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 8
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Upon returning to the king's room, Elrond had to wait almost a full twenty-four hours before the door finally opened and Legolas entered, bearing the familiar, down-trodden look he wore after returning from the clutches of the cruel Men. When Elrond saw Legolas in the doorway, he leapt up from his chair and rushed over to greet the young prince.
"Legolas! Thank the Valar!" the Lord of Imladris exclaimed, dragging Legolas into his arms and holding the tense prince tightly.
"What's wrong?" Legolas asked with a slightly breathless chuckle.
"What's…Are you kidding? You went for a quick bath and just disappeared for a whole day. I was worried," Elrond said, his voice a mixture of concern and irritation.
"I'm sorry," the prince sincerely said against Elrond's shoulder.
Pulling away, Elrond forced a shaky smile onto his face. "It's not your fault. I didn't mean to…I'm sorry." He reached his hand up and laid his palm against Legolas' cheek. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine," Legolas said automatically. "There is something I have to do though." He almost reluctantly pulled away from his old friend and started for the door.
"Where are you going?"
"Just…to do something. I'll be back in a moment."
"That's what you said last time," the dark-haired Elf pointed out.
Legolas considered this for a moment then stepped back over to Elrond and much to the Rivendell Elf's astonishment, pressed a deep kiss onto his lips. Too shocked to respond or react in any way, Elrond just stood dumbly until Legolas pulled away. "I'll be right back." Before Elrond could speak, Legolas had gone again, leaving him doubting if that had just happened.
Legolas, meanwhile, hurried back to his own room and went straight into the bathroom, slamming the door closed behind him. Immediately he sank to his knees, gritting his teeth in pain. Shakily, he reached his right hand up to place it on his left shoulder, wincing at even the slight touch. It took him a couple of minutes to sufficiently regain his calm to do what was needed next. Straightening out, Legolas single-handedly unbuttoned his tunic and eased it over his shoulders. Tears of pain stung his tired eyes as he pulled the tunic off over his dislocated left shoulder.
He supposed that he really should have asked Elrond to help him with this. The Lord of Imladris was indeed a master healer, after all. He would know what to do. Fortunately, years of being on patrol in the Mirkwood forest had afforded Legolas some healing experience so he was pretty sure he could put his shoulder back in place.
Carefully, he pulled his shirt over his head, biting his lip to keep back a shout of pain. He shifted towards the bathtub, leaning against it slightly. Taking a couple of deep breaths, Legolas braced himself for what was coming. Praying that he would not pass out from the upcoming pain, Legolas shoved his shoulder against the bath at what he hoped was the correct angle. He felt the grinding of the bones as they moved against each other and he then heard the sickening pop. Unsurprisingly and despite his best efforts, a cry left his throat.
Covered in cold sweat and trembling all over, the prince felt himself sliding down to lie on the cold floor. As the intense, sharp pain slowly dissolved into a deep ache, Legolas closed his eyes and continued to breathe deeply in an attempt to get rid of the stars that had crept into the edges of his vision. Nausea rose in his throat but he swallowed it back. He had too much to do; he couldn't afford to pass out now, even though the prospect of oblivion seemed all too appealing.
It took the prince a few minutes before he could open his eyes and another few before he could get up again. First, he pulled himself back up into a sitting position and reached out to take his shirt with him when he finally managed to get to his feet again. He carefully pulled the shirt back on and buttoned it up, whimpering softly at the pain. Not only did his shoulder hurt fiercely but all his other wounds and in particular his chest was hurting as well, making him feel utterly miserable. The fact that he was starting to feel lightheaded from exhaustion didn't help either. Once more, he swallowed back his sobs and instead concentrated on what he had to do next. No doubt Elrond was already starting to worry about him again so he had to get back as soon as possible.
Before that though, he ran the cold water tap and washed his sweat-covered face. He still felt dizzy and nauseous but there wasn't a whole lot he could do about that. Just as he was about to leave though he was forced to dash back to the basin where he vomited back what little there was in his stomach. The heaving hurt his chest but at least once he was finished his stomach felt a little more settled. Once he was certain he wasn't going to be sick again, Legolas cleaned up and went to the door once more.
This time he actually made it back to his father's room although his legs felt weak beneath him and the room span slightly. Of course, Elrond was waiting for him and had laid out some food and tea on the table for them both. The mere thought of eating made Legolas feel queasy again and he quickly looked away, fearing his stomach would revolt again.
"Are you all right?" Elrond asked with a frown when he saw the young prince.
Smiling shakily, Legolas said, "You keep asking me that." He had meant to use the quip to lighten the mood but his voice was far too weak and scratchy to sound at all convincing.
Elrond's frown deepened at this and he walked over to the prince. "I made us something to eat. Are you hungry?"
The prince paled further at this and shook his head, having to swallow back his nausea again. "I don't think so, thank you."
"Are you feeling all right? You look awfully pale." Stepping closer, Elrond added, "And you're trembling. Legolas, what's the matter?"
"Nothing. I'm fine."
"You're not fine; you look like you're about to pass out. Come and sit down."
"Really, I'm all right."
"Are you sure?" Legolas nodded, wishing the room would cease its spinning so he could actually stand steady. "Very well, as long as you're certain. You're sure I can't tempt you with some food?"
"No. Actually, I…" Legolas cut himself off and had to make a sudden dash to his father's bathroom. It didn't make any sense that he should still be getting sick; there couldn't have been anything left inside him. He wanted to close the door so Elrond wouldn't have to witness this but he was having enough trouble breathing through the pain and tightness in his chest.
