A Healing Touch

Wow, I didn't expect to get so many positive reviews in one day. You guys rock, Im so happy! Since you guys seemed to enjoy the last chapter so much I decided to post the second chapter. Hope you guys, or girls rather, like the next chapter.

Terrenis-chan: Don't worry, as long as Im motivated, which you guys do, I'll continue to write. Thanks.

Mawgy: Thank you, I'm a very pessimistic person, so my stories are bound to be depressing.But,lol, at age 8 how much dessert could you possibly stomach? I would get full on half a slice of cake.

Steph: You'll probably like what I have planned then. *whistles innocently*

Louise_oblique: Welcome to my island. I am a very graphic writer and don't sugar coat things. But I'm glad you're enjoying it and Im happy that my story's giving off the expected effect. Thanks.

perdowen: LoL, Im glad you like it.

giggle: You'll see what I have planned. *Walks away and whistles innocently*

HHS: Awe... Thanks, that means so much to me.

Okka: Don't worry, I'll keep 'em coming.

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Disclaimer: See first page.

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CH 2~

Just as Elrond predicted, the next few days with the young Mirkwood prince had indeed been interesting. Early this morning while Legolas had been playing outside he happened to see a small frog hop by his path. Naturally being the young curious elfling that he was, Legolas had followed it towards one of Rivendell's great waterfalls. No sooner had the small amphibian dove into the quickly flowing rapids, that Legolas reached out his tiny hand trying to grab it and fell into the current. Luckily Glorfindel had been close by at the time and dove in after him in the nick of time and rescued him before the rapids had pushed him over the edge. Unfortunately they had not gotten out of the water as harmless as they had hoped. The two pair had both sustained a fair amount of injuries from the jagged rocks.

Now the two of them were sitting in the healing room on the same examination table, dripping wet. Legolas had a look of guilt on his youthful face and would not meet the elf lord's gaze. Elrond had a raised eyebrow while he cleaned a small gash on Legolas' left knee. Legolas hissed as the healing liquid was poured on the cut.

Elrond sighed. "Well, penneth, you certainly are a lucky little elfling. You could have very well been killed. What in Arda ever possessed you to go swimming at the top of a waterfall in the first place?" Elrond's tone was firm. He was clearly angry but just as relieved that the boy was still in one p.
.

Legolas sniffled. "I'm sorry, my lord," he whispered, "I’ve never seen a frog up close before and I wanted to hold him and talk to him but he just kept hopping away from me. I followed him to the river and saw him jump in so I went in after him. I didn’t know the water would drag me away like that, honest!" his bottom lip started trembling as he fought back tears. Glorfindel started rubbing the small child's back sympathetically trying to sooth him.

Elrond quickly regretted his earlier strict tone. He put his finger under the small elf's chin and raised his face to look at him. "Now, child," he soothed, "There is no need for that. Accidents happen. Just be more careful next time, alright?" Legolas nodded. Elrond continued. "you must have been very frightened," another nod. "Well, you are safe now, little one. There is nothing to fear. This incident will not happen again, will it?" It was more of a statement than a question but Legolas shook his head slowly none the less.

"Good. I am finished tending your wounds. You may go and change out of those wet garments now. I believe Arwen is in my study. If you wish, I doubt she would mind if you joined her and asked her to read you a story." Legolas nodded as Elrond set him down on the floor.

After the elfling had exited the room and was out of ear shot Elrond turned to his thoroughly drenched seneschal. "And where were you during this incident, Glorfindel? Forgive me if I am wrong but I did leave you in charge of him." he said in a slightly sarcastic tone, as he dabbed a healing cream on Glorfindel's scraped elbow.

Glorfindel was not at all amused. "I," he replied, "was setting our mer meal. We had ridden to the top of the eastern waterfall because the boy wanted to see the whole of Imladris. When I went about setting our lunch I noticed that he had run off. Asfaloth nickered towards the distance just in time as I watched the child plunge in. Luckily I was able to reach him in time." Glorfindel took a deep breath. "Thank Elbereth he wasn’t killed."

Elrond raised an eyebrow at him. "Well, mellon-nin, hopefully you’ve learned a lesson." Glorfindel blanched, "Never let your sight stray from a child."

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Later that day Elrond found Legolas in his study curled up in Arwen's lap as they lounged together in a thick, cushiony chair, reading an old novel. Elrond smiled. "Don’t you think that book is a little old for him, my dear?"

Arwen smiled up at her father. "That is what I said. He hand-chose it, ada. He was very insistent that I read him this one."

