Chapter Seventeen: Hope
Elessar sat in contented silence listening to the whistling of the birds and the swaying of the trees. He heard someone sit next to him and tilted his head slightly until the golden strands caught by the wind told him who it was.
"Good morning Legolas," he said softly.
"Quel amrun Estel," [good morning] Legolas replied in elvish. He sighed sadly and slumped slightly in his seat. "I'm sorry for what happened yesterday."
"That's fine," the King answered. "Its only understandable seeing as the place you were put in. People asking you all those awfully personal questions and not to mentio"-
Legolas cut him off and faced him, the blue eyes sorrowful and yet slightly angry. "Its not understandable at all, I was disgraceful!" he spat. "I should be representing the elves not making us seem like a bunch of common drunks. My feelings should not have even come into the context. I am older than to let my emotions get the better of me."
The King stared at his friend sympathetically. "Not even you my old friend can possibly hope to hide your sentiment after such an experiance. Lesser men would have died from what you went through, but you Legolas... you survived!" he grapsed Legolas' shoulders tightly and shook him slightly to emphasis his point.
"To what degree?" Legolas asked mournfully turning away and standing up. He walked over to a tree and ran his hands over the bark. Estel noticed that he was once again dressed in the humble farmer's clothes.
"I should have chosen death. For sure, I have lost Eldarion forever. And I fear that now the Halls of Mandos will not be open to me ever again. I will remain, bound to Eldarion until the last leaves fall on this world. I should never have allowed myself to love one such as him. I thought I had more sense then that." Legolas rested his head against the tree, the mighty oak sharing with the young elf's misery as it swayed and creaked.
His thin frame shook as he started sobbing.
Elessar was moved by his friend's sudden outburst and quickly put his hands on Legolas' back to gently remind the archer of his prescence. Legolas spun around and gratefully fell into the King's embrace.
Estel lead the elf back to the chair and sitting on it, let Legolas remain seated on his lap, burying his head in the smooth locks of the man. He could feel the salty tears on his neck and Elessar murmured soothing elvish words into the pointed ears.
When the shaking had stopped, Legolas drew back, his cheeks pink with embarressment at breaking down. Elessar had been surprised to say the least at seeing the tears that Legolas had shed.
He always knew there was more to Legolas than the elf liked to aknowledge. Elessar had only seen a couple of sides to the elven warrior. He had seen a tender father figure and a lover, but this emotional wreck was a side that had only been unearthed.
"What will you do then if you cannot escape your doom?" Elessar enquired.
"I will leave Middle-earth," Legolas said. "I will join my father in the Undying Lands. There at least I ought to find peace."
Elessar's hard grey eyes softened and he cupped Legolas' silky cheek. "You will leave us, little one?"
At the sound of his nickname Legolas felt the tears springing unbidden to his eyes. "I think I have to. I will not ruin any more lives with my own misery. Those people in there," he gestured in roughly the direction of the great hall. "They think I am a hero. Do not disapoint them, tell them that Legolas Greenleaf the Dragonslayer went on one final quest. And from it he will never return."
The pair burst out laughing but the joyful sound was mingled with torment and anguish. "What a pair we must look, crying like children," Elessar laughed.
"And..." Legolas trailed off. There was so very much he wanted to tell everyone. "Tell Merlin that I am finally doing what I dreamt of doing for so many nights. And tell Merlin that I love him dearly and that I hope he becomes a mighty healer one so great that..." he choked and wiped his eyes. "His skill is known throughout the kingdom."
"Legolas, what about Gimli?" Aragorn reminded him of the dwarf.
"Do not tell him that I came back to life. I do not wish him to grieve doubly," Legolas said regretfully. "I do not wish to cause any more pain."
Aragorn found it hard to focus on the shape in front of him, his vision was becoming blurry. He found Legolas' hand though and grapsed it tightly. "I promise you I will do so."
"Thank Arwen for me and tell her that she should be thankful I didn't fall in love with her, because otherwise you two would never be together!" Legolas cried.
"Do you wish me to accompany you to the Havens?"
Legolas shook his head. "No ships sail from the Havens any more. I built a ship in secret in Ithilien. I will sail from there. Besides, I do not think that I would be able to leave you from there."
