Elrond watched as Thranduil and his children wept over the eldest prince’s slumbering figure. All of Legolas’ siblings were there, Narulas, Nuinlanthir who were Legolas’ older brothers and Aelield, their younger sister.

“How did this happen Ada?” Aelield asked as her father wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

“He was injured when he and my three sons were in the Trollshaws. He was hit in his left side by an arrow I believe was poisoned.” Elrond explained from the doorway where he stood watching the family.

“If he was merely poisoned, why does he still sleep? It has been two years since he was injured Elrond and I would like some answers! What happened to my eldest son?” Thranduil asked agitatedly.

“I understand that you request your family knows how exactly Legolas was injured but I would prefer to inform you of the events that led to this in private.” Elrond requested. Thranduil scowled at the elf lord before leading Elrond to a small room just up the hall from Legolas’ room.

Thranduil shut the door and turned to Elrond.

“Now tell me what happened.” Thranduil instructed.

“About a week before he was injured, Legolas found that he was marked with the death brands Thranduil and you know as well as I or any healer what that means. When he and my sons left for the Trollshaws, I sent Lord Glorfindel to watch over him but I still couldn’t prevent what happened and I apologize for that.

“Elladan was also injured in the attack but when Legolas was returned to Imladris I sat with Legolas not Elladan. It wasn’t because I feared what might happen to me if he died but because he needed someone to look after him! I know you care for your son Thranduil but every time he is in Imladris by himself, he is always much more relaxed and I didn’t understand why until I brought him back here!

“He fears you Thranduil because in your heart of hearts you blame him for the death of your wife and you need to stop it! You need to see that your son needs you now more than ever! I know why he doesn’t wake and so do you! One reason is because the brands are now healing but the other reason you can figure out for yourself because I don’t plan to tell you!” Elrond yelled before storming off to his quarters.

*          *          *

Someone knocked on the door but Elrond ignored them. He didn’t want to talk to anyone and that scared him. He felt that he needed his father or his brother and no one else.

The door opened and a messenger came in with a letter from Imladris addressed to Elrond. After the messenger had left, Elrond stood and retrieved the letter from a table near the door.

“What have Elladan and Elrohir destroyed now?” Elrond mused aloud as he unfolded the parchment.

“Dear Ada,

“We are pleased to inform you that we haven’t broken anything around the house. We just thought you might want to hear how we’re doing. Estel, well Aragorn now is fine and he said he might try and get to Lasgalen to visit you. We wish you were here for we miss our Ada but we don’t miss any of your nasty concoctions. I don’t anyway, Elrohir almost ripped off his arm at the shoulder the other day after falling out of a tree.

“Apart from that mishap we haven’t attempted to get ourselves killed yet, mainly because Erestor and Glorfindel won’t let us go anywhere outside the borders. I think they miss you as well. Arwen is alright, she returned from Lorien about a week ago and she misses you with all her heart and sends her love to you and Legolas.

“Hope he’s healing quickly and that you’ll return to us soon – Elladan.” Elrond read aloud to himself. “I love you too son.” Elrond said quietly before placing the letter on the bedside table and flopping onto his bed. Slowly, Elrond fell asleep but his dreams were still haunted as they had been for a long time now.

Elrond dreamt of his days when he and Elros used to mess about and he dreamt of lying under the stars watching Eärendil shine in the dark sky at night. He sorely missed his family and wished he had them now more than ever.

The next morning, Elrond woke but was reluctant to get out of bed. He rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling, wondering what Elladan and Elrohir were doing. They were probably thinking up a plan to annoy Erestor for the day and that particular thought made the elf lord smile.

“Why is Legolas afraid to wake and see his father? Of course I may be wrong but what else could it be?” Elrond wondered aloud before somebody knocked on the door.

“Come in.” Elrond called from his bed.

“Lord Elrond, Legolas just woke and he wishes to speak with you.” Narulas said.

Elrond jumped from his bed and hurriedly dressed before he ran to where Legolas lay. When he reached Legolas’ room, he stopped running and took a deep breath in.

“It wasn’t that urgent that you needed to run Lord Elrond.” Legolas said simply.

