Mending a Heart

Chapter 9: Comfort

A/N: Orgaladhad – Sindarin word for the fourth day of the week.

The next morning, Legolas awoke with a start. He was surprised to find himself in his bedchamber, and even more surprised to see Elladan asleep in a chair beside his bed. He stared at the sleeping warrior inquisitively and wondered why Elladan looked battered. The prince’s curiosity was peaked even further when he saw that his sword was lying across Elladan’s lap.

Legolas observed the warrior blatantly. Elladan was beautiful. His dark hair, which was unbound, framed his face. His mouth was slightly parted, and Legolas found himself desiring to slide his tongue in between his lips. Hoping not to awaken him, Legolas stood up and quietly walked over to him. The prince placed his face near Elladan’s neck and inhaled his scent. The sleeping elf smelled sweet. The prince eyed his neck hungrily. *I wonder what he tastes like?*

“See something you like?” Elladan asked, smiling sleepily at the prince.

Legolas jumped and moved away from Elladan abruptly.

“Hey! I don’t smell that bad, do I?” Elladan asked teasingly, stretching languidly.

“Nay,” Legolas replied, looking at the bruises upon Elladan’s face and neck. “But you look terrible. What sort of evil has befallen you?”

“Arwen,” Elladan remarked solemnly. “I never knew how dangerous a needle pointing female could be. I simply called her ‘Orcwen’ instead of ‘Arwen’ and the guileful wench attacked me! But do not fear, fair prince, I escaped the wayward she-elf and came in here. Ha! I knew she would not know where to look for me. I took your weapon. . . just to be safe. I was unsure whether or not the fell beast would strike again.”

Legolas laughed and sat down on his bed, facing Elladan. “Tell me the truth. What happened to you?”

“I am being completely honest,” Elladan said innocently. “Do not leave this room. The creature may be nearby. It is time for the morning meal and I am sure it is hungry. If you decide to disregard my warning, then you may leave. I shall have fond memories of you, and will always think of you as ‘Legolas the Great’ not ‘Legoloaf the Meal.’”

“Elladan!” the prince shouted, dismayed.

“What?” Elladan asked.

“You are hiding the truth behind folly,” Legolas stated earnestly. “I do not recall you being hurt in the attack. So, something else has transpired. Please tell me what happened.”

“It is not important, Legolas,” Elladan remarked simply. “Just let it be.”

“I can’t,” the prince said.

“Why not?” Elladan asked in exasperation.

“Because. . . for some reason, I feel responsible,” Legolas said earnestly. “I. . . I didn’t. . . did I?”

“Well. . .” Elladan began.

“Do not jest with me. I want to know the truth,” the prince stated seriously.

Elladan sighed. “Last night, I came to see you and you attacked me. You thought that I was an orc. You thought that I had. . . that. . . that I had killed your mother.”

“I tried to kill you, didn’t I?” Legolas asked slowly.

“Aye,” Elladan replied. “But Elrohir is always saying that I am like an orc. Perhaps he is right.” Elladan smiled at Legolas, but the prince only stared back in incredulity.

“If I meant you harm, then why are you here this morn?” Legolas asked dully.

“I told you, that Arwen can be a fierce. . .” Elladan began.

“Elladan,” Legolas said abruptly, interrupting the warrior, “please?”

Elladan sighed and nodded slowly. “I. . . I wanted to make sure that you were alright.”

“And my sword?” Legolas inquired.

“Well. . . I thought that it would be wise for me to keep a weapon nearby,” Elladan admitted sheepishly. “An orc struck once shan’t be an orc struck twice!”

Legolas cringed as he looked at Elladan’s swollen eye and bruised neck. “I could have killed you,” the prince said in horror.

“Nay,” Elladan said happily. “I hit your chest mercilessly, and feared that you would split in two from the force of the blow. Unfasten your tunic and see for yourself.”

Legolas looked down at his garments, dismayed. He hadn’t realized that he was still fully dressed. He stood up and unbuttoned his tunic. The prince opened the garment and looked at his chest carefully. In the center of his chest was a small red spot.

“What?” Elladan exclaimed, outraged. “I struck you with the force of ten elves! You should be bruised!”

Legolas shrugged and stood up. “I’m leaving. I shall collect my things and go at once.”

