Title: When the Morning Comes

Rating: PG for slash and dramatic situations

Summary: Estel feels anxious about entering into a new life leaving behind an old lifestyle, old desires, and an old…love? Can Legolas change his mind?

Warnings: Slashy. Nothing outrageous! It's PG for crying out loud!

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When the sun rose over Minas Tirith the next morning, it glanced upon the faces of a lovely couple and few servants in its early morning glow. King Elessar stood on the steps leading into the courtyard where he would depart on his journey to Legolas's home. Queen Arwen stood at his side, eyes still bleary from sleep clad only in a night robe.

A servant approached the steps leading the king's horse. Elessar felt himself begin to tremble. "Estel," Arwen whispered gently grasping at her husband's hand. The king turned to look at his wife. "Do not be nervous beloved; it will be alright."

"Am I doing what is right Arwen? What is fair?" Estel murmured staring hard at the ground. "You will be without a lover at all Arwen…only just for procreation."

"I have made my decision Estel. Your companionship and happiness mean more to me than any lovemaking ever will," Arwen answered smiling at her husband. She then cupped her husband's cheek. "Do not think of me on this day Estel. Think only of your future."

Estel smiled lovingly at Arwen and stroked her hand that lay upon his cheek. "You're wonderful. You know that?" the king whispered back.

Arwen smiled tenderly. "Don't you forget it. Now go. You can waste no time," Arwen murmured kissing his cheek gently. Estel also kissed her cheek, whispered a farewell, and descended the steps towards his steed. "Estel," Arwen suddenly called. Estel turned around. "I. . .do not take no for an answer my love. I have a feeling Legolas will be stubborn about this," Arwen said with a frown.

Estel approached his wife again slowly. "You have foreseen this?" he inquired nervously.

"Nay. But I know him. As do you. And I think you would agree," Arwen replied, "and I doubt not that his father will be much better my dear." Estel nodded in understanding and Arwen smiled at him. "Now go husband, and do not return without him."

Estel smiled once more at his wife before mounting his horse and riding swiftly away with his small contingent. Arwen sighed to herself as she watched her husband disappear into the early morning mist. 'Good luck Estel. You shall need it,' Arwen thought to herself as she turned and headed back into the citadel to begin the day.

The ride to the edges of Mirkwood was uneventful and quiet. Though the men in his contingent tried to engage him in conversation, Estel was too nervous to respond with more than a few words. The closer they drew to the elven kingdom, the more unsure Estel felt about coming.

So lost in his own thoughts, Estel almost missed the telltale signs of the border patrol hiding amongst the thick trees. The hiding spot would have been invisible to just about anyone who was not an elf, but Estel could see them clearly. Estel brought his contingent to a halt. A smile growing on his face, Estel waited a few moments for the patrol to show themselves. When they didn't, he grinned even wider. "You may come out now," he called.

A few tense moments passed before an elf dropped from the branches above to stand at the ready, bow in hand. A collective gasp ran through the contingent and Estel could hear his captain make to move in front of him; Estel halted him with a hand.

The elf in front of him regarded the human with a scowl, and Estel smiled as he recognized the elf. "Hello Raenthil," Estel greeted with a wide grin and a slight bow.

Raenthil glared even deeper at Estel before dropping his bow to his side slowly. "Took you long enough," Raenthil grumbled, "We expected you over a week ago. We had almost decided that you were not coming."

Estel winced at the jab and smiled apologetically. "I did not know I was expected," he replied feeling scolded. Raenthil said nothing and merely stared at the king. Estel sighed. "I know. I was foolish. Can we not let that be the end of it?"

Raenthil let a smirk cross his features and he cocked an eyebrow at the human in front of him. "You know I can not mellon nin," Raenthil laughed patting the humans shoulder and turning him towards the palace, "now come, I shall escort you to the palace myself; let the rest of my patrol see to your people."

Estel carried out the orders of his friend before he began to walk with Raenthil. "So tell me my friend. What is the matter with you?"

Estel winced then chuckled ruefully. "I have been scolded more in the past few days than throughout my entire childhood," Estel sighed.

"Perhaps it's because you are acting like a child," Raenthil commented deadpan.

Estel laughed. "You're worse than Arwen."

"Maybe so," Raenthil responded, "but you know I am right. What you have done to Legolas is unacceptable."

"I know," Estel sighed.

