Disclaimer: Not mine, especially the few lines taken from The Hobbit and RotK. Credit freely given to JRR Tolkien and JK Rowling. Quote about the sea courtesy of Jacques-Yves Cousteau - also not me.

Summary: The white gulls had not stopped calling to Legolas since that fateful day, and the sea-longing in his blood continues to grow ever stronger. But King Thranduil is determined to keep his son in Greenwood for as long as possible. His answer comes in the form of an unexpected child, one who comes to pull on Legolas' heart more powerfully than the call of the Sea ever could.

Note: Thanks again to Dragonb8 for such a lovely job beta'ing. I am ever so grateful.

...

The Pull of Heart and Tide

~...~

...

30 years later

...

They hadn't talked about that morning by the shore since it happened 30 years ago. As soon as the kiss had ended, Haerelion had gotten up and began to pack their gear and prepare the horses. They'd left for Greenwood within the hour.

Since then, Haerelion had reached his 80th summer, and Legolas and he hadn't left Greenwood for even the shortest of trips.

The kiss was forgotten for all intents and purposes, or just largely ignored. Haerelion had not said anything about it as they mounted and led their horses out over the fields of Anfalas, so Legolas had taken his lead and kept quiet as well. When Haerelion had finally taken up conversation again as though nothing had transpired between them in the last month at all, Legolas was too relieved to argue and decided he would be a fool to say otherwise and wisely played along.

Years later, though, part of Legolas sometimes wondered whether it had even happened at all. Such thoughts crowded his head since, especially when Haerelion was not around. Though that was pretty rare, for it seemed that since they'd returned to Greenwood 30 years ago, Haerelion had not let Legolas out of his sight. He found a reason to stay with Legolas in his talan nearly every night, and was scarcely found in the Halls anymore.

Legolas wondered whether his adar knew what was happening – though Legolas wasn't sure he himself understood it– and if the king was not encouraging Haerelion to do everything he could to ensure that Legolas did not leave Greenwood again. But as Haerelion never said anything, Legolas couldn't be sure.

It was relaxing, comfortable, and enjoyable to be in Haerelion's constant company, but it also tended to be awkward, confusing, and flustering, feelings Legolas would have previously thought impossible with the younger elf. Since the kiss, Legolas was no longer sure what to expect, though, and was no longer sure what he wanted.

Yes, Haerelion was important to him, he was the most important person in his life. That hadn't changed. But what did that mean? He loved him, but was he in love with him? And more importantly, would he be able to ignore the call of the Sea for him? In the many hundreds of years that Legolas had been alive, he had never encountered anything like it before and had no precedence for it.

These headache-inducing thoughts plagued Legolas' mind as he sat on a tree stump with his bow and quiver strapped across his back. Both he and Haerelion had agreed to go on a spider-hunt deep in the mountains with some of the other warriors of Greenwood to cut down on the infestations. Haerelion had returned to Thranduil's Halls to retrieve his long sword and had promised to meet Legolas on the borders of Emryn Vel. Legolas guessed, if his room was not too much of a mess, Haerelion should be here soon.

But while he waited, worried thoughts plagued his mind. It was like Haerelion was ten years old again and Legolas was left fearing every possible danger that could befall him while he was out of Legolas' sight. As much as Haerelion did not let Legolas out unaccompanied, Legolas was little better. He had half a mind to go to the Halls himself and see if Haerelion needed any help, even if it meant he would meet him on the path, all the better to soothe his nerves and his restless body.

Just as he was getting up, he sensed company coming his way, and it wasn't Haerelion.

"Suïlaïd, Legolas," an elf Legolas recognised as Rimben approached him and sat down on a rock by Legolas' side, a bow and quiver strapped to his own back as well. "It will be a good hunt," he declared. "We are lucky to have the masters of the bow and sword with us." (Greetings)

Legolas nodded politely with a smile. It was true that while he was considered a master archer in all of Middle Earth across all races, Haerelion was the undisputed master of the sword. His sword collection, however, was the only thing he didn't keep in Legolas' talan, hanging only three of his favourite blades on Legolas' walls, the others stayed in the Halls in Haerelion's old rooms, and Legolas now feared he was trying to take all of them back to fit in their talan considering he was taking much longer than Legolas expected.

"Speaking of whom," Rimben continued, oblivious to Legolas' worrying, "When are you going to finally put a betrothal ring on that lad's finger?"

Legolas stopped breathing and held his entire body frozen. "What?"

"Haerelion is more than old enough, and surely you have the king's blessing, he raised Haerelion, after all, and you two are already living together." Though it wasn't strictly tradition, the eldest elf in the relationship usually asked for the betrothal. "I just wonder how long that lad intends on waiting for you to make it official." Rimben laughed at some joke he must have thought terribly funny, though Legolas clearly failed to see the humour in it.

The only thing Legolas could think was remotely funny was that his adar would most likely approve such a union if it meant Legolas would stay in Greenwood, and Middle Earth at large. Legolas was pretty sure his adar was prepared to accept anything to ensure his son didn't sail away from him forever. But as the larger population of Greenwood were unaware of Legolas' condition – the king wanting it kept that way – Legolas could hardly expect Rimben to understand.

"Unless, of course," Rimben paused, curiously watching Legolas' stiff reaction, "you're not together..."

"He's taken," Legolas said forcefully, the words spilling out of his mouth without a second thought.

The amused smile that spread over Rimben's face was as funny to Legolas as his earlier humour, which was to say not at all. Eventually, the elf seemed to realise that his presence was not welcomed and he took the hint and left with a parting declaration that he would see him later.

Legolas had just let loose an angry huff once he was sure Rimben had well and truly left, when Haerelion slipped up behind him and sat down on the rock Rimben had just vacated. Legolas jerked with a start.

"Haerelion!"

How had he not heard him coming?

Haerelion's face was oddly neutral, graced with only a small, unassuming smile as he nodded to Legolas and indicated the long sword in its scabbard at his side. "Ready?"

On the tip of his tongue was the question of whether Haerelion had heard what Rimben had said, for it seemed impossibly coincidental that Haerelion would show up mere moments after Rimben had left. But like every time he'd hesitated for the past 30 years, not sure if he wanted to start the conversation the answer would create, Legolas once again held his tongue and nodded.

...

It soon became obvious that Haerelion had indeed heard.

Just like the trip to Anfalas, Haerelion barely spoke a word to him the entire time. This was, of course, less obvious to those around him as they were accompanying a party of 12 other elves, all of whom were delighted to be under the attention of the young elf. Thankfully, Rimben was among just a few who seemed to be interested in Haerelion in that way; romantically, that is. To many, Haerelion was still a child, the youngest elf in Middle Earth, and they loved giving Haerelion attention just as much as they loved receiving it from him.

That Haerelion's bedroll ended up a little closer to Legolas' than usual when they travelled together outside the talan was not picked up by anyone else. Legolas wasn't about to say anything with so many present, and no one else seemed to notice anything out of the ordinary. Or at least, they didn't say anything if they did.

The group eventually reached the mountains and split up into units of threes and fours, with Haerelion and Legolas in a group with Laegil, one of the few females of the troop. They had only been walking for a couple hours before they came upon their first giant spider web that was luckily empty. It was always better to meet these things away from their home base. It was several more minutes before they met their first acromantula.

Laegil whistled sharply and hissed, "To your left."

But Haerelion already had his sword out, ready to start cutting at the beast's leg, while Legolas was letting an arrow fly straight into one of its many eyes. Stumbling and spitting madly, the giant spider lunged at Legolas, but not before Haerelion darted forward and slashed through three of the spider's legs with skilled efficiency.

Downed and nearly blinded, Legolas crept up behind it and dealt the last blow in the form of an arrow to its underside, just beneath its neck.

