Title: Part III: The Healer's Seduction (1/6) 
sequel to "The Golden Prince of Mirkwood" and "Rivendell's Mortal Son" 
 
Author (including email): Dhvana (Dhvana@aol.com ) 
 
Pairing(s): Legolas/Aragorn (who is still Estel), Legolas/Menelhen,  
Elrond/Glorfindel, Elladan/Menelhen/Elrohir 
 
Rating: NC-17 
 
Summary: In this sequel to "The Golden Prince of Mirkwood", having  
discovered Menelhen's true feelings for him, Legolas begins to see him in a  
new light, while Estel has his own hidden agenda for the budding relationship. 
 
Disclaimer: Not mine--Tolkien's. Except for one. 
 
Authors Note: Lots of plotty goodness and sex--what more could you ask for?  
And I've decided to take an example from fellow authors and drag this one  
out, posting only little bits at a time. Please, let me know what you think! 
 
 
The Healer's Seduction 
 
"Don't you ever miss?" Estel said, beginning to feel slightly frustrated  
as yet another of Legolas's arrows hit the direct center of the target. The  
Ranger had bragged to the Elf that he was just as good a shot, though so far,  
his brag was proving worthless. They had been shooting for an hour now at  
the inside practice range, as Legolas refused to let his beloved spend any  
time outside in the cold while he was still recovering. Though his arrows  
reached their targets, the Ranger's accuracy was nothing compared to that of  
the golden Prince. 
"Of course I've missed," Legolas chuckled, then added, "when I was a  
child." 
"Your modesty leaves me breathless." 
"That's not all I can do to leave you breathless." 
The Human arched an eyebrow at the Elf. "I wouldn't mind an example of  
that." 
Legolas wrapped a hand around Estel's neck and drew him into a  
toe-tingling kiss. The Elf's mouth danced with the Human's until Estel was  
forced to step back, gasping for breath. 
"Is there anything you're not good at?" 
"If I find something, I'll let you know," Legolas responded, his deep  
blue eyes creasing at the corners with amusement. 
"My Lord!" 
They both turned as two of the Wood Elves slammed the door open, followed  
by a Human man. 
"Yes? What is it?" 
"A party of Orcs has been spotted heading for the village near the lake." 
The Human stepped forward and bowed before the Prince. "Your Highness,  
our village has been ravaged by sickness and most of us are in no condition  
to fight. I am here to plead for your help." 
"A request I will gladly grant," Legolas said, turning to the first Elf.  
"Gather together as many Elves as you can and tell them to arm themselves  
well. We will leave as soon as possible. And find Menelhen--we may have  
need of his skills." 
"Lord Menelhen?" the Human asked, raising his head. "The Healer?" 
"Yes, you know of him?" 
"Indeed, he has been in the village for the past two days." 
"He's what?" The words escaped from his mouth before he could stop them  
and Legolas stood there, stunned. He'd thought Menelhen had simply been  
avoiding him and he'd decided to respect the Healer's privacy, believing the  
Elf would appear when he was ready. The archer felt a sudden pang of guilt  
that he'd never realized the Healer was actually missing, his guilt quickly  
turning to anger at himself for not noticing and at the Healer for leaving  
without notifying him. 
The Human practically cringed at the blaze in the Prince's eyes and found  
himself quick to explain. "Our own Healer found herself in need of  
assistance as she was also taken ill. She sent for his help a few days ago  
and Lord Menelhen has been there ever since working wonders amongst us. I  
would still be bedridden if it wasn't for him. He gave me a list of items he  
would need." The Human removed a piece of parchment from his pocket, which  
Legolas gave to the first Elf. 
"Gather all the items on this list and see to it that they are carried  
with us when we leave." 
"Yes, My Lord," the Elf said, bowing as he ran from the room. 
"The Healer had another message for you," the Human said, looking  
somewhat uncomfortable. 
Legolas nodded. "Go on." 
"He said to tell you not to let Estel know of this, for the Healer  
doesn't believe it is safe for him to travel yet, much less become involved  
in a battle." 
"It is too late for that," the Ranger said as he exchanged grins with his  
lover, "for I am Estel." 
"In that case, the Healer has another message for you--dress warmly and  
do no overexert yourself." 
Estel laughed. "He knows me too well." 
"That is true, but," Legolas hesitated, fearing Estel's reaction, "I may  
agree with him about you remaining here." 
The Ranger's eyes narrowed. "Don't even bother wasting the thought that  
would be required to try and persuade me. I'm going with you." 
Legolas frowned at Estel, his eyes turning to the Human and remaining Elf  
as he remembered they had an audience. "Will you wait to ride out with us?  
We should be leaving within the hour." 
"I will wait, thank you, Your Highness." 
"Good." He glanced at the remaining Elf. "See to it this man is given  
food and drink, as well as anything else he may need." 
"Yes, My Lord," the Elf said as both he and the Human bowed, then left  
the room. Legolas waited till the door closed, then faced his lover. 
"If Menelhen doesn't think you should be going, I want you to stay." 
"I will not leave your side." 
Legolas could see from the stubborn set of Estel's face that this wasn't  
going to be an argument he was going to win, but he still had to give it at  
least one attempt, if for no other reason than to explain to the Healer that  
he'd tried. 
"You're still suffering from the effects of your illness. You're no use  
to me if you have a relapse, or if you end up dead." 
The Ranger's eyes flared in anger and injured pride, but his words were  
halted when the golden Prince added, his voice almost a whisper, "I warned  
you once I would not survive a third time." 
His face softened as he took the Elf into his arms. "You will not have  
to worry about that, I swear. Nothing will happen to me. I promise that I  
will obey the Healer's instructions by dressing warm and not overexerting  
myself." 
"Just remember to keep your promise, or you will have to answer to us  
both."  
"I will keep it, so long as you remember to keep yours." 
 
 
Upon arriving at the village, the first thing Legolas did was seek out  
the Healer. With Estel following behind, he was led to a small house where  
Menelhen was sitting on the bed next to a little girl whose breaths were  
coming in gasps, her parents standing by with worried faces. Though the  
little girl was covered in sweat, her face pale and feverish, she watched the  
resplendent Elf with an expression of pure wonder. The Prince remained  
standing in the doorway, watching as the Healer poured a bit of liquid from a  
vial onto a piece of cloth. Holding the cloth in front of the girl's nose,  
Menelhen smiled gently at his patient. 
"Now, what I need you to do is close your mouth and breathe deep through  
your nose." 
"I can't!" she said, shaking her head. 
"Of course you can. Do it with me now. Breathe in." The Elf closed his  
mouth and took an exaggerated breath through his nose. "Breathe out." He  
released his breath with a rush. "Come on--breathe in, breathe out, breathe  
in, breathe out, in, out, in, out." The girl followed along with the Healer,  
attempting to breathe through her nose, her breath coming easier with each  
try. Within minutes, she was breathing normally and she beamed at the Healer  
with her accomplishment. 
"There," Menelhen said, leaning over to kiss the girl's forehead.  
"You're going to be just fine. Now get some rest. I will be in to check on  
you later." 
The little girl nodded, smiling as she continued to breathe through her  
nose to show the Elf she could do it. The Healer handed the vial to her  
parents. "Every time she seems to be having trouble, just pour a little of  
this onto a cloth and hold it in front of her nose as I did for about a  
minute. It will not only clear her lungs, but it should also keep her fever  
down. Even after her breathing no longer seems affected, continue this once  
a day for another week, and she will be fully healed." 
"Thank you, My Lord," the girl's mother said, pressing the Healer's hand  
to her heart. "I don't know what we would have done without you." 
Menelhen almost seemed to blush beneath the adoration in the woman's eyes. 
"You're very welcome," he said, withdrawing his hand as he turned to  
leave, freezing as he spotted Legolas. "My Lord!" 
The Humans bowed at the sight of the Prince, Legolas acknowledging them  
with a nod, then looked at the Healer. 
"Menelhen, if you will please join me outside." 
The Healer nodded, following the Prince into the snow, Estel keeping pace  
behind them. All around the trio, villagers rushed through the town  
preparing for the attack. Legolas had placed the Elves under the control of  
one of his captains and they headed towards where he was coordinating with  
the leader of the Humans. 
"Estel," Menelhen said, looking sternly at the Ranger. 
"I am wearing three layers and feel perfectly fine." 
"Good. Keep it that way." 
"Menelhen," Legolas said, glaring at the Ranger when he made a face at  
the Healer, "correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't recall granting you leave  
to give aid to the Humans." 
"No, you're not wrong." 
The Prince arched an eyebrow at the insolent tone of the Healer's voice.  
"Then what are you doing here?" 
"You would have me deny my calling and leave these people to suffer?" 
"No, but I would have had you ask first. I had no idea where you were.  
What if we needed you?" 
"If you had needed me, you would have gone to my room where you would  
have seen the note I had posted on my door explaining where I was. Failing  
that, you would have asked around the castle for me, where at least a dozen  
Elves would have been able to tell you that a Human had come seeking my  
assistance and that I had left for the village. As you did none of these  
things, I can assume that my services were not needed and therefore this  
conversation is over." 
"This conversation is not over. As an Elf of Mirkwood, you are under my  
family's rule and in our service. As long as you wish to remain as one of  
our retainers, you will ask permission before enlisting on any errand that  
takes you beyond our realm." 
The Healer's eyes narrowed and the Ranger stared at the Prince in shock,  
unable to believe what he was hearing. 
"Legolas, this will come as a surprise to us both, but in the many years  
I've known you, I don't think I've heard you say anything more absurd." 
"Estel, this does not concern you." 
"It does when I see someone I love making a fool of himself." 
"A fool?" 
 
"Do not bother, Estel," Menelhen interrupted. "If this is how he truly  
feels, then I shall not remain within his service for long. If you will  
excuse me, I have to make certain I have everything I will need to treat the  
injured." The Healer turned and walked away from the lovers, but not leaving  
so fast that they failed to miss the cold fury in his silver eyes. 
"What is the matter with you?" Estel hissed, and Legolas sighed, shaking  
his head. 
"I don't know. I think I was just worried. What if the Orcs had gotten  
here before we arrived? These people are in no condition to fight them off.  
He could have gotten himself killed." 
"Perhaps you should have explained this to him instead of giving him that  
ridiculous lecture." 
The golden Prince nodded, realizing Estel was right. "I'll speak with  
him after we've taken care of the Orcs." 
 
