From Fog To Starlight
Part 5/?
Walking toward the kitchens, Elladan could hold his tongue no longer. "Brother, did you see that? You don't think that ada has."
Elrohir interrupted him. "We have seen him heal in a number of ways, Elladan, let us not make assumptions."
Elladan grabbed his brother's arm and turned him so that they were facing each other in the hall. "You know what we saw. The only time ada has maintained a healing state for such a length of time was when he was trying to heal naneth. You remember what Erestor told us then - unless the healer could share his feä with the patient, a joining that long could be dangerous to both."
Elladan rubbed his brow and looked back up the corridor. "Ada has been through so much. I do not wish to see him invested in something else that could cause such sundering pain."
Elrohir turned and followed his brother's gaze toward the Halls of Healing. "Then we must do all we can to aid him, both with healing Legolas and finding out his true purpose. If that cause is just, we will celebrate our ada's good fortune. If the cause is not, Legolas will rue the day he crossed the Bruien and passed into our lands."
Gripping his brother's arm in firm agreement, Elladan turned and headed toward the kitchens.
***
Erestor delivered Elrond to his chambers and stood waiting while he refreshed himself. Exiting his bathing room, Elrond donned a fresh set of charcoal colored leggings and a light grey intricately embroidered tunic. Slipping on his soft boots, he looked up at Erestor who leaned casually in the doorway. "I do not require a minder. You may leave."
Erestor blinked twice and re-crossed his arms. "I shall safely deliver you to your sons in the study and take my leave. This is no trial."
Elrond finished plaiting his hair and turned. "The study is adjacent to where we now stand. I hardly think I'll be lost crossing the threshold."
"True. However, another threshold leads back to the hallway that connects to the healing rooms. It would be just as easy for you to make a dash for a final check on your patient. You'd be delayed, try to dismiss Glorfindel to more demanding responsibilities and take your vigil back."
Elrond raised any eyebrow and opened his mouth to protest. Erestor continued, not allowing his lord to cut him off. "You maybe the one deemed with foresight here, my lord, but it doesn't take a visionary to see these possibilities. I shall wait."
He eyed the door to the corridor sadly. A final check would not have been that delaying, but he acknowledged the futility now. Ignoring the smug smile on Erestor's face, he moved toward the study door.
Entering, Elrond headed toward a round table that housed a decanter of sweet, red wine. He poured himself a glass and relaxed into a chair. Erestor, now standing by the desk waited silently. Gesturing to the decanter, Elrond raised an eyebrow. Erestor shook his head, "I'll only be here until your sons arrive, then I'll take my leave to get started on the morning's duties."
Elrond's reply was stopped as the twins entered carrying a full tray. Erestor moved to clear more space on the table and excused himself.
Settling the platter on the table, Elladan pulled back the chafing covers to reveal a rich chowder of fall vegetables, sliced cheeses and a small grain rolls. Handing his father a bowl of the hearty soup, Elladan served his brother and himself, then sat down. They tucked into the meal and ate in companionship.
Nibbling a roll, Elrohir finally broached the comfortable silence. "Ada, what happened? This was no mere head injury."
Putting the now-empty bowl aside, Elrond refilled their wine glasses and collected his thoughts. "Our guest is Legolas Thrandulion of the Greenwood Realm."
"That Legolas? But ada, surly."
He raised his hand to quiet them. "Yes, that Legolas. I'm not sure why King Thranduil has sent his son to us - and neither is Legolas. He remembers who he is and that he was coming here with definite purpose, but the rest of it is still in fog."
Elrond stared out the window for a moment. "The poison used on the arrow was of a kind we have not seen before. We know that as soon as we develop the antidote, the enemy creates a new formula. We continue to treat the symptoms, but the poison remains in his blood. Combined with the head injury, I can account for a great deal of the confusion."
Sipping his wine, Elrond kept his focus on the window. He needed to be calm for his sons - and for himself. "However, these things do not explain all that I have seen. Legolas is still struggling, I sense from him a great concern, but it is covered with much confusion. The decision to come here was not an easy one. Nor, do I think, was it made with the approval of all involved - there is an underlying pain in him about it. While I worked to heal him, I saw brief images of other experiences. Our only recourse is to continue treatment and hope that we find the correct combination of herbs to eliminate the poison from his body. We know of the darkness that begins to grow in Middle Earth, and I sense those forces work against him here."
