Title: The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face Author: Yrchgrrrl Pairing: Haldir and Legolas Rating: R Disclaimer: Tolkien's, not mine, and he's turning in his grave again. Summary: Haldir meets the love of his life... but love makes him no less arrogant. Feedback: Sure, it would be a pleasant surprise! Archives: Library of Moria, yes; others please ask Author's Note: AU. This fic takes place 700 years prior to the War of the Ring, before Aragorn or a certain Dwarf were even born. (Prequel to "Between the Lines", posted at Library of Moria) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Haldir, Rumil, Orophin and the other Guardians were called before their Lord and Lady. The expression on Galadriel's face was solemn, while Celeborn gave a mysterious wink. "We are expecting the royal families of both Rivendell and Mirkwood shortly for a very important occasion--the betrothal of the Lady Arwen to Prince Legolas. It should join their two households as closely as ours is with Rivendell and result in closer relations between all the Elves of Middle-earth," Galadriel said proudly. The Guardians were all surprised at the news. They had expected Arwen, granddaughter of the Lord and Lady, to have been married off long before. Lindorin was the Crown Prince of Mirkwood, and he would have been the logical choice; but he had gone ahead and wed the Lady Nevernilien of Mirkwood instead. This had happened a hundred years ago, and Lindorin and Neve had produced no heirs as of yet. Perhaps King Thranduil was getting a little nervous... but Legolas? The younger brother reportedly showed little interest in anything but archery and horses--least of all women. Perhaps it would take a lady of such great beauty and grace as the Lady Arwen to bring him around. Haldir, at least, was excited at the news. If the royal families were coming, then perhaps Glorfindel would be returning to Lorien. The seneschal of Rivendell had taken Haldir under his wing, so to speak, some years in the past--teaching the younger Elf much about caring for the land--and about love as well. But Glorfindel had never been the type to settle down, and eventually the affair had ended. It had not ended bitterly, however, so Haldir hoped that if they met again, perhaps. . . ah well, if not, certainly the twins would come. Elladan and Elrohir were always up for an archery competition--and Haldir almost always won. He was also curious about Prince Legolas of Mirkwood. He had met Lindorin many years ago and considered him a younger, only slightly less arrogant version of his father. And the Lord and Lady considered Haldir smug! A few days around the Mirkwood Elves and he would be looking quite humble by comparison. He and his brothers rode out to the northern border the next morning awaiting their guests. Orcs hadn't been spotted in Dol Guldur for awhile, but one never knew. It was a surprise Orc attack that had resulted in the rape and murder of Celebrian, the Lord and Lady's beloved daughter, wife of Elrond and mother of Arwen and the twins. Such a horrible fate must not happen to Arwen; so the Guardians patrolled the borders anxiously, willing to sacrifice their lives to prevent such a horror. The first group to arrive were the family from Rivendell. Elrond rode proudly at the head of the caravan, followed by the twins, then Arwen--looking regal and gorgeous--and an entourage of servants and bodyguards. Haldir recognized all their faces from his time spent at Rivendell. Glorfindel was not among them. He welcomed the group into Lorien and couldn't resist asking Elrond, as they rode along. "My Lord, where is--I mean, did he--" Elrond looked amused. "I'm sorry, Haldir, but Glorfindel had to remain behind to keep an eye on Rivendell. You do understand? I thought that dalliance between the two of you was over centuries ago." Haldir blushed. "It seems like just yesterday, My Lord." "I'll let him know you still care," the Lord of Rivendell said with a wink. Rumil was chatting away with the twins, and a few minutes later he rode up beside Haldir. "The twins are up for an archery competition if you would like to be part of it," he said. "You *know* I want to be part of it," Haldir snorted. "I nearly always win!" Rumil rolled his eyes. "You amaze me, Hal. Well, this time you might have some additional competition. Elladan said Legolas wanted to enter the competition if we had one. He is the best in Mirkwood by far, and has beaten both Elladan and Elrohir in tournaments in Rivendell." "He has never been here, though, has he, brother?" Haldir asked. Eventually the caravan reached Caras Galadhon, and a small army of Lorien servants greeted them and helped their Rivendell counterparts carry their trunks up the long, winding staircase through the trees to the Palace. Galadriel and Celeborn did a lot of hugging and kissing of grandchildren, and Galadriel extended the affection to Elrond as well. The Guardians knew when they were no longer needed, so they descended the stairs again, down to the courtyard where their steeds had been tied. "Elrond's people had to come a lot farther, so of course they got here first," snickered Orophin. "I've heard Thranduil is worse than any woman about fussing with his hair and robes before traveling