Disclaimer: I own nothing Tolkien created.
Passing Shadows
Rating - R
Warnings - Not slash but mentions of rape and slight Elf torture.
** A/N: Sad chapter & a psychic twin. Fun, fun, fun.
Gwyn: Thanks for the review, new reviewer. Keep them coming. I do love them.
Lillybethl: Thank you very much. And I am always happy to receive reviews for Leaving these shores. I loved working on it and am so pleased that you enjoyed reading it. Keep reading.
Mistal: The Poisoned One: Thanks for the review. I'm obviously not going to tell you who it is but you will learn very soon, like say in this chapter. I hope it surprises you. Try to refrain from blaming me for this, I had no control over writing this chapter, my muse just took over. Enjoy. . .
MidnightPrincess: Okay, here's more. Don't get too sad and depressed.
Angelbird12241: Thanks. Keep reading.
Elenillor: Mindless Elf torture is always good but you're right, sometimes it needs a story behind it and I'm glad you like this one. Keep reading. I hope you like this chapter, a lot is revealed.
Legolas4me: Thanks for the review. Elrond is going to help Legolas a whole lot more later on (and not in the slash way) so keep reading. As for the rest, you'll have to wait and find out.
TheSilentSenshi: Thanks. Don't worry, he will be made to pay. Sorry I can't let you do it so join the queue of people waiting to kill him. Keep reading. I promise more angst and torture later on.
A/N: thanks to everyone that's reviewed. I really appreciate it. Keep it up, your reviews fuel my imagination.
**
Ch 5 Haunting you . . .
Elrond had given Legolas a very light sleeping drug and allowed him to fall asleep, he looked like he needed it after all that had happened. There was still something Legolas wasn't telling him but he was certain that one way or another he was going to find out what it was. He had been lied to too many times already and he was beginning to be able to see right through the mask Legolas created. Still he was reluctant to push the Prince too far. He had been through a lot and Elrond couldn't blame him for not trusting the people around him and wanting to keep a safe distance. He would probably do the same thing.
Legolas had agreed to see his father though, which was encouraging. It was more than when he first arrived and he knew it would help him, whether Legolas himself knew it yet or not. Elrond wished there was something more he could do. Legolas' story was upsetting to listen to and for the Prince to tell, but there was something missing from it, like there was something Legolas didn't want him to know and Elrond was sure that was what was affecting him most. If only he'd tell him it would make things a little better.
Elrond decided that there was nothing he could do that night whilst Legolas was sleeping so he went to find a messenger to go to Mirkwood. Once that was done he went to the healing rooms to check on Frodo as he had been asked. As he suspected healers were surrounding him, making sure he was safe. The young Hobbit was still sleeping so Elrond decided that he would leave him and allow him to ask his questions later on. It couldn't have been that important anyway.
He went to his family room, somewhere he hadn't been for what seemed like ages. Not surprisingly Elladan and Elrohir were sitting in there telling Arwen stories about tricks they and Aragorn had played in the past. Aragorn of course was denying everything, even more so when Elrond entered. They all looked up at their father and smiled.
Elladan was the first to pick up on something being wrong. It was amazing, like he had a sixth sense for these things. As soon as Elrond sat down he knew something was wrong.
"Ada, what is it? You seem troubled." He asked, bringing silence to the other three.
Elrond looked at his son for a moment before looking into the fire.
"I am sure it is nothing for you to worry about." He smiled. "I do not think the person I am worrying about would allow me to talk about it."
"Maybe if you don't tell us his or her name the it would be alright. You are obviously worried about this person. You are surrounded by family, perhaps we could help." Elrohir added, just as wise as his brother but in different ways.
"I suppose it would be alright, as long as I don't tell you who it is. Someone came to Rivendell this morning, someone very close to me. Something terrible happened to him and he obviously needs help and yet he refuses to allow me to give it to him. I have tried talking to him but he still refuses to say anything." Elrond sighed.
"Is there someone else this person would prefer to talk to? A close friend or family perhaps. Or sometimes it's easier to talk to an outsider." Elladan suggested.
"He is worried about what his father might say. He believes that by telling him the truth he is revealing his weakness and he would never tell his father of any weakness, no matter how unimportant it is. I have tried to tell him this is not so but he is a proud Elf and barely admits that anything really happened. He has eventually agreed to see his father but I don't know how much he will tell him. I know it will help him though."
