A Healing Touch

Hi people, here's another update that should please you. BTW, if you'd like to see a picture of Nuarhir just go to my web at at http://www.geocities.com/legolas_sweetheart and go to fan-art.

Steph: Thanks. Honestly I don't know where this stuff comes from, it just pops into my head from time to time.

Kirsten: Wow, talk about a compliment! Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it. So... Do you have a scanner? If you do and plan on drawing that picture of Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas, I'd love to post it on my web page. I love fan-art.

mystkyten: Here's more about the little dragon.

giggle: You'll love ROTK, I swear to God, and Legolas is absolutely gorgeous near the end of the movie. You'll see what I mean, just bring a bucket to drool in, lol. I wish I did.

Mawgy: No problem, and you're welcome.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


By the time they had reached the Last Homely House, Glorfindel was barely conscious, the only things keeping him awake on their ride back being Asfaloth's concerned knickers and Legolas' constant utterances. The pair had been fortunate enough that Elrond and Erestor were waiting for them outside on the balcony when they arrived while grooms rushed out of the stables and instantly tended to the horses. As the two dark haired elves guided their companion to the Halls of Healing, they kept him awake by having him answer questions. In a drowsy voice he relayed his findings and what he had discovered. He had also told them about the two dragons fighting in the forest. When they reached the infirmary Glorfindel was laid on a bed while Elrond immediately began cleaning and stitching his wound.

Legolas watched from afar, leaning against a wall with Nuarhir in his arms. Normally Elrond would demand him to remove the beast from the Healing Halls, however he and Erestor were far too busy at the moment, so the prince merely stood in worry, watching their every movement like a hawk. While Elrond continued to bathe the wound in healing liquids, Erestor continued to keep his friend conscious by asking him questions and forcing him to respond. Only after Elrond had brewed a concoction and had practically forced it down the seneschal's throat, despite his futile attempts to spit it out and claimed that it tasted like Balrog piss, was Glorfindel allowed to fall into a blissful healing sleep.

"Wi--will he be all right now, Elrond?" Legolas hesitated as Elrond wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand, sighing in relieved exasperation.

"I have done everything in my power to help him, penneth. But in given time, yes, he will be well and that horrid wound will be naught but another scar. He will awake in the morning feeling much better but for now he must rest, he has lost a considerable amount of blood and was in an insufferable amount of pain that has drained him of most his strength."

"Aye," agreed Erestor. "but knowing Glorfindel's stubborn nature he will no doubt be up and about tomorrow, despite his feebleness."

Elrond nodded. "But what of you, Legolas? Are you hurt?"

"No, lord Elrond. I'm fine." despite the elfling's reassurances, the Lore master gently grasped his small shoulders, raking his gaze over his form. For the first time since they had entered the room, Elrond noticed the baby dragon still in the prince's hold.

"Legolas," the elf lord shook his head slowly. "why did you bring that creature back here? Do you not remember what we spoke of earlier?"

"He would have been killed, Elrond. I had to bring him back. That red dragon only came back because Nuarhir was with us and he would have... he would have killed him, just like he killed his brothers and sisters."

"So now that you have returned him to our house, the dragon will most likely follow his scent back here." Elrond firmly perceived.

"Maybe not. Perhaps Nuarhir's mother killed him."

"His mother?" Erestor echoed with a deep frown.

"Yes," Legolas replied. "That green dragon that came and attacked the red one. It was Nuarhir's nana, I'm sure of it. They looked very similar except that instead of blue eyes, hers were red. But she came and saved us, protected us. I know it was her."

"Lovely," the major-domo muttered. "now we have two dragons to worry about invading our land."

"You do realize, Legolas," Elrond uttered. "if Nuarhir's mother catches his scent here, she will no doubt come looking for him, and terrorize the citizens of Imladris in the same instance."

"And that is to say if she has not been slain by now, either by that other dragon or some patrol guard? What will we do then? We cannot keep this beast." Erestor inquired.

"I'm sorry," the elfling blurted. "I didn't cross my mind at the time. We were trying to escape the dragons and Glorfindel was hurt and falling asleep so I couldn't--"

"Calm yourself, hen-nin, it is all right." Elrond soothed. "We will figure something out. You are safe now."

Elrond's calm words did not have time to settle as an agitated guard came rushing into the Healing Halls, bowing hastily to his lord. "Lord Elrond, there's been some trouble." he panted.

"Explain yourself." Elrond impatiently replied.

