Title: Orchids in Lórien
Author: Bernsteinnixe
Email: Bernsteinnixe@yahoo.com
Pairing: Legolas/Orophin (main), Celeborn/Haldir/Rumil, 
Celeborn/Rumil, Haldir/Glorfindel, Rumil/Erestor
Rating: NC-17
Feedback: Love it!
Su
that their feelings for each other run deeper than expected. Meanwhile, 
Orophin’s brothers learn something about their sexual preferences…


Chapter 10


Chapter 10

“Amin mela lle!” Orophin cried while his lover devoured hick, ck, fingers striking
that spot inside him repeatedly, driving him to orgasmic ecstasy. Soon his screams
became breathless whispers, “Amin mela lle,” he chanted. Legolas silenced the
trembling guard with his lips

The Prince sat back on his heels, scooping up some of the seed from his lover’s
stomach. He covered his throbbing erection with the slick fluid with long, languid
strokes. His cock burned at the thought of what was to come.

“Do you love me as well?” Orophin asked, feeling somewhat neglected because his cries
of passion had been ignored.

“Aye, very much.” Legolas answered, offering his lover a gentle kiss. He did not know
if he loved Orophin, nor did he care at the moment. All that mattered was the velvety
heat and tightness of the beautiful Galadrhim’s body. He would say anything not to
ruin that moment, the moment right before he buried himself deep inside his lover with
one fluid thrust.

And Orophin let himself be possessed; anything his Princeling wanted, he would give.
He clenched at the bedding, groaning in pain and pleasure as he was breeched for the
first time since he and Legolas had been together six years earlier. His softened
member began to respond immediately to the feeling of being stretched and filled to
his capacity.

Legolas tried to be gentle and slow at first, to prolong the pleasure, but he quickly
lost control of his raging lust. He used all his strength to thrust into Orophin again
and again with reckless abandon. As the pressure within him began to build, he took
Orophin’s cock in hand leaned over to kiss him, swallowing his lover’s sweet cries.

Orophin felt his body grow weak while Legolas stroked him, and dipped his tongue into
his mouth, all to the rhythm of his forceful thrusts. He wrapped his arms around the
Prince and closed his eyes. Millions of stars appeared before his eyes, and he was
among them: a twinkling star that becamerighright, pulsating supernova. With one cry
of his lover’s name, Orophin spilled his seed all over Legolas’ hand and his own
stomach. Second’s later, Legolas bit into his shoulder, and he felt a fami hea heat
inside him.
Orophin’s fingers played with Legolas’ hair during the time it took for them to be
able to think clearly again, and for their breng tng to returned to normal. “Will you
be staying in ‘Lorien for a while?” he asked, hopeful.

“Nay, I must leave by the end of the w My My father needs me at home.”

“Oh,” Orophin said, weakly. They laid in silence for a few minutes. “And in how many
years will you be back?” Orophin’s tone was bitter, though his voice shook from the
sob he was trying to suppress.

“Would you like to come with me?” Legolas asked.

“Aye, I would love to. But we do not get much vacation, so it would only be for a few
days.” Orophin was happy about the invitation, but sadness remained in his voice.
“Unless you could convince the Lord and Lady to give me more time,” he added.

“Nay, Orophin, I meant for you to come and live with me. Then we could always be
together…”he laced his fingers with Orophin’s, gently squeezing the Guardian’s hand.
‘At least until I tire of you.’

“Legolas, you know that it would be frowned upon if we were to live together before we
are bound… or do you wish do be bound as well?” Orophin smiled at his own suggestion.

“I assure you, it would not be frowned upon. Our situation would make it
understandable. Besides, I do not think we know each other well enough to even
consider marriage. But if you came to live with me we would get to know each other
much faster…” Legolas grinned. Yes, he would get to know Orophin much better… “So what
do you say,” the prince continued, after a short period of silence, “will you come
with me?”

Orophin nodded. It felt wrong to leave everything behind: his home, his job, his
brothers, all for an Elf who was not sure he loved him enough to be bound to him, but
he would do anything to be with Legolas.

“Good, then we can look forward to many nights as wonderful as tonight,” Legolas said,
and claimed his lover’s lips in eager kiss.


*****


“What are you doing?” Haldir asked from the doorway as he watched Orophin pack a few
of his belongings into a brown bag.

“You know what I am doing. I am packing, and leaving with Legolas in the morning.”

“Orophin, you are making a mistake,” Haldir said, now standing next to his brother,
“you are leaving your life behind to go with him, when all he wants is for someone to
keep his bed warm. Have you not wondered why it took him so long to return?”

“He has been busy. A prince has many duties, Haldir.”

“That may be, but if he cared for you he would have found the time. Do you really
think that he has not taken others to his bed during the years you were apart?” Haldir
asked, as he glared at his brother with concern and anger.

“I have not…” Orophin answered.

“That is right; YOU have not because YOU love him.”

“Legolas loves me as well…” Orophin sounded sure, though his mind was filled with
doubt.

Haldir placed his hands upon his brother’s shoulders, squeezing them lightly. “You are
wrong, brother. He will tire of you. And when he sends you back, we will welcome you…
but I would spare the pain of it. Do not go.”

“I will not stay.”

“Fine! But Amme’s portrait stays with us!” Haldir grabbed the framed picture which his
younger brother held. Orophin clutched the portrait tightly, and Haldir relented, even
though he was the stronger. He knew Orophin would need it…

Elvish:

Amin mela lle – I love you
Amme- mother



Chapter 11

Legolas and Orophin lay in a small clearing in the woods, dressed in nothing but
moonlight. There were neither clouds nor breeze, and the sky glittered with billions
of stars. The forest was quiet except for the chirping of insects and the occasional
hooting of an owl.

“’Tis a beautiful night, is it not?” Legolas asked turning his attention from the sky
to Orophin, whose face held not a hint of a smile. “But it is a thousand times more
beautiful with you lying next to me.”

Orophin’s curved slightly upward. “I could say the same, Princeling.”

“Then why have you held such a somber expression since we left ‘Lorien this morning?
Do you miss your brothers already?”

“No, I do not miss them…yet.” Orophin chuckled, but his laugh was tense. “Only they
said some things to me which have caused me to worry.”

Legolas turned onto his side and raised himself slightly on one arm. He looked at the
Silven Elf with genuine concern, “What did they tell you, meleth?”

“They said that I am making a mistake, going with you; that I let you walk all over
me. They said that you do not love me, and you will send me back when you become bored
with me and no longer need me in your bed.”

“Ai, Orophin, you need not worry about such things. I do love you and will never tire
of you,” Legolas said as he took Orophin’s hand in his own. “Your brothers are
concerned, and that is understandable; but their words lack judgment.”

Orophin turned to face Legolas, gray eyes expressing his inner turmoil. “Haldir said
that you took lovers to your bed while we were apart. Did you?” he asked.

“No, meleth, I did not. You are the only one for me,” Legolas said, caressing
Orophin’s cheek with his fingers and brushed his lips against his lover’s.

