Title:  Rivendell's Mortal Son

Author (including email):  Dhvana (Dhvana@aol.com)

Pairing(s): Legolas/Aragorn, Elrond/Glorfindel implied, Legolas/Elladan and Legolas/Elrohir 
implied in the past

Rating: Ranging from PG-13 to NC-17  
        (Guess which parts are which!)  ;)

Summary:  Set when Aragorn is a young man in his early twenties, he does not yet know his 
heritage and is known only as Estel, foster son of Elrond.  Returning to Rivendell after a year of 
travel, he meets Legolas who is also visiting the Lord of Imladris.  The two are instantly attracted, 
but there are many obstacles in their way, including Elrond's twin sons, a fight with orcs, and a 
wound that threatens to sever their love almost as it begins.

Disclaimer:  Much as it pains me to say this, none of these characters are mine, having been the 
creation of J.R.R. Tolkien.  Go ahead--sue me if you want.  You'll just get back all the crap I 
bought to feed my Lord of the Rings obsession, and that would defeat the purpose of 
merchandising, don't you think?

Warning (only if necessary):  Some battle violence--I wouldn't call it graphic, but it's not pretty.  
Some angst.

Authors Note (if needed/desired):  Though not my first fanfic, this is my first LotR fanfic, as well 
as my first slash fic.  What I had thought would be a simple story ended up practically becoming a 
novel.  Well, a novella, at any rate.  So there's a lot of plot, and a lot of story, but there is still sex to 
be found.  
      Also, if you had a good read and would like to see more, please email me and let me know.  
The next chapter of their lives has already made several attempts to consume my life and my time, 
but I don’t want to devote myself to it yet (instead of working on something that might one day be 
profitable) unless I know you’ll want to read it.  :)


					Rivendell's Mortal Son

	After what seemed like hours of searching, though it had only been a few minutes, Estel 
found a place of ideal seclusion.  He had been so eager to find a place alone, time had appeared to 
slow as he yearned to escape.  Sitting on a flat boulder from across the stream, he watched the 
moonlight reflect off of the water, hoping the glitter of the light would provide some peace.  
Sighing, he ran his hands through his hair, not even noticing how straggly it had grown over the 
past year of endless travel.
      His return to Rivendell had proven more difficult than he had imagined.  It had been a joy to 
see that his foster family was well, but something didn't feel right.  His father and brothers were as 
gracious as always,  and though his foster sister visiting her grandmother, that didn't concern him.  
She had been visiting her grandmother for as long as he had been living with Elrond.  No, it wasn't 
Rivendell, or his family that was causing his sense of disquiet--the difference must have come from 
inside.  Had he adjusted so much to living on his own that suddenly being surrounded by people, 
even the elves who loved him, made him uncomfortable?
	Or was there another reason?
	With a mocking smile, he plucked a blade of grass from between his feet and began 
stripping it lengthwise into pieces.  He knew why he was seeking solitude.  Here in this place away 
from all the others, perhaps he would find the courage to admit it.
	Closing his eyes, he pictured the source of his anxiety, only to find his eyes immediately 
snapping back open.  It appeared he wasn't quite ready to admit it after all.
	A movement to his left caused him to freeze, holding his breath.  Considering how bold the 
orcs had grown lately, he didn't dare take for granted that even Rivendell was safe from a surprise 
attack.  His muscles tensed, he slowly moved his hand to the knife at his side, and waited.
	If he hadn't already been holding it, the vision that entered the clearing would have stolen 
his breath.  An aura of silver surrounded the elf as he walked over to the stream, the blond hair 
falling in a shining wave across his face as he knelt down next to the water.  Leaning over, his 
fingertips brushed the top of the current as he stared across to the other side of the bank.  Such 
grace, such a deep reverence of nature was displayed in that single act, the human almost regretted 
he had not been born an elf.
	His lungs were beginning to burn from lack of oxygen and Estel released his breath with a 
gust of relief.  The elf jumped to his feet, the knife hidden in his boot appearing in his hand with a 
move so swift the human almost missed it.  The elf took two steps forward before recognizing the 
figure sitting on the rock, and frowned.
	"Estel?"
	"Legolas," Estel nodded.
	"Forgive me for disturbing you," the elf said, sheathing the blade.  "I hadn't expected to find 
anyone here."
	"I had similar thoughts," he smiled, rising to his feet.  The elf's pale skin glowed beneath the 
moon with an inner light, making him appear even more ethereal than usual.  Gazing at him then, 
Estel wouldn't have been surprised if the elf told him he had fallen directly from the stars.
	"What are you doing here?  I would have thought to find you spending time with your 
family.  Lord Elrond is much relieved to see you've arrived home safe.  I cannot recall a time when 
he has been more happy than over this past month."
	"And I am excited and happy to see him as well, but I find myself needing a bit of a rest 
from the joy of the family reunion."
	Legolas chuckled, the sound plucking shivers of delight down Estel's spine.  "I wish I could 
say I sympathized, but I haven't ever spent enough time away from my family to feel the joy of 
their absence."
	Estel hesitated as the elf's words sunk in, then released a laugh of appreciation.  Though he 
had only met the elf upon his return to Rivendell, the denizen of Mirkwood had appeared so 
solemn, he wasn't certain Legolas even had a sense of humor.  He was much relieved to discover 
the mistake of his first impression.
	"Again, I apologize for disturbing you.  I will leave you to your thoughts."  Legolas turned 
to leave, and Estel's hand unconsciously reached out to stop him.  Realizing what he was doing, the 
human slapped his hand back down to his side as he continued.
	"Wait!"
	Legolas paused, relieved that his back was to the human to prevent Estel from seeing the 
spasm of emotion that crossed his face.  Now he was the one holding his breath, almost fearing the 
mortal's next words.
	"You were seeking a moment of privacy, please, stay, and I will go.  I should return to my 
family."
	Slowly releasing his breath, he turned to the human with a strained smile, not certain if he 
was pleased at Estel's words, or disappointed.  "That's very kind, thank you."
	"Will you be joining us on the hunt tomorrow?" Estel couldn't resist asking as he and the elf 
passed each other, Legolas stopping directly in front of him.  "My brothers' are most anxious for us 
to share in their favorite activity."
	Legolas's deep blue eyes met Estel's lighter gray-blue orbs, his heart jumping at an unusual 
rate at being so near the human.  "Their passion for hunting orcs is most commendable and, I am 
somewhat ashamed to admit, contagious.  I find myself looking forward to tomorrow's hunt."
	"Then I shall look forward to seeing you there."  Estel's mouth moved as if to add 
something, Legolas looking on eagerly, but the human just stretched his lips into an awkward smile 
and hurried away.
	Legolas sighed with frustration, sitting almost ungracefully on the granite slab that had held 
Estel only moments before.  The situation was beginning to irritate him, and he was at a loss at how 
to react.  None of his trips to Rivendell had ever proven so perplexing.  But then, Rivendell had 
never held Estel before.
	He laughed softly to himself.  Of course it had never held Estel before.  His last visit to 
Rivendell had been before the human was even born.  Such an enticing young man, and such a 
lovely age--twenty-two, was it?  Or maybe older.  Legolas never was any good at guessing a 
human's age.  He usually never gave them a second thought, but this man, Estel, he was different.  
He was bold, strong, his clear blue eyes only hinting at a power he kept tightly contained inside.  
But why so contained?  What was he hiding?  Why did he hold himself aloof from those around 
him?  What would it take to get him to open up?
	At that last question, Legolas's mind spun with the possibilities, each answer more tempting 
than the one before.  "What would it take?" he softly asked the night, his only response the rattling 
of the leaves at the hand of a small breeze.
	Grinning, he shook his head.  "I was hoping a more specific answer than that."
	The trees seemed to chuckle in reply.


	Lord Elrond stood tall at the entrance to his fair city as the four companions set out on their 
hunt, three elves and one human, three dark-haired and one fair, three he claimed as son and one... 
well, that remained to be seen.  The tension between his mortal son and the youngest Prince of 
Mirkwood had not gone unnoticed by the great Lord of Imladris.  The only questions weighing on 
his mind were whether anything would come of it, and if anything did, should he try to prevent it?
	The two traveled very different paths, and he wasn't certain about the success of either if 
they should join together.  On the other hand, perhaps their success would be guaranteed if they did 
become close in every sense of the word.  He didn't know.  Their futures were covered in mist and 
not even he could see through it.
	Lifting his hand, he waved to his twin sons just before they left his sight, who waved back, 
their grins stretched wide with  anticipation.   He sighed, hoping that four would be large enough a 
number to be effective against any orcs they happened to meet.  He knew all three of his sons were 
more than capable as fighters, and that the Prince of Mirkwood was a celebrated archer, but tales of 
orc attacks had grown more vicious over the years, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of worry.  
He was a father, after all, and his children were more precious to him than his own life, even if they 
didn't always realize this.
	Glorfindel came up behind the regal elf, placing a hand gently on Elrond's arm.  "They will 
be fine, my lord."
	"Do I have your word on that?" Elrond said with a teasing smile.
	"I cannot make such a pledge--I have never broken my word to you, and I don't intend to 
start now.  However, we do know that they are all four healthy young men, each one a more 
talented warrior than the last.  Now, if we can just trust them not to get into any mischief, you can 
put your mind at ease."
	Elrond's eyes narrowed at the thought, gazing in the direction of the four horsemen who 
were now long from sight.  "I suppose it is too late to go after them."
	Glorfindel laughed, wrapping an arm around Elrond's waist.  "Come, my lord.  Let's see if I 
can't find a way to distract you until their return."
	Without even giving the path of the vanished riders a second glance, Elrond smiled as he 
allowed Glorfindel to lead him inside.


