Title: Alliances of the Heart Author: Soar (soar38@hotmail.com) Pairing: Legolas/Aragorn Rating: NC-17 Summary: Can Aragorn and Legolas overcome all obstacles on the path to true love? Disclaimer: I don't know any of the characters that you recognise. Warning: Contains scenes of Non-Con, Rape and graphic violence Authors Note: This story features MPREG. Title: Alliances of the Heart Author (including email): Soar soar38@hotmail.com Pairing(s):Legolas/Aragorn Rating: NC-17 Summary: Can Aragorn and Legolas overcome all obstacles on the path to true love. Disclaimer: I don't know any of the characters that you recognise. Warning (only if necessary): Contains scenes of Non-Con, Rape and graphic violence Authors Note: This story features MPREG. Chapter 1 In a large armchair by a roaring fire a lone figure sat pensively. His thoughts were disturbed however by the entrance of another. "The preparations are complete my son, all is ready for tonight." Lord Elrond said to his foster son, Aragorn, Crown Prince of Gondor. Aragorn heaved a sigh. "Are you sure you wish to go ahead with this my son?" Elrond questioned as he approached the young man. "No I do not wish to go ahead with this, in much the same way as I do not wish to be crowned King in a few months, yet you and I both know it is necessary. I must be crowned King, and I must marry and beget heirs for the kingdom." Aragorn rose gracefully from the chair and moved to look out of the windows. A variety of banners hung from every possible place around the castle in preparation for tonight's festivities. Every available potential partner and their families would be here tonight so that the future King of Gondor might choose who would rule at his side. Aragorn winced as he thought of all the pushy mothers thrusting their children at him in the hopes that their offspring should be the one to capture his interest. He wished it were not so, and knew that if he so much as hinted it, Lord Elrond would whisk him away to Rivendell, the place where he grew up under the loving hand of the Elven Lord. Then remorse struck him as he remembered the look of relief and joy of the old Steward Denethor's face when Aragorn had arrived a mere year ago to prepare for his crowning upon his reaching the mature age of 25. The past year has been spent learning the ways of his kingdom, the duties that would be his upon his attaining the crown, and Denethor could not stress enough the need for a partner who would assist him, and provide the heirs his kingdom needed for it's own security. Hence this ball. Mere weeks from his coronation Denethor had suggested that the ball be the perfect opportunity for him to meet someone and for negotiations with the family to begin so that the wedding could be arranged as soon as possible. Aragorn heaved one more sigh, and then straightening his shoulders turned to face his foster father. "Well, time is flying, I suppose now would be a good time for me to make myself ready for tonight." Elrond nodded in acquiescence and left his son to call upon his valet. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When Aragorn was finally ready to make his entrance things were well underway. He could hear the music being played by a small orchestra, and he resisted the urge to fidget as his herald announced his presence. He heard the music cease and as he stepped out on to the topmost step he felt every pair of eyes turn to face him. Once again Aragorn asked himself why he hadn't just run away back to Rivendell to live out the rest of his life hunting Orc with his brothers. He stiffened his resolve and his spine and moved forwards, slowly descending. Out of the corner of his eye he spied some mamas already trying to push their children to the front in order to catch his attention more swiftly. Some young maidens giggled and hid their features behind decorative fans whilst their eyes appraised him. As Aragorn reached the last few steps he noticed a slight disturbance to his right. He turned and saw a young elf being pushed towards him. However the elf had his head downcast and was subtly trying to resist whoever was pushing him. The blonde head rose for a moment and Aragorn's eyes met a startled blue gaze, and he was held transfixed for a moment by the beautiful creature before him, and then the crowd surged forward once more and the beautiful young elf was lost from sight. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Legolas held back a sigh of impatience as his father once again circled him, checking his outfit with a critical eye. "Stop slouching Legolas, you are hardly likely to attract any attention for yourself if your posture is slumped." "Yes Father," Legolas said dutifully and straightened. He resisted the urge to pull his collar away from his throat and scratch at his arms where the much embroidered and bejewelled cloth was itching. The clothing of course was not his idea. He had asked why he couldn't be allowed to wear a much simpler outfit something more suited to his personality however his father had admonished him, stating that his appearance was a reflection upon the wealth that Mirkwood offered to any who wished to ally with them. Of course the alliance would come through Legolas' marriage. Hence their attendance at this ball. He was the only son of the King of Mirkwood but this was not his only value as outlined by his father. His father had told him many times of the powerful and dark sorcerer Sauron, and that although the allied men and elves had been victorious against the evil sorcerer an age ago, before Legolas himself had been born, Sauron had had the last laugh. He had cast a powerful spell from which few escaped. The result of which was decreased fertility amongst the elves. Fewer elven children had been born since the war, and fewer still would be born. In an attempt to rectify this, the elves had gathered their own most powerful magic users and a spell was cast to increase the fertility once again. However this was not wholly successful and the results had manifested themselves in a strange way. Fertile elves were still few and far between however the spell had allowed some male elves to become capable of bearing children. This meant of course that any elf capable of bearing children was highly sought after as a partner. Legolas was such an elf. Legolas regretted that the political aspirations of his father would affect his freedom. He knew that tonight his father would begin the process of finding him a mate. He would have little say in the choice and could only hope that his father had some compassion. Legolas berated himself mentally. His father was not an unfair person; he merely had duties that meant sometimes it was difficult to be a father first. Legolas understood this and resolved to try to do more to assist his father in creating new alliances to protect Mirkwood. Finally after some adjustments to his outfit Thranduil deemed Legolas ready to be presented to the high society of Middle Earth. He faced his son and a tender look crossed his features. "I wish this did not have to be so my son. I wish you had the freedom I did in choosing a partner, however the times begrudge us such luxuries and we must do what we can for Mirkwood." "I know this father, and truly I will do what is best for Mirkwood." Thranduil smiled softly and embraced his only living son and heir. Then just as abruptly he was all business again. He pulled Legolas behind him as they made their way to the ballroom. They were announced to the already large crowd of noble men and elves. Heads turned to see the King and Crown Prince of Mirkwood, and Legolas became aware of the many lusting gazes set upon him. He felt his father's hand on his arm and drew comfort from the support as they made their way through the crowd. They did not have to wait long until their host made his appearance. Legolas could not see Crown Prince Elessar as he made his entrance. He was far too busy trying to keep his feet and not get separated from his father as Thranduil forced his way through the crowd. Finally there was a break in the crowd and Legolas found himself face to face with a young man with the most striking eyes that seemed to be changing colour constantly from blue to grey, then his sight of the stranger was gone as the crowds surged forward once more. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Aragorn held back a frustrated curse as the beautiful creature that had appeared before him disappeared, instead his attention was immediately taken in trying to gracefully fend off giggling young maidens that were thrust at him by their overeager mothers. Thankfully Denethor it seemed had seen his plight and taken pity for suddenly the music started a lively beat and the room cleared to make space for dancing. Seeing his chance to escape the throng for a short time at least Aragorn quickly espied one not so bold young maiden and asked her mother's permission for the maiden in question to join him in a dance. And so it began, Aragorn swept the girl on to the dance floor in a lively dance that did not allow for conversation. Legolas was not as lucky in having the freedom to choose his dance partner. As soon as the dancing began several people, men and women both approached his father requesting permission for Legolas to join them in a dance. Thranduil seemed to size them up before granting permission to an older gentleman in a very expensive outfit. Legolas was spirited away his hand clasped tightly in one hand and his shoulder gripped firmly in another and Legolas repressed an uncomfortable shudder. He looked closely at his dance partner. He was an older man with grey just beginning to streak his sandy brown hair and Legolas just stopped himself from curling his lips in disgust as he saw that the hair was slicked back with some form of grease. The man's face had some lines brought with age, but Legolas noted that few of these were around the mouth and eyes, which gave the impression that this man did not laugh or indeed even smile very often. The stranger had cold blue eyes and the elf did not like the way they seemed to roam freely over his body. As his father had noticed, the man's clothes were very rich in both taste and cloth and they fit his body outlining his heavy muscular build. "So young elf, what are you called?" the man asked as they twirled around the room. "My name is Legolas, lord," Legolas replied. "Your father is an elf king. A wealthy one they say, and you, are you fertile?" the man asked bluntly his eyes lowering until they centred themselves on Legolas' hips. Legolas gritted his teeth and sent dark thoughts his father's way for allowing this man to dance with him. "I do not see how that is your concern sir," Legolas bit out, an angry flush staining his cheeks. "It is if I wished to take you on. I require heirs and I cannot afford to tie myself to something that can't breed." Legolas recoiled in outrage at being described so. "Do not fear that you will have the opportunity to tie yourself to me sir," he responded. For the first time the man smiled and Legolas did not feel warmed by the cold look in the man's eyes. "I do not think that the decision will be yours young Prince. It will be between your father and I." Legolas breathed a silent prayer of relief at the reel finished and he was allowed to move away from the man. He did not look back as he made his way swiftly back to his father's side and did not see the hungry look cast back at him by the man standing still alone on the dance floor. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Aragorn had enjoyed the lively dance and had been surprised at the skill of his demure looking dance partner. Although his attention had been taken from time to time in a scan of the room attempting to locate the elf that had caught his attention earlier. Then he had caught a glimpse of the elf dancing with his cousin Boromir. As soon as the dance ended Aragorn had bowed politely to his partner before returning her to her mother's side. He then moved over to Lord Elrond who was standing at the side of the room with a small group of older elves. Elrond noticed his foster son approach and excused himself from his friends before making his way over to join Aragorn. "What is it my son?" the older elf questioned. "Did you see the elf who was dancing with Boromir?" Aragorn got out immediately, his face alight with the anticipation of putting an identity to the heavenly body. Elrond frowned in concentration casting his mind back to his perusal of the dancers. He recalled Boromir dancing with a blonde elf, then recollection hit him and he smiled. "Prince Legolas, son of Thranduil of Mirkwood." Aragorn repeated the name softly with wonder, "Legolas... He is unattached?" Aragorn questioned worriedly. Elrond laughed, "Indeed, I believe his father has brought him here tonight in the hopes of finding his son a husband or wife, so that he may build a stronger alliance for his kingdom." Elrond pasted a nonchalant look upon his face as he slyly added, "Gondor is very close to Mirkwood, it would be a fruitful alliance... and I have heard Prince Legolas is fertile." Aragorn looked sharply at his father, and Elrond laughed at the expression of suspicion on the young man's face. Then Aragorn smiled. "It would indeed be a fruitful alliance." He then turned quickly on his heel and went in search of the young elven Prince. He was disappointed though as he noticed that Legolas was already back out on the dance floor, this time leading a young elven maiden around in a more sedate dance. His own attention was caught by another young maiden who was pushed towards him by her mother. Aragorn smiled politely and caught the girl as she stumbled slightly before leading her out into the centre of the ballroom. This remained the same for the next two hours as both Legolas and Aragorn were engaged for every dance. Finally a break came when Aragorn spotted Legolas standing in a corner alone, trying to merge himself into the shadows, he noted that Legolas' father was nowhere to be found and he swiftly excused himself from an approaching mother dragging her daughter reluctantly along. He moved quickly to the food table and grabbed a selection of what was on offer before he made his way to Legolas' corner. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Legolas was startled when he noticed someone approach. He sighed and tried to think of a reason to be excused, then he saw the approaching figure. It was the young man he had seen earlier. He took in the appearance of the simple outfit of dark blue velvet. The leggings encased strong muscular looking thighs, and the tunic hugged the strong, yet not overly built body of the young man. The man had dark hair falling to his shoulders. But Legolas was immediately transfixed by the warm blue eyes that met his, and he felt himself smiling shyly. "Would you like to take a walk outside and partake of some food?" the young man asked. Legolas spared a guilty thought for his father and then decided to blow caution to the winds as he nodded his agreement and walked to the large glass doors that led out into the gardens. Immediately the noise from inside was muted and Legolas smiled in happy relief as he felt a cooling breeze across his face. It was already twilight and the garden was lit with a multitude of lanterns all subtly placed. Aragorn led the elf to a small, secluded bench where they both sat. He placed the plate of food between them and turned to face the elven Prince. "What is your name fair creature?" he asked the Prince before him, not wanting to reveal that he had already asked after the elf. "I am called Legolas," Legolas replied blushing at the compliment, "It means Greenleaf in the elven tongue," he offered. "And by what name should I address you?" Aragorn smiled in wonder that this Prince did not know who he was, that he was Prince Elessar future King of Gondor, raised by Lord Elrond in Rivendell. "You may call me Aragorn," he said simply. Then offered the Prince some food. Legolas took a small sweetmeat from the plate, which Aragorn held out to him, and took a small bite, closing his eyes and savouring the taste. When he opened his eyes again he stilled as he noticed Aragorn staring at him with a strange expression on his face. "What is it?" he asked shyly. Aragorn seemed to come out of a trance at the sound of the Prince's voice. "It is simply that I am transfixed by the pleasure you take in simply eating." Legolas laughed softly. "You too would take pleasure if you had not eaten since breakfast." Aragorn smiled, "Then please by all means sate your hunger now for I would not wish you to fade away before my very eyes." Legolas grinned and the two sat in a companionable silence as they ate all the food that Aragorn had gathered. Once they had finished Aragorn addressed the elf once more. "I would take you back inside and ask you to dance, but I fear that as soon as we step into the room we will be separated by the large crowd of your admirers who also seek to take a turn with you." Aragorn said with a mock forlorn expression on his face. "Then perhaps you should ask me to dance outside where we cannot be disturbed," Legolas suggested boldly. Aragorn laughed and pulled the elf to his feet. They heard the muted sound of the orchestra inside as they moved close together and moved gently but moved more to a rhythm from within themselves. Legolas felt a flush start at the tips of his ears that spread all the way to his toes as he was pulled close against the body of Aragorn. The stronger slightly taller man made him feel small and protected as the strong arms encircled him, and he succumbed to temptation as he laid his head softly on the mans shoulder. Aragorn grinned to himself as Legolas' head met his shoulder and his arms tightened slightly to press the elf closer. They stayed like that for some time, until a shout interrupted them. "Legolas!" A voice called. Aragorn felt Legolas' start at the voice and the elf in his arms immediately pulled away, quickly adjusting his clothes to make sure his appearance was still presentable. The voice came closer, and Legolas looked at Aragorn. "It is my father. I must go," he said with regret before swiftly running around the corner. Aragorn looked after the departing figure of the Prince, and decided that tomorrow he would ask Denethor to approach the King of Mirkwood to make his interest in a marriage alliance known. Chapter 2 Legolas rounded the corner and quickly schooled his countenance to reveal nothing of his pounding heart and heightened senses. "Father," he called. "Ah there you are," Thranduil said finally spotting his wandering son. "Where have you been? I have been searching all over for you." "I was merely taking a stroll in the garden to refresh myself. It is somewhat more crowded inside than we are used to." "True," Thranduil said grimacing. "I cannot say that I understand why the race of men must enclose themselves so and in such large numbers." Legolas nodded his agreement. "What reason did you have in seeking me out father?" he questioned. "Ah, yes, I merely came to collect you so that we may retire. The festivities seem to be winding down. There is no reason for us to remain, besides you must be sorely in need of rest my son. I scarce saw you without a partner tonight." Thranduil's face softened. "You have done well tonight my son. I think Mirkwood's future looks bright." Legolas smiled, "I too hope that is the case," he said thinking of the man whose arms he had just left. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Aragorn did not remain in the gardens for long after Legolas had taken his leave. He soon made his way to his own rooms, however he knew that sleep would not be swift in claiming him this night. His mind was too full of the image of Legolas, his eyes closed as he savoured the first bite of a sweet meat. Aragorn knew that he wished for nothing more than to see that look upon Legolas' face once more, but filled with desire for himself. Aragorn was not the only one that night with his thoughts centred on the Elven Prince. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Morning came swiftly and Aragorn made his way to the smaller more private dining room of the royal family. Both his father and Denethor would be joining him this morning, and he could not wait to make his intentions towards Legolas known to them both. He could then leave Denethor to handle negotiations with Legolas' father whilst he spent time with the Prince himself. He grinned to himself. He was still grinning as he entered the dining room and saw his foster father and Lord Denethor already eating. "Good morning to you both," he said warmly. Elrond looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "It appears that someone is in a very good mood this morning. Pray tell what has you in such high spirits. Could it be that Aragorn has found himself a potential mate, and after only one night of the festivities?" Aragorn grinned, and laughed outright when he saw the perplexed look on Denethor's face. He sat down next to his father, and started heaping food onto his plate, his appetite very much awoken. "Denethor, I wish to get married," he said solemnly to the old Steward. Denethor's look of confusion deepened. "But..." Aragorn grinned, "You must go to King Thranduil this very morning and inform him that Prince Elessar of Gondor wishes to pay court to his son, Prince Legolas, with the final outcome being marriage and the securing of heirs for both Gondor and Mirkwood in an alliance of marriage." Denethor's mouth opened and closed soundlessly a few times before he seemed capable of speech. "Very well," he said. Aragorn smiled satisfied, and ignored Elrond's amused look. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Legolas made his way to the training grounds looking in particular for a quiet space in which to practice his archery. He was rewarded with an empty enclosure with targets at the far end. Legolas took a position as far from the target as he could. He took some arrows from his quiver and stuck them into the ground before him, then stretched both his muscles and his bow by pulling back on the string until he was satisfied of his readiness. He then pulled one of the arrows from the ground and nocked his bow. He looked ahead to the target, his elven eyesight giving him a natural advantage. He could see the centre of the target clearly. He pulled back until his bowstring was taut, and took careful aim. Then he released the arrow. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Aragorn had finally tracked down his wayward quarry. He came across Legolas alone in an archery enclosure. He had been about to call out to the young elf when he noticed the fierce concentration that consumed Legolas so he watched instead. His gaze took in the perfect archers stance, the tall lean body of the elf stretched taut by the act of readying his arrow for release. Then the arrow was released. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "That was wonderful," a voice called out from behind, and Legolas spun in surprise. He had been so deep in concentration that he had been unaware of the presence of anyone else. Then he saw who was standing there and he felt his heart begin to pound for a different reason. A gentle flush stole across his features. "Forgive me, I did not mean to startle you," Aragorn said as he walked over to Legolas. "You are very skilled," Aragorn commented whilst gesturing to the arrow that had hit the target dead centre. Legolas blushed further and lowered his eyes slightly. "Thank you, 'tis the product of centuries of practice." "I forget looking at you, that you must have lived for a very long time, yet you look no older than I, younger even." Legolas smiled. "I am indeed nearing my 2000th birthday. Although that is still a very young age for an elf. In human years I suppose it would relate to one just coming into manhood." "You must have seen much of this world in your years," Aragorn asked as he sat down on the grass gesturing for Legolas to join him. "Not very much. My life has been one of duty with strong ties to Mirkwood. I have very rarely been outside the borders of our kingdom. There is much still I would like to see. Perhaps one day, if fate allows..." Aragorn noted the wistful expression on Legolas' face. "Indeed, perhaps you shall. Mayhap one day sooner than you think," Aragorn said with a grin. "Come, let us wander the streets if Minas Tirith, and be free of these castle walls and our burdens for a short time." Aragorn stood and held out his hand to the elf. Legolas hesitated momentarily and then grasped it firmly rising to his feet and following the young man. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lord Denethor, Steward of Gondor, entered the guest chambers of King Thranduil. The King sat near the open window with a scribe from his party at his side. He saw Denethor and signalled for the scribe to leave. "Lord Denethor, a pleasant surprise. What brings you to my chambers?" Thranduil smiled in greeting. Lord Denethor bowed slightly in deference to Thranduil's royal status. "I come bearing a message from Prince Elessar, future King of Gondor." Thranduil sat straighter in his chair and intrigued expression on his face. "Then please by all means let us hear the message." Denethor smiled, "His Highness Prince Elessar wishes to pay his regards to His Majesty King Thranduil of Mirkwood and asks leave to court his son, Prince Legolas. He hopes to forge an alliance through the bond of marriage. He believes that a united Gondor and Mirkwood can stand strong against the darkness that plagues both our borders. The fruits of such a union would of course become heirs to both Gondor and Mirkwood." Denethor bowed again at the end of his message, and looked to the Elvish King for his reaction. Thranduil laughed. "Excellent. Of course, such a union would indeed be most advantageous to us both. Very well, Prince Elessar has leave to court my son. Will he take part in the arrangement of the marriage?" Denethor smiled wryly. "Indeed, that would be a miraculous event. Prince Elessar wishes that we arrange the marriage between ourselves so that he may spend more time with his intended." "Very well, that is doubtless best. When does he wish the event to take place?" Thranduil asked, his mind already moving on to arrangements that would have to be made for the union of his son to the Prince of Men. "Prince Elessar will be crowned King in three weeks, he would prefer that the ceremony took place a few days before the actual coronation so that the kingdom already has the security of knowing it's King has a partner to aid him in the affairs of state, and has the means with which to beget heirs. It also means that Prince Legolas will be crowned as Elessar's married partner on the same day. You may say killing two birds with one stone." Thranduil nodded in agreement. "That is a very short time, nevertheless, there should be no problem with this. Come let us discuss this further." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Aragorn grabbed Legolas' hand and pulled him along as he spotted a street vendor selling hot pies. "Hot pies Sir?" the vendor asked as Aragorn perused the selection. "Two hot sweet pies please," Aragorn requested. He handed over a few coins in payment and took the pies, handing one to Legolas. "Try it," he urged. "These are some of the finest sweet pies in all of Gondor." Legolas took a bite out of his pie, trying to stop the filling from falling out. "Indeed it is very good," he said as he took another bite, and Aragorn thought that he had never wished to be a pie so much, as the hot pastry filled the mouth of the elf. They continued to walk the streets amongst the citizens of Minas Tirith. Aragorn pointed out many places of interest. The day was spent companionably as Aragorn showed Legolas the sights of the city and Legolas talked about his own forest home and how very different it was to the city of men. The hours passed and the sun finally began its descent. Legolas looked regretfully at the sunset. "I have enjoyed myself greatly today Aragorn, I wish it did not have to end, however I must return to the palace. My father will wish me to attend dinner with him, and he will begin to look for me soon if I have not returned." "Very well, come, I will escort you back to the palace." Aragorn led them back through the streets. He had enjoyed Legolas' company today, and was glad that the plain cloth of his clothes and cloak lent him a certain air that left him unrecognised by the population of the town. The guards of course were under no such misapprehensions, yet they also knew the ways of their Prince, and merely stood to attention as he passed through the gates with his Elven guest. Aragorn took Legolas straight up to the corridor of the palace assigned to King Thranduil's party for the duration of their stay. Fortunately there seemed to be nobody around and Aragorn grasped Legolas' hand before he could enter the corridor. Legolas looked back questioningly at him. "I just wanted to say goodbye for now," Aragorn explained. Legolas smiled. "Indeed, it is goodbye but only for a short time I hope." His eyes shone brightly as he smiled warmly at Aragorn. Aragorn felt that he could drown in the depths of Legolas' eyes and before conscious reasoning could take over his actions he had pulled Legolas closer. Legolas, startled by the action made no move to resist and suddenly found himself pressed against the man's hard body. A hand moved to the back of his head and a slight pressure brought him forward. Then his lips touched Aragorn's and all thought fled from the elf's mind except for the pleasure he received from the gentle caress of Aragorn's lips as they moved against his own. He moaned softly and Aragorn took advantage. The man's tongue tentatively broached the lips of the elf, until a tentative touch in return emboldened him. They kissed until the need for air forced them apart. Aragorn looked at the flushed features of the elf, the swollen lips and the eyes with large dark pupils almost engulfing the deep blue iris, and smiled. Legolas smiled sweetly back at him, until a noise startled him. "Aragorn, I must go," he whispered. "Very well Prince of Mirkwood, but know that this will continue," he warned, and was satisfied when the blush on Legolas' cheeks became a crimson stain that extended to the points of his ears. Legolas nodded, and then turned away to enter the guest corridor. He looked back once to see Aragorn still standing where he had left him before he entered his father's room. Thranduil was sitting reading a book, and as Legolas entered he smiled and placed the book down. "Good news my son, I have found you a husband." The world fell from beneath Legolas' feet. Chapter 3 Legolas was speechless. Thranduil took pity on his son, seeing the shock and confusion that were expressed on the younger elf's face. "Come my son, sit." Legolas allowed himself to be led over to the chair and sat. "A husband? But it has been only one night," he managed finally. "One night is enough," Thranduil stated. And indeed Legolas had to agree. One night had been more than enough for him to fall completely for the young man Aragorn. Ai, Aragorn, Legolas thought to himself. How to tell his father about his hopes. "Father," he began hesitantly. "Last night, at the ball, I met someone, a young man. We spent much of the day talking and wandering the streets of Minas Tirith." Thranduil frowned, this was an unforeseen complication, yet he did not wish to cause pain to his son. "What was this young man called?" he questioned, in the hopes that the young man would be Elessar and save them all some bother. "He is called Aragorn," Legolas said smiling, and Thranduil noticed the starry expression in the eyes of his son. "He gave you no title, no claim to nobility?" Thranduil queried. Legolas bit his lip and frowned. "None," he admitted. Thranduil sighed, "Then he is most likely no one of importance." Thranduil held up his hand to forestall the denial that was about to burst from Legolas' lips. "I am sorry my son, but in the society of men, they value station and rank more than we elves do. Had he been anyone of importance I am sure that he would have made this known to you." Thranduil saw the dejection come over his son as his shoulders slumped and his face fell. "I am sorry my son, yet you know why it was we came to this event. We must forge a strong alliance, and this marriage will do just that." Legolas looked up and sighed. "To whom am I to be wed father?" King Thranduil smiled again, "To Prince Elessar of Gondor. 