The Curse

A/N:

@AtoreySKane: I know! Legolas must suffer, there’s just no other option right? ;) I think this next chapter is a bit kinder on the prince, but worry not, twists and turns aplenty ahead!





Chapter 15: For the best



Haldir hadn’t anticipated Legolas’ request, but it hadn’t at all disappointed.

He wanted Legolas to have a night of his ‘first time’ that he would always (care to) remember.

Even with those positive intentions in mind Haldir found himself wondering whether the night would be a success or even something they should truly pursue.

Legolas’ experiences had been bad and this could trigger them, more than that he didn’t want Legolas to regret the choice.

Haldir took his time setting up his talan to perfection so that it was everything it needed to be before he returned to the dining halls. It was just in time too because Legolas wandered into the dining halls, searching for him with a light blush on his cheeks with the thoughts of things yet to come that eve.

Lord Celeborn intercepted the prince, much to Haldir’s annoyance, but he pretended to be oblivious.

No one needed to know the length of his emotions for the prince, but the prince himself.

Moments later Legolas moved forward and Haldir did his best to fight off a smile, “It is good to see you up again, prince of Mirkwood”

Legolas smiled, inclining his head, “It is good to be up… with prospects of what the night will bring”

Haldir nodded, glancing over the dining hall nonchalantly before he spoke in a hot whisper though his face betrayed nothing, “I shall leave in a moment, join me after about ten minutes”

The prince gave a nod in confirmation before moving on to stick to the plan now that he knew Lord Celeborn’s part in all of this. He sought out his father while Haldir excused himself in silence.

Legolas spoke to his father about his plans; about his need to go to Rivendell and learn all that he can, things he had missed because of his father’s stubbornness and ignorance and asking his father’s acceptance in all of that.

Thranduil had agreed, but really how could he argue against it? He had no rights to demand anything from his son and he could only agree to his son building the skills needed to defeat any enemy.

The King of Mirkwood did invite his son to come home, or rather he suggested the possibility for him to do so, but Legolas didn’t seem too keen and so Thranduil didn’t push him.



The King looked around then, “The guards responsible… The ones you’ve told me about in the past… When I didn’t… They’ve been let go and shall keep their distance from you and your homes, some of them have announced their departure to the realms of Men when we leave from here. Lord Celeborn is helping me find new guards as we speak, some of his elite fighters, as is Lord Elrond. Guards we can trust, guards with honour and decency.”

The words brought a smile to the prince’s lips, “Thank you ada”

Hesitant but forsaking nerves Legolas followed up on those words by gently embracing his father.

For a moment he feared Thranduil would deny him, but not a moment later his father’s arms closed around him and his smile grew brighter even as he made to excuse himself, “Ada, I think I shall go and find much needed rest, tomorrow starts a new journey and I wish to be well rested”

His father gave a nod, “Soon we shall reconnect lonneg, rest well”

Legolas stood, bowing his head in polite greeting before departing.



Once he was out of the halls his legs carried him as fast as they could as he sprinted to Haldir’s talan, up the stairs to stand before the door and knocking softly.

Haldir opened it with a light smile and a softly spoken, “Join me”

Legolas couldn’t possibly resist the offer as he stepped into the Marchwarden’s talan. A soft gasp escaped the young prince as he looked around at the candle-lit, rose-petal-covered talan before murmuring his appreciation, “It’s amazing”

Haldir pressed a light kiss to his lips as he whispered in return, “As are you”

The prince couldn’t help the blush that crept unto his cheeks even as he wandered in further.

He had been so certain he wanted this, but now that the moment had arrived he just didn’t know what to do with it.

It was a good thing that Haldir took charge as he moved to the bed and sat down on it, offering his hand to Legolas for the prince to take.



The Mirkwood Elf drew closer to him until he stood right before the Marchwarden who looked up at him to whisper softly, “Let me be your guide in this, poikaer, do not trust what it is you’ve learned before”

The prince nodded, offering complete faith in the Marchwarden by accepting the terms  even though he felt that tremor of fear. The act of ‘making love’ had never been pleasant for him, it was painful and harsh and he just couldn’t imagine it being different, but Haldir had assured him; he wouldn’t be hurt. He had to trust that. He did. He was still afraid.

Haldir slowly moved to undress the young Elf, making the effort to –after removing the prince’s tunic- also remove his own to create a sense of equality.

Legolas watched with confused but lust-filled eyes as Haldir’s fingers undressed him and himself.

The start of this was already far different than any encounter he’d had. The guards never bothered undressing himself, telling him such a vulnerable state was only his fate, his nakedness to be a reminder of his fate. His eyes glided over Haldir’s form and Haldir… Haldir was beautiful.

