Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

Frozen Heart	By : Argleena Category: -Fourth Age to Modern times and beyond > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 1632 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own (or profit from) the characters in this work, but do enjoy playing with them for your reading pleasure! All LOTR references are property of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
Following the magical night of the festival, the relationship between Elrohir and Legolas continued to flourish, their attachment ever growing. They would attend to their duties by day and grow in their love and connection by night. They gave freely of their love to one another, and their joy and happiness increased exponentially whenever they were around each other. Everyone could see the pure and true love, and connection that flowed between the two when they were together. One only had to look upon the pair to feel the happiness that radiated from the two and spilled over onto others whenever near the couple.
All seemed happy for the couple in their new found relationship, even a begrudging Thranduil. Despite his initial, one could say, “less than warm” (i.e. histrionic filled, temper tantrum that all in the cave could hear) response to the letter that his son had sent, declaring his love for the young peredhel lord, he had soon tempered himself and acting like the great King he was, accepted his son’s choice in partner, satisfied as long as Legolas was happy. He welcomed Elrohir to the family, even extending an invitation to visit whenever he wished. Elrohir, for his part, tried to ignore the fact that that invitation also included another special invite, to explore and partake in a “hunt for sport for spiders” in the areas of the kingdom where the beastly creatures nested. Initially unaware of his father's grisley invitation, when questioned by Elrohir if this was common sport for the Woodland folk to hunt the huge and grotesque spiders, Legolas had replied that he did not know of any of his people to seek out the evil spiders for fun, only hunting them out of self defense. Then trying to relieve some of the tension at discovering his father's dark idea of a joke, Legolas kidded, “Maybe things have changed since I left?” Seeing his lover's unamused expression, he assured Elrohir that his father was just joking. This did not provide him with much comfort considering Thranduil’s less than felicitous feelings toward the Noldor which Elrohir's heritage was deeply ingrained in. Elrohir was prepared to sleep with one eye open if he ever did visit the Woodland realm anytime soon, lest he make an unwitting meal for one of the creatures residing in the ever darkening forest.
Legolas was welcomed with open arms by Elrond and Celebrían and with fewer threats of spiders. Arwen treated him as a third brother while Erestor and Glorfindel, who were as much a part of the family, became like adopted uncles to Legolas as well. The only one that acted a bit coolly toward Legolas was oddly enough Elrohir’s own gwanûr. While Elladan was never out right rude toward Legolas and was always courteous and polite, he never did go out of his way to get to know him. When invited to join his twin and Legolas on outings or in other activities he was more oft than not likely to turn them down. While Elrohir was not thrilled by his brother’s cool reception toward his lover, he did not think much of it. He chalked it up to minor and petty jealousy of the time that Legolas took away that Elrohir would have otherwise spent with his twin. This was nothing new between the brothers, except it usually worked the other way around. Before Legolas, Elrohir had a few lovers, male and female, here and there, but nothing very substantial. Elladan on the other hand had had a slew of lovers in his young lifetime. Some were brief affairs, others lasted for several years, but none that ever amounted to the soul deep connection that Elrohir shared with Legolas. Elrohir had succumbed to the feelings of envy and jealousy in the past when his brother pushed him to the side while with one of his more serious lovers, therefore, he tried to be understanding of his brothers standoffish behavior and continued to make attempts to include Elladan in all things in his life still.
Month after month passed, seeming to fly by as quickly as an arrow shot forth from the bow. Thankfully Elrohir did not have to attend to another extended patrol in this time, only having to leave for a week at most, with Legolas even joining the patrols from time to time. Glorfindel, having pity on the couple, was able to work the rosters in Elrohir’s favor while the prince was still in residence. Elrohir was fairly certain he would be making up for it once his lover had to head back home.
