Idylls of the King: Courtly Love
Here's another chapter.finally! FYI, this is the second one I've uploaded since the return(s) of ff.net, so don't forget to read chapter five as well! And PLEASE review!-morrigan Oh! And the song Legolas sings is called "The Dark Night of the Soul", by Loreena Mckennitt; if you haven't heard her music, do so.she's fantastic! So yeah, neither half the characters nor the poem is mine, I'm just using them out of love!
Over the course of the next few days, Aragorn managed to conceal his love for the youngest prince of Mirkwood, avoiding eye contact during meals and other such tactics. But outside the palace walls, Aragorn could deny Legolas nothing, and his plan of not being alone with the elf soon crumbled as he accompanied him on walks and horse-rides, which often ended with picnics and laughter. But the human king convinced himself that he could never be with the fair being.he was an elven prince; and besides, how could he ever love a mortal and inelegant man? And thus, Aragorn was determined to conceal his feelings forever, but one day he happened to reveal the secret of his heart, and all within a mere instant. He had been with Galadriel in her temple, discussing his impending return to Gondor, and what, exactly should he do with the knowledge of the elves and their culture that he now possessed. after all, neither of them wanted the dark past of men and elves to be repeated. The gauzy layers of curtain that shrouded the entryway were then pushed aside, allowing light to pierce the dim, candle-lit interior, and Legolas entered bearing a tray in his hands. Despite himself, Aragorn's eyes were drawn towards the prince, following the line of his slender arms through the sheer bell sleeves of his white blouse. Aragorn realized he had never seen Legolas in such an outfit, beautiful though it was. The thin white shirt was accompanied by a form-fitting green silk vest sewn with little gold flowers, which flowed down into a sort of skirt that fell mid- thigh over snow-white leggings. His feet, as usual were bare, and the delicate jewelry he wore around his ankles, waist, and brow glimmered in the light that shone behind him. "I've brought some tea, grandmother," Legolas murmured as he knelt besides the low table that Galadriel and Aragorn were sitting at. "It's almond and honey." All this was said in Elvish, and Aragorn marveled at how well he understood it, although he was not yet fluent in the musical tongue. Legolas' human speech, however, was nearly perfected. The elf poured the steaming brew into two small cups from a teapot, then handed one to Galadriel, who smiled in thanks. Legolas then offered tea to Aragorn, but he curiously did not meet the human's eyes, keeping his lowered gaze on the cup. Aragorn, hoping his hand wouldn't shake, took the cup with a nod and a tense thank-you. But in doing so, his fingers brushed against Legolas', and even at such a slight contact his heart sped up, and warmth spread low in his body. Embarrassed, the man drank his tea in silence, miserably studying the tabletop as if it were the most fascinating thing in all creation. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Legolas gather up the tray before gracefully rising to leave. Galadriel motioned for him to stay, but the prince shook his blonde head with a smile, saying "I promised Grandfather I'd help him at the school today." And with that, he left the temple and one rather uncomfortable king behind. As soon as the curtains fell again, Galadriel looked at the human with amusement shining in her ancient eyes. "My, my.in all truth, I never thought it would be Legolas who would capture your heart," She paused as Aragorn choked on his tea, before continuing casually, "I expected it to be Isilvanar, or at least Celedriel.they are female, after all. But I see you would settle for nothing less than the best my line has to offer." For a brief minute, Aragorn actually considered denying what the elven queen's keen eyes had detected, but he sensed that lying to such a creature would not be very successful. With a cough, he ran a nervous hand through his hair while the other set his teacup on the table. "I suppose you would want me to leave Mirkwood at once.although I wish to make it clear that I never intended for this to happen, and I have never told Legolas what I feel for him." "Oh, calm yourself, King of Men, for you mistake my words." Galadriel rose and stood before the basin of her magical mirror, now empty of water, and rested her hands on the cool stone brim. "I have foreseen all about you, and your coming here, Aragorn. I knew that when you left Mirkwood, you would not go alone. I merely thought you would take one of the princesses to be your mate.although I admit now that Legolas is a much better match. I should have known; he always had a deep sense of adventure and curiosity, much more so than his siblings." "I." Aragorn was speechless. To think that the elven woman had known his secret affection all along.had she told her son? Mortified at the thought of Thranduil's probable disgust, his face began to burn. "I am more surprised, however, that you believe your love is unrequited.which I can assure you is not true," At Aragorn's quizzical look, she continued with a soft smile, "Well, I suppose it's difficult for you to tell.you of course did not know Legolas before your arrival. But he was quite a different elf.he was always happy, and showed affection to all, but his eyes always held a certain.yearning. Legolas' resemblance to his mother seems to run deeper than appearance, and he would always ask me of what lies beyond Mirkwood.of Valinor and the Valar, but mostly of humans and their ways. I even taught him human speech alongside elvish when he was a child, and it seems the early knowledge of it has aided his communication with