Disclaimer: I own nothing Tolkien created.

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Mirkwood's Plague II:

Aftermath

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A/N: Thanks for reviewing and also thanks to everyone who added me to their favourites/alerts lists. Please keep reviewing. And now enjoy the chapter.

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Chapter 3 ~ Handing Over Responsibilities

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When daylight woke Thranduil late the next morning he found his son still lying exhausted in his arms, his blue eyes open but vacant in thought rather than Elven reverie. He was pale and quiet, his eyes red-rimmed from his tears the night before. He didn't appear to even notice that his father had also awakened, although Thranduil remained silent so far; content to just watch his young son – even though his arm, on which Legolas was lying, was now numb.

"Legolas?" he asked after another couple of minutes. "How are you feeling?" The only response he received was a quick flick of the eyes towards him. "Have you been awake long?"

Legolas shook his head. "No." His voice was gravelly and hoarse from all his crying.

The king shifted and stroked Legolas' hair again. "Do you think you can go back to sleep?" Legolas shook his head again. "Alright, just rest for a while then." After a couple of minutes Thranduil shifted again, uncomfortable at being in the same position all night. "I'm sorry, ion nin, but I can't stay still any longer. I have to get up." He disentangled himself from his son and Legolas obligingly removed himself from his father's arm. He remained lying on the bed though, obviously too tired to get up himself.

Thranduil stood up and stretched, flexing his arms and legs to get rid of the stiffness. Casting one last look back at his son lying on his side on the bed, Thranduil walked into the bathroom, pulling the door closed behind him. He opened the shutters, allowing sunlight to flood the large bathroom. He ran some water into the basin, after going to the bathroom, and splashed some water onto his face in an attempt to wash away some of the exhaustion that still clung to him. He caught a glimpse of his features in the mirror and looked up sharply, examining his face. The once proud, startlingly handsome features were now strained and tired, his complexion still sickly and pale, his previously sharp, ice blue eyes slightly dulled. When he couldn't stand to look at the person staring back at him any longer, he sighed and splashed more water onto his face then dried himself off with a towel.

He pulled the bathroom door open and looked to the bed. Legolas was laid in exactly the same position as when Thranduil left him. He threw the towel onto the chair and walked over to the bed, sitting down beside his son.

"Legolas, are you alright?" Thranduil asked, stroking his son's hair back. Unsurprisingly, Legolas didn't answer so Thranduil tried something else. "Are you hungry? How about I order us some food? It's a little late for breakfast but I'm sure the kitchens can whip us up something if we ask."

"I think the kitchens are closed," Legolas replied softly.

Thranduil thought for a second. "Right, of course they are. Where are those Hobbit friends of yours when you need them?" he laughed but his son didn't find the humour in it and just blinked up at him. "There must be a servant about somewhere." Thranduil got up and walked through to the living room and opened the door, about to call for a servant. To his surprise Elrond's Seneschal, Glorfindel, stood up to attention to greet him. "Captain, I didn't know you were here. When did you…?"

"Last night. I came here with Lady Arwen."

"Oh," was all Thranduil could think of to say in response to the answer.

"Lord Elrond asked me to find out of you needed anything – due to the current lack of capable staff in Mirkwood."

"So you stayed out in the corridor?" Thranduil asked, looking down at the empty mug and book on the floor by Glorfindel's chair. The Captain just smiled. "You could have come inside and slept on the couch if you insisted on staying here to wait on us."

"I didn't want to disturb you, my Lord. Or your son. How is…?"

Thranduil looked behind him and stepped out into the corridor before pulling the door closed to protect his son from prying sapphire eyes. Glorfindel immediately recognised his mistake and respectfully stepped back. Surprisingly, Thranduil answered Glorfindel's question. "He's exhausted and obviously still upset. My other son is no longer with us. Did Elrond tell you?"

"Yes sir. I am so very sorry."

The king nodded. "I was just about to call for a servant to get Legolas some breakfast. It seems everyone is still in their homes. I don't suppose you could…?"

Glorfindel's critical eyes swept over the king and Thranduil found himself squirming under the wise blue gaze. "Might I make a suggestion, my Lord?" Thranduil nodded curtly. "Perhaps you could go to the kitchens and prepare something. And on the way go to your own chambers and change your clothes."

"I need to be with my son, Captain," Thranduil snapped.

