Title: Innocent Again
Author: Crista
Pairings: Elladan/Legolas, Elrond/Legolas, Glorfindel/Erestor, Elladan/Haldir,
Elrohir/Lindir
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Slash, rape, angst, h/c
Author's Note: *stars* indicate emphasis, phrases //surrounded by slashes// are
thoughts. Anyone who's overly fond of Elladan will probably dislike this fic, or
most of it...and if you can't stand the idea of Legolas being hurt, likewise
don't continue. But I do promise it's all ok in the end! 
Disclaimer: The sad fact is that I don't own anything but the plots, and nobody
wants them anyway. The characters, places, languages, ect. aren't mine, and I am
not getting money from this, or I would buy them. Sigh...anyway, please don't
sue me.
Summary: After Legolas is raped, he finds healing and love in the arms of the
Lord of Imladris.
Feedback: Always welcome! Send it to RinkRatNB@aol.com, and put either
'feedback,' the fic title, or both in the subject, otherwise it will probably
get deleted. This is my first NC-17, so try to be a little forgiving...and if
you liked this fic, keep your eyes peeled for my upcoming Glorfindel/Erestor fic
(by popular demand after I cruelly refused to get them together in Sixty
Minutes).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--Early Spring--
	"I never meant for this to happen." Elladan muttered, unaware that his twin was
standing in the open doorway, listening. "I had too much wine, I wasn't
thinking...I didn't realize what I was doing. And he was so beautiful, I
just...and then I woke this morning, and there was blood, and then I started to
remember...but I never meant to hurt him, I didn't know what I was doing..." he
trailed off, and Elrohir swallowed hard, fighting his disgust. "It was you. That
is why Legolas has been acting so strange. You...you..." he trailed off, and
Elladan turned to face his twin. "How long have you been there?"
	"Long enough."
"El, promise me...promise me that you will not tell Father?"
	"How can you even ask me that?!?" Elrohir burst out, his generally calm
demeanor shattering. "As if he would not find out anyway! You have done a
terrible thing, and I will not protect you, brother or no! You deserve whatever
consequences are given to you, you more than deserve them! There is nothing you
can do or say to change my mind, Elladan, and to be quite frank, right now I am
ashamed to call you my brother!" with that, Elrohir stormed out of the room, and
Elladan sighed heavily and put his head in his hands. "I don't know what to do."


	"Father, may I have a word?"
"If you could just wait a moment-" Elrond began, but Elrohir cut him off. "If I
could have a word *right now*?" Elrohir asserted, and Elrond frowned. If it was
really that important...
	"If you'll excuse us, Glorfindel?"
"Go ahead." the blonde seneschal replied, and Elrohir practically dragged his
father to the study.
	"Have you noticed how odd Legolas has been acting today?" Elrohir began without
preamble, and Elrond nodded. "I had rather wondered what-"
	"It's Elladan." Elrohir interrupted. Elrond frowned. "I'm afraid you will have
to be a bit clearer."
	"He...without Legolas' consent..." Elrohir trailed off, clearly too upset to
think clearly, but Elrond understood. "Elrohir," he said, as evenly as he could,
"go fetch King Thranduil, if you would be so kind." Elrohir left without
question, and it was not long before Thranduil strode in, shutting the door
behind him. "You wished to speak with me?"
	"About a rather dire situation." Elrond said, still struggling to keep his own
composure. He sighed. "You've noticed, perhaps, that Legolas does not seem
well?"
	"Of course I have."
"I regret to tell you it is Elladan responsible for that."
	"How so?"
"To put it simply..." Elrond took a deep, steadying breath, preparing himself
for the onslaught of screaming and blame that would inevitably occur, "Elladan
laid with Legolas last night...without Legolas' consent."
	It was pure bad timing on Elladan's part that caused him to burst into the
study at that moment. Thranduil opened his mouth to speak, or yell, more likely,
but Elrond  beat him to it.
	"Elladan, get out of here!"
"But Father-"
	"No! No arguments! You have done something unforgivable, in case it has escaped
your notice! I do not know what was going through your head, but clearly you
have not yet regained what little sense you had to begin with! I never would
have though any child of mine would do such a thing, but apparently I was wrong!
You have disgraced not only yourself, but your family and your realm as well!
You are not worthy of the title of Prince, and you are to stay in your chambers
and out of my sight until I decide what to do with you, do I make myself
clear?!?"
	"But Adar, I-" he broke off when Elrond slapped him sharply across the face.
"Do I make myself clear?" he demanded, his voice taking on a low, threatening
tone Elladan had never heard before.
	"Aye." he whispered.
"Then get out of my sight." Elrond spat, and this time Elladan did so without
protest. Elrond watched him go, breathing hard and shaking with barely contained
rage. So absorbed was he with trying to calm himself down he completely forgot
Thranduil's presence until the blonde King spoke. "What will happen?"
	"To Elladan, or to Legolas?"
"Both, I suppose."
	"I am in no state to debate Elladan's fate...I would doubtless do something I
will later regret in this state. As for Legolas..." Elrond sighed. "I cannot be
certain. When something like this happens, most simply...fade away." Elrond
could see that the words  hit Thranduil hard; his ever-present confidence
shattered like broken glass. "Is there anything that can be done?"
	"Perhaps." Elrond said slowly. "It may be possible to heal him, but I can
promise nothing. I will try, if you wish, but I can do no more than that."
"I will try anything at this point." Thranduil replied, and Elrond nodded. "Very
well. Perhaps I had best speak with Legolas myself." he paused and sighed. "He
may not talk to me, I am Elladan's father, though at this point I sincerely wish
otherwise. And you may rest assured that he will be punished for what he has
done."
	"I do not doubt that." Thranduil said, and Elrond was surprised by that; he had
never gotten along well with Thranduil, and more than once Mirkwood's king had
expressed his belief that Elrond's children were given too much liberty and went
entirely unpunished when they did something wrong. Elrond supposed his outburst
had convinced Thranduil otherwise.
	"I shall speak to Legolas now, then. I know that I am in no position to ask
favors of you, Thranduil, but if you would be so kind as to tell Glorfindel I
cannot speak with him right now, I would appreciate it."
"Of course." Thranduil said, and swept out of the room. Elrond sighed and did
the same, heading down the hall to Legolas' room.


	When Elrond knocked on Legolas' door, the young Prince hesitated a moment
before bidding him to enter, and Elrond frowned to himself. That was not a good
sign.
	Legolas was sitting in the center of the bed, his chin resting on his knees,
and Elrond closed the door behind him and perched on the edge of the bed, within
arm's length, but not too close.
	"Legolas, I need to ask you a question, and I need you to answer me honestly."
"Yes."
	"You have not even heard the question."
"Yes, it was Elladan, yes, he did." Elrond paused. "Never mind the question,
then."
	"How did you know?"
"Elrohir."
	"Oh."
"Legolas...I need to ask you something, and I want you to answer me as honestly
and completely as you can."
	"What?"
"What do you want? Just in general."
	"I want...I want...I want this to have not happened." he paused, thinking. "I
want to go home, I want to not be so pretty, I want it to stop hurting, I want
people not to pay much attention to me, I want...I want..." he paused, his voice
faltering. "I want...to be innocent again." Elrond looked at Legolas in
surprise. "You had never..."
	"No."
"Oh, pen-neth, I'm sorry." Elrond whispered, embracing Legolas tightly. "I had
no idea."
	"Of course you didn't." Legolas replied softly. "How could anyone have known?"
"It shouldn't have been like this." Elrond said quietly, half to himself. "It
should have been special, beautiful..."
	"It was far from that." Elrond sighed and let go of Legolas, sitting back and
meeting those sapphire eyes. "Legolas, I must tell you the truth, and that is
this: most in your situation fade. You father wished me to try to help you, and
I will do everything in my power to that end, because I do not think you should
die from Elladan's...well, no word is strong enough, but his thoughtlessness. I
am a healer, and I can help you achieve some of those things you want, but you
must be willing to trust me."
	"Trust is far from me right now."
"I suspected as much." Elrond said. He paused and frowned, noticing for the
first time the fresh bloodstains on the sheets. "It seems I have forgotten
something. Come with me, Legolas."
	"Why?"
"You are hurt, Legolas. Please, come with me." Elrond rose and offered Legolas
his hand, but the young Prince did not take it. //As stubborn as his father.//
	Elrond led Legolas down the hall to the healing rooms and ushered him in. "Let
me have a look at you, pen-neth." Elrond said, adopting his usual
gentle-but-firm manner that he used when dealing with those under his care.
Legolas tensed and backed away, and Elrond hesitated, uncertain. He had not
thought this through...of course Legolas would be wary of anyone, even a healer,
touching him...and the fact that he was Elladan's father could not be helping
matters at all. Elrond paused a moment. "Legolas...would you feel better if your
father was here too?" Legolas nodded slightly. "Aye...forgive me, I mean no
offense."
	"Not at all, Legolas, I should have thought. I am asking you to trust me based
on naught but faith...and I doubt you have much of that just now. Would you like
to come with me, or would you rather wait here?"
	"I'll go with." Legolas replied, and followed Elrond to the Hall of Fire, where
they found Thranduil speaking quietly with Glorfindel. The two blondes looked
up, and Elrond spoke. "Thranduil, if I may request your presence?"
	"Of course."
"Do you need anything done, Elrond?" Glorfindel asked. "I can take a bit more
work if you need the time."
	"I'm not sure...talk to Erestor, his estimate of my current workload is
probably better than my own."
	"Very well. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. That goes for you as
well, young Prince." Glorfindel said, and a faint blush stained Legolas' cheeks.
"Hannon le." he said quietly, and allowed Elrond to lead him from the room with
a gentle hand on his shoulder. 
	"What seems to be the matter, Elrond?"
"Legolas asked that you be present when I tend his wounds; he is understandably
still rather wary."
	"Forgive me."
"There is nothing to forgive, pen-neth." Elrond said, giving Legolas' shoulder a
reassuring squeeze as they walked back into the healing room. Thranduil shut the
door behind them and sat down off to the side in one of the chairs reserved for
that purpose, and Elrond waited patiently as Legolas peeled off his green tunic.
The pale skin was marred by several long, shallow scratches, as well as small,
semicircle puncture wounds and a few livid bruises. Elrond cleaned out the
scratches and cuts left by Elladan's nails and rubbed a cool ointment onto them.
At a questioning glance from the blonde, Elrond explained, "It will make them
heal faster." Legolas nodded in understanding and remained still as Elrond
quickly looked over the bruises before nodding slightly. "You may put your tunic
back on now." he said gently, and Legolas did so, looking up nervously at Elrond
when he had done so. The dark-haired Lord nodded slightly. "I'm sorry, pen-neth,
but I really must." Legolas glanced at his Father, and at the reassurance in the
blue eyes, looked away and slid out of his leggings. Elrond's manner became even
more impersonal as he examined the damage and did what he could to repair it
before allowing Legolas to slide back into the safety of his clothing. 
	"Legolas, have you eaten today?" Elrond asked.
"No. I wasn't hungry."
	"I would imagine not." Elrond conceded. "I will not make you eat anything until
the evening meal, alright? Will you be there?"
	"I am not sure I want to." Legolas said, and Elrond shrugged. "You can eat in
your room tonight if you would prefer."
	"I think I would...I do not want to face Elrohir right now. I know it isn't his
fault, but..."
	"It's understandable." Elrond said. There was a knock on the door, and, at a
nod from Legolas, Elrond granted entry to the room. It turned out to be
Glorfindel, and the blonde seneschal was looking distinctly distracted. "Elrond,
Estel is back."
	"Would you be so good as to take care of him, meldir? And either break this to
him yourself of let Elrohir do so." Glorfindel sighed. "I have spoken to
Elrohir, and he is by no means reasonable enough to talk about it right now. I
shall have to do it, I suppose."
	"I will join you, then." Thranduil said, rising with a swish of green robes.
"Unless, of course, I am needed here?"
	"Go on, Ada." Legolas said, and so Thranduil and Glorfindel left. Elrond looked
at Legolas and saw a faint blush on the fair cheeks for the second time that
day, and he smiled slightly to himself. //So Legolas fancies Glorfindel.// As if
hearing Elrond's thought, Legolas sighed. "Before all this happened, I had
hoped..."
	"To have him? He is not as difficult a goal as you might have chosen, I
suppose, but harder than most. A good deal older than you...but Glorfindel has
always been vulnerable to well-used charms, and he's a bit too promiscuous for
his own good. His heart, however, is more carefully guarded than his body. To
give you fair warning, Legolas, I suspect his affections lie elsewhere."
	"Who?"
"It is not my place to say such things, especially when I am not certain."
Elrond replied mildly. "But I would advise you to watch your step with him."
	"I haven't a hope now, anyway." Legolas said bitterly. "He would offer me his
pity, when I would have his heart."
	"He does mean well, pen-neth." Elrond said reassuringly. "And he does care,
whatever else may happen between you...he can be even more reticent about
showing it than Erestor, but he does." Legolas was about to reply when Aragorn
strode into the room, still dressed in his traveling clothes. "Mae govannen,
gwador."
	"Mae govannen, mellon-nin." Legolas replied, and allowed Aragorn to embrace him
tightly. "Tis good to see you again, meldir."
	"It has been too long." Legolas agreed, as they drew away. As an afterthought,
Estel smiled at his foster father. "Mae govannen, Adar."
	"Indeed." Elrond replied with a tolerant smile. "I will leave you two to catch
up, then, but might I suggest a bath before dinner, Estel?" Aragorn laughed. "I
know, I must look a mess."
	"No more than usual." Legolas retorted, and Aragorn glared in mock-anger.
"Don't even start." with a tolerant smile, Elrond left them to it.


