The secret life

Part 17.3

“Oh, yes, meleth – I... I never thought it would feel so good... I’m so close, so very close – saes...”
Glorfindel cried his husband’s name, when he was driven over the edge. Erestor felt the muscles around his member clench and spilled his seed deep inside the warriors body. He managed to withdraw from his mate, but then he broke down atop the muscular chest. For some quiet moments, they simply lay there and enjoyed the aftermath of their lovemaking
“Thank you for letting me do this to you this once!” he whispered.
Golrfindel nuzzled the dark advisor’s hair.
“This once? Meleth – we are definitely going to do this again. And now – saes, untie me!”
“And what if I don’t want to?”
“Erestor?”
“When do I get this chance again, a tied up balrog slayer in my bed?”
“Erestor!”
“You should see you right now, so completely at my mercy- such a tempting sight...”
“ERESTOR! Untie me – NOW!”
The advisor cringed, his smile left his lips. //Have I gone too far?// he thought. With unsteady hands, he worked at the knot.
“Are you upset, ind-nîn? Why....”
“I’m not upset!” The same second, the warrior was freed, he grabbed his husband by his waist and flung him on his back.
“I just want to ravish you, meleth-nîn!!!” Both elves rolled in the sheets, laughing together, tickling, kissing, licking and biting each other.
Suddenly a knock at their door interupted them in their play.
“No, this cannot be true. Not now!!! We do not open, whoever is standing outside, he will go away...”
“Findel, you know, no one would dare to disturb us tonight if it would not be an important matter!”
Glorfindel left the bed and his husbands arms, wrapped a sleepingrobe around him and opened the door.
“This better be serious!” he growled at the intruder, who turned out to be Glendarion, his second.
“Forgive me captain! But I didn’t know, what to do else...”
“What happened?”
“Legolas has disappeared, so has Sarik, it seems. Haldir took a horse and followed them – he was alarmed and said something about kidnapping. I wanted to talk to Lord Elrond, before I take measures, but I cannot find him.”
“This IS serious! Haldir is a seasoned warrior and has a very keen mind, if he believes Legolas in danger, then he most certainly is! And if Sarik is involved... Glendarion, take 10 of our soldiers, ready the horses, mine and Elrond’s too. I will meet you at the stables in 15 minutes!”
“Aye captain!”
When the warrior was gone, Glorfindel dressed quickly and then turned to his husband.
“I’m sorry meleth, but it seems our binding night has already come to an end. I really fear for Legolas well-being... something is not right, I can sense it! We must find Elrond – I will search the house and you check the gardens. In 15 minutes we will meet at the stables, wether with or without him. But we cannot wait longer than that...”

