Disclaimer ~ Never have, never will own Lord of the Rings nor the song in this chappy either.
Author's Note ~ I'm writing this fic especially for and dedicated to four very good friends of mine, Kate, Kara, Ty and TD. It has now been past a year since I've known their friendship and I have to say that I owe more to them than they can know. Kate, Kara, Ty, TD, if you read this then I must tell you this; I am grateful and proud to be your friend and I cherish our friendship deeply and I also cherish all the time I spend with you guys. You will always be my best friends, probably the greatest and from my heart I thank you for everything you have done for me.
One last thing; Ty, there's a part in this chapter that I think you will love, I did it just for you ^_~
Dedicated to Kate, Kara, Ty and TD.
Summary ~ When Pippin is fatally wounded and dies from an orc attack, Merry flees from everyone and everything around him. Lost in his grief, Merry is captured by the same orcs that attacked Pippin. Legolas goes alone to save Merry from the same fate as Pippin, for he made a promise with the hobbit before he died, a promise he won't break.
The Lord Of The Rings
A Promise Lives Within You
Chapter 7-The Calm Before The New Storm
Queen Arwen was staring out the window of her chambers when a soft knock turned her attention.
"Come."
A head poked round the door causing Arwen to smile as she walked to her bed and sat down on the edge.
"Come in Eldarion, it's alright." She said with a small laugh.
A young boy of eight years then came into the room, closing the door quietly behind him and running into Arwen's arms. He had bright silver eyes and short black hair that hid his slightly pointed ears.
"Mother, why did father leave so quickly?"
Eldarion was the son of King Aragorn and Queen Arwen and the future King of Gondor. By nature he was a curious child and looked just like his father, except for the ears he had inherited from his mother.
He tended to get into mischief a lot, but he was a polite and good-hearted boy. He spent a lot of his time with Faramir and admired him greatly and he loved it when the steward would teach him sword and bow skills and he had a tendency to call him 'uncle'. Whenever his father, mother and Faramir were busy, he would spend his time studying in the company of Eowyn.
Arwen smiled at her child, sitting him securely on her lap and replying, "I know not the exact reason myself. All Aragorn said was that he had received ill news and had to leave for Rivendell right away."
"When will he return?" Eldarion asked.
"Soon Eldarion, I'm sure he will return soon."
Eldarion was very attached to his parents and loved them greatly. He missed them whenever they went away to places out of the kingdom, especially his father. Arwen was reminded of a time when Aragorn had to leave for several days, which turned into a week and Eldarion had started to refuse sleep. The boy would stare out the window of his room, awaiting his father's return.
"You need not worry Eldarion." Arwen said, kissing the boy's forehead. "Your father is a strong man and he will return as soon as time allows. Now tell me, what have you been doing today?"
The boy's face immediately lit up and he grinned, "Uncle Faramir taught me some more sword skills this morning mother and then Eowyn took me into the gardens and I saw King Eomer too."
Arwen smiled then placed Eldarion back on the ground and took his hand in her own, "I was just about to take a walk, will you accompany me?"
"Of course mother."
Mother and son walked through the halls and into the beautiful gardens. When Arwen sat down on the grass, Eldarion ran towards the fountain ahead and stared into the crystal clear water. He grinned at his reflection in the water and imagined himself as his father. Arwen smiled.
"You father might have to watch out for his throne."
Eldarion turned to his mother and stared at him with wide innocent eyes, causing the queen to laugh softly.
"I have to agree with that Queen Arwen."
Arwen and Eldarion turned their heads to see Eowyn walked down some steps towards them. Eldarion smiled happily and ran up to her, taking her hand and leading her down to where Arwen sat.
"It was good to see Eomer again." Eowyn said to Arwen. "I have missed my brother greatly."
"As he has missed you Eowyn." Arwen said. "I am glad to see he is good health and all is well in Rohan."
As Eowyn smiled and nodded in reply, Faramir approached them with haste.
"Look mother, it's uncle Faramir." Eldarion said.
All heads turned to the steward as he bowed and turned to Arwen.