'Tis only fitting of course that a Prince of Mirkwood be married to his equal in rank. I spoke to Lord Denethor earlier today so that we could begin making the arrangements, the ceremony is to take place in just a short time from now, before the Prince's coronation. It was agreed of course that heirs were important, and the offspring that you create between you would be heirs to both Mirkwood and Gondor." Legolas froze, a thought coming back to him of a man holding him tightly as they danced, and asking in a blunt and cruel voice if he was fertile. No, Legolas though to himself. It cannot be that the very man to whom he had been promised for the first dance was Prince Elessar. Legolas felt his mind recoil in horror. Thranduil had not noticed the sudden change in his son as he continued to talk about arrangements for the wedding. Finally though he noticed that no response had been forthcoming to his last question. "Legolas, can you hear me? What is wrong?" Legolas shook himself free of the despair that threatened to pull him under, and focused again on his father. "I am sorry father. I was merely overwhelmed by how fast this is all to take place. I had expected lengthy negotiations with a return to Mirkwood." Thranduil frowned, "I too had not expected things to occur this swiftly. I should hazard a guess that Prince Elessar is eager to create stability for his kingdom by begetting an heir as soon as possible after his coronation." Thranduil noticed Legolas blanch. He pulled the young elf up into an embrace. "I am sorry my son. I forget sometimes that this is not the fate of your own making. I regret the necessity, please forgive an old elf. I do want you to be happy." Thranduil noticed Legolas' silence and paused. He pushed Legolas away slightly so that he could look at his face. "Will this arrangement suit you my son. If it makes you so unhappy I will call of the agreement with Prince Elessar, and we will look for an alliance elsewhere. I do not wish you to fall into grief over this arrangement." Legolas forced a smile for his father. "Nay, t'will be alright father. I merely need a little time to get used to the idea." Thranduil smiled once more. "Very well. Lord Denethor and I will carry out the arrangements between us, you must relax and enjoy your last days of freedom," Thranduil joked, not realising how very true Legolas thought those words to be. "If that is all father, I think I will retire to my room for a while. I have much to think about." Thranduil nodded, then a thought occurred to him. "Legolas." The younger elf paused in the doorway. "Next time you go wandering outside the gates of the palace make sure you take your body guard with you. We do not know the dangers that are to be found outside the palace walls. I know you can defend yourself," he said cutting of his son's rebuttal, "However an elf alone outside of the palace can easily be outnumbered. Am I understood?" "Yes father," Legolas muttered sullenly and left. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Aragorn barely remembered making his way back to his rooms his head was so high in the clouds. He entered his private sitting chambers, and was brought up short by the sight of his foster father sitting at ease munching from a small plate of sweet treats. "Father!" Aragorn exclaimed in surprise. "My son," Elrond acknowledged. "How was your day?" Aragorn grinned, "Wonderful. It was without doubt one of the happiest days of my life." "So I would be correct in my assumption that you spent your day with Legolas." Aragorn felt a blush steal across his face and cursed himself. His foster father was still the only person with the ability to embarrass him so, or to make him feel as though he were still a young child. Which Aragorn reflected he would probably always be to Elrond, not even considering the age difference, how could you possibly not be reduced to a child like state by someone who had nursed your childhood ailments, not to mention changing the soiled undergarments of a baby. "I took Legolas with me into Minas Tirith," he said finally. "We spent the day wandering the city." "Ah, then I think you will appreciate my news." Aragorn looked at Elrond with interest. "What news?" "I was speaking with Lord Denethor a short time ago. He informed me that he spoke to King Thranduil this morning." Aragorn felt his breath catch in his chest and his heart began to drum out a more rapid beat. "And?" Elrond smiled, "He has given you permission to wed his son. Congratulations Aragorn." Aragorn could not restrain the excited exclamation of joy. "I see this is indeed good news," Elrond said wryly with a fond smile on his face as he watched Aragorn dance about the room. Aragorn laughed, "I was in error with my earlier statement. This is definitely the happiest day of my life thus far." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thranduil looked up in surprise as Lord Denethor's elder son Boromir was announced. "Your Highness," Boromir began, bowing to Mirkwood's King. "What can I do for you sir?" Thranduil queried placing aside the book he had been reading. "I have come to ask your leave to pay court to your son," Boromir stated formally. Thranduil smiled gently. "I thank you Lord Boromir, however I regret that a marriage union has already been arranged for my son." Boromir's face tightened and he tensed for a moment. Then he forced a smile. "I see. May I enquire as to who the fortunate person is?" Thranduil frowned. "Unfortunately it has been agreed at this time that the union will remain something of a secret until a public announcement is made. I must ask that you keep this information to yourself." "Of course," Boromir stated, and then bowed again. "Very well your highness, since my visit has not met with the ending I had hoped I will take my leave of you. Have I your permission to call upon and pay my regards to your son?" "I am afraid that my son is at rest presently. You will no doubt see him at dinner tonight." "Very well, I thank you for your time," Boromir said and left. Thranduil sat thinking for a moment. Surely today must have set a record for the most marriage proposals one person could receive. Thranduil smiled to himself. Legolas of course was no ordinary elf, something everybody must have noticed, that was explanation enough for the attention he had received. However Thranduil was happy with the way events had occurred and was satisfied that the coming alliance with Gondor was in the best interest of both kingdoms. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Things had not gone according to plan. He had hoped to be among the first to pay court to the Elven Prince, and yet he found that someone had gotten there before him. He had to find out to whom Prince Legolas was now engaged. Once he knew for sure there were ways and means to attempt to dissolve the engagement. After thinking about this for a moment the dark figure strode off into the night. Chapter 4 After Aragorn had retired to his room to freshen up before dinner, and after King Thranduil had dispatched Boromir, Legolas remained lying on his bed quietly thinking about the hand fate had dealt him. How can it be, he thought, that the Valar would lead me to Aragorn only to separate us with this alliance. Surely life could not be this cruel. Truly this was a difficult thing he must undergo, to forge a strong alliance Legolas knew that his marriage with Prince Elessar must proceed as planned. He could not have lived with his own sense of guilt had he sacrificed his people's needs over his own. So how was he to get through this and endure? Legolas knew the answer was simple and yet in itself difficult. He must not see Aragorn again. To cut himself off so abruptly would cause him heartache yet this would be nothing in comparison to the heartache he would suffer should he allow himself to grow even more attached to the young man. A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. "Enter," he called out. Legolas' personal bodyguard opened the door, "Legolas, your father bids you prepare yourself for this evenings dinner and meet him in the drawing room." Legolas nodded his acknowledgment and rose from the bed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thranduil stopped his pacing as the door opened and his son entered. He was momentarily taken aback by the resemblance Legolas bore to his mother, and he felt a twinge in his ancient heart at her loss shortly after Legolas' birth. The tragic loss of his mother had left Legolas with only one parent. Thranduil had tried very hard to become both parents to the young elf, yet oftentimes affairs of state and threats from Mirkwood's borders would draw him away. Thranduil considered the sacrifices that the Royal House of Oropher had been asked to make throughout the ages, he hoped that it would end with the sacrifice Legolas was about to make. With an ease born of much practice Thranduil's face revealed nothing of his thoughts. "You are rested my son?" he asked instead. "Yes father, and I have been giving much thought to this marriage. I am glad that it is to take place so swiftly, for then we can concentrate on the threats that our united borders face." Legolas forced a smile for his fathers benefit. "Besides, time passes so swiftly for an elf that it will be no time at all before my husband is old and grey. Then with our alliance secured by the heirs I hope to conceive I can return to Mirkwood." Legolas' smile was genuine this time, only to be dissolved by his father's next words. Thranduil's face expressed it's surprise, "But my son, I thought you knew. Prince Elessar is half elven, he will live for many thousands of years yet if he is not already immortal." Legolas blanched, "I was not... I did not know of this," he managed finally. Thranduil looked sharply at his son. "Legolas are you very sure that you wish to proceed with this. There is still time for us to call off this engagement if you feel it will not suit." Legolas shook his head, "Nay, nay. Tis not what I was expecting but it does not change the fact that this alliance is the best hope for Mirkwood and Gondor. I will marry the Prince." "Very well. Then come, we will attend dinner. I must tell you now, that the engagement is to be kept secret until such time as a public announcement is made by Lord Denethor. We will therefore not be sitting at the high table with the Prince and his family." Legolas breathed a small sigh of relief, and prayed that his father had not noticed. Thranduil had already turned away and motioned for the young elf to join him as they made their way to the dining room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Aragorn had been seated for some time in the dining hall, he had been anxiously searching out his intended with no luck thus far. "You will cause serious harm to your neck if you continue to twist it in that fashion," Elrond pointed out from his seat next to the young man. Aragorn sighed in frustration. "He is not here yet." "Patience Estel, he will attend with his father, until such time you must not make your affections so obvious, this engagement is still very much a secret after all." "I know, I know, but it is so very hard. Even these coming days in which I have to wait before I can claim him will wear thin on my patience." Elrond smiled in amusement, "And yet you have no means of making time run more swiftly so I suggest you adopt some of your mother's infamous patience very quickly before your head explodes." Aragorn laughed. "Very well, from now until my wedding I shall be a paragon of elven virtues." Elrond snorted, "That I will believe only when I have witnessed it with my own keen eyes." A sudden murmur broke out, and Aragorn along with Elrond turned to see who was the centre of attention. And his breath caught in his throat, for there standing to the right and slightly behind his father stood the object of his affections. "He's here." Aragorn murmured. Aragorn greedily took in every detail of Legolas' appearance, from the rich blue overtunic to the paler blue leggings that encased his long legs. The shining blonde hair that fell past Legolas' shoulders and gleamed in the candlelight of the hall, pulled back only into two braids on either side of his head. Aragorn's eyes came upon Legolas' face, and across the room their eyes met. Aragorn felt sparks fly from his own body and imagined that he could see them cross over to the elven prince, for Legolas seemed to shiver slightly at that very moment. A slight nudge from Thranduil broke the connection and Legolas was ushered to take his seat with the rest of his party. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As Legolas had entered the dining hall he had almost immediately felt Aragorn's presence and had no trouble in searching out the young man. Aragorn was dressed again in a dark but simple outfit, which flattered his muscular physique. But it was not Aragorn's outfit that caught his gaze, it was the brilliance of the eyes that met his own. Legolas felt stunned by the impact of that gaze and shivered slightly. A slight nudge brought back awareness of his surroundings, and Legolas was subtly pushed along to their dining table. "Come Legolas," Thranduil murmured, "You can moon after your betrothed later." Legolas started, then noticed that Aragorn was seated at the high table, but in the seat of honour sat Lord Denethor and to his right was the cold eyed man, Prince Elessar. This reminder of his fate had the same effect upon him as that which cold water seemed to have on the race of men. "Elbereth give me strength," he whispered, sending a prayer to the brightest of the Valar. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dinner seemed to pass torturously slowly to Aragorn, he was eager for everyone to move to the more informal setting of the gardens so that he might get Legolas to himself for a moment. At last the final course was cleared and people began to move from their seats and make their way through the large open doors that led to the garden's main lawn. Aragorn waited for Legolas and his father to join the groups outside before he too made his way outside. He was going to allow nothing to delay his mission, and gently rebuffed any advances that were made towards him. He finally spotted Legolas, he was talking with Lord Gafen and his daughter. Aragorn took a quiet spot near some trees at the edge of the lawn and waited for Legolas to conclude his conversation before he swept in to lead the Elven Prince away. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Life as an Elven Prince, must be somewhat different from that of the mortal nobility," Lord Gafen stated. Legolas smiled. "In some ways yes it is very different. I mean no offence but we elves do not feel the need to stamp our mark onto every part of our territory, we much prefer to converse with nature and live in harmony with our home. Yet having said that I think that anyone in a position of responsibility feels the weight of it constantly. The fact that we are immortal simply allows us more time to correct any mistakes we make." Both Lord Gafen and his daughter Daela laughed lightly. "I think then, that you would very much appreciate our home. We live very close to a large forest and much of the wildness of it all attempts to encroach onto my estates." Legolas smiled apologetically, "Indeed, I believe I would find that very much appealing, and perhaps one day I shall see it, however I fear duty will be keeping me busy for some time." "So I hear," Lord Gafen stated with a smile. "I approached your father yesterday, I had hoped to perhaps introduce you to my daughter in a more familiar way, if you understand me." Legolas nodded and noticed the slight blush that rose on the cheeks of Daela. However she kept her gaze downcast. "I was informed, that you were no longer unattached, although the announcement had yet to made. May I enquire as to who is the lucky person?" "I am afraid, that I have been commanded to silence on the matter, at least until such time as an announcement is formally made," Legolas replied hesitantly. Lord Gafen smiled, "I understand of course, however you and your new marriage partner will forever be welcome to our home." Legolas bowed formally, "I thank you my lord. Now if you might excuse me, I must seek out my father." Lord Gafen nodded, and Legolas made his way towards the edge of the lawn searching the mass of people for his father's presence. He was therefore caught unawares by the hand that grabbed his arm and dragged him in between the trees. "Shhh, be easy," a familiar voice said in response to his initial struggles. "Aragorn!" Legolas exclaimed. "What are you doing?" "I merely took advantage of an opportunity to get you to myself," Aragorn said, his eyes twinkling mischievously. Legolas felt a twinge of guilt. "This is not right," he began, "How will this look to all the people out there?" Aragorn frowned, he had not really given much thought to that, Denethor had recommended that this engagement be kept as secret as possible until the actual event was to take place. His behaviour may give the old crony's something to gossip about. "I am sorry Legolas," he apologised, "I did not give thought to the consequences, I wanted only to spend time with you." A look of sorrow passed swiftly over Legolas' features, gone so quick Aragorn had not even noticed it. "I fear that all too soon, this sort of thing will be impossible," he said thinking of his upcoming marriage to Prince Elessar. Aragorn was puzzled. It was true that once they were married state affairs would take up much of their time, and there would be certain types of behaviour that might be deemed inappropriate. But still he was sure that once Legolas was his partner people would excuse some of the behaviour that occurred with all newlyweds. He dismissed the whole thing from his mind and instead focused on the beautiful creature in front of him. "I had feared tonight that you would not be attending the evening meal, so late did you make your appearance." It was Legolas' turn to frown. "We were only very slightly late, in truth it was my fault, I had lain down to take a short rest before the meal and was somewhat rushed then in my preparations to make myself ready." "I am sure that you could emerge from a bog and still dazzle everyone with your beauty and splendour." Aragorn said breathily, his hand reaching out to caress the elf's cheek. Another thought occurred to Legolas. "Were you seated on the high table next to Lord Elrond?" "Yes, I have known him all my life. In fact I was raised in Rivendell before my duties to the dunedain called me away. Lord Elrond has always treated me as one of his own." "I see. I have not visited Imladris, although I have heard many tales of its beauty, and of the beauty of the Evenstar." "Arwen? I suppose she is pretty, but I have always seen her as my sister, even in some ways I suppose a surrogate mother, since my own perished shortly after I was born. She, and my brothers Elladan, and Elrohir, have an annoying habit of reminding me of all the things they did to me as a child whenever they feel I am getting above myself," he said with a rueful laugh. "They sound wonderful. You are very lucky to have such a loving family. I am an only child. My mother also was lost to me shortly after my birth. My father has done his best to be both parents to me, but his responsibilities have oftentimes pulled him away. Still I know I am loved," Legolas said softly. "You are indeed loved," Aragorn whispered, and leaned in to join his lips to that of the elf. "Legolas," a voice called out. Aragorn grinned as he moved away from Legolas, "That is an annoying habit your father has." Legolas smiled and watched Aragorn disappear before remembering that he had forgotten to tell Aragorn that they must not see each other again. Chapter 5 Once Aragorn left Legolas he walked slowly back to his rooms. His thoughts however were not on his passage through the palace, and he was therefore surprised when he walked into his cousin Boromir. He smiled in greeting. "Boromir, why are you not outside with our guests?" Aragorn enquired. "I might ask the same of you cousin," the older man responded, with a raised eyebrow. "I tire of these events, the endless socialising. I long for the coming weeks to pass swiftly," Aragorn said with a hint of frustration. Boromir frowned, "You wish for the crown this much?" Aragorn looked confused, "Not at all, ah I see, your father has not spoken to you yet, well I think no harm will come of it if I tell you cousin. I am engaged to Mirkwood's Prince, we are to be married shortly before my coronation." Aragorn missed the look of shock that came upon his cousin's face, so absorbed was he in picturing Legolas in his mind. "So you are the one," Boromir muttered under his breath. "Did you say something?" Aragorn asked, coming back to himself. Boromir looked up startled. "Nay, nay, I was just thinking of the news you just gave me. I am sure the union will be a fruitful one." Boromir said and then excused himself. Aragorn shook his head slightly at Boromir's behaviour and then carried on towards his rooms. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Once Aragorn had left Legolas had headed towards the direction his father's voice came from. "Father, I am here," he called out. "Ah Legolas, come, I have had enough of the company of men this evening, let us retire to our rooms, where we can pass the time with elven music and songs. Legolas smiled, and followed his father. The rest of the evening was spent with members of their group taking turns to play instruments and to sing, well-known songs of their people. King Thranduil even gave voice to a few tunes. Legolas succeeded in putting Aragorn and his forthcoming marriage to Prince Elessar, from his mind for a short time as he took his turn and sang of the long gone good times in Greenwood. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Over the following week Aragorn was frustrated in his attempts to spend time with Legolas, as the elven Prince was for the most part closeted with his father and their retinue whilst plans were carried out for the wedding. An entire wardrobe had to be created for the Prince for his new role as the married partner of Prince Elessar. Much of Legolas' own clothes, both casual and formal were still in Mirkwood, and would be sent along after his father had returned home. Legolas stood patiently through many sittings with his tailor for both his new wardrobe and the outfit he would be wearing for the wedding ceremony itself. However as time passed and the date of the wedding drew ever closer Legolas' patience began to wear thin. "Father please, can I just go out for some archery practice? I have spent this past week standing here to play pincushion for Geldwyn, I would just like some time outside." Legolas asked pleadingly. Thranduil sighed. "Very well my son, go outside, but please remember that there is still so much to do and time is flying." "Yes father I understand, and have I not been the soul of patience whilst you rush around me trying to prepare everything in time," Legolas said with a teasing smile. Thranduil answered with a smile of his own. "Insolent young pup. You are not yet two centuries old my son, I can still turn you over my knee if I feel you warrant it." Yet Thranduil's twinkling eyes belied the threat in his words, and with a triumphant grin Legolas went to his room to collect his bow and quiver. As before he made his way down to the practice fields, choosing one further from the palace, and which was currently unoccupied. He took a deep refreshing breath of the clean air, and felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Then he took out an arrow and nocked his bow before taking aim. "May I join you?" Legolas spun, forgetting his bow was still raised and armed. "I surrender," Aragorn said with a grin. Legolas blushed and lowered his weapon. "What are you doing here?" he asked the man. "I have been watching your rooms, waiting this week for you to leave so I could catch up with you." Legolas' blush increased. "You should not..." he trailed off as the man approached him. "I have missed you Legolas," Aragorn said softly, pulling the elf gently into an embrace. Legolas sighed and allowed his head to fall upon Aragorn's shoulder. "I have missed you also." "I wanted to spend as much time with you as possible before I leave." Legolas' head shot up in shock. "You are leaving?" Aragorn frowned, "I must. I have to meet with the rest of the dunedain. There are things that must be done before I return." "How long will you be gone?" "I am not sure, possibly a week. Most of the dunedain are camped not far from Gondor's borders. Do not fear Legolas, I shall be back before you know it. Now come, let us quietly spend time together. You shall practice your archery, and I shall watch you. See, I have bought us food so that we do not need to leave here until this evening." Legolas smiled. "Think you, that you shall merely watch whilst I practice, you shall also practice Aragorn. We shall see what improvements need to be made to your aim and style." Aragorn laughed. "I fear that I shall be no match for you." "Ha!" Legolas exclaimed, "If you were, as you say, raised by elves, then I should imagine your skill with a bow would rival my own." "But I am far more accomplished with my sword," Aragorn leered suggestively. Legolas blushed but said nothing, he simply went back to taking aim and releasing an arrow. It hit the target true center. Then he turned and offered his bow to Aragorn. "Your turn," he said. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Both were very conscious of the time flying that day and so they made the most of their time spent together. They practiced archery for some time, Legolas learning that Aragorn was almost as good an archer as himself. Then Aragorn persuaded Legolas to come with him to a secluded spot he knew in the gardens. Legolas was entranced by the vision of beauty as he stepped beneath the long willowy branches of a tree and came upon a small waterfall surrounded by lush green grass and fragrant flowers. They spent the rest of the day there feeding each other from the food Aragorn had provided. It was only as darkness fell that they became aware of the outside world once again. "I must leave soon," Legolas sighed. "Otherwise my father will send out search parties." "I cannot wait to leave in the morning so that I can more swiftly return to your embrace," Aragorn said. "I wish that too, yet I fear that we will not be able to spend much time in each other's company when you return," Legolas said thinking of the plans for his wedding. "Aragorn..." Legolas began, planning to inform the man of his pending nuptials. However Aragorn cut him off with a curse. "I hear voices," he announced. "I fear that we must depart now, however I wish you to know that I will be thinking of you every day that we are apart." He pulled Legolas into a swift and crushing embrace whilst claiming the elf's lips. Legolas gave himself over to the kiss and was disappointed when Aragorn pulled away before collecting the remains of their meal and disappearing. "As will I," he whispered softly after the departing figure of the man. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Aragorn and his small party left early the following morning. He was to meet up with the gathering dunedain in order for them to escort him back to Gondor as honour guard for both his wedding and the coronation. He keenly felt every mile that separated him from Legolas. Lord Elrond was also on a mission, he was to prepare everything for the elven dignitaries who would arrive to witness the wedding between the Elven Prince of Mirkwood, and the Elven raised Prince of Gondor. Lord Denethor was spending many hours closeted with King Thranduil as they finalised plans for both the wedding and the treaty between the two nations that would come into effect after consummation of the marriage. After Aragorn's departure Legolas found himself with a decided lack of interest in practicing his archery. However he had no desire to be closeted indoors once more whilst his father continued to outline the plans for his wedding. Instead he decided to wander the streets of Gondor, much as he and Aragorn had. He took a long cloak which would help disguise his elven features and slipped out of the guest wing. He was pulled up short just leaving the palace by a hand grasping his shoulder. "Did your father not tell you that wandering the streets of this city of men a foolish thing to do without protection." Legolas turned, a mulish expression on his face as he confronted his personal bodyguard. "I am a full-grown warrior elf Celdarion. I do not think I need fear a few men." Celdarion frowned. "You forget my prince that there are more than a few men in this city, and not all may be in favour of elves. You could easily be overpowered. Or worse, I have heard of men with unsavoury characters who would capture a lone elf for ransom, or fates far more dire." Legolas sighed, knowing he would not win an argument with the much older and experienced elf. "Very well, then come along, but try not to draw too much attention to yourself," Legolas said pettily. Then flushed as Celdarion merely rose an eyebrow. Celdarion had been Legolas' protector since birth and Legolas looked upon him more as a companion than a silent shadow at his side, although Celdarion was good at that too, and so the day passed with some enjoyment felt on the part of both elves. They returned to the palace in the evening still discussing the strange antics of mankind. As they entered the palace once more they stripped off their concealing cloaks and made their way towards the Mirkwood party's guest rooms. They were stopped by a number of people along the way, all wishing the young prince congratulations on his coming union with the Prince of Gondor. Legolas looked at Celdarion after getting over his initial surprise. "It seems that the formal announcement has finally been made," the older elf said wryly. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The following morning Legolas again rose early, however this morning he felt a need to be out in the open. He joined his father in the king's sitting room. "Father, I would like to go riding through the forest today with Celdarion," he announced. Thranduil barely looked up, he was absorbed in the draft of the treaty which he and Denethor had put together. "Very well my son, please do not return too late," he said vaguely waving before returning his attention to the treaty. Legolas smiled as he left, and he and Celdarion gathered their bows before making for the stables. Both had bought horses with them to Gondor. Celdarion's steed was a giant of a horse, with a shining black coat. He was kept with the other elven horses in a large paddock, for elven horses disliked the confinement of stables. Legolas' own horse was a beautiful white stallion. Both animals rushed to the sides of the paddock upon hearing the sharp distinctive whistles of their masters, and it was not long before both riders and horses were making their way out of the city and into the nearby forest. "This feels so very refreshing after being confined in the city for so long," Legolas stated. "And yet you will now be residing within the city and not the woods of our home. Are you sure that this is something you wish to give up?" Celdarion asked curiously. Legolas sighed. "I will miss Mirkwood greatly, however this alliance is sorely needed, and it is my duty to put the people of Mirkwood before my own desires. Besides I am sure that I will be able to venture out into this forest often," he said hopefully. "I am sure that it will be so, especially when I am here to protect you," Celdarion said. Legolas looked at the older elf in astonishment. "But I thought that you would be returning to Mirkwood with my father." "Nay, how could I abandon my little prince to this city of men without any elven company." Celdarion said with a gentle smile. Legolas blinked away sudden moisture from his eyes. "You have always been there for me Celdarion." He looked down suddenly in embarrassment before meeting Celdarion's eyes. "You know that I look upon you as a second father." It was Celdarion's turn then to blink away the moisture. The emotional moment, however, was interrupted by a sudden voice. "How very touching," it said. "Such a pity I must spoil it." Chapter 6 "Who are you?" Legolas demanded. "Just someone sent to collect a package young prince," the intruder said mockingly. "However I have no need of you both." With preternatural speed both elves responded to the threat by nocking bows, however the intruder was faster. Both hands rose and expelled a strange black ball of energy, which flew towards and engulfed both elves. The effect was instantaneous, writhing in agony, darkness seemed to slip over them, and both slumped forwards in a deep and unnatural sleep. The intruder then approached Legolas' horse. The horse, sensing the danger to its master moved away and snorted in distress. The strange figure paused for a moment, although only to release another ball of energy this time directed towards the horse. Legolas' stallion became rigid with a sudden paralysis, and the intruder moved forward once more. Once at the horse's side he pulled Legolas from his mount before hoisting the slight figure of the elf over his shoulder and disappearing into the woods. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thranduil had almost finished reading the draft of the treaty between Mirkwood and Gondor when his door crashed open. Trasyn, one of his more experienced warriors stood at the doorway practically vibrating with tension. Thranduil frowned, knowing instinctively that he would not like this news. "My Lord, the steeds of Celdarion and your son have returned," Trasyn bit his lip before continuing. "Celdarion was still on the back of his steed, but he is unconscious. Your son has not returned." Thranduil felt a moment's calm before the news actually seemed to hit him, and then he was all furious motion. "Where is Celdarion?" he asked in a quiet voice, all the more frightening for it's hint of restrained violence. Trasyn escorted the King to the palace's infirmary. Celdarion had been placed on a bed and looked to be asleep, yet as Thranduil got closer, he felt dark magic in the room, and centred around the form of the unconscious elf. "Who has done this to him?" Thranduil asked. "We do not know Sire. The horses returned to the palace, and would let none of the mortals touch them. Cirwen and Firnen were summoned to deal with them. We found Celdarion slumped on the back of his horse. Of the Prince there was no sign, but Cirwen swears he felt traces of magic about the Prince's steed." "Trasyn, hurry and fetch Lord Elrond, inform him that we have need of his healing hands. Then fetch Lord Denethor, inform him that my son is missing and one of my party attacked." Trasyn nodded and ran off to carry out the orders of his king. "Where are you my son?" Thranduil muttered. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lord Elrond was in the middle of directing some of the servants of the palace in the needs of the elven dignitaries that must be fulfilled when Trasyn found him. "My Lord, please come quickly, your presence is required in the infirmary. Prince Legolas is missing and his protector Celdarion is attacked by magic." Elrond said nothing, merely strode quickly towards the infirmary. Trasyn left in search of Lord Denethor. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thranduil glanced up from his seat by Celdarion's side as Elrond entered. "What has happened here?" Elrond queried. "I do not know. Legolas left this morning with Celdarion to ride in the forest outside the palace. Their horses returned and bought with them Celdarion as you see him. Of Legolas we have no clue. I have dispatched some of my own party to search the woods for sign of him, but as yet I have no word. Perhaps if you heal whatever has been done to Celdarion..." Thranduil trailed off as his throat closed in an overwhelming feeling of helplessness. He raised watery eyes to meet Elrond's gaze. "If they require a ransom, I will pay anything. Legolas is the most precious thing in my kingdom." Elrond nodded. "I will try old friend," he said simply. He sat on the edge of the bed and placed both hands to either side of Celdarion's head, frowning in concentration as he tried to sense what had been done to the unconscious elf. His frowning increased. "I feel the presence of strong magic. I fear what ails him is beyond my ability to heal. We must await the arrival of the Lady of Lothlorien. I am sure she can banish this magic," he announced finally. At that moment Lord Denethor came rushing into the infirmary. "I have just heard. This is terrible. What could have happened? We must send out troops in search of Prince Legolas." "Easy Denethor," Elrond said. "King Thranduil has already sent out a party of elves to scour the woods for clues. We can do nothing until they bring back news of their findings." Denethor sighed and seemed to fold in on himself a little. "Aragorn must be sent for immediately." Thranduil frowned, "Who is Aragorn?" Elrond looked up with a start of surprise, "I thought you knew, Aragorn is Prince Elessar." Thranduil laughed, so much now made sense, a short burst of bitter laughter, and now it was Elrond's turn for confusion. He raised a questioning eyebrow at Mirkwood's king. "Legolas was marrying Prince Elessar out of a sense of duty to our kingdom, whilst having become quite taken with a young man called Aragorn." Elrond smiled faintly. "Indeed, this will be a happy revelation for him once he is recovered." Thranduil smiled sadly. His gaze once more returning to the stricken elf on the bed next to him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Many hours later the parties that had been sent out into the forest returned to bring news of their findings. Thranduil sat with Elrond and Denethor as his scouts made their reports. "My Lords, we found the site of the incident. We saw the tracks of both horses. There are also tracks made by another. A man we think, since the tracks of the feet are consistent with the weight of a mortal. The tracks that move away from the horse are slightly heavier, and we believe that he may have been carrying something. Possibly the Prince, Majesty." Thranduil looked saddened but nodded for them to continue. "These tracks travel a little further into the forest and there they are joined by that of an unknown creature. It is here we believe that the Prince's captor used some kind of beast as transport. The tracks go as far as the edge of the forest and then they disappear. It is possible that magic was used to transport the group away, or that the beast was capable of flight." "Then they could be anywhere," Denethor stated. A gloom settled over the gathered party. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In the meantime urgent runners had been sent out to hasten Aragorn back to the palace, although the runner had little hope of catching up with Gondor's prince before he had reached the gathered dunedain. An elven messenger was also sent out to meet the party from Lothlorien containing the Lady Galadriel, beseeching them to make their passage to the palace swift in order to help with Celdarion, and locating the missing elven Prince. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Legolas felt consciousness return without the instant alertness that he was used to. He blinked slowly in an attempt to clear the cloudiness from his vision, and as the world became clearer he let his gaze wander trying to take in information about his current surroundings. He remembered riding with Celdarion, and then being attacked by a strange man. The attack had been magical in origin and Legolas had found no chance to retaliate, so swift was the aggressor. He hoped that Celdarion was uninjured. Yet he could be sure of nothing. Now Legolas found himself in a large room. It was underground by all appearances for the walls seemed to be hewn from rock. The room itself was stark aside from the bed he was lain upon and a small table alongside the bed. The table had a jug of water and a small goblet. Legolas saw that he was alone, and he slowly tried to force his body into a sitting position, however he found his body resisting his commands and he was unable to do little more than twitch his fingers and move his head. Legolas cast his mind back to his attackers words. He was to be captured for someone else. Yet who could that someone else be? Movement in the doorway caught his attention. It was his attacker. "I see you are awake young prince," the man said, his voice conversational as if they were long time friends. Legolas said nothing. "I must apologise for the method in which you were taken. I would simply have arranged transport for you, had I though you would have been amenable." The stranger gave a little laugh. Legolas glared, and attempted again to rise. "Please do not trouble yourself so. The spell that was cast upon you will take a while to dissipate, until then I'm afraid one of the disadvantages is partial paralysis. But all this talking, you must be curious as to who my employer is. Well wait no longer, for he has arrived." The stranger moved aside and another man stepped through the doorway. Legolas gasped in recognition. Chapter 7 "Lord Gafen!" Legolas exclaimed. "I see you are surprised Elf Prince, indeed why should one such as yourself take any notice of me when you have much finer specimens to choose from, choices such as your intended." Legolas frowned. How could Lord Gafen think Prince Elessar to be a fine specimen, when the marriage was for the sake of an alliance. "But, when I spoke to you, you informed me that it was your daughter with whom you hoped I would form an alliance with." "A ruse, I admit. My daughter's future lies elsewhere. I however, need a new partner. One who can provide me with strong sons to carry on my family's name and to retain the titles to our lands. The fact that your package is appealing is a definite advantage." During this little conversation Lord Gafen had continued to move closer to Legolas until he was now at the bedside where the Elven Prince still lay trapped in partial paralysis, a leftover from the magic used to restrain him in the first place. Now the old man reached for the jug on the small table and filled the goblet with water. He then pulled Legolas up before propping pillows beneath the Prince and placed the glass of water against the elf's mouth. Legolas opened his mouth and allowed the fluid to slide down his throat. He knew he ought to be wary of things offered to him in this place, however his body needed the fluids. He did keep his gaze fixed warily on Lord Gafen though. When the water had been drunk Lord Gafen replaced the goblet on the nearby table before turning back and seating himself on the edge of the bed. "How long have I been unconscious?" Legolas asked finally. "Not for a very long time. Verius retrieved you yesterday, in the morning. It took him only a short time to travel back and the rest of that time you have remained slumbering here," Gafen explained. "And where is here?" he enquired. "We are on the borders of Gondor. It's southern borders actually. Many days travel by foot, indeed even by horseback it would take days for someone to reach us. But that is irrelevant because no one knows that you are here." Legolas paused at this revelation. It was true, he himself had not expected this from the old Gondorian. Why should anyone else suspect. He had to find a way out of here. Or at least find a way to get out a message. If it was possible for Legolas to get outside then there was a chance that he could utilise the magic that was inherent in each wood elf. This magic, used mostly by the wood elves, but inherent to all of their race took its power from nature itself. From the smallest living thing to the largest. All were equally important to a wood elf. Legolas' own father was a powerful wielder of such magics. Although this was not to say that the magic of the wood elves was the only kind available. One had only to look at Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel to know that magic itself was as diverse as nature. Legolas was startled from his thoughts as he became aware of a hand stroking his hair. He felt shivers of repulsion slide down his spine, though he was helpless to move away from the cause of his disgust. "Do not touch me," he bit out. Lord Gafen frowned. "Such hostility is not appropriate and certainly not welcome here. Henceforth I am your protector. I will provide for your every need. And in return you will happily live by my side, providing me with children and companionship." Legolas laughed at the madness of the man before him. "You are deluded old man. I do not need you to fulfil my needs. Indeed you take away the most important of my needs, that of my freedom and independence. It is not for you to take and then return to me upon conditions you yourself set. I am an elf, born free and immortal. You have no right to restrain me so," Legolas felt his anger rising, along with his sense of helplessness and desperation, and he began his struggles to move anew. Gafen merely chuckled and gently patted Legolas' face as though he were a child to be taught better. Legolas could have howled in frustration. Instead he made an attempt to restrain his emotions. His face becoming an emotionless mask. "Leave me, I wish to rest," he said finally, in a cold monotone. Gafen tsked in disappointment but he decided to leave the Prince to his own thoughts for a time. Legolas let a small sigh of relief escape him as Gafen finally left the room. Now, he thought to himself, how am I to make my bid for freedom? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Legolas had no way to judge the passage of time in his underground prison, but he thought that he must have been alone here for some time. He had slowly become aware of his increased capacity for movement as the effects of the spell wore off. He was still unable to move himself from the bed though. A movement of shadow at the doorway warned him that he was about to be joined by company, and as the door opened Legolas saw that is was the sorcerer Verius who had arrived. He was glad that it was not Gafen though, at least Verius had displayed no personal interest in him beyond seeing him as a package that must be delivered. Verius approached the elf casually. His eyes taking in everything about the Prince. "I see why Gafen wanted to go to so much trouble to procure you. You are a comely thing aren't you," Verius smirked as he approached the Prince's bedside. Legolas reassessed his opinions on the sorcerer, perhaps Gafen would have been preferable after all. He would be considerably less dangerous than the man before him. "You are lucky, time grows short and you are needed untouched or I might have taken the opportunity to sample your delights whilst Gafen was making his preparations." Verius leaned over and licked Legolas lips, before moving away, a look of delight on his face as he licked his own lips loudly and took in the elf's disgusted reaction. "When I am free of this place, I shall see to it that you are made to suffer for both taking me from my kin and for the indignity you force upon me," Legolas snarled. Verius laughed loudly, "You are delightful little elf. Mayhap I will allow Gafen to beget his brats upon you and then keep you for myself. I have been alone for a very long time now, some companionship would be welcome. You may even find yourself lucky enough to be in a position where you do not bore me, therefore forcing me to dispose of you." Legolas said nothing, instead letting the fury of his gaze convey his feelings. Verius laughed again. "Do not fear little one, you may not find yourself in my company again until three nights from now." With that Verius left again. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Legolas was again left alone for some time, and against his will he felt himself being pulled into the life like world that allows elves to dream and rest at the same time. This elven world replaced sleep, and allowed the body to rest even as it was capable of carrying out simple tasks. Legolas' dreams took him to Aragorn's side and he dreamt of the time that they had spent together, and the time they could have spent together had he not been engaged to Prince Elessar. When he emerged from this state Legolas found that the magic of Verius seemed to have dissipated completely. He rose from the bed, his muscles feeling stuff from misuse. As he stretched gently to promote the blood flow to these muscles he made his way over to the doorway that was the only entrance to the room. Legolas peeked around the corner to see if there were any guards and was puzzled to see none. The puzzle was then explained as he tried to walk through the doorway. As Legolas stepped forward he felt himself encounter an invisible barrier. It had the consistency of thick mud and it seemed to surround him. Legolas panicked for a moment fearing he would be trapped in the magical barrier but within moments the barrier seemed to spit him back out, unfortunately for Legolas he was still trapped in the room. He turned back in frustration and made his way around every inch of the room seeking some kind of weakness that would afford him an opportunity to escape. He finally admitted defeat and sat back upon the bed. His sharp ears then caught the sound of footsteps that appeared to be approaching his room. He made his way swiftly to the doorway and his himself to one side. He waited until the footsteps stopped. Then he saw a tray being pushed along the floor into the room, thinking that the barrier must have been released in order for the tray to pass through, Legolas darted with preternatural speed through the doorway. And was caught by the barrier once again. He caught a brief glimpse of swift movement down the corridor before the barrier disgorged him for a second time. Legolas acknowledged that he was in no position to help himself, and that he could rely only on the skills of his people to find him. But would they be in time for whatever plans Gafen and Verius had for him. Legolas honestly didn't know. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There was a sense of quiet anticipation in Minas Tirith that day, for it had been said that elves were to arrive. Elves from the two great domains of Lorien and Rivendell. It was even said that the lady of the golden woods was a witch who could see through any mans soul and had enormous power. When the elven parties arrived they found large groups of people crowded along the main streets trying to catch glimpses of these beautiful and wondrous creatures that had come for the coronation of their Crown Prince and for his marriage to the Prince of Mirkwood, who was also an elf. The general consensus on the forthcoming marriage was mostly one of delight. To think that an elf would be taking up residence in their city, and a Prince amongst the elves no less. Most people felt that this confirmed their status as the capital of Middle Earth. There was of course a dissenting minority however these were mostly brushed aside by the larger groups that welcomed the forthcoming marriage and alliance with the elves of the great forest of Mirkwood. The thoughts of those assembled were easily caught by the Lady Galadriel as she rode beside her husband Lord Celeborn. She smiled gracefully at the crowd, and those who looked upon her were instantly ensnared by her beauty and unearthliness. Riding beside her husband, in his customary grey robes, which allowed him to be ignored by the mass, was Mithrandir, the Maiar. At this very moment Galadriel was glad that the ancient wizard had decided to come along. Her most recent dreams had left her disturbed, and another wise mind and wielder of great power was welcomed. A short time later they found themselves at the gates of the palace. The Elven party dismounted, allowing a small group of Thranduil's own party to assist in relocating their horses. They were greeted at the palace by Lord Elrond and Lord Denethor. Although Elrond's expression was as calm as always Galadriel thought she could detect a hint of unease in his posture, and Lord Denethor's body practically screamed it's distress. However he had not forgotten his duties as steward to this great city and he immediately stepped forward to greet the arriving party. "Lord Celeborn, Lady Galadriel it is an honour to greet you to our city. We hope your stay will be a comfortable one," Denethor said, he could not bring himself to add enjoyable. Galadriel merely smiled as she watched her husband step forward to acknowledge the greeting. "My thanks Lord Denethor, my party and I are most pleased to be here. I do hope you have room for one more in our party," Celeborn gestured towards Mithrandir. Denethor nodded and then his eyes widened in recognition of the wizard. "Of course, you are always welcome in Gondor sir," Denethor stated bowing slightly to the wizard. "Hmph, yes well that is nice to know," Mithrandir said finally. "Now you won't mind if we're allowed entrance to the palace and a chance to freshen up will you? Good, good," he said before walking past the open mouthed steward and making his way inside. Denethor had no choice then but to lead the remainder of his guests into the palace. As the party were assigned to their rooms, Galadriel and Celeborn made their way over to Mithrandir who was already speaking with Elrond. "You will take us to see Thranduil?" Galadriel asked Elrond. The Elven lord nodded and turned gesturing for them to follow. When they arrived at the elf kings rooms Galadriel was shocked to see the effects of Legolas' disappearance. In the few days that the young prince had now been missing Thranduil seemed to have shrunk in on himself. His magnificent blonde hair losing it's lustre, his face becoming gaunt and haunted. He did not even look up as they entered, and was not alerted to their presence until Elrond knelt at his side and whispered something to him. Then he did lift his head, and Galadriel felt her heart squeeze painfully in her chest at the look of naked hope mixed with helplessness on the once proud king's face. "You have arrived," he said simply, his voice a whispering shadow of it's former self. "Indeed, now we shall get to the bottom of this mystery, and have Legolas back here in time for his wedding," Celeborn stated with certainty. Thranduil smiled for the first time in days. Chapter 8 The air in King Thranduil's sitting room felt charged with anticipation. Elrond explained all that had happened so far to the new arrivals, who watched and listened, horror masking their fine elven faces. A frown marred Galadriel's delicate features. "We must first tend to Celdarion, and hopefully there is still something we can do to erase the work of the dark magic. We can but hope then that he knows something that will aid us in our search. Come, Elrond, lead me to him." Elrond ushered the Elven lady from the room and the rest of the party followed silently. Their arrival at the infirmary caused some surprise to the young ladies caring for the sick. Fortunately Celdarion had been placed in a private room, and one of the elven healers now sat with him. As the distinguished group entered the room, he bowed slightly and left. Galadriel noted the stillness of the unconscious elf, then she moved closer. She was within eight feet of Celdarion when she began to feel the magic that surrounded him. The magic was indeed very dark, and very powerful. A tug of familiarity pulled at her mind, but she pushed the thought aside as something to ponder later, once the stricken elf had been cleansed. Forcing herself to move closer, she ignored the dirty, oily feel of the dark magic as it invaded her senses. Instead as she finally reached Celdarion's side she place her hands on either side of his head, at his temples, concentrating on the magic and how best to remove it without harming the elf. "This magic is very strong," she said without removing her hands from their place at the sides of his head. Again she focused on the centre of the magic. It seemed to be at it's strongest around Celdarion's head and heart. Focusing her own magical strength, augmented by her magical ring, she sent tendrils of her own power into the elven warrior. The threads of her power separated heading towards the two central points of the dark magic. As the light of her magic encountered the dark she felt the resistance it produced. Celdarion's body stiffened beneath her as she increased the flow of her power and battle commenced, the prize being Celdarion's body. As her own level of power increased she felt the dark magic begin to retreat until it was only surrounding the unconscious elf's head, but it had also compacted itself into a dense and formidable barrier around the elf's mind. Galadriel frowned slightly. This last part of the battle had to be trodden careful lest Celdarion become damaged in the fighting. Delicately, she wielded the elven magic that was her gift, first smothering the dark magic like a sponge, then soaking it up, before draining it away. As the last wisps of dark magic dissipated, Celdarion sprang up from the bed, momentarily startling Galadriel with his swift reactions. Instinctively, he sought his weapon as he retreated into a corner, and his eyes blindly looked around for danger. "Peace Celdarion," Thranduil said, slowly moving forwards towards the wild elf. At first Celdarion seemed not to have heard, his tension increasing as the elf king approached, but as King Thranduil kept repeating himself in a soft tone, Celdarion slowly lost his wild look. Recognition came back to his eyes. "Majesty," he exclaimed, then horror flew over his features, "My Lord...Legolas... taken." "Peace Celdarion, we know. Come, you must rest. Your body has undergone a tremendous battle against dark magic, which has been won only with the assistance of Lady Galadriel." Elrond said as he moved towards the elf. Grasping Celdarion's arm, Elrond tugged him towards the bed and forced him into a reclining position. Celdarion's stricken eyes sought out the gaze of his king before his eyes dropped in guilt and shame. "Forgive me, my Lord. I failed in my duties, I allowed your son to be taken." His voice was laden with guilt and shame, that was palpable to everyone in the room. "Nonsense," Thranduil exclaimed harshly, drawing Celdarion's gaze back to his own. "There is nothing shameful in your actions. I know that had you been able you would have protected my son, with your own life if necessary. I fear even I would not have faced this dark sorcerer and emerged victorious." Thranduil's gaze softened slightly. "Peace old friend, you must recover your strength, for your help will be required in recovering Legolas from his captors. Until then, is there anything that you can tell us that will in some way aid us in our search?" Celdarion shook his head sadly. "I fear not. The stranger did not say much, only that he was to take the Prince on behalf of somebody else." "Indeed, this is not what we wanted to hear at all. How now shall we search out the location of the missing Prince?" Denethor stated. "Do not worry so Steward of Gondor, there are always alternatives. Galadriel, I assume you came prepared?" Mithrandir enquired. Galadriel inclined her head in an affirmative. "Excellent, then we shall leave young Celdarion to his rest and retire to Thranduil's sitting room where we can continue." With that, the old wizard left the room, expecting to be followed. He was not disappointed, and Celdarion was left alone in the infirmary to smile slightly in amusement at being referred to as young. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ En route to Thranduil's sitting room, Galadriel had intercepted one of the elves from her party, and bade them bring her something from her personal belongings. It arrived shortly after they did, and as everyone arranged themselves around the room, Galadriel took possession of the package from the elven scout. They all watched in interest as she pulled out a small basin and a large flask. "What is this?" Denethor asked finally. "You might say that it is a travelling mirror," Galadriel answered, a smile on her face. She opened the flask and gently poured the contents into the basin. Most of the assembled party had some familiarity with Galadriel's mirror and were not at all surprised. Once the water had settled Gandalf strode forward to stand next the Elven Lady. "This should work in a similar fashion to your own mirror, I will however inject some of my own magic into the mix, as it were, to turn the mirror into a tool for scrying," he explained in quiet tones to Galadriel. She nodded, and in response bent her head over the still waters of the basin. Without looking up she called Thranduil over to her. "Look into the basin," she instructed him. "Now focus on thoughts of your son." Thranduil did as he was bade and watched in fascination as the water below seemed to shimmer before the reflection changed into another image. It was that of a forest. "Focus harder," Galadriel said. As Thranduil concentrated on thoughts of his missing son, the image changed, focused in on a cave entrance. Galadriel and Mithrandir both took note of its surroundings so that they might locate it by sight. The image changed once more, this time to a man's face. "Quickly, Lord Denethor, come here. Do you recognize this man?" Galadriel asked in urgent tones. Denethor move swiftly to the basin and peered in. He had no time to marvel at the magic, but instead focused on the face before him. His mind whirled with activity as he attempted to put a name to the face. "Lord Gafen," he said finally. At Denethor's confirmation the images in the basin disappeared and it showed the reflection of those peering into once more. "Now we have a name, we have place to begin our search." "I do not understand why Lord Gafen would have anything to do with Prince Legolas' disappearance," Denethor said, his face a mask of confusion. "It matters little as to his motives, those we can discover at a later point," Elrond said. "Do you know where Lord Gafen lives?" "I do, his home is on the southern borders of Gondor. But I saw him here at the palace just days ago. Should we not ensure that he is still here?" the old steward asked. He walked to the doorway to flag down a passing servant to carry out his orders. "Now we wait to see if Lord Gafen is indeed still here," Celeborn stated. "And if he is not?" Thranduil asked. "Then we must go to his estates and continue our search there," Elrond answered. "But to reach Lord Gafen's estates even by horse back would take days." Denethor said. "We cannot wait that long, there must be some swifter means of reaching there," Galadriel said, and they all heard the urgency in her voice. "Hmm, perhaps I can arrange that." Mithrandir said thoughtfully tugging at his beard. "I suggest that since we must wait for word of Lord Denethor's search that we all freshen up. I fear that the smell of horse will become ingrained if I do not wash it off soon." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Legolas had been unaware that three days had passed since his first conscious moment in this place. He had little means to measure the passage of time, incarcerated as he was underground. He felt the heaviness of the rock around him, and longed for the openness of his woodland home. He had received no more visits from either Gafen or Verius as he had feared he might. In fact he had received no visitors at all. The only life he had seen outside of his room had been the quick movement at his doorway as someone pushed through fresh food and water. Legolas had eaten very little of the food, and had repeatedly tried to breach the barrier without success. His time had mostly been spent in the elven dreamscape, or focusing upon thoughts of his father, his friends, and of Aragorn. So it was with surprise that he noted footsteps approaching his doorway. It did not seem like a long enough time had passed since his last meal had been delivered, and so he stood in readiness to meet this visitor. Then striding through his doorway was Verius. He was dressed in a more formal fashion, Legolas noted. A black outfit that was inscribed with strange whirling patterns in a silver thread. "Well young Prince, it appears that the time is upon us. The moon is high in the sky and the magical forces are at their peak. There will never be a more perfect time. Now if you could just be an amenable little thing and come along without a fight." Verius sighed in disappointment as Legolas tensed himself in readiness for a struggle. "Very well, if you wish it to be this way." Verius raised his hand, almost casually. A small flare of energy flew from his fingertips, flying rapidly towards Legolas before engulfing the Elven Prince. Legolas had tensed in anticipation of the pain he had felt last time, but there was none. Yet Legolas found himself unable to move. He growled in frustration, but Verius ignored him. The sorcerer simply turned and walked out of the doorway again, and to his surprise Legolas found himself floating after the man, suspended above the ground by magic. Legolas forced himself to ignore this new turn of events and focused instead on his surroundings, taking note of the number of turns they made, yet he admitted that this would be a hopeless task. Not only did every rock-hewn corridor look the same, but there were multiple turnings. Eventually they came out into a large open cavern. It was sparse save for a large plinth that rested in the centre, and Legolas noted with horror the dark rusty stains on the smooth stone. Is this my fate, he wondered to himself. Along the side of the walls were two large throne like chairs that also seemed to be carved out of the rock. Legolas found himself being moved to one before his body was bent and placed in an approximation of normal seating. Verius continued towards the centre of the room and stood against the plinth. He appeared to be waiting for something. A noise coming from the same passage they had used to enter this cavern alerted Legolas to the fact that they were about to be joined. A voice identified the new guests. "Father, what are we doing here?" Daela asked her father as they entered the room. "Do not worry child, we shall not be here for very long. Come now there are some people I want you to meet. Over here see, is Prince Legolas, you remember him?" Daela smiled and her face reddened as she greeted the elven Prince, unaware of his state as captive. Legolas longed to call out a warning, but found his jaws locked tight, which was no doubt the work of Verius. "Come my child, I wish for you to meet our host. He has long been a protector of our family, and a great aid when we needed him. Verius, this is my daughter, Daela." Verius accepted Daela's offered hand and kissed it gently, which only served to increase Daela's blushing. "This has been a long time in coming sweet child. I have anticipated this day since you were born." Daela's face held a look of confusion at the sorcerer's words. She turned to her father, curiosity plainly expressed in her eyes, when suddenly her expression altered to one of horror. Legolas could only watch in helplessness as the same magic that held him captive gently lifted Daela onto the plinth and into a horizontal position. The rock under her arms and ankles then seemed to grow and change as it formed bonds around her limbs, effectively holding her to the rock and binding any movement. "Now, Gafen, we can finally get on with this, but not before I have sampled the delights your daughter is so innocently offering me." Verius' gaze took in the look of terror that passed over the girl's features as he let his hand glide up her thigh, her muscles trembling under the touch, to rest near the juncture of her thighs. Her head turned to face Legolas and she cast him a mute look of appeal. Legolas looked on helplessly, wishing for a weapon, any weapon. "It has been a very long time my child, and abstinence was never a proficiency of mine." Legolas could only gaze in shock at Lord Gafen, whose features became disinterested as he made his way over to take a seat next to Legolas. "Very well Verius, but please do hurry. I am eager to take my new partner next door and seal the bond." His only answer was his daughter's scream filled with pain and terror that reverberated loudly around the cavern. Chapter 9 The echo of Daela's initial scream had reverberated painfully in Legolas' sensitive elven ears. But Legolas could not begrudge the young woman her expression of pain, and silently the young elf prince wept for the captive woman and her plight. Legolas still lacked control of his own limbs and was forced to watch first the molestation and then the brutal violation of Daela's body. Her screams had stopped now, only slight whimpers could be heard from the hoarse throat. Daela's gaze was fixed ahead, seemingly looking at her attacker, and yet in actuality seeing nothing. But her torment was not to end there. When, finally, Verius had slaked his brutal desires the bonds were not removed. Instead Verius' hand disappeared under his robe and when it re- emerged it was clasping an ornate dagger of the darkest obsidian. From the corner of his eyes Legolas saw Lord Gafen's attention had finally returned to the proceedings, and the elf wondered again how this man could be so callous, and without feeling for his own child. His attention returned to Verius who was now softly chanting what sounded like a prayer of offering, most likely to the dark gods he worshipped. Then with economical strokes he slit first the wrists and then the ankles of the captive woman, finishing with a quick slash across her throat. Legolas felt bile rise in his throat and forced himself to swallow. Daela's whimpers of pain and distress had changed instead to a gurgling, gasping sound, as she struggled to draw in breath whilst her life's blood drained away, tears streaming down her face and mingling with the crimson fluids. Finally the sounds ceased and with it so did Daela's heartbeat. She was dead. Legolas felt more helpless tears slide down his cheeks as he mourned the loss of an innocent life. Moments later Verius walked over to where Gafen and Legolas sat. "Now Lord Gafen, in return for your sacrifice, I shall carry out my side of the bargain whilst I wait for the blood to collect." Legolas shivered in repulsion when he heard this, feeling what little he had had to eat rise again in his throat. "Come let us move you next door so that you may be more comfortable and I shall initiate the bond." Gafen rose and left the room, and one again Legolas found himself moving against his will. He struggled, knowing it was no good, but still, he tried, seeing if he had even the slightest control over his body. No good. He was taken to a small chamber just a short distance from the central chamber, but Legolas was dismayed to see the large bed that dominated this chamber. He was moved to the bed, and his body forced into a reclining position. Gafen sat beside him and grasped Legolas' hand in his own. Legolas was aware of Verius standing at the foot of the bed, and with his raised hands he began chanting anew. The words were not familiar to Legolas, but as the chanting continued he felt the hairs on his arms and neck begin to stand on edge. He felt the presence of magic in the room, and the feeling became more uncomfortable as it seemed to envelop him. Then with an audible hiss the magical field seemed to dissipate. Legolas was confused, had Verius' spell gone wrong in some way. "It is done," Verius said to Gafen, and Legolas felt his heart plummet. "The bond will be complete only once you have consummated this union. I shall leave you now to complete my own work." With that Verius swept out of the room. The captured elf could hear the door closing with an eerie sense of finality. Gafen turned to his captive elf a smile on his face. "Alone at last little prince. Finally we are united, and now we will complete our joining by consummating our union." Legolas shook his head in denial. When Verius had left the room Legolas had felt a slight change in the restraining magic that held him. It felt less now, and although his limbs felt sluggish and heavy he thought he was capable of some movement. He hoped that the rest of the magic would dissipate swiftly, and prayed that it would be in time. He started as he felt Gafen's hand begin to stroke his cheek, and tried to jerk his head away, but couldn't. He cursed inwardly to find the magic was still a bit to strong for him. "So delicate, such purity, I feel almost as if I dream, that this cannot possibly be real. I have longed since I met you to taste your soft sweet skin, to drink from your mouth." Gafen bent over the prone elf, placing his lips against Legolas'. Legolas struggled to move away from the old man, his stomach churning in disgust at the feel of the wet rubbery lips pressed against his own. A hand was placed against his jaw pulling hard, forcing his lips apart, and Legolas could not stop it. He gagged as he felt the old mans tongue invade his mouth. The old lord's still limber muscle invaded every crevice of his mouth, seeking his own tongue and trying to twist itself around Legolas' retreating one. Legolas bit down hard. With a loud cry of pain Gafen pulled away. His hand rose to his mouth. His eyes narrowed in anger. Legolas felt the coppery taste of the man's blood and with a snarl of disgust he spat it out, aiming for Gafen's face. His aim was true, but his reward was a harsh slap to his cheek that stung fiercely. "That was not very nice my sweet," Gafen said. "I will not allow this," Legolas stated, his stare filled with rage. Gafen chuckled. "You have little choice. You are mine now. Surrender and this will go easier for you. I will try to give you as much pleasure as I can. But if you fight me you will only come off the worse. We are bonded. Once we have consummated this union our souls will be intertwined and you will forever take your place at my side." "And for this you sacrifice your own child, you foul murderer," Legolas exclaimed. Gafen frowned. "Daela's loss is unfortunate but it was necessary. The women of our family have been sacrificed to Verius for five thousand years, and in return he grants us boons. You were my reward for the sacrifice of my daughter. Now you will assist me in carrying on my family line by producing my offspring." "I would sooner die," the elven prince stated, his regal bearing evident even in his current situation. "What you want matters little now. Mine are the orders you will obey. My every wish will be your duty to fulfil, and that begins with this. Now you will cease your chatter." Legolas' rage increased. "I will not. You have no right to hold me here. I want no part of this bond." "Very well, then I will enforce your silence." Gafen pulled a long cloth from a pocket and swiftly gagged Legolas. Legolas was desperate. He could still not move enough to fight his captor. His horror increased as he felt hands tug at his tunic, as it was swiftly pulled away from his body. His eyes watered and tears escaped to trickle slowly down either side of his face as he felt the leathery fingers of the old man running across his chest. A wet kiss was placed at his collarbone, and further kisses were placed in a trail from his shoulder down to his navel. Hands roamed freely across his chest before turning their attentions to the ties on his leggings. A sob caught in his throat as his leggings were removed with the same swiftness used to remove his tunic. Shivering at feeling the slight change in the temperature, he realized that he was naked before his captor. A muffled exclamation of denial escaped Legolas' lips as he felt hands touch his member, softly fondling his genitals. He felt a lick along his length, but his body failed to respond to the man's attempts to arouse him, and Legolas was glad that his control over his body's responses were still his own. Then he felt the bluntness of a digit at his opening. His body tensed. He felt the finger begin to push forward ready to breach his most private part. Then the door slammed open. Chapter 10 "Stop at once," Verius shouted out as he entered the room. Legolas released a small sigh of relief as Gafen's attention was turned away from him and directed instead to the furious sorcerer. "What is going on Verius, we had a bargain, why do you interrupt me as I am about to claim my prize," Gafen demanded, his own temper swiftly rising. "A bargain had we? I do not think so, how dare you pass off that wretched girl as your own. She had none of your blood within her. The renewal magic failed." "How can that be, she is a child of my second marriage, born a year after the consummation of that union." Gafen's anger had changed to confusion. "Then obviously your wife's get was the result of a dalliance with another man, because I assure you that child was not yours. Now how are you to fulfil your end of the bargain?" "I have no other children Verius, you know this. Allow me to complete the binding with the elf, and I swear to you the first of our offspring will be yours." "I must think on this, I shall..." Verius paused and his cocked to the side as though listening for something. Legolas with all his elven hearing could hear nothing and was confused when Verius turned about and exited the room with some haste. He did not have long to think on this though as Gafen's attention returned to him, and Legolas noted with disgust the renewed lust ignited in the man's eyes. "So Daela was not my own child, well no matter, once my bond with you is completed, you will never lie with another, and I shall know that any children you bear will be mine alone. Now I think in order to appease Verius' we should work on that first child with all haste." Gafen's hands busied themselves in removing his own clothing and Legolas found himself watching with a morbid fascination and growing sense of revulsion as the sagging leathery body of the old man was exposed to him. Gafen was swift in his undressing and soon made his way back to the Elven Prince's side. His stroking and slobbering resumed, and Legolas