Title: And So the Leaf Falls. Pt. 14/? Author: Deathangelgw Author email: deathangelgw@hotmail.com Disclaimer: The characters belong to Tolkien, not me. Though I wouldn’t mind them! ~_^ Warnings: AU, slight OOC, sap, angst, dark, lemon/lime, slash. Pairings: Elrond/Legolas, hinted Erestor/Glorfindel, Elladan/Haldir, and Elrohir/Rumil Rating: PG-13 Summary: A time to explore finds new things for a certain Mirkwood prince Notes: Well! It has indeed been a while! So sorry on the wait! Thanks for the reviews and to MA thanks for the beta! Love ya! Enjoy! Feedback is much loved and appreciated! ‘thoughts’ The crackle of the fire blended with the sounds of people mingling as Legolas sat outside of the encampment that was set up on the way from Edoras. It had been a hard journey, with many battles, but now, the final battle loomed over their heads, resulting in the greetings being almost desperate. He glanced over, watching as Aragorn strode off with Théoden, their heads bent in discussion as they made plans on what might happen next. Much had happened since they had left Lothlorien. The first had been the sundering of the Fellowship, which had involved the separation of Sam and Frodo from the group, the capture of Merry and Pippin, and the tragic death of Boromir. With heavy hearts, Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli had given pursuit to the Uruk-hai that had taken Merry and Pippin, ending in Rohan and then in Fangorn. There, in the ancient forest, they had been reunited with a reborn Gandalf and their Quest had been refocused on protecting Rohan and the Horse Masters. Now, with the last battle and victory against the Uruk-hai of Sarumon at Helm's Deep, the once Fellowship, along with what was left of the Rohirrim, were making ready to go to Gondor, where they would be needed and where Mithrandir and a rather remorseful Pippin were already stationed. They were taking camp up presently outside of what the Men were saying was the Paths of the Dead. Even he was feeling the chill of the dark mountain. Looking up at the stars as he smiled softly, Legolas sent a prayer to Elbereth to watch over the other two Hobbits that were missing from their Fellowship. He prayed they were safe and sound, hoping that they were at least still alive. But in these dark times, he wondered if he should indeed think to hope. The power of the Enemy grew daily, looming as a dark cloud to the East. It was only a matter of time before the final strike and it was quite certain that Minas Tirith would be the target. Sighing softly, Legolas looked to the West, where his beloved remained in watch and worry. He stretched out his faer, seeking for the one who was his other and felt a swell of warmth and love in return, nearly undoing him. He curled up, burying his face in his knees as he soaked in the love, feeling it balm his wailing soul and heart from all that had happened. Never had he needed his Peredhel so much as he did now, in this darkest hour. But, even as the warmth and love faded to a dull presence in his faer, Legolas knew that he could continue. Bringing his head up, Legolas smiled as he breathed deeply, contentedly. He was safe in that knowledge of absolute love and it gave him that extra strength to keep going. Nodding, he stood and looked over towards the sprawling plains of Rohan. But, as he looked, he stopped, seeing shapes moving towards them. It was a group of riders, not large, but enough to be noticed. He turned his head as he heard the whisper of cloth and saw Théoden and Aragorn standing with him, watching the group intently as they neared the encampment. Intent, Legolas focused his gaze on them, and then stiffened in shock and joy. He didn't heed Aragorn's questions as he suddenly ran towards the group, who had picked up their own pace once sighting the camp. The troupe stopped and the two lead riders dismounted swiftly as Legolas approached, meeting him halfway in a warm embrace as Théoden and Aragorn hurried over along with several of the Rohirrim. Laughing for the first time since Lothlorien, Legolas hugged the two hooded figures. "Elladan! Elrohir! Oh it is good to see you both, meldiren!" he whispered joyfully as they held him tightly. (my dear friends) “It is good to see you hale and whole, Legolas. Ada was worried, no matter what he said,” Elrohir teased Legolas with a grin as they leaned back, then all three faced Théoden, Aragorn, and the group from Rohan. "Elladan…Elrohir…your presence brings light to our hearts. But what brings you here?" Aragorn asked as he clasped forearms with his foster brothers, his face warm with his joy at seeing them. "We bring the Grey Company with us, gwadoren, and offer our services to you and yours," Elladan answered as they bowed their heads, mirrored by the group of Dunedain that they had been leading there. (my sword brother) "Your words bring us great hope," Théoden declared softly, gruffly as he clasped forearms with the two Peredhil. "I accept your aid with gratitude. Come…you and yours must be tired and hungry. Rest yourselves around our fires and we shall share our news with equal ardor," he suggested as he gestured to the waiting encampment. "Aye, your hospitality is well received, Théoden King. A good rest would be well taken," Elladan