Disclaimer: I own nothing Tolkien created.

Sanctuary

OIOIO

A/N: Ok, here we go: penultimate chapter, folks. Thanks for all your reviews, keep them coming. Enjoy the chapter!

OIOIOI

Chapter 37 ~ As Time Goes By

OIOI

It seemed like centuries ago that Legolas had first stumbled into Imladris' grand entrance hall, exhausted and weak, begging to be granted asylum by the Lord Glorfindel. Elrond couldn't help but wonder at how much things had changed. Granted, those first couple of months after King Thranduil's departure from Rivendell and his son's life had been desperately hard on all of them. It was as if all the joy and contentment had been drained from the young prince in the wake of his father's abandonment. Elrond still wasn't exactly certain how he had managed to pull the prince out of his depression that had followed. It certainly hadn't been easy but somehow they had come through it and under the Peredhel family's careful attention, Legolas had finally come to truly believe that Imladris was where he belonged. This past month, as summer descended on the sanctuary, it seemed as if everything had finally settled down again and the blonde Elf seemed far more contented with his new life. Their son had also settled, sleeping far better than before, meaning that Legolas also got the rest he needed to begin to properly heal. He would never be as he once was – his body incapable of recovering from the trauma of birth – but he did seem to be better of late, no doubt primarily due to Elrond's strict enforcement of no strenuous exercise and regular afternoon naps.

"Would you two please be careful?" Elrond called out in warning from beneath the tree he was sat under, watching his twin sons paddling in the river with their baby brother put him strangely on edge. Of course he trusted them completely but the over-protective parent in him took over. Elladan waved his assurance that everything was fine but retreated back to the riverbank with Aldarion.

"Relax, melleth nin. They're fine," Legolas' soft voice murmured.

Elrond smiled and looked down at the golden Elf, who was laid out on the grass, his head pillowed on Elrond's lap, enjoying the warmth of the sunshine. "I know. Just being cautious," Elrond promised, stroking Legolas' cheek gently. Bright blue eyes opened to look up at Elrond. "Nice doze?" The prince nodded, stretching out his long limbs on the grass. "Good because the chef packed so much food and somebody has to eat it," Elrond laughed, motioning to the food spread out on the blanket laid nearby.

"You were the one who insisted on bringing it all plus the birthday cake," Legolas pointed out. "Aldarion can't even eat cake yet."

"True, but Elladan and Elrohir can," he grinned. Legolas laughed softly but returned his gaze towards the river where all four of Elrond's children were playing in the cool water. Of course, Aldarion remained safely in his sibling's arms, laughing as they splashed in the river. Elrond's fingers had started combing gently through Legolas' hair, very nearly lulling him back into sleep. He hadn't felt so comfortable in a long time. "You know, I was thinking earlier, what with everything that has been going on, we completely missed your birthday this year," Elrond said in a soft voice, watching as Legolas relaxed again.

"I had honestly forgotten," Legolas admitted with a slight frown. He shrugged though. "It doesn't matter."

"No, but I feel bad," Elrond continued, now caressing Legolas' cheek lovingly. "So I was thinking that maybe tonight I could make it up to you, give you a belated present."

Legolas' previously disinterested eyes glistened at the implication. "Really?" he smiled indulgently. "What kind of present were you thinking of?"

The Elven lord withdrew his hand, a huge grin spreading over his face. "It is a surprise."

Legolas' face sobered somewhat as he replied, "I'm not that fond of surprises anymore." Valar knows, he had enough surprises in the past couple of years.

"Don't worry, it's a pleasant surprise, I promise," Elrond said softly, a touch of concern in his voice now as he again stroked through Legolas' hair.

"Then maybe I can grow to like surprises after all," Legolas smiled, purposefully lightening the mood again.

"Good." Elrond rested back against the tree trunk he was laid against with a sigh. Watching Elladan and Elrohir, Arwen and Aldarion, he suddenly felt complete. He had Legolas and his children; that was all that mattered in the world right then.

