Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

Path of Honor-Part II: Far From Home	By : IdrilsSecret Category: +Third Age > Slash - Male/Male Views: 4869 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any of its characters. I make no money in the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 17
- 18
- 19
Chapter Eighteen

It had been a glorious night spent in the tower, just me and Legolas making love all night, reassuring each other of our love, and that we would be together when he returned from his journey. Neither one of us could guess how long that would be, but one thing was for certain. Legolas knew he would be back, and that nothing would happen to him. He was confident that no evil could touch him, and I believed it with all my heart, so much so that I did not worry about him. What I did worry about was what he would say when he came back and discovered that I might not be able to leave Lothlórien to be with him in Mirkwood. I still didn’t know that to be a fact yet, but I felt it deep in my gut.
Legolas and I had made our way down the tower, exited the door, and were walking back towards the main hall. The men were gathered around, and Eomer was speaking to them in his Rohirric tongue. Neither Legolas nor I understood their language, but it was obvious he was giving them a passionate speech. These first days after the battle were rather desolate. Many men had died, families were broken, parts of the stronghold was nearly in ruins, and spirits needed lifting. Legolas and I stopped and stood in the back to listen and watch the event before us. I could see the fire returning to their eyes as their heads lifted with pride for their home and their people. Eomer stood tall, his enthusiasm transferring to the men. He was very good at what he was doing, a symbol of hope and strength for a people left broken.
“He is an excellent leader, is he not?” I whispered to Legolas.
“I am impressed. I’ve not had the chance to know him much. Aragorn, Gimli and I met Eomer out on the open plains.” He paused and smiled. “I don’t think he liked us very much. He was very skeptical, and he didn’t trust us for who we said we were. Gimli, of course, being a stubborn and hot-headed dwarf, almost lost his when he insulted the man. Eomer threatened to take it off at his shoulders.”
“What did you do?” I wondered.
“Well, there wasn’t much we could do. We were surrounded by Eomer and his men, the points of their spears close enough to keep us from moving even an inch. But Gimli is my friend, and I’d not let anyone bring harm to him. I raised my bow, pointed my arrow directly at the blond man’s head, and I told him he would die first before I’d let him touch one hair on Gimli’s beard.”
I was astonished by this story. “Are you mad? You would lay down your life for the dwarf? Why?”
“He is my friend. I trust him and I know he would do the same for me,” Legolas answered, turning to me. “It is no different than your perception of Wood elves before you met us and lived amongst my people. Do you remember what you thought of us? But once you were introduced to our ways and found out that we were not the savages you’d always been told we were, you started to understand us and trust us. It was like that for Gimli and I. Our fathers had met once, many years past, and it was not a good meeting. My father, even though he’d had dealings with the dwarves, did not trust them in the least. Gimli’s father felt the same way about elves, and things were made worse when Thranduil imprisoned them.”
“Are you speaking of Bilbo’s dwarves?” I asked.
“The very same,” Legolas replied.
“It’s no wonder you and Gimli disliked each other to begin with. It’s even more amazing that you reconciled your differences.”
“The argument was between our fathers, not us. Gimli had never done anything to wrong me, and I hadn’t done anything to him. Once we realized that, and discovered that the only reason we disliked each other was because of how our father perceived one another, we put aside our differences. After all, we are working together for a common cause. Evil will not be vanquished if those fighting against it cannot learn to get along.”
“Amazing,” I said.
Just then, the rally ended, the men’s spirits renewed, and Eomer looked satisfied with the outcome. He looked to the back and noticed Legolas and I, waved for us to stay, and finished seeing his men off to perform their duties. Finally, he came over to us, a smile adorning his youthful face. “Legolas, there you are. We were wondering where you’d gone off to. Aragorn and Gimli await your arrival. We are leaving for Isengard this morning. My uncle is making a few last minute arrangements, but we should be on our way within the hour.”
Legolas bowed. “Thank you Eomer. I will go and find my companions, but first, allow me to introduce you to Captain Rúmil of the Northern Border Guard of Lothlórien.”
“It is good to meet you, Captain,” Eomer said.
“And you, Eomer.” I gestured to the remaining men scattered around the hall. “You have a way with words. Very impressive speech, and I don’t even speak your language. You are a fine leader to your men. I can see it in their expressions. They trust you, and obviously, they will follow you wherever you lead them.”
Eomer smiled and glanced over his shoulder to the men in the room. “Most of them I’ve known my entire life. Some of them were my teachers. Others are my friends. I’m very proud of them all.” Then, he bowed to me, and when he stood again, he humbled. “I thank you for your help in this battle. I know you lost many elves in the fight, and I understand that your brother, Haldir, paid dearly for his involvement. Words cannot express how grateful I am that you were here for my people. If the elves hadn’t come, I don’t know what might have happened. All of our women and children … I hate to even think of it. My sister was among those in the caves. She and my uncle are all I have left in this world.”
“They are safe now, and not just because of the elves. The Rohirrim saved us all when you broke onto the horizon,” I commented. “It took all of us to earn this victory.”
“Agreed, Captain,” Eomer smiled. “Well, I must go and prepare for our journey to Isengard. And just so you know, you are welcome to stay as long as you like. I’m told our healers have been a great help to your brother, and they will continue to be at your disposal for however long you need them.”
“I thank you, Eomer, and yes, they have been a great asset,” I said with a bow.
