Title: And So the Leaf Falls. Pt. 1/? 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 later, slash. Pairings: Eventual Elrond/Legolas Rating: For now, PG-13…eventual NC-17 to be expected. Summary: A time to explore finds new things for a certain Mirkwood prince Notes: I am no expert on elvish language, so until I get a good source, I’m waiting on it. I also have NOT read the books, but have seen the movie and read a few fics. SO, the gist is there. I blame AC for her absolutely INCREDIBLE pieces of fiction! So, if they resemble hers slightly, SORRY! She’s an inspiration! Feedback is much loved and appreciated! ‘thoughts’ The wind whistled softly as the young flaxen haired elf ran through the tree branches. His hair streamed behind him like a silken cape as he nimbly ran from branch to branch. He neither heard nor saw his surroundings though, so deep were his thoughts. His feet were sure though in each placement, assuredly finding the safety of the branches as he moved along. He slowed down eventually and gazed around at his surroundings. ‘Where am I?’ he wondered briefly, his pale blue eyes narrowing slightly. ‘And how did I get so far from home?’ Ever since he had gotten an urge to explore, he had been wandering, learning of the lands within Middle Earth. He had briefly passed into Lothlorien and met the elves of that land as well. His eyes saddened as he remembered the formal, yet cold reception he had received from Galadriel and her people. ‘Our peoples grow more and more apart as the centuries continue. When will the rifts heal? Will it be in time? If Gandalf is right…the rifts must heal soon.’ He thought grimly to himself. Sighing softly, he leapt up and landed lightly on the ground. His head tilted up to gaze at the clouds as they floated serenely across the sky. He listened to the gentle sounds of the breeze and birds floating in the air as he stood within the peaceful glade. Softly, he heard a rustling near him, a stealthy sound of one’s approach. His sensitive ears picked up the noise, but he felt no danger. ‘Not Orcs…is it one of the elves of this land?’ he wondered as he stayed still, looking relaxed as he tried to discern the danger. He looked up suddenly as he heard a whistling in the air and moved his head. A soft thud in the tree caught his attention. A silver blade glinted from the tree trunk, missing its true target by a mere inch. His eyes narrowed as they focused on the dagger briefly then turned to look in the direction from which it had come from. He heard another dagger come at him and dodged it again, hearing it imbed itself into the trunk behind him. As another dagger flew at him, he flipped out of the way, landing a couple of feet from his original spot with his bow out and an arrow notched. He stared unwaveringly ahead, hearing the rustles of movement as his opponent moved around. He dodged another dagger, then shot in the direction it came from. Hearing that he had missed, he started running through the forest, grinning as he heard pursuit. He knew that the elf attacking him only wanted to chase him off, which meant he was indeed in another land. They both ran through the forest, dodging and shooting at each other. Flaxen hair streamed behind him as he ran until he came to the edge of a torrid river. Skidding to a halt, he gasped then stiffened as he felt an arm around his waist and a point at his throat. He swallowed hard, pale blue eyes wide in surprise at being snuck up on so swiftly, and panted for air. A soft warm breath caressed his sensitive ear as his opponent whispered, “And who is it that has led such a wonderful chase today?” Swallowing again in both trepidation and delight, he answered softly, “Legolas, son of Thranduil and prince of Mirkwood.” “Legolas of Mirkwood? What brings you so far from your lands into my realm?” The mysterious man asked in interest as he caressed his cheek against the flaxen silk of the youth. Shivering at the touches, Legolas replied evenly, “It would seem the fate of my life to be in the dark. I know not why I am here…just as I know not the one I have had chase with.” A soft chuckle whispered past Legolas’ ear as he was slowly released. The youth didn’t move for a minute, then slowly turned curious blue eyes to see his mystery unveiled. Sharp gray eyes met his inquisitive blue, sparkling with both amusement and wariness. Chiseled yet soft features framed the gaze; a gentle smile on soft lips that were pink from their chase graced the thoughtful face. Long dark brunette locks floated serenely down the trim body, intricate braids adorning them as they fluttered in the cooling breeze. Finding himself entranced and intrigued, Legolas gazed steadily at the elf, at a loss for the sense of familiarity he had for his mystery. Smiling softly, the blond one found himself asking, “To what name may I give to this beauty before me?” Smiling wider as he caught the slightest traces of a mocking smirk, Legolas stepped closer. Suddenly, he