Legolas heard a voice call his name, but it took him a moment to fully wake. A thump brought him to full consciousness, and he opened his eyes, turning his head towards the sound. What he saw—or rather, what he didn't see—make him frown.

Elrond's bed was missing its occupant.

Blinking, Legolas painfully tried to sit up, wondering if his vision was lying to him. How could Elrond not be in his bed? No one would ever allow him to rise, in his condition…it was then that Legolas realized that no one else was in the room. A horrible thought struck him as he remembered the thump that had woken him. "Elrond?" he said.

There was no answer.

A thrill of fear filled Legolas at the thought that the ancient elf had tried to rise and passed out in the attempt. "Elrond?" he called again. When he again received no answer, he reached out towards the nightstand and dragged himself out of his own bed.

Legolas had to bite his lip at the pain that filled his body, especially his hip and the rib in his back. His leg was completely immobilized from hip to ankle, so he didn't think that he was risking more damage to it by moving…he hoped.

Holding onto the nightstand, he had to fight back the dizziness that resulted from lying down for so long. He felt weaker than he'd expected, but he didn't care, wanting to ensure that Elrond was all right. Thankfully, the other elf's bed was only about six feet away, so, leaning against the wall, Legolas managed to drag himself there without mishap. Reaching the bed, he leaned his good arm on it and peeked to the other side. What he saw sent his heart into his throat.

Suddenly, the door opened as Thranduil walked in, and the King stopped in shock at seeing his son out of bed. "Legolas! What are you doing!"

The young elf was startled enough to nearly fall over. "Elrond needs help!" he said, pointing to the other side of the bed.

Thranduil realized that the other injured elf was missing, and he quickly rushed over, finding the elf-lord unconscious, leaned up against the side of his bed. "Elrond!" he exclaimed, kneeling beside him and tapping his face. "What happened?" he asked his son.

Legolas shook his head, having no idea.

Thranduil checked his old friend's pulse, finding it thankfully steady. He sighed, unable to lift Elrond because of his still-healing broken shoulder. Standing, he took his son by the arm and helped him back to his own bed. "Do not get up again," he said. "I will gethelp."

Legolas nodded, watching as his father quickly left. Looking back at Elrond's empty bed, he couldn't help the slight smile. And I thought that the twins are I were stubborn!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Elrond's sons were on their way back to their father's room when Thranduil found them and told them what had happened. A few seconds later, the sight of two identical elves running as if they were being chased by orcs would have been humorous if not for the circumstances.

Elladan threw the door open, and he and his brother nearly got themselves stuck together in the doorway as they both tried to rush in.

Elrohir managed to get there first, and he threw himself to his knees and grabbed his father carefully. "Ada!" he exclaimed, his voice shaking.

Elrond gave no answer, eyes closed in unconsciousness.

"How did this happen?" Elladan asked, as he and his brother carefully lifted their father and placed him on the bed.

"I do not know!" Legolas answered. "I was asleep. I believe that he called to me, and then I heard him fall."

The twins had no reply to that, checking their father's injuries as they wondered why he'd tried to get out of bed.

"Did he hurt himself?" Legolas asked, fearfully.

"I cannot be sure about his leg," said Elladan, running his hands along the splint. "I see no evidence of further damage…"

"I think that his head is all right," said Elrohir. "He was sitting when we found him, so he likely did not strike it again on anything."

Everyone sighed with relief at that.

"So he is all right, then?" Legolas asked.

"He appears to be," said Elladan. "Though I cannot fathom why he got out of bed when he knew that this would be the likely result, with a head injury such as his."

Elrohir sighed, before suddenly chuckling. "If Ada thinks that we are going to spare him The Lecture, just because he is older than we are, he is quite wrong."

Elladan joined in the smile. "Indeed!"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

When Elrond later woke, he opened his eyes to find three faces staring down at him. He blinked, flinching at the unexpected sight.

"Ada?" said Elladan. "Do you know who we are?"

Elrond thought that an odd question. "Of course."

"Good," said Elrohir. "Then would you mind telling us why you rendered yourself unconscious by getting out of bed?"

Elrond blinked, not quite remembering.

Thranduil studied his old friend's face, concerned at his confusion. He saw the expression on Elrond's face eventually change, as he obviously remembered what had happened.

"I…dreamed," Elrond told them.

No one needed to ask what the dream contained, as it was quite obvious, especially to people who knew him so well.

"When I woke, I was disoriented," Elrond continued. "I saw Legolas, and could not recall recent events…" He looked over to the next bed, to see the young elf quietly watching.

"But I am fine," said Legolas, sounding upset over the situation. "My well-being was not worth harming yourself."

Elrond smiled. "Yes it is, and always has been."

Though not unexpected, those words were almost enough to bring tears to he young elf's eyes.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Over the next few days, Elrond refrained from further 'endangering' himself. His mind finally cleared; as whatever damage had been done to his brain began to heal. He obeyed his sons, proud to see what excellent healers they had become.

Legolas, on the other hand, wasn't as cooperative. Rather, he was as obedient as expected, but being young, was extremely restless. His want to go outside was overwhelming, especially now that the weather was rain-free. He was denied, however, as he was unable to walk and it would be too dangerous for his hip to be carried.

Finally, a little after a week since the accident, the day came that they let Elrond get out of bed.

Being an elf, his broken wrist was nearly healed. It would be weak for a short while longer, but the tiny bones had knit together quickly. His leg was mending well, and his head no longer spun at every movement.

As he stood, with his sons' help, he now understood their behavior when injured. He was so elated to be up and moving again, that he actually had to prevent himself from grinning like a fool.

Legolas watched, feeling jealous that he was still stuck in bed.

Standing made Elrond's head throb and caused dizziness, but he tried to ignore it. He was able to touch his leg to the floor, but it wasn't yet able to hold much weight.

Elladan and Elrohir held onto their father tightly, ensuring that he had enough balance. Their eyes were shining, at their elation that he'd survived his injuries and would soon be completely whole. The twins were exchanging meaningful glances that escaped their father's notice as he concentrated on standing.

Both Legolas and Thranduil knew what they were hiding.

Elrond took a few careful steps, putting most of his weight on his good leg. He was unsteady, as expected, but knew that he would quickly adjust.

Elladan made sure that Elrohir had a good hold on their father before he let go and walked over to a nearby table.

Elrond saw him pick something up, and asked, "What is that?"

Elladan returned and handed it to him. It was a walking stick. "We knew that you would need something to help you walk for a while," he said.

Elrond smiled, talking it and looking it over. There was a stunning leaf pattern woven around the dark wood, and the top was made of mithril. He looked at the twins, shaking his head with wonder. "I have never seen something more finely crafted!"

"That is because it was crafted with love," said Elrohir.

Elrond's smile widened and he hugged them both at once.

The twins happily returned his embrace, not letting go for a long time.

TBC
How many people are saying, "Aww!" right now? ;)