AUTHORESS' NOTE: Whew! After climbing seven mountains and swimming seven seas, finally, I managed to upload my tenth chapter. God's wound, it's getting harder and harder to update every week. So, just as I promised, here's my response to each ad everyone of you! ^_^
Aralas: I have good news to you! This is it! The chapter you've been waiting for!!!! Hurray!!!
WhiteEnsigma: Oh, I think Thranduil has nothing to worry about offending Gondor. Why? Well, Gondor was just proposing for a trade pact, right? But…I wonder what is King Thranduil's treasure really is… hmmm…(laugh eveilly)
Nya: Yeah, Legolas suddenly became popular, haha. Oh, this is the chapter where in Legolas and Aragorn's relationship finally became official. Yahoo yahoo!!!
Toraus: Oh, don't worry, Legolas won't be alone in this predicament, haha, I think…
Alhena: Oh, I can't tell you yet what King Thranduil's treasure is.
RankEgg: Okay, okay don't throw your toys, here's the next chapter.. ^_^
sUp3rhiro: I'm glad you like it.
YaoiandCoffeeaddict: Are you sure? (Raised eyebrow alternately) How many percent are you sure about that??? (the treasure)
rry: Well, I can't think of anything to write about Legolas being auctioned away. Haha, I only set a week for myself to upload every chapter, sorry.
Well, well, well. It seems that everyone is being hooked up with King Thranduil's treasure. Unfortunately, nothing will be said about it…yet…in this chapter at least. But don't worry, you'll gonna find more about it sooner or later. Just enjoy this chapter for the moment, okay??? ^_^
DISCLAIMER: I don't own LOTR
AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-AU-^_^V
Chapter Ten
King Thranduil stared at the Saxonian Prince, dumbfounded.
"Father said that I can have his share of the deal. I could ask anything I want in his stead. So, I'm asking for your son, King Thranduil. I want to wed Legolas," Limuel announced.
For one thousand years, ever since they last met, King Thranduil had never seen again nor heard anything about King Cedric of the Saxons. And now, he had made his presence felt again through his son. Since the Saxonian king didn't demand for anything that time, King Thranduil had hoped that he would not do so anymore. But there's no hurt in being sure. So he gathered as much wealth as he could, just in case the king of the Saxons demands a large amount of treasure.
Then, three hundred years later, her wife bore him a son, a son whose beauty surpassed even that of the Evenstar. And ever since then, Mirkwood had never been the same anymore.
"What say you, my liege? A marriage into the royal family of the most powerful elven race is something you couldn't compare with anything, right?"
Limuel's words were true, and he should be pleased with that arrangement. But King Thranduil could not find any enthusiasm for that matter. He knew the Saxons all too well.
"Naturally, I'm flattered that the Crowned Prince of Nevareth wishes to join his house to my own," King Thranduil replied modestly when he finally gathered his wits. "But surely we are unworthy."
A broad grin appeared on Limuel's lips. "Of course you are worthy. And your youngest son is beautiful. He will be a fine consort for me."
King Thranduil stared at Limuel's smiling face, as if assessing what he should say. He had hoped that the coming of Prince Elessar to Mirkwood would be the answer to his predicament regarding his youngest son, but it seemed that it was not so. If he refused Limuel, who knew, with his warriors in the realm, what he will do. A single Saxon could kill fifty enemies alone, and with their large number, Mirkwood would definitely fall if they attacked.
"Very well," he replied slowly, "I will f=give you my son in marriage."
"Excellent!" Limuel exclaimed. "Now all we need to do is to seal the deal!" Limuel then pulled out a jewel ornamented dagger and placed the blade against his open palm.
King Thranduil stared at Limuel's had, then said. "You would clasp hands tonight?"
Limuel gave the king a suspicious look. "Why not? We already have agreed to the marriage. What prevents you making the betrothal binding?"
"My word alone should be enough."
"Blood is more concrete than words, King Thranduil. It's a Saxon thing. You did the same with my father when you made your promise."
King Thranduil let out a heavy breath before he himself pulled out an elegant looking dagger and mimicked Limuel's action. Then, with one synchronized motion, they cut a wound open on their palms and clasped their hands together. Their bloods mingled together, and sealed their deal forever.
