Story Downloaded from Open Scrolls Archive (https://www.openscrolls.net)

Title: Ish Chronicles: Sins of a Race (#253)
Author: irishelf
Chapters: 5

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Archive: Tolkien
Category: Lord of the Rings
Description: Legolas and Aragorn meet for the first time. Trust me, you have probably never seen a meeting like this before.
Published: 03 Sep 2003
Updated: 11 Dec 2003
Warnings: Torture, voilence, prejustice ect
Type: Angst
Characters: Aragorn; Legolas


Chapter 1 - Sins

AN: This is the first of the Ish Chronicles, it will be updated maybe once every week in a half. But right now my co-author is very sick so have pashence. We will get it out on time, but maybe a day late. This will be a shock from the typical Legolas Aragorn first meeting so if your not up for radical ideas LEAVE NOW. Part of the challange was keeping this from being AU, and trust me, it's being a big challage. ON to editing, for ga knows how many times.

Disclaimer do not own Tolkien. Try to sue me, I'll give your lawyers to the orcs.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ish Chronicles~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SINS OF A RACE

By Irish Elf, and Legolas' Lover

(*)

Legolas ran, his lungs heaved with the effort he was putting out. Fear raced through his mind, fear born from the humans that wished to capture him. Why, he didn't know. He had done nothing wrong to them, his father was the one who turned they away. Looking behind him he searched for the sign of the humans. The bay of the dogs seemed far off, was he safe?

(*Day Earler*)

"But King Thranduil, we really need your help in the trade of the dwarves." A man pleaded, his name of Nejis.

"I am sorry, I will not help you on this." Thranduil said firmly. "That is finial."

"Please, or do you elves only stick to your kind and your kind only!"

"Father what is going on?" A tiny voice of a elfling asked from behind the throne.

"Legolas go back to bed, and yes, we prefer to stick to our own kind human. Now leave or I will toss you into the dungeons till you learn the meaning of no."

Nejis glared at Thranduil, his eyes then falling on the young elf. Malicious ideas formed in his head. Ideas that would involve the kings son. Bowing lowly, Nejis glared one last time at Thranduil.

"Then I will go without your help, but do not think this is the last you will hear of us."

(*End Flashback*)

Legolas stopped and turning around to stare behind him. His ears strained to hear any noise, but it was already to late. To dogs leaped from the bushes, having had tacked, and stalked Legolas. Screaming in shock, Legolas fell to the ground. Desperately trying to fight off the heavy hunting dogs.

Why didn't he take head of his fathers word to not go out hunting alone? Legolas asked himself. A dog bit down on his wrist, with no intent on letting go. He whimpered softly and tried to pull away. It was of no use, soon the humans surrounded him. Drawn by the scream, and the dogs eager barking.

"Finally got that damn elf." The voice of Nejis growled.

Pulling his arm, Legolas tried to free his arm from the dogs jaws. Little did he know every pull made the dog bite down harder. Another grabbed his ankle growling and shaking his head. Legolas paid no attention to Nejis, that was until he put a booted foot into Legolas' gut.

"Filthy creatures." Nejis hissed.

Protectively Legolas curled in on himself as much as he could. Not remotely done with Legolas, he walked over to a tree, pulling thick branch out of the shrubbery around it. Slowly he snapped off every branch, letting the young elf know what was coming next.

"This is for being stuck up!" Nejis slammed the branch into Legolas' rib cage. "This is for not listening!" He then slammed the branch unto the curve of Legolas's back, knocking out all air in his lungs. "This is for being an elf!" He slammed the branch down on Legolas' arm, breaking it. "And this is for the dwarf issue." Nejis brought his boot down on Legolas' exposed ear, causing Legolas to cry out again.

The dogs held Legolas fast, not bothered by what Nejis did. Only when Nejis was done did his men step forward, commanding the dogs off of Legolas. Two grabbed Legolas, who was trying his best not to cry with the pain. Walking over to a tree with good clearing they held Legolas up, as one scampered up the tree.

"I can't reach his hands." The man said leaning down.

Legolas felt as one arm was raised, he tried to resist, but someone punched his broken arms. A rope was tied around his wrist, then Legolas' other arm, the broken one, was raised. The pain was great and Legolas groaned. The men had bound his right wrist to his left, arms wrapped around the branch. Not giving him the comfort of hanging form a rope.

A cry escaped Legolas' lips, as he was let go. The bone form the broken arm almost tearing through the skin. Legolas breathed heavily trying to suppress the pain. It was not working, and his head spun wildly with the pain.

"Beat him." Nejis ordered. "Beat him till that bone comes out."

One man grabbed his whip for the dogs. He snapped it in testing, the brought it down on Legolas' back once for a test swing. The with a fluid motion of his body, he brought it down again, this time harder. Legolas stiffened, a crimson line formed across his back. The man swung again, and again, till his body fell into an automatic movement.

Crimson lines formed at first, then the back of Legolas' shirt was nothing but tatters; Just like his back. His finial hit accidentally struck where the bone pushed against the skin. Legolas cried out loudly, but barely audible, his lungs raw from all the previous cries. Cries he never herd himself scream, they came automatically, and shamefully.

"Sorry I almost ruined your fun Jeb, but his bone still does not show." The person at the whip apologized to the next man.

"That is all right." Jeb replied, cracking his knuckles. "Ye left fun for me, so 'tis fine."

Legolas by now wished to beg for them to stop. It was not elf like to beg for mercy, so he did not. His eyes clenched shut, as his body pulsed in pain; Mostly from his arm. Drawing another ragged breath he herd the humans talk behind him. The one cracking his knuckles slowly, eagerly. Could this hurt worse?

