Just a quick question before this chapter…how does anyone feel about an Eowyn/Legolas story, it will probably be filled with angst and pain and drama and violence. I will be writing more slash most certainly but I want to write a het story too and I absolutely hate Mary-sues, I would like to use original chars…so please, feedback….
With gentle strokes Elrohir washed Legolas' face, unsettled by the feverish tint of his cheeks. He knew nothing of male pregnancy, he had not even known of its existence until he learned of the Prince's condition. He did not know if constant illness was a part of it, with the she-elves it only seemed to last for a few months.
His eyes shone with concern, a nearly perfect mirror image of his brother as they watched quietly for any change in their friend's comatose condition. Several times they had lain their hands across his stomach but could determine nothing of change with the babes. They were greatly relieved by this.
Elladan placed a re-assuring hand on his brother's shoulder before standing and making his way to where Aragorn lay still in a deep slumber. Casting a knowing glance in the man's direction he knelt down near to his body and began collecting a mixture of pungent herbs from a space of ground near his arm.
Exhaustion tugged at his senses but he ignored it skillfully, casting his mind upon other things as a distraction. The pale moon and lack of wind placed a deceptively calm atmosphere on the campsite. He nearly sighed but refrained from doing so automatically. He had just naturally integrated the action into his everyday life after having attended many a boring council meeting.
" Elladan?" He glanced over his shoulder and realized with a start that Aragorn was watching him, and probably had been for several minutes.
" What are you doing awake? I only gave you the draught several hours ago."
" Perhaps I am stronger than you thought…" Elladan smiled and leaned back onto his heels.
" And how do you feel?"
' Like I've been shot in the shoulder…and where is Legolas?" Elladan fought the urge to look over his shoulder at the figure lying near the fire.
" He is resting, as you are supposed to be doing." The answer was quick and Elladan quickly looked down at the plants now grasped loosely between his fingers.
" If he is resting then why do you need such powerful herbs? Are there others who were injured?" Aragorn was now struggling into a sitting position though it was obvious the action pained him. Elladan was at his side in seconds. Grasping the man's waist firmly he support him in his efforts until he was leaning against the trunk of a nearby tree.
" Well he's slightly ill but it is nothing to worry over." Elladan answered. Aragorn studied his face carefully for a moment.
" You lie, I can see the concern shining in your eyes like a beacon. What's happened?!" His voice grew agitated and Elladan placed a soothing hand on the mortal's arm.
" Sh…you're in pain. Lie still." Aragorn's eyes unfocused momentarily and he slumped down further. Elladan sighed and lay a hand on Aragorn's forehead.
" You aren't warm…thankfully. Legolas is as I said before, resting, as you should be. Now close your eyes or I'll force you to drink more of our sleeping draught." Aragorn's eyes narrowed into a vicious glare.
" Do not order me around as if you were my father! I will do as I please and right now I wish to see Legolas!" His voice was rising. Rolling his eyes, Elladan got to his feet.
" Then get there yourself because you will receive no help from me." Aragorn's glare only intensified and without another word Elladan turned and went back towards the fire.
Aragorn watched the retreating back for several minutes before letting out a deep breath. 'I do not need his aid nor did I ask it of him." He mumbled angrily under his breath., bracing his good arm against the rough bark of the tree he levered himself forwards until he found himself on his knees, teetering dangerously forwards.
" Are you in need of assistance your highness?" Aragorn found himself being steadied by one of the elves that had ridden with them. His face seemed devoid of any emotion as he held on tightly to the man's arm.
" Do not help him!" Elladan called over his shoulder. Aragorn growled angrily and the elf let go of his arm and seemed to disappear from view almost instantaneously. With a determined scowl on his face let his body fall forwards and caught himself with his good arm. Amid several sharp breaths and mumbled cursing the ranger managed to climb to his feet.
The twins were watching him from beside the fire, looks a mixture of amusement and annoyance as Aragorn made his way towards them. " So I see that you are more independent than I assumed." Elrohir stated with a laugh. Aragorn glowered at them and dropped to his knees once he reached the fireside.
" Where is he?" He asked reaching up to brush the hair from his eyes. Elladan nodded his head towards the Prince who still lay in a fevered slumber, eyes closed.
" It isn't natural." Elrohir pointed offhandedly to aforementioned fact. " I've never seen and Elf sleep with his eyes shut."
' He's gotten into the habit of doing so because sleeping with them open unnerves me." Aragorn answered and crawled closer to the younger elf. His eyes flashed with worry and he reached out, placing a hand gently against the flushed cheek. " What happened?" He demanded once more.
" He was ill and then he fell asleep, tis nothing but a consequence of pregnancy, I'm sure." Elrohir said quickly, stirring the contents of a pot hung above the fire. Aragorn brushed a blond lock from Legolas' face.
" What-"
"We gave him all necessary treatment for fever and discomfort, there is nothing more we can do and I would much appreciate it if you would take my council and sleep. For once listen to what you're told."
" I am not a child, I am a king and I will not suffer to be treated this way." Aragorn said angrily. Elladan raised an eyebrow.
" Did you and Legolas not have this argument recently? Perhaps you better understand his view on things now?" Elrohir said with a smirk. Aragorn's face flushed a deep red, eyes flashing in anger.
" It isn't the same!" He said, voice once more rising.
" Ah, but it is, infact your injury is perhaps graver than Legolas' being with child."
* * * * *
" And although you are my daughter and I love, more than you can ever know this act cannot go unpunished. I still have yet to come up with something suiting but until that time be aware than you are being watched and if you so much as look at someone the wrong way I will be forced to act." Arwen stared resolutely at her father before standing.
" Very well, if that is what you think best then so be it, I take my leave of you." She answered and then spun on her heel and swept out of the room. Elrond sighed, letting his head all into his hands.
* * * *
" Arwen?" Glorfindel spoke softly from the doorway, watching as Arwen fastened the clasp on a black travelling bag. She did not answer him and he realized with a shock that she was also wearing her riding clothes. " Arwen what are you doing." He asked stepping into the room. Arwen looked back at him over her shoulder.
" I'm leaving, what does it look like I am doing?" She snapped. Glorfindel frowned.
" But you cannot leave." He protested, making a move to gather her into his arms. She pushed him away, eyes narrowed in anger.
"But I must my lord." She turned away from him once more. " It appears that all those I love I cannot trust!" Glorfindel's face crumpled as guilt washed over him.
' You must understand that I had to, I could not let you hurt someone you had considered as a friend until recently. Are you not guilty of the same crime committed but Estel? We are elves, we are supposed to be above the petty revenge of other peoples. You cannot go, I love you." He pleaded, grasping her hand. She turned to stare at him momentarily, studying his face. With what seemed much difficulty on her own part she threw his hand away.
" How can you say you love me, when you have betrayed me so?"
' You betrayed yourself!" Glorfindel said trying once more to gain a hold on her. " And I am very sorry for the part I myself played in it but you cannot go, I beg of thee to listen. It will only enrage your father further!"
" You do not understand, I must leave now! Let go of me!" She tore free from his grip, taking her bag as she did so.
" At least take this with you." Glorfindel extracted a small jeweled dagger from his belt. Arwen took it, though she refused to look him in the eyes. Tenderly Glorfindel brushed a strand of hair behind her ears and then placed a kiss on her forehead. "I know you are well versed in sword play and in defending yourself but it gives me a little ease to know that you have, now hurry, if your heard is set on it then I will distract you father."
Okay, like I said please take into consideration what I put in my opening notes and if anyone's interested though I'm sure you all know by now there are 25 ROTK pics posted on the official site for the movie…and a really incriminating one of Legolas comforting Aragorn.