Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

Love's Redemption	By : mthorsta Category: -Multi-Age > Het - Male/Female Views: 7108 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 8
- 9
- 10
Chapter 7 - Darkness Falls
  Legolas stood up and looked at the men scornfully. �She is gravely injured! She needs a healer.�

  �I do not see any healers about, do you? You are wasting my time!�

  Legolas knew he had no authority over these men, but he had to find someway to help her. She was in a terrible state. If she had stolen the horse, it was certainly out of desperation and did not warrant such treatment.

  �What do you mean to do with your �prisoner�?� Legolas asked.

  �She is to be taken to Emyn Arnen and put in the dungeon to await judgment�if she makes it, that is.� He said coldly.

  Legolas did not like the sound of that. �Who is your captain?�

  �Beregond, not that it is any of your concern.�

  �So, they are under Faramir�s command. This could be to some advantage.� Legolas thought. �Prince Faramir is a friend of mine. If you would allow me to accompany you to Emyn Arnen, I wish to take this matter up with him.�

  �Do as you like, elf, but should you try to thwart us or help her escape, we will kill you both.�

  �May I have your name?�

  �I am Cirion; this is Ereganth.� He said pointing to the other man.

  �Cirion, I give you my word.�
  Cirion, who was clearly the ranking officer, ordered Ereganth to ready the horses. �We leave immediately.� He told him. Legolas sprinted off into the trees to retrieve his own. When he returned, they had already taken Jordan and were heading down the road. As Legolas rode to catch up, he noticed they had left her pack lying on the ground where she fell. He stopped to recover it before continuing on. Jordan rode in front of Cirion, her slumped and unconscious form supported by one of his arms as he held the reigns with the other. Once Legolas had caught up to them, he maintained his pace alongside Jordan to monitor her condition.
~~~~~
  They rode hard down the Old River Road towards Emyn Arnen, every stride jarring Jordan�s already battered body. She regained consciousness just long enough to realize she was astride a horse and the kind elf who tried to help her was riding beside her. Once the sun had set, Cirion declared they would stop for the night and set up camp just off the road.

  �Cirion, it is imperative that we continue to Emyn Arnen. There is no time to delay.� Legolas pressed him.

  �Stay or go as you please, but our horses are weary and there is a new moon tonight. We will rest here; as will our captive.� He said irritatedly as he dismounted, taking Jordan with him and depositing her roughly on the ground. Legolas outwardly maintained his reserved elven composure, but inside he was seething with anger. He wished to be rid of these men and quickly!

  Through gritted teeth, he said, �I stay.�

  �Fine. You would do well to remember my warning, elf.� He said, refusing to call him by his name. �I trust you will not do anything foolish.�

   Cirion and Ereganth were not prepared for a night in the wilderness and had no provisions for setting up camp. They were close enough to the river, however, where they could get water to drink and wash up. With no tents or bedding, they would be sleeping on the bare ground, so they gathered wood for a fire. Legolas had planned carefully for his scouting mission and had all that he needed. Noticing the men�s plight, he was smugly satisfied. Legolas knelt beside Jordan and tried to rouse her to sip some water.

  Touching her arm, he called to her, �Lady Jordan?� She did not respond. He shook her very gently and said, �Lady Jordan, you must open your eyes. You need to drink this.� He brushed the stray hairs away from her face.

   Slowly she began to come around. �Lady Jordan? Where am I? Oh, it�s that elf.�

  �You�re still here.� She whispered.

  He smiled. �Yes. I am still here. Let me help you sit up against this tree.� Jordan winced in pain as Legolas tried to move her but he eventually maneuvered her to where she was resting as comfortably as possible against the tree trunk. He gave her a small sip of water from his water skin. Then, ripping a piece of fabric from his tunic, he dampened it and proceeded to gently wipe the dried blood and dirt from her face. �Will you be all right here?�

  �Yes. Where are you taking me?�

  �These men are taking you to Emyn Arnen to answer for stealing their horse.�

  Jordan immediately became angry. �I went for days without food or water! I needed�Oh!� She scrunched her face up in pain and her breathing became rapid and shallow.

  �Please, do not excite yourself, my lady. All will be well. Prince Faramir is a friend of mine and a good man. I will talk to him on your behalf.�

  �So, you are not with them?� Jordan said and then let out a strangled cry of pain as she shifted position slightly.

  �No. What pains you my lady?�

  �My ribs are broken and every movement, even breathing, is excruciating.�

  �How do you know this?�

  �I am a doc�um, a healer.�

  �A healer?� He said, surprised. �Do you have any of your medicines with you? You could instruct me on how to use them.�

  �No, I don�t.� She said mournfully.

  �I have some dried fruit; do you feel well enough to eat?�

  �Oh, please. I am so hungry.�
  Legolas ran to get the small bundle of dried fruit from his pack. Legolas waited patiently while she nibbled on the fruit. When she was done, he gave her another sip of water.

  �Why did you seem surprised to see an elf?�

  �Because I have never seen one before.�

  �You have never seen an elf?� He asked incredulously.

  �No. I have only read about your kind.�

  �Forgive me if I frightened you, then.�

  �It�s all right.� There were so many questions he wished to ask her like where she came from and why she was in the forest alone with no food or water, but he could tell that speaking was very trying and she needed to rest.
~~~~~
  The men returned with each an armload of wood, dumping it on the ground. Noticing their close proximity, Cirion intervened; unsheathing his sword and pointing it at Legolas.

