Gondor's King

Chapter 13

The palace is in chaos by the time we return and I am swiftly swept away from Legolas by over anxious councillors and agitated stewards.

“I will see you at dinner Greenleaf.” I call helplessly over my shoulder at Legolas who stands at the entrance to the palace, laughing himself silly as I’m hustled from view towards my own private chambers. His melodic giggles follow me through the hallway until I finally reach my own chambers and slam the door forcefully behind me to keep out both the stewards and councillors. I sigh heavily and rest my back against the wooden door, my eyes falling closed in fatigue of the days searching. I cannot help but begin to smirk at the image of Legolas’ laughing in the hall and before I can stop myself I’m giggling to myself like a mad man as the memory of the fair elven king engulfs my body like a drug.

“Father? What amuses you so to laugh alone? I have not seen you this happy since Aratula’s 16th birthday?” I’m shocked into reality again as I stand hastily from the door to glare at my eldest son who I am only just now noticing is perched on the lounge next to the fire.

“Breachtian? I was merely laughing at an amusing event that happened today, nothing of consequence I assure you.” I clear my throat loudly, hoping to cover my blatant lie, as I move sly tly to where a decanter of wine has been thoughtfully left for me upon the table beside the lounge. Breachtian watches me with an uncanny interest as I pour both him and myself some wine. “And may I ask where you have been these last three days?” I change the subject quickly a severity of purpose entering my tone as I stare at my son intently. He shifts restlessly under my scrutiny for a few moments before sipping from his wine and smiling up at me with the worse imitation of innocents I think I have ever seen.

“Hunting father.” The reply to my question is short and sweet but I do not accept it as I move to stand in front of the fire to warm myself.

”Hunting? Is that so? And what do you and Castile hunt, that takes such a long time? And what indeed do you hunt that requires sneaking off in the early morning and does not require you to explain your whereabouts to anyone?” Breachtian shifts nervously before he takes another sip of wine and composes himself somewhat before standing and making firm eye contact with me.

”If I may speak freely father, where I go is not your concern. I am safe and home and that should be all that matt” I ” I raise a smooth eyebrow in the direction of my son who stands firm and unwavering in front of me, his stubbornness a sure reflection of my own. “I do not need your permission to go where I please. I am only a season from my majority and a man does not need to report to his father on his actions.” I smile, although it is bitter sweet and laced with anger and I see Breachtian flinch as I circle him and put my now empty glass upon the table again.

“I see. Indeed, a maes nes not need to report to his father on his actions.” I watch as my son relaxes a little at my comment and goes to smile but I continue sharply. “But! You Breachtian are not yet, a man as you have clearly pointed out you are a full season from the title.” Breachtian goes to argue the point but I silence him with a determined hand that I hold in front of his face. “Admittidly I had thought you were growing up a little but after this last stunt I have reviewed my judgement. You have acted like a child, and thus being the case will be treated and punished as such befits the youngster you have showed me you still are.”

“Father!” I cut off Breachtian’s impending argument and protests as I turn away from him and begin to walk towards my bedchamber.

“You will not leave the palace walls at all for the next two weeks of the festival without first seeking my permission and then it will only be granted for your participation in the festivals events. You will not stray from the sight of your siblings in company and you will have a curfew of ten past the hour of elven every night unless I see fit otherwise.” Breachtian’s anger is clear upon his face but he keeps his tongue knowing full well that anything he says will enrage me further. “If you disobey these rules I will revoke more of your privileges until you learn your mistakes. I do not want to hear of this matter further less you wish to reveal and appologise for your actions in the past three days to me.” I watch as Breachtian nods understandingly the stubbornness and anger lost from his face once again, to leave the gentle young man I had reared as my son. “Understand Breachtian there is enough deceit within these palace walls, without your lies to me as well?”

“Sorry father.” I sigh heavily as I watch Breachtian move to exit my chambers having received my punishment as it was meant.

”Breachtian?” He pauses in the open doorway to my chambers and looks back at me almost hopefully, but I have no intention of backing down on my punishment of the matter. “The king of Mirkwood wishes to meet you along with your younger brother and sister at the feast, you will pay him every attention and curtesy during his company. He is a dear friend of mine and I do not want us disgraced.”

“Yes sir.” With a short nod Breachtian leaves my sight and closes the door quietly behind him as he goes. Out of all my children Breachtian was always the most head strong and he will always be far to stubborn for his own good, it would be in his benefit to spend time in the presence of the elves and learn from them their passive and understanding natures. Glancing at the small time piece above the fire I note the lateness of the evening and I hurry quickly into my bedchambers to begin getting dressed. I am way overdue at the throne hall and I am sure that both Aratula and Kahual will not thank me for leaving them to entertain several hundred elves without me.

