Title: Inside the Darkness 3

Author: Morgana (morganalebeau@yahoo.com)

Website: http://www.oocities.org/morganalebeau/

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Inside the Darkness

By Morgana

 

Chapter Fifteen - Reunion

Legolas' aim never wavered; his arrow was directed at Lurtz's heart, but seeing Elrond in such a miserable state froze him for a few seconds. "By the grace of the Valar, what did you do to him?" Seeing Lurtz holding Elrond had shocked him, proving to him that the Uruk-Hai was involved in hurting the Lord of Imladris. Behind him, Glorfindel gasped softly and Legolas realized it was time he took control of the situation again. "Put Elrond in front of Glorfindel. One wrong move and this arrow will pierce your heart... and others will follow."

Lurtz felt saddened seeing the distrust and disappointment in Legolas' eyes, but he couldn't blame the Elf. He knew what this looked like. Slowly, he advanced on Glorfindel, lifted Elrond carefully and placed him in front of the blond. "Be careful, his ankles are broken and he suffered one broken rib at least."

Glorfindel stared at Elrond in shock. Elrond's skin was chilly and Glorfindel quickly removed his cloak and wrapped it around the dark-haired Elf. Tears threatened to spill from his eyes, but he forced them back. Elrond needed him to be strong, not to sob against him when the Lord of Imladris needed help. /Ai, Elrond, what did they do to you?/ The bite marks and scratches from fingernails infuriated him and he wanted to slay every Uruk-Hai inside that camp single-handedly, but he couldn't.

Looking up, he caught sight of Elladan's concerned features. The twin raised a shaky hand and touched his father's face cautiously, drawing a moan from Elrond's lips.

"Ai, Ada, they hurt you..." Elladan failed to stop a tear from sliding down his face. A rage unlike any other he had ever felt filled him and his glare shifted to Lurtz, who was still in front of them, not moving away and Legolas' arrow still aimed at him. "You..."

Legolas stopped Elladan. "We do not have the time to address this now." He wanted to sort this out now as well, but he heard sounds of battle coming from the camp side. "Elrohir has attacked and we must aid him." Legolas ignored Lurtz's questioning expression on purpose and addressed Glorfindel. "Take Elladan with you and ride to that deserted cabin. Take good care of Elrond. We will join you once we extracted our revenge."

"Do not send me away! He is my father and I want to revenge him as well. It is my right!" Although part of him wanted to comfort Elrond, another, stronger, part wanted to punish the foul creatures for hurting Elrond like that. He drew his sword, released an angry yell and stormed toward the camp, his faithful mare obeying his commands and speeding up.

Legolas cursed. "Glorfindel, you know what to do." He looked at Elladan, who was fighting his first Uruk-Hai and finding them stronger and more cunning than the twin had expected. "That one is going to get himself in trouble..."

Lurtz realized Legolas' dilemma and drew in a deep breath. "I cannot kill my own kind, but I can protect Glorfindel and Elrond. Let me go with them."

"Nay!" Legolas lowered his bow, but maintained eye contact with Lurtz. "You are not going anywhere. You will stay and after we finished our business here, we will talk. Leave now and I will kill you." From the corner of his eye, Legolas saw that Elladan was having trouble fighting two Uruk-Hai simultaneously. "I do not have time for this. Glorfindel, leave!" He slapped Asfaloth's rear hard and the horse whined, breaking in to a run.

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Glorfindel tightened his hold on Elrond, fearing further injury to the already battered body. /Ai, I failed you, meldir. I should have prevented your capture. Now they got their foul mark on you. What will it do to you? You, who always are so strong. I will help you heal, if you want me to, but I fear my failure will always stand between us.../ Glorfindel let his tears flow freely, the wind almost instantly wiping them from his face. Elrond felt cold against him and the cloak did little to keep him warm. Looking over his shoulder, Glorfindel's heart danced a wild rhythm, seeing Elladan fight without his back covered. "Legolas, protect him!"

Then the scene faded as the distance increased, and he determinedly looked ahead, his eyes already scanning for the deserted cabin where he could tend to Elrond's injuries.

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Legolas continued to ignore Lurtz, who stood frozen, and charged the Uruk-Hai who were gaining the upper hand over Elladan. Shooting his arrows too quickly for the eye to see, he disposed of one of them, allowing Elladan to finish off the other with his sword. Scanning the camp, he found that few Uruk-Hais were still alive. Elrohir swept through the camp like an all devouring fire, taking out one Uruk-Hai after the other. Now that Elrond was safe, Legolas locked eyes with Elladan. He wanted a moment alone with Lurtz and sent Elladan away. "Elladan, join your brother and keep out of trouble." Elladan glared at him, but Legolas simply glared back.

Elladan reluctantly obeyed. Knowing the twins safe with the archers, Legolas turned his horse around and stared at Lurtz.

Mixed emotions whirled through him. Part of him wanted to embrace Lurtz and feel the Uruk-Hai against him, but another part was determined to get the answers he desired and then turn away in disdain from Lurtz. But could he leave Lurtz like that? He still greatly cared for the other man, no matter who Lurtz was or what he had done in the past. "Did you hurt him?"

"No," said Lurtz, shaking his head. "Ugluk questioned him, I didn't. I was about to escape with him when you appeared."

"Escape? Why?" Legolas steered his horse closer to Lurtz, but one hunting knife slipped in to his hand, just in case he couldn't trust Lurtz after all.

"I owe Elrond. He welcomed me at Imladris when I didn't expect it. He was kind to me. I wanted to replay my debt to him by taking him back to Imladris." It pained Lurtz that Legolas felt it necessary to remain at a distance and armed. "Put that knife away, you know I would never hurt you."

"I do?" Legolas laughed bitterly. "I told you not to run and yet you did. You hurt me by leaving like that."

Lurtz's eyes were drawn to Legolas' leg and he was relieved to find a spotless bandage in place. "Your wound stopped bleeding."

"Elves heal fast," sneered Legolas. Hurt of abandonment and affection for Lurtz were at war within him. "Where will you go now?"

Lurtz cocked his head. "Does that mean you will let me go?"

Legolas' eyes hardened. "I do not plan on keeping you with me against your will. I won't kill you either as you seem to have had no part in Elrond's torture. You are free to go then, but never cross my path again."

"Are you so willing to give up on me?" Lurtz's eyes narrowed. Now that Legolas allowed him to leave, he no longer felt the desire to do so. /Why can't I say the words? Why can't I say I was wrong in leaving you? I should have stayed, should have trusted you./

"You were the one who gave up on me, us. Do not turn this around." Legolas quickly looked over his shoulder to see how the twins were doing. And they were doing well. They had done away with most of their enemies and the archers kept a close eye on the two brothers. "We are almost done here..." announced Legolas, ignoring the sudden wave of pain radiating from his leg. He had overestimated his strength. "I wish you a long and blessed life, Lurtz." Legolas turned his horse around, no longer able to look at Lurtz, who would have been his beloved mate, but Lurtz had chosen differently.

Lurtz raised a hand, which Legolas couldn't see now that he had turned his back on him. He wanted to stop Legolas from leaving, but no words flowed from his lips. Then a sudden motion to Legolas' right caught his attention and his heart beat faster. "Ugluk..."

Ugluk jumped from the trees, caught Legolas around the waist and pulled the Elf from his horse and on to the ground.

Legolas, angry that he had been caught unaware, tried to fight Ugluk off, but his leg hampered him and he howled in agony when Ugluk kicked his leg vehemently, realizing his weakness. A cold knife, slippery with a black substance appeared at his throat and when Ugluk pulled him to his feet, he obeyed.

Lurtz growled angrily, seeing Legolas at Ugluk's mercy. He knew full well what cruelty Ugluk was capable of. "Let him go..."

Ugluk shook his head, baring his teeth. "Never, I don't want to die yet, traitor. Wish I could take you out as well!"

Legolas' thoughts raced. Ugluk was trembling and the knife was close to his throat. Lurtz suddenly appeared in front of him, and his dark eyes were filled with anger. /He does care about me.../

Lurtz's hands clenched in to fists, seeing Legolas' eyes softening. /Yes, I love you.../ But speaking the words aloud would give Ugluk an advantage. "The Elf is nothing to me, Ugluk, let me join you in your escape attempt. I don't want to die either." Legolas' eyes darkened at his betrayal. /Please understand that I need to get close to him.../

Ugluk wavered, but seeing his men go down one by one, he realized he needed Lurtz. "Quickly." He signaled Lurtz to follow him, and his hold on Legolas weakened for a split second.

It was enough for Legolas to make his move. He twisted away from Ugluk and tried to put some distance between them. Lurtz appeared at his side, grabbed his right wrist and pulled him toward him. Legolas wavered. Could he trust Lurtz?

That one moment was all Ugluk needed. The knife flashed in the sunlight as he aimed for Legolas' back.

"No!" Lurtz, seeing the danger Legolas was in, pulled Legolas behind him and gritted his teeth as the poisoned dagger buried itself in his shoulder. Lurtz's eyes narrowed, and focused on Legolas, making sure the Elf wasn't injured. "Run!" But Legolas stood frozen, staring at him with the most peculiar expression in his eyes. /What are you waiting for? Ugluk will kill you as well!/ "Run!"

Legolas slowly shook his head, uncovered his sword and taking Ugluk by surprise, beheaded him with one swift stroke.

Lurtz fell to his knees, unable to stay on his feet as the poison attacked his nerve endings. Suddenly Legolas was beside him, speaking softly, soothingly. "Leave me alone..."

Legolas smiled warmly. "Why are you being this stubborn, Lurtz? Why can you not simply accept that you love me?" Legolas studied the injury and decided to remove the knife. "Do not move, Lurtz."

Lurtz gritted his teeth, but still a smothered howl escaped from deep within his throat. "It's poisoned..."

Legolas sucked in his breath. "Poisoned? By the Valar, we must act quickly then."

Lurtz wondered what Legolas was up to as the Elf moved behind him. He startled, feeling lips pressed against the wound, sucking. "What are you doing?" he hissed.

