Title:  The Awakening, Part 5 of The Darkness 
Descends
Sequel to "Journey's End", "The Healer's 
Seduction", etc. etc. etc.  (Yes, I finally named 
the series!  Though it may just be a temporary 
name.) 

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

Pairing(s): Legolas/Aragorn (who is still Estel), 
Elrohir/Legolas/Elladan, Elrohir/Thranduil/Elladan 
(what can I say, the twins are very naughty in 
this one)

Rating: NC-17  

Summary:  In this sequel to "Journey's End", 
Elladan and Elrohir conspire to return Legolas to 
his former self and discover why he forced Estel 
away, Legolas continues to watch over the wounded 
Healer, and Gollum is brought to Mirkwood.

Disclaimer:  Not mine--Tolkien's.  Go ahead and 
sue--once you see how deep in debt I am, you'll 
only feel pity and let me go.

Archives:  Library of Moria, Melethryn, Forbidden 
Haven--if I'm forgetting anyone, forgive me--send 
me a scalding note or something.  ;)  All others, 
just ask.

Author's Note:  In this chapter, I've given up on 
the whole fluffy happy concept and am pretty much 
going for angst at this point in time, at least 
where Legolas and Estel are concerned.  But there 
is hope--there is always hope.  ;)  Of course, my 
thanks and unending admiration to Syrope!  I hope 
you enjoy and I would definitely appreciate 
feedback.  Thank you! 

All stories can be found under the files section 
of my group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dimensions_of_Dhvana
/


The Awakening


	It had been a week since the skirmish between 
the Elves and the Humans.  Despite the twins' 
constant urging to Legolas that he talk to them, 
the golden Prince remained distant.  The only time 
he seemed to lapse back into himself was when he 
was around Menelhen.  The Healer's condition 
hadn't changed much in that week and Legolas had 
spent hours sitting at his side.  He would talk to 
the absent Healer about his thoughts, the things 
they would do when Menelhen returned, amusing 
tidbits that came to his mind--anything to let the 
Healer know he was there, and waiting.
	"How is he?" Elrohir asked when Legolas 
emerged from the tent.
	"The same.  I've decided it's time we 
returned home.  Perhaps being around familiar 
surroundings will help.  Travel will be slow so we 
don't do anything to worsen his condition, but 
there is nothing more to be done here."
	"Is there anything we can do to help?" 
Elrohir asked, placing a sympathetic hand on 
Legolas's arm, but his touch failed to warm the 
Prince.
	"Just be ready to leave by tomorrow morning."
	They watched in disappointment as Legolas 
went off to inform the guards of his decision, 
upset that he still continued to close himself off 
to them.
	"It terrifies me to say this," Elladan asked, 
turning to face his brother, "but Legolas is 
becoming more like Thranduil with each passing 
day."
	"His father would be proud," Elrohir said 
harshly.
	"What is going on in that twisted little mind 
of his?"
	"I wish I knew.  We should go talk to Estel."
	"Why?" Elladan snorted.  "He's just as 
confused as we are."
	"I know, but we should let him know we're 
leaving so he stops waiting for his beloved to 
come to his senses," he answered as they started 
through the woods in the direction of the village.
	"Not to mention, Mithrandir will be very put 
out with him if he doesn't arrive by the end of 
the week."
	"Somehow, I doubt Estel will care."
	"No," Elladan grinned, "but the Istari is so 
much fun to watch when he's annoyed."
	Elrohir punched his brother in the arm.   
"Sometimes, I have to wonder if you're part 
Wraith, only I know the ring whose call it is you 
answer it has nothing to do with the Dark Lord."
	The raven-haired Prince sighed dramatically.  
"It is a call I cannot deny.  It rules me, and I 
am its willing slave."
	"You do know there are other things in this 
world just as worthy of your attention."
	"There are?" Elladan stared at him, his eyes 
wide and blinking rapidly.  "Please, you must tell 
me of these wondrous things so that I might seek 
to explore them and expand my mind."
	"You're not amusing," Elrohir grumbled, but 
this only encouraged him.
	"Imagine it," Elladan sighed, lifting his 
eyes up to the Heavens.  "What glorious things 
could be worthy of my attention?  I could devote 
my life to charity, to helping other races, but 
no--they would become captivated by my beauty and 
I would end up right back where I started because, 
being so charitable, I couldn't of course deny 
them.  Perhaps I should concentrate on books--I 
could write a history of the world, but that 
wouldn't work either, as those who read it would 
become so enamoured with my words, they would seek 
me out for other pleasures, and again I would have 
failed.  I don't know, brother.  It seems that I 
truly am a slave to the ring."
	"You are impossible," Elrohir growled, trying 
to keep from joining in with his brother's 
laughter.
	"Yes, but think of all the possibilities that 
entails," he grinned.
	They made their way to the village with ease, 
as they had been paying nightly visits there 
throughout the week.  Using all their Elvish 
skills of stealth, they had kept a close eye on 
their brother, but had been unable to go near, as 
he was constantly in the company of other Humans.  
That night, however, they knew they would have to 
break their silence and waited until he was with 
Calen alone before approaching.  Calen was 
instantly alarmed at their sudden appearance and 
was about to call for help when Estel stopped him.
	"Do not worry--they are my brothers."
	"Your brothers?" he asked, eyes wide as he 
stared at the three of them.
	"Foster brothers," Elladan said, flashing 
Calen his most charming grin, hoping to set the 
Man at ease.  "And you practically know us 
already--we taught Estel here everything he 
knows."
	The Ranger narrowed his eyes.  "Fortunately 
for me, I promptly forgot most of it."
	"Estel!" Elrohir said, placing his hands over 
his heart.  "You wound me!  How can you deny the 
lifetimes of knowledge we've gifted you?"
	"I'm not denying it--I'm simply saying that I 
sorted through it for what I could use, and found 
the final amount to be somewhat...insufficient."
	"He's so bitter when he and Legolas are 
fighting," Elladan said, resting an arm on 
Elrohir's shoulder.  
	"I noticed that, too.  They should shake 
hands--or other parts of their bodies--and call a 
truce."
	"That would work, except, we're not fighting.  
I wish we were--then there would be a reason for 
the way he's acting.  I don't suppose..." he 
looked up at his brothers, his eyes filled with 
hope, and the twins instantly sobered.
	Elrohir shook his head.  "I'm sorry, Estel.  
He didn't send us."
	"And we don't know what he's thinking," 
Elladan added.
	Estel sighed, slumping against the wall of 
the building, shaking his head.  "It just doesn't 
make sense.  Why?  Why is he doing this to me?"
	For one of the few instances in their lives, 
the twins remained silent, unable to think of 
anything to say that would help their brother.  
Estel sighed again, turning his granite colored 
gaze to the twins.
	"If he didn't send you, then what are you two 
doing here?"
	"We came to tell you that we're leaving.  
Legolas wants to take Menelhen back to the 
castle."
	"How is he?" Calen interrupted, the sincerity 
of his concern in his voice.
	"His condition hasn't changed much that we 
can see," Elrohir answered.  "He's been in a 
healing trance for the past week, so he may be 
healing on the inside in ways that aren't obvious 
to us.  We did what we could to close the wound 
and drain the blood from his lungs, but now we 
just have to wait."
	"Do you think...," Estel paused, swallowing 
hard.  "Will he make it?"
	Elladan shook his head.  "We don't know, but 
to be honest, I don't see how he can survive."
	"I'm sorry," Calen said, hanging his head.
	"Don't be," Elrohir smiled gently at the 
Human.  "It wasn't your fault.  Things just got 
out of control."
	"How's your arm?" Elladan asked, nodding to 
the sling adorning Calen's shoulder.
	"Better.  It'll be fine in a couple of 
months," he said, then added softly, "just as the 
Healer predicted.  Is there nothing you can do for 
him?"
	The twins glanced at Estel, but the Ranger's 
eyes were distant and he was lost in his own 
thoughts.  "There is nothing," Elladan said, and 
Calen turned his head away to keep the Elves from 
seeing the tears in his eyes.
	"But Menelhen is strong," Elrohir said, 
hating to leave the Human with so little hope, 
"and powerful.  Our grandmother and father believe 
him to be one of the greatest Elven Healers Middle 
Earth has ever seen.  We have seen him heal even 
the most impossible cases.  There is no reason to 
believe he won't be able to heal himself."
	Calen gave him a wan smile to show he 
appreciated the effort, but it was obvious the 
Human didn't believe him.
	"When are you leaving?" Estel asked, rousing 
himself from his thoughts.
	"Tomorrow morning," Elladan answered.
	"Already?"
	"We're going to have to move slowly because 
of Menelhen, so he wants to start as soon as 
possible."
	"Should I...?  Do you think...?" Estel 
couldn't finished the question that was the only 
one he wanted an answer to.
	"Leave him be for now," Elrohir said.  "We'll 
talk to him, try to understand the insanity going 
on behind that beautiful face, and then we'll find 
you."
	Estel thought about this for a moment, then 
made a decision.  It was one he had been tempted 
to make all week, but now, it was one he had to 
make.
	"Don't."
	"Estel?"
	"Do not try to find me.  It may be better 
this way.  I haven't been at all fair to Arwen and 
perhaps it is time that I devoted myself to her."
	"And give up your heart?" Elladan asked.
	"Arwen holds my heart just as much as he 
does," Estel snapped, finding himself growing 
angry with his absent lover, "and she has earned 
it.  She is so kind, and generous, and patient, 
and I haven't done anything to deserve her."
	"I won't argue with you there," Elladan said, 
and immediately rubbed his arm where it had once 
more been punched by his twin.
	Estel sighed, and put a hand on his brothers' 
shoulders.  "Thank you both for everything you've 
done, and not just over the past few years, but 
throughout my entire life.  If Legolas asks, tell 
him I will always love him, but now, it is time 
for me to prove myself worthy of Arwen."
	"Estel--" Elrohir started, but the Ranger 
silenced him with a look.
	"You two should return before you're missed.  
I will see you again soon."
	"But--"
	"Elrohir, he's right, we should go," Elladan 
said, knowing their young brother well enough to 
realize that any argument would be useless.  
"Estel, may the Valar watch over you."
	"And you, dear brothers."
	The three exchanged hugs, and then the twins 
left the village.
	"What are you thinking?!" Elrohir hissed as 
soon as they were far enough away.  "We can't just 
leave them like this!"
	"What are we supposed to do?  Force them to 
face each other with the hope that maybe they'll 
make up when we know full well that Estel will 
just leave him again to marry Arwen?  Isn't it 
possible that perhaps this is the way it is 
supposed to end?"
	"It will end between them, I agree, but not 
like this!  It can't end like this!"
	Elladan stared at his brother, wondering why 
he was reacting so strongly when Estel and Legolas 
weren't reacting at all.  Elrohir caught his 
brother's gaze, and sighed.
	"They are our family, Elladan.  Hasn't our 
family suffered enough?"
	Elladan smiled and embraced his twin.  "Our 
family has survived through much worse than this.  
Things will work out, I promise.  They will be 
friends again."
	"But what about love?"
	"Love?"  Elladan looked at his brother, his 
eyes twinkling with amusement.  "Haven't we 
managed to pass through our many centuries without 
love?"
	"Which is precisely why they need to be in 
love, so we know it's possible."
	"Why, Elrohir, are you telling me you want to 
fall in love?"
	His mirror image shrugged.  "I wouldn't mind 
knowing what it's like."	
	"I can't believe you'd give up our lives of 
carefree mindless random tumblings with whatever 
enchanting creature we come across to devote 
yourself to a single person.  You would abandon 
our lives of beauty and seduction, of freedom and 
pleasure?  To know nothing new, never to 
experiment, to endure the same positions over and 
over again, while being completely aware that 
ecstasy has so many other different forms?"
	Elrohir, his face flushing at the images 
passing through his mind, scowled at his brother.  
"Would you stop that!  We're still minutes away 
from the darling captain and if you keep talking 
like this, I'm not going to make it that long."
	Elladan laughed, giving his brother a hug.  
"That's the twin I know and love.  It's good to 
have you return to your senses."
	"I never left.  I'm simply saying it would be 
nice to know there is one person in the world for 
whom the sun rises and sets."
	"Oh, by the gods, I think I'm going to be 
sick," Elladan said, holding his stomach, and his 
brother's eyes instantly sparkled with mischief.
	"You're saying you wouldn't want to know 
there is one person to hold you when you're sad, 
and smile when you're happy.  One person who will 
always be there waiting to hold you at night..."  
Elladan clapped his hands over his mouth as he 
made gagging sounds.  "...and to be there when you 
wake up every single morning for the rest of your 
life."
	"That's it--move to the other side of the 
woods.  I refuse to walk anywhere near you from 
now on.  My brother, my twin, the other half of my 
being--a romantic!  Something must be done to stop 
this madness!"
	"One of us had to get the romantic nature, 
and clearly, it wasn't you."
	"Clearly."
	"Do you really deny that you wouldn't object 
to knowing that there was a Legolas or a Menelhen 
waiting for you every night?"
	Elladan stopped short, his eyes lighting up.  
"Legolas and Menelhen every night?"
	Even Elrohir had to pause at this thought, 
then shook his head.  "That's not what I meant, 
and you know it.  Only one of them."
	"To have Legolas every night for eternity... 
I can see how one might be tempted, but eternity 
is a very long time, and love is too fickle to 
last that long.  Either I would be tempted to 
stray, or he would, and that would be the end of 
love."
	"I think we've discovered who got our cynical 
nature."
	"I'm not cynical.  I'm realistic."
	"Your 'realism' is completely unappealing," 
his brother scowled.
	"Besides," Elladan said, all traces of humor 
vanished from his voice as he was entirely serious 
for a rare moment in his life, "I have already 
found all of those things you mentioned in one 
Elf.  That is why I do not seek them in others."
	"You have?" Elrohir asked, his eyes widening 
with surprise.  "Who is this lucky Elf?"
	"You, dear brother," Elladan smiled, taking 
his twin's hand and raising it to his lips.  "As 
long as I have you, I do not need any other."
	Elrohir returned his brother's smile, kissing 
the hand that held his.  "We will always have each 
other, but don't you think you'll grow tired of 
me?"
	"Never," Elladan chuckled.
	"Good."
	The twins would have continued beaming at 
each other for the rest of the night, but a voice 
interrupted them.
	"Elladan, Elrohir, there you are!  I was 
beginning to think you'd been taken by Orcs."
	The twins turned as the fair-haired Captain 
drew near, the shift in their attitudes evident 
only to those who knew them, and knew them well.  
Their eyes took on a predatory glow and they 
exchanged knowing glances as the handsome Elf 
approached.  There were few who were disillusioned 
enough to believe they could conquer the Sons of 
Elrond.  The twins were always the conquerors, and 
they were about to embark on their next conquest.  
Gone was the friendly bantering and open sharing 
of thoughts--that they reserved only for each 
other.  For the Captain, they had something else 
in mind.
	

