Chapter 4
After Aragorn had retired to his room to freshen up before dinner, and after King Thranduil had dispatched Boromir, Legolas remained lying on his bed quietly thinking about the hand fate had dealt him.
How can it be, he thought, that the Valar would lead me to Aragorn only to separate us with this alliance. Surely life could not be this cruel. Truly this was a difficult thing he must undergo, to forge a strong alliance Legolas knew that his marriage with Prince Elessar must proceed as planned. He could not have lived with his own sense of guilt had he sacrificed his people's needs over his own. So how was he to get through this and endure?
Legolas knew the answer was simple and yet in itself difficult. He must not see Aragorn again. To cut himself off so abruptly would cause him heartache yet this would be nothing in comparison to the heartache he would suffer should he allow himself to grow even more attached to the young man.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. "Enter," he called out.
Legolas' personal bodyguard opened the door, "Legolas, your father bids you prepare yourself for this evenings dinner and meet him in the drawing room."
Legolas nodded his acknowledgment and rose from the bed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thranduil stopped his pacing as the door opened and his son entered. He was momentarily taken aback by the resemblance Legolas bore to his mother, and he felt a twinge in his ancient heart at her loss shortly after Legolas' birth.
The tragic loss of his mother had left Legolas with only one parent. Thranduil had tried very hard to become both parents to the young elf, yet oftentimes affairs of state and threats from Mirkwood's borders would draw him away. Thranduil considered the sacrifices that the Royal House of Oropher had been asked to make throughout the ages, he hoped that it would end with the sacrifice Legolas was about to make.
With an ease born of much practice Thranduil's face revealed nothing of his thoughts.
"You are rested my son?" he asked instead.
"Yes father, and I have been giving much thought to this marriage. I am glad that it is to take place so swiftly, for then we can concentrate on the threats that our united borders face." Legolas forced a smile for his fathers benefit. "Besides, time passes so swiftly for an elf that it will be no time at all before my husband is old and grey. Then with our alliance secured by the heirs I hope to conceive I can return to Mirkwood." Legolas' smile was genuine this time, only to be dissolved by his father's next words.
Thranduil's face expressed it's surprise, "But my son, I thought you knew. Prince Elessar is half elven, he will live for many thousands of years yet if he is not already immortal."
Legolas blanched, "I was not… I did not know of this," he managed finally.
Thranduil looked sharply at his son. "Legolas are you very sure that you wish to proceed with this. There is still time for us to call off this engagement if you feel it will not suit."
Legolas shook his head, "Nay, nay. Tis not what I was expecting but it does not change the fact that this alliance is the best hope for Mirkwood and Gondor. I will marry the Prince."
"Very well. Then come, we will attend dinner. I must tell you now, that the engagement is to be kept secret until such time as a public announcement is made by Lord Denethor. We will therefore not be sitting at the high table with the Prince and his family."
Legolas breathed a small sigh of relief, and prayed that his father had not noticed. Thranduil had already turned away and motioned for the young elf to join him as they made their way to the dining room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aragorn had been seated for some time in the dining hall, he had been anxiously searching out his intended with no luck thus far.
"You will cause serious harm to your neck if you continue to twist it in that fashion," Elrond pointed out from his seat next to the young man.
Aragorn sighed in frustration. "He is not here yet."
"Patience Estel, he will attend with his father, until such time you must not make your affections so obvious, this engagement is still very much a secret after all."
"I know, I know, but it is so very hard. Even these coming days in which I have to wait before I can claim him will wear thin on my patience."
Elrond smiled in amusement, "And yet you have no means of making time run more swiftly so I suggest you adopt some of your mother's infamous patience very quickly before your head explodes."
Aragorn laughed. "Very well, from now until my wedding I shall be a paragon of elven virtues."
Elrond snorted, "That I will believe only when I have witnessed it with my own keen eyes."
A sudden murmur broke out, and Aragorn along with Elrond turned to see who was the centre of attention. And his breath caught in his throat, for there standing to the right and slightly behind his father stood the object of his affections.
"He's here." Aragorn murmured.
Aragorn greedily took in every detail of Legolas' appearance, from the rich blue overtunic to the paler blue leggings that encased his long legs. The shining blonde hair that fell past Legolas' shoulders and gleamed in the candlelight of the hall, pulled back only into two braids on either side of his head.
