Legolas lay back in the low stone bath, it had been drawn for him by the twins. He thought back to the past weeks, reliving the memories. Everything that had happened, he had lost hope, given into the loneliness and pain he'd been feeling.
The steam was thick and heavy, it filled his lungs and made his limbs feel heavy, confined. He couldn't summon the will to lift his arms and sunk down further into hot water. The memories moved about his head like the water about his body, he reflected on the time that had spent with Mandos in his halls. No matter how brief it had been it had left a mark both physically and mentally. The triquetra mark on his fore head was now just a shade darker than his pale skin, it had branched out down the sides of his face. An elegant pattern of vines that extended down the left side of his face and down his neck, the other stopping just shy of his cheek bone.
His mind turned to his beloved twins and he smiled softly, oh how he loved them. He would never say that he forgiven them he was asked as he would say that he had never truly blamed them for anything that had happened. Yes they had been at fault but he had never stood up for himself in any way that had mattered. The trust in their relationship was shaky at best and fragile at worst but they were working on it. Legolas had decided to give them the benefit of the doubt and another chance, both when Mandos had asked and after talking with the twins. They had planned a trip to Ithilien and then to the reclaimed and renamed Greenwood the Great and even further onto Imladris. Time would tell if the twins would be able to keep their promises, as promises made in haste were the most easily broken.
He was pulled out of his thoughts by a knock at the door. "Yes?" He called softly, his voice carrying through the oak. The voice that answered made him smile. "Is the Prince decent for visitors?" The voice filled with faux deference, mimicking that of a servant but easily recognised as Elladans. "Visitors? No. Lovers, yes. But don't tell my mates." The door opened and the twins slipped in. "Of course My Lord." Elladan continues as they came to the side of the bath and knelt down. Legolas leant his head back down over the side of the tub, his hair was laid over the back to keep it dry. Elladan had knelt behind the prince and started to plait the thick locks. "We have packed everything that you asked of yours and the horses are ready to go. I didn't have Arod saddled, I know you prefer riding him without it." Elrohir explained. Legolas nodded standing and walking up the stone steps embedded in the bath, the water cascading off his body as he walked. Elrohir held out a large towel and wrapped it around him. Leaning in to Legolas neck he lay a chaste kiss Elrohir spoke. "We have something for you and something to say before we leave. Please hear us out." Elrohir pulled back and followed his brother out of the bathroom.
Legolas nodded and followed the pair with an intrigued expression on his face. Elladan had gone over to the side table by the bed and pulled out a wooden box. He opened it checking the contents before sitting down on the floor before Legolas. Legolas had sat on the bed and was watching the pair of them. Opening the box and turning it towards Legolas, it contained a beautifully carved wooden riding clasped for Legolas hair. It was a deep red mahogany and was inlaid with gold to create words. Upon closer inspection the main carving was revealed to be an Elven eternity knot woven three times into each other to create that large circle, along with the elegant hooks designed to look like vines it would be perfect for holding back Legolas long hair whist riding. He reached out and let a thin hand just touch the edge of the box. "Ai...Valar...It's beautiful. Dan...Roh, you didn't have to. But...Ai...its so beautiful." He reached further into the box just stopping short, like he couldn't believe it was real. Elladan lifted the box a fraction so that the long fingers connected. "It represents something too. We didn't want you to think that anything we said a week ago, any of the promises that we made were just words. Just something that was said in the heat of the situation." He pulled the clasp out of the box and placed the box to the side. "This is you, Elrohir and I. Three knots with no end and know beginning all woven and tangled, that's our bond. We broke out bond promise, in ways that are to numerous to count. We hurt you and abused the gift that you gave us when we bonded. We say that we will never do anything like that again but you have not reason to believe anything that we say-" Legolas lent forwards a hand moving to cover Elladans mouth to stop him from speaking.