Eomer left and Legolas and I continued on until we had to go our separate ways. We stopped at the hall that led to the room where Haldir was. Legolas had to go the opposite direction and locate Aragorn and Gimli. I found that I didn’t want him to go, but I would not say it. He already knew.
“I’ll only be gone for a couple days. It’s not far to Isengard, and we won’t be staying,” he said in a hushed voice.
“You be careful when you meet the wizard. I know you say you are immune to his trickery, but no one really knows the power of the Maia. He’ll fill you head with lies or something altogether worse,” I warned.
“I’ll not let him harm me. I promise.” He shifted and turned towards me, his hand touching my arm. “I’ll see you soon,” he whispered. Then he turned and went on his way. I stood where I was and watched him until he disappeared around the corner, not caring if anyone noticed or not.
Eventually, I turned and went down the hall, stopping outside of Haldir’s door. It was time to change from the elf I was with Legolas into the elf I was around Orophin. When I was ready, I went inside. Orophin was sitting in his usual spot next to the bed, reading a book. He looked up when I entered and closed the book, setting it on the side table. “Hello Rú,” he greeted.
I smiled and nodded towards Haldir. “How is he?”
“He’s beginning to show signs of waking.”
“That’s good,” I said as I sat in the chair next to Orophin.
“Very good. It means we can go home,” Orophin commented.
“As long as Eymund says it is safe,” I reminded him. He wasn’t impressed. “The King’s company is preparing to leave for Isengard. They won’t be gone but a few days. I think we should not leave before they return.” I drew my brows together as I regarded him. “Why are you in such a hurry to be home?”
Orophin glanced at me from the corner of his eye. “Why are you not?” he asked, but I think he knew the reason I wished to stay, at least until the company returned. “We have done what we came here to do. Our help is no longer needed. Now we must get home. We have a duty to attend to.”
“But we should not be so eager to leave if it puts our brother and his health at risk,” I commented.
“Something tells me you are thinking of more than our brother. Do not let your personal life interfere with our commitment to Lórien,” he warned.
“Lothlórien always comes first. You know that,” I argued.
“But do you?”
“What are you saying, Orophin?” I defended.
He sighed and bowed his head. “Look, it is not difficult to see how much you care for Legolas, but I fear you will put your feelings for him above our duty.” He looked at me then, and I saw the concern in his eyes. “We don’t know the extent of Haldir’s injuries. You might be returning to Lórien as the new March warden of the Northern Guard. You need to have a clear head about this, not … fantasizing over something that, you know as well as I, cannot come to light.”
I took great offense to his comment and let him know. “It is statements like that that make elves like me have to keep to the shadows instead of being allowed to lead a normal life. Do you think I’ll be any less of a leader because of my attraction to an ellon? It is no different than your attraction to an elleth. You are not distracted by Satya. So why think that I would be distracted by Legolas?”
“That is not my point.” Orophin stood and walked over to a shelf, mindlessly lifting and setting things down. He was gathering his thoughts, and when he turned, he spoke. “Legolas is of Mirkwood. He is a Wood elf, and the Prince of their realm. He is no doubt very powerful because of his position. I’m sure he is very influential, too. And here you are, off hiding yourself away with him for the entire night … and he probably told you all kinds of things to persuade you from following your path.”
“What?” I said, disgusted with these accusations.
“We keep trying to ignore it, but the fact is, Haldir might not walk again. You heard him, he could not feel his legs. He may have survived his injury, but if he cannot walk, he cannot lead, and the burden of March warden falls upon you. You know as well as I what it means to take up that role, and it definitely does not include gallivanting around with the Prince of Mirkwood.”
My hands balled into fists as I stood to confront my brother. “Gallivanting around?”
Orophin ignored me and continued. “Come now Rúmil, you cannot tell me that he has not tried to convince you not to take up your position as March warden so that he can have you all to himself.”
I looked my brother squarely in the eyes, narrowing my own. “No he has not,” I said definitively.
He laughed cynically. “You don’t expect me to believe that, do you?”
“He hasn’t because, first of all, he would not do that. Legolas is not like that. And secondly, he … he does not know.”
That threw Orophin’s whole theory about deceptive Wood elves out the door. “He doesn’t know what?”
I looked back at Haldir laying in his bed, the reality of our situation finally hitting me like a stone. “I never told Legolas about Haldir’s offer because … long before all of this, before the battle for the Hornburg … before Haldir even spoke to me about his wish for me to take up his position, I made a promise to Legolas.”
“What kind of promise?” Orophin asked quietly.
“I told him I would go with him, back to Mirkwood after he was done with his mission.” I collapsed in my chair, feeling hope drain away. “He wasn’t trying to convince me not to become March warden. Rather, I was ensuring him that we would still be together when he came home.”
“What are you telling me, Rúmil? You will abandon us for Mirkwood?” he asked.
“No. No, that’s not what I’m saying. I don’t know what I’m saying, actually. I never gave Haldir a definite answer, but now that I see I might have to, I cannot find a way to take back my promise to Legolas. I am caught between love and duty.”
Orophin didn’t say anything, and eventually, he came over and sat next to me, both of us watching Haldir sleep. I didn’t know what I expected him to say in reply to my admission … serves you right … only a fool would choose love over duty.
“I’m sorry,” he said, surprising me. “I just assumed that he–”
“He didn’t,” I interrupted.
