Disclaimer: I don`t own anything , no matter how much I wish I did.
Thanks to everyone who rewieved! I love you!
Nímin – your reviews are absolutely wonderful!!! It seems that you have found the core of my story –well anyway , thank you ! You make this story even more fun to write!
Tmelange , Bradleigh, Legolas19 , Forsaken on ^3: I still love the fact that you review every new chapter! I hope that you will go on doing just that!
A/N: I tried to poste this chapter on April the 2nd , but as you may have noticed ffnet had problems that day , so I never got the chance. After that I got on a vacation in the county for a week , so I didn´t get the chance until today. I´m sorry about the delay.
Chapter 6
A whisper in the wind
Despite his efforts to make Legolas change his mind about the nature of their relationship Estel seemed to make no success; the elf insisted in keeping their moments together platonic although he made no efforts to avoid the human. If the others noticed the strains between them they didn´t say anything, but Legolas noticed that both Elrond and Thranduil were watching them with concern. However, none of them talked about it with neither the man nor the elf , obviously they didn´t want to interfere again.
But , Elrond ,all of a sudden , did cast all doubts about Estel joining the rangers aside and started to encourage him instead.
Estel did not know how hard it was for the elf to resist him , to him Legolas seemed almost insultingly cool and undisturbed at their meetings. This made him confused since he had felt how deeply affected the elf had been when they kissed. They spent quite a lot of time together, talking , Estel practicing archery or they were just enjoying each others company. All the time Legolas focused on keeping their relation strictly friendly.
But –in his heart -the prince was troubled since his affection for the *man * Estel ran much deeper than he wanted to. And he knew he was not going to be able to resist him if he would keep on trying to deepen their friendship.
Because of this Legolas was almost grateful when a messenger from Mirkwood arrived and told that both Thranduil and Legolas were needed back home. At least it was going to be a distraction from all his troubling thoughts.
"I don´t want you to leave "Estel said the day Legolas was going to depart . They were standing in the garden.
"I know you don´t and I have enjoyed your company as well " the elf said in his most caressing voice, one which made shivers run down the man´s spine and his hands began to tremble. He took a step forward.
"Don´t....Legolas began, and then he continued: "In the world of men liaisons between two males are considered unnatural and are not well thought of."
"I know that, Elrond told me ;that is partly why some men consider the elves strange . To humans it is more important to breed children .....but I have had both females and males as lovers ....I´m not *that* inexperienced."
He knew he was rambling and it made him feel worse when he saw Legolas´ soft smile.
"Just exactly why are you talking like this ? I never thought you were, but still...."He cupped Estel´s chin in his hand and looked him in the eye...."you are young and you should know more about life , about yourself and your heritage ...do not make any commitments , to me...
"You are talking like you have the gift of Foresight , like my father does." "I have not , but I know some things about you, you don´t yet. And it is not for me to tell." "I don´t want you to leave, without you some part of me is missing." Estel knew he sounded desperate , but that was also how he felt , he felt like he could not bear parting from Legolas again. He could not help his eyes filling with tears, that started to spill down his cheeks when he saw the same feelings in the other´s face.
Knowing that he probably made things much worse , but still unable to do anything else for this human that had always moved him like no one else had , Legolas slowly pressed his lips against the man´s, still holding his chin.
The response he got was immediate , Estel wrapped his arms around his waist and returned the kiss with an almost feral intensity, forcing the elf´s mouth to open . The prince lowered his hand and put it on the man´s shoulder, letting their tongues meet , as if in a greeting. They did not part until both of them needed air. They didn´t let go of one another , just stood there and looked each other in the eyes, midnight locked to steel , their breathing heavy and fast with desire.
Afterwards Legolas wondered why he let it go that far , being an elf he should have known more selfcontrol than he did at that moment. Especially he , the cold prince of Mirkwood. However , that coolness was far gone when he and Estel started to kiss again , instead it was he who pushed the man up against a tree and started to unbutton his shirt , something Estel was more than willing to assist him with. He leaned against the elf , pressing his hardness against the other´s, never letting their lips to be parted.
"Stop that before it´s too late ...now is not the time... of grief and pain there are plenty enough...what is bonded , life cannot sunder...."
Both the man and the elf stopped in their doings , stunned at those words whispered by a voice in the wind that blew in the trees.
"You heard that also ? "Legolas answered , somewhat surprised. He had thought the voice too low for human ears.
