Notes/Warnings: Probably should have mentioned this in earlier parts but Elrond and Legolas are OOC! And this might be slightly AU concerning my take on Thranduil but I'm not sure about that. Thought I read somewhere that things were tense between Elrond and Thranduil but not too positive about that. Just thought I would let you know! Also, I feel that this part may be a little bit boring but it had to be written, next part will be more exciting!
Running into Love
Part 5
Legolas was running, fleeing the scene of his humiliation as fast as he could. Not caring who saw him or what they thought of his wild behavior, Legolas ran, seeking solitude in order to give way to his chaotic emotions.
Eventually finding himself in a secluded garden, Legolas fell to the ground and finally gave in to the tears that had been threatening to overwhelm him during his flight.
What had gone wrong? How was it that Elrond could be so callous when it was obvious that he was interested in Legolas? What about last night? Did not that mean anything? Maybe…maybe Legolas had been wrong in assuming that Elrond was interested in him.
No. That was impossible. Legolas was still confident that Elrond had at least some affection for him; there was just no other way to explain what he had done last night.
But how to account for his behavior today?
Legolas suddenly remembered what Elrond had said; that it was wrong for them to be kissing. Chest tightening painfully, Legolas was again overwhelmed with sobs. Those awful words, it felt like they were cleaving his heart into two. Those words were certainly going to haunted him, never give him any peace for a long time to come.
Yet, how could something that felt so wonderful be wrong?
Once Legolas considered this, several reasons occurred to him that might cause Elrond to say such a thing. But none of them were very rational. The differences between their age and station should not keep them apart when they could make each other happy! Who could possibly object to them having a relationship if they could make each other happy?
Thranduil.
How could he have forgotten about his father?
Tears began to fall anew as Legolas realized the hopelessness of the situation. Elrond would never consent to a relationship with Legolas because of the tense situation between Elrond and his father.
There was absolutely nothing he could do; he would have to resign himself to the fact that he could never make Elrond love him.
"Prince Legolas?"
Startled, Legolas looked up to see Lady Arwen giving him a worried look.
Rising quickly, Legolas gave the Lady a slight bow while saying, "Forgive me, milady, I did not realize that anyone was in the garden. I hope I have not disturbed you."
"Please, do not concern yourself about that. But, tell me Legolas, what has upset you so much?"
"Nothing of great importance, it will not bother me for long," Legolas said in what he hoped was a steady, convincing voice.
Unfortunately, Arwen did not look convinced.
"Legolas, I know that we hardly know each but, please, let me help you carry this burden that causes you so much suffering."
This offer was very tempting but Legolas did not feel it would be appropriate to accept it. How could he possibly tell Arwen that he was in love with her father? Especially when nothing was ever to come of it.
"I greatly appreciate your offer, Arwen, but truly it is unnecessary. I do not suffer greatly and any distress I may be feeling will pass in due time. You must forgive me, though, I fear that I have aggravated my wounds by walking too much today, I should like to return to my room."
"Yes, of course, I hope you feel better."
With a slight bow, Legolas left as quickly as he dared; unaware of the still worried eyes that watched him leave.
Elrond was pacing, a very clear sign that he was disturbed. Yet, he was not as upset as he thought he would be. Rather, he was frustrated and mad at himself. How could he have behaved so terribly towards Legolas? There was absolutely no excuse for his behavior. He definitely could have handled the situation a little more tactfully. Should another such situation arise in the future, he would have to take care and control his feelings. Causing Legolas any sort of pain was entirely unacceptable. Yet, Elrond suddenly realized that it would be unavoidable, for he must continue to reject Legolas' advances should he make any more. It was his duty to do so.
But what if Legolas tried to kiss him again? Would he be able to resist?
Elrond could still feel the shadow of Legolas' lips on his own, could still feel the warm pleasure coursing through his body as he thought about the kiss. How he longed to be able to kiss Legolas again, to elicit more than just one moan out of the prince.
Unable to ignore what his body was telling him, Elrond was finally forced to admit to himself that he desired, needed Legolas desperately. That perhaps what he was feeling really was love. But it was happening all so fast, how could he be sure?
Suddenly stopping his pacing, Elrond forced himself to halt that train of thought. It did not matter whether it was love for he refused to act upon his feelings no matter how much he wanted to. If he did, it could only end in heartache, he was sure.
A knock on the door forced him out of his thoughts.
Was it Legolas? A part of Elrond hoped it was not; he was not ready to face the prince again, unsure if he would be able to resist Legolas' charms. Yet, most of him hoped it was Legolas, so he could apologize. So he could at least admire Legolas' beauty and enjoy his company.
Inexplicably nervous, Elrond said, "Enter."
It was not Legolas. Yet, his visitor was certainly not unwelcome, he was always happy to see his daughter. Especially now, perhaps she could relieve him of some of his distress.
"My dear, it is good to see you," Elrond said while giving Arwen a warm hug. However, upon close observation, he noticed that she seemed upset. "Arwen, is something the matter?"
