A Healing Touch
folder
-Multi-Age › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
40
Views:
18,260
Reviews:
258
Recommended:
1
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
-Multi-Age › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
40
Views:
18,260
Reviews:
258
Recommended:
1
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
The Morning After
Hey, guys. Sorry this took so long.... again. Is it just me, or does anyone else find that the website still takes forever to upload a page? It literally took 5 minutes for the 'edit chapter' section to upload, and even then it wouldn't, so I just said fuck it. Anyway, yeah...
MinuialNuwing: lol, well, at least I know that people are actually reading this fic, even if they don't review, but thanks. I appreciate it. And I'm glad you like the character development. Happy you enjoyed the last chapter.
Sian: What else can I say, except... ELF SMUT FOREVER!!!! lol.
MorierBlackleaf: lol, Hurrah!!! lol, don't we all. Of course, I wouldn't mind being the bed sheets myself, getting all wrapped up around them, lol. Anywho, yeah, I know what you mean. I've been having trouble simply uploading a page lately. Ah well, finally got this up.
HHS: Thanks, and yes, Legolas has taken Glorfindel. In the chapter 'Decisions' Legolas takes the dominent roll over him.
Kiril: That's good to know. Don't worry, as long as people continue reading, I'll continue writing. Yay, elf smut! lol.
LordTora: Glad you like it. Nope, that's pretty much it for Ungoliant. Her spawn are still there, but she's dead. And no, Cirdan gave Gandalf Narya, and Gil-galad gave Elrond Vilya jbefobefore he died.
Quote: Pg.413, index: The Silmarillion: Narya: One of the Three Rings of the Elves, the Ring of Fire or the Red Ring; borne by Cirdan and afterwards by Mithrandir. 345, 358, 365.
Quote2: Pg.428, index: The Silmarillion: Vilya: One of the Three Rings of the Elves, the Ring of Air, borne by Gil-galad and afterwards by Elrond; also called The Ring of Sapphire. 345, 358.
lilith: Hmm, well I can't promise that Haldir will be back, I didn't really plan on it, I'm trying to follow canon here, and in LOTR is basically states that the elves of Mirkwood went a long time without hearing from the elves of Lorien and believed it to be abandoned. But there will be more angst, and I'll try to find a spot where Glorfindel can show his protective streak again. Yes, eventually I will write more tales from Legolas' childhood.
Lizzle: Well that's good news. At least now that I know that you guys are still reading I won't have to end this little series so soon ;) Glad you liked the last one, I couldn't be so cruel as to not give my faithful readers some smut after they've been so patient with me.
Morelwen: Aww, hun, I'm sorry. Yeah, things have been a little better lately, though we have nurses coming in for her about every second day now. Don't worry, I'll keep writing, and happy you thought the naked sexy elves were beautiful, lol.
days_grace_falling: LOL, that's ok, you don't have to physically harm yourself on my account. Thank you, glad you like the story, and you you like the site. Hope your laptop gets fixed soon. lol, yay, cookies! thanks!
Fucted Up Kid: That's alright, don't worry about it, long as I know you're there. Happy you love it so much.
erobey: LMAO, I agree 100%!!! Elf smut all the way!!!
Gillian: lol, it's ok. lol, yeah, aff.net's been a bitch lately. Maybe I should tell Ayla to smack it with a rolled up newspaper. Thanks for the compliment, this story has taken alot out of me, but hey, I'm actually a better speller now than I used to be, so that's good. Really? Damn it, okay, I'll fix that as soon as I'm able to, I promise. But if I can't, you can always go to my website and read it there.
And finally, on to the next chapter....
()()()()
Voices. He could hear voices. Soft and lyrical, and yet strained and worried. As his fuddled mind began to gather, he was sharply reminded of where he was and what had happened with a dull ache of his lower regions, but despite his discomfort, he allowed a small smirk to tug at his lips. He shifted his head drowsily as his eyes slowly began to clear from elven sleep, and he was immediately greeted by two bright blue eyes, very much like his own, furrowed in what he could only fathom as concern.
