Wild Justice
Chapter 25: The Yenearsira Ball
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Dedication for this chapter goes to Crystal and Kokoday, for giving me the inspiration to start and then eventually complete this chapter. Thanks guys! I appreciate the help, no matter how unintentional it sometimes was (heads up on the watermelons:D)
Special thanks to Kokoday though who has become somewhat of a 'WJ consultant' to me! Trust me when I say this chapter would not be as good if it weren't for her honest suggestions!
Big thanks to everyone reading WJ for being so supportive as well as patient in waiting for chapters to finally appear!
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He brushed at a few strands of flyaway hair that had once again come loose from the ribbon that was supposed to be holding his hair in place. With a sigh, Legolas reached back, tugging the pale blue ribbon free, his blond hair spilling forward to frame his face.
Legolas bit his lip in frustration, his hands already gathering the locks up again to little avail. His hair would just not stay put. He'd decided not to wear his normal braids to the night's festivities. Firstly so as not to be recognised immediately by the style- though he had no doubt that some of Imladris' current population were bound to identify him.
Secondly, it was because he felt the change would compliment the new pale blue robes gifted to him from Elrond for the Yenearsira Ball. They were styled to both accent his build but also to carefully hide his growing stomach- and growing it was. He could feel himself becoming heavier as the days passed, and often found himself needing to rest more frequently than he was used to.
He turned a little, examining his figure in the full-length mirror Abie had brought into his rooms. He smoothed the sides of the pale fabric, loving the feel of silk against his hands. The inside of his robes were lined with cotton to help keep him both cooled and warm depending, but the outside was of a light silken blue, like that of cool winter skies when clouds of rain and snow had yet to build up.
His hands drifted to the little clear buttons running from his neckline down to his waist, his hands curving a little with the indent of his stomach. He tilted his head, a small smile upon his lips as he felt the baby within turning slightly.
It was a truly magical feeling, to know that such life was growing inside him, that he had to power to bring this child into existence, to keep it alive and well until it grew and was old enough and wise enough to be released out into the world. He was responsible for this little miracle. It was he who would have to teach it the rights and wrongs of the world, to keep it safe and healthy. His heart lurched at the thought, a small grain of fear touching his heart. This baby would be dependent on him, would need for him to be there from the start, to care for it and nurture it.
Could he do it? He idly wondered. Could he be a father and a mother both to the babe that grew within his belly? He stroked his stomach with reverence for a moment before turning his eyes back to take in his appearance as a whole.
Yes, he thought to himself, he could. A smile touched his lips momentarily before a frown once again marred his features as he noticed his hair had once again started to become free from the confines of the ribbon.
Pursing his lips, Legolas reached up and tugged the ribbon free once more, futilely trying to arrange his hair before giving up with an aggravated sigh and throwing the offending material to the ground.
Legolas glared at the blue ribbon accusingly, starting as he heard a light chuckle coming from the direction of his door, his head snapped up hurriedly.
"My Lord Elrond!" Legolas felt himself flush slightly in embarrassment, raising his hands, rushing to brush his hair back from his face, his fingers automatically making to braid his hair back.
"Peace, Legolas," The Elven Lord held his hands up as he entered the room, making his way over towards the blond elf, stopping momentarily only to pick up the discarded ribbon. He gestured to the ribbon and then to Legolas' hair, "May I?"
Legolas looked at him, slightly stunned for a moment before wordlessly nodding his agreement. Elrond smile at him and Legolas found himself returning the look. The Elven Lord reached for the young prince's hand, gently pulling him over to a small vanity and seating him. The blond elf watched as Elrond quickly dipped the ribbon in the bowl of water sitting before him, he gave Legolas another smile before lifting his hands and tenderly running his fingers through he younger elf's hair, picking up a small wooden brush to occasionally smooth it out.
"Are you looking forward to this evening, Legolas?" Elrond asked kindly, watching the younger elf in the small mirror before them.
