Chapter 34 – Recovery

Istion could not believe what he had said to the Prince. Granted that Legolas’ words were hurtful but it was no excuse to lose his own temper. It was juvenile to accuse Legolas of not understanding Rhinure. It was a fact that Istion has known her longer and knew her better, but to highlight it, to gloat over it, was inexcusable. What Legolas felt was Legolas’ right; Istion should not have reacted to it. 

He should have been more mindful of the Avari maxim – Feel, but do not let others affect what you feel. He wished Ehtewen had been there, she would have made sure he did not disgrace himself as he had.

When Istion turned to Legolas, his face was calm and his voice controlled, “My lord, where is the First Guard?”

Legolas marvelled at how quickly Istion has reconstructed himself. He seemed perfectly unruffled now, but Legolas knew it all to be a front. Istion’s knuckles were white because he clenched his sword too tightly. His face was expressionless, but too much so. It took great control to present such a mask, great presence of mind to hide everything. The Wood-elves were a lot more open and honest about their feelings. If someone unjustly hurt them, they would not hide behind false pretence. The Avari on the other hand, hid everything as Legolas was beginning to learn. He would have to watch them very carefully in order to catch the tiny signals they did send out.

Like Istion was sending out right now, he was impatient – to receive an answer. “She was injured as well – orc poison.”

“Does she mend?”

“I do not know; I have not seen her. I came to find you.”

Istion paused, did that mean that he had not gone to see Mistress Rhinure either? Istion turned to face the Prince of Mirkwood, looking into the older elf’s eyes, “Have you seen Mistress Rhinure yet?”

Legolas shook his head, “No, I came to find you as soon as I heard about her … injury.”

Istion tilted his head as he looked at Legolas. He did not understand, and Legolas’ emotions were just confusing him further – there was such sorrow in the Prince’s eyes. That Istion could comprehend, but where did the desperation come from and why?

“Why, my lord?”

Legolas could not answer the question himself. Why had he gone to find Istion when he should have been with Rhinure? When he had wanted to be with Rhinure? Even now a part of him chafed with impatience – he wanted to see his wife. He answered carefully, “I wanted … I thought she would like to see you when she woke up. Have someone there who cared for her … who she cared for.”

Istion nodded, as if it was everyday someone showed such consideration for his Sacrifice, “Then we better hurry and find her before she wakes up.” With that Istion walked off towards the camp.

Legolas stared at the Avari, and then headed after him – a small smile on his lips.

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Legolas and Istion made their way towards the makeshift shelter that had been constructed for the injured. Rhinure and Ehtewen were the most seriously injured, but even from the distance Legolas could see that some of the Elves were hurt badly. A few leg wounds, which made rising well near impossible, and a few wounds to the shoulder meant that a total of six elves were out commission.

Legolas turned to Istion, “Were any more of the Avari injured?”

“A few scratches here and there, but nothing to justify prolonged convalescence.”

Legolas nodded and turned to Herenion who was waiting for his Prince, “We need to move, do we not?”

“Yes, Elfling. The area is defensible in a pinch, but with the wounded I would rather not take the chance.”

Legolas turned to Faelon, “How far are we from the nearest settlement?”

“A few hours at the most.”

“Are there any more injured as seriously as Lady Ehtewen and … Lady Rhinure?” Herenion looked at Legolas closely, noting the worry in his eyes. Legolas shook his head, when he saw the concerned look in his bodyguards face.

“I am worried about her, Herenion. But I need to look to the rest of my people first.”

Herenion smiled and concurred, though the anxiety remained on his face.

Faelon shook his head at the Prince’s earlier question, “I do not believe so, my Lord.”

“Can the injured be moved?”

Herenion answered for Felon, “I talked to the Healer - most of the injured can ride, uncomfortably but they can still hang on to a horse. The leg injuries can double up with other riders. It is only Lady Ehtewen the healer was concerned about.”

“And Lady Rhinure?” Legolas had to ask.

“The Princess needs rest more than anything. She is weak from the blood loss but not in any danger.” Herenion could feel the tension drain out of Legolas. He glanced towards Istion, and was surprised to note that even he looked relieved. Were the Avari becoming easier to read, or was he becoming better at reading them?

Either way … Herenion mentally shrugged and continued, “It does not seem likely she will get much rest on a damp floor in the middle of the forest.”

“Then it would be prudent to move her, would it not?” Legolas smiled, knowing that Herenion had told him what he wanted to hear.

