Chapter 5
TA 3018 September 12
Legolas stepped into his father's study and waited patiently while Thranduil finished his conversation with his advisor, Alllandil. Once Allandil was gone Legolas stepped forward, "You wished to speak with me, Ada?"
Thranduil nodded and stood up motioning to the parchment on the desk in front of him, "A messenger arrived from Lorien this morning bearing a message from Lord Elrond of Imladris."
Legolas swallowed, "Imladris?"
Thranduil sighed, "I know you do not wish to go to Imladris, ion nin, but I cannot. My duties as king come first. I do not want to order you to go, Legolas, but I will if I must."
Legolas released a breath and nodded, not quite meeting his father's gaze, "What is … my purpose of going, Ada?"
"You remember the story of Sauron's defeat and the loss of the ring?" Thranduil asked.
Legolas nodded, "Isildur cut the ring from Sauron's hand and refused to destroy it, keeping it for himself until it betrayed him and was lost to the Anduin."
Thranduil met his son's gaze, "It has been found. Elrond calls for the leaders of Middle-Earth to attend his council in Imladris to discuss this … danger. You will go in my place. Give Lord Elrond my apologies."
"Aye, Ada," Legolas said, "I'll go prepare for my journey."
Thranduil nodded and watched his son walk away, wishing he didn't have to put him through this. At the time being, he just could not leave Mirkwood. With the finding of the One, the darkness in Mirkwood was rearing it's shadowed head. And who knows where Gollum had gone to after escaping from the elves' grasp.
Thranduil paused in his thinking and thought of the ranger called Strider who had left Gollum at the edge of Mirkwood and then had just as quickly vanished, refusing any form of hospitality. His behavior had been very odd … like he wanted to be anywhere else in the world but Mirkwood.
Thranduil let his thoughts wander away as he once again couldn't help but worry about Legolas. Attending a council was far safer for Thranduil's only heir than battling the evil invading Mirkwood.
And maybe he would find this Estel. Maybe his son would be able to find his lost love and finally have some closure.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
October 22
Legolas reined his horse to a stop just outside the border of Rivendell. He would soon see Estel … Aragorn … again for the first time in nearly 40 years. 37 years, 2 months, and 10 days. Not that he was counting.
How would the human react? Would he be happy to see his ex-lover? Mad? Would he pretend not to know him at all?
'And what about yourself? Are you ready to see him again?"
Legolas sighed at the little voice. Estel would have called it his conscious. Legolas just called it annoying.
The prince was just about to urge his horse into a slow walk when 2 identical elves suddenly seemed to appear in front of him out of nowhere, both with arrows aimed at him.
The one on the right, "What brings you to Imladris, stranger?"
"Invitation from Lord Elrond, to my ada, who was unable to attend. I am Prince Legolas of Mirkwood."
The 2 elves lowered their bows and the one who hadn't spoken yet said, "I am Elladan, son of Elrond. This is my brother, Elrohir. Welcome to Imladris, Prince of Mirkwood. Follow us and we will bring you to our ada."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Elrond studied the elf riding toward him, flanked by the twins. It had been well over a month since he'd gotten Thranduil's reply by messenger bird that he had sent his son in his stead. The prince should have arrived two weeks earlier.
The Lord of Imladris smiled when the 3 elves dismounted in front of him, "Ah, Prince Legolas of Mirkwood I assume. King Thranduil sent a message ahead of you. I had expected you 2 weeks ago."
The blond prince gave a half bow, "I am sorry Lord Elrond. I was not entirely sure of the reception I'd get so I … took my time."
Elrond chuckled, "You are here at my request, Prince Legolas. Why would you fear the reception we gave you?"
The prince sighed, "I beg you pardon, my lord, but you are not the only … elf in lmladris."
"I see," Elrond said choosing his words carefully, "but I can assure you, there is no elf here who will show you anything less than complete respect."
Legolas gave a half smile, seemingly lost in his own thoughts for a moment, before sighing and meeting Elrond's gaze, "Many thanks, Lord Elrond."
Elrond nodded, "Now, if you will follow my sons, they will escort you to the room we have ready for you."