"I can sit with him while you're gone. It will give you a chance to clear your head." Thranduil looked like he was about to protest so Glorfindel assured, "I'll take good care of him in your absence, Your Majesty."

Slowly, Thranduil nodded. "Thank you, Captain." He went to walk away but suddenly turned back. "You'll stay with him? Do not leave him alone."

"Of course not, my Lord. I won't leave his side."

"Alright. Thank you. I won't be long." Glorfindel nodded, smiling at the king as he walked backwards down the corridor until he reached a corner and had to turn away. As soon as the king was out of sight Glorfindel opened the door to Legolas' chambers and strode through the sitting room. Legolas was still laid on the bed, his eyes closed, so Glorfindel walked softly into the bedroom, hoping not to disturb him. Legolas, however, woke as soon as he heard Glorfindel's first footfall.

"Glorfindel?" the prince asked, his heavy blue eyes looking up at the blonde seneschal.

The captain smiled down at him. "Sorry, Your Highness, I was trying not to wake you."

"I…I wasn't asleep," Legolas croaked. He pushed himself up so he was propped against the headboard – even this small action feeling like it was draining every ounce of his strength and energy. "What are you doing here?" he asked, suddenly realising that Glorfindel didn't usually come to Mirkwood.

Glorfindel sat down on the bed. "I came last night with Lady Arwen. We heard rumours that something was wrong. Arwen grew anxious about King Elessar so asked me to accompany her here."

"Just you and Arwen?" Legolas asked, somewhat disappointed that it was only two Elves rather than the entire Rivendell healing staff.

The Seneschal seemed to realise what Legolas was thinking and a sad smile crossed his handsome face. He placed his hand on Legolas' leg and said, "There were a couple of guards with us. I sent them to help Elrond and Gandalf in the healing halls and I have already sent word to Imladris and Gondor asking for their help."

Legolas breathed a shuddering sigh of relief and bowed his head. "Thank the Valar," he whispered, momentarily forgetting that he wasn't alone. "Thank you, Glorfindel," he corrected, looking up into bright blue eyes.

"You're welcome," the captain smiled.

"Where did my father go?"

"To the kitchens to make you some food and then he was going to his rooms to freshen up and change his clothes." Legolas nodded tiredly. "Is there anything I can do for you, my Lord?"

Legolas thought for a moment, considering this offer. "I could really do with a bath," he finally said, looking sheepishly at the bathroom.

"Of course, my Lord. Shall I run it for you?"

"Thank you, Captain," Legolas whispered as Glorfindel got up. He closed his eyes and listened as Glorfindel pottered around in the bathroom. The sound of running water was strangely soothing and he soon found himself drifting off to sleep.

It was only when Glorfindel placed his hand on Legolas' shoulder that the prince started awake. "Sorry," he muttered, clearing his throat.

"It's alright. Your bath is ready," Glorfindel smiled.

"Thank you," Legolas said, swallowing the lump in his throat, suddenly seeing the devastated Mirkwood in his mind for some reason.

"Your Highness?" Glorfindel asked, concerned.

"Sorry," Legolas muttered. "I'm sorry. I'm alright," he continued, opening his eyes and looking up at the Seneschal.

"Sir?"

"It's nothing," Legolas assured, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed.

Glorfindel stopped him though before sitting down on the bed next to the prince. "Elrond told me some of what happened here. Not everything but…Legolas, I am so very sorry," the captain said softly. Legolas shook his head even as tears fell down his face. "Sir, I know it is not my place but if there is anything at all I can do."

Clearing his throat again, Legolas said, "Thank you Captain Glorfindel. Thank you, Glorfindel," the prince stuttered nervously.

The older Elf stopped his babbling by putting his arm across his shoulders and squeezing gently. Legolas put his hand, which was shaking slightly, across his eyes, trying to gather control of himself in front of the ancient Elda. "I'm sorry," he said shakily, avoiding prying eyes.

"May I speak candidly, my Lord?" the seneschal asked quietly.

"Of course," Legolas said, still not looking over at Glorfindel.

"I think maybe you need to stop saying sorry. It's alright to need to take some time to grieve for your brother. It's alright to just stop and let everything sink in."

"I can't," Legolas shook his head.

"Can't what?"

