Legolas was in his room, sitting on a chair by the window and staring at his breakfast as though the food would disappear if he stared hard enough. After another round of morning sickness, Legolas found it hard to even think about eating anything. He sighed deeply, wondering how he could return the tray to the kitchens untouched without listening to another speech regarding his health. He knew he should be eating enough for his child, but he was sure that anything that entered his mouth would never reach his stomach.

'Staring at the food will not make your body absorb its nutrients, little Greenleaf!' a merry voice said from behind him suddenly.

Smiling broadly, Legolas looked behind him and saw Mallorn and Aredhel standing at the doors of his room.

'Mallorn!' Legolas exclaimed, jumping from his seat and running into his brother's open arms. 'When did you arrive in Imladris?'

'At dawn,' Mallorn said, releasing his brother. 'Lord Celeborn and I.'

'Lord Celeborn is here too? Where?' Legolas asked as the three brothers sat on a nearby couch.

'He's resting now.' Aredhel said. 'The Lords had a long talk together shortly after his arrival. They seemed to have decided, though they haven't told us about it yet.'

'Oh,' Legolas said, lowering his head.

'Don't worry, Legolas!' Mallorn said, squeezing his hand gently. 'I'm sure that everything will be just fine.'

Legolas nodded.

They sat together in complete silence. However, Legolas felt some peace filling his soul, knowing his brothers were there. No matter what happened, he knew that Aredhel and Mallorn would always be there for him, offering their love and comfort. Gathering his courage, Legolas looked up at Mallorn.

'Mallorn, how was your trip to Lothlórien?' he asked, his voice nearly whispering.

'My trip? It was an eventless trip,' Mallorn said, shrugging. 'Nothing dared to face the great and one and only Mallorn,' he added, grinning proudly and gaining a snort from Aredhel.

'They probably thought you were merely a harmless child and not worth the bother.' Aredhel ruffled Mallorn's hair, drawing a yell of protest from him. 'The poor baby elf.'

'If you remember correctly, my dear big brother, Legolas is the baby brother here, not me,' Mallorn said, folding his arms in front of his chest.

Legolas sighed deeply. 'Is it so difficult to realize that I'm nearly three thousand years old and not a baby anymore?' he pouted in annoyance.

Aredhel and Mallorn laughed in amusement.

'No matter how old you get, Greenleaf,' Mallorn said teasingly, 'You'll always be our baby brother. So you must enjoy all the pampering you are receiving before another baby comes to the family and takes it from you!' he winked wickedly at Legolas.

Legolas felt his face turning red at the hidden meaning behind Mallorn's words, gaining a laugh from the two older elves.

'Have you met Haldir's brothers in Lothlórien, Mallorn?' Legolas asked after the laughs ceased.

Aredhel frowned, hearing the same fear in Legolas' voice. Mallorn looked distressed momentarily; then, an expressionless mask slipped on his face.

FLASHBACK

Mallorn rode through the Goldenwoods. It had been a long time since his last visit to Lothlórien. However, nothing seemed to have changed. The woods were still as beautiful and as magical as ever. Golden leaves still glowed under the warm sunrays, soft breezes sang songs of the Lady of the Light as they passed through the Mallorn trees, and the birds sang of love for their beautiful home.

An arrow landed in front of Mallorn's grey horse, snapping its rider from his reverie. Mallorn looked up and saw some Lothlórien elves surrounding him with their bows aimed at him.

'Well, well,' a silky voice said. 'If it isn't His Highness, Prince Mallorn of Mirkwood?' Rûmil appeared from behind some elves. 'It's my great pleasure to see you in such great health after such a long time, my Prince,' He sneered.

'Unfortunately, the feeling is not mutual, Rûmil,' Mallorn spat.

Rûmil's face flushed from anger, but he wisely chose to control himself.

'May I ask you what business has brought you to the Goldenwoods, Prince Mallorn?' he asked.

'I came here carrying an important message to the Lord and Lady of Lothlórien,' Mallorn said evenly. 'I request that you allow me to pass.'

'And what is the message, if I'm allowed to ask?'

'The message is only for Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel to hear. You have no right to ask,' Mallorn said pointedly.

