Chapter Twenty: The Truth
Elrohir was rudely awakened early in the morning when his chamber's door was forcefully opened, letting in a cold draft and a very angry Mallorn.
'I need you to come with me,' the blond Elf said. 'Get dressed.'
'Come with you where?' the peredhel asked confusedly.
'To hunt a traitorous son of an orc,' Mallorn replied heatedly. 'Get dressed, Elrohir!'
'Alright!' the dark-haired Elf said as he got out of bed and fetched some clothes from the chest before changing. As he changed, Elrohir observed his lover with worried eyes as the latter sat on a chair, fuming with pure rage. The blond Elf seemed very agitated and enraged for some reason.
'Whom are we going to hunt?' he asked carefully after a while of silence.
'A traitorous Elf,' Mallorn replied sharply. 'I don't care what the others say; I just know it's one of them,' he grumbled the last sentence more to himself than to Elrohir.
'Mallorn, what are you talking about?' the other Elf said as he fastened his quiver around his shoulder and picked up his sword.
'Legolas was poisoned.' Mallorn looked directly into his lover's eyes.
'AGAIN?' the peredhel exclaimed without thinking, only to regret it upon seeing Mallorn's shocked expression.
'You knew,' the blond Elf stated in utter shock, jumping to his feet. 'You knew my brother was poisoned, causing him to give birth prematurely, and you hid it from me!'
'I didn't say anything because Aragorn told me—'
'So it's Aragorn again!' Mallorn snapped. 'That Adan decided that neither Legolas nor I should be informed that the lives of Legolas and his daughter are in danger, and all of you just obeyed him.'
'He was worried about your brother. He didn't want him to worry needlessly in case Míreth survived.' Jumping to his brother's defence, Elrohir retorted, 'Aragorn had hoped that Legolas' daughter would live, Mallorn.'
'But she didn't!' the blond Elf yelled. 'She was poisoned just as Legolas was, and now she's dead!'
At that, Elrohir blanched.
'What are you saying?' he asked softly.
'Lord Elrond and Lord Glorfindel suspect that Míreth was poisoned,' Mallorn replied brokenly, throwing himself back in the chair as he breathed heavily. 'They think the potion Lord Elrond used to give Míreth to strengthen her health was poisoned.'
'How did the poison reach the concoction?' the Peredhel asked. 'I know that Adar always delivered it by hand to Lady Gwîneth.'
'They say the poison might be added during its preparations,' Mallorn said. 'Lord Elrond said it needed to be left outside in the open air at some point.'
'Even so, no one is allowed to enter Adar's chambers. Aragorn made sure of this.'
Mallorn sighed deeply.
'One of the chamber's windows overlooks some climbing vines,' he said. 'The Lords think that the culprit may have entered through them. They say they aren't robust enough to support the weight of a human, but an Elf's...' the Prince's voice trailed away as he looked meaningfully into his lover's brown eyes.
Elrohir dropped on the chair beside his lover, not trusting his feet to carry him. The thought of an Elf conspiring against one of his kin was overwhelming.
'Whom do you suspect?' he asked softly after moments of heavy silence.
'Haldir's brothers,' Mallorn replied loathingly.
️ ️
Legolas woke up as the sun's bright light suddenly filled the room. Opening his eyes, he saw Gwîneth tying the velvet curtains open. The Elleth turned around and smiled at him.
'Maer aur,' she said, 'Rise and shine, Greenleaf. It's a brand-new day. How do you feel this morning?'
The young Prince smiled at her wanly as he rose into a sitting position. Gwîneth approached his bed and reached out one hand to hold his. Legolas stared deeply into his childhood friend's eyes before averting his face, tears welling up in his eyes.
'Oh, Legolas!' The Elleth pulled him into her warm embrace, trying to comfort him the best she could. 'Let it go, Legolas.'
The two were in that position when the room door opened, and Aragorn entered.
"Good morning," the King said.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," Gwîneth said as she pulled away from Legolas and stood up.
"Lady Gwîneth." The King smiled at her before looking at Legolas. "Legolas, would you like if we have breakfast together today?" the man asked uncertainly.
Hearing the King's question, Gwîneth quickly excused herself while Legolas blinked several times in puzzlement. His husband's warm smile and soft tone were new to him. It suddenly occurred to the Prince that the man hadn't smiled at or softly talked to him for a long time…since Míreth's death, to be exact. Since then, they had spoken to each other angrily. And after his stunt last night, Legolas anticipated another fight was in store for him. However—
"Legolas, what do you say?"
The blond Elf was snapped from his thoughts by Aragorn's voice.
"About what?" he asked.
"About joining me for breakfast," the man replied as he approached the bed and sat on the edge. "Just the two of us?"
Legolas stared into Aragorn's grey eyes for a few moments before nodding his head.
"Excellent," the man said, smiling as he stood up. "I'll ask Lady Gwîneth to tell the servants to prepare our breakfast in the gardens. I'll wait for you to join me there."
