you in full. I will take you back to Imladris."

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

The first rays of the sun woke Glorfindel, who groaned as his head continued to throb. But his eye sight was fully restored and pain was something he had learned to deal with. Looking at the blue sky, soft clouds and warm sun, he wondered how the day could begin this friendly when Elrond was suffering in misery. Something or someone shifted next to him and he turned his head, wondering who could have gotten this close unnoticed. Surprised, he looked in to Elrohir's warm eyes. The younger twin's right arm was wrapped around his waist, holding him tight. Glorfindel couldn't help but think back to a time when the twins had been toddlers. For some reason they stole into his room occasionally, nestling comfortably in his bed when he was asleep, snuggling up to him. Elrond usually came to fetch them in the morning, and then mumbled an apology to excuse his sons' behavior. But Glorfindel had secretly loved not waking up in his bed alone. He had long realized he would never father any children and he adopted Elrond's, loving them like a father.

 

"Morning, Glorfindel," said Elrohir pleased, stretching like a cat. "Feeling better today?"

 

Elladan joined them, sat on his heels and handed his brother and Glorfindel a cup filled with hot tea. "Legolas insisted he scout ahead with a few of our men. I could not stop him..." Elladan cringed, seeing Elrohir's expression. "I tried to stop him, but he is stubborn and... Come on, Elrohir. Legolas is a skilled warrior. He won't walk in to any traps!"

 

"Did you..." started Elrohir, sitting upright and sipping his tea.

 

"Tie him to the saddle? Nay, I did not get the chance..." Elladan shrugged. "Sometimes you are so much like Ada, Elrohir. He can get overly protective as well. Wait, let me help you..." Elladan had watched Glorfindel struggle with the blanket and judging from the dazed look in the Elf's eyes, Glorfindel was far from being healed.

 

Glorfindel nodded once, then sipped the tea as well. "We should leave as soon as possible."

 

"Our men are getting ready and we will follow Legolas' party in a few minutes. Glorfindel, answer me honestly, can you ride your horse? If not I will leave some men behind to look after you until we return." Elladan exchanged a worried glance with Elrohir who shrugged his shoulders. They both knew they wouldn't stop Glorfindel if he wanted to join them; and the love Glorfindel felt for Elrond made him very eager to fight.

 

"I can ride," said Glorfindel through gritted teeth. "You are sure Elrond is still alive?" /Ai, do not let him die and visit the Halls of Mandos. I do not want him to find out that Gil-galad never wanted to return to him./

 

Elrohir nodded once. "You will stay close to us, Glorfindel, and you had better obey for Ada will be cross when he finds out you put yourself in danger." To his amazement and amusement, Glorfindel actually blushed. As he looked at his twin, he sensed that Elladan was thinking exactly the same thing; /Poor Glorfindel is not used to be fussed over. For centuries he took care of Ada and us, and we never wondered if he needed someone to look after him. We took Glorfindel for granted but that will change now!/

 

Glorfindel never expected the twins to be this accepting of his love for their father. Seldom had he felt this insecure and even frightened, but he had trained the boys well. Elrond could be proud of the twins. "I might need some help mounting my horse though."

 

"I will help you," offered Elrohir. Looking at his brother, he said, "Go find Legolas before he attacks single-handedly."

 

Elladan smiled in spite of the nagging pain inside his heart and nodded once. "Do not worry, I will find him."

 

Elrohir ended up supporting Glorfindel as they made their way to the horses. Asfaloth whined concerned, seeing his master injured and stood motionless when Elrohir helped Glorfindel mount. Elrohir leaned in closer and whispered in to the horse's ear, "Take good care of him." Asfaloth whined again, softer this time and trod carefully when following Elrohir's mare.

 

Glorfindel noticed, to his utter embarrassment, that Elrohir constantly stayed close. They rode at the head of the forces. Looking over his shoulder, he found that at least fifty archers had joined them. /Aye, we are strong enough to take the Uruk-Hai now. They won't have a chance against us. Elrond, we are on our way. Be proud of your sons, you raised them well./

 

Elrohir studied Glorfindel closely, relieved to see that no new blood had appeared on the bandage. "Maybe you should stay clear of the battle." Glorfindel glared at Elrohir, who shrugged apologetically. "I cannot help being concerned. You fussed over Elladan and me when we got injured during our mock fights."

 

Glorfindel remained silent, staring in to the distance. Finally his eyes made out Legolas' party, which was waiting for them at the foot of a hill. Even from this distance he could make out Legolas' excited expression. "They found Elrond..."

 

Elrohir nodded. "It looks that way."

 

"Greetings, Elrohir, Glorfindel," said Legolas. Elladan, who had joined Legolas earlier, sat impatiently on his horse, wishing they would hurry, but Legolas ignored the dark haired Elf, realizing he had to inform the others before they could make their move. "We located their camp behind this hill. We counted about twenty Uruk-Hai and ten Orcs. There are two tents and several sentries guarding the camp. We must act quickly. They do not know we located them and we should use the element of surprise to our advantage."

 

"What do you suggest?" asked Glorfindel. His head still throbbed, but he was determined to take part in this rescue attempt.

 

"We split up. One party attacks them from behind, the other distracts them with a frontal attack. I suspect they're holding Elrond in one of the tents and we should concentrate on that." Legolas carefully placed his weight on his leg, sitting up in the saddle. "My leg does not bother me any more and I will lead the first party. We will head for the tents while you distract them."

 

Elladan shook his head. "Nay, you are not going in alone. Either Elrohir or I will accompany you."

 

Glorfindel bit his lower lip, trying hard not to speak up. /It should be I, going in for Elrond./

 

Suddenly Elrohir spoke. "Glorfindel, you will cover Legolas' back, Elladan stay close to them. I will take thirty of our men and provide a distraction. Once we retrieved Ada we will make for Imladris."

 

"Maybe it would be wise to stop along the way," suggested Glorfindel. "Elrond might be injured. We do not know what those foul creatures did to him."

 

"We passed a deserted cabin a mile back. We can take him there if necessary," decided Elrohir. "Trust me when I say that no Uruk-Hai will remain alive. Ada will be safe from them."

 

Legolas briefly closed his eyes. /What if you are with them, Lurtz? Did you go back to your old ways? My heart pains to think of you as one of them./

 

Glorfindel, Elladan and Elrohir noticed the pained look on Legolas' face and the three of them hoped Lurtz wasn't among the pack.

 

"Let us move in then," said Legolas eventually. "Elrond won't be at their mercy any longer..."

 

"Aye, let us free him," said Elladan passionately, following Glorfindel and Legolas. He looked over his shoulder at his twin and they nodded simultaneously. Before the moon rose again, their father would be with them.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Lurtz uncovered a small knife and advanced on Elrond, whose eyes fluttered as he regained consciousness.

 

Elrond released a choked gasp, seeing the knife in Lurtz's hand. The poison had made its way in to his veins and changed his perception, making Lurtz the enemy. "Nay... I won't tell you..."

 

"Peace, Lord of Imladris. It is I, Lurtz and I am here to help, remember?" Lurtz watched Elrond's pupils dilate and realized the half-Elf was under the influence of Ugluk's poison.

 

Elrond vaguely recalled someone called Lurtz, a friend of Legolas if he wasn't mistaken. His eyes followed the knife as Lurtz reached for the ropes and cut him loose from the tent pole. He started to fall at once, but Lurtz caught him and lifted him in his arms. Unable to move even his little finger, Elrond lay helpless in the Uruk-Hai's arms. "Legolas... loves you..." he blurted out under influence of the poison.

 

Lurtz smiled saddened. "I know that now. I am sorry I ever doubted his words." Lurtz cradled Elrond tightly against his chest and tried to ignore the shivers that racked the half-Elf's body. Seeing Elrond's feet hang limply, he took great care not to jostle the half-Elf when he carried him outside. "Be quiet and let me carry you."

 

The sky spun around Elrond, the sun burned his eyes and the sensations made him nauseous. "Ai, Glorfindel... I need you..."

 

Lurtz raised an eyebrow, stealing behind the tent and heading for the cover of the trees. So far no one had discovered them. "Glorfindel?" he whispered amused.

 

"Aye, I love him..." whispered a heavily sedated Elrond.

 

Lurtz allowed himself to smile warmly. "Maybe you should tell him."

 

"He may not want me..." Elrond tensed in Lurtz's arms as the pain penetrated the haze of sedatives. "Ai, my feet..."

 

"Hold on a little longer," said Lurtz concerned. The trees were so close now!

 

"Ugluk! Lurtz betrayed us! He has taken the prisoner!" One of the guards alarmed the rest and Ugluk appeared in front of the tent, checking if the guard's words were true.

 

"Lurtz, you're dead!" growled Ugluk. He raised his axe and exclaimed, "No mercy for the traitor, but I need the Elf alive!"

 

Lurtz cursed, tightened his hold on Elrond, but came to a sudden stop when several riders appeared in front of him. His heart faltered briefly, recognizing their leader, who aimed an arrow at his chest. "Legolas..."

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Part 15

Reunion

 

 

 

Legolas' aim never wavered; his arrow was directed at Lurtz's heart, but seeing Elrond in such a miserable state froze him for a few seconds. "By the grace of the Valar, what did you do to him?" Seeing Lurtz holding Elrond had shocked him, proving to him that the Uruk-Hai was involved in hurting the Lord of Imladris. Behind him, Glorfindel gasped softly and Legolas realized it was time he took control of the situation again. "Put Elrond in front of Glorfindel. One wrong move and this arrow will pierce your heart... and others will follow."

 

Lurtz felt saddened seeing the distrust and disappointment in Legolas' eyes, but he couldn't blame the Elf. He knew what this looked like. Slowly, he advanced on Glorfindel, lifted Elrond carefully and placed him in front of the blond. "Be careful, his ankles are broken and he suffered one broken rib at least."

 

Glorfindel stared at Elrond in shock. Elrond's skin was chilly and Glorfindel quickly removed his cloak and wrapped it around the dark-haired Elf. Tears threatened to spill from his eyes, but he forced them back. Elrond needed him to be strong, not to sob against him when the Lord of Imladris needed help. /Ai, Elrond, what did they do to you?/ The bite marks and scratches from fingernails infuriated him and he wanted to slay every Uruk-Hai inside that camp single-handedly, but he couldn't.

 

Looking up, he caught sight of Elladan's concerned features. The twin raised a shaky hand and touched his father's face cautiously, drawing a moan from Elrond's lips.

 

"Ai, Ada, they hurt you..." Elladan failed to stop a tear from sliding down his face. A rage unlike any other he had ever felt filled him and his glare shifted to Lurtz, who was still in front of them, not moving away and Legolas' arrow still aimed at him. "You..."

 

Legolas stopped Elladan. "We do not have the time to address this now." He wanted to sort this out now as well, but he heard sounds of battle coming from the camp side. "Elrohir has attacked and we must aid him." Legolas ignored Lurtz's questioning expression on purpose and addressed Glorfindel. "Take Elladan with you and ride to that deserted cabin. Take good care of Elrond. We will join you once we extracted our revenge."

 

"Do not send me away! He is my father and I want to revenge him as well. It is my right!" Although part of him wanted to comfort Elrond, another, stronger, part wanted to punish the foul creatures for hurting Elrond like that. He drew his sword, released an angry yell and stormed toward the camp, his faithful mare obeying his commands and speeding up.