"If he asked for his father then surely he must need some help." Aragorn said, suddenly deeply involved in the puzzle so much so that he missed his father's proud smile.
"The question is not whether he needs help but whether he will allow people to help him. There is only so much I can do for him." Elrond said thoughtfully.
"Perhaps talking to you is too daunting for him." Elladan suggested. "It can be difficult talking to someone with power even if you know them well. Maybe there is another he can seek help from, a more distant friend? Or maybe a healer or councillor."
"I have already tried that but he still refuses to believe that anyone would help him." Elrond sighed.
"Perhaps I could talk to him. It might help to talk to someone he doesn't know." Elladan said.
Elrond smiled at his son's kindness. "Thank you for the offer and no doubt he will appreciate it too but I do not think it is a good idea. He is shy about it and talking to someone he doesn't know might be worse than talking to me." Elrond said hoping his excuse would put his son off. In actual fact Elladan and Legolas had been friends for a long time so it wouldn't help a whole lot.
"Of course. Obviously this person needs your help, whether he wants to admit it or not. Maybe it would be best not to push him but to allow him to come to you when he is ready. If he is your friend like you say then he will eventually see that you mean him no harm and that you can help him. If you make him feel pressured it might make him feel worse."
"You are right Elladan. Thank you. When did you become so wise?" Elrond smiled down at his son.
"He was not so wise just now when he was throwing pillows at me." Elrohir laughed.
"Actually I thought that was a very wise thing to do." Aragorn laughed, receiving a playful punch from his foster brother.
**
Legolas was still in the land of dreams when he heard someone enter his room. He wasn't in the least bit startled by it, which surprised him greatly. He subconsciously just assumed that it was Elrond or someone else. But there was something about this presence that made him uneasy. He carefully opened his eyes, just in time to see the dagger being placed at his throat and the hand placed roughly over his mouth.
He tried desperately to struggle away from the hand, all of this feeling way too familiar for him. He knew that this was the same person that had attacked him in the forest the night before and now it was going to happen again, he didn't need to hear the voice or look at him to know that. He panicked and began twisting to get away from the hand that was making it hard to breathe. In his panic he forgot about the gleaming blade that is until it began to draw blood from his neck. He stopped not wanting to make things worse.
"That's it. Calm down little Prince. Struggling will get you no where but then you know that don't you?" The voice snarled coldly.
The voice terrified Legolas even more than the weapon or the thought of what might happen to him. He knew it, and not just from the attack the other night but from somewhere else. At that moment it didn't matter a whole lot to him.
When the voice spoke again tears fell from blue eyes no longer caring what the evil Elf would say.
"You told him, Elrond. I know you did. I read you like a book mellon nin. Ah, the young Prince is crying. What would your daddy say if he saw you like this? Wouldn't he be disappointed that his crown Prince couldn't even fight off a single attacker in the dark?" The voice was growing even angrier. All Legolas wanted to do was run away. He knew it would be useless to call out. "You did get my message didn't you, your Majesty?"
Then it hit Legolas, he knew who it was. Taron. His friend, his advisor, the man who was meant to protect him. He should be fighting off people like this not joining them.
"Taron!" He said behind the hand.
"And finally he works it out. Best with the bow but not the mind my young Prince. I have watched too long your lies and cruelty. No longer. I have done what I was meant to and now it's time for me to finish." Legolas could feel his hot breath against his cheek.
Something disturbed Taron as he was pulling the sheets down, hoping to relive the night before. Footsteps could be heard down the corridor and despite what was happening Legolas breathed a sigh of relief.
"Do not get too comfortable your Majesty, I will be back, that I promise and next time you will not have friends to protect you. If you tell anyone who I am I'll kill you and this time I won't be stopped by some pathetic Elf Lord. Understand? Good. Speak and you die." Taron climbed off Legolas who just lay there on the bed, a thin trail blood beginning to fall down his neck. Taron slipped out of the room unnoticed, leaving Legolas alone crying silently.