	When the three returned to camp two hours 
later, Legolas took one look at them and narrowed 
his eyes.  The Captain, turning a bright red, 
immediately dismissed himself.  The twins, 
however, just smiled.
	"Hello, Legolas," Elladan said, stretching 
languidly, demonstrating the full powerful length 
of his body.
	"I see you two have found yourselves a new 
playmate," the Prince growled.  "I don't 
appreciate you using my warriors like this."
	"I've never heard them complain," Elrohir 
said, brushing dried grass from his tunic.
	"But if you would like to replace them," 
Elladan said softly, stepping in front of the 
golden Prince until their bodies were almost 
touching, "we certainly wouldn't object."
	With a snarl, Legolas pushed him away.  "How 
can you even suggest such a thing with Menelhen 
lying unconscious ten feet away!"
	"And Estel fully awake less than two miles 
away," Elrohir said, and Legolas paled.
	"Leave him out of this.  He is no longer part 
of my life."
	"That's good to hear," Elladan said, his eyes 
darkening, "as you are no longer part of his.  
He's decided to devote himself to Arwen while you, 
my friend, become nothing more than a distant 
memory."
	Legolas closed his eyes, feeling Elladan's 
words as if they had been physical blows to his 
body, then nodded, his every muscle trembling.  
"That is as it should be.  If you will excuse me, 
I'm going to see Menelhen."
	"Legolas!" Elrohir said, reaching out for the 
departing Prince, but he flinched from the Elf's 
touch.
	"Do what you want.  I don't care.  Just leave 
me alone."
	The two stood there as he disappeared into 
the Healer's tent, then sighed the same sigh.
	"He's impossible," Elladan grumbled.
	"They both are."
	"I don't know how much longer I can deal with 
this."
	"Neither do I.  Once Menelhen's settled into 
the castle, do you want to return to Rivendell?"
	"No," he said, shaking his head.  "Let's wait 
a little while and see if he gets any better."
	"Or if he gets worse," Elrohir said softly, " 
and then we will truly be needed."
	Elladan wrapped an arm around his brother's 
shoulders as they stared mournfully at the 
Healer's tent, both hoping that day would never 
come.
	"He will heal.  He has to--wouldn't you, if 
you had Legolas waiting for you?"
	Elrohir chuckled in spite of himself.  "I 
would indeed."


	The return to Mirkwood took even longer than 
expected, though Menelhen didn't seem to grow any 
worse or better for the experience.  The twins 
were probably the most eager to arrive, having 
grown weary of the company they were keeping.  
Legolas depressed them, and as for the guards, 
they were beginning to wear out their usefulness.  
However, the expression on Thranduil's face at 
seeing the two of them made the entire tiresome 
trip worthwhile.
	"What are you doing here?" he growled, 
turning to the Princes of Rivendell after giving 
the orders to have Menelhen taken to his room.
	"We're simply here for moral support," 
Elladan said, grinning at the stormy King.
	Elrohir bowed.  "And to enjoy the splendors 
of Mirkwood."
	"Be sure to make friends with the spiders and 
go for a swim in our river while you're here," 
Thranduil snarled as he walked into the castle.
	Elladan laughed.  "I love that Elf, I really 
do.  I'm so glad we came.  It'll be a thousand 
times more fun annoying him than it ever would 
have been annoying Mithrandir."
	"You're going to get us into trouble, aren't 
you?" Elrohir groaned.
	"Most definitely."
	 "Wraith," he muttered as they followed the 
King inside.


