Author's Note: Only one more chapter after this and we're all up the proverbial creek, sans paddles. I know there's gotta be SOMEONE out there capable of helping me! Come on, do a pathetic author a favor!
Same Disclaimer. This chapter has NOT be beta-read. Italics are shared thoughts.
Elrohir silently slipped out of the tent, on his quest.
First he would find the Mirkwood Prince and then he would be after the things he would need to keep Haldir clean and content, even if he was forced to stay within the tent. He didn't feel confining him, however, was necessary. The archer was obviously already well on the mend to have been able to move without voicing pain already. With a few kind words, he requested water be heated up for he and Haldir so Elrohir might tend to the Galadhrim's wound -- among other things.
He located his things, and then set out to find Legolas, questioning the people within the camp to learn which direction the distressed elf had gone. As he searched, he tried to reach with his mind on the image of his friend, calling entreatingly out to him. Legolas... Are you all right? Haldir asked about you... He's worried...
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When Legolas had finally gotten up, he'd wandered into the camp and gotten things to clean himself up with – then disappeared into the tree's to do just that. The village was still waking up at that moment in time, full of yawning humans that peered out of tents, calling good day to one another. Even Mr. Wickshaw seemed to be in a changed mood. His wife, though, hadn't seen the horrors he had the night before, as she'd stayed hidden in a tent the whole of the battle. Legolas guessed seeing anything like that would make you a changed man.
It had been almost two hours since he'd gotten up, and he had found a perfect place up a tree just outside of the camp, his hair still damp from the washing he'd done. Long, golden strands dangled down from the limb of the tree as he stretched out upon his stomach. The wind blew through, sifting through the damp locks like they were heavy ropes of gold, cooling over his bare skin like the softest touch of fingers. All of his clothes hung from a different limb, drying from the good scrubbing he'd given them. He was content to lay there with naught but a thin blanket wrapped around him to keep the chilled morning away – as well as accidentally prying eyes.
He hadn't been this comfortable in awhile, and had just about been to doze into daydreams when he heard Elrohir's call. Slowly he raised his head to listen to it in his mind, before he scanned what of the camp he could see from there. I am here. Just east of where you stand, in a tree. And I am fine. He assured the other, if he didn't want to find him. It would be easy if he did. His hair would be hard to miss, waving in the trees like a gilded flag.
Elrohir felt a wash of relief run through him at the Prince's reply, limbs seeming to automatically carry him toward the blonde archer. Upon entering the edge of the forest, an overhead branch was grasped, and with a slight tensing of muscles, he had pulled himself into the branches.
Within a few seconds, he'd found the elf, and upon seeing him, nearly fell right back out of the tree! "By Valar, I swear you grow more beautiful every time I see you," a gasped whisper issued past his lips before he shook his head, clearing the thoughts from his mind. A more playful grin was cast toward his friend.
As Elrohir climbed into the tree, Legolas laid his head back on the arm he was using as a pillow, his other arm dangling languidly from the branch. His fingers were grazing the smaller limb below him as he watched the elf quietly as he spoke to him, his cheeks tinting pink at the compliment bestowed upon him – but kept quiet as Elrohir continued to speak.
"Haldir asked me to check on you, and considering he knows you better than I at the moment, I trust his worry. Are you feeling all right?" He sat there, making no move to touch, no more to push the subject, just the inquisitive concern that glittered within silver orbs. "I think he misses you, too... This has been the longest time he's been away from you in a week..." Joking. Light. But still unsure of Legolas' mind at the moment. And we both know that worrying Haldir will only cause him further injury... he'll insist on coming out here, popping all of those nice stitches I've put in, just to make sure that you're back to your smiling, laughing self. He's so stubborn! Even when we were little, I knew him as set as a mule! He chuckled then, sending images of a very upset Haldir arguing with his father over one thing or another while they were visiting Lothlórien, his face turning a lovely shade of pink as his anger grew. And of course Elrond was just as set in his ways as the Galadhrim.
... Elrohir had forgotten that Legolas didn't know of his current state - that most of his memories had finally returned. Despite them not being truly complete, he knew who he was by this point... knew his life and those in it. "I'd never see Ada so upset as when he's in a heated debate with Haldir. Even Galadriel couldn't yank his ego as badly as our friend."
