Disclaimer: I own nothing Tolkien created.
A/N:
Wynjara: Well, Legolas has his possible cure. You'll have to read this chapter to find out whether it has worked or not. Thank you so much for all your support during this fanfic. I really appreciate it.
Michelle: Elrond didn't give him the treatment before because of two things, firstly he wasn't sure whether or not it would do any good and secondly because it was dangerous and he didn't want to risk it. I hope that answers your question. Thanks for reviewing, keep it up.
Kel: He did look incredibly good in his prince outfit yes. I'm going to see it again soon so I can just look at him.anyway, thanks for the review. I hope this fic sends you more nice images of Legolas.
arise: Thanks. All hale me huh? I like that. Please feel free to bow if you want. I'm only joking. just read the story and enjoy. Don't worry I am currently writing another Aragorn/Legolas and Elrond adventure that will be up after this has finished so keep your eyes open for it.
Mistal, Autumn Priestess: Thanks new reviewer. Here's your update.
So many reviews. Thank you so much for everyone and keep reviewing, I love receiving them, it gives me the inspiration to write. Enjoy this chapter.
Ch 19 The Letter
Aragorn woke and looked around him. He smiled slightly at the memory of the night before, they had spent hours just laying there, Legolas just sitting there quietly thinking about the past and what was going to happen in the future. After that they had talked about that night in the forest, it had all seemed perfect, that was before the poison had taken effect. They had recreated it that night, had restored that magic. It had been amazing, like nothing they had ever experienced before. Afterwards Legolas had fallen asleep, exhausted. Aragorn had laid there for hours remembering what happened but missing out all the bad things that had happened before.
Now he was taking in the warm morning sun which came in through the open window. Open window, they had closed that window during the night after Legolas said that he was cold. He looked across the bed expecting to find his lover sleeping soundly next to him but the bed was empty, no Legolas.
Aragorn jumped up and dressed quickly, he had to search for Legolas, last night the Elf had been sick and weak and Aragorn was sure he was in no condition to be wandering around Imladris on his own.
He pulled open the door and ran along the corridor towards Elrond's room. When he reached it he banged on it loudly but there was no reply. He knocked again, this time calling his father's name. At that moment a servant walked around the corner but he stopped when he saw Aragorn banging desperately on Elrond's door.
"Can I help you Lord Estel?" He asked politely bowing.
"Yes, where's my father?" Aragorn asked urgently.
"He is not in there. Lord Elrond is in the dining hall with Prince Legolas." The servant replied respectfully.
"In the dining hall? Are you sure Legolas is with him?"
"Yes my Lord."
With that Aragorn raced off towards the dining hall. The knowledge that Elrond was with Legolas was comforting; Elrond wouldn't let anything happen to his husband. Yet still he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was wrong. He reached the dining hall and turned to open the door but someone else was doing the same thing on the other side. Aragorn raced right into Elrond and Legolas who were just leaving. Elrond tried to steady both himself and Aragorn as well as keeping a supporting arm around Legolas who also reached out for Aragorn to steady him. When all of them had got their balance back Elrond stood up straight and confronted a rather embarrassed Aragorn.
"Estel, you are old enough to know not to run around these halls like a child. You almost hurt Legolas as well as startling me."
Aragorn nodded and looked up at Legolas and was shocked to see the smile that graced his pale face. Aragorn couldn't help but smile back.
"Why are you smiling? You don't honestly think this is funny do you? You could have seriously hurt someone by charging around."
"I am not hurt My Lord. Aragorn made a mistake and I am fine." Legolas defended Aragorn earning him a grateful nod of thanks.
"Very well, as long as you're sure you're alright. Perhaps Estel could explain why he was racing around my halls." He looked at his son.
"I.I was looking for Legolas, when I awoke he wasn't there. I was worried, after what happened last night."
"Last night?" Elrond interrupted. He looked at both Aragorn and Legolas and both blushed at being asked about the night before.
