The Leaves of Lorien

Author's Note: This will be the first of my LotR fanfics to hit the presses, so I appreciate any commentary you can give me. You'll have to excuse (and let me know about) any errors I've made about Tolkien's world, the characters, places, etc etc… One other point is that this is a slash fic. If slash isn't your cuppa tea, please don't read. The pairing is Haldir/Legolas. Although it's a slash fic, I refrained from graphic detail as much as possible. Onward!

-----------------------------------------------

"Stay close, young hobbits…"

Legolas smirked to himself, rolling his eyes skyward. Despite what he was saying to the hobbits, Gimli hadn't any idea of what Lorien held. Legolas glanced around, ready to draw his bow if needed. Even he wasn't entirely certain what they would come across before the reached the opposite edge of the woods.

"They say a great sorceress lives in these woods…"

"Gimli, shh.."

Too late. Twigs snapped in front of them, and a group of Lorien elves had them cornered, bows drawn. Just as quickly, Legolas in turn had his out. He glanced at the elves surrounding them.

"The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark…"

Legolas eyes snapped to his right. He knew that voice. But it had been so many years….so long since he had last heard that voice. Legolas half-hoped he would not be recognized, half hoped he would.

Haldir. The tall elf made his way past the bows into the center of the group.

"Haldir of Lorien." Aragorn said guardedly. "We come here for help."

Haldir paused, eyeing the scruffy man in front of him.

"Aragorn! We should go back!" Legolas heard Gimli's shout somewhere behind him as he engaged in a sort of staring contest with the female in front of him. She looked away as Haldir spoke again.

"You cannot go back.." Haldir glanced at the other members of the Fellowship. A dwarf, four hobbit's a man, and…Legolas. Recognition shone in Haldir's eyes, but was quickly replaced by something Legolas could not understand. Elvish thoughts were not as easy to read as those of men.

"Come. The Lady awaits."

Haldir turned and led the procession away, first the elves, then the Company. Legolas followed, his mind turning over the possibilities of the look he'd been given. Aragorn slowed to walk in stride with him.

"You know him well, don't you?" he asked, ever perceptive.

"Yes…he used to be…" Legolas paused awkwardly. "He used to be a lover of mine." Legolas's jaw stiffened, and he braced himself for the look of disgust he knew would be forthcoming.

Aragorn considered this for a moment. He hadn't known that about Legolas, had been given no clues up until now. It surprised him, but he saw no wrong in the fact.

The ranger simply nodded, no condemnation in his eyes.

"And?" he asked simply.

"It seems he remembers me, but he is feeling something I could not understand. I saw it in his eyes as he glanced at me."

"You left him, didn't you?"

Legolas's gaze shifted abruptly to the ranger walking beside him. "How could you know?"

"How would you feel?" Aragorn's query spoke volumes.

*~*~*

The Company was resting. Aragorn sat covered in his bedroll, the four young hobbits in different spots around him. They needed this. All eight that were left were exhausted, hungry, and in dire need of a few hours sleep.

Legolas sat up in a tree above Aragorn, his back against the enormous trunk, and head bowed slightly. His knees were at his chest, his bow unchecked on a limb near him. He slept soundly, yet still he heard all that was going on around him, and would awake should danger approach.

He needn't have worried. Lorien was as safe as anything in Middle Earth. But it was not danger Legolas needed to worry about. Rather, Haldir.

The tall elf made his way across the bridge to where the Company rested, completely silent and undetected by even Legolas. His bare feet moved soundlessly across the grass, and around Aragorn's bedroll to Legolas's tree. Legolas slept undisturbed.

Legolas awoke with a start, reaching instantly for his bow. It was missing from the limb beside him. Legolas froze, listening. Without warning, there was a firm hand around his mouth.

"Don't struggle."

Legolas's eyes snapped to the elf kneeling on the branch beside him. Haldir. Relief took over and the brief shot of adrenalin began to wane.

"Come with me." It was a direct command, and addressed coldly. Legolas leaped silently back down to the grass and followed as Haldir led him across the bridge to the edge of the forest. Unexpectedly, he continued, moving past the trees silently. Legolas began to wonder just where he was being led when Haldir turned. There was no affection in his eyes. Legolas gazed at his friend apologetically.

"Haldir-" he said in their language.

"Legolas, it has been four years." Haldir cut him off, speaking in Elvish as well. "Was I expected to simply wait patiently for you to return? As you had promised?" Haldir's voice was cutting, but calm. Elves were not known to raise their voices, and Haldir's would have had its usual softness if it weren't for the words.

"The war was long. How was I to return and stay and fight at the same time?" Legolas asked patiently. "I did not wish to, but I stayed. Only now have I been able to return to Lorien…" he paused. "I wish you would turn around."

Haldir had turned his back as Legolas began to speak. He remained coldly silent, taking this in. Legolas stepped up behind him, looked at him over his shoulder.