"Trying to get the poison out and now be silent!" Legolas closed his lips over the wound and sucked hard, spiting out the blood and poison and repeated the same procedure.

Lurtz placed his hands in front of him on the ground in need of support. Knowing Legolas was trying to save his live felt incredible to him. After all he had done, the Elf remained at his side. Hearing voices close to him, he looked up and found that the twins were rushing toward him.

"Legolas, what happened?" Elrohir knelt at Legolas side and cringed, seeing the angry wound. "Poisoned?"

"Aye," said Legolas, spitting out more poisoned blood.

"We will take him with us," decided Elladan. Elrohir had already told him that Lurtz had been on his way to take Elrond in to safety. They could discuss this later. "We killed them all." he added, carefully watching Lurtz' reaction, but the Uruk-Hai was slowly losing consciousness. Elladan looked about and saw Ugluk's headless body. "Your work, Legolas?" Seeing Legolas' expression, Elladan grinned. "Let us put your Uruk-Hai on to a horse. I am eager to be reunited with Ada."

"Let me help..." Elrohir helped Legolas in getting Lurtz to his feet after Legolas had removed as much poison as possible.

Legolas staggered; his still injured leg couldn't take the extra weight and Elladan quickly moved in to take Legolas' place, taking Lurtz from him. Legolas wanted to protest, but decided against it, knowing he couldn't support Lurtz. Instead he fetched his horse and together, they placed Lurtz on the mare's back. The mare was nervous, didn't like this charge and Legolas took the reins, walking beside her and talking soothingly.

"Legolas, you cannot walk all the way," said Elrohir worried. "Let me take the reins and sit behind me."

Legolas gave in and nodded once. He handed Elrohir the reins and accepted the twin's help when the raven-haired Elf pulled him behind him.

"I will gather some herbs," announced Elladan. "Do not wait for me. I will catch up with you." He knew the healing herbs were necessary to fight infection and pain.

Elrohir ordered five archers to help his twin and then led the rest toward the deserted cabin. /Ada, are you well? I can no longer feel your pain. Please be alive.../

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Glorfindel firmly ignored any discomfort his head injury caused and carried Elrond in to the deserted cabin. After kicking the door open, he headed for the bed and returned to the entrance to close the door and shut out the cold. He hurried back to Elrond's side and gentle hands began to examine Elrond's injuries. First, he checked for head injuries and was relieved when he didn't find any. Absentmindedly he stroked the long black locks, removing any tangles from them. Next, he examined Elrond's face, cursing privately at seeing the lash that would leave a scar in time.

Glorfindel got to his feet, fetched some spring water and ripped some fabric from his tunic, using it to clean Elrond's face. Dirt and dried blood gave away easily, but he wished he had some soothing balm to put on the cut, which still bled. "I am so sorry, Elrond... It is my fault you were taken and tortured."

Blinking once, his hands drifted lower, cleaning the dried blood from Elrond's chest, finding at least one rib cracked. Cursing the fact that he didn't have any bandages, he shredded his cloak and used the longer pieces to bandage Elrond's ribcage, letting Elrond lean against him while he worked. He felt immensely grateful that Elrond remained unconscious during his ministrations.

He privately debated removing Elrond's leggings to search for more injuries, but decided against it. It was cold in here and the dark-haired Elf felt chilly to his touch.

Tears erupted from his eyes, seeing Elrond's ankles limp and twisted. "By the Valar, what did they do to you? It should have been me, not you, never you! Why did they not take me instead? I would have gladly born this pain for you, Elrond..." He wiped at his tears angrily, then wrapped fabric around Elrond's ankles, not daring to mend them. He wasn't a healer, Elrond was!

Guilt and self doubt deeply drove their claws in to his soul. Glorfindel couldn't stop staring at the battered face, hoping the Uruk-Hai hadn't resorted to raping Elrond in order to make him talk. Maybe that was the true reason why he didn't dare remove Elrond's leggings...

Rummaging through the cabin he located a warm blanket and he placed it over Elrond's shivering body. Hating to leave Elrond's side, he did it anyway to build a fire. The wood was old and damp, but the fire warmed the cabin nicely. The fire cast shadows on to the walls, and in Glorfindel's mind they pointed an accusing finger at him for failing his Lord.

Feeling utterly worthless, Glorfindel refrained from touching Elrond, guarding him from a distance. His eyes swam with guilty tears and he hugged his waist, rocking back and forth. "It should have been me, lying there, not you, Elrond. What use to you am I? I, who failed to keep you safe? You should send me back to Mandos. I am an utter failure..."

He held his breath when Elrond moaned softly. The vacant eyes lost their emptiness and searched his surroundings. Panicking, Elrond released a scream. Glorfindel acted at once and knelt at Elrond's side, trying to make Elrond look at him. "You are safe, meldir. You are safe. Please listen to my voice and let it reassure you." Glorfindel's heart ached, seeing the hurt expression in those dark eyes. "You are safe, meldir. I will look after you..."

Elrond blinked once, trying to focus on Glorfindel. Where was Ugluk? Why wasn't he in the tent any longer? Ai, his feet didn't hurt that bad anymore and he finally felt warm. His eyes met Glorfindel's and he startled seeing the tears in them. "What...?"

Elrond tried to sit upright, but gasped at the pain that coursed through his chest and ankles so he remained flat on his back instead. "Glorfindel?" Shakily he raised a hand, trying to place it against Glorfindel's cheek, but the blond pulled back. Elrond frowned, wondering why Glorfindel shunned his touch. "What... happened?"

"Lurtz carried you out of the tent when we attacked. I brought you here. Your sons will join us shortly and tend to you. You taught Elrohir well and he will help you heal."

Elrond frowned once more when Glorfindel moved farther away from him. The dark expression in the blond's eyes spoke of guilt and self hate. Why? He desperately wanted to talk to Glorfindel, but his strength was deserting him. "Come... here," he whispered, hoping to remain conscious long enough to reassure Glorfindel. The reluctance in Glorfindel's approach made Elrond apprehensive. Thankfully the poison was leaving his body and rational thought was returning to him. "I know you well..." started Elrond in a soft tone. "None of it was your fault... You fought well... It was not your fault... that they caught me..." He made another shaky attempt to rest the palm of his hand against Glorfindel's face and he grew sad, feeling the blond flinch at the touch. "We will talk about this some more when... when I feel better..."

Glorfindel lowered his eyes. "Elladan and Elrohir will be here shortly. They can care you for you better than I can..."

Elrond sighed. "It was not your fault..."

"I am responsible for your safety," exploded Glorfindel in a harsh tone, aimed at himself. "I failed you!"

Elrond managed to shake his head slowly. "Nay, Glorfindel, it was not your fault..." Exhaustion crept up on him, but he fought off sleep a little longer. He had something important to say before he could give in to blissful sleep. "Nîn ind, do you not know I love you? You, who have always been my strength... Do not desert me now... melethron."

Elrond's whispers were Glorfindel's undoing. Tears flowed down his face and he tried to hide from Elrond, but the raven-haired half-Elf had unnoticed gained a tight hold on his right wrist and he was unable to move away. Bleary-eyed, he stared at Elrond. He had guessed some of Elrond's feelings when the half-Elf had kissed him, but things had changed now. "I am unworthy of your love, my Lord."

"I lack the strength to... to talk some sense in to you," said Elrond, feeling drained. "Vow you won't leave my side until... I wake again."

Glorfindel looked stricken. He had planned to ask Elrohir to look after Elrond, not wanting to burden Elrond with his worthless presence.

"Vow!" Elrond called upon his last strength and commanded Glorfindel to speak, using the power that lay in his dark eyes. "Vow!"

"I vow to stay at your side," mumbled Glorfindel defeated. Why Elrond still wanted him close was a mystery to him. Even if Elrond loved him, the Lord of Imladris should chose a more worthy lover.

Elrond sighed and relaxed somewhat now that Glorfindel had given him his word. "Stay..." Elrond shivered, feeling cold to the bone.

Glorfindel caught those shivers and wished he had more blankets. The fire was dying as well. "The twins will arrive shortly," he said, comforting Elrond. He flinched when determined black eyes looked in to his.

"Keep me warm, nîn bellas; you always were my strength." Elrond's hand twitched, releasing its grip on Glorfindel's wrist. "Cold..."

A lump had formed in Glorfindel's throat, hearing Elrond's request. Could he do what Elrond asked of him? Elrond's eyes turned vacant and Glorfindel drew in a deep breath. He removed his sword and boots, and sat down on the side of the bed, studying Elrond's too pale face. Slowly, he slid in to place in front of Elrond, opened his arms and pulled the dark haired Elf close to him. Wrapping his arms and legs around Elrond, he took great care not to jostle the half Elf's feet. Staring at Elrond's vacant eyes, he forced back the tears that didn't seem to want to stop. /I must be strong for you, for both if us until you regained your strength, mellon-nîn. You think you need me, but you do not. You will always be the stronger one of the two of us./

Indulging himself, he tucked Elrond's head beneath his chin. /And when you are strong again I will pay for my failure... I do not deserve to be at your side, not after letting this happen to you... Maybe it is time to return to the Halls of Mandos and to set you free./

 

Chapter Sixteen - Answers

Legolas kept a close eye on Lurtz, fearing the Uruk-Hai might cave in due to the poison and fall from his horse, but Lurtz seemed to be well. His dark eyes remained alert, constantly scanning their surroundings. "It seems like the poison affects you very little," remarked Legolas softly. Elrohir looked up as well, but the archers that had dropped behind didn't pay them any attention. Legolas' heart missed a beat when those large, black eyes met his.

"You got most of the poison out with your... method," said Lurtz tenderly. "I would not advice you to use it again though."

"Why not?" asked Legolas. Sucking the poison from its wound had always served him well.

"What if you accidentally swallowed some of it? You saw the effect it had on Elrond. That could have been you."

Legolas nodded once, realizing Lurtz spoke out of concern for him. "But it was not me, Lurtz. And I am not so foolish to swallow any poison."