Elrond smiled when he realised what Aragorn was talking about. "It's alright Estel, I don't want any details."
Legolas cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably under Elrond's gaze. "Elrond and I were just going to walk in the gardens. Perhaps you could join us, unless you want breakfast."
"No a walk would be good, as long as you're not too tired." Legolas shook his head. "Good, would you like to dress?" He asked the Prince who was standing in his nightclothes still.
"Absolutely not, he's going straight back to bed to rest after this, there is no point." Elrond said firmly before walking towards the door leaving Aragorn to support Legolas.
They walked together silently in the garden, Legolas taking in the warm summer air. He looked peaceful for the first time in a while. He leaned happily against Aragorn more for comfort than support. Although the support was much needed. Whatever Elrond had done to him that night had left him surprisingly weak and tired and Aragorn saw this. He helped his husband as much as he could whilst trying to keep Legolas feeling independent. It wasn't easy, and for the first time Legolas didn't mind someone helping him. In fact he seemed to like Aragorn being so close to him. He didn't even complain when Elrond cast a worried glance over to him. This was what worried Aragorn, the Prince had always been so independent and it frightened the man that Legolas was accepting help so readily.
"Are you alright?" Aragorn asked softly as they strolled through the gardens.
"Yes fine." Legolas answered, he sounded distracted.
"I was concerned that you weren't with me this morning. For a moment I thought I'd lost you." He turned seriously to Legolas who seemed to be in his own world.
"I'm fine Aragorn." He assured looking over at the human with tired, saddened eyes.
"I don't believe you mellon nin." Aragorn said calmly.
At this Legolas stopped as if Aragorn's harsh words had brought him out of his dream. When Elrond realised they had stopped he looked behind at them and waited for Legolas to say what was wrong and why they had stopped. But he said nothing. He seemed to be trying to find the right words to say and when he did speak Elrond understood why.
"I may be dying but I am still able to make my own decisions, including when I get up and see my healer." Legolas looked at Elrond. "I am still Prince of Mirkwood, ill or not."
"You're more than ill and it's time you faced up to the fact that you're not going to get well again." Aragorn shouted.
"I know that." Legolas shouted back and turned away from Aragorn and began quickly walking back down the path towards the house. Aragorn ran after him leaving Elrond watching them go. Aragorn caught up with Legolas quickly.
"You can't keep doing this." Aragorn shouted.
"Doing what?" Legolas shouted back but not turning around.
"You know what. Pretending that nothing's wrong, that you don't need help. No matter how hard you try you can't do this alone. You keep pushing me away whenever this gets too much for you. Like you pushed Elrond away, like you would have pushed your father away." At this Legolas stopped in his tracks but still didn't turn around.
"That's not true." He shouted spinning around to face Aragorn who moved forwards so they were straight in front of each other.
"Legolas please, it's alright to rely on other people sometimes, people like me or Elrond."
"You, Elrond and my father you mean?" Legolas screamed.
"No."
"You know nothing about me and my father. You don't know how much I love him, how much I want him here, how much I need him." Legolas couldn't say any more. He covered his face with shaking hands and let out the cry he'd been trying to contain. "I need him Aragorn." He sobbed into his hands.
Aragorn instantly wrapped his arms around his husband and let the Elf lean against him and cry into his shoulder. He could feel Legolas shaking, mostly from the cries but also because of the vile poison that was coursing through his body. Aragorn held him tightly whispering to him that it was going to be alright whilst the broken Elf sobbed into his shoulder and gripped his tunic tightly.
"I want my father Aragorn. I want him here." Legolas cried, his voice muffled by Aragorn's now damp tunic.
"I know." Aragorn whispered gently, stroking Legolas' hair in an attempt to calm him.
"Please don't leave me Aragorn. Please don't leave me like he did. Aragorn please." Legolas sobbed close to hysteria.
"Oh, I'll never leave you Legolas. I'll never leave you. I promise. I promise." Aragorn said over and over whilst still holding Legolas tightly.
