Creature Comforts

Chapter 5

I awake in a sweat only to have a cold damp cloth placed
gently against my forehead.

“Shhh, be still Estel, I am with you.” The warm elven voice
that whispers soothingly to me is instantly recognizable as Glorfindel’s. His
soft hand comes to rest against my cheek and I nuzzle comfortably into it
relishing the stability it provides. My shoulder throbs mercilessly, although
the searing pain I first knew has gone. Slowly I open my eyes and smile weakly
at the elf hovering above me. Glorfindel snorts indignantly at my determination
to recover as he reaches for a glass of water on the table. Gently he helps me
sit before allowing me to sip easfromfrom the glass. My throat feels as if it
has not been used for a century. Still weak and frail I rest quickly back
against the soft bedding watching quietly as the elder fusses around the room
collecting discarded cloths and opening the windows. The breeze that hits my face from the open balcony window is
refreshing and I close my eyes in comfort of the fresh air that reaches my
constricted lungs. In the now illuminated room I note its décor as one I have
never seen before. It is created in deep purples and green’s the wooden
furniture nothing like the stone furniture of the other rooms. Each piece
seemingly carved for a singular intended person. Glorfindel comes and sits back
at my side once again dampening the cloth upon my forehead.


”Whose room is this? I have never seen it before.” My voice is a croak more
than anything as I struggle to get the words out around my unused airways.
Glorfindel smiles sadly as he too glances around at the room. For a moment I
think that he will not answer me but eventually he turns back to me his hand
coming to rest upon mine.
“It’s is the Prince of Mirkwood’s chambers.” He pauses purposefully before
cautiously glancing down to meet my understanding gaze. “Elrond had it
furnished for Legolas to stay in when he was in Rivendell. It is sometimes
inappropriate for quarters to be shared.” Glorfindel’s raised eyebrow is all I
need to see, to know that Gandalf has informed him of my knowledge of Elrond
and Legolas relationship. Nodding
easily I turn my attention back to the open balcony doors and concentrate on
the sound of many voices laughing and cheering outside. Interested suddenly in
the activities I make to get up from bed only to have Glorfindel stare at me
pointedly and gently push me back against the bedding. “You are still unwell
Estel, you must rest if the infection is to be cured quickly.” I sigh heavily
and stare longingl the the open balcony doors only to have Glorfindel chuckle
at my defiance to stay still

“What are they doing outside? I did not know there was a
festival at this time of year.” Rising from the bed Glorfindel shakes his head
warmly before moving over to collect the now empty glass of water and the
pitcher.

“No it is an archery contest, organised to brighten the
spirits of Rivendell’s people in this time of worry. It is good exercise and
provides a welcome distraction to those who will depart from us when you are
well again.” Nodding I turn over wincing painfully as I catch my wound on the
silky elvish spun sheets.

“I am sure the prince of Mirkwood has broken all
competition, his keen sight with an arrow far exceeds any ve eve ever seen.”
Uncomfortably I run my hand over the thick bandaging on my shoulder,
remembering the agony upon the arrow’s first piercing tear. Although my comment
was made in jest Glorfindel doesn’t find it funny and I lower my head in guilt
as he turns to glare at me.

“Mind your tongue Estel or you may feel the sting of my own
arrow after pulling such a foolish stunt.” Swallowing hard I close my eyes in
regrettable silence as Glorfindel makes his way towards the entrance to the
chamber. “The prince is not among the archers he is in consultation with
Gandalf and Elrond on a most serious matter.” Nodding I sigh and snuggle back
into my covers, suddenly feeling as if a child again under Glorfindel’s
chastising gaze. “Arwen is in the library, I will allow her to see you, if you
will not exert yourself unnecessarily.” Smiling happily I nod with enthusiasm,
the warming face of my fair betrothed is just what I would like. “Very well, I
will return shortly with some soup from the kitchens, your body needs nourishment.”
With that he disappears out of the room his robe flowing easily around him
seeming as if he were floating.

It is only
a few moments before Arwen appears in the doorway her smile instantly lighting
the dullness of the room. Hesitantly she pauses unsure of whether to enter but
at my gesture she quickly sits upon the edge of my bed.

