Chapter twenty-six – Comfort in the dark of night
The first thing Legolas felt, when he slowly clawed his way out of the dark tunnel that was sleep, was pain. Now it wasn't a sharp pain, more like a dull pain spreading all over his body worst from his back and forearm. He recognized the effects of a pain-reducing herb, but knew that this was close to expiring or else the pain wouldn't be as bad as it was.
Despite this, he was laying comfortably, a soft mattress under his curled up body and a fluffy pillow under his heavy head. Even though there were thick covers thrown over him he still felt the chilling bite of the night air especially around his feet. It had been a long time since he had actually slept comfortably, without disturbance, and he was well aware that he had slept so deeply he probably wouldn't have reacted to anything, even now he felt lethargic, and his eyes were closed.
Legolas lay there, floating in a state between wakefulness and sleep, his body almost seeming weightless. He slowly drew fresh air into his lungs, released it and then started the process once more. He was so tired that he just wanted to let himself fall into sleep again, but there was something pulling him in the other direction, urging him to wake up; a presence beside his bed.
Legolas' eyelids slowly fluttered up to reveal his tired sapphire blue orbs. His vision was halfway obscured by the covers lying over him, drawn up so far they halfway laid over his eyes. Nonetheless he could see that the room was alit with the soft glow from candles, something that soothed his panic before it could even take root.
Gathering himself, Legolas moved his head upwards so his eyes came over the edge of the covers and his eyes immediately latched themselves onto the figure sleeping, halfway on his bedside and halfway on the chair beside it. His eyes drank her in like dry soil did water. Moving his eyes from her unfocused ember eyes, to her long, wavy, auburn locks, one of which having escaped from behind her ear and was now lying across her cheek.
She was so close…
The lock of hair the had fallen before her face swayed with every soundless exhalation, and upon closer observation, he saw lines of exhaustion and worry in her face that had not been there the last time he had seen her. The faint shadows under her eyes bearing witness to how little rest she had probably gotten, and he felt guilt, protectiveness and love welling up inside him. He should have been more careful…
No. It didn't matter what he should or should not have done, he could not go back and change his decisions the only thing he could do now was be there for her and take care of her.
His throat tightened when the memories of everything that Turner had done to him flashed inside his mind. Remembered how the man's touch had defiled him in ways and in places where he only allowed his wife. How would Faneth react when she found out? How would he react when touched, or kissed?
Legolas inwardly shook his head. They would be all right, he wouldn't allow Turner to rip them apart like that, there was too much trust and love between them. They would make it through this; he would make it through this.
As he let his eyes wander over the rest of the room he found to his surprise that they were the only ones there. How long had he been asleep…? The twins' wounds weren't serious enough for them to need to spend more than a night in the healing wards, so he guessed that they were in their rooms already but he had halfway expected to wake up to everyone hovering over him. Thankfully it wasn't so, right now in this very moment he just wanted Faneth.
He closed his eyes tiredly and lay still for some minutes, just resting. It was shocking how weak his body had become after a month of little to no food and rest. His stomach felt completely empty and as soon as he focused on it, nausea welled up inside him. He breathed deeply to control it and then opened his eyes once more, locking them on Faneth's face.
He slowly withdrew his left arm from under the covers, this was when the lack of weight from the shackles caught his attention and he gazed down at his wrist, seeing white bandages around it, but no shackle. A small smile inched the corners of his lips upwards, but it was a bitter one.
Casting his thoughts aside he reached towards Faneth, cursing inwardly as his hand trembled, and brushed his hand first over her cheek and then tucked the lock of hair back behind her ear. Her perfect brows furrowed slightly, but her eyes didn't focus until he placed his palm against her warm cheek.
Faneth blinked shocked when she saw him looking back at her, but then her eyes softened and a loving smile lit up her face. Legolas studied her rosy lips and white teeth for a second before moving his gaze back to her golden eyes.
"It cannot be comfortable to lie like that." Legolas said softly.
"You're right, it's horrible." Faneth whispered, "Move over."
Legolas did as she said, carefully scooting closer to the edge of the bed. As soon as he moved the pain in his body flared to life, causing his breath to hitch. Faneth's head jerked up, alarm overtaking her expression as she looked into his slightly pained eyes.
"I'll get Elrond." She said hurriedly and was about to stand up when Legolas grabbed her wrist. She turned to him and saw how his eyes almost showed his desperation.
