Prince of Mirkwood
Disclaimer: not mine.
Summary: an incident triggers the war in middle earth.
Pairing: L/A
UPDATED. Added more scenes.
Chapter Nine.
Chapter Nine
Last Green Leaf
Part 1
Legolas was what his father called him. He was the last young elf to grace the Middle Earth. Most elves were ripe in age, in adventure, and in life. Covering his face from the sudden onslaught of the sun ray, he grimaced. It pained him to think that just when he was yearning to live his life to the fullest, the rest were ready to depart the Middle Earth.
“We’re now at the boundary of the forest, Legolas,” Esteleryn, his brother said. His voice was comforting.
“How far are we in Rivendell then?” he asked, excitedly. Tuilas raised his eye brow.
“The tone of your voice is like a dagger to Ada’s chest. By the Valar, Legolas, are you telling us that Mirkwood is a boring place?!”
“Tuilas! I have not been out of Mirkwood. I am yet to see the blue sky without the canopy of trees.”
“You don’t have to go as far as Rivendell if you only want to see the blue sky,” Lasare answered, his voice laced with mirth.
“I see. It is such a laborious task to take me to Rivendell,” he said, feigning hurt.
“You know we will climb the Mt. Doom if you will tell us to,” Lasare said.
“We need to ride fast if we want to arrive there before sunset,” Esteleryn interrupted them, urging his horse to move faster. The princes followed his lead along with a few elven guards.
They arrived in Rivendell just as Esteleryn estimated. His brother was a regular visitor of Elrond, so as his two other brothers-Tuilas and Lasare. The thousand of waterfalls hummed upon his arrival. Flowers seemed to open their buds, butterflies were swarming. His knowledge of Rivendell may have been copious, but, all the same, Legolas upon seeing the place was ensnared with an overwhelming pleasure. Since then, his three brothers must take him to Rivendell as often as he desired lest his countenance grew even paler, his heart dour. He did not know how his father regretted ever giving him permission to go that first day.
Then there came Aragorn. The man was a mystery to Legolas. He had been since their first meeting at his father’s palace. His passion for the world around him was equally met. His longing to seek adventure was enthusiastically shared. It did not help that he felt as though he swallowed a butterfly every time Aragorn was beside him.
“Shhh…” Aragorn’s voice tickled his ear.
“Huh?” he asked, confused.
“Can you hear it?” Aragorn asked, tilting his head a bit of which action he eagerly imitated.
“Waterfalls?”
“Is that what you call it?” He saw him smirk.
“If it is not waterfalls, then it must be birds?”
“Listen closely. Here, where you can best hear it.” Aragorn guided his head down to his chest.
“You fool! That’s your heart, beating!”
“It says Le.go.las, Le.go.las.” He felt the warm on his face. It reached the back of his neck, and then crept down to his spine and down to his legs. He was not educated to this strange feeling. They kissed. Soft lips pressed to his. He opened his mouth to welcome it. It tickled his senses and lifted him off his feet.
“What’s wrong?” Aragorn asked, worried. Legolas touched his own lips. They were tender, swollen and burning. He returned his gaze to him. Aragorn’s eyes were glassy and fierce with passion. And when Aragorn moved to engulf him, he embraced him with equal fervor.
That was their first night. Then came the second. The next. The young man was his constant companion. Hunting at daylight. Naked under the pale moonlight.
Chapter 9 Part 2
The Last Green Leaf
Gallivanting with Aragorn was what made Rivendell the more beautiful for Legolas. Whereas the humming of the water falls perked his ears and the colors of the flowers in Elrond’s garden, his eyes; Aragorn’s mere presence, his heart. His absence, thus, was taken like a plant missing its daily sprinkle of water.
“Daug is not by himself today. But I can sense he likes Arod. What do you think? Legolas?” He heard Elrohir talking beside him, but the meaning of the words blurred a little in his mind. It took a few seconds to register its meaning.
“I see. It’s not only Daug who has been infested by some kind of a spell. There must be something in the air,” Elrohir continued, he pretended to sniff.
“Arod is a stubborn horse. I wonder why Daug would like him,” he finally answered.
“All the same, Daug is completely smitten by Arod.”
“Wait till he sees Shadowfax. My Arod will be completely forgotten. In fact Arod seems to develop an instant liking to him.”
“Ah, the prince of the horses. Daug has met him, and he gives him the same respect and adoration given to someone of great stature. But, no, I know Daug. His adoration towards Arod is not between a prince and his loyal knight. No, it’s more than that,” Elrohir said, his gaze was no longer on the horses, but to where whose face was like sprinkled with little fairies, whose nose and lips were carved by the kisses of the Valar, whose eyes were the window of Ea.
