A Healing Touch

Hiya, folks! Sorry this took so long, I've had my hands full lately.

Steph: Thanks, I couldn't resist some Leggy/Elrond action, and the scene with the little girl was just nagging at me till I wrote it.

Mawgy: 'Kay, as much as it makes me guilty, I'll delete it (once I figure out how). LoL, the kiss worked, and don't worry, I don't need any other body parts kissed. And I know what you mean about Haldir, but he wasn't trying to mean, he was just trying to... give Legolas a little nudge out of the door, so to speak. LoL, don't know how to answer the question about Elrond, he's just stubborn (and horny) but aren't we all? I guess after the war he just wanted things to feel real, to know his lover was alive and well and that it just wasn't an illusion. Yay, indeed! But considering Glorfindel's battered body, lol, I don't think jumping on him would be something he'd do. LMAO, well I'm glad I didn't seem too much of a grouch, and sorry for the late update. And where's my stick pic? joking, you don't have to do one if you don't want to. Enjoy the next chapter.

lilith: lol, it was cute, wasn't it? It was just a little thought that wouldn't leave me alone till I wrote it down. But yes, the silent 'Glorfindel' was out of relief that he was awake. You'll see in this next chapter. Yeah, Legolas taking care of Elrond was fun to write too. Well, Thranduil probably did notice it, he just chose not to say anything. Enjoy!

Silent Archer: ::sneaks up behind SA and pops a paper bag:: WAKE UP!! LoL, yup, he's alive! Enjoy the next chapter!

Lomawien: LMAO! Okay, thats great, I'm happy you're enjoying this! Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking with Erestor/Narofea, but they need each other. Narofea might help Erestor loosen up a bit, and Erestor might teach Narofea some disciplin. ::snorts:: anyway, enjoy!

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Legolas stumbled into the room and dropped to his knees at the bedside, immediately clutching the seneschal’s hand in his while gazing upon his lover, eyes brimming with tears of immense relief. “Glorfindel," the prince murmured. "Bless the Valar, you are awake. I was so worried for you."

"Legolas," Glorfindel wheezed, staring back at the young elf with confused eyes, his voice raspy from disuse. "What happened?"

"We... we were in the cavern and were attacked by Ungoliant. Her orcs captured us and we were restrained and she bit you. Do you not remember any of it?"

"Aye, all too clearly." The seneschal replied, rubbing his temples with his fingers. "How did we escape?"

"I managed to break free of the creatures grasp and fought them off," the prince swallowed. "We are safe now, Glorfindel, I destroyed them. This war is over."

"You-- you destroyed them? All four of them?"

"All five, actually," said a new voice from the door. Elrond stepped into view, refusing the aid of his nurses. "Our young Legolas here managed to kill the orcs as well as Ungoliant herself."

"Elrond." Glorfindel murmured with the hint of a smile as his lover limped over to his side and carefully seated himself on the bed's edge, gently taking his seneschal's free hand in his.

"Yes. I am here, my love."

The three elves shared a quiet moment together, their eyes showing what their hearts felt until Glorfindel returned his loving gaze to the youngest elf, loosening his grasp with his hand to cup it against Legolas' cheek. "Despite what you have been through, the pain you have suffered, you risked your very being to save me."

"I love you, Glorfindel. You would have done the same for me." the prince murmured. "I only wish I had gotten to you sooner, before the venom had a chance to take its toll."

"Legolas, most people would not have stood a chance against Ungoliant, not even Morgoth. What you did-- I am so very proud of you, penneth."

Legolas leaned his head into the Eldar's palm, kissing the pulse point of the wrist as tears shimmered in his blue orbs. "I did it for you, Glorfindel. I was frightened beyond belief. The way the orcs looked at me... their soulless eyes had the same intent in them that the ones that took me did. But I knew I could not live with myself knowing that I let them harm you, I would have most likely followed you to Mandos'. My love for both you and Elrond is so strong, I did it for you. I am so sorry." The elfling’s last words were in a whisper as he bent his head down and buried his head into the seneschal's shoulder, silent tears running down his cheeks. While Elrond laid his palm on the prince’s back, soothingly stroking it in comfort, Glorfindel cupped the back of the golden head, tenderly running his fingers through the silken mane.

"Shh, Legolas, it is all right. Everything will be fine now."

"I beg to differ," Galadriel replied as she approached the three figures. "Glorfindel may have finally awoken but he still needs his rest. He is not yet strong enough to be up and about."

"But he is out of danger now, is he not?" asked the Imladris lord.

"He is, but he needs to regain his strength. He is no longer comatose but his body is in need of proper rest. A good healing sleep should take care of things, so now that you have been reassured that he is well I suggest that you both leave. You, yourself, should still be in bed, Elrond. That wound is not fully healed. And if I am not mistaken, I believe Legolas has work to complete."

Legolas sighed, lifting his head from where it lay against the Balrog slayer's chest, listening to the steady beating of his heart. Gazing at him with affection in his glassy eyes, the prince gently smoothed back the thick, wavy flaxen hair from his face before rising to his feet and bowing his head to the Lady of Light.

Elrond followed suit, bending down to press a soft kiss to Glorfindel's forehead. Murmuring a 'sleep well' he stood beside his younger lover who carefully lead him back to his own quarters before Galadriel had a chance to usher them out.

Turning her gaze back to the prone elf in the bed, Galadriel shot him a warning look that clearly stated should he not wish to be hounded like an ill elfling, he would follow orders and get some much needed rest.

For his part Glorfindel let out an annoyed sigh but did not protest as he leaned back into his pillows while Galadriel gave a quick examination of his neck wound. With a satisfied nod, she tucked the covers around his person. "Sleep now." she murmured before leaving his side to check on one of her other patience. Glorfindel did not have to wait long until sleep engulfed him and fell into calm, restful dreams.

