Lonely Dragon {Legolas x Reader}

October 24th

(Fun fact, I wrote this on October 24th!)

The soft breeze from the open window rustled the delicate curtains of the room, carrying with it the soothing scent of pine and fresh water. Frodo stirred in his bed, the heavy weight of exhaustion still clinging to his bones, though the feverish heat and pain were finally beginning to fade. A bright, unfamiliar light danced across his eyelids, drawing him from the abyss of unconsciousness.

Suddenly, Frodo gasped, squeezing his eyes shut as the brightness overwhelmed his senses. His heart raced with confusion and fear, the echo of his near-death experience still fresh in his mind.

"Where am I?" he muttered, his voice small and frightened, breaking the stillness.

A familiar voice, warm and reassuring, answered him. "You are in the House of Elrond, and it is ten o'clock in the morning on October the twenty-fourth, if you want to know."

Frodo's eyes flickered open at the sound of Gandalf's voice. He turned his head slowly, wincing at the lingering soreness, and saw the wizard sitting next to his bed, calmly puffing on his pipe. The sunlight filtering through the trees cast a soft glow on Gandalf's weathered face.

"Gandalf!" Frodo breathed, weak relief flooding him. He tried to sit up but felt the weakness still in his limbs.

Gandalf smiled gently, his eyes twinkling. "Yes, I'm here. And you're lucky to be here too, my dear hobbit. A few more hours and you would have been beyond our aid. You have some strength in you, Frodo Baggins, more than you realize."

Frodo settled back against the pillows, his mind still whirling with the chaos of the past few days. He looked at Gandalf, confusion and concern clouding his features.

"What happened, Gandalf?" he asked, his voice a little stronger. "Why didn't you meet us? We were so close... I thought..."

The wizard's expression shifted, a shadow of something heavy crossing his face. His eyes drifted away, gazing out the window as if remembering something painful.

"I'm sorry, Frodo," Gandalf murmured, his voice low and troubled. "I was delayed."

Frodo, sensing something deeper behind Gandalf's words, sat up a little more, the worry plain on his face. "Gandalf! What is it?"

For a moment, Gandalf remained silent, his gaze distant. Then he turned back to Frodo, his face softening with a faint smile. "Nothing, Frodo. Nothing that concerns you now."

Just then, a blur of movement caught Frodo's eye. Sam rushed into the room, his face bright with joy and relief as he saw Frodo awake and sitting up. He skidded to a stop beside the bed, his eyes shining with unshed tears.

"Frodo! Frodo!" Sam exclaimed, barely able to contain himself. "Bless you, you're awake!"

Frodo smiled, his heart lifting at the sight of his friend. "Sam," he whispered, reaching out to clasp his hand. "I'm alright."

Gandalf chuckled softly. "Sam has hardly left your side," he said, nodding toward the hobbit. "We were all worried about you."

Sam nodded vigorously. "Aye, that we were! Weren't we, Mr. Gandalf?" he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Gandalf's smile widened. "By the skills of Lord Elrond and the kindness of (Y/n), you're beginning to mend, Frodo."

At the mention of (Y/n)'s name, Frodo's expression shifted, a mixture of curiosity and unease. He had never met her, not properly, but he had heard stories—stories from Bilbo and whispers throughout the Shire. She had been at Bilbo's party, though they had never spoken. And now she had helped save his life?

Before Frodo could ask more, Elrond stepped forward, his presence commanding yet gentle. His voice was calm and measured, but there was a weight behind it that filled the room with a sense of profound respect.

"Welcome to Rivendell, Frodo Baggins," Elrond said, bowing his head slightly as he stood at the foot of the bed.

Frodo nodded, still awed by the presence of the great Elven lord. But as the initial relief of being safe washed over him, his thoughts immediately turned to the others. His eyes darted around the room, searching for someone who wasn't there.

"Where is (Y/n)?" Frodo asked, his voice tinged with concern. After hearing so much about her, he couldn't help but wonder where she had gone.

At Frodo's question, Gandalf and Elrond shared a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. Elrond's brow furrowed slightly, while Gandalf's expression grew more serious.

"(Y/n) has been through a great ordeal," Gandalf began, his voice quieter now. "She absorbed some of the darkness that was poisoning you, Frodo. It saved your life, but it has taken a toll on her."

Frodo's heart clenched with guilt. "She... she took the poison into herself? For me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Elrond nodded gravely. "It was a great sacrifice. The darkness she absorbed is trying to corrupt her, and it causes her pain. But do not worry—she is strong. She is resting now, recovering under our care."

Frodo sat back, his mind spinning. He had known the Ring was dangerous, that it had brought pain and suffering to those around him. But hearing that (Y/n), someone he barely knew, had risked herself to save him filled him with an overwhelming sense of responsibility. He had never imagined the burden of the Ring would extend so far beyond himself.

"She'll be alright, won't she?" Frodo asked, his eyes flicking from Gandalf to Elrond.

Gandalf's expression softened. "Yes, Frodo. (Y/n) is stronger than even she knows. She will recover, though it may take time."

There was a brief pause, the weight of the recent events settling in the room. Frodo glanced down at his hand, remembering the feel of the One Ring—the weight of it, the whispers of darkness that had brushed against his mind. He shuddered involuntarily, pushing the thoughts aside.

As if sensing his unease, Gandalf leaned forward, placing a comforting hand on Frodo's shoulder.

"Rest now, Frodo," Gandalf said softly. "The worst is behind you, and soon, we will have decisions to make. For now, focus on regaining your strength."

Frodo nodded, his body already feeling the exhaustion creeping back in. As his eyes began to drift shut, he whispered one last question.

"Will I see her... soon?"

Gandalf smiled gently, his hand still resting on Frodo's shoulder. "Yes, Frodo. You will."

As Frodo drifted back into sleep, Gandalf and Elrond exchanged another glance. The road ahead was uncertain, but for now, Frodo was safe. And (Y/n), despite her struggles, would be alright.

But they both knew that this was only the beginning. The darkness was growing, and soon, it would test them all.