looked up as a flock of birds took to startled flight. When they had gone, he looked back down. Much to his dismay though, the one who was nameless had vanished soundlessly, melding back into the woods he protected. Sighing sadly, Legolas returned to the woods, vowing silently to know the one whom he had chased this day. ++++++++ Brunette silk floated through the breeze as the one named Elrond walked silently into his valley. His thoughts however were not on the beauty around him, but on the one to whom he had chased as the wind. He smiled softly, remembering the soft golden mane, gentle yet inquisitive blue eyes and firm yet soft features that framed the questing gaze. ‘He is indeed young….I had thought the rumors of the young prince had been just words.’ The Lord of Imladris, also named Rivendell, wondered to himself. His attention was disrupted though by a soft voice. “My Lord…you return from your journey well I see.” The elf Lord looked up, smiling as he was greeted warmly by his flaxen haired friend and advisor. “It is good to see you, Glorfindel. Yes, my journey was…insightful.” Elrond replied vaguely, allowing his maroon robes to be placed on over his tunic and pants. He straightened his hair, then looked around. “My children do not come to greet me?” he asked somewhat sadly as he turned his gray hued gaze upon his age-old friend. Glorfindel shook his head, grinning. “They prepare something for my Lord and say to tell you that they shall be with you near twilight.” He said soothingly. Cocking an eyebrow in interest, Elrond said nothing as he walked with his friend to their home. TBC? Shall I continue? Or should I shoot it down? Title: And So the Leaf Falls. Pt. 2/? 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 later, slash. Pairings: Eventual Elrond/Legolas, hinted Erestor/Glorfindel, Elladan/Haldir, and Elrohir/Rumil Rating: For now, PG-13 Summary: A time to explore finds new things for a certain Mirkwood prince Notes: Oh my such wonderful encouragement!! To the ones who had encouraged me a while back, SO sorry for taking so long on getting another part!! For those who have just read it at LoM, thanks so much!! I've become hooked on other pairings now as well and they shall 'peek through' in the story, occasionally getting focus as well!! And when I last said I haven't read the books, well…that's still true. HOWEVER…internet searching is a great thing! Enjoy! Feedback is much loved and appreciated! ‘thoughts’ Elrond sighed softly as he went to the Fire Hall for dinner, looking forward to spending time with his beloved children. But his thoughts kept wandering back to the young Elf he had given chase to in the woods. He smiled slightly, his gray eyes filled with amusement as he remembered how surprised the young one had been when he had been bested. 'He is still young, yet he has seen much. And beautiful. I thought those rumors had just been exaggerations…but it would seem not.' He thought with a chuckle. His smile brightened as he saw his youngest son Elrohir waiting for him patiently in front of the doors to the Fire Hall. "Pen- neth? What brings you here, ion-nin?" He asked warmly as he came up. His smile softened as Elrohir hugged him tightly in greeting. "Waiting for you of course, Ada! But, we are having dinner in the study today. So come on!" Elrohir answered with a delighted laugh as he laced bowstring-strengthened fingers with his father's own and pulled his father along. Laughing softly, the Elder Peredhel shook his darkened head in amusement as he was dragged along. "Elrohir my son…must you pull?" He asked teasingly. "Aye Ada! I'm hungry and Elladan has been most anxious!" Elrohir said with a grin at his father as they came to the study. "I brought him finally!" He called out cheerfully, then laughed as he saw the relieved look on Elladan's face. "And about time! I was going to whither away and die of starvation and then what would have happened should I need to lead patrol!?" Elladan said in mock indignation, grinning as Arwen rolled her eyes and raised an elegant eyebrow at him in disbelief. "Really, muindor. Must you be so melodramatic? You have too much fat to waste away on before dying anyways." Arwen said as she stuck her nose in the air snootily. Elladan squawked inelegantly as he stared at her and she giggled softly. Frowning, the older twin grabbed a grape and threw it at his giggling sister, grinning wickedly as she squeaked and retaliated in kind. They continued this grape war for a bit, laughing at each other as they dodged the 'attacks'. A stern voice clearing stopped them cold and they both looked penitently at their father as he crossed his arms across his chest, tapping his foot. They both grinned slightly as they saw the stern look being softened by a slight smirk of amusement. Elrond sighed softly and shook his head before coming over, followed by the still snickering Elrohir to be seated at the table the food was set up on. The Imladrian Lord smiled