“It gladdens me that Arod has found an admirer. I wish then that it is Daug that can tame his wild heart.” Arod was no ordinary horse. He was not cut out to serve. He rebelled and refused to have anyone ride him. He was wild the first Legolas saw him. His father had decided to send the horse away lest he may accidentally kill any rider who would attempt to ride him. But Legolas saw something in the horse. He saw kindred in that lonely soul that sought release from the propriety that bound him. He rode him. Arod recognized the kindred soul instantly and allowed it to happen. Since then, Arod was his.
“Then, he has to visit Rivendell regularly,” Elrohir said, smiling, eyes never leaving Legolas’ face, “to begin the taming.”
Both he and Elrohir then turned to where the noise came from. Footsteps disappeared suddenly as though aware that they were being detected.
“Up here!”
They looked up and saw Elladan sitting on a big branch of the oak tree, crowned with the glory of Rivendell sky.
“What are you doing there?” Elrohir asked.
“Entertaining myself. By the way, Elrohir Ada has been looking for you.”
It was meant for Elrohir to leave. Legolas knew Elladan had something to tell him.
“Then I shall see him. Can we meet in the garden again, Legolas?”
“I will see you at the hall tonight. Your father has asked of my presence there.”
“Oh. See you tonight then.”
Elrohir reluctantly left. Elladan came down from the tree when he saw his brother was no longer within earshot.
“Estel will arrive from Gondor tonight. He said not to worry your little heart. You will soon be reunited,” Elladan said in a manner inappropriate to his age.
“And what is amusing, Elladan?” He asked rather petulantly.
“You and Estel are acting as though your hearts are connected. You weren’t born twins, were you?”
“I am happy, Elladan. This is something I haven’t experienced before” he replied.
“I’m no stranger to that.”
“Really?”
“Yes,” Elladan answered. He saw the curiosity in Legolas’ eyes, “but I’m not telling,” he continued to Legolas’ disappointment.
However, that night Legolas did not wait for Aragorn. He went to the place where he thought his lover would likely go.
“This Legolas was a secret passage from Rivendell to Gondor. Adar made this to make going there convenient. It is near the river, so it is safer. Orcs do not pass by this area.”
He remembered it, and it was not his first time to have waited for Aragorn there as well. From the outside, one could only see a river banked with tall wild bushes. The water was rapid that none would dare to cross. He stopped by the end of the passage, the entrance to the land of Gondor. He got off his horse and sat. The sun was almost setting, and Aragorn did not arrive yet. Legolas stood up. He walked a few paces, stared at the bushes that covered the entrance. He lifted them, and stepped out of it, and into the land of men.
At the early stage of his journey, he felt the urge to return. The rareness of trees made him feel melancholic. There was oddity to find a place almost treeless at the outskirts of a huge forest. His travel though in solace was with the comfort of the star that guided his path. His gaze often lingered at it while humming verses of old tales. Arod was comforted with it. But still he could sense the uneasiness in his horse.
He soon found a stone-made house with light. It was built in the middle of nowhere. Strange place, indeed! He saw people coming in and out of the door. They were like Aragorn, with their rough faces, devoid of pointy ears.
There was silence when he came in. He was welcomed by surprised stares. He dared not to return those, but, instead, proceeded to walk near the group of men whose clothing indicated they were of high ranks.
“I am Legolas,” he said. These men were dressed like Aragorn. What gave him confidence to approach them was that two of them bore Gondorian seal. This was the same seal he saw in one of Aragorn’s clothing.
“Well met. I’m Boromir, Captain of Gondor.”
“I’m Earendur, my lord, from Arnor. ”
“I am Faramir. Boromir’s my brother. I am captain of Ithilien.”
“I am Bain. Bard is my father. The king of Dale.”
“I’m Theodred. Theoden is my father. He is the king of Rohan. I am glad to meet you beautiful stranger. What brings you in the land of men?”
“I am from Mirkwood. My father is Thranduil.”
“The king of Mirkwood realm,” Faramir said, awestruck.
“I’ve heard a lot about the temper of the king,” Boromir replied.
“It’s strange to see you in our land, Legolas. You still have to answer the question. What brings you here?” Theodred asked again.
“I come to meet Estel.”
“Estel?” Boromir said, confused. They seemed to have heard the name, but could not place a face on it.
“He’s the prince of Gondor,” Legolas clarified.
“We only have one prince of Gondor, and he is Aragorn,” Boromir answered.
“He is, indeed, Estel. We called him Estel,” Legolas smiled.
“Ah. My cousin. We’re also waiting for him. He promised to drop by here. You’re just in time as we’re celebrating Boromir’s day. We have ale. You can try this one while waiting for him,” Earendur said, offering a drink.
Everything then that followed was like disjointed flashes of scenes: of him being taken outside, of him lying on a big bed, and of these men…one by one…on top of him. It was madness. The gate of Mandos opened, ready to receive him. Where’s Estel? Was his last thought.