you. But that sad wistfulness left him the day he found you, for you bring him great joy, Aragorn, even in your mere presence. But surely you have noticed his attempts to win your attention.I have never seen him take so much care in his dress, and even his song and dance have seemed to strengthen. And, of course, bringing us tea.a servant's task rather than a prince's." The tension in the human's frame fled, and Aragorn longed to find Legolas to ask him if all that Galadriel said was true. But protocol had been instilled within him since his birth, and he had to make absolutely sure that his love for Legolas was not viewed as lewd or shameful by the elves, especially their king. "King Thranduil.does he know?" "Yes, of course.he was quite amazed at the effect your arrival has had on his son. And to be honest, Thranduil is also relieved. Isilvanar is quite independent and aloof, and could never be happy being second to a king; she was born to rule in her own right. Celedriel has no such pride, but she is a simple girl, content to live all her years in the palace.she would rather be a handmaiden to her sister than a wife to a human king. He knows that you can give Legolas all that he has ever wished for: happiness, adventure, and true love." Aragorn sat silently, trying his best not to crow with joy at the mere thought that Legolas might indeed love him back. He would go to the prince and ask him of his true feelings, and ask him to come back to Gondor with him, to remain at his side forever.but first, he had to speak with Legolas' father. Galadriel mused, "Thranduil is in the main hall, if you wish to speak with him." It was as if she was reading his mind-and she probably was. She walked to the entryway and drew back the curtains, motioning for Aragorn to stand and follow her out.
The throne room was empty of all save the king, and Thranduil sat upon his great throne, a large book of bound, blank parchment resting in his lap. He was greatly engrossed in his writing, and only looked up when Galadriel and Aragorn reached the foot of his dais. With a warm smile, he pulled two small seats to face his chair, seats normally used by his children during formal audiences. He asked them to sit, and Aragorn thanked him politely as he climbed the thickly carpeted stairs. As he settled down onto the plush-cushioned chair, he felt Thranduil looking at him expectantly. Aragorn opened his mouth to speak, then closed it, and tried to gather his thoughts. He was normally a very effective speaker and diplomat within the confines of his duties as king, but found himself unnerved and intimidated by the very thought of speaking with Thranduil. Then again, he was not asking the elven king for a trade agreement or arms treaty.he was asking for the right to marry his son. "King Elessar, you have something you wish to speak with me about?" Thranduil asked softly, barely managing to hide an amused smile. "Yes, your majesty." Aragorn paused, then took a deep breath. He prided himself on being a frank and honest man, and decided to get right to the matter at hand, "King Thranduil, as I believe you already know, I'm in love with your son.your youngest, Prince Legolas." "I see." Thranduil chuckled, "It's amusing to me that you seek my thoughts before you even approach my son.my mother has told me that this is a proper practice among humans." At Aragorn's nod, he added, "But I do not think that is all you have come to tell me." "No, it is not." Aragorn replied, and looked at Galadriel, who gave him an encouraging nod, "I have never been in love before, and I am nearly forty years of age.old for my people. But in the past few weeks, I have realized that those forty years of loneliness have yielded something so wonderful.a gift that I could have never thought possible. Your majesty, I love Legolas beyond all words, and I want nothing more than to make him happy. I have to come to you today to ask your permission for Legolas' hand in marriage.if he'll have me, that is." Thranduil stood, not saying a word. Worried he had somehow offended the elf, the king hurriedly spoke, "I know I should be asking for permission of courtship, before marriage, but I do not know how long I can further tarry here in Mirkwood before I leave for home, with Legolas.if both you and he wish it." Still, Thranduil said nothing. He walked around his throne and paced along the back wall, gazing up at the portraits of the royal family that were painted upon the stone surface. Looking up at Legolas' picture at the very end, he sighed, and began to speak. "All fathers, Aragorn, want to give their children everything, and to make them happy. So all my life, I have tried to do just that, with the seven children my dear wife bore me. Fathers, however, are also selfish. They long to keep their children near them forever, and dread the day that they grow up, and leave home. I have been luckier than most, having taken for granted that my children will never leave me.but I realize now that, at least where Legolas is concerned, I can only give him everything he wishes if I let him go. And if I must lose my youngest," Thranduil paused, striding over to Aragorn's chair and placed a hand on the king's shoulder, "Losing him to one such as you brings me great comfort. So in answer to your question, King Elessar, my reply is yes: you may take Legolas for your own, if he will have you.and from what my mother has been telling me, there is little question that he will." Aragorn dropped from his chair, bowing low at the feet of the elven king, joy making his voice shaky as he spoke, "My lord, my gratitude and loyalty for you and your kin shall be everlasting, this I swear." When he rose, he turned to find Galadriel looking at him with blue eyes clear and wise, and she spoke with a voice as powerful as it was soft, "Go to him, Aragorn."