Legolas looked at the perfectly sculpted chest before him as Haldir stood to discard his leggings, again he felt that tremor of fear as Haldir stood bare before him.



Haldir knelt down before him, removing Legolas’ leggings, too.

The young prince seemed fearful for a moment, but the Marchwarden soon erased that fear as he pressed kisses to Legolas’ neck and shoulder, lips, ears and the top of his head before gently laying him to the bed, “If at any time you wish for me to stop, just let me know and I will”

A nod followed, but no request for him to stop came as the prince watched him expectantly.

Haldir slowly moved atop the Elf without making him feel restrained as he continued his tactic of lavishing kisses all over Legolas’ body.

His fingers trailed along the prince’s ears, before his kisses tickled his neck leaving the Mirkwood Elf whimpering softly in need while gasping and moaning in pleasure.

Haldir didn’t ease his ministrations, increasing them instead as he stroked his fingers along the prince’s ever hardening cock until the Elf beneath him bucked up in the attempt to get more friction.

That’s it.



Haldir lightly spread Legolas’ legs apart, teasing along his buttocks before taking the bottle of oil from the nightstand and coating them and his fingers before teasing the prince’s puckered entrance, “By the Valar you are beautiful Legolas”

The prince didn’t speak but a heavy blush coloured his cheeks at the words. Haldir hadn’t missed the hint of fear in his beloved’s eyes when his fingers had begun teasing his most intimate places and though it saddened him he could only accept and understand it.

He didn’t push the encounter but rather he took his time, continuing his teasing and caressing until the prince had fully relaxed almost as though forgetting he was fearful to begin with.

When that time had come Haldir slipped his finger inside, waiting as he continued his other touches so as to keep the prince distracted while he added another and repeated the same thing, then he began scissoring the Prince, stretching his passage for what was yet to come but the sensation of what he was doing was so alien to Legolas that the prince could only breathe a throaty, “What…. What are you…do…doing?”

Haldir smiled, kissing his lover’s lips affectionately, “Making you ready to make love, soon… so very soon I’m going to show you what it’s like”



Legolas smiled at the words, feeling sensations he’d never felt before. He wasn’t scared, this wasn’t at all like his time with Maglor… yet when Haldir withdrew his fingers Legolas reacted through sheer instinct to turn unto his knees as he was used to. You are nothing more than an animal to be taken from behind. No one should have to look at your face.

Haldir stopped him as he moved, “Just lay back, poikaer.”

The prince seemed confused by the request, but followed it none the less as he laid down upon the bed, “I thought you said you were going to…”

Haldir pressed a light kiss to the prince’s lips before nodding, “I am, but I would look upon your face while I make love at you, to look into your eyes and see that love returned”

The words made sense somehow, even as the concept was entirely alien to him.

Lips claimed his and though Legolas tried to not to freak out as he felt Haldir press against him, he couldn’t seem to help it.



Fists slapped against chest and immediately the weight eased off him even as tears ran down his cheeks in shame, “I’m sorry….I’m so sorry….”

Haldir offered a light smile, kissing the prince’s lips while brushing away his tears as he whispered softly, “There’s nothing to apologize for, I moved too soon, the fault was mine”

Yet he hadn’t missed the fact that the prince’s erection still pressed against his body, leaving him to believe there still was a chance.

Urged on by that knowledge he rolled them around so that he was on the bottom with Legolas atop of him. It was a conscious choice that would speak to the prince’s subconscious mind as it provided him a greater sense of power and choice, adding to it as he raised his arms up above his head to be as non-threatening as he could manage, “Whenever you are ready…. Lower yourself atop of me”



Legolas looked puzzled for a moment before a blush tinged his cheeks but he accepted the ‘mission’ as he knelt over the Marchwarden after kissing him softly.  Slowly moving down Legolas realized this was different, this made it a choice. His choice. That made it easier.

Slowly he began to lower himself, intending to push back in one go based on what Maglor had always done to him when Haldir grasped his hips gently and urged him to go slow and take his time, “Slowly, poikaer, feel me around you, let your body accept me”

Legolas nodded in understanding, accepting Haldir’s advice while doing as instructed, gasping softly at the sensation.

It had never been like this, his sole focus was on the hard shaft impaling him and the light friction within him made him want more.

Haldir fought the urge to push up and into the young prince, aroused beyond words by the sight above him. Here he thought there was nothing that could make this any better. His breath hitched for a moment as he spoke appreciation in the truest sense of the word, "Amin mela lle”

The words came out on their own accord and for a moment Haldir feared they were too soon or unwanted, but Legolas lowered himself the rest of the way and leaned in to kiss his Marchwarden, “I love you, too”



Haldir smiled, though at the same time his heart ached for he knew they weren’t meant to be;  Legolas would forget all about him in due time. The ache was short-lived as Legolas slowly tested the feel of Haldir within him by rolling his lips lightly causing the Marchwarden to release a quiet moan of appreciation and all thoughts about being parted fled his mind.