'Well,' Rûmil said with a smirk. 'Where is your pretty brother then? Usually, he is the one who passes the messages to the Lord and the Lady. Has King Thranduil finally realized that his spoiled youngest son is not to be trusted with Mirkwood's messages?'

Mallorn felt his blood boiling at the insult.

'His name is Prince Legolas to you, Rûmil,' Mallorn roared angrily. 'And he is not spoiled. He has proven his worth to the whole Middle-Earth during the war, unlike certain elves who stayed in their realms' safety while their brothers fought and sacrificed their lives.'

Rûmil glared at the Mirkwood Prince with hatred before lowering his head and moving away, allowing Mallorn to pass.

END OF FLASHBACK

'Mallorn?' Legolas' voice snapped Mallorn from his thoughts. Looking up, he saw Legolas staring at him worriedly. 'Did you meet Haldir's brothers in Lothlórien?' Legolas repeated his question.

'Yes,' he answered thoughtfully. 'I met Rûmil at the borders. He has taken Haldir's position.'

'I know,' Legolas whispered. 'Did you talk?'

'Briefly,' Mallorn answered. 'I just asked him to allow me to meet Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel.'

'Did you tell him why?' Legolas asked, frightened.

'No,' Mallorn snapped. 'I just told him I carried an urgent message from Ada to the Lord and the Lady. That's all, Legolas.'

Legolas looked down again. He felt as though his heart would burst due to the rapid beating.

'Do you think Rûmil would suspect that something is happening?' he whispered.

'No. Why do you think that?'

'Well, because I'm the one who usually carries Ada's messages, not you.' Legolas looked at his brother.

'Don't worry, Legolas.' Mallorn smiled, reassuring his brother. 'Neither Rûmil nor Orophin will dare to harm you. We are all ready to protect you.'

'If they knew about my pregnancy...' Legolas' voice trailed off in fear.

'No one will harm you or your child, Legolas,' Mallorn assured him, crushing his trembling brother in a tight embrace. 'I'll protect you both with my life if I have to. I promise.'

'Thank you, Mallorn,' Legolas whispered, leaning his head on his brother's shoulder. 'And how is Lady Galadriel?' he asked, changing the subject.

'She sends you her best wishes,' Mallorn smiled. 'And asks you to be more careful and keep yourself out of trouble.'

Legolas laughed softly. 'I will try!'

Aredhel listened to his brothers' conversation in silence. Something was wrong between his brother and the Lothlórien brothers, and Mallorn knew about it.

/Oh, well... Mallorn will be easy to take care of. / he thought to himself. Getting information from Mallorn was much easier than getting it from Legolas. So, a very brotherly talk with Mallorn was in order.

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"Is that all you need, Elessar?" Elrond asked the man sitting in front of him. He, Aragorn, and Glorfindel were having a meeting to discuss some matters concerning Gondor's rebuilding. Rivendell had promised to help the humans rebuild their kingdoms, so Aragorn was here to ask for more supplies.

"I think," Aragorn said, studying the paper in his lap. "I will need more elven blacksmiths. Faramir says that the armoury stores had been destroyed during the attack on Gondor, and thus, the army does not have enough supplies."

"Twenty elven blacksmiths aren't enough?" Glorfindel asked, with an eyebrow raised.

"Well, Faramir gave me the impression that he would like to restore all the armoury stores, meaning that many weapons of all types must be made. Twenty elven blacksmiths can't finish making that amount of weapons quickly." Aragorn said. "I will need another twenty."

"Very well," Elrond said calmly. "I will arrange that."

"Now, to discuss another important matter," Glorfindel said, smirking strangely.

"Glorfindel, I really don't think-" Elrond tried to stop him but was interrupted by Aragorn.

"What matter?" the man asked curiously.

"Why! Your friend Legolas, of course!" Glorfindel said, rising from his seat. "I believe you understand how complicated his situation is right now." The blond elf waited for Aragorn to nod his head before continuing. "Elrond and I have thought of a way to solve his problem." Glorfindel paused, measuring the effects of his words on the man.

"I'm listening," Aragorn said, nodding.

"This problem exists because Legolas is pregnant without being bound to Haldir by marriage," Lord Elrond said quietly, studying Aragorn's reaction with careful eyes. "We think that if Legolas were to get married as soon as possible and have his husband claim the baby as his own, then everything would be normal, and there would be no problem at all."