"I am, my Lord." Elrond smiled softly as he gathered the blond hair up into one hand, allowing it to run like water though his fingers before collecting it back up.
Legolas felt his eyes close of their own accord, the sensation of hands running through his hair, of fingers bushing against his scalp and neck relaxing him greatly. He found himself unconsciously leaning backwards, settling against Elrond as the older elf continued to play with his hair.
He felt safe and loved at that moment. His trust in Elrond was already beyond that he'd ever had for Ahearn, and though the thought frightened him, it pleased him also, for he knew- somehow he just knew- that the Elven Lord would never intentionally hurt like his ex-lover had. Elrond had promised to take care of him, to protect him and his baby for as long as he so wished. The Lord of Imladris had done so much for him, so much more than his own father had been willing to give.
Fingers brushed across his brow, "You're thoughts trouble you, Legolas," he could feel the vibrations of Elrond's deep voice rumbling against his back. "You are upset over something," the older elf's words held a question in them, one that Legolas declined to answer as he instead turned his head slightly, as if to turn away from Elrond's sharpened gaze, which watched him intently through the reflective surface of the mirror.
Gentle but firm hands turned his face back towards the mirror, though he kept his eyes shut, not yet willing to be released from this moment, where pleasure was derived simply from hands running through his hair. Elrond said no more, continuing to gather and brush the long blond hair for a moment, allowing Legolas to have his thoughts.
It was only when Elrond moved his fingers to either side of Legolas' temples, gathering the hair that had fallen forwards and pulling it back and in doing so unintentionally brushing against the sensitised tips of the Mirkwood Elf's ears, that Legolas finally straightened up, his eyes snapping open, widening as a small shiver ran through him, his mouth parting in a silent gasp.
Elrond gave him an amused look, his fingers nimbly tying Legolas' hair with the ribbon- dampened to help both it and the blond hair to stay in place – before settling his hands on the elf's shoulders, his thumbs cautiously rubbing at Legolas' neck.
"M-my Lord?" Legolas' voice was soft, breathless almost, an alluring blush creeping up and staining pale cheeks even as he watched the Lord of Imladris through the mirror.
Elrond smiled thoughtfully, stopping in his ministrations, lingering temporarily before stepping backwards. Legolas felt the loss of heat at his back almost immediately, not realising how consoling it had been until Elrond moved away. He turned in his seat, looking up at the dark haired elf.
"My Lord?" He repeated.
Elrond reached into his robes, withdrawing from a cleverly concealed pocket a circlet of silver. He held it upon the palms of his hands, displaying it to Legolas who looked up at him with a frown.
"You will be recognised." Elrond stated.
"That is what I fear." Legolas replied softly, dropping his eyes.
"I will protect you." Elrond's words implored him to believe.
"I know." Legolas whispered, making no motion to move away as Elrond placed the circlet atop his golden head.
"We should go down now, I've allowed Elrohir and Elladan to officially open the Ball, but I have yet to make an appearance." The older elf said.
Legolas nodded, taking Elrond's proffered hand in order to pull himself up from the seat. The Elven Lord's dark eyes flickered over him, taking in his appearance with a seemingly critical eye.
Legolas found himself bowing his head, but instead of turning his eyes to the floor he found himself taking in Elrond's own appearance as he looked up through his lashes. Dressed as impeccably as always, Elrond's robes were of a dark velvet, royal blue in colour, with simple yet elegant silver stitching around the collar and sleeves. His long, dark hair was braided back and a circlet of silver also adorning his head.
"You look beautiful, my prince," Elrond eventually spoke, his eyes glinting amusedly as a light blush touched Legolas' cheeks, the young blond dipping his head slightly at the compliment.
"As do you, my lord," Elrond smile at him, offering his arm to Legolas whom took it without hesitation, allowing the Elven Lord to lead him out his rooms and towards the ball.