“Leaving?” Elladan asked in incredulity. “You cannot leave. Legolas, you are not well. You need our help.”

“You have already tried to help me and I repaid your kindness by harming you,” the prince remarked gravely.

“’Twas an accident,” Elladan said gently.

“And what if there were another **accident**?” Legolas asked, looking at Elladan. “What if Arwen had come in here instead of you? I would have killed her.” Legolas shook his head from side to side. “Leaving is the only answer. I am dangerous.”

“Where will you go?” Elladan asked. “Will you return to Mirkwood?”

“And shame my family further? Nay. I do not know where I will venture. I only know that I must go somewhere alone.” Legolas stood up suddenly and reeled slightly.

“What shame have you brought to your family?” Elladan asked in disbelief.

“I cannot maintain my appearance,” the prince said forlornly. “I cannot preserve the family image. I am a disgrace. . . a burden. . . to everyone.”

“Is that what your father told you?” Elladan asked, trying not to become angry. “Is that why he sent you here, because he feels that you are unfit to maintain some **image?** What kind of father is Thranduil. . . that he would turn away his son?”

“He is a king,” Legolas said proudly. “I respect my father above all others and my loyalty to him is unwavering. I would die for him.”

“Even if he is wrong?” Elladan asked in dismay.

“He is not wrong,” Legolas replied sincerely. “My father’s first duty is to Mirkwood. And thus, my family has to be a paragon of strength and valor at all times. We are of the highest nobility and must act as such. I am a prince and a warrior and I have been bred to bear the burden of my status. I cannot cry. . . I cannot do anything that would make my family seem impaired. Do you remember the day that I did not come to the morning meal. . . the day that you found me in the stable?”

“Aye,” Elladan said, nodding.

“I was behaving like a child,” Legolas said with disgust. “I am a warrior. I do not need to show my pain. I vowed that day. . . when you found me, that I would never do it again. I have been able to act bravely. . . to hide my suffering, the way I should. . . until now.”

“Your mother was killed and, from what I’m told, you witnessed it. There is no shame in showing your emotions. You must grieve, Legolas,” Elladan said sternly. “You will never get well if you do not mourn. Last night, you said that you do not sleep, and I know that you are not eating. You can’t hide from your emotions by avoiding sleep. And you can’t starve them by starving yourself.”

“I cannot do as you ask,” Legolas stated.

“Why?” Elladan asked.

“Do you think that what happened last night was a new occurrence?” Legolas asked, looking into Elladan’s eyes. “It happened in Mirkwood. After my mother. . . after she. . . after the attack, I was in great distress. One night, I assaulted one of the servants. I have known her all of my life, and yet I tried to harm her. Two of my brothers, Makail and Dace, heard the commotion and were able to prevent me from hurting her. The next morning, I was told about my actions. Elladan, I have no memory of what I did. My father summoned the ten best healers in Mirkwood, but to no avail. My nightmares continued and so did my waking dre It It was then decided that I should be sent away. My father said that there was only one healer he knew of who could possibly cure me. Thus, I was sent to Rivendell. I fear that I am beyond help, though, and that my presence here will do more harm than good. I will away at once.”

“You are not leaving,” Elladan stated firmly. “You should not be alone. I. . . Ie foe for you. . . I will help you.”

“I appreciate your kindness, but I must do this,” Legolas said resolutely. “I care for you as well and therefore, I must go.” The prince gathered up his weapons and left the room.

Elladan stared after the prince sadly. *I won’t let you go.*

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas entered the stable and walked toward Yon’s stall. Opening the door carefully, the prince led his steed out of the compartment. Legolas patted Yon on the head and told the stallion what had happened. Arming himself, the prince mounted his horse and headed for the open doors.

“Halt!” Arwen shouted, blocking the doorway with her outstretched arms. “Elladan told me that you wanted to leave. As usual, I thought him insane. But I can now see that, somehow, honesty has found its way to my brother. You will not leave. Dismount at once!”

“Arwen,” Legolas said gently, “this is for the best.”

She stepped aside to allow Elladan, Elrohir and Elrond to enter.

“Nay,” Elrohir said seriously, “this is foolhardy. Where will you go? We were just attacked yesterday. Orcs could still be in the area. Have you considered that?”