"What about the elves?" Elessar suddenly remembered of the elves now in his service.
"They may do as they like, if they wish to sail then they may, if not, tell them that Ithilien will still be open to them. Alad will lead them wisely."
Legolas stood up and Elessar stood next to him one tear trickling down his cheek.
"Aa' i'sul nora lanne'lle" [may the wind fill your sails] The King told him and kissed Legolas' cheek.
Legolas nodded and repeated the action. "Aa' menle nauva calen ar' ta hwesta e' ale'quenle." [may thy paths be green and the breeze on thy back]
The elf turned away and his hair caught by the light breeze lifted up into a cloud of golden sunshine. Legolas' fair face was once again smiling through the tears as he whispered: "Estel, amin hiraetha. Amin mela lle." [Estel, I'm sorry. I love you."
Then he walked out of the garden and to the stables. From there he mounted a horse and rode to Ithilien.
Elessar dropped to the ground and wept.
~
Legolas had stopped briefly on his journey to the coast and that was to visit the farm that had been his home for over a year.
Esema had been at the door, a gruff smile on her face. "How's my son doing?" she asked, leading the elf in.
"Fine, already he's been taken under the wing of the King, Merlin will be a brilliant healer," Legolas assured her. "Ma'am, I'm going soon"-
"You're going already?" Esema had tried to hide the regret that came into her voice but it was too late. The lonliness from Legolas' and Merlin's abscence hurt her. She found herself talking to no one in particular and then snapping at herself and mumbling about the first sign of madness, and then she started laughing. It was now more than ever that Esema wished her husband was still around now that the fledglings had left the nest.
She hadn't known the archer for long, one year was as quick as a dragonflies' wing beating to Legolas. For Esema it was an age though. She counted the stray that had stumbled into her world as almost a son.
The prince was a good son at that. Obediant and amusing. He brightened up rainy nights with his melodic voice and entrancing tales of his journeys. The firelight rippling over his features and making the blue eyes seem as dark as the bottom of the Sea. He was a good friend to Merlin. He stuck up for the lad and whenever Esema felt she couldn't reach her son after he had been teased by someone, she could count on Legolas doing it for her.
A part of her had known that Legolas would go soon. He was restless for an elf and he still desired adventure even after all he had been through.
"Aye, I'm going over the Sea," Legolas replied frankly.
"Oh lad," Esema said and held her arms out. Legolas had to bend over so that she could link them around the back of his neck and hug him. He enjoyed her motherly smell and found himself dreaming of Niphredil when she was still alive.
When they pulled away Esema quickly pinched the tip of his ear and Legolas winced, clutched the ear. "What was that for?" he cried.
"Leavin' me all on my own," she answered. "Good luck Legolas."
He smiled fondly at her. "Before I go, there's something I wish to give to you." Legolas pulled out a small bag hidden under his travelling robe. "I know that you won't take it out of sheer stubborness, but its not given to you out of sympathy. Its so that the farm will be kept afloat."
"And so that your mind is at rest, I don't doubt," Esema said with a wicked grin.
"You've seen right through me," Legolas laughed. "I'm incredibly selfish and so that my last deed on the earth is a good one. Take it and spend it wisely Esema."
Legolas left the farmhouse and stood back staring at it with a deep sigh. He would miss this house, he would miss Esema and Merlin. He would miss everything.
He looked up at the stonework on the building and found himself approving it.
"If you want a good stone mason, then go to Rohan. The people of Rohan aren't like you silly elves, they know good stone when they see it."
Legolas bit his lip as he smiled when he remembered Gimli's words to him.
"When did I let you call me Esema?!"
The outraged but still smiling farm woman's cries echoed in his ears as Legolas mounted his horse and rode to the coast.
~
He could see the Sea sparkling in front of him like a bed of sapphires. The sun caught the waves that looked deceptively calm and made the glint. The waves rode towards the shore in small white horses and then finally it lapped onto the beach.
Legolas sighed and shaded his eyes with his hand. He could see a small jetty. The wooden planks had stood up admirably under the barrage of waves. He had hidden the boat in a cave that was in the tall cliffs that spanned one curved of the Bay.