Elrond chuckled. "Oh, I see. And does not the thought of Balrogs and dragons frighten you, cunneth?" he asked the child.

Legolas smiled up at him as he responded. "Nay, my lord. When I grow up I'm going to become a great warrior just like ada and Tallen and Nava. I'm going to defend everybody that’s good," he said proudly. In more of a whisper he added, "ada said if I'm a good warrior that one day I might see nana again in Mandos Halls."

Arwen and Elrond shared a panicked look with each other. "You must not think of such things now, Legolas. Heed my advice, do not grow up too quickly. Enjoy your childhood while it lasts." Elrond sighed. "Why don’t you go out into my private gardens for a while, Legolas. I will join you shortly."
Legolas nodded and left the room.

Arwen stood from her chair and faced her father."Did you hear what he just said, father? It’s almost as if that child has a death wish! I’m worried."

Elrond merely nodded. "Aye, Arwen. I heard him. He is having a difficult time adjusting to the loss of his mother. You must understand, my daughter, that he is still too young to fully understand death. It is no more than a form of sleep to him."

Arwen considered this for a moment before sighing. "I know ada. It just seems that he is too young to even consider the possibility of dying, no matter how little he understands it."

Elrond nodded. "I know. That is why he is here. We must teach him that life is worth living, no matter how painful it may be at times."

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Glorfindel was walking through the gardens lost in his own thoughts when he heard a quiet melodious young voice in the trees above him. He stopped in his tracks and looked up to see a small figure sitting on a high bough of a great oak tree. Glorel sel smiled and began to climb the ancient tree, that was possibly even as old as him, maybe more.

The seneschal listened carefully to the old song of Nimrodel flow through the child's mouth. He knew every word of the song. He finally reached the branch the young prince was seated and sat down across from him. Legolas immediately stopped singing when he realized the old elf was in the tree sitting across from him and blushed, looking away from the elf lord.

Glorfindel chuckled. "That was lovely, penneth, please continue."

Legolas shook his head and blushed even harder. "I can't." he whispered.

Glorfindel never stopped smiling at the boy. "You know," he said, "It took me years to learn that song. I was twice your age before I could sing the full verse."

Legolas' face seemed to sadden, though he seemed not to even here the Eldar's statement. "Nana always sang it to me before bed time." he sadly explained.

Glorfindel immediately felt a stab of guilt and would have said something if the child had not opened his mouth first. "I'm sorry I got you in trouble with lord Elrond, lord Glorfindel. Are you crossed with me ?"

Glorfindel's heart nearly wrenched at the sad tone of Legolas' voice. "Nay, Legolas, of course not. What happened was no fault of yours. I should have been watching you more carefully. I know how you young ones have an insatiable curiosity about the world around you. Why, I remember when I was your age. I wanted to fly like the birds so one day I climbed up the tallest tree I could find. With a blanket tied to each of my wrists, I jumped out of the tree and would have most likely killed myself had my father not caught me in time." Glorfindel recalled the incident fondly.

There was a soft gasp from Legolas. "You were my age once !?!"

The question was said with such incredibility, such innocence, that Glorfindel could not hold back a loud heart filled chuckle. True it had been a very long time since Glorfindel was a child but the memories were still fresh in his head. The two elves sat in the tree for the longest time talking about this and that and that was how Elrond found them when he finally came out.

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After dinner that night while Elrond was having a council with Haldir of Lorien, who was sent by lord Celeborn and the lady Galadriel to discuss the problems with the increasing number of orcs on both borders, Glorfindel was drawing a bath for Legolas while he told him the story of how he once slew a Balrog and went to the Halls of Mandos, only to be sent back and serve lord Elrond and his family for the rest of his life. Legolas was greatly intrigued and did not miss a word of the old elf's story.

When the bath was ready Glorfindel called to Legolas from his room whom was sitting on his bed, playing with a wooden horse that Elrohir had carved for him the first night Thranduil left.

When Legolas had come running into the bathroom he stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of the water filled tub. He seemed to have turned a few shades too pale as he slowly backed away from it, and would have run out the door had Glorfindel not been blocking it.

