Disclaimer: I own nothing Tolkien created.
A/N: The-Serious-Padfoot: Wow, new reviewer - thank you so much. I hope you continue to read and review the story.
Wynjara: Thanks for the review. Poor Legolas is right. This is a sad one so get your tissues ready. Enjoy
Lynda: Well, to find out whether he dies or not you'll just have to keep reading. I'm glad you like the story and I hope it continues to please. Thanks for the review.
Ch 15 Here for you
It took all day and all night to calm Legolas' fever. The four of them worked hard to keep his pulse going, once or twice they were sure they had lost him but Elrond's extraordinary healing skills and determination kept his fever down and soon he was out of danger and sleeping soundly. He stayed that way all through the next day.
Aragorn never left his side no matter how much his brothers and father insisted that he needed rest. It was about two o'clock in the morning when Elrond entered and found Aragorn asleep in the chair placed next to Legolas' bed. Elrond smiled and walked over to the chair. He put his hands gently onto Aragorn's shoulders and squeezed hard enough to wake the man from his sleep. Aragorn instantly looked worryingly at Legolas, when he realised his love was still sleeping he looked up at the person who had woken him.
He relaxed back into his chair when he realised it was Elrond. He sighed and rubbed his hands over his tired face. Elrond went to the side of the chair and crouched down so he could look at Aragorn who was trying to get rid of the fuzziness in his head. He turned to face Elrond with tired eyes. His father smiled and leaned forwards and pushed a lock of brown hair from his son's face.
"Go rest Estel. I will watch over him."
"I wish to stay with him." Aragorn whispered so as not to wake the blonde Elf.
Elrond tenderly stroked Aragorn's hair causing the man to close his eyes. Elrond pulled back and touched his arm to wake him again.
"You will be no use to Legolas if you keep falling to sleep when you're meant to be watching him. Go to bed." He said sternly but kindly at the same time.
Aragorn looked at Legolas and then back to Elrond.
"Don't worry I will look after him and send for you if there is any change." He smiled at Aragorn. "Go Estel."
Aragorn nodded and stood wearily. Before leaving he bent down and kissed Legolas on the forehead and then gently on the mouth. Legolas stirred but didn't wake. Elrond, who was now stood up, placed a hand on Aragorn's back and directed him to the door.
"I don't want to see you back here for at least eight hours." He smiled as Aragorn walked down the hall towards his own room, secretly he was glad for the rest even though he didn't want to leave Legolas' side. As soon as he lay down on the bed he fell asleep.
Elrond moved back towards the bed. He had promised Aragorn that he would look after Legolas and he would do as he said. He was still a little overwhelmed at Legolas' dinner speech. He would never have imagined that anyone would ever have the nerve to talk to the King as Legolas had done.
But what really surprised Elrond was Legolas saying that he was a better father than Thranduil. This had both shocked and pleased Elrond. He found himself liking Legolas even more. He had already accepted him into Imladris so why not his family? Aragorn certainly loved him.
Before Elrond could sit down he heard shouts and the sounds of horses outside. He walked quickly over to the window and looked out to see Thranduil and his servants riding out quickly. Thranduil had stayed in Rivendell while Legolas was sick but finally decided to leave that night. Elrond could hardly believe that a father could leave his son at a time like that, when Legolas needed him most. He had tried to talk to the King but Thranduil had ignored his pleas. Legolas had wanted his father to be with him so much and he had been disappointed that the King could not even be a father to him when he found out about Legolas and Aragorn. If Elrond could accept it then why couldn't Thranduil? Or at least he could be with his son when he needed his father most.
Elrond sighed and left the window as the horses disappeared into the night. He sat back down in the chair and watched over Legolas. He stayed that way for some time until the Prince woke in the early hours of the morning.
Legolas had sat up quickly as if woken by a bad dream. Elrond gently touched his arm and Legolas looked at him with fear in his eyes, fear which turned to confusion on seeing the other Elf.
"Elrond?" He questioned, reaching for his head that was pounding annoyingly.
"It's alright Legolas. Lie back, you are not well." Elrond guided Legolas down.