He frowned; he could see a figure sat upon the jetty. It was no fisherman, he could tell by the clothes and by the absence of a fishing rod or any time of equipment. Legolas rode closer and dismounted to walk along the beach.
As he drew nearer, the archer could feel a sense of dread that conflicted with some rejoicing sensation in his heart.
The man was sat cross-legged on the jetty and his dark brown hair was played with by the breeze. He heard the creak of light footsteps on the old wood and spun around, the lifted hair framed his head like a halo.
His mouth opened and his eyes widened.
"Legolas," Eldarion finally said after nearly ten minutes of silence had elapsed. The elf and the man had just stood staring at each other.
Eldarion's eyes flickered over the features that he had carved into his memory. But it was different. The blue eyes that had stared ahead so dully, were now bright and full of turmoil as Legolas gazed at his old lover.
"Eldarion," Legolas replied.
The prince couldn't explain what happened, but something inside his mind suddenly clicked into place. His doubts about Legolas' appearance a couple of months ago faded. This was a real, living, breathing elf. His elf. The feelings of love returned to his heart that had been barren for so long.
Inside Legolas' similar feelings were being stirred. In a series of flashbacks where the wood-elf was stood at the Halls of Mandos, he remembered why he was here, in Middle-earth.
It was not because of his reluctance to die. No. It was because of Eldarion's reluctance to loose his loved one.
Why was Legolas trying to run from such a love? It was impossible. Death could not evade it, the Sea had no chance of shunning it. There was only one thing to do.
Legolas dropped to his knees as they gave way beneath him. He carried on moving forward, crawling on his hands and knees, he made his way until he was face-to-face with Eldarion.
Their faces drew near until their noses were virtually touching. Legolas could feel the man's shallow breathing on his soft cheek and in turn Eldarion could feel the elf's rapid breath on his.
Legolas reached forward one hand and slowly cupped Eldarion's right cheek. "Melamin, nae saian luume'" [my love, it has been too long] he whispered and laid his forehead against Eldarion's.
His head was moved as Eldarion nodded his in consent. "Indeed, too long have you haunted my dreams."
"No more!" Legolas cried desperatley, his eyes were frantic. "No more," he repeated in a softer voice. "You needn't see me only in dreams. Eldarion...." Legolas trailed off, unsure what to say.
"Nay my fair prince," Eldarion said moved at Legolas' innocent words. "I wish you to forgive me first."
"Forgive you for what?" the noble brow was wrinkled slightly in bafflement.
"Doubting you, for not having faith."
"I do not blame you, for who in their right mind would embrace a ghost," Legolas laughed. The look he gave Eldarion almost made the man blush in shame though he knew not why. "Oh, precious Eldarion," he said and wrapped his slender arms around the prince.
"How I've missed you," Eldarion murmured into golden hair as he was pulled into the 'ghost's' embrace. "Legolas, answer me one thing now that I am sure you're alive. How did you return to me? What divine power returned you to me?"
Though Eldarion could not see it, Legolas smiled as he kissed the top of his head. "You," he whispered to the dark head.
"Me?" Eldarion echoed and pulled away shock clearly written over his face.
"You. Because you were not willing to let go of me, I retained a bond from the living world. I could not pass into the Halls of Mandos without breaking this tie. I could live or die. And I...." Legolas kissed the lips that were partly open in a surprised pout.
"Choose life," Eldarion finished breathlessly. "Thank the Valar you did!" he kissed Legolas back.
"The Valar had nothing to do with it," a rather flustered elf prince retorted.
~ Minas Tirith two weeks later~
"Prithee!" Legolas snapped iratley. The man's constant pacing was starting to wind him up.
Eldarion stopped for an instant to stare at his lover with a slight smile.
"I do not think that your father will want to have to import even more of that rare wood for the flooring," Legolas said. The man chuckled and kissed the elf's cheek before ignoring his advice and continuing pacing.
He walked back and forth past one door. Inside it was a dishevelled but glowing Arwen Undomiel, resting after the birth of her second child. A small boy was delivered to the world, screaming and shouting.
"He has the lungs of his father," Arwen said weakly and grasped her husband's hand tightly.
