The Lost City Of Cirus
Author's Note:
Hopefully myupdatingis getting betterbut if I slack off it can be blamed on work and my social life, can't blame Uni yet though cause I don't go back for like another two months. A special thank you to Meadowsweet1363 for your always glowing reviews, without them I don't think I could go on.
Anyway here's the next chapter, slightly longer than usual for your enjoyment. Please read and review.
Twenty
Aglarond's farewell and Gondor's Welcome
Legolas was shocked to find himself waking up before Aquila. By this fact he concluded it must still be before dawn for no matter how much they wished it, no Roc could sleep through the call of the morning.
Not wishing to wake Aquila, as he knew she desperately needed sleep after the flight here, Legolas closed his eyes and attempted to go back to sleep. He was far from successful though. As soon as he shut his eyes the events of the night before played through his mind. The way she had felt around him, her body writhing beneath him. It had been better than he'd ever imagined and his body was already reacting to the images replaying in his mind.
He moaned quietly and tightened his grip on her waist. As the memories continued to heat his blood he began to slowly undulate against her, desperately seeking some sort of friction to ease the throbbing in his groin.
Aquila woke as she felt Legolas gyrating against her and something obvious poking into her back. She smiled and repositioned herself so that his length slipped between her legs. She heard a soft groan escape his lips and his thrusting became more purposeful.
Legolas however, was not entirely satisfied, even with the increased friction he was getting from her legs. He wanted to be inside her again and so rolled her onto her stomach as he lay atop her.
His weight upon her back pressed her into the plush furs and she felt his hands tracing the curves of her body until they came to rest on her hips. She turned her head to the side in order to speak.
"Legolas." Her voice was barely above a whisper and Legolas had to press himself along the length of her back in order to get close enough to hear her.
"What is it?" he whispered back as his touch fluttered over her hips.
"I need to feel you inside of me." She finished with a soft gasp.
Legolas chuckled quietly and tightened his grip on her hips. He then shifted his weight from her back to kneel between her legs. He pulled her hips back to meet his and, with one hand about her waist to hold her to him, he used the other hand to encourage her to lift her upper-body to press against his front.
Once she was effectively kneeling, straddling his lap as he knelt beneath her, her back pressed to his chest he moved both hands back to her hips. Lifting her slightly he positioned himself at her opening and thrust firmly into her from behind, burring himself to the hilt within her.
"Oh…yes" she gasped and allowed her head to roll back against Legolas' shoulder.
He then used his grip on her hips to pull her down to meet him as he thrust up into her. Aquila was soon moaning loudly and pushing herself down to meet him. As she began to do so Legolas allowed a hand to wander up to her breasts where he massaged them to Aquila's obvious delight. She threw an arm behind her to grip Legolas' shoulder for support as his thrusts increased in pace.
Then Aquila was holding desperately onto Legolas as she rode out the intense pleasure that was cascading over her. She felt Legolas still behind her as he tossed his golden hair back and called her name as he climaxed.
Still panting, their bodies glistening with sweat, two shocked pairs of eyes flicked to the heavy door as it swung open on slightly rusty hinges.
"Legolas I just thought I come tell you that…" Gimli stood wide-eyed in the doorway as he quickly realized that he'd stumbled upon the two in the most intimate of embraces.
Dwarves are not easily embarrassed but Gimli blushed red behind his beard as he quickly turned on his heel.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't realize…I'm sorry." He quickly shut the door behind him.
Legolas sighed heavily and called out to his friend.
"Gimli! Wait!" He paused a moment and heard heavy footsteps shuffle back towards the door. "What is it that you wanted my friend?"
"Well." Gimli coughed loudly from behind the door. "I was just coming to inform you that if you aren't quick about it there will be little left to eat at breakfast." A long silence hung in the air, during which no one moved. "You know, if you two had wanted to share sleeping quarters, all you had to do was ask." Even though the door the Dwarf sounded smug and both Legolas and Aquila couldn't help smiling.
They heard the Dwarf's footsteps shuffle off down the hall before disengaging themselves from each other and setting about making themselves presentable for breakfast. After changing into her Half form Aquila headed back to her room to retrieve her silken scarf, but not before a exchanging a heated kiss with Mirkwood's Prince.
