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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.

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Chapter VII: Surprises

Minas Tirith, Úrui FA 21

“We will have to be discreet.” Legolas noted Elrohir’s quick frown. “Aragorn’s vassals will not understand,” he reminded his friend. “Our ways are not theirs. They will regard our relationship as unnatural and abhorrent.”

The two were travelling on horseback to Minas Tirith for Elrohir had been summoned back by the King. About them were several Elven warriors.

It was more than a month since Elrohir had accompanied Legolas back to Ithilien after the Haradrim incursion. It was a month the Rivendell Elf had savored especially after he had sent his royal nephew back to Minas Tirith as promised. For in Ithilien there had been no prying eyes to mar the sweet interlude he had shared with his beloved prince. Legolas’ words brought back the starkness of reality.

“I know that all too well,” the twin muttered.

Legolas added: “Besides, if they were suspicious enough before of my intentions they will be doubly so now even should they tolerate our relationship. They will say that our intimacy will increase my influence over you and, through you, over Aragorn. Your prolonged stay in Ithilien will set tongues wagging if it has not already. And the common folk will be even less understanding. Elves are still a strange people to them even if they have accepted our presence here.”

Elrohir nodded resignedly. He glanced up at the Tower of Ecthelion. They had passed the Rammas Echor and were now traversing the Pelennor. About them, peasant folk and other travellers stared at them with a mixture of reverence and awe and just a hint of fear.

It was unusual enough to have their king’s foster brother in their midst journeying as casually as they were. It was even more unusual to see him in the company of several Edhil. Elrohir noted how many quickly looked away should they meet the eyes of any of the Elves.

“What of Estel and Arwen?” he asked. “I would have them know at least.” When Legolas did not answer at once, he looked at him curiously. “Surely you do not fear their censure.”

"'Tis not their censure I fear. But I would not have them worry that you might be diverted from your duties to Gondor because of me.” When Elrohir would have protested, Legolas quelled him with a stare. “You can be more stubborn than a Dwarf with a grudge and as tenacious as a hobbit in search of his second breakfast. I would not blame them if they thought you capable of casting aside your obligations should you think it the only way to have what you desire. You know that Eldarion depends on you and looks to you for guidance and training.”

Elrohir drew in his breath, his mouth curling into a scowl. “I never thought I would regret coming back to him,” he said. “Are we to stay apart then for the duration of this visit?”

Legolas smiled. “Discretion is not synonymous with chastity if that is what you mean,” he chuckled.

Elrohir said in a low voice, "'Tis not only your bed that I seek. I would have your company, too.”

His words recalled to Legolas that it was not desire that drove Elrohir’s love but rather the other way around. The prince reached out his hand to squeeze the other’s in a rare public display of affection.

They went straight to the King’s study upon their arrival. As they made their progress down the corridors, Legolas observed the reactions of the men they met along the way. Their greetings to him were friendly enough but he could sense the underlying interest in his being in long company with their king’s brother. Elrohir’s prolonged visit to Ithilien had indeed set off speculation about them.

Arwen was within with her husband. As soon as her brother stepped into the room, she hurried to him and swept him into a tight embrace while Aragorn greeted Legolas.

“At last you are here!” she said. She drew back and a scolding look settled on her face. “Would it have been too much to ask of you and Eldarion to see me before heading off for Ithilien?” she demanded. “I had to be content with Estel’s assurances that you were both well!”

Elrohir’s eyes widened with guilt. “Forgive me, thel nîn.”—my sister. “I did not mean to distress you.”

She laughed softly. “I am only teasing you, mellen.”—my dear. “I know you had been wanting to visit with Legolas these past many years.” She looked to her friend, her eyes twinkling. “I hope he did not run afoul of your people as he has done in the past?”

“Arwen!” Elrohir protested.

Legolas and Aragorn laughed. “You need not have worried,” Legolas said. “He was a paragon of virtue – for the most part.” He smiled wickedly when Elrohir colored somewhat.

Aragorn chuckled. “I am glad we will not have to contend with the wrath of your people then. Gondor has not yet fully recovered from our last conflict.” He looked at his foster brother. "'Tis good of you to hearken to my summons so swiftly though, in truth, you need not have returned so soon.”

“Your messenger told us that a matter of great importance had arisen,” Elrohir said.

Aragorn nodded. “We received a missive from the Haradrim asking us to treat with them. They are sending a delegation here for this purpose. They should be here within a fortnight. I would like you to take part in the talks.”

