Alliances Under Siege
Written by Soar
Notes: I just want to say a quick thanks to everyone who has already taken the time to let me know what they think of the sequel thus far. Your kind words mean a lot. Thanks.
Chapter 2
Legolas stalked back to the Royal chambers, Elessarion clutched firmly against his chest like a shield. As soon as he reached his bedroom he gently placed the infant on the bed before sinking to his knees on the floor at the bedside. Elessarion looked at him solemnly, sensing his ada's unease. Legolas raised a shaking hand and gently brushed it across the top of his son's silky head.
His sharp ears heard the sound of footsteps and then the outer door of the Royal Chambers being opened. The footsteps paused inside the sitting room before starting again, this time approaching the bedchamber. Legolas sighed deeply and buried his face in the bedspread. The door opened.
"Legolas what..." Aragorn's voice cut off and he saw the despairing posture of his mate. He moved forward kneeling behind the slumped figure of the elf, his arms wrapping themselves around the still body.
Legolas tensed for a moment as Aragorn embraced him then relaxed into the strong figure of the man. "What is happening to me?" he whispered forlornly.
Aragorn gently stroked his hands against the firm slim chest of the elf. Celdarion had quickly explained to the young king what had happened, and the man now understood why his husband had run. "You are an elf my love, you have innate magical gifts that are singular to your race."
"Yes but never have I displayed any power such as the one that was drawn from me earlier. That was more akin to the gifts of Lord Elrond." Legolas twisted within Aragorn's arms until he was looking at his husband.
Aragorn looked into the drawn face of his mate. He leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss upon the elf's lips. "Perhaps we should send a message to my father, he may be able to explain what is happening to you, or at the very least help you gain some control over it."
Legolas hesitated then nodded. "But Aragorn, I would prefer if no one else found out about this, certainly not until we have spoken to your father." He moved forward to kiss Aragorn again but was halted by a tug on his hair.
Turning he was confronted with his son who had crawled to the edge of the bed wanting some attention from his parents. Legolas laughed and pulled the child into his arms, bringing him between the bodies of his parents where both could lavish him with the attention he wanted.
"You should have seen him earlier Aragorn, he was walking more surely," Legolas said tickling Elessarion's belly and receiving giggles as his reward.
Aragorn smiled at the picture the elf and child made. "Perhaps we can encourage him to walk some more," he said moving away from them both and holding his arms out to his son. "Elessarion, come to papa."
The child looked from his ada to his papa before laughing and pulling himself to his feet using Legolas' arm as his support. He wavered a little before taking one step and then another releasing his ada's arm and tottering towards his papa. Aragorn allowed his son to come all the way to him before pulling him into his arms and kissing his cheek.
"Papa," Elessarion said and raised his chubby little hand to press it against Aragorn's face. Aragorn growled and pretended to try and bite the hand causing the child to pull it back quickly squealing with laughter. Again he brought his hand close to his papa's face grinning madly.
Legolas watched with amusement at his son and husband as they played together. His smile faded a little as he thought again of the earlier incident with Celdarion, but with a little effort he pushed those thoughts away before moving closer to join his family.
Aragorn looked up as Legolas sat next to him, he stole a quick kiss before turning his attention back to their son.
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Legolas sat in the private sitting room of the Royal family, waiting for the milk he had requested to be delivered. Elessarion sat in his lap playing with his ada's long strands of golden hair. A knock at the door shifted the elven Prince's attention momentarily.
"Enter," he called out, thinking it to be one of the palace's household staff with the milk.
He looked up as the door opened but it was no young maid, instead Celdarion stood there. The two elves looked at each other for a moment before the older elf broke the silence.
"I have brought Elessarion's milk," he said softly, approaching the young Prince and his son.