"Where is my father?" Legolas asked looking around the room expecting Thranduil to come from the shadows with a confused, loving look on his face. This was all a fantasy and Legolas knew it. Memories of what happened at the dinner came flooding back to him causing him to let out a small cry.
"He's gone hasn't he?" Legolas asked weakly turning his head to Elrond.
"He left a few hours ago. I have tried to convince him to stay but he would not and returned to Mirkwood. I am sorry Legolas. I know you wanted your father here." Elrond sighed as Legolas turned his head away to hide the tears.
"I thought he." Legolas stopped himself. "What happened? I remember fighting with Ada and him walking out and then nothing."
"You collapsed. You have been unconscious for almost two days."
"Two days?" Legolas tried to sit up again but Elrond forced him back down.
"Legolas you must rest. The poison is getting worse." Elrond insisted but instantly regretted saying it when Legolas paled and fell back on the bed.
"I'm going to die soon aren't I?" He said weakly, pleading eyes fixed on Elrond.
"I wish there was something I could do to prevent it or even delay it but I fear there is nothing." He replied grimly.
"Does Aragorn know?"
"He knows your time is growing short but he does not know how long."
"How long do I have?" Legolas asked a little too calmly.
"Do not ask such questions." Elrond tried to focus his eyes on anything else in the room but the dying Prince.
"Elrond I must know. For Aragorn's sake as well as my own. Please."
"A few days, maybe a week." Elrond said trying to disguise the pain in his own voice. He had not wanted to admit that Legolas had such a short amount of time left.
"A week." The Prince echoed. "I thought it would be longer." He whispered. "Does Ada know about it?"
"No. I didn't know whether you wanted me to tell him about it but I could send a messenger to Mirkwood if you wish."
"No, he will probably get shot at the mere mention of my name."
Elrond said nothing when he noticed a tear fall down Legolas' face. Soon he could no longer stop them. He turned away from Elrond and quietly sobbed into his pillow. Elrond left him for a moment knowing he would want to keep his pride.
Gently he placed a hand on Legolas' back and moved to sit on the bed. He leaned down and stroked Legolas' golden hair until he stopped crying and lay still. Elrond said nothing but allowed Legolas to compose himself before he faced him. After a few minutes Elrond spoke softly to Legolas who was still slightly trembling.
"I know you wanted your father to stay with you. I'm sorry that he didn't want the same thing."
"As am I." Legolas said sitting up and wiping his face before turning to Elrond. "I didn't think he would react the way he did. I must apologise on his behalf."
"No apology needs to come from you Legolas. You are not responsible for Thranduil's short temper. He will never change."
"He had no right to talk to you like that or Aragorn."
"Your father has always disliked me and you know all too well how he feels about Estel."
Legolas nodded. "I thought when he came things might go back to the way they were but that is not what he wants. I cannot help but think that I really have failed him. Perhaps I could have been a better son for him." Legolas mused quietly.
"Do not speak like that. This is not your fault Legolas. This is Thranduil's doing and no one else's." Elrond said firmly but not harshly.
"I know." Legolas sighed. "Is Aragorn alright? He looked upset."
"He is fine. You worry too much about him when you should be more concerned with yourself. Estel is merely tired. He has stayed by your side for a long time without proper rest."
"He stayed even after what Ada said?"
"Of course. Estel never listened to your father before why should he start now? He barely even listens to me any more." Elrond laughed.
Legolas also laughed but it was quickly replaced by a loud sobbing. He covered his face with his hands knowing he couldn't stop crying even if he wanted to. So much had happened, the argument with his father, the harsh words, the unconsciousness and the news that he only had a week to live. It was all too much for him right then. He suddenly felt weak and so alone. He longed for his father to be by his side. He had not wanted to break in front of Elrond even though he did trust him more now than before.
The Elf Lord didn't seem to mind though. He moved closer and gently stroked Legolas' hair, quietly whispering to him.
"It's alright Legolas. It's alright."
Legolas slowly leaned towards Elrond who opened his arms and allowed Legolas to lean against him heavily before holding him tightly and rocking him whilst stroking his hair and whispering to him. Legolas curled up to Elrond and grabbed his robes as if he was afraid he was going to leave. Elrond held him whilst the Prince of Mirkwood sobbed against him. Elrond felt very protective over him. He comforted him like he was his own sons when they were young and upset. He remembered.
