Hello all,
I know you've all been waiting for this so I thought I'd put you out of your misery. The bad news is though, well good news for me actually, is that I'm off to New York for a long weekend, first time Stateside. I won't be back until Tuesday so there won't be any updates until then, or maybe wednesday, depends on jetlag and inherent laziness. But that will come to the end of the pre written chapters of this story and after that I'm afraid I'll update only when I've completed a new chapter, kind reviews does always help to egg me on. :-)
Anyway here it is:
Chapter 8
Legolas blinked as he left the world of dreams and returned to full awareness. Elessarion still slept peacefully in his cot, his thumb having found its way into his mouth, and the Prince smiled in fond amusement. He shifted a little and immediately became aware of two things. The first was a hand splayed possessively across his stomach, the second was an eager hardness pressing into his backside. He felt his own member give an excited twitch, and he had to forcibly stop himself from pushing back against his husband.
"Aragorn?" he called out softly.
Aragorn stiffened when he became aware that Legolas had awoken. He himself had lain awake for some time now enjoying the feel of Legolas' body against his own. Something he had missed in recent days. He had played over and over again in his mind all the events that had led up to this moment and he realised that it was time that he and Legolas sat down and talked things through, before their relationship became irreparable. Releasing his mate he rose quickly from the bed pulling on his robe.
Legolas felt a sense of loss and disappointment as Aragorn pulled away from him. He turned onto his back to watch as his husband pulled on his outer robe before pushing himself up to a seated position. The prince gasped as the world began to swim sickeningly, and breathing deeply he attempted to ride through the nausea that wracked him. When awareness returned he realised he was being supported by Aragorn, the young king having returned swiftly to the bed upon seeing his husband's suffering.
"Are you well?" Aragorn asked finally.
Legolas bit his lip and nodded. "I believe so." He paused and then continued in a softer tone. "I think perhaps that I should have eaten last night," he offered.
Aragorn nodded and again Legolas was left disappointed when the man left him, striding determinedly from the room. He returned quickly though, carrying a tray laden with food and a pitcher of juice which he placed on the bed before again returning to his husbands side.
Legolas was reluctant to do anything that might drive the man away again, or provoke him to anger so he said nothing as Aragorn took small amounts of food and fed them to him as though he were a child. Instead his bright eyes regarded his mate, taking in the look of concentration on the man's face, and his avoidance of the elf's gaze.
Legolas held up his hand when he could eat no more and allowed Aragorn to remove the tray from the bed. The young man then returned to the bed but he sat near the edge saying nothing. When Legolas began to reach the point of screaming in order to break the tense silence Aragorn finally spoke.
"What do your braids signify?" he asked quietly.
Legolas froze, unprepared for the question. He looked sharply at the young man but could see nothing beyond a question in the man's eyes. "They are the braids worn by the ladies of my father's courts. Those with warrior husbands and whose role in life is to ensure their mates happiness, keeping his talan, bearing his children, although there are none left who now can," Legolas replied, and for the first time he looked beyond his own anger at Aragorn's actions and saw how full of pride he himself had been, although that did not detract from the genuine hurt caused by the careless words of his mate.
Aragorn winced at Legolas' explanation, recalling the way he had complimented the elf's hairstyle, but did not let that deter him. "And what of the braids that you wore before?" he asked.
Legolas looked up meeting Aragorn's gaze steadily. "They signified my status as warrior amongst my people. I have worn my hair in that manner since I first joined the patrols in my father's realm."
Aragorn nodded. "I am sorry that I hurt you with my words Legolas. I did not intend to slight your status as a warrior and my words were spoken in a haste born of fear," the young king offered.
Legolas was silent for a moment taking in the words of his mate. "I confess that I did not understand your fear, perhaps still do not entirely understand it." He tipped his head quizzically to one side. "You were unaware of my involvement in the defence of my father's realm?" he asked.
Aragorn nodded. "You father has always given the impression that you were kept safe and cherished, and I do not mean to imply that I think of you in this way but the impression given at the ball where we first met was that you were one of Mirkwood's most valuable commodities and your father would make the most of your worth."
