Title: Cursed Author:Durin’s Bane E-mail: laurissofi@hotmail.com Rating: R Disclaimer: Tolkien wrote LOTR, hence these characters are his. I am just borrowing them for these story. The story is mine, though. Pairings: Haldir - Legolas, Legolas - Aragorn. Summary: Aragorn is a mean jerk who wants Legolas and will do anything to get him but nice and kind Haldir also has his heart set out on Legolas. Legolas is under some kind of evil curse. Warnings: non-con, violence, some graphic wounds. Authors Note: I am claiming a challenge! By tree elf. Hope I reached his expecta- tions. • • • "You betrayers!" the voice thundered in the small room. "No!" the man tried desperately to get to his wife and newborn son, but the armored wraiths kept him from his goal. The man beside the woman and baby was laughing, and his voice was horribly pleased. "I shall kill you, woman, so that your husband will reconsider his allegiance!" the struggling man heard a scream and felt his heart snap in two. "bring him over here, and make sure he can see!" the hands that held him dragged him and he saw the hor- rible truth. His wife lay dead beside the bed, her eyes wide open and panicky. He looked aside to see the armored man holding a bundle. "Don’t touch him!" he shouted before a fist was slammed into his stomach. The man laughed and looked at the bundle, uncovering him. The baby was beautiful. As he looked at him, the evil man could imagine the pleas- ures his body held. He turned at the defeated man and smiled wickedly as he uncov- ered the baby. "Behold, Thranduil, king of Mirkwood!" he laughed as he caressed the small boy's face. "Don't you dare!" "He will be a fine slave, no doubt…" "Shut up!" the man looked at him and tensed slightly as the guards entered the room, aiming at him with their bows. "Release him!" said the captain, and the man smiled and turned to the baby. He would not kill him, for he was far too beautiful to be wasted. He had better plans. "This boy will never belong here! I shall curse him, never to rest until he gives himself to me, or else ends his life like an animal would!" a flash of red light lit the room, and then Sauron and his men were gone. Thranduil let himself fall on the ground, sobbing. His men lifted him, while the captain scanned the room. "He is alright, sire!" he said as he brought the baby to the crying king, "he is alright…" The king held his baby and hugged him in relief. "My son…" he held him like that for what seemed an age, and then he looked towards his dead wife. "she wanted you to be named Legolas," he whispered at his son, and he smiled with difficulty. "I shall name you Legolas Green-leaf…" the room was quiet as Thranduil hugged his baby again and continued sobbing. Chapter one: the first sight. Legolas walked through the castle as he sipped his wine. It was early morning, and his father wanted him to be awake some hours before sunrise to prepare the arrival of their guests. It was, in fact, so early that his bodyguard, Sunion, had not awaken. He frowned at the thought. His father had always been overprotective towards him, and Legolas could not stand it. He was old enough to take care of his own. He knocked the door and was answered immediately by a happy Thranduil. "Legolas, how good to see you! Come, come inside…" he entered and sat down on his father's couch, right beside the window. "Why did you want to see me so early, father?" "Where is Sunion?" Thranduil was stern. Legolas shrugged and finished his wine. "He is still asleep. But don't worry, I am sure I need no escort to walk behind me." "This is outrageous!" "Peace, father," said Legolas as he smiled, "I can take care of myself." Thranduil, however, took none of that. "You will go straight to him when you are done here! Do you understand?" Legolas sighed and nodded. "Alright, then. I will." "Good. Let us review the protocol once more…" his father's voice was drowned by the soft wind as Legolas lost himself into his mind. He yawned widely, catching his fa- ther's attention. "what is it?" "I did not sleep well last night, that's all…" Thranduil seemed most distressed. "What did you dream?" "I dreamt I was in a small bed… a cradle, almost… and someone was calling me… I felt hands, scratching me and… I was awoken," said Legolas simply, trying not to re- member his vivid dream. He had been in his father's room, and there was a woman. She was dead, and Legolas was alone. He had been gripped by black hands that had started to tear his clothes off. He tried screaming, but to no avail. He had been waked up by the sight of a de- monic face looking straight at him. And then he had heard it. His name. Someone was calling him… he looked up to see Thranduil, and he looked extremely pale. "Here, have this, it will help," he said as he handed his son a small vial. "you can miss the meeting if you want to…" "No!" Legolas had always been delighted by the stories of Lothlorien and their lords, an was eager to participate in the evening's ceremony. He took the vial, opened it and smelled it. "father, is this not…?" "It is a sedative, it will help you sleep. Drink it." Thranduil sounded demanding, and Legolas looked at the vial again. He was about to drink it when he heard a horrible scream somewhere nearby. A woman's scream. He turned around to see a wounded woman on the floor, beside the door. He stood up hastily, and Thranduil stood as well, looking at him almost in panic. "Legolas…" "The woman! We must help her, call the guards!" Legolas made for the door but was knocked to the floor by his father, who immobilized him and took the vial from him, pouring its contents into a small handkerchief. "It's alright, my boy…" he said as he pressed the cloth to his son's nose and saw him begin to fall asleep. "it's alright…" Legolas' vision blurred and he fell asleep, his mind blank and his sleep dreamless. * When Legolas woke up, it was almost night. He remembered the meeting and dressed hastily, feeling slightly dizzy. He did not want to miss the opportunity to meet their guests, and he descended the stairs to the dining room quickly. Much to his dismay, he saw the people had arrived and were eating. The lady of the golden wood looked magnificent, as did her husband. And beside them, sitting quietly, was their march-warden, the proud Haldir of Lorien. Legolas smiled and coughed softly, and he saw everyone look at him. The kings of the golden wood seemed to be curious. Thranduil, however, was rather scared. "Hello, father," said Legolas as he walked to the table. Thranduil removed himself and said, "Lord and lady, my son, Legolas Green-leaf." Legolas bowed at each and was de- lighted when they smiled at him. "Legolas, these are Galadriel and Celeborn, the lords of Lothlorien. And this is their March-warden and protector, Haldir." Legolas looked at the man and smiled politely, admiring the soldier's beauty and grace. "Pleased to meet you, my lords. And you too, Haldir," Haldir nodded but did not smile. The meal went on nicely, and Legolas felt well. His head was still dizzy and he could not talk very fluently, but he smiled and conversed with the guests nonetheless. "Well, it is late, I think it is best that we turn in for tonight," said Thranduil, and Lego- las stood up after him, remembering the protocol. The lords and their guardian stood up too, and they were about to retire when Thranduil remembered something. "here, Legolas," he said as he handed his son a small reddish pill. Legolas nodded and swal- lowed it, then he bade the others good night. Galadriel was quiet for a moment, and then she spoke softly. "My lord, Haldir, would you go on, I will catch you later." Celeborn nodded and left, and Haldir exited the room behind him. Galadriel waited until the room was empty and then she looked at Thranduil. "Thranduil, I suppose you will explain?" he nodded and sat down, defeated. "You recall Legolas' birthday?" "Yes, of course." "You will remember the dark lord was here," said Thranduil softly. "Yes. Once again, I am sorry for the loss of your wife. It was a terrible tragedy." "Thank you," said Thranduil simply. Then he breathed in and opened his mouth again. * Haldir was absolutely stunned. He had been told to return by Celeborn, and he had stood beside the door of the dining room, waiting for his lady to join him. And he had heard something utterly disturbing. Sauron, in Mirkwood? How could this be? He stuck his ear to the door, listening intently. "Legolas was subject to a curse from Sauron. He will never rest until he gives himself to the dark lord… to do with him what he shall… or else commits suicide," Thranduil's distress was obvious, and Haldir bit his lips and listened harder. Galadriel was stunned, for she did not answer immediately. "Valar…" "Ever since he was a child, he has had seizures, nightmares and hallucinations. Sauron is calling him, in Legolas' dreams, he is calling my son… that is why I keep him sedated, his mind must be fogged enough to prevent the horrible apparitions… please understand, Galadriel… is there nothing you can do?" Haldir smiled and kept listening: he knew his lady had an answer to everything. "I… cannot," she said in a defeated voice, and Haldir gasped slightly, utterly surprised. Surely she was joking? What kind of evil sorcery could not be undone by the lady of light herself? "it is old magic, older than perhaps you and me… and very powerful… I am sorry, Thranduil…" Haldir heard the king sigh and felt him nod. "I understand… thank you," he said finally, almost crying. "Surely, though, he is talented as well?" "He is a good dancer and singer, but his skills with the bow are not the same since I started drugging him…" "How