Disclaimer: I own nothing Tolkien created.
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Summary: After receiving a cryptic message from Mirkwood, Lord Elrond hurries to the aid of the realm's troubled Crown Prince and discovers that things now are so very different for both of them.
Warning: This story is about a romantic relationship between the two main characters – Elrond and Legolas. It concentrates almost solely on the friendship and comfort side of the relationship and there are no explicit scenes or anything that could really be described as slash. However, if you really don't like that kind of thing then please don't read.
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As You Were
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Chapter 7
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By three in the morning, Elrond was pacing again this time with anxiety. He knew not to expect anything anymore, everything here was so unpredictable but that didn't mean that he had to like it. After what seemed to be a ridiculous amount of time, the door finally opened and a weary-looking Legolas entered with a small smile of greeting.
Elrond looked sharply to the door and before the prince could even speak he rushed forward and pulled Legolas into his arms, holding him close. "Thank the Valar," he breathed in relief.
Legolas stood in Elrond's embrace and asked in confusion, "What's wrong?"
Shaking his head in disbelief at the question, Elrond chuckled against the prince's shoulder. "Nothing. Nothing's wrong. I'm just glad to see you, that's all."
Legolas went to pull back but Elrond wouldn't release him. "Elrond, you really need to release me."
Suddenly pulling back, the Elven Lord asked sharply, "Why, am I hurting you?"
"No but you're starting to scare me," Legolas chuckled.
"I'm sorry."
"You know, maybe you should get some rest."
Finally standing back, Elrond said, "You're kidding right? You look about ready to pass out."
"I'm fine," Legolas assured.
"Of course you are. Do you want something to eat?"
"I'm not really hungry."
"Legolas, you haven't eaten anything all day. At least let me warm you up some soup."
Humouring his friend, Legolas smiled, "All right. Thank you."
"Sit down."
"I can help," Legolas offered.
"Legolas, sit down please." The prince nodded and gingerly sat down on the couch, sitting right on the edge. "So, you're back late," Elrond said from the lounge, trying to make conversation.
"Yes," was all Legolas offered.
Quickly, Elrond warmed a bowl of soup and returned to find Legolas now standing at his father's side, gently running his hand over Thranduil's forehead. For a moment, Elrond waited, not wanting to intrude upon this moment of quiet. After the horror of the day Legolas had just endured he probably needed a minute of peace.
However, Legolas looked up only a minute later, removing his hands. "Don't let me interrupt," Elrond said quickly. "I can wait outside."
Legolas smiled gently, saying, "No, it's all right." He went back to the couch and sat down, this time sitting right back. He took the bowl Elrond offered and started eating only to please his friend. "Are you not having any?" he asked as Elrond sat down next to him.
"No, I'm fine."
"I feel bad sitting here eating with you watching me."
"I don't really have much of an appetite. I ate earlier," Elrond lied, not wanting the prince to worry about him. "Finish your soup." Whilst Legolas concentrated on forcing the food down his throat, Elrond sat in silently, slightly awkward silence at that. He someone looked at Legolas in a different light now, having seen what he was really going through during his absence. He just couldn't get rid of the image of Legolas locked in that cage, being beaten. He didn't think he would ever be able to get that out of his head.
"Are you all right?" Legolas broke the silence.
Startled from his thoughts, Elrond said quickly, "Of course."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I just…" For a long moment, Elrond looked deep into Legolas' eyes. "I just hate this, that's all."
Legolas laid his nearly empty bowl down and lowered his head. "I'm sorry I brought you into all this."
"No!" Elrond exclaimed, taking Legolas' hand in his own. "That's not what I meant. I meant that I hate the situation you're in. I wish I could make it better for you."
The prince smiled gently. "You just being here is helping."
"Really?" Elrond asked doubtfully, looking into Legolas' tired eyes again. "I will get us out of this."
"All right," the younger Elf replied, equally doubtful. "I…" Legolas stopped, cutting himself off.