We slipped into silence again, and stayed that way for a long time. Eventually, Orophin stood. He placed his hand upon Haldir’s arm before turning to the door. It was my turn to keep watch after Orophin had been here all night. I heard the latch click, but he waited to open it. “Were you really going to leave Lothlórien?” he asked in a whisper.
I nodded my head in answer. Then without turning to him I spoke. “I love being a soldier, and I love my home, but I finally found a place where I could be free to be myself, and someone to share that freedom with. That is something I may never have again.”
Orophin left without saying another word, and he didn’t come back until sunset. He walked in, sat down and told me the news for the day. “The people of Rohan have decided to go back to Edoras when King Théoden returns from Isengard. The elves will leave for home at that time. Eymund says if Haldir cannot travel by then, he will stay here with us until our brother can make the journey safely.”
“Good,” I said in reply. Then I gave him my report from the day. “Haldir is beginning to wake. He’s started to moan something inaudible, and his eyes fluttered, but he never really regained consciousness. It’s the most I’ve seen out of him since this happened.”
I prepared to leave for the evening when Orophin stopped me. “The elves have gathered in the main hall to tell stories to some of the people of Rohan. I’m sure Merion will be there to share his well-rehearsed tales. It’s always a pleasure listening to him tell a story.”
I smiled appreciatively. “Thank you, but I think I’ll spend the night in my room. Send for me if there are any changes.”
* * * * *
The next morning I took up my place, relieving Orophin and expected another uneventful day, until halfway through when Haldir began to wake. He started by moaning and thrashing his head back and forth. Then he began calling out to me and Orophin. I stood and went to him, telling him I was with him. When I felt that he was assured, I ran to the door and called down the corridor to whoever heard me. Luckily, it was Rakelwyn, who was about doing her duties.
“Find Orophin. Find Eymund. Haldir is waking,” I rushed to say, and the girl dashed off as fast as her feet could carry her.
“Wh-where … wh-what–” Haldir stammered.
“You’re still at Helm’s Deep. You’ve been in a healing sleep for days now. We’ve been waiting for you to awake,” I told him.
He turned his head this way and that. “Yes, I remember now. Whose room is this?”
“It is one of King Théoden’s private chambers. He insisted that you be brought here, and the best healers have been with you throughout.”
“How long was I asleep?” he asked.
“Three, maybe four days?”
The door opened and both Orophin and Eymund came in. Haldir smiled slightly when he saw Orophin.
“You’ve finally decided to join the living again,” Orophin teased, but something he said made Haldir look on with concern.
“Ai, I am alive, aren’t I?” Haldir said.
“How are you feeling?” Eymund asked.
“Alright I guess, for almost being split in two.”
“Are you in any pain?”
Haldir thought about it a moment. “The wound on my back hurts, but it is not unbearable.”
Eymund stood at the foot of the bed. He looked at me and then to Orophin. “I need to perform a few tests.” We nodded, and the healer pulled the sheets back uncovering Haldir’s feet. “I’m going to do something, and I want you to tell me if you feel anything.” Eymund held a needle in his hand, but he didn’t let Haldir see what he was doing. Next, he stuck Haldir’s big toe, and my brother didn’t even flinch. Eymund ran his fingernail along the bottom of the foot, the side and the top, but still, Haldir said nothing. Eymund looked up at our brother. “Did you feel anything? Even the slightest twinge?”
Haldir shook his head slowly. “I didn’t think you started to do anything yet. No, I felt nothing.”
Eymund glanced back at Orophin and I, extreme concern and disappointment on his face, but when he turned back to Haldir, it disappeared. He continued poking Haldir’s legs in certain places, around his knees, his calves, and his thighs, but there was no sign of any recognition to pain coming from our brother. The healer went back to the foot of the bed. “Wiggle your toes,” he said.
Haldir looked determined, but nothing moved. Eymund told him to concentrate and try harder, but still, no movement. After he finished with his series of tests, Eymund put a hand on Haldir’s shoulder and shook his head slowly. “I’m sorry, March warden. There was no sign of movement.”
“No,” Orophin said with desperation. “Maybe it is only temporary. You said it yourself that the wound was deep. Perhaps as it heals, the feeling will come back.”
“It’s not unheard of, but it is very rare for that to happen.” Eymund sounded dismal. I thought he was rather sure that this was permanent.
“Do you think he can travel?” I asked.
Eymund nodded. “The wound is still draining, but pack it good and change the dressing twice a day, and he should have no trouble journeying back to Lothlórien. Of course, have him looked at right away by your healers, and travel slowly to keep him from being jostled around too much.” Eymund looked at Haldir with sympathy. “I’m so sorry, but at least you are still with us. You pulled through some difficult moments. Your will is strong.”
Haldir laid back in the bed, staring up at the ceiling. “What does a strong will matter now,” he said.
I thanked Eymund as he left the room. Orophin seemed angered. Haldir was distant. Today was a sad day indeed. “Maybe there is something our healers can do,” I said to him.
“You heard Eymund. The damage is permanent,” Haldir answered.
“He also said there is a rare chance that you can regain the use of your legs, but we won’t know until we try something,” I encouraged.
“The elves heal much differently than Men,” Orophin added. “Perhaps, given time, you can heal yourself.”
