Thanks again to all reviewers who've been so kind and supportive.
Chapter 7
"No," he called out in fear, rushing forward once more to the bower. He pulled at the branches, attempting to force them to move aside so he could reach his mate who sat within oblivious to everything beyond his link with the tree. His fists pounded the wood, although he remained unaware when his hands began to bleed, but a strong hand on his shoulder startled him into stopping.
"You must stop," Celdarion stated softly.
Aragorn ignored him attempting to pull his shoulder free of the elf's grasp.
"If you do not halt you will cause harm to both Legolas and the new life that is forming within him," the elf said but not without compassion.
Aragorn turned, seeing the elf clearly for the first time, and he saw that his son was nestled in the warrior's other arm. Tears blurred his vision and he reached out his arms. Celdarion gently passed his young charge over to the infant's parent, noting the almost desperate way the young king held the child close to his heart. Aragorn clutched Elessarion tightly turning back to the tree and trying to get as close as possible to see within the bower to the serene face of his mate.
"You should return to your bed my lord," the warrior elf said softly behind him.
"No, I wish to stay," Aragorn said, not turning his attention away from the bower.
"What of your son? It is cool tonight, and he does not have the tolerance to temperature changes that a full blooded elf does," Celdarion pointed out trying to make the young man see reason.
Aragorn looked down at his infant son, whose face was turned up to his in solemnity. He nodded finally in acquiescence. "You will remain and protect him?" the young king asked, his gaze searching the older elf's face for reassurance.
Celdarion smiled gently and nodded. "I will not move from his side," he promised.
Aragorn nodded. "I will send the best of my guard to join you, they will form a perimeter and let no one close unless you allow otherwise, I trust your judgment Celdarion," he said. He turned and took a step away from the bower, but was stopped by Elessarion's sudden fidgeting. "What is it?" he asked the infant softly.
Elessarion turned his distressed face back towards the tree, his hand held out reaching towards his elven father. "Ada," he called out, but the elf within the bower remained oblivious.
Aragorn ran his hand soothingly along his son's back. "Your ada cannot come with us Elessarion. He must stay here for now. We will come back and see him in the morning, and in a few days you will be in his arms once more. Now come, we must return to our rooms, and you and I will sleep together until Ada returns."
A few tears escaped from the child's eyes but he seemed to comprehend his father's words as he turned back and buried his face in Aragorn's robe. Nodding briefly to Celdarion the young king made his way back to his chambers.
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After falling into an exhausted slumber after their coupling Legolas was aware of very little until he linked with his bower tree. Although his ability to sense what was occurring outside of his bower was gone he fell into the link created between himself and the living world around him with an ease born of experience. The living flora and fauna welcomed his presence amongst them, the tree focussing the warmth of their regard through a slightly paternal touch upon the elf's senses.
His awareness moved from the tree and the life around him to the new life forming within him. As he became aware of the light that was his new child he felt an immediate sense of shame that this child had been created in the wake of his hurt feelings and pride. He sent a wave of assurance to the burgeoning life form that he would never be used as a weapon against either parent and that he would be brought into the world with love.
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Aragorn had lain awake most of the night, managing to doze fitfully only before dawn. His mind continued to jump back to the gardens where his husband was ensconced within his bower, and as his fears grew they transmuted into anger until the young king was simmering with rage at his mate's actions.
When he arose the following morning he made arrangements for Elessarion to stay with Amelia whilst he carried out his duties, one of which included the trade negotiations with the Hrotaki. He was not in the mood to play games today and to the surprise of most of his councillors he and Chieftain Grotahn managed to finalise the last of the treaty clauses to be signed in a few days once the scribes had drawn up the relevant documents. The young king then went about handling various matters that had been brought to his attention, or were still awaiting his approval, his servants bemused by the force of nature that was their liege.
After finding himself dismissed from the young king's mind and presence Grotahn and his people decided to wander the gardens outside the palace. Coming from a relatively dry and flat land it was fascinating for them to be surrounded by so many species of plant life and animals that lived and grew within the palace walls. When questioning members of the household staff he had been informed that the diversity of wildlife was due to the presence of elves within the city walls, part of the gardens having been grown by the Prince Consort himself.
He had asked then where the Prince Consort was, but had suddenly found himself being brushed off, informed that the Prince Consort was indisposed with staff then hurrying away from him. His curiosity was piqued and having heard that the gardens were a particular haunt of the elven prince he and his people decided to take a walk. As they ventured further into the garden the Hrotaki chieftain was startled when he came across a number of guards standing to attention as they spotted him and his people. When he tried to venture past them he was politely halted.
"I'm sorry my lord, but no one is allowed beyond this point," the sergeant in charge said.
Trying to peer through the trees the Hrotaki chieftain looked back at the guardsman. "Tell me, what lies within this garden that is so fiercely guarded by the King's own guard?" he asked.
