Title: Blood, Gold and Mithril Series: Another Sequel to "Blood, Moon and Mithril". Set in the middle of "The Child and the Mirror " Author: Camilla E-mail: lemonsandcream@hotmail.com Disclaimer: So not mine. Rating: NC-17 Archives:Both libraries, else: Ask. Feedback: Thank you! Pairings: Legolas/Haldir, Orophin/Rumil(/Haldir) Warnings: Angst, Incest Summary: Bonds...of blood and love. Notes: Takes place in Lorien during Haldir and Legolas last blissful days together in ME. -And my elves still sleeps. Thanks to Pira for drawing pretty Legolas with lots of hair and nipple ring. To Haz who reminded me I had a loose thread and to all the readers who have told me how much they like this series (thanks for the 2000 hits at the library of Lorien/Wicked Elf). - To Patricia for doing the beta, - This is for you...enjoy! I There was no light in the talan tonight. He could watch it undisturbed, didn't have to worry about being seen. They were probably sleeping, he reasoned. Exhausted from their lovemaking, curled up in each other's arms. Bodies sated, lips sore...silken hair unruly and damp from their passion. He swallowed hard. His dark eyes searched the talan's outlines in the dark.. They were bound now, he knew that. Their souls were united. The thought tasted bitter, hard to accept. The Prince and the Marchwarden were as close to each other as elves could be. Bond through love for eternity. For others... the night was cold and empty. Filled with shadows, memories and sorrow. To have lost in a game he never was allowed to play in. Fate could be so merciless and cruel... Rumil of Lorien turned his back on the Mallorn who held the lovers in her branches and left. Walked silently through the woods. Just a grey clad shadow in the dark. Not even the moon could find him this night, making his hair shine like polished silver as she was used to. For Rumil was ashes...ashes and thorns...tonight. ************* Nothing like waking up wrapped in that scent: Fresh green herbs...musk and woodland. Silvery hair a soft, shimmering pillow under his head. He wondered if it had hurt. If he had tried to move away during the night, but no...it didn't seem so. Tightly embraced in his arms, Haldir's fair features were calm. So soft his skin, the warmth they shared, it was hard to say where one began and the other ended. So close to each other the feel of the other had become a part, an extension of the loved one's body. Except for that one particular part, throbbing hot and undeniable against Legolas' thigh... "Haldir..." He smiled lovingly and leaned over, placed a teasing kiss on the other's lips. Pools of dark blue appeared in front of him, black lashes fluttered as the other elf tried to focus. "My prince..." he muttered with a grin and stretched his body like a cat. Every firm muscle uncurled and woke up, embraced the lithe prince with new force. "Have you slept well?" he asked and buried his face in Legolas' hair, breathed through the golden mass - hot air on his skin. "I always sleep well in your arms, fair Haldir." The Prince smiled at his consort, the shimmering silver at the top of his head. "Come, let me see your face," he bid and placed one finger under the other's chin. Haldir blinked at him, smiling. "Do you like what you see?" he teased his soul mate, his newly bound lover. "I do..." Legolas said dreamingly and placed another kiss on the loved one's lips. "Now, will you come with me and greet the day or would you like to stay up here a little longer?" he half-teased, letting his tongue trail his full, dark lips, his fingers the marble of his cheek. "Oh, my Legolas," Haldir said with a sharp intake of breath. "How did I ever live without you?" He sighed and grabbed a hold of Legolas arms, rolled them both over so he landed on top of him, pinning Legolas' hands above his head. Legolas giggled beneath him, shameless in his nakedness. His chest began to rise and fall heavily and then fell silent. Parted his lips invitingly while a faint blush spread on his cheeks. "I know what you want," Haldir teased him, looked down at the sky blue of his gaze. "What is it that I want?" Legolas breathed expectantly, his eye lids half closed, left his eyes a sparkling sliver of blue under his long, thick lashes. Haldir kissed him, covered his lips with his own and demanded entrance to his mouth with his tongue. It was a long kiss. A deep one, as they tasted each other again. Rediscovered the planes and valleys, the flavor of the other's lips. Brought together like that their scents mingled and became something special: Their own. Sweet and strong, the scent of them. As their hair entwined and created a different color, a mingled mixture of gold and mithril on the blankets, so did their tastes and scents do the same. Became something new, something beautiful and right. Soft and hard. Gentle and demanding. Dusk and dawn. Day and night... Legolas uttered a moaning sound when Haldir gently spread his legs; met the caressing palm that began playing between his thighs with soft thrusts. He continued to moan softly into their shared kisses, met Haldir's twinkling gaze with his own. Darkened with lust now that gaze. Haldir's eyes would always give him away... His erect flesh moved in Haldir's palm while his hands still were pinned above his head, held there by Haldir's strong hand. It was a gentle grasp and Legolas didn't mind it. It was nice like that, being utterly exposed and vulnerable under Haldir's body. Feeling the flexing muscles and the silken skin that moved on top of him. Haldir's hair tickled his sides and he smiled against the moist lips caressing his own. "Is this what I want?" he muttered between deep sighs of pleasure. Haldir chuckled deep in his throat. "Always," he breathed. "This is always what you want..." His lips searched for and found the damp skin of Legolas' neck. Lapped at it greedily while making a low, growling sound. "Am I that shameless?" Legolas gasped and arched his body when Haldir's teeth grazed his skin. He felt his heart pound faster, the blood coarse through his veins. So strong the passion the other could conjure, call forth from his loins... He felt Haldir shift and felt the matching member of the other touch his, Haldir's palm now held the both of them. Rubbed them together as he moved in time with Legolas. Both of them thrusting into his palm. "Only with me," Haldir replied hoarsely, looked up from what he was doing and met Legolas' gaze. His own eyes a pair of twinkling twin stars of burning blue. "Only you...always you..." Legolas moaned and thrust upwards. "Have me, please!" he begged in a strained voice. Haldir chuckled again and dipped down to lick across his lover's lips. "Again?" Haldir teased in his deep voice although his breathing came out ragged and loud. "I thought I had you last night..." "Please!" Legolas' hips couldn't lie still on the talan floor. "Please," he said again and tossed his head from side to side while his thrusting increased in power and pace. Strands of sun-licked hair fell across his face and he touched his lips with the tip of his tongue. "Haldir!" he breathed. "Have me, please!" He heard Haldir moan on top of him, his body jerked slightly and he knew it was his words' doing. He was always inflamed by Legolas' begging. And begging him came easily, when he always wanted him...always needed to feel...have the other elf inside. He felt Haldir let go of their straining flesh, felt his body stretch as he reached over, never letting go of Legolas' hands. He heard but didn't see Haldir open the small vial with his teeth, felt the little glass stopper fall down on his chest and roll down to the blanket he was lying on. The spiced scent of the oil they were using spread in the talan and caught in his nostrils. Fresh herbs and sweet honey. Legolas sighed deeply, met Haldir's oiled fingers as they searched for his entrance. "Have me, please..." he whispered again and impaled himself on those fingers, rocked his hips slowly but demanding. Felt Haldir's gaze on him, trailing his body with that special look of hungry admiration and awe. Finally the Galadhrim let his hands go. The fingers that had caressed his insides disappeared as well. He kissed him to distraction while he did so and bent his legs, pushed them upwards. "Keep them there," he said lowly and placed Legolas' hands at the back of his knees. They were pushed so high up and down that they touched Legolas' chest. Lifted him up and opened him