declared with a broad grin, eyes twinkling as Théoden nodded and smiled back before they all headed over towards the camp, where Men were gathering in curiosity and cheering began to rise as the news spread. Legolas walked between the twins as Aragorn fell back to speak with Halbarad of the Dunedain. Legolas smiled softly as he spoke with his friends, telling them somewhat of his journeys and speaking of his time in Lothlorien, which brought warm smiles from the twins. They came to the encampment and, before they parted, the twins took Legolas to the side. "Ada wished us to give you this, to lend you strength in the upcoming darkness," Elladan whispered softly as he handed over a scroll that was sealed with Elrond's seal. The twins smiled softly as Legolas took the scroll with a grateful look before swiftly going to his tent. Once inside, he hastily broke the seal and unrolled the scroll, feeling tears well in his eyes as he took in his beloved's delicate handwriting. He sat down quickly as he instantly took in what was written; hungrily digesting all of what his love had to say. ~My beloved wind chaser, The days and nights seem endless as we wait for news on your Quest, and yet I know in my heart that you are safe. I feel your love within my soul at all times and I send you my love as often as possible, yet it sometimes does not seem to be enough. I have felt your despair and feel my own rise up to mingle with yours, longing for it to be calmed and quieted even as I pray that you are safe… Legolas sighed quietly as he continued reading, his cheeks flushing here and there as Elrond's impishness came through the loving words in imagery for their reunion. He took in the scent of the paper deeply, catching a hint of his beloved within the wood and ink smell and causing his need to flare in interest before he returned to reading. His heart ached as he read the despair his beloved was suffering from with Arwen's choice as well as the pride evidenced for his sons. But most of all was the love that permeated the letter, causing longing to stir within him as he shivered slightly. Curling up on his bed, he reread the letter several times, taking to memory all of the words before placing it in his pack for safe keeping. He stood up, and then blinked as he heard a slight commotion outside. Stepping out of his tent, he cocked his head as he saw Gimli, Elladan, and Elrohir speaking softly as they watched Aragorn, who was packing Roheryn's bags grimly. Curious, he stepped over to them. "What is going on?" he asked quietly as he tilted his head towards Aragorn in indication. "Aragorn has decided to go into Dwimorberg," Gimli explained gruffly, grumpily as he nodded at the two. "These two decided to talk to him and all of a sudden, he is deciding to go into that forsaken place!" Intrigued, Legolas looked at the solemn twins. "What say you?" he questioned them seriously, frowning as they looked at each other. "Ada bade us speak with Estel on this. We need more men…and there are plenty within the Dwimorberg," Elladan answered softly as he glanced over at his foster brother. "You speak madness!" Gimli hissed out almost angrily as the three Elves gazed at him in semi-amusement. "There are said to be the dead of betrayers there!" "Aye. Betrayers who long for release. And Aragorn is Isildur's heir…therefore he must not go alone," Legolas murmured firmly, smirking as the twins and Gimli looked at him in surprise. He went back into his tent, followed by Elrohir. "What do you plan, gwador?" Elrohir demanded as he came in, then stopped as he watched Legolas pack his own bags and strap on his weapons. (sword brother) "What I am sure my love knew from the start…that I would go with Aragorn. Will you come?" Legolas queried as he straightened and faced his friend firmly. Frowning, Elrohir glanced outside briefly before sighing. "Twould indeed be folly if he went alone and he is our brother. What would Ada say if we said no?" he asked teasingly before winking at the grinning Legolas. Nodding, Legolas stepped out and went to Arod, setting his bags up before taking his steed over to where Aragorn was arguing with Gimli. He smirked as Elladan and Elrohir also brought their horses over, earning a scowl from Aragorn as he looked at them. "Did you not learn anything, meldiren, on Dwarves? They never listen," Legolas said teasingly. "You better accept it, laddie. We're going," Gimli added smugly, chuckling as Aragorn sighed and shook his head. "Fine…hurry then," Aragorn replied irritably, though they all knew it was good natured, and mounted up, heading for the Path. Elladan followed after, then Elrohir, ending with Legolas and Gimli. They all knew that this had to succeed…or all would be lost. *~~**~~* Legolas stood on the hill overlooking the Fords of Gilraen, breathing deeply of the salty sea air as the wind whipped through his hair. His eyes hooded in bliss as he felt an intense longing rush through him, filling him with a need so overwhelming that all else was blocked out. He looked around, feeling his very soul ache with this desire as the waves filled his ears with their crashing noise and the sounds of the gulls flying overhead echoed around him. He wanted to follow the sea to the ends…to bliss and beyond… "Legolas! Legolas