Linilya elf – Glad you liked the chapter. It'll get a little more intense in the next couple of chapters. This one's not too bad, with a little more Leggy lovin'. Yeah, I kinda pictured him not wanting the crown and that's why he's always wandering around and not doing his princely duties (whatever they might be, who knows).
Spotnmushlover246 – Yeah, but it's not over yet. You'll see. :o)
SofiaB – I'd be scared too if it were me being thrown into royalty all of a sudden. Let's see how she handles it.
A/N 1 – In case anyone wonders, mellyrn is plural for mallorn.
A/N 2 - Legolas makes reference to the Necromancer in this chapter. For all you die-hard LOTR history fans, as quoted on the "Council of Elrond" website, 'The Necromancer was the source of evil at Dol Guldur in the center of Mirkwood during the middle of the Third Age. He was at first thought by the Wise to be one of the Nazgul, but in Third Age 2850, Gandalf discovered that the Necromancer was Sauron himself. After being discovered, the Necromancer/Sauron moved to Barad-dûr in 2941 after the White Council (including Gandalf) drove him out of Dol Guldur. In 2951, Sauron sent three of the Nazgul to occupy Dol Guldur before the War of the Ring.' With that in mind, I'm dating my story to be around TA 3008, since the forming of the Fellowship at the Council of Elrond happened in 3018. And that's our history lesson for today. There will be a quiz later on. Hehe…just kidding.
WARNING – You'll find some graphic sexual content near the end of this chapter. Skip it if you want.
Chapter 15 – The True Bond
Legolas descended the steps into Lady Galadriel's garden with Aleera. They had gone down in their bare feet as was advised by a Lothlorien elf at the top of the steps. The bottom of Legolas's feet came in contact with the cool moss covering the steps and he glanced up with a smile at the mighty mellyrn that spoke to him in whispers, daring him to climb their branches.
Aleera giggled beside him. "Do you really have plans to climb a mallorn?" She knew what the mellyrn said to him.
"O ýr," he said with a wink. (of course)
At the bottom of the steps, they walked upon the rich lawn of the garden. Aleera recalled coming here so many times, mostly when she felt troubled. Being there always made her troubles seem to evaporate. She took Legolas's hand and led him to a small pool of water. When Galadriel was present, the pool of water turned into a mirror that revealed the past, present or future of the one looking into it. Aleera had always been fascinated by it, but had never experienced it herself. She hoped that it was not the reason Galadriel called them to her garden. As much as she wanted to know what the future held for her and Legolas, she cared not to know if anything tragic would be occurring.
Legolas turned his gaze to Aleera. She was radiant even in the dim shadows of the mellyrn. He reached up to caress her cheek and when she gave him a small smile, he leaned over and kissed her lips affectionately. One kiss led to another and his hand drifted from her face, down along her arm and around her waist where he pulled her closer against him.
Lady Galadriel descended the steps, observing their exchange near the pool of water. They pulled away slowly and turned toward her as she approached them. Galadriel decided to acknowledge Aleera's earlier thought. "The mirror reveals many things, Aleera. It can reveal what lies in the path you have chosen."
Aleera exchanged a quick glance with Legolas before she turned her gaze back to the Lady. "Nay, I will allow the future to come as it may."
Galadriel smiled. "As you wish." She gazed at Legolas. "Ask your questions, Legolas of Mirkwood."
Legolas took a deep breath. "I know very little about bonding, my lady. Tell me how it is possible that a bond formed between Aleera and I in so short a time?"
"Destiny has brought you together when no other way would you have met. The fact that Seledred denounced Aleera's love, that he gave her to a band of Orcs, that the Orcs sold her to the Kozari ruler. The fact that you left Mirkwood to visit Aragorn when you still had responsibilities to tend to, that you accompanied Aragorn in his travels, that you traveled to Kozar, that you chose the room directly beside Aleera's."
"What is the reason?" asked Aleera.
"The reason will be clear to you in time. Unnaturally intense circumstances drew you together to seek comfort with one another. The bond you have is true and strong. Do I sense correctly in that you still feel severe pain when separated?"
"Aye," Legolas and Aleera replied in unison.
"It is unnatural for the pain of separation to last this long. Again, there is a reason for this."
"Can we know the answer?" asked Legolas.
"The answer may be closer than you think, Legolas."
Legolas wondered why Lady Galadriel did not just come out and tell him what he needed to know. Her answers only seemed to form more questions in his mind and it served to frustrate him even more.