“No!” Haldir shouted. Orophin and I were taken aback, and we froze in place. Haldir remained silent a moment, eyes fastened to the roof above him. “You should have let me die.”
“Haldir,” I whispered. “Can you say you would have let either one of us die? You are our brother, and we will always do everything within our power to keep you with us.”
“Will you leave me for a while? I wish to be alone,” Haldir requested.
Orophin and I respected his wishes and left, but we were heartbroken and unsure what to do next. Orophin shook his head as we walked along the corridor. “I don’t like this one bit. He’s never spoken like that before.”
“He just received disparaging news. How else should he react? Haldir needs time to come to terms with this. I’m not ready to give up on the idea that there might yet be hope for him to walk again.” I stopped, forcing Orophin to stop too. “The company should be back in the next couple of days, and then we will go home as we had planned.”
Orophin studied me a moment, trying to see if I meant what I’d said. “And Legolas?”
I turned my eyes to the floor. “He has his own agenda to tend to. He need not be worried with anything right now.” The truth was, if I told him about Haldir and that it seemed like I would most certainly have to take up the March warden position, I feared that he might lose faith in us, and in turn lose hope along his journey. As long as he still thought that our plans were genuine, I felt that he would be focused on his mission and come home safe. The only difference was that I might not be going home with him.
A few days later, word spread that the King was returning. Everyone was anxious to know what happened in Isengard. Scouts reported that everyone was coming back safe and uninjured, and that two more rode with them, the missing Hobbits, Merry and Pippin. I stood on the unbroken section of wall and watched the horizon for them to come home. Inside, I was torn in two, between my duty and Legolas. But it was easy to put those thoughts aside right now, for I knew we could not be together yet. Most certainly, the Rohirrim would head out for Edoras tomorrow, and the elves would leave for Lothlórien. We knew we would have to part, and I preferred that it remained this way until I could wrap my head around this new change of events.
Finally, they came back. I watched from my spot on the wall. My heart was beating faster with every step closer they came until I could see Legolas clearly, riding tall and proud upon his grey horse. “He will be a ruler one day,” I thought to myself. One day, his father would surely hear the call and depart these lands, and then Legolas would become a King. I could see it in the way he carried himself. He should be a king, for he had all the knowledge, strength and confidence one needed to rule an entire realm.
Legolas looked up as he came up the causeway, and smiled at me when he neared the gate. We exchanged our secret words through our eyes. I couldn’t wait to hold him again. I went down quickly to meet the company, anxious not only to greet Legolas, but to learn of what happened in Isengard. I got there just as Legolas leapt from his horse, his cloak spreading out behind him like the wings of an eagle. His steps were quick and determined as he approached me, leaving his companions behind. His eyes were set upon me, aflame with desire. He’d been thinking of me, I could tell. I’d been thinking of him too.
He stopped just before me. “Greetings, Captain Rúmil. I hope all is well.”
“Uneventful in your absence, Prince Legolas,” I answered, putting on my best show of professionalism while others were around.
“Good to know. Any word on your brother?” he asked with sincerity.
“He … he is awake,” I said uncertain. “But he is not taking any visitors at this time. His injuries have left him weak, and he wishes not to be seen as such. I hope you’ll understand.”
Legolas nodded. “I do. Haldir is very prided on the appearance of his strength.”
“Prince Legolas, it is good to see you returned,” Orophin said from behind. I hadn’t known he was coming to welcome the company.
“Captain Orophin,” Legolas nodded in greeting. “Your brother tells me that the March warden has regained consciousness, but that he does not wish for any outside company. Will you relay to him my delight in knowing he has come through his ordeal? I’m sure he is anxious to return home.”
“As are we all,” Orophin replied. “Word is that the Rohirrim will leave for Edoras in the morning, now that the King has come back. The Lothlórien army shall depart at the same time.”
“Yes, King Théoden has told us of his plans, and I expect the elves would do the same. I cannot express how much I appreciate Lothlórien’s participation in this last battle. Please tell Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn that I, as a representative of Mirkwood, and the army of Mirkwood are in their debt. If ever you need our assistance, do not hesitate to call upon us.”
“I will indeed tell them,” Orophin said.
“If you don’t mind, may I have a private word with Captain Rúmil?” Legolas asked politely.
“Actually, he is needed at the moment. I’m afraid your … conversation … will have to wait.” Orophin was being a bit forceful, and I didn’t appreciate it. Just when I thought things were settled between us . . .
“Actually, there will be a feast later today, to welcome the King and his company back from Isengard, and to honor their fallen. Perhaps we can speak then,” I said, taking control of things.
“I look forward to it then,” Legolas said, his eyes fastening onto mine, and then turning quickly to Orophin, changing to something more challenging. Orophin understood their silent message to let us have our moment and stop interrupting. My brother nodded and left us. Legolas and I watched as he left. “What is going on?” Legolas asked in a whisper.
“I don’t think he’s ever truly accepted this since he found out about us,” I admitted.
“I rather think it is me that he doesn’t accept. Rúmil, I don’t mean to interfere with your way of doing things, but perhaps you should speak to your brothers about our plans sooner than later.”
There was the knife in my stomach again, twisting with the guilt of my situation. “When I get home, I will. For now, though, our main focus is seeing that Haldir heals.”
“So he’s awake. This is wonderful news. When did it happen? Does he remember anything?” Legolas asked, changing his mood to something lighter.