"Again my lord forgive me, but that is none of your concern. Please turn back and feel free to enjoy the rest of the gardens," the seasoned soldier requested politely.
Inclining his head Grotahn turned around gesturing for his people to follow. Once they had gone beyond sight of the guard the Hrotaki chieftain turned back to his men. "I wish to see what is being protected within these gardens, the rest of you make your way back to the palace so that we do not arouse suspicion. I will attempt to get past the guards," he said.
"My lord, what if you are caught? That could violate the new treaty," one of his men pointed out.
Grotahn glared at the young man. "Then I shall not get caught," he said sharply before turning and disappearing amongst the trees.
He used every ounce of stealth he possessed to get past the guards on duty, and felt a sense of triumph at the ease in which he did so. Moving carefully and quietly he approached a clearing set within the trees. In the centre of the clearing was an old tree that proudly rose above the saplings around it, yet its lower branches seemed deformed curling around the front almost as though hiding something.
He searched carefully to make sure there were no guards in the vicinity before cautiously approaching the tree. His breath caught in his breath as he got close enough to see what lay within those curled branches. Prince Legolas sat inside, his eyes gazing vacantly ahead, an ethereal glow surrounding his body. He stilled suddenly as he felt a sharp blade against his throat.
"You were told that this place was forbidden to you," came a melodic, yet menacing voice from behind him.
Grotahn slowly raised his arms to show he was unarmed, and glancing one last time at the prince within the tree he slowly made to turn around. The blade was removed from his throat, and when the Hrotaki chieftain completed his about face he was confronted with another elf.
"You will remove yourself from this place," the elf said, his hard blue eyes flashing dangerously.
"Who are you?" Grotahn asked, his curiosity overriding his sense of self preservation.
"I am Celdarion, Royal Bodyguard of the house of Thranduil and Prince Legolas is my charge. I give you fair warning human, approach this place again and I will not be so lenient. My orders to protect the prince come from King Thranduil himself and I do not hold myself subject to your laws, do not think that the laws of men will protect you here. They will not. Now go," the elf said.
Nodding Grotahn swiftly left the clearing, turning back just before he left to see the elf leap up into the old tree where his prince rested.
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As darkness fell upon the White City once more a young serving girl made her way to the chambers of the Hrotaki Chieftain. Knocking briefly she waited for permission before opening the door hesitantly and entering.
"My lord, I have come bearing a message for you," she said softly, holding out a piece of parchment.
Grotahn took the paper from the young girl, noting that there was no official seal on the folded document before he opened it. He quickly scanned the contents before looking up sharply at the servant still waiting to be dismissed.
"Who told you to bring this to me?" he asked.
"My Lord I am afraid I do not know, it was simply passed on to me by my master as part of my chores," the girl answered, her nervousness beginning to increase.
"Very well, you may go," Grotahn said dismissing the servant from both his mind and presence as his thoughts lingered on the contents of the message.
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The Hrotaki Chieftain waited until the bells chimed the 22nd hour of the day before leaving the room with two of his men. He made his way quickly down to the assigned meeting place being careful not to be seen by anyone along the way. When he reached the small garden alcove that had been selected as a place to meet he cautiously entered, bidding his men to remain outside on watch. The alcove was dim and it was hard to see anything clearly in the shadows but The Hrotaki Chieftain could see that he was not the first to arrive.
"Chieftain Grotahn," the unknown part acknowledged.
"Why have you called me here?" the Hrotaki demanded.
"Let's just say I represent a faction within Gondor that is concerned for the purity of our noble bloodlines," the man stated softly.
Grotahn frowned. "What do the internal politics of Gondor have to do with me?" he asked finally.
"There are two things really, something you can do for us, and something we can do for you." The stranger paused for a moment to let that be digested by the large Hrotaki man. "It has not escaped our notice that you have developed something of a fascination with our Prince Consort," the stranger said, his voice very sure, almost taunting.
Grotahn's face tightened in anger. "We have never encountered any of his kind before, it is understandable that there is some interest in him," the Hrotaki bit out.
A soft chuckle was his response. "What if the elf could be yours?" the stranger asked.
"You speak of giving away your Prince, yet I have been told that slavery is illegal in Gondor, I do not think I was misinformed for it was your king himself who told me so," Grotahn said, his wariness increasing with the strangers offer.
"Many things change Chieftain Grotahn, even rulers are not invincible. If the King were to have an accident followed shortly by the tragic demise of his young son, then a new King would need to be found. In which case, Gondor would no longer require it's Prince Consort," the stranger said, his voice giving nothing away.
Grotahn was startled by the implications of what he was hearing. "What is to stop me from going to the King now and informing him of the plot against him?" the chieftain demanded.
"There is nothing stopping you," the stranger said. "We are secure in the knowledge that you are still unaware of our identities. Should you alert the king we shall simply adjust our plans, the end result will not change, the only question that remains is whether or not you will profit from this."
