Chapter 2
Legolas rounded the corner and quickly schooled his countenance to reveal nothing of his pounding heart and heightened senses.
"Father," he called.
"Ah there you are," Thranduil said finally spotting his wandering son. "Where have you been? I have been searching all over for you."
"I was merely taking a stroll in the garden to refresh myself. It is somewhat more crowded inside than we are used to."
"True," Thranduil said grimacing. "I cannot say that I understand why the race of men must enclose themselves so and in such large numbers."
Legolas nodded his agreement. "What reason did you have in seeking me out father?" he questioned.
"Ah, yes, I merely came to collect you so that we may retire. The festivities seem to be winding down. There is no reason for us to remain, besides you must be sorely in need of rest my son. I scarce saw you without a partner tonight." Thranduil's face softened. "You have done well tonight my son. I think Mirkwood's future looks bright."
Legolas smiled, "I too hope that is the case," he said thinking of the man whose arms he had just left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aragorn did not remain in the gardens for long after Legolas had taken his leave. He soon made his way to his own rooms, however he knew that sleep would not be swift in claiming him this night. His mind was too full of the image of Legolas, his eyes closed as he savoured the first bite of a sweet meat.
Aragorn knew that he wished for nothing more than to see that look upon Legolas' face once more, but filled with desire for himself.
Aragorn was not the only one that night with his thoughts centred on the Elven Prince.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Morning came swiftly and Aragorn made his way to the smaller more private dining room of the royal family. Both his father and Denethor would be joining him this morning, and he could not wait to make his intentions towards Legolas known to them both. He could then leave Denethor to handle negotiations with Legolas' father whilst he spent time with the Prince himself. He grinned to himself.
He was still grinning as he entered the dining room and saw his foster father and Lord Denethor already eating.
"Good morning to you both," he said warmly.
Elrond looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "It appears that someone is in a very good mood this morning. Pray tell what has you in such high spirits. Could it be that Aragorn has found himself a potential mate, and after only one night of the festivities?"
Aragorn grinned, and laughed outright when he saw the perplexed look on Denethor's face. He sat down next to his father, and started heaping food onto his plate, his appetite very much awoken.
"Denethor, I wish to get married," he said solemnly to the old Steward.
Denethor's look of confusion deepened. "But…"
Aragorn grinned, "You must go to King Thranduil this very morning and inform him that Prince Elessar of Gondor wishes to pay court to his son, Prince Legolas, with the final outcome being marriage and the securing of heirs for both Gondor and Mirkwood in an alliance of marriage."
Denethor's mouth opened and closed soundlessly a few times before he seemed capable of speech. "Very well," he said.
Aragorn smiled satisfied, and ignored Elrond's amused look.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Legolas made his way to the training grounds looking in particular for a quiet space in which to practice his archery. He was rewarded with an empty enclosure with targets at the far end. Legolas took a position as far from the target as he could.
He took some arrows from his quiver and stuck them into the ground before him, then stretched both his muscles and his bow by pulling back on the string until he was satisfied of his readiness. He then pulled one of the arrows from the ground and nocked his bow. He looked ahead to the target, his elven eyesight giving him a natural advantage. He could see the centre of the target clearly. He pulled back until his bowstring was taut, and took careful aim. Then he released the arrow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aragorn had finally tracked down his wayward quarry. He came across Legolas alone in an archery enclosure. He had been about to call out to the young elf when he noticed the fierce concentration that consumed Legolas so he watched instead.
His gaze took in the perfect archers stance, the tall lean body of the elf stretched taut by the act of readying his arrow for release. Then the arrow was released.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"That was wonderful," a voice called out from behind, and Legolas spun in surprise.
He had been so deep in concentration that he had been unaware of the presence of anyone else. Then he saw who was standing there and he felt his heart begin to pound for a different reason. A gentle flush stole across his features.
"Forgive me, I did not mean to startle you," Aragorn said as he walked over to Legolas. "You are very skilled," Aragorn commented whilst gesturing to the arrow that had hit the target dead centre.
Legolas blushed further and lowered his eyes slightly. "Thank you, 'tis the product of centuries of practice."