	Elladan and Elrohir were quick in their travels, pressing the party forward at an exhausting 
rate, allowing them to put several miles between themselves and Rivendell.
	"Elladan!" Estel called out to his brother, noticing that even Legolas's face was looking a 
little wan.  "If you keep up this pace, we're going to be too tired to fight any orcs we find."
	"What's wrong, little brother?  Are you getting soft in your old age?"
	"Humans," Elrohir said, shaking his head pitifully.  "Such pathetic, weak creatures.  
Someone really should just save them the trouble and put them out of their misery."
	Elrohir didn't even have time to put up a defense as Estel galloped next to him and jumped, 
knocking them both down to the road.
	"Ai!" the elf cried out in surprise as Estel pinned him to the ground on his stomach, his 
hands twisted behind his back.  "Estel!"
	"Weak, did you say?  Pathetic?" Estel grinned, holding down his struggling brother.  "It 
seems to me you make a rather pathetic specimen of an elf with your face in the dirt."
	A sound caused Estel to look up just as Elladan rushed him from the side, knocking his 
brother off of his twin.  Laughing, the three wrestled in the dirt, the horses and the Prince looking 
on with amusement.
	"None of you are sleeping anywhere near me tonight," Legolas said, chuckling at the 
melange of legs and arms, not quite certain which limb belonged to whom.
	"What's wrong, Your Majesty?" Elladan asked, a mischievous twinkle in his eye as his head 
appeared from behind someone's back.  "Don't care to get dirty?"
	"It isn't the dirt that bothers me," the elf said, mocking him with false loftiness.  "Between 
riding all day and your wrestling, I simply don't wish to be near the smell."
	The three brothers exchanged glances and, not giving him a second to run, attacked the 
Prince, pulling him down from his horse and adding him to the melee.  The path through the forest 
was filled with shouting and laughter as the four tried to best each other in physical strength.  
Though elves were usually stronger than humans, Estel's parentage, in addition to having been 
brought up with the elves, made him their equal.  Half an hour later, they lay spread out on the 
ground, clouds of dust still lingering above them as they panted with exhaustion.
	"My eye is throbbing, no thanks to you," Elrohir groaned, shooting a dirty look at the 
golden Prince.
	"Next time, I advise you to keep it out of the way of my elbow.  Besides, you shouldn't 
complain over a simple black eye.  My ribs are already twinging."
	"Sorry about that," Elladan said sheepishly.  "I didn't mean to kick you.  I was aiming for 
Estel."
	"Oh, that's reassuring," the human growled, scowling at his brother.
	"What are brothers for?"
	"When I find an answer, I'll let you know.  Come on," he said, pushing himself up from the 
ground.  "It doesn't appear we're going to get much further tonight.  We'd might as well get off the 
road and make camp."
	"And find some water to bathe in so we don't continue to offend Legolas's delicate sense of 
smell," Elrohir added with a snicker as Estel helped him to his feet.
	Legolas replied with a grin, taking Elladan's arm as they pulled each other up.  "I doubt 
there's enough water in these woods to do that."
	"Somehow, I don't think you'll notice," the twin holding his arm said.  "From what I can tell, 
you blend in with the rest of us."
	Legolas couldn't help but feel the heat as the Prince held on a moment longer than necessary 
once they had both steadied themselves, his eyes darkening a moment with not-so-distant memories 
before replying, his voice teasing as he spoke.  "I don't know, Elladan.  I think that odor is all you."
	"Personally, I think the two of you combined smell worse than either of us alone," Elrohir 
said, wrapping a conspiratorial arm around Estel's shoulders as he led them to a place he knew 
where they would be safe, "and therefore, I volunteer you first for a bath.  There's a pool not far to 
the east--I suggest you take advantage of it."
	They stopped in a small circle clear of trees containing an old firepit in the center.  Though 
it hadn't been used for quite some time, the ground inside was still black from the numerous fires 
that had been lit there over the years.  Removing their gear as well as the saddles and harnesses 
from the horses, they let the beasts wander free to graze, knowing the elf-trained horses would 
reappear with a whistle.
	"I'm going to scout around for a bit and search for signs of orcs.  Estel, why don't you get a 
fire started, and you two--be quick.  You're not the only ones who wish to be free of this grime."
	"Yes, my lord," Elladan said with a deep bow to his twin, winking at his youngest brother, 
who held back a laugh.  "Your every whim is my deepest desire."
	"Good.  That's as it should be," Elrohir said without a trace of humor in his face, then 
grinned.  "Would you just go?"
	Elladan chuckled.  "Come on, Legolas.  I know where to find the pool he's speaking of."
	Estel watched as his brother disappeared into the trees with the golden-haired Prince, 
finding himself suddenly jealous of the closeness that existed between them.
	"He is striking, isn't he?"
	Estel started, turning to face Elrohir.  "Who?"
	"Who indeed?  I'm speaking of Legolas, dear brother, the elf your eyes seek out at ever 
spare moment, the elf who causes you to blush every time he turns his attention to you.  You cannot 
deny that these strange symptoms must sound familiar."
	Wondering for a moment whether to feign ignorance, Estel sighed, his shoulders slumping 
in defeat.  
	"I've never seen anyone more beautiful in all my life," he said, his words running out in 
relief at finally having someone to talk to.  "Every time I look at him, something twists inside of 
me.  I don't know whether to kiss him, or just throw myself off a bridge and be done with it.  All I 
know is that being near him is driving me to madness."
	"Such strong words for someone with such a short life," Elrohir teased, "but even with all 
my years, I would find myself hard pressed to disagree with you.  I, too, have felt the madness of 
love.  Tell me, brother, would you win him?"
	"I don't know if I dare," the human said, looking up at Elrohir with tormented eyes.  "If he 
were to reject me, I think my heart would break."
	Elrohir chuckled, giving his brother a hug before holding him at arm's length, studying the 
human's face.  "Sometimes I forget how many years lay between us, and just how very young you 
are.  You have so much passion, Estel.  I am eager to see where it takes you--in the future.  For the 
present, I advise that you let your passion carry you to Legolas, for I do not doubt that he will 
return your affections."
	Estel looked into his brother's violet blue eyes, searching for even the tiniest hint to suggest 
that Elrohir was only leading him into trouble.  All he found was the sincere intention and wish to 
make his brother happy.
	"Go--tell Elladan I need to speak to him about what path to take tomorrow, and that it 
cannot wait another moment.  Speak to Legolas, and set your heart at ease."
	Estel smiled, nodding his head.  "Thank you, Elrohir.  Next time you need help taking down 
Elladan, you will have me on your side."
	"Then all this was worth it," Elrohir laughed as he pushed Estel in the direction of his heart's 
desire.

	Legolas and Elladan quickly immersed themselves in the cool water.  A natural leveling of 
the land on the side of a mountain had created a bowl for the small stream to rest in before it 
trickled down to the river below.  The result was a pool of water more than adequate in size for the 
two elves to bathe in.
	Diving under the surface, Legolas swam to the other side, emerging with a splash to find 
Elladan watching him.  At any other time, the dark-haired elf's gaze would have been welcome, 
encouraged even.  The Prince of Mirkwood had spent many pleasurable nights alone with the twins 
in the forest.  It was one of the reasons why he frequented Rivendell as often as he did.  This time, 
however, Legolas couldn't help wishing it was another son of Elrond staring at him with such 
intensity.
	Elladan sensed the change in the elf and sighed, offering Legolas a smile of friendship 
instead.
	"It is good to see you again, Legolas.  It has been too long."
	The Prince returned his smile, relieved Elladan wasn't going to press the issue.  "I know, I'm 
sorry.  Things have been busy in Mirkwood and my presence was required there, though my 
thoughts have often dwelled in Rivendell.  Are you still keeping count of the orcs you've killed, or 
have you two finally given that up."
	"We gave that up," Elladan laughed, watching as Legolas lifted his legs from the bottom of 
the pool and let himself float on top of the water, his hair fanning out behind him in a glorious halo.  
"Once we hit two thousand, we decided it would be pointless to continue."
	Elladan drank in the sight of Legolas's body, the ivory limbs bathed in starlight, spread out 
to reveal every delicious inch of the elf's beauty.  His fingers ached to trace over the muscles they 
knew so well, to wipe away the droplets of water that lingered on Legolas's smooth skin.  He forced 
himself to look away or he feared he wouldn't be able to contain his desire.
	Ignorant of the struggle going on behind him, Legolas stared up at the sky, the water 
lapping at his ears.  Closing his eyes, he imagined it was Estel's tongue tickling the pointed lobes, 
Estel's hands teasing the skin where the water brushed against his body.  His craving for the mortal 
man grew so great that he ducked back down under the water before Elladan could notice his 
body's reaction to his heady imagination.  Somehow over the past month, the human had become 
the center of his every thought.  He dreamt about Estel whether awake or asleep, and while these 
happy dreams usually kept him occupied, there was another thought always lurking in his mind, 
one that refused to stay away.
	"Doesn't it hurt?" he asked, turning his head to the side to gaze at Elladan.  The son of 
Elrond forced himself to look at the golden Prince.
	"Does what hurt?"
	"Looking at him, watching the years leave their heavy mark on his face while not even 
touching yours.  Doesn't it hurt knowing that you only have a short time together?"
	Elladan nodded, his voice threaded with pain.  "So much sometimes, I feel as if I'm going to 
explode.  If I could, I would stop all time just to keep him with us for a few more years.  Estel is as 
dear to me as my twin, perhaps even more so, because he is so fragile, though I know you cannot 
see it from the outside."
	Legolas looked away as the elf drew near, Elladan's words doing little to ease his heart.  
Perhaps he was being a fool to fall so easily for Estel.  Loving humans simply wasn't safe.
	"You're wondering whether you're making a mistake," Elladan said, taking Legolas's chin in 
his hand and forcing the other elf to face him.  "You're wondering about the wisdom of loving a 
human." 
	The Prince couldn't hide the sorrow and fear in his eyes and Elladan's heart ached as he took 
Legolas into his arms.  "Love isn't wise, my friend, no matter who it is you love.  You simply have 
to give in to it and hope you survive."
	Legolas smiled, returning Elladan's embrace as he rested his head on the elf's shoulder.  
"My survival was never the problem."
	The Prince of Rivendell laughed softly, stroking the golden hair as he tried to soothe 
Legolas's fears.  Neither of them noticed the grief-stricken blue-gray eyes that spied their embrace 
before fleeing back to the camp.