Legolas swung his bow behind his back while Haerelion cleaned off his sword before sliding it back in his scabbard. Laegil, meanwhile, was still standing with her hand on her long knife, frozen mid-pose, mouth half open in amazement. It had taken less than thirty seconds for Haerelion and Legolas to put that thing down and they were already prepared for the next one.

"Well," Laegil began, once she'd gotten her voice back. "I don't see why you even need a third person in this group, but if you would be so kind as to leave something for us lesser immortals to do next time, I would greatly appreciate it." Bowing her head in mock appeal, she led the group away deeper into the mountains to meet their next adversary.

Haerelion and Legolas looked briefly at one another, their minds solely on the battle that had just taken place, and shrugged, not understanding what was wrong with Laegil.

"Does she want to start it next time?" Haerelion asked as he walked beside Legolas, a few paces from their female group member. "It just makes more sense to start from afar and blind it first to exploit the weakness in its eyes, and that's done best with a bow and arrow. Her long knife wouldn't be nearly as effective and would be far more dangerous," Haerelion reasoned.

Legolas nodded. He supposed she could help Haerelion in cutting it down, exposing its underside, or let her deal the killing blow, but again, that was best done with a bit of distance, in case the spider tried for a last attack to take one of its killers down with it. If he perceived the situation as too dangerous, Haerelion would use his magic to aid Legolas, but only sparingly. He had not forgotten Legolas' words about Mithrandir years ago, and generally kept his gift between himself and Legolas. It was safer that way.

Cutting it down at the legs it was then. He left Haerelion to be the one to pass on the message to Laegil before they encountered the next one.

The following 26 overgrown arachnids they encountered that day, including the three large nests they'd found before meeting up with another group to make camp for the night, were dealt with swiftly and smoothly as well. Laegil had once again been given little opportunity to join in, though by no conscious intention of either Haerelion or Legolas. By the end of the day, though, she wasn't even bothering to try.

"I'm joining your group," Laegil declared to the other elves that night.

The team looked oddly at her in bemusement. "We are already three. Do you propose a trade?" asked Arveldir, looking pointedly between Legolas and Haerelion, probably wondering what they had done to drive their teammate away.

Laegil shook her head. "No." She crossed her arms, showing only the slight disgruntlement that she was really feeling. "They don't need another person on their team. They do just fine on their own. I've not even gotten a chance to free my blade from its sheath yet. These two work too fast to be reckoned with, and I want the chance to shed some acromantula blood!" She whipped out her long knife in front of her for emphasis, the swift ringing of the metal echoing in the ears of all present.

Legolas bowed his head in guilt. He had noticed that she had been getting more and more restless as the day went on, but it was hardly his and Haerelion's fault that she was continually too slow to help out. He and Haerelion had been working like a team at this since Haerelion had been big enough to hold a sword. Perhaps this hunt had been a bad idea after all.

"No matter," Úlloth cut in quickly, looking at the other members of her group with a small smile, finally reserving a special one for Legolas and Haerelion. "We can take Laegil, as long as you promise to return to the city by the end of the week with no injuries and plenty of spider carcasses left in your wake," she commanded, only half-joking. After all, it would not do for both the king's sons to come back injured, or worse yet, not at all. But it was clear that no one in the group expected that to be an issue and let the matter drop.

In the morning, Haerelion and Legolas split ways with the others and climbed higher up the mountain. Once again, the awkward silence had fallen between them and Legolas was starting to get anxious and impatient. Haerelion, for his part, seemed as distant and reserved as he had during their time at Anfalas. But this time he also seemed more nervous and unsure of himself, if his occasional glances at Legolas, scrutinising his face as if searching for something, were any indication. However, he had given no suggestion that he was adverse to Laegil leaving last night, which left Legolas perturbed and confused. Was he bothered to be alone with Legolas or not?

Yes, things had become a bit more awkward between them the last few decades, but they should still be able to tell each other anything. Well, anything that was not related to Anfalas. And this wasn't...was it?

Legolas pushed the thought to the back of his mind for now, seeing as neither he nor Haerelion were willing to deal with it at the moment, and instead concentrated on the task at hand.

They killed off another 38 spiders that day with the same adept effectiveness, without a word passing between them. They had one another's backs and that seemed to work fine for the most part. But by nightfall, inside a small cave, sans fire – seeing as they were in the heart of the mountain where the spiders were most prevalent – Legolas decided that enough was enough.

They had just laid out their bedrolls and were sitting by the light of a small crystal given to Legolas by Lady Galadriel before her departure from the Grey Havens, when Legolas broke the silence.

"We need to talk."

Haerelion was turned away from him, having just removed his shirt to get ready for bed, but Legolas could see the muscles in his bare back tense in reply.

In a sombre, apprehensive voice, Haerelion replied, "What do you want to talk about?"

Legolas waited until Haerelion had gotten the hint to turn around and face him, before going over to sit directly in front of the other elf, their knees just touching. Haerelion stiffened slightly, and then visibly forced himself to relax.

"What?" Haerelion asked, almost belligerently.

But Legolas was having none of it. Taking Haerelion's face in his hands, Legolas held him there steadily and said, "This," before kissing him for the second time in their lives.

This time Haerelion did not kiss back at first. He clamped his lips shut tightly and refused to move. But Legolas was adamant, not moving away until Haerelion gave in and returned the ardent affection.

Haerelion didn't last long, soon relaxing his lips to Legolas' and moving against them just as enthusiastically. Haerelion raised his hands to grip Legolas' wrists, which were slowly making their way up Haerelion's cheeks and down through his hair.

The temperature of the cave rose quickly and engulfed the two as they let loose 30 years worth and more of pent up passion and desire.

Eventually, after several minutes had passed and both elves were looking thoroughly mussed, Legolas broke away for air.

Haerelion immediately seemed to come to himself and opened his mouth to protest, "But you're –"

"No," Legolas shook his head, his voice breathy yet firm, "not now. Just..." and he leant in to kiss him again. This time Haerelion gave no initial protest and moved his lips against Legolas' just as fiercely, fingering through Legolas' hair, down his back, and mapping strange shapes around his waist.

The next time they broke, Legolas reached back up to trap Haerelion's face between his hands again. "Don't run away from me this time," he said, breathing slightly more heavily than usual. "Tell me what this means."

Haerelion frowned then. Taking Legolas' hands from his face and placing them in his lap, he looked down at their enjoined hands for several minutes before lifting his eyes to Legolas'.

"I love you," Haerelion whispered fervently, but his eyes said everything else. This was not solely the love of a best friend, or the familial connection between them, this was Haerelion declaring who his heart had chosen as his bonded spouse, and that there would be no other besides Legolas in his life.

Haerelion raised one hand to cup the side of Legolas' face and made sure Legolas did not look away, not that he had any intention of doing so. He revelled in the magical heat that unintentionally sparked through their contact and only just kept himself from closing his eyes and ignoring all other sensations but the one Haerelion provided.

"Can't you see?" Haerelion asked, rubbing small circles across Legolas' cheek. "You belong with me. Me. Not the Sea," he whispered fervently, "Not the West, or the Valinor. You're mine. I just can't imagine it any other way." He licked his lips and his nostrils were flaring again as he took a deep breath that Legolas knew was not needed strictly from the kissing.

Haerelion did not wait for an answer, though, and his next words explained why. "But I know that your heart is already taken by the Sea." He swallowed and took another deep, steadying breath, seemingly steeling himself for something, before forging on, "But I am here to make my intentions known, that I would do everything in my power to take it back. To fight for your heart, against the pull of the Valinor themselves in order to keep you here with me.

"You belong with me," he repeated in earnest. "I know it. You are meant to be with me, not taken by the Sea," he said, shaking his head slowly, an errant tear running down his cheek, which he quickly wiped away with an embarrassed, angry glare directed downwards.

