Mending a Heart

A/N: As Tolkien never described Legolas' hairstyle, I will be referring to the one in the movie.
Please note that for the purpose of this story, the way that Legolas wore his hair is unique to warriors from Mirkwood.


Chapter 4: The Challenge


The sun had risen and set fourteen times since Legolas' arrival in Rivendell.

As usual, Elladan couldn't wait to see the prince. He was hurriedly preparing himself for the morning meal in the hope that he could engage Legolas in some early morning banter. Elladan found that every day spent with the prince brought new adventures. He loved being near Legolas but feared his rejection.

Elladan didn't know how or why Legolas captivated him. Perhaps it was the mystery that surrounded the prince that made him so enchanting. It was odd the way he could talk to horses. It was also strange that Legolas could tell the twins apart, even when they tried desperately to fool him. However, the most bizarre thing about the prince was the way that he would visit the stable in the early hours of the morning.

Nearly every night, Elladan would stand on the terrace and wait to see the prince. Although Legolas did not always appear, Elladan would wait patiently, hoping to get a glimpse of him.

So strong was Elladan's desire to be near the prince that it annoyed him when Legolas was not present. What Elladan found even more exasperating was the way that Legolas divided his time up between the family members. Everyday, the prince would spend the first half of the day with the twins and the second half of the day with Arwen and Zera. Elladan discovered that he felt jealous of Arwen when she spent time with Legolas, but tried to remind himself to stifle his tongue as Legolas had requested.

Elladan sighed and looked into the mirror before exiting his bedchamber. He made his way down the stairs and found that Elrohir and Arwen were already seated at the table.

"Good morning," Elladan said warmly to his brother and sister.

"Good morning," Elrohir and Arwen responded in unison.

"Where is Legolas?" Elladan asked, looking around the room.

"He won't be joining us this morning," Elrond said as he entered the dining hall.

The three elves looked at their father, dismayed.

"Whylladlladan asked concerned.

"There are some things that Legolas wanted to take care of this morning," Elrond said, helping himself to the food that had already been placed on the table.

"Things?" Elladan asked confused. "What things?"

"Elladan," Elrond said firmly, "leave it be."

Elladan looked at his father, unable to hide his emotions. "I can't, Father," Elladan said quietly. "I can't."

Elladan stood and left the dining hall. There was only one thing that he knew for sure. . . something had happened to upset Legolas. Elladan walked out of the entrance hall and onto the veranda.
*Where could Legolas be?* Elladan looked around briefly and then began to run. *I wonder if he’s in the stable?*

Elladan entered the stable cautiously and saw Legolas standing in front of Ellie's stall. Legolas patted the mare's head tenderly.

"Legolas?" Elladan asked apprehensively.

"Oh!" Legolas exclaimed, startled. "I did not hear you enter."

Elladan had noticed that Legolas’ senses were diminished. Instead of questioning him, he decided to use humor to put the prince’s mind at ease. "Really?" Elladan asked teasingly. "So do your elvish senses diminish when your mind is united with a horses'? Hmmm. . . would that not mean that **you** are like a horse then, Prince?" Elladan walked toward Legolas as he spoke. "I never noticed it before, until now," he stated, looking from Legolas to Ellie.

"What?" Legolas asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.

"How much you and Ellie look alike. Are you twins?" Elladan asked the prince innocently.

"Elladan. . . " Legolas began in exasperation.

"Do not fear, fair prince, I have harnessed the power of perception!" Elladan said dramatically, puffing up his chest. " It would seem that you are not the only one who has this gift. I can tell you apart from your twin. It is your essence that makes you different even though you look **exactly** alike.”

Legolas laughed and shook his head. "Elladan," he said, chuckling softly.

Elladan smiled brightly at the prince. He was always pleased when he could make Legolas laugh.
"So why did you not come to the morning meal?" Elladan asked, scolding the prince teasingly. "I was hoping for some early morning wit. It is cruel of you to make an unhorse-like elf, such as myself, leave his meal and come after you. 'Tis cruel!"