"Please stay." Legolas said softly, his sapphire eyes looking deeply into hers and she found her resolve melting into a nod. She carefully climbed under the covers, trying not to jostle him too much. When she looked at him again she saw that he had closed his eyes. Nevertheless he reached out and placed his broken arm around her waist, drawing closer to her until their bodies were pressed against each other.
Even though Legolas felt warm against her he was shivering slightly from the remains of his fever, which had broken during the night. Tears welled up in her eyes and slowly ran down her cheeks as she snuggled closer to him to share her warmth. Legolas' eyes blinked open tiredly and he gave her a sad smile, reaching up with his good hand to wipe away her tears, before running it through her auburn hair, smoothing it away from her face.
Faneth felt tingles run through her skin from his touch and closed her eyes momentarily before reaching up to take his hand in hers. She brought it to her lips and planted a kiss on the surface of his palm, before she laid it down between them once more, knowing that it would hurt him to keep it up. Instead she reached out and cupped his cheeks, running her right thumb over the bruise on his left cheek. Legolas closed his eyes and a sigh of contentment left him.
"How are you feeling?" Faneth asked him softly. Her husband's blue eyes fluttered open once more and he gave her a tired smile.
"Exhausted…" He answered, his voice weak from being unused. "How long have I slept…?"
"This is the second night since you arrive, so only a little more than a day." Faneth answered, "We had thought that you would sleep for much longer, but it seems that you're too stubborn." She ran her hands through his hair on both sides, feeling how it stopped short and slipped from her fingers before she was even beneath his shoulders. Her eyes saddened and she played for a moment with the ends of his hair, realizing that it was cut crudely, shorter in some places and longer in others. She mused for a moment over how it had happened before she moved her eyes back to Legolas, who was watching intently with through tired eyes.
"You need a haircut." She whispered.
This managed to draw a small chuckle from Legolas, "Isn't it short enough as it is?"
She looked down at the edges between her fingers once more. "It's uneven." Faneth muttered. When she looked up her golden eyes were smoldering with rage.
Legolas instantly recognized Faneth's temper and the underlying worry that drove it. He moved even closer to her, hugging her against his chest even if the action hurt him and ran his hand repeatedly over her hair.
"I'm sorry…" Legolas whispered to her, "I'm so sorry Faneth."
"You have nothing to apologize for." She said, the anger gone from her voice, replaced with love and pain. "Nothing was your fault. You made it back to me, and that is everything I can demand from you. Elladan told me what happened, but Legolas there was so much missing from his story… things that happened to you that I still now nothing about. I cannot feel you inside me… You closed yourself off to me…"
Legolas was silent for some time, but then he whispered, "I could hear you inside my head… when I was attacked at that time… I could feel your love and your worry streaming into me along with strength. I do not think I would have made it without it… You thought I had died didn't you…?"
"Yes." Faneth breathed, the lingering horror and pain still marring her beautiful voice.
"Forgive me." Legolas apologized softly, "I didn't want to cause you such pain…"
"Then stop doing it." Faneth said, her voice suddenly fierce. She moved away from Legolas so she could look into his eyes. "Stop causing me pain, stop baring yourself from me."
Legolas' eyes had widened slightly with what seemed like panic before then his expression blanked out, leaving her clueless to his feelings. Nonetheless she wouldn't back down on this. She reached out and cupped his cheeks again before he could lower his gaze from hers.
"Something is bothering you Legolas." She said desperately, "And it hurts me even more to know that I don't know what it is and therefore can't help or support you, than the act itself ever could. You do not have to shield me from your memories, you do not have to hide everything inside yourself and let it fester. Let me help you…"
Legolas' eyes were pained as they looked into hers, but she didn't stop.
"I takes energy from you that could aid you in your healing to keep your mind locked down. Please, I want to help you…" Faneth whispered, "Nothing could have happened that will ever dampen my love for you. Do you not miss the feeling of being whole?"
Legolas closed his eyes, the pained expression continuing to mar his face. "…More than you know…" He breathed, so softly she almost didn't hear it.
Faneth's heart broke at the admission and she caressed his cheek. "Then open yourself to me." She whispered, "Trust me…"
Legolas opened his eyes, so she looked into them deeply and repeated more strongly, "Trust me."