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Legolas' mouth parted in breathless wonder at the sheer splendour that was the Hall of Fire. Though he had often visited the Hall during his previous stays in Imladris many years ago, he had only really seen the hall when he was in need of a quiet place for thinking and reminiscing. Rarely had he ever seen the Hall decked out on high days. On the occasions he had been present for the days of merrymaking Imladris hosted, Legolas could not think of one that compared to the site before him.
His eyes took in the dimly lit room, the main light source coming from a bright fire at the end of the large hall. Brackets of touches aligned the walls of the hall also, casting their golden glow of light over the many heads of Elvish kind. And though Legolas' keen eyes spotted one or two humans amongst the gathered, the majority were Elves; Elves who were partaking in the night's merrymaking activities of poetry readings and story telling, of making music and dancing.
As Elrond and Legolas stepped further into the room the crowd parted for them. Though they were relatively left only, managing not to garner too much attention, the few that noticed the Lord of Imladris moving amongst them politely nodded their greetings to both him and Legolas- who was acquiring many a curious look.
Legolas managed to pick up his name as it circulated around the hall, the Elves inclined to wondering at the unannounced appearance of the Prince of Mirkwood in Imladris. The young elf found himself straightening himself under the scrutiny he was receiving, his shoulders pulled back, head held high even as his body was tensed and ready to respond to the fight or flight impulse should anything occur.
"Relax, Legolas," Elrond's voice washed over the blond elf, causing him to look up into the Elven Lord's face. Elrond's eyes were shining with both concern and a little amusement as he gently touched at Legolas' hand, which had clenched into a tight ball, the sleeve of Elrond's robe twisted between his fingers. The Mirkwood elf flushed slightly, forcing himself to flex his fingers and relax his grip.
"I apologise, My Lord." Elrond smiled at him, confidently leading Legolas around the hall until they reached the balcony situated to the right of the hall. An array of chaise lounges and seats were littered around this far wall, a few buffet tables took up the remaining wall space, though their presence went mostly unnoticed by the hall's occupants. Too caught up in their own merrymaking to think of food.
"There is no need to apologise, Legolas." Elrond soothed him, "This is a worrying moment for you."
Legolas nodded his head, agreeing with the Elven Lord. "I have heard my name spoken already and we have but just entered the hall. I did hope- as vein as such a hope may have been- that I would not be recognised. I cannot help but fear that someone from Mirkwood will accost me and cause a scene." He took a deep breath, releasing it slowly in an attempt to relax himself, "You have done so much for me, My Lord, it is perhaps too late to ask, but are you terribly sure you wish to take such a chance?"
"That one of Mirkwood will try to accost you? Or that Mirkwood will learn of your staying here?"
"Yes, to both."
Elrond led them off to one of the less populated areas of the ball, seating Legolas then himself upon one of the chaise lounges before turning to face the prince.
"I have made my decisions, my promises, Legolas. You may trust in me to keep my oaths."
"It is not that I fear you will retract your words, My Lord, only that you… perhaps you offer me too much? I- I am grateful of all that you have done for me thus far, I only worry that you will regret doing so when Mirkwood learns of my staying here and causes trouble."
Elrond frowned. "What has brought this on, my Prince?"
Legolas looked out over the hall, his eyes unseeing of the festivities and celebrations as his thoughts turned inwards. He gave only a delicate shrug of his shoulders in reply to Elrond; unable to phrase any of his thoughts and feelings- thoughts and feelings of betrayal by a loved one, loved ones, one's who'd broken promises and oaths of love and protection…
But Elrond wasn't like that. Wouldn't become like that. He'd been so sincere in his words, so honest and open with speaking them. Legolas could trust him, couldn't he? Not only that, he would trust him, because if he couldn't trust in Elrond when the Elven Lord had done nothing but take care of him, who could he trust in?
