I should confess at the outset that I am a Haldir/Legolas shipper. But
this is not a H/L fic. Even so, this was too much fun not to write.
Nothing major, but if the slightest mention of slash freaks you out then
proceed with caution.
I have also read a little too much slash featuring Legolas – he's in ALL of it, I swear – and now find it hard to imagine a world where he actually likes females. Other then when I'm reading Meteor Rain.
Otherwise, I hope this is as much fun to read as it was to write. ;-)
272 reviews!
Wanton Elfbanger – the name definitely says it all, LOL! I mostly read the fics over at aff.net. Many of the best are there and a bit of elf-smut doesn't hurt either ;-). But I just can't write it.
Dragonfly – you're always the first to read my chapters, so hannad lle. I think Tulienne can banter until the cows come home, but she's not one for opening up easily. This thing with Haldir is uncharted territory and she's finding it rocky terrain.
Melamin – my love Melda – beloved in Quenya (I think)
'Part 21'
Not for the first time of late, Haldir was not entirely sure what was going on.
He'd been instantly suspicious when Legolas had suddenly appeared at the archery range and challenged him to a short impromptu competition. He'd been more surprised when the prince had accepted his defeat quite willingly. And he'd been down right stunned when Legolas had actually deigned to ask if Haldir could point out what he was doing wrong.
Then Legolas had asked him for a tour of Caras Galadhon. Haldir was perfectly willing to talk about his beloved home for hours to just about anyone who happened to be interested – and there were precious few since they rarely had visitors. But the fact that the one asking was the same one he had sworn revenge on left him more than a little bemused. Surely it could not be sensible for Legolas to seek out the company of his enemy?
At first he had assumed Legolas was waiting for the ideal moment to punish him, but it hadn't come yet. And, despite himself, Haldir had to admit he was becoming somewhat fond of the prince. He could be quite enjoyable company when his hair was left alone.
And so, to his brothers' extreme disappointment, Haldir had called off the revenge attempt and decided to make friends with Legolas. Amazingly, Tulienne didn't seem to mind that he was gradually spending more and more time with the prince. Haldir reasoned that Legolas wouldn't be here for very long so this was only logical. He really was lucky to have found such an understanding elleth.
Tonight he and Legolas were having dinner together. Haldir was cooking and Legolas had promised to provide dessert. He was looking forward to that. Mirkwood must have many delicacies that he hadn't yet tried.
***
"Haldir is having dinner with Legolas?" Rumil repeated disbelievingly. "Just the two of them?"
"That's right," Tulienne said grimly, continuing to eat her dinner.
The other four round the table exchanged glances and raised eyebrows.
"And you have no problem with this?" Orophin asked uncertainly.
"That depends," Tulienne said, stabbing her food with her fork. It went right through, hit the plate and squeaked.
"On what?" Salia asked, looking as bemused as the rest.
"On how it ends."
The first signs of alarm became visible on the faces surrounding her.
"Er . . .what do you mean 'how it ends'?" Rumil enquired.
Tulienne looked up irritably. "It's quite simple," she said. "They've done the 'getting to know you' thing, so tonight's the night. What happens next depends on whether Haldir says yes or no."
"Yes or no to what?" Orophin asked.
"To Legolas, obviously."
The brothers stared, Salia choked as her water went down the wrong way, Ceilwyn went pale.
"You . . ." Rumil started to say, then recovered a little. "You think Legolas is going to try to . . . to . . ."
"Seduce him."
"Why do you think that?" Orophin demanded.
"Because he's in love with him."
"Legolas is in love with Haldir?" Orophin repeated faintly.
Tulienne looked up at them, frowning. "You can't tell me you didn't know. It's blatantly obvious. Haven't you noticed the way he looks at him?"
"Yes, but . . .he admires him, that's all. Haldir's a skilled warrior and the prince is still learning. It's only natural that . . ."
". . . he'd become totally smitten," Tulienne finished. "Besides, even if I hadn't already realised, I've heard the truth from his own lips."
"Really?" Orophin croaked.
"And this doesn't . . . surprise you?" Rumil asked.
"Why would it? Haldir is very fair, I doubt very much if Legolas is the first to notice that."
