Title: Bloom of a Rose
Author: Andrea (Azriel)
Disclaimer: The characters aren't mine; they all belong to the Tolkien
estate.
Summary: Legolas gets caught up in a dispute between Mirkwood and Imladris.
Can Elrond and Glorfindel help him to find happiness?
WARNING, this story is SLASH and AU. The pairing shall be G/L with hinted
Elrohir/L in later chapters. Thranduil is NOT a nice guy.
Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed this story. I really appreciate people letting me know they like this story. I'm trying to move things on a bit now, focusing on key developments, so time will pass quicker in the next few chapters, but I must apologise for any spelling or grammar errors as I have lost my beta. Now to answer some questions. Mirai's Chic- Legolas was six years short of his majority at the beginning, so nearly 500. I'm not sure what that makes him but I envisage him as about 19 or 20 in human equivalent. Jasta Elf - Thanks for another wonderful response. To answer you, the question of Arwen and Elessar will be resolved in the next chapter, but I will not be dealing with the Lothlorien crowd for at least two more chapters. ;) As always please let me know if you are enjoying this or if you have any ideas. Andrea
Chapter 6 : Trails and Tribulations
One Year Later.
" That is excellent young prince! Have you been practicing as I asked?" Legolas stood in the courtyard outside the stable, another blond elf standing opposite him.
" Yes master Berethil. Lord Glorfindel practises with me daily. He says I will get rusty if I do not keep going over the routines." Legolas lay his training sword against the stone bench by the yards edge, picking up the pair of twin knives which lay glistening in the relentless sun.
" I see that you are eager to get onto your favourite Legolas. If only I could inspire such confidence with the sword." The weapons master sighed also laying aside his sword. " I still feel it could be one of your greatest strengths." The older elf looked up, hoping his pupil was absorbing his words.
" I wish I could share your enthusiasm sir, but I believe I shall always love the knives." Legolas smiled tenderly and ran his finger along the blunt edge of one blade.
" Then may I suggest we remove our shirts and begin? I would not wish you to blame the heat for your eventual defeat!"
The two elves sparred with the knives each dodging blows in an entrancing dance. The suns rays flickered over the metal and warmed the bodies of the two figures working tirelessly beneath them. As time passed the weapons master placed greater pressure on the younger elf, forcing him to make more erratic moves in his defence. It proved to be his demise as one after the other, the knives clattered to the stone floor below.
" Again, I must be congratulated little one. Your skill is definitely improving and I must agree with you, your talent does lie with the knives." Legolas smiled at his master's appraisal and moved the short distance back to the bench.
" It would seem we have to agree with you master Berethil." Both blond elves turned to greet the owner of the voice.
" I feel he will be more than ready for his coming of age, My Lords. In fact, I would not be surprised if he could begin to learn the sacred kata's before his ceremony." Berethil looked back in time to see the flash of pride pass over Legolas' features. His heart swelled with his own sense of joy at seeing his pupil so content with his achievements. It was very rare to see the prince relaxed, even now when the inhibitions of his father's cruelty had begun to lift.
" Indeed that is some achievement Legolas. You should be proud of yourself." Elrond stood forward from the others who waited behind him.
" I have to give much credit to Lord Glorfindel, Lord Elrond. It is he who has practiced with me and allowed me to build on my strengths." The timid demeanour had returned, Berethil noticed, as it always did when those who surrounded Legolas were high in station.
" Indeed I have practiced with you, Greenleaf," Glorfindel moved forward to stand forward beside Elrond; his usual formal robes absent, being replaced with a light tunic and leggings. " But it is you who has put in the work to improve your skills. I can take no credit for your hard work."
Legolas raised his eyes briefly to meet those of the two eldars standing before him before looking to his teacher for reassurance. He was warmed by the friendly acceptance he found there and it gave him the courage to face the other elves.
" If you continue like this Legolas you shall soon seek to usurp my brother and I on the archery field I suspect!" Elladan grinned, teasing the younger elf.
" The bow is the one thing I have experience of Master Elladan. I would gladly accept your unspoken challenge, but I beg of you to take pity on me and wait until the sun has passed its peak." Legolas smiled back at the older twin, " I fear her grasp would steal me of fair sight and hinder me further than my lack of years."