 
Working together, the Humans and the Elves easily outnumbered the Orcs,  
but many of the Humans were still weak from their recent illnesses, Estel  
included. Legolas kept a close eye on the Ranger throughout the fight, and  
when his lover began to show the first signs of fatigue, Legolas sent him  
away. 
"Absolutely not," Estel growled as they fought side by side, a lethal  
pair even if one was not feeling his best. "As long as I can still swing  
this blade, I am not going anywhere." 
"If you do not take a moment to rest and recover your strength, I will  
put my swords down and let myself be hewn into a thousand pieces." 
"You will do no such thing. I--" Estel began, then grunted at seeing the  
determination in Legolas's face, admitting to himself that perhaps a small  
break wouldn't be unacceptable. "I will return, and you'd better still be  
here." 
"I will be." 
Estel made his way to the edge of the village where the wounded had been  
gathered. Now that he stood outside of the fighting, he could see that their  
side had the advantage. The Elves never failed to amaze him--their grace  
even in battle could not be rivaled, their swords an extension of their arms.  
They were mesmerizing, each movement flowing into the next, bodies and  
weapons a blur. If his beloved wasn't out there, he might have gotten lost  
in their beauty, but instead, he worried each time the snow was splashed with  
red. 
Refusing to remain useless, he began carrying water to those who couldn't  
move themselves. He noticed a woman in her fifties working her way down the  
line, two teenage boys at her side. Though pale and shivering, she had an  
expression on her face he knew well, as it was one he was fond of wearing  
himself, an expression that would permit no weakness as long as she was  
needed. 
"Take this one inside," she said, gesturing to the meeting house where  
Menelhen was working on those who were seriously injured. "And this one as  
well." 
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Estel asked her, realizing she must  
be the village's Healer. 
"Are you injured?" 
"No. I just need a moment to recover before rejoining the battle." 
"Good. Continue what you are doing and try not to get hurt when you go  
back out." 
"Yes, My Lady," Estel grinned. 
As he was easing the thirst of the last of the injured, a great roar  
filled the air. All of them looked up as a horde of Orcs poured from the  
trees and began attacking the wounded. Shouting a warning to the warriors  
fighting behind him, Estel drew his sword and began defending those who were  
in too much pain to move. The rest who were able were already on their feet  
and defending their comrades while those who were near enough in the main  
battle to notice quickly joined them. 
When the fighting was finally over and the last of the Orcs had been  
killed, Legolas began searching for Estel. Upon reaching the village, he  
froze, staring in horror at the sight before him. There was no snow left on  
the outskirts of the village, as the blood from the injured and the dead had  
melted it all. Looking at the bodies, he thought there were more lying there  
than on the battlefield itself. 
"Estel!" 
He began searching through the bodies, ordering the Elves around him to  
sort those who were alive from those who were dead. There were more Elves  
among the injured than the Humans, but the case was opposite when it came to  
those who had lost their lives. The Orcs had arrived at the perfect time in  
order to decrease the population of the village, when they were too weak to  
defend themselves. 
"Estel!" Legolas cried again, feeling the panic beginning to rise in his  
throat as he found more and more dead Humans, and none living. 
"Legolas! Over here!" 
The golden Prince ran to find Estel working with the village Healer, both  
of them covered in blood that was not their own. He was so relieved to see  
the Human alive, Legolas ignored the gore covering his beloved and took the  
Ranger in his arms. 
"What happened?" 
"Another company of Orcs attacked us. There was nothing we could do." 
"Where is Menelhen?" 
"I don't know. I haven't seen him." 
"I have." 
They turned to see one of the young men who had been helping the village  
Healer, blood streaming from a cut across his forehead. Legolas grabbed him  
by the shoulders, staring him in the eyes. 
"Where did you see him?" the golden Prince demanded. 
"Over there!" the young man said, pointing to the meeting house. "The  
Orcs were dragging the injured warriors out into the snow and killing them.  
The Healer was trying to fight them off. That was all I saw and then  
everything went black." 
"Come here, boy, let me take care of that," the village Healer said as  
Legolas raced off towards the house. Estel made to follow, but she grabbed  
his arm. "I need you here." 
Though his heart traveled with the golden Prince and despite his fears  
for the Healer, the Ranger nodded and continued helping with the injured. If  
Menelhen was dead, there would be nothing he could do for him, but these  
people would need his own burgeoning Healer's skills. 
Legolas's blood turned cold as he ran past the dozens of dead men lying  
in the snow, the horror of the Orcs' cruelty leaving him feeling ill, but  
still he did not stop searching. 
"Menelhen!" 
He ran into the house, the scent of death nearly overpowering him.  
Leaning against the wall outside the door, he took several deep breaths, then  
stepped inside. 
"Menelhen, are you in here?" 
There was blood pooling on the floor, splashed on the walls, even  
dripping from the ceiling. As his stomach was about to give out on him, a  
movement in the corner caught his eyes. 
"Menelhen!" 
The Healer's back was turned to him as he kneeled on the floor. As  
Legolas drew near, he could see the Healer rocking a lifeless body in his  
arms. The golden Prince knelt down next to him, placing his hands on  
Menelhen's shoulders as he looked at the Human staring lifelessly at them  
from the Healer's arms. 
"He was the last," Menelhen whispered. "I fought and I fought, but I may  
as well have not even been here. The Orcs were too many, and my skills as a  
warrior too few. I couldn't save any of them. Not a single one." 
Legolas rested his cheek against the Healer's, surprised to find it damp  
with tears. "There was nothing you could do. None of us realized that the  
Orcs were capable of this, though such evil should not have come as a  
surprise. You are not responsible for their deaths." 
Wrapping his arms around Menelhen's waist, he lifted the Healer to his  
feet, the Human sliding from his lap onto the floor. 
"Come, Menelhen, you shouldn't be in here." 
The Healer tuned to look at him, his silver eyes shining with tears.  
Legolas gasped to see Menelhen's other cheek had a cut across it dripping  
blood, and he looked over the Elf to see another cut on his stomach. 
"You're hurt!" 
"They are only flesh wounds. They will heal in time. It is the least I  
deserve for not being able to protect them." 
"Menelhen, listen to me! This is not your fault! You are not a warrior.  
Your duty is to preserve life, not take it. You did everything within your  
power to keep this from happening. The Orcs are responsible for this--not  
you!" 
"Then why am I still alive? I should be dead like the rest of them!" 
"Don't say that!" the Prince cried, taking him into his arms. "Never say  
that!" 
"Why not? I'm of no use here. They no longer need me." 
"I need you," Legolas said, and immediately felt the Healer's body tense.  
Raising his dark head, silver eyes stared into blue, hope sparking deep in  
their depths beneath the horror and despair. 
"What did you say?" 
Legolas opened his mouth to answer, but Menelhen stopped him. 
"I warn you, do not repeat those words unless you mean them." 
Legolas gazed at the young Elf in his arms. Placing a hand on the  
injured cheek, he ran his thumb lightly over the cut, feeling a physical pain  
that the Healer's beauty--both inner and outer--had been marred by the Orcs'  
terrible act. 
"So fragile," he whispered, his eyes searching the Elf's face. There was  
such light to be found there, an almost terrible splendor in the way  
Menelhen's devotion and affection endeared him to Legolas when he knew he  
should be discouraging the young Elf. He couldn't help himself wanting the  
Healer's love, a love that would always be there and never see any  
others--one he would never have to share and one that would never die.  
Leaning down, he pressed his lips to the Healer's. 
Menelhen completely relinquished himself to Legolas in the kiss,  
abandoning heart and body in the Prince's embrace. There he found the all  
the warmth, strength, and love he needed in that moment when all he wanted  
was to disappear into himself and forget. 
Legolas broke the kiss, raising his head to smile down at the Elf. "I  
need you," he repeated, surprising himself in that he meant it. ìI need you.î 
As he moved to kiss the Healer again, a shout interrupted them. 
"Legolas! Legolas, where are you?" 
They turned at Estel's cry and Legolas immediately released the Healer,  
stepping back as he was filled with a sense of disbelief. He had forgotten  
about the Ranger, the man whose life was more dear than his own, the man for  
love of whom he had died almost twice. For the first time, while wrapped in  
another's arms, Estel had ceased to exist. 
Menelhen caught the expression on Legolas's face and sighed, the hope  
dying in his eyes. Legolas belonged to the Ranger. Nothing would change  
that.

Estel walked into Legolas's room, pausing to see a strange Elf  
silhouetted against the window. He smiled as he recognized the long brown  
hair that belonged to Menelhen and the silver streak gleaming in the darkness  
of the room. He had grown rather fond of the Healer to whom he owed his  
life, though he would have liked Menelhen anyway, simply because they shared  
a love for the same Elf. As they had gotten to know each other, Estel had  
developed other reasons for admiring the Healer as well, particularly after  
the battle. 
 
Despite being in shock from what the Orcs had done and for other reasons  
Estel wasnít aware of, Menelhen had emerged from the meeting house and  
immediately set to work. His actions were mechanical and he was clearly  
reacting on instinct, but he had saved many lives that day who otherwise  
would never have survived. The Elves remained in the village for a week,  
giving their injured a chance to heal and helping the Humans remove signs of  
the battle and bury their dead. When they had returned to the halls of  
Mirkwood, the Healer had immediately distanced himself from the Elves.  
Legolas tried to speak with him, but Menelhen had pushed him away and locked  
himself in his room. On the few occasions when he emerged, he avoided all  
company but sought solitude in the woods. 
 
The Healer was so distracted by what he was looking at outside the window  
that he didn't hear the Ranger approach. The young Elf was paler than usual,  
the cut on his cheek still glaring red. Estel watched Menelhen for a few  
seconds, noting the pain and yearning in the Healer's eyes, then looked  
through the glass, and smiled in understanding. Legolas was walking outside  
on the snow, the white cloak draped over his body. His golden hair flowed  
over his shoulders, the only color on the otherwise stark winter landscape of  
grays and whites and browns. Legolas raised his head suddenly to look into  
the sky, and both their breaths caught in their throats as the Prince of  
Mirkwood smiled. 
 
Holding up his arm, Legolas held perfectly still as a red-tailed hawk  
landed on the leather guard covering his forearm. He lifted the bird till  
its eyes were level with his, then his mouth moved as if he were speaking to  
the hawk, though neither observers could make out what he said. Legolas was  
quiet for a moment, then laughed, placing the bird on his shoulder to  
continue both his walk and his conversation. 
 
"I didn't know he could talk to animals." 
 
Menelhen started, realizing for the first time that he wasn't alone.  
Seeing Estel's reflection in the glass, his hands clenched into fists.  
Taking a deep breath, he tried to act as if the man's presence didn't effect  
him. 
 
"He's an Elf." 
 
"I am aware." 
 
"Then why should you be surprised?" 
 
"It was a talent I didn't know he was capable of." 
 
"Many of my people have this talent, though some do not choose to  
exercise it." 
 
"Do you?" 
 
"I can." 
 
They were silent for a few moments, their eyes never leaving the golden  
Prince whose feet barely even seemed to touch the snow. He moved with an  
effortless grace, leaving the landscape as unmarked as when he'd arrived. 
 
"He is beautiful," Estel sighed. 
 
"I've never seen anyone more beautiful," the Healer answered, his voice  
wistful. 
 
The Ranger chuckled. "You sound like me when I first met him." 
 
"I probably sound like most people after they've first met him." 
 
"True enough. You realize he's been brooding over you ever since we  
returned from the village. I can barely get him to answer me when I call his  
name." 
 
"If you're expecting me to apologize for keeping him from your bed, be  
prepared to wait well into the next age." 
 
"Oh, I know--I'm not expecting an apology. And you haven't keep him from  
my bed." 
 
The Healer's eyes narrowed. "How unfortunate." 
 
"In fact, I've been meaning to tell you for a while now that I agree with  
you." 
 
"You agree with me?" An eyebrow arched. "About what?" 
 
"If I can love two people, why can't he?" 
 
Menelhen stared at the Human, fully believing the fever had damaged his  
brain and that the man had gone insane. Either that, or he was playing a  
diabolical game with the Elf. Believing it to be the latter, he turned.  
 
"Then you don't love him?" 
 
"I don't think that's any concern of yours." 
 
"Not even if I wanted to help you win him?" 
 
Menelhen walked up to Estel so that they were standing eye to eye,  
flashing silver meeting twinkling blue-gray. "Are all Humans as cruel as  
you?" he hissed. "Do you enjoy using my heart against me?" 
 
Estel looked at the Elf, admiring the way the sculpted cheeks flushed  
with anger, even wondering for a brief moment what it would be like to kiss  
those full, pouty lips. If this succeeded, he didn't know if he was going to  
become more jealous of Menelhen, or of Legolas. 
 
"I am not trying to hurt you. I am trying to save him from being hurt,"  
Estel said, glancing at the golden figure outside. 
 
Menelhen was silent for a moment, studying the Human's face. He didn't  
trust him--he wasn't sure he wanted to, but he knew that the man honestly  
loved Legolas and for that reason alone did the Healer stay. 
 
" Are you planning on doing something that will hurt him?" 
 
"It's nothing that I'm planning. It is simply that I'm thinking ahead  
for the future. I am Human, after all, and will not live forever as he will.  
As you will" Estel decided not to mention a complication that would occur  
much sooner than death in the form of his engagement to Arwen. Legolas  
didn't even know about that and he didn't want to risk having Healer  
mentioning it to the Prince before he got a chance to talk to him. 
 
The Healer eyed the Human skeptically. He had an idea of what Estel had  
in mind, but wasn't sure how to feel about it. Plus, if the Ranger truly  
meant it, he wanted to hear Legolas's beloved say it aloud. 
 
"I can see by the look in your eyes that you know where I'm going with  
this." 
 
"What look would that be?" 
 
"The look of someone who is offered a cup of the finest wine in Middle  
Earth, but is afraid to take it for fear it might be poisoned." 
 
"And is the wine poisoned?" 
 
"Possibly, but isn't it worth the risk?" 
 
Menelhen didn't answer. He simply pictured what it would be like to hold  
the golden Prince in his arms, to cover Legolas with kisses and have Legolas  
kiss him back. But then reality returned in the shape of a Ranger and  
Menelhen sighed. 
 
"Though I would gladly drink from the cup, I already know the wine is  
poisoned." 
 
"Why do you say that?" 
 
"Because he wants you, and only you. You have his heart, and as long as  
you are here, there will be no room for me, assuming he would ever want me to  
begin with." 
 
"Menelhen, he would be a fool not to want you. You are kind, gentle,  
caring, and so beautiful that at times it hurts me to look at you." 
 
"In all the ways I've wanted to hurt you, that's never been one of them,"  
Menelhen said, growing uncomfortable beneath the man's praise. 
 
"And a sense of humor as well," Estel chuckled. 
 
"I wasn't trying to be funny." 
 
"Then you're a natural at it--even better." 
 
"Why are you doing this to me!" the Elf cried out in exasperation. 
 
"Because I want to know that Legolas will have someone to care for him  
when I'm not around." 
 
"I would do that anyway. You know this as well as I, so why put me  
through this torment?" 
 
"I don't want just you to love him. I want him to love you. If he loves  
you, his heart will never break again." 
 
"Do you believe that?" the Healer asked, staring at the mad Human. 
 
"Yes." 
 
Menelhen shook his head. "You can't make him love me just because you  
want him to." 
 
"He will love you because of you. To be honest, I really don't think it  
will be a difficult task. He already cares a great deal for you. I saw the  
way he was watching you as you helped that little girl in the village. It  
was as if he was seeing an entirely new side of you, and not only was he  
impressed, he was a little bit awed by you. Then there's the way he ran for  
the meeting house when he feared you were in danger, and his constant worry  
over you since we've returned. Believe me, he cares about you." 
 
"It doesn't matter what you think. This doesn't feel right to me. His  
heart is yours. I can do nothing to change that." 
 