Galadriel sensed Legolas's desire for complete answers. But after discussing matters with Celeborn, he thought it best to not disclose the main reason for their bonding. The course of things would change for the worse if they had that knowledge in advance.
"Where do we go from here?" asked Legolas.
"Return to Mirkwood with Aleera at your side."
The thought of revealing to his father that he had bonded with an elleth of Lothlorien made Legolas's heart sink. He had not bothered to think through any of the consequences. Thranduil would not be pleased with him. "What will that accomplish?"
Galadriel's eyes seemed to glaze over briefly. "I sense an evil force moving toward Mirkwood."
"As you must know, my lady, evil lurks in the woods of Mirkwood at all times. It is nothing new."
"This evil will come from the northwest…over a great desert."
Legolas was rendered speechless. The desert? He immediately understood what the threat was. The Kozari. They were going to invade Mirkwood. With news of an invasion coming to their home, most anyone would have been fearful. Not Legolas. He lived for the excitement of battle and he felt the adrenaline rushing through him at the prospect of sinking an arrow between the eyes of his enemies. He decided that he needed to consult with Aragorn as soon as possible.
Aleera looked at Legolas. His blue eyes widened and seemed to light up excitedly. Then a crooked smile came to his lips. Without another word, she watched him suddenly move away and bolt up the steps. "Legolas!" But he was gone in seconds, ignoring the sudden rush of pain she felt at his departure.
King Thranduil was bored to tears as he tried to feign interest in the happenings of Mirkwood. A giant spider nest was found and burned in the southeast sector just inside of East Bight. Twelve Orcs were killed in the Narrows of the Forest where they had been cutting down trees. More Orcs were killed on the northwestern foot of the Mountains of Mirkwood. The Orc population in Dol Guldur was reported to be increasing and sightings of Nazgul were also reported. A band of Beornings sought permission to use the Old Forest Road as a quick route to travel to Rhûn. Lake-Town requested funds and aid to build a new Hall after it had been smashed by Orcs and a rampaging cave troll. An Istari named Radagast wanted freedom to build a homestead in Rhosgobel, on the western borders of Mirkwood. It went on and on and on. The only topic that actually peaked Thranduil's interest was the Nazgul sightings in Dol Guldur. And even then he had little to say about it.
In many ways, Thranduil was much like his rebellious son, Legolas. Both sought to be in the midst of battle. Thranduil would have been happy leading his armies into the thick of things, but the death of his father, Orophor, forced him into the crown sooner than he had wanted. And Legolas was ten times worse, shunning his duties in search of skirmishes that sated his blood-lust. When meetings were called to discuss the tedious matters of the kingdom, Legolas seemed to always disappear without a trace. Then he simply waited for the orders to be given to the guards and he always led them out.
Dagnir, the captain of the guard, knew his king went through the motions everyday, listening to the daily happenings of Mirkwood, but not truly engaging much curiosity. Not that the king wished to see his people come to any harm, but Dagnir often sensed that Thranduil longed for something significant to threaten Mirkwood, and not just the minor scuffles involving small bands of Orcs and giant spiders.
And then it happened…
Emlin, second in command, entered Thranduil's Hall and rushed passed Mirkwood citizens coming to pay homage to their king.
Seeing the determination on the face of Emlin, Thranduil straightened up in his throne and gestured to those in front of him to stand aside.
"Aran nín," said Emlin with a quick bow. (my king)
Thranduil understood Emlin's desire to speak privately. The hall was full of Mirkwood citizens, which was far too many ears for certain matters. A quick glance at Dagnir had the captain rise and call for the hall to be emptied. It happened expediently and without complaint. When the doors to the hall were closed, Thranduil turned his attention to Emlin, sensing the urgency in the other elf.
"Our scouts in the Grey Mountains have witnessed a group of Orcs making their way east to Withered Heath. Among them ride nearly two hundred men."
Thranduil rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Men? Are they Dúnedain?"
"Nay, hîr nín. They are unlike any men I know. Their horses are small and swift." (my lord)
Thranduil turned to Dagnir. "Men rarely travel on the northern side of the Grey Mountains and they do not travel in the company of Orcs."
Dagnir pondered for a moment. "If they head for Withered Heath, it is likely to gather more troops."
Thranduil nodded slowly. "Im matho dagor nef Mirkwood." (I sense an assault on Mirkwood)
"A just assumption, hîr nín," said Emlin. "What will you have me do?" (my lord)
"Discover their intent," ordered Thranduil.
