Chapter seven

The next two days passed quickly, nothing more was said about that night, in truth both Elf and man felt just a little more than bad about it.

Legolas had made up his mind to eat properly and vowed to himself that he would never make himself sick again. Aragorn's words kept replaying in his head. The thought that he could cause damage to his children had never crossed his mind.

Aragorn himself watched his husband a lot more closely. He had not mentioned anything to the Elf, but he was determined to postpone the meeting with Eomer if absolutely necessary. He was pleased though to watch Legolas eating properly once more and not resorting to… unusual methods of controlling his weight.

So it was that Aragorn felt he could leave Legolas and the twins for the month he would be away. Legolas would have his family and Elrond and his brother's would also be staying. The Hobbit's had left one day ago, Sam was eager to get home to Rosie who was expecting their first child. Having seen how happy Legolas and Aragorn were, he was more eager than ever for the birth.

The morning that Aragorn and Thranduil were due to leave dawned very misty, so much so that Aragorn could not even see across the balcony, Legolas was still asleep in bed, not so unusual any more, Estalado had had a bad night and Legolas had had very little sleep. He had decided that he would let Legolas sleep as long as he could and as such had taken the still sleeping twins to Lomion.

The Crown Prince could look after them for a few hours until Legolas was a little more rested. Lomion had blinked in surprise at seeing his brother in law at his door just after dawn, but had readily agreed. That left Aragorn free to make sure Legolas and he had a little time together before he had to go.

The sound of a yawn and the rustle of sheets behind him warned him that Legolas was waking. He made his way across the room to the bed and sat beside Legolas. Two sleepy blue eyes looked up at him, it turned into a beautiful smile and Aragorn kissed him good morning. Legolas returned the kiss eagerly.

An hour later, Legolas was still stretched contentedly on the bed. Aragorn had left the chamber to arrange some food. Legolas stretched, his long limbs elegant against the bed, this was certainly the way to be woken up of a morning. Rising he made certain to dress himself before Aragorn came back, he did not want to cause gossip if a servant was with him.

He opened the windows wide, letting the fresh morning air in. The mist had lifted somewhat as the morning sun began to rise and burn the moisture away. It would be a glorious day, or at least as glorious as it could be when your love was leaving on a trip. Legolas found himself wishing, not for the first time that he could go with his husband and father.

The door opened behind him and Aragorn entered with a servant carrying a tray. It was full of food. It was all of Legolas' favourite foods. They had the meal on the balcony looking over Gondor as the White City awoke and prepared for its day. They could hear the excitement from the stables as they prepared the horses for the trip.

Finally, though they could no longer deny the inevitable and it was time for Aragorn to leave. They gathered the twins from Lomion and made their way down to the Citadel gates. Thranduil and their party were all waiting, ready to leave when Aragorn wanted. All averted their eyes to give the couple some privacy.

"I will send word when we arrive. Please look after yourself?" Aragorn could not stop the worry that was building inside him. Something told him he should not be leaving.

"We will be fine, Aragorn, I promise you. We will be here waiting for you to come home. Just try not to murder Adar; he can be a little hard to take sometimes. Do not let him get to you." Legolas smiled at his husband, he had no illusions as to how difficult his father could be when he was on a long journey.

"You need not worry about us, Legolas. Just make sure that the twins and you are well. Please continue to eat? For me?" Aragorn could not hide the worry in his voice.

Legolas smile was wide and sincere. "I promise I will eat, it will be well. You will see. Imagine how the twins will have grown while you are away." The smile faltered some what. "I will miss you, I miss you already. Please take care for me?"

"I will. Faramir knows to come to you if there are any problems. As of know you are in charge of running Gondor, you have my full confidence. I must go, Melleth, or I will never leave." Aragorn's voice showed his reluctance.

At Legolas' nod he swung himself up on Brego and with a final look at his husband made his way out of the city. Legolas stood watching the group until he could no longer see them, his throat tight with tears, tears he would not allow himself to shed in front of witnesses.