Aragorn stared at his father and Glorfindel with pure shock written all over his face.

"What?" Aragorn asked in surprise. "What did you just say?"

"You heard me, Estel," Lord Elrond said quietly. "Legolas must get married as soon as possible."

"No, you must be joking, Adar!" Aragorn exclaimed. "You cannot possibly mean it! Do you want Legolas to marry to cover his pregnancy with Haldir? That's impossible! Legolas will never agree to this!" Aragorn said in frustration, running a hand through his hair.

"He has no choice but to agree, Estel," Elrond said stoically. "Either this or-"

"Or what?" Aragorn snapped. "You want Legolas to hide his pregnancy as though it is something to be ashamed of?"

"For political reasons, his pregnancy is wrong. Estel," Elrond said firmly. "I'm trying to help him so his father won't force him to abort his baby. This is the only solution I could find."

"Why don't you just leave him alone? Wasn't it enough that Legolas lost Haldir in that war? Now, everybody wants him to kill his child too! The only remaining memory of Haldir!"

"We all know why, Estel," Lord Elrond said.

Aragorn shook his head. "Why are you telling me, anyway? You should tell this to Legolas, not me." He stood up from his seat and walked to the window.

Lord Elrond and Glorfindel exchanged glances before Elrond stood from his seat and walked to his son's side. "Because we know about your feelings towards him," Aragorn stared at him, shocked. "I want you to be his future husband, Estel."

"Adar, I..." Aragorn didn't know what to say.

"Aside from your feelings towards him, I can't think of anyone who can care for Legolas and his child better than you." Lord Elrond placed a comforting hand on Aragorn's shoulder. "This might be difficult for you to bear, but Legolas needs someone to love and care for his child. His grief is growing each day, Estel. Every day, Legolas' soul is fading away from us. He needs someone to give him hope and a reason to live. He needs a new love, Aragorn."

"He doesn't want a new love," Aragorn whispered, looking away. "And he already has a reason to live, his baby."

"But that baby cannot be born if things stay as they are, Estel." Glorfindel reasoned. "Our safety is at risk."

"Why me?" Aragorn asked softly. "Why should I be the one who marries Legolas? There are Haldir's brothers, Elrohir, or anyone else! Why did you choose me?"

Glorfindel sighed deeply before answering. "Because you are in love with him. You're the only one capable of making him love you. Legolas is on bad terms with Haldir's brothers, and you know it. As for Elrohir, I know that his heart already belongs to another, even if he has not told anyone."

Elrond and Aragorn widened their eyes in surprise at Glorfindel's declaration but quickly dismissed the thought. This wasn't the time to think about other things.

Aragorn looked at Glorfindel and then at his father. "I need some time to think," he said finally.

Lord Elrond smiled softly. "Estel, you need Legolas as much as he needs you. Give in to your feelings. You two have the chance to find happiness together."

"But he doesn't love me," Aragon snapped; the pain was evident in his eyes. "He loves Haldir and no one else."

"Haldir is dead, Estel," Glorfindel said. "Legolas is still young; his opportunities to find another love are still available."

"Estel, listen to me," Elrond said. "Seeing you two happy together would bring great joy to my ancient heart."

Aragorn looked at his father wistfully. "What if Legolas refuses? Or his brothers? Or his father?"

"Leave them to us. You only have to decide whether you want to take this chance." Lord Elrond took a deep breath. "I shall go and inform Legolas about my suggestion and leave you to think about it. He, too, will need time to think before his father's arrival." With that, Elrond and Glorfindel nodded and left Aragorn alone.

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As soon as the Lords left, Aragorn threw himself on the nearest chair and lost his thoughts. He sighed deeply, wondering what games fate was playing with him. After the war, he made his choice and released Arwen, choosing to live alone with visions of unrequited love for the rest of his life. Faramir had argued and practically begged him to marry and have a queen and heirs, but he simply couldn't.

No, he wouldn't.

No one could replace Legolas in his heart, and he couldn't marry anyone without love; he couldn't do that to anyone. He couldn't do that to himself. Aragorn sighed helplessly at the irony of fate. Legolas now needed him more than at any other time. He needed him to marry him and claim Haldir's child as his own. But could he really do it?