A fist landed in Legolas' solar plexus. Air once again left Legolas' lungs. The next fist landed in Legolas' face. Punches came to his tender ribs, and breaking new ribs. They also landed on his stomach, once on his throat. Making getting back air harder. Soon the pain numbed as the lack of air took it's toll. Now Legolas lulled with the blow loosing count of how many blows fell. That was until-

Jeb's fist landed square in the boys face. Legolas' body jerked violently, and the bone finally tore through the tortured skin. Quickly Legolas regained his breathe, letting out a scream that deafened the humans for a few seconds. The dogs howled in response to the scream.

"I swear, they won't recognize their own prince cept by his hair." Nejis said in satisfaction. "Oh well, they'll need that to identify the body."

Nejis walked up to Legolas, pulling out a dagger. As if he was just cutting a steak, he began to slice Legolas' throat. Staring into pain field elven eyes at the brink of unconsciousness. Little did he notice the elves that had followed the cries.

An arrow sunk deep into Nejis' side, dropping him dead before he hit the ground. Legolas' body shook, as he turned his head to see the elves. He tried to form words, but he could not. Pain killed his words.

An elf cut Legolas free, it was then Legolas passed out. His arm hung limp, blood dripping of the exposed bone.

(*Hundreds of years later*)

Legolas slipped into a berry bush, mindful of the thorns. Some human was following him, he herd the soft foot steps. Unusually soft for someone of that race, but no doubt a human. Patiently Legolas waited for the human to get closer to him. As he waited memories invaded his mind. Memories of what happened last time he encountered humans.

The human tripped as he stepped in front of Legolas. He watched as the dark haired human face flushed red, as he stood up. Legolas herd as the human took a deep breath, then stepped towards him. His body tensed thinking the human saw him. For a second Legolas thought about pulling out his bow, but he decided not. He could best the human on his own.

Still searching for the something, the man turned his back on the elf. Stealthily Legolas crept from the berry bush. The human didn't move, his body stiff as if listening. Legolas laughed inwardly, if only humans were trained to listen for the sound of elves.

Suddenly the human unsheathed his sword, swinging it around at Legolas. Startled but not delayed, Legolas grabbed the humans sword in one hand. Sending his fist into the mans face. The impact was enough to send the humans staggering back.

Legolas grabbed his scimitars out of their sheaths. In a flash he was bearing down on the humans. The first of his scimitars sliced upwards. Instinctively the man blocked with his sword. With the second blade Legolas jabbed for the exposed belly of the man. Expecting such a move, the man twirled aside.

For a brief moment Legolas was open, the man thrust blindly at the elf. Hoping that at least he could graze Legolas. The two scimitars crossed in time, to block the blow. Locking the three swords, starting a test of strength between the two fighters.

'Who are you?' Legolas asked in common human tongue.

'Strider, ranger of the North. Why do you attack me?' Strider replied in the same tongue.

Legolas pushed with all his weight, pulsing back the human a few steps. Twirling around before the human could regain his balance both scimitars gracefully swinging through the air. Skillfully Estel dodged the first, barely catching the second. Estel kept stepping back. He was at the greatest disadvantage.

One of Legolas' blades sliced up Estel's front. Estel didn not cry out, ignoring the pain for any distraction would cause him a very painful loss. Stepping back Legolas watched the blood flow from the wound he just inflicted. This human was good, maybe one day he would be great. Amused he watched Estel, the human involved his whole body in breathing.

'Tired human?' Legolas taunted.

'Don't you wish.' Estel smarted back.

'I grow bored of you.'

One of his scimitars pressed back, blade against his arm, the second prepared to strike Estel hard. The human looking dazed, was startled when Legolas launched off at full elven speed. Before Estel knew it, his arm was stunned, as his sword flew out of his hand. Legolas' leg wrapped around one of Estel's pulling the humans leg from out under him.

The blade he was holding against his arm, Legolas ran trough Estel's shoulder even before the human hit the ground. Legolas was uncertain if the human cried out or not, concentrating on his movements. His next move, was to straddle Estel, preventing him from getting up.

'Strider, what an unusual name for a human. What are you doing here dear Strider?' Legolas questioned.

'I... I'm with my brothers.' Estel answered.

'Brothers I do not see any of your brothers. Either you lie to me human, which is probably the case. Or you were abandoned.'

'They went to see King Thranduil.' Aragorn said in defense of his brothers.

'Thranduil?' Fear ran up and down Legolas with memories of the past. 'Why are your brothers seeing him?'

Aragorn couldn't translate the words. Human tongues were other languages to him, elven was his primary, and first language. The scimitar shifted in his shoulder. Estel screamed, the pain raging through his body anew. Glancing off to his side, Estel noticed his sword. Still pain wracked he reached for it.

'For the last time I ask, why are they seeing Thranduil?'

'Relations.' Estel managed.

Legolas slammed his second scimitar handle into Estel's arm. Breaking one of two bones in his arm. Screaming out loud Estel stopped reaching for the sword and bucked under the elf. He had to get away, this elf was mad.

'Do not reach for your sword again unless you want me to finish breaking your arm.' Legolas warned in low warning tone. 'What kind of relations?'

Estel cringed,' relations of the land, trade, I do not remember.'

Coldly Legolas slammed the second scimitar into the other bone. Completely breaking Aragorn's arm. A louder screamed escaped Estel's lips. Instinctively he pulled his arm to him. The lower part of it hanging limp. He was now sweating with the pain that coursed through his body.