"You what?" Legolas shook his head though, looking away. "Legolas, what?" Elrond chuckled when still Legolas didn't answer.
"Nothing," the blonde Elf said shyly.
"Tell me, please," Elrond urged with a laugh.
"I…" Legolas took a deep breath and said, "I missed you."
"I've missed you too."
Shaking his head, Legolas clarified, "I mean I really missed you."
Realisation dawned and Elrond understood what Legolas really meant. "Oh," he breathed, releasing Legolas' hands and sitting back a little.
Seemingly simultaneously disappointed and embarrassed, Legolas stood up, going over to the balcony. "I'm sorry, Elrond. I shouldn't have…I'm sorry," he said softly before opening the doors and stepping outside into the cold night air, shaking his head in wonder that he had made such a stupid mistake as to bring all this up again. He shouldn't have said anything at all. Really, he was too tired for all this. He just wanted to sleep. A shudder rippled through him and he swallowed back a sob that rose in his tight, aching chest. The truth was that he had missed Elrond, more than he ever thought possible and not just because of the terrible situation he was now in. Before all this, he'd longed to have Elrond at his side once more. The times they were apart when they remained a couple had been bearable but only because they knew that it wouldn't be too long before they saw each other again. But this, knowing that they were never going to be together again, was even now difficult to stand.
Pressing his hands to his aching eyes, Legolas leant against the railing. When all this horror had started he had promised himself that he wouldn't wallow. All of Mirkwood, its safety, its very survival depended on him. That didn't afford the opportunity to indulge in self pity. He needed to remain strong and thinking of his past with the person he loved was not going to help.
As Legolas worked on shoving aside these long-avoided emotions, Elrond remained seated in the lounge, in shock still at Legolas' words. Of course, he himself had thought about the past, the sometimes lonely present and the positive future but he had always assumed that Legolas had moved on. It was he who had ended it, after all.
As the young prince stood silently out on the balcony, Elrond got to his feet and picked up a blanket from the bottom of the bed where Thranduil laid. He sighed indecisively then nodded sharply, walking out to the balcony. Any surprise or confusion he had felt melted away when he saw the forlorn figure leant against the railing, hands covering his face.
Legolas started from his thoughts when he felt something warm being laid over him and he stood up straight, letting Elrond wrap the blanket fully around him. Although the prince tried to turn around to face Elrond, gentle hands kept him in place and strong, achingly familiar arm wrapped around him. Legolas closed his eyes briefly, letting the combined warmth of the blanket and Elrond's body warm him until the shivers ceased.
Once he'd gained control of himself, Legolas opened his eyes and turned around, suddenly missing the feel of Elrond's arms around him. "I'm sorry, Elrond," he said softly, lowering his eyes.
"Don't be sorry," the older Elf smiled gently.
Legolas shook his head. "No, I shouldn't have said anything. It was stupid of me to even…"
Elrond grabbed Legolas' cold hands from beneath the blanket. "No, Legolas, it wasn't stupid. I'm glad you told me."
The blonde Elf looked up shyly and asked, "You are?"
"Of course," Elrond smiled kindly. "Even when we're not in a relationship you know you can always talk to me about anything." Legolas nodded, looking down again, relieved that his unplanned slip-up hadn't completely scared Elrond away. "Besides, I have to confess…I missed you too." Looking up sharply, Legolas could hardly believe what he had just heard. He thought he should say something but he couldn't think of a single thing. Elrond laughed at the expression on his face. "Don't look so surprised. You didn't think I had forgotten all about you, did you?"
Finally finding his voice again, Legolas answered, "Honestly, I didn't think you had given it any thought at all."
"Of course I have. What we had was…it was very special. I think about it, about us, all the time and I do miss you. I miss us."
"Really?"
"Yes, really."
"I…" Once more he hesitated, not sure if he should say anything more. But when he looked up again Elrond's eyes encouraged him to continue. "I'm…I'm glad."
