Warning:
Slash. Some fluff. Maybe a little bit of mild angst.
.
Notes:
-Helms Deep Crap. I know it's been done before, but This is from a plot bunny dreamed up by my friend Tony and I, though we never got around to finishing it all. And so I dedicate this to them, for making me fall in love with this scene, and never forgetting that it sat for so long in my filing cabinet. Look Tony, it's seeing light. And I'm posting it for you.
.
-Also, because it was originally done as a back and forth email story, it could be a little odd to read. I just hated to mess with it too much, because alot would have had to of been excluded. All things are co-written, except where stated so.
.
-The Battle of Helm's Deep. We all know how our two elves got there, and we all know the movie out come. But just like Peter Jackson we have taken liberties with the plot. Do forgive us for that and for the rushed beginning, and I hope you enjoy our little vision of how it could have been.
.
.
The Gist of Things:
-The Battle of Helms Deep is upon them, and only one or two precious hours remain until the battle begins. Feeling their mortality, after Haldir arrives, he and Legolas long to steal away for what time is left, to talk and to sort through unvoiced feelings.
.
The Thank You Part
-Thank you all for reading if you made it this far! I hope you enjoy it, and please review.
.
-The Story
.
.
The Kiss
"Legolas...Would it be rude of us to slip away, for a moment? I would very much like for us to talk.."
It seemed many distractions found them this night. Indeed the battle of Helm's Deep was ever approaching, and it had been at least 15 minutes since Haldir had whispered those words candidly to the Prince of Mirkwood. Legolas had agree'd immediately, expressing his identical desire for solitude with one of his kinsmen. But the fates had other plans for them, bringing first one distraction and then another before the opportunity presented itself on a very narrow passage. It was an opportunity neither of them desired to lose. Who knew if another would arise.
"If we wish to speak in solitude, I suggest we fly while we have a chance." Legolas urged to the Guardian swiftly in the softest breath, intending the words for his ears only. He noticed that his friend was deeply distracted, but was confident that Haldir had heard him
Haldir could smell the clean scent of rain on the horizon. In the back of his mind he could hear the ghost of it beyond the Dike, wetting the stones on the bank of the River Isen, dampening the plains, and falling almost soundlessly over the Fords like a blanket of translucent velvet. From the sky, he imagined, it glimmered in silent silver, cast like fragile threads from the clouds, and onto all of Middle-earth below. It had yet to reach the walls of the Hornburg, and indeed, he could not see it in the distance...he believed it had yet to fall. A magic trick of Saruman, come to set the mood of what would become a bloody battle.
With that final thought, and Legolas' words, Haldir turned his dark green eyes upon the face of the Prince before him, only just realizing that he'd ever turned them away at all. He'd been staring off at the ink black sky...noticing that no stars shined hopefully above them.
"Yes." He agrees, with a curt nod of his head, "Let us fly now... I fear the dark magic of Saruman is already at work on us all...There may not be much time for pleasantries in aught of an hour." He raises a hand, and places it gently on the upper arm of his comrade, waving a path with his other slightly. "Lead the way, Legolas...I know nothing of the lay out of this smothering rock fortress. You would know of a better place than I."
With the light touch of his friends hand upon his arm, Legolas smiles gently, giving a nod of understanding, before quick glances were danced around the area. Deeming that it was indeed safe to flee, he looked back to his friend, his own fingers going to graze the other elf's skin in a light touch. He too had sensed the first few blades of grass being graced with gentle rain drops. The heavens above were slowly fading from twilight blue to a deeper gray. A sure sign rain would be covering the plains of Rohan by the cloak of night fall. But that could be thought about later. They had privacy to find.
Pivoting on booted heel, Legolas started to double back in the direction he had first come to greet the elves when they'd arrived. Below the armory room, was a low bridge and he knew in the courtyard, men might still be training. So going past the stairs, he led them both around a bend, placing them in the open. With silent steps, they passed under the bridge, small trees dotting the floor here and there.
Two young boys were practicing their swordplay, while an older man watched them and gave commentary when he felt it was needed. The skies seemed to be darkening, as if the rain was a heavy burden carried by the clouds. And there, to the left of them, between a cove of low trees, was a narrowed out space in the wall. Then there was a wooden door on the right of them, most likely leading into a hallway or supply room of some sort. Opting for the corner, they passed under the green leaves of the low trees, and Legolas let their slippery texture graze his locks and skin as he went. Now they were alone, at least for a while.
