Sanctuary
OIOIO
Warning: Yes this is an m-preg, as in male pregnancy. I know anatomically it is impossible in the real world but I like the idea (mainly for the Legolas suffering that goes with it). Please, if you are dead set against this kind of thing then don't read then complain that you weren't warned.
Disclaimer: I own nothing Tolkien created. Promise.
OIOI
Chapter 3 ~ Reprieve
OIOI
When Elrond woke, he had to take a moment to remember everything that had happened the night before. He looked over to find the young prince of Mirkwood laid fast asleep beside him. At some point during the night, Legolas had rolled onto his side so he was facing Elrond although he kept his distance, not straying to Elrond's side of the bed, and his arm was wrapped protectively around his stomach.
Elrond smiled at the sight. Had it not been for the fact that Legolas was sleeping with his eyes closed, he would have looked just as he always did. Only when one looked closely was it possible to see the signs of pain, exhaustion and despair visible in a tense figure, thin frame, pale features and haunted look. Not to mention the state of his hair. Normally shimmering blonde, it was now almost caked in mud, making it look more brown than blonde, and lank from being wet for so long and drying slowly. It hung in twisted strands over the Elf's shoulders in stark contrast to his pale face and the crisp white pillow beneath his head. The prince needed a good, long bath when he woke, Elrond thought.
Even though usually Legolas was up at the crack of dawn – very often before Elrond – now he remained completely undisturbed by the warm sunlight that only slightly brightened the room through the small slit between the drapes. Elrond couldn't ever remember the energetic young Wood Elf sleeping in past six in the morning and yet now, at gone ten, he remained sound asleep. And Elrond was perfectly happy to let him stay there. Even now in sleep the poor Elf looked exhausted, the dark circles beneath his eyes making him look even worse. How long had it been since the Elf had last slept properly Elrond didn't know but he obviously needed to catch up on some rest.
Shifting slightly, Elrond propped himself up on one elbow so he could watch his love sleep more comfortably. He reached out and with gentle fingers and ran them through Legolas' hair. The prince turned his head slightly towards the tender movement and gave a small mumble of pleasure. Elrond smiled but drew back, concerned that his actions would disturb the prince's sleep.
As much as Elrond would have liked to have lain in bed all day long, watching Legolas sleep, he still had diplomats to talk to and they wouldn't display too much patience, especially having been dismissed early the night before. Very carefully, so his movements wouldn't wake Legolas, Elrond slipped out of bed, replacing the sheets to ensure the pregnant Elf remained warm.
After getting washed and dressed as quietly as he could in the bathroom, Elrond returned to the bedroom and checked on Legolas before leaving the room. The prince hadn't even moved. Elrond quietly left the room and walked briskly towards the breakfast hall, knowing that, despite the hour, his advisors would still be waiting for him. He was proven correct as he was greeted by a harassed-looking Erestor and an amused Glorfindel.
"Good morning, my Lord," the seneschal chimed merrily, interrupting Erestor's rant about timekeeping, which he had been annoying Glorfindel with for the past two hours.
"Good morning, Glorfindel. Erestor," Elrond smiled, sitting down at the head of the table and immediately helping himself to a plate of fruit, pointedly ignoring Erestor's annoyed glare.
Eventually, the major domo could hold his tongue no longer and he stepped forward. "My Lord, it is after eleven. Where have you been?" he blurted out.
Elrond looked casually up at his anxious assistant, chewing thoughtfully on a piece of apple, trying to decide whether to trust the dark-haired Elf with the truth. He had never doubted his shrewd advisor with anything before and he wasn't about to start now.
"I was with Legolas," the Elven Lord finally answered.
Erestor's grey eyes widened in surprise; not much happened in Imladris without him knowing about it and that fact had slipped by him. "Prince Legolas is in Imladris?"
"Yes, he arrived last night."
"Why wasn't I informed of this?" he demanded, looking towards the seneschal for an answer.
However, it was Elrond who explained, "Because the prince asked that his presence not be announced and you will follow that command. Glorfindel can explain why whilst I get back to negotiations." Without waiting for questions or comments, Elrond stood and left the room.
