The Jewel of Mirkwood

Chapter 142

Legolas sat bewildered at the head of the table watching in aw as elves from as far as the Grey Havens conversed agreeably between one another in the great hall of fire. Never had there been such a gathering of elves since the last alliance and Legolas felt very small sitting amongst them all. The only thing that kept Legolas from running was Glorfindel’s continuously reassuring hand upon his knee below the table, out sight from all who were preoccupied with the masses of parchment being passed back and forth along the table.

It had been almost three months since the battle of the eastern plains, and while many were still healing from their physical wounds, the grief for the lost was beginning to fade along with the more painful memories. It had taken them several weeks to finally reach Imladris, the force of war finally dividing as the elves began to return to their own realms and those they’d love and had left behind. Due to the injured the return to Imladris had been slow, the rest periods frequent and camps always made before sunset to limit possible rouge enemy attacks. Legolas had travelled with Glorfindel the entire way on the back of Iest, their son tucked in to a carefully created swaddle that hung in front of Legolas under his cloak. Despite their wounds both prince and seneschal had begun to fully heal their constant vigil by each others side heightening their own unique healing abilities. Glorfindel for the time being had been relived from duties, Elrohir taking his old tutor’s place as the seneschal spent much needed time with his family during the journey home. Time and privacy had not allowed for such intimacies between lovers but stolen kisses, caresses and words of love had passed freely between all who cherished the one they rode beside.

Upon arriving back in Imladris to the joyous cries of those who had waited for them, all who were not immediately needed for the basic of tasks around the house were sent home for rest. With Elrond’s insistence Glorfindel and Legolas had been confined to their chambers with Celulass. For a month the couple had spent time healing each other in the privacy of their chamber, their son never once leaving their side as offers of nurses were rejected. Meals had been sent religiously to their rooms each day while cavers had skilly fully created a crib for the new elfling that had arrived in the last homely house. Aside from walks in their private garden neither Glorfindel nor Legolas had left their chambers for more than a few moments, happy and content to spend time together undisturbed and untroubled.

Their time together had been short however and upon the commencement of the first day of the new month Erestor and Elrond had arrived with the news Glorfindel had known was coming. It had been gracious of everyone to allow him and Legolas time alone without duty or consequence but in his heart Glorfindel knew in the end it would have to be done. In the confines of their chambers Erestor and Elrond had patiently told Legolas of his new responsibility and title. Glorfindel had never seen Legolas go so pale as he had when both Lord’s had bowed respectfully to him and addressed him as King. Through the entire ordeal Legolas had remained calm glancing frequently to Glorfindel for support and confirmation of what was being told to him. Yet when the two lords had excused themselves, the calm which had surroundedolasolas for the last six hours had broken and shattered before the seneschal’s eyes. Shaking Legolas had collapsed on the floor in front of the fire, tears of fear, shock and realization trailing down his cheeks as his lover had tried uselessly to comfort his beloved. Whether Legolas was ready or not he was to become King of the newly reunited elvan realms of middle earth, his coronation scheduled for the first day of the Summer festival, a mere month and half away.

It had taken time for Legolas to settle even longer still for him to realise it was no dream he was living in. With every occupation and activity that the council demanded of Legolas Glorfindel was supportively by his lover side. With each signed signature Legolas made with careful hands upon ancient parchment so too, alongside it was Glorfindel’s neatly scrawled hand. In every step the prince had taken his lover had caringly followed, their son the ever-present guide that pushed them forward.