Taking a few steps, the Prince backed up into the wall, glancing to his friend, before he began ridding himself of his weaponry. Placing his bow and quiver of arrows against the sturdy marble wall, he looked to the older elf, a smile once again gracing his lush lips. "I am not sure if the curious wind will heed our words to unknowing ears, but this is a good place to rest in each others company. We are out of mortal sight, for many do not wander this far from commanding eyes. We will be safe here, so let us take comfort."
Away from the prying eyes and ears of whoever could be nosey, Haldir felt much more relaxed. More often than not, he preferred the solitary company of only a few comrades. To be alone with Legolas was a welcomed convenience. No one was here to see how weary he was, and he didn't have to put up a front now. Well, not much of one.
Following Legolas' example, he too disarmed as well as he could without taking off the armor he wore. His bow, he set beside the Elven Prince's, along with his quiver of great Lórien arrows. "Galadriel has predictions for the end of this battle," He tells him, as he takes off his blade, and sets it aside as well, before pushing his hair back from his face completely, regarding his friend with tired eyes. "The Helm will stand still in the light, she says, lives will be lost...but in the end you shall prevail. It will be a hard battle though...I beg of you to not turn your back in haste. These Uruk-hai are cunning...and I fear they will bring Saruman's new devilry with them this night."
Haldir paused then, as if he'd caught himself making a grave injustice, before he gave the prince the softest smile he'd yet mustered for anyone. He hated to talk about what was coming...to waste this little time they had in each others company with predictions of war. And so then, he came closer, and leaned his side against the wall beside him as he looked down the leaves on the ground at their feet. He was happy to be here...it was all he could think right now.
With calm thoughts, Legolas glanced over to the other elf and silently watched the marchwarden discard his weapons as well, setting them beside with his own. The small wind that had started to swirl was making quick use of their golden locks, tossing them about. Not paying attention to his own strands falling over his shoulder, he lightly reached out, letting gentle fingertips brush back the silky locks of the older elf's hair, his eyes glancing up to meet those of his friend, another smile gracing his lips.
Letting a few moments pass, he slowly let his hand drop back to his side, where he folded his arms over his chest, leaning back against the wall some. With senses keen and ears listening, he took in the wise words of his companion. He would be sure to heed them as well, for they needed every able body on the wall when the time came.
"Many a battle we have fought in and this one, no matter how dangerous, shall not be in vain. With you at my side, I know we will stand a fighting chance. We will defend the Hornburg with our friends and allies also. And through the night, I hope we will hold out." He was silent for a moment, as he glanced to the ground, seeing booted feet at his side. Glancing back upward, he looked to the face of his friend, sad smile being returned.
The courtyard was completely empty now, for he heard a small supper bell ring a few minutes ago. The soldiers needed their stomachs filled and warmth in their veins. It would help keep their minds focused on what was important; their lives, and the future of all life in Middle-earth. If they failed, the world would be covered in darkness and all existing life would come to an end. That very thought threatened to send shivers up his spine.
Thinking, he decided to inform the other elf about their journey. "Since you inquired earlier about our quest, now is a good time to tell. Since so much has happened in the long months since we last spoke, highlights might save us time." Taking a moment to collect himself, he began once again. "Boromir fell in battle, at Amon Hen. He was protecting the lives of our Hobbit companions, Merry and Pippin. We reached him too late, so we sent him to the undying lands with honor. I'm afraid the Hobbits were taken captive by a band of Uruk-hai, which we hunted for the past few days. None has seen them, some claim them dead. The ringbearer and his trusted friend, Samwise, accompanied his master on their journey to destroy the one ring. That brings our remaining company here, in the lands of the Rohirrim." Falling silent for a moment, he glanced down some, before adding quietly "Having such skilled warriors will help us. And knowing you're here makes these days seem less dark."
Legolas' velvet words found a home in Haldir's ears...the gentle timber of his voice delicately submerging him like slowly gathering water in a dry creek bed. He felt this moment was something more to him then what it could be to anyone else, and in his heart he would remember it always...for as much time as he had left.
Vaguely, Haldir wondered if this is what it was to *realize* love. To accept it. To embrace it with your soul. He could feel it's warmth as though it'd broke through a dam, and flowed freely from the deepest point in his heart, to the tips of his fingers where it stayed. He wanted to reach out. Wanted to touch Legolas...wanted to let it flow into him, as it was filling him so completely, he was afraid he would burst with the light of it.
Could he stand the not knowing? Could he stand to hold back this wave of ivory rose colored passion? His heart, he could feel it. For the first time in his long, long years. Feel it beat with a new fire, the realization of an old longing, even as it broke in his chest. He could say nothing of this aloud, and the truth of that stained the roses a dark crimson. The color of forbidden passion...the color of a deepest, and truest secret.