 

Legolas cursed. "Glorfindel, you know what to do." He looked at Elladan, who was fighting his first Uruk-Hai and finding them stronger and more cunning than the twin had expected. "That one is going to get himself in trouble..."

 

Lurtz realized Legolas' dilemma and drew in a deep breath. "I cannot kill my own kind, but I can protect Glorfindel and Elrond. Let me go with them."

 

"Nay!" Legolas lowered his bow, but maintained eye contact with Lurtz. "You are not going anywhere. You will stay and after we finished our business here, we will talk. Leave now and I will kill you." From the corner of his eye, Legolas saw that Elladan was having trouble fighting two Uruk-Hai simultaneously. "I do not have time for this. Glorfindel, leave!" He slapped Asfaloth's rear hard and the horse whined, breaking in to a run.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Glorfindel tightened his hold on Elrond, fearing further injury to the already battered body. /Ai, I failed you, meldir. I should have prevented your capture. Now they got their foul mark on you. What will it do to you? You, who always are so strong. I will help you heal, if you want me to, but I fear my failure will always stand between us.../ Glorfindel let his tears flow freely, the wind almost instantly wiping them from his face. Elrond felt cold against him and the cloak did little to keep him warm. Looking over his shoulder, Glorfindel's heart danced a wild rhythm, seeing Elladan fight without his back covered. "Legolas, protect him!"

 

Then the scene faded as the distance increased, and he determinedly looked ahead, his eyes already scanning for the deserted cabin where he could tend to Elrond's injuries.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Legolas continued to ignore Lurtz, who stood frozen, and charged the Uruk-Hai who were gaining the upper hand over Elladan. Shooting his arrows too quickly for the eye to see, he disposed of one of them, allowing Elladan to finish off the other with his sword. Scanning the camp, he found that few Uruk-Hai were still alive. Elrohir swept through the camp like an all devouring fire, taking out one Uruk-Hai after the other. Now that Elrond was safe, Legolas locked eyes with Elladan. He wanted a moment alone with Lurtz and sent Elladan away. "Elladan, join your brother and keep out of trouble." Elladan glared at him, but Legolas simply glared back

Elladan reluctantly obeyed. Knowing the twins safe with the archers, Legolas turned his horse around and stared at Lurtz.

 

Mixed emotions whirled through him. Part of him wanted to embrace Lurtz and feel the Uruk-Hai against him, but another part was determined to get the answers he desired and then turn away in disdain from Lurtz. But could he leave Lurtz like that? He still greatly cared for the other man, no matter who Lurtz was or what he had done in the past. "Did you hurt him?"

 

"No," said Lurtz, shaking his head. "Ugluk questioned him, I didn't. I was about to escape with him when you appeared."

 

"Escape? Why?" Legolas steered his horse closer to Lurtz, but one hunting knife slipped in to his hand, just in case he couldn't trust Lurtz after all.

 

"I owe Elrond. He welcomed me at Imladris when I didn't expect it. He was kind to me. I wanted to replay my debt to him by taking him back to Imladris." It pained Lurtz that Legolas felt it necessary to remain at a distance and armed. "Put that knife away, you know I would never hurt you."

 

"I do?" Legolas laughed bitterly. "I told you not to run and yet you did. You hurt me by leaving like that."

 

Lurtz's eyes were drawn to Legolas' leg and he was relieved to find a spotless bandage in place. "Your wound stopped bleeding."

 

"Elves heal fast," sneered Legolas. Hurt of abandonment and affection for Lurtz were at war within him. "Where will you go now?"

 

Lurtz cocked his head. "Does that mean you will let me go?"

 

Legolas' eyes hardened. "I do not plan on keeping you with me against your will. I won't kill you either as you seem to have had no part in Elrond's torture. You are free to go then, but never cross my path again."

 

"Are you so willing to give up on me?" Lurtz's eyes narrowed. Now that Legolas allowed him to leave, he no longer felt the desire to do so. /Why can't I say the words? Why can't I say I was wrong in leaving you? I should have stayed, should have trusted you./

 

"You were the one who gave up on me, us. Do not turn this around." Legolas quickly looked over his shoulder to see how the twins were doing. And they were doing well. They had done away with most of their enemies and the archers kept a close eye on the two brothers. "We are almost done here..." announced Legolas, ignoring the sudden wave of pain radiating from his leg. He had overestimated his strength. "I wish you a long and blessed life, Lurtz." Legolas turned his horse around, no longer able to look at Lurtz, who would have been his beloved mate, but Lurtz had chosen differently.

 

Lurtz raised a hand, which Legolas couldn't see now that he had turned his back on him. He wanted to stop Legolas from leaving, but no words flowed from his lips. Then a sudden motion to Legolas' right caught his attention and his heart beat faster. "Ugluk..."

 

Ugluk jumped from the trees, caught Legolas around the waist and pulled the Elf from his horse and on to the ground.

 

Legolas, angry that he had been caught unaware, tried to fight Ugluk off, but his leg hampered him and he howled in agony when Ugluk kicked his leg vehemently, realizing his weakness. A cold knife, slippery with a black substance appeared at his throat and when Ugluk pulled him to his feet, he obeyed.

 

Lurtz growled angrily, seeing Legolas at Ugluk's mercy. He knew full well what cruelty Ugluk was capable of. "Let him go..."

 

Ugluk shook his head, baring his teeth. "Never, I don't want to die yet, traitor. Wish I could take you out as well!"

 

Legolas' thoughts raced. Ugluk was trembling and the knife was close to his throat. Lurtz suddenly appeared in front of him, and his dark eyes were filled with anger. /He does care about me.../

 

Lurtz's hands clenched in to fists, seeing Legolas' eyes softening. /Yes, I love you.../ But speaking the words aloud would give Ugluk an advantage. "The Elf is nothing to me, Ugluk, let me join you in your escape attempt. I don't want to die either." Legolas' eyes darkened at his betrayal. /Please understand that I need to get close to him.../

 

Ugluk wavered, but seeing his men go down one by one, he realized he needed Lurtz. "Quickly." He signaled Lurtz to follow him, and his hold on Legolas weakened for a split second.

 

It was enough for Legolas to make his move. He twisted away from Ugluk and tried to put some distance between them. Lurtz appeared at his side, grabbed his right wrist and pulled him toward him. Legolas wavered. Could he trust Lurtz?

 

That one moment was all Ugluk needed. The knife flashed in the sunlight as he aimed for Legolas' back.

 

"No!" Lurtz, seeing the danger Legolas was in, pulled Legolas behind him and gritted his teeth as the poisoned dagger buried itself in his shoulder. Lurtz's eyes narrowed, and focused on Legolas, making sure the Elf wasn't injured. "Run!" But Legolas stood frozen, staring at him with the most peculiar expression in his eyes. /What are you waiting for? Ugluk will kill you as well!/ "Run!"

 

Legolas slowly shook his head, uncovered his sword and taking Ugluk by surprise, beheaded him with one swift stroke.

 

Lurtz fell to his knees, unable to stay on his feet as the poison attacked his nerve endings. Suddenly Legolas was beside him, speaking softly, soothingly. "Leave me alone..."

 

Legolas smiled warmly. "Why are you being this stubborn, Lurtz? Why can you not simply accept that you love me?" Legolas studied the injury and decided to remove the knife. "Do not move, Lurtz."

 

Lurtz gritted his teeth, but still a smothered howl escaped from deep within his throat. "It's poisoned..."

 

Legolas sucked in his breath. "Poisoned? By the Valar, we must act quickly then."

 

Lurtz wondered what Legolas was up to as the Elf moved behind him. He startled, feeling lips pressed against the wound, sucking. "What are you doing?" he hissed.

 

"Trying to get the poison out and now be silent!" Legolas closed his lips over the wound and sucked hard, spiting out the blood and poison and repeated the same procedure.

 

Lurtz placed his hands in front of him on the ground in need of support. Knowing Legolas was trying to save his live felt incredible to him. After all he had done, the Elf remained at his side. Hearing voices close to him, he looked up and found that the twins were rushing toward him.

 

"Legolas, what happened?" Elrohir knelt at Legolas side and cringed, seeing the angry wound. "Poisoned?"

 

"Aye," said Legolas, spitting out more poisoned blood.

 

"We will take him with us," decided Elladan. Elrohir had already told him that Lurtz had been on his way to take Elrond in to safety. They could discuss this later. "We killed them all." he added, carefully watching Lurtz' reaction, but the Uruk-Hai was slowly losing consciousness. Elladan looked about and saw Ugluk's headless body. "Your work, Legolas?" Seeing Legolas' expression, Elladan grinned. "Let us put your Uruk-Hai on to a horse. I am eager to be reunited with Ada."

 

"Let me help..." Elrohir helped Legolas in getting Lurtz to his feet after Legolas had removed as much poison as possible.

 

Legolas staggered; his still injured leg couldn't take the extra weight and Elladan quickly moved in to take Legolas' place, taking Lurtz from him. Legolas wanted to protest, but decided against it, knowing he couldn't support Lurtz. Instead he fetched his horse and together, they placed Lurtz on the mare's back. The mare was nervous, didn't like this charge and Legolas took the reins, walking beside her and talking soothingly.

 

"Legolas, you cannot walk all the way," said Elrohir worried. "Let me take the reins and sit behind me."

 

Legolas gave in and nodded once. He handed Elrohir the reins and accepted the twin's help when the raven-haired Elf pulled him behind him.

 

"I will gather some herbs," announced Elladan. "Do not wait for me. I will catch up with you." He knew the healing herbs were necessary to fight infection and pain.

 

Elrohir ordered five archers to help his twin and then led the rest toward the deserted cabin. /Ada, are you well? I can no longer feel your pain. Please be alive.../

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Glorfindel firmly ignored any discomfort his head injury caused and carried Elrond in to the deserted cabin. After kicking the door open, he headed for the bed and returned to the entrance to close the door and shut out the cold. He hurried back to Elrond's side and gentle hands began to examine Elrond's injuries. First, he checked for head injuries and was relieved when he didn't find any. Absentmindedly he stroked the long black locks, removing any tangles from them. Next, he examined Elrond's face, cursing privately at seeing the lash that would leave a scar in time.

 

Glorfindel got to his feet, fetched some spring water and ripped some fabric from his tunic, using it to clean Elrond's face. Dirt and dried blood gave away easily, but he wished he had some soothing balm to put on the cut, which still bled. "I am so sorry, Elrond... It is my fault you were taken and tortured."

 

Blinking once, his hands drifted lower, cleaning the dried blood from Elrond's chest, finding at least one rib cracked. Cursing the fact that he didn't have any bandages, he shredded his cloak and used the longer pieces to bandage Elrond's ribcage, letting Elrond lean against him while he worked. He felt immensely grateful that Elrond remained unconscious during his ministrations.

 

He privately debated removing Elrond's leggings to search for more injuries, but decided against it. It was cold in here and the dark-haired Elf felt chilly to his touch.

 

Tears erupted from his eyes, seeing Elrond's ankles limp and twisted. "By the Valar, what did they do to you? It should have been me, not you, never you! Why did they not take me instead? I would have gladly born this pain for you, Elrond..." He wiped at his tears angrily, then wrapped fabric around Elrond's ankles, not daring to mend them. He wasn't a healer, Elrond was!

