Chapter 5
Grotahn looked up at the trees in astonishment. There was no sign of the elf prince, and no hint as to which direction he had taken through the trees.
"What is he doing?" the Hrotaki chieftain asked the king. "I heard nothing."
"Elves have superior hearing, he has no doubt gone ahead to scout," Aragorn said frowning. He turned back and gave a low whistle to signal his guards that something was wrong.
Another whistle sounded out in reply and Aragorn moved stealthily back towards the clearing where the large portion of their guards and their horses remained. He knew his guardsmen would already be shepherding the Gondorians and Hrotaki back to the clearing so that their chances of defending themselves successfully grew.
Slowly the hunting party trickled back into the clearing and were informed of what had been discovered. Their earlier joviality was pushed aside in favour of the alertness that came from battle readiness. Grotahn stood with his own men, as they armed themselves, peering into the dimly lit forest for some sign of the bandits. He was nearly startled out of his skin when the elven prince dropped to ground in front of him. Sparing the Hrotaki chieftain a brief cold glance the prince moved to his husband.
"There are maybe fifty, heavily armed," he informed both the king and royal guard quickly. "They are heading towards us but they do not appear to be aware of our presence, it should be possible to ambush them."
"Very well. We will need to ensure that head directly into the mouth of the trap we are preparing, and then we can outflank then and trap them between us. Jerin organise the men into two groups, one for each side, we will lead them into the centre and then cut off their rear escape," Aragorn said decisively.
"We still need some kind of bait to lure them to us," the Royal Guardsman pointed out.
"I will take care of that," Legolas said grinning.
"No," Aragorn said at once, fearing to place his mate in danger from where he would be without protection from himself.
Legolas looked at his husband, the intensity of his bright elven eyes for once forcing his husbands gaze down. He placed a gently hand on the man's shoulder. "Fear not my love. No harm shall come to me. I will lead them here and then remain in the trees where I can better pick them off with my bow," he said in a reassuring tone. "Besides, there is nothing more guaranteed to rile up an orc than the very presence of an elf. They will not think to question where it is I lead them."
"The Prince is correct Your Majesty," Boromir standing close by added.
They both watched in silence until finally, reluctantly, Aragorn nodded in acquiescence. The elven prince waited only until the men were in position before taking off again into the trees. He was gone for some time before the men of Gondor and the Hrotaki heard a crashing sound approaching them. They waited in silence as suddenly appearing in the clearing burst the Prince Consort of Gondor, his light steps dancing over the grass and leaving no impression. Behind him the first of the orcs entered the clearing. Their rasping voices yelling curses at the fair creature in the Black Speech.
Legolas turned at the edge of the clearing waiting tauntingly just out of reach as the rest of the orcs joined them. As one the orcs began to move forward, their confidence in handling a lone elf apparent. They were therefore surprised when the elf suddenly jumped up into a tree and humans suddenly charged from the forest towards them. Before the men had reached them two of Legolas' golden fletched arrows had taken out one of their number.
Aragorn charged forward his sword extended at shoulder level before him, his guards on either side to protect him. In a carefully measured manoeuvre he swung his sword just as he reached the line of orcs instantly beheading the one nearest to him. Blood splattered on him but he ignored it, turning his attention instead to the next foe.
Grotahn and his men waded forward joining battle with the Gondorians with equal zeal. One of the foul creatures attacked the Hrotaki chieftain from the side catching him off guard but before the black blade of the dark creature could reach his flesh a golden fletched arrow appeared embedding itself through one of the foul creatures eyes. Grotahn risked a moment to look around but he still could see no sign of the elf. As another shriek and flash of movement announced the arrival of yet another orc he turned his attention back to the battle.
Legolas watched from his vantage point, using his skill to take out any of the orcs that attempted to escape or managed to get under the guard of the humans. He noticed a couple of the younger lords being pushed away from the main group by a small group of larger orcs. He saw that none of the other men seemed to have noticed, and making a quick decision he began to leap from tree to tree to get closer to the men. When he was close enough he jumped quickly to the ground unsheathing his twin knives, and with a warning growl he jumped into the fray.
Aragorn saw a flash of gold descend from the trees and knew that Legolas had abandoned his bow in favour of his knives. Fear for his mate clutched at his heart and his determination increased and with renewed vigour he fought to clear a path to his husbands side.
