Wild Justice

Chapter 24: Stand By You

- - -

He sat in his room on the cushioned windowsill, looking longingly out at the extensive expanse of Imladrarian woodland, his fingertips pressing softly at the glass barrier keeping him enclosed and away from the lush forests around him.

He sighed delicately; he knew it was too dangerous for him to venture outside. Not that he has been forbidden from doing so, only warned.

Elrond had promised to keep him informed if anyone from Mirkwood ventured into these lands for whatever purposes, but he had also cautioned that it wasn't always possible to tell and so there very well may be elves from his homeland staying in Imladris. There may even be spies from other lands recruited to looking for the young prince. He wasn't confined to his rooms, just trapped in that he could leave but did not know if he dared to risk exposing himself to those in Imladris.

He stroked the glass of the window for a moment, suddenly feeling the same sort of longing he had when Ahearn had been in Imladris looking for him. he pulled his hand away and swallowed heavily. He had confined himself to his room when the half-elf had been in Imladris and now he was doing the same again, albeit he knew Ahearn wasn't in Imladris this time. But that did not mean that anyone working for him was not instead.

He felt his heart crying for him to leave his rooms, or pending that to at least move from the window where he could only tease himself by looking. He reached out to touch at the glass again when his musing were broken by a rapping at his door.

He sat up, calling out for the person to enter, safe in the knowledge that only those of the Peredhel family resided or had rooms in this wing of the Last Homely House. He had been most surprised when instead of moving him into more permanent guest rooms; Elrond had him moved into the family wing. He hadn't known whether to thank the Elven lord profusely for such an honour, or refuse vehemently. So he had done the only thing he had been capable of the time- he had burst into tears.

He had been consoled in the arms of the Lord Elrond for his rather impromptu breakdown, and though terribly embarrassed over it, he had felt strangely better for it. He had managed to eventually thank Elrond- (the Elven Lord refusing to accept any of his protests)- and had stayed in the rooms ever since.

It gave him a warm, contented feeling to know that he was accepted enough to stay where Elrond would place those considered family. And though the rooms of his twin sons were close by, Legolas had managed to avoid them since their last, rather unfortunate, encounter.

"Legolas," Lord Elrond stepped into the prince's rooms, closing the door noiselessly behind him before approaching the young elf.

"My Lord," Legolas greeted in return, bowing his head slightly, a soft smile forming upon his lips. "Please, sit?" He curled his legs up, offering the lord a place beside him on the window seat.

Elrond smiled back as he seated himself.

"How fair you today, my Prince?" Enquired the dark-haired elf.

"I am fine, my lord, and yourself?" Legolas politely returned.

Elrond cocked his head slightly as if not quite believing in the younger elf's words.

"I am well."

Legolas nodded his head; his hands moving down to subtly tug and twist at the end of his shirt. Elrond's sharp eyes noted the motion, his lips twitching a little with the indecision of whether to frown or smile.

"Are you looking forward to the Yenearisa celebrations?"

Legolas sat up a little straighter, brushing his hair over his shoulders with a quick swipe of his hand. "A little."

"Only a little?"

"It'll be different this year."

"You miss home?"

Legolas looked away. "I feel as though I have been gone since forever. I miss it." He looked out the window again with a sigh; he touched slender fingers to the glass before once again lowering both his hands to his lap. "I miss my people, my homeland… my, sense of freedom."

Elrond's dark brow marred in a frown. "You feel trapped here?"

Legolas shook his head a little. "Not here," he gestured to the world stretching out behind the window. "Here," he gestured to his chest, to his heart. Legolas sighed a little before forcing a smile.

"How does Imladris celebrate this season?" He asked with strained cheerfulness.

Elrond raised his hand to touch lightly at the young elf's cheek, "You need not pretend to be happy just to please me, Legolas." Long fingers stroked at the soft skin before slowly moving away.

The Mirkwood Elf flushed a little. "I- I don't pretend, my lord…"

Elrond raised an eyebrow, eyes shining with slight amusement as he watched the young elf. Legolas squirmed a little before forcing himself to relax.