"If he should come to you, all you have to do is welcome him into your  
arms, nothing more, and you will see that I am not wrong." 
 
The Healer stared at the Human in disbelief. "You are mad." 
 
"Perhaps, but I swear that he will love you as you love him. Well, maybe  
not exactly as you love him--he will still love me, of course, and therefore  
at least half of his heart will be mine, if not more." 
 
"You're determined to do this then, to drive him into my arms?" 
 
"I am." 
 
The Elf sighed. "Do what you want. You will never succeed, and so I  
will not waste my time trying to stop you." 
 
"And if Legolas does come to you? Will you send him away?" 
 
"I would not have the strength to do so, but I would try." 
 
"In that, you would be the one not to succeed." 
 
Estel watched the Healer leave the room, then turned his gaze to the  
window. The object of their discussion had returned from his walk, his hawk  
friend rising from his shoulder to fly into the forest. Legolas watched the  
hawk until it vanished into the trees, then made his way to the castle.  
Glancing up, he caught sight of Estel watching him and his lips parted in an  
adoring smile. Motioning for the Human to stay put, Legolas hurried inside. 
 
Soon he will smile like that for another, Estel thought as he waited for  
his beloved, and how will that make me feel? Can I truly go through with  
this? 
 
But he knew he had to. He would never again let death touch Legolas  
because of him. 
 
"Estel!" Legolas smiled as he walked into the room. "What are you doing  
up here?" 
 
"Hoping you would hurry back," the Ranger said, taking the Elf in his  
arms, then shivered. "You're cold!" 
 
"Am I? I hadn't noticed," he shrugged, hanging up the cloak still damp  
from the snow. "But what are you doing walking around barefoot? You're  
still recovering from being sick, and don't think I haven't heard that cough  
you've been trying to hide since we returned from the village. You should be  
keeping warm, or you risk getting ill again. Sit down on the bed while I  
find something to cover your feet." 
 
"Legolas, that isn't necessary," Estel protested, though his smile  
displayed how much he loved having the Elf fuss over him. "My feet are fine." 
 
"Just sit down," Legolas said as he found a pair of wool socks, which he  
tossed to the Ranger. "Don't put those on yet." 
 
"Why not?" 
 
"You've been walking barefoot around the castle. Do you really think I  
want your filthy feet in my socks?" 
 
Estel rolled his eyes, but did as he was told while Legolas gathered  
together soap, a towel, and a basin of water. Kneeling in front of the  
Human, the Elf began bathing his feet, using the towel to clean every crease  
in the skin toughened by years of travel. 
 
Glancing down at the top of the Elf's golden head, Estel wondered if he  
should suggest that Legolas clean another part of his body while he was down  
there. 
 
"Are you almost finished?" Estel asked, and Legolas kept his head bent as  
he smiled at the need in the Ranger's voice. 
 
"Not quite." 
 
Estel sighed and was about to pull his feet up and put on the socks  
whether Legolas was finished or not when something warm and moist wrapped  
around his big toe. The Ranger shuddered as he instantly became fully erect. 
 
"Legolas," Estel moaned as the Elf sucked relentlessly on his toe. "What  
are you doing?" 
 
"Shh..." the Elf whispered, brushing the tips of his fingers along the  
underside of Estel's foot, moving back and forth, back and forth. The  
sensations from each pass sent a rush directly to the Ranger's groin. He  
quickly withdrew his foot from Legolas's grasp, who willingly relinquished  
the first foot so he could start on the second. 
 
Legolas kissed the tips of each toe, then made a trail of kisses to the  
arch of Estel's foot. The Human ground his teeth together as the Elf lightly  
bit down on the skin there. His hands clutched at the bedcovers, twisting  
them in his fists as he tried to keep from pouncing on the Elf. Legolas  
began kissing the sensitive skin on the bottom of Estel's foot, his tongue  
flicking between his lips that both tickled and teased the gasping Human. By  
this time, his erection was throbbing painfully, weeping for release from the  
Elf's torment. 
 
With a final lick, Legolas grinned and stood up. Kissing Estel on the  
forehead, he made as if to move away. "Okay, you can put your socks on now." 
 
Estel's eyes flew open. "What?!" 
 
"Your feet are clean. You can put your socks on." He began to walk  
towards the door when Estel grabbed him around the waist and practically  
threw him on the bed. 
 
"You're not going anywhere, Elf," the Ranger said with a vicious grin,  
rolling on top and pinning him to the mattress. 
 
"Why?" the golden Prince said, his face an expression of pure innocence.  
"Did you have something planned? I needed to speak with Menelhen, but if you  
had other ideas, I guess that can wait." 
 
"You're damn right it can wait," Estel said, slamming his lips on the  
Elf's, who answered with a hunger that matched his own. Suddenly, he  
realized that Legolas had just been toying with him, making him suffer  
despite the fact that they were both in agony. 
 
"Tease," the Human murmured as he began unlacing Legolas's tunic. 
 
"Can't you go any faster than that?" his lover growled, sliding out of  
his clothes and removing Estel's shirt, leaving the Human blinking in  
surprise at the Elf's impatience. Legolas caught the look and kissed the  
Human furiously. "This is what your absence does to me." 
 
"And how long can I hope for this to last?" he replied, amused at his  
lover's enthusiasm. 
 
"Forever. Now remove your breeches before I tear them off." 
 
"That's hardly encouragement for me to remove them," Estel chuckled as he  
began unlacing the leather straps. Legolas rolled over and reached for the  
drawer in the small table beside his bed. Estel drew in a sharp breath at  
the sight of the golden Prince's strong, smooth back and hard, rounded  
buttocks. Timed with the release of his painful erection from the restraint  
of his breeches, Estel knew what he wanted to do. 
 
He crawled on all fours till he was straddling his beloved and began  
kissing the nape of the Elf's neck. With one hand, he reached down and  
caressed a firm cheek, letting his little finger trace crease in his backside  
without actually entering. Legolas gasped in pleasure at his lover's touch,  
turning his head to send a questioning look at Estel. The Human had never  
entered him before and he wanted to be certain they were both ready. 
 
"May I?" Estel whispered, his lips brushing the pointed ear. 
 
Legolas swallowed, opening his mouth as if to speak, but the words  
wouldn't come. Instead, he nodded and handed Estel the vial he had removed  
from the drawer. Kissing the Elf's shoulder, he sat up on his knees and  
poured a little of the oil onto his hand. He rubbed the oil on his skin till  
it coated his fingers. Leaning back over, he began licking a path down  
Legolas's spine, his oiled hand sliding in between Legolas's buttocks. 
 
The golden Prince tensed, looking away as Estel entered him with a single  
finger. Sensing his lover's reaction, the Ranger ceased his movements. "Is  
something wrong?" 
 
Legolas didn't answer--he couldn't answer. He didn't understand why this  
was so difficult for him. It wasn't as if this was even his first time--the  
twin sons of Rivendell alone counted for enough experience to last several  
lifetimes. He loved Estel and he knew that he wanted to share all of himself  
with the Ranger, but he couldn't relax. Maybe he was just nervous. 
 
"Nothing's wrong. Please, don't stop." 
 
"Are you sure--" 
 
"Yes," Legolas said sharply, rising up on his knees a little and arching  
his back towards the Human. Still Estel hesitated, worried about his  
beloved's reaction. The golden Prince lifted Estel's hand from his side and  
pressed the soft skin of his beloved's palm to his mouth. 
 
"Estel," he said, his voice gentle. "I'm sure." 
 
"Kiss me first." 
 
Legolas turned his head as Estel leaned down to kiss him, eagerly meeting  
the Human's lips. He was so distracted by the Ranger's tongue that he didn't  
notice the Ranger's finger until it was fully inserted into his body. Estel  
caressed him from the inside as his tongue delved deep into his mouth. 
 
Having fully coated his path with oil, his aching cock nudging the  
entrance to the Elf's opening, Estel's lifted his head. "Are you ready?" 
 
"Yes!" 
 
This time, Estel could feel the sincerity, the urgency in his beloved's  
voice, and he pushed himself inside of Legolas. The golden Prince of  
Mirkwood cried out as he was impaled by his Human lover. Estel wrapped his  
arms around Legolas, pulling him up till the Elf's back was pressed against  
his chest. He cradled his love while forcing the Elf down onto himself as  
far as he could go. The two bodies rocked together, the golden head leaning  
back onto the tanned shoulder. 
 
Legolas's mouth was open, the air punctured by his moans of ecstasy. He  
was still couldn't understand his earlier hesitation, but it didn't matter  
anymore. They moved together as if they were one person, his tight body  
bringing Estel closer to completion with each passing second while the  
Human's hand was guiding him towards his own orgasm. 
 
Estel's teeth latched onto the crook of the Elf's neck as he marked the  
Prince as his own. Again Legolas's voice filled the room while his elfhood  
filled the palm wrapped around it. Waves of pleasure filled his limbs as  
Estel continued stroking him until he had nothing left to give. It was after  
he was certain his lover was satisfied that the Ranger allowed himself his  
own release. He filled the Elf with his essence, Legolas gasping at the heat  
of his beloved. It was almost as if the Human's orgasm was threatening to  
burn him from the inside. 
 
With a final shudder of passion, Estel's body went limp. Refusing to let  
go of his beloved, he continued to hold the Elf as they collapsed on the bed.  
They lay there, panting for air as their sweat-shined bodies slowly began to  
cool. 
 
"I didn't hurt you, did I?" 
 
Legolas chuckled, rolling over to look at the Ranger. "No, you didn't  
hurt me." 
 
"Can we do this again sometime?" 
 
"Whenever you desire, my love." 
 
"When you desire as well. You did enjoy it, didn't you?" 
 
"Estel, stop worrying," Legolas smiled, leaning over to kiss the Human.  
"Get some rest. You must be exhausted." 
 
"And you aren't?" Estel said, wrapping his arms even tighter around  
Legolas's waist, drawing the Elf closer to his body. 
 
"I will rest later. Right now, I just want to make sure you get to  
sleep. I've already told you this before--I don't want you getting sick  
again. You're too dear to me and I would hate to lose you to something as  
silly as a cold." 
 
"And when I've drifted off?" Estel yawned as he buried his face in  
Legolas's hair, his eyelids growing heavy. "Will you slip out of my arms and  
have that talk with Menelhen?" 
 
"I might, or I may just lie here and watch you sleep." 
 
"That would be nice," he smiled before adding, "I was talking to Menelhen  
earlier today." 
 
"Really? And what did you say?" Legolas asked absently as he stroked his  
lover's hair, Estel's eyes fully closed now. 
 
"I was just teasing him for loving you." 
 
"How very ungenerous of you." 
 
"You are mine, after all, and I don't want him thinking he has a chance." 
 
"You shouldn't be so cruel, Estel." 
 
"Don't complain to me about being cruel," Estel said, his words broken by  
another yawn. "The noise you just made must have tortured him horribly.  
There is no disguising why you were crying out like that." 
 
Legolas's blue eyes became troubled as he kissed his beloved's forehead.  
"Be quiet, and go to sleep," he whispered. "I will be here when you wake."

 
 
Menelhen paced through the space in his room between his bed and his  
desk. Every spare surface was covered with healing herbs and books  
describing treatments or the specific properties of plants. The bookcases  
were spilling over with parchments, treatises by other Healers or  
correspondence to share certain theories or methods. Discarded by the door  
were a bow and a quiver of arrows as well as a sheathed long knife. Since  
the battle in the village, he had wanted nothing to do with such things. 
 
Another cry echoed through the halls of the castle. With a strangled  
shout of frustration, Menelhen punched the stone wall in front of him.  
Though he cursed at the ensuing pain running through his arm, even that pain  
was better than what he was feeling inside. Slumping into a chair, he buried  
his hands in his hair. He would have to get another room, somewhere at the  
other end of the castle. Or better yet, perhaps he should join the King on  
his campaign against the Orcs. As a Healer, he should be where there were  
those who needed his skills. Maybe he could even make through with his  
threat to leave and find a new home in Rivendell. Anything to put some  
distance between himself and the two of them. 
 
Leaning his head back on the chair, he closed his eyes, trying to think  
of anything to distract himself from what they were doing, but it failed. He  
kept picturing Legolas, the golden hair against the pale skin, the Human's  
hands touching the Prince in places the Healer could only dream of. In his  
mind, it became his hands running over the silken skin while the archer's  
callused fingers caressed his face. He dreamt of lips that pressed against  
his own, a tongue that entered his mouth demanding what he would willingly  
give. 
 
Menelhen's heart began to race, his breathing growing heavy as the  
pressure against his breeches between his legs increased. He shifted in the  
chair, his hands clenching the robes that covered his body. 
 
"Menelhen." 
 
Silver eyes flew open to meet blue. He made as if to stand, but the  
vision standing before him shook his head, kneeling on the floor before the  
Healer. 
 
"What are you doing here?" 
 
"Shh..." 
 
The golden Prince placed his hands on Menelhen's knees. His fingers  
outstretched, he slowly moved them up the Healer's thighs and beneath his  
robe. The archer's hands trailed along the Healer's torso, up the hardened  
stomach to his chest. He paused there, rolling the peaked nipples against  
his fingers. 
 