Legolas wasn't able to respond at first, other than to not protest when Haerelion brought their lips together again.

Legolas was absolutely certain he loved Haerelion in that way as well. And though Haerelion was right – his heart had been taken by the Sea – he also knew that the Sea did not own his entire heart and soul. Haerelion had always had at least half of Legolas since the first time the blonde had held him safely against his chest as a baby.

All he knew was that they were going to make this work. Legolas would accept nothing else.

"You're right," Legolas said finally in the quiet cave, vaguely wondering how Haerelion had ended up half in his lap already. They could not get any closer, yet Haerelion was all for the impossible and was not letting go any time soon, wrapping Legolas tightly in his arms as if in protest to his next words. "My heart has been calling out to the Sea since I first heard the white gulls' cry in Pelargir. And my heart has not found peace under the trees of Greenwood since. But neither do I want to leave Middle Earth yet."

Haerelion looked apprehensively at Legolas, not yet sure how to react or what that meant.

"I wish to start a community in Ithilien, as I'd planned on doing years ago, where the Anduin is near, and their waters lead to the Sea!" He leant forward and laid a quick kiss on Haerelion's mouth in his excitement.

Haerelion's whole face dropped at that exclamation, as soon as the kiss was over. Haerelion looked down and away, though he continued to clutch at Legolas' arms in his hold.

"If that is what you truly want, then," he swallowed, "then I will help you," he said, though Legolas could hear his voice breaking slightly. "You should do what you love and be near that which makes you happy." He took another deep breath and forged on. "I shall help you talk with Adar, if you like, to make known to the Elves of Greenwood the offer of moving south. You will thrive there, I know. It will become the fairest country in all of Middle Earth, and elves from all over will flock to be a part of it." Haerelion shook his head again as his voice seemed to have abandoned him and he could no longer continue past the lump obstructing the words in his throat.

Legolas' heart dropped to his stomach as he watched Haerelion choke for words and show his support for Legolas. Enfolding the dark-haired elf's entire body in his arms, Legolas put his mouth next to Haerelion's ear and whispered, "I wish for you to come with me. I couldn't leave Greenwood unless you were at my side."

"Legolas," Haerelion breathed, shaking his head rapidly from side to side, "I couldn't. I just – I'll go to Lothlórien instead. When you leave... I wouldn't be able to –"

"You would come with me."

Silence met his statement for a stretch of time, which Legolas marked by the passing of Haerelion's heart beating slowly in his chest.

"I want you to come with me," Legolas repeated, leaning forward to kiss the tip of Haerelion's ear for good measure.

"But," Haerelion drew back and shook his head, "But I'm a Silvan Elf. Middle Earth is my home. I couldn't – I can't – it's –"

Legolas rushed forward to kiss him once again, putting an effective end to all arguments for the moment.

"We don't know that for sure. You could be Teleri for all that we know. You have Istari blood in you, that is all we know for certain.

"But either way it doesn't matter, I wouldn't care where you come from because all I know is that you're right. You belong with me. And as long as I have you by my side, the Sea won't drown me in its powerful currents or take me away to be lost among the waves.

"I will stay on Middle Earth for as long as you desire, but I hope," Legolas' feverish stare betrayed the desperate ache in his heart as he laid his soul bare for Haerelion to make the final decision, "I hope that you will eventually be ready to join me and sail west to the Valinor."

Haerelion took a shuddering breath before answering, "I would bind myself to you, if you would have me."

Legolas' whole face broke out in a smile, his eyes glimmering with joy as he whispered, "Illumë," and then went in for yet another pleasurable meeting of lips. He didn't think he would ever be able to get enough of this, and as long as Haerelion was agreeing, Legolas didn't plan to stop. (Always)

...

Much later, the light of the morning sun streaming through the cave found Legolas and Haerelion laying entangled on one cot. Arms and legs threaded together, Legolas' chest pressing against Haerelion's back, and both heads resting against the same pillow.

"There is a saying, you know," Legolas whispered, a contented smile on his lips as he brushed them against the back of Haerelion's neck, "That the Sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever, but more importantly, a star, once it falls to earth, leaves its imprint of passion eternally fixed in your eyes."

Haerelion turned his head to look at Legolas' face.

"You are that distant star that's fallen upon my path, and whether the Sea has me under its spell or not, I will never be able to look away from you. And I have no desire to either."

Haerelion smiled and turned his entire body around to burrow deeper into the warmth that was Legolas.

The Sea no longer mattered because Legolas was his, no matter where the winds took them or what lay in Valinor, the Blessed Lands. Legolas was his.

"That is good to hear," Haerelion responded, moving his lips smoothly against Legolas' collarbone, "because I expect an announcement of our betrothal when we return. I cannot tell you how difficult it is to be living with you and able to do little else than watch you bathe."

Legolas' eyes widened in shock and he pulled back to look at Haerelion's innocently perplexed-looking expression. "You watch me bathe?"

Haerelion rolled his eyes. "Of course. There is no other time to see you, and now I must wait a year yet before I can bed you properly."

Closing his mouth once more, a light of amusement sprang into his eyes as Legolas growled playfully, declaring Haerelion a little demon. He pounced on his intended, though finding it a bit hard to do when they were already so entwined with one another, so he settled for rolling around the cave in a spirited wrestle until Haerelion gave surrender in a breathy laugh.

When they finally left the cave hours later, it was almost midday, and both had decided that telling their father about their betrothal was more important than finishing off a few overgrown arachnids. The spiders would still be there later, but right now they needed to concoct a good plan to get their father's approval of the betrothal, seeing as Haerelion was not yet of age and they technically needed his permission.

Having the same father and no mother, while both being considered princes of Greenwood, yet without being brothers, categorised their marriage as unorthodox in the first place, but that wasn't necessarily what was troubling them. Legolas was sure they would have the king's wholehearted approval, but under the pretence that by marrying Haerelion, Legolas had chosen to stay in Middle Earth. Otherwise, who knew what the king's reaction would be?

One thing at least was certain, it shouldn't exactly be a surprise for Thranduil that they were officially together and asking for a betrothal. The anxiety of the couple came more from the guilt of not revealing their true intentions to their father until after they had garnered his approval for the betrothal.

Thranduil had only gotten more and more fanatical over the years, obsessed with keeping Legolas in Greenwood at all costs. It had not been hard a decision to keep their trip to Anfalas a secret, and they'd never had any intention of telling anyone. But now they needed not only their father's approval of the betrothal, but also the elven-lord's sanction to start a colony in Ithilien with other elves that were interested.

This would have to be dealt with the utmost discretion and poise.

Legolas figured he would be the one doing most of the talking.

...

"Le suilon, Adar," Legolas said as he entered his father's halls. (I greet thee, Father)

"Legolas! Haerelion! Im gelir ceni ad lín. Back so early from the hunt?" King Thranduil stood from his throne to greet his two sons, embracing both warmly. (I am happy to see you again.)

"Come, come, sit down and tell me what news you have. I have not had both my sons together with me in some time. You have stolen Haerelion completely from under my grasp, Legolas. I should have known the moment you first set eyes on him," their father said affectionately, negating any sting of accusation in the words.

Legolas jumped on the subject, though, with both feet. "Actually, it is funny you should mention that father, because I come to you with a request today regarding Haerelion."

"You're not planning on taking him to see that little dwarf in his caves again, are you?" Thranduil narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "I don't think it's good for the boy to be surrounded by so many dwarves at such a young age. Impressionable," he muttered darkly to himself. He fixed his gaze piercingly on Legolas, daring him to ask for such permission again.

