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The Curse	By : Cassandra_Baudrillard Category: Lord of the Rings Movies > Slash - Male/Male Views: 13862 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own the LOTR fandom/novels/books or anything a part of that, I do claim ownershop to the wickedness of my own mind, I don't make any profit with this story

Chapter List
- 10
- 11
- 12
Chapter 11: You can do this

One year later…

Anyone who looked upon Legolas now could see the difference between now and a year ago. No longer timid, shy and filled with fear he now stood amongst the most confident of warriors and was more than capable of holding his own.

The men had learned not to sneak up on the Elf or to touch him anywhere but his arm or shoulder and they respected that. His history didn’t define him, the Elves of Lothlorien accepted that and rather focused on the good he’d done for them instead.

Among the kindest Elves out there Legolas never shied away from chores no matter if he liked them or not. He never abused his title of Royalty to escape the responsibility.

It only warranted more respect.

Though he now actively engaged in conversation, Legolas still only rarely started it. It seemed a conscious choice however, for his bearing showed no hint of insecurity.

Haldir watched the prince with care. It had been a year… His reputation from Mirkwood didn’t seem at all accurate, for he’d never showed any sexual interest in anyone, though occasionally he would respond to light flirting.

His eyes shifted to Elladan who was still present, still eager to show the prince his affection, but Legolas hadn’t truly entertained the dark-haired Elf or Haldir.

It was as though he had chosen to ignore that altogether, to refuse a choice because that was easiest.

Today everything changed as the Rivendell party had announced taking leave, including the twins.

Perhaps with one option gone the other would be more present. It might just be the break Haldir needed. Perhaps lord Celeborn would revisit his order.

Elladan meanwhile paced back and forth in his talan, “I don’t understand ada. Why must we leave? I do not want to go”

Lord Elrond looked at his son, “It’s been a year Elladan, he has not showed interest. You must accept it and move on.”

Elladan frowned at the words, “But I can’t.”

Though the Lord of Rivendell seemed to sympathize with his son, he remained firm, “We shall leave today. Find comfort in the knowledge that sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

The words seemed sensible, plausible and yet Elladan couldn’t trust them, “What if he doesn’t understand? What if he believes…”

The Lord smiled, “Then tell him, make sure he understands what you need him to, but be ready in an hour”

Legolas felt nervous. Life had turned in his favour, the negativity seemed to have disappeared altogether. It wasn’t easy disregarding both Haldir and Elladan, but it saved him from having to make a choice in the matter. It gave him time.

Time was running out, Elladan was leaving.

Legolas didn’t understand why entirely, but he felt a sudden despair at the idea.

As the dark-haired Elf approached him, the nerves only increased, “Legolas… I want you to know that I am not leaving because my feelings for you have become less strong than what they were…But perhaps my absence will provide you with clarity. I am sorry I didn’t think of this sooner, I am sorry it took me this long to figure out what you needed most.”

Though unsure Legolas couldn’t resist the urge as he embraced the Elf, “There is no need to apologize. I understand… Just, now that you are leaving I wish you were not.”

Perhaps his father was right after all, this was the most specific admission of feeling Legolas had given him. Elladan offered a light smile, “Come spring I shall return”

It was a conscious choice of the Noldor, who weren’t as focused on nature as the Wood Elves or their Lothlorien kin. In autumn and winter they much preferred their warm halls, their fireplaces.

Elladan had been reluctant to go, in fact he still thought he might change his mind, but in the end he knew it was the right thing to do.

Nothing would change if he remained, everything would change if he left.

Legolas pressed a light kiss to Elladan’s cheek, “I will await your return”

With that exchange the Rivendell party took off and left.

It was strange how their departure made Legolas feel so sad, but he had ample time to think about it as Rúmil walked up to him, “Come on, let’s go find us a drink”

Legolas offered a grateful nod and followed after the youngest of the three brothers who had become a dear friend to the prince, “I didn’t think it would be this difficult to see him go”

Rúmil offered a sympathetic nod, but didn’t encourage the subject. Legolas understood, Rúmil would always cheer his own brother, rightly so.

Legolas sipped the miruvor before he looked at Rúmil, “I can’t believe it’s only been a year…That one year has bested all my years lived so far.”

The Galadhrim smiled before nodding, “’Tis a good thing to see your spirit uplifted mellon-nîn.”

Orophin joined them, something that still amazed Legolas. No one judged him here, even Orophin had somehow warmed up to him. Most blamed his talent for this, saying it went unrivalled, but Legolas would like to think his personality also helped.

It was then that Haldir joined them, too, still keeping his distance from Legolas. The Marchwarden had kept distance ever since the revelation last year of why he pursued Legolas, something the prince appreciated, but as he whispered something to his brothers, Legolas suddenly felt unsure.

