89 Mixed Feelings.
Leaning back into the warm embrace of the one who held his heart Legolas sighed. Here, where all was peace and forever spring he had found his second home, somewhere his battered fea could rest and revive when the darkness encroaching upon his beloved forest threatened to overwhelm. Yet this time his visit had not been made for rejuvenation, and the darkness had followed swiftly on his heels. The news he had carried been made more worrisome by that which had been revealed at the subsequent council.
Resting his head back upon his lover's sturdy shoulder he contemplated all that had happened since then and what Master Elrond had asked of him. He felt so torn. His father and their people desperately needed all of the warriors they could get. He could not leave them to their fate. Yet. If he joined the quest he could make amends for their mistake, even perhaps aid in the fate of all free people and not just his own. Never had he felt so conflicted. So uncertain of the path he must follow. Yet make a choice he must.
"You do not have to go with them."
The words were as soft as a breath into his ear and were followed by the feather light touch of a kiss.
"I know." Legolas replied quietly.
"They would understand." Another soft brush of lips. "None could blame you if you chose to go home."
"And who would go if not me?" Legolas turned in his lovers arms. "You?"
Silence stretched out as he stared into intense brown eyes.
"You offered didn't you!" He pulled away sharply, an irrational anger building within his chest.
"Was this before or after the appeal was put to me?"
"I knew how you would feel meleth, I…"
"So what?" Legolas broke in, his voice rising in ire. "You thought to send me home with a 'thank you for letting us know what a mess you woodelves have made but we will take it from here'?"
"Nay, Legolas I…"
"Or did you think me too weak, too unwise too…"
His words were cut off as warm, hungry lips latched onto his in a searing kiss which left him breathless.
"Nay, my love." His dark haired companion murmured gently as the kiss ended, then reached out tentative fingers to brush along the prince's strong jawline.
"I know you are more than capable. I just wished to save you the pain of having to choose."
"Aie, forgive me melethron," Legolas sighed wearily, his anger abating as quickly as it had arisen. "It lays heavy on my heart, but there is in reality no choice to make."
With these words uttered a weight seemed to suddenly lift from his mind and he raised his eyes to send a prayer to the stars above. For his father, for his people and for the fate of all he held dear.
A/N
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