"That I miss you so much sometimes that it physically hurts to think about it?"
"No!" Legolas exclaimed in horror at the mere thought.
"I was just kidding."
"Oh, sorry."
"Valar, Legolas, stop apologising, please. You don't have to be sorry about telling me the truth."
"No, I meant…I'm sorry for everything. What I did…"
"Legolas…" Elrond started but was interrupted.
"I should never have…I hurt you and I hate that I…"
"Hey, you had concerns and I agreed with you. We both made the choice," Elrond soothed. Holding Legolas' hands tightly and rubbing his thumbs over the backs of Legolas' hands, Elrond told him firmly, "It was not your fault. You were – are – not to blame."
"I…I am so sorry."
"Shh, you don't have to think about any of this right now. Concentrate on what you have to do for Mirkwood, not for me. I can wait," Elrond told him softly.
"Is that what you've been doing? Waiting for me?" the prince asked cautiously. He was still worried about hurting Elrond again or scaring him off but he had to know where he stood.
Taking a step closer, Elrond smiled, replying in a soft voice, "Every single day."
Tears filled Legolas' eyes again and it took him a moment to find his voice again but Elrond waited patiently, knowing that the comment needed a response. Eventually, Legolas managed to force words out of his constricted throat. "Really?" he choked out, the short question making Elrond laugh softly.
"Yes, really," the Elven Lord smiled. Legolas still looked on in disbelief so Elrond stepped closer again and slowly pressed a gentle, tender kiss to Legolas' lips. The prince stood passively, hardly daring to breathe in case even a small movement destroyed this moment, broke this fantasy. When Elrond pulled back he smiled again and laid his hands on Legolas' arms. "Remember to breathe, Legolas." The prince shook his head but did at least follow Elrond's instruction but it came out as a shaky sob. Tears filled his eyes once more but this time they spilled over and slipped down his cheeks. Elrond frowned in alarm and quickly said, "Legolas, I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have done that…"
"No," Legolas interrupted quickly, grabbing hold of Elrond's shirt as if scared he was going to run away suddenly. "Please stay. I…It's not…" He fiercely wiped his tears away, angry at being betrayed by his emotions when he was supposed to remain calm and clear-headed. "I'm sorry. I just…I can't think…"
"Shh, it's all right. I told you, you don't have to think about any of this right now. We can talk later." Legolas nodded, his face crumpling again. He put his hands to his face to hide his tears but felt himself being pulled into a hug. "Hey, it's all right," Elrond said, rubbing Legolas' back gently. Legolas rested his head against Elrond's shoulder, taking a careful breath. "I shouldn't have put this on you right now. You have enough on your mind without me adding to it."
"I'm sorry," Legolas murmured into Elrond's shoulder.
"You don't have to apologise. You're exhausted, you have to sleep, mellon nin."
Legolas pulled back, wiping his face with his sleeves. "I'm just…I can't…"
"You don't have to explain. Come back inside and lie down."
"I'd rather not," the prince said reluctantly.
"Legolas, you have to sleep. Come on, you can't stay awake forever." All this talk of sleep was making Legolas' eyelids feel awfully heavy again and before he knew it a yawn had escaped him, much to Elrond's amusement. He took Legolas' arm and led him back inside, shutting the doors behind him. At his side, Legolas swayed slightly on his feet, suddenly too tired to even think of moving. Perhaps he could just fall asleep right here. "Let's get you back to your rooms so you can rest."
Elrond went to lead Legolas to the door but instead the prince stumbled over to the couch, practically falling on to it. The Lord of Imladris just smiled and walked back over to Legolas. As the young Elf lowered himself back onto the couch, Elrond went to the bed and retrieved a couple of cushions. He placed them against the arm of the sofa.
