Healing

By Isilwen


Mithrandir has fallen. They were being followed, for a short time, by Moria orcs, but at last they have made it into Lothlorien, safely. Likewise, Rúmil and Orophin had likely taken care of their pursuers by now. Legolas now needed consolation from his scattered, new feelings, but the rest of the Fellowship seemed to be feeling the same. Legolas strayed from the Company to find the members of the Galadhrim that lead them into the city. Haldir, the first guardian to meet the Company, had shown a mild interest in him during the questioning on the flet. Haldir found Legolas walking and invited him to his talan.

When Haldir edged closer to Legolas,  he sensed his need for comfort. But that never meant he had to give it to him. Seizing Legolas' hand, Haldir led him to the bedroom. There, he flung his new prize into the soft bedding. He held Legolas still with one hand and began to tear at his tunic with the other.

*           *          *           *

No. This wasn't happening. This wasn't what he wanted. Legolas sought  Haldir out for comfort.  These new feelings of loss were unbearable since Mithrandir's passing. His strength was at a  minimum and he was tired from the pursuit into the borders of Lorien.

"No! Haldir, stop," Legolas was powerless underneath Haldir. Whose cruel lips were colliding with Legolas' until he bled because of it. Legolas was tired of  struggling and out of breath. The merciless elf above him was taking advantage of his state of distress. Haldir managed to hook a skilled finger under the leggings and pulled, caressing Legolas' most personal places when he did so.  The blood in Legolas' ears was surging so loud and hard that he almost missed his chance to break free.

*      *       *       *      *

"Legolas! Where are you?" Aragorn. He was searching for him!  Haldir had to have heard too. His crushing kisses and pawing at Legolas' thighs had momentarily paused.  Legolas took the opportunity to throw Haldir to the floor of the talan,  drew his leggings about himself, and quickly tied them. While Haldir was still shaking off the shock, Legolas  gathered his torn tunic from the floor  and unrolled the rope ladder.

Legolas bounded down the steps and called out to Aragorn, "Here. I am here. Now go." He grabbed  Aragorn's hand and ran. Long and fast. Ran as far away as he could with Aragorn lagging behind him. Legolas finally stopped short underneath a very old Mallorn.

"Legolas. Are you all right?" Looking at Legolas' tattered clothing, "Haldir did this."

"Yes, but . . . "  Aragorn shushed him.  He knew it.  Maybe, if Haldir knew that he and others were others nearby, he could have prevented this assault on Legolas, sooner. Drawing the shaken elf into an embrace, Aragorn noticed the purplish bruise's, marking their way across Legolas' milk white skin. And then the pattern of red scratches his hips and back.

"It will be okay," Aragorn brushed some tangled, blonde hair behind one pointed ear, "We can heal. Mithrandir's passing was hard on us all. We can heal. Together." He enunciated the proposition with a soft kiss on the elven point of Legolas' ear. "Can you trust me?"

Answering with a kiss on the Ranger's shoulder, Legolas nodded.

*      *      *     *

Aragorn took Legolas back toward camp quietly. He tried to think of a way to repay Haldir for the treatment of his friend. But that would have to wait, now Legolas needed him. Leaving the half-dressed Elf on the edge of the platform that was their camp, Aragorn retrieved a pouch from his bags and whispered some instructions to the elven servants nearby.

"Come, Legolas. Maybe this can be washed  from your memory for a while," Aragorn took his hand and led him again, and Legolas let himself be led like a child once more. He could barely feel himself moving, but he knew Aragorn would take care of him. He always has. Aragorn took him to a nearby river and rummaged through his pouch.

Legolas finished what Haldir had started, unlacing and removing his leggings. The water could have been cold, but he could not tell.  Legolas took  a piece of soap from Aragorn, and washed his lithe, elven body. Handing it back to Aragorn later,  so he could also wash. Finally, when both were done, they  came out of the water to find fresh towels and clothing laid out for them.

" I had the servants bring it to us. I guessed you would have liked something less . . .   ripped," Legolas managed a small smile at this, and Aragorn thoughtfulness, " I had them estimate what would fit you properly."

"You have taken care of me, answered all my questions, but one," this simple statement grabbed Aragorn's attention.

"And what would that question be?" Aragorn now  stood very close to his friend, he could  feel the heat radiate toward him. Legolas, taking the weather-beaten, familiar face of his dear comrade in his hands, he laid one, small kiss on his lips.

Aragorn returned the kiss just as gently, then reached into his pouch and pulled a small phial from it, and handed it to Legolas, "If you desire it."  Legolas lay down gently upon the grass beside the river where he and Aragorn found much needed comfort in each other.

*        *        *        *         *

Morning soon dawned and the pair walked silently  back to camp, an arm around the other's waist. The loss of Mithrandir and the  recent memories of Haldir's assaults were finally far from their thoughts when they meet up with the hobbits, Merry and Pippin. They were up to their games as usual, sweet talking each and every Elf maiden that would pay them any mind. Sam was by Frodo, conversing with Gimli and Boromir.  Everything was how it should have been, and the Ring was safe.

In a few weeks time, everyone was ready to begin on the last part of the quest. Leaving the generosity of the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien was tragic, yet necessary. They all felt the lasting impression that was left on Legolas and the burden hanging around Frodo's neck.  Haldir tried once more to assault Legolas. And this time, Merry and Pippin came to his rescue. They  had one last bit of fun playing the trick they had been planning for weeks. Needless to say, it left Haldir too 'tied' up to say goodbye to the Company at the river. After each member had received their beautiful gift from Galadriel,  they set out onto the river.


To be continued