"It's been quite warm today, hasn't it, brother?" Celedriel sighed, pushing at strands of her hair that had escaped her braids and drooped into her eyes. "Mm." Legolas answered absently, peering up at the cave ceiling far above them. It had been unusually warm that day, and was still quite pleasant despite it being late evening. The prince squinted his eyes, and perhaps for a brief moment he was able to see the clear twilight sky, as he often dreamt. This Mirkwood evening was like every other. Lamps and candles flickered as they were lit throughout the cavern, and the scents of roasted meats and sweet herbs and roots began to float in the air as numerous evening meals were prepared. Legolas, Celedriel and Celeduil were relaxing on the rocks of the outermost palace courtyard, one that bordered the forest. The princess and princes could see the figures of elves finishing their work in the woods weave amongst the trees and leave for their homes. Above them, dinnertime conversation carried on pleasantly, and someone, somewhere, was playing a harp. These nighttime happenings were all familiar, but tonight, Legolas felt something else in the unusually warm air, an anticipation of something; whether it was good or bad the prince didn't know. Perhaps it had something to do with Aragorn, the mysterious human king who had become Legolas first mortal friend.and the first object of the young elf's love. Legolas had been fascinated with the human for the very first moment he saw him lying unconscious on the forest floor, and thought that friendship was the extent of his feelings. But nights ago when Aragorn had touched his face with a tenderness and reverence Legolas had never experienced, and comforted him in his sorrow, the prince realized what he felt for his friend was love, love so deep that he spent both his waking and his sleeping hours dreaming not of the outside world, but of its king. As the elf blushed at his thoughts, his brother stretched in lazy contentment before laying down on a moss-blanketed rock, and mused, "That harpist is quite skilled." "Yes.although this melody would be sweeter with a song.don't you agree, brother?" Celedriel said slyly. Legolas smiled at her. "Would you like me to sing, sister?" "Oh, please!" The princess clapped her hands gleefully. Legolas listened to the faint music of the harp, taking in its rhythm and tone. He naturally knew many songs to fit the simple melody, but desired to sing one which he had written himself just yesterday. It was a personal thing to share, but he would sing it in the human speech. His siblings wouldn't understand, but they wouldn't mind; to elves, a song's emotion carried much more weight than its lyrics. The elf sat up straight, closed his eyes, drew a deep breath, and begun. "Upon a darkened night, the flame of love was burning in my breast, And by a lantern bright, I fled my house where all in quiet rest. Shrouded by the night, and by the secret stair I quickly fled. The veil concealed my eyes, while all within lay quiet as the dead. Oh night, the walls my guide! Oh night, more loving than the rising sun! Oh night, the child, the lover, the beloved one, Transforming each of them into the other. Upon that misty night, in secrecy beyond such mortal sight, Without a guide of light, than that which burned so deeply in my heart. The fire twas led me on, and shone more bright than of the midday sun, To where he waited still; it was a place where no one else could come. Oh night, the walls my guide! Oh night, more loving than the rising sun! Oh night, the child, the lover, the beloved one, Within my pounding heart, which kept itself entirely for him. He fell into his sleep; beneath the cedars all my love I gave. And by the fortress walls, the wind would brush his hair against his brow. And with its smoothest hand, caressed my every sense it would allow. Oh night, the walls my guide! Oh night, more loving than the rising sun! Oh night, the child, the lover, the beloved one, I lost myself to him, and laid my face upon my lover's breast. And care and grief grow dim, as in the morning's mist became the light. There they dimmed amongst the lilies fair. There they dimmed amongst the lilies fair. There they dimmed amongst the lilies fair."
