Okey dokey people, here's chapter 6!
Loads of reviews, (again). I love you guys! ^_^
Just one chapter after this one! Wow…
I have now run out of things to say…
Oh yeah!
Has anyone heard of Travis? You must have. "Why does it always rain on me…?" Yeah? I saw them live last night! They were well good. and their support band was great. Keane, they're called. They've got a song in the charts called 'Somewhere Only We Know.' Its really good, and I think they're gonna do well. My mum and me had free tickets! It was better than homework anyway! ^_^
I'll shut up now…
~Lainfaer~
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Legolas4Me – Oh, he might be found…one day. And if he is…heehee, I can't wait till his punishment! Thanks for reviewing. ^_^
seeing-spots – Ripping your heart out? Ow…
Nice word that – poignantly. And it's excellent? Thank you very much! Thanks for reviewing too! ^_^
Starlit Hope – I love the name Leggy! It's sweet! Thanks for reviewing. ^_^
Miriellar – I love them too! Thank you so much for saying this is one of the best you've read. I have read many myself (and thus was inspired to write my own) but I've never thought it was as good as the ones I have read. Have you been on libraryofmoria.com? They have loads of Legolas/Haldir fics on there. It's a great site. Thanks for reviewing. ^_^
The Nameless Elf – He has to be strong. He doesn't seem the totally wimpy type to me. I hate stories where Haldir is a meanie too. He's too sweet to be horrible! Thy might get it on, they might not. Read on and you'll fin out! Thank for reviewing. ^_^
The Marauders Dragon - Yeah, he's gonna be happy! I'm at the front of that queue by the way! I always have to have a bit of humour and sweetness in my stories, else they tend to get boring, don't you agree? Yes, a few too many he/she's I think! But I love Keep Breathing! It's such a cool story! Thanks for reviewing. ^_^
Kasmi Kassim – Legolas/Haldir stories are the best I reckon! Go on libraryofmoria.com if you haven't already. There are loads on there, and I am not joking! Thanks for reviewing. ^_^
Toby7 – Love me forever? Thank you very much! I like being loved! Hope you enjoy the rest of the story and thanks for reviewing. ^_^
Haldir's Heart and Soul – Yes, a sequel is in the making! He probably will get what's coming to him, if they ever find him…
Thanks for reviewing! ^_^
Elerrina – There is a sequel, promise! But…I haven't got a name for it yet! Oops! Yeah, Leggy is going to be fine…now! Astalder is a mean git and deserves every punishment available. (In my opinion anyway!) Thanks for reviewing, as you always do!
angel form hell – Did you mean angel from hell by any chance? Of course I will continue! (As long as I get enough reviews again!) Glad you're liking it and thanks for reviewing. ^_^
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 6: Feelings Unmasked.
He loved the Elf-Prince.
There was no hiding from that.
But he could not announce his love.
For Legolas' sake.
But it was hurting him so much.
Not being able to voice his true feelings.
Perhaps he should have no more to do with the healing of Legolas' wounds.
Maybe he should leave.
But he couldn't abandon him,
Not now.
Not after everything Legolas had been through.
He needed a friend.
And that was what he was here for.
To be a friend to one who needed him.
He could wait.
He hoped.
****
Haldir grimaced as he felt Legolas' forehead. He was coming out in a fever, which was not a good sign. It had been two weeks since his brutal attack, and only now was he starting to become ill again. Also, Astalder had still not been found.
He had been doing so well. He was much more alert, and able to stay awake for longer periods of time. But then the fever had struck, and no one knew why, or where it had come from. Legolas was not ill; he had no poison in his body…why then, did he have a fever?
Haldir bathed the perspired forehead with the damp cloth he had been using for the past hour or so. Legolas' shirt was open, revealing his bare chest. He had no sheets covering him, as he was far too hot. A few bruises still lingered on the peach-like skin, refusing to disappear completely just yet.
Haldir brushed the cloth down Legolas' neck, over his chest. A slight rash was appearing over his collarbones, a heat rash. Haldir bathed it as gently as he could.
Legolas looked with hazy eyes at the Marchwarden taking care of him yet again. Haldir caught his gaze, and smiled affectionately. Legolas had come to love that smile. It warmed him when he was cold, and lightened his spirits whenever he was down. If he ever felt low, he just needed to think of Haldirs' smile, and he would feel much better again.
He managed a weak smile back, and opened his mouth to try and say something. But the words would not come. They stuck in his throat, and he quickly gave up trying.
"You are trying to speak Legolas?" Haldir guessed.
Legolas nodded weakly. The fever was really getting to him, and he was not only sick to death of it, but it aggravated him. He wanted to say so much to Haldir and the twins, about how he felt, what parts of his body felt as if they were boiling, which parts felt ice cold. He wanted to tell them what dreams he was having, and about the nightmares haunting his sleep. He tried again to speak.