And that time for Legolas to journey back home finally did come, much to quickly for either elf's liking. Legolas’ diplomatic mission well beyond completed after three years in Imladris and having already stayed passed the time that was needed to complete his assignment, he had to report back to his father and pick back up his position in the guard in the Woodland Realm. It was a difficult goodbye that left both lovers morose and down spirited for weeks, but the two managed to keep their connection and relationship alive and strong through the many long centuries that loomed ahead of them with letters and frequent trips to the other’s realms. Neither were able to leave their own realms permanently at this time as they both played a vital role in their own and they more often than not found themselves away from each other. Still they were ever at the forefront of each other's minds, learning to adapt and compartmentalize their duties from their thoughts and longing for the other in order to keep them moving forward and on to those precious times they did meet again. Having sympathy for their sons' plights, Elrond and Thranduil elected Elrohir and Legolas to be “ambassadors” for their realms, often times sending one or the other to the other’s realm for councils and negotiations that lasted for sometimes years to a time. Often the two would be sent on trips together to the other realms of elves and men to seek out information. They were truly becoming representatives of their father's realms, and the bonus was more time spent with one another.
While the pair’s love continued to flourish through the long years, both were hesitant to bond permanently right away, although they had always assumed it would happen one day. They felt it important to wait until the encroaching darkness was beat back and they could be with one another permanently. They both knew that if one was lost in battle or to the dark creatures or evils of Sauron, the other must go on to protect their homeland. They would one day reunite in Aman. Bonding themselves together would not allow them to do that. If one left for Mandos Halls, the other would shortly follow. Bonding would also make the already difficult distance between them nearly unbearable. It was very difficult to be away from one’s mate for repeated, extended periods of time. They just could not always be close to one another at this time, sometimes going weeks without hearing from one another and years without laying eyes on each other. They would have to wait for more peaceful times. Despite all this, they remained devoted to one another.
The pair could always depend on each other to be there for one or the other when really needed. Throughout the years they lent each other support through the most difficult of times. Legolas was there to comfort Elrohir after his mother’s capture and torture at the hands of the orcs and her subsequent departure into the West. He would often ride out with the twins as they sought to take out their anger and wrath on the evil creatures and fulfill their vow of ridding the lands of the filth that had violated their mother and so many others. Elrohir in turn was there to support Legolas in the darkening times as his homeland seemed to ever be the target of the evil one’s malice. The once once beautiful and evergreen forestland was now spoiled by filth and evil and his people had to move ever further out of the Woodland that they so loved and back into the caves carved out below the earth. He was there to comfort Legolas as his father’s temperament and mood darkened and their relationship became strained at times. Elrohir was often there to help move Legolas and their people ever more into isolation. While the times may have been dark, their love provided a light in their hearts and balm to their souls.
It was the year 3018 of the Third Age when things took a major change for the lovers. The Ring had been unearthed and Sauron had regained much of his strength. He was building his armies with the intent to bring destruction over Middle Earth. It could no longer be denied or pushed aside, the elves needed to play their part in stopping the destruction of evil. Elrohir's heart dropped and he lost his breath during that moment when his lover stood to volunteer at the monumental council hosted by his father that was taking place on such a innocuous Autumn day. A council to decide the fate of Middle Earth. Bright leaves were floating down from the trees overhead and a soft warm breeze was blowing through the courtyard. How could such a lovely day turn so quickly. One small ring would change the course of everything.
His shock and terror at his lover's foolhardy mission, along with the residual headache left from the black speech that Gandalf had uttered and mixed in with the waves of darkness that emanated from that evil ring was overwhelming and beginning to cripple Elrohir from the inside out. The edges of his vision was going black and he could no longer hear anything but the ringing in his ears. His skin prickled and he felt overly warm while sweat trickled down his forehead and back. Was he going to faint? Elves don't faint do they? He had seen men in the healing halls suffer this affliction, but never experienced the feeling before. The last thing he remembered thinking was it must be the blood of men running through his veins that made him feel as if he were to swoon away. He came too slouched over a bench outside if the courtyard. Elladan had felt his distress and quickly led him away from the stressful situation that was the cause of his affliction. Legolas, seeing Elladan basically dragging Elrohir away attempted to follow, but stopped at the look that Elladan had given him.
