Author: Deathangelgw
Author email: deathangelgw@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: The characters belong to Tolkien, not me.
Though I wouldn’t mind them! ~_^
Warnings: AU, slight OOC, sap, angst, dark, lemon/lime,
slash.
Pairings: Elrond/Legolas, hinted Erestor/Glorfindel,
Elladan/Haldir, and Elrohir/Rumil
Rating: PG-13
Summary: A time to explore finds new things for a certain
Mirkwood prince
Notes: You guys are lucky! You get one more chapter before
I vanish for a month! Thanks for the reviews and to MA thanks for the beta! Love
ya! Enjoy! Feedback is much loved and appreciated!
‘thoughts’
The darkness of Moria pressed in on the members of the
Fellowship as they sat quietly in the mines, contemplating which route to take
in light of Gandalf's uncertainty. Legolas closed his eyes as he sat back,
relaxed yet aware in the unfamiliar surroundings. His eyes opened as someone sat
next to him and he smiled in greeting at Aragorn. "This darkness is wearying,
meldiren," he murmured quietly as he glanced at the Ranger. (my dear friend)
"As well as hard on our spirits, meldir. How do you fare,
Legolas?" Aragorn replied just as softly as he sharpened his dagger. (dear
friend)
Legolas glanced out again at the seemingly endless
darkness, sensing another presence but not commenting on its presence as it was
not threatening yet. He noted young Frodo speaking with Gandalf and wondered on
it before answering his friend. "My heart is lonely, Aragorn." He looked at his
friend, smiling sadly. "I miss him so much. I wish he were here."
Returning the sad smile, Aragorn nodded in understanding.
"Our journey will make us treasure our loves even more. If we live to see them,"
he murmured grimly.
"Do not bury us too soon, meldiren. I will not go down
without a fight and neither should you," Legolas berated his friend firmly as he
smiled. "I shall make an agreement with you. If we make it through this, I…" He
hesitated suddenly, realizing that if he made this oath, he would not see his
beloved for at least a century more. Was he willing to do that? And without even
consulting his own mate?
"You what, Legolas? Is something wrong?" Aragorn's soft
query brought Legolas back to himself and he looked at his friend with sorrowful
eyes.
Taking a deep breath, Legolas whispered softly, feeling his
heart still at the words. "I would stay at your side until you left this world."
Aragorn's eyes widened in shock at the declaration before
he shook his head, grasping the Elf's hand in his own. "Nay, meldir! Do not
declare such a thing without speaking with Lord Elrond! You must not do such
without thinking!" he whispered urgently as he leaned closer so the others
wouldn't hear their conversation.
Shaking his head, Legolas leaned his forehead against
Aragorn's. "My life is my own to decide. I see that you will need me through the
darkness. And let me worry on my heart. Elrond will listen to me…I am sure," he
whispered softly. They both looked over before Aragorn could protest as Gandalf
declared he knew the way. Legolas stood immediately as they began their trek
once more, feeling his best friend's eyes on his back the entire way. His
decision was made.
*~~**~~*
Never had the forests of Lothlorien looked as welcome to
the Mirkwood Prince as they escaped the Hithaiglin. His heart lurched with grief
as he remembered Gandalf’s words before falling into Shadow. ‘How could we have
lost our way so swiftly?’ he wondered as he ran alongside Aragorn and the
Halflings, eyes watchful. He could sense his brethren close by, but it was not a
welcoming feeling. It was just as he feared…their arrogance was going to hurt
them all.
They walked silently within the Golden Wood for a ways
before Gimli sought to ‘warn’ the Halflings on the ‘evil Elf witch’ that lived
within the woods. For an odd reason, that brought a brief smile to Legolas’ lips
as they walked along on the soft carpet of grass and leaves. He stopped
suddenly, sensing the presence of the Galadhrim as he drew out his bow and
notched an arrow immediately. But they were surrounded in the blink of an eye,
arrows aimed at them as they were encircled.
Staring as he saw Rumil and then Haldir, Legolas trembled
inside. His friends! They would help them! But his heart plummeted as he saw
their cold expressions.
“The Dwarf breathed so loudly I could have shot him in the
dark.” Haldir’s voice dripped with disdain as he came forward, eyes narrowed as
they gazed at the group.
“Haldir.” Aragorn’s voice drew Haldir’s gaze to the Ranger
as he stepped forward. “Please Haldir…we need your help,” Aragorn whispered
urgently, ignoring Gimli’s warnings.
Haldir held his gaze for a few silent moments before
nodding sharply. He turned on his heel, gesturing to his warriors before leading
the way to a small outpost in the Golden Wood. Legolas breathed a sigh of relief
and replaced his bow and arrow before following them. At least now they were
safe.
*~~**~~*
The soft singing of lament rang through the Golden Wood as
Legolas walked along its golden paths. He felt another tear run down his face,
thankful that he had gone for a walk before losing control of his grief. He did
not wish to give more ammunition to the Dwarf on the frailties of the Elves nor
would his pride allow him to openly show his grief.
He stopped as he came upon a small clearing in the woods
and found it graced with Ithil's light. He felt his heart clench with need as he
nearly stumbled into the quiet glade, reaching out for his beloved that was not
there. He longed for Elrond, needing the strength and comfort that his love
could provide. But he was alone. So cold and alone.