"Under the eyes of the Valar we are bound. I make this sacred vow that I will never betray. I will love you entirely and for eternity, I will share my life with you. Truth will be out rule and honesty our promise. This is out vow under Eru." The twins were watching Legolas, their mouths slightly open in surprise and astonishment. Elrohir caught on and smiled adoringly. "Our love for you is deeper than the sea and its breadth you can not tell. Under the eyes of Eru we make this vow. With you we share eternity, we share our lives. We will care for you and never dishonour you. In the eyes of the Valar we are bonded." They finished the vow. It was the same vow that they had made on the day that they were bonded a hundred years ago. Legolas smiled beautifully and gazed at the twins. "I remember the first time that we said those words. I believed you the first time and I want believe you this time. I was returned to you by the will of the Valar and my own will. We will start this bond anew."
The twins were both in awe of their shinning light, that Legolas was. To give them this chance and to be so understanding. It was a mercy that they had asked for but one that they defiantly did not deserve but Legolas gave it freely. Lifting the riding clasp up Legolas smiled and nodded, he turned on the bed and tossed all his hair over his shoulders. He had left his hair to grow out since the end of the war, and grow it had. Standing and loose his hair would grace mid thigh on the elf now. Taking the braids and plaits that were already there Elladan wove them together in the intricate clasp. When he was done he pulled back and smiled. "I looks stunning, really." He said a he looked to Elrohir who held up a small mirror for Legolas to see the effect. "Wow, thank you! It looks fantastic. I can't wait to go riding now, shall we leave soon?" He said eagerly. Elladan smiled and opened a draw, he pulled out a riding outfit of Legolas and offered it up. "You get dressed and we will get the lat of our stuff together. Come see us when your ready." He kissed Legolas on the cheek before leaving the room and pulling Elrohir with him.
Legolas was fastening the last clasps of the brown leather jerkin when he saw that shadows in the room lengthen and felt the pressure rise. He turned and seen the tall form of Mandos enter the mortal plain. Mandos glided across the room and sat on the bed watching Legolas for a few moments. "Legolas, you look well." His voice was cool and comforting and made Legolas pause. "I feel well actually." He said softly smiling. Mandos waved Legolas over and when he was close enough he moved the few strands of hair that were free from the clasp. "My mark looks good on you. I am glad to see that it took so well." He said carefully following the pattern down his face, neck and gently turned down the edge of the jerkin. Legolas had comes up to stop the exploration. "Please My Lord." He murmured. Mandos smiled. "Sorry, I was just interested. My mark normally doesn't take this well, in fact it never really takes." He pulled his hand back and smiled softer again. "We, the Valar, have heard your vow and we are in awe of your mercy towards them. I pray that they understand the gift you are to them." He smiled again and a hand came back to the side of Legolas face. "They really are stunning." He said touching the patterns. "Remember my offer young one. A place for your soul to rest should you need it, my hall is open to you." Mandos spoke softly and stood. Preparing to leave he heard the door of the chamber open and the twins enter.
The twins entered the room and froze seeing Mandos in the room. Their eyes widened and panic rose in their chest. "Legolas...?" They worried that they had done something wrong, even with their vows. Was Mandos here to collect the elf. Mandos stepped forwards and rested one hand on Legolas shoulder and one hand came round to rest on Legolas head. "I'm not here to collect...not today. I am here acknowledge your vows and check Legolas." He paused and traced the patterns. "Be warned though. Legolas is trusting you but I am sceptical. These marks, my marks...I will come if he needs me." The marks flared to life under Mandos fingers, Legolas shuddered in Mandos grip eyes closing. "I will come for him, take him and keep him safe." The twins nodded lost for anything to say. Mandos nodded seeing that he had instilled enough fear. He gently let Legolas go, the elf stumbling a little, he then stepped away and back into the shadows leaving the mortal realm.
The twins dashed forward and wrapped their arms around Legolas. Legolas took a moment to relax into their arms. "N-never fear that I will leave you again. Leave willingly." He said slightly breathless, what ever Mandos had done when he touched the marks it had been draining. "Are we ready to leave?" He asked trying to move on. Elladan ran his fingers over Legolas face with a frown. "Yeah, we are ready." He then looked to Elrohir who nodded. "But if you want to we can stay another night?" Elrohir stepped forwards to Legolas side. Legolas shook his head. "I want to leave now, get out this city of stone. I want to see Aragorn first." Elladan nodded. "Of course, he is waiting to see you. Out in the receiving room." He said stepping back and opening the door. Legolas straightened is clothes and then headed down the small flight of stairs to the receiving room.