Legolas gave another half-bow, "Once again, Lord Elrond, many thanks."
Elrond nodded again before watching the twins lead Legolas away. When he knew they were out of earshot Elrond turned to the doorway to his left, "You can stop hiding now, Estel. He is gone."
The human stepped up to Elrond's side, "Why did you invite an elf of Mirkwood here, Ada? Are we not feuding with them?"
Elrond sighed, "For your son's sake, Estel, I hope this foolish feud ends soon."
That said Elrond walked away, leaving his human son gaping after him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Aragorn had taken refuge in one of the many rooms of Rivendell … the memorial room that contained the shards of Narsil.
Every time Aragorn stared at the sword that was broken, he always thought about how complicated his life had become.
He already had the burden of being Isildur's only remaining heir. But he also had a 36 year old son to worry about, and now his ex-lover had finally showed up in Rivendell.
"Hello Estel." And had apparently found him. "Or shall I call you Aragorn. Do you have any other names?" Legolas asked from behind Aragorn with a slight hitch in his voice.
Aragorn turned his head slightly, but couldn't bring himself to look at Legolas. "Actually I go by many names," Aragorn started, "Strider, Thorongil, Chief of the Dunedain, … I'm amazed even I can keep them straight."
Legolas fought to keep the smile off his face at his beloved's attempt at humor. "You … look well … Estel," Legolas managed to choke out, "I shall always think of you by your Elvish name."
Aragorn turned all the way around to face Legolas and the blond elf was surprised to see tears in the human's eyes. Legolas had thought the years without Estel had been hard for him, but he hadn't considered how hard the years had been on Estel. He was, after all, a flesh and blood mortal.
"And you will always be beautiful, Legolas."
The words were sincere, but Legolas still flinched. He could feel Estel pulling away from him, … trying to distance himself. Legolas couldn't let that happen.
"I've felt you all these years you know," Legolas began. Aragorn stiffened, but didn't respond. "I felt every moment of joy and sadness from you," Legolas paused, "and your unconditional love towards ano …"
"What are you doing here, Legolas?" Aragorn interrupted with a shake to his voice.
Legolas' face hardened at Aragorn's harsh tone. He slowly reached up and withdrew a chain from around his neck. A ring was hanging from the chain. Aragorn's ring. Legolas held out the chain to Aragorn, who was watching the elf with an apprehensive look on his face.
"This is yours," Legolas said.
With trembling hands, Aragorn reached out and grasped the ring. His face showed disbelief, gratitude, but then slipped to anger.
"Did you come all this way just to return this to me?!" Aragorn asked bitterly.
"No." Legolas said, surprised. "I've spent over 37 years trying to find you Estel."
"Why?!" Aragorn yelled. "I wasn't important to you then, and I'm … certainly not important to you now!"
Legolas looked shocked. "How can you say this?!" Then his eyes widened in a sudden realization. "It's the other. The one I've felt you giving unconditional love to. You've … found another!"
Aragorn glared at Legolas. "That love you speak of is a familial love, not a …" Aragorn paused, and if it was possible, he looked even more angry. "I shouldn't have to explain myself to you! You left me … for that she witc … someone you never loved!"
Aragorn turned on his heel intending to stalk away, but Legolas was too fast for him.
Reacting on impulse, Legolas walked up to Aragorn, spun him around by the arm, seized him by the chin, and kissed the human with a passion that he had kept bottled up for nearly forty years.
Aragorn tried to fight it, but he hadn't realized how much he missed Legolas' touch or how lonely he had been all these years. Even with Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir, Farothen, Glorfindel, and occasionally Arwen around, Aragorn had always felt that something had been missing … his Prince. Without another thought, Aragorn groaned and sank into the kiss.
When their lips finally parted, neither could move. They had been waiting for this heat, this passion, … this love for so long.
Without thinking, Legolas reached down between them and grasped the chain in Aragorn's hand. Slowly, he removed the ring from the chain and placed it on Aragorn's finger. He was looking right at Aragorn the whole time.