long have you been doing so?" "Legolas has lived in the shadows for more than twenty years." Thranduil sounded close to tears, and Haldir could not but feel pity for the king and his son. "Get some sleep, we will see if there is anything we can do tomorrow…" Galadriel said, but Haldir knew she would not be able to do anything. He stood back from the door just seconds before it opened, and a weary Thranduil stepped out, followed by Galadriel. "good night, my lord," she bade the king, and she walked back to her room with Haldir behind her. "you heard us, did you not, Haldir?" she asked, and he jerked and nodded in silence. "Forgive me, my lady." "Curiosity is not a crime," she answered simply. Haldir doubted before he asked an- other question. "Is there anything anyone can do for the prince, your highness?" she sighed sadly and looked at him. "I do not know, and I frankly doubt it. Still, to live his whole life with his mind clouded by sedatives…" "Maybe Lord Thranduil is only trying to keep his son safe," ventured the March- warden. She smiled and nodded. "Would you drug any of your brothers, Haldir?" he shook his head, and she smiled again. "Thranduil is a very strong man, and he can withstand these things. He will keep his son from Sauron by all means." "Perhaps, if he came to Lothlorien…" Haldir suddenly frowned, realizing how much he was worrying about the prince. Then again, the prince had a terrible burden to carry, and Haldir pitied him. She thought about it and nodded. "I shall talk to Thranduil. Thank you, Haldir, and good night," she entered her room and closed the door, and Haldir walked to his own room, still wondering what one's life would be like if they were carrying such a burden as Legolas', and feeling sorry for the prince. Chapter 2: the invitation Legolas sat down after having greeted Celeborn and Galadriel. He took his usual seat, beside his father, and he smiled when he handed him another red pill. He swallowed it obediently and felt that strange sleepiness take over his mind. He looked around to see Galadriel smiling at him and smiled back. Then he turned to Haldir and saw he was also staring at him. He smiled at Haldir, but the warden did not return the ges- ture. Legolas frowned and returned to his plate, feeling as his body started to go numb. He was used to it and did not worry until a sharp pain consumed his body. He closed his eyes tightly and tried to attract the attention of his father, but he was dis- tractedly talking to Celeborn, and he did not pay any attention. Haldir looked at Legolas and frowned. Something was wrong. He looked around to see if anyone had noticed and he saw that the three lords were deep into a political con- versation. "My prince?" he asked hesitantly, and Thranduil snapped awake and look at his son. "Damn it… Legolas?" the young prince did not answer, and Thranduil quickly searched in his pockets. "oh damn it,… Legolas, are you okay?" "I don't…" Legolas could only utter the words before he collapsed on the stone floor, trembling. Haldir stood up at the same time the other three did, but was the first to act. He held the prince's head to prevent any harsh movements of his head and tried to steady him while Thranduil dampened a cloth with the drug he had only just found. "Hold him, Haldir… here, it's alright, come on…" Thranduil pressed the drugged cloth to his son's nose, and soon the prince's trembling subsided. Thranduil lifted his limp body and looked at Celeborn and Galadriel. "he needs rest…" "But Thranduil… our meeting…" argued Celeborn, and Galadriel stood up and made a slight sign to Haldir. She approached the king and spoke softly. "We will care for him, do not worry. You take care of the meeting." Thranduil seemed about to protest, but he nodded and handed his son to Haldir. After all, he had always trusted Galadriel, and he knew she was doing the right thing. "come, Haldir. Come," said Galadriel, and Haldir followed her out of the room, carrying the prince in his arms. * Legolas woke up to see he was on a soft bed, but he had no recollection of ever get- ting there. He looked around and saw Haldir standing by the door, and Galadriel by his side. "Rest, Legolas, you need it." he shook his head and tried to sit up. His head was clear, but he did not remember anything. "What happened?" "You had a small attack on the dining room. It is okay, Haldir and I will look after you." Legolas shook his head again, and he tried to stand up, but the lady held him. "It's alright. Rest." he lay down again and breathed deeply. He looked at the ceiling and saw figures dancing there, and he looked down to see the woman he knew so well beside him. His mother was laying beside him, her eyes open, her face bloody and disfigured, her mouth open in a silent scream. "No!" he jerked away from the woman and tried to walk away, but a pair of strong hands held him fast. "let me go!" he fought the hands, but their grip was crushing. In his ears, he heard a dark and evil voice, calling him. *come to me, Legolas, surrender to me…* "no! Please let me go!" Galadriel only stared as Legolas panicked under Haldir's grip. She took a small bottle from the night table and soaked a piece of fabric in it, which she applied to the prince's nose. He screamed as if in extreme pain and thrashed around the bed, pleading for Haldir to release him. Haldir was overwhelmed. To have the prince in his hands, begging for his life, was too much. He felt panic rising inside him and sighed when the struggles subsided. Legolas was left in the bed, panting, but seemingly calmed. His eyes were clouded and Haldir knew he had been successfully drugged. "Legolas?" he turned towards Galadriel and nodded, and Haldir felt his heart tighten. "are you alright?" he nodded again, weakly. She smiled sadly and caressed his hair. "rest, Legolas. Haldir will look after you, okay?" he nodded again and Galadriel looked at Haldir, and he nodded too. She stood up and left the room, and Haldir sat down some feet away from Legolas. "Do you like my kingdom?" he asked sleepily, and haldir looked at him. "Yes, it is beautiful." Legolas smiled and looked at the ceiling again. Haldir could not stop the question. "Are you not tired of drugs?" he looked at him and nodded. "I am used to them… I have had them for a long time now… I can think when I use them, but it is difficult… my father says I must take them in order to be normal… he says I have a problem with my mind…" he spoke very slowly, and Haldir was utterly sad to see the beautiful prince in that state. He smiled and said, "There is no problem." "He says my mind plays tricks on me…" Legolas was talking numbly, and it seemed to cost him a lot of work. He looked at Haldir and smiled again. "you are a good man… thank you for caring for me…" "It is an honor, my prince," answered the older elf, seemingly surprised by the com- pliment. "My father never leaves me alone… I have a guard that watches over me when I sleep and I can't leave the castle…" Legolas continued to mumble until he fell asleep, and Haldir watched over him for the whole day. When the prince woke up, his head was clear again and he stood up, and was going to leave the room. "Is something wrong, my prince?" asked Haldir as he stood up as well, and Legolas looked at him and smiled. "No, thank you…" he left the room and heard Haldir follow him. Legolas entered the small study and saw Thranduil speaking to Galadriel. "good evening, father," he said as he sat down beside his father, and then Galadriel spoke. "Legolas, how would you like to come to Lothlorien for a while?" Legolas smiled and spoke enthusiastically. "I would feel honored, my lady." she smiled and turned to Thranduil, who smiled at Legolas and said, "Well, how would it be that you left tomorrow morning?" Legolas smiled and nodded. It was the first time his father let him leave the city, and he felt grateful and lucky. He ran to his room after thanking him to pack his belongings, and he heard as Haldir fol- lowed him close behind. When he was gone, Galadriel turned to the king. "I will try, Thranduil, but I cannot promise anything." he nodded and heard as his ea- ger son packed his things. Chapter Three: strange and unexpected. Legolas rode his stallion happily, not really listening to anything else. Haldir rode be- side him, looking at the road and keeping an eye on the prince. He had refused to take his morning pill, and Haldir feared that he would start having hallucinations and behaving oddly. True, he did seem a lot happier than when he was drugged, but still… he could be in danger. "What is it?" asked Legolas, and Haldir looked at him. "Nothing, my prince." "Please, just call me Legolas," he asked kindly, and Haldir nodded. "Very well, Legolas it is." they rode quietly for another three hours until Galadriel stopped. She was tired, and Haldir and the guards started setting up a camp. Legolas, meanwhile, had sat down on a small rock and was reading. Galadriel sat beside him and he looked at her and smiled. "What are you reading?" she asked kindly, and he smiled. "Legends. I like reading, but I cannot do it often. I… don't easily understand the words when I am medicated." he spoke simply, but she could feel the sadness in his voice. "Have you not spoken to your father?" "He is a busy man, I must not worry him with my unimportant problems." "But they are important. After all, you are his only son…" Legolas looked at her and he shrugged slightly, then he continued reading. However, he no longer seemed inter- ested in the book, and after a while he spoke again. "My father had never let me leave the city… he always was overprotective and he did- n't