As the last note of the sweet, wistful song hovered in the air, Legolas reluctantly opened his eyes to return to a reality in which he was sure the tender love of the song did not exist. He looked at his brother and sister, their eyes still closed, smiling to themselves. And then, he saw him. Aragorn was standing close behind the oblivious twins, looking at Legolas with eyes that burned so bright they seemed to truly be afire. "Aragorn!" The prince gasped, startling the twins who turned to stare curiously at the human king. Celeduil began to greet him, but his sister quickly could tell that it was time to leave. "Come, brother, let's go see when dinner shall be ready." She stood, and tugged the other to his feet. "But it is served at the same time every-ow!" Celeduil scowled at her as the yanked him towards the nearby stairwell, but followed her into the palace, looking over his shoulder in puzzlement before they disappeared around a bend, and Legolas and Aragorn were left alone. "Aragorn.you startled me." The prince said, trying to do so in an even voice. Perhaps if he acted as if the song meant nothing, he would be spared the embarrassment of having his love for his dear friend revealed. The king said nothing, but came forward with long, determined strides, and before Legolas could react, held the elf's arms in his hands. "The song.Legolas! Tell me, what did you mean by it?" Fear and humiliation flooded through the prince, and he hid his face. "It.was nothing.just a harmless song." Comprehension, amazement, and joy played across the mortal's noble features, unseen by the flustered prince. "You love me." Legolas let out a strangled sound, and, managing to break free, leapt to his feet to stumble into the haven of the forest, blinded by his tears. He knows.he knows! was all the elf could think as he desperately tried to run from his shame. Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around him from behind, stopping his flight. In that instant, Legolas lost all desire to flee, and did not struggle, just simply hung his head and cried silently. He knew Aragorn would speak at any moment, to tell him that while he understood, while they could remain friends, he didn't love him. And then Aragorn would leave him, and leave Mirkwood, and would never return. "Legolas.my beautiful, innocent one! Why do you run from me.how can you not know I love you so?" The king murmured softly, grieving as he felt the immortal's tears drip onto his hands. "Aragorn.what?" The elf asked in a quavering voice, not daring to believe what he had just heard. He felt the human's arms loosen, but only momentarily before Aragorn had turned him so that he found himself pressed between the man and a tree at his back. "I love you, Legolas. I have since the very moment of our meeting, and will to the very instant of death, and beyond. I want you to be mine forever.selfishness be damned!" The king watched as the elf's sad and confused face gave way to the most beautiful and happy smile he had ever seen. "Aragorn!" Legolas cried, the flung himself forward, wrapping his arms around the man's neck. He looked up into the face of his beloved, now knowing that the strange fire in Aragorn's eyes was neither disgust nor anger, but love and passion. "Aragorn.I love you! And there is no need to ask if I'll be yours." The elf lowered his eyes shyly, "I think.I was born to be yours." "Marry me." Aragorn whispered, framing Legolas' face with his hands, as green eyes seemed to peer into his very soul. "Oh, Aragorn, yes! Of course I will!" Legolas answered, not caring if anyone heard him. "My elf, my love." The king breathed, before briefly letting go of the prince to pull his father's ring, the symbol of his kingdom, from his hand. "I know the elven custom is matching silver bands, but this is all I have." He said, almost apologetically. The ring, which had fit his right index finger snugly, was too large for all of the elf's slender fingers save his thumb, but Legolas just smiled and shook his head. "It's perfect, my king." "You are perfect, my prince." And that being said, Aragorn lowered his lips to meet those of the elf, and they shared their first kiss as the green stone upon Legolas' finger gleamed silently in the dark.
A/N: Okay, I got them in love and engaged! Not bad, eh? I know, very sappy, and Legolas was quite.girly.but it's my story, and that's the way I like it! Next chapter: The wedding.and the wedding night! Yup, that means, NC-17!