Aragorn's eyes came upon Legolas' face, and across the room their eyes met. Aragorn felt sparks fly from his own body and imagined that he could see them cross over to the elven prince, for Legolas seemed to shiver slightly at that very moment.
A slight nudge from Thranduil broke the connection and Legolas was ushered to take his seat with the rest of his party.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Legolas had entered the dining hall he had almost immediately felt Aragorn's presence and had no trouble in searching out the young man. Aragorn was dressed again in a dark but simple outfit, which flattered his muscular physique. But it was not Aragorn's outfit that caught his gaze, it was the brilliance of the eyes that met his own. Legolas felt stunned by the impact of that gaze and shivered slightly.
A slight nudge brought back awareness of his surroundings, and Legolas was subtly pushed along to their dining table.
"Come Legolas," Thranduil murmured, "You can moon after your betrothed later."
Legolas started, then noticed that Aragorn was seated at the high table, but in the seat of honour sat Lord Denethor and to his right was the cold eyed man, Prince Elessar. This reminder of his fate had the same effect upon him as that which cold water seemed to have on the race of men.
"Elbereth give me strength," he whispered, sending a prayer to the brightest of the Valar.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dinner seemed to pass torturously slowly to Aragorn, he was eager for everyone to move to the more informal setting of the gardens so that he might get Legolas to himself for a moment.
At last the final course was cleared and people began to move from their seats and make their way through the large open doors that led to the garden's main lawn.
Aragorn waited for Legolas and his father to join the groups outside before he too made his way outside. He was going to allow nothing to delay his mission, and gently rebuffed any advances that were made towards him.
He finally spotted Legolas, he was talking with Lord Gafen and his daughter. Aragorn took a quiet spot near some trees at the edge of the lawn and waited for Legolas to conclude his conversation before he swept in to lead the Elven Prince away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Life as an Elven Prince, must be somewhat different from that of the mortal nobility," Lord Gafen stated.
Legolas smiled. "In some ways yes it is very different. I mean no offence but we elves do not feel the need to stamp our mark onto every part of our territory, we much prefer to converse with nature and live in harmony with our home. Yet having said that I think that anyone in a position of responsibility feels the weight of it constantly. The fact that we are immortal simply allows us more time to correct any mistakes we make."
Both Lord Gafen and his daughter Daela laughed lightly.
"I think then, that you would very much appreciate our home. We live very close to a large forest and much of the wildness of it all attempts to encroach onto my estates."
Legolas smiled apologetically, "Indeed, I believe I would find that very much appealing, and perhaps one day I shall see it, however I fear duty will be keeping me busy for some time."
"So I hear," Lord Gafen stated with a smile. "I approached your father yesterday, I had hoped to perhaps introduce you to my daughter in a more familiar way, if you understand me." Legolas nodded and noticed the slight blush that rose on the cheeks of Daela. However she kept her gaze downcast. "I was informed, that you were no longer unattached, although the announcement had yet to made. May I enquire as to who is the lucky person?"
"I am afraid, that I have been commanded to silence on the matter, at least until such time as an announcement is formally made," Legolas replied hesitantly.
Lord Gafen smiled, "I understand of course, however you and your new marriage partner will forever be welcome to our home."
Legolas bowed formally, "I thank you my lord. Now if you might excuse me, I must seek out my father."
Lord Gafen nodded, and Legolas made his way towards the edge of the lawn searching the mass of people for his father's presence. He was therefore caught unawares by the hand that grabbed his arm and dragged him in between the trees.
"Shhh, be easy," a familiar voice said in response to his initial struggles.
"Aragorn!" Legolas exclaimed. "What are you doing?"
"I merely took advantage of an opportunity to get you to myself," Aragorn said, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
Legolas felt a twinge of guilt. "This is not right," he began, "How will this look to all the people out there?"
Aragorn frowned, he had not really given much thought to that, Denethor had recommended that this engagement be kept as secret as possible until the actual event was to take place. His behaviour may give the old crony's something to gossip about.
"I am sorry Legolas," he apologised, "I did not give thought to the consequences, I wanted only to spend time with you."