"Queen Arwen, I have urgent news for you." He said. "King Eomer has returned with Meriadoc Brandybuck and Legolas Greenleaf. They have gone straight to the house of healing."
Arwen, Eowyn and Eldarion swiftly rose to their feet, concern filled their eyes.
"What has happened Faramir? Is my brother hurt?"
"No my lady, King Eomer is not the injured party, it is Merry and Legolas who are in need of healing."
Eldarion's mouth dropped and his heart began to fill with fear. He had met Legolas previously and he knew that the elf prince and his father were very close friends and Eldarion himself held Legolas in great view.
"Very well Faramir, I will go with you to the house of healing. Eowyn, please remain here with my son." Arwen instructed.
"But mother, I wish to come with you." Eldarion protested.
"Not right now Eldarion." Arwen replied softly. "Maybe later, please do as I ask."
Eldarion nodded sadly and both he and Eowyn watched as Faramir and Arwen left for the house of healing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Merry was waiting outside the room with King Eomer, both were silent and heavyhearted.
When Merry had explained about the orc attacks and Pippin's passing, the King of Rohan had fallen into silence. The friendship between him, Merry and Pippin was deep rooted so the news of the hobbit's death had obviously hit him hard.
Merry's gaze turned back to the closed doors that held Legolas and the healers within them. Merry had wanted to stay with the elf prince, but it was not allowed and so he had to wait outside with King Eomer.
"Please Illuvitar, let Legolas be alright." Merry prayed silently. "Please let him live. I could not bare to lose another dear friend."
Approaching footsteps dragged Merry from his thoughts and he looked up to see Arwen and Faramir walking towards him and King Eomer and he jumped to his feet.
"Dear Merry." Arwen spoke softly, kneeling down to embrace the hobbit. "What ill works have befallen upon you and dear Legolas?"
"I'm afraid orcs Queen Arwen." Merry replied quietly, wiping the tears away from his eyes. "Though how the orcs found us was really my fault."
As Merry explained all that had happened he watched Arwen and Faramir's faces drain of colour and their eyes grow wide with shock. Nearing the end of the tale, when Merry told of their escape from the orcs and meeting King Eomer, the hobbit began to sob, but the firm yet gentle hand of King Eomer calmed him.
Arwen could see how the recent events had taken their toll on Merry so she insisted that he allowed Faramir take him to a place to rest and despite his protests, the hobbit reluctantly agreed.
"It was not your fault Merry." Faramir said as he walked with the hobbit.
"If I were not so blinded by my grief for Pippin then I would not have left Rivendell and none of this would have happened." Merry murmured quietly.
"How could you not have grieved for Pippin?" Faramir replied, placing a hand on Merry's shoulder. "You and Pippin were cousins and the best of friends. You shared many wonderful times together and it is only expected nature of you to mourn his passing. You could not have foreseen what was to come. It was not your fault that Pippin died and it is not your fault that Legolas is injured."
Merry slowly nodded, too tired to protest anymore.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eldarion watched as Faramir entered with Merry.
The young prince was curious as to who the new arrival was and he guessed it was Merry, though he did not know for sure as he hadn't met any of the hobbit yet. He had heard of them many a time for his father spoke fondly of them, but he hadn't met them.
He watched as Faramir took Merry to a room and left soon after to allow the hobbit time to rest and recover. Once the steward had left, mostly likely to find Ewoyn to inform her of what had happened, Eldarion walked quietly to the door and opened it an inch and peered inside.
He saw Merry lying on his side on the bed facing the window, mostly likely to watch the setting sun. Eldarion entered the room silently and walked slowly towards the bed. Once he was close enough he tapped Merry's shoulder. The hobbit yelled in surprised and backed away while Eldarion jumped in surprise and fell over on the floor.
"I-I'm sorry!" Eldarion said quickly. "I didn't mean to scare you."
Merry looked closely at Eldarion and recognised the similarity the boy had to Aragorn and smiled.
"It's alright." Merry said, sitting up.
"I was just wonder…if you were Merry."
"'Aye that's right."
Eldarion grinned and sat on the edge of the bed, "I thought so. Uncle Faramir came and told mother, Eowyn and me that you had arrived with King Eomer and Legolas."
