Another’s Guilt

Title: Another’s Guilt
Author: Númenora
Rating: G/PG this chapter
Warnings: Slash, Mpreg, AU, Un-betaed
Disclaimers & Summary: See previous chapters.

A/N: This chapter continues some of what was revealed and hinted at in Chapters 11 through 12. Like the last chapter, dates/days are pretty much synchronous, although the actual the times of day may not be. The new love-birds are back as well as Rohan’s Royal Family. In the last chappy, Arwen was headed to the Golden Wood, Elrond was en route to Greenwood the Great where King Thranduil awaited his arrival, Éomer and Faramir were on the verge of proclaiming their secret love for each other and Oropher declared his love for Haldir and Gandalf arrived in the White City. Boromir, Faramir, Éomer, Lord Marach and Legolas’ brothers will not appear in this chapter; nor will King Thranduil, Arwen, Haldir and the Lord and Lady. This chapter will see the return of Lord Elrond and Glorfindel and Lord Denethor will appear briefly; and it will speak of a few other Tolkien characters that will help the story along. Last chapter ended with Arathorn being informed by Gandalf that Aragorn was in some kind of trouble. We pick up there…

From the end of chapter 12:

*“Forgive my unannounced visit, Your Majesty; it could not be helped.” Gandalf’s voice and face were grave and he seemed even a little bit anxious.

Gently lifting Belthil from off his lap, Arathorn stood up and crossed over to where the Maia stood. “Come, Old Friend—sit down. Belthil, get Mithrandir some wine.” Taking a seat across from him, the King spoke again. “What brings you here and what has you so out of sorts?”

Taking a sip of wine, Gandalf thanked the young clerk before staring at Gondor’s young King. “I’m afraid that I do not bear glad tidings, Sire.”

Becoming frightened of a sudden, Arathorn instantly knew that this news involved Aragorn. “My son? Please, tell me.”

In a statement both ironic and understated, Gandalf said, “I am afraid that the child has gotten himself into a bit of trouble.”*

Chapter 13

“Discovery”


“Gandalf, what has happened to my son? Has he been hurt? Tell me everything, please.” Arathorn searched the Maia’s wrinkled, kindly face. A face full of worry.

“He is physically unharmed. However, he has made some decisions in the last few weeks that will have—no—decisions that *have* had serious repercussions, already. Gondor may be plunged into war.” Gandalf finished the wine, staring intently into his goblet as if it held the solution to this dire situation.

“*War*?” Eyes incredulous and voice just above a whisper, the King continued, “With whom? What has Aragorn done? Please, Mithrandir…”

“Greenwood the Great and undoubtedly Rivendell as well as Lothlórien. This is quite serious. I will tell you all that I have discovered.”

Belthil refilled the Wizard’s glass, then moved to stand behind his King, placing a pale hand on a broad shoulder, rubbing gently.

“I was visiting with the Ents in Fangorn Forest. Treebeard and I have had a long acquaintance as you probably remember from our lessons.” Gandalf smiled briefly in fond remembrance of Arathorn as an eager student. “While in the midst of a week-long discussion on how to entice the Entwives to return, now that their location has been discovered, a rather spirited group of trees were speaking about a lost Elven Prince. It seems this young Prince was being held by Men. His weeping and pleading for help to some of their tree brethren spread throughout the forest in which this group of Men was encamped. It seems one of them was near death; attacked. This young ellon was being held for the crime.

“I asked Treebeard and the other Ents if they could help me investigate further. We learned that the Prince’s captors were from Gondor and Rohan and were led by someone of high standing—A Prince. From the descriptions of this person and of his companions, it could only be our Aragorn, the Stewart-princes and the Third Marshall of the Riddermark. I believe that this is the general time that the Princes Band gets together to wreak havoc on the citizens of Edoras?” Gandalf smiled again, but grew serious once more.

“Now, I don’t want you to become distressed, but I have deduced that it was Faramir who was injured and nearly died. However, he has recovered and is healing. In fact, he exonerated the poor Elf, who in his pleas for help, revealed that he was from Greenwood the Great.”

The High King was relieved about his nephew Faramir, but his brow knitted in obvious confusion. “If the Elven Prince was exonerated as you say, then why should we be concerned about going to war?”

“Because, apparently, Aragorn refused to release the Elf and is right now bringing him to Minas Tirith.”