Once she'd left Legolas set about dressing himself, making sure the ring his father had given him was still safe and secure in his outer tunic's pocket.
Elrond knew the horses were growing weary and he hated to push them so hard but he also knew that if they kept up this pace they should be able to reach Minas Tirith by midday.
They urged the horses up the hill rising before them and as they mounted its crest they could see Gondor's capital in the distance. Pandion smiled over at Elrond before pulling the hood of his cloak up over his head.
"Almost there Lord Elrond."
"Yes. I only hope we're in time."
"Race you there?" Pandion enquired with a sly smile before flicking his horse's reins and taking off at top speed toward the city.
Elrond laughed out loud before taking off after the Prince. How was it that even in the thick of it all that Roc still found a way to have fun? He would certainly keep him busy, of that Elrond was sure.
Elrond closed in on Pandion as the Roc eased up his pace to allow the Elf to catch up, in order to make the race more interesting.
From the lookout towers along the high walls of Minas Tirith a guard spotted the two swiftly approaching beasts. He called out to the others with him to take a look. The two horses were approaching fast but were still too far away for them to determine who was riding them.
Either way two men mounted on horses posed little threat to the city but after the fearful flight of the four Elves they'd seen the day before this could mean anything. The guard who'd first spotted them sent one of the other guards with him to retrieve Aragorn and Mithrandir, who had returned to the city only days after leaving with a large majority of Rohan's forces, including it's King.
Moments later, along with Aragorn and Gandalf, came Eomer and Faramir. They followed the guard's pointed finger to where the two horses were becoming more and more clear to the men's eyes.
"Do you think it could be Elrond?" Aragorn questioned Gandalf.
"I would sat it was very possible, but then who is that with him?"
"Aquila." Aragorn squinted his eyes to try and better make out the cloaked figure atop the other horse. "They're wearing a dark hooded cloak, it could very well be her."
"But then where is Legolas?" Gandalf looked worried and so did Aragorn.
"Perhaps he went on to Mirkwood alone?" Aragorn was desperate to explain the absence of his friend.
"Aquila is the Roc you were telling us about Aragorn?" Faramir questioned, trying to draw his friend's attention from the topic of Legolas' absence.
"Yes, she is. I suppose it's very possible she is returning now with Elrond while Legolas has gone to Mirkwood alone. But then where is Lothlórien's army?"
"Perhaps Elrond saw." Gandalf suggested. "If he saw what happened by the sea would his concern for his sons safety not be enough to drive him from Lothlórien before their army was ready to join him?"
"Glorfindel did say they sent a sea eagle in search of Elrond to inform him of what had happened." Eomer added.
By now the horses were close enough to confirm their thoughts. The taller figure was defiantly the Lord of Rivendell and the cloaked one beside him they could only guess at being the Princess of the Rocs.
"Open the gates!" Aragorn called out to his guards.
The large gates slowly swung open and Elrond urged his horse to close the distance faster, promising it could rest for as long as it needed once within the walls. Pandion kept pace and the two soon flew through the city's gates as the doors swung slowly shut behind them. They slowed their horses as they saw Aragorn, Mithrandir, Faramir and Eomer coming towards them. They both dismounted and handed their horses reins to the stable boys who took them off to be fed and rested.
"Elrond!" Aragorn called out has himself and the others hurried over.
They stopped dead, however, as Pandion pulled the hood back from his head and they realized Elrond was not accompanied by Aquila. His piercing ice blue eyes shone with a mystery that captivated the men who looked into them. His oddly styled flame red hair was like nothing any of them had set eyes on before and soft gasps were let out at his beauty.
Pandion was used to the stares. Ever since he'd come onto adulthood others had looked at him in this way. He didn't mind so much, he'd learnt to just ignore it. If other's wanted to admire his beauty then let them, it was when they began to look hungrily at him that he became uncomfortable.
Elrond turned and noticed the large amount of attention Pandion was receiving. He also noticed the Roc's unease and felt sorry for him. It had never occurred to him that the Prince had to pay a price for being so gloriously stunning.
"Aragorn. I need to speak with you, immediately but I fell this is not the appropriate place to do so."
"Yes, of course. Follow me. We'll discuss this in my study." Aragorn snapped out of the trance he'd found himself in and quickly lead them through the city and up to the Citadel, continuing on through his halls to his study.