Aragorn had hardly ages a day in the last ten years, he had weathered kingship well and with almost Elven grace. Standing in front of a large books case he was surveying the selection available to him, his mind making a list of certain volumes and tomes that he intended to read later. When he turned at the sound of the door opening and the barely audible Elven foots steps on the steps he smiled at Legolas coming down the stairs. "Legolas, Mae Govannen. How are you?" He asked politically. He was still wary of the twins, worried that they didn't understand eh gift and responsibility that had with Legolas. "I am well. We have pledged our bonding vows a new and I have a beautiful new gift from the twins." He twisted to show the King. Aragorn smiled and touched the gift in his hair, it hadn't moved an inch since Elladan had woven it in. "It suites you, really. I take it then that your are defiantly going on your trip then?" He clearly knew the answer but he wanted to hear the answer from his friends lips, to see how he would answer. "Yes, we have everything packed and ready. I only have to wish you well and good luck until I see you again. Then we gallop off into the sunset." Aragorn raised an eyebrow but in truth he felt a great weight being lifted from his chest. Legolas was clearly happy about the trip and was going willingly. "As long as you are cared for."
Elladan and Elrohir had moved out the room and were waiting on the forecourt with the three horses and the packs. Legolas and Aragorn exited the main doors of the receiving chamber. Legolas turned and looked at the white tree and the stone facade, almost wistfully. So much had changed and happened in the last three weeks that it felt like a lifetime. Elrohir dismounted the horse he was on and came to Legolas side, one had coming to wrap around his hip. "Meleth, we can stay another night if you want." Legolas leant in and shook his head. "No, lets leave. When I leave this place I can be free." His voice nearly inaudible as he softly kissing his cheek. Elrohir nodded and mounted up again followed by Legolas. Leaning forwards he whispered in elvish to the horse. "I wish to leave this city of man and stone." He tapped the side of his horse. "Take me to my trees." The horse lurched into the action, hooves clicking agains the stone. Gaining speed the stone started to blur as the city moved past him, quickly stone became grassy plaines and he was free of the city.
Once they were out onto the plains of Pelennor fields they slowed their ride, it was early in the day so they had a fair days riding ahead. Legolas pulled his horse up into a low trot and tipped his head back to enjoy the sun. The twins watched as he enjoyed the nature that surrounded him. They often forget how Legolas was connected to the nature that surrounded him and how much he needed it to be healthy and thrive.
The trio rode into the late afternoon, they decided to stop when the sun turned orange. Elladan had suggested it when he noticed that Legolas seemed to be flagging a little, he wasn't surprised given his encounter with Mandos. Elrohir was currently hunting some for dinner for the group. Elladan had helped Legolas set out the bedrolls, laying them together. Legolas was curled up on them currently with a roll of blank parchment and a small set of portable ink and quill, he was drawing Elladan who was unwrapping some of the rations. Elrohir returned with a pair of rabbits, swinging them proudly as he walked back into camp. "I have returned in victory." Elladan raised an eyebrow. "Yes, against the most fearsome enemy all middle earth has seen. The Rabbit." He said with a certain amount of sarcasm. Legolas laughed and placed his parchment back in his pack, closing the ink and stowing them as well. He lay back as he watched the twins, the pair of them were now arguing over the seasoning for the rabbits, their lithe strong bodies animated in the arguments. Just watching them made him feel drowsy, laying back he closed his eyes and listened to them argue. He didn't have the energy he used to, the grief having sapped his reserves.
The sound of the twins voices were soothing and it didn't take long before he was remembering the days after their bonding and their few decades of their bonding. They were good memories that left him smiling as he drifted off to sleep.
Elrohir noticed that Legolas had fallen asleep and elbowed his brother in ribs and pointed to the sleeping elf smiling. "He's beautiful when he sleeping like that." He whispered and gently brushed a couple of fingers over Legolas face. "Should we wake him for food?" He asked his twin, Elladan nodded. "Yes, he's hard enough to get food into at the best of times and now he needs the energy even more." Elrohir opened one of the packs as he listened to his brother. He pulled out a large blanket that they had brought with them, he lay is across Legolas as the other elf slept. Elladan checked on the stew before he relaxed back on the bedroll he was sat on. "We need to repair this Roh, He's given us the chance. We mustn't waste it. You seen Mandos, he's...obsessed? Infatuated? Something... and that something is important." Elrohir nodded as he watched Legolas. "We will..." The pair of them fell into quiet as the waited for the stew to cook.