Legolas looked at the elf that had been with him since his birth millennia ago, but he could not meet Celdarion's eyes. Instead his own gaze dropped in shame, his cheeks flushing. The Elven guard's gaze softened as he took in the vulnerable look of his charge. He knelt beside the young Prince before gently stroking the golden locks of hair. Hesitantly Legolas' eyes rose to meet his own.
"You have done nothing wrong little one," he said gently. "There is no need to feel fear or embarrassment in my presence."
"I am sorry that I ran from you. I was scared by what had occurred. Fearful that I had caused you some harm, and confused as to why it was happening," the younger elf explained.
Celdarion nodded. "I am well, you did not cause me harm except perhaps to my pride for allowing myself to be cut in the first place," he said with a wry grin that drew a matching smile from Legolas. Then his gaze became more intense. "I knew from the moment of your birth that you were destined for great things my Prince. I do not doubt that whatever happens you will handle it like the noble elf you are. Now come take this milk and feed your son before he tries to eat your hair," Celdarion said with a smile.
Legolas laughed and looked down at his son who now had his ada's hair in his mouth. The young Prince gently moved the golden strands away from his son before taking the bottle of warmed milk from Celdarion. Elessarion's eyes spotted the bottle and his hands immediately reached out. Legolas passed the bottle to the infant who took it in both his hands, immediately bringing the teat to his mouth and sucking with great appetite.
Celdarion shook his head in amazement. "I do not know where he puts it all," he commented.
"I know. It seems that he does nothing these days but eat. He has begun to take some solid foods, I even gave him some lembas earlier but still he drinks the milk like he has been starved for the past century," Legolas explained laughing again.
Celdarion frowned. "Perhaps it is the mortal blood that makes it so. I have seen men eat and they too seem to eat as though they do not know when their next meal may come."
Both elves nodded in bemusement and watched as the infant quickly drank the milk from the bottle. When the bottle was empty he continued to suck for a few moments as though more milk would magically appear. When it became apparent that no more fluid would be more forthcoming Elessarion allowed the bottle to fall from his grasp, the quick reflexes of Celdarion saving it from reaching the floor.
"Perhaps now that his hunger is satisfied once more he will finally take a nap, he becomes more energetic the older he gets. I am certainly glad that he was not a twin, I cannot imagine how Lord Elrond managed to survive the childhood of his own sons," Legolas said idly stroking Elessarion's back.
Celdarion snorted. "I seem to recall someone else who caused more than a few elves to tear their hair out during his own childhood my Prince," he stated.
"I am quite sure that I do not know to whom you are referring," Legolas said innocently.
They were disturbed suddenly as Elessarion let out a wail. Looking down Legolas was alarmed to see his son's face distorted by pain. Tears ran down the small face as he cried out loud.
"What is wrong with him, he was fine but a moment ago..." Legolas broke off and looked at the empty bottle that Celdarion was holding. His startled gaze flew up to meet that of his guardian.
Celdarion frowned and opened the top of the bottle before sniffing inside. "I smell nothing unusual," he stated. Dipping one finger into the bottle he ran it along the inside coating his finger with leftover traces of the milk. He sucked his finger clean his face a mask of concentration.
The warrior elf spat suddenly. "Gah! Mornthond. The milk was poisoned."
"No!" Legolas exclaimed in horror. "It is deadly, even to the Firstborn." Legolas worried gaze flew back to his son who was now writhing in pain upon the Prince's lap, his wails increasing. Legolas gently stroked the infant's back trying to soothe him.
Celdarion said nothing. No words could he offer that would change the situation. Someone had intentionally poisoned the milk that was to be given to the infant Prince of Gondor. Whoever had done so had meant to cause nothing less than death.
Legolas' hands moved from stroking Elessarion's back instead stroking the sweat-dampened hair of the infant. A sharp cry caused Celdarion to look from the Prince's face down to the hand that lay upon the child's head. It seemed that the luminescence that was present in all of the Eldar was more pronounced in the younger elf's hand, in fact it seemed almost to be glowing. Hope surged in the warrior elf as he thought back to this morning and the emergence of a healing gift within Mirkwood's Prince.