	After seeing the Menelhen was settled back 
into his room,  Legolas cleaned up and put on a 
fresh set of clothes before returning to the 
Healer's quarters.  It was good to be home, though 
he wished it was under better circumstances, and 
that there wasn't an emptiness that haunted his 
every footstep.  It was going to take a long time 
for him to get used to the idea that Estel was 
really gone, which is why he opted to avoid 
thinking about it.  He absorbed himself in 
Menelhen's care and when he wasn't with the 
Healer, he was practicing his archery or wandering 
the woods.  He also avoided the twins as much as 
possible, when they would let him.
	"They're remarkably persistent," Legolas said 
as he sat on the bed next to Menelhen.  Having 
grown tired of having the Healer's eyes stare back 
at him, responding to absolutely nothing, Legolas 
had gently closed the lids.  Now, however, he 
missed the silver gaze and found himself wanting 
to see the Healer's eyes again.  With a sigh, he 
turned his head and continued his story.
	"They have made a hobby out of pestering 
Father, and he's made it so easy for them, 
providing a repertoire of key words and phrases 
that will automatically set him off.  I'm going to 
be attending their funeral long before I have to 
attend yours," Legolas said, then gasped.  "I 
didn't mean that--there are going to be no 
funerals here, not theirs, and definitely not 
yours.  You're going to wake up, and it will be 
just in time for them to escape Thranduil's 
wrath."
	The golden Prince shook his head.  "I know, I 
promised I wouldn't talk about you waking up.  I 
don't want to put any pressure on you--take as 
long as you need.  You've suffered a terrible 
wound, and it will take a long time to heal.  I 
understand that, and I'm going to be here until 
you do wake up, and then long after."
	The Healer remained silent, offering no 
objection, no consent, just a tranquil repose.


	As the weeks passed, all of Mirkwood watched 
in sorrow as their Prince withdrew from them.  The 
light in his eyes dimmed, his face turning hard 
and losing all warmth.  Rarely did he smile, and 
he never laughed.  It was as if he was fading all 
over again.
	After meeting with the Captains of the Watch, 
Legolas turned to leave, but his father stopped 
him.  Thranduil gazed at the young Elf, reaching 
out to stroke a golden braid as eyes of stone 
gazed back at him.
	"What is happening to you?" the King asked 
softly.  "And do not tell me this is all out of 
concern for the Healer.  Whatever it is that 
haunts you has nothing to do with him."
	"What would you have me say, Father?" he 
asked, his voice harsh to hide the confusion he 
was feeling.  Thranduil actually seemed concerned 
for his well-being when he usually didn't even 
seem to notice the Legolas at all.
	"The truth.  It pains me to see you like 
this.  You are changing, becoming too much like 
me, and I would not have that happen.  I want my 
son back."
	"Your son?" Legolas sneered, not allowing 
himself to fall into what must be a trap.  "The 
one who could do nothing right?  The one who never 
earned your praise no matter how hard he tried?  
The one who was always lacking in your eyes--you 
would have him?"
	"I would rather have a thousand of him than 
one of the Elf you've become.  He was not perfect, 
no, but I loved him all the more for it.  I never 
found him to be lacking in anything that I 
considered to be important.  He was--" Thranduil 
shook his head "--you are the light for me, the 
one spot of brightness that drives me to fight off 
the darkness invading our lands.  It is for you 
and your future, for the future of all Elves, that 
I had to become the Elf I am, so you wouldn't have 
to.  If you remain like this, I can only believe 
that the darkness has won."
	"The darkness has won, Father.  Go to Valinor 
and leave Mirkwood to its fate.  Leave me to 
mine."
	Thranduil's eyes remained on his son's back 
as Legolas left the room, then slowly sank into a 
chair.  He couldn't remember ever feeling this 
tired, but no, it wasn't exhaustion.  It was... 
Thranduil thought for a moment, then realized what 
it was.  It was defeat.  He felt defeated.  The 
King of Mirkwood closed his eyes as the despair 
washed over him.
	Two figures emerged from the shadows of the 
room and walked over to the Elf Lord, kneeling 
down on either side of him.  The twins exchanged 
looks, and nodded to each other.  Leaning close to 
the elegant Elf, Elrohir began nuzzling a pointed 
ear as Elladan's teeth grazed the graceful neck.  
One twin's slender hand slipped inside the Elf's 
leggings and began massaging the hardening cock as 
the other's played with the sensitive balls.
	"I hate you both," Thranduil whispered as his 
body began to react to their invasions, and the 
twins chuckled.
	"We know," Elladan said and Elrohir nodded.
	"We hate you, too."
	"Do you think you can help him?"
	"We will warm his chilling blood," Elrohir 
replied.
	Thranduil reached up and slapped a hand over 
each of the invading mouths.  "I am placing my 
trust in you.  If you let me down..."
	Twin tongues licked the palms covering them 
and the tickling against his skin caused the King 
to immediately remove his hands.
	"We will not fail," Elrohir said, capturing 
Thranduil's mouth.
	"We also want him back."
	"But if it doesn't work..."
	"You may punish us in any way you desire."
	"You may count on that," the Elf Lord said, 
then lost all ability to be coherent.


	Elladan watched as Elrohir searched through 
the Healer's jars of herbs, his blue-violet eyes 
dark with worry.
	"Are you certain we should be doing this?"
	"We've tried everything else," Elrohir 
replied, sniffing the contents of a green jar, 
then placed it back on the shelf.  "This is our 
only hope.  Ah, found it!"  He turned with a  
triumphant smile for his brother, but immediately 
grew serious when his twin looked at the jar with 
no small amount of trepidation.  "Elladan, I don't 
like this either, but we have no choice.  He won't 
respond to anything else."	
	Elladan sighed, nodding his head.  "I know, 
but I can't help feeling that maybe we haven't 
tried everything, that we're rushing into this 
without thinking."
	"We've done everything we can," his twin 
said, reaching out to press a hand against the 
silky cheek.  "We must do this, or we should just 
accept the fact that we're never going to get 
Legolas back again."
	He kissed his twin softly, then headed out of 
the Healer's office and into the adjoining bedroom 
where Menelhen continued to sleep.  Elrohir 
paused, staring at the unconscious Elf.  Elladan 
came up behind him, and he, too, hesitated.
	"Should we send for Father?"
	"No," Elrohir said, shaking his head.  "There 
is nothing he can do.  We can only wait."
	"And hope," Elladan said, moving over to the 
Healer's side and taking a cold hand between his.  
He leaned over Menelhen and kissed his head where 
the strand of silver hair began.  "Do not worry, 
lovely one, we will bring him back to you, but in 
exchange, you must promise to return to us.  Do we 
have an agreement?"  He waited for a moment, then 
smiled.  "I'll take that as a yes, and I will hold 
you to your promise.  Don't forget, my lovely.  We 
miss you."
	He brushed his mouth across the Healer's 
lips, then stood up, looking at his brother.  "Let 
us go while I still have my courage."


