Mending a Heart

A/N: This chapter contains mild violence and a bit of blood.


Chapter 12: Nighttime Horror


The next morning, Elladan ited ted that he partake of his dessert, which pleased Legolas to say the least.

When they arrived at the manor for the morning meal, Arwen commented on how well rested Legolas looked and how both he and Elladan seemed to be glowing.

Elrohir nearly fell out of his chair and had to forgo the morning meal due to his sudden fit of hysteria.

Elladan chose to ignore his brother’s teasing, and decided to enjoy his newfound happiness instead.

Elladan had found that Legolas was a wonderful lover and was not surprised by the prince’s aggression when it came to physical intimacy. He enjoyed every minute of Legolas’ pleasuring.

Similarly, Legolas craved Elladan’s touch and found that the dark haired warrior’s saucy personality was left behind when they were underneath the covers. The prince immensely enjoyed Elladan’s tender lovemaking techniques and was surprised that the brash and haughty elf was the most attentive and the most considerate lover that he had ever had. Legolas couldn’t get enough of Elladan. In fact, he discovered that every moment spent away from his lover was torture. He was falling in love. And even though he was still striving to repress his emotions regarding his mother’s death, he couldn’t escape his increasing affection for Elladan.

Everyone noticed a sudden change in the prince’s behavior as it was apparent that he was sleeping better and that he was happier. They were pleased to see that the healing process seemed to be well underway.

Elrond also noticed a change in the prince’s behavior and a change in someone else - his eldest son, who seemed to be happier than ever. At first, the lord believed that Legolas and Elladan had become close friends since the prince’s arrival in Rivendell. However Elrond couldn’t help but wonder if there was something more between the two warriors. His suspicions were confirmed when he ventured to the south garden late one night and heard moans coming from behind a large hedge. Fearing that one of his kindred had been injured, the lord hurried to the bush to see what he could do to help. Peering over the bush, Elrond found the cries that he heard were not those of pain, but of pleasure. Legolas and Elladan were so caught up in the throes of passion that they were unaware of the arrival or the departure of the lord.

Elrond walked back to the manor and decided to speak to Elladan the next morn.

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“Elladan?” Elrond motioned to his oldest son.

“Yes, Father?” Elladan asked, approaching the lord.

“May I have a word with you in the reading room?” Elrond asked seriously.

“Of course,” Elladan replied. He stared at his father’s back as the lord led him into the private chamber. He wondered why his father wanted to talk to him alone.

“Please,” Elrond said gently, “have a seat.” He motioned to an empty chair and Elladan sat down, looking at his father curiously.

“Is everything alright, Father?” Elladan asked, concerned.

“All is well with me,” Elrond said, smiling gently, sensing his son’s uneasiness. “And how are you?”

“I’m doing well,” Elladan responded, eyeing his father carefully. “Father?” he asked, deciding to be direct, “Why have you asked me here? Is something wrong?”

“I’m not sure,” Elrond replied earnestly, sitting down across from his son.

Elladan didn’t like the seriousness of his father’s tone. The young warrior looked out of the opendow dow and sighed heavily. Elladan saw a large black and yellow butterfly dancing on the wind in the rays of the sunlight. Even though he didn’t know what their conversation would be about, he found himself wishing that he could fly away. For some reason, he dreaded the conversation that he was about to have with his father.

“What has happened?” Elladan asked, looking at his father solemnly. “Has their been another orc attack?”

“Nay,” Elrond replied, “I wish to speak to you about something of a. . . personal nature.”

“Alright,” Elladan said slowly, “what do you wish to discuss with me?”

“Legolas,” Elrond said gently. “I realized that the two of you had become close since the prince’s arrival here in Rivendell, but I have become aware of the fact that your relationship is not just one of friendship. I need to know what your intentions are with him.”

“What?” Elladan asked in shock. “Since when am I required to disclose my personal affairs to you?” he spat angrily. “Why isn’t Elrohir in here? Or have you already had this conversation with him about Ellaria?”

“Elladan,” Elrond said gently, “I mean no offense.”

“Well, I **am** offended,” Elladan remarked hotly. “Why should I explain my relationship with Legolas to you?”

“Because you may have to explain it to King Thranduil, and he may not be as kind to you as I will be,” Elrond replied seriously.

