Title: Inside the Darkness

Author: Morgana (morganalebeau@yahoo.com)

Website: http://www.oocities.org/morganalebeau/

Rating: NC-17

Pairing / Main characters: Legolas/Lurtz, minor Elrond/Glorfindel

Series/Sequel: followed by Acceptance

Summary: Legolas finds himself in dangerous company (Lurtz) when he seeks refuge in a cave after a battle.

Disclaimer: Only borrowing Tolkien's characters for my fantasy.

Archive/distribution: Yes, just drop me a note telling me where you're archiving it.

Date: Dec 2002

Warning: some violence

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Inside the Darkness

By Morgana

 

Chapter One

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

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

The blood left a distinct trial on the damp earth, but he didn't have the time or the energy to hide his tracks. Creeping deeper down in to the bowels of Middle Earth, he finally collapsed in a heap. The pain in his leg overwhelmed him, causing him to lose consciousness. Legolas' eyes turned blank and his breathing grew shallow as he slipped into a deep, black, sleep.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Chapter Two - Questions

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

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

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

"You're injured..."

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

"And you're cold..."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Chapter Three - First Steps

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You already know my name..."

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

"Legolas..."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Do you now also think me a liar?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Legolas sighed deeply. "What question?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Chapter Four - Added injuries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Eat." Lurtz handed him some meat.

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

"Don't forget to drink."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Chapter Five - The River

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

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

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

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

"But I wanted to."

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

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

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

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

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

"You seem better today," noticed Lurtz.

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

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

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

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

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

Lurtz turned around and walked toward the river.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"It's big enough for you."

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

Lurtz shrugged his shoulders. "I will manage."

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

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

"Hold on."

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

"We're almost there..."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You're bleeding..."

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

"You saved my life..."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Mirkwood?"

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

"Legolas?"

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

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

"Foolish?" whispered a sleepy Legolas.

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

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

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

 

Chapter Six - Attack

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

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

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

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

Lurtz frowned. "Who are?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What are you doing?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Troubled?"

"Our attackers..."

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

"You need to have faith."

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

"Nay, not any more," protested Legolas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Legolas, wake up..."

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

"You know him?"

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

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

"His horse? Where is it?"

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

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

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

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

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

 

Chapter Seven

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Aye?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Glorfindel, stop. Lurtz is falling behind!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Nay, I can find the way."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Chapter Eight - Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lurtz beamed with pride at hearing Elrond's words.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Growing hopeful at hearing those words, Glorfindel lifted his eyes, wondering if he was looking at Elrond or not. "I cannot longer carry out my duties without help. I failed you."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I am counting on your healing powers to restore the damage. It will be a few days before we will find out..." Elrond smiled warmly. "And we both know that patience isn't one of your virtues."

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

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

 

Chapter Nine - The mirror

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

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

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

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

"I hope I am not interrupting..."

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

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

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

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

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

"I see they fit," said Elrond pleased.

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

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

Lurtz briefly felt confused. What was Elrond offering?

"Let me comb and braid your hair."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lurtz gulped. "My intensions?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elrond nodded and left.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suddenly Glorfindel froze. "What are you doing?"

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

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

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

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

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

"Aye, I am still awake."

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

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

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

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

"Rest now, sleep."

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

"Sleep, meldir, sleep..."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"And he returns your feelings."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Aye," whispered Glorfindel, panting softly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Aye, I promise..."

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

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

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

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

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

Unable to fight the suggestion Glorfindel relaxed and dozed off.

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

 

Go on to Part2