	Legolas walked into his room and stopped, a 
frown creasing his forehead.  He looked around, 
and the frown deepened.  He could only see one 
twin, and that disturbed him.  They were almost 
never apart, and when they were, it only meant 
mischief.  Of course, even when they were 
together, it meant mischief, so there really 
wasn't much of a difference.
	"Legolas," Elrohir smiled from where he was 
lying on the bed and raised himself up on one arm.  
"I've been waiting for you."
	"What do you want, Elrohir?" the golden 
Prince said, throwing his cloak over a chair.  He 
was really too tired to deal with them, and he 
needed to go spend some time with Menelhen.
	"Just to talk.  Something to drink?" he said, 
hopping off the bed and going over to the fire 
where he had been mulling some wine.
	With a sigh, Legolas threw himself onto the 
abandoned bed, where Elrohir joined him, carrying 
two mugs.
	"You look tired."
	"I am," the Prince said, his eyes narrowed as 
he stared at the outstretched mug, then accepted 
the drink and slowly began to sip at the contents.  
He could feel the warm liquid slide down his 
throat into his stomach, a tingling filling his 
body.  "What did you want to talk about?"
	"You," Elrohir said with a slow, silky smile.
	"No."
	"Don't you think it's time?"
	"No."
	"How much longer are you planning on being 
this difficult?"
	"Forever."
	"Too bad.  It's time."
	"No."
	"Legolas!" he snapped, his voice irritated.
	"Elrohir!" he mimicked in a mocking tone.
	"Do you really think this is helping?" 
Elrohir said, exchanging Legolas's empty mug for 
his full one.  "You've become sullen and, to be 
honest, completely unbearable to be around.  It is 
no wonder Menelhen hasn't woken up.  Why would he 
want to be around you?"
	"Don't you think you're being a bit cruel?"
	"Only a little," Elrohir said, running the 
tips of his fingers up and down Legolas's thigh, 
sending a warmth straight to the Elf's groin.
	"No," Legolas said, pushing Elrohir's hand 
away, though his 'no' did little to convince 
Elrohir he had meant it.  "None of your tricks, 
Elrohir."
	"Come, Legolas," he said, taking the hand 
that had tried to deny him access and lightly 
tracing patterns on the palm, causing a shiver to 
run through the other Elf's body.  "I am not 
trying to trick you.  I am your friend, remember?  
But no, you don't," he said, and threw down the 
palm, turning his back to the Prince.  "You've 
forgotten that, along with so much more."
	Sighing, Legolas rolled his eyes and sat up, 
wrapping his arms around Elrohir's shoulders.  "I 
have not forgotten you, my friend."  Legolas 
smiled, nuzzling the Elf's midnight hair.  He 
didn't know if it was the wine, but he suddenly 
felt more relaxed than he had since Menelhen was 
attacked, as well as intoxicated by the fresh 
evergreen scent of the Prince.  "Indeed, I could 
not if I tried.  You and your brother are 
constantly trying to meddle with my life."
	"We're not meddling," Elrohir said, melting 
into Legolas's touch.  "We're simply trying to 
make sure we don't lose you."
	"I'm not going anywhere," he said, his warm 
breath caressing the pointed lobe.
	"Are you sure?" the Prince of Rivendell said, 
gasping as a tongue flicked out against his ear.  
"Even when you're here, you're not here.  Where 
are you, Legolas?"
	"Where do you think I am?" he chuckled, 
slipping a hand inside the other's shirt and 
teasing a nipple into hardness.
	"With my brother."  The hand inside his shirt 
stopped, the golden body tensing against his.  
Elrohir turned to look at him, taking Legolas's 
face between his hands as he pressed his forehead 
against the Prince's.  "Share your pain with me, 
love.  Let me give you strength.  You don't need 
to suffer alone."
	Legolas squeezed his eyes shut.  He wanted to 
say something, he longed to ease the burden on his 
heart, but he could never get the words out.  
Menelhen was the only person with whom he could 
share everything, and Menelhen...   Legolas 
shuddered, trying to move away from Elrohir's 
gasp, only to find himself pressing against 
another warm body.  He hadn't heard anyone arrive, 
but he knew instantly that it was the other twin.  
Elladan wrapped his arms around Legolas's waist, 
drawing him into his embrace.
	"You're not escaping, my love," Elladan 
whispered into his ear.  "Tonight, you're ours, 
and we're going to bring you back whether you want 
us to or not."
	"Talk to us, Legolas," Elrohir said, slowly 
unlacing the golden Prince's tunic, licking at 
every inch of skin that was being revealed.  
"We're yours for as long as you need us."
	He knew better than to struggle.  He wasn't 
sure if he could in his state.  His head was 
spinning from the drink and, between the twins' 
caresses, he had grown so aroused his body was 
humming.
	Swallowing hard, he gave in, and said softly, 
"I know."
	"What do you know, my love?" Elladan said, 
pulling off Legolas's shirt while his twin began 
working on relieving Legolas of his leggings.
	"About Estel.  About Aragorn."
	The brothers froze, exchanging glances of 
surprise.
	"How do you know?" Elrohir asked.
	"Your father told me, many years ago."
	"Legolas, is that why...?"
	"He will be king and I... I will become 
nothing more than a memory."
	"Oh, Legolas," Elladan sighed, kissing his 
cheek.  "You will never be just a memory to Estel.  
You are his heart."
	"But that isn't enough," Legolas said.  "I 
can never be enough."
	"How do you know?" Elrohir asked, leaning 
forward to nuzzle his neck.  "Did you ask?"
	"I know what the answer would be.  It is 
better this way."
	"Do you really believe that?" Elladan said, 
turning his head until he could look directly into 
his eyes.
	Legolas was quiet for a moment, then nodded.  
"Yes."
	"Then, if this is your decision, if this is 
what you truly believe, why have you grown so 
cold?"
	"How else am I supposed to survive?" he 
answered, his voice strained with tears.
	"You have us," Elrohir answered as he gently 
lowered the three of them down onto the bed, the 
twins' hands stroking Legolas's body till it was 
flushed and covered with a light sheen of sweat.
	"And you have Menelhen, whenever he decides 
to stop being so selfish and wakes up," Elladan 
added in a teasing voice.  "We love you, and we 
will keep you warm.  We swear it with our lives."
	"Then do it," Legolas said, reaching up and 
drawing them to him.  "Love me, keep me warm.  I 
don't want to be cold anymore."
	Elrohir pulled back, smiling wickedly down at 
the Prince.  "Beg."
	"What?"
	"I want to hear you beg for it," Elrohir 
answered.
	"You know," Elladan said, matching his 
brother's grin, "I wouldn't mind hearing you beg 
as well."
	"You two are sadistic," Legolas said, 
growling as he tried to sit up but the twins just 
laughed and pushed him down again.
	"You cannot escape, my luscious Prince," 
Elrohir chuckled.  "Tonight, you belong to us and 
are ours to command."
	"Is that so?" he asked, arching an eyebrow, 
and before the twins could catch him, he had 
rolled over Elladan and was diving off the bed.  
The raven-haired Prince barely managed to grab 
hold of his calf and he landed on the mattress 
with an "umph".  The twins pounced and the three 
of them attacked each other with hands and mouths 
and whatever else they could think of until they 
were lying on the bed, breathless with laughter.
	"This isn't fair," Legolas panted.  "You're 
protected by clothes!  I have only my skin between 
me and your hands."
	"I believe that was the idea," Elladan 
purred, rubbing his chin up Legolas's side before 
attaching his mouth to a peaked nipple.  The 
golden Prince shuddered at the moist warmth 
enveloping his skin as a hand slipped between his 
legs.
	"Wraith," he muttered and Elrohir started to 
laugh.
	"That's what I call him!" he said, answering 
Legolas's questioning glance, and Elladan lifted 
his head to glare at him.
	"You'll get yours, brother."
	Elrohir smiled broadly at him.  "Promise?"
	"I'll make that promise," Legolas said, 
grabbing the twin by the neck and pulling him down 
into a kiss.  Hungrily, he devoured the velvety 
mouth, their tongues playing an eager game as the 
twins' hands searched out every delectable spot 
between his legs.
	"Gods, it's been too long," he moaned as 
Elladan slipped a finger in and out of him.
	"We couldn't agree more," the Prince said 
breathlessly as he stared into the blue eyes 
misted over with passion.  "Let me take you, 
Legolas.  Please, I want to be inside of you."
	"Are you begging me?" Legolas grinned and the 
violet eyes narrowed.
	"I do not beg."
	"I don't know, brother," Elrohir chuckled, 
"that sounded like begging to me."
	"Not that it matters," the golden Prince 
said, reaching up to caress Elladan's face.  "My 
answer would be no.  I want to be inside you 
tonight."
	Closing his violet eyes, Elladan leaned into 
his touch, moaning softly.  "Despite our many 
years together, you've never asked that of me 
before," he whispered.
	"I thought it time, if you will permit me."
	Elladan opened his eyes and smiled a 
beauteous smile the heightened the glow 
surrounding him.  "Of course."
	Legolas rolled over on top of Elladan, 
claiming his mouth as he began tugging at the 
Elf's tunic, then paused to glance at Elrohir.  
"Aren't you going to help?"
	"I thought you'd never ask," Elrohir grinned 
and climbed behind Legolas.  Positioning himself 
between the Elf's legs, he licked him from the 
base of his spine to his neck, Legolas arching his 
back in delight.
	"That's not what I meant," he gasped, and 
Elrohir chuckled.
	"It's what I meant," he said, pulling off his 
shirt and sliding his breeches down his legs.
	"Stop right where you are," Elladan scowled.  
"Aren't you forgetting someone?"
	"Never," Legolas said, sliding a hand inside 
Elladan's leggings, grasping the Elf's throbbing 
cock and causing Elladan to buck his hips against 
him.  "You're right where I want you to be."
	"And you think I'm the Wraith here," he said 
between clenched teeth as the others laughed, 
hurrying to undress him, Legolas pulling down 
Elladan's leggings while Elrohir removed his 
brother's shirt.  
	"Isn't he beautiful," the golden Prince said 
quietly as he stared down at the naked Elf, 
trailing his fingers over the muscular chest.  
Elladan had never looked lovelier to him, his face 
softened by passion, his eyes shining with love as 
he gazed up at them, his cheeks rosy with 
excitement, his lips moist and screaming to be 
kissed.
	"He is," Elrohir said, wrapping his arms 
around Legolas's waist, resting his chin on the 
pale shoulder as he smiled down at his twin.  "He 
is the most beautiful creature I have ever seen, 
other than you," he added, kissing Legolas's 
cheek.  "I would be happy if I could do nothing 
all day and all night but look at you both."
	"My loves," Elladan said, reaching up to 
place a hand on each of their faces, "if you even 
think I'm going to let you get away with just 
looking at me, you'd better change your minds 
quickly, or I'm going to go find another Elf who 
will do more than just look."
	With a laugh, Legolas leaned over, whispering 
to him just before claiming the Prince's lips, 
"Looking is the farthest thing from my mind."
	Elladan allowed himself to be kissed for a 
moment then gently pushed Legolas back.  He 
reached over to pick up Legolas's hand and lifted 
it to his mouth, slowly sucking on each of the 
long fingers until they were thoroughly moistened.
	"Legolas," he whispered, and the golden 
Prince smiled.  Reaching between Elladan's legs, 
he massaged the starburst entrance, then carefully 
inserted a finger inside.  Elladan's eyes rolled 
back as he pushed himself against Legolas's hand.  
"More..." he begged, and both Princes chuckled 
while Legolas inserted a second finger, and then a 
third, burrowing deep until he hit the spot that 
made Elladan scream.
	"I think he's ready for you, love," Elrohir 
said, his own voice tense with need.
	"I think so, too, but I want to do this 
together," Legolas said, turning his head to meet 
Elrohir's eyes, and the lissome Elf leaned down to 
kiss him.
	"Let me prepare you," he said through the 
kiss, but Legolas shook his head.
	"No, it's all right--I don't think any of us 
can wait that long."
	Elrohir nodded and kissed him again as he 
readied himself at Legolas's entrance.
	"Now, Elrohir," he said and plunged into 
Elladan as the other twin entered him.
	Three voices cried out at the pain and 
pleasure of the first thrust, then three bodies 
began writhing in unison as they moved in and out 
of each other.  Elladan wrapped his legs around 
both the golden Prince and his brother, drawing 
them closer, deeper and Legolas closed his eyes, 
losing himself in the sensation of being 
surrounded by the twins.  He began to wonder how 
he could have ever denied himself their company.  
He had been a fool to close himself off to 
everyone, particularly Elrohir and Elladan.  They 
were just what he needed after his separation from 
Estel.  There were few who knew him so well, who 
knew his mind and body and heart, and none who 
would offer themselves so selflessly.  Not that 
they didn't enjoy the results of their offer, he 
thought wryly as the twins moaned in delight.  
Estel be damned!  So long as he had Elladan and 
Elrohir and Menelhen, he didn't need Estel.
	Opening his eyes, he concentrated on the 
Princes above and below him, ignoring the ache in 
his heart that made everything he had just told 
himself a complete lie.
	The bodies of the three Elves constricted 
with the onslaught of their orgasm and three cries 
mingled in the air as they came together, panting 
and screaming and swearing their undying love for 
each other.  They then carefully collapsed on the 
bed so that they didn't crush each other, but 
remained touching.  The twins turned to snuggle 
against Legolas, enveloping him in arms and legs 
and kisses, and he smiled to be wrapped in their 
warmth.  His body continued to pulse from his 
release, and a frown appeared on his brow as he 
realized he didn't feel quite normal.
	"You drugged me, didn't you?"
	"It was his idea," Elladan said, poking his 
brother in the side.
	"We'd run out of options," Elrohir shrugged.  
"It's nothing harmful--just a few herbs to relax 
you and make you a little more responsive to 
certain stimulation."
	"You're both Wraiths, and if I wasn't so 
relaxed right now, I'd punish you."
	"Does this mean you'll punish us later?" 
Elladan asked, leering suggestively at him.
	"I'll take it under consideration," Legolas 
yawned.  "Or I may just leave it up to my father.  
I believe you've already enjoyed some punishment 
at his hands."
	The twins exchanged glances of mutual 
surprise and amusement at his words, not realizing 
they had been that obvious about their actions 
with the King of Mirkwood.
	"He was impossible to resist," Elrohir 
grinned.
	"Besides, it was interesting to discover 
certain family traits that you share."
	Legolas groaned.  "Please, keep your 
discoveries to yourself.  I have no desire to know 
what traits my father and I might have in common.  
We share the two of you--that is enough."
	"Indeed," Elrohir said with a mischievous 
chuckle.  "Between you two Lords of Mirkwood, we 
may finally have met our match."
	"Do you really think so?" Elladan asked 
eagerly as he peered over Legolas's chest at his 
twin.
	"I do not doubt it."
	"How wonderful," he said, then looked up at 
Legolas.  "You'd better get used to having us 
here--we may never leave Mirkwood again."
	"What will I tell your poor father when he 
starts to wonder where you are?"
	"Simply tell him we have been ensnared by 
Mirkwood's charms."
	"And I'm sure he'll know exactly what you 
mean," the golden Prince said in a dry voice as he 
pushed himself off the bed.
	"Where do you think you're going?" Elrohir 
demanded, disgruntled that his pillow had 
vanished.
	"To wish Menelhen goodnight.  I don't want 
him to think we've forgotten about him."
	"Impossible," Elrohir said as the two 
brothers cuddled together, lazily resting their 
heads against each other, their eyes starting to 
grow distant.
	"Tell him we love him, and not to forget his 
promise," Elladan said.
	"And what promise is that?" Legolas asked, 
arching an eyebrow at them as he slid into a robe.
	"He'll know," the Prince murmured as the two 
drifted off into sleep.
	Legolas smiled to himself as he walked down 
the hall to the room next door.  As ordered, a 
fire was burning in the fireplace and a blanket 
had been placed over the unconscious Elf.  Fresh 
flowers were gathered and placed in a vase on a 
table by the bed, along with supplies for changing 
bandages on the wound.  After checking to see how 
the Healer was healing, Legolas lifted up the 
blanket and crawled under, wrapping himself around 
Menelhen, lending his warmth to the cold skin.
	"Elladan and Elrohir have conspired against 
me to bring me out of my self-inflicted 
depression, while seducing me at the same time.  
Needless to say, it worked.  I hope you don't 
mind, but you yourself have had experience with 
how relentless they can be, so please don't be 
angry with me for giving in to them.  They really 
are what I needed.
	"Which reminds me, they both wish for me to 
tell you that they love you, and Elladan says to 
remember your promise.  I assume you know what 
he's talking about.
	"Oh, Menelhen," he sighed, burying his face 
in the dark brown hair as tears seeped from his 
eyes, "I miss you.  We all do.  Why won't you come 
back to us?  I love you, and I need you now more 
than ever.  I'm lost without you.  Please, Estel, 
come back," Legolas whispered before drifting into 
reverie, never noticing he had spoken the wrong 
name.