"Please stop, we do not come with harmful intent!" Estel screamed out in elvish. "If you don't kill me, I'll leave. Please friend stop!"

"FRIEND?" Legolas bellowed out. "No human is my friend."

Legolas jumped off of Estel, his eyes now seeing Estel in the same light as Nejis. A pitiful man that only though of himself. Enraged Legolas kicked Estel in the ribs. If not for the scimitar in his shoulder Estel would have flipped over with the force of the blow.

'If nothing else the human race should be wiped out like the orcs.' Legolas said back in common human. 'Just the same parasitic form on Middle Earth, do not insult be by calling me a friend.'

Estel coughed, moaning loudly. He had not understood a word Legolas said. Pain clouded over his mind, making secondary language impossible.

"Please stop," Estel pleaded again in elvish. "I em your friend."

Anger reached it's boiling point in Legolas, anger not at Estel, but at himself for wanting to cry. Legolas sneered as the pleas of the human fell on deaf ears.

'I care not for you human and your suffering. It only brings me happiness.'

Estel could not believe the malice in the elf's voice. It was unbecoming of any elf. Or what he figured to be unbecoming of an elf. For now Estel was uncertain, and confused by Legolas' actions.

"Why do you hate me?" Estel said through clenched teeth.

'I hate all humans for they cannot be trusted. You only care for yourselves and no elf would ever fall for your false lies.'

A tear fell from Estel's eye. If it was from the pain or the elf's cruel words he did not know.

"I swear to you I only want to be your friend. My brothers will be here soon and they will tell you." Estel cried out in elvish.

'Your human brothers will only suffer as you have if they try to approach me.' Legolas threatened as he delivered a swift kick to the human.

The rage inside him seemed to drive him further and once again he found himself twisting the human's arm. Aragorn cried out in pain and his head swam. The scimitar wiggling a bit more out of the ground, doing more damage to Estel's shoulder.

'I think I will take you to my father and let him throw you in the dungeons to rot away your miserable life.'

Estel started to say something but the elf delivered a quick blow to the head and he knew no more.

"Better much better now I do not have to listen to his lies anymore."

He threw the man onto his horse, retrieving his scimitars before climbing on. Cleaning them on some moss to rid them of the blood. The man hung limply over the side but the elf cared not. They rode for only a short while before entering the gates of Mirkwood; Legolas was hailed by the guards.

"My prince we have visitors, what have you there?"

"This edain was found in the woods near here I am taking him to my father."
"As you wish my prince." the guard said

As Legolas dismounted he slung his prize over his shoulder and entered the halls of his father. He went straight to his father's chamber and entered without knocking. He was at once stunned. Elladan and Elrohir were there.

"Hello my old friends what brings you to Mirkwood?" Legolas said smiling almost forgetting the man slung over his shoulder.

"Usual visit, ada wanting us to come visit to make sure things are well." Elrohir said.

Elladan nodded, "These are troubling times for Mirkwood."

"Oh" Legolas spoke almost forgetting the man. "This is a man I found on the path in the clearing. He claims his brothers are here. I told him he was a liar father but he only continued to spout these lies."

Elrohir pulled on Elladan's arm, not recognizing the form Legolas dumped on the floor. "We shall be going to let you deal with your bidding."

"Elrohir what are you doing?" Elladan hissed so only his brother could hear.

Elrohir shot his brother a look that told him he wanted to check on Estel. Elladan caught on and bowed lowly to King Thranduil, both twins hurrying out the door. Legolas glanced at the twins in suspicion, shrugging it off after a while.

"So my son, what do you wish to do with him?" Thranduil asked, knowing his son hated humans more then him. "Maybe we should press him for truths. I do not like humans lurking around our woods. They always mean trouble, more so then orcs."


Chapter 2 - Races

AN: :: twitch:: (sorry this paragraph not spell checked but rest of the story is) Okay been over the first chapter a million and one times. Beta reader, if two authors cannot catch every mistake, so sue us, we are trying. And PLEASE, just cause we do not go by 'stardard' lines do not insist this being AU till it's done. I'm trying my harderest by skimming the AU line then yanking it back into nonAU far from the border. Please give this story line time, creativity is how new stories start. If we keep slipping every exstreme idea into AU what will we have left for regular Tolkien? We DO NOT as far as I know how Leggy and Aragorn met, no one does, so please, bare with me. This is harder then you think, we can't just toss out a chapter. Slip into AU we might as well kill Aragorn.

(*)

Water splashed every wear, as Legolas shoved Estel's face into a cave stream. The water was bitterly cold, and sure to jar the human awake. Or he would drown by suffocation. Shocked by the coldness of the water, Estel snapped awake grasping at Legolas' arms. It was a useless gesture, Estel's hands were secured behind his back. In the initial plunge, his lungs took in some water, causing him to chock. There was no air, air in which his lungs needed. Panicking Estel fought against the elf that had him securely pinned.

Legolas looked upon the human with disgust. He was a foul race and should be cleansed from this earth. He hoped his father took this filth's life or at the very least threw him in the dungeons forever more.

Something inside Legolas wished him to leave the human drown, but reluctantly he pulled the human up. Only to toss him unto the ground. Estel coughed and sputtered sweet air returning to his lungs. Rolling to his stomach, clearly pain returned to him from his multiple injuries. The most painful being his broken arm.