to Haldir's gaze and searching hands. Left Legolas resting on his spine alone. Haldir bent down and sought his lips. "So beautiful," he whispered, and then he entered him. Slid effortlessly inside his body and took possession of the space that was purely his. Oil slick and open, inviting him in. Haldir pulled his own knees up and steadied himself on Legolas' bended legs, pushed himself inside his lover's warmth. Withdrew and repeated the action. Smiled slightly and watched Legolas' face with hooded gaze. Like flames those eyes, Legolas thought while the passion coursed through his body, a surging, moving, spiraling heat that forced him to flow with it. Lose himself in that building warmth; the rocking, rhythmical pleasure. "Ai, Haldir!" he cried and clenched his teeth. "My golden prince, " Haldir answered, pushed himself faster, deeper, inside the other elf. "Show me," he breathed and Legolas let himself go. His member twitched between his legs and he cried out as the salt of his body poured out of him in a creamy, liquid stream. Haldir gave one deep sigh and buckled on top of him, his silvery hair fell in moist tendrils around his face while he emptied himself in Legolas' body. Leaned down on him while his body jerked and convulsed on top of him. "So sweet, " he gasped. "Loving you..." ************ He smelt the scent of them as they came to greet the sun. That particular blend of herbs and flowers. Honeyed musk. They had made love. He regained his composure and greeted them politely. Hoped that the spark of envious malice wouldn't show in his eyes. They didn't deserve that. Haldir did not deserve his anger. Neither did the Prince - it was never their fault. It was entirely his own...although...although the web of fate was never his to weave and the fault lay within their souls if anywhere. Haldir's only wrong in all of this was being who he was. Such a bright star with that red, pounding kernel. Like a poison, that passion of the beautiful Galadhrim, forcing them all to bask in his rays. Desirous to touch it...Taste the glowing heat of his soul. Being his brother was nothing but torment as his beauty and power grew and increased by every cycle when they grew up. Fevered fantasies between roughly woven sheets in their family talan. Those same sheets stained by his shameful hunger the morning after. His desire to love him, be loved by him. As the newly arrived elves knelt in the clearing, lifted their fingers to their hearts and said their pledges to the life giving slice of fire that traveled the sky, Orophin searched for his other brother across the clearing. Found him among other grey-clad wardens. His eyes never left the kneeling couple on the ground. His bitterness so badly disguised in the clear light. The crisp air almost visible in it's merciless clarity made his eyes burn so bright: So much sorrow in there, and still...so much hunger. Orophin caught sight of the Lady, standing not far from the gathered wardens. Her eyes were on Rumil as well. Concern in the vivid blue of her gaze. A worried expression furrowed her brow. She slowly turned her head and sought Orophin as he knew she would. He kept silent. Did not show her much of what brewed under the surface. "So it has happened then, Orophin of Lorien," her voice spoke in his head. "The two of them have been bound...Does it grieve you much?" she asked him. Orophin met her gaze across the distance. Let down his shields, just a little, let his Lady look inside. How could he not, as she bid him, he answered. Such was her power over his heart. The Lady steadily kept her gaze on his as she continued speaking to his mind: "Do you remember what I told you once? You shall not long so for a heart that isn't yours to have..." The Lady's gaze was stern, but softened by compassion. "Being Haldir of Lorien's brother is no easy task. But both you and Rumil have your own destinies to fulfill..." Orophin broke their stare. It felt like betrayal, and so it was. Closing his mind to the Lady. But the confused bitterness and sorrow welling up in him by her words was too much. He would not share that, and the Lady would understand. She was no cruel mistress. The couple slowly rose from the ground, instantly seeking each other's hands. The grey-clad Galadhrim and the prince dressed in his woven garments of greens and earth colors. Wood colors. An elf from a different realm. His hair glittered like spun gold in the rays of the sun as he tossed it back, strands of it caught in the multi-colored arrows in his quiver. Purple and yellow and green...not white at all. Not the colors of Lothlorien. The Galadhrim's braids shone like polished mithril, held the flavor of moon and starlight. Legolas' did not. Bright and deep that color, like melted sun. Still he held his brother's hand. Laced his fingers in his. Bore his mark in his heart, their souls had mingled and become...one. The casual way in which he leaned in and spoke to Haldir. Smiled at him with a trust Orophin never had earned. Always that barrier between them...Always something warning in Haldir's eyes. Not now, when they beheld Legolas...the way he touched him...showed with every movement that they belonged... The smiles he gave him, loving eyes. Orophin's heart hurt. Shed bloody tears of despair while he fought to keep his features calm and composed. Crossed his arms in front of his chest. Stood there like a carved figure, a statue as not to show the torment within. Saw Rumil repeat his actions on the other side of the clearing. Like a shadow, while they both guarded their brother with their eyes. Watched his arm slip around and encircle the golden elf's narrow waist. His own mithril hair brush the green-clad shoulder. Fine threads of moonlight caught in the foreign arrows as well, like a fine veil of silver that mingled with the glittering strands of gold. Now they shone together, caught in the bundle of arrows. Gold and mithril, woven together. But they were not of the same blood. A stranger took his brother. Captured the core of his heart. The one sweet melody that Haldir of the Galadhrim would yield to was played upon a stranger's harp. They kissed as they left the clearing. Stopped and sought each other's lips. The Mirkwood Prince tilted his head slightly upwards, met the Marchwarden's mouth with his own. And kissed each other they did, for endless minutes that felt like a void, a long tormenting piece of time that did nothing but make his soul cry. In that moment, he hated Legolas of Mirkwood. Hated his own brother too. Hated his own evil heart that would not stop wanting. Hated fate for being so cruel...Hated them, for having the one that they loved in their arms. Orophin of Lorien loved his brother. As a brother, as a male... The Lady stopped in front of him, on her way from the clearing as well. Her eyes held no compassion now, were cool as distant starlight. "Such evil thoughts..." she said to his mind. "I expected more from you, Orophin of the Wardens..." Her gaze drifted from him and she continued. Her white dress hardly touched the ground and the flowers seemed to bend from her feet as she gracefully moved in her own Realm. Orophin swallowed hard. She did not understand, he thought...How *could* she understand... II Haldir of Lorien, a radiating star among his kin. Drawing them all to him with his charm and sensuality. Beautiful, yes, but so much more. Having that special something that made them all, elves and men want to touch him, smell him, taste those dark, red lips. Gaze into the dark twilight of his eyes. To be touched by those pale fingers; incarnation of bliss on Arda. No other voice could shiver one’s spine like Haldir's could, no other elf stir such longing in one’s loins. For Rumil it had always been a curse. Being his brother by blood and duty. Knowing, that they surely were not meant to be... Not only because of their blood tie, but also because they had all known since childhood that Haldir's fate was bound to another, another that he could not have because then he would surely die. He would at some point in time be lured by a dark, mysterious elf with a face more enchanting than Galadriel's, and *he* would be Haldir's undoing. To imagine it had been hard as they grew up and Haldir's beauty blossomed. He was strong-willed and clever and left a most undeniable impression on all he was sent to bargain with, on his Lord and Lady's behalf. Still, it had been predicted in the mirror of Galadriel, played