***
At the same time outside the Last Homely House:

Elladan stood at the edge of the rocks, overlooking the valley. The sound of the close-by waterfalls calmed his nerves. The tears had now stopped flowing and he had the chance to think clearly again now.
“So, it has finally happened. The truth has been revealed. The time has come for me, to face the reality.” he said to himself.
// Maybe we must leave Imladris now... But at least, Elrohir will come with me, should that be Adar’s wish. He cannot separate us anymore, we are bound. We would fade without each other, he would not risk that!//
Elladan was so lost in his thoughts, he didn’t hear his twin approaching him from behind. Suddenly, he felt strong arms grab him from behind and was pulled back from the cliffs. He stumbled and seconds later he found himself lying next to his twin on the ground. His left arm hurt, blood run from his elbow, but it was just a scratch.
“Elrohir – VALAR! What has gotten into you?”
“I could ask you the same question, muindor. What were you doing here?”
“Nothing, I just needed some time to think! I love this place – the sight over the valley is great!”
“The sight? “ Elrohir took a deep breath and sighed in relief. “And I thought...”
“What? Ro – you did not believe I would...? I will never leave you, never! We are bound! I love you... do you truly think, that I could do this to you, that I could kill you?”
“Forgive me, lirimaer – I should have known better... I was just sick with worry, when you ran away... never do this again!”
“I won’t! I’m sorry!”
“You are bleeding!” Elrohir touched his brothers arm gently.
“It’s just a scratch!” Elladan reassured him.
“Let me have a look at this!” a voice came from behind. The twins turned their heads and saw their father standing behind them.
“Adar, how long have you been standing there?” Elrohir asked.
“Long enough to hear your little conversation.”
The elflord sat on the rocks next to his sons and took his eldest’s arm in his hand. From the folds of his robe he took a piece of cloth and began to wrap it around the wounded skin.
“You are right, Elladan – this place offers a wonderful sight over the valley.”
“What will happen to us now, Adar?” Elladan asked in a low voice.
“Nothing!”
“Nothing?”
“Nothing! See, I once had a twin myself. And even if our feelings didn’t run as deep as yours, we loved each other dearly. When I lost Elros, my world shattered even though it was just a brotherly love we shared. You are my sons and all I want is for you to be happy. When I look at you, I can see the love in your eyes. Do you think I could condemn you for feeling this way? That I could cast you out of this valley and my life?” He draw his sons both in a crushing embrace.
“I do love you and Arwen with all my heart. You are everything for me, you should know this. Nothing you could do would make me stop loving you.”
He lifted Elladan’s chin and looked his eldest son deep in the gray eyes.
“You did not fail me or our family. Do you remember what I told you this morning, Elladan? Nothing has changed since then. I’m still so very proud of you – both of you.”
For some minutes they stayed like that, simply enjoying the familiar closeness. Suddenly Elrond slapped his palm to his forhead.
“VALAR! Where are my thoughts tonight. This is your binding night – you should be in your room right now, tasting the joys of marriage instead of sitting with your old and sentimental adar on these cold rocks!”
The twins laughed and the three of them stood and slowly walked back towards the house. When they reached the gardens, they saw Erestor running towards them.
“Mellon-nîn, what are YOU doing here? Did you already flee our famous seneschal’s bed?” Elrond shouted in bemusement, but his smile vanished, when he saw the worried expression in his advisors eyes.
“What’s wrong, Erestor?”
And the dark elf told his lord and friend everything he knew so far. All together they ran to the stables where Glorfindel and the soldiers had already mounted their horses.
“Elladan, I leave Imladris in your care until we are back. Elrohir will stand at your side and Erestor will help you with everything. Don’t worry, we will find them.”
Elrond also mounted his horse and took the reins from the stablelad.
“Should Sarik appear again, he is under arrest until we return.” The twins nodded.
Glorfindel bent down and kissed his husband. “I’m sorry that our binding night was not as it should have been. We will be back soon and then I will make this up to you.”
“Just return to me safe and sound, that’s all I desire. I love you, ind-nîn.”
“Love you too, hevernn-nîn!”
And with that, Glorfindel, Elrond and the soldiers left Imladris in a hurry.


***

Legolas opened his eyes again. He didn’t know at which point he had lost consciousness. Laying on his side at the wooden floor, he saw that the bonds at his hands were gone but he still couldn’t move. A kind of magic spell, he guessed. He let his eyes wonder around. The room we was held captive was dark, a small candle was the only source of light. The walls were made of musty wood and when he peark up his ears, Legolas could hear the sounds of the forest. This must be an old cabin or something like that. He considered his possibilities for a flight, but there were no windows in this room and the only door for sure was locked or guarded. And even if it was not, he couldn’t move. He could do nothing.
A few minutes later, the door opened and Rodalan entered the room, Sarik behind him, carrying the wizards staff.
The Istari kneeled next to Legolas, laid his hand on the young prince’s cheek and murmured some words.
“You can speak now, Thranduilion – if you want to, you can scream, but it would be to no use. No one can hear you!”
“Get you filthy hands off of me!”
“Oh, it seems, you are the same spoiled brat as your adar once was!”
“You are not worthy to even say his name aloud!”
“Oh, these arrogance in the Mirkwood royals! Exactly like Thranduil... He thought a young and promising Istari was not worthy of his love – and you? You think that a mere soldier is not even good enough to pleasure you!”
“Pleasure – oh, if this had been about pleasure, we would still be friends. He almost raped me!!! And concerning my adar – he didn’t love you. That’s all! It was not about rank or worth – you were not meant for each other!”
“But your adar and your naneth are? Do you think he loves her? Let me tell you one thing, Thranduilion: that is not the case! He wanted an heir, that’s all.Your naneth is nothing more than a brood mare for him.”
“That’s not the truth! My parents love each other!” Legolas hissed. Tears of rage ran down his cheeks!”
“Soo? And what if I tell you, that your adar had only male lovers until the day king Oropher forbade relationships between ellyn per decree? Your adar is a coward!”
“Oropher was long dead when my parents married.”
“And your father had sworn him an oath! He had sworn him to marry and to produce an heir! Thats what your parents marriage is about! Nothing else! He doesn’t love your naneth and he doesn’t love you! Why else would he have given you away, send you to Imladris. Would a loving father hide his child, would he send it away for years, maybe even for good?”
“Liar! LIAR!!!” Legolas screamed and then started to cry.
Rodalan suddenly raised his head.
“Sarik, it seems we have a visitor. Someone followed you!”
“This cannot be, no one saw us leaving!”
“Whoever this will be, I will deal with him. He will regret coming here! Watch our little princeling, while I’m gone!”
Rodalan took his staff from the soldier’s hands and left.