“Adar?” he croaked, and he winced at the sound of his own voice.
“Legolas,” The elven king whispered, staring intently at his child with glimmering eyes, before swiftly surrounding him by two firm arms, holding him tightly to his chest in a rare display of affection that only few had witnessed, and despite his sudden surprise, the young prince wrapped his own weak, heavy arms around his father’s waist, savoring the rare moment. “Ai, Valar! Thank Iluvatar you are alright,” the son of Oropher sobbed. “I thought I had lost you to Mandos.”
“Ada…” Legolas murmured in reassurance. “Truly, I am well. You need not worry. You have saved me, and I am now fine.”
“Save you? No, I did not save you,” The elven king proclaimed as he reluctantly released his son, gazing sadly at him. “Elrond and Glorfindel were the ones who saved you.”
“Nay, that is untrue,” Thranduil stared at him doubtfully, and the younger elf continued. “You were the one who brought me here, yes? Your help was just as greatanyoanyone else’s.”
“Were it not for me, you would not be in this position, Legolas,” his sire sighed, and the princeling’s head cocked to the side in total bewilderment.
“How do you mean?”
“You know perfectly well what I am referring to. By expanding the treasure room, Legolas, I put your life in danger. It was selfish of me to put you in that position, ion-nin, I should have had the common sense to know better. I apologize.”
“Adar,” the younger elf hesitated, but forced himself to continue after a brief pause. “You are aware that I was fading…”
“Aye, another selfish overlook on my part,” he spat bitterly, completely disgusted with himself, and despite the sudden guilt that he felt well up within him, he spoke on.
“Nay. If there is anyone to blame, than it is I. I should not have hid my condition from you, and I am sorry. If that tunnel had not collapsed and you continued to be ignorant of my condition, I would have eventually faded.”
“Aye, they diy did you hide this from us?”
For the first time, Legolas realized that he and his father were not the only ones in his chambers, and his head snapped around to gaze at the intense gaze of his brother, suddenly unsure if he should be happy to see him, or uncomfortable under his sharp scrutiny. He was suddenly very aware that he wore nothing under the thin bed sheet covering him, and he felt a blush creep upon his cheeks.
“Muindor, I--”
“Why, Leg?,” ?,” Tallen interrupted as he uncrossed his arms and walked over to the bed, displeasure clearly marking his features. “Why did you hide your condition from the rest of us? You should have told us sooner, you nearly died.”
Thengstngster brother looked away ashamedly and into his lap, staring intently at the tiny threading of the coverlet. “You have made it very clear that you do not approve of same-sex relations, Tallen. I was afraid that you would become angry, and wish to have nothing more to do with me.”
Tallen faltered then, only for a moment, and his facial features softened slightly, before he replied just as bitterly. “I am more angry that you did not tell me sooner. In my opinion, it would be far worse to have an argument over bonding rituals than to see you lose your life over your confong png pride. Do you think so little of me? We are brothers, Legolas. I would learn to live with it… eventually.”
“Eventually,” Legolas repeated with a sigh. “So you still have not fully come to terms with my decision?”
“It is difficult to change ones opinion in such a short matter of time, and the thought of two males- never mind three- in the same bed, doing…. those things… is not what I would call my cup of tea,” the elder prince replied, and placed a firm hand on his brother’s shoulder. “But I am still your brother, and know that I still love you.”
A shaky hand raised to press over Talleown,own, and Legolas looked up at him with brotherly affection glistening in his eyes. “Thank you, brother. Your words are greatly appreciated.”
The prince sighed, and gently squeezed the younger elf’s shoulder once more. “I am glad you are well, Legolas,”
“How are you feeling, ion-nin?” Thranduil asked once his children had finished their conversation.
las las winced as he shifted his position, the weakness and sudden weight of his body making its self known. “Sore,” he muttered. “And… weak. As though I… I have weights attached to my legs and arms.” He added reluctantly, and his eyes shifted uncomfortably.