It was Rúmil who worried him more as the Galadhrim put his hand on Legolas’ arm, “There is news. King Thranduil approaches our borders with a group of his guards”

Legolas couldn’t help it. Everything he’d build up in that one year seemed to vanish at that small bit of news. His skin paled and his hands trembled.

It was Haldir who caught this first, reaching out his hand across the table to grasp Legolas’, “We’ll be with you, prince of Mirkwood, as will many of the friends you’ve made since your stay here. You are no longer the same Elf you were when you came here, not the same Elf they knew and they will realize it. Have faith”

Though Legolas nodded, he wasn’t entirely convinced. Sure the idea seemed lovely, but could he truly manage to hold onto his sense of authority the way he had in their absence?

With a deep breath he stood and made his way outside, followed by all of the Galadhrim.

Haldir watched his prince as Legolas stood tall, proud. The youth had learned the lesson well; half of the way people treated you or responded to you is based on how you portray yourself.

Lord Celeborn had just joined him when the King came into sight.

Haldir didn’t miss Legolas’ light tremble even though the prince masked it.

It wasn’t until Legolas spotted one of the guards –Maglor- that the fear became obvious.

Forgetting etiquette and propriety he took a step forward –followed by the rest of the Galadhrim- so that he could touch his shoulder to the prince’s as he whispered softly, “You are safe here, prince of Mirkwood. We would lay down our lives for you if we had to in order to defend you”

Though Legolas nodded initially it was followed by a whispered, “I can’t do this…”

Haldir offered a light smile as he whispered in turn, “You can do everything, prince of Mirkwood. You can take out any enemy, you can brighten anyone’s day. You can do it all, if you but make it happen. You’re not alone anymore. You can do this”

As if solely encouraged by Haldir’s words of confidence Legolas nodded and seemed to brace himself for the worst as Thranduil stopped his horse and dismounted before being greeted by Lord Celeborn.

He remained silent, until the King’s eye came to rest upon him, “What is this? You saw it fit to put weapons on this one, Celeborn? I would not put my life in his hands”

Lord Celeborn frowned mildly, “Prince Legolas is the best archer we have ever seen, even our Galadhrim acknowledge him to be their equal and you know our kin is renowned for their archery skills, do you not?”

Though no answer came, Legolas felt that light pride over the compliment as well as the security that those around him would not tolerate him to be insulted as he had been in the past.

He bowed his head to the King in courteous politeness, but remained absent words even as the King pressed on in his attempt to shatter the Elf’s confidence, “Tell me, how many of your men has he lured into his bed so far? Dozens I imagine”

The question brought silence to the company and Legolas felt the many eyes upon him but Haldir’s light lift of the shoulder secured him even as he heard Lord Celeborn answer, “Not a single one. He has been a prime example for all of us here in both manner and act. I cannot find a fault in him other than that perhaps he is too forgiving. He has shown remarkable leadership abilities after his period of study under Lord Elrond, it would seem his time here did him well”

King Thranduil looked at Lord Celeborn at those words, but didn’t acknowledge them other than that, “It is good to see your investment is paying off then”

When Legolas realized no further insult was forthcoming, perhaps because the King realized no support came for it, there was a light exhale that betrayed his relief although his eyes refused to leave his father’s to glance at the guards he had brought. His courage would fail him if he saw his old guard even despite Haldir’s presence.

As the party broke up, Legolas backed away so as to avoid contact with the Mirkwood party.

His old guard was the first to follow him, but his movement wasn’t missed by the ever observant Marchwarden who instantly blocked his path and whispered a low, “Trusted guard or not, if I catch you near him, causing him any sort of discomfort or sadness, I shall kill you”

It was a heavy thing for any Elf to say, for Kinslaying wasn’t at all tolerated in the world of Elves, but there was no doubt that Haldir meant the words he’d spoken even as Rúmil moved past him to follow the prince and act as his support system if need be.

Maglor snarled at the Elf, but backed off. It didn’t matter if the encounter would be later. He would have his slave back and no Marchwarden would stop him.

Legolas managed to keep up appearances better than expected.

As Haldir sat down next to him he felt more secure even as the Marchwarden spoke softly, “You did well out there, prince of Mirkwood”

The rest of the Lothlorien Galadhrim joined them, providing a security blanket and respect that Legolas could only appreciate while the Mirkwood party tried to mingle but was more often than not denied the opportunity.

King Thranduil moved through the hall with Lord Celeborn and for a moment Legolas dared catch his eye but looked away a moment later.

When Lord Celeborn announced they would hunt for the Great Stag the next day Legolas felt a tremor of anticipation; this could be his lucky break. His way of gaining respect from his own kin.

Haldir smiled, “You’ll get it.”

TBC…
- 10
- 11
- 12
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The Curse