Lurtz suddenly averted his eyes. "The last thing I would call you is foolish..."

Legolas grinned. "Methinks you have almost recovered from the attack. Does your shoulder still hurt?" He had applied improvised bandages, not have any at the ready, using his cloak instead.

"It does not affect me like it did Elrond," Lurtz shrugged. "The poison is made of Uruk Hai's blood and Saruman's. Those substances aren't alien to me."

Elrohir suddenly shivered. "But they are alien to Ada." He couldn't get the picture of his injured father out of his head. Elrond had looked dreadful. He spurred on the horse, yearning to be reunited with his father.

A few moments later the deserted cabin appeared in front of them and Elrohir turned to address his men. "Set up camp here. I will tend to our Lord who is more comfortable inside the cabin. Assign sentries and be aware of Uruk-Hai and Orcs." His orders were carried out and Elrohir slid from his steed's back. Looking up, he saw a curious expression on Legolas' face. "What is it, Legolas?"

"The cabin will be crowded, Lurtz and I will stay here and help make camp. Please call us, should you need help." Legolas exchanged a look with Lurtz who nodded. They had a lot to discuss and that would be nearly impossible with the others close.

"Suit yourself," said Elrohir. His eyes strayed longingly to the cabin, feeling his father's presence.

"Go, Elrohir. Lurtz and I can take care of ourselves."

Elrohir nodded thankfully. "And should that wound trouble you after all, Lurtz, I will look after it," he offered, before running over to the cabin.

Lurtz and Legolas watched him run, and detected another dark-haired Elf jumping off his mare and rushing toward the first. Elladan had arrived as well; carrying the healing herbs with him. "They deserve some privacy," said Legolas in the end. He slowly limped over to Lurtz. "Do you require assistance in dismounting your horse?"

"I can manage," laughed Lurtz amused. He let himself glide off of the horse's back and stood firmly grounded. "Where do you want make camp?"

"Near a fire..." Tonight was a night bereft of the moon and knowing Elrond was injured chilled his very soul.

Lurtz considered this. His wound hardly troubled him; Uruk-Hai were build to withstand pain and heal fast. "I'll get a fire going... Do you have a bedroll?"

Legolas handed Lurtz his bedroll, wondering about the man's behavior. An Elf came to collect their horse and led the mare away. Legolas followed Lurtz to the spot the Uruk-Hai had selected for them to spend the night. It was at the edge of the camp, but still close enough in case of a surprise attack.

Lurtz first unrolled the blanket and signaled Legolas to sit down on it. Then he left to gather some wood and he got a fire going within minutes. Uruk-Hai skills could come in handy after all. Once the fire was burning strongly, he sat down beside Legolas, staring in to the flames. He didn't know what to say to Legolas. Unexpectedly Legolas' hand covered his and the Elf rubbed his knuckles.

"Are you ready to talk?" enquired Legolas softly. He curled his fingers around Lurtz's and squeezed gently. Seeing the leather armor and war paint on Lurtz's face made him melancholy.

"Yes, I am," said Lurtz, nodding once. "But first I owe you an apology." Lurtz looked up and locked eyes with Legolas, who seemed strangely nervous all of a sudden. "You were right and I was wrong. I no longer belong with the Uruk-Hai. Since the amnesia something changed... in here." With his free hand he covered his chest, pointing out his heart. "All this time I was angry at myself for leaving Imladris, for leaving you. You were right on another account as well." Lurtz now returned the caress, gently stroking the back of Legolas' hand. "I love you. I have never loved before and I don't know what to do about it."

"Lurtz..." Legolas desperately tried to interrupt Lurtz, but the Uruk-Hai raised a hand, silencing him for now.

"You can talk later, let me finish first." Seeing Legolas nod, Lurtz continued. "I don't know if you noticed, but there are no female Uruk-Hai. When lust overcomes us, we turn to each other and... things can get rough. I don't know how to... court you, show you my feelings, but being at Imladris showed me a different way of treating people, and a possible mate. I'm trying hard to learn, but you'll need to guide me. Taking you like that doesn't seem right... not anymore. Doing it the Uruk-Hai way it would be little more than rape and..."

Legolas placed a long finger against his lips and Lurtz grew quiet, realizing Legolas was determined to speak.

"Lurtz, before we speak of this, you need to know one thing. Touch me intimately and by Elven standards we are considered married. Elves do not give in to lust easily, knowing we will spend the rest of our lives with that one person. We desire love above lust."

Lurtz inclined his head. "Married?" It was a strange concept to him. "There is no Uruk-Hai word for it."

Legolas smiled saddened. "It means that we will be together for the rest of our lives. Neither you, nor I can take other lovers and only death can us part."

Lurtz began to grasp the concept. "You would be mine forever?"

"And you would be mine," agreed Legolas. "Just the two of us as long as we live."

Lurtz found the concept attractive. "I'd like that."

Legolas raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure of that?"

"Yes." Lurtz carefully considered his next words. "And this will go in to effect when...?"

"When we make love for the first time." Legolas swallowed hard. Although he had wanted to have this discussion he now began to feel nervous.

"Make love..." Lurtz briefly closed his eyes. /The Uruk-Hai do not make love, they rape... How do I make love to you?/ Feeling insecure, Lurtz opened his eyes and looked deeply in to Legolas'. "And you'd have me?"

"That is what I have been trying to tell you, Lurtz." Legolas, calm once more, awaited Lurtz's answer.

"Oh, never doubt I want you, but..." Lurtz swallowed nervously. "Not yet."

"Not yet? What is that supposed to mean?" Would he ever understand Lurtz?

"First I want to take care of some things..." Lurtz raised an arm and carefully folded it around Legolas' shoulders. "My teeth..."

"Ai, Lurtz, but..."

"No, Legolas. I don't want to hurt you... No kissing until I visited the... what's called? The Healing House?" He hoped the healers could alternate his teeth, take away the jagged edges and make them smooth; more acceptable.

"This really bothers you," realized Legolas. Feeling Lurtz's arm around him made him smile and he leaned against the warm body beside him. "And remove the face paint..."

"Yes, I can do that now." Lurtz tried to read the expression in Legolas' eyes, but failed. How would Legolas react to the suggestion he was about to make? "Maybe we can bathe together? We passed a stream not so long ago."

Legolas nodded firmly. "But first let me gather some more appropriate clothes for you. That leather just does not suit you."

"And will you comb my hair?"

"And braid it like Elrond did?" Legolas laughed warmly. "Aye I will." Warmth and love blossomed inside his heart. "Our love is strong already, but it will continue to grow, melethron."

Lurtz looked puzzled at hearing that last word. "Melethron?"

"Aye, my love..." Legolas leaned in closer and pressed his lips to Lurtz, already knowing that his lover wouldn't part his lips or teeth, but he enjoyed the sensation nonetheless. "Get going, Lurtz. I will organize some clothes for you and I might even join you in the stream." Legolas shook his head, realizing Lurtz was blushing beneath his bronze complexion.

Lurtz got to his feet. "Don't take too long, Elf."

"Oh, I will be there," assured Legolas Lurtz. He stared at the Uruk-Hai's back until Lurtz had vanished from sight and then he pushed himself to his feet as well. His leg throbbed, but the pain was bearable. /What did I get myself in to? My father will never approve of my choice and not all Elves will understand... But the ones important to me already do. Lurtz and I can stay at Rivendell and join Lord Elrond's household. We can keep his borders safe./ Tired, Legolas collected the clothes he needed and then headed for the stream himself.

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Elladan and Elrohir rushed in to the little cabin, both eager to see Elrond, but the sight that greeted them made them stop in their tracks. A soft smile broke through on their faces, seeing Glorfindel hold Elrond in his sleep. Their laughing eyes met, and Elrohir shook his head in amusement. "I do not think we will need to work hard to get these two together."

Elladan grinned and turned to the dying fire. "I will gather more wood.  We need the fire to brew the tea." He handed his twin the healing herbs and left.

Elrohir sat down cross-legged on the floor. Now that he got a better look at his father he cringed at the damage Ugluk had done. His fingers hovered above the ugly cut on Elrond's face. "This one will leave a scar."

Elladan entered just in time to catch Elrohir's words. "I wish I could make them pay again!" He dropped the wood next to the fire place and rekindled it. "Why is Glorfindel still asleep?" The seneschal usually startled at the tiniest sound.

Elrohir's eyes narrowed. "He suffered a head injury twice. There might be complications and we should watch him as well. But for now I regret having to wake Glorfindel, but I need to examine Ada and Glorfindel is in the way." Elrohir placed the palm of his hand against Glorfindel's cheek, rubbing the tear streaked skin there. "He cried, Elladan..."

"Knowing Glorfindel, he is eager to take the blame for this. You are right, we need to watch him as well." Elladan began brewing the tea and watched Glorfindel and Elrond closely.

"Glorfindel, wake up." Elrohir weakly shook Glorfindel's shoulders. "I need to examine Ada..."

Elrohir's persistent voice finally got through to Glorfindel and he startled awake. Still thankful for his returned vision, he locked eyes with Elrohir, relieved to find the younger man here. "Elrond, is he...?" His glance shifted from Elrohir to Elrond and he cringed once more, seeing Elrond's bruised face. He started to raise a hand to touch Elrond's face, but froze in mid-air. /Nay, I lost my right to care for him when I failed him./ He caught the odd look Elrohir was giving him and he slowly untangled himself from Elrond, sitting up at last. The world briefly spun around him, but he bit down the comfort. "I should give you some space to work," muttered he embarrassed. He struggled to his feet, swayed, but shrugged off Elladan when the youngster tried to support him. "I will be outside." He tore his eyes away from Elrond and staggered toward the doorway, feeling miserable.

"Glorfindel, wait!" Elladan wanted to go after the blond, but Elrond moaned softly and the urge to be near his father overwhelmed him so he returned to the bed.

Glorfindel quietly closed the door behind him, wishing he could stay, but knowing he wasn't that privileged. His head still buzzed, but he determinedly ignored it as he made his way over to a tree, near to a fire. Camp had been made and several men were preparing their evening meal. Just the thought of food made his stomach contract angrily.

