Legolas was returning to consciousness yet again, the pains and aches in his body coming back too. Thankfully, he wasn't as dizzy as before. Well, at least he knew now that he was safe and not alone. At first there were either lord Elrond or lord Glorfindel sitting by his side, reading or thinking about something. He was usually feeling highly uncomfortable around the elder elves, especially the elven lords. But this time their presence was calming him down, letting him sleep undisturbed by the nightmares. Well, at least he wasn't having them too often. And few days ago his father came and made sure that he was by his side every time Legolas would wake up. Sometimes the young prince was forgetting how overprotective his father was toward him. To a young elf of his age all the percussions regarding his safety and well-being seemed to be unnecessary. But deep in his heart he knew it was done because of his father's great love toward him.

Of course the time that has passed since his rescue was too short to heal the wounds of his mind and spirit completely. And each time his battered back would send a jolt of pain or he would feel the dull ache of a broken rib, Legolas remembered those long horrific hours, spent at the arms of orcs. Young prince felt his heart freezing at those memories. Foul language, dirty laughter, and pain, so intense he never thought one could live through… No, no, no! He was safe! He was among friends and he was safe. Legolas desperately shoo the dark memories away, feeling the panic rising inside him once more. He wouldn't succumb to it. He was clever enough to understand that those ghosts couldn't harm him any more. Those orcs were dead. And it's up to him to make sure that none of their kind could harm him any more.

As his thoughts were starting to slow down, calmed by his decision, Legolas became aware of someone else presence in the room. Not that he was actually surprised, though. In the oast few days he was rarely left alone.

"He's waking up." The voice said, sounding not far away.

"Is he?" Another one, a bit more distant one, asked.

"Yes, I'm sure! Come, look for yourself."

"Hey, good morning, princeling." Someone called to him, a bit teasingly.

Legolas recognized those voices. During the short period of time that he was awake, the young elf was wondering why the twines never visit him. But he always was in too much pain to think about it further. And he was usually put to sleep by another healing potion.

Not this time, he thought to himself. Legolas fought to open his eyes. He still was extremely weak, each part of his body hurting like hell. But he was too stubborn to submit to the feeling this fast. Finally succeeding to crack his eyes open, he took a look around, his vision slightly blurred. Right over him was grinning face of one of the twins. The other joined his brother few seconds later.

"I've told you, he's waking up." Elrohir said joyfully, but deep in his eyes an expression of strong relief was mixed with the one of guilt.

"How are you doing, kid?" Elladan asked, smiling widely.

"Tired…" Legolas croaked out, scared of his own raspy weak voice.

"Want nything?"

"No!" Legolas sounded firm and frustrated. "Not now, at least." He said, a bit softer.

"I wasn't asking about one of those potions." Elladan laughed. "I know how it feels when elders are feeding you medicine one cup after another."

"But you'll be in lots of pain without it." Elrohir pointed out.

"I can manage… for now."

They sat in silence for another few minutes. Legolas risked turning hi head to take a batter view of his visitors, despite the pain that shoot through his neck down his spine. He looked Elrohir over wearily and smiled faintly.

"I was afraid… for you."

The elder elf looked desperately at his brother, the guilt washing over him with a new strong wave. Elladan looked worried. He didn't know how to help. It was something his twin had to settle with Legolas and with himself.

But the young prince seemed to understand. He frowned ever so lightly.

"I decided to protect you… 'couse you are my… friend." He said firmly, although his voice still weak. Words were almost hurting his throat, after he had almost screamed his soul out and later had few days of complete silence. But Legolas went on stubbornly. "You need not… blaming yourself. It was my… choice."

Both twins looked at him, their eyes a bit wider then usual.

"Thank you." Elrohir said finally, his voice barely above the whisper. "Your words are wise. Too wise for the one of your age, perhaps."

The door opened soundlessly.

"Enough talking for the time." Elrond said firmly, yet gently. "And you need to rest too, Elrohir. I'll come and check on you a bit later."

Elladan smiled to the prince once more, before helping his brother to the door and out of the room. They went down the corridor in silence, but after awhile Elrond could hear their half-hearted argument again. He shook his head slightly, a ghost of a smile dancing on his lips. No, his sons weren't going to grow up any time soon.

"Have a rest, Legolas." He told the young prince, helping him to drink another potion.

He stood there, watching the elfling falling asleep, his featured softening.

"I believe all would be well now." Glorfindel said from the doorway.

"I hope so." Elrond sighed. "Till the next their trip, at least."

THE END - ?

I really think that the story ends here. Everyone is going to be fine, all the tensions are settled. Probably it's a nice place to stop. But I would like to hear you opinion…