"What I mean to say is that I do not pretend to be happy to please you, my lord, but to… to, to make myself believe that I am happy. I- it helps me forget for a time if I can pretend…" Legolas bit his lip, eyes flickering over Elrond's own.

"Pretend it's not real?" The older elf questioned.

Legolas nodded.

"That what isn't real, Legolas?"

"Everything." Legolas sighed, "Nothing." He shrugged a bit.

Elrond stroked at Legolas' face again, smiling as the blond elf unconsciously leaned into the touch.

"It's not good to pretend all the time."

"No," He agreed faintly, pulling away shyly. "But it helps most of the time."

"You don't have to pretend with me, Legolas. If you feel like you have to pretend, you are welcomed to speak with me."

Legolas offered up a tentative smile at that. "Thank you." He whispered softly. He turned his gaze once more to the window, staring at the expanse of woodland with more than a little longing.

There was a moment of silence, comprised of Legolas staring out of the window and Elrond watching the young prince, the frown his face wore not entirely eased off as he thought over the conundrum that was Legolas Greenleaf.

He knew the young elf was trying with him, being open and honest as often as he could. He still kept so many of his emotions locked up inside himself though that whenever Legolas would speak with him, Elrond always felt a sense of pride and honour that the prince felt safe enough in his presence to open.

"You know you are permitted leave this house," Elrond eventually spoke, "to walk in the woods whenever you desire, do you not?"

"I do…" Legolas began, looking up.

"But?"

Legolas smiled sadly, "But I do not wish to be found out, if there is any chance- even the slightest of chances- that I may be seen, recognised… I dare not think of the consequences. It would be mere days before Mirkwood is informed and my father journeys here to take me back. I- I am not ret ready to see him, no matter how much I long for him."

"He cannot take you, Legolas, not whilst you have sanctuary in my lands." Elrond reached out and gently took the younger elf's hands in his own, "If you wish to go for a walk, I only urge you to be on your guard. Take your blades just in case. Nothing will happen to you, I will even send word to the patrol guards- those on border patrol and those patrolling the inner recesses of Imladris and the surrounding woodland if you wish it. You will not be harmed."

Legolas' eyes shone brightly, "You are too kind to me, my lord. You have done so much for me already," his eyes returned to the window, "so much more than my father would have ever dreamed of offering to me in my condition." His voice was distant; his eyes glazed as if he were seeing something that Elrond couldn't, as if he were remembering an incident that brought about his words. He turned suddenly and offered the Elven lord a saddened smile.

"I believe I shall go for that walk, my lord?"

Elrond returned the prince's smile, nodding his head in agreement. "Then I shall come and visit with you later, if you permit it?"

"I do, my lord."

Both of them stood from their seats, bowing their heads respectfully to the other as Elrond left and Legolas went about fetching his hooded cloak and a blade-belt for about his waist.

- - -

Though nervous and timid about journeying outside the safety of the Last Homely House, Legolas was elated as well, as he hurried through a courtyard of people going about their business. He made his way swiftly by the stables, knowing that Elladan was working within them but not daring to pause to offer even the slightest of greetings. He could have sworn he could feel the elf's eyes watching him, but still he did not turn. That was one confrontation he still was not up for.

He made his way into the forests surrounding Imladris, walking until he was deep within, enclosed by the thick and lush foliage about him. He took a huge breath of the fresh and slightly scented air, relishing in the sense of freedom that overcame him.

The wintry sun shone weakly through the crisscrossed branches of ancient trees, turning the leaves of the evergreen trees a lighter, almost transparent shade of green that collaged nicely with the bold reds and oranges of dying leaves that littered the floor from the seasonal skeletons that stood stark and bare amongst the rest of the vegetation.

The distant sounds of foraging mammals and a nearby stream just off the path he was following sought to send him into relaxation. He felt the tension that had been building inside him since his self-imposed imprisonment inside the Last Homely House slowly ebbing from him.