 

Guilt and self doubt deeply drove their claws in to his soul. Glorfindel couldn't stop staring at the battered face, hoping the Uruk-Hai hadn't resorted to raping Elrond in order to make him talk. Maybe that was the true reason why he didn't dare remove Elrond's leggings...

 

Rummaging through the cabin he located a warm blanket and he placed it over Elrond's shivering body. Hating to leave Elrond's side, he did it anyway to build a fire. The wood was old and damp, but the fire warmed the cabin nicely. The fire cast shadows on to the walls, and in Glorfindel's mind they pointed an accusing finger at him for failing his Lord.

 

Feeling utterly worthless, Glorfindel refrained from touching Elrond, guarding him from a distance. His eyes swam with guilty tears and he hugged his waist, rocking back and forth. "It should have been me, lying there, not you, Elrond. What use to you am I? I, who failed to keep you safe? You should send me back to Mandos. I am an utter failure..."

 

He held his breath when Elrond moaned softly. The vacant eyes lost their emptiness and searched his surroundings. Panicking, Elrond released a scream. Glorfindel acted at once and knelt at Elrond's side, trying to make Elrond look at him. "You are safe, meldir. You are safe. Please listen to my voice and let it reassure you." Glorfindel's heart ached, seeing the hurt expression in those dark eyes. "You are safe, meldir. I will look after you..."

 

Elrond blinked once, trying to focus on Glorfindel. Where was Ugluk? Why wasn't he in the tent any longer? Ai, his feet didn't hurt that bad anymore and he finally felt warm. His eyes met Glorfindel's and he startled seeing the tears in them. "What...?"

 

Elrond tried to sit upright, but gasped at the pain that coursed through his chest and ankles so he remained flat on his back instead. "Glorfindel?" Shakily he raised a hand, trying to place it against Glorfindel's cheek, but the blond pulled back. Elrond frowned, wondering why Glorfindel shunned his touch. "What... happened?"

 

"Lurtz carried you out of the tent when we attacked. I brought you here. Your sons will join us shortly and tend to you. You taught Elrohir well and he will help you heal."

 

Elrond frowned once more when Glorfindel moved farther away from him. The dark expression in the blond's eyes spoke of guilt and self hate. Why? He desperately wanted to talk to Glorfindel, but his strength was deserting him. "Come... here," he whispered, hoping to remain conscious long enough to reassure Glorfindel. The reluctance in Glorfindel's approach made Elrond apprehensive. Thankfully the poison was leaving his body and rational thought was returning to him. "I know you well..." started Elrond in a soft tone. "None of it was your fault... You fought well... It was not your fault... that they caught me..." He made another shaky attempt to rest the palm of his hand against Glorfindel's face and he grew sad, feeling the blond flinch at the touch. "We will talk about this some more when... when I feel better..."

 

Glorfindel lowered his eyes. "Elladan and Elrohir will be here shortly. They can care you for you better than I can..."

 

Elrond sighed. "It was not your fault..."

 

"I am responsible for your safety," exploded Glorfindel in a harsh tone, aimed at himself. "I failed you!"

 

Elrond managed to shake his head slowly. "Nay, Glorfindel, it was not your fault..." Exhaustion crept up on him, but he fought off sleep a little longer. He had something important to say before he could give in to blissful sleep. "Nîn ind, do you not know I love you? You, who have always been my strength... Do not desert me now... melethron."

 

Elrond's whispers were Glorfindel's undoing. Tears flowed down his face and he tried to hide from Elrond, but the raven-haired half-Elf had unnoticed gained a tight hold on his right wrist and he was unable to move away. Bleary-eyed, he stared at Elrond. He had guessed some of Elrond's feelings when the half-Elf had kissed him, but things had changed now. "I am unworthy of your love, my Lord."

 

"I lack the strength to... to talk some sense in to you," said Elrond, feeling drained. "Vow you won't leave my side until... I wake again."

 

Glorfindel looked stricken. He had planned to ask Elrohir to look after Elrond, not wanting to burden Elrond with his worthless presence.

 

"Vow!" Elrond called upon his last strength and commanded Glorfindel to speak, using the power that lay in his dark eyes. "Vow!"

 

"I vow to stay at your side," mumbled Glorfindel defeated. Why Elrond still wanted him close was a mystery to him. Even if Elrond loved him, the Lord of Imladris should chose a more worthy lover.

 

Elrond sighed and relaxed somewhat now that Glorfindel had given him his word. "Stay..." Elrond shivered, feeling cold to the bone.

 

Glorfindel caught those shivers and wished he had more blankets. The fire was dying as well. "The twins will arrive shortly," he said, comforting Elrond. He flinched when determined black eyes looked in to his.

 

"Keep me warm, nîn bellas; you always were my strength." Elrond's hand twitched, releasing its grip on Glorfindel's wrist. "Cold..."

 

A lump had formed in Glorfindel's throat, hearing Elrond's request. Could he do what Elrond asked of him? Elrond's eyes turned vacant and Glorfindel drew in a deep breath. He removed his sword and boots, and sat down on the side of the bed, studying Elrond's too pale face. Slowly, he slid in to place in front of Elrond, opened his arms and pulled the dark haired Elf close to him. Wrapping his arms and legs around Elrond, he took great care not to jostle the half Elf's feet. Staring at Elrond's vacant eyes, he forced back the tears that didn't seem to want to stop. /I must be strong for you, for both if us until you regained your strength, mellon-nîn. You think you need me, but you do not. You will always be the stronger one of the two of us./

 

Indulging himself, he tucked Elrond's head beneath his chin. /And when you are strong again I will pay for my failure... I do not deserve to be at your side, not after letting this happen to you... Maybe it is time to return to the Halls of Mandos and to set you free./

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Part 16

Answers

 

Legolas kept a close eye on Lurtz, fearing the Uruk-Hai might cave in due to the poison and fall from his horse, but Lurtz seemed to be well. His dark eyes remained alert, constantly scanning their surroundings. "It seems like the poison affects you very little," remarked Legolas softly. Elrohir looked up as well, but the archers that had dropped behind didn't pay them any attention. Legolas' heart missed a beat when those large, black eyes met his.

 

"You got most of the poison out with your... method," said Lurtz tenderly. "I would not advice you to use it again though."

 

"Why not?" asked Legolas. Sucking the poison from its wound had always served him well.

 

"What if you accidentally swallowed some of it? You saw the effect it had on Elrond. That could have been you."

 

Legolas nodded once, realizing Lurtz spoke out of concern for him. "But it was not me, Lurtz. And I am not so foolish to swallow any poison."

 

Lurtz suddenly averted his eyes. "The last thing I would call you is foolish..."

 

Legolas grinned. "Methinks you have almost recovered from the attack. Does your shoulder still hurt?" He had applied improvised bandages, not have any at the ready, using his cloak instead.

 

"It does not affect me like it did Elrond," Lurtz shrugged. "The poison is made of Uruk Hai's blood and Saruman's. Those substances aren't alien to me."

 

Elrohir suddenly shivered. "But they are alien to Ada." He couldn't get the picture of his injured father out of his head. Elrond had looked dreadful. He spurred on the horse, yearning to be reunited with his father.

 

A few moments later the deserted cabin appeared in front of them and Elrohir turned to address his men. "Set up camp here. I will tend to our Lord who is more comfortable inside the cabin. Assign sentries and be aware of Uruk-Hai and Orcs." His orders were carried out and Elrohir slid from his steed's back. Looking up, he saw a curious expression on Legolas' face. "What is it, Legolas?"

 

"The cabin will be crowded, Lurtz and I will stay here and help make camp. Please call us, should you need help." Legolas exchanged a look with Lurtz who nodded. They had a lot to discuss and that would be nearly impossible with the others close.

 

"Suit yourself," said Elrohir. His eyes strayed longingly to the cabin, feeling his father's presence.

 

"Go, Elrohir. Lurtz and I can take care of ourselves."

 

Elrohir nodded thankfully. "And should that wound trouble you after all, Lurtz, I will look after it," he offered, before running over to the cabin.

 

Lurtz and Legolas watched him run, and detected another dark-haired Elf jumping off his mare and rushing toward the first. Elladan had arrived as well; carrying the healing herbs with him. "They deserve some privacy," said Legolas in the end. He slowly limped over to Lurtz. "Do you require assistance in dismounting your horse?"

 

"I can manage," laughed Lurtz amused. He let himself glide off of the horse's back and stood firmly grounded. "Where do you want make camp?"

 

"Near a fire..." Tonight was a night bereft of the moon and knowing Elrond was injured chilled his very soul.

 

Lurtz considered this. His wound hardly troubled him; Uruk-Hai were build to withstand pain and heal fast. "I'll get a fire going... Do you have a bedroll?"

 

Legolas handed Lurtz his bedroll, wondering about the man's behavior. An Elf came to collect their horse and led the mare away. Legolas followed Lurtz to the spot the Uruk-Hai had selected for them to spend the night. It was at the edge of the camp, but still close enough in case of a surprise attack.

 

Lurtz first unrolled the blanket and signaled Legolas to sit down on it. Then he left to gather some wood and he got a fire going within minutes. Uruk-Hai skills could come in handy after all. Once the fire was burning strongly, he sat down beside Legolas, staring in to the flames. He didn't know what to say to Legolas. Unexpectedly Legolas' hand covered his and the Elf rubbed his knuckles.

 

"Are you ready to talk?" enquired Legolas softly. He curled his fingers around Lurtz's and squeezed gently. Seeing the leather armor and war paint on Lurtz's face made him melancholy.

 

"Yes, I am," said Lurtz, nodding once. "But first I owe you an apology." Lurtz looked up and locked eyes with Legolas, who seemed strangely nervous all of a sudden. "You were right and I was wrong. I no longer belong with the Uruk-Hai. Since the amnesia something changed... in here." With his free hand he covered his chest, pointing out his heart. "All this time I was angry at myself for leaving Imladris, for leaving you. You were right on another account as well." Lurtz now returned the caress, gently stroking the back of Legolas' hand. "I love you. I have never loved before and I don't know what to do about it."

 

"Lurtz..." Legolas desperately tried to interrupt Lurtz, but the Uruk-Hai raised a hand, silencing him for now.

 

"You can talk later, let me finish first." Seeing Legolas nod, Lurtz continued. "I don't know if you noticed, but there are no female Uruk-Hai. When lust overcomes us, we turn to each other and... things can get rough. I don't know how to... court you, show you my feelings, but being at Imladris showed me a different way of treating people, and a possible mate. I'm trying hard to learn, but you'll need to guide me. Taking you like that doesn't seem right... not anymore. Doing it the Uruk-Hai way it would be little more than rape and..."

 

Legolas placed a long finger against his lips and Lurtz grew quiet, realizing Legolas was determined to speak.

 

"Lurtz, before we speak of this, you need to know one thing. Touch me intimately and by Elven standards we are considered married. Elves do not give in to lust easily, knowing we will spend the rest of our lives with that one person. We desire love above lust."

 

Lurtz inclined his head. "Married?" It was a strange concept to him. "There is no Uruk-Hai word for it."

 

Legolas smiled saddened. "It means that we will be together for the rest of our lives. Neither you, nor I can take other lovers and only death can us part."

 

Lurtz began to grasp the concept. "You would be mine forever?"

 

"And you would be mine," agreed Legolas. "Just the two of us as long as we live."