"Take a breath, mellon nin," Elrond's calming voice came from behind him and he felt a gentle hand being laid on the small of his back. Surprisingly, he found that he was actually glad for Elrond's presence, especially when the dizziness came back with a vengeance and he all but collapsed against Elrond's strong body behind him. Gently, Elrond lowered him to the floor, himself kneeling down and letting Legolas rest back against him. "All right, Legolas," he soothed, laying one hand against the prince's forehead. "Valar, you're burning up," the healer exclaimed softly, reaching up and snatching a flannel off the side of the bath tub and soaking it in cold water before wringing it out and dabbing at Legolas' face. The prince whimpered slightly at the cold touch. "Shh, it's all right."
"Don't…" Legolas murmured, lifting his hand to bat away Elrond's. In his, frankly barely conscious, state he forgot about his shoulder but was reminded of it when sharp pain stabbed up and down his arm and across his chest. A sharp cry left his lips and he pulled his arm close again.
"What…?" Elrond undid the top couple of buttons on Legolas' shirt, noting the still-present bruising on the prince's chest and then the darker bruising on his shoulder. Having seen this kind of injury before, Elrond recognised it instantly. "Legolas, I need to take a look at this. Let's get you off this floor." Already realising that Legolas probably wouldn't be able to get up on his own right then, Elrond very gently lifted him up off the floor.
Really he would have liked a bed to lie the prince down on but he didn't think the proud young prince would want to be carried around the corridors in front of the Human-controlled guards. So he carefully carried him into the lounge and placed him on the sofa, slightly larger than the one in the bedroom. Legolas moaned softly but didn't attempt to get up as Elrond thought he would.
"All right, let's take a look at you," the Elven Lord said kindly, peeling back Legolas' shirt. As soon as he went to touch Legolas' shoulder, the prince's hand shot out to stop him. Elrond took the hand though and lowered it back onto the couch, saying, "I know this might hurt but I have to check this. Just try and stay still for me." At this, Legolas' eyes opened again and he looked up blearily at the healer.
Elrond gently probed the shoulder, concentrating hard to ensure that the joint had indeed been put back in place correctly. Clearly, the young Elf had done it himself but seemed to have done an adequate job. Normally, he would have insisted that Legolas wear a sling for this kind of injury but he knew that the prince would never allow it.
"Why didn't you tell me about this?" Elrond asked, very gently lowering Legolas' arm back down.
"I didn't want to worry you," the younger Elf said in a weak voice.
"Don't be ridiculous. I'm a healer; it's my job to worry about people. I want to know if you're hurt so I can help."
Legolas nodded but flushed a little. "I don't like it."
"I know you don't," Elrond smiled kindly, stroking Legolas' hot forehead comfortingly. "I'm just going to find you something to bring that fever down."
"Ada?" the prince questioned.
"Your father is fine. You have to stop worrying about him. Be concerned with yourself for a change. Now, do not move, do you hear?" Legolas nodded so Elrond hurried into the bedroom and retrieved the herbs from their hiding place in the cupboard. He didn't have all the correct ingredients but he could easily improvise. When he returned to the lounge though he found Legolas now sat up on the sofa. "I thought I just told you not to move." Legolas looked up at him with bleary eyes. "Are you all right?" The prince didn't reply, so Elrond laid his hand against his arm and said, "Come on, lie back."
Legolas did as he was told, this time holding back a moan that threatened to accompany the flash of pain. At least some of his sense was starting to return to him as his head cleared a little.
"Chew on these for a minute and then swallow," the Lord instructed, handing Legolas the herbs he'd gathered.
"What are they?" Legolas asked.
"It's just for your fever, that's all. Don't worry, they won't make you drowsy." With this assurance, Legolas did as Elrond advised, hoping the herbs would at least clear a little of the dizziness. "You should start to feel better soon. Try to sleep in the meantime."
"Thank you," the prince said softly, letting his head fall back against the pillows.
"You're welcome." The Lord of Rivendell went to pull Legolas' shoes off but the prince pulled back.
"No, please don't touch…" he pleaded.
"All right, I won't. Just relax. Sleep, mellon nin," Elrond soothed kindly. He quickly went into the bedroom and picked up the blanket that Legolas had used before, then went into the living room where Legolas had already fallen asleep again. He laid the blanket gently over him then retreated, leaving the prince to sleep. The young Elf deserved to rest for a while.
In truth, seeing Legolas unwell was unsettling for even the experienced healer. Even when he was injured, Legolas always kept up the pretence that he was 'fine' and Elrond had come to just accept that answer. So when the blonde Elf was so obviously unwell as he was right now it came as a surprise. Of course he didn't mind looking after the prince. In fact, he rather liked it. To have the usually annoyingly independent Elf rely on him felt like an honour, a privilege.
Sometime not long before dawn, a soft bang woke Elrond from a sleep he hadn't realised he'd fallen into. The room was dark and slightly chilled but he quickly lit a candle and looked around the room. His eyes went first to the bed where Thranduil slept soundly. Elrond's attention was then drawn to the balcony doors and he saw that they were open a crack. Getting silently to his feet, Elrond walked over to the doors, pausing to pick up his knife on the way through. His heart pounded in his chest even though he had a good idea who was out there.