	Elrohir and Elladan spent the next few weeks 
alternating their time between Legolas and his 
father.  While the golden Prince hadn't returned 
entirely to his old self--an air of melancholy 
followed him everywhere--at least he smiled again 
and his laugh was once more heard throughout the 
trees of Mirkwood.  Elladan and Elrohir attributed 
this change completely to their own personal 
skills, and made sure to use them when accepting 
their thanks from Thranduil.
	Legolas watched them run between himself and 
the Lord of Mirkwood with no little amusement.  He 
knew he should be wary of sharing lovers with his 
father, but in truth, he really didn't care.  He 
would rather they attempt to use their wiles on 
the stony King than on a more gullible Elf who 
might risk getting his heart broken.  Plus, the 
twins were insatiable, and he needed a break from 
them as often as he could get one.
	"I think I'm beginning to understand why 
Elrond hasn't asked for their return," he said one 
day to Menelhen as he opened the windows to let in 
a rare warm breeze.  "The inhabitants of Rivendell 
probably need this time to recover from their last 
stay."
	As usual, the Elf didn't respond, but Legolas 
was growing accustomed to his silence.
	"Or maybe Elrond just thinks I need them 
more.  He always did have a habit of seeing more 
than he revealed.  I really wish you could have 
had the chance to spend more time with him.  When 
you wake up, maybe we should pay a visit to 
Imladris.  It's beautiful in spring.  I could show 
you to one of my favorite waterfalls--the valley 
is filled with them, but there is one that falls 
into a pool deep enough to dive into from the top 
of the cliff.  It's a rather steep drop, so I'm 
sure you wouldn't approve, but it's just as 
amazing from the bottom.  You could just swim 
around in the pool and not dive at all." 
	The breeze drifted into the room and ruffled 
Menelhen's brown hair, sending the silver streak 
blowing across his eyes.  Legolas reached out to 
tuck it behind the Healer's ear as he sat next to 
the sleeping Elf.
	"Did I tell you about the letter Mithrandir 
sent father a couple of weeks ago?  I'm pretty 
sure I did, how Mithrandir is entrusting into our 
care a strange creature.  It seems the Istari sent 
a Ranger to track him and now the Dunedan is 
bringing him here.
	"I think I might go look at this thing," he 
said casually, plucking at the blanket covering 
the still form almost as if expecting Menelhen to 
jump up and protest.  "I want to see what it is 
that is so important to the Istari that he 
searched all over Middle-Earth to find it.  Do you 
think you'll be all right here alone for a couple 
of days?  Not that you'll be alone--Elrohir and 
Elladan will be in here constantly to entertain 
you with all the details of their latest conquest 
over my father.  I wonder if they'll ever realize 
that Father is the true conqueror?  Probably not--
their egos would never allow it.  If they start to 
bother you too much, just ask them to leave," 
Legolas said, winking at the unseeing Healer.  "I 
promise I'll hurry back, and I'll tell you all 
about this Gollum creature Mithrandir wants us to 
hold for him.  
	"But don't worry," he hurried to say, 
glancing anxiously at the serene face, "I'm not 
leaving till tomorrow morning.  I have guard duty 
tonight with the twins, though I have a feeling 
the only thing they'll be guarding is my father's 
bed.  They've been getting out of a lot of duties 
that way.  I told him once he should be ashamed at 
letting them manipulate him like that, but he just 
laughed and said I used to grant the same favors 
to my lovers.  I couldn't argue with him after 
that."
	The light began to fade with the setting sun 
as Legolas looked out over the room at the books 
and parchments that hadn't been touched, the ink 
that had dried in its well.  Every item longed to 
be held once more by loving hands, hands that were 
cold and limp between Legolas's own.  He would 
never say it, refused to even think of it, but in 
one small part of his mind, he was beginning to 
lose hope.  Each passing day made Menelhen seem 
further and further away, and he was beginning to 
wonder if the Elf was ever coming back.
	"I need to go prepare for my watch," he said, 
lifting the Healer's hands to his lips.  "I will 
come see you in the morning before I leave.  I 
love you."
	He paused for a heartbeat, hoping to hear his 
words repeated, but the only sound was the slight 
rustle of the papers in the breeze.  Sighing, he 
stood up and closed the windows, then with one 
last look, left Menelhen to his rest.