 

Lurtz found the concept attractive. "I'd like that."

 

Legolas raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure of that?"

 

"Yes." Lurtz carefully considered his next words. "And this will go in to effect when...?"

 

"When we make love for the first time." Legolas swallowed hard. Although he had wanted to have this discussion he now began to feel nervous.

 

"Make love..." Lurtz briefly closed his eyes. /The Uruk-Hai do not make love, they rape... How do I make love to you?/ Feeling insecure, Lurtz opened his eyes and looked deeply in to Legolas'. "And you'd have me?"

 

"That is what I have been trying to tell you, Lurtz." Legolas, calm once more, awaited Lurtz's answer.

 

"Oh, never doubt I want you, but..." Lurtz swallowed nervously. "Not yet."

 

"Not yet? What is that supposed to mean?" Would he ever understand Lurtz?

 

"First I want to take care of some things..." Lurtz raised an arm and carefully folded it around Legolas' shoulders. "My teeth..."

 

"Ai, Lurtz, but..."

 

"No, Legolas. I don't want to hurt you... No kissing until I visited the... what's called? The Healing House?" He hoped the healers could alternate his teeth, take away the jagged edges and make them smooth; more acceptable.

 

"This really bothers you," realized Legolas. Feeling Lurtz's arm around him made him smile and he leaned against the warm body beside him. "And remove the face paint..."

 

"Yes, I can do that now." Lurtz tried to read the expression in Legolas' eyes, but failed. How would Legolas react to the suggestion he was about to make? "Maybe we can bathe together? We passed a stream not so long ago."

 

Legolas nodded firmly. "But first let me gather some more appropriate clothes for you. That leather just does not suit you."

 

"And will you comb my hair?"

 

"And braid it like Elrond did?" Legolas laughed warmly. "Aye I will." Warmth and love blossomed inside his heart. "Our love is strong already, but it will continue to grow, melethron."

 

Lurtz looked puzzled at hearing that last word. "Melethron?"

 

"Aye, my love..." Legolas leaned in closer and pressed his lips to Lurtz, already knowing that his lover wouldn't part his lips or teeth, but he enjoyed the sensation nonetheless. "Get going, Lurtz. I will organize some clothes for you and I might even join you in the stream." Legolas shook his head, realizing Lurtz was blushing beneath his bronze complexion.

 

Lurtz got to his feet. "Don't take too long, Elf."

 

"Oh, I will be there," assured Legolas Lurtz. He stared at the Uruk-Hai's back until Lurtz had vanished from sight and then he pushed himself to his feet as well. His leg throbbed, but the pain was bearable. /What did I get myself in to? My father will never approve of my choice and not all Elves will understand... But the ones important to me already do. Lurtz and I can stay at Rivendell and join Lord Elrond's household. We can keep his borders safe./ Tired, Legolas collected the clothes he needed and then headed for the stream himself.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elladan and Elrohir rushed in to the little cabin, both eager to see Elrond, but the sight that greeted them made them stop in their tracks. A soft smile broke through on their faces, seeing Glorfindel hold Elrond in his sleep. Their laughing eyes met, and Elrohir shook his head in amusement. "I do not think we will need to work hard to get these two together."

 

Elladan grinned and turned to the dying fire. "I will gather more wood.  We need the fire to brew the tea." He handed his twin the healing herbs and left.

 

Elrohir sat down cross-legged on the floor. Now that he got a better look at his father he cringed at the damage Ugluk had done. His fingers hovered above the ugly cut on Elrond's face. "This one will leave a scar."

 

Elladan entered just in time to catch Elrohir's words. "I wish I could make them pay again!" He dropped the wood next to the fire place and rekindled it. "Why is Glorfindel still asleep?" The seneschal usually startled at the tiniest sound.

 

Elrohir's eyes narrowed. "He suffered a head injury twice. There might be complications and we should watch him as well. But for now I regret having to wake Glorfindel, but I need to examine Ada and Glorfindel is in the way." Elrohir placed the palm of his hand against Glorfindel's cheek, rubbing the tear streaked skin there. "He cried, Elladan..."

 

"Knowing Glorfindel, he is eager to take the blame for this. You are right, we need to watch him as well." Elladan began brewing the tea and watched Glorfindel and Elrond closely.

 

"Glorfindel, wake up." Elrohir weakly shook Glorfindel's shoulders. "I need to examine Ada..."

 

Elrohir's persistent voice finally got through to Glorfindel and he startled awake. Still thankful for his returned vision, he locked eyes with Elrohir, relieved to find the younger man here. "Elrond, is he...?" His glance shifted from Elrohir to Elrond and he cringed once more, seeing Elrond's bruised face. He started to raise a hand to touch Elrond's face, but froze in mid-air. /Nay, I lost my right to care for him when I failed him./ He caught the odd look Elrohir was giving him and he slowly untangled himself from Elrond, sitting up at last. The world briefly spun around him, but he bit down the comfort. "I should give you some space to work," muttered he embarrassed. He struggled to his feet, swayed, but shrugged off Elladan when the youngster tried to support him. "I will be outside." He tore his eyes away from Elrond and staggered toward the doorway, feeling miserable.

 

"Glorfindel, wait!" Elladan wanted to go after the blond, but Elrond moaned softly and the urge to be near his father overwhelmed him so he returned to the bed.

 

Glorfindel quietly closed the door behind him, wishing he could stay, but knowing he wasn't that privileged. His head still buzzed, but he determinedly ignored it as he made his way over to a tree, near to a fire. Camp had been made and several men were preparing their evening meal. Just the thought of food made his stomach contract angrily.

 

Seeing Elladan and Elrohir, he had expected them to be angry with him for the condition Elrond was in. He was in charge of Elrond's safety and he had failed them miserably. Closing his eyes, he thought back to the Halls of Mandos, their chill and solitude. /Coming here was a mistake, I never dared admit it before. Elrond called out for Gil-galad and I returned instead. Maybe I should return to the Halls and see if I can convince Gil-galad to return after all. Elrond loved him with all his heart... I should rectify this mistake.../

 

"Glorfindel?" Legolas frowned, seeing silver tears drip from the seneschal's face. Although Lurtz was waiting for him at the stream he couldn't turn his back on a friend in need. He placed the clothes on the ground and sat beside Glorfindel, waiting for the sapphire eyes to open.

 

"Legolas, leave me. I am terrible company." Glorfindel gave in and looked Legolas in the eye. He considered wiping away his tears, but it was too late, Legolas had already seen.

 

Legolas' compassion compelled him to fold an arm around the other blond. "Peace, Glorfindel. I am not the enemy." Glorfindel leaning against him made Legolas smile. "You are still tired and that head injury must be bothering you as well. What are you doing out here?" Why wasn't Glorfindel with Elrond?

 

Glorfindel sighed and shivered. Legolas wouldn't understand so why tell him? "It was too crowded in the cabin."

 

Legolas raised an eyebrow. "That is not your real reason for leaving."

 

Glorfindel stared at the dark heavens. Clouds hid the stars and a dark, heavy mood cocooned him. "You were on your way somewhere?"

 

Legolas sighed. "You won't confide in me... Why?"

 

"I do not want to burden you with my problems. Be on your way then. I will be fine." Glorfindel freed himself of Legolas' arm and leaned back against the trunk of a tree. "I will try to sleep."

 

Legolas knew he was being dismissed and Glorfindel's behavior angered him, but he knew better than to force the issue. Glorfindel would talk about it when he was ready. "I am always here should you need someone to listen."

 

"Thank you, Legolas." Glorfindel smiled weakly and watched Legolas leave. "But you can't possibly understand, Legolas..." Glorfindel, feeling utterly miserable, looked over at the cabin and wondered if Elrond had already regained consciousness.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

"Elladan, Ada is waking up!" Elrohir gently moved a wet cloth across Elrond's forehead, removing dirt and sweat. "Ada..."

 

Elrond blinked a few times, trying to understand where he was. The last thing he remembered was being at Ugluk's mercy and then a black void had taken over. In that void he had heard Glorfindel's voice, but the words remained blurry. Looking at his sons, he forced himself to smile despite the excruciating pain in his ankles. "Elrohir... Elladan..." He raised a shaky hand and first touched Elrohir's face, then Elladan's. "I thank the Valar that they gave me a chance to see you again."

 

"You are safe now," blurted out Elladan, as his relief released him. He leaned in closer and cautiously hugged his father, but immediately pulled back hearing Elrond's pain filled groan. He had placed his weight on Elrond's ribcage accidentally. "Sorry, Ada." But Elrond still smiled at him and his father's fingers were tightly curled around his. "I missed you. I feared we had lost you!"

 

Elrond heard the distress in Elladan's voice and rubbed his son's fingers in an effort to soothe him. "I am back now, Elladan. Do not worry any longer." His eyes then sought out Elrohir's, which were warm and concerned. "I missed you, my sons." Elrohir carefully embraced him and Elrond ignored the pain that coursed through his body. "I trust in your healing abilities, Elrohir. I like to think I taught you well." Relieved he noticed that the poison no longer affected him.

 

"You are badly injured, Ada." Elrohir gently stroked his father's raven locks. "The bruises will fade, but the cut on your face won't. Your ribs will mend, but your ankles... By the Valar, what did that monster do to you?"

 

"He crushed my ankles," said Elrond weakly. It would take time to heal; being half Man now worked against him. "I never gave up hope," he whispered softly. "I hoped, nay, believed, we would be reunited again."

 

Elladan and Elrohir beamed at their father's words. "We will nurse you back to health, Ada," promised Elrohir passionately. "I already cleaned most scratches and I applied a healing balm to this terrible lash. Why did he have to cut your face...?"

 

Elrond sighed softly. "He took a perverse pleasure in making me suffer... What about my ankles?" Elrohir was right. The superficial wounds would heal quickly. His broken rib would take longer, a few weeks, but what really worried him were his ankles. Could Elrohir set them correctly? Would he be able to walk again?

 

Elrohir lowered his eyes. "I fear touching them. I have no experience in setting bones and... I cannot hurt you even more, Ada."

 

Elrond nodded. "I will not ask this of you then, Elrohir." His sons were already emotional at finding him in this condition and he could see something else troubled them. "Tell me what is upsetting you."

 

"Did Ugluk... did he..." Elladan swallowed hard, unable to finish.

 

"Did he... force you?" Elrohir bit his bottom lip. "We did not dare remove your leggings out of fear for what we might find."

 

Elrond smiled. "Nay, he did not. I escaped that terrible fate thanks to Lurtz... Lurtz, what happened to him?" As long as he didn't move, his ankles didn't bother him too much and he was eager to learn more.

 

Elrohir slid closer to his father and managed to get an arm around Elrond without the elder Elf flinching in pain. He slowly lay down, facing Elrond and stared deeply in to the dark eyes. Elladan, quickly added more wood to the fire and then joined them, carefully spooning himself behind his father.

 

Elrond marveled at them, and thanked Celebrian for giving him his sons. The twins had taken after him and were very special to him. His sons' body heat seeped in to his bones, warming him from the inside. Elladan rested his head against his back and sighed blissfully. /They used to do this until they came of age and I missed having them close. "Elrohir? What about Lurtz?"

 

"Lurtz took a knife meant for Legolas, but does not seem badly injured. They wanted some privacy and made camp near the cabin." Elrohir looked at Elladan, who had slightly raised his head to return the glance.