"I forget looking at you, that you must have lived for a very long time, yet you look no older than I, younger even."
Legolas smiled. "I am indeed nearing my 2000th birthday. Although that is still a very young age for an elf. In human years I suppose it would relate to one just coming into manhood."
"You must have seen much of this world in your years," Aragorn asked as he sat down on the grass gesturing for Legolas to join him.
"Not very much. My life has been one of duty with strong ties to Mirkwood. I have very rarely been outside the borders of our kingdom. There is much still I would like to see. Perhaps one day, if fate allows…" Aragorn noted the wistful expression on Legolas' face.
"Indeed, perhaps you shall. Mayhap one day sooner than you think," Aragorn said with a grin. "Come, let us wander the streets if Minas Tirith, and be free of these castle walls and our burdens for a short time."
Aragorn stood and held out his hand to the elf. Legolas hesitated momentarily and then grasped it firmly rising to his feet and following the young man.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lord Denethor, Steward of Gondor, entered the guest chambers of King Thranduil. The King sat near the open window with a scribe from his party at his side. He saw Denethor and signalled for the scribe to leave.
"Lord Denethor, a pleasant surprise. What brings you to my chambers?" Thranduil smiled in greeting.
Lord Denethor bowed slightly in deference to Thranduil's royal status. "I come bearing a message from Prince Elessar, future King of Gondor."
Thranduil sat straighter in his chair and intrigued expression on his face. "Then please by all means let us hear the message."
Denethor smiled, "His Highness Prince Elessar wishes to pay his regards to His Majesty King Thranduil of Mirkwood and asks leave to court his son, Prince Legolas. He hopes to forge an alliance through the bond of marriage. He believes that a united Gondor and Mirkwood can stand strong against the darkness that plagues both our borders. The fruits of such a union would of course become heirs to both Gondor and Mirkwood."
Denethor bowed again at the end of his message, and looked to the Elvish King for his reaction.
Thranduil laughed. "Excellent. Of course, such a union would indeed be most advantageous to us both. Very well, Prince Elessar has leave to court my son. Will he take part in the arrangement of the marriage?"
Denethor smiled wryly. "Indeed, that would be a miraculous event. Prince Elessar wishes that we arrange the marriage between ourselves so that he may spend more time with his intended."
"Very well, that is doubtless best. When does he wish the event to take place?" Thranduil asked, his mind already moving on to arrangements that would have to be made for the union of his son to the Prince of Men.
"Prince Elessar will be crowned King in three weeks, he would prefer that the ceremony took place a few days before the actual coronation so that the kingdom already has the security of knowing it's King has a partner to aid him in the affairs of state, and has the means with which to beget heirs. It also means that Prince Legolas will be crowned as Elessar's married partner on the same day. You may say killing two birds with one stone."
Thranduil nodded in agreement. "That is a very short time, nevertheless, there should be no problem with this. Come let us discuss this further."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aragorn grabbed Legolas' hand and pulled him along as he spotted a street vendor selling hot pies.
"Hot pies Sir?" the vendor asked as Aragorn perused the selection.
"Two hot sweet pies please," Aragorn requested. He handed over a few coins in payment and took the pies, handing one to Legolas. "Try it," he urged. "These are some of the finest sweet pies in all of Gondor."
Legolas took a bite out of his pie, trying to stop the filling from falling out. "Indeed it is very good," he said as he took another bite, and Aragorn thought that he had never wished to be a pie so much, as the hot pastry filled the mouth of the elf.
They continued to walk the streets amongst the citizens of Minas Tirith. Aragorn pointed out many places of interest. The day was spent companionably as Aragorn showed Legolas the sights of the city and Legolas talked about his own forest home and how very different it was to the city of men.
The hours passed and the sun finally began its descent. Legolas looked regretfully at the sunset.
"I have enjoyed myself greatly today Aragorn, I wish it did not have to end, however I must return to the palace. My father will wish me to attend dinner with him, and he will begin to look for me soon if I have not returned."
"Very well, come, I will escort you back to the palace." Aragorn led them back through the streets.