Elrohir frowned. “Then you mean to parley with them again?” he asked.

“If a new treaty with them will ensure lasting peace in our lands I see no reason why we should not at least hear what they have to offer.” He glanced at Legolas. “I would have you present as well, my friend. You may provide some insight as to their motives.”

Legolas shook his head. “I do not think that wise, Aragorn. I have already been subjected to a greater amount of scrutiny than I find comfortable.”

“But you must be present, Legolas,” Elrohir insisted. “Your senses are even keener than mine and all the more valuable for our needs.” He looked to Aragorn. “What if he did not remain at our side but simply were there as an onlooker? Surely no one would take it amiss that the lord of Eryn Gael should have an interest in the proceedings.”

Aragorn nodded. “An excellent suggestion, gwanur nîn.”—my kinsman. “What say you, Legolas?” At the Elf’s reluctant assent, he smiled with satisfaction. “Now, go and refresh yourselves. We expect you to join us for dinner.”

Dinner was not the casual affair Elrohir had hoped for. Several of Aragorn’s counsellors and barons were present for the talk was about the coming meeting with the Southrons. He did not fail to notice the surreptitious looks the men threw at Legolas though the prince kept silent for the most part.

Well into the meal, his annoyance with their demeanor got the better of him and he defiantly reached under the table and grasped Legolas’ hand. His friend did not visibly start but he sent a quizzical glance in the twin’s direction. Elrohir did not return the glance but stroked the Elf’s palm with his thumb. The gesture was not lost on Legolas. He knew it was Elrohir’s way of showing him that he was not alone among these rather hostile Men. It reminded him how affectionate and supportive Elrohir could be with those he loved.

Much later, Aragorn and his queen walked together to their chamber. Dinner had lasted late into the night and he and Arwen were relieved to finally get away.

As they slowly proceeded down the passageway, Arwen said, “I would like Legolas to join us for breakfast, Estel. We have not really had the chance to talk with him about more than politics and war.”

Aragorn smiled. “Aye, that is so. Perhaps we can tell him now. We are near his chamber.”

“But he may already be asleep, melethron”—lover—Arwen pointed out. “That he left dinner before we were done must mean that he was wearied by his journey here.”

“Legolas? Wearied by a mere two-day ride?” Aragorn scoffed mildly. “More like he was tired of the scrutiny of the others. Elrohir was angered by that or did you not notice?”

“I noticed. ‘Tis quite apparent why he excused himself so early as well.”

They stopped as the passageway branched off into two. “I might as well inform him now,” Aragorn said.

He walked to the fair Edhel’s door. He was about to open it when he heard soft sounds from within. For a moment he stared at the door in some surprise. Then a wolfish grin spread on his lips.

He backed away and returned to his wife. Arwen looked at him in bemusement. “That was swift,” she said. “What did he say?”

Aragorn chuckled. “Our esteemed Elf is rather busy at the moment. I do not think he would have welcomed an intrusion just now.”

Arwen stared at him then suddenly giggled. “You are right, Estel, he is not tired. But he will undoubtedly be before long!”

They went on to their own chamber, laughing as they did.

Aragorn made his way to his friend’s room early the following morning. He assumed that the archer would have dispensed with his night’s companion by then. After all, no lady with any sense would stay the entire night and run the risk of being seen by somebody who might carry the tale to the wrong person – such as an irate father or a jealous husband. Therefore, he opened the door with confidence and walked in.

He stopped at the threshold and stared, his mouth dropping open with surprise. His foster brother stared back at him.

It was not so much Elrohir’s presence in Legolas’ room at such an early hour that had so taken Aragorn aback. It was the fact that the twin was in the process of donning his shirt, the very garment he had worn the night before, that made the King stare. There was also the matter of Elrohir’s dark hair not yet tidily bound or plaited. And the bed showed every sign of having been put to use for purposes other than sleep confirming his assumption that the Elf-prince had not spent the night alone.

“What are you doing here?” Aragorn finally demanded, his shock rendering him less than tactful.

Elrohir glared back. “What are you doing walking into Legolas’ room without knocking?” he asked pointedly.

A dark eyebrow rose alarmingly as the King took exception to his brother’s tone of voice. Things may have gone ill if not for another, more timely intrusion.