Seeing Elladan and Elrohir, he had expected them to be angry with him for the condition Elrond was in. He was in charge of Elrond's safety and he had failed them miserably. Closing his eyes, he thought back to the Halls of Mandos, their chill and solitude. /Coming here was a mistake, I never dared admit it before. Elrond called out for Gil-galad and I returned instead. Maybe I should return to the Halls and see if I can convince Gil-galad to return after all. Elrond loved him with all his heart... I should rectify this mistake.../

"Glorfindel?" Legolas frowned, seeing silver tears drip from the seneschal's face. Although Lurtz was waiting for him at the stream he couldn't turn his back on a friend in need. He placed the clothes on the ground and sat beside Glorfindel, waiting for the sapphire eyes to open.

"Legolas, leave me. I am terrible company." Glorfindel gave in and looked Legolas in the eye. He considered wiping away his tears, but it was too late, Legolas had already seen.

Legolas' compassion compelled him to fold an arm around the other blond. "Peace, Glorfindel. I am not the enemy." Glorfindel leaning against him made Legolas smile. "You are still tired and that head injury must be bothering you as well. What are you doing out here?" Why wasn't Glorfindel with Elrond?

Glorfindel sighed and shivered. Legolas wouldn't understand so why tell him? "It was too crowded in the cabin."

Legolas raised an eyebrow. "That is not your real reason for leaving."

Glorfindel stared at the dark heavens. Clouds hid the stars and a dark, heavy mood cocooned him. "You were on your way somewhere?"

Legolas sighed. "You won't confide in me... Why?"

"I do not want to burden you with my problems. Be on your way then. I will be fine." Glorfindel freed himself of Legolas' arm and leaned back against the trunk of a tree. "I will try to sleep."

Legolas knew he was being dismissed and Glorfindel's behavior angered him, but he knew better than to force the issue. Glorfindel would talk about it when he was ready. "I am always here should you need someone to listen."

"Thank you, Legolas." Glorfindel smiled weakly and watched Legolas leave. "But you can't possibly understand, Legolas..." Glorfindel, feeling utterly miserable, looked over at the cabin and wondered if Elrond had already regained consciousness.

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

"Elladan, Ada is waking up!" Elrohir gently moved a wet cloth across Elrond's forehead, removing dirt and sweat. "Ada..."

Elrond blinked a few times, trying to understand where he was. The last thing he remembered was being at Ugluk's mercy and then a black void had taken over. In that void he had heard Glorfindel's voice, but the words remained blurry. Looking at his sons, he forced himself to smile despite the excruciating pain in his ankles. "Elrohir... Elladan..." He raised a shaky hand and first touched Elrohir's face, then Elladan's. "I thank the Valar that they gave me a chance to see you again."

"You are safe now," blurted out Elladan, as his relief released him. He leaned in closer and cautiously hugged his father, but immediately pulled back hearing Elrond's pain filled groan. He had placed his weight on Elrond's ribcage accidentally. "Sorry, Ada." But Elrond still smiled at him and his father's fingers were tightly curled around his. "I missed you. I feared we had lost you!"

Elrond heard the distress in Elladan's voice and rubbed his son's fingers in an effort to soothe him. "I am back now, Elladan. Do not worry any longer." His eyes then sought out Elrohir's, which were warm and concerned. "I missed you, my sons." Elrohir carefully embraced him and Elrond ignored the pain that coursed through his body. "I trust in your healing abilities, Elrohir. I like to think I taught you well." Relieved he noticed that the poison no longer affected him.

"You are badly injured, Ada." Elrohir gently stroked his father's raven locks. "The bruises will fade, but the cut on your face won't. Your ribs will mend, but your ankles... By the Valar, what did that monster do to you?"

"He crushed my ankles," said Elrond weakly. It would take time to heal; being half Man now worked against him. "I never gave up hope," he whispered softly. "I hoped, nay, believed, we would be reunited again."

Elladan and Elrohir beamed at their father's words. "We will nurse you back to health, Ada," promised Elrohir passionately. "I already cleaned most scratches and I applied a healing balm to this terrible lash. Why did he have to cut your face...?"

Elrond sighed softly. "He took a perverse pleasure in making me suffer... What about my ankles?" Elrohir was right. The superficial wounds would heal quickly. His broken rib would take longer, a few weeks, but what really worried him were his ankles. Could Elrohir set them correctly? Would he be able to walk again?

Elrohir lowered his eyes. "I fear touching them. I have no experience in setting bones and... I cannot hurt you even more, Ada."

Elrond nodded. "I will not ask this of you then, Elrohir." His sons were already emotional at finding him in this condition and he could see something else troubled them. "Tell me what is upsetting you."

"Did Ugluk... did he..." Elladan swallowed hard, unable to finish.

"Did he... force you?" Elrohir bit his bottom lip. "We did not dare remove your leggings out of fear for what we might find."

Elrond smiled. "Nay, he did not. I escaped that terrible fate thanks to Lurtz... Lurtz, what happened to him?" As long as he didn't move, his ankles didn't bother him too much and he was eager to learn more.

Elrohir slid closer to his father and managed to get an arm around Elrond without the elder Elf flinching in pain. He slowly lay down, facing Elrond and stared deeply in to the dark eyes. Elladan, quickly added more wood to the fire and then joined them, carefully spooning himself behind his father.

Elrond marveled at them, and thanked Celebrian for giving him his sons. The twins had taken after him and were very special to him. His sons' body heat seeped in to his bones, warming him from the inside. Elladan rested his head against his back and sighed blissfully. /They used to do this until they came of age and I missed having them close. "Elrohir? What about Lurtz?"

"Lurtz took a knife meant for Legolas, but does not seem badly injured. They wanted some privacy and made camp near the cabin." Elrohir looked at Elladan, who had slightly raised his head to return the glance.

"Ada?" Elladan whispered softly in to Elrond's ear. "What is wrong with Glorfindel?"

The name startled Elrond. "Glorfindel... how could I forget about him? Where is he?" Suddenly their last conversation returned to him. "He vowed to stay near!"

"He left some time ago." Elladan frowned. "You are in no condition to chase after him. Let me fetch him."

Elrond's thoughts raced. Why had Glorfindel left?

"Ada, do you know he loves you? I wonder how he managed to keep that from us," said Elrohir. "Now that I know about his feelings, it shows in his every look or touch. He loves you passionately."

Elrond locked eyes with Elrohir. "I suspected as much. That is the very reason the Uruk-Hai managed to sneak up on us. I distracted Glorfindel..."

"How?" Elladan sat upright, realizing something was wrong with Glorfindel; why else would the seneschal leave?

"I kissed him..." admitted Elrond, fighting a blush.

"And he liked it!" Elladan slapped his knee. "Ah, Ada... Sometimes I wonder about you. Did you have to pick that time to show him?" But he felt relieved that his father returned Glorfindel's feelings and he saw approval in his twin's eyes as well. Elrond and Glorfindel deserved to be happy.

"Aye, that was not wise, but..." Elrond sighed, recalling the lovely blush that had graced Glorfindel's face. "I never thought he would return my feelings."

"That is what Glorfindel said as well," laughed Elladan. "Ada, I will find him and take him back here. Will you talk to him?"

Elrond nodded thankfully. Elladan left and Elrohir slowly slipped out of bed. "Drink this first. It will help lessen the pain."

Elrond sipped obediently. The blanket stopped him from looking at his ankles, but he knew they were twisted. "Glorfindel knows how to straighten broken bones but he will need your help, Elrohir."

"And after that you will rest and sleep." Elrohir disposed of the now empty cup. "I am so glad your spirit is not broken."

Elrond briefly averted his eyes. "They might have succeeded if you had not come to the rescue."

Elrohir instinctively reached for Elrond's hand and held it between his. "My heart dreads losing you, Ada."

Elrond looked at his youngest son and saw unconditional love in the brown eyes. "I love you as well, Elrohir." He tenderly wiped away the tears that had escaped his son's eyes. "But I am still here and I do not plan to leave you."

Elrohir managed a weak smile. "Let us hope that brother of mine finds Glorfindel, for I want to work on your ankles now." But before they would actually start to mend those ankles he planned to give his father a tea that would put him to sleep. He refused to put his father through even more pain. /Elladan, hurry! We need Glorfindel!/

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

Elladan located Glorfindel near the camp's largest fire. The blond Elf leaned against a tree, but the azure eyes weren't vacant yet. Glorfindel was very much awake. He sat on his heels, trying to catch the blond's gaze. "Glorfindel?"

Glorfindel drew in a deep breath. He expected one of the twins to show up eventually. "Elrond woke up?"

"And he is asking for you." Elladan wondered about the distant expression in the elder Elf's eyes. "Why do you not tell me what is really troubling you?"

Elladan would eventually make him tell so Glorfindel gave in gracefully. "I failed him, Elladan. I should have made sure he was safe."

Elladan moved until he sat cross-legged in front of Glorfindel, who once more avoided meeting his gaze. "You were still suffering from that head injury and Ada went with you to look after you. Do not turn this around. Ada had taken on the responsibility to lead the patrol. You were only there because you were too stubborn to rest!"

But Glorfindel remained depressed and Elladan used his trump. "You might have heard them had Ada not distracted you with that kiss." Aye, that got Glorfindel's attention and alert sapphire eyes searched his. "He loves you, Glorfindel, and right now he wants you close."

Glorfindel's mouth opened, but his vocal chords refused to co-operate. Elladan smiled, rested a hand on Glorfindel's and rubbed the skin soothingly. "You did not fail Ada, but you will, if you let this come between the two of you. Talk to him."

Glorfindel still wavered. "Elladan, I take my duties very seriously and it is my fault that Elrond got injured and..."

"No more 'and'," said Elladan, while placing a finger against Glorfindel's lips, silencing him. "Come with me and talk to Ada." Elladan rose and pulled Glorfindel to his feet as well. "Ada loves you, and Elrohir and I always cared for you. You can make Ada happy and I won't let you walk away from this."