“Yes, my Lord. If you think it is best, then it would be prudent to move her.”

Legolas nodded, having made up his mind, “Then, if we can figure out a way to move Lady Ehtewen without risking her we will fall back to the settlement. Faelon, tell the Captain of the Patrol, that whatever happens, he is to take the majority of his company and try to find out if there are any more Orcs lurking about. We can defend ourselves adequately for now. I want you to go with them and scout of the area, starting from where we were first ambushed.”

Faelon saluted and was about to turn when Istion spoke up, “My Lord, may the Avari join the patrol as well?”

Legolas nodded absent-mindedly, thinking of what else he had to do, “Agorion already asked me if he could go, to look for your Blades. I agreed.”

“It is not only that, my Lord. The Avari are familiar with this area and would be able to help Scout. They are all Hunters.”

“Hunters?”

“They are like your Border Patrol, but we hunt … orcs.”

“Is it … usual to travel with Hunters?” Legolas asked a little suspiciously. The Border Patrol were not the usual choice of escort for a Princess.

“My Lord, since Mistress Rhinure planned the ambush, the Hunters were the obvious choice. Otherwise, we would have an Escort accompany the Sacrifice.”

“So you are telling me that the Avari travelling with us are specialist Orc hunters?”

Istion nodded, eliciting a wide smile from Legolas. “Remind me to thank your Mistress. Avari help would be welcome.” Sending some of the Avari with the Patrol meant that the injured would be protected by the Wood-Elves – as Legolas would have wanted it. He did not think that the Avari would be welcomed by the village people, and rightly so.

“My Lord, since it is unlikely that the Avari presence will be … appreciated in the village,” Istion raised his eyebrow at Legolas’ frown, challenging him to refute the assertion. When Legolas could not, Istion continued, “May I suggest sending an Avari back to the Palace to inform the King about what has happened. He can then send a larger escort and supplies.”

Legolas nodded, it was a good idea – one less Avari to worry about.

“Do you trust us enough to look after Lady Rhinure?” Faelon blurted out, much to Legolas’ displeasure.

“She is your Princess, is she not?”

Faelon nodded, wishing he had not asked the question – it was just that the Avari did not seem to trust anyone, let alone the Wood-elves.

“Then you will protect her.” It was a flat statement, not only indicating Istion’s certainty but also carrying an undercurrent of menace in it. The Avari would not be pleased if anything happened to Rhinure.

“Now, may I see my Mistress?” Istion asked Legolas.

In reply, Legolas turned around and entered the shelter, signalling Istion to follow.

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The light was dim inside the shelter but more than enough for Legolas to see clearly. His eyes naturally gravitated to where Rhinure was lying – with her eyes closed. Seeing her like that, her beautiful black eyes closed, struck Legolas very hard. It was like looking at a corpse; her naturally pale colouring, now looking completely grey, only intensifying the illusion. For a moment, an unbearably long moment, Legolas forgot to breath.

*~ If anything had happened to her … ~*

Legolas felt paralysed, not sure if it was the thought of Rhinure dead which frightened him so much or the thought of losing her.

“Mistress,” Istion’s soft voice made him concentrate on Rhinure’s prone form again. The Avari guard was kneeling beside her, gripping the edge of the blanket desperately. Legolas noted that Istion was careful not to touch Rhinure at all.

“Mistress?” Istion repeated Rhinure’s title again, not sure what difference it would make. Maybe he hoped that hearing his voice would make Rhinure wake up? Maybe he hoped for some movement from his Sacrifice? Either way, he was disappointed. If not for Rhinure’s steady breathing, Istion would have sworn that Rhinure had died. It was a most unpleasant thought.

“She will not wake for a few hours as yet,” the Healer’s soft voice made both Istion and Legolas turn. “I have sedated her to make sure she gets some sleep.”

“She will recover?” Istion asked, when Legolas found that his voice refused to work.

The Healer nodded.

“And the First Guard?”

“She is a more complicated case. I managed to stop the poison from spreading but it will take time for her to recover.”

“She will not be happy to hear that,” Istion commented casually, his concentration back on Rhinure.

The Healer frowned, “And why is that? I would have thought she would have be glad that we managed …”

“Grateful, yes. She will be grateful for what you have done for her But the First Guard is a notoriously … difficult patient. She does not like to be confined. I doubt that even her death bed will hold her for long.”