“You have been out of commission for a matter of weeks,” the king replied with a nod of his head. “It is only natural that you feel this way.”
“I am certain your… mates will wish to know you’ve awakened,” Tallen said, as he turned to the drapery. “I shall go inform them.”
As Tallen’s footfalls faded down the hall, the younger prince released a barely audible sigh.
“He is not at all comfortable with this,” he said. “The unease in his eyes is a true sign of tha
“You cannot expect him to change his opinion over night,” Thranduil softly retorted. “I made that very mistake, myself.”
“I know… Father?” The elfling hesitated, but his sire gazed at him expectantly, and so he continued. “I know you have always shared… similar feelings regarding these sorts of relations… do you still… feel the same way?”
The king wasent ent for a moment, mentally choosing his words very carefully, before he opened his mouth. “I admit… there was a time when even the thought of it disgusted me, repulsed me, even, and I would be lying if I told you that it bothers me no more,” he sighed, and reached up to brush a stray strand of golden hair from his child’s face. “But I love you, Legolas, and as your father I respect your choice. Besides… it is clear that both Elrond and Glorfindel care for you a great deal. Part of me is glad that you have two protective lovers that will keep you safe from harm.”
“Thank you, adar,” Legolas smiled. “That is good to hear.”
Thranduil gave a short nod of his head, brushing his thumb over the pale cheek once more. “You are welcome, my son.”
A thoughtful look furrowed the prince’s gaze then. “Adar… Nava, was his reaction similar to Tallen’s when he found out of the bond?”
“Actually, Nava was very accepting of the circumstances. He took the news much lighter than Tallen. I am certain he wishes you well, Legolas.”
“He has remained in the Greenwood, then?”
“Aye, my seneschal was sent on an errand and I had no other to stay in my stead. I could not leave our people to fend for themselves. And though he wished to come, I had no other choice,” Thranduil looked questioningly at his youngest child when he had suddenly tensed at the mention of their kin. “What is it, ion-nin?”
“Adar, the bond. Who else knows of it? Many elves were present when the tunnel collapsed upon us, and I am certain many were curious as to why I could not simply be treated at home.”
The Eldar simply held up a hand in a silent gesture for calmness. “Do not worry yourself over such things. No one, aside from your brothers, the healer, and I know of what was causing your illness. Your secret is safe. Our people know better than to meddle in matters that do not concern them. Should they ask, Nava will simply tell them that the concussion you sustained was too great to treat, and that no one except lord Elrond could treat you.”
“I see. And who, here in Imladris, knows of it?”
“The knowledge of your bond is limited to only a select few, I assure you. Elrond’s sons are aware of your relationship, as is his Councillor and your childhood companion; the one with the red hair, Narofea, I believe. And also, of course, does Mithrandir.”
This answer seemed to satisfy the princnd hnd he settled back comfortably against his pillows and said no more, and he and his sire remained in a calm silence until a gathering of light footfalls could be heard heading their direction. The tapestry was pulled to the side, and Gandalf, Elrond, Glorfindel, and Tallen walked through, single file, and approached the bed.
“Ah, finally you are awake!” the istar cried cheerfully.
“Good day, Mithrandir.” The young sindar replied, once again shifting in his bed, scowling at the effort this seemed to take. He tempted a friendly smile at the old wizard in reassurance, which immediately broadened when he spotted his two lovers standing beside him.
“How do you fare, Legolas?” Elrond asked kindly, his grey eyes alight with happiness.
The young elf licked his dry lips absently. “Other than some mild discomfort, I am quite well.”
“Discomfort?” the maia prodded, unsatisfied with this simple answer. He noticed the prince’s hesitation, but his firm stare bore into Legolas’ eyes, and he glanced away uncomfortably.
More than anything, Legolas despised appearing vulnerable, quite understandable considering his trying past, and the fact that all attention was on him at this moment did nothing to ease his dilemma.
“Legolas?”