Legolas had to grind his teeth against fighting another pointless battle for the sake of his dear friend. This was not about Gimli or the Dwarves today. "No, I have come to ask for your consent on my betrothal to Haerelion and permission to use the royal rings for the ceremony."

The king's face grew slack in shock, and he stumbled back a step, looking blankly between Legolas and Haerelion, and back again. The couple stood stock still as the seconds ticked by and the king pinned them both with a penetrating stare.

And then suddenly he exclaimed, "That's wonderful!" Thranduil sprang up to engulf both sons in yet another hug that was, if possible, fiercer than the last. "I have been waiting for this day since I took Haerelion in as my own," he declared stepping away until he was an arm's length away from them both, a hand still on each of their shoulders, and looked back and forth between the two with a father's pride. "I cannot begin to express how happy you have just made me. Of course I give my consent!"

Haerelion and Legolas shared a guilty look. Neither of them had expected him to be so excited over this new development, which would only make their leaving in a year, after the marriage ceremony and feast were complete, all that much more difficult. For right then, with a single glance it had been decided. They would wait till after the wedding to request a faction to accompany them to Ithilien. To do so beforehand would be suicidal.

With a slightly heavy heart, Legolas followed his father out of the hall to look for the royal betrothal rings for Haerelion and him.

...

One Year Later

...

Legolas walked in to see Haerelion gazing down at the elven betrothal ring on his left hand with a look of unmitigated pride and happiness. Hoping that look was a result of what it symbolised with Legolas, and not the ring itself, Legolas sidled up behind him and slipped something around his neck.

"I'm home," he said as he met Haerelion for a proper kiss 'hello'.

"Welcome back," Haerelion said with a smile before looking down to see what Legolas had bestowed upon him.

It was the silver scallop shell necklace with the carved wooden starfish Haerelion had given Legolas years ago.

"I saw it outside and knew you were home," Legolas said with a smile, "but father's guards were strolling by down below and I thought it would be best to remove it from sight."

"Good thinking," Haerelion nodded and then went back to staring at his ring.

"A petal for your musings?"

Haerelion smiled but didn't answer at first, choosing to remain silent for a bit. Legolas came over and sat down on his lap, finding the chair unsuitable next to the tempting picture his betrothed presented.

"I can't believe it's been a year already," Haerelion finally said, encircling Legolas' waist with his arms to ensure he didn't move. "I can't believe we're going to be leaving Greenwood."

"You want to leave, right?" Legolas wrapped his arms around Haerelion's shoulders and rested their foreheads against one another. "I'm not forcing you here, am I?" he asked worriedly.

Yes they had been planning for every possible situation this entire year the betrothal had lasted, especially deciding how to deal with Thranduil and what they would do if he denied their request. Where they would go, and who they would stay with while the king's ire died down. But Legolas still felt the occasional shiver of guilt wrack him when he thought of all he was taking from Haerelion, all the decisions had been made for him really, without Haerelion having any choice in the matter.

"Legolas," Haerelion breathed softly, effectively garnering his full attention. "I will follow you to the ends of Middle Earth and beyond if it means I still get to wake up in your arms every morning and go to sleep in them every night. Never doubt that."

Legolas was sure his responding smile was bright enough to outshine the sun at the moment. Part of him knew he must look a fool, but every time he heard Haerelion confirm his feelings, he felt like he could sail over the moon itself.

"Now, my dear elf," Haerelion intoned, jolting Legolas in his lap as he lifted his knees, "we have wedding vows to exchange before I can finally claim you as mine. Come," he instructed, looping an arm under Legolas' legs and behind his back so that when he stood up and started walking to the bedroom he took his betrothed with him. "We must dress."

...

The sweet scent of jasmine and moss after a freshly fallen rain hung heavy in the summer air. The heat of the day was just beginning to let up and the sun was just starting its descent in the sky when the moment finally arrived.

Under the great beech and elm, Haerelion and Legolas came together to be united as one in the eyes of all elves. They were dressed and fixed up in a manner befitting the titles they held as Princes of Greenwood, but that mattered little to them as all that counted in their eyes was each other's presence in that moment.

Legolas held his intended's hand as he prepared himself to speak the words that would forever intertwine their very souls. Hearing their guests settle around them, waiting in anticipation, and feeling the forest itself quiet as the trees released a wistful sigh at the sight of two of their children bonding, Legolas began.

"I, Legolas Thranduilion, Prince of Greenwood pledge my heart and soul to Haerelion Elingollor, Prince of Greenwood, under the eyes of Eru Ilúvatar, Creator and Father of All."

Haerelion smiled softly in reply, in acceptance, and Legolas knew that no words could describe the amazingly blissful feeling of happiness and relief that spread through him in that moment. But it was nothing compared to what Haerelion's next words did to him.

Squeezing Legolas' fingers in anticipation of completing his part of the ceremony, Haerelion was quick to respond with, "I, Haerelion Elingollor, Prince of Greenwood pledge all that I am, my heart, my soul, and all the seconds of my immortal life to Legolas Thranduilion, Prince of Greenwood, one of the Nine Walkers, and dear friend to the great leaders of Middle Earth, under the eyes of Eru Ilúvatar, Creator and The All High One."

Haerelion smiled, letting Legolas know that he had meant every word he'd said and had wanted Legolas and all those present to know. Their guests mainly consisted of their father, a couple guards, several honoured guests of their father's acquaintance, and of course King Elessar, Lady Arwen, the hobbits Merry, Pippin, and Sam, and even Lord Gimli. Gimli had affirmed that he would do anything for his two dear friends, the only two elves he held in higher esteem than Lady Galadriel herself, and would not have missed their bonding ceremony for all of the precious gems in the world. Needless to say, Legolas and Haerelion were deeply moved by his words.

But besides their closest friends, it mattered not to them who attended. They would have just as easily had a small, private ceremony, but as Princes of Greenwood, something slightly bigger and more notable was required. Their father had finally – thankfully – settled on just a hundred guests after much negotiation, mainly on Legolas' part.

To be honest though, they were just glad the rest of the elven lords had already sailed into the West, or who could tell what their father would have gotten away with - inviting all of Rivendell and Lothlórien too?

Their thoughts were far from such trivial things as the guest list, however, as after exchanging the vows, the rings were brought forth. Simple betrothal rings of white gold with a single diamond in the centre were returned and exchanged for elaborate platinum rings made of thick, knotted designs with small blue topaz and peridot gems embedded all the way around the band. Legolas took great care sliding the ring onto his husband's index finger, smiling at the perfect fit. Haerelion soon followed, slipping an identical ring onto Legolas' finger reverently. Now they would never come off.

The union was sealed with a kiss, which lasted as long as propriety would allow, before they turned to greet their guests as husband and husband.

Leading the group from the cliffside by King Thranduil's Halls, the ceremony was followed by a feast on the grounds below Legolas and Haerelion's talan, all organised by their father, who had revelled in all the planning details, however simple and small. Both Haerelion and Legolas were relieved to have been able to curtail their father's more lofty ideas and keep it as simple as it was.

The celebration lasted well into the night, with many speeches being given by an elated father, who was hardly put out by representing both grooms, but seemed all the more excited for it. Food and wine flowed bountifully and all who passed by were welcomed in to take part in the festivities – and when had an elf ever turned away an opportunity of merriment?

At long last though, Legolas and Haerelion were given leave to retire and finish the marriage ceremony by consummating the union in the privacy of their own home.

Haerelion led Legolas by the hand up the tree with ease, and they didn't look back as they slipped inside.

...

Haerelion did not let go of Legolas' hand all the way to the bedroom, where Haerelion turned back into Legolas' arms and mirrored their pose from earlier, with Legolas wrapping his hands around Haerelion's waist and Haerelion wrapping his arms around Legolas' shoulders.

No words were spoken as they let the heady silence of the night settle in around them and they slowly breathed each other in.

