For the Love of the Golden Prince: III
Estel paced the path near the trees. The sun was beginning to sink as he did so, and he was worried. Where was Legolas? He had taken little notice of his brother's words, it was obvious that he was jealous of the attention Estel was receiving. And how could he not be, with a creature as beautiful as the Prince of Mirkwood confessing his love for the Man it was no wonder that the Elf was envious.
Estel heard a leaf crunch behind him. It was Legolas, his hair glinting with the fading light of the sun. His eyes were sparkling and his hand was outstretched. Estel took the offered hand as was pulled into the cover of the trees. His lips met the Elf's in the dark and this time the kiss was rough and passionate. The Elf moved hurriedly and quickly, his hands clutching the Man's body, almost bruising it as he did so. When he broke away, he whispered breathlessly; "where is this place? Lead the way, meleth nin."
Estel grasped the Prince's hand as he led the way through the trees to the clearing he knew of. In the dark, the trees and grass were dark green, almost black and the only light came from the new stars above. The ripple of a pool could be seen nearby, and the faint light of the stars lit the smooth rocks near it's surface. They were surrounded by trees, tall and straight, giving off the sweet scent of pines that infected each breath that they took. Above them was clear sky, a canvas of black pricked with white lights of stars. Estel led the Elf into the centre of the clearing.
He turned and spoke. "We are here, meleth nin."
The Elf did not reply except by pressing his lips to Estel's. The kiss was strong, but kind, and the Elf's lips were soft. Estel wrapped his arms around the creature's slender form, feeling the Prince reciprocate and copy his actions. The long hands crept to the Man's chest, fumbling with the ties that he found on the tunic. Estel let go of the Elf and helped him to pull off the tunic. Then he broke the kiss and, with help from Legolas, pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside. The clear, sparkling eyes of the Golden Elf roamed the young man's chest, taking in the flat plane of his stomach and the nipples peaked with the cold. Then he stepped back. He raised his hands to his head, unfastening the braids of his hair and shaking the glinting fluid gold around his shoulders. The he beckoned Estel forward. He instructed, in whisper, the Man to remove his dark tunic and shirt. When he had disposed of the garments, he turned back to the Man, golden tendrils of hair settling and sweeping along his bare shoulders.
Estel almost gasped at the beauty of the creature standing unashamed before him. His chest was smooth and the muscles defined. The Man longed to run his hands over the skin. Legolas took his hands and brought him close. Estel let his hands wander where they pleased as the Elf kissed him again, faster and with less care. The Elf began walking, pushing Estel backwards as he did so until they connected with the thick truck of a pine tree. The scent took over and the atmosphere changed. The sharp needles of the pine dug into Estel's back and the soft golden hair of the Prince tickled and swept across his chest. The man turned his face away from the kiss and gasped. The Elf grinned wickedly, his face lit by an eerie light that gave him a distinctly fiendish look.
Estel let his head fall back against the rough bark of the tree as the Elf kissed and licked the Man's chest. He sat up, however, when Legolas' hands began to slip underneath the fabric of his leggings. He looked down to find the Golden Prince swirling his tongue in and around the Man's navel whilst he took down the leggings with careful but experienced hands. Estel waited with baited breath for the Elf's reaction at what he would now find. Legolas smiled again and stood up again to his full height. He leant down to kiss the Man and took the young hands in his, placing them on his own hips. Then he let go and allowed Estel to rid him of the final garment himself.
Once both Man and Elf were naked, Legolas pulled Estel away from the tree and beckoned for him to sit on the grass underneath the scented boughs of the pine. The young man did as he was told, looking up nervously and awaiting the Elf's next action. The Prince sat in front of him, draping his legs over the Man's. He leaned to meet Estel's mouth and Estel met him halfway. He was craving for something from the Elf, although he could not explain what. He wanted the Prince's hands on him, where he was aching to be touched. But Legolas would not. Estel decided he needed some sort of release and instead took hold of the Elf's hands and brought them down to rest on his thighs. He could feel the Elf's lips smiling against his own. He broke the kiss.
"Is this what you would like, meleth?" he whispered. Estel sat nervously, the Elf had not moved an inch. Then suddenly, he took hold of the Man's length in both hands. Estel gasped, looking into the wicked, shining eyes of the Prince. The Elf's hands moved expertly, teasing touches, just as Estel had imagined. He almost could not believe what was happening to him. But at every touch and shiver of pleasure that ran through his body, Estel knew that all his dreams and fantasies were coming true at once.
