Special Note about the previous chamber:
In regard of the burial custom I mentioned in the previous chapter, although it is disturbing, I have taken it from this site ( GondorBurialCustoms), also I've read in LOTR wiki that Théodred was buried after a month from his death. In addition, when I researched it, during medieval times the deceased bodies of the nobility were usually kept so people can pay their respect. What about the smell? Old castles are made of stones and they tend to become very cold especially in winter, which helps preserving the body for a month before it starts to smell. Add to that, Míreth is an elf and as such her body wouldn't be decomposing as fast as a human would.
In answer to another question about male pregnancy, I didn't know how to include the explanation within the story but I'll explain it here. Not every time a Mirkwood elf had sex, he would get pregnant. Males, as it was recently discovered, have their own period every month causing their hormones' levels to increase, thus, a male elf can only get pregnant, if he had intercourse during those days, which in LOTR times, are unknown for the lack of medical labs.
I hope that would answer your questions and sorry if I disturbed you very much. ^ ^
Now, on with the story…
OoO. OoO. OoO.
Reasons to Hope, Reasons to Live
Chapter: Eighteen
Beta: Aubrey'Snape
OoO. OoO. OoO.
The soft lights of the candles shone dimly inside the mausoleum, casting a shadow over the lonely figure that sat on a floor in front a small marble tomb. Legolas sniffed as another sob tore from him as he stared at Míreth's grave, reading the engraving over and over. It had become his habit to come to the Tombs of Kings and stay beside his daughter from morning until nightfall since her funeral one week ago. His father, his husband, and his friends had tried to pull him out of his grief but the pain was too strong for him to simply forget it. Thus, he sought solace and comfort here, next to his daughter's side.
The blond prince was so absorbed in his sorrow that he didn't notice the passing of time or the two soldiers who stood behind him, guarding him. The two elven warriors exchanged worried gazes as they watched over their prince. The elf was completely detached from everything around him and they started to wonder if they should call his attention or leave him. Before they could decide, however, the huge doors of the mausoleum opened and King Thranduil regally marched in.
Legolas jerked, snapping from his reverie when a hand touched his shoulder gently. Looking up, he saw his father looking down at him with worry and sympathy.
'Legolas,' the old king said softly. 'Why don't we return to the castle?'
The young elf shook his head, before looking ahead at his daughter's grave. 'I wish to stay with Míreth.'
'Legolas, Saes.'
'No!'
Thranduil sighed deeply; the two of them had exchanged the same conversation for a solid week. He would always ask his son to return back to the castle after spending all day here but the younger elf would refuse to leave his daughter's side, putting a fierce resistance before agreeing to return back with him.
Taking a deep breath, Thranduil knelt beside his son. 'Legolas,' he spoke coaxingly. 'You've been here all day with no food or drink. You'll kill yourself, nîn iôn. Saes, don't make me worry over you more than I already do.'
Legolas remained still for few moments before looking back at his father and nodding reluctantly.
Smiling softly, the Elven King stood before helping his son onto his feet as well. Holding each other's hands, the two elves left the marble building followed by the guards.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
Aragorn paced anxiously across his living room as he waited for his husband's return. Legolas' desolation over Míreth was driving him mad with worry. Everyone was saying that the blond elf was fading but none was able to snap him out of his grief. Today, he and King Thranduil had a long talk over this matter and both had decided that certain steps must be taken to pull Legolas out of his sorrow. However, the King of Men was worried about his husband's reaction. He feared that their plan would backfire and Legolas would be completely lost to them forever.
/Well, there is no turning back now./ The king told himself. /Asking Legolas would certainly be met with refusal. The only way is to impose it upon him./
His train of thoughts was cut by the large door opening, revealing King Thranduil and Legolas.
"Good Evening, King Elessar." The elder king greeted.
"Good Evening, King Thranduil." Aragorn replied before looking at his husband, who simply acknowledged him with a small nod. "Legolas, where have you been all day?" he asked although he already knew the answer.
"With Míreth." The blond elf simply replied.
"Legolas, why don't you go and change your clothes?" Thranduil suddenly suggested. The young elf blinked at his father's tense tone but he nodded obediently, before turning and heading to his bedchamber.
The two kings exchanged anxious looks as the blond elf disappeared into his chamber. King Thranduil, in particular, was worried about the whole matter. His son-in-law looked as if he was about to step into a battlefield. The ElvenKing wondered if whether he should remain with the two or give them some privacy to talk.
"Will you going to need my presence with you, Elessar?" he asked.
"No, your Majesty," replied the man. "I must be the one who settle this matter once and for all. I'll be able to handle it by myself."
The ancient elf stared at him critically for few moments before nodding.
"Be gentle with him, Elessar. Legolas is on the edge of breaking down." He warned. "I'll go now and return after an hour." With another warning look, King Thranduil left.
Taking a deep breath, Aragorn marched into the bedchamber.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
Legolas was nowhere to found in the bedchamber. Following a hunch, Aragorn opened the door connecting their chamber to the adjacent chamber, and found his husband standing in the middle of it, stunned.
"Legolas—"
"Where is Míreth's cradle?" the elf whispered.
"I ordered the servants to take away all her belongings." The man replied neutrally.
Turning around, Legolas stared at the man with utter shock. "What?"
"I ordered the servants to take them away." Aragorn repeated.
"Why?"
"Because they are not needed anymore."
Legolas stared at his husband silently; shock and disbelief making his body freeze.
"I had to, Legolas." Aragorn continued. "Surrounding yourself with Míreth's things is only serving to fuel your grief further and further."
"How could you?" the blond elf asked in disbelief.
"Legolas—" Aragorn tried to place a comforting hand on his husband's shoulder but the elf flinched away.
"Legolas, listen to me," the king tried again. "You can't stay trapped in your grief forever. At some point you have to accept that Míreth has gone and move…"
As he numbly listened to his husband, Legolas felt as if arrows were being fired directly at his heart. He couldn't imagine what Aragorn was suggesting. The man had taken away Míreth's belongings and now he was asking him to simply forget his little jewel. How could he even think of it?
Slowly his sadness started to turn into rage at the man standing in front of him. His mind had long stopped registering what Aragorn was saying but the mere sound of his voice was greatly upsetting him.