Haerelion started by reaching up and carefully undoing the elaborate plaits and pins that twisted Legolas' hair until it all hung down his back and spilled over his shoulders. He ran a caressing hand down the silky strands, and then back up, whereupon Haerelion cupped the back of Legolas' head and dragged him in for a short, sweet kiss. He then proceeded to press both hands down and over to the front of Legolas' dress tunic, to slowly undo each and every ornate silver button, never taking his eyes off of Legolas' the entire time.

When the fine, silver and green tunic was finally pushed off little bit-by-bit, revealing smooth, muscled shoulders and a chiselled chest and stomach, Haerelion leant in to lay a soft kiss below Legolas' collarbone, and then moved back.

Legolas recognised it as his turn to reach up and softly start unwinding all of Haerelion's braids that he had put up hours before in honour of their ceremony. He took his time twisting his fingers through Haerelion's hair, remembering all the times he had had to redo this hair when Haerelion had come to Legolas as a little boy with his tresses in a mess from the pell-mell way he would rush to Legolas' side, wherever he was, like a hurricane unleashed.

He knew this hair better than his own; how it felt, how to brush it, how best to put it up when it was wet, or when it was five minutes before an important event or meeting that their father required their presence at and Haerelion had yet to understand the meaning of 'keeping presentable for an hour'.

But Legolas found that he liked taking Haerelion's hair apart just as much as putting it all up again. He mimicked Haerelion's manoeuvre from before and pulled him in for a simple kiss by tugging him forward by his locks. His hands then moved languidly over Haerelion's shoulders to start unbuttoning the other's tunic as well, with buttons that started from his right shoulder and cascaded down into the middle before slipping off to the left, like a sash of fastenings down his front.

Legolas was careful and slow, never taking his eyes off of Haerelion's as he gradually slipped the deep purple and green tunic off his spouse's shoulders and pressed their equally bare chests together. Legolas reached up his left hand to cup Haerelion's cheek just as Haerelion did the same, and they met for a much longer kiss this time. Eyes closed as they slowly moved with one another and against each other in an instinctual, sensual dance.

One thing they knew for sure, even as their minds filled with the images, feelings, and sensations of one another, of just being so close and ready to commit to each other in the final, most intimate act possible, was that they were going to take this nice and slow.

And they did.

...

For several days, Legolas and Haerelion spent their time leisurely exploring this new side of their bond, a side they thoroughly enjoyed. Sooner than later, though, they realised that they couldn't put off meeting with their father any longer.

That morning saw Haerelion and Legolas finally plucking up the courage and leaping into the breach.

They entered the Halls from the kitchen entrance, not wanting to draw any attention to the recently married princes in case it all went pear shaped and they had to slip away with all haste. Their rucksacks were already packed and slung on a branch halfway up the tree of their talan.

One way or another they would both be leaving Greenwood today, whether as fugitives of their own land or as emigrants. They would be at the Gates of Beleg, which had once separated Northern Mirkwood from Southern, before nightfall. From there they would take the Old Forest Road that would lead them to the Anduin. They planned to follow the river south, stopping only for a last goodbye to Lórien and Fanghorn Forest before continuing on foot to Aglarond and the Glittering Caves to see Gimli. From there they would make their way to Aragorn and Arwen and then finally trek east through the lands of Gondor towards Ithilien.

By the time they reached Ithilien, a year or so would have passed. Haerelion had been most insistent that Legolas not leave Middle Earth without saying a proper farewell to its lands and his friends. Though they both knew that this would likely not be the last time they saw their friends, it was the final journey and the final gesture that was important, which Haerelion would not let Legolas ignore.

And by that time, the couple would know whether their father had accepted their choice and allowed for more elves to join them, or else they would send word to others, not just of elven descent, to come join them. Either way, they were leaving today.

The two slipped into the side entrance of the Great Hall, a passage only used by the royal family and guards, and were relieved to find their father alone.

"My sons," the king cried, opening his arms to greet them. "What tidings bring you to my side again so soon after the bonding? Do you wish to move back into the Halls with me?" he asked hopefully; it was clear he believed his work of keeping Legolas at his side and away from the sea and the Valinor to be done. His marriage with the Silvan Prince Haerelion had guaranteed that.

The king sat back down on his throne, content and smiling, waiting for his sons to explain their unexpected visit.

But even guilt and sorrow of leaving one's birthplace would not sway their feet from their intended course.

"No, father," Legolas answered evenly.

"We actually have come to you with a request of another kind," Haerelion picked up from Legolas. "Now that we have been married under the eyes of Eru and our elven-lord, we wish to make known our wish of seeking a different home."

Fluidly, Legolas continued before their father could interrupt. "I had shared with you before my intent to build a community in Ithilien, along the River Anduin, with the final intention of building a ship and sailing into the West to greet my ancestors of old."

"We wish to make that dream into a reality," Haerelion smoothly took over, "and only ask for leave to permit some of our folk to join us in rebuilding the woods of the fair land of Ithilien and settling down a new elven community for some time to come."

The king's face was slowly darkening to a deep purple colour as the two spoke back and forth, not letting a breath pass between them. But as they finally fell silent and waited for the king's reply, they realised just by looking at their father's face that they already had his answer.

"No!" Their father burst out, springing up from his throne and taking a definitive stance. "You are my sons! You cannot leave. You cannot leave me!" He cried out desperately, the anguish audibly straining his voice. He strode forward determinedly and grasped Haerelion's shoulders firmly. "Haerelion, Greenwood is your home, I raised you here. You were supposed to keep Legolas' feet on Greenwood soil! You would not do this to me," he said, shaking his son frantically, "You would not leave."

Haerelion shook his head, letting himself be shaken without protest, as a single tear ran down his cheek. "I am sorry, Adar, it is what Legolas wants, and I cannot be parted from his side."

"No!" Thranduil cried again. He turned his head to looking pleadingly at Legolas and implored lovingly, "Legolas, my son, you would not wander so far away from home as to never return to your dear ada. You will not leave me?"

Legolas stepped forward and gently pulled his spouse from his father's grasp and held him to his chest tenderly.

"I promised you a century on Middle Earth, Adar. I will not abandon that promise, but my wish is to live those years out in Ithilien, where the Anduin is near, and the Andin leads to the Sea," he cried, despair evident in his own voice as well. The Anduin had been a prayer said in his head for so long, yet now that it was so close within his grasp he could feel only misery at the pain his and Haerelion's leaving was causing their adar. It was one thing to prepare oneself for the inevitable, but seeing the desperation so clear, so heart breaking on his adar's face...

"I cannot fight this any longer, Adar," he beseeched, shaking his head in desolation. "Though my heart and soul will never stray from Haerelion, my mind will not be at peace until I have crossed the Great Sea with Haerelion at my side."

Thranduil took a staggering step back as his gaze switched back and forth between his two sons. He seemed at a complete loss on what to say. Everything was falling apart around him and all he could see were his children moving away from him.

"No!" he shouted fiercely with determined authority for the third time, pounding his fist down with force through the air in front of him. "I forbid either of you to leave." He turned his head, a wild look in his eyes, and bellowed, "Guards!"

Legolas tightened his hold on Haerelion and turned his head just in time to see his spouse gazing fiercely back at him, clutching Legolas desperately.

"I wish we could just disappear," Haerelion whispered plaintively, eying the guards rushing in through the outer doors on the other side of the hall.

Legolas looked from his father to the guards, and then around the rest of the room with a calculating stare as he wrought his mind for the best escape possible. They hadn't exactly planned for this, Legolas thought, when an exclamation of alarm reverberated through the halls and stopped all movement.

Legolas looked up, assuming the guards were in a bind, shocked that they were being asked to subdue the Princes of Greenwood themselves. That is, until he heard his father bark, "Where did they go?!"

