The Shame of Mirkwood
By Elfish Arrow

Chapter IV

Legolas stood addressing the target as Estel showed him, he lifted the bow steadily in his left hand, and pulled back on the arrow, only to have it waver and break away from the arrow-rest. He sighed, that was the fifth time.

"I can't do it, Estel," the elf sighed again and dropped the bow to the grass, "I don't think I'm meant to, either," he crossed his arms across his chest stubbornly.

Estel smiled at Legolas's childish behaviour, and picked up his discarded bow, handing it back to the pouting elf, "Sure you are. Here, try and hold it with your right hand instead."

The man stood behind him and placed his hands over Legolas's; this time they'd do it together. The servant elf tensed, but forced himself to relax. Estel raised the bow with Legolas, and let him use his left hand to draw. Estel followed his movements, and when he released, the arrow sailed toward the target, hitting somewhere above the middle.

Legolas let out a shout of triumph and turned to hug Estel, dropping the weapon once more, "I did it! I actually hit it this time!"

Estel laughed and spun Legolas around, amazed at how light the elf was.

Legolas was still laughing when he was set down, but it was quickly stifled as he noticed the way Estel was looking at him. The man reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair from the other's eyes; he stepped closer, until their lips were mere centimetres apart.

Consciously aware of his breathing, Legolas's mind was busy trying to understand the situation, preventing the elf from acting.

Estel didn't seem to mind; however, as he brought their mouths together and kissed Legolas firmly, his hand resting near the nape of the other's neck.

Legolas gasped and almost immediately backed away - almost. Fear shone in his eyes and he fought the urge to flee; it was, to say the least, surprising. Why did he move? He didn't want to... did he?

"Estel... I-"

"No, I'm sorry, I should not have-"

Estel was interrupted as Legolas stepped forward again, and placed a pale hand on his shoulder.

The man looked toward him, and brushed his hand through Legolas's unbraided hair, asking a silent question.

Legolas leaned up to cover the slight distance between them, letting their lips meet. He gasped softly when Estel's arm encircled his waist and drew him closer still. The elf's gasp was quickly silenced when he felt Estel's tongue against his lips, seeking entrance, which he promptly granted.

Soon, the two were sprawled atop Estel's cloak, reluctant to break their kiss.

Legolas lay atop the man, laughing softly when their kiss was broken. Estel smiled up at him and reversed their positions before Legolas had a chance to protest.

Wary of hurting the seemingly fragile elf, Estel kept the majority of his weight off him. Legolas grinned at this and wrapped his arms around the man's neck and shoulders.

Legolas began to untie the lacings of Estel's tunic; the mortal took the cue, and placed a kiss along Legolas's jawline while slowly undressing the servant elf.

Estel was unaware of how experienced (or inexperienced) Legolas was, and was hesitant at first, though the soft urgings of his partner eventually quelled his fears and allowed them both to loose themselves in a desperate passion.

...

They sat together under one of the elf's favourite trees, clothed, but disheveled and closer than usual. Estel told Legolas all about Rivendell, and the elves there. Legolas was especially curious about how Lord Elrond ran the realm, and could barely believe how different it was from Mirkwood.

Eventually, Estel cast a glance to the sky, and quickly stood, "I'm sorry, Legolas, but they'll start to wonder should I not meet the delegation at the gates soon."

Legolas stood as well and nodded his understanding, "Safe journey, Estel, I look forward to your future visits..." The farewell sounded rehearsed and empty to his ears, but Legolas could think of nothing else to say.

Estel bowed quickly and headed toward the main gates, leaving Legolas behind in the glade.

***

Legolas made his way back to the tree near the main road feeling both light-headed and desperate. Estel couldn't leave! Not now! He climbed easily and swiftly until he could see the party stalled before the gate. From what he could tell, there was an argument over whether or not to take five extra archers who slipped into line. King Thranduil was sent for, and Estel simply sat astride his horse looking quite annoyed.

The servant elf watched with amusement until a sudden idea struck him... if the company was now made of 16, including Aragorn, perhaps, if he stayed far enough behind... perhaps they wouldn't notice if he was occasionally spotted within their ranks. He could surprise Estel at Imladris!

Legolas's eyes lit up and scrambled down the tree in his rush. He stopped to pick up the discarded bow and quiver, and ran to his quarters. There, he changed into the most common garments he owned, and wrapped himself in a dark green cloak, bringing the hood up to hide his face. Slinging the weapon over his shoulder, he then raced to the stables. There was horse there, whose owner had perished years ago in an unexpected attack from the South. He and Cyll and formed a close bond over the years, as Cyll had fallen to the servant's care.