Legolas winced at the young man's words but released a soft chuckle. "Aye it is true, well partly so. My father did not underestimate my worth to my people. The reason for our attendance at your ball was in order to secure a strong alliance for our people. Although my father was reluctant to hand me over to some stranger for political reasons he and I both understood the necessity of it, and I would have been prepared to go through with any marriage he arranged for me. Thankfully it was with you that he made his alliance and I am forever thankful to the Valar that it is so." Aragorn smiled in relief. "As for patrols at home, you are right in that my father wanted to keep me safe within the palace walls, but not from fear of losing me as a valuable commodity but instead because he has always been a fiercely protective father and did not wish to see me place myself in danger. I am lucky in that where it does not affect the future of the realm he will often yield to my wishes, and in this case it was to allow me to take part in defending our people. I have been doing so now for over a millennia."
Aragorn nodded. "I was wrong to treat you so ill Legolas. I would reverse my actions that day if I could, and most especially would I take back my hasty words. You are more than worthy of retaining your status as warrior in Gondor. I admit though that seeing you in battle will always cause my heart to falter so, and like your father I cannot bear to think of you in danger," the young man said earnestly.
Legolas smiled gently. "I would not ask you to change the feelings in your heart, I ask only that you allow some understanding, and in return I will endeavour not to place myself in any dangerous situations unless it is absolutely necessary."
Aragorn's face tightened slightly at the elf's words. "Which brings me to why I was displeased with you last night."
Legolas was startled at the sudden resurgence of anger within his husband. "I must confess my confusion," he said warily. "Is it because I did not join you in this bedroom last night?" he asked.
"Nay, it is your actions of four nights ago," Aragorn ground out.
Legolas felt heat flush his face and his gaze faltered dropping down to the hand that was resting on his abdomen.
"I thought we agreed that we did not need any more children," Aragorn said, his tone now expressing his hurt at Legolas' betrayal.
"I am sorry that my actions caused you hurt, but I cannot say that I am sorry for what I did, not now that I have bonded with the life growing within me," Legolas said, his last words holding a defiant note.
"But why?" Aragorn asked plaintively.
Legolas sighed, his head drooping. "At first because I was furious with you. You told me you wanted me to be kept pregnant and confined and a part of me wanted to give you what you asked for, even though I was aware on some level that you words had been spoken without thought. But after I spoke to Amelia I also felt it was the right thing to do," he explained.
Aragorn frowned. "What did Amelia say that would give you the impression it was necessary for you to get with child again?"
"She explained to me how it is with men. How you would need more than one heir to secure your line and your position politically, how it was expected of me as a child bearer to do my duty and provide you with those children," the elf said.
The young king cursed suddenly. "Legolas, I love Amelia, I hold her dearly to my heart, but right now I wish to throttle her," the young man stated.
Legolas was surprised. "But why?"
"Because it does not matter to me what the lords and ladies of my court think or expect, it matters more to me that you are safe. After Elessarion I vowed that I would never put you in such a position again. We do not require any more children Legolas, I am perfectly content with what we have," Aragorn explained.
Legolas noticed the fear that lay behind the man's words and his expression softened. "The difficulty I had last time was caused by circumstances beyond our control. Verius is dead now," the prince said, and was pleased with himself for not stumbling over the sorcerer's name. "This pregnancy will progress normally, I shall not do anything that would endanger the child and I will be here and ready to return to my bower once my time comes."
"Legolas, it does not matter how good your intentions are, I still fear that something will go wrong and this time I will be unable to save you. I could not bear your loss," the king said passionately.
Legolas said nothing instead opening his arms in welcome, and the young man moved forward until he was tightly embracing his mate. "All will be well," the prince said gently, and he took Aragorn's hand placing it gently on his stomach. "This child will grow within me and be healthy and strong, no harm will come to either one of us, and in a years time we will welcome a new son or daughter into our lives."
Aragorn sighed for a moment, but then made a conscious decision to release his fears. "I want my ada to take a look at you when he arrives, to make sure everything is okay. But I think I would like a girl with your hair," he said finally.
Legolas grinned before pulling his husband into a long, yet gentle kiss.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gondor's King and Prince Consort sat upon their thrones in the main hall of the palace. Today was not an exceptional day yet many of the courtiers had gathered, rumours having flown around the city about the time Prince Legolas had spent indisposed. All agreed that the Prince looked more than well, in fact he seemed to be glowing with vigour. Both King and Prince shared many amused looks yet they said nothing to either confirm or dispel any rumours that had arisen.
Earlier that day the Hrotaki contingent had finally departed the city and Legolas would freely have admitted that he was glad to see them gone. The arrogance of their chieftain had worried him and he had never felt at ease in the man's company, especially after their initial meeting.