He sighed and gazed down at his hands which were tightly clasped together across his stomach, and swallowed before he spoke in a very soft tone, almost ashamedly. “I find it dcultcult to do anything. Since I have awoken, I feel as if all strength has been stolen from my body. My muscles ache, and I find it difficult to speak… even lifting my arm is a strenuous task.”
Elrond glanced to Gandalf, his features unreadable. The wizard himself merely nodded. “That is to be expected, Legolas. As your mind began to stray, your body slowly began to shut down. Your heart’s grief alone, was enough to take away your strength. You have only now been restored to the waking world, and are feeling the full physical effects of your recent heartache.”
“How much longer will I feel thus?”
“It varies from person to person, a week at the least. During this time you are not to leave your bed for any reason other than for personal tending. Once each day until you are well enough to stand on your own two feet without assistance, Elrond will help you exercise your muscles, and give them a thorough massage. And servants will be sent up to yo ser serve you your meals, no exceptions.”
“Lovely.” The prince muttered, not at all happy with this information. Even the mere thought of him being bedridden for even a week was agonizing. And the realization that he would have no other choice than to be tended to like an infant did nothing than to wound his pride.
Gandalf sighed, easily recognizing the rebellious look on the princeling’s face. “If you would leave us for a moment.”
It was not a request, and all knew better than to question the istar’s orders. Thranduil lightly patted his son’s leg before he rose and left the room with his elder child.
For a long moment, Mithrandir stared down hard at the elfling, and Legolas fought the urge to shift in discomfort under his intense scrutiny.
“Legolas, I realize this is difficult for you, you have every right to be angry. But in denying help, you are only making things more difficult for yourself. You will not heal properly without the proper care.”
“I have denied no one their help.”
“Nay, but it is obvious that you do not care for it. You are an independent person, that is clearly obvious, and I know that you do not appreciate being treated like an elfling. Unfortunately you have no other choice in this matter.
“Legolas, you must understand; you nearly died of grief. Frankly, I find it amazing that you did not fall into Mandos’ clutches sooner. You are surrounded by people whom love and respect you. They could never think little of you, ever.
“We wish to help you, and we could easily do so with or without your consent. But instead, we are asking you by your own free will to accept your assistance. Please do not deny the ones whom you love.”
With a long audible sigh, the golden haired sindar nodded after a quiet moment. There was no point in arguing with the wizard, he would never win, and part of him knew that Gandalf was right. Not only was he hurting himself in denying himilymily’s help, but them as well.
“I will agree to your terms, Mithrandir, without objection.”
“Very good,” the maia nodded. “I shall send Elrond and Glorfindel in so you may speak with them, I am certain you wish to spend some quality time with them for a time. I shall also send someone down to the kitchens and fetch you something to eat. I am certain that by now you are hungry.”
“Thank you, Mithrandir.”
The istari merely nodded with a smile before pushing past the tapestry, before Elrond and Glorfindel emerged several moments later.
The seneschal was first to reach the bed, and he perched himself on the edge of the mattress with a smile, before pulling the younger elf into his arms and kissing his forehead tenderly. “Legolas, melethron-nin,” the elf lord sighed contently. “Oh, I have missed you so.”
“Glorfindel,” the prince mewled in the arms of his lover, nuzzling his head against the veteran’s firm chest.
He was reluctant to release his young mate, but he did so nevertheless to allow his darker haired lover to show the prince the same greeting.
“I hope that Gandalf went easy on you, penneth.”
“Aye,” the prince replied as he and Elrond broke the embrace. “He was very helpful, actually.”
“What was said?”
“He reminded me,” Legolas sighed. “That I have a wonderful family whom would do anything to help me in my recovery, and that I should not be afraid to ask them for help.”
Both elves smiled then, and each took at seat upon the large bed. “And he speaks the truth, meleth.”
“I know,” the young sinda smiled.