Glorfindel sighed deeply, accepting Elladan's lead as the younger man guided him back to the cabin. "I faced and fought a Balrog, and I returned from the Halls of Mandos, but I never felt this frightened before," he admitted softly. Elladan looked at him reassuringly, but Glorfindel lowered his eyes. /I am not sure I can do this.../

 

Chapter Seventeen - Understanding

Legolas finally reached the stream and watched mesmerized as Lurtz dived beneath the water, washing off the war paint. Indulging himself, he admired the muscular body, trying to peek beneath the waist line, but the water hid the lower half of Lurtz's body, leaving him clueless. What kind of lover would Lurtz be? He hoped that the somewhat more primitive side was still there. Seeing Lurtz feral was one thing that had triggered his interest. He would love to command all that raw power.

Lurtz surfaced, threw back his hair and the long dark manes clung to his torso. Legolas sighed, seeing the well defined chest and biceps. Lurtz's eyes settled on him, searchingly. Could Lurtz smell his arousal? By the Valar, he was already hard with need.

Realizing Lurtz was waiting for him, Legolas placed the extra clothes on the ground and then slowly, methodically, began to strip. First he removed his tunic, then his shirt. Before finally sliding off his leggings he gazed at Lurtz. He gasped, seeing the tip of Lurtz's arousal rise from the water.

He had planned to take things slow, to get accustomed to being with a mate again, but now that he saw Lurtz's desire for him, he reeled with passion as well. Trembling, he stepped in to the water, swimming toward Lurtz.

Lurtz involuntarily held his breath as Legolas silver like hair floated on the water. His fingers impatiently wanted to undo those braids and to let the long locks dance on Legolas' back. When Legolas finally stood in front of him, the Elf raised a hand and let a droplet of water slide on to his fingertip. Lurtz licked the water from his lover's finger and Legolas' pupils dilated.

He cradled Legolas' hand in his and kissed each fingertip, making sure his teeth never touched any skin. "You are beautiful, Elf." Amused, he watched as the tips of Legolas' pointed ears turned dark pink. "Very beautiful indeed. Do you also feel it? The need to touch and be touched?"

Speechless, Legolas nodded; he felt the fire as well and it was about to burn him. Rippling muscle felt soft to the touch as his fingertips explored the bronze flesh. "I did not expect to feel this passionately about you."

Lurtz smiled knowingly. "Will you teach me to make love to you? Or is that inappropriate at such an early stage?"

Legolas laughed warmly. "As long as you understand that we are officially mated after we made love..."

"Oh, but I want to be your mate... for as long as I live."

Legolas peeked at Lurtz, finding sincerity in the dark eyes. "I want you..." he admitted in a tone, filled with passion. "I want you inside of me. I want to feel you. I want you to be a part of me."

Lurtz growled possessively. "Are you sure?" He took Legolas' hand in his and placed it on his erection. "Have you ever been with a man before?"

Legolas shook his head. "Nay, I have not, but I am sure you know what to do."

Lurtz suddenly felt insecure. "Legolas, I never made love before..." How could he explain his fear that he might hurt his new love? The Uruk-Hai's approach to sex was brutal and painful, and he wanted things to be different with Legolas. "Teach me, show me, talk me through it."

"Aye, I will." Legolas leaned in closer and placed Lurtz's arms around his waist. "Hold me... tight. I am not fragile."

Lurtz smirked and pulled Legolas close. Surprised he felt Legolas' erection brush his. "You really want this..." For some reason he hadn't expected Legolas to be this eager. "I wish I could kiss you..." but he dared not, fearing to injure Legolas with his fangs.

"Then let me kiss you..." Legolas sighed deeply and kissed Lurtz passionately. His lips left a hot trail down Lurtz's neck and when he encountered a nipple, he sucked it hard, making Lurtz growl in surprise. Passion, love and lust burned in his veins and their intensity startled him. "I never felt this way before..."

Lurtz smiled warmly. "Tell me what to do..." His fingertips ghosted down Legolas' spine until they encountered two firm mounds of flesh. Teasingly he squeezed Legolas' buttocks, releasing another growl. At first he feared the growl might lessen Legolas' desire, but the blue eyes darkened in pleasure. /You like this.../ He would never let the beast control him, but he could play along if Legolas desired so.

Another growl made Legolas rub himself against Lurtz and his lover obliged him, stealing one hand to his groin. Legolas bucked in surprise when Lurtz stroked him. "Nay, I do not want to come this way... Let us leave the water..." A dark desire burned him and demanded satisfaction. Lurtz's suddenly cupped his buttocks in his hands, lifted him, and he instinctively wrapped his long legs around his lover.

Lurtz left the water and laid Legolas down on the grass, removing some small branches and stones that might get in the way. "Legolas, what do you want me to do?"

Legolas suddenly grew flustered; his own passion overwhelming him. "I am a warrior. I face death daily and yet I never made love to another man. I find that I tremble with desire for your touch, to become one with you. I fear I need your services... Are you willing?"

Lurtz growled again, this time low in his throat and the hard flesh in his hand twitched, revealing Legolas' need for him. "I heard of something that Man calls foreplay?"

Legolas laughed. "Ai, Lurtz, that would be pure torment. I feared losing you, then I found you and you took that knife for me. I thought I had lost you again. We are warriors and we know our desires." Legolas fingered a strand of long dark hair and stared into Lurtz's eyes. "I want you inside of me... But go slowly..."

Lurtz nodded, swallowing hard. "Legolas... I might leave you sore..." He recalled his former 'bed partners' calling out in pain when he had entered. Uruk-Hai didn't bother to prepare their partners.

"Look beneath the clothes and you will find a flask filled with aloe. I brought it for your injured shoulder, but it looks healed to me." He could barely pinpoint the entry point of the knife.

Lurtz reached out with one hand, searched beneath the pile of clothes and uncovered the flask.

"Rub it on, it will ease your way in."

Lurtz opened it and let some drops fall on his fingertips. "This will help?"

"Aye..." Legolas smiled. Butterflies tickled his insides and although he was nervous he was also eager to feel Lurtz move inside him. He watched Lurtz closely. He had planned to be in control of their first encounter and now that he was, he almost wished Lurtz would take over, but no, Lurtz had asked to guide him. Quickly, he turned about, got on to all fours and looked over his shoulder at Lurtz, whose eyes had turned black.

"Legolas..." Lurtz rested his hands on his lover's buttocks, massaging the firm flesh. "This is the way you want to do it?" Seeing Legolas this trusting made his heart beat faster. The trust in Legolas' eyes was unconditional and he was determined not to betray his lover's trust in him. "No foreplay then?"

Legolas drew in a deep breath as Lurtz placed the slippery head of his cock at his entrance. "By the Valar, go slow. The aloe should help, but..." Lips descended on to his back and Lurtz attained a firm grip on his erection, stroking him firmly. Legolas panted hard, eyes widening in want. "Now, I want you now!"

Lurtz growled. /Slowly,/ he reminded himself. /You do not want to hurt him./

Legolas' eyes widened as Lurtz pushed in, slowly, giving him time to adjust to the invasion. Panting hard, he pushed back, allowing Lurtz to slide deeper.

Lurtz breathed hard, seeing himself buried to the hilt inside his lover's body. "Legolas..." Growling, he leaned in closer, placed his body on Legolas' and managed to catch the Elf's eyes when Legolas looked over his shoulder. He stroked his lover's erection again, felt Legolas tense beneath him, and his lover's rocking took him by surprise. Legolas pushed back, trying to get him to move. Lurtz groaned, licked Legolas' neck and then let the tip of his tongue slide down Legolas' spine.

"Ai!" Legolas cocked his head, watching his lover. "Move, Lurtz, move."

Lurtz set a slow rhythm; maybe he was overly careful, but he didn't want to risk hurting his lover. His lips suckled soft skin, leaving a mark on Legolas' throat and made his lover pant even harder.

"Harder... growl, bite me..." Legolas threw back his head, arched his back and tried to match each of Lurtz's thrusts.

Lurtz never lost control, not even for Legolas. His hands grabbed Legolas' waist, and his thrusts grew fast and deep. He growled, nipped at Legolas' throat, but never bit down, never drew any blood.

Legolas didn't last long. Lurtz still stroked him and the head of his lover's cock constantly battered against this pleasurable spot deep inside him. His hands gave away underneath him and he went down on to his stomach. His eyes widened with pleasure for now Lurtz's thrusts were directly aimed at this sweet spot inside him.

Lurtz wrapped his arms around Legolas, followed him down and stroked his lover one last time. Hot liquid shot on to his hand and he waited for his lover's passage to contract around his throbbing cock. Spasms surrounded him, massaging him and he released a possessive growl, howling when he came.

Legolas blinked as Lurtz climaxed. Panting, he remained motionless, letting ecstasy  wash over him. Their lovemaking had been wild and fast and he loved it. Cocking his head, he managed to lock eyes with a sated Lurtz. "You are heavy..." Now that the pleasure inside him was fading, he realized that Lurtz's weight was making it hard for him to breathe.

"Hold on..." Lurtz tightened the hold he had on Legolas and he slowly pulled out, careful not to hurt in his lover.

Legolas moaned at the loss, but Lurtz used his hold to roll him on top. Legolas suddenly found Lurtz beneath him and he wrapped his arms around Lurtz. He rested his head on his lover's chest and smiled pleased. "Aye, my husband. You preformed your duties excellently today."

Lurtz laughed warmly, stroking the soft, silk like hair. "And when may I perform them again?"

Legolas raised his head and looked in to Lurtz's eyes. "I need a little time to recover."

"But Elves heal fast," reminded Lurtz his lover.

Legolas' eyes sparkled with mirth. "Using my own words against me..."

"When you are... 'rested', we will swim some more and clean ourselves up." Lurtz gazed in to Legolas' darkened eyes. "So you are mine now?"

Legolas nodded against Lurtz's chest. "Aye."

Lurtz sighed deeply. "For the first time in my short life I feel complete, at peace with myself. Thank you."