The guards' heads swivelled left and right as they looked around the great room, but otherwise stood stock still and made no move to advance any further.

"They were there, just a second ago." Their father pointed right at where they stood, but his eyes flickered blindly around as though he could no longer see them. "What happened?"

Legolas looked back over at Haerelion and saw that his husband had his eyes screwed up, still squeezing Legolas hard in his hold.

Legolas blinked and tried to wrap his head around the current situation. Was this miracle coming from Haerelion?

He knew he couldn't think too long before the guards and their father were woken from their stupor and decided to look for them regardless, whether they could see them or not.

Using all the silence his kind were blessed with, Legolas swiftly ushered Haerelion back towards the secret doorway through which they had entered. By the time they passed under the archway behind the throne, Haerelion had opened his eyes and the guards were moving again, their light footfalls echoing in sync in the hall.

Legolas pressed a finger to Haerelion's lips to silence the question he could see visibly blossoming on his lips, even as they remained invisible to all those around them.

'We need to get out of here,' Legolas mouthed, silently stealing through the kitchens, where not one elf batted an eyelash at their presence, and not just because it was not out of the ordinary. No one even looked their way, and any who did seemed to look right through them.

The couple quickly made their way back to the tree of their talan, climbed up halfway way to retrieve their bags, and escaped to the road towards their first destination. Neither elf looked back as they snuck away, doing their best not to make a noise as the sound of guard troops spilling from the castle met their ears. Of the few folk they passed, none of them gave Legolas or Haerelion a first glance, let alone a second.

Legolas quietly sighed, he hadn't expected to be leaving this way, but he knew it would be that much worse to stay and he knew that making any sort of noise to alert others of their presence was a decidedly bad idea. Gripping Haerelion's hand, they disappeared into the thicket.

...

It took them a good day's journey, but eventually they reached the Gates of Beleg, only a few miles from the Old Forest Road. The Gates were more of a name than any actual structure, but if Legolas had to describe them he would point to the two tallest trees in the forest, one of beech and one of elm, whose branches intersected just past the point it would be considered perilous for an elf to climb.

Stopping for the night, Legolas turned to Haerelion and felt his heart stop.

Silent tears were streaming down Haerelion's face, visible in the silvery opaque tracks coursing down his cheek that reflected the moonlight above. As Haerelion lifted a finger to wipe a path across Legolas' cheek, he realised that his own were not dry either.

Moving to sit them both down on the loam carpet of the forest, Legolas dragged Haerelion into his lap and wrapped his arms securely around the younger elf's waist, taking the moment to let their heart rates slow down from the nonstop running. Breathing in and out slowly, deeply, Legolas rested their foreheads together and closed his eyes, taking comfort in the fact that Haerelion was still with him and that despite whatever strange magic had happened, they could still see each other.

Opening his eyes finally, Legolas licked his lips and focused on remedying their current situation.

He granted the night its due respect and lowered his voice reverently to ask, "Can you, um, make us visible again?"

Haerelion shook his head in the negative while waving his hand over the two of them and Legolas realised, belatedly, that the gesture was not an indication of Haerelion's magical abilities. He didn't know how he knew, but he was fairly certain that they were visible to others once more.

"I used magic against Adar," Haerelion whispered frightfully, his eyes wide as he continued to stare unseeingly at a point below Legolas' chin.

Feeling somewhat relieved that he was now able to identify the problem, Legolas took a finger under Haerelion's chin and waited patiently until Haerelion's eyes came back into focus and centred on his. Laying both hands gently on Haerelion's face, he looked determinedly into his eyes and said, "Thank you".

"Thank you," he repeated when Haerelion started and made to break away. "What you did was wonderful. Don't doubt that," he spoke sombrely, kissing the young elf's lips softly for a moment that stretched in time. But eventually Legolas could feel his lover calming down again and he pulled back.

"We would have had a fight on our hands if it wasn't for you," Legolas assured, sure the situation would be much worse if Haerelion hadn't intervened as he had.

Haerelion did not make a comment, but took comfort in his presence and leaned in, allowing Legolas to wrap his arms around him once more before closing his eyes and whispering, just above the sound of a breeze, "But I've never done that before."

Haerelion was shaking his head frantically again against Legolas' shoulder and Legolas was at a loss again at what he was referring to.

Suddenly, Haerelion's eyes shot open and he lifted his head to look directly at Legolas with a crazed, worried expression on his face. Whispering fiercely, he gripped Legolas' arms in his hand and asked, "Legolas, how is this possible? I don't remember reading any books about elves being able to render themselves invisible, even the Maiar. That's not natural," he emphasised. "Only the Rings of Power...What did I just do?"

Legolas lowered his eyes in thought. Yes, he had been giving this much thought during their silent flight from their 'home', but little had been made clear to him over the hours he'd dedicated to finding an answer for Haerelion when his partner asked.

But he did know one thing for certain because he knew Haerelion. "You're magic is not an evil. It is a gift. We were invisible, yes, but we were not caught in the world of the wraiths like Frodo was when he put the Ring on. Sauron's evil is gone. You are not related to him in any way. Do you understand?"

"We still don't know who my parents were," Haerelion argued agitatedly. "And this is not normal."

Legolas held Haerelion all that much tighter as he whispered words he wasn't entirely sure of yet, but wanted to believe with all his heart. "They were elves. You are a full-blooded elf. That's all that matters. The bonding ceremony wouldn't have been accepted so completely in the eyes of Eru, you know that."

"But how is that?" Haerelion asked softly in a tone that sounded every bit defeated. "My magic is not inherently elven."

"Yet you're an elf," Legolas finished for him in a tone that brook no argument.

With a sigh, he cradled Haerelion's head in his hands again, twining his fingers through the loose strands of hair. "Let us not deliberate on it now," Legolas said, touching his forehead down against his partner's and breathing across the other's lips. "It has been a trying day. Let us sleep for now and we shall continue on in the morning."

It was left unsaid whether they would just be continuing on with the journey or the conversation, but it was rather imperative they continue both. Just after they had gotten some rest and time to think about it all. Haerelion was his first priority and it was obvious the price of magic, especially one so impressive, had taken its toll on his body.

Haerelion nodded acquiescingly and sank into Legolas' hold, all the energy seemed to have been sapped out of him and Legolas felt his lover's eyelashes skimming the skin on his neck as he fought off the pull of sleep.

Rolling out a blanket across the mossy ground, the two settled down to slumber; Legolas looking up into the bright, starry night sky – a million questions reflecting in his eyes – while Haerelion curled up into his side and pressed his face into Legolas' chest.

They were so close to home, to the Halls of Greenwood, and yet never had Legolas felt so far away and disconnected from the rest of the world. The only thing that mattered, though, the only thing he could think about at the moment, was the one at his side. The one who would always be at his side. And that was all that counted.

...

The sun shone across his eyes, making its way into his dreams long before Legolas realised it was morning. The warmth coming from the body pressed to his side and the sunlight falling gently from above had Legolas content to simply continue lying there.

As time was an immeasurable, unnecessary concept to his sleepy mind, Legolas wasn't sure how long he lay there before the body next to him shifted, and a hand came up to play with his hair.

"Where are your thoughts this morning?" a comfortingly familiar voice breathed in his ear, bringing him through the last gateway between unconscious repose and the waking world.

Smiling, Legolas opened his eyes and calmly breathed in the deep scent of the early morning forest before turning his head to kiss the mouth that had greeted him awake. He replied, "With you, of course," then sat up to stretch slowly and greet the fresh, crisp breeze that was dancing its way swiftly through the trees. Turning back to the elf still lying at his side, he asked, "Sleep well?"