"I do trust you." Legolas whispered, "But it will hurt you… You will feel everything I felt… I do not want to put you through that."
"It's nothing more than a memory…" Faneth said gently and brushed her fingers over his cheek. "It will only hurt more the longer you keep it inside yourself. Don't keep our bond closed forever Legolas, let me stand by you in this also…"
Legolas' eyes unfocussed as thoughts and memories overtook his mind. Faneth stayed silent, watching as whatever was going on inside his head brought more pain into his gorgeous blue orbs, but she also saw resignation hidden behind the pain, resignation and tiredness that were engraved in his features, making him seem much older than he really was. It hurt her to think that she had been the one to bring about whatever thoughts he was having, but she couldn't back down now…
Every emotion she saw in Legolas' eyes made her feel privileged, not many were allowed into the depths of Legolas' feelings. In fact so few people that it was frightening. Her husband kept almost everyone at a safe distance from his heart. Made cautious from years of pain and hurt. If it were up to her then Legolas wouldn't hide himself like he was, instead she would have him be free, free too allow everyone to see the compassionate, gentle and loving being underneath his walls of rank and strength.
When Legolas' eyes refocused once more and locked on hers, just a single crystalline tear escaped from the corner of his eye and rolled down his pale and still slightly flushed cheek. Faneth's eyes followed it, and gently wiped it away with her thumb when it came inside her range, a pang shot through her heart from seeing Legolas cry but she kept anything but worry and love from her expression.
"I love you…" Legolas whispered, his words completely unwavering and effortless, but still carrying so much meaning.
"I love you too." Faneth answered. She leaned forward and gently captured Legolas' lips with hers, losing herself in Legolas' taste and feel. It wasn't until something wet hit her cheeks that she realized that Legolas had tensed slightly. Immediately she moved back, her head jerking up alarmed, what met her made her breathing come to an abrupt halt.
Legolas had more tears rolling down his cheeks and his eyes were unfocussed. Before she could come up with any words Legolas blinked and abruptly his expression changed to horror and regret, his widened eyes landing on her.
"Legolas…?" She breathed, finally finding her voice. She cursed herself inwardly, amidst her horror: she shouldn't have done that… If she had been able to feel his feelings then she would have stopped as soon as she felt the slightest discomfort from him.
Legolas didn't say anything but his breathing was hitched, suddenly though his expression changed to resignation, a look that she never wanted to see on his face.
"I'm sorry." She said, "I shouldn't have done that."
Legolas shook his head. He leaned forward and gently gave her a kiss on the lips, this time his body neither tensing nor reacting in any other way. Then he rested his forehead against hers, his still being slightly warmer than hers because of the fever. When she opened her eyes she found herself looking straight up into his.
As she continued to look into his eyes she saw a faint lightening of their blue color. In tact with this she suddenly felt a void in her heart being filled once more, bringing first a feeling that her husband was alive and then even more than that. The energy pulsed and cackled around them, Legolas' aura brightening with every passing second.
It seemed to be hard for him to let go of the barrier after clinging to it desperately for a month, dependent on its protection from the world around him. She could feel as sweat began to appear on his forehead, but nevertheless he didn't stop.
Tears welled up inside Faneth's eyes from feeing Legolas inside her mind after so long of despairing over the loss. She had thought he was dead but now no doubt remained in her mind, he was very much alive.
For the first time since he had woken up Faneth saw peace in Legolas' eyes, a feeling that she hadn't even realized that he had been missing.
The more of the barrier he removed the more feelings flooded into her, feelings of pain, dread, love, hurt, joy, peace, calmness - everything - a big swirling mass. But most of all she felt his complete exhaustion and weariness, felt how even a small movement seemed to be an effort for him.
Then it stopped, his barrier reaching its normal strength, but not locking her out from anything inside him. His eyes had changed from a sapphire blue to cerulean, and his aura was bright once more.
A second passed afterwards where nothing happened and Faneth slowly regained her breath, before images started pouring into her mind; Legolas' memories. She completely lost sense of reality as she was thrown into endless days of torment and pain.
Legolas' emotions swirled through her from times where he was locked in the darkness. She felt how he had clung to the image of her and Maliel desperately throughout the whole period, but she also felt things constantly trying to rip that away from him. Felt what effect the darkness had on him, felt how he lost himself in painful memories without having anything to cling to. Felt how it had reduced him painfully, and then finally Turner coming into the room.