Estel did not know why this elf hated him so. His father and brothers and all the elves in Imladris always showed him the greatest of kindness. A memory flashed in his mind as, Estel let a single tear roll down his face. He remembered his brothers. Why had they not saved him? Why had they let this elf be so cruel to him? Did they not love him anymore? Was he to be left forever with no one?

Legolas kicked Estel in the leg hard. 'What's your name edan?'

'My name is Estel.' Estel said with uncertainty.

'You lie Estel is an elven name and you are NOT an elf.' Legolas voice was venomous.

Pulling out his elven dagger, Legolas stared at the human with an evil gleam in his eyes. Estel cowered in fear.

"You would not harm me right?" Estel asked slipping back to elvish.

Legolas only laughed and ran the knife over his face. Estel cringed in horror as Legolas pulled back as if to stab him. Instead Legolas pulled back the knife and Estel waited for the blow. It came, Estel cried out in pain as the dagger was plunged into his leg.

'Now you shall not run from me edan.' Legolas sneered twisting the knife.

Estel looked upon the elf all pain gone from his eyes. "You did not have to do that elf. I would not have tried to get away." /What home to I have to go home to anyway./

Legolas slapped the human. 'You should not EVER look at me like that.'

Estel's face stung red with fire. This was going to be a long day. Where were his brothers? Would they let this elf kill him just for being human? Then again they did walk away when they were just a few precious feet away. They could have saved him then, Estel broke down sobbing.

'Stop crying!' The elf screamed at him but Estel's tears kept flowing.

All thoughts were focused on his family and how they had let him down when he needed them most. Infuriated, Legolas picked up the human by the collar. Like the boy had no weight at all. Strength born of rage, Legolas threw Estel across the cave. Much to Legolas' surprise the human cried out. Reaching for his leg. Estel had more or less landed on his head, his leg should not be hurt. Tricked, he was being tricked by that filthy human.


Grabbing a medal rod Legolas stormed over to Estel, were he saw blood oozing out of a gash on the humans leg. An old dwarf ax, rusted, and long forgotten in this cave had cut it. Cruelness once again came over Legolas. Thinking how well his further tormentors would look in this predicament.

'Serves you right for crying.' He then went up to the human and kicked him in his injured leg, 'now you have something to cry out for.'

"Why did you do that for?" Estel asked pained.

'Simply, because I despise you and all of your race. They are weak and should be eradicated.'

"Legolas, you father needs to see you. Apologies for disrupting you my prince."

Estel looked at the elf as he picked him up again and threw him up against the cave wall. Falling with a thud upon the floor. His head had struck a rock and now blood was seeping from a gash on his head. Legolas smiled down at the human a cold cruel smile. He was glad he had inflicted some pain on him and he would return for more soon.

"Get me some rope first." Legolas ordered.

The elf bowed and listen. In a flicker he was gone, but he was back faster holding rope. Legolas snatched it from the elf's hands. Quietly he bound Aragorn's legs together, then tied a rock to his neck. Estel squirmed as Legolas picked him up, but his body lulled dazed by the head trauma.

'Fall asleep you drown.' Legolas said tossing Legolas into the stream.

The water level was barely at a level that Estel could lift his head up. The rock constantly pulled him down. Threatening to pull him under. The cave darkened to pitch black, the elves left him no light. Things swam in the water, slithering, and sliding across his skin. Exsploring the bleeding woods, sometimes biting. Estel closed his eyes, letting out a fusterated scream.


Chapter 3 - Realizations

AN: Yes I am back and writing this. Needless to say I'm running myself ragged and I have to warn you I'm WUIC, if anyone doesn't know the meaning of WUIC lets play a game. Anyone who can tell me what WUIC can summit the next idea for Ish Chronicles. Cause Ish Chronicles is fan run. Fan idea's, this author just tries to please you. Much like you can thank the reader... Oh crud I forgot her name.

(*)

Troubled Thranduil paced the floor of his throne room. He waited for his son to arrive, and as he waited his mind went over Legolas' recent actions; over and again. This was not his son he remembered as a young elfling. It had only seemed like yesterday when his child like voice rang through the hallways. One time defying him to save a life, that almost took Legolas'. Back in a time he would give anything to save a life.

(*F*)

Adrenaline pumped though Thranduil as he approached a spiders nest. Shortly before he had received word that Legolas had been separated from his hunting party and was taken by a spider. It was late in the season and he knew his son was more then likely dead by now. They fed quickly in order to gain weight for the winter season when food was scarce.

"King Thranduil we found him but we have a problem." A blonde elf bowed quickly to Thranduil.

"What kind of problem."

"Legolas won't let us kill it my king." The elf said feeling a bit foolish.

"Where?"

The elf led Thranduil to a heavily webbed section of wood. At first he did not see Legolas, then he eyed the boy tending the hurt leg of a spider. While his own self looked well beat up, and his ankle sat at a funny angle. Taking a deep breath Thranduil unsheathed his sword as he approached his son.

"Legolas?"

"Father!" Legolas shouted happily trying to stand but fell. "'Tis just the poison father I'll be fine."

Thranduil smiled at his sons determination. "Why won't you let them kill this spider, and why do you care for it? It tried to eat you."

"I know father, but she didn't mean to, her brood was born late."

Big blue eyes looked up at Thranduil as a split lip stuck out in a quivering pout. Uneasy in a situation like this Thranduil shifted under the stare of his son. He knew they should take out the spider and her young so there would be less spiders. But how could he when his son pleaded for the creatures life?

Thranduil pulled away from his sons gaze. "Fine, let us leave it alone."

"Thank you father."

