Orchids in 'Lorien

Orchids in 'Lorien 16a/16

Only a few weeks after Rúmil and Erestor's engagement, Haldir and
Glorfindel decided it was about time for their own binding as well.
Both couples agreed that it would be nice to have their weddings on
the same day. The occa was was set to take place in Imladris that
summer.

It appeared as though all the Elves who still remained on Middle-
Earth had come to celebrate, as did King Thranduil. Orophin was
happy for his brothers, yet seeing their joy reminded him of his own
loneliness. He still had not forgotten about Legolas, he never
would; but it was time to move on. Orophin watched Thranduil, who
was constantly surrounded by other Elves, from afar. Occasionaly
their eyes would meet. The way the King's vibrant green eyes stood
out against the red jewel on his was enough to leave the guardian
breathless. He wondered if Thranduil's offer still stood. Realizing
that nothing would pass between them as long as they were both
surrounded by other company, Orophin decided to go far a walk in the
gardens. If Thranduil was still interested in him, he would surely
follow.

*****

"It has been far too long, mellon nin."

Orophin turned around, his hand still touching the rose he had been
admiring: so vibrant, fragrant and soft to the touch. Yet, it could
never have the exotic appeal of the orchid. Worried eyes turned to
Thrnaduil, there was something in the King's voice that concerned
him. It was laced with sadness. Orophin threw himself into
Thranduil's arms, unwilling to hear anything unpleasant, for his
heart could not bear it. "I have missed you," he whispered.

"And I have missed you."

Satisfied that everything was well, that he had only imagined the
trouble he heard in Thranduil's voice, Orophin pressed his lips
against the King's. Thranduil turned away.

"You do not want me?" Orophin's lips brushed a pale cheek as he
spoke.

A deep sigh came from Thranduil before he was able to respond. "I do
wanu, Ou, Orophin. But there is something you must know before we go
any furthur." The king looked at Orophin, and seeing that the
guardian awaited a more detailed explanation, continued, "There is
no easy way to tell you this... Legolas is fading. We cannot know,
for sure, the cause of his grief, but it may have something to do
with your leaving. It was after your brothers have turned him away
from the Golden Wood that the symptoms began. I fear that he may not
last much longer. I did not wish to leave his side, but I felt it
necessary to come and tell you. He needs you, Orophin. Will you come
back with me? We are leaving on the morrow."

Orophin's head began to spin. Here he was, weasling his way into
Thranduil's arms while his former lover was fading from some unknown
sorrow. Had he truly meant something to Legolas?

"Aye, I will go," he said. He could not abandon the one he loved,
one who still held a place in his heart.

Tbc....