At this point Elladan walked into the room suddenly, when he saw Legolas curled up in his father's arms he motioned that he needed to speak with Elrond.
"Not now Elladan." Elrond whispered, holding Legolas tighter when he started to shiver.
"But father Orcs were spotted."
"Not now Elladan." Elrond shouted causing Legolas to shake even more both from crying and the poison in his body. "Elladan leave." Elrond said firmly.
Elladan looked nervously at his father for a second before nodding and leaving the room quietly.
When Elladan had left Elrond spoke to Legolas again. Legolas had hardly noticed Elladan's arrival but had known that someone was there. Elrond had sent them away though.
"It's alright Legolas." Elrond sighed as he began his rocking again.
"I'm sorry Lord Elrond." Legolas said although it was a meagre whisper as well as being muffled by Elrond's robes which he had his face buried in.
"I have already told you that you should not apologise for your father."
"I'm not apologising for him, I'm apologising for my weakness." The last words were almost too quiet.
"Oh Legolas, you are not weak. You stood up to Thranduil at dinner. A weak person would not have had the courage to do that. There is nothing to be sorry for."
"I'm scared Elrond. I don't want to die." Legolas sobbed.
Elrond felt the tears forming in his own eyes when Legolas admitted that he was scared. It was something he was not expecting from the proud Prince.
"It's alright to be scared Legolas but you should not fear death."
"It is not the death I fear. I don't want to leave Aragorn alone. I love him."
Elrond looked sympathetically at Legolas but still kept a tight hold on him. He had begun shaking again after a very brief pause.
"Estel does not want you to leave either but he knows that the decision is not yours and that you would do anything to stay with him. He knows you love him." Elrond began rocking again. "You should not worry for him, he will be well looked after I promise. He will miss you as we all will."
"I know. I only wish I could go back and change what happened."
"None of us cam do that Legolas, not even the most powerful." Elrond smiled faintly.
Legolas nodded but he did not move. He felt comfortable being in Elrond's arms even though the shame of having to be treated like a child was still there he was, at that moment, too tired to care. He wanted to close his eyes and sleep but his body was contradicting itself and telling him to remain awake.
"I meant what I said at dinner about your kindness. I know you didn't approve of me and Aragorn but you didn't send me away and no words can tell you how grateful I am for that."
Legolas shifted slightly causing an unexpected pain to shoot through his body. He gripped Elrond tighter and the Elf Lord knew why.
"It's alright Legolas. Let it pass." He whispered loosening his tight grip just in case Legolas wanted to pull away.
Legolas tried not to cry out but couldn't help it. The soothing whisperings of Elrond continued which calmed Legolas until the pain had dulled to an uncomfortable ache that seemed to take over his whole body. He lay there trying to get his now rapid breathing under control.
"It hurts." He whimpered, no longer caring whether he looked weak in front of Elrond.
"I know. Just try and breathe. Would you like me to give you something more for the pain?" Elrond already knew the answer but allowed Legolas to keep some of his independence and answer for himself.
Legolas nodded weakly causing his head to hurt even more. Elrond carefully pulled away from Legolas enough to pick him up. He lifted Legolas off the bed so he could put him back under the sheets. Legolas rested his head against his shoulder and closed his eyes wishing he could fall into that darkness that brought him so much peace. Elrond laid him down and placed the sheets over him. Before getting the herbs he placed a hand on Legolas' forehead and was pleased to find that it was not as hot as the night before. Even so he knew the poison was getting a deeper hold on him.
Elrond sighed and went to the table at the end of the bed where the medical supplies and herbs were stocked up. He crushed some leaves with warm water and took the tea over to Legolas who had been watching him intently. Elrond sat down on the bed next to Legolas and smiled in reassurance. Legolas attempted to return the smile but it turned out to be a weak attempt, even so Elrond was pleased. He leaned forward and helped Legolas into a sitting position and propped pillows up behind him so he could drink the tea.