OIO
The negotiations dragged on for the remainder of the morning but Elrond found his attention wandering, becoming less focused on what was being said by both his own diplomats or those from Gondor. Every time he pulled his mind back to the tedious talks he rapidly became distracted by thoughts of Legolas. Whereas the night before he had been enraptured by the dream of the prince bringing him another member of the family, in the cold light of day it all seemed suddenly very real and more than a little disconcerting. What had been mild and dismissible concerns about the state of Legolas' health had not turned into full-blown worry and panic fluttered in his chest. The possibility that Legolas might die made Elrond's heart freeze in horror. He didn't know what he would do if anything happened to the younger Elf.
Erestor's voice calling his name dragged him out of his thoughts and he looked up from the table to meet slightly concerned grey eyes.
"I'm sorry, what were you saying?" Elrond asked.
"Just that it is past noon and perhaps time to break for lunch," Erestor said.
"Lunch? An excellent idea," the Elven Lord smiled at his guests, hoping they hadn't noticed his distraction.
"Refreshments have been set up in the dining hall for your convenience," the major domo now addressed all the diplomats rather than just his lord. All but Elrond rose from their seats and filed out of the door, relieved at being excused from the talks. "My Lord? Are you not going to join them?" Erestor prompted as he tidied up the papers spread across the table.
Standing, Elrond said, "No. Please send some food and tea to my rooms. I'm going to sit with Legolas for a while."
"You're not staying with the diplomats, sir?"
"Glorfindel can take care of that. Send for me when I'm needed again." Before the advisor could protest, Elrond had swept from the room. Legolas had been to Imladris many, many times over the years and Elrond had always been happier when the prince was at his side. And yet he had never been distracted before. Their relationship never got in the way of their respective duties, both always made absolutely sure of that. It worried Erestor that his normally attentive lord was so concerned that he wasn't even focusing properly on his negotiations. Glorfindel had explained exactly what had happened to the prince of Mirkwood, including the pregnancy, and to say he had been shock was a massive understatement. Of course, he had always assumed that the pair had indulged in a sexual relationship but for Legolas to become pregnant…It was hard to fathom.
OIO
Elrond didn't bother knocking, guessing that Legolas would still be asleep. He was proven correct as he stepped into the bedroom. The blonde Elf's sleep had obviously been a little more restless than when Elrond left him as the sheets and blankets had become tangled and ruffled and he lay in the middle of the bed. He was on his side, one arm wrapped around his stomach and the other lay flat, his fingers draped over the edge of the bed. Clearly he was a bit warmer now as he had pushed the covers down so they only covered his legs now. He remained fast asleep though, oblivious to anything going on around him.
Elrond sat down on the edge of the bed to be close to his love. He gently stroked Legolas' cheek, pleased to find it significantly warmer now. A small amount of colour had returned to his skin although he was still worryingly pale. At least the prince looked more comfortable and was no longer shivering.
A knock from the door startled Elrond from his thoughts and he jumped up to answer it. A slightly confused servant handed her lord the tray of food she had been ordered to bring and bowed. Elrond smiled his thanks and dismissed the servant. It wasn't exactly normal for him to take his meals in his room especially when there were many diplomats in Rivendell so he could understand the servant's confusion. Even when Legolas was visiting they ate together in the dining halls.
When Elrond entered the bedroom again, he was mildly surprised to find half-open blue eyes watching him almost wearily. Not wanting to startle Legolas, Elrond put the tray down and smiled down at the Elf.
"Hello," he welcomed as Legolas became slowly more alert. "How are you feeling today?" Elrond perched on the edge of the bed.
"Where am I?" Legolas asked in a mumble.
"Rivendell, melleth nin. You can last night, remember?" Elrond explained kindly.
"Rivendell?" Legolas asked, looking around the familiar room. He'd spent a lot of time in this room but it had never looked as good as it did right then. Suddenly, the events of the night before came back to him and he struggled up into a slumped sitting position. Elrond wisely kept his distance, knowing how much the prince hated being fussed over. "I…I fell asleep," Legolas told him, his voice still a little croaky.
"Yes. You looked so peaceful this morning that I didn't like to disturb you."
"What time is it?"
