A Healing Touch

Yay, look at all my nice reviews, I love you guys!

Kathy: I'm glad you like it, don't worry I will. *kisses*

giggles: Lol, they are cute together, aren't they? Yeah, down with orcs!

Natalya: Thank you!

louise_oblique: *Hugs* Thanks.

Aly: I like them too, don't worry, here's more!

Mawgy: I made you cry? I didn't think my story was THAT good. But Im glad you're enjoying this, it's my first fan-fic. But even when it was posted on FF.net I got a rather ignorant review saying the rape was funny and my story sucked, etc. So I kinda got discouraged and didn't really care to write anymore (I had a really low self esteem when I was a kid, and part of it still lingeith ith me). It was only the insistance of my more faithful reviewers that I continued, but your words struck a cord with me. I don't mean to sound corny or like Illowllowing in self-pity or anything but thats how I am. But Im glad you like it, and I will keep updating frequently. And don't worry, in my own reviews I usually use words like cute and sweet, etc.

Isisisatis: The first few sentences, eh? Wow. I did better than I thought. Thanks.

mystkyten:*Hugs* Thank you so much! You're so nice!

Disclaimerdda.dda.

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CH 3~

Elrond watched from his balcony as Legolas clambered up an old willow tree and smiled. The young one was being chased by Elladan and Elrohir in a game of tag. The twins may have long since grown up but sometimes still acted half their age.

It had been nearly two months since that fateful day in Mirkwood. Legolas was slowly but gradually beginning to trust others, not many but some. Those including Elrond, Glorfindel, the twins and Arwen. He was still somewhat distant from Erestor however, most likely because of his always rather firm tone towards everyone. Elrond explained to the boy that Erestor was not trying to be cruel or intimidating, that was merely just how he was and he should not be frightened of him, however Legolas was still notly cly convinced.

Elrond was also getting worried about the Mirkwood king. Not once, since Thranduil left his youngest son in his care, did he send word to him. It was nothing really to fret over. Thranduil could just be very busy rebuilding his kingdom but still Elrond could not help but wonder.

He turned his attention back to the pair playing in the tree. Elladan had managed to grab hold of the youngling and dragged him out of the tree . He pinned the giggling, squirming child to the ground as he and Elrohir tickled him mercilessly. Elrond chuckled to himself as he watched the scene before him.

Suddenly over head, there was an eagle cry. Elrond furrowed his brow. It was one of Thranduil's messenger birds. He extended down the stairs with an out-stretched arm as the great bird swooped down towards him and perched upon his arm. Elrond removed the scroll from the eagle's talon and read the note. It was from Nava.

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Elrond of Imladris

I realize it has been quite some time since you’ve last heard from my father and with good reason. You see, the damage to Mirkwood has been extensive. Many were killed and countless homes have been destroyed.

My brother and I have been doing as much as possible to aid our people. As for my father, the stress has been so great on him that I fear for him. He takes to locking himself in his chambers for days on end, not coming out even for meals. As well as drinking extensively and becoming abrupt and sometimes violent. I believe he is still mourning for mother as well as the loss of many lives and the destruction of his kingdom. Not even our councilors have been able to persuade my father from coming out. In fact, he has put me in charge of everything that goes on which has been stressful for me all on its own.

I do not wish to burden you, my lord, but I don’t believe it is yet safe for Legolas to return. Especially with father's heavy drinking and violent mood swings. I believe it would be best if he stayed with you for a while longer, for father does not seem to care for anyone anymore. If this is an inconvenience for you I will send Tallen to fetch him and bring him home. Please write back to me as soon as you possibly can and please give my regards to my brother, best wishes,

Nava of Mirkwood.

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Elrond sighed as he lowered the letter in his hand. How was he supposed to tell the child that his once loving father who spoiled him greatly, didn’t want him? This would be a difficult conversation with the boy. He would talk to him after lunch, he decided, then would write a response to Mirkwood's heir.