"Drink this, it will help with the pain but also calm you down and help you to sleep."
Legolas nodded and took the cup from Elrond. He wasn't as strong with his grip as he thought he was because the cup almost slipped out of his hand and spilled its contents over him. Luckily Elrond had grabbed it before it fell. Legolas' head fell back and he closed his eyes in embarrassment and exasperation.
"I'm sorry." He mumbled as Elrond wiped away a few spots of liquid that had fallen on the sheets.
"It's alright Legolas. That was my fault. I forgot.Let me help you." He leaned forward once more.
Legolas stayed still for a few moments before tiredly opening his eyes and leaning forward.
"I do not like being treated as a child." He said. Elrond ignored him and placed the cup to his mouth. Legolas drank the tea slowly until the cup was empty and Elrond pulled away satisfied. He put the cup on the floor and turned his attention back to Legolas.
"Come, you should lay down." Legolas nodded. He could already feel the effects of the tea. It sent a warm feeling through his body which seemed to dull the aching all over. He could also feel himself relaxing.
Elrond carefully moved Legolas so he was lying down. He returned to his chair and watched Legolas try to fight with the sleep. He took hold of Legolas' hand and smiled down at him.
"It's alright Legolas. Sleep." He was rewarded with Legolas closing his eyes. The grip on his hand loosened as Legolas drifted into a peaceful sleep. Elrond sighed and nodded in satisfaction when he was sure Legolas was sleeping and no longer in so much pain.
"Ada." Legolas called out quietly causing Elrond to lean closer. "Ada." Legolas repeated opening his eyes and looking at Elrond.
"Na nefach, ion nin. Post mea" Elrond said, obviously Legolas wanted his father but that's what Elrond felt like right then.
Legolas promptly fell back to sleep and all was quiet for the rest of the night save for the occasional whimper from the sleeping Prince.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Elvish translations:
Ada - father Na nefach - I am here Ion nin - my son Post mea - rest well
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: Thanks to everyone that's reviewed. I apologise for the bad Elvish. Blame my translation site. Anyway, if it makes no sense just read the English and ignore it.
A/N: The-Serious-Padfoot: Wow, new reviewer - thank you so much. I hope you continue to read and review the story.
Wynjara: Thanks for the review. Poor Legolas is right. This is a sad one so get your tissues ready. Enjoy
Lynda: Well, to find out whether he dies or not you'll just have to keep reading. I'm glad you like the story and I hope it continues to please. Thanks for the review.
Ch 15 Here for you
It took all day and all night to calm Legolas' fever. The four of them worked hard to keep his pulse going, once or twice they were sure they had lost him but Elrond's extraordinary healing skills and determination kept his fever down and soon he was out of danger and sleeping soundly. He stayed that way all through the next day.
Aragorn never left his side no matter how much his brothers and father insisted that he needed rest. It was about two o'clock in the morning when Elrond entered and found Aragorn asleep in the chair placed next to Legolas' bed. Elrond smiled and walked over to the chair. He put his hands gently onto Aragorn's shoulders and squeezed hard enough to wake the man from his sleep. Aragorn instantly looked worryingly at Legolas, when he realised his love was still sleeping he looked up at the person who had woken him.
He relaxed back into his chair when he realised it was Elrond. He sighed and rubbed his hands over his tired face. Elrond went to the side of the chair and crouched down so he could look at Aragorn who was trying to get rid of the fuzziness in his head. He turned to face Elrond with tired eyes. His father smiled and leaned forwards and pushed a lock of brown hair from his son's face.
"Go rest Estel. I will watch over him."
"I wish to stay with him." Aragorn whispered so as not to wake the blonde Elf.
Elrond tenderly stroked Aragorn's hair causing the man to close his eyes. Elrond pulled back and touched his arm to wake him again.
"You will be no use to Legolas if you keep falling to sleep when you're meant to be watching him. Go to bed." He said sternly but kindly at the same time.
Aragorn looked at Legolas and then back to Elrond.
"Don't worry I will look after him and send for you if there is any change." He smiled at Aragorn. "Go Estel."