As evening descended, Legolas went over to the river and retrieved his son from Elrohir's arms, wrapping him up in a thick, warm towel and ignoring his cries of protest. The twins and Arwen decided to remain on the riverbank whilst their father and Legolas took Aldarion indoors. Once back in the warmth of their rooms, Elrond banished Legolas to the lounge so he could prepare the surprise whilst the young Elf bathed their child by the fire.

After he had cleaned Aldarion up, Legolas quickly dressed him in warm clothes and carried the sleepy Elfling into the nursery. "There you go, penneth," he whispered, laying Aldarion down in his crib and tucking the blankets around him. Sitting down in the rocking chair, Legolas watched as Aldarion's eyes grew heavy and he slowly fell asleep. Legolas had always found that he felt most at ease in the nursery, especially at night when the baby slept peacefully under the protection of his doting parents.

Standing back up, Legolas stood over the crib, smiling down at his son. Carefully, he stroked his son's warm, soft cheek, being careful not to disturb him. As he watched the quick but steady rise and fall of the small chest, strong arms wrapped around him and he felt Elrond's body pressed against him.

"Your surprise is ready," Elrond whispered in Legolas' ear, pressing a kiss to the smooth neck.

"He's beautiful, isn't he?" the prince said, nodding to their son.

"Yes, he is." For a moment, they both just looked adoringly at their baby but then Elrond returned his attention to Legolas and breathed, "And so are you, my love. Come, I want to give you your gift now." He stepped back and eased Legolas away from the crib and out of the nursery. He guided the younger Elf into their bedroom and pulled him to the bed. "Sit," he commanded with a smile.

"Are you going to tell me what the surprise is yet?" Legolas asked as Elrond moved away to the dresser.

"Just a little while longer," Elrond smiled, revealing a silk scarf.

"What?"

"Relax, melleth." Elrond leaned forward, carefully blindfolding the young Elf who chuckled nervously. "All right. Stand." He took Legolas' hands and helped him up, leading him slowly towards the bathroom. Although Legolas was at first reluctant, he trusted Elrond completely to lead him safely, so he followed without comment. Elrond stopped in the middle of the bathroom, half closing the door behind him. "You trust me?"

"Of course," Legolas insisted truthfully.

"Good," Elrond grinned, moving closer and slowly unbuttoning Legolas' shirt.

"Elrond, what are you doing?" the prince laughed softly as Elrond moved around him to slip the shirt off Legolas' shoulders.

"Shh, shh…Just relax," Elrond whispered gently before pressing a kiss onto Legolas' cheek. The prince smiled silently, deciding to just play along with whatever Elrond had in mind. Elrond's soft, warm hands reached around him, smoothing over his exposed torso, savouring every last contour and paying particular attention to the scar that marred his abdomen. When Legolas shivered slightly at the touch, Elrond moved closer to pepper kisses down the length of his neck and over his shoulder. "It's all right, my love," Elrond whispered gently, his hands gliding downwards to unfasten Legolas' trousers, letting them fall. "Step out," the Elven lord instructed and Legolas did as he was told, allowing his partner to guide him. "Walk forward a little."

"Elrond…" Legolas laughed as Elrond took his hands.

"Step up a…" the Elven lord started but then seemed to reconsider his own request and Legolas suddenly felt himself being swept up into strong, confident arms. "Just trust me."

"I'd be able to relax better if you told me…" Legolas was cut off as he felt himself being gently lowered into warm water. This was Elrond's big surprise? A bath? "What…?"

"Keep it on," Elrond's light voice warned when he saw Legolas reaching up to pull off the silk blindfold.

"All right," Legolas laughed musically, lowering his hands into the water. He heard a soft rustling and then suddenly Elrond was sat in the bath behind him and those familiar arms pulled him back to rest against Elrond's firm body. This time, Legolas didn't need to be told to relax, it happened automatically and all the tension drained from his body.