"I wore the ring everyday, close to my heart, for over 37 years Estel. I didn't marry Maikafea," Legolas paused before adding, "I couldn't"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Elrond stopped outside the memorial room when he saw that Estel wasn't alone. He sighed as Legolas pushed the ring onto Estel's finger. He couldn't hear the words the blond elf said, but he didn't really need to. He could almost feel the emotion inside the room between the 2 estranged lovers.
Elrond turned to face Glorfindel as the seneschal walked up and asked, "Have you found Estel …"
Elrond held up his hand, "It can wait, mellon nin. He's in the middle of something far more important."
Glorfindel looked over Elrond's shoulder in time to see Estel leave the memorial room through another door with the prince of Mirkwood by his side. Looking back at Elrond the blond seneschal nodded, "Of course, Elrond. Some things are more important."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Aragorn and Legolas walked hand in hand through the many bridges and walkways that adorned the landscape of Rivendell. Neither knew what to say, so for the moment they just basked in the silence. Simply enjoying each other's company.
"Did you … remember me, … all these years?" Legolas asked slowly.
Aragorn hesitated and thanked the Valar that Farothen was still traveling with the rangers. While Aragorn's heart desperately wanted to be reunited with Legolas, his fear held him. He didn't want to be put into a position to be rejected again. And Farothen's happiness was much more important than his. Aragorn had to be sure that Legolas wouldn't hurt Farothen before introducing the elf to their son.
Aragorn's lips suddenly quirked up in a smile. "You were … impossible to forget."
Legolas' eyebrows rose. "And what is that look about?" he said looking amused.
"Let's just say you unintentionally left me with a gift to remember you by," Aragorn said, "and it has brought me much happiness in these trying years."
Legolas smiled. "Then my heart feels a little lighter already to hear those words," Legolas said and then added, "what was this 'gift'?"
Again Aragorn hesitated while turning Legolas slightly to stop him on the bridge they were crossing. Legolas had such an innocent and trusting expression that Aragorn almost blurted out right then and there, 'we have a son.'
But then the image popped into his head of the expression on Farothen's face after being rejected by the ada he had never known.
'Not yet' Aragorn said to himself. He had to see what kind of ada Legolas would be before telling him about Farothen.
Smiling to cover up his hesitation, Aragorn softly brushed his lips against Legolas' and murmured "It's not important."
He may as well have not even spoken. With the feel of Estel's lips on his once again, Legolas had completely forgotten the question.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Aragorn woke up the next morning snuggled up to Legolas' side with no clear memory of how they'd gotten from the bridge to the elf's room. Al Aragorn knew was that after that last kiss on the bridge they'd made a bee-line for the nearest room.
Stretching Aragorn debated trying to fall back to sleep, not wanting to leave his sleeping lover's side. Unfortunately, with wakefulness came the return of sanity and Aragorn realized he'd made a big mistake by doing the one thing he'd sworn to himself he wouldn't. He'd once again placed his heart in Legolas' hands, leaving him vulnerable for the time when or if the prince of Mirkwood rejected him again.
Climbing slowly out of bed, so as not to wake Legolas, Aragorn pulled on his pants and gathered the rest of his clothing before slipping out of the room. His hopes of going unnoticed were horribly dashed when he ran into the twins a mere 6 steps away for the door to Legolas' room.
Elladan grinned, "Well, well, what have we here, Ro?"
"It appears to be an adan sneaking out of Prince Legolas' room, Dan."
Elladan nodded, "Of course, you are right, Ro, for I know this adan. 'Tis Estel I believe."
Aragorn sighed, "Leave me be, gwanun."
The twins sobered instantly and Elrohir said, "Watch your heart, Estel. We do not wish for you to be hurt again."
Estel swallowed and nodded as Elladan continued with another important warning, "You can give him pleasure, Estel, but be careful you do not give him another son."
The human's gaze flew to Elladan's as those words sank in, "Ai Valar. I must…I've got to go."
As Aragorn ran down the hall Elrohir spoke up, "Should we follow him, Dan?
The older twin shook his head, "Nay. He will wander the woods but he will return, for he promised Ada he would not miss the council in two days. He just needs time alone.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Gwanun - Twins
Don't know what else to say so … Thanks for the reviews!
