Ish Chronicles: Sins of a Race

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.