This, And My Heart Beside *added ch. 20/part 1*

CHAPTER 12

As they ascended the steps, Legolas gazed at the landscape all around and below him. The marvels of Ilandros, with its many levels, and its majestic buildings with soaring spires, still took his breath away. He gazed down at the port at which were docked some of Ilandros’ many ships, along with trade ships from other lands. The Prince could never imagine what it was like to live in a land that was so highly accessible to others; but knowing the fearsome warriors that protected the kingdom, he was sure they were never in any danger. In the unlikely event that Ilandros was attacked, the narrow inlet that led from the sea to its port would serve as a death trap for the opposing forces. The Guards would be swarming not only the docks, but also the steep wooded hill just opposite, and the invaders would be boxed in. Since the Ilandrian Guards had grown quite adept with bow and arrow, it would be a fatal error in judgment.


The two princes were nearly to the top of the stairway and the first-level veranda, when they heard two voices in quiet conversation. Isalith motioned Legolas to stay where he was, and he continued the climb alone.

“Taking some fresh air, I see,” Legolas heard him greet his mother and father, as he stepped onto the terra cotta tiled portico.

“You know we cannot resist when the sea breeze blows in so gently, my son,” King Tyrion replied affectionately.

“And how was your bath by the waterfall?” Anylinde’s sweet lyrical voice drifted to Legolas’ ears. He smiled to himself contentedly; they both sounded the same as they had when he’d seen them last. Thank the gods, some things never changed.

Isalith stood at the edge of the veranda with his hands behind his back. As he answered, he gestured to his friend to close the distance between them, and Legolas did so quietly, until he stood directly behind Isalith, still unseen from where the King and Queen stood.

“Wonderful as always, Naneth,” he said, “but I found something there that I think you both should see.”

When they asked curiously what it was, Isalith stepped aside to reveal a radiantly smiling Mirkwood Prince.

Anylinde gasped as her hands flew to her mouth, and Tyrion smiled delightedly. “Legolas!” he cried.

The three approached each other quickly, and Legolas was grateful to once again receive the same warm welcome he always had in the past. The Queen hugged him gently and fussed over how tall he’d grown. When Legolas extended his hand to clasp her husband’s arm in a more adult greeting, Tyrion looked at it in amusement.

“So formal, Legolas?” he said affectionately, and ignoring the hand, gathered the Mirkwood Prince into his arms. Legolas smiled happily; he would’ve been very disappointed indeed, if Tyrion hadn’t greeted him in the usual manner, but he felt he should display some decorum at his age.

The group walked through an arched entryway into an open courtyard that held one of the most beautiful, pristine gardens Legolas had ever seen. This was one of his favorite spots in the palace, hemmed on all four sides by slate walkways and pillars of fascinating textures and designs. Some resembled tree trunks, twisted and spiraling, inlaid with multi-colored mosaic tiles, while the alatinating columns were of a braided design and rough in texture. How the Ilandrian craftsmen were able to accomplish these effects with marble was a mystery that Legolas had never questioned. He’d long ago learned that these people could do many things that no other race, no other Elves could do. It was a simple fact of life.

As they walked, the King and Queen asked many questions about his mother and father, and of course, the delightful young Princess. Legolas answered them all, finishing with the announcement that Hania had spoken for the first time upon his departure from Mirkwood. The Ilandrians were stunned. When they learned the reason for her lifelong silence, all three laughed fondly.

“The little imp,” Isalith said, shaking his head.

“Everything has been set straight, and ‘twill be good for her to spend time alone with Ada and Naneth. She loves them both, of course, but she needs to bond with them now. I am afraid I’ve monopolized too much of her time. I cannot be her entire world fer; er; this separation will help her become a more well-rounded child,” Legolas explained, and Isalith noted the slight expression of sadness that crossed his friend’s beautiful face. It would mean a substantial change in his life as well, and the Ilandrian Prince knew it would not be easy for him. He laid a hand on Legolas’ shoulder and squeezed gently.

“Tonight there will be an outdoor feast in your honor,” he said brightly.

“My honor?”

“Of course,” Anylinde confirmed. She added with a sweet smile, “You have graced us with a visit after a very long time. That is cause to celebrate, do you not agree?”

Legolas grinned and laid a hand over his heart, bowing his head. “Yes Lady, I certainly feel like celebrating, and I would be honored to attend.”

