Aragorn smiled as he entered his bedchamber, Legolas lay on top of the covers his body relaxed, eyes gazing vacantly ahead as he walked through elven dreams. In a small bassinet next to the bed lay their son who was also sleeping, one small hand tucked under his chin. Unlike his elven father Elessarion slept as men do with his eyes closed, his small lips parted slightly as he drew in breath. Feeling reassured that his son was well Aragorn turned his attention back to the bed.
An alert pair of blue eyes met his own gaze and he smiled again as he climbed on to the bed next to his mate. Lying at the elf's side Aragorn placed his hand lovingly against the soft flushed skin of his husband's cheek, his thumb lightly stroking. Legolas smiled in contentment pushing his face further into Aragorn's touch.
"How are you feeling?" the king asked softly.
"I am well," Legolas said seriously, and then allowed a playful pout to cross his features. "But I am feeling much neglected by my husband."
"Your husband must be very blind indeed to neglect such a beautiful mate. Perhaps I can be of assistance," the young man said grinning mischievously.
Legolas affected an insulted look. "How dare you presume that I would be unfaithful to my husband. I am an elf and we take our vows very seriously."
"Then perhaps if I were to use my powers of persuasion upon you, you could later inform your husband that all you did was under duress," Aragorn stated. He got off the bed moving to one of the nearby chests.
Legolas watched in amusement and anticipation as the young man took a few items from the chest before turning back to the elf still lying on the bed, hiding the objects he held behind his back. Aragorn stalked forward, his every pore screaming predator, his eyes lazily assessing his seemingly defenceless prey, yet the man knew better than to assume this creature was fragile.
Legolas felt anticipation curl its way through his body, leaving a tingling sensation in his nerves as it passed through on its way to his groin. As Aragorn moved closer, his posture still aggressive, Legolas felt his member give an excited twitch. A small whimper from the side of the bed had him turning towards his son instantly, and Aragorn took advantage of the prince's distraction to pounce.
Almost with the speed of an elf the man had tied the prince's arms together and then attached them to the head of the bed. Legolas instantly bucked trying to throw him off whilst fighting against the restraints. Aragorn just laughed and sat back to admire his handiwork.
Legolas growled in frustration and glared at the amused man. "Is this how you plan to persuade me human, by tying me up and taking me like some helpless maiden? I would indeed be able to claim duress to my husband."
Aragorn grinned. "Nay, I could not force you sweet one, there would be no enjoyment for me if all you felt was pain. This is just to ensure that you can concentrate fully on my powers of persuasion without feeling the need to throw me off. Do not fear I shall not tell anyone of your embarrassing position."
Legolas glared again, but his body betrayed him with its rising excitement. Aragorn did not wait for a comeback, instead he moved forward covering the lighter body of the elf with his own. His mouth came down in a bruising kiss that devoured the prince with its intensity. Legolas moaned deep in his throat at the punishing embrace but could not stop himself from opening his mouth and allowing the man to deepen the kiss. Aragorn's tongue fought with his own for dominance, the man eventually winning as he bit down lightly on the elf's tongue. His own limber muscle began a deep exploration of the prince, his tongue finding all hidden places and soaking up the sweet taste that was unique to the Prince. His hands began to wander down the Princes body as he made it his goal to bring the Prince to new heights of pleasure.
** Cut for adult content, please see the link in my bio if you want to see this chapter in full on my website **
Once Aragorn had descended to earth once more he withdrew gently from his husband before reaching up to release the elf's wrists from the restraints. He carefully checked the prince's wrists and was satisfied that the mild hint of red on the smooth pale skin would heal quickly. Legolas watched him with a lazy grin.
"I think human, that if I happen to feel neglected by my husband in the future I may call upon your services again," he said cheekily, stretching before snuggling up against the broad figure of his mate.
Aragorn laughed. "I live to serve My Prince," he stated. He helped Legolas to remove his shirt before pulling the covers over them both as they settled together for a post coital nap, Legolas' face pressed against the king's shoulder.
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The talks between the members of the Hrotaki tribe and Gondor's king and council seemed to go relatively smoothly despite the initial tension between the Royal family and their guests. Grotahn and his people seemed to treat Legolas with the deference due to his station and many of the terms of the new treaty were similar or only very slightly changed from the previous one, and everyone seemed happy thus far with the arrangement. Therefore it did not upset anyone when five days into the talks the Hrotaki people asked for a break from the negotiations and professed a desire to go hunting with the king.
"Such an idea has merit Chieftain Grotahn, a break from the talks, however successful they has been thus far would be most welcome. Legolas and I would be most happy to join you and your people. I believe some of my councillors and other lords may wish to come along too," Aragorn said in response to the Chieftain's proposal.
