Disclaimer: Not mine. Still.
Author's Notes:
This is still the fifth day…this is one long day…
Btw…in my version of Middle-Earth Elves, they are perfect, ageless and immortal. Elven scars fade over time, it takes a couple of hundred years or even millennia. Herbal remedies can speed up the process. They can still die of grief and battle wounds though. Also, because Elves need time to mature their abilities, elflings can still feel the cold.
dragonfly: This is for you because you asked and also because you were the first to review chapter seven! I will try to write but I doubt it because I have no access to a comp…all of my chapters were written on the comp just cos it is easier.
Elessar*Lover: Thank you for your patience. It was really sweet of you! *blows a kiss*
Kit Cloudkicker: Your story is good. Thanks for the review. I like the twins.
Shadow of the Ages: I love your name…its so…yea…Elven…Um…I picture Elladan and Elrohir to be about fifteen although sometimes I think they act more thirteen. I think they are quite old and talented (as in fighting and healing skills – they get it from their father and Glorfindel teaching them); they just like acting younger that's all. Oh and this is the human equivalent age, not Elven age that I'm talking about. For more on that please read my AN to Elvenbabe in chapter six.
Talks between friends…Legolas' thoughts are in italics.
**In Imladris, Great Hall**
"You are thinking of Legolas again," Glorfindel observed. "I know that fatherly look you have around him."
"I do not! I was thinking of why Legolas didn't want to swim. He is too self-conscious. I don't remember Elladan and Elrohir caring so much about their body at Legolas' age," Elrond mused.
"Do you even know his age anyway? Plus, if I remember clearly, Elladan and Elrohir are hardly average elflings. They change with the door wide open unless guests are in the corridor. But then there was that time they didn't know about the surprise ball in honour of their birthdays…they just came back from sword practice…" Glorfindel said with a wicked smile.
"Don't remind me. They have no modesty! Honestly, and the female elflings just had to walk past!" Elrond covered his face with his hands.
"I think that they were fawning over your sons for days. They didn't have to worry about have no partners for the dance!" Glorfindel laughed. "Every maiden in the area wanted to dance with them. Didn't you notice how popular your sons were?"
"How popular we were with who?" Elladan asked at the door. He was wearing a simple tunic with a loose belt. His brother was wearing the same outfit. Legolas had not changed, he was still wearing the same outfit. I have no intention of swimming. Especially in front of other people, Legolas thought bashfully.
When Glorfindel saw them he groaned. "Not this game again! We were just discussing your naked encounter last year at your birthday!"
Elladan and Elrohir blushed a deep shade of red.
Elladan changed the topic, "Could we please go swimming now?"
When the company had reached the river, Elrond and Glorfindel sat on the edge of the bank. Legolas sat under a tree. Elladan and Elrohir had already stripped off to their trunks and were splashing in the shallows.
"Will you not swim, Legolas?" Elrohir asked when they had finished their water fight. "We could teach you if you want."
"I don't mind," Elladan added.
Legolas shook his head, "I'll watch for now."
"You know you look so much like us today," Elrohir suddenly said. "I don't know why…join us whenever you feel like it, or call and we'll come." He gave Legolas an inviting look. When Legolas did not respond, Elrohir shrugged before racing his brother back into the water.
"Want to swim, Elrond?" Glorfindel said.
"You don't have the gear, Glorfindel," Elrond reminded, practical as always.
"So? I can make do." Glorfindel took off his shirt, tunic, belt and boots. Placing the clothing a safe distance away, he took a run up and jumped straight into the water. The water sprayed everywhere. Elrond and Legolas were soaked. The twins stopped playing long enough to laugh at their father.
"Now you've made me completely wet!" Elrond said solemnly.
"You might as well swim," Glorfindel smirked. "Afraid? The fearless warrior Elrond? The great Peredhil? A secret fear of the water?"
"I'll show you!" Elrond challenged and slid into the water, so as not to wet Legolas.
Elrond quickly tackled Glorfindel in the water. Glorfindel then charged, making Elrond roll onto the grass next to the riverbank. Then they wrestled, rolling in the grass until Elrond pinned his friend under him.
Elrond was sitting on top of Glorfindel, holding his arms. "So, The Great Balrog Slayer is defeated. Do you surrender?"
"No way!" Glorfindel exclaimed.
Elrond then tickled him until he said, "Ok! I will!"
"Say it," Elrond teased.
"Ok," Glorfindel said reluctantly. He rolled his eyes and Elrond ticked him for it. "Alright. I surrender to Elrond. Happy?"
Elrond glared. "Take back what you said before or I'll…"
"I take it back!" Glorfindel said quickly.
Elrond put his hand out to help his friend up. Glorfindel quickly ran away and jumped back into the water saying, "No! You aren't getting me again!"
Elrond looked at Legolas sitting in the shade, soaking wet. "Legolas, you'll get cold just sitting there. Have a splash in the sun. Come on, you won't drown."
"I don't want to…can't…the clothes…" My scars…they haven't faded yet…
Elrond smiled encouragingly. "It doesn't matter. Just go in your clothes, they are wet anyway. You can splash in the shallow part of the bank, in the sun."