“I am more danger to you than any orc,” Legolas said gravely. “I must away before I cause more trouble.”

“You can’t go,” Arwen said, walking over to the prince.

“Why?” Legolas asked, looking into her eyes.

“Because,” Arwen said emotionally, “I would miss you terribly.”

Legolas smiled warmly and dismounted, pulling Arwen into a tender embrace. “I must do this. It is for the best.”

“Nay,” Elrond said, finally speaking up. “Legolas you have been sent here by the king of Mirkwood and you are under my care. Do you acknowledge this?”

“Aye,” the prince said, nodding.

“As long as you are here, you are my responsibility. Would you dishonor me or your father by leaving Rivendell?”

“Nay, Elrond. . . but. . . ” Legolas began.

“As the lord of this realm, I order you to stay,” Elrond said firmly. “You are to remain in Rivendell until you are better. Do you understand?”

Sagging his shoulders in defeat, Legolas said, “Aye, Lord.”

Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen stared at their father in shock. They had never seen him use his rank in such a manner. However, they were grateful that someone had the power to stop Legolas from leaving.

Elrond watched the prince carefully, knowing that someone as honorable as Legolas would not disobey a direct order. He felt badly about this, but he had no other choice. He couldn’t let Legolas leave. . . not yet.

Legolas sighed and removed his weapons. “I would ask that you take my armaments.” The prince handed his bow and quiver to Elrohir and gave his sword and knives to Elladan. “I cannot be trusted.”

“If we must,” Elladan said, shrugging. The warrior handed Elrohir the prince’s knives and grabbed Legolas’ right arm abruptly. Placing the prince’s arm on a stack of hay, Elladan raised the sword and smiled teasingly. “This shall hurt you much more than it will hurt me, Prince.”

“Elladan!” Elrond shouted, shaking his head.

“What?” Elladan asked innocently. “The prince asked us to take his weapons away. The only weapons that he used last night were his hands. Do not fear. I am more than willing to disarm Legolas. . . permanently.”

Legolas chuckled and Elladan beamed. He thanked the Valar that that he could make Legolas laugh. He was even happier that the prince would be staying.

As Arwen led Yon back to his stall, Ellaria entered the stable.

“Good morn,” Ellaria saiightightly. “I went to the manor and a servant told me that all of you were here. Is everything alright?”

“All is well,” Elrohir said, gazing at Ellaria lovingly.

Ellaria smiled and looked at everyone that was in the stable, letting her gaze stop on Elrond’s oldest son. “Elladan! What happened to you?”

Elladan looked at Ellaria pitifully. “Elrohir struck me. I was simply going into the manor when he called me an orc and attacked me. You know how he is sometimes. . . he is always jesting, that Elrohir.”

“Elrohir!” Ellaria spat. “You should be ashamed of yourself. How dare you grapple with your brother that way! You know that my father may be coming to see you any day now, and he will not approve of such foolish behavior.”

“Ellaria. . . I. . . ” Elrohir tried to explain.

“I’m not listening!” Ellaria walked over to Elladan and examined his black eye carefully.

Elladan made sure to also point out the bruises on his neck.

“Ellaria,” Elrond said, giving Elladan a reproachful look, “Elrohir did. . .”

“Do not try to defend him, Lord,” Ellaria said abruptly. She turned around quickly and glared at Elrohir. “I had a special treat planned for you tonight, but I have changed my mind. Good day, Elrohir!” Ellaria stormed out of the stable with Elrohir chasing behind her, trying to explain his innocence.

Elladan laughed heartily and clutched his stomach.

Elrond folded his arms over his chest and looked at his son sternly. “Elladan!” he said with authority, making Elladan’s laughter stop at once.

“Alright, alright, I will go and find Ellaria, Father,” Elladan said quickly. “I will make it right, I promise.”

Elrond nodded his head and looked at Legolas. “I will away to my duties now. If you need me, I will be in my study.”

“Alright,” Legolas said.

Arwen kissed the prince on the cheek and left the stable with her father.

“I’d better go and tell Ellaria the truth before she keeps her **treats** from Elrohir for eternity,” Elladan said grinning. “Do you want to join me?”

“Nay,” Legolas said, sighing. “I just want a bit of time alone.”