	Legolas wandered down the hallway without the intention of actually *going*
anywhere; he just needed to do something besides sit. His feet took him to the
library, and he pushed the door halfway open, then stopped dead in his tracks.
	Glorfindel and Erestor were in the midst of a passionate kiss, the latter
leaning against the wall to brace them both. Erestor paused briefly for breath,
his eyes still closed, and Glorfindel made an impatient noise. "Don't stop,
meleth-nin, saes." he murmured, and the words were just loud enough for Legolas
to hear them. He let the door fall shut and ran back to his room as fast as his
feet would carry him, only allowing himself to break down once the door was
closed. He flung himself on the bed, drowning his sobs in the pillows and
failing to notice the soft knock at the door until Elrond's voice drifted
through it.
	"Legolas? May I come in, pen-neth?" Elrond asked, and when there was no
response, Elrond pushed the door open slightly and poked his head in. "Ai,
Legolas." he murmured, and sat down beside the blonde Prince on the bed. "Sssh,
idril, it will be alright, ssh..." he wrapped his arms around the distraught
Legolas, who was still crying too hard to even notice when a servant slipped
into the room and left two trays of food there. Elrond nodded his thanks and the
girl closed the door behind her. 
	It was some time before Legolas managed to get control of himself, but he said
nothing, and Elrond sighed. //It's a terrible shame...he's such a lovely, sweet
creature... he doesn't deserve any of this...//
	"It'll be alright, sweetheart, now why don't you eat something?" Legolas looked
up briefly, then dropped his gaze. "I'm not hungry."
	"I know...come on, Legolas, just a little." Elrond coaxed. Legolas looked at
the food without appetite, but absently picked up a roll and took a small bite.
It was little more than a nibble, but Elrond knew better than to push him right
now. Legolas finished it slowly, but he did finish it, at least.
	"Now then, pen-neth, what is wrong, besides the obvious?" Elrond asked, but at
that moment there was a knock at the door. "Elrond? Are you in there?"
	"Aye, didn't Estel tell you I would be?" Elrond said, somewhat annoyed.
"Oh...aye, he did, I had forgotten."
	"Really, Glorfindel, you would leave your limbs lying around if they weren't
attached to you." Elrond said, rather peevishly. The ringing sound of
Glorfindel's laughter drifted through the door. "Too true. Very well then, I
shall see you tomorrow in that case." Elrond heard the sound of retreating
footsteps and looked back at Legolas. The slim blonde was shaking, and Elrond
frowned. "Legolas? What is it?"
	"Glorfindel..." he whispered, squeezing his eyes shut, and Elrond began to
understand. "What about him?"
	"I saw him...in the library..." Legolas trailed off and swallowed hard. "With
Erestor."
	"So I was correct." Elrond murmured absently. "The way they tease each other,
it was only a matter of time. I wonder how long it has been going on..." Elrond
trailed off and shook his head. "I'm sorry, Legolas...but there will be someone
for you one day, I promise you that. Surely one so sweet-natured and lovely and
intelligent of yourself has no shortage of suitors?"
	"No...that was what I liked about Glorfindel. He did not look at me as if I was
ripe fruit fresh off the vine." Elrond sighed and gently ruffled Legolas' golden
hair, pleased when the younger Elf did not shy away from such an innocent touch,
but rather sighed heavily and let his head rest on Elrond's shoulder. A part of
Elrond's mind noticed, unbidden, the perfection of the slim frame now resting
against him, but rational thought quickly pushed such musings aside. Now was not
the time. //What was it Glorfindel told me once...ah, that's it... "Some scars
run deep. Too deep to ever be fully erased or forgotten."//
	"I have no comfort for you, pen-neth, except to say that there will be someone,
someday. Now why don't you eat just a little bit more, and then get some rest?"
Legolas nodded silently and worked his way through some fruit and a bit more
bread before stopping. Elrond had found himself without appetite tonight as
well, but had eaten anyway. When Legolas stopped, Elrond pushed his own tray
aside as well. "You should get some sleep, Legolas. I will be just down the hall
if you need anything, and do not hesitate to ask. Sweet dreams, young Prince."
impulsively, Elrond dropped a quick, affectionate kiss on top of Legolas' head,
and the blonde blinked in surprise. "Hannon le." he said quietly after a moment,
and Elrond smiled slightly and left.


	Elrond woke to the instinctive feeling that something was amiss. He got up and
threw a dressing gown on, then left his room. He checked first on the twins, but
both were sleeping soundly, as was Arwen, and Estel's eyes were shut in the room
across the hall. Before he could puzzle further, a noise from down the hall
caught his attention. Legolas. Elrond hurried to the Prince's room and went
inside to find him thrashing on the bed, crying softly, "No...saes, don't..."
	"Legolas!" Elrond said, shaking him, and the blonde woke, blinking back sleep.
"Are you alright, pen-neth?" Elrond asked, and Legolas nodded. "Fine. Sorry if I
woke you."
	"No, you didn't. I woke, and it felt like something was wrong...I was checking
on my children when I heard you." Legolas nodded his understanding and sighed,
looking away. "Thank you, for coming...but you should not loose sleep on my
account. It was only a nightmare.
	"No," Elrond replied softly, smoothing back Legolas' blonde locks, "it was a
memory. Do you want me to get you something to help you sleep?" Legolas paused,
pride warring with exhaustion, until at last the latter won out, and he nodded.
	"I will be back in a moment, then." Elrond said. It was a matter of minutes
before he returned, bearing a small bottle full of clear liquid. He poured out a
measure and handed it to Legolas. "It tastes unpleasant, I'm afraid...sweeteners
render it useless. But it will help." Legolas nodded and downed his dose
unflinchingly. "I've had worse."
	"I don't doubt it." Elrond said. "Archers always manage to get themselves into
trouble."
	"Oh...not from that." Legolas said quietly. "Antidotes." he looked down.
"Before it occurred to me to start drinking only from glasses I personally
filled." Elrond frowned, but did not press the issue, seeing the sapphire eyes
beginning to glaze sleepily. "Get some rest, Legolas." Elrond soothed softly,
flicking away a stray lock of blonde hair. 
	"As if I had a choice." Legolas murmured, and yawned. It was only a few seconds
more until he was fast asleep.


