Alagos Oraearon (Storm over the Ocean)

Part Seven


Aragorn gazed upon the sleeping sylvan prince, a kind and gentle smile upon his face for Legolas was especially endearing in reverie, when all his guards were down and all the pain of his innocent heart lay exposed to view.

He rested on his side curled up around his protruding belly, one hand protectively wrapped over the swell, the other tucked up under his chin as if not so very long ago he'd been wont to sample the thumb of that hand for comfort in his dreams. His golden hair was splayed about in wild disarray and the covers were haphazardly strewn across his naked body, covering little and permitting Aragorn to see the golden studs that pierced his nipples. The tender flesh was so swollen and red that he needed no imagination to reconstruct the erotic nature of the activities which had drained Legolas' energy and caused so deep a slumber. Besides, the room wreaked of the lovers' combined ejaculate and the shining chains lay pooled upon the floor, one side still dangling from the bed frame, while the black silk restraints stood out starkly on the soft white sheets.

Why the bed was so far from the wall, Aragorn really did not want to think about too deeply. The rough nature of the couple's bed-sport was no secret to him, for both trusted him implicitly, yet it was still not a subject he preferred to envision. Elladan had confided just a week ago, when Aragorn chastised him gently about the marks that never seemed to leave Legolas' body, that his penchant for inflicting pain had arisen after Celebrian's departure. The elder son blamed himself both for her initial capture and the ensuing tortures inflicted upon her, and for the fact that she could not find strength enough to remain among her loved ones. This Elladan attributed to failure on his part to assure her of his continuing love and devotion; instead, fearing her recriminating words of blame, he had avoided his Naneth through her lengthy recovery.

Someone had to be punished, insisted the elder twin, preferably him. Elrohir had been happy to oblige, but Legolas was unwilling to inflict the same erotic chastisement, so Elladan did it to his sylvan mate instead.

As for Legolas, what the twins and Elrond had taught him was all he knew of intimacy, for he had been untouched until the day the trio claimed him on the wasted plains of Eregion. An involuntary shudder rippled through Aragorn, thinking on what that must have been like for the sylvan archer. What horrendous fear and agony must have accompanied the loss of his virginity. Was it any wonder he equated pain with the delights of the flesh? Aragorn shook his head with a sigh; there was no fixing this now.

By then the Man was right beside the bed and still the prince's blue eyes drifted in faraway places, half-lidded, tracking slowly to and fro but never seeming to catch sight of him. The ruby lips were slightly parted and Legolas' respiration was deep and steady. That was gratifying and Aragorn nodded, pleased that he was resting so well. He hated to have to wake him but the reunion that awaited Legolas was sure to bring joy to his ailing heart. Still, Lord Elrond had been in poor condition and would need time to recuperate and set his appearance to rights. It would not hurt to let Legolas dream for a little while longer, and so Aragorn retired to the bathing chamber, there to ready all that was needed to create a soothing and ameliorative soak in the huge marble basin.

That done, he settled down beside the desk to wait, finding there a much crossed over and ink-blurred list of names. He grinned, running his eye down the roster, chuckling over some of the unlikely combinations of Nandorin and Sindarin and Quenya. A faint stirring caught his notice, followed as it was by a soft groan of misery, and he approached the bed. Legolas had rolled to his back and stretched, the motion irritating the sore flesh making him awaken immediately. The Man frowned, seeing now the scratched and abraded skin of the lax penis; that was not something his brother had done to Legolas before and Aragorn was at a loss as to how he had brought it about. Legolas blinked at him a few times and he offered a smile.

"At last you awaken, lazy one! How are you feeling?" he asked, running another critical and disapproving eye over the dark maroon nipples jutting up from the firm pectoral muscles. So inflamed were the nodes that it hurt Aragorn just to look at them.

"It is rude to stare, even if you are now an official Healer to the Royal House of Oropher," chided Legolas. "If Elladan catches you doing it, he will pummel you into dust. He is very jealous."