 

"Ada?" Elladan whispered softly in to Elrond's ear. "What is wrong with Glorfindel?"

 

The name startled Elrond. "Glorfindel... how could I forget about him? Where is he?" Suddenly their last conversation returned to him. "He vowed to stay near!"

 

"He left some time ago." Elladan frowned. "You are in no condition to chase after him. Let me fetch him."

 

Elrond's thoughts raced. Why had Glorfindel left?

 

"Ada, do you know he loves you? I wonder how he managed to keep that from us," said Elrohir. "Now that I know about his feelings, it shows in his every look or touch. He loves you passionately."

 

Elrond locked eyes with Elrohir. "I suspected as much. That is the very reason the Uruk-Hai managed to sneak up on us. I distracted Glorfindel..."

 

"How?" Elladan sat upright, realizing something was wrong with Glorfindel; why else would the seneschal leave?

 

"I kissed him..." admitted Elrond, fighting a blush.

 

"And he liked it!" Elladan slapped his knee. "Ah, Ada... Sometimes I wonder about you. Did you have to pick that time to show him?" But he felt relieved that his father returned Glorfindel's feelings and he saw approval in his twin's eyes as well. Elrond and Glorfindel deserved to be happy.

 

"Aye, that was not wise, but..." Elrond sighed, recalling the lovely blush that had graced Glorfindel's face. "I never thought he would return my feelings."

 

"That is what Glorfindel said as well," laughed Elladan. "Ada, I will find him and take him back here. Will you talk to him?"

 

Elrond nodded thankfully. Elladan left and Elrohir slowly slipped out of bed. "Drink this first. It will help lessen the pain."

 

Elrond sipped obediently. The blanket stopped him from looking at his ankles, but he knew they were twisted. "Glorfindel knows how to straighten broken bones but he will need your help, Elrohir."

 

"And after that you will rest and sleep." Elrohir disposed of the now empty cup. "I am so glad your spirit is not broken."

 

Elrond briefly averted his eyes. "They might have succeeded if you had not come to the rescue."

 

Elrohir instinctively reached for Elrond's hand and held it between his. "My heart dreads losing you, Ada."

 

Elrond looked at his youngest son and saw unconditional love in the brown eyes. "I love you as well, Elrohir." He tenderly wiped away the tears that had escaped his son's eyes. "But I am still here and I do not plan to leave you."

 

Elrohir managed a weak smile. "Let us hope that brother of mine finds Glorfindel, for I want to work on your ankles now." But before they would actually start to mend those ankles he planned to give his father a tea that would put him to sleep. He refused to put his father through even more pain. /Elladan, hurry! We need Glorfindel!/

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elladan located Glorfindel near the camp's largest fire. The blond Elf leaned against a tree, but the azure eyes weren't vacant yet. Glorfindel was very much awake. He sat on his heels, trying to catch the blond's gaze. "Glorfindel?"

 

Glorfindel drew in a deep breath. He expected one of the twins to show up eventually. "Elrond woke up?"

 

"And he is asking for you." Elladan wondered about the distant expression in the elder Elf's eyes. "Why do you not tell me what is really troubling you?"

 

Elladan would eventually make him tell so Glorfindel gave in gracefully. "I failed him, Elladan. I should have made sure he was safe."

 

Elladan moved until he sat cross-legged in front of Glorfindel, who once more avoided meeting his gaze. "You were still suffering from that head injury and Ada went with you to look after you. Do not turn this around. Ada had taken on the responsibility to lead the patrol. You were only there because you were too stubborn to rest!"

 

But Glorfindel remained depressed and Elladan used his trump. "You might have heard them had Ada not distracted you with that kiss." Aye, that got Glorfindel's attention and alert sapphire eyes searched his. "He loves you, Glorfindel, and right now he wants you close."

 

Glorfindel's mouth opened, but his vocal chords refused to co-operate. Elladan smiled, rested a hand on Glorfindel's and rubbed the skin soothingly. "You did not fail Ada, but you will, if you let this come between the two of you. Talk to him."

 

Glorfindel still wavered. "Elladan, I take my duties very seriously and it is my fault that Elrond got injured and..."

 

"No more 'and'," said Elladan, while placing a finger against Glorfindel's lips, silencing him. "Come with me and talk to Ada." Elladan rose and pulled Glorfindel to his feet as well. "Ada loves you, and Elrohir and I always cared for you. You can make Ada happy and I won't let you walk away from this."

 

Glorfindel sighed deeply, accepting Elladan's lead as the younger man guided him back to the cabin. "I faced and fought a Balrog, and I returned from the Halls of Mandos, but I never felt this frightened before," he admitted softly. Elladan looked at him reassuringly, but Glorfindel lowered his eyes. /I am not sure I can do this.../

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Part 17

Understanding

 

 

 

Legolas finally reached the stream and watched mesmerized as Lurtz dived beneath the water, washing off the war paint. Indulging himself, he admired the muscular body, trying to peek beneath the waist line, but the water hid the lower half of Lurtz's body, leaving him clueless. What kind of lover would Lurtz be? He hoped that the somewhat more primitive side was still there. Seeing Lurtz feral was one thing that had triggered his interest. He would love to command all that raw power.

 

Lurtz surfaced, threw back his hair and the long dark manes clung to his torso. Legolas sighed, seeing the well defined chest and biceps. Lurtz's eyes settled on him, searchingly. Could Lurtz smell his arousal? By the Valar, he was already hard with need.

 

Realizing Lurtz was waiting for him, Legolas placed the extra clothes on the ground and then slowly, methodically, began to strip. First he removed his tunic, then his shirt. Before finally sliding off his leggings he gazed at Lurtz. He gasped, seeing the tip of Lurtz's arousal rise from the water.

 

He had planned to take things slow, to get accustomed to being with a mate again, but now that he saw Lurtz's desire for him, he reeled with passion as well. Trembling, he stepped in to the water, swimming toward Lurtz.

 

Lurtz involuntarily held his breath as Legolas silver like hair floated on the water. His fingers impatiently wanted to undo those braids and to let the long locks dance on Legolas' back. When Legolas finally stood in front of him, the Elf raised a hand and let a droplet of water slide on to his fingertip. Lurtz licked the water from his lover's finger and Legolas' pupils dilated.

 

He cradled Legolas' hand in his and kissed each fingertip, making sure his teeth never touched any skin. "You are beautiful, Elf." Amused, he watched as the tips of Legolas' pointed ears turned dark pink. "Very beautiful indeed. Do you also feel it? The need to touch and be touched?"

 

Speechless, Legolas nodded; he felt the fire as well and it was about to burn him. Rippling muscle felt soft to the touch as his fingertips explored the bronze flesh. "I did not expect to feel this passionately about you."

 

Lurtz smiled knowingly. "Will you teach me to make love to you? Or is that inappropriate at such an early stage?"

 

Legolas laughed warmly. "As long as you understand that we are officially mated after we made love..."

 

"Oh, but I want to be your mate... for as long as I live."

 

Legolas peeked at Lurtz, finding sincerity in the dark eyes. "I want you..." he admitted in a tone, filled with passion. "I want you inside of me. I want to feel you. I want you to be a part of me."

 

Lurtz growled possessively. "Are you sure?" He took Legolas' hand in his and placed it on his erection. "Have you ever been with a man before?"

 

Legolas shook his head. "Nay, I have not, but I am sure you know what to do."

 

Lurtz suddenly felt insecure. "Legolas, I never made love before..." How could he explain his fear that he might hurt his new love? The Uruk-Hai's approach to sex was brutal and painful, and he wanted things to be different with Legolas. "Teach me, show me, talk me through it."

 

 "Aye, I will." Legolas leaned in closer and placed Lurtz's arms around his waist. "Hold me... tight. I am not fragile."

 

Lurtz smirked and pulled Legolas close. Surprised he felt Legolas' erection brush his. "You really want this..." For some reason he hadn't expected Legolas to be this eager. "I wish I could kiss you..." but he dared not, fearing to injure Legolas with his fangs.

 

"Then let me kiss you..." Legolas sighed deeply and kissed Lurtz passionately. His lips left a hot trail down Lurtz's neck and when he encountered a nipple, he sucked it hard, making Lurtz growl in surprise. Passion, love and lust burned in his veins and their intensity startled him. "I never felt this way before..."

 

Lurtz smiled warmly. "Tell me what to do..." His fingertips ghosted down Legolas' spine until they encountered two firm mounds of flesh. Teasingly he squeezed Legolas' buttocks, releasing another growl. At first he feared the growl might lessen Legolas' desire, but the blue eyes darkened in pleasure. /You like this.../ He would never let the beast control him, but he could play along if Legolas desired so.

 

Another growl made Legolas rub himself against Lurtz and his lover obliged him, stealing one hand to his groin. Legolas bucked in surprise when Lurtz stroked him. "Nay, I do not want to come this way... Let us leave the water..." A dark desire burned him and demanded satisfaction. Lurtz's suddenly cupped his buttocks in his hands, lifted him, and he instinctively wrapped his long legs around his lover.

 

Lurtz left the water and laid Legolas down on the grass, removing some small branches and stones that might get in the way. "Legolas, what do you want me to do?"

 

Legolas suddenly grew flustered; his own passion overwhelming him. "I am a warrior. I face death daily and yet I never made love to another man. I find that I tremble with desire for your touch, to become one with you. I fear I need your services... Are you willing?"

 

Lurtz growled again, this time low in his throat and the hard flesh in his hand twitched, revealing Legolas' need for him. "I heard of something that Man calls foreplay?"

 

Legolas laughed. "Ai, Lurtz, that would be pure torment. I feared losing you, then I found you and you took that knife for me. I thought I had lost you again. We are warriors and we know our desires." Legolas fingered a strand of long dark hair and stared into Lurtz's eyes. "I want you inside of me... But go slowly..."

 

Lurtz nodded, swallowing hard. "Legolas... I might leave you sore..." He recalled his former 'bed partners' calling out in pain when he had entered. Uruk-Hai didn't bother to prepare their partners.

 

"Look beneath the clothes and you will find a flask filled with aloe. I brought it for your injured shoulder, but it looks healed to me." He could barely pinpoint the entry point of the knife.

 

Lurtz reached out with one hand, searched beneath the pile of clothes and uncovered the flask.

 

"Rub it on, it will ease your way in."

 

Lurtz opened it and let some drops fall on his fingertips. "This will help?"

 

"Aye..." Legolas smiled. Butterflies tickled his insides and although he was nervous he was also eager to feel Lurtz move inside him. He watched Lurtz closely. He had planned to be in control of their first encounter and now that he was, he almost wished Lurtz would take over, but no, Lurtz had asked to guide him. Quickly, he turned about, got on to all fours and looked over his shoulder at Lurtz, whose eyes had turned black.

 

"Legolas..." Lurtz rested his hands on his lover's buttocks, massaging the firm flesh. "This is the way you want to do it?" Seeing Legolas this trusting made his heart beat faster. The trust in Legolas' eyes was unconditional and he was determined not to betray his lover's trust in him. "No foreplay then?"

 

Legolas drew in a deep breath as Lurtz placed the slippery head of his cock at his entrance. "By the Valar, go slow. The aloe should help, but..." Lips descended on to his back and Lurtz attained a firm grip on his erection, stroking him firmly. Legolas panted hard, eyes widening in want. "Now, I want you now!"

