To Tame A Fire

15. Solace and strategies

Ithreon's patrol consisted of fifteen strong elves. Not nearly enough to invade what was believed to be the enemy stronghold but there was no other choice; there was no time. He set up a plan of distraction and stealth; that was their only hope against what could be hundreds of orcs.  He had left ten behind to guard, patrol, and ready the camp for if they succeeded to recuse the Prince and elleth. He only hoped they found them alive and unmutilated. He shuddered at what could happen to them; what might be happening to his closet friend. No, he would find them and kill whoever stood in his path.

Urging his horse faster, he sped through the forest, all thoughts left behind but to save his friend and the elleth, his warriors close behind. They were already far south and with hope, they would make it to Dol Guldur in two days' time. But that was two days of Legolas in the hands of darkness.

Hope, he remembered. 'Do not give up hope, for that is all we have' Legolas had said to him on many occasions. "I am coming, Legolas. Hold on," Ithreon whispered to the wind.

The orcs slung both elves back into the cell before barring it shut. Their laughter rang down the halls and soon both elves where alone.

Rhavaniel rushed over to Legolas; her eyes searching his frantically
"Legolas? Say something, anything."

Legolas lifted his head and for the first time, his eyes showed pain. "I am so sorry, so sorry, Fëanára," his voice was so weak. He buried his face in his hands and took a shaky breath.

Rhavaniel placed her hand on his leg. "It's not your fault," she whispered and began digging in her pack. "If I hadn't stabbed him none of this would have-"

Legolas shot his head up. "-Do not blame yourself. I would choose death if it meant to keep you from harm."

"And I can't?" Rhavaniel scowled and began pressing a cloth to his back.  She winced at the torn skin of his once flawless back, and her heart constricted in her chest at the pain inflicted upon him. Why couldn't she sacrifice for him as he did her?

"Since when, Rhavaniel. Since when have you wanted anything to do with me?" Legolas hissed, from both pain and frustration. He couldn't hide the anger in his voice. He was tired of walking on glass with her.

Rhavaniel lowered her head in shame. She said nothing for a moment, then took a shaky breath. "When you asked me why I wouldn't save myself, it was like a barrier broke in my heart. I couldn't leave you to die... You give me hope and courage."

Legolas listened intently; his brimming eyes far away.

"I envied you," she continued, her hands working gently on his back. "I thought you had everything. It made me remember what I had lost: my family, serenity, joy, and even myself. After that kiss, I knew I was beginning to find solace in you. I didn't want it because I was afraid to lose that again." Her voice faltered, and Legolas turned around, reached for her, and pulled her into his arms.

Legolas closed his eyes and laid his head against the top of Rhavaniel's; her black hair felt like silk against his cheek. Her words filled his heart with joy and sorrow, and he didn't know whether to cry or rejoice. When her body trembled with tears, he pulled her closer, and this time, she didn't push him away. "Shhh, Fëanára, I am here. I will never leave you."

Rhavaniel closed her eyes, relishing in this moment of solace that was not likely in such a time as this. Her fears waned from her mind and hope replaced them. His body was warm and strong against hers in spite of his weakened state, and his strength wove its way into her heart.

Legolas pulled away and both instantly regretted it. He brought his hand up and cupped her soft face, his thumb grazing tenderly over her cheek, and he wondered if the rest of her skin was just as soft. "We will find a way, together," he whispered.

Rhavaniel leaned into his touch and placed her hand over his. Though his hair was tousled, clothes were torn and filthy, he was still the most beautiful being she could ever set eyes on. She wanted to kiss him, and her eyes lowered to his lips. Her mind raced to his injuries, and she pulled away, not missing the disappointment that flashed in his blue eyes. "I-I have to tend to your wounds."

"There is no need," Legolas stammered, disappointed she pulled away.

Rhavaniel moved behind him. She pulled out two flasks of water handing one to Legolas and using the other to clean his back. "Someone once told me it doesn't make you weak for accepting aid..." She said, knowing full well that someone was Legolas.

A small smile played his lips, and he shook his head. "You always find a way to use my words against me," he chuckled then hissed as she touched his abused back. "Rhavaniel..."

"Hum?" She answered, concentrated on whipping away the drying blood on his back. Gathering his hair she draped it over his shoulder and began to bathe his back. Though marked with angry red slashes, she couldn't help but admire his toned muscles, and her finger brushed over the undamaged part of his skin. She felt him shiver and her brows knitted in concern. "Did that hurt you?"

Legolas shook his head. In truth, her hands relaxed him and soothed his pains. When she finished, he nodded his head in appreciation. His mind drifted to his father, he would be devastated once he found out about what transpired on this scouting mission. There was no way to get word across, any tree in sight was either dead or corrupt. They were not expected to return to five days. Legolas only hoped they could return; his father would no doubt start a search party if they failed too. They couldn't afford to wait to be found; they had to act soon and escape somehow. "We must find a way to leave this hell."

Rhavaniel let out a long breath. "Yes, but how? The orcs. Not to mention that Esgaldel bastard," she spat his name like it was poison in her mouth. "There is something that isn't adding up... This Necromancer hides himself well."

"Aye. I am afraid his identity remains unknown, but this cannot be dismissed," Legolas grimaced as he stood and bent over to retrieve his pack that was tossed in the corner the first time they arrived here. "When the orc returns, we must take him out and find our way out from there. Stealth is crucial." He wiped off the grime and pulled out a spare black tunic. Pulling the tattered remains of his tunic off, he threw it to the ground. He went to re-dress himself but his shoulder cried out in protest and he lowered the tunic in defeat.

Rhavaniel nodded and noticed his struggling. "You need only ask for assistance."
She stood before him and took the tunic from his grasp. She tore her eyes away from his sculpted torso; a blush forming and adding color to her usually pale cheeks.

Legolas smirked. "It is not so simple to ask for help," his voice was momentarily muffled as his shirt was fitted over his head. Rhavaniel helped him bring his arms through the sleeve and he grimaced. "How do you suppose this... Esgaldel came to be here?"

Rhavaniel clenched her fists and shook her head. "I know not, but he deserves to die." Her eyes flashed with intense hate.

Legolas strode over to the barred door and cast his eyes over the dim hallway. He spotted a moving shadow approaching and he snarled. "The yrch returns for the last time."

Word count: 1,369