Elladan sat in silence. He hadn’t even considered Thranduil’s reaction to his relationship with Legolas.

“It is as I feared,” Elrond said softly, looking at his son with concern. “You had not even thought about the ramifications of your courtship with the prince, had you?”

“What ramifications?” Elladan asked, even though the consequences of a relationship with Legolas suddenly seemed innumerable.

“He is a prince, Elladan,” Elrond began earnestly. “Legolas is bound to Mirkwood by blood, by honor and by duty. Soon, the prince will be called home, and what will you do then?”

“Perhaps I shall journey to Mirkwood alongside the prince,” Elladan replied.

“And what of Elrohir?” Elrond asked gently. “He is to be wed to Ellaria next spring. Would you leave your twin brother’s side?”

“I cannot live my life for Elrohir,” Elladan said irritably. “We are twins and I love him, but we are not attached at the hip, Father.”

“’Tis true,” Elrond nodded in agreement. “But you have spent everyday of your life with Elrohir, and even you can’t deny the closeness that you share with him. Would you really be willing to leave your twin behind?”

“I don’t know,” Elladan replied quietly. “Well, perhaps Legolas could stay here in Rivendell?” he said, already knowing the answer to the question.

“I have grown to care very much for the prince,” Elrond said smiling gently. “However, the prince is very honorable and would probably not choose to stay here if given the choice. But the real problem may not be with the prince, I’m afraid,” he said earnestly. “It may very well be with his father. ”

“Thranduil,” Elladan said menacingly. “The great arse should be hanged!”

“Do you have a reason to dislike the king?” Elrond asked, surprised by his son’s passion.

“He cast Legolas out of Mirkwood! Thranduil turned his back on Legolas when he needed his father the most! Legolas adores his father. . . he said that he would die for him, but it is clear to me that the king is beyond reproach. I will not let him keep me from the one I love!” Elladan was trembling with rage.

“So you love him?” Elrond asked, touching his son’s shaking hand.

“I. . . I. . . ” Elladan began.

“You do not know how you feel?” Elrond asked gently.

“Why are you asking me all of these questions?” Elladan asked in annoyance.

“Because I know Thranduil,” Elrond said gravely. “We were very good friends once, but our kinship ended many millennia ago. Although we are no longer acquaintances, I am sure that he is a good father. He sent Legolas here because he loves him. No matter what happened between us, I believe that he loves his children. But, it is important for you to understand that my relationship with you, Elrohir and Arwen is different than Thranduil’s relationship with his offspring. I would not forbid you to select the mate of your choice, nor would I dictate the path that you may chose to take in your life. I may disapprove, but I would try to stand by you and allow you to make your own choices. I am not saying that I am knowledgeable about the way that Thranduil would choose to raise his sons; I am only suggesting that you proceed with caution. You muonsionsider that the king may disapprove of your relationship with Legolas. And he has the power and the authority to end your courtship. As you know, Legolas is very loyal to his father and will most certainly obey any command.”

“But why would Thranduil disapprove of our relationship?” Elladan asked in dismay. “Doesn’t he want Legolas to be happy?”

“I believe that Thranduil desires his son’s happiness,” Elrond remarked thoughtfully. “However, I also believe that the dissention between the two of us would not work in your favor. Please keep in mind that I was Thranduil’s last choice as a healer for Legolas. He did not want to send him to Rivendell. Legolas was sent here because the king thought that he would become well, and he made it clear to me that the prince’s condition was the only reason for his stay.”

“Well, what am I supposed to do?” Elladan asked forlornly.

“I am not telling you this to discourage you. I only want you to make a decision,” Elrond replied warmly. “You must decide how you feel about Legolas. I’m fairly certain that you will face some resistance from the king. Thus, you must determine if Legolas is worth the fight. Do you truly love him? Do you wish to leave Rivendell and live in Mirkwood? If so, what will you do there? You already know that Legolas cannot stay here as he is bound to Mirkwood. These are not the only options, of course. However, you should discuss this with Legolas. You must find the answers to these questions before your relationship progresses further. If you are not willing to totally commit yourself to him, then you must end this now.”

Elladan looked at his hands in despair; he felt as though he had been punched in the stomach.