Legolas' eyes rolled back in his head as he dropped to the ground. In an instant Thranduil was at his sons side scooping Legolas into his arms. Ingoring as the spider hissed at him. Still for a moment he made eye contact with the giant spider's eight eyes, then he walked away.

(*E*)

Thranduil knew he had to point out his son's unusual behavior or they all would regret it later. Foot steps sounded in the hallways snapping Thranduil out this paticular thought. Swifly he slipped into his throne, and made his face emotionless. If only his mind was able to hide emotions as well. It would make things a lot easier.

A lump formed in Thranduil's throat as the doors began to open.

"Yes, father you wanted to talk to me?" Legolas greeted as he walked into his fathers throne room. The little bit of annoyance in his voice not hidden.

"Legolas I'm concerned." Thranduil said not really certain about how to word what he had to, too his son. "It's about your behavior lately."

"What about it?"

"I don't like humans just like you, but I do not agree with how your treating the intruding human. Personally I think your going to far."

"I am not father."

"It is disgraceful for an elf to act like this!"

"So?" Legolas rolled his eyes. "What you want me to sit at your side like a good little DOG."

"Legolas -!"

"Father do you remember what they did to me?" Legolas hissed. "They tortured me, they all deserve to suffer. Hmf, I don't think that human is suffering enough. Father we have to set an example for any mortal foolish enough to cross our borders. Just like the orcs."

"Listen to yourself son! You sound like the Necromancer, that took up his abode at Dol Guldur in our southern regions. The that brought apon the curse of mirk upon this wood. This was once was our great green wood. I am not afraid to point out Legolas that you are turning just the wood did." Thranduil paused his face growing hopeless. "Your once bright heart is becoming dark. You once saved a spiders life, when it brought you just as close to death."

"That is a bloody lie!" Legolas screamed.

"No, it is not, and you know it son." Thranduil said still firm on his view, and swallowing his anger. "I want the human released right now. Then I want you to go help search for Elrond's son that is missing."

"I am not releasing the human." Legolas growled.

Walking away Legolas felt something snap inside. Something that told him what he was doing was wrong. Yet another side crushed that idea with a sweet talking forked tongue. But ripples remained in Legolas' mind that sent him into turmoil. Somewhere inside he still knew his father was right. What he was doing was wrong.

(*S*)

It had been what seemed an eternity since Legolas left Estel struggling to remain above water. His body jerked and twitched in involuntary convulsions from the exhaustion. Parts of his body screamed out in pain, as cave residents that dwelled in the water wiggled into his open wounds. It had only been a few hours since Legolas left him alone.

Estel closed his eyes feeling tears run down his face. Why did he try, he saw his brothers turn and leave him? They were right there, right next to him. Just a few feet away. Why did he even bother to fight? In his mind he had no home to go to anymore.

Taking one last breath Estel slipped beneath the water. For a while it was peaceful, and restful. Air eventually gave out. His lungs had no more and they screamed to be refilled. Estel looked up at the dark surface of the water watching tiny waves and creatures play above him.

/Good bye father, I know you must have loved me. I don't know if Elrohir and Elladan really loved me, but they left me alone when I needed them./ Estel thought on the verge of panic. /Father I don't want to die! I am so sorry./

Before a second thought could be given Estel opened his mouth and took a big breath. But instead of air he breathed, he breathed in water. It hurt, Valar did it hurt. But that soon faded as Estel's eye site went red. Little arms of black slowly reached out for him and his body relaxed it's fight.

Coming back from a long lunch, Legolas brought Estel his left overs. He couldn't eat his mind played more on his consciousness. Guilt wiggled its way into his frozen heart. To the say least he felt down. Carefully he lay the food on the ground and walked over to the waters edge. His keen elven eyes scanned the water.

'Foolish human!" Legolas growled the cold returning to his heart as he rushed into the water.

In mean spirit he pulled Aragorn out of the water by the arm. Dragging him unto dryer ground were no water stood in great amount. Once more Legolas saw Estel as the coward Nejis, the man who turned his heart years ago. In strength born of anger and fear, Legolas kicked Estel in the chest. Exactly were he had cut him in the fight.

A cough erupted from Estel, as water spewed from his lungs. Weakly Estel withered about on the floor trying to push back the pain enough to breath. When Legolas foot had connected with his wound it reopened it. The cracking noise that sounded so faintly was Estel's ribs breaking. Legolas did not care.

'What were you doing?' Legolas screamed. 'Typical of ungrateful beings. They kill everything when they don't get their way. Others, THEMSELVES!"

Once again Legolas kicked Estel. The blow landing in the kidney, barely missed his broken arm. Desperately Estel tried to lessen the blows but it was impossible with his arms bound behind his back. The rock remaining tied around his neck did not help either.

'Fine you want to die I'll arrange that.'

Legolas yanked a hunting knife from his sheath and cut the rope that held Estel to the rock. Then with one hand he lifted Estel off the ground. Slamming him mercilessly into the cave wall. The feel of his broken arm connection with rock sent a silent scream escaping from Estel's lips.

'Estel, hope... Well you have no hope now.' Legolas voice held a cruel edge.

The pain gathered in once place and Estel opened his eyes to look into Legolas' eyes. His body heaved with his panting effort to breath. Some where he felt pity for the elf before him. Weakly Estel smiled, a familiar spark growing inside of himself.

'Hey elf your alive, you know your alive, and you'll get by. So go ahead you got nothing left but this right now.' Estel pictured his brothers smiling faces. 'Me I have nothing, and I acknowledge that I have nothing more to live for. Maybe by my death you can regain your elven pride.'