When they released each other's hand and wrapped it with clean cloth, King Thranduil got to his feet. "Prince Limuel, I think that this matter, if made known suddenly, would create some speculations and ruckus, and it might affect with Prince Elessar. I think it would be better, then, if this decision remained between tae two of us until Prince Elessar and I come to terms."
"Very well," Limuel replied with a nod.
"I see you are a wise elf, Limuel, as expected." King Thranduil cleared his throat and he looked at the hearth as he clasped his hands behind. "It might be better not to tell Legolas about this betrothal for the present, either."
"Why not?" The Saxonian prince demanded. "Will he be against it?"
"Of course he won't!" King Thranduil replied quickly. "But Legolas might be so delighted and flattered; he will never be able to keep it a secret."
Limuel relaxed. "Of course, as you wish."
King Thranduil made his way to the door, then paused and turned to face Limuel, the light from the hearth and shadows making his face eerie.
"I hardly expected such honors when I saw your company earlier," he said. He inclined his head slightly. "I leave you now to your rest, son-in-law."
Limuel bowed slightly before looking at King Thranduil in the eye with a calm smile gracing his face. "Sleep well, father."
And with that the king disappeared to the door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Aragorn sighed softly and shifted his shoulders, trying to find a more comfortable position for his back against the headboard of his bed. When that too did not prove possible, he resigned himself to remaining as still as he could while Finduil continued to slumber, his small body on Aragorn's lap and his head against Aragorn's chest.
The light from the hearth was already out, and the light from the lamp was coming low, too. That could wait; he was busy at the moment. He was busy watching Legolas sleep; the baby snuggled against him as if Beithris belonged there.
A surge of longing rose in his breast, like the lure of the sea that made the elves long to sail west. How much he wanted a child of his own! It would be the greatest gift his mate could ever give him, a source of boundless joy and love.
He had been in many relationships before, but never did he feel the impulse of loving someone unabashedly, never did he manage to express his love fully.
Now, as he regarded Legolas, he wondered if it had only been that he had never found the one who was capable of rousing the desire to express his feelings, or to make him love with his whole heart.
A thought came to his mind: if Legolas could be his mate and bear his children, he would surely know pure happiness.
Aragorn's musings was interrupted when the door suddenly opened and Lorellin slipped inside without so much of a knock, her face lit by the lamp she carried. She ran her gaze over the scene before her, and then smiled with obvious satisfaction.
"Oh, forgive me, my lord!" She exclaimed softly as she set down the lamp on the table. "I didn't mean to be so long, but I thought it best to wait until my husband was asleep before I fetched the children."
"I have had longer watches than this," Aragorn whispered in reply. He rose slowly and carefully, still holding Finduil.
"And of course, you and Legolas could be trusted to attend to the children."
His eyes narrowed slightly. "What do you mean?"
She smiled slyly, "why, that there was no reason you would neglect them for…other things."
"In that, you are quiet right," he snapped. He could tell that Lorellin was thinking that Legolas was hardly someone to inspire passion. "Though I very much wanted to do other things with him, if not for the children," Aragorn said, a smirk gracing his face.
Lorellin was surprised by his revelation, then her brows furrowed and she glanced sharply at the sleeping form of Legolas. Then she returned her gaze slowly at Aragorn and forced a smile, trying top hide her annoyance.
"I fear you have to carry Finduil home for me, if you are able," she whispered coyly, "or we have to wake him."
Aragorn glanced down at the elfling he held against his chest, and then nodded. "I will manage it."
"I'll wake Legolas," Lorellin said.
Aragorn swiftly stood up and limped in front of her.
"Let him sleep," he commanded, the words an order even though he whispered. "Take the baby. I will wake Legolas when I return."
For an instant, it looked as if Lorellin would protest, but she glanced at his face and wisely reconsidered. Instead, she gently lifted Beithris without disturbing Legolas.
Pouting a little, she took the lamp from the table and led the way out of the chamber and of the palace.
As they went toward Lorellin's talan, Aragorn surveyed the woodland realm as it was blanketed by the moon's silver light. It's very unlike Lothlorien with its silver mallorn trees that added to the realms beauty. But Mirkwood has a beauty of its own. It's as if the whole realm, its greens and browns, was painted using the moon's light itself, a masterpiece that only Eru's hands could make.
Then his thoughts wondered to the new visitors that arrived earlier. Saxons…he wondered who they were and what brought them here. Tomorrow, he would meet this unexpected visitor and try to gauge how their presence would affect the trade negotiations.
