Tonight and Any Other

The fic follows these notes-

IMPORTANT NOTES: In an attempt to clear up misconceptions about things, I request that readers take note of these... well, notes.

1. The whole "Legolas Silverarrow" issue. Let me state that yes, I HAVE read the books (the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit, AND The Silmarillion), and have seen the movie five times. For those of us who haven't noticed my PEN NAME... I know that Legolas' full name is "Legolas Greenleaf." For those of you who were confused, I apologize. However, I promise that the whole matter with the name will be resolved come chapter four or so. I did what I did for a good reason.

2. I've received a couple e-mails about Haldir's supposed OOC-ness. Now, I can only presume that these were sent by people who have only been exposed to the movie version of Haldir's character. Those who have read the books will know that Haldir is actually rather nice. I'm basing Haldir in this story on Haldir from the books, so I don't believe he's out of character at all.

3. Another thing people have said is, "Brothers? What brothers? Haldir doesn't have any siblings!" Again, these are obviously moviegoers. Those of us who have bothered to read the books will know that Haldir has two brothers, Rúmil and Orophin. Of all the changes made in the book >> movie conversion, the flubbing of the Lothlórien scene was one of the most annoying in my mind.

Onward with the fic...

Title: Tonight and Any Other [Part 3/?]
Author: Silvertree (Megumi Takahashi)
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Legolas/Haldir, eventual Legolas/Aragorn and Celeborn/Haldir
Setting: Pre-LotR
Disclaimers/description: Please see chapter one of Tonight and Any Other.
Dedications: CryKat - You rock, chica.

'...' Denotes speech in the Elvish languages.
/.../ Denotes thought.

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"Out of doubt, out of dark to the day's rising
I came singing in the sun, sword unsheathing.
To hope's end I rode and to heart's breaking:
Now for wrath, now for ruin and a red nightfall!"

-Eomer's Wrath


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The room looked so barren, Legolas noted, as he stowed a small bundle away in a travel bag. He was leaving most of his possessions behind, taking only what he needed to make the journey back to Mirkwood. Most of the weight he carried would be in weaponry; his clothing could be washed, and any Elf could survive for an indefinite amount of time in the woodlands, for food was plentiful if one knew how to get it.

/What have I forgotten?/

Legolas' fingers flew to his throat, settling on the cool metal that rested there. Haldir had crafted the necklace himself, a curving, woven pattern of silver, engraved with Elvish runes. There was no way he would leave it behind; indeed he hadn't taken it off, except to polish it, since Haldir had given it to him over a year ago.

At the thought of the other Elf, Legolas suddenly found himself in a fit of nervous agitation. He ran his hands over bundles that had been packed a repacked a score of times, over silken tunics he was regretfully leaving behind, over his weapons that sat by his gear, as ready as ever. Things were moving too fast for his liking. His plans for the following day had been ruined, and he felt a twinge of unjust bitterness towards his father. Only one more night, one more opportunity to speak freely of things, to share anything and everything...

Shaking his head to clear it, Legolas slipped into a small room that was connected to the main one. He stripped off his clothing and dropped it in a pile, then knelt in front of a small well in the middle of the floor. Carefully he drew up a bucket of water, sluicing the ice-cold liquid over his hair and bare skin. The chill took his breath away, and he was only too glad to drop the bucket back into the well and seize the towel sitting nearby. Legolas dried himself vigorously, before slipping a shimmering robe of burgundy silk over his shoulders. He drew it about himself and tied the sash, before exiting into the main room. His damp feet pattered softly against the wooden floor, and he crossed to a table upon which a container of wine and two glasses waited.

'I need more time...' It was a pointless argument, whispered to himself in the silence of the room. Legolas poured a measure of the strong wine from the decanter into each of the two glasses, tempted to down one then and there. The delicate crystal had almost brushed his lips when a soft, almost hesitant knock upon his door caused him to set the vessel down. Crossing swiftly to the entrance of the room, he unfastened the cunningly devised lock and opened the door.