softly as he gazed at the fine spread of food and then briefly wondered about the youth he had run into in the woods. His thoughts were ended when his children began speaking about their times gone and asking questions as well while eating. Elladan and Elrohir had traveled far in their hunts for the Orcs, a hobby that their father was still rather disapproving of, but unwilling to truly stop their crusade for justice. They knew he worried and prayed daily for their safe return and took those prayers to their hearts and firming them so that they would indeed come home to fulfill them. Arwen had likewise been away plenty, though for different reasons. She had busily been visiting their grandparents in Lorien, bringing some joy to that beautifully cold land. She spoke briefly of her worry that Celeborn and Galadriel were becoming too separated from everything, causing Elrond to worry as well. Though his sons protested that their grandparents' aloofness didn't spread to the Galadhrim, it still worried the Lord of Imladris. But he didn't think very long on it, as the teasing distraction of making his sons reveal why they thought so and on what basis became the topic for Elrond and Arwen both. After much badgering and obviously close hits to the truth, the two interrogators finally found out that their dear family had been blessed to find love in two of the Galadhrim leaders. With much blushing, Elrohir admitted to being close to Rumil, eldest of the three brothers in Lorien, while Elladan had fallen for the second eldest, Haldir. With great enthusiasm, the twins then regaled their two loving family members how this wonderful occurrence had come to be. Sitting back as he listened to the tale, Elrond found his thoughts drawn back to his own happenstance meeting in the woods of Imladris. He found himself wondering once again if he would ever find his flaxen wind-runner again. Silently, he sent a wish to the stars watching over them and relaxed around his children. ~**~~**~ With a soft sigh of contentment, Legolas found himself walking along an almost hidden path he'd happened upon. With a grin, he hopped up into the trees and began running along the branches once again, feeling carefree as the wind blew teasingly into his hair with soft caresses. His thoughts trailed back to his mysterious hunter the other day, yet he didn't think on it long. All he longed to do was to find his mystery and reveal the secret identity. A soft whistling noise was his only warning before he dodged two arrows that flew at him. He frowned as he stopped, glancing at the arrows as they stuck out from the nearby tree trunk. 'What is with people shooting at me?' he wondered in bemusement before dodging a couple more arrows and jumping nimbly to the ground. He got his bow and notched an arrow swiftly as he looked around, then found himself at the end of two notched arrows and under the scrutiny of two pairs of gray eyes. His own widened in surprise as he the saw the similarities between the two elves that had him cornered and the one that had given chase with him the day before. Slowly, he put his weapon away and held his hands up, feeling somewhat confused. 'Could they be related somehow?' he wondered as he tried to discern who was which. "You dodged those shots quite easily, mellon-nin. A credit to you." The Elf on the right said with a smirk as they watched the blond guardedly. Legolas bowed his head slightly in silent acceptance of the praise as he stood before them. Gray eyes met in silent conference before the bows were lowered and slung over strong backs. "What is your name, stranger to Imladris? And what business is that brings you here?" Legolas' eyebrows flew up in surprise at that revelation. "Imladris? I knew not that I had traveled so far!" He said in surprise, then smiled as the two glanced at each other then back at him in bemusement. "Forgive me. My name is Legolas Thranduilon. I come from Mirkwood, but am merely traveling to see more of this world." He said with a slight bow of his head. "So, the fair prince of Mirkwood has come to the land of the Peredhil? Quite brave of you considering what was said of our people." The Elf on the left said with a teasing grin as the other laughed softly. "If being shot at a few times is indication of such, then I may well believe them!" Legolas replied as he stuck his nose in the air with snooty dignity, but not before a teasing wink was given to the two guards. "Well met, Legolas Thranduilon!" The Elf on the right said with a laugh as he came forward, hand out held. "I am Elladan Peredhel. This is my twin, Elrohir." "As in the sons of Lord Elrond?! My my, such a greeting!" Legolas replied teasingly as he clasped hands with the warrior Elf. He turned then to Elrohir and repeated the greeting clasp warmly. "You must be tired from your long journey. Come, we are done with our patrol, so we shall escort you to Imladris. Mayhaps then you could regale us with tales of the Mirkwood