*** " [ " indicates the contents of a written letter. " * " indicates unspoken thought. ***

This chapter dedicated to:

Nori; who after reading "The Hobbit" and Bilbo's remark "Hmm, smells like Elves", asked the question… what do Elves smell like?

Dawn; who has always been afraid of the dark.

"The Caverns of Mirkwood"

Chapter 8

Reconciliation



[Legolas,

Curse it all! I knew I should have come with you! If someone does plot against the throne, does it not occur to you that your royal head may be in danger? Have Elves no sense at all? I should be there to keep an eye on you. You're likely to go off on some Elvin flight of fancy and get yourself killed! Watch your back or I will never let you hear the end of it. If it were not for my blasted … uh, injury, I would ride there immediately. I still will if you wish it.

Keep your head down and write to me immediately.

Yours,

Gimli

P.S. I'm certain that you have trained this hawk just to vex me!]

*********

For four days and three nights Legolas continued his vigil, just as Alede continued hers with the King. But both errands proved fruitless for the attacker did not return and Thranduil did not respond to any of Alede's most desperate spells or cures.

Finally admitting defeat and utter exhaustion, Legolas abandoned his post and went to his father's rooms. He found Alede there, asleep in her chair. Her head lay in her arms on the side of the bed and Thranduil's hand rested on her bright hair. Legolas crossed quietly to them and lifted his father's hand. It was as limp as before and the young prince wondered what had come to pass that the King had placed his hand on her. Tucking the coverlets more securely around his father, Legolas went to the door and quietly asked the guards to summon one of his sisters.

Then he gently touched Alede's shoulders. She woke with a gasp and her first movement was toward Thranduil.

"He's the same," Legolas said behind her.

She turned then and he was struck by the dark shadows beneath her eyes and the very obvious trail of dried tears.

"Come," he said. "You need sleep, as do I. The guards tell me you haven't rested in days. One of my sisters is coming to watch over him."

"No, I should stay. I've tried everything Legolas…" she appeared to swallow back tears. "But I should stay," she repeated.

"Alede, you can not even stay awake. Fatigue will accomplish nothing."

Alede reluctantly started to rise, but cried out in pain. Legolas caught her and helped her to stand.

"I'm just stiff," she said pulling away from him. "I have not moved in many hours."

They passed Legolas' sister on the way out. "Send for us in my chambers," he instructed her, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "If there's any change."

*********

*His chambers?* Alede wondered as they left the King's. What did Legolas mean? Rubbing her eyes and trying to wake up, she turned toward her own room, but Legolas caught her arm.

"Come," he said in a gentle voice.

"But why? I was going to go to my room," she said. "I need to wash and then…"

"What you need," he interrupted. "Is a soak in a hot bath, a rub down and some sleep."

She was too surprised to speak for several moments. "Legolas," she lowered her voice. "You do not mean in your chambers, do you? I can not…"

"You are coming with me," he said and there was a hint of steel in that soft voice. "I'll carry you over my shoulder if I have to, but you're coming all the same."

Her mouth dropped open for a moment. "But…"

"Come."

And Alede, not doubting for a moment that he would carry her over his shoulder, followed him to his rooms. At the door Legolas spoke to a servant there.

"Have the bath filled immediately and bring soaps and a gown appropriate for a lady."

"Legolas…" Alede said in astonishment as soon as they had stepped into the outer room and he had closed the door.

He turned to her, one brow raised in a question.

"I can not bathe in your chambers and I certainly can not sleep here. The servants will think that… that…"

"Yes?" he queried.

Blushing, she turned away from him in dismay.

Behind her, Legolas chuckled softly. "They may think that. In fact, they very likely will. But we Elves are not prudish and they will care not. Will you feel yourself dishonored if they think that?"

"No," she turned back around. "But what about your honor? You are a prince and I am still an outlaw here."

He snorted softly, "You are no outlaw here. And I will have words with anyone who says that you are."

"If your father awakens and hears of this, he'll have me thrown in the dungeon for certain."

Legolas' eyes clouded for a moment. "Let us hope that he awakens and has the strength to try. I promise I will rescue you from the dungeons."

Servants entered then carrying steaming vessels of water. Alede was a little amazed by how many of them there were. Curiosity finally got the better of her, and she peeked around the corner of the room they entered. The bath was more like a pool, carved out of white marble and large enough for two people.

Legolas shut the doors on the servants as they left and then indicated that she should go into the bathing room. Hesitantly, she did so.

The room was huge and well furnished. Large wardrobes stood against one wall and the stone floor was thickly strewn with carpets. Alede crossed over to a chair where a thin white gown had been laid. It was of beautiful workmanship. Yet when Alede held it up, she saw that it was alarmingly transparent. Obviously the garment was for sleeping. Why was Legolas so adamant that she stay with him?