out on the crystalline water's surface. Haldir had known it since he was a child. Yet as centuries passed and nothing happened he seemed to think less of it. He played his little games and bedded those willing as any young elf would. He was his Lord trusted warden and advisor and held the favor of the lady because of his fair features and quick tongue. Always so charming, Haldir of the Galadhrim... Rumil had not envied him. Rumil had loved him. Not as a brother but as yet another admirer among their kin...and yet not, because Haldir had loved him back. Held him dear in his heart and cherished him as a brother. Haldir kept his family in honor, always had. Always did he have their best interest in mind. Always did he seek his brothers' company when he was off duty. Playing games with them, training with them, having merry moments near the water falls, drinking sweet wine and telling tales of old. For Rumil every moment had been blissful joy...and pure, aching torment. For he loved him. As a brother, yes...but also as a male. As the most beautiful, most seductive elf he'd ever beheld and know. Being so close to him as a brother was, it was a bitter-sweet torment. Burning pain and passionate joy every moment of it. And he knew, he was not alone...for Orophin's eyes reflected his feelings. Shone with that brilliant light of admiration every time they fastened on Haldir. That his loins ached to be near him, and he knew because he'd heard him mutter Haldir's name at night. Haldir would know this as well, still he never showed signs of his knowledge...skilled as he was with people, read their every sign. How could he not see how his brothers ached and burned for him. Yes, he knew...but he never confronted them. Just continued to be their older brother. Their trusted friend and fellow Marchwarden. Rumil was grateful for that. He would not be forced to open his heart. To confess his longings, for they were too tightly draped in layers of shame and secrecy. The words too deeply buried in his soul. He would not talk about it. He would prefer to forget that his feelings were there at all... For even if he hadn't been the beloved brother, Haldir would still be cold. The virginal space in his heart where love was to bloom was be empty. It had an unknown name written there. *His* name, and his alone could light the fire in the Marchwarden's soul. Him...the one who was to kill him...Haldir's only love... So they had watched without jealousy as Haldir took his many lovers, took great joy in the game of seduction, for they knew he would never give his heart to any of the elves gathering about him...neither hes or shes. They just smirked when yet another elfling lay flowers by the Mallorn they lived in. Shook their heads when they saw their fair brother lead yet another broken hearted youth into the forest to wipe his or her tears away and tell them why it could not be. Always so gentle in the end...never cruel, just adventurous. And when the day came and the threat stood before them they knew in their hearts they would do what they could to protect him...and so it would continue forever, Rumil had thought. Haldir would have his little games and his brothers would be his steady companions and closest friends. Having the trust and affection of their beloved, if not his heart. Orophin had seen things somewhat different from Rumil. He had tried to seduce him once. Rumil had involuntarily been witness to a scene in the talan that he'd rather not have seen, as his slightly older brother, intoxicated by miruvor and wine, draped himself across Haldir's back, pushing his hips against his rear. "Why not?" he had begged. "You have had every other elfling in the woods..." Haldir shrugged impatiently. "They are not my brother," he had said. "But you love me more than you love them," Orophin had argued. "And with the fate awaiting you, this could be the closest you'll ever get to another...the closest to a loved one you can be," he added. Whispered it hotly in Haldir's ear. "Enough!" Haldir had violently freed himself from his brother and slammed him not too gently up against the mallorn trunk. "Can't you see that is why I cannot do it? You *would* want my love, my brother. You *would* want my heart to sing your name...but it can't..." He let Orophin go but kept standing in front of him. Close, close...but not touching. "You should not crave for a love that isn't yours," he told him. " I would not hurt you so, my brother...would not pain you so..." Orophin had fallen apart then, sunk to the floor while heavy sobs escaped his throat. Haldir soothed him, gathered him in his arms. "Do not cry so," he said gently. "There is a love for you out there...it just cannot be me..." Rumil's heart had ached for both his brothers then.... He felt sorry for Orophin as he shared his fate, and for the beautiful Haldir who was destined to waste his love on someone he felt was unworthy.... He had decided then that he would shield his brother from the magic of his evil fate. Keep him safe from harm. As those thoughts passed through his mind, Haldir had caught his gaze across the small space of the talan. "You too, little one," he had said softly while stroking Orophin's hair. "There will be a love for you too..." "And you?" Rumil had asked hoarsely, still surprised and shocked by Orophin's display of desire. " ...I shall not love, unless I choose to forfeit my life," Haldir had said with the faintest hint of bitterness in his voice... So they had continued... A little later Lord Celeborn had given Haldir a talan of his own. A gift of honor after he'd slain a band of orcs all on his own that were threatening their borders, but the brothers still stayed together when they could. Life had run smoothly, and living with the longing had become easy, and never would Rumil forget the gentleness in which Haldir had treated Orophin after that unfortunate night. Always taking care of him, introducing him to young maidens of high birth. Wanting him to live...to forget... Haldir had remained their considerate brother. Rumil had loved him even more for that. Loved him, but lived with it. Ignoring the longing, the ache and the pain. The hot, boiling passion his presence created in his loins. Watching his games with brotherly pride... Of course, that was before they had accompanied Haldir when he was sent as ambassador to Mirkwood. Yes, sent there and no warnings were given. The mirror must had remained a silvery surface of spring water. None of them had known fate was about to strike. He didn't know the exact moment he’d understood. But he had seen it in Haldir's face. How it paled and become slightly sterner. How the fingers he lifted to his heart when he greeted the young prince trembled visibly. His heart had sunk in his chest then...for the young elf standing in front of his brother was no dark magician. Iif so he hid his powers well or had not discovered them yet...The Elf looking at his brother with gentle eyes was fair as dawn and a healer at that. A creature of compassion and love. So did his eyes speak, glittering jewels of life and light. No evil in there, no desire to harm. And Haldir's eyes never left the robe-clad youth but followed him with a expression unfamiliar to Rumil. One he'd never seen on Haldir's face before. Stunned awe and little bit of fear. But most of all, growing admiration. He loves him, Rumil had thought and knew in the same instant he was right. One glance was all it had taken for Haldir to fall in love. His heart had answered the elfling's call and blossomed... He had recognized him for sure, still he could not help but love him... Rumil's insides cringed and he felt like crying out loud with horror and despair. Instead he had to hold his tongue. Stay calm through the evening while he silently begged his brother not to be a fool. To remember what he'd seen in the mirror. To not give in and lose his life for the love of this evil creature that wasn't evil at all, at least not yet, but a gentle soul with beautiful eyes and hair like a golden waterfall... He dared not look at Orophin until the banquet ended. One glance however was enough to convince him the other had seen what had happened as well. As soon as they'd reached their chambers, Orophin had spun around and confronted their brother once he'd closed the door behind them. "It was him, was it not?" he asked with something that resembled fury but tasted like fear. "It was," Haldir confirmed calmly