“Come,” The loremaster sighed, pulling away the coverlet just enough to reveal the prince’s bare legs, lifting one of them into his lap before he gently began to massage the aching limb. “Let us begin your therapy.”
()()()()
ada/adar: father
ion-nin: my son
penneth: young one
melethron-nin: my beloved
meleth-nin: my love
And there ya go...
MinuialNuwing: lol, well, at least I know that people are actually reading this fic, even if they don't review, but thanks. I appreciate it. And I'm glad you like the character development. Happy you enjoyed the last chapter.
Sian: What else can I say, except... ELF SMUT FOREVER!!!! lol.
MorierBlackleaf: lol, Hurrah!!! lol, don't we all. Of course, I wouldn't mind being the bed sheets myself, getting all wrapped up around them, lol. Anywho, yeah, I know what you mean. I've been having trouble simply uploading a page lately. Ah well, finally got this up.
HHS: Thanks, and yes, Legolas has taken Glorfindel. In the chapter 'Decisions' Legolas takes the dominent roll over him.
Kiril: That's good to know. Don't worry, as long as people continue reading, I'll continue writing. Yay, elf smut! lol.
LordTora: Glad you like it. Nope, that's pretty much it for Ungoliant. Her spawn are still there, but she's dead. And no, Cirdan gave Gandalf Narya, and Gil-galad gave Elrond Vilya jbefobefore he died.
Quote: Pg.413, index: The Silmarillion: Narya: One of the Three Rings of the Elves, the Ring of Fire or the Red Ring; borne by Cirdan and afterwards by Mithrandir. 345, 358, 365.
Quote2: Pg.428, index: The Silmarillion: Vilya: One of the Three Rings of the Elves, the Ring of Air, borne by Gil-galad and afterwards by Elrond; also called The Ring of Sapphire. 345, 358.
lilith: Hmm, well I can't promise that Haldir will be back, I didn't really plan on it, I'm trying to follow canon here, and in LOTR is basically states that the elves of Mirkwood went a long time without hearing from the elves of Lorien and believed it to be abandoned. But there will be more angst, and I'll try to find a spot where Glorfindel can show his protective streak again. Yes, eventually I will write more tales from Legolas' childhood.
Lizzle: Well that's good news. At least now that I know that you guys are still reading I won't have to end this little series so soon ;) Glad you liked the last one, I couldn't be so cruel as to not give my faithful readers some smut after they've been so patient with me.
Morelwen: Aww, hun, I'm sorry. Yeah, things have been a little better lately, though we have nurses coming in for her about every second day now. Don't worry, I'll keep writing, and happy you thought the naked sexy elves were beautiful, lol.
days_grace_falling: LOL, that's ok, you don't have to physically harm yourself on my account. Thank you, glad you like the story, and you you like the site. Hope your laptop gets fixed soon. lol, yay, cookies! thanks!
Fucted Up Kid: That's alright, don't worry about it, long as I know you're there. Happy you love it so much.
erobey: LMAO, I agree 100%!!! Elf smut all the way!!!
Gillian: lol, it's ok. lol, yeah, aff.net's been a bitch lately. Maybe I should tell Ayla to smack it with a rolled up newspaper. Thanks for the compliment, this story has taken alot out of me, but hey, I'm actually a better speller now than I used to be, so that's good. Really? Damn it, okay, I'll fix that as soon as I'm able to, I promise. But if I can't, you can always go to my website and read it there.
And finally, on to the next chapter....
()()()()
Voices. He could hear voices. Soft and lyrical, and yet strained and worried. As his fuddled mind began to gather, he was sharply reminded of where he was and what had happened with a dull ache of his lower regions, but despite his discomfort, he allowed a small smirk to tug at his lips. He shifted his head drowsily as his eyes slowly began to clear from elven sleep, and he was immediately greeted by two bright blue eyes, very much like his own, furrowed in what he could only fathom as concern.
“Adar?” he croaked, and he winced at the sound of his own voice.