	Estel busied himself with collecting firewood and started a roaring blaze that sent all the 
shadows scattering, except for the one that had settled on his heart.  He should have known better 
than to hope that Legolas might care for him.  His brother was far more worthy of the elf's 
affections than he could ever be.
	A tear fell and sizzled on the log below him, causing Estel to quickly wipe all traces of 
moisture from his face.  He wasn't going to let them know anything was wrong.  They deserved 
their happiness and he wasn't going to intrude.
	Elladan and Legolas returned to the camp before Elrohir, so there was no way for Elrohir to 
signal to his twin to give the two some privacy.  Legolas stood off to the side, wringing the excess 
water from his long, blond hair, his eyes never leaving Estel as the mortal prepared to make his trip 
to the pool.  Estel hadn't even looked at him as they entered the camp, and Legolas began to wonder 
whether or not he was mistaken in thinking the human had feelings for him.
	"Tell Elrohir I've gone to bathe."
	"Alone?" Elladan asked, casting a quick look at Legolas.  "I don't think that's a good idea.  
Legolas, why don't you go with him."
	"I'll be fine," Estel said, his voice coming out harsher than he'd intended, and left before any 
further argument could be made.
	Legolas and Elladan exchanged glances, the Prince of Rivendell shrugging to indicate his 
confusion as he set out to prepare the evening meal.  After a moment of hesitation, Legolas joined 
him.
	Elrohir returned minutes later, surprised to see his brother and the Mirkwood Prince alone 
in the camp.
	"Where's Estel?"
	"He went on ahead to the pool."
	"Alone?"
	"He insisted," his brother replied, sounding uneasy about his brother going off on his own.
	Sensing something was wrong, Elrohir quickly gathered his things and rushed to join Estel.
	The young man stood in the center of the pool, cool water streaming from his hair down his 
back.  The wind rose, causing bumps to rise across his skin, and he quickly ducked back down into 
the water.  The same water that had touched their skin as they had held each other.  Estel pushed 
the thought from his mind, angrily slapping the surface.  He should have said or done something, 
anything to separate them, if only to keep the vision of Elladan and Legolas together from burning 
in his mind every time he closed his eyes. 
	"Estel?"
	He turned to see Elrohir wading into the water.  The sight of his brother at the moment 
when he most wanted to be alone made Estel wish he'd never made the trip home.  He was content 
while he was wandering the wilds, completely at peace with himself and the world around him.  
Since returning to Rivendell, he'd felt nothing but frustration.
	"Don't even think of asking, I'm not leaving.  I want to know what's wrong.  Plus, I'm tired 
of smelling like an orc, so there's no way you're going to chase me from this water until not a spot 
of dirt remains."	
	Estel smiled in recognition of his brother's attempt to lighten the mood, though the lack of 
warmth made it seem more like a grimace.  "It is nothing, except that I was deceiving myself about 
Legolas.  Let's put it behind us, please."
	"If I agreed with you, I would.  What makes you think you're wrong?"
	"I came here after our talk and saw Elladan... and Legolas..." His throat tightened, and he 
looked away, unable to continue.
	"I'll kill him.  I will strangle the life out of his scrawny little neck."
	Estel's head shot up at the fury in his brother's voice.  "Elrohir, what's wrong?"
	"We made a promise, my twin and I, that we would give the two of you a fair chance and 
keep our distance from Legolas this time.  I cannot believe he broke his word!  That's it--he is no 
longer my brother!"
	"This time?" Estel asked, the rest of Elrohir's words not even registering in his mind.  "Have 
their been other times?"
	Elrohir paused in his ranting and swallowed hard.  Try as he might, he couldn't meet his 
brother's eyes, but Estel didn't need an answer.  The guilt on Elrohir's face was clear.
	"There have, haven't there," Estel stated, his voice filled with a quiet horror.  "You and 
Elladan--you've both been with Legolas."
	His stomach churned as he tried to run through the pool past his brother, but the elf caught 
him by the arm and refused to let go.  "Estel, listen to me.  Elladan, Legolas, and I have been 
friends for hundreds of years, and yes, sometimes, we've been closer than that, but as much as we 
love each other, it doesn't go beyond that.  Sharing ourselves with Legolas has been an expression 
of our enduring friendship, nothing more.  We're elves, Estel--it is simply our way."
	"But I am not an elf, Elrohir.  I haven't the time that you do for an enduring friendship."	
	"If we had ever imagined that our actions would cause you pain, I assure you, we never 
would have let it happen."
	"Tell that to Elladan," Estel snarled, finally managing to shake off the elf's grip and he 
stormed out of the pool.
	Elrohir watched him go, knowing it would be pointless to try and calm his brother down.  
Heaving a great sigh, he fell back into the water and wished the waves would swallow him whole.