Legolas felt a tingling sensation in his hand and as he looked he saw that it seemed to brighten somewhat, he thought instantly of that morning and how it had felt then as he had somehow healed Celdarion. He instinctively focussed all of his attention on that sensation willing his strength into that connection with his son. Elessarion's cries had ceased and the infant lay silent without moving, causing the two elves to grow more concerned. The door suddenly flew open startling the warrior elf, who had been so focussed on his charges he had not noticed anyone approach. He spun quickly, his knives finding themselves into his hands as he faced the potential threat.
Aragorn was brought up short as Celdarion turned, knives stretched out towards him. The young king saw recognition appear in the elf's eyes and the knives were lowered.
"What is going on?" Aragorn asked his anxiety increasing. The young King had been in the middle of a meeting with his steward, when some instinct had brought him back to the chambers he shared with his family. He looked from Celdarion down to his husband who was holding their son. He moved towards them but again was brought up short as Celdarion placed a restraining hand upon him.
"Do not break his concentration," the warrior elf said softly.
"Why, what is he doing?" Aragorn said, but then his gaze was drawn to the luminescent hand that still held their son's head. He gasped sharply his gaze shooting to the elf beside him, an unspoken question in his eyes.
"Someone poisoned your son's milk with mornthond," Celdarion stated.
Aragorn felt his breath catch in his chest and it took a few moments before he could draw breath normally. "Mornthond? Who would dare? Is Legolas...? The glow... it reminds me of how the healing power of my father works. He is healing our son?"
"Yes, I believe so, but I do not how successful he will be. This is something new to him," Celdarion said sorrowfully. Aragorn tried to surge forward once more, but still Celdarion held him back. "You must not. He concentrates hard on saving your son. If you distract him you may break his focus."
Man and elf both stood helplessly watching as the Prince focussed all his strength upon his ailing son. They judged the passage of time as shadows grew in the room and the light from the window dimmed. Finally with a shuddering gasp Legolas' hand fell away from Elessarion's head, but still the child made no sound.
Aragorn quickly moved forward kneeling besides the chair his husband and child rested upon. Legolas lifted his gaze and Aragorn was struck at how tired and drawn he looked, the elf's usually bright blue eyes now faded to a dull grey.
"Aragorn take Elessarion," he whispered hoarsely.
Aragorn reached gently to take his son from his husbands lap. Elessarion stirred a little, mewling softly. Pulling him close to his own chest Aragorn examined him, trying to identify any signs that Elessarion may still be close to death but he could see nothing wrong, Elessarion simply looked tired, his eyes drooping. Turning the young king wordlessly handed the infant to Celdarion who scrutinised him again.
Aragorn turned his attention back to his husband who still had not moved from the chair. "Legolas," he called softly.
"Aragorn," Legolas said softly. He raised tired eyes to his husband's concerned gaze. "Help me up."
Aragorn held out his hand for Legolas to grasp, and pulled when he felt the tight grip of his husband. Legolas allowed himself to be lifted from the chair, but as he became vertical the room started spinning. Unable to stop himself he found himself sinking into darkness, only able to whisper his husbands name as unconsciousness claimed him.
Aragorn caught the prince as he collapsed, carrying the light form to their bedchamber where he could lay the young elf out on to the bed. Celdarion followed him and placed Elessarion at the Prince's side before examining Legolas himself. He sighed in relief as he completed his examination.
"I think that they are both exhausted. The healing took much out of them, Legolas more so since he appears to have offered his own strength to your son although I cannot be certain since I myself am no healer," Celdarion said stating his findings.
Aragorn could only nod in relief. "Thank the Valar. We shall let them rest for as long as they need and I shall send a report of this to my father. I am sure he will wish to journey to Gondor to check on them himself."