"Nearly two in the afternoon," Elrond answered gently, reaching for the glass of water on the bedside table. "Water?" he offered.
"Thank you." The prince eagerly downed the cool water. Elrond took the glass from him and a contented sigh escaped Legolas. "Warm," the blonde Elf mumbled.
"Excuse me?"
"I said it's warm in here," Legolas smiled.
"I'm glad you're comfortable. Are you hungry? I brought food," Elrond told him, gesturing to the tray.
Legolas considered this for a moment before a small smile graced his pale lips. "Honestly, I'm starving."
Elrond laughed softly and picked up the tray. "Is fruit to your liking?"
"I'll eat anything right now," the younger Elf confessed almost shyly. He wasn't known for indulging in excesses but months without a proper meal had made him forget his pride for a moment.
"All right, but eat with caution. Here," he said handing Legolas a plate of food, which he slowly devoured with determination. Elrond ate his own lunch more leisurely, mainly content to watch Legolas tuck into his meal of fresh fruit and whey bread – a healthy and fulfilling lunch. Elrond was still a little concerned about his partner's weight.
"You're staring at me again," Legolas told him with a crooked smile.
"Sorry. I'm just glad to have you here." Legolas paused in eating long enough to genuinely smile at his love before returning his concentration to his plate. It didn't take too long for the dish to be empty and Legolas placed it on the bed. "Feel better now?" Elrond smiled.
"That was good," the prince answered, feeling full and comfortable again.
"Well, it was just fruit but I am glad you enjoyed it. Over the course of your pregnancy you have to keep eating regular meals; whatever you want." Legolas nodded, his hand drifting automatically to his stomach. Elrond watched this action and felt a new warmth flood his heart. "Legolas, I'm assuming that you haven't seen a healer yet." Clearly distracted, Legolas shook his head. "Then, will you let me check you over?" A look of utter fear flooded Legolas' eyes, startling Elrond somewhat. "Legolas, what's wrong?" he asked kindly, trying to regain Legolas' trust.
"Nothing," the prince whispered.
"You can't lie to me, mellon nin. Please tell me why you hesitate."
The blonde Elf looked nervously about him, avoiding Elrond's eyes and mulling over his answer. Finally he replied in a soft voice, "I…I don't know. I mean, I'm not sure."
Elrond shifted on the bed, taking his partner's hand in his own. "It's all right to be scared, you know. Given what you've been through – what you're going through – it's natural. Look, I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable in any way. But, Legolas, you have to have a healer examine you. For the child as well as for yourself. Please." Legolas' blue eyes finally drifted up to meet his, although he still looked reluctant. "Listen, if you would prefer to see someone else, a healer less emotionally attached, then you have every right. You do whatever makes you comfortable. Don't feel you're obliged to have me. If you'd like another healer you are welcome to say. I won't be offended, and even if I was, you shouldn't care. You should be worried about yourself, not me, all right?" Legolas nodded, tears forming in his eyes at his lover's kind words. He had almost forgotten what it felt like to be so looked after. "So, shall I fetch a healer for you?"
"No, I want you," Legolas said firmly, his mind made up.
Elrond smiled in appreciation and said, "All right, then. Here I am. You have, according to some, the best healer on Middle Earth, take advantage. Tell me if you have any pain or discomfort as we go along, all right?"
"All right."
"I'll need to see your stomach. Can I lift your shirt?" Legolas nodded, pushing the sheets out of the way and undoing the tie of his borrowed dressing gown before lifting up his shirt to his chest, exposing his swollen stomach. "Thank you. I'm just going to feel, check everything's in order. Let me know if there's any pain." Standing up and leaning over, Elrond pressed gently down, feeling for the child growing inside. Although Legolas tensed when he felt Elrond's hands on him, he remained quiet and still. In truth, he was terrified of the outcome of this examination. During his long journey, he had not exactly taken good care of his health and honestly had rarely given any thought to his baby, instead choosing to put it from his mind. If it wasn't real, he wouldn't have to deal with it, with the fear. Now though, the harsh reality was brought back to him and he was finally forced to face the truth.
Swallowing back a sob, Legolas focused on Elrond. His hands were still warm and gentle but unlike the night before when they had been slow and tentative now they were strong and confident – the hands of a healer.