Legolas rested his head on Lurtz's chest once more. "Aye, I feel the same, melethron."

Lurtz continued to stroke the long hair, occasionally rubbing Legolas' back with long strokes. /Now that I have you, I will never let you go again./

Tired, but extremely pleased, Legolas bestowed a chaste kissed on Lurtz's chest. After all these centuries he had finally found a worthy mate.

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

Amused, Elladan pushed Glorfindel inside. While the door remained open, cold air slipped inside and he wanted the warm to stay inside. It served as the perfect reason to tell Glorfindel to hurry. Elrohir looked up at him and Elladan gave him a wink. "Let us give these two some privacy."

Elrohir got the hint and rose to his feet after stroking his father's brow one last time. "We will be back in a few minutes to work on your ankles, but talk to Glorfindel first?"

Elrond sighed, knowing only too well how stubborn the twins were. If necessary they would lock Glorfindel and him up in the cabin to make sure they talked. He nodded and watched his sons leave. Now that he was alone with Glorfindel, he looked at his seneschal and was shocked to see how pale the blond was. Instantly alarmed, he struggled in to an upright position.

Glorfindel heard the choked yelp when Elrond jostled his feet and he hurried over to the bed. "Do not move, my Lord."

Elrond glared at him. "Why do you call me that? What happened to Elrond or meldir?" Seeing the guilt in the deep pools of Glorfindel's eyes, his gaze softened. "Sit with me."

Glorfindel hesitantly sat down, making sure he didn't touch Elrond, afraid he might add to the half-Elf's discomfort. "I lost that right when I let them capture you."

The words were whispered so softly that Elrond had to strain to hear them. He rested his back against the wall and pulled the blanket up to his shoulders, cursing his weakness; he wanted to shake some sense in to the elder Elf. "Nonsense! It was my fault! I should have known better than to pick that moment to kiss you... even though that kiss was worth it."

Glorfindel briefly made eye contact. "Why did you kiss me?"

Elrond sighed; getting through to Glorfindel would take time, especially now that the blond was determined to take the blame for his abduction. "I kissed you because I love you." He watched Glorfindel closely; disbelief and hope were are war in those sapphire eyes. "You do not believe me?"

Glorfindel shrugged apologetically; he was at a loss for words. "I am not worthy of your love. I failed to protect you..."

Elrond was getting frustrated. He grabbed Glorfindel's wrist and pulled the blond closer, using his last strength to make his point. He planned to kiss Glorfindel again, but when the elder Elf flinched back, he let go. Glorfindel's eyes seemed glued to the cut on his face.

They stared at each other and Glorfindel spoke first. "My fault. The fact that you are now scarred is my fault. I cannot believe he slashed your face like that." Glorfindel averted his eyes. /It should have been me./

Elrond finally understood the depths of Glorfindel's guilt, but he also understood why Glorfindel had flinched. It wasn't because the blond found him less attractive but because he blamed himself. Elrond decided on a different, more direct approach. "Glorfindel..." He patted the space next to him, where the elder Elf had sat until a moment ago. Now Glorfindel was pacing the room like a caged and frightened animal. "Sit down." Glorfindel wouldn't disobey a direct order.

Reluctantly Glorfindel sat down again, wringing his hands in his lap. "I can understand if you want someone else in charge of your safety. Elladan would be the best choice."

"Glorfindel, stop feeling sorry for yourself. It does not suit you." Glorfindel flinched again and Elrond held the blond's stare when his friend looked at him in surprise. "It was not your fault and I do not want to hear you say it again. I only desire one answer from you."

"And what is the question?" Glorfindel suddenly felt alarmed. He knew that look on Elrond's face! He was in trouble!

"Do you love me?" Elrond read the answer in Glorfindel's expressive eyes, but he wanted to hear the words.

Glorfindel fidgeted with the corner of the blanket. "Aye, you know I do, but..." He was silenced when Elrond placed a finger against his lips. /But you must understand that I forfeited the right to love you./

"Then you wish to be with me? To be my lover? To see me through this?" His tactics were dirty, but Glorfindel's guilt worried him. Why was Glorfindel acting so out of character? He didn't know the blond like this. Then he noticed the bandages around the blond's head. "Did you get hit again?"

Glorfindel nodded. "Aye, but..."

Elrond's eyes narrowed. "Any vertigo? Headaches?"

Glorfindel cringed. "You should not worry about me when you are injured yourself."

Elrond studied Glorfindel closely; the face was too pale, the eyes guilt ridden and the blond's whole behavior worried him. /He needs time to heal as well. He has been pushing himself./

A knock on the door disrupted their conversation and the twins entered once more.

Elrohir watched both men, and realized that they needed more time; too many things had remained unspoken. "I regret interrupting, but I need to see to Ada's ankles and Glorfindel, I need your help."

Glorfindel nodded, pushed himself to his feet and an unexpected weariness swept through him. He simply wanted to lie down and sleep, sleep forever and to wake up in the Halls of Mandos. /Not yet. I am still needed./  Elrond's eyes followed him and he began to feel uneasy. /He knows what I am thinking. I never managed to hide much from him./ The fact that he had managed to hide his crush still amazed him.

"Elladan, I want you to restrain Ada. When we set the bones it will hurt..." And even the tea wouldn't lull the pain entirely. "Glorfindel, make Ada drink this." He handed Glorfindel a cup filled with a brew that should sedate Elrond and hopefully put him to sleep.

Elrond recognized the fragrance and looked up at his youngest son. "You want me to sleep through this?"

"I want you to suffer as less pain as possible," replied Elrohir, pushing back the blanket. His face contorted, seeing the ruined ankles. "Ai, Ada, this will hurt."

Glorfindel sat next to Elrond on the bed, helped him lean against him and let Elrond sip his tea. He shuddered, seeing the broken and misaligned bones. This wasn't supposed to be their job. Elrond was the healer, but now the healer needed healing. During the last centuries he had watched Elrond closely, had seen him mend broken bones and bring down fevers; he knew what to do. Elrond finished his tea and Glorfindel disposed of the cup. "Elladan, take my place."

He got to his feet, handed his precious charge to Elladan and waited for father and son to find a more comfortable position. Elrond grew sleepy; the tea was working. Glorfindel knelt at the foot end and cautiously reached for Elrond's right ankle. "How did he do it?"

"W-with an-n axe," said Elrond, his voice slightly slurred. "I never s-saw it coming..."

Glorfindel drew in a deep breath and curled his fingers around Elrond's ankle. Elrohir was watching his every move and Glorfindel deeply regretted adding more pain to Elrond's agony. Carefully probing the damage, he manipulated the bones, hearing Elrond hiss his pain. Gritting his teeth, he pushed and pulled the bones in to their correct position, but he froze in his movements when Elrond released a strangled yelp.

"He has lost consciousness," said Elladan, who was holding his father tightly.

"Thank the Valar for that," whispered Elrohir. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I need wood for splints and clean bandages. He won't be able to walk for several weeks." Glorfindel placed Elrond's fixed ankle carefully back on the bed and reached for the other.

Elladan swallowed hard, seeing tears flow from Glorfindel's eyes. "You are helping him," he said, trying to take away some of Glorfindel's emotional pain. "You can do this... for him."

Glorfindel felt numb as he tended to Elrond's ankle once more. Aligning the bones, he wondered if Elrond would ever forgive him. The Lord of Imladris had said the abduction wasn't his fault, but deep in his heart he knew he was to blame for Elrond's pain.

Elrohir handed him the splints and bandages and Glorfindel finished the job quickly, eager to let Elrond rest. "I will instruct my men to build a litter. He cannot ride a horse or walk." Glorfindel stared at Elrond's bandaged ankles and his heart twisted with a sharp pain. /My fault./ Suddenly Elrohir's hand came to rest on his and he looked at the younger twin, startled and expecting to be blamed for Elrond's misery.

"You did well, Glorfindel. Now I want you to rest as well." Elrohir couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong with the blond. Had he ever seen Glorfindel this sad? This listless? "Why do you not lie down beside Ada? He already feels cold." Glorfindel started to shake his head, but Elrohir glared at him, using the expression Elrond usually adopted when dealing with the stubborn seneschal. "Lie down, Glorfindel."

Elladan involuntarily held his breath. Glorfindel was about to protest, but Elrohir wasn't going to back down either; he knew his twin too well for that. Seeing Glorfindel bow his head and avert his eyes should have pleased him, but it was so unlike the elder Elf that it worried him instead. Glorfindel seemed... empty, defeated.

Glorfindel lay down, realizing Elrohir and Elladan would make him if he didn't. He lay facing Elrond, and his right arm involuntarily folded around the half-Elf's waist. He was too tired to think; his black mood paralyzed him. Slipping in to sleep, he vaguely heard Elrohir's voice, but he dismissed it as not important. All he wanted was to sleep and never wake up again.

Elrohir exchanged a worried look with his brother. "What is wrong with Glorfindel?"

Elladan left the bed and paced slowly, constantly watching the two men on the bed. "Ada once told me that a head injury can have side effects. Maybe this... listlessness is such a side effect."

"He feels guilty for what happened to Ada," said Elrohir thoughtfully.

"Even if Glorfindel had heard the Uruk-Hai coming, they would still have been greatly outnumbered." Elladan returned to the bed and watched them sleep. "I wish Ada could advise us. I am not a healer and neither are you."

Elrohir nodded. "But Ada cannot help us with this. Maybe time will heal their wounds."

Elladan looked at his twin. "All we can do for now is watch them carefully. Especially Glorfindel. I never know what is going on in that head of his."

"Do you fear he might hurt himself?"

Elladan shrugged his shoulders. "I hope not, but he has been in the Halls of Mandos. Who knows how it affected him?"

"And he came back because of Ada's call. Ada deserves to know the truth about that as well."

"They need to talk," realized Elladan. "Especially Glorfindel needs to release some of his feelings. I fear for him."

"So do I," admitted Elrohir.

"I will see to the litter Glorfindel mentioned. Let me know when they are ready to move. I want to return to Imladris where they can rest and heal."

