Title: Bloom of a Rose Author: Andrea (Azriel) E-mail: gelaidh_elf@hotmail.com Rating: R ( In later chapters.)

Summary: Legolas gets caught up in a dispute between Mirkwood and Imladris. Can Elrond and Glorfindel help him to find happiness?

Disclaimer: The characters aren't mine, they all belong to the Tolkien estate.

WARNING, this story is SLASH. The pairing shall be G/L with hinted Elrohir/L in later chapters. References to rape, incest, and graphic violence.

Authors note: Wow! I actually updated. I have to apologise for the massive break in this story but my final year in uni has taken up 99.5% of my time. I want to thank all my loyal readers who have pestered me over the last few months to continue with this. You guys have been a huge inspiration and I couldn't have continued without your support. You know who you are (!!! Hopefully this chapter doesn't disappoint and I would love to hear your views. Hugs, Andrea
Chapter 8: Strangers in the Night.

A man walked slowly through the trees, ignoring the branches that seemed to reach out and snag his clothing in an attempt to slow his progress. He simply brushed them aside. He kept his footfalls soft so as not to disturb any who wandered nearby, his breathing deep and controlled.

The human looked up to the sky admiring the stars scattered on the black back drop. A small smile played over his lips as he continued on his way to the secret place. The place where he spent many hours as a child, hiding from the cares of the world around him.

He pulled short of the small pool, his senses detecting another presence. As he surveyed the scene before him, his breath caught and he froze, watching the slender figure bathing in the moonlit water.

Soft lilting tones broke through the night air, wrenching at the man's heart as he watched, transfixed by the graceful movements of the stranger. The words were drawn of an untold sadness, of grief and suffering. The song's beauty only added to its tragedy. He moved forward letting the earth and leaves shift beneath his feet as he did so as to alert this elf of his presence.

The lithe figure spun round, the water rippling softly in his wake. Sapphire eyes looked back at him through the night air and the man held himself still, letting the youth see that he was no threat.

" *Who are you what business do you have here*?" Even in a state of undress there was a silent strength to this elf that Aragorn found himself respecting. Only his eyes gave away his fear and uncertainty.

" * Peace mellon. I am known and welcome here.*" He stepped forward letting the moonlight illuminate his features.

" * Your name?*"

" * King Elessar Telecontar, known to the inhabitants of this realm as Aragorn.*" The man smiled warmly, "* Or Estel.*" Shock and recognition flickered over the young elf's features as he registered the words.

" The King of Men." Legolas breathed. His mind stumbled over what to say, ' Who am I to have spoken to the King of Gondor in such a fashion! Was that any way for a prince to behave? Ai Elbereth, help me..'

" Forgive me my Lord. I did not realise!" Legolas stuttered helplessly in Westron as he rushed to the shore scooping up his discarded robe, clutching it to his pale skin.

"* Peace Legolas. I do not hold to such formalities here.*" Aragorn smiled warmly. " Dress and we shall speak further. I have heard much about you." He turned his back, allowing the timid elf a degree of privacy and waited for him to join him. The soft rustle of leaves caught in the bottom of Legolas' robe alerted Aragorn to the elf's approach and he glanced to his side to check his whereabouts.

" Do you know much Westron?" The king enquired.

" Some, My Lord. My king Thranduil made certain I was well practised in the ways of the court." Legolas kept his head bowed respectfully as they began to walk through the moonlit trees.

" So I see." Aragorn murmured, pausing in an attempt to get the young elf to meet his gaze. " You need not lower your eyes to me. Here, in this place, we are equals."

" You know not of what you speak Elessar-King. Such things are neither fact nor possible in this world. To believe so is fanciful." Legolas spoke with such conviction that Aragorn knew that the elf believed what he was saying. It saddened him to see one of the firstborn so humble and submissive. He lacked the elegance he had become accustomed to in one of their kind, the silent dignity and belief of superiority.

" Then you may see me as fanciful master Legolas. But I shall tell you that I am not." The human sighed softly and continued along the moonlit path towards the main house. " I doubt Arwen would have me if I were!" Legolas looked up at this, once again cursing himself at forgetting who the man beside him was.

" I hear she is the most beautiful elf alive. I would be honoured to meet her."

" And you shall. She is here to see her father and discuss the arrangements for our wedding." Legolas smiled inwardly at the wistful look that crept into the kings eyes as he spoke of his betrothed, and a feeling of warmth spread through him at the caring tone of the mans voice. " It has been long enough and I fear I shall go crazy should we have to delay further!" The man was rewarded by a faint chuckle and took it as a sign of progress.

" I can understand how a one year engagement would be frustrating to one of the world of men." Aragorn's chuckle joined the young princes lifting the atmosphere between them.

They continued to walk discussing mundane matters of the wedding and happenings in Imladris. Aragorn was content to talk about Arwen as Legolas was content to listen.

" And what of you Legolas?" Aragorn probed.

" My Lord?" Legolas faltered, wary of the shift of attention on to him.

" Are you content with your betrothal? Does Glorfindel treat you well?" The man watched as the elf went deathly white, his submissive demeanour returning far faster than it had been shed.

" It is not my place."

" Then who's place is it?" Aragorn pressed. He now understood why his foster father had been so eager for him to talk to the elf. It was obvious all was not well in his world.

" May I speak freely with you? Can I trust you with my confidence?" The slight elf suddenly seemed swamped in the pale robes as he appeared to shrink under the intense grey gaze. The prince watched as the man nodded a look of sincerity on his features. " I am uncertain."