Folding the gown over the back of the chair, she quickly undressed and slipped down into the bath. She couldn't help the groan that escaped her lips as the hot water caressed aching muscles.

"Does the warm water help?"

Alede jumped. *Curse Elves and their silent footsteps!*

"Yes, thank you." She couldn't see him. He was behind her, and she'd be damned if she'd turn around.

But he soon came into her vision. He walked into the room, extinguishing lanterns as he went. Alede sunk down in the bath, but he did not look in her direction. When all but one candle had been blown out, Legolas walked around behind her and knelt down.

Alede started when she felt his fingers in her hair. Gently he slipped the tie from her braid and combed her hair out with his fingers. She shivered beneath his gentle touch. Long had she wished for his touch. But when she saw him reach for the small cake of soap, she had to stop him.

"My prince," she whispered. "You should not."

"Why?" and his voice was a soft breath against her ear.

"This is servant's work, and you are…"

"Twas it not servant's work when you cared for me?"

"No, that was different. You were injured…"

"It is no different, Alede. And I wish too. You are tired and sore. Does it bother you that I should touch you?"

"No." *By the Valar, no.* She wanted him to touch her. Despite her fatigue, she wanted his touch. She'd wanted it since the day she'd first seen him.

"Slide down," he instructed.

Alede slid down and tipped her head back to wet her hair. Then sitting back up again, she closed her eyes in exquisite pleasure as Legolas' strong fingers massaged the soap into her hair. The sensation caused prickles of delight all over her body. When his fingers stroked downward, massaging her shoulders, she relaxed completely. She barely even heeded him when he asked her to lean forward so he could wash her back.

"Do not fall asleep," he said, amusement in his voice. "I will never get you out of here if you do." And he reached forward with a soapy hand and pinched the lobe of her ear gently.

"Stop that," she swatted at his hand, laughing tiredly.

"Behave," he warned. "Or I'll dunk you."

"You'd better not…" But her words were drowned out as Legolas' hands pushed down on her shoulders. She gasped, expecting to go under, but he hadn't pushed that hard. Alede sat back up and splashed water over her shoulder. Legolas gave a mock cry, but she knew that he'd ducked out of the way in time.

He was laughing when he stood up. "I'll leave the rest to you, shall I?"

"Yes, thank you," was all she trusted herself to say. Turning, slightly Alede watched his lithe form walk out of the dimly lit room. Then she rinsed the soap from her hair and leaned back in the tub and relaxed for several moments until she felt she was truly in danger of falling asleep.

Sitting up again, she picked up the little bowl of squarely cut cakes of soap. The one Legolas had used on her hair was white and smelled of a small spring flowers. Another carried the soothing scent of lavender. The third one smelled of rain washed pine trees. Alede closed her eyes and inhaled the fragrance. This was the one Legolas used. She would recognize that scent anywhere.

*********

Legolas turned as he heard the soft rustle of Alede's gown. She joined him on the balcony. The fabric flowed over her skin like moonlight and her hair was like a bright waterfall down her back. She held a comb in her hand, turning it over and over nervously.

"The gown suites you," he said softly.

Even in the moonlight, he saw her blush and knew that he embarrassed her.

"I brought you here because I am concerned for your safety and we are both in need of rest. I did not mean to make you uncomfortable."

"I thank you for the concern," she said stiffly. "But I can not stay here tonight."

"We have slept in the same bed before."

She cleared her throat softly, "It was different then. You were injured and we had little choice. There was but one bed."

"There is only one bed here."

"Legolas!" she sounded exasperated. "This is ridiculous. Why do you insist on this? In the customs of my people, this would be the means of… of … seduction. But I know that can not be what you intend. So why?"

He sighed, hearing the distress in her voice. Why indeed, though he knew the answer. Once, over a year ago, he thought he could speak to her of anything. But their quarrel had changed things. There was a distance between them now that had been partly of his own making.

"I am truly worried for your safety," he answered softly. *That much was true.* "If you are with me, I can sleep without concern. And I have never apologized to you for the greeting you received. I am truly sorry for that." He glanced at her beseechingly, hoping she would forgive him. "I do not intend seduction, and I would not have you think that is my purpose."

"I know that," she answered quickly. "And I accept your apology. But there is more, isn't there? More than just my safety." Alede stepped toward him, concern showing on her face.

He nodded, unable to meet her eyes. "I lose hope, Alede. There is no cure for my father, is there? He will die, just as my mother did. Even if we find who did this, it may be too late. Or there may be no cure. I have tried to have faith, but even my strength is failing…" his voice broke and he turned away.