	Legolas woke to the sound of hushed voices, and blinked a few times. Elrond was
still there, speaking quietly with Elrohir in the doorway.
	"Did you stay?"
"Yes, pen-neth, I did. Good morning, how are you feeling?"
	"Fine." he answered vaguely, trying to avoid Elrohir's gaze. It was different
from Elladan's; Elrohir's eyes held compassion, concern, and possessed a softer
light than those of his twin. But the face they were set in was identical, and
Legolas found it unnerving. Possibly sensing the younger Prince's discomfort, or
perhaps merely not wanting to be in the way, Elrohir looked back at his father.
"Should I let Haldir see him, Ada?"
	"I don't think we can trust him to take it calmly."
"No, of course not, we are talking about Haldir. But Ada, he is Ell's lover, he
deserves to speak to him."
	"Well, let them fight it out, I suppose, it's no less than your brother
deserves." Elrond said with a shrug. Elrohir nodded. "I will go meet him. Will
you be at breakfast?"
	"Possibly, I am not certain."
"Alright, I'm off then. And good day to you, Prince Legolas." Elrohir added, and
left. Elrond shot an anxious glance at Legolas, who looked up, curious. "Haldir
is Elladan's lover?"
	"I doubt he will be for long." Elrond replied. "That is one discussion I am
certain will not go smoothly. But yes, for the moment, they have been together
for about twenty years now. They only see each other when Haldir is here on
errands, generally, or when Elladan in is Lorien, which is rare."
	"I always liked Haldir." Legolas said quietly. "I do not understand how he
could..."
	"Ai, Legolas, it was not always like this, you must understand that." Elrond
said with a sigh. "Do not misunderstand me, he has always been a bit of a
troublemaker... but there was a time when he would never have hurt anyone by his
actions."
	"What happened?"
"Truthfully? I do not know."


	"Mae govannen, Haldir!" Elrohir greeted, and the Marchwarden slid gracefully
from his saddle and embraced Elrohir. "Mae govannen, meldir, 'tis good to see
you." They let go of each other, and Haldir's eyes scanned the area. "Where is
your brother?" he asked, and Elrohir sighed. "In his room. Haldir, before you
go, I must warn you... his name is poison in this house right now, and he is not
permitted to leave his chambers. Be wary of what you say."
	"What happened? What has he done this time?" Haldir asked. "This seems a bit
much for one of Ell's pranks-"
	"Haldir!" Elrohir snapped, interrupting. "I would not call what he has done a
prank, but I will leave it to him to tell you. And another thing, Legolas is
here, but if I were you I would not speak to him until you have had words with
Elladan." Haldir frowned, looking searchingly at Elrohir. "What is it you are
not telling me?"
	"Go ask Elladan, he knows more than I." Elrohir said. Haldir frowned but did as
he was told, secretly very worried. It was very unlike Elrohir to loose his
temper like that, and even rarer for him to be genuinely angry at his twin.
Something was definitely wrong.
	"Elladan?" Haldir called, knocking at the door.
"Who's there?"
	"It's Haldir, idril." there was a long pause, but finally Elladan replied,
"Enter." Haldir did so and found Elladan sitting on the bed, looking far from
his best. He was dressed in a pale blue tunic and dark blue leggings, his dark
hair loose around his face, but he did not appear well. "Elladan, idril, Elrohir
said some things when I spoke to him..."
	"Of course he did. How much did he tell you?"
"Not a lot, just that you were confined to your chamber and that you are a
rather touchy subject right now. But Ell, he seemed upset, and it takes a great
deal to upset Elrohir."
	"He has every right to be upset right now. Everyone does, yourself included."
"Elladan...this is different, isn't it? It's bad."	"Yes." Elladan said quietly,
looking down. "It's terrible. Haldir, I was drunk, I wasn't thinking, and I
just...lost control. And Legolas..." Elladan trailed off and closed his eyes. "I
do not have words for what happened that night. No way to express what I did, no
excuse for it, no way to convey the guilt, the disgust, the hatred... my father
will not come near me, my brother will not look at me, my sister will not speak
to me, I have seen none of my friends at all...and it is no more than I deserve.
Unless Father is even more skilled than I know, Legolas will die for my actions,
and there is nothing I can do." Haldir swallowed hard as he understood Elladan's
words, and his voice was naught but a whisper when he dared to speak.
"You...raped him?"
	"Yes." Elladan managed, his voice choked, and Haldir paused for a long moment.
"I think I need some time to myself right now." he said quietly. "To try to
understand..."
	"I never wanted this, Haldir. You know that I love you."
"You aren't the Elf I fell in love with, Elladan...I do not know you anymore."
Haldir replied gently, and he left.


	Elrond found Haldir in the gardens, sitting on a bench where he and Elladan
often spent time when the Marchwarden was in Rivendell. His fair face was
impassive, his eyes shuttered, but Elrond knew Haldir too well to fall for the
trick. "Haldir, 'tis good to have you back."
	"I wish I had never come here." Haldir said quietly. "It was so easy not
knowing. So simple. And now I do not know what to do; I cannot stop loving him,
but neither can I stay with him. All I can do is fall apart, and there will be
no comfort for me now. No one to ease my pain, to mend this wound. I have never
been alone until this moment."
	"He cares deeply for you."
"That only makes it harder. I thought I knew him...but he is not the Elf I fell
in love with, and I do not know what happened. What changed?"
	"I do not know. None of us do, not even Elrohir. I fear it is too late for me
to help him...and now I am faced with the prospect of punishing him."
	"Will you?"
"Do you think I should?" Elrond replied, and Haldir sighed. "Yes, I suppose. It
is our law."
	"Yet you sound reluctant."
"I love him very much. Or at least, I did...such things are not easily
forgotten."
	"Such is the nature of my own dilemma." Elrond said. Haldir sighed and looked
down. "I just don't understand why he did it."
	"None of us do." Elrond said quietly. "Him least of all."

	"Elrond, might I have a word?" Glorfindel asked. Elrond glanced up and saw
Erestor was also there; the dark-haired advisor was standing unobtrusively by
the door.
	"Of course you may, Glorfindel, have a seat. What is it?"
"It' s Legolas...he seemed rather more upset than he has been when I spoke to
him this morning."
	"That comes as no surprise. It might be best for you to stay out of his way for
a while...you too, Erestor." Elrond added. Erestor merely nodded, but Glorfindel
looked at Elrond blankly. "Why?"
	"Really, Glorfindel." Erestor cut in. "I would have thought it obvious."
"You must understand, none of this is to be mentioned to anyone? Both of you."
	"Naturally." Glorfindel said, and Erestor nodded.
"Legolas...rather fancies you, Glorfindel." Elrond said, and the blonde
seneschal blinked, looking slightly surprised. "I...oh."
	"He saw the two of you together yesterday." Elrond added, and Erestor coughed.
"When, exactly?"
	"I'm not sure...he mentioned the library." Glorfindel went red at that,
shooting a glance at Erestor, who dropped his gaze. "Ai, I hope he did not see
much."
	"Just what...no, I probably do not want to know." Elrond decided, shaking his
head. "Would the pair of you please endeavor to be discreet?"
	"Our apologies." Erestor said. He looked at Glorfindel and frowned. "How much
do you think he saw?"
	"He isn't upset enough to have seen *everything.*"
"A small mercy, I suppose." Erestor said, rolling his eyes. "I don't know why I
let you talk me into these things-"
	"Erestor, do be quiet." Glorfindel interjected, jerking his head meaningfully
in Elrond's direction. Erestor sighed and shook his head. "Alright, alright. On
your way then, a'melamin." Glorfindel smiled and favored Erestor with a quick
kiss before leaving the room, but Erestor did not follow him out. Elrond looked
expectantly at his chief advisor. "Yes?"
	"I just thought I would give you these while I was here." Erestor said, all
business as usual as he handed over a roll of parchment. Elrond accepted it and
set it on his desk, in the pile Erestor thought of as his "Things I Should
Probably See If They're Worth Doing" pile. Elrond regarded Erestor for a long
moment before asking quietly, "How long?"
	"Not very. A few weeks. It seems like more."
"From the sound of it..." Elrond trailed off, and Erestor laughed softly. "Ai,
your guess is quite correct, we are intimate."
	"As your Lord, I must tell you not to let this interfere with your work...but
as your friend, I will tell you that I am happy for you both." Erestor smiled.
"It has been a long time coming."
	"The way you two tease each other..." Elrond shook his head, amusement in his
eyes. "Shameless, but sweet at the same time. I had my doubts, when I first
noticed the attraction between you...opposites in every way."
	"Not in the ways that count. Superficial things, perhaps, but..." Erestor
trailed off, the normally articulate counselor finding himself lacking words to
describe it. Elrond smiled tolerantly. "I understand...you may forget, Erestor,
but I too have been in love before." Elrond's smile turned briefly bittersweet,
then faded, and Erestor sighed. "It has been a long time, meldir, since you have
given your heart to another."
	"It is safer that way."
"But is it better? I have lost as well, you know that." Erestor said, referring
to his former wife. Elrond sighed and looked down, thinking of Gil-Galad, and of
Celebrian...
	"I'm not sure I'm ready for that."
"One is never ready, in my experience. But the way you talk, Elrond...one would
almost think you have someone in mind. Do you?" Erestor smiled, and the image of
Legolas flashed briefly across Elrond's mind, just long enough for him to blush.
Erestor just laughed. "Well, go on, who is it?"
	"That is too bold, counselor." Elrond said rather sharply, and Erestor raised
his eyebrows. "Tis not my place, of course. Good day, then, mellon-nin." he
turned to leave, the paused. "You know, Elrond, sometimes we have what we're
looking for right under our noses."


	Legolas paused, catching sight of Haldir walking with...//Wait, it's only
Elrohir.// He breathed a sigh of relief, happier than he should have been that
it was not Elrohir's twin walking with the Marchwarden. He felt better knowing
that Elladan was still in his chambers.
	Elrond paused, watching his young charge. Legolas was leaning against the
balcony railing, gazing down at the grounds, the wind stirring his golden hair.
He was wearing a sleeveless tunic due to the warm weather,and he had taken off
the bandages, Elrond noticed. The skin was slightly pink, the only evidence of
the wounds ever existing in the first place.
	"It's getting late, Legolas." Elrond said, and the Prince looked up. "I didn't
know you were there." he said, and glanced at the setting sun. "I suppose it is
rather late."
	"Do you want your dinner in your room again?"
"I think I'll brave the table tonight." Legolas said, managing a slightly forced
smile. Elrond sighed and walked over to join Legolas at the railing. "How are
you, young Prince?"
	"Not much better." he admitted, looking down. "Do you remember, what you asked
me that one day?"
	"Of course." Elrond said, wondering where Legolas was going with this. The
blonde was looking out at the sunset as he continued, "There's one other thing I
want... I want to fall in love."
	"Then you are braver than I." Elrond said quietly. Legolas frowned and looked
up at Elrond. "Why?"
	"Ai, Legolas, you are young yet...I have seen too much, I think." Elrond
replied. "I have loved twice, and both times I have lost the one I loved. All I
seem to see is pain." Legolas sighed. "I would tell you to let me see this world
through innocent eyes, but is too late for that now."
	"I do not think so." Elrond replied. Legolas shrugged. "Well, perhaps. I shall
know eventually, I suppose."
	"I do not doubt that you will."