The ‘Lórien Elf pulled back, somewhat angrily. “Why did you not answer my letters?”

“I never received any letters from you, Orophin; but I did write to you, many times.”

Orophin snickered, “I did not get them.”

“Someone must be jealous of us,” said Legolas, “jealous of our happiness. They must
have tried to keep both of us from receiving the other’s letters, hoping it would tear
us apart. But it no longer matters, we are together now.” Legolas nuzzled his lover’s
neck, taking in the scent of his hair. “Never doubt my love for you.”

“I love you too,” Orophin said, and the Elves took each others’ lips in a sweet kiss:
a kiss during which one lover forgave all lies and wrongs still unknown to them, but
sensed nonetheless, and the other greedily took everything that was offered to him.


*****


It was not uncommon for a group of guardians to throw a small party a couple of nights
before leaving for border duty— this was one of those nights. Although Haldir and
Rúmil were not among the Elves to be leaving for the border, they had still joined
their friends in the fun.

“I think I should take him back to our talan,” Haldir said, gesturing towards his
brother, who sat swaying upon a stump near the bonfire with a content smile upon his
face. Rúmil had challenged Haldir to a drinking contest, as he had done numerous times
before, and lost as usual.

“Will you come back?” asked one of the Elves.

“Most likely,” answered the Marchwarden as he rose to his feet. Luckily he made his
way to his brother’s side before the younger Elf fell from his seat. “Come, Rúmil. We
are going home.” Haldir helped his brother up and supported him as they walked passed
the other Elves who teased Rúmil. “Perhaps you will have better luck next time, young
one. Do not lose hope,” the called after him. Rúmil only hiccupped in response.

“I bid you all goodnight, just incase I decide not to return,” Haldir said to his
companions, and each of them responded with their own farewell.

Haldir had trouble getting Rúmil up the stairs, feeling slightly dizzy himself, but
somehow managed to get them both safely to their talan. “No more drinking games for
you,” he warned before sending his brother off to his bedroom.


Rúmil had almost made it across the dark room, but stumbled over a pair of boots lying
near the bed. His heart jumped with fear when a strong hand grabbed his arm before he
hit the ground.

“Careful, darling, do not hurt yourself— I still have plans for you tonight,” said a
familiar, low voice.

“Erestor?” he gasped, and everything went black. So much for the Councilor’s plans…


*****


Haldir had meant to rejoin his friends, but the difficult walk home made him realize
he was too tired and drunk. It rarely happened that he would go to sleep without
bathing and brushing his teeth and hair, but being as weary as he was, the Marchwarden
entered his room and plopped down on his bed, still fully dressed.

Glorfindel was already in bed, waiting for him. He immediately straddled the
Marchwarden’s thighs and wrapped strong fingers around his throat, as if to strangle
him. “You should wary of strangers who wait for you in your bed, you know not their
intentions.”

“You are not stranger, meleth-nin,” Haldir answered.

“You can see in the dark?”

“Nay, but I recognized the scent of you. The spicy aroma of your skin is always in my
memory. I must admit I was not expecting you, why have you not sent word that you were
coming?”

“It was a sudden decision. Erestor and I thought it would be a nice surprise. Does my
presence displease you?” Glorfindel asked, quizzically.

“If I say it does not please me, will you make an extra effort to change that?”

“Hmm…” Glorfindel seemed to be ignoring Haldir’s question as he ran his hand over the
Marchwarden’s tunic and leggings. “Is it the way of the Galadhrim to sleep fully
clothed?”

“You have shared a bed with a Galadrim more than once before, you should know how one
prefers to sleep.” Glorfindel gave no answer, only ripped Haldir’s tunic down the
front. “I am not a very rich Elf,” Haldir said, the sound of ripping clothes brought
back memories that made his cock stir.

“I will buy you another… and more if you perform well this night.”

Haldir laughed, “You would buy me anything I wanted, even if I chose not to perform at
all. I have you wrapped around my finger, Balrog slayer.”

Glorfindel slid his hand down his lover’s smooth torso and slipped it under the band
of his leggings. The hair surrounding Haldir’s cock was soft in contrast with the
stiff flesh. “Perhaps, but you seem more than willing to perform,” he said, massaging
Haldir’s arousal.

“I would not mind some new leggings,” Haldir suggested.

“Oh, but I will not ruin these. They fit you so well,” Glorfindel said, recognizing
the material of the leggings Haldir wore the last time they were together. He
carefully untied and slid them down the Marchwarden’s legs and licked up the underside
of the erection that sprang free.

“Aya!” Haldir exclaimed, as Glorfindel swirled his tongue up and down the length of
his cock. The golden-haired lord crawled back up his body and pressed supple lips
against his. Haldir could taste the sweetness of his own sex in his lover’s mouth. A
hand continued to stroke him while Glorfindel moved to kiss his neck. Haldir moaned
and thrust into the palm enclosed around his cock.

“Saes! I want to feel you in me, melethron-nin.” Glorfindel ignored his cries and
continued to lap at his nipple, his own arousal poking Haldir’s thigh. The Silvan Elf
grabbed handfuls of his lover’s hair; Elvish curse filled the air.

“Tell me what you want me to do and I will try my best to satisfy your desires,” said
Glorfindel.

A loud moan left Haldir’s lips before he spoke. “I want you to pierce me with your
length, a'maelamin, and fuck me until I split in two.”

“Lying here as you are?”

“Aye!”

“Do you want me to ease into you slowly, or claim you with one fluid thrust?”

Haldir whimpered. “It does not matter, just do it before I go mad...”

Glorfindel chuckled, giving into his lover and raising his hips to position himself at
his entrance.

Haldir clenched the sheets and held his breath while his lover took his time
penetrating him. His cock ached with need; he tried to stroke himself, but Glorfindel
slapped his hand away.

Haldir’s body was driven into the mattress with every forceful thrust. His cock bobbed
and every once in a while a drop of seed would fall and splatter as it hit his
stomach. He tried repeatedly to grab his aching member, but Glorfindel would not allow
it, and only thrust harder into his writhing lover, attacking his sweet spot with
repetitive strikes.

“Gods!” he cried, feeling the intense orgasm coming on. He wrapped his legs tightly
around Glorfindel’s waist, and clung to the warrior’s broad shoulders as he climaxed.
Hot semen shot out from his untouched flesh and covered both their abdomens. It was
the most euphoric climax Haldir had ever experienced, and he forgave his lover for not
allowing him to stroke himself.

Haldir’s tightening muscles drove Glorfindel over the edge, and with after a few more
thrusts, he spilled himself into the limp body of his stated, exhausted lover. He laid
Haldir back onto the mattress and placed a light kiss on the warm lips of his sleeping
lover. “Sleep well, meleth-nin.”



Chapter 12


“Are you nervous?” Legolas asked, noticing that Orophin grew quieter as the approached
the borders of Mirkwood.

“Aye, a little.”

“There is no need, meleth nin. Everyone welcome you warmly, I am sure of it.”