Somebody else had also been eager to speak to him that morning, and whilst he was feeding Elessarion in their private sitting room Amelia had come to call.
"I demand to know what's happening Legolas, all this excitement is not good for a lady in my condition," she said pouting playfully. "I've heard rumours that you've spent the last few nights within your bower, are you with child again?"
Legolas laughed at her interrogation, before smiling serenely. "It is true, I am with child once more."
Amelia was astonished. "Oh Legolas how marvellous." She paused for a moment uncertain, recalling their conversation a few days ago. "It is good news isn't it?" she asked.
Legolas nodded gently. "Yes, Aragorn and I have spoken at length and resolved our differences. Although he will still worry for me he will make an effort to be more understanding of my needs, although I confess he was very angry over the pregnancy at first, it seems he still harboured many fears over the difficulty I had with Elessarion's birth," he commented thoughtfully.
"Legolas, you could win prizes for your understatements. We all feared that you were going to die at the time. No wonder Aragorn was hesitant to impregnate you again," Amelia stated.
"Aye, I have tried to reassure him that nothing will go wrong this time, there are no evil sorcerers who wish to make me their concubine," Legolas said forcing a smile.
Amelia saw past the smile but nodded nonetheless. "You are well my friend, and that is all that matters," she had said, and that had been the end of the matter.
Celdarion too had been glad to see the warrior braids once more in place on the prince's head although he was looking forward to the arrival of King Thranduil in just over a week. He had sent his own personal missive to the king to state his own worries. He was one lone guard whose duty it was to protect two individuals, with another on the way, who were not always together. He hoped that the king would bring one of the elite Mirkwood guards to assist him in guarding both princes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reunited once more the Royal family sat in their private sitting room, Celdarion joining them as they ate a light supper.
"I have invited Gimli and some of his best stonemasons to the city, he should be arriving later in the week but I thought that he could take a look at some of the walls surrounding the city. They are very old and I have noticed upon riding into the city there are parts that look as though they need some serious work to ensure they are well maintained should we ever need to defend the city. Would you like to come with me as I take them down to the walls?" Aragorn asked.
Legolas and Celdarion shared a glance, identical looks of distaste gracing their features. "I thank you Aragorn but I am afraid that as pleasant as Master Gimli was I am not sure I could endure many hours in the company of dwarves," the elven prince replied.
"Very well my love, I shall inform Master Gimli that you were detained with your embroidery project," the young king teased.
Legolas glared at his husband punching the man lightly on the arm so show that he was not offended by the comment. "You should be very careful Aragorn, I am an elf in a delicate condition, you would not wish to upset me," Legolas said pouting.
Aragorn grinned and pulled his husband into his arms. "Indeed, I should not wish to upset you at any time," the young man stated, nuzzling the prince's neck.
"I think on that note I shall take my leave," Celdarion said wryly, noting that neither of them noticed him departing too caught up in each other.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A few days later Aragorn and Legolas greeted Gimli and his party in a smaller audience room. The dwarves had been eager to return to Gondor and assist in repairing the city's defensive walls.
"Master Gimli, it is good to see you again," Legolas greeted the dwarf who bowed before him.
"Indeed Prince Legolas, it is an honour to work with your people especially since we're practically neighbours and all," the dwarf replied his laugh a deep rumble emanating from the stout barrel of his chest. "And how is your young son Your Highness?" the dwarf queried.
Legolas smiled. "He is well Master Gimli, in fact if you and your companions would like to join us for the evening meal you may see him then, he often dines with us now that he is taking more solid food," the prince explained.
"But Master Gimli, as soon as you and your colleagues are ready I would like to show you the walls in question," Aragorn interjected.
"A dwarf is always ready," Gimli stated firmly, his friends nodding in agreement, and Legolas hid a smile.
"Very well then gentlemen, if you would like to follow me, I will take you there myself," Aragorn said and glancing briefly at his mate he left the room, the dwarves following close behind him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aragorn had shown the dwarves most of the wall where he though repairs might be required however he'd left what he considered to be the worst affected area to last. The wall here seemed to have cracks throughout it, centering around a large dent which seemed to have been the work of some previous attacking army, many years in Gondor's past. It surprised the young king that no one had ever thought to check the stability of the walls before but then he himself had a unique viewpoint in that he had not been raised within the city of Gondor, had not been weaned on the great legends of how the city have staved off attack for centuries, no one being able to breach the walls.