He had enjoyed Legolas' company today, and was glad that the plain cloth of his clothes and cloak lent him a certain air that left him unrecognised by the population of the town. The guards of course were under no such misapprehensions, yet they also knew the ways of their Prince, and merely stood to attention as he passed through the gates with his Elven guest.
Aragorn took Legolas straight up to the corridor of the palace assigned to King Thranduil's party for the duration of their stay. Fortunately there seemed to be nobody around and Aragorn grasped Legolas' hand before he could enter the corridor.
Legolas looked back questioningly at him.
"I just wanted to say goodbye for now," Aragorn explained.
Legolas smiled. "Indeed, it is goodbye but only for a short time I hope." His eyes shone brightly as he smiled warmly at Aragorn.
Aragorn felt that he could drown in the depths of Legolas' eyes and before conscious reasoning could take over his actions he had pulled Legolas closer. Legolas, startled by the action made no move to resist and suddenly found himself pressed against the man's hard body. A hand moved to the back of his head and a slight pressure brought him forward.
Then his lips touched Aragorn's and all thought fled from the elf's mind except for the pleasure he received from the gentle caress of Aragorn's lips as they moved against his own. He moaned softly and Aragorn took advantage. The man's tongue tentatively broached the lips of the elf, until a tentative touch in return emboldened him.
They kissed until the need for air forced them apart. Aragorn looked at the flushed features of the elf, the swollen lips and the eyes with large dark pupils almost engulfing the deep blue iris, and smiled. Legolas smiled sweetly back at him, until a noise startled him.
"Aragorn, I must go," he whispered.
"Very well Prince of Mirkwood, but know that this will continue," he warned, and was satisfied when the blush on Legolas' cheeks became a crimson stain that extended to the points of his ears.
Legolas nodded, and then turned away to enter the guest corridor. He looked back once to see Aragorn still standing where he had left him before he entered his father's room.
Thranduil was sitting reading a book, and as Legolas entered he smiled and placed the book down.
"Good news my son, I have found you a husband."
The world fell from beneath Legolas' feet.
Legolas rounded the corner and quickly schooled his countenance to reveal nothing of his pounding heart and heightened senses.
"Father," he called.
"Ah there you are," Thranduil said finally spotting his wandering son. "Where have you been? I have been searching all over for you."
"I was merely taking a stroll in the garden to refresh myself. It is somewhat more crowded inside than we are used to."
"True," Thranduil said grimacing. "I cannot say that I understand why the race of men must enclose themselves so and in such large numbers."
Legolas nodded his agreement. "What reason did you have in seeking me out father?" he questioned.
"Ah, yes, I merely came to collect you so that we may retire. The festivities seem to be winding down. There is no reason for us to remain, besides you must be sorely in need of rest my son. I scarce saw you without a partner tonight." Thranduil's face softened. "You have done well tonight my son. I think Mirkwood's future looks bright."
Legolas smiled, "I too hope that is the case," he said thinking of the man whose arms he had just left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aragorn did not remain in the gardens for long after Legolas had taken his leave. He soon made his way to his own rooms, however he knew that sleep would not be swift in claiming him this night. His mind was too full of the image of Legolas, his eyes closed as he savoured the first bite of a sweet meat.
Aragorn knew that he wished for nothing more than to see that look upon Legolas' face once more, but filled with desire for himself.
Aragorn was not the only one that night with his thoughts centred on the Elven Prince.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Morning came swiftly and Aragorn made his way to the smaller more private dining room of the royal family. Both his father and Denethor would be joining him this morning, and he could not wait to make his intentions towards Legolas known to them both. He could then leave Denethor to handle negotiations with Legolas' father whilst he spent time with the Prince himself. He grinned to himself.
He was still grinning as he entered the dining room and saw his foster father and Lord Denethor already eating.
"Good morning to you both," he said warmly.
Elrond looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "It appears that someone is in a very good mood this morning. Pray tell what has you in such high spirits. Could it be that Aragorn has found himself a potential mate, and after only one night of the festivities?"