It was with reluctance that he finally turned and made his way back inside. It already seemed to be empty without Aragorn. He knew he would have to keep himself busy over the next few days, just to get through them.

The day passed quickly for which Legolas was incredibly grateful. A minor problem with a small holder arose that had needed instant attention. To his relief all involved had been more than happy with his solution. Faramir's praise had helped.

The night was a different matter. The bed seemed so big without Aragorn and he found that he could not settle. For once the twins had fallen to sleep straight away and stayed that way. If only Legolas could join them. In the end he gave in and left the bed, he spent the rest of the night sitting in the rocking chair that had been brought from his old room in Eryn Lasgalen. He knew he would get no rest this night.

It seemed to set the pattern for the next week. The twins behaved beautifully. Ate and slept when they aught to. The days were busy for Legolas, running the Kingdom and looking after the twins made the days fly by. All would be well if he only did not feel so unsettled. He could not put his finger on it; it was just a vague feeling of unease, of not belonging. He knew it was ridiculous, but he cold not help it.

He kept his promise to Aragorn and ate at every meal time. Elrond was pleased with the twin's progress; they were putting on weight and reaching all their goals as they were meant to. He should have been very pleased, he was it just was not the same without Aragorn. He should be here with him celebrating.

He needed some air. Nolvo and Alcarnor had agreed to 'twin sit' as they called it, for him. A walk in the garden would be a nice idea. It was nice walking in the sun. The trees sang their joy at having him in the garden with them. The birds flew in joyful circles around him, their joyful chirps adding to the cacophony. He laughed aloud as the wind joined the song around him, ruffling his hair behind him.

He found a quiet corner to sit and 'commune' with the trees as Gimli called it. It was nice just to have a little time to him self.

No one realised he was there as some of the ladies of the court made their way into the garden. They sat on the stone benches set into the garden and began to gossip. Legolas did not move, he felt embarrassed; surely they had to know he was there? It was when he heard his own name mentioned that he found he could not move.

"And what about the Prince? Father says he has been impressed with how he has been running Gondor in the King's absence. The Council had been very nervous at how an Elf" The girl made it sound like a swear word. "Would react to dealing with men."

"I know what you mean, my Father told Mother that they were expecting to have to pick up the pieces and try and keep it from the prince to spare his feelings." This from a stunning blond who's hair fell into ringlets around her face.

"But what about his children? How unnatural is that? A man able to bare children. I tell you it is not right. He should be taken care of as all unnatural things should." The dark haired woman looked disgruntled and jabbed her hand in the air to make her point.

"But they are so gorgeous. How can they be any other with such lovely parents?" This from the youngest in the party. A girl Legolas had found to be sweet and nice.

"It does not matter it is still unnatural. Mother said it has been noticed how much weight he has put on since the birth. Apparently he has had to have all of his clothes made bigger. The King even talked to the kitchen to make them give him smaller portions. How long do you think this marriage will really last? Imagine the King's shock to come home to a fat prince!" The shrill laughter cut into Legolas, he could not believe what he was hearing. They really thought this of him?

"Come, we need to get back inside after all we do not want to look like commoners, all brown and wrinkled." The party left the garden's unaware of the actions their words would set into motion….

How long Legolas sat in the garden he did not know, but he finally made his way back inside and headed for his chamber. Closing the door he made his way over to the mirror. He needed to take a good look at himself.

The figure that looked back at him was pale, eyes wide and full of worry. Looking front ways on he looked no different than he had always looked. It was when he turned to the side that he saw it. The small bump still left over from the pregnancy. It did not look that big, did it make that much of a difference? Aragorn had told him he looked beautiful as he was, but then… why had he spoken to the kitchen?

Legolas felt as if he was running in circles. The more he thought the more questions sprang to mind. All he could think of was how shocked Aragorn would be to come home to a fat husband. He would not let that happen. He would make sure of that.