She watched as Legolas scrambled into a corner of the room like a threatened and mistreated dog might have. Saw as Turner and two other men circled him from all sides, the two men grabbing his arms tightly even as he fought against them. A growl left her throat as she saw Turner near Legolas, his filthy hands running over her husband, her feelings only heightened by the shock and desperation Legolas was feeling.
Her anger quickly changed to horror and understanding when Turner leaned forward, pressing his lips against a very unwilling Legolas. Barely a second passed before Legolas kicked out hitting him in the chest and flinging him backwards. This action cost him though as he was kicked to the ground.
The memories zoomed on, getting worse and worse. She felt Legolas' pain as Móre was killed right in front of him and his anger towards the people who caused it. Saw as he forced Elrohir out of his coma, using every piece of his strength.
Then she arrived at the night Elladan had sprung so lightly over and she felt that her heart might break. Legolas had been so weakened when they had brought him to that post; it was amazing that he hadn't collapsed before the whip had even touched him. She watched unable to do anything as he fell and broke his arm. Unable to do anything when the whip rained down on his completely unprotected back. And unable to do anything as he fought and struggled against Turner's attempts thereafter… unable to do anything despite feeling everything that Legolas did, feeling his pain, his panic, his desperation, and his fear…
When everything went black thereafter she was almost relieved but then his world lightened once more and he was dragged out into the field, being forced to work despite barely being able to stand.
She felt Legolas' feelings as if they were her own and heard the mantra playing constantly in his mind while he forced himself to continuously carry the stones from the pile to the wall.
He had to get back to them.
He had to get back to them.
He had to get back to them.
Then she was rushing along the river, watching as Legolas pushed himself away from Elrohir. Watched as he tried fruitlessly to avoid the rocks and keep his head above the water despite the raging current. She felt as if she was drowning with him…
The impact he had with the water after falling down the drop sent agony through his body, but nevertheless he immediately started struggling towards the surface, thinking of them once more. Faneth felt the effect the lack of air had on him, how his lungs screamed and struggled, as if it was happening to her.
Then after a short warning Legolas' world disappeared into excruciating agony as something smashed against the shields of his mind and Faneth felt for the first time what it was like to be attacked directly by another force. Legolas fought against it for some time but slowly his mind began to darken from the strain, slowly drowning in the water and the pain.
Suddenly calmness washed over Legolas and he concentrated, pushing the force away from his mind with every bit of strength he had left. As it disappeared his mind suddenly became open to something else and Faneth listened as her own voice shouted Legolas' name and felt as both Thranduil and her poured energy into him. Despite this Legolas' world dimmed from lack of air, darkness slowly overtaking him even as arms locked around his waist.
Faneth crashed back into awareness as her mind pulled sharply away from Legolas' memories, unable to handle any more. She found herself gasping and sobbing, locked in Legolas' arms.
"Shh…" He whispered to her. The hoarseness in his voice made her realize that he had been whispering to her for some time. "Everything's all right. It's just a memory. Shh… You're going to be all right. Control your breathing…"
She didn't know if he was even aware that she had pulled away from his memories, but she locked onto his voice and used it as a pillar, letting it wash over her and soothe her. Slowly she was able to control her breathing, but her body was still trembling and tears rolled down her eyes.
It was then that she realized that she was hugging Legolas' tightly around the chest. Although Legolas wasn't saying anything or trying to get her to let go, she could feel the pain he was in from their bond. She was also able to detect that his voice was shaking slightly, as he continued to whisper to her. She let go hurriedly; horrified that she had hurt him. How long she had been holding him like that?
Immediately Legolas' whispering stopped and he drew back from her, so he could look her in the eyes. She saw how his cerulean blue eyes were wide and the evidence of tears on his cheeks. This caused another sob to leave her throat and she reached up, cupping his cheeks before pressing kisses against his cheeks and forehead. Afterwards she kissed his lips gently before placing her forehead against his.
"I love you." She choked, and pushed every feeling of love into her bond with him. "I love you so much. Never doubt that, never doubt me…"
She felt as Legolas' body relaxed and feelings of peace and relief welled up inside him, so strong that another set of tears rolled down his cheeks. Faneth kissed them away gently; knowing that at the moment Legolas was just too tired to hold them back. She could feel his complete exhaustion and still a degree of pain from his wounds.