Legolas sighed, lifting a hand to fiddle with the side of his hood, debating with himself as to whether or not he dared to remove it. But there was a slight breeze filtering through the clearing and he felt the urge to have to graze across his face and through his hair. To feel the utmost of freedom.

He bit his lip softly, maybe if he could just drop it for a moment. It wasn't as if there was anyone else about. It was a risk though. Dare he? Dare he even for a minute temp the fates by offering such an opportunity to any looking for him? He chewed slightly at his bottom lip as he pondered. He knew what he was like, knew that he could get so wrapped up in the beauty of the world about him that he would sometimes zone out of what was happening immediately about him.

It was like the first time he had been in the woods in Imladris. Thank the Valar though that it was only the Peredhel twins he encountered. But they were both working this day, and would not be patrolling the woods. Elrond's guards were patrolling the boarders so even if he encountered anyone he could not readily be removed from Imladris. That only left any other wanderers in the woods. Anyone walking past who could recognise him for whom he was. But Elrond had said he did not believe anyone from Mirkwood to be in Imladris. Though of course he could not be entirely certain, not with so many visitors streaming in for Yenearisa.

The Mirkwood elf shifted slightly in his indecision. His hands reached up to his hood. Just for a moment? There was no one about. He hadn't heard anyone following him… although he had stopped paying so much attention to his surroundings once he was in the clearing. He started to pull his hood down, his eyes and ears tuned to his surroundings so that the first sight or sound to alert him to another's presence would have his well prepared to pull his hood back up. The let the material fall back, shaking his head slightly he allowed for his hair to fall about his face. There was only the one braid down the middle of his head keeping his hair back, the strands not kept back dropped into his face only to be brushed away by a slender hand.

Legolas looked up toward the canopy above him. Closing his eyes he delighted in the notion that he was alone. Outside. Free. Despite the fact that he couldn't see it, he knew his breath was forming in little puffs before him as the chill of the air deepened. His nose and fingers tingled a little at the cold. It was an unusual feeling. He was not used to feeling the coldness of the world about him.

He began walking again, a beatific smile upon his lips. Taking a trail that would lead him in a loop back towards the Last Homely House. His mind began to wonder as he took in his surroundings wondering both why he had been so reluctant to journey outside when Elrond had told him it was safe enough for him to do (provided he were on his guard) and when next he would visit the woods.

The snap of a twig behind him was enough to make his blood freeze and all thoughts of returning disintegrate before his mind's eye. He was careful to keep walking, pretending not to have heard the sound and praying that whoever had made the noise would not call for his attention. His hands casually went to his hood only to hear the sounds of footsteps starting up behind him.

He was too late to raise his hood without creating suspicion.

Oh no! Oh no! He tried to keep his emotions in check. Tried to keep his breathing even and his tears at bay as panic threatened to take him over. He internally began berating himself for not listening to the voices of caution telling him to be on his guard at all times, even when all he longed to do was let himself loose, and relax completely into the world around him. Legolas forced himself to remain relaxed and composed.

"Excuse me?" Came the voice of the person behind him. Legolas forced himself to remain relaxed and composed as he deduced that by the sounds of it, the voice belonged to a male elf. And though it was also strangely devoid of any dialect linking it to any particular homeland, Legolas could discern that the elf was not a native from Imladris at least. This did nothing to ease him in the slightest.

'Imprudent fool!' he cursed himself as he turned warily to face the stranger behind him. He was careful to keep his expression as neutral as possible, though he had never been particularly good at schooling what he felt.

"'Quel amrun," He said politely, bowing his head slightly, watching as the other elf did the same in return.

"Greetings, friend," began the other elf, a strange look upon his face as he titled his head slightly, "Forgive me for my interruption,"

Legolas frowned a little, "It is alright, friend," he said slowly, "Please, what is it you wish to ask?"

The elf waved his hand in a slightly dismissive gesture. "Oh no, it is of no concern now. I apologise for stopping you."