anywhere." "If you recall, he had about three times as many braids as any Elf I've ever seen," said Rumil. Haldir just grunted. He did not like Thranduil, and not just because he was even more arrogant than he was. Thranduil was rumored to be quite intolerant of those who were different, especially those with 'alternative lifestyles', and had been said to have banished gay Elves from his kingdom--if not worse. Apparently Lindorin was just like his father. What was Legolas like? And why would the liberal Elrond want his cherished daughter to marry into this family? Granted, there were not many other royal Elves to choose from. They rode to the border and patrolled most of the day, growing more tired and irritable by the hour. Finally the sound of horses' hooves--a great number of them--drew their attention to the main road. Here were the Mirkwood Elves, nearly a hundred of them, clad in moss-green tunics and leggings, except for King Thranduil himself, who was wearing robes of brighter green with gold stitching all over them; on his golden, braided head was a jewel-encrusted diadem of mithril. He wanted to stand out in the crowd. Riding next to the regally handsome king was an equally elegant Elf lady who was obviously his Consort. After the mothers of Lindorin and Legolas had been killed, he never married again--just took a companion for a century or so until he grew tired of her. It was said that this one was halfway through her "reign", but Thranduil never bothered to introduce her. Rumil had the honor of greeting the Mirkwood Elves while his brothers looked on. Haldir craned his neck to see if he could see the princes, and noticed that Lindorin was nowhere to be seen. That meant the one riding right behind Thranduil with the same golden hair was Legolas. His head was hung sadly as if he were riding to his execution rather than to his betrothal party. Of course if this was a marriage arranged by Thranduil, it may well not have met with his approval; of course, this would no doubt change once he had met Arwen, Haldir surmised. But how could Legolas not have met Arwen? The Elf-kingdoms did hold joint functions from time to time. Then again, if Haldir had not ever seen Legolas, it is possible that the potential bride and groom were strangers to one another too. He decided to offer the prince his own special welcome and rode up beside Legolas. "Prince Legolas? Welcome to Lothlorien," he said with a less- arrogant-than-usual smile on his face. Legolas looked up at him and smiled. "Thank you, Guardian--" "My name is Haldir," he said. "We hope you will enjoy your stay here in our fair country." "And fair it is," Legolas replied. "I had heard for centuries of the beauty of Lothlorien but never had the opportunity to visit here." "Certainly if you join the family, you will be visiting more often," Haldir suggested. After getting a good look at Legolas, all thoughts of Glorfindel had vanished from his mind. The young prince was the most exquisitely beautiful male Elf he had ever seen. Besides the sunshine-colored hair, he had enormous eyes the color of the forest; his features were delicate and perfectly formed. He would never say it in front of the Lord and Lady, but this Legolas was quite possibly more beautiful than Arwen herself. "And I wonder if I would be afforded the privilege of being buried here if I do not join this family by marriage," Legolas remarked wistfully. Haldir raised an eyebrow. "I shall not go down that path, Your Highness," he said. "Just Legolas--please," the prince said. "You're right, I am wrong to involve you in my misery, Hal Dear." Haldir found the way Legolas pronounced his name utterly enchanting, and he blushed to the tips of his pointed ears. He changed the subject immediately. "At any rate, Legolas, even if you wish not to be involved in matrimony, we have planned an archery competition tomorrow that you might want to be a part of. I usually win when it takes place here, but I hear you might be capable of providing some competition." Legolas smiled (totally melting Haldir's heart). "Now that is something I can relate to! Count me in on your archery tournament!" "Excellent!" Haldir said, grinning back at Legolas. He rode away, then turned around and saw Legolas still gazing at him both wistfully *and* seductively. By the Valar! he thought. If that look means what I think it means, then I see the dilemma our young prince finds himself in! And it was all the more a shame that Glorfindel had not come along, as he could probably be a good source of advice in regards to the matter. It was almost bedtime when they arrived, and the Guardians separated from the royalty for the rest of the evening. Haldir rode to his talan and scampered up the rope ladder. He did not know what was more disturbing, his attraction to Legolas or his knowledge that Legolas' marriage--and thereby any relationship with his Lord and Lady's family--was doomed. If he married Arwen and made her life misery, he would be despised. If he refused to marry her, he might even have to fight a duel with one of her brothers. He tossed and turned all night, sleeping very little. The next morning, all the young men managed to find their way to the archery field at the appointed hour--they included Haldir, Rumil, and Orophin