Mending a Heart and the Tie that Binds

Chapter 2: Reunited


“Hello,” Legolas said, smiling as he approached the small party of elves.

“Hello, your Highness,” said Orophin and Rúmil, bowing deeply.

“There is no need for such formality,” Legolas reminded the s pos politely. “You may call me Legolas.”

“Very well, Legolas,” Rúmil said, nodding.

“What are your names?” Legolas asked.

“I am Orophin.”

“And I am Rúmil. Oh, and this is our older brother, Haldir,” Rúmil added, motioning to the chief marchwarden as he approached.

“It is very nice to make your acquaintance,” Legolas said, smiling at the Lórien elves.

“It is very nice to meet you as well,” Haldir said sincerely.

“Ugh,” Elladan groaned, interrupting the conversation that was taking place. He flung himself back onto the grass after bathing the last steed and rubbed his aching arms. “I shall rue the day that I see another horse.”

“As will I,” Elrohir agreed, sitting down beside his brother.

Orophin and Rúmil chuckled, having no sympathy for Elladan or Elrohir’s plight.

“Prince Legolas,” Goel began as he suddenly approached, but was interrupted when Elladan and Elrohir screamed and hid behind a nearby tree. “What mischief are they up to now?” he asked in dismay.

“I do not know,” Legolas said honestly, “but I am sure that they will not cause any more trouble as the Lord and Lady would surely punish them again.”

Goel nodded in agreement and focused his attention on Legolas once again. “Sire, I just spoke with Lord Celeborn’s aid. The council meeting will be held in two days.”

“Very well,” Legolas said. “In the meantime, please relax and enjoy the beauty of this realm, for you and the others will be returning to Mirkwood soon.”

“As you wish, your Highness,” Goel said, bowing and then walking away.

Elladan peeked around the side of the tree. “Has he gone?”

“Aye,” Legolas said, giving the twins a disapproving look as they emerged from their hiding place and sat down with their comrades on the grass. “Why are you being so cruel to Goel? What has he ever done to deserve such treatment?”

“He has never done anything,” Elladan said, “except that he looks like my horse’s twin. I feared that he wanted a bath too, and my arms are just too weary to wash another steed.”

“Shhh!” Elrohir hissed, looking at his brother sternly. “Our jests about Goel are the reason we were forced to wash every horse in this realm. If you do not be quiet, grandfather will see to it that we are to bathe every steed in Rivendell as well.”

“Goel does not look like a horse,” Legolas stated emphatically. “He is my father’s dearest friend and has always been kind to me. Once, in mid midst of battle, I was wounded. Goel risked his life by placing me upon his back and carrying me all the way to Mirkwood.”

“He placed you on his back?” Elladan asked, unable to hide the amusement in his voice. “And did he gallop straightaway to the castle or did he stop to eat a bit of grass first?”

Elrohir began to laugh.

“That isn’t a very kind thing to say,” Legolas scolded. “He took me to his wife, Mara, and she saved my life. I am indebted to Goel.”

“His wife’s name is Mare?” Elladan asked, laughing.

“Nay, her name is Mara,” Legolas explained.

“Mare-Ah,” Elladan said as he and Elrohir burst into laughter. “Oh, my side,” he whimpered, clutching his ribs as tears streamed down his face.

“It is my understanding that you stayed with Lord Elrond and his family for some time,” Haldir remarked, looking at the prince. “Were you subjected to the twin’s foolishness everyday?”

“Aye,” Legolas replied, nodding. “But I loved my time in Imladris. Elrond has become like a second father to me and Arwen is the sister that I never had; Elrohir reminds me a bit of my older brother, Makail, so I have come to think of him as kin.”

“Indeed? And what do you think of Elladan?” Rúmil asked when Legolas failed to mention Elladan’s name.

Legolas sighed and shook his head dramatically. “I do not like him. He is a nuisance.”

“Hey!” Elladan exclaimed as everyone laughed.

“I am only jesting,” Legolas said, meeting Elladan’s eyes for a moment before continuing. “Elladan is my best friend. I do not know what I would have done without him.”

Elladan smiled and felt his face redden. He tried desperately to think of something humorous to say, hoping that he could draw everyone’s attention away from him. But his wit often seemed to fail in the midst of embarrassment. He cursed silently but sighed with relief when one of the Mirkwood guards approached.