"Well no," Rumil conceded. "But he's . . .well, he's a *he*."
"I have observed this."
The brothers didn't look mollified. Tulienne rolled her eyes. "Yes, they're both male. It's quite common, you know. I know you're a little uptight about it here in Lorien, but elsewhere it really isn't considered a big deal."
"And it doesn't bother you to think of two males. . ." Orophin started, then shuddered and broke off.
Tulienne shot them both a disbelieving look. "I think you forget that I come from *Rivendell*," she said meaningfully. "Home of Lord Elrond and his golden-haired love."
"I thought Lady Celebrian sailed west centuries ago," Salia said, confused.
Tulienne actually laughed at that. "Who said anything about Celebrian?" she said, wiggling her eyebrows.
Rumil and Orophin correctly interpreted the hint and evidently wished they hadn't.
"I won't be able to look him in the eye if he ever comes here again," Rumil said, putting his head down on the table.
"Oh stop being so melodramatic," Tulienne said crossly, her good mood vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. "In answer to your earlier question, no I do not care that Legolas is male. The point is that he is the only other person Haldir has apparently felt moved to kiss and I want to know where I stand. And tonight I shall find out. By tomorrow you should know if you'll be getting a brother or a sister in law. For now, eat your dinner and drop it. I'm not in the mood."
Both brothers were fervently hoping Haldir wasn't either.
***
"That was great, Haldir," Legolas said, sitting back in his chair and rubbing his stomach appreciatively. "You're an excellent cook."
Haldir smiled back, pouring himself another glass of wine. "It's a survival technique," he replied. "Every time I fight with one of my brothers, I make food for them and they forget all about it."
"I can see why."
Haldir filled Legolas' glass too, since it was running low, and settled back in his own chair. "And now, Prince Legolas, I believe you owe me some dessert," he said.
He was very curious about that. Legolas had shown up empty-handed, so Haldir could only assume he intended to prepare it here.
Legolas sat up slowly. "I certainly do," he said. He made his way over to the kitchen and began poking through cupboards.
"I do not know if I will have everything you need," Haldir apologised. "What do you seek?"
Legolas' head popped up from behind a work surface, where he was kneeling in front of a cupboard.
"Do you have any cream?" he asked.
Haldir frowned. "I believe so, somewhere. Perhaps the third cupboard."
Legolas found it and set the container on the work surface. "Excellent," he said.
"Anything else?"
"We will probably be needing some form of salve, or oil."
Haldir blinked. He couldn't think of any dessert that involved salve. "I believe I have some in my patrol pack," he offered. "Though I am not certain if it is edible."
Legolas grinned at him. "I have no intention of eating it," he said.
Haldir started to get a little suspicious.
"Legolas," he said slowly, "what exactly does this dessert involve?"
He didn't get an answer. He was on the point of getting up to investigate when a pair of deceptively slender arms snaked their way around his chest.
"Whatever you want it to, melamin," Legolas whispered into his ear, before taking the tip of it in his mouth and sucking ever so gently.
At that point, admittedly a little late in the day, Haldir finally cottoned on to what was happening.
He gasped out loud and shot up from his chair. Only when he was safely on what had been Legolas' side of his table did he feel relatively safe and able to speak.
"What . . .?" he started. "When . . .? How . . .?"
He didn't know what reaction he had expected from Legolas, but confusion was not it.
"What's the matter, Haldir?" Legolas asked, leaning on the back of the chair Haldir had recently vacated.
Haldir paused and tried to get himself fully under control, difficult when he'd never felt less so.
"What exactly is going on here?" he asked finally.
Legolas looked a little unsure how to respond. "Isn't it obvious?"
Actually it was. Painfully so. But Haldir found himself somewhat unwilling to let go of his delusions just yet.
"You were the one who invited me here tonight," Legolas was saying. "I thought you wanted this. I thought . . . "
He stopped. A look of comprehension appeared on his face. Haldir tensed involuntarily. He tensed more as Legolas came towards him. It took considerable self-control to stand strong and not back away warily, as his instincts wanted him to.
