One Elf was gracefully walking along the wide, marble path, in front of the white palace. He was enjoying cold touch of the stone under his bare feet. The Sun was slowly dying but he didn't care.
Legolas strayed out of his path and patted across short grass and headed towards the willowy but strong wall. He rested his pale palms and leaned forward, looking down at the large yard.
Small troop of boys was following one nervous man, whispering with each other and gazing in awe around themselves. Bjarte was with them, proud and curious. His black hair was dancing with the weak wind. He raised his hand and opened his mouth, as to say something, but he was cut off.
"Please! Please don't speak anymore!"- the man shouted in frustration while some of the boys shyly giggled.
"But sir!"- Bjarte was persistent.
"No sir! I am no sir! Wait for lord Borghild and ask him whatever you want! You are his problem.."- he added in low voice but Legolas heard him. He smiled. Salin is still angry. Legolas was following Bjarte's small figure with his eyes until they vanished down the stairs.
He owed Bjarte so much. Legolas was more than happy that he had a chance to see Bjarte daily, while he is practicing or when he was freed. Their bond became even stronger. He could see pure love in the boy's eyes. It melted his heart.
Legolas heard slow footsteps behind him. One figure was slowly approaching him. He turned around. It was Borghild.
The man bowed slightly. It still surprised Legolas and he couldn't get used to this new treatment. Borghild became warmer on his own way, but distanced. He was talking with the Elf with respect, but not daring to cross the unspoken boundaries that Elessar set between the Elf and other people who were too curious. So he managed to stay professional and not to stick his nose in the King's work but still he was close to the Elf. At first, Legolas was rarely going out or leaving the Light room, only speaking with Elessar and some servants. He would gaze the world outside through the spider web, curious but not willing to endure people's eyes. He would walk with the King, but always so close to him as he was trying to hide. Language difficulties were present, but the Elf was learning fast. Once again, Borghild looked over the Elf with admiration. His pale hair was weakly braided and it fell down his back. Borghild wondered about his scars but it seemed that neither the Elf nor Elessar wanted to discuss that subject anymore
Legolas smiled at him.
"He shall be a good soldier. Bjarte. We just need to discipline his wild spirit."
"Oh, yes, I am sure he will. I am glad that you have accepted him."- Legolas said.
Borghild gave a stingy smile.
"King Elessar is waiting for you in the main garden."- Borghild said and saw a little spark of adoration in the blue eyes.
"The meeting is over?"- Legolas asked happily.
"Yes."- the man replied shortly.
Legolas nodded and walked away from Borghild. The man gazed at the narrow back of the Elf for few seconds, tracing the moving of silvery hair. He sighed and headed down, towards the small troop.
Legolas hurried along the path. He started to smile, thinking about Aragorn. After he told his story, Aragorn had thought deeply about it. He accepted. Legolas smile widened. He accepted that, one day, he shall sail with Legolas into the unknown. That simple answer was enough for Legolas now. He wanted to be calm for some time, not thinking about anything else but happiness he was experiencing. No one knew for that except Aragorn and him. The man said the he doesn't want to urge the council or people when it is not needed. So Legolas agreed that they should keep it as their little secret.
The Elf, for Aragorn's love, tried to understand the ways of noble people, their behavior, way of walking or talking. He decided that some children of glorious warriors were bothersome and rude. As for the others, he found them very interesting and kind. Legolas tried to feel relaxed among them, but heavy clothing and specific way of talking bored him much. He was walking now in his easy robe, with no shoes or special way of braiding his hair. This wasn't his world so he continued to live like he used before, although he had to adjust to some rules.
Legolas thought about his fears that weren't completely dead. There were nights when he would suddenly wake up, all in cold sweat while his heart wanted to break out of his chest. But there was always one hand pulling him down on the bed, gently lulling him into the sleep and offering warmness and understanding. Legolas would clutch onto Aragorn tighter, enjoying his scent and presence, drowning into the heat and softness of the mattress while his tensed muscles would sweetly ache him as they slowly relax.
The Elf's life became easier. There were no mornings without Aragorn or his touch. Many times Legolas forced himself to wake up before the man so he can look at him while he is sleeping.
Legolas continued to walk and he reached the main garden. Sharp and high roofs of the King's palace were tearing the purple sky. Large door from the outer entrance hall were wide opened and Legolas could see the white throne, empty now. He saw some people, kneeling down and scrubing the floor. Many high trees were standing peacefully and quiet song of some bird was filling the air. Wide stairway led down, to the lower level which led to another gate and after it into the streets of noble Men of Minas Tirith. Everything in here looked silly large.