As Elrohir came back to himself, sipping the cool water his gwanunig placed to his lips, his thoughts swirled about him. Why? Why did it have to be his lover to volunteer? Why did he have to go? Surely this would be a quest that he would not return from. Despite his father's initial hesitation to send Legolas, both for his son’s sake and also out of fear of Thranduil’s wrath, it was determined that Legolas was the best choice. A fierce warrior in his own right, not many others besides Glorfindel or Elrond’s own sons that were present would have been deemed suitable for the secret task. Glorfindel was discounted as it was thought he would draw too much attention to the fellowship with his might shining through as if he were one of the Vala and Elrond had foreseen other plans for his sons when it came to their destiny in this war. Ensuring that Elrohir had got his bearings, he ordered him to rest here and reach full recovery while he would finish out the meeting for both of them, filling Elrohir in later.
It was that same evening that the couple had their first fall out argument. Elrohir couldn't understand why Legolas had to be the one to volunteer to go. Legolas couldn't understand how Elrohir didn't understand that to him, he had no other choice. Frosty words and misunderstanding sent Legolas to his own chambers for the next two nights. On the third day, needing to seek some kind of resolution, Elrohir tried to speak to him, tried to reach out to him, but Legolas was too upset. He was not one to be coddled, even by his lover. It hurt him that Elrohir didn't think him able to be successful on this journey. Then, before resolution could be made or apologies spoke, Elrohir was taken away from his lover once again in the name of duty. Elrond sought out scouts to ride ahead and gather information and clear out the paths ahead for the fellowship (when possible and safe).
Desperate to help in any way to make it easier for his love to survive this suicide mission, Elrohir eagerly accepted his father's bid for him to ride out as one of the scouts. As cool as Elladan’s regard was toward Elrohir's relationship with Legolas, he would never let his gwanunig go off on his own on such a dangerous mission. That very day, the twin sons of Elrond left on their way, Elrohir, only afforded the time to slip a note under Legolas’ door to say goodbye. He left Legolas an explanation of his assignment and an apology for leaving so quickly, with the promise of his return before Legolas left on his quest. For almost two months, Elrohir and his brother scoured the wilds, seeking out evil and clearing dangerous pathways. They returned home two days before the fellowship was to depart. Again, Elrohir approached and begged Legolas not to leave even though deep in his heart he knew there was no other way. Although no longer ignoring Elrohir, reinforced by the fact that Elrohir had just up and left on his own mission without consulting him and only leaving a note behind in explanation, Legolas was strengthened in his resolve of what he must do. He insisted he would fulfil his duty to the quest and nothing Elrohir would say or do would stop him. The next few hours surrounded the two in stoney silence.
The silence grated on Elrohir's every last nerve. Legolas, despite any argument he could make, would be leaving with the fellowship in less than two days. While he didn't want Legolas to go, the fact was he would be leaving and they were wasting precious time they could have together, perhaps the last time together they would have for many years. Elrohir did not want to spend the little time they had remaining sitting in silence, blocking one another out. Humbling himself he approached his lover. Grabbing Legolas in a fierce hug, he broke down, tears running down his face. “Goheno nîn,” he sobbed, clutching Legolas to him tightly. “I am scared,” Elrohir whispered. “And I allowed that fear to waste away what may be the last days I have with you. I don't want to lose you. I love you and I fear for your safety. Please forgive my stubbornness and spend this little time we have left with me?”
