DISCLAIMER: Lord of the Rings, and its characters, sadly, do not belong to me. They are the property of JRR Tolkien, et al. No money is gained from the writing of this story. Its sole purpose is for the enjoyment of myself and all who read it.

RATING: R

Warning: Implied rape

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Destinies Entwined

Chapter Twelve

Part One

Making their way back through the gates, laughing and enjoying each other's company, Legolas, Elladan, and Elrohir turn as their elven ears pick up the faint sound of horses approaching quickly. Soon, two riderless horses come into view.

As the horses get closer, Elladan gasps. "That's Elendil's horse, Istilrama." Fear grips his heart at the sight, knowing something bad must have happened.

"You're right, 'Dan. And the other is Celelome, Meoi's horse. Oh no," Legolas groans, knowing too that something must have happened to the she-elves. "We have to alert my father immediately."

Rushing into the palace with Elladan, Elrohir, and Strider right behind him, Legolas charges into his father's private study. "Father," he says, not bothering with the amenities of a formal greeting. Not even the glare from his father at being disturbed can dissuade him from continuing.

"Something has happened to Elendil and Meoi. Their horses have just returned riderless father. There iso only one reason that would happen."

"By the Valar," Thranduil says, groaning. "What is it with the six of you and trouble? It seems tobe drawn to you. Are you TRYING to give Lord Elrond and myself grey hairs?" he adds, deep in thought.

"Father?" Legolas asks, concerned.

"Hmm...? Oh. Yes. Assemble search parties to find them."

"I will see to it father," Legolas says in response.

I don't suppose I could keep the two of you from going, can I?" he says to Elladan and Elrohir, still not fully focused on the matter at hand.

"You would have to lock us up in the dungeon," Elladan says.

"To keep us here," Elrohir adds, finishing his brother's thoughts.

"That's what I thought," Thranduil says in dismissal.

Turning, Legolas motions for the others to follow him out. The instant they are far enough away from Thranduil's study, Strider stops and turns to his friend. "Legolas? What is wrong with your father mellon nin?" he asks, puzzled by the elf lord's actions.

"Honestly Strider, I don't know. I know he has been under much stress of late. Spider and orc attacks have increased considerably. Not to mention what happened to us at the hands of Verillion. Add to that the fact that I fear he is succumbing to the sea- longing... it has all taken a toll on him. It makes no difference. We need to go after Elendil and Meoi," Legolas says, fear gripping his heart. He remembers the last time Elendil's horse returned to Mirkwood riderless.

It has been several hundred years since they had rescued her from her enslavement to Rhyden, but he remembers vividly the nightmares she had that would awaken him in the night for months afterward. Shivering at the memories of fear and terror on her face, he fears that Rhyden may have finally fulfilled his promise to take her away again. Elendil thought the elf was gone, that Legolas had killed him, and at the time, he couldn't bring himself to tell her the truth. Now he wished he had.

"Legolas? What is it mellon nin? What's wrong?" Strider asks, concerned by the look in his friend's eyes.

"I fear the worst may have happened. We have to hurry. We may not have much time."

Striding to the warriors barracks, it is not long before a search party and rescue party has been formed. After speaking to Istilrama softly in elvish, Legolas turns and mounts his own horse. As Istilrama canters out of the gates, followed by Celelome, Legolas spurs his horse forward and the rest of the search party follows. He only hopes they will reach the she-elves in time.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Waking up, Elendil looks around herself groggily. It takes a brief moment for her to realize where she is. Although she and Meoi were attacked on the plains, she had awakened in the forest. She can tell from the darkened trees that they are in the northern most boundaries of the forest and that evening is fast approaching. Shaking her head, trying to clear it, Elendil groans at the pain that action elicits.

"I was wondering when you would awaken," Veertal says, sneering. "You're friend has been keeping me company though," he adds, the look in his eyes making Elendil shudder.

"Leave her alone, Veertal," Elendil says, dangerous intent in her voice. "I swear, if you hurt her...," she starts but is interrupted.

"You'll what, hmm? I plan on keeping you very docile, my dear. I remember well your temper. Can't have Rhyden's prize getting damaged because she can't control herself, now can we?" Veertal says, motioning to an elf near Elendil.