lands?" Elrohir said with a smile before heading for their mounts. "That sounds like an amiable plan." Legolas replied with a smirk as the two Elves mounted and turned their steeds towards the valley. He grinned in gratitude as Elladan offered him a hand up and he mounted behind the Peredhel smoothly, wrapping his arms around the slender waist as they started off for the valley. ~**~~**~ "My Lord? The twins have returned and it would seem they have a guest." Erestor's voice was soft, yet filled with curiosity as Elrond looked up from his paperwork. "A guest you say? Do you happen to know who it is or where they are from?" Elrond asked, tilting his head in question as he stood up and stretched behind his desk. "Nay, my Lord. I had not the chance to ask for they had just arrived over the bridge. Glorfindel is greeting them currently, but I thought that you would like to be host." Erestor replied teasingly and grinned as Elrond rolled his eyes and came around the mahogany desk. "Thank you for your concern, meldir. I will go down to greet our guest." Elrond said sarcastically as he folded his hands before him. Erestor laughed softly as he walked alongside his lord as they headed for the courtyard to greet the stranger. They came out just as the twins dismounted with their visitor and came over. Elrond felt his eyes widen in shock as he saw who the stranger. 'Can it be? My little wind- runner…did you find me?' he wondered silently, ignoring the concerned look he was receiving from Erestor. He smirked ever so slightly as his eyes trailed slightly over the lithe body as it dismounted before coming up to the face and seeing the surprise in the soft baby blue eyes that had held him captive for so long before he had given chase. 'Ah yes…I see you recognize me, young Legolas. How is it that we can not stay apart? Is it truly by the Valar's insight? Will you be the one to fill my heart once again?' he wondered silently as they stepped forward. "Welcome young one…I see you have found Imladris safely. Your feet carried you well." He said warmly, with a hint of teasing as he saw a flash of a smile cross the blond's face in return. "Aye, they did indeed. Mayhaps now the wind shall tell of his name before disappearing?" Legolas replied archly, grinning as he cocked an eyebrow at his mystery. "Ada…do you know Prince Legolas from before?" Elladan asked in curiosity and Legolas felt his breath catch in shock. Elrond's smirk grew as he saw the shock on the pale face before focusing on his son to reply. "Aye, ion-nin. We had a…race shall we say?" He asked coyly of Legolas as he stepped forward gracefully. "Welcome to Imladris, Legolas Thranduilon. I hope that your stay with us will be…well fulfilled." He said with a regal bow of his head, a smirk on his lips as a grinning Legolas returned the regal bow. "I can think of nothing else happening, Lord Elrond of Imladris. I accept your kind hospitality with the hope that maybe some friendships will be…formed." Legolas replied smoothly, not even seeing the curious looks passed between twins and advisors. He found himself drowning in gray eyes as he kept his gaze locked with Elrond's, daring him to look away. Amusement colored Elrond's face as he held the challenging stare before he said softly, "I would hope for that as well." Clearing his throat, he straightened, but his smile never dulled as he gazed at Legolas. "Glorfindel will show you to your rooms for your stay here and give you a small tour. However, I would like to hear how your father and kingdom are, since we have not spoken in centuries. Would you care to join me for supper in my private rooms this evening?" He asked, ignoring the startled looks that went once more between the four other Elves. "You honor me, my lord. I would indeed enjoy this night of gossip and…dinner." Legolas replied easily, a sparkle in his eyes filled with merriment. "Very well then. I will have a servant lead you to my rooms at the appropriate time. Please take the time to relax and see some of Imladris." Elrond said softly, smiling as Legolas nodded enthusiastically, then followed the confused Glorfindel into the house. Glancing over at his sons and Erestor, Elrond couldn't stifle the chuckle as he saw their curious gazes. "Aye?" "Ok…you just basically asked a stranger into your rooms for dinner?!" Elladan immediately demanded as he stomped over. "Ada…what is going on?!" Elrohir demanded as well, almost at the same time. "I would like to know as well." Erestor added in bemusement, a soft grin on his face as Elrond laughed at them while shaking his head. "We met in the woods not far outside of the valley and…had an interesting chase. I just…wish to get to know him better." Elrond finally said with a shrug of his slender shoulders. Elladan looked intently at his father, gray eyes narrowed in suspicion. "And do you have intentions of seducing our guest?" He asked bluntly. "Elladan!!" Elrohir said, aghast at his brother's impudence, but then