No one could miss the change in the Prince from that day onwards. His smile did not reach his eyes and his laugh held an empty sound to it. Elrond had tried to speak to the Prince about it but had had no luck. No one noticed how he never finished a meal any more. No one noticed just how pale and wan he was becoming.

Legolas began to keep to him self, that way he would not have to answer any questions. He would walk in the garden for hours at a time once the Court had finished.

It was one evening just before the evening dinner bell rang that Legolas was in the gardens with the twin's. He was tired, he no longer even felt hungry. He had not eaten more than a few mouthfuls at a time in four days. He felt bigger than ever. He did not realise at first that the wind had picked up.

It took a while for him to realise that the wind, his friend, was talking to him. He gave a small smile as he was informed that Aragorn and his father had arrived safely at Rohan. He thanked the wind, pleased that at least one thing in his life had not changed. He still loved nature.

As he sat at the table that evening he did not realise that both Lomion and Elrond were watching him closely. Both had become increasingly worried about him, but had put it down to his missing Aragorn. Watching as he pushed the food around his plate, Elrond felt his worry increase. In the back of his mind he began to wonder if Legolas was not depressed. That would account for his loss of appetite. He would speak to the kitchens and have them prepare some of Legolas' favourite foods that may help raise his spirits.

"Is the food not to your liking, Legolas?" Lomion had been watching his youngest brother closely; he had taken one mouthful of food during the entire meal.

"The food is fine, Lomion, I am just not hungry." Legolas gave a sigh and pushed the plate away from him.

"Are you not feeling well?" Elardion asked his brother looked so pale and tired.

"Just tired. The twins have not been sleeping well since Aragorn left. I think they miss him as much as I do." The smile never reached his lips.

"You still need to eat, Little One. The twins will keep you on your feet, you will need the energy." Elardion's voice was serious.

"I know, I will eat in the morning, I am sure I will be hungry then." Luckily for Legolas his twin brothers took that chance to begin to tease Elladan and Elrohir, taking everyone's attention from him.

He missed the morning meal the next morning. Nothing was said. He would have avoided the mid day meal but Elrond came to get him, helping carry Laireloth to the dining chamber. He tried his hardest to draw the Elf beside him into conversation, but Legolas was so withdrawn he did not even hear his father in law speak.

Legolas some how made it through the meal, he was more than aware that eyes were watching him and he made the effort to eat more than he had been. It seemed to work and talk around the table picked up. It was relief that he made his way from the chamber and headed for his own. Closing the door he made his way into the bathroom. Taking time to look in the mirror he grimaced. If anything he had put on weight.

He could still hear the taunts of 'fat Prince' heard them every time he looked at food, every time he saw his reflection. He had to stop this; he had to be the Legolas Aragorn had left when he got back. That left only one option, not eating was drawing attention. He would eat and then… He had promised Aragorn he would not be doing this again, but he felt as if he really no longer had a choice.

Aragorn sighed as he sat on the soft bed. He had been so relieved to reach Rohan. The trip had been a long one and Thranduil had done nothing but moan the entire time. Legolas had warned him of this side of his father, but Aragorn had not really believed him. The thought of his husband sent a feeling of loneliness through him. This had been harder than he had thought it would be.

A knock on his door made him sit upright. It opened to reveal Eomer. He had a couple of Goblet's and a wine skin in his hands.

"I thought that may be you could do with a drink. Missing Legolas are you?"

"Yes, very much. You should see the twins, they are delightful." He looked up at Eomer's laugh.

"My friend, I hate to say this but you are biased." Aragorn joined in the laughter.

"How would you feel about playing a joke on Thranduil? May be pay him back for all the ear ache he has given me in the last few weeks?" At Eomer's eager nod they began making plans….

Legolas was walking in the gardens once more; he had Laireloth in his arms. His son was being made of fuss of by Arwen and Elardion. Here in the gardens was the only place he felt at peace.

