Other: I'm still waiting for more votes on Meron's other parent, if Legolas should have twins, and what gender the baby(ies) should be. Out of curiosity, who wants a sequel to this story??
Disclaimers: See the Author's Notes! This is an AU! Takes place a few hours after the last chapter. The R Rating is coming in effect now for good reason! Aragorn and Legolas' mental speech is in *. Elvish is in ''. Shounen ai between Haldir/Glorfindel.
Reasons To Fight, Reasons To Wed
Part 23. Arguing
Legolas slept upstairs, or so everyone believed, as they held a private council in a lower room.
Everyone else was there; Haldir, Glorfindel, Mithrandir, Thranduil, Boromir, Faramir, Aragorn, Elladan, Elrohir, a very weak Elrond, Gimli, and little Elena. Galadriel and Celeborn had returned home, to deal with the encroachment of Orcs in and near 'Lorien.
The ultimatum had been delivered just an hour ago; if the Prince of Mirkwood refused to surrender himself, Sam, Frodo, Pippin, and Merry would be tortured and killed.
"Legolas cannot surrender, not even to save their lives," Aragorn stated firmly. "It's too dangerous. Who knows what will happen to him? There must be another way."
Faramir nodded silently.
Gimli grumbled, "I agree. They probably won't release the Halflings even if he does give himself up."
None heard the very slight footsteps on the stairs, heading their way.
"But what about my friends?" Elena whispered. "They'll be killed."
Elrohir gently squeezed her shoulder. "They will be freed. We just need a plan. And an army of Elves."
"What of the army of Gondor?" Boromir interjected.
"A rescue party would be more advisable," Glorfindel murmured thoughtfully. "A small group would have a better chance of getting the little ones free than a whole army."
Elrond slowly nodded, for he was still recovering from the nearly fatal wounds bestowed on him from Meron. "Good idea, Glorfindel. Some must remain behind to protect Legolas. The others must free our friends, before Legolas himself learns of what has happened. Though I do not like keeping secrets, particularly from one who is as a second son to me."
"My son has always done the honorable thing, Lord Elrond. If he knew, he would not hesitate to surrender," Thranduil pointed out.
Haldir questioned, "But how do we choose who will go… And who will stay?"
Aragorn sighed. "Legolas will not be asleep much longer, so it had best be decided soon."
"I agree," Mithrandir murmured. "He will not be very pleased at all to learn of what we are planning."
"It's better than him trying to run off alone," Gimli muttered. "He is too stubborn for his own good. Legolas must not give in."
"Indeed," Thranduil said. "The Nazgul said that he had three weeks to decide. By then, we could already have the Hobbits freed from the clutches of Sauron, Saruman, and Meron."
"How dare you!" a familiar voice shouted, echoing around the suddenly silent room. All eyes turned towards the doorway.
Legolas stood there, anger burning in his azure eyes. He stalked forward and glared wordlessly at each person who sat in the semi-circle.
"I am not a child, and I do not need protection. Have I ever asked for it, from any of you? I would not send someone else to do something I am willing to do, for I am no coward." Legolas took a deep breath, blazing fury written in his fierce gaze. "And none of you will tell me what I can and cannot do. I am my own master and I am not helpless."
"Legolas…" Glorfindel and Haldir gasped simultaneously.
Boromir stared in fascination at the beautiful creature, awestruck by his beauty. Faramir had a wince on his face.
Aragorn said, "Legolas, I-"
Legolas turned a scowl on his husband. "Don't give me an excuse. How many times have I told you that I do not want or ask for protection?"
Aragorn paled slightly. *Legolas, let me explain-*
*No, Aragorn. For once I understand you all too well,* Legolas answered. He glared at the entire group again. "I will save the Hobbits by myself." The Elven Prince then turned and stormed away.
The group that was left behind exchanged uneasy glances, winces on their faces.
"Go after him, Aragorn," Elrond said quietly. "I will decide those who will go, to protect him on the way. Now that he knows, Legolas will refuse to stay behind."
"I know," Aragorn muttered, before he stood and quickly ran after his husband.
Legolas was back in the room he shared with Aragorn, flinging clothes into a traveling bag. The Elf didn't even pay attention to when Aragorn walked into the room and closed the door behind him, because he was very angry.
How dare they do that, Legolas silently seethed. Why did everyone insist on treating him like a child? He was no child, after all; he was two thousand years old.
Aragorn said, 'Legolas, look at me.'
'No,' Legolas retorted. He continued packing his things, until Aragorn came over and grabbed a hold of his wrists, forcing the beautiful Elf to look at him.
Legolas froze and tried to shove Aragorn away, but the half Elf stubbornly refused to release him. They glared at each other for a few moments.
'Legolas, it's too dangerous for you and our child to go to Mordor,' Aragorn said sternly. 'Especially since we now know that Meron is there, and that Saruman is his father.'