"On the far edge of the borders, lord, a dragon had been seen swooping down into the forest approximately two and a half hours ago, it has emerged since then and seemed to carry a grievous amount of wounds, but Lindir believes it will soon return once it has tended to its hurts."

"A dragon, say you?" the elf lord glanced down at the pleading eyes of the knowing elfling beside him before turning his attention back to the guard. "Tell me, Elwithil, what colour was this dragon?"

"Colour, sire? It was an emerald shade, I believe."

Elrond heard the sigh of relief from Legolas before replying to the guard, mentally grateful that he did not notice the strange animal the prince held. "Very well. Have all patrols on high alert, I will meet with you and your captain momentarily. If the dragon should return do not harm it unless your own lives are in danger from it. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, lord." ano another bow the guard quickly left the halls before Elrond turned back to Erestor and Legolas.

"I will return shortly. Until then I suggest the two of you head for the Halls of Fire and ready yourselves for noon-meal."

"Yes, lord Elrond."

"Of course, my lord."

Nodding to the two elves, Elrond steadily left the room. For several moments, the Major-domo and the prince stood in awkward silence, Legolas shifting nervously on his feet while Erestor seemed to take caricature interest in his fingernails. Other then when tutoring the boy, Erestor seldom spent time with Legolas. They had too little in on aon and rarely got along, and of course there was the immense age difference. But if Erestor were to open his mouth, his first words would no doubt chastise the prince about returning the dragon to Imladris, despite the fact that it would have most likely been killed and Legolas would have responded by shouting at him in defence of the creature and without a doubt would break into another argument between teacher and student.

The two cared about each other, there was no doubt about that, but Erestor was distant from most people, his troubled past causing his heart to be hard as stone, so others thought. The advisor was well known to have difficulty displaying his emotions, very uncomfortable with showing his vulnerability. And more than anything despised being pitied for it, the sympathy in others eyes when they looked at him often driving him to restrained anger. The elves whom worked under his command new better, but there were those few whom saw the repressed pain in his eyes who openly, though unconsciously, showed their pity through their eyes, and so ended up treading on Erestor's bad side.

As it was, the Valar seemed to be watching over them, because not long after, Narofea came skipping in through the door. "Hello, Legolas, guess what I...I--" the red haired elfling faltered in both word and stride when he noticed the dragon in the prince's embrace, but was more intimidated by the firm faced Erestor beside him. "Um, good afternoon, lord Erestor.
"
"Dragon shaped rock, indeed." the advisor calmly sneered.

"Um, if you will excuse us, lord Erestor." Legolas managed to utter before gripping his friend's arm with one hand and leading him out into the hall. For several moments, Narofea did not but simply stare at the dragon held against Legolas' chest with his free arm.

"Well... I expect Erestor knows about Nuarhir?"

Legolas rolled his eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Two days had passed since Glorfindel had been attacked by the dragon and as Erestor predicted, the Balrog slayer was up and out of bed the very next day, much to Elrond's protests. In the two days that he had been awake his wound had healed drastically, thanks to the incredible healing of the elves, but was still painfully tender and the large scab that had formed could easily be re-opened if strained.

The dragon had failed to return since then, most likely in its solitude recovering from its own wounds. There had been no sign of the beast what so ever. The day the attack had occurred and Elrond had met with the boarder patrol, he had sent Elladan and Elrohir, along with several armed guards to the vicinity where the red dragon was assumed to be slain. Sure enough, when the twins had arrived there was the corpse of the dead beast, its tough hide slashed and torn by things that in no way possible could have been crafted by elf or man or dwarf. The twins reported their findings to their father, whom appeared to be satisfied with this, though secretly remained worried. Several of the Rivendell elves had spotted the green dragon's flight and word had traveled quickly, despite Elrond's command to his guards to keep silent about it. Now, the elven city was in an uproar, constantly on the lookout for the great beast, continuously questioning their lord what was being done about it. The city was in a panic, and for this, Legolas felt more then a little guilty.

The prince now slouched on the edge of his bed regarding Nuarhir as he chowed down a bowl of diced chicken on the floor in front of him. The little creature was completely oblivious to what was going on at the moment, though it was obvious that Nuarhir needed his mother, as well as the natural freedom dragons were born to have. As the days passed, the young dragon was slowly wasting away. He was not eating as much as a dragon his size should, and was becoming increasingly restless. Already he had found his way into Elrond's private library and tore apart several important books, as well as ate several healing herbs, two of those herbs being terribly rare. On one occasion he had found his way into Erestor's private chambers and had defecated on his floor as well as had torn apart his shoes and an expensive pair at that. Legolas had awoken to an enraged advisor whom apparently stepped in the dragon's droppings. The prince smiled at the memory, as angered as the elder elf was, the situation was quite amusing. The smile was short lived however and he quietly sighed. "Nuarhir, what am I going to do with you?"