…I have given you sanctuary, lirimaer, for as long as you shall need, for as long as you should want. And should you decide that you no longer need the sanctuary of Imladris, know that you will always have a safe realm to go to should you require, a room should you want, and a home forever…
He needed Elrond, he realised, not just for his protection and that of his child's, but because the half-elf offered him the moral support none in Mirkwood were willing to give him, because Elrond was as a trusted friend to him now when those whom he'd trusted in Mirkwood had turned their backs on him.
He looked up into Elrond's face, a sad smile tugging at his lips, his hand reaching out to timidly touch at the Elven Lord's hand.
"I do not mean to put a damper on your spirits, My Lord."
Elrond smiled at the younger elf, raising his hand gently to brush at the stray wisps of stubborn blond hair that had once again come free from the blue ribbon and fallen into his face, the movement soon turning to a caress of Legolas' cheek. He was pleased to note that Legolas leant into the touch as if he had known it all his young life, and knew that this hand that touched him would never be raised to strike at him.
"You dampen my spirits no doubt, Legolas, but only in so far as that I dislike what you have been through and wish to the Valar that I had known you like this before so that I may have given aid to you earlier. It saddens me to think that an elf- any elf- could have been treated the way you have by another of our race."
Legolas sat up straighter, "Ahearn is a half-elf though,"
Elrond frowned at him, "As am I, Legolas." he loosely cupped Legolas' chin in his hand, "Whatever he may be, there is no excuse for his behaviour, my Prince. Perhaps I should have phrased my words better, I meant that though it is terrible for elves, even half-elves to treat others as you have been treated, it is also terrible for anyone of any race to suffer as you have by one you should have been able to trust above all else."
"Oh," Legolas turned and dropped his head, biting his lip as he thought over the words. He knew what he'd gone through with Ahearn was- wrong, in most ways at least. But he hadn't known, hadn't really understood the implications of what was happening until the discovery that he was with child. Yet even then he had fought with Ahearn to keep it, to become a family. It had only really been with the threat to kill his child if it were to be born that finally caused him see the light.
"Yes," he began, "I suppose you are right, My Lord. I- I didn't deserve…" he trailed off unsure if he dared say such words aloud and to the Elven Lord. He turned his head away, his fingers touching uncertainly at his mouth.
He started slightly when he felt his hand taken up by Elrond, turning back to face the dark-haired Elf. Elrond smiled softly at him, taking up the younger elf's other hand in his own and massaging them both gently until Legolas met his eyes.
"You may speak, Legolas," Lord Elrond said softly, "You may always speak your mind with me. Speak freely; I implore you. I would not have you stop yourself on my account." He squeezed the pale hands gently, "Say what you indented to say, Legolas, I think you need to speak these words.
"My Lord, I-," Elrond's eyes never left the bright greens of Legolas' own as he lifted the Prince's hands to his lips, placing light kiss upon kiss atop his knuckles. Legolas' eyes widened minutely, his lips parting as he tried to catch the breath that suddenly evaded him.
"I dare not," he breathed out, suddenly afraid to speak above a whisper and interrupt this moment he found himself caught up in. Elrond's eyes burned with intensity.
"Speak, Legolas. Speak and lighten your soul, begin the healing of your grieving heart," the words though murmured were spoken with such emotion that he felt compelled to acquiesce, to express his opinion not just for himself but for Elrond as well.
"I didn't-," Legolas closed his eyes, biting at his lip until Elrond squeezed his hands again, drawing him from his hesitation. "I- I don't deserve to… to be treated the way I was by Ahearn… not by anybody."
There! He'd said the words he'd been thinking, secretly longing to be able to speak aloud. He bit at his lip again, unable to define how he felt over doing so. It did seem as if a weight he hadn't known he'd been carrying was slightly lifted from him, from his heart and his body and his soul.
Elrond smiled at him, the gesture infectious as he felt his own lips twisting up to return the action, his heart jumping lightly in his chest as the Elven Lord raised a hand to stroke at his face once more, leaning in to press a lingering kiss to the young prince's temple.
