Title & Chapter Number: Well Met 1/5
Author(s): - Author's Index
Fandom: LOTR
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: All rights and priviledge's belong to the Tolkien Estate. I am not making money from this fic (I wish!) The only thing I own is my characters and my soul.
Warnings: Explicit Het Sex, angst
Betas: Several
Cast: Legolas/OFC (Rowan), Thranduil and wife, Gimli, Aragorn, Arwen
Timeline: Just after the break up of the fellowship
Spoilers: LOTR, Two Towers
Summary: A peredhil healer from his own forest makes Legolas realise there is more to life than just running around with a bow and looking cute :-)
Notes: This is my story based on my thoughts of what happen after the break up...Rowan is my idea
Chapter One - Well Met
Rowan gently stroked the forehead of the injured elf that lay on the bed that she sat on. In the misty morning light that filtered through the dirty window of the inn bedroom, Rowan saw his blonde hair matted and stuck to his face with his own blood. His face and torso grey and damp with sweat. Legolas was beaten and unconscious but his breathing was now gentle and as the rays of the rising sun shone into the makeshift infirmary, Rowan sighed at what she saw. A well-respected and loved warrior of the elves bloodied and gashed by orcs. It had taken three continuous days of nursing to release Legolas from his fever that the poison brought. Legolas lay on the bed, his torso bare and bruising could be seen of various colours of pink, blue, red and purple. His slim but defined body covered with cuts and scrapes. The scrapes also covered his arms where he had been attacked. A simple blanket covered his legs and waist.
Rowan turned slightly and picked up a cloth out of a bowel of warm water steeped with healing herbs. The rising steam from the bowl carried the sweet, yet tart scent to Rowan as she squeezed most of the liquid from the cloth. She then turned towards the unconscious elf and slowly began to wipe the blood away from the head wound he had received. It was a deep gash, just above his right eye and if the orc had been any luckier, Legolas would have lost his life. Rowan shook her head at the resilience of the Prince of Mirkwood. Any other would have succumbed to all that he had been through but not Legolas. His surety in battle and knowledge of the bow far outweighed any other elf in fighting the orcs and Rowan wondered how long it would take for Legolas to heal and get back into the fray.
As Rowan continued to gently tease his hair apart, undoing the plaits on each side of his head and easing the blood clots from his hair, she noted his gentle but striking features, all the time whispering soothing tones that where used in elven healing. Dipping the cloth into the bowl again and squeezing the moisture out, Rowan then began to wash Legolas's chest. Her gentle touch moved lightly over his firm muscles of his upper torso and down one arm, then the other. After a while, Legolas's face and body was clean. His hair wet and most of the blood removed, his hair spread on the pillow like a halo of pale gold. The gash though, was open and jagged. Clots had gelled to make the beginnings of the scab. Rowan turned again and put the wet cloth back into the bowl that was now red from Legolas's blood. On the table, next to the bowl were a clean cloth and a small dish that contained a green herb poultice against infection and poison and a small flat stick for applying it. Using the stick, Rowan dabbed a small amount of poultice onto the cloth, then turned again and gently placed it onto Legolas's forehead, covering the wound. Rowan assessed Legolas's colour once more and saw that it had returned and his skin was more the pale flesh of an elf. The sweats had eased and Legolas now looked calm and relaxed.
Rowan sighed again and raised her hands to her face and using her fingers, she rubbed the grit out of her eyes. It had been a long night caring for the survivors and Legolas had taken most of her time. Initially, Rowan thought that he would wake sooner than now and that troubled her. Rowan's shoulders ached and she stood and stretched her body upward into a ray of light shining through the window. Rowan opened the window and breathed deeply the smell of early morning mists and damp earth. Outside in the courtyard, she saw humans and elves readying horses for the early morning scouts. As Rowan watched them, her hands pushed through her auburn waist length hair, easing knots that she found with her fingers. She then heard a loud commotion coming from down the hall.
Gimli, the Dwarf, also lay in the infirmary where he could be heard scolding the healers that were attempting to wrap his wounds."I want to see the elf! Get off me you fair skinned rabbits! Let me see my friend!" the gravel voiced Dwarf roared as he thrashed against his healers administrations.
Rowan walked down the grimy hallway and into the room that Gimli was housed. As Rowan walked through the doorway she saw Gimli and nodded to the healers.
Gimli watched suspiciously as his healers backed away and Rowan stood forward, her hand outstretched towards him.
"Come Gimli, friend of Legolas. I will take you too him," Rowan's eyes soft with concern and compassion.