seem to care about my eagerness to explore… I thank you for having convinced him," he smiled at her, and she nodded in response. "it is strange, I have been locked in for so long, now everything seems different… I remember he let me go out and play when I was young," Galadriel smiled again and listened closely. Legolas seemed to miss the opportunity of being outdoors, and she was happy that she had helped him with it. "I am glad he is letting you travel with us," "Yes," agreed the prince. After a while, and saying he was tired, he excused himself and entered his tent. Haldir looked at Galadriel and he walked to her at a hand ges- ture. "Stay with him. Make sure nothing happens. He is our responsibility." "Yes, my lady." Haldir entered the prince's tent and saw Legolas was in his pajamas. He was looking at a small table with a sad expression, and Haldir saw a red pill laying there. Legolas looked at him and smiled. "I have always known I was different. I saw people that weren't there… and they told me things." "Such as?" "About him. And his power. And his beauty. They told me to meet him. I wanted to and I asked my father for permission. Then he became different. Never let me do any- thing…" Legolas smiled bitterly and took the small pill. "it is always a sacrifice, taking this… I stop thinking. I can't do anything for myself anymore…" "What if you didn't take it?" Legolas looked at him and frowned. "I see them again. Ghosts. Devils. They haunt me." Haldir nodded and looked away. "Can you not fight them?" "I have tried. Many times, I have not taken my medication and I sleep, and I am cer- tain I can beat them. Of course, once they come,… everything changes." he smiled and looked at Haldir, and the older elf could see the pain in his face. "And the seizures?" "Sometimes they are stronger than the medication… they attack me. I have become used to them, I can almost feel them coming." Legolas looked at his left and Haldir saw his eyes widen in fear. "Legolas?" he looked at the prince as he swallowed the pill and sighed, and his eyes clouded again. "Good night, Haldir. Sleep well…" Legolas said softly as he lay down. Haldir doubted, and he left the tent and sat beside it, waiting. He thought of his chat with the prince, and how conscious he was of the curse upon him. He recalled his moves and his cal- culated expressions, and he remembered the beauty of his clear mind. He was also physically attractive, no doubt. His body was lean yet strong, and his face was perfect and young. Haldir was surprised to realize he was attracted to Legolas. He shook his head and lay down beside Legolas' tent, and tried to get some sleep. * Legolas walked slowly around the large room. It was lavishly decorated, and it was no doubt owned by a rich person. He continued to pace until a voice spoke to him. "Like it?" he turned to see a man in a black robe. He was attractive, and his eyes were red and fiery. "Yes," he answered politely and he looked at the man, who pointed to the center of the room, where a huge bed was placed. "Care for a taste?" "Excuse me?" the unknown man approached Legolas, and the prince started to feel a cold aura around him. "The bed. Care to try it?" he asked again and took Legolas' hand, causing the prince to tense slightly. "No, thank you…" "You should. It is an absolutely scrumptious sensation." the man was an aristocrat, Legolas thought, for he used a formal language. "I thank you for your kindness, but I…" he was silenced by a finger upon his lips. The next thing he knew, he was on the bed, and his wrists were trapped in the man's hands. He struggled to free himself, and he gasped when he was kicked on the ribs. "What are you doing?!" he asked frantically, and the man smiled and shrugged. "I am showing you what you will enjoy later." "Later?" "When you give yourself to me," he said simply, and he ran his tongue along Legolas' ear and neck. It caused him a burning pain, and he shouted and struggled against the man's grip, earning another kick. "Come, come, Legolas, don't be so stubborn," he said as he gripped the prince's hands with one claw and moved to undo his shirt. * Haldir had been awoken by a sudden movement somewhere close, and he stood up, his dagger in his hand. He heard ragged breathing and turned to see Legolas shaking inside his tent. He entered the large room and saw Legolas had his hands held over his head and was seemingly struggling. He moved closer and saw small lines of blood on Legolas' wrists, and he gasped when he noticed a significant mark on the price's neck, as if he had been burned. Not knowing what to do, he leaned close to the prince and whispered to him. "Legolas? Are you alright?" * "Please don't!" pleaded the prince as the man ran his nails through his chest, drawing blood. He felt an incredible pain and screamed, and he heard the man laugh. "I beg you!" "Yes, soon you will be begging," crooned the man, and he moved lower until is hands touched the waistband of Legolas' trousers. "Legolas?" a voice inside the prince's head called him, a soft and sweet voice, and Le- golas lifted his head. "Legolas, are you okay?" "Haldir!" he shouted, only to be silenced by a harsh slap. * Haldir poked the prince, gasping again when he saw his shirt was stained with blood. He removed the prince's shirt and saw deep cuts on his sides, and he swore. "Wake up!" he said as he shook the prince, and Legolas finally woke with a scream. Haldir made him lay down and took some bandages from his bag as he asked, "what happened?" "He is calling for me… he wants me to go to him…" Legolas was shaking and hid dis- tress was obvious. "It's okay, it was just a dream…" said haldir as he bandaged the princes' wrists and chest, and Legolas tried to relax. Haldir moved to his neck and the prince closed his eyes, still trembling. "What did you dream?" asked Haldir softly and Legolas sighed. "I… was in a room… and he was there… he pulled me to the bed and he…" Haldir nod- ded as he understood the dream the prince had had. "Tis okay, do not worry. Here," said Haldir as he handed the prince a glass of water, and Legolas drained it quickly. "get some sleep, I will wake you if anything happens," he said reassuringly, and the prince nodded and fell asleep again. He didn't seem to be having anymore nightmares, and Haldir sighed in relief. It seemed that the prince would have a peaceful night, and he smiled. He took a moment to admire Legolas' beauty and then he did something unexpected. He ran his hand through the prince's hair and he smiled at the feeling. He stayed beside the prince the rest of the night, watching closely for any signs of bad dreams. Chapter four: confession. Legolas walked around his room at the top of the mallorn, and he smiled as he felt the sunlight warm him. It was morning, and he had only awakened. His head was still clouded, but he did not care much. He looked down and saw his cuts had healed to- tally after one week. He had no scars, and he smiled when he saw his wrists were fine too. He heard a small sound and turned to the door while he reached for his robe. "Good morning," greeted Haldir as he handed Legolas a tray. He thanked him and sat down, feeling hungry. "How did you sleep?" "Fine, thank you," answered the prince, and he smiled. "I was wondering if we could practice some archery today…" Haldir frowned, and Legolas looked at him. "please? I have not touched my bow in months, and I may be losing my skills…" "And the pill?" asked Haldir, and Legolas sighed in despair. "I do not want the damn pill anymore!" he shouted, though not at Haldir. The older elf smiled and reassured Legolas. "Alright… but promise me you will take I later." "I will," he answered, and went to the bathroom to change. Haldir smiled. He and Le- golas had become good friends over the past month, and Haldir still admired the prince's personality and soul, even when it was subdued by drugs. And also, of course, he admired his looks. He was beautiful, and the Lorien ambient seemed to suit him greatly. He smiled when Legolas came out, wearing a simple tunic and trousers. They left the talan and went to the archery field, chatting now and then. "See? I am better than you are!" said Legolas as he shot dead center, again. Haldir nodded and smiled. "Yes, you are. It is an innate talent, I dare say." Legolas looked at him and sat down on the soft grass, looking at Haldir, "I… I realize I never thanked you for what you did for me that night when I had the nightmare…" Haldir sat beside him and answered with a smile. "No problem." "See, I have been wanting to tell you…" Legolas blushed and Haldir frowned. He had never seen the prince blush. "that you are a great friend and…" Haldir felt something tug inside him and he looked at Legolas. "And?" "And that I…" Legolas seemed unable to find any words, and he just looked away. Haldir, though, reached out and cupped his face. "You…?" "I… am falling in…" Haldir looked at him and his eyes widened. "in love," finished Le- golas, and Haldir gasped softly and smiled. "Really?" "Forgive me…" said Legolas miserably, and Haldir shook his head. "No, Legolas, see… I, too, have been falling in love…" Legolas looked at him and smiled only a little. Haldir cupped his face and he sighed when their lips made contact. He heard Legolas gasp into the kiss and he opened his mouth, trying to persuade the prince into deepening the kiss. * *Yes, my prince, you would experience something like this, only better. I would give you anything, everything, if only you will surrender to me…* Legolas heard the voice but tried to ignore it as he felt Haldir deepen the kiss slightly. He sighed and tried to answer, but he felt a