"Sui le iest, Aran nín," replied Emlin with a nod of his head. (as you wish, my king)
As Emlin hastily departed to do his king's bidding, Dagnir turned to Thranduil. "What of Legolas? Shall I seek him out?"
"Nay, it will not be necessary. Alag e innas na telli." (He will be coming soon)
Dagnir did not know how Thranduil knew the whereabouts of his errant son or how he knew he would be returning to Mirkwood soon. But it seemed that whenever trouble came to Mirkwood, Prince Legolas always arrived just in time to help in quelling the threat.
"Rain from a cloudless sky?" asked Lord Celeborn, who was seated beside his wife, Lady Galadriel. "What threat is that to an army of elves?"
Aragorn exchanged a quick glance with Legolas. "I never said it was a threat. I am merely pointing out that they have wizards with power, but all the Kozari ruler mentioned was rain."
Legolas decided to interject, no offense to Aragorn. "Their wizardry is not what concerns me, my lord. It is apparent that Hurrnäd had dealings with Orcs."
"You are so certain of this?" asked Celeborn.
Legolas did not want to sit there and argue over who would be going to Mirkwood with him. Whether Celeborn aided or not, it made no difference to him. But he needed to make the effort since it had been Lord Elrond's wish. "Let us for the moment forget the fact that an elf traitor gave Aleera to Orcs, which is beyond my principle of reasoning. And then she was bartered to the Kozari ruler by those same Orcs. I have battled many Orcs and I know them well enough to recognize that they would not give up anything willingly. Nor do I believe for a moment that the Kozari ruler won a battle against those Orcs and found Aleera among them, slightly harmed but not violated."
"Why do you think that?" asked Celeborn.
A smile came to Legolas's lips as he recalled how the Kozari ruler was fascinated and impressed with his archery skills. "They are weak-minded. I sensed Hurrnäd's treachery from the start. I knew not what dealings he had with Orcs, but when he denied the dealings, I clearly sensed that he lied. Aleera may not be the first female bartered to the Kozari by Orcs."
Celeborn gave Legolas's words some thought. "Galadriel spoke to me of your far from ordinary elven senses, Legolas. They must serve you well during battle."
"Hain car." (they do)
"So it is your belief that the Kozari are in collaboration with the Orcs?'
"Aye and as a unified group they will march against Mirkwood."
Glorfindel spoke for the first time since they all sat together an hour earlier. "Our grudges must be cast aside, Lord Celeborn. Let us aid the elves of Mirkwood."
Celeborn turned to Glorfindel. "I have no grudge against Thranduil. I find it difficult to comprehend why men would merge forces with Orcs."
"They are not men," added Legolas. "They are Kozari." He said the word with unrepented disgust.
Celeborn turned back to Legolas and thought a moment more. "What do you seek from Lothlorien?"
Legolas regarded the Lord of Lothlorien, sensing what was in the other elf's mind. "Lord Elrond mentioned you might be willing to send a force to aid Mirkwood. But I understand if you do not wish to risk your people."
Celeborn remained silent. Only a moment ago had he made the observation about the possible loss of life to his people and the wood elf sensed it. His wife indeed had mentioned those special traits in Legolas, but he had just witnessed them firsthand. Legolas was watching him now, studying his expression.
Legolas continued. "I am not pleading for aid, my lord. Since the Grey Mountains cannot be easily traversed, the Kozari will head east around Withered Heath. There they will have an opportunity to gain an additional three hundred Orcs. If we rid ourselves of them all now, we can later concentrate our efforts on Dol Guldur and the Nazguls ordered there by the Necromancer, for I know they are a constant threat to Lothlorien. Our joined forces will guarantee our success in their elimination." Legolas thought his father would be proud of the way he was negotiating with the lord of Lothlorien. "What say you?"
Celeborn glanced around the table. Sitting beside Glorfindel were his grandchildren, Arwen, Elladan and Elrohir, born from his daughter Celebrían, who had sailed to Valinor many years ago. Beside Arwen was the Dúnedain man. Being of the Dúnedain, Aragorn lived three times longer than ordinary men. His age of over sixty did not show on his youthful bearded features. Also with them was Galadron, who sat beside his daughter, Aleera. She had unexpectedly bonded with Legolas and would be following him back to Mirkwood.
"I will be traveling to Mirkwood with my daughter, my lord," said Galadron when he saw Celeborn's eyes meet his. "My son, Celegmin and I will aid the prince in his effort to rid us of the growing Orc threat."