She nodded in acknowledgement, as they stopped in front of a large door. The room was next to Isalith’s, Legolas knew from experience. This pleased him a great deal; he knew they were too old to still be sharing a bed, but he would miss those days. At least their rooms were adjoining, and separated only by a latticework screen of teakwood. They would still be able to talk late into the night, as they were accustomed to doing. The King and Queen left them, to attend to the plans for the evening’s feast, and Isalith stayed behind to help his friend settle in.

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Uriong’s heart pounded in anticipation as he opened the door to his private quarters, but once he was inside, Belorfilad was nowhere to be seen. His satchel sat on Uriong’s bed, his bow and quiver stood in the corner, and his boots lay on the floor. These things were the only evidence that he had been in the room. Uriong frowned slightly as disappointment washed over him.

“I do hope you are looking for me,” a low, deep voice said from behind.

The Ilandrian Captain wheeled around to see his beautiful, adored Belorfilad leaning against the wall. He’d been standing there when Uriong entered, wanting to surprise him. His piercing blue eyes gleamed with a mixture of desire and love, and he wore only his leggings.

Uriong gazed in appreciation at his lover’s bare torso, and Belorfilad smiled when he saw the hunger in his eyes. “I sought to save time,” he explained.

“You are wearing very little,” the raven-haired warrior said unnecessarily.

“And you, my darling, are wearing far too much,” Belorfilad chided. He walked slowly toward his lover. “But that is easily remedied,” he added seductively. When he reached Uriong, he took his face between his hands and kissed him ravenously. How had this Elf stolen his heart so quickly, so easily? Belorfilad had known him but one week before he realized that he wanted no one else, and now Uriong was so immeasurably a part of him that he knew he would never be complete while they were apart.

“I cannot believe that you are truly here,” Uriong whispered against his lips.

“I am, beloved, and I have been given orders to stay for the duration of Legolas’ visit. You will grow weary of me, mark my words,” Belorfilad added with a wry smile.

The Ilandrian Captain shook his head vehemently, and pulled his lover even closer. “Never!” he vowed. “We could make love ten times a day everyday, for etey, ay, and never would our union grow stale.”

Belorfilad’s azure eyes misted slightly at those words, and a tender smile played along his lips. He stroked Uriong’s cheek softly with the back of his hand.

“Do you know what I would like, my beautiful Uriong?” he murmured.

“Tell me melda, so that I may give you what you desire.” Uriong’s voice thickened with desire.

“I would like to put your theory to the test,” the blonde Elf beseeched enticingly. “Beginning now.”

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Isalith smiled dreamily as he walked to the palace kitchen to see if his help was needed to prepare for the fete. His Legolas was here, at last! He couldn’t have pinpointed exactly when he’d begun to think of the blonde Prince as “his”, but the thought was there, always. As they both grew and matured, Isalith’s feelings had begun to strengthen beyond those of mere friendship. When he read his friend’s letters, he held the paper reverently in his hands; Legolas had touched it, and it still held his wonderful scent. The Ilandrian Prince had even begun to dream about the two of them together; nothing specific, only vague images of him and Legolas laying on the grass beside one of the kingdom’s exquisite waterfalls, holding hands, and talking quietly. In his most recent dream, he had come so close to kissing his beloved friend that when he awoke with a start, his lips were actually pursed in readiness. He went back to sleep immediately, hoping to pick up the dream’s thread again, but it was not to be.

He owed Legolas so much; his friendship had given him the confidence to grow and try things he never would’ve tried before he met him. But it wasn’t gratitude that had brought about the burgeoning new sentiments he was feeling for Legolas. It was his friend’s spirit, hinstanstant support and encouragement that drew Isalith. When his own strength failed, Legolas had freely lent his. The blonde Prince was pure and good, and Isalith loved him in every possible way. Somehow, before their reunion came to an end, the two Princes would need to talk privately. For both their sakes, Legolas had to know how he felt. Isalith cringed a little when he thought of how he’d almost tipped his hand at the waterfall, by kissing Legolas as he did. Fortunately, he’d recovered his composure quickly enough to play it off as a friend’s kiss of welcome, and Legolas didn’t seem to be terribly taken aback by it. Perhaps that was a good sign. Soon, my love. Very soon you will know the true depths of what I feel for you.

He passed through the entryway that led to the kitchen, nodding warmly to two servants as they passed; and I pray to Eru, he added, that if you do not return my feelings, you will at least not be appalled by them.


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melda: beloved