Apparently, Elrond had more in mind that night than simply taking a bath as his hands continued exploring Legolas' body even beneath the water. Soft lips fluttered against his skin and soon Legolas found himself arching into the doting touches, giving himself over completely to his partner. Elrond's touches, although achingly sensual, were always reverential. The last thing he wanted was to make Legolas feel uncomfortable. It had been a long time since they had indulged in this aspect of their relationship. Somehow they had never found the right opportunity but tonight Elrond was determined to reignite that dampened flame and from the way Legolas' body was responding to the touches, he felt the same way.

As Elrond's hands gently caressed every accessible inch of his love's body, Legolas responded in turn, soft, longing moans escaping his slightly parted lips.

"I love you so much," Elrond breathed in Legolas' ear, making him shudder slightly. Legolas was only able to mutter something incoherent in return, making Elrond smile. Eventually, Legolas got fed up of being entirely passive and ran his hands up Elrond's legs, which were practically wrapped around the blonde. Elrond laughed softly, allowing the contact, but not ceasing in his own loving touches. It seemed that Legolas was growing impatient even with this though as he suddenly grabbed Elrond's wandering hands and then blindly twisted himself around in the bath so he was now face to face with the Elven lord even though he couldn't actually see anything through his blindfold. Elrond laughed again but rested his hands on Legolas' waist to support him in case he got disorientated but apparently this was the last thing troubling Legolas as he was already pressing himself close. Given that he couldn't see anything, Elrond was surprised to find Legolas' almost desperate lips pressed against his demanding attention.

"Melleth…" Elrond breathed when they parted, stilling Legolas' hands again. "Perhaps we should move this to the bedroom."

Legolas' soft lips were now dotingly kissing whatever piece of exposed skin he could find but he managed to speak. "Not yet." Elrond grinned at this, leaning back as Legolas' hands started wandering over Elrond's body in the same way as his had done just now. Apparently, his partner wanted to play.

Despite his new-found frisky nature, Legolas didn't draw it out too much longer. As their passions rose further, Legolas finally broke Elrond's rules and pulled his blindfold off so he could properly look at his partner.

"Ready now?" Elrond laughed softly and Legolas seemed to calm himself enough to nod. Still holding onto each other, they climbed out of the water but didn't bother to dry off, instead heading straight for the bedroom, moving in complete unison.

When they reached the bed, Elrond took control again and eased his prince down onto the sheets, kissing him hard again. He climbed onto the bed, quickly making certain that Legolas was still comfortable on the mattress. However, Legolas' passion and wild eyes had sobered somewhat and he suddenly looked nervous.

"Are you all right, melleth nin?" Elrond breathed.

"Yes," Legolas' hoarse voice croaked out.

"We can stop if you want. We don't have to go any further," Elrond assured softly, his deft fingers working through slightly damp blonde hair.

"You…you want this?" Legolas asked, running his hand over Elrond's naturally toned chest.

"Don't worry about me. Is it what you want?"

"I…I don't know," Legolas confessed quietly. Inwardly, he was cursing himself. Just moments ago he had been so certain what he wanted. He wanted Elrond. He wanted to be entirely surrounded by that love he'd grown so used to their relationship previously. At various times during the pregnancy and even afterwards he had longed for, even craved, this and yet now he hesitated. What was he afraid of? Surely not his old post-pregnancy fear that Elrond no longer desired him? After all, Elrond's actions so far this night had proved that he still wanted this to happen. He sighed deeply and covered his eyes with his hand. "I'm sorry; I'm ruining your night."

Elrond shook his head and climbed off his partner, instead lying down on the bed beside him. "Don't worry about that."

Tears of shame and frustration stung his eyes, making him feel even worse. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

"Shh. Don't apologise," Elrond assured, caressing Legolas' cheek tenderly. "We don't have to do anything you don't want to, all right?"

"I don't know what…"

"You don't have to explain. It's all right," the Elven lord whispered.

Daring to look over at Elrond, Legolas said, "I want to, I really do, but…"

"Perhaps we have been taking things too fast," Elrond suggested seriously. "I shouldn't have pushed you into this without discussing it with you first."