"Lie down, mellon nin," he encouraged Legolas gently and the prince immediately did as asked, resting back against the sofa cushions with a sigh. Elrond went to the other end of the couch and gently lifted Legolas' feet up onto the sofa for him then very carefully removed his shoes, revealing bruised, swollen skin beneath the too-tight leather. "Ai, Legolas, these really need bandaging up properly," he said, taking a moment to examine them.
"They'll be fine," Legolas murmured, clearly already half asleep.
Elrond gently laid Legolas' feet down on the cushion then returned to the bed to retrieve another blanket. Thranduil could manage with one less covering him and would no doubt wish to sacrifice it for his son's comfort. He laid it over the young prince who murmured something indistinct. Tucking the blanket loosely around Legolas, Elrond smiled gently. He leant forward and placed a soft kiss on Legolas' pasty forehead. He didn't want to disturb the prince though so he left Legolas alone to sleep as he went into the bathroom and washed and changed into clean clothes. Once he had done all that, he made sure that Thranduil was comfortable before he dimmed the lamps and sat down in the armchair opposite Legolas. Pretty soon he had joined the younger Elf in sleep.
When Elrond woke next he blinked against the sunlight that shone in his face. For a moment he remained seated, too warm and comfortable in the old armchair to move. Valar, he had been tired the night before, more so than he realised. Suddenly, however, he remembered where he was and what the light on his face meant: It was morning. He sat up quickly, looking immediately over to the sofa where Legolas had fallen asleep last night. Every other morning since Elrond had arrived Legolas had been taken away before dawn but today, at what Elrond determined to be nearly eight in the morning, the prince remained sound asleep on the couch, totally undisturbed.
Removing the blanket from around himself, Elrond got to his feet and padded over to the sofa. Legolas was laid on his side facing away from Elrond, his head buried deep in the pillow, his arms wrapped around himself. Elrond noticed that his feet remained carefully placed on the cushion as if at some point in the night they had pained him again and he'd made sure they were secure. Elrond very gently pulled the blanket over Legolas again – clearly it had slipped down at some point. The prince didn't even stir at the movement so Elrond backed off, not wanting to disturb him while he was peaceful.
For the rest of the morning, Elrond pottered around the room, dealing with all of Thranduil's needs so Legolas wouldn't have to worry about it. Every so often he looked anxiously to the door. All morning he had been waiting for the knock at the door, summoning Legolas but it remained quiet outside. As the morning wore on, Elrond prepared some food for both himself and Legolas.
As Legolas slept on, hardly even moving, Elrond sat down and quietly ate his lunch. The prince seemed absolutely flat out, totally exhausted. Elrond was glad he was finally sleeping peacefully. He really needed that rest.
It was just as Elrond was replacing the bag of stolen food in the cupboard that Legolas finally stirred. Elrond froze before slowly turning to look at the prince. Just moments later Legolas' eyes fluttered open and he looked around him, blinking against the sunlight. Elrond was instantly at his side, crouching down beside the couch. It took a moment for the prince to clear the blurriness from his eyes and once he had, he looked down to see the dark-haired Elf.
"Hello," Elrond smiled kindly.
"Elrond?" Legolas mumbled drowsily.
"Yes."
Legolas looked around the room then frowned in confusion. Rather gingerly, Legolas pulled himself up into a sitting position, shrugging off Elrond's hand when the elder Elf went to help him. "What time is it?"
"Nearly noon," Elrond replied, moving to sit on the couch by Legolas' legs. "Did I wake you? I was trying to be quiet."
Ignoring Elrond's own question, Legolas asked, "It's midday?" He looked in almost panic at the door. "Elrond, what have you done?" he demanded.
"What? I haven't done anything."
"You didn't tell them anything?" he asked sternly.
"Legolas, I haven't said or done anything, I swear. No one has come by all morning," Elrond defended himself, trying hard not to be offended by Legolas' tone. He knew it was just concern, not genuine annoyance.
A long pause followed as Legolas considered this. Then he asked, "No one came?"
"No."
"You didn't send anyone away?"