"Ada left me Aragorn. Please don't go." Legolas sobbed.
Aragorn pulled away slightly so Legolas could see his face. "Legolas I love you. I'm never going to leave you. Never. I'm not like your father." Aragorn had to work hard to control the tears that threatened to fall from his own eyes. "You know that." Aragorn pulled Legolas close again and held him tightly trying to calm him. Legolas couldn't stop the sobs that came from him no matter how hard he tried. He held on tightly to Aragorn as if the man was his only lifeline, the one thing that he could hold on to and Aragorn had no intention of ever letting his love go.
"It's alright Legolas." Aragorn comforted, looking up as Elrond stood behind Legolas. Aragorn shook his head motioning to his father that he should not intervene. Elrond understood and walked silently past them leaving his son to comfort his distraught husband. Legolas didn't hear or sense Elrond, he kept his tight hold on Aragorn still crying loudly into the man's chest.
"I love you Aragorn. I don't want to leave you." Legolas said between cries.
"I know and I love you more than anything in the world." Aragorn said trying to hide the sorrow in his voice.
"I don't want to be away from you." Legolas said brokenly, the cries beginning to subside slightly. Aragorn still held him close.
"Nothing can come between true love, not even death." Aragorn said, trying to best to sound certain but probably failing.
"I love you." Legolas said weakly, leaning against Aragorn as that familiar exhaustion took over once again.
Aragorn whispered something that no one but Legolas could hear and pulled away from him to look at the Prince's pale and tired face. He reached his hand up and wiped the tears from Legolas' face Legolas smiled slightly and took the man's hand in his own. Both leaned forwards and kissed, Legolas still leaning against Aragorn for support. They broke away and Legolas ran his shaking hands over his faces to wipe away the remaining tears.
"We should get you indoors, you look tired." Aragorn said slipping his arm around the Elf's waist and lead him towards the house.
**
Elrond sat in his study with an open but unread book on his desk. He couldn't take him mind off the sight of Legolas crying against Aragorn. He knew he couldn't do anything for Legolas and that Aragorn would have to watch him die whether he liked it or not. Elrond sensed someone else in the room with him. He looked up to see a weary Aragorn stood at his door. Elrond straightened in his chair.
"Estel come in, sit down." Elrond motioned to a chair on the other side of his desk. "How is Legolas?"
Aragorn sat down and sighed before answering. "He's sleeping. I left a healer in the room with him just in case. He's exhausted."
Elrond watched his son carefully as his eyes darted uncertainly around his office.
"He.he doesn't have long does he?" Aragorn asked dejectedly, fearing the answer he knew he was going to get. He looked up pleadingly at his father.
"I would say no more than twenty four hours." Elrond said gently.
Aragorn nodded and allowed his own tears to fall. He covered his face with his hands to regain his composure.
"I can't lose him Ada, not now." Aragorn looked directly at his father. "I can't."
"Estel, Legolas needs you to be there for him, he needs you to be his strength when his own fails. And it's failing fast. He needs you now more than ever." Elrond stood and moved behind his son and placed his hands on his shoulders. "Go be with him. Make the most of the time you've got left." Aragorn nodded and stood.
"Hannon le Ada." Aragorn hugged his father tightly. A slightly surprised Elrond hugged his son back.
"Go be with him. I'll be in shortly to check on him."
Aragorn nodded and turned to leave, before going he turned and faced his father. "Ada, if he suffers.just make sure there is no pain." Aragorn swept his eyes to his feet. "I don't want him to be in pain."
"I will make sure of it." Elrond nodded to his son.
Aragorn left to sit with Legolas who had been left exhausted after his emotional outburst. He had been drifting into sleep when Aragorn had left him and sat silently in the corridor trying to stop himself crying before he returned to Legolas' side. At that point a healer looking for something to do had appeared and Aragorn had left him with Legolas whilst he went to find his father and find a shoulder to cry on.