His suspicions were confirmed when he quietly eased the door open and peered outside. Legolas was leaning against the railing, looking out over the dark forest. Slipping the knife under his belt, Elrond stepped outside and closed the door behind him to keep the warmth inside.
"Legolas?" he called softly. "What are you doing out here?"
Without looking across, Legolas answered vaguely, "I couldn't sleep."
"I don't believe that," Elrond chuckled, coming at last to Legolas' side. When the prince didn't respond to him at all, Elrond gently slipped his arm around the Legolas' back. "Come back indoors, mellon nin. It's cold out here."
"I can't sleep," Legolas repeated in a whisper, almost as though speaking only to himself.
In an equally soft voice, Elrond replied, "You don't have to sleep if you don't want. Just come and lie down. Please, mellon nin, you're not well."
"Why can't I do it?"
"Do what?" Elrond asked after a moment, confused by the question.
Legolas sighed softly, discreetly using the sleeve of his shirt to wipe away the tears that had managed to escape his stinging eyes. "Nothing," he breathed shakily.
The Elven Lord lifted his own hand, taking Legolas' and holding it tightly. "Talk to me, Legolas, please."
A tremor rippled through Legolas and he choked back a sob, leaning forward and covering his eyes with his hand. He felt Elrond's warm hand rubbing his back kindly but mercifully nothing was said. A moment later, Legolas stood up straight and laid his head against Elrond's shoulder, still trembling softly. Immediately, Elrond gently wrapped his arms around the prince and held him close. Legolas wrapped one arm around the Elven Lord and buried his face in Elrond's shoulder.
Stroking blonde hair gently, Elrond whispered, "It's all right, mellon nin."
Legolas turned his head so he was looking out at the forest and loosened his one-armed grip on Elrond. "I'm sorry," he choked out.
"You don't have to be sorry," Elrond smiled kindly.
"I'm tired," the prince breathed.
"I know."
After a couple of minutes' silence, Legolas pulled away so he could look up at the Elven Lord. Elrond smiled at him and kindly wiped his tears away with steady fingers. Legolas let him do all that but then moved closer, pausing only briefly to check that Elrond wasn't about to protest, then leaned in to kiss the startled Elven Lord gently. Although Legolas feared that Elrond would react badly, he found that after a moment the dark-haired Elf melted into the kiss. He was gentle at first but as their passionate need for each other escalated, Elrond snaked his arm around Legolas' waist and instinctively pulled him close, holding onto him a little too tightly.
Immediately, Legolas' eyes snapped open, his breath taken from him as the pain shot through his chest and shoulder. Almost instantly, Elrond pulled away, realising what he had just done. Legolas bent over with a moan of pain.
"I'm so sorry," Elrond exclaimed, holding Legolas up whilst he regained his breath.
Once Legolas had straightened up again he forced a shaky smile onto his lips. "It's all right," he assured, trying to keep his voice steady.
"No, it's not all right. I'm sorry. Maybe you should lie down."
"Really, I'm fine."
"Stop saying you're fine. After everything you've been through I don't expect you to be fine. I would be extremely surprised if you were, actually." Elrond ran his fingers through Legolas' untidy hair then place the palm of his hand against his forehead. "At least your fever has disappeared. How is the nausea now?"
Legolas shook his head slightly to rid his forehead of Elrond's hand and said, "You are spoiling the mood a little."
"Sorry but I worry," Elrond laughed softly.
"And I appreciate it," the prince smiled slightly, leaning against Elrond once more and laying his head against the Elven Lord's shoulder. "I've really missed you."
"Me too."
"Elrond…"
"No, don't," the older Elf said, interrupting before Legolas could say anything. "Now isn't the time to be discussing this. Right now I really think we need to get you to a bed. You must be exhausted. Come on, we can pick this up again later if you want to."
"I do," Legolas said instantly and without even a slight hint of hesitation.
"Good. Come, let's return to your rooms. There is still an hour or so before dawn, maybe you can sleep for a while."
Realising that he wasn't going to win an argument with Elrond on this, Legolas nodded and let the older Elf lead him through his father's room and down the corridor to his own bedroom. Whilst Elrond lit the fire, the prince sat down on the bed with a sigh. Suddenly he felt tired again; so tired that he could have fallen asleep where he sat.
"Lie down," Elrond encouraged, gently guiding Legolas back to lie down on the pillow. "Do you want me to find you some clean clothes to wear?"
"I just want to sleep," Legolas breathed, closing his eyes.
He felt Elrond sit down on the bed and agree, "Of course." There was a short silence during which Legolas had already started to drift off when Elrond broke the quiet. "Legolas?"
"Mmmm?" the prince murmured.
Elrond sighed deeply then said, "Nothing."
Biting back his own sigh, Legolas opened his eyes and blinked up at Elrond. "What is it?"
Suddenly, Elrond felt sorry for disturbing the young Elf but Legolas was watching him with a steely gaze, telling him without words that now he'd started he had no choice but to continue. So Elrond lowered his eyes from Legolas' and said in an almost nervous voice, "It's just…I don't think I've told you that I'm sorry. Some of the things I said before you left were unforgivable. I didn't understand then why you had to go."
"And now?" Legolas asked quietly.
Elrond considered this, choosing his words carefully. "I know why you had to return to Mirkwood and I know why you didn't send me word. I was just angry then. I'm sorry."
"You weren't entirely at fault," Legolas offered. "I didn't exactly break the news gently to you."
"Perhaps we can agree that we were both to blame then," Elrond smiled.
"Good idea," the prince sighed, letting his eyes fall closed again.
