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Sorry this is short.
Estel met Legolas' compassionate blue eyes with his own tear filled ones. "That is all I have ever wanted, all my life."
"And you will have it," Legolas whispered, and grasped Estel's clammy hands in his own slender ones. He could tell that the boy was in emotional agony and wanted nothing more than to collapse. It made his heart ache to see the one he loved in such anguish.
Estel said nothing. He tentatively stepped forward to Legolas and hesitantly laid his head on the silk clad shoulder. The blonde pulled the younger boy gently towards him and brought a hand up to Estel's locks, gently cradling his head to his shoulder. Legolas' other arm wrapped itself around Estel's slim waist and supported the boy. His form was trembling slightly and Estel let the dam break loose, and all of the years of built up fear, sorrow, and anger came pouring out onto his savior.
"Let your tears fall onto me, my dear Estel. For if you fall, I will be here to catch you," Legolas murmured softly, and gently threaded his finger's through Estel's wavy hair. His thoughts had before been jumping all over the place; if Elrond would banish him, if he and Estel would never meet again...but now all of his thoughts centered on the crying boy in his arms.
Back in the chambers they shared, Lenwe could see the wheels turning in Elrond's mind. He grinned. His words had definitely alerted his lover and hopefully his plan would fall into place shortly.
Lover...to think of Elrond as that word had been a dream of his since day one. Yes, the power had attracted him, but Elrond's angular beauty had helped the arrangement. A part of Lenwe had even been smitten with Elrond's personality and their relationship had sparked quickly. Passionate, yes, but loving, no. Elrond had long since discovered that Lenwe didn't love him, and he had been hurt, but the feeling didn't last long. Elrond wanted to think that he was in love with the tutor, but he had to face reality; he just wasn't. He hadn't been in love since Celebrian and he resigned himself to the fact that he wouldn't love again. Nevertheless, the couple had stayed together. Elrond had been terrified of being alone once again and Lenwe wanted the power so he could have control over the half elf and his foster son.
Lenwe pushed the thoughts away of the past. This was the present, and he had to get rid of Legolas quickly. The elf had figured out his plan much too quickly, he decided. Lenwe had to act before he could tell Elrond his horrible secret.
Elrond just then came out of their bathroom, his dark hair loose and flowing down his back. He had taken off his formal robes and had slipped into a slim fitting tunic and leggings. Lenwe felt a rush of lust toward the half elf.
The tutor walked over to the Lord of Imladris, and wrapped a strong arm around the curved waist. He began to kiss and lick at Elrond's smooth neck, but the grey eyes were troubled, and Lenwe found that he wasn't in the mood to follow through.
"You are troubled, my lord; speak to me," Lenwe whispered, and sensually threaded his fingers through Elrond's silky locks. He already knew what the answer was, but he wanted to manipulate the half elf just a bit more.
"Your words have left me brooding, Lenwe. I now worry for Estel's well being." Elrond turned away from his lover and walked toward the huge, circular windows overlooking immaculate gardens and streams. The beautiful view had always helped to clear his mind before, but tonight no feeling of peace settled over him.
"Then why not send the Prince away from Imladris? It is a simple solution to a complex situation," Lenwe said, his tone a little more testy than he had wanted it to be. He was growing annoyed with Elrond and wanted nothing more than the strip his lover and take his fill fast and hard.
Elrond turned, and Lenwe actually felt a tiny feeling of guilt at the torn expression in the light eyes. The moonlight shone on Elrond's face, highlighting the dark circles under the grey orbs and the high cheekbones. He looked older and wearier than Lenwe had ever seen him.
The feeling was short lived, however.
Lenwe walked up behind Elrond and kneaded the tense shoulders. He licked a slightly pointed ear delicately, delighting in the shudder that came from Elrond. "Let me wash away your troubles tonight, Elrond. We can talk about this in the morning." The tutor untied Elrond's tunic while kissing the half elf firmly, and the half elf pushed his tongue into Lenwe's mouth Elrond needed the comfort that Lenwe willingly provided, and he let himself melt into the elf's heated embrace.
The night was unbearably long. Legolas had ignored his fears about being found with Estel in his chambers and had held the boy all night long. After all of their tears had been spilled together, they had fallen into a restless sleep. Legolas cradled Estel's body with his own, relishing the feel of the warm body against his.
It had surprised him that Estel left him this close, but attributed it to the trust the boy had in him. He was almost certain this would be their last night together for a very long time.
Dawn broke against the horizon. It was a cooler, damp day than the typical summer weather. Legolas and Estel had woken and changed quickly. Legolas had found a pair of leggings and a tunic that fit Estel, saving them the trip to Estel's chambers.
Legolas held Estel's head in his hand and pressed his lips to the smooth forehead. "I love you, Estel," he whispered.
"I...I love you too," Estel said so softly Legolas had to strain his ears. He was filled with momentary joy at Estel's confession, which had been an unexpected wonder.
Just then, a firm knock sounded on the heavy oaken door. Estel looked at Legolas, his expression fearful. Legolas shook his head when Estel headed for the bathroom door.
"We will face Lord Elrond unashamed, Estel," Legolas said, though his voice was slightly unsteady.
Without warning, the door opened, and in swept the Lord of Imladris. His eyes were narrowed as he surveyed Legolas, but when he saw Estel, his eyes had a definite sadness about them. He said not a word, just looked at the mussed bedclothes and the condition of the room.
Legolas and Estel waited with bated breath. Elrond did not look mad with fury or rage; his face showed almost no emotion whatsoever. Slowly, the lord made his made in front of Legolas. The prince stood with his back and shoulders straight, but his eyes were a dead giveaway that he was nervous.
Elrond started to say something, but stopped. He then grasped Legolas' shoulder in a fatherly gesture. His eyes showed immense sorrow.
"I think," he began in a soft voice, "that it would be best if you left Imladris for now, Legolas."
Elrond watched Legolas' eyes go from nervous to betrayed to devastated. He saw the father-son bond that he and Legolas shared melt away before him. It madehis heart ache, but he had to do what was right for Estel.
Legolas nodded his head. "As you wish, my lord," he whispered, and then turned away. He ran a hand through his loose hair and walked over to the large chest of drawers. He began to pack his things one by one.
Estel opened his mouth, but closed it. Elrond walked toward him and tried to embrace him, but Estel flinched away. Elrond's brow knitted in concern at the crushed look in Estel's eyes. He had thought Estel would have looked relieved, but the expression on Estel's face was the exact opposite; dread.
Legolas looked with sad eyes at the boy who stood below him. He was trying to memorize every delicate feature Estel possessed; the grey blue eyes, the fine cheekbones, the copper hair.
He had gotten to know Estel remarkably quickly, and had discovered all of his innermost torments and secrets. The prince had fallen in love, and now, torn apart by betrayal, the couple feared they would never meet again.
Estel looked around at his eight guards and nodded, signaling he was ready to go. He nodded to Elrond grimly, and then turned to Estel. His eyes filled with love for the boy, and he hoped that he understood.
Estel did understand, and tried to hold back his tears. The cold, creeping fear that had plagued him for the last 15 years came rushing back. It got worse and Legolas led his horse away.
Legolas was trying hard not to gallop back and tell Elrond everything, but he knew he couldn't. He turned one last time in his saddle, and mouthed the words, "Amin mela lle."
Estel saw it and clapped a hand to his mouth. He turn and ran back up to the Last Homely House, his tears falling from his eyes. He ran to his chambers and collapsed on his bed, his body shaking with suppressed cries.
No more would he feel safe in the warm arms of his savior.
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