"Ai! My interest is purely clinical and you know it," exclaimed the Man. He leaned low and gently pressed upon the round abdomen, watching Legolas intently for signs of discomfort, glad to note none. "Any movement yet?"

"Nay," sighed Legolas. "You are sure he's all right in there?" He propped himself up on his elbow and caressed the curve lovingly, unconsciously crooning out a soft little trilling cry to the child.

"Aye, the babe's heartbeat is strong; surely you can feel it," Aragorn reassured.

"Yes, I feel and hear it, otherwise I would be frantic with dread." He raised himself with another faint groan and sat on the edge of the bed, legs parted to prevent placing any pressure on the injured organ, which he touched with hesitant delicacy. A soft hiss escaped him and he lifted smarting eyes to find Aragorn scowling with disapproving concern. "Do not ask."

"I wasn't going to," answered Aragorn, brows and nose wrinkling with distaste. "Come, can you rise or shall I aid you? I want you to take a good long soak in some healing herbs before you leave this room."

"Leave the room? That would involve putting on clothes and right now I have no wish for anything to rub against certain regions of my body," Legolas complained, pushing himself upright without help. He shuffled with ginger steps toward the bathing chamber, ignoring Aragorn's aggrieved sigh. "But a long soak sounds lovely; thank you."

He made it to the chamber and waited in patient anticipation for the warm water to fill the tub, inhaling the invigorating scent of the herbs and oils the Man added to the foaming water. Just the smell of the fragrant steam was relaxing and Legolas felt better just standing there. When at last he climbed awkwardly in and settled full length in the water, he exhaled a satisfied sigh and closed his eyes with a smile.

"Perfect," he murmured, though his nipples were throbbing as the water lapped them and his nether regions burned under the healing influence of the medicinal soup. He raised himself slightly to lift his chest further above the water line and eyed the reddened skin warily. The golden studs piercing the flesh were pressed deep into the swollen teats and he wished more than anything he could get them out. That would probably hurt more than he was willing to endure just at the moment, however, and so he sighed and resigned himself to the discomfort.

"It would be best if you let the water do its work," suggested Aragorn, meeting the blue eyes plainly. Legolas was not shy about discussing these issues, to a point. "And better yet to remove those and leave them out for a while."

"Nay, I am not touching them, would be worse," countered Legolas. He scooted back down until the water was almost to his chin, gritting his teeth against the sudden flare of spiking heat arising from his chest.

"As you wish, Ernilen," Aragorn answered with half a bow and exaggerated formality. "I am but the lowly healer who cares for your royal well-being; no need to heed my advice."

Legolas grinned and flicked a handful of water at him. "I will heed it when you have advice fit to follow."

"I will hold you to that," smiled Aragorn. "Now relax and I will see what I can find for you to wear that will not abrade your tender tits nor exacerbate your many pleasure-wounds." He was already moving toward the door and thus missed the wide-eyed look of shocked amusement, complete with arched brows and open mouth, Legolas trained upon his back.

Yet his curiosity was awakened, for generally Aragorn pestered him to rest more, to stay off the training fields and stop sparring with Elladan, to take long walks on the ground and less treks amid the limbs of the trees, and definitely never prompted him to be involved in any social activities after he and Elladan had been 'sparring' privately.

"Why are you so eager to get me out of my apartment? And where is Elladan?" he called.

"Guests have arrived and your parents expect you to be there to greet them. Elladan was on his way to a meeting in your Adar's study when last I saw him. No doubt you will see him later at the feast."

"Feast? These must be important guests indeed."

"I would think so; Mithrandir vouches for them and it was he who guaranteed their conduct and won through the vigilant border guards." Aragorn reappeared in the doorway. "I have chosen the blue robes and cream coloured satin leggings for you. A tunic and shirt are not recommended but I think a soft silk undershirt would ease the discomfort."