Elrond was so focused on what he was doing that he didn't notice his patient's struggle with his emotions. He could already feel the baby very clearly. And something else. Something…Elrond stood up straight with a confused look on his face. "Huh," he said as if to himself.
"What?" Legolas asked. When Elrond remained lost in thought and his concerned face started to worry Legolas. What had he found that concerned him so much? "Elrond, what's wrong? Please, you're scaring me."
This startled Elrond from his thoughts and he looked to Legolas. "Forgive me, melleth nin, I didn't mean to alarm you. I was simply trying to recall something." He shook his head, trying to clear it before smiling down at the prince. "Well, as far as I can tell, your babies are healthy enough. Both of them."
"Both?" Legolas asked, although it came out more as a strangled whimper.
"Uh-huh. Twins. Feel," Elrond offered, placing Legolas' hand on his stomach and pressing down so the younger Elf could feel his children.
"Twins?" Legolas asked in wonder. How could he have missed that?
"You know, twins do run in my family."
"That's reassuring," he quipped, running his hand across his stomach.
"You should know that this will make the pregnancy a lot harder. And for two babies you are quite small; you'll need to get your weight back up a bit, plenty of highly nutritious food." Legolas nodded, he still felt the niggle of hunger in his stomach so he didn't think eating would be too much of a problem, although the sickness might be. "Good. Now, I'm going to ask you some questions and I want you to answer them honestly, do you understand?"
"All right."
"Promise me," Elrond asked pointedly.
"Yes, I promise."
"Right. So, tell me where it hurts. And don't say 'nowhere' because I know it's a lie." Legolas looked up at him sheepishly, confirming Elrond's suspicions. "I thought so. What hurts?" Still the young Elf didn't answer, searching his mind for a way to express how much his body hurt without appearing any weaker than Elrond must have already thought him. It proved to be a difficult task.
Elrond remained silent for the first minute of Legolas' hesitation, understanding this was difficult on the proud prince. Very rarely did Legolas share his pains with anyone; most of the time he even kept his hurts from Elrond, the person he was closest to in the world. He hated to admit to his weakness and would maintain the pretence that he was 'fine' even if blood was pouring from his wounds and he was in so much pain he could hardly breathe.
Now though was not the time for unnecessary pride. So, Elrond bravely broke the thoughtful silence. "Legolas, please, mellon nin. There really is nothing you can say that will shock me. Trust me, I have been a healer for a long time and I've heard it all before. Let me help make you more comfortable." Legolas nodded slowly, genuinely touched by Elrond's kindness. "All right, let me guess then." The Elf Lord thought for a moment before smiling knowingly. "It's your back?"
"Yes." It was true; months bent over on a horse with bandages wrapped brutally tight around an enlarged abdomen was enough to give anyone backache. Elrond knew that pregnant mothers often suffered from backache, there was no reason Legolas should be any different.
"All right. What else?" Elrond asked, wanting to compile a mental list of Legolas' maladies.
Legolas sighed, knowing there was no point in hiding anything from his love. "My legs hurt," he admitted quietly.
"That is to be expected after travelling for so long," Elrond assured him gently. "What about your stomach? Any pain?"
"A little but it usually fades after a while."
"When you've rested," Elrond guessed.
"Yes."
"Good. How often did you remove the bandages?"
Legolas looked down at the bed almost shamefully. He knew the tightness around his mid-section was probably damaging to his child but he had been too scared that someone would notice his bump. "About twice." The only time he had even loosened them was the couple of times he had stopped at inns and that had only been for one night.
"Only twice?" Elrond asked in surprise.
"I didn't stop much."
Elrond saw his shame and sadness and smiled softly, taking Legolas' hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Have you felt the babies move yet?"
Legolas looked up sharply; panic flooding his eyes as he searched his memory. He had been so completely focused on reaching somewhere safe that he had paid very little attention to the baby. "No," he almost whispered.
"Well, that's not unusual. Don't worry." Legolas nodded, relaxing a little at Elrond's assurance. He trusted the Elven Lord implicitly. "Now, have you been suffering any nausea, fatigue or dizziness?" Elrond continued. The first was obvious as Legolas had already been sick twice the night before.