“It’s only been a couple days. He is still a bit out of it. Of course, he doesn’t remember much after the attack, but … something seems off about him.” I shouldn’t have mentioned it, but I was worried about something he said, when he told Orophin and I that we should have let him die. That was very unlike my brother to sound so dismal. But then, it probably had everything to do with the loss of his mobility.
“I’m sure everything will be much better once he is home, and especially when he gets back to his position as March warden,” Legolas said. He gazed at me with a hint of seductiveness. “I’ll see you at the feast then?”
“Yes, definitely.”
Legolas leaned into me to whisper. “And if I try to steal you away, will you resist?”
I closed my eyes and swallowed hard. “You know I can’t.”
“Until then,” he said, his breath a wisp of air upon my neck. He had the aura of trees and green again. They must have traveled through a forest.
“Yes, iaun nín,” I replied softly.
* * * * *
The feast began on a solemn note, a song and a prayer for the fallen, a moment of silence and a toast. But soon, the festivities were underway, and every man in the room had a mug in his hand, a smile on his face, a laugh on his tongue, and a story to tell. I noticed that there were only a few women in attendance, Lady Eowyn being among them. I couldn’t help but notice how her eyes repeatedly fell upon Aragorn. I wondered if she knew that his heart already belonged to another. She was a beautiful young woman, and I noticed the family resemblance between her and her brother, Eomer. Strong Rohirric traditions ran through that family; it was easy to see.
Legolas was by my side for a while, until Eomer and Gimli pulled him away. He gestured for me to come along, but I refused. I’d rather stand off to the side and observe than participate. I wasn’t exactly in the right frame of mind for this kind of fanfare, but I didn’t let on. It was bothering me how sure Legolas was about us, when I knew that things were going to change soon. He seemed so happy, I didn’t want to be the bearer of bad news, not now, not yet. I wasn’t worried for him finding out about Haldir’s condition by accident. No one knew, Haldir wanted it that way. I thought he was still in denial, hoping that the healer, Eymund was wrong.
My brother insisted that not even the elves know about his condition. It wouldn’t be a difficult secret to keep at first. He couldn’t ride a horse, even if his legs worked, because of the deep gash on his back, so seeing him home riding in a wagon would not seem suspicious. Once we were home, though, it would only be a matter of time before people started to wonder. I don’t know what Haldir was thinking, but I figured, for now at least, there would be no harm in letting him keep his secret.
I watched Legolas from my so called perch. He was enjoying himself as he drank with Eomer and Gimli. I was beginning to see something new about Legolas. Up until now, I’d only seen him interact with other elves. He was comfortable with his own kind, even if they were from other realms. When he was in Lothlórien, he blended in without a hitch. Now, though, I was seeing him with other races. Here he was with a dwarf that he considered a close friend. They laughed and slapped each other on the back just like longtime friends. And then there was Eomer, who Legolas threatened to kill when they first met, not to mention the discernable mistrust of the people of Rohan against any and all outsiders. For years they’d considered elves as magical beings, dangerous and dark-minded, not unlike wizards. But to watch Eomer laugh and drink with an elf and a dwarf, one would never know that there was any mistrust at any time. Even Eomer’s men, who had joined the contest of seeing who could drink the most before passing out, seemed to have set aside any skepticism they had for these strangers. Then again, war could bring the unlikeliest of people together when they fought against the same evil. But it was more than that with Legolas. He made friends along the way without any effort. Either you liked him or you didn’t. And if you didn’t, he had no time for that. He was more special than I had ever thought he was. He was able to bring people together who might never have been friends in the first place, and make them all see things in the same light. Legolas was truly amazing.
I’d lost track of time watching this game of sobriety, or lack thereof, but the table they stood at was completely filled with empty mugs and glasses. Eomer, who had been elected to keep the ale going, was now tilting the keg in order to get out the last of the drink. His men were already slumped in their chairs. Gimli was sitting and more than a bit wobbly, but still conscious. Legolas stood at the table, drinking every glass given to him and setting the empty mug upside-down. I had to laugh. Obviously, no one knew about an elf’s ability to drink a large quantity of alcohol and not be affected by it, but I could see that maybe Legolas was beginning to feel his cups. The whole room was deep in theirs, and the shouts of laughter were beginning to subside as the inebriated state of the partygoers spread from one side of the hall to the other. I could see that a good number of these men would remain here tonight, and sleep off their drunkenness on tables, chairs and the floor.
And then, down he went … Gimli drank his last mug and dropped to the floor. Eomer, and a few men observing the contest, cheered and raised Legolas’ arm in the air, claiming him the victor. The ale was gone and they all went about their business. That’s when Legolas came over to me, and I could see that he wasn’t completely unaffected, though he wasn’t beyond comprehension.
“Looks like you won,” I smiled.
“And they said I couldn’t hold my liquor,” he said proudly. Then he leaned into my ear. “I’m not sure, but I think I feel something. I’m a bit light headed.”
“Well, one would never know. You carry it well.”
He smiled and looked around the room. Everything seemed as it should be for the moment. No one had any cares for now. It was a good night to be had by all. Legolas leaned against a wooden column and considered me from the corner of his eye. “There is something I want to get a glimpse of before we leave tomorrow. Would you like to join me?”
“Sure, but what is it?” I asked curiously.