With that, he strode out of the bedroom.
Legolas remained in his bed for a while, staring silently at the closed door before he stood up to prepare himself.
️ ️
Shadow lay on the small bed, staring silently at the ceiling of his room, lost in deep thoughts. His plans were finally flourishing, and soon, he would put his hands on the object of his desires. He turned his head and glanced at the Lórien Marchwardens' Uniform that was folded and set on a small table near the bed. He was glad to have brought the uniform and Haldir's red cloak to Gondor. They had served him well in fooling Legolas into believing that the ghost of Haldir was haunting him. The foolish Prince couldn't even see the differences between him and Haldir, and Shadow was glad and vastly amused by the game he played with Legolas. The look of utter desperation and misery in the Prince's blue eyes sent waves of ecstasy through Shadow's body.
'And this is just the beginning, my dear Prince,' the silver-haired Elf thought as he rose into a sitting position. When he finally got his hands on Legolas, he would ensure that his suffering would last forever. He would make sure that the youngest Prince of Mirkwood felt the magnitude of Shadow's contempt and lust for him all these years. Closing his eyes, he remembered when he learned about Legolas' marriage to the human King.
FLASHBACK
Rûmil stormed into the talan he shared with his brother, feeling his blood boiling with rage and fury. He still couldn't believe the news that his Lord and Lady had announced in all of Lothlórien concerning the youngest Prince of Mirkwood.
'Rûmil, what's the matter?' Orophin, who was sitting at one corner mending his bow, asked worriedly as his younger brother paced back and forth.
'Haven't you heard? It's all over Lothlórien!' the younger Elf snapped.
'Heard what?'
'That Prince our brother used to call lover had got married!'
Orophin's expression had hardened a little before he looked away.
'It's none of our concern anymore,' he said mildly. 'Our ties with him were severed when Haldir died.'
'Don't you want to know to whom he was married? Or when?' the younger Elf asked.
'I don't care,' Orophin replied, wishing his brother would drop the subject.
In all honesty, he had always felt somewhat guilty towards Haldir for his attempt to assault the young Prince in the past. After that incident, Orophin kept his distance from the Prince and never allowed his name to cross his tongue.
'He has married the human named Aragorn.' Rûmil's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. 'He married him a few weeks after Haldir's death.'
Orophin stared at his younger brother in disbelief before shaking his head.
'It's none of my concern,' he finally said, stressing every word.
'It may be none of your concern, brother,' Rûmil sneered. 'But I'm not going to stand for this. That Prince should have the decency to mourn the death of his lover. He had refused us because of his so-called love for Haldir, yet he didn't find any harm in running into that human's arms after merely weeks of Haldir's death!'
'What are you going to do?' Orophin asked, noting the crazed glint in his brother's green eyes.
'You'll see.' With that, Rûmil left the room.
END OF FLASHBACK
Shadow inhaled several sharp, deep breaths to dull the pain that shot through his chest. Various conflicting emotions warred inside him, each trying to take over him. Jumping out of bed, Shadow walked to the window and looked outside, a resolute look set on his handsome face. He had gone this far and would never return, especially now when the young Prince was almost in his grasp. All he had to do was wait a week or two until that human Lord arranged for Legolas to get out of the castle, and then he would snatch the unsuspecting Prince and leave this city of men forever.
️ ️
They ate their breakfast in complete silence. The man and Elf tried to focus solely on finishing their plates, neither daring to disturb the peaceful air surrounding them. As the servants quietly took away the dishes, Aragorn smiled and looked up at his husband.
"There is something I need to tell you, Legolas."
"I'm listening," the Elf replied quietly.
"Not here," said the King as he stood up. "I want to show you something first."
With that, he walked to the sitting Elf, took his hand, and helped him onto his feet before pulling him inside the castle. Instead of returning to their quarters, the man led him to another bedroom in the royal wing and closed the door behind them. Legolas stood frozen at the door, staring with shock at one corner. Míreth's cradle, small closet, and other little belongings were neatly placed in one corner of the room.
"I couldn't throw them away," Aragorn said. "This is where I used to sleep when your father first came to Minas Tirith and started sleeping in our chamber." Aragorn walked to the cradle and fondly touched it. "I ordered the servants to put all her things here, knowing no one would enter this room."
With slow steps, Legolas approached the cradle and peered into it. Tears slid down his cheeks as he remembered his little daughter inside, looking at him with huge turquoise eyes.
"That night, I felt her soul slowly slipping away," he whispered. "I felt her as she faded away without being able to do anything..." He closed his eyes, leaning heavily on the cradle's edge.
Tenderly, Aragorn circled his husband's slender body from behind and pulled him into a warm embrace.
"It wasn't your fault, Legolas," he whispered.
"I killed her, Aragorn," Legolas whispered, turning around and looking directly into his husband's eyes. "Haldir's spirit is haunting me because I caused her death."
"No, Legolas, you didn't cause her death," Aragorn said sombrely. "Míreth died because she was poisoned."
