A/N: Sorry for the delay. I had to rewrite this chapter because it wasn't cool. But it's cool now, I think. I don't know, you are the judge of that. Until next time, please enjoy!
Legolas had not fallen asleep. Ever since his mind rebelled against the numbness, he had not been able to retain it. Haldir's arms were wrapped around his small frame now. Trapped, wrapped in confinement. Here he was, lying in the arms of the man who had managed to hurt him. Was it rape though? I wanted to do it; well, more I needed to do it. I should be happy that I have succeeded, finally. I have helped Mirkwood, somehow. The sheets were still damp from the rain that had become a stowaway in the room. His own skin damp as well, his palms clammy and horribly dirty. The air was fresh but carried a bitter chill. Even though he was so near to Haldir, he could not take advantage of his body heat. Maybe it was more of a psychosomatic kind of chill that was first triggered by the brain. Of course, he imagined. I never knew I could feel so alone in someone's arms, but it is not as if this hasn't happened before.
His thoughts drifted to the night before. Once again, a shiver ran through his body, confirming his beliefs in the chill's psychosomatic origins. His muscles were still sore from the shaking. Shaking, the entire time he could not remain calm. Terror and fear were furthered by every touch. Haldir hadn't noticed; well actually, he must have noticed but not have cared. The older elf had ridiculed his uncontrollable nerves. Legolas' excuse was that he had never engaged in such activities before and that his shaking was the byproduct of excitement, not fear.
The night seemed like it would've been easy, but it was anything but. The recurring memories caused his lithe frame to shudder. He was having difficulty breathing, as if some type of lead had suddenly filled his thoracic cavity and inhibited not only his every move. Enough, he shut his eyes to concentrate.
Thoughts -he thought of Elladan. The lead doubled.
As if Haldir had felt the elf beneath him cringe from the heavy weight, he awoke, "You're still here?"
The prince quickly turned his head to the marchwarden and snuggled against his chest, letting his hands play gingerly on his neck. He tried to attain the air to speak, but came up short and weakly replied, "You didn't tell me to leave."
"Well, that is certainly what you should've done!" Haldir gruffly shoved the blond out of the bed and on to the rough and frigid stone floor.
"I'm sorry," Legolas quickly tried to gather his clothing and dress himself, ignoring the harsh skid on his knees.
"It's almost time for breakfast! How could you sleep in so late?" Haldir became increasingly angry with every second. He threw off the covers and stormed to Legolas, pushing him out of his way.
"I can assure you I did not mean to," the shaking, slowly but surely, returned.
"Well, get out of here quickly! I need to get ready!" Haldir walked to his wardrobe and removed his tough outerwear, hastily pulling his clothing.
Legolas finally managed to become completely clothed, before he left, "Lord Haldir, might I add that I had a wonderful night with you."
Haldir turned to the elf with a deceitful smirk, "Well, that makes one of us."
No! He did not enjoy it? He is surely in jest! This cannot be! The prince stumbled on his way out. I knew it couldn't be this easy.
"Same time, tomorrow," Haldir called from the room. The sound of laughter followed him out, "whore."
Legolas closed the door behind him and ran. With everything he had in terms of strength he dashed down the hallway to his own room. But as he turned the last corner, he collided with some unfortunate elf. He was running at such a rate that he tripped over the poor fellow and tumbled over him. Horribly embarrassed he turned and saw the familiar dark hair. The elf was sitting up facing the direction he had come and rubbing his head.
Legolas immediately recognized him and couldn't have been happier to see anyone else at that time. He ran to the elf and picked him up in his arms, burying his head in his chest.
"I am so sorry! I've had a difficult night. You wouldn't believe what I have done! Thoughts of you came to me repeatedly, Elladan," Legolas gripped the figure closer and was about to let his tear fall before he sensed something terribly aloof. Something wasn't right about his scent.