With Legolas impaled on his length, Haldir sat up and lightly brushed hands along Legolas’s back until they grasped his hips and slowly lifted him only to lower him back down, meeting him by lightly rocking his pelvis until the Elf in his arms moaned and gasped in sheer pleasure with such a look of surprise it was almost amusing were the reason not so sad. Deciding to taunt the prince a little Haldir whispered softly, “Do you want me to stop, Legolas?”

The prince stared at him as if he’d gone mad, without even giving an answer, causing the Elf to chuckle, “Very well”

Haldir’s pace increased until they both moaned and exclaimed mutual appreciation. It was only then that he lowered the Elf back to the bed,

once more attempting to make love to Legolas the ‘usual’ way. Haldir kissed the prince’s lips anew until they were swollen and red before pressing a lighter kiss to them as he began a steady pace of thrusting into the Elf.

It had been a risk because he didn’t know how Legolas would respond to the change in position where before it had caused him fear. It seemed the Elf was so lost in lust that all such thoughts of fear had vanished when he felt Legolas’ legs wrap around him as the youth made to meet his thrusts. Haldir knew his beloved Elf was alright.



Legolas couldn’t help himself as he pushed back against Haldir, moaning in sweet delight while his hands scratched along his partner’s back. He now understood what it meant to make love, understood that being with someone intimately didn’t need to involve pain, that it didn’t mean only pleasure for one. He now understood why anyone would agree to this.

Haldir picked up his pace, gripping Legolas’ hips just a little tighter as he did. He remained careful of pushing it too far, but Legolas’ sounds of pleasure only urged him on, “Show me your beauty my sweet prince”

The words were so heavily coloured with desire that Legolas felt them take hold in his very stomach, before his muscles clenched up and his body shivered as he cried out.

Haldir watched his lover as he climaxed, pushed over the edge himself by sheer the beauty of it.

It was an awful thought to have at a moment like this, but Maglor hadn’t known what he was missing by taking only pleasure for himself and bestowing none on the prince.



Legolas was truly at his most beautiful in the throes of passion and Haldir was glad to be the first to see it. Even if it would only be this once.

As they both experienced the height of their passion a soft warm seemed to envelope them, a light glow of sorts, but neither of them paid heat to it solely concerned with each other until their muscles relaxed and they both lay still upon the bed for a moment, not a sound but the sound of light panting.

Haldir slowly withdrew from the prince a moment later to lay down next to him with a light smile before drawing him into a gentle embrace while he kissed the top of Legolas’ head, “Thank you for sharing this with me… I shall never forget it”

Legolas blushed, but smiled as he slowly curled up against the Marchwarden, enjoying the comfort of the arms around him, “Thank you for showing me what it means to make love, I never thought it could be like this.”

The Galadhrim smiled, nodding, “Rest now, young prince”



Legolas frowned at the Marchwarden, biting his lower lip before he whispered softly, “I don’t think I wish to leave now…”

Haldir felt that ache in his heart again, after tomorrow all of this would come to an end with the prince’s departure and Lord Celeborn’s plot to see this turn in favour of his Grandson, “I love you, Legolas”

Even as Legolas’ eyes glaced over in rest Haldir heard the soft murmer in return and felt it warm and break his heart altogether, “I love you too Haldir, always”

Always would only last a night.

The sun rose too soon and yet even as it did Haldir couldn’t bring himself to wake the sleeping beauty in his arms. If only he could hide the Prince away, be selfish and tell him of the plans made beyond his control so that he might sway Legolas to stay. Forever.

He couldn’t. Legolas was excited to learn and he was entitled to learn from the best.

With a heavy heart he pressed a light kiss to Legolas’ temple, “You need to wake, sweet Legolas, we must get ready and join the others in the dining halls.”



Legolas mumbled something he couldn’t understand but didn’t move to get up, bringing a light smile to Haldir’s lips, “Legolas, come, you must wake”

Another kiss followed, drawing a soft gasp from the Elf whose eyes gained a type of awareness, “Must I?”

Again Haldir smiled, “You must. They’ll be waiting for you”

Legolas huffed softly, “Let them wait” but both of them knew he didn’t truly mean those words.

Haldir allowed Legolas his time to get washed up, waiting until the Elf returned with damp hair before he went to wash and dress himself.

They agreed to leave separately so that no one might suspect what had happened between them, so that Lord Celeborn would be unaware.