"Ah, now here is something lads," Gimli said grinning with anticipation as he spied the damaged wall. "Aragorn is it possible to get on top of the wall we'd like to assess the damage from there as well," the dwarf asked.
Aragorn nodded and led the dwarves back into the city to access the top of the wall from within. The dwarves were soon happily banging away testing the resonance of the wall and how much they felt it could withstand. Aragorn stood in bemused silence watching them go about their business. There were very few people to witness their activity, for safety's sake there was some space kept between this outer wall and the beginning of the city, and this part of town had long been run down and deserted by all but the poorest of his citizens, something the young king hoped to remedy during his reign. His next project would be to rebuild the houses here for people to return to.
A sudden chill prickled at his senses and the king stood more alert looking around for what had disturbed his piece. His attention was caught by a long strip of black powder that seemed to trail into the deserted town below him, yet the powder seemed to be disappearing rapidly. His eyes could make out faint sparks that were chasing along the trail getting closer to the wall.
"Master Gimli," he called out, drawing the dwarf's attention to his presence at the edge of the wall. "What do you make of that?" he asked pointing down to the almost vanished trail of powder.
Gimli peered over the edge and froze in shock. It took a few precious seconds for him to rouse himself but as soon as he did he was moving.
"Get away from the edge laddie, quickly move, lads move, wizards fire," he yelled. The dwarves as one froze for a second before they were quickly in motion, their short but powerful legs moving them along the wall, but they were all too slow. A sudden crack seemed to fill the air, and Aragorn was confused for a moment as the floor beneath him began to writhe, and suddenly his feet were no longer on the ground and he was falling.
End of Chapter 8
Evil - moi? Noooooooo!!!!!!
Just a quick note for fellow Brits and anyone else who has the opportunity, although I think only Brits will get a lot of the 'in jokes' like cameos from Parky. Anyway to get back to the point go and see Love Actually. My friend and I had a great time watching it, and it's a perfect Christmas flick to get you feeling all warm and fuzzy.
Also if anyone here is from New York I wouldn't mind some advice on just what grade of warm weather clothing I need to pack for my weekend. I know the temp there is slightly colder than it is here in London at the moment.
I know you've all been waiting for this so I thought I'd put you out of your misery. The bad news is though, well good news for me actually, is that I'm off to New York for a long weekend, first time Stateside. I won't be back until Tuesday so there won't be any updates until then, or maybe wednesday, depends on jetlag and inherent laziness. But that will come to the end of the pre written chapters of this story and after that I'm afraid I'll update only when I've completed a new chapter, kind reviews does always help to egg me on. :-)
Anyway here it is:
Chapter 8
Legolas blinked as he left the world of dreams and returned to full awareness. Elessarion still slept peacefully in his cot, his thumb having found its way into his mouth, and the Prince smiled in fond amusement. He shifted a little and immediately became aware of two things. The first was a hand splayed possessively across his stomach, the second was an eager hardness pressing into his backside. He felt his own member give an excited twitch, and he had to forcibly stop himself from pushing back against his husband.
"Aragorn?" he called out softly.
Aragorn stiffened when he became aware that Legolas had awoken. He himself had lain awake for some time now enjoying the feel of Legolas' body against his own. Something he had missed in recent days. He had played over and over again in his mind all the events that had led up to this moment and he realised that it was time that he and Legolas sat down and talked things through, before their relationship became irreparable. Releasing his mate he rose quickly from the bed pulling on his robe.
Legolas felt a sense of loss and disappointment as Aragorn pulled away from him. He turned onto his back to watch as his husband pulled on his outer robe before pushing himself up to a seated position. The prince gasped as the world began to swim sickeningly, and breathing deeply he attempted to ride through the nausea that wracked him. When awareness returned he realised he was being supported by Aragorn, the young king having returned swiftly to the bed upon seeing his husband's suffering.
"Are you well?" Aragorn asked finally.
Legolas bit his lip and nodded. "I believe so." He paused and then continued in a softer tone. "I think perhaps that I should have eaten last night," he offered.
Aragorn nodded and again Legolas was left disappointed when the man left him, striding determinedly from the room. He returned quickly though, carrying a tray laden with food and a pitcher of juice which he placed on the bed before again returning to his husbands side.