Orophin smiled at the comment, but remained nervous nevertheless. Never in his long
life had he considered leaving ‘Lórien, and Legolas changed all of that with only a
few words. They rode on in further silence until they were met by four Elves on
horses, all of them wearing the same green and brown uniform.

“Welcome home, prince Legolas,” said the one in front. Amber eyes studied Orophin with
curiosity and amusement. “I see you have brought a guest....”

“This is Orophin of ‘Lórien, my lover. Orophin, meet Dúrhir, Captian of our Guard.”
Legolas’ gaze never left Dúrhir, his expression bitter.

“Nice to meet you, Orophin,” said the handsome, brown haired Elf. The corners of his
lips curved into hidden smile, and there was a gleam in his eyes. Orophin did not know
what to make of it. He was interrupted before he could even respond.

“Let us make haste, I wish to reach the palace before dark,” said Legolas.

“Very well,” Dúrhir’s eyes measured Orophin one last time before turned his horse
around and led him and the Prince onward.


*****

“Do not look so afraid, meleth. All will be well. First, I will show you to our
chambers, where we will bathe and change. Then we must join my adar for supper; but do
not worry, he is not half as bad as they say.”

“A bath does sound nice,” Orophin agreed as they passed through the gates. Stable
workers arrived quickly to take the horses, and Legolas and Orophin walked the rest of
the way.

The palace gardens were an amazing sight. A stone path led through tall trees which
were surrounded by woodland plants and flowers such as ferns, bluebells and lily-of-
the-valley; and the forest floor was covered with sweet woodruff.

The inside of the royal residence was much more warm and homely than Orophin expected,
given its gray stone exterior. Lavish rugs were laid across cherry wood floors. The
walls were inlaid with wood as well. Rich red and gold curtains decorated tall
windows, and torch lamps hung along the walls, giving the place even more warmth.

Legolas led Orophin up the high stairs and into his chambers. Unlike what else he had
seen of the palace so far, Legolas’ room was light in color, the floors and furre mre
made of ash wood.

“So what do you think of your new home?” asked Legolas.

“It is truly wonderful. But what matters most is that I am with you,” Orn ann
answered, truthfully.

“And I am happy to have you here.” Legolas gave his lover a quick, light kiss. “I will
go draw us a bath,” he said, “You may put your things in the closet and the dresser,
should you feel like unpacking while you wait.”

“Aye, I think I will. ‘Tis better to do it now and get it out of the way. Shall I
unpack your things as well?”

“Only if you wish, meleth.” With another quick kiss Legolas went off to prepare the
bath.

It was not long before Orophin could smell the sweet aroma of honeysuckle coming from
underneath the door that separated the bathroom from the bedroom. “Are you ready for
me?” he called, impatient to jump into a warm bath after the tiring journey.

“Aye, but you must come in naked.”

Orophin smiled to himself and began to undress. When he entered the bathroom, Legolas
was already in the tub. Everything was made of white marble, and one the outside of
the square shaped tub were carved beautiful figures surrounded by leaves. He marveled
at the beauty of Legolas’ home, not that he ever minded living in his modest talan
back in ‘Lórien.

“Get in here,” Legolas ordered; his voice low and sexy.

Orophin sighed as the steamy water covered his skin, soothing his sore muscles.

Legolas notices noticed how his lover rubbed his shoulder and cringed. “Come here, I
will give you a massage,” he said, motioning for Orophin to sit between his legs.

The Silvan Elf purred when strong fingers began to knead the knots in his muscles.

“Do you feel what you do to me?” Legolas asked.

“Aye,” Orophin was well aware of the hardness that brushed against his lower back.

“Come, impale yourself upon my flesh, melethron. If we hurry, we will not be late.”


*****

Legolas took Orophin’s hand as they entered the dining hall. They arrived late;
everyone else was already seated. Two chairs remained open near one end of the table
next to an Elf who Orophin assumed was King Thranduil. The figure was dressed in light
golden robes, with a gold circlet decorating his head.

“Good evening, adar,” Legoals said to the gorgeous Elf when they approached the table.
Thranduil’s eyes widened at the sight of Orophin, two gems that matched the color of
the peridot that hung just above the point in between his brows. “Orophin of ‘Lórien,
the one who holds my heart,” Legolas presented his lover to the enthralled King.
Orophin bowed gracefully.

“Nay, do not bow before me, there is no need for such formalities between us,”
Thranduiid aid as he rose from his seat and embraced the Galadhrim, and then his son.
“Welcome to Mirkwood, I hope you will feel at home among us.” The King flashed Orophin
a charming smile before sitting back down, and the ‘Lórien Elf gasped at the sight.
Thranduil’s beauty rivaled that of his son. His eyes were greener, his hair blonder,
and his smile much warmer. “You must both be hungry, let us eat.” Orophin took a deep
breath of relief as they took their seats. There was no reason to have feared
Thranduil after all.


*****


“I believe you promised me a massage…” the Prince reminded Orophin upon reentering the
bedroom.

“Is my Princeling eager to receive on?” Orophin cocked an eyebrow.

“Aye, your Princeling is always eager to be touched by you.”

“Undress yourself and get on the bed.”

Both Elves divested themselves of their clothing, tossing it carelessly to the floor.
Legolas handed his lover a bottle of oil and laid face down on the bed.

Orophin straddled the Prince’s muscular thighs. He poured some oil onto his hands and
rubbed them together, warming it. The scent of sandalwood and ginseng filled the air.
He brought his hands to Legolas’ neck and massaged it gently before moving down to his
shoulders, where he used more strength.

Legolas groaned, his body relaxed under the touch of Orophin’s skilled fingers. Strong
hands massaged down his arm, all the way to his fingertips, and repeated with the
other arm before returning to his shoulders.


With a circular motion of his thumbs, Orophin soothed the tense muscles along Legolas
spine, from his neck all the way to his tailbone. By the time he got that far, Legolas
was moaning with more than just relaxation, and his own arousal was arching upwards
against his abdomen. He took a moment to knead the Prince’s buttocks before moving off
of his thighs and to the lower end of the bed.

After pouring more oil onto his hand, he began to massage his lover’s left foot. From
his foot, Orophin moved to the ankle, and then the calf, and further upwards. Once his
hands were on the upper thigh, Legolas whimpered in frustration.

“Quiet, Princleling. I am not yet done with your massage,” Orophin said. His voice was
dripping with desire for Legolas. He took the other foot and slowly massaged his way
up that leg. “How hard are you, meletrhon; tell me…” the Galadhrim urged.

“Ai, my cock is like a marble phallus. I cannot take any more of this.”

Orophin chuckled. He poured some of the oil between the Prince’s round globes, and
pushed one finger in between them.

“Aiyaa!” Legolas cried. “You intend to claim the Prince of Mirkwood in his own bed?”

“In OUR bed…” Orophin corrected, and added another finger.

Legolas was tight as a virgin. Although he had only just had a lover, he had not been
taken by another since the night he and Orophin had met. A third finger had him
squirming in pain, but also in pleasure.

