Fan Fiction ❯ Demons in the Dark ❯ Chapter 18

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Italics indicate memory or dreams.

Commonly used Sindarin words:

Ai: Oh!
pen-neth: young one
muindor: brother
gwador: sworn brother, not those by blood
Ada: dad
melethron: lover
a'maelamin: lover
ernil-nín: my prince
ion nín: my son
*~*~*

It was a week before Elrond allowed Legolas to remove himself from the Healing halls. His back had mostly healed, and his ribs had mostly mended, but his breathing still troubled him, and in the few instances where was allowed up and around, his ankle was weak if he mistepped. It seemed that he was well on the way to recovery.

Except for the nightmares.

The first couple days after the Prince's awakening had been quiet, the poison still working in his system combining with the healing herbs to keep him in a comfortable healing rest without dreams. But when Elladan returned to his lover's bedside to find him huddled under his blanket, shaking in silent terror in the darkened room. Elladan had immediately lit a lamp and quietly ordered that at least one candle be kept lit at all times.

Elladan was well aware that his lover had never been comfortable in tight spaces. It was a common misconception amongst the Elves of Imladris that the Elves of Mirkwood lived deep within caves nestled within the Green Wood. But Thranduil's people lived much like the Galadhrim - in talans, high above the ground amongst the branches of the trees. The caves were only a stronghold, one that Legolas had never found comfortable. But never before had he taken issue with the open airiness of Imladris.

When in became clear to Elladan that it wasn't just the Healing Halls triggering his lover's night terrors, Elladan suggested sleeping out of doors. Elrohir and Estel joined them under the stars, the landscape of the valley allowing more of the nightscape to be seen than in Mirkwood. They laid out in bedrolls, watching Eärendil sail overhead, keeping his eye on his grandsons, and Elladan's chosen.

The three young elves and their Human companion talked of nothing of consequence, light banter and tales filling the bright night. None were aware of the two pairs of eyes that watched discreetly from a balcony. The conversation slowed as one voice dropped out. Elladan would find the next day that Legolas had had his first peaceful nights rest under the stars.

As the weeks wore on and Legolas healed, their nights out of doors became more infrequent. Word came from Thranduil that his son was to take all the time he needed to heal, and not to return until Elrond advised him as such. The news was a double edged sword to Elladan; he knew that his lover would take his father's word to heart and stay until he was truly healed, but Elladan also knew Legolas' sense of duty would drive him to return just as soon as he was able.

So it came as no surprise to the older twin when Elrond pronounced Legolas healed, and the Prince declared his departure for a few days hence.

Thus Elladan found himself, two days before Legolas' departure, sitting alone in his bedroom while most of the household gathered in the Halls of Fire for an evening of story and song. Elladan couldn't bear to be with them. The last time that Legolas had left he had nearly lost him for good. And while things were okay between them, indeed, better than okay, they were closer than they'd ever been, Elladan feared what could happen when his Greenleaf left the valley once more.

So lost in his thoughts was Elladan that he did not hear the undisguised footsteps approach.

"Will you not join us?" Legolas asked softly as he stood next to Elladan's chair, facing the open window.

"I cannot," he answered. "It should be a happy time, and I feel I cannot bring myself to that."

Legolas settled himself on the arm of the overstuffed chair which bore Elladan. The dark haired elf wrapped an arm around the blonde's slim waist and pulled him closer.

"What ails you, melethron?"

Elladan found himself slowly relaxing as Legolas gently combed through the dark hair at the nape of his neck. "I am loathe to let you go, Greenleaf," he admitted. "I feel that I only got you back, and I fear what could happen."

"Nothing will happen," Legolas affirmed. "I am riding with some of your father's best warriors, who themselves will continue on to 'Lorien after I have been met by my father's men. Nothing bad will befall me, Elladan," he repeated.

"How I wish I could believe that, ernil-nín," Elladan sighed.

Legolas allowed himself to slide down the arm of the chair and into Elladan's lap. "'Tis true we have found ourselves in dark times, but we must not despair. Nothing would have happened last time, had I not been so foolish as to run off alone. Nay," he spoke quickly, cutting Elladan off before he had the chance to speak. "We have spoke of this. 'Tis not your fault, Elladan. You spoke freely what was in your heart, and I would not have you regret it."