"You are not my valet, Aragorn, and thus the more do I thank you, but I wonder if your sense of sylvan fashion is sufficiently refined to choose appropriate garb for an official presentation of a prince of the realm."

"You cannot be serious," scoffed Aragorn. "Between the two of us, you are the one who prefers hunting clothes or warrior's togs. I dress for every meal while you slouch in to table wearing whatever clothing you donned that morning, stained and grubby though it generally has become. Legolas, you are the only elf I know who is almost always a mess."

"That is not true," huffed Legolas. "I know how to dress but for private family meals it isn't necessary. My parents would rather know I am comfortable than insist on protocol."

"Perhaps, yet oft times I have seen your Naneth sigh in dismay to see you come through the door trailing leaves and vines and dirt in your wake. It would not hurt you to indulge her wish to see her son present himself as the prince he is."

Legolas stared at the Man, wondering if this could really be true, and decided to make the effort for his mother's sake. She had suffered many hardships of the heart and soul of late, and his consideration might soothe her and give her cause to smile more readily.

"What can you tell me of the guests; have you seen them?"

"I have and they are noble people who in recent times have fallen into hardship," answered Aragorn cautiously. The fact that Elrond was in the stronghold was meant to be a surprise and he was loathe to spoil it for Legolas. "They have journeyed here to beg of your father a boon. He will not grant it without your input, thus I was sent to learn how you fare today and whether your strength supports a public appearance." He paused and evaluated Legolas keenly, for Elladan used him roughly and generally the Wood Elf did not like to venture forth afterwards. "Does it?"

"Aye, since it seems so important to Ada," he sighed. "I will not have to sit in council with them, will I? Surely Aras can manage to fill that role."

"Indeed, he can if you decide to limit your exposure."

"I want Elladan near," said Legolas, brow wrinkling in anxiety, for he was used to having the elder twin always beside him, especially after they had indulged their passions so heartily. Usually it was Elladan who ran his bath and fetched his clothes and made sure he ate a full meal.

"I will send word to him," assured Aragorn and sat beside the tub. "Your hair is terrible, Legolas. When last did you wash it?" The Man leaned close and plucked a leaf from the tangled golden locks and held it up before the sylvan's eyes as evidence.

"Ai! Elladan washed it for me just yesterday," he defended himself but could not prevent the flush of rose that stained his cheeks. The leaves and twigs clinging to him were due to what Elladan had done after the washing, out doors in their favourite green glade.

"Ah," Aragorn smirked, understanding coming to him as the colour rose in the Wood Elf's fair countenance. "Elladan's claim is no boast then."

"What claim?" Legolas demanded, sitting up so fast the water sloshed over the rim of the basin. "He speaks of private things that pass between us?"

His voice and eyes gave away the hurt this idea aroused and Aragorn was immediately sorry he'd opened his mouth. "Nay, nay!" he assured. "I exaggerated only to jest with you. He says you are insatiable and he is hard pressed to keep your hunger in check, nothing more."

"Oh."

Legolas was not much appeased by this answer and found he was no longer content to remain in the tub, getting out and stalking from the bathing chamber to towel off and dress. There the golden chains and the odd position of the bed met his gaze and he frowned, kicking the metal links under the bed as he passed. He dressed and combed out his hair in silence and for the most part ignored Aragorn, his relaxed mood replaced with a nagging undercurrent of irritation and a vague sense of betrayal. He did not want his private life with Elladan discussed with Aragorn, though he often confided in the Man about other things. Of course, Elladan needed someone to talk to as well, he knew, and considered Aragorn a brother, but this did not make the idea any less provoking.