Elessar planted a kiss on his wife's forehead. "Well done," he murmured and watched as the midwife wrapped a fluffy towel around the infant.
Tiny fists pummelled the air and started wailing again. "Estel, please you take him," the Evenstar said. "The birth has wearied me."
Gratefully, she took the cup of water sprinkled with herbs from the nurse and sipped it. "Thank you," she said.
"I'll leave you sir," the nurse said curtsying deeply to the ground. "Would you like me to send in the gentlemen outside?"
Elessar grinned wickedly at Arwen who looked at him disapprovingly. "Do not be so mean to Eldarion, you know how much he wants to see his new brother."
The King sighed softly at having his fun spoilt and nodded at the midwife.
He looked down at the boy in his arms. Already the pink skin was losing some of its heat and Elessar gently stroked the tiny head with one large hand. "So beautiful," Aragorn cried. The child took after his father more than Eldarion. He had the same grey eyes of Numenor and the dark hair.
Elessar's hand brushed past the feeble neck and he stopped. He didn't feel the pulse. The babe was silent and unmoving. "Nurse!" he shouted.
"What?!" Arwen cried sitting bolt upright.
Still carrying the babe, Elessar went to the door and flinging it open bellowed down the hallways: "MIDWIFE!"
Legolas took one look at the still babe and ran fleetly down the hallways after the woman.
"Father?" Eldarion asked, stepping forward.
"He's stopped breathing," Elessar said quietly, his eyes filled with parental concern and worry over the infant.
Eldarion placed his ear over the boy's chest and nodded sadly when he could hear, feel or see no form of breathing.
The King went back into the room and laid the child on the bed where Arwen started crying. Her cheeks were flushed from labour and now her eyes were red with the hot tears.
Legolas' feet pounded the floor as he ran with more urgency than he ever had before. He felt almost like a godfather or an uncle to the unnamed child before of his connection to the parents and the brother. He knew what it was like to loose a sibling. His sister was stillborn.
FlashbackEnd flashback
~
I'm sorry for not reviewing for so long but I've had real problems with publishing this chapter. Thanks for bearing with me.
Anna.
Could you possibly review me now?
Ta.
Elessar sat in contented silence listening to the whistling of the birds and the swaying of the trees. He heard someone sit next to him and tilted his head slightly until the golden strands caught by the wind told him who it was.
"Good morning Legolas," he said softly.
"Quel amrun Estel," [good morning] Legolas replied in elvish. He sighed sadly and slumped slightly in his seat. "I'm sorry for what happened yesterday."
"That's fine," the King answered. "Its only understandable seeing as the place you were put in. People asking you all those awfully personal questions and not to mentio"-
Legolas cut him off and faced him, the blue eyes sorrowful and yet slightly angry. "Its not understandable at all, I was disgraceful!" he spat. "I should be representing the elves not making us seem like a bunch of common drunks. My feelings should not have even come into the context. I am older than to let my emotions get the better of me."
The King stared at his friend sympathetically. "Not even you my old friend can possibly hope to hide your sentiment after such an experiance. Lesser men would have died from what you went through, but you Legolas... you survived!" he grapsed Legolas' shoulders tightly and shook him slightly to emphasis his point.
"To what degree?" Legolas asked mournfully turning away and standing up. He walked over to a tree and ran his hands over the bark. Estel noticed that he was once again dressed in the humble farmer's clothes.
"I should have chosen death. For sure, I have lost Eldarion forever. And I fear that now the Halls of Mandos will not be open to me ever again. I will remain, bound to Eldarion until the last leaves fall on this world. I should never have allowed myself to love one such as him. I thought I had more sense then that." Legolas rested his head against the tree, the mighty oak sharing with the young elf's misery as it swayed and creaked.
His thin frame shook as he started sobbing.
Elessar was moved by his friend's sudden outburst and quickly put his hands on Legolas' back to gently remind the archer of his prescence. Legolas spun around and gratefully fell into the King's embrace.
Estel lead the elf back to the chair and sitting on it, let Legolas remain seated on his lap, burying his head in the smooth locks of the man. He could feel the salty tears on his neck and Elessar murmured soothing elvish words into the pointed ears.