Just like now as the newly formed council were ironing out the last of their grievances with the newly defined book of laws was Glorfindel ever supportive of his lover who had patiently listened to and surmised every item of business the members had brought up. For the past month they had hardly spent anytime away from the council chamber rules governing the new alliances needing such careful attention to keep the peace and o. Ad. Admittedly Legolas had done little but accept the sound advice of his new council advisors, Erestor, Elrohir and Filgree but it had still been a strain on the prince who despite all care was still recovering from his pregnancy. It was good to have such three familiar and trusting faces in the sea of unknown elves of the council and Legolas thanked the valar that Erestor had agreed to stay on as chief advisor, even as Thranduil, Celeborn and Elrond backed down from all offered responsibilities. Now though with his coronation only a week away and having spent many sleepless nights feeding and calming his son Legolas was feeling decidedly weary and extremely stressed.

“And your signatures here my lord to ensure the trade with the dwarves through lake town…” With his quill balanced precariously in his tired fingers Legolas followed Erestors’ indication making his signature as the parchment in front of him was quickly replaced by another. “…Then again on this here, accepting your fathers offer of his estates as your new seat of council….” Again Legolas signed his name having already discussed all of the items for which he was signing for. “…And then I will have you read through these and ensure that the terms to your brothers request for land are sufficient and to the agreement he laid out as in yesterdays meeting………” Suddenly the conversation became too much and feeling light headed at all that was going on around him Legolas dropped the quill, splattering ink across another of the parchments Erestor had placed before him. The dark haired advisor automatically silenced himself as Legolas collapsed physically exhausted into the stiff wooden chair he had been confined to for most of the day.

“Legolas?! Are you well my love?” Pushing Erestor back from the table Glorfindel instantly knelt before Legolas as the entire room fell silent, their attention now focused on the prince who was extremely pale, breathing shallowly and could hardly keep his eyes focused.

“I will fetch Elrond.” Sensing his friends grave concern for his lover Erestor dropped the rest of the parchments he held and moved swiftly from the chamber calling Elrond’s name as he went. Elrohir who had been discussing events with some of the councillors from the Grey Havens also quickly moved to Legolas side, his hand drifting across the prince’s forehead to feel for fever. While the prince was a little clammy to the touch Elrohir could feel no fever and smiled supportively at Glorfindel who now held his lovers hands in his own as Legolas lay weak against the arm of the chair.

It was only a few moments before Elrond and Thranduil came bursting into the chamber having been playing a game of chess together out on the lawn for most of the day. Both lords seemed to forget their place for a moment as they strode determinedly up to where the prince was looking decidedly ill. Yet it was Filgree’s pointed cough that brought both lords back to their senses as they realised their mistake and that the entire council was now staring at them in displeasure. Barely a meter from Legolas Elrond and Thranduil both stopped dead and lowered themselves appropriately towards the prince who despite being in no condition to receive them properly still needed their respect.

“Elrond he is not well.” It was Glorfindel who awkwardly accepted the two lords, still finding it strange to have a reversal of roles.

“It is hardly surprising when he has spent nearly the entire week in this room with little sunlight and meagre amounts of food.” Thranduil muttered in elvish beneath his breath as he glared pointedly around at the council. All knew that with a new alliance came new agreements to be sorted out but such things should not have taken so long to do surely. Glorfindel moved obediently aside to allow Elrond access to Legolas who despite calming down a little was still lolling weakly against the arm of the chair. With skilled hands Elrond checked Legolas over twice, Glorfindel noting with worry that Elrond placed his hand beneath the prince’s robe feeling the scar on his abdomen that while beginning to heal was still slightly pink.

“He is exhausted and stressed, I recommend that he is relieved of duties until after his coronation next week. He needs time to relax and rest, he is not used to this level of duty and can not be expected to take so much in, so quickly…” Elrond paused having remembered his place yet again before his mouth got the better of him. Habits were hard to break especially having been lord of Imladris for so long. Glancing up at Erestor Elrond slowly helped Legolas from the chair supporting him one side as Glorfindel did the other. “Perhaps Lord Erestor you might find time to oversee what needs to be undertaken in the prince’s absence?”