“Peace, Elrohir. Aragorn and I never stood on ceremony during our travels together.” Legolas came out of the bathing chamber. Though far from fully dressed and his fair hair still hung unbraided, he looked quite unruffled by the sight of king and lover staring at each other across his chamber. “We did not bother with knocking and on occasion had to share quarters as well.”

Elrohir turned intensely quizzical eyes on him at that. Aragorn did not miss the meaning behind his stare. Legolas prudently chose to ignore it.

“Well, Aragorn, you are early,” he said coolly. “Not another crisis, I hope?”

Aragorn glanced from the prince to his brother suspiciously. “Nay, I only came to ask you to join us for breakfast. Arwen and Eldarion are already at table.”

“Then we must not keep them waiting. We will join you as soon as we are dressed.”

Aragorn threw one more curious look at Elrohir then nodded. Without another word, he departed.

Elrohir had not stopped staring at Legolas. “You shared quarters?” he asked acidly.

Legolas sighed. “Your imagination outstrips reality, Elrohir. Do not put malice where there is none. I have already had enough of that since last night.”

Elrohir’s eyes lost their edge. “I am sorry,” he said softly. “I did not mean to add to your distress.”

Legolas smiled to take the bite from his words. “Go and get dressed,” he said. “I do not wish to keep the others from their meal overlong.”

Only after Elrohir departed did Legolas drop his cool demeanor. He rolled his eyes and thought: And we have only just arrived!

*******

Aragorn’s odd expression was not lost on his wife. She watched him wonderingly as he joined her and Eldarion in the intimate alcove near their apartments where they frequently had their morning meals. She was blooming in the first months of her pregnancy though the only visible sign as yet that she was with child was her slightly thickened waist. For now, their daughters did not join them for they were considered too young and impatient to endure the various discussions that usually took place at these meals.

As he took his seat opposite her, Arwen asked, “What ails you, Estel? You look as if you have swallowed a fly.”

The King looked up and let his breath out. “I went to invite Legolas to join us as you bid,” he slowly said.

“And?”

“Elrohir was in his room.”

The Queen just looked at him. “And there is something wrong with my brother being in Legolas’ room?” she said.

“Nay, ‘tis not that. He had just finished dressing. And the bed... Arwen, I believe he was our friend’s companion last night.” The last sentence was uttered with a great deal of hesitation.

Arwen went still while Eldarion gaped at his father.

“I – see,” she murmured.

Eldarion, on the other hand, gasped and blurted out, “So that’s what happened in Eryn Gael!” When his parents looked at him with raised eyebrows, he blushed and elucidated further. “‘Twas our second night. There was a celebration and Uncle Elrohir performed this wonderful dance with Legolas using knives. They spoke to each other afterwards and I thought there seemed to be tension between them. Later that same night, I remember waking up because of the sounds of – of, well, coupling.”

He flushed even redder. It was embarrassing to speak of such matters before his mother. But Arwen merely smiled encouragingly. He went on though his cheeks remained rosy with discomfort. “I did not really pay attention. I just assumed that either Uncle Elrohir or Legolas had spent the night with someone. I never thought that they’d spent the night with each other!”

His parents fell silent after he finished his tale. Then Arwen sighed. “I am not surprised.”

Aragorn and Eldarion stared at her. “You are not?” the King repeated. “Pray tell, why not?”

She placed her elbows on the table and steepled her hands in front of her meditatively. ”Something happened between them long before you were born, Estel. You see, my brother’s feelings for Legolas changed at one point from that of friendship to desire.” She lifted an elegant eyebrow at her husband when he stared at her in dazed disbelief.

Aragorn broke out of his daze. “What-what came of this desire?” he managed to ask.

Arwen continued softly. “Elrohir was going to end their friendship for their closeness had become a torment to him, his sorrow was so great. But Legolas refused to let their friendship end. To save it he offered to quench Elrohir’s desire.” She stopped again as her husband’s mouth now dropped open with even more shock than before. “What? You were raised in Imladris; you know the ways of my kindred. Are you now going to close your mind and judge them like a mere Man?”

“Nay, of course not!” Aragorn replied. “Only, it does not seem possible. Elrohir was ever a lover of female charms. I cannot conceive of him turning his desires elsewhere.”

“Then you do not know him as well as you thought you did,” Arwen smiled slightly. “Neither he nor Elladan passed up the chance to sample the pleasures of male flesh. ‘Tis Legolas who never showed an inclination for his own kind.” She paused long enough to let her husband and son digest the information.