"You know how sensitive he can be; he gives new meaning to the phrase 'elven pride'!"

"I know," Estel ground out.

"To not be with-"

"I KNOW!" Estel snapped clenching his eyes shut. "I know I made a mistake. I am here to fix it."

Raenthil looked taken aback momentarily before smirking at the human in front of him. "Well, you are only human. And no one ever accused your kind of being smart," the elf laughed earning a glare from Estel. "Seriously though Estel, I am glad you are here. Perhaps you may finally talk some sense into the prince."

Estel smiled at his friend and they continued on in silence. The duo approached the guards at the main gate of the palace and stopped in front of them. The one on the left stepped forward. "Why is HE here?" the guard addressed Raenthil speaking of Estel as if he were a disease.

Raenthil's eyes narrowed and Estel remained silent. "You know why he is there Naernas. Now step aside and allow him inside to talk to the king," Raenthil snapped back. Naernas looked displeased but obeyed the order by his superior and stepped aside allowing Raenthil and the human to enter. The other guard remained silent and fixed the human with a look of cold indifference.

As Estel and Raenthil passed the guards, the one on the right spoke. "He has heard the calling of the sea you know. He wishes to depart. Who are you to keep him from his greatest desire?"

Raenthil spun around and glared at the other guard. "I suggest you hold your tongue about things that you do not know Palaen," Raenthil growled before ushering Estel inside.

Estel felt a stab of regret at those words and winced. "Perhaps I am wrong to be here," Estel murmured to Raenthil, "if he has heard the calling of the sea. . ."

"I suggest you hold judgment on that until you've talked to Thranduil Estel," Raenthil said quietly, "then you will know what to do."

Finally, Raenthil led the human to the door of the throne room. He knocked once and opened the doors. Estel followed his friend into the beautifully decorated room and sighed nervously. Raenthil turned to the human and smiled. "Stay here. I will announce your presence to Thranduil."

Estel nodded his acquiescence and watched as Raenthil disappeared from the throne room behind a door to the right. He knew from the past that this door led to Thranduil's private office and he waited patiently for both elves to return. Only moments later the door opened and Thranduil strode gracefully into the room with Raenthil looking nervous on his heels.

Thranduil regarded the human for a moment before seating himself on his throne. "Come forward Elessar and speak. But I must warn you that I have little patience for you at this moment in time."

Estel winced and strode forward keeping his eyes on the ground. Finally, he was directly in front of the throne and looked up. No matter how many times he had stood before the king of Mirkwood, and no matter how old he was, Estel always felt like a naughty child when the king fixed him with his stare.

Moments passed with the human and elf kings staring at each other. Estel looked to Thranduil's right to see Raenthil who was looking encouraging, but mouthed the word 'kneel.' To the human as a reminder. Estel immediately dropped to his knees. Though he was a king himself, this was Thranduil's territory and he had the human's respect.

Thranduil finally had enough of the silence and began the conversation for the human. "You dare show yourself here after what you've done Elessar?"

"Your majesty, I-"

"You dare come to my kingdom and for what? So you may claim Legolas again. Why? So you may cast him away once again like is nothing to you when you grow tired of him." Thranduil's voice never rose above a cold drawl, but still Estel winced at the cold behind it.

"That is not the case your majesty, and that is not the way it ever was!" Estel protested.

"What? Are you going to tell me that you plan to stick around this time? That things are different? I highly doubt that since you've in the past seen fit to claim and throw away my son as it suits you."

Though Estel still felt reprimanded, he also felt anger flare inside of him. "I will have you know your highness," Estel spat at the king like a curse, "that it was your son's choice, not mine to end our relationship."

"While the words did come from him, it was still your doing," Thranduil insisted, "tell me. What reason can you possibly give me that will allow you to see my son? I think there is nothing you can say to convince me. My mind is made up. I am wondering why you came at all."

Estel felt something inside of him break as he realized that Thranduil had no intention of allowing Estel to see his lover at all. Estel lowered his head as he felt tears sting his eyes. "I know," Estel began choking around his suppressed sobs, before clearing his throat and beginning again, "I know that my current status prevents me from being with him. I have always hated all I was supposed to become. The hope of a failing race; the sole king of man. Nobody ever asked me what I wanted. Valar! I would give up my throne, my extended life. . .I would gladly exile myself forever if just to be with your son for one more day. I offered you know. . ." Estel's voice choked here as he felt tears flow down his cheeks in misery.