The sound of Estel's voice confused Legolas utterly. Here was a man about to die, and he was speaking to him like it was nothing. Did this human really want to die? Defensively Legolas' confusion turned to anger. The hunting knife that he held slid across Estel's neck, but it did not cut deep enough.

"Shut up!"

Fear filled Estel as he realized he really did want to live. Legolas pull back his arm and positioned himself to stab Estel through the throat. Panicked, Estel froze his eyes going wide. At any second he know the blow would come. This time it would be fatal.


Chapter 4 - Not Perfect

AN: Okay teaser chapter, I'm innocent. Thanks to Reona for all her work and support. Thanks again to all my readers that regularly get harassed on IM. Yes, at times my IM magically pops up. Well, here's the next chapter hope it is not a disappointment.

(*)

The knife thrust forward towards Estel's blood covered throat. Something inside of Legolas took over him more then recent days. It fought to remain in control of a body that was slowly regaining freedom from the darkness. All it would need is the blood of an innocent it craved to remain. Blood that would most indefinitely bring the elf down into insanity.

The knife was less then a millimeter from Estel's throat when something hard impacted with Legolas. Dragging him to the ground before he had time to react. Legolas was crushed beneath the weight as his body impacted the ground.

Wildly Legolas' world spun, as he tried to focus on what impacted him. What he saw was a blur of black hair, and cold vengeance filled eyes. Then a fist, right before it slammed into his face. Sending sparks of pain through Legolas' head.

Elladan had seen Legolas as he prepared to end Estel's life. Lunging at him was an instantaneous reaction from his instinct to protect his siblings. Angrily Elladan pounded his fists into Legolas' face recalling how he saw his brother. Not even the thanks to Thranduil for telling him where Legolas' was could keep him from trying to kill the prince now.

Half consciousness took Legolas' fight and the darkness took over Legolas. He reached for Elladan's hair and yanked the elf off of him. Swiftly Legolas startled Elladan, slamming a knee into Elladan's solar plexus. Forcing the air out of Elladan's lungs in a high pitched whistle.

Legolas wrapped his hands around Elladan's neck. Pressing his thumbs hard into Elladan's esophagus with intention of crushing it. He stared at the elf below him, that at one time he considered his friend. Now he lay eyes bulging and trying to beat Legolas off of him. But none of his efforts affected Legolas. His old friend would be dead soon.

Still something awoke when Elladan's arms went limp, his eyes rolling back into his head. Suddenly horrified Legolas drew back his hands.

'Oh, Valar, Elladan my friend I'm sorry.' Legolas whispered.

'ELLADAN!' Elrohir screamed.

Hearing the voice Legolas turned, but he felt something impact with his head. Darkness quickly hugged him as he collapsed to the floor.

An ill feeling gripped Elrohir's heart as he rolled the unconscious blonde elf off his brother. Gently Elrohir shook Elladan, but got no response. Elrohir felt for a pulse and felt one fluttering, close to failing. Putting a hand over Elladan's mouth he felt no breath escape his lips.

'Elladan, brother, breathe please.'

Knowing time was short Elrohir bent over Elladan and carefully breathed into his twins lungs. Gently he rubbed Elladan's stomach trying to get him to take the next breath on his own.

'Come on please Elladan.'

Elrohir breathed into Elladan's lungs again, feeling dread creep up on him. A tear slipped down his cheek as Elrohir breathed in another breath. This time he connected himself to the bit that forever connected him to Elladan. Forcing some of his life into his brother.

Elladan gasped for air.

"Brother don't you dare do that to me again." Elrohir scolded, hugging his brother.

Weakly Elladan's eyes fluttered open. His throat hurt were Legolas tried to strangle him, darkening bruises told the story clearly. Taking in a slow intake of breath Elladan began to speak.

"-Tel, Estel." Elladan tried to rise.

"Easy Elladan," Elrohir said helping his brother to sit.

It was then Elrohir finally saw what started the fight between Legolas and Elladan. Estel still stood, his blood pooling around his feet. Much still flowed from new wounds, and reopened ones. Estel's eyes were wide in terror, and other unimaginable emotions. Elrohir's stomach fluttered making him sick with realization of his youngest brothers ordeal.

Adrenaline fading, Estel's eyes rolled back into his head. His body no longer stood frozen in time. Finally it had realized it was no longer being held up by anyone. A light thump filled the room as Estel connected with the ground unconscious.

"Estel!"

In that moment, Elladan's troubles were forgotten and the twins ran to their younger brother's side. Both feared the worst deep with in, but they would not allow themselves to think that. Elladan skidded to a halt on his knees beside Estel. The extent of the injuries could not be seen beneath all the blood. To much of which was lost.

"He's bleeding to much." Elrohir stated, scooping Estel into his arms.

The twins rushed back to their room. Elladan grabbing two decorative tables on the way. Elrohir would need a firm place to work with Estel. Inside the room he shoved them together, and tossed a white blanket over. Carefully Elrohir lay down Estel. Elladan cutting the bonds that held Estel's hands.

Concerned Elrohir looked at his brother who was harshly taking in air. His whole body went into the effort of bringing in the next breath. Sternly Elrohir took the blade from Elladan.

"Rest Elladan, you will not be able to help if you end up making your injuries worse."

Elladan nodded, dropping into an over stuffed chair. He glanced at Estel who barely fit on the two tables; In length and width. Reaching out with his foot Elladan pulled his back pack over to him. Digging out herbs, and everything else Elrond had always packed in abundance. Today it would probably be to little.