  �All right. That�s enough out of you. Get back.� He said, motioning with his sword to move away.

  �Please, allow me to at least set up a place for her to rest.�

  Cirion huffed. �This nosy elf will not give up!� He thought. Sheathing his sword, he said, �Go! Do it then!�

  Legolas retrieved her pack from his horse and returned to the tree where she was leaning. He whispered, �I recovered your belongings. I will lay out your bedding by the fire, so you can sleep.�

  While Cirion and Ereganth scratched out a pit with sticks and started a fire, Legolas helped Jordan to get under the blankets and gave her his folded up cloak as a pillow.

   �Rest my Lady. I will be right here to watch over you.�

  Upon hearing this, Cirion said to Ereganth, �I will take the first watch.�
  While Jordan slept, she dreamt she was lost in a forest. The trees were close-in and the ground covered with thick underbrush. The forest was shrouded in dense fog making it impossible to see. Someone was chasing her. She could not see who and they never did catch her; but she had to run, and yet she couldn�t run. It was like time was in slow motion and she countlessly tripped over brush and logs. She kept running and running, searching for a way out of the forest but the scenery always stayed the same. As she stumbled and tripped and tried to run, for some reason, as dreams can be peculiar, she remembered an old poem she had read in school when she was young. Although, she could only remember a part of it, she could hear it repeating in her head:
  A terrible tale that shall be told

  Of ill-fated lovers who lost their way

  In Mallowthorn woods where the wind blows cold

  Through shadowed mists of twilight gray�
  Take heed of which has been foretold

  Lest the same end you will see

  In Mallowthorn woods where the wind blows cold

  A ghostly shadow you shall be
  For when the mists take icy hold

  Ne�er the way home you shall you recall

  In Mallowthorn woods where the wind blows cold

  When day is done and darkness falls.
  Legolas sat reclining against a tree just out of reach of the fire�s flickering light. Cirion, who had previously been standing on the opposite side of the fire against a tree keeping watch, was now slumped at its base, snoring. Legolas shook his head and sighed. The stars shone brightly through the tree branches and the sounds of crickets and the faint rushing of the river could be heard. In any other circumstance, the night would have been peaceful and calming, but instead Legolas felt frustration and an underlying sense of urgency.
  Just before the darkened skies gave way to morning light, Legolas heard Jordan moaning in her sleep. He silently moved over to where she slept to check on her. Perspiration beaded on her forehead and dampened her hair. She was tossing her head from side to side, letting out an occasional whimpering sound. He touched the palm of his hand to her forehead; she was burning up. He did not have the knowledge of a healer to understand what was wrong but he knew enough to realize her condition had worsened. He soaked a piece of soft cloth with water and gently dabbed her forehead with it. It seemed to calm her a bit but she did not awaken.