Shivering as the wind blew through the leaves around him,
Legolas knelt and wrapped his arms around his torso. He began to sing softly,
grieving for his old friend while longing for his intended threaded in there as
well. His song floated out, then was suddenly joined by three other soft voices,
their harmonies of grief and sorrow mingling through the trees as the forest
seemed to sway along. He looked over his shoulder and saw Rumil and Haldir
approach with a third whom he remembered hearing being named Orophin. He stopped
singing and smiled slightly, eyes shining with his tears as they came over.
"You should not cry. What would Lord Elrond say if he heard
you had cried?" Rumil asked teasingly before hugging the Prince.
Legolas sniffled and returned the hug, burying his face in
the strong shoulder of his friend as Haldir enfolded him from the other side and
a gentle hand from Orophin ran through his hair. "I do not think he would blame
me for my grief and loneliness," he mumbled tearfully into the light tunic his
friend wore.
"Aye, most likely not. But we are here to care for you,"
Haldir commented gently before placing a brotherly kiss on Legolas' head.
"I thank you. I had been fearful when I saw your coldness
in greeting, but should have known it was just your warrior natures," Legolas
whispered softly as he looked up and smiled at them.
"We knew of the approach of the One Ring and feared it
entering our woods, but we also knew you needed sanctuary. We just had not
expected such a blow as losing Mithrandir," Orophin murmured sorrowfully as they
shifted into a more comfortable position. He shook his head as they all sighed
in sadness before he asked, "Tell us of the twins? And…" He trailed off,
flushing slightly as Legolas glanced at him in curiosity while his brothers
chuckled softly.
"I am missing something…" Legolas surmised in suspicion as
he glanced at the amused Galadhil. "Who is it that has caught Orophin's eye?" he
asked with a grin, finding his mood lifting at the idea that his friends'
brother might have found love.
"Eye amongst other things indeed…" Rumil murmured,
snickering along with Haldir as Orophin hissed at him while blushing.
Curious, Legolas focused on the blushing warrior. Orophin
glanced up and mumbled softly, "The last time I was in Imladris, my heart was
lost to the song that Lindir played."
"Lindir? Aye…a definitely wise choice, mellonen," Legolas
replied lightly, grinning as the two other brothers laughed softly while Orophin
smiled up at him in relief. But it was a short lived relief as Legolas' smile
faded. "However, I am afraid that he has gone West with more of our brethren."
(my friend)
Sorrow clouded Orophin's eyes and he glanced away,
obviously fighting his shock and despair at the revelation. "He has gone…now I
may never see him again…"
"Do not despair, tôren. I doubt that the Valar shall
forsake you of happiness and love. You will find him or perhaps another," Rumil
soothed his brother as he shifted over and hugged the elder of the two. (my
brother)
Looking at Haldir in guilt and gloom, Legolas knew he had
hurt his new friend with such a disclosure. He blinked as a gentle hand was
placed on his arm and looked up into Haldir's eyes. The March Warden smiled at
him warmly before saying, "Orophin had feared this and your words only confirmed
it. We three are prepared to face the fact that we may not be allowed to see the
white shores, but we are happy to be together. You, meldiren, must remember that
light and hold it close in order to continue on, for your journey will only
become more perilous as you go."
"I know this, meldiren and I thank you for your support.
You three gave me the security and companionship I needed at the moment, though
my heart longs for my love," Legolas replied with a warm smile before hugging
Haldir tightly. Haldir patted his back soothingly as they held each other,
comforting the other in the dark times surrounding them.
*~~**~~*
The soft sounds of morning surrounded the Fellowship as
they prepared to leave the sanctuary of Lothlorien. Legolas spoke softly with
the brothers, laughing softly as he took heart in their humor and kind words. He
had spent the past month with them and had found himself healing in their warm
presence. Now, as the time drew near that he, along with his comrades, would be
going into shadow once more, he took solace and heart from the warmth that his
brethren gave to him.
He went over by the others of the Fellowship and awaited
the final blessing of Galadriel and Celeborn. He smiled as the Lady stood before
him and she returned the gentle smile. "Legolas, I give you a bow of the
Galadhrim. You are of our brethren and have become very dear to us. Consider
this a gift also from Haldir, Orophin, and Rumil and we wish you well," she
spoke softly as she gave him an intricately carved bow and quiver of arrows. She
smiled as he gazed at it in amazement before looking at her. "We add this to
what your heart has already decided and belongs to. Please do not lose faith in
what you are doing, for it shall carry you to great joy." She placed her hand
over his heart and he beamed at her warmly before she placed a kiss on his
forehead and moving to the next of their group.
He turned and looked up as Celeborn stepped before him
along with the trio of brothers, all four smiling at him. Celeborn placed his
hands on the Wood Elf's strong shoulders as he said quietly, "The Valar and our
family bless your impending union with Elrond. Celebrían was beloved to us, but
she allowed Elrond to find love once more. I know that she would bless your
love, as we do. Go safe and remember that love for it shall see you through the
grimmest of times."
"Hannon le, híren," Legolas murmured as he bowed his head
before clasping hands warrior-like with them. As he paddled the boat he shared
with Gimli, following Aragorn, he looked back and smiled as he saw the brothers
waving in farewell. He felt warm inside, knowing that he had good friends always
watching over him. Someday, they would be reunited in peace. (Thank you, my
lord)
TBC