Grotahn took a moment to catch his breath as the fighting seemed to move away from him. He saw a flash of gold from the corner of his eye and when he turned he was stunned by the sight that greeted him. Gondor's Prince Consort had entered the fight but instead of quickly perishing as the Hrotaki had thought the fragile looking creature would, he was made breathless with wonder. His eyes could not help but to try to follow the swift graceful movements of the immortal creature. Twin knives moving as an extension of strong arms, dealing death and destruction upon whatever they touched.
As the number of orcs began to dwindle Grotahn was not alone in his wonder. Many of the Gondorian nobles had never seen Legolas upon the practice fields, and even those that had were stunned by the majesty of their Prince Consort, his bearing regal, golden hair flying as he severed an arm here and slew there.
Legolas was stunned at first by the silence, but as the battle haze left him he realised that the orcs were no more. He relaxed his pose his breathing only slightly laboured and looked around. The many eyes facing him took him aback but only pair did he seek.
Aragorn did not hesitate once the battle was over to walk straight up to his husband. His eyes quickly sought out any injuries, but could not find even a scratch upon the form of his beloved. He nodded in satisfaction but his eyes conveyed a message that words would be spoken between them later concerning the elf's actions, and with a tight expression Aragorn turned back to the hunting party.
"Let us mount up and return to the city," he said, his eyes noting that there were no injuries so serious that they could not wait for their return to the halls of healing to be dealt with.
Moving quickly the group quickly gathered their belongings together before making their way back to the city. Legolas noted with amusement that the carcass of a wild boar was slung across one of the packhorses. At least someone was successful in this venture he thought, and wondered with whom he would have to dance tonight. His eyes caught the gaze of one of the younger lords, the man's face wreathed in a smile of satisfaction. The young lord bowed his head to Legolas to acknowledge his victory over the other men and Legolas grinned bowing his own head in response before spurring his horse to catch up with his husband.
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"You told me you would remain in the trees," Aragorn said as soon as they entered the private chambers of the Royal family.
"And I would have, but I could not allow those men to be slaughtered. They were all very young, none of them had seen battle before. They were no match for the Yrch," Legolas said, his face an impassive mask.
"I do not care. You told me you were going to stay in the trees and I knew you were safe and apart from the battle then. As soon as you jumped to the ground my focus shifted from defending my men to trying to reach your side and defend you," Aragorn said, his ire rising with every word.
Legolas' eyes narrowed as his own temper was roused. "I see, and what would you prefer my husband, that I were kept pregnant and confined to the palace like the other women?" he asked scornfully.
"If it keeps you safe and I know where you are, then yes," Aragorn said, the words slipping free from his tongue before he could pull them back.
Legolas drew back as though Aragorn had physically struck him. "Very well my lord," he said softly before turning and leaving the room.
Aragorn sighed in frustration, running his hands through his hair. "Son of an orc!" he cursed softly.
"What has happened?" came a voice from the doorway to the Royal Bedchamber.
Aragorn turned tiredly to look at Celdarion who stood, arms folded across his chest, one eyebrow raised almost to his hairline.
"I am not in the wrong," the young king said stubbornly, his own arms crossing defensively over his chest."
"Then you will not mind telling me what occurred on your hunting trip," the older elf said patiently.
Aragorn frowned and stared at Celdarion, looking for signs that the elf held him to blame for upsetting his prince. Celdarion's face told him nothing, and the young king sighed. "We encountered a group of orcs on our hunting trip," he admitted finally.
Celdarion's stance sharpened. "How many?" he asked quickly.
"About fifty. Well armed. Legolas warned us in time and we were able to ambush them. Legolas used himself as bait."
The warrior elf nodded. "A ploy we have used many times in Mirkwood. I take it then that the ambush was a success?"
Aragorn nodded. "We killed them all and gained only a few minor injuries ourselves."
Celdarion frowned. "I am confused then, why are you so upset with Prince Legolas?"
"Because he did not stay in the trees out of harms way as he said he would. He placed himself in danger, which caused me to become distracted from the battle," Aragorn replied heatedly.
"Yet he is not one of your mortal maidens unable to defend themselves against a single foe never mind so many," Celdarion commented softly. "Do you really believe him so incapable of protecting himself?"