wake up! Legolas!" Elladan's shout cut through Legolas' reverie slowly, echoing dimly around him before the sounds of battle finally broke through his haze. He looked over, startled, to see his friends were fighting the Haradrim and Corsairs of Umbar fiercely just as the Dead men of the Dunharrow came roaring down to extinguish the life of the pirates and taking hold of the fleet that had been traveling up the Anduin River to help in the Siege of Minas Tirith. When the battle was done, Legolas knew that he had somehow failed. "Legolas? What happened to ye, lad? You went all dreamy on us and wandered away from the battle!" Gimli shouted angrily as he stomped over, waving his axe at his friend while the twins and Aragorn secured one of the ships. Looking away sheepishly, Legolas fidgeted in an uncharacteristic show of guilt. "I…can not explain it to you, meldiren. Twas like the sea was beckoning to me…" he mumbled as he fiddled with his bow. "You have the sea calling then, gwadoren," Elrohir stated grimly as he came over with his twin and Aragorn. "It afflicts all of the Firstborn, but most especially those who have not seen the sea." "Ye make it sound as though twere like an illness, so grim are your words, Master Elf," Gimli commented gruffly, though his brow was furrowed with concern. "Aye, Master Gimli, tis indeed serious. For soon then, Legolas will long to sail West. And if it hits him now, he will be more than distracted as you just saw," Elladan explained as he placed a firm hand on Legolas' shoulder. "Forgive me, meldiren. I did not mean to lose myself so," Legolas whispered in shame as he bowed his head. "Is this the first time you have seen the sea, Legolas?" Aragorn asked quietly as he stood next to Elrohir. "Aye, my ada sought to keep us from the sea, perhaps for this very reason," Legolas murmured softly as he looked longingly out over the pale grey waters that crested on the shore. But a firm squeeze of his shoulder broke through his trance and he blinked up at Elladan in surprise before looking away. "Come, we best sail off now. We can not dally," Aragorn stated firmly before leading the way back to the ship, followed by Elrohir and Elladan. Legolas hung back a bit, looking down at the ground. He could not believe that he had been so distracted that the battle had almost been lost before it had begun. He looked up slowly as he felt a hand pat his arm almost soothingly and looked into the warm eyes of Gimli. "Gimli." "Legolas…ye best not worry on this. You just better watch yer back and my own…we do have a score to settle, aye?" Gimli remarked slyly, his eyes twinkling with mischief as a grin blossomed on Legolas' pale face. "Aye, you are right, Gimli. May the best Elf win," Legolas replied, and then laughed as Gimli guffawed before smacking his back hard in amusement. They walked up the plank and readied the ship to set sail. It was time to head for Minas Tirith. TBC Title: And So the Leaf Falls. Pt. 15/? Author: Deathangelgw Author email: deathangelgw@hotmail.com Disclaimer: The characters belong to Tolkien, not me. Though I wouldn’t mind them! ~_^ Warnings: AU, slight OOC, sap, angst, dark, lemon/lime, slash. Pairings: Elrond/Legolas, hinted Erestor/Glorfindel, Elladan/Haldir, and Elrohir/Rumil Rating: NC-17 Summary: A time to explore finds new things for a certain Mirkwood prince Notes: And double time! Woot! Thanks for the reviews and to MA thanks for the beta! Love ya! Enjoy! Feedback is much loved and appreciated! ‘thoughts’ A brisk wind blew around Minas Tirith as twilight began to settle on its pale walls, tingeing them in a gentle pink as the sun set behind the now calm mountains. Legolas wrapped his arms around his waist a bit more as he gazed out over the plains, eyes always searching now for the one whom he loved. After all the sorrow, the death, and the battling, it was over. Sauron had been defeated by a mere Halfling, his Ring destroyed, which sent his spirit to nothingness. The dark forces were scattered now, to be hunted over the next years as they dwindle in power. Aragorn was to be crowned in a week's time, his coming into his reign grand and inspiring as the Age of Men began to lead now as the Age of the Elder passed into legend and myth. With the destruction of Sauron, peace was now a true possibility, and not just a dream. Even now, work was being done in bringing Minas Tirith back into its glory as Aragorn worked alongside Faramir to bring it to a reality. 'So much has happened…and in the end, all will fade away. Even we Elves,' Legolas thought sadly as he sighed softly, thinking on what was now to happen. Bound by his oath to Aragorn, he knew he was going to stay. Not only that though, he had come to realize that he did not wish to leave Middle Earth yet. There was much to see and he wished to see it. He also wished to give his people some place to live until they decided to go West, which was his own feelings as well. But his heart ached at the thought of telling his beloved these things. He did not wish to see the sorrow that would surely come when he spoke with Elrond of his choice, knowing that they would be parted. He knew in his heart that Elrond was not long for these shores, his yearning for the White Shores almost overwhelming Legolas himself