“Legolas,” The elven king whispered, staring intently at his child with glimmering eyes, before swiftly surrounding him by two firm arms, holding him tightly to his chest in a rare display of affection that only few had witnessed, and despite his sudden surprise, the young prince wrapped his own weak, heavy arms around his father’s waist, savoring the rare moment. “Ai, Valar! Thank Iluvatar you are alright,” the son of Oropher sobbed. “I thought I had lost you to Mandos.”
“Ada…” Legolas murmured in reassurance. “Truly, I am well. You need not worry. You have saved me, and I am now fine.”
“Save you? No, I did not save you,” The elven king proclaimed as he reluctantly released his son, gazing sadly at him. “Elrond and Glorfindel were the ones who saved you.”
“Nay, that is untrue,” Thranduil stared at him doubtfully, and the younger elf continued. “You were the one who brought me here, yes? Your help was just as greatanyoanyone else’s.”
“Were it not for me, you would not be in this position, Legolas,” his sire sighed, and the princeling’s head cocked to the side in total bewilderment.
“How do you mean?”
“You know perfectly well what I am referring to. By expanding the treasure room, Legolas, I put your life in danger. It was selfish of me to put you in that position, ion-nin, I should have had the common sense to know better. I apologize.”
“Adar,” the younger elf hesitated, but forced himself to continue after a brief pause. “You are aware that I was fading…”
“Aye, another selfish overlook on my part,” he spat bitterly, completely disgusted with himself, and despite the sudden guilt that he felt well up within him, he spoke on.
“Nay. If there is anyone to blame, than it is I. I should not have hid my condition from you, and I am sorry. If that tunnel had not collapsed and you continued to be ignorant of my condition, I would have eventually faded.”
“Aye, they diy did you hide this from us?”
For the first time, Legolas realized that he and his father were not the only ones in his chambers, and his head snapped around to gaze at the intense gaze of his brother, suddenly unsure if he should be happy to see him, or uncomfortable under his sharp scrutiny. He was suddenly very aware that he wore nothing under the thin bed sheet covering him, and he felt a blush creep upon his cheeks.
“Muindor, I--”
“Why, Leg?,” ?,” Tallen interrupted as he uncrossed his arms and walked over to the bed, displeasure clearly marking his features. “Why did you hide your condition from the rest of us? You should have told us sooner, you nearly died.”
Thengstngster brother looked away ashamedly and into his lap, staring intently at the tiny threading of the coverlet. “You have made it very clear that you do not approve of same-sex relations, Tallen. I was afraid that you would become angry, and wish to have nothing more to do with me.”
Tallen faltered then, only for a moment, and his facial features softened slightly, before he replied just as bitterly. “I am more angry that you did not tell me sooner. In my opinion, it would be far worse to have an argument over bonding rituals than to see you lose your life over your confong png pride. Do you think so little of me? We are brothers, Legolas. I would learn to live with it… eventually.”
“Eventually,” Legolas repeated with a sigh. “So you still have not fully come to terms with my decision?”
“It is difficult to change ones opinion in such a short matter of time, and the thought of two males- never mind three- in the same bed, doing…. those things… is not what I would call my cup of tea,” the elder prince replied, and placed a firm hand on his brother’s shoulder. “But I am still your brother, and know that I still love you.”
A shaky hand raised to press over Talleown,own, and Legolas looked up at him with brotherly affection glistening in his eyes. “Thank you, brother. Your words are greatly appreciated.”
The prince sighed, and gently squeezed the younger elf’s shoulder once more. “I am glad you are well, Legolas,”
“How are you feeling, ion-nin?” Thranduil asked once his children had finished their conversation.
las las winced as he shifted his position, the weakness and sudden weight of his body making its self known. “Sore,” he muttered. “And… weak. As though I… I have weights attached to my legs and arms.” He added reluctantly, and his eyes shifted uncomfortably.
“You have been out of commission for a matter of weeks,” the king replied with a nod of his head. “It is only natural that you feel this way.”
“I am certain your… mates will wish to know you’ve awakened,” Tallen said, as he turned to the drapery. “I shall go inform them.”