"That is precisely what we are trying to figure out." Erestor replied from the doorway as he brushed aside the tapestry. "If that animal stays here any longer we may have to chain it like a dog."

The prince scowled at his teacher. "But that would kill him."

"We are killing him now. He cannot continue on like this, Legolas. He is wasting away as we speak. look at him, he barely eats or drinks and he is increasingly agitated. He needs to be outside."

Legolas was genuinely intrigued that the major-domo was not referring to Nuarhir as an 'it' but chose not to comment, lest he revert back to doing so. "I take him outside--"

"But not long enough," Erestor counted, making his way towards the bed, side-stepping the dragon and perched on the mattress' edge beside the elfling. "He's only out in the fraction of the time he would be if he lived in the wild. You spend most of your time in the forest, this is true. But he needs his kin, it is clear that he longs for them. Why not let him go?"

"Because-- because there are hunters, and knights and bigger animals out there. He might die if I leave him to fend for himself." Legolas was becoming distressed, and it wasn't only from the Eldar's truthful words, but the increasing worry as well.

"And he may die if you keep him here." the advisor sighed. "What do you believe is best for him, Legolas?"

Legolas whimpered, bending his head to hide the tears welling in his eyes. "I'm not sure anymore. I don't know what to do... I don't know what to do."

Erestor shifted, becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the situation and uncertain what to do as the prince started silently sobbing into his clenched fists. Awkwardly, he hesitantly wrapped an arm around the boy's shoulders in a silent gesture to comfort him and though Legolas flinched he did not pull away and Erestor was slightly surprised that the prince allowed the physical contact. Memories brought Erestor back to when the twins were mere elflings and he had comforted them as such, trying to give them the solace that he, himself had never received as a child.

They were remotely alike, Erestor and Legolas. But their childhoods were slightly similar. Like Legolas, Erestor had been bullied as a child, he was small for his age and so was often picked on because of it. He too had seen the brutality of what the orcs were capable of in his youth, and though was never submitted to their handiwork as Legolas had been, he was still forced to experience the bitterness of their demolition. But unlike Legolas, he had no one to comfort him in the end. His father was a strict disciplinarian, a warrior, a fighter. He did not believe in revered affection, believing it to be a sign of weakness, punishing his son for it every time he had displayed such ridiculous emotion. The elf seldom had shown affection even to his wife. In fact, Erestor didn't recall his father ever showing affection towards his mother. There was no love shown in his house. Which made Erestor envy Legolas all the more.

While the elfling had many who cared for him, Elrond, Glorfindel, the twins, Arwen, Thranduil and his brothers, Erestor had no one in his youth to protect him or issue words of comfort to him. It was unfait wit was a childish statement but it was unfair. But in the same sense, his childhood was exactly why he chose to comfort the elfling at this moment. He would hate to see this adorable elfling, so full of life despite what had happened to him, become cold and bitter as he had, no. He did not want that at all.

The advisor was so caught up in his reverie that he did not notice that the elfling had stopped weeping until his hoarse youthful voice broke through his thoughts. "Thank you."

"Yes, well," Erestor stammered, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable. He cleared his throat. "I am not completely heartless, you know."

Legolas too appeared to be uncomfortable, extracting himself from the embrace. "I don't think you're heartless, lord Erestor."

"Don't you?"

The prince shook his head. "Nay, strict perhaps, misunderstood, but not heartless."

"Oh... well, you are the first one to think that in a very long time. But I expect you to keep your discovery to yourself. I do not need people believing me to be--"

Erestor was cut short from his sentence when there was a bellowing roar outside the house followed by screams of terror from below. The two elves instantly snapped their heads towards the open window and noticed the massive form gliding over the elven city. Legolas immediately recognized the dragon flying overhead, terrorizing the Rivendell people. "That's Nuarhir's naneth!" Leaping off the bed, the prince dashed out the room, the hatchling bounding after his two-legged, their light footsteps barely echoing down the hall.