**
Elladan, Elrohir, Arwen, Aragorn and Elrond had all fallen asleep in the family room after reliving many adventures and talking a little about Legolas. Elrond always marvelled at their way of making things so clear to him, especially Elladan who always seemed to know what to do no matter how complicated the problem was. Elrond decided that he must get it from him mother's side.
They were all sleeping peacefully, all but one. Elladan was dreaming of something he never thought he would have to see . . .
**
There was screaming, someone in pain. They weren't screaming, they were crying. Crying for help. Elladan tried to reach the person but something held him back, an invisible barrier. He could see something now. A fire, orange and glowing in the dark. There were people by it. One was holding the other down. They were Elves, he was sure of that.
He quickly realised who one of them was. It was Legolas, someone he hadn't seen in a long time. Almost ten years. Legolas was begging for the other to let go but he kept kicking him, beating him until Legolas could cry no more. Elladan was overwhelmed by the pain Legolas was in, not just physical but the painful fear.
Then the location changed, he was in Rivendell walking down one of the halls. The living quarters. There was an open door to his left. He walked inside. He saw Legolas with the same Elf on top of him once again. He was once again begging, very much as he had done in the first dream. He was so scared. That was when Elladan realised that this wasn't merely a dream, this was reality.
**
Elladan sat up with a shout, waking his family as well.
"It's alright. Elladan, what did you see?" Elrond said, immediately taking his son into his arms and trying to calm him. It wasn't the first time he had had dreams that had upset him and that had turned out to be real. The last one had been a group of fifty Elves being slaughtered by Orcs outside Rivendell. In the morning when they rode out they found them all dead.
"Is Legolas in Rivendell?" Elladan asked quickly, trying to catch his breath.
Elrond was reluctant for a moment before answering. "Yes."
"Then you need to go to him now." Elladan said urgently. Elrond looked confused and waited for his son to elaborate. "NOW." Elladan shouted, pushing his father away from him. Elrond nodded knowing to trust his son's instincts.
Elrond and the others ran down the corridor towards Legolas' room, not knowing what they were going to find.
"You never said he was here." Aragorn said, catching up with his father.
"Not now Aragorn please." Elrond said sternly.
They finally came to Legolas' door, which was wide open. A crying came from inside, soft but they could all still here it.
"Stay here." Elrond told the others and held up a hand when Aragorn was about to protest. He went slowly inside. He was not expecting what he saw.
Legolas was lying naked but covered in a thin sheet on the bed. There was blood around his neck from a small cut, obviously made by some kind of knife. He was curled up on his side facing the door. A look of pure terror on his face, something Elrond had never seen before, not even when Legolas arrived in Rivendell. He was crying softly, his face drenched with tears. Every now and then he'd let out a sob either of pain or fear.
When he saw someone at the door he curled up tighter and cried harder. Elrond instantly knew his mistake when he saw the others looking in. He turned to the door and began to shut it. Elladan stopped him.
"Ada please." He said looking from his father to Legolas pleadingly. Elrond nodded and allowed Elladan in before shutting the door on the other three. Once they were inside Elrond turned back to Legolas who was still crying.
"Legolas. It's alright, it's me Elrond. I need you to tell me what happened." He walked slowly towards the bed but received no answer from Legolas except another whimper. "It's alright." He sat on the bed and looked at him. "What happened?"
"You said I'd be safe. You promised." Legolas cried. Elrond was barely able to hear him.
Elrond looked over to Elladan who was preparing a bowl of warm water to clean the blood. When he was finished he walked over to Elrond slowly and then pulled a warm blanket out from under the bed.
"Shhh. It's alright." Elrond said gently as Elladan covered Legolas with the blanket. "We're here now. Your safe now." He reassured as he began to clean the blood away. Elladan stood watching his father wishing there was something he could do. Elrond continued to whisper gently to Legolas who was still crying.
"Ada?" Elladan got his father's attention. Elrond understood and stood up.
Elladan took his father's place on the bed and reached out and stroked Legolas hair gently ignoring his attempt to get away. Eventually Legolas settled into the contact and actually began to relax a little.
"He said I was safe." Legolas sobbed. "He said Rivendell was safe."
"Shh. I won't let anyone hurt you. You see, we're here." Elladan said softly causing Legolas to calm down slightly. "I saw it. What he did to you. I felt you pain, your fear. It's alright. I was afraid too." Elladan said bending slightly to whisper to Legolas. "I was afraid too." Legolas nodded slightly and moved towards Elladan who gently pulled him towards him and sang to him to calm him down.