️ ️
The living room of the royal quarters was filled with the royals' friends and family. Gwîneth observed the faces of all the present and found them full of worry and gloom. They were all worried since they heard that the King and the Prince were having breakfast together this morning. It was odd to feel concerned because the royal couple had a private breakfast together, but still, the blonde Elleth understood the source of the anxiety that filled everyone. The man and Elf had exchanged nothing but harsh words since Míreth's death.
/Heavens know that the last thing Legolas needs right now is another pointless argument with King Elessar,/ she thought grimly.
"Aragorn and Legolas are late, aren't they, Merry?" Pippin asked his cousin. "What do you think they're doing?"
"How could I know?" Merry replied in annoyance.
"They are surely taking their time eating breakfast," Pippin commented. "It's almost time for the second breakfast."
The three hobbits gave him a weird look but said nothing.
Gwîneth was barely able to suppress a chuckle at that. Her hobbit friend's innocent comments never failed to calm her tense soul. Her eyes accidentally caught Lord Glorfindel's, who gave her a slight nod in the hobbits' direction. She gave him a small smile before standing up and walking to the hobbits.
"Masters Baggins, Gamgee, Brandybuck and Took, would you like to have that second breakfast in the gardens with me?" she asked softly as she knelt before them. "You are welcome to join us as well, Master Gimli," She smiled widely at the dwarf, who flushed in embarrassment before nodding. The Elleth looked up at Éomer and Éowyn, who were sitting next to the group. "Your Majesty and Your Highness, would you like to join us, too?"
The two siblings looked at each other and the anticipating group before nodding their agreement.
Gwîneth stood up and gave Glorfindel a triumphant glance before leaving the living room, followed by the hobbits, Gimli and the Rohirrim Royal siblings.
️ ️
Legolas stared wide-eyed at his husband as he finished narrating what had happened around him since his arrival in Gondor. Numbness filled his senses, and his mind could barely register his husband's words. Aragorn watched with worry as Legolas remained silent and unmoving after the end of his confession; only tears slid down his porcelain cheeks.
"Legolas..." the man whispered as he tried to touch his husband's cheek, but the Elf quickly pushed it away.
"Don't touch me," the Prince hissed, glaring at the man through his tear-filled eyes.
"Legolas, please, I—"
"No, Aragorn," he snapped, standing up from his seat. "Don't you even dare! I don't want to hear any excuses. How could you do this? How?" Painful sobs tore themselves for himself as words failed to express the pain overwhelming his soul. He leant on his daughter's cradle and cried uncontrollably. How could this happen?
He had tied himself to a man he considered nothing more than a friend and agreed to live his life in a city of stone with a different race just so his child would live. But his daughter was murdered by those who should've sworn their allegiance to her. She was killed cold-bloodedly by his husband's subjects...
Why?
She was just a babe...an innocent, helpless baby...
"Legolas,"
Aragorn's grave tone broke through the Elf's thoughts as his sobs gradually ceased.
"I don't have any excuses. I have failed in protecting you and Míreth, and I would do anything to atone for my failure."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Legolas asked bitterly, glaring at the man. "Why?"
"When I discovered that you were poisoned into an early delivery," Aragorn said. "I thought I would catch the culprits fast without making a fuss. I didn't want to burden you with worry. I was hoping that Míreth would soon gain strength and pass the six months without any complications, without having you worrying about her safety. I didn't imagine in my wildest thoughts that whoever tried to poison you would succeed in poisoning her a second time." Aragorn cautiously walked to his husband. "I was sure of all the precautions I've taken to ensure your and Míreth's safety. I was confident that no harm would ever reach you."
"All of this doesn't give you the right to hide such thing from me, Son of Arathorn," Legolas spat venomously. "I'm her father and had the right to know anything concerning my daughter. You hid from me that my child's life was in danger, and when she died, you hid the cause of her death. How could you do that? How?"
"I have no excuse but that I thought that I was simply sparing you great pain."
Legolas scoffed in response.
"Legolas—"
"I want to stay by myself for a while," the Elf cut off firmly.
"As you wish," the man said softly before he turned around and left the room.
️ ️
When Aragorn returned to his chambers, he found his father, Glorfindel, Gandalf and King Thranduil waiting for him.
"Elessar, where is Legolas?" Thranduil asked as soon as the human King entered.
"He wishes to be alone for a while," Aragorn replied softly.
"What happened?" Glorfindel asked.
"I told Legolas everything," the man said. "The whole truth."
"What? Why?" the blond Elf asked, astonished.
"I've decided it's for the best for him to know the truth," the man replied. "I don't want to lie to him anymore."
"And you left him alone after telling him that?" the Elven King snapped, jumping from his seat.
"He needs time for himself," the man reasoned. "Nonetheless, there are two guards with him."