Forget Míreth?!
Pretend that his beautiful princess didn't even exist?!
"No!" he suddenly exploded.
Aragorn stared at him, shocked, not at the sudden outburst, but rather at the powerful hot anger that surged from the blond elf through their bond.
"Legolas—"
"Don't say another word, Aragorn." Legolas hissed. "You have NO right to take away my daughter's belongings or order me to forget her."
"I'm not ordering you to forget her, Legolas." Aragorn objected. "I'm merely saying that you are destroying yourself by shutting yourself in an endless whirlpool of grief. This must stop now. Just look at yourself, Legolas. You don't eat or sleep properly. You've shut yourself from your family and friends, spending your days mourning in front of Míreth's grave. How long do you think it would take before you fade away?! You are deliberately killing yourself, Legolas." The look that passed through Legolas' eyes upon hearing Aragorn's last sentence sent a cold shiver down the man's spine. It made him realize that the elf wouldn't mind if he faded away.
The two stood in silence as they stared at each other for few moments.
"Where are Míreth's belongings?" Legolas asked softly after a while.
"I will not tell you, Legolas." Aragorn said determinedly. "And furthermore, you are forbidden from going to the Tombs of Kings from now on."
"You can't do this!" Legolas exclaimed.
"Yes, I can." The man said coldly. "And to make sure that you obey, you are forbidden from leaving this castle under any circumstances until I say otherwise."
"I'm not obligated to obey you, King of Men." Legolas scorned.
"Yes, you are, son of Thranduil." Aragorn stated heatedly. "You've pledged your loyalty to Gondor and its Crown and I'll make sure that you'll fulfill that pledge, by force if I had to."
"I'd like to see you try, Human!" Legolas spat. In a blink of an eye, Aragorn closed the small gab between them and grabbed Legolas' arm painfully, glaring heatedly at the elf.
"Don't push me, Legolas." He warned dangerously. "I can be a dangerous man when I lose my temper."
Legolas tried to shake the man's hand off but couldn't. His strength had deserted him long time ago, it seemed.
"Look at you!" the man sneered. "You can't even shake off my grip. Your elven strength is failing you, Legolas."
"I wonder, would've you acted the same if Míreth was truly your daughter?" Legolas whispered bitterly.
SLAP!
Without realizing it, Aragorn landed his free hand heavily on Legolas' cheek.
Both stared at each other with shock as they realized what happened. Aragorn's hands fell limply to his sides as he stared at his husband. "Legolas, I—" The mixture of pain, hurt and shock in Legolas' eyes killed any apologies the man could utter. His mouth simply refused to form any word.
"Get out of my sight." Legolas simply whispered, looking darkly at the man.
Not knowing what to do, he left in silence.
As soon as the man left him, Legolas collapsed on the floor as shallow sobs tore themselves from his mouth and bitter tears rolled down his eyes. It was as if Aragorn's slap finally broke the dam that surrounded his heart since his daughter's death, allowing all his grief to overflow inside of him.
He cried bitterly, unable to stop or control the flow of tears down his cheeks. There wasn't anything that could've stood in front of the waves of sorrow and pain that flooded his soul; not even when he felt two gentle arms surrounding him and pulling him into a loving embrace. The melodic voice of Gwîneth filled his ears as the elleth whispered soft nothingness, but they offered no solace for his pain. He continued to cry and cry until he was completely drained.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
Glorfindel leaned on the stone frame of the balcony of his chamber, staring silently into the dark sky. Sleep had eluded him yet another time since his and Elrond's discovery a week ago. Different thoughts and feelings warred inside him, threating to send him beyond the realm of sanity. He felt completely tattered in front of them, unable to decide which ones he had to face and deal with first and which ones he had to dismiss for a while or give up hope of ever accomplishing.
For one, he still couldn't accept that an elf would commit such a crime against an innocent infant and a princess of an elven blood no less. But many factors supported such conclusion, thus he forced himself to at least consider its possibility.
Rivendell's head advisor took another frustrated deep breath before he retired inside his chamber. After informing Aragorn of the new developments, the man agreed to lower the security around the castle and Legolas in an attempt to lure out their hidden enemy, knowing very well how hard it was to catch an elf in general, let alone someone who was intentionally hiding. And although, it had been only one week, Aragorn's patience was wearing thin, so was Elrond's. They were both convinced that whoever was behind the assassination seemed to be satisfied with the death of the fruit of Aragorn and Legolas' marriage. However, Glorfindel had a plaguing feeling that this wasn't the end. He felt that there was something more to it, something bigger than merely preventing the elven and men's bloodlines from mixing, as Elrond had once suggested. He had managed to gain Thranduil's ear, however, and the ElvenKing had assigned two of his most trusted and qualified warriors to shadow Legolas whenever he was out of his chambers.
The blond elf just hoped that they would be able to catch the conspirators before it was too late.
The second matter that was disturbing the Nolo lord was his growing attraction to Lady Gwîneth. Lord Glorfindel sighed as he lied down his bed. He had never been so attracted to a maiden before but the Mirkwood lady wasn't like any maiden he had come across. The blond elf sighed as he remembered the few occasions in which he had seen the elleth back in Mirkwood. She was still a child and would normally be in Mallorn or Legolas' company that he hadn't spared her a second look, however, now she had changed completely into a very attractive maiden in every aspect. The lord groaned as his conscious battered him harshly for thinking that way. He knew that his affections were a trivial matter in amidst the tempest that surrounded them, however, he couldn't help his heart from longing to the day when he finally made his affections clear and known to the Mirkwood lady.
Letting out a frustrated cry, Glorfindel pushed all thoughts to the back of his head and surrounded to sleep.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
Shadow stared at the castle from his spot atop one of the garden's tree, lost in deep thoughts. It had been a week since Legolas' child was buried and the elven prince was nicely falling into despair and grief, making him weak and ready to be taken away. And for some unknown reasons, the tight security around the castle and around the prince was lifted. The circumstances were perfect for him to proceed with his plan.
/Too perfect…/ he told himself, smirking. He was familiar with Lord Glorfindel's stubborn nature and his refusal to admit defeat. Thus, he had anticipated that the lord would not give up so easily. His suspicion was confirmed when he spotted the two Mirkwood soldiers guarding their prince from a distance.