Grotahn considered his options for a moment before responding. "What is it you expect of me?"
The stranger smiled. "Very little, just a small amount of a mineral native to your lands which I know you have brought to the city with you. You will leave the city as you planned to, but instead of travelling back to your tribe you will wait a short distance from the city. You must remain hidden and your wait may be as long as a sevenight but that will allow people to believe you are some distance from the city and will place you beyond suspicion. We will make our move within the city, the deaths of both the king and his son will appear accidental, and Prince Legolas will disappear leaving a message behind that his grief is too much and he is returning to his people. Instead he shall be delivered to you. You will take him with you and in return we ask that your trade with the new king remains on the same terms as your recently agreed treaty."
Grotahn noticed the slip of information that came from the stranger whether it was intentional or not, he knew now that there was someone within this faction who had access to the treaty negotiations, quite possibly one of Elessar's councillors. He considered the plan carefully, the stranger waiting patiently for his answer.
"Very well, if all goes as you say it will I have very little to lose from this arrangement. We shall go along with your plans. When I leave the city have someone send word of where we are to wait and we shall do so. In the meantime you may wish to specify a place for me to hand over the mineral you require."
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For three days Aragorn waited for his husband to stir from his bower. He had refused to stand around and wait as he had done during the first pregnancy, instead when Elessarion wanted to see his ada the young king would hand the infant over to Amelia who would also look after the child whilst Aragorn was drawn away by his duties.
On the evening of the third day Celdarion was alone in the clearing when the branches that formed the bower began to pull back. When Legolas was completely revealed to him the warrior elf strode forward to assist his charge from his perch within.
Legolas gratefully accepted the hand that was extended towards him and was assisted to his feet by his guardian. He blinked a few times to clear his vision before taking a good look around the clearing. He noticed the absence of anyone else and turned to look at Celdarion.
"Aragorn?" he asked frowning slightly.
"He is within the palace with your son," Celdarion said. "He has had this clearing well guarded so that your bower remained undisturbed," the older elf offered.
Legolas nodded distractedly. "He is... angry?" he asked softly.
The warrior elf sighed but nodded refusing to lie to his charge. "Did you expect him not to be?" he prodded.
Legolas shook his head. "I am not sure what I expected, I am still not sure, but it matters not, what's done is done and I now carry new life within me. Let us return to palace for I would dearly love to bathe," the young prince said resignedly forcing his feet into motion.
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Aragorn looked up startled as the door to the private royal sitting room opened. Elessarion turned in his lap and let out an excited gurgle when he saw his ada walk into the room. He held out his small arms demanding that his ada pick him up, and with a hesitant look at his husband Legolas walked forward to take the infant into his arms.
The elven prince buried his nose in the crook of the little neck inhaling the fresh scent of the child's skin, something he had not realised he missed until now. His hand ran soothingly along the infant's back as Elessarion tried to burrow into his chest to get closer, and the elf felt tears pricking his eyes at the unconditional love he was given.
Legolas looked up under his lashes at his husband who had remained seated, his face giving away nothing of his thoughts. "It is good to see you Aragorn," the prince offered a tremulous smile pulling at his mouth. The smile faded quickly as Aragorn's face remained impassive.
Casting a quick look at Celdarion who still stood in the doorway Legolas walked a little further into the room. He stumbled as a bout of dizziness overtook him, and he suddenly felt arms around him supporting him. He looked up gratefully hoping to see the face of his husband and tried not to let his disappointment show when he found it was his guardian instead.
"Why don't you take Elessarion and bathe little one," the warrior said softly. "I will arrange for some food to be brought to you."
Legolas nodded and cast a look filled with misery at his mate who sat staring at the fireplace before going to the Consort's private chambers.
Aragorn felt a pair of eyes burning into him, and with a defiant growl he looked up at the elf standing before him. "What?" he ground out angrily.
"Is this how you plan to spend the rest of eternity with him?" the warrior asked calmly.
"Am I supposed to feel any less anger over his actions because he returns to me with child?" the young king demanded. "Nay, I will not release my anger, Legolas broke faith with me, he should be the one apologising."
"Young King..."Celdarion began but Aragorn turned to face him, his eyes blazing fury.
"This is not your concern Celdarion, what occurs between my mate and I is our private affair and I will not allow any meddling from outside forces, now please leave us," the young man commanded.
"I will not interfere unless it affects the wellbeing of my prince," Celdarion stated, his eyes blazing fiercely. "But remember young human you are not my king, and should I feel that it is best for me to remove Legolas from your presence I will do so with the full support of my people." The elf did not allow the young king to speak any further, turning with a quick angry stride to leave the room. Just before he exited he turned back to the young king. "You should ask him about the significance of his braids," he said softly and then shut the door behind him.