"How am I to apologize if you won't turn around?" he asked quietly. He saw the edges of Haldir's mouth turn up just slightly in an effort to restrain a smile. Legolas's arms went around his friend's waist. Haldir relaxed somewhat.

"Four years is too long to wait."

Back in Lorien, the females were singing their lament to Gandalf, accenting their conversation and giving it a slightly melancholy feel. Haldir turned around at last and embraced his lover. Legolas returned it, relieved and grateful to once again be in Haldir's strong embrace. Neither moved for a few moments. At length, Haldir pulled away and faced Legolas, a rare smile warming his face.

"We have much to talk about. Come."

*~*~*

Frodo awoke drowsily from his sleep and looked around for his companions. Aragorn had awoken as usual before him and sat with his back against Legolas's tree, apparently deep in thought. Frodo brushed a hand through his hair in an effort to straighten it as Merry and Pippin awoke slowly. And Legolas… Frodo's gaze strayed to the elf's resting place in the tree above Aragorn.

"He is off catching up with Haldir. They have been apart too long." Aragorn said from the base of the tree. "When Legolas returns, we must take to the river. There are still leagues to go."

Frodo nodded. "Aragorn…Legolas and Haldir--there's something between them, isn't there?"

The ranger paused. "Yes, but that is between them, and I am not in the authority to reveal it." Aragorn said seriously, his pipe in his mouth. A rueful smile betrayed Legolas, however. Frodo laughed and got up to wake Gimli and Sam.

*~*~*

The boats were packed with the bedrolls, several yards of silvery elven rope and more provisions. All of the company save Legolas were finishing the preparations for departure. The latter was saying his goodbyes to Haldir under the ramada, formed by the great willow in the center of Lorien.

Legolas stepped under the delicate awning to the seat where Haldir was perched. The latter was silent, contemplating the seperation.

"The Company is preparing to leave." Legolas said in Elvish as he sat down with his friend. "I must go."

"And I must stay." Haldir said, meeting Legolas's blue eyes. "When this war is over, and the Ring is destroyed, you must return to Lorien."

Legolas took Haldir's pale hand between his own. "I promise it, but I cannot promise when." The Mirkwood elf kissed him softly before pulling away.

"Until then, my love."

The three Elven boats slipped into the water, Legolas and Gimli in one, followed by Boromir, Merry and Pippin, with Aragorn and Frodo in the rear. They cut through the water easily, not burdened by the considerable weight of the extra provisions. Legolas steered the boat through the water skillfully, but his mind was on other matters. As they rounded the last bend before the great river, Legolas spotted Haldir sitting in a tree suspended slightly over the water. Legolas smiled ruefully, the look in the elf's eyes near breaking his heart. As they approached the branch, Haldir lowered his hand and dropped a small trinket in the boat. When Legolas looked back, he was gone.

Aragorn and Frodo watched this silently from the back of the procession, each with his own interpretation. Aragorn smiled ruefully. Youths and their romantic ways. They would never learn. The ranger caught a flash of white robes as Haldir retreated back to Lorien, and his heart went out to the young elf.

*~*~*

Helm's Deep

The seperation was intolerable. To have been so close, and to have it all taken away once again. Haldir mourned silently and hoped for a swift end to the war. His sadness did not go undetected, however. Celeborn was aware of Haldir's unhappiness. He summoned Haldir to his chamber several days after the Company's departure.

"Lord Celeborn." Haldir greeted, bowing slightly. Celeborn smiled tersely at the young elf.

"Haldir, as you know, Middle Earth is waging a war against Sauron, and the young hobbit Frodo is carrying the ring. Word has gotten back to me that the fellowship has dissipated."

Haldir's eyes widened slightly. Celeborn continued.

"I am aware of your…friendship, with the Mirkwood elf, Legolas. Two of the hobbits have been captured by the Uruk H'ai. On the way to save their friends, Legolas, Aragorn and the dwarf Gimli met the Riders of Rohan." Celeborn paused. "There is to be a battle at Helm's Deep in several days between the Uruk and the men of Rohan. Legolas and his friends are there."

Haldir took in a breath sharply. A battle against the Uruk meant death for all fighting.

"This is why I have summoned you." Celeborn said slowly. "Take the army and go to Rivendell. Gather as many able bodied as you can, and go to Helm's Deep. Even with our help, they may not triumph over the Uruk army, but we must honor the alliance we once held with the race of men."

Haldir stood rooted to the ground for a moment. Celeborn understood his mixed feelings. To go Helm's Deep would be to see Legolas again, but also to die fighting against the Uruk army. Haldir bowed.

"On my honor, it shall be done." Haldir said, some of his former poise returning. Celeborn smiled at the youth. "Quel marth, Haldir."

Haldir returned the smile gratefully. "Diola lle."

*~*~*

More coming soon, although we all know how it ends for poor Haldir…! *sobs* I'd better have some tissues ready as I'm writing…! I appreciate all reviews!