stopped as soon as he saw the twinkle of amusement in his father's eye. "And if I do?" Elrond asked quietly, gazing at his sons and Erestor, confidently, yet also with some need for approval. "Then I suggest you wear the dark green robes with silver trim. It'll bring out your eyes." Erestor suggested lightly, stunning the three Peredhil into silence for a few seconds as they stared at him in shock. He grinned and they all burst out laughing, the sound of it echoing joyfully around the valley. "Well then, have fun, Ada. We expect details!" Elladan said cheerfully and ran off pulling his brother behind him as he heard the squawk of protest from his father. Elrohir waved cheerfully as he ran off with his twin to go get ready for dinner. Sighing as he shook his head, Elrond grinned as Erestor placed a supportive hand on the Imladrian Lord's shoulder. Elrond turned and headed into the house to finish his work and get ready for that night. He just hoped that he was reading things correctly. TBC Translation notes: Ada-father Pen-neth-young one Ion-nin-my son Muindor-brother Peredhel/Peredhil-half elf (elves) Meldir-dear friend Mellon-nin-my friend Title: And So the Leaf Falls. Pt. 3/? 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 later, slash. Pairings: Eventual Elrond/Legolas, hinted Erestor/Glorfindel, Elladan/Haldir, and Elrohir/Rumil Rating: For now, PG-13 for a wee bit o nudity of the Elven kind… Summary: A time to explore finds new things for a certain Mirkwood prince Notes: And I have been remiss!! Well, not really, but I hope ya'll enjoy this part! I had a contest (of which I succeeded in!! WHOOHOO!!) going on the whole month of November, so working on other fics was truly out of the question! But, I did start on it and now I shall up and post another part!! Enjoy! Feedback is much loved and appreciated! ‘thoughts’ The moonlight caressed the flagstones that paved the halls of Imladris as the Mirkwood Prince padded silently across them. He didn't look around much, yet his walk was slow and thoughtful, equal to the countenance of the fair face. His pale blue eyes looked over as a glimmer teased them from his right and he saw the moonlight dance with the starlight upon the rapids of the Bruinen. He felt a slight curve of his lips appear and disappear before he returned to his perusal of the flagstones. Finally, his feet brought him to his destination and he looked up slowly. His previous study of the flagstones changed to a study of the oaken door before him, seeing the fine grain that textured the wood deeply. His hand came up as if to caress the elegant object, but instead tightened into a loose fist. He knocked softly, letting the hollow, yet deep sound echo in his ears almost mockingly. He waited patiently, his intent gaze now turned inward as he awaited entrance to be given. ~**~~**~ Candlelight played with the moonlight as it painted its way across the cozy, yet lush rooms of Imladris' Lord. Elrond found himself smiling as he gazed down at the dinner that was waiting before him. He turned his head as he heard the almost hesitant knock on his door and felt a warm flutter brush through him in anticipation. "Come in." He said quietly as he turned fully to face his visitor. His smile grew as his flaxen haired wind runner entered, looking around almost shyly before locking his eyes onto Elrond. Elrond's eyes took in the delicate form that was dressed in a pale blue tunic over ivory leggings. The soft blond hair was pulled back in the customary braids of Mirkwood, but a ribbon of deep blue had been braided into the freshened locks to accent. A soft smile formed on the sensual lips of the blond prince and the Peredhel Lord felt himself warming inside. "Thank you for joining me." He said softly as he extended his hand to the Mirkwood Prince. Stepping forward, Legolas elegantly extended his own hand to lay delicately in the offered one as he smiled. "Thank you for inviting me, my lord." He said softly, his voice near to purring, yet just on the cusp as his eyes took in the stately elegance before him. Elrond wore a deep green robe with silver trim along the front and sleeves. His ebony hair was bound back in a single braid, except for a few strands that framed the regal face. His fillet that represented his state of office was absent from the brow. Legolas' eyelids lowered as he came in, looking demurely around as he was brought closer to the Peredhel's side. "Your rooms are very lovely, my lord." He said softly before returning his gaze back to Elrond's. "Not as lovely as the view my eyes are feasting upon now." Elrond purred out softly as he gazed intently upon the youth before him, drinking in the sight as a man parched from the desert. He smiled slowly as a soft blush colored the fair-haired Elf's cheeks as the youth was brought closer to the Imladrian lord. "I shall taste to see." He whispered softly as he slowly descended upon those luscious lips that tantalized him so. But instead of a