Aragorn turned as his rage exploded into motion and his fist came into contact with a vase sweeping the fragile pot to the floor where it landed forever broken. He walked to the door and called out for a servant to come and clean up and then bring some food to his rooms before returning to his seat.
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When Legolas walked into his dressing room he noticed that his bath had already been prepared. He smiled to himself at Celdarion's thoughtfulness. His guardian must have sent one of the servants with a message whilst escorting him back to the palace. Legolas had himself been in something of a daze after emerging from his bower and had not really noticed the people they passed.
He quickly undressed throwing his clothes on a nearby chair before turning and undressing his young son. Elessarion giggled playfully looking forward to bath time with his ada. The elven prince always allowed his son to splash and play to his hearts content.
Holding Elessarion safely above him Legolas sank into the large tub. He lowered the infant until just his feet touched the water, and the infant squirmed in his arms wanting to submerge his body. The elf prince teased the infant by dipping him a little more then pulling back out again and again.
"Ada!" Elessarion stated indignantly and Legolas laughed softly thinking that if the child had been able he would be rolling his eyes in disgust at his ada's antics.
"Very well my son. Never let it be said that I do not exist to submit to your every whim," the elf prince said with a hint of self sacrifice and Elessarion giggled before splashing water in his face.
Legolas laughed again and settled down to soak himself and his son until they were both clean and relaxed.
When they emerged from the tub some time later Legolas made quick work of first drying his son and then himself before he pulled sleeping robes over himself and the infant. He looked warily at the door that led to the sitting room before looking back to the door that led to the consort's bedroom. Although the room was assigned to the King's consort he had never used the bed here always having shared Aragorn's bed, yet tonight he did think he would be welcome and felt wary of any confrontations with his mate. With a regretful sigh he strode into the unused room carrying a candle from the dressing room to light his way.
"Well Elessarion, what do you say to sleeping with your ada in here for once. It will be an adventure," the prince said decisively as he pulled back the covers and slid into the bed, placing Elessarion beside him where the child immediately snuggled up to his side. "I'm glad you agree," Legolas said softly blowing out the nearby candle and settling himself to enter the elven dreamscape.
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Aragorn waited for Legolas to emerge for hours. The food that he had ordered had long since gone cold left sitting on the side table. The young king frowned, Legolas could not have remained in his bath for this long, he would not let Elessarion remain in cold water even though the elf would be unaffected by the temperature. Rising to his feet he walked over to the Consort's dressing chamber pushing the door open. He stalked back into the sitting room pacing as his mind raced. With a sudden stillness he looked up to the door that led to the Prince Consort's chambers.
Legolas was startled from his dreams as the door suddenly flew open, flooding the chamber with light from the sitting room. He blinked warily as he noticed the still figure in the doorway and pulled Elessarion closer to him.
"What are you doing here?" Aragorn demanded, his anger sparked at the sight of his mate sleeping in the bed that had never before been used.
"We were sleeping," Legolas pointed out, "And unless you plan to wake our son you should close the door and allow us to return to peaceful slumber." Aragorn growled and Legolas sighed in frustration. "What do you want Aragorn? Are you not happy I have learnt my place? As you requested I am pregnant and will remain confined to my chambers," the prince said in a weary tone.
"Your place?" Aragorn said, his ire increasing at this reminder of his own foolishness. "Let me show you your place my prince," he said as he strode into the room.
Legolas tensed as the young man approached the bed, and he let out a startled yelp as the bed covers were thrown back. Aragorn reached across him and plucked Elessarion from the Prince's arms before leaving the room. He was back shortly ignoring the shocked expression of his mate as he leant forward, and before the elf had time to react had thrown the prince over his shoulder before he turned and again left the room.
"Aragorn put me down," Legolas called out as he was transported to Aragorn's chamber.
He was tossed suddenly and found himself hitting a soft surface, his breath leaving his chest in a soft woof of air. He was given no time to recover before Aragorn joined him on the bed manipulating his body until he lying beneath the covers with his husband spooned up behind him. He noticed Elessarion had been placed into his cot and that his parent's activities had thankfully not awoken him.
Legolas lay still, fearful of moving. "Aragorn?" he queried softly, hesitantly.
"Go to sleep Legolas," came the terse reply.
The elven prince, reluctant to provoke his mate further, did as he was bid, and with an effort relaxed himself enough that he was able to slip back into his world of dreams. Aragorn sighed softly as he felt Legolas relax against him, he pressed himself closer to his mate, his hand sliding down from the elf's chest to his abdomen, over the space where his new child now lay. He wondered miserably how things had gone so wrong before he slowly allowed himself to fall into slumber.
End Of Chapter 7
Some of you might be interested to know that I submitted a fic to the elfslash 'zine that has been produced by Melethryn. As part of the agreement I can't archive the story for general consumption for a year but the fic is packed full of elf slashy goodness. If any of you are interested then you can head over to www.melethryn.net for more details on Past The End Of Your Nose - a post ROTK story.