  �Lady Jordan?� He whispered; then louder, �Lady Jordan!� As he knelt over her, his long hair fell forward and swept across her face. She did not move to brush it away or respond to his voice.
   Legolas made a split-second decision to take her and depart for Emyn Arnen. He would deal with the consequences later. He worked quickly and quietly to gather up his gear and ready his horse. The men remained asleep but Legolas� movements disturbed their horses and they began to whiney and stomp at the ground. This commotion did wake Ereganth and he jumped to his feet ready for action before he even knew what the matter was. He saw Legolas� horse near the woman and Legolas about to carry her off.

  �Just where do you think you�re off to?� Ereganth said as he eyed the ground trying to find where he last left his sword.

  �I am taking her to a healer. Your delay has been most costly. She is near death.� Ereganth finally located his sword that was partially concealed by his cloak on the ground, and raised it towards Legolas.

  �You will do no such thing.� Said a menacing voice from behind Ereganth. This time, it was Cirion who spoke, already standing with sword in hand. �If she is on death�s doorstep, then let her pass through! Then we shall be done with this business and can return to our post.�

  �What manner of a man are you that you would leave a suffering woman to die? Have you no decency?�

  �Listen to me. I am a soldier. It is my duty to protect the borders of Gondor, not coddle to some ill woman.�

  �Is it not also your duty to bring rebels to justice? For that is what she is to you! Then I say to you, as a soldier of Gondor; do your duty and take her to Emyn Arnen!� Legolas said caustically.

  �I know my duties, elf,� he growled, �and I will do them at my own bidding!�

  Legolas sat with Jordan and waited while Cirion and Ereganth gathered their effects and prepared for the day�s ride. Without a word, Cirion walked over to where Jordan lay, picked her up, and unceremoniously tossed her up onto his horse. It was enough to bring her to consciousness and she opened her mouth to cry out in pain but not a sound was ushered from her lips.
~~~~~
  By that afternoon, they finally reached the gate of the outer palace wall at Emyn Arnen. The guards on watch recognized two of the three riders to be Gondorian soldiers and promptly opened the gate to let them through. Legolas and Ereganth both dismounted and handed their horses off to one of the guards to be stabled. Cirion, however, remained mounted on his horse with Jordan slumped in front of him and waited for the guards to approach him.

  �I am Naren.� One of them said bowing. �How may I be of service to you, my lord?�

  �This woman is a thief. We caught her stealing one of our horses. Take her to the dungeon. Fear not! She will not be any trouble.� He said with a laugh as he lower her into the arms of two armed guards. Legolas moved in to stand beside Cirion�s horse near Jordan. He knew they were going to imprison her. There was nothing he could do about that, but he wanted to make sure she was not hurt in the process. Then he would talk to Faramir. He stepped closer to Jordan and said,�I must leave you, but do not fear my lady, I go to seek an audience with Faramir to see about your release.�

  Cirion did not wish for Faramir to hear the elf�s side of the story. There was one way to accomplish that. Cirion pointed in Legolas� direction. �Seize the elf as well.�

  �The elf, my lord? What is his charge?�

  �Obstructing the duties of a soldier of Gondor.�

  Two of the guards flanked Legolas, grabbing him by the arms, and drug him away along with Jordan towards a group of stone outbuildings that housed the dungeon. He struggled with them but their grip held fast.

  �Cirion!� He screamed as they hauled him away still trying to wrestle out of the iron grasp of the guards.

  �Take me to Beregond. I must speak with him straight away.� Cirion ordered.
  �Release me, now!� Legolas yelled furiously at his captors. �Cirion lies! I have committed no such offense! You must let me speak to Faramir!� Nevertheless, his words fell on deaf ears. As they descended the long, dim stairwell to the dungeon, Legolas was finally able to wrench his arm out of the grip of the guard and elbowed him in the face. The other, he kicked in the stomach and as he bent over clutching his midsection in pain, Legolas delivered a blow to his head, knocking him out.

�My lady!� He shouted back as he quickly ran up the steps. �Do not be afraid. I will come back for you!� He had exited the building and was gone before the other guards even realized what had happened.
~~~~~
  Faramir, Prince of Ithilien, sat on his throne at the end of the Great Hall engaged in conversation with two guards. Beregond, Captain of Faramir�s army and personal guard strode in and stood behind the guards awaiting Faramir to address him. He gave Beregond a nod of his head to acknowledge him and said to the guards, �Leave us.�

  �Yes, my lord.� They replied and quickly left the Great Hall.

  �My Lord Faramir.� Beregond said, bowing deeply.

  �Beregond.�

  �Two men from the Southern border just brought in a woman they caught stealing one of their horses; and an elf they say tried to help the woman escape their custody. They are both being held in the dungeon now. I wish to know what you would like me to do with them.�

  �A woman you say? That is unusual. From what realm does she come?�

  �I know not. She has not spoken; she is injured. Her manner of dress is strange.�

  �Tend to her injuries. When she is well, administer the customary punishment. Then, take her back to where she came from. Now, what of this elf? What is his name?�

  �I was not given that information, my lord; I was only given a description of his appearance.�

  Beregond was just about to continue when Legolas burst into the hall, pushing past the guards trying to prevent this sudden intrusion.

  �Faramir, I must speak with you at once.�

  �That is the elf! He has escaped. Seize him!� Beregond commanded.

  �Legolas?� This is who you say tried to help a prisoner escape? I do not believe it! Release him.�

  �My lord!� Beregond protested.

  �Release him!� Faramir repeated. They let Legolas go and he rushed to stand before Faramir�s throne.

  �Legolas. Do you care to explain the meaning of all of this?�

  �Faramir, I give you my word, I did not do as they say.�

  �I will�� Faramir started but Legolas cut him off. �Forgive me for my bluntness, Faramir, but this is a matter of urgency. I did not come to speak with you regarding my innocence but of a woman your men have imprisoned in the dungeon.�

  �Ah, yes. The mysterious woman, again. It seems you are not the only one with something to say about her. Beregond here has already spoken to me of her capture. What is this urgency?�

  �She calls herself Jordan. She is severely injured and was ill-treated by Beregond�s men. I accompanied them to ensure that no further harm came to her. She needs to be taken to a healer in all haste.�

  �I understand your concern, but there is no cause for alarm. I am aware of her injuries, Legolas. I have advised Beregond to see that they are taken care of. I was not informed, however, that she was mistreated by the men. What of this, Beregond?�
  Eowyn was making her way down one of the corridors to the Great Hall when she heard raised voices. She stopped just short of the hall and stood in the shadows, listening intently.
  �I was told that she appeared to be an inexperienced rider and that her injuries were due to a fall from the horse, my lord. The woman has not spoken to accuse her captors of any abuse.� Beregond explained.

  �That is because she is terrified of them. I could see it in her eyes!� Legolas shot back. �What do you intend to do with her?� He pressed Faramir.

  �She will be punished and sent back to whence she came.�

  �I would ask that she be placed in my charge, so I can see to her injuries.�

  �Legolas you know I cannot do that. She will have to pay the penalty for her offense.�

  �And just what is that penalty?�

  �Twenty lashes.�

  �Faramir, you must reconsider. She would never survive.�
Legolas pleaded with him.

  �Legolas, I am sorry. This deed cannot go unpunished. I cannot allow a man or a woman to enter our land and break the laws without consequence. The people need to see that this behavior will not be tolerated; they need assurance that they will be protected.�

  �So you would make an example out of her!� Legolas snapped angrily.