“Sire,” the guard said, bowing before the prince.

“Yes, Flynn?”

“Begging your pardon, Lordship, but may I speak to you in private?” Flynn asked. “I have a matter to discuss with you in regards to the upcoming council meeting.”

“Very well,” Legolas said. The prince turned to the group of elves and shrugged. “Duty calls. Thus, I must away. Perhaps we can resume our conversation at a later time.”

“That is an excellent idea,” Orophin said enthusiastically.

“Until we meet again,” Legolas remarked, bowing.

“Farewell,” Haldir said as he and his brothers bowed.

The small group of elves watched as Legolas and the guard from Mirkwood walked away.

“He is the most handsome elf that I have ever seen,” Orophin said, staring after the prince.

“Aye,” Haldir said, nodding. “He is both charming and beautiful and seems to be unattached. Are the elves in Mirkwood blind?”

“I was wondering the same thing,” Orophin added. “Perhaps I could discuss this with the prince in private. I heard about the death of his mother. Maybe he could use the comfort of a virile marchwarden, such as myself.”

Elladan stood up abruptly and glared at Orophin.

Elrohir rose to his feet as well and placed his hand on Elladan’s shoulder as a means of restraint.

“If you so much as touch Legolas, I assure you that you will not be traveling to Rivendell to represent Lórien in the competition,” Elladan threatened.

“Oh?” Orophin asked, amused by Elladan’s sudden display of anger. “And why is that?”

“Because you will be assisting me instead,” Elladan quipped. “You will truly become your name as during the boating competition I will use whatever limbs you have as **oars** or **fins** to guide Rivendell to victory.”

Rúmil chuckled.

Orophin looked at Elladan in disbelief. “What claim do you have on the prince to make you behave this way? You are acting as though the two of you are to be wed.”

“We are,” Ean san said, grinning at Haldir, Rúmil and Orophin’s openmouthed stares.

“Is this another one of your jests, Elladan?” Orophin asked.

“Nay, it is not,” Elladan said sincerely. “Legolas and I are promised to one another.”

“Why did you not tell us that you and the prince were engaged?” Rúmil asked in dismay.

“What was I to say? ‘Hello, all. Did you know that the youngest prince of Mirkwood shares my bed?’”

“Nay, you would not have to be crass. But you could have told us that you were to be married to Legolas,” Rúmil scolded.

“I agree,” Orophin said. “We are your friends, and we are happy for you. Oh, and in case you did not know, I feel kindly toward my limbs and do not want to see them used for anything that I do not deem worthy. While Rivendell is lovely and I am sure that you will do well in the nautical competition, I would prefer to use the oars and fins that will be provided for us as opposed to my body parts. Let’s just say that I am quite **attached** to them.”

Elladan laughed, as did the rest of his comrades. “I apologize for becoming angry earlier. Please understand, I… I… I love Legolas. And I am quick to show my wrath when someone I care so deeply for is harmed in any way,” Elladan explained. “I am sorry, Orophin, you were only asking about the prince. But when you made light of comforting him, I thought of all that Legolas has been through and became defensive. Legolas has suffered sch. ch. I know because I saw his pain. I guess I am overly protective of him.”

“I accept your apology, Elladan.” Orophin said sincerely. “I was only attempting to be humorous. I had no idea that the two of you were in a relationship. I would not have said such a thing had I known.”

“I know,” Elladan said, placing his hand on Orophin’s shoulder.

“Hello, Grandmother,” Elrohir said as Galadriel approached.

“Greetings, Elrohir. Have you and Elladan gotten settled?” Galadriel asked, looking at her grandsons.

“Aye,” Elrohir replied.

“Good,” Galadriel said. “I have some exciting informatior yor you and wanted to be the first to tell you.”

“Indeed?” Elladan asked curiously.

“Please, Grandmother. Do not keep us in suspense.” Elrohir said.

“Very well. Guess who will be joining you on your trip to Rivendell and will be one of the representatives for Lórien in the upcoming competition?”

“Who?” the twins chorused.

“Celeborn,” Galadriel saiditeditedly.

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged looks and frowned.

“You… you do not want your grandfather to accompany you?” Galadriel asked, looking at the twins, dismayed.

“Of course we do,” Elrohir said quickly. “I am very pleased that Grandfather will be joining us.”