"Yes... no..." Aragorn sighed. "My head tells me that he is more than able to use his weapons, yet my heart almost fails me to see him placed in danger. It was only six months ago that I nearly lost him, am I to forget so easily that he can still be slain? Is it so wrong of me to want to protect the holder of my heart?" the young king raised plaintive eyes to the elf.
Celdarion sighed and moved forward to sit close to the young man. "It is not wrong to wish it that way, but would you destroy him in the quest to see him safe?" the elf asked.
Aragorn frowned and looked questioningly at the warrior. "I do not understand."
"Legolas is a wood elf first and foremost. That is something he cannot deny, it is in his very nature. I do not think you truly comprehend how difficult it is for us to dwell in this stone city for such a long period. You have seen hints of restlessness at times. The need he feels to venture beyond the stone walls and feel the life of Arda surrounding him." Aragorn nodded. "When you say you think him accomplished in the use of his weapons that is true, yet you forget or perhaps you have not realised that Legolas has not been idle in the past millennia. He has aided in the defence of his father's realm, ably leading patrols through the Mirkwood. You must also understand that Legolas is a warrior, from a race of warriors, indeed from a line of warriors. It is also part of what he is. Yet you have just told him with your own words that you would rather he were kept within the stone walls of his room, probably with child, as seems to be the nature of your mortal lords. I would not be lying if I said to you now that despite the Prince's great love for you he would fade as surely as the day gives way to night."
Aragorn stared frankly at the elf, his eyes widened with new knowledge. "I hear your words Celdarion, and I am thankful for your insight. I will speak to him but I cannot promise to change the way my heart feels overnight," the young king said.
Celdarion smiled. "I would not ask that of you even if it were possible. Instead I ask only that you allow your head to rule your heart a little more in these situations."
Aragorn smiled and nodded, a short cry came from the bedchamber and the young king rose to tend to his son.
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As Legolas left the Royal chambers he walked blindly ahead, allowing his feet to carry him to wherever they would. His eyes blinded by tears he furiously tried to blink back. He stopped as he felt a hand tug strongly on his arms. Turning swiftly ready to defend against an attack he was confronted with Amelia's white face.
"Legolas?" she queried tremulously, never having seen him react so violently towards her before.
Legolas took a deep breath to try and compose himself before he spoke to his friend. "Forgive me Amelia, I did not know it was you," he said softly.
However Amelia's look of concern did not fade. "What is wrong my friend, you do not appear to be yourself at present. You were not hurt in the orc attack?" she asked, the thought occurring to her after Boromir's quick explanation of what had happened on there hunting trip.
Legolas quickly shook his head. "Nay, I am uninjured."
Amelia said nothing for a moment taking in the Prince's distracted look before taking his arm gently in her own and pulling him along after her.
"Amelia, where are you taking me?" the elf queried confused as to his friends actions.
"Just come along," the young woman said firmly still leading Legolas along. The prince decided to hold his tongue and allow Amelia to have her way.
She led him to one of their favourite spots, a small alcove secluded from the main path by strategically placed trees and bushes. She pushed him down onto the bench nestled within before seating herself.
"Now, you will tell me what has upset you my friend, for I shall not let you leave until I have had it from you," she said in a firm tone.
Legolas could not help but smile a little at the maternal look the young woman wore. His smile faded as he noted that she was quite serious about detaining him, knowing he would use no force to escape from her and sighed with defeat.
"Let me guess," Amelia began trying to make things easier for him. "It is Aragorn?"
"How did you guess?" Legolas responded glumly.
Amelia laughed. "Because my very dear friend, no one else has the power to upset you this much. Now tell me."
Legolas grimaced but proceeded to tell his friend all that had happened that morning. Amelia sat quietly listening to the prince's tale feeling increasingly saddened by the elf's obvious frustration. When he had finished both were silent for a few moments.
"I think you are just beginning to discover my friend, just how the ability to bear children seems to make us fragile and incapable of independence in the eyes of men. It is of course different for me, I have been raised since birth to understand that my place is to run my husband's house, warm his bed and give him children," Amelia said finally.
Legolas looked horrified. "I did not think Boromir to be so... narrow minded. Does he treat you ill?" the prince asked.