"I reckon we can leave in the morning." Elrohir sighed. "I do not know whom I worry for most. Ada's wounds are physical and will heal; he might limp, but he will heal."

"But Glorfindel?" finished Elladan for his twin.

"Once he starts to talk about his feelings the healing will start."

"Then we will make him talk," said Elladan smugly. "We will see to that."

 

TBC

 

Two notes:

1. In my view Legolas isn't a shy man, or weak, but someone who know wants he wants and who looks at sex in a 'healthy' way. He expresses his wishes and makes sure he and his lover enjoy himself. And did I mention he is a bit controlling and wicked?

2. Sorry that I made Glorfindel this depressed, but I am feeling a bit depressed myself, so I decided to let poor Glorfindel suffer as well. Heck, what's love without complications?

 

Chapter Eighteen - Healing

Lurtz and Legolas sneaked back in to the camp, seemingly unnoticed by the sentries. Lurtz's hand had settled at the small of his back, making sure he stayed close. Looking over his shoulder, Legolas privately admitted he liked Lurtz's possessiveness. It had been a long time since anyone had watched him so carefully, with so much affection and worry in his eyes. Gimli at times looked at him like that, but he suspected the Dwarf looked upon him as a son.

"What are you thinking?"

Legolas shivered, as the whispers reached his ears. "The way you look at me shows your every feeling."

Lurtz smiled and rubbed Legolas' back. "I'll never hide my feelings for you."

As they walked through the camp Lurtz felt eyes upon him. Elrond's men were staring at him. /I must look odd to them./ He had dressed in the robes Legolas had brought and his lover had even braided his hair in a similar fashion to his. Thoughtfully, he looked at Legolas. "What will happen now? Where will we go? You know that my heritage will never leave me. I can't shed my skin and become an Elf. I'll always be Uruk-Hai. Where will we be welcome?"

Legolas' eyes darkened worriedly. "We can stay with Lord Elrond," said he eventually. "He won't turn us away. We can help keep Imladris safe." What about the quest? What about Aragorn and the rest of the Fellowship? His first duty was to them. /I do not even know where they are!/ He wished he could join them, knowing his help would be most welcome, but would they welcome Lurtz as well? Nay, it was safer to stay at Imladris and help protect Elrond's safe haven.

Lurtz stopped as they reached the fire they had build earlier. The blanket was still on the ground and he signaled Legolas to sit beside him. Something he had heard came back to him. "But you are a Prince. Do you not wish to return home?" Legolas paled, and that alarmed Lurtz. "Legolas?"

"My father, King Thandruil... He loves me dearly, but... I am not sure he will understand why I choose to be you." Legolas averted his eyes. "I am his youngest son. My brother Valthoron is heir to the throne of Mirkwood. It is true that I would love to go home some day, but..."

Lurtz growled frustrated. "You should never have pursued me."

Legolas smiled warmly. "Maybe I am wrong and my father will understand. I will tell him eventually."

"And now you're bound to me for life..." Lurtz wasn't sure what the lifespan was of an Uruk-Hai. They usually died in battle within a few months.

"I do not regret the choice I made," said Legolas firmly. "I want to be with you."

Lurtz growled once more, softer this time. "I wish I could kiss you..."

"Maybe the healers at Imladris can change your fangs in to... proper teeth." His heart twisted, seeing the agony in Lurtz's eyes. "Give it time."

Lurtz nodded once, and then opened his arms. "Come, I want you close." Legolas moved in to his arms and Lurtz laid down, pulling Legolas with him. The moon was rising and it was time to rest. "Sleep."

Legolas smiled. "I do not need to sleep tonight. Elves..."

Lurtz shook his head. "Then pretend you're asleep. Elves are much too stubborn for their own good."

"Stubborn?"

"Close your eyes, Legolas, and rest."

"Elves sleep with their eyes open. Did you not notice that?" Legolas enjoyed teasing Lurtz.

Lurtz groaned. "Stop talking and be quiet." Secretly he loved learning more about the Elf. What other surprises awaited him? He embraced his lover tightly, told Legolas to rest his head against his shoulder and to go to sleep. Legolas did as he was told, but the blue eyes sparkled wickedly. In the end, Lurtz closed his eyes. /A lifetime... I'll spend the rest of my life with him. When Saruman created me I never thought I'd know happiness. I didn't even know it existed and.../

"Stop brooding, Lurtz," said Legolas teasingly. "You told me to sleep and now I want you to the same."

Lurtz sighed deeply. "You'll be the death of me..." Not giving Legolas a chance to reply, he tucked the Elf's head beneath his chin. /You might not need my protection, but I like the idea of you needing me... just a little.../

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

Elladan inspected the camp, talked to the sentries and finally came across Lurtz and Legolas. The two men lay entangled, Lurtz holding Legolas tightly. /Elf and Uruk-Hai, I never thought I would see the day that those two would unite./ From the way Lurtz was holding Legolas he deduced that these two had done some necessary talking. /Maybe they did more than just talk./ Elladan grinned, turned about and returned to the cabin.

Instantly he grew alert, seeing Glorfindel and Elrond. Although Glorfindel was holding Elrond in his arms, the blond's eyes were troubled. Even in sleep, Glorfindel was unable to find the rest he needed.

Elrohir sat cross legged on the floor, staring in to the fire. Sensing his twin's darkening mood, Elladan sat down beside him. He took hold of his brother's hand and rubbed the fingers, trying to reassure Elrohir through touch. "You worry for him."

Elrohir nodded, knowing instinctively who Elladan was referring to. "Glorfindel worries me, aye."

Elladan looked over his shoulder at the two men. "What about Ada?"

"He is strong, much stronger than any of us. I expect him to make a full recovery within one, maybe two months and aye, he will walk again, unaided."

Reassured, Elladan nodded. "I had the litter constructed and four men will carry it. We should reach Imladris tomorrow at nightfall."

"I will keep a close eye on Ada, will you watch Glorfindel?"

"Aye, I will." Elladan leaned against his twin, resting his back against Elrohir's chest. "I am tired..."

"Then rest," said Elrohir, playing with a strand of his brother's hair, so similar to his. "I will keep watch tonight."

Elladan smiled, and enjoyed his brother's closeness. "I hope Ada does not wake up until we reach Imladris."

"I must disappoint you then. Knowing Ada, he will be awake at sunrise, tea or not." Elrohir fondly looked at his father. "He will need us, the both of us."

"We will be there for him... and for Glorfindel..." Elladan, lured in to a sleepy state by Elrohir's voice, allowed himself to drift off in to sleep. "Wake me when the sun rises?"

"Sleep, and trust in me." His brother's breathing calmed down; Elladan was asleep. His gaze shifted from Elrond and Glorfindel back to the fire; staring in to the flames he prayed for his father's recovery.

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

/What a gorgeous sight. One I never thought I would ever see again./ Glorfindel stroked a lock of dark hair and imprinted Elrond's features in his mind, hoping he would still remember the man he loved once he had returned to Mandos. /I cannot understand why Gil-galad said no. I would be thrilled to be able to return to you. You risked it all by sending out that call./ He was tempted to lean in closer and brush Elrond's lips, but he stopped as a sense of unworthiness swept through him. His fingertips hovered above the cut on Elrond's face, never touching. /If I were a healer I might be able to let this scar fade, but I am not.../ Sighing, he continued to stare at the raven-haired ruler of Imladris. /I love you so much.../

And Elrond had proclaimed his love in return, but Glorfindel was scared to believe Elrond was sincere. /When I returned to Arda, you did not know me, yet you did not desert me. Now I won't desert you until you are safe at Imladris with your sons./ How he longed to love Elrond back, but he couldn't. Something wouldn't let him.

Elrond's eyes, which had been vacant only a moment ago, suddenly came to life and he quickly averted his eyes, not wanting to be caught staring.

"Glorfindel?" Elrond blinked once, twice, trying to recall what had happened last. Then the memories returned to him. "My ankles..." He didn't have to see them to know they had been set, splinted and bandaged.

"They will heal," said Glorfindel softly. He was afraid to meet Elrond's eyes. "I regret adding to your pain."

Elrond's soft gaze caressed the blond's face. "You did what was necessary."

Glorfindel carefully tried to pull back, but Elrond's hands clasped his wrists, keeping him in place. Hesitantly, he looked at Elrond, uncertain what expression he would find in those beautiful eyes. "They constructed a litter and you will be carried to Imladris where the healers will tend to your injuries."

Elrond's eyes narrowed. "Glorfindel, what is troubling you? I sense a darkness inside you which I never felt before." He couldn't label the sensation, but sensing that Glorfindel's soul was shrouded in a dark mist worried him. Was it due to the head injury? The healer in him wanted to explore, but he lacked the strength to reach out and probe Glorfindel's mind. It would be some time before he could even try to heal an injury. A sudden urge to keep Glorfindel close overwhelmed him. In the past he had found that Glorfindel could vanish without a trace for days and he was in no shape to chase after the elusive Eldar. "Remember, you vowed to stay at my side." Glorfindel flinched at his words and Elrond sucked in his breath. "Do you plan to leave me then?"

Glorfindel finally managed to sit upright and he quickly rose to his feet, unwilling to meet Elrond's stare any longer. "I should leave you and make place for my successor. What use am I, who did not hear those Uruk-Hai approach? I could not protect you!"

Elrond frowned. "Did we not discuss this last night?"

Glorfindel moved toward the doorway, eager to leave, but a dark haired figure blocked his path. "Elrohir, let me go."

Elrohir shook his head. "Not until you tell us what ails you. Elladan? Escort Glorfindel back to the bed while I tell our men to get ready to leave." Elrohir briefly stepped outside and Elladan moved in closer, taking Glorfindel's arm and guiding him back to the bed.

Glorfindel wasn't sure what to do next. It looked like he was outnumbered. Elrond and the twins had teamed up against him before, but back then he hadn't felt this weak.

