Freedom

Part 1 of 3

A sequal to my oneshot alone. Unbetaed.

Legolas led back in the bath that had been loving drawn for him by his bonded and thought back to the past few weeks. He had lost all hope and will to live, giving into pain and loneliness. The steam was thick and heavy and making his limbs fell confined but he couldn't summon the will to lift them. Sinking further into the memory and reflecting on the time, however brief, he spent with Namo. The mark had faded to a shade just slightly darker than his pale skin and had grown branching out like vines into a pattern down the side of face. A blessing of Namo. Then his mind turned to his beloved twins and smiled, oh how he loved them. He hadn't forgave them for he had never blamed them but his trust was still shaky and fragile. Legolas had decided that would give them the benefit of the doubt and would travel to Ithilien with them for a while then to the now reclaimed and renamed Greenwood and even further onto Imladris.

A knock at the door brought him up to the present, he realised that the bath water was getting colder and that thus was a sure sign that he had spent a time enough in there. "Yes?" He asked through the door. The answer that came back made him smile. "Is our prince decent for visitors?" The faux servant voice replied. "Visitors? No. Lovers and yes but don't tell my bonded" The door opened and the twins entered. "Of course my lord" The knelt either side of Legolas and who led his head back and dry hair splayed across their laps. Elladan ran his fingers through it and began to plait it and add pretty designs along with his normal braids. "We have packed and are ready to have the horses saddled when you are ready." Legolas stood from the stone pool and let the water cascade off his body and stepped up the stones steps and into the large fluffy towel that Elrohir held out before him, he wrapped his arms around Legolas along with the towel. Leaning into Legolas neck and laying a chaste kiss he spoke. "We have something to give you and something to say before we leave" Leading him out of the bathroom and into the bedroom. Elladan went over to a dresser and pulled out a wooden box and sat on the floor in front of Legolas who had moved to the bed. Opening the box he revealed a beautiful wooden riding clasp for Legolas hair. The deep mahogany wood was inlaid with gold in placed to create words. There was the elven eternity knot woven into three time connecting three times into each other creating a large circle, there was elegant hooks designed to look like vines for holding back the hair while riding and the main pin was to look like a hunting arrow.

"Ai! Valar it's beautiful. Dan, Ro, ... you didn't have to. But... Ai it so beautiful." He reached out a hand and stopped just before touching it. Elladan lifted the box a faction to make the connection between the gift and Legolas. "It represents something too. We didn't want you to think that anything we said a week ago to was just words. The three knots are us and our bond for eternity. We broke out bonding promise to you and we will never do this again. We hurt you and abused the perfect gift you gave us and we beg that you forgive us. We know that you may never trust anything we say again..." Legolas moved his hand over to Elladan's lips and stopped him from speaking. "Under the eyes of the Valar we are bonded, I promise on this sacred vow that I will never break this vow. I will love you entirely and share my life with you. This I vow under the eyes of Illuitivar." Elrohir and Elladan both looked astounded before continuing the vow "Our love for you is deeper than the sea and it breadth you can not tell. Under the eyes of the Valar we make this vow. With you we share our lives and for eternity we shall care for you and never shall we dishonour you. In the eyes of the Valar we are bonded." The same that they had said on the day of there bonding a hundred years ago. Legolas smiled beautifully and gazed at the pair. "We are bonded and I forgive nothing because I do not blame. I am returned to you and we shall start this bond anew with Love and Trust however fragile, for love is fragile."

Elladan and Elrohir were both in awe of the shinning light that was Legolas, to give them this chance and to say that he blamed them not. A mercy that they should not have asked for but was freely given. Lifting the riding clasp from the box the pair began to weave the braids that already existed through the intricate hair piece. The contrast of the Mahogany against the golden hair was beautiful. Once woven in it was pinned with the arrow giving the effect that his hair was no longer than his shoulders. Spinning on the spot he moved to the large mirror that sat on the dresser Elrohir held a smaller mirror up so that he could see the back of his hair. "It looks wonderful, Thank you so much. I can't wait to go riding now. Shall we leave soon." Elladan opened the top draw of Legolas dresser and pulled out a riding outfit and laid it on the bed. "You get dressed and we shall get the horses saddled and food packs prepared for our journey." He kissed Legolas on the lips and caressed his cheek before leaving.

Legolas was fastening the clasps of the brown leather jerkin when he saw the shadows in the room lengthen and felt the presence of Namo as he entered the mortal plain. Namo sat on the bed and watched as Legolas turned to look at him. "Legolas, I and many of the others of the Valar heard your vow and are in awe of your mercy. I pray that they understand that gift." Namo stood and embraced Legolas, he carefully traced the patterns on his face. "They are stunning" He stood back preparing to leave when he heard the doors of the chambers open again and the twins entered stopping in shock when they saw the Vala.

"Legolas?" They panicked, thoughts running rampant. Had they done something wrong was he here to collect Legolas. Namo watched before standing back and speaking. "Do not panic, I am only here to make sure that you shall uphold these vows." He then moved away futher back into the shadows and left the realm of middle earth. The twins breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed. Holding out the packs and declaring that they were ready when ever he was.

