Authors Note: I apologise for the fact that I did not make something's clear in the last chapter hopefully most questions will be answered in this chapter if not tell me and I will make amends. I rewrote this chapter a few times cause I have this image in my mind as to how this is supposed to play out and I am not quite sure if it works that well on 'paper', oh well here it is tell me what you think?

Also I'm sorry that this has taken so long to post, I would have done it this morning but I went to see ROTK and of course watching Legolas strut about with his bow came first.

Chapter Eleven

"Human children usually spend up to nine months in the womb it takes a long time for them to develop enough to ensure the highest rate of survival once they are born." Elrond smiled reassuringly at the blond beside him who was understandably nervous and unsure of himself.

"As elven pregnancies are shorter this child will grow rapidly, much quicker than usual for a human child, relying on your energy to mature." Elrond explained, while walking the elf from the healer's wards towards Estel's chambers. "You will become tired far more easily than you are used to, and this will increase as the child grows and requires more of your strength. You will need to eat well and rest more frequently."

"How long do you believe it will be before it will start to show?" Legolas asked weakly not really looking forward to the answer of his question.

"It will not be long; a few weeks at most before you yourself will start to notice it."

"How large will I grow," He asked worriedly. "I have met a few human females when they have been carrying young."

"But you are elven and male," Elrond quickly interrupted having no wish for the blond prince to fret over nothing. "The child although being part human will not grow that large within the womb, remember that our young are born very small compared to human infants this is manly because we are not prone to sickness, so our offspring do not need to be kept with in the safety of the mother for quite so long." Legolas still looked apprehensive so he put it simply. "Do not worry you will not grow nearly as big."

The elf lord laughed softly as Legolas's expression turned to one of relief.

"But," The elder elf continued. "You should explain everything to Estel as soon as you feel ready. He will begin to notice that something is wrong as you start tire quickly and will be undoubtedly hurt knowing that you have kept this from him."

"I will tell him." Legolas said, sighing as they reached the door to Estel's chambers. "I just have to work it all out in my head first. If I can not adjust to the idea then how will he?"

"He is a young man Legolas and I am here if you need advice or assistance of any kind."

"I thank you my Lord your offer is very much appreciated and I have no doubt that I will be in great need of your counsel before long." Legolas smiled his gratitude as the elf lord nodded his departure and continued to walk down the rest of the length of the passage way.

~*~

Estel's shoulder had been examined and then treated as soon as he had been brought home by a skilled healer at his brother's request. There was no sign of poison and although the wound was deep it would heal gradually with rest and care.

Once he had been treated he had been sent to his personal chambers, striped down to a soiled clothing and sentenced, by healer's orders to sleep, that was after being assured by his father that Legolas would be told to find him there as soon as the blond elf arrived back.

He had not been asleep long when someone tapped on the outside of his door softly.

"Come." He called out struggling to sit up with out jarring his injury.

The door opened slowly revealing a weary Legolas, his hair was dishevelled and his tunic's splattered with orc blood but that was he supposed to be expected when returning from battle.

He watched as the elf closed the door behind him, smiling and beckoned the elf to his side.

"Are you well?" He asked as Legolas sat gingerly upon the edge of the bed. "You were not wounded were you?" His voice suddenly panicked.

"Nay, Estel calm down." Legolas smiled resting his hand on the blankets that covered one of Estel's knees. "I was not hurt. How do you fair? Lord Elrond told me what was wrong."

"I am fine, Elrohir was there when my 'minor' injury occurred and panicked rushing me back here before I could protest, they all worry about me far too much."

"And rightly so!" Legolas smiled. "What would I do if you were not here? I would have to keep the company of your brothers instead, think of all the trouble they would get me into."

"Ah, so that is all you value from me is it my company and to keep you from trouble." Estel joked, causing both to laugh.

"Of course." Legolas managed to say between his laughter. "Oh and I suppose that I would miss your kisses also."

"Just my kisses?"

"I would let you find out but you are unfortunately injured my love and that means you must rest."

"Only if you will lay by my side. I could not possibly sleep knowing you are else where, especially," His voice suddenly going cold. "With elves like Lysander about."

Legolas looked up at him sharply.

"I do not need protecting Estel I will stay with you if you wish my company not because you fear for me."

Exhaling noisily Estel smiled apologetically.

"I do not fear for you I just do not trust him. I saw you in battle today, how could you trust him at your back like that?"

"I had little choice in the matter!" Legolas growled back. "We were in the midst of battle as you already stated every one of us fighting for our lives, I can not say that I comfortable with the idea but I could hardly throw him off."

Estel reached out to lay his hand of his working arm on the elf's shoulder.

"I am being over protective am I not."

"Yes you are." Legolas sighed. "And although I appreciate you wanting to keep me safe I am capable of looking after myself." 'And anyone else who happens to come along' he told himself silently instinctively moving his free hand to rest against his lower abdomen. How would Estel react when he told him if he was this protective now surely he would become intolerable once he knew about the infant he carried.

He must have kept quiet for some time as Estel shook his shoulder lightly.

"Are you alright?" He asked concern clear in his eyes.

Legolas smiled tenderly hoping to distract him.

"Yes, I am fine just caught up in my own thoughts, now you must rest." Standing up Legolas moved so that he could assist Estel in lying back down and making him comfortable. "I have done you no favours by keeping you awake now sleep."

Stepping back from the bed Legolas removed his outer tunic and leather boots before moving back and lying down beside the man. They both shifted so that Estel's head lay on Legolas's chest, allowing the elf to gently stroke the dark hair on the mans head soothingly aiding him to quickly embrace his slumber.

"How am I going to tell you?" He sighed out loud once he was sure the man was asleep. "What will you say, how will you react?" His mind so full of different scenarios it took a long time for sleep to eventually claim him.

~*~ TBC.

The next chapter just needs checking through so I should be able to post it with in the next day or so.