After much deliberation here is chapter 10. It is hopefully setting you up for what is to happen next.
I fear it may be unnecessary in terms of the progression of the story but I wanted to give a bit more insight into the thoughts and feelings of my characters. I have a fairly good idea of what will be happening in future chapters now and several are already half written. Thanks to anybody who is still sticking with me!
Freddie23: Thanks for the review. Hopefully he will be back to his old self very soon!
Ziggy3: I'm afraid that's just how I think of Glorfindel, the ultimate knight in shining amour! Thanks so much for taking the time to review. Cant believe Sons of Thunder is nearly finished, sob...
Phoenixica24: I'm glad you found it. Now go out and tell your friends)
Sweet-hearted SilverEars: More mushyness ahead, maybe a little angst too.
Chapter 10
Glorfindel deposited his precious burden gently on the bed, amazed that Legolas had remained asleep the entire time. He was clearly beyond exhausted. Glorfindel carefully pulled the restrictive over tunic, belt and shoes off and laid him gently down with his head on the pillows. He pulled the warm covers over the slumbering form with the utmost care and tucked them securely under his chin.
He had every intention of turning away then and leaving, but his traitorous hand had other ideas as it ran over Legolas hair, smoothing the silky strands down. He leaned forward and placed a kiss on his brow, which was slightly furrowed, as if in pain.
Glorfindel came back to himself then and rose swiftly to his feet, what was he thinking, he berated himself mercilessly. He exited the chamber with haste, only to pull up short just outside the door only just avoiding a collision with the elf on the other side. A elf whose eyes were burning with accusation.
'Elladan, what are you doing here?' He asked
' I came to ensure that Legolas was alright. He appeared tired. But I saw you entering his chambers...'
'Yes, I helped him. I think he will be fine, he was just exhausted.'
'You were in their for quite some time Glorfindel.' Elladan let his sentence hang between them.
Glorfindel bristled with indignation, his eyes seemed to glow with fury.
' What are you accusing me of Peredhil?' he whispered, his tone razor sharp.
' I made no accusation Glorfindel, merely an observation. I am concerned for him, he is one of my dearest friends and I would not see him hurt. By anyone' Elladans sharp eyes watched Glorfindel for signs of a reaction.
Glorfindels face softened into a look of tenderness. He looked at Elronds son and Elladan read his emotions clearly from his open eyes. Elladan actually felt himself recoil from the intensity of that gaze. Glorfindel turned sharply away from him and began to walk towards his own rooms.
'I would never harm him Elladan. Ever.' He threw over his shoulder, then he was gone.
Elladan remained rooted to the spot for some time in shock. How could it be that after so much time
Glorfindel could still feel the same. Surely not, surely he was mistaken. With these thoughts swirling through his head he eased the door open to check on the cause of all this strife.
Legolas was deeply asleep, his eyes were half lidded. Elladan couldn't repress a small smile, Glorfindel had tucked him in so carefully that all that could be seen of him were his eyes and golden hair. For that moment he looked exactly as Elladan remembered him as an elfling. All eyes and hair and innocence. He closed the door softly and went to find his father. He had some concerns that he needed advice on!
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The next morning dawned cold and wet, the soft sound of rain pattering on the roof suffused the last homely house. Legolas awoke slowly, still groggy from a night of deep sleep. He felt the warmth of the down comforter that rested over him and burrowed a little further into it. The multitude of pillows surrounding him made him feel as if he were lying in a cocoon of bliss.
Somehow his body seemed to ache less this morning. The agonising burning of his injuries had given way to a dull throb. He took a moment to enjoy the blessed relief. Someone had been into his room and lit a fire. The flames danced merrily in the grate, casting a gentle glow around the room which helped to combat the lack of light from outside.
There was something peaceful about watching the rain from the warmth of his bed. Perhaps it was the noise of it, it drowned out the normal hustle and bustle of the house before breakfast. Perhaps it reminded him of home, when he would sit amidst the boughs of some great tree and wait for a drop to penetrate the thick canopy and splash onto his face. Whatever it was, he siezed the feeling of well being firmly and clung to it.
He considered simply staying in bed all day. Enjoying these quiet moments while he could. It was a hopeless enterprise, he knew. If he didn't go down to breakfast he would have half of Imladris banging down his door within the hour. Ironic since they would then scold him to 'rest'. With that thought he reluctantly crawled out from under the covers.
His formal clothes from the previous day were neatly folded on the chair next to his bed. He tried to remember whether he had put them there. No, Glorfindel must have done so, a flush suffused his face at the thought of being so vulnerable. He pushed further contemplation of that aside and headed towards the wardrobe in search of something simple to wear for breakfast. He fought off the urge to stare longingly at the warm bed and resolutely turned his mind to the task at hand.
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Breakfast in the last homely house was a merry affair, full of laughter and enthusiasm for the day ahead. Large plates of colourful fruits set alongside bowls of steaming porridge and fresh rolls of bread balanced precariously, lent an air of the carnival to the otherwise sober dining hall.
One table that was not so merry was being presided over by the twin sons of Elrond. Elladan sat with a firm scowl on his face glaring at any and all who approached him. Elrohir sat beside him staring distractedly around himself and putting a spoon into his porridge again and again without it ever reaching his lips. Every time he did this Elladans scowl would grow deeper.
The door to the hall opened and Legolas walked through it, looking far better than the last time they had seen him. He quickly spotted them and moved towards them, grabbing a bowl and spoon as he went. Placing his breakfast before him he took the seat on the other side of Elrohir.
'Good morning.' He said, sending them a blazing smile
'You look cheerful this morning.' Elladan replied, his tone bordering on sarcasm.
Legolas gave him a puzzled look but decided to let the comment pass.
'How are you feeling this morning Las?' Asked Elrohir softly
'I feel greatly improved this morning, no doubt due to the attention of my excellent healers.' Legolas replied with a wink.
Elrohir seemed cheered and a warm smile lit his face as he turned his attention to his porridge in ernest.
'Are you sure it wasn't the attention of someone else that has put you into these spirits?' Elladan asked with a hard voice.
'I don't know what you mean Elladan.' Said Legolas, his smile replaced with a look of worry.
'What is the matter? You seem upset' Legolas asked the older twin.
Before he could reply the door opened again and Glorfindel and Elrond entered the room. Spotting them Glorfindel made his way over to check on Legolas. Elladans face grew positively hostile.
'What is it brother?' asked Elrohir with concern.
But Elladan was already standing to leave, breakfast untouched. He shouldered his way past Glorfindel without a greeting and made a hasty exit. Legolas and Elrohir were left to watch him go in stunned silence. None the wiser of what could have caused the usually unflappable Elladan to behave so strangely.
They turned their gazes to Glorfindel instead, hoping for an explanation. Glorfindels face seemed strangely devoid of emotion, like it had been wiped clean. He then turned the discarded chair towards himself and folded gracefully into it. He swiftly changed the subject and the strange interaction faded from their minds.
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