Aragorn grinned, and laughed outright when he saw the perplexed look on Denethor's face. He sat down next to his father, and started heaping food onto his plate, his appetite very much awoken.
"Denethor, I wish to get married," he said solemnly to the old Steward.
Denethor's look of confusion deepened. "But…"
Aragorn grinned, "You must go to King Thranduil this very morning and inform him that Prince Elessar of Gondor wishes to pay court to his son, Prince Legolas, with the final outcome being marriage and the securing of heirs for both Gondor and Mirkwood in an alliance of marriage."
Denethor's mouth opened and closed soundlessly a few times before he seemed capable of speech. "Very well," he said.
Aragorn smiled satisfied, and ignored Elrond's amused look.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Legolas made his way to the training grounds looking in particular for a quiet space in which to practice his archery. He was rewarded with an empty enclosure with targets at the far end. Legolas took a position as far from the target as he could.
He took some arrows from his quiver and stuck them into the ground before him, then stretched both his muscles and his bow by pulling back on the string until he was satisfied of his readiness. He then pulled one of the arrows from the ground and nocked his bow. He looked ahead to the target, his elven eyesight giving him a natural advantage. He could see the centre of the target clearly. He pulled back until his bowstring was taut, and took careful aim. Then he released the arrow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aragorn had finally tracked down his wayward quarry. He came across Legolas alone in an archery enclosure. He had been about to call out to the young elf when he noticed the fierce concentration that consumed Legolas so he watched instead.
His gaze took in the perfect archers stance, the tall lean body of the elf stretched taut by the act of readying his arrow for release. Then the arrow was released.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"That was wonderful," a voice called out from behind, and Legolas spun in surprise.
He had been so deep in concentration that he had been unaware of the presence of anyone else. Then he saw who was standing there and he felt his heart begin to pound for a different reason. A gentle flush stole across his features.
"Forgive me, I did not mean to startle you," Aragorn said as he walked over to Legolas. "You are very skilled," Aragorn commented whilst gesturing to the arrow that had hit the target dead centre.
Legolas blushed further and lowered his eyes slightly. "Thank you, 'tis the product of centuries of practice."
"I forget looking at you, that you must have lived for a very long time, yet you look no older than I, younger even."
Legolas smiled. "I am indeed nearing my 2000th birthday. Although that is still a very young age for an elf. In human years I suppose it would relate to one just coming into manhood."
"You must have seen much of this world in your years," Aragorn asked as he sat down on the grass gesturing for Legolas to join him.
"Not very much. My life has been one of duty with strong ties to Mirkwood. I have very rarely been outside the borders of our kingdom. There is much still I would like to see. Perhaps one day, if fate allows…" Aragorn noted the wistful expression on Legolas' face.
"Indeed, perhaps you shall. Mayhap one day sooner than you think," Aragorn said with a grin. "Come, let us wander the streets if Minas Tirith, and be free of these castle walls and our burdens for a short time."
Aragorn stood and held out his hand to the elf. Legolas hesitated momentarily and then grasped it firmly rising to his feet and following the young man.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lord Denethor, Steward of Gondor, entered the guest chambers of King Thranduil. The King sat near the open window with a scribe from his party at his side. He saw Denethor and signalled for the scribe to leave.
"Lord Denethor, a pleasant surprise. What brings you to my chambers?" Thranduil smiled in greeting.
Lord Denethor bowed slightly in deference to Thranduil's royal status. "I come bearing a message from Prince Elessar, future King of Gondor."
Thranduil sat straighter in his chair and intrigued expression on his face. "Then please by all means let us hear the message."
Denethor smiled, "His Highness Prince Elessar wishes to pay his regards to His Majesty King Thranduil of Mirkwood and asks leave to court his son, Prince Legolas. He hopes to forge an alliance through the bond of marriage. He believes that a united Gondor and Mirkwood can stand strong against the darkness that plagues both our borders. The fruits of such a union would of course become heirs to both Gondor and Mirkwood."
Denethor bowed again at the end of his message, and looked to the Elvish King for his reaction.
Thranduil laughed. "Excellent. Of course, such a union would indeed be most advantageous to us both. Very well, Prince Elessar has leave to court my son. Will he take part in the arrangement of the marriage?"