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“Well, you and Erestor? I never would have imagined.” Legolas walked side by side Narofea as they wandered the forest path together. With the help of both ‘Lorien and Rivendell, Mirkwood was steadily rising back on its feet, and the two companions had finally found some time to spend with each other.

“Aye, it surprised me as well. To be honest I did not believe he would return my affections, and I certainly did not expect things to work out as they did.” The red haired elf replied with a smile.

“Affections?” Legolas repeated, his brow furrowing, in confusion or disbelief, the other elf could not tell. “For how long have you had these feelings for him?”

“For as long as I can remember.” The young soldier admitted.

“Ah,” retorted the prince cheekily. “So all those jests you made when we were elflings about him being ‘naught but a self-derived, pompous oaf sent by Morgoth himself to merely make our lives miserable’ were all based on your affection for him then, were they?”

“Well,” Narofea grinned sheepishly. “Maybe a little. But, Legolas, he is truly a wonderful person, and very misunderstood. He has suffered through things in this world that would make many an elf die of grief. But we make each other happy. Until the other day I never knew what true joy really was.”

“Then I am happy for you both.” Legolas sincerely replied. “Besides, you and Erestor might be a good influence on one another. Where you can teach him to be a little more inattentive and care-free, he just may be able to teach you discipline.”

“Are you calling me imprudent?” The red head asked with mock offence.

“Nay, I am calling you impetuous.” The prince smirked, earning a playful shove from his companion.

“Same difference. Alright then, what about you, mellon-nin? We have talked about naught but my love life since we started our little walk. Tell me about yours.”

The young elf’s face sobered, and for a moment he glanced nervously about, in turn leading his friend to further suspicion. “I do not have ‘a love life’.”

“And you truly expect me to believe that?” Narofea inquired with a raised brow, causing the younger elf’s cheeks to take on a light tinge. “Come now, Legolas, it is obvious you have taken on a lover. Why, you are practically glowing with radiance, and there is a spark in your eyes I have never seen before. I have shared my secret with you, will you not share with me the name of this new lover of yours?”

Legolas sighed, inner turmoil etching his handsome features. So far he had told no one of his relationship with the lord of Imladris and the Balrog slayer, not feeling it to be his proper place. But now his closest friend, the only person he was ever able to share his deepest secrets with when they were children, was asking for that same privilege once again. He knew he could trust him to keep quiet, but was it worth the scrutiny he would no doubt receive? The prince was far from ashamed of his relationship with the two elven lords, indeed, but what would Narofea think? Of course, he reminded himself, he was in a similar situation with Erestor. Taking another deep, steadying breath, Legolas turned serious eyes to his companion. “You must swear to me you will not tell another soul.”

“Of course.”

“Alright…. Recently, I have begun courting… lord Elrond and lord Glorfindel, though ouelinelings for each other ran far longer than that.” Legolas lowered his head nervously, staring through the corner of his eye to gauge his friend’s reaction to the news.

“Elrond… and Glorfindel? You mean a triple bondage?” the prince nodded, and before he could reply to the surprised look of the other elf, Narofea grabbed him in a one armed embrace, squeezing him tightly with the broadest of grins. “Legolas, you cunning rascal!” he laughed. “That is wonderful!”

“It is?” the younger elf asked with astonishment. “I mean, you are not-”

“Ai, Legolas, I am happy for you! Two masters of Rivendell, you should be proud, you lucky scamp!”

The blond elf sighed with what only could be described as utter relief and he smiled. “I am proud. I love them, Narofea, more than anything. But others may not appreciate our love for each other as much.”

“I don’t see why not. Your relationship could be seen as political. With both Rivendell and Mirkwood joined, it could mean the beginnings of peace between our two realms, despite the alliance we have already forged. Perhaps old resentment will diminish faster with three leaders courting each other.”

“I think you are right, mellon-nin. But you still swore to me your silence on the matter. I do not wish anything said until I have discussed the matter further with Elrond and Glorfindel. We are very discreet about our relationship yet.”

“I understand, I will not say a word.” Legolas nodded his thanks before the two continued their peaceful walk along the forest trail. “So, tell me, in this triple bondage, who is the dominant partner?”

Legolas abruptly halted momentarily, looking at his companion in surprise, although that should not be a plausible reaction, he thought to himself. The hasty elf was well known for his boldness. After a simple moment of staring, the prince merely shook his head with a roll of his eyes and continued to walk. “Is it Glorfindel? It is Glorfindel, isn’t it? Or perhaps there is no dominant partner. Legolas? Legolas?”

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Three days had passed before Glorfindel was given permission to return to his own corridors. Lady Galadriel had told him that she wanted to be absolutely certain that the seneschal was out of harms way before she released him. The seneschal had taken the Lady's protectiveness with a quiet tongue, seeing as there was little he could do to persuade her by protesting anyway, but truth be told he was greatly relieved when he left her care, growing tired of her maternal urges quickly.

He now lay contentedly in his overly sized bed, one arm folded behind his head, and one leg raised, as he gazed up adoringly at Legolas who quietly sang to him of Nimrodel. It sill amazed him that the younger elf could still be so innocent after all he had suffered. Even now, after years that Glorfindel had finally convinced the prince to sing for him so long ago, a light blush always managed to tinge the pale cheeks as he gazed at where their hands were clasped against his chest. Tears still always managed to glaze the young elf's eyes as well, the seneschal figured because of the painful memories the song brought up of Legolas' mother whom he never truly got over the death of, despite the incident being long since past, though the prince never let the tears fall, holding them back and appearing as the strong young warrior that he was.