Legolas looked unsure until Elrond held his hand out. They walked into the water together. The water is cool. I like the way the mud is between my toes. Squishy. As they got into deeper water, Legolas suddenly found that he couldn't touch the ground. He floundered desperately for a second but strong arms caught him.
"I'm sorry. I should have warned you that the bank drops steeply there," Elrond said. "Are you alright?"
Legolas was still spluttering, he was shaking. Whether it was from fear or cold, Elrond could not tell.
"I'm so sorry. I should have told you. You scared me back there. Do you want to go back near the shallow end?" Elrond asked.
"I'm ok," Legolas said bravely. I don't want to be out of his arms even though I don't know him very well. His strong arms holding me...It feels so good to be loved and cared for. To have someone worry about whether you are ok. I haven't felt this way for a while, except with Herendil. Elrond is being so nice to me – almost like…a father.
"I've got you. You won't fall. I'm holding you right here. The water's holding you," Elrond said. The elfling felt weightless in his arms as he carried him. Legolas swirled the water around his fingers, watching the ripples disperse gracefully like a dance.
Glorfindel was racing with Elladan and Elrohir on the other side of the river. He looked over at Elrond and he could see Legolas lying contently in Elrond's arms. Legolas was happy, he was playing in the water in Elrond's arms. They looked so much like father and son, Glorfindel thought. Elladan and Elrohir stopped playing to see what Glorfindel was looking at, they smiled and went back to racing.
When the sun started to set, Elrond carried Legolas back to the bank.
"Thank you for everything," Legolas said softly so only Elrond could hear.
Elrond gave Legolas a hug and said, "Thank you for trusting me."
As they walked back, Glorfindel offered Legolas his tunic. Legolas refused it but Glorfindel put it on him.
"You are shivering. Elrond will kill me if anything happened to you," Glorfindel said not realising what he said.
Legolas was surprised at how much Elrond cared for him and wrapped the tunic around him. He walked back in a stunned silence. Does Elrond care about me that much?
They entered the large palace, Elrond turned to his private suite. His sons also lived on the same wing because they were family. Glorfindel did as well because he was considered as family to Elrond. Legolas did not know how to get back to his room in the Healing House.
"Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you but I don't know my way back…" Legolas said in a small voice.
"Don't worry," Elrond said. "You can stay in my sons' guest rooms. I would be ridiculous to insist that you should remain in the Healing House, when you are well." Elrond deliberately made this sound casual. He wanted Legolas to feel involved and accepted, to earn his trust. "If you have anything you need you can have it sent up here. Did you leave any belongings in the Healing House? "
"No, I left nothing. Thank you," Legolas said gratefully.
"This is your room. There is a bathroom inside. A servant will tend to you, if you have any needs. I and my entire household are at your service," Elrond said kindly.
"As am I." Legolas bowed and opened the door to his room. He closed the door and looked around him. It was a beautiful room, almost as good as his own room in Mirkwood. If it is still my room that is. Legolas locked the door behind him, for privacy. I don't want to be caught unaware. Just in case.
There was a large arc that led to a balcony, which was connected to the balconies of Elrond and the twin's room. The twin's rooms were joined together. It seemed that all the rooms in this wing were connected. The curtains that covered the window were a silky green, they fluttered softly in the breeze. Legolas had a view, surprisingly in the direction of Mirkwood. He knew the landmarks, he had to learn them in his lessons back in Mirkwood. He was facing – home? Where do I belong? I am not of Imladris, yet I feel that they are more like a family than my real family is. Why don't I feel that I belong in Mirkwood anymore? I wonder if father will notice that I didn't return with Herendil? Would he care for me now? I suppose not, I am only a slave to him.
Legolas look around his room again. There was a large wardrobe, a dresser and a four-poster double bed. There was a long couch next to a large bookshelf filled with books. On closer inspection, the books were all about the battles of the past and heroes. It was Legolas' favourite kind of books. I love reading about heroes, I mean everyone needs a hero right? To have someone to rescue them from their troubles and to have someone to look up to…I wish I was someone that mattered, like a hero…
He looked over at the balcony again before realising that he was still wet. He walked over to a door and opened it carefully – into Elrohir's room.
"Legolas?" Elrohir said. He was completely naked, but he did not seem startled or embarrassed. Legolas quickly averted his eyes.
"I'm so sorry. I was trying…I thought it was…the bathroom…" Legolas mumbled about his mistake.
"Don't worry. Here, I'll help you. Just let me grab my towel." In one fluid movement, Elrohir wrapped the towel around his waist.
"I'm sorry," Legolas repeated. "I should have knocked."
"It's alright. It was mistake, everyone one makes them," Elrohir grinned as he stepped into Legolas' room. "I've always liked this room but we've never used it." Elrohir opened the other door, the bathroom door. "There should always be a towel hanging on the towel rack. Well, there should be. Soap and all the other stuff are in near the bath, in this tub." Elrohir pointed to a basin sitting on the corner of the tub.
"Oh. Why didn't you use this room?" Legolas asked.