“Take me, Orophin…now!” Legolas left no room for argument, and Orophin acquiesced. HE
slicked his cock with the scented oil and placed it against the Prince’s opening. He
nudged forward teasingly, chuckling when Legolas pleaded for more. Slowly he pushed
in, relishing in the sound of his lover’s guttural groans, and the feeling of heat
engulfing his flesh.

Orophin withdrew almost completely, and plunged back in full force. His body shuddered
with the intensity of the pleasure. “Ai, Legolas… it has been too long since we have
done this.”

“Faster!” was the only word that Legolas could manage to voice, and Orophin picked up
the rhythm. His hands once again massaged Legolas’ back while he plunged into the
Prince’s tight depths again and again.

Orophin struck the Prince’s sweet spot everytime. The friction caused by the bed linen
rubbing against his shaft amplified Legoals’ pleasure. “I am coming, Orophin. Come
with me…” he cried. “I want to feel you fill me with your essence when I am at my
peak.”Those words were enough to initiate Orophin’s orgasm and they climaxed in
perfect unison, Legolas’ spasms milking his lover’s cock as their cries of passion
surrounded them.
Orophin collapsed atop of Legolas, utterly sated. He took the tip of the Prince’s ear
between his teeth and bit it playfully. “That was wonderful, meleth nin,” he said,
reaching for a handkerchief on the nightstand to clean Legoals’ mess with.

“I can say that about the massage, but there are no words to describe the rest,”
Legolas said as he snuggled up to Orophin, soon to be taken by reverie.


*****

“You should leave.”

Startled, Orophin turned abruptly to find the source of the voice that came from
behind him, and was met with the greenest of eyes. He had been admiring the extensive
book collection in the library when the King apparently snuck up behind him. “Huh?”

“I said you should leave this place. Go back to ‘Lórien, to those who care about you.”
The words chilled Orophin’s heart, and yet there was not a hint of Coldness in
thng’sng’s eyes.

“I… yesterday… I thought I was welcome here.”

“You are,” said Thranduil. “You may stay if you choose. But I warn you, there is
nothing here for you but loneliness and heartache.” With that, the blonde king turned
on his heel and left the room before Orophin could say another word.

*****


Chapter 13

Sunlight filtered into the room between heavy curtains, making it appear as though it
were dawn rather than two hours before noon. A lithe form lay sprawled diagonally
across the bed, a maf gof golden hair across the pillows. Orophin laid a silver tray
of food down on the table near the bed. “Wake up, Princeling. I have brought you
breakfast,” he said, shaking Legolas’ shoulder before crawling back into bed himself.

“Mmmm,” Legolas buried his face in a pillow while taking his morning stretch.”What did
I do to deserve such royal treatment?” The soreness in his backside quickly reminded
him. “Oh, now I remember...”

Orophin picked up a ripe strawberry, dipped it into some sweet cream and brought it to
Legolas’ mouth. “I shall never cease to be fascinated by you,” he said, admiring the
Prince’s sensuousness as he ate the fruit. Emerald eyes turned to him. “Remember the
day we met?” he asked. Legolas nodded in repsonse. “From the moment I say you, I told
myself I had to have you. I wanted just one night with you...”

“Like you had with many others, no doubt,” Legolas teased.

“Aye.” Orophin’s expression remained serious. “But then I looked into your eyes, and
the world began to spin...” and it did so again when he saw those green orbs staring
at him, full of lust. The taste of strawberries filled his mouth and he realized it
was the taste of Legolas’ lips and tongue.

“Nay, stop,” Orophin said when the light kiss began to turn aggressive and needy.
“There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

“Can it not wait?”

“It has been waiting for a while now. You seem to attack me before I can ever manage
to bring it up.”

Legolas grinned. “Forgive me for not being able to keep my eager hands off of you. You
are so tempting…So what did you want to talk about?”

“About the possibility of me guarding the borders of Mirkwood.”

“What?” Legolas became visibly shocked and worried; he sat up in the bed. “Why would
you want to do that? You can have anything you want, you do not need to work.”

“I do not like the idea of sitting around while others provide for me. I need to do
something with my life.”

“But... you do not need this. You can do anything you desire. Surely there are enough
things you enjoy doing to keep you from becoming bored…”

“This IS what I desire,” Orophin’s voice took on an angry tone, and he tried to calm
himself. “Legolas, ‘tis not about being bored. I want to do something worthwhile.
Please?” he took Legolas’ hand, entwining their fingers. “Will you talk to your Ada?
And tonight I will show you my gratitude…”

“Very well,” Legolas agreed, but his worries remained. He feared what would happen
should Orophin be in the presence of the other guards, especially Dúrhir. Would they
tell him?

“Oh, Legolas. You are so good to me, melleth! Amin mela lle.” Orophin wrapped his arms
around the Prince squeezing him tight. Although unhappy about letting his lover join
the Mirkwood guard, Legolas felt a sense of warmth pooling in his stomach, just seeing
Orophin’s joy.

*****

The Prince of Mirkwood marched angrily towards his father’s study. He really did not
want to face his father after the incident that morning; but he knew that if he did
not, Orophin would keep asking about it.

When he entered the room he found the King at his desk. Thranduil who who it was and
said nothing, only continued writing. Legolas looked at him with disgust and contempt.
Ever since his mother left them, after he was born, Thranduil had never taken a lover.
Legolas knew this. He had always believed that his father had closed himself off to
love in any form. Now he wished he would never have found out the truth.

“Orophin wishes to join the Guard. Will you allow it?” he asked, rather sternly.

“Aye.” Thranduil’s lips curved into a slight smile at the knowledge that Orophin
wanted to serve him in whatever way.

Legolas became engraged, his nostrils flared in anger when he saw how his father’s
eyes lit up at the mention of his lover’s name. “He is mine, I hope I do not have to
remind you of that,” he said through gritted teeth.

“I do not know of what you speak.”

“I think you do.” Legolas’ hands clutched the edge of the desk. “You think I do not
see the way you look at him every evening at dinner, but I do.” Emerald met peridot as
prince and king glared at each other. “I came to your chambers earlier today, to ask
you if you would let him join. I saw you, Adar. Naked, with your cock in your hand.
Fingers buried deep within you. Writhing like an animal. Screaming MY lover’s name!”

“Enough!” Thranduil pounded his fist into the desk. “Is this how you speak to your
father? To your King? Have you no shame?”

“Have you?” Legolas asked in almost a whisper before he turned and left the room,
leaving Thranduil with a bewildered expression on his face.

The blonde King sunk back into his chair, tears threatening to spill. He had promised
himself never to let his heart betray him again. And it did.



Chapter 14


(‘Lorien)

The sound water running over rocks resonated through the woods, a fast moving stream
glittering in the afternoon sunlight. Rúmil held his lover’s hand, watching his face
closely as they walked along the bank. Erestor’s eyes were focused straight ahead. All
day he seemed as though he was not at peace, and it worried Rúmil. “are are awfully
quiet today. What worries you so?”