Soon the sobs that made his body tremble began to subside and Elladan smiled at Legolas. "Can you tell me who did this to you?" He asked quietly, he regretted it though because it just upset him more. "It's alright. It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter. Shh." Elladan soothed. "It's alright."
They stayed like this for a good hour until Legolas had calmed down enough to be able to talk to them. Elrond sat on the other side of the bed whilst Elladan held him tightly.
"Legolas, do you remember how this happened?" Elrond asked carefully.
"I . . .there was someone in my room when I woke up . . .he held me . . . down. I couldn't cry out." Legolas said desperately trying to keep calm when remembering.
"The same person as before?"
"Yes. I recognised him." The voice was beginning to get more relaxed.
"Alright." Elrond stopped asking questions, much to Legolas' relief. "Lets get you dressed and then you need to get some sleep, you're exhausted."
Elladan and Elrond helped Legolas into some nightclothes, something Legolas didn't like at all. They quickly changed the sheets then helped him into bed. Elrond was about to blow out some of the candles when Legolas' still weak voice interrupted him.
"Please don't. Leave them lit." (A/N: I know Legolas probably isn't afraid of the dark but . . .)
Elrond nodded and left them alone.
"You should get some rest." Elladan said softly.
"Is there anything you need?" Elrond asked. Legolas looked reluctantly over at him them back to Elladan. "Anything Legolas." Elrond said thinking he knew what he wanted to say.
"Would you . . .would you stay? Just for a while." He asked cautiously as though he was expecting them to laugh or say no.
"Of course." Elrond and Elladan said in unison.
Legolas looked at Elladan for a second and then to Elrond. The twin seemed to get the idea and stood up, waving off Legolas' silent apology. He understood that Legolas was still uncomfortable with anyone but around Elrond he seemed to relax.
"I'll leave you alone." He said, smiling slightly, not a hint of resentment in his voice. He walked towards the door and stopped when the opened it. "If you need anything . . ." Legolas nodded silently grateful for the offer.
**
Passing Shadows
Rating - R
Warnings - Not slash but mentions of rape and slight Elf torture.
** A/N: Sad chapter & a psychic twin. Fun, fun, fun.
Gwyn: Thanks for the review, new reviewer. Keep them coming. I do love them.
Lillybethl: Thank you very much. And I am always happy to receive reviews for Leaving these shores. I loved working on it and am so pleased that you enjoyed reading it. Keep reading.
Mistal: The Poisoned One: Thanks for the review. I'm obviously not going to tell you who it is but you will learn very soon, like say in this chapter. I hope it surprises you. Try to refrain from blaming me for this, I had no control over writing this chapter, my muse just took over. Enjoy. . .
MidnightPrincess: Okay, here's more. Don't get too sad and depressed.
Angelbird12241: Thanks. Keep reading.
Elenillor: Mindless Elf torture is always good but you're right, sometimes it needs a story behind it and I'm glad you like this one. Keep reading. I hope you like this chapter, a lot is revealed.
Legolas4me: Thanks for the review. Elrond is going to help Legolas a whole lot more later on (and not in the slash way) so keep reading. As for the rest, you'll have to wait and find out.
TheSilentSenshi: Thanks. Don't worry, he will be made to pay. Sorry I can't let you do it so join the queue of people waiting to kill him. Keep reading. I promise more angst and torture later on.
A/N: thanks to everyone that's reviewed. I really appreciate it. Keep it up, your reviews fuel my imagination.
**
Ch 5 Haunting you . . .
Elrond had given Legolas a very light sleeping drug and allowed him to fall asleep, he looked like he needed it after all that had happened. There was still something Legolas wasn't telling him but he was certain that one way or another he was going to find out what it was. He had been lied to too many times already and he was beginning to be able to see right through the mask Legolas created. Still he was reluctant to push the Prince too far. He had been through a lot and Elrond couldn't blame him for not trusting the people around him and wanting to keep a safe distance. He would probably do the same thing.