Legolas smiled faintly and sighed. Returning his attention back to Ellie, the prince began to pat her head again.

"Would you leave your sister be, Prince?" Elladan asked, grabbing Legolas' hand.

Legolas' eyes met Elladan's.

"You are shaking," Elladan said in shock. He had assumed, upon entering the stable, that Legolas was distraught. He had not, however, anticipated the way the prince's despair would make him feel. He wanted to hold Legolas in his arms and tell him that all would be well. Then, he wanted to smite each and every fell creature that caused the prince's pain.

Legolas didn't speak. Instead, he began to look at the floor.

Before he could stop himself, Elladan placed his hand underneath the prince's chin, raising it slowly. When their eyes met, he saw the despair and sadness in the prince’s crystal blue orbs.

Closing his eyes, Legolas reached up and squeezed Elladan’s hand.

Elladan could sense his father approaching.

"Legolas?" Elrond asked as he entered the stable and walked toward his son and the prince. "Is all well?"

"Aye," Legolas said quietly, releasing Elladan's hand.

Elladan looked at his father despairingly.

Elrond smiled lovingly at his oldest child and looked at the prince with concern. The lord placed one of his hands on the prince's shoulder, squeezing gently.

Elrond and Elladan turned toward the entrance of the stable, as they sensed Elrohir drawing near. He was running.

Elrohir burst into the stable panting. "Come quickly! Ellaria has arrived!"

Just as quickly as he had entered the stable, Elrond’s youngest son departed, running excitedly back up to the manor.

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When Elrond, Elladan and Legolas arrived at the manor, Arwen was waiting for them. "Elrohir is in the south garden. He is waiting for you,” she said.

As they followed Arwen to the garden, Elladan looked back at Legolas who was only a few paces behind him.

The prince gazed at the ground as he walked. His once regal and jovial demeanor had disappeared.

Elladan reached back and grasped the prince's hand, squeezing it affectionately.

Legolas looked up at him and smiled faintly.

Elladan didn't release the prince's hand until they reached the garden.

"Ah!" Elrohir exclaimed happily. “You've arrived."

Elrohir, who was sitting on one of many benches that littered the lush green garden, stood and gently pulled a pretty female elf to her feet.

Legolas observed her carefully. Ellaria was beautiful. With dark brown hair that extended past her waist and emerald green eyes, Legolas could understand why her father was so protective.

"She has finally returned to me!" Elrohir said, gazing lovingly into Ellaria's eyes.

A few days before Legolas had arrived in Rivendell, Ellaria and her family had journeyed to Lothlorien. Thus, the prince had never met Elrohir's beloved.

"Hello, Ellaria," Elrond said warmly, pulling the female into a fatherly embrace. "I trust that your journey was safe?"

"Aye," Ellaria said courteously.

"'Tis good to see you," Elladan said, stepping forward and hugging Ellaria.

Legolas watched Elladan intensely. He couldn't help but wonder about Elladan's feelings toward him. Although he had comforted him earlier that morning, Legolas was unsure if his gestures were those of friendship or something more.

"Has Elrohir acted becomingly while I was away, Elladan?" Ellaria asked playfully.

"Have you **ever** known hir hir to act becomingly?" Elladan asked smiling.

"'Tis a good point," Ellaria said, shrugging and looking at Elrohir skeptically.

"Hey!" Elrohir exclaimed in mock anger.

Elrond and Arwen laughed.

"And what is this fair maiden’s name?" Ellaria asked curiously, looking at Legolas.

"Maiden?" Elladan asked, turning his attention to Legolas.

"Oh! Nay, Ellaria," Elrohir said quickly. "This is Prince Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood. Legolas, this is Ellaria."

"Oh my!" Ellaria said in shock, covering her mouth with her hand. "Begging your pardon, sir," she said, curtsying politely. "I meant no offense." Ellaria's face flushed from embarrassment.