He pulled away a little, intending only to praise Legolas for finding the courage to admit out loud what he had only ever been able to think before, only in pulling away he was caught by the completely open and unguarded look flittering over Legolas' face as the younger elf turned his head up; his face but inches away from Elrond's.
Legolas felt his heartbeat accelerating and his breathing quicken in expectation, lips automatically parting as he tried to draw more air into his lungs. Neither Elrond nor Legolas seemed willing to move for a long moment as their eyes searched the others, finding only a myriad of emotions and questions, but no actual answers.
And then Elrond was taking the first step, leaning in a little more, just enough to cause his breath to whisper across Legolas' lips, causing them to tingle in expectation and want. All sound seemed to drown out and away from Legolas, to be replaced with that of the blood pounding in his ears as Elrond paused once more, so close to changing the very nature of their relationship, hesitant to take that final step.
Just as Elrond leaned in however, his lips barely even brushing over Legolas' own, all sound suddenly came back to him, the realisation of where he was and who he was with forcing him to turn his face away, his eyes noticing the looks Elrond and himself were receiving, hearing the whispers that were starting up from the near kiss.
Legolas dropped his head as he tried to hide the impending blush of embarrassment and shame and guilt. He felt Elrond shift beside him, silent and awkward, he closed his eyes, raising his hand to touch timidly at his lips; lips that tingled in expectation and want of that kiss he'd nearly had bestowed upon them.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
"Do not be,"
"I am," Legolas looked up at the dark-haired elf, not quite meeting his eyes, "I- I am not ready for, I-," he wrapped his arms about his stomach, unable to continue as words evaded him.
Elrond touched at his shoulder, "It is alright, Legolas, I should have-,"
"No! Please, Elrond!" He met Elrond's gaze even as he felt his blush intensifying. "I just-,"
But what either of them would have said, neither would have the chance to find out as two elves made their way through the throng of people, moving towards them. Legolas found himself tensing up all over again, his face hardening to hide his emotions as the two elves he wished not to see above all else (save perhaps his father and Ahearn) arrived before them
"Father," Elrohir and Elladan bowed their heads in greeting to Lord Elrond before turning to Legolas and greeting him with the same polite gesture, "Prince Legolas,"
Elrond bid his son's welcome, enquiring after them both before asking them the intent of their appearance. Elrohir's gaze settled on Legolas, who was trying not to squirm in his seat, he felt suddenly stifled and surrounded by these three elves. Two of which had assaulted him and one of which well… he wasn't entirely sure. Had Elrond really tried to kiss him? Here in the Hall of Fire? Surrounded by his people?
He had no time to think on it further as Elrohir began to offer him an apology on behalf of both Elladan and himself for their actions against him. Legolas snapped to attention, his eyes sharpening on the twins before him- on Elrohir whose words were obviously sincere and heartfelt, to Elladan who was looking between Legolas and Elrond with a rather odd look upon his face.
"…We did not think, Legolas, and are extremely sorry for any hurt we may have caused you. We sought only to help you even if our methods brought about the opposite affect. We do not expect you to forgive us for our behaviour, though we pray that one day you may."
Legolas turned his eyes back to Elrohir as the dark-haired elf finished speaking. He knew the older twin's words were spoken with sincerity and though he longed to forgive them, Legolas found that he could not. Not even when their actions had unintentionally resulted in his receiving sanctuary in Imladris. Legolas swallowed thickly, stiffly nodding his head before responding to the elf's words.
"I accept your apology Elrohir, Elladan," he began, "but I do not forgive you your actions."
Elrohir winced slightly, though Elladan simply remained expressionless, his eyes almost cold as they flickered over Legolas before he turned to his father.
"I wish to speak with you, father, if I may have a moment of your time?"