with just a slight tremble in his voice and started to slowly unclasp his grey robes. "But why?" Rumil had asked. "Wasn't he supposed to be a dark being? This is the Prince of Mirkwood...A well known healer among his people..." "I know!" Haldir interrupted him sharply and leaned against the stone wall. He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples, fought to keep his breath deep and even. He trembled visibly. Couldn't keep his hands steady when he lowered them from his face and opened his eyes. They were shrouded with tears and pain when he looked at his brothers. "Are you sure he is the one?" Rumil had asked although he knew the answer. "Yes..." Haldir had whispered. "Both my memory and my heart tells me it is so..." "You love him?" Orophin's question came out an accusation. "Yes..." Haldir’s confession hit like a fist in Rumil's belly. Made him feel dizzy and sick. "How can you?!" Orophin had exploded. " If you do, you will surely die...you know that!" he yelled. "Do not worry brother..." Haldir sounded tired, he crossed the floor with something that looked like an old human's steps and sunk down on one of the spacious beds of the chamber. "In loving him I have no choice," he confessed. "But I have not spoken to him yet, I do not have to act upon my heart's desire," he said softly and dropped his gaze to the floor. "But if you could, you would?" Orophin asked in a ragged whisper. Haldir looked at him for a long time. Both his brothers held their breaths. "I would..." he said at last. "I would give myself to him...for such is the way he sings to my soul...I would...love him." Orophin stood still for a moment, then he turned from him and left the room. Slammed the door shut with a violent force. Rumil stood still on the carpeted floor in King Thranduil's palace and just stared at his older brother. Tears caught in his throat. His heart broke and shattered by hearing his brother’s words.... "And you Rumil...will you leave too?" Haldir looked at him. "Will you give in to your own grief and leave me too, now that I need you the most?" Haldir's voice was filled with sorrow. "No..." Rumil had reached out a hand. "I will stay with you," he said softly and closed the distance between them, sat down on the bed close to Haldir. Slowly, slowly he raised his arms, and even though he was still numb from the blow, he embraced his beloved brother and held him close to his heart. Comforted him in this moment of need. He had never regretted that, not even when he saw Haldir break his half-given promise and spoke to the young prince on the night before their departure. It cut in him to see how the Prince lit up. How his eyes drowned in Haldir's. How easily he would fall for him…and how beautiful they looked together. That was what had hurt the most. Destined to be...Rumil felt like crying... Destined to be the one... Haldir had been seen fit to love a prince. That was how the Valar had meant it... Love him...then die... His brothers had argued on their way back to Lorien. Haldir's heartache had been terrible to watch. Still Rumil could not help but side with Orophin in this. "So if you are right and there are no malice in him, you still saw what you did in the mirror...Loving him would still mean your death!" "I'm starting to doubt my right to refuse the Valar's bidding," Haldir had replied while motioning his horse through the thick vegetation of Mirkwood forest. "You are blinded by his beauty," Orophin accused him. "No...I am pulled by his soul." Haldir said sternly. "He is destined to be with me...to live by my side," he reminded his brother. "His soul is created to mingle with mine." Rumil pictured the Prince as he'd looked the night before. The mithril circlet, the heavy robes and flowing hair. He felt envious, no doubt. But also afraid. He feared for his brother's life. Still he could not help but marvel at the fact that they'd found him at last. Marvel at how different he was from what they had pictured. How could he shield his brother from something like that? Gentleness and kindness wrapped in beauty like the fairest, purest dawn? Did not his dear brother deserve such beauty? Such light? Would it be worth risking his life for? "Orophin is right," he heard his own voice speak. "He might not be what we thought him to be, but the Lady had her reasons to show you what she did. Do not doubt that, Haldir. Do not fail this test. If she had not thought you strong enough to meet this challenge, to battle with the Valar's will, she would not have given it to you..." Haldir gave him a long stare. But Rumil did not answer it. Orophin too looked straight at the path before them. Jaws clenched and eyes dark with anger. "I can not stay away from him..." Haldir had said at last. "Already am I yearning for his company...his presence..." Rumil felt his stomach twist again. Never had he heard his brother speak with so much longing... never heard him so passionate, so scared... "I am not my own master in this," Haldir continued with a strange, sobbing sound. "I need to be with him or I'll perish..." And be with him he had been for centuries to come, always under his brothers' watchful eyes. Like brothers they were. Always together. Sharing Haldir's talan in the mighty Mallorn branches. The Prince and the Marchwarden - always by each other's side. But never did love bloom between them in the open. Not as they had feared...although the light that shone in their eyes when they were together was obvious for everyone to see. Orophin had been furious the first time Haldir had brought Prince Legolas to Lorien. First he had spent nights trying to convince his brother not to take assignments in Mirkwood, not to see the young elf again, and then his brother, instead of heeding his advice, had brought him back to the Golden Wood with him. To live with him. To share his talan. Yet, Rumil mused, never had he seen his brother so carefree and happy as when he could spend his days with the foreign Prince. Work with him and share meals. Braid his hair with careful fingers, weave love into those tresses of silken gold. Never did he glow as when he touched him. A casual brush against his shoulder, a gentle hug from the horseback. Every time their skin connected he was as lit from within with that special glow. Living so close and yet not... To Rumil the thought was impossible. Knowing your love bound by fate and heart rested with you in the talan at night. Was there in the darkness, so close yet so distant... He could not help but admire Haldir's willpower in this. His considerable strength that had kept him from tasting the Prince's lithe body, find blissful peace in his arms... He watched with dread as the young Prince himself who knew nothing of the mirror slowly fell in love with the Marchwarden. Lost his heart to his brother. Year by year, day by day did his feelings grow and soon he could not keep his fingers from touching Haldir's form. He saw it when they bathed together. When they ate. The hurt and longing in his usually sparkling eyes when Haldir took yet another lover... It was but a question of time before it all would come tumbling down. Orophin watched the couple with narrowed eyes from a distance. Became ill tempered and hard to live with. "He can not refuse him, " he'd said. "He will seduce him I swear!" "Do not think so low of our brother's strength," Rumil had warned as they shared their meal on the talan floor. "He had been strong so far, he can do it!" he tried to soothe the other. Orophin had smirked at him. "If the young prince comes to him and drapes him in his golden form, all smooth and willing and with a heart that is longing just for his...Do you believe Haldir able to resist?" "He will not," Rumil said with intuitive clarity. "He won’t approach Haldir like that," he predicted. "He is too hurt by the lack of want our brother displays." Orophin had been silent for a while. "It is mere lies, though," he had said at last. "For Haldir is his to have anytime he wants..." "Legolas doesn't know that..." Rumil's voice was soft. Still a satisfied feeling spread through him, for as long as Legolas did not know Haldir's true feelings he would be safe from death, and from being bound. As long as he was not bound... Rumil looked up from his musings by the sound of approaching voices. All day he had been walking aimlessly in the forest. Recalled the past as well as the kiss the newly bound couple had shared after the sun greeting. Now the