For the next three days, Legolas stayed by Linnah's side. He had her moved to his private chambers and made comfortable upon his bed. He took all his meals in his chambers, in front of the fireplace. If Linnah made the slightest noise, he immediately put aside his meal and went to her side. When his father called for him to attend the announcement of Elessa's death, he refused. Though Thranduil was disturbed by his son's disobedience, he knew Legolas would not be persuaded otherwise. The prince had made it perfectly clear, he would not leave Linnah until she once again opened her eyes.
Aragorn visited a few times, trying to temp the prince with target practice or a short ride on their horses, but nothing deterred Legolas from his vigil. Adriel, Selihl, and Meena would come by to visit alone or together, Tuor would make his rounds and even Gillel sat at Linnah's side, when he brought the prince's tray or when his duties permitted, but when they left, her condition would still be unchanged.
Legolas was not want of sleep. He laid beside her and watched her every breath for some sign that she might awaken. He sang to her softly and kissed her brow. His heart ached for her and he felt helpless to do anything to help her.
Finally, as the sun rose on the fourth day, Linnah opened her eyes.
Legolas had been standing at his window, looking out at the garden. Silently, he had been wishing Linnah's mother would somehow help her daughter recover from this evil. Without turning around, he knew his wish had been granted. He sensed her breath change and he knew she was awake. Still looking out of the window, a long lost smile lit up his face and he said softly, "Good morning, sleepy head."
"Legolas?" She thought he might be a vision in a dream.
He turned and in a blink of an eye was at her side once again. He carefully slid his arms underneath her and pulled her close to him. She laid her head on his shoulder. As he stroked her hair, he said, "Linnah, Linnah I am here. My love, I am here."
Linnah could barely speak. She felt extremely fatigued and her body was pulling her back into sleep. "Legolas...I don't know what's happened..."
"Shhh, Linnah," soothed the prince. "Rest my love. You have nothing to fear now. You are safe. I will keep you safe."
Linnah made a small noise in her throat and fell back to sleep.
Later, when the Healer arrived, Legolas went to attend Elessa's funeral. She was buried in the garden and a beautiful statue of her stood to mark her final resting place. Orlindel was of course in attendance, but neither of them acknowledged the other.
Afterward, Legolas stopped in briefly to check in on Linnah, and then went once again meet with his father and Aragorn. Something needed to be done to protect Linnah and it needed to be done quickly. On his way out, he passed Meena and Adriel on their way to his chambers. Before formal greetings could be exchanged, the prince reported happily, "She woke for a brief moment early this morning."
Both Meena and the maiden were very relieved to hear this news. Legolas explained to them that he needed to speak with his father urgently and would return as soon as the meeting was over. They curtsied to him and hurried into the room to find Tuor speaking to Linnah.
The Healer was smiling. "Linnah," he sighed. "It is good to see you awake."
Adriel and Meena came at once over to the bed.
"Oh Linnah! Sweet child, you are alright!" exclaimed Meena, relieved.
"Adriel? Meena?" she said in a whisper, looking at them and then about the room. "Where am I?" She then realized she was in Legolas's chambers. Then more to herself then the others she wondered, "I'm in his room..., where is he? How long have I been asleep?"
Adriel and Meena exchanged knowing glances, but the Healer was taken aback by her informality.
"Yes," said the Healer. "You are in the royal chambers of His Majesty, Prince Legolas; and you have been asleep for three days."
"Three days!" said Linnah. "But where is Legolas?"
Quickly, Meena changed the subject. "Will she be alright?" she asked the Tuor.
"She will be fine now. It will take some time, but she should recover completely." Then the Healer moved from the bed to allow for them to be again at her side. He walked back to the desk and began mixing up a larger batch of the golden potion.
Very quietly, so that Tuor would be unable to hear her, Meena whispered, "Do not worry, Linnah. Prince Legolas will return to you shortly."
Linnah stared in wonder at Meena's understanding.
Meena explained slowly, "Do not look so surprised, dear Linnah. When you first were brought to the Healing Chambers, the prince proclaimed his love for you. I must admit that it was at first shocking to hear, but after I had a few moments to ponder it, I realized that it made sense."
Linnah raised her eyebrows in question.
Meena continued smiling, "For at least the last three hundred years, the prince has lived his adult life in relative ease. He has made no commitments, save the one to protect his people. His life has been almost without care or consequence. And though one might assume he would like this lifestyle to continue, I believe he has grown weary of it. I believe his heart began to yearn for the deeper connection and complications that only love might bring." Meena tenderly brushed some stray mahogany hairs from Linnah's face with her fingertips. "It has not gone unnoticed these past one hundred and eighteen years that he has had a fondness for you Linnah."
Linnah looked at Meena questioningly, who quickly added, "But I would scarcely let myself believe it." She smiled, "Until now, of course...Now, there is some deeper connection between you and he that no other can touch. You have affected him deeply, Linnah. Even with all of its complexities, you have brought a new life to him. It is most certainly a welcome change to those of us who care about him."
Linnah allowed her caretaker's words to flow over her, warming her. Her eyes were filled with tears as she said barely above a whisper, "Thank you, Meena. Your words mean more to me then you will ever know."
Meena dabbed away own tears with the edge of her apron as she embraced Linnah. Legolas's love for Linnah was more then she had ever dreamed possible for her. It was almost too much for her nerves and she was glad for it.