Menelhen gasped, his hands holding so tightly to the arms of the chair  
that he could feel the wood threatening to cut into his skin. 
 
"Relax," the Elf said softly as he slid his hands back down the length of  
the Healer's body, parting the robe as he did so. Taking hold of Menelhen's  
knees with his hands, he separated the Elf's legs, spreading them wide apart.  
Sitting up, he reached for the laces tying the Healer's breeches and quickly  
undid them. Placing a hand inside the leather, he began to massage  
Menelhen's hardened member. 
 
Menelhen moaned, moving back in his chair as if trying to escape, but  
there was nowhere he could go. The hand followed him everywhere, refusing to  
leave him. 
 
"Don't fight me," the much beloved mouth whispered as raising his other  
hand, he freed Menelhen from the confining breeches. "Just enjoy." 
 
"I don't understand." 
 
"What is there to understand?" the Elf said just before covering Menelhen  
with his mouth. The Healer bit his lip to keep from crying out as his ere 
ction was completely surrounded by the golden Prince. The Elf between his  
knees began moving his mouth up and down his cock. He gasped again as a hand  
reached down to caress his sacs while the warm, wet tongue ravaged the  
sensitive tip of his elfhood. 
 
The sensations racing through is body were almost more than he could  
bear. Each rush of ecstasy was entirely new for him. The young Healer had  
never even considered being with another Elf--he had loved Legolas since he  
first saw him. It had never occurred to him that he could take pleasure in  
others as his eyes were blinded to their charms. It had always been Legolas  
and only Legolas, and now it was Legolas making him moan. It was Legolas  
causing him to arch his back against the chair. It was Legolas feeding on  
his desire, drawing it forth from the depths of his body. 
 
Menelhen writhed against the golden Prince's mouth as he seemed to burst  
from the inside. This time, he did cry out--he couldn't stop himself. His  
eyes rolled back as centuries of unanswered yearning were emptied into  
Legolas, who never once removed his lips, but continued to suck the Elf dry. 
 
When he finally ran out of voice, Menelhen's mouth remained open in a  
silent cry, his eyes closed, gasping as he tried to make sense of what had  
happened. The archer proceeded to lick the Healer clean, then carefully  
placed Menelhen back into his breeches. He redid the laces, then arranged  
the robes around the trembling body. Rising to his feet, Legolas leaned over  
to brush his lips against the Elf's, and left. 
 
The Healer remained sitting in the chair, unmoving, keeping his eyes  
shut, for the next half hour. He didn't know if he had dreamt the visit, or  
if it had really happened, he just knew that he never wanted the feeling to  
end. 
 
 
 
When Estel awoke two hours later, Legolas was wrapped around him as  
promised. 
 
"Legolas," he whispered, but the Elf was fast asleep, a slight smile  
curling his lips. 
 
 
 
The doors to the Prince's room slammed open and two bodies ran inside,  
throwing themselves onto the bed. Their hearts pounding, the lovers were  
forced awake as the Ranger was smothered by over-enthusiastic hugs. 
 
"What in Middle Earth?" Estel gasped, trying to move his arms, but they  
were pinned to his sides. 
 
"Estel!" 
 
"Elladan? Elrohir?" 
 
The twins embraced their foster brother, whom only a few weeks ago they  
had begun to fear dead, one of them accidentally kneeing Legolas in the  
stomach as they did so. 
 
"Would you get off of me!" the golden Prince shouted, trying to shove the  
four legs from his body. 
 
"Sorry, beautiful one," Elladan said, rolling over to Legolas and  
wrapping his arms around the archer. "We've just missed our brother." 
 
"I hadn't noticed," Estel said, blowing out a mouthful of Elrohir's hair.  
The twin rolled to Estel's other side, leaning his head on an elbow as he  
looked over the bed. 
 
"So, are we interrupting anything?" 
 
"Just our sleep." 
 
"Only sleep?" Elladan asked, arching an eyebrow at his brother as he  
rested his chin on Legolas's shoulder, his fingers ever-so-innocently tracing  
little patterns on the Elf's bare chest. "Clearly, we've arrived just in  
time." 
 
"Speaking of your arrival, just what are you doing here?" Legolas asked,  
slapping Elladan's hand still and kissing the Elf's head. 
 
"We finally received your letter informing us of Estel's safe reemergence  
into the known world, so we thought we'd come visit. Father, anxious to see  
that you are truly safe, is waiting in the main hall with Glorfindel." 
 
"Father is here?" 
 
"And you're making him wait!" Legolas said, crawling out of the bed and  
immediately started throwing on clothes. 
 
Elladan sighed at the sight of the Prince's naked body, a silly grin  
crossing his face. "I have missed that." 
 
Estel covered his brother's view with a pillow and pushed himself out of  
bed, also getting dressed. 
 
"Don't forget your socks," Legolas teased, and Estel's face turned a  
bright red. 
 
"I have them, thank you." 
 
"Hmm..." Elrohir said as he exchanged looks with his twin. "I never knew  
socks could get such a rise out of our brother." 
 
"Actually, it's the pre-sock act that gives him a bit of a rise," Legolas  
grinned, ducking as Estel tossed a boot at him. "I'm going on ahead to  
welcome your father. Don't be long." 
 
The golden Prince ran down the hall to greet his royal guests, leaving  
the three brothers to follow. Elrond and Glorfindel were standing in the  
hall dressed in riding leathers, looking around with curious eyes at  
Thranduil's keep. 
 
"My Lord Elrond, my Lord Glorfindel," Legolas said, bowing low before the  
noble Elves. "It is a pleasure to welcome you into my home." 
 
"Legolas," Elrond smiled, stepping forward with a smile on his face,  
placing his hands on the Prince's shoulders. "You are looking well." 
 
"Thank you, my Lord. It is good to see you." 
 
"I cannot recall the last time I've been here," Elrond said, glancing at  
the great hall, "and yet, it doesn't seem to have changed." 
 
"I admit, it has none of the charms of Rivendell. Father's never been  
one to place much importance on the aesthetic beauty of a home. Efficiency  
is more to his taste." 
 
"But the charm of the surrounding woods make up for anything that you may  
feel is lacking." 
 
"I couldn't agree more," Legolas smiled, then they all turned at the  
sound of approaching footsteps. 
 
"Father!" 
 
"Estel!" 
 
The Ranger, looking very much like a child in that moment, threw himself  
into his foster father's arms. 
 
"I was extremely worried about you, my son," Elrond said, holding Estel  
close. "It is good to see you are well." 
 
"Quite well, thanks to Legolas's hospitality and his very talented  
Healer, whom I am sure will be anxious to meet you." 
 
"I am anxious to meet him as well, and thank him for my son's life. Are  
you certain you're all right?" 
 
"Absolutely," Estel said with a reassuring grin, then turned to hug the  
blond Elf at his father's side. "Glorfindel." 
 
"My dear boy," he smiled, enfolding Estel in his arms. Though he was  
relieved to see that Estel was safe, Glorfindel had to make certain he was  
aware of how much trouble his caused by his disappearance. Drawing back from  
the Human, he looked into the blue-gray eyes. "Estel, I hope you realize how  
distressed your father--your whole family--has been by all of this. If you  
think of vanishing again, please at least send a message once in a while  
letting us know you're alive." 
 
"I will, Glorfindel, I promise," Estel said, smiling apologetically at  
his father as Elrond wrapped his arms around the two. 
 
"It's all right," the Elf Lord said. "I'm just glad to see you alive." 
 
Elladan began to sniffle dramatically as Elrohir buried his face in his  
twin's shoulder, wailing loudly. 
 
"Such a beautiful moment," Elladan said, brushing fake tears from his  
eyes. 
 
Elrohir raised his head. "I'm so glad we're a family again," he said,  
then started wailing anew as they added their arms to the group hug. 
 
"Enough, you two," Elrond chuckled, ruffling the twins' hair. "You're  
crushing your brother." 
 
"It's the least we can do after what he's put us through," Elrohir said  
as they stepped back. 
 
"My Lord," came a tentative voice from the door. "Is everything all  
right?" 
 
The group turned as Menelhen entered the hall, the wails having drawn him  
forth from his room. The twins took one look at the newcomer, exchanged  
matching grins, and stepped forward. 
 
"Everything is quite well," Elladan said, flashing the Healer his most  
charming smile. 
 
"Things could not be more perfect," Elrohir said, an equally predatory  
gleam in his eyes. Legolas didn't have to see the twins' faces to know what  
they were thinking and rushed forward to Menelhen's rescue. With a warning  
glare at the Princes of Rivendell, he led the Healer to stand before Elrond. 
 
"Lord Elrond, I would like to present to you the Healer Menelhen.  
Menelhen, meet Lord Elrond of Rivendell, Lord Glorfindel, and Elrond's sons,  
the Lords Elladan and Elrohir." 
 
"My Lords," Menelhen said with a bow. 
 
"None of that, my young friend," Elrond said, raising the Healer. "You  
have saved my son. It is I who should be bowing before you." 
 
"Oh no, my Lord! It was nothing. Estel would have healed in time. I  
just helped him along a little." 
 
"Beautiful and modest, too. Could he be more perfect?" Elladan said as  
an aside to his brother. 
 
"I'm surprised you recognize modesty, you know so little of it yourself,"  
Legolas said, overhearing the twin, and Elladan grinned. 
 
"Don't listen to him, Father," Estel said, wrapping an arm around the  
Healer's shoulders. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Menelhen." 
 
"I do hope it is only illness he has been helping you through," Elrond  
said, glancing at the cut on Menelhen's cheek, "and nothing more serious." 
 
Following his gaze, Legolas nodded. "A village near here was attacked by  
Orcs a week ago. The villagers suffered many losses, but most of us only  
suffered minor injuries." 
 
"A week ago?" Elrond said, raising an eyebrow as he took the Healer's  
chin in his hand, examining the wound closely. "This should have healed by  
now." 
 
Menelhen looked away, refusing to meet the Elf Lord's eyes, which  
darkened for a moment before turning to Legolas. "I do hope you will forgive  
us for this intrusion. We would have given you advance warning, but we were  
in a hurry to see Estel for ourselves." 
 
"Your presence is never an intrusion, my Lord. You are more than welcome  
to stay as long as you wish." 
 
"I'm afraid that we cannot remain as long as we would like. We are to  
meet Arwen in Lothlorien. She has traveled there ahead of us, but does want  
me to convey her joy in finding you well, Estel, and says that she hopes to  
see you soon." 
 
Estel couldn't hide the light in his eyes at the mention of Arwen, and  
Legolas couldn't hide the sorrow in his. Legolas knew that he had been  
living in a fantasy world where Arwen didn't exist, where he and Estel had  
all the time they wanted to be together and alone. Now, with the arrival of  
Estel's family, his fantasy was crumbling and he knew that the time was  
drawing near when Estel would leave him again. 
 
Sensing the change of moods in his Lord, Menelhen stepped close to the  
golden Prince and slipped his hand into Legolas's. Recognizing the warmth  
and comfort in the gesture, Legolas looked up and smiled at the Healer.  
Glancing over at Estel, he was surprised to see an expression of approval  
mixed with pain on the Ranger's face. With a final squeeze, Legolas released  
the Healer's hand and turned to his guests. 
 
"Please, allow me to show you to your rooms. If you need anything, do  
not hesitate to ask." 
 
As the Lords of Rivendell followed Legolas and Estel down the hall, the  
twins were quick to commandeer the young Healer. Each one grabbed an arm,  
preventing any escape. 
 
"Tell us, Menelhen, how do you like it here in Mirkwood?" Elrohir asked. 
 
"I like it well enough. It has been my home all my life." 
 
"But don't you sometimes wish to see more of the world?" Elladan said,  
quick to follow his brother's lead. 
 
"I've seen more than enough of the world on the campaigns against the  
Orcs. 
 
"What about other Elvish realms? Have you no desire to see Lothlorien,  
or perhaps Rivendell?" 
 
Elladan nodded. "As you may have heard, our father is a great Healer.  
There is much you would be able to learn by studying with him." 
 
"Do you think Lord Elrond would take me on as a student?" Menelhen asked,  
trying with little success to keep the excitement from his voice at the  
prospect. 
 
"After what you did for our brother," Elrohir said, placing a friendly  
arm around the Elf's shoulders, "he would be delighted." 
 
"We would be happy to mention it to him, if you would like." 
 
Menelhen looked between the two handsome brothers, seeing more to the  
invitation in their eyes than just a trip to Rivendell. "I--I don't know,"  
he hesitated. "It would be hard to leave Mirkwood. I'll have to think about  
it." 
 
"Take all the time you need," Elladan smiled, placing a hand on the  
Healer's cheek. "The offer will always be open." 
 
Elladan's face drew near his, and Menelhen was certain the bold Elf meant  
to kiss him. He even found himself wanting to feel the touch of the Prince's  
lips when a cold voice interrupted them. 
 
"My Lords," Legolas said, and they looked around to see they were the  
only ones remaining, Estel having joined Glorfindel and his father to talk  
about what had happened in his absence. "I hope you will find this room to  
your liking." 
 
"There is much in Mirkwood that we find to our liking. I don't think the  
room will be any different." 
 