at times when they were deeply connected in anticipation of their reunion. He had a feeling that since the battle at the Fords of Gilraen, he had felt the longing for the sea thrumming inside of him. It was not as strong as when he would touch his love's soul, but it was still ever present, reminding him of what would indeed separate them for that time. Shaking his head on such thoughts, Legolas refocused on his vigilant watch for his beloved's coming. Elladan and Elrohir had departed a week prior, not even two days after the final battle, to meet up with their family and loved ones and the remainder of their people. Legolas already knew that his family and people would not be attending the coronation of Elessar, but he still longed to see them. He had heard that many of his people had left for the Havens, so he hoped to see them someday. For now, he focused on the strengthening bond between himself and Elrond as his love grew ever closer to the white city. He kept watch on the monolith that towered above the city to the west, searching for the signs of their imminent arrival. His thoughts and heart were focused on that, so in the end he didn't even hear anyone join him. "What do your Elf eyes see, Legolas?" Aragorn's amused tones broke through the Elf prince's thoughts, startling him. He looked over at the Man and smiled as Aragorn grinned at him. "Longing to see your beloved?" he asked teasingly. "As much as you are I am sure," Legolas replied blithely. He smirked as Aragorn chuckled before they both turned back to watching the west for the arrival of their loved ones. "Legolas…what will you tell Elrond of your decision?" Aragorn asked after a bit of silence fell between them. Stiffening before sighing, Legolas' eyes grew sad. "I do not know. A part of me wishes to spare him and not tell him. But much of me knows that I should tell him…and bear through the pain I will cause him," he murmured quietly as he hugged himself tighter, ducking his head. He looked over as Aragorn placed a hand on his shoulder and he gazed into the sympathetic grey eyes of his friend. "Do what you must, meldiren. But do it in truth and in the faith that the Valar will lead you down the right path," Aragorn stated quietly as he smiled gently. (my dear friend) "I pray so, Aragorn…I pray so," Legolas whispered softly as he smiled sadly before looking out once more over the Pelennor Fields. He stiffened suddenly and stepped forward, focusing intently as he gripped the tower walls. "Legolas? What is it?" Aragorn asked eagerly as he too stepped forward and strained to see in the distance as the darkness of night fell over the land. "I see…banners! Aye! It is them! They will be here in the morn!" Legolas cried joyfully as tears came to his eyes. Aragorn laughed and left swiftly to inform the servants to prepare for guests in the morn, leaving the Wood Elf standing at the ridge, keeping watch over the party that was slowly approaching. By dawn, all in the city could hear the joyful sounds of horns blowing and the calls of the tower guard as they spotted the procession of regal Elves that came from over the mountains. At the head of the procession was Arwen, flanked by Elrond and her brothers and followed immediately by Celeborn and Galadriel. They came into the city to great fanfare as the mortals of the city welcomed them or watched them in awe, having never seen such ethereal creatures until only recently. They were met in the center by Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Faramir, and Eowyn as well as all of the palace people. Legolas could tell that his friend was nearly bouncing with nerves, but then his own nerves were no better as he focused on the one Elf he had longed to see for quite some time. He was equally watched as Elrond locked his gaze on him and kept it there until the procession came to a halt before the waiting group. Then and only then did he tear his hungry gaze from the one he most longed for. "Hail to the victorious King. Aragorn, son of Arathorn, heir of Isildur and rightful ruler of Gondor! The Eldar welcome you and praise you for your victory and your ascension onto your rightful throne!" Elrond declared in a powerful voice as he smiled down at Aragorn. Cheers rose up around them from the people as Aragorn bowed his head in respect. Flower petals began floating down from the windows as children and women threw out flowers in celebration amidst the cheering. The Elves dismounted and their horses were led away to be cared for and their bags to be taken to various rooms that awaited them. Stepping forward with his companions, Aragorn saluted his family and the other Elves with a bow and a fist to the heart. "You bring great joy to me in seeing you all safe and sound," he said softly, smiling at them. "And you bring peace, ionen," Elrond replied quietly as he smiled before coming forward and kissing Aragorn's forehead in blessing. "Take care of her," he whispered softly, heard only by Aragorn and Legolas. (my son) "I will…Ada," Aragorn replied just as softly, tears in his eyes as he smiled joyfully at his foster father. Elrond smiled sadly back before turning slightly to the side and holding a hand out to his daughter. Arwen stepped forward and took his hand, smiling tremulously as she