Realizing too late exactly what Veertal means, Elendil feels a prick on her arm as a small amount of the drug that had previously knocked her out is administered. Glaring as the drug quickly enters her blood stream, she looks dejectedly at her best friend, who had been watching her with pleading eyes. I am so sorry gwathel nin she says silently, struggling against the all too familiar drug. Sending up a silent prayer to Illuvitar, she prays that Elladan, Elrohir, Legolas, and Strider find them soon.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Just as night is descending, Istilrama stops at the rise where Elendil and Meoi were attacked. Staying back out of the way, the elves give the young ranger room to search unhindered for signs of which way the missing she-elves were taken.

Looking closely, Strider studies the ground where the she-elves were attacked and the
surrounding terrain. Looking back towards the forest briefly, Strider then turns his attention to the three worried elves nearest him. "They headed back towards the forest, going northeasterly. They're at least maybe ten hours ahead of us. If they stop for the night and we press on, we should catch them by late morning. Otherwise it will be at least nightfall before we do."

"Then we press on," Elladan says, determination in his grey eyes.

"We will only stop to rest the horses," Elrohir says, adding his voice to his twin's.

"Let's go," Legolas says, mounting his horse again. After speaking a few words to Istilrama and Celelome, he watches as the two horses canter off, headed back home. Turning to Strider, he smiles grimly. "You take the lead Strider. We will follow."

Nodding, Strider takes off, following the faint trail of their quarry, his brothers, friend and the other elves right behind him.

Pushing their horses as hard as they dare, they cover a great deal of ground before having to stop at last to let their weary mounts rest. Strider moves off from the others studying the ground closely. He can still see the tell-tale signs that indicate they are on the right track and he smiles grimly. Their quarry is moving quickly, but not so much so that it would indicate they were concerned they were being followed.

"How goes it mellon nin?" Legolas asks, quietly approaching the ranger.

"We are still on their trail. They appear to be moving quickly to put distance between themselves and where the attack took place. But they don't appear to be worried of being followed. They're not moving fast enough for that," Strider tells him, staring out at the darkened forest.

He knows that there is more to this than Legolas is letting on, he can see it in his friend's eyes. Deciding that Legolas will talk about it when he is ready to, Strider turns back towards where the horses are. After a nod of his head, they mount their horses and are once again on the trail of the missing she-elves.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Sitting beside the fire, Elendil watches sluggishly as the elves tend their camp. Meoi is still sitting quietly on the other side and the pain in her eyes tears at Elendil's heart. She doesn't know exactly what happened while she was still unconscious but she has an idea. The self- satisfied, overly possessive look on Veertal's face all but answers her unspoken question. Swearing silently, Elendil vows that one way or another Veertal will pay for what he has done to her best friend.

"Comfortable Elendil?" Veertal asks, laughing at the look in her eyes "Still have that fire, I see. Good. Rhyden will be pleased to hear it. I honestly think that's what drew him to you in the first place. That fire in your eyes. Your former master told him he would regret winning you, but Rhyden just laughed. He wanted someone with passion. Too bad you had too much of it,"Veertal says, sneering at her. "Too bad for you anyway," he adds, laughing harshly.

Trying to move, Elendil feels as though her limbs weigh a ton and the simple act of raising her hand is almost too much for her. She remembers why she despised the drug so much, because it doesn't sap your willpower, just your strength. She could feel the rage building in her but knows there is nothing she can do.

Sitting there watching Elendil, Meoi can only imagine what her friend is thinking. When she had awakened she tried to break free but Veertal was too fast for her still drugged system. While he held her, one of the others poked her with the tip of a dagger, piercing the skin. She felt the drug instantly. Every time she moved it felt as though she were trying to move against the current of the Anduin after a raging storm.

Meoi vaguely remembers what happened when she awoke. The drug has made her mind cloudy and its hard to tell what was real and what was imagined. She remembers being carried away from the camp and the feel of her clothing being pushed aside. As realization dawns, her eyes fill with tears and the painful memories come flooding back in. She wasn't even able to fight because of the drug. Having been violated, she wonders what 'Ro will think of her now.

Before the sun rises, Veertal gives the command to break camp. He is loathe to let the she-elf he has laid claim to ride with any other, but he alone amongst them knows just how tricky Elendil can be. After placing Elendil on his horse, he mounts behind her and they ride off, not knowing that they are being tracked.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Riding through the night, only stopping once more for the horses, the rescuers reach the abandoned camp by late morning. Studying the remains of the camp, Strider follows a faint trail over to a thicket beside the clearing. What he sees there disturbs him but he says nothing to the others. He knows there is no reason to upset them further without proof.