"Legolas, no!" Erestor cried, quickly standing to his feet and chased after the reckless elfling, but uncertain as to what direction he went in was unable to do aught but simply choose a direction, unitiontionally running into an armed Glorfindel. "Glorfindel, what do you think you are doing? You are far from healed and in no condition to battle against a foe. Return to your bed immediately."

"While that beast is attacking our city? I think not." Pushing past the advisor despite his protests, the seneschal charged out into the courtyard, already firing arrows at the great beast. though the weapons easily ricochet off the hard scales, serving more as an irritation to the dragon. Growling at the elf in question, the dragon swooped down at him, extending a large hind talon as if to grab the seneschal with it but fortunately for him, missed her target as Glorfindel ducked and rolled out of her reach. As the dragon ascended back into open sky she suddenly became distracted by a form on the Last Homely House's roof. Glorfindel, safe for the moment, followed the animal's line of sight and with great horror realized that not only was it young Legolas on the roof with the baby dragon he had apparently 'adopted', but was trying to attract the large dragon's attention.

Knowing his cries would not be enough to stop the elfling, Glorfindel fleetingly dashed back into the house, up to the top levels of the stairs and to an open window in the wine cellar which had a coiling tree branch that easily reached to the roof. Steadily climbing out the window and up the branch, the seneschal quickly sprang in front of the surprised elfling, brandishing his sword with his good arm. "Glorfindel--"

"Legolas, get inside, now!"

"But you don't understand--"

The elfling's words were cut short when the seneschal grabbed him and pulled him down as the beast soared down over them, extending her large talons, again missing her intended target. She turned with a howl and perched herself on the roof, snapping at the two elves, barely missing them. Glorfindel grunted and slashed his sword at the green dragon, intending to jab out an eye but he too missed his target, not daring to overstep the creature's personal s. Th. The dragon had other plans, however as she lunged forth one of her massive talons to strike the Balrog slayer. Glorfindel leapt backwards barely missing the blow, and swung down his sword slicing open the palm of the dragon's hand. The beast reared up with another howl and swung her tail, forcefully knocking the seneschal down, and when he saw a fanged jaw hurl down towards him, he jabbed his sword up into the creature's mouth, causing her to quickly recoil with a whine. The Balrog slayer took the opportunity to return to his feet, bracing his feet on the roof while he readied his sword for the next strike.

Legolas stood near the edge of the roof, Nuarhir standing at his feet, both elfling and hatchling watching the scene with dread. "Glorfindel, please stop!"

"Do as I say, Legolas, and go inside!"

"But, Glorfindel, that's Nuarhir's nana!" Just then hoards of feet could be heard gathering in the courtyard. Looking down, the elves could see Elrond and Erestor leading a group of soldiers whom were readying their bows to strike at the beast. "Do not let them hurt her, Glorfindel, she just wants her son back. You can't hurt her!"

Nuarhir appeared to sense the tension as well as the situation, and just after Legolas spoke, the little dragon began making his recognizable honking noise before dashing towards his mother whom made an encouraging rumbling noise to her child and leaned down her head to nuzzle against the smaller dragon. Both elves noticed this and taking it as a good sign, the child made his way to the pair.

"Legolas!" Glorfindel cried as the boy ran towards the dragons. The prince paid no heed though as he approached the green reptiles. Glancing down and noticed that the soldiers were ready to fire, he waved them off, not wanting to risk the elfling's life if one of the arrows were to miss the intended target and end up hitting Legolas. "Cease fire!"

It was apparent that the large female did not appreciate her personal space being invaded because as Legolas closed in on the two, she began to make a menacing, growling sound and bared her teeth. The elfling's eyes went wide in fear and just as the mother dragon lunged her head foreword, Glorfindel's quick reflexes pulled him out of reach and caused them both to fall backwards, the seneschal clutching the elfling against him so the boy would not land on the hard roof. In the blink of an eye the large form was towering over them, and Glorfindel quickly picked up his sword from where it lay beside them, glaring into the dark pupils of the monster above as she returned the stare, and readied to thrust it into the creature's unprotected belly. But then Nuarhir began his honking again and as if in a language the two dragons understood, the female slowly recoiled, though the Balrog slayer did not lower his weapon, still intent on killing the beast. He froze though when he felt a small hand place itself on his forearm and looked down into pleading, sparkling blue eyes of the elfling who had not moved from his lap from their collision. "Don't. Please don't, Glorfindel. Let them go. Nuarhir just wants his nana back. Let him keep his naneth."