Legolas had agreed to see his father though, which was encouraging. It was more than when he first arrived and he knew it would help him, whether Legolas himself knew it yet or not. Elrond wished there was something more he could do. Legolas' story was upsetting to listen to and for the Prince to tell, but there was something missing from it, like there was something Legolas didn't want him to know and Elrond was sure that was what was affecting him most. If only he'd tell him it would make things a little better.
Elrond decided that there was nothing he could do that night whilst Legolas was sleeping so he went to find a messenger to go to Mirkwood. Once that was done he went to the healing rooms to check on Frodo as he had been asked. As he suspected healers were surrounding him, making sure he was safe. The young Hobbit was still sleeping so Elrond decided that he would leave him and allow him to ask his questions later on. It couldn't have been that important anyway.
He went to his family room, somewhere he hadn't been for what seemed like ages. Not surprisingly Elladan and Elrohir were sitting in there telling Arwen stories about tricks they and Aragorn had played in the past. Aragorn of course was denying everything, even more so when Elrond entered. They all looked up at their father and smiled.
Elladan was the first to pick up on something being wrong. It was amazing, like he had a sixth sense for these things. As soon as Elrond sat down he knew something was wrong.
"Ada, what is it? You seem troubled." He asked, bringing silence to the other three.
Elrond looked at his son for a moment before looking into the fire.
"I am sure it is nothing for you to worry about." He smiled. "I do not think the person I am worrying about would allow me to talk about it."
"Maybe if you don't tell us his or her name the it would be alright. You are obviously worried about this person. You are surrounded by family, perhaps we could help." Elrohir added, just as wise as his brother but in different ways.
"I suppose it would be alright, as long as I don't tell you who it is. Someone came to Rivendell this morning, someone very close to me. Something terrible happened to him and he obviously needs help and yet he refuses to allow me to give it to him. I have tried talking to him but he still refuses to say anything." Elrond sighed.
"Is there someone else this person would prefer to talk to? A close friend or family perhaps. Or sometimes it's easier to talk to an outsider." Elladan suggested.
"He is worried about what his father might say. He believes that by telling him the truth he is revealing his weakness and he would never tell his father of any weakness, no matter how unimportant it is. I have tried to tell him this is not so but he is a proud Elf and barely admits that anything really happened. He has eventually agreed to see his father but I don't know how much he will tell him. I know it will help him though."
"If he asked for his father then surely he must need some help." Aragorn said, suddenly deeply involved in the puzzle so much so that he missed his father's proud smile.
"The question is not whether he needs help but whether he will allow people to help him. There is only so much I can do for him." Elrond said thoughtfully.
"Perhaps talking to you is too daunting for him." Elladan suggested. "It can be difficult talking to someone with power even if you know them well. Maybe there is another he can seek help from, a more distant friend? Or maybe a healer or councillor."
"I have already tried that but he still refuses to believe that anyone would help him." Elrond sighed.
"Perhaps I could talk to him. It might help to talk to someone he doesn't know." Elladan said.
Elrond smiled at his son's kindness. "Thank you for the offer and no doubt he will appreciate it too but I do not think it is a good idea. He is shy about it and talking to someone he doesn't know might be worse than talking to me." Elrond said hoping his excuse would put his son off. In actual fact Elladan and Legolas had been friends for a long time so it wouldn't help a whole lot.
"Of course. Obviously this person needs your help, whether he wants to admit it or not. Maybe it would be best not to push him but to allow him to come to you when he is ready. If he is your friend like you say then he will eventually see that you mean him no harm and that you can help him. If you make him feel pressured it might make him feel worse."
"You are right Elladan. Thank you. When did you become so wise?" Elrond smiled down at his son.
"He was not so wise just now when he was throwing pillows at me." Elrohir laughed.
"Actually I thought that was a very wise thing to do." Aragorn laughed, receiving a playful punch from his foster brother.
**
Legolas was still in the land of dreams when he heard someone enter his room. He wasn't in the least bit startled by it, which surprised him greatly. He subconsciously just assumed that it was Elrond or someone else. But there was something about this presence that made him uneasy. He carefully opened his eyes, just in time to see the dagger being placed at his throat and the hand placed roughly over his mouth.