"Hush," Alede said gently and then her arms were around him, holding him tightly. Legolas leaned against her as he had when he'd been injured.

"I will not let your father die. I promise you that," she whispered and her voice was fiercely comforting.

"But I can not believe…"

"Shh," she backed away enough that she could look up into his face. "Thranduil has been able to take food the last few days."

"But that is only because he is drugged and does not feel the pain. Once you take the drug away…"

"I have already taken the drug away. I have him under a sleeping spell now. It is one of the strongest that I know and has dangers of its own. But at least he sleeps."

"But he can not sleep forever."

"No," Alede looked out at the dark forest and sighed. "If all else fails… I will take him to the Grey Havens."

"Alede!"

"Hush, listen. I can get him there on the spell horse. The ships are well provisioned and I could keep him whole until we land in the Undying Lands. I know that between Elrond, Galadriel or Gandalf this could be cured."

"But Alede," he could see the regret on her face. "You obviously do not wish to cross over yet. Why would you do this?"

"Do you not know?" she asked and her voice was rough with emotion. She gazed up at him with solemn eyes.

Legolas shook his head in disbelief. *How could he ever have believed his father's story?* "I have never known anyone as generous as you, Alede. You give of your whole heart." He tightened his grip on her. "What have I done to you?"

"You have done nothing." But then her voice changed and he heard a whisper of mischief in it. "Save perhaps break a few of my ribs with your embrace."

Legolas looked down at her and saw that she was trying to dispel his somber mood. He couldn't help but chuckle a little.

"Then I will cease to crush you so. Besides I wish to bathe before the water has gone cold." Her gave her another tight hug before letting go. Then he turned somber again. "I will not force you to stay if it makes you uncomfortable. But I had thought that perhaps in sleep we might give comfort to each other."

She smiled sadly up at him. "I will stay then. Go and have your bath."

"Thank you," he whispered tracing the side of her face with his thumb. Then he stepped away and fetched a chair over to the fireplace gesturing her into it.

Alede watched him leave the room. Then she sat down thoughtfully and began to comb out her damp hair.

*********

*He needs me,* she thought with a bit of surprise. And his gentle touch on the side of her face had been unconsciously done. She doubted that he had even been aware of doing it.

In truth she had little strength left to give. She felt as hopeless as Legolas, but she'd give what ever she could to him. She remembered the dark nights when he'd been injured and the demons of Orthanc had come to haunt his dreams. She'd held him as he slept and whispered words of comfort.

Leaning forward, she pulled her hair to one side, letting the fire dry it. She rested her elbows on her thighs and was dozing when Legolas joined her again.

He sat down on the hearth, wearing similar garments to the last time Alede had woken him. These appeared silver in the dimly lit room. She was conscious only of his nearness and that he smelled of rain and trees. It took her a moment to realize that he was speaking to her.

"I'm sorry, what…?"

His smile held a touch of amusement. "May I?" he repeated and gestured at the comb in her lap.

"Oh, of course," she handed it to him and watched as he combed out his long hair with swift efficient strokes. Alede remembered combing it out for him when he'd been too injured to do it himself.

"I think I saw my father's enemy," he said, setting the comb down on the hearth and sitting back closer to the flames.

"You did?" Alede asked once his words had soaked into her tired brain. "Where, when?"

He explained his recent activities and Alede listened with growing alarm.

"You should not have been down there alone!" she scolded. "You could be the next target, Legolas!"

"Mmm… possibly. Especially, now that Lomomir is ill."

Alede frowned. "I tried to see him, but his wife refused to let me enter. If you'll help me, perhaps you could persuade her in the morning. I am worried for him."

"I'll make it an order, if she refuses us. And do not worry over much. His illness could be a ruse."

"You think him guilty?"

"I know not Alede. Of all the people close enough to my father, Lomomir is the most hostile toward him. But I can think of no real motive, other than dislike."

Alede frowned, "Perhaps something has happened between them during your absence."

"It is possible." Legolas stifled a yawn and Alede couldn't help clenching her jaws in sympathy.

Legolas shook his head. "Look at us, we are both a couple of fools. There is a soft bed in the other room. If your hair is dry, let us sleep."

Alede got up. "Its dry enough."

"And I am injured, if it makes you more comfortable to share a bed with me," he said with a grin.

"Where?"

"My shoulder is still quite tender from the barrel that struck it. I suspect in addition to a bruise, I acquired some splinters."

Alede made a disgruntled sound. "Why did you not tell me earlier? Let me fetch my bag."

She joined him in the bedchamber a moment later and busied herself with her bag as he pulled off his shirt. Lighting a lamp, she brought it over to him.