" Of what?" There was a pause as they came to a halt, the elf moving closer to the trees lining the path. The man watched in fascination as Legolas leant against the trunk of the nearest, the tree reaching out with its branches to shelter his figure from the cold night air. Another mental note was tucked away in Aragorn's mind as he watched the youth; it seemed the young elf had a bond with nature that rivalled that of Erestor's.

Perhaps it could explain the quietness of both elves? The bond with nature surpassing the need to feel connected to their own kind?

" I have.. feelings for Lord Glorfindel. It confuses me." Legolas voice seemed somewhat distanced and the human had to strain to hear it. " I do not know how to approach him. I do not want to be left alone."

" Why would you be alone?"

" He does not feel for me. He can't. I.." Legolas faltered and Aragorn began to move forward. The sight of the tears forming in the elf's eyes wrenched at something inside him, jolting his belief in the strength of the first born. " I am tainted. I am not worthy of one such as he." Crystal drops spilt over onto the pale cheeks and the man reached out, beckoning the now trembling form into his arms.

The slender figure nestled comfortably into his arms and he gave him a fatherly hug. " Listen to me Legolas. What you have been through, no creature, elf, man or dwarf should have to suffer through. You are the strongest elf that I know of and you are more than worthy of Glorfindel."

" But the tales of him, the battles he has fought." The man tightened his grip as the elf started to sob.

" He may be a warrior of the body, but you Legolas are a warrior of the spirit. You have survived things that would have broken another elf." They pulled apart and Aragorn looked into the sapphire eyes still glistening with tears but shining with something the king could only describe as hope. " Speak with him Legolas. Discuss your fears. I think you may be surprised."

" Truly?"

" Truly".

********

Dinner was a grand affair with Arwen and Aragorn seated beside Elrond discussing the current politics in Gondor. Erestor had begun a conversation with the young Mirkwood elf, telling him another tale of the history of the vale and of the elves that still inhabited it.

Legolas had recently discovered the pleasure of the councillors company, the trees conspiring to throw them together. They had shared many afternoons walking through the gardens as the older elf had taken it upon himself to instruct the youngster in the ways of the court.

Glorfindel sat on the other side of Legolas absent mindedly pushing his food around the plate in front of him. As the meal progressed he became aware of a slight touch against his thigh. He looked down almost choking on the small pastry in his mouth at the sight of Legolas' fingers entangled in part of his robe. He looked at the hands owner only to find himself facing a pair of eyes full of unanswered questions.

His heart skipped a beat at the beauty of those eyes, his breath catching in his throat as he tried to speak. Pain flashed across the blue eyes and the curious fingers began to withdraw. Before he knew what he was doing, his hand had reached out trapping his betrothed's in a tight grip. He smiled reassuringly, hoping his eyes conveyed his pleasure at the younger elf's actions.

" Its alright, you just surprised me." He kept his voice soft so as not to attract attention from the elves sat around them. " What brought this on?"

" Not here. Can we talk later?" Legolas' voice was trembling slightly and the elf lord squeezed his hand in another act of reassurance.

" Of course. Would you prefer to walk in the grounds or shall we go to your chambers?" Glorfindel stroked his thumb over the back of Legolas' hand continuing to send silent strength to his trembling form. Glorfindel knew what even a small degree of contact had cost the youth and he did not want him to feel as though he was doing wrong.

" My room would be fine." A sudden burst of feminine giggles opposite them drew their attention. " And more private too." A shy smile, but eyes sparkling with renewed confidence. Glorfindel watched Legolas nod slightly along the table and followed his gaze to meet the curious gaze of the King of Gondor. As the man returned the nod, Glorfindel could not help but feel part of one big conspiracy.

Was it possible that Aragorn was responsible for the change in his princeling?

********

The pair walked quietly through the still hallways fingers interlaced drawing the curiosity of any elf that they passed. Glorfindel had the suspicion that Legolas was walking slower than normal.

" Your defence training has progressed well this month." He said, trying to break the silence that descended between them. " And I hear from lord Elrond that you have nearly mastered Quenya." Legolas smiled at this.

" I have enjoyed studying the records with Erestor so I had to learn faster." The small chuckle was unlike anything Glorfindel had heard from the prince before. It seemed.. genuine, natural as though it was the true prince of Mirkwood beginning to shine through after all this time. It warmed him to believe that Legolas was beginning to heal, even if he was not the one to bring about such change.

" I am glad to know you are content here."

" That is what I wished to talk to you about." The familiar uncertainty was back in that songbird voice. " I.. I.."

" You know that you can come to me with anything Legolas. I care for your welfare." Glorfindel watched in confusion as a crestfallen look fell upon the prince. " Have I displeased you?"

" Do you care for me?" A whisper so faint it could have been swept away by the slightest of breezes escaped the lips of the smaller elf.

" Of course, how could you think differently?"

" No!" The other elf cut in, pulling on the eldars hand drawing them to a stop. " Do you CARE for me?" Glorfindel's confusion was short lived and he found himself hoping, his heart beating wildly in his breast as he looked searchingly into the other elves eyes. He was suffocating, desperate to breathe but frightened the moment would end.

" Yes." He sighed, breaking the tension. " Yes I care for you, but.."

He never finished, the words that would be said silenced as Legolas leant forward and soft, tender lips brushed against his own.
TBC..

Once again I have to thank all my faithful readers. I hope this was worth the wait!

Hugs

Andrea (