	The twins had tried their hardest to join 
him.  They begged, they pleaded, they whined--all 
very unconvincing as they spoke between yawns 
while they lay buried under the covers on his bed.
	"No, really, I insist.  I can go alone," 
Legolas said in a toneless voice as he rolled his 
eyes.
	"All right," Elladan smiled.  "If you 
insist."
	"Just be careful," Elrohir said as he drew 
the blankets up to his chin.
	"Don't forget to keep Menelhen company while 
I'm gone," Legolas said, his eyes threatening as 
he gazed at them.
	"When have we ever left Menelhen alone?" 
Elladan teased, and the golden Prince chuckled.
	"True enough.  Take care of him, and of my 
father."
	"We will.  Don't worry, Legolas," Elrohir 
said.  "Mirkwood's castle will not burn down 
without you here to protect it."
	"It had better not," the Elf replied, 
swinging his pack over his shoulder.  "I'll be 
back in a couple of days."
	"We eagerly await your return."
	"Wait!"  Elladan shouted as Legolas was 
closing the door, and, alarmed, the Prince quickly 
swung it open again.
	"What?  Is something wrong?"
	"Yes--you didn't kiss us goodbye!"
	"You two are nothing more than a couple of 
children," Legolas smiled, and walked over to the 
bed to give them each a peck on the forehead.
	"You call that a kiss?" Elrohir scowled, and 
with a quick glance at his brother, the twins 
reached out from under the covers and pulled 
Legolas down onto the bed.
	"Let me go!" he laughed, struggling in vain 
against them.  "You're crushing my lembas!"
	"It's lembas," Elladan shrugged.  "Crushing 
doesn't hurt it."
	"Nothing hurts it," Elrohir shuddered.  "Now 
I truly do not envy you your journey."
	"You must be the only Elf in Middle-Earth who 
doesn't like lembas," Elladan laughed, digging 
through Legolas's pack until he found a piece of 
waybread wrapped in a leaf.  Snapping off a 
corner, he held it against Elrohir's lips as his 
twin tried to push his hand away.  "Come on, 
little brother.  Eat the lembas.  It's good for 
you, and tasty, too.  Just open your mouth..."
	"Get that foul stuff away from me!" Elrohir 
shouted, forcing the hand away, causing the lembas 
to crumble between his twin's fingers.
	"You're getting crumbs all over my bed!" 
Legolas protested as Elladan, still laughing, 
finally gave up.  "I should make you lick up this 
mess."
	"You'd really make us do that?" Elladan 
asked, arching an eyebrow at him.
	Legolas leaned forward till his lips were a 
breath away from the Elf's.  "Every last crumb," 
he said, flicking his tongue against Elladan's 
mouth.
	"Mmm..." the Prince purred.  "I like the 
sound of that."
	"Pity I have to go," Legolas smirked as he 
jumped back from the Prince.
	"Tease," he pouted, and Legolas chuckled.
	"I'll make you lick crumbs off my bed when I 
get back."
	"Promise?"
	"Promise.  Now, kiss me so I can leave before 
nightfall."
	The twins obeyed, melting the golden Prince 
with passionate kisses, then consented to allow 
him to begin his journey.  He only stopped long 
enough to bid Menelhen farewell, and was gone.