gazed only at Aragorn as she was brought forward. Her hand was placed within Aragorn's hand and she smiled in joy, tears rolling down her face as she held tightly to his hand. He returned the smile before drawing her close and kissing her passionately, earning cheers and laughter from around him as he held her to him. Stepping back as he smiled tenderly, Elrond stopped as a hand rested on his lower back. Looking up slowly, his watery gaze locked upon the sky blue ones of his love and he felt his own need to kiss Legolas rise up before he tamped it down. Men would not understand such things, so decorum was necessary. Even still, his heart thudded as he saw his desire reflected within the darkening blue gaze and knew that the night would not come fast enough. Legolas felt the same way and was far more impatient than his lover. He went over to Aragorn as he was congratulated by his foster brothers and murmured softly to him, stilling his friend. Aragorn smirked at him as he tilted an eyebrow, and then nodded before calling, "My Lords and Ladies of the Elves. I welcome you with great joy and please follow the people behind me to your rooms so that you may rest after your long journey." At this, mayhem almost ensued as the servants rushed forward to lead the various Elves to their guest lodgings, but it was an organized mayhem. Legolas turned and smoothly went over to his lover, smiling in triumph as he locked eyes with his love before gesturing towards one of the more secretive passageways away. Elrond smirked back as he bowed his head before following the younger Elf out of the controlled chaos and up the stairs towards the main part of the palace. They walked along in silence for a few minutes until they came to a relatively empty corridor. There, Legolas pulled his lover into a side cove, pushed him roughly against the wall, and proceeded to plunder the soft mouth that parted willingly for him. Groaning softly as he ran his hands down Legolas' back to cup the firm buttocks, Elrond returned the ardent kiss eagerly, tangling his tongue with its mate as they rocked against each other in need. He gasped faintly as Legolas ran his tongue over to his ear where it began playing havoc on the sensitive area before his lover's whispers broke through the haze of desire that was threatening to drown him. "My love…I need you so much it hurts," Legolas whispered huskily as he ran his hands all over his beloved's taut body. "Legolas!" Elrond gasped out before moaning as his lips were taken once more in a heated kiss, his thoughts scattered by the surge of need that threatened to drown him. They shifted over and Elrond pinned his princeling to the wall, hands above the blond head, before he began lapping at the tender neck. Legolas moaned and writhed as he tossed his head, his hips bucking for more contact as his leggings were unlaced. He bit his lip on a cry as a firm hand caressed his pulsing flesh, sending fire crashing through him at the longed for touch. He was summarily released before his leggings were pushed down even more and strong hands gripped his hips, pulling him up. He didn't muffle the cry that escaped his kiss bruised lips as he clung to his beloved as hard flesh pressed slowly into him, breaching and filling him while his lips were plundered anew. Elrond couldn't slow himself as he took his love, knowing it was without preparation and through desperate need, but Legolas didn't stop him in the slightest. Indeed, his writhing increased as they began moving together, his face buried in Elrond's shoulder as he pleaded for more, their joining hot and fierce with frenzied need. The Peredhel buried his own face in Legolas' neck as he began moving harder, gripping the rippling buttocks as the slender legs came up to rest on his shoulders, a sign in and of itself of his mate's flexibility and desire. They kissed again, as brutal as their joining as Elrond pounded into Legolas. Finally, their climax crashed over them, wringing cries of pure bliss from their kiss bitten lips before they slid to the ground in pleasured shudders. Panting softly as he held tightly to Elrond, Legolas struggled to rein in his reeling mind as he came down from the fiery pleasure they had just experienced. He moaned as he was kissed softly, tilting his head into the gentle caress that was bestowed on his cheek before he looked dazedly up at his lover, smiling. "This is going to be a very long night," he purred out huskily. Laughing quietly, Elrond stole another kiss before he murmured, "I do not think we will be missed much for tonight." He grinned as Legolas laughed softly before they slowly moved to stand. He rubbed his lover's lower back as he saw the wince, but relaxed as Legolas grinned up at him reassuringly before leading the way to the rooms that had been assigned to Legolas. They moved immediately to the bathing area, cleaning each other and making love twice before moving then to the bed, where they stayed the entire night, save for when dinner was brought to them. After making love several times, they drifted off into reverie. But as Legolas held Elrond close, he felt his heart waver. He would tell Elrond soon…and pray that their love could withstand the parting and heartbreak that would most definitely follow. TBC