Turning back to his sons, he set his goblet aside. "Glorfindel sits with him. He has said that if Legolas awakens or experiences new symptoms, he will call for you, Elladan. Should you need me, I'll be in my chambers resting."
Elrond watched as Elladan relaxed. "Ada, I am glad that you are choosing to rest. The healing trance that you were in concerned us both. I will watch over him for you, ada. But please, we ask."
". that you rest and take care of yourself." Elrohir finished for his brother.
Smiling now, he nodded to his sons. He knew they only finished each other's sentences when greatly worried. Standing, Elrond gave each of his sons a hug and retired to his chambers to walk the path of dreams and refresh himself.
***
Sleep was peaceful for a great many candle marks. Allowing his body and feä to gain strength, Elrond wandered the roads of happy memories: meeting Glorfindel and Cirdan as a child, acting as the Herald of Gil-Gilad, saving his first life as a healer, being given the land to build Imladris, seeing his children for the first time. His happiest memories served to renew his spirit and body.
The landscape changed and he found himself lying on a coverlet under one of the great trees in his garden. He could hear the bubbling of a nearby fountain and felt the light nibble of lips upon his ear. Eyes closed, he ran his fingers through silken hair as felt a warm body arch against him. He could feel a callused hand sliding into his tunic, caressing his chest. Opening his eyes, he found Legolas hovering over him, lips a hair's breadth away. A warm hand slid up his chest and under his chin, holding his head firmly. Legolas's lips brushed his. Eyes, heavily lidded with arousal met his. "We should probably adjourn inside, meleth-nín, scandalizing the whole of Imladris is not on my agenda for the afternoon." Blue eyes sparked at him, "Unless you want me to ravish you right here."
Elrond could feel the heat race through his body in reply. Smiling he rolled over onto Legolas, pinning him to the coverlet. "I am Lord over these lands my prince, my will is supreme. Mayhap, I shall ravish you instead."
Leaning into a deepening kiss, he embraced Legolas. The scene started to fog over and he found himself waking from the dreamscape into his chambers.
Sunshine poured through the windows, as he felt the tug of excitement. Groaning he dropped an arm over his eyes. It had been centuries since he'd felt stirrings enough to invade his dreams, let alone allowed himself to consider following up upon them. Pushing aside the thoughts, Elrond took control of mind and body and decided to see to his ablutions, then check on his patient.
***
Elrond entered the Houses of Healing to find Glorfindel settled in a chair with a book. Glorfindel reported that he and Elladan had tried another variation of the poison antidote and were awaiting a change in Legolas's condition. He had taken some broth and juice without problem. The elf was currently in a healing sleep and did not seem to have worsened.
With a sigh, Elrond left to attend to the duties of running Imladris. Obtaining a second promise to call if he was needed, he retired to the study for a day of accounts, reports and meetings.
Erestor had cleared many of the pressing items, but some were reserved for the Lord of the land and Elrond settled in for the afternoon. Late into the evening he set the final scroll aside and rose from his chair. He moved to the balcony and looked into the sky. His eyes rested on Eärendil and he once again wondered what his father would say about his life. What would he think of Imladris? The twins? Arwen? And now watching as Eärendil continued to sail, he questioned what his adar would say about Legolas.
Elrond was honest enough with himself to acknowledge the growing feelings he'd had for the elf. They might not have had much time together, but he knew that his feelings were deepening as felt the pull to his new and still somewhat mysterious visitor.
A goblet of Miruvor floated into his sight and Elrond turned to find Glorfindel leaning against the railing of the balcony. "You look like you could use this."
Gently smiling, he took the glass and returned his gaze to the skies.
Leaning his lord's shoulder, Glorfindel followed his gaze. "He'd be proud of you and what you've accomplished here."
Shocked, Elrond turned toward him.
"I've known you for over five millennia, mellon-nin, you are not as inscrutable as you wish to appear. Your young patient isn't the only one who is feeling a bit unbalanced and confused. What troubles you so?"