Legolas smiled at the mention of Haldir's bull headedness. "Haldir is the most stubborn elf I have known." he agreed softly before pushing himself up to sit, propping up on his arm, his hand braced on the limb. "Have you remembered your past?" he asked hopefully, his eyes a little wide and blue… so very blue. "You speak of your father now with familiarity." If Elrohir was remembering things, this was good news.
The blond looked down to his stomach, picking a small leaf from beside his navel and dropping it to let it soar to the forest floor. The blanket was hanging sturdily at his hips, but soon his clothes would be dry (If they weren't already) and he would be able to put them on again.
But before any reply could be given, something happened that Legolas was certain would set Elrohir into a fit.
"There you are," came Haldir's voice from below them. Legolas looked down quickly to see the taller blonde with his blanket wrapped about his shoulders, smiling up at them as if he was expecting Elrohir to throw a tantrum about him being out. Legolas glanced to Elrohir quickly, trying his damnedest not to smile – or laugh.
"Haldir!" The call had indeed bothered Elrond's younger son. His head whipped to face the Galadhrim, the fire in his eyes flaring in irritated concern. "If you've popped just one stitch, Haldir, I'll make you stay in that tent all day, healed or not!" Oh, yes. Just call him mini-Elrond. He pressed a kiss upon the nearest blanket-coated elf for a few, sweet seconds before dropping from the trees to keep Haldir from attempting to climb up.
"You... sir... are unbelievable. I was only gone for a few minutes!" He frowned then, pinching the bridge of his nose before laughter bubbled from his lips, carefully ensnaring the wounded elf in a hug. "You are verily insane, Haldir... absolutely off your rocker. And I suppose I'm glad for it. But ... back to the tent with you. I need to see to that wound, and get you clean... and I'd rather not let the entire camp see you bare." Both brows rose teasingly, as if to ask, 'Do YOU want them to see you bare?' before casting his gaze up toward Legolas, still covered in his own blanket.
Haldir frowned in offense, taking a step back, his brows furrowing. "I am notbare. I have more tact than that." He opened the blanket he held over him to reveal that he'd put a shirt on over the bandages and was wearing his leggings. "And I feel perfectly fine. I won't stay cooped up in that tent all day and...and..." he seemed to of lost his train of thought as he looked up to Legolas who was lounging on the limb again as he had been before, smiling at the two of them in utter amusement.
To be perfectly honest, Elrohir was more than amused as well, and it took nearly every fiber of his being to keep from bursting into giggles right there – despite being worried over Haldir. "Meet us at the tent when your clothing is dry?" The offer pleaded of the prince, hoping the other elf would return: there was so much to tell Legolas... of what he remembered, times shared between them all... and he'd been about to answer when Haldir showed up! But alas, the Marchwarden needed tending-to, lest he discover ways to do so himself - and probably NOT for the better of that wound.
Fingers gripped the Lórien archer's shoulder, steering him toward the camp as he cast a wave back at Legolas with his free hand. "Come on, Mr. I-Can-Walk-Around-Even-When-Told-Not-To. Let's get you clean before that blanket slips and you scare the children with that wound."
Haldir smiled almost stupidly at Legolas as he was being guided away; his head craned around at an odd angle as he still tried to stare at him, and raised a hand to wave. Legolas laughed softly and waved back with a wiggling of his fingers, his hair covering one of his eyes lazily.
"Wait..." Haldir hesitated after finally turning the right way to walk, and frowned. His face was drawn in a deep, irritated, unintentionally hilarious scowl. "Is Legolas not coming? Where are his clothes? My clothes are ruined. Did you see them? Maddening," He hissed more to himself than to Elrohir. Poor elf, having to deal with him in this pig headed, and irritated state.
The dark-haired elf's lips pulled into a warm grin then, gently turning the Marchwarden's face tenderly toward his own with feathering fingers along his jaw. "Haldir... Yes, his clothing is drying near him... and we can always get you new clothing, or make you something if you'd like... But unlike your clothing, there is no replacement for *you* and I fully intend on making sure you're -healed- before you go doing something that could injure you further.." And I have no intention of keeping you in the tent all day... though if you keep grumbling, I'll do so just to annoy you.