“’Tis nothing,” Erestor lied. “I am only tired.” Dark eyesncednced at the picnic
basket Rúmil carried in his other hand. How would the sweet Galadhrim react when he
found what lay hidden within? The Counsilor pushed the idea out of his mind, it only
served to worry him more.

“Well, here we are,” Rúmil said when they reached a small clearing he had chosen for
their private afternoon outing.

“It is as lovely as you said, meleth.” The area was surrounded on one side by the
stream and circled in by flowering trees. An occasional orchid gave an extra splash of
color to the already beautiful surroundings. Erestor lowered a blanket onto the grass
and the two Elves sat down side by side. Rúmil placed the basket in front of them and
moved to lift the green cloth covering.

“Nay!” Erestor’s heart nearly stopped. He grabbed Rúmil’s arm, leading it away from
the basket. “There will be time to eat.

“I am thirsty.” Rúmil eyed his lover curiously and reached out again, picking up a
flask of water. “The basket will not bite me.”

Erestor exhaled, relieved that the blonde elf had not found that which he was no
longer sure he should have placed in the basket. At the same time, he wished that he
had found it, so that they could get it over with and he could stop fearing Rúmil’s
reaction.

“Actually, I am quite hungry already,” Erestor said, “Could you hand me one of those
pastries you packed? I do not wish to make a mess looking for them…” Rúmil closed the
flask, putting it down on the ground beside him and looked into the basket. As he
moved aside some fruit in order to access the pastries, the guardian found something
which he definitely did not back. He cocked his head and reached for a small red pouch
tucked neatly between sandwiches and pastr Ere Erestor held his breath and bit is
lower lip.

“What is this?” Rúmil asked, looking at the Counsilor.

“Open it. Look inside…”

Rúmil carefully untied the string, peered inside, and spilled the contents of the
pouch onto his palm. “Erestor” he gasped. There, in his slender hand lay two beautiful
mithril rings, each set with a small, round ruby. He picked on up with his other hand
to read the inscription on the inside of the band. “I will love you forever…”

Erestor drew close to Rúmil and took his hand, and one of the rings. Slipping it on a
long finger he said, “The day I first met you, my dearest Rúmil, I thought was the
happiest day in my life. But I was wrong. Because every day that passes, as we grow
closer, is better than the last. I would that we were bound, meleth nin, that I be
yours and you be mine, forever. Will you have me, lirimaer?”

Rúmil was at a loss for words. He took the other ring still in his hand, and slid it
onto Erestor’s finger. Topaz blue eyes flooded with tears of joy as he crawled onto
the Councilor’s and and gifted him with the slowest, most loving kiss they had every
shared.


******

Orophin tensed at the sound of another whisper and another giggle coming from
somewhere beside him he rode with the other guards to the southern border. He knew
they were laughing at him. But why? As far as he knew they had no reason to treat him
in such a manner. It shocked him. Such a thing was unheard of amongst the ‘Lórien
guards.

Despite the hurt and anger he felt, Orophin maintained his usually confident pose:
back straight, head high. He refused to let them see that their taunts affected him.


“Lose the haughtiness, Galadhrim,” Dúrhir said, pushing the invisible sword deeper
into Orophin’s gut. “It does not suit you at the moment.” And again the others led,
ed, whispering things he could not quite hear. Suddenly he regretted joining the
Guard. He knew now how it felt to be alone. No friends. No family. The only thing he
had to look forward to be in Legolas’ arms again. Still, that did not offer much
comfort. He yearned for someone to talk to. Legolas would not give him that. It seemed
as though whenever they were together, the Prince was only interested in bedding him.

(later)

Orophin slumped down against a tree, glad that he was finally allowed to take a break
and get away from the other guardians who he now despised. He looked about his
surroundings. The trees of Mirkwood stood tall, leaves and low ferns covering the
forest floor. The fog was so dense one could hardly see more than a few meters ahead.
Under different circumstances, he wounjoynjoy such an eerie atmosphere. But the
cruelty the others had shown him kept him from finding any comfort. He sighed and
closed his eyes at the sound of footsteps coming towards him from behind. ‘Will they
not allow me a moment of peace?’

“So how does it feel to be my replacement?” Orophin recognized the smooth voice
immediately. It was that of the captain.

“Your replacement in what?” The Galadhrim’s voice did not hide his annoyance.

“In his bed.”

“You go to far, Dúrhir.”“You“You do not believe me?”

“Nay, I do not.”

“He holds your hands while he makes love to you… He tells you how much he loves you
when he is inside of you, but when he is done it is as if you are not there.”

Orophin fumed. How could Dúrhir know so much? He said nothing as the realization hit
him: the captain was telling the truth.

“I know. It was I who shared his bed before he casually told me that he would not be
needing my ‘services’ anymore. And do you know what the worst part of it is? He left
Mirkwood the very next day. And when he came back… he came back with you.”

“It cannot be true,” Orophin whispered through a sob.

“Aye, it can be. It is.” There was a moment of silence before Dúrhir spoke again. “You
may rest until tomorrow. I believe you have had a difficult day.”

Orophin’s world came crashing down. When the other Elf left he fell to the ground,
shedding the first tears since he was an Elfling.


Chapter 15


‘I should check the archery field, maybe he is practicing,’ thought Orophin. He had
already ked ked all the other places he thought Legolas might have been, but the
Prince was nowhere to be found. Usually the first thing that was on his mind when
coming home from border duty was a nice, long bath; but not this time. He would have
no peace until he confronted Legolas about his alleged affair.

He marched quickly through the vast gardens until he saw Legolas a little farther off
in the distance. The Prince held his bow taut, brow slightly furrowed, eyes
concentratn a n a spot straight ahead. Orophin’s heartbeat quickened, though his
footsteps slowed. How would he say it? How would Legolas react? Was this to be the end
of their relationship? Legolas let go of the arrow, moments later it was embedded in
the center of his target.

“Phin, you are home!” Legolas placed his bow and quiver on the ground and ran to
Orophin, embracing his lover dearly. “What is wrong?” he asked, feeling Orophin
stiffen in his arms.

“You were unfaithful to me.” The guardian’s voice was flat when he spoke.

“What are you talking about, meleth? You are the only one for me, I would never…”

“Silence!” Orophin spoke through gritted teeth, hands clenched into fists at his
sides. “For years I waited for you, worrying, writing letters that were never
delivered to you on *your* orders.

“Every night that you were away I spent alone, longing you your touch. Did you even
think of me while you had him in your bed?”

“Who are you speaking of, Orophin?”

“Oh, so there were many?”

“Nay! There was never anyone but you!”

“Is that so?” Another familiar voice came from behind Legolas. “I remember it
differently. I remember you telling me *I* was the only one for you.”

Legolas spun around and was met by amber colored eyes. Yet, to his surprise, his
former lover did not appear angry, but amused. He faced Orophin again, “He lies!
Surely you do not believe what he says. Can you not see the ridiculous grin on his
face? He is jealous! It is his desire to see us torn apart.” The Prince turned to
glare at the brunette. “You have taken this too far, Dúrhir. This will cost you your
title, and you job, Captain!”