“As you wish,” Elladan said. As he left the stable, he wished that he could comfort the prince in some way. He hoped that Legolas wasn’t angry with him for telling everyone about his intention to leave. Sighing, Elladan quickened his pace, hoping that he would find Elrohir and Ellaria soon.

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In the middle of the night, Legolas slipped out of his bedchamber and went outside.
He disappeared into the stable and did not reemerge for more than an hour. As Legolas’ elvish senses had diminished greatly, he did not realize that he was being followed.

The prince, determined not to sleep, decided to go to one of his favorite nighttime places. Just beyond the manor, behind the south garden, lay an enormous forest. On many nights, he would go through the woods and climb a steep hill. There, he had discovered some bluffs that overlooked Rivendell.

Legolas stood near the edge of the cliff and inhaled the crisp spring air. He looked up and studied the stars and the waxing moon, whicone one high overhead.

“Legolas?” Elladan said softly, trying not to startle the prince.

Legolas turned around abruptly. “Elladan,” Legolas said, surprised. “What are you doing here?”

“Looking for you,” Elladan replied kindly, walking over to the prince.

“How did you know where to find me?” Legolas asked curiously.

“I. . . I followed you,” Elladan replied slowly.

“Why?” the prince asked, dismayed.

“I have seen you leaving the manor from my terrace late at night,” Elladan said. “I wondered why you went to the stable so often.”

“The horses are kind to me,” Legolas replied. “As you know, the night is difficult for me. While everyone is resting, I find comfort in talking to the steeds. They don’t mind my company, and it gives me something to do until the morning.”

“I see,” Elladan remarked, eyeing the prince a bit apprehensively.

Noticing Elladan’s uneasiness, the prince asked, “Was there something else that you wanted to discuss?”

“I just wanted you to know that I feel responsible for the attack,” Elladan explained sadly.

Legolas stared at Elladan in shock.

“It was my idea to venture to the human city,” the warrior said heavily. “If I hadn’t suggested that we go there. . . none of this would have happened. I already spoke to Arwen and Elrohir, and they are not angry with me. They said that I could not have known about the orcs. . . that I did not do anything wrong. And yet, my guilt overwhelms me.”

“Your siblings are correct, the attack was not your fault,” the prince stated sincerely. “We make our own choices, and all of us chose. No one was forced to go to Gaidon. We all went willingly.”

Elladan sighed, and looked at Legolas carefully. “Are you. . . angry with me?” Elladan asked slowly.

“Angry?” Legolas asked. “But I just told you that no one is to blame for the assault.”

“I am not speaking about the attack. I wanted to know if you were angry because I told my father that you were going to leave,” Elladan blurted out.

“I was angry, earlier,” the prince admitted. “That’s why I wanted to be alone. But I know that you meant well. My decision to leave wasn’t wise. If I had left Rivendell alone, I could have been killed.”

“I’m glad that you see it that way,” Elladan quipped, allowing something that he had behind his back to drop to the ground.

“What is that?” Legolas asked.

“I brought my sword with me just in case you desired to be disarmed again,” Elladan stated matter-of-factly. “One never knows when such a thing might be necessary.”

“Elladan,” Legolas chuckled, “must you always jest?”

“It is my way,” the warrior replied simply.

“I know,” the prince remarked. “And I appreciate what you did in the stable today with Ellaria. Your jest kept me from further embarrassment.”

Elladan felt his face redden and thanked the Valar that it was dark outside. He was not used to anyone seeing through his teasing and pranks.

Carefully, Legolas touched Elladan’s injured eye. “Does it hurt?”

“Nay,” Elladan remarked sincerely. “Actually, most of the swelling is gone. It should be fully healed by tomorrow night.”

“I. . . I am so sorry,” the prince said gently, still probing Elladan’s eye.

“’Tis alright,” Elladan said smiling brightly. “This wound has been wonderful, even though Elrohir will probably blacken my other eye tomorrow. Unlike you, he is not happy about my jest, but I have gotten much sympathy because of it. Did you know that the servants made me a bannock with dates and honey and some warm cider because of my terrible state? It was wonderful! I was wondering. . . would you strike me again on Orgaladhad? Menil, one of the kitchen hands, always makes delicious sweet cakes on that day. Perhaps, if I am wounded, she will make one especially for me.”