  �I am simply upholding the law as is my duty.�

  �Then let me take it in her stead.�

  �I am sorry. I cannot. The people would never accept it.�
  Eowyn was furious with her husband. She could not stand to hear anymore and hurried to Faramir�s side.

   �Faramir! What is this? Am I to understand you are in favor of having this woman whipped? It is cruel and unjust! You cannot do such a thing!�

  �Excuse me for a moment while I take my leave.� Faramir said calmly to Beregond and Legolas.
~~~~~
   Grabbing Eowyn�s arm, he led her out of the hall into his private chambers. Pushing her inside, he shut the heavy door behind them.

  �Eowyn! You know I hold your wisdom in the highest regard but do not EVER question me in front of my men. If you have something you wish to say to me, I would have you call me away and reveal it in private. Is that understood?�

  Eowyn was undaunted. �I am not one of your men you can order about! Faramir, you cannot do this. It is wrong! You heard Legolas, did you not? He said she was injured.�

  Faramir sighed. He knew how Eowyn could be when she was in a fiery mood. He would likely be sleeping in the study tonight regardless of the outcome of this situation.

  �If it pleases you, my love, I will see her myself and hear her story before I rule on this matter.�

  �It pleases me, Faramir.� She said retorted sarcastically and stormed out the doors and down the hall.
~~~~~
   Faramir returned to the Great Hall and once again took his seat on the throne.

  �Such an uproar over one woman.� He groaned rubbing his temples with his fingers. �Beregond, have your men retrieve this woman from the dungeon and bring her to me.�

  Beregond left briefly to carry out his orders and returned swiftly. There was an awkward silence as they waited for Jordan to be brought in. Legolas stood staring anxiously at the doors; Faramir contemplated his predicament with Eowyn. After what seemed like hours, the doors were opened and Jordan was drug in by two men, one on each arm holding her up. They gave her a little push and she fell to her knees at Faramir�s feet and yelped in pain. Legolas rushed to her side. Faramir let out an audible gasp in shock at her condition. He knew she was injured and he knew that prisoners were typically treated roughly, but they were usually strong men who were often combative. Nothing had prepared him for the sight before his eyes. She was barely hanging on to consciousness. Her dress was ripped to shreds and she was filthy. Trickles of blood were oozing from her nose and split lip again. Dirt mingled with sweat on her skin, and her eyes, when open, were glassy and despondent like she suffered the effects of a fever. Anger boiled in Faramir�s blood and he was at a loss for words.

  �Legolas, I�I am sorry. I did not know.� Finally collecting his wits, he said �Take the woman and find Eowyn; I�m sure she is not far. She will know what to do.�
  Relief washed over Legolas as he gently gathered her in his arms. He was finally free to get her wounds treated properly by a healer without the soldiers interfering. Turning to Beregond, he said furiously �Beregond, this is unacceptable! Is this how your men are trained - with complete disregard for humanity?�

  �No, my lord. Forgive me. This is not our way. I will see to it personally��

  Faramir interrupted, �No, Beregond. The men responsible will suffer my wrath. Perhaps they should like to see the inside of a dungeon! If, after a time I am feeling particularly merciful, I will see to it that they are reassigned to a very long engagement�on the desolate border of Mordor!�
~~~~~
  Jordan groaned in pain as Legolas carried her swiftly down the corridor. He spotted Eowyn at the end and called for her. Eowyn ran towards them but stopped in her tracks at the site of the woman Legolas held. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to subdue her anger.

  �This way. Come quickly.�

  Together they rushed down the corridors. He knew every step he took was causing her pain.

  �I am sorry, my lady. You must be brave just a few minutes more."

  Eowyn led Legolas to an empty room and flung the door open. Once inside, Legolas gently laid Jordan on the bed.

  �I will go fetch the healer.� Eowyn ran out the door and down the corridor towards the healer�s quarters. Legolas sat on the edge of the bed beside Jordan and held her hand in his, stroking it with the other. As he looked down at her, he was a mix of emotions. He didn�t know her at all, but his heart ached for her in this current state. The last few days, all he could think about was helping her but he couldn�t understand why it was so important to him. He spoke soothing words in his native tongue as he held her hand.

  Jordan opened her eyes at the sound of this and said in a hoarse whisper, �What language are you speaking?�

   He smiled and said gently, �It is the language of the Elves, my lady.�

  �It�s beautiful.�

  �Rest now. The healer will be here soon.�

  �Thank you.�
~~~~~
  Eowyn finally arrived with the healer. Legolas stood up and stepped out of the way, so the healer could examine Jordan.