Thranduil looked taken aback. "You offered? But. . .he rejected you?" Thanduil asked in pure confusion.

"Yes. He said it was not fair to my people. . .not fair to Arwen," Estel sobbed, tears running down his cheeks.

"Ah. . .Arwen. Of course. He will not be swayed on that I fear. What of Arwen?"

Estel snorted and managed a small smile. "She scolded me. . .for not telling her sooner. . .she witnessed our entire fight you know. She ordered me to bring him back with me no matter how he. . .or you protests."

Thranduil chuckled. "That Elleth. . .takes so after her father that it's almost absurd," Thranduil said aloud before thinking to himself, 'If she has approved. . .then Legolas may be more easily persuaded.'

Estel sighed shakily staring at the ground. "But this journey is all for naught. For if Legolas has head the calling of the sea-"

Thranduil's head snapped up so suddenly, and his eyes blazed so fiercely that Estel immediately halted his conversation. "Who told you that?!" Thranduil demanded sharply.

Raenthil stepped in. "Two novice guards at the gate my lord," he answered, "I fear they thought they were doing their duty by protecting Legolas."

Estel's gaze flew between the king who looked angry and Raenthil who was reporting. "You mean he. . ." Estel questioned in a daze.

"NO!" Thranduil exclaimed immediately setting his gaze back on the human, "Legolas. . .he only fears that he will fade without you; it is a preventative measure." Here the king paused and regarded the human with less cold. "I must admit Estel, when I first learned of . . .you two, I was more than perturbed. After all, Legolas is to be king some day and has the same problem as you with heirs. However . .the feelings that exude from his eyes when he speaks of you, and the pain he is feeling now. . .he has not been the same since your fight Estel. And now I see. You two are meant for something special together. I was wrong."

"My lord?" Estel questioned in shock. Thranduil smiled at Estel and came forward, placing both hands on the human's shoulders affectionately. "Then there is hope?" Estel asked quietly.

Thranduil smiled at the kneeling human. "Yes."

Estel smiled in relief. "I must go to him then."

Thranduil shook his head standing up again. "Nay. You must rest. It is best that you are at the best condition possible when entering this 'battle'. Sleep now, talk later my son."

Estel looked sharply up at Thranduil who smiled down at the human and bent down towards him again. To Estel's complete shock, Thranduil placed his hands on either side of his face and planted a gentle kiss to his forehead. "Rest," Thranduil ordered gently before striding from the room.

Estel stared stupidly after Thranduil's retreating back with his mouth open. Raenthil approached the human with a small smile. "That-that was unexpected. . .what just happened?" Estel stammered.

Raenthil laughed and helped the human to his feet. "Thranduil has accepted you, and your relationship with Legolas; and has come to look upon you as a son."
"Even more unexpected," Estel murmured shaking his head.

Raenthil grinned. "Come now. The king has ordered you to rest. Let me take you to your room." Estel followed his friend in a daze and entered one of the guest rooms. "Goodnight Estel. Sleep well and if I do not see you tomorrow before. . .well I wish you the best of luck."

"Thank you Raenthil. I will need it," Estel murmured back. The elf then left closing the door and Estel collapsed onto his bed and fell into a fast, deep sleep.

Estel knew not what woke him at first, but as he felt his eyes open he realized he had slept throughout the entire day. He had exhausted himself emotionally to the point of near collapse and realized that Thranduil had been right. Had he approached Legolas in that state, he would have probably lost control of all emotions.

Estel stretched and moved towards the balcony, pushing away the sheer curtains that blew towards him. The human strode out onto the balcony and gripped the railing, staring up at the moonlight. He sighed and closed his eyes at the tranquility the light offered him.

Suddenly, a very soft sound reached his ears. His eyes snapped down below his balcony towards the gardens and he understood what had awoken him. The voice was melancholy, yet still was beautiful. Immediately, Estel returned to his room and splashed some cold water on his face. After straightening himself up, Estel left his room quickly and left the palace towards the gardens. He followed the haunting melody like a zombie. The closer he got to the voice, the more intoxicated he became by it. The lilting song was of love that was found and then lost. While it should have held some happiness, Estel found none.

