The Plague

The sound of pacing echoed throughout the dark, empty Halls of Mirkwood. The source of the pacing was Legolas. A very worried expression was etched on his face. At last, a door was opened, drawing Legolas's attention immediately. The healer spoke to him softly, telling him what he had been dreading to hear for the past three hours. There was nothing that could be done. The healer put a consoling hand on the Elven Prince's shoulder. Legolas immediately pulled away and walked into the room that the healer had come from. It was worse than he had expected. His father lay almost lifeless on the bed. Pain was carved in the Elven King's fair features. Legolas crouched by his father's side just as his Father opened his eyes. It was heart wrenching for Legolas to meet his Father's sickened eyes.

"My Son... This is it."

Legolas swallowed the lump in his throat and shook his head.

"No Father! You will get through this! I will get help!"

The King of Mirkwood shook his head.

"You cannot, Legolas. This illness is unknown to the healers. We cannot risk an epidemic."

"M'Lord, It only strikes elves! Half of Mirkwood is wiped out already. If we don't do something everyone will die!"

Thranduil was quiet a moment before answering.

"All right, Legolas. But you must not go to Lothlorien or Imladris. We cannot risk getting others ill as well and causing an epidemic."

Legolas nodded is head in a promise.

"Stay strong, Father. I will bring help for you. And our people."

Thranduil closed his eyes, sleeping as elves did when in extreme pain. Legolas knew his time was short. He quickly left the room and got ready, packing very few provisions and riding off to the only place he could think of for help.

Chapter Two

Gondor was roughly two weeks ride from Mirkwood. Legolas made it in one week on foot. He had started off on Arod, but had sent the horse back before leaving the forest. He did not want to risk hurting the horse in his hurry. He wanted to travel without stopping and would not ask that much from Arod. He hurried up the stairway of Minas Tirith. He found it no surprise when Aragorn was not in the throne room, for it was rather late. One of the guards took charge and went off to the King's chambers to waken him. As Legolas waited, he took a drink from his canteen. He felt relief almost immediately. It did not take long before the King rushed in, a tired and worried look on his face.

"Legolas? Why are you here? What has happened?"

Aragorn's eyes scanned Legolas, but saw no sing of injury other than exhaustion. The King relaxed slightly, but Legolas remained tense.

"Aragorn, It is Mirkwood. There is an illness. We don't know what it is and the healers have no idea what it can be. It is killing my people. Only elves can get it, but how we don't understand. Many have died already, and now my father has it. He is ready to give up. He will not allow us to travel to other elven lands and we are not allowing others into Mirkwood either. He almost would not let me leave. You are our last hope, Aragorn."

The King nodded.

"Of course I will help, Legolas. We will leave now."

Aragorn turned and hurried back to his room, where he quickly readied himself. He left orders to the guards for Faramir to take care of the throne while he was gone. Aragorn soon met with Legolas again and the pair soon went off on foot.

***

The two traveled well through the night and the next morning, but Aragorn insisted they rest the next night. It would do neither of them any good if they reached the Elven King, but were too tired to help him. Aragorn made a fire and the two sat in silence for a long time. Legolas took a drink from his canteen before standing.

"I am going to get a look around. I don't feel like any surprises in the night."

Aragorn nodded simply and Legolas disappeared into a small wooded area. But that was not the reason Legolas wanted to get away. When he was a good distance away, he leaned heavily against a tree trunk. He was dizzy and he felt weak. It almost felt like he was injured, which he knew he was not. He had not really fought anything since the War of the Ring. He suddenly bent over and threw up. He closed his eyes and leaned against the tree as he controlled his breathing. But his eyes suddenly flew open. The realization hit him like an arrow to the chest. He had somehow gotten the same illness that was killing off those in his home. The same illness his father was dying from. But how? He closed his eyes a moment to still his spinning head. Unless Aragorn knew what this plague was, he, along with his father, was going to die...

***

The next few days went about the same. By nightfall, Legolas would leave to 'scout' the area and return once the illness had passed. He did not wish to tell Aragorn. Telling him would cause the man to want to rush and right now, he cared more about his father getting care than himself. Within a matter of a few days, they were in the Halls of Mirkwood. Legolas quickly led the way to the chambers in which his father was being watched over. He was met by a small group of healers who spoke with him in hushed tones. It was obvious he was going to be there for a while. Legolas looked to Aragorn and with a brief nod, gained the King access to the Thranduil's quarters. An hour or so had passed before Legolas stepped silently into the room. His father was deathly pale and had it not been for the faint rising and falling of his chest, he would have assumed him dead. Aragorn was bent over, mixing up herbs and potions to try and help the elven king. The room was completely silent. Legolas could not stand the quiet of the room and soon left without saying a word. He could not stand by and watch. He had to find out what was going on. Gripping his bow and slinging his quiver across his back, he set off into the forest, hoping to find some answer. Little did he know exactly how much of an answer he would be given...