So Lord Glorfindel thought he could play a game of hunt with him, didn't he? Well, he could indulge the old elven lord in his game and see just how good of a hunter he was. And he had just the thing to drive everyone in that castle to their edge.
/But I have to be careful./ Shadow reminded himself. /I shouldn't push Legolas too much or he'll surely die./
With that in mind, Shadow carefully jumped from one tree to another, away from the castle.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
Thranduil sat quietly on his chair next to Legolas' bed, watching over his sleeping son. Upon his return to the royal chambers, the ElvenKing found his son on the floor, crying his heart out while Gwîneth was trying her best to comfort him. The elven lady told him about the fight between Aragorn and Legolas. Though she hadn't seen anything, Gwîneth had heard the last part of the fight and what she reported had upset Thranduil greatly. Both man and elf had hurt each other with their harsh words and dug deeply into each other's wounds.
Shaking his head, the ancient elf then gathered his son from the floor and gently persuaded him into changing his clothes and going to bed. He was sure that his son wouldn't eat anything so he didn't bother to ask.
Now, Legolas finally managed to go to sleep, though it was still disturbed with occasional sobs and groans.
Tears filled the ancient elf's eyes as he continued to watch over his sleeping son. Grief and being confined within stonewalls for a long time had taken great effects on the young elf. Legolas' skin was ghastly pale and his body was thinner than normal. Thranduil couldn't help but to think that Legolas looked exactly like his mother in her last moments on this earth.
FLASHBACK
Thranduil hurried into the chamber where his wife lied as soon as the healer allowed him in. His wife had just given birth to a beautiful son, Legolas, but the joy that filled the palace was shadowed by the news of the queen's deteriorating state. The king's heart clenched as he was met with the sight of his gravely ill wife, lying in the bed. Queen Aarien's skin was as white as snow and her usual rosy lips were a terrifying shade of grey.
Taking a deep breath, the ElvenKing sat on the edge of the bed and took his wife's limp hand into his.
'Aarien, my love.' He called softly.
Ocean-blue eyes opened slightly and looked tiredly at him.
'Legolas.' was the only thing that the queen managed to utter.
'He's out with his brothers.' Thranduil said.
'I want to see him.' Aarien whispered and the king nodded his head. Quickly, he ordered one servant to go and fetch the little elfling.
'It breaks my heart, my love,' the queen whispered as tears spilled from her eyes. 'that I'll have to leave so soon. I'll never see him grow up.'
'Don't say such thing, Aarien.' Thranduil said in despair. 'You'll see him grow up. You'll see him grow up into a fine warrior, just like his brothers.'
The queen smiled weakly before releasing a soft sob. 'Promise me, you'll take good care of him, Thranduil?'
The king shook his head; tears unwillingly streaming down his eyes. 'You'll be fine.' He whispered before looking up at the healer standing next to the bed. 'Can't you do anything?' he barked desperately.
'I'm sorry, my lord.' The healer replied sorrowfully. 'There is nothing I can do.'
The doors opened and Lady Hithaer entered carrying the infant prince. Once next to the bed, she gently laid him next to his mother. 'Your son, your Majesty.' She declared softly before bowing her head and leaving.
'Thranduil, promise me that you will love him.' Aarien whispered as she gently caressed her son's little face. 'Promise me that you'll make him live a happy life…that he'll be loved…'
'I promise, my queen.' Thranduil looked deeply into his wife's eyes. 'Legolas will be happy and very much loved, I promise.'
Aarien smiled warmly at her husband. She weakly planted a soft kiss on Legolas' cheek, whispering, 'I love you, Legolas.' before closing her eyes forever.
END OF FLASHBACK
Thranduil shook his head violently as if to chase those thoughts away. He wasn't going to lose his son. He simply would not allow it. His son was going to live, no matter what, even if he had to give away his own life instead…
A soft whimper drew the king from his thoughts to the sleeping elf. Silver tears seeped steadily from underneath the closed eyes of his son. Sighing, Thranduil took off his over-robe and slid inside the bed before gathering his son protectively in his arms.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
The next morning saw Aragorn in his office, staring with bloodshot sleepy eyes at the documents and papers in front of him; his hand lay limply on the hard surface, unable to move a muscle. Taking a deep breath, the king leaned his head on the back of his chair, closing his eyes briefly. He hadn't slept for a moment last night due to the enormous guilt that filled his heart after his argument with his husband.
He knew he shouldn't have struck Legolas like that. The blond elf was already hurting and shouldn't be blamed for anything he said, but his words last night had severely hurt Aragorn, for the man had always thought of and loved Míreth as his own.
How did matters reach this far between the two of them?
They were just starting to have a somewhat of a relationship that married couples normally had. They were just starting to be a normal family…and then this!
Aragorn sighed helplessly. Suddenly, the king was snapped from his thoughts upon hearing soft knocks on the door.
"Enter." He said as he straightened up, knowing that it was Faramir.
"My King," the blond steward said as he entered the office. "There is something very important that I need to inform you of."
"What is it, Faramir?" Aragorn said, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk.
Faramir stared at his king with deep sympathy. He was clearly in deep pain over the untimely death of his daughter, yet trying really hard to be strong and keep his pain at bay. The young steward truly felt guilty for having to burden his king with other problems but there were some serious matters that needed to be addressed before it was too late.
"Aragorn," he began softly. "I know that you are still grieving but you are a king and as such you do have responsibilities towards your council, your people and your kingdom."
"Faramir—"
"Aragorn, before being my king, you are my friend." Faramir said. "And I'm worried about you, about Legolas and about Gondor."
"I know." Aragorn said with a heavy sigh. "But what can I do?"
"First of all, you need to address your council. They've been in the dark since your daughter's death. They are deeply concerned about the developments that took place since then, but no one is able to give them a satisfying answer, and this extends to your court's lords as well. You must meet with them and offer some explanations."
"Explanations to what exactly?"
"First of all, you must inform them of the developments in the investigation of the consort's assassination attempt and the reasons behind lifting the security around castle although no one was caught so far." Faramir said firmly. "Second, there are rumors about you and the consort that needed to be addressed as well."
"What rumors?"