"Menelhen, you may go now. I will send for you if I have any need of  
you." 
 
"Thank you, my Lord," Menelhen said, bowing to Legolas before somewhat  
regretfully escaping the twins' clutches. 
 
"Now Legolas," Elladan chided, "that was unkind of you." 
 
"We were just trying to get to know him better." 
 
"I know what you were trying to do," the golden Prince replied, his eyes  
narrow, "and all I ask while you are guests in Mirkwood is that you refrain  
from corrupting my Healer." 
 
"'Your' Healer?" Elrohir noted, while Elladan grinned. 
 
"If we don't corrupt him, who will?" 
 
"Anyone but the two of you. I shall see you both at dinner." 
 
Elrohir waited until Legolas was out of earshot, then turned to his  
brother. "Was it my imagination, or was the Healer a sensitive subject for  
our favorite Prince of Mirkwood?" 
 
"If it was your imagination, then we're sharing thoughts again, because I  
had the same feeling about them." 
 
"How long before we leave for Lothlorien?" 
 
"Four days." 
 
"Just long enough." 
 
"More than enough." 
 
The brothers' faces glowed with anticipation.

 
 
Menelhen looked up from his desk as there was a knock on the door. He  
frowned, wondering for a moment who else would be up so early. The only  
light in the sky was the earliest hint of dawn and most of Mirkwood wouldn't  
be up for at least another hour. 
 
Shutting the book he was reading, Menelhen rose from the desk and opened  
the door. His eyes widened in surprise to see Rivendell's twins standing  
there dressed for an outdoors excursion. 
 
"Can I help you?" 
 
"The question is, in how many ways can you help us?" Elladan said,  
strolling into the room, followed by his brother. 
 
"I beg your pardon?" 
 
"We were hoping you would join us for a walk outside and watch the sun  
rise," Elrohir said, grabbing a cloak from a hook on the wall as Elladan  
found a pair of boots. 
 
"Sit down," he said, pushing the Healer into the chair he had recently  
vacated, and began drawing the boots over Menelhen's feet. "You see, we're  
fairly new to the castle grounds, and we were hoping you would show us  
around." 
 
"Fairly new? So you found Legolas's room purely by instinct yesterday?" 
 
Elrohir chuckled. "Let's just say our previous visits didn't take us far  
from that room." 
 
"Charming," Menelhen said dryly, wondering how he managed to be so lucky  
as to have three of Legolas's lovers under one roof at the same time. 
 
"Yes, we are, aren't we?" Elladan said, standing up and taking Menelhen  
by the hands, drawing him to his feet as Elrohir placed the cloak around his  
shoulders. "Come, lovely Healer, astound us with the delights of Mirkwood." 
 
Elrohir paused, gazing shamelessly at the Elf. "What an amazing guide  
you are--we haven't even left the room and I'm already breathless." 
 
"If you waited, I am certain Legolas would arrange a far more worthy  
guide than I," the young Elf said, wondering what sort of mischief the pair  
had planned for him, and if he could avoid it. 
 
"You're the only one we want," Elladan said, dragging the Healer down the  
hall. Menelhen sighed and quickly adjusted to their pace, drawing the cloak  
around his body. 
 
"Is there anything in particular that you wish to see?" 
 
"I remember once while sharing our favorite childhood memories, Legolas  
mentioned a pool he was fond of swimming in during the summer. Do you happen  
to know where it is?" 
 
"Everyone knows where that pool is," he replied with a smile, pleased  
they had asked for something so innocent and easily accessible. "As we get  
older, we conveniently forget where it is so that the children can sneak away  
and play there, believing they're getting away with something special. It's  
a bit of a tradition here in Mirkwood." 
 
"Then we absolutely must see this wondrous body of water," Elladan said.  
"Lead the way, dear Healer. We are in your hands." 
 
They couldn't avoid Menelhen's skeptical glance as that last part as he  
turned and made his way into the woods, the twins smothering their chuckles  
as they eagerly followed. Though not far from the castle, the pond was deep  
enough in the trees that it was hidden from view, thus supporting its secret  
nature amongst the young Elves. It was a simple pool, nothing more, round in  
shape and lined with trees the perfect height for diving out of and into the  
water. As it was winter, the pond was edged with ice and looked far from  
inviting, which caused much consternation in Menelhen as the brothers began  
stripping off their clothes. 
 
"What are you doing?" 
 
"Going for a swim," Elladan grinned. "What's it look like we're doing?" 
 
"I am aware that, as Elves, we not as susceptible to the cold as other  
races, but we're not completely immune to it either. That water is freezing." 
 
"We prefer to think of it as stimulating," Elrohir said. "Nothing gets  
your blood pumping in the morning like dousing yourself in icy water." 
 
"Well, almost nothing," Elladan said, winking at the Healer. "Are you  
coming or not?" 
 
Menelhen looked away from staring in horror at the water, his eyes  
widening as he gazed upon the beauty of the raven-haired twins, their pale  
bodies radiant in the early morning light. 
 
"Join us, Menelhen," Elrohir said, removing the cloak he had draped over  
the Elf's shoulders. "I promise, you will leave with an appreciation for a  
winter's swim." 
 
"Listen to my brother," Elladan said, untying the Healer's tunic. "After  
you get into the water, you will never feel the same." 
 
"It seems I have little say in the matter," Menelhen said, backing up as  
Elrohir reached for the ties to his breeches, "and I can do that myself." 
 
"Of course you can. In fact, I think I would much rather watch." 
 
"Into the water with you," Elladan said, pushing his brother towards the  
pond, "and not a moment too soon. We'll be waiting," he added, throwing a  
grin over his shoulder at the Healer. 
 
Menelhen turned around to finish undressing, wondering if this was an  
example of the twins on their best behavior. If not, he would hate to see  
what they were like when they were completely left to their own free will. 
 
There were two splashes behind him, followed by two exhilarated shouts. 
 
"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Elrohir called out to the Healer.  
"There is nothing that makes you feel more alive!" 
 
"Just jump in and get it over with--it really is the easiest way," his  
twin advised the wavering Healer. 
 
"If it's the easiest," Menelhen sighed. Taking a deep breath, he dove  
into the water. His senses were immediately inundated with the shock of the  
cold, his body screaming in protest. Emerging through the surface, he  
gasped, then grinned at the brothers. "You were right. That's incredible!" 
 
The twins laughed, swimming over to the Healer. "I told you," Elrohir  
said, slapping him on the back. "There's nothing like it. All the same,  
it's best to keep moving. Just in case." 
 
"Oh, that's encouraging," Menelhen said, ducking under the water and  
swimming to the opposite edge of the pool. Raising his head from the  
surface, he brushed the water away from his face, blinking at the twins who  
were moving languidly across the freezing pond. 
 
"We never got a chance to talk yesterday," Elladan said, his voice  
suspiciously casual. "I was hoping to get a chance to ask you why you became  
a Healer?" 
 
"Actually, Galadriel had a lot to do with that decision. When she gave  
me this--" he began, pointing to his head and Elrohir broke in. 
 
"The infamous silver lock of hair--we've heard of that." 
 
"Yes, well, I was told that just before she kissed me, she predicted I  
would become one of the greatest Healers the Elves had ever known." 
 
"Now that is an honor indeed," Elladan nodded. "Grandmother doesn't say  
such things lightly." 
 
"I think she must have been exaggerating, as most do to proud parents. I  
still have thousands of years of study before I'll come near even Elrond's  
skills. If I become a great Healer, it will be because I have dedicated my  
life to it, nothing more." 
 
"That's your problem right there," Elrohir scolded the young Elf. "You  
have no confidence in your gifts. You need to have faith in your abilities.  
Once you do, I think you will see that you are, indeed, a great Healer.  
After all, look what you did for our brother, and Estel has told us of how  
you helped the people in the village. They would have been lost without you." 
 
"Many were," Menelhen said softly, unconsciously running a finger over  
the cut on his cheek. 
 
"Perhaps what you are really missing is someone to believe in you,"  
Elladan said, sharing a quick glance at his brother, who nodded as the twins  
began slowly closing in on the young Elf. "What you need is to have someone  
at your side, someone who will support you when you need them, to hold you  
close in your moments of doubt. Someone to make you feel secure," his voice  
lowered as he drew near Menelhen, who was captivated by the violet-blue eyes,  
"and wanted," he whispered, his mouth inches away from the pointed ear, "and  
loved. Tell me, beauteous Menelhen, wouldn't you like to have such a  
partner?" 
 
Elladan's tongue flicked out, brushing the sensitive lobe, and sparks  
shot through the Healer's body. Any thoughts he might have had to avoid the  
twins vanished and he longed only to melt into Elladan's arms. 
 
"A lover," the twin continued, "one who will know exactly what it is you  
need," he licked the Elf's shivering neck, "when you need it," he turned  
Menelhen's head so that the silver eyes were staring directly into his, "and  
most importantly, how to give it to you." He pressed his lips against the  
Healer's, pleased that Menelhen responded with enthusiasm, but drew back  
before the young Elf's hunger could cause him to lose sight of his goal. 
 
"Is that what you want?" he said, caressing the Healer's face between his  
hands. 
 
"I don't know what I want," Menelhen whispered. 
 
"Would you like us to show you?" Elrohir said, turning the young Elf  
around to face him. 
 
Menelhen hesitated only a second, then gave an uncertain nod. 
 
"Say it, Menelhen. We need to hear your voice. Would you like us to  
show you?" 
 
His mind was so confused with the sensations running through his body, he  
didn't know what to say, or what to do, or even what to think. The twins  
were in control, and he didn't know how to fight them or that he wanted to.  
Menelhen took a shaky breath. "Yes." 
 
Elrohir kissed the Healer's mouth as Elladan continued nuzzling his neck.  
"Prepare to forget everything you've ever known about being pleasured by  
another." 
 
"That won't be too difficult," Menelhen moaned as Elrohir's fingers began  
kneading his nipples. "I'm afraid I don't know much." 
 
"Really?" Elladan raised his head in surprise, and smiled. "Then we  
have much to teach you." 
 
"You're a very fortunate Elf," Elrohir said, his hands moving lower down  
the front Menelhen's body as he grinned at his brother. "Very fortunate  
indeed." 
 
"There are certain things you should know to expect," Elladan said  
softly, his hands massaging the smooth, pale back. "We are going to teach  
you what it feels like to find yourself engorged by a lover. You will learn  
to enjoy every nuance of every movement. You will find a hidden meaning in  
every touch, every kiss." 
 
Pressing his lips to the Elf's shoulder, his hands began to move lower  
down the young Elf's back, cupping the rounded cheeks. Menelhen almost  
missed the change in Elladanís movements as Elrohir had begun teasing his  
cock, the nimble fingers causing him to grow harder than he ever had before.  
He bit his lip at the painful aching he felt, the throbbing that longed for  
release. 
 
Steam began to rise from where the water met their heated bodies. It was  
hard to believe that the air was freezing as three separate members rose to  
life out of the icy pond. 
 
"With our help, you will understand every hint in another's glance, every  
invitation, every form of desire. We will teach you how to manipulate your  
bodies for the extreme amount of pleasure. You will learn how to give, and  
you will learn how to take." 
 
As he finished, Elladan slipped a finger between Menelhen's buttocks and  
was about to enter the Healer when a voice stopped him. 
 
"Elladan, no!"

Legolas awoke to the sensation of fingers trailing up and down his spine.  
Turning his head, he opened his eyes and smiled at the Ranger. 
 
"Good morning." 
 
"Good morning. Sleep well?" 
 
"Very. And you?" 
 
Estel shrugged. "Not bad." 
 
Raising his head a little, Legolas peered outside, surprised to see how  
dark it was. "What are you doing up so early?" 
 
"Elladan and Elrohir woke me up wondering if I wanted to join them for a  
walk. Clearly, I said no, but I told them to try Menelhen, as he is usually  
up this early. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get back to sleep since  
the interruption." 
 
Legolas's eyes flew open, the golden Prince fully awake. "You did what?  
I told them to stay away from him." 
 
"They mentioned something about that, but I told them it would be okay.  
It was only a walk, after all." 
 
"When has a walk ever been just a walk with those two?" Legolas said,  
throwing back the blankets and crawling out of bed. He quickly grabbed a  
tunic and a pair of breeches, slipping on his boots as he headed towards the  
door. Grabbing his cloak, he ran out of the room. As his footsteps echoed  
down the hall, Estel sighed, wrapping his arms around Legolas's vacated  
pillow. A small part of him had been hoping that his beloved would have  
stayed, that he wouldn't care enough to leave their bed to rescue the young  
Elf, and considering the plan he had concocted with his brothers, Menelhen  
would certainly need rescuing. If Legolas hoped to save him, he would have  
to hurry. 
 
Still, it was all for the best, Estel kept telling himself. Legolas  
deserved to be happy. He deserved to have a love that would always be there  
for him. This was all for Legolas. 
 
 
 
The golden Prince paused as he left the castle, searching the snow for  
any signs of the Elves. His quick eyes caught the faintest trace of their  
passing in the new-fallen snow and he broke into a run. He didn't understand  
the urgency that drove him forward, just this feeling that Menelhen's future  
path would become horribly skewed if left with the twins. 
 