Legolas sighed deeply, reluctant to answer the question lest he completely fall apart in front of a person he not only greatly respected but also admired – and had done ever since he had first heard the tale of Glorfindel's heroic battle with a Balrog and subsequent return from Mandos' Halls. He and Glorfindel were good friends even now but the tension between them was still palpable as Legolas remembered the events of several years before. It didn't appear that Glorfindel was having the same uncomfortable feelings or if he was he was hiding it extremely well – no doubt for the prince's sake.

Perhaps Glorfindel was the only thing Legolas had to cling on to for the time being. It seemed the prince was grasping at straws as it was. Even if that were the case and Legolas had absolutely no feelings for him anymore there was still a massive amount of respect between them. Either way, Glorfindel was still the infamous Balrog slayer and ancient Captain of Gondolin and Legolas remained the Prince of one of the three most powerful Elven Kingdoms on Middle Earth.

"Legolas, can't what? You can talk to me, mellon nin. I mean, I'm here if you need me." Glorfindel released the prince's shoulders and got up.

"Every time I close my eyes I see their faces," Legolas said before Glorfindel could walk away. "I just see their…their bodies burning on the pyres and hear their cries of pain and…" He looked up desperately to find Glorfindel watching him closely. "I can't block them out of my head. I can't stop their cries going through my mind." Glorfindel slowly sat down beside the prince, not taking his eyes off him. "I can't even see my brother, Glorfindel. When I was sat with him yesterday I wasn't even thinking about him. All I could see were my people dying in the Great Hall. I couldn't even feel sad for my brother." Legolas finally looked up into Glorfindel's eyes and saw sympathy swimming in the beautiful orbs. "When they came near me they held me so tight, begging me to save them, to make things better. But I couldn't help them, I couldn't stop them dying. I had to watch my friends pleading for me to do something and I did nothing. I hid away with my father…"

"From what Lord Elrond has told me, you did everything you possibly could. He told me that you never gave up on your people, that you never abandoned them even though you yourself were in pain and were suffering," Glorfindel reasoned softly, placing his hand once more on Legolas' arm. "I don't think you could have done anything more."

Legolas looked to Glorfindel again. "But what if I had sent word to Rivendell and asked for help? What if I had been quicker on the up-take and ordered someone to look into what this was before it got so bad? What if…"

"Legolas," Glorfindel stopped him with a smile. "You could spend the next hundred years running through all the possible 'what if's' and drive yourself absolutely stark raving mad in the process. All you can do is accept the decisions you did make and come to terms with the fact that you did everything you could and that there is nothing more you can do now. Don't dwell on the past, mellon nin, not while you have so much to deal with in the present."

"I can't get them out of my head," Legolas choked out.

"It's hard, I know. Seeing people you love die is never easy." Glorfindel rubbed Legolas' back gently as he spoke softly. "But you can't let it consume you. You have to let them go and move on. It'll take some time but you will start to come to terms with it and it will become easier to bear."

"I don't want to come to terms with it," Legolas shouted unexpectedly. His voice dropped when he continued though. "I don't want to forget about them."

"I didn't say you should forget about them," Glorfindel said calmly, showing no hint that he was offended by Legolas' words. "There is a difference between moving on and forgetting. You can go on and remember them at the same time. It'll take some time but you will get there."

"And what do I do in the meantime? Just lie here, putting up with them calling out every time I close my eyes? I can't…I can't keep doing that. I just can't," Legolas said, his voice becoming rushed and desperate again.

"I know," Glorfindel whispered.

Legolas turned to him suddenly. "What do I do, Glorfindel? How do I stop them haunting me? Please, tell me what to do," Legolas begged.

"I'm sorry, Legolas, but I can't."

"Can't or won't?" Legolas snapped back almost angrily.

Once again, Glorfindel took this insult in his stride. "Can't," he answered coolly. "I can't tell you what course of action is for the best because I honestly don't know. Valar knows I wish I could give you something to help. I wish I could do or say something to stop the pain you're feeling. And I know it hurts and that right now you can't ever imagine it stopping but it will in time." Legolas shook his head. "It will. What you need to concentrate on now is getting yourself better. You'll have time to grieve for your brother when you're ready. You don't need to be sat next to him to do that."

"I can't do this, Glorfindel," Legolas cried. "I can't."