Aragorn snorted bitterly. He wasn't sure that Legolas even wanted to marry him. Their relationship was nothing more than friendship to the Mirkwood elf. It had always remained that way. Aragorn closed his eyes, remembering their first meeting in Lothlórien. Aragorn was only eighteen years old when that happened. He was visiting the Goldenwoods with the twins, and Legolas was there with his brothers, also visiting the elven realm.

Aragorn was taken by the beauty of the young Prince and his gentle nature, falling in love with him almost immediately. Legolas' beauty was rare, even among elves. He remembered Elladan telling him that, unlike his brothers, Legolas had inherited his beautiful features from his late mother, the most beautiful maiden in the entire East Region. She was even called the Jewel of Mirkwood for her rare beauty and grace. Aragorn couldn't help but believe this. By then, he had seen neither King Thranduil, who was in Mirkwood, nor Queen Aarien (Sun-maiden), who had died long ago. Still, he could see that Legolas' features were softer than his brothers'. In fact, Aragorn later discovered that the two older princes of Mirkwood were younger images of their father.

Aragorn smiled to himself, remembering how quickly he and the youngest son of King Thranduil had become friends. They used to have early walks through the forests of Lothlórien daily, practice archery and swordsmanship, or sit near the lake and talk. Through that time, Aragorn's feelings grew more substantial and vital for the golden beauty without his knowledge. He didn't realize the nature of his feelings until he saw Legolas one day, sharing a passionate kiss with the Marchwarden Haldir.

FLASHBACK

Estel walked through the Mallorn trees, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere around him. Elladan and Elrohir were at the archery field, practicing and challenging other elves to games of shooting. Since Estel wasn't in the mood for practicing anymore, he decided to walk through the woods. Suddenly, his ears caught the sounds of soft moans coming from behind the trees. Frowning, he walked towards the sounds and peeked through some bushes. His heart dropped at what he saw.

Haldir and Legolas were sitting under a mallorn tree with Legolas cuddled in Haldir's lap; their lips were locked together. The Mirkwood elf moaned softly as the Lothlórien elf explored his mouth passionately.

Estel didn't know what to feel or what to do. Suddenly, time stopped, and his world shattered into small pieces. He backed away a few steps before breaking into a run, tears falling from his eyes and sobs filling his ears.

END OF FLASHBACK

Aragorn shook his head violently, dismissing the memories. He should not be thinking of them right now. There were more important issues besides pondering about the past, and he must come to a decision... whether to agree to marry Legolas or refuse. Aragorn wondered which choice was easier to live with.

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Legolas stared with great shock at the three Lords sitting in front of him. The elders had requested his and his brothers' presence to announce their final decision. Legolas was worried they might force him to abort his baby, but what the Lords had suggested had never crossed his mind!

'No,' Legolas whispered more to himself than to the others. 'NO!' he exclaimed angrily, standing up from his seat. 'This is impossible!'

'Havo dad, Legolas.' (Sit down Legolas) Lord Celeborn said calmly. 'Let us discuss this reasonably.'

'No, Lord Celeborn.' Legolas shook his head. 'There is nothing to be discussed,' he said, turning to Lord Elrond. 'With all due respect, my Lord, I can't heed your suggestion. What you're asking me to do is impossible.'

'Legolas, my child,' Glorfindel tried. 'Think about it. This may be your only solution to keep your baby.'

'No, Lord Glorfindel. It isn't,' Legolas said. 'This is not the only way!'

'What is the other way, Legolas?' Lord Celeborn asked calmly.

'Allow me to keep my baby,' Legolas answered. 'Why is my pregnancy brothering you all? It's my child... Haldir's and mine. I'll take care of it and raise it by myself.'

'Legolas, I think I've told you the consequences of your pregnancy,' Lord Elrond said stoically. 'And if we leave you alone, your father will not. Eventually, he'll force you to abort the child, or he might do something he'd regret later.'

'No one will harm my baby,' Legolas snapped. 'I'll do anything to protect it, even if I had to run away and live alone, forsaking my title, land and everything in my life.'

