NEW LEAF (Legolas FF) | ✔️

Chapter 21: Dark

TURWAITHIEL

"My lady, we have arrived."

I arouse from the fitful slumber, realizing I had fallen asleep with my head resting on Lord Aerendyl's shoulders. Upon feeling the warmth of him against my cheek, I jolt forward, almost toppling over the horse. I did not remember how I even got into such a position. I look at him with bewilderment and he seemed to chuckle at my expression, causing my cheeks to burn.

"You had fallen off your horse on the way here," he explained. "You had not told us about your injury. You had caught a fever and was soon in a grave state. Luckily, we had just enough medicine to keep you alive until we reach Mirkwood. You should go to the healing rooms immediately." I let out the breath I was holding, disappointed with myself and how easily I let my guard down. I had forgotten I was injured. Then a thought popped in my head. Who had healed me? My hands go instinctively to the wound on my abdomen, feeling the thick bandage there. I blush deep red, realizing the only person who probably had the knowledge of healing me was Lord Aerendyl himself. Lord Elrond used to be the one to heal me before I had learned myself.

"Your thoughts are quite heavy, my Lady." He comments and I turn my head slightly to face him. We seemed to close. Too initmate. I shift uncomfortably as the gates of the palace came to view. Elves were stationed outside and it seemed to me that the protection over the palace had increased. Something had happened. Lord Aerendyl stopped his horse and unmounted it, offering his hand to me as I unmounted after him. Two guards stepped forward to meet us by the palace borders.

"King Thranduil is not accepting any visitors or traders at the moment," one of them says and his eyes fall on me and they burned familiarity.

"Lady Turwaithiel," he seemed to say, surprise in his voice. I stepped forward, feeling the tiredness come back and stumble softly. Lord Aerendyl's hands grip my waist, but it did not feel like an intrusion or a violation as he helped steady me.

"She is injured," he began and one of the guards step forward to take hold of me. The other watches my companions warily. Lord Aerendyl levels his gaze before producing the letter which the guard takes. "If I were you," he said, more firmer this time. "I would take her to the healing rooms immediately." The guard holding me nods and helps me walk towards the palace doors, I glance back at Lord Aerendyl who waves at me with a wide smile. He was odd. Beside him stood the red haired man, I grimaced at the sight of him then remembered Legolas.

"Legolas," I practically breathe, feeling the pain in my abdomen ignite. "Is he...is he here?" I asked as we entered the palace.

"Yes, My lady." I breathe out a sigh of relief before I let the pain take me and darkness was all I could see.

-

I wake up to the familiar smells of a healing room. The distinct smells of herbs and spices. I close my eyes, taking the comfortable scent in before I heard voices.

"When will she awaken?" It asked. Legolas. My eyes snap open and I could see his faint outline outside the slightly opened door. I felt my heart drop at the sight of him. I was relieved and was nervous at the same time, remembering the desperate kiss we had shared. Did he mean it? Or was it because of the moment? I had not thought about this for I had not expected to live through what I had ran into.

"In a few hours, my lord." The healer replied and I saw his head move. I shut my eyes quickly, feigning sleep. What a cowardice move! I heard him enter the room, his soft feet barely making any noise. I felt his hands on my face and I try my best not to move even though his touch seemed to burn right through me.

"I never should have let you go," he whispered quietly before I hear someone else enter the room.

"My Lord, your father wishes to see you." The voice informed and I waited for the moment his touch left my skin, but it never did even when I heard him walk out the door but not before leaving a soft kiss on my forehead. When I was sure he was gone I opened my eyes and realized I was on the verge of crying. I remembered the letter. I remembered the reason for Lord Aerendyl's visit. King Thranduil was planning his sons's marriage. I felt my chest tighten at the thought.