Haldir stood there, his eyes downcast and a single white lily clasped loosely in his hands. Legolas reached out and pulled him into the room, swiftly closing the door and locking it. Haldir remained still, unable - or unwilling - to meet his young lover's gaze. Legolas finally took Haldir's chin in his hands and lifted the Elf's face. Twin trails of still-wet tears marked the guardian's cheeks, and Legolas wiped them away with a finger.

'Haldir... What is it, what is the matter?'

Haldir swallowed, his eyes meeting Legolas' hesitantly.

'Lord Celeborn told me that you are to leave on the morrow. I... I thought we would have another day together.'

Legolas sighed, and led Haldir to the bed. The guardian sank heavily onto the luxurious coverlet, and accepted the glass of wine Legolas offered him. He held it up, admiring the color of the liquid by candlelight. It was amber, with light tints of rose, and a taste that rivaled all others.

Well, almost all others. Haldir took a sip of the wine and looked up at Legolas again.

'Did you know?' Haldir asked, swirling the wine in his glass. Legolas shook his head at the question, and seated himself on the bed next to the other Elf.

'Not until Lord Celeborn informed me at the evening meal. I was under the impression that I would be leaving the day after tomorrow. I would have informed you on my own, but Celeborn seemed to wish to tell you himself.'

Haldir nodded, and handed the lily to Legolas. His fingers caressed the back of the other Elf's hand as he drew away, and he couldn't help but smile at the shiver that ran through his companion.

'It still seems so foreign to me, that I shall no longer be able to call you 'Silverarrow,' when next we meet,' Haldir commented, getting up to pour himself more wine. 'I can't help but wonder what name your father has chosen for you. I can only pray that it will be one worthy of you.'

Legolas snickered, and emptied the contents of his glass down his throat. He wiped his mouth on the back of his hand, before returning Haldir's grin. Legolas leaned over the edge of the bed and set his glass on the floor, then embraced Haldir from behind. His slender hands toyed with the laces of the guardian's tunic and pants, and sharp teeth nipped at the sensitive ears.

'Very well. 'Legolas Mudpit' it shall be, then.'

A soft cry of indignation spilt from Haldir's lips, and before Legolas knew what was happening, the older Elf had cast his empty glass aside, pinned him to the bed, and begun tickling the Prince mercilessly. Legolas squirmed, gasping for breath as Haldir's fingers found the sensitive spots where his neck and shoulders met. Legolas finally managed to free his arms, and, seizing the twin braids that ran along the sides of Haldir's head, dragged the Elf down into a hard kiss. Haldir moaned and slid his hands to Legolas' hips, gripping tightly. Legolas laughed into Haldir's mouth, and throwing his weight to one side, he rolled the pair of them over.

'Legolas!'

The Prince of Mirkwood smiled innocently as he sat up, straddling Haldir's hips. The guardian's lips were swollen and glistening, and his face was flushed. Legolas slipped his fingers under the loose green tunic Haldir wore, pulling the cloth up to expose the Elf's stomach and chest. His slender hands traced over the taut lines of Haldir's stomach, and he sighed longingly at the pink flush of the guardian's hardened nipples. He gently scraped the tender flesh with his fingernails, grinning as Haldir gasped softly and arched into his hands.

'Legolas...'

It was not an exclamation this time, but an invitation. Legolas smirked in a rather uncharacteristic manner, and gave the laces on Haldir's tunic a few sharp tugs. They broke under the strain, and Legolas tore the material aside, exposing Haldir's skin from the waist up. The muscular chest heaved as Haldir breathed deeply, and Legolas allowed himself to simply watch for long moments, drinking in the sight of the pale skin, tinged gold by the light from scores of candles. The Elven prince reached out and scooped up the lily, which had fallen forgotten to the rich coverlet. He twirled the stem in his fingers a few times, before tracing the petals over smooth skin.