Legolas was reluctant to do anything that might drive the man away again, or provoke him to anger so he said nothing as Aragorn took small amounts of food and fed them to him as though he were a child. Instead his bright eyes regarded his mate, taking in the look of concentration on the man's face, and his avoidance of the elf's gaze.
Legolas held up his hand when he could eat no more and allowed Aragorn to remove the tray from the bed. The young man then returned to the bed but he sat near the edge saying nothing. When Legolas began to reach the point of screaming in order to break the tense silence Aragorn finally spoke.
"What do your braids signify?" he asked quietly.
Legolas froze, unprepared for the question. He looked sharply at the young man but could see nothing beyond a question in the man's eyes. "They are the braids worn by the ladies of my father's courts. Those with warrior husbands and whose role in life is to ensure their mates happiness, keeping his talan, bearing his children, although there are none left who now can," Legolas replied, and for the first time he looked beyond his own anger at Aragorn's actions and saw how full of pride he himself had been, although that did not detract from the genuine hurt caused by the careless words of his mate.
Aragorn winced at Legolas' explanation, recalling the way he had complimented the elf's hairstyle, but did not let that deter him. "And what of the braids that you wore before?" he asked.
Legolas looked up meeting Aragorn's gaze steadily. "They signified my status as warrior amongst my people. I have worn my hair in that manner since I first joined the patrols in my father's realm."
Aragorn nodded. "I am sorry that I hurt you with my words Legolas. I did not intend to slight your status as a warrior and my words were spoken in a haste born of fear," the young king offered.
Legolas was silent for a moment taking in the words of his mate. "I confess that I did not understand your fear, perhaps still do not entirely understand it." He tipped his head quizzically to one side. "You were unaware of my involvement in the defence of my father's realm?" he asked.
Aragorn nodded. "You father has always given the impression that you were kept safe and cherished, and I do not mean to imply that I think of you in this way but the impression given at the ball where we first met was that you were one of Mirkwood's most valuable commodities and your father would make the most of your worth."
Legolas winced at the young man's words but released a soft chuckle. "Aye it is true, well partly so. My father did not underestimate my worth to my people. The reason for our attendance at your ball was in order to secure a strong alliance for our people. Although my father was reluctant to hand me over to some stranger for political reasons he and I both understood the necessity of it, and I would have been prepared to go through with any marriage he arranged for me. Thankfully it was with you that he made his alliance and I am forever thankful to the Valar that it is so." Aragorn smiled in relief. "As for patrols at home, you are right in that my father wanted to keep me safe within the palace walls, but not from fear of losing me as a valuable commodity but instead because he has always been a fiercely protective father and did not wish to see me place myself in danger. I am lucky in that where it does not affect the future of the realm he will often yield to my wishes, and in this case it was to allow me to take part in defending our people. I have been doing so now for over a millennia."
Aragorn nodded. "I was wrong to treat you so ill Legolas. I would reverse my actions that day if I could, and most especially would I take back my hasty words. You are more than worthy of retaining your status as warrior in Gondor. I admit though that seeing you in battle will always cause my heart to falter so, and like your father I cannot bear to think of you in danger," the young man said earnestly.
Legolas smiled gently. "I would not ask you to change the feelings in your heart, I ask only that you allow some understanding, and in return I will endeavour not to place myself in any dangerous situations unless it is absolutely necessary."
Aragorn's face tightened slightly at the elf's words. "Which brings me to why I was displeased with you last night."
Legolas was startled at the sudden resurgence of anger within his husband. "I must confess my confusion," he said warily. "Is it because I did not join you in this bedroom last night?" he asked.
"Nay, it is your actions of four nights ago," Aragorn ground out.
Legolas felt heat flush his face and his gaze faltered dropping down to the hand that was resting on his abdomen.
"I thought we agreed that we did not need any more children," Aragorn said, his tone now expressing his hurt at Legolas' betrayal.
"I am sorry that my actions caused you hurt, but I cannot say that I am sorry for what I did, not now that I have bonded with the life growing within me," Legolas said, his last words holding a defiant note.
"But why?" Aragorn asked plaintively.
Legolas sighed, his head drooping. "At first because I was furious with you. You told me you wanted me to be kept pregnant and confined and a part of me wanted to give you what you asked for, even though I was aware on some level that you words had been spoken without thought. But after I spoke to Amelia I also felt it was the right thing to do," he explained.
Aragorn frowned. "What did Amelia say that would give you the impression it was necessary for you to get with child again?"