Gimli stood and ignored her hand. Rowan nodded and led the way down the hall to Legolas's bed. As Gimli stood at the foot of the cot, he watched with concern as Rowan placed the back of her hand on Legolas's forehead.
"How is he? He took quite a hit from that devil spawn of an orc." Gimli spat on the floor. "God's how I wished I could have got to him sooner!"
The battle had been won but Gimli knew at a cost and he scowled at Rowan, feeling angry at the world and if he was to admit to it, angriest with himself for not being there when his close friend needed his assistance. Gimli closed his eyes as his mind's eye showed him the battle yet again, the resistance of the orc, how Legolas had gone to high ground so that he may use his bow for coverage and how orcs had come down the rocky outcrop and outnumbered the elf. Gimli winced as he saw the swing of the orc sword and hit his friend about the head, turning Legolas over the edge and into the air. Gimli ran and caught him before Legolas hit the ground, severely winding himself in the process. With Legolas's lifeless form in his arms, Gimli carried his friend through the ranks and onto a waiting horse. And now, feeling more helpless than ever, a single tear ran down the old dwarf's cheek as he opened his eye's again to find Rowan was at his side, her cool hand gently held against his arm.
"Friend Gimli. What you did was more than most could do. Do not be ashamed for you did what you could. Legolas heals and he is stronger," Rowan murmured reassuringly.
Gimli nodded silently and looked upwards into the dark green eyes. The silence was broken by a gentle moan and Rowan looked towards the cot. Legolas's eyelids fluttered as he sighed again.
"Legolas! Gimli shouted, striding to the side of the cot.
Legolas opened his eyes and slowly focused onto the dwarf.
"Gimli." Legolas whispered, then licked his dry, cracked lips. "Thanks."
Gimli put his hand on Legolas's shoulder. "Your very welcome. Just stop thinking you're immortal!" Gimli chuckled. gently.
Legolas smiled slightly and closed his eyes.
Gimli turned to Rowan.
"You make sure he gets what he wants young lass," Gimli instructed, then turned and left the room, satisfied that the elf would heal.
Rowan smiled slightly as she turned and walked to the table by the bed and picked up a glass of water.
"Legolas?" Rowan whispered using her native elvish, "Would you like a drink?"
It had been too long since she had used her native language and Rowan felt good in using it again.
Legolas opened his eyes and turned to face Rowan and noted her dark green eyes peircing from beneath locks of auburn hair. The characteristic elven ears peaking from out of the dark auburn trestles that tumbled around her shoulders and her slender form as she sat on the edge of the bed with the glass in her hand. "You are most kind lady." Legolas replied as he began to sit up and winced at the bruises that covered his torso.
Not used to compliments, Rowan blushed as she placed the glass back on the table and assisted Legolas so that he may sit. Her cold hands gently, but firmly, guided Legolas back onto the pillows and Legolas, ignoring the pain, shivered at her touch.
Rowan moved her hands quickly and retrieved the glass and handed it to Legolas, who smiled in thanks and sipped its contents. His hand rubbed his head as it throbbed painfully. He noted his hair was wet as he rubbed.
"Of whom do I have the pleasure of tending to me?" Legolas asked, his eyes noting the bone line of Rowan's face and how she blushed at his question.
Taking the offered glass from Legolas, Rowan tried to conceal her embarrassment.
"My name is Rowan. I am daughter of Letherod.'
Legolas nodded at the name.
"A fine family and from Mirkwood no less! But you have unusual looks for an elf."
Rowan bent her head down as if the question troubled her.
Legolas realised he had made a mistake at once, and took her hand in his own.
"I apologise Rowan, daughter of Letherod. I was rude."
Rowan smiled gently as she saw Legolas's face, full of concern. His bruised eye was swollen, the other bright.
"My father was elven but my mother was half elf, half-human. That is why I stand out. I am thought to be a misfit of both elf and human. I found that healing is my skill so I am tolerated, as I am useful to both human and elf."
Legolas touched the cloth on his forehead, for the pounding headache was easing.
"It seems you do it well Rowan. My thanks again."
Rowan felt flustered. As Rowan had been caring for Legolas she felt her soul touched by this elf and Legolas's grey eyes and long lashes intrigued her. Realising she was staring at Legolas, Rowan took her hand away from his and began to rise.
"I must go, you must rest," Rowan whispered, suddenly feeling more tired than she could care think of.
Legolas watched Rowan as she made for the door and felt suddenly alone.
"Stay with me Rowan," Legolas called. "Watch and keep me safe. I fear the orcs have left nightmares for me."
Rowan stopped and slowly turned to see Legolas, seemingly so weak and pale. Legolas held his hand out to her and Rowan nodded silently, turned and sat again on the side of the bed.