Nearing the children's pond, he slowed down at the murmur of voices on  
the wind. He halted, remaining hidden by a tree as he watched the three  
Elves, surrounded by a faint mist in the middle of the pool. Menelhen was  
disturbingly beautiful, his head thrown back, his eyes fluttering with barely  
experienced passion. Elrohir was toying with Menelhen's elfhood, but it was  
the other raven-haired Prince who concerned Legolas. His eyes narrowed as  
Elladan's hands parted the muscular cheeks, the archer quickly divining the  
twin's intentions. 
 
"Elladan, no!" 
 
 
 
Three dark heads raised in surprise at the golden Prince's call. 
 
"Legolas?" Menelhen said, his eyes having trouble focusing on his Lord as  
his were senses still whirling from the twins' ministrations. 
 
Forgetting that he was clothed, and not even aware of the water's icy  
touch, Legolas strode into the pond. Grabbing Menelhen's arm, he pulled the  
Healer away from the Princes of Rivendell. 
 
"I asked you to stay away from him," Legolas growled, glaring at the  
brothers. 
 
"Did you think to ask what he wanted?" Elladan said, his eyes challenging  
as he gazed at the golden Prince. "Maybe he doesn't want us to stay away." 
 
"It doesn't matter," Legolas said, increasing his grip on the Healer as  
he pulled him from the water. "I will not let you have him." 
 
"Why not? You may not want him, but that doesn't make him any less  
desirable." 
 
"He is not for you." 
 
"Then whose is he?" 
 
Legolas didn't respond, but draped his cloak over the Healer's shoulders  
and led him back to the castle. With a sigh, Elrohir turned to his brother.  
"Looks like Estel was right." 
 
"So it would seem. Bastard." 
 
"Elladan!" 
 
"Well, look at us!" his brother said, staring around the empty pool. "If  
he'd been wrong, we would be standing here right now, or better yet, lying on  
the shore, completely embedded in--" 
 
"Don't finish that thought!" Elrohir shuddered. "I don't know if I can  
handle it right now." 
 
"That's exactly what I'm saying! Just five more minutes, and there would  
have been three Elves in this pond on their way through the many stages of  
ultimate satisfaction." 
 
"And don't we have a high opinion of ourselves?" 
 
"We usually do," Elladan grinned, and found his face filled with water.  
He sputtered, staring at his brother in shock. "You splashed me!" 
 
"No, I didn't," Elrohir said, his face an expression of pure innocence as  
he raised his hand and splashed his brother again. 
 
"Elrohir!" 
 
"Yes?" 
 
His eyes narrowed. "What do you think you're doing?" 
 
"I don't know what you're talking about," he said, once more splashing  
his brother. 
 
"One more time--" Elladan couldn't continue as he was forced to spit out  
a mouthful of water. "That's it--you asked for it!" 
 
Elrohir laughed as Elladan used both his arms to send a wave of water  
over him, and immediately reciprocated. The tranquil pond became a mass of  
ripples and shouts as the twin Princes of Rivendell attacked each other with  
water. Within minutes, they had abandoned the water and were physically  
tackling each other. Anyone watching would have thought that the twins were  
attempting to drown their mirror image, and they wouldn't have been entirely  
wrong. Finally, they dragged themselves, exhausted, to the edge of the pool.  
They pulled themselves up onto the snow, their breaths fogging the air, as  
they stared up at the trees. 
 
"Well, that took care of our earlier problem," Elladan said. 
 
"Oh, yeah, I'm too tired to even think about the Healer right now." 
 
"Or Legolas." 
 
"Or the two of them together." 
 
"And what they're doing right now." 
 
The brothers exchanged glances, seeing in each other's eyes the return of  
the lust they had thought they had successfully drowned. 
 
"You, too?" 
 
"So it would seem," Elladan sighed. 
 
"Did you happen to notice at dinner last night...?" 
 
"The one with the brown eyes?" 
 
Elrohir grinned. "The very same." 
 
"Do you think he...?" 
 
"I believe he would." 
 
"Let's go." 
 
The two scrambled for their feet, grabbed their clothes, and dressed as  
they made their way to the castle. 
 
 
 
 
Though he didn't try to fight the Prince, Menelhen couldn't help feeling  
angry. Just as he was finally going to experience the fulfillment he had  
been longing for, Legolas had interrupted. Under any other circumstances, he  
might have been pleased by the Prince's--what? His protectiveness? His  
jealousy? Menelhen didn't know what Legolas was feeling, and he was growing  
tired of trying to figure it out. 
 
As he guided them to Menelhen's chambers, Legolas himself was busy trying  
to sort through his thoughts. He wasn't sure if he wanted the young Elf for  
himself, but he definitely didn't want him to belong to the twins, or anyone  
at all, for that matter. He knew he was being selfish, but he couldn't stop  
from feeling this way. 
 
Closing the door behind them, Legolas turned to the Healer and was  
surprised to find the young Elf staring at him, silver eyes flashing in fury. 
 
"What do you want from me?" he demanded. 
 
"I don't want anything from you." 
 
"Then why won't you leave me alone? Look at me!" Menelhen cried, letting  
the cloak fall to the floor. His skin had turned a dark red and was covered  
with a sheen of sweat from unreleased passion, his cock thick and hard,  
turning nearly purple with need. Rushing forward, he pinned Legolas to the  
door, blocking the Prince's escape with his arms. 
 
"This is what you do to me--just being near you is torture! To see you,  
to smell you, to touch you, but never to be touched by you--it's driving me  
to madness! You tell me you only love Estel, and then I find you between my  
knees. You avoid me for days, then you kiss me in the village. You spend  
your nights with the Human, but refuse me the same pleasure with the twins.  
You leave me to suffer with hints of what it would be like to have you as a  
lover, the tiniest glimpses of a life you clearly do not want to share. If  
you don't want me, then by the gods, let me go!" 
 
"And hand you over to the twins, you mean? You won't find what you're  
looking for with them." 
 
"If I can't have the one I love, why not them? They may not be able to  
give me an eternity of happiness, but at least they'll pleasure me until this  
damned hardness between my legs is gone and every opening in my body is raw  
with use." 
 
Legolas, already unnerved by the desperate naked beauty before him, grew  
instantly erect at the Healer's words and the images passing through his mind  
on how many ways he could make the Healer raw. Forcing his thoughts away, he  
knew he had to get out of there before he gave in to the desire quickly  
filling his veins. Menelhen, seeming to read his Lord's mind, pressed a hand  
to the Prince's crotch, stroking the bulge he found there, Legolas buried the  
moan that threatened to rise from the back of his throat. 
 
"Why do you try to hide that you want me as much as I want you?" the  
Healer asked, kissing Legolas's cheek, then his jaw, then the point here his  
ear connected to his head. Legolas's body pressed into Menelhen's hand even  
as his eyes closed, relishing the touch of the velvety lips. For one brief  
moment, he willed himself to give in, to throw the young Elf face down on the  
bed and bury himself deep within the virgin core. 
 
"No!" He pushed the Healer away. "No, I cannot." 
 
Menelhen stared at the golden Prince, then nodded. "So be it. Tell  
Estel he was wrong, as I knew he would be. You belong to him, and only to  
him. All I ask is that you never interfere in my life again. Who I choose  
to be with is no longer your concern." 
 
The Healer turned away, but not before Legolas could see the tears spill  
over his eyes. Fearing he would change his mind, Legolas groped for the door  
handle and flew from the room. He ran halfway through the castle before  
realizing he didn't know where he was going. Slowing down, he leaned against  
a wall and slid to the floor. 
 
This was getting ridiculous--he had to make a decision. Physically, he  
knew he wouldn't be able to resist the Healer much longer. His body reacted  
in a similar manner to the way Menelhen's did every time the young Elf was  
around--his blood rushed, his breath deepened, and his elfhood had a mind of  
its own, but his heart... Legolas sighed. He loved Estel--the Human had  
caused him much pain and grief over the years, with infinite more to come,  
but he also brought such joy into his life that Legolas knew he would always  
love him. As for Menelhen, he was extremely fond of the young Elf, but he  
didn't know if could ever love him. 
 
Estel. Legolas's thoughts hesitated, remembering Menelhen's words,  
Elladan's words, even Estel's own words, and it suddenly occurred to him that  
Estel had been pushing him towards Menelhen, doing everything he could to  
bring the two together. 
 
The golden Prince's heart sank as he rose to his feet. He walked swiftly  
to his room where he found Estel sitting in a chair before the fireplace.  
His beloved's face was pensive, melancholy almost, as he stared into the  
flames. Trying to hold back the aching in his heart, Legolas knelt down on  
the floor next to Estel, resting his head on the Ranger's knees as he faced  
the fire. 
 
Estel absently began stroking the golden hair, sensing his beloved was  
troubled, but not wanting to break the peace of the moment. The warmth of  
Legolas's cheek on his leg was soothing, the Elf's very presence calming in a  
way he couldn't comprehend. Perhaps it was simply knowing that Legolas was  
with him, that the Elf was still his. 
 
"Wouldn't it be nice if this moment could last forever?" 
 
"Forever?" the Ranger echoed, his voice distant. 
 
"Just the two of us, like this, for the rest of our lives?" 
 
"Mmm..." he replied, wondering what Legolas meant by all of this. 
 
"Have you stopped loving me?" 
 
Estel's fingers froze, entangled in the silky locks. He hadn't heard  
such pain in Legolas's voice since Lothlorien. "What are you talking about?" 
 
"Is that why you're trying to push me into Menelhen's arms? Do you not  
want me anymore?" 
 
Lifting his fingers under Legolas's chin, he raised the Elf's face until  
their eyes met. "I love you, Legolas. I have loved you since the day we met  
and I have never wanted anyone more. Nothing will ever change that." 
 
"Then why? Why are you doing this?" 
 
Estel fell to his knees, taking his beloved in his arms. "Oh, Legolas,  
I'm doing this for you. I want to know you'll be happy, that you'll never  
want for love even when I'm not around." 
 
"I don't need you here with me to know I'm loved," Legolas said, taking  
Estel's face between his hands and leaning his forehead against his belove 
d's. "Whether we're together, whether we're apart, it doesn't matter. I  
love you." 
 
"And I love you, but Legolas..." Estel hesitated. 
 
The golden Prince smiled at him, cobalt eyes gazing adoringly into the  
Human's blue-gray depths. "What is it, my love?" 
 
Just looking at him was enough to make Estel's determination shatter, but  
he forced himself to continue. 
 
"Legolas, I have asked Arwen to be my wife. This is why I wanted to be  
sure you wouldn't be alone. She and I are engaged, and once we've spoken  
with Elrond, we hope to be married." 
 
Estel could almost feel the Elf's hands grow cold as the blood froze in  
his veins. The deep blue eyes widened, then clenched shut as he fell away  
from the Human. 
 
"Legolas--" 
 
"No, don't," he said, brushing away the hands that reached for him. He  
sat for a moment, absorbing the shock of Estel's revelation. Forcing his  
eyes open, he stared at Estel, who had to look away, the Elf's ravaged heart  
clear in his face. 
 
"How could you?" he whispered. "Don't you want us to be together?" 
 
"Of course I do." 
 
"Then why would you--I don't understand!" 
 
"Arwen and I--" 
 
"Love each other. Yes, I know." 
 
Estel cringed at the bitterness in his beloved's voice, and he found  
himself unsure of how to continue. "Yes, we love each other, and not only do  
we want to be married, but it is necessary for us to be married." 
 
"And what about us? What about me?" Legolas asked, though he already  
knew the answer. He knew that, as king, Aragorn would have to have a wife,  
and children, and that he wouldn't be able to be a part of Aragorn's life--he  
knew all this, but he couldn't make himself understand it. The thought of  
existing without Estel--it was unbearable. 
 
The golden Prince scrambled to his feet. "I have to get out of here." 
 
"Legolas!" 
 
The Elf didn't even turn as he ran from the room. 
 
"Not again, Estel! I can't do this again." 


"I may be wrong, but it seems to me this castle has been suspiciously  
quiet over the past few hours." 
 
"And you're complaining?" Glorfindel asked, reaching across the table to  
squeeze Elrond's hand. "We experience so little peace when we're at home  
with all the constant interruptions, I thought you'd enjoy not being the Lord  
of the Manor for a while." 
 
"Indeed, I am," Elrond smiled, holding fast to his beloved's hand, "but I  
can't help feeling nervous. Hearing nothing of Elladan and Elrohir alone  
tends to put me on my guard." 
 
"I'm sure they're fine," Glorfindel replied, turning to the next page in  
his book. 
 
They had spent the morning perusing Thranduil's meager library. Elrond  
had dismissed it early on and busied himself writing letters to Rivendell,  
but Glorfindel had grown excited upon discovering some old journals and had  
hardly moved except to turn the pages. Glorfindel was so enraptured by what  
he found in the crumbling pages, Elrond would occasionally let his gaze  
linger on the blond Elf to be certain he was still breathing. The Lord of  
Rivendell smiled fondly at his beloved, always amazed at how even the most  
insignificant seeming of texts could keep the Elf fascinated for hours. 
 