	Estel took his time returning to the camp, as he had no desire to watch Legolas and Elladan 
together.  When he finally did appear, Elladan and Elrohir were nowhere to be seen and Legolas 
was stretched out on a blanket near the fire, his eyes open but distant in elven reverie.  Estel 
watched the languid form, the beautiful face flickering red and orange against the flames, and his 
heart clenched in pain.  Just looking at Legolas was a source of agony, one he couldn't endure.  
	As he was about to return to the forest to find his brothers, he realized the deep blue eyes 
were clear and focused on him.  His breath caught in his throat as he gazed back, his eyes locked 
into the elf's.
	Slowly, Legolas sat up, holding out his hand to the human, waiting for the young man's 
reaction.  He had decided he wasn't going to force Estel, that he was going to let the mortal take as 
much time as he needed.  Legolas only hoped Estel wouldn't make too long.  
	Estel hesitated, then took a step forward, and then another, and another, until his fingertips 
brushed those of the elf's.  He gasped as a spark leapt through his body and he fell to his knees 
before the archer.
	"Estel," Legolas whispered, his eyes glittering with blue flames of longing.
	As if guided by an outside force, Estel's hand lifted to graze the elf's cheek.  So eager was 
he to feel the human's touch upon him that Legolas moved into the motion until his entire cheek 
was covered by the gentle, calloused hand.  The elf's eyes closed with joy at the warmth of his 
touch.
	Estel released a shaky breath at the sensation of Legolas's silky skin against his palm.  He 
was burning, a fire coursing through his veins to find a core directly between his legs.  He had 
never been so overwhelmed by another being and only wanted to be devoured entirely by the elf, or 
to be the one who devoured him.
	"Legolas," he said softly, his voice hoarse with desire, and the Mirkwood Prince's eyes 
opened to meet his.  Estel was overjoyed to see that desire mirrored in Legolas's gaze, but still he 
hesitated.  "Legolas, may I kiss you?" 
	"If you do not," the Prince of Mirkwood said, his lips parting in a slow, seductive smile, "I 
will never forgive you."
	Leaning forward, afraid to move too quickly and miss one moment of the sensation of 
Legolas, Estel drew near the elf's lips until he could feel the elf's breath on his skin.  His lips 
brushed against Legolas's, his head turning from side to side as he traced the elf's velvety mouth 
with his own.  
	"Estel," Legolas said, his voice filled with yearning, the pounding of his heart heavy in his 
ears.  "I am not going to break.  Please, cease this torment."
	Estel grinned.  "With pleasure," he replied, and fully pressed his lips to Legolas's.  
	The kiss was gentle at first, growing feverish as the moments passed.  Estel had never felt 
anything more delightful, the elf knowing just the right amount of pressure to use to make Estel's 
blood boil.  And yet it still wasn't enough for Legolas.  He wanted more.  He wanted to know what 
Estel tasted like on the inside.
	Running his hands over the human's chest, his thumbs rubbed against the hardened nipples, 
causing Estel to moan.  This gave the elf just the advantage he needed to slide his tongue into the 
other's mouth.  Estel was so surprised to find Legolas's nimble muscle exploring the inside of his 
mouth that he froze for a moment, but Legolas's irresistible rhythm soon relaxed him enough that 
he responded, drawing the elf into him as much as possible.  
	So pleased was he at the young man's response, Legolas let his senses go and lost himself in 
Estel.  The human raised feelings in him that no elf had ever done, and he wanted to make sure 
Estel never felt anything like this again.  Running the tip of his tongue along the roof of Estel's 
mouth.  The young man arched his back, grinding his waist against Legolas's, a hardness there 
pressing urgently against his own.  It was almost too much, nearly causing the elf to lose control.  
Gasping for breath, Legolas pulled away, then smiled at the glazed expression on Estel's face.  
Arching an eyebrow, he kissed Estel's lips, and then his chin, and worked his way down the 
human's neck to the sensitive spot between his shoulder and collarbone.
	A wave of passion surged through Estel and he threw himself on top of the elf, forcing them 
both to the ground.  Legolas chuckled at the human's enthusiasm, the sound a vibration thrilling 
through Estel's body.
	"Did I do something wrong?" Estel asked, pausing as he looked down at the elf.  He was so 
intent on pleasing Legolas, he was afraid he'd made a mistake.
  	"You're doing everything right," Legolas said, his soft voice hoarse as he gazed up at the 
human.
	Estel smiled, and leaned down to resume kissing the elf when a crackling in the woods 
caused them both to tense.  Though clearly disappointed at the interruption, neither could afford to 
let the sound go unanswered.  Without a word, they were on their feet and armed, standing ready to 
face whatever it was that made the noise.
	"Elladan?  Elrohir?" Estel called out, but there was no answer.  He glanced at Legolas, who 
nodded as he pulled back the string of his bow, an arrow ready and waiting for a target.  Slowly, the 
two made their way towards the direction of the sound.  A snarl echoed through the woods to their 
left, and then to their right.
	"Legolas. . ." Estel said, his hand tightening on the hilt of his blade.
	"I know.  They're all around us."
	They began to back up, their eyes opened wide as they searched the woods for movement 
from their enemy.  So intent they were on the enemy near them that it took a while to recognize the 
sounds of swords clanging behind them.
	"Elladan!  Elrohir!" Estel cried, turning and running headlong into the woods.
	"Estel!" Legolas shouted, but the youth didn't stop.  With another cautious glance around 
him, he lowered his bow and ran after Estel, cursing human impatience all the way.  He would 
definitely have to have a long talk with the boy when all this was over.
	Estel's momentum carried him quickly to where the twins were holding their own as they 
fought against seven orcs.  With a growl of anger, he threw himself into the battle, the three 
brothers finishing off the last of the orcs as Legolas caught up with them. 
	And continued running past them into the woods.  
	"Run!" Legolas called over his shoulder.  "There are at least another two dozen on the 
way!"
	The three quickly followed the flashing blond hair, casting anxious glances behind them as 
the sounds of pursuit grew closer.
	Estel's heart pounded in his ears.  Now that he saw his brothers were safe, the danger they 
were all in began to fill his mind.  He feared especially for the lithe figure leading them, whose 
sharp eyes were watching for signs of orcs on the path in front, the memory of Legolas's lips on his 
only increasing his fears.  He would rather be shot by a thousand orcs than see a single scratch on 
that ivory skin.
	"Ai!" Legolas cried, sliding to a sudden stop, the other three unable to stop themselves from 
running into him.
	"That way!" Legolas yelled, pointing to their right as drew an arrow from his quiver, 
preparing to guard their escape.  Knowing he would stay with his beloved otherwise, Elrohir 
grabbed Estel and pulled him along with them.  Estel's eyes never left the Prince of Mirkwood, 
watching as the archer's arm moved with lightning fast reflexes as arrow after arrow sang from his 
bow, a scream of pain erupting as each shaft of wood met its target.
	"Legolas!" Elrohir shouted.
	The Prince of Mirkwood fired one more arrow, then followed the brothers on their flight 
through the woods.
	"Where are we going?" Elladan panted.
	"I don't know," Elrohir said, sounds of orcs filling the woods around the four companions.  
"As far away from them as we can get?"
	"Sounds like a plan to me."
	"Stop!" Estel shouted as they broke through a line of trees.  The four gaped in horror at the 
chasm splitting the land ten feet in front of them, and two hundred feet down.	
	"Where in the Havens did that come from!" Elladan shouted in anger.
	"You didn't know this was here?" Legolas asked, his voice incredulous.
	"Of course I knew it was here.  I just didn't know it was here!"
	A volley of arrows flew by, reminding them of the danger they were in.
	"Let's get out of here!" Legolas yelled and they turned, only to freeze again.  They were 
surrounded.
	"They did this on purpose!" Elrohir spat in disgust, unable to believe they'd been outwitted 
by a group of orcs.  "It's a trap!"
	"Good thing we have those quick elven senses of yours to point that out to us," Estel said 
with a wry grin.
	"You're just jealous," Elladan said, matching his grin.
	"Oh, yes, I've always wilted with envy that you've been able to hear every tiny leaf blowing 
in the wind.  Tell me again just how wonderful that is, not having a single moment of quiet in your 
entire life?"
	 "It's just about as wonderful as that peculiar odor you get after a long day's work."
	"You'd smell like that too if you'd ever experienced a day of work in your life."
	"I've lived for thousands of years.  There's got to be a day of work in there somewhere."
	"I wouldn't bet on it," Elrohir snorted.  "I've known you for every second of those thousands 
of years, and I can't recall you ever working."
	"If you three don't stop jabbering," Legolas said, his eyes searching the clearing, an arrow 
strung and waiting to be fired, "I'm going to break your jaws.  I am trying to count how many of 
them are out there."
	"Listen to the great Prince of Mirkwood," Elladan said, giving his brothers an amused look.  
"He's clearly missing the point here."
	"And what would that be?"
	Elrohir glanced at the elf.  "This is our way of releasing tension before battle, our way of 
reinforcing that bond that makes us brothers."
	"Our way of keeping us from running screaming into the gorge," Elladan grinned.
	"Now that last one I believe," Legolas said, casting a look behind him at Estel, who was 
watching the blond with eyes that raged between love, anger, and fear.  Legolas tried to fill his own 
eyes with reassurance and love, hoping the young man would understand.  Estel nodded, forcing a 
smile, and the elf returned his gaze to the trees.  "They're almost here."
	"I hope they enjoyed their last night alive, because they won't see another," Elladan 
growled.
	The three brothers stood with swords drawn, the golden Prince with his bow ready, as they 
stoically faced the oncoming horde.  Suddenly the air was filled with the whistling of arrows until 
Legolas's quiver was empty.  Gnashing his teeth, he tossed both quiver and bow on the ground, 
thinking he really wouldn't need either again, and drew his twin blades.
	The Princes of Rivendell moved forward to stand next to the Prince of Mirkwood, each 
one's breath quickening as orcs poured from the trees.
	"Elendil!" Elladan shouted and dived into the orcs.  His blade swung wildly and yet with 
each stroke, a limb fell, dark blood spurted, or another orc was skewered.
	"You greedy son of a goblin!  Save some for me!" Elrohir called out to his brother as he 
joined the fray.  He hacked his way through the orcs to his twin, maneuvering himself until they 
stood back to back.  The brothers moved in complete synchronization--where one swung high, the 
other swung low.  Soon, they were covered in the orcs' brackish blood, the dead of their enemy 
piling up around them.  Though their flashing blades seemed to be everywhere at once, the twins 
couldn't escape injury for long.
	Elladan yelped as an orc blade crossed his thigh just before he severed the creature's head.
	"Elladan?" Elrohir asked, not daring to look around lest a sword find his skin.
	"It's nothing."
	"Are you certain?"
	"I'm still standing, aren't I?"
	His brother didn't have to look to see the feral grin on his twin's face.  "That's good enough 
for me!" Elrohir said, a moment before he hissed in pain as a sword connected with his arm.
	"Elrohir?"
	"Like you said, still standing!"
	"Glad to hear it," Elladan chuckled.  "What about the others?"
	"I can't see Estel or Legolas over all this mess."
	"Neither can I."
	Several minutes passed, the twins silent as they concentrated on the fight.
	"They'll stop coming, won't they?" Elrohir said, starting to wonder if every orc in Middle 
Earth had chosen this day to come after them.
	Elladan's heart grew heavy as he heard the weariness in his twin's voice, the ache in his own 
muscles seeming to deepen.  He knew the moment their hope began to fail, their confidence would 
waver and the orcs would win.  Steeling his heart, he vowed he would not let that happen.  He 
would not allow the life to fade from his brother's eyes.
	"Too soon, if you ask me!" Elladan answered, his voice brazen and filled with conviction.  
"We cannot kill enough of this filth!  Let's teach these bastards to rue the day they ever set foot in 
Rivendell!"
	His strength bolstered by his brother's bold words, Elrohir grinned as he fell into the carnage 
with renewed energy.  "For Rivendell!"
	"Rivendell!" both brothers shouted together as they attacked.
	The cry was carried over the heads of the orcs to where Estel and Legolas were slowly 
being pressed back by the oncoming swarm.  Estel felt the tension around his heart ease at the 
sound of his brothers' voices.
	"They're all right!"
	"So it would seem--Estel!  To your left!"
	The human ducked as a blade arced over his head, swinging his own sword low and gutting 
his attacker.
	With the gorge only a few feet behind them guarding their backs, Estel and Legolas were 
able to fight side by side and fend off more of the orcs.  However, as time passed and their enemies' 
numbers only seemed to grow, they had to be increasingly careful not to let the orcs drive them 
over the edge.
	Though relieved to hear that the twin Princes of Rivendell were still alive, Legolas's worry 
for Estel continued to grow.  Though undeniably brave and a talented warrior, the human's strength 
was beginning to waver.  The swing of his sword was a fraction too slow and his arm wasn't slicing 
into the orcs with quite the impact it should.  Fear for his love spurred Legolas on and he increased 
his pace, hoping to clear enough of a path to give Estel a chance to escape.
	A roar erupted from the woods in front of them and Legolas grinned as elvish voices filled 
the air.  They were saved Legolas sighed as many of their attackers moved to face this new threat.  
His hope renewed, he turned to Estel in time to see an arrow bury itself in the young man's left 
shoulder, the force of it throwing him over the edge.  Estel's eyes locked onto his, his mouth open 
with shock.  His arms reached out for his beloved as he fell into the chasm.
	"No!" Legolas cried, diving towards the flailing mortal, barely managing to catch Estel by 
the wrist before he was gone.  The two clasped each other's arms as Legolas tried to anchor himself 
to solid ground and keep from falling in.
	"Legolas, look out!"
	The elf reached for a nearby abandoned sword and instinctively swung behind him.  The 
skewered orc fell, taking with him the blade buried in his body.
	"Quickly!" Legolas ordered.  "Climb up!"
	Estel tried to reach for Legolas's other hand only to gasp with pain from the arrow in his 
shoulder.  The elf immediately realized that wasn't going to work and grabbed on to Estel's good 
hand with both of his.
	"Use your feet and I'll try to pull you up!"
	Confusion swept through the Prince when the young man didn't obey.  Instead of trying to 
crawl over the cliff, Estel's eyes grew wide with horror.  Legolas had only a moment to realize that 
Estel was looking at something behind him before steel severed his skin, the point of the sword 
pushing with appalling ease through his body before being buried in the ground.  The orc, having 
removed the blade from his body and driven it into that of his killer collapsed over the elf's legs.
	The cry of pain that emanated from the elf made Estel's blood run cold.
	"Legolas!"
	Blue eyes in a face twisted in agony opened to meet his.  Despite his suffering, Legolas's 
grip on his beloved had not weakened.  In order to save this elf he loved above all others, Estel 
knew what he had to do.
	"Let me go," the human said softly.
	"No.  Never!"
	"I will not let you die because of me!"
	"If you fall, I will throw myself in after you."
	"Why?  Why, when you can be saved?"
	"Saved?  I would not be saved.  How could you expect me to live without my heart?" the elf 
responded, his love for Estel pushing out all the anguish in his eyes.
	A warm glow filled Estel's body as he finally  realized the full extent of Legolas's love for 
him.  Gritting his teeth, he lifted his left arm, the pain causing his head to swim.  Determined to 
ignore it, he reached for the edge of the cliff until the ground was firm beneath his hand.
	"Hold on to my shoulder and pull yourself to the ground."
	Estel shook his head.  "No--it will hurt you too much."
	"Then I suggest you do not linger to take in the scenery on your way up.  Do it, Estel!  
Now!"
	Meeting his beloved's eyes, Estel nodded.  Grabbing on to the elf's shoulder with his right 
hand, he hefted himself halfway over the edge.  The pain in his left shoulder left him gasping for 
breath, waves of darkness threatening to overwhelm him as the arrow scraped over the ground and 
pressed against his body.  However, he refused to stop until he had pulled himself all the way up.  
Determined to do this quickly, he swung his legs over the cliff and lay groaning against the earth.  
Rolling over to give his shoulder some relief, he cried out as an orc appeared above him.  Grabbing 
the knife Legolas kept hidden in his boot, Estel reached up and slammed the blade into the orc's 
chest.  As the orc stumbled with surprise, he used his legs to throw the creature into the gorge.
	And then there was silence.  The sounds of battle had ceased completely.  Estel didn't know 
whether they had won or lost, and he didn't care.  He crawled over to Legolas's body, whose arms 
and head still hung limply over the edge of the cliff.  Sliding his hand under the elf's chin, he turned 
the beautiful face to meet his.  His beloved's eyes were closed, the skin cold and gray against the 
palm of his hand.
	"Legolas," he whispered, but there was no response.
	Gently lowering the precious head to the ground, Estel dragged himself to the orc lying 
dead across Legloas and pushed the foul creature off of the elf.  Rising to his knees, Estel grabbed 
the hilt of the sword with his right hand and tried to lift it, but it was buried too far in the ground. 
	The human released a cry of frustration as he slumped onto his heels.  Why, why when he 
needed two hands the most, did this have to happen?  Slamming his fist into the ground, it landed in 
a puddle and Estel glanced down to see the Legolas's blood had soaked the grass.  So much blood, 
he thought, then swallowed his growing despair.
	"No," he growled.  "You're not leaving me!"
	Fueled by desperation, he forced both his hands to grab the hilt of the sword.  Yelling, he 
heaved the sword from the elf's body and let it fall to the side.  Blood pooled in the wound through 
a weak pulse, the only sign Estel had that Legolas still lived.  Tearing off the left arm of his shirt, 
he bundled it up and pressed it against the hole in the elf's body.  Keeping one hand on the wound, 
he clenched his jaw against his own pain as he rolled the elf over until his beloved was cradled 
against him.
	Throughout the entire ordeal, Legolas never once moved, never cried out, never showed any 
signs of life.  His skin was ashen, his breathing so shallow, Estel wasn't sure if the elf's lungs were 
even working.  The blood around the wound had slowed to a trickle.
	"Legolas," Estel said, tears pricking his eyes as he held the motionless form.  Bending over, 
he pressed his cheek against the cold forehead.  "Hold on, please, hold on.  I can't lose you.  We'll 
find help, my love, I promise.  Just please don't leave me."


