To Ceixa, I'm so happy you like "my" Elrohir, he is one of my fav characters and I always imagine him as a loyal and passionate elf. Thanks for your post and please, keep reading.

To the Anonymous, yeah, too bad, he had to travel to High Woods, but he hadn't got another option. This one is a very sweet chapter, I guess. Thanks for reading and posting, keep reading.

THANKS A LOT to LOTHIRIEL for the beta reading, suggestions and patience, you help me a lot.

Well, here is number eight, with a special character. I tried to write a sweet and tender chapter, I hope it works.

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The pale moon showered the comfortable room with its silver light. Slumbering on the large bed, the golden prince of Mirkwood dreamt of pleasant memories - the last night he spent with his beloved king.

His mind travelled to the dark chambers of an old castle where they rested before the long trip to the town where the rebellion had started. Aragorn knew the rebels were men who didn't want him as their king, remains of the times when they fought in the detested war. He wanted to face them in person and show them what kind of king was ruling Gondor. Legolas had asked to join and help him and Aragorn had accepted his company gladly. He respected the blond elf as a warrior and loved him as he had never loved anyone before.

"How do you feel about tomorrow?" Legolas asked him as he rested his head on Aragorn's naked chest.

"They are just a few men, sent by enemies." He assured quietly as he gave his lover a tender look. He could smell Legolas' long blond hair, reminding him of the woods and flowers from the Elvish lands. "But I know perfectly how I feel tonight."

Legolas lifted his head and looked closely into the king's grey eyes. Aragorn couldn't resist it and pressed his lips onto Legolas' passionately. The Prince responded in the same way and they continued kissing as the King caressed his lover softly.

"I love you." The elf whispered tenderly when they separated their lips.

"Let me make love to you?" Aragorn asked excited as he lost himself in Legolas' sapphire eyes.

His lover regarded him, amused.

"You have to ask?" He said as Aragorn smiled gently at his lover's adored laugh.

"Because I thought you seemed a little distracted during dinner. So I thought, perhaps, you would be weary." He explained, waiting for Legolas' reply. The elf lowered his head, placing it on Aragorn's chest one more time.

"I was thinking about your promise." He said quietly after a while. The king moved nervously which made Legolas lift his head again and look at him questioningly.

"Give me more time, Legolas." He implored sadly. "My people, my kingdom would not understand. They were reluctant when I chose Arwen as my wife. They… they don't like… elves." He hoped the prince would understand but the blond elf sat up on the bed, looking out the window. Aragorn heard his lover's pained sighs and reached out a hand to stroke his long hair.

"You only say my name when something is wrong between us." Legolas' trembling voice made his heart jump with misery. The elf turned his face to him, tears streaking his pale cheeks. "It has been almost a year. We cannot keep our relationship as a secret much longer."

"My beloved elf." Aragorn tried to seem calm but there was pain in his eyes. "I love you with all my heart. You know that. But I am a king and …."

"Do not make excuses!" Legolas stood up fast and looked at him angrily. "You want to give me a speech about your duties and loyalty. But I remind you, before you start, I am not a simple elf. I have a family, a royal family."

"Legolas." Aragorn shook his head sorrowfully. "Forgive me. I forgot how much you have done for me." But the elf was still irritated.

"My father, my siblings, they are upset with me." Legolas said. "They don't say it but I can feel it. I feel it every time I announce my departure to Gondor. When I am return, I must deal with their inquiries. But I try not to think about it, because I think about you and how strong I believe our bond is." There was so much pain in his eyes. There were so many secrets, so many struggles. He had sworn to stay at his lover's side, against everything, even his beloved family. But now, right now, he thought that maybe he should not wait for the same from Aragorn.

The king didn't speak. He felt guilty as sorrow grew in his heart.

"I have been a fool, a selfish fool." Legolas glanced at him and saw the anguish in his grey eyes. He could sense Aragorn was being honest. "You sacrificed your life for us and I am so cowardly that I cannot say the truth to my people. I promise, Legolas, I swear I will speak. As soon as I return to Gondor, I will."