TA 3018 September 12
Legolas stepped into his father's study and waited patiently while Thranduil finished his conversation with his advisor, Alllandil. Once Allandil was gone Legolas stepped forward, "You wished to speak with me, Ada?"
Thranduil nodded and stood up motioning to the parchment on the desk in front of him, "A messenger arrived from Lorien this morning bearing a message from Lord Elrond of Imladris."
Legolas swallowed, "Imladris?"
Thranduil sighed, "I know you do not wish to go to Imladris, ion nin, but I cannot. My duties as king come first. I do not want to order you to go, Legolas, but I will if I must."
Legolas released a breath and nodded, not quite meeting his father's gaze, "What is … my purpose of going, Ada?"
"You remember the story of Sauron's defeat and the loss of the ring?" Thranduil asked.
Legolas nodded, "Isildur cut the ring from Sauron's hand and refused to destroy it, keeping it for himself until it betrayed him and was lost to the Anduin."
Thranduil met his son's gaze, "It has been found. Elrond calls for the leaders of Middle-Earth to attend his council in Imladris to discuss this … danger. You will go in my place. Give Lord Elrond my apologies."
"Aye, Ada," Legolas said, "I'll go prepare for my journey."
Thranduil nodded and watched his son walk away, wishing he didn't have to put him through this. At the time being, he just could not leave Mirkwood. With the finding of the One, the darkness in Mirkwood was rearing it's shadowed head. And who knows where Gollum had gone to after escaping from the elves' grasp.
Thranduil paused in his thinking and thought of the ranger called Strider who had left Gollum at the edge of Mirkwood and then had just as quickly vanished, refusing any form of hospitality. His behavior had been very odd … like he wanted to be anywhere else in the world but Mirkwood.
Thranduil let his thoughts wander away as he once again couldn't help but worry about Legolas. Attending a council was far safer for Thranduil's only heir than battling the evil invading Mirkwood.
And maybe he would find this Estel. Maybe his son would be able to find his lost love and finally have some closure.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
October 22
Legolas reined his horse to a stop just outside the border of Rivendell. He would soon see Estel … Aragorn … again for the first time in nearly 40 years. 37 years, 2 months, and 10 days. Not that he was counting.
How would the human react? Would he be happy to see his ex-lover? Mad? Would he pretend not to know him at all?
'And what about yourself? Are you ready to see him again?"
Legolas sighed at the little voice. Estel would have called it his conscious. Legolas just called it annoying.
The prince was just about to urge his horse into a slow walk when 2 identical elves suddenly seemed to appear in front of him out of nowhere, both with arrows aimed at him.
The one on the right, "What brings you to Imladris, stranger?"
"Invitation from Lord Elrond, to my ada, who was unable to attend. I am Prince Legolas of Mirkwood."
The 2 elves lowered their bows and the one who hadn't spoken yet said, "I am Elladan, son of Elrond. This is my brother, Elrohir. Welcome to Imladris, Prince of Mirkwood. Follow us and we will bring you to our ada."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Elrond studied the elf riding toward him, flanked by the twins. It had been well over a month since he'd gotten Thranduil's reply by messenger bird that he had sent his son in his stead. The prince should have arrived two weeks earlier.
The Lord of Imladris smiled when the 3 elves dismounted in front of him, "Ah, Prince Legolas of Mirkwood I assume. King Thranduil sent a message ahead of you. I had expected you 2 weeks ago."
The blond prince gave a half bow, "I am sorry Lord Elrond. I was not entirely sure of the reception I'd get so I … took my time."
Elrond chuckled, "You are here at my request, Prince Legolas. Why would you fear the reception we gave you?"
The prince sighed, "I beg you pardon, my lord, but you are not the only … elf in lmladris."
"I see," Elrond said choosing his words carefully, "but I can assure you, there is no elf here who will show you anything less than complete respect."
Legolas gave a half smile, seemingly lost in his own thoughts for a moment, before sighing and meeting Elrond's gaze, "Many thanks, Lord Elrond."
Elrond nodded, "Now, if you will follow my sons, they will escort you to the room we have ready for you."