Merry had to suppress a laugh when he heard the words 'Uncle Faramir' and smiled back at the boy.
"Is that right? Then who, might I ask, are you?"
"My name is Eldarion!"
"So you're Strider's son!"
"Strider? No I'm the son of King Aragorn silly!"
Merry burst into a fit of laughs and Eldarion, though confused, couldn't help but smile at the laughing hobbit.
"No I do mean Aragorn." Merry said, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Strider is what we hobbits call Aragorn."
Eldarion's mouth formed an 'O' shape and Merry chuckled, shaking his head. Eldarion shrugged.
"S'not my fault." He said. "Father has so many names it gets confusing. King Aragorn, King Elessar, Estel and now Strider and there are more I'm sure I do not know."
"So how old are you Eldarion?" Merry asked.
"Eight years." The boy replied.
"You look just like your father."
"Everyone says that!" Eldarion groaned, shaking his head.
Eldarion then moved some of his hair so Merry could see his pointed ears. Merry smiled and nodded.
"Got those off my mother I did."
"Half human, half elf then."
"That's right!"
Eldarion reminded Merry of himself and Pippin when they were youngsters and he grinned at the memories of the mischief they used to get up to.
"Do you get into any mischief?" Merry couldn't help but ask.
"Mother and father say I do, a lot, so does uncle Faramir and Eowyn." Eldarion replied. "Like the time I accidentally knocked some jars over from the cupboard and food went all over the floor, I was just in the cupboard cause I was hungry."
Merry laughed and Eldarion joined in. It was unbelievable how much Eldarion reminded him of Pippin. Both were young, cheerful, good-hearted and mischievous people. It was clear to see Eldarion and Merry were going to be very good friends.
"You sound just like how my cousin, Pippin, used to be." Merry said.
"Where is your cousin?" Eldarion asked.
Merry sighed and glanced out the window, the final edges of the sun were disappearing under the horizon.
"Pippin was killed by orcs some days ago, near Rivendell."
"Oh, I'm sorry." Eldarion replied before thinking and speaking again, "That must be why father had to leave for Rivendell a few days ago."
Merry smiled weakly and nodded before yawning. Eldarion frowned.
"Did I disturb you while you were meant to be resting? I'm sorry."
No, it's okay Eldarion, really. I am glad for your company, I doubt I could sleep much. I need to know Legolas will alright first."
"Um…Merry? Do you think…tomorrow…you could take me to the house of healing to see Legolas? I really want to know what happened to him and I want to know he'll be okay too." Eldarion asked.
Merry nodded in agreement and allowed Eldarion to stay so he could explain what had happened.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Legolas slowly felt consciousness beginning to drift back into his body. He heard soft voices talking around him and recognised each one.
"Is he dead?"
"Of course not!"
"But his eyes are closed!"
"Injured elves rest with their eyes closed."
"Oh."
"Don't worry Eldarion, he'll be fine."
Legolas felt himself smile and quietly managed to speak, "I assure you Eldarion there is nothing to worry about."
Eldarion yelped in surprise and slipped off the edge of the bed where he had been sitting and fell on the floor, causing the occupants of the room other than Legolas to laugh. Eldarion got back to his feet and scowled.
"S'not my fault, he surprised me."
"And I have no doubt Legolas will continue to do so." Faramir said from behind the boy.
"How do you feel Legolas?" Merry asked.
"Other than a few aches in my body, I feel fine." The elf replied, opening his eyes and attempting to sit up.
Merry placed his arms around Legolas' back and shoulders, easing his friend into a comfortable sitting position.
"Next time Legolas, tell me the truth about your injuries or I might have to do something horrid to you." Merry whispered into the elf's ear.
Legolas chuckled and glanced around at his surroundings. He recognised he was in the house of healing and wondered how he got there. Merry, seeing his friend's confused look, filled in the gaps.
"After you fell unconscious, I found King Eomer and he brought us here. You've been healed of the poison and wounds and have been resting since then."
"And when did we arrive?" Legolas asked.
"Yesterday." Eldarion replied.