Aragorn nodded and stood wearily. Before leaving he bent down and kissed Legolas on the forehead and then gently on the mouth. Legolas stirred but didn't wake. Elrond, who was now stood up, placed a hand on Aragorn's back and directed him to the door.
"I don't want to see you back here for at least eight hours." He smiled as Aragorn walked down the hall towards his own room, secretly he was glad for the rest even though he didn't want to leave Legolas' side. As soon as he lay down on the bed he fell asleep.
Elrond moved back towards the bed. He had promised Aragorn that he would look after Legolas and he would do as he said. He was still a little overwhelmed at Legolas' dinner speech. He would never have imagined that anyone would ever have the nerve to talk to the King as Legolas had done.
But what really surprised Elrond was Legolas saying that he was a better father than Thranduil. This had both shocked and pleased Elrond. He found himself liking Legolas even more. He had already accepted him into Imladris so why not his family? Aragorn certainly loved him.
Before Elrond could sit down he heard shouts and the sounds of horses outside. He walked quickly over to the window and looked out to see Thranduil and his servants riding out quickly. Thranduil had stayed in Rivendell while Legolas was sick but finally decided to leave that night. Elrond could hardly believe that a father could leave his son at a time like that, when Legolas needed him most. He had tried to talk to the King but Thranduil had ignored his pleas. Legolas had wanted his father to be with him so much and he had been disappointed that the King could not even be a father to him when he found out about Legolas and Aragorn. If Elrond could accept it then why couldn't Thranduil? Or at least he could be with his son when he needed his father most.
Elrond sighed and left the window as the horses disappeared into the night. He sat back down in the chair and watched over Legolas. He stayed that way for some time until the Prince woke in the early hours of the morning.
Legolas had sat up quickly as if woken by a bad dream. Elrond gently touched his arm and Legolas looked at him with fear in his eyes, fear which turned to confusion on seeing the other Elf.
"Elrond?" He questioned, reaching for his head that was pounding annoyingly.
"It's alright Legolas. Lie back, you are not well." Elrond guided Legolas down.
"Where is my father?" Legolas asked looking around the room expecting Thranduil to come from the shadows with a confused, loving look on his face. This was all a fantasy and Legolas knew it. Memories of what happened at the dinner came flooding back to him causing him to let out a small cry.
"He's gone hasn't he?" Legolas asked weakly turning his head to Elrond.
"He left a few hours ago. I have tried to convince him to stay but he would not and returned to Mirkwood. I am sorry Legolas. I know you wanted your father here." Elrond sighed as Legolas turned his head away to hide the tears.
"I thought he." Legolas stopped himself. "What happened? I remember fighting with Ada and him walking out and then nothing."
"You collapsed. You have been unconscious for almost two days."
"Two days?" Legolas tried to sit up again but Elrond forced him back down.
"Legolas you must rest. The poison is getting worse." Elrond insisted but instantly regretted saying it when Legolas paled and fell back on the bed.
"I'm going to die soon aren't I?" He said weakly, pleading eyes fixed on Elrond.
"I wish there was something I could do to prevent it or even delay it but I fear there is nothing." He replied grimly.
"Does Aragorn know?"
"He knows your time is growing short but he does not know how long."
"How long do I have?" Legolas asked a little too calmly.
"Do not ask such questions." Elrond tried to focus his eyes on anything else in the room but the dying Prince.
"Elrond I must know. For Aragorn's sake as well as my own. Please."
"A few days, maybe a week." Elrond said trying to disguise the pain in his own voice. He had not wanted to admit that Legolas had such a short amount of time left.
"A week." The Prince echoed. "I thought it would be longer." He whispered. "Does Ada know about it?"
"No. I didn't know whether you wanted me to tell him about it but I could send a messenger to Mirkwood if you wish."
"No, he will probably get shot at the mere mention of my name."
Elrond said nothing when he noticed a tear fall down Legolas' face. Soon he could no longer stop them. He turned away from Elrond and quietly sobbed into his pillow. Elrond left him for a moment knowing he would want to keep his pride.