"No."
"That makes no sense," Legolas mused.
"It's the truth."
Legolas finally looked over at him and his face softened. "I believe you. I'm sorry."
"It's all right," Elrond smiled, laying his hand on Legolas' arm. "Sit back." Legolas did so, sinking back against the cushions with a sigh. "How are you feeling?"
"All right," the prince replied, still distracted.
"Mellon nin, look at me," Elrond instructed, laying the palm of his hand against Legolas' cheek to gain his attention and Legolas' eyes finally met the older Elf's. "It's going to be all right." Legolas smiled slightly at him and took a moment to take a deep but careful breath. "You slept well?"
"Very well. Perhaps even too well."
"No such thing. I'm glad you're feeling a little better. Now, there is some food left over; would you like something to eat?"
Legolas shook his head. "I'm not hungry, thank you."
"You haven't had anything to eat in ages. You need to keep your strength up," Elrond encouraged, letting his hand drop down.
"I don't understand this."
"Well, if you don't eat food, after a while…"
"Don't jest, this isn't funny," Legolas snapped in frustration.
"I am not joking with you, Legolas. Come, lie down and go back to sleep if you insist on eating nothing." Legolas looked to the door anxiously. "Make the most of the opportunity, Legolas. Rest while you can. Go on. I promise I'll wake you if anyone comes to the door."
"I don't like this," Legolas muttered darkly. "It doesn't feel right."
"How do you mean?" Elrond asked, now serious again. Legolas knew far more about Mirkwood's situation than he did, after all. If he thought something was wrong then it quite possibly was.
Sighing, Legolas shook his head and said helplessly, "I don't know. Maybe I am just imagining things." He glanced up at Elrond and forced a smile onto his face. "I'm sorry, Elrond, I didn't mean to snap."
"Don't worry. Just go back to sleep. You'll be able to think more clearly after you get some rest."
Although clearly still concerned about these new circumstances he found himself in, Legolas slowly laid back down. Elrond stood up so he was out of the way and laid the blanket back over him even though by now the room had warmed up significantly. Legolas sighed in comfort as he laid his head back on the pillow. He had to admit that this was the most comfortable he had been in a long time, even given that his chest hurt and his feet throbbed terribly. His whole body felt stiff from having been laid still in the same position for so long but the warmth surrounding him helped to east that. Carefully, he pulled the blanket tight around him. He had hoped to remain awake to further think upon their situation but within moments he found himself drifting off into sleep.
No guards or servants came by the king's rooms for the rest of the day so Legolas managed to sleep for a good, long while, but to Elrond it didn't look to be the same peaceful rest the prince had enjoyed last night and earlier that morning. He shifted constantly on the couch as if uncomfortable. Perhaps in his slightly lighter sleep he felt his injuries more, which concerned Elrond. Under normal circumstances if a patient had overdosed on a powerful stimulant and had needed to be resuscitated Elrond would have them on complete bed rest and under constant supervision from a well-trained healer. Unfortunately, Elrond didn't have that option here. Legolas needed to remain mobile. Really, he should have been off his feet resting but Elrond very much doubted that even if the Men controlling Mirkwood would allow it then Legolas himself would never agree. Elrond knew the prince would not just sit back passively whilst his people suffered. Even if he had been given the option Legolas would choose his people over his own comfort or safety without a second thought. It was one of his redeeming features that Elrond both loved and hated in equal measure.
It was this unrelenting selfishness that in the end had driven them apart. Legolas had been called home on duty and of course he had gone without question or hesitation. With Mirkwood under almost constant attack from Orcs and Giant Spiders, the king had summoned his only son and heir back to his home to return to guard duty. In truth, Elrond had been more worried about the one he loved than really angry. He had asked Legolas not to leave, had tried to convince the younger Elf that it wasn't time to return to Mirkwood yet. He'd been furious when Legolas had refused and he had offered the prince an ultimatum: stay, or leave and never come back.
