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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
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A/N: I just wanted to say that despite Thranduil's portrayal in the movie 'The Hobbit' is fair enough (I find myself warming up to him), I have a different vision in my head when I think of him.

This artwork; http://ebe-kastein.deviantart.com/art/Gildor-Shells-371391185 fits my idea of him well enough.

More pronounced muscles, piercing eyes, more manly... (yea, not Thranduil in her portrayal, but pfff, it suits my fancy)

Just for reference.

Also love the artist's rendition of Saelbeth; http://ebe-kastein.deviantart.com/art/Sael-Ring-III-371432698 / http://www.councilofelrond.com/wp-content/uploads/modules/My_eGallery/gallery/fanart/invitedartists/ebekastein/Ebe_SAELRING2.jpg

There. Just had to share!

Also… please forgive me :( I just realized I am very sexist, cutting all female characters from the story.

As it is, I can't find a real purpose for them either, so I expect them to remain gone… But yes, apologies.

@Raevyn: Drama all around! Finally, some twists and turns again! Whoot!

Chapter 33: Their Destiny

Thranduil was still trying to figure out how to talk to Legolas about Celeborn's letter. Yes, Thranduil agreed that his son had to spend more time in his own realm, he even understood that Celeborn could not miss his Marchwarden… but how was he to tell his son that he had to let his happiness go?

How would both he and Haldir respond to the knowledge that the Lord Celeborn had made a deal with the Valar that altered the fëa bond they shared so that being apart wouldn't cause them to fade?

It seemed rather a quick fix for Celeborn to leave him to break the bad news.

Thranduil already dreaded the moment and the party of Elves hadn't even arrived yet.

Rúmil was the only one he had shared the information with, but the youngest brothers couldn't advise him on what to do.

Telling them and ensuring it happened seemed strangely logical, but at the same time he detested the idea that he would once again be the one to ruin his son's happiness even if the request did not come from him personally.

Rúmil would assure him. He would tell the King that they would understand, that it was a necessity that no one could help or change.

Still the King hardly felt so sure.

The journey to the borders of Mirkwood had been easy, Legolas had found no issue in it, but as they drew near the borders Legolas felt the sudden urge to go back.

Why had he wanted to come?

Guards blocked their path into the realm, "Let us pass, I have returned for my father's wedding."

Although the guards knew of this and had been told to let Legolas pass, a few of them couldn't resist the urge to comment on the number of men in Legolas' chosen company. One comment let to another and another… Legolas did his best to ignore them as he repeated his command, "Step aside and let us pass, by order of your prince."

There was authority to his voice, but it wasn't a thing he actually felt.

Their words had shattered what confidence he might have had as he realized that nothing had changed.

It was Haldir who stepped forward, forsaking protocol as he stood but an inch from one of the offensive guards. Staring the Elf down, Haldir spoke softly, "Do you have a problem?"

The guard quickly shook his head, "Nay, no problem."

A short nod, before Haldir mounted his horse anew and the company rode on.

Though protocol decreed that Legolas should lead the party, Haldir chose to ride beside him instead, "They will come to see, Legolas, give them time and excuse them their stupidity."

The prince nodded, but already his past insecurities were fluttering to the surface.

His father had said all had been corrected and yet, not even the first moment in the realm was spared from humiliation. He shouldn't have come.

As they rode into the center of Mirkwood, more Elves gathered. They whispered, but even though most spoke in amazement, awe and loyalty, Legolas only seemed to pick out the negative ones, 'Why is he here?' 'Does he truly believe the King wants such a disgrace of an Elf at his wedding?' 'How many of those guards do you think he's seduced into his bed?'

Legolas did his best to ignore them, to tell himself not to mind them, to excuse their attitude toward him.

A loud cry from the public shook his resolve as he watched Haldir slam a random Elf into a wall, "You do not get to speak of him that way. He is your prince. One day he will be your King. You would do well to remember that, or I shall make sure it is a thing you will never forget."

It was Legolas who spoke, fighting fear, sadness and insecurity as he tried to deliver the lines as strongly as he was able, "Leave him be, Haldir, they cannot be faulted for hanging on to a belief that was allowed to exist for far too long. He shall come to realize his mistakes, as will the others."