"Hal…dir," he finally managed to stutter.
Haldir grinned at the sound. "Yes Legolas?"
Legolas grinned back. "I don't…deserve…your friendship."
"Of course you do Legolas!" Haldir exclaimed, placing the cloth in the bowl and taking the Princes' hand. "If anyone does deserve it, it is you. Do you think of me as a friend?"
Legolas nodded, trying to save his energy.
"Then I am honoured indeed. To be worthy of the Prince of Mirkwood's friendship is a great privilege. I have always admired you Legolas, even though I had only heard stories. When I met you, I never believed that there could be anyone on this Earth so kind and… delightful as you." He added this last word hesitantly, hoping Legolas would not get the wrong end of the stick.
Legolas, to his relief, smiled warmly. "I think…the same of you…Haldir. You have been a…true friend to me…and I shall never…forget it…I promise."
"Shh, rest now melonin. Do not go exhausting yourself too soon."
Legolas smiled and shut his eyes, allowing Haldir to continue bathing his raging fever with the cool cloth.
Haldir took a deep breath. He had so nearly let it slip. He had nearly let his love become known. He went over his thoughts from earlier. It was hurting him, to keep quiet for so long. It had only been two weeks, yet he had completely fallen for the Prince. How had it happened? Why had it happened? Was it just sorrow? Did he just feel sorry for Legolas because of the terrible ordeal he had suffered? Or was it really true love?
All these questions raced around the Marchwardens' head, making it pound somewhat. He felt as if he needed the cool cloth himself. He felt himself become hot, and so undid his cloak, placing over the back of his chair. He also unclasped the top clip of his tunic, revealing a bit more neck than usual.
Legolas opened one eye a fraction, as Haldir was preoccupied with his cloak and tunic. He grinned to himself. He knew that Haldir was hiding something from him, and that it involved him somehow. He really wanted to know what was going inside that Elf's head. He watched as Haldirs' tunic fell open a little, exposing the ivory skin beneath. He opened his eyes fully, and waited till Haldir looked back at him. Then he smiled.
"I can't sleep."
"Why not?"
"I'm still…too hot."
"Just try."
"I am trying."
Haldir scowled, but it was a friendly scowl. "Legolas, you really must rest a bit more. Your body needs sleep to recover fully."
"Stuff that." Legolas tried to sit up, but Haldir stopped him. "Legolas, you are still hurt inside."
"But I hate lying… on my back!"
"Your voice has improved." Legolas blinked. His throat did feel a lot clearer.
"Just help me into a sitting…position, please? I'll be much more…comfortable that way."
Haldir sighed, but gently eased the Prince up against the pillows. Legolas hissed a couple of times in pain, but carried on regardless. He wanted to see out through his window, and be at eye level with Haldir.
"That's better," he breathed when he decided he was high enough. Haldir raised an elegant eyebrow. "If you complain of being in pain later, I'm not taking the blame. It was totally your decision to sit up."
"I know, I know. I promise I will take…all the blame. But I won't be in pain, because…I am stronger than that."
"Don't overestimate your strength Legolas. You may feel stronger, but your body still has a long way to go."
"If you say so Haldir." He leant back against the pillows, sighing blissfully. "At lest I can see… outside now. And I don't feel so small talking to you. I hate talking to people when I'm …lying down. It makes me feel as small as a Hobbit."
Haldir laughed. The Prince was slowly getting his dry sense of humour back. The twins had warned him of this earlier. He could take peoples' words, and twist them into something really comical. He was well known for it in Mirkwood.
"Haldir?"
"Hmm?"
"Why did you come to help me, when…the twins wrote to you?"
"I felt it was my duty."
Legolas turned his head to look at the Elf beside him. He was looking out of the window, a thoughtful expression on his fair face. The sun streamed in, bathing his face in light. His hair looked silver, as did his skin. He felt Legolas looking at him, and faced him. Legolas smiled. Haldir was incredibly handsome…
//Hang on, what on Earth am I thinking? I am just recovering from the most terrible relationship ever, and I am thinking one of my healers is attractive? What is wrong with me?//
"Yes Legolas?" Haldir asked, shaking him out of his reverie.
Legolas shook his head, golden tresses flying across his head. "Nothing Haldir. Is your hair actually silver? Or is it just the light?"
"Bit of both. It does depend on what light I am in, so you can never really tell. In Lothlórien, it also looks silver."
"Tell me some tales of your home."
Haldir shook his head, his silver strands catching the afternoon sunlight. "I would rather hear tales of Mirkwood. Everyone already knows about Lothlórien."