	Erestor raised his eyebrows as he watched Elrond follow Legolas out of the room
and nudged the blonde at his side. Glorfindel followed his lover's gaze and
laughed. "You can't be serious."
	"You doubt me?" Erestor retorted, and Glorfindel nodded. "I do. Elrond knows
better."
	"Oh, they aren't...not yet. But the look he gets in his eyes sometimes...he
does hide it exceedingly well, but he is not perfect."
"I don't know where you get these ideas, Erestor." Glorfindel said, and Erestor
shrugged. "Very well, think what you please. But watch them, and do not be so
quick to brush my suspicions aside."


	Legolas hesitated at the door, not really wanting Elrond to leave. Perhaps it
was just his imagination, but he thought he caught a hint of reluctance in
Elrond's grey eyes as well. At length, Elrond smiled slightly. "Good night,
Legolas. Sleep well."
	"You also." Legolas replied quietly. They paused for a long moment, until at
last Elrond broke their gaze and left. Legolas sighed and went into his room, as
puzzled by his own behavior as he was by Elrond's. The blonde Prince frowned to
himself. //I don't want Elrond *that* way, do I? I didn't think I did...// But
the fact remained that he had been more inclined to bury his face in the Lord's
dark hair than to leave. Legolas had thought it was Glorfindel wanted...but
seeing him with Erestor at dinner tonight had not upset Legolas in the
slightest, to his surprise...and he knew now it would not be blonde locks he
would dream of in moments when he let his mind drift.


	Elrond woke abruptly in the night once more, to the same instinctive sense that
there was something amiss. He silently rose and put on a dressing gown before
heading down the hall to Legolas' chambers, unsurprised to find the blonde
Prince fighting an invisible foe, clearly in the midst of a nightmare.
	"Legolas!" Elrond said, shaking him, and he woke. The sapphire eyes abruptly
focused, and a pink tongue licked dry lips as he swept back a few strands of
golden hair clinging to his sweat-coated face.
	"Elrond?"
"Hush, yes, it's me. Calm down, darling." Elrond murmured soothingly, gathering
the trembling blonde into his arms. Legolas sighed and seemed to melt into
Elrond's embrace, pressed as close as he could get, his fair face buried in the
older Elf's raven locks. Legolas took a deep, steady breath, inhaling Elrond's
scent as he did so. The Lord of Imladris smelled like rain and growing things,
with the faintest hint of a cool autumn wind...
	"Stay with me?" Legolas whispered, and Elrond squeezed him a little tighter in
reassurance. "Of course. Now lie down, and try to relax." Elrond let go and
started to stand, but Legolas grabbed his wrist. "Wait...please..." he trailed
off, but Elrond understood and allowed himself to sink onto Legolas' bed. The
blonde sighed and curled up close to Elrond, and even as he drifted off to sleep
he couldn't help but think how nice it would be to fall asleep like this every
night...


	Legolas yawned and stretched, relieved that no further nightmares had come to
haunt his sleep after Elrond had woken him. The dark-haired Peredhel was still
asleep, his raven tresses spilling across the pillow, slate-colored eyes
unfocused. Legolas smiled to himself, indulging his imagination in a few
fantasies, until they began to go a little too far for comfort. He didn't like
to think of doing *those* things with anyone...not even Elrond. It was
undeniable, Legolas knew, that he was falling in love with the Lord of
Imladris...but is was not yet so deep a love nor so long a time that he could
just forget what had happened. Not yet. Even though Elrond was breathtakingly
beautiful, and those slightly parted lips were an incredible temptation...
	//Really, Legolas, get control of yourself. You don't even know if he's
interested.// But that wasn't entirely true...he strongly suspected that Elrond
was, and that scared him almost as much as his own feelings. With a soft sigh
and a shake of his head, Legolas rose and changed into a pair of dark green
leggings and a tunic of a slightly lighter, sage-green color, embroidered with
gold at the edges. He was about to begin braiding his hair when the sound of
movement caught his attention, and he turned to see Elrond was now awake, though
clearly only just. "Good morning, Legolas." Elrond said, and the Prince smiled
slightly. "Good morning." he replied, and went back to untangling a stubborn
snarl in his golden mane. It came free at the expense of several other hairs,
and Legolas hissed in a combination of annoyance and pain. "Obnoxious stuff." he
grumbled, swatting at a few errant strands. Elrond raised his eyebrows and got
up, walking over to stand beside the blonde. "Nonsense." he said, running his
fingers through the golden tresses. "You have lovely hair, Legolas, like the
finest silk, spun of gold. Any hair as long as yours is bound to tangle,
certainly mine does so on a regular basis, but that makes it no less pretty."
Legolas blushed. "Hannon le." he said softly, and Elrond smiled. "No need to
thank me. I had best be going, Legolas, but I shall see you later. It does not
do for the Lord of the Valley to be up so late in the morning and not even
properly dressed." and so, with that, Elrond left, and Legolas sighed. Right now
it seemed like very long time until luncheon.


	"Elrohir?" a soft voice asked, and he looked up to see Lindir approaching. "El,
are you alright? You look terrible."
	"Hannon le, meleth-nin." Elrohir retorted sarcastically, but Lindir was not at
all repentant. "You do. Is there anything I can do?"
	"Not this time, a'melamin...and what are you doing talking to me like this
here, where anyone could listen in?"
	"There is no shame in our relationship, is there?" Lindir replied, looking at
Elrohir, who sighed. "Of course not, darling, but now is not the best time for
Elladan's twin to draw attention to whom he spends his nights with. This whole
household is..." Elrohir trailed off, and Lindir sighed. "Ai, I am fully aware
of that. It is a shame, that for his folly we must act is if there is naught
between us but friendship."
	"Our time will come, Lindir." Elrohir murmured reassuringly, and Lindir sighed
and sat down beside Elrohir, allowing his lover to fold his arms around his
shoulders. "I do not want to wait...I would shout from the rooftops that you are
mine if I could, and instead I must pretend that you are not even mine to
have..." Elrohir sighed and pulled Lindir closer. "I was always yours to have,
now hush. You know that I love you, melethron." Lindir sighed again and leaned
against Elrohir. "Forgive me, dear one, I came here to comfort you, and instead
it is I who is your arms."
	"There is nothing to forgive, Lindir." Elrohir replied, with a slight smile. "I
am alright...this is a stressful time, that is all. Don't worry about me."
Lindir smiled slightly. "You know I can't help it."
	"I do." Elrohir agreed, and he planted a soft kiss on the crown of Lindir's
head, eliciting a soft noise of contentment. Lindir tilted his head up and met
Elrohir's lips in a deep, tender kiss, loosing himself in the feeling until a
sound from the doorway startled him.
	"Well, well, what have we here?" Thranduil said. "The Hall of Fire does not
strike me as an ideal meeting place for two young lovers." Elrohir swallowed
hard and stood up quickly, bowing. "It was a chance meeting, my Lord." he
replied. Thranduil raised his eyebrows. "I cannot remember the last time you
felt the need for titles with me, save to make a nuisance of yourself." he
remarked mildly. "Did you think I would be upset?"
	"I thought it a possibility. Everyone has been exceedingly cross of late.
Certainly it would not be the first time I have suffered for my brother's
actions."
	"You have naught to fear from me, Elrohir." Thranduil replied with a slight
shrug. "It is not my place to interfere unless it involves myself or my
children, which it does not. And I would expect you treat him with naught but
the utmost care and affection."
	"Naturally." Elrohir said with a smile, relaxing a bit. Lindir did likewise,
sensing in Elrohir's body language that there was no reason to be nervous.
Thranduil's gaze flicked over to Lindir briefly, and he smiled tolerantly at the
pair. "Well, do not let me interrupt." the blonde King remarked, and strode out
of the room. Lindir looked curiously at Elrohir. "Do you think he will tell
anyone?"
	"If he does, it will not be anyone who I would mind knowing. Ada, perhaps, and
maybe Glorfindel. In which case Erestor will doubtless know as well."
	"That's alright, then." Lindir said. Elrohir nodded. "Aye, it's not a problem
at all. Come on, meleth-nin, let's find someplace a bit more private, hm?"
Lindir laughed. "The only thing more transparent than you is glass, Elrohir."
	"So be it." Elrohir replied with a shrug, and led Lindir out of the Hall of
Fire and to his bedroom.