Of course, Legolas had left. And Elrond had ended it. In his mind for those first few months Legolas had been responsible for the split. He had walked away during the only time they ever really got to spend together undisturbed by family, friends, or duty. They had always had so little time with each other so every moment was precious to them. But Legolas had left, abandoned their relationship, seemingly without even glancing back.
For long months, Elrond had waited for a letter from Legolas, perhaps containing an apology or explanation or even a grovelling 'please take me back'. But nothing had come and of course Elrond had sent no word to Mirkwood. Instead he had stewed in his anger for nearly a year before the striking realisation had come and he realised just how thoughtless he had been. Of course Legolas had wanted to stay in Rivendell with his love. Many times over their years together he had spoken to Elrond of his longing to live forever in Imladris away from the oppressive duty and danger of his homeland. When Elrond had asked why it had to merely remain a dream, Legolas had smiled wistfully and said that he could not abandon his father or his people to their fate whilst he possessed the capacity to fight for them. And the prince was right. Elrond himself would never forsake Imladris to satisfy his own desires no matter how strong they were.
Over time after Legolas' departure, after having time to cool down and really consider it, Elrond realised that his words had been said out of concern and not anger. He feared for Legolas' life in the dark forest fighting evil that even the very best of guards feared. How could he possibly be angry at Legolas for doing the right thing? He'd always known how much Legolas loved his people and how much they loved him in return.
Unfortunately, by the time Elrond had come to this realisation it was all too late. He later found out that the reason Legolas had not written to him had been because he'd been on patrol in the forest, fighting hard to keep the darkness away from Thranduil's palace stronghold. After that, only Thranduil's occasional formal letter brought Elrond news of Mirkwood. The day he'd gotten a letter from Mirkwood, nearly eighteen months after Legolas had gone home, telling him that the prince had returned safely to the stronghold, Elrond had sat in his office and cried in relief. He hadn't realised until that point that every single day he had dreaded news that his soul mate had been killed. To know he was alive and safe had lifted such a weight off his chest.
He had so wanted to write to Legolas and apologise after that but he kept putting it off, waiting for a letter from the prince but none came, which Elrond should really have anticipated as it had been him who had said not to contact him again. As the months dragged on, Elrond received several messages from Thranduil asking discreetly if something had happened between the pair. Apparently, Legolas was being extremely secretive about the whole thing – or perhaps, Elrond reasoned, he just wasn't that bothered.
After a couple of years though even a concerned Thranduil had stopped writing and Elrond had given up all hope of ever seeing Legolas again. Yet here he was, in Mirkwood, where he'd never imagined he would be welcome again and all those long-buried feeling had resurfaced. In truth, his affection for the prince had never really gone away. And, much to his amazement, Legolas seemed to share this sentiment. Not that his words really meant all that much at the moment, the prince's mind was so muddled that there was no way he could be thinking straight.
No, Elrond was resolved not to get his hopes up just yet. Later, when all this was resolved and Legolas had recovered, perhaps they could discuss this further. For now though, Legolas needed to concentrate on his own predicament and Elrond needed to work on helping him. If nothing else the prince deserved that.
Elrond was interrupted from his reverie by a sudden moan from the couch and he opened his eyes to find Legolas shifting restlessly beneath his blanket. However, he remained asleep so Elrond left him to it. Clearly, the young Elf was dreaming but in Elrond's eyes so long as he was asleep it was good enough.
For the next fifteen minutes or so the prince tossed and turned in bed.
Suddenly though he froze and his eyes snapped open, his mouth open in a silent shout. It took a moment for Legolas to reorient himself and calm his ragged breathing. When he looked around he found Elrond crouched by the couch, a look of genuine concern on his face. Legolas released the painful breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding and sank back against the pillows. Only then did Legolas realise that he was trembling a covered in a cold sweat.
"Are you all right?" Elrond asked softly after giving the young prince a moment to recover himself a little.