Amelia gave a soft chuckle. "Nay, for a man Boromir is remarkably lenient. He allows to me to do much that most other women would only dream of, yet he will never have to worry about my taking up arms, unlike you I have never been trained to handle weapons."
"But that is just it. I was not only trained in the use of weapons but for longer than Aragorn has been alive I have been using them in the defence of my father's realm. Does my being his partner, and the bearer of his children suddenly make me any less of a warrior," Legolas asked, his confusion bleeding into his voice.
The young woman shook her head sadly. "For me no, but that is not the case for Aragorn. You must understand his viewpoint Legolas. No wait my friend I ask you to understand not to condone. Aragorn is a man, and although he was raised for many years by elves he is still a man. His instincts are I daresay far more primal than your own, filled with the urgency of our race. He sees it as his place to protect you as his mate. An admirable wish to be sure, even though he knows you are capable of defending yourself. Then there is the side of him that is King. He must stand before his people in a position of strength. Politically he cannot afford to be seen to be weak, to allow his mate free reign. Then there is the most important fact of all. You bore his son, his heir, yet for a king that will not be enough. Even now I think Aragorn's councillors ask when he will impregnate you with another child. I believe the saying is 'an heir and a spare'. More children again puts him in a stronger political position for they can all be used to make alliances with other nations and houses."
Legolas looked increasingly nauseated as he listened to Amelia's words. When she finished he sat quietly in thought. When he looked up again Amelia noted the sad determination in his eyes. "I see now that we are both bound by our positions and the duties they entail. Whilst Aragorn remains king, and until he is ready to abdicate in favour of our son we have very little choice in our actions." He stood suddenly. "I thank you Amelia, I see things with clearer eyes now." The young prince turned and quickly left the alcove.
Amelia felt a sudden heaviness descend upon her spirit and she sighed feeling that she had just made matters worse.
End of Chapter 5
Notes: I'd like to say thanks again to everyone who has reviewed or emailed me thus far. I do try to respond to people when I can but if I haven't then it doesn't mean I appreciate your kindness any less.
As for your guesses, well I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave you all in the dark, there'd be no sense of heightened anticipation if I just spoiled it all for you. ;-)
Grotahn looked up at the trees in astonishment. There was no sign of the elf prince, and no hint as to which direction he had taken through the trees.
"What is he doing?" the Hrotaki chieftain asked the king. "I heard nothing."
"Elves have superior hearing, he has no doubt gone ahead to scout," Aragorn said frowning. He turned back and gave a low whistle to signal his guards that something was wrong.
Another whistle sounded out in reply and Aragorn moved stealthily back towards the clearing where the large portion of their guards and their horses remained. He knew his guardsmen would already be shepherding the Gondorians and Hrotaki back to the clearing so that their chances of defending themselves successfully grew.
Slowly the hunting party trickled back into the clearing and were informed of what had been discovered. Their earlier joviality was pushed aside in favour of the alertness that came from battle readiness. Grotahn stood with his own men, as they armed themselves, peering into the dimly lit forest for some sign of the bandits. He was nearly startled out of his skin when the elven prince dropped to ground in front of him. Sparing the Hrotaki chieftain a brief cold glance the prince moved to his husband.
"There are maybe fifty, heavily armed," he informed both the king and royal guard quickly. "They are heading towards us but they do not appear to be aware of our presence, it should be possible to ambush them."
"Very well. We will need to ensure that head directly into the mouth of the trap we are preparing, and then we can outflank then and trap them between us. Jerin organise the men into two groups, one for each side, we will lead them into the centre and then cut off their rear escape," Aragorn said decisively.
"We still need some kind of bait to lure them to us," the Royal Guardsman pointed out.
"I will take care of that," Legolas said grinning.
"No," Aragorn said at once, fearing to place his mate in danger from where he would be without protection from himself.
Legolas looked at his husband, the intensity of his bright elven eyes for once forcing his husbands gaze down. He placed a gently hand on the man's shoulder. "Fear not my love. No harm shall come to me. I will lead them here and then remain in the trees where I can better pick them off with my bow," he said in a reassuring tone. "Besides, there is nothing more guaranteed to rile up an orc than the very presence of an elf. They will not think to question where it is I lead them."
"The Prince is correct Your Majesty," Boromir standing close by added.