“What is it? Narulas came and said you wanted to speak with me.” Elrond explained.

“I wanted to ask you something. When you were an elflings, when you felt bad and you needed someone to talk to, who did you talk to?” Legolas asked at length.

“I would usually talk with Elros and then after he left for Numenor, I would often speak one of my close friends. Why do you wish to know Legolas?” Elrond asked.

“Because I feel horrible and I don’t want to talk to my family about it.” Legolas replied. “I want to talk to my father about it but I know he still holds blame against me for what happened to Naneth, I just wish he could look past the blame he holds against me and see that I need him.” Legolas continued.

“He knows that, I told him yesterday but I doubt he paid much attention to that lecture. Legolas, I think the reason your father holds blame against you for what happened to your mother because he still grieves for her. Why he blames you for it I have no idea but he still loves you. He just needs time to discover that.” Elrond explained.

“Hannon le Lord Elrond.” Legolas replied before he began to cough. Blood spurted out of the young elf’s mouth and onto the covers of his bed. When Legolas saw this he gasped.

“Your lung hasn’t healed itself yet.” Elrond breathed.

“What do you mean? Narulas said I’ve been sleeping for two whole years! How can it possibly not have healed by now?” Legolas exclaimed.

“I don’t know Legolas but I feel the events caused by the death brands aren’t over yet.” Elrond replied as he looked up at Legolas.

Legolas was worried; Elrond could see the fear flooding the elf’s eyes.

“Legolas, could I take a quick look at your left side where the arrow hit you.” Elrond asked.

Legolas nodded before he lifted up his shirt to reveal the stitched wound that were remnants of the injury Legolas had accumulated two years ago. The last time Elrond has seen it, it had been covered in blood but now it was a black colour.

“Just as I suspected. Poisoned.” Elrond explained as he looked back into Legolas’ eyes.

“With what?” Legolas asked.

“A formidable poison that keeps the victim asleep for a long period of time. As the victim prepares to wake, the wound turns black and becomes infected usually.” Elrond explained.

Legolas gasped. He didn’t want this to happen. He’d thought that being hit by an arrow was bad enough but he didn’t need or want this as well.

“What are you going to do?” Legolas asked worriedly.

“I’m not exactly sure Legolas. The best thing to do would be put you back to sleep and then tend to it here but I feel I cannot do it that way for I need you to be extremely relaxed, something you aren’t when you are here for some reason.” Elrond explained.

“What else could you do?” Legolas asked curiously.

“The other thing I could do is take you back to Imladris and heal it there but that will take more time and your father most likely wouldn’t approve.”

“Do  what you can for my son even if it means you have to take him back to Imladris to do so.” Someone said from the doorway. Elrond turned around to see Thranduil standing there with a sad expression upon his face.

“Do you mean that after what happened yesterday milord?” Elrond asked as he stood up to face Thranduil.

“I do. What you said yesterday is true and I will help amend my actions by letting you take Legolas back to Imladris if it means he has a better chance at surviving. I cannot bear to lose another member of my family.” Thranduil replied.

“We need to leave now. We’ll need one horse and water and provisions for a journey to Imladris. I’ll be able to prepare Legolas and myself relatively quickly, but the horse and supplies need to be ready by the time I go to the stables with Legolas.” Elrond instructed.

“I’ll see to it that it is done with all haste Lord Elrond.” Thranduil said before he left.

“How long will it take us to get to Imladris?” Legolas asked quietly.

“About three days.” Elrond answered. He looked at Legolas to see that the elf was slowly falling asleep. Don’t worry Legolas; you can sleep while I ride. I will not let you fall.” Elrond promised.

“Thank you.” Legolas said before he fell asleep. Elrond smiled gently before returning to his quarters to gather his belongings including the letter from Elladan.

Within half an hour, Elrond and Legolas had departed Lasgalen and they were on their way back to Imladris.

Elladan and Elrohir sat under a tree in the gardens. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, the sky was clear and the birds were singing. It had been about two weeks since Elladan had sent the letter to their father and he still hadn’t received a reply.

As the twins began to talk about things they used to do with Legolas and Estel, Glorfindel arrived with a smile upon his face.