Legolas gave another half-bow, "Once again, Lord Elrond, many thanks."
Elrond nodded again before watching the twins lead Legolas away. When he knew they were out of earshot Elrond turned to the doorway to his left, "You can stop hiding now, Estel. He is gone."
The human stepped up to Elrond's side, "Why did you invite an elf of Mirkwood here, Ada? Are we not feuding with them?"
Elrond sighed, "For your son's sake, Estel, I hope this foolish feud ends soon."
That said Elrond walked away, leaving his human son gaping after him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Aragorn had taken refuge in one of the many rooms of Rivendell … the memorial room that contained the shards of Narsil.
Every time Aragorn stared at the sword that was broken, he always thought about how complicated his life had become.
He already had the burden of being Isildur's only remaining heir. But he also had a 36 year old son to worry about, and now his ex-lover had finally showed up in Rivendell.
"Hello Estel." And had apparently found him. "Or shall I call you Aragorn. Do you have any other names?" Legolas asked from behind Aragorn with a slight hitch in his voice.
Aragorn turned his head slightly, but couldn't bring himself to look at Legolas. "Actually I go by many names," Aragorn started, "Strider, Thorongil, Chief of the Dunedain, … I'm amazed even I can keep them straight."
Legolas fought to keep the smile off his face at his beloved's attempt at humor. "You … look well … Estel," Legolas managed to choke out, "I shall always think of you by your Elvish name."
Aragorn turned all the way around to face Legolas and the blond elf was surprised to see tears in the human's eyes. Legolas had thought the years without Estel had been hard for him, but he hadn't considered how hard the years had been on Estel. He was, after all, a flesh and blood mortal.
"And you will always be beautiful, Legolas."
The words were sincere, but Legolas still flinched. He could feel Estel pulling away from him, … trying to distance himself. Legolas couldn't let that happen.
"I've felt you all these years you know," Legolas began. Aragorn stiffened, but didn't respond. "I felt every moment of joy and sadness from you," Legolas paused, "and your unconditional love towards ano …"
"What are you doing here, Legolas?" Aragorn interrupted with a shake to his voice.
Legolas' face hardened at Aragorn's harsh tone. He slowly reached up and withdrew a chain from around his neck. A ring was hanging from the chain. Aragorn's ring. Legolas held out the chain to Aragorn, who was watching the elf with an apprehensive look on his face.
"This is yours," Legolas said.
With trembling hands, Aragorn reached out and grasped the ring. His face showed disbelief, gratitude, but then slipped to anger.
"Did you come all this way just to return this to me?!" Aragorn asked bitterly.
"No." Legolas said, surprised. "I've spent over 37 years trying to find you Estel."
"Why?!" Aragorn yelled. "I wasn't important to you then, and I'm … certainly not important to you now!"
Legolas looked shocked. "How can you say this?!" Then his eyes widened in a sudden realization. "It's the other. The one I've felt you giving unconditional love to. You've … found another!"
Aragorn glared at Legolas. "That love you speak of is a familial love, not a …" Aragorn paused, and if it was possible, he looked even more angry. "I shouldn't have to explain myself to you! You left me … for that she witc … someone you never loved!"
Aragorn turned on his heel intending to stalk away, but Legolas was too fast for him.
Reacting on impulse, Legolas walked up to Aragorn, spun him around by the arm, seized him by the chin, and kissed the human with a passion that he had kept bottled up for nearly forty years.
Aragorn tried to fight it, but he hadn't realized how much he missed Legolas' touch or how lonely he had been all these years. Even with Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir, Farothen, Glorfindel, and occasionally Arwen around, Aragorn had always felt that something had been missing … his Prince. Without another thought, Aragorn groaned and sank into the kiss.
When their lips finally parted, neither could move. They had been waiting for this heat, this passion, … this love for so long.
Without thinking, Legolas reached down between them and grasped the chain in Aragorn's hand. Slowly, he removed the ring from the chain and placed it on Aragorn's finger. He was looking right at Aragorn the whole time.