Spooning thick stew into a bowl Elladan pointed to Legolas. Elrohir nodded and came to the other elf's side. "Legolas..Las. Time to wake up, there's some food. You need to eat properly before I can let you sleep." Elrohir rubbed at the soft juncture of Legolas neck hoping it would wake the elf gently. Legolas opened his his eyes waking up slowly, his looked a little dazed. He sat up stretching and leant into kiss Elrohir. Elladan pressed the bowl of stew into Legolas hands with a smile and spoon. "Here, eat beloved, I know you were too excited at breakfast." Elrohir hand still rested on Legolas neck massaging softly. This had the effect of lulling Legolas into a relaxed state; this was the effect of the 'Tirfea'. A small section bunch of muscle that when manipulated, massaged or pinched could relax or cripple the elf in question. Tirfea, literally Soul Guard was reserved for Parents and lovers. Finishing the hearty stew Legolas leant back on Elrohir with his head on his lap and watch the flames flicker. "Will you sing for me?" He asked suddenly, voice quietly. "I haven't heard you sing for so long." He was drifting off into sleep as he spoke. Elladan nodded and started to sing. His deep voice was soft, Elrohir joined in soon after, the song was soulful and soft; They sang of he beauty of the earth and the undying lands. Legolas didn't take long to fall asleep and that was how the night ended.
The trip to Legolas kingdom was just over seventy five leagues and would have taken three days of hard ridding, Legolas didn't want that, he pulled the ride back to take a week. They had spent five beautifully relaxed days together, riding and sometimes walking to Ithilien.
The twins didn't realise that they had even entered Legolas kingdom until a group of green camouflaged Elven guard dropped from the bows of a tree they were passing. The guards bowed deeply before Legolas before one stepped forwards. "Mae Govannen Prince Legolas." The first one spoke. Legolas bowed back hand over heart and and tipping his head slightly. "Mae Govannen." He dismounted and approached the guard. "Ainion, How is your family? You should be a father again by now?" The guard beamed and nodded happily. "Yes My Lord, a little elfling boy, we are are naming him Laermeluion. Green eyes and a tiny tuft of red hair." He explained excitedly. Legolas smiled and took genuine pleasure in hearing of the elflings birth and clapped the guard on his shoulder. "Has he had his naming day yet?" Ainion shook his head. "No, we were waiting till your return." Legolas blinked in surprise and then smiled nodding. "I will have to meet this elfling. Would you do me the honour of letting me preform the ceremony?" He asked hopefully. Ainion nodded happpily, a smile on his face. "Yes, absolutely. We would be honoured my prince." Legolas smiled and nodded before mounting back up to the horse. The twins were astonished by the interactions between Legolas and the guards, it was clear that the guard cared about Legolas and Legolas cared about the guards. Legolas genuinely cared about their lives and it proved to them that knew even less about their lover than they originally thought.
The twins were about to come up beside Legolas when a few of the other guards glared at them and took their place. Elladan swallowed hard and sighed looking at Elrohir, it was clear that they were going to be up against more than just Legolas for forgiveness. They were defiantly more than a little famous in the forest for what they had done. The twins dropped back out of respect for the guards wariness and their need to protect their prince from the perceived threat. "We need to work on the people as well, maybe more so than Legolas-" Elrohir was cut off when Ainion turned and glared at the pair of them.
The party moved forwards deeper into the forest, the trees luscious and verdant. The deeper they moved into the forest the further away from civilisation when the trees seemed to part and the eleven citadel became clear to see. It was a stunning sight, trees and stone were integrated in perfect marriage of Mirkwood and Lorien woodcraft and Imladrian stonework. Homes rose along streets that were cut into the forest floor and flets built into the tall trees spreading as family grew. The streets were alive with a mix of elves, small elflings running between their parents legs and the stalls that lines the streets. It was market day and the wide walkway down the middle was bustling to life. The eye catcher though was the palace, it rose through the trees, not made of stone. It was a tree, a massive sentinel tree, the palace was in the centre. The palace was built in the middle of the trunk, the tree had been cultivated to grow into the right shape. It had been left by elves of the first age there had still been enough left to get it back into shape with some careful repairs. It was now the main feature of the forest fortress of Ithilien and it ensured the Legolas truly lived in the heart of the forest.
