Disclaimer: Tolkien owns Middle-Earth. 

RAPE AND SLASH FREE

Author's Notes:

Thanks for the reviews! I am feeling so overwhelmed. Things are starting to kind of work out. Although, it's still not going the way I want. I will get there, so be patient. This is the LONGEST chapter I have ever written. Cool…

Aly K: Way more Legolas coming out. I'm just not sure if he is more happy or is he more scared? I think he is happier and it's kinda hard to write in reverse like instead of his being sad. I think I want to try lembas flavour…hmm is there any of that kind? Thanks.

Rath: I am proud of you. I do remember you. At least you logged on. Hehe.

Johanna Gen: I don't know. I used to try to learn Elvish on websites but it got really hard. It was too complicated. Now I just learn it off other peoples' stories!

Astievia: You were first to review chapter four! Thank you for everything!

Rob Roy '03, Elvett, Lady Light, wolfwind and anyone that I have missed: Thank you for adding me to your favourites.  

Awake, my sleeping beauty…Legolas' thoughts are in italics.

Legolas sleep dreamlessly for around four days. Legolas was able to rest without being plagued by worries because of the healing draught that Elrond had administered to him.

It was the beginning of the fifth day. The sun streamed through the window, reflecting off the white walls, lighting the whole room. Elrond had been discreetly watching Legolas sleep. The young elfling looked so innocent. The long blond hair was splayed messily around Legolas' fair face.  A slow moan escaped him, Legolas stirred in his sleep and woke.

Focussing on Elrond he asked, "How long have I been asleep?"

"For four days and four nights, since Herendil left for Mirkwood. He should be there by now." Seeing the surprised look on Legolas' face he said, "Do not be surprised, you were very tired and in need of healing. You are now almost better. A healing sleep does boost our natural healing abilities. Are you hungry?"

"Yes," Legolas answered before realising that he was hungry.

"Would you like to have breakfast in the Great Hall? I was just about to go there. If you would prefer not to, I understand. I can bring your breakfast to the Healing House," Elrond offered.

"I do not wish to trouble you, Elrond. I will have my breakfast with you in the Great Hall, if it does not disturb you," Legolas responded. Legolas was feeling slightly uneasy about the prospect of meeting lots of strangers but he was determined to overcome his worries. I want to be a warrior after all. I feel refreshed after sleeping for four days in a row. I can handle a breakfast with other elves. I'm will be a warrior someday. 

"Very well," Elrond said supportively. As a father, Elrond knew when children were hiding things. Legolas was trying not to show that he was nervous. "I'm sure that everyone will be please to meet you, after all you are a guest from Mirkwood."

**In Mirkwood, Healing Rooms**

Herendil woke up and opened his eyes. The room was very bright and filled with sunlight. He smiled when he saw Meleris snoring in a chair beside him.

"Good, you are awake. How do you feel?" the healer asked.

"I feel fine," Herendil said cheerfully.

"Great!" The healer said. "Now, how do you really feel?"

Herendil blushed when he was caught lying. "I feel a little sore and stiff. My whole body seems to be bandaged," he mumbled.

"I have experience in healing you know. I know for one that all warriors lie when I ask them how they feel. Well, you would feel sore and stiff considering your injuries. You left forearm had been cut deeply. I believe the dagger went through your arm, slicing part of the muscle and the blood vessels. You thigh muscle was torn from the knife wound. The cut on your right palm, from the glass, had been re-opened. I was told it had been healer earlier that day." The healer gave Herendil a stern look. Herendil smiled sheepishly. "There is a shallow flesh wound on your cheek. Several other cuts were found in your arms and legs, caused by glass, as the nature of the wound indicates. You won't be able to hold anything with both hands for some time. Both of them are seriously injured and cannot bear much weight or pressure. You are definitely going to be in here for a while. You don't want to get those cuts infected."

Herendil suppressed his groan, managing to school his expression into a frown.

"You owe a lot to your sleeping friend. You lost a lot of blood. If he hadn't brought you in sooner, you may not have made it…He spent the whole night watching over you…" The healer trailed off.   "Now, you are going to have breakfast," the healer ordered bossily. She was acting like a mother hen. "I'm sure you are hungry," she smiled.   