	Thranduil frowned slightly to himself, watching Elrond and Legolas, who were
currently so deep in conversation they did not even notice his presence. Elrond
was recounting a rather amusing tale about a particular incident involving
Elrohir and Arwen when the twins were still at least thirty years shy of their
majority and Arwen more. Thranduil remembered  the incident in question; he had
been there when Elrohir managed to convince his sister that it would be a good
idea to deliberately spill pond scum on Erestor from the safety of the
treebranches. Well, safety was not the best term, both of them were punished for
that trick. Thranduil had been visiting Rivendell at that point, and was walking
through the gardens when it happened. It was the only time he had ever seen
Erestor looking anything less than immaculate. It *had* been a humorous
occurrence, but Legolas seemed a bit more amused than was necessary. Thranduil
sighed to himself, knowing perfectly well what the look in his son's blue eyes
meant. Deciding now was as good a time as any, he made his presence known.
"Elrond? Might I have a word?"
	"Certainly, what about?"
"Offspring." Thranduil replied calmly, and Elrond raised an eyebrow. "Yours or
mine?"
	"Both, actually, but I would rather mine was not present."
"Of course, Ada." Legolas said. He rose and favored Elrond with a sweet smile
before excusing himself, and Thranduil sat down in the spot his youngest son had
vacated. Elbereth, they had been sitting closer than he had realized.
	"Well, shall we start with mine, then?" Elrond asked, and Thranduil shrugged.
"We may as well. I had thought you should know, if you didn't already, that
young Elrohir has found someone."
	"Is that so? It would certainly explain why it is he frequently cannot account
for long periods of time in which he is nowhere to be found. And who might it
be?"
	"Lindir."
"Hm, really?" Elrond paused reflectively. "They do share quite a few common
interests. I wonder why he never mentioned it...I have always been rather fond
of Lindir, he's a fine young Elf."
	"I gather that he has been rather worried he would face difficulties from
others. Apparently he has been suffering a few ill effects of his twin's
actions."
"It does not surprise me. Do keep this quiet for him, then."
	"Of course."
"And what of Legolas, for I assume it is him you were referring to?"
	"Aye it was. How is he?"
"I do not think he will fade." Elrond said seriously. "He is faring far better
than I would have anticipated...but he does have nightmares."
	"Nightmares?" Thranduil questioned, and he could not stop himself from
wondering just how Elrond knew.
	"It is to be expected, Thranduil." Elrond replied mildly. "You cannot expect
him not to be affected by this."
	"No, of course not." Thranduil sighed. "There is one thing I must ask you,
Elrond, and I demand an honest answer."
	"What?"
"What are your intentions toward him?"
	"Pardon?"
"Legolas, Elrond. Are you...in love with him?"  Elrond sighed. "I think I may
be, but I swear to you, I would not take advantage of him. I have too much
respect for both of you to do such a thing, and he is somewhat fragile yet."
	"He is very attracted to you, Elrond. I can see it in his eyes."
"So can I." Elrond said quietly. "And that makes it even harder." he sighed.
"Elbereth, I know what you must be thinking. I was not in love with him before
this happened, that is not why I agreed to help him. I just felt I owed you that
much."
	"Promise me something."
"What would that be?"
	"You will not act on this affection between you, unless you are absolutely
certain it is what he wants, and only if he is the one who brings it up."
	"Upon my life." Elrond said sincerely. "Tis far too delicate a situation for me
to do otherwise." Thranduil sighed. "You must understand that this is difficult
for me."
	"I do."
"It is very hard for me to do so, but I feel I must trust you and trust Legolas.
But if any harm comes to him from this..." Thranduil trailed off, letting the
words hang in the air for effect, but Elrond took them calmly. "Understood."
	"Then come what may, I suppose." Thranduil said, and rose gracefully to his
feet. 
	"Thranduil?"
"Yes?"
	"Thank you." Elrond said quietly. Thranduil smiled slightly, nodded, and left
without another word.


	Glorfindel frowned inwardly, watching carefully as Elrond and Legolas rose. The
Lord of Imladris paused and glanced back at Thranduil, who sighed softly and
tilted his head in the barest hint of a nod. Elrond smiled slightly and turned
back to the young Prince, who was watching them intently. "What was that about?"
he asked quietly, and Elrond shrugged. "Nothing." he replied, taking Legolas'
hand in his own. "Nothing at all." they left the room, and Glorfindel glanced
over to see Erestor had also been watching, and a slight smile curved the
dark-haired advisor's lips. "Well?"
	"Perhaps." Glorfindel said quietly. "Perhaps."


	Legolas paused a long moment at the door to his room, and at last worked up the
courage to ask softly, "Should just we eliminate the middleman?"
	"If you wish." Elrond said. "But if that is the case then I shall have to beg
leave to fetch myself something to sleep in."
	"Feel free." Legolas said with a small smile. Elrond started to turn to leave,
but Legolas caught his wrist. "Wait." he said, and Elrond paused. Legolas met
those storm-grey eyes for a long moment before finally leaning up and brushing
his lips lightly against Elrond's before retreating into the safety of his
chambers. Elrond remained outside the door for a long moment before he smiled to
himself and headed to his own room.
	Legolas looked up and smiled nervously when Elrond returned, clad in a dressing
gown of dark grey. The Half-Elf just smiled in return and sat down on the bed,
waiting patiently as Legolas, sitting on the other side, unbraided his hair.
When the golden tresses were free of their restraints, he quickly combed through
them. Elrond noticed that the strands that had been twisted into tight braids
behind his ears were still wavy, and his golden locks, when unbound, spilled
over his shoulders and in front of his face. The fair-haired Prince rose and put
out the flames in the lamps illuminating the room, leaving it lit only by a lone
candle on the nightstand and the moonlight that shone in through the window.
Elrond slid under the covers, and Legolas did the same beside him. They were
still for a long time, until at last Legolas gave in to the nagging voice in the
back of his mind and moved closer to the dark-haired Elf beside him. Elrond did
not object when the younger Elf snuggled up against him, just draped one arm
loosely around the slim shoulders. Legolas sighed softly in contentment and
allowed himself to slip into blissful reverie, and not once in the entire night
did he wake.


	Elrond woke to the feeling of movement beside him, and he opened his eyes to
find Legolas already awake, watching him. "You sleep with your eyes closed...how
strange..." the younger Elf remarked, and Elrond laughed softly. "Only when I am
very tired do I sleep in the manner of Men."
	"You did not seem tired."
"Well, apparently I was." Elrond said with a shrug. He propped himself up on his
elbows so he was at eye level with Legolas, who hesitated a long moment before
speaking. "Elrond...last night..." he paused a moment and looked down. "It was
out of more than just affection."
	"The kiss?" Elrond said, and Legolas nodded, his blonde hair spilling in front
of his face. "I know it wasn't much...but...did you...I mean...did you like it?"
he asked nervously, and Elrond reached over and tilted Legolas' chin up, forcing
the young Prince to meet his gaze. "I did." he said reassuringly, and smiled.
Legolas looked relieved, but his voice was soft when he continued, "Then can we
do it again?"
	"You want me to kiss you?" Elrond murmured, and Legolas nodded.
"Then ask me."
	"What?"
"I made a promise, and I must be certain this is what you want. Ask me, if it
is."
	"Elrond...will you kiss me?" Legolas said quietly, and Elrond smoothed back the
fair hair and tilted his head to press their lips together. It was a gentle
kiss, chaste and sweet; a delicate, innocent caress that they held for a long
moment before at last Elrond pulled away. Legolas was breathing hard and looking
at him with wide, sapphire eyes that spoke of naught but the deepest affection
and trust. It was a side of him Elrond had never seen before; he had seen him
intent and focused while practicing archery and swordplay, studiously reading,
quietly observing the occurrences at councils with a detached but understanding
eye...but never had Elrond seen such simple purity of emotion and feeling, such
utter devotion in his eyes. Such perfect naivete.
	"Legolas," Elrond murmured softly, "that was innocence, in that moment. Did you
feel it?"
	"Yes," he whispered, "I did."


	Lindir smiled as he watched Elrond and Legolas enter the dining hall, the
Lord's arm draped gently around Legolas' shoulders. "A pretty picture." he
remarked to Elrohir, who laughed. "Indeed, so it would seem. I have never seen
Legolas look at anyone that way before."
	"See, Glorfindel, I am not the only one who thinks so." Erestor said, and
Glorfindel watched the pair for a long moment. "No, you are not." he agreed
absently. "I fear no good will come of this."
	"We shall have to wait and see, now won't we?" Erestor said mildly, but his
dark eyes were sparkling.


	Thranduil paused, spotting his son sitting with Elrond in the same place in the
gardens they had been in yesterday. The two were even closer, and speaking in
voices so soft that even Thranduil's sharp ears could not pick up the words, but
the way they were looking at one another told him all he really needed to know.
In spite of himself, Thranduil watched as Legolas tilted his head up to meet
Elrond's lips in a soft, lingering kiss. It was chaste, but so affectionate that
Thranduil knew that if there hadn't been anything between them before, there
certainly was now. Elrond glanced up when their lips parted and saw Thranduil,
but the golden-haired King just smiled slightly and left.