Aragorn walked slowly back down the corridor, in a way not wanting to go back into that room knowing his love would be dead the next morning. He understood that he had to be strong for Legolas but he couldn't bring himself to sit and listen to his husband pleading with him to help him. He knew he was being selfish and that Legolas needed him now more than ever but he didn't know how he could be strong for the thing that meant most to him. Soon Aragorn realised that he had reached Legolas' room. He could hear someone talking, reassuring, inside, he recognised Legolas' voice gently singing an old Mirkwood song and the healer commenting on it. Aragorn smiled when he heard Legolas' sweet laughter from within. He waited for a second before gently tapping on the door and entering. The healer was sat in the chair next to Legolas' bed holding a flannel soaked in athelas water on Legolas' forehead.
Aragorn smiled at the healer and Legolas when he entered and quietly closed the door. He walked over to them. The healer stood and bowed to Aragorn. Aragorn returned the gesture and nodded to the healer to leave. He did so immediately. When he was gone Aragorn sat in his seat and just looked at Legolas for a minute before smiling brightly. Legolas tried to smile back but either pain or exhaustion succeeded to make it look weak and false.
"How are you feeling?" Aragorn asked, holding Legolas' cold and shaking hand in his own.
"I've been better." Legolas smiled. "What about you. People always forget to care for the carer."
"I'm fine. Don't worry about me." Aragorn tried to look like he meant it. "I just hate seeing you like this." Aragorn looked at the hand he held in his.
"I know and I wish I didn't upset you so much Estel. Hope. It is not lost, even when dead. Remember that and everything will be alright." Legolas held Aragorn's hand tightly as the man leaned over to kiss him.
"I love you." Aragorn whispered.
"I know, and that is why you have to do something for me."
"What? I'm not taking you to the gardens again. You must keep up your strength and keep warm." Aragorn said leaning forward in his seat.
"No. It's not that. I want you to help me write a letter.to my father. Ada would want to know that I loved him, even when he didn't want me."
"Legolas he was the one that abandoned you, not the other way around. You have nothing to apologise for."
"But I want to, for my own peace of mind." Legolas' pleading look convinced Aragorn and he stood to fetch a pen and paper, sighed as he returned heavily to his seat. After a moment of getting comfortable Aragorn nodded for Legolas to begin. So Aragorn sat quietly writing the letter to Legolas' father. Although his voice cracked a few times Legolas remained strong and soon the letter was written and ready to send to Mirkwood. By the time Aragorn had sealed the envelope Legolas was sleeping soundly, he made sure the Elf was comfortable before silently leaving the room to find his father.
After much searching Aragorn found his father in the stables giving a speech to the stable hands. He waited patiently for the servants to be dismissed before approaching his father.
"Estel what are you doing here? Is Legolas well?"
He's fine. He's sleeping I came to ask you about this." Aragorn handed his father the letter.
"A letter?"
"To Thranduil. I don't know whether to send it or not. Legolas couldn't stand to be rejected again, even in death." Aragorn forced those last few words out.
"Did Legolas ask you to send this to Thranduil?"
"Yes, he said he wanted his father to know he loved him." Aragorn sighed.
"Then I will deliver it immediately." Elrond said walking towards the house with the letter.
"Ada, wait just until.you know." Elrond nodded reluctantly.
"Thranduil has a right to see this Estel. Whether you like him or not." Elrond placed a hand on Aragorn's shoulder. "He is Legolas' father, no matter what happens, and if Legolas wants to forgive him you should respect his wishes."
"I know."
Just then a healer came running up to them calling Elrond's name, he took a moment to catch his breath before speaking.
"My Lord Prince Legolas, he is." Aragorn's terrified face stopped the healer. He knew exactly what was happening. Legolas was dying. They raced back to the house both knew there was nothing they could do. Legolas would die.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Elvish translations: Ada - father Hannon le - thank you Mellon nin - my friend
A/N: Ok I know sappy chapter. I promise the penultimate one is going to be the best yet. Get your tissues out.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N:
Wynjara: Well, Legolas has his possible cure. You'll have to read this chapter to find out whether it has worked or not. Thank you so much for all your support during this fanfic. I really appreciate it.
