Blue swords|| Legolas

32

Luin was first aware of warmth and softness. He was surprisingly comfortable. Energy was buzzing alive in his veins. His wounds throbbed slightly as his Qi helped speed up the healing process. He was aware of thick woollen blankets and something gripping his hand. The scent of smoke and sweet smelling herbs. A muted background noise of soft chatter and moving people. Blinking open his eyes, he turned his head slightly.

Legolas was dozing in a armchair next to his bed. One of his hands was clutching at Luin's tightly. Luin watched with a soft expression as Legolas shifted slightly in his sleep. His wounds were also bandaged and he was in a new set of green clothes, blonde hair brushed and hanging loose from it's usual braids. They were in a golden tent lit by lanterns. Furs were thrown over the furniture in a style that Luin recognised.

The tent flap opened and Thranduil entered. His lips moved into a slight smile once he noticed that Luin was awake. "No, don't sit up", Thranduil said softly with a raise of his hand. Luin paused in his movements, surprised at the gesture and sudden kindness. He sank back into the plush pillows as Thranduil crossed the room. The king sat on another chair on the other side of his bed from his son. He seemed changed somehow. Like there was something at peace within him.

"The battle was victorious", the king stated, straight to the point. "None of the women or children amongst the humans died thanks to your shield. Bard is grateful. Thorin Oakenshield is dead. He died bringing a end to Azog the defiler. His nephew Kili is now king under the mountain. He is marginally easier to bargain with than his uncle". Luin noticed the star white jewels hung in a necklace around Thranduil's neck. These must be the stones he was going to war for. He admitted that they were beautiful. Pure white gems which sparkled in the light. Glancing back at Legolas, Luin noticed that earnings of the same stones hung from his pointed ears. The father and son pair connected through their jewels.

"Kili has upheld the oaths his uncle has made", Thranduil continued. "He is engaged to my previous captain of the guards which should bring a new age to the relationship between our kingdoms". Luin squinted at Thranduil in surprise. Where had the dwarf hating arrogant man gone? Yet he was glad to hear of Kili's and Tauriel's relationship.

Thranduil had the grace to look slightly ashamed. It was was for the briefest moment before the look was gone. He waved away Luin's expression with a flick of his wrist. "I may have realised that I was not seeing clearly before". Thranduil looked over at the sleeping form of Legolas with fond eyes. It was the first time Luin had ever seen him look at his son like that. In that moment Thranduil looked more like a father than a king. Outside, a horn blew and there was the sound of cheering. There seemed to be a celebration going on.

"How long was I asleep?" Luin coughed. His body felt much better but his joints were stiff with disuse.

"Three days", Thranduil replied. He fixed him with a hard stare that Luin was far more familiar with. It was almost a relief to see the usual Thranduil behaviour. "You put my son in quite a mess. He has barely left your side. It has forced my guard to remain in Dale as you were unable to be moved". Luin swallowed under Thranduil's cold expression.

"I respect you wizard", the king warned, voice deadly quiet. "But if you bring my son ruin, I will hunt you to the ends of the earth". Luin nodded.

"I will never willingly harm your son", he answered firmly. Thranduil stared at him for a long moment before seemingly accepting his answer. The king leant back in his chair and crossed his legs languidly, completely at ease. Luin pulled himself slowly into a sitting position, careful of his aching joints and still healing wounds. He noticed with a burst of relief that his guqin and it's case were resting unharmed on top of a chest at the foot of the bed. Bard must have retrieved it from the town hall and brought it back. Luin wasn't sure what how he would have reacted if it had been broken.

The movement disturbed Legola's hold on his hand. The prince shifted and sighed. Luin watched as his blue eyes fluttered open. His body tensed for a second but relaxed as he spotted Luin sitting up and watching him. "Luin", he breathed as he sat up. Luin smiled at the sound of his name. "You're awake". Legolas' eyes darted to his father. "Ada", he greeted. Thranduil nodded at his son.

"I was just filling Luin in on the events since the battle", Thranduil explained in elvish. There was a tense energy between both elves. After a moment, Thranduil uncrossed his legs and stood up. "I'll go and let the rest of his friends know that he has awoken". He strode out of the tent with a swish of his robes.

Legolas relaxed and smiled softly at Luin. He squeezed his hand warmly. "I was concerned", he muttered. "You wouldn't wake".

"I'm alright", Luin reassured. "I'm here". Legolas sighed and reached out. He gently brushed a stray lock of black hair away from Luin's face and tucked it behind his ear. Luin now realised that he was wearing a long elvish nightshirt. His wounds were bandaged and he was clean and washed. His hair hung unbound around him, unknotted and free from blood. He was grateful.

"My father and I have talked", Legolas said. "I cannot stay sheltered in Mirkwood. I will be leaving to the north. Ada suggests that I go and search for a ranger called Aragorn". Luin felt his stomach drop at the mention of Legolas leaving. He stroked a finger over Legolas' cheekbone. The elf smiled widely, leaning into the touch. He climbed out of the chair to sit on the bed at Luin's side. Their hands still interlinked as Legolas shifted closer.

"If that is what is calling you", Luin answered slowly. "Then how can I stop you?"

Legolas lifted their joined hands and pressed a kiss to Luin's knuckles. A chuckle escaped him and a light blush coloured his ears. He seemed shy almost, embarrassed even. "I wanted to request. If you would travel with me?"

Luin froze, tongue stuck in his throat. Legolas continued. "I understand that a wizard has his duties and you must be wishing to return to you home in Rivendale. But would you do me the honour of being my companion?"

Luin licked his lips. "Only your companion?" He teased. "I thought we were something more".

Legolas grinned with unrestrained enthusiasm. Luin was almost taken back by his beauty. He momentarily stopped breathing. He hadn't seen the prince so joyful before. "If you will be my lover, I am eternally yours", he breathed.

Luin laughed, happiness too much to contain. He bounced slightly on the mattress. The feelings he was experiencing too much to be put into words. It was dazzling and dizzying at the same time. "I am eternally yours", he echoed. Legolas let go of his fingers and pressed his hands gently to Luin's cheeks. His whole face was open and gleeful.

"May I kiss you?"

"Yes". The word was barely a noise before Legolas was surging forwards and their lips met. It was everything that their first kiss wasn't. It was deep and slow as they both learnt each other's rhythms. Luin let his eyes flutter closed, fingers gripping at Legolas' shoulders tightly. He nuzzled his nose against the other's cheek. Legolas let out a answering huff of breath and they both smiled into the kiss. Luin felt so at ease and relaxed in that moment. Safe and secure in the warmth of Legolas' presence. When they eventually parted, it was with lidded eyes and shared breathes.

"Can I braid your hair?" Luin asked, always the more unabashed of the two of them. Legolas snorted in a very unprince-like gesture. Luin watched with a surprised grin as Legolas laughed. It was a loud sound with heaving gasps and nasal noises. Not glamorous, not royal but perfect. Every moment he spent with the prince only sought to surprise him further. He drank in the way Legolas' face creased with a full, cheek splitting grin.

"Yes", Legolas answered, eyes crinkled adorably. "Only if I may braid yours".

"Deal".

AN: They are adorable. This made me feel soft just writing it.