The arms quickly grasped him and squeezed horribly tightly, Legolas looked up into the angry dark grey depths of his eyes, "What have you done?"
The blond, upon realization of his disastrous mistake, immediately tried to repel from the strong figure but he only gripped tighter, "Elrohir."
The named shook his head in disgust, his teeth clenched, "Thoughts of Elladan? Keep away from my brother!" A fist flew into his jaw, sending his head back at an unhealthy speed. Legolas again tried to repel but never had he felt such grip. Another punch approached his brow and he cringed as he realized the future pain he was about to be subject to. There would be no success at escape, especially in the hands of such a passionately angry assailant.
However, the blow did not find its target; he opened his eyes to see another figure stepping in between them with a strength that definitely rivaled Elrohir's. The prince was sent flying into a wall, of course it hurt but anything was better than being trapped in Elrohir's hands. As the room stopped spinning he saw two identical figures fighting and watched in amazement their manner of fighting. Every fist that flew was met with a cupped hand which blocked it. Every kick was avoided by counter footwork. Every attempt to restrain was easily slipped out of. It wasn't that the two weren't strong and well-skilled, but Legolas deduced that they had known their challenger so well that they knew each other's tricks and timing. It was like watching a furious dance.
Elladan fought to keep his brother from charging towards his originally intended victim. Elrohir managed to catch his brother off guard and pushed him away with amazing force as he stumbled backward. Elrohir suddenly became still and held his palms outstretched and open to his fallen brother, showing that he was done fighting.
"But how can you defend him?" Elrohir asked, but it was evident that he was still boiling with anger beneath the calm façade.
"Because you have no right to attack him so!" Elladan retaliated.
The other shook his head with disappointment and turned to leave, mumbling: "Oh, Valar, please, help me."
Elladan looked after him, obviously upset at his brother's plea and attempted to converse with him as his steps put greater distance between them: "They no longer speak to you…?" It was more of a statement than a question. Elrohir turned around briefly before he turned around the corner. His eyes answering a silent "yes" before disappearing. Elladan instantly emphasized and sighed, his hand raised to clear his brow of the newly shed sweat, his eyes still blinking it away in vane.
"Thank you," Legolas uttered, breaking Elladan out of his thoughts.
Elladan was jolted by the interruption and turned quickly to face his friend, "For what?"
Legolas noticed the dark shiny circles under his eyes. His hair hanging like strings in front of his face, moistened with sweat: he obviously hadn't brushed it since last night. His skin was ruddy from the exertion and it gave him a soft handsome glow. Legolas shook the observations from his mind and remembered the question; he blinked quizzically, "For what you just did…"
"And what was that, Legolas," Elladan kneeled in front of the elf he had kissed before with hesitation. "Do you know what I've done?" Legolas remained silent, caught off guard by this new mood. "That was my brother; I don't want to have to do that to him." He took a seat next to Legolas on the floor, "I've known him longer than anyone else in this world. We share such a bond that every time I may strike him, I feel as if it was my own body I was striking." Elladan turned to look into Legolas' eyes, they were beautiful.
He faintly remembered the last time he was ever so taken with someone before. Falling in love was such a comforting experience for him. There was no other feeling like loving and being loved in return. The careful and well-thought out actions and considerations that began a relationship were some of the things he had always cherished. A discreet smile tried to show itself on his own lips. Looking up, he indulged himself and let his finger brush Legolas' golden hair. It shined and felt like satin, a smirk finally played across his lips: he loved beauty.
But his consciousness reminded him that his brother's heart was breaking, he couldn't allow himself to feel any of these beautiful emotions while something so horrible was occurring. He awkwardly withdrew his hand and let it rest lonely on his knee.
Had noticed these actions and suddenly Legolas felt out of place, as if he had intruded on this relationship between the twins, "I'm sorry."
Elrohir twisted his face from bemusement, "I wish he would say that."
Psssst, review! Please! This mind runs on the fuel which is a review or two!