The Elf, hands still working on the Man, whispered instructions to him. Estel did as he was told, lying flat on the soft grass. The Elf took hold of his legs and raised them, giving him access to what he wanted. Estel was trembling, with no idea as to what the Prince wanted him to do. He could not see the Elf's actions and soon raised his head to look. Legolas' hand met his chest and pushed him down. Then he placed his body above the Man's. Estel heard the Elvish whisperings but barely registered them. When the Elf entered him, swiftly and smoothly, Estel's first thought was of pain; real, stinging pain. Then, as Legolas kissed the closed lids of his eyes, encouraging them to open, the Man felt a sense of completeness, a sense of connection between himself and the Golden Prince. The Elf began to move and as Estel let his body relax, he felt incredible pleasure shooting straight through his body. The Elf had hold of him again and the rhythm of his touches matched the rhythm of his thrusts.
Together they reached their climax, Estel feeling more connected with anyone than he had ever felt in the whole of his young life. The Prince drew out of him and lay beside him, turning the Man to face him. He stroked wet strands of dark hair from the young man's forehead, a satisfied smile curling his perfect lips. Estel moved and kissed them. The touch was returned, the smile never leaving the Prince's lips.
"We must leave," the Elf said after he had ended the kiss.
Estel shook his head. "No," he said, "we cannot."
"Your father will be suspicious."
"But I would rather face his anger than be parted from you tonight," the Man said honestly. He looked into the dark pools of Legolas' eyes, pleading with him. The Elf nodded.
"I agree," he whispered. He drew Estel close to him. "Now, sleep. Dream sweet dreams and wake content."
"No dream or contentedness could ever match what I feel now," the Man whispered sleepily.
"Shhh," the Elf soothed. He began to stroke the dark waves of Estel's hair. The Man, feeling the gentle touches and hand placed safely around his waist, allowed his eyes to slip shut.
When morning came, loud and bright, Estel opened his eyes to find that he was alone. He blinked for a while then sat up and looked around him. Where was Legolas, his love? Had last night been merely a dream? Then his eyes fell upon the pool and the bathing creature there. As the Elf stood, his golden hair slipped smoothly down his back, between his shoulder blades, a river of shining gold only made more beautiful by the water soaking it.
Estel stood, for a moment surprised at how unashamed of his nakedness he was. He had always been a strong swimmer and decided now to surprise the Elf. He quietly slipped into the water and sped underwater to where the Prince was standing. He rose as quietly as he could manage and wrapped his arms around Legolas' waist, touching the bare shoulders with kisses. The Elf's head fell back, giving the Man access to the smooth, white throat and then those silky lips. The Elf turned, slipping his arms over the Man's shoulders and pushing him down into the water. Resting on their knees, the pair kissed tenderly, hands never still, swallowing the moans and gasps that their touches elicited.
When they finally broke away, the Elf looked into Estel's eyes. "We have no time," he said quietly.
"I wish that we did."
"Aye, I wish this day could last for an age. But, alas, it cannot," Legolas drew back. "You should leave before I," he instructed. "If questions arise, I shall say that I have only been walking. After all, walking in a forest full of dangers is not recommended for a Prince. The beauty of Imladris is a welcome change."
Estel smiled. Then a thought entered his mind. "But shall you find your way back without me? It was dark when we arrived, do you know the way out of the forest?"
The Elf answered without hesitation. "Then you shall lead me to the edge of the forest and leave me there. Return to your room and to your father and I shall come some time after."
Estel agreed. Together they bathed, helping each other to wash away the remnants of the last night and to once more touch each other's bodies before they must be parted again.
Legolas climbed out of the pool first, moving as though a vision across the dark grass, an unashamed and natural beauty in his naked state. He dressed with care, his movements mesmerising the Man. The gentle strokes on the clothing, if only to smooth it down, reminded Estel of the gentle touches and ministrations of the night before. The long, strong hands fastening clasps echoed of that night and the hands that had been placed on the Man's own body. For a moment he was lost in a trance of memories, eyes wide and not seeing what was really before him. Legolas woke him with a soft kiss to the cheek.
"Come," he whispered, "lead the way."
Estel took the Prince's hand and led him through the forest. They did not speak during this time, for Estel there were no more words to say. He was sad to leave the Prince but knew that it was right. He could not attract too much suspicion, especially with Elladan's jealousy. When the parted at the forest's edge, Estel kissed the hand of the Prince. Legolas lifted the Man's chin and leant down slightly to place a tender kiss on Estel's lips and another on his cheek.
"Namaarie," he whispered.
Estel bid him farewell and started walking. He looked back after a few steps to see the Golden Elf standing tall and proud, a smile on his fair face. To Estel it seemed perfectly content and pleased with everything. If Elladan had been with him, he would have said it was a smile of triumph.