“Aye there are only menial tasks left to be sorted that Filgree and I can attend to, and any other matter of importance will be delayed until after the coronation.” Gathering his things from the table and the floor Erestor obediently followed Glorfindel and Elrond from the room, Thranduil trailing behind with Elrohir who had also excused himself. Filgree being left to address the council ended the meeting for the day and had dismissed the council until after the coronation in Mirkwood.

In the time it took to walk to Glorfindel and Legolas bedchambers the prince had seemed to brighten a little and upon entering their rooms promptly pushed away the aid of both Elrond and Glorfindel as he made his way over to where Celulass crib was near the window.

“Hello my little leaf Ada is here.” Legolas cooed dotingly down at his son who squirmed enthusiastically around in the soft blanketing of his bed. Despite his fatigue Legolas picked up Celulass regardless, ignoring Filgree’s attempt at helping him as he shuffled across the bedroom and lay quietly down onto the large bed. Turning over onto his side so that his back was to the crowd in the room Legolas ignored everyone in favour of playing with his son who gurgled happily at the attention.

Glorfindel sighed heavily as he realized what Legolas was doing. Ever since his lover had been told of his new responsibility everything but Celulass had been pushed aside. Legolas had spent all of his days in council and then spent all of his night with Celulass, leaving little room for fresh air, exercises, food and even at times Glorfindel. Sensing their intrusion everyone moved silently out into the outer lounge of the seneschal’s chambers Glorfindel silently closing the dividing tapestry behind them before he slumped miserably down into his favourite chair by the fire.

“Glorfindel please you must have patients with him.” Excusing everyone but himself, Erestor and Thranduil, Elrond silently sat down on the lounge opposite his friends seat by the fire.

“Aye Glorfindel, he will settle once a routine is established. He is tired and a little frightened perhaps at what is to come and we mustn’t forget that he is still very young.” Erestor sat supportively on the arm of Elrond’s chosen chair watching in sympathy as Glorfindel nodded in quiet understanding.

“Perhaps you should let me take Celulass for the rest of this evening, so Legolas may rest and you can spend some time with each other.” Thranduil’s suggestion was tempting and Glorfindel would certainly agree if he knew that Legolas would too, but the prince was reluctant to let anyone but himself take care of his son.

“Legolas will not agree. He has refused all offers of a nurse and is only tolerant of Lindar looking after Celulass while at council because he too looks after Tazelion so well.” Glorfindel sighed and gratefully accepted the warm glass of wine that Erestor poured for him. Before anymore could be said Haldir burst in through the tapestry into the lounge, still clad in his travelling garb, his weapons still slung across his back.

“I have just heard, how ill is he?” Haldir let out a huge held breath as he glanced expectantly from Elrond to Glorfindel and back again looking for news of his son.

“Peace my love, he is fine just tired and weary.” Stepping up to his lover Thranduil pressed a chaste kiss to Haldir’s dirty forehead before helping the march warden unstrap his quiver and sword. With Glorfindel still undertaking only light duties with the patrols Elladan and Haldir had been left to do the main bulk of the work, until a more permanent arrangement could be settled. Relaxing a little Haldir let Thranduil set aside his weaponry before the march warden looked seriously across at Glorfindel who looked rather miserable.

“So if Legolas is well what is the problem?” Haldir waited patiently for Glorfindel to finish his mouthful of wine before the seneschal stood and wandered silently over to the balcony doors, his back turned to his friends as he spoke.