The unspoken question of whether Haerelion felt any better from last night sang silently between the lines

Haerelion said nothing as he sat up to sit cross-legged, faced away from Legolas. With his head titled downward, looking blankly at the ground, Legolas could not read his expression; his emotions, however, were always open for Legolas to read. And currently they were in conflict. Thankfully though, Haerelion was much calmer this morning and his mind was much more composed and collected than last night.

"Our father has run us out of Greenwood," Haerelion intoned quietly, his entire body tense, not moving a muscle, like a speaking statue. His posture scared Legolas, but not so much as the words spoken that truly hit home in ways he hadn't been able to process last night.

They had as good as lost their father.

A heavy silence stretched between them as their situation became aired out in the open morning light. After a night's sleep and a moment to stop and think, everything suddenly became much more real. They could no longer go back, even if they had wanted to, they could only move forward now.

That had been their plan from the start, to settle in Ithilien for the rest of their time in Middle Earth until they chose to cross the Great Sea. But to know that they would never be welcome back in Greenwood without their father locking them up was a sobering thought.

"I'm sorry," Legolas said, knowing it wouldn't be enough, recognising all that Haerelion was giving up to be with him, but it was all he had to give at the moment.

Haerelion stirred from his frozen position and turned around to look directly at Legolas. Cracking a small, understanding albeit sad, smile, he nudged his way back to Legolas' side and took his hand lovingly, rubbing a warm thumb over the soft skin on the back.

"Don't be, love. We knew he wasn't going to let you go without a fight, and our marriage must have led him to the irrefutable conclusion that I had gotten you to stay somehow.

"I think he was in shock more than anything else. But," Haerelion moved closer to Legolas and slipped an arm around him, "he knew you had to leave eventually. He just never expected me to go with you."

Nothing more was said; nothing more could be said that wouldn't make the present situation worse. The only plausible thing to do now was to get up and continue on; they still had a month's journey ahead of them before they reached the halls of King Elessar. But before Legolas could get up and reach for his pack, Haerelion had reached up, took his head in his hands, and brought him in for a strong, soul-searing kiss.

When they broke, Legolas couldn't keep the silly grin off his face, despite the sombre thoughts still stalking around in his head. "What was that for?"

Haerelion just smiled and walked over to where they had dropped their bags last night.

"To remind you that I'm not going anywhere," he hoisted the pack on his back and handed Legolas his as well before adding, "And that you're not going anywhere without me, either."

And though their father had not accepted their decision to leave, and Haerelion's heritage was much more complicated than they thought, they wouldn't let themselves get lost in the pain because in the end, they were lucky to have one another. They still had a family in each other. Haerelion would be in his arms again tonight, and every night, with no plans of either of them ever changing that.

With a calming balm of hope in his heart, Legolas shouldered his pack and looked ahead down the forest path they would continue on.

"To Ithilien, and then the Sea."

...

19 years later

...

Legolas had not seen the sea since that tumultuous week in Anfalas with Haerelion over 50 years ago. He had chosen to keep it that way and stick to his promise by creating a new home for himself, Haerelion, and all those who wished to join them in Ithilien. The closest he had come to the sea for the last 50 years was by the waters of the Anduin.

It had been almost five years to the day that Legolas and Haerelion had slipped past view from their father's court, that King Thranduil sent a missive and a party of 50 elves to Ithilien. He would not come in person, for the king of Greenwood does not leave Greenwood once he claims the throne; a law Legolas' grandfather had put into place upon coming to Greenwood. But the gesture itself spoke volumes. Not to mention the note, lamenting their gaping absence in Greenwood and humbly asking forgiveness for a father's blind love, foolish hopes, and rash words.

Haerelion and Legolas both mourned the loss of that relationship with their father and the other part of their world that he chose never to know, recognising that they would not be returning to Greenwood before they departed into the West. But they kept in contact with him through many letters over the years, and their minds were at least put at ease to know they were not leaving with words left unsaid.

Haerelion had been accurate in his prediction of Ithilien thriving under their care as the fairest community in Middle Earth. Like the Glittering Caves, peoples of all races were welcomed in, but the majority of its inhabitants were elves who dedicated their time and care to bringing beauty and life back to the land.

It was at least seven years before Ithilien was successfully flourishing, aided much by the help of the Elves of Greenwood, and another five before the fame of its beauty and welcoming community was known across the lands. But finally, after 19 years, Legolas and Haerelion were ready to step down and say goodbye to Ithilien and Middle Earth once and for all.

Farewells had been exchanged with their friends, as the remaining members of the Fellowship gathered on the shores of Lebennin to see them off on the ship the couple had built for this very purpose. A small schooner framed in red cedar, 10 meters in length; she was a good, sturdy ship that would carry them safely across the Belegaer.

When it came to the final moments, though, Gimli and Legolas' parting was surely the hardest. Haerelion knew that had Legolas waited even another hundred years, Gimli would be boarding with them. He felt a small stab of guilt that he should be the lucky one awarded the place of honour by Legolas' side, but his excitement was too great to be contained or subdued. He was most eager to meet Mithrandir, Frodo, and the rest of Legolas' friends from the Fellowship.

A hand fell heavy upon his shoulder and Haerelion looked up to see Aragorn, the Ranger King, and somewhat of a mentor that Haerelion had looked up to since meeting him all those years ago. His own son, Eldarion, had become good friends with Haerelion, and they had grown up together in many ways. Father and son had both been there for the couple since they left Greenwood, and they would, by far, be among the small group that he and Legolas would miss the most.

Unfortunately, Eldarion had to stay behind in Gondor to watch the throne while Aragorn and Arwen came to bid the couple farewell. Haerelion had already said his goodbyes to his friend and brother weeks before when they'd visited the White City for the last time. It had been one of the hardest goodbyes he'd made.

Looking now up into Aragorn's kind, slightly lined face, and seeing past the regal king to the devoted father and husband, Haerelion felt another stone drop in his stomach. There were so many people they were leaving behind. Haerelion had pledged long ago that he would follow Legolas to the ends of the world, and he would never fall back on his word, but that didn't make leaving behind everyone he cherished in his life any easier.

"Take care of him, Haerelion," Aragorn said in rough, emotion-filled voice. "It is not easy saying goodbye to friends so dear to my heart, but I will rest easier knowing that you are with him." Aragorn squeezed his shoulder lovingly and Haerelion looked up to see Arwen nodding at him a few feet away in agreement with her husband. "All I ask is that even when a millennia has gone by and we are all dead and gone, that you still remember us."

Haerelion smiled tightly and swallowed past the lump in his throat to answer, "How could we possibly forget you," Haerelion trailed off after that, not able to get any more words out coherently. One would think in a hundred years he would have been well prepared for this eventual departure, but seeing the same fondness reflected back in Aragorn's eyes made it that much harder.

But Aragorn seemed to understand, because he pulled Haerelion in for a warrior's embrace and gently bestowed the blessing of a kiss on his forehead, much like he would if it were his own son setting out for a long journey. Only from this journey there would be no return.

Eventually all goodbyes had been said and Haerelion and Legolas stood back from the group, surveying their friends one last time. Haerelion couldn't help but think, 'this was it'. He was still so young, only a hundred summers; a young elf just reached adulthood in the eyes of his people. And here he was taking a journey reserved for the elders of his race who had suffered great loss or hardship. He wasn't ready in so many ways. If not for Legolas' presence in his heart, his soul would be crying vehemently at the fundamental wrongness of leaving Middle Earth. But he couldn't possibly change his mind now. He had cemented his place at Legolas' side and he wouldn't leave.

There were no more words to be spoken, and Haerelion was sure that even if he tried he wouldn't be able to produce anything but silence.

Legolas seemed to feel the same, but the melancholy he was feeling was also laced with the thrill of excitement, fulfilled destinies, and good things to come.