The Man took the long route home in order to pass away from the main entrance to his father's quarters and to avoid suspicion. He climbed a tree outside the window to his room, a route he had used many times before, and dropped in undisturbed and without detection. He sat on the edge of his bed, remembering the night before. His eyes drifted shut as he traced with his fingers the shape of the Elf's kiss on his lips. He licked his lips and fancied he could taste the Elf's sweet taste painted onto them. Then he snapped back to attention and set about arranging the room so as to make it appear as though he had spent the night there. He ruffled the sheets on his bed and changed his clothes, dropping them to the floor and instead putting on his nightclothes. He had already set out books and paper on the desk and now he seated himself there, rifling through the objects. He could hear steps along the corridor to his chamber. He ruffled his hair and rubbed his eyes. The door opened.
"Master Estel?" a tall female Elf stepped through the door. She gasped. "Estel!" she scolded. "Fancy still sleeping at this hour! It is a beautiful day, you should be out enjoying yourself. Come, stand up, Lord Elrond sent me to fetch you. Whatever will he think?"
Estel obeyed, pretending to yawn and then gesturing to his desk. "I am sorry, Elenya," he said, "but I was awake so late with my studies and reading that I slept for too long."
"Well, your father told me you were working," she said, fussing over the clothes strewn on the floor. "He said that you missed supper last night in order to do so. You cannot give up food and sleep for your studies, young master, it is not good for you!"
"I know," Estel said, fighting back a smile. He took the clothes from Elenya and began to fold them. "Why does my father wish to see me?" he asked.
Elenya shrugged. "I do not know, he would not tell me," she replied. "Although," she lowered her voice and leaned closer to the Man, "I believe it has something to do with Prince Legolas. I hear he came to ask your father to bargain with Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel of Lorien."
Elenya spoke of all she knew and Estel listened carefully. It had suddenly become apparent to the young Man that he did not know the reason for his lover's stay. However, much of Elenya's tale seemed unimportant speculation and so was not of much use. After folding his clothes, he handed them to the Elf, who neatly put them away and fetched a new set for him to wear. She left the room while he dressed and when he opened the door, she took him down to the library to speak with Lord Elrond.
The regal Elf was standing with his back to the door when they entered. Elenya pushed him forward and then closed the door behind her as she left. Estel cleared his throat.
"Ah, Estel," Elrond acknowledged as he turned around. "I trust your studies went well?"
"Yes, Ada. I worked long into the night, Elenya had to wake me," Estel answered.
Elrond raised his eyebrows. "Really? What was so interesting that kept you up all night long?"
Estel felt a blush rise to his cheeks and looked down to the floor. He quickly cast his mind back to the books he had poured onto the desk.
"The history of Mirkwood," he said. It was one of the books on his desk, the Man having made a mental note to find out more about the Prince's homeland, but he did wish that he had remembered something else.
Elrond nodded. "Indeed. Certainly an interesting subject. And a topical one with the forest's Prince staying with us, is it not? What did you learn?"
Estel bit his lip. Pages, pages, what page did he open the book at? Thinking of Mirkwood only brought back memories of the Prince. What did Legolas say?
"I had started reading about the giant spiders when I fell asleep," he blurted out.
"Oh, yes," Elrond said, "the spiders. I believe the book you have borrowed does not give much information on them. Perhaps you should ask Legolas?"
"I may, Ada, if he wishes to speak with me on the subject," Estel replied, relieved now he was back on a topic he could speak freely on. He could speak of Legolas all day.
"Well, you may have the chance today. Sit down, Estel, I wish to ask you something," the Elf Lord gestured to a chair. Estel sat down and looked up at his father, curious.
"You may have heard," Elrond began, "why the Prince is here. He wishes for me to ask the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood a favour for his father. Thranduil feels that the threat of Dol Guldor is too near and too great. He also feels that his armies are too few to handle the problem. Now, if Imladris had an army of it's own, which of course it does not, I would be glad to help him. But for that reason, and as Thranduil wishes for more immediate help from a nearer community, I have been asked to speak with the Lord and Lady and ask for their aid. What do you think I should do?"
Estel was taken aback. Elrond had never spoken of such things to him before. "Well," he struggled, "perhaps...perhaps you should find out more? What threat does Dol Guldor pose? And why does the King feel that he needs help to deal with it? I am sorry, Ada, I do not feel that I can help you. Maybe Elladan- "
"No, no," Elrond shook his head, "I do not feel the need to ask Elladan for help. You are doing a fine job, Estel. One day you shall be grown and have to make decisions such as these yourself, sometimes without help. I feel you need the practice. Elladan and Elrohir have had enough over the many years. It is now your turn. Besides, I feel this needs a different perspective, a younger mind. I am too caught up in loyalty and worry, you are not." He paused to consider.