delicious kiss to whet his appetite, Elrond found himself brushing his lips across a blushing cheek. Surprised, he leaned his head back and gazed at the flustered young prince before him, dark gray eyes troubled. His eyes widened as he heard the soft melodious voice whisper a "Nay" in protest, further confounding the dark haired Elf. Legolas slowly looked up, his eyes filled with trouble and a small amount of hesitation. "Nay, my Lord…I beg you do not sup so early upon me. We barely know each other." He whispered softly, pulling away slightly, but unable to go far as the hand that held him captive kept its hold. "Aye, tis true what you say. Do I misread in your eyes the desire that I myself feel when we are near each other?" Elrond asked as he tilted his head, troubled and dismayed that perhaps he had misread the youth and it was just some flight of fancy that had taken hold of his senses. "Nay! I…" Legolas trailed off as he looked away, cheeks set aflame with his embarrassment. Taking a deep breath, he forced his gaze up to lock with the disappointment and worry filled eyes of his host. He smiled slightly, trying to relax. "Nay…you did not misread. But I am not one to just tumble with someone because they meet my fancy." His smile widened as he came in and brushed his hand across a high boned cheek. "Nay, when I do wish to be with someone, especially one as magnificent as you, I like to know that we are going to be together at least for longer than one night of passion." He said softly, his cheeks coloring prettily as he smiled. He raised his eyes to lock with the softened gray of the one before him. Elrond brought his own fingers up and brushed them lightly over the fair face before him. "Such words from one as you. You make it sound as if you were never touched, and yet worldly in the experience." He said, smiling teasingly as the blush deepened slowly and white pearly teeth came out to nibble on the full bottom lip he wished to kiss so desperately. "Not worldly, but what I have experienced has been with people I trust and admire. If it can be with no others that I trust, then my hand shall do." Legolas replied boldly, recovering his composure after a particularly erotic scene had crossed his mind at the soft voice's suggestion. Laughing softly, a sound so erotic as to shoot pleasure straight to the prince's loins, Elrond let his head fall back before he released the prince gently. His hold instead became a beckoning hold instead of pin as he turned towards the table, his regal face alight with mirth. "Then come, my fair prince. Shall we learn of each other in ways outside of the bed?" He asked teasingly as he led the way towards the food, smiling reassuringly at the young one. Bowing his head as a breath of relief left him, Legolas returned the smile. "I thank you indeed, my dear Lord Elrond. Let us eat and learn of each other." 'And pray that our learning can indeed grow into that most intimate of ways.' He thought silently as they sat down to eat. ~**~~**~ After a few hours of congenial talking and eating, the two Elves were found sitting before the large fire that was situated in Elrond's study. Drinking of the sweet miruvor and laughing over tales from both families, both found delight in the other's company and knew that they had chosen right in waiting. None could say that meaningful glances of lust and desire had not passed between the two, albeit surreptitiously. Simmering as the fires that sat before them was their attraction, waiting to burst forth with but a single kindling. But it was not to be for that night, much to their mingled relief and disappointment. Yet, as they said their farewells for the night, they made a soft promise to each other. To look forward to the day when they would stand as equals in the other's eyes and then would they taste of the passions that sparked between them. Hands caressed, lips parted in warm smiles before saying their good nights, the two Elves went to their respective rooms, knowing full well that their dreams would be filled with ebony and golden in the throes of passion. ~**~~**~ A soft fluttering of wings taking to flight filled the nigh quiet woods of Imladris as the young Prince from Mirkwood walked silently among its greening paths. He looked over, smiling softly as he saw the little thrush that even now sang as it flew to follow its brethren to their nests. He looked up again and sighed happily, feeling peace rove through his body like a cooling balm after all of his meaningless wandering. He'd found a place to rest and learn more. He jumped up into the trees once more and went into the thicker part of them, smiling as he found a bough amongst several large branches. Looking around, he saw that no one would be near to see him and knew that here was where he could truly relax and think through everything that had happened recently. With naught a sound, he stripped off all of his clothes, save for his boots so he could have some form of