“You are?” Elladan asked but was stifled when Elrohir elbowed him in the ribs.

“It is terrific news,” Elrohir continued as Elladan rubbed his side. “I am jealous that Lórien will be gaining such a fierce competitor. We could use a warrior like Grandfather on Rivendell’s side.”

“He will be pleased to hear that and will…”

“Begging your pardon, Milady,” a servant said, bowing, “but I need your assistance right away.”

“What has happened, Sydok?”

“I do not know. But Para sent for you and said that it was urgent.”

“Please, lead me to her,” Galadriel instructed and then turned to her grandsons. “I must away now, but will see all of you later… at the evening meal, perhaps. Haldir, Rúmil and Orophin, please join us, if you’d like. Celeborn and I have not had a proper meal with you in quite some time and would very much like to spend some time with all of you.”

“Thank you, Milady,” Haldir said, bowing deeply.

Without another word, Galadriel turned and hurriedly followed her servant.

“I cannot believe that!” Elladan exclaimed. “Elrohir what are we to do? We will not be able to jest at all if Grandfather is going to travel with us to Rivendell.”

“I know,” Elrohir said sadly, “but Grandfather hasn’t been to Rivendell in many years. I think that a trip to another realm would do him some good.”

“But he is always so hard on us,” Elladan whined. “He scolds us for every little incident. Do you remember the time that we placed an apple upon Drest’s head and used him as a target for archery practice?”

“Aye,” Elrohir said, grinning at the memory.

“Grandfather was livid,” Elladan said. “Just because Drest got shot in the arm was no reason for Grandfather to punish us so unmercifully.”

“You shot Drest?” Haldir asked in shock.

“It was only a flesh wound!” Elladan exclaimed. “It wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t moved. He tried to run away and, as a result of his stupidity, got shot. It was **his** fault, not mine. And Grandfather, do you know what he did? He sent word to our father and mother and then forced us to stay in Lórien for three months!”

“What is so bad about that?” Rúmil asked.

“He forced us to be Drest’s servants!” Elladan hollered. “Oh, and Drest loved every moment of our torment. You should have seen the way that he ordered us around. It was horrible.”

“I do not recall that incident,” Orophin said. “When did this occur?”

“About two thousand years ago,” Elrohir replied. “We were very young. And if my memory serves me correctly, the three of you as well as twenty or thirty Lórien elves left this realm to go to Bree… for some reason or another.”

“Ah yes,” Haldir said, watching several elves pass by. “I vaguely remember hearing that Drest was wounded while we were away, but I never knew what had caused his injury.”

“It was Elladan,” Elrohir said, smirking.

“Oh, be quiet!” Elladan snapped, folding his arms over his chest indignantly.

“If Elladan is the one who shot Drest, then why were you punished too, Elrohir?” Orophin asked.

“Damned by association,” Elrohir said, grinning.

“You lie!” Elladan shouted as he rounded on Elrohir. “It was your idea! Just because you were too frightened to follow though…”

“All I’m trying to say is that having Grandfather along may prove to be… fun,” Elrohir said.

“Fun? Fun!” Elladan exclaimed. “Tell me Elrohir, have you ever seen Grandfather laugh?”

“Nay.”

“You would not want to,” Elladan warned. “He is so stolid, methinks his face would split in two if he dared to smile too forcefully. What would we do if he decided to express enjoyment by laughing? I may be mistaken, but I do not believe that Goel will be journeying with us to Rivendell. And without Goel to place Grandfather upon his back and gallop to a healer, Grandfather would surely die.”

Haldir shook his head while Elrohir, Rúmil and Orophin laughed.

“Then perhaps I should ask Goel to ride with us to Rivendell,” Celeborn said as he emerged from some nearby foliage. “I would hate to put my life in danger if I decided to laugh, or even grin for that matter.”

Elrohir and the others stopped laughing at once and exchanged nervous looks.

“Grandfather?” Elladan said in shock. “I… I… I did not sense that you were near.”

“Well, with so many elves passing through this valley, and you, in your agitated state, there is no way that you could have known that I was nearby,” Celeborn said. “But perhaps it is for the best, as your ignorance to my whereabouts has proven to be quite… enlightening.”

“Grandfather… I…” Elladan stammered.