Chapter 7
"No," he called out in fear, rushing forward once more to the bower. He pulled at the branches, attempting to force them to move aside so he could reach his mate who sat within oblivious to everything beyond his link with the tree. His fists pounded the wood, although he remained unaware when his hands began to bleed, but a strong hand on his shoulder startled him into stopping.
"You must stop," Celdarion stated softly.
Aragorn ignored him attempting to pull his shoulder free of the elf's grasp.
"If you do not halt you will cause harm to both Legolas and the new life that is forming within him," the elf said but not without compassion.
Aragorn turned, seeing the elf clearly for the first time, and he saw that his son was nestled in the warrior's other arm. Tears blurred his vision and he reached out his arms. Celdarion gently passed his young charge over to the infant's parent, noting the almost desperate way the young king held the child close to his heart. Aragorn clutched Elessarion tightly turning back to the tree and trying to get as close as possible to see within the bower to the serene face of his mate.
"You should return to your bed my lord," the warrior elf said softly behind him.
"No, I wish to stay," Aragorn said, not turning his attention away from the bower.
"What of your son? It is cool tonight, and he does not have the tolerance to temperature changes that a full blooded elf does," Celdarion pointed out trying to make the young man see reason.
Aragorn looked down at his infant son, whose face was turned up to his in solemnity. He nodded finally in acquiescence. "You will remain and protect him?" the young king asked, his gaze searching the older elf's face for reassurance.
Celdarion smiled gently and nodded. "I will not move from his side," he promised.
Aragorn nodded. "I will send the best of my guard to join you, they will form a perimeter and let no one close unless you allow otherwise, I trust your judgment Celdarion," he said. He turned and took a step away from the bower, but was stopped by Elessarion's sudden fidgeting. "What is it?" he asked the infant softly.
Elessarion turned his distressed face back towards the tree, his hand held out reaching towards his elven father. "Ada," he called out, but the elf within the bower remained oblivious.
Aragorn ran his hand soothingly along his son's back. "Your ada cannot come with us Elessarion. He must stay here for now. We will come back and see him in the morning, and in a few days you will be in his arms once more. Now come, we must return to our rooms, and you and I will sleep together until Ada returns."
A few tears escaped from the child's eyes but he seemed to comprehend his father's words as he turned back and buried his face in Aragorn's robe. Nodding briefly to Celdarion the young king made his way back to his chambers.
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After falling into an exhausted slumber after their coupling Legolas was aware of very little until he linked with his bower tree. Although his ability to sense what was occurring outside of his bower was gone he fell into the link created between himself and the living world around him with an ease born of experience. The living flora and fauna welcomed his presence amongst them, the tree focussing the warmth of their regard through a slightly paternal touch upon the elf's senses.
His awareness moved from the tree and the life around him to the new life forming within him. As he became aware of the light that was his new child he felt an immediate sense of shame that this child had been created in the wake of his hurt feelings and pride. He sent a wave of assurance to the burgeoning life form that he would never be used as a weapon against either parent and that he would be brought into the world with love.
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Aragorn had lain awake most of the night, managing to doze fitfully only before dawn. His mind continued to jump back to the gardens where his husband was ensconced within his bower, and as his fears grew they transmuted into anger until the young king was simmering with rage at his mate's actions.
When he arose the following morning he made arrangements for Elessarion to stay with Amelia whilst he carried out his duties, one of which included the trade negotiations with the Hrotaki. He was not in the mood to play games today and to the surprise of most of his councillors he and Chieftain Grotahn managed to finalise the last of the treaty clauses to be signed in a few days once the scribes had drawn up the relevant documents. The young king then went about handling various matters that had been brought to his attention, or were still awaiting his approval, his servants bemused by the force of nature that was their liege.
After finding himself dismissed from the young king's mind and presence Grotahn and his people decided to wander the gardens outside the palace. Coming from a relatively dry and flat land it was fascinating for them to be surrounded by so many species of plant life and animals that lived and grew within the palace walls. When questioning members of the household staff he had been informed that the diversity of wildlife was due to the presence of elves within the city walls, part of the gardens having been grown by the Prince Consort himself.
He had asked then where the Prince Consort was, but had suddenly found himself being brushed off, informed that the Prince Consort was indisposed with staff then hurrying away from him. His curiosity was piqued and having heard that the gardens were a particular haunt of the elven prince he and his people decided to take a walk. As they ventured further into the garden the Hrotaki chieftain was startled when he came across a number of guards standing to attention as they spotted him and his people. When he tried to venture past them he was politely halted.
"I'm sorry my lord, but no one is allowed beyond this point," the sergeant in charge said.
Trying to peer through the trees the Hrotaki chieftain looked back at the guardsman. "Tell me, what lies within this garden that is so fiercely guarded by the King's own guard?" he asked.