“Gimli has talked of nothing but the Glittering Caves since we first came to Helm’s Deep. His very ancestors helped with the construction of the stronghold, and they were the ones to navigate the caves. I’d just like to see them before I go.”
“Let’s go then. I haven’t seen them either.” Together we left the festivities and made our way along the corridors until we found ourselves at the back … at the mouth of the cave. It didn’t look like much at first, but as we went a little further in, we started to see what made this place special, and how it got its name. The small area we’d been in opened up into a large room with sandy floors and high ceilings. The walls were unique, and they shone with the richness of polished stone embedded with sparkling gems, crystals, and veins of ore.
“It’s said that there are many rooms, chambers, passages, and halls within this place. The caves go back quite far. One could get lost if he wasn’t careful,” Legolas said as he observed with awe. “I shouldn’t like to go too deep.” He seemed frightened by the caves, and I wasn’t sure why. Legolas himself lived in a series of caverns.
“At least you are used to being underground,” I commented.
“Yes, but I know my way around, and I know where all the exits are. My father’s halls do not stretched for miles as the Glittering Caves do. Something this deep and dark might just house some sort of ancient creature. The dwarves dug too deep once. I would hope they have not done that here.” He was truly frightened and I took his hand to assure him he was safe.
“It’s the Balrog you think of now, isn’t it?” I wondered.
Legolas nodded and swallowed hard. “I have seen many things in my life, been scared of a few, but nothing has ever struck such a fear in me as that fiery beast.”
“If there was a Balrog here, do you think the Rohirrim would have allowed their women and children inside? I think it is safe, but just for peace of mind, we’ll not go any further.”
As quickly as his fear took him, it disappeared, yet another trait that truly amazed me about Legolas. He looked at our joined hands and raised it to his lips. “I wish we had more time.”
“So do I,” I whispered. My hand wrapped around the back of his neck, and I drew him to me, kissing him with slow deliberation. I could feel his urgency growing, as well as mine.
There were footsteps coming towards us. We could hear the shuffling of the sandy floor. Then we heard a woman’s giggle and a man’s urging. “Someone’s coming,” I warned.
Legolas smiled and grabbed my wrist. “Come. In here.” He pulled me into one of the many alcoves of the grand room.
The couple stopped, but they were whispering to each other. I peeked around the corner and saw them standing in an embrace not far from the place where Legolas and I had just been. The woman asked for his reassurance that they were alone, and he comforted her worry with a kiss. “I don’t think they are in much of a hurry,” I told Legolas.
“That means we’re trapped as long as they are here,” he said from behind me. I was still watching to see what the couple would do.
“Your companions will wonder where you’ve gotten off to,” I said.
“Let them wonder then,” he said in a low seductive growl. His arms surrounded my waist as he pulled me back from the doorway. His lips were instantly upon my neck.
“You can’t be serious,” I complained. “There are people just outside.”
“Yes, I know.” His hands traveled lower, cupping me through my leggings. I turned in his arms and found his eyes full of hunger and desire. Before I could make another protest, he assaulted my mouth, his tongue pushing past my lips. He walked me backwards, pinning me against the alcove wall.
The sounds of the couple outside were not rushed. They spoke quietly and kissed slowly. Light moans meant they weren’t here for a fast rumble. They meant to take their time, probably because there was no privacy above, and most of them men were drunk and passing out about now. No one would come looking for the man or the woman. Legolas and I were at their mercy until they decided to leave or they themselves fell asleep, and we could sneak past them. It looked like we were going to be here for a while.
Legolas’ hands roamed to the buttons of my tunic, which he began undoing with ease. I watched his face, the devious curve of his lips, the crinkles at the outer edges of his eyes. They swept up and fastened on mine, and I felt my whole body begin to burn for him.
“Legolas, I don’t think–” I began to protest, but he silenced me with another kiss. His fingers fumbled with the buttons of my undershirt. He wasn’t going to listen to my complaints.
Outside, the couple’s breathing became more rapid, and I heard the rustle of clothes being shed. The woman moaned a little louder. “Aye Galmar, it has been so long.”
“Mmm, but worth the wait, Frída,” the man said.
“I don’t know. Maybe we shouldn’t do this,” Frída said worriedly.
“I promise you, there is no one around,” Galmar encouraged.
“No one but us,” Legolas whispered his warm breath tantalizing on my neck.
“This isn’t right,” I told him.
“Do you want me to stop?” he asked.
I hesitated before answering. “No.” I knew I couldn’t deny him when he was in this kind of mood.
“I didn’t think so. Just relax, Rúmil. Only lovers are in the caves this night. They don’t know we are here so we shouldn’t ruin their evening. Neither will we let them ruin ours.” He dropped to his knees, pushed my unbuttoned shirt away from my waist, and took the laces of my leggings in his teeth. I watched him move with ease, having no trouble with his task. He lifted his eyes to mine, released the ties and licked his lips. Then he pulled the leggings down, freeing me from my confines. The tip of his tongue traveled along my length tauntingly. He flattened his tongue and repeated the same course. I wanted him to just swallow me, but he was taking his time torturing me with each pass of his tongue, moistening the surface of my painfully erect cock. My hips gyrated forward, wanting him to take more of me into his mouth. And all the while, I could hear the couple outside moaning with delight.
“Aye Galmar, the things you can do with … by the gods, yes,” she claimed.