And so, he said nothing. For the first time, Haldir, Marchwarden if the Galadhrim, Emissary of Lothlórien held his tongue. Even as his soul cried out to the fair Prince beside him, it's voice strangled out by the power of his impenetrable will. He had to close his eyes. Had to tilt down his head, to keep his heart from finding words with a look in his eyes.
But, behind the darkness of his closed eyelids, he could see the glimmer of Legolas' hair in the sun; the way the soft beam reflected against it, as if captured by a golden twine. He could see the serenity on his face as he stood beside his horse, one of those elegant, slender hands raised and pressed gently against it's snow white neck as it nuzzled it's snout against the Prince's shoulder. His eyes were of the bluest night. His lips; the petals of a budding rose.
It's when it had happened. Upon his first glance of the Prince of Mirkwood, deep inside his heart knew it belonged. His soul knew it recognized itself in him, even as his mind refused to take note of the tender changes that began to stir within him. For many centuries, Haldir had gone on, somehow unaware, even as he wondered in confusion at what drew him to the gentle warrior.
How much longer would he have existed in dim obliviousness, had the threat of death not been placed on his table? And what would he say to his ancestors, when faced with them in the Halls of Mandos? /I am Haldir. I loved but once, and even then, it's hour was too late./
But Legolas' voice had found his ears; brought him back from his regret and his unshared sorrow like a soothing tide, and he'd raised his head to look at him. He could not deny the sincerity in his deep green eyes. The deeper meaning there, somehow, even as it was shaded by the follied mask of brotherly love.
"Would, if I could, I would have been there with you from the beginning, Legolas.." He tells him, his voice carrying on the wind like a soft whisper, finding the fair elf's ears, but not going beyond to any other that should stray near by. He raised a hand then, finding the side of the Prince's throat, the tips of his fingers finding refuge there in the silken strands of his flaxen hair. His thumb lay gently against his finely sculpted jaw, and with the slightest movement of it, Haldir allowed himself the smallest luxury of testing the intimate binding of flesh caressing against flesh. "So much loss you have had to endure..." He was shaking his head in silent wonder, his eyes searing into the ocean before him. He was leaning close in kinship, finding comfort in their closeness against the wall. "So much bravery. I think you are remarkable, Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood. I am honored to defend by your side, above all. And I hope, in the morrow, the both of us can stand together in victory."
TBC
Slash. Some fluff. Maybe a little bit of mild angst.
.
Notes:
-Helms Deep Crap. I know it's been done before, but This is from a plot bunny dreamed up by my friend Tony and I, though we never got around to finishing it all. And so I dedicate this to them, for making me fall in love with this scene, and never forgetting that it sat for so long in my filing cabinet. Look Tony, it's seeing light. And I'm posting it for you.
.
-Also, because it was originally done as a back and forth email story, it could be a little odd to read. I just hated to mess with it too much, because alot would have had to of been excluded. All things are co-written, except where stated so.
.
-The Battle of Helm's Deep. We all know how our two elves got there, and we all know the movie out come. But just like Peter Jackson we have taken liberties with the plot. Do forgive us for that and for the rushed beginning, and I hope you enjoy our little vision of how it could have been.
.
.
The Gist of Things:
-The Battle of Helms Deep is upon them, and only one or two precious hours remain until the battle begins. Feeling their mortality, after Haldir arrives, he and Legolas long to steal away for what time is left, to talk and to sort through unvoiced feelings.
.
The Thank You Part
-Thank you all for reading if you made it this far! I hope you enjoy it, and please review.
.
-The Story
.
.
The Kiss
"Legolas...Would it be rude of us to slip away, for a moment? I would very much like for us to talk.."
It seemed many distractions found them this night. Indeed the battle of Helm's Deep was ever approaching, and it had been at least 15 minutes since Haldir had whispered those words candidly to the Prince of Mirkwood. Legolas had agree'd immediately, expressing his identical desire for solitude with one of his kinsmen. But the fates had other plans for them, bringing first one distraction and then another before the opportunity presented itself on a very narrow passage. It was an opportunity neither of them desired to lose. Who knew if another would arise.
"If we wish to speak in solitude, I suggest we fly while we have a chance." Legolas urged to the Guardian swiftly in the softest breath, intending the words for his ears only. He noticed that his friend was deeply distracted, but was confident that Haldir had heard him
Haldir could smell the clean scent of rain on the horizon. In the back of his mind he could hear the ghost of it beyond the Dike, wetting the stones on the bank of the River Isen, dampening the plains, and falling almost soundlessly over the Fords like a blanket of translucent velvet. From the sky, he imagined, it glimmered in silent silver, cast like fragile threads from the clouds, and onto all of Middle-earth below. It had yet to reach the walls of the Hornburg, and indeed, he could not see it in the distance...he believed it had yet to fall. A magic trick of Saruman, come to set the mood of what would become a bloody battle.
