Orchids in 'Lorien

('Lórien)

It was only about an hour before sunrise that Legolas was awakened by the commotion outside. Looking out the window he realized that the activity was centered around the Healers' talan outside of which stood a small group of 'Lorien border guards, as well as other Elves curious what was going on. A sinking feeling developed in the pit of the Prince's stomach when he saw familiar grey uniforms. 'Was there an attack at the border? Was someone hurt? Was it Orophin?' his mind raced as he quickly put on some clothes.

Legolas pushed his through the group of Elves standing outside the talan. Upon stepping inside he saw what it was he feared most- his lover was lying on a sickbed, covered in scratches and bruises, and tended to by three Healers. Orophin was semi-conscious, and appeared to be in a lot of pain. Legolas rushed to his side, but was pulled back by one of the guardians.

"Come, we must let them do their work," said the Elf who was trying to lead him outside by the hand, "they'll let us know when we can see him."

Reluctantly Legolas followed, still looking back at Orophin. He stopped dead in his tracks when the injured Elf started coughing up small amounts of blood which trickled down the corner of his mouth, but the guard continued to pull him outside, "You don't need to see this..." he urged.

"What happened?" Legolas asked once they were outdoors again.

"He wandered off into the woods by himself where he was captured by a band of . Th. Thank the Valar some of the guards sensed the foul creatures, and we found him."

"D...did they?" the Prince's did not know how to phrase the question. It was to horrible a thought to even consider. He had heard stories about orcs raping Elves when given the chance.

Luckily, the Guardian knew what weighed on Legolas' mind. "No, they did not violate We We found him just in time, but he did get quite a beating..." Hearing this, Legolas exhaled his relief. "I didn't know you were close..." the Silvan Elf was surprised by Legolas' deep concern for Orophin.

"We've only just met, but I care for him deeply. I hope he'll come out of this alright..."

"As do I. Orophin's a good friend."

In a way Legolas was surprised to hear that Orophin had friends, though he didn't know why. Maybe it was still a result of the first impression, before he knew that under the arrogant exterior lay a warm-hearted, vulnerable Elf. Realizing that he barely knew his lover, Legolas took the time while they had to wait to learn more about him from his friend. It helped the time pass by faster and eased their nerves just a little.


****


(Rivendell)


The soft light of dawn entered the room through sheer curtains, illuminating two bodies entwined upon a bed. The Elves' skins glistened with sweat- the result of an entire night of passion. Various sound of pleasure echoed through the air. Light hair tangled with dark, creating a magical mixture of onyx and gold. Rumil ground himself down on his lover's cock one last time, using all the strength he had left, before finally crying another release and collapsing on top of Erestor, who had reached the peak of ecstasy just a few seconds earlier.

For a long while, the only sound within the room was that of heavy breathing, which slowly returned to normal. The 'Lorien Elf's head lay upon Erestor's chest, rising and falling with every breath. "I guess I'll just have to sleep on my horse," said Rúmil, realizing that it was morning already and soon he would have to leave to go back home.

"Better not, or you might fall off. I'd rather see you again..."

Rúmil laughed quietly, happy to know that the Councilor cared about his well-being. "I need a bath," he mumbled, realizing how sticky he was.

"We can go to the bathhouse. No one should be there this early; I can help you bathe..."

"Mmm... sounds good."


Just as Erestor had predicted, the bathhouse was completely empty. The Elves let their robes drop to the floor and stepped into a tub of warm water. Rúmil sat in between his lover’s legs, resting his head back against a muscled chest. A coarse cloth rubbing against his skin gave his whole body a pleasant massage; Rumil was near falling asleep when a voice in his ear brought him back to the waking world, "Time to wash your hair..."

The guard lowered himself underwater to prepare his hair for shampooing. He purred as Erestor's skillful fingers massaged his scalp, the herbal scent of the shampoo relaxing him even further. He whined in disapproval when the fingers left his head. "You'll be late,” his lover reminded him.

After rinsing his hair, Rúmil got out of the water, and stood, dripping, as he watched Erestor dry himself off. "Must I do everything?" the Councilor teased, catching on to what Rúmil was waiting for. The blonde Elf nodded with a mischievous grin, waiting for his lover to rub him dry.


****

('Lórien)

Legolas had not left Orophin's side since the Healers allowed him in. He sat beside the sleeping Elf, with one hand stroking his hair and holding his hand with the other. It was already evening, and Orophin began to wake for the first time since after he was brought in. Seeing Legolas, the guard's lips curved into a delicate smile, his hand giving the Prince's a weak squeeze. The weight was lifted from Legolas\est est when he izedized that Orophin was awake.

The 'Lórien Elf's eyes began surveying his surroundings when he realized he wasn't in his room. He attempted to raise himself up, but a sharp pain in his side caused him to collapse again with a shriek. "You're in the healing room," Legolas told him, "you've been injured." He rubbed the Guardian's arm, in an attempt to sooth him.

"My brothers?" Orophin's voice was little more than a whisper, for that was all he could manage.

"They went to Rivendell with Lord Celeborn. They should be back tomorrow."

"Thank you... for staying with me."

"Shhh. You're not supposed to speak." Legolas caressed Orophin's cheek, and gently pressed his lips against the guard's. “I want you to get well."

Although his body ached, comforting warmth spread through Orophin's heart. Legolas cared for him, just as he cared for Legolas. He hoped it would eventually it would deepen, and turn in to love.