"Merry has informed us of all that has happened and I advise you both to rest." Arwen spoke with an intentionally firm tone. Legolas and Merry both nodded their heads without question.
"I'm glad you will be alright now Legolas." Eldarion said, letting his legs swing over the edge of the bed. "I was really worried, I couldn't sleep much. Please be more careful next time."
Legolas grinned and ruffled the boy's hair, laughing as the young prince tried to swat his hand away from his head.
"It's like having Aragorn scolding me after a misadventure in Rivendell from all those years ago all over again."
Eldarion raised an eyebrow, "Father used to scold you?!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For two days Legolas was ordered to rest in bed and during that time Merry and Eldarion hardly left his side. Eldarion would listen for hours on end to the tales Merry and Legolas told him and he never grew bored and sometimes Eldarion told them some of the mischievous things he had done.
Once Legolas was on his own feet again and walking around, arrangements were made for him and Merry to return back to Rivendell, but before they left there was a slight hold up…
"Please."
"No."
"Oh please mother."
"Eldarion…"
"Please mother! I want to go with them to Rivendell! I want to see father and uncle Elladan and uncle Elrohir!"
Merry laughed and shook his head, "If it isn't uncle Faramir then it's uncles Elladan and Elrohir."
"It will be alright Arwen." Legolas said. "We'll keep a close watch on Eldarion, no harm will come to him, I promise."
Arwen looked at her son with her hands on her hips; the boy merely grinned innocently at her.
"Oh very well." Arwen said with a heavy sigh. "You may go with them."
Eldarion cheered happily, kissed his mother goodbye then was lifted to sit in front of Legolas upon his horse.
"But I want not to hear of you causing trouble for my father or anyone else alright?" Arwen warned.
"Yes mother." Eldarion replied.
"Take care my son."
Arwen, Faramir and Eowyn waved as Legolas, Merry and Eldarion departed Minas Tirith and headed back towards Rivendell. Arwen sighed and shook her head once more.
"Where does he get it from." Arwen thought to herself, quickly shaking her head. "Silly question; he gets it from Estel."
TBC…
Author's Note ~ I'm writing this fic especially for and dedicated to four very good friends of mine, Kate, Kara, Ty and TD. It has now been past a year since I've known their friendship and I have to say that I owe more to them than they can know. Kate, Kara, Ty, TD, if you read this then I must tell you this; I am grateful and proud to be your friend and I cherish our friendship deeply and I also cherish all the time I spend with you guys. You will always be my best friends, probably the greatest and from my heart I thank you for everything you have done for me.
One last thing; Ty, there's a part in this chapter that I think you will love, I did it just for you ^_~
Dedicated to Kate, Kara, Ty and TD.
Summary ~ When Pippin is fatally wounded and dies from an orc attack, Merry flees from everyone and everything around him. Lost in his grief, Merry is captured by the same orcs that attacked Pippin. Legolas goes alone to save Merry from the same fate as Pippin, for he made a promise with the hobbit before he died, a promise he won't break.
The Lord Of The Rings
A Promise Lives Within You
Chapter 7-The Calm Before The New Storm
Queen Arwen was staring out the window of her chambers when a soft knock turned her attention.
"Come."
A head poked round the door causing Arwen to smile as she walked to her bed and sat down on the edge.
"Come in Eldarion, it's alright." She said with a small laugh.
A young boy of eight years then came into the room, closing the door quietly behind him and running into Arwen's arms. He had bright silver eyes and short black hair that hid his slightly pointed ears.
"Mother, why did father leave so quickly?"
Eldarion was the son of King Aragorn and Queen Arwen and the future King of Gondor. By nature he was a curious child and looked just like his father, except for the ears he had inherited from his mother.
He tended to get into mischief a lot, but he was a polite and good-hearted boy. He spent a lot of his time with Faramir and admired him greatly and he loved it when the steward would teach him sword and bow skills and he had a tendency to call him 'uncle'. Whenever his father, mother and Faramir were busy, he would spend his time studying in the company of Eowyn.