Legolas' eyes were narrowed, one hand consciously hovering above the handle of his blade. His mind a whir of he knows! He knows! Foolish elf! It was a trick, a trick to see your face. He pushed his thoughts away and managed to a rather weak, "If you are sure?"

"Very sure," the other elf drawled in response.

Legolas gave a sharp nod, feeling a shiver of dread stealing up his spine as he watched the other elf smirk.

"Good day then." He turned to go, taking only a few steps before hearing the other elf speaking again.

"Good day… Prince Thrandulion." The accent was suddenly and unmistakably northern.

Legolas could not help his gasp as he pivoted back around only to catch the last glimpse of the elf slipping into the undergrowth just off the pathway.

The only thing he was capable of thinking was that this was the end. That he would be shipped off back to Mirkwood and the tender mercies of the King his father and Ahearn.

He stood still in his shock for too long a moment thinking over the worse case scenarios that would occur because of his childish urge to feel free. How could he have been so stupid? What now would Elrond think of him?

He snapped out of his daze at the last thought, knowing that he needed to speak with the Elven Lord as soon as possible. His breathing was frantic as he fumbled with his hood. Tears filling his eyes as he pulled it up over his head and turned to flee back towards his rooms. He felt the drops of moisture running down his cheeks, but brushed them angrily away as he hurried as fast as he possibly could towards the Last Homely House. He needed to be in the safety of his rooms. He needed Elrond. He just needed to be out of the exposure that was the forest.

And suddenly he wasn't so worried about when next he would get to visit the forests of Imladris.

- - -

He closed his door hastily, not even pausing to catch his breath as he began pacing frantically, clenching his hands together in his panic, not knowing whether to go to Lord Elrond immediately and tell him of his encounter or to wait until this evening when the Elven Lord would surely visit him. He bit his lip, trying to calm himself, but all he could keep thinking of was the elf's voice as he said 'Prince Thranduilion'.

So caught up in his thoughts and inner turmoil's he failed to notice the other occupant of his room even as he stood and began to slowly move over towards him.

"Legolas?" He spoke.

The Mirkwood elf jumped in fright, spinning on his heel to face the speaker; the blade strapped at his side was instinctively in his hand. Heart pounding, it took him a moment to assess the situation and understand that he was not in any immediate threat.

"Legolas?" the voice called again, it was kept purposefully soft and neutral in an attempt not to startle him.

Elrond stepped forward, arms spread open at his sides, palms face up in a gesture of surrender; the concern was evident on his face even as he appealed to Legolas' senses.

"My prince," he said softly, breathing a sigh of relief as he saw the blond elf's eyes focus on his own, the haze of panic clearing from them, causing them to widen more in shock than fear.

"What is wrong, my prince? What has happened to put you at such unease in my home?"

Legolas opened his mouth to speak, but the feeling of his heart frantically beating in his throat prevented any words from making their way out into the open. His blade fell to the floor from a suddenly weakened grip, his arms falling loosely to his side as his shoulders slumped in defeat. A few more tears leaking from his eyes.

Elrond was at his side in a heartbeat, gently taking the young elf in his arms and leading him over to one of the chaise longues. Legolas went willingly as he felt his adrenaline fade, leaving him weak and shaky. He slumped boneless and weary against the seat, instinctively leaning upon the Elven Lord as he tried to calm himself enough to speak.

Elrond waited until Legolas has regained his breath, fingers brushing at the pulse-point on his wrist to check that his heartbeat too had reduced at least some in its beating. He tilted the young prince's face to his, searching for any signs or clues that would explain his panic.

"What has happened, Legolas? What is wrong?" He ran a hand soothingly down the young elf's back whist using his other hand to brush at the droplets of Legolas' grief.

"I-" Legolas' breathing picked up slightly, "I was seen! Oh Valar, I was seen, My Lord! Seen and recognised by one of Mirkwood heritage!"

The hand rubbing at Legolas' back stilled momentarily as Elrond absorbed the meaning of the elf's words.

"Are you sure, Legolas?" he asked, before adding, "Sure that it was one of Mirkwood who has seen you?"