“I fear Legolas is not taking this responsibility as well as we would have liked. I understand that it is his fate but I think he sees these events more as a punishment than anything that will benefit him. He fears he will miss Celulass’ growing up and that he and I will hardly see one another when at court….” Glorfindel paused and turned meaningfully back to stare at his friends. “…He thinks we are trying to take away his freedom and is thus sacrificing his health to ensure that Celulass does not become a victim of it.” Glorfindel wandered silently over to the fire to pour himself another glass of warm fey wine as he began pacing back and forth in front of his friends. “He refuses all aid even when it is kindly given. He would rather struggle with Celulass alone than ask for assistance. His meals are left half eaten and there has not been a single night since our arrival back in Imladris that he has spent more than a few hours in bed. At the slightest movement from Celulass he us up checking on our son and if I do not wake up in the morning with Celulass between us, it is with Legolas already up and nursing Celulass by the fire…..” Frustrated and irate having bottled up so much for the last three months Glorfindel unthinkingly let fly with what he truly thought, desperate to get it off his chest. “We have not made love since I first left for the war, and being cautious that he is still healing I have not pushed the subject but there is a point at which you start to question yourself…” Glorfindel’s voice trailed off into a whisper as he stopped pacing and lowered his head to his chest. “Of late I have begun to think he does not love me as much now as he did, and it hurts……” Almost instantly Erestor was on his feet his arms wrapping tightly about Glorfindel as the seneschal buried his face in his best friends shoulder.

Angered by what he had just heard Haldir promptly put his hands on his hips and strode confidently over to the tapestries that divided the living area from the bedroom in the chambers. Despite their differences Haldir had been Glorfindel’s friend for a long time and to hear the seneschal so depressed made Haldir angrier than ever before. Glorfindel had given himself completely to Legolas, had devoted his time and patients to Haldir’s son when most other elves might have given up on him. Legolas was being stubborn and unfeeling just like Thranduil had been for so many years and Haldir refused to see his only son follow the same mistakes made by his Ada. Sometimes you had to be cruel to be kind. Throwing open the tapestries Haldir marched determinedly over to where Legolas was now lying with Celulass, looking on shocked at the intrusion. Striding up to his son Haldir held out his arms and gestured to his grandson.

“Give him to me.” Protectively Legolas brought his son to his chest determinedly shaking his head unsure of why Haldir was being so forceful.

“Nay you are dirty and covered in mud, I do not want to have to bathe him again until after tea.” Ignoring Legolas protest Haldir reached over and easily drew Celulass into his arms cradling his grandson against his chest as he strode back into the living area. Legolas scrambled to his feet worriedly following his father who was taking away his son from him. “What are you doing? Give him back to me it is nearly time for me to feed him.” Everyone could clearly hear the distress in Legolas voice as he reached out for his son but Haldir quickly handed Celulto Tto Thranduil before spinning around and glaring pointedly at Legolas. Legolas involuntarily took a step back as Haldir’s face turned to an icy glaze.

“You Legolas Grean may may be king but you are still my son and are not to old to be chastised like the elfling you are acting.” Although the volume of Haldir’s voice remained mildly raised his tone portrayed the anger and determination in the march warden’s words. “Do you want your son to be raised like you? Over protected, silenced and chained to an invisible wall of responsibility that he does not understand?” Haldir cocked his head slightly to the side, as he waited none to patiently for Legolas to shake his head in reply. “Well that is what you will do to him if you keep acting like this. We know you want to protect him and that is a natural emotion but he faces little danger in Imladris when accompanied by any of us.” Legolas weakly nodded his head only now beginning to realize just how overprotective he had become of Celulass. Haldir continued less harshly as he saw sanity beginning to return to his son’s eyes. “From now on you will allow all of us to help in taking care of Celulass. At night he will be taken care of by Fil or or Lindar who will be taking residence in the room next door to your own. During the day whoever is free will look after him while you attend your duties. Do you understand me?” Again Legolas nodded guiltily before looking over to where Glorfindel was still embraced in Erestor’s comforting hug.

“What are you going to do now?” Legolas whispered softly still worried at where Haldir and Thranduil were going to take Celulass.

“I think granddad’s little spring leaf and us are going to take a walk in the gardens before dinner. Aren’t we sugar plums?” Thranduil cooed at Celulass in his arms, the blonde haired grandparent pulling faces at his grandson who gurgled happily at the attention. Despite himself Legolas had to smile although it faded quickly as Haldir began again.