 

Lurtz growled. /Slowly,/ he reminded himself. /You do not want to hurt him./

 

Legolas' eyes widened as Lurtz pushed in, slowly, giving him time to adjust to the invasion. Panting hard, he pushed back, allowing Lurtz to slide deeper.

 

Lurtz breathed hard, seeing himself buried to the hilt inside his lover's body. "Legolas..." Growling, he leaned in closer, placed his body on Legolas' and managed to catch the Elf's eyes when Legolas looked over his shoulder. He stroked his lover's erection again, felt Legolas tense beneath him, and his lover's rocking took him by surprise. Legolas pushed back, trying to get him to move. Lurtz groaned, licked Legolas' neck and then let the tip of his tongue slide down Legolas' spine.

 

"Ai!" Legolas cocked his head, watching his lover. "Move, Lurtz, move."

 

Lurtz set a slow rhythm; maybe he was overly careful, but he didn't want to risk hurting his lover. His lips suckled soft skin, leaving a mark on Legolas' throat and made his lover pant even harder.

 

"Harder... growl, bite me..." Legolas threw back his head, arched his back and tried to match each of Lurtz's thrusts.

 

Lurtz never lost control, not even for Legolas. His hands grabbed Legolas' waist, and his thrusts grew fast and deep. He growled, nipped at Legolas' throat, but never bit down, never drew any blood.

 

Legolas didn't last long. Lurtz still stroked him and the head of his lover's cock constantly battered against this pleasurable spot deep inside him. His hands gave away underneath him and he went down on to his stomach. His eyes widened with pleasure for now Lurtz's thrusts were directly aimed at this sweet spot inside him.

 

Lurtz wrapped his arms around Legolas, followed him down and stroked his lover one last time. Hot liquid shot on to his hand and he waited for his lover's passage to contract around his throbbing cock. Spasms surrounded him, massaging him and he released a possessive growl, howling when he came.

 

Legolas blinked as Lurtz climaxed. Panting, he remained motionless, letting ecstasy  wash over him. Their lovemaking had been wild and fast and he loved it. Cocking his head, he managed to lock eyes with a sated Lurtz. "You are heavy..." Now that the pleasure inside him was fading, he realized that Lurtz's weight was making it hard for him to breathe.

 

"Hold on..." Lurtz tightened the hold he had on Legolas and he slowly pulled out, careful not to hurt in his lover.

 

Legolas moaned at the loss, but Lurtz used his hold to roll him on top. Legolas suddenly found Lurtz beneath him and he wrapped his arms around Lurtz. He rested his head on his lover's chest and smiled pleased. "Aye, my husband. You preformed your duties excellently today."

 

Lurtz laughed warmly, stroking the soft, silk like hair. "And when may I perform them again?"

 

Legolas raised his head and looked in to Lurtz's eyes. "I need a little time to recover."

 

"But Elves heal fast," reminded Lurtz his lover.

 

Legolas' eyes sparkled with mirth. "Using my own words against me..."

 

"When you are... 'rested', we will swim some more and clean ourselves up." Lurtz gazed in to Legolas' darkened eyes. "So you are mine now?"

 

Legolas nodded against Lurtz's chest. "Aye."

 

Lurtz sighed deeply. "For the first time in my short life I feel complete, at peace with myself. Thank you."

 

Legolas rested his head on Lurtz's chest once more. "Aye, I feel the same, melethron."

 

Lurtz continued to stroke the long hair, occasionally rubbing Legolas' back with long strokes. /Now that I have you, I will never let you go again./

 

Tired, but extremely pleased, Legolas bestowed a chaste kissed on Lurtz's chest. After all these centuries he had finally found a worthy mate.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Amused, Elladan pushed Glorfindel inside. While the door remained open, cold air slipped inside and he wanted the warm to stay inside. It served as the perfect reason to tell Glorfindel to hurry. Elrohir looked up at him and Elladan gave him a wink. "Let us give these two some privacy."

 

Elrohir got the hint and rose to his feet after stroking his father's brow one last time. "We will be back in a few minutes to work on your ankles, but talk to Glorfindel first?"

 

Elrond sighed, knowing only too well how stubborn the twins were. If necessary they would lock Glorfindel and him up in the cabin to make sure they talked. He nodded and watched his sons leave. Now that he was alone with Glorfindel, he looked at his seneschal and was shocked to see how pale the blond was. Instantly alarmed, he struggled in to an upright position.

 

Glorfindel heard the choked yelp when Elrond jostled his feet and he hurried over to the bed. "Do not move, my Lord."

 

Elrond glared at him. "Why do you call me that? What happened to Elrond or meldir?" Seeing the guilt in the deep pools of Glorfindel's eyes, his gaze softened. "Sit with me."

 

Glorfindel hesitantly sat down, making sure he didn't touch Elrond, afraid he might add to the half-Elf's discomfort. "I lost that right when I let them capture you."

 

The words were whispered so softly that Elrond had to strain to hear them. He rested his back against the wall and pulled the blanket up to his shoulders, cursing his weakness; he wanted to shake some sense in to the elder Elf. "Nonsense! It was my fault! I should have known better than to pick that moment to kiss you... even though that kiss was worth it."

 

Glorfindel briefly made eye contact. "Why did you kiss me?"

 

Elrond sighed; getting through to Glorfindel would take time, especially now that the blond was determined to take the blame for his abduction. "I kissed you because I love you." He watched Glorfindel closely; disbelief and hope were are war in those sapphire eyes. "You do not believe me?"

 

Glorfindel shrugged apologetically; he was at a loss for words. "I am not worthy of your love. I failed to protect you..."

 

Elrond was getting frustrated. He grabbed Glorfindel's wrist and pulled the blond closer, using his last strength to make his point. He planned to kiss Glorfindel again, but when the elder Elf flinched back, he let go. Glorfindel's eyes seemed glued to the cut on his face.

 

They stared at each other and Glorfindel spoke first. "My fault. The fact that you are now scarred is my fault. I cannot believe he slashed your face like that." Glorfindel averted his eyes. /It should have been me./

 

Elrond finally understood the depths of Glorfindel's guilt, but he also understood why Glorfindel had flinched. It wasn't because the blond found him less attractive but because he blamed himself. Elrond decided on a different, more direct approach. "Glorfindel..." He patted the space next to him, where the elder Elf had sat until a moment ago. Now Glorfindel was pacing the room like a caged and frightened animal. "Sit down." Glorfindel wouldn't disobey a direct order.

 

Reluctantly Glorfindel sat down again, wringing his hands in his lap. "I can understand if you want someone else in charge of your safety. Elladan would be the best choice."

 

"Glorfindel, stop feeling sorry for yourself. It does not suit you." Glorfindel flinched again and Elrond held the blond's stare when his friend looked at him in surprise. "It was not your fault and I do not want to hear you say it again. I only desire one answer from you."

 

"And what is the question?" Glorfindel suddenly felt alarmed. He knew that look on Elrond's face! He was in trouble!

 

"Do you love me?" Elrond read the answer in Glorfindel's expressive eyes, but he wanted to hear the words.

 

Glorfindel fidgeted with the corner of the blanket. "Aye, you know I do, but..." He was silenced when Elrond placed a finger against his lips. /But you must understand that I forfeited the right to love you./

 

"Then you wish to be with me? To be my lover? To see me through this?" His tactics were dirty, but Glorfindel's guilt worried him. Why was Glorfindel acting so out of character? He didn't know the blond like this. Then he noticed the bandages around the blond's head. "Did you get hit again?"

 

Glorfindel nodded. "Aye, but..."

 

Elrond's eyes narrowed. "Any vertigo? Headaches?"

 

Glorfindel cringed. "You should not worry about me when you are injured yourself."

 

Elrond studied Glorfindel closely; the face was too pale, the eyes guilt ridden and the blond's whole behavior worried him. /He needs time to heal as well. He has been pushing himself./

 

A knock on the door disrupted their conversation and the twins entered once more.

 

Elrohir watched both men, and realized that they needed more time; too many things had remained unspoken. "I regret interrupting, but I need to see to Ada's ankles and Glorfindel, I need your help."

 

Glorfindel nodded, pushed himself to his feet and an unexpected weariness swept through him. He simply wanted to lie down and sleep, sleep forever and to wake up in the Halls of Mandos. /Not yet. I am still needed./  Elrond's eyes followed him and he began to feel uneasy. /He knows what I am thinking. I never managed to hide much from him./ The fact that he had managed to hide his crush still amazed him.

 

"Elladan, I want you to restrain Ada. When we set the bones it will hurt..." And even the tea wouldn't lull the pain entirely. "Glorfindel, make Ada drink this." He handed Glorfindel a cup filled with a brew that should sedate Elrond and hopefully put him to sleep.

 

Elrond recognized the fragrance and looked up at his youngest son. "You want me to sleep through this?"

 

"I want you to suffer as less pain as possible," replied Elrohir, pushing back the blanket. His face contorted, seeing the ruined ankles. "Ai, Ada, this will hurt."

 

Glorfindel sat next to Elrond on the bed, helped him lean against him and let Elrond sip his tea. He shuddered, seeing the broken and misaligned bones. This wasn't supposed to be their job. Elrond was the healer, but now the healer needed healing. During the last centuries he had watched Elrond closely, had seen him mend broken bones and bring down fevers; he knew what to do. Elrond finished his tea and Glorfindel disposed of the cup. "Elladan, take my place."

 

He got to his feet, handed his precious charge to Elladan and waited for father and son to find a more comfortable position. Elrond grew sleepy; the tea was working. Glorfindel knelt at the foot end and cautiously reached for Elrond's right ankle. "How did he do it?"

 

"W-with an-n axe," said Elrond, his voice slightly slurred. "I never s-saw it coming..."

 

Glorfindel drew in a deep breath and curled his fingers around Elrond's ankle. Elrohir was watching his every move and Glorfindel deeply regretted adding more pain to Elrond's agony. Carefully probing the damage, he manipulated the bones, hearing Elrond hiss his pain. Gritting his teeth, he pushed and pulled the bones in to their correct position, but he froze in his movements when Elrond released a strangled yelp.

 

"He has lost consciousness," said Elladan, who was holding his father tightly.

 

"Thank the Valar for that," whispered Elrohir. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

 

"I need wood for splints and clean bandages. He won't be able to walk for several weeks." Glorfindel placed Elrond's fixed ankle carefully back on the bed and reached for the other.

 

Elladan swallowed hard, seeing tears flow from Glorfindel's eyes. "You are helping him," he said, trying to take away some of Glorfindel's emotional pain. "You can do this... for him."

 

Glorfindel felt numb as he tended to Elrond's ankle once more. Aligning the bones, he wondered if Elrond would ever forgive him. The Lord of Imladris had said the abduction wasn't his fault, but deep in his heart he knew he was to blame for Elrond's pain.

 

Elrohir handed him the splints and bandages and Glorfindel finished the job quickly, eager to let Elrond rest. "I will instruct my men to build a litter. He cannot ride a horse or walk." Glorfindel stared at Elrond's bandaged ankles and his heart twisted with a sharp pain. /My fault./ Suddenly Elrohir's hand came to rest on his and he looked at the younger twin, startled and expecting to be blamed for Elrond's misery.