"I think Aragorn is right, Thranduil," Gandalf tried to soothe the tense air. "I'm sure that Legolas was shocked after learning the truth. The last thing he needs is someone to fuss over him. Let us give him some space. Meanwhile, we have some significant developments to report to Aragorn."
"What developments?" asked the man as he sat down before Lord Glorfindel started to inform him of their new findings.
"Aragorn, are you well?" the blond Lord asked as the man remained silent after they finished.
"Of course I'm not!" the man replied. "I cannot believe someone would step so low, especially one of the Firstborn."
"Corrupted hearts know no race, Elessar," the Elven King commented darkly. "How do you think I felt when I found out that the brothers of my son's former lover lust after him? And one of them, if not both, was behind the death of his child?"
"We aren't sure of that yet, Thranduil," Gandalf said cautiously.
"Then who else would resemble Haldir so much that even Legolas would be fooled?" the Elven King snapped.
The human King looked at them with unreadable grey eyes before sighing deeply. He remembered the incident that Legolas had told him about on their wedding night; however, he didn't think that either of Haldir's brothers would go to such length.
"Regardless of the true identity of the culprit, now we know for sure that Legolas doesn't imagine things," Glorfindel said, snapping everyone back to the current situation. "We know now that we're not fighting a hallucination but a person of flesh and blood."
"But how can we catch him when we've tried everything and failed?" the human King asked.
"First of all, Elessar, I think you should lift the ban you've set on Legolas." the blond Lord said.
"No."
"You must," Glorfindel rebuked. "By restricting Legolas' movements to the castle's ground, you provide the Slf with many dark corners to hide. The main reason that mysterious Elf was able to elude us is that he hides among the trees and pillars. But in an open area, even an Elf can be seen."
The human King glared at the Balrog's slayer before looking away. Guilt was already ripping his heart and soul apart at the thought of his failure. When he married Legolas, he promised everyone that he would protect Legolas and his child. Yet, he failed. He had broken the most important promise and could not protect his life's most precious people. No matter what he did, he was bound to fail those who mattered to him.
Seeing different emotions swirling in his son's eyes, Elrond asked everyone to leave the King for the time being. He could guess what was going through his son's mind and soul.
"You're not to blame, Estel," the Lord said soothingly as soon as they were alone. "It's not your fault."
"I was supposed to be the one who protects him, Adar," the King said softly. "I've sworn it to him and his father, but I couldn't keep my promise. He feared my people's reactions to this marriage, but I eased it with confidence and reassurance."
"No one expected such a thing to happen, Estel. We expected loud protests and spoken complaints, but none of this had ever crossed our minds," Elrond reasoned. "And on top of that, we didn't expect even elves to resort to treason either."
"Suddenly, I feel that I'm not worthy of having him in my life," Aragorn said as pain shone in his grey eyes. "He's been asking me to dissolve our marriage and allow him to sail away, but I keep refusing to grant him his freedom because I'm too selfish to let him out of my life."
"He came to Gandalf a few days ago, asking him to break the bond between you," Elrond admitted sorrowfully. "But Gandalf told him that just as the bond could only be forged with the consent of the involved parties, it could only be broken if both were willing to dissolve it."
Aragorn looked at his father sadly but said nothing. He, in truth, expected Legolas to try anything to break up their marriage. He even noticed that his husband had stopped wearing the ring of Barahir, which he had given him at their wedding. And yet, Legolas hadn't tried to do anything more than that.
"Now that he knows the truth, I suppose he would be more persistent about dissolving our marriage. Maybe I should just give in and release him," he whispered brokenly.
"We will apprehend all the conspirators, Aragorn. Believe in that, my son," Elrond said. "And as for Legolas, he is simply going through a hard time. You have to be patient and firm. Don't despair or give up hope, Estel." His son looked at him with doubtful eyes but said nothing. "Tell me, why did you tell him the truth?"
Aragorn sighed deeply.
"I - I didn't wish for him to find out by accident. I wanted him to know the truth from me. I wanted us to start fresh, but that wouldn't happen unless all our secrets were brought to the light and dealt with."
"That is wise of you, Aragorn," Imladris' Lord said approvingly. "The next step is to lift the ban on him. Locking him within these cold walls will do him more harm than good."
The man nodded, though Elrod could see doubt shining in his steel-grey eyes.
"I have planned on calling in the rangers of the north back to Gondor," the King said suddenly after a few moments of silence.
"Why?"
"To help us track the culprits. Lord Glorfindel's efforts are admirable, but he failed to track them. I thought the Rangers would be able to blend easier among the crowds to find the whereabouts of the mysterious Elf. Plus, I want them to be part of the Gonderian Army."
"That sounds reasonable. When will they arrive?"
"Any day now," Aragorn replied. "Lord Glorfindel would not be offended, would he?"
Elrond chuckled.
"I don't think he'll take it to heart."
️ ️
As soon as Thranduil left the Royal Wing, he went to look for his missing son, but to no avail. Legolas simply was nowhere to be seen. Glorfindel and Gandalf silently followed the Elven King, feeling worried for the young Elf. They didn't understand why Aragorn had chosen to reveal the truth to Legolas, but it seemed that the man had something running through his mind that he wasn't telling them.