Which is why it was no surprise for Haerelion to suddenly see Legolas, eyes alight with adventure and anticipation, turn from his friends and face the open sea before him. His utter elation in the moment was palpable. Holding his head high, he bound towards the makeshift platform leaning against the side of the ship, crying,

"To the Sea, to the Sea! The white gulls are crying,

The wind is blowing, and the white foam is flying.

West, west away, the round sun is falling.

Great ship, great ship, I hear you calling,

The voices of my people that have gone before me,

I will leave, I will leave the woods that bore me;

For our days are ending and our years failing.

We will pass the wide waters boldly sailing.

Long are the waves on the Last Shore falling,

Sweet are the voices in the Lost Isle calling,

In Eressea, in Elvenhome that no man can discover

Where the leaves fall not: land of my people for ever"

Haerelion laughed at his love's antics, his heart momentarily feeling a little lighter at the reminder that he was not going alone. He would be with the person he loved the most in his life.

Hearing the tearful chuckles of his friends behind him, Haerelion turned his head to watch Legolas bound ahead and climb aboard the red schooner, where he stopped for a moment as he stepped on deck, to gaze longingly at the steady horizon.

It was time.

Haerelion turned to smile at all those present one last time and then followed Legolas aboard.

This was not the great Grey Ships, but it would do perfectly for two. As Legolas pulled the short platform on deck, Haerelion moved to drop the sails. Working around each other, they swiftly prepared the ship to set sail. At long last, Haerelion took the finishing task upon himself and released a bit of magic to lend wind to the sails, finally pushing their ship from shore.

All was quiet as they listened to the wood slowly scrape across the bottom sand and rocks in the shallow waters, and then break free to deeper depths. The wind started to blow fiercely in the sails, beating against the canvas like drums that echoed back to land.

And then they were moving.

Standing together on deck, leaning against the gunwale, Legolas and Haerelion waved their final farewells until those on shore could not see them anymore and the couple let their last glance of Middle Earth burn into their memories forever.

Giving one last fond gaze of parting to the distant shore, Haerelion closed his eyes and breathed deeply of the briny, ocean air, the wood and resin of the ship, and the fresh scent of canvas from the sails. He listened to the creaking of the mast being pulled by the ropes and wood settling in the water, the gentle slap of the waves against the hull as it moved with the wind, and felt the salty mist lightly spitting at him from all sides.

And for once, it made sense. Legolas' love of the sea was more than just a symbolic longing to join their people in the Undying Lands: Haerelion could hear the crying of the seagulls, the whisper of the winds, and the song of the Sea. And it all made sense. It all came together in a beautiful symphony that was beckoning him forward, summoning him to its depths.

"The Sea," Haerelion breathed, recalling Legolas' words from years ago, "once it casts its spell, holds your very soul in its net of wonder forever. And how could you ever wish to be let go?"

Warm arms wrapped around him from behind and a familiar chin pressed into his shoulder to look upon the same horizon.

The waters were calm and their heading was set, with no one else in the waters with them, so Haerelion did not worry for the moment that no one was at the helm.

"Where are your thoughts now?" Haerelion asked his husband softly, sure that he was about to be serenaded with another sonnet about the beauty of the sea and the calling of the West. But he was amusingly surprised when no such thing was whispered in his ear.

"With you, of course," Legolas said, turning his head on Haerelion's shoulder to look at his profile. "Are you okay?"

Haerelion knocked his head back softly against Legolas' and smiled. Thinking for a moment, Haerelion let the seconds draw out before deciding to respond in the way Legolas would understand best, with words of rhyme and meaning slightly obscured.

"The time has come, the Walrus said,

to talk of many things;

Of shoes –and ships – and sealing wax –

Of cabbages – and kings –

And why the sea is boiling hot –

And whether pigs have wings"

Chuckling in amused perplexity, Legolas tightened his hold on Haerelion and asked, "And where did you come up with that?"

Haerelion shrugged. "You have your poetry and I have mine."

A few seconds later, in response to Legolas' expectant, waiting silence, Haerelion added, "I'm not sure, it kind of just popped into my head from somewhere..."

"Hmm." Legolas released Haerelion and moved to stand next to him, gripping the gunwale in his hands. "I suppose that is all I can expect to get from you for now."

Haerelion followed Legolas' lead and closed his eyes again to focus on the feel of salty spray misting skin. He could tell Legolas that he felt like he was leaving part of himself behind, a price to pay for stepping into a new adventure that was calling him – them – to uncover the secrets of the deep blue sea. He could tell Legolas that he wished his arms were longer so that he could reach down and scoop up the white foam cresting the waves beating past the hull. He could tell Legolas that he was content just being there with him and was eager to meet Mithrandir to find out more about his heritage. He could tell Legolas that he looked out upon the sea just now and couldn't imagine how he'd managed to ignore its beauty and alluring, spellbinding song for all this time. It was riveting.

In fact, if it were up to him, he may never want to reach land again. Maybe it had something to do with the marriage bond. Maybe now that it was finally happening Haerelion was letting himself see all the wonder he'd purposefully turned a blind eye to before, in fear that it would take Legolas from his side forever.

But now he had no such fears, and none of it really mattered anymore; he knew Legolas was his.

Turning his head to look at Legolas, who was staring out at the miles and miles of waves in constant motion, mapped out before them with a look of utter bliss on his face, Haerelion said softly, "I'm great."

Legolas looked quickly over in surprise, a happy smile blooming on his face, his eyes searching Haerelion's for the honesty in his words.

"You mean that?" Legolas asked, just as softly, the lapping waves and blustering winds making more noise than his voice projected.

A childish smile sprang on his face in answer and Haerelion jerked softly as he felt the wind pick up and the ship start moving a bit faster, though still staying on course. Feeding into the sails, Haerelion added his own extra push, and then it was like they were flying!

The waves pushing up onto the sides of the ship were splashing higher than before and Haerelion had an idea. Leaning forward, he reached his arm out to scoop up the top spray from the waves, which pushed down upon his hand with a force he was not expecting. Smiling in spite of himself, he flicked the water in his hands up at Legolas' face, hitting him right on his forehead and nose, and then danced out of the way to the other side of the deck before his spouse could retaliate.

He heard a cry of surprised laughter mixed with mock indignation follow him from behind, and managed to almost make it to the stern before Legolas got him in the back of the neck with a fistful of water.

"Hah!" Haerelion lurched forward in shock at the coldness and spun around, set on tackling Legolas to the deck, but the older elf was quicker.

They spent several more minutes chasing each other around the small deck, quick footed and light, until Haerelion made an unexpected getaway by climbing up the main-mast, until he stood balancing at the very top, looking out at the surrounding blue.

He couldn't see any land in any direction, and it felt like they were the only two in the world. Haerelion looked down and chuckled at the disgruntled look Legolas was sending him for going somewhere he couldn't follow. Even an elf could not balance in a spot where there was no more space to stand. But Legolas would get his turn next; Haerelion was sure he was currently kicking himself for not thinking of it first.

They would each have plenty of time to explore every inch of this ship and find out what it felt like to have the wind at their backs, the sea beneath their feet, and nothing but each other to pass the time.

Haerelion hoped they were on this ship for a long time to come.

...

You belong with me, not swallowed in the Sea

...

~ The End ~

A/N: Alright, that was a little...what's the word?...pause from The Long Road that I couldn't resist writing. I was listening to Coldplay's Swallowed in the Sea while working on an art project – I made two lovely little decorative pieces for my apartment from driftwood I found on the beach by my home. Painted them up and made them into nice signs!

So my mind was really in one place – with the ocean, as per usual – and this little story came out as a result, wiggling its way slowly into my mind. Anyway, I hope you liked it.