"No," Legolas said, shaking his head then moving closer to Elrond again. "It was…I am so sorry, Elrond." He felt Elrond press a kiss into his hair and he felt himself relaxing again. "I want this," he finally decided, moving sharply so he was propped up on one elbow and looking down at his dark-haired partner.

Elrond also moved though, sitting up straight. "We don't have to, Legolas. It's all right."

A rather more tentative hand was placed against Elrond's chest and moved slowly downwards, a sign that Legolas truly did want this to continue. "I want to," the prince breathed, his eyes now devouring Elrond's body again.

Elrond smiled indulgently and grasped Legolas' other hand, which still rested against the bed. "How about we take things a little more slowly this time?" he suggested softly, fighting to ignore Legolas' lingering touch for the time being and leaning down to place a kiss on waiting lips. When they broke apart again, Legolas nodded almost gratefully before reaching up and pulling Elrond down to him again.

After those first few careful, tentative moments, the pair fell into an easy and familiar rhythm. Elrond was, even through the intensity of his passion, constantly but discreetly checking that his partner was well, but Legolas seemed to have moved past his doubts and urged Elrond on when he would turn suddenly hesitant.

OIOI

The morning light shining on him woke Elrond from the most peaceful sleep he had enjoyed in months. By the position of the shadows, he could tell it was getting late in the morning but in the soft bed he was simply too comfortable to even think of moving. Not that he could have gotten up even if he had wanted to. The young blonde draped across his body saw to that. Legolas' head was resting on his chest, one arm practically wrapped around his partner, his legs entwined with Elrond's all but pinning him to the bed. The prince remained sound asleep, his breathing deep and slow, his eyes closed against the sunlight. Elrond smiled softly. It had been a long time since he had woken with the young Elf resting peacefully in his arms and it felt good to just be holding him close. At some point during their love-making the night before, just before they had fallen into a contented sleep, they had dragged the sheets up over themselves, for which Elrond was grateful. Of one of his over-enthusiastic advisors decided that he was needed in the office and came by to drag him away from his family at least he could preserve some small amount of dignity.

With Legolas' soft, warm body pressed firmly against his own naked form, Elrond allowed him this time to relax and went back to dozing in the sunlight. Soon something would force them apart – most likely Erestor demanding him to complete some paperwork or Aldarion demanding to be fed – so he wanted to enjoy this moment of perfect comfort whilst he could.

Surprisingly though, it was neither his advisors nor his son who disrupted the peace but rather Legolas. In his arms the prince stirred, blue eyes finally fluttering open. Elrond waited until Legolas had reoriented himself and raised his head to look at him before smiling, "Good morning, my love."

Legolas laid his head back down but slowly unwound his legs from Elrond's and stretched his stiff muscles.

"Morning," the prince replied around a yawn.

"How do you feel?"

A bright smile appeared on Legolas' face and he snuggled closer to his love. "Pretty good," he laughed softly into Elrond's chest.

"Me too," Elrond agreed, moving his arm to wrap it more firmly around Legolas.

Closing his eyes again, Legolas murmured, "We should do that more often. I had forgotten…"

"It's probably safe for another half an hour or so before Glorfindel and Erestor storm out chambers," Elrond told him, looking down at the younger Elf.

Legolas chuckled softly but made no attempt to open his eyes again. "My stamina is not what it used to be, melleth nin. I'm afraid you wore me out last night," he confessed with a small sigh.

The older Elf smiled softly, a flicker of concern briefly lighting his eyes. "Then you should rest, my love. We don't want you overdoing it."

Blue eyes fluttered open and flickered up to meet Elrond's. "I wasn't complaining, merely pointing out that I don't have the strength I once had."

"Then in future I shall have to be more careful that I don't wear you out so easily," Elrond smiled back, his hand running up and down Legolas' bare back. The prince offered a non-committal mumble, seemingly half asleep again, comfortable in Elrond's embrace. For a while, both were content to simply lie there, dozing close together in their comfortable bed.

However, eventually, Elrond's voice broke the silence with seemingly great reluctance. "I suppose we should think about getting up soon," he ventured.