As Tallen’s footfalls faded down the hall, the younger prince released a barely audible sigh.
“He is not at all comfortable with this,” he said. “The unease in his eyes is a true sign of tha
“You cannot expect him to change his opinion over night,” Thranduil softly retorted. “I made that very mistake, myself.”
“I know… Father?” The elfling hesitated, but his sire gazed at him expectantly, and so he continued. “I know you have always shared… similar feelings regarding these sorts of relations… do you still… feel the same way?”
The king wasent ent for a moment, mentally choosing his words very carefully, before he opened his mouth. “I admit… there was a time when even the thought of it disgusted me, repulsed me, even, and I would be lying if I told you that it bothers me no more,” he sighed, and reached up to brush a stray strand of golden hair from his child’s face. “But I love you, Legolas, and as your father I respect your choice. Besides… it is clear that both Elrond and Glorfindel care for you a great deal. Part of me is glad that you have two protective lovers that will keep you safe from harm.”
“Thank you, adar,” Legolas smiled. “That is good to hear.”
Thranduil gave a short nod of his head, brushing his thumb over the pale cheek once more. “You are welcome, my son.”
A thoughtful look furrowed the prince’s gaze then. “Adar… Nava, was his reaction similar to Tallen’s when he found out of the bond?”
“Actually, Nava was very accepting of the circumstances. He took the news much lighter than Tallen. I am certain he wishes you well, Legolas.”
“He has remained in the Greenwood, then?”
“Aye, my seneschal was sent on an errand and I had no other to stay in my stead. I could not leave our people to fend for themselves. And though he wished to come, I had no other choice,” Thranduil looked questioningly at his youngest child when he had suddenly tensed at the mention of their kin. “What is it, ion-nin?”
“Adar, the bond. Who else knows of it? Many elves were present when the tunnel collapsed upon us, and I am certain many were curious as to why I could not simply be treated at home.”
The Eldar simply held up a hand in a silent gesture for calmness. “Do not worry yourself over such things. No one, aside from your brothers, the healer, and I know of what was causing your illness. Your secret is safe. Our people know better than to meddle in matters that do not concern them. Should they ask, Nava will simply tell them that the concussion you sustained was too great to treat, and that no one except lord Elrond could treat you.”
“I see. And who, here in Imladris, knows of it?”
“The knowledge of your bond is limited to only a select few, I assure you. Elrond’s sons are aware of your relationship, as is his Councillor and your childhood companion; the one with the red hair, Narofea, I believe. And also, of course, does Mithrandir.”
This answer seemed to satisfy the princnd hnd he settled back comfortably against his pillows and said no more, and he and his sire remained in a calm silence until a gathering of light footfalls could be heard heading their direction. The tapestry was pulled to the side, and Gandalf, Elrond, Glorfindel, and Tallen walked through, single file, and approached the bed.
“Ah, finally you are awake!” the istar cried cheerfully.
“Good day, Mithrandir.” The young sindar replied, once again shifting in his bed, scowling at the effort this seemed to take. He tempted a friendly smile at the old wizard in reassurance, which immediately broadened when he spotted his two lovers standing beside him.
“How do you fare, Legolas?” Elrond asked kindly, his grey eyes alight with happiness.
The young elf licked his dry lips absently. “Other than some mild discomfort, I am quite well.”
“Discomfort?” the maia prodded, unsatisfied with this simple answer. He noticed the prince’s hesitation, but his firm stare bore into Legolas’ eyes, and he glanced away uncomfortably.
More than anything, Legolas despised appearing vulnerable, quite understandable considering his trying past, and the fact that all attention was on him at this moment did nothing to ease his dilemma.
“Legolas?”
He sighed and gazed down at his hands which were tightly clasped together across his stomach, and swallowed before he spoke in a very soft tone, almost ashamedly. “I find it dcultcult to do anything. Since I have awoken, I feel as if all strength has been stolen from my body. My muscles ache, and I find it difficult to speak… even lifting my arm is a strenuous task.”