A look of sorrow passed swiftly over Legolas' features, gone so quick Aragorn had not even noticed it. "I fear that all too soon, this sort of thing will be impossible," he said thinking of his upcoming marriage to Prince Elessar.
Aragorn was puzzled. It was true that once they were married state affairs would take up much of their time, and there would be certain types of behaviour that might be deemed inappropriate. But still he was sure that once Legolas was his partner people would excuse some of the behaviour that occurred with all newlyweds. He dismissed the whole thing from his mind and instead focused on the beautiful creature in front of him.
"I had feared tonight that you would not be attending the evening meal, so late did you make your appearance."
It was Legolas' turn to frown. "We were only very slightly late, in truth it was my fault, I had lain down to take a short rest before the meal and was somewhat rushed then in my preparations to make myself ready."
"I am sure that you could emerge from a bog and still dazzle everyone with your beauty and splendour." Aragorn said breathily, his hand reaching out to caress the elf's cheek.
Another thought occurred to Legolas. "Were you seated on the high table next to Lord Elrond?"
"Yes, I have known him all my life. In fact I was raised in Rivendell before my duties to the dunedain called me away. Lord Elrond has always treated me as one of his own."
"I see. I have not visited Imladris, although I have heard many tales of its beauty, and of the beauty of the Evenstar."
"Arwen? I suppose she is pretty, but I have always seen her as my sister, even in some ways I suppose a surrogate mother, since my own perished shortly after I was born. She, and my brothers Elladan, and Elrohir, have an annoying habit of reminding me of all the things they did to me as a child whenever they feel I am getting above myself," he said with a rueful laugh.
"They sound wonderful. You are very lucky to have such a loving family. I am an only child. My mother also was lost to me shortly after my birth. My father has done his best to be both parents to me, but his responsibilities have oftentimes pulled him away. Still I know I am loved," Legolas said softly.
"You are indeed loved," Aragorn whispered, and leaned in to join his lips to that of the elf.
"Legolas," a voice called out.
Aragorn grinned as he moved away from Legolas, "That is an annoying habit your father has."
Legolas smiled and watched Aragorn disappear before remembering that he had forgotten to tell Aragorn that they must not see each other again.
After Aragorn had retired to his room to freshen up before dinner, and after King Thranduil had dispatched Boromir, Legolas remained lying on his bed quietly thinking about the hand fate had dealt him.
How can it be, he thought, that the Valar would lead me to Aragorn only to separate us with this alliance. Surely life could not be this cruel. Truly this was a difficult thing he must undergo, to forge a strong alliance Legolas knew that his marriage with Prince Elessar must proceed as planned. He could not have lived with his own sense of guilt had he sacrificed his people's needs over his own. So how was he to get through this and endure?
Legolas knew the answer was simple and yet in itself difficult. He must not see Aragorn again. To cut himself off so abruptly would cause him heartache yet this would be nothing in comparison to the heartache he would suffer should he allow himself to grow even more attached to the young man.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. "Enter," he called out.
Legolas' personal bodyguard opened the door, "Legolas, your father bids you prepare yourself for this evenings dinner and meet him in the drawing room."
Legolas nodded his acknowledgment and rose from the bed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thranduil stopped his pacing as the door opened and his son entered. He was momentarily taken aback by the resemblance Legolas bore to his mother, and he felt a twinge in his ancient heart at her loss shortly after Legolas' birth.
The tragic loss of his mother had left Legolas with only one parent. Thranduil had tried very hard to become both parents to the young elf, yet oftentimes affairs of state and threats from Mirkwood's borders would draw him away. Thranduil considered the sacrifices that the Royal House of Oropher had been asked to make throughout the ages, he hoped that it would end with the sacrifice Legolas was about to make.
With an ease born of much practice Thranduil's face revealed nothing of his thoughts.
"You are rested my son?" he asked instead.
"Yes father, and I have been giving much thought to this marriage. I am glad that it is to take place so swiftly, for then we can concentrate on the threats that our united borders face." Legolas forced a smile for his fathers benefit. "Besides, time passes so swiftly for an elf that it will be no time at all before my husband is old and grey. Then with our alliance secured by the heirs I hope to conceive I can return to Mirkwood." Legolas' smile was genuine this time, only to be dissolved by his father's next words.