Chapter Three

Legolas walked along the woodland path, headed nowhere in particular, but all the while keeping his eyes open for anything out of the ordinary. Anything that could cause what was happening. Even though he knew he had somehow managed to gain the illness that was spreading, it seamed to have died down. He didn't feel ill, just... tired. It felt like he hadn't slept in days, which in fact he hadn't, but that wasn't the point. He couldn't rest now. The snapping of a twig brought him to his full attention and he drew his bow, holding an arrow to the string and disappearing into the trees. He could soon hear voices. Not elven voices, but harsh orc voices. He sheathed the arrow and shouldered his bow. After doing so, he moved swiftly through the trees, hurrying towards the voices. He stopped as he spied the orcs. There were about five of them, all standing around the Enchanted River. Why were they there? He took a short step back. The Enchanted River was a forbidden place among his people. Its waters were clear as any other river's, but this water was different. It remained true to its name. It was streaming with evil magic. To any other race, it did nothing more than a long, coma-like sleep, but to elves... It was much worse. Wait... It took him only a second to begin putting two and two together. The orcs had somehow managed to get the elves to drink the water! He quieted his thoughts as the orcs began talking again.

"More'r commin' in a few days. A'ter we wipe out these elves, we're goin' to Rivendell. Never thought it coul' be so easy!"

A harsh laugh sounded from one of the other orcs that stood beside the one speaking.

"And all we had to do was slip this into their drinkin' water! Stupid elves didn't even know! Why I bet..."

Legolas's brows creased in confusion as the orcs suddenly stopped talking. Why had they...

A hard blow to the back of his head sent him sprawling in surprise. Before he could react, strong hands held his arms together. An uruk-hai held the struggling elf and pulled him out of the trees to the small group of orcs.

"You Maggots! You are telling your plans to a spy!"

He threw Legolas to the ground and put his foot on the elf's chest to keep him from getting up.

"Get me a skin of that water!"

Legolas's eyes widened and he struggled to get free, but it was no use. The uruk-hai was too strong. Even if he did manage to get up, the orcs would overpower him before he could get his weapons. One of the orcs filled a skin full of the clear water and brought it over to the Uruk. The skin was forced down Legolas's throat and he had no choice but to swallow it all...

***

Aragorn put his head in his hands, giving an exasperated sigh. Nothing was working. The Elvenking neither got any better, or any worse. It was almost as if he was sleeping, but did not respond to anything. It was beginning to frustrate him. Legolas was depending on him to help his father, and he wad determined to not let his friend down. Giving one more tired sigh, he set to work making yet another potion.

***

Legolas lay on the ground in agonizing pain. It felt as if his body was on fire. Sweat dripped from his brow and onto the grass below. He turned over, trying to escape the burning, but it did not help. The orcs had long left, leaving him there alone to die. How thoughtful of them he thought to himself. But he was glad they were gone. Having the orcs see him like this would kill him. They would have known they had won. His head throbbed sharply and the light hurt his eyes. How long would this go on? Everything was becoming clear as he lay there alone. The orcs were somehow slipping small doses of the Enchanted waters into their drinking water. That is why the other elves did not react in the same way he did. They did not have it strait up or near as much. He shivered suddenly as a wave of cold shut over him. He had to get back, somehow. He couldn't give up now. Not after all he had found out. There was still a chance to save his people before the orc's plan was complete. He forced himself to stand. He was forced to immediately lean against a tree to slow the spinning in his head. He swallowed and forced himself forward, moving at a staggering walk towards the path...

***

Aragorn poured the cool liquid into the Elvenking's mouth and sat back. He was allowing himself some rest as he waited to see if the potion worked. Dark circles were under the King's eyes, having worked restlessly since he had arrived. The Head Healer came into the room and after one look at the King, walked over to him.

"Come, M'Lord. You must rest. You can be awoken should any change appear in our King."

Aragorn thought of protesting, but he was too tired. He headed towards the door and was headed up the stairs to the spare rooms when he heard shouting. He was suddenly wide awake at the words he heard.

"Hurry! Get the Healers! It is the Prince! He is ill!"

Aragorn's eyes widened as all tiredness drained from him in a matter of 11 words. The King raced down the steps, taking them two at a time. He gasped at the sight he was greeted with...

***

Aragorn ran out to see a small squad of Mirkwood scouts, carrying a limp body. He was sure then he could hear his heart beating loudly in his chest. Was Legolas dead? A sudden jerk from the elf proved him wrong and he rushed forward, helping to carry Legolas in. He cringed as he drew closer. Legolas was extremely pale, even for an elf. It was obvious he was running a high fever, for he was flaming hot to the touch and sweating, and yet he was shivering and his teeth were chattering with cold. Not to mention that the elf was unconscious. He had not seen this sort of reaction from the King. Was this what happened before the sleep hit him? He somewhat doubted it. Legolas now looked worse than the King did. He was pulled from his thoughts as the elf suddenly kicked out and started struggling to get away and shouting. Aragorn tightened his grip on the elf and moved faster to the Healing rooms. He was laid in a bed across from his father, so Aragorn could work on them both with hopes of healing them. Though he would not admit it, he was beginning to doubt. He ground up some athlas into a fine powder, then poured it into a cup of water. He then poured it down into the elf's mouth. Legolas immediately pulled away, jerking awake and shouting out in elvish curses. Aragorn pulled away in surprise and blinked. Legolas glanced feverishly around the room, his eyes soon coming to stop on Aragorn and he lay still again. His eyes widened suddenly. His voice was surprisingly strong for his state, but it was still weak.