Over the past few days he had begun to loose weight, it showed in the way his robes hung on him, but to Legolas the opposite was happening. He hated doing it but he had also taken to hiding food, getting rid of it later on. That way his family would not get at him.

Today was going to be special. Today he was going to introduce Laireloth to the wonder of trees. He smiled at his own memory, somewhat hazy to be true, of his Mother doing the same for him.

"Laireloth, I would like you to meet an old friend of mine." With a smile he touched the large Oak tree in front of him. Eyes closing he felt himself drawn into the trees memories. For the first time since Aragorn left he actually smiled properly.

Reaching he caught Laireloth's hand as it waved in the air, it was almost as if she knew what he was going to do. Gently covering he hand with his he placed it on the bark and closing his eyes he waited for what he was sure would come.

Eowyn made her way into the garden; she needed to speak to Legolas regarding a formal dinner the Prince was holding. She like the others was worried about Legolas. He had lost so much weight and in so little time. They all hoped that Aragorn would be coming home sooner than planned. Faramir had held talks with Elrond and Legolas' family. It had been decided to send word to Rohan that they thought the Prince was severely depressed.

What she saw in the garden made her stumble to a halt. Legolas stood Laireloth in his arms in front of the tree. He had his hand on the bark and his eyes were closed. His lips moved as if he was talking. He was completely unaware of all around him.

She felt her heart thudding. It was becoming obvious to her that Legolas really needed help. She needed to speak to Elrond and Faramir. If Legolas was a badly off as she feared they would need to make sure it did not affect Gondor. Her own reason for being in the garden forgotten, she turned and hurried back in side.

Legolas was blissfully unaware as the tree shared its stories of past Kings and Queens and their families.

Thranduil entered the room, one of Eomer's aids having shown him the way. Aragorn and their host were both present already, deep in conversation. As soon as they realised he was in the room they stopped talking and moved apart. The blush on Aragorn's face was more than enough to tell the ancient Elf some thing was not quite right.

All through dinner he caught them exchanging glances and his suspicions rose. When ever he was not looking Aragorn and Eomer were exchanging winks and smiles.

It was not until the meal had finished and they were sitting in Eomer's private sitting room that they put their plan into action.

"So, Eomer, when can I expect your wife in Gondor?" Aragorn was relaxed a good vintage of wine in his goblet.

"Not for a while I am afraid, her mother is ill and she is visiting her. I have no idea when she will be back."

"That is a pity, my friend. When should I send Legolas?" It took all his strength not to break down laughing. Thranduil's eyebrows had joined his hair line.

"As soon as you would like, I hear he can be very passionate. I can not wait to sample that. You will keep the twins with you?" Eomer could not look at the Elf beside him; he knew if he did he would be unable to go on.

"Yes, Legolas will not miss them I am sure. How long will you keep him?" Aragorn took a deep swig of his wine.

"Will six months be too long? As soon as I can send my wife to you I will. I can assure you she is just as good in bed. In fact I have a present that I wish him to wear for the journey."

Aragorn raised his eyebrows at this; they had not discussed this part. Eomer stood and left the chamber he returned carrying something, Aragorn could not see what it really was.

"I thought he might look very good in this." In his hands he held a sheer white robe; it was completely see through and left absolutely nothing to the imagination. Hanging over his wrists were a pair of golden cuffs. Aragorn felt his mouth going suddenly very dry.

"You want Legolas to wear those?" He voice was hoarse and he could not keep the surprised lilt from his voice.

"Yes, preferably with nothing on underneath. Why should you have the experience of all his joy? I think he would bring Rohan to a stop with his beauty. Do you not…."

"WHAT! How dare you treat my son like a sack of vegetables? If I had had any inkling of this I would never have consented that you marry him." Thranduil could keep quiet no longer.

"But, Thranduil, what is wrong? This is an old custom of the leaders of Rohan and Gondor, they exchange wives. We are only following custom." Eomer sounded so sincere that it nearly robbed Aragorn of the little control he still retained.