"She explained to me how it is with men. How you would need more than one heir to secure your line and your position politically, how it was expected of me as a child bearer to do my duty and provide you with those children," the elf said.
The young king cursed suddenly. "Legolas, I love Amelia, I hold her dearly to my heart, but right now I wish to throttle her," the young man stated.
Legolas was surprised. "But why?"
"Because it does not matter to me what the lords and ladies of my court think or expect, it matters more to me that you are safe. After Elessarion I vowed that I would never put you in such a position again. We do not require any more children Legolas, I am perfectly content with what we have," Aragorn explained.
Legolas noticed the fear that lay behind the man's words and his expression softened. "The difficulty I had last time was caused by circumstances beyond our control. Verius is dead now," the prince said, and was pleased with himself for not stumbling over the sorcerer's name. "This pregnancy will progress normally, I shall not do anything that would endanger the child and I will be here and ready to return to my bower once my time comes."
"Legolas, it does not matter how good your intentions are, I still fear that something will go wrong and this time I will be unable to save you. I could not bear your loss," the king said passionately.
Legolas said nothing instead opening his arms in welcome, and the young man moved forward until he was tightly embracing his mate. "All will be well," the prince said gently, and he took Aragorn's hand placing it gently on his stomach. "This child will grow within me and be healthy and strong, no harm will come to either one of us, and in a years time we will welcome a new son or daughter into our lives."
Aragorn sighed for a moment, but then made a conscious decision to release his fears. "I want my ada to take a look at you when he arrives, to make sure everything is okay. But I think I would like a girl with your hair," he said finally.
Legolas grinned before pulling his husband into a long, yet gentle kiss.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gondor's King and Prince Consort sat upon their thrones in the main hall of the palace. Today was not an exceptional day yet many of the courtiers had gathered, rumours having flown around the city about the time Prince Legolas had spent indisposed. All agreed that the Prince looked more than well, in fact he seemed to be glowing with vigour. Both King and Prince shared many amused looks yet they said nothing to either confirm or dispel any rumours that had arisen.
Earlier that day the Hrotaki contingent had finally departed the city and Legolas would freely have admitted that he was glad to see them gone. The arrogance of their chieftain had worried him and he had never felt at ease in the man's company, especially after their initial meeting.
Somebody else had also been eager to speak to him that morning, and whilst he was feeding Elessarion in their private sitting room Amelia had come to call.
"I demand to know what's happening Legolas, all this excitement is not good for a lady in my condition," she said pouting playfully. "I've heard rumours that you've spent the last few nights within your bower, are you with child again?"
Legolas laughed at her interrogation, before smiling serenely. "It is true, I am with child once more."
Amelia was astonished. "Oh Legolas how marvellous." She paused for a moment uncertain, recalling their conversation a few days ago. "It is good news isn't it?" she asked.
Legolas nodded gently. "Yes, Aragorn and I have spoken at length and resolved our differences. Although he will still worry for me he will make an effort to be more understanding of my needs, although I confess he was very angry over the pregnancy at first, it seems he still harboured many fears over the difficulty I had with Elessarion's birth," he commented thoughtfully.
"Legolas, you could win prizes for your understatements. We all feared that you were going to die at the time. No wonder Aragorn was hesitant to impregnate you again," Amelia stated.
"Aye, I have tried to reassure him that nothing will go wrong this time, there are no evil sorcerers who wish to make me their concubine," Legolas said forcing a smile.
Amelia saw past the smile but nodded nonetheless. "You are well my friend, and that is all that matters," she had said, and that had been the end of the matter.
Celdarion too had been glad to see the warrior braids once more in place on the prince's head although he was looking forward to the arrival of King Thranduil in just over a week. He had sent his own personal missive to the king to state his own worries. He was one lone guard whose duty it was to protect two individuals, with another on the way, who were not always together. He hoped that the king would bring one of the elite Mirkwood guards to assist him in guarding both princes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reunited once more the Royal family sat in their private sitting room, Celdarion joining them as they ate a light supper.
"I have invited Gimli and some of his best stonemasons to the city, he should be arriving later in the week but I thought that he could take a look at some of the walls surrounding the city. They are very old and I have noticed upon riding into the city there are parts that look as though they need some serious work to ensure they are well maintained should we ever need to defend the city. Would you like to come with me as I take them down to the walls?" Aragorn asked.