"I love you. I love you. I love you." Faneth whispered repeatedly, watching as Legolas' eyes started closing and his breathing deepened. "Go to sleep Legolas. I will be right here by your side when you wake up again. Don't worry. I drive the nightmares away."
Even as Legolas' eyes closed a certain degree of tension remained in his body from the pain he was feeling, something that was hindering him from sleeping. Faneth began singing softly and felt as that tension was replaced by calmness as he entered the land of dreams once more.
Barely a second later, tears started rolling down Faneth's cheeks and she pressed another kiss against his soft lips. Before the hour was out she lost her fight with sleep as well, still in his arms.
O
Thranduil didn't even realize, as his horse slowly slowed down until it came to a complete stop so concentrated was he on the sparking bond within him. His eyes widened and one of his hands reached up to hold right over his heart. Legolas was alive. As time continued to pass his bond with his eldest son only grew stronger as Legolas removed the barrier that had been keeping them apart.
"My King?"
Húron's voice made Thranduil slowly raise his widened eyes and look at him. Húron eyes were questioning and confused. From this distance Thranduil as able to see the lack of sleep in Húron's pallor and the shadows under his eyes, as he was sure it was marked on his own face.
"Legolas is alive." Thranduil said softly. A smile began to break out on his face at the enormous relief he felt washing over him. "Hithel was right, he's alive."
Húron's eyes widened almost comically. He soon closed them, muttering a prayer of thanks to the Valar. Thranduil could see his hands shaking from where they were gripping the reigns and reached over to place one of his over them, giving then a light squeeze. He then looked around the rest of the company and saw their relief clearly as well.
At the moment the only member of Legolas' team they were missing was Gruinor, who had been on a patrol some ways away from the palace. Húron had sent a message to him, so at the moment he was probably riding after them quickly. Taenor and Maer had already arrived in this manor, as well as Amath.
Through the past days of travel, the team's devotion to his son had been incredibly clear and Thranduil once again felt thankful that these strong elves would support his son whenever he was not there to do it. He knew that they had been on countless missions together, always taking the hardest and most dangerous because they were the most skilled. He had seen the team in action, with his son leading them, and had been amazed by their strength and cooperation.
Pengon rode closer to him. "Have you been in contact with him my King?"
Thranduil shook his head, looking regretful and worried. "He's too weak to notice my calls. Let us make haste to Rivendell."
There were nods from all over the company and they steered their horses once more in the direction of the hidden valley, everyone thinking of Legolas. It would be three days before they reached the Last Homely House.
O
The air in the cave was foul, reeking from old blood, orcs and mold. His sword was stained with black blood and ready in his hand as he rushed through the endless tunnels, having split up from his brother long ago. His thoughts were frantic and disorganized as he continued to check the rooms on either side of the hall he was in at the moment. One of the doors led to another hall and at the end of that he halted numb. Cells…
Summoning his strength he rushed over to the keys hanging on the wall and unlocked the first door with shaking hands. It was empty. At the next one his breathing stopped, seeing a motionless figure at the end. He rushed forward, but soon saw that it wasn't whom he thought, it was one of his mother's guards and from the looks of it he had been dead for some days.
Swallowing his nausea at what had been done to the elf, he forced himself to back out of the cell once more. He walked over to the next door and opened it.
The sword slipped out of his hand and clattered to the floor and his heart stopped in his chest at the sight of platinum hair lying over the stone floor of the cell. A cry of denial was ripped from his throat at the blood on her ripped dress and the wounds littering her body. He stumbled forward, blindly and fell to his knees beside her, pulling her upper body into his arms as sobs started to rack his form.
"NOO!" Elladan screamed, bolting upright in his bed gasps and sobs tearing from him. His body was trembling and his face was wet with either sweat or tears, or both. His heart was pounding quickly inside his chest, even quicker than his gasps.
Elladan hugged his arms tightly around his chest as another sob was ripped from him and more tears started streaming down his cheeks. At that moment the door to his room opened and arms wrapped tightly around his shaking form. Elladan clung to the person, trying to soak up comfort. He was barely aware of the whispers of comfort, through the sound of his own crying.
Gradually the feeling of safety and calmness seemed to soak through his grief-stricken mind, and his breathing slowed down, his tears becoming calmer and more silent. Along with this he became aware of his father's voice whispering comforting things and the rocking movement of his body as he held him in his arms.