Here's another chapter.finally! FYI, this is the second one I've uploaded since the return(s) of ff.net, so don't forget to read chapter five as well! And PLEASE review!-morrigan Oh! And the song Legolas sings is called "The Dark Night of the Soul", by Loreena Mckennitt; if you haven't heard her music, do so.she's fantastic! So yeah, neither half the characters nor the poem is mine, I'm just using them out of love!
Over the course of the next few days, Aragorn managed to conceal his love for the youngest prince of Mirkwood, avoiding eye contact during meals and other such tactics. But outside the palace walls, Aragorn could deny Legolas nothing, and his plan of not being alone with the elf soon crumbled as he accompanied him on walks and horse-rides, which often ended with picnics and laughter. But the human king convinced himself that he could never be with the fair being.he was an elven prince; and besides, how could he ever love a mortal and inelegant man? And thus, Aragorn was determined to conceal his feelings forever, but one day he happened to reveal the secret of his heart, and all within a mere instant. He had been with Galadriel in her temple, discussing his impending return to Gondor, and what, exactly should he do with the knowledge of the elves and their culture that he now possessed. after all, neither of them wanted the dark past of men and elves to be repeated. The gauzy layers of curtain that shrouded the entryway were then pushed aside, allowing light to pierce the dim, candle-lit interior, and Legolas entered bearing a tray in his hands. Despite himself, Aragorn's eyes were drawn towards the prince, following the line of his slender arms through the sheer bell sleeves of his white blouse. Aragorn realized he had never seen Legolas in such an outfit, beautiful though it was. The thin white shirt was accompanied by a form-fitting green silk vest sewn with little gold flowers, which flowed down into a sort of skirt that fell mid- thigh over snow-white leggings. His feet, as usual were bare, and the delicate jewelry he wore around his ankles, waist, and brow glimmered in the light that shone behind him. "I've brought some tea, grandmother," Legolas murmured as he knelt besides the low table that Galadriel and Aragorn were sitting at. "It's almond and honey." All this was said in Elvish, and Aragorn marveled at how well he understood it, although he was not yet fluent in the musical tongue. Legolas' human speech, however, was nearly perfected. The elf poured the steaming brew into two small cups from a teapot, then handed one to Galadriel, who smiled in thanks. Legolas then offered tea to Aragorn, but he curiously did not meet the human's eyes, keeping his lowered gaze on the cup. Aragorn, hoping his hand wouldn't shake, took the cup with a nod and a tense thank-you. But in doing so, his fingers brushed against Legolas', and even at such a slight contact his heart sped up, and warmth spread low in his body. Embarrassed, the man drank his tea in silence, miserably studying the tabletop as if it were the most fascinating thing in all creation. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Legolas gather up the tray before gracefully rising to leave. Galadriel motioned for him to stay, but the prince shook his blonde head with a smile, saying "I promised Grandfather I'd help him at the school today." And with that, he left the temple and one rather uncomfortable king behind. As soon as the curtains fell again, Galadriel looked at the human with amusement shining in her ancient eyes. "My, my.in all truth, I never thought it would be Legolas who would capture your heart," She paused as Aragorn choked on his tea, before continuing casually, "I expected it to be Isilvanar, or at least Celedriel.they are female, after all. But I see you would settle for nothing less than the best my line has to offer." For a brief minute, Aragorn actually considered denying what the elven queen's keen eyes had detected, but he sensed that lying to such a creature would not be very successful. With a cough, he ran a nervous hand through his hair while the other set his teacup on the table. "I suppose you would want me to leave Mirkwood at once.although I wish to make it clear that I never intended for this to happen, and I have never told Legolas what I feel for him." "Oh, calm yourself, King of Men, for you mistake my words." Galadriel rose and stood before the basin of her magical mirror, now empty of water, and rested her hands on the cool stone brim. "I have foreseen all about you, and your coming here, Aragorn. I knew that when you left Mirkwood, you would not go alone. I merely thought you would take one of the princesses to be your mate.although I admit now that Legolas is a much better match. I should have known; he always had a deep sense of adventure and curiosity, much more so than his siblings." "I." Aragorn was speechless. To think that the elven woman had known his secret affection all along.had she told her son? Mortified at the thought of Thranduil's probable disgust, his face began to burn. "I am more surprised, however, that you believe your love is unrequited.which I can assure you is not true," At Aragorn's quizzical look, she continued with a soft smile, "Well, I suppose it's difficult for you to tell.you of course did not know Legolas before your arrival. But he was quite a different elf.he was always happy, and showed affection to all, but his eyes always held a certain.yearning. Legolas' resemblance to his mother seems to run deeper than appearance, and he would always ask me of what lies beyond Mirkwood.of Valinor and the Valar, but mostly of humans and their ways. I even taught him human speech alongside elvish when he was a child, and it seems the early knowledge of it has aided his communication with you. But that