The song slowly ended and Glorfindel smiled lovingly up at the prince, reaching up a hand to brush a stray braid behind his ear. Legolas finally met his lover's eyes, and his lips slightly quirked, a small smirk covering his face as he fought against the blush of his cheeks. "You are so lovely," Glorfindel whispered. "Do you know that?"

"Mmm," the prince murmured as he snuggled against the elven lord's side. "I would believe anything you would tell me."

Glorfindel's body shook as he silently chuckled under his breath. "Well, it's true. You carry the youthful exuberance of a young foal and the magnificent beauty of a wild stallion. Ai, Legolas, don't ever change. There are not many like you in these dark days."

Legolas smiled at the complement but before he had the chance to reply, the oak door creaked open as Elrond walked through, looking drained and frustrated. He closed the door behind him, not lifting his gaze to meet those of his lovers, whose faces quickly turned into frowns at the annoyed look of the elf lord.

Elrond slowly made his way to the bed, carefully leaning down to lay on the side, minding his still tender wound. "Elrond, what's the matter?" Legolas asked as he leaned over to peer at the thoughtful eyes of his lover, his brow furrowed in silent contemplation.

After several silent moments, the elven lord turned on his side and gazed at the two golden haired elves. "We are leaving in two days. Rivendell has been absent of its lord long enough. That should give most of our people time to recuperate."

Glorfindel furrowed his brow. "That does not seem to please you."

Elrond sighed. "It will be difficult, going home. When we must inform the families of the deceased of their fall. Fathers, brothers, sons, it will surely break their hearts."

The seneschal nodded and smoothed his thumb over his dark haired lover’s cheek. "'Tis the most difficult part of war, it is. Facing those who had family members under your command. Believe me, I know what it's like."

"What am I to do? How am I supposed to tell them?"

"In the Last Alliance, was it not your responsibility to inform the families of those who fell under your command?"

"Yes, but I was not in command of our people at that time, should Gil-galad had lived, it would have been his obligation."

"You are feeling guilt because of those who perished, because they were under your command you feel it was your fault that they fell. But you shouldn't feel that way because it was not your fault. You cannot protect everyone, Elrond, as much as you wish you could."

"Perhaps," Elrond sighed. "However, that is not the only reason for my foul mood." the elf lord turned his gaze to the youngest of the three, whom till up to now remained silent. "When I spoke with your father, Legolas, he told me that you had been considering staying here to learn the arts of diplomacy. He said you came to him and requested that you wished to be a councillor in his court."

"What?" Glorfindel whispered in a disbelieving tone as he turned his gaze to the elf against his side.

Legolas' eyes were cast down as he stared guiltily at the bed sheets. He had planned on telling both elves eventually, but not this soon. He was still trying to build up the courage to tell them. "My father's words are truthful."

"But, Legolas, why? Do you feel you need more duties? If so, I could--"

"Nay, Glorfindel, you do not understand."

Both elves stared at him expectantly. "Then would you care to enlighten us, penneth?" Elrond asked, raising as eyebrow.

The prince sighed, his words coming out quietly but in a rush of anger, not with his two lovers but with himself. "For most of my life I have hidden in the safety of Imladris, ignoring my duties as a Mirkwood prince. After all this time, I feel I owe it to my people to repay them after all they have suffered. I believe I can help them. Since I am already well versed in diplomacy, I feel that I can be an asset to my father's court. And since we have no one to participate in distant council meetings in other lands, I thought I could fill the role. As you , my, my father has a strong dislike for men, if they ever wish to assemble I could save my father the burden of dealing with them." Legolas paused, looking up at both elves. "I wish to help people, perhaps save them from future carnage. The only problem is... I feel loath to leave you both. I do not think I could bear being apart from you."

For what seemed like an eternity, all three elves were silent, each preoccupied with their own thoughts regarding the elf prince's decision. Finally, Glorfindel shifted albeit too quickly for his battered body, but ignoring the pain he abruptly stood from the bed and headed for the hall, and without another word, slammed the door shut behind him before either elf could utter a single word.

Legolas sighed, burying his face into the pillows as he swallowed the lump forming in his throat and was surprised to feel warm, strong arms engulf him. He lifted his head and nestled it in the elf lord's robe, desperate for the physical comfort. "I knew he would react like that." he murmured.

Elrond bit his lip and peered down at the younger elf. "Just give him some time."

"Have I made the right decision?"

"That is for you to decide, meleth-nin. Your heart is in the right place. You are a prince of Mirkwood and as such you have certain responsibilities that you can no longer avoid. We all knew from the day that you came to us that you could not stay for ever. Glorfindel knows this, and he loves you, as I do, which is exactly why he feels so hurt right now."

"I do not wish to leave you,egolegolas sorrowfully replied. "But after all that I have seen my kin suffer through-- they need me, Elrond."

"I know," Elrond sighed, pulling the smaller frame more firmly against him. "But you will not be leaving us, Legolas. You are welcome in Imladris any time you wish, and I am certain your father will give you leave every now and then. When that happens, you will come see us. And there will also be holidays. No matter what though, Legolas, we-- I will always love you, and you will always be in my heart."

"As you will be in mine." Legolas whimpered.

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"What do you mean 'he's staying'?"

Elladan and Elrohir stared at their former mentor in disbelief. The twins had found Glorfindel charging through the halls of Thranduil's palace, close to knocking them over in his fit of rage, barely noticing them. The brothers, with difficulty, had managed to stop the angered whirlwind and had convinced him to join them in the gazebo outside of the cave for a glass of a bottle of the king's finest wine that Thranduil had gifted them for their outstanding courage against the spiders and the rescue of his youngest son.