Legolas and Celdarion shared a glance, identical looks of distaste gracing their features. "I thank you Aragorn but I am afraid that as pleasant as Master Gimli was I am not sure I could endure many hours in the company of dwarves," the elven prince replied.
"Very well my love, I shall inform Master Gimli that you were detained with your embroidery project," the young king teased.
Legolas glared at his husband punching the man lightly on the arm so show that he was not offended by the comment. "You should be very careful Aragorn, I am an elf in a delicate condition, you would not wish to upset me," Legolas said pouting.
Aragorn grinned and pulled his husband into his arms. "Indeed, I should not wish to upset you at any time," the young man stated, nuzzling the prince's neck.
"I think on that note I shall take my leave," Celdarion said wryly, noting that neither of them noticed him departing too caught up in each other.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A few days later Aragorn and Legolas greeted Gimli and his party in a smaller audience room. The dwarves had been eager to return to Gondor and assist in repairing the city's defensive walls.
"Master Gimli, it is good to see you again," Legolas greeted the dwarf who bowed before him.
"Indeed Prince Legolas, it is an honour to work with your people especially since we're practically neighbours and all," the dwarf replied his laugh a deep rumble emanating from the stout barrel of his chest. "And how is your young son Your Highness?" the dwarf queried.
Legolas smiled. "He is well Master Gimli, in fact if you and your companions would like to join us for the evening meal you may see him then, he often dines with us now that he is taking more solid food," the prince explained.
"But Master Gimli, as soon as you and your colleagues are ready I would like to show you the walls in question," Aragorn interjected.
"A dwarf is always ready," Gimli stated firmly, his friends nodding in agreement, and Legolas hid a smile.
"Very well then gentlemen, if you would like to follow me, I will take you there myself," Aragorn said and glancing briefly at his mate he left the room, the dwarves following close behind him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aragorn had shown the dwarves most of the wall where he though repairs might be required however he'd left what he considered to be the worst affected area to last. The wall here seemed to have cracks throughout it, centering around a large dent which seemed to have been the work of some previous attacking army, many years in Gondor's past. It surprised the young king that no one had ever thought to check the stability of the walls before but then he himself had a unique viewpoint in that he had not been raised within the city of Gondor, had not been weaned on the great legends of how the city have staved off attack for centuries, no one being able to breach the walls.
"Ah, now here is something lads," Gimli said grinning with anticipation as he spied the damaged wall. "Aragorn is it possible to get on top of the wall we'd like to assess the damage from there as well," the dwarf asked.
Aragorn nodded and led the dwarves back into the city to access the top of the wall from within. The dwarves were soon happily banging away testing the resonance of the wall and how much they felt it could withstand. Aragorn stood in bemused silence watching them go about their business. There were very few people to witness their activity, for safety's sake there was some space kept between this outer wall and the beginning of the city, and this part of town had long been run down and deserted by all but the poorest of his citizens, something the young king hoped to remedy during his reign. His next project would be to rebuild the houses here for people to return to.
A sudden chill prickled at his senses and the king stood more alert looking around for what had disturbed his piece. His attention was caught by a long strip of black powder that seemed to trail into the deserted town below him, yet the powder seemed to be disappearing rapidly. His eyes could make out faint sparks that were chasing along the trail getting closer to the wall.
"Master Gimli," he called out, drawing the dwarf's attention to his presence at the edge of the wall. "What do you make of that?" he asked pointing down to the almost vanished trail of powder.
Gimli peered over the edge and froze in shock. It took a few precious seconds for him to rouse himself but as soon as he did he was moving.
"Get away from the edge laddie, quickly move, lads move, wizards fire," he yelled. The dwarves as one froze for a second before they were quickly in motion, their short but powerful legs moving them along the wall, but they were all too slow. A sudden crack seemed to fill the air, and Aragorn was confused for a moment as the floor beneath him began to writhe, and suddenly his feet were no longer on the ground and he was falling.
End of Chapter 8
Evil - moi? Noooooooo!!!!!!
Just a quick note for fellow Brits and anyone else who has the opportunity, although I think only Brits will get a lot of the 'in jokes' like cameos from Parky. Anyway to get back to the point go and see Love Actually. My friend and I had a great time watching it, and it's a perfect Christmas flick to get you feeling all warm and fuzzy.
Also if anyone here is from New York I wouldn't mind some advice on just what grade of warm weather clothing I need to pack for my weekend. I know the temp there is slightly colder than it is here in London at the moment.