  �Legolas, this is Ioreth.� Eowyn said. Legolas nodded.

  �Who is she?� Ioreth asked.

  �She said her name was Jordan.� Legolas answered.

  �What happened to her?� Ioreth asked as she began to look Jordan over. Legolas moved in behind her and peered over her shoulder.

  �She was struck in the face and fell from the horse she was riding. I think she has been without food or water for quite some time. She said she was a healer as well. She spoke of suffering injury to her ribs; probably from the fall. As to the nature of her other injuries, I do not know.� Legolas informed her. Eowyn stood quietly to the side listening and observing.

  �Did the men�touch her?�

  Legolas paused, unsure what Ioreth was asking.

  �Did they defile her?� She rephrased.

  �No! I was with her through the entire ordeal except for the short time she spent in the dungeon.�

  �Dungeon?� She exclaimed in shock.

  He groaned, �Although I do not know what befell her prior to the men capturing her.� The very thought sickened him.

  �I will have to check her to be sure.�

  Ioreth took a piece of cloth and a small bottle of liquid out of a pouch slung over her shoulder. Pouring a bit of the liquid onto the cloth, she proceeded to dab the cuts on her cheek and lip and wipe off the blood. The strong smell of the liquid brought Jordan out of her sleep. She smelled something akin to rubbing alcohol and felt someone touching her face. She opened her eyes and saw a strange woman sitting next to her where Legolas had been and she started to panic.

  �Legolas?�

  �I am here.� He said and reached out to touch her arm. �This is Ioreth. She is a healer. She will take care of you.�

  �I am a doc- a healer, too. I am sure I have broken at least two of my ribs. It hurts to breathe.� Jordan said in a strained voice.

  Ioreth examined the various cuts and bruises that were not covered by her tattered dress. �How did you get these?�

  �I fell down a hill.� Her breathing was becoming labored from the exertion of talking. �I�I�m so cold.�

  Ioreth felt her forehead. �You are ill with fever. Some of your wounds may be afflicted. Legolas, you must wait outside. I need to examine Jordan further.�

  Legolas sighed and reluctantly left the room, closing the door behind him.

  �Eowyn, will you assist me in removing her dress?� There was no way to take the dress off Jordan without moving her too much, so Ioreth sliced the material down the entire length with a dagger.

  �No, don�t� Jordan whispered and clutched at the dress.

  �I am sorry. There is no time for propriety. I need to examine you further to find the source of infection. Very gently roll her over on her side, Eowyn, and I will pull the material out from under her."

  Jordan groaned as Eowyn did so. As soon as Eowyn let her back down, Ioreth saw the cause of Jordan�s affliction - the large gash just below her knee. It had become infected and her entire upper leg was an angry red and severely swollen. Eowyn covered her mouth with her hand. �Cover her up with a blanket. I will need more supplies.�

  Opening the door, she saw Legolas sitting on the floor with his back up against the opposite wall of corridor. �Start a fire.� She said and rushed past him.

  Entering the room, he saw the grave look upon Eowyn�s face.