“I will have you know that I have a wonderful sense of humor,” Celeborn said, giving Elladan a piercing look. “Why, I laughed quite heartily about four months ago and I was only incapacitated for a day or so.”

“Grandfather?” Elladan asked in amazement. “Are you jesting?”

“To be sure,” Celeborn said, winking. “Who do you think Celebrían got her mischievous streak from?” He flashed his eldest grandson an enormous smile and then touched his own face lightly. “Just checking.”

Elladan and his comrades laughed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Elladan?” Legolas said, walking into his lover’s sleeping quarters. “May I enter?”

Elladan hesitated and then nodded slowly. “Of course.” He turned around and watched Legolas as he entered the small chamber. Elladan gasped quietly as he beheld the Mirkwood prince. The rays of the sun made Legolas look luminous as his flaxen hair shone in the light. His face was a vision of perfection, as each feature seemed as though it had been crafted with the utmost of delicacy, and his taut body stood strong and lean as though he were the model for which sculptures were made. Elladan let his eyes explore the prince’s lithe, but firm looking form and then looked up when he felt Legolas’ eyes boring into him. He met the prince’s amused stare and felt his face flush with embarrassment. “I am sorry. I did not mean to stare, but… I have yearned to set my eyes upon you. You are beautiful.”

Legolas smiled and stood directly in front of Elladan. “As are you, my Elladan.” The prince stepped even closer to the dark haired warrior and touched his face gently, sending chills of pleasure up Elladan’s spine.

Elladan pulled away quickly and frowned. “I look terrible. I just came from taking a bath and am not fully dressed. I haven’t even combed my hair.”

Legolas stared blatantly at Elladan and smiled. He hadn’t even realized that Elladan was only partially dressed. The Rivendell elf was only wearing a grey tunic; his sable colored leggings were spread out neatly on the bed that sat in a corner of the room. Loose strands of wet hair were stuck to his face and his muscular, bare legs boasted of raw strength, grace and beauty. Legolas felt heat pooling in his lower region when he observed Elladan’s strong looking hands and remembered how they felt caressing his body. “You look more beautiful today than you have ever looked,” the prince said sincerely. “I long for you.”

Elladan couldn’t speak. His heart was racing and everything around him seemed to fade as Legolas moved even closer and brushed a wet, stray strand of hair from his face.

“How I have missed you,” Legolas whispered, moving his lips against Elladan’s slowly.

Elladan moaned and closed his eyes.

“I have craved your company by day and your touch by night,” Legolas continued softly. “And now I shall have both.” Without another word, Legolas pressed his mouth against Elladan’s.

Elladan met the prince’s kiss, stroking Legolas’ face tenderly as their passion intensified.

“Touch me,” Legolas murmured. “Please, Elladan. I need you.”

Elladan slid his tongue into the prince’s mouth and felt his heartbeat quicken when Legolas placed one of his hands underneath his tunic and on his hip.

Legolas grasped Elladan’s buttock firmly with one hand and placed his other hand on his lover’s bicep, pulling him closer.

“Ai,” Elladan said, flinching.

“What ails you?” Legolas said, giving Elladan a concerned look when he pulled away.

“I apologize,” Elladan said as his face reddened with embarrassment. “My muscles are a bit sore from washing the horses.”

“I see,” Legolas said pensively. “Perhaps I can help.”

“How?”

“Lie upon the bed face down. I will do the rest.”

“Legolas, I… I can’t. I…”

“Shhh,” Legolas said quietly, placing his finger on Elladan’s lips. “You will feel much better once I’m done.” Before Elladan could protest, the prince grasped his hand and led him to the bed. Pushing him down gently, Elladan obeyed Legolas by lying on the bed. The prince straddled the dark haired warrior’s waist and placed his hands on Elladan shoulders. Kneading tenderly, Legolas could feel lover’s muscles tighten. “Relax,” the prince encouraged. “Clear your mind and rest your body.”

“Legolas, I…” Elladan began but stopped when the prince’s touch began to move lower.

Legolas kneaded Elladan’s porcelain skin, moving his fingers over the plains of Elladan’s back.

Elladan mumbled something under his breath and cursed.

“Am I hurting you?” Legolas asked, concerned.

“Nay,” Elladan replied. “But, there is something that I need to tell you.”

“Am I going to like what you are going to say?” Legolas asked.

“Probably not,” Elladan answered.