** In Imladris, Healing House**

Legolas smiled faintly, his anxiety slightly subdued. Legolas felt embarrassed all of a sudden when he looked at his clothes. He was still wearing the simple Healing House white tunic.

Elrond saw this and said, "I'll go and get you some clothes. I'm sure that you would like to attend breakfast with some more…appropriate attire." Elrond walked out of the room and came back with a light cream-coloured linen shirt, a light blue tunic, a soft leather belt, Legolas' shoes and a silver hairbrush.

"These were my sons' but they never liked this particular outfit. They said that it was too "princely", they wanted to look more like warriors," Elrond smiled. "I can get you some more clothes fitted for you if you need more, unless you brought any with you?"

Legolas shook his head. I am a slave. I only wore the clothes I had on me. Legolas waited but he didn't know what to say.    

"I'll give you some privacy," Elrond said understandingly and closed the door behind him.

Legolas was relieved. He didn't know what to say without making it sound rude. He was pleased to put the clothes on without any pain. The clothes did not scrape painfully across his back. He examined at himself in the mirror. He looked "princely" although he wanted to look like a warrior. I want to look more than a prince. Does Elrond know who I am? Is that why he selected this outfit? What if he knows? Absently Legolas brushed his hair. His servants always plaited his hair for him, although he did let it out occasionally. The stray strands always bothered him. Legolas brushed his hair.

Elrond knocked and opened the door when there was no response. "Legolas?"

Legolas looked guiltily and said, "I'm sorry. I was just brushing my hair," he said warily. He fiddled anxiously with his hair.  

"Would you like me to plait it for you?" Elrond proposed.

"Thank you."

Elrond brushed the silky strands of hair. It was quite long. Quickly, he braided Legolas hair with deft fingers. Legolas felt awkward but it was comforting to have the fingers running through his hair. When Elrond had finished, he showed Legolas in the mirror.

"Thank you so much," Legolas said appreciatively. It was different to the royal braids he used to have but it was still beautiful.

"It is a child's version of the warrior braids. My sons like this style," Elrond said thoughtfully. He had rightly guessed that Legolas would like this style. The look on Legolas face was priceless.

"Thank you. My gratitude is beyond words." Elrond knew that Legolas was sincere. He hoped that Legolas would come to trust him, but this was a first step.

"Let's go to breakfast shall we?" Elrond stood to leave and Legolas followed him.

Elrond put an encouraging hand on Legolas' shoulder and guided him through the corridor. They walked along the stone arches where the trees twisted lithely around the pillars. The morning was cool and tranquil. Legolas found himself enjoying the beauty of the nature around him.

"This place is beautiful," Legolas commented in amazement. "The trees are very old and welcoming. They tell me that this is a place for people whom their hearts and bodies need healing."

Elrond smiled at the younger elf. "Truly, you Silvan elves do have the gift of communication of nature. Thank you for your insightful message. Aye, I do believe that it is meant for you. Perhaps. Just perhaps," Elrond said cryptically. His smile was deep and spoke of wisdom of the long years of his life. 

Legolas blushed. He was greatly relieved when Elrond stopped in front of two large wooden doors.

"This is the Great Hall," Elrond said proudly. He opened the door and let Legolas go in first.

The hall was huge. Flowers were on every table, wreathed around the unlit candles that stood elegantly at the centre of the table. The long wooden table extended from one end to the other end of the entire hall. At the front end of the room was another table, giving the table a T shape. There were many chairs, each with a plush velvet cushion a deep red. Silver cutlery was placed at each place on the table. Elves were spread down the room. Smaller tables were also put at the back of the hall. By their clothes, Legolas identified them as warriors on active duty.

"Would you like to take a seat?" Elrond asked as he pulled a chair out at the front end of the table.

Legolas hesitated.  What do I do now?

"Is anything wrong?" Elrond questioned when he saw that Legolas was unsure.

"I'm unsure of the customs here," Legolas said in embarrassment. I hope I'm not shaming my family by admitting my weakness to a Lord and of Imladris no less! Maybe it wasn't such a great decision after all. I don't even know how to do the right thing. What if I offend him?

"Do not worry. You are a guest. Take a seat. Excuse me, I have to talk to some other people about important matters."

"Thank you, my Lord," Legolas bowed formally and sat down. He looked around and felt very self-conscious.

"I'm Glorfindel," he introduced himself casually. Pointing beside him he said, "These are the twin sons of Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir. You've met although I'm not sure that you can remember."