Arwen smiled at her child, sitting him securely on her lap and replying, "I know not the exact reason myself. All Aragorn said was that he had received ill news and had to leave for Rivendell right away."
"When will he return?" Eldarion asked.
"Soon Eldarion, I'm sure he will return soon."
Eldarion was very attached to his parents and loved them greatly. He missed them whenever they went away to places out of the kingdom, especially his father. Arwen was reminded of a time when Aragorn had to leave for several days, which turned into a week and Eldarion had started to refuse sleep. The boy would stare out the window of his room, awaiting his father's return.
"You need not worry Eldarion." Arwen said, kissing the boy's forehead. "Your father is a strong man and he will return as soon as time allows. Now tell me, what have you been doing today?"
The boy's face immediately lit up and he grinned, "Uncle Faramir taught me some more sword skills this morning mother and then Eowyn took me into the gardens and I saw King Eomer too."
Arwen smiled then placed Eldarion back on the ground and took his hand in her own, "I was just about to take a walk, will you accompany me?"
"Of course mother."
Mother and son walked through the halls and into the beautiful gardens. When Arwen sat down on the grass, Eldarion ran towards the fountain ahead and stared into the crystal clear water. He grinned at his reflection in the water and imagined himself as his father. Arwen smiled.
"You father might have to watch out for his throne."
Eldarion turned to his mother and stared at him with wide innocent eyes, causing the queen to laugh softly.
"I have to agree with that Queen Arwen."
Arwen and Eldarion turned their heads to see Eowyn walked down some steps towards them. Eldarion smiled happily and ran up to her, taking her hand and leading her down to where Arwen sat.
"It was good to see Eomer again." Eowyn said to Arwen. "I have missed my brother greatly."
"As he has missed you Eowyn." Arwen said. "I am glad to see he is good health and all is well in Rohan."
As Eowyn smiled and nodded in reply, Faramir approached them with haste.
"Look mother, it's uncle Faramir." Eldarion said.
All heads turned to the steward as he bowed and turned to Arwen.
"Queen Arwen, I have urgent news for you." He said. "King Eomer has returned with Meriadoc Brandybuck and Legolas Greenleaf. They have gone straight to the house of healing."
Arwen, Eowyn and Eldarion swiftly rose to their feet, concern filled their eyes.
"What has happened Faramir? Is my brother hurt?"
"No my lady, King Eomer is not the injured party, it is Merry and Legolas who are in need of healing."
Eldarion's mouth dropped and his heart began to fill with fear. He had met Legolas previously and he knew that the elf prince and his father were very close friends and Eldarion himself held Legolas in great view.
"Very well Faramir, I will go with you to the house of healing. Eowyn, please remain here with my son." Arwen instructed.
"But mother, I wish to come with you." Eldarion protested.
"Not right now Eldarion." Arwen replied softly. "Maybe later, please do as I ask."
Eldarion nodded sadly and both he and Eowyn watched as Faramir and Arwen left for the house of healing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Merry was waiting outside the room with King Eomer, both were silent and heavyhearted.
When Merry had explained about the orc attacks and Pippin's passing, the King of Rohan had fallen into silence. The friendship between him, Merry and Pippin was deep rooted so the news of the hobbit's death had obviously hit him hard.
Merry's gaze turned back to the closed doors that held Legolas and the healers within them. Merry had wanted to stay with the elf prince, but it was not allowed and so he had to wait outside with King Eomer.
"Please Illuvitar, let Legolas be alright." Merry prayed silently. "Please let him live. I could not bare to lose another dear friend."
Approaching footsteps dragged Merry from his thoughts and he looked up to see Arwen and Faramir walking towards him and King Eomer and he jumped to his feet.
"Dear Merry." Arwen spoke softly, kneeling down to embrace the hobbit. "What ill works have befallen upon you and dear Legolas?"
"I'm afraid orcs Queen Arwen." Merry replied quietly, wiping the tears away from his eyes. "Though how the orcs found us was really my fault."
As Merry explained all that had happened he watched Arwen and Faramir's faces drain of colour and their eyes grow wide with shock. Nearing the end of the tale, when Merry told of their escape from the orcs and meeting King Eomer, the hobbit began to sob, but the firm yet gentle hand of King Eomer calmed him.