Summary: an incident triggers the war in middle earth.
Pairing: L/A
UPDATED. Added more scenes.
Chapter Nine.
Chapter Nine
Last Green Leaf
Part 1
Legolas was what his father called him. He was the last young elf to grace the Middle Earth. Most elves were ripe in age, in adventure, and in life. Covering his face from the sudden onslaught of the sun ray, he grimaced. It pained him to think that just when he was yearning to live his life to the fullest, the rest were ready to depart the Middle Earth.
“We’re now at the boundary of the forest, Legolas,” Esteleryn, his brother said. His voice was comforting.
“How far are we in Rivendell then?” he asked, excitedly. Tuilas raised his eye brow.
“The tone of your voice is like a dagger to Ada’s chest. By the Valar, Legolas, are you telling us that Mirkwood is a boring place?!”
“Tuilas! I have not been out of Mirkwood. I am yet to see the blue sky without the canopy of trees.”
“You don’t have to go as far as Rivendell if you only want to see the blue sky,” Lasare answered, his voice laced with mirth.
“I see. It is such a laborious task to take me to Rivendell,” he said, feigning hurt.
“You know we will climb the Mt. Doom if you will tell us to,” Lasare said.
“We need to ride fast if we want to arrive there before sunset,” Esteleryn interrupted them, urging his horse to move faster. The princes followed his lead along with a few elven guards.
They arrived in Rivendell just as Esteleryn estimated. His brother was a regular visitor of Elrond, so as his two other brothers-Tuilas and Lasare. The thousand of waterfalls hummed upon his arrival. Flowers seemed to open their buds, butterflies were swarming. His knowledge of Rivendell may have been copious, but, all the same, Legolas upon seeing the place was ensnared with an overwhelming pleasure. Since then, his three brothers must take him to Rivendell as often as he desired lest his countenance grew even paler, his heart dour. He did not know how his father regretted ever giving him permission to go that first day.
Then there came Aragorn. The man was a mystery to Legolas. He had been since their first meeting at his father’s palace. His passion for the world around him was equally met. His longing to seek adventure was enthusiastically shared. It did not help that he felt as though he swallowed a butterfly every time Aragorn was beside him.
“Shhh…” Aragorn’s voice tickled his ear.
“Huh?” he asked, confused.
“Can you hear it?” Aragorn asked, tilting his head a bit of which action he eagerly imitated.
“Waterfalls?”
“Is that what you call it?” He saw him smirk.
“If it is not waterfalls, then it must be birds?”
“Listen closely. Here, where you can best hear it.” Aragorn guided his head down to his chest.
“You fool! That’s your heart, beating!”
“It says Le.go.las, Le.go.las.” He felt the warm on his face. It reached the back of his neck, and then crept down to his spine and down to his legs. He was not educated to this strange feeling. They kissed. Soft lips pressed to his. He opened his mouth to welcome it. It tickled his senses and lifted him off his feet.
“What’s wrong?” Aragorn asked, worried. Legolas touched his own lips. They were tender, swollen and burning. He returned his gaze to him. Aragorn’s eyes were glassy and fierce with passion. And when Aragorn moved to engulf him, he embraced him with equal fervor.
That was their first night. Then came the second. The next. The young man was his constant companion. Hunting at daylight. Naked under the pale moonlight.
Chapter 9 Part 2
The Last Green Leaf
Gallivanting with Aragorn was what made Rivendell the more beautiful for Legolas. Whereas the humming of the water falls perked his ears and the colors of the flowers in Elrond’s garden, his eyes; Aragorn’s mere presence, his heart. His absence, thus, was taken like a plant missing its daily sprinkle of water.
“Daug is not by himself today. But I can sense he likes Arod. What do you think? Legolas?” He heard Elrohir talking beside him, but the meaning of the words blurred a little in his mind. It took a few seconds to register its meaning.
“I see. It’s not only Daug who has been infested by some kind of a spell. There must be something in the air,” Elrohir continued, he pretended to sniff.
“Arod is a stubborn horse. I wonder why Daug would like him,” he finally answered.
“All the same, Daug is completely smitten by Arod.”
“Wait till he sees Shadowfax. My Arod will be completely forgotten. In fact Arod seems to develop an instant liking to him.”
“Ah, the prince of the horses. Daug has met him, and he gives him the same respect and adoration given to someone of great stature. But, no, I know Daug. His adoration towards Arod is not between a prince and his loyal knight. No, it’s more than that,” Elrohir said, his gaze was no longer on the horses, but to where whose face was like sprinkled with little fairies, whose nose and lips were carved by the kisses of the Valar, whose eyes were the window of Ea.