Glorfindel's face softened as he continued to gaze into the tear glazed orbs. The elfling was only asking for something he would want back if he could have it. He knew the pain of losing his mother, as did
Glorfindel, also losing his parents at an early age. The seneschal glanced once more at the female dragon whom was shooting him an expectant whereas non-hostile look. He sighed and carelessly dropped his sword to his side. Legolas' lips quirked, and he happily wrapped his arms around Glorfindel's neck.

Glorfindel returned the embrace and was momentarily startled when the baby dragon pounced into his lap and began nuzzling against the elfling. Legolas turned and stared at the small creature for several second before reaching down and picking the small creature up to meet him at eye level. It was several moments before he actually spoke, gazing into the blue eyes of his little friend. When Legolas did finally decide to speak, he was stifling whimpers as he did so, trying to blink back tears. "I will miss you, Nuarhir, but you can't stay here... and I can't go with you... if you stay with people too long you'll start to trust them... and you can't. If you ever meet a hunter you might-- dragons aren't supposed to trust people," Legolas choked on a sob as he pulled the little dragon into a hug. "I love you, gwador."

Glorfindel remained silent, regarding the interlude taking place but was quite surprised when the hatchling responded to the elfling's words as it nuzzled against him in a comforting gesture. At that moment the female dragon made a grunting noise and Nuarhir looked at her before giving the elfling a look that was akin to saying 'it's time for me to go'.

Legolas reluctantly lowered his friend to his feet and the dragon scampered over to his mother whom picked him up by the nape of its neck with her beak-shaped lips and lifted him up on to her back before she spread her wings. As she prepared to take flight, Nuarhir looked directly at the prince and gave him one last honk as if to say 'thank you', before the mother's massive wings began to beat and she glide off the roof, taking directly to the sky and soon disappeared into the white clouds.

The elfling continued to gaze on where he had last see the dragons vanish before finally succumbing to his tears and began to sob at the loss of his friend. Glorfindel gently pulled him to his chest and rubbed his back to sooth him. "You did the right thing you know, penneth, I am so proud of you."

"I lost him, Glorfindel," the prince whimpered. "I lost my friend."

"No," the seneschal cooed. "I think you just saved him. Hush, now, everything will be fine."

"Glorfindel!" Elrond called from down in the courtyard. "Is all well? Do you require assistance?"

The seneschal blinked at the voice, in all the hustle nearly forgetting about the soldiers down on the ground. "No, Elrond, all is well!" Glorfindel looked down into the puffy blue eyes of the elfling still sitting in his lap and smiled at him. "All is well." he repeated reassuringly to the prince.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"'Tis good to be home again." Elrohir sighed, folding his hands behind his head as he sank his naked body deeper into the small pool.

It was late evening in Rivendell and after a long day of hard labour and toil, Elrond, Glorfindel, Erestor, the twins and young Legolas had decided to gather together and sit and relax in one of Imladris' underground hot springs to sooth away the aches and pains of a long day's work. Legolas, being too small to perch himself on one of the eroded seat-like rocks as the water would surely go over his head, was seated on Elrond's lap.

It had taken a bit of persuading from both Elrond and Glorfindel to convince the timid elfling to enter the water with the other elves, still uncomfortable with his nudity in front of others whom were also bare, the elf lord and the seneschal being the only elves in Rivendell he would allow to see him fully exposed. Elrond, because he was a healer and nudity sometimes being necessary in his presence, and Glorfindel whom usually helped dress and bathe him. In the end Legolas had nervously agreed, not wishing to be alone at this time, and remained clutched to Elrond as if he were a lifeline. After the prince had shyly stripped while the two elves shielded his small frame from sight to ease his discomfort, Elrond had lifted him into his arms and had slowly descended into the pool with him. Glorfindel would have offered to take him at some point if it were not for his bandaged arm which Elrond had warned him not to get wet. The elfling had eventually relaxed in the soothing heat of the water, and allowed his mind to drift, but kept one hand firmly on the elf lord's shoulder at all times.

"Yes, brother. We should stay a while before our nexnt, nt, I think. Besides, ada was truthful when he said Imladris has much action with our Greenleaf around," the elder twin smiled, glancing over at the elfling in question as he kept his gaze downcast, still somewhat dejected at the loss of his companion. "is that not right, Legolas?"

"Yes, Elladan." the elfling mumbled, not fully paying attention to the elves banter.