Pandion was the last to enter and as Gandalf indicated for him to do he shut the door behind him. Walking confidently over to where everyone, except Elrond, had seated themselves. The Roc stood with a stiff back, a little closer to Elrond then need be but the Elf understood the Prince needed an ally at this moment. In a room full of staring Men he couldn't be sure which of them wanted to kill him.
"Before I answer any questions for you Elrond would you mind telling us all who this is and what happened to Legolas and Aquila?" Aragorn pointed and accusing finger at Pandion, who narrowed his eyes at Gondor's King.
Elrond placed a hand on Pandion's shoulder, both to reassure the Roc and to prevent him form acting out against the Men.
"This here is Pandion, Prince of the Rocs. He found his way to Lothlórien in search of his sister and offered to accompany me on my return to Minas Tirith."
"It is good to see you again Prince Pandion" Gandalf smiled knowingly at the Roc who grinned back at the familiar face.
"It is good to see you again too Mithrandir, though you have changed since I saw you last."
Gandalf simply nodded in response, aware that there were more important things to be discussed here and that an explanation for the Roc as to his new title as Gandalf the White could wait. Elrond continued.
"As for Legolas and Aquila I would hope by now they are on their way to Aglarond with a considerable number of Mirkwood Elves in tow."
Aragorn nodded and a heavy silence fell over the room Elrond was trying to pull himself together in order to ask about his sons but he just couldn't see to form words.
"The party Lord Elrond sent to the Western shores. Have you heard from them at all?" It was Pandion who posed the question and it was Aragorn who looked up in surprise at the Roc.
So unlike his sister in appearance, except in the excellent way all born royalty seemed to hold themselves, yet he could hear that same steely determination in his voice. Unlike his sister however his voice did not hold any uncertainty, this Roc was used to giving orders.
"Yes we have heard from them." Aragorn started but paused as Elrond's hopeful eyes locked with his. "They rode in here just yesterday. I'm afraid Elladan was injured."
A small whimper escaped Elrond as he felt his legs give way. Pandion was quick to grasp him as he fell and he hooked one of the Elf's arms over his shoulder as he slipped his arm about Elrond's waist, effectively holding the Elf up. Gandalf continued for Aragorn.
"He was pierced by an arrow as they fled. He is now, as we speak, being taken care of in the houses of healing."
Elrond sighed in relief and indicated to Pandion that he could stand on his own. The Roc released him but remained close incase he fell again. Gandalf did not fail to notice the body language between the two and reminded himself to speak to Elrond of his relationship with the Roc later.
"He is not dead then?" Elrond managed.
"No" Aragorn assured him. "He is doing quite well I hear. Elrohir has remained with him while I've left Glorfindel to help arrange the armies we've gathered so far.
"Was Tinarandel able to gather much information on these creatures?"
"See for yourself." Gandalf handed Elrond a large book, which with a quick flip through, appeared to contain scripts and drawings, all about the Chameles.
"Well they did choose to take him because he would be thorough." Elrond passed the book off to Pandion who took a seat over in the corner and began to read through it.
Elrond took a seat with the others after a quick glance in Pandion's direction. The Roc was already absorbed in the book and Elrond thought it funny that the Roc had never shown an interest in reading all those times Elrond had tried to introduce him to Elven lore. Then again he was a boy and all he'd wanted to do was play with Elladan and Elrohir and if they didn't have to read, why should he. Elrond smiled to himself before turning his attention back to the group.
"Will he not be joining us?" Aragorn asked, sounding almost disappointed.
Pandion raised his head briefly before his eyes returned to his reading and Elrond answered for him.
"I'm afraid he feels at a loss. You see he is a captain without an army at the moment and he feels any input he has will be wasted as he does not have an army to command as you all do."
Aragorn surprised Elrond by getting up from his seat and walking over to stand before Pandion. The Roc looked up at him, his features remained blank.
"You may have left your army behind Prince Pandion but we could certainly use your opinion to better prepare ours."
Pandion looked shocked to say the least. He'd expected the King of Men to erupt at the sight of him, cast him from his city or even order him killed. He had prepared himself to stand defiantly against that. He was not, however, prepared for the calm almost caring Man that now stood before him. Faramir and Eomer shifted uneasily in their seats, wondering why on earth Aragorn was trying to engage the Roc's help.