"Forgive me, meldir," Legolas murmured, trailing long graceful fingers gently down Haldir's cheek. Haldir froze, temporarily unable to move. "I would never have imagined. But it is no matter, we will go slow. In this, perhaps I can be *your* guide."
Haldir's muddled brain just about managed to process this and understand the implication. Unfortunately, by the time it achieved this Haldir couldn't speak due to his mouth being sealed. Legolas was kissing him. It wasn't entirely unpleasant.
Before Haldir had a chance to react, Legolas had pulled away again. He stood expectantly, clearly waiting for Haldir to make the next move. Whatever that next move was.
Haldir opened his mouth several times to respond and shut it again. How did one respond to this? When it came to unwanted advances from elleths, he had relied on his patented method of scaring them off before they tried. The only one that hadn't worked with was Tulienne. Somehow he suspected it wouldn't work in this case either.
Tulienne. Of course, that was the best approach.
Haldir took a deep breath. "Legolas," he said, "I am deeply . . ."
Stunned, overwhelmed, horrified.
". . . flattered, but I'm afraid you have misinterpreted my regard for you. I am involved with another and intend to bind myself to her once our courtship has run its course. I am unavailable."
Legolas looked stricken. "Who?" he whispered.
"The cousin of my brother Rumil's wife. Tulienne."
Legolas was now staring at him. "She is the one who told me you were free," he exclaimed. "And encouraged me to pursue you."
A complex wave of emotions crashed against Haldir's outwardly calm exterior and threatened to break it down. "Indeed?" he said, his eyes darkening as Tulienne's behaviour over the last few weeks suddenly began to have meaning if not sense. "Then clearly we are both due an explanation for this. Wait here and I will bring her before us to provide it."
He started for the door. Legolas' hand on his arm stopped him.
"Haldir," Legolas said, looking unusually uncertain. "If she . . . if you two should not be bound, would that make any difference to . . . ?"
Funny how the answer that a few weeks ago would have been so certain was now so unsure.
"I . . . don't have an answer to that," he said finally.
Legolas nodded, apparently willing to accept that. "I do not think I wish to stay here," he said, in a remarkably composed tone. "Clearly you and your melda have much to discuss. I will speak to you once you have answers for me."
And Haldir was left alone. To go after an explanation he wasn't sure he wanted to hear.
I have also read a little too much slash featuring Legolas – he's in ALL of it, I swear – and now find it hard to imagine a world where he actually likes females. Other then when I'm reading Meteor Rain.
Otherwise, I hope this is as much fun to read as it was to write. ;-)
272 reviews!
Wanton Elfbanger – the name definitely says it all, LOL! I mostly read the fics over at aff.net. Many of the best are there and a bit of elf-smut doesn't hurt either ;-). But I just can't write it.
Dragonfly – you're always the first to read my chapters, so hannad lle. I think Tulienne can banter until the cows come home, but she's not one for opening up easily. This thing with Haldir is uncharted territory and she's finding it rocky terrain.
Melamin – my love Melda – beloved in Quenya (I think)
'Part 21'
Not for the first time of late, Haldir was not entirely sure what was going on.
He'd been instantly suspicious when Legolas had suddenly appeared at the archery range and challenged him to a short impromptu competition. He'd been more surprised when the prince had accepted his defeat quite willingly. And he'd been down right stunned when Legolas had actually deigned to ask if Haldir could point out what he was doing wrong.
Then Legolas had asked him for a tour of Caras Galadhon. Haldir was perfectly willing to talk about his beloved home for hours to just about anyone who happened to be interested – and there were precious few since they rarely had visitors. But the fact that the one asking was the same one he had sworn revenge on left him more than a little bemused. Surely it could not be sensible for Legolas to seek out the company of his enemy?
At first he had assumed Legolas was waiting for the ideal moment to punish him, but it hadn't come yet. And, despite himself, Haldir had to admit he was becoming somewhat fond of the prince. He could be quite enjoyable company when his hair was left alone.
And so, to his brothers' extreme disappointment, Haldir had called off the revenge attempt and decided to make friends with Legolas. Amazingly, Tulienne didn't seem to mind that he was gradually spending more and more time with the prince. Haldir reasoned that Legolas wouldn't be here for very long so this was only logical. He really was lucky to have found such an understanding elleth.