They both watched in silence until finally, reluctantly, Aragorn nodded in acquiescence. The elven prince waited only until the men were in position before taking off again into the trees. He was gone for some time before the men of Gondor and the Hrotaki heard a crashing sound approaching them. They waited in silence as suddenly appearing in the clearing burst the Prince Consort of Gondor, his light steps dancing over the grass and leaving no impression. Behind him the first of the orcs entered the clearing. Their rasping voices yelling curses at the fair creature in the Black Speech.
Legolas turned at the edge of the clearing waiting tauntingly just out of reach as the rest of the orcs joined them. As one the orcs began to move forward, their confidence in handling a lone elf apparent. They were therefore surprised when the elf suddenly jumped up into a tree and humans suddenly charged from the forest towards them. Before the men had reached them two of Legolas' golden fletched arrows had taken out one of their number.
Aragorn charged forward his sword extended at shoulder level before him, his guards on either side to protect him. In a carefully measured manoeuvre he swung his sword just as he reached the line of orcs instantly beheading the one nearest to him. Blood splattered on him but he ignored it, turning his attention instead to the next foe.
Grotahn and his men waded forward joining battle with the Gondorians with equal zeal. One of the foul creatures attacked the Hrotaki chieftain from the side catching him off guard but before the black blade of the dark creature could reach his flesh a golden fletched arrow appeared embedding itself through one of the foul creatures eyes. Grotahn risked a moment to look around but he still could see no sign of the elf. As another shriek and flash of movement announced the arrival of yet another orc he turned his attention back to the battle.
Legolas watched from his vantage point, using his skill to take out any of the orcs that attempted to escape or managed to get under the guard of the humans. He noticed a couple of the younger lords being pushed away from the main group by a small group of larger orcs. He saw that none of the other men seemed to have noticed, and making a quick decision he began to leap from tree to tree to get closer to the men. When he was close enough he jumped quickly to the ground unsheathing his twin knives, and with a warning growl he jumped into the fray.
Aragorn saw a flash of gold descend from the trees and knew that Legolas had abandoned his bow in favour of his knives. Fear for his mate clutched at his heart and his determination increased and with renewed vigour he fought to clear a path to his husbands side.
Grotahn took a moment to catch his breath as the fighting seemed to move away from him. He saw a flash of gold from the corner of his eye and when he turned he was stunned by the sight that greeted him. Gondor's Prince Consort had entered the fight but instead of quickly perishing as the Hrotaki had thought the fragile looking creature would, he was made breathless with wonder. His eyes could not help but to try to follow the swift graceful movements of the immortal creature. Twin knives moving as an extension of strong arms, dealing death and destruction upon whatever they touched.
As the number of orcs began to dwindle Grotahn was not alone in his wonder. Many of the Gondorian nobles had never seen Legolas upon the practice fields, and even those that had were stunned by the majesty of their Prince Consort, his bearing regal, golden hair flying as he severed an arm here and slew there.
Legolas was stunned at first by the silence, but as the battle haze left him he realised that the orcs were no more. He relaxed his pose his breathing only slightly laboured and looked around. The many eyes facing him took him aback but only pair did he seek.
Aragorn did not hesitate once the battle was over to walk straight up to his husband. His eyes quickly sought out any injuries, but could not find even a scratch upon the form of his beloved. He nodded in satisfaction but his eyes conveyed a message that words would be spoken between them later concerning the elf's actions, and with a tight expression Aragorn turned back to the hunting party.
"Let us mount up and return to the city," he said, his eyes noting that there were no injuries so serious that they could not wait for their return to the halls of healing to be dealt with.
Moving quickly the group quickly gathered their belongings together before making their way back to the city. Legolas noted with amusement that the carcass of a wild boar was slung across one of the packhorses. At least someone was successful in this venture he thought, and wondered with whom he would have to dance tonight. His eyes caught the gaze of one of the younger lords, the man's face wreathed in a smile of satisfaction. The young lord bowed his head to Legolas to acknowledge his victory over the other men and Legolas grinned bowing his own head in response before spurring his horse to catch up with his husband.
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"You told me you would remain in the trees," Aragorn said as soon as they entered the private chambers of the Royal family.
"And I would have, but I could not allow those men to be slaughtered. They were all very young, none of them had seen battle before. They were no match for the Yrch," Legolas said, his face an impassive mask.