strong pull on his tunic and he pulled away. "What is it?" asked Haldir, and he swore when he saw Legolas' eyes were wide and he was looking at the trees ahead. "Please leave me alone…" begged the prince, and Haldir looked at him and frowned. "Legolas?" "No!" the prince lifted his hands to cover his face and haldir saw a cut appear on his arms as if by magic. He gasped and pulled Legolas close. "Legolas, tis alright, you are here with me, it is not real…" "I will tell you what is real!" shouted the man as he held Legolas' neck and choked him. The prince gasped and tried to fight the hands, but they were too strong. Haldir pulled a damp cloth out of his pocket and clamped it over Legolas' face. The prince saw the figure in front of him disappear slowly and he turned to see Haldir reaching for his bandages. "Forgive me…" he said weakly as he let himself fall on the soldier's arms. He felt as Haldir bandaged him and he could not help but kiss him lightly when he was done. "I love you," he whispered, and Haldir nodded and kissed him back. "And I, you, my prince. I love you too." Chapter five: more troubles. Aragorn entered the dining room with an arrogant smile. He was king of Gondor, and he would not let anyone contradict him. He sat down after a small nod to Galadriel and her husband, and he held his cup as the servants poured his wine. "It has been long since you last visited us," said Galadriel, and Aragorn nodded and drained his cup. "Yes, I have missed the peace that your realm provides. Though things at Gondor are most interesting too…" he stopped talking when he heard the door open. "Ah, Haldir… what happened?" asked Galadriel, and Aragorn turned to see the tall March-warden walk to Galadriel. "Legolas has had… complications," he said softly, and she nodded and looked at Aragorn. "Our last guest will not make it today, it seems. We shall dine alone," Haldir nodded and left the room. After some minutes, though, he came back, walking into the room after another man. Aragorn looked at him and saw the most beautiful elf he had seen. He was absolutely gorgeous, even more so than his wife, the Evenstar. "Legolas, what a pleasure to have to here! I take it you have…?" "I am fine, my lady, thank you… we had some complications, but I am alright," said Legolas as he sat down, not seeming to notice Aragorn. The man saw the prince's arms were bandaged and he could see small red lines beneath the bandage. "Oh, Legolas, this is Aragorn, the king of Gondor." Legolas looked at Aragorn and stood up, rather ashamed. "Forgive me, my king, I did not see you…" he said as he shook the man's hand. Aragorn looked at the prince and smiled with some effort. He was indeed a fair man, and Aragorn gasped slightly when he felt his lower region harden unexpectedly. "Don't worry,…?" said Aragorn, wondering the man's name. "I am Legolas Green-leaf, prince f Mirkwood. It is a honor to meet such celebrity as the king of men," said Legolas as he sat down again, between Haldir and Galadriel. Aragorn saw the soldier smile at Legolas and he frowned. Could there be something between them? "How do you feel?" asked Galadriel kindly, and Legolas smiled and answered. "I feel alright. I did not take my pill today, but I am not having any problems. Though Haldir had to… calm me some hours ago," she nodded and looked at Aragorn, who stared at the prince. "Is something wrong?" asked Legolas suddenly when he noticed Aragorn, and the king shook his head. The meal wore on and at last Legolas stood up, and Haldir after him. He looked rather nervous, and he walked out of the room quickly, with the warden behind.Aragorn ex- cused himself and he left, covering his growing manhood with his cloak. He entered his room and lowered his breeches, taking himself in his hand and stroking himself, all the while thinking of Legolas. "So gorgeous…" he moaned again and again as he pumped his hand =with increasing sped until he fell on his bed with a shudder. * Haldir looked at Legolas as he lay down. He had confessed his love two weeks ago, and he was happy. However, Legolas had shown little improvement at managing his hallucinations, and he had more and more cuts every day. Haldir was worried. He took a small red pill and moved to Legolas. He looked at the pill and turned away, seemingly angry. "Legolas…" "I am not taking that," he said simply, and Haldir sighed. "Your wounds are worsening." "I don't care. I will heal." "You are in danger." "I always have been, I am in no more danger than I was in a hundred years ago." "Legolas, for the Valar, you are in pain!" "I would rather be in pain than stupefied by that!" said Legolas as he glared at the pill. He turned away from Haldir and spoke softly. "maybe I should just… obey… and give myself to him… maybe I could bargain for him to remove the curse…" "Legolas, listen to yourself!" said Haldir, and he pulled Legolas close. "he would only give you more pain and suffering…" "I already *am* suffering, Haldir…" "I know… but we can work this out… together. Just trust me, love, and I will help you…" Legolas nodded and lay down on Haldir's arms. * Meanwhile, in his room, Aragorn mused. That March-warden was always close to Le- golas, and he had to find a way to get his hands on the gorgeous prince. He had to devise a plan. And devised a plan he did. Chapter six: the attack. Legolas and Haldir walked around the gardens, admiring its beauty and relishing in its peace. Legolas had not taken his pills that morning, and Haldir was keeping a close eye on the prince. He kept a small vial of sedative inside his pocket, but he didn't tell the prince. "My father would never approve of my not taking my medications," said Legolas shyly as he looked at a lily. "he would force me… thank you for understanding," he said, and he kissed Haldir lightly. The older elf sighed, he always loved the prince's little kisses, and he was not expecting anything else. He did not want sex, only love. "Haldir?" the March-warden jerked and saw Aragorn walking towards him, and he sighed. "Yes, Lord Aragorn?" "I bare a message for you. The lady needs you immediately." Haldir stood up and looked at Legolas. "Will you stay here?" "Yes. Will you be long?" "I hope not. I will se you in a few minutes," said Haldir and he kissed the prince's forehead. Legolas smiled and watched him walk away. "So…" said Aragorn as he sat down beside Legolas, "what is there between you and the warden?" Legolas looked at him and he smiled shyly. "Nothing… we are friends…" after a look from the king he continued. "alright, we are maybe closer than that. But it is nothing… I mean… we don't have… sex or anything…" he smiled and Aragorn too. "You are very open to people, it seems." "Yes… I am," said Legolas as he reclines his back on a nearby tree. "And very handsome, at that," said Aragorn, and Legolas blushed. "Thank you…" "In fact, you are so beautiful you must be married. Or engaged, at the least." Legolas shook his head and he sighed sadly. "My father would never allow me to have a partner… he would not approve of Haldir and me being… well, he never approves on anything." The day wore on and Aragorn was getting tired. He just wanted to get the pretty brat to kiss him… and then, perhaps things would develop into a more fulfilling result. He decided to act and stood up, and Legolas imitated him. "Leaving, my lord?" he asked, and Aragorn nodded. He walked beside Legolas and seemed to go past him, only a moment later, both were on the floor. "Oh… forgive me," said Aragorn as he held the prince's hands over his head. He seemed his eyes widen and smiled. "What–?" "Relax, my prince." said Aragorn and he smashed their mouths together. Legolas shouted in fear and tried to push the man away, but he was stopped by a harsh punch. And then… * "Relax, princeling! I will not hurt you!" said the handsome man in the black robe as he lowered Legolas' pants. "Please, I beg you! Don't do this!" the man only shook his head in amusement and he laughed. "I'm sorry, dear prince, but I am not into pleading." in a swift movement, he had Le- golas chained to the wall with unbreakable chains. He shouted and begged, but the man did not cease his brutal assault. He kicked and punched Legolas, and in the end the prince was dangling from the chains, bleeding. "Please…" he choked out weakly, and the man laughed again. "Keep begging, my sweet dear Legolas…" he said softly as he ran his clawed hand through the prince's chest. He drew blood instantly, and Legolas whimpered in pain. "Don't do this! Please! No!" "Surrender to me, my prince, and I will never stop pleasing you. Surrender," repeated the man to the pointed ear, and Legolas shook his head. "No! I beg you! Don't!" the man was busy divesting himself, and Legolas felt utter fear when he saw the man's strong body. He approached Legolas and smiled, and then he took the prince's legs. The chains cut his wrists, and Legolas continued to sob and beg for his life. "Don't do this, please… *please*, Sauron, I beg you!" * "What the hell are you doing?! Legolas!" Haldir shouted as he rammed Aragorn to the ground and ran to Legolas. His chest was bleeding horribly, and his wrists were a mess. He was barely conscious. "Hal…" he managed to choke out as he was lifted and rushed to the hospital. Aragorn ran behind him, shocked. He had hit Legolas and then, al of a sudden, the prince had started to struggle and scream. Aragorn hadn't cared until he had started bleeding profusely. He had been too surprised to ravage the prince and then Haldir had shown up. What had been wrong with Legolas, *what* had happened? He did not know, but he wanted to find out quickly. The sooner he learned