Elrohir looked at his twin in surprise but Elladan did not turn to acknowledge the enquiring stare. Elrond too looked slightly startled at the request. There was a moment of almost uncomfortable silence before Elrond spoke.
"Can this not wait, Elladan?" He glanced at Legolas from the corner of his eye, hesitant to leave the blond elf without having the chance to speak with him, to explain his own actions and intentions.
Legolas caught the look and straightened a little, deciding that now was the time to take his chance at escaping the sudden feeling of claustrophobia that had come over him.
He touched lightly at Elrond's arm to catch his attention, his eyes not quite meeting the Elven Lord's when he turned to face Legolas. "I believe I shall go out for some fresh air, my Lord?"
When Elrond did not answer for a long moment, Legolas finally gathered the courage to look up, meeting the dark gaze and seeing the worry in his eyes.
"If you are sure, my prince?" he asked.
Legolas simply nodded his head, forcing a smile as he stood to his feet with Elrond. He thanked the Elven Lord for escorting him this evening and bid his goodbyes to the three elves before turning from them and making his way towards the arched doorway leading out onto the balcony and grounds.
The temperature change as he stepped out onto the balcony was most welcome. The cool touch of ice in the air stealing his breath, causing his exhales to condense into small puffs of white cloud before his eyes. Lightly the young elf stepped down the few stairs that led out onto a frost-covered courtyard. Guards were visibly posted about the area and Legolas felt himself, really for the first time since entering the Yenearsira Ball, relaxing.
Taking a deep breath of chilly air, Legolas closed his eyes to savour the night. He could hear the singing coming from the opened balcony doors above, a smile tugging at his lips at the obvious happiness and enjoyment the season's festivities inspired into its people.
For a moment he felt a pang in his heart at the though of Mirkwood and how her people would be celebrating Yenearsira. His stomach clenching at the thought of previous years spent with his father on this night, after Mirkwoods festivities were finished they would retire to sit before a roaring fire, sipping hot beverages and talking on inconsequential things. The past two years Ahearn had joined them in this, their annual get-together, cradling Legolas against his chest, strong arms wrapped protectively about his waist.
Legolas shook his head, dispelling the memories from his mind before the longing could start up again. And the image of Ahearn did disappear, only to be replaced by one of Elrond, of Elrond with his arms about Legolas, staring into his eyes the way he did, bending his head to place a kiss to his temple, his cheek… his mouth…
Legolas blinked, biting his lip at the thought, a different kind of longing sweeping over him. One that wished Elrond was out here with him, out here to hold him in silence as they stared out into the night, as a friend, as a… lover? Was that what he really wanted? Was it even what Elrond wanted?
He shook his head to himself, "How could he want you, Legolas?" He whispered to himself, his words carried away into the night. "Who could want you?" He wrapped his arms about his belly, shivering now against the cold as confusion and sadness swept over him.
He heard someone come out onto the balcony, thinking nothing of it until the sounds of footsteps were heard to be coming down the stairs, moving towards him. Legolas turned quickly, his heartbeat speeding up slightly until he recognised the dark-haired elf in the deep emerald green robes that was slowly approaching, cautiously, as if unsure whether or not he was welcomed.
"Elrohir," Legolas greeted, neither warmly nor coldly.
The young lord bowed his head in greeting, "Legolas," He came to stand beside the prince, looking out into the dark expanse of forest that surrounded Imladris. They stood in silence for a long moment, a tense expectation brewing between them, causing Legolas to lament the easy silences they had once often and comfortably found themselves in.
Taking a deep breath Elrohir straightened his shoulders a little, his eyes focussed on nothing in particular as he stared out into the darkness.
"You want him," was all he said.
Legolas tensed beside him, his breath catching silently, "I know not of what you speak." He did not turn to look at the other elf, and neither did Elrohir turn to look at him, though his eyes did flash with some suppressed emotion.
"You know what I speak of," the young lord stated, softly, simply.