Michelle: Elrond didn't give him the treatment before because of two things, firstly he wasn't sure whether or not it would do any good and secondly because it was dangerous and he didn't want to risk it. I hope that answers your question. Thanks for reviewing, keep it up.
Kel: He did look incredibly good in his prince outfit yes. I'm going to see it again soon so I can just look at him.anyway, thanks for the review. I hope this fic sends you more nice images of Legolas.
arise: Thanks. All hale me huh? I like that. Please feel free to bow if you want. I'm only joking. just read the story and enjoy. Don't worry I am currently writing another Aragorn/Legolas and Elrond adventure that will be up after this has finished so keep your eyes open for it.
Mistal, Autumn Priestess: Thanks new reviewer. Here's your update.
So many reviews. Thank you so much for everyone and keep reviewing, I love receiving them, it gives me the inspiration to write. Enjoy this chapter.
Ch 19 The Letter
Aragorn woke and looked around him. He smiled slightly at the memory of the night before, they had spent hours just laying there, Legolas just sitting there quietly thinking about the past and what was going to happen in the future. After that they had talked about that night in the forest, it had all seemed perfect, that was before the poison had taken effect. They had recreated it that night, had restored that magic. It had been amazing, like nothing they had ever experienced before. Afterwards Legolas had fallen asleep, exhausted. Aragorn had laid there for hours remembering what happened but missing out all the bad things that had happened before.
Now he was taking in the warm morning sun which came in through the open window. Open window, they had closed that window during the night after Legolas said that he was cold. He looked across the bed expecting to find his lover sleeping soundly next to him but the bed was empty, no Legolas.
Aragorn jumped up and dressed quickly, he had to search for Legolas, last night the Elf had been sick and weak and Aragorn was sure he was in no condition to be wandering around Imladris on his own.
He pulled open the door and ran along the corridor towards Elrond's room. When he reached it he banged on it loudly but there was no reply. He knocked again, this time calling his father's name. At that moment a servant walked around the corner but he stopped when he saw Aragorn banging desperately on Elrond's door.
"Can I help you Lord Estel?" He asked politely bowing.
"Yes, where's my father?" Aragorn asked urgently.
"He is not in there. Lord Elrond is in the dining hall with Prince Legolas." The servant replied respectfully.
"In the dining hall? Are you sure Legolas is with him?"
"Yes my Lord."
With that Aragorn raced off towards the dining hall. The knowledge that Elrond was with Legolas was comforting; Elrond wouldn't let anything happen to his husband. Yet still he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was wrong. He reached the dining hall and turned to open the door but someone else was doing the same thing on the other side. Aragorn raced right into Elrond and Legolas who were just leaving. Elrond tried to steady both himself and Aragorn as well as keeping a supporting arm around Legolas who also reached out for Aragorn to steady him. When all of them had got their balance back Elrond stood up straight and confronted a rather embarrassed Aragorn.
"Estel, you are old enough to know not to run around these halls like a child. You almost hurt Legolas as well as startling me."
Aragorn nodded and looked up at Legolas and was shocked to see the smile that graced his pale face. Aragorn couldn't help but smile back.
"Why are you smiling? You don't honestly think this is funny do you? You could have seriously hurt someone by charging around."
"I am not hurt My Lord. Aragorn made a mistake and I am fine." Legolas defended Aragorn earning him a grateful nod of thanks.
"Very well, as long as you're sure you're alright. Perhaps Estel could explain why he was racing around my halls." He looked at his son.
"I.I was looking for Legolas, when I awoke he wasn't there. I was worried, after what happened last night."
"Last night?" Elrond interrupted. He looked at both Aragorn and Legolas and both blushed at being asked about the night before.
Elrond smiled when he realised what Aragorn was talking about. "It's alright Estel, I don't want any details."
