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Greenleaf&Imladris 20-Calenlass: Heart of a Prince	By : MPB Category: -Multi-Age > General Views: 4275 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Chapter VI: First Steps

Legolas felt his cheeks burn each time any of his people looked at him with their maddeningly indulgent smiles. It was blatantly apparent that the whole colony was aware of the turn his relationship with Elrohir had taken. The Elven prince would have liked to pretend that it was elvish perceptiveness that made his people cognizant of his intimacy with Elrohir. But in all honesty he had to admit it was his own impassioned outbursts that fateful night that had tipped them all off.

Not that he could have helped himself even had he retained the ability to recall the proximity of other dwellings to his halls not to mention inconveniently sharp elven ears. Elrohir’s exquisite ministrations had rendered that virtually impossible. And no doubt would continue to do so when he resumed his nocturnal visits. He would just have to resign himself to being the object of knowing glances and smiles each morning after. Either that or move their activities out of earshot of everybody else.

Only Eldarion, who apparently slept as soundly as a hobbit after a hefty meal, and the company of soldiers from Minas Tirith, whose quarters were at the edge of the settlement, remained ignorant of the state of affairs. Thank Elbereth there were some who didn’t know, the archer mused. He wasn’t sure he would be able to keep his dignity in front of Eldarion should the young prince find out he and his uncle were lovers. And the soldiers – well, they would not understand; they were only human after all.

One thing though was unmistakable. The folk of Eryn Gael were not only aware of his relationship with the Elvenlord, they most heartily approved of it. They were happy that their prince had apparently found his match in one as noble and beloved as Elrond’s younger son, the Greenwood Elves no less happy than the Galadhrim who had adored their former lord and lady’s grandchildren.

Legolas had to concede that there was something compelling about having a steady companion. In Elrohir he had a trusted counsellor, a pillar of strength and a source of comfort and encouragement on even the most vexing of days. And he acknowledged, if only to himself, that he had sorely missed the warmth and affection only a lover could provide. That Elrohir gave both and more besides made his contentment even more acute. It made him blush to admit it but he was actually looking forward to another coupling with the twin.

However, Elrohir did not attempt further intimacy with him after that first night. Instead he spent much time with Eldarion, helping the young prince learn more about the Elves of Ithilien, further instructing him in the nuances of elven life and culture as could not be clearly imparted in the City of the Kings. When he was with Legolas, he conveyed his affection through other means whether it was simply helping him with his day-to-day tasks or taking on some of the prince’s responsibilities himself.

Legolas realized the warrior was giving him time to come to terms with their new relationship. This act of love and concern touched him, further impelling him to seek time alone with the twin. He found himself planning toward that purpose. Not that he would ever tell the warrior about it. That would leave him completely helpless for the Elf-knight would most certainly make short and explosive work of his desire.

Nonetheless, that desire was the reason why, a day after sending his nephew back to Minas Tirith, the younger twin found himself enjoying the pleasure of bathing in a crystal clear spring amidst the quiet grandeur of nature. Legolas had led him to this secluded spot soon after the morning meal. A lovely little spring with a small waterfall, its banks bound by rocks and tall reeds. Trees hid it from plain sight and made of it a sanctuary. The other Elves seldom came here for it was known to be their prince’s place of solitude.

Elrohir broke the surface of the water and swiftly looked around. He frowned. The surface of the spring was absolutely still, except for the slight ripples his body had created. He was about to submerge once more when an alabaster form shot up before him, making him stumble backwards and fall back into the water. He came up sputtering to see Legolas laughing merrily at him. He glared at the prince.

“That was – that was underhanded!” he growled.

Legolas only chuckled more. With a motion of his head, he indicated to the twin that it was time to leave the spring. He turned and headed for the bank. Elrohir followed him slowly. He watched as the prince emerged from the water, a slender yet sleekly muscled form, shining pale in the bright sunlight. Like marble, Elrohir thought. White and cool and flawless.

The two drew on their long breeches and shoes but left off their shirts and jerkins. Sitting beneath a rowan tree, they waited for the sun to dry their wet bodies.

Elrohir became aware of the scent of his companion as they quietly waited. A whiff of it evoked images of tall trees and fragrant leaves, wild fruit and flowers on sun-dappled forest floors, herb-scented breezes and cold, clean streams. It was elusive; it defied proper description.

It was as seductive now as it had been the first time Legolas had submitted to him. And in their latest coupling it had enthralled him all over again. It had accompanied every kiss and caress, beguiled his senses as his eyes and lips and hands wandered over velvety skin, taut muscle and slender limbs, further stoking his desire, deepening the enchantment the prince wove around him. With an inward sigh, he shook the all too tantalizing memory from his mind.