	Thranduil had finally received a report from 
the Elves keeping watch for the Dunadan and his 
charge that they had arrived in Mirkwood, so 
Legolas knew exactly where to find them.  Despite 
his knowledge, he made no effort to hurry to them.  
He had missed his walks through the Greenwood and 
enjoyed traipsing barefoot amongst the large 
trees, though he was saddened by the signs of the 
darkness' invasion.  There were fewer woodland 
creatures to be found, having scattered to more 
benevolent lands, and many of the trees' voices 
had grown harsh with anger and hate.  Those that 
hadn't given in to the darkness were worried and 
fearful, and their concern would often press down 
on him, as if it were a physical weight.  Still, 
enough of them continued to fight that Legolas had 
hope the woods he loved would survive.
	He was so distracted by the love of his 
woods, it was near dusk by the time he reached the 
Elves sent to watch over Mithrandir's creature.
	"The Dunadan brought it in this afternoon," 
the Captain said, pointing to the creature huddled 
by the base of a tree.  "It put up a good fight--
knocked the Ranger into a mud puddle, but we were 
finally able to subdue it."
	"Where is the Ranger?" Legolas asked, 
glancing around to find the Human was absent.
	"Trying to clean off the mud," the Captain 
chuckled.
	The golden Prince nodded absently as he 
stepped closer to their captive.  The creature was 
muttering to itself, the words hissing and 
blending together.  "What is it?" he frowned, 
glancing back at the Elf behind him.
	"We don't know.  One would almost think it a 
Halfling, but it looks like no Halfling I've ever 
seen.  Maybe it's a type of Goblin or Orc."
	"Is it dangerous?"
	"Only to our pride," the Elf grinned.
	Legolas took another step forward and the 
creature cringed.  He felt pity for it, it looked 
so afraid.  He stopped, kneeling down so that he 
was at eye-level with it, though still several 
feet away.  There were markings on its skin, as if 
it had been beaten.
	"It's all right," Legolas said softly.  
"We're not going to hurt you.  Mithrandir called 
you 'Gollum'--is that your name?"
	The creature's head slowly turned, allowing 
the Prince to get a better look at him.  His eyes 
were so large, they seemed to cover half of his 
face.  They blinked at him as he studied the Elf, 
and this time it was Legolas who cringed.  There 
was nothing in those eyes but a dark fire, and 
Legolas knew that this creature had sacrificed his 
soul long ago.
	"You poor thing," he said softly as he rose 
to his feet, returning to the Captain.  
"Mithrandir wishes to question the creature.  Hold 
him here until the Istari arrives."
	"And the Dunadan?"
	"I will see if he needs any supplies or 
anything else we can provide for him.  If not, he 
will be free to go on his way."
	"Yes, my Lord.  The Ranger is down there, by 
the stream.  You should be able to find him easily 
enough."
	"Thank you," Legolas nodded, then set off in 
the direction the Captain had indicated.
	"And the creature?  Any special instructions 
for him?"
	Legolas paused, turning to look at Gollum, 
who stared back at him with glittering eyes.  "Do 
not trust it, but be gentle.  It suffers greatly 
and deserves our pity.  Is there anything in 
particular it likes to eat?"
	"It seems to have a preference for new fish."
	"See that it gets plenty of fish to eat," 
Legolas said, then continued towards the stream.  
He had to walk much further away from the camp 
than he had expected.  Apparently, the Ranger had 
little desire to bathe near the Elves, he thought 
with amusement.  Finally, he came upon traces of 
the Ranger's passing and quietly approached the 
sounds of splashing.  Passing through the trees at 
the edge of the bank, he caught sight of the 
Dunadan emerging from the stream, of the lean body 
he knew so well, and he froze. 
	"Estel," he whispered, his heart jumping and 
immediately sinking at the sight of his beloved.  
He hurriedly stepped back, thinking to escape, and 
ran right into a tree, causing the branches to 
shake.
	Estel's eyes instantly focused on the sound 
and the Human's skin paled beneath the moonlight 
while his face hardened.  "My Lord Prince," he 
bowed, his voice colder and more cruel than 
Caradhras.  "To what do I, a mere mortal who is 
prone to violence and places no value on Elvish 
life, owe this honor?"
	Though Estel's words caused him indefinable 
pain, he knew he deserved nothing less from the 
Ranger, not after what he'd done.  Legolas steeled 
his heart and, for a brief moment, the Elf the 
twins had fought so hard to dispel returned to his 
face.  "I simply wished to ask the Dunadan who had 
placed the creature in our care if he needed 
anything before continuing his travels."
	"And now that you know it's me, do you 
withdraw your offer?  I only ask, because that 
seems to be your habit of late."
	"The offer stands," Legolas growled.
	"What's this--have I angered you, my Lord?  
Perhaps I should be more careful, or you might be 
tempted to remove my head."
	"Estel, that's enough!" he cried, reeling 
from agony of the Ranger's words.
	"Oh no, my Lord," Estel snarled, storming 
towards the Elf and grabbing him by the shoulders, 
"it is not nearly enough!  You selfish little 
monster--do you know the hell you've put me 
through?  Wondering what it was I did wrong, 
wondering what I did to make you stop loving me, 
and then you show up here, and I realize, it isn't 
my fault."
	The hands that had been gripping his 
shoulders hard enough to bruise softened, then 
released him entirely as the Ranger stepped away, 
the gray eyes burning with hatred.
	"It's all you.  You've made me a pawn in some 
demented Elvish game, and I refuse to play any 
longer.  Arwen is my life now, and you--you will 
not even be a memory."
	Legolas stared at the fuming Human for a 
moment, then nodded shakily and turned to leave, 
only to find heavy fingers wrapping around his 
wrist.  He glanced questioningly at Estel, whose 
eyes had narrowed.
	"We're not finished, my Lord."
	"I think we are," he answered, trying to 
shake off the Ranger's hand.
	Estel tightened his grip on the first wrist 
as he grabbed the second, forcing Legolas's arms 
against the tree.
	"What do you think you're doing?" Legolas 
demanded as the Ranger glared at him.
	"My heart may be dead to you, but it seems my 
body is not."
	The golden Prince's eyes widened as they 
flicked down to see that the Man holding him was 
fully erect.  "You will not," he growled.
	"Indeed?"  Estel took Legolas's wrists in one 
hand and reached down to grasp his elfhood.  
Legolas hissed as fingers closed around his 
arousal--indeed, he had grown hard upon first 
witnessing Estel emerge dripping from the stream.
	"My body may not be immune to you, either, 
but that does not mean I consent to this."
	"What's wrong, Legolas?  Still waiting for 
your precious Healer to wake up?  Or have my 
brothers been keeping you too distracted to even 
think about him."  The Prince's pale face flushed 
with anger as he struggled to lash out at the 
Ranger, and Estel pressed him bodily to the tree, 
once more grasping the slender wrists with both 
hands, licking the side of his face.  "A little of 
both, I see.  I can taste them on you, smell them 
even--evergreen.  My brothers always did smell 
like evergreen."
	"Do not assume you know anything about my 
life," Legolas said, glaring into the Human's 
eyes, embarrassed that the Ranger had been able to 
read him so well.  He had grown painfully hard 
with the nearness of Estel's body, a rush running 
through him with each little movement the Ranger 
made.  "Release me."
	"Oh, I intend to offer you release," Estel 
replied, his breath caressing the Elf's pointed 
lobe.  "Eventually."
	"You will not dare," Legolas said, trying to 
calm the blood rushing through his veins, "not 
when there is a host of Elves who will come 
running at my shout."
	"Somehow, I think even they will know to stay 
away when they hear the kind of shouting I plan on 
having you do."
	A shiver ran down the golden Prince's spine 
and once more, he tried to break free.  He had to 
get away.  It was too much, he'd never be able to 
resist Estel, not even the Estel standing before 
him, threatening him.  He was beginning to 
understand how much pain he had caused his beloved 
to turn him into this.  It saddened him, but he 
couldn't deny that this Estel excited him as well.
	"My love, please, let me go," he pleaded, 
blue eyes gazing into gray, and the change in 
Estel's face told him he had made a mistake.
	"'My love'?  How dare you call me your love?"  
The hands tightened on his wrists, grinding the 
bones together, and Legolas whimpered at the pain.  
"Love is nothing to you.  I am nothing to you, but 
you--you were everything to me."
	"Estel--"
	"Be quiet!" the Ranger commanded through 
clenched teeth, his face close enough that his 
beard scraped against Legolas's cheek, his chin, 
his nose.  "I'm sure my brothers told you of our 
meeting in the village.  What they failed to 
witness was how I suffered without you--the tears, 
the drunken nights, the mornings waking up next to 
strangers--lithe bodies with long blond hair that 
came close, so close, but were never you.  I 
tortured myself over you until the day Gandalf 
found me.  The expression on his face--the sorrow, 
the disappointment, the doubt--he woke me up and I 
realized you weren't worth it, especially when I 
have Arwen."
	Legolas had felt himself growing ill 
throughout Estel's speech, but at the mention of 
Arwen's name, he physically flinched.  Of course, 
the Ranger noticed his reaction.
	"You never minded me mentioning her name 
before.  Perhaps she means something more to you 
now.  Perhaps she represents what you no longer 
have, what you threw away, what you never wanted 
to begin with."
	"That's not true!" Legolas snapped, unable to 
listen to him any longer.  "I wanted you from the 
first day I saw you, and I will want you long 
after your bones have turned to dust.  I don't 
care who you are, I don't care what you've done, I 
don't care what you will do.  You are mine and I 
am yours and that will never change!"
	"Liar!  Deceiver!" he spat.  "I've heard your 
pretty words before.  I was a fool to believe them 
then, and I refuse to believe them now."
	The Elf broke eye contact with the Ranger, 
knowing he had never done anything to prove his 
faith to Estel, breaking it every time it seemed 
they had finally become one.  He couldn't blame 
him for being angry.  "Believe what you will.  My 
actions certainly have done nothing to convince 
you otherwise."
	"Do not play that game with me, Elf.  Do not 
expect sympathy from me, or pity, or 
understanding.  Your words mean nothing to me!"
	"Then what do you want from me!"
	Estel ground his hips against Legolas, 
causing the Prince's erection to throb in need.  
"You know what I want."
	"Then take it," he growled, pressing his body 
against Estel's.  "Take me.  Do what you will, but 
be warned, my love," he said, his voice hard as he 
once more looked into the Human's eyes, "the first 
chance I get, I will throw you to the ground and 
leave you with a memory that no amount of love 
from Arwen will ever make you forget."
	Estel's eyes widened, his cock twitching in 
eager response to Legolas's threat.  For a second, 
he longed to give in, to loosen his grip on 
Legolas and provide the Prince the opportunity he 
needed, but the second passed.  The Elf always did 
effect him in ways that no other could, he thought 
with a wry smile, but he was not going to let him 
win.  It was his turn to punish Legolas for 
everything he'd done.
	"Keep dreaming, little Elf.  You are mine, 
but I will never again be yours."
	"We shall see," he said, the predatory look 
never leaving his eyes.
	"Be quiet," Estel said, pushing his mouth 
against the Elf's, forcing his tongue inside, 
sucking at the taste he had been longing for even 
in his sleep.  He released one wrist to pull at 
the laces of Legolas's tunic and froze to find the 
edge of a cold blade drawing a line lightly across 
his neck.
	"You never learn, do you, 'little Human'?" 
the golden Prince smirked as he pushed the blade 
deeper, causing Estel to take a step back.
	"And what is it that I never learn?  Never to 
trust an Elf?  Believe me, that is a lesson I know 
very well."  Estel dropped to the ground and swung 
out his leg, knocking Legolas to the forest floor, 
his knife flying out of his hand.  He pounced, 
pinning the Elf beneath him.  "You're not going to 
make this easy on me, are you?"
	"I warned you--the first chance I got..."
	"And you lost it," the Ranger said, once more 
claiming his mouth.  He sucked fiercely at the 
Elf's lips, their teeth knocking together in his 
enthusiasm as he ground his body against his 
lover's.  Just looking at Legolas was enough to 
get him excited.  To actually have the long, hard 
body stretched out beneath him--there was no way 
he would be able to last very long.  
	"It's a good thing I don't care about you 
anymore," Estel said as he flipped the Elf over 
and pulled the green leggings over the creamy 
white ass.  "Because this is going to hurt."
	Legolas turned his head to glance at the 
Human out of the corner of his eye, a sneer 
forming on his face.  "From what I can remember, I 
don't think I have anything to worry about."
	Estel's eyes narrowed as he reached for the 
knife, pressing the flat of the blade against the 
Prince's cheek, causing a tremor to run through 
Legolas's body.  
	"Don't worry, little Elf," Estel said with a 
wicked grin.  "I'm not going to hurt you with 
this."  
	Grabbing hold of Legolas's tunic, he cut the 
top of the cloth from the Elf's back, pulling it 
down his arms to his elbows and limiting his 
movement.  Estel leaned down and began kissing the 
delicate shoulder blades, nipping at his skin as 
he reached the spine.  His lips caressed each 
vertebra, his teeth grazing every bone, nibbling, 
sucking.  A soft moan escaped Legolas as he tried 
to move beneath the Human to a more comfortable 
position, but Estel chuckled darkly and held the 
Elf still.
	"No, you don't, my love," he said, glancing 
up at the glittering eyes as he reached the edge 
of Legolas's torn tunic.  "This is entirely for my 
pleasure."
	"Just remember, everything you do, I will 
return upon you tenfold."
	"You'll never catch me."
	"I have an eternity to catch you.  You won't 
have your speed or youth to help you escape 
forever."
	"But I do have them now," he said, "and will 
keep you at my mercy for as long as I wish."
	"For as long as *I* wish," Legolas said, 
reminding Estel that no one Man could hold an Elf 
against his will for any amount of time that he 
did not desire it.
	"If you want to escape, why don't you?"
	Legolas closed his eyes so he wouldn't have 
to look at Estel, and the Human laughed.
	"Just as I suspected.  You don't want to 
escape.  You want this--you want me, any way you 
can have me."
	"I thought I'd already made that clear."
	"Even if it means me forcing you?"
	Swallowing hard, Legolas was ashamed that the 
answer in his heart was 'yes'.
	"You're pathetic, Elf."
	I know, Legolas thought.
	Estel leaned forward, his mouth against the 
pointed ear.  "But so am I, because I need you so 
badly, I will take you any way I can get you."
	Legolas's eyes flew open as he turned to look 
at Estel.  All of his hardness and all of his 
anger had been replaced by the pain of his heart 
and sheer, blind desire.  Never removing his gaze 
from the Prince's face, Estel grabbed the ruined 
tunic and tore it from the Elf's back.  Turning 
Legolas over, he pulled the cloth from the Elf and 
tossed it to the forest floor, leaving him free to 
wrap his arms around Estel.  
	The Ranger couldn't remember the last time he 
had felt more complete than when Legolas drew him 
down against his body.  He stared for a moment 
into the shimmering blue eyes, then kissed him.  
Kissed him hard.  He wanted to devour the Elf's 
mouth, plunder it until all that remained was the 
taste and feel of him so that Legolas would never 
be able to taste and feel any other.  Legolas 
welcomed him, sucking at his tongue, urging him 
deeper as his hands entwined in Estel's hair, 
holding the Ranger's mouth against his. 
	When Estel finally broke the kiss, Legolas 
growled as their mouths were separated, trying to 
pull him back in, but the Ranger refused to 
comply.  He was hungry, ravenous even, having been 
starved of Legolas's flesh for months, and he 
wanted to eat up every delicious inch.  He moved 
his lips down the Elf's neck, finding the tender 
spot between his neck and shoulder blade, and 
worshipped it with his teeth until Legolas cried 
out in pain.  The cry only pushed him into further 
madness as he continued his journey.  His hands 
and tongue explored the torso beneath him, 
pinching and biting and caressing the pale flesh.  
He toyed with the taut nipples till Legolas was 
mewling with misery.  His fingers sought out every 
rib, starting in the middle and tracing their way 
down Legolas's sides, tickling the bare skin with 
the loving lightness of his touch.  He lapped at 
the line separating Legolas's hips from his legs, 
bathing the skin with his tongue, but always he 
avoided going near the Elf's weeping member.  
	Estel pulled the green leggings completely 
off and began gnashing at the smooth thighs, 
leaving glaring red love bites along the white 
flesh.  Running his tongue back up the left, he 
paused at the knee, wrapping his mouth around the 
joint and slowly slid his teeth over it again and 
again.  He turned his eyes to Legolas's face as he 
gnawed at his knee to watch the Elf tossing his 
head in agony, his eyes clenched shut as he 
wordlessly appealed for his release.  He had never 
looked more beautiful, Estel thought, running his 
cheek along the Elf's tensing calf and nipping at 
the Elven ankle.  
	Once at that level, he focused his gaze on 
Legolas's shaft shining brightly in the moonlight 
as the milky essence coated the sides.  He could 
tell the Elf was about to come and Estel grabbed 
the base of his balls.  Legolas's eyes snapped 
open, a guttural scream escaping from his throat 
as he was withdrawn from the edge.  Estel 
chuckled, feeling the burning of hatred in the 
sapphire glare, then swung Legolas's legs over his 
shoulders.
	"Not yet, little Elf," he said, positioning 
himself between the Prince's thighs.
	His own manhood was already slick with his 
desire and he held it at the point of Legolas's 
entrance.  Estel nudged it a little, then 
withdrew, only to repeat the process until the Elf 
was weeping, tears flowing freely from the corners 
of his eyes.
	"Please, Estel, if you do not finish this 
soon, I swear I shall die!"
	"Then you shall die happy," Estel said and 
thrust himself into the Elf, nearly snapping his 
lover in two he quickly bent over to capture the 
cry that escaped Legolas's lips.  His mouth firmly 
attached to Legolas's, he pumped mercilessly into 
his body as the slender hands clawed at his back, 
either trying to fight him off or urge him closer.  
He swallowed every strangled scream as he hit the 
Elf's pleasure spot.  He refused to let go, 
wanting every sound of Legolas's pain or ecstasy 
to echo through his body.  When the shout of the 
Elf's release came, it never seemed to end as a 
rush of hot liquid spilled between them.  The 
violent tremors of his lover's body brought Estel 
over the edge and he screamed his own release into 
Legolas's mouth, pumping into him long after there 
was nothing left for his body to give.
	Breathing heavily, he let the Elf's legs 
slide down his shoulders to the ground as he 
collapsed against Legolas, still buried deep 
within the quivering body.
	"I would eat you alive if I could," Estel 
murmured, nuzzling Legolas's ear.  "Swallow you 
whole so I could keep you inside me forever."
	"I think you just did," Legolas moaned, 
trying to feel his body, but it seemed to be 
strangely detached, though it was buzzing in the 
most delightful fashion.  The buzzing stopped, 
however, with Estel's next words.
	"Why did you leave me, Legolas?" he asked, 
and the Prince turned his head away, shutting his 
mouth with an audible click.  
	"No!" Estel said sharply, placing his hands 
on either side of Legolas's face and turning the 
Elf to face him.  "You are not going to escape not 
this time.  I want an answer.  I am tired of all 
this.  I have to know why!"
	"Estel, please," he said, his lips trembling.  
"Don't ruin this."
	"Ruin what?" the Ranger growled, pushing 
himself off the Elf.  "Apparently, there's nothing 
here to ruin."
	Legolas sat up and watched as he began 
searching through his bag for a spare set of 
clothes as the ones he had been wearing were still 
caked with mud.  "Estel, we both know this is 
good-bye.  Do we really need to end it like this?"
	"What?"  Estel stopped his rummaging to stare 
at him.  "What are you talking about?"
	"It cannot go on.  We cannot go on.  Things 
are changing--the world is changing, and I fear 
there is little room in it left for us."
	"How can you say that?" Estel said, his voice 
filled with disbelief.  
	"Because it's true.  Estel--"
	"No!" he shouted as he to his knees before 
the Elf, taking Legolas's hands between his own.  
"No--I cannot believe it.  It can't be true.  We 
would not have found each other if we were not 
meant to be together."
	"I never said it made sense," Legolas said, 
placing a hand against his beloved's cheek.  "I do 
not know why the Valar brought us together, but 
our time is over.  You have Arwen now.  She is the 
one you are meant to be with, not I."
	"Then why does it feel so wrong?" he 
whispered, and Legolas looked at him with 
sorrowful eyes.
	"Time will pass.  I will grow more distant in 
your mind, while Arwen will become the focus of 
your heart."
	"But I don't love her."
	The golden Prince frowned, shaking his head.  
"That is not true."
	"But it is.  I have known for a long time now 
that my heart favors you over her.  I do love her, 
yes, but not with the same passion, the same 
strength that I love you.  I am yours, Legolas.  
All you have to do is accept me, and we can always 
be together."
	Legolas stared at the Man before him, his 
entire body shouting yes, but his mind faltered 
and held his tongue still.  The Valar were cruel 
indeed.  If Estel had been anyone else, if he had 
been a mere Human with no past and no future, 
Legolas would take him into his arms and never let 
him go.  But he was not.  He was Aragorn, son of 
Arathorn, destined to be the King of Men, and as 
King, he would need a Queen.
	"Estel, my love for you will last throughout 
eternity, an eternity I would gladly abandon if I 
thought it was possible for us to be together, but 
it is not.  I love you, but I cannot accept you."
	"Why?  Why do you reject me?" he cried, a 
plea for Legolas to help him understand his pain.  
Legolas just shook his head.
	"You know why," he said softly, but Estel 
just stared blankly at him.  Legolas sighed and 
rose to his feet, pulling on his leggings and 
gathering together the pieces of his tunic.
	"You are determined, then, to leave me like 
this, to let me suffer."
	"I do not want you to suffer, but I have no 
choice."
	"And you deny me a choice.  If you leave me 
now, know that it will be for the last time.  When 
next we meet, should that time ever come, it will 
be as strangers.  You will not even be as a friend 
to me.  We will be severed completely."
	Legolas nodded, forcing words past the 
tightening of his throat.  "I understand.  Let us 
say our farewells and we will part forever."
	"Are you certain?  Is this really what you 
want?"
	He knelt down in front of Estel and kissed 
him softly.  "Good-bye, Estel of Rivendell."
	"Good-bye, Legolas of Mirkwood."
	They kissed again, then Legolas stood up, and 
was gone.