"Again my lord forgive me, but that is none of your concern. Please turn back and feel free to enjoy the rest of the gardens," the seasoned soldier requested politely.
Inclining his head Grotahn turned around gesturing for his people to follow. Once they had gone beyond sight of the guard the Hrotaki chieftain turned back to his men. "I wish to see what is being protected within these gardens, the rest of you make your way back to the palace so that we do not arouse suspicion. I will attempt to get past the guards," he said.
"My lord, what if you are caught? That could violate the new treaty," one of his men pointed out.
Grotahn glared at the young man. "Then I shall not get caught," he said sharply before turning and disappearing amongst the trees.
He used every ounce of stealth he possessed to get past the guards on duty, and felt a sense of triumph at the ease in which he did so. Moving carefully and quietly he approached a clearing set within the trees. In the centre of the clearing was an old tree that proudly rose above the saplings around it, yet its lower branches seemed deformed curling around the front almost as though hiding something.
He searched carefully to make sure there were no guards in the vicinity before cautiously approaching the tree. His breath caught in his breath as he got close enough to see what lay within those curled branches. Prince Legolas sat inside, his eyes gazing vacantly ahead, an ethereal glow surrounding his body. He stilled suddenly as he felt a sharp blade against his throat.
"You were told that this place was forbidden to you," came a melodic, yet menacing voice from behind him.
Grotahn slowly raised his arms to show he was unarmed, and glancing one last time at the prince within the tree he slowly made to turn around. The blade was removed from his throat, and when the Hrotaki chieftain completed his about face he was confronted with another elf.
"You will remove yourself from this place," the elf said, his hard blue eyes flashing dangerously.
"Who are you?" Grotahn asked, his curiosity overriding his sense of self preservation.
"I am Celdarion, Royal Bodyguard of the house of Thranduil and Prince Legolas is my charge. I give you fair warning human, approach this place again and I will not be so lenient. My orders to protect the prince come from King Thranduil himself and I do not hold myself subject to your laws, do not think that the laws of men will protect you here. They will not. Now go," the elf said.
Nodding Grotahn swiftly left the clearing, turning back just before he left to see the elf leap up into the old tree where his prince rested.
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As darkness fell upon the White City once more a young serving girl made her way to the chambers of the Hrotaki Chieftain. Knocking briefly she waited for permission before opening the door hesitantly and entering.
"My lord, I have come bearing a message for you," she said softly, holding out a piece of parchment.
Grotahn took the paper from the young girl, noting that there was no official seal on the folded document before he opened it. He quickly scanned the contents before looking up sharply at the servant still waiting to be dismissed.
"Who told you to bring this to me?" he asked.
"My Lord I am afraid I do not know, it was simply passed on to me by my master as part of my chores," the girl answered, her nervousness beginning to increase.
"Very well, you may go," Grotahn said dismissing the servant from both his mind and presence as his thoughts lingered on the contents of the message.
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The Hrotaki Chieftain waited until the bells chimed the 22nd hour of the day before leaving the room with two of his men. He made his way quickly down to the assigned meeting place being careful not to be seen by anyone along the way. When he reached the small garden alcove that had been selected as a place to meet he cautiously entered, bidding his men to remain outside on watch. The alcove was dim and it was hard to see anything clearly in the shadows but The Hrotaki Chieftain could see that he was not the first to arrive.
"Chieftain Grotahn," the unknown part acknowledged.
"Why have you called me here?" the Hrotaki demanded.
"Let's just say I represent a faction within Gondor that is concerned for the purity of our noble bloodlines," the man stated softly.
Grotahn frowned. "What do the internal politics of Gondor have to do with me?" he asked finally.
"There are two things really, something you can do for us, and something we can do for you." The stranger paused for a moment to let that be digested by the large Hrotaki man. "It has not escaped our notice that you have developed something of a fascination with our Prince Consort," the stranger said, his voice very sure, almost taunting.
Grotahn's face tightened in anger. "We have never encountered any of his kind before, it is understandable that there is some interest in him," the Hrotaki bit out.
A soft chuckle was his response. "What if the elf could be yours?" the stranger asked.
"You speak of giving away your Prince, yet I have been told that slavery is illegal in Gondor, I do not think I was misinformed for it was your king himself who told me so," Grotahn said, his wariness increasing with the strangers offer.
"Many things change Chieftain Grotahn, even rulers are not invincible. If the King were to have an accident followed shortly by the tragic demise of his young son, then a new King would need to be found. In which case, Gondor would no longer require it's Prince Consort," the stranger said, his voice giving nothing away.
Grotahn was startled by the implications of what he was hearing. "What is to stop me from going to the King now and informing him of the plot against him?" the chieftain demanded.
"There is nothing stopping you," the stranger said. "We are secure in the knowledge that you are still unaware of our identities. Should you alert the king we shall simply adjust our plans, the end result will not change, the only question that remains is whether or not you will profit from this."