" This afternoon then young princeling! I shall enjoy showing you what you have left to learn!" Elladan chuckled at his father's obvious look of displeasure.
" Elladan, we are encouraging Legolas with his confidence, not mocking it!" All eyes focused on the dark elf lord who continued to glare at his son. " But if Legolas has agreed, then all I can do is be there to support him. And hope he knocks you from your pedestal!" Elrond raised his eyebrow as Elladan shrugged his shoulders, and nodded towards the youngest of the gathering.
" After lunch Legolas. I shall be looking forward to it."
All were silent as Elladan left, Glorfindel trying in vain to stifle the chuckle which had been building as events unfolded. He looked up to see eyes of sapphire watching him intently. As eyes met, the other glanced away, as if ashamed to be caught staring in such a way. Glorfindel offered him a small smile, but the other did not look at him again.
" I think Legolas," Berethil moved to where he had left his shirt. " That we need to find you a bow."
" Indeed Berethil, it would not be fitting for an elf to try archery when he does not have a bow!" Elrond laughed softly at the amusement of the situation. " Well, young one let us find you a bow!"
*************
The sun passed overhead as the elves gathered for the midday meal. Friendly banter filled the hall as the food was consumed and the word of the archery challenge became known.
" So, Legolas believes he can best the stars of Imladris? This shall be a sight!" One elf said.
" Indeed it shall, I am most interested in the skills of our newest arrival." Another joined the conversation.
" Peace my friends, I beg of you. There is no need for such fuss." Elrond tried to calm the bubbling excitement of the elves seated around the table. " At least let them eat their meal in a calm demeanour."
Legolas picked at the sweet delicacies on his plate. Even after so many cycles of the sun shining down on him, he still could not grow accustomed to the fresh food given to him. He had put on weight, his ribs no longer showing but his body still lithe and slim. His clothes enhanced his slender frame and he felt healthier within himself.
He felt his skin crawl as another leant in close to him to whisper in his ear.
" Pay those fools no heed, Princeling." The soft voice grated over the young elves nerves. " I believe you could do anything you wish to us." Legolas pulled away slightly, only to be restrained by Elrohir's hand on his sleeve.
" How is your wife Elrohir. Have you heard from her since she travelled back to Lothlorien?" Legolas smiled inwardly at the other elves sudden withdrawal.
" She is well, thank you Legolas. She hopes to return to the valley before the leaves begin to fall." Elrohir's voice turned cold and bitter. He looked intently at the prince sat at his side, lust overcoming him, driving him to continue. " That leaves me the whole summer without her. If you would like Legolas, I intend to go riding tomorrow and would ask you to join me. I know the horses comfort you."
" Thank you Elrohir, but I must decline. I have training with Berethil before breakfast and my Quenya lessons with your father after that. Perhaps another time." Legolas refused to look at the leering elf, afraid of the familiar look he would see in the cold, grey eyes.
" Perhaps."
" Legolas, are you ready?" Glorfindel ignored the scowl Elrohir threw him as he approached, taking HIS place at Legolas' side. He was relieved when Legolas took his cue, reaching out and taking his hand in his own. Glorfindel felt the slender fingers shaking as he enclosed them with his, trying to give his Greenleaf the strength he needed.
" Yes, yes I am, thank you."
" Then let us make are way to the practise fields. I am most eager for this event to be over." Elrond rose from his seat and the other elves followed suit.
Glorfindel released Legolas' hand as Elrohir was engaged in conversation by another young elf. The maiden giggled incessantly as Elrohir brushed her cheek with the back of his hand.
" Thank you. I knew not what else I should do." The Legolas of old resurfaced and Glorfindel tried to hide the pain that suddenly filled him. He cursed Elrohir and his demanding libido. The small figure next to him continued to shake, his arms wrapping around his own body defensively and fresh tears gathering in his beautiful eyes.
" I am sorry if I made you uncomfortable Legolas. I merely thought if he believed you had chosen, then he may relent in his pursuit of you." Glorfindel faltered as he saw that his words did nothing to reassure the young elf.
" His kind never stops until they have what they want." Legolas looked to the sky. " They seek to cage it like a bird, and then consume it with everything they are, until nothing of its own identity remains."
They walked in silence to the fields where other elves had already gathered. Glorfindel knew he could not offer Legolas physical support, that it was too soon and he could not face the prince's rejection. He watched the slender body move like liquid silk beneath the pale green shirt that Legolas now wore, and the golden mane flow down his back.