"If you are truly that eager for me to help, King of Men, you will leave me to finish reading. I will be of little help if I know nothing of these Chameles." He smiled up at Aragorn who nodded and returned to his seat, leaving the Roc to continue his reading.
"So we know these 'Chameles' have set up some sort of temporary colony and have begun to arm themselves." Elrond glanced briefly round the group. "What else do we know?"
"Other than what's in the book, not much else. Did the sea eagle find you?" Gandalf questioned as he rested his chin in his hand.
"She did, yes. She told me all that she had been told, which I assume was everything but the creatures name as there was no way to translate it."
The Wizard nodded and Elrond ran a hand across his face.
"I think it's best if we wait for the Mirkwood and Lothlórien armies before we begin any serious planning." Faramir suggested.
"You might want to plan from a defensive point." Pandion called out from his chair.
Everyone turned to look at the red haired Prince, perched in his chair.
"From these sketches and Tinarandel's observations of them the Chameles sound like they use a lot of long range weapons. If you initiate an offensive attack you're likely to have many slain before you get close enough to launch an attack."
Eomer blinked several times in surprise as it all sunk in.
"He's right, if possible we're better off luring them to the city."
"They wont fall for it." Faramir interjected. "They're too smart for that, did you see how their entire species is organized by rank?"
"I would like to see my sons and speak with Glorfindel before we continue."
"Of course." Aragorn rose from his seat but Gandalf motioned for him to sit.
"I'll take Lord Elrond to see Elladan and Elrohir. You'll need to be here for these discussions, after all, your army is the largest we'll be sending."
Pandion put down the book of writings by Tinarandel on a side table and stood up.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to see the twins as well. It's been such a long time."
Gandalf looked across at Elrond who nodded.
"The three of them were inseparable before the Rocs left. It'll cheer them up to see him again." Elrond stood and followed Mithrandir out of the room and smiled at Pandion as he swiftly followed.
"Your father must be proud of you Pandion." Gandalf said to the Roc as he drew up alongside him. "I haven't seen you since you were a boy but you've grown up into a fine young man."
"Yeah a fine young man who just about every man in this city who has even remotely homosexual tendencies, some who probably didn't, looked they wanted to eat alive." Pandion replied with disdain.
Gandalf chuckled at the fierce nature of the Roc.
"Well I don't think you need to worry Prince Pandion. I'm sure Elrond wont let anyone touch a feather on your body without coming to harm." The Wizards eyes twinkled as Pandion's eyes flew open and his step faltered.
"Ignore him Pandion. He likes to tease and don't you worry he will tease me far more than he teases you."
Pandion by now had stopped all together and both Elrond and Gandalf turned to look at him.
"How did he even know?"
"I've been around for many years and I've know Lord Elrond for most of them. When he arrived he seemed unusually happy, for Elrond" the Elf glared at him "and then when he fell and you caught him, well I have good eyes and the look that passed between you told me all I needed to know." The Wizard beamed at Pandion who flushed red.
"Are you blushing my Prince?" Elrond mocked.
Pandion raised his head defiantly and strolled up to Elrond.
"No." He whispered huskily in the Elf's ear as he slid a knee between Elrond's legs. "But now you are." He flicked his tongue across his ear before stepping back and admiring the now blushing Elf.
Gandalf laughed and continued walking, Pandion followed and Elrond hurried to catch up. He pulled up alongside Mithrandir and shot Pandion a look past the Wizard.
"You're going to have your hands full with that one Lord Elrond."
The Wizard nodded in his direction and Pandion smiled slyly.
"Yes I believe I am Mithrandir." Elrond smiled warmly, thoroughly looking forward to having his hands full with Pandion.
"However I can't see your father approving of this Pandion."
The Roc's expression soured.
"I don't care what he approves of any more. I have already done what was asked of him only to have it all cruelly taken away. I will not have this taken from me too." Pandion stared defiantly ahead.
Mithrandir turned to Elrond and raised a questioning eyebrow. The Elf shook his head to indicate it wasn't a topic worth pursing and Gandalf nodded.
The three soon found themselves in the houses of healing, being lead into the room where Elladan was being cared for.