	"Father!  Elladan, it's Father!"
	The twins stared in shock to see Elrond leading an elven host in the attack against the horde 
of orcs.  They watched, amazed and proud to see their father's blade slicing orcs to pieces left and 
right.  He moved with a grace brought to him by thousands of years as he seemed to float through 
the orcs.  The Lord of Imladris killed with the skills he'd learned fighting the dark forces throughout 
his immortality, filling his sons with awe at the power they so rarely witnessed.
	Elrond and Glorfindel quickly made their way to the two Princes as the rest of the elven 
host worked to destroy the remaining orcs.
	"Elladan!  Elrohir!"  He wrapped his arms around his sons, his relief at finding them well 
bringing tears to his eyes.
	"Father," Elladan said, returning his sire's embrace.
	"What are you doing here?" Elrohir asked, surprising himself at how good it felt to hug the 
Lord of Rivendell, and he realized just what he was missing by not spending more time at home.
	"Scouts reported signs of a large party of orcs, and knowing the two of you as I do, I 
realized you would find them, intentionally or no.  It seems we arrived just in time."	
	"Nonsense, Father," Elladan said, looking up at the ancient elf with twinkling eyes.  "The 
battle was just about to turn in our favor."
	"Indeed," Elrond said, smiling fondly down at his son as Elrohir snorted.  
      "Somehow, I don't think we were fighting the same battle.  I, for one, am extremely glad to 
see you here."
	"Not as glad as I am to see you.  Now," he said, drawing back from his sons to gaze 
critically at each with his healer's eyes searching for any life-threatening injuries, "how much 
damage has been done?"
	"Too much," Glorfindel said sadly.  
	Elrond glanced at him, then followed his gaze to where two figures were silhouetted against 
the gorge.  His foster son, an arrow protruding from his shoulder, held the seemingly lifeless form 
of Legolas.  Fear stabbed the elf lord's heart as he shook his head.  "No," he said softly.  "This 
cannot be!"
	"Estel!  Legolas!" Elladan cried as the four ran over to the two figures.
	"Stand back," Elrond ordered as he knelt down next to them, then turned to Glorfindel, who 
nodded.
	"I am already on my way."  The blond elf ran to the edge of the trees and whistled, a 
magnificent gray steed appearing from the woods.  He quickly grabbed a bag from behind the 
horse's saddle and rejoined his lord.
	Estel felt numb as he watched his father cut away the elf's shirt, stripping the cloth from 
Legolas's body to reveal the wound on both sides.  Elrond examined the damage, fear growing in 
the pit of his stomach.  
	"He has lost much blood, too much blood.  It seems to have been a clear entry, but has 
grown jagged as it moves up his torso, tearing him more than a sword should have."
	"He had me use him as an anchor," Estel said hoarsely, licking his dry lips to provide 
enough moisture to speak, his mouth barely working.  "To climb up over the cliff.  I wanted him to 
let go, but he refused.  He wouldn't let me fall, and now I've killed him."
	Elrond glanced at his stricken son as Glorfindel helped prop up the golden Prince so that 
they might bind the wound.  "Do not give in so quickly.  He is not gone yet.  Legolas is strong, and 
he is not ready to leave, not while he has a reason to stay."
	Estel stared at his father, the tiniest spark of hope appearing in his eyes.  "You can save 
him?"
	"I will do everything in my power to see that he survives."  He quickly spread healing herbs 
over the front and back of Legolas's side, then wrapped a bandage tightly around the injury.  "We 
should get him to Rivendell.  I will be able to do more there, but we must move slowly.  First, 
however, I am going to take care of that arrow."
	"No!" Estel shouted, holding tight to the elf in his arms.  He didn't want to let go, not even 
for a second.  The pain in his shoulder he could ignore.  The pain if he should lose Legolas would 
be unbearable.
	"Estel!" Elrond commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.   "You will let me 
treat your wound.  We are not going anywhere until that arrow is removed from your shoulder."
	The young man looked into his father's eyes, then nodded, slowly loosening his hold on his 
beloved.  Glorfindel and the twins carefully maneuvered Legolas out of the Prince's arms so that 
Elrond could treat his son.  Estel's eyes never once left Legolas's face, his grief preventing him 
from even noticing as the arrow was removed from his shoulder.  When next he looked, his injury 
had been cleaned and dressed and he reached again for Legolas.
	The host of elves moved away from the site of the battle before setting up camp for the 
night.  Elrond considered it too dangerous for Legolas to start the journey home until morning.  
Even then, he would have liked to have waited at least a week, but felt they should return to the 
safety of Rivendell as soon as possible.
	Throughout the long ride home, Estel never once left Legolas's side.  He had to be 
constantly reminded by his family to eat and drink, and even then he would rarely take sustenance 
for himself.  His only thoughts were on the elf whose pale face haunted the young man's dreams 
throughout his shallow sleep, the blue eyes watching him with unspoken accusations.  The only 
thing worse than Estel's sorrow was the guilt that plagued his every breath.  He never should have 
listened to Legolas.  He should have forced the elf to save himself and release him into the gorge.
	The return to Rivendell was without joy, Elrond immediately setting up the injured elf in a 
chamber near his so that he could keep a close eye on his patient.  Estel only left the room when 
forced to by his father, and then returned as quickly as he could.  Two weeks passed since the battle 
and the elf's condition did not change.
	Elladan and Elrohir, their wounds long since healed, visited Legolas and their vigilant 
brother every day.  They couldn't find the heart to hunt orcs while Legolas's condition was so 
precarious.  Every day they sat for hours with their brother, talking to both him and the unconscious 
elf, though neither seemed to hear.
	

	Elrond sighed as he walked by the sickroom holding the four quiet figures.  Glorfindel at his 
side, they walked through the gardens of Rivendell, always a call away should Elrond be needed.
	"I don't know what to do.  I have tried everything, but he has yet to respond to any of the 
treatments."
	Glorfindel's heart ached to hear the hopelessness in his lord's voice, but found he had no 
answer that would ease Elrond's thoughts.
	"If he should die..." he started, then looked up at his beloved lord.
	"I fear Estel's heart will break.  As he has only a little of the blood of the elves in him, he 
may survive, but I do not know this for certain."
	"Are Legolas's chances so small?"
	"He should have shown some sign by now, of improvement, of growing worse, but there 
has been nothing."
	"His wound has been healing, has it not?"
	"The flesh is mending, but his color remains the same, his breathing shallow, and he gives 
no indication of waking up."
	"Is there anything we can do?"
	Elrond looked at Glorfindel, sorrow in his eyes.  "We can only wait."
	"And hope," his fair companion said, taking the great lord into his arms.  "Do not forget 
hope."
	"I have not forgotten," Elrond said, returning Glorfindel's embrace, his eyes gazing up at the 
window to the room holding his foster son.  "Hope is never far from my mind."


	Estel shivered in his chair, his eyes closed in an uneasy sleep.  As always, the golden Prince 
of Mirkwood appeared in his dreams, never saying anything, just watching Estel as he was 
watched.
	And then the elf opened his mouth, and as he was about to speak, a commotion forced the 
young man awake.  He looked around in panic at the sudden noise, then the blood drained from his 
face.
	By the bed holding the Prince knelt Elladan, sobs wracking his body.  Elrohir stood quietly 
behind him, tears streaming down his face.
	"What is it?" Estel cried, both brothers looking at him with a quiet despair.  "No," the 
human whispered, then shouted.  "No!" 
	Rushing to Legolas's side, he saw that the Prince's eyes were open, a white glaze of death 
already forming over to block out the deep blue.
	"Legolas!"  Estel shook the elf, the body cold, devoid of all life.  "Legolas, wake up!  Come 
back, my love, come back!"
	"Estel!" Elrohir exclaimed as the young man grew more desperate, shaking the body with a 
violence that threatened to tear the flesh to pieces.  The twins grabbed hold of his arms and pulled 
him off the dead Prince.  
	"No!" Estel yelled, fighting against his brothers.  "No!  I can bring him back!  I have to 
bring him back!  Legolas!"


	Estel awoke with a gasp, staring around the room in confusion.  Looking out the window 
directly in front of him, he recognized the familiar sight of the moon filling his father's graceful city 
with a white-blue light.  No one else was stirring, his brothers were nowhere to be found.
	"It was a dream," he breathed, the tension easing from his body in his relief, and then he 
looked at the room's other occupant.  "Legolas!"
	He ran to the Prince's beside, watching with careful eyes as the elf's chest lifted, and then 
fell.  Sighing with joy to see that his beloved still lived, he sat down on the floor by the side of the 
bed.  "Come back to me, Legolas," he whispered.  "Please.  I don't think I can live without you."
      Resting his chin on his hands, Estel watched over Legolas until his eyes closed and he 
drifted back to sleep.


	As always, Elrond awoke with the dawn, his first duty to check on the condition of the 
Mirkwood Prince.  Upon entering the room, he was surprised to see that his son was not in his 
usual chair and then nodded with understanding when he noticed Estel sitting beside the bed, his 
head resting on the mattress.  
	Reaching out to wake his son and send the young man to a more comfortable sleeping 
place, he paused, then let his arm fall back to his side.  Elrond smiled and backed out of the room.
	Tangled in his son's dark hair was the pale, slender hand of Legolas.