how to stop the bleeding, the sooner he would be getting his prize. The prince woke up and saw he was in his room again. His mind felt clouded, and his whole body ached horribly. "Thank the Valar you are alright!" whispered Haldir as he entered the room. Legolas looked at him and he smiled, though weakly. "What… happened?" he had to make a great effort to utter the words. "You had another vision, love. Tis alright, I will look after you." Legolas nodded and tried to raise his hands, but they were secured beside him by a soft belt and they were heavily bandaged. "your father is coming…" the prince snapped his head and looked at Haldir. "No…" "He gave instructions not to move you or let you out… you are to remain here… you must be kept sedated…" Haldir said with watery eyes. "Please, Haldir…" "I am sorry, love… I can't do anything…" Legolas sobbed silently, knowing what the news meant. He would be taken back to Mirkwood, and the drugs would be upon him night and day. And he would have to stop seeing Haldir. He sighed in dismay and fell asleep. Chapter seven: I do this for you. Legolas woke up and saw he was still in his bed. He looked out the window and saw the sun had set totally. A tray lay beside his bed, but he could not reach it: he tried to raise his hands again only to see they were still held fast by the soft leather straps. His mind felt clear, and he was beginning to feel the pain his wounds caused. He watched lazily as a young hawk stepped near his window, and he smiled slightly, try- ing to ignore the blasting pain. He heard quick footsteps and he turned to the door, which blasted open. The king of Mirkwood stepped inside, and he looked at his bound son. Galadriel stepped inside after him, and she was looking at Thranduil with fear on her face. "Legolas!" the prince looked at his father and he smiled slightly. He looked behind his father to see Haldir step into the room, and he felt his heart swell in joy. "Ada…" he said after a small pause. Thranduil gasped and stared at his son. At a sign from Galadriel, Haldir moved to his lover and slowly removed the prince's wrist ban- dages. When Legolas flinched and gasped softly in pain, Thranduil moved to his son again. He stepped past Haldir and looked at his son, his expression changing from fear to anger in a moment. "You have not taken your pills, Green-leaf." Legolas' eyes widened and he looked at his father and swallowed hard. "Father, I…" "You haven't, have you, Laeg?" Legolas looked at his father again, and slowly, he opened his mouth. "No, sir." Haldir was surprised of the fear that was present in Legolas' voice, but he was more surprised to see Thranduil's reaction. "Damn you, Legolas!" he said as he slapped his son, bringing a new wave of pain to the prince, who whimpered. "But ada, please, I…" "You nothing! How could you do this?!" the king turned to Haldir and asked him harshly, "where are his pills?!" Haldir was rather stunned, and he shook his head to show Thranduil he had no clue. The king turned to Galadriel and asked again. "Where are my son's medications?" "I do not know, Thranduil, calm down…" he looked at her, scandalized, and nodded. "Very well then." he fished a clear vial from his pocket, and Legolas' eyes widened in fear. "Please, ada, no!" he begged as he struggled against the leather bonds, and Thranduil looked at him and seemed to be moved by his son's fear. "Don't fear me, Laeg… it's okay…" he gripped his son's neck, ignoring Galadriel and Haldir's gasps, and he pressed a damp cloth over his son's nose and mouth. "I am do- ing this for you," he whispered, and he felt his son shout and struggle. After a while, he could only hear soft muffled sounds, a futile attempt from Legolas to fight the overwhelming drug. "Thranduil, stop it!" said Galadriel sternly, and Thranduil was awoken from his sudden madness. He uncovered the prince's face, only to have the young elf fall on the bed, his body limp. "How could you do this, Galadriel?! I trusted you!" "He was doing alright! He was not in imminent danger," said Galadriel smoothly, and Thranduil breathed deep and calmed himself. Haldir had moved to the prince's side and he took his head in his arms, cradling the limp elf. Thranduil saw him and, again, he flared up. He took Legolas' limp form and quickly looked at the queen. "I want to take him back home. He has been here long enough." Galadriel shook her head in disbelief. "Let me go with you. I will help. Please," she asked, and Thranduil nodded. Haldir was about to follow her, but Thranduil stopped him. "Not you." Haldir felt like protesting, but he let the king leave, carrying his loved one in his arms. "He is weak. Are you sure you want to do this?" asked Galadriel, and Thranduil nod- ded and placed his son inside the small cart. It had been attached to a tent, and it was a fairly cozy arrangement. Legolas was still firmly under, though he had been se- dated hours ago, and Thranduil did not seem to care. "I will ride, you stay in the cart with my son," he asked her politely, and she nodded. She gasped when she saw Legolas had been severely tied and immobilized. She tried to make him comfortable, and gasped when he moaned and opened his eyes. "My… lady…" he said in a strangled voice, and he tried to fight the strong bonds. She stroked his hair and saw him calm down. "Relax, Legolas. It is alright." "Hal… Haldir?" he asked weakly, and she felt sadness engulf her. "Haldir is not here Legolas." he sighed sadly and turned his head away, still strug- gling. She untied him and he flexed his arms and sat up, trying to think clearly. She quickly scanned his body for wounds, and when she found none, she looked at him. "Where are we?" he asked sleepily, and she looked around her and smiled. "We are on our way to Mirkwood." she saw his eyes cloud in sadness and she smiled sadly at him. "My father found out about Haldir and me, didn't he?" "Yes." he sighed and lay down again. She handed him some fruit, and he ate it grate- fully. Galadriel gasped when he suddenly Legolas fell asleep, and she smelled the plate to realize the food had been soaked in sedatives. She finally started understand- ing how brutal Thranduil could be towards his son, and she felt sorry for him. She wondered the kind of impact that the extensive use of drugs would have on the young man, and she sat down and thought while she heard the horses pull the cart. Chapter eight: fading away. Thranduil smiled as he left his room. His small sand clock said that it was time to go to his son's room. It had been a while since Galadriel had left, and he had taken the care of his child into his own hands. He searched his pockets and drew a small bronze key, which he used to open his son's room. He had kept him locked in the large habi- tation, and never let anyone in save for servants. He entered the room and saw his son eating the lunch he had been brought. He did not look up when his father en- tered, maybe because he was too busy with the tray he could barely handle in his numbed state. "Good day, Laeg." Legolas looked up and responded. "Good day, sire." Thranduil frowned. "Sire?" "Yes, my king." Legolas' tone was calm, but the king knew there was something wrong. "Did you take your medication?" "I had to, since you forced me–again– to have it." Legolas looked at his father, and Thranduil saw his eyes were clear, not a good sign. The king was confused. "Are you starting to fight the medications, Laeg?" "I am tired of being a slave to your will," answered the prince and he stood up. Thranduil looked at him and then he smiled. "You are no slave, Laeg, my son, you are just in need of help." "Sedatives are not the kind of help I need, father, and you *know* it," said Legolas, and his father smiled again and laughed. "Then what do you need, my dear child?" "I want you to leave me be. I want you to let me love and be loved back. I want you to stop treating me like an invalid!" shouted the prince, and Thranduil was taken aback. "What the–?" "Only because I have this… curse… doesn't mean that I am less than anyone else. I have the same rights, and you… you refuse to accept that." he spoke softly and sounded like he was defeated. "you just keep me under those damn drugs. I can fight this curse! I can fight it, I found out when I was in Lorien!" "Enough!" said the king, and with a swift move, he knocked his son to the floor. "Don't you do that!" "Is that a challenge?!" asked the king as he slapped his son, and he clamped the same old cloth and sedative to his son's nose, making him go limp, but not uncon- scious. "don't say that again, Laeg, do you hear me?" asked the king, and Legolas nodded submissively and he sobbed. Some part of him, not his mind, was feeling an utter pain. It was unexplainable and Legolas didn't understand it. He felt like his heart had been broken beyond repair and he was bleeding into his soul. He was becoming isolated, thanks in part to his father, and the voice did not seem to stop calling for him. He was fading away, slowly but inevitably… and all the time, he waited. Sauron still waited. /he still waits…/ he thought desperately, /I can still go to him…/ but he shook his head and he banished the thought. And then, another thought invaded his mind… Chapter nine: a wake up call. Legolas woke up in the middle of the night. He struggled to free his mind from the stupefying sedatives, and he finally willed his limbs out of numbness. He picked up the long length of rope he had saved and he opened his window. Breathing deeply, he climbed down from his window and found himself in the gardens. He looked around him, checking for guards, and seeing none, he ran out of the kingdom using