Glorfindel pulled Legolas into a hug and held him tightly as the prince cried onto his shoulder. "Right now you don't have to do anything, Legolas." The captain looked down at the golden-haired Elf in his arms and assured, "You're going to get through this, mellon nin. I know it doesn't seem like it now but you are. You're come this far already. That's got to show you something, hasn't it?" Legolas just continued to sob against the seneschal and Glorfindel held onto him, as tightly as Legolas' father had done that night.

"I'm so sorry," Legolas sobbed, apologising for the deaths of his people. He still felt responsible despite what the Captain said.

"Shhh, you have nothing to be sorry for. There was nothing more you could have done. No one could have asked any more of you. Everyone believes that under the circumstances you did everything you could. It wasn't as if you could have sent people to Imladris or anywhere else – you could have risked the spread of the disease. People understand why you did what you did, Legolas. And they are proud of your actions. As is your father. As your brother would have been." The prince didn't respond but Glorfindel continued anyway. "It's going to be alright."

For a while Glorfindel held the proud Prince of Mirkwood in his arms as he cried on his shoulder. It was a strangely freeing experience for Legolas to be with someone other than Elrond or his father. Although Glorfindel was technically his subordinate when it came to rank he felt more comfortable with him than he ever did with his own family or other friends. He always had. Also to speak with someone who hadn't been involved in what had happened in Mirkwood – somehow it made him feel better to just sit with someone objective, someone who had not been affected by his decisions – right or wrong - during the plague. And for that someone to tell him that it was alright and that he had made at least some good choices was comforting. Also for that to come from a person he respected so much was even better. It meant more. And Glorfindel seemed to appreciate that.

After a while, Legolas pulled back, having regained a little composure and looked blearily up into the seneschal's clear blue eyes. Glorfindel smiled weakly and gently wiped fresh tears off the prince's pale face with delicate, long fingers.

Legolas quickly cleared his throat and looked away. Glorfindel respectfully pulled his hand back to give the prince some space if he wanted it. He didn't, however, let Legolas brush him off completely and as soon as Legolas opened his mouth to apologise Glorfindel stopped him.

"Shhh, you don't need to be sorry for anything." Glorfindel smiled kindly, although Legolas found it somewhat harder to return the gesture. "Now, I told your father that I would look after you. I don't think this was quite what he had in mind. So, let's get you into a warm bath then into some clean clothes. You'll feel better after that, I'm sure."

Glorfindel stood up, leaving Legolas sat alone on the bed and went over to Legolas' wardrobe. He rifled through clothes for a moment before finding appropriate nightclothes. Upon seeing the tall blonde doing this, Legolas looked down at himself. He hadn't even realised that he was in the same formal clothes he had worn to visit Rumil. He hadn't realised he had slept in them last night and suddenly felt very uncomfortable in the wrinkled robes. He shrugged off the heavy over-robe, wondering why he had ever chosen something so heavy. When a cold shiver rippled through him though he remembered: purely for the warmth. Glorfindel noticed this and handed him a thick dressing gown.

"Come on, my prince, let's get you warm again. Then you can sleep for a while. It's been a long few days for you." He brushed Legolas' hair aside from where it fell in a curtain over his fair face. Legolas looked up, his eyes still sparkling with tears he hadn't allowed to fall. "Come on, before your water gets cold." Legolas just watched him for a second, trying to gather enough energy to pull himself off the bed and make it to the bathroom. He didn't want to try too soon lest he make an even bigger fool of himself in front of the Elda than he already had done. It seemed though that Glorfindel was impossible to fool as he held out his hand for the prince to take. "Here," he offered.

Suddenly embarrassed by his lack of strength, Legolas snapped, "I can manage." Glorfindel obediently stood back, withdrawing his hand and crossing his arms over his chest, watching the prince closely. His eagerness to turn down Glorfindel's help proved ill-judged, as soon as he went to stand tiredness and weakness pulled him back down again. To his credit, Glorfindel didn't interfere. He watched without a hint of humour or judgement as Legolas closed his eyes and recovered himself.

With his eyes closed, Legolas didn't see Glorfindel move to sit on the bed but felt the mattress dip slightly as the older Elf sat down next to him. "Let me help you, Legolas. You don't have to do everything alone anymore." Legolas glanced across at him. "Let me take care of you for a while." Although another tear escaped Legolas' eyes he didn't argue any more. "Come on, mellon nin."