"Legolas, what’s wrong?" Legolas looked at Glorfindel then glanced back at the tub. Glorfindel sighed as he realized what was troubling the young prince. "It's all right, Legolas. There is no current in this water. It won't sweep you away." Legolas' fearful gaze did not waver. "I will be right here, Legolas. I will not let you drown." the boy still wasn't convinced, his young critical stare not wavering. Glorfindel tried one more tactic. Something he remembered Elrond do with Elladan once when he was Legolas' age. "Would you like me to bathe with you?" Legolas glanced up at the elf lord and considered this carefully. He finally nodded and looked back up at him. "Very good, come then. Take off your clothes." he said as he began to strip himself.

His decision had not really dawned on Legolas until Glorfindel had rid himself of his robe. Memories began to invade the elfling's mind, memories of that one dreadful night not more then a month ago when those accursed orcs had robbed him of his virginity, his whole reason for coming here. He suddenly remembered the form of the massive beast hovering over him, stripping its body of what little cover it had, and the peek at the enlarged organ concealed beneath. He did not understand what the beast wanted of him until it had forcefully jabbed its finger into him and through the fiery pain realization clicked in him that the orc planned to replace it's digit with a larger, more painful part of its body. Legolas was lucky enough not to feel that pain that night but as soon as Glorfindel removed his breeches and the prince caught the view of the limp, rather large piece of flesh between his legs, Legolas could not rid the dread that gript at his heart and suddenly, as if not in control of his actions, cried out in fear, startling poor Glorfindel, and ran from the bathroom into the bedroom and quickly dodged under his bed, backing up against the wall, trembling like a leaf.

Confused and somewhat shocked by the elfling's outburst, Glorfindel rushed in after him, ignoring his own nudity. Kneeling on all fours, the seneschal poked his head under the bed and gazed at the frightened prince backed up against the wall. "Legolas, what is the matter?" Legolas did not answer. "Legolas?" Glorfindel reached out a hand, causing Legolas to flinch and in turn Glorfindel quickly recoiled, banging his head on the frame of the bed, cursing words that should not have been uttered around little ears. Glorfindel's foul language only seemed to upset Legolas more as he tried to shrink back into the wall. "penneth," Glorfindel sighed. "please, forgive me. Will you not tell me what I have done to frighten you so?"

Legolas whimpered, suddenly finding voice, "I-- the last time I was naked and somebody tried to undress in front of me, they... they wanted to-- to do... bad things to me."

Glorfindel gasped as realization dawned on him like a slap in the face. "Oh, Legolas," he barley whispered. "that was-- those were orcs, little one. An elf would never do such a thing. Legolas," Glorfindel sighed sadly, eyes glazing with tears. Just thinking that Legolas assumed he wanted to harm him made the seneschal's heart ache. "I would never hurt you. Please ... come out."

Despite the seneschal's words, which Legolas knew were truthful by the honesty in his eyes, Legolas was still fearful. Debating his options, Legolas slowly crawled out from under the bed. Slowly standing up, he gazed as the sincerity in the Elda's eyes and, feeling the confusion build within him, as well as feeling like he had betrayed this elf whom had shown him naught but kindness, he began to sob as tears trailed down his cheeks. Driven by instinct, Glorfindel immediately pulled the elfling to his chest as the small frame racked with sobs and gently rocked him, whispering reassurances. Still a bit tense, Legolas encircled the seneschal's shoulders, burying his head into his neck. "I’m sorry, I'm sorry." Legolas sobbed over and over again into the golden tresses.

Glorfindel tenderly rubbed the elfling's back soothingly. "Shh, it’s alright, I am not crossed with you. And I understand why you are upset but know this, Legolas, I will never harm you." Legolas seemed to calm down in the comforting embrace of the elven lord and Glorfindel pulled back slightly to look him in the eye. "Will you please go and bathe? I will wear my breeches if you would prefer."

To the surprise of Glorfindel, Legolas actually smiled through his tears. "In the bathtub? That's silly," Legolas sighed guiltily. "nay, I... I think I will be alright. But I would prefer it if you still bathed with me." he said shyly.

Glorfindel slowly nodded and stood, walking hand in hand with Legolas back into the bathroom. The Eldar looked at him expectantly and Legolas blushed at what he was expected to do.

"I will turn around if you like, Legolas." Glorfindel said kindly.

"That would be pointless, wouldn't it? You're going to see me naked anyway." Unconsciously Legolas turned slightly away from Glorfindel as he pulled his tunic over his head. Glorfindel noticed this but chose not to say anything out of fear of making the elfling self-conscious. The tunic was swiftly followed by the under-shirt and Legolas took a moment to pause before removing his leggings and finally his breeches.