an alternate gate. He ran into the woods and after a long while, he found what he was looking for. He remembered the time when he had been allowed to go out and play, and he had found a tall waterfall. He sighed and climbed to the top of the waterfall and he looked down. Roaring water ran below, ready to batter and drown anyone foolish enough to slip… or to jump… /you will regret it…/ he heard a voice inside him. And then, he turned right to see that hideous man standing beside him. "Are you going to do it yet, chicken?" he asked snidely, and Legolas sighed. "No. I can't," "I knew it. You coward. Just do it! Don't you want peace?" Legolas looked at him and his eyes flooded. "I can't…" "Did you not want me to leave you alone? This is your chance. Or are you going to run back to daddy and the sedatives?" Legolas looked at him. He was crying. "I am going to do it," he said to him, and he took a deep breath and closed his eyes. * Aragorn was tracking the spiders. Again. He relished in it, though, for he did miss his days as a ranger. He heard a loud splash somewhere nearby and he went to investigate, feeling curious. He saw only the large waterfall before he looked down and saw… "Holy shit…" he stared at the limp figure in the river and suddenly saw golden hair and a beautiful face. The elf. *The* elf. Legolas. "Legolas!" he ran and dove into the pool, and took the elf's collar and with an incredible effort, pulled him out. Legolas wasn't breathing anymore. "Damn it!" he gave the elf a tough press on the chest and he woke up. He was soaking wet and, though his face was wet, Aragorn knew he was crying. "Lord… Aragorn," he choked out, panting. "Legolas? What–? How–?" "Doesn't matter," said the elf curtly, and Aragorn nodded. Legolas stood up and was going to leave before Aragorn stopped him. "Hey, I saved your life. Don't I deserve a little… treat?" asked the ranger as he held the wet body against his. "No, you do not. Leave me be…" said Legolas, and he gasped when Aragorn knocked him on the floor. * Thranduil blasted into the bodyguard's room and woke him up with a scream. "Sunion! Where is Legolas?!" "My lord, I…" "Come, search for him!" he said, and he stormed out, leaving the guard stunned. * "Get off!" shouted Legolas as he struggled against his captor. But the man didn't relent. He just pinned Legolas down under his body's weight and laughed amusedly. "Don't give me orders, boy! You forget, I am also a king…" he laughed and ravaged the prince's mouth. Legolas ripped his mouth off his and looked beside him to see Sauron smiling. "I hate to say this, dear prince. But… I did warn you," he laughed and sat beside him. "I am definitely going to enjoy this." "Shut up!" shouted the prince as he struggled to get to the laughing man and kill him. Aragorn looked at him and asked, "What the hell are you doing?" he laughed again and Legolas heard a sudden scream and the weight upon him increase. "Here he is!" shouted a known voice, and suddenly, Sunion was beside him. "my prince, you are cold as ice…" "Legolas!" Thranduil shouted as he knelt beside his son. "why are you doing this??? You could have died! Why are you wet? You didn't…" "He jumped off the waterfall," said Sauron calmly, and he chuckled. "your own and only son, Thranduil, jumping off the cliff. You have a cowardly son." "I said *shut* up!" shouted Legolas at the trees, and Thranduil started searching his pockets for the sedatives he kept there. "Look, princeling. Your merciful father will drug you again." Sauron leaned close and spoke to the prince's ear. "if you are going to try again, little prince, this is when." "Yes…" "Do it!" as if inspired by a supernatural force, Legolas fought his father away and ran to the waterfall again, with his bodyguard close behind him. He jumped up the rocks and grabbed the sharp edges, cutting his hands in the process. Beside him, Sauron slid effortlessly, still smiling in that strange way. "Let me tell you, Legolas, I am proud of you, in a way. You are fighting them and that's good. That's very good indeed…" Legolas did not look at him, and he panted as he climbed the steep wall. "Legolas, get here this moment!" shouted Thranduil as he ran to get his son. Legolas, however, ignored him. He was already at the top of the rocks, and he looked down again. "Please… just finish me this time…" he begged the water, and he looked at Sauron again. "It will. Don't worry," he said with a grin. Legolas nodded and looked down again. "No!" Thranduil felt his blood chill in his veins as he saw his only son jump down the waterfall. He saw his muscles tense as the water engulfed his body, and he saw his son disappear into the foam. But then… /Fight!/ Legolas couldn't breathe. His head was underwater, and he could not make it to the surface. /breathe in!/ Haldir's voice sounded in his mind. He tried desperately to break through the water and breathe. At last, he was allowed a fleeting gasp before he was pulled under again. He felt his mind start to go blank and he shook hie head and managed to breathe again. Then, he felt a sudden pull on his shirt and he saw someone beside him. "Haldir!" he shouted in a strangled voice, and he saw the current take his loved one away. "No! Haldir! No!" the strong hands that held him pulled him out of the water and started checking for wounds. "Haldir! Haldir!" he kept screaming, and he shouted when he saw the warden's face disappear. "Haldir!!" Thranduil was absolutely shocked. He saw the deep cuts on his son's face as Sunion struggled to steady him, and he saw how he was looking at the river and calling for… "Haldir!!" Legolas struggled against the hands that held him. Haldir was caught in a small shallow spot, and he tried desperately to get to him. He shouted in dismay when a hand slapped his cheek, and he turned to see Sauron beside him, frowning. "Get a grip, Legolas!" he said and he looked at Sunion. "he is far stronger. Let him go." "No! Haldir!" the prince continued to scream and then a small cloth was pressed to his mouth. "None of that!" he heard Sauron shout and start to fade away. He felt the man holding him let go and he looked up to see a faint silhouette. "Haldir…?" he asked hopefully, and he fainted. Chapter ten: acceptance. Thranduil looked at the form in front of him. He was still processing the night's events. Legolas had tried to commit suicide… twice; Aragorn was dead, and Galadriel had arrived that morning, saying that Thranduil needed to reconsider the danger of the situation. She had told him to listen to his son and reconsider what he had decided. And he had not slept. He replayed Legolas' confession in his mind, again and again… /I want you to let me love and be loved back…/ he didn't understand. His son had never fallen in love, and now… a mrch-warden? He sighed and attached the small letter to the falcon and he threw the bird out the window. * Haldir paced his room. His lady had left for Mirkwood only a few days ago, and he hadn't been able to join her. He was feeling extremely uneasy, and he worried for Legolas against his will. He knew it was all over between them, and he didn't want to die of a broken heart, but it was still happening. He saw a small falcon on the window and would have ignored it, but it held a small piece of parchment in its back. He untied the parchment and unfolded it, feeling puzzled. Haldir of Lorien, You are hereby summoned to the kingdom of Mirkwood by King Thranduil, ruler of said place. I beg you forgive me for the way I treated you, and I request your help dearly. Legolas' need is dire. Please help me. His majesty, king Thranduil of Mirkwood. Haldir read the letter through three times before he understood. "Legolas' need is dire…" he whispered, and he understood. He was fading away. The March-warden folded the letter, stored it in his pocket, and ran to the stables. * "Legolas, wake up!" the prince was shaking and his body felt on fire, even with the influence of those damned drugs upon him. He opened his eyes and saw Thranduil and Galadriel looking at him. "are you okay?" he shook his head and saw them frown. "Haldir…" he shook his head again and shouted softly as he felt the most unbearable pain course him. He saw Thranduil gasp and reach for his pockets, and he saw Galadriel stop him. "He could die," she said simply, and he stepped back, shocked. "Hal…" Legolas coughed and he was shocked to taste blood. His father was also immensely frightened, and he walked back to Legolas. "Laeg! What is it?" "I… need… him…" he choked out before he was silenced by more coughs. "please…" the door opened suddenly and Haldir stepped inside. "Haldir!" said Galadriel, surprised. "My lady, my lord…" he greeted quickly before he moved to Legolas. "my love?" "Haldir…" Legolas smiled and spoke softly. Haldir smiled and held the prince in his hands. Legolas smiled and he felt his heart live again. He was next to his beloved one, and he felt that, at last, he was safe from his demons. * "Have you taken the medication?" asked Thranduil as Legolas entered the room. "No," he answered simply, and he saw the king tense. "but don't worry, I have some in my pocket… just in case…" the king nodded and continued eating as his son sat down. "Where is your little chosen one?" asked the older elf casually, and Legolas smiled. "He is traveling, but you know that." the king nodded and laughed, and Legolas smiled more broadly. He was delighted when he heard a door open and a familiar strut. "Good day, sire," said Haldir as he bowed, and Thranduil smiled at him. Haldir them sat down beside Legolas and smiled at him, and the young elf smiled back. "May we leave, father?" asked the prince, and