Once more, Glorfindel stood up and held out his hand to Legolas and this time the prince took it, allowing the Elda to pull him up and support him into the bathroom. He helped Legolas undress although he did his best to avert his eyes out of respect. As soon as Legolas was immersed in the tub of warm, fragrant water, Glorfindel stepped back, picking up the prince's wrinkled dress robes from the floor then going into the bedroom and quickly placing the clean sheets on the bed. He didn't dare leave Legolas alone for too long though, just in case he needed anything.

When he re-entered the bathroom Legolas was reclining in the bath, his eyes closed, savouring the warm water swirling around his chilly body. He didn't bother to open his eyes when Glorfindel came in, too tired to be concerned about the Elda. And the other Elf didn't seem too inclined to bother him. He sat down on the chair beside the bath, waiting around in case he was needed. When, after a couple of minutes, Glorfindel looked across at the prince he was disheartened to see that silent, crystalline tears were falling down Legolas' face.

"Legolas?" Glorfindel asked quietly, twisting in his seat. "What's wrong?"

Slowly, Legolas opened his tired eyes and looked up at Glorfindel with a weak smile. "Nothing," he whispered, closing his eyes again and resting his head back against the edge of the bath, more tears slipping past his defences.

Smiling softly, Glorfindel reached out his hand and stroked Legolas' hair back from his forehead, allowing the young prince to cry to himself. He understood that these were not tears of pain but of relief. This was a relief for the younger Elf – not having anything to worry about, knowing that the seneschal was in control for now. And in truth, Glorfindel was happy to accept that responsibility, to give the prince who had been through so much the time to be sad and pull himself together. Who better to assume that responsibility than the loyal Seneschal of Imladris? Glorfindel and Legolas had always been close – far closer than they ever let on in public – and despite the gap that had formed between them over the past few years, it appeared that that gap had been bridged enough to allow some comfort between them.

He repositioned himself on the edge of the bath, still smoothing the young Elf's blonde hair. As Legolas took a deep, shuddering breath the Captain sighed sadly. "It's alright, mellon nin. It's alright," he soothed.

"I'm sorry," Legolas whispered, passing his shaking hand over his eyes.

Glorfindel smiled softly, placing his hand on Legolas' shoulder. "Don't be. It's alright." Slowly, Legolas leaned to the side so he could rest his head against Glorfindel's side and closed his eyes. The captain held onto him, resuming his soothing. After a while longer Glorfindel looked down at him and saw him shivering slightly. "I think it's time we got you washed and out of this bath before you freeze," he said.

Legolas shook his head. "I just want to sleep," he muttered.

"I know. You can sleep as soon as you're clean." When Legolas still didn't move, Glorfindel smiled and reached over to retrieve the soap and flannel. Once he began washing the prince gently, Legolas sat up slightly, allowing Glorfindel to wash him quickly in the cooling water. When he was done, Glorfindel stood up and snatched a thick towel from the chair on the other side of the room next to the lit fire. "Come on then, Legolas, let's get you to bed," he smiled turning to see that Legolas hadn't yet moved. "Legolas?"

The prince looked over to Glorfindel, his eyes flicking away quickly when Glorfindel caught them with his own. "Legolas, are you alright?" Glorfindel asked again.

Legolas shook his head sadly. He seemed almost nervous to tell Glorfindel what was wrong but the Elda waited patiently for him to speak. When he did it was so quiet that Glorfindel had to strain to hear. "I can't get out." Legolas did everything he could not to look at the Captain during the long, uncomfortable silence that followed the tragic confession.

Glorfindel nearly kicked himself for being so stupid. Of course, Legolas was still weak from his illness, not to mention the fact that he was exhausted from grieving for his brother.

Spurred suddenly into action, Glorfindel strode purposefully towards to the bath, towel over his arm. "It's alright. Let me…let me help you," he stammered. As he pulled the plug to drain the water away, Legolas looked firmly in the other direction. "Let's get you out of there," Glorfindel muttered as he wrapped a large towel around the shivering prince. "Put your arm around my neck."

