Edoras

/* A.N: Heya! Welcome to the next installment in Of Elves and Men! I'm having loads of fun writing this, but I'm super busy, exams for university coming up and all so I can only write a little at a time. Except tonight… Tonight I'm up until the wee hours of the morning just chilling. Anyway! This chapter should make our chibi Aragorn just a wee bit happier. Thanks for all the reviews! Keep it up! *.

/* Disclaimer: Yet again I don't have much; ** looks in her money dish ** Oh! 10 cents and TWO screws this time around! ** feels rich ** Anyway, don't sue me! You won't get anything, besides, I haven't claimed to own these characters as of yet! */

Estel looks out on the town of Edoras from the balcony adjoining his room in the castle, it was small with few inhabitants. Times had hit this fair town hard, and the king was willing to put them though even harder times. This is why Estel is, yet again, packing his few belongings into his pack to travel with this small town to their refuge at Helm's Deep.

Estel turns as he heaves a sigh heavily. Boots catch the attention of his lowered eyes and he fallows the slender legs and attractive body up to the Mirkwood elf's face, "Yes?" A frown very visible on the man's face. The elf had not attempted to communicate with the man at all since their last encounter.

"I'm worried about you, Estel." Legolas takes a step closer to the man. Estel can feel the heat coming off the elf's body, he can smell him. Every fiber of Estel's body tells him to read out and grab this ethereal creature before him and smother it with kisses and love, but his mind and conscience and memory of last time he gave into that urge keep him from action.

"Why are you worried about me, prince?" Estel presses himself further from the body in front of him and closer to the railing behind him and swallows his heart, as it seems to have jumped into his throat.

"You do realize that you could die in this battle?" A slight flush seemed to play itself across Legolas' high cheek bones as he lowered his eyes and took half a step closer to the man.

Estel, yet again swallows past the lump in his throat. Did the elf know how terribly hard it was for the man to control himself at this point in time. The breeze is lifting strands of Legolas' hair and it is brushing against Estel's cheeks, the elf and man's lower halves were only inches apart. Surly the elf could hear the blood rushing through the human's veins and his heart pounding against his chest! "Of course I know I could die. But I would rather die in battle then flee and watch the whole of middle earth be consumed in darkness."

Legolas closed the distance between their bodies and looked into the man's eyes, "I don't want you to die… I suddenly realize how very much you mean to me…" The elf's eyes seem to start to well slightly with tears and a glorious flush spreads across his cheeks to the very tips of his ears.

"I… I won't be hurt. I promise you." Estel gives into one of his urges and lets his hand reach up and cup the elf's cheek and wipe away tears before they fall. Satin, or silk. Estel couldn't decide on which the elf's skin felt more of. It was baby powder and jewels. It was softness, but hardened with years and emotion.

The elf leans forward and steps up onto his toes so his lips brush Estel's ear, "I fight, not for freedom, but to see your safe return. I love you." Legolas draws the man's earlobe into his mouth and sucks gently before turning and running away.

Estel's knees buckle and he catches himself on the railing of the balcony. Legolas' mouth what like liquid fire, fire that spread through his very being faster then any poison ever could. He smiles as realization washes over him. The elf, Legolas, prince of Mirkwood, the object of his affection… loved him.

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Needless to say, Estel had found a new reason to act quickly and pack for Helm's Deep. Perhaps… Perhaps if he lived through this battle there would be a chance that this love between then could grow. With that thought in mind he headed to the stables with the King, his men one elf and one dwarf. Many an awkward glance between himself and the aforementioned elf on their way to the refuge.

/* A.N2: Sorry this one's so short. I figured with the content, it makes up for it's shortness! Battle of helm's deep is going to be the next installment. Don't forget to review or I might just not post anymore! */