"Elladan!" Elrond called out as he ran to his son's bedside and wrapped his arms about him.
Elladan let out a strangled sob as he held his father to him. Elrohir would normally be the first to tell him he was far too old to cry but he was so worried he was going to die without seeing his father again.
Bandages were wrapped about his chest and shoulder, holding packing against the wound to absorb any blood that seeped from the deep puncture.
"Father, I love you will all my heart but I was shot in the chest with a poisoned arrow." Elladan gasped out.
Elrond smiled as tears streamed down his face, he pulled back from his son and held him at arms length.
"You came fast." Elrohir said, surprised.
Elrond and Elladan laughed before the Elven Lord hugged his son once more before moving to sit on the edge of the bed, next to his other son. He put his arm about Elrohir's shoulders and placed a hand on Elladan's blanket covered leg.
"I have a surprise for the two of you."
Elladan sat further up in bed and Elrohir looked expectantly at his father. After a few minutes silence Elrond spoke up.
"What? You're not even going to try and guess?"
"Don't' tease father!" The two Elves exclaimed together in perfect sync.
"I'm not teasing, all I'm asking for it one guess."
"You brought Grandmother and Grandfather to cheer Elladan up?"
"That's less than creative Elrohir and no, I didn't not bring your grandparents to cheer Elladan up. I did however, bring someone else to cheer him up."
At that the flame haired Roc Prince with his ice-blue eyes stepped into the room. He beamed at his two friends whose jaws dropped before Elrohir leapt up from the bed.
"Pandion!" he cried out as he rushed towards his friend.
He threw his arms about Pandion and almost toppled the Roc over as he caught him in a fierce embrace.
"It's so good to see you again Elrohir. I missed you and Elladan so much."
"We missed you too." Elrohir said, still hugging the Roc.
He finally let go and the two simply regarded each other for a moment before bursting into laughter and hugging once more.
"What about me!?" Elladan called from the bed, obviously distressed about being left out of the reunion.
Pandion laughed and pried Elrohir from him so that he could rush over to greet Elladan. He embraced the other twin and the two hugged for sometime before Elladan would let the Prince go. Pandion then sat on the edge of the bed and smiled at his two friends. Elrohir sat on Pandion's other side, forcing Elrond to shift himself to the end of the bed.
"That'll be a nice battle scar Elladan." Pandion told his friend with a sly wink.
Elladan laughed and kicked Pandion gently in the back from beneath the blanket tucked around him.
"That's so like you Pandion, always after some way to impress. You haven't changed a bit. Who is it you're out to impress now?" Elladan said with a sly smile.
"We're sorry to hear about your wife." Elrohir interjected and Elladan clamped a hand over his mouth in horror.
"I'm so sorry Pandion I forgot that…"
Pandion shook his head and waved it off.
"It's alright. I've done my grieving, though most of it was for my children."
Elladan and Elrohir exchanged a look and tipped their heads to the side.
"My wife and I had…an understanding relationship."
The Elven twins nodded in comprehension. It was the kind of relationship that was common amongst royalty of all races. The two Elves cast their eyes downwards, saddened by the fact that their friend had felt forced into marriage.
"Did you love her?" Elrohir asked quietly.
"I loved my children. I cared for Haliaëtus, more than I thought I could. She felt the same way, but we weren't in love."
"Don't worry" Elladan placed a reassuring hand on Pandion's arm. "We'll help you find a sexy Elven maid to help you forget all about it while you're down here." Elladan winked at his friend.
"Elladan!" Elrond chastised his son, as Pandion lowered his eyes to the floor.
"What? Father we are not Elflings anymore, you know that."
"Perhaps there is something you'd like to tell your sons Lord Elrond?" Gandalf asked from the doorway.
"Thank you Mithrandir" Elrond rolled his eyes upwards. "You input is always well received."
Both of Elrond's sons looked down the bed expectantly at their father. Elrond coughed into his hand before folding both his hands formally in his lap.
"Mithrandir is right my sons. There is something that I need to tell you." He paused and his sons lent forward, silently urging him to continue.
"I have taken Prince Pandion as my lover." He maintained eye contact with the twins, determined not to allow himself to be shammed or embarrassed by his revelation.