Thranduil smiled and nodded. Legolas stood up and grabbed Haldir's hand, and he lead him to his bedroom. "I missed you," he whispered softly as he hugged the bigger elf, and Haldir kissed him lightly. "I missed you too," he smiled as he felt the prince hug him tighter, and he led the young man to the bed and made him sit down. "how have you been?" "Alright…" whispered Legolas and he kissed Haldir playfully. "Have you had any… complications?" asked Haldir hesitantly, and Legolas looked at him and shook his head. "No, love. No complications…" Haldir smiled and he nodded. "Alright then, I am glad…" Haldir smiled and returned the other's kiss, sighing when it was over. "gods I had missed that…" he sighed, and Legolas smiled wider and he kissed the warden again, using his inexperienced but talented instincts to make Haldir groan. "Really?" he asked softly and he pulled Haldir close to him. The older elf smiled and nodded. "You are very talented, Laeg. *Very* talented…" Legolas smiled yet again and he lay back, opening his arms. "Come here," he said softly, and Haldir complied and lay in his arms. Legolas sighed and snuggled Haldir. "*I* have missed *this*, he said, and Haldir smiled and switched their positions with a lightning move. "Have you?" asked Haldir as he tickled the young elf, making him laugh in a frenzy way. "Stop!" he shouted between laughs, and Haldir laughed with hi and freed him. Legolas looked at him, panting, and nodded. "I have." Haldir smiled and held Legolas again, and the prince fell asleep instantly. Soon, Haldir too succumbed to sleep, and they lay peacefully in the other's arms until dawn. Chapter eleven: leave me alone. Haldir woke up to the sound of birds chirping. He smiled and looked down to see Legolas cuddling him. He stood up and he sighed when he felt Legolas hug him tighter. "Good morning, love," whispered Haldir, and the prince woke up and yawned. "Hi…" "You slept well?" "I did, thank you…" Legolas stood up, his shirt falling to his thighs. He had no trousers, as it was custom in his land. Haldir smiled when he saw Legolas blush slightly and he turned away, allowing the prince to go to the bathroom in peace. "Can I join you?" he asked casually when he heard water rushing, and he felt Legolas gasp and saw him looking into his eyes. "What?" "May I join you?" repeated Haldir, and Legolas looked at him for some time until he nodded. The warden stoop up and he walked to the bathroom, and he felt his heart skip a beat when he saw Legolas inside the huge tub, looking at him with a bervous expression. "What?" "Nothing," said the older elf as he sat beside Legolas and looked at him with a smile. "Are… aren't you getting… in?" Legolas looked at Haldir, and the other man smiled and nodded. He removed his clothes and slid into the tub, seeing as Legolas smiled at him innocently. It was then that it occurred to Haldir that legolas was a naive person indeed, and he had never seen any inappropriate scenes involving pleasure and a couple. He smiled back at the young boy and sighed when Legolas started to wash his hair. "What did I do to earn this?" he asked casually as the prince massaged his scalp. "Nothing special… just be you," answered the prince, and the older one smiled. Haldir felt a sudden urge to give a step further and he turned around before Legolas said, "hold your breath…" he felt his head be pushed into the water and he smiled when he emerged again. His hair was looking as radiant as ever before. "you look nice," said Legolas, and Haldir kissed him softly. There was something demanding there, though, something that Legolas enjoyed enormously. When the kiss ended, Legolas smiled and looked beside him to see a man, a man in a black robe, a man he hated with all his heart. "Hello, Legolas. Long time, no see," said the man as he sat down on the edge of the tub. Legolas glared at him and the man laughed. "not very happy to see me…" "You were gone," said the prince with a scowl. "You were dead. You were *supposed* to have jumped off the waterfall, remember, coward?" Legolas tensed and looked away. "oh, by the way, you might want to be more discreet. What will your lover think if he learns I am here? He'll drug you again, and you don't want that, now, do you?" "Haldir would never do that. He trusts me." "*I* trusted you. I thought you were saying the truth when you said you'd commit suicide. I guess I was wrong, so why can't he not trust you?" "You bastard, shut up!" * Haldir frowned when he saw Legolas speaking to thin air. "Love? Is everything fine?" Legolas looked at him and Haldir saw the despair in his eyes. "He's back!" Haldir didn't have to ask who. He gasped and hugged Legolas tightly, all the time whispering nonsense into his ear. "It's alright, love, it's alright… just… ignore him, okay?" "I can't… he's too strong…" "Why, thank you for those nice little compliments," said Sauron as he smiled at the prince and kissed Legolas' cheek. The prince felt ice in his veins and he gasped, and he hugged Haldir tighter. Haldir, in turn, tightened his hold on him too, and he kissed Legolas' brow, trying to calm the prince down. "Relax, Legolas… relax…" Legolas sighed and he had manages to relax a little in some time, and Haldir sighed as well. "very good, my love…" "Thanks…" Legolas' voice was only a soft whisper. He held Haldir for some more time and then he smiled nervously at Haldir. Immediately, he moved back so that he was not invading the warden's privacy. "sorry…" he whispered again, and haldir smiled. "No problem," smiled the other one. They were quiet for some time until Haldir spoke again. "why did… he… come back?" "I don't know…" Legolas sighed sadly and he stared at the floor. Haldir nodded and he stood up and wrapped himself in a towel, and he took a second one to dry his hair. "Well, I suppose there must be a way to fend him off…" he commented as he finished drying and left the room, to come back minutes later. "right?" "I guess…" Legolas stood up too and he blushed when he saw Haldir's eyes drop. He swallowed hard and grabbed for a towel, and he saw Haldir flinch awake and blush too. "Sorry," said the older one as he handed Legolas a towel. "Oh… err… don't worry…" stammered the young one as he wrapped the towel around his waist. Haldir took his hand and the world stopped. Chapter twelve: a cure. "Don't you think… it is time we go… further?" "What do you mean?" asked Legolas, paralyzed. "Just… we've been together for so long and… I really love you…" Legolas looked at Haldir and he understood. "You… want… sex?" "I mean, it's alright if you don't want to, I won't force you…" Legolas gasped and he stepped back: haldir wanted him. "But… I…" Haldir blushed deeper and Legolas saw love in his eyes. "I don't… know if I am ready, I…" "You have never done it before?" "No…" Haldir seemed happy about the fact and he smiled. "I can teach you then, I promise I'll be good…" Legolas breathed deeply and he looked into the other's eyes. He bit his lips and tried to relax, and then he nodded. "Alright…" Haldir gasped in joy and he took Legolas' hand. He kissed him very very softly, trying to calm him down, and then he placed the prince's hand in his own tunic. "It's okay…" he motioned kindly, and Legolas nodded and swallowed. He traced the tunic with his fingers and felt the skin below, and he felt love consume him. He reached the collar of the garment and he hesitated, but shortly. He slowly opened the first lace and felt Haldir kiss his brow. He smiled slightly and continued to undo the buttons until he could see Hadir's chest. He touched the soft skin with his lips and started planting butterfly kisses all over his chest. He heard Haldir chuckle and he looked at him frowning. "Is something wrong?" "No," answered Haldir as he pulled Legolas into the bedroom and made him sit down softly. He sat beside him and smiled lovingly. Legolas interpreted the smile as a green light and he touched Haldir's chest again, tracing the ribs and muscles upwards until he reached his nipples. Haldir strangled a gasp and Legolas smiled, satisfied. He massaged the small mound softly until Haldir was panting in front of him. Legolas pushed the shirt off Haldir's shoulders and the warden lay half naked. Legolas' eyes trailed down and he tensed unconsciously, fearing the next step. "Do you want me to… take over?" asked Haldir kindly, and Legolas nodded. The soldier kissed Legolas again and lowered him into the soft pillows, not making any rash moves. He then kissed the prince's pale neck, earning a small sigh, and he smiled to himself. His hands trailed down to trace Legolas' ribs, much like the young one had done, and he heard Legolas gasp softly when he brushed his nipples. Haldir smiled at him and started massaging the small peaks, and he ascended again to kiss Legolas' ear. The prince's breathing was somewhat unstable already, and Haldir smiled again as he continued his exploration. He felt Legolas start to pant and he looked at him, asking a silent question. The prince's eyes were dark with bliss and he nodded slowly, and Haldir moved down again. He also kissed the prince's chest softly and he dipped his tongue into Legolas' navel, earning a strangled moan. And then he reached the towel… he felt a hand in his head, and he looked up to see Legolas looking at him seriously. "Do you love me?" "More than anything…" Legolas sighed and threw his head back, his hand leaving Haldir's head, clearly a sign to continue. "Go on." Haldir smiled and he moved up again and kissed Legolas softly. The prince looked at him and he opened his mouth. "Can I…?" Haldir nodded and Legolas swallowed hard and he took the hem of Haldir's pants