Denethor smiled wryly. "Indeed, that would be a miraculous event. Prince Elessar wishes that we arrange the marriage between ourselves so that he may spend more time with his intended."
"Very well, that is doubtless best. When does he wish the event to take place?" Thranduil asked, his mind already moving on to arrangements that would have to be made for the union of his son to the Prince of Men.
"Prince Elessar will be crowned King in three weeks, he would prefer that the ceremony took place a few days before the actual coronation so that the kingdom already has the security of knowing it's King has a partner to aid him in the affairs of state, and has the means with which to beget heirs. It also means that Prince Legolas will be crowned as Elessar's married partner on the same day. You may say killing two birds with one stone."
Thranduil nodded in agreement. "That is a very short time, nevertheless, there should be no problem with this. Come let us discuss this further."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aragorn grabbed Legolas' hand and pulled him along as he spotted a street vendor selling hot pies.
"Hot pies Sir?" the vendor asked as Aragorn perused the selection.
"Two hot sweet pies please," Aragorn requested. He handed over a few coins in payment and took the pies, handing one to Legolas. "Try it," he urged. "These are some of the finest sweet pies in all of Gondor."
Legolas took a bite out of his pie, trying to stop the filling from falling out. "Indeed it is very good," he said as he took another bite, and Aragorn thought that he had never wished to be a pie so much, as the hot pastry filled the mouth of the elf.
They continued to walk the streets amongst the citizens of Minas Tirith. Aragorn pointed out many places of interest. The day was spent companionably as Aragorn showed Legolas the sights of the city and Legolas talked about his own forest home and how very different it was to the city of men.
The hours passed and the sun finally began its descent. Legolas looked regretfully at the sunset.
"I have enjoyed myself greatly today Aragorn, I wish it did not have to end, however I must return to the palace. My father will wish me to attend dinner with him, and he will begin to look for me soon if I have not returned."
"Very well, come, I will escort you back to the palace." Aragorn led them back through the streets.
He had enjoyed Legolas' company today, and was glad that the plain cloth of his clothes and cloak lent him a certain air that left him unrecognised by the population of the town. The guards of course were under no such misapprehensions, yet they also knew the ways of their Prince, and merely stood to attention as he passed through the gates with his Elven guest.
Aragorn took Legolas straight up to the corridor of the palace assigned to King Thranduil's party for the duration of their stay. Fortunately there seemed to be nobody around and Aragorn grasped Legolas' hand before he could enter the corridor.
Legolas looked back questioningly at him.
"I just wanted to say goodbye for now," Aragorn explained.
Legolas smiled. "Indeed, it is goodbye but only for a short time I hope." His eyes shone brightly as he smiled warmly at Aragorn.
Aragorn felt that he could drown in the depths of Legolas' eyes and before conscious reasoning could take over his actions he had pulled Legolas closer. Legolas, startled by the action made no move to resist and suddenly found himself pressed against the man's hard body. A hand moved to the back of his head and a slight pressure brought him forward.
Then his lips touched Aragorn's and all thought fled from the elf's mind except for the pleasure he received from the gentle caress of Aragorn's lips as they moved against his own. He moaned softly and Aragorn took advantage. The man's tongue tentatively broached the lips of the elf, until a tentative touch in return emboldened him.
They kissed until the need for air forced them apart. Aragorn looked at the flushed features of the elf, the swollen lips and the eyes with large dark pupils almost engulfing the deep blue iris, and smiled. Legolas smiled sweetly back at him, until a noise startled him.
"Aragorn, I must go," he whispered.
"Very well Prince of Mirkwood, but know that this will continue," he warned, and was satisfied when the blush on Legolas' cheeks became a crimson stain that extended to the points of his ears.
Legolas nodded, and then turned away to enter the guest corridor. He looked back once to see Aragorn still standing where he had left him before he entered his father's room.
Thranduil was sitting reading a book, and as Legolas entered he smiled and placed the book down.
"Good news my son, I have found you a husband."
The world fell from beneath Legolas' feet.