	The golden Prince ran through the woods until 
he could run no more.  His heart burning in his 
chest, he leaned against a tree and slid to the 
forest floor, allowing the tears to spill from his 
eyes.
	It was over, it was finally over.  This cycle 
of hurting and healing was finally at an end.  
They would no longer have to suffer the joy of 
being together knowing the pain of their 
separation was only a distant future away.  It was 
done.
	So why did it feel so bad?  Why did he feel 
like his heart was breaking all over again?  Had 
he made the wrong decision?  Maybe this was all a 
mistake--maybe he and Estel were supposed to find 
a way to be together.
	No, he thought, shaking his head.  This was 
the way things had to be.  Who was he to stand in 
the way of Men?  This was their time, and Estel 
their King, and he, he would join his kin across 
the sea and never again return to Middle-Earth.
	But not yet, not until after Estel was gone.  
Though they may be separated forever, he had made 
a promise, and he would keep it, no matter what 
the cost might be.
	He leaned his back against the tree, drying 
tears itching at his skin, but he refused to brush 
them away.  He would accept any little irritation 
to distract him from his grief.
	Suddenly, the blue irises began to glow so 
brightly, they nearly turned white.  Feeling a 
presence nearby, Legolas looked around him, but 
there was no one.
	Closing his eyes, he concentrated on the 
sensation and a flash of silver passed through his 
mind.
	"Menelhen!" he gasped, his eyes flying open.  
	Jumping to his feet, Legolas ran headlong 
towards the castle, moving with a speed that left 
the leaves on the trees shaking in his path.  When 
he reached the castle, he was little more than a 
golden blur to the guards on duty, his footsteps a 
mere whisper as he practically flew up the stairs 
to the Healer's quarters.  
	He paused when he reached the open door and 
stared into the room.  Elladan and Elrohir were 
sitting on either side of the bed, each holding 
one of the Healer's hands, while Thranduil stood 
off to the side, gazing out the window.  All three 
heads turned as he entered, the twins arching 
identical eyebrows as they perused his undressed 
state, the disheveled hair, the markings on his 
chest, neck, arms.  Legolas couldn't help noticing 
that all three pairs of eyes were reddened with 
tears and all three faces swollen with crying.
	"Father?" he asked, focusing his gaze on the 
Elf Lord.
	"My son," Thranduil said, walking over to him 
and taking the Prince into his arms.
	Legolas's heart began to sink as he rested 
his head on Thranduil's chest and collapsed into 
his embrace, never having needed his father's 
support more.  Slowly, he turned his eyes to look 
at Menelhen and felt his legs grow weak, 
Thranduil's strong arms all that helped him remain 
standing. 
	The twins began to laugh and the rumble in 
his father's chest reverberated throughout his 
body, but he didn't notice any of this.  All he 
saw was a pair of silver eyes staring back at him 
and the loving smile spreading across the Healer's 
face. 
	

	Estel stared at the space in front of him 
where Legolas had been, still feeling the golden 
Prince's touch on his lips.  He wanted to cry, to 
scream, to shout, to run after him, to run away 
from him, but all he could do was sit there, 
staring, raging and numb at the same time.
	He couldn't believe it had happened again, 
that he had lost him again.  Where was the 
beginning of this vicious circle?  Was there any 
way he could make it end?  He was weary of the 
longing, the aching, of finding him only to be 
left abandoned and alone over and over and over, 
but Legolas insisted on hurting him every time.  
Why?  Why did he do it?
	Legolas had said Estel knew why, but he 
didn't.  None of it made sense.  He knew Legolas 
loved him, but he didn't understand why he refused 
to stay.  Why cause them both needless pain?
	Unless...
	Estel's eyes widened.  Did he know?  Did he 
discover what Estel had been trying so hard to 
keep hidden?  If he did know, that would explain 
everything.  Legolas was far too noble an Elf to 
let an entire race fall simply because he was in 
love with their King.
	Trembling, Estel buried his face in his 
hands.  Legolas was right, had been right all 
along.  There was no place left in the world for 
them.  If he was to be a leader of Men, it would 
be with Arwen by his side and the hope that 
Legolas would fade from his heart.
	Estel cried out in defiance of his thoughts, 
pounding the earth with his fists.
	"Never!" he shouted to the stars.  "I will 
never let him go--do you hear me!  I will find a 
way!"
	The stars blinked at his declaration with 
cold indifference while his eyes burned brightly 
with determination.  
	"I will find a way.  We will be together, I 
swear it."



(To be continued...)