Elrond glanced to Gandalf, his features unreadable. The wizard himself merely nodded. “That is to be expected, Legolas. As your mind began to stray, your body slowly began to shut down. Your heart’s grief alone, was enough to take away your strength. You have only now been restored to the waking world, and are feeling the full physical effects of your recent heartache.”
“How much longer will I feel thus?”
“It varies from person to person, a week at the least. During this time you are not to leave your bed for any reason other than for personal tending. Once each day until you are well enough to stand on your own two feet without assistance, Elrond will help you exercise your muscles, and give them a thorough massage. And servants will be sent up to yo ser serve you your meals, no exceptions.”
“Lovely.” The prince muttered, not at all happy with this information. Even the mere thought of him being bedridden for even a week was agonizing. And the realization that he would have no other choice than to be tended to like an infant did nothing than to wound his pride.
Gandalf sighed, easily recognizing the rebellious look on the princeling’s face. “If you would leave us for a moment.”
It was not a request, and all knew better than to question the istar’s orders. Thranduil lightly patted his son’s leg before he rose and left the room with his elder child.
For a long moment, Mithrandir stared down hard at the elfling, and Legolas fought the urge to shift in discomfort under his intense scrutiny.
“Legolas, I realize this is difficult for you, you have every right to be angry. But in denying help, you are only making things more difficult for yourself. You will not heal properly without the proper care.”
“I have denied no one their help.”
“Nay, but it is obvious that you do not care for it. You are an independent person, that is clearly obvious, and I know that you do not appreciate being treated like an elfling. Unfortunately you have no other choice in this matter.
“Legolas, you must understand; you nearly died of grief. Frankly, I find it amazing that you did not fall into Mandos’ clutches sooner. You are surrounded by people whom love and respect you. They could never think little of you, ever.
“We wish to help you, and we could easily do so with or without your consent. But instead, we are asking you by your own free will to accept your assistance. Please do not deny the ones whom you love.”
With a long audible sigh, the golden haired sindar nodded after a quiet moment. There was no point in arguing with the wizard, he would never win, and part of him knew that Gandalf was right. Not only was he hurting himself in denying himilymily’s help, but them as well.
“I will agree to your terms, Mithrandir, without objection.”
“Very good,” the maia nodded. “I shall send Elrond and Glorfindel in so you may speak with them, I am certain you wish to spend some quality time with them for a time. I shall also send someone down to the kitchens and fetch you something to eat. I am certain that by now you are hungry.”
“Thank you, Mithrandir.”
The istari merely nodded with a smile before pushing past the tapestry, before Elrond and Glorfindel emerged several moments later.
The seneschal was first to reach the bed, and he perched himself on the edge of the mattress with a smile, before pulling the younger elf into his arms and kissing his forehead tenderly. “Legolas, melethron-nin,” the elf lord sighed contently. “Oh, I have missed you so.”
“Glorfindel,” the prince mewled in the arms of his lover, nuzzling his head against the veteran’s firm chest.
He was reluctant to release his young mate, but he did so nevertheless to allow his darker haired lover to show the prince the same greeting.
“I hope that Gandalf went easy on you, penneth.”
“Aye,” the prince replied as he and Elrond broke the embrace. “He was very helpful, actually.”
“What was said?”
“He reminded me,” Legolas sighed. “That I have a wonderful family whom would do anything to help me in my recovery, and that I should not be afraid to ask them for help.”
Both elves smiled then, and each took at seat upon the large bed. “And he speaks the truth, meleth.”
“I know,” the young sinda smiled.
“Come,” The loremaster sighed, pulling away the coverlet just enough to reveal the prince’s bare legs, lifting one of them into his lap before he gently began to massage the aching limb. “Let us begin your therapy.”
()()()()
ada/adar: father
ion-nin: my son
penneth: young one
melethron-nin: my beloved
meleth-nin: my love
And there ya go...