Legolas blinked, the Avari had made a joke. The Avari had a sense of humour? He smiled at the absurdity of the thought, had not Rhinure teased him enough for him to realise that the Avari had their own brand of sardonic humour?

Istion looked up at the Healer and Legolas wondered if it was a joke or not. He could imagine Ehtewen being seriously unhappy at the thought of being an invalid, not matter how short a time it was. He could sympathise with the feeling.

“Can Lady Ehtewen be moved?”

The Healer looked at his patient and thought about his answer, “Where do you want to move her to?”

“The nearest settlement is a few hours away. I do not plan to attempt a journey back to the Palace at this very moment.”

“Good. I would prefer not to move her, but then I would also prefer to have boiled water and a soft bed – not this makeshift shelter.”

“Then we will move her. Can you construct some sort of stretcher which the horses can pull?”

“I believe so, my Prince.”

“Then get to it.” The Healer saluted his Prince and went out.

Legolas turned to look at Istion again, who was alternating his looks between Rhinure and Ehtewen, “They will both make it out of this.”

“Can you promise me that?” Istion asked seriously.

For a moment, Legolas was reminded, *~ Mommy always said that princes never lied. ~* And they did not, if Legolas had anything to say about it.

“I will do whatever I can to make sure of it, but I cannot promise you.”

Istion nodded, pleased that the Prince had not sugar-coated his words, it was a mark of respect and was recognised as such, “That will do.”

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Legolas would have like to spend time with Rhinure alone, touch her pale check to feel if any warmth was left in that body, but he found that he did not have the strength to move. Or deny Istion this time with his Mistress, the Avari elf had not moved since he had entered the tent. His eyes were firmly focused on Rhinure’s face as if willing her to wake up. The determination that Legolas saw in the younger elf’s eyes was frightening. It was the look of a child about to lose his loved one – the look of a soldier about to lose his general.

Legolas watched Rhinure closely but Istion even more so. He watched with his elven senses fully alert, as he would watch a feared enemy. The Avari were not open with what they thought and felt but they could not hide completely – if you knew what to look for. And Legolas was beginning to learn – there were signs, subtle but present nonetheless.

Of course, this was hardly a usual situation.

Legolas almost leapt up from the ground, when Rhinure moaned stirred. Her soft moan made him clench the earth beneath his fingers, trying to steady himself. Watching another Elf in such a helpless situation was painful for Legolas. Watching an elleth in pain was even worse, since it brought all of Legolas’ protective instincts to the fore. Watching his wife in pain was cruel and unusual punishment.

 He watched with a rising sense of helplessness as Rhinure shifted uneasily in her sleep. The blanket slipped down from her shoulders and Legolas saw her wound for the first time. Though it was expertly bandaged a little blood still flowed, enough to stain the white cloth. How could he have not realised that she was hurt? If anything happened to her, it would be his fault.

Legolas felt as if someone has sliced his own shoulder, his entire body ached with sympathetic pain. He watched in silence and Istion gently lifted the blanket back to Rhinure’s shoulders, smoothing it down. Legolas got to his feet, causing Istion to look up at the Prince.

“My lord, are you feeling alright?”

“Yes, my shoulder is just paining. I think I should go show it to the Healer.” Legolas did not say that he needed to get away from Rhinure, needed to get away from her pain because it hurt him too much.

“That would be sensible, my Lord.”

“We will move to the settlement as soon as the Healer has completed the stretcher.”

Istion nodded, looking over at Ehtewen who was sleeping as if dead. He did not notice the almost yearning look Legolas turned on Rhinure before he left the shelter.

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Herenion looked up when Legolas emerged. He wanted to comfort his little Prince but was not sure where to begin. He settled for a smile, “Will you be all right, Elfling?”

“Yes, Herenion. I really do not have much of a choice do I?”

“Not really.”

“Then I will be fine.”

“Is Rhinure feeling any better?”

“She is still asleep … Istion is with her now.”

“Why did you not stay with her?”

“I have other duties, and … she would prefer having Istion with her.”

“You would deny her the choice, Legolas?”

Legolas shook his head, “I want to be there when she wakes, Herenion … but I do not know if she would welcome it.”

“If she does not she will tell you to leave.”

“No, Herenion, I do not believe she would. I am her Lord, she will not deny me what I wish.”

Herenion did not know what to say to refute Legolas’ conviction. It was not as if he knew Rhinure any better, and from what he knew it would be an Avari trait to ignore what was unpleasant. He squeezed Legolas shoulder in sympathy and the Prince smiled.