Gently he placed a hand on Legolas' back and moved to sit on the bed. He leaned down and stroked Legolas' golden hair until he stopped crying and lay still. Elrond said nothing but allowed Legolas to compose himself before he faced him. After a few minutes Elrond spoke softly to Legolas who was still slightly trembling.
"I know you wanted your father to stay with you. I'm sorry that he didn't want the same thing."
"As am I." Legolas said sitting up and wiping his face before turning to Elrond. "I didn't think he would react the way he did. I must apologise on his behalf."
"No apology needs to come from you Legolas. You are not responsible for Thranduil's short temper. He will never change."
"He had no right to talk to you like that or Aragorn."
"Your father has always disliked me and you know all too well how he feels about Estel."
Legolas nodded. "I thought when he came things might go back to the way they were but that is not what he wants. I cannot help but think that I really have failed him. Perhaps I could have been a better son for him." Legolas mused quietly.
"Do not speak like that. This is not your fault Legolas. This is Thranduil's doing and no one else's." Elrond said firmly but not harshly.
"I know." Legolas sighed. "Is Aragorn alright? He looked upset."
"He is fine. You worry too much about him when you should be more concerned with yourself. Estel is merely tired. He has stayed by your side for a long time without proper rest."
"He stayed even after what Ada said?"
"Of course. Estel never listened to your father before why should he start now? He barely even listens to me any more." Elrond laughed.
Legolas also laughed but it was quickly replaced by a loud sobbing. He covered his face with his hands knowing he couldn't stop crying even if he wanted to. So much had happened, the argument with his father, the harsh words, the unconsciousness and the news that he only had a week to live. It was all too much for him right then. He suddenly felt weak and so alone. He longed for his father to be by his side. He had not wanted to break in front of Elrond even though he did trust him more now than before.
The Elf Lord didn't seem to mind though. He moved closer and gently stroked Legolas' hair, quietly whispering to him.
"It's alright Legolas. It's alright."
Legolas slowly leaned towards Elrond who opened his arms and allowed Legolas to lean against him heavily before holding him tightly and rocking him whilst stroking his hair and whispering to him. Legolas curled up to Elrond and grabbed his robes as if he was afraid he was going to leave. Elrond held him whilst the Prince of Mirkwood sobbed against him. Elrond felt very protective over him. He comforted him like he was his own sons when they were young and upset. He remembered.
At this point Elladan walked into the room suddenly, when he saw Legolas curled up in his father's arms he motioned that he needed to speak with Elrond.
"Not now Elladan." Elrond whispered, holding Legolas tighter when he started to shiver.
"But father Orcs were spotted."
"Not now Elladan." Elrond shouted causing Legolas to shake even more both from crying and the poison in his body. "Elladan leave." Elrond said firmly.
Elladan looked nervously at his father for a second before nodding and leaving the room quietly.
When Elladan had left Elrond spoke to Legolas again. Legolas had hardly noticed Elladan's arrival but had known that someone was there. Elrond had sent them away though.
"It's alright Legolas." Elrond sighed as he began his rocking again.
"I'm sorry Lord Elrond." Legolas said although it was a meagre whisper as well as being muffled by Elrond's robes which he had his face buried in.
"I have already told you that you should not apologise for your father."
"I'm not apologising for him, I'm apologising for my weakness." The last words were almost too quiet.
"Oh Legolas, you are not weak. You stood up to Thranduil at dinner. A weak person would not have had the courage to do that. There is nothing to be sorry for."
"I'm scared Elrond. I don't want to die." Legolas sobbed.
Elrond felt the tears forming in his own eyes when Legolas admitted that he was scared. It was something he was not expecting from the proud Prince.
"It's alright to be scared Legolas but you should not fear death."
"It is not the death I fear. I don't want to leave Aragorn alone. I love him."
Elrond looked sympathetically at Legolas but still kept a tight hold on him. He had begun shaking again after a very brief pause.
"Estel does not want you to leave either but he knows that the decision is not yours and that you would do anything to stay with him. He knows you love him." Elrond began rocking again. "You should not worry for him, he will be well looked after I promise. He will miss you as we all will."
"I know. I only wish I could go back and change what happened."
"None of us cam do that Legolas, not even the most powerful." Elrond smiled faintly.