The blond elf nodded his head, looking up at him with wide eyes. "I knew I shouldn't have gone out." He turned his head away, fidgeting with his hands. "I just knew something like this would happen. I should have stayed in. I should have. But I-" he met Elrond's eyes again, "I let my guard down. I though I was deep enough in the forest to not be disturbed." His eyes pleaded with Elrond to understand. "I- please do not be angered, my lord, but I, I had removed my hood… I had wanted, needed to- it was foolish of me no doubt."

He stood from his seat and began pacing the room in frantic worry, "I- I shall pack my things and-"

"Aiya, Legolas!" Elrond exclaimed, climbing to his feet and moving over to the younger elf's side. He took Legolas by the shoulders so as to force the elf to look at him.

"What nonsense is this that you speak of? Why should you pack your things? Please, mellonamin, calm yourself!" He looked into Legolas' troubled face before softening his words, "Calm yourself, Legolas."

Legolas shook his head in response, pulling back as if afraid of the touch. "I cannot! Do you not understand, my lord? I have been discovered! Someone other than you and those you trust has seen and recognised me! Mirkwood will find out, my father will know I am here… Oh gods! Ahearn will know I am here!" Frightened eyes turned onto Elrond before swiftly looking away.

"I have gone and ruined this for both Imladris and myself. I must leave before-,"

"Legolas Greenleaf!" Legolas stilled at the sharp, raised voice. "Calm yourself this instant!"

Legolas swallowed heavily and nodded his head, eyes wide in fear. Elrond's persona diminished immediately. "You need not fear me, my prince." He appeared wounded that he should have to say such a thing out loud but quickly shuttered his expression. He made move to step backwards in attempt to allow the elf some space, but Legolas' hand shot out to stop him.

"Please, Lord Elrond! I don't, I just… I am afraid only of what will happen because of my selfishness… I apologise, My Lord," he dropped Elrond's arm, lowering his head in a show of surrender.

Elrond slowly took Legolas' face in his hands, cupping his cheeks softly as he titled the younger elf's head up. "That is good to hear, Legolas, that you are not afraid of me I mean. You need not apologise for anything else however. You are not selfish, Legolas. Never are you selfish. And you need not leave either,"

"But, what of your relations with Mirkwood?" The young prince asked. "You said when we met to discuss my sanctuary that if my father were to find out you would be placed into a position of political difficulty! Surely it would be better if I were to leave before he should arrive-?"

"How is it that you can think yourself selfish when you would sacrifice your stay here to keep Imladris safe from Mirkwood?"

Legolas opened his mouth to speak but found he could not.

"The secrecy of your sanction was at your request. I will not deny that this will put me at odds with Mirkwood if your father finds out, but not even if Thranduil himself comes for you will I retract my promise of sanctuary for you and your baby."

"But I-"

"Hush," Elrond gently shushed him, "But nothing, I have given you sanctuary, lirimaer, for as long as you shall need, for as long as you should want. And should you decide that you no longer need the sanctuary of Imladris, know that you will always have a safe realm to go to should you require, a room should you want, and a home forever."

There came a burning at the Elven Lord's speech, not from the stinging of tears pooling in his eyes, but from his throat where he felt himself choking up due to the total sincerity of Elrond's words.

"Why?" He whispered, so softly that he may not have spoken at all.

Elrond stroked his thumbs once across Legolas' high cheekbones, before opening his arms with the offer of an embrace. Legolas went willingly into the waiting arms, burying his head in the crook of Elrond's neck, his hands clutching loosely at the Elven Lord's robes as he inhaled the fresh and musky scent he had come to relate to with Elrond.

Elrond wrapped his arms gently about Legolas' slender frame, pulling the elf against his chest, his chin rested atop Legolas' head. He closed his eyes, his fingers stroking lazily through the prince's soft blond hair, allowing the scent of cinnamon to fill his nostrils whilst pretending not to have heard Legolas' question; for he did not know how to answer it.

