Note: I'm really sorry for the delay!
Early evening was rising above the horizon, slowly swallowing the sunlight. Everything around was peaceful and silent. Silence matched the mood inside the elven city, although the peacefulness did not. All elves were saddened by the recent events, deeply concerned about the well being of two young ones.
Elrond sighed deeply putting the pen away and looking at the piece of paper laying at the desk. It was covered in a lines of neat letters that formed words. Words seemed to be so cold and foreign. How can this little symbols transmit all the grief and sadness the one sending it felt? How can they sooth the aching heart of the one to receive them?
Although the elven lord was sure that Legolas would heal completely, he still could clearly remember those trying hours while sitting near the small form, keeping the young prince alive. Elrond carefully gathered the letter and slowly stood up. He hated to think about king Thranduil's condition when he'd receive this note. The Mirkwood king was well known for his flaming rage, but those who knew him closer, were aware of his overprotective love. Elrond's heart bled for one more innocent soul that had to meet cruelties of the world.
He left the room and gave the letter to the messenger who stood outside, fully equipped for the journey. The elf bowed in respect and went toward his horse, probably already dreading the future meeting with the king. Elrond watched the messenger disappearing in the evening shadows. He turned around slowly and walked toward his son's room.
He moved quietly, not wanting to disturb the twins. Slightly opened door reviled the bitter sweet picture. Elladan was sitting in the chair in the most uncomfortable position, his head lolled down onto his chest, his hands holding his brother's. Elrohir was still asleep thanks to the herbs which they forced him to drink. He was still pale and exhausted, his face converging with white pillows. But judging by his deep and even sleep, he was already healing. Elrond smiled sadly to himself. Moving stealthily, he approached Elladan, gently placing him into more comfortable position, careful not to break his hold onto Elrohir. He knew better than anyone else what close bond his sons had. They were one, their souls were one... Right now Elladan's presence would do more healing than probably all medicines that Elrond could gather. With one more glance over his son's the elven lord left the room, soundlessly closing the door. He was sure that Elladan would wake up should something happen to his brother.
Elrond went down the corridor toward another room. He left Legolas in care of Glorfindel while went to write a letter to the Mirkwood king. The fact that nothing happen during this time (otherwise he would have been summoned immediately) was both hopeful and alarm. That meant that prince's state was stable and he wasn't getting worse, but he wasn't showing signs of improvement as well.
Opening the door Elrond stepped inside. Glorfindel looked up from the book he was currently reading. His face was stoic as usual, but his eyes were bright with anguish.
"Any news?" Elrond asked sitting at the edge of the bad, putting a hand at Legolas forehead.
The prince's face was pale, his skin becoming almost gray. He had mild fever, but it was finally letting go of it's grip, which was indeed a good news.
"No." Glorfindel replied shortly putting the book aside. "Give him some more time, my friend." He smiled to Elrond. "This child is strong. He will not give up easily."
"I know." Elrond smiled.
"Go get some rest." Glorfindel continued, seeing how weary his friend was. "They are both sleeping and you have no need to be awake. They'll need your help soon and it's better if you are rested."
Elrond smiled and nodded.
"You are right. I can use some sleep."
He got up and went out, heading toward his chamber. His two patients were in good hands.
XXX
King Thranduil left the council room, strange feeling settling in his heart. Something was wrong! he could not tell what it was, but couldn't ignore the feeling either. The king was experiencing strong longing to see his young son, who currently was visiting Imladris. It was getting hard to control himself and stop from running into stables, mounting the first horse he'd see and riding toward Imladris at the top speed.
"My king." One of the servants called for him, bowing in respect when Thranduil turned around. "The messenger from Lord Elrond came few minutes ago. He's asking your audience."
Thranduil felt his heart starting to beat more rapidly as the new wave of worry washed over him.
"Bring him in my chamber's." He ordered.
Few minutes later the elf in the dusty clothes came inside the royal chamber bowing to the king of Mirkwood. Thranduil tried his best not to show his emotions and remain cool and unflappable.
"My king, Lord Elrond sent an urgent letter for you." The messenger told, handing the letter to Thranduil.
The king took it, his hands slightly trembling. Somehow he knew it was about Legolas. And judging by it's urgency, he wouldn't like it.
The king opened the letter and started to read. His concerns were proven all too soon. His son was gravely injured by orcs... Thranduil felt his legs swaying and quickly sat down, not wishing to collapse in front of the elf.
"Go get some rest." He told the messenger. "Your road was long and hard."
The elf bowed once more before leaving the room. Thranduil was left alone. He felt distressed, angered, helpless... He wanted to cry. But the king of Mirkwood was known for his steel will and this will gave him strength to get up and went to summon his councils. He needed some arrangements to do before his departure to Imladris.
... TBC