Legolas nodded but he did not move. He felt comfortable being in Elrond's arms even though the shame of having to be treated like a child was still there he was, at that moment, too tired to care. He wanted to close his eyes and sleep but his body was contradicting itself and telling him to remain awake.
"I meant what I said at dinner about your kindness. I know you didn't approve of me and Aragorn but you didn't send me away and no words can tell you how grateful I am for that."
Legolas shifted slightly causing an unexpected pain to shoot through his body. He gripped Elrond tighter and the Elf Lord knew why.
"It's alright Legolas. Let it pass." He whispered loosening his tight grip just in case Legolas wanted to pull away.
Legolas tried not to cry out but couldn't help it. The soothing whisperings of Elrond continued which calmed Legolas until the pain had dulled to an uncomfortable ache that seemed to take over his whole body. He lay there trying to get his now rapid breathing under control.
"It hurts." He whimpered, no longer caring whether he looked weak in front of Elrond.
"I know. Just try and breathe. Would you like me to give you something more for the pain?" Elrond already knew the answer but allowed Legolas to keep some of his independence and answer for himself.
Legolas nodded weakly causing his head to hurt even more. Elrond carefully pulled away from Legolas enough to pick him up. He lifted Legolas off the bed so he could put him back under the sheets. Legolas rested his head against his shoulder and closed his eyes wishing he could fall into that darkness that brought him so much peace. Elrond laid him down and placed the sheets over him. Before getting the herbs he placed a hand on Legolas' forehead and was pleased to find that it was not as hot as the night before. Even so he knew the poison was getting a deeper hold on him.
Elrond sighed and went to the table at the end of the bed where the medical supplies and herbs were stocked up. He crushed some leaves with warm water and took the tea over to Legolas who had been watching him intently. Elrond sat down on the bed next to Legolas and smiled in reassurance. Legolas attempted to return the smile but it turned out to be a weak attempt, even so Elrond was pleased. He leaned forward and helped Legolas into a sitting position and propped pillows up behind him so he could drink the tea.
"Drink this, it will help with the pain but also calm you down and help you to sleep."
Legolas nodded and took the cup from Elrond. He wasn't as strong with his grip as he thought he was because the cup almost slipped out of his hand and spilled its contents over him. Luckily Elrond had grabbed it before it fell. Legolas' head fell back and he closed his eyes in embarrassment and exasperation.
"I'm sorry." He mumbled as Elrond wiped away a few spots of liquid that had fallen on the sheets.
"It's alright Legolas. That was my fault. I forgot.Let me help you." He leaned forward once more.
Legolas stayed still for a few moments before tiredly opening his eyes and leaning forward.
"I do not like being treated as a child." He said. Elrond ignored him and placed the cup to his mouth. Legolas drank the tea slowly until the cup was empty and Elrond pulled away satisfied. He put the cup on the floor and turned his attention back to Legolas.
"Come, you should lay down." Legolas nodded. He could already feel the effects of the tea. It sent a warm feeling through his body which seemed to dull the aching all over. He could also feel himself relaxing.
Elrond carefully moved Legolas so he was lying down. He returned to his chair and watched Legolas try to fight with the sleep. He took hold of Legolas' hand and smiled down at him.
"It's alright Legolas. Sleep." He was rewarded with Legolas closing his eyes. The grip on his hand loosened as Legolas drifted into a peaceful sleep. Elrond sighed and nodded in satisfaction when he was sure Legolas was sleeping and no longer in so much pain.
"Ada." Legolas called out quietly causing Elrond to lean closer. "Ada." Legolas repeated opening his eyes and looking at Elrond.
"Na nefach, ion nin. Post mea" Elrond said, obviously Legolas wanted his father but that's what Elrond felt like right then.
Legolas promptly fell back to sleep and all was quiet for the rest of the night save for the occasional whimper from the sleeping Prince.
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Elvish translations:
Ada - father Na nefach - I am here Ion nin - my son Post mea - rest well
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A/N: Thanks to everyone that's reviewed. I apologise for the bad Elvish. Blame my translation site. Anyway, if it makes no sense just read the English and ignore it.