The sight of Thranduil his jaw gaping finished the job and Aragorn was soon howling, tears of laughter pouring down his face. Eomer followed a second later. He would never have expected to see Thranduil so lost for words. He was gaping like a fish as he looked from one King to another.

It took his a few long moments until he realised he had been the brunt of a joke. He rolled his eyes, after living with his own two hellions for centuries he should know better than to walk into a prank like this.

"You…. You pair! You are worse than the twins!" Was all he could get out.

"Which ones?" Aragorn was wiping his eyes on his sleeves, decorum be damned.

"Both sets! That was not funny!" He was glowering at his son in law.

"But it was, you should have seen your face! I thought you were going to erupt when Eomer told you it was tradition to swap wives!" He could not carry on and soon all three were laughing again, Thranduil having no choice but to join in the merriment.

It was a while later and well out of the hearing of his father in law that Aragorn asked Eomer if he could have the robe. At first Eomer thought he was joking, but Aragorn's comment that Legolas would look fantastic in it proved him wrong. He blushed deep into his roots at that thought, it had been a joke after all.

To his amusement at the end of the night Aragorn carefully wrapped the robe and took it with him to his own chamber a happy smile on his face. Unknown to Eomer the cuffs had also made there way into Aragorn's chamber and had been carefully hidden away.

At that moment back in Gondor a very worried Eowyn was telling Elrond of her concerns and worry about Legolas. His countenance was grave and grew more so as he listened to how they had had to take his on in laws clothes in twice since Aragorn had left. But when a she got to the part of telling him about Legolas talking to his self in the garden he interrupted.

"You say he was in the garden?" A nod of the blond head. "Was he by any chance in front of a tree at all?"

"Yes, how did you know?" Eowyn was shocked at the smile that graced the fair face in front of her.

"Legolas is a Wood Elf, Eowyn; he has a special bond with nature. All Elves do, but for reason I do not wish to go into here, Legolas has a deeper bond than normal. He can sense things, talk to the wind and the trees." He could not help but chuckle at her look of confusion. "If I am right, Legolas was introducing his daughter to the trees. All Wood Elves do it. It sets the bond for their life time."

"Legolas can talk to the trees?" He could hear the disbelief loud and clear in her voice.

"Yes, He was also the only Elf in Mirkwood who knew where the spiders were with out looking for them." Eowyn quirked her eyebrow at him her growing disbelief plain.

"It goes back to his childhood." Eowyn turned to fins Lomion in the room with them. She had not even heard him enter. "My youngest brother was led into the woods by our brother Drowlin and left there for the spiders. They attacked him and he almost died. We do not really understand exactly what happened but after that Legolas could sense the spiders, no matter what the size."

"You must be joking. No one can talk to trees and Spider's!"

"We are being serious, Eowyn. Once Legolas had a foal and he caught Influenza. Legolas and I spent the night with him. The wind warned Legolas that spiders were near. We did not believe him. Ask Elardion he will tell you, I went back to the palace and there were spiders, they had never come that near to the palace before. Do not ignore something just because you can not explain it properly."

Eowyn could only nod her surprise and awe evident. "I am still worried about the weight loss."

"I agree. Elrond is there any way you can examine Legolas?" Lomion was just as worried; he had been watching Legolas closely and did not like what he was seeing.

"I can use the ruse that I need to check his wound. Every mother gets a post birth examination, we can use that." Elrond was thoughtful.

"Good. How soon?" Lomion was not going to let this go.

"Tomorrow? I can start by looking at the twins. I will speak with Legolas about it this evening."

The matter was left like that for the evening.

In Rohan the next morning Aragorn was eager to have his morning meal. For some reason he was very hungry this morning. It felt as if he had not eaten in days.

He ate his fill watched in amazement by Eomer and Thranduil; neither had seen the man eat so much before.

The pattern began to follow a trend. Every meal Aragorn was starving and he ate as much as he could. He could give no reason for this happening.