same sun was about to set in the horizon and Rumil's heart felt no lighter as he continued to walk. His mind drifted back to the kiss: Somehow he could not help but find the sight of the two of them appealing. Beautiful and right...Yet his heart grieved. For himself. For the loss of his brother by love and by his looming death... Either way Rumil's secret dreams was forever shattered. The Valar's will had been executed, Haldir had given in... But yes, he was beautiful in his happiness. Loved like he'd never done before...Received love like he'd never done before... He knew deep down the Prince could love Haldir, belonged to him, like no other elf could... The thought ripped through him, like a painful wound. Shredding his mind and heart to pieces. Rumil was helpless in all of this, could only watch it all unfold... The voices came nearer and he could recognize Legolas' clear voice as well as another, deep and rough one. The voice of the dwarf, there was no doubt. "We must do it by the river," Legolas spoke eagerly. " I want fair Nimrodel as my witness in this. She will share my happiness, I'm sure..." "Elves and their silly ideas," The grumpy dwarf answered. "As I recall it, Mr. Dwarf, this whole tradition is *your* people's silly idea," Haldir's deep, humming voice among the Mallorn trunks. "Well if you think it so silly why do you wish to do it?" the Dwarf replied. "It is my fault," Legolas’ soft voice again. Rumil stopped in his path as the small group passed with lit lanterns in their hands. He could smell excitement, and apple wine... "It was my silly idea, " he giggled. "But you must not tell the rest of the party, do you swear that Gimli?" "For the thousandth time, yes!" the dwarf growled. "What am I? A chattering dwarf maid? A hobbit by the fire?" He grunted. "I have sworn to keep my mouth shut and so I will." "Thank you, Gimli," Legolas' soft voice spoke. "I swear you have given me too much too drink on purpose," Haldir's voice was slightly slurred. "Well of course," Legolas giggled and Rumil could hear the sounds from a kiss shared from behind the giant trunks. The dwarf's footsteps continued on the path but the two elves had paused under the Mallorn. "I want something I can touch," Legolas breathed hotly. "Something that I can hold, and is of you..." "I know," Haldir said quietly. "And so would I want something of you...a reminder of this night, of how we have been bound." "I love you, my fair Galadhrim," Legolas' voice was thick with emotion. "And you, my pretty," Haldir said in a loud, daring voice. The sound of a scuffle and a playful shriek from the Prince. "You make me do silly things!" he growled and Rumil caught sight of him stomping through the woods in the dwarf's footsteps with his laughing lover thrown across his shoulder, his golden hair nearly swept the ground. Somehow it felt too intimate. He had not been supposed to witness that. It had been a moment between lovers and an attempt, he knew, to forget the peril the Prince was in. The darkness he was to enter. That they all were to enter...Forget that the destiny of this world as a whole lay upon a tiny hobbit's shoulders... He followed them because he had to. He had no choice in it. Followed them, to see...To feel this come to an end. Maybe heal his broken heart somewhat by the sight of the playful couple. Wondered what they were doing with the sulking dwarf...what kind of act Nimrodel was to witness. III Orophin watched them from the other shore. Both elves were clad in casual garments, no fluttering robes, just the grey fabric of the Galadhrim and the other's green and brown ones. No quiver and bow tonight. No knives or mithril blades. Even the braids of honor and love were removed from the couple's hair as they knelt in front of the Dwarf. What kind of evil was this? Orophin clutched the blade in his hand. Crutched down behind the bushes near the water's edge, alert and ready to spring forth, end the dark magic the dwarf was surely about to perform on his brother... And the Prince, was he under some spell of sorts? Was this the beginning of the madness that was to end his brother's life? Orophin's heart pounded fast and heavily in his throat. Was it really to occur so soon? Just days after their bonding? Had they been wrong? Was Legolas a servant of evil after all? It did look so, as the ugly, little dwarf drew forth a long, shining mithril needle from his shirt, unwrapped it from the linen cloth and lifted it to the moon. "It is time for the wine Master Elf," he beckoned to Legolas, who reached behind Haldir's back and drew forth a leather satchel. "How full must our stomachs be before we can go on with this?" Haldir wondered. "So full it shrouds you mind, Warden of the Lady of Exquisite Light," the little male snorted in his beard. "We are warriors both. We do not fear a needle..." Haldir argued, but Legolas stopped him with a short kiss on his lips. "Shush, love," he murmured. "Let us do this right," he smiled. Haldir fell silent but his eyes measured the dwarf suspiciously. "I only let him touch me because you say so..." he stated. "I know," Legolas beamed happily. "Now be brave, my beloved, and I'll give you more wine." The elves drank deeply and Orophin frowned. Surely his brother hadn't lost his mind, coming here by his won free will to let this filthy creature pierce him with that...thing. Maybe the wine was poisoned, he thought briefly. Still a bit unsure about whither to act upon his desire and end this frightening ridicule... "Time to let your garments fall," the dwarf said and polished the needle with the soft cloth. "The wine will soon weaken your senses..." "Me first?" Legolas asked his lover breathlessly, his fingers were already toying with the lacings and clasps of his tunic. "For talking me into this dwarven madness, yes, my sweet prince...You will do it first!" Haldir smirked teasingly. He lifted his hands and helped his lover free himself from the soft tunic. Pulled it over his head, left the Prince's chest naked and exposed to the cool night air. Haldir's arms embraced him from behind, pulled him into his lap so he rested his chin against the other's shoulder. Legolas held on to his arms, smiling but tense in the dim light. The dwarf moved closer and Orophin tensed up as well. Surely the Prince knew that the dwarves were not to be trusted, he wasn't about to let him touch him with the needle was he? "Now remember, Legolas," the bearded one spoke. "I'm doing this only because you asked me." He held legolas' gaze in his while slowly lifting the needle. "I remember, Gimli...Thank you;" Legolas smiled softly. His eyes were shiny from the wine. The Dwarf took a deep breath and grabbed a piece of Legolas' naked flesh between two of his fingers, moved the needle in to touch it with his other hand. "Ai!" Legolas cried and Orophin realized with a start that the dwarf was piercing his left nipple. "Go on...kiss him!" Gimli urged Haldir who sat there with the sweating and tense Legolas in his arms. Haldir smiled slightly and bent his head forward. Captured his lover's lips with his own. Orophin should have acted then but he could not. The arched body in Haldir's lap shone beautifully in the lantern light, was breathtaking in it's own right. The tilted head, the closed eyes...So completely given to his brother in that moment. His hair hung like a shimmering veil draped around his body while a trickle of deep red blood ran down his sculpted chest to his stomach. Brought forth the golden hue of his skin. The dwarf kept working the needle through the sensitive nipple and Haldir held him tightly to his torso all the time while kissing him deeply. At last the dwarf sat back and smiled brightly at the sight of his work. The thin needle was completely pierced through the little, pink nub now. Haldir let Legolas go with a gasp. "It hurts," Legolas half-smiled and half-cried in his arms. "And you are to face the perils of Mordor?" Gimli the dwarf rose an eye brow at him and Legolas gave a shivering laugh. Gimli reached into his pocket and found another little bundle of line cloth. He opened it in his palm. " So...what's for this elf," he asked. "...Mithril...Gold...?" "Legolas shall have mithril," Haldir spoke calmly. "Mithril it is," the dwarf replied and lifted a tiny little ring of glittering metal from his palm. Haldir reached out and received the tiny piece of jewelry from the dwarf's smaller, broader fingers. "Turn around, my beloved," he