Legolas laughed and moved closer to Elladan. “I will see what I can do on Orgaladhad, Elladan. But for now, I wish for you to be healed.” The prince leaned forward and kissed Elladan on the eye gently. He moved his mouth down the warrior’s face and brushed his lips against Elladan’s and looked into his eyes.

“Legolas,” Elladan whispered.

Legolas leaned forward once again and placed his lips on Elladan’s, feeling heat spread throughout his body.

Elladan opened his mouth, and allowed the prince’s tongue to slide inside his wet cavern.

They kissed passionately, pressing their bodies together roughly. Elladan could feel himself becoming aroused and stopped the kiss abruptly. “I can’t Legolas,” he said quietly. “I can’t.” Elladan moved away from the prince, breathing heavily.

“Why?” Legolas asked, unable to hide his dismay.

“It’s too soon,” Elladan said.

“Too soon?” Legolas asked in uncertainty. “What do you mean?”

“You’ve been through so much, lately,” Elladan said gently. “I think we should take it slowly. Let’s not rush.”

“I don’t understand,” Legolas said in incredulity, “you don’t want me?”

“That’s not it, Legolas,” Elladan said, touching the prince’s face tenderly. “I can’t be intimate with you when you are so wounded.”

“My heart’s injured, Elladan,” Legolas protested, “not my body. My body has needs, too.”

“So does mine,” Elladan said honestly. “But I won’t risk my heart and yours. . . not when you suffer so much.”

“And what about what I want?” Legolas asked. “What about me?”

“Let’s just take it slowly,” Elladan said, leaning toward Legolas. “After you’ve mended some, if you still want to be with me, you can have me.”

“That’s absurd!” Legolas exclaimed. “I am not an infant, Elladan, and neither are you. Do you fear for my virtue or your own? Surely you have. . . partaken of physical pleasure before?”

“Aye,” Elladan replied slowly, “but I do not take such things lightly. I am loath to give my body to you when your pain is so near. Let me comfort you this night. Let us not become intimate until a later time.”

“Alright,” Legolas said seductively, stepping behind Elladan. “But first, let me comfort you.” He wrapped his arms around Elladan’s waist and pulled him close. “You shall enjoy your comfort,” he whispered into the warrior’s ear huskily.

Elladan gasped when Legolas kissed his neck and then licked the tip of his sensitive ear.

“I want to touch you,” Legolas whispered. “Please, Elladan.”

Legolas pushed his pelvis forward, and Elladan could feel the prince’s hard member against his buttocks. Legolas moved one of his hands down from Elladan’s waist to his crotch, stroking gently.

“Legolas, I can’t,” Elladan said, pulling away, “not yet.”

The prince sighed and stared at the dark haired warrior in exasperation. “You may get your wish. Perhaps I shall strike you after all.”

“I know that you are angry, but both of our hearts are at risk,” Elladan explained. “You are not well, Legolas. Just this morn you spoke of leaving Rivendell alone. That was not a wise decision. . . you said so yourself. You do not know what you want right now, and I do not want to be another bad decision. I won’t risk it and neither should you.”

The prince sighed and shook his head in dismay. “Alright. I shall wait, but it is going to be very difficult.”

“Come here,” Elladan said as he walked over and sat down beneath a large tree. “I wish to comfort you tonight.” Elladan sat down with his back against the tree trunk, and spread his legs.

Legolas raised an eyebrow, smiling devilishly.

Elladan looked at the prince innocently and patted the ground in between his legs.

Legolas sat down and Elladan wrapped his arms around him, putting his chin on the prince’s shoulder. Elladan rubbed his face against the prince’s and kissed his check gently.

Legolas sat very stiffly at first, not knowing what to do.

“What is wrong with you?” Elladan asked, chuckling. “Why are you so rigid? A statue would be easier to comfort than you.”

“What am I supposed to do?” Legolas asked, embarrassed.

“Relax,” Elladan replied warmly.

Legolas settled back against Elladan and placed his hands on the arms that encircled him, caressing gently. Enjoying how it felt to be held, the prince decided that if he could not yet ravish Elladan, then comfort would have to do.

The two elves didn’t speak. Instead, they held one another until the stars faded and the first beams of sunlight awakened to a new day.

---

TBC. . .