The reaction was both instant and pleasing. Haldir jolted as the cool petals caressed him, painfully delicate and soft in their movements. A deep moan was torn from him, and he gripped Legolas' wrist almost painfully. The Prince looked down at his lover's face, surprised at the unusual amount of pain and desire marking Haldir's countenance.

'Legolas, please... I need this, now.'

The Elf nodded, knowing that he, too, felt a pull stronger than anything he had experienced before. Casting the flower aside, he bent and followed the path sweetened by petals with his tongue. Haldir's body was salty from passion-sweat, and Legolas lapped greedily at the moisture. He bit at the hard nipples, and soon found Haldir's moans and whimpers of pleasure to be unbearably arousing.

'Aiya! Melda Legolas! Umyuuma hauta!' [1]

Legolas continued his nibbling, but one hand slid down Haldir's stomach and deftly unfastened the Elf's leather leggings. Haldir cried out as strong, cool fingers cupped his erection, teasing it with light strokes and caresses. He strained against the weight of Legolas' body above him, trying to get the younger Elf to satisfy him instead of torture him. Legolas happily obliged his lover, pulling back for just long enough to tug Haldir's boots and leggings off, casting the articles to the floor. Then he returned his attention to the Elf's nipples, but soon began to work a wet path of kisses down the well-muscled torso, stopping just short of his final destination.

Haldir groaned in frustration, feeling fire race through the normally cool blood that flowed in his veins. When those warm lips closed around him, the fire exploded into something white hot, and Haldir knew that it would not be extinguished until he was satisfied. His skin shone brightly with the Uur Telerea [2], and through the red haze of pleasure he found himself vaguely surprised that Legolas did not pinion his bucking hips. It was over before he knew what was happening. He arched into Legolas' mouth one final time as his lover's fingers firmly grasped his scrotum, and he felt the familiar rush as he emptied himself into the willing mouth that enfolded him.

Smiling faintly, Legolas crawled back up Haldir's body and allowed the Elf to share his own seed in a kiss. The mating of their tongues was more leisurely than the activity that had preceded it, but Legolas was still acutely aware of the throbbing at his own groin. Breaking his lips away from Haldir's, he drew the other Elf's hands to the sash of his robe. The guardian gently untied the silken band, and slid the robe from Legolas' shoulders. It pooled around the Elf's body, and Legolas flicked it off the bed with his foot.

Haldir sighed longingly, feasting upon the sight of the lean limbs, flawless skin, and the reddened shaft rising proudly from its bed of golden curls. Shifting his body slightly, he parted his legs, his grey eyes meeting Legolas' deep blue ones.

'Legolas... Sii, melme.' [3]

Legolas nodded at the whispered plea, and spread Haldir's legs wide enough to accommodate his body. Taking himself in a tight grip, he gently slipped a finger into the presented opening. Haldir moaned and force himself down onto Legolas' finger, whimpering as two more were added in swift succession. They rubbed him gently, brushing his prostate with feathery touches, before they were removed. Legolas positioned himself, and looked up at Haldir again. The guardian nodded.

'Sii.' [4]

A deep moan escaped Haldir's throat at the feeling of the familiar penetration, and he relaxed as Legolas pushed into him until their bodies were pressed together, curve settling into hollow as if they were crafted for each other. Legolas rested there for a moment, then began rocking slowly, capturing Haldir's lips with his. The pair kept a leisurely pace, twining their tongues together even as the more intimate parts of their body joined. Fingers danced over expanses of bared flesh, each searching for the other's most sensitive areas. Legolas' hand slid down Haldir's side and between their bodies, and he shifted his hips upwards, thrusting slowly as he took Haldir's cock in a strong grip.

The guardian of Lothlórien gasped; Legolas' fingers were roughened by centuries of working with weapons. But under the circumstances they felt more perfect than any other touch he had ever known, and as Legolas' thrusts became harder and faster, slamming into Haldir's prostate, the guardian found himself unable to concentrate on anything else. The only sounds were the harsh pants that came from both Elves; the candles had burned down and gone out, and the room was lit only by the glow of the entwined bodies. Haldir lifted a graceful leg and wrapped it around Legolas' waist, drawing the younger Elf to him with as much force as he could.