With that final thought, and Legolas' words, Haldir turned his dark green eyes upon the face of the Prince before him, only just realizing that he'd ever turned them away at all. He'd been staring off at the ink black sky...noticing that no stars shined hopefully above them.
"Yes." He agrees, with a curt nod of his head, "Let us fly now... I fear the dark magic of Saruman is already at work on us all...There may not be much time for pleasantries in aught of an hour." He raises a hand, and places it gently on the upper arm of his comrade, waving a path with his other slightly. "Lead the way, Legolas...I know nothing of the lay out of this smothering rock fortress. You would know of a better place than I."
With the light touch of his friends hand upon his arm, Legolas smiles gently, giving a nod of understanding, before quick glances were danced around the area. Deeming that it was indeed safe to flee, he looked back to his friend, his own fingers going to graze the other elf's skin in a light touch. He too had sensed the first few blades of grass being graced with gentle rain drops. The heavens above were slowly fading from twilight blue to a deeper gray. A sure sign rain would be covering the plains of Rohan by the cloak of night fall. But that could be thought about later. They had privacy to find.
Pivoting on booted heel, Legolas started to double back in the direction he had first come to greet the elves when they'd arrived. Below the armory room, was a low bridge and he knew in the courtyard, men might still be training. So going past the stairs, he led them both around a bend, placing them in the open. With silent steps, they passed under the bridge, small trees dotting the floor here and there.
Two young boys were practicing their swordplay, while an older man watched them and gave commentary when he felt it was needed. The skies seemed to be darkening, as if the rain was a heavy burden carried by the clouds. And there, to the left of them, between a cove of low trees, was a narrowed out space in the wall. Then there was a wooden door on the right of them, most likely leading into a hallway or supply room of some sort. Opting for the corner, they passed under the green leaves of the low trees, and Legolas let their slippery texture graze his locks and skin as he went. Now they were alone, at least for a while.
Taking a few steps, the Prince backed up into the wall, glancing to his friend, before he began ridding himself of his weaponry. Placing his bow and quiver of arrows against the sturdy marble wall, he looked to the older elf, a smile once again gracing his lush lips. "I am not sure if the curious wind will heed our words to unknowing ears, but this is a good place to rest in each others company. We are out of mortal sight, for many do not wander this far from commanding eyes. We will be safe here, so let us take comfort."
Away from the prying eyes and ears of whoever could be nosey, Haldir felt much more relaxed. More often than not, he preferred the solitary company of only a few comrades. To be alone with Legolas was a welcomed convenience. No one was here to see how weary he was, and he didn't have to put up a front now. Well, not much of one.
Following Legolas' example, he too disarmed as well as he could without taking off the armor he wore. His bow, he set beside the Elven Prince's, along with his quiver of great Lórien arrows. "Galadriel has predictions for the end of this battle," He tells him, as he takes off his blade, and sets it aside as well, before pushing his hair back from his face completely, regarding his friend with tired eyes. "The Helm will stand still in the light, she says, lives will be lost...but in the end you shall prevail. It will be a hard battle though...I beg of you to not turn your back in haste. These Uruk-hai are cunning...and I fear they will bring Saruman's new devilry with them this night."
Haldir paused then, as if he'd caught himself making a grave injustice, before he gave the prince the softest smile he'd yet mustered for anyone. He hated to talk about what was coming...to waste this little time they had in each others company with predictions of war. And so then, he came closer, and leaned his side against the wall beside him as he looked down the leaves on the ground at their feet. He was happy to be here...it was all he could think right now.
With calm thoughts, Legolas glanced over to the other elf and silently watched the marchwarden discard his weapons as well, setting them beside with his own. The small wind that had started to swirl was making quick use of their golden locks, tossing them about. Not paying attention to his own strands falling over his shoulder, he lightly reached out, letting gentle fingertips brush back the silky locks of the older elf's hair, his eyes glancing up to meet those of his friend, another smile gracing his lips.
Letting a few moments pass, he slowly let his hand drop back to his side, where he folded his arms over his chest, leaning back against the wall some. With senses keen and ears listening, he took in the wise words of his companion. He would be sure to heed them as well, for they needed every able body on the wall when the time came.
"Many a battle we have fought in and this one, no matter how dangerous, shall not be in vain. With you at my side, I know we will stand a fighting chance. We will defend the Hornburg with our friends and allies also. And through the night, I hope we will hold out." He was silent for a moment, as he glanced to the ground, seeing booted feet at his side. Glancing back upward, he looked to the face of his friend, sad smile being returned.