”Estel, I am glad you have woken.” Leaning over me she
gently kisses my lips lingering just enough for me to inhale her beautiful
scent before pulling back. Softly I reach up and brush the intricately braided
strand of hair behind her ear before cupping her cheek softly. I watch as her
eyes follow my chest to pause on the bandage on my shoulder, her eyes alone
telling me of her fear of losing me.

”I am glad that you have come to see me.” Smiling she
removes her gaze from my wound to train them back upon my face.

“Glorfindel was good to allow me, father has forbidden any
visitors to you except for Glorfindel who is tending your wounds.” Before any
more can be said an uproarious applause interrupts our conversation from
outside. We both chuckle to ourselves at the sound before I turn back to Arwen.
“The competition seems to be in heated progression, although the absence of the
Prince of Mirkwood’s talent is sorely missed.” Confusion is evident on my
features as Arwen turns back to me from her sad gaze out of the window. “Did
Glorfindel not tell you what has happened?” A worry rises swiftly within me at
Arwen’s sudden seriousness and I move to gently prop myself up on an elbow in
order to hear her better.

“No he did not. What has happened Arwen, where is Legolas?”
I watch as she sighs before cautiously glancing up towards the open doorway
unsure whether to speak or not. Finally she moves closer to me and rests her
hand against my own.


”I do not know if I should say but King Thranduil arrived unannounced in the
early evening of yesterday, with his two eldest sons and councillors.” I urge
Arwen to continue sure now that things are not all well as Glorfindel had made
out. Once again Arwen glances behind her at the open door before continuing in
a whispered voice. “I have heard that Legolas refuses a wife his father has
secured for him. Thranduil has refused Legolas’ leave with the fellowship and
declares that Legolas’ brothers will accompany the fellowship in his place.” My
breath is caught in my throat as I consider this turn of events. There is no
possible way that Legolas can be replaced with his brothers it has already been
decided by the will of the council. Arwen continues hastily as footsteps are
heard in the corridor outside. “Legolas has confessed he loves another, his
father is furious.” Expecting to hear Elrond’s name enter the conversation or
mine, I am unprepared for the name that passes my beloved’s lips. “He has confessed
a love for the steward of Gondor, a love for Boromir.”

“What!” Unable to suppress my surprise I sit sharply up from
the bed, my shoulder forgotten until the agonizing pain tears a scream from my
body. I fall back helplessly to the bed, clutching my shoulder and wreathing
about like a contortionist. Arwen screams frantically in Elvish for her father
and Glorfindel as she too goes to clutch my shoulder, blood already beginning
to seep through the bandage again. It is only a matter of moments before Elrond
runs into the room, Legolas, Gandalf and Glorfindel following him in. Gandalf
is quick to escort a grief stricken Arwen from the room, leaving Legolas and
Glorfindel to hold me down as Elrond thoroughly inspects my now open wound.

“I see a slither of blade, it must have broken off against
the bone when the arrow was first pulled free, it is causing the infection and
must be removed.” I hear Elrond address the others who have lessoned their grip
upon me as I calm myself to the pain now throbbing through my shoulder. Elrond
looks sympathetically down at me before sending Glorfindel to fetch the healers
while he himself disappears to check on his distressed daughter. There is an
awkward silence as Legolas stands from the edge of the bed and moves quietly
over to the open window without meeting my eye contact. My breathing is still
quiet erratic and it echo’s terribly in the silence that now hangs between us.

“I am sorry Estel, I have cause you pain and made things
more difficult for the fellowship. I should not have volunteered for the
journey knowing that I jeopardise its success with my situation.” I am stunned
as Legolas lowers his shoulders and turns regretfully back to me his eyes
brimming with tears as he meets my gaze. “Will you never forgive me such
foolishness?” His voice trails off to nothing and I find myself feeling
painfully guilty all of a sudden. Slowly I breathe out and I pause for a moment
before speaking, the apology I meant to give on that fateful day finally coming
free of my mouth.