As they passed through the gardens, the three came across Lady Gwîneth, the hobbits, Gimli, and the royal siblings of Rohan, having their small picnic. The Lady invited and insisted that they join them. Reluctantly, they sat for only moments when suddenly they saw Legolas passing through the corridor overlooking the gardens, trailed by two soldiers.
'Legolas!' Thranduil called, rushing to his son, but the young Elf didn't seem to hear him. 'Legolas!'
Standing in front of his son, the Elven King was shocked to see the glassy look in his son's eyes.
'Ada?' Legolas stared at his father momentarily before he breathed. 'Aragorn—'
'I know,' the Elven King whispered as he pulled Legolas closer, letting him express his grief. Legolas' soft sobs broke the hearts of everyone present.
As the young Prince's sobs decreased, the Elven King pulled away and looked deeply into his son's eyes.
'Let's go somewhere private where we can talk,' he whispered, gaining a slight nod from Legolas. Giving the rest a stern look not to follow them, Thranduil gently took his son into his arms and led him away.
️ ️
After Lord Elrond had left, Aragorn headed to his office to commence his duties for the day. He was surprised to see Faramir, Lord Malbeth, the newly appointed Chamberlain, and two other Lords of the Council waiting for him.
"My Lords," the King greeted as he walked to his desk, "to what do I owe this visit?"
"Sire," Faramir began with a slightly nervous tone. "We are here because the Lords are concerned about His Highness, Prince Legolas, and what happened last night during the banquet." —At that, Aragorn took a deep breath, indicating his annoyance, but the Steward continued nevertheless— "His Highness looked unwell, and his odd rush out of the dining hall wasn't something that could be overlooked."
"Legolas looked unwell because he's mourning," Aragorn replied. "Grief has such effects on people, especially Elves. As for his odd departure, I will ensure it won't be repeated. So rest assured."
"But, Sire, King Éomer and Prince Imrahil may consider what happened last night an insult," Malbeth tried to reason.
"Éomer and Imrahil are sympathetic, very considerate, and good friends to Legolas and me," Aragorn said. I assure you they will not feel any offence in last night's incident."
"My Liege," Lord Bonirun spoke. "Though the King and the Prince are friends to you and His Highness and may not be offended by what happened last night, the rest of the Court's Lords and Ladies may have. Last night's incident was a clear breach of decorum and etiquettes of the Gondorian Court. Many will wonder about the Consort's health and eligibility to rule Gondor in your place, especially since you have granted him the same privileges as yours."
Aragorn sighed deeply.
"There is nothing wrong with Legolas' health. As for Last night's incident, it will never be repeated. I assure you."
"But, Your Majesty—"
"Lord Bonirun, I told you not to worry," Aragorn returned sharply.
"Please, Sire, allow me to visit His Highness," Malbeth suggested. "I've been trying to have an audience with him since I was appointed to my new position, but every time I got refused."
"I'm not the one who refuses to see you, Lord Malbeth," Aragorn replied in obvious annoyance. "If Legolas did not wish to see you, it's his choice."
"Surely, Your Majesty, you can influence him to grant me an audience."
"No, my Lord, I can't," the King replied.
"My Liege, I'm the Royal Chamberlain; I must ensure everything concerning the royal family is well and in order. But how can I carry out my duties if I am unaware of what occurs within the royal household? Everybody in court knows or at least suspects that the Consort is unwell. However, they want to know what ails him or to which degree his ailment runs?" The Lord sighed. "If I am to see him, I will certainly know what to say to them."
"Lord Malbeth, you're neither the Court's Steward nor the Royal Healer. You're the Chamberlain, and discussing what happens inside the royal household is certainly not one of your duties."
"No, of course not, Your Majesty," the Lord answered embarrassedly. "I wouldn't dream of disclosing any secrets of the royal household."
"I'm sure of that." Aragorn sighed. "I will take care of this matter with Legolas; don't worry. Anything else?"
"No, thank you, Your Majesty."
With that, the three stood up and left.
"Faramir, I want to talk to you," the King said as the Steward was about to leave.
"Of course," the blond man said, returning to his seat.
"Was that your suggestion?" the King asked, gesturing at the closed door.
"No," came the quiet reply. "The councillors are worried and want to know more about what is happening. I thought it would be wise to be here after your last night's reaction."
"I'm sorry about that, Faramir," Aragorn said apologetically. "I wasn't in a good mood."
"May I ask something? As a friend?" asked the blond Steward.
"Of course."
"What is happening to Legolas? This is more than grieving, Aragorn."
The King sighed deeply, giving his Steward a hesitant look.
️ ️
'Mallorn, would you, saes, calm down?!' Elrohir tried for the umpteenth time to knock some sense into the enraged Elf's head as he rushed behind him. Still, Mirkwood's Second Prince was determined to go and hunt Haldir's brothers without waiting for the Lords to see if they were guilty AND without knowing where to look for them. Who would've thought his lover could be so irrational when he was angry... not to mention so hotheaded?