sad wistfulness left him the day he found you, for you bring him great joy, Aragorn, even in your mere presence. But surely you have noticed his attempts to win your attention.I have never seen him take so much care in his dress, and even his song and dance have seemed to strengthen. And, of course, bringing us tea.a servant's task rather than a prince's." The tension in the human's frame fled, and Aragorn longed to find Legolas to ask him if all that Galadriel said was true. But protocol had been instilled within him since his birth, and he had to make absolutely sure that his love for Legolas was not viewed as lewd or shameful by the elves, especially their king. "King Thranduil.does he know?" "Yes, of course.he was quite amazed at the effect your arrival has had on his son. And to be honest, Thranduil is also relieved. Isilvanar is quite independent and aloof, and could never be happy being second to a king; she was born to rule in her own right. Celedriel has no such pride, but she is a simple girl, content to live all her years in the palace.she would rather be a handmaiden to her sister than a wife to a human king. He knows that you can give Legolas all that he has ever wished for: happiness, adventure, and true love." Aragorn sat silently, trying his best not to crow with joy at the mere thought that Legolas might indeed love him back. He would go to the prince and ask him of his true feelings, and ask him to come back to Gondor with him, to remain at his side forever.but first, he had to speak with Legolas' father. Galadriel mused, "Thranduil is in the main hall, if you wish to speak with him." It was as if she was reading his mind-and she probably was. She walked to the entryway and drew back the curtains, motioning for Aragorn to stand and follow her out.
The throne room was empty of all save the king, and Thranduil sat upon his great throne, a large book of bound, blank parchment resting in his lap. He was greatly engrossed in his writing, and only looked up when Galadriel and Aragorn reached the foot of his dais. With a warm smile, he pulled two small seats to face his chair, seats normally used by his children during formal audiences. He asked them to sit, and Aragorn thanked him politely as he climbed the thickly carpeted stairs. As he settled down onto the plush-cushioned chair, he felt Thranduil looking at him expectantly. Aragorn opened his mouth to speak, then closed it, and tried to gather his thoughts. He was normally a very effective speaker and diplomat within the confines of his duties as king, but found himself unnerved and intimidated by the very thought of speaking with Thranduil. Then again, he was not asking the elven king for a trade agreement or arms treaty.he was asking for the right to marry his son. "King Elessar, you have something you wish to speak with me about?" Thranduil asked softly, barely managing to hide an amused smile. "Yes, your majesty." Aragorn paused, then took a deep breath. He prided himself on being a frank and honest man, and decided to get right to the matter at hand, "King Thranduil, as I believe you already know, I'm in love with your son.your youngest, Prince Legolas." "I see." Thranduil chuckled, "It's amusing to me that you seek my thoughts before you even approach my son.my mother has told me that this is a proper practice among humans." At Aragorn's nod, he added, "But I do not think that is all you have come to tell me." "No, it is not." Aragorn replied, and looked at Galadriel, who gave him an encouraging nod, "I have never been in love before, and I am nearly forty years of age.old for my people. But in the past few weeks, I have realized that those forty years of loneliness have yielded something so wonderful.a gift that I could have never thought possible. Your majesty, I love Legolas beyond all words, and I want nothing more than to make him happy. I have to come to you today to ask your permission for Legolas' hand in marriage.if he'll have me, that is." Thranduil stood, not saying a word. Worried he had somehow offended the elf, the king hurriedly spoke, "I know I should be asking for permission of courtship, before marriage, but I do not know how long I can further tarry here in Mirkwood before I leave for home, with Legolas.if both you and he wish it." Still, Thranduil said nothing. He walked around his throne and paced along the back wall, gazing up at the portraits of the royal family that were painted upon the stone surface. Looking up at Legolas' picture at the very end, he sighed, and began to speak. "All fathers, Aragorn, want to give their children everything, and to make them happy. So all my life, I have tried to do just that, with the seven children my dear wife bore me. Fathers, however, are also selfish. They long to keep their children near them forever, and dread the day that they grow up, and leave home. I have been luckier than most, having taken for granted that my children will never leave me.but I realize now that, at least where Legolas is concerned, I can only give him everything he wishes if I let him go. And if I must lose my youngest," Thranduil paused, striding over to Aragorn's chair and placed a hand on the king's shoulder, "Losing him to one such as you brings me great comfort. So in answer to your question, King Elessar, my reply is yes: you may take Legolas for your own, if he will have you.and from what my mother has been telling me, there is little question that he will." Aragorn dropped from his chair, bowing low at the feet of the elven king, joy making his voice shaky as he spoke, "My lord, my gratitude and loyalty for you and your kin shall be everlasting, this I swear." When he rose, he turned to find Galadriel looking at him with blue eyes clear and wise, and she spoke with a voice as powerful as it was soft, "Go to him, Aragorn."
