Titanium

Author's notes: I want to say I apologize for not getting back to all of my reviewers, but I'm going away for the weekend, so I'm getting this chapter up before it's too late. In retrospect I should have been working on this chapter while everyone in my apartment was away, but this seemed more fitting for a procrastinator myself. I promised steamy, but this isn't the chapter for that, the others aren't in the proper place for that, and honestly, I think some of my…slower readers (no offence) wouldn't quite understand. So, steam is for later. I also wanted to inform you that you all are fucking amazing. Thanks for the attention and love this story is getting. Now, with no further delay, I present to thee, Neville! –CJG

Warning: Homosexual relationships, dark themes, violence, language, and angst. If you don't like, please don't read.

Chapter Twenty: King to King

Characters: Neville Longbottom. Location: Mirkwood.

Getting used to the Elves should have been easy for the big cat.

Of course nothing was overly easy for Neville; finally, after months of waiting for the King to return from duty in Imladris, he was able to see the king. If it wasn't the first encounter with the guards of the palace that ate up the entirety of Mirkwood; it was the encounter with its king. Apparently, Elves were rather good at sensing magic, and it was the magical surge that his entrance into the forest that had caused the group of Elves to search the forest to begin with. Neville, being the overly sensitive creature that he was at times, had been completely engulfed in guilt and self-hatred. It was his fault, his mate, who he learned was not only the prince of the extremely beautiful city, but was one of the most enchanting of the creatures whom he know was surrounded with. Legolas had stood up for the animals, or more Neville's, innocence, saying that the demonic cat should be praised for bravery and honored with gifts for saving the survivors of the initial attack.

The king and his court weren't overly impressed with the beast; they called it a "spot of luck". They went on saying that it could be a trap, and that the demon cat could have an ulterior motive for rescuing the prince. They also spoke of killing the creature, or better yet imprisoning the brute with such utter lack of hesitation. These beautiful beings were so completely locked in their own world, and their king for more interested in "protecting his prince" rather than listening to the full story that the royal beauty was attempting to convey.

They were all completely shocked to find that Neville, scoffed at the idea. His body moving to pace around his long pluming tail twitched in irritation. A strong sudden annoyance shining in his very human eyes. He was a king in his own right, yet this group of unearthly creatures spoke of offing him, his mouth opened, and when the people expected a great roar, they were greeted with a cough instead. Those who hadn't been looking looked up at the creature in shock.

"You speak as if you know my kind, High King of Mirkwood." Neville's thick baritone voice hit the confused air of the council. Legolas' head snapped around to stare, his body tensed, slack jawed, and doe eyed at the beast that was standing as a king would look at his subjects. His eyes were calculating at the race before him, speaking perfect Elvish. His cat like lips quirked in what was an unmistakable smirk, "Your kind is to be friends of nature, yet you risk killing your son's savior? I meekly seek audience with your seer, or yourself. Has he not for told you of my coming?" He questioned, obviously finding his prize with a tall slim Elf, his honey colored hair stood out from the dark haired elves, or even the platinum blondes that seemed to over run the place.

"Who are you? What witchcraft is this?" The high king's voice boomed over the confused whispers. Legolas walked slowly toward the Lion. He only made it a few steps before being pulled back by one of the advisors that were surrounding the prince now.

"I am something that any good seer would have seen, fate has foretold my coming." He snarled out, still glaring at the seer that was now slinking back. He had obviously been caught red handed and guilty as charged, and by the look that the king was sending between the two of them.

"Is this true Noir?" The king questioned the honey haired man. A small nod was all he received. The king almost snarling at the seer, though before he could tear into the seer Neville spoke up.

"As for whom I am, I am called Artaxes by my friends. At least in this form." He said with a slight purr, his eyes landing on Legolas, who he had plans to make his submissive very soon. Couldn't they see is innocence? Despite the Elf's years on earth held such innocence, such a rein to be pulled in. He looked ready to be protected, ready to follow instead of being a leader.

"In this form?" It was Legolas who caught his attention.

"Yes dear one, this form. I am a king, it's only fit my form is that which is fit for a king." He said with a slight snort.