Legolas lowered his gaze and whispered, 'He can do no more to me than he has already done, Aragorn. I need to do something, lest I become overtaken by my grief.'
Aragorn sighed and released Legolas' wrists, before pulling him close, into a gentle embrace. 'Oh, Legolas…' The son of Arathorn peered directly into the beautiful face, noting the lines of grief and torment.
'Aragorn…' Legolas pressed his face against the chest of the one he loved, enjoying the embrace, which made him feel safe and warm. And protected…
Nay, Legolas would never ask for protection… but he did feel more vulnerable now, however much he tried to deny it. Meron had managed to prove that not even he could protect himself all of the time, Legolas knew, and it made him all the more upset. He prided himself on being strong, but now…
Aragorn tenderly kissed Legolas when he saw the single tear trickle down the Elf's cheek, giving him a wordless reassurance that everything would be all right. Legolas enjoyed the sweet kiss and pressed his lips back for more, steeling the slight fear inside of him. Aragorn would never hurt him, he told himself.
The two kissed for a few moments; short, darting kisses, which quickly grew deeper and more meaningful, as they somehow maneuvered over to the bed and fell onto it, laying side-by-side as they eagerly reached for each other.
A moan escaped from Legolas when Aragorn slid a hand into his leggings. The half Elf pulled his lover closer, without putting any weight on the still slender Elf, for Aragorn did not know if that would be safe for their child.
Legolas felt himself relaxing under his husband's ministrations and eagerly began returning the favor, with his skillful, nimble fingers.
Carefully, they made love, being cautious of the unborn child, though it was very satisfying for both.
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The Council Below
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Elrond glanced around at the ones who all volunteered to accompany both Aragorn and Legolas to Mordor. The Elven lord knew that Aragorn would not allow Legolas to go anywhere near Mordor without him there to make sure that he didn't get himself into too much trouble.
"Not all of you can go," he protested. "It would attract too much unwanted attention."
Haldir of 'Lorien said firmly, "I am instructed in healing arts; I should go in case my skills are needed. I am also a skilled warrior and have proven myself in battle."
Elrond nodded, but was surprised when Glorfindel spoke up as well.
"Well, I'm not staying behind. The young ones need my experience, and I need to make certain that my own skills have not diminished."
"My son is going nowhere without me," Thranduil told the entire group. "Not in his condition."
Mithrandir said, "If you are going, King of Mirkwood, then I shall remain behind."
"Very well," Elrond murmured. He himself would have gone, but his injuries would slow them all down.
Gimli gruffly muttered, "I'd better go as well, to make certain he doesn't get himself hurt." The Dwarf shook his head.
"I believe that four is enough to-" Elrond began, when Boromir interjected.
"Make that five, if you would, Lord of Rivendell. I have my own score to settle with Meron, and if I can do so by keeping the one he desires safe from harm, then that's all the better," Boromir said, a faint scowl on his face. "I must make amends for my hasty actions regarding him."
Elrond shook his head but agreed. Elladan and Elrohir agreed reluctantly to stay behind, to help defend Rivendell against any potential intruders.
The group then split up, so that the ones who were traveling to Mordor could pack and get some rest, before leaving.
Elrond was assisted to his rooms by his sons and King Thranduil, who was very grateful to the Elven lord for keeping Meron from teleporting Legolas away.
Gimli stalked off to his room, intending to dig out the mithril coat for Legolas again.
Boromir and Faramir retired to their own rooms, to get some rest, for Faramir would be returning to Gondor to inform the other advisors of what Boromir was going to be doing for the next month or so.
Glorfindel walked beside Haldir, and for once, the 'Lorien Elf was uncharacteristically silent. Neither said anything for most of the walk, until they reached the hallway where they had to separate, so each could return to their rooms.
Haldir silently looked at Glorfindel, before he finally spoke. 'To be truthful, Glorfindel, I would die to protect either of them,' he said seriously.
'So would I, Haldir,' the Elven lord answered. 'But we will keep anything from happening to them.' He took a hold of Haldir's shoulders firmly. 'But be careful all the same.'
'Aren't I always?' Haldir replied, a slightly teasing note in his voice. 'You be careful, too.' He stepped closer to Glorfindel and firmly kissed him, slipping his hands up to cup Glorfindel's face.
The golden-haired Elven lord returned the kiss for a few long moments. His own hands drifted into Haldir's hair, before sliding down to gently but firmly push him against the wall.
Haldir let out a ragged, slow groan, as Glorfindel's hands held him against the wall. The other Elf smirked at the groan, causing Haldir to narrow his pewter eyes, before he roughly kissed Glorfindel, hard enough to bruise the firm lips.
'You enjoy teasing me, hmm?' Glorfindel murmured.
'Mmm-hmm,' Haldir told him.
The two shared a secret smile and kissed once more, before they reluctantly separated, to prepare for the journey.
To be continued
