Legolas was waking once more, his mind slowly fighting it's way from the total darkness of unconsciousness back toward the light. Like a candle in the completely dark room, he tried to shoo away the shadows. From some distance he felt a dull ache that was growing with each heartbeat, turning into the almost unbearable pain. He frowned. And almost immediately a cold gentle hand caressed his forehead. Soft elvish words broke the darkness around, soothing the elfling's mind. The voice was so warm and gentle, so familiar...
Trying to get his parched throat to work, Legolas swallowed hard, wincing, for even this tiny movement increased the pain.
"A-ada?" He croaked out, succeeding in half opening his heavy eyelids.
"I'm here, my son." Thranduil hugged his child gently, careful not to hurt him.
His heart was breaking at the sight of his young son in pain. Legolas whimpered slightly, not being able to hug his father back. He felt tiny drops of tears at his face, and had a hard time to swallow the lump in his own throat.
Finally letting his son go, Thranduil took a cup of water from the table near the bed. He gently lifted his child's head a little bit and let him drink some water. Legolas made few little seeps, his body starting to tremble from exertion.
"Take some rest, my child." Thranduil said softly, kissing Legolas' brow. He noted with concern how cold and slightly sticky young elf's skin was, but he showed nothing. Holding light body in his caring arms, the elven king waited patiently till his child fell asleep.
Covering the now sleeping form with a soft light blanket, Thranduil soundlessly left the room to find Elrond.
XXX
"I can walk by myself!" Elrohir exclaimed, a little bit angrily. "And I don't need a bodyguard to shadow me."
"Do you want me to go back to our father and let you be grounded for another week or two?" Elladan asked, looking hurt himself.
He made few steps in the direction of the main hall.
"Ok, fine." Elrohir sighed in defeat. "Sorry for my outburst, I just hate having half of the healers fussing over me."
Elladan chuckled, putting a hand on his brother's shoulder. "They are just hurt, for the king let noone touch Legolas, except for our father and lord Glorfindel." He said, grinning.
Elrohir glared at his twin and a big grin spread over his face.
"Speaking of that little bratling... I believe we were on our way to see how he is doing."
They continued their way down the corridor, Elrohir still moving slightly numbed. Their way was marked by the reviled smiles of the elves they met.
"I see that you decided to run away the moment your father agreed to let you walk on your own." Deep, slightly amused voice stated from behind.
Both twins turned around and stared at the tall slender figure of Glorfindel. The elven lord put his back against the wall, raising an eyebrow. "But, after all, you are arguing so loud, the one can find you even with his eyes closed."
"We were going to see how Legolas fares." Elladan said with a slight respectful bow of his head.
"So I guessed." Glorfindel smiled. "If the kind doesn't object, off course."
The twines nodded and walked toward the door. Glancing at each other, they knocked. The sound was soft, the one, only a kin elven ear can catch. Few moments later, the door opened, revealing the tired face of an elven king.
Looking the two young elves over, Thranduil smiled warmly.
"Nice to see you." He said softly, stepping aside and letting them in. "I believe you feel better, Elrohir." He half asked, half stated.
"Yes, thank you, your highness." Elrohir bowed. "I'm well. How do Legolas fare."
"His wounds are healing slowly." The king said softly, taking his usual sit near his son's bed. "But your father believes, he'll mend in a time."
Elladan gently pushed his brother forward, making him sit onto the bed. Elrohir couldn't avert his gaze from the pale ghost-like face in front of him. Bright clear tears were shining in the corners of his eyes, threatening to fall down. He took slim unmoving hand into his own slightly trembling one.
"I'll leave you for some time." Thranduil told Elladan, smiling gently but grimly. He casted one more glance toward his son and walked out the room.
Elladan silently occupied the now free chair, looking at his brother and young friend with a mixture of concern and satisfaction. His brother needed this private moments alone with a young prince. But would it be for better or for worse?
...TBC
Note: Sorry for the short chapter. I don't have that much time now, I'm afraid.