“Then do not speak until I am done,” Legolas said, moving his hands to Elladan’s left arm.

Elladan groaned when the prince massaged a particularly sore muscle and cringed when Legolas began to focus his attention on Elladan’s other aching arm.

“Be still,” Legolas demanded, continuing to rub Elladan’s body. Moving his hands down even lower Legolas shifted his body so that he could continue his ministrations. The prince caressed Elladan’s lower back and moved his hands down further to the summit of Elladan’s buttocks. Stroking gently, he slid his hands underneath Elladan’s tunic and between his legs, brushing his scrotum, languidly.

“Nay, Legolas,” Elladan said, turning over abruptly and causing Legolas to topple onto the floor ungracefully.

“Ai!” Legolas exclaimed, glaring at Elladan.

“I am sorry,” Elladan said, standing up and extending his hand to Legolas. “I didn’t mean to harm you.”

Legolas grasped Elladan’s hand and was pulled to his feet with ease. “Why do you recoil from me? Have… have you found someone else? Is that what you are going to say to me?”

“Nay!” Elladan said, looking into Legolas sapphire eyes. “Nay, it’s just that…”

“That?” Legolas asked.

“Please, sit with me,” Elladan said.

“Very well.” Legolas sat on the bed beside Elladan and looked into his eyes.

“I want you so badly that it hurts… it aches," Elladan began. “But I cannot be intimate with you here… not here.”

“I do not understand,” Legolas said, furrowing his brow. “Are you ashamed of me?”

“Ashamed?” Elladan asked in shock.

“No one seems to know that we are to be wed,” Legolas said. “Your grandparents knew, as they welcomed me to this realm as one of their future kin. But your friends, Haldir, Rúmil and Orophin, seemed to be unaware as to the nature of our relationship. I can only assume that you do not want it known that I am your lover.”

“Nay, that is not true,” Ell sai said, placing his hand on Legolas’. “You know that I love you. My grandparents know about our engagement because I sent them a letter telling them about it after you left Rivendell. They are very discreet; they would not disclose something so personal to me… unless I asked them to. No one else knew because I have not been to Lórien for quite some time.”

“Then why do you not desire to lay with me?” Legolas asked, confused. “Please do not tell me that you fear losing your heart to me for a second time. I do not think that I could bear that kind of rejection again.”

“Nay, Legolas,” Elladan said, releasing the prince’s hand and stroking his cheek lightly. “It’s just that… well… this is the home of my grandparents… of my grandmother.”

“I do not understand,” Legolas said.

Elladan removed his hand from the prince’s face and sighed. “My grandmother is very powerful,” he explained. “Not only is she one of the ancient elves that still dwells in Middle-earth, but she possesses unearthly powers that enable her to read the minds of those she meets. Furthermore, she has a magic mirror that foretells the future; she can see the times of yore and things that are at hand.”

“I am aware of your grandmother’s gifts,” Legolas said. “There are tales about her that extend to all of the elvish realms and beyond. But what does your grandmother’s power have to do with us? Does her gift have some sort of control over you?”

“Nay,” Elladan said. “But she has knowledge of everything that happens in Lothlórien. If I were to be intimate with you… she would know.”

“Oh, Elladan,” Legolas said, chuckling. “Your grandmother is no fool. I am certain that she is well aware of the fact that we are lovers. There is no need to refrain…”

“I just can’t,’ Elladan said, interrupting the prince. “It is strange somehow. I would… feel guilty if I partook of such carnality here. For when I saw her in the morn I would know that she could look at my thoughts and see, that just hours before, I was fraught with passion and hear my cries of lustful pleasure.”

“So I must wait to have you then?” Legolas asked, trying to hide the frustration in his voice.

“Please? Just until we arrive in Rivendell,” Elladan said. “Then, you may do whatever you like to me.”

“Whatever I like?” Legolas asked, grinning deviously.

“Aye,” Elladan said. “I will be at your mercy.”

“Hmmm…” Legolas said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “Then I will use this time to think of some very naughty things to do to you.”

Elladan smiled. “Just do not think about it in front of my grandmother.”

“As you wish,” Legolas said.

Elladan arose from the bed, pulled his leggings on quickly, combed his hair and accompanied Legolas to the Lord and Lady’s massive dinning hall. Then, he and his friends made merry for the remainder of the night.

---

TBC…