Now as the three figures sat under the small shelter, Glorfindel relayed all that the young prince had said and in turn the ebony haired elves stared at him in disbelief. "He can't stay," Elladan barked. "He’s family!"

"He has every right to stay, Elladan. This is his home, his kingdom," replied the younger twin. "And as much as it pains us, we must accept the fact that he is a prince and has certain responsibilities just like us. Would you walk out on father if he needed you for some maiden in Lothlorien?"

"Of course not, Elrohir! But this is not about him being infatuated with some she-elf! I-- we practically raised him, for Eru's sake. He's like a brother to us."

Glorfindel flinched at those words but said nothing, instead concentrating on downing his wine, not even caring take a moment to savor the flavour.

"You are not thinking logically. We already knew, didn't we? He could not stay with us the rest of his life. Our job was to heal him, and we have done that. You are being selfish, these are his people and they need him."

Though the words were meant for Elladan, Glorfindel could not help but feel they were meant for him. And the truth was that Elrohir was absolutely right. He had always been the logical one, paying attention in Erestor's classes, listening to his father's lectures, whilst Elladan had always been the fighter, always eager to go hunting and ready for combat.

"Besides," the younger twin continued. "It isn't as if he will be gone for ever. I’m sure he will come visit us often, over the summer and certainly during Yule and other events. And if he really does intend on becoming a councilmen we are bound to see him at different conferences. Am I right, Glorfindel?"

The said elf snapped his head up at his name, quickly regretting it as his head spun from the alcohol he had ingested. "Aye, penneth, you are right. But I will miss him terribly. I love him so much."

"We understand, Glorfindel. We love him as well."

"No, you don't understand," It could have been the wine that influenced his next words, or perhaps it could have been his own conscience that fuelled them. Either way, nothing could have prepared the twins for Glorfindel's next words. "I am in love with him."

The twins stared in shocked silence at the seneschal for several long, uncomfortable minutes and Glorfindel had to fight the urge to squirm under their lingering gaze. Maybe telling them wasn't such a good idea. "H-- How long?"

"Since he became of age. No, before that. At least two years before his majority."

"Two years?" Elladan exclaimed incredibly.

"Aye, I have only acted upon my feelings since he became of age."

Elrohir's jaw nearly dropped at this new line of information. "So... so have you..."

"Made love? Yes. The first week of our return Elrond and I confessed our love for him and we--"

"Elrond!?!" Elladan exclaimed. "You mean to tell us that our father is a part of this as well? Glorfindel, Legolas is barely a child! He's an innocent, what in Arda are you thinking? And what of Adar? Did he even plan on telling us about this?"

"Elladan, calm down."

"I will not calm down, brother! And tell me, Glorfindel, how long have you and adar been bedding each other? Or did you just decide to advance on Legolas together?"

"That is enough, Elladan!" Glorfindel bellowed, abruptly standing from the bench. "You will mind whom you are speaking to. I did not raise you to speak to your elders as such." Elladan silenced, but kept his glare firmly locked on the seneschal’s form expecting answers. "No, Elladan, Elrond and I did not ‘just advance on Legolas that night’, as you so colourfully put it. Your father and I have been together far longer then that."

"What? When was this, then?"

"About sixteen years after your mother left." Elladan looked angry, Elrohir looked saddened, but Glorfindel continued. "Understand, your father was dying of grief, he surely would have died had I none one something."

The twins looked at Glorfindel at this. "Father had never shown any signs of grief." Elrohir quietly replied.

"He did not wish to worry you, penneth. He did not wish to disrupt your lives with his burdensome predicament, nor bring up painful memories. But I knew, I saw what was going on even though he tried to deny it. I’ve known your father since before you were born, don’t forget, and I greatly respected him. We had a strong friendship at first, and I dared not cross that line knowing that he and your mother were bound but when she left he felt betrayed."

"But naneth loved him."

"Yes, but not enough to stay, I’m afraid. You see, after she was attacked, she could no longer bear Elrond's touch, let alone anyone else’s. She had been traumatized after what had happened to her. She was constantly on edge, paranoid, and she always cried. Your father tried to heal her, he truly did, but she could no longer stand being around him. Every time he approached her she would go into fits of panic. That's why she left."

"So you finally had the chance to be with ada." the older twin accused.

"No! I did not act on my urges for the longest time, Elladan. I did not wish to upset him. But one night I was wandering the halls, I had just returned from boarder patrol. When I rounded into the kitchen do you know what I saw?" at the twins’ worried expressions, he continued with a sigh. "Elrond was staring at his reflection off the glint of a dagger he firmly held in his hand. I remember the accusing look he gave himself. His eyes had lost their light, I had noticed this long ago but never acted on it. Your father is very proud, and holds much dignity in himself. He does not eagerly ask for help when it comes to his personal needs. Iluvatar only knows what he might have done had I not shown up. I had managed to pry the dagger from his hand, and at my presence he seemed to have gained enough sense to realize what he was doing. It was as if he was trapped in a dream. But once he let go of his hold, he collapsed to the ground and began to sob."

The twins glanced at each other. "But that is so unlike father."

"He was heartbroken, Elrohir. Would you not be as well if your first love had rejected you? His judgement was clouded by overwrought emotions. I stayed with him that night. I let him cry against my breast as I held him. Over the next several weeks that became our routine, he would come to me in the night and cry or merely just enjoy my companionship."

"Father must really trust you if he would allow himself to show that much weakness in front of you."

