Disclaimer: Thanks to all who reviewed! Replies, for this chapter and the last, are at the bottom. Sorry about the little hiccup and everything seems to be all right now. I own Danuinel and the storyline, but nothing else unfortunately. Thanks again!

Chapter 14

Thankfully, when Legolas and Elrond returned to the Hall, no one seemed to notice anything was amiss. The prince was still in pain but hid it well. His face was slightly paler than it was and he was slower in his movements.

Legolas was grateful for the fact that nobody noticed. He sat down carefully with the help of the Elven Lord who constantly whispered Elven words of encouragement. The wounds on his chest and side ached with a vengeance. Shooting pains ripped through his body and unconsciousness threatened him once or twice, though he fought it off.

The meal continued and without any more disruption. The twins discussed the places they were going to take their friend and joked about the pranks they pulled as Elflings. Danuinel was having a thoroughly enjoyable time and looked forward to the trip with great enthusiasm.

"Ada, I will retire now. It has been a long day and I am tired." Estel said, standing up once the meal was finished. The truth was that he had seen Legolas become very tired towards the end of the meal and wished to take him back to his room. "Legolas, will you join me?"

"Oh, yes of course." The prince answered shakily standing on his own. Estel rushed towards the archer, thinking that he was going to fall but Legolas held out a hand indicating that he was fine.

Together, the two friends made their way back to Legolas' chambers. They were right next door to Estel's anyway so the Ranger did not have far to go. By the time they had pushed the door to the room open, Legolas was nearly collapsing with exhaustion. He staggered to the bed and sat down, his breath a little faster than normal.

"Come, Legolas, you cannot sleep fully clothed. Let us get you into something more comfortable." The Ranger opened the wardrobe and selected a light shirt and leggings. He turned round and smiled as Legolas' eyes closed. The archer reopened his eyes just to have them shut by themselves once more.

"Tired…" The Elf muttered, struggling to remain upright.

"I know, but Ada would kill me if I let you sleep in clothes that would be restricting during sleep." Estel replied, talking louder than usual to keep his friend awake. It didn't seem to work. Legolas was so tired that Estel thought even a thunderstorm would not keep him awake. "Take your shirt off, mellon-nin."

The prince opened the first two buttons on the garment then stopped. His hands dropped to the bedcover. Valiantly, he raised them again and managed the rest by himself. White bandages covered the prince's chest and side and Legolas was thankful that the wounds beneath had not reopened during the fit.

Estel slipped Legolas' arms into the sleeves and left the buttons open, just in case they had to get to one of the wounds during the night. The Elf slipped to the side as the Ranger was putting the shirt on and he looked up to see that his friend had fallen asleep. Having not the heart to wake him, Estel changed Legolas' leggings and carefully placed him in the bed. He covered the prince with the coverlet and left the door open as he went into his own room.

The next morning

Legolas had not moved an inch since the night before. Estel noticed this as he quietly entered the room. A smile crept across the Ranger's face as he took in the sight before him. The twins had left with Danuinel nearly two hours ago. Estel had risen to see them off and left Legolas to sleep.

It was nearly noon now and Elrond had requested that Estel wake his friend for some food. The Ranger opened the doors to the balcony slightly further than they were and then sat down on the edge of the bed. He placed his hand on Legolas' forearm which was lying across his stomach.

"Legolas, mellon-nin?" Estel asked, trying not to wake his friend with a fright in case he took another seizure. "It is time to wake now, the Sun is shining and the day is beautiful."

"Mm hmm." Came the mumble from the bed. Estel laughed gently to avoid shaking the bed. "What time is it?"

"Nearly noon. Ada requested that you wake and eat." Estel informed the sleepy prince. Legolas, still recovering from his illness, had not been sleeping with his eyes open and, indeed, they were still closed.

"Noon?" He asked suddenly, his eyes darting open then protesting against the bright light.

"Aye, you have slept for a while. Without any herbs, I might add. I thought it best to leave you to have a proper non-induced sleep." Estel said, helping the prince to sit upright.

"I shall have to get up, I don't think I moved at all last night. I feel stiff." Legolas said, swinging his legs over the side of the bed.

Estel helped his friend to dress and they left the room, heading for the Dining Hall. Elrond waited there, a smile on his face when he saw the prince looking better than he had for the past week. The Elven Lord stood up and walked over to meet the archer.

"Ah, Legolas. You are looking better. I trust you slept well?" Elrond asked Legolas.

"Yes, much better than the past few nights. Though I do not remember much of it. My stomach is not happy that it has been neglected for a while and requires something in it." Legolas said, smiling genuinely.

The three sat in silence while Legolas ate some fruit and bread. He tended not to have meat for breakfast, it was not to his liking and would much rather have a plate of fresh fruit and some bread. One servant approached the table and told Legolas that he was pleased to see him up and about once more. Finishing his food, the prince sat back in the chair and placed a hand on his stomach, completely satisfied.

TBC

Replies:

Fluffy's fangirls: Here's a double-whammy for you, enjoy!

Moonyasha: God, you have no idea how much fun they are having with that slide. At this moment, Elladan is crying with laughter as Elrond has just had a shot and absolutely loves it. Legolas loves it too, but it sometimes hurts, not that he lets on! Thanks again!

Sindauviel: Yeah, what's going to come of that I wonder. What can I be thinking? Enjoy! I am passing on a message from BitterLee, whose prayers are with you for the loss of your friend.

ashlyns: Oh, what was that Elf leaving Mirkwood for? Find out soon! Thanks for reviewing!

Nomad6: I'm glad my computer is feeling better too. Enjoy BOTH chapters!

BitterLee: I hope you got to go to the cool new theatre where you tune your radio to a certain frequency and listen that way. How cool is that? I am jealous that you saw Orlando on the TV and I didn't. Hope you enjoyed the chapters and thanks again for reviewing!