"I do not care. You told me you were going to stay in the trees and I knew you were safe and apart from the battle then. As soon as you jumped to the ground my focus shifted from defending my men to trying to reach your side and defend you," Aragorn said, his ire rising with every word.
Legolas' eyes narrowed as his own temper was roused. "I see, and what would you prefer my husband, that I were kept pregnant and confined to the palace like the other women?" he asked scornfully.
"If it keeps you safe and I know where you are, then yes," Aragorn said, the words slipping free from his tongue before he could pull them back.
Legolas drew back as though Aragorn had physically struck him. "Very well my lord," he said softly before turning and leaving the room.
Aragorn sighed in frustration, running his hands through his hair. "Son of an orc!" he cursed softly.
"What has happened?" came a voice from the doorway to the Royal Bedchamber.
Aragorn turned tiredly to look at Celdarion who stood, arms folded across his chest, one eyebrow raised almost to his hairline.
"I am not in the wrong," the young king said stubbornly, his own arms crossing defensively over his chest."
"Then you will not mind telling me what occurred on your hunting trip," the older elf said patiently.
Aragorn frowned and stared at Celdarion, looking for signs that the elf held him to blame for upsetting his prince. Celdarion's face told him nothing, and the young king sighed. "We encountered a group of orcs on our hunting trip," he admitted finally.
Celdarion's stance sharpened. "How many?" he asked quickly.
"About fifty. Well armed. Legolas warned us in time and we were able to ambush them. Legolas used himself as bait."
The warrior elf nodded. "A ploy we have used many times in Mirkwood. I take it then that the ambush was a success?"
Aragorn nodded. "We killed them all and gained only a few minor injuries ourselves."
Celdarion frowned. "I am confused then, why are you so upset with Prince Legolas?"
"Because he did not stay in the trees out of harms way as he said he would. He placed himself in danger, which caused me to become distracted from the battle," Aragorn replied heatedly.
"Yet he is not one of your mortal maidens unable to defend themselves against a single foe never mind so many," Celdarion commented softly. "Do you really believe him so incapable of protecting himself?"
"Yes... no..." Aragorn sighed. "My head tells me that he is more than able to use his weapons, yet my heart almost fails me to see him placed in danger. It was only six months ago that I nearly lost him, am I to forget so easily that he can still be slain? Is it so wrong of me to want to protect the holder of my heart?" the young king raised plaintive eyes to the elf.
Celdarion sighed and moved forward to sit close to the young man. "It is not wrong to wish it that way, but would you destroy him in the quest to see him safe?" the elf asked.
Aragorn frowned and looked questioningly at the warrior. "I do not understand."
"Legolas is a wood elf first and foremost. That is something he cannot deny, it is in his very nature. I do not think you truly comprehend how difficult it is for us to dwell in this stone city for such a long period. You have seen hints of restlessness at times. The need he feels to venture beyond the stone walls and feel the life of Arda surrounding him." Aragorn nodded. "When you say you think him accomplished in the use of his weapons that is true, yet you forget or perhaps you have not realised that Legolas has not been idle in the past millennia. He has aided in the defence of his father's realm, ably leading patrols through the Mirkwood. You must also understand that Legolas is a warrior, from a race of warriors, indeed from a line of warriors. It is also part of what he is. Yet you have just told him with your own words that you would rather he were kept within the stone walls of his room, probably with child, as seems to be the nature of your mortal lords. I would not be lying if I said to you now that despite the Prince's great love for you he would fade as surely as the day gives way to night."
Aragorn stared frankly at the elf, his eyes widened with new knowledge. "I hear your words Celdarion, and I am thankful for your insight. I will speak to him but I cannot promise to change the way my heart feels overnight," the young king said.
Celdarion smiled. "I would not ask that of you even if it were possible. Instead I ask only that you allow your head to rule your heart a little more in these situations."
Aragorn smiled and nodded, a short cry came from the bedchamber and the young king rose to tend to his son.
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As Legolas left the Royal chambers he walked blindly ahead, allowing his feet to carry him to wherever they would. His eyes blinded by tears he furiously tried to blink back. He stopped as he felt a hand tug strongly on his arms. Turning swiftly ready to defend against an attack he was confronted with Amelia's white face.