Sarik sat down next to Legolas.
“Ah, look at you now, Legolas. Not that proud princeling anymore, are we?”
“Why did you help him Sarik. We were friends once!”
“Mmh, how interesting. I remember I told you the same earlier this night and it meant nothing to you!”
“You still are a soldier of Imladris. How will your captain react to this, what do you think Lord Elrond will say?”
“They cast me out! Though not out of the valley, but out of their community! Do you know how it feels, when nobody is talking to you, everyone is avoiding you? How easily my friends, my captain and my lord shunned me after only one simple mistake!” Sarik’s voice sounded angry and full of despair.
“I’m no longer inhabitant of Imladris after this night. I will travel with Rodalan.”
“Look inside yourself, Sarik. You are not evil like him!”
“No, am I not? But that’s what you all believe!!! Sarik is the bad guy! Ok, they want to see me like that, then so be it!”
“Sarik, I...” But Legolas couldn’t speak further, because Rodalan entered the room again.
“Sarik, there’s an unconscious Galadhrim lying outside. Take his weapons and bring him inside!”
A terrible suspicion rose in Legolas. //Galadhrim? – Haldir!//
Moments later, he found his fear confirmed as Sarik dragged an unconscious Haldir inside and shoved him down next to the young prince.
“What have you done to him, you monster!” Legolas shouted.
“Not much – he will wake up soon. Sarik, bind the warriors hands! I will be back soon, I have to make sure that no one else has followed you!”
When the Istari was gone, Legolas tried to approach Sarik again.
“Haldir has done nothing wrong. Let him go, Sarik!!”
“Why should Rodalan want to harm him. Don’t be afraid, your precious marchwarden will be well.”
“Sarik, what do you think Rodalan is up to? Do you truly think he will spare his life or mine?”
“He wants his revenge on Thranduil, that’s all.”
“He will kill us all – can’t you see that. You think he is your friend, but Rodalan knows nothing of friendship. He knows only his hatred! We will all die tonight if you don’t help us!”
A groan from Haldir stopped their talking.
“Ah, welcome to our little party, marchwarden.” sounded Rodalan from the door.
“ I hope you are comfortable?”
“Who are you?”
“OH, forgive my manners, my name is Rodalan!”
“Rodalan let him go, he has nothing to do with that!” Legolas shouted.
“Well, he meddled in the affairs of an Istari, now he has to face the consequences! But I’m not interested in him, my dear princeling. Now, the time has come to deal with you!”
“Hurt him and I will hunt you down until the end of arda!” Haldir hissed.
“I don’t think so.” The Istari replied coldly. “If I read your feelings correctly, you are in love with our sweet prince.”
Legolas eyes widened.
“Yes, Legolas – he’s right! I love you. I did so, from the first moment I saw you. And I don’t mean our meeting in Lorien, but in your fathers hall, when we danced. I was so blind. I should have known it was you. Forgive me.”
“I was so hurt, when you left me after our night together. I tried everything to forget you, but I couldn’t. I still love you!”
Rodalan laughed at Legolas words. “Oh, how touching. So, go on marchwarden – kiss our little prince. It will be the last thing he will feel ever again.”
“What do you mean with that, Rodalan?” Sarik’s quiet voice came from behind.
“Come here my friend and bring your knife! We will have our revenge now. I will send the princelings heart to his loving father!”
“No!!!” Haldir shouted and rolled his body in front of Legolas. “You will have to kill me first!”
“Now that can be arranged. SARIK – what are you waiting for. The knife!”
The Istari raised his staff over Haldir’s head. He murmured some words and the staff began to glow. Haldir closed his eyes and prepared himself for his end.
“You will not make me a kinslayer!” a voice sounded through the cabin. There was a flash of blinding light, a loud bang and a hoarse cry. Then everything was dark!