"About your current sleeping arrangements. Everybody knows that you're not sleeping in your chambers."
"I think that where I sleep is no one's business, Faramir." Aragorn replied angrily.
"No, my king, it isn't." the blond man replied calmly. "You are a king and the fact that you aren't sleeping with your spouse is a highly disturbing matter for everyone in your court."
Aragorn stared sternly at the younger man but Faramir didn't even flinch. Seeing that the other man wasn't at least intimated, the king simply nodded as he let out an angry deep breath. "What else?"
"There is a rumor that has been circulating around Minas Tirith for a while that you must know of. It's about the death of the princess."
"What about the death of the princess?"
"People are saying that Princess Míreth has died because she was conceived by magic means and that any future offspring you and Legolas may have will sure meet the same fate."
"WHAT?" Aragorn yelled in anger. "And you allowed such rumor to pass?"
"I tried to stop it, Aragorn, but I couldn't. I told Lord Glorfindel about it but even he couldn't stop it from spreading."
"Who started it?"
"I don't know." Faramir replied. "All I know that it started in the city and made its way fast into the castle's court."
"Gather my council at once." Aragorn said in stern voice.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
When Legolas woke up, he found himself nestled in a tight yet warm embrace. It was an embrace that he had found comfort and solace in during his entire life…his father's embrace. Moaning softly, he snuggled closer, relishing in the feeling of his body pressed against his father's.
'Maer aur, ion. (Good morning, son.)' Thranduil's soft whisper filled his ears. Opening his eyes, Legolas looked up at his father and gave a small sad smile.
Smiling back, Thranduil released the young elf from his embrace and got out of the bed. 'It's time to get up, little leaf.' He said. 'I'll order you some breakfast whilst you wash up and change.'
'No.' Legolas replied as he curled up. 'I don't want to.' Tears spilled unwilling from his eyes as the memories of his fight with Aragorn played again in his mind.
Thranduil sighed, as he predicted what his son was thinking of. Granted, Gwîneth's account of the fight between the King of Men and Legolas wasn't sufficient but what she had narrated was enough for the ElvenKing to be greatly worried.
'Legolas,' he began as he sat on the edge of the bed, looking down at his son. 'Aragorn is only worried about you.'
'He has no right to take Míreth's belongings away.' The young elf exclaimed tearfully, burying his face deeper into the pillows. 'He has no right to forbid me from visiting her.'
The ancient king sighed as he bent over his son, running his hand through his son's silk hair. 'He and I thought that it was the best course of action to pull you from your grief. Legolas, seeing you drown in such deep sorrow is breaking our hearts. You seemed determined to bury yourself under a thick cover of sadness, refusing any comfort or condolences. Saes, Legolas. I'm your adar, allow me to comfort you, iôn.'
Looking at his father, Legolas sat up and buried himself into the older elf's arms.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
The lords of the council eyed each other warily as they sat in the meeting hall, while their king sat at the head of the table, silently observing them as they all arrived. They all felt rather agitated from the sudden and urgent summon to meet the king and slightly fearful. The king had become so volatile and unpredictable since the death of his daughter and on the little occasions that they had met with him, everyone was extra careful not to say or do anything that might evoke the king's wrath.
"Your Majesty," Faramir spoke in low voice. "Everyone is present."
Nodding, Aragorn looked at the men sitting in front of him. "My lords, I have gathered you here because Lord Faramir had brought to my attention a certain matter that I need to discuss with you…"
"What is it, my lord?" one of the lords asked.
"A rumor concerning me and my family that is circulating throughout the city."
"Which one you do mean my liege?" Lord Mortardur asked with a scorn. "Many rumors have been floating around lately about your family, your majesty."
Aragorn had to used all of his willpower in order not to bounce on the insulting lord and strangling him to death.
"The one concerning my daughter's death." He said with gritted teeth.
The lords lowered their heads upon hearing his reply. He could see that most of them seemed to believe it or at least were leaning towards believing it.
"It's a vicious lie, my lord." Lord Addrimyr said. "None of us believe any of it, of course."
The lords concurred rapidly.
"Yet, this vicious rumor, Lord Addrimyr," Aragorn hissed. "Kept running all over the city and the castle until now, which means that some people do believe it."
"I fail to see the surprise in this, my liege." Mortardur remarked dryly. "After all, it is expected. You've brought an elven prince, claiming him to be your lover and husband and to be pregnant with your child through magical means, and then suddenly, he gave birth prematurely and the infant dies within a month of her birth. Don't you think that the people of Gondor, who had absolutely no knowledge on the ways of elves, would be suspicious of such progeny? This rumor is merely a reflection of the people's fear for their country and their monarchs."
"And what do you suggest to redeem this situation, Lord Mortardur?" Aragorn asked sharply.
"I fear that my solution will not please your Majesty at all."
Aragorn glared at the young lord, but remained silent.
Taking the king's silence as a sign for him to continue, Mortardur kept on speaking. "In addition, it seemed that matters between you and his highness the Prince Consort aren't well, considering your current sleeping arrangement. Many are thinking that your Infatuation with the elf had worn out, already." The young lord continued, paying a little attention to the murderous glares his king was giving him or the way Aragorn's body tensed in complete rage.
"My private life is no one's concern." He said.
"No, it's not." Mortardur replied sharply, gaining shocked looks from the lords at his audacity. "You are the King of Gondor and the direct heir of Isildur. If you are incapable of producing heirs to the throne, then everyone in Gondor has the right to fear for the country's future."
Everyone stared speechless at the lord before directing their eyes to their fuming king. They all anticipated the king to draw his sword and kill the lord or order his arrest but Aragorn remained motionless, simply staring at Mortardur.
"I shall repeat myself only this once, Lord Mortardur." The king said in a cold tone after few moments of unnerving silence. "My private life is no one's concern. As for heirs, I think it's too soon to talk about them, considering my bloodline. My main concern now is to catch the culprits who killed my precious daughter and make sure that none of this will ever repeat again." Eyeing the lords with piercing eyes, he continued. "Let it be known that anyone who aids in spreading these rumors about me and my spouse will be harshly punished, and I'll be the one who issue their sentence."
OoO. OoO. OoO.