	Days turned into weeks, and life in Imladris continued on much as it had always
done. Legolas did not wish to leave, and convinced his father that it was best
he remain. As the time wore on, he grew more and more accustomed to Elrond's
touch, and their kisses grew bolder, going from a brush of lips to a gentle
twining of tongues to deep, lingering explorations of each other's mouths. Their
involvement did not go unnoticed, and it was with great pleasure that Erestor
made his own blonde lover eat his words, though in truth Glorfindel did not
really mind. Nothing Erestor did seemed to bother him, really, and neither
seemed able to keep their hands off the other when they were together. It was a
source of mild amusement to many, including both Elrohir and Lindir. The
Peredhel had once remarked that he doubted Glorfindel and Erestor would have
lasted long in a situation such as the one they had endured; Lindir had just
laughed and replied, "They would not have made it five minutes."
	"Most of the Elves here would not have." Elrohir had replied, thinking of his
father.
	So it was that Legolas stirred when he heard the door open, and Elrond walked
softly into the room. "Legolas?" he murmured, and the younger Elf rolled over to
face his love. "I'm still awake, I just got tired of waiting."
	"Ai, I am sorry, darling, I got caught up in a discussion with Erestor."
"Don't fret about it." Legolas replied, stretching. Elrond smiled and went to
the wardrobe and pulled out a dressing gown. The two had long since decided
sleeping in Elrond's room was more practical, for the Lord had a larger and more
comfortable bed that accommodated them both far better than the guest bed in
Legolas' room. Out of habit, Elrond glanced over at Legolas, who just smiled
coyly and shut his eyes. Satisfied that he did not have to go to the bathing
room adjacent to the bedroom to change, Elrond unfastened his formal robes and
let them slide off his slim frame, unaware that Legolas had opened his eyes and
was now watching appreciatively from his spot on the bed. When Elrond turned,
Legolas quickly snapped his eyes shut, and Elrond raised his eyebrows. "Were you
watching?"
	"Hm...maybe a little..." Legolas purred, opening his eyes again. Elrond just
laughed. "Well, if you want to, certainly I have no objections. I just try not
to push you."
	"I know." a pause. "Sometimes I think you try to hard." Legolas fell silent
until Elrond climbed into bed, at which point he added, "You haven't kissed me
since you came in."
	"Quite an oversight on my part, then." Elrond said, and pulled the blonde into
a passionate liplock. He was a bit surprised when Legolas started to get rather
bold with his hands, but he certainly wasn't going to object. The younger Elf's
touch was soft, teasing, but no less pleasant for his lack of experience. It was
not until his slender fingers strayed under the dressing gown and along the
sensitive skin of Elrond's inner thigh that he stopped and broke the kiss.
"Legolas?"
	"Please, Elrond. I have waited long enough." Legolas whispered, and his fingers
began to trace random patterns on Elrond's leg. Elrond's breath caught in his
throat, and Legolas continued, "And so, I think, have you."
	"Legolas...it was not so very long ago."
"I know." he said quietly. "But Elrond...I must know if I can trust someone that
much. I have been wondering for a long time now, and if I am going to find out,
I want it to be you. All I ask is that you are gentle, for my body is not used
to it."
	"That goes without saying." Elrond replied, "Yet I still hesitate."
"Do you not want me?" Legolas asked, suddenly unsure, and Elrond immediately
began to pepper his beloved's face with soft kisses. "Of course I want you; that
was never the question." he reassured, between kisses. After a while, he paused
and sighed softly. "If your will is set, Legolas..."
	"It is."
"Then tell me if you want to stop." Elrond said, and kissed Legolas passionately
once more and allowed Legolas to lie on top, at least for now. 
	"There seems," Elrond murmured, as he shrugged out of his dressing gown, "to
have been very little point in me putting this on in the first place."
"Isn't taking it off half the fun?"
	"Not even close to half of it." Elrond replied with a smile, and he slowly slid
Legolas' own dressing gown off of him. The younger Elf did not so much as tense,
but paused for a long moment just looking at Elrond. "Vanimaer..." Legolas
breathed, one hand gently caressing Elrond's chest.
	"You aren't bad yourself, meleth-nin." Elrond remarked, amusement in his voice.
Legolas, however, wasn't paying much attention, still taking in Elrond's
appearance. The Half-Elf had a slightly broader frame than most, probably from
the human side of his heritage, and he was a bit more muscular than many.
Legolas at last shook his head slightly and met Elrond's eyes. "Well? You are
the one who knows what to do, not I. Show me the pleasures of sharing your bed,
make me scream in ecstasy at your touch, but do not make me wait." Elrond
swallowed hard, having not heard much beyond, "Make me scream," but managed to
bring his mind back to the present. "I may make you wait just a little." he
purred, though in truth his resolve was fast disintegrating. Legolas laughed
softly and moved off of Elrond. "Well?" he purred coyly, and Elrond took the
bait, straddling the younger Elf and supporting himself on hands and knees as
they kissed passionately. Legolas made a noise of protest when Elrond broke
away, but it quickly became a soft moan as Elrond's mouth found the sensitive
tip of one pointed ear. "Ai, Elrond, harder..." Legolas whispered, and Elrond
obliged, sucking and nipping at the soft flesh until it was bright pink before
moving on to the smooth skin of his neck, the hollow between collarbones, two
bronze nipples...
	"Don't stop." Legolas gasped, arching eagerly into his lover's touches.
"As if I would want to." Elrond murmured, and captured Legolas' lips in another
searing kiss before he at last took Legolas in his mouth, sucking on the stiff
column of flesh. Legolas bucked his hips hard, but soon found himself restrained
by a strong arm. Just when he thought he could take no more, Elrond paused and
looked up at him, silent question in his dark eyes. Legolas swallowed hard and
shook his head slightly, and so Elrond let go and kissed him again. The younger
Elf could taste himself on Elrond's tongue, strangely salty-sweet .
	"You're certain, meleth-nin?" Elrond murmured, and Legolas nodded. "Yes." he
whispered, and affirmed his desire with a line of kisses down the side of
Elrond's neck, ending with what Elrond was certain would be a red mark in the
morning. Not that he minded.
	"Stop me if you change your mind." Elrond whispered, and paused for a moment to
fumble with a drawer on the nightstand and pull out a phial of scented oil. He
uncorked it and poured a some into his palm, coating his fingers with the
slippery substance. Legolas took a deep breath, inhaling the spicy scent, and
took the phial from Elrond, using the remaining oil to coat the Half-Elf's hard
shaft. Elrond moaned softly in the back of his throat, instinctively thrusting
against Legolas' hand. The blonde took a deep breath and closed his eyes as he
parted his legs, and Elrond bent his head to kiss his young lover even as one
finger gently probed Legolas' tight entrance. Legolas pulled Elrond close,
desperate to loose himself in the feeling of the kiss. Elrond was quite content
to oblige, for the young Prince relaxed considerably as their tongues twined,
and Elrond took advantage of the distraction to gently insert a second finger,
then carefully stretch him. Legolas broke the kiss for an instant to gasp
sharply, and Elrond immediately trailed a line of gentle butterfly kisses along
his jaw. "Just relax, it will be easier if you do." Legolas nodded, his blue
eyes still closed, and Elrond paused. "Look at me." he whispered, and met
Legolas' sapphire gaze with his own. "I will not hurt you." Elrond reaffirmed,
and then their lips met once more, and Legolas only tensed for an instant when
Elrond smoothly sheathed himself to the hilt. They were still for a long moment,
until at last, Legolas nodded slightly. "Go ahead." he whispered, and Elrond
needed no further encouragement. It felt so good, so right to be with Legolas
this way...
	"Ai, Elrond..." Legolas gasped, and Elrond quickened the pace in spite of
himself. A particularly loud cry from the younger Elf beneath him told Elrond he
had found Legolas' hidden spot, and it was only a matter of minutes thereafter
before both were screaming each other's names as they spent themselves.
	The two lay still for a time, just catching their breath and waiting for their
hearts to stop racing. At length, Legolas murmured softly, "I never thought it
would be...like *that.*" Elrond smiled, partly because he was no stranger to the
*that* and partly because he remembered a time when he had held similar
sentiments. "I take it, then, that you enjoyed it?" Legolas laughed softly and
cuddled close to Elrond. "Yes, meleth-nin, I did."
	"We shall have to do it again sometime." Elrond murmured, a touch of amusement
in his voice. Legolas looked up at him and smiled. "I don't have any plans
tomorrow night."
	"You do now." Elrond purred, eliciting another soft chuckle from the blonde.
"So it would seem."
	"Goodnight, Legolas."
"Goodnight...melethron."


	After so many weeks, Thranduil had grown accustomed to seeing Elrond with his
arm around Legolas, even accepted their pet names, fond glances, and kisses with
surprising grace. But he knew immediately that something was different that
morning... there was something he couldn't quite place. It was not until the
very end of breakfast that Thranduil realized what it was. It was an innocuous
movement that drew Thranduil's attention, just Legolas pushing his hair away
from his face and behind his ears. But the motion was enough to reveal the
pinkness of one ear tip, and a livid mark on the side of his neck, another at
the hollow between collarbones. A glance at Elrond revealed a mark at the base
of the Lord's neck as well, not quite hidden by the material of his robes. 
	It was not until the others had left the table that Thranduil turned to his son
and fellow Lord. "Well," he began, and Legolas swallowed hard. He knew that
tone, Thranduil used it whenever he was barely containing his rage.
	"Yes, Adar?" Legolas asked quietly, even though he already knew what his father
was going to say.
	"I shall ask you two outright: did you lie together last night?"
"Yes." Legolas said. His voice was quiet, but it was also firm. Thranduil
frowned and looked at Elrond. "I told you not to-"
	"You never told me not to be intimate with him." Elrond said, a bit sharply,
cutting Thranduil off. "You told me not to harm him, and I have not."
	"I also told you that you are not to push his limits." Thranduil said, his eyes
flashing dangerously.
	"Much as I appreciate being spoken of as if I am not even *here,* if I might
have a say?" Legolas met his father's eyes evenly, which was difficult for even
the most stubborn Elf to do at the best of times, and continued, "It was my
choice. I asked it, nay, begged it of him. If you are going to be angry, father,
then be angry at me. Not Elrond. None of this is his fault, he has done naught
but help and care for me. I do not regret what we did last night; loves become
lovers, tis the way of things, and I want none but him."
	"We are going home, Legolas."
"I'm afraid you cannot. Not until matters with Elladan have been dealt with, and
that will not happen until his grandparents can find the time to pay a visit."
Elrond said.
	"Will Haldir be here with them?" Thranduil asked calmly, and Elrond shook his
head slightly. "I do not know. He is understandably upset with Elladan, though
not with his typical fury...but he still loves him very much. I think his heart
may not let him stay away." Thranduil nodded, and fixed his youngest son with a
stern glare. "I had expected better of you, Legolas."
	"What do you mean, you had expected better of me?!?" Legolas burst out,
standing up. "Did you expect me to never take a lover?!? All my brothers had
already bedded someone before they even reached their majority! And certainly I
could not do much better than the Lord of Imladris, even you must agree to that!
What more do you possibly want from me?!?" with that, the youngest Prince of
Mirkwood stormed out of the room, and Elrond followed without so much as a
backward glance at Thranduil.