"If we stay at this pace we will catch them by nightfall," Strider says, returning from his search.

"What did you find mellon nin?" Legolas asks, indicating the thicket.

"It was nothing Legolas," Strider responds. He hates not being completely truthful with his friend, but he knows haw close Legolas is to his cousin, and if his suspicions are correct, he knows how it will affect not just Legolas, but his brothers as well.

Getting back on his horse, Strider leads them once again, following the trail of the kidnaped she-elves.

---------------------------------------------------------------

The day passes quickly and night once again descends on the forest. Calling a halt, Veertal makes sure that both she-elves are still under the effects of the drug they were given earlier in the day.

After the evening meal, he moves over to Meoi. Running a finger down her cheek, he smiles wickedly at the heat in her eyes. He wonders what this wildcat will be like once she is willing and looks forward to that day. Picking her up, he starts to move off when Elendil's voice stops him briefly.

"If it is the last thing I do Veertal, I will see you dead for what you have done," Elendil says softly. The hatred in her eyes chills him to the bone.

Chuckling to hide the fact that he truly fears her, Veertal smirks at her. "It will be a very long time before you get that chance, and by that time, she will want you dead for killing her master."

Turning his back, he takes Meoi off from the others to enjoy his prize without being disturbed.

So intent is he in his desire, Veertal fails to notice that several of his elves, who were supposed to be on guard, were suddenly missing.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

When they finally catch up to the ones responsible for Elendil's and Meoi's disappearance, it is all Legolas and Strider can do to hold Elladan and Elrohir back. Their only thought is to get in there and rescue Elendil and Meoi, regardless of the danger of rushing in blindly.

After the sentries are killed, arrows begin raining down on the camp from the trees, turning the camp itself into chaos. Before the elves have time to react, they are either dead or wounded. All except Veertal.

Having taken Meoi off a good distance from the camp, Veertal has no idea that his men are under attack. So intent on the she-elf is he, he even fails to notice that they are no longer alone.

After the elves are defeated, Elladan rushes over to Elendil while Elrohir heads in the direction Meoi was taken. Motioning for Legolas to follow Elrohir, Strider turns his attention to Elendil.

He can see the relief in her eyes, but her movements are sluggish. Realizing that she must have been drugged, he kneels in front of her.

"Elendil, do you know what drug was used on you? What it's called?" he asks, not really expecting an answer.

"Its Bentheral", Elendil says softly, grateful for Elladan's arms around her. Remembering that Veertal had taken Meoi off, her eyes go wide. "Meoi.. He took her," she says, motioning weakly in the direction in which they went.

"It's all right. 'Ro went after them with Legolas right behind," Elladan says, holding her close.

He doesn't know if any in this camp had done anything to her, but something told him there was more to this than he knew. Deciding not to worry about it for now, Elladan watches as Strider makes an antidote and brings it to Elendil to drink.

----------------------------------------

Following the path that he saw the elf carrying Meoi take, it isn't long before Elrohir comes upon them. What he sees makes his blood boil. The elf is leaning over Meoi's prone body with her dress pushed up, baring her legs. It only takes a split second for Elrohir to realize what the elf is doing before he charges him, knocking the elf away from Meoi.

Just seconds before being hit, Veertal hears a rustle of leaves and realizes they are no longer alone. Thinking it's one of his men, Veertal is caught completely off guard when the interloper slams into him.

As the two elves grapple on the ground, each trying to gain the upper hand, Legolas steps into the thicket, shock registering on his face when he sees Meoi. The top of her dress has been torn and her dress is pushed high up on her legs. Rushing over to her, Legolas removes his traveling cloak and wraps her in it. He then picks Meoi up and carries her back to the camp, gently setting her down beside Elendil.

"Legolas, you have to go help 'Ro. Veertal, he has a dagger that he keeps hidden in his sleeve. If he thinks he is losing, he'll use it and thrust it into 'Ro's chest," Elendil says, fighting against the drug that's still in her system.

Legolas has only taken a few steps away from them when an anguished cry of pain echoes through the forest.

"'Ro!" Elladan yells, fear for his twin gripping his heart. His first instinct is to rush to his brother's aid and he is torn between doing that and staying beside Elendil.

