Greenleaf & Imladris 22-Bereth:To Have and To Hold

Epilogue: Heart and Soul

The two princes sauntered down the wide corridor leading to the shaded path that would bring them to the delved halls. They were greeted by various courtiers and retainers along the way. Legolas could not help noticing that most surreptitiously studied them and, upon seeing his proprietary hand on Elrohir’s back, would nod approvingly.



Yes, change had indeed worked its spell on the Woodland Realm, he mused. Just a few centuries ago, his binding to Elrohir would have been received with shock and censure. Now they were looked upon with fond indulgence in the manner of elders regarding young lovers. But there was more to the half-concealed smiles than their natural affection for their youngest prince and his beloved mate.



They were actively relieved to see him behaving as a bound Edhel should. More than ever, it brought home to Legolas just how negligent he had been toward his Elf-knight and what Elrohir had endured while struggling to keep his faith in him.



He glanced at the twin; saw the incandescent glow that had been so dimmed but a few weeks back. Legolas knew what had brought that glimmering light back into Elrohir’s being. Remembered anew how the warrior had loved him the night before, blessing him with the sheer magic of their repeated joinings. It had left him breathless with wonder and hungry for even more intimacy not only of the body but also of the heart and spirit.



Legolas knew one night of loving could not possibly make up for all he had done to Elrohir. As such, in the rosy aftermath of his latest undoing this very morn, he had vowed to himself to spend the rest of his days making amends. He would love his Elf-knight with all his being, succor him in times of need, woo him should they have differences. He would share his whole self with him that they might always be one even when they were apart.



The pull surged up within him unbidden, tenderly urging him into action. This time he did not struggle against it. This time he embraced it eagerly. He was no longer ignorant of its purpose, no longer afraid to follow its lead. His gaze settled intently on Elrohir.



The warrior had paused to speak to the nurse of Elladan’s twin sons, inquiring as to the state of the infants. After being assured of the Elflings’ well-being and learning they were fast asleep at the moment, he turned to Legolas, thinking to suggest that they visit their nephews later when they were awake. He was startled when the prince gently but firmly pushed him against the wall.



There and then, in full sight of every Elf who passed down the hallway, he claimed the warrior’s lips, oblivious of the dropped jaws and popeyed stares of virtually every person in the vicinity. Nor did he hurry with his tender plundering of Elrohir’s mouth, deepening it until they were both breathing heavily.



When he finally drew away, Elrohir gazed at him with soft-eyed amazement. “What was that for?” the twin asked, a warm smile indicating his delight at such open affection from his golden prince.



Legolas smiled back. “For love of you, Aduial,” he murmured. “My glorious bereth, my incomparable Elf-knight.”



The grey eyes widened at the fulsome praise. But the smile on the sinuous lips broadened further, the beauty of it enticing the archer into snaring the warrior in yet another searing kiss.



“I think we have caused quite a stir,” Elrohir grinned when they finally broke apart.



Legolas looked about him with the expression of someone becoming aware of his surroundings for the first time. His eyes widened in consternation. The hallway was now crowded with Elves, all staring at them with a riotous mix of shock, amazement, curiosity, delight and, for some, slight disapproval at so wanton a display of passion. Well, there was no pleasing everybody after all.



The prince blushed deeply, his natural reserve in such matters, momentarily quelled by the pull, now coming to the fore. Elbereth! What would his father say when word got back to him? He groaned, already anticipating the masterful lecture on proper decorum his sire was sure to deliver this day.



“Ashamed, Calenlass?” Elrohir quietly asked.



Legolas looked at him and saw the beginning of a frown creasing the twin’s smooth temple. He hastened to allay the other’s concern.



“Nay, how could I be ashamed of this passion we share?” he said, gripping Elrohir’s hands tightly. “I am ever so blessed that ‘twas I you learned to desire all those years ago else I would not know the bliss of your love now.” At the easing of the incipient frown from his mate’s brow, he added, “But I think we had best continue this in private. ‘Tis not wise to call Adar’s attention to us. I have no wish to be scolded like a mere Elfling at my age!”



The frown vanished completely to be replaced by a grin. Lyrical laughter filled the corridor, the sweetest music Legolas thought he’d ever had the pleasure to hear. Still chuckling, Elrohir shook his head in mirth. He knew his law-father’s mind all too well.



“And shall we then confirm Elladan’s insinuations and waste this fine winter morning as he put it?” he inquired cheekily.



“Most assuredly,” Legolas grinned back. “Nothing would please me more, Elrohir nîn.”—my Elf-knight. “Besides, you are a splendid waste of time!”



He took no more thought to the curious Elves about them, cared no longer what the King might have to say about their behavior. Steering the Elf-knight away from the shaded path, he purposely led him back to their rooms instead. He belonged to Elrohir and Elrohir was his and that was all that mattered this wonderful morn on the edge of winter and the first stirring of spring.



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Glossary:

Edhel - Elf

Aduial - Twilight (Legolas’ pet name for Elrohir)

bereth - spouse

Calenlass - Greenleaf (Elrohir’s pet name for Legolas)



The End