"Yes to all," Legolas replied with surprising honesty.
"Is it all the time?"
"Yes. And my head aches," Legolas added.
"I can give you something that will ease the pain and nausea, although it probably won't cure your morning sickness I'm afraid. I'll make you up a couple of remedies and run you a bath. You look like you could use a good wash." Legolas nodded sheepishly. "Hopefully, the warm water should ease some of that aching, make you feel more comfortable. And after that I want you to get some rest."
That sounded like such a good idea. He was filthy and cold and still feeling utterly miserable. Not to mention completely shattered. Even after a few hours solid sleep, he was still tired. He supposed that one nights' sleep wouldn't be enough after so many weeks of virtually no sleep.
"You stay here and I'll run you a nice warm bath," Elrond said softly. Standing, he went to the bathroom and started the bath running, adding some sweet-smelling, relaxing oils. When Elrond returned to the bedroom to tell Legolas that his bath was ready, the prince had dropped off to sleep against his mound of pillows. Smiling, Elrond placed his hand on Legolas' shoulder, calling, "Legolas, your bath is ready." Legolas' eyes slipped open and he looked around himself in confusion. "Legolas?"
"Elrond?" he mumbled.
The Lord of Imladris smiled gently. "You fell asleep, my love," he explained.
"Oh. What time is it?"
"You were only asleep for five minutes, mellon nin." Legolas blinked slowly at him, trying to clear the fog from his mind. "Come on, get cleaned up then you can go back to bed." Elrond took Legolas' hands – worried to find that they were thin and still slightly chilled – and eased him up. They went into the bathroom and Legolas lazily shrugged the thick dressing gown off, shivering slightly at the sudden lack of warmth. Elrond took it from him and draped it over the chair in case Legolas wanted it later. The prince then shakily undid his buttons although his cold, stiff fingers fumbled. Taking pity on him, Elrond offered, "Let me help." He easily undid the buttons and helped Legolas remove the nightshirt.
"Thank you," Legolas smiled gently.
"You're welcome."
Elrond then helped steady him as he pulled the thick socks from his feet and removed his trousers. Once fully undressed, Legolas stepped into the bath and gratefully sank down into the water with a contented sigh. Right away he ducked his head beneath the surface, getting some of the dirt from his long hair. When he resurfaced, Elrond was smiling at him.
Holding out the soap, the dark-haired Elf grinned, "You might need this."
"Thank you," Legolas said and started washing himself, ridding his body of all the dirt he had accumulated over the past couple of months. It felt good once the mud had been cleaned off. He rinsed his hair several times until the grime was gone and it shone beautiful gold once more. He worked through his long hair with a comb, working out the many tangles until it hung smooth and straight down his back.
After giving his entire body one last firm scrub, Legolas finally let himself relax, leaning back with a sigh. The water was a little cooler now but it still felt good. All the while, Elrond had been waiting in the next room, allowing the prince some privacy. He changed the sheets, adding a couple of blankets he'd retrieved from the healing halls to keep Legolas warm. Pregnant male Elves were more susceptible to the cold then normal so no doubt he would need them. He also fetched some more clean clothes, all nice and loose to accommodate his growing stomach. Whilst waiting for the prince, Elrond mixed together a few vials of medication to help with Legolas' pain and nausea.
Just as Elrond was plumping up the pillows on the bed, he heard a soft shuddering from the bathroom. In surprise, Elrond crossed over to the door and listened for a moment before knocking gently and pushing the door open.
"Legolas?" he asked softly.
The younger Elf looked up at the sound of his name, revealing his clean but tear-stained face. A rasping sob escaped his pale lips as he hugged himself tightly.
Walking over to the prince, Elrond perched on the edge of the bath. "Legolas? Are you all right?" he asked, placing his hand on Legolas' cheek. "What's wrong?"
Legolas shook his head, wiping the tears away with the back of his hand. "Nothing," he said with a shaky voice. He forced a watery smile onto his lips and said, "I'm sorry. I'm just tired."