“What are you so happy about?” Elrohir asked agitatedly.

“What’s gotten into you lately?” Glorfindel asked.

“His arm still hurts but that’ll teach him not to fall out of trees. What is happening that is making you so happy Glorfindel?” Elladan asked.

“Your father just returned but the conditions on which he returned are less merry.” Glorfindel explained.

“Why? What has happened? Is Legolas alright?” Elrohir asked hastily.

“I’m not exactly sure what is wrong with Legolas. Your father rode up and carried Legolas inside before I had a chance to talk to him.” Glorfindel replied.

“I guess he came back to answer your letter ‘Dan.” Elrohir suggested.

“No, something is wrong.” Elladan said as he stood and headed for the Houses of Healing where he found his father.

“Ada, what is going on?” Elladan asked quietly as he approached his father.

“Legolas has been poisoned for the past two years. He woke when we were still in Lasgalen and coughed up some blood. Where he was hit, the wound has turned black.” Elrond explained.

“If you found that he’d been poisoned when you were still in Lasgalen, why did you bring him back here?” Elladan asked quizzically.

“Elladan, can we talk about this later? Go and do something with Elrohir for a few hours. I’ll come and find you when I’m done here.” Elrond replied. Elladan stared at his father for a moment before he turned on his heel and returned to his room where he thought of reasons why his father would have brought Legolas back to Imladris to tend to him when he could have done it in Lasgalen. Elladan was extremely confused about this.

*          *          *

Legolas’ head was pounding; he slowly opened his eyes and blinked a few times to clear his mind of the fog and his vision of what seemed to be tears. His side pained him as if it had recently been cut open. He gingerly took in a deep breath and yelped as pressure was applied to his side.

“Relax Legolas.” Elrond cooed softly. “How are you feeling?”

“My side hurts.” Legolas breathed. “And my back also.”

“Your back? What happened to your back Legolas?” Elrond asked softly in an attempt to keep the Mirkwood prince relaxed.

“I don’t remember.” Legolas replied.

“Can I have a look at your back Legolas?” Elrond asked. Legolas nodded silently before Elrond helped him sit up.

Gently, Elrond lifted Legolas’ shirt to reveal a series of scars, some of which still bled slightly. Elrond covered Legolas’ back again before allowing the elf to fall back into his fatherly embrace.

“Why do you care for me so much Lord Elrond?” Legolas asked.

The next day, Elrond still remained in the library trying to figure out how Legolas had accumulated the scars on his back. Another thing Elrond had begun thinking about was how Legolas had been marked with the death brands in the first place.

*          *          *

Elrohir knocked on the door to the library only to be dragged away by Erestor.

“You can’t disturb your father; he’s trying to figure what happened to Legolas.” Erestor explained quietly yet urgently.

“What happened? Is Legolas alright?” Elrohir asked frantically.

“I don’t know! Your father knows the answer to that but he refuses to talk to anyone.” Erestor replied, still whispering.

“Then I shall ask him.” Elrohir said cheekily before turning and entering the library.

“Go away Elrohir. I need peace and serenity.” Elrond said without looking up to Elrohir.

“What are you trying to figure out Ada?” Elrohir asked. “What is wrong with Legolas?”

“Legolas has a series of scars on his back and I am trying desperately to figure out what caused them. I am also trying to figure out why he was marked with the death brands in the first place if you wish to know.” Elrond replied agitatedly.

“Do you want some help?” Elrohir asked. This made Elrond look up at his son who now stood next to him.

“If you have nothing else better to do.” Elrond answered.

“I’ll help you with the scar thing first. What did they look like? I mean, did they look as if they were from a battle or something else?” Elrohir asked hastily.

“They were not caused by the blade yet some sections of the scar were a darker colour than others. They looked as if. . .” Elrond trailed off. “Whipped. Legolas was tortured.” Elrond exclaimed.

“That would explain why they are only scars. They would have to be from before he was here two years ago but when? Why didn’t he ever tell us he’d been tortured?” Elrohir asked.

“Only he can answer that but we can ask him another time, he needs rest now. What about the death brands? What do we know about them?” Elrond asked.