Elrohir sighed deeply as he roamed the castle's corridors aimlessly, feeling depressed. A long time had passed since he and his lover had spent a proper time together, since Mallorn was spending most of his time with Legolas; not that Elrohir minded. He knew that Legolas should be Mallorn's priority in such situation; however, Elrond's second son couldn't help but to feel deserted. Sometimes, it truly horrified him to think such selfish thoughts while his brother and his friends were mourning their daughter's death but he simply couldn't help it. There was a slight fear inside his heart that his newly budding love would fail to grow if he and Mallorn didn't spend some time together. He feared that they would be drifted apart.
"Elrohir!" the peredhel almost jumped in fright upon hearing Mallorn's voice calling him from behind. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he failed to sense the other elf approaching from behind.
"Mallorn," Elrohir turned around, chuckling nervously. 'What are you doing here?'
Mallorn raised a puzzled eyebrow at him. 'I was on my way to Legolas' chambers, you, on the other hand, are standing in the middle of the corridor, with your mind wandering off to a faraway land. So I think that I should be the one asking you what are you doing here?'
Elrohir blushed in embarrassment. He didn't want to look like a love-stricken adolescent in front of his lover. 'Ummm….' He stuttered.
'Were you waiting for me?' Mallorn whispered softly as he pulled the dark-haired elf's face close to his. 'I'm so touched.' He said seductively, licking his upper lip.
Elrohir coughed uncomfortably but didn't have the power to pull away. His eyelids suddenly felt heavy and he couldn't resist as they closed on their own motivation.
'Unfortunately,' Mallorn said causally, pulling away. 'We can't allow ourselves such indulgences as long as Adar is here. We had an agreement, remember?' with that, the blond prince resumed his walk.
Elrohir, on the other hand, felt the urge to plant an arrow into Mallorn's heart right now. Indeed, they both had agreed on concealing their relationship from the ElvenKing for the meantime, not really knowing how he would take such news, especially after what happened to Legolas. For all they know, he could ordered them to be married right away just to be on the safe side. And both of them, certainly, weren't ready yet to have such a commitment. So, they both agreed to keep their distances from each other until King Thranduil's departure.
Still sulking, the dark-haired elf followed his lover silently.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
Gwîneth was in the living room's balcony, watching over the horizon with sad eyes. When she first came here, she thought that everything was finally falling into place and the ones she had always considered as her family had finally found their happiness. She also thought that she had found her happiness among them. How could everything turn upside down in few moments? She wondered. It was unfair!
Tears slid silently down her cheeks as she wondered if death wouldn't be satisfied with taking little Míreth's life but would snatch Legolas' as well?
'Gwîneth!' Quickly wiping her tears, the elleth looked back and saw Mallorn and Elrohir standing at the balcony's entrance. 'Good Morning.'
'Good Morning, Mallorn, Lord Elrohir.' She said calmly as she walked towards them. 'What are you doing here so early?'
'We came to see Legolas.' Mallorn replied with a small smile. 'How is he doing today?'
'I fear that he is even worse today.' The elleth said as the three re-entered the living room. 'Last night, he and King Elessar had a fight and I fear that his heath has taken a turn to the worse.'
'A fight? About what?' Elrohir asked.
Gwîneth told the two elves about King Thranduil and King Aragorn's decision and Legolas' reaction to it.
'And he hadn't stopped crying until King Thranduil's arrival.' She concluded.
Mallorn listened silently before nodding his head. It was hard to admit but he agreed with his father's decision to take away Míreth's belongings. Legolas must snap out of his loss and move on…
'Is he awake?' he asked quietly.
'I don't know.' Gwîneth replied, a little surprised at Mallorn's calmness. If anything, she had expected him to be angry at King Aragorn's actions, even though his father had approved of them, however, he seemed to understand, even approve of them.
'Let's go and check on him, then.' He said a little bit cheerfully. 'I know something that would put him in a good mood.'
With that, he walked towards Legolas' bedroom, leaving two stunned elves behind him.
Looking at each other, Gwîneth and Elrohir didn't know how to react or what to expect. Few moments later, Mallorn merged from the bedroom, pulling Legolas behind him.
'Gwîneth, we're going to the bathing chambers.' The Middle Prince of Mirkwood announced cheerfully as he crossed the living room with his brother. 'Coming, Elrohir?'
Bewildered, the dark-haired elf silently followed the pair out of the chambers.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
As soon as the three elves reached the bathing chamber, located in the royal wing, Mallorn stripped out of his clothes and jumped into the warm water of the marble pool, splattering water on his brother and his lover.
'Mallorn!' Elrohir exclaimed in annoyance, as his clothes were drenched in water.
'What?' Mallorn asked innocently, swimming around the huge pool; a wide smile pasted on his face. Of all the places in this stoned castle, the bathing chambers were Mallorn's favorite place. He admitted to himself that the humans had masterly crafted a nice lake-like place for bathing, complete with its own man-made miniature waterfall that fell out of a small slit in the wall into the pool and a system to drain excessive water, keeping the waters in the pool clean and at certain level. The chambers were made of off-white marble, decorated with golden veins along the walls; high large windows allowed sunrays to wash over the place yet protected its users from prying eyes. Plants of various types hug around the place, giving it much life. Two benches were on either side of the pool for whoever wanted to simply relax. Different bottles of scented oils and liquid soaps were placed at one corner along with towels and bathing robes.
Yes, it was the most wonderful place in this castle of stone.
Snapping from his thoughts, Mallorn frowned as he noticed that his brother and his lover hadn't entered the pool yet. Instead, Legolas was taking off his clothes as slow as possible while Elrohir stood at one corner, looking at him.
'Aren't you going to take a swim?' Thranduil's second son asked as he swam to the edge of the pool, near Elrohir.
'In case you haven't noticed,' the dark-haired elf remarked. 'We don't have a change of clothes. What will we wear after taking a bath?'
Mallorn frowned, as he seemed to be thinking before suddenly his face broke into a wild smile and splashed the standing elf with water.
'MALLORN!' Elrohir exclaimed as he was attacked by waves of water.
'Your clothes are completely wet now,' said the blond elf. 'You have to swim.' With that, he swam backwards, smiling daringly at the Peredhel.