Elrond nodded understandingly. "Come back to bed then. You can get some more sleep. Are you ready to get out of there?" Legolas nodded so Elrond offered his hand and helped the young Elf stand up before handing him a towel. The dripping wet prince wrapped the warm, fluffy towel around himself and stepped out of the now murky water, his balance aided by Elrond's strong, steady hands.
"I found you some more clean clothes. They are borrowed, of course, but they should fit. We'll have to get some proper clothes made for you at a…" Elrond turned around when he heard another rasping sob and found Legolas standing with his hand clamped over his mouth as if in shock at the noise that had escaped him and he was desperately trying to prevent another leaving his lips.
He found the sudden force of his grief wrenched another choked cry and he lowered teary eyes to avoid Elrond's gaze. His whole body was shuddering with the effort of suppressing his grief. Despite his efforts though, another heart-wrenching sob slipped past his defences and Elrond could no longer stand passively by.
Taking a striding step forward, Elrond pulled the younger Elf into his arms and held him tight, whispering his name. At the feel of strong arms securely holding him close to a broad, warm chest and hands smoothing down his back, the barriers broke and the pent-up emotion poured forth and he cried hard and noisily into Elrond's robes.
Elrond just held him close, rubbing his back and whispering reassurances and platitudes, letting the prince cry. He swayed gently on the spot, hoping to offer more comfort. After months of cruel and painful isolation it felt good to be held by someone else, to know someone else cared about him, that there was someone who would take care of him. He clung to Elrond's robes, knowing that the closest thing he had to family wouldn't think any less of him for this momentary lapse of control. He could always be himself around Elrond. The Elven Lord had always been privy to his weaknesses. The proud young prince of Mirkwood trusted him enough to come to him with any problems and Elrond felt privileged to be his confidant.
They stayed that way for some time before Legolas' cries died down and he stood in Elrond's warm arms, feeling even more drained now than previously; now both physically and emotionally.
Elrond pulled back a little, his hand tenderly wiping tears off slightly flushed cheeks. He smiled when Legolas turned watery blue eyes to him and despite the tiredness clouding them he also saw a glimmer of embarrassment.
"Feel a bit better for that?" Elrond asked kindly.
Legolas nodded but placed his head back against Elrond's chest, listening to the lord's steadily beating heart and rhythmic breathing. It was surprisingly soothing and lulled him into a relaxed state of calm. He sighed heavily, saying softly, "I miss Ada. I wish he was here. I wish he didn't hate me."
Elrond let his eyes fall closed in sympathy. He would never understand how any father could abandon their child, no matter what they had done. Personally, he would never turn any of his children away if they were in trouble.
Legolas obviously mistook Elrond's silence for disapproval as he shook his head and pulled away slightly, choking on a laugh. "I'm sorry, that sounds really childish," he said sadly.
Elrond looked down in surprise and took Legolas' hands in his own. "It is not childish," he said firmly, moving his hands up to cup Legolas' cheeks. "I wish I could make him see…" He trailed off, not knowing of any consolation that would help. Instead he pulled Legolas towards him and hugged him tightly. "I'm so sorry, mellon nin. But I am going to be right here for you, no matter what. I promise I'll never leave you."
Another shuddering sob escaped Legolas and he said, "Thank you."
Elrond pulled back again and kissed Legolas softly. The prince leaned into the kiss, gladly returning it. It never grew passionate as their kisses so often did though. This was about comfort rather than passion.
Once they had pulled apart, Legolas leaned against his love once more. "Come on, I think you should try to get some rest now," Elrond told him, rubbing his hands up and down Legolas' towel-covered arms to generate some heat as he could now see the prince shivering a little again. "I've mixed you up something to ease the pain and nausea."
"Thank you," Legolas said, closing his eyes.
"Come on," the Elven lord said, leading Legolas back into the bedroom. He helped the blonde towel himself dry then gave him a hand getting into clean clothes. Once dressed, he pulled on the thick borrowed dressing gown and tied it around his stomach. "Drink this," Elrond told him, holding out a vial of liquid. Legolas hesitated somewhat in taking it though and it was not difficult to figure out why. "Don't worry, it won't harm the children," the healer assured.