Aragorn slightly reddened, remembering the brief time when the Elven prince had been inordinately close to him. Prudently, he decided not to contradict his beloved on the point of Legolas’ proclivities. After all, *that* had been but an aberration brought on by the extremes of war and peril.

“I agree that Elrohir’s preferences lay for the most part with female-kind,” Arwen continued. “Indeed, after Legolas yielded to him, he returned to his old ways, bedding any fair maiden who so much as looked his way. Yet Legolas remained dearer to him than any other. But not until this moment has it become clear that his regard was much more than I had been led to believe.”

“I never would have guessed that such a thing had come to pass between them,” Aragorn admitted.

“But had you not noticed that Elrohir had restrained himself of late?” Arwen asked. “I know he never bedded another ellon after Legolas but I am also reasonably certain that he has not lain with any woman since he made his choice to be of Elvenkind more than twenty years ago. For my brother that is an incredibly long time to remain chaste.”

“Mayhap he can no longer find satisfaction with anyone but the one he loves,” Eldarion murmured, empathy and concern for his adored uncle limning his voice.

Arwen nodded, pleased with her son’s perspicacity. “They are very alike. They can love deeply in friendship but in matters of the heart they are both very cautious.”

“Legolas is very much the more guarded of the two,” Aragorn mused. “Elrohir does not fear to give his love where he would.”

“But never true love, Estel,” Arwen said softly. “He was open to it but he never felt such great passion for anyone. I often despaired that he would never know it despite the depths of feeling that he is capable of. Are you not glad he has finally come to love someone?”

"'Tis not his choice that I have reservations about, melethril”—lover —Aragorn said. “Though I will admit I had never imagined Legolas would be it. But I worry that this may become known to others and thereby cause problems. The men of these later times know little of the nature of Elves and simply will not accept such a relationship.”

“But how would others learn of this?” Eldarion asked, puzzled. His eyes widened at the pointed look his father cast him. “But they would never be so careless!”

Aragorn sighed and said: “Not Legolas. But your uncle, while a formidable diplomat in matters of government, is not quite as tempered in matters close to his heart. I fear he will forget his place and throw prudence to the wind should anyone treat Legolas with open disrespect, which, regrettably, some do. Considering his place in this kingdom is second only to ours, that could provide fodder for scandal.” He pursed his lips. “It might in turn impel him to take his leave of Gondor in order to forestall further trouble.”

“Hervenn”—husband—you worry overmuch,” Arwen chided him gently. “‘Tis not as if it will come to pass. And you should know Legolas well enough to be confident that he would never let Elrohir forget his position in court.”

Aragorn shook his head. “But what of Elrohir? He can be very stubborn, ind nîn.”—my heart. “And possessive besides! You should have seen his expression earlier when I walked into Legolas’ room without knocking and afterwards when he learned that we had shared quarters during the Quest. I wager he would have bitten my head off had I not been his brother!”

Arwen giggled while Eldarion could not help snickering. “Forgive him, Estel. ‘Tis his first time to truly love.” She reached over and pressed his hand reassuringly. “You must trust him, meleth nîn.”—my love. “At least, be glad his choice is someone we also love and trust. Legolas will temper him. He will be good for him.”

“I hope so. I would not have Elrohir quit this kingdom over – over – ”

“Love?” Arwen said with raised eyebrows. Her husband started at the subtle reminder of what his queen had sacrificed for that very same emotion. He flashed a boyish, scapegrace grin that had both his wife and son softly laughing.

Arwen glanced up. “Hush, we can continue this later.” She smiled a welcome at Legolas as he made his appearance. A few minutes later, Elrohir joined them as well.

The meal started ordinarily enough. Arwen questioned Legolas about Eryn Gael and news of his father’s realm in the Greenwood. In turn she imparted the latest news to come from Elladan and Nimeithel in Rivendell.

Naturally talk of Elladan inevitably led to stories of his infamous adventures with Elrohir and Legolas and later Aragorn as well. Before long they were all laughing at the most memorable incidents the four older diners could recall. For the most part, Elrohir enjoyed himself though he felt some dismay and embarrassment when some of his more unsavory escapades were retold in front of a rather astonished Eldarion.