"Crying is not a weakness, Elladan, and don't you ever think that. We must release our emotions and greave in order to heal. But you are correct, Elrond despises appearing vulnerable." Glorfindel sighed. "One night, when he did not come, I became worried and went to him. He was lying in his armchair by the hearth, staring into the fire. He seemed to be trapped in a daze. I approached him and touched him lightly. When I asked him if he was alright, he told me what he was doing was childish, that he didn’t wish for it to continue, and I had grabbed his wrists and dragged him to the bed," Glorfindel chuckled lightly at the memory. "After interrogating him for almost an hour he finally revealed to me what was wrong. He was in love with me. He had denied it for so long, he told me. But he couldn't anymore. In turn I had revealed my own feelings. We made love that very night."

"Can you believe this, brother? All this happening under our very noses. Are we so blind?" Elladan mumbled.

"Glorfindel, if you please, we would rather you not go into detail." Elrohir said with a scowl.

Glorfindel chuckled. "Of course not."

"You still have not told us about Legolas."

"Ah yes Legolas," Glorfindel smirked. "He had been acting odd since I went to retrieve him from Mirkwood. Your father had soon found out he had been having disturbing dreams."

"I heard about that, the orcs?" Elladan inquired.

"Yes, but not only that. You see, when Legolas was attacked when he was an elfling, the assault he suffered was of a sl nal nature. It was to be expected that he would repress his sexual urges as he became older out of fear of reliving that pain. Eventually his dreams became of erotic nature, most of them consisting of Elrond and myself. One night he had cried out, and we ran to him thinking he was in pain. But apparently..."

"He had discovered the fine arts of masturbation?" Elladan sniggered, earning an elbow in the side by his counterpart.

"This is not to be repeated, Elladan."

"Of course not, you have my word."

"He had his first wet dream. Naturally he was confused as well as embarrassed. We spoke to him and he explained his dreams. Then he suddenly became frightened and left. Later that night we came to him and spoke to him. I will not go into detail about our conversation but needless to say the reason Legolas became so frightened earlier was because he was in love with the both of us but was too afraid to act on his feelings."

"And what about you and father?"

"Oh, we had truly become attached to him over time. We both did love him, though never truly discussed our feelings for him until that day and only then did we act upon them though it was quite obvious before. But you must understand, Elladan, that our bond is truly unique. We are closer than father and son, closer than lovers. In actuality Elrond and I are the only ones Legolas trusts enough to let touch him in such a private manner. He never truly got over what happened to him and now that it has happened a second time, the combination of both incidents was intolerably traumatic. Legolas is very lucky to be alive."

"So then, you and father and Legolas have been... together since then?" Glorfindel nodded. "And of course nobody had bothered to tell us about this."

"Nobody else knows, Elladan. That is why I expect you to keep your tongue silenced until I say otherwise."

"You have our word."

"This will be difficult for you," Elrohir murmured. "That is why we found you charging through the palace."

"Yes, Elrohir, but you spoke the truth when you said that he would not be gone for good. And though we may be far away, we will see each other again. Now if you will excuse me, I have an apology to make. Thank you for the wine."

Exiting the gazebo, Glorfindel made his way down the winding path, suddenly stopping as he noticed a single bright red rose growing up the side of a dead thorn bush.

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As Elrond and Legolas togetogether on the bed recalling past events with the occasional chuckle, the door slowly creaked open, immediately catching the attention of both elves. Legolas slowly lowered his gaze as he saw who it was and an unseen flash of pain crossed the seneschal's face, though he was quick to recover. Approaching Legolas' side of the bed, Glorfindel sat on its edge, reaching over with his hand to raise the younger elf's chin. The prince gazed into the crystal orbs and as the elf lord's body shifted, he was presented with a perfect rose, just in the stages of blooming. The prince's lips parted but no words came out, too touched by the simple gesture to utter a single word. Glorfindel took this as a good sign and smiled, fastening the flower at the tail of the braid at the back of the younger elf's head.

Elrond, who remained silent, watched the tender gesture with a smirk of amusement, figuring this was Glorfindel’s way of apologizing for his earlier behaviour.

"I’m so sorry, Legolas. Forgive me my earlier behaviour, it was foolish."

The elfling smiled, shaking his head slightly while reaching up a hand to smooth away the wild hair from his lover's face. "You need not apologize. I should have told you sooner. I will always love you, you know that, do you not?"

From behind Legolas, Elrond shared a brief smile with his elder lover before Glorfindel turned back his attention to the youngest of the three, laying down in front of him and placing a hand on his hip. "Of course I do. And I will always love you. But let us not dwell on those thoughts for now and instead cherish the time we have together." The seneschal leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on his lover's lips. He then pulled back only to be surprised by a playful nip is lis lower lip and gasped as a hand snaked down under his shirt and between his legs to lightly pinch the tip of the forming bulge through his leggings. He gazed at his lover and saw the devilish smirk on his face. So Legolas was playful tonight. Well, two could play at that game.

Raising himself up on his elbow, Glorfindel stared at Legolas for several seconds, causing the younger elf to look at him questioningly. After several silent seconds the seneschal quickly grabbed the unsuspecting elf by his waist and turned him to fully lay on his back with a yelp of surprise and quickly straddled him while managing to gather both his wrists in one hand, holding them above his head. With the familiar predatory gleam in his eye, Glorfindel tugged up the prince's shirt and began to mercilessly tickle him with his free hand, causing Legolas to wriggle frantically underneath him and giggle madly. His manic cackles were soon joined by both elf lords as they witnessed the young elf's hysterical state.

"Ai! P--please stop!" Legolas giggled through pants. "I--I cannot-- take anymore, please!"

"Ah, but you started this, little prince," Glorfindel mockingly growled. "I am merely finishing it."

The prince’s body continued to buck and convulse under the Balrog slayer's ministration until he uttered another choked 'please' through his giggling.

Elrond attempted to calm his own chuckles down. "That's enough, Glorfindel," he said through a smirk. "Stop before you suffocate him. If you don't mind I would rather not cause any further harm to my person from your frenzied play."