Elladan and Elrohir said in unison, "I offer you my services."

"As do I. Nice to meet you," Legolas said politely. "I'm Legolas of Mirkwood." Legolas deliberately avoided mentioning his family's origins. Son of Thranduil, the King of Mirkwood, he silently added. But now it's just Slave Greenleaf to him. I don't want them to know about Thranduil. I'll let them think that I'm an ordinary person, it doesn't seem so bad.

There was a silence and Elrond conveniently returned. On cue, everyone started to eat and converse.

**In Mirkwood, Healing Rooms**

Herendil was left alone as the healer went to get his breakfast. Meleris, yawned and then jumped as if he saw a ghost.

"Herendil?" Meleris asked tentatively. "Is that really you?" He reached out to touch the sub-supervisor as if to make sure that he was real.

"Yes, that's me. I'm fine, thanks to you. I owe you my life. You saved me yesterday."

"It's nothing. You don't owe me anything. You would have done that for me."

"You didn't have to. You didn't have to stay up all night, watching over me."

"I was worried about you, sir." Meleris said.

"Don't call me that. I don't deserve to be called that by my saviour. Please call me your friend. I owe you my friendship." Herendil said emotionally. "Hannon lle, nin mellon. [Thank you my friend.] 

"I am honoured to have you as a friend," Meleris said lovingly.

Both of them clasped each other's forearms and look in each other's eyes. The silence in the room was a comfortable one. It seemed that an eternity passed before they let go.

The healer entered at that precise moment. "Breakfast time." Meleris stood as if to leave. "No, don't even think of going before you eat your breakfast, boy," the healer commanded. "I brought extra for you." Extra was an underestimate; the healer brought a basket of food that would be enough to feed four people. "Now, stay."

Meleris looked hesitantly but one glare from the healer and he sat back down. Herendil hid his mirth at this exchange, laughing quietly behind his hand only laughing out loud when the healer was out of earshot.  

"It's not funny. I'll be late for my post and I've practically had no sleep," Meleris said.

"I'll write a note to relieve you, I am the sub-supervisor after all."

"I thought you hated using titles."

"But it does come in handy," Herendil winked. "What do we have for breakfast?"  

"Enough for four," Meleris joked.

They laughed.

**In Imladris, Great Hall**

"So Legolas, do you miss Mirkwood?" Elladan asked innocently, trying to make some conversation. Elrond nudged him, under the table. He remembered Herendil mentioning that his father had sent Legolas away. Elrond though it was a rather sensitive matter.

Legolas thought about how he would answer the question. Just act normally. They won't suspect anything. Legolas smiled, "Yes. I suppose I do, naturally, since I've never been away from home much. It's the first time I've been outside Mirkwood."

The twins looked shocked although when they caught their father's glare they schooled their expressions accordingly, Legolas didn't notice this exchange. "How is your family? Do you have any brothers or sisters?" Elrohir asked, changing the topic. Elrohir was sitting further down, so Elrond could not nudge him even though he tried to kick him surreptitiously.

"My family is great," Legolas lied. "I am an only child."

Elrond could see that Legolas was lying and so could Glorfindel but the twins did not notice. Before anything happened Elrond jumped in the conversation to avoid the sensitive topics. "Elladan and Elrohir let him eat. He hasn't been able to take a bite since you two started to interrogate him. You can give Legolas a tour around Imladris after breakfast, if he doesn't mind."

"I don't mind at all, Lord Elrond," Legolas said compliantly.

"Yes!" Elladan and Elrohir said excitedly.

"We could show you the library…"

"…the archery range…"

"…the stable…"

"…the kitchen…"

"…the garden…" the twins said alternately.

Lord Elrond gave both the twins a look. Legolas was getting confused about which twin was talking but he assumed that Elladan usually did things first. Elladan is the elder twin isn't he? I think Elrohir just finished talking. He is the more observant of the two although Elladan is probably more outgoing.    

"Sorry Ada," they said in unison before bursting into laughter and spraying food everywhere. 

Legolas was watching them with great amusement. He had always been told that it was very impolite to laugh at the breakfast table, he had been told that it was inappropriate to be so childish. If he had sprayed food across the table, his father would have definitely sent him out. Or would he…hit me? He's done it once. Would he do it again? I haven't seen him since that incident. What would he say?