Tonight he and Legolas were having dinner together. Haldir was cooking and Legolas had promised to provide dessert. He was looking forward to that. Mirkwood must have many delicacies that he hadn't yet tried.
***
"Haldir is having dinner with Legolas?" Rumil repeated disbelievingly. "Just the two of them?"
"That's right," Tulienne said grimly, continuing to eat her dinner.
The other four round the table exchanged glances and raised eyebrows.
"And you have no problem with this?" Orophin asked uncertainly.
"That depends," Tulienne said, stabbing her food with her fork. It went right through, hit the plate and squeaked.
"On what?" Salia asked, looking as bemused as the rest.
"On how it ends."
The first signs of alarm became visible on the faces surrounding her.
"Er . . .what do you mean 'how it ends'?" Rumil enquired.
Tulienne looked up irritably. "It's quite simple," she said. "They've done the 'getting to know you' thing, so tonight's the night. What happens next depends on whether Haldir says yes or no."
"Yes or no to what?" Orophin asked.
"To Legolas, obviously."
The brothers stared, Salia choked as her water went down the wrong way, Ceilwyn went pale.
"You . . ." Rumil started to say, then recovered a little. "You think Legolas is going to try to . . . to . . ."
"Seduce him."
"Why do you think that?" Orophin demanded.
"Because he's in love with him."
"Legolas is in love with Haldir?" Orophin repeated faintly.
Tulienne looked up at them, frowning. "You can't tell me you didn't know. It's blatantly obvious. Haven't you noticed the way he looks at him?"
"Yes, but . . .he admires him, that's all. Haldir's a skilled warrior and the prince is still learning. It's only natural that . . ."
". . . he'd become totally smitten," Tulienne finished. "Besides, even if I hadn't already realised, I've heard the truth from his own lips."
"Really?" Orophin croaked.
"And this doesn't . . . surprise you?" Rumil asked.
"Why would it? Haldir is very fair, I doubt very much if Legolas is the first to notice that."
"Well no," Rumil conceded. "But he's . . .well, he's a *he*."
"I have observed this."
The brothers didn't look mollified. Tulienne rolled her eyes. "Yes, they're both male. It's quite common, you know. I know you're a little uptight about it here in Lorien, but elsewhere it really isn't considered a big deal."
"And it doesn't bother you to think of two males. . ." Orophin started, then shuddered and broke off.
Tulienne shot them both a disbelieving look. "I think you forget that I come from *Rivendell*," she said meaningfully. "Home of Lord Elrond and his golden-haired love."
"I thought Lady Celebrian sailed west centuries ago," Salia said, confused.
Tulienne actually laughed at that. "Who said anything about Celebrian?" she said, wiggling her eyebrows.
Rumil and Orophin correctly interpreted the hint and evidently wished they hadn't.
"I won't be able to look him in the eye if he ever comes here again," Rumil said, putting his head down on the table.
"Oh stop being so melodramatic," Tulienne said crossly, her good mood vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. "In answer to your earlier question, no I do not care that Legolas is male. The point is that he is the only other person Haldir has apparently felt moved to kiss and I want to know where I stand. And tonight I shall find out. By tomorrow you should know if you'll be getting a brother or a sister in law. For now, eat your dinner and drop it. I'm not in the mood."
Both brothers were fervently hoping Haldir wasn't either.
***
"That was great, Haldir," Legolas said, sitting back in his chair and rubbing his stomach appreciatively. "You're an excellent cook."
Haldir smiled back, pouring himself another glass of wine. "It's a survival technique," he replied. "Every time I fight with one of my brothers, I make food for them and they forget all about it."
"I can see why."
Haldir filled Legolas' glass too, since it was running low, and settled back in his own chair. "And now, Prince Legolas, I believe you owe me some dessert," he said.
He was very curious about that. Legolas had shown up empty-handed, so Haldir could only assume he intended to prepare it here.
Legolas sat up slowly. "I certainly do," he said. He made his way over to the kitchen and began poking through cupboards.
"I do not know if I will have everything you need," Haldir apologised. "What do you seek?"
Legolas' head popped up from behind a work surface, where he was kneeling in front of a cupboard.
