Aside from the one statement – I am such an idiot – Estel just couldn't think of what he was going to say to his brother when he woke up. In his eyes, what he had done was unforgiveable, unexplainable even. But he was too good a friend to loose, as selfish a thought it was. The duo had challenged everything throughout life side by side for too long for him to go solo now.
The candle flickered weakly one last time before finally dying, leaving him in darkness. For a while he was content in the dark before it started to make his eyes drift shut. Falling asleep before Legolas awoke would not make his situation any better.
The heat that was quick to leave his hand when he let go of the elf's hand was all too noticeable, as were the groans from said elf when he left his side. As the king scrambled through the drawers in the room for a candle, he could only listen to the dreaming patient.
…
It was night time in Rivendell and Legolas was hiding up a large oak tree. Standing in the clearing was Lord Elrond and, judging by what he'd heard from their conversation so far, the man that is no longer King Elessar.
It was Aragorn that was currently speaking, " – I just can't believe Legolas would do this to me. After all we've been through he'd just tear out my heart and stamp on it like this."
The Elven Lord spoke in a quieter tone, obviously sympathetic, "Estel, I don't know what I can do for you… Obviously, you can stay here for as long as you like, this has and always will be your home. However, I can't make Arwen love you again. Her heart has been reclaimed."
"I know," he sighed heavily, "I just don't understand why: Legolas could have claimed her before I was born, or even when the marriage was arranged and yet he chose only to do it after I had grown even more in love with her. I must not have truly had a brother if he truly wanted to be so cruel."
Despite his words, the King couldn't speak them in anger, only in pain, literally on his knees, weakened by his unrequited love. It pained Legolas to see him such.
The Kings eyes were closed when he whispered, "I wish to be alone father, to find peace if you will let me."
He only nodded, his eyes filled with dread and tears, and when Legolas saw Aragorn remove his dagger from its sheath, he understood why.
By the time he'd leapt desperately from the branch it was done. The Prince could only hold his brother close until his body grew cold.
"I never loved her Estel," he choked, clinging him to his chest, "Never, I'd never take her from you. Never. Never…"
Growing tired, he lay down with his friend for a while. Crying until he could cry no more. He stared blindly outward just being with his Estel, not wanting to be anywhere else. He couldn't be anywhere else: he was the cause of his friend's death, enjoying life now would only be betraying him more.
He couldn't stay, he had to convince Estel that what he'd said was true, even if it meant following him to do it.
…
Candle in hand, Aragorn turned to head for Legolas' bedside to light it, to find Legolas up and walking around. The elf's eyes kept fluttering shut and he brushed against the many pieces of furniture clumsily. The poor thing was hiccupping and sobbing, his hands reaching out blindly for something.
The candle now light, Estel hastened to his friend and pulled him close. The Prince was shaking and, strangely, started to search him.
"Gwador?" he whispered carefully, hoping not to startle him, "gwador what's wrong?"
The Prince ignored him, his glazed eyes only stared at the wall behind the King, his hand searching, constantly searching until he found what he was looking for.
The dagger the King kept under his robe, just in case, was pulled from its hiding place and was quickly directed at his chest. Seeing this, the King quickly grabbed the Prince's hands, shocked at his actions, "Mellon nin – what are you doing?" he wrestled him urgently, "Stop this my friend - listen to me, listen to me - please – I need you please."
He pinned him to the bed, pressing his cheek against Legolas' so he could talk in Legolas' ear and keep the confused patient's head turned away from the hand holding the knife, "Legolas, I need you to try and focus for me, this is not what you want."
"Let me go, I need to get to Estel," his voice was weak, as were his thrashes, "I need to get to Estel. I need to tell him. I need to get to Estel."
Aragorn threw the knife across the room and held him tightly to his chest, "I'm right here Las. I'm not going anywhere."