Legolas nodded and pulled himself up into a sitting position. "Yes." He ran trembling fingers through his hair and explained shakily, "It was just a dream." He then looked over to Elrond and gave him a weak smile, saying, "Or rather, a nightmare."
"Would you like to talk about it?"
Legolas shook his head gently. "I'm fine, thank you."
"Are you certain?" the Elven Lord asked as Legolas shoved the blanket off of himself and sat up properly. "Do you need anything?"
Shaking his head again, Legolas got to his feet, saying, "Only the bathroom but you can't help with that."
"No," Elrond chuckled, also getting to his feet.
After briefly checking on his father on the way past, Legolas went into the bathroom and closed the door softly behind him. The moment he was out of reach of Elrond's all-seeing gaze, his mask of indifference fell away and his features crumpled. He laid his hands over his face, trying to keep control of his emotions. Although he had told Elrond that he was fine, in truth the images invading his restless sleep had really shaken him up.
Pushing himself away from where he was leaning against the door, Legolas stumbled over to the sink and started the cold water running. He splashed water onto his face and took a deep breath to calm his nerves. He shouldn't be reacting like this. He needed to stay strong, not fall apart.
But those frightening, disturbing images lingered in his mind even now, refusing to leave despite him actively trying to forget. In his dream he had seen his kingdom in flames, his enslaved people standing frozen and unmoving as the flames engulfed them. And Elrond also stood stock still in the Throne Room, completely encircled by the humans controlling Mirkwood's people. Legolas was watching all this from his tiny, cramped cage and could do nothing as the leader of the Men positioned a glistening blade to Elrond's throat and dragged it across, resulting in a fountain of blood. The fire then consumed Elrond and he dropped to the ground and Legolas was left all alone in his kingdom at the mercy of the cruel Men.
Mercifully, he had woken before it could go any further but the awful images still haunted him. In fact, he thought it would have been better if he had dreamed of bad things happening to himself rather than people he loved.
Once he had gained enough control to stand convincingly steady before Elrond, Legolas stood up straight, ran his hands over his shirt in a futile attempt to smooth out the wrinkles then went to the door. Elrond was waiting for him, perched on Thranduil's bed but he stood up when Legolas returned to the room.
"I laid out some food for you. You should try and eat a little of it," the Elven Lord said immediately.
Not wanting an argument, Legolas sat down and started picking at a wafer of bread. He didn't have any appetite, he was too disturbed by his dream and too tired to care whether he ate or not. At this thought, Legolas looked up at the window, surprised to find that it was already evening.
"You let me sleep all day," Legolas accused, looking to Elrond seriously.
"You were exhausted," the healer defended, moving to sit at Legolas' side on the couch. "Besides, you looked far too peaceful to disturb; for most of the day, anyway."
Legolas nodded in acceptance but still asked, "Still no sign of the guards? No one came?"
"No."
Pushing his plate aside and shaking his head, Legolas said, "It's odd."
"Maybe they're just waiting for nightfall."
"Yes, maybe."
"Legolas, why do you seem almost disappointed that no one came?" Elrond asked in confusion, not understanding Legolas' thinking.
"I'm not disappointed, I'm confused. They have a pattern, I don't like it that they're deviating," the prince explained.
"Well, perhaps it's because of me. Maybe they were getting worried that I'm growing suspicious that you're never here so they're giving you a break."
"Why now?"
"I don't know but you're being given a chance to rest so I think you should take advantage of it."
"I still don't like it," Legolas told him.
With a small smile, Elrond softly said, "I know you don't."
Sighing heavily, the prince shook his head as if giving up on attempting to explain the actions of the Men. "Perhaps you're right. Worrying about it isn't going to change it."
"Excellent philosophy."
"I think I might take a bath."
"Good idea," Elrond enthused, standing with Legolas.
"You'll stay here?" Legolas asked as he walked to the front door.