Legolas paused at the rise of a hill to survey his kingdom. He managed a few moments of quiet watching before a horn was blown and a low rumbling tone rolled through the trees.
The residents of the forest stopped at the sound and turned to see who was coming over the hill, it took a moment or two before someone called out that it was the prince. There was a flurry of activity and elves started to line the walkway waiting. Legolas smiled and dismounted his horse before walking down the hill into the throng of people. He checked over his shoulder and ensured that the twins were still with him, they were stood at the back waiting, he gave them an encouraging smile before moving forward. As he walked into the mass of elves they started to come forward; ladies with fruits that Legolas bit into and hummed as thick juice dripped down his chin, Small elflings ran out in front of him playing games until Legolas swung a pair of them up onto his horse back.
It looked nearly an hour to get to the forecourt of the palace, it seemed that every resident of the forest wanted to come forward to greet Legolas as he walked. Legolas didn't begrudge them this, in fact with the smile on his face he was enjoying seeing his people and the kingdom that he had built from the ground up. The closer they got to the palace the type of people changed, less merchants more advisors and people wearing palace uniform. He was about to enter the palace when he paused, he had spotted a family that appeared to be trying to hide. Upon closer inspection he noted the distress that appeared heavy and evident in the group and it caused a pang in Legolas stomach. Legolas handed his horse off to Ainion and abandoned the path to move through the crowd to the family.
The closer he got to the family the more he could tell, the father was desperately holding his wife and children close to him. The elfling looked terrified and the wife was just staring at the ground clearly distraught about something. Once close enough to the family he bowed hand over heart. "Mae Govannen." He greeted softly. "May I ask what had befallen you to see such sorrow in you?" The father looked up almost surprised to see Legolas this close. Swallowing he took a breath and gathered himself before speaking. "We came hear seeking a new home, a new beginning, but it's come at a cost." His voice was rough with his sorrow. "We heard of your generosity but everything changed and now what we ask is too much we-" Legolas hell up a gloved hand and gave the family a warm comforting smile, he knew there was more to this than he was being told. "If you fear that I would turn away a plea for sanctuary, I will not, I turn no one away." He looked over the family, it was the loss in the mothers eyes that made him feel the most. "Please come into my home. Get some food for you and your family then we will talk. You are safe here." He spoke quietly with comfort in his voice. The father looked a little relieved but still wary. "My Lord, surely...you just got back and you..." He gestured to Legolas slightly less than pristine appearance. Legolas shook his head and smiled again. "I can rest later. My people, those that need my help are more important." He stated before beckoning them back towards the palace. Still a little unsure the other elf nodded and stepped towards the Prince. Legolas nodded to a guard that cleared them a path through the crowd, they moved through the space into the warmth of the entrance hall of the palace.
The inside of the palace was just as impressive as the outside, it was alive, the walls were the trunk of the tree and floor appeared to be glossed leaved and marble. As the tree lived and grew so did the palace. Branches and flowers that grew from the walls were being carefully cultivated by Lorien elves into designed growth. Legolas had barely stepped through the doors of the palace when he was over run by elves, all advisors waving parchments and wearing heavy robes. He took a few moments to free himself from the throng and get a word of his own in. "I will see everyone, everyone in council tomorrow. For now I have another issue that needs attention. There will be a feast tonight. Any business that is not life or death can be moved, for the next few hours I do not want to be disturbed." The advisors, although thoroughly admonished, were still smiling as they retreated grumbling. It betrayed the joy that they felt at Legolas return.
Legolas let out a breath and smiled, he checked behind him to find the family and saw to his pleasure that the twins had flanked the small family to buffer them. He nodded to the twins and waved at them to follow him again. Legolas lead them through the palace, winding corridors that followed the trees growth, he passed a set of guards who bowed. There was a servant waiting just out side his chambers, he nodded and asked for food to be brought up to the chambers, something elflings would enjoy.