told Legolas who did as he was told with a low aching hiss, the needle still pierced through his flesh. Both males bent closer to his chest as the dwarf instructed: "When i remove the needle you replace it with the ring," he said. "But be quick or the wound will close," he explained and took hold of the thin needle. Haldir opened the ring and placed it near the needle's point, didn't breath at all it seemed when he followed the needles track back out on the other side. Legolas hissed again and gave a painful sobbing sound when the needle disappeared, but a moment later a triumphant gaze fell on his own pierced nipple when the males moved away and let him see. He smiled briefly. Haldir smiled as well and his eyes took him in possessively. He dipped a third linen cloth in the river and carefully began rinsing the blood from Legolas' skin. "So beautiful," he told him. "You wear my mark..." Legolas' fingers tangled in his hair. "I do," he said. "And soon so will you carry mine," he reminded him with a smile. Haldir gave him a playful, dark stare and started to unfasten his tunic. The grey fabric fell down on the pile of Mirkwood colors as Haldir offered his chest to the moon and the awaiting mithril needle. Don't do it, Orophin hissed inside, but understood so very well what was happening now, and could do nothing to prevent it. Just watch as Haldir knelt between his loved one’s thighs, was held tightly by the Prince's strong arms from behind. The dwarf closed in on him with the long, sharp needle in his hand. Haldir twitched when the cool metal touched his skin. "Sit still elf, or I will pierce your neck!" the dwarf barked and Legolas' hold on him tightened. The Galadhrim hissed when the dwarf held his puckered flesh between his fingers and slowly penetrated the thin surface with his evil looking tool. "Hush," Legolas soothed near Haldir's pointed ear. "I'll hold you," he breathed and Haldir relaxed visibly by the sound of his clear voice. Fell back into his lover's embrace. Silvery hair on the naked skin. Deep blue eyes closed while he breathed heavily. His marble torso was bathed in the light from the rising moon when the dwarf finally finished his work and sat back with a content sigh. Reached in his pocket again and drew forth the little bundle of cloth. "Gold for the Warden then," he stated and handed Legolas a slender ring of polished gold. "Thank you," Legolas took the ring and let go of Haldir's body. "Let me see you," he breathed and Haldir opened his eyes. Smirked slightly by the sight of his pierced nipple and turned around, sat kneeling on the ground in front of the other elf. "Are you ready?" Gimli's eyes searched Haldir's as his fingers once again closed around the needle. "I am," Haldir confirmed and watched as the mithril disappeared to be replaced by a tiny ring of gold. "Thank you," he whispered and caught hold of Legolas as he moved away, eager to see the result. Haldir pulled him back and gave him a deep, lingering kiss. His fingers fluttered to the moon lit chest and the little piece of jewelry dangling there. "It will hurt a bit for a night or two," The dwarf said warningly. "But it'll pass," he smiled in his beard. Haldir let go off Legolas' lips. Fastened his gaze on the mithril ring instead. A soft smile curled his lips. "Not all dwarven customs are...unpleasant to the eye," he stated. Legolas smiled affectionately at him. Touched the golden ring lightly with his fingers. "No...they aren't," he replied softly then he turned his gaze to the dwarf. "Thank you for your time, Gimli," he said. " I will always stand in your debt for this," he smiled earnestly. "So will I," Haldir said and cleared his throat. "I will treasure this gift… while Legolas is away," he said quietly. A darkness drifted into both their gazes as the last words were spoken. Gimli's brown eyes seemed to gain something uneasy as well by the mention of their upcoming quest. "Ai, think no more of it!" The dwarf motioned with his hand. "Elves in love," he muttered and put the needle back in his hidden pocket. "Be nice to each other," he warned them. "Those wounds need time and peace to heal...don't tug and bite at them for a few nights yet. Just touch them lightly as summer's breeze," he instructed with a little humming sound. Legolas coughed to hide his laughter: "We will remember that, Gimli," he smiled. "No biting," he grinned and wrinkled his nose with amusement. "Or tugging," Haldir added, also with a merry smile upon his lips. "Do you want us to walk you back to Caras Galadhon?" Legolas offered as he gazed up at the dwarf from his position on the ground. "Nah..." Gimli's hands waved in the air before him. "I trust that I am protected in the lands of the Lady of the Realm...You stay here and...watch," he trailed off when he realized the lovers' gazes had once again drifted back to the other's left nipple. Fingers were again trailing planes and ridges of each other's torsos, slowly circling, nearly touching the other's new, sparkling ring. "This is my One Ring," Legolas voice trembled slightly, his hand covered his own pierced nipple. "This is what gives me power and strength, the ring that binds..." he whispered in the cool night, darker now as Gimli had taken one of the lanterns with him. Haldir lifted his hand as well, covered his own swollen flesh. "Always," he pledged and the two of them leaned forward, met the other's lips passionately. Knelt in front of each other and kissed, both of them with a hand on their new hearts. Orophin continued to watch silently from the other shore. ****************** Rumil rose from his position behind a large rock. His knees were stiff and his eyes sore from trying to see everything that had happened by the shore. Now the couple were drifting from the river. Holding each other around the waists, their discarded clothes in their hands. Rumil wanted to run. Wanted to chase through the wood and not look back. Put as much distance as possible between himself and the loving couple. Tears burned in his eyes, both from the beauty of the primitive and strange ritual and the love that it had shown so clearly, and the loss he had experienced anew by watching it. How could Legolas be Haldir's undoing? How could it be?! He had seen it now though, when Haldir embraced his bound one by the river, how his eyes had gained a new shine. The missing piece of his soul had been retrieved by his mating with Legolas. The distant coolness he'd always radiated was gone. He was whole now...And he was bound. Why had it have to be so, he mused in despair while steering his steps further into the wood. Why was the Prince the only creature alive that could make Haldir feel that way...Why wasn't it him - Rumil? He knew the feeling was petty but could not control it. His old fear and hate for Legolas spurted in his chest again and he hated himself for that as well. It was pure, it was right...and what he had read in his brother's face this night was that no matter how high the price, he would think his Legolas worth it. So why was it then, that his flesh had stiffened by the sight of his brother's naked chest? Felt flaring tendrils of jealousy course through him when he touched the Prince like that...Still, now, after so many years, after so many battles with himself. - his own will - did he still desire him... Rumil's feeling of self loathing came rushing through him as he knew it would, as it always did after moments like this. He swore to let go, yet he could not. Could not keep his eyes from searching out Haldir's form, marvel at his narrow waist and broad shoulders, the fine shine in his flawless skin... He remembered when Legolas had left Haldir and Lorien...He remembered how he had been thrilled because he thought that this would not happen...He would never have to live with the knowledge that Haldir was freely bound to another. He had hoped that it was the end of it. That the unfortunate alliance was ended... Still his heart had ached as he watched his brother grieve, his coldness increase. How ruthless he became every year without his beloved...He had realized then what it meant to live without half of your heart...He had soothed his oldest brother the best that he could, but knew he could never be Legolas, not the one Haldir longed so for. And he had hated the gentle Prince even more, for *not* being there. For not making his brother happy as he ought to... Still that cursed fate hung over them all and they