"Because. None of our friends like to sleep over here, they prefer camping outside. If they do sleep here, they would prefer the guest wing, on the other side of the Great Hall. This wing is the family wing and all the rooms are connected," Elrohir explained. "My room is joined to my brother's room. This is your bathrobe, for you know, when you come out… All the clothes in the wardrobe are cleaned already. There should be a laundry chute in your room, next to the sink. The bathrobe is usually put on your bed, for your convenience. Personally, I don't use it."
"Thank you. Um…why aren't I in the guest wing?" Legolas asked cautiously.
"I don't know, honestly. I suppose father feels that you are like family and would feel more comfortable here. Do you know any other guests? Do you want to be closer to them?" Elrohir said in a compassionate tone.
"No. I don't know anyone here except for you, your brother, Lord Elrond and Glorfindel," Legolas admitted.
Elrohir smiled. "I'd better leave so you can get cleaned up for dinner. I'll come and tell you when it's time or to tell you to hurry up."
"Thank you…for helping me."
"My pleasure," Elrohir said smoothly and slid back into his own room.
Legolas went to take a bath. He saw a bottle of bath oil and he poured some in just to experiment. As he basked in the warm water he wandered in his thoughts. Does Elrond really think I'm his family? He is the Lord of Imladris! Elrohir didn't seem to mind. I wonder why he didn't make me stay in the guest wing. Legolas let his thoughts continue to wonder. A faint smell of flowers floated around the bathroom.
Legolas had lost track of time. He heard someone knocking on the bathroom door. Who is it? "Elrohir?" Legolas asked timidly. He said he would knock.
"No," a deep voice could be heard. "It's Elrond. It's almost time for dinner."
"I'm sorry. I'm coming out now." A muffled voice was heard.
After a minute, the bathroom door swung open revealing Legolas in a white bathrobe with a white towel around his head. He blushed when he realised Elrond was still in the room.
"It's alright. I'm sorry for interrupting you. I thought you might like to have some clothes that were dry," Elrond said. He held out another outfit similar to the one earlier except that it was a pale green.
Legolas thanked him. I wonder how Elrond got into the room. I thought I locked the door. Legolas' eyes trailed to the door. It's still locked.
Elrond seemed to read his mind. "I came in through the balcony arc. As you know, all the rooms are connected either by the doors or the balconies. You can always come to me if you need anything, or it you just want to ask me something. My door is always open to you. I'll leave you so you can get dressed. My sons will take you to dinner, I have something important I must do first."
Legolas thanked him again and watched as he retreated through the arc leading to the balcony.
Then Legolas started to dress, putting the clothes on slowly.
A knock sounded at the twin's door. "Legolas? Have you finished…uh getting dressed?"
"Yes Elladan." Legolas replied gratefully. He was glad that the twin knocked instead of just coming in. If I'm that worried, I could always lock it but I don't think that it is necessary.
Elladan and Elrohir came in, wearing similar outfits. The former wore a light blue tunic and the latter wore a dark blue tunic.
"You can tell us apart by voice?" Elladan asked amazed. Legolas nodded. I don't see what is so special though. I know they are twins but they are separate people after all.
"Even Ada can't always do that! You've only known us for a day!" Elrohir exclaimed.
Legolas smiled, dragging a comb through his hair. Legolas put the comb down, "Should we go to dinner? I don't want to be late."
"Sure," the twins replied in unison.
The twins looked at each other and raced for the door. They unlocked it and then ran back to drag Legolas with them.
**In Mirkwood, Healing Rooms**
Meleris chatted distracted after lunch. No long after, Herendil was still tired and he took a nap. While he took a nap, Meleris did not leave Herendil's side. It was evening.
"You are really good friends with him aren't you?" the healer asked. "You must have know him for a long time."
"Not really," Meleris said. "But it feels like it." He smiled.
"Well, he'll be resting for a while. Do you want to go back to your room, I can get someone to call you if he wakes…"
"No, I want to stay with him." Meleris looked at Herendil sleeping peacefully. He looked a lot younger. Meleris guessed that Herendil wasn't really that old, it was just his stern attitude towards the servants. Herendil was just like the other guys doing their jobs, he observed, yet he is different. Meleris thought that Herendil was enigmatic because he never really talked about his personal life – like family or his past.
"Do you want something to read?"
"Yes, thank you," Meleris accepted. He needed a distraction, if only for a while. When Herendil woke up, he would have to tell him about the investigation. I have to stop putting it off, he berated.
The healer returned quickly with a worn book titled, The Chronicles of War: Great Battles.
Meleris gave the healer a grin. "It is one of my favourites, thank you."
"I figured out that you would like it, since you are a warrior and all. Not all of you warriors read, I know. I'm glad you do not think that reading is only for cowards. Great wisdom is the beginning of great strength. You are wise in reading history, maybe if others did, history would not repeat its mistakes," the healer said quietly before closing the door behind her.
Meleris pondered about her words for a moment and then he was transported into another world – freeing him from his present worries, giving him temporary release.
Please Review! This is a long chapter to compensate for my temporary absence…seven pages and a bit! See that purple button on the bottom left hand side of the screen? It told me that it feels lonely! Go click on it and give it a tickle…it will make me and the button very happy *smiles stupidly*