Pushing open the grand door to his chambers and let the small group of people enter before him. Following them in he took a moment to breath in the scent of his home, he them smiled and gestured for people to find chairs and sit down. The twins were particularly interested in the chambers as they were now his home as well. It was just what they had expected of a well brought up Mirkwood Prince, clean, tidy with an abundance of books, scrolls and parchments lining the room on shelves. They could almost guarantee that the private chambers would be an entirely different story, as it had been in Mirkwood. Legolas ensured that the family would comfortable before headed to a small table that was in the corner of the room, it had a series of bottles on it. He grabbed a pair of crystal tumblers and poured a thick elven liquor into one and Miruvor in the other. He offered the liquor to the father and then gestured to his wife. "Miruvor, for your wife to help calm her." The father nodded and handed his wife the glass encouraging her to drink. It didn't take long for the food to arrive, three platters carried by three elves. Legolas directed them to put the food on his desk before they left quickly. Legolas watched the family. "Please help yourself, I don't stand on ceremony in private." As he picked some of the fruit and ate. He smiled as one of the elflings inched forwards and snatched a large block cheese from one of the plates. "Please eat your fill, I will be back I just want to change out my riding clothes." The father nodded, Legolas smiled and headed to the inner chambers, the twins following him. "Thank you My Lord." It was the father, his voice was quiet but Legolas heard it and smiled to himself.
As predicted by the twins Legolas private rooms were a mess, not as predicted was the type of mess. It seemed to have no plan. They paused just inside the threshold, the door closed behind them. There was archery equipment strewn over all the surfaces, mixed with art supplies, unfinished letters and open books. It was chaos, with not pattern. Legolas lurched forwards into the mess, he didn't remember it being this bad when he had left before, he started to try and clear up a little. Elladan lifted some of the the sketches from the floor, they were part of pile that seemed to have been pushed off a desk. He flipped it over and came face to with his own face and his brothers, there were tear stains over this one and others were torn and unfinished. He handed it to his bother and chewed his lip as picked up some of the others, all the same story. He placed the pile on the edge of a desk and moved further into the room. As they came to middle of the room their eyes fell on the bed, set on a raised stone platform, it a a display of Legolas personal torment. Legolas as an elf shouldn't move in his sleep but here the sheets were a mess, ruffled and torn in some places where nails has pierced the fabric. There was also an air of melancholia in the room, no care had been taken with valuable or precious items. Treasured items had been shoved out of site or into draws out of sight. There was evidence that servants had been in the room and their attempts at straightening out the mess, so it would have been common knowledge to the rest of the kingdom. The knowledge being that all of the signs point towards an elf that is fading, an elf they all respected and loved. It explained the mistrust and anger that they saw in the peoples eyes when they looked at them.
They were jolted out of their inspection when Legolas dashed across their field of vision. He was doing his best to tidy up what he could about the room, self conscious of the story that was being told by the room. Legolas has his arms full of things and was heading to the closet with them, Elladan grabbed Legolas arm. He dropped everything that he was holding and looked at the twins like he just realised that they were there. He pullled himself free and scrambled too pick everything back up. "Sorry, I should have left it clean, I didn't realise that it was this bad...I didn't think that you would be..." He trailed off as Elrohir grabbed his shoulders and pulled him up from the floor, Elladan took what he was holding and placed it on the already full table near him. Elrohir took Legolas hands and pulled him to sit down on the edge of the bed. "Calm, Meleth." He murmurs as Legolas looks about the room. "It's okay, you were hurt and fading, At our hands no less I might add. We understand, the only part that bothers us is that we caused it." He looked to his twin who nodded. Legolas dropped his head forwards and sighed slumping a little. "I wanted this place, my kingdom..my home. I wanted it to make a good impression on you. This..." he gestured about the room. "..is not a good impression. It's sickness and sadness." He dropped his head. "It the truth" Elladan said softly. Elrohir stood and pulled back from the pair leaving Elladan with Legolas, he pulled a set of comfortable robes out of the closet dusting them off and hanging them on the door. He looked at the pair again before heading into the washroom connected and coming back with a cool wet washcloth. He knelt in front of the bed and wiped down Legolas face. "Right, why don't we get changed like you said and let you get back to doing what you do best, saving people." Elrohir stated with a smile.