**************
I run the last few meters to the throne hall, having taken a little longer than I expected during my bath. Inside I can already here the raucous laughter of my court mixing with the melodic elfish twittering. The herald goes to announce my entrance but I stay him with my hand quickly. There is no sense in disturbing everyone, who seem to be at the moment getting along very well. I slip into the chamber unnoticed and wander quickly through the rows of tables now occupied with, elves from Rivendell, Mirkwood and men from Minas Tirith.

“Ahhh the man himself sees fit to finally attend his own feast.” I groan audibly as Glorfindel’s cheeky laughter draws the attention of the whole hall to where I was just about to sit down in the spare seat at the head table.

“Aye, I decided it best not to stay hidden in my room, when I have the possibility of hearing your excellent wit Glorfindel.” The elder elf in question blushes slightly and I triumphant at being the cause of it. As a child it was always the reverse but it seems I have grown better at the talent with age. The gathered group around the head table laugh and all stand obligingly as I sit down finally in my chair before they too sit down again. I allow myself the luxury of scanning the table as a kitchen hand fills my glass with wine. To my right sit Breachtian, Kahual and Aratula. Breachtian, I am pleased to see is engaged in a conversation with Filgree and Haldir across the table, although I did not miss the angry look he threw my way when I sat down. Kahual is making polite conversation to Aratula, Arrionetta and of all people Elladan. Elrond and Glorfindel sit on my left both of them discussing cross boarder trading with my chancellor and the few councillors I have agreed to sit at the table with. Finally my gaze falls upon Legolas sitting next to Haldir across the table from me. My breath is stolen from my chest by the beauty that sits before me and I find myself staring at him, a stupid grin tugging at the corners of my lips. Unlike the other elves he is dressed in the traditional royal blue and grey robes. His distinction above the others around him cannot be doubted due to the thin wreath of mitheral that delicately clasps back his golden hair. I don’t think I have ever seen him without the warriors braids in his hair, so as I stare at him now I am bewildered by how his hair hangs in a flowing cascade around his shoulders and face, only the tips of his sculptured ears pointing out through the long tresses of blonde.

Breaking my gaze momentarily I glance to the table and I note with sudden reality that Haldir’s hand is gently resting atop of Legolas’ their fingers slightly entwined. It is a sign, while only small, of the possession that they have of one another. My heart aches with a familiar dull thud and I find myself sighing heavily, at having allowed myself to daydream again of what can never be. I do not know why I torture myself so in his company but when I raise my gaze from their entwined hands I am a little taken back as my gaze meets Legolas.

“Will you stare at me all night Aragorn or shall you eat from the plate that has been sitting in front of you for a good few moments?” I swallow nervously and glance down to the table in front of myself noting in embarrassment that dinner has indeed been served, and that I had not even noticed it being placed in front of me. I blush slightly and fiddle nervously with the cuffs of my own robe as everyone around the table turns their attention to me.

“I…… had not……..”Before I can finish my attempt at salvaging what is left of my humility Elrond buts in quickly with a small chuckled laugh next to me.

“Perhaps you are still a little tired from this morning?” Elrond raises a smooth knowing eyebrow in my direction just as he did when I was a child at having been caught out lying. I ignore it and throw a pensive glare at the elder elf who just continues to chuckle at a joke only he seems to understand.

“Or perhaps it is Glorfindel’s conversation that bore’s you into daydreaming, for he has been talking to you for a good five minutes and it would not be the first time you have drifted off during his tutoring.” Elladan joins in with his fathers laughing as I look up horrified at Glorfindel who is sitting back in his chair looking curiously calm considering that I have just ignored his entire conversation to me.

“I apologise Glorfindel, I….I…I didn’t.” It seems that since sitting down at the table I have lost all abilities to form complete sentences much to the amusement of the gathered party around the table. I lower my head apologetically towards Glorfindel who merely smiles and shakes his head in disapproval.

“It was nothing of consequence Aragorn I assure you. Besides sometimes a king must make priorities in his life and my conversation is never high on anyone’s list.” The party around the table laugh good naturedly at Glorfindel’s jest but I do not, having caught the underlying meaning of his comment as he glances knowingly over to where Legolas is busily tasting everything that has been placed on the plate in front of him, with keen interest seemingly unaware of the innuendo’s going on around him.

I control myself over dinner trying as much as possible to keep my eyes to myself and away from Legolas, for fear of embarrassing myself again. My conversation is minimal restricted to polite replies to questions thrown my way. While I am at ease with having all the elves here in my palace there is a little part of me that still worries, as I cautiously glance around at my councillors who are all much engaged in conversations with the elves. Finally when the dinner plates are empty and the fruit platters cleared I announce the movement of us into the great hall, for a little dancing and more socializing. The move is taken with enthusiasm as much by the elves as my court. Elves are know for their festivities and I believe I will enjoy watching them dance circles around my court, well into the early morning. I remain seated however until most of the company have left the room and only the servants now scamper around me beginning the clean up. Picking up my glass of wine I move from the table towards the private balcony on the right, to allow the servants easier access to the table. I pause in the balcony entrance watching quietly as Haldir escorts Legolas out of view. I sigh heavily; they make the most beautiful couple, and remind me of Celeborn and Galadrial. Sipping from my wine I stare down over the darkened city of Minas Tirith, the gentle glow of the village lights giving the city an ethereal glow to it.