"I know what it is."

Aragorn, still overcoming the sudden awakening of his friend, sat a moment, staring at Legolas. He quickly recovered.

"What? What is it Legolas?"

The elf blinked a few times, trying to stop the buzzing in his head, but it only grew worse. He quickly explained to Aragorn.

"The Enchanted River. The orcs were giving us water from the Enchanted River."

Aragorn's eyes widened in shock.

"What?! That cannot be!"

Aragorn sat back in the chair, his eyes still wide and his breath caught. He did not doubt the elf's words, but wished they were not so. He did not know the antidote...

"Aragorn."

The King quickly turned to face his friend, who he just now noticed was paling even more and beginning to lose consciousness again.

"My people know of no cure. That is why that River is forbidden ground. The orcs somehow knew this as well. They are slipping it in our drinking water. Don't drink the water here. And tell the others the same."

Aragorn looked Legolas in the eyes, his own eyes misting at the elf's words. His voice quivered.

"What are you saying, Legolas?"

Legolas smiled faintly and was about to reply when his eyes closed and he drifted from consciousness again. Aragorn closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. This could not be happening. Aragorn stood up and walked over to a group of healers.

"The Enchanted River. What do you know of it?"

Their eyes widened and none of them spoke until the elder one stepped forward.

"The Enchanted River is a river of black magic. Its powers are strong enough to make mortal races alike fall into a deep sleep, but for some reason, it can be fatal for elves. Especially if it is ingested. Is that what you are assuming the problem is, King Elessar? Now that you mention it, it does hold similar symptoms. We did not count this as a possibility because the land is now forbidden."

"A CURE!" Aragorn interrupted.

"Is there a cure?!"

The Healer glanced down a moment before looking up to the King of Gondor.

"That is the problem. There is no cure that we know of. There was an epidemic alike to this one many years ago. In some cases, the one that comes in contact with the waters grows extremely ill, then goes into a coma-like state. Rarely do they wake..."

"What was done to stop this the last time?"

The healer sighed and shook his head.

"We made a potion. There were times it worked, but other times, it made things worse. Whomever we gave the potion too became well again, but some were not themselves. It seemed as though the evil magics from the River had taken them over. Changing them. There was nothing that could be done for them."

Aragorn looked away for a moment. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, holding it, then letting it go.

"Is it worth a try?"

The Healer looked at Aragorn for a long moment before nodding.

"Yes."

Aragorn nodded.

"Make enough for two. One for the King and one for Legolas."

The healer nodded and smiled faintly.

"It will take us a few hours to prepare. You should rest. There is nothing you can do to help the King or the Prince."

Aragorn was too tired to argue, so he simply nodded and climbed wearily up the stairs.

***

Aragorn was awakened only a few hours later by knocking on his door.

"King Elessar? We are ready."

Aragorn quickly stood and opened the door. He was led down into the healing rooms again. Neither King nor Prince seemed to have moved from the spot they had been in since Aragorn had left. A Healer emerged, carrying two small vials carefully. He handed one to Aragorn before walking over to Thranduil. Aragorn, in turn, walked over to Legolas.

This is our last hope, Mellon Nin. Please wake up.

He uncorked the bottle and lifted the elf's head, carefully pouring the sweet-smelling liquid down Legolas's throat. The other Healer was done before Aragorn and stood beside him.

"Now all we can do is wait. If you wish, you can go rest some more. You need it. Should anything happen, we will awaken..."

A sudden cough interrupted the two. It was coming from one of the beds. Both turned quickly to face the source...

Chapter Four

Both the healer and Aragorn turned to see Thranduil waking. The Elvenking’s eyes opened and he sat up. Aragorn had to admit he was impressed with the power this potion had. Thranduil looked the complete opposite of what he had been moments ago. The healer rushed over to ease the King down again.

“No, My Lord. You must rest. You have been through a lot.”

Thranduil did not heed the healer’s words, and instead sat up further in the bed. Aragorn stood and walked over. Thranduil put his hand to his head, massaging his temples.

“What is the toll, Ciro?”

The healer looked up at the King and then looked away before he answered.

“So far, 60 have been lost to this illness. There are more that are just becoming ill.”

“What has caused this?”

Ciro swallowed and looked down. Thranduil looked to the healer, then up to Aragorn, expecting an answer. Aragorn sighed and reluctantly answered for Ciro.

“The Enchanted River, Lord Thranduil. It was slipped into the drinking water.”

Thranduil closed his eyes and bit his lip. Aragorn glanced over to Ciro and tilted his head. There was something in the elf’s expression that he could not identify. Thranduil then opened his eyes again.

“Where is my son?”

Ciro clinched his teeth and looked to Thranduil.

”He… He has fallen ill, My Lord.”

Thranduil’s eyes widened and he looked around the room. He quickly saw his son, lying in the bed across from him. He looked to Ciro with sharp eyes.

“What has been done?”