'You'll pay for this, you spoiled prince of Mirkwood!' Elrohir growled as he hastily took off his clothes and jumped into the pool, chasing the blond elf.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
As he slid into the pool, Legolas smiled sadly, watching his brother playing with Elrohir. It was painful as much as it was soothing to watch the two elves laughing without a care on the world. Sighing, the young prince of Mirkwood looked away, trying to block away the sounds. Instead, he picked a bottle of liquid soap and started to wash his hair. He was completely lost in his own thoughts that he didn't sense his brother slowly inching to his side before suddenly jumping on him, sending them both underwater.
Elrohir laughed as the two brothers struggled underwater for few moments before emerging from underneath.
'Mallorn!" Legolas exclaimed, glaring at his brother who simply laughed. 'By Elbereth, You could've drowned us!'
'Well, at least I caught your attention, little leaf.' Mallorn said. 'How many times did I tell you not to brood? It's annoying.'
Legolas just gave his brother a pointed look before looking away, wishing nothing more than to be left alone.
However, Mallorn had another idea. He wasn't going to let his brother drown in his thoughts; after all, he was there to make sure that he didn't.
Pulling Legolas' hand playfully, Mirkwood second prince dragged him to the to the other side of the pool where Elrohir was standing. The two elves then teamed up against Legolas, splashing him with water.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
Gwîneth was about to pass the threshold leading to the gardens when she heard several voices calling her name from afar. Looking up, the maiden saw the four hobbits accompanied by Glorfindel heading her way.
After being informed of Míreth's death, Frodo and Sam as well as Gimli had come to Tirith Minas to attend her funeral. However, the dwarf had to leave shortly after it, to attend some urgent matters in Moria but promised to return as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Frodo and Sam decided to stay until they were sure that Legolas would be fine. It was so nice of them, especially that Sam was a newlywed and should be with his bride, but the loyal hobbit insisted that Legolas was currently his major concern.
"Good morning, masters hobbits." The elleth greeted the halflings with a small smile. "Lord Glorfindel."
"Good morning, lady Gwîneth." Sam replied. "Going for a walk in the gardens?"
"Yes, Master Sam. Legolas is with his brother and Lord Elrohir in the bathing chambers, so I have some free time before they are done. I thought that a walk in the gardens would lift my spirit a little."
"We were hoping to catch Legolas before he goes to Míreth's grave today." Pippin said sadly. "It's been a week since we saw him last."
"They should be finished bathing after some time. We'll return to the royal chambers after an hour to check on them. What do you say?" the elleth suggested.
"So Legolas is not going to Míreth's grave today?" Glorfindel asked.
"Nay, King Elessar had forbidden him from leaving the castle." Gwîneth replied.
"What?" the four hobbits exclaimed in shock.
"What was Strider thinking? That's too cruel." Pippin remarked heatedly.
"It's the only way, Master Pip." She replied. "Legolas could be too stubborn at times; so desperate situations require desperate measures." Still the four hobbits looked at her with doubt shining in their large eyes.
"How about we all go for that walk?" Glorfindel asked suddenly. Nodding, everyone left for the gardens.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
Aragorn threw his head back on the wooden chair and closed his eyes, feeling a dull headache starting to form. The meeting with his council was fruitless and ultimately pointless. He could see that none of his lords were convinced that there were attempts on Legolas and Míreth's lives but none dared to say anything, except for Lord Mortardur. And as much as Aragorn admired the lord's courage, he knew that the lord's intentions weren't sincere. He was a proud man that harbored a dislike for the fair race. The king knew that the lord despised Legolas' presence in Gondor and would want him and the rest of the elven race out of the kingdom. But would the lord be able to commit treason? The king wondered. Can his pride take him as far as taking an innocent life like that? In addition, the young lord had no knowledge of elves and their ways, how could he manage to find an elven ally to aid him?
"My Liege," Faramir's gentle voice drew the king out of his thoughts.
"What is it, Faramir?" he asked, looking up at the blond steward.
"May I ask what do you intend to do now?" the steward asked. "The threat to you and the prince consort is still present but you are losing your council's trust and faith in you."
"I know that, Faramir." The king said. "However, this matter is trivial when compared to Legolas' safety. I trust Lord Glorfindel to know what must be done, but I still can't stand the wait."
"I see, and the Council?"
"I'll deal with them later. By the way, Faramir," Aragorn said. "I want you to issue an order forbidding Legolas from leaving the castle. Unless I personally give permission, he is to be prevented from ever leaving these walls."
The steward stared in utter shock at his king for few moments before he snapped out of it. "Is that truly necessary?" he asked.
"Yes. It's the only way to keep Legolas from going to The Tombs of Kings every day."
"I see." With that, Faramir stood up and left to carry out his orders.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
Legolas left the bathroom with a little bit lighter heart. His brother's antics with Elrohir somewhat lightened his mood. Thankfully, Gwîneth was thoughtful enough to send them new change of clothes, or else they would have had to walk half-naked back to his chambers.
'Hurry, Legolas.' Mallorn said cheerfully as he pulled his younger brother. 'I want to comb your hair.'
Once they were in the royal chambers, Mallorn proceed to comb and style his brother's hair as he whistled merrily. Elrohir watched them for a moment before deciding to leave them alone for a while. King Thranduil and Lady Gwîneth were nowhere to be seen so the Nolo elf thought this would a great opportunity to allow the brothers some time together. and so, he excused himself and left.
'He truly loves you, Mallorn.' Legolas commented as the door of the room closed on them.
'And I love him too.' Mallorn replied.
Legolas smiled at his brother's reflection in response.
'However,' his brother continued. 'Our relationship is at halt at this time, due to Adar's presence. I can't imagine what his reaction would be in he ever knew.'
Legolas chuckled softly. 'I wouldn't like to be present when you tell him.'
Mallorn smiled before shrugging indifferently. 'He would probably marry us as soon as possible, especially if he knew that Elrohir had…ehm…' he coughed in a discreet manner.
'You didn't?' Legolas asked; his eyes widened in shock. His brother just smirked in response. 'Mallorn, you could be with a child.'
'Perhaps,' The older elf said indifferently. 'and perhaps not. It's too early to be certain but I'm watching myself for any signs.'
'And what will you do if you did become with a child?' Legolas asked. 'Adar will be furious.'
