Author's Note: I know the relationships are not what Tolkien, or Peter Jackson, for that matter intended. However this is my story, and the relationships are not totally farfetched, and customs are modified to what I need.

Tiimeline: Immediately following Aragorn's coronation(begins that day.)

ELF-BOUND

~Chapter One~

An Elf's Contemplations

Legolas glanced skyward, the stars twinkled serenely above him and genuine peace was with him. The day's feasting was long over; most of the revelers had retired, and in another hour or so all—or most, anyway—would have retired for the evening. His heart rejoiced that there was real cause for the tranquility he felt.

It had been a most joyous day for many reasons. For in addition to the gladness he felt for his human friends today, SHE was near and he anticipated the day when he would no longer have to keep his distance. To the day when he would leave her nevermore.

The Fellowship's great quest was over, the ring destroyed, and its master was no more and Aragorn had taken his rightful place as King of Gondor. Legolas's heart was happy for Strider—his brother in arms.

How could he not be?

He knew the depth of the love that Estel held for Arwen. He'd been delighted to be the herald of Arwen's arrival—the messenger from Lord Elrond arriving only a few hours before the coronation, and he'd not even told Gimli, or the hobbits. None of them that could have kept such a grand secret.

Legolas saw the joy in the eyes of Faramir—now Ellesar's steward by right of succession—with his new-found love for Eowyn of Rohan easing the young man's grief over the passing of Boromir and his father's tragic downfall.

Legolas also noted that Eowyn's joy was just a great, despite her loss of her cousin and uncle. Their mutual grief lessened by knowing that those they had loved were now at peace, no longer tormented by the evils that had corrupted them.

The dark days of Sauron and Saruman were gone forever, and all of Middle Earth could rejoice in the courage and resilience of hobbits. His thoughts drifted to Gimli, never would he have dreamed of such a friendship.

He'd already invited Gimli to return to Mirkwood with him, he wished to share the beauty of his woodland home with Gimli before the rest of the lingering elves departed across the sea. The remaining elves of Middle-Earth were scattered about in minuscule colonies of a few dozen members here and there in the Realms of Mirkwood, Rivendell and Lothlorien.

His father still remained in Middle Earth, for the time being anyway, and Legolas longed to see both him and his mother before Thranduil Greenleaf departed to the Grey Havens, for although he knew fate would eventually lead him there as well, he knew his place for the time being was here in Minas Tirith with Estel.

Legolas heart the near silent familiar footfalls, but did not speak. He waited for the other to speak first. "Legolas? Why do you linger out here…everyone else is abed."

"Just thinking, Gandalf."

The White Wizard chuckled softly, "When are you not, my friend? About what do you think?"

Legolas sighed, "Nothing… everything… Aragorn and Arwen are settled at last, Faramir and Eowyn seem at peace and Eomer seems much relieved to see his sister happy…" his voice trailed off.

Gandalf nodded, "And what of your happiness, Master Greenleaf? You think I do not know. I know much… you should not be alone so unnecessarily when your beloved is within your reach."

Legolas smiled, of course Gandalf would know, but his knowing changed nothing, and his smile faded.

"I would not be satisfied with just her companionship; I have missed her presence too much. It was difficult enough seeing her in attendance today with those my father sent from Mirkwood to sanction Ellesar's coronation and marriage. It took everything in me not to act on it. Even from that distance the battle for restraint was almost unbearable. I cannot be with her right now, not yet, would that I had enough control."

Gandalf shook his head, "Did you learn nothing from our halfling friends. Do not waste a moment Legolas. Time is precious, even to elf-kind. And you waste moments on such mundane despairs. Will you not ease the loneliness of both your hearts over these past months? Do you think her time of separation was any less painful than yours? She had to wonder if you would return at all."

The hint of censure drew a defensive reply, "Of course not. I expect her longing was just as great as mine. We had the betrothal ceremony before I left Mirkwood for the quest, and after this long separation, my body would demand that I finally claim my lifemate.

"How can I claim her now, when my place at this time is here? How would we survive being together now without joining? And how would we survive the separation afterwards if we did join, when she would return to either Mirkwood or to her family in Lothlorien, or even to the Havens, to wait until I am finished here."

Gandalf's hand came to rest on his shoulder. "I understand that you think Ellesar needs you here, and you are correct in that. Can you not see the obvious, my dear friend. Would you need to be separated from her again? Could not her place be here--with you?

"I cannot ask that of her. She knows so little outside of the elven realm."

"It is honourable, your deep wish to protect her. Do not underestimate her, Legolas. Consider the bold acts of Arwen Undomeil and Lady Eowyn of Rohan. Aisllewyn of Lothlorien is no less courageous. It is not right for you to chose for her. The pair of you have choices to make—together. How can you make those choices if you do not see one another?"

Legolas turned back to look out over the dark but blessedly peaceful Pelennor—only so recently fraught with battle, and so many lost lives. The kingdoms of Rohan and Gondor were safer places now. Aragorn, son of Arathorn was fully capable of managing the future of Gondor on his own if necessary, Eomer King was a good ally and as steward Faramir would serve him well.

Legolas had placed his commitment to his friend and the fellowship above all else for long enough, He got Gandalf's hint. It was time to put his own future first for a change.

It was time to put Aisllewyn first.