Walking away from Estel, Elrohir grabbed what was left of the morning water. Placing it beside the fire that was forgotten in haste to search for Estel. Now it proved a god send that it remained lit the entire time. Swiftly Elrohir strode back to Estel and began to cut away Estel's shirt. Something right off caught his eye.

"Elladan, his arm is broke, badly to." Elrohir said. "I don't think we will be able to set it properly."

"Do the best you can, but worry about stopping the bleeding. Where's the dried pepper I gave you?"

"The hot one, in my bag why?"

"Hot peppers are natural antibiotics, and they stop bleeding faster. Unfortunately that is the only one we have." Elladan said glumly.

"No worries, we'll just put it on the worst."

As he rose to get the pepper, something caught Elladan's eye. His face grew stern like his fathers, though it was still softened by what he received from his mother. Still that look ment trouble. In two strides Elladan was standing in the door frame.

"You shall not pass." Elladan said his voice steady and unbending. "Go take care of your abhorring son."

"I did not know it was Elrond's missing son, please let me apologize." Thranduil said fighting not to cringe away from Elladan's look.

Elladan's look got colder as he slammed his hand down on the door frame. Both eyes met for a fraction, before Thranduil looked away. Searching for what was causing Elladan's abnormal breathing. It did not take much time to see the hand marks around Elladan's neck were he suffered asphyxiation at Legolas' hands. Only by the connection between twins pulled him from the Great Halls.

"Get them some warm water quickly." Thranduil ordered some elves. "I'm going to go see if my son still lives."

Thranduil's last words sounded sad, and expecting. Little did he understand how gracious the twins were. They could have killed Legolas for his actions, but they choose not to; Mirkwood was cursed enough.

"Elladan... ELLADAN!"

Lowering his hand from the door frame, Elladan looked at Elrohir.

"We need to get the neck wound to stop bleeding. No major veins were cut, but it still bleeds considerably."

Solemnly Elladan returned to his chair and started making a balm. Mixing his herbs carefully, trying to remember which went with what. Worry turned his mind into a torrent, taking over Elladan's mind. While mixing his stregth fluxuated with his mood and the mixture soon turned into a lumpy, but smooth mixture. Elladan rose with the bowl in hand walking over to Elrohir.

(*T*)

The king of Mirkwood reluctantly entered his dungeon. Long had it been since he entered here. Barely could he even recall why hey were built. IT was no matter as of right now. His son was either dead, or seriously hurt.
Thranduil's heart ached, what had his son done? Why hadn't he done something sooner? With what looked like rage, Thranduil's face hardened with sadness.

Entering the cell he knew his son used, he saw Legolas curled tightly in a ball. In the darkness he could see dark streaks in Legolas' hair. Hope felt like a butter fly stuck in a spiders web. So silently Thranduil approached his son. Kneeling beside him.

"Please tell me you still live." Thranduil pleaded putting a hand on Legolas' shoulder.

"Unfortunately I still do." Legolas replied mumbling.

"It's not unfortunate, my heart rejoices that you still live."

"I have shamed you father, why do you rejoice?" Legolas snapped.

Thranduil pushed on Legolas' shoulder making his son look at him. "I am glad because you are my son. You have not shamed anyone."

"Father look at what I have done!" Legolas yelled. "I almost killed that human! Father I beat him with malice, and I enjoyed it! That was until I saw one of by best friends die at my hands," Legolas' voice lowered.

"It was not you Legolas. When you were a elfling you used to have such a kind heart. Do you remember that spider and her young?"

"..."

"Legolas, listen to me my son. You know when you started changing. I know he still terrorizes your dreams. Some where in that time the curse of Mirkwood wormed its way into your heart." Thranduil began to say, trying to consol his son. "Since then your heart as been slipping into a growing darkness. Only now does your heart realize it. To many elves through the centuries has fallen victim. Not having a second chance. But Legolas," Thranduil paused, "you might be the only elf to come back."

"Leave me alone," Legolas whispered.

"Legolas?"

"Please."

"Fine," Thranduil took his hand of his son's shoulder and stood up. "I will be back at supper time though if you do not come on your own. And which ever twin that was, he still lives. Both confronted me a few minutes ago. "

Thranduil took of his outer tunic and lovingly laid it over Legolas. His feet barely made a noise as he left Legolas where he lay. Maybe it was the wrong thing for Thranduil to do. In all the years of raising Legolas he didn't have much time to be there for him. When his mother left, Legolas had no one most of the time. So this was the best Thranduil could do.


Chapter 5 - Bonds

Lost in his own thoughts, Thranduil made his way down the hallways of his home. Still did he ponder the question of if Legolas could beat what consumed him. He had to, a prince was not meant to become dark. A prince was still an elf though. Bound to the same frailties of what any other elf could suffer. Same temptations, same pain, even the same darkness. Thranduil's shoulders dropped lower than before, he could not let his son fail like other elves.

"King Thranduil," a voice interrupted.

Thranduil cringed. "What is it that you trouble me so?"

"Pardon me my king for the interruption, but the twins of Elrond are ordering other elves under impossible means. Recently they forced two elves to make a box to carry the human back to Rivendell in before dawn."

"The human is son of Elrond, show some respect." Thranduil snapped, an ill feeling in his heart. "Is the son of Elrond dead?"

"No, they need it to carry him so they do not worsen his wounds."

Thranduil let out a sigh of relief. "Then get more elves on it. I want it done BEFORE dawn." A pause was added for emphasis. "We do not need anymore bad relations between houses."