Step by step Estel found himself drawn closer to the source. Finally, he came around a turn in the gardens and found the singer. Just as Estel had thought, it was Legolas in the garden, and his head was raised to the heavens singing away his sorrow. Estel felt his heart lurch and yet he still did not move closer. Legolas's eyes were closed and Estel kept his distance. The song finished minutes later with its last low note echoing in the breeze.

Estel stood in the same spot as when he arrived and studied the handsome elf before him. It was said that only the lady Arwen had ever received the captivated look that Estel wore now; but none had witnessed Estel looking upon the elf before him. Legolas was absolutely breathtaking to the human no matter how many times he looked upon the fair haired elf and no matter how much time had passed. Unable to say anything, he merely took another step into the clearing, still entranced by the vision and song. "What are you doing here Estel?"

Legolas's quiet voice stirred Estel from his observations and the human shook himself from his musings to turn his attention to Legolas.

"I would have thought that would have been fairly obvious," Estel returned just as quietly.

"Why are you here?" Legolas countered.

"I. . .I came for you Legolas. I need you."

Estel could see the other elf tense in obvious pain. "We settled this already," Legolas choked angrily.

"No. I let despair and anger cloud my judgment with dealing with you. . . at the thought of losing you. We settled nothing," Estel responded.

"Well I have settled everything Estel. I shall not be swayed. I meant all I said."

Estel felt his insides grow cold. "Legolas please-I. . .come home with me melethron. Be with me for the rest of my time on this earth."

Legolas shook his head sadly, his back still turned to the human. "I cannot do that Estel."

"Why not?! Everyone else can see that it's the way it should be! Why can you not?" Estel demanded.

Legolas sighed. "I will not betray one of my own kin," Legolas responded.

"Arwen WANTS you to come home with me. She wants us to be happy. I have her blessing!"

"It does not matter. It would only provide heartache for her. And I will do no such thing to one so sweet," Legolas responded attempting to keep his emotions together.

Estel took a few angry steps forward so that he was directly behind the elf. "What about what I want?" Estel demanded, "What WE want? Does that not matter at all?"

Legolas's shoulders slumped. "Estel. . .a large part of me wants to forget all else and be with you because that is what I want; however-"

"There is no however Legolas!" Estel yelled spinning the elf around by his arms to face him. "There is us, only us and we are all that matters!"

Legolas stared at the ground refusing to look into Estel's eyes. "That is not sensible at all Estel and you know it! You have a kingdom to run! Children to have! What of them?"

"Arwen-"

"Arwen is not to be used as a simple vessel Estel! She deserves better than that. I have made up my mind. I have already told you that you will not sway me!" Legolas snapped finally looking Estel in the face. Estel took a step back at the look of anger in the elf's eyes.

"Legolas. . .please meleth nin. Do not leave me! I would rather die than live without you!"

"Then you will have to find some way to survive Estel. I leave when the morning comes! Do not make this harder for me! I have made my decision!" Legolas began screaming and ended in sobs.

Estel realized he had lost the battle and felt dizzy with the realization. "But. . .I. . ." Estel stopped and sighed, "very well Legolas, then take back the heart you left with me. For I would rather have none than have one of someone who has since fell out of love with me."

Legolas looked up at Estel startled. "I. . .I do love you Estel. I always will. I just. . .our love is not enough for this situation. It is what is best for all."

Estel looked deep into the eyes of his former lover. "So you say," he replied, "but it's not true and I think deep down you know it." Here Estel paused and looked upon Legolas for the last time. "Safe journey prince. I will not see you off. I will be leaving within the hour. Just remember this while you're in the paradise of Valinor and I am here in this hell you have made for me. . .I will never love again. And Arwen, just so you know, knows this." Estel leaned forward and planted a kiss to Legolas's forehead before striding swiftly away.

"In time, Estel, I'll become an eventual memory. You'll adjust," Legolas replied coldly halting Estel in his tracks.

Estel turned his head over his shoulder towards the elf regarding him with cold eyes. "If you truly believe that meleth nin, then you never really knew me at all." Estel then turned from the clearing in the garden and disappeared into the night. Legolas turned back to the night's sky and let his tears fall.

When the morning came, Estel was already gone. . .and Legolas too.

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A/N: Story's not over! I have one more chapter!!! I am sorry that it took so effing long to upload it! i was stuck on this story...i am still not happy about it, but it's as good as it can be for now! Read my other stories too and don' t forget to tell me what you think:)