Unconsciously Legolas walked to the waist-high wall and looked down at the lower level. It was empty except of standard soldiers that stood in the corners.
When Legolas was about to remove his gaze and search for Aragorn, one thing caught his eye.
Two soldiers were standing in front of one man. They were talking about something. It looked like the man asked for something and soldiers weren't willing to obey to his demand. Two women, one taller and skinny, and other one smaller and fragile, were standing few meters behind them and patiently waiting. Legolas returned his eyes on the man. He saw dark reddish hair and some pale spots on his face. With his hand, he grasped the cold stone of the wall. It cannot be..
"Meanor?"- he whispered. Yes, it was him. He looked way different, taller and bigger, more serious and nervous, dressed in rich clothing, so unlike him, his lips were ugly moving, showing his teeth, but it was him. Legolas let out a low shout and ran down the stairs, walking as fast as possible towards the small group.
He stood deadly still few steps before them and gazed at his friend. He couldn't recognize him. His face was narrow with bloodshot eyes. He was staring at them until he finally caught a simple, small spark of the brown color. He hesitating smiled.
One of the soldiers saw him and moved aside, bowing slightly. Other one followed his companion and looked back at the Elf. He moved aside too. Meanor looked frustrated and lifted his eyes too in annoyed manner. His red eyes grew wide.
Legolas carefully approached them and stood next to the soldiers, not paying heed to them. He wasn't taking his eyes off Meanor.
"Meanor?"- he whispered again. The man, not a boy anymore, was silent, in pure shock.
He was staring with numb eyes at the creature before him. He couldn't believe his eyes. The Elf looked different, but it was still him. His long, clean hair was let down so it could hang freely, slightly touching his waist and moving peacefully with the wind. Under his eyes was only pale, healthy skin. There were no red or blue marks. His face was.. happy. No signs of torture or sorrow were visible on him. Meanor only could see plane, white surface of Legolas' skin, with no marks. For a second he though he saw weak but bright light that radiated from his being. Legolas' eyes were calmly blue like the silent waters of Anduin in sleep. His lithe, not sickly skinny body, was wrapped in the silvery white, easy robe that perfectly matched his looking and, small whisper in his head told him, his soul. His clothing was still simple, but obviously elegant, suiting him like it was tailored only for him. Meanor was startled.
"What are you doing here?"- he asked in confusion.
Legolas tilted his head a bit as he was pulled back into reality.
"I live here."- he whispered.
"No."- Meanor replied before he could stop himself, not fully aware of Legolas.
Legolas raised his eyebrows.
"You mean, you work here?"- Meanor continued like nothing had happened.
The Elf shook his beautiful head.
"I meant what I told. I live here. I do not work here, I live here."- he replied clearly while his happiness was slowly drifting away when he remembered the last time he saw Meanor.
"I do not understand."- Meanor stupidly spoke. One woman behind him moved and Legolas turned his eyes on them. Gesrela and Hyden. He immediately recognized them. They haven't changed. Gesrela was dressed in black, looking deadly bitter. Hyden's face was slightly tired and she was holding her hands over her somewhat bigger belly. Legolas looked down and saw a ring on her finger. He gazed longer at her swollen belly and blinked in understanding. She was pregnant. He smiled sadly at her pretty face, hoping against hope that she was happy with this man that once used to be his friend.
Gesrela looked at him with wonder but it was obvious that she didn't recognize him. Legolas didn't even bother to show any sign of realization that she was standing there. He turned back on Meanor.
"It doesn't matter. But tell me, what are you doing here?"- Legolas asked in firm tone, staring at the eyes of a stranger. He didn't know this man. This wasn't Meanor.
Meanor went suddenly grim and somewhat sinister. He smiled at Legolas.
"You know well."- he whispered in low tone.
"Do I?"- Legolas asked in surprise.
"My father is killed."- he simply spoke and Legolas' eyes went narrow. The Elf was silent.
"I don't know why or when, but he was indeed mad when he declared that he is going after you. You have caused a lot of troubles."- Meanor hissed but Legolas didn't react.
"Anyway, it seems that no one is responsible for his murdering. This one here"- he pointed at one soldier- " was admonishing me that the King ended the life of my father."- Meanor histericaly laughed.
"I have no time to talk nonsense, I have walked many miles. I just came for my father's personal stuff, his weapon and the signet ring. It is important for the job. But they do not want to give it to me, saying that they know nothing about it."- he finished.