"Never fear that I shall depart this life willingly again my dear ones. Shall we leave now then. I wish to say good by to Aragorn though." Elladan grinned. "I knew you would say that he is waiting in the reviving room." Legolas pleases by his bonded fore thought left to greet his friend.

Aragorn hadn't aged a day in the last five years, he weathered kingship well and with unending grace. Standing in front of the large book case he surveyed the selection, mind archiving certain volumes and tomes that he would read sooner or later, when he heard the door of the inner chamber open and near silent foots steps enter. "Legolas, Mae Govannen. How are you?" He asked politically. He was still worried that the twins didn't understand the gift and responsibility they had. "Wonderful. We have repledged our bonding vows. Look at the beautiful gift they have gotten me as a token of their love." He spun to show off the hair decoration that moved not an inch but sparkled in the midday sun. "It is astonishing my friend. I take it in that case that you are in fact leaving for your extended trip with them?" He knew the answer but wanted to hear from Legolas mouth and gauge his attitude towards the outing. "Yes indeed we are leaving now. I only have to wish you well and good luck before we gallop off into the sunset like the Hero's of elfling tales." Aragorn felt a weight lift off his chest. He was clearly happy about this trip and was willingly going. "As long as you are cared for."

Elladan and Elrohir were waiting on the forecourt with the three horses and relevant packs when Legolas exited the castle. He turned and cast a look back at the castle almost wistfully, so much had happened in the last three weeks that it had felt like a lifetime. "We can stay a little longer if there are things you want to do?" Legolas shook his head. "No lets leave, when I leave this place I can be free again." He spoke nearly inaudible to any but the other elves. He moved and mounted the bare back bay stallion, tapping the sides of the horse and leaning down. "I have a wish to leave this city of stone and get back to my trees." He spoke in quiet elvish, the horse listened and pounded out of the forecourt and through the city. The twins had to mount quickly to follow Legolas, at the speed he was racing he would reach Ithillen in the early hours of the morning. Quickly stone vanished and the rolling planes of the Pelennor fields, Legolas was leaning back on the stallion voice raised to the heavens. Freedom, Pure Freedom.

Later that evening the twins had set camp and were cooking some hunted rabbits, Legolas had some blank parchments out and a small portable quill and ink. He was sketching and watching the twins with clever and analysing eyes. They were bickering over the seasoning of the rabbits, they were very animated waving their arms and making wild gestures. Just watching them made him feel sleepy, the grief had taken it's toll on his energy reserves. He was slowly building it up again but still felt the effects. Laying back on his side and placing the parchment on the grass he just watched the pair, mind slipping into the memory of the first few years of their bonding and being in the same position. Slowly he slipped into elven dreams feeling free and complete for the first time in five years.

Elladan shushed Elrohir and pointed to the sleeping elf. "He's beautiful. Shall we wake him when the food is cooked?" Elladan nodded, Legolas was hard enough to get food into at the best of times. Elladan nodded Legolas needed energy and food was very important in this endeavour. Elrohir opened one of the larger pack and pulled out the blankets and laid one across Legolas. This was perfect, no duties or responsibilities to anyone other than themselves and each-other. "I think we have a chance to repair this, Las has given us a chance. Lets not wreck it." The twins made a pact with themselves to do right by Legolas. Elladan pulled the pot off from the heat and spooned some of the rich thick stew into a bowl and handed it to Elrohir gesturing to Legolas. "Legolas, Las. Food. Come on you need to eat before you can sleep properly." Elrohir gently rubbed at the soft juncture of his neck to wake him. Legolas sat up slightly dazed, this point on any elf was intimate. Hence all the high necked robes. It lulled the elf into a relaxed state and unless you were bonded or a parent it was considered a great insult to touch them here. Legolas took the bowl and ate quietly mind still under the haze of the Melindo-anna. Finishing the stew he leaned back on Elrohir with his head in his lap and eyes watching the fire. "Sing for me please both of you, I haven't heard you sing in so long I miss the sound of your voices." Elladan started singing of the beauty of the undying lands and the prospect of sailing one day. This is how the night finished, the twins voices raised in song and the fire burning low embers dancing on the heat.

Three days it took to reach Ithilien, the Twins did not realise that they had entered Legolas kingdom until a few guards dropped from the trees before their ruler. "Caun Legolas, Mae Govannen." They bowed hand over heart. Legolas repeated the action with only a dipping of his head. Speaking to the red hair elf first he questioned "Ainion, how is your family? I imagine that you are and Adar once again by now." The guard beamed "Yes Caun a little elfling by the name of Laermeluion. With green eyes and red hair." Legolas took genuine pleasure in hearing of the elflings birth. "Has he had his naming day yet?" Ainion shook his head. "No, we were waiting till you came home to us." He spoke with clear conviction in this. "I am flattered and will have to meet this little one. Would you honour me in allowing me to preform the ceremony" Ainion was ecstatic at this suggestion. "My Caun, it would be my honour even have you there. Please you are welcome." The twins watched this exchange with astonishment, Legolas knew this guards lift intimately and genuinely cared. It proved to them how little they knew of his life here.