Arathorn flew out of his chair and stood over Gandalf in disbelief and anger. “This cannot be true! Aragorn cannot have been this reckless; he knows better.”

“I am afraid it is quite true. The party escorting Aragorn and the Elf was very near to Fangorn. They ran into a group of orcs.” Standing to grasp the distraught father’s arms in an effort to soothe him, the Wizard continued, “They dispatched the beasts with little effort and continued on their way toward Rohan. Now, this is where things get somewhat surprising; perhaps even strange. Now, remember he is quite well and unharmed, but for a brief time after the Orcs were destroyed, Aragorn collapsed. He became distressed when the Elf (whom the trees learned is named Legolas) disappeared.

“Aragorn sent him to hide in one of the trees there and when Legolas found himself alone, he hid high in the treetop where your son could not see him. Aragorn was frantic, near tears and then he fell. The Elf came to his aid and when it appeared that Aragorn had succumbed, Legolas’ cried. His cries carried throughout the forest. The Men, the trees, the animals—they all were very moved.”

Cupping his former students face, Gandalf said, “I have no direct proof, Your Majesty, but it may be love. Legolas and Aragorn may have fallen in love with each other. I do not know how this is even possible. Little Greenleaf is quite young for an Elf; he has not reached his majority. I am shocked that Thranduil has allowed the child to leave Eryn Galen as he has never wanted the Elfling far from his sight in the past. I can only deduce that he was headed to Lothlórien for their Founding Celebration and somehow became separated from his people. This is what the trees seem to believe.

“Arathorn, I do not have to tell you how King Thranduil feels about your people. And what he feels for Legolas, who is his youngest, is immeasurable. That child is his heart. Something has to be done to correct this situation.”

“What can we do, Mithrandir? We are many leagues from Rohan and Greenwood. Perhaps I can send word to…to…*where*?! There is no time. Aragorn, my boy—what have you done!”

“All may not be lost, but we must move swiftly. I was able to enlist the aid of Gwaihir and some of the other Eagles. Gwaihir brought me here and he and his mate Altáriel are prepared to take us both to find Aragorn and Legolas. His brother, Landroval, has gone to Greenwood. He will inform King Thranduil of our plans and ask him to join us in Lothlórien—somewhat neutral ground. Another Eagle, Meneldor, will fly to Rivendell. I know that you have had problems with that family and I know that I am asking much of you. But, Elrond and Thranduil are close friends and I’ve no doubt that Legolas’ father will have contacted him for his help. I do not mean to overstep by making these decisions for you and the others, nevertheless I feel that this is the proper course. If we could return Legolas to Thranduil, possible war can be avoided.”

Agreeing to this assessment, the High King began making arrangements to fly to Rohan in search of the two Princes.


Rohan, Meduseld, in Théoden’s Golden Hall


King Théoden smiled indulgently at the two Princes as they stared at each other. Aragorn and Legolas held hands, ignoring the delicious food placed before them at the feast in their honor. They had eyes only for each other, unaware of the conversation around them. Éowyn spoke to Théodred earlier that day after she and King Théoden left Aragorn and Legolas at the Royal Guest House. She informed him about what they (she and the King) discovered there. Théodred laughed heartily in delight when he heard that Aragorn was in love and it now appeared that Legolas was also in love with Aragorn. He now knew why Aragorn showed such jealousy when he became too familiar with the young Prince earlier that morning.

“Your Highness? Your Highness,” the Second Marshal said, trying to catch the young Heir's attention. “Aragorn, please give me a moment of your attention. I promise that Legolas will not disappear the moment you take your eyes off of him,” he teased ironically.

“I am well aware of that, Your Highness. Say what you would say; I can both stare at my beloved and listened to you. I am quite bright in that respect,” he chuckled.

“I understand that you and young Legolas will be returning to Outpost 40 and then continue on to Lothlórien tomorrow morn?”

“Nay, Théodred; Legolas and I shall continue on to Minas Tirith as originally planned,” the Peredhel informed him.”

Concerned, King Théoden inquired, “Do you think that is wise, Your Highness? I thought you had decided to take Legolas home?”

“Minas Tirith is home—his as well as mine.” Looking at the First Marshall of the Riddermark, he continued. “My father will send word to Legolas’ ada, inviting him to the White City and all will be well.”