An impish grin was offered up at the Marchwarden, eyes glittering lightly before leaning in to capture the elf's lips with his own, preventing him quite pleasantly from giving some huffed retort. And you'll be bare when you're getting clean... or at least mostly so, which is why I'm asking you to go back to the tent. He ended the kiss, canting his head toward camp once more, already stepping in that very direction. Legolas appeared to be fine, despite their worry, and Haldir would be wonderful once he realized that the two were only making sure he'd be better quickly. "And Legolas will come once his clothing is dry, as damp cloth is annoyingly irritating."
Haldir was staring at Elrohir with his most appalled look, and when he'd opened his mouth to retort, he'd been easily hushed with the kiss he was given. "Maddening," he hissed again, though the sound was softer this time, as he just decided to keep his mouth shut and let the younger elf do what he thought he had to do.
His silence didn't last long, however, as he found it difficult not to open his mouth and say something in this state of mind when Elrohir teased him.
"Keep me in the tent to annoy me!" he exclaimed incredulously, casting his icy glare at all in the camp that were trying to hide their smiles at seeing him be--what they could easily gather from his look--scolded by their dark haired elf. But the glare only encouraged a few sympathetic chuckles, and a hearty bellowing laugh from Mr. Tillman who was just as relieved as the Elves were that his new blonde friend seemed to be alright.
"I told ya' thatcha better not leave that tent. Didn't I?" He called to Haldir, laughing even louder when Haldir sneered in response.
"I don't recall asking you," Haldir informed him, but was unable to hold back a smile. The more mouthy he got, the louder it seemed to make the old man laugh. He loved that old man. He was so funny.
Elrohir was laughing softly as the two exchanged words nearly in the same friendly manner as he and Legolas. Light fingers nudged the elf gently into the tent, mouth remaining in its light grin. "All right, you. Get comfy in there... I'll be back in just a minute with extra clothing and the warm water."
With those words, Elrohir wandered toward the women whom he told to heat some water for him after slinging his clothing sack upon his back. A faint grunt came from him as the large basin was picked up - they'd filled a basin large enough for two grown men to carry and still have trouble with it! But he managed, entering the tent and setting the large tubful of heated water, then dug through his bag for a few towels as well. There. All set.
He offered a light grin to Haldir before going to the entrance to their tent, lacing up the front with the leather strings provided, indicating that folk shouldn't come in unless they *belonged* there. In other words, only Legolas was expected to be undoing the laces. "All right. Let's get a look at that wound..." A gesture was made for the elder elf to come close so Elrohir could remove the bandages and get a good look at how well the wound was healing, as well as clean the honey he'd put on the wound to keep infection out while the elf healed.
Haldir stood stubbornly in the tent as Elrohir left him there again, and stared at the entrance, debating walking out again. After a second or two, he thought better of it. He was grimy, and needed desperately to bathe. It was the only thing, at this point, keeping him in there. And so Haldir sat down on his bed, and pulled his wounded tunic to him, examining the blood before he fished the little doll out of the pocket in slight irritation.
Carefully he looked it over, devising a way to fix it, before it was set aside. He'd work on it later, now that he new how he might be able to mend the broken toy. His shirt was pulled over his head and cast into a corner, figuring he would have to take it off anyway – Elrohir had mentioned he wished to look at the wound, and besides that, he'd need it off to get clean. His eyes lingered on the bandages, his fingers poking and prodding curiously around the wound as he marveled at the slight pain it caused. Not surprisingly, he was fascinated by it.
His hands fell quickly from it as Elrohir entered again with the water. Valar knew the young Lord wouldn't be happy about Haldir poking around it like a child with a stick and a bug. Upon his instruction, Haldir stood with a soft sigh, and moved to stand close to him, so he could begin his examination. To be honest, he was anxious to get the bandages off as well, if only so he could see it for himself. "Was it ugly?" he asked curiously of the wound. "It looks like it bled a lot." He made a motion to his ruined clothes with his hand.