Elrond stood back from his examination of Legolas in shock. The Elf had always been on the slim side, but now. Now he was so thin it was horrific.

"Legolas, you need to eat. If you do not you will be very ill." H etried to sound stern and yet caring at the same time.

"But I am eating. You see me at every meal." Legolas turned wide innocent eyes towards the Elf before him.

Elrond had to admit to that. Legolas ate at every meal. Why then was he so thin?

"How do you feel in your self? Are you missing Aragorn?"

"Yes, I miss him more than I thought possible. I feel well. I really do not know what you are worrying about. The twins are thriving and growing. How can I be ill, surely they would not be so well?" Legolas was sure Elrond was beginning to guess what was going on and he was trying his hardest to turn the subject away from him.

It worked. Elrond began talking about his beloved Grandchildren accepting Legolas' words. The twins would not be so well if there was a problem.

"They are very well and gaining weight well. Are they sleeping at night?" A nod. "All through the night?"

"Yes, they seem to have found their pattern and settled well."

"Alright. I will be seeing you daily; I want to make sure you lose no more. Your brothers are very worried about you." He noticed the deep frown at his words and changed the subject.

They were having another formal meal, to seal the deal with the Rohan's for horses. Thr trade talks had gone well. Aragorn was so hungry he could eat one of said horses. As they were led to their places he began to feel very dizzy. Before he could sit down he felt the room spin even more and before he could do anything blackness took him away…

Legolas was walking in the garden with Nolvo and Alcarnor; he was trying his best to reassure them he was alright. Elrond's report had not been good and he felt eyes watching him all the time now.

The two were making baby faces at their counter parts causing the babies to giggle. Legolas was smiling and was just about to comment about Love struck Uncle's when a great wave of dizziness took him by surprise. He stumbled and if not for Nolvo would have fallen to the floor. He could hear their urgent voices trying to call to him, but he could not respond. All he could do was sink into the welcoming blackness as it took him away….

To be continued.

Hi, Shell here once again.

This chapter is mine as Meisalliam is so bogged under atn the moment and she asked me for help.

Replies to reviews:

Pointy-eared-elfs: We are sorry you feel Legolas is being stupid, yes he is, but sometimes after baby blues can do some odd things to the way a person thinks and perceives things. I also think Aragorn has a great many things to think over…

Legolas19: Thank you!

The-Serious-Padfoot: Yes, he is very young and with so much on his mind….

MoroTheWolfGod: here you are just as you asked…. More!

Knight Kenobi of Eryn Lasgalen: I am sure he will… won't he Mei?… Mei??!!

Bradleigh: Poor Leggy indeed. We are glas you liked the timing. Here is more for you!

Malia Durron: It may just work!

Triptych: very bad baby blues indeed and not helped by others either. I have not met one person who got their body back without having to work hard, but I have also seen mothers become anorexic because they are so desperate. Luckily with help and love they do get better… at least Legolas has that.

Galadryal: Yep, bitten, that's me and it's all Mei's fault!

Wanda: "10 ways to torture Legolas and Aragorn?" More like a thousand. Mei keeps coming up with some cracker ideas… Hold on to your hats people, more to come!

Halimanya: Did you enjopy your week at guide camp? Glad you liked the chapter!

Now, I have to get a little serious, so please bare with me. Meisalliam had a 'review' from someone called Barbie the queer but. All I can say is this was no review and in fact was actually quite obscene. Meisalliam had contacted to complain. The 'person' and I call them that very loosely was anonymous and could not post his 'story' himself so he used the review to do just that. I, Shell, am an open mionded person of many years experience, Katy isn't. So, all I will say is this: Mr Barbie, if I ever hear that you do this again either to Meisalliam or someone else it will not be just that you deal with. This is not clever and it is not nice so stop before you find yourself in serious trouble.

On that note, dear, true friends and reviewers, we will leave you to enjoy your day.

Love,

Meisalliam and Shell

xxxx