"Go, 'Dan. Make sure 'Ro is all right. I'm fine now," Elendil says, seeing the relief in his eyes.

Rushing across the clearing, Elladan stops in his tracks as Elrohir stumbles through the trees.

There is a dagger embedded in his right shoulder, along with various scratches and bruises on his face.

"Ro?" Elladan starts, rushing to his brother's side.

"It's okay 'Dan. I'm fine. He, on the other hand," Elrohir says, motioning in the direction he had just come from, "Won't be hurting anyone ever again. Now, get this thing out of my shoulder," he adds, indicating the dagger.

Quickly and efficiently Estel and Elladan remove the dagger then cleanse and bind the wound. Once that is done, they break up the camp and remount their horses. Elladan places Meoi on Elrohir's horse in front of his brother and after mounting his own horse he helps Elendil to mount in front of him. They ride out, headed back to the elven city in the heart of Mirkwood.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two days later they arrive at the gates of the city. The sun is just beginning to rise and the gates are still closed. Uttering a few words, Legolas waits for the gates to open so that they can enter and get Meoi to the healing hall. She has withdrawn in on herself and nothing any of them has done has helped. Not even Elendil has been able to get through to her.

"'Ro, I'll take Meoi to the healing hall. You need to get some rest," Elendil says, seeing the exhaustion in his eyes. "Don't worry. I'm not going to leave her alone. I'll let you know if there's any change," she adds, gently steering her friend towards the healing halls. Knowing that it will be some time before she heals, Elendil is determined to help Meoi get through this, no matter how long it takes.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Do you think she's going to get past this?" Elrohir asks his twin, worried about Meoi.

"She's strong, 'Ro. And she has Elendil to help her. She'll get through this. You have to have faith in that," Elladan says, feeling his brother's pain.

Elladan keeps watch over his brothers until they are both asleep and then he quietly slips out.Going to the healing halls, he silently enters and his eyes fall on the she-elf lying curled on the bed. Having not seen her condition when she and Elendil were rescued, he can only imagine what could have happened to make Meoi withdraw in on herself. His heart swells anew with love for Elendil who is sitting beside the bed holding Meoi's hand and speaking softly to her.

"How is she?" he asks softly, approaching the bed.

"Honestly, I don't know. She has withdrawn so much 'Dan. I truly don't know if I can help her come back. I'm not even sure if she wants to after what Veertal did to her. If only she would listen and hear my voice. I know what it is she is going through all to well," Elendil says, shuddering involuntarily at her own buried demons. She thought she had put that behind her but obviously she was wrong.

"Eleni? What is it?" Elladan asks, seeing the almost imperceptible shudder. The distant look of pain and fear in her eyes concerns him greatly.

For several moments Elendil doesn't respond. When she does, the pain of her memories is evident in her voice. "Not here. Give me a moment and we can take a walk." Whispering in Meoi's ear, Elendil slips her hand from her friend's and after making sure someone is with Meoi, just in case, she slips out of the healing hall. Lacing an arm through Elladan's, she gives him a wan smile.

"How about a walk in the gardens?" Elladan suggests, steering them towards the outside.

"Perfect," Elendil says, letting the other elf lead the way. Once they are outside, they walk into the gardens, going towards the center. After insuring they are alone, Elendil allows herself to be pulled into his embrace.

"Three centuries ago, I was traveling to Lorien with several other elves. Meoi had chosen to stay here in Mirkwood. We were attacked and somehow I got separated from the others. We were attacked by slave traders and I was taken south into Harad. There I was sold into slavery. The edain who purchased me did not have me long. He was a gambler and he lost me in a bet to an elf. His name was Rhyden. It wasn't that he was cruel, so to speak, but he made it very clear that I belonged to him. I can still remember the first time he forced himself on me. He hurt me deeply.
It did not matter to him that I was untouched. He refused to take his time and make it easier on me. He didn't stop at just one time though. No, that first night it was several times. He humiliated me and made me feel utterly worthless. I was with him for more than two years. By the time I was rescued by Legolas, Trelan, Ranien and several others, I was a mere shadow of the she-elf I had once been. It took a long time 'Dan for me to come back from that. I thought I had completely put it behind me, but I can see that I was wrong. I thought Rhyden was dead, but he isn't. He is very much alive. If you had not found us...," Elendil says, voice breaking at the implications of what would have happened had she been returned to Rhyden.