	Elrond caught up to Legolas in the gardens and trapped the blonde in his arms.
Legolas fought him for only a few seconds before giving in and melting into
Elrond's arms, tears spilling from his wide blue eyes. "I should never have
gotten you into this." he sobbed, and Elrond tightened his hold on the young
Prince. "Do not regret what we did last night, meleth-nin. You said it yourself,
'loves become lovers, tis the way of things.' And do you not love me?"
	"Of course." Legolas sniffed, and Elrond dropped an affectionate kiss to the
top of Legolas' golden head. "Then why should you regret what has come to pass?
We love each other, and we have *loved* each other, and I frankly think than
anyone who cannot come to terms with that is being foolish. Last night was
something we both freely chose to experience together, and nothing anyone says
will ever make me apologize for it. I love you, Legolas." Elrond murmured, and
Legolas sighed, wiping the tears from his eyes. "I know." he said quietly.
"You're right, I know you are. I just feel bad that he yelled at you; you did
not deserve that."
	"Neither did you." Elrond said. "Calm down, my darling." he guided Legolas
gently to the ground, and they both sat there for some time, wrapped in each
other's arms.
	"Thank you." Legolas said suddenly, and Elrond shifted slightly to better meet
Legolas' sapphire regard. "For what?"
	"Everything." Legolas replied. "You have done so much for me, and I can never
repay you, so at least let me thank you."
	"Ai, Legolas, meleth-nin, you are most welcome." Elrond said sincerely, feeling
almost overwhelmed by the sweetness of his lover's words, the profound feeling
that he had truly touched Legolas' heart. Finding no words to express him
emotions, Elrond just tightened his hold on Legolas and kissed him deeply and
passionately. The younger Elf melted into the kiss, caught up in the
overpowering rush of emotion; the kiss conveyed Elrond's feelings better than
any words ever could. When they finally parted, a smile curved Legolas' lips.
"By the way, meleth-nin, I still hold true to my promise from last night."
	"I am most pleased to hear it." Elrond purred, and there was a hungry gleam in
his grey eyes. Legolas was reminded fleetingly of Elladan, but the affection
present alongside the lust made the moment pass quickly. Legolas was about to
lean in for another kiss when a noise startled them both, and they turned to see
Glorfindel. 
	"Forgive me for interrupting." Glorfindel said. "The party from Lorien has
arrived."
	"Ai, I had hoped it would take longer." Legolas muttered, casting an unhappy
glance at Elrond, who sighed. "I as well. Even so, I had best greet them. You
may accompany me if you wish, Legolas. After all, you are kin to Lord Celeborn."
	"I shall." Legolas agreed, and they both rose. Elrond kept one arm possessively
around Legolas' shoulders, and one of Legolas' arms circled Elrond's waist,
drawing a slight smile from Glorfindel. "You two are disgustingly cute
together." he said; Elrond laughed softly, and Legolas' cheeks were stained
pink. 
	"Come on, then." Elrond said, and they went to the gates, where they found the
Lord and Lady of Lothlorien just dismounting, talking to Thranduil. Haldir was
there as well, along with his two brothers, who were talking quietly to Elrohir.
Everyone looked up upon hearing the three Elves approach, and Elrond did not
miss the glare he and Legolas received from Thranduil, but it came as no
surprise. Galadriel met Legolas' gaze and held it for a long moment, and Legolas
trembled against Elrond until at last the Lady broke their gaze and instead met
Elrond's eyes. Even for one who has experienced it previously, having one's mind
looked into is a distinctly unsettling experience. The Lord of Imladris took it
as calmly as he could, though the Lady probed into thoughts he would have
preferred remained unstirred. When she finally finished, Galadriel paused for a
moment, then strode forward and folded her arms around both Elrond and Legolas
at once in a rare display of emotion. It seemed to surprise her as much as them,
and she stepped back quickly. When she spoke, her voice was as calm as ever, but
her eyes betrayed her as she said, "We must speak with Elladan."
	"All of us?" Legolas asked softly, and Galadriel's face softened slightly. "You
must, I fear. But no, not all of us. Rumil and Orophin are not needed, and
Glorfindel may come or not as he chooses."
	"Shouldn't Estel and Arwen be here, as well?" Elrohir asked, and Galadriel
nodded. "Peace, they will be. Come." The group walked to Elladan's closed door,
and there they paused. "Haldir," Celeborn said gently, "I think perhaps you
should speak to him. We will go fetch his siblings."
	"Where should I meet you?"
"The council chamber will do, I think." Celeborn said, and the other rulers
nodded in agreement. They left then, and Haldir nervously knocked at the door.


	"Enter." Elladan said listlessly, and was surprised to see Haldir in the
doorway, still clad in his riding clothes. "Haldir?" a sinking sense of dread
settled on Elladan as he realized what the Marchwarden's presence meant. "It's
today, isn't it?"
	"Yes." Haldir murmured, unusually compassionate. Elladan looked up. "Why are
you here? I would have expected you to stay as far from me as you could."
	"I had thought to, but my heart, it seems, had other plans." he sighed.
"Elladan, what you did...you know as well as I do that the word wrong barely
begins to describe it. Yet I cannot stop loving you...what we shared meant too
much for me to let go so easily."
	"But you're disgusted with me."
"I don't think that's a fair judgment, Ell. But there is one thing I must know."
	"Ask."
"You have always sought out trouble, but never have you truly harmed another.
What changed?" Haldir asked quietly, and Elladan sighed. "I did. I don't know
how, or why...even after all these weeks thinking about it, I am no closer to an
answer than I was."
	"At least you know that much." Haldir said.  Elladan merely nodded and looked
down, and Haldir pulled him into a loose embrace, giving him room to pull away
if he so chose. But Elladan did not draw back, and so Haldir pulled him closer,
and Elladan allowed himself to relax his tense frame slightly in the strong
arms. 
	//I may have changed, but he has not. Still the same Haldir. Loyal perhaps to a
fault, devoted, caring, beautiful, strong, and always smelling of wood and
mallorn blossoms. Elbereth, whatever happens, let me keep him...//
	"Ai, Ell, we're in trouble this time." Haldir murmured, and Elladan looked up.
"We?"
	"All of us." Haldir elaborated, and Elladan nodded. "And it's entirely my
fault."
"Hush, meleth-nin." Haldir said, absently smoothing Elladan's dark hair. "Calm
yourself, we must go soon."
	"Do I look presentable?" Elladan asked, and Haldir regarded him evenly. "Not
quite. Here." he went to Elladan's wardrobe and selected a pair of dark green
leggings and a sage-colored tunic. "You look nice in green." Haldir said,
handing them over. Elladan sighed and shrugged out of the tunic he was currently
wearing and put on the new one, then stripped off his leggings, unconcerned by
Haldir's presence. Once Elladan was dressed, the Marchwarden took a comb from
Elladan's bedside table and ran it through the mass of raven locks before
braiding it. He paused, uncertain if he should add the braid down the center
that all three Peredhel generally wore as a symbol of status, and Elladan,
noticing the hesitation, shook his head. "Leave it. The side braids will hold it
out of my face well enough."
	"As you wish." Haldir replied, and paused a moment before gathering a few more
strands.
	"What are you doing?"
"Sssh, you will see in a moment." Haldir  replied, and he finished quickly.
Elladan turned toward the mirror on the wall to find Haldir had plaited a
single, perfect lover's knot into his hair. He smiled slightly. "Thank you."
Haldir nodded and bent his head, offering a kiss, and Elladan closed his eyes 
and tilted his own head back to rest against Haldir's waiting hand, accepting
it. Haldir made a soft sound in his throat and leaned deeper into the kiss,
almost as if trying to reassure himself that Elladan was there, or perhaps the
other way around. It was Elladan who at last pulled away. "Come, meleth-nin,
there's no use in putting it off any longer."
	"I suppose you are right. I swear to you, Ell, whatever happens, I shall be
there."
"Hannon le, lirimaer. Im mela lle."
	"Im mela lle beika, Ell."


	The soft, low hum of conversation in the council chamber ceased immediately
when Haldir entered, Elladan in tow. Legolas looked up, and was surprised he
didn't feel more nervous about Elladan's presence. The elder twin deliberately
avoided meeting anyone's eyes, just took his seat and sat staring at the ground.
	"We may as well begin." Galadriel said, though her voice held a note of
reluctance. "I take it none here contest the truth of what has happened, that we
might dispense with that part of the procedure?" there was a chorus of
agreement, and Galadriel turned to look at her eldest grandson. "Elladan, will
you speak on your behalf?"
	"Nay, I will not. I have no justification to give, only my sincerest
apologies."
"Then will any speak for him?" Galadriel asked. Elladan bowed his head, and
Haldir looked up. Before any word escaped his lips, however, another voice said
softly.
	"I will speak for him."
	All eyes turned to Legolas, and the blonde Prince met Elladan's eyes when he at
last raised his head. "What?"
	"I will speak for you, Elladan, because you will not speak for yourself. 'Tis
true that there is no justifying what you have done, but I do not believe you
ever consciously intended to harm me. I do not believe that there is darkness in
your nature. And I know that you feel guilt, one of the truest displays of
responsibility. I also speak on your behalf because I do not want anyone to
suffer more than they must today... there has been more than enough suffering in
Imladris already." Legolas fell silent, and for a long moment no one spoke, too
stunned by Legolas' actions to respond. At length, Celeborn asked softly, "What
is to be done?"


	"It's hardly a terrible punishment."
"It's hardly a punishment at all, El." Elladan corrected. "Stripped of my title
of Crown Prince, what a shame. We both know I would never have ruled."
	"And what of your remaining here?"
"I made that choice long ago, Elrohir." Elladan replied. "I had long since
decided to remain here anyway."
	"Ada does not want to let you go."
"I know he doesn't," Elladan said quietly, "but in truth we have never been
close, and I have always felt greater kinship with Estel than most of this
household, present company excluded."
	"You were very fond of Glorfindel when you were younger."
"Aye, for you always occupied Adar's lap, and I much preferred Glorfindel's to
Erestor's."
	"Why?"
"Erestor is a bit bony." Elladan said with a shrug, and Elrohir chuckled. "I
thought the very same thing."
	"I daresay he would have felt rather unloved were it not for Arwen."
"We both liked him, he just wasn't comfortable to sit on. He told good stories."
	"You preferred his; I liked Glorfindel's."
"You would, Glorfindel always told tales of great battles. You preferred blood
and glory; I liked the great romances and little-known histories."
	"Between us, we're quite well-rounded." Elladan sobered slightly. "Scholar and
warrior, reservation and openness, obedience and disobedience, Elf and Man."
Elrohir sighed. "Let's not talk about it."
	"We have time yet, brother. Just know that I do not expect you to remain here
for me, no matter how close we are. If you want to leave, when the time comes,
then go."
	"I will decide when the time comes." Elrohir replied firmly. "No sooner."
"Best not to rush." Elladan agreed. He leaned against the balcony railing, and a
smile graced his lips. Elrohir followed his twin's gaze and saw what he was
looking at, and he smiled as well. "They're almost sickeningly adorable
together, aren't they?"
	"Aye. At least something good came of this." Elladan agreed softly. "It has
been a long time since Adar has had someone."
	"Too long." Elrohir replied. "They are good for each other, and Thranduil will
mellow out eventually."
	"Hasn't he already had plenty of time?"
"Aye, but..." Elrohir blushed. "I overheard an argument this morning...Ada and
Legolas were...um...intimate last night, and Thranduil was less than pleased."
Elrohir's blushed deepened, and he looked down. "It's not something I like to
think about."
	"Who our father lies with? No." Elladan said, making a face. He glanced down
once more at the couple below and shook his head. "I'm going inside, I don't
need to watch this." Elrohir just smiled and followed.