Legolas remained still though, muttering, "Just a while longer."

"As you wish, my love," Elrond laughed softly. If he had his way they would stay in this exact position all day long – all week long – but as he expected, their peaceful morning together was soon interrupted by a demanding knock at the door. Legolas' eyes flickered open and he looked up at his partner. "I should get up and answer that," Elrond sighed heavily.

"Don't. Just ignore it. Stay here with me," Legolas pleaded, snuggling closer to his partner's warm body.

"Very well. But in a minute Glorfindel is going to become impatient and come in here himself to drag me away."

Legolas' eyes opened again, considering just how embarrassing it would be to be found in such a vulnerable position by the seneschal. Certainly they were friends but they weren't quite that comfortable with each other.

"Fine," he breathed in frustration. "Answer the door." He quickly disentangled himself from Elrond but remained in the bed, having no intention of getting up prematurely, although he did make sure the sheets were covering him fully just in case Glorfindel ventured into the bedroom.

Meanwhile, Elrond climbed out of his warm bed, pulled on his dressing gown and went to the door. As expected, it was Glorfindel.

"Good morning, mellon nin," the Elven lord smiled brightly at the Elda, whose eyes were raking down Elrond's half-dressed form.

"You're not up yet."

"No. I was actually thinking of taking the day off," the Elven Lord announced.

Glorfindel looked understandably startled at this and frowned. "A day off?"

"Yes."

"Is Aldarion unwell again?"

"No."

"And Prince Legolas is all right?"

"Fine. Is it really so astonishing that I want to spend the day away from my study?"

"Yes. Wait, it is the middle of the day and you're still not dressed," Glorfindel mused, as if trying to solve the mystery of his lord. "Why do you have that smile on your face? Are you…?" A grin spread across Glorfindel's features as realisation dawned on him. "Middle of the day, in your dressing gown, stupid grin on your face. You and Legolas…?"

"That is none of your business, Captain," he snapped, although the smile didn't leave, suggesting to Glorfindel that he was indeed correct in his assumption.

"Right. Well, I'll be in the office whenever…you're ready."

"Thank you," Elrond smiled softly, closing the door on his friend. He returned to the bedroom to find Legolas now stretched out on the bed, only partially covered by the sheets. Smiling at the sight, Elrond sank back down onto the bed. "I bought us a couple of extra hours," he explained as he lay back down beside his love.

"Good," Legolas smiled, moving to once more drape himself over Elrond. He kept his eyes closed, as if trying to remain in that pleasant state between sleep and waking. Elrond took the prince in his arms and held him close, his fingers gently combing through soft, blonde hair. "I could stay this way forever," Legolas breathed against Elrond's now covered chest.

"Me too," Elrond smiled gently, glancing down at his partner. "Are you really all right after last night?" he asked in a soft voice.

"Do I not look all right?" Legolas laughed softly, opening his eyes a fraction.

Elrond looked down at him. "You look fine to me. I just need to know that you're well."

"Stop worrying about me. I'm fine. Better than fine."

"Good. I'm better than fine too. And…let's never wait so long until next time."

"Agreed," Legolas grinned broadly. "How long do you think?"

"The moment you have regained your strength," Elrond suggested.

Legolas just laughed though and shook his head. "No, I meant how long do you have before you have to go to work?"

"Oh. I'm not sure. Maybe a couple of hours if we're lucky. Although I think our son will soon be shouting for attention."

"Right," Legolas agreed, his eyes shifting towards the nursery door. When he had checked just moments ago, their son had remained sound asleep in his crib, entirely unaware of his parents' night-time activities. "Then I suggest we make the most of the time we have." Legolas shifted to get more comfortable and closed his eyes again.

"I'm with you there," Elrond agreed, also closing his eyes and concentrating on the feel of Legolas' body pressed to his own. Right there and then he made a vow that he would never allow any distance between them again.

They both laid there in each other's arms without any words needing to be exchanged until the inevitable happened and Aldarion's cries woke them both from their pleasant dozing. Legolas laughed softly, his eyes fluttering open and shifting towards the nursery.