"If I had not said such things-"

"If you had not said such things," Legolas interrupted again. "Then perhaps there would be more injured Elves for Lord Elrond to nurse back to health instead of just one, and surely one would be his own son for letting things fester inside unsaid rather than be spoken true, no matter how much the hurt."

"I never meant to hurt you," Elladan whispered.

"I know, a'maelamin." It was Legolas' turn to sigh. "And I was angry at the time, but looking back, I'm not sure who I was more angry with; you for being right, or myself because you were right."

Elladan sought Legolas' bright blue eyes. "Greenleaf?"

"I should have told my father about us long ago," the Prince said regretfully. "But I did not, for fear of losing his love, and instead, I almost lost yours. And though I could not bear to lose either, I fear I should not live if I lost your love, melethron. I would bond with you, Elladan Peredhil, for all to bear witness, until the end of days."

Elladan was rendered speechless for a moment. Of all things his lover could have said, that was the least expected. "And what of your father?" he asked, when he found his tongue.

Legolas settled against him, shifting slightly to ease the strain on ribs still newly healed. "My father will either understand, or he won't. He will not be happy that I have hid our relationship from him for so long, but again, he will either be understanding, or he will not."

Elladan found his hand clasped by his lover's. "I will not forsake you, a'maelamin," Legolas said softly. "I know that if the worst should come to pass, I will have a home here, with you."

"Always, ernil-nín," Elladan whispered hoarsely, moved by the depth of emotion behind Legolas' words.

"Glad you got that over with," a new voice intoned.

The lovers looked up and back over the chair to see Elrohir standing in the door that conjoined the twins quarters with a smug look on his face.

"Now will you come join the party? I fear for a riot if the Prince does not appear soonest."

"Aye," Elladan said with a wide smile he had not felt in weeks. "We will come."

*~*~*

The day dawned bright and clear, and it seemed as if the whole of Imladris had gathered to see the Prince of Mirkwood depart the valley. Elladan and Legolas had spent the previous night together, after sneaking off from dinner as soon as they felt was polite, and to the discreet snickers of Elladan's family. The evidence of the exersions was displayed just above the high collar of Legolas' riding tunic; Elladan's mark stood out in stark contrast to the Prince's pale skin.

Elladan and Legolas had said their goodbyes before leaving the twin's room that morning, and so the eldest son of Elrond hung back slightly while his lover bid farewell to the other members of his household. Elrond and Glorfindel both exchanged soft words with Legolas before clapping him on the shoulder. Elladan smiled as he watched Legolas' ears pink slightly at a comment his father's lover had made.

Elrohir embraced Legolas tightly. They laughed softly before Elrohir released the Prince. At a glance from his lover, Elladan joined Legolas at the new mount Elrond had presented him a few days before. The riders escorting the Prince were already mounted up and ready to go.

"I will miss you," Legolas said softly, securing his bags over the horse's rump. He hadn't yet named the animal.

"As will I," Elladan responded. "But we will see each other soon, I hope."

"I will return as soon as I am able. It may be some time," Legolas sighed.

"I would ride to Mirkwood," Elladan volunteered. "It has been many years since I have visited your home. When Arwen returns, and if your father doesn't mind."

"I will send word." Legolas smiled. "I think I have delayed that conversation long enough."

Elladan chose to hold his tongue, and instead accepted the Prince into his arms.

"I love you," Legolas whispered.

"And I you, Greenleaf," Elladan responded softly, aware of the audience. Nevertheless, he kissed Legolas gently. "You should go, before it gets too late."

"Aye." Legolas pulled away and swung himself up on the horse's back.

"Be safe," Elladan cautioned, backing up.

"Always," Legolas answered with a cocky grin and a wink.

Elladan found an answering smile as he joined his brother and father in watching the Prince depart.

They rode out of the manor in a clatter of hooves on the stone road, and Elladan watched until they were well out of sight.