"What of the Prince's father my Lord, and there is the matter of the poison," the warrior elf pointed out.
Aragorn grimaced. "Perhaps we should not send any messages to King Thranduil until Legolas has awoken. I am sure he will wish to make any decisions regarding communications with your king himself. As for the poison, I will find whoever did this to my son, and I will personally cleave their head from their body," the young king said vengefully.
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Aragorn sat upon his throne, his face without emotion as he dismissed the young lords who had been petitioning for the land formerly owned by Lord Gafen. Lord Marlen's estate had already been passed on to his next of kin, who thankfully seemed to be as unlike Marlen as night was to day. He had stayed at his husband's side until the following morning, conducting all urgent states of affair from his sitting room with the assistance of his cousin Boromir, son of the Steward of Gondor. Boromir had been shocked at the news of the poison but had promised to head up the investigation into that matter himself. They had both decided to keep news of the poisoning and the healing of Elessarion secret to see if they could draw out the perpetrator. Finally towards noontime Aragorn had been unable to avoid his duties any longer and had left Celdarion watching over his family to come to his throne room and hold court.
He sat a little straighter in his seat though as his herald announced a new party. Grotahn, chieftain of the Hrotaki tribe from just outside the southern borders of Gondor, and his entourage had come to discuss a trade treaty. The lands of this chieftain were rich in minerals that Gondor could not find within its own borders. In fact these minerals had been found nowhere else in Middle Earth, thus placing the Hrotaki tribe in a strong bargaining position, since this mineral was essential in the manufacture of certain powerful medicinals.
The chieftain strode into the throne room, his gait strong and steady with a hint of a swagger, his chin lifted high as a sign of his station. This man would look down to few people. The chieftains eyes swept around the room before moving to rest upon Gondor's King and Aragorn's eyes narrowed at the barely concealed arrogance of this man's regard. The chieftain stopped at the foot of the steps leading to the seated king, however he did not sweep a low bow, merely inclining his head in a gesture of equality amongst leaders. The young king's jaw tightened further.
"My Lord, my people and I have come to discuss a new trade treaty with your kingdom. The one previously negotiated has now come to an end and we wish to continue our trade with your nation," Grotahn stated, his voice deep and confident.
Aragorn inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement. "Gondor is pleased that your people wish to remain on goods terms with us Grotahn of the Hrotaki. We offer our hospitality to you and ask that you use our guest rooms for the duration of your stay in Gondor," the young king said and turned his head pointedly towards his scribe signalling the end of this particular audience.
Grotahn again bowed his head slightly and turned leading his people from the room. Aragorn watched them leave, he did not particularly care for the leader of the Hrotaki people, but the mineral was much needed so he would be pleasant during the negotiations which would start on the morrow. He turned to his scribe once more.
"Lessan, is there anything else urgent which cannot be put off until tomorrow?" he asked.
Lessan frowned and consulted the King's schedule. "No Your Majesty, shall I rearrange your appointments?" he asked.
"Yes, I will retire now to my chambers," the young king stated rising from his throne.
His subjects bowed as he left the room but Aragorn was too distracted to pay much attention, his thoughts centering on his husband and son.
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Legolas' vision cleared as he returned to consciousness. He blinked a few times as he took in his surroundings, and feeling assured that he was safe in his own bed he stretched feeling his joints loosening. Slight movement to his side had him turning his head, and he smiled as he watched Elessarion playing with the tassels on the bedcover. He turned to face the infant gently placing his hand upon his son's head. There was no sign of fever and Elessarion showed no signs of being in pain. His healing must have been effective.
"How do you feel?" Celdarion's voice came from the chair in the corner of the room startling the younger elf.
Legolas sat up. The room swam sickeningly for a few moments, but the elf prince remained still until the world and his stomach had righted themselves. "I am well," he replied distractedly as he became aware of a need to go outside. "Where is Aragorn?"