By the time Legolas was fully nude, he was blushing furiously under the Eldar's scrutiny. Glorfindel tenderly brushed a strand of hair away from Legolas' face before tilting his head with his fingers. "Never be ashamed of your body, Legolas. If we were meant to wear clothing all the time then we would have been created so."

A mischievous smile crept on Legolas' lips. "Then why do we wear clothing at all?"

Glorfindel chuckled. "Well, we must save ourselves a bit of dignity. But you are beautiful, penneth, never doubt that. Thougat dat does not mean you can go running around naked, unlike a certain pair of twins I know." the seneschal failed to mention the fact that these two elflings were none other than Elladan and Elrohir."

Once both were fully nude, Glorfindel picked up Legolas and lowered himself in the tub, the child still in his arms. He set Legolas down in front of him as he took a cloth and began washing Legolas' back. He was still slightly nervous and gripped Glorfindel's thigh tightly as the water sloshed around their frames.

"Shh, There is naught to be afraid of, penneth. I'm right here." Glorfindel turned the child to face him. "Now lean your head back in my hand so I may wet your hair." Legolas complied, if a little hesitantly and carefully Glorfindel cupped his hand and spilled the water on the golden head.

Legolas had relaxed slightly once Glorfindel poured the shampoo into his hair and started massaging his scalp with his finger tips, cautiously keeping the soap suds from slithering into the elfling’s eyes. "See. This isn’t so bad now, is it?", the seneschal said before he washed the shampoo out.

Legolas shook his head, his damp mane splattering water over the floor. Glorfindel chuckled at this as he washed Legolas' face with the cloth. It was then that Legolas noticed an old scar marring the Eldar's left hip, at first worrying Glorfindel, his mind assuming the young elf was regarding his limp flesh with fear. Curiously, Legolas lightly ran his thumb over the mark. "Does that hurt?" he asked quietly.

Glorfindel smiled at the sincerity in the voice. "Nay. The pain of that wound has long since gone." he replied.

The boy looked up deep into Glorfindel's eyes as if trying to search for something. "How did you get it?"

Glorfindel sighed. "It happened in the Last Alliance, long ago before your time." he explained.

Legolas exclaimed excitedly "I know that story. Ada told it to me."

Glorfindel nodded in understanding. "I have no doubt you do know it. Your grandsire was killed in that battle as well as the great elven king, Gil-galad. I took a stab wound that was meant for him. That’s what that scar is from."

Legolas trailed his fingers lightly over the old wound again, his face taking on a sad look. "The orcs hurt you," he said quietly, "just like they hurt me."

Glorfindel closed his eyes sadly and looked heartfully at the small boy, eyes brimming with tears. "Nay, penneth. What they did to you was much worse. No one deserves the torture they put you through, especially one so young and innocent."

Legolas sadly gazed up at the seneschal, tangling his hand in the wavy, golden hair. "Why? Glorfindel, why did they do that?"

Glorfindel sighed, trying desperately to swallow the lump in his throat. "I do not know, little one. The sad truth is that some creatures will make others suffer for their own personal pleasure, which is wrong." Glorfindel brushed off his sorrow for now and hugged the small child close, giving him what ever comfort he might need, before picking him up and getting out of the tub with him.

After they dried themselves, Glorfindel redressed in his earlier attire before pulling a nightgown over Legolas' head then carried him to his chambers and tucked him in. With a light kiss on the forehead, Glorfindel blew out the candles and headed for the door. "Sweet dreams, little one." he replied before closing the door.

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Legolas woke up with a start as a loud crack of thunder rumbled through the house of Elrond followed by a flash of lightening illuminating the room for a split second. The fact that Legolas had just awoken from a nightmare did not ease his troubles. He had dreamed of the orcs, how they slaughtered his mother, and how they had forced themselves upon him. Apparently the little incident with Glorfindel had got to him more than he thought.

Legolas was trembling in fear as he listened to the quiet pouring of the rain outside until several seconds later there was another thunder clap causing Legolas to jump out of bed and run faster then a bolt of lightening down the hall and right into Elrond's bedroom.

Legolas ran up to the bed and pounced right on top the elf lord, causing him to gasp with a loud 'ooph' as the wind was nearly knocked out of him. Legolas did not stop for a second though as he dodged under the covers of Elrond's bed sheets and cuddled up close to him, trembling violently.

As soon as he regained his breath, Elrond lifted his covers and with a raised eyebrow peered down at the child hugging into his waist. "Legolas," Elrond sighed, stifling a yawn. "What in arda are you doing ?"