"You know that I…I never stopped…that is, I still…" As Legolas opened his eyes again, Elrond took a steadying breath and started again. "I still love you."
Suddenly, Legolas was more alert, his eyes open wide. "You…? Really?"
Elrond laughed softly at the response. "Yes, really. And maybe when all this is over we could perhaps think about starting again."
For a long moment Legolas openly stared at him as if in disbelief. "I…"
Then much to Elrond's surprise – or horror – tears pooled in the prince's tired blue eyes. The Elven Lord laid his hand against Legolas' cheek and said, "Oh, mellon nin, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you."
Legolas shook his head softly and quickly wiped away his tears. "No, you didn't," he insisted shakily. "I…I'm sorry." Elrond went to tell him that he had nothing to apologise for but Legolas suddenly sat up in bed and before Elrond knew it, Legolas had pressed his lips to Elrond's in a strong kiss.
For a moment, Elrond remained too startled to react but then he gently pressed himself closer to the young Elf, moving his lips against Legolas' with practised ease. But after a couple of minutes they both pulled away. Laughing softly, Elrond said, "All right. So I should take that as a 'yes' then?"
"I have thought of nothing for the past eighty years."
"Truly?"
"Of course. You didn't honestly think I could just forget about us."
"Well, I wasn't sure. I never heard from you."
"I…I couldn't…"
Elrond smiled reassuringly, running his hand softly up and down Legolas' arm. "Sh, we don't have to talk about all this right this minute. Once all this is over we will have plenty of time to discuss everything."
Legolas nodded gratefully. "Thank you."
"Right, now you need to sleep."
The blonde Elf glanced out the window then back to Elrond. "There is no point, it is almost dawn." He half expected Elrond to complain or insist that he sleep but the older Elf just nodded. There was a long silence that turned uncomfortable as the thought of what he was going to ask next entered Legolas' mind. "Elrond?"
"Yes?"
"Would you…?"
"Would I what?" Elrond prompted when Legolas failed to complete the sentence.
Shifting slightly closer, Legolas asked in a soft voice, "Will you…will you make love to me?" As if things couldn't get any more surprising for Elrond that night, Legolas came out with that request. He found that he couldn't form a response and he saw Legolas' cheeks flush in embarrassment. "I'm sorry. Please, forget I…forget that I ever asked. I'm sorry," the young prince stuttered quickly, already starting to climb off the bed as if desperate to run away from the situation he had created for himself.
However, Elrond took his arm to stop him leaving. "No, Legolas, wait."
"I'm sorry."
"Stop being sorry. It's not that I don't want to but I just don't think you're up to it."
"Excuse me?"
"No offence but you really do look terrible, melleth nin," Elrond said lightly.
"Thank you," the prince muttered sarcastically, offended by the comment.
"I didn't mean it like that," Elrond placated. "I just meant that you really need to rest."
"I'm fine."
"Legolas…"
"I don't care about that. I just…I need you," Legolas breathed, pressing a brief kiss to Elrond's admittedly willing lips.
Smoothing Legolas' hair back with his hands, Elrond said softly, "I don't want to hurt you."
"You won't. I trust you."
Elrond shook his head and said, "No, Legolas. Please, be reasonable. I won't add to the pain I know that you're in. We don't have to rush into this; we'll have plenty of time to pick this up later." Although he looked a little rejected, Legolas nodded, actually seeing the wisdom in Elrond's reasoning. "Good, now lie down. For me." Legolas sighed but did as Elrond asked and the Elven Lord laid a blanket over him. Bending forward and pressing a kiss onto Legolas' warm forehead, Elrond whispered, "Go to sleep. I'll be right here when you wake."
"Will you lay with me?" the prince asked more reluctantly this time.
But he needn't have worried because Elrond smiled pleasantly and immediately kicked his shoes off, whispering, "Of course." He lay down next to the blonde Elf but didn't dare wrap his arms around him for fear of hurting him any more. Legolas smiled over at him but after just a minute his eyes fell closed. Elrond gently stroked a stray lock of hair from Legolas' face then settled back to watch him sleep. He had missed this closeness and despite his better judgement, his thoughts wandered to Legolas' previous request. Yes, he had certainly missed that part too.
To Legolas it seemed like mere moments before Elrond was carefully shaking him awake. He woke begrudgingly, annoyed that his friend had forced him into sleep when it would have been very slightly less miserable to have not gone to bed at all. Still half asleep, he muttered goodbye to Elrond and followed the maid down the corridor.
Meanwhile, Elrond settled down into what had now become almost a routine. He saw to Thranduil then sat down to consider their situation. The silence had almost become natural for him by now and he only felt a slight niggle of claustrophobia. Not that he didn't long to have Legolas with him. He didn't like the prospect of his closest friend getting hurt whilst he sat doing nothing of value. Part of him longed to get out of this room and stop this madness for good but the other part of him couldn't let anything happen to Legolas and the prince needed him here right then. That didn't mean it was easy though.
It was once more late when the door opened and a weary Legolas shuffled inside, turning to close the door behind him. Elrond frowned when the prince didn't turn back or move at all. Concerned, the older Elf stepped over to him and laid his hand on his back, softly asking, "Are you all right, mellon nin?" The prince didn't make any attempt to answer and so Elrond moved to the side. "Legolas? Do you want to come and lay down?" he asked in a quiet, sympathetic voice.