'Mallorn, we've been roaming the city all day! We must stop to think! Where would they be hiding?' Elrohir tried to calm him down. 'You'll never find them like this, no matter how long you search,' Elrohir exclaimed, gaining a glare from his lover, though he wasn't intimidated by it. 'Orophin and Rûmil are Marchwardens, Mallorn,' he reasoned, 'Two of Lothlórien's Elite Guards, whom Haldir personally trained.'
'I also am an Elite Guard of Mirkwood, as you are an Elite Guard of Imladris,' the blond retorted.
'Yes, but they are Haldir's trainees. And you know very well who Haldir was.'
At that, Mallorn seemed to cool down a bit. It was well-known that Haldir's skills as a Marchwarden and warrior were vastly spoken of. His skills were almost as excellent as Lord Glorfindel's. One could only imagine that his brothers weren't any less than him.
'What should I do, then?' he asked shakily.
'There is only one way, Meleth,' Elrohir replied sadly. 'And although it's rather distasteful, I can't think of anything else.'
'What?'
'You wait until this phantom tries to see Legolas again.'
'You want me to use my brother as bait?!'
'Do you have a better idea?' Elrohir yelled in frustration. 'Or do you intend to roam around this city with its dark, narrow alleys and overcrowded places, all day, in search of a shadow?' —Mallorn closed his eyes, taking several deep breaths for a few moments before opening them again— 'Let's go back to the castle and discuss this with my adar and Lord Glorfindel,' Elrohir coaxed. 'I'm sure we can devise a plan to help us catch whoever is behind this. Come, let us go, Meleth.'
Silently, Mallorn allowed himself to be pulled back to the castle.
️ ️
Elrohir's suggestion was good as the two young elves found the elder Lords and Gandalf in Elrond's chambers, discussing the latest developments. Mallorn was initially enraged when he learned that Aragorn had told Legolas the whole truth without consoling anyone first. However, Elrond convinced him it was best for everyone, especially Legolas. The Lord of Imladris also informed his companions that Aragorn had south Rangers' help pursuing the mysterious Elf. Oddly, Glorfindel didn't comment about it. In the end, everyone agreed on a working plan. Gandalf would send a letter to Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel asking about Haldir's brothers, Glorfindel would keep his investigations going with the royal guards, and Elrohir and Mallorn would keep Legolas' company, especially now that Aragorn was considering lifting the ban on him.
'You're taking this rather well,' Elrond remarked to Glorfindel when everyone left.
'Taking what well?'
'Aragorn calling the Rangers. You don't seem to be offended.'
'Should I be?' Glorfindel asked a little bit sharply. 'If your son thinks I can't protect his husband, why should I be offended?'
'You know that he doesn't think that you're unable to protect his spouse, Glorfindel,' Elrond said.
'I know,' the blond Lord said with a deep sigh. 'But I admit that I have failed in apprehending the culprits responsible for Míreth's death. I have allowed mere humans and Haldir's brothers to outwit me.'
'You're a great councillor, Glorfindel, and an outstanding warrior in direct combat. Chasing after traitors and sly Marchwardens isn't your forte.'
Glorfindel narrowed his eyes at his friend.
'Elrond, are you trying to lift my spirits or crush them?'
Elrond laughed in response, causing the blond Elf to smile.
'We will manage to catch them, Glorfindel,' Elrond said after a while.
'Yes, we will,' the Balrog's Slayer concurred determinedly.
️ ️
Thranduil watched silently as his son slowly drank a cup of wine. Neither had said a word since arriving at Thranduil's chambers, and Legolas still seemed to be in a trance. Finishing the cup, the young Elf placed it on the small table before looking up at his father.
'Thank you, Ada,' he whispered.
'How do you feel now, iôn?' asked the Elven King.
Legolas closed his eyes and threw his head back, inhaling sharply as his chest burned with the deep pain he felt. He felt betrayed beyond imagination by the one person he had entrusted to the most precious thing in his life.
'You shouldn't blame your husband too much, Legolas,' his father's impassive voice broke through his musing.
Opening his eyes, the Prince stared at his father with shock.
'I shouldn't blame him?!' he breathed. 'My daughter was murdered, and he kept it from me!'
'Elessar had done what he thought was the right course of action at the moment,' Thranduil said. 'And though it wasn't an accurate decision, I can't blame him for wanting to spare you the pain. He didn't want you to suffer needlessly.'
'Spare me the pain? He saw me blaming myself for her death, yet he remained silent... you all did!' Legolas exclaimed. 'I have suffered since she died in front of your eyes, but no one thought of telling me the truth. You all participated in this conspiracy against me.'
Anger flashed in Thranduil's eyes, but he held himself back. He understood that his son was hurting and was merely venting, so he overlooked the disrespectfulness in Legolas' tone.