never forgot the cruel destiny that awaited if Haldir took his loved one to his heart for real. If he bedded him. A thought that in itself was enough to send Rumil into fits of burning fury. Of envy...of desperate and heart wrenching despair... When the Mirkwood prince finally came back to Lorien, Rumil had hated him for reasons too many to count, yet , none of them were Legolas' fault. His only wrongdoing was merely to exist, be a threat to Haldir's life if he should offer him his heart... Rumil loved Haldir, as a brother, as a male... He could see the Prince had changed as well, hardened by his separation from Haldir. Could see how he had closed his heart from the world. He was an excellent archer, the party from Thranduil's realm had said. But no longer a healer. And Rumil had hurt against his will for Legolas then, ached under the weight of his knowledge...still his darkest fear had been to see this day arrive: To see the two of them united in love. To lose all hope and begin fearing for his brother's life for real... The curse had arrived with the Ring Bearer's arrival in the Golden Wood. This time Legolas would not leave again, not like he had done before. This time he would bring Haldir, his love and his vows, with him... "Rumil! Brother!" Rumil startled and spun around on the path he'd been taking. The smiling couple approached him leisurely. Their eyes showed evidence of wine consumed and they leaned on each other casually. Tunics still in hand, their naked skin bathed in moonlight. Shone and shimmered under the mallorn branches. Legolas had a big, golden leaf in his hair. Haldir's was unruly, they scented of sweat and semen. Had been loving each other on the forest ground. Rumil felt sick and uncomfortable. Felt like crying - no, screaming! Yet he did not. He just stared at them as they slowly approached. Contentment in their eyes, in every lazy movement. Their nipple rings shone as well. The newly crafted metal glittered on their chests. "Mae Govannen, Rumil of Lorien!" Legolas greeted him smilingly. Rumil stood completely still. His head spun from the emotions that raced through his heart, the confused thoughts that blurred his mind. "We have been by the river with the dwarf," Haldir smiled, amused, wrinkled his nose by the last words. "Prince Legolas' decided to teach me dwarvish customs - and courtesy," he smiled ironically and Legolas laughed softly beside him. Haldir's long, silvery mane of hair lay across his arms and covered Legolas' fingers where they curled around his naked waist. "We still have more wine," Legolas smiled and held out the wineskin. "Would you like to share some with us?" he offered. Only gentleness in his eyes. Happiness shone bright as they slowly approached him. Arms coiled around each other, leaning so trustingly against their bound mate's body. Haldir, his beautiful Haldir - gone and consumed by this light....Never to lay with another. Never to touch his lips to anyone other than this lithe, golden prince's. He owed him now, he had him... Rumil turned and fled. Felt their surprised gazes following his back as he fled into the wood. His elven feet hardly touched the ground as he leaped over fallen branches, gracefully maneuvered among the mighty mallorn trunks. Stray leaves fluttered about him as he ran through the wood, his silver hair trailing like a banner from his head as he swiftly stepped aside to avoid obstacles and barriers. He could not face them. Could not speak...sit down with them and share their wine. Look at the gleaming mithril in Legolas' left nipple. His own mark on Haldir: A strange, shining color against the Galadhrim's pale skin. And Rumil fled. He did not stop until he reached the shores of the Nimrodel. There he sunk into a heap of fallen leaves, let the sound of her song soothe his aching soul as he silently cried for his brother...his heart. IV Orophin saw the hunched form of his younger brother from the other side of the river. Rumil was crying - he could see it in the shivering of his shoulders, the bent head. So he had seen it as well, he thought - and his heart bled for his brother's gentle soul. Orophin was harder, stronger, more angled than the youngest of the siblings. He cried too, yes, but his tears were easily swept away. He knew the art of hardening his heart, glaze over his sorrow. Rumil did not. Orophin stood still by the shore, just holding his blade loose in his hand, careful not to make a sound and let the other grieve in peace. He remembered the first time he'd learned that his brother shared his feelings for Haldir. The same affection, the same fruitless passion...He had been too blinded by his own fire to see it himself, how his silent and gentle brother had suffered. He was cool where Orophin was hot. Soft and yielding where he was hard and stern, so he had not seen it. Not until he had been told... After their return from Mirkwood the first time Haldir had seen Legolas, the Lady Galadriel had sought him out. Found him there, by this shore, a little further down the stream and she had spoken to him: "Why are you so angry my young warden?" the lady had asked. Her eyes had glittered mesmerizing towards him, pierced the air between them. Made him feel loved, secure and willing to open his heart. "He was not what we expected!" he had burst out. "Legolas of Mirkwood is no evil creature!" "I know," the Lady replied softly. One of her pale, slender hands came to stroke his hair lovingly. "Then why...?" Orophin began. "How can it be that he will hurt my brother?" he'd asked her in a loud, confused voice. "I do not know the answer to that," The lady had replied mysteriously."I just know we both saw what we saw...although," she added. "I see why you're beginning to doubt my wisdom in this, as the other half of Haldir's soul is indeed not what we expected." "He is a healer," Orophin cried in vain. "A gentle soul!" He continued. "His weapon of choice is compassion, not the bow or sorcery..." "As it is now, that is," the lady soothed him calmly. "But how am I to protect him from that? " Orophin had asked her. Despair seeping though in his voice, along with as his confusion. "Maybe you aren't," Galadriel replied. "Maybe it isn't your fate, to be your brother's watcher," she said. "Maybe you should guard your own heart instead," her stern voice sounded in his mind. Orophin rubbed his forehead with a tired gesture. "I wish we did not know," he muttered. " I wish Haldir had not known what is to come," he said in a hoarse whisper. Galadriel was silent for a while, then she spoke again and stroke his cheek with her cool fingers. "I know," she said. "That some good has already come of my decision all those years ago, when you and your brothers were small...If Haldir had not known of his fate, you and Rumil would forever been caught in that hope...Both crave for a love that was not yours...You still crave it, but you both know it is not yours to have," she trailed off and her fingers left his heated skin. Orophin hadn't heard the mention of his other brother at first, caught up as he was in his own sorrow. "Still he'd be my brother," he'd dared to argue his Lady. " It could not have been either way..." Galadriel had smiled at him. "A brothers' bond is merely one of blood...it speaks nothing of your souls," she had said. "If you had been Haldir's chosen one, that bond would have meant nothing. The pull of your souls would have been too strong...But neither you or Rumil are meant for him. Legolas of Mirkwood is." "Rumil?" he'd asked confused. "Yes," the Lady smiled slightly. "He is also fighting his love for your brother. Struggling to live by his side and not be affected by that special light that is Haldir's gift - and his curse to bear." "I had not noticed, " Orophin felt shameful. "No," the lady had dropped her gaze. "You should pay heed to a little more to what is on your mind, Orophin, " she told him. "What runs so hotly in your blood..." And so their conversation by the stream had ended. Things were still very much the same as then - his brother was hurting again. Silently and alone - as always. Yet, something *had* changed. Changed in the core of it's nature. Orophin sighed softly. Wondered how often Rumil sought out this solitude instead of coming to him at once. He knew he'd be there, as he always was. "Rumil!" he called out softly, in a voice only the other could hear. Rumil looked up, caught sight of him on the other side. Slowly he lifted his hand