Legolas cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably under Elrond's gaze. "Elrond and I were just going to walk in the gardens. Perhaps you could join us, unless you want breakfast."
"No a walk would be good, as long as you're not too tired." Legolas shook his head. "Good, would you like to dress?" He asked the Prince who was standing in his nightclothes still.
"Absolutely not, he's going straight back to bed to rest after this, there is no point." Elrond said firmly before walking towards the door leaving Aragorn to support Legolas.
They walked together silently in the garden, Legolas taking in the warm summer air. He looked peaceful for the first time in a while. He leaned happily against Aragorn more for comfort than support. Although the support was much needed. Whatever Elrond had done to him that night had left him surprisingly weak and tired and Aragorn saw this. He helped his husband as much as he could whilst trying to keep Legolas feeling independent. It wasn't easy, and for the first time Legolas didn't mind someone helping him. In fact he seemed to like Aragorn being so close to him. He didn't even complain when Elrond cast a worried glance over to him. This was what worried Aragorn, the Prince had always been so independent and it frightened the man that Legolas was accepting help so readily.
"Are you alright?" Aragorn asked softly as they strolled through the gardens.
"Yes fine." Legolas answered, he sounded distracted.
"I was concerned that you weren't with me this morning. For a moment I thought I'd lost you." He turned seriously to Legolas who seemed to be in his own world.
"I'm fine Aragorn." He assured looking over at the human with tired, saddened eyes.
"I don't believe you mellon nin." Aragorn said calmly.
At this Legolas stopped as if Aragorn's harsh words had brought him out of his dream. When Elrond realised they had stopped he looked behind at them and waited for Legolas to say what was wrong and why they had stopped. But he said nothing. He seemed to be trying to find the right words to say and when he did speak Elrond understood why.
"I may be dying but I am still able to make my own decisions, including when I get up and see my healer." Legolas looked at Elrond. "I am still Prince of Mirkwood, ill or not."
"You're more than ill and it's time you faced up to the fact that you're not going to get well again." Aragorn shouted.
"I know that." Legolas shouted back and turned away from Aragorn and began quickly walking back down the path towards the house. Aragorn ran after him leaving Elrond watching them go. Aragorn caught up with Legolas quickly.
"You can't keep doing this." Aragorn shouted.
"Doing what?" Legolas shouted back but not turning around.
"You know what. Pretending that nothing's wrong, that you don't need help. No matter how hard you try you can't do this alone. You keep pushing me away whenever this gets too much for you. Like you pushed Elrond away, like you would have pushed your father away." At this Legolas stopped in his tracks but still didn't turn around.
"That's not true." He shouted spinning around to face Aragorn who moved forwards so they were straight in front of each other.
"Legolas please, it's alright to rely on other people sometimes, people like me or Elrond."
"You, Elrond and my father you mean?" Legolas screamed.
"No."
"You know nothing about me and my father. You don't know how much I love him, how much I want him here, how much I need him." Legolas couldn't say any more. He covered his face with shaking hands and let out the cry he'd been trying to contain. "I need him Aragorn." He sobbed into his hands.
Aragorn instantly wrapped his arms around his husband and let the Elf lean against him and cry into his shoulder. He could feel Legolas shaking, mostly from the cries but also because of the vile poison that was coursing through his body. Aragorn held him tightly whispering to him that it was going to be alright whilst the broken Elf sobbed into his shoulder and gripped his tunic tightly.
"I want my father Aragorn. I want him here." Legolas cried, his voice muffled by Aragorn's now damp tunic.
"I know." Aragorn whispered gently, stroking Legolas' hair in an attempt to calm him.
"Please don't leave me Aragorn. Please don't leave me like he did. Aragorn please." Legolas sobbed close to hysteria.
"Oh, I'll never leave you Legolas. I'll never leave you. I promise. I promise." Aragorn said over and over whilst still holding Legolas tightly.