The meal went smoothly and Elrond was able to hide his distress from those sitting around him, those save for Glorfindel. Later when the seneschal approached him on the subject, he had pulled him into a corner relarelayed all the information to his old friend. Glorfindel felt sorrow for the young prince that he had to be parted from his family for an even longer amount of time then first thought. But a small selfish part of him was somewhat glad too. He had become quite attached to the child and the child felt likewise for the elf lord , and the family of Elrond for that matter. It would be hard to let him go. So between the two elf lords it was decided that Legolas would stay. Now all Elrond had to do was talk to Legolas.

Legolas was summoned by Elrond to join him in his study when he and Arwen were planting flowers in the garden. Legolas has suddenly wondered if he had done something wrong and hesitantly made his way to Elrond's study. When he got there and knocked lightly on the door, he was ushered to come in and sit down in the chair across from where the lord of Imladris was seated by the mantle. Slowly he complied. Elrond was silent for a few moments until he slowly opened his mouth to speak.

"Legolas," he slowly said, "I’ve just received word from your brother, Nava." Legolas started but Elrond held up a hand to silence him. "I’m afraid I have bad news, penneth. It may be quite some time before you are allowed to return home. There was much destruction in your home and your father's heart is filled with much sorrow." he let the information sink in for a moment before continuing.

Legolas' whole world seemed to crumble. But from the look in the elf lord's eyes Legolas could tell that there was more to what he was telling him, he knew not what but lord Elrond was a truthful elf and Legolas knew that he would not lie to him. So he dared to ask. "What do you mean? How much does ada's heart hurt?" at first Legolas could tell that Elrond was reluctant to answer. The elf lord bit his bottom lip and looked as if he was trying to form a response. "tell me the truth. Or maybe I should send for my brother to bring me home so I can see how bad it is my self."

Legolas was a clever elfling, this the Lore master knew, far more intuit than most his young age and Elrond knew, even if he spoke to Legolas with his most serious face, he would be able to see right through his lies and Elrond was not willing to break the trust that he had difficultly formed with the boy. So he figured that the best course of action would be to simply be truthful with him, no matter how painful the truth may be.

"Legolas, I know this is difficult for you but if you go home now you may regret it. Your father has become increasingly violent over the last several weeks and in his grief he may do things that may hurt you, not purposefully mind you, but sometimes, Legolas adults do things out of anger, like hurting people they love but don’t-" he was cut off quite abruptly.

"Nay!" came the greatly upset voice, "Ada would never hurt me! He s mes me!"

Elrond sighed, "Legolas, your father is not well. In his rash behaviour he may-" he was interrupted again.

"No!" the boy sobbed, "You lie! Ada would never hurt me, never!" and with that, Legolas ran out of the room, throwing open the door, followed by Elrond's voice calling him down the hall.

"Legolas! Legolas come back here!" Elrond sighed then ran off aftem.
m.

Legolas ran. Ran as fast as his little legs would carry him. Elrond was wrong. He had to be wrong. His family loved him. His father loved him...didn't he? Legolas collapsed when he reached the willow tree. He curled up to its base and pulled his knees to his chest as the tears began to flow. It wasn’t fair. First his mother left him, then his father abandoned him hear in Rivendell with the promise of his return, only to turn his back on him. He must not care about him anymore. He never even wrote him, not once! Legolas sobbed harder not bothering to fight them back.

When Elrond rounded the corner outside, he spotted a little blond figure curled up under the ancient willow. He sighed and silently crept forward. When he reached him, he sat down beside Legolas, leaning his back against the massive tree trunk.

"Legolas," he said softly, placing his finger under the child's chin turning him to meet his gaze."look at me," Their eyes met. "I know this is difficult for you. But you must understand. Your father is full of sorrow. He's lost much, little one."

Legolas whimpered. "He doesn't want me. He doesn't love me anymore and-- and I don’t even know what I did bad!" he sobbed, "Is it because I let the orcs kill nana? And because I let them touch me?"

Elrond felt his heart contract. The poor child was having a difficult time and this was not helping matters at all. "Nay, penneth," he whispered softly as he pulled the upset child into his lap and held his body tightly against him. "Your father is not angry with you for anything. It is no fault of yours for what happened that night and he most certainly does not hate you. You did nothing bad."