Legolas turned onto his side and snuggled back into the bed, wincing as he did so. With the movement the poultice fell off and Rowan picked the cloth up and placed it onto the side. Most of the green healing mixture remained on the wound; its edges red and garish. Legolas watched his healer do her work and felt safe. If he had to admit more safe than he had felt for longer than he could remember. Rowan's eyes mesmerized him, the greenness of which, he had never seen before.
Rowan caught him staring at her.
"Rest Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood. No one will harm you here."
Legolas nodded and closed his eyes, though his headache still bothered him. Presently, he felt cooling hands stroke his forehead and face and with the soothing touch, Legolas slept peacefully.
Rowan slept on the rocker chair that sat in the corner of the room. The gentle snores from Legolas lulled her into sleep. It had been a long few days and she was exhausted from her labours.
Legolas awoke, seeing torches in the hallway and guessing it was eventide. He rose quietly and saw Rowan, curled up into the rocker. Her hair falling down over her body, her face was pale in the darkness. Legolas heard her gentle breathing and knew she was asleep. Legolas suddenly felt bodily urges announce themselves and so slipped on his underclothes and quietly, as not to wake Rowan but also because he felt a little dizzy as he stood. Presently he went to find the midden. As he stumbled down the darkened hallway, Legolas smiled gently as he passed the door of the room that held Gimli, his snores marking time with regular order. On his way back, aromas of cooking assailed Legolas's nose. His stomach grumbled, but with another dizzy spell upon him, Legolas felt it best to return to his bed.
As Legolas sat down, the bed creaked and Legolas cursed under his breath for he saw it had awoken Rowan. She opened her eyes and Legolas could see that she was confused for a few moments.
She then saw Legolas on the edge of the bed and arose quickly from the chair. "Are you OK? Do you need something?" her voice full of concern.
Legolas smiled.
"Nay my lady, I had needs that I attended to."
Rowan blushed at the inference, knowing full well what he meant.
Legolas saw the embarrassment and said.
"I smelt food on the way back. Is it all right to eat?"
Thankful for the distraction, Rowan nodded, "I will get you some directly."
With that, Rowan quickly disappeared through the doorway and presently arrived with a tray onto which stew was steaming in two wooden bowls. Rough bread lay alongside with two tankards of ale from the inn stores.
Rowan placed the tray onto the bed and Legolas took a bowl and began to eat carefully, for the stew was a hot as it looked.
They began to eat in relative silence. Rowan felt a little awkward now. Legolas would be moved on in the morning to safer quarters away from the intermittent combats with the orcs and Rowan would stay at the inn, as she was the head healer. Legolas felt the silence, and because this maid intrigued him, he began to ask Rowan about how she came to be there. As Rowan answered the questions, Legolas felt it was his duty to thank her as she had saved his life but the more he thought of a way, the more an idea eluded him.
The food was soon finished with the last dregs of the ale gone. Suddenly, Legolas felt sleepy again, his eyes fighting to stay awake.
Rowan smiled gently.
"Rest Legolas for you have a long journey ahead of you tomorrow." With that, Rowan picked up the bowls and tankards and placed them back on the tray.
As Rowan stood, ready to leave, a tall elf rushed into doorway. "More casualties lady! You are needed!" he said hurriedly, then left as quickly as he arrived. Noise and shouting came from downstairs.Rowan looked at Legolas who smiled in return and waved his hand to shoo her out.
"Go. Heal. Do the thing that you are needed for. Hopefully we shall see each other before I leave tomorrow morn."
"My thanks Legolas," Rowan replied, and though she felt reluctant to leave, Rowan moved quickly, going downstairs and began the task at hand.
Legolas meanwhile, lay back onto the bed, his hands behind his head. He stared at the marked ceiling, his memory showing him a maid of strange heritage with auburn hair and green, green eyes. Presently, feeling warm and content, Legolas slept.
It was chilled in the early hours and Rowan rested her head against the wooden doorway of the inn. Morning mists lay low around the surrounding trees and the mud was everywhere. The sun was making the sky golden and the first beams of sunlight began to shine between the boughs of the trees. The night had been fraught and several injured were lost despite all that healing could provide. The bodies taken for the pyre as burial were not an option in the throes of battle. Rowan despaired when a casualty died despite all her skill.
The inn had been taken over as a triage post whilst the present skirmish was being undertaken. Orcs had taken over several villages whilst fleeing after the final battle. These villages were good pickings for an orc but several villagers with children had miraculously escaped and warned the surrounding area. Eventually, the elves and humans began to march to the villages and to drive out the orcs. They came past Mirkwood and Rowan offered her help.