"Ada left me Aragorn. Please don't go." Legolas sobbed.
Aragorn pulled away slightly so Legolas could see his face. "Legolas I love you. I'm never going to leave you. Never. I'm not like your father." Aragorn had to work hard to control the tears that threatened to fall from his own eyes. "You know that." Aragorn pulled Legolas close again and held him tightly trying to calm him. Legolas couldn't stop the sobs that came from him no matter how hard he tried. He held on tightly to Aragorn as if the man was his only lifeline, the one thing that he could hold on to and Aragorn had no intention of ever letting his love go.
"It's alright Legolas." Aragorn comforted, looking up as Elrond stood behind Legolas. Aragorn shook his head motioning to his father that he should not intervene. Elrond understood and walked silently past them leaving his son to comfort his distraught husband. Legolas didn't hear or sense Elrond, he kept his tight hold on Aragorn still crying loudly into the man's chest.
"I love you Aragorn. I don't want to leave you." Legolas said between cries.
"I know and I love you more than anything in the world." Aragorn said trying to hide the sorrow in his voice.
"I don't want to be away from you." Legolas said brokenly, the cries beginning to subside slightly. Aragorn still held him close.
"Nothing can come between true love, not even death." Aragorn said, trying to best to sound certain but probably failing.
"I love you." Legolas said weakly, leaning against Aragorn as that familiar exhaustion took over once again.
Aragorn whispered something that no one but Legolas could hear and pulled away from him to look at the Prince's pale and tired face. He reached his hand up and wiped the tears from Legolas' face Legolas smiled slightly and took the man's hand in his own. Both leaned forwards and kissed, Legolas still leaning against Aragorn for support. They broke away and Legolas ran his shaking hands over his faces to wipe away the remaining tears.
"We should get you indoors, you look tired." Aragorn said slipping his arm around the Elf's waist and lead him towards the house.
**
Elrond sat in his study with an open but unread book on his desk. He couldn't take him mind off the sight of Legolas crying against Aragorn. He knew he couldn't do anything for Legolas and that Aragorn would have to watch him die whether he liked it or not. Elrond sensed someone else in the room with him. He looked up to see a weary Aragorn stood at his door. Elrond straightened in his chair.
"Estel come in, sit down." Elrond motioned to a chair on the other side of his desk. "How is Legolas?"
Aragorn sat down and sighed before answering. "He's sleeping. I left a healer in the room with him just in case. He's exhausted."
Elrond watched his son carefully as his eyes darted uncertainly around his office.
"He.he doesn't have long does he?" Aragorn asked dejectedly, fearing the answer he knew he was going to get. He looked up pleadingly at his father.
"I would say no more than twenty four hours." Elrond said gently.
Aragorn nodded and allowed his own tears to fall. He covered his face with his hands to regain his composure.
"I can't lose him Ada, not now." Aragorn looked directly at his father. "I can't."
"Estel, Legolas needs you to be there for him, he needs you to be his strength when his own fails. And it's failing fast. He needs you now more than ever." Elrond stood and moved behind his son and placed his hands on his shoulders. "Go be with him. Make the most of the time you've got left." Aragorn nodded and stood.
"Hannon le Ada." Aragorn hugged his father tightly. A slightly surprised Elrond hugged his son back.
"Go be with him. I'll be in shortly to check on him."
Aragorn nodded and turned to leave, before going he turned and faced his father. "Ada, if he suffers.just make sure there is no pain." Aragorn swept his eyes to his feet. "I don't want him to be in pain."
"I will make sure of it." Elrond nodded to his son.
Aragorn left to sit with Legolas who had been left exhausted after his emotional outburst. He had been drifting into sleep when Aragorn had left him and sat silently in the corridor trying to stop himself crying before he returned to Legolas' side. At that point a healer looking for something to do had appeared and Aragorn had left him with Legolas whilst he went to find his father and find a shoulder to cry on.