"I wore the ring everyday, close to my heart, for over 37 years Estel. I didn't marry Maikafea," Legolas paused before adding, "I couldn't"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Elrond stopped outside the memorial room when he saw that Estel wasn't alone. He sighed as Legolas pushed the ring onto Estel's finger. He couldn't hear the words the blond elf said, but he didn't really need to. He could almost feel the emotion inside the room between the 2 estranged lovers.
Elrond turned to face Glorfindel as the seneschal walked up and asked, "Have you found Estel …"
Elrond held up his hand, "It can wait, mellon nin. He's in the middle of something far more important."
Glorfindel looked over Elrond's shoulder in time to see Estel leave the memorial room through another door with the prince of Mirkwood by his side. Looking back at Elrond the blond seneschal nodded, "Of course, Elrond. Some things are more important."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Aragorn and Legolas walked hand in hand through the many bridges and walkways that adorned the landscape of Rivendell. Neither knew what to say, so for the moment they just basked in the silence. Simply enjoying each other's company.
"Did you … remember me, … all these years?" Legolas asked slowly.
Aragorn hesitated and thanked the Valar that Farothen was still traveling with the rangers. While Aragorn's heart desperately wanted to be reunited with Legolas, his fear held him. He didn't want to be put into a position to be rejected again. And Farothen's happiness was much more important than his. Aragorn had to be sure that Legolas wouldn't hurt Farothen before introducing the elf to their son.
Aragorn's lips suddenly quirked up in a smile. "You were … impossible to forget."
Legolas' eyebrows rose. "And what is that look about?" he said looking amused.
"Let's just say you unintentionally left me with a gift to remember you by," Aragorn said, "and it has brought me much happiness in these trying years."
Legolas smiled. "Then my heart feels a little lighter already to hear those words," Legolas said and then added, "what was this 'gift'?"
Again Aragorn hesitated while turning Legolas slightly to stop him on the bridge they were crossing. Legolas had such an innocent and trusting expression that Aragorn almost blurted out right then and there, 'we have a son.'
But then the image popped into his head of the expression on Farothen's face after being rejected by the ada he had never known.
'Not yet' Aragorn said to himself. He had to see what kind of ada Legolas would be before telling him about Farothen.
Smiling to cover up his hesitation, Aragorn softly brushed his lips against Legolas' and murmured "It's not important."
He may as well have not even spoken. With the feel of Estel's lips on his once again, Legolas had completely forgotten the question.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Aragorn woke up the next morning snuggled up to Legolas' side with no clear memory of how they'd gotten from the bridge to the elf's room. Al Aragorn knew was that after that last kiss on the bridge they'd made a bee-line for the nearest room.
Stretching Aragorn debated trying to fall back to sleep, not wanting to leave his sleeping lover's side. Unfortunately, with wakefulness came the return of sanity and Aragorn realized he'd made a big mistake by doing the one thing he'd sworn to himself he wouldn't. He'd once again placed his heart in Legolas' hands, leaving him vulnerable for the time when or if the prince of Mirkwood rejected him again.
Climbing slowly out of bed, so as not to wake Legolas, Aragorn pulled on his pants and gathered the rest of his clothing before slipping out of the room. His hopes of going unnoticed were horribly dashed when he ran into the twins a mere 6 steps away for the door to Legolas' room.
Elladan grinned, "Well, well, what have we here, Ro?"
"It appears to be an adan sneaking out of Prince Legolas' room, Dan."
Elladan nodded, "Of course, you are right, Ro, for I know this adan. 'Tis Estel I believe."
Aragorn sighed, "Leave me be, gwanun."
The twins sobered instantly and Elrohir said, "Watch your heart, Estel. We do not wish for you to be hurt again."
Estel swallowed and nodded as Elladan continued with another important warning, "You can give him pleasure, Estel, but be careful you do not give him another son."
The human's gaze flew to Elladan's as those words sank in, "Ai Valar. I must…I've got to go."
As Aragorn ran down the hall Elrohir spoke up, "Should we follow him, Dan?
The older twin shook his head, "Nay. He will wander the woods but he will return, for he promised Ada he would not miss the council in two days. He just needs time alone.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Gwanun - Twins
Don't know what else to say so … Thanks for the reviews!