" I was beginning to believe you would not come princeling!" Legolas looked up and smiled at Elladans greeting.
" And I see you have taken advantage and had a quiver full of practice shots! It is only fair that I may warm up also." Legolas pointed to the target scattered with Elladans arrows.
" Very well, ten arrows and then we shall begin. Ten arrows each, the most nearest the centre wins?"
"Agreed."
Legolas moved to a great Beech where his new bow and quiver rested against the trunk. Glorfindel sat beside Elrond and a few other Elven lords in the shade at the edge of the clearing. He was relieved to see that Elrohir and the maiden had seated themselves away from the main group.
Legolas took his position at the mark and took aim. His muscles strained as his focus became complete. Silence fell and all present watched as Legolas released the arrow.
It went wide.
Legolas smiled as if satisfied as the arrow drove itself into the tree next to the target.
" Well, that is better than it used to be." All the elves turned and looked at him as if his senses had taken their leave. " Come Elladan, loose your arrows, I need no more warm up." Again shock spread through the gathering, even Elladan could not believe his ears.
" Umm.. Very well Legolas. If that is what you wish." Elladan paced over to the target and slowly eased out his arrows. Legolas stood patiently and watched the older elf work. The raven-haired elf walked back, his own pale blue shirt billowing in the slight breeze.
Ten arrows flew. Ten arrows made the target.
" Four centre. Four middle. Two outer. There Legolas. You have a sporting chance." Again the elf removed his arrows to the soft applause of his father and his peers.
Legolas took a spare arrow to make the ten and took his mark.
" Do not worry Legolas. You still have five years to improve." Elladan chuckled as he passed the blond. Legolas reached into the sleeve of his shirt and pulled out a slim piece of ribbon. Gathering up his long golden tresses he tied them back into a tight ponytail, barely a single strand falling over his face. He tightened his bowstring and checked the feathers of his arrows before slipping the quiver onto his back.
As Elladan watched, the amused smile faded from his lips. He knew those actions were not performed by an amateur archer. Legolas flashed him a smile of his own before idly picking up the bow. Without much attention he loosed ten arrows in quick succession. Each one hit its target.
Again a stunned silence fell across the clearing, not even the birds dared sing out.
Every arrow was in the centre.
Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed this story. I really appreciate people letting me know they like this story. I'm trying to move things on a bit now, focusing on key developments, so time will pass quicker in the next few chapters, but I must apologise for any spelling or grammar errors as I have lost my beta. Now to answer some questions. Mirai's Chic- Legolas was six years short of his majority at the beginning, so nearly 500. I'm not sure what that makes him but I envisage him as about 19 or 20 in human equivalent. Jasta Elf - Thanks for another wonderful response. To answer you, the question of Arwen and Elessar will be resolved in the next chapter, but I will not be dealing with the Lothlorien crowd for at least two more chapters. ;) As always please let me know if you are enjoying this or if you have any ideas. Andrea
Chapter 6 : Trails and Tribulations
One Year Later.
" That is excellent young prince! Have you been practicing as I asked?" Legolas stood in the courtyard outside the stable, another blond elf standing opposite him.
" Yes master Berethil. Lord Glorfindel practises with me daily. He says I will get rusty if I do not keep going over the routines." Legolas lay his training sword against the stone bench by the yards edge, picking up the pair of twin knives which lay glistening in the relentless sun.
" I see that you are eager to get onto your favourite Legolas. If only I could inspire such confidence with the sword." The weapons master sighed also laying aside his sword. " I still feel it could be one of your greatest strengths." The older elf looked up, hoping his pupil was absorbing his words.
" I wish I could share your enthusiasm sir, but I believe I shall always love the knives." Legolas smiled tenderly and ran his finger along the blunt edge of one blade.
" Then may I suggest we remove our shirts and begin? I would not wish you to blame the heat for your eventual defeat!"
The two elves sparred with the knives each dodging blows in an entrancing dance. The suns rays flickered over the metal and warmed the bodies of the two figures working tirelessly beneath them. As time passed the weapons master placed greater pressure on the younger elf, forcing him to make more erratic moves in his defence. It proved to be his demise as one after the other, the knives clattered to the stone floor below.