When the shaking had stopped, Legolas drew back, his cheeks pink with embarressment at breaking down. Elessar had been surprised to say the least at seeing the tears that Legolas had shed.
He always knew there was more to Legolas than the elf liked to aknowledge. Elessar had only seen a couple of sides to the elven warrior. He had seen a tender father figure and a lover, but this emotional wreck was a side that had only been unearthed.
"What will you do then if you cannot escape your doom?" Elessar enquired.
"I will leave Middle-earth," Legolas said. "I will join my father in the Undying Lands. There at least I ought to find peace."
Elessar's hard grey eyes softened and he cupped Legolas' silky cheek. "You will leave us, little one?"
At the sound of his nickname Legolas felt the tears springing unbidden to his eyes. "I think I have to. I will not ruin any more lives with my own misery. Those people in there," he gestured in roughly the direction of the great hall. "They think I am a hero. Do not disapoint them, tell them that Legolas Greenleaf the Dragonslayer went on one final quest. And from it he will never return."
The pair burst out laughing but the joyful sound was mingled with torment and anguish. "What a pair we must look, crying like children," Elessar laughed.
"And..." Legolas trailed off. There was so very much he wanted to tell everyone. "Tell Merlin that I am finally doing what I dreamt of doing for so many nights. And tell Merlin that I love him dearly and that I hope he becomes a mighty healer one so great that..." he choked and wiped his eyes. "His skill is known throughout the kingdom."
"Legolas, what about Gimli?" Aragorn reminded him of the dwarf.
"Do not tell him that I came back to life. I do not wish him to grieve doubly," Legolas said regretfully. "I do not wish to cause any more pain."
Aragorn found it hard to focus on the shape in front of him, his vision was becoming blurry. He found Legolas' hand though and grapsed it tightly. "I promise you I will do so."
"Thank Arwen for me and tell her that she should be thankful I didn't fall in love with her, because otherwise you two would never be together!" Legolas cried.
"Do you wish me to accompany you to the Havens?"
Legolas shook his head. "No ships sail from the Havens any more. I built a ship in secret in Ithilien. I will sail from there. Besides, I do not think that I would be able to leave you from there."
"What about the elves?" Elessar suddenly remembered of the elves now in his service.
"They may do as they like, if they wish to sail then they may, if not, tell them that Ithilien will still be open to them. Alad will lead them wisely."
Legolas stood up and Elessar stood next to him one tear trickling down his cheek.
"Aa' i'sul nora lanne'lle" [may the wind fill your sails] The King told him and kissed Legolas' cheek.
Legolas nodded and repeated the action. "Aa' menle nauva calen ar' ta hwesta e' ale'quenle." [may thy paths be green and the breeze on thy back]
The elf turned away and his hair caught by the light breeze lifted up into a cloud of golden sunshine. Legolas' fair face was once again smiling through the tears as he whispered: "Estel, amin hiraetha. Amin mela lle." [Estel, I'm sorry. I love you."
Then he walked out of the garden and to the stables. From there he mounted a horse and rode to Ithilien.
Elessar dropped to the ground and wept.
~
Legolas had stopped briefly on his journey to the coast and that was to visit the farm that had been his home for over a year.
Esema had been at the door, a gruff smile on her face. "How's my son doing?" she asked, leading the elf in.
"Fine, already he's been taken under the wing of the King, Merlin will be a brilliant healer," Legolas assured her. "Ma'am, I'm going soon"-
"You're going already?" Esema had tried to hide the regret that came into her voice but it was too late. The lonliness from Legolas' and Merlin's abscence hurt her. She found herself talking to no one in particular and then snapping at herself and mumbling about the first sign of madness, and then she started laughing. It was now more than ever that Esema wished her husband was still around now that the fledglings had left the nest.
She hadn't known the archer for long, one year was as quick as a dragonflies' wing beating to Legolas. For Esema it was an age though. She counted the stray that had stumbled into her world as almost a son.
The prince was a good son at that. Obediant and amusing. He brightened up rainy nights with his melodic voice and entrancing tales of his journeys. The firelight rippling over his features and making the blue eyes seem as dark as the bottom of the Sea. He was a good friend to Merlin. He stuck up for the lad and whenever Esema felt she couldn't reach her son after he had been teased by someone, she could count on Legolas doing it for her.