Arwen could see how the recent events had taken their toll on Merry so she insisted that he allowed Faramir take him to a place to rest and despite his protests, the hobbit reluctantly agreed.
"It was not your fault Merry." Faramir said as he walked with the hobbit.
"If I were not so blinded by my grief for Pippin then I would not have left Rivendell and none of this would have happened." Merry murmured quietly.
"How could you not have grieved for Pippin?" Faramir replied, placing a hand on Merry's shoulder. "You and Pippin were cousins and the best of friends. You shared many wonderful times together and it is only expected nature of you to mourn his passing. You could not have foreseen what was to come. It was not your fault that Pippin died and it is not your fault that Legolas is injured."
Merry slowly nodded, too tired to protest anymore.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eldarion watched as Faramir entered with Merry.
The young prince was curious as to who the new arrival was and he guessed it was Merry, though he did not know for sure as he hadn't met any of the hobbit yet. He had heard of them many a time for his father spoke fondly of them, but he hadn't met them.
He watched as Faramir took Merry to a room and left soon after to allow the hobbit time to rest and recover. Once the steward had left, mostly likely to find Ewoyn to inform her of what had happened, Eldarion walked quietly to the door and opened it an inch and peered inside.
He saw Merry lying on his side on the bed facing the window, mostly likely to watch the setting sun. Eldarion entered the room silently and walked slowly towards the bed. Once he was close enough he tapped Merry's shoulder. The hobbit yelled in surprised and backed away while Eldarion jumped in surprise and fell over on the floor.
"I-I'm sorry!" Eldarion said quickly. "I didn't mean to scare you."
Merry looked closely at Eldarion and recognised the similarity the boy had to Aragorn and smiled.
"It's alright." Merry said, sitting up.
"I was just wonder…if you were Merry."
"'Aye that's right."
Eldarion grinned and sat on the edge of the bed, "I thought so. Uncle Faramir came and told mother, Eowyn and me that you had arrived with King Eomer and Legolas."
Merry had to suppress a laugh when he heard the words 'Uncle Faramir' and smiled back at the boy.
"Is that right? Then who, might I ask, are you?"
"My name is Eldarion!"
"So you're Strider's son!"
"Strider? No I'm the son of King Aragorn silly!"
Merry burst into a fit of laughs and Eldarion, though confused, couldn't help but smile at the laughing hobbit.
"No I do mean Aragorn." Merry said, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Strider is what we hobbits call Aragorn."
Eldarion's mouth formed an 'O' shape and Merry chuckled, shaking his head. Eldarion shrugged.
"S'not my fault." He said. "Father has so many names it gets confusing. King Aragorn, King Elessar, Estel and now Strider and there are more I'm sure I do not know."
"So how old are you Eldarion?" Merry asked.
"Eight years." The boy replied.
"You look just like your father."
"Everyone says that!" Eldarion groaned, shaking his head.
Eldarion then moved some of his hair so Merry could see his pointed ears. Merry smiled and nodded.
"Got those off my mother I did."
"Half human, half elf then."
"That's right!"
Eldarion reminded Merry of himself and Pippin when they were youngsters and he grinned at the memories of the mischief they used to get up to.
"Do you get into any mischief?" Merry couldn't help but ask.
"Mother and father say I do, a lot, so does uncle Faramir and Eowyn." Eldarion replied. "Like the time I accidentally knocked some jars over from the cupboard and food went all over the floor, I was just in the cupboard cause I was hungry."
Merry laughed and Eldarion joined in. It was unbelievable how much Eldarion reminded him of Pippin. Both were young, cheerful, good-hearted and mischievous people. It was clear to see Eldarion and Merry were going to be very good friends.
"You sound just like how my cousin, Pippin, used to be." Merry said.
"Where is your cousin?" Eldarion asked.
Merry sighed and glanced out the window, the final edges of the sun were disappearing under the horizon.
"Pippin was killed by orcs some days ago, near Rivendell."