Aragorn looked back to Legolas’s still figure in the bed. Ciro looked to Thranduil.

“We made the potion.”

”What?!”

The angry voice caused both Ciro and Aragorn to cringe. Aragorn decided against becoming involved and walked to the side of Legolas’s bed. Ciro looked away from Thranduil.

”We had no choice, My Lord. He would die without it. His chances with the potion are better than without it.”

The Elf Lord suddenly reached out and gripped the healer’s collar. His teeth were clinched in anger.

“You better be right, Ciro. For your sake.”

As Aragorn stood to assist Ciro, the Elvenking released his grip. Aragorn cleared his throat, earning Thranduil’s attention.

“You should rest, Lord Thranduil. If anything changes in Legolas’s condition, we will wake you.”

Thranduil sat there a moment before he nodded.

“Wake me the second something happens.”

Both Aragorn and Ciro nodded and left the room. Thranduil immediately lay down and was soon sleeping wearily. Once outside the room, both Aragorn and Ciro sighed. Aragorn ran his fingers through his hair and looked to Ciro.

“Could that have gone any worse?”

Ciro shrugged, then nodded.

”Yes. He could have had me killed. All healers were forbidden from using that potion under any circumstances. But it was a last resort.”

The two fell silent before Ciro sighed and looked at Aragorn.

“Go rest, King Elessar. Should any change appear in Legolas, I will wake you.”

Aragorn nodded and climbed up the stair slowly to his room. Once he was gone, Ciro leaned against the wall and closed his eyes. He remained that way for a moment before opening his eyes and slowly walking into the room again. He looked first to Thranduil, who was sleeping deeply in the bed across the room. Satisfied, he shut the door behind him. He silently walked to the edge of Legolas’s bed. Smiling, he placed a palm on the young elf’s forehead.

Awaken…

Legolas’s eyes suddenly shot open, but they were dull and gray. They were wide and almost seemed dead. Ciro smiled.

I am your master now, Legolas. You must follow my orders. My first order is this: kill the king of Gondor. Not right away. You most not let him know you have changed. But tell him everything before you finish him off. I will tell you when the time has come.

Legolas remained staring dully up at the ceiling, never blinking. Ciro grinned and placed his hand on Legolas’s forehead again.

Awaken…

Legolas’s body jerked and he blinked. The dull gray disappeared in a single blink and was once again their normal bright blue. He blinked a few times before acknowledging who was standing over him.

”Ciro?”

The healer nodded, the satisfied smile still on his lips.

”Yes, Child. Welcome back. You have kept many very worried about you.”

Legolas’s brows furrowed and he sat up slowly. He frowned as he saw his father still lying on the bed across from him. Ciro chuckled.

“Be at peace, My Prince. He is resting. He woke some time before you. He wanted to be awoken when you did, but he needs rest. A good friend of yours is sleeping as well.”

It only took a few moments for Legolas to attempt get up. Ciro put a hand on his shoulder.

“Legolas, you can go see him, but not for long. You both need your rest.”

Legolas smiled and nodded.

“Thank you, Ciro. You’re the best.”

Ciro nodded and stepped out of Legolas’s way. The Prince quickly rose and exited the room before climbing the stairwell. Legolas was soon at Aragorn’s room where he slowly opened the door. Legolas smiled faintly as he saw the man sprawled out on the bed. He hadn’t even bothered getting under the sheets, but simply lay down on the bed. Legolas did not have the heart to wake his friend. Even sleeping, the dark circles were apparent under his eyes. Legolas walked over to a large couch rather close to the bed and he lay down on it. He quickly fell asleep against the soft fabric. Ciro smiled from the doorway and shut the door quietly. This was going to be too easy…



Chapter Five

Legolas blinked as he woke from his place on the couch. Aragorn was still sleeping deeply on the bed, unmoved from where he had been last Legolas had seen him. The elf smiled faintly and shook his head before he stood up. He thought about waking Aragorn up, but decided against it. Quietly, he left the room. He was taken by surprise as he was suddenly tackled. A hand clasped over his mouth to keep him from calling out. Legolas struggled, but soon more hands held him fast. He managed to turn and see what shocked him enough to momentarily stop struggling. It was orcs, but one stood in front of them. Their leader... Ciro. A sword hilt was brought down on his head, sending him swiftly from consciousness.

***

Aragorn groaned as he began to awaken. The sun was setting by now. He could tell. Now the sun no longer came through the small window that faced the east. He suddenly sat up as he remembered. Legolas! Had he woken up yet? He leapt out of the bed and quickly rushed out of the room. Taking the stairs two at a time, he was soon in the healing rooms. He froze as he saw the bed empty? Where was Legolas? Thranduil was sitting up in the opposite bed; beside him was Ciro. Thranduil had his head in his hands and Ciro's head was bowed. It felt then as if Aragorn's heart dropped to his chest.

"Where is Legolas?" he managed to say softly.

Ciro looked up.

"We do not know... He was sleeping one moment, then the next... Orcs came when I was not in the room. I saw them leaving, but could not catch up..."