Legolas was looking at him with disgust. No matter how evil Heist was towards everyone, he was mostly kind to his son.
"You don't even care about your father's fate, do you?"- he whispered.
"He left us to drown in work so he could roam around, in search for you! And no matter what do you wear, we both know who you are."- Meanor spoke coldly.
Legolas smiled.
"You know nothing about life I've led. You thought that I would never escape? That I would be a rat in a cage, slave to that place? I told you Meanor, I was not born to be your toy."- Legolas desperately shook his head.
Meanor opened his mouth but Legolas was faster.
"Remember the day when you found me. You looked.. overjoyed. I didn't see a hint of sorrow or shock in your eyes. You looked like you have found a nice rock for a child's play, not a person. And it was never about me, it was always about you. Why haven't you tried to really help me, not even once? You would rather see me dying next to you but leaving me to live far from you. I am more than grateful for your support but it couldn't replace my wish to live freely."
Meanor was irritated.
"I don't know what are you talking about."
"I know. Meanor would understand but you.. I don't even know you."- Legolas finished, knowing that he had lost Meanor long before. He turned to the soldier.
"Find Borghild. Ask him for Heist's personal objects and bring them here. Give them to this man."- he pointed at Meanor.
"I am sorry, but I cannot do that! King Elessar demanded that.."
"You say that I've asked for this. It should be fine. Give them to him and follow him until he leaves this town."- Legolas finished.
Meanor laughed in shock.
"What are you doing?"- he asked, startled to see that the soldier actually left.
"I do not want your father's stuff near me. I do not know where his corpse is buried."- Legolas said.
"Meanor, what is it?"- Gesrela asked and leaned forward. Meanor didn't respond. Meanor was looking at the Elf with confusion.
"Since when do you demand?"- he asked.
"I don't. But I want you to leave, Meanor. It is the best for everyone."- he looked once again at Hyden who was curiously looking at him.
"You are going to be a father, aren't you?"- Legolas said gently, looking at the swollen belly in which the new life was forming.
"Yes."- Meanor absently spoke, not sure where this was leading.
"I am glad that it is Hyden.."- Legolas said, more to himself.
"You!"- Gesrela nearly screamed when she finally recognized the Elf. Legolas didn't even jerk.
"Bow to the king Elessar!"- the solider next to them said when he saw that the King was standing on the higher level, leaned on the wall, watching them.
Legolas turned around and he couldn't help but smile when he saw the man. He was standing with his palms on the wall, looking tall and noble, proud and wise with one of his show-crowns on the head. He was dressed in formal and strict clothing and even his pose reflected authority. Aragorn gave a small smile on Legolas but his eyes were fixed on Meanor.
After Meanor bowed, he looked up at the king, curious and happy to finally see his face. His jaw dropped on the floor.
"It is him."- Legolas said, knowing that Meanor will understand.
"It cannot be.."- Meanor whispered in shaky voice. The Ranger? Sir Aragorn? The king? He removed his eyes on Legolas and he understood everything.
"No.. You are not.."- he started but he realized that he had no words.
"Farewell, Meanor. We shall see never again."- Legolas spoke gently and turned around, happily walking towards Aragorn. It didn't matter anymore. Meanor was dead.
The soldier pushed Meanor gently and pointed at the gates, telling him that he should go somewhere with him. Meanor moved, but continued to throw looks on the King while his wife and mother followed him in confusion, asking for the answers.
Legolas climbed upstairs, his smile went wider as he was getting closer to Aragorn.
"Aran nîn."- he said playfully and bowed in front of the King. Aragorn laughed and opened his arms in which Legolas eagerly jumped.
Aragorn took a deep breath when he felt warmness and softeness of Legolas' skin and body under his fingers. He caressed a tip of the sharp-pointed ear.
"My king."- Legolas whispered and tenderly kissed Aragorn's lips. He moved his hands up and took off Elessar's crown. He laughed and put the crown on his head but it slipped down his clean hair and stood crooked.
Aragorn smiled at this childlish performance and put his hands on the small of Legolas' back, pulling him closer. Legolas fixed the crown on his head but it stil couldn't stand right. He giggled and sighed.
"Aye, this one doesn't suit me."- he declared and took the crown off. He landed it on the wall.
"Borghild came and said to me that you wished to give Heist's personal things back to Meanor."
"Yes. I hope that you don't mind."- Legolas was serious.
