Meleth-nin

Disclaimer: Not mine but J.R.R. Tolkien’s.
A/N: Seems that practically no one is interested in reviewing these days… Oh well, that is totally up to you. :P
lily: Thanks for the feedback, sweety darling. :) I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed this fic so far. I can assure you that this fic will be finished! :) (I myself just hate it when you find an awesome fic but the author never finishes it.) And worry not; Legolas and Aragorn will find some sort of happiness (I’m not telling, yet, if they find it together) but there will be lots of angst and other stuff before that. Mwahaha…I’m so evil. :P
But I’ve rambled long enough, so on with the story!
WARNING: Twincest ahead.

thoughts


Chapter nineteen

Imladris


“Aragorn is an idiot”, Elrohir said almost thoughtfully. “I’ve always wondered when his inherited Human stupidity would surface. Now I know.”

Elladan didn’t say anything. He was too busy dwelling upon the idea of Legolas and Aragorn parting ways. He loved Aragorn dearly, he was like a brother to him, but right now he felt like riding to Minas Tirith and murdering the King of Gondor with his own bare hands. How could anyone in their right mind hurt Legolas? He clenched his fists in fury. How could Aragorn treat Legolas like that, like he was nothing to him? Like he was no more than a slut? The Mirkwood Elf was pregnant with his child, for Eru’s sake! What on Arda was matter with Aragorn?

Elrond had told his sons the reasons behind their arrival an hour earlier. Elladan had wanted to go to Legolas right away to ask if he was all right and if he needed anything and if there was something – anything – he and Elrohir could do to make things better. Elrond had told him not to go. “Legolas is resting. He has been in emotional turmoil for weeks now and he has a baby to take care of, too. Do not disturb his sleep just yet, Elladan. You will have plenty of time to talk to him after he wakes up”, Elrond had said.

The twins were now sitting in the garden discussing Legolas, Aragorn and Aragorn’s stupidity. “I don’t understand this at all”, Elrohir said, frowning. “According to Ada Aragorn told him that he doesn’t have any romantic feelings toward Thomas, and yet Legolas believes that Aragorn cheated on him with the guard and furthermore, that Aragorn no longer loves him. Does this make sense to you, gwanur?”

Elladan shook his head. He was beginning to believe, like his Ada, that Legolas and Aragorn’s break-up was due to a major misunderstanding. However it didn’t change the fact that Aragorn had been violent toward Legolas and accused him of infidelity and thus broken his wedding vow. “No, it doesn’t”, he finally said. “When we last saw them in their wedding and bonding ceremony they were so happy together. And when I heard that they were going to have a baby I thought that things couldn’t be any better. It is most disturbing to hear that their marriage has failed despite their love and the fact that they are going to be parents.”

“Indeed it is”, Elrohir said silently and looked down at his fidgeting hands. “Ella, please tell me that you and I will never part. That our love will overcome whatever difficulties life will have in store for us.”

“Oh Elrohir”, Elladan breathed and gathered his brother into his arms. “I swear to you; I will never leave you. I will stay by your side forever. Im mela lle, ‘Ro”, he whispered and claimed his brother’s lips.

Elrohir moaned into the kiss and wrapped his arms around Elladan as relief washed over him. Elladan wasn’t going to give up on him and their love. Elrohir chastised himself for having so little faith on his brother; he should have known better.

Hearing of what had happened between Legolas and Aragorn had upset him more than he let show. What chances did he and Elladan have? Their love was frowned upon and barely tolerated whereas Legolas and Aragorn’s union had had everyone’s acceptance. And let us not forget that they were expecting a child. Yet, they had managed somehow to ruin all that. Elrohir pushed the disturbing thoughts out of his mind and concentrated on the feeling of Elladan’s soft lips and the wicked things he was doing with his tongue.

Finally the twins parted when they needed some air. Their cheeks were flushed and both were panting. “I think we should move to our chambers to finish what we just started”, Elrohir suggested with a wink. “Ada may approve of our relationship but I doubt he would like seeing us rutting out here in the gardens.”

Elladan laughed and ruffled his brother’s hair. “Ever the lustful one, eh gwanur? But you’re right; this is not the right place for such wicked acts.” He then helped Elrohir stand up and brushed some dirt off his tunic. “Elbereth, I nearly forgot!” He exclaimed suddenly. “Did you know that Glorfindel is still in love with Ada?”

Elrohir raised an eyebrow questioningly. “Glorfindel? And Ada? I thought he had gotten over his old infatuation like… three centuries ago! How do you know that he still loves him? Have you talked to him? Have you talked to Ada about this?”

“Whoa, brother, slow down. One question at a time, please. As to your first question; it’s very obvious when you just look closely enough. You should have seen his face when I told him that Ada is coming home! There is no question about it; Glorfindel still loves our father. And no, I haven’t discussed these feelings with Glorfindel, after all I only found out a couple of hours ago. Nor have I talked with Ada, and I don’t intend to. ‘Tis up to Glorfindel to tell him about his feelings”, Elladan explained. He then smiled mischievously. “But I think it’s time for Ada to find happiness. Besides, Glorfindel is exactly Ada’s type and they’d make a good-looking couple.”