“It gladdens me that Arod has found an admirer. I wish then that it is Daug that can tame his wild heart.” Arod was no ordinary horse. He was not cut out to serve. He rebelled and refused to have anyone ride him. He was wild the first Legolas saw him. His father had decided to send the horse away lest he may accidentally kill any rider who would attempt to ride him. But Legolas saw something in the horse. He saw kindred in that lonely soul that sought release from the propriety that bound him. He rode him. Arod recognized the kindred soul instantly and allowed it to happen. Since then, Arod was his.
“Then, he has to visit Rivendell regularly,” Elrohir said, smiling, eyes never leaving Legolas’ face, “to begin the taming.”
Both he and Elrohir then turned to where the noise came from. Footsteps disappeared suddenly as though aware that they were being detected.
“Up here!”
They looked up and saw Elladan sitting on a big branch of the oak tree, crowned with the glory of Rivendell sky.
“What are you doing there?” Elrohir asked.
“Entertaining myself. By the way, Elrohir Ada has been looking for you.”
It was meant for Elrohir to leave. Legolas knew Elladan had something to tell him.
“Then I shall see him. Can we meet in the garden again, Legolas?”
“I will see you at the hall tonight. Your father has asked of my presence there.”
“Oh. See you tonight then.”
Elrohir reluctantly left. Elladan came down from the tree when he saw his brother was no longer within earshot.
“Estel will arrive from Gondor tonight. He said not to worry your little heart. You will soon be reunited,” Elladan said in a manner inappropriate to his age.
“And what is amusing, Elladan?” He asked rather petulantly.
“You and Estel are acting as though your hearts are connected. You weren’t born twins, were you?”
“I am happy, Elladan. This is something I haven’t experienced before” he replied.
“I’m no stranger to that.”
“Really?”
“Yes,” Elladan answered. He saw the curiosity in Legolas’ eyes, “but I’m not telling,” he continued to Legolas’ disappointment.
However, that night Legolas did not wait for Aragorn. He went to the place where he thought his lover would likely go.
“This Legolas was a secret passage from Rivendell to Gondor. Adar made this to make going there convenient. It is near the river, so it is safer. Orcs do not pass by this area.”
He remembered it, and it was not his first time to have waited for Aragorn there as well. From the outside, one could only see a river banked with tall wild bushes. The water was rapid that none would dare to cross. He stopped by the end of the passage, the entrance to the land of Gondor. He got off his horse and sat. The sun was almost setting, and Aragorn did not arrive yet. Legolas stood up. He walked a few paces, stared at the bushes that covered the entrance. He lifted them, and stepped out of it, and into the land of men.
At the early stage of his journey, he felt the urge to return. The rareness of trees made him feel melancholic. There was oddity to find a place almost treeless at the outskirts of a huge forest. His travel though in solace was with the comfort of the star that guided his path. His gaze often lingered at it while humming verses of old tales. Arod was comforted with it. But still he could sense the uneasiness in his horse.
He soon found a stone-made house with light. It was built in the middle of nowhere. Strange place, indeed! He saw people coming in and out of the door. They were like Aragorn, with their rough faces, devoid of pointy ears.
There was silence when he came in. He was welcomed by surprised stares. He dared not to return those, but, instead, proceeded to walk near the group of men whose clothing indicated they were of high ranks.
“I am Legolas,” he said. These men were dressed like Aragorn. What gave him confidence to approach them was that two of them bore Gondorian seal. This was the same seal he saw in one of Aragorn’s clothing.
“Well met. I’m Boromir, Captain of Gondor.”
“I’m Earendur, my lord, from Arnor. ”
“I am Faramir. Boromir’s my brother. I am captain of Ithilien.”
“I am Bain. Bard is my father. The king of Dale.”
“I’m Theodred. Theoden is my father. He is the king of Rohan. I am glad to meet you beautiful stranger. What brings you in the land of men?”
“I am from Mirkwood. My father is Thranduil.”
“The king of Mirkwood realm,” Faramir said, awestruck.
“I’ve heard a lot about the temper of the king,” Boromir replied.
“It’s strange to see you in our land, Legolas. You still have to answer the question. What brings you here?” Theodred asked again.
“I come to meet Estel.”
“Estel?” Boromir said, confused. They seemed to have heard the name, but could not place a face on it.
“He’s the prince of Gondor,” Legolas clarified.
“We only have one prince of Gondor, and he is Aragorn,” Boromir answered.
“He is, indeed, Estel. We called him Estel,” Legolas smiled.
“Ah. My cousin. We’re also waiting for him. He promised to drop by here. You’re just in time as we’re celebrating Boromir’s day. We have ale. You can try this one while waiting for him,” Earendur said, offering a drink.
Everything then that followed was like disjointed flashes of scenes: of him being taken outside, of him lying on a big bed, and of these men…one by one…on top of him. It was madness. The gate of Mandos opened, ready to receive him. Where’s Estel? Was his last thought.