 

"You did well, Glorfindel. Now I want you to rest as well." Elrohir couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong with the blond. Had he ever seen Glorfindel this sad? This listless? "Why do you not lie down beside Ada? He already feels cold." Glorfindel started to shake his head, but Elrohir glared at him, using the expression Elrond usually adopted when dealing with the stubborn seneschal. "Lie down, Glorfindel."

 

Elladan involuntarily held his breath. Glorfindel was about to protest, but Elrohir wasn't going to back down either; he knew his twin too well for that. Seeing Glorfindel bow his head and avert his eyes should have pleased him, but it was so unlike the elder Elf that it worried him instead. Glorfindel seemed... empty, defeated.

 

Glorfindel lay down, realizing Elrohir and Elladan would make him if he didn't. He lay facing Elrond, and his right arm involuntarily folded around the half-Elf's waist. He was too tired to think; his black mood paralyzed him. Slipping in to sleep, he vaguely heard Elrohir's voice, but he dismissed it as not important. All he wanted was to sleep and never wake up again.

 

Elrohir exchanged a worried look with his brother. "What is wrong with Glorfindel?"

 

Elladan left the bed and paced slowly, constantly watching the two men on the bed. "Ada once told me that a head injury can have side effects. Maybe this... listlessness is such a side effect."

 

"He feels guilty for what happened to Ada," said Elrohir thoughtfully.

 

"Even if Glorfindel had heard the Uruk-Hai coming, they would still have been greatly outnumbered." Elladan returned to the bed and watched them sleep. "I wish Ada could advise us. I am not a healer and neither are you."

 

Elrohir nodded. "But Ada cannot help us with this. Maybe time will heal their wounds."

 

Elladan looked at his twin. "All we can do for now is watch them carefully. Especially Glorfindel. I never know what is going on in that head of his."

 

"Do you fear he might hurt himself?"

 

Elladan shrugged his shoulders. "I hope not, but he has been in the Halls of Mandos. Who knows how it affected him?"

 

"And he came back because of Ada's call. Ada deserves to know the truth about that as well."

 

"They need to talk," realized Elladan. "Especially Glorfindel needs to release some of his feelings. I fear for him."

 

"So do I," admitted Elrohir.

 

"I will see to the litter Glorfindel mentioned. Let me know when they are ready to move. I want to return to Imladris where they can rest and heal."

 

"I reckon we can leave in the morning." Elrohir sighed. "I do not know whom I worry for most. Ada's wounds are physical and will heal; he might limp, but he will heal."

 

"But Glorfindel?" finished Elladan for his twin.

 

"Once he starts to talk about his feelings the healing will start."

 

"Then we will make him talk," said Elladan smugly. "We will see to that."

 

 

Two notes;

1. In my view Legolas isn't a shy man, or weak, but someone who know wants he wants and who looks at sex in a 'healthy' way. He expresses his wishes and makes sure he and his lover enjoy himself. And did I mention he is a bit controlling and wicked?

2. Sorry that I made Glorfindel this depressed, but I am feeling a bit depressed myself, so I decided to let poor Glorfindel suffer as well. Heck, what's love without complications?

 

 

 

Part 18

Healing.

 

 

Lurtz and Legolas sneaked back in to the camp, seemingly unnoticed by the sentries. Lurtz's hand had settled at the small of his back, making sure he stayed close. Looking over his shoulder, Legolas privately admitted he liked Lurtz's possessiveness. It had been a long time since anyone had watched him so carefully, with so much affection and worry in his eyes. Gimli at times looked at him like that, but he suspected the Dwarf looked upon him as a son.

 

"What are you thinking?"

 

Legolas shivered, as the whispers reached his ears. "The way you look at me shows your every feeling."

 

Lurtz smiled and rubbed Legolas' back. "I'll never hide my feelings for you."

 

As they walked through the camp Lurtz felt eyes upon him. Elrond's men were staring at him. /I must look odd to them./ He had dressed in the robes Legolas had brought and his lover had even braided his hair in a similar fashion to his. Thoughtfully, he looked at Legolas. "What will happen now? Where will we go? You know that my heritage will never leave me. I can't shed my skin and become an Elf. I'll always be Uruk-Hai. Where will we be welcome?"

 

Legolas' eyes darkened worriedly. "We can stay with Lord Elrond," said he eventually. "He won't turn us away. We can help keep Imladris safe." What about the quest? What about Aragorn and the rest of the Fellowship? His first duty was to them. /I do not even know where they are!/ He wished he could join them, knowing his help would be most welcome, but would they welcome Lurtz as well? Nay, it was safer to stay at Imladris and help protect Elrond's safe haven.

 

Lurtz stopped as they reached the fire they had build earlier. The blanket was still on the ground and he signaled Legolas to sit beside him. Something he had heard came back to him. "But you are a Prince. Do you not wish to return home?" Legolas paled, and that alarmed Lurtz. "Legolas?"

 

"My father, King Thandruil... He loves me dearly, but... I am not sure he will understand why I choose to be you." Legolas averted his eyes. "I am his youngest son. My brother Valthoron is heir to the throne of Mirkwood. It is true that I would love to go home some day, but..."

 

Lurtz growled frustrated. "You should never have pursued me."

 

Legolas smiled warmly. "Maybe I am wrong and my father will understand. I will tell him eventually."

 

"And now you're bound to me for life..." Lurtz wasn't sure what the lifespan was of an Uruk-Hai. They usually died in battle within a few months.

 

"I do not regret the choice I made," said Legolas firmly. "I want to be with you."

 

Lurtz growled once more, softer this time. "I wish I could kiss you..."

 

"Maybe the healers at Imladris can change your fangs in to... proper teeth." His heart twisted, seeing the agony in Lurtz's eyes. "Give it time."

 

Lurtz nodded once, and then opened his arms. "Come, I want you close." Legolas moved in to his arms and Lurtz laid down, pulling Legolas with him. The moon was rising and it was time to rest. "Sleep."

 

Legolas smiled. "I do not need to sleep tonight. Elves..."

 

Lurtz shook his head. "Then pretend you're asleep. Elves are much too stubborn for their own good."

 

"Stubborn?"

 

"Close your eyes, Legolas, and rest."

 

"Elves sleep with their eyes open. Did you not notice that?" Legolas enjoyed teasing Lurtz.

 

Lurtz groaned. "Stop talking and be quiet." Secretly he loved learning more about the Elf. What other surprises awaited him? He embraced his lover tightly, told Legolas to rest his head against his shoulder and to go to sleep. Legolas did as he was told, but the blue eyes sparkled wickedly. In the end, Lurtz closed his eyes. /A lifetime... I'll spend the rest of my life with him. When Saruman created me I never thought I'd know happiness. I didn't even know it existed and.../

 

"Stop brooding, Lurtz," said Legolas teasingly. "You told me to sleep and now I want you to the same."

 

Lurtz sighed deeply. "You'll be the death of me..." Not giving Legolas a chance to reply, he tucked the Elf's head beneath his chin. /You might not need my protection, but I like the idea of you needing me... just a little.../

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elladan inspected the camp, talked to the sentries and finally came across Lurtz and Legolas. The two men lay entangled, Lurtz holding Legolas tightly. /Elf and Uruk-Hai, I never thought I would see the day that those two would unite./ From the way Lurtz was holding Legolas he deduced that these two had done some necessary talking. /Maybe they did more than just talk./ Elladan grinned, turned about and returned to the cabin.

 

Instantly he grew alert, seeing Glorfindel and Elrond. Although Glorfindel was holding Elrond in his arms, the blond's eyes were troubled. Even in sleep, Glorfindel was unable to find the rest he needed.

 

Elrohir sat cross legged on the floor, staring in to the fire. Sensing his twin's darkening mood, Elladan sat down beside him. He took hold of his brother's hand and rubbed the fingers, trying to reassure Elrohir through touch. "You worry for him."

 

Elrohir nodded, knowing instinctively who Elladan was referring to. "Glorfindel worries me, aye."

 

Elladan looked over his shoulder at the two men. "What about Ada?"

 

"He is strong, much stronger than any of us. I expect him to make a full recovery within one, maybe two months and aye, he will walk again, unaided."

 

Reassured, Elladan nodded. "I had the litter constructed and four men will carry it. We should reach Imladris tomorrow at nightfall."

 

"I will keep a close eye on Ada, will you watch Glorfindel?"

 

"Aye, I will." Elladan leaned against his twin, resting his back against Elrohir's chest. "I am tired..."

 

"Then rest," said Elrohir, playing with a strand of his brother's hair, so similar to his. "I will keep watch tonight."

 

Elladan smiled, and enjoyed his brother's closeness. "I hope Ada does not wake up until we reach Imladris."

 

"I must disappoint you then. Knowing Ada, he will be awake at sunrise, tea or not." Elrohir fondly looked at his father. "He will need us, the both of us."

 

"We will be there for him... and for Glorfindel..." Elladan, lured in to a sleepy state by Elrohir's voice, allowed himself to drift off in to sleep. "Wake me when the sun rises?"

 

"Sleep, and trust in me." His brother's breathing calmed down; Elladan was asleep. His gaze shifted from Elrond and Glorfindel back to the fire; staring in to the flames he prayed for his father's recovery.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

/What a gorgeous sight. One I never thought I would ever see again./ Glorfindel stroked a lock of dark hair and imprinted Elrond's features in his mind, hoping he would still remember the man he loved once he had returned to Mandos. /I cannot understand why Gil-galad said no. I would be thrilled to be able to return to you. You risked it all by sending out that call./ He was tempted to lean in closer and brush Elrond's lips, but he stopped as a sense of unworthiness swept through him. His fingertips hovered above the cut on Elrond's face, never touching. /If I were a healer I might be able to let this scar fade, but I am not.../ Sighing, he continued to stare at the raven-haired ruler of Imladris. /I love you so much.../

 

And Elrond had proclaimed his love in return, but Glorfindel was scared to believe Elrond was sincere. /When I returned to Arda, you did not know me, yet you did not desert me. Now I won't desert you until you are safe at Imladris with your sons./ How he longed to love Elrond back, but he couldn't. Something wouldn't let him.

 

Elrond's eyes, which had been vacant only a moment ago, suddenly came to life and he quickly averted his eyes, not wanting to be caught staring.

 

"Glorfindel?" Elrond blinked once, twice, trying to recall what had happened last. Then the memories returned to him. "My ankles..." He didn't have to see them to know they had been set, splinted and bandaged.

 

"They will heal," said Glorfindel softly. He was afraid to meet Elrond's eyes. "I regret adding to your pain."

 

Elrond's soft gaze caressed the blond's face. "You did what was necessary."

 

Glorfindel carefully tried to pull back, but Elrond's hands clasped his wrists, keeping him in place. Hesitantly, he looked at Elrond, uncertain what expression he would find in those beautiful eyes. "They constructed a litter and you will be carried to Imladris where the healers will tend to your injuries."

 

Elrond's eyes narrowed. "Glorfindel, what is troubling you? I sense a darkness inside you which I never felt before." He couldn't label the sensation, but sensing that Glorfindel's soul was shrouded in a dark mist worried him. Was it due to the head injury? The healer in him wanted to explore, but he lacked the strength to reach out and probe Glorfindel's mind. It would be some time before he could even try to heal an injury. A sudden urge to keep Glorfindel close overwhelmed him. In the past he had found that Glorfindel could vanish without a trace for days and he was in no shape to chase after the elusive Eldar. "Remember, you vowed to stay at my side." Glorfindel flinched at his words and Elrond sucked in his breath. "Do you plan to leave me then?"