Still Legolas didn't answer so Elrond left him to it for a moment and eventually the prince pushed himself away from the wall and, ignoring Elrond's attempts to help, he dragged himself towards the bathroom and closed the door on Elrond when he went to follow.
Once Legolas was alone he fell to his knees, merely because he didn't think his legs would support him any longer. Wary of his recently re-set shoulder, Legolas dragged his shirt off, wavering slightly as dizziness washed over him. Really he just wanted to lie down on that cold, hard floor but it was the pain in his legs and feet and the aching feeling of his full bladder that spurred him on. Grabbing hold of the edge of the bath, he dragged himself to his feet and with shaking hands tried to unbuckle his painfully tight belt.
A knock at the door made Legolas startle even though he knew it could only be one person. Outside, Elrond was pressed against the door, listening intently. "Legolas, are you all right?" he called in concern.
Swallowing thickly, Legolas answered, "I'm fine."
Of course Elrond didn't believe this annoyingly generic answer, so he pressed, "Can I come in?"
"I won't be a minute," came the prince's exasperated reply.
"Even so I might be able to help if you let me in."
"You want to help me in the bathroom?" Legolas asked, trying to keep his voice as light as possible even though tears were filling his eyes and emotion making his throat tight.
"You've been in there for a while; are you sure you don't need help?" This time Legolas made no answer so Elrond prompted, "Legolas? I'm going to come in, all right?"
After a moment, Legolas softly called, "All right."
Slowly, Elrond turned the handle and pushed the door open. He half expected Legolas to be passed out on the floor but he actually found the prince sat on the edge of the bath, naked from the waist up, his head bowed forlornly. "Legolas, are you all right?"
"I can't undo my belt," the prince admitted in a voice so soft Elrond had to strain to hear. "Or stand up so…"
Elrond walked over to him cautiously, as if afraid of the prince's reaction to sudden movement, and assured, "I can't help if you'd like." Legolas nodded once, his face never coming up once. "Can you sit up straight?" Very slowly, the prince straightened out, his hands resting on his knees almost protectively and Elrond moved forwards again, noting for the first time the slight blush on the Elf's cheeks and that his eyes looked hard at the opposite wall, unwilling to meet those of his companion. With no words or smile this time, Elrond tentatively reached between Legolas' arms and easily unbuckled the tight belt.
Without looking up, Legolas whispered, "Thank you," his voice shaking once more.
"All right," the Elven Lord responded, laying his hand gently on Legolas' uninjured shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze of reassurance. "If I help you do you think you can stand up?"
Not answering the question, Legolas instead posed one of his own. "Can you run me a bath please?" he whispered tearfully.
"Yes, of course," Elrond said as if this were a perfectly innocent request even though, despite Legolas' discreet attempt to hide it, he had already noticed the prince's wet trousers. Naturally, the healer wasn't going to mention this and inadvertently make Legolas feel worse about his accident so instead he reached over to the faucet and set the warm bath water running.
"Make it cold," Legolas said softly, shifting his arm slightly to hide his trousers from Elrond - even though he knew the healer had already seen - as the Rivendell Elf moved around him.
"Are you sure? You're shivering as it is," Elrond noticed.
"Please," the prince breathed, his eyes drifting closed as hot tears slipped from them.
"All right, all right." Elrond reached over and turned off the hot water and set the cold running instead. Once the tub was half full, Elrond turned the water off. "Would you like me to wait outside?" he asked delicately.
Almost drowsily, Legolas said, "Can you stay please?"
"Of course."
"I feel like I'm about to pass out."
This admission troubled Elrond greatly, mainly because Legolas actually said that he needed aid. Usually, the prince would do anything to avoid speaking about how he was really feeling. Elrond reached down and gently stroked Legolas hair back from where it fell on the sides of his face then ran his hand over the prince's back and reassured, "Of course I can stay." Legolas nodded appreciatively, his eyes still not meeting Elrond's. "Can you stand up?" With Elrond's help, Legolas managed to get to his feet, leaning heavily on the healer for support. Once he was stood though he found all his concentration was focussed on staying upright and he hardly even noticed Elrond gently easing his wet trousers down, neither did he register the gasp of horror when the Imladrian Elf saw the wounds on Legolas' legs. "Oh, Legolas," the healer breathed.
The prince's legs were covered in cuts and small, almost brand-like burns and his feet were red and swollen again. Now he realised why Legolas had wanted cold water instead of hot as the burns must have been extremely painful. Before Elrond could do or say anything more though, Legolas slowly slumped back against him. Carefully, Elrond caught him and lowered him to the floor, letting his head rest on his lap. The prince was unconscious for only a minute and very nearly panicked when he realised where he was.
"It's all right," Elrond calmly assured. "You're all right; I've got you." Legolas' eyes fell closed briefly – he was too tired to be embarrassed that he was lying exposed and vulnerable on the floor. "Legolas, I have to take a proper look at your legs so I'm going to lift you into the bath, all right?" The prince nodded wearily so Elrond gently repositioned himself so he could slip one arm beneath Legolas' back and another under his legs.
He carefully lowered the blonde Elf into the bath, making sure he was not likely to slip down while left on his own. Fortunately, the shock of his warm body hitting the cold water seemed to have revived the young Elf a little. His head was rested back against the edge of the tub and he shivered even more.
Elrond gently looked over and cleaned off Legolas' wounds, catching every single wince that passed over Legolas' overly pale face. Then he went to the bedroom and quickly gathered the herbs to crush into a soothing paste for the burns. Draining the water away, Elrond applied the paste to the injured parts on Legolas' legs.