"Not at all. It was up to you to decide what you shall do with his things."- Aragorn said and took one lock of Legolas' hair and tucked it behind his ear.
"Do you still mourn over that boy? I know he was your friend."- he asked quietly.
Legolas lifted his gaze up.
"No, I don't. I can't recognize him anymore. It is better like this."- Legolas said in low voice.
"Let's not talk about it ever again. It is done."- Legolas added and smiled again. Aragorn nodded.
"Borghild told me that the King Elessar is waiting."- Legolas said.
"What did the King Elessar want from me?"- the Elf asked and kissed the man few times.
"He wanted to fulfill one vow he gave one Elf long ago."- Aragorn replied with a light smile but his eyes were serious. Legolas stilled himself a bit.
"What vow?"- Legolas asked in low voice when panic started to rise inside of him. He gulped and wrapped his arms around Aragorn's neck.
"I want to take you home."- Aragorn said softly and caressed Legolas' cheek.
"Home?"- the Elf said in confusion.
Aragorn nodded.
"Yes, tomorrow. Or even now, if you want to. We shall go to the Elven lands and search for your family. Some of the Elves haven't sailed yet. Maybe they know something about your family."- Aragorn spoke and smiled.
Legolas blinked in order to shake off that little thorn in his eye.
"My mother is not on this Earth."- Legolas whispered and his voice started to break.
"Yes, but we know nothing about your father, melamin. We can go and search for him. I want you to have a family."- Aragorn said and cupped the Elf's chin in his hand.
"You are my family, Aragorn."- Legolas whispered with tears in his eyes. Aragorn's throat went dry and narrow. He pressed Legolas' head onto his chest. Aragorn leaned down and kissed pale hair.
"Yes, I am your family."- Aragorn only whispered and closed his eyes tightly. He gently rubbed Legolas' back.
"You would do that for me?"- Legolas finally spoke in low tone.
"I would do anything for you."- Elessar replied and pressed his lips on the hole in Legolas' throat. Legolas jerked when that action tickled his skin.
He pulled Aragorn's head up and gazed at him with eternal love in his cerulean eyes.
"Yes, I want to find my family, Aragorn. I am willing to go with you. But not today or tomorrow. I want to live peacefully with you for some time. To fall asleep and wake up with you beside me. So many things had happened and I don't want to leave this safety, not yet."- he pressed his forhead against Aragorn's- "The world is so big and unknown. I don't wish to travel anywhere, no more strange people and troubles.. I want to wake up in the same bed, to walk the familiar paths.. I.."- he desperately whispered.
"It is fine, I understand you."- The man spoke and caressed blond hair.
"I really do. We shall wait."- He calmly spoke.
Legolas breathed out.
"You really think that there is someone left?"- the Elf asked carefully.
"Yes, of course. Not many, but we can find out at least something."- the king spoke calmly.
Legolas only closed his eyes and happily sighed.
"I almost forgot.. I have something for you."- Aragorn spoke and Legolas lifted his head up and saw as Aragorn pulled his hand in pocket and took out something.
The man lifted his closed palm and Legolas curiously watched. He gently touched Aragorn's hand and asked: "What is it?"
Aragorn smiled in expectation: "I know that it's not the same and it cannot ever be.. But I thought that you would like this."
He slowly opened his palm as Legolas eagerly watched. The Elf's throat was suddenly too tight, with a big lump inside of if it. On Aragorn's palm small, shiny silver ringer was bathing in the last straws of sunlight. The silver was shaped into the small, elegant leaves that were conjoined together, making an irregural circle. Legolas hesitating caressed its smooth edge.
"It is yours. It's not the same, but I hope that it can help a bit."- Aragorn hurried to explain.
Legolas lifted his shiny eyes and met Elessar's gaze.
"It is beautiful."- he whispered.
Aragorn smiled with relief. He took the Elf's palm in his rough hand and carefully put the ring on his long finger. It suited him perfectly.
They were both looking at the Elf's hand as they were slowly becoming aware of this new, unspoken vow Aragorn made when he put the ring on Legolas' finger. Legolas looked deeply in Aragorn's stormy eyes with wonder. And the man, too, knew what this meant. None of them uttered a word or showed any sign but they both knew. One pure tear licked down the Elf's face.
"My love.."- he only spoke before he hid his face in Aragorn's neck.
The man was silent as he was caressing the Elf's long hair and smelling his unique scent. They were standing like that for a long time, silently touching each other with adoration when the first sere leaf fell down and tangled in Legolas' hair. He lifted his head up and Aragorn took the leaf off. Legolas looked at it.