 

Glorfindel finally managed to sit upright and he quickly rose to his feet, unwilling to meet Elrond's stare any longer. "I should leave you and make place for my successor. What use am I, who did not hear those Uruk-Hai approach? I could not protect you!"

 

Elrond frowned. "Did we not discuss this last night?"

 

Glorfindel moved toward the doorway, eager to leave, but a dark haired figure blocked his path. "Elrohir, let me go."

 

Elrohir shook his head. "Not until you tell us what ails you. Elladan? Escort Glorfindel back to the bed while I tell our men to get ready to leave." Elrohir briefly stepped outside and Elladan moved in closer, taking Glorfindel's arm and guiding him back to the bed.

 

Glorfindel wasn't sure what to do next. It looked like he was outnumbered. Elrond and the twins had teamed up against him before, but back then he hadn't felt this weak.

 

Elladan heard his father's hiss when Elrond tried to push himself in to a sitting position and he moved quickly to assist his father. "Sit down, Glorfindel. We are not leaving before we got to the bottom of this. Your words and behavior worries me as well."

 

Glorfindel sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed. His hands rested idly in his lap and his long hair hid his features. He almost flinched away when Elrond gently pushed the elusive locks behind his ear.

 

Elrond didn't have the strength for a verbal fight, but he hoped the twins had.

 

Elrohir slipped back inside, closed the door behind him and studied Glorfindel closely. "Our men are ready, but we are not leaving for Imladris until you tell us what is wrong."

 

Glorfindel felt cornered. "It is nothing."

 

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged a look, realizing they had to push Glorfindel. "Ada does not blame you for his capture, yet you do. Why are you so hard on yourself?"

 

"It is my duty to protect him and I failed." Glorfindel refused to meet their eyes and stared at the floor.

 

"I am growing tired of this," whispered Elrond. "Glorfindel, please..."

 

Glorfindel looked up at Elrond's pleading tone. "What?"

 

"Tell  me..." Elrond raised his right hand and massaged the tense muscles at Glorfindel's neck. "I can only help when you tell me what is wrong."

 

Glorfindel shrugged noncommittally. "My heart is heavy."

 

Elrond sighed relieved; at least Glorfindel was willing to address this. He continued the massage, noticing how tense Glorfindel was beneath his touch. "Why? Is it because of my abduction?"

 

"I failed you..." Glorfindel briefly closed his eyes, suddenly eager to get this over with. Elrond and the twins had made it clear that they weren't leaving until he had bared his soul. "I do not belong here, Elrond. I should have stayed at Mandos. My coming here was a mistake."

 

Elrond's eyes widened. "I had no idea this was troubling you..."

 

Elladan cleared his throat. "Why do you not tell Ada why you answered his call back then?"

 

Glorfindel suddenly shot Elladan a poisonous glare. Elladan understood. /He is worried I will tell Ada Gil-galad did not want to return, but I have no desire to hurt Ada. That secret is safe with me./

 

Glorfindel marginally relaxed, sensing Elladan wouldn't tell Elrond this particular truth.

 

"Aye, why did you? You never told me." Elrond's fingers tangled in the blond's hair. Glorfindel, look at me?"

 

Reluctantly Glorfindel obeyed. "I was mad with myself for being arrogant in the past. When your call came I... I felt your pain, your desire to be reunited with the one you loved."

 

Elrond listened closely, hoping to find the real truth hidden beneath Glorfindel's carefully phrased answers. "And then...?"

 

"I hoped I could take some of your pain away." Glorfindel once more broke eye contact. "Mandos is a cold and solitary place. After a while your feelings fade and you forget you once loved... or hated. Your pain was very real to me and I..."

 

Elrond cocked his head, trying to make sense of Glorfindel's words. "Why did you answer my call?"

 

"Because your pain mirrored mine! I was in pain as well and..." Glorfindel tried to rise from the bed, but Elladan pushed him down again. Glaring at the older twin, he resigned himself to the interrogation.

 

Elrond was beginning to understand... At least he thought so. "You wanted to take my pain away..."

 

Glorfindel nodded. "I was not in love with you at first. I was content to be your friend and support you. But I watched you for centuries and when Celebrian left I..."

 

Elrond's heart contracted at the mention of his wife's name. "Celebrian is gone and will never return. She no longer holds me to our marriage vows."

 

"I felt it was inappropriate to tell you about my feelings and I locked them inside. I never planned to tell you..."

 

"But we made him..." Elladan grinned at Elrohir.

 

Glorfindel still sat broodingly. "I do not deserve to be loved... I merely wish to sleep forever..."

 

Elrond startled. "Glorfindel?" He cupped the blond's chin in the palm of his hand.

 

"The time has come for me to return to Mandos. Maybe there is still a way for Gil-galad to return, maybe I..." Glorfindel froze when Elladan shook his shoulders.

 

"You are not going to die, you hear me? We won't let you! What is wrong with you, Glorfindel? You almost seem like a completely different person!" Elladan searched Glorfindel's eyes.

 

Elrond placed a reassuring hand on Elladan's. "Stop it, you are only making things worse. Did you not notice he is trembling? His gaze is unfocused and his skin is much too cold to the touch." He sighed. He didn't have the energy to do this now and he would rather wait until he had grown stronger, but he couldn't. Gently, he rested the palm of his hand on Glorfindel's head, moving his fingers over the spot where Lurtz and later the attacking Uruk-Hai had struck.

 

"Ada, you are too weak to do this..." Elrohir watched worriedly as Elrond released his spirit, probing the injury. His father was a healer, who used his own life force, and occasionally Vilya's power to heal, but the Ring of Air was at Imladris and couldn't aid Elrond now. "Draw from me then," he offered, placing his hands on Elrond's shoulders. 

 

Elladan sat on the bed and placed his hand on top of Elrohir's. "Ada, draw your strength from us."

 

Elrond's gaze was incredibly soft. Trying to heal Glorfindel from whatever was ailing him would cost energy and he had never used theirs before. "Are you sure?"

 

"You need our strength," repeated Elladan. "We give it freely. We cannot bear to see Glorfindel in such misery."

 

"Elrond, please do not do this. A healing takes too much out of you, even if you draw from them," said Glorfindel pleadingly.

 

But Elrond's mind was made up. "Open your mind for me and do not fight me, Glorfindel."

 

The blond closed his eyes and tried to relax. Something brushed at the edges of his mind and he gasped, sensing Elrond's presence. /What are you doing?/

 

/The memories of Mandos invaded your mind. I sense your loneliness, your feelings of despair. Mandos is pulling you closer. You must let go. You no longer dwell in its Halls, you are with me now. Do not cling to these memories for they are dragging you down./ Elrond felt the pain Glorfindel had been in when his call came, sensed Glorfindel's hope at a second chance and... Elrond drew closer, seeing Gil-galad sit in the dark halls, waving Glorfindel away when the blond tried to convince the warrior to return to Arda. But Gil-galad had lost most of his feelings and his memories, and refused. /You were afraid to tell me he denied me and you came to me instead, hoping to ease my pain./ Elrond felt saddened, realizing Glorfindel had kept this a secret for centuries; Gil-galad had refused to return... That hurt.

 

/I did not want you to know. I knew it would hurt you.../ Glorfindel felt confused, sensing the twins' minds as well. Elrond must have brought them with him while drawing his energy from them.

 

Elrond's eyes widened as he realized the truth. /He told you? You knew?/

 

/Glorfindel did not want you to know and we did not want to add to your pain so we remained silent./ Elladan and Elrohir spoke as one. /But we did tell Glorfindel that you had a right to know.../

 

Elrond concentrated on the blond once more, and let himself be drawn near the darkness. Gently, he wrapped the cold and dark in light and warmth, and the darkness retreated, grew weaker, but didn't leave. Frustrated, Elrond tried again. This darkness would eventually be the death of Glorfindel; the memories of Mandos poisoning him.

 

Glorfindel saw the exhaustion on Elrond's face and heard the twins sigh. /Enough, please, Elrond./

 

/Nay, not yet!/ Summoning his strength and his sons' one last time, he catapulted their light and warmth in to Glorfindel's mind until no corner of the blond's soul held any darkness. /It is done.../ Elrond collapsed against Elrohir and he allowed himself to fall in to a healing sleep.

 

Glorfindel shivered. "Elrond?" Worried he reached for the raven haired Lord of Imladris and pulled him close to his chest. Two pair of dark eyes sought out his and he met their gaze. "You should not have encouraged him! He is much too weak! What were you thinking?"

 

Elrohir and Elladan grinned tiredly. "I know that tone only too well," mumbled Elladan. "Thankfully we are too old for a spanking..."

 

"Do not remind me, brother. I could not sit for days," said Elrohir, smirking pleased.

 

"You deserved that spanking for scaring your father like that!" Glorfindel was about to remind them that it had been foolish to cross the Bruinen in midwinter. The ice hadn't held and Elrond and he had found the boys in the freezing water.

 

"Peace, Glorfindel, we learned our lesson. We won't cross any ice before making sure it is strong enough to carry us!" Elladan exchanged a pleased look with Elrohir. Glorfindel's listlessness was gone and fire burned in the sapphire eyes. "I take it you feel much better now?"

 

Glorfindel blinked. "You are right... I do feel better. The darkness is gone..."

 

Elrohir lovingly stroked his father's hair. "Ada and you can talk later. We need to leave now. I want Ada safe at Imladris."

 

Glorfindel looked thankfully at the twins. "I did not realize my memories weighed that heavy on my heart. They are still there, but Mandos no longer calls to me."

 

The twins nodded approvingly. "Then it was worth it." It would take their father even longer to recover now, but they could depend on Glorfindel once more.

 

Glorfindel gently lifted Elrond in his arms. "What are we waiting for? Imladris awaits!"

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

"Should we make camp for the night?" asked Elladan. "The men do not seem tired and we might get to Imladris at noon if we do not stop for the night."

 

Glorfindel looked over his shoulder and studied his men's faces. Lurtz and Legolas now carried the litter and thankfully Elrond was still sound asleep, healing. "We will carry on. Tell them they can rest once we arrive at Imladris."

 

"Aye..." Elladan smiled tiredly. "I never realized a healing demanded so much energy. I feel drained. How does Ada do it?"

 

"I caught him several times when he fainted after a healing. It takes a great deal out of him." Glorfindel sighed. "I only regret letting Mandos in to my heart." Elladan's hand settled on his shoulder and he nodded, understanding the nature of the gesture. "Do not trouble yourself, Elladan. I won't fall in to darkness again."

 

Elladan smiled and allowed Glorfindel to drop back. He sent several scouts ahead to make sure the road was safe and dispatched one messenger to Imladris to announce their return. Glorfindel now rode next to the litter, watching Elrond closely. Elladan met Elrohir's glance and they both smiled. Briefly he heard his twins' voices in his mind.

 

/All is well again, Elladan. We are returning home and Ada will recover with our help, and Glorfindel's love will help as well. Legolas and Lurtz reached an understanding and I sense a strong love in them. All is well again.../

 

Elladan nodded. Ada would be left with physical scars and Glorfindel with emotional ones, but they would recover. /The darkness has finally left.../ Looking at his father's face, he smiled; they were finally going home.

 

 

 

 Continued in Acceptance