"Yes, who was that, is somebody here , do you see anything with your elven eyes? "the man whispered, looking around , bewildered but neither he nor the elf saw anything. The only living being they saw was a blue bird that lifted his wings and flew away, up in the bright , blue sky.
"No. Nobody is here and nobody was."
"What was it then? I didn´t recognize the voice , only that it was female ."
"Me neither , I have never experienced anything like this before" Legolas made a brief pause at the double context of his words –"and I have no idea what it was , but it was a warning indeed , though a strange one".
The man and the elf looked at each other , the forcing desire between them suddenly vanished.
Estel quickly put on his shirt before he slowly bent forward and kissed Legolas hastily.
"Let´s get back "he said.
The prince nodded and hand in hand they walked back to the house of Elrond.
A few hours later it was time for Thranduil and Legolas to part along with the other Mirkwood elves. The elf´s and the man´s part were swift, but sad, although both of them felt calmer than they had earlier in the garden. Still, when they looked in each other´s eyes, all around them seemed to disappear.
"We will meet again" Estel whispered.
"We will" Legolas answered, "but it may take some time. I´m always your friend ."
And then he bent forward and kissed the man for everyone to see. The human returned it , ignoring the gasps around them. Although , nobody said anything , not even Elladan and Elrohir. In fact , they never mentioned it to Estel at all, not even later.
When they rode through the mountains Legolas sensed his father would have asked , but the poisonous look he got from his son , made him not to.
"Are you planning to leave for Lotlórien , like you always do when something is bothering you ? "Thranduil asked instead. There was no sarcasm in his voice , just simple care.
"I don´t know , perhaps after we have finished our business in Mirkwood., but maybe you would like me to stay at home, father, is that not so ? "
"I want what is best for you, I want you to be at peace , my son , and peace is what you have always found in the Golden Wood. It has always been your true home , I have always known that ."
And a few months later the youngest prince of Mirkwood went back to Lórien , where he was greeted with warmth from all of his friends there. He also brought his sister .
Estel , on the other side , joined the rangers the next time they visited Rivendell as was planned. To him , at this time it felt like a matter of great urgency, since Elrond finally told him of his true heritage ; he was Aragorn , son of Arathorn , heir to the throne of Gondor. Estel was truly flabbergasted at this , finding it horrible , a king was the last thing he wanted to be. Being a loner he would have been quite satisfied as a simple hunter ,at least that was what he thought.
The life with the rangers were hard , and completely different from his all his earlier experiences , but in a peculiar way this was a life that suited him much better than the more comfortable one in Rivendell had. And it felt good to be around humans , not being completely different like he had among the elves. In many ways he found them ferocious and brutal , but also more intensive , more *alive * than the sometimes all too well composed elves. Sometimes he missed them much , though , and he was always joyful when he visited "the last homely house ". After some years , traveling around with the rangers and fighting horrors caused by the shadow rising, he was known to many men as "Strider".
During these years Legolas and Estel seldom met , and when they did they enjoyed each other´s company , but there were no more stolen kisses , no embraces. The elf supposed that maybe the man had adopted the view of humans concerning same -gender relationships. It was not so , but to Estel the prince seemed so cold that he thought it no use to talk about his never- ending infatuation to the blond elf. This would have caused a tension between them , but strange enough , it didn´t. They always felt at ease together and they talked about everything except of how they felt about each other.
(In Lotlórien )
Legolas and the march-warden Haldir had been out hunting orcs that were hovering too near the borders of the Golden Wood , when they heard somebody approach, singing.
"She sure has a fair voice , the daughter of Elrond "Haldir said.
Legolas nodded and looked in front of him where Arwen was appearing. When she saw the two blond elves she stopped her song and smiled. She wore a blue dress that perfectly matched the color of her eyes , her lustrous jet black hair gently blowing in the wind.
"Ah Legolas , it was you I was looking for "she said with her deep , melodious voice. "Haldir" she nodded to the march-warden.
"You were looking for me.....what was your errand then , beautiful lady ?" Legolas smiled. They had known each other since they were children and had always treated each other with uttermost respect and friendship .
"I meant to tell you that I will be leaving tomorrow , for Rivendell , to be with my father and my brothers."
"Yes , Galadriel told me , everybody here will miss your shining presence , Evenstar ".
"Thank you , but she told me that you are leaving soon for Mirkwood, as well."
"I am , my father doesn´t want the captain of his guard to be gone for too long . There are quite a lot to deal with in his kingdom."
"I´m going to miss Lotlórien , even though it feels good to go home , I know my father is waiting for me ".