The plan was a simple one, and worked well despite the misgivings Legolas had upon setting out after them. If at all possible, he stayed well behind and kept to the trees to avoid detection; he never slept at their camp, but did mill about in the early morning in order to eat before slipping off again.

The day of their arrival at Rivendell, Legolas made sure to be within the company until Lord Elrond had shown them to a vast lawn where the archers of Lothlorien were camped, and in a show of fellowship, Elrond's own were camped there as well. They were to stay a week before leaving for the Western shore.

Legolas had not anticipated to bring gear as the others had, and so he sat with his back against a tree, watching the Mirkwood elves begin to set up various encampments. Those nearest to him were from Lothlorien, by the style of their clothing, and, to his dread, had noticed him. One of the three stood and walked over to him, crouching in front of him.

"You're from Mirkwood, aye?" he said by way of greeting.

Legolas nodded, "Aye, I am."

The other held out a hand, "Haldir, Marchwarden of the Galadrim of Lorien."

Curiously, Legolas took the proffered hand, "Legolas... just, Legolas."

Haldir grinned, "I notice, Legolas, that you've come unprepared. None of your company cares to aid you in that respect?"

"Nay, I... They do not welcome me here, nor in our own realm."

If Haldir thought the comment odd, he didn't show it, instead he simply helped the younger elf stand and led him toward his fire, "Then you shall have to stay with my brothers and I."

Haldir and his brothers turned out to be interesting company. The three jested with one another about things they may or may not have done in the past, though it was not a kind of jest that Legolas had ever been witness to. They took each other's comments with good humour, and they never seemed to intentionally harm anyone with their remarks. Most of all, they tried to include Legolas in their humour without belittling him. He rather liked Lothlorien, if all elves there were this kind.

Though Legolas kept an eye out for Estel, he hadn't seen the man since they arrived. He must be somewhere within the House of Elrond, as Legolas heard the two were close. In any case, his worries of being found out by Lomion or another from his homeland were soon forgotten in the company of the Lothlorien trio.

The week passed quickly for Legolas as Haldir and his brothers seemed to understand that he didn't wish any Mirkwood attention, and they were quick to help him. Those from Rivendell began to assume that Legolas had traveled from Lorien as well, and Legolas was quite content despite Estel's constant absence.

The day before they were to leave, Lord Elrond held a feast to send them off. As Haldir and Legolas entered the dining hall, Legolas immediately spotted Estel. He was seated much the same as in Mirkwood, only now before him sat a beautiful elf maiden Legolas instantly recognized as Arwen, Elrond's daughter. The family resemblance was strong enough to inform even the lowest of elves who she was.

He and Haldir sat further down the long table, though Legolas was not paying attention to Haldir's story of how Rúmil had once gotten his hair tangled on an Orc blade, so busy was he staring at Estel.

Estel must have felt the weight of Legolas's stare, for he soon looked over to him. Shock was evident in his eyes, and the man quickly looked away, continuing his conversation with Lord Elrond - he did not look back. Legolas was confused at this. Why would Estel not even greet him? He did not so much as smile! The elf was so busy brooding over this that he did not hear Haldir's inquiry.

"Legolas?"

Shaken, he turned to face his new friend, "Aye, Haldir?"

Haldir eyed him worriedly, "Are you all right? You haven't been very attentive, and now you appear upset. One of your company has not recognized you, I hope?"

"Nay," Legolas began, "I just worry that they will."

Whatever Haldir was going to say next was cut off when Elrond stood and held up a hand for silence.

"Before we begin our feast and wish luck to our finest archers," he gave a nod to archers gathered close to the head of the table, "I wish to make a toast." He held up his glass, and all present followed, "To my daughter Arwen, and her betrothal to my future son, Aragorn, son of Arathorn. I will be proud to call him family."

Legolas toasted the couple along with the rest before turning to Haldir, "Arwen, I know of, but who is the elf so lucky to become her husband?"

Haldir grinned, "Not even an elf, friend, but a man! Aragorn is his given name, but we call him Estel." Haldir pointed out Estel, "They are a good match, and even Lady Galadriel approves."

Before Legolas could stop himself, he sprang from the table with a gasp of horror. All eyes turned toward him, and more gasps were heard from the Mirkwood party upon recognizing him. Aragorn regarded him coolly and made no move to attempt to remedy the situation.

Lomion, however, stood from his place and began to make his way toward Legolas. Before either Lomion could reach him, or Lord Elrond could regain control, Legolas fled from the hall.

He ran to the stables, head ducked against the fierce wind. He mounted Cyll, and it was not long before the two were fleeing Imladris. Legolas, unnerved by what he had learned and the sudden cracks of thunder, had no idea where he was going, but rode directionless until sunrise. He did not know it, but he was headed South.

TBC…
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