in both hands. "It's alright," said Haldir with a smile, and Legolas nodded and lowered the leggings slowly. His eyes widened at the sight he found, and he paused for a moment, trying to will his fear away. Haldir smiled and made Legolas look at him. "don't worry if you feel a little… awkward, it's normal," Legolas nodded again and finished divesting Haldir. He stood still for some minutes and Haldir smiled again. He put his head back and sighed, waiting for Legolas to continue. The prince was, in fact, terrified. He was looking at the warden's semi-erect shaft and he just could not imagine how that would grow even more. He heard Haldir sigh and placed his hand on his foot, earning a small twitching and a giggle. He looked at Haldir, surprised. "Ticklish?" "A little," answered the old one, and Legolas smiled. He moved his hand until he reached Haldir's knee, and he paused, collecting himself. "relax," he heard Haldir whisper, and he nodded. He moved up slowly, and he felt the soft skin of Haldir's thigh. The soldier sighed, and Legolas saw his member flinch. He felt his breath hitch in his throat, but he ignored it and moved upper still, until his hand was only inches away from Haldir's manhood. He looked at Haldir and saw him smiling at him despite the obvious need he was experiencing. "Would you… show me?" he asked softly, and Haldir nodded. He took Legolas' hand and placed it on him, and then slowly moved up and down. "Like… that," he said in a strangled voice, and Legolas nodded. It really wasn't as scary as he had thought, this procedure. He looked at Haldir, not ceasing the moves that he was now making on his own. "Am I doing okay?" "Yes, you're… you're doing fantastically," sighed Haldir, and Legolas smiled. He continued to stroke Haldir, and he saw his member grow impossibly in his hand. "You're… well endowed," he commented, and Haldir laughed with some effort. "Thank you," he managed before his voice got a more desperate tone, "I actually… wouldn't mind if you sped up a little…?" Legolas nodded and moved his hand faster, and he heard Haldir moan in response. "gods, you have an innate talent for this…" "Thanks," said the other one. He stared at Haldir's reactions and moves, and he wondered if he could heighten the man's experience. He looked down at his hand and frowned when he saw small beads of… something… on top of Haldir's manhood. He remembered the taste of Haldir's lips and skin, and wondered how the small drops would taste. He leaned down and tightened his grip on Haldir's shaft to prevent him to thrust madly, and he stuck out his tongue. "What are you--Gods!" Haldir gasped when he felt a warm wetness surround the tip of his need. He tried to steady his ragged breathing, but to no avail, and he focused all his self control not to thrust into Legolas' mouth. "sweet god, Legolas, you're killing me!" Legolas smiled when he heard Haldir's feedback. He had become quickly addicted to the sweet taste of the small beads, and he had drawn the first inches or so of Haldir's shaft into his mouth. He was taking his time to explore the new sensation, and he was still stroking the rest of the shaft. Haldir's strangled moans and cries were quickly getting to his belly, and he felt his own manhood start to tense. He felt a sudden tightening of Haldir's limbs and almost gagged when that sweet fluid shot to the back of his throat. He coughed a little, but reeled and swallowed slowly. He felt Haldir go limp and he looked up to see Haldir panting. "Sweet gods… you had *never* done that before?" "No," said Legolas as he wiped his mouth and moved beside him. "was it nice?" "It was amazing," answered Haldir in between pants. He lay still for a moment, and then he looked at Legolas and asked him kindly, "would you like me to repay the favor?" Legolas looked at him innocently and he nodded. "I would like that…" Haldir nodded and kissed legolas, and the young prince felt fire in his belly again. Before Legolas knew what was happening, Haldir had moved down and was worshipping his nipples with hands and mouth. "gods, I have to learn how to do that…" he sighed, and he felt Haldir's smile against his chest. The older elf then moved lower and slowly, as if not to frighten Legolas, removed the towel from his waist. The prince was also half-erect, and Haldir looked at him and smiled. "You, my love, are *also* well endowed," he said. Legolas smiled. He didn't feel scared anymore, just a little shy. "Thank you…" Haldir smiled again and he kissed Legolas' thighs and lower abdomen, hearing the prince sigh in response. Then, he took Legolas in his hand. The prince gasped and lifted his hips faintly, and Haldir smiled. "Patience, Legolas, patience…" he started to stroke him slowly, and soon the prince was panting and thrashing. "Can't you…?" haldir understood and sped up a little, and Legolas moaned softly and closed his eyes. "gods, Haldir…" the older elf smiled in satisfaction and decided to go a little further. He stuck out his tongue and traced the prince's shaft from below, and Legolas gasped audibly and gripped the sheets. The March warden decided it was time to make Legolas cry out and he drew the stiffening shaft into his mouth. The reaction was instantaneous. "Ai, Haldir!" Legolas gasped and panted, and his hand trailed down to hold the soldier's head. "gods, I love you…" he moaned again when Haldir changed the pace and tried to stop Haldir's movements. "wait, wait… haldir… I want… I need to…" "Yes?" "I want you to be inside me," panted the prince, and Haldir's eyes widened. "Really?" "Yes… please…" Haldir nodded and he stood up and left the room briefly, to return holding a small vial of oil. Legolas tensed a little as he saw haldir kneel between his legs again. "You'll need some preparation, since it is your first time…" explained Haldir as he slicked his fingers, and he moved his hand until he found what he was looking for. Legolas gasped and tensed awfully hard. "Hush, it's okay… relax a little, okay?" Haldir kissed Legolas warmly and he moved his fingers over his entrance for a long time. Legolas sighed and relaxed, and Haldir inserted one finger slowly. Legolas tensed again and he let out a small grunt of discomfort. Haldir looked at him and frowned. "are you okay?" "It… burns…" Legolas tried hard to relax, but he found it incredibly hard at the moment. "It's alright, just relax a little…" Haldir took Legolas and stroked him again, and Legolas moaned and closed his eyes, his muscles relaxing. Haldir moved the finger further in until he found what he was looking for. Legolas jumped and moaned loudly when Haldir stroke his secret spot, and his muscled relaxed entirely. Haldir added another finger, to which Legolas didn't complain, and soon the prince was writhing beneath him. "Gods, Haldir, please… I need you…" Haldir took the oil again and prepared himself. He paced himself in the proper position, and Legolas stifled a cry when he felt Haldir's huge member inch into him. Haldir looked at him and saw Legolas' eyes were full of tears. "Are you okay?" he asked worriedly. "I… don't know…" Legolas could barely speak through the pain. "Try to relax, love…" Haldir kissed Legolas and again the prince struggled to relax. He breathed very deeply and let the air go, and he willed his muscled to accept the intruder. "Okay… you can move now… just be gentle…" Haldir nodded and he pushed a little. Legolas' muscled, though tight, were relatively relaxed, and he was able to sheathe himself into the prince. Legolas was breathing in short and quick pants, and he had his eyes closed. The pain was unbelievable, yet is was fading slowly. However, Legolas knew he wanted this, though he was afraid that haldir would hurt him when he started moving. The older elf was moaning, relishing in the blissful sensation he experimented, and he didn't seem to need to move. Legolas relaxed slowly, getting used to the feeling of Haldir inside him. The sensation of pain had passed, and Legolas was appreciating the pleasure it held. Haldir looked at him and slowly withdrew, and then he pushed back in, making Legolas gasp and grip the soldier's hand. "Does it hurt?" "Not really…" Legolas gasped again when haldir continued to push in and out, and soon he had established a nicely slow rhythm. Legolas looked at Haldir, his closed eyes, his hair damp and stuck to his back and chest, his muscles tense. He was so absorbed in the image that he didn't realize Haldir had changed an angle until he felt a flash of pleasure. "Gods!" haldir smiled despite his need and thrust again, a little harder. Legolas moaned loudly and arched his back, whispering Haldir's name. The warden thrust again and again, gradually increasing his pace, and Legolas kept encouraging him. "oh, gods, Haldir… Haldir… Ai!" Legolas shouted in ecstasy when Haldir changed his angle again, hitting his sweet spot over and over again. The March warden was panting loudly, and suddenly he thrust harder than before. "Legolas!" The young elf had had enough. With a loud gasp, the loudest yet, he arched his back and exploded. Waves of ecstasy engulfed him completely and he was lost in bliss. Somewhere far, he heard Haldir scream his release and felt something spill inside him. He felt Haldir leave him and fall on top of him, and he took Haldir's hand again, and smiled. The older elf smiled too, and he pulled Legolas in for a tender kiss. They fell asleep together, and Legolas saw something in front of him. Sauron was looking at him with enraged eyes, and he was… falling to pieces? Legolas looked at him as he saw the evil ghost disappear forever, and he smiled and fell asleep in the arms of his beloved Haldir.