Another long wait, hopefully the next one will be out more quickly. I apologise, RL has hit me hard recently. Illness, going back to Uni and moving house have conspired against me!

Freddie23: Thank you so much for reviewing every chapter, much appreciated!

Ziggy3: Thank you so much for your kind review, here is some more Glorfindel for you. He keeps slipping in there!

Alanic: thanks so much, sorry you had to wait so long.

The gray fox: here is more ;-)

Sweet-hearted Silverears: Im afraid there is a lot more hurt ahead of him, but hopefully some good stuff too.

Chapter 9

Legolas was totally exhausted. 4 hours they had sat in that council chamber. Elronds different councillors each taking a turn to talk in, what seemed to Legolas, pointless circles. Could Rivendell spare their warriors? Were things truly that bad? Was is a good idea to confront the tower directly? Were any other realms asked for reinforcements? Would Mirkwood do the same for them if the need arose?

On and on and on he answered question after question, passionately supporting his endeavourers. His scathing comments beating down the opposition. And knowing all the while that if he should fail, his people would fall. Even with the already promised help from Lothlorien, they needed Elronds warriors to make a viable attack. So he had fought for his cause, paying no heed to his body's' protests for rest, or the concerned looks from Elrohir and eventually Elrond too.

When he had felt that he may actually collapse from the strain Elrond had stood to his feet. Fiercely had he berated those who doubted the princes word. He had turned to Legolas then and vowed the support of some of Rivendells forces, led by his sons. The relief that Legolas had felt then was indescribable. Elrond had insisted they end the council for the day and leave the finer points for the morrow.

Now Legolas found himself with a dilemma. The council was over, he was finally free to rest. Yet he genuinely doubted his ability to leave the chamber without assistance. To falter now would be unacceptable. He looked over to his left and found Elrohirs' accusing eyes boring into him. No he could not ask for help there.

Elrohir would never refuse him of course, but he did not have the energy to listen to the barrage of remonstrations he would receive. Elladan appeared slightly more sympathetic to his plight but he was further away and even that short distance seemed insurmountable. To his fury Legolas felt a burning behind his eyes, surely he was too old for tears of frustration! He shut his eyes tight and focused his mind on calming his racing heart. He felt his breathing begin to slow and the tension ease a little from his shoulders then he felt a warm hand on his wrist.

He opened his eyes to see bright blue eyes inches from his face, gazing at him in concern. Glorfindel gave him a soft smile.

'Come Las, let me escort you to your room. It is on the way to my chambers anyway.'

Legolas felt the traitorous tears spring up again but he managed a small smile in return and took the pro offered arm. He rose carefully to his feet and Glorfindel put an arm around his shoulder, providing far more support than anyone would be able to see from a distance.

They made their way from the chamber slowly, Glorfindel setting a gentle pace and chatting casually as they went. Legolas felt a pair of accusing eyes boring into his back, he lacked the energy to even turn his head to find out who it was, Elrohir probably, he decided.

Through the door they went and they were in the deserted corridor. Legolas dropped his eyes to the floor with a sigh when he looked at the distance of the corridor ahead of him, he would never make it.

Glorfindel glanced to the side to check on his companion, Legolas looked far too pale. His mouth was stretched into a thin line, pain was showing through on his features. Glorfindel felt his heart squeeze in his chest. An image of an elfling in his arms staring at him adoringly, with wide blue eyes and silvery locks. The same elfling who had leaned towards him, pressing his sweet innocent face against his.

'Don't let the twins get me Glorfindel!' the elfling had whispered into his ear, staring behind him.

'Never fear young one, I will never let anything hurt you, I promise.' He had whispered back.

How those words had come back to haunt him since, accompanied by that sweet face full of trust. How badly he had failed to live up to that elflings expectations. Well it wasn't going to happen again, this elf had suffered enough. With his decision made, Glorfindel scooped a shocked Legolas into his arms.

The prince started in surprise as he felt his feet leave the ground. He found himself face to face with the balrog slayer.

'What are you doing Glorfindel?' he asked

'I am helping you to your rooms Legolas.' He replied with a small smile on his lips

With no strength left to argue over it and secretly relieved to be secure against the warm chest Legolas relaxed into his old tutors arms, his eyes drifted closed. A small smile on his face, he allowed himself to doze, for the moment he felt utterly safe. It was a good feeling.