"Everyone here is going to miss you as well "Haldir inserted. "It´s such a blessing to have the fairest of our kind here , both of them , at the same time."
"As always , you have a flattering tongue , Haldir "Legolas said.
"I am just speaking the plain and simple truth "the march – warden answered with a mischievous grin."You two are a sight for the Gods, and together at that...well , anyway I am going to leave you alone., no matter how much I like to see you together ".
He laid his hand on Legolas´ shoulder before he went away.
"See you later".
Arwen looked after him with a knowing smile on her generous lips.
"Do you never give your heart to anybody , my prince ? There are sure many who want it."
A brief glimpse of pain flickered on Legolas´face.
"I have chosen the life of a warrior , of my father´s royal guard –this leaves little time for a love such as the one you are talking about."
"But a lot of time for a long line of lovers apparently .... Never mind Legolas , I should not have said that."
"No offense taken ,my lady , we have known each other for such a long time , I´m glad that you apparently feel that you can talk openly to me. And concerning the matters of my heart , I really don´t see any reason to close myself from the physical side of love. I am honest to my eh...partners from the beginning."
"But still , you have broken many hearts , you must be aware of that ".
Legolas smiled and cupped her chin, lifting her face up against his , his eyes glittering mischievously.
"You seem so very interested in my love life , dear sister , but neither you have chosen a mate, no affairs at all , you are absolutely pure" he said mocklingly.
Arwen laughed.
"Well, that much is true , irrestible one , but I have always known that I am waiting for someone special , someone that was meant for me since the beginning of time. When I meet him I will know , both father and Galadriel have told me that."
She danced away from his grip , only to pull her arm around his.
"Are you in a hurry to get back to Haldir or do you care for a walk in these golden woods with me ? I really would want to talk to you some more, you can tell me news from Mirkwood and from the world outside."
"That is an offer I can¨t resist , beautiful Evenstar ". They walked and talked for hours , but to them the time seemed to run away. When they parted they both believed that they had found an everlasting friendship , and their hearts felt light. He missed her when she left , and soon returned to Mirkwood.
When Legolas some months later heard about Arwen´s betrothal to Estel he felt like his heart had been torn in two. This time he wandered alone, not letting anyone see his tears.
TBC
Thanks to everyone who rewieved! I love you!
Nímin – your reviews are absolutely wonderful!!! It seems that you have found the core of my story –well anyway , thank you ! You make this story even more fun to write!
Tmelange , Bradleigh, Legolas19 , Forsaken on ^3: I still love the fact that you review every new chapter! I hope that you will go on doing just that!
A/N: I tried to poste this chapter on April the 2nd , but as you may have noticed ffnet had problems that day , so I never got the chance. After that I got on a vacation in the county for a week , so I didn´t get the chance until today. I´m sorry about the delay.
Chapter 6
A whisper in the wind
Despite his efforts to make Legolas change his mind about the nature of their relationship Estel seemed to make no success; the elf insisted in keeping their moments together platonic although he made no efforts to avoid the human. If the others noticed the strains between them they didn´t say anything, but Legolas noticed that both Elrond and Thranduil were watching them with concern. However, none of them talked about it with neither the man nor the elf , obviously they didn´t want to interfere again.
But , Elrond ,all of a sudden , did cast all doubts about Estel joining the rangers aside and started to encourage him instead.
Estel did not know how hard it was for the elf to resist him , to him Legolas seemed almost insultingly cool and undisturbed at their meetings. This made him confused since he had felt how deeply affected the elf had been when they kissed. They spent quite a lot of time together, talking , Estel practicing archery or they were just enjoying each others company. All the time Legolas focused on keeping their relation strictly friendly.
But –in his heart -the prince was troubled since his affection for the *man * Estel ran much deeper than he wanted to. And he knew he was not going to be able to resist him if he would keep on trying to deepen their friendship.
Because of this Legolas was almost grateful when a messenger from Mirkwood arrived and told that both Thranduil and Legolas were needed back home. At least it was going to be a distraction from all his troubling thoughts.
"I don´t want you to leave "Estel said the day Legolas was going to depart . They were standing in the garden.
"I know you don´t and I have enjoyed your company as well " the elf said in his most caressing voice, one which made shivers run down the man´s spine and his hands began to tremble. He took a step forward.
"Don´t....Legolas began, and then he continued: "In the world of men liaisons between two males are considered unnatural and are not well thought of."