Legolas whimpered as he clenched the fabric of Elrond's robe in his fingers. Elrond sighed as he rubbed the elfling's back. "I know I am not your father, Legolas, but I will do everything in my power to look after you and to protect you. You have people here who love you as well you know."

Legolas's teary eyes met those of the elf lords. "Do you love me?" the child hesitantly asked.

Elrond smiled down at the young boy in his lap. "Of course I love you, Legolas." and it was true, Elrond realized when he said the words. He did love the child.

Legolas hugged into the elf lord's body tightly, and Elrond responded to the hug wrapping his arms around the tiny figure, knowing he needed the comfort and security that only he could offer the little one.

"Now come," Elrond said, "There are duties I must tend to. Besides, lord Glorfindel is in the Halls of Fire, awaiting you. He has a surprise for you."

Legolas' face brightened some. "What is it?" he asked .

Elrond chuckled, "If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise now, would it?" With that, the lord of Rivendell picked up the small child and headed back into the palace.

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Legolas ran into the Halls of Fire and practically pounced into Glorfindel's arms as the seneschal chuckled and caught the boy. He hugged Legolas to his chest. "Well hello there, penneth. How are you faring?"

Legolas turned his huge blue eyes to Glorfindel's nearly identical ones with a grin on his face. "Lord Elrond said you have a surprise for me, what is it?" he asked excitedly.

Glorfindel laughed at the eagerness in the child's tone. "Come," he said, holding out his hand for the child to take. "your surprise is in the stables."

Once they had reached the stables, Glorfindel had told the elfling to close his eyes. He picked the boy up and lead him to the very back. Once he set Legolas down he told him to open his eyes. Legolas gasped and grinned widely at the sight that met him. There just before him was a young filly. She was as white and was dappled grey over her body. Legolas was stunned into silence.

Glorfindel took the silence as a sign of approval. "This," he said, "belongs to one of Asfaloth's mares. Her name is Skylenar. Do you like her?" he asked smiling, knowing the response.

Legolas snapped out of his daze. "Yes, yes, YES!" he exclaimed as he hugged Glorfindel's leg tightly. "Oh she's perfect, Glorfindel, she’s so beautiful! And she’s just for me?"

Glorfindel chuckled, "Yes, penneth, she’s just for you."

Legolas squeezed his leg even tighter, "Oh, thank you!" he walked up slowly to the young foal. It was love at first sight and the pair took immediately to each other. Skylenar nuzzled Legolas causing the elfling to giggle and he affectionately stroked her neck.

"You will have to train her when she gets a little older so you may ride her one day." Legolas nodded. His new friend licked his hand causing more giggles to erupt from the small child.

Legolas had spent the whole day with his new horse, playing with her and talking to her and eventually fell asleep in the stall curled up to the sleeping filly. That was when Glorfindel decided to pick up the prince and carry him off to bed. He met Elrond in the hall with the small boy asleep in his arms.
Elrond raised his eyebrow and chuckled. "I take it he liked his surprise?"

Glorfindel smiled and nodded. "Oh, they were inseparable, Elrond. It was love at first sight."

Elrond sighed. "That is well. It’s nice to see the boy enjoying himself. Especially after the news he received today."

Glorfindel nodded again. "Aye, it is indeed. Have you sent your response to the prince yet?"

It was Elrond's turn to nod "Aye, I have. I can only hope Legolas can c" "

Glorfindel clucked his tongue. "Poor child. These last few months have been so difficult for him. Who knows what will happen next?"

Elrond sighed. "I know not, meleth-nin, but as long as he is in our care, I will make sure nothing happens to him."

Glorfindel nodded in agreement. "As will I. Well, I'd best get this little one into bed. It's been a long day and I believe I shall retire as well. I will see you later, Elrond."

Elrond placed a hand on Glorfindel's shoulder, leaning in to place a chaste kiss to the seneschal's lips before pressing one to the elfling's brow. "All right, then, Glorfindel." with that said they parted their separate ways.

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penneth: young one
ada/adar: daddy/father
meleth-nin: my love

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So Legolas gets a horse. Lol, I wrote this chapter a few weeks after I got my horse so I was kinda inspired.

I know, depressing chapter but wasn't the ending cute?