“Father? Are you not going to join us?” I turn hastily around at the sound of Aratula’s voice and I smile warmly at Arrionetta who stands by her side, their arms interlinked in friendship.

“In a little while.” My whispered reply does not go unmissed by Aratula but for the sake of not making a scene in front of our guest she merely nods understandingly and sweeps the young elf maiden off towards the great hall, where already I can hear the music and laughter emanating from within.

“I believe you are hiding again Estel.” I jump with a start as a warm voice approaches me from behind and I spin around hastily to smile upon the King of Mirkwood. Remembering the last time I got caught staring I only linger momentarily upon his gaze before lowering mine to the now empty wine glass held within my grasp.

“Indeed you mistake me Legolas, I was merely enjoying a little solitude for reflection on the meal.” Legolas raises a smooth eyebrow in reluctant acceptance of my defence but I do not allow the silence to continue for fear I will begin day dreaming again. “I had thought you were in the great hall, with Haldir.” I shift awkwardly as I move in from the balcony and hand my empty glass to one of the kitchen maids. I feel Legolas follow me and pause just behind me as I turn to face him questioningly.

“Yes I had every intention of going there but Haldir it seems was kidnapped by your eldest son and I lost them both in the crowd of eager dancers.” I roll my eyes at the recount of my eldest son’s supposed kidnapping and I find it strange that he is getting along so well with the Lorien Marchwarden.

“Well let me escort you instead.” I gesture with a friendly smile towards the entrance to the throne hall and fall easily into step with Legolas as we walk slowly towards the outer corridor, which leads to the great hall. In silence we walk side by side his robes occasionally catching mine in the closeness of the hallway. Reaching the great hall we are engulfed in the festive atmosphere and lively music. Everyone it seems is engaged in either dancing or conversation around the hall, and everyone is drinking freely. I raise a smooth interested eyebrow as I watch Elrond and Glorfindel spin past me both of them engaged in conversations with their dancing partners. I can see no sign of my other regal guests and I suppose them to be out on one of the balconies conversing instead of dancing.

“It is a worry to see such age, dancing so frivolously. We must hope the aged do not injure themselves after forgetting their long years.” I chuckle quietly at Legolas’s cheek of our elders as both of them spin past us again this time acknowledging us with gentle nods of their heads.

”I dare say it will not slow them down either way Legolas Greenleaf.” It is Legolas’ turn to laugh and I watch with delighted amusement as his eyes sparkle with the energy I only briefly glanced when the fellowship were together. Butterflies jump in my stomach and I stare blatantly up at him as he stops laughing at stares back at me with the same intensity. Throwing caution to the wind and forgetting myself before I can stop I reach out my hand and gently clasp Legolas’. He looks down at our hands curiously for a moment before raising an eyebrow up at me in question. “Will you do me the honour of dancing with me Legolas Greenleaf, King of Mirkwood, for the sake of old alliances.” I watch a sadness wash across his face for a moment as he gently shifts his hand within mine so that his thumb rests softly against my own. It is a gesture I have felt before, and I feel the intimacy and unspoke words of longing held within the soft touch of his skin against mine.

“What if I decline?” Although he is trying to be serious in his reply the smile that tugs at the corners of his lips has already told of his decision of my offer. With a mock look of rejection I pout dramatically.

“Then I should be forced to dance with your daughter.” Legolas looks sharply up at me in defence and I merely smile cheekily as I continue. “What a scandal that would cause. The only daughter of Mirkwood’s King, whisked into a tight embrace by the rugged manly King of Gondor.” Legolas rolls his eyes contemptibly at my self-portrayal his amusement obvious as he tightens his grip upon my hand and leans in closer to me so that we might not be overheard by those around us.

“No more a scandal than Gondor’s King, blatantly seducing Mirkwood’s.” My breath falters in my lungs and I force myself to cough a little to recover as Legolas pulls back again a curious expression on his face. “Besides I doubt very much whether Elladan would scarce let you within two steps of Arrionetta. They are inseparable.” Both of us glance across the dance floor to where Elladan and Arrionetta are dancing closely together, Elladan whispering sweet caresses into his fair maiden’s pointed ears.

”Well then I guess there is no objections to my original request?” I turn my attention back to Legolas who smirks cheekily and shakes his head in silent acceptance of my offer.