He let the rest go unsaid, and bowed his head again. Aragorn let out a short breath. Was Legolas dead? Aragorn's eyes narrowed and his hand went to his belt. Anduil hung in its sheath. With clinched teeth he stiffened.

"I'm going to look for him."

Neither Ciro, nor Thranduil moved, though both had heard. Aragorn glanced at the both before turning and rushing out of the room. He ran to the stables, where Brego stood in a stall, dozing.

"Come, Brego. We must ride."

The brown horse nickered and stepped forward as the door was opened. It took only minutes for Aragorn to have Brego saddled. He nudged the horse to a gallop along the tracks that had been made by the orcs.

***

Legolas stirred as he began to wake. His first impulse was to reach up and touch his sharply throbbing head, but his hands were held down. A harsh laugh caused him to cringe. But that was nothing compared to what came next. A high-pitched screech sent a chill down his spine. Nazgul. He reluctantly forced himself to open his eyes. He found himself tied at the wrists and the ankles. He could feel the dried blood on his forehead from the 'meeting' with the sword hilt. All around him were orcs and what bothered him more was two Black Riders. Both Nazgul turned as they saw him move. Their screech sent a chill down his spine as they approached him. The orc's talking suddenly quieted. Legolas tried to stand, but the binds on his ankles prevented him from doing so. He then tried to back up. Five orcs stepped forward and gripped his shoulders and pinned him to the ground. He struggled even though it was useless. He clinched his teeth as the sound of swords unsheathing echoed in his ears. He swung his legs out, just to find them held down by more orcs. There was no hope for escape. Both Black Riders were soon visible, standing over him with their Morgul swords pointed downward. He tried to call out, but there was no one around to hear. His calls for help changed to a cry of pain as both Nazgul brought their swords down on him with a screech. Each sword pierced one of his shoulders before they pulled them back. The blades immediately turned to dust and blew away in a sudden wind. Legolas shivered and tried to withdraw. The orcs let go and stepped back. He heard them talking, but he could not comprehend what he was saying. Pain was increasing quickly. One of the orcs suddenly bent down and with a broad sword, he cut the ropes around the elf's wrists and ankles. The Nazgul screeched again before disappearing into the trees. The orcs soon followed them, leaving Legolas alone. He shuddered, already feeling the cold shadow creeping over him.

***

Aragorn rode along the path with all the speed he could. He stopped Brego and dismounted. He should have found them by now. He bent down and looked at the tracks more carefully. He cursed aloud. These were planted tracks! Aragorn stood and sighed. He had no choice but to go back to Mirkwood's Halls. He slowly mounted Brego and rode back swiftly.

***

Ciro soon arrived just where he had left Legolas with the Nazgul. He was still there, only under a completely different condition. The young elf was lying on the ground, cringing with pain. His face was pale and he was broken in a cold sweat. His eyes were glassy. Ciro smiled a satisfied smile.

"Well, Legolas. What a surprise to see you here!"

Legolas shifted and opened his mouth to reply, but he could not. A shaky gasp was all that escaped him.

"I decided my magic wasn't enough, so I had a few friends of mine give you a little tweak. Now I know you will follow my commands."

He held up his hand and Legolas immediately went limp and silent. Ciro smiled and stepped forward and placed his hand over each of the wounds. Both closed with a simple wave of his hand. It looked as if he was not even wounded. Ciro's smile widened into a grin. Now he would get the King. He lifted Legolas up and placed him on the back of his horse before mounting himself and riding back into the city. As he approached, he saw Aragorn coming too. It had been easy to lead the King down the wrong path. He quickly wiped away the smile and replaced it with a worried look.

"Lord Aragorn! I found him!"

Aragorn urged Brego forward faster and dismounted as he helped Ciro lower Legolas off the stallion's back. Aragorn studied him carefully.

"Ciro, what is wrong with him?"

Ciro shook his head.

"I don't know. I found him like this. He is covered in blood and his tunic is torn, but he has no wounds."

Aragorn nodded slowly and helped carry the limp elf into the healing room. The put him in a bed more secluded than before, in a different room. Ciro looked to Aragorn.

"You will need to leave, Aragorn. Let me try to discover what is before you try to cure it."

Aragorn looked to Legolas before looking to Ciro again. He nodded reluctantly.

"I will inform Lord Thranduil."

Ciro nodded and watched as Aragorn walked out of the room. Ciro shut the door behind Aragorn. His smile could no longer be concealed. Everything was going according to plan...

Chapter Six

Aragorn exited the room and walked slowly to the bedside of the Elvenking. By now, Thranduil had awoken and was looking up anxiously at Aragorn.

"What has happened? What word?"

Aragorn sighed and closed his eyes. Thranduil's face paled and he glanced away from the King before he nodded slowly.

"Rest, Lord Aragorn. There is nothing either of us can do."

Aragorn nodded slowly in partial agreement and walked across the room to sit on the couch. He would stay here, rather than his room. Should anything happen, he would be there to help.

***

Legolas lay motionless on the bed. Ciro's satisfied smile was enough to send a chill down one's spine. His eyes flamed suddenly with a spring of magic. Legolas blinked dully and sat up in the bed, with a drone-like motion. Legolas stood and walked to the center of the room, where he halted. Ciro circled him, looking him over. He soon stopped and nodded.