  �What is it?�

  She moved the blanket just enough so Legolas could see the infected wound on her leg. He closed his eyes and hung his head. �I have failed her.�

  �Now is not the time for despair;� Eowyn said putting a hand on his shoulder, �Ioreth is a skilled healer. Start the fire.� Legolas did as instructed.
~~~~~
  Ioreth returned carrying a satchel and a large flagon of water. Legolas and Eowyn watched as she worked quickly, taking a long length of cloth, some containers of herbs, a bottle containing some unknown liquid, and a large knife from the satchel and laying them out on the side table.

  �Legolas, outside!� Ioreth shooed him away. �I will come get you when I need you. Eowyn, help me sit her up, I need to bind her ribs with this cloth. Here, prop her up on these pillows.�

  After wrapping the cloth around Jordan�s chest to support her broken ribs and tying it off, Ioreth cut the excess cloth off with the knife and then put the knife in the fire.

  �Why are you doing that?� Eowyn asked.

  �I need to cauterize the wound to stop in the infection. Cover her back up with the blanket but leave her leg exposed. Legolas!� She called out. �Come back in now. Pull that chair over and sit by her head.� Ioreth took a small paper envelope and dumped a powdery substance into a cup and mixed it with water. She handed it to Legolas. �You must force her to drink this.�

  �What is it?�

  �It will help with the pain and make her sleep.�

  Legolas shook Jordan gently. �Jordan, you must drink this.�

  She opened her eyes and he supported her head with one hand and held the cup to her lips with the other. She took a sip but immediately coughed and gagged. He waited and held the cup to her lips again. She shook her head no. �Jordan, Ioreth said you need to drink all of this.� Her eyes pleaded with him. �Drink, my lady.�

  Reluctantly, she managed to choke down the entire cup of bitter liquid. Eowyn stood next to Legolas with a sickened look on her face while Ioreth pulled the knife out of the fire to inspect it. She spit on it and nothing happened.

  �Bah.� She muttered and put the knife back into the fire. Legolas looked up at Eowyn.

  �What is she going to do with that?� Then to Ioreth - �What are you going to do with that?�

  �I need to cauterize the wound. It is the only way to stop the infection.�

  Jordan looked wide-eyed at Legolas as she realized just what Ioreth was going to do.

  �No! You mustn�t.� Legolas protested, looking at Ioreth and back to Jordan.

Jordan attempted a last-ditch effort even though she was pretty sure she already knew the answer.

  �Do you have any antibiotics?� She whispered.

  Legolas looked puzzled and Ioreth said, �What are �antibiotics�?�

  Jordan closed her eyes and groaned. She had her answer.

  �Legolas give me your belt.�

  He took it off and handed it to Ioreth. She held it up to Jordan�s face. �Bite down on this.�

  �Ioreth, no. It will kill her.� Legolas pleaded.

  �If I do not, she will die. It is the only way.� Ioreth said.

  As Jordan bit down on the soft leather, a single tear ran down her cheek. She looked at Legolas and nodded in agreement.

  �Legolas hold her hand tightly.� He scooted the chair as close as he could and held her hand tightly with both hands, pulling it into his chest. �Eowyn, come �round here and steady her leg.� Eowyn walked to the foot of the bed and did as Ioreth requested. Ioreth took the bottle of clear liquid and poured it over Jordan�s leg.

  �Jordan, look at me. Do not look down. Focus on my eyes.� Legolas told her. Ioreth took the knife out of the fire. It was glowing red. �Jordan, keep looking at me. Do not look away.� Jordan began breathing rapidly out of fear for she knew terrible pain was about to be inflicted on her, but she did not break eye contact with Legolas. Ioreth sunk the searing knife into Jordan�s flesh, and even biting on the leather, her long, agonizing scream could be heard echoing throughout the palace. Legolas faded from her sight and all she saw was darkness�
  �Good. She�s out.� Ioreth promptly made a paste mixing some of her herbs with water. Legolas still clung to Jordan�s hand as Ioreth applied the paste to her wounds and bandaged them with the remaining pieces of cloth. Eowyn looked away and quickly wiped away a tear that threatened to fall. After finishing her work, she collected all of her supplies and put them back in the satchel. �The first two days are the most telling. At best, she will recover; although her leg will burden her for many a year and she may require assistance with walking. But if the fever does not break within this time, then there is�� she paused, �nothing more I can do for her. She will need constant care but I do not want to risk moving her to the healing wing. One of you will need to look after her, as there are others ill and injured that I must tend to and I may not be able to come here often.�

  �I will do it.� Legolas said. She handed him several paper envelopes containing the powdery substance.

  �Mix the contents of the envelope and heated water in a cup. Every time she wakes up make her drink it. She must drink the entire amount. It contains nutrients to strengthen her blood and something to make her sleep. Also apply a cool, damp cloth to her forehead as often as you can. I will check on her when I am able; to assess her condition and change the bandages. You should go and rest now. There is nothing more you can do for the moment. I will send for you when you are needed.�

  �No. I do not require rest. I want to stay.�

  �Then do not rest, but you need to leave this room. I need to bathe her and get her into a sleeping gown and I doubt the lady would appreciate a male being present during this.�

  �Oh.� He said flatly. �In that case, I shall be in my quarters.�

  Just before he walked through the door, Eowyn called out to him, �Legolas.� He stopped and turned around.

  �Yes?�

  �What you did was very noble.�

  He nodded and left closing the door behind him.
~~~~~
  Back in his guest quarters, Legolas lay on the bed staring at the ceiling; arms folded behind his head. He had hardly a moments rest in the last few days but sleep would not come. A million thoughts raced through his head; lingering for a moment, only to be replaced by another. The life of a warrior was the path he had chosen. For millennia he had honed his craft; fought and won many battles. When he grew weary of battle, he would sail to Valinor - the undying lands - but the War of the Ring changed all of that. It changed him. The time of the elves was over.
   He thought of the new friends he had made during the long journey of the Fellowship; the comradery they shared. How do you go back to the life you once lived? He thought of Aragorn and Arwen, so blissful in their new life together. His missed his friends and he felt the weight of loneliness upon him. There were no great deeds to be done; no battle to be fought; no triumphant defeat of evil for the greater good. He had gathered the elves who still remained in Middle Earth, settled a new colony, and filled his time with restoration and renewal, but to what purpose? So that he may linger and watch as the shadows grow long on the lives of his beloved mortal companions, until each and every one has passed on, and all that they have toiled for has crumbled to dust? He sighed. �Alas, the call of the sea weighs heavy on my heart. I would but leave these shores, but a vow have I made and it shall not be unmade.� His thoughts turned to the past few days. He had definitely sensed a presence; a strange disturbance in the woods, but the feeling was no more. He did not possess the gift of foresight but his keen senses were always perceptive to the threat of evil. Perhaps it was, then, that this was not a threat made by any foe. Perhaps, it was this strange woman, Jordan. Was she the cause of the disturbance? Could it be that she somehow possessed the ability of mindspeech and was reaching out to him for help? In all his long years, he had never known a mortal to have such knowledge. It was exclusive to the firstborn; even so, it was rare. A form of magic unknown to them, then? So many questions - questions that needed answers.
  Legolas heard footsteps in the corridor outside; then a knock at the door.

  �Enter.� He called out. The door opened and a young boy stepped through.

  �Master elf? I was told to deliver a message to you. You may return to the Lady Jordan�s room now.�

  �Hannon le, little one - thank you.�
~~~~~
  Upon entering her chambers, he was immediately struck by how different she looked. She lay peacefully on the bed in a white sleeping gown. Her hair had been washed and combed and it fanned out on the pillow framing her face, which only showed the faintest hint of the terrible trial she had endured. He sat down wearily in the chair next to her bed and watcher her while she slept.

  �Who are you my Lady,� he whispered softly, �and where did you come from?� His conscious was eased somewhat to know she finally had received the necessary care she needed and was resting comfortably. His only hope was that it was enough to save her.
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Love's Redemption