At the question, Elrohir only gestured to his own blood-stained tunic before reaching for the cloth that covered the puncture, gently unwinding the ties that kept them against the Marchwarden's chest. "It wasn't orc blood that stained my clothing... or my skin for that matter. I feared for your life, Haldir."
He worked quickly, dipping clean cloth into the warm basin of water, dabbing gently over the wound to clean the honey from the raw skin. The wound was healing quickly - much faster than those of the men he'd treated in the decades before this. Already, the flesh on the surface was trying to knit together. The stitches on both sides were in tact, thankfully, and he redressed the wound without honey this time, as it wasn't truly needed any longer.
Once done, he offered a light smile to his friend and love. "You'll be fine so long as you don't climb any trees or lift anything heavy this day..." He was more than glad to say such things, and backed away slightly to allow Haldir room to clean himself. "I know it's not as good as a swim, but it will do for now. Perhaps later today we can go in search of wherever Legolas managed to bathe..." It would be nice, wouldn't it? To bathe in a pond or lake. And there were a few around, though he did not know which one Legolas had gone to, for many of them would have been affected by the flood. "We'll have to ask him where he went." A cloth was lifted then, damp with the heated water, and dabbed playfully upon the Marchwarden's cheek, wiping away the dirt there with the brushing motion. "You're filthy..." Though if asked, he'd admit he was quite filthy, himself!
"I will have two navels!" Haldir huffed in horror, letting Elrohir wash him off contently. "One right above the other! I will have to wear a shirt for the rest of my days!" Not that he didn't wear one all the time anyway. It was rare to see any Elf wandering half dressed in front of the public. And if one ever had, he was sure they were looked at as though they had lost their good sense, or as if they were an indecent bother.
Carefully, his own cloth was swept over Elrohir's throat and along his jaw, as it looked like he'd washed his face the night before. But that was as far as he could continue, for the elf's tunic blocked his way from doing anything else, and he couldn't bring it upon himself to undress him. At least...not yet.
"Well, I'm glad I look better. I feel better. Thank you," the soft admission came, looking at Elrohir quietly – who had nodded and smiled to know that Haldir was feeling better. It was as though he was making some grave decision – and shortly thereafter came to a conclusion. Fingers lifted to half-frame Elrohir's face, dropping the other rag absently as he glided that touch through the elf's dark locks. His thumb swept over a smooth cheek, pressing lightly against the corner of Elrohir's mouth before he leaned in to claim those lips with his own in an slow kiss. He let it linger, not really wanting to let it go, but unsure if he should hold it. So to compromise, he let it end, and then attempted to begin it all over again, tilting his head at a slightly new angle.
Elrohir had wanted to say "you're welcome," and wanted to tell him that he'd do as much any time, but his words where silenced before they'd even had a chance to emerge when lips descended upon his. His senses were numbed and heightened all at once, and he would have pressed tightly to Haldir had he not realized that it wouldn't be a good idea. His tunic was still stained fully with Haldir's own blood, dried over night.
What to do, what to do?
When the first kiss ended, he drew back slightly, offering an apologetic grin before wriggling himself from the blood-soaked cloth, then returned - melting against the elf once more. Arms casually looped about Haldir's chest... his neck… slender digits tangling into the satin-smooth strands of Haldir's hair. All the while, he could feel Haldir's hands on him, those surprisingly tender fingertips tracing over the curve of his spine – pulling him closer.
The kiss deepened, urged on by Haldir. Lips parted.
Elrohir felt as though he were soaring through the trees. His heart raced, his mind whirled, everything felt as if standing still and a blur all at once, and he moved flush against the Lothlórien elf, a tiny moan upon his throat as emotions welled up inside. We need to find that lake... I'm getting you all grubby again... His tone was both regretful and teasing, and he made no move to end the kiss that they were currently engaged in. On the contrary, lips parted softly, urging him further on. Wordlessly begging the other not to cease this.
Haldir drank in the taste of his love sensually. Yes, he knew he probably shouldn't be getting himself all worked up like this, but it was hard not to when he'd been taken with him for so long. It didn't hurt that, judging by the delightful sounds emerging from Elrohir's lips, it seemed that his companion was enjoying things just as much as he was.