"Perfect."

Legolas did not say a word, but bowed his head in acknowledgment. Ciro stepped forward until he was only inches away from Legolas.

"It is time. Here is what you are to do, Legolas. A troop of orcs await you in a small clearing just south of the Halls. You will battle them. Shortly after you leave, I will send that King after you. After you kill the orcs, kill the King."

Legolas, once again, bowed his head in acknowledgement. Ciro smiled and stepped back.

"Go."

In a swift motion, and without another word, he slipped from the room and exited through a window. Once the Elf Prince left, Ciro smile widened. Once Aragorn was out of the way, he could finish off Legolas without any trouble. He wouldn't have to worry about Thranduil. The 'poor' Elf Lord would die of grief. Ciro sat in a chair, making sure to give Legolas enough time.

***

An Elf Lord's brows crease in confusion as he sits alone, looking over the horizon. He should not be here. He left this land. Foresight had pulled him to return. He nearly jumped as he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up at an old friend of his with a forced smile.

"I don't know, Gandalf. This is unheard of. Once one passes from Middle Earth into Valinor, one is not suppose to return."

The wizard nodded wearily and looked over the same horizon that Elrond had been looking over before.

"I know, my friend. But desperate times call for desperate measures. We cannot ignore your foresight."

Elrond nodded and the two remained silent for a long while. It was not long before two voices were audible from a short distance. Elladan and Elrohir soon joined their father and the old wizard. They both fell silent. It was Elladan whom spoke first.

"Ada, When are you going to tell us what your foresight has shown you?"

Elrond sighed and looked to his sons before looking away.

"Neither of you want to know as much as you think. Both Legolas and Aragorn are in trouble, though what 'kind' of trouble, I would rather not inform you. I will tell you that we must hurry. Time is wearing short."

Elladan, Elrohir, and Gandalf all nodded in agreement. They all mounted their horses, and galloped off to the East.

***

Ciro stood up and moved towards the door. By now, Legolas would have met up with the orcs and begun the battle. Now was the time for Aragorn. He burst out of the door, feigning a worried, rushed look. The King had been awake and immediately sat up, looking at Ciro.

"Hurry, Lord Aragorn! Legolas has gone! He was doing much better but was set on revenge. He left to follow the orcs!"

Without allowing Ciro another word, the King leapt up and took off out the door. He ran to the stables, mounting Brego bareback and galloping off in the direction a horse had been through recently. Legolas had gone this way. He just knew it. Ciro watched from the window with a smile. He mentally noted how worried the King had looked. He could only picture what Aragorn's face would look like as Legolas killed him. It almost made him regret to miss it. But he had better things to do. Like inform Thranduil his son was going to die.

***

Legolas fought with his knives, slashing and stabbing at orcs as they filed around him. He faked a surprised look as Aragorn emerged from a break in the trees on top Brego. He dismounted with a quick swing of his leg and drew Anduil. Swinging it skillfully, the number of orcs began to decrease rapidly. Aragorn did not notice when Legolas stopped fighting and slowly began to approach him from behind. With final sweep of his sword, he separated the final orc from its head. He sighed and relaxed from his battle-stance, only to find he had done so too soon. He felt an icy cold blade touch his neck. Careful not to move, he glanced behind him to see Legolas.

"L... Legolas? What are you doing?..."

Legolas smiled, but it was such a smile to run a chill down Aragorn's spine. The blade was pressed harder into his neck, but soon lightened again.

"What do you think, Aragorn? I know you are a man that is not that smart, but how smart do you have to be?"

Legolas kept his knife to Aragorn's neck, but maneuvered around him. He took Anduil from the man and threw it to the ground a few feet away. He nodded towards a rock.

"Have a seat. We have much to talk about."

Aragorn obeyed, walking carefully to avoid falling into the blade. As he sat, Legolas drew out his bow and quickly sheathed his blade. He held an arrow to the string.

"Where to begin... I'll start from the beginning. Get comfortable, Aragorn. This will be the last story you will ever hear."

Legolas smiled again and Aragorn swallowed. He had never seen Legolas like this before. Quite frankly, he was scared. Sensing this only made Legolas's smile grow wider.

"I haven't always been like this, Friend. Just a little change recently made me see the better choices this world has to offer."

"Do not call me 'Friend'! A friend would not do this!" Aragorn made an attempt to rise, but Legolas pulled back on the arrow. Reluctantly, he sat down again.

"This is going to go on forever if you keep interrupting. I would hate to have to kill you before you understood."

Aragorn remained silent and made no attempt to rise again. Legolas loosened the tension on the arrow, but still held it to the string.

"As I was saying... The water from the Enchanted River was being slipped into our water, as you know. But as for 'whom'... I was wrong. It was orcs, but the idea belonged to their leader... Ciro."

Aragorn's face was unable to hide the complete shock and surprise of that. Ciro? How could that be? Legolas nodded and his smile temporarily faded.

"Yes, I know. I was surprised, too. His spells were not enough to control me, so he had his minions help him out. Now, I am to his liking. More powerful than I could ever dream of being. More powerful than you could imagine."