“But for now, Herenion, I have things to see to, elves to care for. Then I will look to my wife. Come.”

“As my Lord commands.”

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The Elves were ready to move out in an hour. Legolas watched with pride as his Elves helped the wounded onto horses, noting the care with which they treated their comrades. Istion had gently placed Ehtewen on the improvised stretcher which had been hitched on to two horses. It would not be a pleasant journey but Legolas had wanted to move as soon as possible.

The Avari had watched Istion very closely when Rhinure had been brought up. Though Legolas would have liked her to ride with him, he felt it was not his place. He was needed in front and carrying a wounded elleth in his arms – even if the elleth happened to be his wife, was unacceptable. And he did not think the Avari would have been very happy about it. The way they watched Istion, the warning in their eyes if he should hurt Rhinure, told Legolas that he had made the right decision.

Of course, making the right decision did not improve his mood any.

As he gave the command to move out, he had to bolt his head in one place to not keep looking behind at Rhinure’s contingent to see how she was faring.

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“I do not understand why Princess Rhinure does not ride with the Prince,” Faelon mumbled under his breath having seen the way his Prince kept looking back. He saw the effort it was taking Legolas to keep the glances to the barest minimum.

“He probably feels it is best,” Scout Râdien commented mildly, being of a more placid temperament than the Lieutenant, he was not cross at his Prince, just intrigued.

“How can it be best if he pays more attention to her then where his horse is going?” Faelon said quietly, making absolutely sure that no one else heard him. It was one thing to complain about his Prince to a friend, completely different for a Lieutenant to criticise his Commander.

“Maybe you would like to ask him?”

“I think not. Prince Legolas is wonderful and all but sometimes he reminds me too much of the King.”

“Translation, he would not take kindly to your interference.”

“My concern.”

“Concern, interference – it does not matter, he has made his decision.”

Faelon opened his mouth to protest when he saw Agorion approaching him. He quickly silenced himself – no Avari was going to hear a Wood-elf complaining – being concerned.

“Lieutenant, if I may ask, when will we reach this Settlement?”

“In about half an hour, if not sooner.”

Agorion nodded, and made to head back when Faelon stopped him, “If you would stay for a moment, there are a few questions I would like to ask you.”

“As you wish,” Agorion acquiesced, reining his horse to ride next to Faelon.

“So all of you Avari are orc hunters?” Faelon asked, trying to be casual and failing miserably. Râdien stopped himself from laughing but just barely.

“Yes, we are Hunters.”

“Do you hunt only orcs, or other things as well?” Râdien asked, curious.

“I think the word we use loses something in translation. We are the Avari’s battle arm, specialising in ambushing and attacking our enemy. We hunt and kill them. It is not meant to be a literal term.”

 Faelon and Râdien looked at each other, “So you are like assassins?”

“If the need arises, we can be.”

“Why then would you be pulling escort duty? Was trouble expected?” Faelon asked, hoping to get some information from the Avari. The wood-elves had not been expecting the orc attack; maybe the Avari had. At this point, that would be a more palatable alternative than thinking that the orcs had penetrated the borders without detection.

“No, we did not expect trouble, but Mistress Rhinure wanted to use us to ambush you.”

“Ah yes, how could I forget that.” Faelon’s jaw clenched at the thought of that debacle.

 “You seem angry at what we did.”

“Would you not be?” Râdien asked, mild mannered or not, he did not appreciate being embarrassed.

“No, I would not be angry. I would make sure it never happened again. For it to happen once is a mistake, when it happens again it is carelessness.”

Râdien decided that it would be a good idea to change the subject when he noted the way Faelon was clenching his fists. “Is it unusual for Princess Rhinure to use Hunters in such practise games?”

“You are some of the best that Mirkwood has to offer; to pit you against anything less than the best the Avari have would be dishonourable.”

Both Wood-elves blinked, this was certainly a novel way to look at things.

“The best?”

“Yes, the Hunters are the Avari’s best warriors. There are only a handful of Avari are better than us. Mistress Rhinure and her guards are three of them, but excluding these, none rival us.”

“You think we are the best?”

“Mistress Rhinure thought that of you, which is why she did not hold back. Though an Avari Escort force is also highly capable, they are not used to ambushing. They are mainly defensive.”

Râdien looked at Agorion, not sure whether to be flattered or angry, “Why would it be dishonourable to use an escort force?”