Elrond sipped his cordial. "I feel drawn to Legolas, in a way I cannot describe. There is a connection between us that attracts me to him. It isn't physical."
A small snort interrupted him.
Meeting sparkling eyes, he continued. "Well, it isn't just physical."
He paused for a moment to share a grin. Shaking his head, he said. "All my life, I've had visions that I didn't understand and dreams that were unclear. And yet, I've always had a sense of calm, knowing that all would be revealed when necessary."
"Here, I feel at a bit of a loss. I've seen a tether, between Legolas and myself. A connection that is two parts of a whole, I cannot foresee an end to it."
"While trying to heal him, I've been in his thoughts. This wasn't just an understanding of emotions or brief images in communication. We were together and it felt - invigorating. I felt - whole. What should have drained me to within the edges of my life, completed me."
"I remember what it was to lose my adar, my naneth, then Elros. I can watch my father travel the sky and know that he still survives - yet I still miss him. I fear losing this elf. Moreover, I fear what this elf might mean to me."
Glorfindel laid a hand on his arm. "Perhaps, he means happiness."
Tugging on Elrond's sleeve he waited until their eyes met. "You have lost much in life, Elrond. You have created much, but most of it has been sown for others. Mayhap, this time it is for you to reap. You deserve love, Elrond. You deserve to be happy, not just to exist. There is no guarantee that this elf will bring you pain, nor a guarantee of happiness. However, we both know if you shy away and keep your reserve you are guaranteed to have neither."
Glorfindel looked back at Eärendil. "Your father never shied from adversity, even if the outcome was painful. I don't think he'd want you to withdraw from this challenge, nor would he wish you to be alone, if you could be truly happy."
Elrond studied his oldest friend in thanks and then turned his gaze to the stars. The two stood together in silence and watched until Eärendil disappeared into the morning's dawn.
***
TBC .
Mellon-nín - - - - - my friend
meleth-nín - - -- - - my love Feä --- soul or spirit Naneth ---- mother Ada/Adar - Dad, father
A/N: Thank you again to all of my reviewers, I do appreciate each comment. Special thanks to Starlit Hope, Steph and Haldir's Heart and Soul for their reviews of each chapter!!
Walking toward the kitchens, Elladan could hold his tongue no longer. "Brother, did you see that? You don't think that ada has."
Elrohir interrupted him. "We have seen him heal in a number of ways, Elladan, let us not make assumptions."
Elladan grabbed his brother's arm and turned him so that they were facing each other in the hall. "You know what we saw. The only time ada has maintained a healing state for such a length of time was when he was trying to heal naneth. You remember what Erestor told us then - unless the healer could share his feä with the patient, a joining that long could be dangerous to both."
Elladan rubbed his brow and looked back up the corridor. "Ada has been through so much. I do not wish to see him invested in something else that could cause such sundering pain."
Elrohir turned and followed his brother's gaze toward the Halls of Healing. "Then we must do all we can to aid him, both with healing Legolas and finding out his true purpose. If that cause is just, we will celebrate our ada's good fortune. If the cause is not, Legolas will rue the day he crossed the Bruien and passed into our lands."
Gripping his brother's arm in firm agreement, Elladan turned and headed toward the kitchens.
***
Erestor delivered Elrond to his chambers and stood waiting while he refreshed himself. Exiting his bathing room, Elrond donned a fresh set of charcoal colored leggings and a light grey intricately embroidered tunic. Slipping on his soft boots, he looked up at Erestor who leaned casually in the doorway. "I do not require a minder. You may leave."
Erestor blinked twice and re-crossed his arms. "I shall safely deliver you to your sons in the study and take my leave. This is no trial."
Elrond finished plaiting his hair and turned. "The study is adjacent to where we now stand. I hardly think I'll be lost crossing the threshold."
"True. However, another threshold leads back to the hallway that connects to the healing rooms. It would be just as easy for you to make a dash for a final check on your patient. You'd be delayed, try to dismiss Glorfindel to more demanding responsibilities and take your vigil back."
Elrond raised any eyebrow and opened his mouth to protest. Erestor continued, not allowing his lord to cut him off. "You maybe the one deemed with foresight here, my lord, but it doesn't take a visionary to see these possibilities. I shall wait."