for Lorien; Legolas alone for Mirkwood; and Elladan and Elrohir representing Rivendell. The contest was closer than it had been in recent years, but eventually Legolas edged out Haldir. The Lorien Elf was disappointed--but not as humiliated as he would have been had he lost to one of the Rivendell twins. Haldir was amazed at Legolas' skill--he was even splitting arrows in the target bulls- eye by arrows he shot following them. The other Elves eventually took their bows and quivers and left, but Legolas and Haldir sat under a tree talking for awhile. "My father is so totally clueless, Haldir," Legolas mourned. "I have told him any number of times I am not of the kind to marry, but he will not listen. He says Arwen is the perfect match, and we need this union to bring our kingdoms together. This is although--or perhaps because--he and Elrond pretty much despise each other. The only Elf-lord he dislikes more than Elrond is your Lord Celeborn!" "I know Lord Celeborn has nothing kind to say about your father, either," Haldir chuckled. "It must be difficult having him for a parent." Then Legolas abruptly changed the subject. "Are you married, Haldir?" "No," the older Elf laughed. "At one time I hoped for a *sealing*+, but it never happened." "A sealing?" Legolas' eyes grew large. "Do you disapprove?" Haldir looked amused. "No, but my father certainly does. Then you prefer male lovers?" "For all my life, Prince Legolas. But then I live in Lorien, where all things are tolerated. Are you saying that is where your interests lie?" Haldir added gently. The look in Legolas' green eyes was heartbreaking. "Yes," he said. Haldir reached over and touched the prince's cheek, and Legolas took his hand and pressed it to his lips. "From the moment I laid eyes on you, lovely Haldir," Legolas said, "I have desired you. Could it be possible you feel the same way?" "Ai!" Haldir cried. "I have scarce been able to think of anything, for thinking of you, my Legolas. But this is not the time nor the place. We cannot be caught in a compromising position. If my Lord or Lady thought that my attentions to you came in the way of your betrothal to Arwen--" "Ai, indeed," Legolas sighed. "I shall have to speak with Arwen first and explain how it is, without bringing you into it at all. Then--" "Then," Haldir replied, "We shall cross that bridge when we come to it." The bridge was crossed soon enough. Haldir hid in a nearby tree later in the day as Legolas took Arwen for a walk through the forest and tried to explain things. As they approached him, he heard the conversation: "Please, Arwen! We cannot let them force us into this marriage, no matter how 'convenient' our fathers may think it will be. I am not the one for you. I cannot make you happy, nor will I give our families heirs." "Do not be silly, Legolas. I shall not care if you have male lovers on the side. My father always has. Grandfather Celeborn always has. It's only Thranduil who is squeamish about the whole idea!" Arwen told him with a toss of her head. "But Arwen, you do not understand. I am not interested in females at *all*! I will never sleep with you," Legolas persisted. "Have you ever even tried?" Arwen cooed, stroking the side of his face and puckering her lips for a kiss. "Many centuries ago," he said gently. "I do not wish to hurt you, Arwen. I want to always consider you a friend, your father too. It will be less painful this way." "Do not be silly, Legolas. My grandmother has spells that could--" "Please, Arwen, no!" Legolas groaned. "So what is so terribly wrong? Do you have a lover already?" Arwen pouted. "Not at the moment, but there have been before and there will be again. And someday you will find love, too, Arwen--" "Stop it, Legolas!" she put her hands over her ears and ran off crying. "Ai!" Legolas moaned, and Haldir climbed down out of the tree to join him. "Come, Legolas, before anyone sees us," he warned, looking around to make sure no one was watching. Then he took Legolas' hand and led him through the forest until they reached Haldir's talan. "This is where I live. Follow me up and then pull up the rope ladder," he said with a smile. So Legolas did just that. Soon the two Elves were sitting side by side on Haldir's straw-mattressed bed and looking out over the Golden Wood. "Are you all right, Legolas?" Haldir asked. "Will Arwen make trouble for you?" "I do not know," the prince said. "I suppose if I were she, I would. We may have only one night, Haldir," he added, giving the Guardian a sultry look. Haldir knew what to do with those. He drew Legolas into his arms and kissed him. They lay down on the bed and kissed some more, at the same time undressing. Off came boots, tunics, and leggings. They gazed admiringly and hungrily at each other's slim, muscular bodies--in all their nude glory--waiting for someone to make the first move. Haldir lay down on the bed and pulled the younger Elf close. He ran his hands up and down over Legolas' smooth skin and sighed, "My, but you are a beauty." Legolas trembled. Then he reached out long, slender fingers and began stroking Haldir's face. The Guardian's nose particularly intrigued him, as it was not as small and dainty as most Elves'. He kissed the tip of it and smiled mischievously. Haldir returned the