“I’m not done with you yet, my sweet. Turn around for me, Frída my love,” Galmar directed her.
Legolas released me and stood, his lips red from his ministrations. “Good idea. Turn around.”
I did as he said, and turned towards the cave wall. He pulled my shirt from my shoulders and I heard it fall to the floor. Then he helped me out of my shoes and pulled my leggings off. I started to turn back towards him, but he stopped me. “Not yet. I’ve got you right where I want you.” He playfully bit my bare shoulder, hands roaming down my back, coming to rest on my arse, which he squeezed. I heard him get on his knees again, and then he was spreading me and licking me. His hand reached around and stroked my cock, the other spreading moisture where it was needed. As he stood, he nipped and kissed my skin, running his tongue along my spine.
“I need you now, Galmar,” I heard her call to her lover.
“Do you need me, Rúmil?” Legolas asked.
“Every hour of every day,” I said, arching my back and offering myself to him.
“Aye, Frída, you feel so good,” Galmar moaned.
Legolas entered me. “Oh yes, warm and tight, just the way I like you.”
We could hear the couple set their rhythm by the sounds they made. Legolas mimicked them, sliding in and out, matching their rhythm. I was so close now. “Finish me, Legolas,” I begged.
“Not quite yet,” he said deviously.
The man began moaning more as the woman’s cries became more anxious. And Legolas became more aggressive, pounding me, my hands braced against the cave wall, my feet spread, back arched, and Legolas pulling me into him. We could hear the couple getting close to completion. Legolas increased his rhythm. The woman gasped. The man cried out. Legolas went deep, touching me in that one place, and I spilled as he stroked me. I could feel him spill within, warmth filling me. It took everything I had not to cry out. As a matter of fact, not allowing myself to utter even the slightest whimper made it even more euphoric. Legolas pulled me away from the wall so that my back was against his chest. I tilted my head back to rest on his shoulder. Stretched like this, I felt every nerve in my being shatter. Legolas whispered different admissions of love in my ear as my orgasm washed over me from head to toe. He was still buried within me, still deep and pulsating.
“I don’t ever want to let you go,” he said. “I don’t ever want this feeling to end. Tell me you love me. Tell me you want me by your side.”
“Ai, Legolas, I do love you like I’ve never loved anyone before,” I admitted.
After we regained our senses, we dressed and sat on the cave floor, leaning against the wall. The couple outside was not finished yet. Now they were talking and kissing. I didn’t think they would leave for quite a while yet, so Legolas and I made ourselves as comfortable as possible. We sat in silent satisfaction, my head resting upon his shoulder. There was a sweet smile on his face that did not fade for the longest time. By the gods, he was a gorgeous creature, and he loved me. Of all the elves in Middle-earth, he loved me. I loved him too, but things had gotten complicated recently. The fact was, Haldir would not be able to complete his duties anymore. Whether it was temporary or permanent, it didn’t matter. Someone would have to take over his position in the army, and he wanted that person to be me. I had an obligation to the army, but most importantly to my family. We did not abandon each other, no matter the situation. But this was what I was giving up, a chance at real love and commitment with someone who I trusted and needed. Maybe part of me thought I’d never really find that. For so long it was only a dream, safe to imagine without actually having it right in front of me. It was here now, though, and it was real … it was Legolas.
I had told myself that I wasn’t going to tell him my dilemma, but he was a part of it. Should I keep him in the dark, let him continue his mission thinking that when he returned, we’d be together in Mirkwood? As long as he thought that, he would have hope. He would have a reason to fight harder than he ever had, because he knew what was waiting for him. The guilt that I knew how that future wouldn’t come to pass was tearing me up inside. Every time Legolas told me he loved me, every time he talked about what our lives would be like when he returned, I cringed and knotted up inside. He was so sure of us, and I knew the truth. I wasn’t sure I could keep this secret any longer. Part of me said to keep quiet, but the part that trusted Legolas … that knew how much he trusted me … said he should know.
Eventually, the couple left the caves. Legolas and I sat with each other another moment before we got up. The night was very late, and the activities in the hall were over with. People slept wherever they could find space. There were bodies everywhere, on tables, on benches, and on the floor. The air smelled of ale and men, and it offended my senses.
“Will you join me outside?” Legolas asked.
“Of course,” I said eagerly. We made our way out onto the veranda, and took the fresh air deep into our lungs. There was a slight breeze, and I lifted my face to feel its caress. There was no moon, so the stars were extra bright. “It’s a beautiful evening,” I said.
“I like being out here,” Legolas said with a smile. “It’s quiet and it’s open. Mirkwood and Lothlórien are both confined, aren’t they?”
“Hidden away from the world, yes. But here, we are free under the stars with nothing around us but the air and the night. It is rather refreshing.”
“That’s what we really want, isn’t it? You and me, free to be ourselves,” he said.
“But you are always free in Mirkwood. No one questions your behavior, not like in Lothlórien.”
He huffed a laugh. “You would think so, but at times, because of my father and my title, I am just as held back and tied up as you are in Lórien.”
“And yet, that is where you want to be,” I said.
“For now, I guess. But I can’t help wonder if there is somewhere else in this world, where elves like us can do as we please without being impaired.” He slipped his hand beneath my cloak, and took a hold of mine. “One thing is for sure. I’m never more alive and free than when I am with you, Rúmil.”