"You'll have to sit down," she said. "You're too tall."

"Perhaps you are merely too short."

Alede gave him a mock frown, though she was secretly amused by him. Poking him lightly in the ribs, she gestured toward a chair.

"Mmm… yes," she said after he'd sat down. "You do have a quite a bruise and several splinters." Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a tiny pair of silver tweezers and set to work on the slivers. Her gaze strayed to his finely shaped back. The scars from Orthanc were completely gone. "Does your leg trouble you?" she asked quietly.

"Not at all. You healed me well, Alede."

"I am relieved. I was very worried about those arrow wounds. There," she said straightening up. "That's all of them." She smeared a generous amount of marigold ointment on his shoulder and handed him his shirt.

Legolas stood up and pulled it on. Alede instinctively reached for the fastenings and started closing them. Legolas' chuckle made her stop and look up.

"You're mothering me again," he laughed. "It takes only a small wound to get you started."

"Oh!" She swatted his arm in mock irritation and left him to do his own shirt.

"Alede…"

She paused while putting things back in her bag and turned to him.

"May I have the talisman back? I miss its presence."

Their eyes met for a long moment and then Alede turned away as she felt the heat rising in her face. "Of course," she said and her voice sounded rough. She reached into her bag and brought out a tiny bundle of cloth. Unrolling it, she handed the talisman to Legolas and watched as he solemnly slipped it over his head.

He glanced up, his twilight eyes burning into hers. Looking away quickly she busied herself with her bag. By the time she had the contents put back together, Legolas had blown out the lamp and moved away.

"Come to bed," he said softly.

Those words spoken in that maddeningly soft voice set butterflies to dancing in Alede's stomach. She paused, trying to get her emotions under control. Legolas apparently had no idea of his effect on her.

When he patted the mattress invitingly, she hesitantly slid in beside him. The linens were as soft as silk and the feather mattress felt like a cloud. There was an obvious advantage to being royalty. Even in her fine apartments at Rivendell, she had nothing as comfortable as this.

Rolling toward Legolas, she touched his arm gently.

"I will not let your father die, Legolas. Sleep in peace tonight. I know not how to cure him yet. But I will not give up."

"I know that," he said quietly. "And if he must go to the West, I will take him. You need not go."

"Nay, I must, if it comes to that. For someone must nurse him on the voyage. But let us not speak of that! It is a last resort. I still hope to find the answers here."

"Yes," Legolas murmured rolling onto his back. He pulled Alede close and she pillowed her head on his shoulder, cherishing the feel of his chest rising and falling beneath her hand, cherishing his closeness.

"Though I can not see an answer to my father's cure," he said sleepily. "At least I have answered another question that has plagued me."

"What is that?" Alede asked around a yawn.

But Legolas did not answer and when Alede raised her head, she saw that he'd fallen asleep. Lying back down, she pondered his words for only a moment before she too, fell asleep.

*********

Legolas' quiet dreams of forests and moonlight were troubled by visions of a dark figure. It darted behind trees and taunted him with books strewn in the path to trip him. Finally, tired of chasing the shadowy figure, Legolas bent down in his dream and picked up one of the books.

He looked at the familiar cover and it took him a moment to grasp its significance. Suddenly, he knew the answer and brought himself fully awake. He blinked in the pre dawn darkness, glancing down at Alede's still form beside him.

It was not the healer's journal they needed to find. It was the other book, the one missing from the Hall of Records.

The book he'd read as a child.

*********

A/N: I apologize! I realize I sort of mislead you about the bathtub scene. I know everyone was hoping to find Legolas in the tub once again. Sorry about that! Please forgive me? *groveling nicely and saying something about "Nice Master, don't hurt us precious…*

I see many of you have got out your magnifying glass and your deer stalker caps and are searching for clues. Find out in chapter 9 (coming soon) if they're the right ones! *grins evilly*

As always I really, really appreciate the reviews. Keep 'em coming, please! *begs nicely!*

List of Original Characters:

Lomomir: Mirkwood's Healer and Thranduil's youngest brother.

Unilyn: A young she-Elf, probably about Legolas' age. She is Legolas' former lover.

Prince Franduil: King Thranduil's second son. He is now the crown prince, due to the oldest son's death in the War of Five Armies.

Princess Elvothien: Wife of Prince Franduil and sister-in-law to Legolas.

Elvomir: Prince Franduil and Evlothien's little boy. Nephew to Legolas.

Hithrawyn: A warrior sent to guard Alede

Thrania: Prince Franduil and Evlothien's little girl. Twin to Elvomir and niece to Legolas. He affectionately calls her Nia.