"Your idea is wise," he said, smiling. "And that is exactly what I shall do. Perhaps find out how much Legolas knows of this threat. Thank you, Estel, you have been most helpful. It is almost pitiful, is is not, that I cannot think of such a thing myself?
"Well, I shall ask one more thing of you before I allow you to return to your studies, or to the sunshine, whichever you wish for. Could you fetch the Prince for me, Estel? Go to his quarters by the outer courtyard and bring him to me here. If I am not here, I shall be in my study. Bring him in."
"The outer courtyard?" Estel asked, his thirst for this knowledge finally getting the better of him.
Elrond nodded. "Yes, the outer courtyard beside the pine forest's edge. Away from the disturbances of Imladris. His room faces the mountains, looking away from the courtyard. There is only one door. Do you know where I mean?"
Estel certainly did. "Yes, Ada," he said, standing up and making for the door. He paused, hand on the iron handle and turned. "Thank you for letting me help you," he said earnestly.
"You did a wonderful job. Hannon le, Estel. Now go!"
Estel ran from the room and to the courtyard his father had described. It was very quiet and Estel began to wonder why the Elf had not decided to continue their 'meeting' there. He dismissed the thought and approached the large wooden door, smoothing down his clothes as he did so. Then he knocked on the door.
When the door was open, Estel had to hold back a gasp. The Elf was the image of perfection. His golden hair hung long and untamed, a breeze lifting stray strands and pulling and pushing them around his face. His cobalt blue eyes glittering and dancing, a smile lit his face as he reached out a hand and pulled the Man into his chambers.
Estel smiled as the Prince's lips met his and the long hands pushed him back against the door. The Elf kissed him roughly and Estel responded with equal passion. Once Legolas broke away, Estel placed a hand on his soft mouth.
"I have been sent by my father," he said quietly.
Legolas took a step back.
"He sent me to bring you to him," Estel continued. "Will you come with me?"
The Elf looked suspicious. "Why does he wish to speak with me?"
"He wants to know more about your father's request."
A look of discomfort crossed Legolas' face. "Then I must go," he said somewhat wearily. He made to step past Estel towards the door but the Man stopped him.
"When can we meet again? I have missed you."
"I too have longed for you," the Elf replied, a faint smile curving his lips. "Wait for me," he instructed. "Stay here until I return. I shall tell you father that you did not escort me as you wished to walk awhile. When I am back," he leaned down to place a soft kiss on Estel's lips, "we can continue this."
Estel stepped aside and allowed to Elf to leave. He watched the door close behind the fair creature and then looked about the room. It seemed immaculate and unlived-in. He walked across the cold floor, running his hands over the surfaces and occasionally brushing past the Prince's possessions. A book here, a small bottle there. Estel opened bottles, the scent contained within reminded him of the Prince and he took deep breaths; he glanced at passages in books; he stroked the satiny fabric of Legolas' clothes. He spent his day immersing himself in the Prince's world, in his belongings. He hardly noticed the time it took for the Prince to return.
Legolas slammed the door behind him, anger plain on his face.
"What is it?" Estel asked, always honest and jumping to his feet to see the Elf.
Legolas threw himself down onto the bed. "I fear that your father shall not grant my request," he said bitterly. "And then my father will not be pleased."
"What did he say? I am sure he- "
"Estel!" Legolas said sharply. "I do not wish to talk of such things now. They are of little importance when we are together. Come." He beckoned for Estel to join him on the bed.
Estel sat lightly beside the Prince, who immediately set about removing the Man's clothes with nimble fingers. Estel copied the Prince's actions, eager to see the beauty of the Golden Prince once more. Legolas captured his mouth in a rough kiss and Estel felt the change in his body. He wanted nothing more than to become one with the Prince again and as the Elf pushed him down onto the bed he could not help but smile at what he knew was happening. He helped the Prince remove the last garments of clothing from their eager bodies and then looked up into the Elf's soft indigo eyes. He reached out a tentative hand and began to stroke the Prince's length. Legolas tipped his head backwards, his silky hair tumbling down his back. When he was satisfied he pushed away the Man's hands and repeated the actions. Then he gently laid Estel on his back and prepared him, using gentle hands and soft whispers.
He slipped into Estel's young body and the Man closed his eyes. The overwhelming sense of union and sparks of pleasure between himself and the Golden Prince were enough to send him into ecstasy and it was not long before they had both reached their climax and were lying beside each other, panting and satisfied. Estel pressed his lips to Legolas' in a loving kiss and wrapped his arms around the Prince's body, now warm and welcoming. Legolas held him close, his lips planting small kisses on the Man's skin. Estel could feel the Elf smiling.