Legolas turned his head a little, shooting Elrohir a defiant look. "I do not." He said firmly, "I also do not wish to have this conversation- whatever it may be about."
Elrohir felt his lips quirk, though his humour at Legolas' words was nonexistent.
"You would be good together," Elrohir persisted.
Legolas tensed further, unwilling to discuss that which he did not even have an answer for. "Do you not know when to back off, Elrohir? Can you not learn when to act and when to remain still?"
Elrohir winced, rightly connecting the blond elf's words to his actions against the younger elf. "I have apologised for my actions." He whispered, bowing his head.
Legolas slumped slightly not wanting to really fight with the dark-haired elf, "And I have accepted your apology, Elrohir." He wetted his lips; "I have not however, forgiven you for it."
"Our intentions were good," he finally turned his head to face Legolas, his eyes meeting the accusing greens of Legolas'.
"But your methods were not." The Prince of Mirkwood replied, his voice was equally as soft as Elrohir's' though his tone far colder. The young lord visibly winced.
"I know. I cannot express to you how sorry I am that I hurt you Legolas, that with my actions I have lost both your trust and your friendship,"
Legolas closed his eyes at the words, feeling Elrohir's pain at having to speak them out loud and make them all the more real. He despised the twins their actions against him, but he did not despise them. He reached out and touched at Elrohir's arm, the action gentle, "Nothing is lost forever,"
Elrohir smiled sadly, "I pray that your words are true."
"They are," Legolas said.
The dark-haired Elf gave a grim smile and nodded. There was a slightly less tense silence between them until Elrohir broke it once more. "May I speak my mind, Legolas?"
The young prince looked up in puzzlement and suspicion, cautiously inclining his head, indicating that he was listening.
Elrohir swallowed heavily, shifting slightly in the cool air of the night. "Know that I say this only to give us both peace of mind,"
"Elrohir-," Legolas began to interrupt, only to stop short as the dark-haired elf held up his hand to request his silence, a gesture eerily reminiscent of Elrond.
"Please Legolas, listen to me, I know you'd rather I not speak it, but I must. I see what there is between you and I say this, that you two would be good together, you and my father- you and Elrond,"
Legolas turned away, "And what makes you think I feel that way inclined to your father?" he asked, his voice thick with suppressed emotion.
Elrohir's hand on his shoulder caused him to look up once more. "I see the way you look at him," Elrohir's gaze was intense, causing Legolas to drop his own with a flush as he read the unspoken words in Elrohir's eyes, words that told him, that said 'you once used to look at me the same way.'
"I am simply grateful for his help and support." The words sounding unconvincing even to his ears.
"It is more than that,"
"There is nothing more."
"There is something more."
Silence grew once more between them as they stared out over the grounds of Imladris.
"And what of you, Elrohir?" Legolas asked quietly.
The dark-haired elf turned to him with a frown, "What of me?"
"How would you feel over the whole matter?"
Elrohir gave a slightly sad smile, "Whatever makes you happy, Legolas, will make me happy. Will make both Elladan and myself happy."
A vision of Elladan's gaze flickering coldly between Elrond and himself flittered through the blond prince's mind, he doubted Elladan would be entirely happy with the prospect of his father being anything other than a mentor to him. Legolas wasn't even entirely sure if he wanted Elrond as anything other. His stomach lurched slightly as if in disagreement.
He looked up to find Elrohir watching him. The older elf smiled softly at him before bowing his head slightly.
"Just think on what I've said," He said by way of parting comment before turning and heading back up to the Hall of Fire, leaving Legolas staring after him, a frown on his face and confusion clouding up his mind.
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To Be Continued…?At least one review per chapter needed to continue, if you would like to read the most recent chapters of WJ please visit my Yahoo!Group WildJustice (linked in my bio). There you can not only find chapters not yet posted elsewhere, but also polls, fanart and fic and a friendly place to chat about anything and everything WJ and LotR related!
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