Getting a towel, Elrond helped Legolas climb out of the tub and dry off. "Come and sit by the fire for a while and warm up," he said, helping Legolas walk slowly to the fire in the bedroom. Once Legolas was sat in the chair, Elrond picked up a blanket and tucked it around the cold Elf. "I'm going next door to find you come clean clothes," Elrond told him softly.
Suddenly, Legolas' eyes widened and he sat up straight. "No, Elrond, you can't go wandering around on your own."
"I'm not going to wander around; I'm just going next door."
Legolas shook his head, ignoring the dizziness the action created. "No, I'll go with you."
"You are not going to move. Come on, you can barely stand up. Stay where you are and I will be right back," Elrond told him firmly. "Do not move, you hear?" Legolas nodded genuinely so the Elven Lord hurriedly left to gather some clean, comfortable clothes. He considered that he should probably bring Legolas back here and let him sleep on a proper bed rather than the cramped couch but he knew Legolas would never allow himself to be carried through the corridors in front of the eyes of his enemies.
When Elrond returned to Thranduil's room he was surprised to find Legolas sat up straight in the chair, obviously awaiting his return.
"See? I told you I would be right back." Legolas nodded, his face relaxing now he knew that Elrond was safe. "Let's get you changed then you're going to sleep."
In a daze, Legolas managed to help Elrond get himself dressed. All he could really tell was that it hurt. Everything hurt. His whole body ached with deep exhaustion and felt almost too heavy to move. His chest was tight, making it hard to breathe and dizziness made it difficult to think straight and his stomach still fluttered nauseatingly. He wanted to bury himself beneath the blankets and fall into oblivion.
As this thought passed through his fuzzy mind, Legolas felt himself falling back against Elrond again and of course the healer easily caught him in strong arms to prevent him from dropping to the floor and hurting himself further.
"I've got you," Elrond assured kindly, holding the prince up. When he realised though that Legolas was making no effort to stand on his own, Elrond lifted the prince up into his arms. "Let's get you to the couch so you can lay down." He carried Legolas to the sofa, carefully setting him down on the soft cushions.
"I'm sorry," Legolas mumbled wearily.
"Shh, shh, it's all right, mellon nin," Elrond soothed in a gentle voice. He made sure that Legolas was as comfortable as it was possible for him to be. "Just rest now."
Although Legolas closed his eyes, deep sobs suddenly wracked his body and Elrond sat down on the edge of the couch and silently stroked damp blonde hair from Legolas' forehead.
"I don't know how much more of this I can take," Legolas cried in a voice so soft Elrond could hardly hear it. The confession brought a lump to Elrond's throat and he found that he couldn't speak for a moment. To see Legolas so terribly vulnerable broke his heart. At Elrond's continued silence, Legolas raised his good arm and covered his eyes with his hand. "Sorry," he cried, turning his face away from Elrond.
"No Legolas, you have nothing to be sorry for," Elrond stressed, taking Legolas' hand in his own and holding it tightly. Bending close so he could whisper, Elrond said, "It's all right to cry if it helps." Soft, quiet cries shook the prince's almost frail body and Elrond sat at his side in respectful silence. He knew fully well how utterly miserable Legolas felt and that a little emotional relief would probably do him a lot of good.
Once Legolas' sobs had calmed enough, he looked to Elrond and asked shakily, "Could you put me to sleep?"
"If you want me to, of course I can," Elrond answered immediately.
Tears spilled from Legolas' watery blue eyes as he shook his head. He wanted to sleep without any more pain or fear but he knew that in a few hours he would have to get up and return to the Men in the Throne Room. "No, thank you," he said in a quiet voice. "Will you lie with me for a while?"
Elrond smiled kindly, running his hand over Legolas' tear-stained cheek. "That I can do." He quickly removed his shoes and squeezed onto the sofa next to the young prince, making sure Legolas was comfortable enough beside him. It was far more important that Legolas be able to sleep than he. Legolas shifted onto his side, though extremely carefully, and laid his head on Elrond's broad chest. "Careful; don't hurt yourself," Elrond warned softly. He knew that Legolas' chest and shoulder were extremely painful. Legolas shook his head against Elrond's chest, his eyes closing. He didn't care about his discomfort, he was too tired to care and he just wanted to be close to Elrond's warmth.
Stroking Legolas' hair back from his clammy forehead, Elrond whispered, "You know when this is all over I'm going to put you into a drug-induced oblivion for a month. I could do it now, Legolas. They can't take you if you're unconscious."
Again Legolas shook his head. "They'd probably take you instead."
"If it spared you this I could live with that."
Legolas' eyes snapped open and he craned his neck to look up at Elrond. "Don't say that, please."
"Shh, lie down." Elrond eased him back down against his chest. "Rest melleth."
The young blonde Elf closed his eyes and tried to sleep. His whole body was seeped in exhaustion, penetrating to his very soul. Even his usually sharp mind was tired and sluggish. Every move seemed to sap yet more precious energy from his body and by now his reserves were running dangerously low. Much to his immense frustration though now he found that sleep wouldn't come to him. For a while he dozed, pressed against his love. Unfortunately, his desire to be close to Elrond and the position in which he was laid squashed on the small sofa made him restless; his back, chest, feet and head ached mercilessly. Elrond's warmth at least thawed the chill on his skin and his shivering ceased as a while.