“I can not organize your life for you Legolas but I will pull you into line whenever necessary for the sake of your family. You must make decisions upon the balance in your own court if you wish to be a king not a pawn of your subjects. Tell the councillors that they have only two hours a day to address their problems with you and no longer, anything that they can not say in that time can wait until the next day. Make time for paper work and duties but ensure that meal times are kept separate and so is the time you spend with Glorfindel and Celulass, and even the time you spend alone. Balance is the key to happiness in this new life Legolas, and while it is going to be hard finding that harmony in the end it will be worth the effort.” There was a unanimous murmur of agreement from those around the room as Haldir shifted forward and places his hands either side of his son’s face holding Legolas gaze as he graced the prince’s forehead with a kiss.

“You will make a fine king Legolas Greanleaf and we are all very proud of you but you must never forget those who mean the most to you, for they will still be by your side, when councils fail, agreements break down and chaos comes to court.” Legolas smiled sadly as Haldir pulled his son against his chest for a hug before stepping back and sighing heavily. “Now you are going to take yourself downstairs and eat dinner with the rest of us. Elrond here is going to watch you to make sure you eat everything that is put in front of you. Then you can feed Celulass before putting him down for the night with Filgree. Then I believe you have some things to discuss with Glorfindel before getting a good nights sleep, is that understood?”

“Yes Ada.” Haldir chuckled softly at Legolas’ cheeky reply the smile once again returning to the prince’s face having been absent for too long.

“Good now if you’re excuse us we have some quality grandad time to begin.” Taking Thranduil’s hand Haldir pulled a face at Celulass who was balanced securely in the kings other arm before both he and Haldir wandered from the room, Celulass’ pleased gurgles audible for sometime in the hallway as Haldir and Thranduil played with their grandson.

“I think we will be leaving now too, dinner will not be long and I am sure you two will want to get ready in peace.” Rising from the couch Elrond waited patiently by the entrance to the room as Erestor hugged Glorfindel one last time before following his lover from the room leaving the couple finally alone.

For a moment their was a heavy silence Legolas staring at the floor while Glorfindel merely stared at his lover fearing the prince’s reaction to everything. Finally it was Legolas who spoke his gaze slowly rising from the floor to meet Glorfindel’s.

“I am sorry, I had not realised how selfish I was being. I am just frightened that I will not be good enough as king or as a father.” Glorfindel sighed heavily and closed the short distance between himself and Legolas his arms gently coming up to circle his love in a warm supportive hug.

“You will make a wonderful Ada Legolas, and you will be a very good king, I am sure of it.” Kissing Legolas softly on the lips Glorfindel drew back and smiled proudly at his love. “I love you Legolas.”

“I love you too.” Legolas returned the kiss just as the bell for dinner sang through the hallway outside. “We best hurry.” Glorfindel nodded and with their hands intertwined both elves left the room silently side by side….

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(A?N) OKAY THIS BEGINS THE COUNT DOWN TO THE END!!!!!!!!!!! We've got some elfin loving, some happy ending shit and then a nice little open ended bit that leaves room for a sequal should I or anyone else decide to taking on such a foolish project.........Hope you're still enjoying this story, I'm currently taking offers of archiving via my email and I am also fueling questions about things, which hopefully will all be answered in these last few chapters, where we tie up some loose ends and so forth. Plus I'm thinking about putting a health warning with this story, so that people don't go ruining thier sleep patterns and loosing thier jobs through spending entire weeks and days just reading this story from start to finish.......what do you reckon?

Alright if you haven't reviewed please take the time to do so, I know after 300 and something reviews you'd think I wouldn't be so demanding but honestly I really want to know what you think about these last few chapters cause it's been great fun writing this story and the more you review the more I consider writing a sequal..............

Thankies once again and stay tuned for the last few chapters probably over the weekend sometime.

RIFFRAFF
All acknowledments will follow the lasapteapter as well as thank-yous and so forth.