Elrohir nodded and grasped Elladan’s shoulder. “I’m with you, brother. We’ll find a way to get those two together. Now let me think…” He tapped his cheek with his fingertips thoughtfully for a while before his expression brightened and a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes. “Now listen, this is what we are going to do.”

*~*~*~*~*~*

“A party?” Erestor repeated incredulously. “You want to have a party tomorrow eve?”

The twins nodded enthusiastically. “We want to celebrate Ada’s safe return and also the visit of Prince Legolas who is not only a good friend but also an honoured guest. Will you help us with the preparations, please Erestor?” Elrohir looked at their father’s chief advisor pleadingly and Erestor couldn’t refuse the youngest Peredhil. Darn those puppy-dog eyes!

“I will help you”, he promised and sighed. “I have a feeling there’s more to this than meets the eye, but as long as you behave yourselves and act like mature Elves we just might survive another party.”

Elladan and Elrohir glanced at each other and smiled victoriously.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Imladris, the following morning


Legolas woke up feeling rested and refreshed. It was a strange feeling for he had gotten used to restless sleep on a bedroll. He smiled as he took in his surroundings. This was the chamber he had lived in when he had visited Imladris as an Elfling. It hadn’t changed one bit. It seemed that his son woke up, also, judging from the enthusiastic kicks Legolas experienced. He laughed softly and rubbed his stomach.

“Maer aur, ion-nin”, he said lovingly. “We are in Imladris now. This is where your father spent his childhood.” [Good morning, my son.]

He refused to acknowledge the feeling of his heart constricting at the thought of his husband. Former husband, Legolas reminded himself sternly. It’s no use thinking about him. I pushed him away when he still was mine and now I’m paying for it. He forced some cheeriness into his voice when he continued speaking to his son.

“You also have two uncles who live here, Elladan and Elrohir. They may be a bit loud sometimes but they are very kind and love you already. They have had a bonding ceremony earlier this spring and…” He choked on his words and couldn’t help the tears that now ran down his face. It wasn’t that long ago when he and Aragorn had promised to love each other for all eternity. Now Aragorn was with Thomas and he was all alone with a fatherless child.

“I pushed him away… I made him stop loving me and you… I ruined everything and pushed him into someone else’s arms”, Legolas sobbed. Losing Aragorn was like losing the other half of himself. “I wish I could go back to him, to beg him to take me back… But surely has already taken someone else into his bed and to his heart. There is no place for me anymore. I’m so sorry, ion-nin, that I’m such a failure. I made him stop loving me.”

Someone knocked on his door. “Prince Legolas, are you awake?” Came Erestor’s voice.

Legolas nodded before realising that the other couldn’t see him. “Aye, I am awake, Lord Erestor. Please enter.” He then straightened the bed covers to make sure that he was decent.

Erestor opened the door and entered the room. “Good morning”, he said smiling. “It seems that you…” He noticed the tears that were still running down the Prince’s face but didn’t want to embarrass the Prince by questioning him about them. “I hope you slept well”, he finished somewhat lamely.

Legolas nodded trying to look happy and content. “I did, indeed. Thank you for giving me this room. I’ve found great comfort in sleeping in familiar environment.”

Erestor smiled at him and then gestured at Legolas’ round belly. “How does your son like Imladris so far?”

Legolas’ expression brightened a little at the mention of his child. “I think he already loves Lord Elrond’s realm. ‘Tis so peaceful here, so unlike Minas Tirith. I believe he and I shall be very happy here”, he finished with a slightly forced smile. In reality he didn’t believe that he would ever be happy without his mate, but he was ready to do anything to ensure his son’s happiness and well-being.

“I’m sure you will be”, Erestor said warmly. “Now, the reason that I’m at your chambers is that Elladan and Elrohir are arranging a party that takes place this eve. You are the guest of honour, my Prince, and I’m here to make sure that you look presentable enough. No pouting”, he added when he saw that Legolas’ lower lip started to stick out, “it is all good and well to celebrate your visit.”

Legolas only nodded numbly. A party? What in the name of Varda were the twins thinking? He was in no mood to attend a party in this state of mind. He wanted to tell Erestor to go away and leave him alone, to yell at him and throw him out of his chambers, but he also realised that his current situation was not Erestor’s fault and that the twins probably didn’t know about him and Aragorn.

“Erestor”, he said softly, “I don’t know how much you know about the reasons for me being here. All I can tell you right now is that I’ve left Minas Tirith for good and I’m mourning for my failed marriage. Please don’t force me to attend the party tonight. I would only kill the mood and ruin the evening.”