He tried desperately to struggle away from the hand, all of this feeling way too familiar for him. He knew that this was the same person that had attacked him in the forest the night before and now it was going to happen again, he didn't need to hear the voice or look at him to know that. He panicked and began twisting to get away from the hand that was making it hard to breathe. In his panic he forgot about the gleaming blade that is until it began to draw blood from his neck. He stopped not wanting to make things worse.
"That's it. Calm down little Prince. Struggling will get you no where but then you know that don't you?" The voice snarled coldly.
The voice terrified Legolas even more than the weapon or the thought of what might happen to him. He knew it, and not just from the attack the other night but from somewhere else. At that moment it didn't matter a whole lot to him.
When the voice spoke again tears fell from blue eyes no longer caring what the evil Elf would say.
"You told him, Elrond. I know you did. I read you like a book mellon nin. Ah, the young Prince is crying. What would your daddy say if he saw you like this? Wouldn't he be disappointed that his crown Prince couldn't even fight off a single attacker in the dark?" The voice was growing even angrier. All Legolas wanted to do was run away. He knew it would be useless to call out. "You did get my message didn't you, your Majesty?"
Then it hit Legolas, he knew who it was. Taron. His friend, his advisor, the man who was meant to protect him. He should be fighting off people like this not joining them.
"Taron!" He said behind the hand.
"And finally he works it out. Best with the bow but not the mind my young Prince. I have watched too long your lies and cruelty. No longer. I have done what I was meant to and now it's time for me to finish." Legolas could feel his hot breath against his cheek.
Something disturbed Taron as he was pulling the sheets down, hoping to relive the night before. Footsteps could be heard down the corridor and despite what was happening Legolas breathed a sigh of relief.
"Do not get too comfortable your Majesty, I will be back, that I promise and next time you will not have friends to protect you. If you tell anyone who I am I'll kill you and this time I won't be stopped by some pathetic Elf Lord. Understand? Good. Speak and you die." Taron climbed off Legolas who just lay there on the bed, a thin trail blood beginning to fall down his neck. Taron slipped out of the room unnoticed, leaving Legolas alone crying silently.
**
Elladan, Elrohir, Arwen, Aragorn and Elrond had all fallen asleep in the family room after reliving many adventures and talking a little about Legolas. Elrond always marvelled at their way of making things so clear to him, especially Elladan who always seemed to know what to do no matter how complicated the problem was. Elrond decided that he must get it from him mother's side.
They were all sleeping peacefully, all but one. Elladan was dreaming of something he never thought he would have to see . . .
**
There was screaming, someone in pain. They weren't screaming, they were crying. Crying for help. Elladan tried to reach the person but something held him back, an invisible barrier. He could see something now. A fire, orange and glowing in the dark. There were people by it. One was holding the other down. They were Elves, he was sure of that.
He quickly realised who one of them was. It was Legolas, someone he hadn't seen in a long time. Almost ten years. Legolas was begging for the other to let go but he kept kicking him, beating him until Legolas could cry no more. Elladan was overwhelmed by the pain Legolas was in, not just physical but the painful fear.
Then the location changed, he was in Rivendell walking down one of the halls. The living quarters. There was an open door to his left. He walked inside. He saw Legolas with the same Elf on top of him once again. He was once again begging, very much as he had done in the first dream. He was so scared. That was when Elladan realised that this wasn't merely a dream, this was reality.
**
Elladan sat up with a shout, waking his family as well.
"It's alright. Elladan, what did you see?" Elrond said, immediately taking his son into his arms and trying to calm him. It wasn't the first time he had had dreams that had upset him and that had turned out to be real. The last one had been a group of fifty Elves being slaughtered by Orcs outside Rivendell. In the morning when they rode out they found them all dead.
"Is Legolas in Rivendell?" Elladan asked quickly, trying to catch his breath.
Elrond was reluctant for a moment before answering. "Yes."
"Then you need to go to him now." Elladan said urgently. Elrond looked confused and waited for his son to elaborate. "NOW." Elladan shouted, pushing his father away from him. Elrond nodded knowing to trust his son's instincts.
Elrond and the others ran down the corridor towards Legolas' room, not knowing what they were going to find.
"You never said he was here." Aragorn said, catching up with his father.
"Not now Aragorn please." Elrond said sternly.
They finally came to Legolas' door, which was wide open. A crying came from inside, soft but they could all still here it.