The elder elf put on a mock pout. "Oh but we are just getting started." Turning back to the younger elf beneath him, Glorfindel skilfully unbuttoned his shirt with his single hand, leaving the smooth milky chest bare to him as he leaned his head down and fastened his lips on a perked nipple. Legolas gasped in delight at the unsuspecting assault, soon followed by another as its twin was engulfed by another hot moist mouth. While Elrond's treatment was always gentle out of a healer's instinct, Glorfindel's were somewhat rough and demanding, often grazing the stiff peaks with his teeth and together the two different but equally marvellous senons ons drove the prince wild as he moaned at the pleasant contact. All too soon, both mouths left the sensitive flesh while the elf lords assisted each other in divesting each other of their clothing, though Glorfindel did not remove himself from straddling Legolas, instead just sliding his restricting leggings over the stiff organ and firm buttocks which the elf’s eyes lingered on hungrily.

Glorfindel suddenly flashed Elrond a look, motioning to Legolas' own leggings with a raise of an eyebrow. The dark haired elf nodded and reached behind Glorfindel, putting his arms through the seneschal's legs and catching the waistband of the prince’s leggings and breeches in one shot before sliding them down the lithe body, the elfling eagerly complying as he raised his hips as much as the seneschal would allow. Glorfindel shifted onto the younger elf’s bare legs and dropped his head, gazing at the pink flesh standing proudly before him and teasingly licked his hips, causing Legolas to shudder in anticipation.

Glorfindel brought his lips up to his younger lover's, taking a hold of his lower lip which soon grew in to a fiery battle of dominance as the two slick tongues tangled with each other, ending all too soon as the two elves reluctantly pulled apart to catch their breaths. Glorfindel then turned his gaze on the ebony haired elf beside him with a grin, noting as he watched the scene in amusement. "Elrond," he smirked. "Keep him 'occupied' while I remove these confounded leggings, will you?"

"Certainly." Elrond grinned, and quickly as he could took Glorfindel's position over Legolas while the seneschal removed himself to remove his leggings. As he did so, Elrond stared into his younger mate's eyes, stroking his youthful face with one gentle hand, his eyes expressing all the love he held for this being below him. Carefully he brought his own mouth down to meet his, their lips joining in a gentle, but passionate kiss of their own. Soon their mouths broke apart and Elrond placed small nips down the prince's jaw, following the curve down his neck and collarbone. He then stopped, bringing two of his fingers to his mouth and engulfed them, slicking them with his talented tongue.

Legolas watched as the elf lord lowered his fingers between his legs and instinctively stiffened as he felt the tips brush against his entrance, a habit he still had yet to lull. "Legolas," Elrond murmured, gaining his atton. on. The two stared at each other, blue orbs meeting grey in silent understanding. "Look at me," Elrond leaned down, placing another loving kiss on the prince's delicious pink lips before whispering into his ear. "Just relax." he murmured as he pressed against the tight cavity. Legolas compelled his body to ease as he felt the wet digits breach him, keeping his mind occupied as he gazed into the expressive eyes of his lover above him with just a hint of discomfort, which was to be expected. But the elf lord’s fingers were kind and gentle as he expertly scissord his insides, keeping his gaze locked with his companion's searching for any signs of pain. When Legolas' opening was slackened enough, the older elf finally eased his fingers out.

Just as Elrond removed himself from the prince's person, both elves were taken by surprise as Glorfindel all but lunged forward, who had been until now watching the scene before him with passion glazed eyesnninnning Legolas to the bed before he had a chance to rise, he began rubbing his rock-hard member against the younger elf's own, causing him to gasp at the delicious friction. "You are not going anywhere, penneth," he growled. "Not until we are finished."

Had Glorfindel's face been serious, Legolas would have been frightened for his life. As it was the Balrog slayer was grinning, his eyes gleaming with playfulness, and Legolas gave his own devilish grin. In one smooth motion, surprising both elder lords, Legolas grasped Glorfindel's strong arms and bucked and quickly rolled, effectively reversing their positions. "I beg to differ." the prince replied. The two began a playful wrestling match in a battle for dominance as Glorfindel attempted to trade places. Through their trifle Legolas began to rut against him, grinding their shafts together.

"So the elflingcockcocky tonight, is he?" Glorfindel teased through a smile. "I see we will have to teach him his proper place." grabbing the prince around the waist with one arm, the seneschal propped himself on the other and quickly reversed their positions yet again, in the end the younger elf submitting to his elder.

"If you two are quite finished," Elrond smirked, swallowing his chuckles. "I would rather not sustain any more injuries. Come, Legolas." The lore master sprawled out on his back, beckoning to the young elf. Glorfindel reluctantly released his captive, allowing him to reach over the nightstand for the bottle of oil and coat his pulsing member with the slick substance before hovering over the dark haired elf and gently eased into the tight starburst opening.

Glorfindel watched, transfixed on the performance before him as the flaxen haired elf gently thrust his hips, his member disappearing and reappearing as the two elves eyes remained locked on one another. His own pulsing member began to stir in delight, and desperate to feel another’s touch, Glorfindel shifted his position and hovered over the two elves, momentarily steadying Legolas' hips as he pressed his engorged cock against the tight entrance. Legolas tensed, but was quick to relax when he felt two sets of hands roam across his body and through his mane and low murmurs of love and reassurance, and only when he was relaxed enough did the elder elf breach him, easing in to the very hile pae paused, making sure his lover was in no pain and when he received a nod of consent, gently began to thrust, slowly quickening the pace.

