Ithildin- Sorry for the wait.
Grath Longflech- More is here.
Phantom Ranger Fay- Sorry for the teasing.
Fuschia- thanks for the lovely praise, hope you enjoy this bit as well.
Tiger- I'm making it up to him I promise. Love you honey, read the new one ;).
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I spent two hours with the little one after we returned to the palace. We walked the walks of the city as always. I spoke softly in elvish and he translated into the common tongue. That Arwen never taught him still surprises me. That you never did is a shock. I remember the freedom you felt in the lilting tones of elvish. There was a time you refused to speak to me in any other language.
As the moon reaches it's peak in the sky you come to me, beneath the white tree once again. "Why do you believe you do not have my heart Legolas?"
"Because Arwen possesses it," My voice is far less melancholy this time.
"Nay, Arwen never possessed my heart," You answer as your fingers brush against my throat.
"But she gave up her immortality for you, how could you allow that if you did not love her?"
"I do love her, though it is as I would love a sister. But she did not give up her immortality for me. She gave it for her people. To complete the destiny foreseen for her by Galadriel. We both did what was expected of us and then agreed that we would allow each other to pursue our own paths in private."
"You bound yourself to someone you did not love?" I am too astonished to ask anything else.
"We both did," Your voice implores me to believe you.
I do not doubt you. I never have. "And what path have you pursued Estel?"
"Idleness. I have refused to seek comfort until I saw my beloved happy. While I waited I have forgotten my own heart and concentrated my attention on my son."
"Your beloved?" I hold my breath as the question stretches between us like a large prey animal.
"He who stole my heart when I was but a boy, no older than Eldarion is now." For the first time in the many years I have known you I sense fear in your bearing and stance. "I've never spoken of my feelings for him... Though Eldarion has often asked me."
"Will you speak to me of him?" I know the question may seal my fate forever but I cannot leave it unasked.
"What would you have me tell you about yourself?" You smile at me unsurely.
I cannot help myself, I gape at you in shock, "Myself?"
You laugh, "If I must I will describe 'him' in a less familiar manner. He is a Sylvan Elf of exceptional beauty and grace, even for one of his people. He showed interest in me despite the fact that I was a mere man and yet he supported me when I learned that I had a greater destiny to fulfill."
I continue to stare at you in shock.
"You wish to hear more? He is a warrior of great skill and a teacher of exceptional talent. In the midst of the death and despair of battle he shines as a ray of sunlight. My son adores him, for a time I feared too much, but now I see that is not so. But alas he seems to believe I love another, though I cannot fathom why as I have told him how I feel."
I regain a bit of my composure, managing to shift my eyes to my own hands for a second. "I believe you mean what you say Estel. I am shocked to learn that you did not know I loved you from our first meeting. And to discover you did not marry for love, but it seems I have over estimated my own powers of observation."
Before I can babble more nonsense at you I feel your lips descend over my own and I forget everything that I assumed up to now. The heat of your kiss is at once both everything I need and not enough. A whole new form of torture for my heart but I welcome it with all my being for it is the beginning of everything I have dreamed of these long years.
The gull who has haunted the city all day calls again and I find the call of the sea no longer sounds within my heart. Another sounds reaches my ears though that pulls me reluctantly from your lips. "It seems we have an audience," I whisper against your lips and feel you shiver, though not with cold I'm sure.
"I have never before had the urge to raise a hand to the boy, but I think perhaps now is the time to teach him to do as he's told," You grumble softly.
I smiles at you, "Forgive the little one Estel he has put forth a great deal of effort to see us kissing beneath the moonlight. It seems to me that the proper course of action is obvious."
I hear you make a sound I can only describe as purring, "And what is that Legolas?"
"For you and I to find some place more private, hidden from any prying eyes. If the little one can see us others can as well." Holding your hand tightly in my own I lead you toward the Citadel.
Once we are inside you take the lead, "My chambers are more private than yours melda." We are a few doors away from your room when you stop dead in your tracks. "I told you to go to bed an hour ago Eldarion." I stiffle a laugh and give the little one a look to warn him not to test you.
"I just wanted to say goodnight father. To both of you," The little one offers with a smirk.
"Goodnight son, now run along," You tell him tersely.
"Goodnight little one," I offer more kindly.
"Goodnight my friend," He answers before walking away slowly.