“Well, we know that they foretell supposedly when you will die, how you will die and who will be with you when you die. We also know that they are marked on the person, they don’t just pop up like daisies after winter. But what do those two facts tell us?” Elrohir asked confusedly.

“Who do we know that holds a grudge against Legolas ion nîn?” Elrond asked sarcastically. Elrohir looked confusedly at his father before realization struck him.

“Thranduil either whipped Legolas or had someone do it for him. My guess would be that someone did it for him. Thranduil may despise his son but he still hasn’t the heart to harm Legolas on his own.” Elrond explained, narrowing their conclusion.

“But what about the death brands? Thranduil hasn’t the mind or the skill to do that either?” Elrohir queried.

“Someone else would’ve done that as well. Thranduil thinks he has all the evidence hidden but he knows as well as we do that he hates his son enough to want him killed but I never thought it was this bad. I feel I have actually done Legolas a favour by bringing him back here.” Elrond replied. Elrond then made a realization of his own.

“The night before Legolas and I left, I had an argument with Thranduil. I told him there were two reasons why Legolas didn’t wake. I told him one reason but the other I told him to figure out by himself. The other reason was that Legolas feared him but now I understand why Legolas fears him. It is because of what Thranduil has put Legolas through. Now that I begin to think of that night, where is Arwen?” Elrond asked.

“I believe she is in her quarters.” Elrohir replied. One of the healers then burst through the door with Erestor close behind.

“What is it?” Elrond asked as he stood, ready to face the worst.

Legolas looked up to see light pouring through the windows of the Houses of Healing in Imladris. It felt like it was going to be a beautiful day, one that he would sadly not be able to enjoy. His side was more painful than it had been since it had been pierced by an arrow that sad day two years ago. He heard the door open and looked to his right to see Elrond coming towards him.

“How are you feeling this fine morning Legolas?” Elrond asked as he sat down next to the elf.

“Alright but I must admit, I have felt much better on many other occasions.” Legolas replied as he attempted to sit up.

Elrond gently pushed the elf back down onto the bed and Legolas smiled. One of the other healers walked past and handed Elrond a cup.

“Legolas can you drink this for me?” Elrond asked.

“Well I could if you would let me sit up.” Legolas joked.

*Well at least he hasn’t lost his sense of humour from that poison* Elrond thought as he helped the young elf to sit up. He handed Legolas the cup and watched hopefully as Legolas drank.

After Legolas had handed the cup back to Elrond and he was lying down again Legolas chuckled.

“What?” Elrond asked.

“I should be asking what not you for one thing. What was that foul liquid?” Legolas asked.

“Legolas, in that water skin the orcs gave you, I believe there was a poison in it called mórsad. It is usually used when the victim is already injured and turns the skin around the injury black. The thing is though; you didn’t consume it until after they had injured your back so therefore, it has affected your side. The liquid I just gave you is the antidote. Sleep now and I will wake you later. If you wake before I get back I forbid you to attempt to get out of bed or to try anything stupid.” Elrond ordered.

“Alright.” Legolas replied simply. Elrond shook his head in disbelief, mainly for the fact Legolas had listened, unlike Elladan, Elrohir and Estel ever did. He stood and headed for the door as he passed by one of the other healers he requested they keep an eye on Legolas until he returned.

Elrond then went in search of Glorfindel. The elf lord was in the library arguing with Erestor about some trivial topic Elrond didn’t pay any attention to.

“Glorfindel, I need you to deliver a message to Lasgalen for me.” Elrond requested as Erestor stormed off.

“To whom does this message need be delivered to?” Glorfindel asked as he took the note from Elrond.

“To Thranduil. Go as fast as you can and make sure he comes as fast as possible.” Elrond replied. “Tell him that it is urgent and that Legolas is involved, nothing else.” he continued.

“I shall leave immediately.” Glorfindel replied before he bowed and ran off to gather his things.

*Now what to do?* Elrond thought as he wandered down to the gardens by the river.

“Ada!” someone called. Elrond looked around to see Elrohir rushing towards him.

“Mana ná sa ion nîn?” Elrond asked as he stood up.