The prince remained standing but he moved slowly to the bed as the king offered him his hand. He took it gently and let Aragorn kiss his pale fingers. He lay down, resting his head on the pillow. The king wanted to cover him with the silver sheet but he refused. The man stayed awake, watching as his beloved elf fell in a deep sleep. When he thought Legolas was asleep, he kissed his forehead gently and caressed his chest tenderly. He moved his hand lower, holding it over the Elvish stomach, he sensed a strange energy from within.

"No." He whispered, looking at Legolas in shock. "It's impossible." He remembered Elrond explaining once how the elves' babes showed their presence inside the wombs though powerful rays of energy, a way of demonstrating their strength. Their mothers (or fathers, in occasional cases) could not always sense them. "They only show their presence to the one who they want." He whispered Elrond's wise words. Aragorn felt a wave of happiness growing inside him as he began to cry. "I swear, Legolas, for my own child, I will expose our love to the whole Middle Earth." He couldn't continue, the emotion in his heart was immense and didn't allow him. He kissed his lover's belly over his little child softly, not wanting to wake him. "My child, my heir. I do not care what everyone else wants, this child will be my heir and yours, my Legolas, my beloved."

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Hours later, Legolas was awakened by sunlight. He yawned contentedly in memory of the sweet dream he had had. But he could not understand why he had dreamt the last part. He was sure his lover died before he could know of his pregnancy. He thought perhaps it was his strong desire to share this truth with Aragorn that made him dream this part.

He got up surrounded by those memories and began to dress up quickly. Seven days had passed since the meeting with the messenger and he had to be ready to travel to High Woods with Elrohir.

His loyal friend was waiting for him in the principal chamber with Elladan. Ansieller joined them soon after.

"It is all set." Elladan announced after speaking to a servant. "You will arrive in a few hours, perhaps less." His brother nodded in satisfaction. "There is nothing to worry about, Legolas. My father said the men of Gondor are expecting you eagerly." He looked at the prince with sympathy as Legolas nodded in gratitude.

"We will see you later, Elladan. Take care of yourself and of Rivendell." Elrohir said as he shook his brother's hand affectionately and Legolas did the same.

Ansieller kissed her son's forehead and waved at Elrohir kindly.

"Everything will be fine. I can feel it." She assured Elladan softly as they watched Legolas and Elrohir leave Rivendell. But the young elf was still concerned.

Legolas and Elrohir rode quietly. They were dressed formally, Elrohir in deep blue and Legolas in light green.

Elladan explained that Queen Arwen and her ministers were awaiting them anxiously in High Woods. Elrond was there - he didn't expect a peaceful outcome from the meeting. He believed they were wasting their time, because Arwen would find a way to exact her revenge soon. He glanced at his daughter with sadness. He loved her with all his heart and her behaviour brought him more pain than his wife's long-ago departure.

Arwen didn't want to look at her father. She also loved him but her anger made her blind to all else. She felt betrayed by her husband during his life and now she thought her own family was protecting a traitor.

Abruptly, a scout arrived and announced that the two elves were near. The queen mounted her dark horse in readiness. Elrond stayed in place regarding the horizon expectantly.

A moment later, Legolas and Elrohir approached, riding calmly toward them. Elrond smiled gladly as he saw his son's loyalty to the Mirkwood prince. Legolas searched for Elrond and felt relieved as soon as he saw him. The Prince dismounted slowly, Elrohir remaining on his horse. He approached the crowd gracefully.

Arwen and her ministers dismounted quickly and awaited the elf in silence. Elrond extended his hand, gesturing to a place in the shade of a tree, prepared with ribbons and a carpet.

Legolas walked over to Elrond and remained standing. Elrohir watched the scene solemnly.

"I, Legolas Thranduilion, Prince of Mirkwood, swear I will not claim the throne of Gondor for my unborn child, unless the men of Gondor want her as their heir." He assured gravely, looking intently into the queen's eyes. He wished she finally would leave him raise his child in peace.