He eyed the door to the corridor sadly. A final check would not have been that delaying, but he acknowledged the futility now. Ignoring the smug smile on Erestor's face, he moved toward the study door.
Entering, Elrond headed toward a round table that housed a decanter of sweet, red wine. He poured himself a glass and relaxed into a chair. Erestor, now standing by the desk waited silently. Gesturing to the decanter, Elrond raised an eyebrow. Erestor shook his head, "I'll only be here until your sons arrive, then I'll take my leave to get started on the morning's duties."
Elrond's reply was stopped as the twins entered carrying a full tray. Erestor moved to clear more space on the table and excused himself.
Settling the platter on the table, Elladan pulled back the chafing covers to reveal a rich chowder of fall vegetables, sliced cheeses and a small grain rolls. Handing his father a bowl of the hearty soup, Elladan served his brother and himself, then sat down. They tucked into the meal and ate in companionship.
Nibbling a roll, Elrohir finally broached the comfortable silence. "Ada, what happened? This was no mere head injury."
Putting the now-empty bowl aside, Elrond refilled their wine glasses and collected his thoughts. "Our guest is Legolas Thrandulion of the Greenwood Realm."
"That Legolas? But ada, surly."
He raised his hand to quiet them. "Yes, that Legolas. I'm not sure why King Thranduil has sent his son to us - and neither is Legolas. He remembers who he is and that he was coming here with definite purpose, but the rest of it is still in fog."
Elrond stared out the window for a moment. "The poison used on the arrow was of a kind we have not seen before. We know that as soon as we develop the antidote, the enemy creates a new formula. We continue to treat the symptoms, but the poison remains in his blood. Combined with the head injury, I can account for a great deal of the confusion."
Sipping his wine, Elrond kept his focus on the window. He needed to be calm for his sons - and for himself. "However, these things do not explain all that I have seen. Legolas is still struggling, I sense from him a great concern, but it is covered with much confusion. The decision to come here was not an easy one. Nor, do I think, was it made with the approval of all involved - there is an underlying pain in him about it. While I worked to heal him, I saw brief images of other experiences. Our only recourse is to continue treatment and hope that we find the correct combination of herbs to eliminate the poison from his body. We know of the darkness that begins to grow in Middle Earth, and I sense those forces work against him here."
Turning back to his sons, he set his goblet aside. "Glorfindel sits with him. He has said that if Legolas awakens or experiences new symptoms, he will call for you, Elladan. Should you need me, I'll be in my chambers resting."
Elrond watched as Elladan relaxed. "Ada, I am glad that you are choosing to rest. The healing trance that you were in concerned us both. I will watch over him for you, ada. But please, we ask."
". that you rest and take care of yourself." Elrohir finished for his brother.
Smiling now, he nodded to his sons. He knew they only finished each other's sentences when greatly worried. Standing, Elrond gave each of his sons a hug and retired to his chambers to walk the path of dreams and refresh himself.
***
Sleep was peaceful for a great many candle marks. Allowing his body and feä to gain strength, Elrond wandered the roads of happy memories: meeting Glorfindel and Cirdan as a child, acting as the Herald of Gil-Gilad, saving his first life as a healer, being given the land to build Imladris, seeing his children for the first time. His happiest memories served to renew his spirit and body.
The landscape changed and he found himself lying on a coverlet under one of the great trees in his garden. He could hear the bubbling of a nearby fountain and felt the light nibble of lips upon his ear. Eyes closed, he ran his fingers through silken hair as felt a warm body arch against him. He could feel a callused hand sliding into his tunic, caressing his chest. Opening his eyes, he found Legolas hovering over him, lips a hair's breadth away. A warm hand slid up his chest and under his chin, holding his head firmly. Legolas's lips brushed his. Eyes, heavily lidded with arousal met his. "We should probably adjourn inside, meleth-nín, scandalizing the whole of Imladris is not on my agenda for the afternoon." Blue eyes sparked at him, "Unless you want me to ravish you right here."
Elrond could feel the heat race through his body in reply. Smiling he rolled over onto Legolas, pinning him to the coverlet. "I am Lord over these lands my prince, my will is supreme. Mayhap, I shall ravish you instead."
