The Jewel of Mirkwood

(A/n) I'm running out of good titles for Chapters so any help would be much appreciated.

Chapter 122

“I think that will do for today Legolas, I am very pleased with your progress. You are already compensating well for your impairment, in both your attack and defence although we will have to work on your balance a little more tomorrow.” Gandalf sighed gently as he watched Legolas awkwardly jump down from the log he had but moments ago been sparing upon with one of the warriors. Legolas barely managed to keep himself up right having landed on his feet but underestimated his weight in the fall forward. Two of the guards who’d kept him company for most of the day were quickly at his side propping Legolas up until the prince could stand on his own.

All in all it had been quite a productive day as far as Legolas was concerned. Having a renewed sense of duty Legolas had strode headlong into all situations Gandalf had thrown at him. As far as training was concerned Legolas had never really had any formal combat training aside from Filgree’s tutelage, and Legolas found it most exciting to be shown and taught new things by Gandalf and the four lower ranking patrol guards who’d volunteered to become his sparing partners for the day.

“Yes, I am still not quite so sure of my limits. I am afraid of pushing myself too hard in case I should fall.” Legolas gratefully joined Gandalf on the small stone bench by the side of the garden they’d trained in all day. Gandalf smiled secretly to himself as he watched Legolas sit easily down upon the bench, his awkward pregnant movements forgotten as he accepted the offered flask of water.

“Aye you have still a lot to learn about your body and it’s capabilities but all in good time Greanleaf. Tomorrow I think we shall take to the valley on horse, teach you how to ride comfortably without pain.” Legolas winced having already remembered the pain he had encountered on the last horse ride he had taken while pregnant, the bouncing motion making him feel truly ill.

“Glorfindel is going to be so angry I did not spend today resting. I hope you know he will hold you accountable Mithrandir.” Legolas smiled inwardly as Mithrandir grunted his uncaring disapproval of Glorfindel’s predicted mood.

“While I mean no offence to your husband my prince, may I say Glorfindel has quite lost touch in his elder years and as such needs a thorough tryst with a balrog again to bring some sense back into him.” Legolas sniggered cheekily at Gandalf’s annoyance of Glorfindel, as did the four guards who managed to cover their disrespectful laughter much better than Legolas did. Gandalf rolled his eyes as he stood from the bench and looked out to the west of the valley where the sun was beginning to set. “It is getting late in the afternoon Legolas, may I suggest retiring to your chambers and preparing yourself for the evening meal.” Legolas nodded his acceptance of Gandalf’s offer and easily fell into step beside the Istari, leaving the guards to continue to collect the equipment from the days training. In silent reflection the wizard and the elvan prince made their way back to the house before going their separate ways. Gandalf towards Elrond’s study and Legolas to his and Glorfindel’s chambers.

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Legolas hurried down the steps of the house already late for the evening meal having quite unintentionally fallen asleep in the window seat. Since becoming pregnant Legolas had not run anywhere quickly yet having spent the morning with Mithrandir Legolas now easily took the stone steps two at a time unfazed by his small swelling stomach. Reaching the bottom of the stairs Legolas paused if only briefly to straighten out his appearance before swiftly stepping into the dinning hall.

“I apologise Lord Elrond I fell……..” Legolas trailed off as he came to a complete standstill in the center of the hall his gaze flickering around the empty seats of the table before focusing on the only occupied seat in the entire room. Elrond sat stoically in his normal seat at the head of the table a small meal and a goblet of wine sitting before him. A manservant stood respectfully beside his Lord refilling the glass of wine from the decanter he held, whenever Elrond indicated it so. “Elrond? Where is everyone?” Confused at why no one was at dinner Legolas slowly made his way up the table and took the offered seat next to the Lord, the seat usually reserved for Erestor. Elrond finished his mouthful of dinner, and waited until Legolas had been served with his own small meal before turning to address the young prince.

“They are preparing to go to the boarders Legolas. It seems that we have underestimated how cunning our enemy are.” Legolas stared blankly at Elrond his hunger forgotten as the prospect of Glorfindel leaving him so soon after his fathers, terribly daunting. Seeing Legolas fear Elrond gently gestured to the sweet meats on Legolas plate, encouraging the prince to eat a little. Elrond knew what it felt like to have lost all appetite but as a healer Elrond also understood Legolas needed to feed the child growing inside of him, and if nothing else would see the prince eat at least half of his meal. As not to upset things Legolas obediently began to chew a few morsels of sweet meat as Elrond continued. “The orcs attacks have increased at the borders, they are becoming more coordinated and well planned. I have no choice but to strength the eastern and southern boarder with guards from other stations.” Legolas sighed and swallowed an impossible mouthful of food down his suddenly tight throat. Nervously Legolas picked up his own decanter of wine managing a few swills of the liquid before giving up on food for the evening as his stomach began to churn with worry.

“Taking guards from the other boarders will leave them weakened and open to attack. What of the recruits which are training at present, surely they can be used instead?” Legolas voice was barely above a whisper as he tried to compose himself. In truth the last place Legolas wished to be was in the hall talking with Elrond, when he had but only a few more hours with Glorfindel.

“Aye the Eastern and Northern boarders will be open to attack but that is a chance I must take. We cannot hold the eastern border if it is not strengthened by force and the recruits you speak off are useless in this kind of attack. Experienced warriors are needed not defenceless villagers.” Legolas nodded understandingly having seen the stresses in Elrond’s features. It was obvious it had taken every ounce of strength for Elrond to make such decisions and Legolas trusted the elder’s reasoning in whatever decisions had been made.

“When do they leave?” Legolas pushed away his plate knowing that nothing he would eat now would stay down.

“As the sun rises tomorrow I expect them to be already on their way. Glorfindel and Filgree will lead them and Erestor will be their council…” Legolas was shocked to hear what Elrond had just spoken of. While Legolas knew that both Glorfindel and Filgree would take the call the boarders the prince was not aware Lord Erestor had also accepted the call.

“Lord Erestor is for the boarders?” Legolas bit his lip in self- reprove as he watched the saddened expression work its way onto Elrond’s usually blank face.

“Aye there is nothing he can do here and is far better use with a sword in his hands at the boarders.” Although Elrond spoke as coldly as he could manage Legolas could still clearly see the sadness in the elders expression and the prince truly understood how Elrond felt. Eventually Elrond sighed heavily and sat back from his dinner having also given up eating anymore. With a last swill of wine Elrond glanced sympathetically at Legolas only now realizing how truly heartbreaking it was to be sending your lover to war. Legolas could do little but gaze in the Lord’s dark hazel eyes the emotional turmoil they reflected matching Legolas’ own worry. “Go to him Legolas, spend what little time to you have left together in each others arms. I cannot see the end of what is to come and I do not know where our hope lies, do not waste what precious time we may have left.” Legolas was shocked to see tears glistening in Elrond’s eyes but the prince did not wait to see more of Elrond’s heartbreak as he took to his feet and ran out of the hall towards the armoury where Legolas knew Glorfindel would most likely be.

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>