	When Estel awoke an hour later, he felt an unusual weight upon his head.  As he sat up, 
Legolas's hand fell from his hair onto the bed.  A sound of protest issued from the elf's throat as he 
turned his head to the side, then fell back asleep, his breath steady and full.  Estel pressed his hand 
to the elf's face, almost crying out with joy at the warmth of the skin and the slight tinge of pink 
that had returned to Legolas's lips.
	"Father," Estel said, his voice little more than a croak.  Scrambling to his feet, he ran to the 
door and peered outside.  "Father!"
	Elrond came running from his study at the urgency in his son's voice, relaxing when he saw 
the light in Estel's eyes.
	"Father, come quick!"  Estel grabbed Elrond by the hand and dragged the elf inside the 
room.  "He's getting better.  Look!  He's breathing easier and there's some color in his face, so he's 
going to live.  He will live, won't he?"
	Elrond examined the sleeping elf, changing the bandage around the wound that was nearly 
healed as he did so.  For the first time in weeks, Legolas was indeed showing signs of 
improvement.  Glancing over his shoulder at his son, Elrond nodded.
	"It seems Legolas has decided to remain with us after all."
	Estel felt the strength drain from his legs as he slumped against the wall to the floor, tears 
streaming down his face.  Having been roused by their brother's cry, Elladan and Elrohir burst into 
the room, their first glance revealing Estel in tears, and they assumed the worst.
	"Oh, no," Elladan said, closing his eyes and leaning against the doorframe as he was 
overwhelmed with grief.  
	"Estel," Elrohir said, kneeling down next to his brother and taking the human into his arms.  
"I'm so sorry."
	"You have nothing to be sorry for," Elrond said, smiling at his three sons.  "In fact, you 
should all be extremely happy.  Legolas is going to live."
	Elladan's eyes snapped open.  "He is?"
	Elrond nodded.  "He is."
	With a cry of joy, Elladan joined his brothers on the floor, wrapping his arms around them 
both as the three let their tears fall freely, relieved at the news of Legolas's impending recovery.  On 
the bed, the Prince of Mirkwood stirred, the rejoicing of the Princes of Rivendell disturbing his rest.
	"Gentlemen," Elrond said, his voice low but stern, "may I suggest you continue this 
outside?  Legolas is weak and still has a long way to go before he is fully recovered."
	"I'm staying here," Estel said, rising to his feet and taking a seat on the edge of the bed, 
holding Legolas's hand between his own.
	"I will see that you are sent some breakfast--and I expect you to eat all of it.  Come Elladan, 
Elrohir."
	"We'll visit you later," Elrohir said before they followed their father from the room, Elladan 
pausing to give his brother one last hug, and then they were gone.
	"I thought they would never leave."
	Estel glanced down to see Legolas's blue eyes peeking at him though half-closed lids.
	 "You're awake!"
	The elf closed his eyes again, his head nodding with a barely perceptible motion.  "Could I 
have some water, please?"
	"You can have anything you want," Estel said, grabbing the pitcher he kept full to slake his 
own thirst and pouring a glass for Legolas.  
	"Just water, thank you.  For now."  As weak as he was, he still managed to open his eyes 
enough to smile coyly at the human, who blushed furiously.
	Gently sliding a hand under Legolas's neck, he lifted the elf's head until his lips met the 
glass.  Legolas drank slowly, taking only tiny sips until his thirst had been appeased.
	"Thank you," he sighed, and Estel lowered his head back onto the pillow.  "I felt like I had 
swallowed a desert.  How long have I been asleep?"
	"Two weeks."
	"Two weeks?  How odd.  It doesn't feel like it's been that long.  Your shoulder--how is your 
shoulder?"
	"My shoulder?" Estel frowned.
	"The arrow, my love.  You were hit, remember?"
	"Oh, that," Estel shrugged, having entirely forgotten about his own injury as he was too 
busy worrying about Legolas.  "It's fine."
	"And Elrohir and Elladan--they are both well?"
	"We're all fine."
	"Good.  That's all I needed to hear.  I can rest peacefully now."  Legolas smiled, his eyes 
closing again as his head fell to the side.
	"Legolas!" Estel said, fearing the elf had decided to leave them after all.
	Legolas's eyes fluttered open.  "Yes?"
	Estel sighed.  "I was just checking.  The last time you did that, you nearly didn't wake up."
	"I will wake up again, I promise, but for now, I need to sleep."
	Estel leaned in close, his mouth next to the Prince's ear.
	"Legolas?"  Lacking the energy to speak again, the elf narrowly opened his eyes to 
acknowledge that Estel had been heard.  "I love you."
	Legolas smiled, turning his head so that it was pressed against the human's, and fell back 
asleep.


	It was another week before Elrond would let Legolas leave his bed, aided much by his son 
in his effort to keep the Mirkwood Prince confined.  If he could have had his way, Estel would have 
had Legolas wait two weeks.  The patient objected strenuously to all this, insisting he was ready to 
move almost immediately after waking on the second day.  The twin Princes of Rivendell were 
little help, choosing to ally themselves with the golden Prince, though they weren't about to share 
this with their family.
	"Don't worry, Estel.  We'll watch over him," Elrohir said as they tried to convince their 
brother to join Elrond on one of his walks around the city.
	"It isn't as if he's going anywhere, and you've barely spent any time with Father since your 
return."
	"He will be safe with us."
	"We promise."
	Estel looked from his brothers to Legolas, who smiled at him encouragingly.  "Go, or I will 
start to feel guilty for monopolizing all of your time away from your father."
	"All right, I'll go," Estel said, returning Legolas's smile as he leaned down to kiss the elf 
softly on the lips.
	"I look forward to your return," Legolas said, reaching his hand up to stroke Estel's cheek.  
The human's breath caught in his throat at the elf's light touch, his eyes closing against the rush of 
desire that trembled through his body.  Stumbling back, he glared at the elf in mock anger.
	"I thought I told you no."
	"You won't be able to tell me no for much longer."
	Knowing he wouldn't be able to resist the elf if he remained, no matter how much more time 
Legolas needed to heal, Estel hastily retreated from the room.
	Elladan watched the elf with amusement.  "Don't you think you're being unnecessarily cruel 
to our dear brother?"
	"Try being in my place."
	"Thank you, but no."
	Elrohir, who had been learning casually against the window, turned and nodded to his 
brother.
	"Right.  They're gone," Elladan grinned as the twins moved over to Legolas's beside.  "Are 
you ready to get out of here?"
	Legolas arched an eyebrow at him.  "What are you two up to?"
	"We thought you might enjoy a little airing out."
	"I know if it was one of us stuck in here," Elladan said, pulling the blankets off the elf, "we 
would be going mad."
	"You have no idea how close you are to the truth," Legolas laughed, his eyes lighting up 
with their shared mischief.  "Let's get out of here."
	"Just be sure and let us know when it gets to be too much," Elrohir said as they helped 
Legolas to his feet.  "Both Father and Estel would kill us if we caused a relapse."
	"Cause a relapse.  I don't care.  I just want to feel the sun again," Legolas said.  They were 
halfway down the hall when he drew a sharp breath.
	"Is something wrong?" Elladan asked, holding tight to the elf's arm.
	He shook his head.  "I haven't moved in three weeks.  I'm just a little stiff."
	Keeping their hands on Legolas's arms, the twins walked him down to the gardens below.  
Their pace was slow at first, quickening as the invalid's muscles began to remember what they were 
meant for.
	"How's your side?"
	Legolas glanced at Elrohir, and seeing the honest concern in the twin's eyes, decided to 
answer truthfully.  "It twinges, but is nothing I cannot endure."
	They finally reached the door to the garden, and upon stepping outside, Legolas gasped.  
Closing his eyes, he lifted his arms to embrace the warmth, basking as the clear bright light 
caressed his body.  Crying with the sheer delight of being outside and in the sun, Legolas slowly 
moved through the plants and trees, pausing to rest his hands on the trunk of a tree or brush the 
petals of a flower.  He walked barefoot over the grass, strength seeming to fill him from the earth 
itself.
	The twins stood back, embracing each other as they watched the golden Prince commune 
with nature, feeling more than a little self-satisfied with themselves.
	"This is what he needed," Elrohir said, Elladan nodding in agreement, then sighed.
	"I have never seen him look more lovely."
	"I admit, I find myself growing increasingly envious of our brother."
	"Don't," Elladan said, warning his brother not to say anything further.  "Thoughts of 
Legolas already keep me up at night."
	"We need to find you a distraction, someone strong and handsome who will keep you 
properly entertained.  Perhaps it is time we returned to Lorien.  You never seem to have this 
problem during our visits there."
	"You may be right," Elladan said, the image of another blond elf filling his mind, and he 
grinned.  "As soon as Legolas is fully healed, I believe I'm going to feel the need to travel."
	"I was hoping you would say that.  I don't think I'd find a trip to Lothlorien unwelcome 
myself."
	Elladan laughed at the expression on his brother's face, then the two moved over to join 
Legolas.  They wandered around the garden for an hour, then decided to make their way back to 
Legolas's room.  The Prince was growing weary, and they didn't want to risk being caught by 
Elrond and Estel.  The Prince of Mirkwood's head barely had time to hit the pillow before Estel 
returned.
	"Did you have a good walk?" Elladan asked, and Estel nodded as he sat down on the edge 
of Legolas's bed.
	"Father and I haven't had such a chance to speak since I was young, and we have much to 
catch up on."
	"You and Father should make this a daily ritual while you're here," Elrohir said.  "It gives us 
some time to have Legolas to ourselves and for you and Father to grow close again."
	"I don't know," Estel said, his voice suspicious as he looked down at his beloved, who could 
barely keep his eyes open.  "That depends on what you three have been doing while I was gone.  
He's exhausted!"
	"We were just telling Legolas stories about your childhood," Elladan said, and Estel turned 
bright red with horror at what his brothers might have said.  "I'm afraid we over-tired him with 
laughter."
	"I think it's time the two of you left," Estel said, glaring at the twins.
	"Yes, Legolas needs to sleep and regain his strength for our visit tomorrow," Elrohir said, 
winking at the golden Prince as he and his brother left the room.  "You know," he added once they 
were safely out of hearing, "that's not a bad idea.  We should tell Legolas all of the embarrassing 
stories from Estel's youth.  Let's try and remember that next time."
	Elladan chuckled his agreement.
	Meanwhile, back in the patient's room, Estel settled down by the window with a book.  
Since they had returned to Rivendell, he estimated he had gone through a book a day from Elrond's 
library, but today, he found he couldn't concentrate.  His eyes began to droop as the book slowly 
lowered to his lap.
	"Estel."
	The young man's eyes opened as he looked at the Prince, who was holding his hand out to 
him.  The scene seemed disturbingly familiar to the human, who shook his head.  "No."
	"Estel, come here," Legolas said, smiling at his beloved in a way Estel found completely 
irresistible.  Standing up, he slowly walked over to the bed, tentatively reaching for the elf's long 
fingers.  Legolas chuckled as he took the young man's hand in his and pulled him down onto the 
bed, wrapping his arms around Estel's waist and preventing an escape.  "Relax, I am too tired, as 
are you.  I just want to feel you next to me as I sleep."
	Relieved, for the most part, Estel slid his arms around the elf, resting his forehead against 
Legolas's.  "Thank you."
	"For what?" he murmured sleepily.
	"I've wanted to hold you for so long, but I was afraid--I didn't want to cause you any more 
pain."
	"You could never cause me pain," Legolas smiled, kissing the young man's forehead and 
drawing him close.  
	"But I--"
	"Shh," Legolas said, silencing him with a kiss as he caressed the handsome face, still 
smooth with the ease of youth, that had become so dear to him.  "I love you, as you love me.  There 
is nothing more to be said."