Legolas handed him his shirt and jerkin. As he donned the shirt, he noted the way the muscles on the Elf’s lean frame pulled as he drew on his clothing. It never ceased to amaze him that someone so ethereal in appearance could be so strong and well made. Then again, there were many who made this false assumption much to their regret; that is, if they survived long enough to feel anything at all.

Elrohir snickered at the thought. At Legolas’ inquiring glance, he said: “Have you ever wondered why people see you as a fragile creature? You would think that after having seen you in battle, they would realize how mistaken they are. But nay, once you take off your armor they think you as delicate and breakable as crystal. Even I am guilty of this sometimes.” At Legolas’ amused smile, he added, “Though you thoroughly disabused me of that notion all over again two weeks ago.”

The prince smirked. “What did you expect of a fellow warrior?”

“More resistance than you showed when I cornered you.” Elrohir looked at his companion with some puzzlement. “Our strength is fairly equal. You could have fought me. What hindered you?”

“Shock,” Legolas ruefully replied. “I couldn’t think, let alone act.” He glanced at Elrohir. “Count yourself fortunate. Had I my wits about me, you wouldn’t have had me so easily.”

A gust of mirth escaped Elrohir’s lips at the not so subtle threat. Legolas studied him curiously.

“The wanting can sometimes be greater than the having, Elrohir,” he remarked. “Now that you have gained what you desire once more, are you content?”

Elrohir frowned and looked at him. “But I have not gained it all,” he quietly said. “You may have yielded your body to me but not your heart and soul. How can I be content? But as to wanting and having…” He paused a moment. “For me, the having is greater than the wanting. It is inconceivable to me that one should care only for the chase and cease to desire one’s quarry when one has finally captured it.”

He turned his dusky eyes on the archer. “It is inconceivable that anyone should not want you after having won you. You are the most beautiful being I have ever known, Calenlass. And the most desirable.” He heard the prince’s shaky intake of breath and smiled. “And after having known you so intimately, I can confidently say, the most satisfying as well. Forgive me, I did not mean to discomfort you,” he laughed softly as deep color stained Legolas’s cheeks.

“You praise me too much,” the prince murmured.

“Nay, I only state the truth. This despite the fact that you have not truly yielded to me.” He smiled a little sadly at Legolas’ surprised reaction. “You held back part of yourself as usual, prince of Greenwood. I have not plumbed the depths of your passion.” He sighed. “In that I envy Estel that you surrendered your heart to him.”

Legolas hesitated. After a while, he murmured, “I did not.” When Elrohir looked at him sceptically, he looked into the distance, his eyes unseeing. “I said I loved him, I did not say I surrendered my heart,” he said. "'Tis frightening to give of one’s self so completely. I have never done so. I do not believe I can.”

“Still the guarded heart,” Elrohir whispered. He felt Legolas’ startled eyes upon him. “You keep your heart well shielded up to now. I think it a pity, ernil daur.”—forest prince. “For how will you ever experience love in all its splendor if you do not open yourself to it?” At the other’s silence, he said, "'Tis the reason that you are so desired. Like forbidden fruit, the unattainable is always sought in the prideful hope that it may be gotten.”

Legolas’ eyes narrowed. “And once gotten, wearied of?” he remarked somewhat caustically. “Will you tire of me should I ever yield all to you, Elf-knight?”

Elrohir met his eyes and held his gaze. “You should know me better than that, Legolas. What I treasure I cherish forever. And you are the greatest treasure of all.” He suddenly averted his eyes. “Yet Estel is far wealthier than I for you gave him your love no matter how little it may have been. You probably think me brash and confident but in truth I fear that I will never be as fortunate.”

His voice caught at the last and he suddenly rose to his feet, snatched up his jerkin and walked away.

Legolas stared after his retreating form. I have never been offered love as pure and complete as his, he realized with a pang. Always there had been prerequisites whether it was personal or political gain, comradeship in war or sheer physical desire.

Elrohir loved him for himself. He always had as friend and brother. But even now, when he sought much more than that, he still cared for Legolas as selflessly as before.

The prince remembered the past when the other had despaired, nearly giving in to grief rather than burden his friend with the knowledge of his desire. When Legolas had offered him what he needed, he had not accepted it so readily. And even when he finally did, he had almost not gone through with their coupling when he thought his friend unwilling. Just as he would not have forced himself upon Legolas that painful instance a century ago had the archer flatly refused to yield. Even then he gave me a choice though he made it nigh impossible for me to deny him, Legolas thought.