"Do you have any cream?" he asked.
Haldir frowned. "I believe so, somewhere. Perhaps the third cupboard."
Legolas found it and set the container on the work surface. "Excellent," he said.
"Anything else?"
"We will probably be needing some form of salve, or oil."
Haldir blinked. He couldn't think of any dessert that involved salve. "I believe I have some in my patrol pack," he offered. "Though I am not certain if it is edible."
Legolas grinned at him. "I have no intention of eating it," he said.
Haldir started to get a little suspicious.
"Legolas," he said slowly, "what exactly does this dessert involve?"
He didn't get an answer. He was on the point of getting up to investigate when a pair of deceptively slender arms snaked their way around his chest.
"Whatever you want it to, melamin," Legolas whispered into his ear, before taking the tip of it in his mouth and sucking ever so gently.
At that point, admittedly a little late in the day, Haldir finally cottoned on to what was happening.
He gasped out loud and shot up from his chair. Only when he was safely on what had been Legolas' side of his table did he feel relatively safe and able to speak.
"What . . .?" he started. "When . . .? How . . .?"
He didn't know what reaction he had expected from Legolas, but confusion was not it.
"What's the matter, Haldir?" Legolas asked, leaning on the back of the chair Haldir had recently vacated.
Haldir paused and tried to get himself fully under control, difficult when he'd never felt less so.
"What exactly is going on here?" he asked finally.
Legolas looked a little unsure how to respond. "Isn't it obvious?"
Actually it was. Painfully so. But Haldir found himself somewhat unwilling to let go of his delusions just yet.
"You were the one who invited me here tonight," Legolas was saying. "I thought you wanted this. I thought . . . "
He stopped. A look of comprehension appeared on his face. Haldir tensed involuntarily. He tensed more as Legolas came towards him. It took considerable self-control to stand strong and not back away warily, as his instincts wanted him to.
"Forgive me, meldir," Legolas murmured, trailing long graceful fingers gently down Haldir's cheek. Haldir froze, temporarily unable to move. "I would never have imagined. But it is no matter, we will go slow. In this, perhaps I can be *your* guide."
Haldir's muddled brain just about managed to process this and understand the implication. Unfortunately, by the time it achieved this Haldir couldn't speak due to his mouth being sealed. Legolas was kissing him. It wasn't entirely unpleasant.
Before Haldir had a chance to react, Legolas had pulled away again. He stood expectantly, clearly waiting for Haldir to make the next move. Whatever that next move was.
Haldir opened his mouth several times to respond and shut it again. How did one respond to this? When it came to unwanted advances from elleths, he had relied on his patented method of scaring them off before they tried. The only one that hadn't worked with was Tulienne. Somehow he suspected it wouldn't work in this case either.
Tulienne. Of course, that was the best approach.
Haldir took a deep breath. "Legolas," he said, "I am deeply . . ."
Stunned, overwhelmed, horrified.
". . . flattered, but I'm afraid you have misinterpreted my regard for you. I am involved with another and intend to bind myself to her once our courtship has run its course. I am unavailable."
Legolas looked stricken. "Who?" he whispered.
"The cousin of my brother Rumil's wife. Tulienne."
Legolas was now staring at him. "She is the one who told me you were free," he exclaimed. "And encouraged me to pursue you."
A complex wave of emotions crashed against Haldir's outwardly calm exterior and threatened to break it down. "Indeed?" he said, his eyes darkening as Tulienne's behaviour over the last few weeks suddenly began to have meaning if not sense. "Then clearly we are both due an explanation for this. Wait here and I will bring her before us to provide it."
He started for the door. Legolas' hand on his arm stopped him.
"Haldir," Legolas said, looking unusually uncertain. "If she . . . if you two should not be bound, would that make any difference to . . . ?"
Funny how the answer that a few weeks ago would have been so certain was now so unsure.
"I . . . don't have an answer to that," he said finally.
Legolas nodded, apparently willing to accept that. "I do not think I wish to stay here," he said, in a remarkably composed tone. "Clearly you and your melda have much to discuss. I will speak to you once you have answers for me."
And Haldir was left alone. To go after an explanation he wasn't sure he wanted to hear.