Legolas reached down his hand, firmly grasping Elrond's own weeping member and began to lightly tease the bald head, sliding his thumb across the moist tip and delighted in the groan that issued from the older elf's mouth. He then began to slide his hand up an down the stiff organ while he carefully thrust in and out of his lover, minding sti still tender hip, while his other lover thrust into him with a little more force and hoarse breathing. Elrond's own cavity began to spasm around the prince's hard member, causing ardent whimpers to escape his own rasping mouth.

Elrond continued to moan and grunt as his prostate gland was continuously pressed by Legolas' swollen penis, and with the combination of his smooth hands and calloused fingertips from years of archery engulfing his own pulsing member, the Noldor soon found himself arching up into those masterful palms, groaning as he felt himself spurt his hot seed up against the younger elf's belly and feel it spread between them as their bodies rubbed together.

Legolas shuddered as the inviting heat surrounding him began to pulse, while the sweat-slicked body above him slid against his back and continued to pound its generous girth into him, poking at his prostate, both sensations driving him mad to the point where he could not even form a coherent thought. And as the tight aperture around him began to spasm and milk his swollen length in the same instance, Legolas could no longer resist the tugging feeling in his groin and cried out as his scrotum tightened and released its cream deep within his lover, his penis twitching as it relieved its self of its burden.

As Legolas' opening began to contract in his release, Glorfindel groaned as the tight cavity milked his swollen cock. Firgripgripping the younger elf's sides, he began rapid thrusts as his sac swelled in imploring release. His breathing grew far more ragged and finally he felt the blissful sensation of his insides stiffening and with one last deep thrust he howled out in wanton release before carefully easing out of the younger elf under him and dropping onto the side with shaky limbs.

For several long moments only the audible sound of heavy panting could be heard echoing throughout the room while smelsmell of sweat and sex wafted within the air. Legolas' head lay upon Elrond's chest, listening to the rapid beating of his heart while his body continued to tremble in the aftermath of his release. Glorfindel lay snuggled up to their side, smoothing a hand down the prince's damp back in a calming gesture and became perplexed when his body began to tremble more violently while his breathing became raspy. He cocked his head at this and on further inspection realized that the youngster was crying.

Elrond had noticed too and looked at his seneschal with a cocked eyebrow. "Legolas," the elf lord murmured, ignoring the moist patch that began to form on his chest from the silent tears. "Are you alright?" Legolas' response was a meek whimper, unable to open his mouth for fear of a sob escaping.

"Legolas," Glorfindel said worriedly. "What's wrong? Did I hurt you? Oh, please, penneth, tell me."

Legolas shook his head, sniffling soundly, his words barely audible. "I-- I don't want you to leave." he knew the words sounded childish, maybe even selfish, but at that point he was beyond caring. "I will miss you both so much."

"Oh, shh, shh," Elrond cooed, wrapping his arms around the lithe figure that lay upon him as he continued to weep, talking to him as if he were but still an elfling. "Do you remember what we spoke of, Legolas? We are bound and your father knows this. He would not be so cruel as to keep you apart from us. I am not certain when but we will see each other again, this I promise you."

Normally, Legolas would despise being patronized so, but at the moment he desperately needed the comfort and reassurance from both his lovers. "How can I be so sure? How do I know I will see you again?"

"By this," Glorfindel replied. Legolas shifted, allowing his eyes to linger on the golden haired elf as he reached behind his head and unclasped the lotus shaped hairclip that he so dearly cherished before taking hold of the back herringbone braid of the prince's hair, fastening it at the crown of it, matching nicely with the bloomed rose still fastened securely at its base. "As long as you have this, you will know that I will return for it."

Legolas' eyes widened considerably, realizing what this meant to the seneschal. "Glorfindel, no. I cannot--"

"You can and will, Legolas Greenleaf. You know I trust you with its safety. Keep it with you, that way you can be sure that you will see us again when we return for it, or when you decide to return it yourself. ouldould never abandon you, and we never will." Glorfindel finished, while stroking a pale cheek.

"We could never leave you, Legolas," Elrond whispered. "We love you more than life its self. That will never change."

Legolas released a hoarse sigh, resting his head against the elf lord's chest. "I love you too."

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Legolas stood beside his father and brothers out in the courtyard. His hair flowing freely all except for the go flo flower clasped at the back of his head, and the silver circlet crowning his head, indicating his status as a prince of Mirkwood. He wore an aqua green coloured robe with golden threading and rims. His brothers were garbed in similar attire, while his father was lavishly garbed in richly decorated robes and jewellery, as well as his own abundant crown of leaves. It was a bitter-sweet day in Mirkwood as this morning the Imladris soldiers would set off home.

The Lothlorien soldiers had set off a day before, most saying their goodbyes in private. Haldir had taken the young prince aside and had told him that he was welcome to visit his brothers and himself at any time he wished and that he would always have a place to stay should he ever visit the Golden Wood.

This morning Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas had also said their goodbyes in private, wishing him the best, and making him promise to visit as soon as possible. They had shared a heelt elt embrace, the twins telling the younger elf that he would always be their little brother and that he had better not get hurt or killed while they weren't around to protect him. They had all laughed at the time, but already Legolas found himself blinking back tears at the memory.

Legolas turned back his attention to the large group of elves before him. Elrond was there, mounted on his faithfueed.eed. To the elf lord's left, sat Glorfindel upon Asfaloth, looking the entire noble warrior that he was. Beside him was Erestor upon his own mare. Elladan and Elrohir were to Elrond's right, and the Rivendell soldiers were mounted attentively behind them, paying close heed to Thranduil as he gave them his thanks and farewell.