	When Legolas awoke hours later, they were curled up on their sides in the bed, Estel's back 
tucked neatly against his chest, a perfect fit.  The young man was still fast asleep, probably the first 
real rest the human had experienced since the battle, Legolas realized.  Estel's devotion as his 
guardian was enchanting, he thought as he pressed his mouth to the human's ear, nibbling gently on 
the rounded lobe.  It made him even more precious, though Legolas knew he would do the same in 
Estel's place.
	Estel moaned softly beneath the elf's ministrations, but did not wake.  Legolas's eyes 
narrowed--he hoped the young man wouldn't always be this difficult to rouse--as his mouth moved 
down Estel's neck.  He slid his hand beneath Estel's shirt and up over the hard muscles till reaching 
the bandage that protected the arrow wound.  His heart ached to think that his beloved was still 
injured.  He had forgotten that humans take longer to heal than the elves, and felt that Estel more 
than deserved a reward for his pain.  He lowered his hand to the human's left nipple and taking it 
between his thumb and forefinger, he began playing with it until the nub reached full hardness.  
Estel moaned again, this time his eyes fluttering open.
	"It's about time," Legolas chuckled, his teeth gently clamping down on the spot between 
Estel's collarbone and neck.
	"What are you doing!" the young man exclaimed, gasping at the combination of pleasure 
and pain he had never experienced before.
	"Thanking you for watching over me," Legolas said, slipping his hand beneath the edge of 
Estel's leggings, moving down to rub his fingers in the sweaty curls between the human's legs.
	"You cannot!  You are not well!" he objected, though his body yearned for Legolas's touch, 
throbbing in agony that the elf's fingers had not gone farther.
	"But you are well, most well indeed," Legolas said, seeming to read Estel's mind as he 
reached the human's hardening shaft, "and this is the very least I can do for you."
	"Legolas," Estel began, turning to face the elf, but his protests were silenced by Legolas's 
mouth.
      The archer's deft fingers quickly stroked the human into full hardness, and then he slowed 
his progress, his love moaning in disappointment.  He ran his fingertips along the length of Estel's 
manhood to cup the sac below, kneading it with the same rhythm as his tongue moved in and out of 
the human's mouth.  Estel was writhing below him, tiny cries emerging from deep in the back of his 
throat as the elf skillfully manipulated his body.
	"Legolas," he begged.  "Please..."
	"Please what?" Legolas whispered, his tongue flicking across the outside of Estel's lips.
	"Please don’t stop!"
	Legolas resumed kissing the man lying beneath him, his hand grasping the base of Estel's 
member and stroking upwards.  He tightened grip until he reached the tip, his thumb rubbing over 
the slit weeping for release.  The elf reveled in the spasm of ecstasy that crossed Estel's face, his 
heart seeming to burst at the beauty of his lover.  He continued the up and down motion on Estel's 
cock, moving faster and faster, the human arching his back beneath his touch.
	Sensing that Estel was nearing his completion, Legolas covered the human's mouth with his 
own.  The young man cried out with the release of his passion, the sound filling the elf's body.  
With a final stroke of his hand and his tongue, Legolas released his lover and sat back to admire 
him.
	Estel's eyes were closed, a small smile lingering on his lips, his breath coming in pants.  The 
human's skin was rosy from his unusual exercise, his lips swollen from their kisses.  Legolas 
thought he had never looked more content, or more lovely.
      "Legolas..."
	"Yes, my love?" Legolas whispered, planting tiny kisses on Estel's face.
	"Get better soon."


	Elladan, Legolas, and Elrohir were lying stretched out on the grass, gazing up at the sun.  
They'd actually managed to get away with sneaking Legolas outside for three days, and the golden 
Prince was definitely happier for it.  Though, the twins couldn’t help but notice he was not as happy 
as some.
	"Our brother almost seems to be glowing these days," Elladan said with exaggerated 
casualness as he glanced at the archer.
	"It must be a result of Legolas's speedy recovery," Elrohir snickered.
	"Yes, well, if Elrond doesn't release me soon, my recovery might be taking a turn for the 
worst," Legolas said, his voice taut with frustration.  As much as he enjoyed watching Estel tremble 
at his touch, his need was growing increasingly difficult to contain.
	"I'm certain our brother would be more than willing to help keep you well."
	Legolas rolled his eyes.  "Your brother is too concerned with my health.  He's afraid it 
would be too much exertion on my part."
	"We could always help," Elladan said, leaning on his elbow to gaze suggestively at the 
blond elf, who grinned at him.
	"Somehow, I don't think Estel would appreciate your assistance in this matter."
	"And you would be right."
	The three sat up to find Elrond and Estel staring down at them looking somewhat less than 
pleased.
	"Father!" Elladan said, flashing the Lord a cheeky grin.  "We didn't hear you arrive."
	"You weren't meant to.  Elladan, Elrohir, come with me please."  Elrond turned and walked 
out of the garden, leaving them no room for protest.
	The twins groaned and reluctantly rose to their feet to follow the Elf Lord.
	"What do you think he's going to do to us?" Elladan asked.  "Aren't we getting too old to be 
punished?"
	"Has that ever stopped Father before?"
	"Maybe it'll be the stables again."
	"As long as he doesn't make us scrub all the walls in the palace.  It took weeks for the skin 
to grow back on my fingers."
	Legolas also rose to his feet, smiling guiltily at his beloved.  "Did you have a good walk?"
	"It began well," Estel replied with narrowed eyes, "but the ending was something of a 
surprise.  How long have you been sneaking out here?"
	"This would be our fourth day."
	"I see."
	"Estel--"
	"Don't."  The elf felt a stab of pain through his heart at the chill in the human's voice.  "Are 
you able to walk?"
	Legolas nodded.  "Yes."
	"How well?"
	"Quite well.  I feel as good as the day that I left Mirkwood."
	"I'm glad to hear it.  Follow me."
	Estel was silent as he led Legolas into the palace.  They passed through the empty 
shadowed halls, the air cooled by the leaves and intricate designs around the window that filtered 
out the sunlight.  As this wing contained the private quarters of the palace, there was little activity 
going on during the day, which was one of the reasons why Estel had brought them there.  
      Legolas followed Estel to a room in the corner that faced north, with windows to let in both 
the morning and evening light.
	"Please, come in," Estel said, holding open the door.  Legolas walked into the room and the 
young man immediately shut the door, locking it behind them.
	"Estel?" Legolas asked, turning around to face the mortal who moved to stand directly in 
front of him.
	"Were you tempted by them?" Estel asked, a carnal fire raging in his eyes, and Legolas 
realized the true purpose of this secluded room.
	"Who?" Legolas said, slowly backing up, the young man meeting him step for step.
	"My brothers, when they offered themselves to you."
	"Never."  The elf's breath quickened, his heart pounding in his ears in response to the waves 
of heat emanating off his beloved.
	"Are you certain?"
	"You are the only one I want," Legolas said, glancing back as the backs of his knees hit a 
solid object to find himself pressed up against a bed.
	"I am glad to hear it.  These were my rooms growing up," Estel said, looking around, "and 
are mine whenever I return home."
	"Then they are mine as well, if you want me here."
	"Here?" Estel chuckled, his voice husky.  "I want you everywhere."
	"Then here is as good a place to start as any," Legolas said, crawling back onto the bed.  
Leaning forward, he grabbed Estel by the shirt and pulled the young man up after him.  Estel 
pounced on the elf's mouth as they fell back onto the pillow, tearing at Legolas's clothes as Legolas 
tore at his.  Somehow both succeeded in removing their shirts, the cloth falling uselessly to the 
floor.
	"By the gods, you're beautiful," Estel breathed as he planted a trail of kisses along the elf's 
sculpted ivory chest.  Legolas's skin was like velvet against his lips, the smell of sunshine and the 
green earth rising from the heated body, the scent he had discovered was unique to his love.  
      Every touch of Estel's lips ignited a fire on Legolas's skin, his desire for the human so great, 
he already felt ready to burst.  He rolled them over so that he was on top of his love, kissing Estel 
as he deftly removed both of their breeches.  "And you thought I was beautiful," Legolas said, 
pausing to take in the view of his love spread out before him in all his glory for the first time.  "You 
are the most stunning creature I have ever seen."
	"I want to be the most stunning you've ever felt."
	"Estel?" Legolas paused, his heart skipping a beat as he was filled with hope.  Though he 
had longed to feel the human's body's surrounding him completely, he was never certain that Estel 
would comply and would do nothing without his consent.
	Estel stared deep into Legolas's, his gray-blue eyes wide with an almost innocent candor.  "I 
want you inside of me."
	The love that filled Legolas's heart at these words spread throughout the elf as he gazed 
down at Estel, his member hardening painfully with desire.  "Are you sure?"
	"Yes.  I've wanted this since the first moment I saw you."
	"My love," Legolas breathed, once more capturing the human's mouth with his own.
	Not wanting to rush this sacred act, Legolas began caressing Estel's limbs with his hands 
while continuing to ravish the young man's mouth.  His fingers traced down over the smooth soft 
skin on the underside of Estel's arms, then traveled back up over the tensing muscles.  Crossing the 
strong shoulders, the archer's hands began their journey over Estel's chest, mercilessly pinching the 
rigid brown nipples.  Estel twisted beneath him with pleasure, bringing his hardened shaft into 
contact with the elf's.
	Legolas gasped, his eyes rolling into the back of his head as Estel's cock teased his.  For a 
moment, he forgot himself in the sensation and wanted only to feel the pressure of Estel's hardness 
against his own.
	As he leaned over the human, his long silky hair brushed playfully over Estel's chest, each 
strand causing a tickling sensation that roused Estel into even further bliss.  Estel was about to 
encourage Legolas to hurry up, but then smiled to see the expression on the elf's face, the supple 
mouth hanging open with complete abandon.  Estel would have continued like this forever except 
for the growing urgency inside of him.
	"Legolas," Estel whispered and the elf opened his eyes, the deep blue having darkened to 
midnight in his passion.  "I need you."
	"Oh, Estel," Legolas sighed, nuzzling the young man's neck.  "I wish I'd known what you 
had in mind.  I would have brought something to ease the way."
	Chuckling, the young man reached under the pillow and produced a small vial, handing it to 
Legolas.  Puzzled, the elf removed the cork, the musky scent of spices filling the air.  He poured a 
some of the contents onto his fingers to find the bottle contained an amber colored oil.  
      "Estel!" he breathed, looking up in astonishment to meet his lover's twinkling eyes.
	"I told you I've wanted this since the moment I saw you," he replied, taking the bottle from 
Legolas's hand and covering his hands with the oil.  He quickly began applying it to both his and 
the elf's aching members until both were shining with the scented fluid.
	Though pleased at his answer, and starting to become short of breath by the humans actions, 
Legolas couldn't help gazing at Estel with a hint of curiosity, a quirk of a smile on his face.  
"You've done this before, haven't you?"
	"Not with you."
	Legolas could see past the bravado enough to know his lover was hiding something from 
him.  He had to know the truth--he didn't want to risk hurting him.  "Estel, please, be honest with 
me--"
	"You'll be my first," Estel said quickly, unable to look in Legolas's eyes, afraid of his 
reaction, afraid the elf refuse him.
	"Then I'll be gentle," Legolas said, leaning over to kiss his beloved.  Estel's hand moved to 
caress the elf's face, holding him back for a moment.
	"Not too gentle, I hope," he smiled, then reached up till their lips met once more.
	Legolas's eyebrows rose halfway up his forehead while Estel's tongue pushed its way into 
his mouth.  The young human was becoming a constant source of wonder to the ageless elf.  He 
moved his hands down the sides of Estel's body, the skin slick with sweat, and lifted one of Estel's 
legs over his shoulder before moving between them.  
      With the fingers doused in oil, he reached under Estel and began circling the outside of his 
hidden entrance.  The young man drew in a shaky breath, biting his lip at the pleasure of the 
lascivious contact.  Pressing against the elf's still wavering touch, he unconsciously nudged 
forward, pleading for more.  
      Slowly, Legolas pushed his finger inside Estel's opening.  The young man tightened at the 
unfamiliar contact and Legolas waited until he relaxed, distracting Estel by licking him from his 
throat up to his lower lip.  Wrapping his mouth around the stubbled chin, he sucked at it, his teeth 
grazing the skin, and was rewarded.  Estel moaned wantonly and the tension was released from his 
body, allowing Legolas to continue his travels inside the young man.
	Having fully entered him with one finger, the elf carefully inserted another and began 
massaging the inside of Estel's body.  Upon reaching a particularly sensitive spot, Estel gasped, 
arching his back.
	"The Valar save me!" he cried out, his eyes filled with wonder.  "What was that!"
	"Only the beginning," Legolas chuckled from where the tip of his tongue was teasing Estel's 
nipple.
	"More, Legolas," the young man said, grasping at the elf's rounded buttocks, urging him 
forward.  "I want more."
	"Think you're ready, do you?" the elf grinned, nipping the skin above Estel's heart.
	"If you don't stop tormenting me, I'm going to roll you over on this bed and take you here 
and now."
	Removing his fingers, Legolas seized the human's mouth and nudged the tip of his elfhood 
against the puckered opening.  As he cautiously pushed his way forward, he felt Estel's breath catch 
in his throat, but Legolas didn't stop.  Drawing out, he moved in a little further this time, then a 
little more, and a little more, until he was completely buried within his beloved.  Estel was 
deliciously tight, threatening to send him over the edge almost immediately as he continued his 
movement in and out of the human, giving him time to adjust.
	Estel clenched his teeth against the pain, but the more Legolas moved above him, the more 
he began to welcome it.  The elf's cock again touched that joyous spot and Estel moaned, thrusting 
against strong ivory body.  His love was being entirely too careful, he decided.  While wondering 
how best to encourage him, all thoughts vanished from his mind as Legolas took hold of his shaft.  
Estel’s eyes opened wide, catching a glimpse of waves of golden hair and a face glowing with 
rapture before clenching his eyes shut again as Legolas’s perfectly timed strokes grew more 
vigorous.
	Legolas tried to hold back--he wanted to be considerate of Estel’s inexperience, but the 
young man kept pushing against him so forcefully that he finally gave up on all attempts of 
restraint.  He slammed into Estel, enveloping himself deep within the human.  Instead of hurting 
him as Legolas feared, Estel only cried out for more, and the elf willingly complied.
	Sensing that both he and his lover were near completion, Legolas quickened his pace with 
both his hand and his body.  Estel clutched at his shoulders, the fingernails digging deep as he 
encouraged the elf onward.  With a few more fast strokes, Estel’s passion was released, spilling 
between them in a fountain of heat.  Estel cried out, a song of pure ecstasy that filled Legolas’s soul 
as the vibrations of Estel’s orgasm pushed Legolas over the brink.  He cried out, his essence filling 
the human beneath him.  He collapsed onto Estel, his body pulsing with his release.  The spasms of 
his muscles and the sharp pain in his side let him know that he had, as predicted, over-exerted 
himself, but it was well worth it.
	Estel’s arms wrapped tight around him as he buried his face in the crook of Estel’s neck.  
They were both drenched in sweat and breathing heavily, but the feeling of idyllic bliss could not 
be denied.  It was as if they had finally discovered their reason for existing, to lose themselves in 
each other and in this one perfect moment.  Still holding on to the man in his arms, their legs 
intertwined, Legolas rolled drowsily onto his good side.
	“Promise me something,” Estel whispered into his lover’s delicately pointed ear.
	“Anything you desire," Legolas smiled.
	“Promise me you will never leave me.  Swear to me that you will stay with me until I am 
gone.”	
	“Are you planning a trip somewhere without me?”
	“You know what I mean,” Estel frowned, refusing to relent until he had his lover's word.  
“Promise me.”
	Legolas raised his head from its comfortable perch to stare deeply into Estel’s anxious eyes.  
“I promise I will never leave you.”
	Estel smiled with relief and bent his head to kiss his beloved elf once more before they both 
drifted off to sleep.