As for himself, the great Lord was feeling exceedingly stiff and decided  
to seek out some of the castle's denizens. Rising to his feet, Elrond gave  
Glorfindel a few seconds to finish the sentence he was reading, a finger  
marking the spot where he had left off as he looked up. 
 
"You're leaving?" 
 
"I'm going to see if I can find my sons, and I wish to have a talk with  
the Healer, Menelhen. I would ask you to accompany me, but I can see you  
would prefer to remain here with these silly books." 
 
With a yearning glance at the book before him, Glorfindel sighed, shaking  
his head. "No, I'll join you. You know I prefer your company above all  
others" 
 
"My love, I was only teasing," Elrond said, wrapping his arms around the  
Elf's neck and kissing the top of his head. "Stay. After I've made certain  
everyone is alive and well, I'll come back for you, and then I will tear you  
from these musty old tomes and remind you how it feels to be amongst the  
living."  
 
"I would be willing to leave behind the books for such a reminder right  
now," Glorfindel said, grinning lasciviously up at his lover. As always,  
when he gazed into that handsome face, Elrond had to remind himself to  
control his passion. It was times like these when he longed to be free of  
the duties of his life and run off with the Elf to a place where they'd never  
be disturbed. 
 
"Later," he promised, kissing the upraised lips. "Now go back to your  
books." 
 
"Yes, my Lord," Glorfindel said with exaggerated annoyance. "Like I'll  
be able to concentrate now." 
 
Elrond chuckled, knowing Glorfindel would be lost in the ancient words  
before he even left the room. 
 
 
 
 
Menelhen's reflection glared back at him as if blaming the Elf for the  
intrusion of the knock at the door. "What is it?" he snarled. 
 
"It is Lord Elrond." 
 
The Healer paled as he recognized the great Lord's voice and he quickly  
unlocked the door, allowing him to enter. 
 
"Forgive me, my Lord. I didn't know it was you. Of course I didn't  
know--what a foolish thing to say, but I was afraid it was someone else, or I  
never would have--" 
 
Elrond held up his hand, slowing the young Elf's flow of words. "It is  
all right, Menelhen. I understand what you mean, and there is no harm done.  
I was hoping I could speak with you about--" The Elf Lord paused as his eyes  
focused on Menelhen's cheek. "You're bleeding!" 
 
"Am I? How strange," the Healer said, immediately seeking some sort of  
bandage to cover the wound and staunch the flow of blood. 
 
"Let me see that," Elrond said, forcing Menelhen's hand from his face.  
"Isn't this the same wound you received in the village?" 
 
The young Elf hesitated, then nodded. 
 
"This shouldn't still be open. This wound shouldn't even be here.  
What--" Elrond stopped upon seeing the guilt in the Healer's eyes, his heart  
filling with a quiet horror. "You're doing this to yourself. Menelhen, why?" 
 
"I wanted a reminder," the Healer said, backing away from the Elf. "I  
don't ever want to forget that day in the village." 
 
"This cannot go on," Elrond said softly, trying to comprehend why the  
young Elf would do such a thing, wondering if there was another pain he was  
trying to hide from. "You cannot keep hurting yourself for something that  
was beyond your control. Where is Legolas? I must speak to him about this." 
 
"No!" Menelhen's head rose sharply. "You cannot tell him. He must not  
know--I'll stop, I promise." 
 
"And find a less obvious way to injure yourself? I will not allow it,  
and neither will he. Do not leave this room," Elrond commanded and the young  
Elf cringed at the threat in the great Lord's eyes if he disobeyed. 
 
Storming through the halls, Elrond was forced to ask a dozen Elves for  
their Lord's location before finding one who had any idea. 
 
"In there," the Elf said, pointing to the throne room that had been  
closed until Thranduil's return from his winter campaign. 
 
Elrond pushed open the heavy doors and walked inside. The room was  
covered in dust and the air was stale. A tiny amount of light fought through  
the closed shutters, one successful beam landing on a cascade of gold.  
Legolas was draped over his father's throne, a bitter grimace on his face and  
a bottle in his hand. 
 
"Legolas, a word with you." 
 
The Elf's eyes turned to meet Elrond's, the blue gaze glittering like  
sapphires, a strange half-smile twisting the delicate lips. 
 
"Elrond, beloved father of my three--no, wait, make that four--four  
greatest woes. If the honored Lord has a word to spare for me, I will gladly  
listen." 
 
The Lord of Rivendell stared at the golden Prince of Mirkwood,  
astonishment filling his face, followed quickly by disapproval. "You're  
drunk," he said, his voice flat. 
 
"Made by dwarves," Legolas replied, displaying the bottle with an  
unsteady hand. "Tastes like Orc's breath, but with an impact that makes it  
all worthwhile. Care for a drink?" 
 
"Thank you, no," Elrond said coldly. Legolas shrugged, taking a large  
swallow, flinching at the burning of his throat, but not letting that stop  
him. "I wish to speak to you about your Healer." 
 
"Ah yes, the fair Menelhen. He has become a popular topic of  
conversation these past few days. What do you have to say about the dear  
boy?" 
 
"Are you aware that he has been deliberately hurting himself?" 
 
Legolas frowned, comprehension of Elrond's words difficult through his  
clouded mind. "What do you mean?" 
 
"The dear boy, as you so call him, has been purposefully aggravating the  
wound on his cheek, preventing it from healing." 
 
Legolas stared at the Elf Lord for a moment, then shook his head. "Nope,  
sorry, I'm just not understanding." 
 
Unable to hold back the wave of anger that rushed over him, Elrond took  
the bottle from Legolas's hand and smashed it on the floor. Grabbing the  
golden Prince by the shoulders, he stared darkly into the blank gaze.  
"Menelhen has been cutting himself and if he continues to do so, it will  
leave a scar on his face that will last him throughout his immortality. He  
is in so much pain that he is slicing his skin open to leave himself damaged  
for an eternity in order not to forget it. Do you understand?" 
 
"No," Legolas said, trying to draw back from the furious Lord as compr 
ehension began to dawn. "Menelhen wouldn't do that." 
 
"But he is. Why do you think that cut on his cheek has not healed?" 
 
"I don't know, but it isn't for the reason you say." 
 
"If you do not believe me, then ask him yourself." 
 
Legolas stared at the great Lord, knowing Elrond would never lie to him,  
especially not about something so serious. The archer's disbelief was  
quickly displaced by rage. 
 
"How dare he!" he seethed, jumping to his feet. "He has no right--he is  
mine! How dare he damage himself without my permission!" 
 
Elrond watched as the golden Prince stomped out of the room, unable to  
believe what he had heard. Glancing around at the empty throne room, he  
suddenly felt cold and made his way through the dust, closing the door behind  
him. 
 
 
 
 
"This place is a madhouse." 
 
Glorfindel looked up as the Lord of Rivendell entered the library. "I  
take it all is not well beyond these walls?" 
 
"I used to wonder how it was that Legolas managed to escape his father's  
influence and become the warm, caring, confident Elf that I thought him to  
be. Today, I saw that he was simply holding his darkness deep inside, a  
darkness that seems to pervade every living creature who enters this place." 
 
"Every living creature?" Glorfindel asked, glancing over himself,  
plucking at his clothes, studying his hands. "No, I can't seem to find any  
signs of darkness here." 
 
Despite his heavy heart, Elrond couldn't help but smile. "I'm sure it's  
only a matter of time." 
 
"Then I guess it's a good thing we're leaving soon," he said, slamming  
shut the book he had been reading and rose to his feet to stand near the  
great Lord. "Now, as I recall, there was something you wanted to remind me  
of. What was that again?" 
 
"You don't remember?" Elrond asked with an innocence that would have made  
his twin sons proud. "That's too bad, for I'm afraid it has slipped from my  
mind as well." 
 
"You're not getting out of your promise that easily," Glorfindel said,  
sliding his arms around his beloved's waist. 
 
"Getting out? I thought the idea involved getting inside," Elrond  
teased, holding the blond Elf close. 
 
"You've been spending too much time with Elladan and Elrohir--you're  
beginning to sound like them." 
 
"Where do you think they learned it?" Elrond said, then covered his  
lover's mouth with a kiss. 
 
 
 
"You damned fool!" 
 
Menelhen jumped as Legolas threw open the door to his room. 
 
"My Lord?" he said, backing away from the enraged Elf. 
 
"Just what do you think it is you're trying to do?" Legolas grabbed him  
by the chin, staring at the cut on his cheek. "Fool! Scarring yourself will  
not solve anything." 
 
"It's not supposed to solve anything!" the Healer spat, knocking away the  
Prince's hand. "It's supposed to remind me of how I failed to save them.  
Not even one! Of all of them, I couldn't even protect one!" 
 
"You tried! There was nothing you could do." 
 
"Wasn't there?" Menelhen scoffed. "The Orcs practically tossed me aside  
as if I was nothing more than an insect, irritating but otherwise not worthy  
of concern. Nothing I did mattered." 
 
"And this will make it matter?" 
 
"It matters to me." 
 
"But it won't be any good to anyone else. If you want to remember that  
day, remember it best by preventing it from happening again!" 
 
The young Elf stared at his Lord, confused and more than a little afraid.  
He'd never seen Legolas like this before, with an inexplicable wild gleam in  
his eyes. "What do you mean?" 
 
"Come with me," Legolas said, grabbing the Elf by the arm and dragging  
him out the door, using his free hand to pick up the Healer's abandoned  
sword. They stumbled their way through the castle till reaching the practice  
arena where Estel and Legolas had held their shooting match only days before.  
The floor was covered in a layer of dirt, targets placed at one end with  
straw mattresses lying off to one side for practicing hand-to-hand combat. 
 
Legolas stripped Menelhen of his robes, leaving him standing bare-chested  
in only his breeches, and handed him the sword. Removing his own tunic,  
Legolas chose a blunted practice sword from the wall, then turned to face the  
Healer. 
 
"Attack me." 
 
"What?" 
 
"You seem to believe that those Humans lost their lives because you  
couldn't fight off a group of Orcs, though you were clearly outnumbered. You  
will honor their memories not by destroying yourself, but by becoming a  
better warrior. Now attack me." 
 
"But my sword--what if I hurt you?" 
 
The golden Prince laughed. "I may be drunk and half out of my mind, but  
I have nothing to fear from you, not yet. That's why we're here. When the  
day comes that you can draw blood from me, then you can consider yourself a  
warrior. However, that day will never come if you do not get over here and  
hit me with that blade." 
 
Menelhen sighed and absently swung at the Prince. Legolas knocked the  
sword from the Healer's hand, slapping him across the wrist as well.  
Yelping, Menelhen held his injured wrist and glared at the archer. 
 
"Now I know why all those Humans are dead if that's how you hold a  
blade."  
 
Silver eyes flared as the young Elf picked up the sword, Menelhen taking  
a defensive stance against the Prince. He took a deep breath, watching  
Legolas carefully. "I know you're just trying to provoke me." 
 
"You're correct. I am." 
 
"Which I will not allow." 
 
"You don't have a choice," Legolas said, lunging at the Healer. Menelhen  
jumped aside, knocking away the dulled blade with his own sharp-edged weapon.  
"Excellent! I knew you had it in you. Now, keep your arm up, watch my  
wrist--not my eyes. My eyes can deceive you." 
 
"So I've noticed," Menelhen said dryly. The golden Prince arched an  
eyebrow, looking faintly amused by the young Elf's sarcasm as they circled  
each other. 
 
"You're growing more bold, my dear Menelhen." 
 
"Let's just say recent events have loosened my tongue." 
 
"You should be more careful where you put that tongue." 
 
"Since when did you develop such an interest in my tongue's travels?" he  
said, thrusting at the Prince. 
 
"I have a wide variety of interests, and don't overextend," Legolas said,  
parrying the blade and whipping Menelhen across the stomach. "As you can  
see, you're left wide open." 
 
The Elf breathed through clenched teeth to keep from shouting in pain.  
"For you, I'm always wide open." 
 
Legolas parried another blow, but this time the Healer jumped back before  
he could be struck. "Good, you're learning." 
 
"I already knew I was supposed to avoid the blade." 
 
"Are you saying I'm going too easy on you?" 
 
"I was breathing harder after this morning's swim with the twins," the  
Healer smirked. 
 
"You'll be breathing much harder with me in a moment," Legolas said,  
quickening his pace, the practice blade starting to blur. 
 
Within minutes, Menelhen found himself sweating with the effort to keep  
ahead of the golden Prince. As the hour wore on, his body was increasingly  
covered with welts from Legolas's teaching blows. By the end of the second  
hour, both were breathing heavily. They had slowed down considerably, but  
neither backed down, each fighting their own ghosts as well as each other. 
 
Finally, Legolas used his superior skills to force the Healer into a  
fully defensive fight. Without realizing it, Menelhen quickly began to lose  
ground. He was too busy concentrating on blocking the archer's blows to  
notice each step he took backwards. Finally, he stumbled against a straw  
mattress and cried out as his ankle twisted. With a grunt, he fell onto his  
ass. 
 
"Menelhen!" Legolas called out, reaching for the Elf, but his hand was  
brushed aside. Lowering his arms to his sides, Legolas studied the Elf.  
"Are you all right?" 
 