Unfortunately, Legolas had to face the Elda to do as instructed and Glorfindel saw the blush on his cheeks and the shame in his eyes. Once Legolas' arm was secured around his neck, Glorfindel placed one arm around his back and another under his legs and carefully lifted him out of the bath, semi-covered in a towel. Unable to turn away from Glorfindel now, Legolas settled for hiding his face in azure robes and Glorfindel allowed it, knowing this was hard for the younger Elf. Somehow knowing that Legolas wouldn't have the strength to stand on his own, Glorfindel carried him out of the bathroom and into the bedroom. He took Legolas over to the fire and stopped.

"Do you think you're strong enough to stand?" Glorfindel asked quietly, looking down at the Elf in his arms. Legolas nodded against him so Glorfindel carefully placed him on his feet. Although Legolas swayed slightly, he managed to stand on his own as Glorfindel retrieved a dressing gown from the bed and returned to Legolas, helping the prince on with the thick garment. Legolas moved stiffly to help and tied the robe up by himself. He was obviously still not strong enough though and he swayed slightly on the spot, almost instinctively leaning towards Glorfindel for support. The Seneschal held onto him to steady him and Legolas gratefully leaned against him.

Again, to his disappointment, he heard Legolas trying to control the cries bubbling up from his chest. Sighing, Glorfindel pulled the younger Elf closer and enveloped him in a hug. Legolas almost collapsed against him, sobs overcoming him again. Glorfindel held him up when the prince almost sank to the floor.

"It's alright," Glorfindel whispered, having to steady himself when Legolas' hands grasped at his robes. "Alright, I've got you," he said over the prince's loud, heart-wrenching sobs. "I've got you. I'm not going to let go." And he didn't. He held onto the golden-haired prince through his desperate cries until he exhausted himself and could do nothing but try desperately to control his cries, the effort so great that he trembled.

"Legolas?" Glorfindel asked, looking down at the shaking Elf. "Come on, let's sit you down. Sit down for a moment." Glorfindel pulled back a little and led Legolas the couple of paces to the chair in front of the roaring fire and sat him down. He knelt beside the large armchair as Legolas leant on his elbow on the arm and placed his head in his hand so he was facing the fire away from Glorfindel. The Captain wasn't going to let him just ignore him though and placed his hand on Legolas' free arm, attracting the blonde's attention. Glorfindel managed to summon up a small smile but Legolas turned his face away, wiping his eyes to stop more tears falling.

"It's alright," Glorfindel said softly.

Legolas shook his head. "Sorry," he said, his voice gravelly and hoarse. "I'm sorry, I can't…I don't know what's wrong with…" Legolas looked across briefly at Glorfindel. "I can't do this. I can't…" Legolas looked sharply away to the fire again and Glorfindel could visibly see him fighting to control himself.

"Legolas, it's alright." Glorfindel stood up and then sat on the arm of the chair, placing his hand on Legolas' shaking shoulder. On the touch a sob escaped the prince but he stubbornly swallowed the next one. Glorfindel placed his arm over Legolas' shoulders and pulled him close, ignoring the fact that Legolas didn't even look at him. "It's alright."

"Sorry," Legolas repeated, until he couldn't say anything else. "I'm sorry."

"Shhh, don't be sorry. It's alright. Just stop fighting, Legolas. It's alright to just let go," Glorfindel said as softly as he could.

Legolas shook his head firmly, pressing his palms against his eyes. "I can't," he said, his voice tense.

"Don't try. It's alright. I'm not going anywhere. Nothing's going to happen to you. You're safe here. It's just you and me," Glorfindel assured softly. "I'm right here." The Captain pulled Legolas closer to him, waiting. "It's alright."

Unable to hold back his sobs anymore, Legolas bent forwards slightly, gasping for breath. "Glorfindel," he gasped, reaching out of the Elda's hand and Glorfindel obligingly grasped it back.

"I know it hurts," he said softly, knowing Legolas could hear him. "It's alright." Again, Legolas shook his head. And Glorfindel knew why he was resisting this, why he was fighting so hard. "It's alright to let go, Legolas. You don't have to stop." It was almost as if those simple words broke the dam. Legolas sobbed hard into his hand for a moment before turning to Glorfindel and burying his face in his robes. Glorfindel held onto the trembling young prince, running his hand through his golden hair.

"Glorfindel," Legolas cried, his voice muffled by the Elda's robes.

"I'm here. You're alright. I'm here," Glorfindel whispered softly.

"He was my brother."