"There isn't much to tell. Just that it is full of spiders and Orcs. The Elves kill the spiders and the Orcs, and sometimes, it's the other way around. They kill us. But only if we aren't careful enough. The trees are very big and very dark. But the palace is nice."
Haldir laughed. Yes, Legolas was getting his sense of humour back.
"I know the palace is nice."
"You have seen it?"
"Only once. My brother Orophin and I were messengers to your father from Lady Galadriel. We didn't even see you, or your siblings. We stayed no more than two days."
Legolas raised an eyebrow. "I never knew that."
Haldir reached across and felt his forehead. "You have cooled down quite a bit, but just in case…" He patted the cloth on Legolas' skin once again.
Legolas swatted his hand away. "Stop fussing Haldir, I am perfectly ok."
But Haldir carried on, and didn't stop until Legolas grabbed hold of his arm and was literally glaring at him. He just smiled triumphantly back. "You've got water running all down your face now."
"Wipe it off then."
"Certainly my Lord."
Haldir had his arm released and softly wiped away the trails of water making their way down the porcelain cheeks. He felt Legolas watching his every move, his eyes seeming to bore into his soul. He lifted his grey eyes to meet Legolas' startlingly clear blue ones. He shuddered slightly under his intense gaze, and put the cloth back in the bowl. Legolas certainly seemed to have recovered over the past half-hour.
As he had his back turned, he felt Legolas' fingers brush through his hair, playing with it. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. What was the Prince doing?
He took Legolas' hand and faced him again. Legolas was looking with an soft expression, his eyes glittering. A small smile played upon his lips, and he brought the other hand over to caress Haldirs' cheek. His skin felt like velvet, his hair like silk. He began to wonder what his lips would feel like against his. There was only one way to find out.
He leant forward, but Haldir stopped him. Instead, he sat next to Legolas, and their lips met in a brief kiss, a feathery touch. Their hands entwined, and Legolas still caressed Haldirs' cheek with his free one. His fingers traced the outline of Haldirs' finely sculptured jaw, slowly travelling down over his neck, coming to rest on his shoulder.
They parted, and Haldir gave him a puzzled look. "Legolas, I don't understand…"
"Shh." Legolas silenced him with a finger over his lips. "Neither do I, but that doesn't matter." He rested his forehead against Haldirs', welcoming the coolness of his skin.
They kissed again, this time with a little more passion. "But surely you do not want this?" Haldir asked when they parted again.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, so soon after the attack and everything. Surely, you cannot stand the touch of another?"
"I know I can trust you. I can trust you, can't I?"
"Of course you can."
"Well then."
"Legolas, I am here to help you, not…"
"Not what? Fall in love?"
"Exactly. I don't want to hurt you Legolas; I don't want to see you get hurt again. That is why we cannot do this."
"But why would you ever hurt me?"
"I live in Lothlórien, you live in Mirkwood. That is precisely the reason we cannot be together. Think of what the twins would say...think of your father! He won't let you fall in love with someone from outside Mirkwood again will he? Especially not another male."
"I don't care what the twins say, I don't care what Adar will say. Haldir, I admit it, I have deep feelings for you, deeper than friendship. I know I shouldn't, but I can't help it. I am willing to take any risks necessary."
"Well I am afraid I am not. I have much deeper feelings than just friendship for you, you know that. Just…not yet. You are still recovering, and this will not aid it."
Legolas sighed. "Very well. But I refuse to keep my true feelings hidden. If I do love you, which I am not yet admitting to, then I will tell you, where and when I wish."
"Fair enough," Haldir replied, sitting back on his seat. "If that is what you truly want, then so be it. But I will soon be returning to Lothlórien; my post as Marchwarden bids me to go back."
"How much longer will you be
staying here for then?"
"Two weeks maximum. I cannot abandon my duty for longer than that."
"Very well," Legolas agreed, nodding. "I perfectly understand that."
Haldir smiled softly at him. "Legolas, I also want you to understand this. Maybe one day, when you have completely recovered, and are fit and well again, you may be able to come to Lothlórien. There, we will see what happens."
Legolas smiled widely. "I would love that. I have always wanted to visit Lothlórien. Thank you Haldir."
"No problem."
They talked for a little while longer, then Haldir insisted that Legolas get some sleep. He reluctantly agreed, and let Haldir help him lie back down.
Haldir gazed at the Prince as he slept. He was so beautiful, and to know that he had certain feelings for him…it was unbelievable. It may just be aftershocks of his numerous attacks. He may just want someone to really care for him, really love him properly, and Haldir was the perfect choice. He would just have to wait and see.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
So, they have admitted their feelings! Yay!
But, hang on…
Only one chapter left…
Ooh… O_o
Watch this space for the next update. (If I get enough reviews of course.) ^_^
~Lainfaer~