A week ago, Legolas belatedly realized, he would not have pressed on had the prince protested in earnest. He would never have compelled his friend to do something against his will no matter how much it pained him in return. Elrohir’s admission of fear made that heartbreakingly clear. Grasping the full extent of what the other offered him, Legolas found himself lacking. Following on the heels of that thought came the unexpected need to be worthy of such devotion. Rising, he followed the twin.

Elrohir drew on his jerkin then leaned pensively against a graceful beech. You are a fool to offer your love where it is not wanted, his reason castigated him. You should not have pursued this. It will only come to naught. His heart stays guarded and you will know rejection and grief.

He felt the prince’s hand on his shoulder. But he did not look at him. He was not certain he wanted to see what would be in the other’s eyes, least of all pity.

He started when he felt Legolas’ fingers on his face, compelling him to turn his head and look at him. Reluctantly, he obeyed.

Sapphire pools met his gaze and despite his unhappiness he still felt the enchantment their beauty so easily wove. For the longest moment, the prince gazed at him and then, to Elrohir’s surprise, Legolas brushed his lips against his. He stared questioningly at the prince but the other simply pressed his mouth against his in reply.

Elrohir was torn between elation and confusion. Always had he been the one to initiate any act of love. To have Legolas take the initiative now was a great pleasure. He only wished he knew the reason why. Not that he could think very clearly when his friend was suddenly making a sensual duel of their kiss. It left him breathless.

Legolas drew away slightly and noted Elrohir’s bemusement. His smile grew predatory, a change that quickly registered on the other’s mind. Elrohir eyed him warily.

“Heltho.”

Elrohir blinked. Strip. Had he really heard the huskily voiced command?

“What?” he half gasped.

Legolas’ eyes gleamed. “You heard me well enough,” he almost purred. “Or do you require assistance?”

Much, much later, as he re-donned his clothes, Elrohir could not help wondering if he had dreamed up the whole experience though his body most emphatically told him it had been no illusion. But there had been a difference between this afternoon and the week before.

There had been another dimension to their coupling.

He had been startled by what the prince was capable of when he unleashed even a fraction of what he held back. Elrohir could not half imagine what it would be like if Legolas were to ever drop all restraint. But why did he do this in the first place? Elrohir wondered.

It was almost as if he wanted it so much that he... The darkling Elf frowned. Nay, that was too ridiculous to even consider.

I did.

He caught his breath and glanced at the prince. Legolas was busily drawing on his jerkin. He was not even looking at Elrohir. The Elf-lord wondered if he had imagined the reply.

“You did not.”

Elrohir sighed. “Have you made it your habit to read other people’s minds?” he said a little tartly.

Legolas looked up and grinned. “Are you complaining?”

Elrohir shook his head. “Of course not. I have nothing to hide from you.” He suddenly stopped and stared at the prince wordlessly for several moments as the other’s earlier reply finally registered in full. “You wanted it? Why?” he finally said.

Legolas’ grin changed into a small smile. “Apart from enjoying the fruits of your considerable skill?” he teased. He chuckled when Elrohir rolled his eyes then pressed on. “If I am to learn to love you then I must open myself to your love,” he explained. “Is that not what you said, Aduial?”

Elrohir started at the newly bestowed pet name. “Twilight?” he repeated wonderingly.

"'Tis the color of your eyes,” Legolas said, his smile brightening. “Am I the only one who has ever thought to call you thus?”

Elrohir could only nod for the sudden lump in his throat hindered speech of any kind. Legolas reached out and tucked a stray strand of raven hair behind his ear. The intimate gesture made the twin smile in turn.

Legolas took his lover’s hands in his, clasping them together within his own palms. “Only a fool would let someone like you slip through his fingers,” he softly said. “For you alone will I try to yield all that I am and have. Only you, Elrohir, nobody else.”

Elrohir swallowed the lump, wordlessly pulled the prince into his arms and held him tight against his heart. And when he felt the other’s arms encircle him in as snug an embrace, he fervently hoped it wasn’t just a dream. Ai, Elbereth, please let this be real, he thought.

It is.

Elrohir smiled.

*******************

Glossary:

Calenlass - Greenleaf (Elrohir’s pet name for Legolas)

Aduial - Twilight (Legolas’ pet name for Elrohir)

To be continued…
- 6
- 7
- 8
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Greenleaf&Imladris 20-Calenlass: Heart of a Prince