I closed my eyes and drew my brows together. I needed to tell him. “Legolas, have you ever thought about what would happen to us if … if . . .” I couldn’t go on. If I told him that we couldn’t be together when he returned, I feared what would happen to him in my absence.
“You mean, if one of us died, what would happen to the other?” he finished. He nodded slowly. “Yes, it has crossed my mind. I’m not sure what would happen. I know I love you, and we have shared many nights in each other’s arms. If you fell, I think I would feel complete devastation over your loss.”
“But would you fade?” I asked.
“I … I don’t know. We haven’t officially bound ourselves in the eyes of the Valar, but does one have to have a ceremony to bind themselves to their lover? I feel like we share something that no one else on this earth could know of, and if something happened to you, whether I faded or not, I don’t think I’d ever love again.”
“Don’t say that, Legolas. If something were to happen to me, I would want you to continue on. I’d want you to at least try and find love.”
“Would you look for love again if something happened to me?” he said, turning the tables on me.
“I could try, but I know I’d never find anything even remotely close to what we have. So, no, I don’t think I’d love again either.”
Legolas looked at me questioningly. “What has brought on this way of thinking?
“Everything … this recent war, the journey still before you, Haldir’s brush with death,” I admitted. “So many factors could have ended life for either one of us.”
“But it didn’t, and we are still here. We are still alive and in love, and nothing can change that.”
Or could it, I thought. Would he still feel that way when I told him my secret? “Legolas, there is something you should know.”
He regarded me a moment. “Go on.”
“It’s about Haldir, but you must promise not to tell anyone. This is the way my brother wants it for now.” I paused to gather myself. “He … he was not unscathed by this battle. He was severely wounded, as you know, but there has been more damage done than what you’ve seen, and it might be irreversible.”
“What is it? What happened?” he asked anxiously.
“He … Haldir has … my brother has lost the use of his legs. No one knows besides me, Orophin, the healer and the girl. Haldir doesn’t want anyone to know. I think he is in denial and hopes it is temporary, but Eymund feels that there is no hope of him ever walking again.”
“Oh no, Rúmil. This is devastating news.” Legolas turned from me to look out over the field. I don’t think he realized what that meant, but I could see him connecting everything to each other. “By the gods, what will be do? He cannot fight anymore.”
“He cannot be a warden anymore, either,” I added, making him aware of where I was going with this.
“The position will have to be filled,” Legolas said.
“It already has, just not officially.” I studied his face, looking deep in his eyes, hoping he knew where this was going.
“Please tell me Orophin is next in line,” he pleaded.
I shook my head slowly, wishing I didn’t have to do this.
“You?” he asked quietly.
“He asked me before the battle that if anything were to happen to him . . .”
“Why you? I mean no offense, but … Orophin is second born. It seems the title would go to him.”
“Well, it hasn’t,” I said dimly.
“And you agreed?”
“I … skimmed past giving him my answer, but now that–”
“Then tell him no,” Legolas interrupted.
“What?”
“Tell him you do not want this.”
“Legolas, he is my brother. I cannot abandon my family.”
“You were ready to do just that when you said you were coming to live with me in Mirkwood,” he justified.
“That was before all of this happened, when Haldir was still able to take care of himself. But now … I don’t know what will happen. Step into my boots for a moment. Could you leave your family when they needed you most?”
From somewhere inside, we heard yelling. Legolas and I looked at each other a moment, and then we ran towards the door. Inside was the fellowship. They were all standing around the Hobbit, Pippin. Gandalf was kneeling over him, his hand upon the halfling’s head, and speaking a foreign tongue unfamiliar to me. Legolas instantly went to Aragorn. “What happened to him?”
“It seems our young friend let his curiosity get the better of him. He found the Seeing Stone and looked into it,” Aragorn said.
“A Seeing Stone? Here?” I inquired.
“Saruman had it, but it betrayed him. Gandalf found it at Isengard, and has brought it to keep it out of the hands of the enemy,” Legolas told me.
I looked down at the halfling’s face, pale and frightened. “Is he alright?” I asked. Gandalf glanced up at me.
“He’ll be fine, but we have a new problem,” Gandalf said. “He’s looked into the stone, and he’s seen war. Sauron will attack Gondor.”
“But that’s good,” Gimli said. “I mean … not the war, but he’s seen the future. We know for sure where to go next.”
Gandalf nodded. “Yes, but Sauron has seen Pippin. He thinks this is the Hobbit who has the ring. He’ll send out his Nazgûl to find the halfling. Pippin cannot stay in Rohan or risk putting them all in danger.”
“Where will we go then?” Merry asked, obviously worried about his friend.
“You can all come to Lothlórien. You’ll be well protected there,” I suggested. I looked at Legolas, but he had turned from me.
“Thank you Captain,” Gandalf replied. “But we’ll wait until morning before we make a decision. I must speak to King Théoden first.” Gandalf went to Aragorn. “Gondor will need help from Rohan if it is to survive this next war.”
Legolas had gone across the room. I went to him, needing to finish our conversation. Before I could say anything, he stopped me. “Find your rest tonight, Captain. We’ll speak in the morning.”
I hesitated before I went, but I felt terrible. He seemed so distant now. Well, perhaps things would look better in the morning, but I wouldn’t hold out much hope. I may have just ruined the only thing worth fighting for.
- 17
- 18
- 19
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Path of Honor-Part II: Far From Home