“Elladan fell, hit his head. Erestor’s with him but he wants you.” Elrohir explained hurriedly.

“Where is he?” Elrond asked as he began to walk back towards the house.

“By the stairs leading down to the gardens, he was going to find you.” Elrohir replied. The pair then took off.

*          *          *

Elladan lay on the ground clutching his temple. Blood ran down his face and into his eyes, blinding him but he didn’t care about that, he wanted his Ada.

Elrond ran up to his son and lifted him onto his lap. He quickly looked over his son and when his eyes returned the crack on the side of Elladan’s head.

“Oh Elladan, what am I ever going to do with you?” Elrond asked as he held his son. “What happened?” Elrond asked hastily as he picked Elladan up in his arms.

“He was looking for you. I asked him why but he wouldn’t tell me. Then he got angry and I accidentally pushed him down the . . .” Elrohir trailed off.

“Don’t worry Elrohir, this wasn’t your fault.” Elrond replied softly. “Erestor, take Elrohir back to his room and calm him down before he kills himself. I’ll take Elladan.” Elrond instructed.

“Why would he kill himself milord?” Erestor asked.

“He’s believes he has harmed his twin, you know how Elrohir is.” Elrond whispered. Erestor nodded before leading Elrohir away.

“Elladan can you hear me?” Elrond whispered to the elf in his arms.

“I can.” Elladan replied faintly.

“Whatever you do don’t fall asleep alright?” Elrond pleaded.

“Ni indóme Ada.” Elladan replied.

Elrond carried his son all the way to the Houses of healing and by the time he reached a bed he practically dropped his son.

“I’m getting too old for this.” Elrond joked. A cough was all Elrond gained. He knelt down next to his son who was barely awake. “Are you alright Elladan?” Elrond asked feeling rather stupid, his son was covered in blood and he was asking whether he was alright.

“I’ve been better. Ada, can I tell you something?” Elladan asked in little more than a whisper. Elrond nodded silently. “I’m glad you’re here. Elrohir didn’t mean what he did but I still trust you more than anyone.” Elladan whispered.

“I know. I’m going to go and find some bits and pieces so I can hopefully fix your head but I can tell you now there will be permanent damage.” Elrond joked. Elladan smiled as Elrond stood and walked towards his store cupboard. He gathered the objects he would need and returned to Elladan’s bedside.

As he cleared the blood away from Elladan’s newly acquired injuries, Elrond’s gaze turned towards Legolas who still slept soundly. His breathing seemed fine and he didn’t wince the way he had for the past few days when he shifted in his sleep. Yet something was still wrong that Elrond couldn’t quite figure out.

“Ada?” Elladan asked worriedly.

“I’m fine. So what number is this now? I believe you’re up to injury number four thousand, six hundred and seventy – two?” Elrond joked as he continued the task at hand.

Soon enough, Elladan was all patched up and sleeping as he usually did after he acquired another injury.

Elrond had taken up his usual position next to Legolas and was watching him sleep, trying to pinpoint what exactly was still wrong.

“Lord Elrond, Elrohir wishes to speak with you.” Erestor said as he sat down next to Elrond.

“Tell him I’ll talk with him later.” Elrond replied.

“No, not later. Now! Elrond, you have become obsessed with trying to keep Legolas alive. He will be fine with me for a while no go and talk to Elrohir!” Erestor instructed angrily.

Hesitantly, Elrond stood and departed for Elrohir’s room.

Elrond didn’t bother to knock on the door for he knew his son wouldn’t bother answering it.

“What is it Elrohir?” Elrond asked as he sat down next to his son on the bed.

“I’ve hurt him Ada. I pushed him and I hurt him.” Elrohir exclaimed shakily.

“It is alright ion nîn. You may have pushed him but you did not harm him. You have done nothing wrong Elrohir. Why don’t you go and sit with him? He’s sleeping but I think he would be glad to wake up and see your face.” Elrond suggested. Elrohir nodded silently and the pair headed back toward the Houses of Healing.

“Hannon le Ada.” Elrohir said out of the blue.

“What for?” Elrond asked even though he knew the answer.

“For being here.”