Aragorn walked slowly back down the corridor, in a way not wanting to go back into that room knowing his love would be dead the next morning. He understood that he had to be strong for Legolas but he couldn't bring himself to sit and listen to his husband pleading with him to help him. He knew he was being selfish and that Legolas needed him now more than ever but he didn't know how he could be strong for the thing that meant most to him. Soon Aragorn realised that he had reached Legolas' room. He could hear someone talking, reassuring, inside, he recognised Legolas' voice gently singing an old Mirkwood song and the healer commenting on it. Aragorn smiled when he heard Legolas' sweet laughter from within. He waited for a second before gently tapping on the door and entering. The healer was sat in the chair next to Legolas' bed holding a flannel soaked in athelas water on Legolas' forehead.
Aragorn smiled at the healer and Legolas when he entered and quietly closed the door. He walked over to them. The healer stood and bowed to Aragorn. Aragorn returned the gesture and nodded to the healer to leave. He did so immediately. When he was gone Aragorn sat in his seat and just looked at Legolas for a minute before smiling brightly. Legolas tried to smile back but either pain or exhaustion succeeded to make it look weak and false.
"How are you feeling?" Aragorn asked, holding Legolas' cold and shaking hand in his own.
"I've been better." Legolas smiled. "What about you. People always forget to care for the carer."
"I'm fine. Don't worry about me." Aragorn tried to look like he meant it. "I just hate seeing you like this." Aragorn looked at the hand he held in his.
"I know and I wish I didn't upset you so much Estel. Hope. It is not lost, even when dead. Remember that and everything will be alright." Legolas held Aragorn's hand tightly as the man leaned over to kiss him.
"I love you." Aragorn whispered.
"I know, and that is why you have to do something for me."
"What? I'm not taking you to the gardens again. You must keep up your strength and keep warm." Aragorn said leaning forward in his seat.
"No. It's not that. I want you to help me write a letter.to my father. Ada would want to know that I loved him, even when he didn't want me."
"Legolas he was the one that abandoned you, not the other way around. You have nothing to apologise for."
"But I want to, for my own peace of mind." Legolas' pleading look convinced Aragorn and he stood to fetch a pen and paper, sighed as he returned heavily to his seat. After a moment of getting comfortable Aragorn nodded for Legolas to begin. So Aragorn sat quietly writing the letter to Legolas' father. Although his voice cracked a few times Legolas remained strong and soon the letter was written and ready to send to Mirkwood. By the time Aragorn had sealed the envelope Legolas was sleeping soundly, he made sure the Elf was comfortable before silently leaving the room to find his father.
After much searching Aragorn found his father in the stables giving a speech to the stable hands. He waited patiently for the servants to be dismissed before approaching his father.
"Estel what are you doing here? Is Legolas well?"
He's fine. He's sleeping I came to ask you about this." Aragorn handed his father the letter.
"A letter?"
"To Thranduil. I don't know whether to send it or not. Legolas couldn't stand to be rejected again, even in death." Aragorn forced those last few words out.
"Did Legolas ask you to send this to Thranduil?"
"Yes, he said he wanted his father to know he loved him." Aragorn sighed.
"Then I will deliver it immediately." Elrond said walking towards the house with the letter.
"Ada, wait just until.you know." Elrond nodded reluctantly.
"Thranduil has a right to see this Estel. Whether you like him or not." Elrond placed a hand on Aragorn's shoulder. "He is Legolas' father, no matter what happens, and if Legolas wants to forgive him you should respect his wishes."
"I know."
Just then a healer came running up to them calling Elrond's name, he took a moment to catch his breath before speaking.
"My Lord Prince Legolas, he is." Aragorn's terrified face stopped the healer. He knew exactly what was happening. Legolas was dying. They raced back to the house both knew there was nothing they could do. Legolas would die.
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Elvish translations: Ada - father Hannon le - thank you Mellon nin - my friend
A/N: Ok I know sappy chapter. I promise the penultimate one is going to be the best yet. Get your tissues out.
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