Pandion, however still had his eyes down cast and as the silence loomed he slowly lifted them to find the twins staring at him.
"Is it true?" Elrohir asked.
"Yes." Pandion nodded. "I've always fancied him but it wasn't till I saw him again in Lothlórien when I think I realized that I was in love with him."
"And you feel the same way father?" Elrohir turned to Elrond who promptly nodded.
The twins seemed deep in thought before Pandion found himself crushed to Elladan, the Elf's arms wrapped tightly about him.
"That's fantastic! Now you'll never be able to leave Rivendell again! And you can come with us when we go hunting. I suppose we'll have to share you with father though."
"Indeed." Pandion managed to gasp out.
Elladan laughed nervously as he realized he'd been hugging the Roc a little too tightly.
"We'll at least we know you're feeling better Elladan." Elrond smirked and his son looked mildly embarrassed.
"You know Pandion, just because you're father's lover does not mean you can order us around." Elrohir added with a smile.
"But I did that anyway Elrohir, don't you remember?" He smiled back and the two laughed as Elrohir enveloped his friend in another hug.
Elrond smiled and swelled with pride at how grown up his sons were. They had reached adulthood long ago but he'd never seen them display their maturity as clearly as they were now. He had been expecting an entirely different reaction than the one he'd gotten. Perhaps Elladan's injury had forced both of them into the realization that Elves may be immortal, but they were not invincible. Whatever the reason he was glad they were happy for them, and even more pleased that the announcement brought them happiness.
Legolas emerged from the heavy doors to Aglarond with Gimli and Aquila to find a gathering of about 500 Dwarves, all armed and ready for battle. Legolas was shocked to find so many Dwarves willing to come. Normally such a turnout would be a disappointment but Dwarves, being rather selfish beings, do not tend to turn out in great numbers when others call for aid.
Gimli beamed proudly at the turn out and nudged Legolas in the side, who smiled down at him. A thought suddenly occurred to Legolas though.
"You plan to walk all the way to Minas Tirith?"
"You know very well Legolas that Dwarves do not ride horses."
"But it will take days to get there." Aquila interjected.
"Yes it probably will missy but that is just how it's going to have to be. Even if they were all willing to ride where would you find so many horses?"
Legolas sighed.
"I have to meet up with my army. They'll almost be there by now." He turned to Aquila who nodded, knowing exactly what he was asking of her.
"Fly with us?" Legolas asked Gimli.
The Dwarf laughed loudly.
"Fly with you? Have you gone mad, fly to Minas Tirith? And just how do you propose we do that? We cannot just sprout wings and take off like the birds!"
Stepping back a few paces Aquila transformed into her Final form and Gimli's jaw dropped. Legolas turned to him and smiled.
"Well…that could certainly work. My knowledge of the Rocs is a little rusty. I forgot they had different forms." He mumbled. "How exactly does she plan to fly us there? I certainly would not take too kindly to riding clutched inside those talons."
The giant Eagle form of Aquila glanced down and raised a foot from the ground to examine said talons.
"You just ride upon her back." Legolas stated matter-of-factly.
Gimli grinned wickedly and simply couldn't help himself.
"Well you certainly demonstrated your skill at that particular task this morning."
Legolas looked confused for a moment before blushing furiously. He shifted uneasily and fidgeted with his hands.
"Yes well…" he had to cough to clear his throat "…that's not quite what I meant…"
The Dwarf began to feel sorry for his friend and so he slapped him as high up his back as he could reach,
"It's ok laddie, I know what you meant." He winked at the Elf before walking on down to his small army of Dwarves.
"You go on and meet up with your army, Prince of Mirkwood, I will lead mine to Minas Tirith. You tell them we're coming."
"Are you sure Gimli?" Legolas asked before leaping up to sit on Aquila's large, feathered back.
"Yes I'm sure." The Dwarf nodded. "I think I might like flying even less then horse riding."
"I'll be sure to tell Aragorn you're on your way! Do hurry though Gimli, your help is greatly needed." He called out before Aquila launched herself into the air.
The group of Dwarves watched in awe as the great bird climbed higher and higher into the sky until it was lost from their sight.
Gimli then lead them in a fast paced march onwards to Gondor's capital, the Roc and her Elven passenger already well ahead of them.
To be continued…