Tightly, his fist curled in the other's hair, holding the dark locks between his fingers and pulling unintentionally. He had half a mind to drag him to the floor with him, and pin him there with his weight, but the last thing he wanted to do was offend him, or scare him away. Thank the Valar he was now more mindful of his aggressive attitude.
In truth, Elrohir's mind was numb with joy. He shivered when fingers toyed along the small of his back, and his own grip upon the Warden tightened, trembling all the while. One might have thought the reassurance of being so close to the Galadhrim would do something to calm his racing heart, yet it had the opposite effect upon him. For every bit closer they became, his heart raced faster, demanding more from them both.
"I'll keep that in mind, Mr. Tillman." Legolas could be heard chuckling suddenly from right outside of the tent. Haldir gave a soft groan, before hastily pulling his mouth away, albeit a little breathlessly. He offered a soft nibbling bite to Elrohir's bottom lip, which earned him a secretive smile and chuckle from the dark-haired elf even as the laces were being loosened in the entrance way. Of all the moments...No. It was better that Legolas come back now. Better to end this before they both refused to.
He pressed his forehead to Elrohir's with a soft, slightly regretful smile. So much for that.
Elrohir's own breath came in soft, shuddering intakes till his heart stopped pounding so fiercely! And in came Legolas, fully clothed and smiling, yet again stealing Elrohir's air as he stared. He was blessed. It was the only thing he could think of to explain how he had been given these two beautiful, elegant, passionate elves in his life, both of whom cared about him... one that loved him and the other? Love was coming swiftly concerning him.
He glanced his friend over a moment, and then broke the silence. "Legolas...? Where did you go to bathe? Haldir and I need to get clean and I fear that this basin of water isn't doing the trick." A gesture was made to the tub of still-steaming water, stained a brownish pink from the dirt and blood they'd already washed off. Ew. "And quite frankly, neither of us is happy about this fact..." Nor would any elf!
When Legolas had walked in, he knew he'd walked in on something, but was spared the sight of what it had been. The slightest arching of his eye brow gave way to that he was not fooled as he smiled softly. "Well...if it's truly bathing that you want to do, I can show you where there is a small creek...if it's something else that you want to do, I can just explain where it is, and hide here where it's safe," he teased, smiling brightly when Haldir's cheeks tinged the loveliest shade of red and a scowl set easily with in his face. Legolas was sure his features had been made purposefully to hold that scowl. It fit him too perfectly and it was a definite part of his charm.
"Of course we want to bathe," the warden hissed with a slight sigh, stepping back from the dark haired elf to better face the other blonde. Elrohir, much to their amusement, had gone red and blushing, with wide and startled eyes.
Legolas looked Haldir over, eyebrow still arched if only for the reason to just goad him on. "Yes. Well. What you did manage to get off is a blessing. You looked terrible." He raised his eyes back to Haldir's and smiled genuinely as Haldir regarded him, unsure what to think about that.
But Legolas' smile was hard to resist, try as he may. It seemed to light the very tent. His narrow-eyed skepticism slowly melted into a slight smile of his own, and Legolas took that as reason enough to come over and embrace the injured elf. "I'm glad you're alright... I'm glad you're standing here being stubborn and impossible. If you were any other way, I would be worried," he admitted, his head laying on the taller one's chest as he stared off at nothing in particular.
Haldir looked down to the top of the Greenwood elf's head and reached up to caress a hand over his hair. "I'm glad too," he agreed, "as I am glad that you are safe." He kissed the Prince's hair before looking to Elrohir and offering him a soft smile. It appeared that Legolas wasn't planning on letting go for at least another ten minutes, as he'd closed his eyes.
It was Elrohir who grinned like an idiot at the mention that Haldir looked better than he had earlier. After all, it was -he- who did the cleaning! But his thoughts were brought back to what Legolas had teasingly said. Although he had no qualms with going to such a place with Haldir, he'd rather do so clean and preferably with Legolas present.
Why?