Legolas whimpered. With big teary eyes he responded. "The sky is angry at me. It's roaring at me."
As if just to prove his point, another clap of thunder echoed outside causing Legolas to tremble even harder.

Elrond sighed. Thunderstorms were not common in Mirkwood and it was only natural that Legolas would be afraid. "Legolas, the sky is not angry with you. It is merely thunder, the result of two rain clouds striking each other."

Legolas did not seem convinced and he clung tighter to Elrond. With a shaky, frightened voice he asked, "M-may I sleep with you tonight?" Elrond opened his mouth to protest when another crack of thunder irrupted. "Please??" the plea was but a whimper but sounded so loud to the elf lord's ears.

Slowly the elven lord nodded and laid back down. So the elfling was finally starting to come out of his shell. Legolas slowly and cautiously crawled from under the blankets and pillowed his head in the crook of Elrond’s shoulder as he hugged tightly into his body. Legolas whimpered as more thunder came. Elrond’s arm encircled the small body and stroked his fingers through the shoulder length golden hair as he tried to sooth the frightened child.

Elrond sensed the distress in the small form and it was not only the thunder that frightened him, his instincts told him. "Legolas, tell me what’s wrong." Elrond gently coaxed. Legolas was silent but the elven lord could tell it was out of fear of broaching the subject. "I wish to help you but I cannot if you do not tell me what is wrong. Please?"

Elrond felt, more then heard, Legolas sigh upon his breast ."I had a bad dream. But it was the one that really happened. The orcs ... the spiders ... and ... and naneth." Legolas suddenly found himself desperately blinking back unwanted tears.

Elrond sighed sadly and gently brushed his fingers through the elfling's golden tresses. "Glorfindel told me what happened tonight," Legolas stiffened but said nothing. "ai, Legolas. I know things have been difficult for you, but you are safe here. I promise you, penneth, no one will ever hurt you here." Elrond then heard Legolas sniffle and peered down at him as Legolas angrily wiped away the tears that desperately spilled down his cheeks and gently, the elf lord pulled away his hand. "nay, Legolas. Do not keep it held within. Let it out, you will feel much better afterwards. Comou nou need this."

Legolas turned his head and quietly sobbed into Elrond's chest, the elf lord gently encouraging him, rubbing his back and whispering words of comfort. Legolas whimpered. "I miss nana."

"I know," Elrond cooed, speaking partly from personal experience. "It hurts, and it always will, I will not lie to you, but she will always be with you, as long as you remember her and what she has taught you. You will never truly be apart thus, Legolas."

Legolas clutched Elrond's night robe tightly and let out a long lingering breath. He was no longer sobbing, but tears still ran down his face and he had difficulty breat fro from his now stuffy nose. Realizing this, Elrond reached over to the night stand and grabbed a handkerchief, gently dabbing away the tears on Legolas' face before gently placing it over the elfling's nose and instructed him to blow. “You know,” Elrond whispered. “many a year ago, when I was much younger, I lost my mother.” Elrond closed his eyes for several seconds in painful memory. Legolas’ soft voice broke the Lore master out of his trans-like state.

“How?”

Elrond sighed sadly. He did not wish to reveal too much to the timid youngster, but enough that would link their two similar predicaments, and to prove to the elfling that he well understood the pain that he felt. “Much the same as you did. There was a war and my mother insisted that my brother and I hide. When the battle was over and Elros and I were found, we were told that our mother had not survived. It was a difficult and long journey but eventually I recovered, though I still often miss her.” To Elrond’s surprise, Legolas snuggled closer against him, momentarily turning his head to plant a tender kiss on the elf lord’s cheek, in a way of both comfort and apology.

They lay quietly for several moments after that before Elrond began singing a gentle melody that he remembered his mother sing to him and his brother, and one he often sang to his own children when they were young and were upset about something. As soon as the last note escaped Elrond's lips he realized Legolas' breathing pattern had considerably slowed. Looking down, he noticed that the elfling's sky blue eyes were glazed over and he smiled. This was good, this was the comfor nee needed, that both of them needed. Gently lowering his head, Elrond placed a chaste kiss on the elflings brow, running his fingers through the silken hair with the hint of a smile before he too entered the world of elven dreams.


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penneth: young one
mellon-nin: my friend
ada/adar: daddy/father
cunneth: princeling
nana/naneth: mommy/mother

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B.T.W. Would somebody please tell me what it means when you log in and on your personal profile it says "Allow Additions"? I don't get that. Additions to what, by who? I'm still new at this, damn it.