Even when he could no longer doze, Legolas kept his eyes closed, partially in the hope that he would be able to fall back to sleep but also to fool Elrond. He had been the one who insisted that Elrond sleep next to him and after their tenuous reunion he could hardly reject the Rivendell Elf now. Besides, Elrond seemed so peaceful where he was, it would have been a shame to disturb him. Tears of utter despair slipped from Legolas' closed eyes, dampening Elrond's tunic beneath him but the prince was careful to make no sound.
Elrond's soft whisper broke the deep silence. "Would you like me to move so you can lie down properly?" Legolas shook his head in response but a sob shuddered through his aching body. Elrond's hand gently rubbed Legolas' trembling back and he pressed a kiss into now dry, soft blonde hair. "Shh, it's all right. Come on," Elrond encouraged, gently lifting Legolas' light body off of him and slipping off the sofa. Gently he eased Legolas back down onto the cushions, apologising under his breath when Legolas whimpered softly. "Try to sleep for a while, Legolas. I'll be right here," Elrond promised, sitting down on the floor and laying his own hand over Legolas' colder one.
"Elrond…"
"Shush, I'm fine here. You just rest."
Legolas did try to follow Elrond's instructions. He desperately wanted to sleep for those few hours of peace before he was taken again but he just couldn't. Instead, he restlessly shifted on the sofa, trying to find some position in which he actually felt comfortable.
At around four in the morning, Legolas felt his friend laid a gentle hand on his arm and he turned his head to look over at Elrond in the dim lamplight. Stroking Legolas' cheek softly, Elrond whispered, "Do you want to go next door? Maybe you'll be able to rest more comfortably in a proper bed." Of course, Legolas rejected this idea with a slow shake of his head. "All these months lying on a couch can't have done you much good."
Legolas slowly pulled himself up into a sitting position, closing his eyes briefly to ward off the dizziness. "Just hold me for a while," he proposed in a soft, gravelly voice.
The dark-haired Elf moved to sit on the couch next to Legolas but said, "You have to sleep, mellon nin." The young prince ignored this and leaned gratefully into Elrond's waiting embrace. His pounding head rested against Elrond's shoulder and he released a sigh of almost relief. Despite Elrond's concern, he wrapped his arms carefully around Legolas, stroking his hair back over his shoulders.
In a weary voice, Legolas requested, "Tell me of Imladris."
"What would you like to know?"
"I don't mind. Anything."
"All right. Um…I've never been much good at stories." It took Elrond a moment to think up a suitable anecdote to tell but soon his soothing, quiet voice filled the room. Legolas sat quietly, his eyes closed but not in sleep. He concentrated on Elrond's words washing over him and the soft, warm hand stroking slowly and ever so gently up and down his arm. He vaguely recognised that he was occasionally drifting off into sleep but he didn't even attempt to fight it.
When he opened his eyes next, Legolas found himself laid across the sofa, a blanket loosely lying over his body and his head pillowed on Elrond's lap. He attempted to raise his aching head but a warm palm was pressed against his cheek.
"Shh, shh, go back to sleep," Elrond's voice whispered. "Close your eyes." Legolas followed the instruction, letting his eyes fall closed again and he soon found himself drifting off once more. It must have been nearing dawn but he was too worn out to think about it anymore. If he had to get up soon then so be it. He settled back again and soon fell back to sleep.
Sure enough though, Elrond was shaking him awake not long after. His eyes slid open but he quickly closed them as Elrond slid out from underneath him, laying his head on the couch instead of Elrond's soft, warm lap. He heard soft footsteps going to the front door and then droning voices. Next thing he knew, Elrond's hand was pressed against his cheek.
"Legolas, time to wake up." The voice was soft but it sounded too loud in Legolas' aching head. He must have voice his distaste as the hand was moved down to his back and soft lips were pressed to his temple as if in an attempt to soothe the pain there. "Come on, time to wake up. Open your eyes."
"Please," Legolas murmured. In this position he was warm and comfortable. To move would destroy those feelings. He was too tired to get up anyway.
Carefully, Elrond slipped his arm around the prince's shoulder's and eased him up, having to support the prince when his head lolled against his chest. "I'm sorry, melleth," Elrond whispered, stroking soft blonde hair from Legolas' pale, cool cheek. "Drink this." Legolas felt cold glass being placed to his lips and he recognised the bitter taste of the powerful herbal stimulant. He swallowed the dose in a daze. He knew that the herb drink would kick in soon and sufficiently wake him up but for the moment he remained limp in Elrond's arms. "I need you to open your eyes for me, melleth nin."
"Melleth?" Legolas queried with a sleepy smile, testing the unfamiliar word out.
"Yes, Legolas," Elrond chuckled. "Now, open your eyes."
"Just a few more minutes."
"Sorry, but I don't think he's going away," Elrond said, glancing nervously to the door.
"I'm tired," the prince whispered into Elrond's shirt.
"I know." Elrond pressed another kiss to the top of Legolas' head but then pulled back, forcing the prince away from the comfort of his warm body. At this, the prince opened his eyes, blinking slowly at Elrond as he got to his feet. "I'll get you a tunic." The older Elf disappeared for a moment and next Legolas knew he was being helped into a thicker tunic. "It's going to be all right," Elrond promised in a soft voice. "All you have to do is get through today."