He opened his dark eyes a long moment later, moving his head slightly and smiling tenderly at the young elf held in his arms.

"You know," He began, the deep baritones of his voice sounding like a purr to Legolas' ears, "There was a reason I was waiting for you,"

Legolas had stirred from the hold the moment Elrond had begun speaking. Stepping back from the embrace he felt the distinct loss of those strong arms holding him close even as he met Elrond's dark eyes with his own inquiring ones.

"I wished to invite you to attend the Yenearsira Ball tomorrow night?"

Legolas frowned delicately, "Surely I cannot go, my lord, what of my sanc-"

Elrond held up his hand to forestall any further words, "You can attend if you so wish, Legolas, I would not deny you the chance to go. There will be precautions, if that is what you fear? I would have had you go in nondescript robes, but I think after your encounter today that you may attend as the prince you are."

"Then everyone will know I am here! Is that wise?"

"You have sanctuary, Legolas, I would not hide you away after today. Especially not if there is a chance that the elf to have spotted you today is already on his way to Mirkwood."

Elrond smiled at him, "Besides," he began, taking Legolas' smaller hand in his own and raising it to his lips where he planted a small kiss upon the knuckles, "I would that you were to attend by my side?"

Legolas' breath hitched, his eyes widening slightly both at the Elven Lord's words as well as the pleasant lurch that his stomach gave. His hand- the one not currently clutched in Elrond's own- unconsciously went to his stomach, where he rubbed at the now noticeable bulge, (noticeable thanks to the constant supply of food and care he had been receiving since the discovery of his pregnancy. His morning sickness had mercifully abated enough to allow him the nutrition his body had so desperately needed.)

Elrond's noticed the gesture immediately, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly as he asked, "The baby?"

Legolas felt himself flush at the question, knowing that this was not the reason for his sudden desire to rub at his stomach. He opened his mouth with the intention of speaking, though he knew not what to say in answer to Elrond's enquiry, when he felt a rather timely thump at his stomach.

He closed his mouth, his lips turning in a smile as his baby began moving inside him. Shyly, but with sudden intent he moved the hand Elrond was still holding towards his stomach. Elrond made to break their hold when Legolas caught his fingers, stopping him. Their gazes met and held as Legolas brought the Elven Lord's hand to his stomach, placing the it atop the growing bulge and holding it in place with his own hands.

Elrond's eyes were smouldering as he searched Legolas' face, the intensity of his stare was almost enough to make Legolas back away and question what he didn't want to question, for he wasn't sure himself what he sought to do by allowing such intimate contact as this.

Another kick to his stomach had both elves drawing in their breaths, Elrond's eyes shot down to Legolas' abdomen, allowing his fingers to splay themselves over the bulge, as if hoping to feel the confirmation of the life growing within once more.

Legolas too had dropped his head, feeling a flush of pleasure at the sight of Elrond's hand caressing him. True, Elrond had touched him there before, but only a few times and that was only with the touch of a healer intent on checking his baby's condition. This was something different. This somehow meant something more.

He lifted his eyes, shyly looking up at Elrond through his lashes. His stomach gave another one of those pleasant lurches when he saw the wide smile upon the Elven Lord's face. He could not help the same wide smile from settling upon his own face.

Elrond was speechless, his mind flittering with so many thoughts and words and feelings, yet nothing of enough semblance to put into speech. He felt his chest swell with emotion at the younger elf's gesture of complete and utter trust. He looked at the flushed and smiling face of the young prince and could not stop himself from stepping forward and taking the younger elf into his arms, his hand still placed over his belly, he placed a soft kiss to Legolas' temple.

"I would be honoured to attend the ball with you, Elrond." Legolas' voice was soft but clear and openly honest.

Elrond closed his eyes tightly. "Thank you." He replied just as softly.

Though Legolas was not entirely sure as to what he was being thanked for.

- - -

- - -

Elvish:

'Quel amrun – Good Afternoon

Mellonamin – my friend

Lirimaer – lovely one

- - -

To Be Continued…?

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CS WhiteWolf