"Stay here." Elrond told the others and held up a hand when Aragorn was about to protest. He went slowly inside. He was not expecting what he saw.
Legolas was lying naked but covered in a thin sheet on the bed. There was blood around his neck from a small cut, obviously made by some kind of knife. He was curled up on his side facing the door. A look of pure terror on his face, something Elrond had never seen before, not even when Legolas arrived in Rivendell. He was crying softly, his face drenched with tears. Every now and then he'd let out a sob either of pain or fear.
When he saw someone at the door he curled up tighter and cried harder. Elrond instantly knew his mistake when he saw the others looking in. He turned to the door and began to shut it. Elladan stopped him.
"Ada please." He said looking from his father to Legolas pleadingly. Elrond nodded and allowed Elladan in before shutting the door on the other three. Once they were inside Elrond turned back to Legolas who was still crying.
"Legolas. It's alright, it's me Elrond. I need you to tell me what happened." He walked slowly towards the bed but received no answer from Legolas except another whimper. "It's alright." He sat on the bed and looked at him. "What happened?"
"You said I'd be safe. You promised." Legolas cried. Elrond was barely able to hear him.
Elrond looked over to Elladan who was preparing a bowl of warm water to clean the blood. When he was finished he walked over to Elrond slowly and then pulled a warm blanket out from under the bed.
"Shhh. It's alright." Elrond said gently as Elladan covered Legolas with the blanket. "We're here now. Your safe now." He reassured as he began to clean the blood away. Elladan stood watching his father wishing there was something he could do. Elrond continued to whisper gently to Legolas who was still crying.
"Ada?" Elladan got his father's attention. Elrond understood and stood up.
Elladan took his father's place on the bed and reached out and stroked Legolas hair gently ignoring his attempt to get away. Eventually Legolas settled into the contact and actually began to relax a little.
"He said I was safe." Legolas sobbed. "He said Rivendell was safe."
"Shh. I won't let anyone hurt you. You see, we're here." Elladan said softly causing Legolas to calm down slightly. "I saw it. What he did to you. I felt you pain, your fear. It's alright. I was afraid too." Elladan said bending slightly to whisper to Legolas. "I was afraid too." Legolas nodded slightly and moved towards Elladan who gently pulled him towards him and sang to him to calm him down.
Soon the sobs that made his body tremble began to subside and Elladan smiled at Legolas. "Can you tell me who did this to you?" He asked quietly, he regretted it though because it just upset him more. "It's alright. It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter. Shh." Elladan soothed. "It's alright."
They stayed like this for a good hour until Legolas had calmed down enough to be able to talk to them. Elrond sat on the other side of the bed whilst Elladan held him tightly.
"Legolas, do you remember how this happened?" Elrond asked carefully.
"I . . .there was someone in my room when I woke up . . .he held me . . . down. I couldn't cry out." Legolas said desperately trying to keep calm when remembering.
"The same person as before?"
"Yes. I recognised him." The voice was beginning to get more relaxed.
"Alright." Elrond stopped asking questions, much to Legolas' relief. "Lets get you dressed and then you need to get some sleep, you're exhausted."
Elladan and Elrond helped Legolas into some nightclothes, something Legolas didn't like at all. They quickly changed the sheets then helped him into bed. Elrond was about to blow out some of the candles when Legolas' still weak voice interrupted him.
"Please don't. Leave them lit." (A/N: I know Legolas probably isn't afraid of the dark but . . .)
Elrond nodded and left them alone.
"You should get some rest." Elladan said softly.
"Is there anything you need?" Elrond asked. Legolas looked reluctantly over at him them back to Elladan. "Anything Legolas." Elrond said thinking he knew what he wanted to say.
"Would you . . .would you stay? Just for a while." He asked cautiously as though he was expecting them to laugh or say no.
"Of course." Elrond and Elladan said in unison.
Legolas looked at Elladan for a second and then to Elrond. The twin seemed to get the idea and stood up, waving off Legolas' silent apology. He understood that Legolas was still uncomfortable with anyone but around Elrond he seemed to relax.
"I'll leave you alone." He said, smiling slightly, not a hint of resentment in his voice. He walked towards the door and stopped when the opened it. "If you need anything . . ." Legolas nodded silently grateful for the offer.
**