King Théoden’s concern deepened. He knew that Aragorn was being naïve in thinking that this serious situation will be resolved so simply. “Legolas, is this what you wish as well?”

The Sindarin Prince’s face was radiant, his inner glow quite bright. “It is, Aran-nín. My home is with Aragorn and Minas Tirith is where our son will be born.”

“Son? What is it you are saying?” Éowyn and her brother looked askance to the young Elf.

“Why don’t we retire to my chambers? The servants can bring the rest of our supper there.” Then to the other celebrating revelers in the Golden Hall, the King said, “Please, my good people—continue the celebration. The Hall is yours.”

Once they were alone, the King spoke to the beautiful ellon. “Legolas, I remember tales told by my grandmother about some male elves giving birth to offspring. Does this mean that you are such an Elf—that the tales are true?”

Blushing at his revealing the closely-guarded secret of his people, Legolas answered the King. “It is not widely known outside of the Elven world. But, yes—I can bear children. I know that once Aragorn and I announce our marriage, it will be a secret no longer, however…”

“Until such a time, none of us here will speak of it. But, Aragorn, there is still the matter of Legolas going to Gondor. Do you not think that the sooner word is sent to King Thranduil, he can rest easier knowing that his child is alive?”

“Word will reach the Elvenking. I am dispatching Sergeant Girion and two other rangers to return to Outpost 40 in the morning. The small party will travel light and swiftly; they will carry letters to Lord Marach, Faramir and Boromir. When Fara has recovered sufficiently, he and Lord Marach are to go to Lothlórien on a diplomatic mission. Legolas and I have written to Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel; and Leaf has also written to King Thranduil and to his brothers explaining everything. So, you see Your Majesty—All will be well.”

King Théoden recognized that Aragorn and Legolas believe that they had all figured out. Aragorn cannot be easily swayed from a course once he has set his mind to it and he has obviously convinced Legolas as well. Stubbornness is a well-known trait where this young Gondoran was concerned. It was apparent from the moment they joined him in that things had progressed between the two lovers.

“Very well my son; I pray you are correct. Come now, let us not waste this delightful fare so skillfully prepared. Legolas, I hope that thet are to your liking. Many of these dishes are served in the White City as well.” King Théoden raised his glass, toasting their guests and, for a while, no more was spoken about the possible storm that most likely would come due to this grave situation.

However, Rohan’s Monarch thought silently, *these young ones have no idea what they have wrought this day. May the Valar help us!*

A while later…

“Would you or Prince Legolas care for tea, Aragorn?” Éowyn held forth a tray laden with cups and a kettle. Legolas was feeding the young Dúnadan a plump strawberry covered in frosting from a tart, moving it just out of reach until Aragorn lunged for it, capturing the stunning Elda’s fingers along with that red fruit.

“Most sweet and delicious,” he declared, licking the slender digits.”

“Is my husband fond of strawberries?” Legolas carded the fingers of the other hand through the Peredhel’s wavy, dark hair, enjoying the silky texture.

“Strawberries? I taste no strawberry; it is Elf I am savoring,” Aragorn laughed, making Legolas laugh as he nibbled on his palm, moving to a pale wrist.

Éowyn, King Théoden and Théodred all joined in the laughter. Setting the tray on a nearby table, Éowyn asked the Sindarin Prince, “Your husband, Legolas? You are most eager to marry our Aragorn, are you not?”

“We are already wed, is that not so, Meleth-nín?” Legolas lifted a fork with a piece of strawberry tart to Aragorn’s lips, kissing him before feeding it to him.

When he had swallowed his dessert, he answered his beloved. “That is so, Herven–nín. I am yours and you are mine.”

Adding his voice to his sister, Théodred stated, “But, you’ve had no wedding. I would think you’d have mentioned one before now.” He was amused, but puzzled.

“There was no need for a formal marriage ceremony; our parents are not here to follow a traditional Elven wedding.” Looking at the Royal Family, Legolas explained. “In times of trouble, in flight, exile and wandering or when a conventional ceremony is not possible, a simple declaration of love and a consummation of that love is all it takes. We were bonded just a few short hours ago. We only need now exchange rings; when we reached the White City, we will do so then.”

King Théoden passed a weary hand over his face, praying for strength and guidance. “Aragorn, Legolas—Do you realize what you have done? What your fathers will do? Do you both not think that King Thranduil will declare war on Gondor? The two of you and your reckless behavior may have doomed us all!”