'I can handle Adar. Besides, if indeed I ended up with a child, I will inform Elrohir and we'll be joined together.'
Legolas looked at his brother doubtfully. He didn't wish for his story to repeat once more but Mallorn had always been a maverick that didn't care much about rules and protocols.
His musing was cut short by some loud sounds outside his bedchamber. Getting out with his brother, he saw the halflings, Gwîneth and Lord Glorfindel waiting for him.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
Lord Mortardur slammed the door behind him upon entered the living room of his house. He started to pace restlessly along the room as a searing fire of rage blazed inside of him. He was both disgusted and angry at every lord in the council. When the king had summon them to the meeting, Mortardur saw this as an opportunity to push the king into a corner and finally force him to annul that outrageous marriage of his and threw all the elves out of the kingdom once and for all. He had hoped that by using the lords' displeasure towards the tight measures taken against them in search for the consort's assassins; he could at least rouse them to stand up against the king. However, the king had proved to be unmoved by their opposition and the lords seemed to be afraid of him.
/They are all bunch of cowards./ he thought angrily to himself. /Why can't they see how incompetent this heir of Isildur is? / The young lord fumed. In his anger, the young lord seemed to forget how the kingdom, under Aragorn's guidance and rule, had pulled itself together and how it was slowly starting to flourish. He seemed to be blind to the changes that were taking place around him in the city and how its people were slowly starting to forget all the misery they had known for many years.
But Mortardur didn't see this all. All his eyes could see was an outsider king who had forced upon them a foreign race to dwell in the city and take control of it. He could only see a king who not only refused to follow the traditions of men, but also was forcing them to accept others' way of life.
"Husband?" the lord was snapped upon hearing his wife's voice. Looking behind, he saw her standing at the entrance of the side door with their one-year old son in her arms. "You're back early today." She remarked softly.
"What? Aren't I allowed to come to my own house?" he snapped.
"Not that, dear." She said softly, approaching him. "But I was merely surprised. Has something happened in the castle?"
Mortardur took several deep breaths, trying to calm himself. Taking out his anger on his wife wouldn't solve anything, and the poor woman didn't deserve it, in the first place.
"Love," he heard her saying as she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "What is bothering you? Tell me."
"Nothing," He replied with a heavy sigh as he threw himself at a nearby chair.
Sitting on the opposite chair, Lady Vanëanis simply held her son up to his father, saying. "Take Ohtar and play with him a little. You've been very busy lately that you didn't have any time for him."
The lord looked into his wife's smiling face then at his son, who stretched out his tiny arms to him. Smiling slightly, he took the toddle and sat him on his lap.
Lady Vanëanis watched fondly as her husband played with their son and soon all his stress seemed to fade away. The three sat there for almost hour without exchanging any words; the only the sound of the child's laughs could be heard.
After a while, Mortardur looked up at his wife and smiled as he handed her their son back. "Thank you, Vanë." He whispered softly.
"You are most welcome, my lord." She replied. "I'm glad that I've managed to take some stress off your shoulders."
Mortardur snorted slightly but said nothing. "I wish to be alone for a while."
"Yes, dear," With that, the lady stood up and left him.
"Lovely wife you have there, my lord."
Mortardur almost yelped in surprise at the sudden voice. Standing up, he looked behind and saw Shadow standing next to the balcony.
"Since when have you been here?" the lord asked irritated.
"For a while." the elf replied calmly as he walked and sat on a large couch.
"I thought you've already left." The lord sneered as he returned to his seat. "I haven't seen you since the princess' death."
The elf simply smirked but said nothing. He merely sat and regarded the lord without unreadable eyes.
"Why are you here?" the lord asked in annoyance.
"I thought we had an agreement, my lord." The elf replied. "I thought that we agreed to help each other in order for you to get rid of Prince Legolas and I to make him mine."
"We had. But you've disappeared after the princess' death." The lord remarked.
"No, my lord, I was simply bidding my time. I think that Lord Glorfindel suspects a foul play concerning the princess' death and he's determined to find out the culprits."
"The princess had died because she was born prematurely. Everyone knows that."
"Was she now? You shouldn't listen to such silly rumors, my lord."
The lord looked at elf with confusedly before a sudden thought crossed his mind. "She didn't die because of her premature death?" he asked, feeling a little bit terrified from the answer.
Shadow smirked. "She could have." He replied as he stood up and walked around the room. "But Lord Elrond wouldn't allow it, so I gave her a little push."
"You've poisoned the princess?!" Mortardur exclaimed in terror.
"Lower your voice, my lord, or someone might hear." The elf said calmly.
The young lord stared at the elf with horror, still unable to believe that the elf would go to such extend. True, he wanted Legolas and his spawn to disappear and helped to poison the pregnant prince but that when the princess was still unborn child. He honestly thought that the princess died because she was born prematurely. He had heard that many tales of babies die after they were born before their time.
"You've poisoned a Gondorian princess." He finally whispered.
"Is that a problem?" the elf asked. "You seemed pleased with the notion of getting rid of Legolas' spawn at the beginning."
"Yes, when she was still unborn babe." The lord said. "Having died while she was still inside the prince's body or even after her birth due to her premature birth wouldn't have been a problem but you have killed her by directly giving her poison."
"I fail to see the difference between the two situations." Shadow said as he sat again. "Anyhow, what happened had happened and the princess is out of our way. We should be thinking of our next step."
"We?" the lord asked sarcastically. "You're acting without counseling me and still think that there is a 'we'?"
"Of course, my lord, you're the one helped me in giving the potion to Prince Legolas and telling me where Lord Elrond's chambers were and about the king's security plans. I wouldn't have done anything without your help. So, we are in this matter together."
"What do you want to do next?" the lord asked crudely.
"Well, I'm in the mood to play a little with Lord Glorfindel. But still, there are some preparations have to be done to ease my plan to kidnap Legolas."
"What preparations?"
"First, I need a special permit to allow me a passage through towns without being searched by the guards at the gates." The elf said. "I would have slipped unnoticed if I was by own, however, it is rather difficult to do so with the unconscious body of the prince consort."
"It'll be ready in three days, what else?"
"When the time is right, I'll inform you so you provide me with a distraction that would force your king and his guards to leave Legolas unaccompanied so I can kidnap him."