His eyes suddenly bore into Aragorn. He released a cry of pain and his hand went to his arm, which suddenly seemed to be set alight. He could see any reason for the pain. He looked up to Legolas. Once he did, the pain subsided and Legolas smiled.

"See?"

Aragorn was shocked. Magic, too? He shook his head slowly.

"But why, Legolas?"

The elf shrugged.

"I didn't have much of a choice. I am no match for two Nazgul when I am tied and bound. You could have stopped it. But you were too easily fooled with false tracks."

Aragorn frowned. *That* was what happened to Legolas then? The sound of a bowstring being pulled back brought him back to reality.

"Well, now you know about everything. Say goodbye, Aragorn."

The King shut his eyes, unafraid. Just when he was expecting to ear the arrow release, a sudden crack sounded. He quickly opened his eyes just in time to see Legolas go sprawling to the ground. He looked around wildly to see no one. But from the trees, emerged Gandalf. Behind him was Elrond, followed by Elladan and Elrohir. He gave a nervous chuckle of surprise.

"Wha? What are you all doing here?"

Elladan smiled faintly as he walked over to his foster brother.

"Saving you, what's it look like?"

The other three walked over to Legolas's still form, lying on the ground.

"Why did he do that?" Elrohir asked.

Elrond was about to answer when Aragorn answered before he did.

"The Nazgul. He was stabbed and was left untreated. Ciro didn't help much."

"Ciro?" Gandalf asked suddenly.

"The Mirkwood healer?"

"Traitor is more like it." Elrond said sadly.

"So it is him I saw..."

The four did not speak for a while, all looking at Legolas's still form on the ground. It was Elrond who spoke next.

"We must bind him. He will not be too happy when he wakes and we must wait until he does to try any treatment."

They all nodded in agreement and before long, the elf was bound at the wrists and ankles. Aragorn walked over to where Anduil lay and sheathed it slowly. How long would it be before Legolas would wake? Elladan made a fire in the small clearing they had set camp in and before long, all four were sitting around it. Aragorn had not said much at all, and that worried Elrond, but he expected as much. They had almost been too late. He was surprised when the Aragorn finally broke the silence.

"What will need to be done to treat him?"

Both Gandalf and Elrond were reluctant to answer. But finally, Elrond did.

"It will be extremely painful. It would be best not to go into detail. It can wait until he awakens."

"How long will that be?"

It was Gandalf who answered.

"A few hours or so. You should rest before we must begin his treatment."

Aragorn nodded slowly and lay down beside the fire. Try as he might, he could not sleep. He looked up the sky as he tried to think of better times. But any thought brought him back to reality. Elladan and Elrohir spoke to each other softly before Elladan rose and walked over and sat beside Legolas's unconscious form, taking watch over him. It should not take long…

Chapter Seven

Elladan's voice calling urgently awoke Aragorn in only a matter of seconds. The man bolted up to see Elladan struggling to keep Legolas down. Even tied up, the elf was giving up quiet a fight. Elrohir was at his brother's side first and helped hold Legolas to the ground. Aragorn rushed over and held his legs. Soon, his struggling lessened and he lay still. His eyes burned with anger and hatred as he glared up at them. Elrond and Gandalf stepped forward. Elrond was holding a dagger in his right hand. Aragorn immediately began to protest, but was stopped by Gandalf.

"This must be done,” he said softly.

Elrond knelt beside Legolas and looked at the three that were holding him down.

"Keep him down. Don't let him fight back."

Elrond lowered the top of Legolas's tunic. Two scratches showed where he had been stabbed. Once in each shoulder. Elrond's lips pursed and his eyes narrowed. This was worse than he had expected. He lowered the dagger to where the cut began and he carefully reopened the wound. Legolas immediately began fighting again, but was held down tightly by Elladan, Elrohir, and Aragorn. He resulted to curses, speaking in the dark language as he did. Even though the anger was apparent in his voice, it sounded even deeper and darker in the dark tongue. His eyes flashed suddenly. He didn't need to be free to get away. Elrohir suddenly cried out in pain and clutched his side. It was bleeding as if he had been stabbed. Gandalf immediately lifted his staff and spoke in his own spell. Legolas cringed and his side, too, suddenly cut. Elladan looked over worriedly at his brother, but could not let go of Legolas. His worry was short lived for as suddenly as the wound had been there, it disappeared. As Elrohir's disappeared, Legolas's did as well. Aragorn looked up at Gandalf, confused.

"Magic, Aragorn. Legolas does not need his weapons to harm us. But now whatever he tries to do to us will happen to him as well. That is why he healed Elrohir again."

Aragorn turned to Elrond again and watched as the elder elf worked. The wound he had reopened was bleeding freely, but in dark black fluid. Elrond continued working with it until the blood lightened in color and faded from black to a normal red. Elrond carefully wrapped it to keep it bleeding anymore before he rose and walked to the other side. Legolas cursed again, but was ignored by Elrond and the elf lord bent down and cut through the second wound. The blood was darker than the first one, but faded faster. Legolas's curses slowly lessened. It changed from strictly the black tongue to something between that and Sindarin. His eyes began to flutter and his head tilted to the side as he lost consciousness. Elrond sighed and bandaged the second wound.