The Man had wisely left him alone and waited in the sitting room. He said nothing when Legolas appeared, elegantly attired and looking every inch the royal son he was, and Aragorn bowed solemnly. To this he received a curt nod but it was not something the Man interpreted as a reprimand, for he had noticed the rapid changes in mood to which the pregnant elf was prone. Calling attention to that would only make the situation more volatile and Aragorn had learned that Legolas had an explosive temper once he was teased or tested beyond a certain point. He led the way down the halls and into the guest wing, which Legolas at once noted.

"Are we not to meet these guests in Thamas-en-Gûr?" (Hall of Council) he demanded, balking at the stairs that reached up into the turning of the next corridor. "And where is Elladan? You had plenty of time to send for him while I dressed. I will not go on without him here." He folded his arms over his chest, blanched at the sharp snap of pain this generated, and hastily settled them back at his sides, a veritable flood of scarlet blooming and then fading rapidly.

"Forgive me that oversight," said Aragorn, another respectful dip of the head, "but your father thought you would rather meet this particular guest alone."

Now Legolas' ire blazed to full intensity and he advanced a pace, poking his index finger sharply against the Man's chest. "You said nothing to me about that," he accused, "and the reason is clear: I must know this guest by name and you will speak it now, else I will return to my rooms and whoever this person is can petition me directly. Is it Elrohir? Is that why Elladan has abandoned me?" Saying these words took more of his strength than he realised, for the fear of being deserted ran ever in his thoughts, and though he had often exhorted Elladan to go and find his brother, in truth Legolas feared to be left alone, for without Elladan's support he doubted he could protect his child from the sorrow sickness plaguing them all.

"Yes, Elrohir is here in Greenwood," Aragorn answered, knowing better than to lie to Legolas, the one error he would not forgive. "Elladan has not abandoned you; truly he does not know you want him beside you right now, for I did not send him word of your request."

"He should not have to be summoned," Legolas seethed. "Is he not my mate?" He raised his right hand and angrily twisted the golden band from his index finger, holding it up before Aragorn's eyes. "Is this not his ring? Does our child mean so little that he runs to his brother without even telling me Elrohir has arrived?"

By this point the volume of his voice had risen and his pitch was shrill and filled with fury. The corridor echoed with his anger and drew the King and Queen. Thranduil stood aghast as Legolas proceeded to rail against his absent mate and Rhûn'waew tried in vain to soothe their son.

"I tell you I will not abide this!" he shouted. "I am going back to our rooms. Nay, I am going to my own rooms and Elladan can ask where those are if he remembers to whom he is wedded." In anguish he turned on his mother. "How could you do this? You made Aragorn send for me, arraying me in finery as though I would court a suitor, only to beg the company of Elrohir and Elladan. I did not ask them to get involved and at their own choosing did they try to steal me from their father and even from one another. Is it not enough that Elrond rejected me that now I must face the loss of Elladan as well?"

"No, Legolas, I would not make you bear that shame," insisted Thranduil.

"Nor has Elrond rejected you, though he is stubborn and arrogant and wholly unworthy to claim the heart of Legolas Thranduilion, Prince of Greenwood."

The voice speaking that rebuttal was such that Legolas gasped aloud, turning swiftly to verify the truth his ears revealed. There indeed stood the Elven Lord, his face careworn and drawn in lines of despair and remorse. His ebony hair was bound in the braids worn by warriors of the House of Oropher, unadorned beyond a thin band of woven mithril ribbons pressed over his brow. Dressed in fine velvet robes of midnight blue, the elegant attire could not hide the degree to which sorrow had eroded his robust vigour. Despite his hollowed cheeks and wasted frame, his eyes were lit with bright hope and an emotion Legolas had only faintly perceived there.

"Liar." The word escaped before the Wood Elf could arrest it, the syllables packed with recrimination and all the hurt confined within his forlorn and forsaken heart. Hearing it, Elrond came forward and cast himself upon his face at Legolas' feet.