Elladan wondered how Legolas would handle this situation, as did Elrohir, Arwen and Elrond. Although male elves were very fair of face, Legolas was particularly comely.

"The fault is mine, milady," Legolas said politely, bowing respectfully.

Elladan noticed that Legolas had regained his poise, and that his demeanor had changed considerably.

"I ventured out early this morning," Legolas began, "and did not tie back my hair. As my head was bowed, my hair covered my face. 'Twas not your fault," Legolas said, smiling warmly.

Elladan hadn't noticed that Legolas' hair wasn't braided. He looked at the prince carefully. *He **is** beautiful, but he looks like a male to me.* Elladan eyed the prince's stature. He had broad shoulders, a narrow waist and large hands. He was definitely male.

Despite Legolas' words, the atmosphere was very tense and no one spoke.

"Ellaria?" Legolas asked slowly.

"Yes?" Ellaria responded tentatively.

"I would like your opinion about a most pressing matter," Legolas said seriously.

"Alright," Ellaria said a bit fearfully.

"I was speaking to Elrohir and Elladan a while ago, as they rode upon Ellie and Eliad. And then I conversed with Elrond and was wondering. . . " Legolas broke off quietly.

"Yes?" Ellaria asked timidly.

"Should I change my name to Elgolas instead of Legolas," the prince asked teasingly? "It would seem that Arwen and I have been left out!"

Legolas laughed sincerely as did everyone present.
The tension dissipated immediately, and Ellaria sighed with relief.

"I must return to my duties," Elrond announced, still chuckling. "Ellaria, will you be joining us for the evening meal?"

"Aye," Ellaria said, smiling brightly.

"Well, I will see all of you then," Elrond said turning and heading out of the garden. "Elgolas. . . " Elrond said to himself as he was walking away and began to laugh.

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"Hi, Zera," Arwen said as the female entered the garden.

"Hello, Arwen," Zera replied politely. "Hello, Ellaria!" Zera said happily and embraced the female.

"Should we away, now?" Zera asked excitedly.

"At once," Ellaria said beaming, taking a step to leave.

"Where are you going?" Elrohir asked in a hurt tone, grasping Ellaria's wrist.

"We are going to visit my aunt and uncle, then we are going to do some needlecraft," Ellaria said, touching Elrohir's face gently.

"But I wanted to spend some time alone with you," he whined.

"You shall," Ellaria said, kissing Elrohir's lips lightly, "tonight."

"Alright," Elrohir said, cheering up immediately.

"Come on, Elgolas," Arwen chided, "let's away."

“Alright, Elarwen," Legolas said, smiling teasingly.

Arwen, Ellaria and Zera began to walk toward the garden gate. Legolas turned to leave when he felt someone grab his wrist.

"Where are **you** going?" Elladan asked the prince flatly.

"With Arwen, Zera and Ellaria," Legolas responded.

"I think not," Elladan said, still holding the prince's wrist firmly.

"But it is midday," Legolas said, looking up at the sky and then back at Elladan.

"I care not," Elladan said frankly. "As I told you earlier, Prince. I will have my daily jest with you, lest I be in a fell mood all day."

Arwen left Zera and Ellaria at the gate and made her way back to where Legolas was standing.

"Legolas, are you coming?" Arwen asked puzzled.

"Nay, Arwen," Elladan said abruptly, answering for the prince. "He will spend the day with me." Elladan remembered that Legolas has asked him not to argue with Arwen on his behalf, but he couldn’t resist.

"But it is midday, Elladan," Arwen protested. She glared at Elladan and noticed how he was holding Legolas' wrist. Arwen smiled understandingly.

"I care not," Elladan said. "The prince owes me a jest, and I shall have it."

Legolas shook his head in dismay and looked at Arwen.

"You are right, Elladan," Arwen said in agreement.

"I am?" Elladan asked stunned.