"I know that, Elrond told me ;that is partly why some men consider the elves strange . To humans it is more important to breed children .....but I have had both females and males as lovers ....I´m not *that* inexperienced."
He knew he was rambling and it made him feel worse when he saw Legolas´ soft smile.
"Just exactly why are you talking like this ? I never thought you were, but still...."He cupped Estel´s chin in his hand and looked him in the eye...."you are young and you should know more about life , about yourself and your heritage ...do not make any commitments , to me...
"You are talking like you have the gift of Foresight , like my father does." "I have not , but I know some things about you, you don´t yet. And it is not for me to tell." "I don´t want you to leave, without you some part of me is missing." Estel knew he sounded desperate , but that was also how he felt , he felt like he could not bear parting from Legolas again. He could not help his eyes filling with tears, that started to spill down his cheeks when he saw the same feelings in the other´s face.
Knowing that he probably made things much worse , but still unable to do anything else for this human that had always moved him like no one else had , Legolas slowly pressed his lips against the man´s, still holding his chin.
The response he got was immediate , Estel wrapped his arms around his waist and returned the kiss with an almost feral intensity, forcing the elf´s mouth to open . The prince lowered his hand and put it on the man´s shoulder, letting their tongues meet , as if in a greeting. They did not part until both of them needed air. They didn´t let go of one another , just stood there and looked each other in the eyes, midnight locked to steel , their breathing heavy and fast with desire.
Afterwards Legolas wondered why he let it go that far , being an elf he should have known more selfcontrol than he did at that moment. Especially he , the cold prince of Mirkwood. However , that coolness was far gone when he and Estel started to kiss again , instead it was he who pushed the man up against a tree and started to unbutton his shirt , something Estel was more than willing to assist him with. He leaned against the elf , pressing his hardness against the other´s, never letting their lips to be parted.
"Stop that before it´s too late ...now is not the time... of grief and pain there are plenty enough...what is bonded , life cannot sunder...."
Both the man and the elf stopped in their doings , stunned at those words whispered by a voice in the wind that blew in the trees.
"You heard that also ? "Legolas answered , somewhat surprised. He had thought the voice too low for human ears.
"Yes, who was that, is somebody here , do you see anything with your elven eyes? "the man whispered, looking around , bewildered but neither he nor the elf saw anything. The only living being they saw was a blue bird that lifted his wings and flew away, up in the bright , blue sky.
"No. Nobody is here and nobody was."
"What was it then? I didn´t recognize the voice , only that it was female ."
"Me neither , I have never experienced anything like this before" Legolas made a brief pause at the double context of his words –"and I have no idea what it was , but it was a warning indeed , though a strange one".
The man and the elf looked at each other , the forcing desire between them suddenly vanished.
Estel quickly put on his shirt before he slowly bent forward and kissed Legolas hastily.
"Let´s get back "he said.
The prince nodded and hand in hand they walked back to the house of Elrond.
A few hours later it was time for Thranduil and Legolas to part along with the other Mirkwood elves. The elf´s and the man´s part were swift, but sad, although both of them felt calmer than they had earlier in the garden. Still, when they looked in each other´s eyes, all around them seemed to disappear.
"We will meet again" Estel whispered.
"We will" Legolas answered, "but it may take some time. I´m always your friend ."
And then he bent forward and kissed the man for everyone to see. The human returned it , ignoring the gasps around them. Although , nobody said anything , not even Elladan and Elrohir. In fact , they never mentioned it to Estel at all, not even later.
When they rode through the mountains Legolas sensed his father would have asked , but the poisonous look he got from his son , made him not to.
"Are you planning to leave for Lotlórien , like you always do when something is bothering you ? "Thranduil asked instead. There was no sarcasm in his voice , just simple care.
"I don´t know , perhaps after we have finished our business in Mirkwood., but maybe you would like me to stay at home, father, is that not so ? "
"I want what is best for you, I want you to be at peace , my son , and peace is what you have always found in the Golden Wood. It has always been your true home , I have always known that ."
And a few months later the youngest prince of Mirkwood went back to Lórien , where he was greeted with warmth from all of his friends there. He also brought his sister .
Estel , on the other side , joined the rangers the next time they visited Rivendell as was planned. To him , at this time it felt like a matter of great urgency, since Elrond finally told him of his true heritage ; he was Aragorn , son of Arathorn , heir to the throne of Gondor. Estel was truly flabbergasted at this , finding it horrible , a king was the last thing he wanted to be. Being a loner he would have been quite satisfied as a simple hunter ,at least that was what he thought.