“I know how cruel love can be,” Elrond said softly.

Elladan looked at his father sympathetically and placed his hand on his father’s shoulder.

Elrond looked at his son and smiled gently. “Be true to your heart, Elladan, it won’t lead you astray.”

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Late that evening Elladan found himself lying awake, thinking about his conversation with his father. He looked at Legolas, who was sleeping peacefully only inches away from him, and wondered how he could have allowed himself to become so enamored with the prince. Legolas stirred and pouted slightly and Elladan’s heart began to beat faster. Suddenly, he remembered why he felt so strongly about Legolas. He was beautiful and charming; he was perfect. *I can’t deny my feelings for the prince, can I?*

Unable to deal with his emotions any longer Elladan decided to take a walk. Perhaps he would journey to the stable, or better yet, the cliff that overlooked Rivendell. All of a sudden, Elladan understood why Legolas would seek solace on the hilltop; just the thought of going there suddenly eased his mind.

Quietly, Elladan left Legolas’ bedchamber and crept down the narrow corridor, down the stairs and out of the manor.

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“Orcs!” Legolas shouted to Joren, his eldest brother. He watched as his three older brothers rode toward their assailants. At Joren’s request, Legolas stayed behind with their mother, behind a shroud of trees.

Legolas peered through the foliage and could see the orcs attacking mercilessly from every side, wielding their swords and knives with malevolent precision. He could no longer see his brothers, but the swish of arrows and the clank of swords let him know that they were close by.

Legolas positioned his horse in front of his mother’s steed just in case any orcs found their hiding place. But no sooner had Legolas acted, a legion of the creatures were upon them. He began to fire at the ugly beasts that flashed their teeth and blades fiercely. The prince readied his bow with speed and grace. He fired the first arrow; it went directly into the heart of an approaching orc. Legolas fired another arrow and another, never missing his mark.

“JOREN!” Legolas heard his brother Makail scream.

Legolas turned his attention to his brother’s voice for a moment, not realizing what a single lapse in his attention would mean.

“Legolas!”

The prince turned quickly when he heard his mother scream.

Orcs swarmed the lone elf and his mother, pulling Legolas and the queen from their horses. The elvish warrior did not fall, though, and surprised the orcs when he removed his knives quickly and began to slash every creature in sight. He tried to get to his mother as the creatures dragged her away, but there were too many goblins to count. They attacked from every side.

“Legolas! Legolas!”

The prince could hear his mother screaming. Legolas could feel his knees weaken, when his mother’s cries stopped. He continued to kill everything in sight. “Mother!”

Legolas saw his mother’s bloodied body on the ground and several orcs laughing, as they leaned over her. The prince felt a rage like he never had before. “Aaaaahhhhhhhh!” he screamed. He attacked with such ferocity that he killed three orcs with a single swing of his sword. The other orcs that had laughed over his mother’s body soon found themselves screaming as Legolas showed no mercy to the fell beings.

Legolas fell on his knees beside his mother, trembling and unable to breathe.

“Legolas,” the dying female said quietly.

“Mother,” Legolas said as tears streamed down his face. “Please. . . don’t leave me.”

“I love you,” his mother whispered as her eyes fixed and her breathing stopped.

“No,” Legolas said, grasping his mother. “No!” he shouted, shaking. “NOOOOOOOO!”

“NO!” Legolas screamed waking up from his dream. “NO!” he sat up shaking and crying hysterically. “Mother! Mother!” The prince jumped up and ran to the terrace. “I will save you!” He tried to climb onto the railing of the balcony; he could see his mother’s bleeding body on the ground below. “Mother!” Legolas screamed.

The prince tried to jump from the ledge but felt someone grab his arm. *An orc!*

“No! No!” Legolas began to fight fiercely, swinging his free arm and legs wildly.

“Legolas, you are dreaming,” Lord Elrond said soothingly.

*A trick.* “Ha ha ha! You shan’t fool me!” Legolas fought with all of his might, but another pair of hands restrained him.

“Legolas, it is I, Elrohir,” the male said calmly, “you are in Rivendell.”

*Legolas! Legolas!*

“Mother!” Legolas screamed. “MOTHER!” He began to fight and tried to strike at the goblins that were holding him captive. He would have revenge. All of the orcs would pay.