"You're good at sneaking in, why don't kidnap him while he's in his chambers?"
"Well, his chambers are located in a very high place, even for an elf." Shadow said. "it would be best to try kidnapping him while he's in the city or in an open place. But he's always accompanied with others…"
"When do you intend to do it?"
"Not now." The elf stood up and walked to the balcony. "I told you I want to play a little. So, you have to wait. I'll come back in three days to collect the permit." With that, Shadow disappeared.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
After luncheon, Aragorn returned to his royal chamber. He was still uncertain how Legolas' reaction after last night would be but he still had to face him sooner or later. Taking a deep breath as he passed through the guards, the king turned the door's knob and entered his chambers. He saw his husband with Gwîneth and Glorfindel in the living room, engaged in a seemingly interesting conversation. Silence hovered on the place as the king entered for a short while before the Imladris' advisor spoke.
'Welcome back, Elessar.' He said standing up. 'We've been wondering where you've been at lunch. We all had the meal together today; expect you.'
'It's my loss, then.' The man said, smiling forcefully before looking at his husband. Legolas seemed a little bit calm and collected than last night, however, he seemed to be unable to meet his gaze.
'Lord Glorfindel,' Gwîneth suddenly said as she stood up. 'I wish to tell you something in private, if you please.'
'Of course,' the blond elf said, sensing that the maiden wished to leave the couple alone. Taking her hand, he led her outside of the royal chambers.
An awkward silence dominated the room as the man and elf stole glances at each other; both not knowing what to say.
'I'm sorry.' The man finally broke the silence.
Legolas looked up at his husband, carefully studying him. He didn't say anything as the man walked to him and sat beside him.
"I'm sorry for hurting you so much." Aragorn said in westorn. "I know that I have no right to prevent you from mourning over your daughter and I certainly have no right to strike you…I wasn't thinking."
"I've hurt you as well." Legolas whispered. "I know that you've loved Míreth more than you would've loved any child of your own. I was unfair. I'm sorry." A single tear slid on his cheek but was instantly wiped by the man's hand.
"We're both mourning, Legolas. However, I don't wish to lose you as well." Aragorn said. "Allow me to comfort you, Meleth."
Legolas looked at his husband and nodded, allowing the man to pull him into a warm embrace. He inhaled sharply as the man's smell filled his senses and his warmth surrounded him.
"Aragorn," he whispered softly after few moments. "There—there is something I need to tell you." He pulled away and looked into his husband's eyes. 'I'm—I don't know if I'll ever overcome my grief.'
'Legolas—'
'Listen to me to the end,' he interrupted his husband. 'My heart had been gravely wounded by Míreth's death and I don't think it can bear another loss. I can't allow it to love again.' Tears slowly fell down his eyes. 'I don't think that I can love you the way a person would love their spouse. Please,' he looked up into the man's eyes. 'For your sake, I want you to release me from our marriage. You deserve to love and be loved, but my heart cannot bear to love anymore. I can't make you happy.'
Aragorn remained silent for a while, staring at the elf with unreadable expression. 'Legolas,' he finally spoke. 'I married you, knowing that your heart belonged to another and that you would never return my love. The mere the fact that you will be by my side was enough for me…but then you told me that you were starting to feel something towards me and that made me the happiest man alive. Please, Legolas, don't close your heart now.'
'I'm afraid, Aragorn.' Legolas said. 'I feel my heart dying with each passing minute…'
'Then allow me to revive it, my love. Please, Legolas, the idea of letting you out of my life is more than I can bear. You'll see…I will make you love me…please.' With that, the man closed the gap between their faces and captured Legolas' lips into a soft tender kiss.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
'My lord, Míreth was poisoned, wasn't she?' Glorfindel froze in his place upon hearing the question. He and Gwîneth were walking through the long corridors of the castle when the elleth suddenly voiced the question.
Looking at her, the elven lord knew that it was useless to lie. She seemed almost certain of her conclusion.
'How did you know?' he asked instead.
Gwîneth sighed deeply as she looked into the space in front of her. 'It wasn't hard to figure out. The weird color that appeared on under her nails, your reaction when you first heard about it, and the air of apprehension that surrounded you, lord Elrond and King Elessar.' She looked straight into his eyes. 'I'd say that someone had harmed her and Legolas before her. Someone tried to harm Legolas before, correct? That's why there was such tight security around them since Míreth's birth.'
The lord just nodded in response, not trusting his voice at the moment.
'But at the end, they managed to harm her.' Gwîneth remarked sadly. 'and Legolas might die because of it.'
'He'll not die.' Glorfindel said sharply. 'Elessar will not allow it!'
The elleth just looked at him with sad doubtful eyes before turning her face away and resuming her walking.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
'What do you say we go for a walk in the gardens?' Aragorn suggested softly to his husband.
The kiss they shared was sweet and tender, yet Legolas still didn't seem to lighten up. He looked up at the man but said nothing. His eyes spoke of endless sadness and sorrow.
'You've been cooped up within cold stones for so long.' The man tried again. 'A walk between the trees would surely refresh you.'
Nodding, the elf passively allowed his husband to pull him up into his feet, help him into something warm and then taking him out of the royal chambers. They went to the elven gardens and strolled for a while, trying to enjoy the gardens that were slowly starting to melt the winter into spring.
Legolas was sitting on a bench, watching as his husband gently was trying to wipe the snow from a newly budding plant, when suddenly he saw something move by his side. The blond elf stood and curiously headed towards the set of trees, looking for whoever caused that movement. He was able to take few steps when he paralyzed in his place as his eyes widened in shock at the sight that met him.
Looking up, the king frowned upon seeing the blond elf standing next to a bundle of trees, staring wide-eyed straight ahead.
Rushing to his side, Aragorn looked into the same direction as his husband but couldn't see anything odd.
"Legolas, what's the matter?" he asked, placing a hand on the elf's shoulder.
"Haldir." The elf whispered before suddenly losing consciousness.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
T. B. C.
OoO. OoO. OoO.
A/N: About the plumbing system in the castle, plumbing networks were known to exist in ancient Rome, Greek Persian, Indian, and Chinese cities. So the concept isn't as modern as we think.