"Where are you going? There's a bath just through there."
"I'm going to get some clean clothes from my rooms. I'll use my bathroom."
"Will you be all right?"
Legolas smiled gently at his friend's concern and nodded. "I'll be fine." Elrond returned the smile but found that he had to bite his tongue against offering his help again. He couldn't help but want to ensure that Legolas wasn't in any more pain than he absolutely had to be. But he also knew that his offers would be useless anyway; Legolas was far too proud to accept help unless he had no other choice. Even so, the kindly, trained healer side of Elrond felt compelled to offer. Seeing as it would only make Legolas uncomfortable though he refrained from saying it and instead turned his attention to the king. At least he had nothing to complain about, had no choice but to accept help. But Elrond supposed that if Thranduil were awake he would be just as reluctant as his son to be made to appear so weak and helpless.
After Elrond had changed the king's sheets and checked that his vital signs remained stable, Elrond sat down in the chair beside the bed and picked up a book to read to entertain himself until Legolas returned. He needed some distraction from his growing claustrophobia. He'd been stuck in the same corridor for about a week now without anything to really break the relentless monotony. It didn't help that for most of the time the only noise was Thranduil's soft breathing. There was no chatter from the hallways, no cheering or shouting from the gardens below. Even the servants were silent when they did come by. The only person he had spoken to since his arrival was Legolas and he had not been particularly chatty.
Elrond swallowed back the sudden urge to swing the doors open and go out into the forest and stand out in the fresh air beneath the stars. He had promised to remain here and so he would. Legolas didn't need anything further to worry about. Unfortunately though, Elves were just not made to be trapped indoors for any extended period of time. They needed the sun- and star-light to exist; they needed the communion with nature. To be deprived of that became almost painful after a while, it darkened their souls, stripped them of their internal light.
Of course, Legolas was no different. How he had survived this long without serious damage was beyond Elrond. The prince may have been slightly more used to this closeted feeling than Elrond, having grown up in a palace essentially carved from the mountainside, but even so the confinement must have been difficult. Legolas might have lived his entire adult life surrounded and often threatened by shadow but he still needed the light – hence his previously frequent visits to Imladris.
Elrond once more became so wrapped up in his thoughts that more time than he had estimated had passed by and when he looked up the room had significantly darkened so that he could hardly see the words written in the book that remained unread on his lap. Then he realised that it was late and that Legolas had still not returned. Snapping the think, leather-bound book closed, Elrond stood up, laying the useless volume at the end of Thranduil's bed before going to the door. Surely it didn't take this long for Legolas to have a bath and return. The Elven Lord of Rivendell took a deep breath to calm himself and reasoned that most likely Legolas had gotten out of the bath and crawled into bed to sleep some more. He could not, however, get the idea out of his head that Legolas needed him somehow.
Deciding to risk the prince's anger at his disobedience, Elrond carefully pulled the door open and peered out down the torch-lit corridor. The two guards remained outside the door but still didn't react to Elrond's presence, so he stepped out and, closing the door carefully behind him, made his way along the hallway to Legolas' door. Again, the two guards outside this room paid him no heed and he entered Legolas' sitting room without bothering to knock, not wanting to disturb Legolas if he had fallen asleep. The room was dark and quiet though so Elrond went into the equally dark bedroom. Disappointment pounded in his chest when he found that the bed was empty and unslept in. Lastly, he went to the half-open bathroom door and tapped on it softly, hoping that Legolas had indeed merely lost track of time. When he entered though, he found this room empty as well.
Clearly, Legolas had come here as the bath was full of now cold water. No clothes were folded or scattered around so Elrond couldn't be sure if the prince had been given the opportunity to unwind in the once warm water.
Sighing, Elrond returned to the bedroom and perched on the edge of the bed, whispering, "Legolas." Just for a while there he had believed that everything was going to be all right but now the dream had been shattered and his thoughts thrown into turmoil once again.
To Be Continued…