Legolas opened the eyes and looked around. He felt he could move again, so he quickly moved towards the Galadhrim.
“Haldir, Haldir, are you well. Saes, talk to me, saes!”
“Everything alright, Legolas, I’m well.”
They turned around and saw Rodalan lying on the floor, Sarik’s knife sticking in his back. Legolas freed Haldir’s hands and the Galadhrim carefully approached the wizard.
“He’s dead, Legolas!” he said after checking the pulse.
A faint coughing came from a corner of the room.
“SARIK!” Legolas exclaimed and quickly ran over to where the soldier lay. Blood ran from a large wound in his stomach, inflicted by the magic of the Istari’s staff.
“Legolas... I – I’m so – sorry, I...” he tried to speak further, but had to cough again. Blood trickled down his chin.
“Ssh, don’t speak. Save your strenght.”
“T-tell them... saes... my ho-nour...!”
“Yes, everyone will know, that in your heart you always have been an honourable soldier of Imladris. You saved us all tonight. I will make sure, that you are remembered as the brave warrior you are!”
“Thank y-you! H-hurt...” and Sarik closed his eyes and life fled his body.

***

Glorfindel, Elrond and the soldiers had searched for Legolas, Sarik and Haldir for hours. Now it was already around midday and the sun stood high in the sky. They had been able to follow Haldir, but after following his tracks for a while, they simply stopped. Now they were searching clueless in the woods.
Suddenly, there was a sound. The soldiers readied their bows, Elrond and Glorfindel drew their swords.
The foliage rustled and everyone held his breath. And then a horse stepped from behind the trees, two riders and a bundle on his back.
“Elrond, it’s them... Legolas, pen-neth – are you well?” Glorfindel ran towards the horse and its riders and helped the young prince to dismount.
Tears were streaming down the blond prince’s face.
“I’m not hurt... just a little wound on my head. But Sarik, he – he’s dead.”
They made camp and Legolas and Haldir told the Imladris elves about everything, that had happened that night.
“I’m so glad you are alright, pen-neth.” Glorfindel said after a moment of silence. “And of course that you are well too, Haldir. Now, let’s ride home, I’m eager to see my husband again!”
“Wait, mellon-nîn... I think Legolas should return home today, and I mean really return home: What do you say, Legolas, now, that there is no more threat, do you want to return to your parents?”
Legolas only stared at the elvenlord. With wide eyes, he nodded mutely.

***

Five days they had ridden across the land and now, the Greenwood border lay in front of them. Legolas shifted in his saddle. Elrond noticed the young one’s nervousness and rode closer.
“Everything alright, Legolas?”
“Yes- it is just that... Rodalan said some things... about my adar, that he doesn’t love me or my naneth...”
“Oh, Legolas. Don’t believe him, not even a second – no matter what he said to you. All he knew was hate. If you are unsure, talk with your adar and everything will be alright again!”


***

They reached the border early in the afternoon, a soldier accompanied them to the palace. At the main door a guard stepped in their way and asked for the reason of their visit. Elrond stood tall before the soldier and said:
“Tell your king, that the crownprince of Greenwood has returned!”
Not even one minute later, a deeply moved Thranduil rushed outside and draw his son in a crushing embrace.
“Ion-nîn, I have you back – you are here. Ion-nîn.”

In the evening, everyone met in the library. After the king had learned of everything that had occured, he stood from the sofa and adressed Haldir.
“My dear marchwarden, I owe you so much. Without you, my ion most likely would be dead by now. I can never repay, what you did for Legolas. Still, name a wish and it will be granted.”
Haldir rose from his chair and bowed deeply before the Greenwood king.
“Your highness – there’s only one thing in life I desire. And though I know, that Legolas hasn’t reached his majority yet, I beg for your permission to court him!”

Translation:

meleth – love
saes – please
ind-nîn – my heart
adar – father
muindor – brother
lirimaer – lovely one
mellon-nîn – my friend
herven-nîn – my husband
ellyn (pl) – male elves
naneth – mother
pen-neth – young one