That was nearly one year ago, and for most part things had been relatively quiet but now the orcs wished to flee again and the army of elves, humans and now a band of dwarfs, were intent of history not repeating itself and for others to suffer from the hands of these orcs.
Birds began to sing in the treetops and Rowan smiled at herself. Early morn was her favourite time as peace reigned and she felt at ease with the world. When the chance came, she would often stand there, leaning against the doorway, mist rolling around the woods, birds singing and recharge her soul.
Rowan closed her eyes and relaxed her shoulders, her elven blood rushing with joy through her and as the wind touched her face, Rowan shivered.
The creak of rotten wood behind her made her jump and Rowan realised that she had been caught dozing against the frame of the door. Rowan turned to see Legolas standing just behind her, his gentle grey eyes looking towards the trees. He sighed as he turned to look at Rowan and smiled gently, a warm hand placed on her shoulder.
"I miss this. The quiet woodland. I miss home at times like this," Legolas whispered.
Rowan silently nodded in agreement, not wanting to ruin the silence. The warmth of Legolas's hand crept through her shoulder and Rowan, unknowingly leant her cheek against it, feeling the warmth on her skin. Rowan sighed and closed her eyes. She felt suddenly very tired and the warmth was lulling.
Legolas, still feeling weak, smiled at the intimacy and felt honoured that such a deeply, caring soul could share a moment like this and understand how he felt. In battle, moments like this were rare and to be savoured.
The moment was broken by a hoarse shout behind them, making Legolas and Rowan both jump.
"Ahh Legolas. Let's get some breakfast. I feel I could eat the whole shire!" Gimli shouted at his companion as he walked past the doorway to get to the kitchens. With a smile, Legolas squeezed Rowan on her shoulder.
Rowan noted the scab on his forehead. Signs of healing where there and Rowan knew the poultice mixture had worked. Air would be the best thing to let it heal, so she said nothing. Legolas then turned and followed the dwarf and so Rowan was left alone again. With a sigh, she turned and entered the doorway into the inn. There were patients to check and to aid.
Time flew, and next, when Rowan had a lull in her care, she heard horses outside. Rowan walked to the main doorway and saw Legolas and Gimli readying their horses. Elven riders sat on their horses, the breath from both wafted into the air, ready to guide and protect.
Legolas finished tightening the girth, then turned to see Rowan standing at the doorway. Her face mirrored her heavy heart.
Legolas smiled though his heart was heavy too. He walked over to Rowan and took both of her hands in his. Legolas looked down into Rowan's face, not knowing if he would ever see her again and his heart was sad for knowing the uncertainty.
Rowan was determined to be brave, and smiling, gently whispered, "Keep safe Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood. May you heal well."
"Rowan, daughter of Letherod. To you I owe my life. For that I will be forever in your debt and I doubt I shall never be able to pay it. Know that your friendship means much to me and I hope we meet again soon." With that Legolas gently leant forward and kissed Rowan softly on her forehead. He then drew back and with conviction in his voice added, "Keep safe Rowan."
Unwilling to let go of her hands, but knowing that the group was waiting now for him, Legolas stood back a step, then turned, walked towards his horse and mounted it in one swift movement.
The group made its way out of the courtyard and Rowan watched Legolas ride his horse away to just were the corner of the inn stood onto the road. There, he and Gimli paused, waved a final goodbye. Then they were gone.
Rowan walked towards the kitchen with a heavy heart. She found it hard to understand how such an elf could have touched her heart and soul so deeply. Rowan hoped that all would be well for Legolas and as she sat and helped herself to some of the soup, her thoughts led to a blond-haired elf with grey eyes.
Gimli peered at Legolas for he was strangely quiet, as they rode along the woodland trail. The horses snorted and shook their manes. "Are you all right Legolas? Have we left too early and you feel unwell?
Legolas turned his head towards Gimli. He ached and the horse's movement jolted him but it was nothing compared to the feeling in his soul.
"I am fine my friend. Do not fret for me."
Gimli gently smiled, seeing a different look on his dear friend. In all the years he had lived and fought with Legolas, never had he seen him like this.
"I see that for once Legolas, a fair maid may have stolen your heart whilst you slept."
Legolas frowned, suddenly embarrassed by the intrusion but knowing that the wise dwarf had hit the mark.
"Let us just ride in silence, dear friend. I find the peace healing for my head."
Gimli laughed out loud, making several of the elven guards turn and look at the dwarf for they could see nothing to laugh at.
"Fine, I will be quiet for now but I know we haven't finished about this."
Legolas nodded, grateful of the tactful dwarf and so they rode onwards towards Mirkwood and home
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