At the very least, King Thranduil would be distracted, which could mean that the negotiations might take some time to conclude.
That would have disturbed Aragorn when he first arrived, but now it made him smile inwardly with delight.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Legolas rolled over, and then woke with a start, for Beithris was no longer beside him. He sat up and scanned the room, realizing that he was alone.
He jumped to his feet and ran out of the chamber, wondering where Aragorn and the elflings were. He ran down the hall intending to search the whole palace until he came to the hallway wherein the city was in view. He stopped and ran his gaze outside. Then, he spotted a man climbing down of Lorellin's talan followed by Lorellin himself.
Of course! He thought with a sigh of relief. Aragorn had helped Lorellin take the children home.
He watched as Lorellin put a cloak over Aragorn's shoulders. They spoke together, their bodies nearly touching, their faces close.
And then Lorellin raised herself on her toes and kissed Aragorn.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Taken aback by Lorellin's action, Aragorn pushed her away. "What are you doing, elf?" He demanded.
"Thanking you," she said in a low, lascivious voice.
"I do not want such thanks."
Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You-?"
"Go inside to your husband and children," he ordered.
With a toss of her pretty head, she did as she was bid.
Aragorn marched angrily toward the palace and directly to his quarters, not paying much heed to his sore foot. Ai Elbereth, he had thought Lorellin understood that he was not interested in her in anyway. Aside from the fact that she was already married, she was not Legolas.
He entered his chamber, expecting to find Legolas still asleep. Instead, the elf stood beside the bed, eyeing him quizzically.
A curse flew out of Aragorn's lips. He hoped Legolas had not seen Lorellin kissed him.
"You're awake," he observed as he removed the cloak and fold it on his arm.
"Obviously. You should have awakened me when Lorellin came for the children."
"Yes, I should," he agreed, feeling like a child being scolded by his parent. "Are you angry with me?"
"Why would I be?"
Legolas must not have witnessed Lorellin's kiss, he thought with relief. "That woman should be muzzled," he muttered.
Legolas' brow furrowed. "Did Lorellin say something to insult you, or is it the kiss you did not like?"
He glanced at him sharply. "You did see!"
"Oh, yes," Legolas replied lightly and with genuine nonchalance. "I would not make much of that. She kisses anyone she fancies."
Although he was relieved that Legolas was not upset, he was aggravated NONTHELESS. "Well, I do not want it!"
"You don't?"
"I don't"
"Yet you have been with whores with more modesty."
Aragorn's eyes widened with surprise, and then he flushed hotly beneath Legolas' steadfast gaze. I don not claim to be without fault, but I did not want her to kiss me!"
Legolas' gaze faltered for a moment as he smiled a little, then shrugged his shoulders. "Fine, whatever you say. I don't know why you're explaining your self anyway."
Aragorn opened his mouth, then closed it, and swallowed. "I…I just thought you might want to know what really happened," he reasoned put as he looked at Legolas.
Legolas smiled forcefully and breathe out through his nose, turning his head toward the balcony. Why? I don't care anyway."
Aragorn smiled slowly. "Now who is the liar?"
Suddenly the lamp went out, sending them into pitch-black darkness.
Waiting for his eyes to get used to the dark, Legolas didn't move, afraid that id he did, he would collide with Aragorn.
Instead, Aragorn walked into him, nearly knocking him off his feet.
"Forgive me!" Aragorn quietly cried, steadying the elf.
Legolas tried to ignore the sensation of his touch, although it seemed to him afire with longing. "I'll just go outside for a moment to put more oil in the lamp."
"Perhaps I should stay right where I am, lest I knock you down or hurt myself more," Aragorn said softly.
Legolas swalloed hard. "I think you do not have to keep holding on to me, unless you ankle is still weak."
"There is that, too," he murmured.
Aragorn was aware that he was not behaving like an honorable guest. Still, he continued to stabd so close to Legolas, inhaling his delightful fragrance of sun and grass and pine. He let go of him and watched Legolas as the elf went outside with the lamp.
After a while, Legolas came back with a lighted lamp and a concerned look crossed his face.
"Are you trembling?" Legolas asked suddenly.
He realized that he was. "I fear it's kind of cold tonight," he replied.
Legolas quickly put down the lamp on the table. "I will light a fore, too," he offered.
"I would prefer to warm myself another way," he whispered as he gently pulled the elf into his embrace.