“Legolas,” a gentle voice said, “it’s Arwen, you are still dreaming, I think. Please, we are trying to help you.”

“Tis a trick!” Legolas yelled. “Leave her be! No! Please Mother, don’t leave me!”

Elladan ran into the prince’s bedchamber; he could hear his screams when he was returning from his walk and came to Legolas’ aid at once. He was surprised at what he saw upon entering the prince’s room.

Legolas was trying to jump off of the terrace while his father and brother tried to restrain him. Arwen was trying to calm the prince, but to no avail.

Suddenly, Elladan knew what to do. He ran over and placed his arms around the prince tightly from behind.

Legolas could feel another orc’s hands upon him. He would kill this one. The prince lashed out abruptly, shaking loose from Elrond and Elrohir’s hold. The other orc, however, seemed to be more persistent. Legolas tried to turn around; he would kill this orc with his bare hands.

“It’s me, Legolas.” Elladan said softly, whispering into the prince’s ear. “It’s me.”

Legolas stopped struggling at once. “Elladan?”

“Aye, ‘tis I,” Elladan said in the same soothing voice. He loosened his grip on the prince and Legolas turned around slowly.

The prince was overcome with emotion. “They. . . they killed her,” he said shaking violently. “They killed. . . ” the prince said dropping to his knees. “I couldn’t stop them! And. . . and. . . she died. It’s my fault. She died because of me.” He began sobbing uncontrollably.

Elladan knelt beside Legolas, stroking his hair and whispering quietly to him.

Only moments later, the prince stood up abruptly and punched the wall with his hand. “Do not pity me,” Legolas hissed between sobs. “I am a prince and a warrior! I do not cry!” Legolas struck the wall again fiercely as he continued to sob. “I will not shame my family! I DO NOT CRY!” He hit the wall with such force that his knuckles began to bleed.

“Legolas?” Arwen whimpered as the prince struck the wall repeatedly, ripping the skin from his knuckles.

Legolas tried to stop crying. He fought his inner turmoil with all of his might. But this time, grief had won. He placed his forehead against the wall and sobbed softly.

Elladan got to his feet and touched the prince’s shoulder gently.

Legolas turned around slowly. “They killed her,” he said, unable to stop his ragged breathing. “They. . . laughed.” He clutched onto Elladan’s shoulders. “They. . .” Legolas said wearily. “They. . .” he collapsed in Elladan’s arms.

Elladan, with the help of Elrohir, picked the prince up and carried him to the bed.

Arwen pulled back the coverlet and the twins put Legolas in the bed.

“Thank you for being here for Legolas,” Elladan said to his father and siblings. “I should have been here.”

“You can’t be with him every moment,” Elrohir said kindly. “This is not your fault. He just had a dream. . . a terrible dream.”

Elladan nodded his head slowly and looked at Legolas’ tear stained face. He bit his lower lip to stop his own tears, as the thought of losing Legolas was more than he could bear. Elladan heard his sister sniffle and turned to look at her.

Arwen was crying. She looked at Elladan sheepishly and smiled faintly.

Elladan turned to speak to his father and brother and saw the kindness and concern on their faces as well. *They care for him as much as I do.* He smiled at his family and walked over to the settee that was positioned near the doorway. Without effort, Elladan pulled the piece of furniture over to the bed, positioning it directly beside the place where the prince was sleeping. Then, he went to retrieve a large lounge chair that was over by one of the windows. Elladan dragged the chair over to the bed and placed it beside the settee.

Arwen ran out of the chamber and returned with four blankets in her arms. She handed a counterpane to her father and brothers and kept one for herself.

Wordlessly, Elrond sat on the lounge chair and covered himself in the blanket that Arwen had given him. Likewise, Elrohir laid down on the couch, wrapping himself in the blanket.

Elladan smiled in admiration at his family. He watched Arwen get on the bed beside Legolas and wrap his wounded hand gently. Then, she got a small cloth and wiped the tears from the sleeping prince’s eyes.

Elladan got on top of the covers, behind Legolas, and wrapped his arms around the prince. Legolas stirred slightly, and Elladan pulled him closer. *I love you, Legolas.*

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TBC. . .