It was getting harder and harder to separate the two in his heart. Each had claimed a good portion of his affection, and the idea of both of them with him warmed his emotions drastically. When Legolas moved to embrace the Marchwarden, he hung back for a few long moments, taking in the sweet scene before him and giving them both some moments just for the both of them before stepping forward and brushing tender fingers over the Mirkwood Prince's back, rubbing in soothing, slow circles.
"I think we're all glad we all survived... though I'd rather not ever go through such a close brush with losing one of you again." A kiss was placed upon the pleasantly soft skin along the slighter archer's cheek as the dark-haired elf moved to stand to Legolas' right... and consequently, Haldir's left. "Though... I think the orcs - if any lived through that night - will think twice before coming near here again. Combined, both of you killed more than a decade's worth of what the men of this village could ever do... Thank you. Again. And I'll probably keep thanking you for quite some time." A faint blush crept over his cheeks at the admission, though it faded a bit as he glanced between the two. Such beauty. He truly was blessed!
"You don't have to thank us, Elrohir," Legolas reminded him, opening his eyes to look at the young Lord, not moving yet to raise his head from the firm skin he had it placed on. He could hear the strong, steady beating of Haldir's heart right now, and it gave him deep comfort. Despite his injury, the Lothlórien elf was as strong as he'd been before.
Haldir combed his fingers through Legolas' gilded hair, watching as it fell evenly over his back. He smelled fresh, like clean water and trees. It was he way he always smelled. It was homely, and comforting, and he was glad he was here.
"Yes. Don't thank us. We were only doing what you would have done for us," Haldir insisted to Elrohir, raising his eyes to look at him. "The people are safe. We are safe. That's what we should be thankful for. Thank the Valar. Not us," he chuckled softly.
Legolas smiled and pulled away from Haldir, only to latch onto Elrohir next, burying his face in his dark hair. "Yes. Thank them. If I am thanked one more time, by one more person, I will go into the woods, up a tree, and shall never come down. It doesn't feel right giving welcome to something I would have done with no thanks." He pressed a kiss to Elrohir's jaw and took a step back, before looking back and forth between them. "Shall we go then? It's a nice little stream. I think you will be happy with it."
Dark lashes lowered in acceptance of both requests given to him, quieting about thanking either Legolas or Haldir any further, though Elrohir's heart was still grateful for their presence. He had only a moment to muse over this before Legolas found his way into his arms. Of course, he graciously accepted, his gentle touch sifting through the gilded locks that mingled with his own. "If you ever went up a tree and refused to come down, I don't know what I'd do. I suppose I must grant you your wish, if that is the case."
Lids drifted open at the kiss that warmed the skin along his jaw, shivering almost imperceptibly before they drew away. He stared at Legolas' face for a few moments longer, marveling at the way the Mirkwood prince's eyes glimmered - the sparkle reminded Elrohir of the crystal blue of a summer sky just before dusk. The regal archer truly was blessed with beauty.
"Getting clean would feel like luxury right about now... Lead the way, Legolas!" the playful cry came once he'd collected the bag of clothing to change into once they *were* rid of the dirt, grime, and dried blood that coated them. Perhaps afterward the little ray of sunshine could show them that place he'd found where they could all be left alone for a little while, no interruptions. It would be nice to have even a few moments alone with the pair... the hobbit-like piles were more than enjoyable than most ideas of how to spend the day; as were the conversations they'd had in them. And there was still so much to discover about these two, even with a good portion of his memory in tact once more.
"I think I have enough dirt on me to form a small country!" A grin was on Elrohir's face as he complained in jest, though he was picking at his tunic, wondering exactly *how* he was going to get all of the blood out, marveling at how Haldir was still alive... not just alive but nearly -well- now, after loosing so much blood as to make a stain of that size. But his gaze drifted to the elf in the lead, letting his mind wander just a bit. How lucky he was to be here ... to have two he dearly loved both within a step from him, merry and almost content. He could not ask for more.
A/N – That's it for now. I have ONE LAST CHAPTER before I run out of pre-written stuff, and I don't know if I'd be able to write it all on my own.
Everyone that's enjoyed this, if you have any inclination toward thoughts that run Haldir-like, PLEASE contact me. Otherwise, after the next chapter, this fic will go on an indefinite hiatus.