Elrohir clung tightly to Legolas as he began to pull from his embrace, afraid he was being rejected. “Hush now,” Legolas soothed, running his fingers through Elrohir's dark hair. Taking Elrohir by the hand he led them to his guest chambers where the two spent their evening having little to do with words, which lately had always been so hurtful and seemed to only get in the way, and instead the spent the night making love and reaffirming their love over and over again to one another. The next morning, with only one day left together before Legolas left on his journey, the pair spent the day together, side by side and nigh on inseparable, talking, touching, kissing, listening to one another and making up for all their lost days. Elrohir promised Legolas that if something were to happen to him he would travel to and wait for Legolas in Aman for when the Valar chose to release him from the Halls of Waiting, no matter how long it took. The pair then spent the early hours of the evening making love to each other. After they were spent they held each throughout the night, ensuring that Legolas was properly rested for his journey.
The next morning, Elrohir awoke to sun streaming in his window. He sat up with a jolt. They were late. Legolas would be late for his departure with the others possibly thinking he was backing out of the mission and meanwhile he was missing the send off for the Fellowship, which included Estel who as a brother to him. Reaching over to jostle his lover awake, he found the bed cold and empty beside him. All that was left was a brief note.
Ind-nîn,
Na lû e-govaned vîn. Namarie.
Legolas
Elrohir sat frozen to his spot for several moments before jumping out of bed, dressing quickly and rushing to the courtyard. He was too late. The group had left some time ago, just after the sun had risen. How could he have slept through that? Why had Legolas not woken him? All he was left with was a piece of paper to say his goodbyes to. With the perilous nature of this journey did he not even get a goodbye in person from his lover? Did Legolas not care enough to spare a last few minutes with him, instead leaving it in a note! Sure, Elrohir had left Legolas a note when he left, but at least in that he had promised to return. This situation was much different. There was no such promise here, for such a promise could not be made on a mission such as this. This note may be the last he has of his love.
Following Legolas’ departure on the quest, Elrohir felt abandoned. He was adrift and lost, miserable in the separation from his love with him leaving without speaking a word. He was rapidly losing weight because he had no appetite. What was once a handsome, masculine face with a sharp nose and square jawline was now gaunt and all harsh line and cutting angles. He found little sleep in his lonely bed as the dark circles under his eyes was evidence if. He became reckless and careless when he rode out on scouting missions and delivered messages for his father, taking unnecessary risks. His anger came to a head one day when delivering a message and sword to Estel from his father. Estel was with the people of Rohan, readying to aid Gondor in battle, yet he saw no sign of Legolas despite several trips through the encampment and though he knew he was there. He became testy and moody with all around him. All he had was Estel’s word to go on that Legolas was still alive and faring well. With no sign of his lover by the time night fell, he rode out of the encampment and hunted down small bands of orcs in order to pound his frustrations out on them. Elladan, who had followed after his brother, concerned with his increasingly erratic behavior, had barely managed to save Elrohir from a poisoned orc blade when in his anger he became careless and failed to see the orc that snuck up behind him. Elladan hadn't seen his twin this angrily destructive since the time just after their mother had been reclaimed from those vile creatures of Morgoth that ambushed and violated her and her party those many years ago. Then he had had both Elladan and Legolas to comfort him. He no longer had Legolas right now. Managing to talk some sense into his brother, they headed back to complete the mission they were sent on by their adar. Arriving back at the encampment, they heard rumor that Estel, Legolas, and Gimli had left down The Paths of the Dead while the twins were absent.
It was at the Battles at Pelargir and Pelennor Fields at the end of the Ring War that they were finally reunited. Staying on with Estel after he took command of the houseless men after traveling the Paths of the Dead, Elrohir was finally able to stand side by side with his love again. Having to focus on the present to avoid being killed, neither said much to the other as they prepared for battle, although they could each see the love and longing in the other’s eyes. A touch of guilt and anger as well. Being consumed by his emotions, before they were to face the sea-raiders of Umbar, Elrohir lay aside his anger and bitterness and approached his lover. Pulling him into a tight embrace and leaning forehead to forehead he commanded of Legolas, “Come back to me alive, at the end of this.” Pressing a hard closed mouth kiss to his lovers lips Elrohir moved away to take his position with Elladan in the middle of the rabble of troops.