Minas Tirith


Arathorn was preoccupied, so he did not immediately notice how somber and out of sorts that Lord Denethor was. The King’s Ministers and Advisors had left the Council chamber after a special meeting was called to discuss Aragorn, but the two men were now alone, both deep in their own thoughts.

“…Has recovered?”

It took the King a moment to realize his Steward had spoken. “I am sorry, my Lord—What is it that you said?”

“Faramir. He has recovered? You said that Mithrandir told you he’d been hurt and was near death. Is he truly well?” Although Denethor was 200 in Númenórean years, his physical age was equal to that of a non-Dúnadan mortal of 40; at the moment, however he seemed older than normal.

“Yes, Denethor—Faramir is no longer in danger. I could recall Gandalf here to speak more about what he learned.”

“No, Your Majesty. As you know, Mithrandir and I are not the best of friends by any stretch of the imagination.” He laughed, but King Arathorn knew that it was not heartfelt. “I have not been a good father to my sons.” It was a statement, a quiet declaration that Arathorn barely heard.

“I never realized until now. Faramir is just a child.” Denethor continued on in a quiet vein. “We live so long that it is easy to forget that we are not invincible. Not even the Eldar can claim such a thing.”

Placing a hand on his brother-in-law’s shoulder, the King said, “I am sure Faramir knows that you love him—they both do.” Although, he knew that he was not so sure. He was not even sure his own son knew how much his father loved him.

“How can that be when I have never told him so? So many regrets; what would Finduilas think of me?”

“We both could have been more vocal in declaring our love to our children and we could have been a little more attentive. Our sons have raised themselves, it would seem. We cannot change the past, but we can let them know how we truly feel from this day on. That is if we all survive this calamity Aragorn has created; then we shall.”

Denethor smiled. Although he was still worried, he pushed it aside. The High King of Gondor and Arnor needed him. He would have to see that the Rangers were prepared for war should it come to past. As Arathorn and Mithrandir search for the two Princes, Gondor will make ready for the coming tide.


The Misty Mountains (approximately the same time…)


The sun was setting over the mountain and the temperature would drop soon. Glorfindel and the others in the small contingent would not notice the change in weather; however the Lord of Imladris, being part human, felt a slight chill. Normally, he would not at so small a temperature drop, but his emotional state was causing a slight impairment.

“Lord Elrond, will you not partake of some food? You have barely eaten since we left home.” The Balrog-slayer placed a gentle hand onto his friend and Lord’s shoulder, offering him some fruit.

“I am not hungry, Meldir-nín.”

“At least take a small bite of lembas bread to hold you?” Glorfindel smiled as Elrond took the offered waybread, taking a very small bite.

“Do you realize that I never got to see his face or to hold him? Galadriel sent him away before…” Standing, he walked off a ways and stared off into the distance toward Minas Tirith.

Glorfindel did not need to hear a name to know the Peredhel spoke of Aragorn, called Estel before he was born. “You should not berate yourself; none of this is your fault.”

“It is my fault. I should have gone after him and take Estel home to Imladris to raise. If Celebrían and Arwen had not wanted this, then it would have been too bad.”

“You had no way of knowing that the Elfling lived. You believed him dead at birth. It was only years later that you learned the truth too late. They deliberately kept it from you knowing you would have prevented it.” The warrior touched Elrond, caressing his hair before pulling him into an embrace.

“You are good for me, my dear friend.” Elrond allowed himself a brief smile before turning serious again. “This matter is quite grave. I have seen him.”

“Legolas?”

“I have seen Legolas, yes, but I speak of Estel. They are together, Glorfindel.”

Stepping back to see his face, the blond warrior inquired, “He is the one who captured Greenleaf?”

“He was captive at first, but no longer. I do not know how I am to tell Thranduil this.”

“Surely, this is good news, Meldir? If Legolas is free…?”

“He is free, but he remains with Estel of his own accord. I have seen it clearly—They are in love. And…” Elrond hesitated.

“And, my Lord?”

“Legolas carries Estel’s child.”

Glorfindel stepped back in alarm at the news. Elrond’s gift of sight was quite strong and he would not say this if it were not so. “May the Valar save us!”

“I pray for that as well.” Before either Noldo could comment further, a young ellon came running towards them from their camp quite agitated; his excitement alarming the elder Elves.