"This is…this is very warm, indeed," Legolas murmured, laying his golden head against his chest.
Aragorn was delighted when Legolas pulled out of his embrace, and he laughed softly, his chest vibrating against the elven cheek.
"What amuses you so?" Legolas asked softly.
"I'm not amused, Legolas," he whispered as he bent his head to kiss the elf. "I'm just happy."
Legolas welcomed his kiss with eager ardor and it deepened as Aragorn's hands entwined themselves in her hair, just as he had longed to do.
Legolas moaned and leaned against him, making him feel the elf's lithe body, making him wanting more.
Aragorn thrust his tongue between the elf's soft lips while his hands explored Legolas' body.
Legolas gasped as Aragorn trailed fervent kisses down her soft neck, the man's hand found it's way inside his tunic, stroking his perfect chest.
Aragorn had to love Legolas. Now.
With a low growl of pure desire, he swept the elf into his powerful arms and laid him there and stepped back, looking at elven beauty with passion-darkened eyes. Anxious to possess him, his fingers fumbled with the buttons of his tunic
Legolas laughed softly at his predicament. "I am impatient, too," he whispered huskily.
He froze. "Impatient?"
His ardor died.
He was acting based on his lust and desires like some ruffian, and not like an honorable prince that he should be.
He sat on the end of the bed and ran his hand through his hair.
"What is it?" Legolas asked, raising himself on his elbows to regard him with concern.
"You were right. I am impatient," he replied, glancing at him, disgusted with himself. "I am not normally so."
Flushing, Legolas scrambled off the bed. "I am not a whore," he said firmly.
He rose to face him, his countenance contrite. "Of course you are not. It's me, not you. The only excuse I can make is that I have never felt like this before, for anyone."
"I have never felt this way before, either," Legolas confessed.
"Never?"
"Not ever," Legolas confirmed, and Aragorn's heart swelled with hope and happiness.
He gently took her by the shoulders, regarding him steadily. "Although I'm glad about it, Legolas, I think it would be best if we would be less…impetuous…for we hardly know each other."
Legolas nodded in agreement, though he was blushing with his own lack of control. If Aragorn had not stopped, he would have willingly –and wrongly- made love to him.
Though what Aragorn had said was right, Legolas still felt disappointed. And it must have shown in his face, for Aragorn gathered him in his arms and pressed a kiss on his forehead.
"You know, I would leave here with you tonight, if you asked me to," Legolas whispered.
"You would?"
"Yes."
Aragorn sighed wearily. "I have never had a more tempting proposal."
Legolas looked up at him with pleading eyes. "I want to go away with you. I would go anywhere with you, gladly."
Aragorn's hands clasped loosely about her waist, and leaned back a little to search the elven face. "That would destroy any possibility of a trade agreement between our fathers."
"Yes, it would," Legolas replied, stiffening.
"Legolas, I want to be with you, too, but I think we must consider the consequences of whatever we do. We must not let our hearts rule our heads"
Legolas could not deny that he was speaking wisely. "Very well."
Aragorn sighed raggedly. "I begin to understand Boromir a little better."
Legolas gave him a puzzled look.
"Boromir is forever falling in and out of love. I have never understood why, but now, I begin to see that in love, one has little choice."
"Aragorn?"
"Yes?"
"Are you saying…that you love me?" Legolas asked in a small voice, scarcely daring to believe it was possible.
Aragron nodded solemnly. "If what I feel for you is not love, I have no name to put to it."
"I love you, too," Legolas murmured, then reached up and kissed Aragron, but only lightly brushing his lips across his.
Aragron groaned softly. "You had better leave me, for I fear all my notions of honor and duty are wavering with you in my arms."
"Mine, too," Legolas admitted, reluctantly leaving his warm embrace.
Aragorn watched the elf as he went to the door, astonished at how bereft he felt. He was so tempted to call him back, only the knowledge that Legolas deserved to be treated with utmost respect prevented him from doing so.
Legolas paused on the door and glanced back at him.
"Perhaps we should hide these feeling from others," he proposed, "for if my father knew, he might try to take advantage of you when discussing the trade pact."
"You are very shrewd and wonderful, Legolas"
"And you are most honorable, Aragorn."
And with that, he went out of his chamber and danced his was to his own talan, too happy in Aragorn's love to simply walk.
Tbc…