Thranduil's face expressed it's surprise, "But my son, I thought you knew. Prince Elessar is half elven, he will live for many thousands of years yet if he is not already immortal."
Legolas blanched, "I was not… I did not know of this," he managed finally.
Thranduil looked sharply at his son. "Legolas are you very sure that you wish to proceed with this. There is still time for us to call off this engagement if you feel it will not suit."
Legolas shook his head, "Nay, nay. Tis not what I was expecting but it does not change the fact that this alliance is the best hope for Mirkwood and Gondor. I will marry the Prince."
"Very well. Then come, we will attend dinner. I must tell you now, that the engagement is to be kept secret until such time as a public announcement is made by Lord Denethor. We will therefore not be sitting at the high table with the Prince and his family."
Legolas breathed a small sigh of relief, and prayed that his father had not noticed. Thranduil had already turned away and motioned for the young elf to join him as they made their way to the dining room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aragorn had been seated for some time in the dining hall, he had been anxiously searching out his intended with no luck thus far.
"You will cause serious harm to your neck if you continue to twist it in that fashion," Elrond pointed out from his seat next to the young man.
Aragorn sighed in frustration. "He is not here yet."
"Patience Estel, he will attend with his father, until such time you must not make your affections so obvious, this engagement is still very much a secret after all."
"I know, I know, but it is so very hard. Even these coming days in which I have to wait before I can claim him will wear thin on my patience."
Elrond smiled in amusement, "And yet you have no means of making time run more swiftly so I suggest you adopt some of your mother's infamous patience very quickly before your head explodes."
Aragorn laughed. "Very well, from now until my wedding I shall be a paragon of elven virtues."
Elrond snorted, "That I will believe only when I have witnessed it with my own keen eyes."
A sudden murmur broke out, and Aragorn along with Elrond turned to see who was the centre of attention. And his breath caught in his throat, for there standing to the right and slightly behind his father stood the object of his affections.
"He's here." Aragorn murmured.
Aragorn greedily took in every detail of Legolas' appearance, from the rich blue overtunic to the paler blue leggings that encased his long legs. The shining blonde hair that fell past Legolas' shoulders and gleamed in the candlelight of the hall, pulled back only into two braids on either side of his head.
Aragorn's eyes came upon Legolas' face, and across the room their eyes met. Aragorn felt sparks fly from his own body and imagined that he could see them cross over to the elven prince, for Legolas seemed to shiver slightly at that very moment.
A slight nudge from Thranduil broke the connection and Legolas was ushered to take his seat with the rest of his party.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Legolas had entered the dining hall he had almost immediately felt Aragorn's presence and had no trouble in searching out the young man. Aragorn was dressed again in a dark but simple outfit, which flattered his muscular physique. But it was not Aragorn's outfit that caught his gaze, it was the brilliance of the eyes that met his own. Legolas felt stunned by the impact of that gaze and shivered slightly.
A slight nudge brought back awareness of his surroundings, and Legolas was subtly pushed along to their dining table.
"Come Legolas," Thranduil murmured, "You can moon after your betrothed later."
Legolas started, then noticed that Aragorn was seated at the high table, but in the seat of honour sat Lord Denethor and to his right was the cold eyed man, Prince Elessar. This reminder of his fate had the same effect upon him as that which cold water seemed to have on the race of men.
"Elbereth give me strength," he whispered, sending a prayer to the brightest of the Valar.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dinner seemed to pass torturously slowly to Aragorn, he was eager for everyone to move to the more informal setting of the gardens so that he might get Legolas to himself for a moment.
At last the final course was cleared and people began to move from their seats and make their way through the large open doors that led to the garden's main lawn.
Aragorn waited for Legolas and his father to join the groups outside before he too made his way outside. He was going to allow nothing to delay his mission, and gently rebuffed any advances that were made towards him.
He finally spotted Legolas, he was talking with Lord Gafen and his daughter. Aragorn took a quiet spot near some trees at the edge of the lawn and waited for Legolas to conclude his conversation before he swept in to lead the Elven Prince away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Life as an Elven Prince, must be somewhat different from that of the mortal nobility," Lord Gafen stated.