"Now all we can do is wait."

Aragorn, Elladan, and Elrohir all stood and sighed. Aragorn walked over to Elrohir, and insisted he show him his side. When Aragorn was assured that the wound was gone, he walked over to Brego who was standing a short distance away. He jumped as he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Elrond.

"I have to ride to Mirkwood. Ciro has to be stopped before it is too late."

Elrond nodded and took a step back without saying a word. Aragorn mounted the horse and turned him towards the halls and rode off quickly. Blind rage urging him to hurry. It was not long before he made it. He dismounted before Brego even stopped moving. He ran to the Healing rooms to find them empty save a few of the lower ranked healers and the sleeping Elf Lord. He went to one of the healers and gripped his collar.

"Where is Ciro?!"

The elf looked at Aragorn with wide eyes, then shook his head and shrugged.

"Nobody knows! He just disappeared!"

Aragorn released the elf's collar and cursed aloud. He was too late. Ciro had all ready gotten away. He walked slowly out of the halls and went to Brego's side and mounted, then turned him towards the path. He sighed, shook his head, and cursed again. Instead of a walk, he urged Brego to a canter. It was not long before he was at the clearing again. They all looked up at Aragorn hopefully, but when Aragorn dismounted and turned away, their hopeful smiles faded. Elrohir cursed under his breath, Elrond shook his head, Elladan put his head in his hands, and Gandalf remained still and silent. This had not surprised the wizard at all. They would hear from Ciro again. He was sure of it. Aragorn walked slowly over to Legolas, whom was still lying on the ground as he was when Aragorn had left. He sat down beside him and leaned his back against a tree trunk. All they could do was wait for Legolas to wake up and hope he was all right. As he looked Legolas over, he noticed that the ropes had been removed. Everything would be all right. Hopefully.

Chapter Eight

Aragorn remained still as he sat with his back against a tree trunk. The others had, for the most part, given up trying to talk to him when the only reply they got was a grunt or a nod. Elrond looked over at him from where he was sitting beside the fire.

"Aragorn, are you going to come over here and warm yourself?"

The man shook his head and glanced down to Legolas, but there was still no change in the elf's condition. Shouldn't he be awake by now? Elrond sighed and lay down. All the others had gone to sleep already and sleep found him quickly. Aragorn sighed as he looked over the sleeping bodies before he looked back to Legolas again.

"You need to wake up, mellon nin. And we have to go get that Ciro who did this to you. We can't let him get away with this. It is too quiet without you, you know. There is no one here to annoy me all the time. No one here to complain when I kill more orcs."

"I resent that statement. You have only beat me three times out of countless battles."

Aragorn jumped in surprise at an answering voice. He quickly looked down to see Legolas looking up at him through half-opened eyes.

"Legolas! You're awake!"

"No, I'm not."

Aragorn rolled his eyes and smiled faintly.

"How do you feel?"

Legolas groaned and opened his eyes a little more.

"Like I lost a battle with a cave troll."

Aragorn chuckled and shook his head.

"Pretty close, but no."

Legolas's hand went to his head and his eyes opened the rest of the way. He slowly sat up and leaned against the trunk of a tree next to him.

"What did happen then?"

Aragorn frowned and shook his head.

"That doesn't matter now, Legolas. The only thing that matters is you are all right."

Legolas's eyes narrowed and he looked at Aragorn.

"Aragorn. What happened?"

The man sighed and glanced away, not answering until Legolas asked again.

"Ciro betrayed you and your father. He gave you to the Nazgul. That is probably why you do not remember. Lord Elrond treated you."

Legolas did not say anything, but looked away. His eyes were narrowed, and what looked like a flame of anger flickered in his eyes.

"Ciro?"

Aragorn nodded slowly. Legolas's eyes widened suddenly as he began to remember.

"This was all him! He had the orcs slip the Enchanted River's water into our drinking water. He got me sick. I remember now. He told me to kill you, but his magic was not enough. He added the Nazgul magic as well. That was enough..."

Legolas looked over at Aragorn for a moment.

"He got away, didn't he?"

Aragorn looked at the elf and nodded slowly. Legolas sighed and closed his eyes.

"Legolas! You're awake! Elladan, wake up!"

Elrohir got up quickly and hurried over to the two friends, Elladan followed close behind. Their commotion had woken the elf lord and the wizard as well.

"Welcome back, Legolas" Gandalf said as he walked over to the others. Legolas smiled faintly and nodded. The six talked among each other the rest of the night. Before long, the sun had risen and Legolas was much better. No one could have guessed what he had just over come. He was standing on a small, grassy hill, watching as the sun rose. Everyone else had been packing their things so they could return to the Halls of Mirkwood for a short time. Aragorn paused and glanced around, quickly spotting the elf. He walked slowly over and stood beside Legolas. He knew what Legolas was thinking. He put a hand on his friend’s shoulder.

"Don't worry, mellon nin. We will find him."

THE END (OR IS IT?¿?)

(Keep an eye out for Part Two: Vacation)