"Forgive me, for thy charge is just. I did renounce you and little cause have you to hear my words or bear the sight of me, yet I had to come," said he. "Now I would beg your indulgence not for myself but for you and for the sake of the child you carry, for while my mind turned away my heart has never been anything less than enslaved by yours. Once I abhorred the idea of such bondage, yet now I understand what a gift the Valar granted me in leading me through Eregion that day. This long separation has taught me well how much my soul is entwined with yours. I would not now spurn the love you hold for me, if in fact your heart still yearns for mine."

Then he fell silent and Legolas stared at the figure stretched prostrate on the floor, uncertain what to do or how to answer such words. Into the void Thranduil ventured cautiously.

"Ionen, here are matters that demand much consideration. Would it not be better to listen to the pleas of this, your mate, in privacy?" he asked.

Legolas raised his eyes to his father, stunned confusion and anger and hurt and hope all swirling within them, seeking in his Ada's face some sign that this was really happening and it was right for him to entertain that which his heart most desired, for he was wedded now to Elrond's son. He must have found the permission he needed for abruptly Legolas turned and stepped over the huddled body barring his way, moving off down the corridor in the same direction Aragorn had led him.

"Get up, then, Elrond of Imladris, and I will deign to hear your words, for the sake of my child," he said as he went, the voice wavering in emotion though the tone was still fraught with anger and pain. Not lightly would Legolas relent, for not easily had he endured the years of his bondage, and listening to the noble Lord describe these scant few months apart as though they were the same was not acceptable.

Elrond did not have to be told twice and with Aragorn's help got to his feet and trotted after the departing prince, worried and not a small amount fearful, for this elf he did not know. The shy and silent sylvan he had kept as his pet, a toy for his pleasure and delight, was no more.

At the end of the hall a door stood open and into it Legolas swept, finding himself in one of the best guest rooms in the stronghold. The fire was lit in the hearth and while he was not cold Legolas gravitated to it, stalling by the ornate screen and gazing at the leaping flames, yet his eyes saw instead scenes from the long years of his debasement. Elrond stood behind him and waited, quiet and even submissive in manner, an attitude Legolas had never imagined him capable of projecting, and he knew not how to address this person nor what his role was now. Should he demand recompense and punish the mighty lore-master or open his heart and forgive all, forgetting the agony and anguish his suffering soul had borne?

"I know not what to say," he began, having no other notion of how to start. "I counted you gone from my life forever. I determined that my heart and soul were mistaken, that yours never felt toward me what I thought I sensed."

"That is understandable," Elrond answered quietly, taking a tentative step closer. Legolas looked so forlorn and bereft, so confused and lost, that he longed to gather him in his arms and comfort him. This was not the time, however, and he remained two paces away from the sylvan prince. "I never gave you cause to believe I felt anything for you beyond possessive lust. In truth, I could not admit to myself that my heart was engaged. I believed the son of Eärendil above you in stature and grace. That you permit me to come and unburden my heart, even after the things I did and said, proves the virtuous character of the son of Thranduil. Thus it is revealed how the honour and dignity of a sylvan archer exceeds that of a Noldorin Lord."

"Words," sighed Legolas. "What do they mean? I don't want pretty compliments and ingratiating accolades. What has happened between us is far too grave for that." He chanced a glance at the serious countenance and found grey eyes filled with remorse and regret.

"That is true, nor would I insult you by pretending otherwise." The healer's eyes drifted briefly to the gentle curve of Legolas' middle. "I will not attempt to win you with fawning and flattery but with real proof of my feelings." Elrond took another step closer. "Whatever is required, I will accomplish it. Though it takes ten years of gruelling labour, I will validate my claim upon you if you would but grant me the opportunity."

"I have a mate now," spoke Legolas proudly and held forth his hand whereon the golden band was once more set. "Elladan was willing to provide for me whatever he could, even though his soul is really owned by his brother, even though by doing so he might perish. You, Elrond, were content to watch me go, and my child with me, to a fate fully revealed to so gifted a healer. You were willing to let him follow, taking the role I desired for you to fill. Now you come to Greenwood and would fain have me accept a suit so paltry? You are arrogant indeed, and proud, but the son of Thranduil is not a concubine you may have or ignore as you please, though you treated me so."