A minister approached Legolas and spoke in the name of Gondor:

"We accept your oath, Prince Legolas of Mirkwood. The peace is sealed."

The blond elf nodded at the minister as Elrohir sighed with relief. His concern grew when he looked at his daughter and read the deception in her blue eyes.

"Oh, my Arwen!" He thought sadly. "You cannot imagine how much I want to help you! But your attitude will bring ruin to Middle Earth."

Elrond had no more to do in Gondor and he returned to Rivendell with Elrohir and Legolas.

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Happiness reigned in Rivendell. After months of tension, there was finally peace. As night fell, the elves prepared a party.

Legolas didn't feel well after his oath-taking, because of the anxiety he had felt. He was nauseous, but nevertheless, he didn't want to miss the party. He sat quietly as he watched the others dance.

Hidden by the shadows, Elrohir watched his dear friend from a corner. As time passed, he understood that he could not repress his feelings for much longer. It was his father's advice the only thing that still held him in.

"Do you feel a little better?" Elrond asked as he smiled at the Prince paternally. Legolas shook his head tiredly. "You should rest. Sleep quiet and you will be fine tomorrow." The Lord offered his hand to Legolas. The Prince took it and stood up carefully.

"My body feels so very heavy." Legolas protested in frustration. Elrond grinned sympathetically.

They both were surprised when they saw Elrohir walking towards them.

"Do not worry, Legolas." The twin said quickly as he rested his hand on his friend's shoulder protectively. "I will join you, if you will accept my company one more time."

The blond elf laughed and let Elrohir guide him to his chambers.

Elrond remained silent as he looked at his son, worried.

"Sweet dreams, my friend." Elrohir wished aloud as he covered Legolas with the soft blanket. Legolas snuggled slowly into the bedcovers. He was weak from sickness. The twin rubbed the Prince's arm to comfort him and then laid his hand in the rounded stomach, tenderly. "Sweet dreams to you too, little princess."

Legolas smiled wearily, his eyes almost closed from exhaustion.

"I will send a guard to watch your door, Legolas. Call me if you need anything." Elrohir reminded him gently as he shut the door behind him.

"I love you so much." Elrohir sighed miserably, facing the closed door.

He began to walk toward his own chambers when he realized he had tears in his eyes. He lifted his hand to wipe them away when he saw his father approaching him.

"Father." He murmured.

"Elrohir." Elrond replied sweetly as he laid his hand on his son's shoulder. "I want you to know that I am here for you."

The twin swallowed hard.

"I do not know how much longer I can take it, Father."

"Perhaps if you speak about it." The lord suggested as he tried to guide him toward his chambers. "Come. We can talk now."

"No." He shook his head. "Thank you, but I will be fine." He turned his back and walked the opposite way.

Elrond just watched him as pain and concern grew in his soul.

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Several weeks later, Legolas woke up confused. Once again, he had had the same odd dream. His beloved king promised to reveal their deep love and then, after the elf fall asleep, he discovered their child's existence.

The prince sighed sadly. These memories only brought pain to his soul. He caressed his swollen stomach tenderly and closed his eyes. The babe moved gently, and he felt that she was trying to tell him she was there.

He got up slowly and opened an old box on the floor. His eyes moistened as he lifted his bow. He hadn't used it since Aragorn's death.

"Maybe it is time to leave behind these painful memories." He whispered as he examined his weapon intently.

Elrohir regarded his friend in surprise as Legolas went across the hall, toward the gardens. He hadn't had a peaceful night either. He had spent the night wide awake, searching for a way to control his strong feelings. Right now, as he rested his eyes on the prince, he made a decision.

"Legolas." He called him quickly as the blond elf turned to him. "Could we speak later?"

"Certainly." Legolas smiled warmly. Elrohir nodded pleased and continued watching his friend as Legolas walked into the gardens.