Elladan heard his father's hiss when Elrond tried to push himself in to a sitting position and he moved quickly to assist his father. "Sit down, Glorfindel. We are not leaving before we got to the bottom of this. Your words and behavior worries me as well."

Glorfindel sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed. His hands rested idly in his lap and his long hair hid his features. He almost flinched away when Elrond gently pushed the elusive locks behind his ear.

Elrond didn't have the strength for a verbal fight, but he hoped the twins had.

Elrohir slipped back inside, closed the door behind him and studied Glorfindel closely. "Our men are ready, but we are not leaving for Imladris until you tell us what is wrong."

Glorfindel felt cornered. "It is nothing."

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged a look, realizing they had to push Glorfindel. "Ada does not blame you for his capture, yet you do. Why are you so hard on yourself?"

"It is my duty to protect him and I failed." Glorfindel refused to meet their eyes and stared at the floor.

"I am growing tired of this," whispered Elrond. "Glorfindel, please..."

Glorfindel looked up at Elrond's pleading tone. "What?"

"Tell  me..." Elrond raised his right hand and massaged the tense muscles at Glorfindel's neck. "I can only help when you tell me what is wrong."

Glorfindel shrugged noncommittally. "My heart is heavy."

Elrond sighed relieved; at least Glorfindel was willing to address this. He continued the massage, noticing how tense Glorfindel was beneath his touch. "Why? Is it because of my abduction?"

"I failed you..." Glorfindel briefly closed his eyes, suddenly eager to get this over with. Elrond and the twins had made it clear that they weren't leaving until he had bared his soul. "I do not belong here, Elrond. I should have stayed at Mandos. My coming here was a mistake."

Elrond's eyes widened. "I had no idea this was troubling you..."

Elladan cleared his throat. "Why do you not tell Ada why you answered his call back then?"

Glorfindel suddenly shot Elladan a poisonous glare. Elladan understood. /He is worried I will tell Ada Gil-galad did not want to return, but I have no desire to hurt Ada. That secret is safe with me./

Glorfindel marginally relaxed, sensing Elladan wouldn't tell Elrond this particular truth.

"Aye, why did you? You never told me." Elrond's fingers tangled in the blond's hair. Glorfindel, look at me?"

Reluctantly Glorfindel obeyed. "I was mad with myself for being arrogant in the past. When your call came I... I felt your pain, your desire to be reunited with the one you loved."

Elrond listened closely, hoping to find the real truth hidden beneath Glorfindel's carefully phrased answers. "And then...?"

"I hoped I could take some of your pain away." Glorfindel once more broke eye contact. "Mandos is a cold and solitary place. After a while your feelings fade and you forget you once loved... or hated. Your pain was very real to me and I..."

Elrond cocked his head, trying to make sense of Glorfindel's words. "Why did you answer my call?"

"Because your pain mirrored mine! I was in pain as well and..." Glorfindel tried to rise from the bed, but Elladan pushed him down again. Glaring at the older twin, he resigned himself to the interrogation.

Elrond was beginning to understand... At least he thought so. "You wanted to take my pain away..."

Glorfindel nodded. "I was not in love with you at first. I was content to be your friend and support you. But I watched you for centuries and when Celebrian left I..."

Elrond's heart contracted at the mention of his wife's name. "Celebrian is gone and will never return. She no longer holds me to our marriage vows."

"I felt it was inappropriate to tell you about my feelings and I locked them inside. I never planned to tell you..."

"But we made him..." Elladan grinned at Elrohir.

Glorfindel still sat broodingly. "I do not deserve to be loved... I merely wish to sleep forever..."

Elrond startled. "Glorfindel?" He cupped the blond's chin in the palm of his hand.

"The time has come for me to return to Mandos. Maybe there is still a way for Gil-galad to return, maybe I..." Glorfindel froze when Elladan shook his shoulders.

"You are not going to die, you hear me? We won't let you! What is wrong with you, Glorfindel? You almost seem like a completely different person!" Elladan searched Glorfindel's eyes.

Elrond placed a reassuring hand on Elladan's. "Stop it, you are only making things worse. Did you not notice he is trembling? His gaze is unfocused and his skin is much too cold to the touch." He sighed. He didn't have the energy to do this now and he would rather wait until he had grown stronger, but he couldn't. Gently, he rested the palm of his hand on Glorfindel's head, moving his fingers over the spot where Lurtz and later the attacking Uruk-Hai had struck.

"Ada, you are too weak to do this..." Elrohir watched worriedly as Elrond released his spirit, probing the injury. His father was a healer, who used his own life force, and occasionally Vilya's power to heal, but the Ring of Air was at Imladris and couldn't aid Elrond now. "Draw from me then," he offered, placing his hands on Elrond's shoulders. 

Elladan sat on the bed and placed his hand on top of Elrohir's. "Ada, draw your strength from us."

Elrond's gaze was incredibly soft. Trying to heal Glorfindel from whatever was ailing him would cost energy and he had never used theirs before. "Are you sure?"

"You need our strength," repeated Elladan. "We give it freely. We cannot bear to see Glorfindel in such misery."

"Elrond, please do not do this. A healing takes too much out of you, even if you draw from them," said Glorfindel pleadingly.

But Elrond's mind was made up. "Open your mind for me and do not fight me, Glorfindel."

The blond closed his eyes and tried to relax. Something brushed at the edges of his mind and he gasped, sensing Elrond's presence. /What are you doing?/

/The memories of Mandos invaded your mind. I sense your loneliness, your feelings of despair. Mandos is pulling you closer. You must let go. You no longer dwell in its Halls, you are with me now. Do not cling to these memories for they are dragging you down./ Elrond felt the pain Glorfindel had been in when his call came, sensed Glorfindel's hope at a second chance and... Elrond drew closer, seeing Gil-galad sit in the dark halls, waving Glorfindel away when the blond tried to convince the warrior to return to Arda. But Gil-galad had lost most of his feelings and his memories, and refused. /You were afraid to tell me he denied me and you came to me instead, hoping to ease my pain./ Elrond felt saddened, realizing Glorfindel had kept this a secret for centuries; Gil-galad had refused to return... That hurt.

/I did not want you to know. I knew it would hurt you.../ Glorfindel felt confused, sensing the twins' minds as well. Elrond must have brought them with him while drawing his energy from them.

Elrond's eyes widened as he realized the truth. /He told you? You knew?/

/Glorfindel did not want you to know and we did not want to add to your pain so we remained silent./ Elladan and Elrohir spoke as one. /But we did tell Glorfindel that you had a right to know.../

Elrond concentrated on the blond once more, and let himself be drawn near the darkness. Gently, he wrapped the cold and dark in light and warmth, and the darkness retreated, grew weaker, but didn't leave. Frustrated, Elrond tried again. This darkness would eventually be the death of Glorfindel; the memories of Mandos poisoning him.

Glorfindel saw the exhaustion on Elrond's face and heard the twins sigh. /Enough, please, Elrond./

/Nay, not yet!/ Summoning his strength and his sons' one last time, he catapulted their light and warmth in to Glorfindel's mind until no corner of the blond's soul held any darkness. /It is done.../ Elrond collapsed against Elrohir and he allowed himself to fall in to a healing sleep.

Glorfindel shivered. "Elrond?" Worried he reached for the raven haired Lord of Imladris and pulled him close to his chest. Two pair of dark eyes sought out his and he met their gaze. "You should not have encouraged him! He is much too weak! What were you thinking?"

Elrohir and Elladan grinned tiredly. "I know that tone only too well," mumbled Elladan. "Thankfully we are too old for a spanking..."

"Do not remind me, brother. I could not sit for days," said Elrohir, smirking pleased.

"You deserved that spanking for scaring your father like that!" Glorfindel was about to remind them that it had been foolish to cross the Bruinen in midwinter. The ice hadn't held and Elrond and he had found the boys in the freezing water.

"Peace, Glorfindel, we learned our lesson. We won't cross any ice before making sure it is strong enough to carry us!" Elladan exchanged a pleased look with Elrohir. Glorfindel's listlessness was gone and fire burned in the sapphire eyes. "I take it you feel much better now?"

Glorfindel blinked. "You are right... I do feel better. The darkness is gone..."

Elrohir lovingly stroked his father's hair. "Ada and you can talk later. We need to leave now. I want Ada safe at Imladris."

Glorfindel looked thankfully at the twins. "I did not realize my memories weighed that heavy on my heart. They are still there, but Mandos no longer calls to me."

The twins nodded approvingly. "Then it was worth it." It would take their father even longer to recover now, but they could depend on Glorfindel once more.

Glorfindel gently lifted Elrond in his arms. "What are we waiting for? Imladris awaits!"

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

"Should we make camp for the night?" asked Elladan. "The men do not seem tired and we might get to Imladris at noon if we do not stop for the night."

Glorfindel looked over his shoulder and studied his men's faces. Lurtz and Legolas now carried the litter and thankfully Elrond was still sound asleep, healing. "We will carry on. Tell them they can rest once we arrive at Imladris."

"Aye..." Elladan smiled tiredly. "I never realized a healing demanded so much energy. I feel drained. How does Ada do it?"

"I caught him several times when he fainted after a healing. It takes a great deal out of him." Glorfindel sighed. "I only regret letting Mandos in to my heart." Elladan's hand settled on his shoulder and he nodded, understanding the nature of the gesture. "Do not trouble yourself, Elladan. I won't fall in to darkness again."

Elladan smiled and allowed Glorfindel to drop back. He sent several scouts ahead to make sure the road was safe and dispatched one messenger to Imladris to announce their return. Glorfindel now rode next to the litter, watching Elrond closely. Elladan met Elrohir's glance and they both smiled. Briefly he heard his twins' voices in his mind.

/All is well again, Elladan. We are returning home and Ada will recover with our help, and Glorfindel's love will help as well. Legolas and Lurtz reached an understanding and I sense a strong love in them. All is well again.../

Elladan nodded. Ada would be left with physical scars and Glorfindel with emotional ones, but they would recover. /The darkness has finally left.../ Looking at his father's face, he smiled; they were finally going home.

 

END

 

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