“My Lord Elrond! My Lord Elrond!”

“Calm yourself, Curufin. What is the matter?” The Peredhel asked.

“Look there!” Curufin pointed at the sky towards the West. Still faraway, but very clear to the Elves, a large bird was approaching.

From high above some while later, Meneldor (the Eagle Gandalf dispatched to Rivendell) spied the camp of the Elf he was seeking. Finding a clearing large enough to land, Meneldor set himself down, his large wings causing the nearby trees to sway as they would during a storm.

When Lord Elrond, Lord Glorfindel and the other eight warriors approached him, Meneldor spoke, his booming voice somewhat too loud for Elven ears, “Lord of Imladris—I bring you greetings from Gandalf.

“I am here to ferry you to Lothlórien. My kin Gwaihir and Altáriel will be ferrying Gandalf and Gondor’s King Arathorn to find the Princes Aragorn and Legolas; and Landroval has gone to Greenwood the Great for King Thranduil.

“Gandalf asks that you agree to this and join him and the others in the Golden Woods. There need not be further strife between the Eldar and the Men of the West.”

Lord Elrond and Glorfindel climbed onto the Great Eagle, instructing the remaining Elves to continue on to Lothlórien. The Imladrian Lord was somewhat relieved that Legolas would be with his family once more; however, there still may be war once Greenwood’s volatile ruler learns that Legolas has mated with the son of a King who he considers his great enemy.

TBC

Phrase Glossary:

Mithrandir — name the Elves called Gandalf.

Maia — singular form of Maiar (spirits who helped and served the Valar).

Belthil — OC character named for the White Tree of Valinor, Telperion itsElf. Means 'divine radiance.'

Ents — a fictional race of humanoid trees.

Entwives — Female Ents.

Fangorn Forest — A forest that is the home of the tree shepherds.

Treebeard — The eldest of the species of Ents who lives in the ancient Forest of Fangorn.

Stewart-princes — Formal title given to the Steward Denethor’s sons Boromir and Faramir.
Princes Band — Name created by me, given to Aragorn, Boromir, Faramir, Éomer and Théodred by King Théoden in an earlier chapter.

Gwaihir, Landroval & Meneldor — The Great Eagles of the northern mountains. In LotR, they fought at the Black Gates and helped Gandalf save Sam and Frodo.

Altáriel — OC Great Eagle with a Tolkien name.

Third Marshall of the Riddermark — Éomer’s formal title.

Second Marshall of the Riddermark —Théodred’s formal title.

First Marshall of the Riddermark — Théoden’s formal title.

Peredhel — Half-Elf or half-elven.

Meleth-nín — My lover or my love.

Herven-nín — My Husband

Sindar — (Grey People, singular Sinda) The division of Elves of Telerin descent. They are also known as the Grey Elves. Their language is Sindarin. The King of Doriath, Elu Thingol was the King of the Sindar.

Ellon — Male elf.

Eldar — (Star People' singular Elda) was the name given to the Elves by the Vala Oromë when he first found them wandering in the starlight of Cuiviénen. The name applied to all Elves, before the summons of the Valar.

Meldir-nín — My dear friend (male)

Imladrian — Citizen of Imladris, the Elvish name for Elrond's refuge in the western glens of the Misty Mountains. Also called Rivendell.

Noldo (singular of Noldor) — (Meaning those with knowledge) The division of the Elves that followed Finwë as their lord; accounted the greatest of the Elves in matters of lore and craft.

Curufin — OC character named after a prince of the Noldor of the race of Elves, the fifth of the seven sons of Fëanor and Nerdanel. Curufin is the father of Celebrimbor, master jewel-smith of Eregion who forged the three Elven Rings of Power.


Elvish definitions, names and terms and other Tolkien facts taken from the Silmarillion, from the reference book ‘Tolkien’s World From A to Z, The Complete Guide to Middle-earth’ by Robert Foster and from The ‘Encyclopedia of Arda.’ A very few are taken from fandom authors (not authenticated) and the Web. Marriage ritual/tradition mentioned by Legolas is courtesy of lethe_lloyd and aglarien1 who found it in ‘Morgoth's Ring, Volume X of the HoME, Laws and Customs of the Eldar.’

A/N: I know that this chapter isn’t as long as the last one and a few others, but I hope that it is as satisfactory as previous chapters. *g*