	"Mmm, Elrond..."
"Sssh." Elrond murmured, drowning out any further words from Legolas by twining
his tongue with the blonde's.
	"Aiya, can't you two find somewhere else to do that? I hate walking in on you
like this."
	"As if you and Erestor aren't just as bad." Elrond replied before claiming
Legolas' lips once more. The young Prince opened his eyes and waited for Elrond
to break for air before adding, "I know you do things in the library besides
reading." Glorfindel flushed scarlet. "It was just a kiss."
	"That wasn't just a kiss." Legolas retorted. "I'm amazed you didn't swallow his
tongue." Glorfindel's blush deepened, and Elrond snorted. "It's rare to see
*you* embarrassed."
	"Right, and walking in on my Lord and the youngest Prince of Mirkwood kissing,
then being teased about my own romantic involvement...not embarrassing at all."
Glorfindel retorted sarcastically. Legolas laughed, and Elrond raised an
eyebrow. "Then go find Erestor and take it out on him. I'm certain he won't mind
at all, and your presence here is something of an interruption." Glorfindel
rolled his eyes and bit back a snide remark before leaving them to it.
	The relative peace, disturbed only by soft moans from the two Elves, did not
last long. Elrond heard the footsteps of the intruder some time before he made
his presence known, but had chosen to ignore the sound. Let Thranduil see them,
it was no surprise to anyone.
	"Legolas." Thranduil finally said, and the Prince opened one eye, then closed
again. "Just a minute." he replied, and lingered a few moments longer  in the
kiss before reluctantly pulling away, though he remained in Elrond's arms. "What
is it, Adar?"
	"I came to apologize. You were right, and I was wrong." 
"I am not the only one you need to apologize to." Legolas replied, and Thranduil
nodded. "I know. Elrond, I beg your forgiveness."
	"It is freely given." Elrond said, smiling slightly. Thranduil returned the
sentiment. "Very well then, I believe you two were occupied prior to my arrival.
Pray forgive the interruption." one golden eyebrow quirked briefly upward, and
Thranduil left them alone.


--Epilogue: Mid-August--

	"This has been a joyous summer."  Arwen observed, and Galadriel smiled
slightly, nodding in agreement. "It seems everything ended well enough."
	"Beautiful weather and love in the air." she smiled as well, casting an
affectionate glance over to where Estel stood, talking to Haldir's brothers.
Galadriel smiled, following her granddaughter's gaze, then let her eyes wander
around the gardens. Glorfindel and Erestor were off to the side, talking quietly
to each other. The pair had been wed in early June, and they were still as
inseparable now as they had been then, a testament to the emotion behind their
matching gold rings. Not far from them sat Elrohir and Lindir. The latter was
leaning against Elrohir, his head resting on the shoulder of the younger twin.
They had been married only a week and a half after Glorfindel and Erestor. 
	Galadriel's gaze drifted without definite purpose until it chanced to light
upon a tall Elf with silvery-blonde hair. It was unusual to see Haldir clad in
anything save his customary grey, but today was a special occasion. He was
wearing robes of soft, powder blue, and currently had a possessive arm around
his mate. Elladan took it with grace, content to remain held at Haldir's side.
His robes were blue as well, but a much darker shade than Haldir's, and any who
cared to look could have seen the sunlight glinting off identical mithril bands
on their fingers. It had been late July when they finally sealed their love for
one another, leaving only one member of the Rivendell household unwed.
	//But not for very much longer.// she thought. Four Elves were still
conspicuously absent...


	"Really, Legolas, *do* stop fidgeting." Celeborn said, rather irritated.
Legolas didn't stop, just looked up at the Lord apologetically. "I'm sorry, I
really can't."
	"I suppose it shouldn't surprise me." Celeborn acceded. "But do at least try,
or your hair will look a mess when I'm finished."
	"Alright." Legolas replied. His nervous motion relented somewhat, and
Celeborn's fingers once more took up the task of plaiting the Prince's golden
hair. Now that he was relatively still, the process went quickly, and soon
Celeborn was finished. "There. Let's have a look at you, then." he said, and
Legolas stood. He was beautiful to begin with, but today he was absolutely
breathtaking. Legolas had foregone his usual tunic and leggings for a robe of
white silk decorated with intricate gold embroidery and small pearls; his golden
hair tumbled about his shoulders, restrained only by the slim plaits on either
side that Celeborn had just put in. The Prince still possessed an appearance of
youth and innocence, though he was by now neither of those, and in his azure
eyes one could see him for what he really was.
	"You look lovely, Legolas." Celeborn said, and Legolas smiled nervously. "Thank
you." he replied, and started to pace anxiously. "Was it this bad for you?"
	"What?"
"The nervousness." Legolas elaborated, and Celeborn smiled. "Yes, it was, and
Elrond was just as bad when he was to be wed the first time. I daresay he is
equally anxious today."
	"So it isn't bad to be nervous?"
"Not at all." Celeborn reassured. "It's perfectly normal."


	"One would think it would be easier the second time around." Thranduil remarked
dryly, watching as Elrond paced restlessly back and forth. The Half-Elf spared
him a brief, irritated glance, but did not stop moving. "It isn't."
	"Aiya, considering the state you're in, I can only imagine how Legolas is
taking it." Thranduil said with a sigh. "It is probably best that I'm not with
him, I would doubtless only make matters worse."
	"You usually do." Elrond retorted, more out of habit than anything. Thranduil
chuckled. "I know it. Are you about ready to go?"
	"I suppose." Elrond said, pausing in front of the mirror to examine his
appearance. He was robed in soft velvet the color of wheat in the sun, a tawny
gold that reminded him of Legolas' hair. The embroidery at the neck, hem, and
sleeves was done in darker gold thread, lending a subtle gleam, and the clasps
were also wrought of gold in the shape of leaves. His dark hair had been freed
of its usual restraints and spilled loose about his face, the raven black a
sharp contrast against the light color of his robes and his fair skin. Even
Thranduil had to admit, albeit reluctantly, that the Lord of Imladris looked
beautiful. Were it not for past differences, he might even have gone so far as
to ascribe the word stunning. He felt slightly uneasy, however, for Thranduil
found this was not the Elrond he knew. The Lord's nervousness was almost
charming, really, and helped ease Thranduil's doubts about Elrond's affections.
Even so, it was unsettling to the blonde King, who always thought of the Lord of
Imladris as rather stern and in complete control of himself. Was this what
Legolas saw? The edge of insecurity, the slight vulnerability? Thranduil could
only wonder.
	Elrond sighed and nodded at his fellow lord. "Let us go, then."
"It will be fine, Elrond." Thranduil said, and Elrond nodded. "I know it will,
but I'm still nervous. Thank you, though." The blonde King just smiled. "Ta naa
sesamin."


	The nervousness evaporated as soon as Elrond, waiting, saw Legolas walk towards
him. Elbereth, he was glorious, particularly in that robe. Who knew white was
such a good color on him? //Aiya, I wish I could just take him now, worship
every inch of him, taste those sweet lips...//
	//Calm down, calm down, get control of yourself, don't think about how
beautiful he looks, don't think about how much you want him, just calm down...//
Legolas thought, and felt himself blushing fiercely under his lover's slate-grey
regard. To think that others flattered his beauty, not Elrond's!
	"Mae govannen, indeed." Elrond purred under his breath when Legolas reached
him. "You look stunning, a'melamin."
	"And you are positively radiant." Legolas replied, equally softly. Elrond took
the young Prince's hand, and Legolas smiled warmly. "You should wear that more
often."
	"If you'll wear that more often." Elrond replied, giving his love's hand a
squeeze.
	Neither of the pair remembered much, too focused on each other to pay much
attention to anything else. They floated through the ceremony as if in a dream,
remembering only the voices around them, the warmth of each other's presence,
the sweetness of their kiss...
	"No regrets?" Elrond asked softly, as the group made its way to the dining
hall. Legolas smiled. "Only that we didn't fall in love sooner." he murmured,
and Elrond laughed softly and pressed a quick kiss to his new husband's lips.
	"You certainly took your time." Erestor remarked from nearby.
"Ai, it ended well." Glorfindel said, smiling at them. Both Elrond and Legolas
grinned wholeheartedly back, and the smile of Legolas' face did not fade at all
when Elladan tentatively approached. "Legolas..." he paused, and the Prince
waved one hand. "Let there be no dark words exchanged between us, Elladan. We
are family now."
	"Yes," Elladan said with a slight smile, "yes, I suppose we are."
"Then let past grievances be forgotten." Legolas said, and released his hold on
Elrond's hand in order to embrace Elladan quickly. The elder twin paused,
surprised, but his smile widened slightly. "A new beginning, then?"
	"This is a day of new beginnings." Legolas replied.


	"Dearly as I love my family, words cannot express how glad I am to be here
alone with you." Elrond said. Legolas just laughed and settled himself
comfortably on the bed, stretched out so that the folds of his white robe draped
gracefully over his lithe figure. Elrond joined him shortly thereafter with two
full glasses of miruvor, one of which he handed to Legolas. The younger Elf took
it and they toasted one another silently, each watching their new husband, still
getting used to the idea.
	"I can hardly believe it." Legolas said at length. "I'm *married.*"
"Your father was of the opinion that you should not wed until you have taken
other lovers. I informed him, rather tactlessly I admit, that there was no need
of such action if you are happy as is."
	"I am." Legolas said with a warm smile. "You are precisely what I want."
"A good thing, then, since you are stuck with me now." Elrond purred, and
Legolas laughed. "I daresay I shall manage." he murmured, and set his glass
aside. Catching the betraying gleam in his lover's eyes, Elrond did likewise. He
was caught briefly off-guard when Legolas took the lead with a forceful kiss as
his fingers quickly began working on the fastenings of Elrond's golden robe. It
was not the first time, of course; the blonde had done so in the past, but such
things were rare. //And I rather wish they were a bit more common.// Elrond
thought to himself. //He's *much* more fun to take when he's in one of these
moods...//
	"You look so nice in this robe, I almost don't want to take it off of you."
Legolas grinned wickedly. "Almost." he repeated, and tugged it off, then flung
it with practiced ease to land slung over the back of a chair. Legolas' own robe
was treated in a similar fashion, though it did not land quite as neatly. Elrond
moved to reverse their positions, but Legolas pinned him down hard. "No." he
murmured firmly. "You are mine tonight. I trusted you to take me as I trusted no
other, but tonight it is my turn. I want to feel you around me, feel you writhe
beneath me, spend myself in you..."
	"Not so very innocent as your appearance might imply, are you?" Elrond
murmured, and Legolas smirked, regarding him with a decidedly lustful look in
his eyes. "Not anymore, you changed that the first time you took me. And I would
not have it any other way." Legolas paused, his smirk becoming more of a smile,
though with an edge of mischief. "Now be quiet and kiss me."

END