Orophin sat on the edge of the bed in which Legolas had been placed, silently cursing himself. He was amazed that they had all gone and left him alone to watch over the unconscious Prince of Mirkwood, and he supposed he ought to be glad that this clearly expressed some measure of Elrond's trust in him.

Why hadn't he caught Legolas when he fell? True, he had not been very close to the Mirkwood elf at the time -- Haldir had been closer, and he had no inkling Legolas was going to bash his head in. Oro did not blame Haldir for the accident. That was all it was, an accident, but still Legolas lay unwaking with a gash in his head whether there was anyone to blame or not.

Haldir and Elladan had carried Legolas back to this room, and Rúmil and Elrohir had trailed silently behind. Orophin had been close to tears at the fate of his newfound lover. Lord Elrond had tended the wound and said there was no more he could do. "I shall inform his father," he sighed. "And only hope that Thranduil does not declare war on Rivendell."

"Perhaps not tonight," Elrohir had said anxiously.

Elrond raised an eyebrow. "And why not tonight, Elrohir?"

"I believe King Thranduil is occupied."

Elrond looked from Haldir to Rúmil and then back to his son. Oro saw Rúmil's ears turn red. "Dare I ask with what?"

"Or with whom?" Elladan put in.

"Glorfindel," Elrohir told his twin gleefully, then curbed his mischievous expression when he met his father's eyes.

Elrond simply shook his head. "In the morning, then, unless any of you see him sooner than that. I suppose I should check on Radagast as well. Orophin, I am two doors down the hall to the left if Legolas requires me during the night."

Elrohir had snickered at Elrond's words as the Lord of Imladris had ushered the others out of the room and closed the door quietly behind them. Orophin was left alone with the still unmoving Legolas and his own thoughts. The bed chamber was huge, twice the size of the rather large room he and Rúmil were sharing, and tastefully appointed. Whereas he and his brother had a view of the muddy road that led to Elrond's stables, Legolas' windows faced the garden. Haldir's room must be close by, Oro thought, if he was in the Garden View suite. Must be nice to be someone important.

He and Legolas had been in this very bed together when they had heard the troll in the garden. Orophin had still been fully dressed but Legolas had already stripped off all of his clothing. He had quickly pulled his leggings back on while shouting to Oro to gather some weapons. Apparently he was used to interruptions like this at home. Oro looked at the Prince now and brushed a strand of soft blond hair out of his face. A lump formed in his throat. Oro knew he was starting to fall in love with this elf, and he was not sure if that was a good idea.

Legolas had been so tender with him. Lying with the Mirkwood elf had been incredibly delicious, and he had looked forward to more. What would Legolas do if Orophin unquestioningly offered his heart? Legolas had said they need not bind themselves together, but a bond was what Oro wanted. He wanted to let go and love Legolas. He wanted to know it wouldn't end when they parted to return to their own lands. He wanted a promise that they would be together again, as soon as they were able.

"We have been friends for a great many years, Legolas," Orophin said out loud, even though he knew not if the Prince could hear him. "I have always found you beautiful, just like everyone else. I have watched them watching you, as they still do. I have seen their desire for you. I still see it...but I do not envy it, nor do I feel jealous. Today you chose to give yourself to me, and I am grateful."

He sighed and bent to let his lips brush over Legolas' cheek. The Prince's skin was like warmed silk.

"Please, do not leave me now," Oro whispered.

Legolas drew in a deep breath and turned his head, though his eyes remained closed. Orophin felt his heart begin to slam against his ribs. Was the Prince coming around? His full, pink lips parted.

"I am not going anywhere, Oro," Legolas said. "My head hurts far too much. I thought the troll was dead."

"It was."

"Then who hit me?"

"You tripped and hit your head on a rock."

"I did?" Legolas still had his eyes closed, and now his brow furrowed. "Well, please tell my father it was the troll."

Orophin laughed. "If I were not so worried about you, I would call you clumsy."

Very slowly Legolas managed to force his eyes open and give Orophin a reproachful stare, which quickly melted into a look of unmistakable fondness. "I will forgive you that trespass if you forgive me for not taking you into my bed sooner. I have desired you for a long time, Orophin."

Oro felt his breath leave him. "You have?"

"Yes...but I needed to be sure that you would not..."

"That I would not what?"

"That you would not hurt me."

Legolas looked more vulnerable in that moment than Orophin had ever seen him look. He was beautiful and tender-faced, but he was tough most of the time. Maybe part of it was the fact that he had been incapacitated, or maybe it was simply his confession. He was just as scared of what was growing between them as Oro was.

"You have my word, Legolas. I would not have touched you today had you not come to me first."

"I know that," Legolas said smiling. He sat up slowly and the sheet slipped around his waist. "I am sure, now. And it means everything that you did not abandon me in my hour of need. Come here, Orophin."

Orophin inched closer and Legolas enfolded him in his embrace. The Prince kissed him richly on the mouth and Oro melted against him. His lips parted and Legolas' tongue slipped inside to dance with his own. Before he knew what was happening, Legolas had flipped Orophin over onto his back and straddled him.

"I guess you are feeling better," Oro gasped when the kiss broke.

Legolas grinned at him. "I will be when you are out of these clothes."

"I am sorry I could not catch you when you fell," Orophin said softly as Legolas nimbly untied his leggings and stripped him of his tunic.

"But you did, Oro," Legolas replied, smiling. "You did."