A part of her had known that Legolas would go soon. He was restless for an elf and he still desired adventure even after all he had been through.
"Aye, I'm going over the Sea," Legolas replied frankly.
"Oh lad," Esema said and held her arms out. Legolas had to bend over so that she could link them around the back of his neck and hug him. He enjoyed her motherly smell and found himself dreaming of Niphredil when she was still alive.
When they pulled away Esema quickly pinched the tip of his ear and Legolas winced, clutched the ear. "What was that for?" he cried.
"Leavin' me all on my own," she answered. "Good luck Legolas."
He smiled fondly at her. "Before I go, there's something I wish to give to you." Legolas pulled out a small bag hidden under his travelling robe. "I know that you won't take it out of sheer stubborness, but its not given to you out of sympathy. Its so that the farm will be kept afloat."
"And so that your mind is at rest, I don't doubt," Esema said with a wicked grin.
"You've seen right through me," Legolas laughed. "I'm incredibly selfish and so that my last deed on the earth is a good one. Take it and spend it wisely Esema."
Legolas left the farmhouse and stood back staring at it with a deep sigh. He would miss this house, he would miss Esema and Merlin. He would miss everything.
He looked up at the stonework on the building and found himself approving it.
"If you want a good stone mason, then go to Rohan. The people of Rohan aren't like you silly elves, they know good stone when they see it."
Legolas bit his lip as he smiled when he remembered Gimli's words to him.
"When did I let you call me Esema?!"
The outraged but still smiling farm woman's cries echoed in his ears as Legolas mounted his horse and rode to the coast.
~
He could see the Sea sparkling in front of him like a bed of sapphires. The sun caught the waves that looked deceptively calm and made the glint. The waves rode towards the shore in small white horses and then finally it lapped onto the beach.
Legolas sighed and shaded his eyes with his hand. He could see a small jetty. The wooden planks had stood up admirably under the barrage of waves. He had hidden the boat in a cave that was in the tall cliffs that spanned one curved of the Bay.
He frowned; he could see a figure sat upon the jetty. It was no fisherman, he could tell by the clothes and by the absence of a fishing rod or any time of equipment. Legolas rode closer and dismounted to walk along the beach.
As he drew nearer, the archer could feel a sense of dread that conflicted with some rejoicing sensation in his heart.
The man was sat cross-legged on the jetty and his dark brown hair was played with by the breeze. He heard the creak of light footsteps on the old wood and spun around, the lifted hair framed his head like a halo.
His mouth opened and his eyes widened.
"Legolas," Eldarion finally said after nearly ten minutes of silence had elapsed. The elf and the man had just stood staring at each other.
Eldarion's eyes flickered over the features that he had carved into his memory. But it was different. The blue eyes that had stared ahead so dully, were now bright and full of turmoil as Legolas gazed at his old lover.
"Eldarion," Legolas replied.
The prince couldn't explain what happened, but something inside his mind suddenly clicked into place. His doubts about Legolas' appearance a couple of months ago faded. This was a real, living, breathing elf. His elf. The feelings of love returned to his heart that had been barren for so long.
Inside Legolas' similar feelings were being stirred. In a series of flashbacks where the wood-elf was stood at the Halls of Mandos, he remembered why he was here, in Middle-earth.
It was not because of his reluctance to die. No. It was because of Eldarion's reluctance to loose his loved one.
Why was Legolas trying to run from such a love? It was impossible. Death could not evade it, the Sea had no chance of shunning it. There was only one thing to do.
Legolas dropped to his knees as they gave way beneath him. He carried on moving forward, crawling on his hands and knees, he made his way until he was face-to-face with Eldarion.
Their faces drew near until their noses were virtually touching. Legolas could feel the man's shallow breathing on his soft cheek and in turn Eldarion could feel the elf's rapid breath on his.
Legolas reached forward one hand and slowly cupped Eldarion's right cheek. "Melamin, nae saian luume'" [my love, it has been too long] he whispered and laid his forehead against Eldarion's.
His head was moved as Eldarion nodded his in consent. "Indeed, too long have you haunted my dreams."