Legolas smiled. "In some ways yes it is very different. I mean no offence but we elves do not feel the need to stamp our mark onto every part of our territory, we much prefer to converse with nature and live in harmony with our home. Yet having said that I think that anyone in a position of responsibility feels the weight of it constantly. The fact that we are immortal simply allows us more time to correct any mistakes we make."
Both Lord Gafen and his daughter Daela laughed lightly.
"I think then, that you would very much appreciate our home. We live very close to a large forest and much of the wildness of it all attempts to encroach onto my estates."
Legolas smiled apologetically, "Indeed, I believe I would find that very much appealing, and perhaps one day I shall see it, however I fear duty will be keeping me busy for some time."
"So I hear," Lord Gafen stated with a smile. "I approached your father yesterday, I had hoped to perhaps introduce you to my daughter in a more familiar way, if you understand me." Legolas nodded and noticed the slight blush that rose on the cheeks of Daela. However she kept her gaze downcast. "I was informed, that you were no longer unattached, although the announcement had yet to made. May I enquire as to who is the lucky person?"
"I am afraid, that I have been commanded to silence on the matter, at least until such time as an announcement is formally made," Legolas replied hesitantly.
Lord Gafen smiled, "I understand of course, however you and your new marriage partner will forever be welcome to our home."
Legolas bowed formally, "I thank you my lord. Now if you might excuse me, I must seek out my father."
Lord Gafen nodded, and Legolas made his way towards the edge of the lawn searching the mass of people for his father's presence. He was therefore caught unawares by the hand that grabbed his arm and dragged him in between the trees.
"Shhh, be easy," a familiar voice said in response to his initial struggles.
"Aragorn!" Legolas exclaimed. "What are you doing?"
"I merely took advantage of an opportunity to get you to myself," Aragorn said, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
Legolas felt a twinge of guilt. "This is not right," he began, "How will this look to all the people out there?"
Aragorn frowned, he had not really given much thought to that, Denethor had recommended that this engagement be kept as secret as possible until the actual event was to take place. His behaviour may give the old crony's something to gossip about.
"I am sorry Legolas," he apologised, "I did not give thought to the consequences, I wanted only to spend time with you."
A look of sorrow passed swiftly over Legolas' features, gone so quick Aragorn had not even noticed it. "I fear that all too soon, this sort of thing will be impossible," he said thinking of his upcoming marriage to Prince Elessar.
Aragorn was puzzled. It was true that once they were married state affairs would take up much of their time, and there would be certain types of behaviour that might be deemed inappropriate. But still he was sure that once Legolas was his partner people would excuse some of the behaviour that occurred with all newlyweds. He dismissed the whole thing from his mind and instead focused on the beautiful creature in front of him.
"I had feared tonight that you would not be attending the evening meal, so late did you make your appearance."
It was Legolas' turn to frown. "We were only very slightly late, in truth it was my fault, I had lain down to take a short rest before the meal and was somewhat rushed then in my preparations to make myself ready."
"I am sure that you could emerge from a bog and still dazzle everyone with your beauty and splendour." Aragorn said breathily, his hand reaching out to caress the elf's cheek.
Another thought occurred to Legolas. "Were you seated on the high table next to Lord Elrond?"
"Yes, I have known him all my life. In fact I was raised in Rivendell before my duties to the dunedain called me away. Lord Elrond has always treated me as one of his own."
"I see. I have not visited Imladris, although I have heard many tales of its beauty, and of the beauty of the Evenstar."
"Arwen? I suppose she is pretty, but I have always seen her as my sister, even in some ways I suppose a surrogate mother, since my own perished shortly after I was born. She, and my brothers Elladan, and Elrohir, have an annoying habit of reminding me of all the things they did to me as a child whenever they feel I am getting above myself," he said with a rueful laugh.
"They sound wonderful. You are very lucky to have such a loving family. I am an only child. My mother also was lost to me shortly after my birth. My father has done his best to be both parents to me, but his responsibilities have oftentimes pulled him away. Still I know I am loved," Legolas said softly.
"You are indeed loved," Aragorn whispered, and leaned in to join his lips to that of the elf.
"Legolas," a voice called out.
Aragorn grinned as he moved away from Legolas, "That is an annoying habit your father has."
Legolas smiled and watched Aragorn disappear before remembering that he had forgotten to tell Aragorn that they must not see each other again.