"No," Elrond nodded agreement, smiling as his eye travelled over the dignity and grace of the golden elf before him, "he is not. You are wedded to my son, that I cannot change and ever more will I regret the day I let him usurp that place which was mine, not by any right of my own to claim it, but by virtue of the genuine heart which offered it to me: yours. Yet your Adar says that you may be wedded to him and still accept me as your mate. Such conditions have been seen in Greenwood before."

"So they have yet in such cases there is love abiding between at least two of the parties. For me, there are three who claimed me and none who want me, or if so then not with warmth and tenderness, and lust is a poor substitute to a soul already starved for love."

"There is love between you and Elladan; I have seen it in his eyes and I hear it in your words. Upon finding me within the King's stronghold, he would have struck me senseless on sight save that he respects his Adar too well. Would that you could have seen the anger in those same grey eyes that look upon you with devotion and compassion!"

"Do they? How can you know anything of this?"

"I know my son," smiled Elrond, a rueful smile filled with nostalgic melancholy. "It is no surprise to me that he was the one, between the three of us, who would do the right thing, the just thing, the thing his heart craved and his integrity demanded. Can you fail to note that I am proud of him? Yet the nobility he exhibits are due to no action of mine; to his Naneth I give all credit."

"And what can you say of Elrohir? Had she not the raising of him also? Nay, I will give credit to Elladan alone, or mayhap to the ancient lineage of Beren, for there was a selfless mate who would give all to earn the right to wed as his heart insisted and his beloved desired."

"Well said," Elrond agreed, finding this astute and cultured elf a welcome change from the befuddled and soft-spoken waif who once dwelled within his gardens. His heart was surging with excitement, for from within the barbs Legolas aimed at him peeped the proof that the prince's heart hoped to lose this argument. "That kind of love you do deserve, Legolas, and yet I say that Beren was selfish indeed, for to gain Luthien was necessary for his sanity and his very existence. He could not live without her and thus his courageous deeds benefited and preserved him."

"Then Elladan is even more brave and deserving of admiration and respect, and indeed my whole heart, for he has sealed his doom by uniting with me. Yet my whole heart he would not accept, even could I give it to him; for his brother alone is that greater part of his soul reserved. Thus his charity and my selfishness both fail, and it will be Tinu Mín who suffers."

Now Elrond could hold back no more, for Legolas covered the evidence of his pregnancy and turned away, but not before the tears he fought to hide filled his eyes with vibrant glitter. The Elven Lord at once enveloped his sylvan mate within his arms, tense though that body was beneath his touch, and softly, defiantly refuted this dread fate.

"Nay, that shall not be. Tinu Mín will be happy and loved, and you will give birth and live to see him grow to adulthood. Nor is it selfish to want this for your babe, Legolas, but only what is right and ordained so by Iluvatar himself. No life-bearer can do less than demand all the energy the unborn child requires. If it is necessary to draw some portion of this light from outside yourself, which we know is so, then it is not selfish to expect the other parent to supply that deficit.

"Nor would Elladan begrudge you this, nor even Elrohir, though I know you cannot believe it is true. Yet I insist it is so, for Mithrandir removed the darkness from our souls and we have done penance, Elrohir and I, that has humbled us both and enabled us to see at last what fools we are and what brutes we have been." Then Elrond drew breath deeply and proclaimed his rights in determined tones. "Yet while I commend Elladan highly, I find myself in turmoil, for I do not want to hear you say you prefer him to me, or want things to remain as they are now. Without just cause to say it, I assert that I alone am your rightful and true mate, for you chose me and told me so with your own voice. Will you say now that you spoke lies?"