The life with the rangers were hard , and completely different from his all his earlier experiences , but in a peculiar way this was a life that suited him much better than the more comfortable one in Rivendell had. And it felt good to be around humans , not being completely different like he had among the elves. In many ways he found them ferocious and brutal , but also more intensive , more *alive * than the sometimes all too well composed elves. Sometimes he missed them much , though , and he was always joyful when he visited "the last homely house ". After some years , traveling around with the rangers and fighting horrors caused by the shadow rising, he was known to many men as "Strider".
During these years Legolas and Estel seldom met , and when they did they enjoyed each other´s company , but there were no more stolen kisses , no embraces. The elf supposed that maybe the man had adopted the view of humans concerning same -gender relationships. It was not so , but to Estel the prince seemed so cold that he thought it no use to talk about his never- ending infatuation to the blond elf. This would have caused a tension between them , but strange enough , it didn´t. They always felt at ease together and they talked about everything except of how they felt about each other.
(In Lotlórien )
Legolas and the march-warden Haldir had been out hunting orcs that were hovering too near the borders of the Golden Wood , when they heard somebody approach, singing.
"She sure has a fair voice , the daughter of Elrond "Haldir said.
Legolas nodded and looked in front of him where Arwen was appearing. When she saw the two blond elves she stopped her song and smiled. She wore a blue dress that perfectly matched the color of her eyes , her lustrous jet black hair gently blowing in the wind.
"Ah Legolas , it was you I was looking for "she said with her deep , melodious voice. "Haldir" she nodded to the march-warden.
"You were looking for me.....what was your errand then , beautiful lady ?" Legolas smiled. They had known each other since they were children and had always treated each other with uttermost respect and friendship .
"I meant to tell you that I will be leaving tomorrow , for Rivendell , to be with my father and my brothers."
"Yes , Galadriel told me , everybody here will miss your shining presence , Evenstar ".
"Thank you , but she told me that you are leaving soon for Mirkwood, as well."
"I am , my father doesn´t want the captain of his guard to be gone for too long . There are quite a lot to deal with in his kingdom."
"I´m going to miss Lotlórien , even though it feels good to go home , I know my father is waiting for me ".
"Everyone here is going to miss you as well "Haldir inserted. "It´s such a blessing to have the fairest of our kind here , both of them , at the same time."
"As always , you have a flattering tongue , Haldir "Legolas said.
"I am just speaking the plain and simple truth "the march – warden answered with a mischievous grin."You two are a sight for the Gods, and together at that...well , anyway I am going to leave you alone., no matter how much I like to see you together ".
He laid his hand on Legolas´ shoulder before he went away.
"See you later".
Arwen looked after him with a knowing smile on her generous lips.
"Do you never give your heart to anybody , my prince ? There are sure many who want it."
A brief glimpse of pain flickered on Legolas´face.
"I have chosen the life of a warrior , of my father´s royal guard –this leaves little time for a love such as the one you are talking about."
"But a lot of time for a long line of lovers apparently .... Never mind Legolas , I should not have said that."
"No offense taken ,my lady , we have known each other for such a long time , I´m glad that you apparently feel that you can talk openly to me. And concerning the matters of my heart , I really don´t see any reason to close myself from the physical side of love. I am honest to my eh...partners from the beginning."
"But still , you have broken many hearts , you must be aware of that ".
Legolas smiled and cupped her chin, lifting her face up against his , his eyes glittering mischievously.
"You seem so very interested in my love life , dear sister , but neither you have chosen a mate, no affairs at all , you are absolutely pure" he said mocklingly.
Arwen laughed.
"Well, that much is true , irrestible one , but I have always known that I am waiting for someone special , someone that was meant for me since the beginning of time. When I meet him I will know , both father and Galadriel have told me that."
She danced away from his grip , only to pull her arm around his.
"Are you in a hurry to get back to Haldir or do you care for a walk in these golden woods with me ? I really would want to talk to you some more, you can tell me news from Mirkwood and from the world outside."
"That is an offer I can¨t resist , beautiful Evenstar ". They walked and talked for hours , but to them the time seemed to run away. When they parted they both believed that they had found an everlasting friendship , and their hearts felt light. He missed her when she left , and soon returned to Mirkwood.
When Legolas some months later heard about Arwen´s betrothal to Estel he felt like his heart had been torn in two. This time he wandered alone, not letting anyone see his tears.
TBC