'None of us conspired against you, Legolas,' he stated calmly. 'Elrond and Glorfindel were merely following Elessar's wishes. I hadn't known anything until I arrived at your daughter's funeral. Your brother Mallorn hadn't known until last night, and the rest don't know anything of this.'
'Still, that doesn't excuse you from telling me the truth when you knew.'
'And what difference would have made if you knew?' Thanduil asked. 'Míreth was already dead, and knowing would not have revived her. All you would have gained was more pain.'
Tears slid down Legolas' face as he listened to his father's cold tone. He couldn't believe that his father was talking so coldly about his daughter or the fact that he was kept in the dark about her untimely death.
Thranduil took a deep breath, hating himself for talking that way, but he knew nothing else would snap Legolas from his misery.
'Legolas,' he said, 'I can only imagine the pain you're going through. Your daughter had been snatched from you most horribly. However, you must know that we are all here for you. Not telling you the circumstances surrounding Míreth's death at that time might be a mistake, but it was born from our desire to protect you. At first, Elessar didn't wish to make you worry, hoping that your daughter would survive after being forced into an early birth, but the culprits had other designs in mind and didn't rest until she died. Then, seeing how hard her death was on you, Aragorn feared what would happen if you knew the truth. He couldn't summon the courage to tell you the truth.' Thranduil sighed deeply as he stood up and walked to the window. 'I understand how he must've felt,' he said softly. 'I hid the reason for your naneth's death because I felt guilty and didn't want to face the reason behind it. I couldn't admit that my carelessness had probably led to her death, yet qualms and doubts tortured me, and I think that Elessar felt the same.' The Elven King turned his face to his son. 'Ever since you gave birth to Míreth, Elessar had lived in worry and fear for your life and your daughter's. He didn't wish to burden you with it and gladly took it upon himself to bear it.' Walking to where his son was seated, Thranduil cupped Legolas' face and lifted it. 'His conduct may not be right, Legolas, but he had only the best intention towards you. Don't forget that, iôn.'
With that, the King left the room and Legolas alone.
️ ️
Faramir stared disbelievingly at Aragorn, unable to comprehend what the man had told him. What Aragorn disclosed about Legolas' abnormal behaviour could cause a massive scandal in court and the entire Kingdom.
"This is not good, Aragorn," he finally breathed. "Do you know how much of an uproar this would cause if anyone knew that Legolas is seeing the apparition of his former lover? Do you know how others may interpret this?"
"He is not seeing an apparition, Faramir," Aragorn corrected. "A living person is posing as Haldir's apparition."
"That's not what I'm worried about, Aragorn. It's a fact that Legolas is still pining for another that worries me."
"He's not pining!" the King exclaimed. "And it should worry you that someone is trying to drive Legolas mad more than he is pining for another!"
Faramir flushed in embarrassment. While he was genuinely concerned about his Elven friend's safety and well-being, he was also, as the court's Steward, worried about the Kingdom and the disturbance that the situation might cause.
"Of course, I'm worried about Legolas, but I'm also concerned about you and your rule, Aragorn."
"Faramir, right now, Legolas' safety is more important to me than anything else. For some reason, someone is trying to make Legolas lose his sanity. They knew about Legolas' love for Haldir, or else they wouldn't have impersonated him."
"Do you have any indication of who may be? None of the Lords here knew about Legolas' old love."
"They could be Haldir's brothers or at least one of them," Aragorn replied. "They probably are not pleased about our marriage. Also, they had tried to assault him in the past."
Faramir inhaled deeply. It seemed to him that the situation was getting more complicated by the minute.
"What do you want me to do?" he asked.
"My father and Glorfindel suggest lifting the ban on Legolas and all the security measures we've implanted since Míreth's birth to lure the elves involved into action."
"That sounds reasonable," Faramir commented. "But what about Legolas' safety? And tracking the culprits? Waiting for them to strike is not very wise."
"I've written a letter to Hathron (Axe-wielder), Captain of the Dúnedain, requesting him to bring all the Rangers back to Gondor."
"The Dúnedain? Why?"
Aragorn sighed as he stood from his office and walked towards the window.
"If anyone could find the ones who hurt Legolas, it would be the Rangers."
"Do you think that they would succeed where Lord Glorfindel himself had failed? Aragorn, he had our elite soldiers under his command."
Looking back at his friend, Aragorn smiled slightly.
"I'm not questioning the abilities of Lord Glorfindel or our elite soldiers," Aragorn said. "But his attention is divided between guarding Legolas and following the culprits. The Rangers' mission will be to track the perpetrators only. Besides, they can blend in the crowds and enter the city's darkest alleys unnoticed. I should've asked for their aid from the beginning," the King added the last sentence in regret.
"But why the Rangers of the North? The Rangers of Ithilien could—"
" Faramir, Ithilien's Rangers are remarkable warriors but must protect Ithilien and our Eastern borders," the King said."Besides, the Rangers of the North are much more versed in tracking and hunting shadows."