Neville fit his task well, he was one creature who could bluff with no problem at the time that he needed to be. He wasn't sure if the reason he was being so dominant was because he was in the presence of his mate, or if it was simply to make himself seem larger than he was. On the inside he was shaking slightly, he was slightly impressed that he was getting the interest from his mate that he was, but he was pleased to find that even in the few moments Legolas had known Neville, he was showing signs of submission. It would make it much easier in the future to explain when it seemed that Elves already had the instinct to submit.

"But I am also a wizard. It is simply much safer to travel in such a form." He said quietly, his voice seeming to take a gentle turn while talking to the delectable prince. The king took notice to this, as he had taken notice to the flushed cheeks, the neck bearing, and the slightly slumped shoulders. It was all evidence that his son had located a mate within the strange 'wizard'.

"You're a wizard?" Legolas took a few steps forward to extend his hand, a hand that the large cat pushed his head into, he rose from the sitting position and nuzzled into the hand. His eyes closing in contentment, before opening his eyes to stare into the Elf's eyes.

"I am indeed dear Prince; may I ask permission to shift forms?" Neville asked carefully. He was eyeing the king with slight distaste, but noting visible on the outside, "I find myself very uncomfortable being looked down upon." He said coolly, his tail again twitching.

A nod was all he received before he took a few steps backwards; he stretched languidly before slowly picturing his new human form. He felt his joints beginning to fix themselves, his muscles began to contract and extend, his hair returning into his skin with slight pricks as if each hair was being pulled back under the skin. He slowly began rising to his full height, which shockingly was slightly taller than even the King. His eyes never leaving the Prince's, afraid that he would break the odd connection that they held. He growled lightly as his spine finally snapped into the proper location and length, though he was plenty surprised to find his hair had grown immensely since the beginning of his travels. Now falling just below his shoulders.

The Elves were clearly not expecting the young, extremely handsome Neville to be standing in the place that the lion had once stood. All of them now stood with jaws gaping, though Legolas looked slightly less wordless as again he shifted his head unconsciously to show his neck to Neville, who sent a gentle smile by way of the prince.

"Your son is a beautiful, and talented warrior, King Thranduil, the Vala have blessed you with his existence, that can I assure you." Neville's voice was cool, thick, if not deeper than it was in his brutish form. He took a step towards the prince, gently taking the hand that hadn't moved since he had changed back and placing a gentle kiss upon the back. His eyes turning to the king once more, "Long has it been since I stood in the presence of another king, masters and keepers yes, but kings of my world have died."

Even to Neville's surprise his voice did not shake, nor waver, when speaking of earth. It was heartbreaking to think of all the young and old life that had passed what seemed like hours ago, was actually months.

"Then again, my entire world is dead now. So few of us were saved by fate." He said quietly, eyes downcast to offer a moment of privet thoughts before turning his attention to prince who was staring up at him.

"Your entire world?" The Elf breathed out.

All he received from Neville was a small nod, before the shallow beginnings of tears were appearing in Legolas' tear ducts. Such a kind hearted mate he had received, the Vala were smiling upon him now he was sure. Originally Neville had feared that now, as he revealed himself before the Elves, that the Prince would be angered for keeping this from him for such a long time. It seemed that this was not the case, for it seemed more interested in Neville's human form.

"It is a story for another day, Legolas. That is, if your King finds my life worthy enough to not eliminate." He said with a soft smile. So long had it been since he was able to stretch in his natural form, he simply wanted to bask in the Prince's presence, but knew this could not happen until a later day.

"For now, my Prince, and my King's court, there is much to discus. It seems the Seer hasn't been honest, nor given full truths." Neville paused, sending a mild stinging hex to the Elf who yelped lightly and jumped, his hands slapping against his own bottom in attempt to kill the slight jolt, "I believe it is time for us to begin."

TBC

Author's Note: I'm sorry it's a bit short, and honestly I wanted to write it a bit differently, but I sort of like how it came out. A discussion of what is to come, and a private conversation between Lego and Nev will be taking place within the next chapter. Please, keep any mean reviews to yourself, if anything needs be said please say it in the kindest and most helpful way possible, and don't send me nasty PMs anymore telling me I'm a horrible author. You did a good enough job of that last chapter. Thanks guys, have a wonderful day! – CJG