"It's been quite warm today, hasn't it, brother?" Celedriel sighed, pushing at strands of her hair that had escaped her braids and drooped into her eyes. "Mm." Legolas answered absently, peering up at the cave ceiling far above them. It had been unusually warm that day, and was still quite pleasant despite it being late evening. The prince squinted his eyes, and perhaps for a brief moment he was able to see the clear twilight sky, as he often dreamt. This Mirkwood evening was like every other. Lamps and candles flickered as they were lit throughout the cavern, and the scents of roasted meats and sweet herbs and roots began to float in the air as numerous evening meals were prepared. Legolas, Celedriel and Celeduil were relaxing on the rocks of the outermost palace courtyard, one that bordered the forest. The princess and princes could see the figures of elves finishing their work in the woods weave amongst the trees and leave for their homes. Above them, dinnertime conversation carried on pleasantly, and someone, somewhere, was playing a harp. These nighttime happenings were all familiar, but tonight, Legolas felt something else in the unusually warm air, an anticipation of something; whether it was good or bad the prince didn't know. Perhaps it had something to do with Aragorn, the mysterious human king who had become Legolas first mortal friend.and the first object of the young elf's love. Legolas had been fascinated with the human for the very first moment he saw him lying unconscious on the forest floor, and thought that friendship was the extent of his feelings. But nights ago when Aragorn had touched his face with a tenderness and reverence Legolas had never experienced, and comforted him in his sorrow, the prince realized what he felt for his friend was love, love so deep that he spent both his waking and his sleeping hours dreaming not of the outside world, but of its king. As the elf blushed at his thoughts, his brother stretched in lazy contentment before laying down on a moss-blanketed rock, and mused, "That harpist is quite skilled." "Yes.although this melody would be sweeter with a song.don't you agree, brother?" Celedriel said slyly. Legolas smiled at her. "Would you like me to sing, sister?" "Oh, please!" The princess clapped her hands gleefully. Legolas listened to the faint music of the harp, taking in its rhythm and tone. He naturally knew many songs to fit the simple melody, but desired to sing one which he had written himself just yesterday. It was a personal thing to share, but he would sing it in the human speech. His siblings wouldn't understand, but they wouldn't mind; to elves, a song's emotion carried much more weight than its lyrics. The elf sat up straight, closed his eyes, drew a deep breath, and begun. "Upon a darkened night, the flame of love was burning in my breast, And by a lantern bright, I fled my house where all in quiet rest. Shrouded by the night, and by the secret stair I quickly fled. The veil concealed my eyes, while all within lay quiet as the dead. Oh night, the walls my guide! Oh night, more loving than the rising sun! Oh night, the child, the lover, the beloved one, Transforming each of them into the other. Upon that misty night, in secrecy beyond such mortal sight, Without a guide of light, than that which burned so deeply in my heart. The fire twas led me on, and shone more bright than of the midday sun, To where he waited still; it was a place where no one else could come. Oh night, the walls my guide! Oh night, more loving than the rising sun! Oh night, the child, the lover, the beloved one, Within my pounding heart, which kept itself entirely for him. He fell into his sleep; beneath the cedars all my love I gave. And by the fortress walls, the wind would brush his hair against his brow. And with its smoothest hand, caressed my every sense it would allow. Oh night, the walls my guide! Oh night, more loving than the rising sun! Oh night, the child, the lover, the beloved one, I lost myself to him, and laid my face upon my lover's breast. And care and grief grow dim, as in the morning's mist became the light. There they dimmed amongst the lilies fair. There they dimmed amongst the lilies fair. There they dimmed amongst the lilies fair."