Holding Elendil close, Elladan feels an overwhelming urge to track down and kill the elf who had caused her so much pain in the past. "I am so sorry melanin that we had not arrived sooner," he says, placing a light kiss on her temple.

"You couldn't have known 'Dan. I just thank the Valar that you arrived before we reached Rhyden's keep. It would have been nearly impossible to get us away if that had happened. The only reason I am standing here today is that Rhyden decided to go on a hunting party and dragged me along. He wouldn't let me out of his sight. When asked by one of his men, he said, and I quote, 'My prize is too precious and tempting to leave behind.' Had I not been with them, I would never have been rescued. Please, 'Dan, don't blame yourself," Elendil says, snuggling into his embrace.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

When Elladan leaves, Elrohir knows exactly who his brother is going to see. Elendil. Hoping that 'Dan will get Elendil to leave the healing hall, at least for a few minutes, Elrohir makes his way there and smiles when he sees Elladan and Elendil leaving arm in arm.

Slipping inside the room, Elrohir moves over to Meoi's bedside and places a soft kiss on her forehead. "Come back to me melanin. Do not let this destroy you and dull your immortal light for eternity. There is far too much beauty in you Meoi to let this reign over you. Please, melanin."

Sitting beside the bed, Elrohir can feel the tension of the last few days drain away knowing that Meoi is, if not healed, then at least safe. As the tension leaves him, Elrohir slowly drifts off to sleep.

-------------------------------------------------------------

"I need to get back. If Meoi wakes up and thinks she is alone, anything is possible to happen," Elendil says, moving out of Elladan's arms."Annon le, 'Dan. I needed that," she adds, referring to the silent support she has just received from him.

"You are most welcome, melanin. I only wish there were more that I could do," Elladan answers, walking with his arm over her shoulders.

"You do more than you may ever realize just by being here," Elendil responds softly.

Just as they re-enter the palace, Elladan spots a messenger from Imladris and groans quietly. He has a feeling he already knows why the messenger is there. Approaching the elf, who is standing with Lord Thranduils' advisor, he decides to accept the inevitable.

"Ceril, what brings you to Mirkwood? As if I don't already know. Ada missing all the mischief we can cause?" Elladan asks, but stops at the look in the other elf's eyes. "Ceril? What is it? What's happened?"

"My apologies my lord. I did not mean to worry you. It is nothing so serious to warrant such a reaction. I have a message from Lord Elrond for you," Ceril says, pulling a sealed message from a pocket in his cloak.

After reading it quickly, Elladan thanks Ceril and changes direction. "I have to get Estel and 'Ro. We are needed back in Rivendell," he says softly to Elendil.

"I understand 'Dan. I need to check on Meoi. Will I see you before you leave?"

"Of course melanin. That is a promise."

----------------------------------------------------------------

Making her way back to the healing hall, Elendil is not surprised to find Elrohir there asleep beside Meoi's bed. Not far behind her are Strider and Elladan. It seems the young edain had awakened and left the room before Elladan reached it and they met along the way.

"Elendil, is 'Ro...?" Strider says, trailing off when he sees his brother. "Well, that answers that question."

"'Ro, wake up. We're needed back in Rivendell,", Elladan says, shaking his brother gently.

Waking almost instantly, Elrohir looks first at Elladan and then Strider. "Oh Valar. Is it serious?" he asks, knowing it must be if they were leaving immediately.

"Serious enough 'Ro. Ada sent a messenger to get us," Strider tells him.

"When do we leave?" Elrohir asks, looking at his twin.

"Within the hour."

"I'll be ready. Elendil...," he says, voice trailing off.

"I know. I'll tell her. Don't worry 'Ro. It's going to take time, but she'll come around."

------------------------------------------------

An hour later Elendil is standing beside Elladan's horse. Looking into his eyes, she sees the same emotions in them that she herself is feeling. "Valar be with you melanin. May you have a safe journey back to Imladris."

Pulling Elendil into his arms, Elladan gives her a quick hug and presses a light kiss to her lips. "You are in my thoughts melanin, always," he says, releasing her and mounting his horse.

Standing there with unshed tears in her eyes Elendil watches them ride out and prays for their safety in these dangerous times. She can feel evil spreading and fears the worst is yet to come.

TBC...