"Legolas?" she queried tremulously, never having seen him react so violently towards her before.
Legolas took a deep breath to try and compose himself before he spoke to his friend. "Forgive me Amelia, I did not know it was you," he said softly.
However Amelia's look of concern did not fade. "What is wrong my friend, you do not appear to be yourself at present. You were not hurt in the orc attack?" she asked, the thought occurring to her after Boromir's quick explanation of what had happened on there hunting trip.
Legolas quickly shook his head. "Nay, I am uninjured."
Amelia said nothing for a moment taking in the Prince's distracted look before taking his arm gently in her own and pulling him along after her.
"Amelia, where are you taking me?" the elf queried confused as to his friends actions.
"Just come along," the young woman said firmly still leading Legolas along. The prince decided to hold his tongue and allow Amelia to have her way.
She led him to one of their favourite spots, a small alcove secluded from the main path by strategically placed trees and bushes. She pushed him down onto the bench nestled within before seating herself.
"Now, you will tell me what has upset you my friend, for I shall not let you leave until I have had it from you," she said in a firm tone.
Legolas could not help but smile a little at the maternal look the young woman wore. His smile faded as he noted that she was quite serious about detaining him, knowing he would use no force to escape from her and sighed with defeat.
"Let me guess," Amelia began trying to make things easier for him. "It is Aragorn?"
"How did you guess?" Legolas responded glumly.
Amelia laughed. "Because my very dear friend, no one else has the power to upset you this much. Now tell me."
Legolas grimaced but proceeded to tell his friend all that had happened that morning. Amelia sat quietly listening to the prince's tale feeling increasingly saddened by the elf's obvious frustration. When he had finished both were silent for a few moments.
"I think you are just beginning to discover my friend, just how the ability to bear children seems to make us fragile and incapable of independence in the eyes of men. It is of course different for me, I have been raised since birth to understand that my place is to run my husband's house, warm his bed and give him children," Amelia said finally.
Legolas looked horrified. "I did not think Boromir to be so... narrow minded. Does he treat you ill?" the prince asked.
Amelia gave a soft chuckle. "Nay, for a man Boromir is remarkably lenient. He allows to me to do much that most other women would only dream of, yet he will never have to worry about my taking up arms, unlike you I have never been trained to handle weapons."
"But that is just it. I was not only trained in the use of weapons but for longer than Aragorn has been alive I have been using them in the defence of my father's realm. Does my being his partner, and the bearer of his children suddenly make me any less of a warrior," Legolas asked, his confusion bleeding into his voice.
The young woman shook her head sadly. "For me no, but that is not the case for Aragorn. You must understand his viewpoint Legolas. No wait my friend I ask you to understand not to condone. Aragorn is a man, and although he was raised for many years by elves he is still a man. His instincts are I daresay far more primal than your own, filled with the urgency of our race. He sees it as his place to protect you as his mate. An admirable wish to be sure, even though he knows you are capable of defending yourself. Then there is the side of him that is King. He must stand before his people in a position of strength. Politically he cannot afford to be seen to be weak, to allow his mate free reign. Then there is the most important fact of all. You bore his son, his heir, yet for a king that will not be enough. Even now I think Aragorn's councillors ask when he will impregnate you with another child. I believe the saying is 'an heir and a spare'. More children again puts him in a stronger political position for they can all be used to make alliances with other nations and houses."
Legolas looked increasingly nauseated as he listened to Amelia's words. When she finished he sat quietly in thought. When he looked up again Amelia noted the sad determination in his eyes. "I see now that we are both bound by our positions and the duties they entail. Whilst Aragorn remains king, and until he is ready to abdicate in favour of our son we have very little choice in our actions." He stood suddenly. "I thank you Amelia, I see things with clearer eyes now." The young prince turned and quickly left the alcove.
Amelia felt a sudden heaviness descend upon her spirit and she sighed feeling that she had just made matters worse.
End of Chapter 5
Notes: I'd like to say thanks again to everyone who has reviewed or emailed me thus far. I do try to respond to people when I can but if I haven't then it doesn't mean I appreciate your kindness any less.
As for your guesses, well I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave you all in the dark, there'd be no sense of heightened anticipation if I just spoiled it all for you. ;-)