"It was just a dream." Elrond whispered, "You're safe. I have you." He kissed to top of his hair, "I have you…"
"Ada…" Elladan breathed, laying his head against his father's chest. Elrond was sitting behind him with his back against the headboard.
"Yes." Elrond said softly, kissing Elladan's forehead. "It's me."
Elladan closed his eyes, leaning into his father's embrace, the remains of his nightmare still sending trembles through his body. Elrond held him silently, occasionally running his hand over his hair or kissing his forehead. He searched for his bond with his twin and found that Elrohir was still sleeping; if he listened carefully he could hear his calm breaths from behind the door that connected their rooms.
After a while Elrond broke the comfortable silence between them. "What did you dream?"
Elladan once more saw flashes of his dream in front of his eyes. Felt the pain, like it was a fresh wound not having healed even remotely since five years earlier when he had received it. "I dreamt of Nana…" He whispered, "Of the night where I found her."
Elrond's eyesbrows drew together slightly, "Didn't you find her with Elrohir?"
Elladan shook his head, a tremor wracking through his body. "We had split up… I found her alone…"
Elrond felt pain shoot through his heart at the thought of his son finding his mother in that condition without even his twin beside him for support. How terrified Elladan must have been at that moment, how alone he must have been…
He wrapped his arms tighter around his son and kissed his hair, resting his cheek against it. "You should never have seen something like that…" He breathed, "Your mother never wanted you to see something like that."
A choked sob left Elladan's throat, and he reached up to place his hands on Elrond's arms. His father's love and comfort pouring into him through their bond, which hadn't been open since Celebrian left. Guilt welled up inside him once more, he had such an amazing father and the only he had done was push him away and hurt him even more? He could feel that his father's body was thinner than he remembered and he had easily been able to see signs of restless sleep on his face earlier.
Tears of regret and guilt started rolling down his cheeks. "I'm so sorry..." He choked, "I'm so sorry Ada…"
"Shh…" Elrond breathed, running his hand over Elladan's long raven hair. "I wouldn't be a very good father if I was unable to forgive my sons for their mistakes, would I? This old elf has seen many things in his long life. I should have been able to help you better. I shouldn't have left you by yourself all that time before Celebrian left. You are still young, both of you. I shouldn't have assumed that you would be all right."
"We had grown up." Elladan argued.
Elrond shook his head, "You were still my sons. I knew you were not used to death or goodbyes. I should have been more careful, sometimes it's easy to forget that when you've grown up in the midst of a war yourself."
"We were weak." Elladan said, his voice full of self-loathing.
"No, you were not weak." Elrond sighed, "It's better for you to have grown up not knowing pain, that was what I intended when I established this valley, for it to become a valley of peace and safety. Growing up amidst war and pain Elladan… It changes you. Never wish for that."
"…Legolas grew up in a war as well."
"Yes he did, and he has said goodbye to many friends and comrades in his lifetime along with his mother. The pain never gets any less, but you learn to control your reaction to it…" Elrond said softly, "Let go of your guilt my son. What you did in your grief wasn't something you could control. Your regret now is enough for me to know that. Do not let your guilt tear apart this family even more, let it go so you can heal."
"I cannot…" Elladan choked. "I hurt you… I hurt everyone… Even Ro. It's my entire fault… Nana wouldn't even recognize what I've become."
"You're her son, of course she'd recognize you." Elrond said, he reached up and tilted Elladan's head up with his hand. His wise, grey eyes met his son's. "I love you Elladan, and so does your mother, forever. No matter what you do, we will continue to love you. I can see the guilt and regret in your eyes and that is enough for me. I forgive you for what you've done; now you only need to forgive yourself and that is much harder. The real fight starts now Elladan, what you've been doing until now was only running away. I will be with you every step from now on."
There were tears running down Elladan's cheeks so Elrond gently wiped them away with his thumb.
"I would have given anything to protect you from your mother's fate and what happened this past month, but I cannot travel back in time. Therefore this is all I can do now." Elrond said, pressing a kiss against Elladan's forehead. "I never imagined my sons being captured and hurt in the way that you two were, maybe it was me being naïve and too used to peace… I wished that you would never feel the pains of torture."
Elladan's eyes widened, "Have you…?"
Elrond gave a sad smile, "As I said… I've lived for a long time. I opinion it was worse having it happen to my wife and boys than it would ever have been if inflicted on myself."