attempted to move away as he felt the hard length of the man pressing against his inner thigh. For a moment it felt to Legolas as though the restraining magic surrounding him lessened substantially, and his quick reflexes allowed him to take advantage. He bought his arms up and shoved hard against the old man. Gafen was not prepared for resistance and was shoved forcefully from the bed. He landed in his rear with a shout of surprise, but was hasty in rising to his feet and making his way warily back to the bed. Legolas again tried to remove himself from the bed but the sense of restraint had returned and he was again helpless before his captor. Gafen was still approaching, his stride hesitant, as though waiting to see what the elf would do next. Then he took in the expression of frustration in Legolas and laughed. "You will pay for that little one," he said. His expression was still smiling and affectionate as he struck Legolas hard about the head. Legolas reeled with the strength of the blow, his ears ringing. Another blow split his lip and he felt the taste of his own blood fill his mouth where it slipped past the gag. The pain increased as Gafen's lips covered his own, grinning painfully against his mouth, the ends of the cloth digging painfully into his mouth, and Legolas struggled with the limited movement he could force from his body. It was not enough, and Gafen's hands were again roaming over his body. Gafen sat back and grinned in satisfaction at the ravaged appearance of the elf beneath him. Elven blood smeared both Legolas' mouth and his own, and he gleefully licked his lips, noting the disgust expressed by the elf. "Now, little Prince, we become one." Gafen moved down Legolas' body and began to force the elf's thighs apart. Sounds of distress made their way past Legolas' gag and his tossed from side to side in denial, he once again felt the presence of something blunt at his entrance. Suddenly Gafen's expression changed from one charged with lust to shock and disbelief. His eyes looked down at his own chest and Legolas' following his gaze noted the tip of a piece of metal just peeking from between Gafen's ribs, a small trickle of blood began to slide down his chest. Gafen's body jerked suddenly and the metal piece disappeared, and Gafen's body slowed slumped forward so that he was covering Legolas. Legolas could see very little with Gafen's body covering most of his own, but suddenly Gafen's body was being lifted, and Legolas looked up in shock to see a familiar face before him, at the same time he felt the magical restraint around him disappear entirely. His rescuer dumped the body of Gafen on the floor beside the bed before approaching the Elven Prince. Legolas flinched as the man's hand brushed against his shoulder, and then his gag was removed. A cloak placed across his naked form, and Legolas felt relief wash over his body. It began with small tremors, and grew until Legolas' body was wracked with shudders of reaction. He looked up again at his rescuer, and tears formed in his eyes. "Thank you, Prince Elessar," he managed finally. Chapter 11 Boromir looked at Legolas in confusion. "I am not Prince Elessar," he said, wishing at the same time that he was. Legolas' eyes flew to Boromir's in shock. "But... Who are you then?" he Prince asked. "I am Boromir, son of Lord Denethor, and cousin to Prince Elessar. But surely you knew this. Aragorn must have told you." "Why would Aragorn tell me that you were Prince Elessar's cousin?" Legolas asked, his confusion deepening. He was not the only one. "Why would he not, we are after all to become related once you and Aragorn are wedded." "But I'm not marrying Aragorn, I am betrothed to Prince... oh!" Realisation finally dawned on Legolas, and his colour heightened in embarrassment. "Aragorn is Prince Elessar?" Boromir smiled, and Legolas noticed that it softened the man's features making him look less cold. "Indeed. I see that there has been some confusion. I must remember to take my cousin to task for not making things clearer." He laughed suddenly and Legolas was startled slightly by the unexpected sound. "You thought I was Prince Elessar." Boromir chuckled to himself, as Legolas watched in bemusement, then his face seemed to sober. "I think my Prince, that is time we took you from here and delivered you safely back to your father. But first, I think we should remedy your state of undress, I would like to give your father less cause for concern." Legolas nodded, and stiffly sat clutching Boromir's cloak to his naked form. "I think that my clothes are somewhere here. I am unsure as to their condition. Lord Gafen... he was not thoughtful in his haste to divest me of my clothing." Boromir looked back to the tense figure of the elf. "T'will be alright. Ah here, this looks to be your tunic," Boromir said on a note of triumph as he spotted the soft blue material under a pile of what seemed to have been Gafen's own clothing. Boromir pulled out the lightweight, elven crafted fabric and inspected it. He noticed Legolas turn his head away from the body. "Here," he said passing the tunic to Legolas, "It does not appear too badly torn. I shall see if I can find your breeches amongst this pile." Boromir sifted through the pile until he saw what looked to part of the Prince's breeches, however they were under the corpse of the old lord. Boromir pushed the body aside with little care and found that the clothing was indeed the Prince's breeches. They had a small amount of blood on them but Boromir thought that they should still be wearable. He passed them to Legolas who looked grateful. Boromir noticed that Legolas made no move to put on the clothes, or even to remove the cloak, instead he seemed to be sending nervous looks at Boromir, and with sudden comprehension Boromir turned his back on the Prince to allow him some privacy to dress. He heard the rustling of clothing behind him, and a few moments later a tap on his shoulder told him that the Prince had finished. He turned back to face the elf, taking in the weary and pale face before him. "Come, let us reunite you with your loved ones," he said gently, opening the door and leading the way. A fleeting touch halted Boromir for a moment, and he turned back to the elf in query. "I think that I may have misjudged you previously," Legolas said softly. Boromir nodded in acknowledgement of the proffered apology and left the room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thranduil stood in the main cavern near the Daela's corpse. Celeborn, Elrond stood with him. "This room is full of dark magic," he said frowning at the young girl's body, "I pray that Legolas was not subject to the same fate as this child." "I do not think that to be the case," Celeborn said. "I fear that Legolas' captor's had a darker fate in mind for your son. Galadriel did not say much of the warnings she had received from her mirror but she left me with the impression that time was of the essence in order for us to save your son from a fate far worse than that of death." "If he is here, Boromir will find him," Elrond said confidently. "Indeed, I did not have to look very far," a voice said from the entrance. Boromir strode into the main cavern and from behind him stepped Legolas. Thranduil's heart skipped a beat as he saw his son standing by the man, his face pale and strained, his clothes torn and bloodied. Thranduil despaired at the fragile appearance of his offspring, and without hesitation he moved to stand before his son. Legolas was quickly gathered into a crushing embrace, and Thranduil noted the momentary tension, and his son's involuntary flinch, before the young prince allowed himself to relax in his father's arms. Legolas turned his face into his father's shoulder, blocking out the gruesome sight of Daela's ravaged body, and allowed a few tears to escape. "Shhhh, my child," Thranduil said softly so that only his son could hear. "All will be well now. You are safe." Legolas remained as he was and listened with only half an ear as Boromir explained that he had found Lord Gafen and been forced to kill the older man. Thranduil noted that Boromir looked pointedly at Legolas before stating that he would explain further upon their return to the palace. Sounds at the doorway startled the young prince, and Thranduil automatically ran his hand soothingly down his son's back until he felt Legolas relax once more. Galadriel glided in, a weary look upon her face, followed by two other elves from Lothlorien. "Were you successful my love?" Celeborn enquired. Galadriel shook her head sadly, "He managed to escape us, although not without a great drain on his magical resources. Yet I fear we may not have seen the last of the dark sorcerer." Legolas gasped as he realised who they were speaking of. Verius was still free. Thranduil threw a glare at the lady of the golden woods which she ignored as she gracefully walked towards Legolas. She placed a gentle hand on his back noting the tension, and eased the slightest touch of her magic into him. A little more she dare not risk for he would surely detect it, yet she felt the benefits of her small touch as the young prince relaxed again. "Thranduil, it is time we left, we can nothing more here. I will have Denethor send some men to make sure that all loose ends are tied up here. The most important thing now is seeing Legolas returned to Minas Tirith. Aragorn should have heard the news by now, and I fear his reaction may be somewhat violent if he is not assured of the Prince's safety." Elrond said with a wry smile. Thranduil returned the smile and began to move towards the doorway gently manoeuvring his son along with him. Legolas' was astonished when he arrived outside and saw a number of giant eagles on every available perch. "This is how you reached me so quickly?" he asked his father. "But how did you know where to find me?" "That is thanks to both the lady Galadriel and Mithrandir." "Mithrandir is here?" Thranduil noted the look of anticipation in his son's eyes and breathed a silent sigh of relief that Legolas appeared to be getting over his ordeal. "Indeed, it was he who called the eagles to our aid. Without their assistance we should never have arrived in time to foil whatever plans Lord Gafen had made." Thranduil's arms tightened protectively around Legolas as he thought about what might have been. "Come now. You shall ride with me. Celdarion will have to ride with one of the Lorien elves." "Celdarion? Then he is well. Forgive me for my selfishness father, I had forgotten to ask after Celdarion's well being. When I was taken I felt sure he had been killed." The Mirkwood kind smiled. "Indeed he is very well, again thanks to the Lady Galadriel, she freed him from the dark magic that was restraining him." "That is very good news, I must thank the lady myself." "That you must, but you will do so later. She will forgive you I'm sure for wanting to bathe and rest awhile first." "I am not tired," Legolas said, but his fatigue was clearly shown on his face and in the way he held himself. "Of course you are not my son," Thranduil said with a smile. "You merely have small weights attached to your eyes that make them droop so." Legolas graced his father with a small smile, and was then assisted onto the back of one of the great eagles, his father ascending behind him. Thranduil spoke softly to their mount, and they were swiftly propelled by strong wings into the air. As the eagle circled to attain height, Thranduil looked down at the ground below. He saw the others making preparations to leave and follow them back to the palace, then he turned his attention back to his son to make sure the young prince was comfortable. He smiled gently as he noticed that Legolas had already drifted into the dreamscape. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Legolas' vision shifted as he moved his consciousness from the dreamscape to the real world. He looked at his surroundings in surprise. He was in the rooms provided for him at the palace of Minas Tirith. How had he arrived here? Then memory returned and the young elf recalled the giant eagles summoned by Mithrandir that had carried himself and his father back to Minas Tirith. He remembered nothing of the journey and could only assume that he had fallen into dreams shortly after they had left Verius' lair. Just thinking about the dark sorcerer caused shivers of apprehension to slide along Legolas' spine. The elven Prince pushed thoughts of the sorcerer aside and instead refreshed himself with clean water from a basin that had been left in his chambers. He was just donning his overtunic when loud voices caught his attention. "You cannot enter this chamber," Legolas recognised Celdarion's voice. "This is my palace, I shall enter any place I please, now stand aside." Legolas smiled at the fury in that other familiar voice. "I shall not, I have been given strict instructions by King Thranduil himself that no one save himself is to be allowed entry into Prince Legolas' chambers." Celdarion's voice had taken on that stubborn tone that Legolas' recalled well. "And I am telling you that I will be allowed entry to visit with my betrothed, now move aside you mule headed elf." Legolas detected the sounds of a scuffle and thought it best that he interrupted before Celdarion caused harm to the man demanding entry. He moved silently to the door and opened it swiftly, to be greeted by the sight of Aragorn and Celdarion locked in a wrestling grip. Both looked up at the sudden interruption and Legolas was forced to hide a smile at the dismay on both faces. "Might I ask why my rest is being disturbed so volubly?" he enquired silkily? "My Prince!" "Legolas!" Two voices rang out simultaneously and the combatants turned and glared at each other. Legolas did not bother to hide his smile this time but instead held up a hand for silence when he saw that both would speak again. "Celdarion I wish to see my father, is he in his sitting room?" the young Prince enquired. "Yes my lord, he has been awaiting your presence," Celdarion said formally. "That is good, I shall go to him now," Legolas moved away from his own chambers and towards his fathers room, noticing the look of triumph on Celdarion's face, and the glum expression on Aragorn's. "Aragorn, you may accompany me," he added softly, and stifled a laugh at the turnabout in expressions. Aragorn quickly caught up with the elven Prince taking Legolas' arm in a proprietary fashion. He noticed Legolas' flinch and the tense muscles beneath his hand and his mouth tightened in anger, but did not remove his grip, instead waiting for Legolas to relax somewhat. Eventually Legolas turned to him and gave him a small smile. Aragorn returned the smile hopefully. "When were you going to tell me that you are Prince Elessar?" Chapter 12 Aragorn halted in surprise. His hand, still gripping the elf's arm, forced Legolas to halt too. Pain, guilt and a touch of confusion touched Aragorn's face as he looked at the Elven Prince. "You were not aware that I am Prince Elessar?" he asked carefully. Legolas shook his head, "I was not. You introduced yourself to me only as Aragorn." "I knew that you were unaware of my identity when first we met, but I felt sure that you had been informed afterwards, once the betrothal had been made." Legolas shook his head in the negative again. "Legolas, just who did you think you were marrying?" Legolas blushed and his gaze dropped. "I had thought that it was Boromir. From things that had been said and from his seat next to Lord Denethor at the evening meals I had thought he was Prince Elessar." Aragorn frowned, and his hand fell away from Legolas. The elf keenly felt the loss of its warmth. "I see, I understand now why you kept trying to back away whenever I sought you out. Legolas do you want to marry Boromir. I can arrange for our engagement to be dissolved. There will be