smile and drew Legolas into a kiss again, then moved his lips to the prince's sensitive eartip. He licked all around it and gave it a gentle nip. Legolas moaned softly and then did the same to Haldir's ear. Then his lips and tongue moved south-- way south. Now it was Haldir's turn to moan. But he was not ready to give Legolas complete control, not yet. He pulled Legolas down beside him on the bed again and began kissing him passionately and stroking the prince's elfhood. Within a few minutes they were both aching with desire. Haldir reached under the bed and drew out a small phial of oil, to which Legolas giggled, "Oh, so you do have the 'potion'; I'm so glad!" "A Guardian is always prepared," Haldir said smugly. A couple of hours later, the two lay in each other's arms, totally satiated. They had made love practically every way one male Elf could to another, and although they knew they would be sore in the morning, tonight they felt only joy. They had also gone through most of a bottle of apple wine from the excellent winery of Rivendell, which Haldir had been saving for a special occasion--he having decided that no occasion could possibly be more special than their first encounter. But Haldir had forgotten something. "Yo, Haldir!" came a voice from below. " 'Tis time to go to work!" It was Orophin! Haldir had completely forgotten their watch. He sheepishly got out of bed, pulled on his leggings and went to the door of the talan. "I shall be a few minutes late, Orophin. I was taking a nap." "Not alone, I'll warrant," his brother snickered. "Hurry up! Oh, and have you seen Prince Legolas? His father is looking for him with fire in his eyes." Haldir flashed a glance at Legolas, and at that moment Orophin knew who was lying unseen in his brother's bed. "Are you out of your mind, brother?" Orophin hissed later as he and Haldir mounted their horses and rode off through the Golden Wood. Out of the corner of his eye, Haldir saw Legolas climbing down the rope ladder while trying to dress, which was a ticklish task. Orophin went on, "If *you* are the reason Legolas refused to marry Arwen, then you put Lorien in a really bad light. The Lord and Lady will skin you alive!" Haldir sighed. "Legolas had already made up his mind not to marry Arwen. I had never met him before yesterday." "Well, they will probably skin you alive anyway," Orophin grumbled. "And you might as well forget ever being invited back to Rivendell, either. Lord Elrond will be furious." "Orophin, put the boot on the other foot. If Legolas had been a princess and one of the twins was supposed to marry her and refused, would Elrond force the situation?" "It is not the same." "Of course it is. Legolas is going to have trouble with his father, that is granted. We may have to protect him to make sure Thranduil does not banish him to Mordor to be made into an Orc! Legolas told me he threatened a couple of male lovers in the Mirkwood court with that fate once, right in front of him. But Elrond will just sigh and try to console Arwen. I am surprised he was willing to let her marry Legolas anyway--he always gave the impression that no Elf was good enough for his little girl," Haldir added with a snicker. The next morning, as they were returning from their watch, Haldir and Orophin were stunned at the sight approaching them. Rumil was riding towards them with a devilish grin on his face, and immediately Haldir saw why. Riding right behind him, wearing the garb of an apprentice Lorien Guardian, was the beautiful Prince Legolas, the tips of his pointed ears turning red as he made eye contact with Haldir. "What happened?" Haldir asked. "His father was unhappy," Rumil laughed, but drew up the reins and got out of the way so Haldir and Legolas could talk. "My father said I was a disgrace to Mirkwood," Legolas said. "That we expected. What we did not expect was that he would decide that I had been too spoiled living the life of a prince--so spoiled that I did not understand that with privilege went responsibility. So after consulting with your Lord and Lady, he decided that I needed a period of time as part of the working class, to get my priorities in order." "The working class meaning the Guardians of Lorien," Rumil snickered. "We are not privileged enough to live in the Palace, but we do not have to worry where our next meals are coming from, either." "So they do not know about you and me at all?" Haldir asked. "I did not tell them," Legolas said with a grin. "And neither will we," said Orophin, looking at Rumil, who nodded. "But you will owe us big favors for the next year, brother." "Year?" Haldir was horrified. "That is how long I have been banished from Mirkwood," Legolas told them. Haldir grinned from ear to ear in delight. Then he sobered. "And what of Elrond? And Arwen?" "They are staying to visit with the Lord and Lady a little while," Rumil said. "Lord Elrond took a philosophical attitude towards the situation--something about if the situation was reversed, and say Thranduil had a daughter and Elladan was expected to wed her--" Haldir smirked at Orophin in an "I told you so" way, and his brother rolled his eyes. And then Haldir and Legolas smiled tenderly at one another. A year would be a nice, long time to get to know each other. . . The End.