'LEGOLAS!' Everyone looked with shock at a very furious Aredhel. 'That's enough!' the Crown Prince of Mirkwood growled, standing from his place. 'Snapping and yelling at your elders is one thing I may overlook considering your state of mind and emotions, even though it is unacceptable. However, I will not overlook or ignore that you had shamelessly declared renouncing your title, land, and people.' Aredhel said darkly, glaring at his brother with a glare that would have made King Thranduil swell with pride.

Legolas gulped, feeling his heart drop with fear at Aredhel's expression. His brother's blue eyes had a cold fire burning within them, and his expression was firm and serious. If Legolas weren't sure, he would say that King Thranduil, in his infamous dark glory, was sitting in the room instead of his brother.

The three Lords raised their eyebrows as the same thought occurred to them. Mallorn stared at Aredhel with surprise, then at Legolas with sympathy.

'Aredhel,' Celeborn said gently, trying to relieve the tension. 'Surely Legolas hadn't meant what he said. He's only distraught. We won't solve it if we keep yelling and threatening one another. Please calm down, Aredhel. Calm down and take a sit. 'Celeborn smiled as Aredhel nodded and sat back down. 'And you, Legolas. Please sit down,' The Lord said to the youngest Prince. Legolas nodded and sat next to Mallorn.

'Now,' Celeborn said. 'We know that this solution is difficult for you, Legolas. But, please consider it. We don't want to force anything upon you, but you have to see the necessity of this... for you, your baby, your kin, and the elves.'

'If Ada is ashamed of my baby,' Legolas said softly. 'Then I'll spare you all from all this and leave, ending this absurd situation.'

Aredhel cleared his throat in warning, but Legolas looked up and glared at his brother.

'Legolas, your Adar is not ashamed of your pregnancy as much as he's concerned about yours and your kin's welfare,' Lord Glorfindel said. 'You and your child will be under your future husband's care and protection. It's the best solution for everybody.'

'And who would be the fool who'd agree on claiming and raising a child, not his?' Legolas asked bitterly.

"That would be me." The three elven Lords, Legolas and his brothers looked at the entrance and saw Aragorn standing there with a determined expression.

Legolas stood up again, looking at his friend in disbelief. He watched speechlessly as Aragorn walked towards him until they came face to face.

"Prince Legolas," Aragorn said in a gentle yet firm voice. "It would be an honour if you accept to be my husband."

Heavy silence reigned the room. The three Lords looked at the two friends expectantly while Mallorn dropped his jaw open in shock, and Aredhel raised an unpleasant dark eyebrow at the King of Men.

Legolas looked deeply into Aragorn's grey eyes, trying to read the man's thoughts. Aragorn's eyes were determined, cold, neutral, daring and assertive. He could not tell what his human friend was thinking at that very moment. They stared at each other for a while before Legolas looked away.

"This is ridiculous," The blond elf whispered, shaking his head. "I don't have to agree on this!"

"Legolas," Aragorn said softly. "You have to. This is the only solution available." Legolas looked at his friend with hurt shining in his eyes. "Either this or you'll lose your child!" Aragorn continued.

"You have no right to make decisions concerning my life, son of Arathorn," Legolas hissed coldly; his head began to throb painfully. "You have no right to interfere in matters concerning me... None of you do." He turned towards the three elder elves. "You have no right to arrange meetings to decide what I should or shouldn't do in my life, especially in my father's absence. I will not marry anyone, and Haldir's child will remain his and nobody else's!"

"Child," Elrond said calmly. "We have the right to discuss this matter since this pregnancy may risk our safety. Yet, you're right. This matter shouldn't be discussed in your adar's absence. He's on his way to Rivendell as we speak. We wanted to inform you first so you can think about it."

Legolas looked at Lord Elrond in disbelief. Undoubtedly, the Lord wasn't serious about this matter!

"King Elessar is the most suitable match for you, young one," Glorfindel said gently. "He knows you and your relationship with Haldir. And you can be assured that he'll take good care of you and your child."

"You're forgetting something, Lord Glorfindel," Legolas said sharply. "The race of men will never accept this marriage. Marriages between two males are unknown among them. Besides, Aragorn is a King. He should marry and have heirs to his throne."

"Legolas," Celeborn said. "I'm sure Aragorn can convince his people to accept this marriage. As for the heirs, once your child is announced as Aragorn's, the throne of Gondor will naturally have an heir."