Legolas pulled out of the embrace, comforting though he had found it. He had decided to remain aloof and angry and demand recompense from this haughty Lord, yet his heart betrayed him and opened up at once. Still, it could not be this simple lest Elrond misunderstand his value once more and abuse the privilege of standing beside a prince of Greenwood as an equal.

"I spoke no lies to you then nor will I now. My heart was given, that is correct, yet you cast it aside in scorn. How can I present to you again that which you deemed worthless? I think it is only the son of Thranduil you speak to, seeing an alliance between our separate lands preferable to enmity and isolation."

"No," Elrond denied, once more falling to his knees before Legolas, for he perceived that the elf would turn from him and seek Elladan and Elrohir. "I speak to Legolas, my heart's desire. I did not see before the treasure entrusted to me, but it was not by my own design that this came about. Mithrandir confirmed it; the poison affecting you was rife with potent magic of the blackest sort, created and nurtured by the Dark Lord just to cause this very sorrow. That iniquitous charm has been banished from my person. I am not the same elf you encountered then. Will you not learn if the one your heart chose is worthy of that selection?"

Then Legolas stared deep into the mighty Lord's grey eyes and long minutes did their souls commune. He could not deny that all Elrond had said was true and he could feel the warmth of this heart, at last open, yearning only for him. But he was the son of Thranduil and a prince of Greenwood, and he would have his due in full measure, even to the degree to which he had been debased, so much would he be elevated and adored. And there was yet one thing Elrond had not explained.

"Why?" he asked, the word so softly uttered as to be a sigh. "What made you give me up so easily, there at the ford of the Bruinen? Of all the hurts you have done me, that one was the worst."

"Oh Legolas!" Elrond cried in despair, lifting eyes that were already wet with grief and shame. "It was not easy to see you go, but you were already amid your family's protection ere I came to the river. I did not deem myself worthy to demand your return from those who loved you so well when I had loved you not at all. I believed that was best for you and the babe, to be sheltered within Greenwood by your own people. When Elladan offered to wed you, I felt he was most deserving and best suited, for he never fully succumbed to the hideous effects of the Dark Lord's magic. He resisted it from the start. That is why I refrained from claiming you there and then."

Silence resumed while Legolas considered this, watching as drops of fluid crested the Elven Lord's lower lids and slid down his upturned cheeks. At last he sighed and framed the noble face between his hands, wiping away the teary tracks with his thumb. He tipped his head to the side and smiled, a slightly challenging expression that was also sweetly indulgent and filled with compassion, a look that coyly teased and promised at the same time.

"I will need time to consider this proposal, if such it is…"

"It is!" interrupted Elrond, heart leaping in exultation.

"Then I will think on it carefully," continued Legolas, "and permit you to come to me and formally present your suit. I would know what riches you would offer my father for the privilege of claiming the greatest jewel of his House as your own. You must declare what pledge of alliance your people are prepared to ratify, what commerce and trade my people might enjoy should I decide in your favour. Prepare well! Come to me at midnight and I will judge the merit of your petition."

He turned to go and Elrond scrambled up to his feet, heart hammering, and ran ahead to open the door for him, bowing to this intriguingly regal personage as he did.

"How shall I find you?" he asked, voice subdued and breathless.

"Whenever my soul calls to you," answered Legolas, tendering his beloved a smug and condescending smile, "you come." Then he grew serious again and took one step back toward the Noldorin Lord. "Should you fail to do so, surely on that day would I perish, Elrond." Then he turned in a swirl of blue robes and resumed his lordly gait, disappearing around a turning in the hall.

For long minutes afterwards Elrond stood gazing at the empty space where Legolas had been, a giddy smile giving him a besotted appearance well documented among those newly love-struck, but had he known he would not have cared. When at last Elladan and Elrohir rounded the corner and found him thus, he leaped into action, dragging them inside the chamber and shutting the door, there demanding their aid in drafting the proposal Legolas required.


TBC