“No I believe I can not object. Besides I have an inclination to dance and with Haldir nowhere to be seen, I believe you are the only one worthy of my hand.” The jest is cutting and I growl low at Legolas whose eyes sparkle with delight at having tempered me with Haldir. Before anymore can be said I whip Legolas onto the dance floor as a new song beings and we are swept up into the flow of dances. Our arms are joined in friendship and we laugh continually to one another as the pace of the song gets quicker and we are forced to pick up the pace among the other dancers.

************************

I have not enjoyed myself so much in my lifetime as I am at present in Legolas’ company. We stay for two more dances upon the floor before we both breathlessly and very reluctantly move away from the main crowd and out onto one of the quieter balconies. I snap up two glasses of cool wine from a passing servant and pass one easily across to Legolas as we sit down upon the stone bench which looks out over the balcony to the city below.

”Aye, Elebreth Estel. I have not danced so much since the marriage of Gimli’s first wife.” The flushed skin of Legolas’s cheeks radiates with a beautiful inner glow and I watch entranced as he sips from the wine, the lump in his throat rising and falling in a steady beat as he drains the glass and gestures for another from the servant standing near the balcony door.

“Aye I believe I have not either.” We sit in silence for a moment each of us catching our breath under the shining valar above us. I stare again at Legolas’s profile as he closes his eyes and inhales slowly on the cool breeze that drifts across the balcony. His blond hair is a little tangled and a few strands have come loose of the mitheral band to drag loosely against his cheeks. I close my hand tighter around the glass the temptation to reach out and tuck them back behind his ears, becoming a little hard to control. It is not my place to touch him so and it was only because of my brave cheekiness that I dared clasp his hand to mine before we began dancing. I am again reminded of Haldir and I lower my gaze guiltily from Legolas, aware that such a scene if discovered would surely give away my emotions.

“Tell me Legolas, when did the ceremony take place?” My voice is almost a sad whisper and I curse myself for not having the control to cover my emotions so well as the elves do. Legolas opens his eyes and tilts his head curiously to the side in questioning.

”What ceremony is this that you speak of?” I sigh inwardly and brace myself for the thud in my heart I know will come from his answer once I clarify the question.

”The binding of you and Haldir? When did it take place, I should have liked to have been there as a friend to the both of you?” Cautiously I gesture to the gold ring that sits upon Legolas’ right hand and I watch as he sits back from me, stunned somewhat at my question. Silently I curse myself again for being so forward, like the fool I was back when the fellowship was formed, I have again put my foot in it after having been told so firmly to never do so again by the very elf sitting before me.

“Again I ask what ceremony you speak of. Haldir is my lover, not my partner; we have never been formally bound save for his faithful companionship by my side. The title of consort was thrust upon him by Mirkwood’s people and has little truth. He does not warm my heart, only my bed.” I feel the blood drain from my head to my toes and I feel suddenly light headed and I sway a little at the earth shattering news that Legolas has just delivered.

“Oh…” I barely manage to the get the single syllable word out before I have to close my eyes and compose myself for fear I might embarrass myself by further attempts to speak.

“Aragorn? Are you well, you have gone a little pale.” Legolas’ hand comes to rest upon my shoulder his concern genuine as he takes the glass of wine from my tight clasp and puts it aside. “Perhaps it is not Elrond and Glorfindel we should worry about dancing too much in the elder years but yourself instead?” His warm jest is meant to make me feel a little better but I confess it is not his voice but the hand on my shoulder that truly makes me relax. “Come let me take you to your room. Truly you look very ill all of a sudden, and I have no doubt that your lack of sleep these past few days is to blame.” Without question I rise to my feet at Legolas’ urgings and I allow him to gently wrap an arm around my waist as he guides me through the crowd inside. It feels so familiar to have him so close and to know now that he is not bound to anyone is beyond any hope I ever thought I had. We only make it out into the hall when several concerned voices call after us as their occupants catch up to us in the hallway.

”What is wrong Aragorn?” I merely shake my head in quiet refusal to answer as Glrofindel moves in front of me and places a concerned hand upon my shoulder.

“He has had too much to drink and is tired I am sure that is why he looks so ill.” I roll my eyes at Legolas’s reply to Glorfindel and I hear Elrond sigh heavily to my right as he places a gentle hand against my forehead to feel my temperature.

“Yes I think you are right Greenleaf. He would not listen to me this morning when I said he was still unwell and needed rest, and now he is paying the price. The stubborn child never learns.” Elrond sounds unhappily grumpy at my disobedience, although I had thought myself to genuinely be healthy when I rose after this morning’s incident. Another warm arm wraps around my opposite side in support and I am all but dragged up to my bedroom, with Elrond and a few of my councillors chatting behind me about my well being. I believe I am in for a long night of suffering through Elrond’s lectures about my health but I hope it will go some way in quelling the slowly rising fear about what will happen in two days time when my deadline to the council approaches.

TBC……………………..