"NO!" Legolas exclaimed in alarm. "I don't want my child to be trapped in a legacy that isn't rightfully theirs."

"Legolas," Aragorn said calmly. "I'm Gondor's King. My word is a law! My people will accept whatever I do or say. They know very well that I have been brought up among elves, and they must accept whatever I do, whether it has been heard among men or not. As for my heir, I can choose whomever I want as my successor. Even if your child was announced as mine, it doesn't have to be heir to the throne."

Legolas stared at Aragorn silently, considering his friend's words. This was getting more and more absurd. He didn't want to marry anyone!

He didn't want anyone to claim the parentage of Haldir's child!

He didn't want to lose his child either!

Tears gathered at the corner of Legolas' eyes. It was so much for him. Anger, sorrow, grief and other strong emotions threatened to overwhelm his already broken heart. Suddenly, his head became light as a strong wave of dizziness overcame his senses, and Legolas lost consciousness.

"LEGOLAS!" Everyone in the hall exclaimed as they jumped from their seats, trying to catch the blond elf before he hit the ground. Aragorn, who was standing right in front of Legolas, managed to catch hold of him. He then carried the unconscious elf carefully and gently laid him on a nearby bench.

"He has reached his limits," Elrond whispered. "We may have pushed him too far."

'Mallorn,' Aredhel said sternly. 'Take Legolas to his bed and make sure no one disturbs him.'

Mallorn nodded, lifting Legolas and carrying him away.

Glorfindel sighed deeply. "This has not gone as well as I had thought it would," He said quietly.

"We keep forgetting that he is emotionally unstable," Elrond said with a sigh, rubbing his temples. "Maybe we should have waited until Thranduil arrived."

"No, Elrond," Celeborn said. "It is better for Legolas to know now before his adar's arrival. With Legolas' agreement on the marriage, it will be easier to convince Thranduil."

"But Legolas has not agreed, Lord Celeborn," Aragorn said anxiously. "You saw yourself what happened when I tried to reason with him."

"Elessar," Celeborn said gently. "It has been only four months since Haldir's death. Legolas hasn't recovered completely from his grief. You must give him some more time." Aragorn gave the Lothlórien Lord an uncertain look before turning his gaze away. "Legolas must be convinced before Thranduil's arrival, though," Celeborn continued. "For I know that Thranduil will not agree on marrying one of his sons away this way... especially Legolas! Don't you agree with me, Prince Aredhel?" Everyone looked at Thranduil's oldest son, who had remained silent until now.

'Yes, my Lord,' The Prince said calmly. 'Adar will never agree on such a marriage.' He cast a glance at Aragorn. 'Neither will I. With all due respect, my lords, I can't agree with your suggestion. However, given the circumstances, I can't come up with another possible solution. Nevertheless, it is not my place to decide. The final decision is yours and Adar's, and we must obey. Excuse me.' Without waiting for a reply, Aredhel bowed slightly and left the hall.

'I can see that King Thranduil has succeeded in making another image of him,' Glorfindel said in amusement after Aredhel's departure. 'For a moment, I thought King Thranduil was actually here, not his son.'

'Yes,' Celeborn agreed. 'Prince Aredhel will be a fine King just like his adar.'

Elrond sighed deeply. 'Well, now we have Thranduil to convince and Legolas!' the Lord of Rivendell shook his head.

'It would be easier to convince Thranduil if Legolas agreed to marry Aragorn before his adar's arrival,' Glorfindel said.

"Maybe suggesting that I marry Legolas wasn't a good idea, Adar," Aragorn said, addressing Elrond. "If I was the cause of Thranduil and Legolas' objections, then perhaps..."

"It's not you, Elessar!" Glorfindel interrupted. "Legolas still can't accept Haldir's death, and Thranduil, well, Thranduil will not like how his favourite son will marry.'

Again, Aragorn looked unconvinced by the Lord's words but chose to say nothing. The four sat in awkward silence before Aragorn stood up and excused himself, heading toward his room.

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When Legolas opened his eyes, he was facing his bedroom ceiling. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath in a poor attempt to ease the pain in his head. What had happened to him?

He wondered. And why was his head throbbing so painfully?

'Legolas?' he heard a whisper beside him. 'Are you awake, muindor (Brother)?'