“I only answer to the King,” Dúrhir said with a laugh. “Do you propose we go take this
up with his Majesty?”

“So it is true,” Orophin said when Legolas hesitated to respond, his last hope that
Dúrhir was, indeed, up to some malice fading on the spot. His eyes fell to the floor,
and he abruptly turned to leave.

“Phin, wait!” Legolas yelled as he ran after the retreating elf and grabbed a hold of
his tunic as if it were going to save him from drowning. “Do not leave. Saes, we can
work this out…” Orophin looked away. It was too painful to look into the eyes of the
one he loved, the one he thought loved him. “I was unsure of my feelings then. But it
is different now. I no longer doubt my love for you. Let us put the past behind us. I
will love you like no other, I will make you the happiest Elf on Middle-Earth.”

Orophin’s lip quivered as he struggled not to cry. “How can I believe you, when
everything you have ever told me was a lie?”

“I am sorry,” was all Legolas could think to say. He raised a hand to stroke his
lover’s upper arm, but Orophin shoved it away and stalked off into the woods. Legolas
whirled around, overcome with a sudden urge to strangle Dúrhir, but saw that that too
too, was gone.


Chapter 16


‘I should have left him, thought Orophin as he lay upon the bed, but he quickly
dismissed the idea, and not for the first time that day. He knew Legolas was not
treating him well, but he could not bear the thought of not being with the Prince
anymore. He would rather Legolas touch him without love, than never to touch him again
at all. He wondered if his lover would ever change. “Does he love me, amme?” he asked
the small portrait of his mother which he held in his hands. It was the only thing he
had at the moment to offer him some degree of comfort. He closed his eyes, and a
wistful melody began to flow from his lips, as if answering his question.


Thranduil was on the way to Legolas’ chambers, looking for his son when he heard the
sound of singing. Curious, he quietly came closer to the door. At first he had thought
it was Legolas who was singing, but the voice was deeper. “Orophin,” he whispered. The
King’s slender hand caressed the door as it would the Silvan Elf, if given the chance,
while he listened to the melancholy tune.

“Say nothing
Do not tell me that your love lasts
Your words give you away,
I know what true love is
Lies and smiles will not trick me,
when the bottom of a kiss lacks heart
Say nothing
Give me your hand, embrace me.”

His heart went out to the poor guardian. He wished he could comfort him… he wished he
could take Legolas’ place and give Orophin the love he needed and deserved. Lyrics
were replaced by soft humming, bringing an end to the song of lament. Thranduil left
with a sigh, wondering why he had been blessed with such a cold-hearted son.


*****

Orophin turned away from the doors upon hearing approaching footsteps. He feared
having to face his lover again.

The doosr were swung open. “There you are!” cried Legolas, and he ran to the bed,
embracing Orophin. “I was worried. No one has seen you. At first I thought you had
left, but then I saw that your horse was still here...” he stopped speaking when the
guardian’s body began to shake with sobs. “Orophin?” he tucked a strand of blonde hair
behind Orophin’s ear. “Do not weep, meleth nin. I am very sorry. I promise I will be
good to you from now on,” Legolas said, and nuzzled his face in his lover’s neck.

After a few minutes of silence, Orophin finally spoke. “Do you honestly love me,
Legolas? Or am I just here to warm you bed?” he asked, still sniffling.

“Do not ask me such nonsense, of course I love you.” The words soothed Orophin
somewhat, and he allowed himself to relax in Legolas’ arms.

Meanwhile, Legolas took in the sight of his lover’s body. The guardian wore only a
pair of burgundy night shorts, which were more than he usually slept in. Eventually
the Prince’s hand trailed down to a creamy thigh. He had always loved Orophin’s well-
toned legs, especially when they were wrapped around him.

The ‘Lórien Elf stiffened at the touch, but remained silent, hoping that Legolas would
not take it further. He knew what it meant when the Prince began caressing his thighs.
Then lips enclosed around the tip of his ear… “Nay,” he said, flinching away; but
Legolas only turned him onto his back and began placing gentle kisses on his neck.

Orophin could not help but become aroused. Still, he was not ready to become intimate
with Legolas again. “Saes, stop,” he pleaded again againgain, gently pushing the
Prince away, but Legolas ignored him, tugging on the string of Orophin’s shorts. Only
when his efforts were met with a commanding “Daro!” did he stop.

“What is wrong?” Legolas asked.

“I do not want to do this, not tonight. I would rather you just hold me.”

“Oh, I WILL hold you,” the Prince said with a devious smile, but the grin quickly
faded when Orophin did not react. “Please, meleth, I need this.” He began caressing
the guardian’s leg once more.

“But I do not want to,” Orophin persisted.

“Fine! Have it your way!” Legolas erupted, and abruptly left the room, slamming the
heavy wooden doors behind him.

“So much for treating me well,” Orophin thought, and tears flooded his eyes once more.

*****

After a few hours of lying in bed, unable to sleep, Orophin decided it was time to
pack. The sun would soon rise, and he was determined to begin the ride home at the
break of day. Though the thought of leaving still tore at his heart, he would not stay
where he was nothing more than a toy for an Elf who cared nothing for him. He dressed
and hastily began gathering his belongings.

“What are you doing?” A voice asked and Orophin nearly jumped. In his inner turmoil,
he did not even realize someone had come into the room. He gasped at the sight of the
King. Thranduil was wearing only a light green and silver robe which gave him an
almost ethereal appearance. Peridot eyes watched Orophin with concern.

“I am packing,” the guarding said, stating the obvious.

“You are leaving?”

“Aye. You were right; there is nothing for me here but heartache.”

Thranduil stood in silence as Orophin stuffed the last of his things into a suede bag,
until he could hold back no longer. “Stay,” he said with a shaky voice.

“Why?” Orophin asked, clueless as to the nature of the plea.

“I was wrong. There is more for you here, much more… it only depends on who it is you
give your heart to.”

Orophin raised a curious brow, “And who do you propose I should offer it to?”

Thranduil chewed on his lower lips as he lightly brushed his fingers against
Orophin’s. “I would cherish it greatly, should you offer it to me.”


Chapter 17


Thranduil’s fingers continued to caress Orophin’s, eventually entwining. Magnetic eyes
pulled them closer together until hot breath was felt against quivering lips.

“Kiss me.” Orophin was surprised by his own demand. Granted, he had been aware of the
King’s good-looks since they day he arrived in Mirkwood, but never thought any more of
it, and he definitely had not been aware of Thranduil’s attraction to him. And yet,
when the King’s soft lips brushed against his, his thirst for love seemed to be
quenched, his desire ignited. Slowly, their lips parted. Tongues danced slowly,
revealingxprexpressed emotions. Fingers tangled in silky, sun-kissed locks.

The bed seemed to move closer as Orophin backed his lover’s adar onto the silk covered
mattress. Legs wrapped around the Silvan Elf as he ground their hips together, rubbing
his hardening length against Thranduil’s while tasting the silkiness of the King’s
neck. Orophin’s pained was momentarily drowned by the soft moans coming from the Elf
beneath him as he sucked the delicate skin, marring it with purple marks.