Reassured by the words, Legolas drank down the mixture, cringing slightly at the bitter taste, then handed the vial back to Elrond. "That is disgusting," he gasped.
"Yes but it will help, I promise."
"Elrond, I'm hungry," Legolas told his partner sheepishly.
"Then I shall fetch you some food. Unfortunately, after that I have to get back to a meeting. I have tarried here far longer than I intended and no doubt my absence at the head of the negotiating table will be conspicuous."
Legolas looked up in surprise. Not once had he thought that he was keeping Elrond from something important, although he should have guessed. Elrond was Lord of Imladris; of course he had duties and responsibilities to attend to beyond babysitting him.
"I'm sorry," he said, feeling more than a little foolish. "You don't have to serve me. Please, return to your meeting."
Elrond pulled Legolas against him again, wrapping him in strong arms. "It is my pleasure to serve you, Legolas. You and our children." Legolas smiled gently into Elrond's robes. "Come and lie back down. After you've eaten your food I want you to sleep some more. You must be exhausted." Legolas had no need to confirm or deny this; his body was still slow and weak, his face pale and dark circles still smudged under his eyes, making him appear almost gaunt.
The healer led Legolas over to the bed and sat him down. "If you command it, my Lord," Legolas said in a mocking voice.
Elrond merely smiled at him and pulled the thick sheets aside. "Climb under. You need to keep warm. I'll be right back with your food." The dark-haired Elf was true to his word; he returned in five minutes carrying a plate of fruits, hoping they would be more filling but also light enough to keep the nausea to a minimum. "After you've eaten, try to sleep for a while." Legolas nodded, picking a piece of apple off the plate. Really he needed no such encouragement. Already tiredness was creeping through his mind again and he had to work hard not to yawn widely. "I'll come by to see you later. Rest well." Elrond placed a tender kiss on Legolas' forehead and forced himself out of the door. Had he been given the option, Elrond would have happily stayed with his love all day, even if it was just to watch him sleep. Unfortunately, negotiations had to continue and he had to be present.
Once Elrond had gone, Legolas proceeded to empty his plate. It felt so good not to be hungry for the first time in ages. He just hoped his sickness would remain at bay for a while, that Elrond's vile-tasting concoction would work at least for a time. Already he felt better after his bath, his muscles – previously tense and taut – had loosened a little and his skin had warmed considerably. Not that a couple of hours' sleep and a hot bath would erase the past three months of fear, grief and uncertainty. What he had revealed to Elrond – that he missed his father – had come as a shock to him as well as the Elven Lord. He hadn't really had much of a chance to consider his father's betrayal or his banishment from his home. It had stung whenever he had entered a place and been turned away, having been beaten by his father's messengers. People he thought he could trust, people he had known all his life had shut him out, even though they had pledged their allegiance to him, their undying faith. Unfortunately, Thranduil was far scarier and commanding than the mild-mannered Prince of Mirkwood and people tended to bend to his whim.
Placing the plate on the bedside table, Legolas looked around Elrond's rooms. He spent a lot of time here but had never lived in the lord's chambers. Whenever he stayed in Rivendell, he slept in the guest rooms, only visiting Elrond's rooms when night had fallen and had always left discreetly by morning. They always remained discreet about their relationship, never flaunting it in public. Not that they were overly secretive about it. Thranduil did not approve of his son's relationship but seemed to turn a blind eye to whatever happened in Rivendell.
This time though, Elrond seemed to want him to stay in his own rooms rather than offering his normal guest room or even ordering him to stay in the healing halls. And that suited Legolas just fine. He'd always liked the cosy rooms of the Elven Lord; the large soft bed, the stunning view of the valley, the large bath big enough to accommodate two, but more than anything he liked the feeling of being close to his lover. Some of his best memories were of waking up in Elrond's arms; of dozing off in bed as the sun rose, warming them; of Elrond waking slowly and kissing his neck sleepily.
At this memory, Legolas found himself longing to have Elrond by his side, holding him tightly, chasing away his fears and insecurities. Wrapping his arms around himself to simulate Elrond's presence, Legolas slid down in the bed, pulling the covers tightly around himself. Tears dampened the pillow as he cried himself into a deep slumber.
To Be Continued…