Elrond stared down at the elfling, the hand he kept at his waist pulling him against his chest. He knew why the elfling was so drawn into himself as did the others, though no one dared to mention it for fear of upsetting the boy. "Legolas, I know it was difficult for you today to let your Nuarhir go, but you made the right choice. It was a selfless and very grown up decision, and we are very proud of you for it."

"Yes," Glorfindel agreed, shifting his arm on the dry ledge. "you spoke truly when you said to the dragon he could not stay. If he were to become too dependent on people it could very well be his undoing. You spoke with wisdom beyond your years, Legolas."

The elfling took in a shaky breath. "Do you think he will be all right?"

"I believe so," the elf lord replied. "Nuarhir's mother most likely nested in our forest only because she was too close to laying her eggs to find a more suitable place tve tve them. They will likely go somewhere that is sheltered and safe, away from elves and men. Female dragons are very protective of their young."

"Like any other female, if you ask me." Erestor muttered. "Confounded maternal instincts nearly getting us all killed. May as well have bitten off our heads. The city is in an uproar because of it. And though I've tried to reassure them all morning that we are now safe they still pesture me with their constant inquiry."

"I'm sure things will be back to normal in not time, my old friend." Glorfindel replied, attempting to stifle a smirk. "Just give it time."

"I don't suppose I'll ever see him again, will I?" It was more of a statement than an question, and Legolas had a feeling he knew the answer, but if part of him could hold on to just a bit of hope...

"'Tis difficult to say, Legolas. Dragons and people usually try to avoid one another for obvious reasons. But perhaps one day when you are older you will see him again in your travels." Elrond countered.

"He might forget me by that time." the elfling sorrowfully mumbled.

"Do not be so certain, child." Erestor responded. "dragons have sharp memories, and the kindness you have bestowed on that creature is likely to be remembered. You saved his life, and for that, your dragon will be eternally grateful. It was obvious that creature loved you. Just like there are those here that love you." The other elves were slightly surprised at the major-domo’s change in attitude to the young elfling, but wisely chose not to comment for fear of either suffering his scorn or making him revert to his former ways.

Legolas lifted his gaze to meet that of the advisor, their eyes secretly conveying something to each other that the others could not define. Elrond felt, more than saw what the look was saying and smirked, though said nothing. Legolas smiled slightly then, the advisor's words giving him a bit of hope.

"He's right, Legolas." Elrohir said. "but even if you don't have Nuarhir to play with, you still have us here."

"Quite right, brother," Elladan nodded, the familiar mischievous smile making its self known. "and as long as we are here you can be certain to expect a bit of fun." In an action that caught them all off guard, Elladan grabbed his unsuspecting brother around the waist and plunged him into the water with a surprised yelp. The large splash they had caused thoroughly soaked the rest of the company, leaving Glorfindel spluttering indignantly, Erestor wiping his arm across his face with a clearly irritated expression, Elrond irately blinking water out of his eyes and Legolas shaking his hair free of the water. Not seconds later the twins emerged with loud gulps of air, kicking and splashing water at each other like the games they had played when they were but elflings themselves, causing the adult elves to shield themselves with their arms, the only defence they had against the splashes of water.

"That will do, if you please!" Elrond called over the splashing and horseplay as the twins continued to tackle each other in the water and only stopped when they heard their father's annoyed voice. The twins returned to their seats, failing miserably to stifle their giggles. Elrond merely shook his head disapprovingly at them before the form of the elfling in his lap caught his attention. The prince's face was pressed against his bare chest and he appeared to be trembling, and the elf lord suddenly grew worried. "Legolas? Legolas, are you hurt? I'm so sorry--"

The elfling suddenly shifted his head and burst out laughing, his chuckles unable to be controlled any longer. His face was turning red and he had tears, not of sorrow, but ones of joy glinting in his eyes. "Y-you all look like drowned rats!" he cackled.

The twins joined in the prince\aughaughter, the elder elves annoyed expressions adding the humour, and even Glorfindel attempted to stifle his choked laughter, earning disapproving glares from the other two elf lords. "He is right, you know." Glorfindel smiled before breaking out into a full hearted chuckle himself.

Elrond and Erestor glanced at each other for a moment before smiles slowly spread across their own faces until they too could no longer hold back their repressed merriment that was struggling to be set free, and for what seemed like a very long time, together the little family of elves laughed, and for a while at least, all troubles were forgotten.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

penneth: young one
hen-nin: my child
daro: stop
fea: spirit
gwador: sworn brother
ada/adar: daddy/father
nana/naneth: mommy/mother

````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

So... You like?