Elladan's eyes saddened and he looked away, once more resting his head against Elrond's chest. "Legolas barely cried out…" He whispered after a while, "And he's younger than we are."
"Youth, I believe, is not measured by years but experiences." Elrond said, "Legolas has a lot of experiences and many of them are painful. When he came to Rivendell at twenty years old he had already had the first set of lashes marring his back. Who's to say that it hasn't happened more times than that? How well do you know your friend and his past Elladan?"
"I thought I knew it well…" He sighed, "Until this month… I've been naïve as well."
"Perhaps." Elrond chuckled, "But you are still his very important friend, and you do not need to know everything that has happened to him to be that. I have always believed that Legolas needs a place away from those memories, and that has become Rivendell and you two. A spark of complete peace and normality in his life."
"I want to help and support him as well…"
"You are…"Elrond replied, "More than you know."
Elladan stayed silent and Elrond watched as his eyes slowly fluttered closed once more. He stayed like that, with his son in his arms and silently listened as Elladan's breathing steadied as he came closer to sleep. There were still traces of exhaustion on his son's face and he knew that it would at least be a week before his body was recovered from the ordeal, sadly it would take a while longer for Legolas.
Perhaps now he had an idea of what Thranduil had felt after Legolas had forgiven him, having his son in his arms after such a long time. The twins' reaction to their mother's death reminded him of the way Thranduil had reacted when his wife had died and he wondered if the Woodland King would be able to help his sons now that Legolas had made the foundation.
Elrond slowly untangled himself from his son and laid Elladan back onto the mattress. Elladan's brows furrowed slightly at the movement and his eyes cracked open, before closing once more.
"I'm sorry Ada…" He breathed.
"Shh…" Elrond shushed him and kissed his forehead while pulling the covers up around him. "Go to sleep. I love you Elladan." He took his hand in his and waited until his breathing deepened once more before straightening out.
He then walked to the door that connected his sons' rooms and silently stepped into Elrohir's room. A smile appeared on his lips when he saw his youngest son sprawled out on the bed like he normally did. He was lying on his stomach with one of his arms stuffed under the pillow and one of his legs hanging over the side of the bed.
Elrond went over to the bed and gently repositioned Elrohir before tucking the covers in around him, the fact that Elrohir didn't wake up showed how exhausted he was. When he was satisfied he gently kissed Elrohir's forehead and then stepped out of the room.
The corridors and halls of Rivendell were quiet in this hour of the night, and only lit up by the soft glow of candles and the silvery light from the moon.
He walked right past his bedroom and his office and continued on, first stopping when he reached the Halls of Healing. There he opened to door and stepped into the dimly lit room. Immediately a smile appeared on his lips as he saw Faneth lying on the bed beside Legolas. Legolas' broken arm was looped around her waist so he was halfway embracing her.
He had woken up, at least for a short period of time.
As Elrond stepped closer he became aware of something else. Legolas' aura had brightened. He had unlocked the shield around him. If Elrond concentrated then he was able to feel the power pulsing around Legolas, something he was only able to feel because of Vilya. The ring was responding to Legolas, just like the trees around Rivendell were.
He had never needed to tell Legolas about the ring or its importance, the Prince had known it from the beginning, not because he had been told by Thranduil but because he had perceived the ring's power and had realized what it meant.
Elrond reached out and placed his hand on Legolas' forehead, closing his eyes in concentration. Seconds after his aura expanded to Legolas', gently transferring healing energy to him and feeling as it aided his injuries.
When he let go he staggered and would have fallen if arms hadn't immediately wrapped around his waist. He looked back and saw Glorfindel standing behind him. Erestor was there as well, standing close to the door to the healing ward.
"Come my Lord." Glorfindel said softly and steered Elrond towards Erestor. "Let the young ones sleep. You need rest as well, do not think we have forgotten that you have barely slept yourself since they were captured."
Elrond let Glorfindel lead him through the halls until they arrived at his room. Erestor then opened the door for them and he soon found himself relying on his two friends and seneschals, as they made sure he bathed, dressed and ate something, before tucking him into the large bed.
He had fallen asleep before they had even drawn the curtains, weary from lack of rest and transferring healing energy to Legolas. Small smiles appeared on both Glorfindel and Erestor's lips when they saw it.