"The bruise that will grow on my backside is nothing compared to the  
bruise to my dignity." 
 
The Healer looked as sullen as a little child, and Legolas couldn't help  
but chuckle as he sat down next to the Elf. "You'll survive," he said, lying  
down on the mattress. 
 
Sighing, the Healer fell back next to him. "I certainly don't feel like  
I will. My body hasn't ached this much in centuries." 
 
"It'll adjust, as I plan on continuing these lessons on a daily basis." 
 
Menelhen didn't even realize he was groaning until the sound reached his  
ears, and Legolas started to laugh. Glancing at the golden Prince, the  
Healer found himself chuckling, then he, too was joining in the Elf's  
full-throated laughter. The tension of their minds eased with this release,  
the two seeing each other for the first time as companions. Legolas took  
Mehelhen's hand into his own and held it to his heart, his chest still  
shaking with amusement as he gazed at the ceiling. 
 
Long before the laughter had ceased, Legolas had grown aware of the  
wetness on his face that wasn't sweat. 
 
"My Lord?" Menelhen questioned, his voice alone revealing all his  
thoughts. 
 
"He's marrying her," the golden Prince whispered. "Estel is engaged to  
Arwen, and once they are husband and wife, the connection between us will be  
severed forever." 
 
"My Lord, I'm sorry." 
 
Legolas shook his head. "It doesn't matter. There is nothing I can do  
to stop it." 
 
"You could try." 
 
"Why? Estel has to get married, so why not marry a woman he loves?" 
 
"Because he wants to be with you?" the Healer suggested. "And why does  
he have to be married?" 
 
"It's complicated," the archer said. "Far too complicated. If I'd known  
how complicated, I would have avoided him from the very start." 
 
"No, you wouldn't." 
 
He glanced at the Healer. "You're right, I probably wouldn't." 
 
"What a pair we make," Menelhen smiled, his eyes studying the ceiling.  
"I'm in love with an Elf who's in love with a Human who's marrying another  
Elf." 
 
"You forgot to mention that the Elf you love refuses to let you near  
anyone else," Legolas said with a wry grin at the Healer. 
 
"I also forgot to say that I don't have the courage to stand up to him." 
 
"Then there's the attempted mutilation of that beautiful face." 
 
"Since we're on the subject, we must not forget how you're tearing  
yourself to shreds on the inside." 
 
"Quite a pair indeed," Legolas smiled, staring back up at the ceiling.  
"I'm sorry if I hurt you." 
 
"I'll heal in a couple of days, assuming you're not feeling quite so  
vicious tomorrow." 
 
"I wasn't talking about the swordplay, Menelhen," Legolas said, raising  
himself on his arm to look directly at the Healer, "I'm sorry if I hurt you  
in any way." 
 
"I've already told you that you have nothing to apologize for. This is  
my problem." 
 
"No, it isn't. You should have someone, Menelhen. You deserve someone." 
 
"Even the twins?" he said, trying to keep from smiling. 
 
Legolas cringed. "Please, not the twins." 
 
"I really could learn a lot from Elladan and Elrohir." 
 
"You can learn just as much from anyone else." 
 
"But they really--" 
 
"Menelhen!" Legolas snapped, exasperated, as the young Elf chuckled. 
 
"I do hope they come to visit more often. This could be a lot of fun." 
 
"You're incorrigible," Legolas smiled, finding himself enjoying the way  
the silver eyes twinkled below him. 
 
"You always do bring out the best in me." 
 
Legolas was silent for a moment as he looked at the young Elf. "I've  
only shown you the worst of me, haven't I?" 
 
"Except for the occasional odd possessive streak, I have nothing to  
complain about." 
 
"Even if you did, you probably wouldn't say anything." 
 
"No," he agreed, sounding amused as he echoed the Prince's words. "I  
probably wouldn't." 
 
"I haven't been fair to you, Menelhen," the golden Prince said, caressing  
the Healer's cheek, "and I am sorry." 
 
"You are forgiven, My Lord," he said, struggling to sit up. Legolas's  
nearness was beginning to have an uncomfortable affect on him and he suddenly  
wished he was anywhere else. 
 
The golden Prince pressed his hand against the Elf's chest and pushed him  
back down. 
 
"My Lord?" 
 
"You're injured," he said, his face drawing near Menelhen's. "You  
shouldn't be moving." 
 
"I'm the Healer here. I think I am capable of deciding when I can move." 
 
"And you think you're ready?" 
 
"I believe I am, yes," he smiled. 
 
"Good," Legolas said, then kissed him. 
 
Menelhen pushed him away. "What are you doing?" 
 
Legolas lifted the hand from his shoulder and began sucking on the  
fingers. "Giving you the most important lesson of the day." 
 
"Which I would find myself loathe to object to, but I have to know, how  
does the lesson end?" 
 
"With all the Lords of Rivendell leaving Mirkwood while we remain here in  
a state of absolute sated bliss." 
 
Menelhen's heart soared at the Prince's words, knowing he was finally  
going to get everything he wanted. He avoided the nagging voice in the back  
of his head that said Legolas was only using him to hide his own pain, and  
smiled gloriously at his love. "Then you can consider me your most willing  
student." 
 
The golden Prince smiled, and kissed the Healer again, rolling on top of  
the young Elf. 
 
 
 
 
Three days later, the reunited family was preparing for their departure  
to Lothlorien. Legolas had spent those three days avoiding Estel while his  
nights were spent entwined in Menelhen's arms. He loved the effect he had on  
the young Elf. The Healer was practically glowing, his eyes shining with a  
light that seemed to warm the golden Prince, reaching even the darkest of  
places. Still, he couldn't fill the emptiness in his heart, and even  
Menelhen knew this. 
 
"You should go to him," the Healer said from where his head was resting  
on Legolas's chest. 
 
"Why?" he replied, slowly stroking the delightfully pliant skin. 
 
"Because you love him, and you need him, as he loves and needs you." 
 
"But I have you now," Legolas smiled, and Menelhen smiled back. 
 
"And you always will, but what you two share, we will never even have a  
hint of. As much as I would like to, I cannot deny this. Go to him,  
Legolas. Tell him you love him and that you still want to be with him.  
Don't waste what time you may have together. Do it for yourself, or if the  
mood strikes you, do it for me. You won't be whole without him, and I have  
so few pieces of you as it is." 
 
Legolas looked away, nestling against the Healer. "I'll think about it." 
 
"You'd better think quickly--you don't have much time before they leave." 
 
"Hmph," was his only reply as he proceeded to distract the Healer from  
these thoughts. 
 
 
 
 
Estel took one last look around the room he and Legolas had shared,  
feeling the Elf's absence with a painful emptiness the spread throughout his  
entire body. He knew where his beloved had been the past couple of days--the  
twins had told him, and then kept him company during the ensuing depression.  
It hurt--it hurt more than he had ever imagined it would. Even trying to  
convince himself this was what he wanted didn't help. Sorrow, anger,  
jealousy--all burned in his heart, but he refused to seek Legolas out. Estel  
couldn't risk causing Legolas any more suffering than he already had. 
 
He ran his fingers along the top of the bed the Elf had claimed as his  
own. Legolas's warm scent of sunflowers combined with the richness of bark  
still lingered in the air, and Estel breathed deep, wondering if he would  
ever smell it again. Perhaps it was all for the best--he and Arwen would  
marry, fill their lives with love, and he would try never to think of the  
golden-haired Elf who shared his heart. 
 
"Estel?" 
 
The Ranger froze, his breath catching in his throat, his eyes closing.  
He didn't want to look--he was afraid to turn around, afraid he had imagined  
the voice. 
 
"Estel, I need to talk to you." 
 
The Ranger faced the golden Prince. "You're speaking to me?" 
 
The archer shifted nervously on his feet, taking a hesitant step forward.  
"It was Menelhen's idea, actually." 
 
"I always did like him, though I never thought he liked me this much." 
 
"He tends to be quite a bit more disposed to everyone when we're in bed." 
 
Estel grimaced and Legolas felt a hint of shame at his words, spoken to  
deliberately hurt Estel. 
 
"I'm sorry." 
 
"No, don't be. You have every right to feel angry." 
 
"Yes, I do, don't I? But that isn't why I came here. I know you're  
planning on going to Lorien, but afterwards, did you know what you were going  
to do?" 
 
"I hadn't thought that far ahead," he said, frowning as he tried to  
figure out where the Elf was going with this. 
 
"Well I have, and I was wondering that if you planned on traveling alone,  
perhaps you wouldn't mind some company." 
 
Estel took a step towards his beloved, daring to allow hope to fill his  
heart. "Do you mean it?" 
 
"Estel, after you are married, it will be impossible for us to continue  
our relationship, if for no other reason than I would not be able to watch  
you with her. However," Legolas said, standing only a breath away from the  
Human, "you are not married yet." 
 
"No, I am not." 
 
"And it would be a shame for us to not to spend every spare minute  
together that we have left." 
 
"A terrible shame." 
 
"And therefore, if you are willing, I would like to join you on your  
travels whenever possible." 
 
"I am more than willing." 
 
"But only if you are certain you want me along. I would hate to feel  
that you were merely tolerating my presence--" 
 
His words were stopped as Estel took the golden Prince in his arms and  
put his mouth to another use. 
 
"I was beginning to think we'd finally come to an end," Estel whispered,  
holding the beloved face between his hands, tears gathering in the corners of  
his eyes. 
 
"Oh, Estel," Legolas smiled, brushing his lips across Estel's eyelids,  
"we've survived worse. I'm sure we would have gotten through this  
eventually." 
 
"These past days have been too long as it is," Estel said as he held the  
lithe body against his own. "I wouldn't have wanted to wait for eventually." 
 
"Neither would I." 
 
"But without a little prodding, I know that your stubbornness would have  
held out and you never would be here," he said, exchanging a smile with his  
beloved. "How does Menelhen feel about this?" 
 
"Menelhen understands better than I would in his place, so long as I  
return to him whenever I am not with you." 
 
"Which you had better warn him will not be long at all. Legolas, just  
what is it you feel for the Healer?" 
 
"I am not certain. It is nothing like what I feel for you, of that I can  
assure you, but I admit, I am growing increasingly fond of him. However, he  
is so new to everything that I have to wonder whether his feelings might fade  
over time. Until then, I plan to enjoy him." 
 
"When you're not enjoying me." 
 
"Of course," Legolas grinned, kissing the Ranger lightly. "How soon do  
you have to leave?" 
 
Estel sighed, glancing out the window. "Now, unfortunately, but it seems  
that my stay in Lothlorien has just been shortened." 
 
"Then I will anxiously wait for word of where and when I can join you." 
 
"You will not have to wait long," Estel said, pressing his lips once more  
to the Elf's. "I love you, Legolas of Mirkwood." 
 
"And I love you, Estel of Rivendell." 
 
Legolas walked Estel to the courtyard where his family was waiting and  
the two lovers kissed one final time before parting. The golden Prince bid  
farewell to his guests, then watched as they began their journey. Before  
passing through the gates, Estel looked up to see Menelhen watching them from  
the window. Raising his hand, he smiled and waved at the Healer. He could  
almost hear the Elf's chuckle as he waved back. 
 
Legolas, following Estel's eyes, saw Menelhen gazing down at him and  
smiled before returning his gaze to Estel's parting form. As soon as the  
party was gone from sight, he was going to find a way to thank the Elf for  
pushing him to reconcile with his beloved. A way that would last several  
hours, days even, or as long as it would take to distract himself until he  
received word from Estel. 
 
Feeling the golden Prince's eyes on his back, Estel felt reassured, but  
he refused to turn around. If he looked back, he knew he would never be able  
to leave. The forlorn sigh that passed his lips did not go unnoticed by his  
father. 
 
"I'm glad you were able to work things through with Legolas," Elrond  
said, smiling at his foster son. 
 
"So am I, Father. Does love ever get any easier?" 
 
Glorfindel and Elrond exchanged amused looks. "Eventually, my son, after  
many years." 
 
Glorfindel snorted. "Easy for him to say. He only has to love me, I'm  
the one who has to deal with loving him." 
 
"Are you trying to say that loving me is difficult?" 
 
"Loving you, no. Living with you, now that's entirely different." 
 
"I can simplify that for you," Elrond said darkly, and the blond Elf  
chuckled. 
 
"That would make life easier for me, true, but exceedingly more difficult  
for you, and you would be begging me to return in a matter of hours." 
 
"Begging? When have you ever heard me beg?" 
 
Glorfindel just gave him a look, and Estel laughed to see a slight blush  
creep up his father's face. This was what he wanted, the Ranger realized as  
he watched the pair, the comfortable exchange with the person he loved filled  
with innuendo and jokes that only he and his beloved would understand. If  
only he could picture sharing such an exchange with Arwen, but she seemed  
above such things to him, which is why he would always need Legolas. There  
was a part of him that he could share only with the archer and soon that part  
was going to be locked up forever. He would simply have to find a way to  
make his time with Legolas last as long as possible. 
 
 
 
 
To be continued... (Part IV, which is already completed, is going to be just  
Estel and Legolas and lots of fun, at least in the beginning...)