As the last note of the sweet, wistful song hovered in the air, Legolas reluctantly opened his eyes to return to a reality in which he was sure the tender love of the song did not exist. He looked at his brother and sister, their eyes still closed, smiling to themselves. And then, he saw him. Aragorn was standing close behind the oblivious twins, looking at Legolas with eyes that burned so bright they seemed to truly be afire. "Aragorn!" The prince gasped, startling the twins who turned to stare curiously at the human king. Celeduil began to greet him, but his sister quickly could tell that it was time to leave. "Come, brother, let's go see when dinner shall be ready." She stood, and tugged the other to his feet. "But it is served at the same time every-ow!" Celeduil scowled at her as the yanked him towards the nearby stairwell, but followed her into the palace, looking over his shoulder in puzzlement before they disappeared around a bend, and Legolas and Aragorn were left alone. "Aragorn.you startled me." The prince said, trying to do so in an even voice. Perhaps if he acted as if the song meant nothing, he would be spared the embarrassment of having his love for his dear friend revealed. The king said nothing, but came forward with long, determined strides, and before Legolas could react, held the elf's arms in his hands. "The song.Legolas! Tell me, what did you mean by it?" Fear and humiliation flooded through the prince, and he hid his face. "It.was nothing.just a harmless song." Comprehension, amazement, and joy played across the mortal's noble features, unseen by the flustered prince. "You love me." Legolas let out a strangled sound, and, managing to break free, leapt to his feet to stumble into the haven of the forest, blinded by his tears. He knows.he knows! was all the elf could think as he desperately tried to run from his shame. Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around him from behind, stopping his flight. In that instant, Legolas lost all desire to flee, and did not struggle, just simply hung his head and cried silently. He knew Aragorn would speak at any moment, to tell him that while he understood, while they could remain friends, he didn't love him. And then Aragorn would leave him, and leave Mirkwood, and would never return. "Legolas.my beautiful, innocent one! Why do you run from me.how can you not know I love you so?" The king murmured softly, grieving as he felt the immortal's tears drip onto his hands. "Aragorn.what?" The elf asked in a quavering voice, not daring to believe what he had just heard. He felt the human's arms loosen, but only momentarily before Aragorn had turned him so that he found himself pressed between the man and a tree at his back. "I love you, Legolas. I have since the very moment of our meeting, and will to the very instant of death, and beyond. I want you to be mine forever.selfishness be damned!" The king watched as the elf's sad and confused face gave way to the most beautiful and happy smile he had ever seen. "Aragorn!" Legolas cried, the flung himself forward, wrapping his arms around the man's neck. He looked up into the face of his beloved, now knowing that the strange fire in Aragorn's eyes was neither disgust nor anger, but love and passion. "Aragorn.I love you! And there is no need to ask if I'll be yours." The elf lowered his eyes shyly, "I think.I was born to be yours." "Marry me." Aragorn whispered, framing Legolas' face with his hands, as green eyes seemed to peer into his very soul. "Oh, Aragorn, yes! Of course I will!" Legolas answered, not caring if anyone heard him. "My elf, my love." The king breathed, before briefly letting go of the prince to pull his father's ring, the symbol of his kingdom, from his hand. "I know the elven custom is matching silver bands, but this is all I have." He said, almost apologetically. The ring, which had fit his right index finger snugly, was too large for all of the elf's slender fingers save his thumb, but Legolas just smiled and shook his head. "It's perfect, my king." "You are perfect, my prince." And that being said, Aragorn lowered his lips to meet those of the elf, and they shared their first kiss as the green stone upon Legolas' finger gleamed silently in the dark.
A/N: Okay, I got them in love and engaged! Not bad, eh? I know, very sappy, and Legolas was quite.girly.but it's my story, and that's the way I like it! Next chapter: The wedding.and the wedding night! Yup, that means, NC-17!