Grotahn considered his options for a moment before responding. "What is it you expect of me?"
The stranger smiled. "Very little, just a small amount of a mineral native to your lands which I know you have brought to the city with you. You will leave the city as you planned to, but instead of travelling back to your tribe you will wait a short distance from the city. You must remain hidden and your wait may be as long as a sevenight but that will allow people to believe you are some distance from the city and will place you beyond suspicion. We will make our move within the city, the deaths of both the king and his son will appear accidental, and Prince Legolas will disappear leaving a message behind that his grief is too much and he is returning to his people. Instead he shall be delivered to you. You will take him with you and in return we ask that your trade with the new king remains on the same terms as your recently agreed treaty."
Grotahn noticed the slip of information that came from the stranger whether it was intentional or not, he knew now that there was someone within this faction who had access to the treaty negotiations, quite possibly one of Elessar's councillors. He considered the plan carefully, the stranger waiting patiently for his answer.
"Very well, if all goes as you say it will I have very little to lose from this arrangement. We shall go along with your plans. When I leave the city have someone send word of where we are to wait and we shall do so. In the meantime you may wish to specify a place for me to hand over the mineral you require."
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For three days Aragorn waited for his husband to stir from his bower. He had refused to stand around and wait as he had done during the first pregnancy, instead when Elessarion wanted to see his ada the young king would hand the infant over to Amelia who would also look after the child whilst Aragorn was drawn away by his duties.
On the evening of the third day Celdarion was alone in the clearing when the branches that formed the bower began to pull back. When Legolas was completely revealed to him the warrior elf strode forward to assist his charge from his perch within.
Legolas gratefully accepted the hand that was extended towards him and was assisted to his feet by his guardian. He blinked a few times to clear his vision before taking a good look around the clearing. He noticed the absence of anyone else and turned to look at Celdarion.
"Aragorn?" he asked frowning slightly.
"He is within the palace with your son," Celdarion said. "He has had this clearing well guarded so that your bower remained undisturbed," the older elf offered.
Legolas nodded distractedly. "He is... angry?" he asked softly.
The warrior elf sighed but nodded refusing to lie to his charge. "Did you expect him not to be?" he prodded.
Legolas shook his head. "I am not sure what I expected, I am still not sure, but it matters not, what's done is done and I now carry new life within me. Let us return to palace for I would dearly love to bathe," the young prince said resignedly forcing his feet into motion.
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Aragorn looked up startled as the door to the private royal sitting room opened. Elessarion turned in his lap and let out an excited gurgle when he saw his ada walk into the room. He held out his small arms demanding that his ada pick him up, and with a hesitant look at his husband Legolas walked forward to take the infant into his arms.
The elven prince buried his nose in the crook of the little neck inhaling the fresh scent of the child's skin, something he had not realised he missed until now. His hand ran soothingly along the infant's back as Elessarion tried to burrow into his chest to get closer, and the elf felt tears pricking his eyes at the unconditional love he was given.
Legolas looked up under his lashes at his husband who had remained seated, his face giving away nothing of his thoughts. "It is good to see you Aragorn," the prince offered a tremulous smile pulling at his mouth. The smile faded quickly as Aragorn's face remained impassive.
Casting a quick look at Celdarion who still stood in the doorway Legolas walked a little further into the room. He stumbled as a bout of dizziness overtook him, and he suddenly felt arms around him supporting him. He looked up gratefully hoping to see the face of his husband and tried not to let his disappointment show when he found it was his guardian instead.
"Why don't you take Elessarion and bathe little one," the warrior said softly. "I will arrange for some food to be brought to you."
Legolas nodded and cast a look filled with misery at his mate who sat staring at the fireplace before going to the Consort's private chambers.
Aragorn felt a pair of eyes burning into him, and with a defiant growl he looked up at the elf standing before him. "What?" he ground out angrily.
"Is this how you plan to spend the rest of eternity with him?" the warrior asked calmly.
"Am I supposed to feel any less anger over his actions because he returns to me with child?" the young king demanded. "Nay, I will not release my anger, Legolas broke faith with me, he should be the one apologising."
"Young King..."Celdarion began but Aragorn turned to face him, his eyes blazing fury.
"This is not your concern Celdarion, what occurs between my mate and I is our private affair and I will not allow any meddling from outside forces, now please leave us," the young man commanded.
"I will not interfere unless it affects the wellbeing of my prince," Celdarion stated, his eyes blazing fiercely. "But remember young human you are not my king, and should I feel that it is best for me to remove Legolas from your presence I will do so with the full support of my people." The elf did not allow the young king to speak any further, turning with a quick angry stride to leave the room. Just before he exited he turned back to the young king. "You should ask him about the significance of his braids," he said softly and then shut the door behind him.