“I’ve heard only fool described of men. Elves are neither
foolish nor rash in matters of importance, as my wound is testament.” I watch
as Legolas slowly raises his head, the long golden braids hiding his features
as a curtain against expressing his emotion. “I have often heard rumours of
elves from the forest being cautious in matters of the heart and both cruel and
cold in their self punishment for mistakes.” For a moment confusion flashes in
Legolas face and I find myself enjoying the expressions of his features that
previously at the council were non-existent. “You have my forgiveness Legolas
Greenleaf, if only that I prevent you from wounding yourself needlessly for a
situation that was born from my own foolish actions.” At my words Legolas looks
up at me sharply having not expected my own admittance to guilt. “I should not
have doubted your intentions for the fellowship and I had no right to invade
your privacy by spying. Shall you ever forgive me Greenleaf?” We
continue to stare at each other for a long time the silence so thick that not
even the wilderness outside can penetrate it. I take my time to fully
appreciate the delicate lines of his face and explore the beauty of him. He is
far prettier than any male elf I have ever met. I watch as he blushes lightly
under my scrutiny and for the first time I see a real depth of emotion behind
his deep blue eyes. It is only there for a fleeting moment before it is gone as
Glorfindel returns to the chamber with the healer, Elrond and of all people
King Thranduil.

King Thranduil is a large elf, taller than Legolas and more
solidly built than Glorfindel. He wears stately robes and a mitheral band of
gold upon his crown a sure acknowledgement of his status. I ignore Glorfindel
as he begins undressing my wound and watch as Legolas and his father stare at
each other. There is nothing friendly about the gaze that the king of Mirkwood
throws contemptibly in my direction before snorting in disgust. Thranduil
addresses his son in a harsh booming voice, his elvish that of the older times
that Legolas uses when addressing Glorfindel and Elrond. I do not understand
what he says but from the reaction of Legolas it is obviously as scorning as it
sounded.

“If it so ashamedly disgusts you, then you may leave. I
shall marry who I feel I can commit fully to for life and nothing less.”
Glorfindel and the healer stop work on my shoulder as Legolas growls crudely at
his father. It is a tone none of us would have expected to hear from the
innocent beauty of Legolas. The room falls silent as Legolas straightens
himself the warrior inside of him breaking free of the surface as he clenches
his fists at his side. “I am going as part of the fellowship to Mordor for
unlike your own selfish desires I have a duty to protect the people of Mirkwood.
I will not make the same mistakes you have done through your blind hatred.
Aragon is a friend as are the others and I beg you not insult them in my
presence again.” The rage on Thranduil’s face is terrifying as his son takes
several paces forward to come within inches of his father’s body. “You have
ruined my love once father but you shall not do it again. Go home to Mirkwood,
you disgrace me in front of my friends and in turn our people by your childish
grudge.” I find myself staring open mouthed as Thranduil glances away from his
son and stares at Elrond who is standing shocked at the foot of my bed.

“You have done this to him. }o took his innocents as a
child and corrupted his mind against his own family.” Thranduil spits hastily
at Elrond who backs purposefully away as Glorfindel steps between the
approaching King and his lord. “Well let it be upon your head then as I expel
him from my house.” I watch helplessly as Legolas takes the full force of his
father’s backhand sending him reeling into the dresser where he staggers to
maintain his footing after the warrior’s heavy blow. “I have no son other than
those that reside in Mirkwood, you are never welcome in my house again.”
Thranduil turns around slowly and stares at Elrond with a menacing glare. “Consider the ties between Rivendell and
Mirkwood as finished. Your treachery to our family and people will not be
forgotten.” With one last glance at his son Thranduil hastily turns and leaves
the room. The silence is broken only by the strangled sob of Legolas as he
sinks helplessly to the floor and into a shaking mess. Instantly Elrond is at
his side clutching Legolas’ frail body against his own in desperate comfort.
Anger seems to take precedent over Elrond’s feelings as he glances up to
Glorfindel.


”Take the guardians, see that Mirkwood’s company is escorted to the boarders of
Rivendell. I wish a watch to be taken; any of Thranduil’s men that return to
the boarders of Imaldris are to be shot as enemy and brought to my feet.”
Elrond rises to his feet Legolas in his arms, as he turns and moves hastily
from the room. Glorfindel sighs and turns back to me before instructing the
healer to continue my treatment and that he will return once the guardians are
assembled and have their orders. To my horror I have just witnessed the birth
of enemies and the splitting of what remains of the fragile last alliance.
Closing my eyes I grit my teeth as the healer begins work in silence on my
shoulder. This day is grievous indeed and I am guilty of partly being to blame.
Sadly I allow darkness to envelope me, thoughts of the quest to destroy the
ring, of Legolas’s confession of love for Boromir and of my own reluctance to
accept my birthright, all plague me as I sleep restlessly and in pain.


TBC……………………