More whispers, only a few negative ones remaining, but once more they were the ones Legolas overheard; 'Who does he think he is?' 'Look at that arrogance, have you ever seen a whore with such a flawed perception of self-worth?'

They were corrected by the crowd, people telling them to stop it.

Although the thoughts remained among many, few spoke of them now that it had become clear Legolas was back with the full intention to claim his title and with enough Elves to defend him.

The whispers would linger, in the dark, when no one else would hear them.

It was Thranduil who added further strength to Legolas' reputation as he came out and took his son into a long embrace.

More whispers.

The people of Mirkwood were not used to their King showing any type of acceptance for his son, so they had not, either.

Now, that had changed, but many did not understand why.

Thranduil smiled, "I am glad you have come home, my son."

Legolas returned the smile, "I am glad to be home, ada."

More whispers, yet.

It was Thranduil now who looked at the people, his people, "Our prince has returned to us, this is indeed a beautiful day. Let him see the loyalty of his people, as you have always shown me. Welcome him as you would me, for one day, all too soon, he could be your King."

A moment of silence, then applause, cheers.

Not from everyone, no, there were some who would not as easily be swayed by the King's seemingly sudden change of heart, but it was a start.

Haldir still felt guilty about being there. Orophin had not received the permission he had.

Neither of them understood why; how could it be that Haldir could be missed, but Orophin could not?

It was of some, small comfort that at least Orophin would have Elladan with him for a while longer, while the rest of the Rivendell party had turned home.

Of course, what had seemed an extreme kindness to Haldir would seem but a small reward once they learned the true reason their Lord had allowed it.

Thranduil knew none would have seen it coming, none of them were even remotely aware that soon they would all part ways for quite some time to come.

Lord Celeborn had been clear; they mustn't know for how long it would be.

Thranduil accepted the words, too. They seemed the most logical.

It was bad enough they all had to part ways, it would be worse to know for how long.

"I can't understand why I would not get permission, yet Haldir did. Surely, if I cannot be missed neither can he! Why should he get to witness this important day and not me? Tell me why."

Orophin had been bothering Saelbeth relentlessly, since his Lord would not see him.

Saelbeth often told him he didn't know, or even that he felt Orophin should feel proud to be given such a role now… That Haldir had deserved the break.

It wasn't good enough. There had to be more to it, Orophin was sure of it, "What is the true reason, Saelbeth? You are lying to me and I do not appreciate it."

A third voice interrupted them, "He tells you no lie, he but withholds what you wish to know."

Orophin's head lowered as he turned to his Lord, "I merely wish to understand why, my Lord. I do not see reason."

A soft, barely audible sigh escaped Lord Celeborn before he spoke anew, "For Haldir and prince Legolas their happiness is soon to be put on hold. Haldir shall return to Lothlorien alone. Prince Legolas is needed in Mirkwood, where they fight the darkness that spreads from Dol Goldur. Here, we cannot miss our most valuable Marchwarden. They shall be parted. I felt they deserved their last moments together, for however long the period may last."

Orophin's head had lifted at the words, "But my Lord… their bond…"

Lord Celeborn shook his head, "Their bond has been altered by the grace of the Valar, being apart shall not cause them to fade now."

The Marchwarden frowned at the words, "But they shall suffer still, every minute they are apart. They love, truly and so deeply I am envious at times. Would they accept being separated?"

There was a shrug, "I do not doubt your brother's loyalty, nor the prince's. They would do what must be done for the sake of their people, even if they suffer for it by being parted."

A nod, small and light, before Orophin spoke softly, "Do they know?"

"They soon will. King Thranduil shall inform them a fortnight after the ceremony. Haldir shall return to us that same day."

Orophin hung his head, already aching for his brother.

Now, even more than before, he wished he could have gone with him, "I feel sad for them to be parted thus."

Though true, Lord Celeborn's words seemed harsh in response, "Haldir's life is here, prince Legolas must find his home in Mirkwood. It is their destiny to be apart."

Or so Lord Elrond had said. All depended on it.

TBC...
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The Curse