"Oh, I'm sorry." Eldarion replied before thinking and speaking again, "That must be why father had to leave for Rivendell a few days ago."
Merry smiled weakly and nodded before yawning. Eldarion frowned.
"Did I disturb you while you were meant to be resting? I'm sorry."
No, it's okay Eldarion, really. I am glad for your company, I doubt I could sleep much. I need to know Legolas will alright first."
"Um…Merry? Do you think…tomorrow…you could take me to the house of healing to see Legolas? I really want to know what happened to him and I want to know he'll be okay too." Eldarion asked.
Merry nodded in agreement and allowed Eldarion to stay so he could explain what had happened.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Legolas slowly felt consciousness beginning to drift back into his body. He heard soft voices talking around him and recognised each one.
"Is he dead?"
"Of course not!"
"But his eyes are closed!"
"Injured elves rest with their eyes closed."
"Oh."
"Don't worry Eldarion, he'll be fine."
Legolas felt himself smile and quietly managed to speak, "I assure you Eldarion there is nothing to worry about."
Eldarion yelped in surprise and slipped off the edge of the bed where he had been sitting and fell on the floor, causing the occupants of the room other than Legolas to laugh. Eldarion got back to his feet and scowled.
"S'not my fault, he surprised me."
"And I have no doubt Legolas will continue to do so." Faramir said from behind the boy.
"How do you feel Legolas?" Merry asked.
"Other than a few aches in my body, I feel fine." The elf replied, opening his eyes and attempting to sit up.
Merry placed his arms around Legolas' back and shoulders, easing his friend into a comfortable sitting position.
"Next time Legolas, tell me the truth about your injuries or I might have to do something horrid to you." Merry whispered into the elf's ear.
Legolas chuckled and glanced around at his surroundings. He recognised he was in the house of healing and wondered how he got there. Merry, seeing his friend's confused look, filled in the gaps.
"After you fell unconscious, I found King Eomer and he brought us here. You've been healed of the poison and wounds and have been resting since then."
"And when did we arrive?" Legolas asked.
"Yesterday." Eldarion replied.
"Merry has informed us of all that has happened and I advise you both to rest." Arwen spoke with an intentionally firm tone. Legolas and Merry both nodded their heads without question.
"I'm glad you will be alright now Legolas." Eldarion said, letting his legs swing over the edge of the bed. "I was really worried, I couldn't sleep much. Please be more careful next time."
Legolas grinned and ruffled the boy's hair, laughing as the young prince tried to swat his hand away from his head.
"It's like having Aragorn scolding me after a misadventure in Rivendell from all those years ago all over again."
Eldarion raised an eyebrow, "Father used to scold you?!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For two days Legolas was ordered to rest in bed and during that time Merry and Eldarion hardly left his side. Eldarion would listen for hours on end to the tales Merry and Legolas told him and he never grew bored and sometimes Eldarion told them some of the mischievous things he had done.
Once Legolas was on his own feet again and walking around, arrangements were made for him and Merry to return back to Rivendell, but before they left there was a slight hold up…
"Please."
"No."
"Oh please mother."
"Eldarion…"
"Please mother! I want to go with them to Rivendell! I want to see father and uncle Elladan and uncle Elrohir!"
Merry laughed and shook his head, "If it isn't uncle Faramir then it's uncles Elladan and Elrohir."
"It will be alright Arwen." Legolas said. "We'll keep a close watch on Eldarion, no harm will come to him, I promise."
Arwen looked at her son with her hands on her hips; the boy merely grinned innocently at her.
"Oh very well." Arwen said with a heavy sigh. "You may go with them."
Eldarion cheered happily, kissed his mother goodbye then was lifted to sit in front of Legolas upon his horse.
"But I want not to hear of you causing trouble for my father or anyone else alright?" Arwen warned.
"Yes mother." Eldarion replied.
"Take care my son."
Arwen, Faramir and Eowyn waved as Legolas, Merry and Eldarion departed Minas Tirith and headed back towards Rivendell. Arwen sighed and shook her head once more.
"Where does he get it from." Arwen thought to herself, quickly shaking her head. "Silly question; he gets it from Estel."
TBC…