Haldir watched as Legolas left. The moment the door shut he felt his heart shatter as an incredible sadness claimed him. How could he say goodbye to his heart? How could he live without it? Without his soul?

It was his concern, until then he couldn’t let Legolas know about it. Legolas would have a day filled with many splendours and Haldir would make sure to claim any spare minute he could with the prince.



Taking a deep breath he fought the inner turmoil and moved out of his talan to join the rest of the Elves in the dining halls.

He watched from a chair in the back as Legolas interacted with everyone for the first time, like a social butterfly.

There was a great change in him and Haldir couldn’t help but feel proud of his prince.

Rúmil moved up next to his brother, “How can you let him go?”

When Haldir looked at him while raising a brow, his brother elaborated, “It is obvious you love him”

As expected the Marchwarden attempted to deny it, but Rúmil just grinned, “Do not worry, others do not see it so much as I do, not even Orophin… or the Lord”

Haldir gave a light nod, “’Tis for the best Rúmil, I can never have him… It could never be… I must let him go and find love in Rivendell that is worthy of this stature. ‘Tis for the best.”

Rúmil couldn’t help but wonder whether his brother truly thought so or hoped to convince himself with the words he spoke of the purpose he pursued.



Legolas’ eyes found Haldir’s every now and then even though they both tried to keep wandering eyes to themselves.

His younger brother lightly touched his arm, “You’ve been good addition to his life, I’ve never seen him so lively, so confident”

Haldir smiled at that, “It is a contribution gladly made, to set him upon the right path”

There was more to those words, but Rúmil didn’t question it instead redirecting the subject of conversation elsewhere, “King Thranduil… he had made intentions known to me, he wishes me to return to Mirkwood with him”



Haldir’s brow rose as he looked at his brother, “And you’re truly considering this? Knowing the man he is?”

Rúmil’s cheeks blushed at the question that spoke true but that he had not encountered, “The King has not shown me any cruelty, but more so the utmost kindness… He is truly sorry for his blindness all those years, embarrassed for the way his guards were able to manipulate him. He’s not cruel, he was simply misguided”

The words gave rouse to anger within the elder Marchwarden who spoke hushed but angrily, “His misguidance near killed his son, the Valar know how he managed to survive all that with so little love received. ‘Tis no excuse”



His younger brother sighed at Haldir’s stubbornness before he spoke softly, “I wish to go with him… My heart’s aflutter when he is near, I do not want to be without him any longer than I need to be. I understand your anger, I understand that it seems strange to you and unthinkable, but I  think I may love him Haldir… and I think he loves me. I hope you can give us your blessing for that… but I’ll understand if you don’t”

With that said Rúmil bowed his head and moved in pursuit of the King while Haldir released a soft sigh and felt an inner conflict; he wished for his brother’s happiness but feared the King’s intentions. His brother would be alone; he couldn’t look out for Rúmil if they were that far apart.

Why was his entire life falling apart? What had he done to wrong the Valar that they would punish him by taking away everything he holds dear?



All too soon the party was gathered, the Mirkwood party strengthened by some of the best Galadhrim –including Rúmil- preparing to leave homebound, the other party, bearing Legolas and Orophin due to Rivendell.

Haldir watched it all with a heavy heart. He lost his beloved. He lost his brothers.

It was lord Celeborn who approached him, “Rúmil was personally requested by King Thranduil, I couldn’t deny him, not when Rúmil made intentions and feelings known. Orophin shall return shortly as will the whole of his party, when Legolas has been delivered safely into Rivendell.”

Haldir nodded, “I understand, my Lord”

But in his heart he didn’t feel it. A hand touched his shoulder, “It is for the best, Haldir”

The Marchwarden nodded, “I know, my Lord”

It didn’t ease the weight upon his heart.



Haldir moved to the departing brothers, hugging Orophin first and wishing him a safe trip he turned to Rúmil with greater hurt, “Take care of yourself little brother”

Rúmil embraced his brother for what seemed forever before releasing and stepping back, “You too, Haldir, look after your heart…”

Another embrace followed before Rúmil released him so Haldir could say his goodbye to Legolas.



Moving to the Prince he kept his distance not wanting to create rumor, his eyes betrayed every bit of the love he felt as he bowed to the Prince, “Safe journeys to you, prince of Mirkwood”

Legolas bowed his head, hurt visible in his blue eyes over having to leave, “Always, Haldir ó Lorien. I promise”

But it wouldn’t be always.

Haldir bowed his head anew, stepping back as both parties took off until both parties were no longer visible even to the Elvish eyes.

With a sigh Haldir turned and walked away, heading to the training grounds where he’d spend most of his days in the attempt to stop thinking of the Elf that had won his heart, but forever was a long time to let go of that idea.

 

 

TBC...