"You stay here, I'll go see to him," Elrond told the prince, going to slip out from under him.

Legolas though sat up at the same time. "No, I'll get him. You should probably get ready for when Glorfindel comes knocking," he smiled, placing a tender kiss on Elrond's lips.

"Very well, melleth nin. But it was a…long night last night and I want you to rest today, understand?"

"Yes, I understand," the young Elf said, rolling his eyes. He climbed from under the sheets, walked to the door and pulled his dressing gown on, aware that his love's eyes were following his every movement. "You're making me self-conscious," Legolas smiled as he padded toward the door.

"Don't feel self-conscious. You look perfect," Elrond told him, also climbing off the bed and moving to the bathroom. Legolas flashed him a brilliant smile before they wandered into separate rooms.

Half an hour later, fully dressed for his day, Elrond sat on the couch watching his partner feed Aldarion his breakfast. He'd watched this action any number of times before but today he watched with fascination and adoration. He longed to stay and simply watch Legolas and Aldarion go about their normal day but predictably it wasn't long before the door opened and Glorfindel appeared, his face serious.

"Excuse me, Lord Elrond, but there is something that requires your urgent attention."

"Any chance it can wait?"

"I'm afraid not, sir," Glorfindel said with a serious face.

"Go." Legolas smiled at his partner's reluctance. "We'll still be here when you get back."

Elrond nodded and got to his feet, pressing a kiss onto his son's forehead then Legolas' cheek. "I'll be back as soon as I can," he promised before following the seneschal out into the hall. "What is it?" he asked as they walked briskly towards the Elven lord's office.

"A young woman was brought here to the healing halls by your sons last night. She managed to ask for sanctuary just before she died."

"How is this my problem?" Elrond asked not unkindly.

"She…she handed me something when she arrived. I thought you should see it."

"Why?"

"Because it has your name on it," Glorfindel said simply as he opened the healing room door to let Elrond pass. He walked over to the bed that bore a middle-aged, dark-haired, clearly human woman. For a moment, Elrond looked down at the woman in sympathy then Glorfindel asked from behind him, "Do you know her?"

Elrond shook his head slowly, wracking his brain to try and think if he'd seen the woman before but he just couldn't place her. "No, I don't."

"Are you certain?" the captain asked almost suspiciously.

The Elven lord turned to face him, not liking the accusatory tone. "As sure as I can be. Why would you think I knew her personally?"

"She left something for you." Glorfindel nodded over to a crib that Elrond hadn't noticed in the room before.

Suddenly nervous about what he might find, Elrond slowly stepped over to the crib. Even though he had expected it, Elrond still gasped when he saw the small human child sleeping peacefully beneath the blankets.

"Are you sure you don't know her?" Glorfindel asked, again at Elrond's shoulder.

Turning to face his friend, Elrond asked in an annoyed whisper, "You're not suggesting that this child is mine?" Glorfindel held his lord's gaze, trying not to flinch when anger burned in dark brown eyes. "How dare you! I've never even seen that woman before and I would never cheat on Legolas!"

"I know that, mellon nin," Glorfindel said, his gaze softening. "But you know that I had to ask."

"I would never do that to him, Glorfindel. And I swear to you that I have never met this woman."

Glorfindel nodded and raised his hand to squeeze Elrond's shoulder understandingly. Then he reached into his robe pocket and pulled out a tattered envelope. "She asked…begged me to give you this. She said that only you were allowed to read it."

Cautiously, Elrond took the letter from his seneschal.

"I'll give you some privacy."

Without waiting to be dismissed, Glorfindel slipped out, leaving Elrond alone in the healing room. With slightly trembling hands, Elrond opened the envelope and pulled out a neatly folded sheet of paper. He sat down in the nearest chair before unfolding the note and scanning over the hastily scrawled Common Tongue letters.

When he had read through the letter, his eyes shot up to look at the tiny human baby in horror and amazement.

To Be Continued…