The battles were long and hard won. The casualties innumerable. Yet, at the end of it all the two were reunited, survived. Now that they were afforded a bit of privacy in a private room at Minas Tirith and had the reassurance that the other was now safe, Elrohir spun on Legolas, slamming his helmet to the floor. “Why!” He screamed “Why did you do it?” Stalking forward and poking Legolas in the chest with his forefinger, wishing to shake him, he continued his tirade, “Why did you leave without speaking a word of goodbye? Why was I left with only a note containing nine words? WHY did you evade me in the Rohan encampments? Why? Why!? WHY!?” Elrohir screamed slamming his fists on the table to emphasize the last three words. He was furious in his anger and hurt, spittle flying from the sides of his mouth, face red and fists clenched white. He did not even notice the hot tears streaming down his face, cutting a path through the dirt and grime covering him.
Legolas dropped to his knees, defeated and shaking. Face pale and head hung low, evading eye contact with tears trickling down his cheeks he cried out as loudly as his his raspy voice would allow, being worn down by innumerable tears shed and sobs cried. “Please! Spew your venom at me no more.” Here he paused and there was a brief silence, save for a sniffle or two. “I couldn't,” he sobbed. “I couldn't speak to you on that day that I left, no matter how much it broke my heart. I could not press my lips to yours in goodbye, no matter how much I longed to. If I spoke to you, touched you that morning, I would not have left on my quest. Had you been waiting down in the courtyard to bid me farewell or had I greeted you in the encampments, I would not have been able to walk away and complete my journey. And I had to. Can't you see that I had to!” Legolas begged, eyes bright and pleading with Elrohir to understand.
Elrohir deflated at seeing his love so put down. Suddenly all the months of anguish and anger began to fade away. Kneeling down to Legolas’ level, he took the princes chin firmly in his hand, lifting the princes face to meet his. Locking him directly in the eyes, made sure to enunciate his next two words, “Never. Again.” Grabbing his lovers shoulders, he shook him and said, “Never again will one of us leave the other’s side. No more parting for months to a time. No more sneaking off before the sun has risen.” At that, he gathered Legolas into a fierce hug.” Despite the hurt and anger he felt before, he had come to realize that the quest was a part of Legolas’ fate, that he should not have attempted to stop him. He did not help Legolas at all by begging him to stay after he had elected to go on the secret mission. While upset he left without goodbye, Elrohir could now understand why he had to. Now that the world would fall into peace and the elves would begin to make their journeys to Valinor, Elrohir would make his Choice and be able to spend the rest of his days at Legolas’ side.
And so it was, the two were nigh on inseparable, at least for a few blissful weeks. What happened next, Elrohir would struggle to try and come to terms with and understand for years to come. It was what left him alone on this frigid rhîw night, up a tree and staring at the house that had been his home for thousands of years. It was what was also making him struggle to approach his dearest brother and father with what his Choice would be. Elladan had made it very clear that he intended to remain with the Eldar, remaining in Middle Earth with their sister Arwen to see her settled in as queen, but then traveling like most of the remaining elves across the sea into the Undying Lands. He had just assumed that Elrohir would be by his side in all of this, and that would be partly true. He would journey with Elladan to be with Arwen. But there he would remain until death took him. Elrohir could not do it. He could not face an eternity separated from the one he loved. Even worse yet, if he did decide to remain with the race of Elves and travel to Aman, he could not bear to see him if they should ever happen to cross paths. That would be thrusting the blade anew within his heart. It would be with the race of men that he would make his Choice with and live out the remainder of his days.
TBC…
Reviews greatly appreciated.

Translations (Sindarin)
adar- father (formal)
ada- dad (informal)
gwanûr- twins (plural, pair of)
gwanunig- twin (individual/singular twin)
ind-nîn- my heart
Na lû e-govaned vîn- Until we meet again
namarie- farewell
peredhel- half-elf
- 5
- 6
- 7
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Frozen Heart