Thranduil slid his hands under Orophin’s shirt. Heat pooled in his abdomen with every
stroke of the guardian’s cock against his own, despite the robe and leggings that
separated them. He had never been with a male before, and he wondered what heights of
pleasure Orophin would bring him to while making love, since he was already undone
just by dry thrusting.

The King could already feel the silk of his robe becoming wet at thint int where it
touched the tip of his length. He pressown own on Orophin’s backside with his legs,
increasing the pressure of their contact. With one hand he held onto the guardian’s
broad shoulder, and with the other, pressed the blonde head harder against his neck.
The knots in his stomach tightened, his breath began to shudder moments before it
became hitched. With his eyes closed he did not see the steel-grey eyes loo looked
down at him with awe and adorations while his cock pulsed, covering his skin and robe
with warm fluid.

Then, Orophin kissed the quivering King, thrusting gently until his breathing became
calm. He wanted nothing more than to claim gorgeous Elf at that moment, but he could
not. He would not be sure if his actions were those of love, or those of a hurting Elf
wanting to ease his own pain. “I cannot do this,” he said as he lifted him self off of
Thranduil.

There was unmistakable disappointment in the King’s eyes, even though he nodded in
understanding. “I like y Oro Orophin continued, “but the pain he has caused me is
still fresh in my heart, and I love him still. I must leave this place so I may heal.”
The guardian rose from the bed, and Thranduil followed.

“Forgive me, Orophin. It was unwise of me to come to you when you are in such a
vulnerable s.”
.”

“Will we see each other again?” Orophin turned to Thranduil with hope-filled eyes.
“Mayhap when I am healed we can try again…”

“Aye,” said Thranduil as he wiped a tear away from Orophin’s cheek with his thumb.
“And if fate does not bring us together somehow, then will always be welcome to come
here.”



Chapter 18


“Orophin?” Legolas’ voice betrayed his fear as he looked around his room. The bed was
mess. All of his clothes, including his finest robes were strewn all over the floor.
It appeared as though someone had thrown all of his things from his closet and drawers
in anger. And Valar did he know Orophin had reason to be angry with him— he had come
to apologize.

Hoping that his love was taking some time to calm down in a warm bath, he looked into
the bathing chamber, only to find it was empty. The distraught Prince walked across
the room, and with a trembling hand, opened the door to his closet. Empty. All of his
own garments were on the floor, and Orophin’s were gone, except for one: his Mirkwood
Guard uniform.

Legolas took the brown tunic in his arms, burying his face in it as he sat down on the
bed. And he wept, salty tears soaking the cloth the scent of which was a painful
reminded of what he now knew he had lost. Finally he saw what he had failed to see
before: he loved Orophin. He loved him deeply, and now he was gone.

As he laid down, still holding Orophin’s tunic, he noticed a white pouch lying on the
pillow where Orophin had slept. When he picked it up, it was so light he assumed it
was empty. Still, he carefully untied the string. Inside was something deep violet in
color. Legolas choked back another sob as he pulled out one of a few dried orchid
flowers. Memories began to flood his mind, memories of a wonderful morning in ‘Lórien.
He remembered the erotic display of the plum-colored petals dancing along the most
sensitive areas of Orophin’s body. He remembered how much it pleased him to see that
gorgeous Silvan Elf brought to the heights of ecstasy by the touch of only those
velvety petals. And, he remembered how worried he had been when Orophin was brought
home injured and how he had stayed by the guardian’s side day and night until the
Fellowship had to leave the Golden Wood.

‘How could I have been so blind?’ he thought, ‘How could I not have seen what he meant
to me?’ And then he screamed. He screamed his beloved’s name with such pain, and
insatiable longing, and anger at what he had done, that his icy heart shattered with
grief for its master.

After what seemed like hours of screaming, Legolas finally cried himself to sleep,
with Orophin’s name formed on his lips.


*****

“Well what do we have here, Rúmil?” Haldir asked, with a gleam in his eye as he
measured the golden Elf.

“The Prince of Mirkwood, apparently. Per he he has come to tell us why our brother
returned home, crying.”

Legolas ignored the angry stares and looked up the tree at the talan. Hard as he
tried, through the leaves he could not see the Elf who sat there. Orophin’s entire
body was wracked with sobs. He had only just begun to recover, but seeing the Prince
again brought him to the same state he was in when he decided to leave.

“Go back now, Legolas,” Haldir said, sternly, “else you shall never be seen anywhere
again.

“I did not come here to start a fight, mellon nin. I love your brother, when he left I
realized just how…” Legolas’ speech was cut off by a strong hand that enclosed around
his neck, lifting him up against a tree.

“I am not your friend,” Haldir said, through gritted teeth. “And I do not care what
light you think you have seen. I believe I have told you to leave, if you cherish your
immortal life you will follow this advice.”

Legolas could feel the cold tip of Rúmil’s sword as it pressed into the hollow of his
throat. “You would be punished.”

“It would be worth it,” Rúmil answered for both himself and Haldir.

“You will turn back, without another word. Is that understood?” Haldir’s tightened his
grip on the Prince’s throat. “Is that understood?”

Legolas nodded, and the hand released him. He flashed another look above; and this
time he saw the tear-stained face of his former lover. He gazed into the steel eyes of
the one he had lost, until Orophin turned away. Sorrow ripped at his heart anew as
what had remained of his hope faded.


Chapter 19


Only a few weeks after Rúmil and Erestor's engagement, Haldir and
Glorfindel decided it was about time for their own binding as well.
Both couples agreed that it would be nice to have their weddings on
the same day. The occa was was set to take place in Imladris that
summer.

It appeared as though all the Elves who still remained on Middle-
Earth had come to celebrate, as did King Thranduil. Orophin was
happy for his brothers, yet seeing their joy reminded him of his own
loneliness. He still had not forgotten about Legolas, he never
would; but it was time to move on. Orophin watched Thranduil, who
was constantly surrounded by other Elves, from afar. Occasionaly
their eyes would meet. The way the King's vibrant green eyes stood
out against the red jewel on his was enough to leave the guardian
breathless. He wondered if Thranduil's offer still stood. Realizing
that nothing would pass between them as long as they were both
surrounded by other company, Orophin decided to go far a walk in the
gardens. If Thranduil was still interested in him, he would surely
follow.

*****

"It has been far too long, mellon nin."

Orophin turned around, his hand still touching the rose he had been
admiring: so vibrant, fragrant and soft to the touch. Yet, it could
never have the exotic appeal of the orchid. Worried eyes turned to
Thrnaduil, there was something in the King's voice that concerned
him. It was laced with sadness. Orophin threw himself into
Thranduil's arms, unwilling to hear anything unpleasant, for his
heart could not bear it. "I have missed you," he whispered.

"And I have missed you."

Satisfied that everything was well, that he had only imagined the
trouble he heard in Thranduil's voice, Orophin pressed his lips
against the King's. Thranduil turned away.

"You do not want me?" Orophin's lips brushed a pale cheek as he
spoke.