	Two weeks later, Estel and Legolas were sitting in the garden, the human lounging between 
the elf’s legs as the golden Prince leaned his back against the trunk of a tree.  One of Legolas’s 
knees was crooked, acting as an armrest for the human whose fingers drifted languidly up and 
down his lover’s thigh.  The elf rested his cheek against the human’s dark, sun-warmed hair, one 
hand inside Estel’s shirt and idly drawing circles over the young man’s heart.  Legolas was singing 
softly songs in Elvish as Estel watched the clouds drift slowly across the sky.
	The moment was one of complete relaxation, one of the last for a while, as they would be 
leaving in the morning to join Elladan and Elrohir on their trek to Lothlorien.  They hadn’t planned 
on going at all, but Elrond thought it was time Estel met Galadriel and the Lorien elves and, as 
promised, Legolas wasn’t about to leave Estel’s side.
	“I wish we could stay here forever,” Estel sighed.  “I wish we could stop all time and 
always remain right here, right now.”
	“I wish we could too, my love,” Legolas said, kissing the top of his head.  “For now, let’s 
just enjoy this while we can.”
	Elrond watched the lovers, finding himself wishing that he, too, could freeze time and 
forever grant them this peace, but it was not meant to be.
	“Legolas, Estel,” he greeted the two, walking into the garden and sitting gracefully on one 
of the stone benches in front of them.
	“Father,” Estel said, giving him a smile of perfect happiness.  “Won’t you join us?  It’s a 
beautiful day out, and it would be a shame for you to waste it working.  Go find Glorfindel and 
enjoy the sun.”
	“As tempted as I am by that thought, I’m afraid I shall have to decline, and so shall you.  
Legolas, I’ve received word from Mirkwood.  Your father needs you at home.”
	“Is something wrong?” the Prince frowned.
	“No more than usual, according to the message your father sent, but apparently attacks are 
intensifying and Thranduil finds himself missing your skills as an archer and a swordsman.”
	“I shall leave in the morning,” Legolas nodded.
	“And I’m coming with you.”	
	Fearing for his safety, Legolas would have told the young man no, but Elrond was already 
speaking.
	“I’m afraid you cannot, Estel.  I need you to go to Lorien.”
	“I will not allow us to be separated," Estel said, his eyes narrowing stubbornly.
	“Hush, my love,” Legolas smiled, his arms tightening around the human.  “It will only be 
for a short time.  Once your visit to Lorien is complete, you can join me in Mirkwood.  We won’t 
even be parted long enough for you to miss me.  Besides,” he added with a wink at Elrond, 
“someone has to keep your brothers out of trouble.”
	“Indeed,” Elrond chuckled.  “for that reason alone would I insist upon you accompanying 
them.  Speaking of your brothers, I believe you are needed to go over the final preparations for your 
journey.”
	Estel sighed and rose to his feet, pulling the elf up after him.
	“A word, Legolas,” Elrond said as they turned to leave.
	“Go on,” Legolas said, lightly kissing his beloved.  “I’ll catch up to you in a minute.”
	Estel cast a troubled glance at his father, who smiled reassuringly.  Nodding his consent, he 
returned Legolas’s kiss and went to find his brothers.
	“Lord Elrond,” Legolas said as he faced the ancient elf, who suddenly looked as if he felt 
every minute of his thousands of years.  “There is something wrong, isn’t there?  Is it my father?”
	“Legolas, sit down,” he said, motioning to the spot next to him on the bench.  “There’s 
something I need to tell you about Estel, something about his heritage and who he is that may 
greatly affect you both.”  
	Legolas looked into Elrond’s pale blue eyes and what he saw there made his stomach twist 
in fear, fear for himself, fear for Estel, fear for the love they had found.  He nervously sat down 
next to the Lord of Imladris and for the next hour, saw his life as he had thought it would be fall to 
pieces.


	Legolas rode with the three brothers until he was forced to turn, or he would have risked 
overshooting all of the direct paths to his father’s home entirely.  Elladan and Elrohir said their 
good-byes, then rode ahead a little with their guard to give the lovers some privacy.  Though he and 
Estel had used the entire night to ready themselves for their separation, when the moment finally 
arrived, Legolas found himself completely unprepared.  He clung to the young man, unwilling to let 
him go lest he never get back the Estel he loved.
	“We will see each other soon,” Estel said, kissing away the elf’s tears, wanting to carry 
even the taste of Legolas with him while he could.  “Nothing can keep me from you for long.”
	Legolas looked into the gray-blue eyes he had come to know so well, and saw beyond the 
grief the only truth Estel knew.   He tried to smile and ease his beloved's pain, hoping the young 
man wouldn't notice that he was being torn apart inside.  “I love you, Estel of Rivendell.”
	“And I love you, Legolas of Mirkwood.  Remember your promise.”
	“I will never forget.”
	Legolas kissed him one last time, savoring the sweetness of Estel’s lips, the feel of his face 
between his hands, the strength of the body pressed against his.
	“Come to me soon, my love,” Legolas said softly when they finally parted.
	“I will,” Estel nodded, climbing onto the back of his horse.  “Soon.”
	Legolas watched the three brothers until they disappeared from view, then mounted his 
horse.  With one final look at the empty road, he turned towards Mirkwood, leaving only a whisper 
on the wind to tell of their parting.
	“Namarie, Aragorn, until we meet again.”