Grotahn frowned a little and his gaze drifted to the Prince Consort's empty chair. "Are you sure that you would wish for your... husband to join us?" he questioned softly. "Forgive me for saying so King Elessar but he does have a somewhat fragile appearance."
Aragorn smiled. "Fear not Chieftain Grotahn, my husband is more than capable of looking after himself. He has been doing so for longer than both you and I have lived," he said and was rewarded with the swiftly hidden expression of shock that crossed the Hrotaki man's face.
"If you are happy with his presence my lord, then I can find no reason to object," Grotahn said bowing his head slightly before leaving the room.
With the agreement of all parties the hunting excursion was arranged for the following morning. Everyone who wished to attend was to meet in the stable courtyard an hour after dawn.
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Legolas was pleased when Aragorn explained to him the plans for the following morning. He was looking forward to venturing out of the city, feeling a need to be free of the stone walls for a few hours. He was less impressed at the thought of spending so much time with the Hrotaki Tribesmen but thought that he could endure their company for a short time if it meant he could be outside.
The following morning he was less sure about their excursion.
"Are you sure it is well?" Legolas asked his bodyguard once again. "Will you be safe enough? We could arrange for more guards to be posted at the entrance to the Royal Wing?" the young elf asked.
"Do you not trust in my ability to protect your son?" Celdarion asked brow raised.
"Of course I do. I trust you with everything I hold dear," Legolas said, eager to placate the older elf.
Aragorn sighed in affectionate irritation. "Legolas, Elessarion will be fine. He seems to have taken to the switch in his liquid food quite well, and I should think the thought of confronting such a fearsome elven protector would scare any man with sense away," the young king could not help laughing a little as he spoke to his hovering husband.
His laughter stopped abruptly when he saw the real hurt in his mate's eyes. "Legolas I know you are worried but do not fear. Whoever tried to poison our son used a cowards way, one in which they would not have to directly reveal themselves. The usual guards will be sufficient and should anyone get passed them which I am sure in unlikely for Celdarion picked them himself, then our friend here is more than prepared to defend our son. Besides I do not think that in the short time that we are away there will be anything to concern us. Instead save your anxiety for proving yourself capable despite your fragile appearance," Aragorn said, trying to distract his mate with the Hrotaki's opinion of him.
It worked and Legolas' features were flooded with indignation. "Then come, husband mine, let us show them that an elf is more than just a pretty face."
"Ah but a pretty face does have it's uses," Aragorn said musingly. "As does a pretty body," he said, his hand snaking down to pinch his husband's bottom as they left their chambers.
Celdarion watched them leave, his head shaking gently in fond amusement before he turned and walked to the bedroom where the infant prince lay sleeping.
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It had taken a few minutes longer than anticipated for Legolas to retrieve Alagos from the paddock he usually occupied. Celdarion's steed became agitated as he saw that his own master was not there to take him out with his equine companion and the elven prince had to soothe his spirit and promise him that Celdarion would visit him later that day.
When he arrived at the courtyard the hunting party was already assembled, with Aragorn at the centre of his lords, Boromir at his side, and a small contingent of guards, and the Hrotaki waiting a short distance apart. Legolas led his steed over to his husband but was stopped by Grotahn's raised voice.
"Prince Legolas, should you not have requested a page to saddle your horse for you?" he asked, his tone respectful but his face displaying a hint of scorn. "Although I am sure that none here will object to our delaying our departure whilst your mount is made ready."
There were a few low chuckles from the Hrotaki but they were met with silence and a few amused glances shared between the Gondorians.
Legolas exchanged a mischievous look with his husband before turning his attention back to the Hrotaki Chieftain. "Fear not Chieftain Grotahn, my people do not require tack and bit in order to maintain our seat." With one challenging look he leapt onto Alagos' back. The horse reared challengingly to the other horses but the elf maintained his seat, laughing wildly. He turned to look back at his husband and the gathered Gondorians and Hrotaki. "Last one to the forest is an orc's son," he cried out and with a gentle squeeze of his knees Alagos leapt forward and through the gates.
Aragorn laughed at his husband's antics, and to the despair of his guards he urged his own mount forward. "Well you heard him," he called out and proceeded to give chase to his mate.
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Legolas had been careful about making his way through the city streets, but once beyond the large stone walls he had given in to his impulses and allowed Alagos to race across the large plain that separated the forest from the city. His elven-bred horse was made for speed but he was careful to stay within sight of the mortals following behind him. He knew that both he and Aragorn would face a scolding first from the head of the Royal Guards and then a second lecture from Celdarion for their childish behaviour.
He sensed someone coming upon him and he turned slightly, grinning as he saw Aragorn quickly closing the gap between their mounts. The Royal Guards still a way behind as they struggled to catch up to the Royal couple. Legolas laughed in exhilaration as the wind blew his hair behind him in a golden cloud. Reluctantly he reined in his horse as the forest boundary grew closer, and just outside of the tree line both King and Prince waited for their escort to catch up.
