Poison

A/N: A note on the twins; I've made Elladan a little more stoic than Elrohir. No particular reason, just for the hell of it.

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Elrond had closed the door to Legolas' rooms a few moments earlier, leaving the twins and Gandalf to wait in the halls. Erestor approached and asked what had happened, frowning at the answer he recieved.

Elrohir wrung his hands together until the calming touch of his brother was placed upon his shoulder. Looking over, the younger twin gave his more stoic counterpart a grateful look. "I knew he was ill, but-"

"But we've never seen him actually fall ill," Elladan finished.

Erestor gave the twins a reassuring smile, "Your father will have him better in no time. However, waiting around here will help no one. I'll have the kitchens wait another hour before dinner, but you should prepare."

Reluctantly, but glad to have something to do, Elladan and Elrohir continued their initial path to their respective rooms. Gandalf waited until the identical Elves were far enough along to not hear any conversation that may pass between himself and Erestor before he spoke.

"Just how often has Legolas been ill like this?"

Erestor sighed, "Most of winter. Lord Elrond said that the chill may have been the cause, but there is little cold in Imladris as it is, and you know as well as anyone that Lord Elrond can ease the weather in the valley."

"So he has gotten worse then?"

"Better, I believe. This will be his first fit for nigh on a month now..."

Gandalf nodded and settled to lean against his staff. "A pity that one so young should endure such things."

"Legolas is a strong lad."

"Indeed. Meant for great things..." the Istar settled into thought and waited for a sign from Elrond or Glorfindel. Erestor shifted uncomfortably, but excused himself after a moment, remembering that he must speak with the cooks.

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Elrond smiled as he lifted the damp cloth from his patient's brow and blue eyes opened to look up at him. "Are you feeling any better, Legolas?"

A soft smile, "Yes. Thank you."

Glorfindel laid a gentle hand on the younger Elf's chest before Legolas could sit up. "Oh no, princeling. I am certain that you remember how ill you were the last time you tried to get up so soon."

"But dinner... I wanted to talk to the twins."

Elrond shook his head and poured some hot tea into a waiting cup. "I'll have them bring dinner to you when they are done. Now, slowly, sit up... Legolas, I said slowly," there was a sheepish smile from a queasy Legolas as he accepted the cup; "and drink this."

Glorfindel smiled, "I suppose Erestor has already taken care of delaying dinner, but I will go see if I am needed."

Elrond started clearing away used materials, "If anyone is waiting out in the hall, you may send them in."

The ancient blonde nodded and stretched as he stood. "Would you like me to bring anything to the Halls of Healing?"

Elrond nodded and handed Glorfindel a bowl filled with several cloths. "Just place them on a table, if you would."

"Of course," Glorfindel nodded. "Rest well, Legolas. I will tie you to this bed if I find that you have been up too early for your health."

Legolas gave a mischievious smile, "And if the twins have a part to play?"

"I will see them hung from the rafters of the stables," Glorfindelhreahreat was diminished by his grin and the quick carress he gave to Legolas' hair.

With bowl in one hand, Glorfindel took his leave, stepping aside in the doorway to let Gandalf through. There was a quiet exchange between the two that left Gandalf chuckling as he came in. Elrond nodded his greeting and patted Legolas' shoulder before taking his leave.

Gandalf smiled and gave Elrond a nod before settling into a seat by the bed and pouring some tea for himself, and some more for Legolas. "Well, young Legolas, you've given us all quite a start. How do you feel?"

"I will be better shortly, Gandalf. I am sorry to have worried you."

"Oh, no appology is needed. But I am certain that the twins will be by your bed soon enough to make sure that you are still breathing."

Legolas smiled and Gandalf glanced about the room. The wide windows took up most of one wall, and only the bedroom itself and a small bathing room were closed to the valley winds. A small study and sitting room were no more than pillared diases a short walk from the bed and attached to the main room by a stone path. Two trees stood on either side of the small path/bridge; the boughs arching over and some even through the opening and into the bedroom. Gandalf nodded his approval.

"It has been long since I've last visited your rooms. It seems that I have nearly forgotten how beautiful they are."

Legolas smiled, "Yes. Lord Elrond was most generous."

"It does not surprise me," Gandalf said. "You are family to him now."

Legolas sipped his tea, and Gandalf thought. The Istar broke the silence first, "It has been a while since I have told you any tales from the Shire, has it not? Oh, no, I told you of the freezing of the Brandywine... Well, Have I told you of old Bullroarer and the goblins of Mount Gram?"

The young Elf shook his head and Gandalf settled comfortably in his seat. "No? Then perhaps you will like it. Now, I am certain that I have told you of Old Took, no? Then I will just have to later on. But Bullroarer was Old Took's great-grand-uncle, it seems. A large Hobbit, able to ride a horse...."

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Shorter than I intended, but I'll update soon. Any suggestions for where the story should go would be appreciated, seeing as how I'm pretty much stuck on any details or random Imladris adventures. This will continue to the Quest, by the way (I've figured that much ^.~).

The story of Bullroarer was taken from The Hobbit, so it's most deffinately not mine. But it's amusing. I love Hobbits....