"No more!" Legolas cried desperatley, his eyes were frantic. "No more," he repeated in a softer voice. "You needn't see me only in dreams. Eldarion...." Legolas trailed off, unsure what to say.
"Nay my fair prince," Eldarion said moved at Legolas' innocent words. "I wish you to forgive me first."
"Forgive you for what?" the noble brow was wrinkled slightly in bafflement.
"Doubting you, for not having faith."
"I do not blame you, for who in their right mind would embrace a ghost," Legolas laughed. The look he gave Eldarion almost made the man blush in shame though he knew not why. "Oh, precious Eldarion," he said and wrapped his slender arms around the prince.
"How I've missed you," Eldarion murmured into golden hair as he was pulled into the 'ghost's' embrace. "Legolas, answer me one thing now that I am sure you're alive. How did you return to me? What divine power returned you to me?"
Though Eldarion could not see it, Legolas smiled as he kissed the top of his head. "You," he whispered to the dark head.
"Me?" Eldarion echoed and pulled away shock clearly written over his face.
"You. Because you were not willing to let go of me, I retained a bond from the living world. I could not pass into the Halls of Mandos without breaking this tie. I could live or die. And I...." Legolas kissed the lips that were partly open in a surprised pout.
"Choose life," Eldarion finished breathlessly. "Thank the Valar you did!" he kissed Legolas back.
"The Valar had nothing to do with it," a rather flustered elf prince retorted.
~ Minas Tirith two weeks later~
"Prithee!" Legolas snapped iratley. The man's constant pacing was starting to wind him up.
Eldarion stopped for an instant to stare at his lover with a slight smile.
"I do not think that your father will want to have to import even more of that rare wood for the flooring," Legolas said. The man chuckled and kissed the elf's cheek before ignoring his advice and continuing pacing.
He walked back and forth past one door. Inside it was a dishevelled but glowing Arwen Undomiel, resting after the birth of her second child. A small boy was delivered to the world, screaming and shouting.
"He has the lungs of his father," Arwen said weakly and grasped her husband's hand tightly.
Elessar planted a kiss on his wife's forehead. "Well done," he murmured and watched as the midwife wrapped a fluffy towel around the infant.
Tiny fists pummelled the air and started wailing again. "Estel, please you take him," the Evenstar said. "The birth has wearied me."
Gratefully, she took the cup of water sprinkled with herbs from the nurse and sipped it. "Thank you," she said.
"I'll leave you sir," the nurse said curtsying deeply to the ground. "Would you like me to send in the gentlemen outside?"
Elessar grinned wickedly at Arwen who looked at him disapprovingly. "Do not be so mean to Eldarion, you know how much he wants to see his new brother."
The King sighed softly at having his fun spoilt and nodded at the midwife.
He looked down at the boy in his arms. Already the pink skin was losing some of its heat and Elessar gently stroked the tiny head with one large hand. "So beautiful," Aragorn cried. The child took after his father more than Eldarion. He had the same grey eyes of Numenor and the dark hair.
Elessar's hand brushed past the feeble neck and he stopped. He didn't feel the pulse. The babe was silent and unmoving. "Nurse!" he shouted.
"What?!" Arwen cried sitting bolt upright.
Still carrying the babe, Elessar went to the door and flinging it open bellowed down the hallways: "MIDWIFE!"
Legolas took one look at the still babe and ran fleetly down the hallways after the woman.
"Father?" Eldarion asked, stepping forward.
"He's stopped breathing," Elessar said quietly, his eyes filled with parental concern and worry over the infant.
Eldarion placed his ear over the boy's chest and nodded sadly when he could hear, feel or see no form of breathing.
The King went back into the room and laid the child on the bed where Arwen started crying. Her cheeks were flushed from labour and now her eyes were red with the hot tears.
Legolas' feet pounded the floor as he ran with more urgency than he ever had before. He felt almost like a godfather or an uncle to the unnamed child before of his connection to the parents and the brother. He knew what it was like to loose a sibling. His sister was stillborn.
FlashbackEnd flashback
~
I'm sorry for not reviewing for so long but I've had real problems with publishing this chapter. Thanks for bearing with me.
Anna.
Could you possibly review me now?
Ta.