Legolas was not surprised that Galadron volunteered. Now that he had a chance to truly feel out Aleera's father, Legolas sensed the other elf's desire to prove he supported their union. He turned to Galadron and gave him a smile and a tilt of his head in acknowledgement.
"To attest that I favor our alliance, I will also accompany you to Mirkwood," said Celeborn finally. "As will Haldir, my march warden."
But Legolas had already sensed his decision and he also gave Celeborn a respectful nod in acknowledgement.
"Do you think it wise to leave Lothlorien unprotected?" asked Glorfindel.
"Lothlorien is protected for the time being," stated Galadriel. "The enemy's attention is centered elsewhere."
Aragorn stood up. "It's settled then. We'll leave at first light."
When the meeting ended, Aleera took Legolas to a place she used to go from the cover of the mellyrn to watch the sunset from atop the green wall surrounding the large mound of Caras Galadon. On this particular day it was raining heavily and the dark clouds covered all signs of the sun setting in the west.
They were far enough away from any talans to feel secure that no one watched them. When Legolas started to unclasp his tunic, Aleera knew what he wanted. His eyes met hers as she lifted her gown up over her head, revealing that she wore nothing underneath.
"Tolo si, penneth nin," he beckoned to her as he worked on removing his boots and leggings. (come here, my little one)
"Not until I have danced in the rain," Aleera replied with a cheerful grin. She knew he watched her as she edged out from the protection of the mellyrn and raised her face up to the pelting rain. It felt cool and refreshing on her exposed skin. She stretched her arms out and twirled around.
Legolas sat down on the ground and leaned his back against a mallorn, his legs stretched out in front of him with ankles crossed. He continued to watch her with amused interest. When she slowly began to move toward him, his eyes admired every inch of her with appreciation and it quickly affected him.
Not wanting to torture him for too long when she reached him, Aleera placed her feet on either side of him and lowered herself onto his thighs. She slid her hands up along his bare chest and moved closer to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I fear the rain has made me wet," she teased.
Legolas smiled to himself as he held her against him. "I do not mind you wet. Ú-na pân." (not at all)
Aleera pulled away from him and he brought his hands up to her face, pulling her in for a passionate kiss. The more she tasted, the more she wanted. She also knew that there would not be any moments like this while they traveled to Mirkwood. Her whole family would be traveling with her and Legolas. She traced the sensitive tips of his ears with her fingers and he moaned softly against her lips. He followed her example and touched her ears as well. As they continued to kiss in this manner, she could feel his arousal pressing against her open thighs. She moved her hips to rub herself against it, creating the friction that made both of them groan.
Legolas bent his legs upward and when he released her lips, he maneuvered her back against his legs. His hands moved down to her breasts briefly before he quickly headed further south to her damp center. She gasped and closed her eyes, her head falling back. He leaned forward and brushed his lips over her throat, kissing and licking her damp skin. His mouth soon found her peaks and he relished in the soft moans coming from her.
It was not long before Legolas's probing fingers sent Aleera into a wave of pleasure. And just as she climaxed, he raised her up slightly and slid himself inside her with little effort and a blissful groan. Then they moved together, with her rolling and him pumping. With her climax yet to die down, she concentrated on the sweet sensations caused by their joined bodies. Within a matter of seconds Legolas found his release quickly and was joining her cries of pleasure.
When it was over, they held each other tightly, arms wrapped around each other in silent comfort. The sound of the rain pelting the leaves around them was lulling. The only other sounds were birds chirping happily and the occasional comment from the curious mellyrn. But a response was not necessary. The trees were always curious of the behavior of the two-legged creatures that walked and lived among them.
Aleera broke the silence after a few moments. "What we have together frightens me, Legolas."
Legolas pulled back to look into her eyes. "Why does it frighten you?"
"We have become so close in such a short time. I had known Seledred for many years and even as he courted me, I never allowed him to kiss me, much less touch me in any intimate way."
"Of that I am glad," he said with a smile.
She returned his smile. "As am I."
Legolas reached up to brush the hair from her face. "We have an eternity ahead of us."
"Arwen told me that our bond draws us intimately to each other."
"In all likelihood, her assumption may be accurate." When Aleera kissed him hard, Legolas responded without hesitation. He wanted to spend the rest of the night there with her, but knew he needed to return her to her family. There would be no opportunity for any private moments on the way to Mirkwood with her family traveling with them. But Legolas was glad they were making the trip. It told him that they accepted him into their lives. He wanted to prove to them that he accepted them as well and whether his father approved or not, Aleera's family would be well taken care of in Mirkwood while they were there. Legolas would make sure of it.