The pair of guards turned to the Twins and considered them with a guarded eye, Legolas was well loved and greatly respected leader that many believed deserved more. The twins were infamous in forests of Ithilen for breaking the heart of the Caun and leaving him to blame himself in grief. This gave way the idea that should the Twins ever come the forest that they should be watched with care for signs of tretchery agains Legolas heart and golden spirit. Feeling the accusation in the look they bowed and dropped back behind Legolas in deference for fear of riling the locals to a riot. The guards had taken up the position either side of Legolas as they moved through the forest further.

"I feel as though it is not only Legolas we are to gain trust with. He is beloved of his people also."

The trees appeared to move apart and the elven citadel became clear to see. It was beautiful and stunning. Trees and stone were integrated perfectly in a marriage of Greenwood wood craft and Imladrian stone work. Homes rose along the streets and high into the trees as talens, from small families in three rooms to generations spanning three or four trees. Small elflings darted in and out parents legs playing chase laughing and singing. There was a wide walkway down the middle that was lined with stalls and shops of every kind and necessity broken by a white stone square hosting a market the bustled and hummed with elven life. In the very edge of the citadel on the opposite side a truly massive centennial oak rose from the ground and played host to Legolas home, the forest fortress of Ithilien. Taking design from the ancient elves the tree was decorated and the structure built in the tree also moved through the expansive trunk so that Legolas truly lived within the heart of the forest. A horn rang out clear and loud, all the elves stopped and turned to watch as Legolas crested the small hill and dismounted from his horse. Suddenly every inhabitant of the forest came to the edge of the walkway waiting. Legolas made sure that the twins were still with him and began walking, maidens came forward with rich fruits that when bitten into dripped thick juices down his chin. Small children ran out in front of him dancing round his legs and petting his horse, spontaneously he swung one unsuspecting child up and onto the horses back along with two others. Elleth sang and danced and merchants came forward with gifts of jewels that Legolas would only take if he give a small amount of gold in return.

As he got closer to the palace he spotted a family that appeared to be in some distress, leaving his horse with Ainion he moved over the ellon who was trying to comfort his wife and two small and terrified elflings. Placing and hand over his heart and bowing he asked "May I ask, what has befallen your family that you are in such sorrow?" The Ellon looked shocked that Legolas a prince was talking with his humbled family. "We have no home, we came here seeking a new place to make our home. We have heard of your generosity, yet we would ask much of you." Legolas held up a hand seeing that this was a deeper problem he spoke. "If you fear that your plea for sanctuary will be rejected fear not, I turn none away. Please come to my home with me and we will see if what you ask is too much, but I doubt this." The ellon looked shocked " But you have just come back from a trip yourself, you surely need rest." Legolas looked at the family again. "Family is more important than anything you will ever have, I can rest later. Your family are more important at the moment." The family followed Legolas as he entered the palace. The inside if the palace was alive, as the tree lived so did the palace. Flowers grew from the walls, elves that had a special affinity with plants cultivated areas into designed growth. Advisors swamped Legolas the second he walked in the door, vanishing from sight for a few seconds before Legolas finally managed to get their attention. "I will see to all of your work tomorrow. For now I wish to state that their shall be a feast tonight and that for the next few hours I wish not to be disturbed." Thoroughly admonished the advisor grumbled but it was clear that they were truly pleased to see their prince home. Conferring with a servant Legolas asked that food be brought to his receiving chamber, some for children and easily digestible.

Legolas the grand doors to his receiving chamber and allowed them all entrance. The room was just what the twins expected of Legolas, clean and tidy with an abundance of books and scrolls. They could almost guarantee that the private living space would be different. Food quickly arrived in the form of three large trays of fruit and light soups with breads and cheeses. "Please help yourself. There is spiced wine on the side" He cast a look to the wife, she appeared deep in grief. "There is some mirovour in that large decanter, give some to your wife. I won't be a moment I wish to change." Legolas gestured to a decanter and turned. "Thank you my lord."

Legolas private living space was a mess, there was archery equipment lying around along with art supplies, opened books and unfinished letters. Elladan picked up some of the sketches and saw his own face staring back along with his brothers, some were clearly tear stained in places. Moving further into the bed chamber they saw the tell tell signs of a fading elf, the bed clothe were far to ruffled and there was an are in to room or melancholy. Little care had been taken with things that were precious and valuable to Legolas. It was clear that a servant has been in at one point so it would have been common knowledge that Legolas had fallen ill of the elven sickness, it did explain the glares and mistrust in the people towards them. Legolas tried to straighten things out in the room feeling self conscious of the signs that were clear here. "I apologise for the mess, I was not..." Elrohir spoke up."Worry not Legolas you were fading and hurt, at our fault so we understand. Anyway you have a family in need of your good soul." Elladan held out a comfortable set of robes and a wet cloth. "Clean your self up, and do what you do best."

Caun - Prince

Melindo-anna - Lovers Gift (male)

Thanks for reading, your thoughts would be apprieciated. Anything you want to see happen I will have a look and see.