Legolas barely registered his father's words as he stood beside him, instead remaining transfixed on his two lovers. The last two days they had spent together, barely leaving each others sides. They had bathed together in a nearby lake. Legolas smiled fondly at the memory as they splashed playfully in the water like young elflings, jumping off the tree boughs and plunging into the cool water beneath them, the full moonlit night and water droplets creating a spectacular gleam on their nude bodies. They had sung for each other as well and exchanged poetry. Glorfindel had even cooked them a private dinner, topped with strawberries and cream, which they had put to good use, to say the least. They had made love, each time like it was the very first time. They had spent the remaining days together as if it was their very last day on Earth and it was wonderful.

The prince sighed, finding himself again blinking back the tears that desperately threatened to spill. He had promised Elrond and Glorfindel that he would be strong, though he could see in their eyes their own difficulty in controlling their emotions, pretending to listen to the Mirkwood king's words, though they continually glanced at him, their short glimpses showing all the emotion they felt for him, which made it all the more difficult.

He was snapped out of his reverie when he heard the shout of a command issue from Glorfindel's mouth, motioning all the soldiers to mount their horses. Legolas' sorrowful gaze lingered on his lovers forms as they took one last glance at him then lead their soldiers out the magic gates, a loud rumbling sound of horse hooves trailing through the dark forest. The young prince continued to stare across the woodland path long after even the faint sound of horse tracks had disappeared, a single tear running absently down his cheek, his heart wondering when the next time he would see the two closest people to his heart again.

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ada/adar: father
nana/naneth: mother
penneth: young one
cunneth: princeling
meleth-nin: my love
melethron-nin: my beloved
ion-nin: my son

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That's the end of part 1, folks. I'm not sure when I'll post the first chapter to part 2, but below is a short preview of the second half.

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The three Mirkwood princes stood before their father in the large Throne room as Thranduil agitatedly paced before them in front of the dais that lead up to his throne, his every movement being followed by his sons eyes. After a round of quiet mumbling to himself, he suddenly turned on his heel and halted before the three brothers. "I suppose you are all wondering why I have asked you here?"

"Actually, adar..." Tallen started, but Thranduil held up a silencing hand and the middle son immediately silenced himself.

"We've had some... difficulties as of late, several in fact."

"Difficulties?" Nava repeated. "How do you mean? Is our realm in danger?"

"Nay, these are more of... a personal manner." The king sighed irritably, focussing squarely on his eldest son. "Nava."

"Yes, father?"

Thranduil took a deep breath to calm himself from the obvious volcano that was about to erupt. "Do you have as to any clue where your son had gotten off to, last night?"

Nava's brow furrowed in confusion. "He was with Gwaloth most of the evening, adar." he replied, referring to his wife.

"Oh, really?" the king retorted sarcastically. "and at some point did he happen to escape her care?"

"Well, I'd imagine so, but you know Aradel, father. Like a shadow he can come and go unnoticed. Gwaloth and I have chased after him countless times, but why should this time be any different from any other?"

Thranduil nodded and calmly walked over to his throne, picking up a painting that rested against its side. He presented it to his three sons then, and the brothers had to use all resolve they possessed from bursting out into hysterics.

In what was supposed to be a portrait of a nude she-elf laying across a sofa, several crude scribbles were amateurishly painted across her more private areas to substitute as clothing, topped off with a feather and several pieces of gold in substitution of a crown from Thranduil's horde that the elfling had somehow managed to get his little hands on, plastered across the maiden's hair with what appeared to be honey. Several silent seconds passed until Nava finally spoke. "I had no idea my son possessed such artistic talent."

That bold comment broke the last of their resolve and the Mirkwood brothers finally broke out in high pitched laughter until tears stung their eyes.

"Enough!" The king shouted, and the princes struggled to retain their calm. "You find this funny?"

"Well, ada," Tallen tried to hold back a snort. "at least the boy has some level of modesty."

"Watch your tongue, Tallen. That painting happens to hold a lot of worth, it is irreplaceable! I expected better from you. I would expect that the three of you would have reached some level of maturity by now. Especially you, Nava, such behaviour is unbecoming of an elf lord."

"Of course, adar, I apologize." the eldest brother sobered. "I will deal with my son's actions immediately."

"Not yet, I did not call you three in here simply for that." He turned his glare to his second son then. "Tallen, as of late several of your junior soldiers have been slacking off in their duties. I expect you to reprimand them on this as soon as possible. Though it has been several years since we've destroyed the spiders main lair, there are many still out there in our woods. We are not as vulnerable as before but we are still susceptible to an attack. See that they smarten up."

"Yes, father." Tallen bowed his head.

Thranduil nodded in satisfaction and placed the painting back against his throne before finally turning to his youngest. "Legolas."

The young prince bowed his head. "Yes, adar?"

"That mare of yours is out of control."

Legolas' brow furrowed in confusion. "I don't understand."

The elf lord sighed in frustration. "That... that stubborn mule of yours refuses to bear any riders. She takes tantrums when locked in her stall for a certain amount of time and she will not tolerate being tied. She also terrorizes the stable hands and pins her ears if they even near her."

"Skylenar does not like to be confined, ada, and she does not like strangers. Other than myself, Glorfindel was the only one she would carry."

Thranduil growled deep in his throat. "I could kill that elf for making you fall in love with a dangerous animal like that. Given his experience with those creatures one would think he would know better."

Legolas' temper momentarily flared, but he kept his temper in check. "Skylenar is not dangerous, ada, she is young and high spirited, she always has been, which is why I adore her so."

"Legolas," Thranduil pleaded. "there are better horses--"

"No horse is better than Skylenar." The prince insisted. "and if the grooms are having trouble with her than I will gladly do the work for them."

The elven king sighed in exasperation. There was no point in arguing over this, he would never win this fight. "Fine. Let us move on to more pressing matters." he guided his sons over to a table bearing scrolls and maps. "I need your help with something."

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