The chapter you've all been waiting for!

Sorry this chapter is so short, I'm working sixty ( yes, that's five 12 hour days) on six hours of sleep a night) and I'm not too coherent so .... :snore:

jo: Really? Kewl!

Terminus Est: :blush: Thanks!

Mendy: Here it is, 'cause you asked so nice! :P

Artemisa: I'm happy you're happy! And there it is!

Susan : Thank you!!!!

********

Jaz stood before the stone for a moment, "Can you stand a moment child?"

"My name is Legolas, not child." the Elf replied tiredly.

"I beg your pardon Legolas, all the humans are but children to me." He put the Elf down and pushed a boulder aside. "Wait and I will light the way." As he stepped inside Legolas again witnessed the flowing transformation, this time from man to dragon. Light blossomed and Legolas limped forward.

"Let me help you." Jaz offered, altering his form yet again. He lifted the Elf up and carried him into the large cavern.

Legolas was pleased to discover that the cave was warm and dry and furnished with chairs, a table and a large bed.

"My father tells me I am overly fond of human form and the comforts that accompany it." Jaz said, an embarrassed smile tuning up the corners of his lips. He gently lowered the Elf onto the bed.

Legolas sank gratefully back against the soft thick pillows with a sigh.

"Pull off your wet clothes and get under the covers while I heat up some water." Jaz held up a teakettle, "I hope you like tea."

"Yes. Thank you." Legolas did as he was bid, pulling the blanket up to his chin and shivering.

Jaz poked at the burning wood, building up the flame and swung the kettle over the fire. He bustled around setting out cups and crushing fragrant herbs in a bowl. Removing some of the herbs he bound them in a cloth and dropped it into the teapot. When the water was hot Jaz poured it into the bowl and the pot and covered both with lids. He put everything on a tray and brought it over to the bed. Hooking a chair with his foot, Jaz dragged it over and set the tray on it, then sat on the edge of the bed beside Legolas.

Legolas watched as his host added a dollop of honey to a cup and poured the golden tea in with it. "It makes it go down better." Jaz explained, handing the cup to Legolas. "Medicine seldom tastes good."

Legolas accepted the cup and held it under his nose. "Smells good." He took a small sip; "It's not so bad."

Jaz laughed at the expression on the Elf's face, "A bit of a bitter aftertaste though."

When the Elf had finished the cup of tea Jaz uncovered the bowl and the escaping steam filled the room with a scent that reminded Legolas of a summer field. For several moments they both sat and enjoyed the refreshing smell.

"Turn over on your side and I will dress your wounds." said Jaz.

Legolas rolled over onto his left side, turning his back on the man. Jaz pulled the blankets down and looked sadly at the bloody gashes. "I'm terribly sorry, I never meant to harm you."

Legolas hissed softly as Jaz cleaned the wounds with a cloth dipped in the warm sweet-smelling water.

The Elf yelped as Jaz rubbed at a particularly tender spot on his right buttock.

"Sorry little, uh Legolas. I'm afraid that one will leave you with an interesting scar."

:blinks innocently:

WHAT?! Did you really think I'd mar that beautiful face?

I never said what cheek it was on :P

TBC

Oh and here's some shameless self-promotion:

Wanna see some illustrations from this story?

click here for Little Legolas:

http://elfwood.lysator.liu.se/loth/c/r/critterqt/legolas.jpg.html

click here for Jaz in human form:

http://elfwood.lysator.liu.se/loth/c/r/critterqt/jaz.jpg.html