"All right," Legolas sighed heavily, carefully planting his feet on the floor and slipping his shoes on. Spurring himself on, he muttered, "All right," again and got up, pausing only briefly to rid his head of the dizziness that once more accompanied the aching. He could do this; just like every other day. Of course, it would have been far nicer to go back to sleep but he reminded himself that he had to do this; for his people and for Elrond and his father. That was incentive enough. And tomorrow he would use the same reasoning to get through another day, and another, and another. He could do this.
"I will see you later," Elrond said, pressing a kiss to Legolas' lips.
The prince smiled, "I like this."
"Me too."
A knock at the door startled them both, indicating that the guard outside, or the people controlling him at least, was getting impatient. Knowing that this did not bode well, Legolas stepped back and said, "I had better go." Elrond nodded and watched as the prince left with a small smile on his face.
It was still only just getting light outside so Elrond changed Thranduil's clothes and bedding then ate his own sparse breakfast. Fortunately, patience had been instilled in him for many years so now he was able to sit calmly in the chair, watching the sun rise even while his mind was racing. As the morning wore on though, doubts started nagging at his mind but all he had to do was remember Legolas' broking sobbing last night to set the plan right again.
Taking a slow, deep breath, Elrond opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. As always, the two sets of guards remained entirely unchanged but Elrond thought he could feel their combined gazes on him. However, they did not move so he strode confidently down the corridor, heading in the direction of the kitchens – the route he usually took.
Just as he was reaching the corridor to the kitchen Elrond swerved left, checking for guards along the way. Truthfully, he didn't know this part of the palace all that well but he had a good enough idea where he was going so he just followed his instincts. The halls became darker the further he went into the palace, most of them not even lit with lamps but Elrond managed to navigate his way along them well enough.
As he had expected, the closer he got to his destination, the more Mirkwood Elves were scattered around, watching the corridors for their human commanders. Elrond managed to avoid most of them. Only once did he actually run into one young, glazed-eyed maiden and he carefully laid the potent medicine-soaked cloth to her mouth, immobilising her in an instant. Of course, he couldn't hurt any of these Elves. They were all innocent, under the control of the Men now running Mirkwood. Using the undiluted, heavy dose of Thranduil's medicine ensured he could put them to sleep without actually hurting them. Granted, they would have terrible headaches when they woke but it was all in the service of Mirkwood.
Stepping over to the corner, Elrond peered around the wall to their destination he'd been working towards. Now he had to be fast because he knew the Men would quickly see via their puppet-like Elven slaves what he was attempting. Four Elves - tall, stern royal guards – stood outside the huge thick wooden door that led down to the palace's dungeons. He took a long moment to assess what he was up against, also taking not of the key hanging from a chain on the handle of the door as if mocking the Mirkwood Elves. They were so supremely confident of their power that they placed their salvation in plain sight.
Hiding once more behind the wall, Elrond retrieved the bottle and more flannels from his bag and refreshing the powerful concoction. Next he pulled the knife from his belt. He didn't want to harm anyone but if he had to he would.
Checking once more, Elrond rushed around the corner. It wouldn't have made a difference if Elrond had nonchalantly sauntered over to them, they still would have drawn their swords and charged towards him. No anger lit their eyes, just a mechanical goal to get rid of him. Although Elrond hadn't had to use his fighting skills for many hundreds of years, he wasn't so rusty that he couldn't take on a few slow-moving guards. Within moments, and after a brief struggle, all four were safely disabled and Elrond snatched the key off its hook. He opened the door and hurried down the dark steps into the dungeon proper. There was another door at the bottom of the steps but a large hoop filled with keys hung next to the door and he quickly went through them until he found one that fitted the lock. Inside were rows of cells all full of people.
Although they all looked completely fraught for the most part they seemed unhurt. All of them were silent when the door opened and when Elrond appeared and started trying to match the locks. Suddenly though one of the guards – the captain, Elrond guessed – came to the front.
"Lord Elrond?" he asked, cautiously optimistic.
"Are you ready to get out of here, captain?" the Elven Lord asked, shoving another key in the cell lock.
"More than ready. How is this possible?" he asked, eagerly looking through the bars.
"Prince Legolas sent for me a couple of weeks ago."
"Oh, thank the Valar the prince is safe. And what of the king?"
"Unconscious but safe for now."
"Unconscious? How?"
"It's a long story for another time. Right now we need to get you out of here. I'm afraid I don't have any weapons on me…"
Glancing behind him at the eager-looking guards, he said, "I don't think that will be a problem." It was true that the Mirkwood Elves looked about ready to rip the Men who had hurt their kingdom apart with their bare hands.
"We need to move fast. The Men are mostly in the Throne Room but be aware that Prince Legolas is with them so…Ah-ha!" he exclaimed mid-sentence as he finally found the right key to fit the heavy lock. It clicked open and he pulled the door open wide to allow the Elves out. "Here, open the other doors," Elrond said, handing the ring of keys to the first guard out, who immediately did as he was bid.
It took only moments before the guards were all gathered around. Elrond's eyes swept over them. There were less than he had hoped for, nearly fifty in total. He had hoped for a couple of hundred hidden away down in the vast palace dungeons. There were maidens scattered amongst them and even a few Elflings.
"Is anyone hurt?" Elrond asked them and there was a round of murmurs.
"Only a few scratches and bruises and we could all do with a good nights' sleep and a bath but no serious injuries, sir," the captain assured the Lord of Imladris.
"Good because I am going to need as many of you as possible," Elrond smiled.
"Why? What are we going to do?"
"We are going to take back Mirkwood."
To Be Continued…