" Again, I must be congratulated little one. Your skill is definitely improving and I must agree with you, your talent does lie with the knives." Legolas smiled at his master's appraisal and moved the short distance back to the bench.
" It would seem we have to agree with you master Berethil." Both blond elves turned to greet the owner of the voice.
" I feel he will be more than ready for his coming of age, My Lords. In fact, I would not be surprised if he could begin to learn the sacred kata's before his ceremony." Berethil looked back in time to see the flash of pride pass over Legolas' features. His heart swelled with his own sense of joy at seeing his pupil so content with his achievements. It was very rare to see the prince relaxed, even now when the inhibitions of his father's cruelty had begun to lift.
" Indeed that is some achievement Legolas. You should be proud of yourself." Elrond stood forward from the others who waited behind him.
" I have to give much credit to Lord Glorfindel, Lord Elrond. It is he who has practiced with me and allowed me to build on my strengths." The timid demeanour had returned, Berethil noticed, as it always did when those who surrounded Legolas were high in station.
" Indeed I have practiced with you, Greenleaf," Glorfindel moved forward to stand forward beside Elrond; his usual formal robes absent, being replaced with a light tunic and leggings. " But it is you who has put in the work to improve your skills. I can take no credit for your hard work."
Legolas raised his eyes briefly to meet those of the two eldars standing before him before looking to his teacher for reassurance. He was warmed by the friendly acceptance he found there and it gave him the courage to face the other elves.
" If you continue like this Legolas you shall soon seek to usurp my brother and I on the archery field I suspect!" Elladan grinned, teasing the younger elf.
" The bow is the one thing I have experience of Master Elladan. I would gladly accept your unspoken challenge, but I beg of you to take pity on me and wait until the sun has passed its peak." Legolas smiled back at the older twin, " I fear her grasp would steal me of fair sight and hinder me further than my lack of years."
" This afternoon then young princeling! I shall enjoy showing you what you have left to learn!" Elladan chuckled at his father's obvious look of displeasure.
" Elladan, we are encouraging Legolas with his confidence, not mocking it!" All eyes focused on the dark elf lord who continued to glare at his son. " But if Legolas has agreed, then all I can do is be there to support him. And hope he knocks you from your pedestal!" Elrond raised his eyebrow as Elladan shrugged his shoulders, and nodded towards the youngest of the gathering.
" After lunch Legolas. I shall be looking forward to it."
All were silent as Elladan left, Glorfindel trying in vain to stifle the chuckle which had been building as events unfolded. He looked up to see eyes of sapphire watching him intently. As eyes met, the other glanced away, as if ashamed to be caught staring in such a way. Glorfindel offered him a small smile, but the other did not look at him again.
" I think Legolas," Berethil moved to where he had left his shirt. " That we need to find you a bow."
" Indeed Berethil, it would not be fitting for an elf to try archery when he does not have a bow!" Elrond laughed softly at the amusement of the situation. " Well, young one let us find you a bow!"
*************
The sun passed overhead as the elves gathered for the midday meal. Friendly banter filled the hall as the food was consumed and the word of the archery challenge became known.
" So, Legolas believes he can best the stars of Imladris? This shall be a sight!" One elf said.
" Indeed it shall, I am most interested in the skills of our newest arrival." Another joined the conversation.
" Peace my friends, I beg of you. There is no need for such fuss." Elrond tried to calm the bubbling excitement of the elves seated around the table. " At least let them eat their meal in a calm demeanour."
Legolas picked at the sweet delicacies on his plate. Even after so many cycles of the sun shining down on him, he still could not grow accustomed to the fresh food given to him. He had put on weight, his ribs no longer showing but his body still lithe and slim. His clothes enhanced his slender frame and he felt healthier within himself.
He felt his skin crawl as another leant in close to him to whisper in his ear.
" Pay those fools no heed, Princeling." The soft voice grated over the young elves nerves. " I believe you could do anything you wish to us." Legolas pulled away slightly, only to be restrained by Elrohir's hand on his sleeve.
" How is your wife Elrohir. Have you heard from her since she travelled back to Lothlorien?" Legolas smiled inwardly at the other elves sudden withdrawal.