to his face. Wiped his freshly shed tears away. Orophin tilted his head, let the moonbeams catch in his hair. Knew it would burn like mithril against him. Look like his, like Haldir's. Rumil lifted his head on the other shore, seen from this angle he reminded Orophin of their brother. The same sharp profile, the piercing gaze. His slightly arrogant expression. Yet it was not him, it was Rumil... They played this game for a while, never breaking their stare. Slowly moving their heads, their hands, Rumil lifted his hands above his head, looked so much like Haldir then, with his head thrown back. His neck exposed... Slowly, slowly he rose from the ground. With a last lingering look at Orophin he smiled slightly, hardly visible in the dim lit night. He turned his back to the moon's reflection in the clear river water and walked calmly in among the trunks. Orophin turned as well. His blade was back in his belt now and he tossed his hair back as he let the darkness of the wood embrace him. Further up the river he crossed it and steered his steps steadily in one direction. Back to Caras Galadhon. Rumil waited for him in the talan when he arrived. Looked calmly at him from the other side of the room. The glimmering silver of the Mallorn trunk behind him set his hair on liquid fire. Silver and mithril, glittering hues. The smaller elf looked up at him when he approached. No fear in those eyes, his dark blue gaze was determined. Was there any room at all, for another kind of love in there? Just a brother, yes? Would he be fooling himself? Again? "If you can't have him, will you have me instead?" the age old question left Rumil's lips as it always did. "Yes..." the answer came out as it used to. A low hiss as Orophin's palm closed around Rumil's naked sides. Caressed the silken skin there with callused fingers. Rumil tilted his head and waited for the kiss. His eyes half-closed, lips parted. Orophin kissed him. Let his tongue trail the narrow slit, dip inside. Taste him...He felt Rumil's hands slide over his chest, come to rest on his grey-clad shoulders. The scent of golden flowers washed over him when he leaned in closer, felt the silken fall of Rumil's hair against his cheek. Their tongues entwined in their mouths. Played that sweet game again. Touching, sliding, caressing... Orophin's fingers moved across the naked elf's back. Down the pale, shimmering skin to his firm buttocks. Squeezed them lightly, pressed his brother closer. Rumil sighed when they broke the kiss. His eyes were almost closed now, Orophin knew why...It was so as not to see him clearly when he started to grind his naked, erect flesh against the rough fabric of his leggings. Exposed his neck and invited his mouth have him. "Haldir," a breath of air. Orophin pushed him violently up against the trunk, pressed him in with the weight of his body. Why so angry tonight, he wondered. Why so filled with despair? His teeth sunk into Rumil's flesh. Licked his neck roughly. His younger brother whimpered but did not complain. His fingers tangled in Orophin's hair. Of the same texture and quality as Haldir's. Even the same color. Rippling mithril in the moonlight. "Ai!" Rumil cried out when Orophin lifted him off the floor. A outburst of pain as he was slammed back in against the wooden trunk. He curled his legs around Orophin's waist. Moaned when the other kissed him again, more greedily, more hungry, than before. "You smell of woodland," he whispered in Orophin's ear, licked at his jaw line: "Tastes like salt," he sighed. "Just like *he* does..." Orophin smiled half-mockingly. "Yes," Rumil hissed softly in reply, rolled his head back and away from Orophin. Orophin steadied Rumil against the trunk. Reached down between their bodies and caressed his brother's flesh. Felt his soft stomach, his angled hips and the pounding erection in the middle. All of it wrapped in silken skin. Flawless and burning hot against his palm. Rumil moaned against his neck, pushed himself into to the invading hand. His heels pressed at Orophin's back, urged him closer, to go on... He knew without looking he was crying now. Bitter tears of longing wetted Rumil's face, fell down in Orophin's hair. He would not soothe him, not tonight. Instead he motioned his hand to his own leggings, reached under the tunic and opened them. Let his own marble hardness out of the tight fabric. Without warning he took hold of Rumil's hips, lifted him higher up in the air, away from the mallorn. He moved his fingers further down and spread the two half globes with his fingers, separated the flesh and positioned himself, his weeping length, beneath him. It touched the tiny entrance now, and their gazes locked. Both froze there for a moment. Two pairs of glittering gems stared into each other. So much alike. So much alike *his*. Orophin broke the stare. "Will you ride him?" he whispered hoarsely. "Yes," Rumil breathed, his eyelids fell back shut. Orophin held nothing back but pushed himself inside. Deliberately forgetting the oil. The one that smelled like Haldir's blend. He pushed inside and did not stop or loosen his hold of Rumil's lithe body until he was complete pierced up on him. He heard the other whimper, but this time he did not care. "Ai, brother. Not so cruel!" Rumil cried. "Do you think *he* would be any gentler?" Orophin hissed between clenched teeth. "Do not pretend not to like it little one, we both know why you weep..." He said hotly, not at all referring to Rumil's eyes. "I weep for him," Rumil stated. "You weep because you want!" Orophin snapped and took hold of Rumil's long ignored, steadily leaking length. Rumil moaned and his body jerked, pressed hot and tight around on the hardness inside. Orophin smiled ferally and began to move, slid half-way out of the other's smooth entrance, pushed back in without giving his brother time to breathe. "Move then, little one," he teased. "Ride your fairest dream..." Rumil whimpered and hid his face against Orophin's neck when he slowly obeyed and began rocking against his brother's hips. Steadily building a rhythm, letting the other slide in and out of his body. Orophin held him steady, hands resting under his rear, guiding him none too gently up and down his length. It was Rumil's turn to work today. He did not feel like being kind. Still it felt good, wonderfully so, as it always did. Rumil was so soft and yielding, taste of honey on his skin. Smooth perfection, surging heat... Rumil held on to him tightly with one arm around his shoulders. The other hand traveled down his chest. Tugged at the clasps and lacings of his tunic. "Feel you," he breathed while a fine shine of sweat appeared on his skin. "Touch you," he gasped and his fingers slipped under the fabric. His palm lay flatly over his heart and he moved it slowly in circles, brushed one nipple, caught it and tugged lightly at it. All the time while moving up and down on his brother's hips. "Are you searching for a piece of gold?" Orophin said cruelly. "No," Rumil's open eyes fastened on his. His nostrils flared and a sigh escaped his throat. "Just you," he murmured before his head fell back once more and he cried out his passion into the night. Warm liquid hit his naked stomach and Orophin's grey covered one. Rumil's free hand clutched at the other's side under the tunic and he let all his weight rest in Orophin's palms. Lost and gone in his body's tide. His fine, slender limbs twitched and his muscles clenched as he rode off the waves, glistening liquid poured out of him and the sight of it made his brother loose his will as well. With a final outburst Orophin lifted Rumil's body from his hips and slammed him back down, repeated the action until he felt himself fall. The fire exploded in his loins and he emptied himself inside of the other. Bit in his shoulder and licked off the blood as his member convulsed and poured his semen into the other. I cannot do this, he thought while his body fought the last, pleasurable waves of passion. I cannot be his whore, he thought while pressing Rumil back against the trunk. Breathing heavily, letting his forehead rest against his shoulder. So wrong, his thought continued while he kissed the glistening neck. This curse must come to an end, his inner voice told him as his tongue slipped into Rumil's sweet tasting cave and he let the other kiss him calmer. Or I will surely be burning. Burning to shadow, as it is... The End http://www.angelfire.com/rebellion/camilla/