Opening his eyes, Legolas saw Mallorn sitting beside his bed, smiling warmly at him.

'Mallorn,' Legolas whispered. 'What happened?'

'We were with Elrond and the other lords discussing your pregnancy when you fainted.' Mallorn said, standing from his seat on Legolas' bed's edge.

'Oh!' Legolas just said, staring at the ceiling. He remembered now. He had been in Elrond's council Hall with his brothers, the older Lords and Aragon, arguing about their solution when the world suddenly began spinning, and everything went pitch black.

Legolas sighed deeply, closing his eyes. He was so tired! Tired of everything and wanted nothing but to be left alone. A pained sob escaped his lips, and his tears cascaded beneath his long lashes. A comforting hand was placed on his shoulder. He opened his eyes to see Mallorn looking down at him, his eyes filled with sympathy.

'Don't worry, little Greenleaf,' Mallorn said softly. 'None of us would allow any harm to come to you or your child. And Lord Elrond was only trying to help you when he suggested his solution.'

'I can't marry Aragorn, Mallorn,' Legolas choked between his increasing sobs. 'I can't betray Haldir by marrying another. I can't!'

'Greenleaf,' Mallorn said as he took Legolas in his arms. 'Haldir isn't among us anymore. You have to accept that! You can't betray him if you married another. Please, Legolas. Stop torturing yourself this way. It's time to move on, little brother. It's time to open your heart for life once again.' Mallorn let out a deep sigh before continuing. 'Besides, by marrying Aragorn, you are saving Haldir's child, protecting it from anyone that may think of harming it!'

Silence reigned in the room as Legolas thought of his brother's words. He still wasn't ready to accept Haldir's death, nor did he want to accept that his heart would open to another one day. It was simply unacceptable!

'I can't love again, Mallorn.' Legolas raised his head, looking at his brother. 'I can't imagine myself loving anyone other than Haldir.'

'Let us leave that to time, dear brother,' Mallorn said, smiling warmly. 'Now, you should focus on the task of saving your child. You have to marry Aragorn so you can protect your child.'

'I can't marry Aragorn, Mallorn,' Legolas said, shaking his head. 'He's like a brother to me; how could I marry my brother?'

'He's not your brother, Legolas,' Mallorn said, wiping Legolas' tears. 'He is your friend and will ensure that you and your child will be well looked after. Legolas, you know him more than I do. You know very well that he'll care for you and your baby properly.'

'Ada will not agree to this. He'll force me to abort my baby,' Legolas said, tears streaming from his eyes.

'If you agree, then I'm sure that Lord Elrond will convince him to agree.'

'I can't,' Legolas whispered.

'There is no other way, Legolas,' Mallorn said. 'Aragorn is very strong; he is what you need to protect you and your child from any harm, especially from...' Mallorn's voice trailed off, but Legolas understood what his brother meant.

'Do you think they will try to harm the baby if they find out?' Legolas whispered in fear.

'Well, Rûmil might. Orophin is weak; he'll cause no serious harm. But Rûmil will surely try to do something if the news of your pregnancy reaches his ears.'

Legolas lowered his gaze, thinking deeply. Mallorn studied Legolas' features. They spoke of grief and pain. He wishes to erase these things from his youngest brother's life forever.

'Don't worry too much, baby brother,' Mallorn said, embracing his brother. 'Aragorn will take care of you. He is a fine choice for you.'

'But if I marry Aragorn, I'll have obligations towards him as a husband. I... I don't think I'd be able to fulfil them,' Legolas said, lowering his head as a blush threatened to rise.

'That's something you need to discuss with him, Legolas.' Mallorn said quietly. 'I'm sure you two will reach an agreement.'

'I need time to think, brother,' Legolas said after a moment of thought. 'I can't decide now.'

'Adar will arrive in three weeks. You have until then to think, Legolas,' Mallorn said, smiling warmly. 'And remember, whatever you decide, you have my full support.'

'Thank you, Mallorn.' Legolas smiled slightly at his brother. Mallorn's smile widened and kissed Legolas' brow tenderly.

'You are most welcome, baby brother,' he said softly.

He chuckled when Legolas tried to stifle a yawn but failed miserably.

'I'll leave you now to get some rest, Legolas,' he said as he got off the bed.