Agorion looked at the Wood-elves, wondering why they were making him spell out everything, “To use a defensive force against an offensive company, such as yourself, would have indicated that Mistress Rhinure did not think you strong enough to stand against us. That would be underestimating you – which would not only be an insult to your skills but also foolhardiness on her part. Mistress Rhinure is never foolish.”

Faelon grinned, deciding that he was going to take this as a compliment. He was not one to remain angry for long, “And very right she would have been.” He clapped the Avari on the back, thinking he could become fond of this dark elf.

Agorion hissed in pain.

“Oh, forgive me. I forgot.”

Agorion narrowed his eyes and looked at Faelon, not sure whether to believe him or not.

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The Villagers were very surprised to see the warriors and well near died of shock when they saw their Prince alight from his horse.

“Your Highness, we did not know you were near. What can we do for you?”

Legolas smiled tiredly at the Elf who has been sent to greet him. He tended to forget the awe royalty caused amongst the rest of the Wood-elves. Being treated as a Prince was slightly unnerving, especially with Herenion smirking behind his back.

“We were attacked by Orcs. We have wounded with us. We would like shelter for a few days, if you will have us.”

“My lord, you do not have to ask. We are your subjects, we will obey.”

“Nevertheless, I am asking you. Will you have us?”

“It would be our pleasure.”

Legolas smiled and signalled the Company to dismount. Istion came up behind Legolas, still carrying Rhinure in his arms. “Master Elf, this is my wife, Princess Rhinure. As you can see she had been seriously injured. If you have a bed for …”

“Say no more, my Lord. If you would follow me.”

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Legolas made sure that Rhinure – and Ehtewen – were settled comfortable before he went to talk to his troops. He repeated his orders to the Patrol, emphasising the importance of finding any remnants of the Orcs. As Leg has predicted, the villagers were not comfortable with the silent Avari who did not smile or move. They were a horde of shadows standing in the middle of this happy village. Legolas shook his head, glad that he had taken Istion up on his suggestion.

When he saw Istion emerge from the house the villagers had provided for the wounded, he called out to the Avari. “Istion, would you explain to the Avari what is expected of them?”

“My Lord, if you so wish. But why do you not do it yourself?”

Legolas blinked, “I did not think they would obey me.”

“My Lord, when Mistress Rhinure saluted you, she acknowledged you Commander, until she or her successor decides otherwise, the Avari are yours to command.”

“Who would her successor be?”

“Since the First Guard is injured, and the Second Guard dead, I am ranking Avari. And I see no reason to change Mistress Rhinure’s decision.”

“Who is the Company’s Captain?”

“I am, my Lord.” Agorion stepped forward.

“Can you ride with your injury?”

“Of course, my Lord. It is not my sword arm.”

 Legolas nodded, “You will follow my orders in battle. Otherwise I will trust the Avari to your discretion.”

At this Herenion started, “You are going with the Patrol?”

“Of course.”

“But what about Lady Rhinure?” Both Istion and Agorion turned to look at Legolas.

“I want to stay, but my duty is with my people.”

Faelon stepped forward, “My Lord you need not come with us. We understand what you want done and we will see it done.”

Legolas tried to object but Faelon cut him off, “With all due respect, my Lord, your attention will clearly be with the Princess and not on the terrain. It would be best if you stayed.”

Once again, Legolas tried to object when Istion cut him off this time, “My lord, someone has to stay with Mistress Rhinure.”

Legolas started, “You will be with her.”

“No my Lord, I must ride with the Avari. We have lost much today and with Mistress Rhinure and the First Guard both injured, my not riding will aggravate the problem.”

*~ I must show the Avari that all is fine. ~*

Legolas nodded, understanding the need to re-assure the Avari, even if Istion had not stated it exactly like that. He looked at the Elves, all clearly wanting him to stay. He did not know why he was fighting it, he wanted to stay. Faelon was right, he would be thinking of Rhinure and not the task at hand, which would make him a liability. He would not endanger his Elves.

“I will stay.”

Herenion and Faelon smiled in relief, Istion and Agorion saluted Legolas.

Legolas turned to go back to his wife when Istion low voice made him turn around again, “My Lord, promise me that she will not wake up alone. Pledge to me that you will remain by her side.”

“She will not wake alone, I vow to you.”

Istion clasped Legolas’ forearm, warrior to warrior and then turned to join his waiting Avari.

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