Aragorn nudged his horse closer to his husbands so he could lean over and steal a passionate kiss. "You glow as is the sun itself lived within you," he said in a wondrous tone.
Legolas grinned in response, his look becoming more mischievous as the Royal Guard finally caught up to them, their headsman directing his handful of men to encircle the royal couple whilst he glared at the unrepentant duo.
They had to wait a short time further for the rest of their hunting party to catch up to them, but finally when the last horse had joined the company they prepared to enter the forest.
"Tell me my precious prince, what game would you like to see upon the spit tonight?" Aragorn asked as they entered the coolness of the tree-sheltered woods.
Legolas looked pensive for a moment. "I think I am in the mood for a little venison tonight," he said finally, and then turned to look at his husband. "And you my handsome husband, what would you like to partake of tonight?"
Aragorn laughed, a rich sound that startled a few nesting birds nearby. "Besides you my love?" Legolas glared at him momentarily. "I think that I would like to dine upon wild boar."
"Very well, a reward to the man who can take down a wild boar for the king's table tonight," Legolas called out to the gathered men.
"And a reward to the man who manages to place venison on the prince's plate tonight," the king said not to be outdone.
"But my lord," one of the bolder courtiers asked. "What are the rewards to be?"
"I would ask for a dance tonight with the Prince Consort," another of the courtier said, as he bowed to Legolas whilst still smiling mischievously.
"Aye, as would I," another said.
Legolas laughed, taking in the good spirit of the men around him before he answered. He bowed deferentially to his husband. "Very well gentlemen, should my lord make no objections I would dance one dance tonight with whoever takes home the prize of the first wild boar."
"I think your lord might have many objections over his prince dancing with anyone other himself, but I fear that I may have to submit to the wishes of my people in this matter, and make sure I win the prize myself," Aragorn said, an expression of long suffering upon his face, his hand clutched against his heart as though in pain. There was more laughter in response to the royal couple's antics.
"And what of your reward your majesty, for whomever brings home a stag for the prince?" one of the eager young lords asked.
"What about a dance with your king?" Aragorn asked hopefully. There was an assortment of groans and snorts of laughter. "I am hurt," Aragorn said, a comical look of pain on his face. "I am unwanted, doomed to remain in the shadows of my husband. Indeed, then I am afraid that all I can offer is a choice from amongst the hatchlings of my new hunting falcons," he offered.
This seemed to meet with more agreement from his men, and so the group proceeded further, dismounting in a small clearing deeper within the forest. The Royal Guard was left to guard the horses as the men themselves began to spread out in search of game, moving together in small parties. Legolas remained beside Aragorn and to his discomfort Grotahn stayed with them.
"You have an interesting choice of rewards in this sport my lord," the Hrotaki chieftain said softly to the king.
Aragorn looked assessingly at the large man at his side. "Indeed, we do not often hunt for mere sport, our trips are instead often timed with the need to provide more meat for the palace. The men enjoy the freedom beyond the city walls and thus the system of rewards we offer are meant only to be in keeping with the lightness of the day as a whole. We have yet to hear any complaints in the manner in which we do things," Aragorn said.
Grotahn bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement. "Forgive me my lord, I meant not to sound as though I questioned you. I merely wished to remark upon the differences so apparent between your own culture and mine. Hunting amongst the Hrotaki whilst also for the necessary gathering of food is often a trial between men to test and prove themselves. It is often a rite of passage amongst our youths."
"I can see well why you would employ such a system, your home is not the most hospitable of places. I myself spent some time as a youth before my coronation with my kin the rangers of the north. There are many tests a young man must undergo that are necessary both as recognised rites of passage and also essential skills for surviving," Aragorn explained.
"Your husband though, he looks to be untouched by the hardships of life. Mayhap his father kept him ensconced within his palace walls in order to protect the future of his kingdom," Grotahn said softly, missing the stiffening of the elf in question as sharp ears caught the man's words.
Aragorn fought to keep a solemn expression on his face knowing that although softly spoken his husband would have heard the Hrotaki Chieftain's opinions. "Nay, Legolas hails from the realm of Mirkwood whose borders have long been under siege from the dark creatures of Mordor and Dol Guldur. My husband was trained in the use of various weapons from an early age. I have seen him practice with his guardian and he handles them well."
"Indeed," commented Grotahn inspecting the elf anew. "His appearance is very deceptive."
At that moment Legolas stopped suddenly and threw up a hand to warn his companions to silence themselves. His head tilted to one side as he tried to determine what had caught his attention.
He turned suddenly to Aragorn. "Orcs," he spat out before leaping into a nearby tree and disappearing.
End of Chapter 4