Somewhere along the way, the talk led to the Quest and the roles Aragorn and Legolas had played in it. It was at this point that Elrohir began to feel unease. His disquiet grew as the two recounted the moments when they had separated from the Ring-bearer and traveled across Rohan with Gimli the Dwarf in search of their two captive friends. His discomfort reached its peak when the two recalled the battles and the weary, anxious lulls in between. He did not fail to miss the deeper shadings in Legolas’ eyes when Aragorn spoke of having had to rely on each other for comfort and encouragement when times seemed too dark to bear.

Feeling excluded and something more besides, Elrohir suddenly rose from his seat to the surprise of the others. “If you will excuse me,” he muttered.

Arwen looked up at him in surprise, noting his displeasure. “What is wrong, tor nîn?”—my brother?—she asked.

“Nothing is wrong, muinthel”—sister—he curtly replied. “Pray, continue with your tales. I would not ruin your enjoyment of them.”

Legolas caught the slight edge in the twin’s voice. He stared at Elrohir but the latter avoided his eyes.

“Uncle?”

Eldarion was also staring at the twin with worry, but to his confusion and hurt, Elrohir only walked away. Legolas glanced at Aragorn whose brow had creased with concern. “Let me talk to him,” he murmured and rose to follow the warrior.

“Elrohir!”

The twin halted when his name was called. Legolas caught up with him before Elrohir could leave the alcove.

“What ails you?” he asked. “And do not tell me nothing is wrong.”

Elrohir let out a frustrated sigh. “I am only weary of listening again to tales of the Quest.”

Legolas peered at him. “That cannot be the only reason, pen neth.”

“Young one!” Elrohir’s expression turned mulish. “You are the younger by many years, Legolas!” he said somewhat heatedly. “I will not have you treat me as if I were a child.”

“But you are acting like one,” Legolas retorted though mildly. “You have caused concern for your family and not given them the comfort of a reasonable excuse.”

Elrohir flushed and looked down vexedly. “I know,” he muttered. He lifted troubled eyes to the prince. “It’s just that... Ai, I wish you and Estel would not go on and on about your adventures together. I have already heard enough of them to last me several lifetimes.”

Legolas stared at him in surprise. Then he noted the glance the twin darted at Aragorn and his tightened lips. It came to him in a flash. “Sweet Eru, you are jealous!” he softly exclaimed. The raven-haired Elf glared at him. “Elrohir, there is nothing to be jealous about!”

“Yet I saw how you regarded him so reverently.”

“He was my avowed captain throughout the Quest.”

“And more besides,” Elrohir could not help saying. He caught himself as Legolas raised one eyebrow ominously. He crossed his arms in a gesture of frustration. “I am sorry, that was uncalled for. But whenever you speak of that time – of what you shared...” He heaved a sigh. “It feels as if in the months you spent together on the Quest, you forged a friendship with Estel that has replaced and even surpassed that which we have shared in over three thousand years.”

Legolas shook his head vehemently. “That is not so, mellon nîn”—my friend—he said. “You and Elladan have always been my closest friends.”

“Yet you came to care for Estel far more deeply than you ever have for either of us,” Elrohir said softly. “I told you I would demand nothing of you but neither do I wish to be reminded of—” He stopped and fell silent. But his distress was palpable.

Legolas softened. “Whatever I felt for him is done with,” he murmured. “Come, let us go back.” When Elrohir remained reluctant, Legolas neared him and clasped his shoulder. “In one thing have you bested all others,” he quietly said. At the other’s puzzled expression, he added, “You have had me as no other ever has, Aduial. Surely that counts?”

Elrohir blushed then but a small smile finally appeared on his lips. A faint chuckle escaped him. “You are right, Legolas, I am acting like a child,” he said ruefully. “Why you put up with me is a mystery.”

Legolas grinned. “You were no child last night,” he teased.

The blush deepened and the warrior had to look away for a moment. But after a while, he laughed with Legolas before composing himself. “Very well, let us go back that I may apologize and own myself a rogue for worrying them so.”

They returned to the table whereupon Elrohir kissed his sister on her smooth forehead, murmured an apology to his foster brother and squeezed his relieved nephew’s shoulder. As they took their seats once more, Arwen glanced at her husband with a triumphant smile. Aragorn grinned back indulgently.

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

Glossary:

Úrui - Sindarin for August

Edhil - Elves (sing. Edhel)

ellon - male Elf

pen neth - young one

To be continued…
- 7
- 8
- 9
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Greenleaf&Imladris 20-Calenlass: Heart of a Prince