“I’m sorry”, Erestor said in a friendly voice. “Let us hope this is but a temporary arrangement and that you and Estel will find each other again. If I may say so, this party may be just what you need; a chance to forget your grief if only for a little while and reacquaint yourself with your old friends. You are well-loved here in Imladris, Prince Legolas, and there are many who have missed you.”

Legolas smiled faintly. “Thank you, Erestor. I think you may have a point there. Fine, you have convinced me. I shall attend the party and the merry-making. I will not have it said that Prince Legolas is too high and mighty to join his old friends.”

“Good. Now, let me draw you a bath and then I’ll take a look at your clothes”, Erestor said and helped Legolas to get out of the bed. “You shall be the most beautiful Elf attending that party tonight.”

*~*~*~*~*~*

Later that evening…


“I’m rather impressed, Elladan”, Elrohir confessed as they looked the gathered Elves in the Grand hall. “Who would’ve guessed that you and I can arrange a party at such a short notice?”

Elladan nodded and kissed his little brother’s cheek. “You are a genius, gwanur”, he praised. “Now, tell me again what the grand plan was.”

“You shall make sure that Glorfindel drinks enough wine to get drunk and I shall do the same with Ada. Then, we’ll get them to a secluded room and let them take care of the rest. You know as well as I do that when Glorfindel is drunk he tends to become quite loose-lipped. If everything goes as planned he’ll tell father about his feelings and they will live happily ever after”, Elrohir said and grinned. “I know this is going to work, I can feel it.”

“Let us hope that you are right, ‘Ro”, Elladan said tenderly and looked at his brother lovingly. “I love you.”

“And I love you.” The brothers then shared a kiss.

“Whoa, look at Legolas!” Elladan exclaimed. The Prince of Mirkwood had just entered the hall and was already surrounded by many of his old friends and admirers. He looked glowing and radiant; the pregnancy indeed suited him.

“Legolas, come here and have a talk with us”, Elrohir shouted and waved at their friend. Legolas excused himself and managed to find his way through the crowd. “You look absolutely stunning tonight, gwador”, Elrohir said warmly. “Much better than yesterday when you arrived.”

Legolas smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Elrohir. ‘Tis true that being here in Imladris has already soothed my troubled heart somewhat. And it’s good to see you both. Congratulations on your bonding, gwedeir. I’m most happy for you.”

“That means a lot to us, Legolas. Thank you”, said Elladan and hugged his friend warmly. “You have such a gentle heart, my friend, and we hate to see you suffer. If you need anything, anything at all, just tell us and we’ll make everything in our power to help you. We love you.”

“I love you too”, Legolas whispered and blinked furiously. He didn’t want to start crying here in front of everyone. “But let us not speak of such serious matters; we’re here to celebrate.”

“That’s the right attitude”, Elrohir said and smiled at their friend. “We’ll now let you go back to your admirers; I and Elladan have some things to do”, he winked.

“What is it that you have in mind?” Legolas queried. “I know that look. It always means trouble.”

“You’ll see later if it works out”, Elladan said and took his brother’s hand in his. “Have a good evening, Legolas and enjoy yourself. Just remember; no wine for you, my friend. The baby would not like it at all.”

Legolas stuck out his tongue in a childish manner. “Believe me Elladan, I do know something about babies. Have a good evening as well, and keep out of trouble!”

Unbeknownst to Legolas, someone had been watching him ever since his arrival. My, that Elf is really something else. I’ve never seen anyone that beautiful before, Randír thought. I cannot wait to get to know him. He will be mine, that beauty, I will make sure of that.

He grabbed a goblet that was filled with red wine and made his way to Legolas. “Mae govannen, you fair stranger”, Randír said smoothly. “You put all others in shame with your radiant beauty. May I offer you some wine?”

Legolas smiled at the handsome Elf who was offering him a goblet. “Thank you, but I’m not allowed to drink any wine. Fruit juice would be wonderful, though.” He thanked as the other Elf soon found him another goblet. “I don’t think we have ever met. I am Legolas of Mirkwood and this”, he said and patted his belly gently, “is my son.”

“Nice to meet you both”, Randír said warmly. “I am Randír, the captain of the Imladrian warriors. May I have the honour of showing you around? The gardens here in Imladris are exceptionally beautiful.”

Legolas decided against telling him that he was already familiar with Imladris and the beautiful gardens and accepted the offer. “That is most kind of you, Randír”, he said and extended his hand to the handsome warrior who gladly took it in his. There is nothing wrong with getting to know him a bit better, Legolas thought. He’s handsome and pleasant and it is too warm in this hall anyway.

The couple then proceeded in walking out of the hall into the gardens. The weather was warm and the flowers smelled enchantingly. Legolas and Randír soon were discussing like old acquaintances and Legolas realised that he actually liked the other Elf.

I will have you, fair Legolas, Randír promised to himself. You shall be all mine.


TBC..

A/N: That was a long chapter…I’m quite surprised myself. Please read and review. :)