"Yes, father. It is Legolas. I was in the garden just a short while ago when I happened upon him. He was sobbing as if his heart were broken. Father, I fear for him. I could see that he was suffering greatly; yet, he said it was nothing and refused to talk about it...Why, father! What is the matter? Please, do not be so upset!"
Sitting down in the dark corner he had been in earlier, Elrond stared at Arwen with a horrified expression on his face. Had he truly broken Legolas' heart? Given his callousness and what he saw of Legolas' reaction to it, Elrond supposed it was entirely possible. Elrond never imagined that he had caused Legolas this much grief. But what if Legolas died because of his callousness? To never see Legolas again as a result of his own thoughtless behavior, such a thing would be unbearable!
"Father! Just what exactly is going on here?"
Yes, it would be a relief to be able to tell someone his troubles; hopefully Arwen would be able to help him. So, he told her everything that had happened between him and Legolas since the prince had regained consciousness. He tried to express as clearly as possible his feelings about Legolas and the current situation. Once finished, Elrond waited anxiously for her opinions on the matter.
"Well, this is certainly astonishing! I never would have expected something like this to happen. My father, in love with the Prince of Mirkwood! Unbelievable."
"I was, and still am, just as surprised as you, my dear. But, you understand why I feel nothing must come of it, right?"
"Understand? No, I do not! What nonsense. Of course something must come of it if we are to save Legolas, you must tell him you love him."
"No, I couldn't possibly do that. It would be impossible for us to have a relationship. There must be another way to save him from his grief."
"There is not, father, surely you can see that." Arwen paused briefly, deep in thought. Then, grabbing Elrond's hand, she said earnestly, "Father, you love him and he loves you, that is all that matters. I know you told me why you think there can be nothing between you two but how can any of that matter if you truly love each other?"
"Arwen, it is not that simple. I must consider my position as the leader of our people. There are some things that I should not do because they would interfere with my duties and one such thing would be getting involved with Legolas."
"Father!" Arwen cried, just a little bit exasperated with her father's stubbornness. "Our people would never begrudge you for seeking happiness by loving another."
"I am perfectly happy and satisfied with having the love of my family and our people."
Laughing, Arwen said, "There are some things that we cannot provide for you, father. Only Legolas can do that."
Unable to argue with this point, Elrond gave a frustrated sigh. Could it be really as simple as Arwen thought it is? Could he truly give in to his feelings for Legolas and it would all work out?
Seeing that he was still unconvinced, Arwen said, "I think you two could make each other very happy if only you would let it happen. Of course, it will not always be easy and I think some of the objections you raised will create some problems. But you cannot let your fear of these problems prevent you from finding happiness. All relationships have their problems but love only becomes stronger and happiness greater when such obstacles are conquered. And I know you and Legolas have the strength to conquer any difficulties that you might encounter along the way. If you continue along the path you have chosen, not only will you deprive yourself of great happiness but you will also cause Legolas to suffer greatly. In fact, as I have already mentioned, you are already causing him terrible pain."
Arwen was not afraid of guilt tripping her father into action. She was at her wit's end as to how to overcome her father's infuriating stubbornness and reluctance. Perhaps her words had been a little harsh but she was willing to try anything in order to secure her father's happiness.
Her tactic, while perhaps a bit underhanded and unbecoming of a princess, was certainly having a profound effect on Elrond. In arguing with his daughter, Elrond had forgotten that Legolas was in a state of great agony somewhere and all because of his insensitive behavior. Could he knowingly continue to cause such suffering to the elf he loved? No, surely his own heart would break if he ever saw Legolas as Arwen had seen him earlier.
Yet, there really was only one way to relieve Legolas of his suffering. But did he have the courage to do it? To confess his love and face the consequences?
Yes. He did. He had to do it, for Legolas' sanity and his own.
And, of course, Arwen was right. Everything she had said made his objections to a relationship with Legolas appear ridiculous. His people surely would not object and Elrond was confident that they would learn to love Legolas as much as he did. Of course, there was still Thranduil to consider. But Legolas would most likely know how to handle his father. Should a separation result between Legolas and his father, Elrond doubted the prince would be too upset. It would be a good excuse for Legolas to stay by his side in Rivendell.
Smiling at this pleasing prospect, Elrond turned to Arwen and said, "Thank you, my dear, I knew you would help me solve this problem."
"What have you decided to do?" Arwen said with a hopeful look.
"I will talk to him."
"Father! Could you please be a little more explicit?"
Chuckling, Elrond said, "I cannot bear the thought of him suffering. So, I will open my arms to him and pray that my love will ease any pain that I have inadvertently caused him."
"Oh, father!" Arwen cried. "I am so happy. I know everything will work out fine. But you must go see him now!"
"Yes, of course, I'm going. But I must thank you for your wise words, I needed them desperately."
"I know, father. Now, get going before I push you out the door!"
Obeying, Elrond left quickly, eager to find his beloved prince.
-Mwahahah! Such an evil place to stop! Next part will be the last, will have a lemon so I'll be posting that part of the next part (heh that was convoluted!) on my website.
-Apologizes for Arwen's sermon on love, she just wouldn't stop talking! But I think I can definitely see her saying all that, especially with regards to herself and Aragorn.