A deep sigh came from Thranduil before he was able to respond. "I do
wanu, Ou, Orophin. But there is something you must know before we go
any furthur." The king looked at Orophin, and seeing that the
guardian awaited a more detailed explanation, continued, "There is
no easy way to tell you this... Legolas is fading. We cannot know,
for sure, the cause of his grief, but it may have something to do
with your leaving. It was after your brothers have turned him away
from the Golden Wood that the symptoms began. I fear that he may not
last much longer. I did not wish to leave his side, but I felt it
necessary to come and tell you. He needs you, Orophin. Will you come
back with me? We are leaving on the morrow."

Orophin's head began to spin. Here he was, weasling his way into
Thranduil's arms while his former lover was fading from some unknown
sorrow. Had he truly meant something to Legolas?

"Aye, I will go," he said. He could not abandon the one he loved,
one who still held a place in his heart.


Chapter 20


"Oh, Legolas," Orophin whispered as he placed his hand on the side of the Prince's
fair face, his thumb gently stroking a livid cheek. Legolas' eyes were open but vacant
and he lay still. The sight brought tears to Orophin's eyes. "Saes, come back to me."

They had arrived in Mirkwood only minutes earlier and the guardian was weary, his
stomach growled. He placed something into Legolas' open palm and kissed his forehead.
"I'll be back in a short while." Orophin spoke as if the Prince could hear him...maybe
he could. "Melin chen," he added before leaving the chamber.

Behind the door, Legolas' fingers moved slightly, feeling the silky texture of a
familiar object: a piece of hinthlain rope. He was too weak to move, but a smile
showed that he recognized the thing he held. "Orophin," he whispered, and drifted off
into peaceful, healing sleep.

*****

"How is he?" Thranduil asked the guardian who took his seat next to him in the dining
hall.

"Unresponsive."

While they continued to eat their soup in silence, Thranduil did not overlook the
turmoil on Orophin's face. "Orophin," he started, "I do care for you, but what has
developed between us is nothing compared to what you and my son have had. I will
always be there for you, but should you choose to resume your relationship with
Legolas, if he comes out of this, I will understand."

Orophin nodded in understanding. "You are very kind, my Lord; and you will always hold
a place in my heart. But it is Legolas whom I truly love."


*****

As Orophin lay in his previous spot in Legolas' bed, he snuggled close to his beloved,
breathing in the scent of his hair and tickling his palm with the tips of his fingers.
He nearly jumped when suddenly the Prince grabbed a hold of his hand and squeezed it
likely.

Before Orophin was able to react, Legolas had already pulled him down and was kissing
him, tasting him with more tenderness that he had ever shown before. Tongues met and
teased and searched each other's mouths as if they were unexplored territory.

"Never leave me again," the Prisaidsaid, out of breath from the lengthy kiss.

"Will you be good to me?"

Legolas nodded. "I am sorry I did not realize how much I love you until you left. You
are everything to me, Orophin. Will you forgive me?"

"You have hurt me deeply, Princeling. I cannot deny that. But I forgive you. I only
hope that you have changed your ways." Gray eyes studied Legolas' face with hope.

"I have. I wanted to show you that day that I came to the Golden Wood, when your
brothers me me away."

"They were only trying to protect me from more pain," Orophin explained with downcast
eyes, regretful of how they had treated Legolas. There was a moment of pause before
the guardian's curiosity got the best of him. "How would you have shown me?"

"Well," Legolas started, "It was nothing that could ever take away all the things I
have done to wrong you. But it was the only way I could think of to show you that you
are they only one for me...I umm...I wanted to propose to you. Being bound to another
is a commitment I have always feared, until I saw what lifs lis like without you."

Orophin could barely hide his smile. "'Tis what I have always wanted for us. Does your
offer still stand, Legolas?"

"Aye."

"Then I accept it," Orophin said and brought his lips down hard on the Prince's,
making them bleed in his eagerness.

"I have something for you," said Legolas when the fiery kiss wasr. r. "In that drawer
is a wooden box. Could you bring it here please?"

Orophin left the bed and went to open the small drawer to which Legolas had pointed.
He had a good feeling he knew what was inside the intricately carved little box which
he placed into the Prince's hand.

Legolas took out the ring, hiding it from Orophin's view as he slid it only the
guardian's finger. When the Prince took his hand away, Orophin's eyes grew wide with
sheer awe.

"It is beautiful!" the guardian exclaimed as he studied the ring which was carved
entirely of Emerald, detailed beech and mallorn leaves entwined. Then he took the
other ring from the box, and put it on Legolas' finger. "It matches the color of your
eyes," he said dreamily and fell on top of the Prince.

As he placed gentle kisses all over Legolas' face and neck, Orophin felt something
pressing against his lower abdomen, one of two things to be precise. "Princeling, I do
not think you are in the condition to do that which you desire," he teased.

"As someone once said, I could just lay here and relax while you make love to me."

Just the suggestion was enough to make Orophin moan, and he went to work, managing to
pull off both of their sleepwear in between needy kisses. But when his tongue began to
travel the Prince's body, it became clear that they had been apart too long for such
foreplay.

"Saes, Orophin! I need to feel you inside me..." cried Legolas.

Orophin was not in the state to argue. Within seconds he found the small bottle of oil
they always used for their lustful play. He coated his cock liberally, lifting the
Prince's legs over his shoulders and plunged inside Legolas tight channel, giving his
beloved a quick kiss before he began to thrust.

Both Elves groaned with pleasure, holding hands as Orophin rocked into his lover
forcefully and stroked his cock to match the rhythm.

"Faster!" Legolas screamed, desperate for release that the slow pace did not promise
to bring. Orophin obeyed, pushing his cock in and out of the Prince at a frantic pace,
striving to bring them both to that blissful moment as soon as their bodies would
allow.

Legolas came first, his hair turning into a tangled mess as he thrashed his head from
side to side. The sight of his writhing lover and the delightful feel of hot seed
covering his hand was enough to drive Orophin over the edge. He continued to thrust
with all his strength as his cock pumped it's essence into Legolas.

"Melin chen, Orophin. Melin chen," Legolas said and quickly fell asleep.


*****

"This must be a difficult day for you," Thranduil said to Dúrhir as he laid his hand
upon the Captain's shoulder.

"Nay, I am over him…and happy to see that he has grown a heart.

As he looked into warm amber eyes while Dúrhir's hand covered his own, Thranduil was
able to see what it was that drove Legolas to bed the captain of their guard. And he
was determined to find out if there was more to the proud warrior than met the eye.

The end


Well, it’s been fun. I hope you have enjoyed this story and that you will also read my
next multi-chaptered fic titled “Three cherries for Legolas.” I say SOME of you
because it will be an Mpreg, and I know most people don’t like those. Also upcoming is
a short Leggy/Haldir fic I’ll be writing with Anastasia.

Elvish:

Saes- please

Melin chen- I love you (I used to write his as amin mela lle in earlier chapters, but
I’ve finally resorted to using Sindarin where appropriate ;-)