"He had to attend court today although he stayed with you for the whole of last night," Celdarion explained.
That caught Legolas' attention and he frowned. "Last night? How long have I been sleeping?"
"You were unconscious for almost a day little one," Celdarion said pointedly.
Legolas ignored the distinction instead throwing back the bedcovers and swinging his legs over the side.
"Where are you going?" Celdarion asked standing abruptly.
Legolas waved his hand in dismissal. "I am fine but can you please watch Elessarion for me, I need to go out for a moment. I will not be long."
"But my Prince, you have just regained consciousness after expending a lot of your own energy in saving your son, you should remain abed," the older elf said moving to restrain his charge.
"Celdarion I am not an invalid. I need to go outside for but a moment and I am asking you to watch over my son until I return. Am I asking too much or should I take Elessarion with me?" Legolas said drawing himself up straight and ignoring the dull throbbing that took up residence behind his eyes.
Celdarion observed the transformation from the child he had watched over into the Crown Prince of Mirkwood, an elf who was very much his father's son. He sighed in defeat. "Nay my lord. I will watch over your son," he said finally.
Nodding his acknowledgement Legolas allowed his gaze to soften upon his old friend. "Peace Celdarion, I promise not to do anything rash. I shall be away for the shortest amount of time, and I will return here immediately. I simply need to feel grass beneath my feet and the sun on my face for but a moment."
Celdarion nodded but said nothing further as he watched the elven Prince kiss his son gently before leaving the bedroom.
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After leaving Elessarion safely protected by Celdarion, Legolas quickly dressed himself in a simple set of tunic and breeches. He left the Royal wing of the palace making his way down through the main corridors that connected to the guest wings. He was brought up short by a large contingent of strange looking men approaching him. A tall, well-built man appeared to lead them for he strode ahead with a confident swagger. The elven Prince felt the first twinge of alarm as the man walked directly up to him, his entourage following and encircling the elf. Legolas drew himself up to his full height, his bearing regal.
"What is this?" the strange man said. "A creature that looks much like a man but with ears that point like an animals and is as pretty as a woman," the man commented.
Legolas stiffened as a few of the men chuckled. One of the men stepped closer to the heavyset man whispering a few words. The leader's eyebrows rose abruptly in surprise at whatever was said to him and his gaze focussed more intently on the Prince.
"An elf!" he said finally, his eyes raking Legolas' body. "Never have my people encountered your kind before. I had not thought to see one here in the city of men either, you must be the only one of your kind. That would make you rare indeed."
The strange man moved closer to Legolas who took an instinctive step backwards but strange hands pushed at his back pressing him back towards the approaching man.
"Take you hands from me," he said icily.
The heavyset man laughed, which inspired the laughter of his men. "He is feisty, I like that. I wonder how much gold it would take for your king to part with you."
"I am not for sale, and you would do well to educate yourself in the ways of Gondor. Slavery is illegal here," the Prince stated. "Now move aside and let me pass or you will regret it."
Again the heavyset man laughed. His hand shot forward but the elf's reflexes were sharper, and Legolas twisted away from the reaching grasp. The big man growled his displeasure and gestured to his men.
Legolas was surrounded but he would not give up easily. Spinning quickly he moved away from hands that sought to still him whilst using his arms and legs as weapons. As his attackers began to fall away groaning Legolas began to feel there was a chance he would free himself until a sudden wave of dizziness caused him to stumble. His attackers were quick to take advantage and they converged on him quickly holding onto his arms tightly, pulling his shoulders back painfully. The Prince fought against the strong grip that held him, but healing his son had taken a lot of his strength and he could not free himself. He tried to move away as a large hand cupped his cheek.
"So fair," the leader of this strange group said wonderingly, stroking the soft skin of the elf who still continued to struggle against him.
"I hope you have a very good reason as to why you are manhandling my mate Chieftain Grotahn," came a menacing voice suddenly.
End of Chapter 2