"It is now or never." Elrohir thought.

The fresh summer air surrounded Legolas as he let it caress him. He took an arrow from his quiver and pointed it toward an immense tree. Suddenly, his hands began to tremble. Finally, he fell on his knees wearily. Tears of anger and pain came from his eyes as he dropped the arrow and bow to the ground.

"I should have been there. But you didn't let me. I could have helped you. If you had let me fight, you… you would never have… died." He sobbed frantically. "Why, Aragorn? Why did I let you leave alone?"

Legolas was a warrior, a warrior prince, but he felt as if he would never be able to shoot an arrow again. He blamed himself for Aragorn's death. He fought so many times before, against armies, protecting the vulnerable. It was ironic - he had saved many people but not the person he loved the most.

Now, kneeling on the ground in despair, he remembered the last time he talked to Aragorn, just hours before his death.

"I am ready." The blond prince announced as he came into the king's chambers.

Aragorn regarded him tenderly.

"You look beautiful." He whispered as he approached Legolas and rested his lips on the pale cheek. The prince sighed as he tried to repress his growing desire.

"Your men are waiting, my love." Legolas said. All he really wanted to do was lay in bed with his perfect king. Aragorn realized he had to speak.

"Love, forgive me, but… I cannot let you go." He said sadly. Legolas arched his eyebrow, perplexed, and began to laugh.

"That is a joke, right?" He asked. Aragorn shook his head slowly. "What, then?"

"Legolas." Aragorn looked serious as the elf sighed in frustration. "I cannot let you go with me. It is not really dangerous. But if something happened to you, I don't know how I could live."

"What is wrong with you, Aragorn?" Legolas was angry. "I am going with you, like it or not." He replied as he turned back to leave. The king caught his arm firmly.

"No, please." He begged solemnly. "There is something you must know." Legolas looked at him surprised. "I cannot tell you now. But you have to believe me. I cannot let you go and if you knew the reason, you would not want to go either."

"So what is this special reason?" Legolas asked him irritably.

"I cannot tell you right now." Aragorn sighed sorrowfully. He wanted to share his secret with Legolas but he wanted to do it during a special moment, not before a fight. The elf's eyes were demanding the truth. "We will talk tonight, love. I promise."

"Aragorn, I'm going with you." He announced furiously, moving quickly, but the man's hand restrained him firmly.

"I said no, Legolas." This wasn't his lover's sweet voice, it was the voice of a leader. "I will command my men to not let you go." And then he added tenderly. "You will understand when we speak later."

"No, I understand now." Legolas shut his eyes as rage grew inside him. "I understand that I am not a warrior for you anymore. I am just your whore. The one who has to wait for you, lying on your bed, until you return." He pushed Aragorn away from him and walked to the door.

The king wished he could cry and tell him the truth but he just said softly, "I love you, Legolas."

The elf gazed at him angrily and left the room.

"I spent that morning practicing, near the castle. In the afternoon messengers brought the news of your death." Legolas remembered sadly, kneeling on the ground. It was so much pain for his broken heart! Suddenly he felt a kick from his abdomen and rubbed the area gently. "They hurt too much, these memories." He whispered talking to his daughter. "If only he would have told me why, I am sure he didn't see me as his whore." Then he realized something he hadn't thought of before. "At least he… knew you." He pressed his hand against his stomach in amazement. "He wouldn't tell me because he wanted it to be special." The babe replied with strong movement as Legolas smiled secretly. "What did you do that night, little one? Do not tell me you showed him you were here." The child moved slowly as if that was indeed what she was telling him. "You think you are a funny girl, don't you?" he looked down at his stomach kindly. "I love you, Aragorn." He whispered as he closed his eyes.

He felt new strength growing inside him. Standing up, he gathered his bow and arrows and began to shoot. The arrows travelled fast, one after another. Legolas felt alive again. Then he heard someone behind him. He turned quickly to see Elrohir.

"Legolas." His voice sounded strained. "Can we talk now?"

TBC