The courtyard was completely empty now, for he heard a small supper bell ring a few minutes ago. The soldiers needed their stomachs filled and warmth in their veins. It would help keep their minds focused on what was important; their lives, and the future of all life in Middle-earth. If they failed, the world would be covered in darkness and all existing life would come to an end. That very thought threatened to send shivers up his spine.
Thinking, he decided to inform the other elf about their journey. "Since you inquired earlier about our quest, now is a good time to tell. Since so much has happened in the long months since we last spoke, highlights might save us time." Taking a moment to collect himself, he began once again. "Boromir fell in battle, at Amon Hen. He was protecting the lives of our Hobbit companions, Merry and Pippin. We reached him too late, so we sent him to the undying lands with honor. I'm afraid the Hobbits were taken captive by a band of Uruk-hai, which we hunted for the past few days. None has seen them, some claim them dead. The ringbearer and his trusted friend, Samwise, accompanied his master on their journey to destroy the one ring. That brings our remaining company here, in the lands of the Rohirrim." Falling silent for a moment, he glanced down some, before adding quietly "Having such skilled warriors will help us. And knowing you're here makes these days seem less dark."
Legolas' velvet words found a home in Haldir's ears...the gentle timber of his voice delicately submerging him like slowly gathering water in a dry creek bed. He felt this moment was something more to him then what it could be to anyone else, and in his heart he would remember it always...for as much time as he had left.
Vaguely, Haldir wondered if this is what it was to *realize* love. To accept it. To embrace it with your soul. He could feel it's warmth as though it'd broke through a dam, and flowed freely from the deepest point in his heart, to the tips of his fingers where it stayed. He wanted to reach out. Wanted to touch Legolas...wanted to let it flow into him, as it was filling him so completely, he was afraid he would burst with the light of it.
Could he stand the not knowing? Could he stand to hold back this wave of ivory rose colored passion? His heart, he could feel it. For the first time in his long, long years. Feel it beat with a new fire, the realization of an old longing, even as it broke in his chest. He could say nothing of this aloud, and the truth of that stained the roses a dark crimson. The color of forbidden passion...the color of a deepest, and truest secret.
And so, he said nothing. For the first time, Haldir, Marchwarden if the Galadhrim, Emissary of Lothlórien held his tongue. Even as his soul cried out to the fair Prince beside him, it's voice strangled out by the power of his impenetrable will. He had to close his eyes. Had to tilt down his head, to keep his heart from finding words with a look in his eyes.
But, behind the darkness of his closed eyelids, he could see the glimmer of Legolas' hair in the sun; the way the soft beam reflected against it, as if captured by a golden twine. He could see the serenity on his face as he stood beside his horse, one of those elegant, slender hands raised and pressed gently against it's snow white neck as it nuzzled it's snout against the Prince's shoulder. His eyes were of the bluest night. His lips; the petals of a budding rose.
It's when it had happened. Upon his first glance of the Prince of Mirkwood, deep inside his heart knew it belonged. His soul knew it recognized itself in him, even as his mind refused to take note of the tender changes that began to stir within him. For many centuries, Haldir had gone on, somehow unaware, even as he wondered in confusion at what drew him to the gentle warrior.
How much longer would he have existed in dim obliviousness, had the threat of death not been placed on his table? And what would he say to his ancestors, when faced with them in the Halls of Mandos? /I am Haldir. I loved but once, and even then, it's hour was too late./
But Legolas' voice had found his ears; brought him back from his regret and his unshared sorrow like a soothing tide, and he'd raised his head to look at him. He could not deny the sincerity in his deep green eyes. The deeper meaning there, somehow, even as it was shaded by the follied mask of brotherly love.
"Would, if I could, I would have been there with you from the beginning, Legolas.." He tells him, his voice carrying on the wind like a soft whisper, finding the fair elf's ears, but not going beyond to any other that should stray near by. He raised a hand then, finding the side of the Prince's throat, the tips of his fingers finding refuge there in the silken strands of his flaxen hair. His thumb lay gently against his finely sculpted jaw, and with the slightest movement of it, Haldir allowed himself the smallest luxury of testing the intimate binding of flesh caressing against flesh. "So much loss you have had to endure..." He was shaking his head in silent wonder, his eyes searing into the ocean before him. He was leaning close in kinship, finding comfort in their closeness against the wall. "So much bravery. I think you are remarkable, Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood. I am honored to defend by your side, above all. And I hope, in the morrow, the both of us can stand together in victory."
TBC