Aragorn turned as his rage exploded into motion and his fist came into contact with a vase sweeping the fragile pot to the floor where it landed forever broken. He walked to the door and called out for a servant to come and clean up and then bring some food to his rooms before returning to his seat.
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When Legolas walked into his dressing room he noticed that his bath had already been prepared. He smiled to himself at Celdarion's thoughtfulness. His guardian must have sent one of the servants with a message whilst escorting him back to the palace. Legolas had himself been in something of a daze after emerging from his bower and had not really noticed the people they passed.
He quickly undressed throwing his clothes on a nearby chair before turning and undressing his young son. Elessarion giggled playfully looking forward to bath time with his ada. The elven prince always allowed his son to splash and play to his hearts content.
Holding Elessarion safely above him Legolas sank into the large tub. He lowered the infant until just his feet touched the water, and the infant squirmed in his arms wanting to submerge his body. The elf prince teased the infant by dipping him a little more then pulling back out again and again.
"Ada!" Elessarion stated indignantly and Legolas laughed softly thinking that if the child had been able he would be rolling his eyes in disgust at his ada's antics.
"Very well my son. Never let it be said that I do not exist to submit to your every whim," the elf prince said with a hint of self sacrifice and Elessarion giggled before splashing water in his face.
Legolas laughed again and settled down to soak himself and his son until they were both clean and relaxed.
When they emerged from the tub some time later Legolas made quick work of first drying his son and then himself before he pulled sleeping robes over himself and the infant. He looked warily at the door that led to the sitting room before looking back to the door that led to the consort's bedroom. Although the room was assigned to the King's consort he had never used the bed here always having shared Aragorn's bed, yet tonight he did think he would be welcome and felt wary of any confrontations with his mate. With a regretful sigh he strode into the unused room carrying a candle from the dressing room to light his way.
"Well Elessarion, what do you say to sleeping with your ada in here for once. It will be an adventure," the prince said decisively as he pulled back the covers and slid into the bed, placing Elessarion beside him where the child immediately snuggled up to his side. "I'm glad you agree," Legolas said softly blowing out the nearby candle and settling himself to enter the elven dreamscape.
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Aragorn waited for Legolas to emerge for hours. The food that he had ordered had long since gone cold left sitting on the side table. The young king frowned, Legolas could not have remained in his bath for this long, he would not let Elessarion remain in cold water even though the elf would be unaffected by the temperature. Rising to his feet he walked over to the Consort's dressing chamber pushing the door open. He stalked back into the sitting room pacing as his mind raced. With a sudden stillness he looked up to the door that led to the Prince Consort's chambers.
Legolas was startled from his dreams as the door suddenly flew open, flooding the chamber with light from the sitting room. He blinked warily as he noticed the still figure in the doorway and pulled Elessarion closer to him.
"What are you doing here?" Aragorn demanded, his anger sparked at the sight of his mate sleeping in the bed that had never before been used.
"We were sleeping," Legolas pointed out, "And unless you plan to wake our son you should close the door and allow us to return to peaceful slumber." Aragorn growled and Legolas sighed in frustration. "What do you want Aragorn? Are you not happy I have learnt my place? As you requested I am pregnant and will remain confined to my chambers," the prince said in a weary tone.
"Your place?" Aragorn said, his ire increasing at this reminder of his own foolishness. "Let me show you your place my prince," he said as he strode into the room.
Legolas tensed as the young man approached the bed, and he let out a startled yelp as the bed covers were thrown back. Aragorn reached across him and plucked Elessarion from the Prince's arms before leaving the room. He was back shortly ignoring the shocked expression of his mate as he leant forward, and before the elf had time to react had thrown the prince over his shoulder before he turned and again left the room.
"Aragorn put me down," Legolas called out as he was transported to Aragorn's chamber.
He was tossed suddenly and found himself hitting a soft surface, his breath leaving his chest in a soft woof of air. He was given no time to recover before Aragorn joined him on the bed manipulating his body until he lying beneath the covers with his husband spooned up behind him. He noticed Elessarion had been placed into his cot and that his parent's activities had thankfully not awoken him.
Legolas lay still, fearful of moving. "Aragorn?" he queried softly, hesitantly.
"Go to sleep Legolas," came the terse reply.
The elven prince, reluctant to provoke his mate further, did as he was bid, and with an effort relaxed himself enough that he was able to slip back into his world of dreams. Aragorn sighed softly as he felt Legolas relax against him, he pressed himself closer to his mate, his hand sliding down from the elf's chest to his abdomen, over the space where his new child now lay. He wondered miserably how things had gone so wrong before he slowly allowed himself to fall into slumber.
End Of Chapter 7
Some of you might be interested to know that I submitted a fic to the elfslash 'zine that has been produced by Melethryn. As part of the agreement I can't archive the story for general consumption for a year but the fic is packed full of elf slashy goodness. If any of you are interested then you can head over to www.melethryn.net for more details on Past The End Of Your Nose - a post ROTK story.