"A sere leaf. Autumn is coming."- he spoke absently.
"I do not care about this leaf. My Leaf shall be green evermore. My Greenleaf."- he spoke quietly and touched pale lips with his own, feeling again the plain and soft texture of the familiar flesh. Legolas closed his eyes and returned the kiss, slowly, lovingly, feeling and taking.
"You shall be green forever too. I know you shall."- he whispered and took the man's face between his hands. He gently kissed his lips.
"You shall sail with me."- the Elf whispered as he silvery voice marked a promise of eternal love.
"I shall. When the time comes."- Aragorn murmured and pulled Legolas closer, pressing his body against his own and again taking his mouth.
This Sun was slowly dying and the wind was becoming cruel as it was going through Legolas' clothing and slightly freezing his skin. But none of them paid attention.
New, bright Sun rose high in Legolas and it warmed him from the inside. He clutched tighter onto Aragorn and shuddered as he felt the warmness of the man's body slowly hugging his own.
Legolas was moving his mouth in unison with Aragorn's while his hands were gently caressing the man's chest, shoulders, neck or face. He broke the kiss in order to get some air and smiled when Aragorn tenderly kissed his neck and rubbed his arms as if he tried to warm him.
"My beautiful one, are you cold?"- he asked with care.
"Aye, I am. Warm me."- Legolas laughed quietly and the man pressed him tighter again, rubbing his hands along the Elf's back.
"Mornings shall be fresh from now on."- Aragorn told and gazed around the yard.
"We should go inside."- he suggested.
"Wait a little bit more."- Legolas said and laid his head on Aragorn's chest. He sighed in his happiness and joy.
"I love you."- the Elf whispered and closed his eyes. Small kiss was laid on his eyelid.
"I shall love you till the time fades."- was the quiet answer.
Legolas looked like he has fallen asleep as he was silently standing in the man's hug with closed eyes. His whole weight was held by Aragorn's strong hands. Another wave of cold wind lifted his easy locks up but his face was safely hidden on Aragorn's chest and he was hearing steady heartbeats of the human's heart. While his eyes were still closed, his hands roamed between two bodies and he took Aragorn's palm off his cheek and pulled it down. He rested the man's palm on his white robe, on his chest, just above his heart.
Aragorn sighed when he felt small and easy beating of the elven heart under his palm. Legolas kept his palm over Aragorn's hand, gently pressing it. He moved his head aside and pressed his ear on Aragorn's chest, eager to hear that sound again. He tightened his loose grasp around the man's hand.
"It is yours, my beloved Aragorn."- he whispered and smiled.
One Man and one Elf were standing together, untouched by everything that was happening around them. The Sun has sent last spark of light and it died deep under the mountains. Wind blew harder and more sere leaves fell down. Aragorn and Legolas were still standing, still feeling each other, still loving. Last kiss of that last day of summer and first kiss of that first night of autumn was shed under the arcs made of moonlight and starlight. Blond hair was shining like a pure silver and the skin, white as snow, was subtly gleaming with its own light, weaker, but more precious than any other star possessed. That light became the most important light in the life of one king called Elessar. And when he would gaze upon the lights in the houses of people of Minas Tirith, or when he would look up in the sky, seizing immortal beauty of the stars that kissed old face of his city, he couldn't find that same, everlasting light he saw in the skin of one Elf. Waters of Anduin, ever so powerful or still, weren't as blue as were the eyes of one Elf he adored. And his hair, silver under stars or gold under the summer Sun, reminded him of the vast fields of wheat around Minas Tirith that have fed and raised him. The Moon has never beamed without bringing him his love and the Sun has never risen without calm, blue eyes looking at his face in adoration. Once again, he buried his lips into the ripe lips of his Elf.
And so were standing one Elf and one Man, under the arcs made of moonlight and starlight, under the eternal sky. Two pairs of eyes met and the wind carried away silent words of love.
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Author's note: Well, this is the end of my story. :) I hope you've enjoyed yourselves! Thank you on your reviews, they are very important to me. So, if you have to say anything about my story, leave a review, I shall reply back. You were awesome, I hope I didn't let you down with the end of this story.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED: Yes, there is a sequel to this story. It is called "The soul of a human" and you can check it out if you want to. I appreciate your time and I hope that we'll see each other in my new story! :D
Have a nice day! :D
Sincerely yours, Last of the wilds.