Legolas nodded and laid back on his bed. He soon drifted into a deep sleep.

Mallorn covered his brother with a warm blanket, leaving him to rest peacefully.

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Aredhel leaned on the column in the corridor leading to Legolas' chambers, pondering what had happened. This situation was more complicated than he would ever have thought it could be. He was sure his father would not be pleased with Elrond's suggestion...well, neither was he!

Moreover, he didn't like the idea of his brother marrying a human, even if it was King Elessar, Lord Elrond's foster son!

Aredhel sighed deeply. The thought of Legolas marrying a human in that way displeased him greatly, but on the other hand, he couldn't find an alternative solution. If only the Lords hadn't named Aragorn a possible suitor for his bother! Maybe he should suggest someone else to be Legolas' suitor if his father first agreed with Elrond's suggestion!

'Aredhel?' Mallorn's voice snapped Aredhel from his thoughts. 'Why are you standing alone here?'

'How is Legolas?' Aredhel asked, ignoring Mallorn's question.

'He'll be fine,' Mallorn replied. 'He's resting now. Would you like to see him?'

'If he's resting, there's no need to bother him.' Aredhel said. 'I'll check on him later. Let's go to your rooms. There is something I want to discuss with you.' Mallorn nodded and followed his brother.

Once there, the two brothers sat on seats opposite each other. Aredhel stared at his brother silently, forming the sentences in his mind. He should discuss many things with his brothers before his father arrived and before any decision about their current situation could be made.

'Well?' Mallorn asked, feeling uneasy under his brother's measuring stare.

'It seems the Lords agreed on who should marry Legolas, providing that Adar would agree on their suggestion.' Aredhel said solemnly. 'They all believe King Elessar would be a suitable mate for Legolas.'

'He's Lord Elrond's foster son, Aredhel,' Mallorn said. 'They know him very well. In addition, he's a close friend of Legolas. He'll take good care of him and his child.'

'Perhaps,' Aredhel said. 'But Adar might not like the idea of Legolas marrying a human, even if it was a King, nor do I. But it's Adar's and Legolas' decision, not mine.' Aredhel paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. 'Anyway, this wasn't what I wanted to talk to you about. I wanted to ask you a question.'

Mallorn nodded his head, gesturing for his brother to continue. 'This morning, you talked to Legolas about Haldir's brothers. May I know what is happening between Legolas and Haldir's brothers?' At that question, Mallorn's face paled. He looked terrified for a moment before regaining his self-control.

'Why do you think something is wrong between them?' he asked, trying to keep his voice neutral.

'I didn't say something was wrong between them, Mallorn,' Aredhel said, studying his brother. Mallorn kicked himself mentally for the careless slip of words. 'But now that you mentioned it,' Aredhel continued. 'I would like to know what is wrong between Legolas and Haldir's brothers.'

'There is...' Mallorn looked away from his brother's sharp eyes. He couldn't lie to Aredhel; he was too nervous to come up with a convincing lie. In addition, it was challenging to lie to Aredhel. His oldest brother had a fantastic ability to discover lies inherited from their father. But neither could he reveal Legolas' secret. It had been a long time since it occurred. Even Haldir didn't know about it. He had promised Legolas not to tell anyone.

'Mallorn, what are you and Legolas hiding from me?' Aredhel asked; his voice was kind yet full of authority.

'I... I... I can't tell you, Aredhel,' Mallorn finally said, looking into his brother's blue eyes. 'I have promised Legolas not to tell anyone.'

'Mallorn, you spoke of protecting Legolas from Orophin and Rûmil. I'm your big brother; I think I deserve to know what threatens our brother's life,' Aredhel said firmly.

Mallorn sighed. Aredhel was right. He deserved to know, as did their father and Aragorn, if he was to wed Legolas.

'Fine,' Mallorn said, nodding. 'I promise to tell you everything, but not now.'

'Then when?' Aredhel frowned.

'Once all of this is over, and Legolas is safe in his husband's care,' Mallorn said. 'I'll tell you everything.'

'Very well.' Aredhel nodded, standing from his seat. 'I'll expect you to tell me everything on Legolas' wedding night then.' With that, he left the room.

'As you wish, brother.' Mallorn whispered. 'I'm sorry, Legolas, but this is for the best!'

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To Be Continued...