"Is that all you want from the Rangers, Aragorn? To catch the conspirators? I have the feeling that you are planning for something more."
The King smiled as he walked to his friend and sat on the chair beside him.
"You know me too well, my friend," he said. "Yes, there is more. I'm planning to make the Rangers of the North a permanent unit in the army."
"What?"
"They are still citizens of Gondor and Arnor, Faramir, and should be recognised. Besides, they would be a great addition to the army."
"You know we should also inform the council regarding enlisting the Rangers' aid."
" Not now, Faramir," Aragorn said firmly. "Tell me, are the barracks outside the city ready?"
"Yes," Faramir replied.
"I want you and Captain Rhircyn to see that the rangers are given full authority to conduct investigations and searches as their leader sees fit," Aragorn said. "They are not to be bothered or restricted, and all of the army would be at their disposal to provide them with any aid they may require."
"Aragorn, the council should know if you are about to give such power to the Rangers."
"I don't want anyone to know for now, Faramir," the King argued. "I will officially discuss the addition of the Rangers to the army with the council, but after these hard times pass by."
"You fear that the traitors would be among your council's members?" the blond Steward asked the question that had been bothering him for a long time.
"Possibly," the King replied with a sigh. "I'm not sure."
"When do you expect the Rangers' arrival?"
"They should be here any day now."
"Don't worry, my King. Everything will go as you wish."
With that, Faramir stood up and left the study.
️ ️
Vanëanis worriedly watched her husband sitting alone in the living room, lost in deep thoughts. She couldn't place a finger on it, but her husband seemed anxious about something for almost three months, making him highly irritable and paranoid, not to mention more short-tempered than usual. She tried to push him to entrust her with his troubles numerous times, but Mortardur refused to tell her and talked himself out of discussing the matter. The Lady sighed, wishing she knew how to help her husband, but alas, she didn't. Resolving herself, the brunette Lady took a deep breath and walked to her husband, determined to resolve this matter.
"My Lord," she called, kneeling before Mortardur and placing her hands on his knees. "What troubles you so?"
"There is Nothing that should concern you, Vanëa," the Lord replied solemnly. "Just leave me alone."
"I won't," she replied, lovingly caressing his hand. "You've been troubled for too long. Please, dearest, tell me what is bothering you?"
Mortardur sighed deeply before he pulled his wife up and urged her to sit beside him. He gently pulled her closer and buried his face into the crook of her neck, sharply inhaling her sweet scent.
At that moment, the two heard soft knocks on the door before it was opened, and the governess appeared, carrying little Ohtar in her arms. The older woman walked to the couple and handed the toddler to Vanëanis before bowing respectfully and leaving the room. Straightening himself, Mortardur watched his son and wife fondly for a moment before suddenly speaking.
"It must be hard for someone to lose their child."
"Yes, indeed," Vanëanis mused. "A child is the greatest joy, the ultimate blessing. And to lose such a blessing is the harshest thing that could happen to anyone. My heart bleeds in sorrow every time I remember the pain that the King and his Consort must endure after losing their beautiful child."
"Vanëa," the Lord said. "Why don't you pay a visit to the Consort tomorrow?"
"What?" Vanëanis asked, vastly surprised at her husband's suggestion. "Why?"
"Your words made me think that perhaps having a child around him may ease the Consort's pain."
Vanëanis blinked several times in utter shock. She couldn't comprehend the reasons behind her husband's strange proposal when he had always shown a great dislike towards the Elven Prince.
"But I thought you didn't want us to be around the Consort," she said slowly.
"It's no secret that I dislike his presence in Gondor," Mortardur explained. "However, after seeing what happened last night and your words about the pain he must be going through, I thought he would be pleased if he saw a child around him."
The Lady stared silently at her husband for several moments before her face broke into a brilliant smile.
"That's an excellent idea, my love," she exclaimed happily.
️ ️
Legolas returned to his chambers late at night and found Aragorn sitting in the living room over some papers. The man looked up and stared at him with a grave expression that he often wore during their quest.
"Legolas," he finally said.
The Elf sighed, standing before his husband, not knowing how to react or what he should say.
Seeing the hesitation in Elf's eyes, Aragorn stood and walked to him before taking him into a tight embrace. Legolas allowed himself to be pulled into Aragorn's arms before he rested his head on the man's shoulder. He was entirely emotionally drained and merely wanted anyone to comfort him. The two remained in that position for several moments before Aragorn pulled away and locked his eyes with Legolas' blue ones.
"I will do whatever you want me to," he said. "If you want us to part ways, I will not object."
Legolas stared deeply into Aragorn's stormy eyes before he shook his head.
"I'm not sure what I want right now," he answered. "I'm just tired of everything around me. Give me time to think and sort my thoughts and feelings, and then I'll tell you what I really want."
With that, Legolas dislodged himself and entered his bedroom, locking the door behind him.
️ ️
To be Continued...