"Yes, my king."

"Also send an elf out to tell Elrond to meet his sons. They are to leave immediately."

"Yes, my king."

Despite all the polite actions, Thranduil could see that rumors had spread. Not only would Elrond end relations more than likely but also the very leadership of Mirkwood was in question. Legolas' actions had hordes of consequences that numbered greater then cave trolls and roughly a sixteenth of the orcs.

"Mirkwood will make it through this," Thranduil said to himself, the other elf gone. "We've been through worse, but the life of a son means more then the war with Sauron ever did."

(*T*)

When the warm water arrived, Elrohir and Elladan made quick and clear request that repulsed away any other elves that may think about coming around. Not only did it give them privacy but also it gave them a means of getting Estel home alive. To stay here another night or until their father could arrive was not an option.

They continued to treat Estel, mindless about messing the floor. Time and time again Elrohir poured buckets over Estel, washing away the grime. Bandaging went slowly and often times Estel moaned in pain.

To make matters worst, most wounds were infested with water born parasites. They had to be washed from already abused wounds. The two most stressing injuries Elrohir could find were a leg wound were it was clear a rusty object had injured it. The second was the left side of his rib cage just about every rib had a degree of break.

Crimson colored water swashed around Elrohir's feet. Elrohir finished wrapping his leg and carried Estel to the bed. Even that brought pain to Estel in his unconscious state.

"So?" Elladan looked at his twin tucking in Estel.

"I cleaned out his shoulder wound the best I could. Greatly was it traumatized by a twist of the blade," Elrohir sighed in defeat. "I was not able to clean it fully of the parasites. Good news is the parasites hated the balms you made. The slash across his chest I closed the best I could. To many injuries I could not fix though. Fate does not shine down well on Estel right now."

"His arm?"

"I don't know were to begin to fix that, much less set it." Elrohir flopped into a chair and covered his eyes. He was covered from neck to foot in his youngest brother's blood. "If he lives he will be a cripple, if not because of his arm, then his leg."

"Brother, do not give up on hope," Elladan urged. "As long as Estel draws breath, there is hope. Come." Elladan held out his arms, encouraging Elrohir to come over. At first Elrohir was reluctant but then he rose. In times like these it was nice to have a caring brother. His father usually would hold them in his arms. Elladan wrapped his arms around Elrohir, pulling his brother close to him, his twin's head resting on his shoulder. "I know you recall father holding us, but can you recall when mother used to hold us similar to this?"

"... Barely. We were smaller and I can vaguely recall a woman singing a song."

Elladan smiled, "That is mother singing."

Softly Elladan sang:

Hush hush, my little elf sons.

Now is time night reaches out,

And gathers Imladris lovingly her bosom.

Worry not what wanders,

In the shadows that linger,

Or what may trouble your mind.

Hush hush, my little elf sons,

Soon night will release her embrace,

Giving you one more day to live.

One day to sing gaily to the gale,

As the sun plays in the sparkling falls.

Hush hush, my elven sons-

The voice of Elladan chocked, unable to finish the song. She had promised to be there always. Now she wasn't there at all, sailing West many years ago. Hugging his brother tighter, he knew there was no need to even finish the song; Elrohir was asleep. Himself tired, Elladan looked at Estel. His chest still rose and fell in the dimming light.

(*P*)

Slowly Legolas washed clean in the freezing rain that had begun to fall shortly after night. No amount of cold though, could dull that void that formed in his heart. It twisted and pulled his heart down, depressing his very mood. Legolas ran his fingers through his hair. His blood that was shed was smaller then the human he so freely tortured.

"Prince Legolas, your father awaits," a voice asked from the cover of a tree. "Are you alright, Legolas?"

"Galad," Legolas turned toward the elf, Galad. "Nay I be not alright, but 'tis nothing for you to worry about."

"You sure? We have been friends for a while now, I know when something is greatly bothering you," Galad said trying to corner Legolas into admitting his feelings.

Legolas laughed a little, but felt sadder for it. "Galad, if you were my friend for so long, why do you call me prince?"

"Bad habit I guess, but don't go changing the subject!"

Legolas walked over to Galad, putting a hand on the elf's shoulder. "When I wish to talk about it, I will let you know. Till then please do not trifle yourself on my well being."

"I'll think about it. Now Legolas your father will be serving supper in a few minutes." Galad said, "I hope you're attending."

Squeezing Galad's shoulder tighter Legolas stared at his friend. "My well being includes meetings with my father. Leave me be, I do not want you around me at all anymore Galad."

"But Legolas-"

Suddenly Legolas backhanded Galad, his face cold, yet something else showing in his eyes other then anger. Before him stood an elf he grew up with, confused and hurt. Galad's jaw tightened as he stared at the rain pelting the ground. Legolas just let go of Galad's arm and walked away.

"Go away Galad, leave me ALONE." Legolas growled.

Mud squished around Legolas' feet as he walked back inside. Betrayal played deep in Galad's heart. Never before had Legolas done any harm to him. It was true the prince had changed. Thunder cracked off in the distance and the rain poured harder.

(*K*)

Sielently, Thranduil slipped into the darkened room. The fire was dimming quickly, casting shadows playfully on the floor. Looking around he noticed the twins curled up on the chair sleeping. A strange emotion came over Thranduil as he watched the two sleep.

Then with the sound of thunder Thranduil grabbed a blanket and tossed it over the twins. It was best they rest when they could. Estel would be fine for now. Thranduil departed the room silently after adding some wood to the fire. The twins never awoke.
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