grip, then laid out bared to the world on the bough. Dreamily, he contemplated the swaying leaves as he rested his fair head upon bow strengthened hands, purring softly as the warm wind caressed his undressed body in soothing contrast to the dappled sun that peeked through the leaves to warm his glowing skin. His eyes fluttered closed as he let his thoughts drift, allowing them to peruse the strange, yet exciting mystery that was Elrond Peredhel, Lord of Imladris. Mind floating in serenity, the young prince did not at first hear the soft steps of an Elven, yet the wind picked it up for him. He glanced down as he felt the scrutiny that was now floating along him and felt the barest hints of an amused smile trace his lips upward. His gaze locked with the gray eyes were admiring him and he felt a different sort of heat rush through him, equally as pleasurable as Anor's rays, yet far more real. Soft regal features softened as they gazed at each other before a gentle voice filled with mirth and restrained desire floated out to be carried upwards by the playful breeze that moved between them. "Do dreams come thusly to you, pen-neth? Or must the restrictions be laid aside for such fancies?" Widening in merriment, Legolas' lips flashed the soft pearly whites as he shifted slightly to his elbows, leaning on them as he confidently gazed down at Elrond. "Have you ever tried to allow the wind speak to you on such things when your clothes come in the way? Tis most dissatisfying." He said, his voice rich with amusement. Cocking a delicate eyebrow, Elrond placed his hands on his hips as he once again allowed his eyes to openly drink in the pale flesh that was revealed. "Do you not fear of prying eyes?" He asked softly, eyes half-masted as he gazed at the fair one above him. "Nay…save for eyes that I wish to find in such a manner. A Wood Elf is not so easily found." Legolas purred out softly as he laid his cheek once more against his delicate hands. "And yet I found you." Elrond replied with a teasing smirk as he moved closer to the trunk of the tree that was cradling the nude form. "The wind and trees bring whom they will to see what sights may be awaiting." Legolas whispered softly, smiling down at the raven haired Elf that watched him so closely. He chuckled softly as a strong hand reached up and tugged on one of his boots, earning the leg's fall from grace with the tree. "Do you not fear falling or…other such injuries?" Elrond's voice, filled once more with merriment and the barest strain of lust, floated up again as he looked up the pale limb to the soft firm globes it melded with seamlessly in a motion of muscle, sinew, and creamy skin. "I fear not, for I know of my skills and the protection of the trees. They would not harm me, just as I would not harm them." Legolas replied confidently as his hair blew over his shoulder; playing with his darkening gaze as it held the storm gray ones before him. Elrond slowly wetted his lips, entranced and more than slightly desirous of the one that lay so carefree in the tree above him. He reached up a delicate hand and ran it along what skin he could reach, gaze darkening with want and desire at the shudder of pleasure that passed through the luminous skin. "I believe you when you speak of such. Beauty within beauty…such is nature's hold on those of the Eldar." He whispered softly, reverently as he brought his hand back to his side. He tilted his head, gazing up at the young prince as he lay comfortably amidst wood and leaves. "Will you not come down?" he asked quietly, smiling sweetly. Smiling back, Legolas cocked an eyebrow as he shifted again to lean on his elbows. "Would you see me fully unclothed before you? For that is what you would get before I could return to my clothes." He said teasingly. Cocking an eyebrow at the teasing, Elrond placed his hands into the sleeves of his robes. "I would have that, yet I wish to wait on such things. I wish to know this ethereal creature that has come into my life to bring such simple pleasure to my faer." He said quietly, solemnly as he held the sky eyes that gazed at him in appreciation and surprise. He turned and brushed his hand out, as if in beckoning. "I shall see you in some other time, dear Legolas. Enjoy nature and let it guide you to me as it did for me in my search for you." He spoke the words softly, warmly, then walked away silently, the soft brush of velvet over grass and leaves the only sound. Watching his wind hunter walk away, Legolas felt a flare of warmth and pleasure rush through him as well as tenderness. 'Aye my lord of the vale…I shall find you as you found me. Let the wind carry me to your arms so that we may learn more of the other soon.' He thought firmly before laying back down to contemplate the newest additions to his mystery. TBC *A/N: the little scene in which our dear Legolas is lying in the tree was inspired by Theban Band. Here's the pic: http://www.squidge.org/~praxisters/daydream.html Enjoy!!