Elrond gave an apologetic look to Legolas. Glorfindel was trying to hide his laughter.

"Don't be so serious Elrond," Glorfindel said.  

"You are setting Elladan and Elrohir a bad example of table manners!" Elrond said exasperatedly. "I'm serious!" Glorfindel laughed even harder.

Legolas was trying to suppress his giggles.

"What's so funny? I said that I'm serious!" Elrond repeated. When he realised what he had said, the Elven Lord burst out laughing. He was pleased to note that Legolas was smiling.

When the laughter died down, Elladan and Elrohir excused themselves. Legolas didn't know what to do. Luckily the twins saved him.

"Ada…please, please, please can Legolas come with us?" Elladan and Elrohir asked.

"Alright," Elrond said, "If he is finished…"

"I am, my Lord. Thank you for the wonderful breakfast," Legolas replied.

"Do call me Elrond. I do not like titles very much," Elrond added.

Legolas bowed and followed the twins, remembering to tuck his chair behind him.

**In Mirkwood, Healing Rooms**

"Should we start eating?" Meleris asked. He hoisted the basket of food onto an empty space on the bed.

"We'd better, otherwise we will never leave this room," Herendil said with a grin.

Meleris opened the basket. Inside were two overflowing trays of food – eggs, meat and vegetables. There were also four packets of lembas, some spread and a large container of juice. Cutlery and napkins were provided as well.

"Nothing better than a morning feast," Herendil said. "Now that I do feel hungry."

"You should, seeing that we'll never finish all of this," Meleris said with a fake sigh.

Both of them grabbed a tray.

"Juice?" Meleris asked.

Herendil nodded. He hated it when people did things for him but he couldn't use either of his hands. Herendil glared the cutlery, there was no way that he would be able to hold it with his right hand heavily bandaged. His left forearm could barely support anything because of the damaged muscle. Herendil sighed and tried to eat with the cutlery but it was unsuccessful. In his happiness, he had forgotten that he could not use his hands.

Meleris had been watching Herendil struggle with his cutlery. He knew something was wrong when Herendil became very quiet and sullen.

"I don't think you can use your hands, they are hurt. Here, I'll help you," Meleris offered.

"No," Herendil snapped fiercely. "I can do it myself."

Meleris fought the urge to shake his stubborn friend as he watched him struggle for another few minutes. He wished that Herendil would let him help him because he hated to see his friend helpless.

After a few more hopeless struggles, Herendil let go of his pride. "I'm sorry, Meleris. It's just that I wanted to do it so bad, you know? I wanted to do it myself. I hate being helped, it makes me feel weak, like I'm depending on others. I've done so many things by myself in my life and I can't do even eat now. Such a simple thing…and I can't do it."

"It's alright Herendil, its going to be alright," Meleris said soothingly. "Your injuries will heal. You'll get better. You aren't being weak by depending on others. Everyone needs helps sometimes. You've done so many things alone when we could have done them together. You don't need to be alone, I'll help you. Come on, let's eat."

Meleris started to feed him some food. Herendil smiled. 

"I still don't like it though," Herendil commented, as Meleris was about to feed him some egg. "I feel like a child."

"You don't have to like it," Meleris said merrily. "But you still have to eat."

Herendil chewed. "It makes me feel useless."

"You aren't useless. You'll get better. Stop thinking about such gloomy thoughts." Meleris said sternly.

"Yes. Naneth [Mother]," Herendil replied.

Both of them looked at each other before bursting out in giggles. The healer walked into the room and grumbled, "Will you two behave like grown elves? Now eat before breakfast time is over."

"Yes. Naneth [Mother]," both of them replied, sending themselves into a new fit of laughter. Before the healer could anything, Meleris shoved a spoonful of vegetables in Herendil's mouth and broke off a piece of lembas. The healer turned on her heels and walked out. When she was outside, she smiled. Her patient was healing fine – both physically and mentally.  

Please Review! This was a LONG chapter. Eight pages. Did you like it? Review, review, REVIEW!  Btw, all love between males (in this fic) is purely platonic. Why can't guys like guys nowadays without being gay?! Herendil is just FRIENDS with Meleris, nothing more to it… plus Elrond and Glorfindel interaction coming out (NOT SLASH!)