Leaning into a deepening kiss, he embraced Legolas. The scene started to fog over and he found himself waking from the dreamscape into his chambers.
Sunshine poured through the windows, as he felt the tug of excitement. Groaning he dropped an arm over his eyes. It had been centuries since he'd felt stirrings enough to invade his dreams, let alone allowed himself to consider following up upon them. Pushing aside the thoughts, Elrond took control of mind and body and decided to see to his ablutions, then check on his patient.
***
Elrond entered the Houses of Healing to find Glorfindel settled in a chair with a book. Glorfindel reported that he and Elladan had tried another variation of the poison antidote and were awaiting a change in Legolas's condition. He had taken some broth and juice without problem. The elf was currently in a healing sleep and did not seem to have worsened.
With a sigh, Elrond left to attend to the duties of running Imladris. Obtaining a second promise to call if he was needed, he retired to the study for a day of accounts, reports and meetings.
Erestor had cleared many of the pressing items, but some were reserved for the Lord of the land and Elrond settled in for the afternoon. Late into the evening he set the final scroll aside and rose from his chair. He moved to the balcony and looked into the sky. His eyes rested on Eärendil and he once again wondered what his father would say about his life. What would he think of Imladris? The twins? Arwen? And now watching as Eärendil continued to sail, he questioned what his adar would say about Legolas.
Elrond was honest enough with himself to acknowledge the growing feelings he'd had for the elf. They might not have had much time together, but he knew that his feelings were deepening as felt the pull to his new and still somewhat mysterious visitor.
A goblet of Miruvor floated into his sight and Elrond turned to find Glorfindel leaning against the railing of the balcony. "You look like you could use this."
Gently smiling, he took the glass and returned his gaze to the skies.
Leaning his lord's shoulder, Glorfindel followed his gaze. "He'd be proud of you and what you've accomplished here."
Shocked, Elrond turned toward him.
"I've known you for over five millennia, mellon-nin, you are not as inscrutable as you wish to appear. Your young patient isn't the only one who is feeling a bit unbalanced and confused. What troubles you so?"
Elrond sipped his cordial. "I feel drawn to Legolas, in a way I cannot describe. There is a connection between us that attracts me to him. It isn't physical."
A small snort interrupted him.
Meeting sparkling eyes, he continued. "Well, it isn't just physical."
He paused for a moment to share a grin. Shaking his head, he said. "All my life, I've had visions that I didn't understand and dreams that were unclear. And yet, I've always had a sense of calm, knowing that all would be revealed when necessary."
"Here, I feel at a bit of a loss. I've seen a tether, between Legolas and myself. A connection that is two parts of a whole, I cannot foresee an end to it."
"While trying to heal him, I've been in his thoughts. This wasn't just an understanding of emotions or brief images in communication. We were together and it felt - invigorating. I felt - whole. What should have drained me to within the edges of my life, completed me."
"I remember what it was to lose my adar, my naneth, then Elros. I can watch my father travel the sky and know that he still survives - yet I still miss him. I fear losing this elf. Moreover, I fear what this elf might mean to me."
Glorfindel laid a hand on his arm. "Perhaps, he means happiness."
Tugging on Elrond's sleeve he waited until their eyes met. "You have lost much in life, Elrond. You have created much, but most of it has been sown for others. Mayhap, this time it is for you to reap. You deserve love, Elrond. You deserve to be happy, not just to exist. There is no guarantee that this elf will bring you pain, nor a guarantee of happiness. However, we both know if you shy away and keep your reserve you are guaranteed to have neither."
Glorfindel looked back at Eärendil. "Your father never shied from adversity, even if the outcome was painful. I don't think he'd want you to withdraw from this challenge, nor would he wish you to be alone, if you could be truly happy."
Elrond studied his oldest friend in thanks and then turned his gaze to the stars. The two stood together in silence and watched until Eärendil disappeared into the morning's dawn.
***
TBC .
Mellon-nín - - - - - my friend
meleth-nín - - -- - - my love Feä --- soul or spirit Naneth ---- mother Ada/Adar - Dad, father
A/N: Thank you again to all of my reviewers, I do appreciate each comment. Special thanks to Starlit Hope, Steph and Haldir's Heart and Soul for their reviews of each chapter!!