"Aye, Brother," Arwen replied firmly. "Spend the day with Legolas."

Arwen turned and began to walk toward the garden gate.

Elladan stared after his sister, openmouthed.

Upon joining her friends, Arwen spun around and said, "You owe me a favor, Elladan," before walking away quickly.

Legolas laughed.

"What's so funny?" Elladan asked the prince.

"Arwen," Legolas said smiling. "I would not like to owe her a favor."

"Me neither," Elladan said honestly. "She may force me to do something horrible, like needlepoint!" Elladan shuddered as he spoke.

Legolas and Elrohir laughed.

Elladan forgot that he was still holding Legolas' wrist. Without regard for the prince, Elladan sat down abruptly on a nearby bench, pulling the prince down with him. Legolas winced and looked at Elladan accusingly.

"I'm sorry," Elladan said, looking at Legolas. "Did I hurt you?"

Elladan began to examine Legolas' wrist carefully. Their eyes met briefly, then Elladan continued to probe the prince's wrist.

"Does that hurt?" Elladan asked concerned.

"Nay," Legolas said, smiling warmly at Elladan.

Elladan continued his examination and moved the tips of his fingers to the center of Legolas' palm. He stroked the prince's hand gently and then brushed his fingertips over Legolas'.

Legolas gasped quietly and pulled his hand away abruptly, hoping that Elladan hadn't noticed.

"Legolas," Elrohir said, interrupting his brother and the prince.

"Uh. . . yes, Elrohir?" Legolas asked, trying to compose himself.

"Thanks for being so kind to Ellaria," Elrohir said. "It meant a lot to me."

"Do not thank me, Elrohir," Legolas replied, smiling. "I know that she meant no harm."

"But it **is** true, though," Elladan said in a serious tone.

"What is?" Legolas asked.

"You look like a female." Elladan said bluntly. He didn't really believe that Legolas looked like a female, but he enjoyed teasing the prince.

"I do not," Legolas said indignantly and began braiding his hair.

"And why do you fashion you hair that way?" Elladan asked inquisitively.

"What do you mean?" Legolas asked, still braiding his hair.

"Why do you wear a braid behind each ear and one in the center?" Elladan asked the prince, looking at him with disdain.

"'Tis the way that warriors wear their hair in Mirkwood," Legolas replied.

"'Tis a female fashion," Elladan sneered.

"It is not!" Legolas exclaimed hotly.

"Yes, it is," Elladan teased. "Even if your hair had been tied back when Ellaria met you, she still would have mistaken you for a female."

Legolas glared at Elladan.

Just then, a female elf walked past the garden. Her flowing raven hair sported two plaits. There was one braid behind each ear. The two plaits were joined in the back and the rest of her hair was flowing freely.

"See?" Elladan exclaimed, pointing at the female elf. "She is wearing her hair in the same fashion as yours!"

"It is not the same," Legolas remarked. "She has only two braids and I have three. Her braids are gathered together and mine are not."

"I believe that if we journeyed outside of Rivendell and you wore your hair in your current style, males would come from far and near to court you."

"You exaggerate, Elladan," Legolas remarked, annoyed. "Elrohir? Do I look like a female to you?"

Elrohir eyed the prince carefully.

"Nay," Elrohir said honestly, "but you are rather comely."

"I am not!" Legolas exclaimed in protest.

Elladan laughed.

"I do **not** look like a female," Legolas stated firmly.

"Prove it then," Elladan challenged.

"How?" Legolas asked curiously.

"Tomorrow, let's away to Gaidon. It is a nearby human village. It is only a short journey from here, and then we will see how masculine you really are," Elladan said, smiling at his brilliant idea.

"Alright," Legolas said, accepting Elladan's challenge.

*Tomorrow, I will prove that I look like a male,* Legolas thought triumphantly.

*Tomorrow, I will prove that he looks like a female,* Elladan thought, smiling to himself.

---

TBC. . .