"I know, mellon nin. I know," he soothed.

"Please make it stop, Glorfindel. Please."

Glorfindel sighed softly. "I wish I could." He pressed a kiss into Legolas' flaxen hair. "It's alright. It's going to be alright."

After another couple of hours, during which Legolas' cries slowly died down, Glorfindel was still holding onto him tightly. It appeared as though the young prince was barely conscious, lying against the seneschal, his eyes half closed, his breathing slow – although Glorfindel noticed how it hitched occasionally. He had been happy to sit with Legolas in his arms but he knew the poor prince was exhausted and really needed to sleep.

He carefully pulled back a little so he could look at Legolas properly. The prince sat up on his own but barely even registered Glorfindel's presence. "Legolas, shall we get you into bed so you can get some sleep? You have to sleep. Legolas? It's alright you don't have to talk to me. Let's just get you comfortable. Come on," Glorfindel said, standing up, pulling Legolas into his arms and lifting him up. He carried Legolas over to the bed and placed him down. Reaching for the blanket at the bottom of the bed, Glorfindel placed it over the prince at the same time as Thranduil returned.

The king stopped short when he saw his son though and put the tray – on which was the food Thranduil had gone to get over three hours ago and a mug of hot tea – down on the desk and rushed forwards. "What happened?" he asked urgently.

Glorfindel looked down at Legolas opening his mouth to explain but Legolas looked imploringly up at him with clouded blue eyes and shook his head, not wanting his father to know the truth about what had just happened between them. And, of course, Glorfindel wouldn't betray that confidence so he turned back to the king, who was waiting for an answer.

"Nothing happened, Your Majesty," he said.

As expected, Thranduil didn't buy that pitiful answer and pushed past Glorfindel to sit on the bed. "For Valar's sake, Glorfindel, I asked you to look after him. What have you done to my son?"

Before Glorfindel could answer, Legolas spoke up, although his voice was coarse. "Ada, Glorfindel hasn't done anything. I'm alright."

"You are not alright," Thranduil snapped. "You said you'd take care of him." He looked back to his son, who seemed to have reverted back to his previous semi-conscious state. "Legolas, ion nin?"

"I'll go get Elrond," Glorfindel said, going for the door.

In truth, he was glad to be out of the room. Being alone with Legolas was fine but the spacious chambers suddenly seemed too confined with the king throwing accusations at him. So he went in search of his Lord, first trying the Great Hall. There was no sign of Elrond although Gandalf was sitting in front of the fire by himself, smoking his pipe. Certain that the Wizard would know where Elrond was, Glorfindel navigated his way around the sleeping patients to the Wizard. Gandalf didn't hear the almost silent Elf so Glorfindel cleared his throat. "Gandalf."

Gandalf turned around in his seat and smiled. "Glorfindel, Elrond said you were here with Arwen. How was your journey from Rivendell?"

"Long and tiring. Actually, Gandalf, I was hoping you knew where Elrond was. I need to speak with him," Glorfindel said.

Gandalf took a long draw on his pipe before speaking. "It's about Legolas?"

"Yes."

"Ah, yes. Our poor young prince has been through an awful lot in these past few weeks. Seeing this happen to his kingdom, watching the people he loved die. So much pain for one so young to bear - and through his own suffering as well. He was quite ill by the time Elrond found the cure. Nearly dying can't be easy either. And with the loss of his brother on top of everything. You remember how close they were. Yes, it has been a most trying time for him. I think he could use a shoulder to cry on at the moment." Gandalf's eyes raked across Glorfindel's slightly dishevelled form. "Although it looks like he has already found one."

Glorfindel immediately dropped his eyes from Gandalf's. "He…he needed to…He…" the Captain stuttered, uncharacteristically inarticulate.

"He needed a friend," Gandalf said for him. Glorfindel nodded sheepishly. He had lived two long lives on this earth and yet the Wizard still made him feel like a small child. They stared into each other's eyes for a moment before Gandalf broke the contact. "Elrond went to the guest rooms to rest. But I'm sure he won't mind being woken."

"Thank you," Glorfindel nodded, turning and walking away. Gandalf watched him go before taking another long drag on his pipe and returning his attention to his staring into the fire.

To Be Continued…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Translations

Ion nin – My son

Mellon nin – My friend

Ada – Dad