" She is well, thank you Legolas. She hopes to return to the valley before the leaves begin to fall." Elrohir's voice turned cold and bitter. He looked intently at the prince sat at his side, lust overcoming him, driving him to continue. " That leaves me the whole summer without her. If you would like Legolas, I intend to go riding tomorrow and would ask you to join me. I know the horses comfort you."
" Thank you Elrohir, but I must decline. I have training with Berethil before breakfast and my Quenya lessons with your father after that. Perhaps another time." Legolas refused to look at the leering elf, afraid of the familiar look he would see in the cold, grey eyes.
" Perhaps."
" Legolas, are you ready?" Glorfindel ignored the scowl Elrohir threw him as he approached, taking HIS place at Legolas' side. He was relieved when Legolas took his cue, reaching out and taking his hand in his own. Glorfindel felt the slender fingers shaking as he enclosed them with his, trying to give his Greenleaf the strength he needed.
" Yes, yes I am, thank you."
" Then let us make are way to the practise fields. I am most eager for this event to be over." Elrond rose from his seat and the other elves followed suit.
Glorfindel released Legolas' hand as Elrohir was engaged in conversation by another young elf. The maiden giggled incessantly as Elrohir brushed her cheek with the back of his hand.
" Thank you. I knew not what else I should do." The Legolas of old resurfaced and Glorfindel tried to hide the pain that suddenly filled him. He cursed Elrohir and his demanding libido. The small figure next to him continued to shake, his arms wrapping around his own body defensively and fresh tears gathering in his beautiful eyes.
" I am sorry if I made you uncomfortable Legolas. I merely thought if he believed you had chosen, then he may relent in his pursuit of you." Glorfindel faltered as he saw that his words did nothing to reassure the young elf.
" His kind never stops until they have what they want." Legolas looked to the sky. " They seek to cage it like a bird, and then consume it with everything they are, until nothing of its own identity remains."
They walked in silence to the fields where other elves had already gathered. Glorfindel knew he could not offer Legolas physical support, that it was too soon and he could not face the prince's rejection. He watched the slender body move like liquid silk beneath the pale green shirt that Legolas now wore, and the golden mane flow down his back.
" I was beginning to believe you would not come princeling!" Legolas looked up and smiled at Elladans greeting.
" And I see you have taken advantage and had a quiver full of practice shots! It is only fair that I may warm up also." Legolas pointed to the target scattered with Elladans arrows.
" Very well, ten arrows and then we shall begin. Ten arrows each, the most nearest the centre wins?"
"Agreed."
Legolas moved to a great Beech where his new bow and quiver rested against the trunk. Glorfindel sat beside Elrond and a few other Elven lords in the shade at the edge of the clearing. He was relieved to see that Elrohir and the maiden had seated themselves away from the main group.
Legolas took his position at the mark and took aim. His muscles strained as his focus became complete. Silence fell and all present watched as Legolas released the arrow.
It went wide.
Legolas smiled as if satisfied as the arrow drove itself into the tree next to the target.
" Well, that is better than it used to be." All the elves turned and looked at him as if his senses had taken their leave. " Come Elladan, loose your arrows, I need no more warm up." Again shock spread through the gathering, even Elladan could not believe his ears.
" Umm.. Very well Legolas. If that is what you wish." Elladan paced over to the target and slowly eased out his arrows. Legolas stood patiently and watched the older elf work. The raven-haired elf walked back, his own pale blue shirt billowing in the slight breeze.
Ten arrows flew. Ten arrows made the target.
" Four centre. Four middle. Two outer. There Legolas. You have a sporting chance." Again the elf removed his arrows to the soft applause of his father and his peers.
Legolas took a spare arrow to make the ten and took his mark.
" Do not worry Legolas. You still have five years to improve." Elladan chuckled as he passed the blond. Legolas reached into the sleeve of his shirt and pulled out a slim piece of ribbon. Gathering up his long golden tresses he tied them back into a tight ponytail, barely a single strand falling over his face. He tightened his bowstring and checked the feathers of his arrows before slipping the quiver onto his back.
As Elladan watched, the amused smile faded from his lips. He knew those actions were not performed by an amateur archer. Legolas flashed him a smile of his own before idly picking up the bow. Without much attention he loosed ten arrows in quick succession. Each one hit its target.
Again a stunned silence fell across the clearing, not even the birds dared sing out.
Every arrow was in the centre.