A roving hand brushed the base of Legolas' spine, and he groaned throatily. He could feel the tension building in his thighs, and in Haldir's as well. The other Elf would not be able to hold on for much longer; his breaths were coming in short, fast pants, his eyes were tightly closed, and he was unconsciously tossing his head back and forth, his long blond hair fanning out across the soft pillows. Haldir's hands came up to grip Legolas' blond locks tightly, trying to guide the Elf's head to his chest. Legolas complied, and bent to suckle harshly at Haldir's nipples. He unconsciously moved his hands and hips faster, urged on by the short, soft cries that began to mingle with his lover's fast breaths.

A sudden gasp from Haldir made Legolas look up, and in that moment he felt a hot, wet rush as Haldir spilt his seed between them. The Elf of Lothlórien grunted softly and bore down once more onto Legolas, and the Prince of Mirkwood felt the spasming muscles clench so tightly around him that he couldn't bear it any longer. Legolas came with a shuddering sigh, clutching the older Elf to his body as he emptied himself into the welcome heat.

The pair lay where they were, still locked together, for long moments, before Legolas withdrew and curled his body around the larger Elf. The glow that filled the room began to dim as Haldir smiled softly, shifting to draw the blankets over their still-trembling bodies. Legolas murmured softly as he pressed his cheek to Haldir's chest.

'I'll miss you.'

Haldir shushed the young Elf, pressing a light kiss to the full lips. He raised a hand and brushed a few stray strands of hair out of Legolas' face, tucking them behind one delicate, pointed ear. The Prince sighed and nosed into the gentle touch, drawing his tongue over Haldir's palm. The guardian shivered briefly, then wrapped his arms around Legolas and held him close.

'Don't speak of that now, Legolas. Let us enjoy the hours we have left together.'

Legolas sighed; his eyelids felt heavy, and the scent and warmth of the Elf was more than his tired mind could take. Closing his eyes, he pressed his head more firmly to Haldir's chest, listening to the steady beating of the guardian's heart.

'Love you...'

Haldir smiled as the pale body fell into the pattern of sleep, chest and back gently rising and falling with every breath. Legolas' exhalations tickled Haldir's damp skin, and as he stroked the silky blond hair he found himself unconsciously thinking back to what Celeborn had said earlier in the evening.

~"Haldir, it is not my wish to hurt you, but there is something you must keep in mind. Do not consider Legolas as permanent, for although you share passion now, there are still countless millennia to come. The heart of an Elf is not lightly given, nor is it lightly accepted."~

The guardian sighed and closed his eyes, letting his head sink into the soft pillows. There would be time enough to muse over what Celeborn had said in the coming year. A soft smile crossed Haldir's face as he drifted into the dream world.

'I love you as well, Legolas Silverarrow. I love you as well.'

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The sun had barely made its daily presence known to the world when Celeborn rose from bHe sHe shifted Galadriel's hand from where it rested lightly on his hip and crossed to his wardrobe, bare feet silent against the wood of the floor. Drawing the door quietly open, he selected robes to wear for the day, opting for a set of shimmering green and silver silks, instead of his usual blue. His intricate necklace fell naturally into place over it all, and the golden light of the newly risen sun highlighted his pale hair, completing the effect.

Celeborn smiled as he heard the delicate footfalls of his wife approaching him from behind. He turned, but his brow became creased with worry when he saw the look on Galadriel's face.

'Galadriel... What troubles you?'

The female Elf took Celeborn's face between her hands, and looked into his eyes. The Lord of Lothlórien felt distinctly uncomfortable, and he fought to keep from squirming free. A sad smile slid into place upon Galadriel's face as she released her husband, and Celeborn felt something in the vicinity of his stomach flop about uncomfortably.

'Galadriel...'

'You love him.'

Celeborn's eyes widened, and he opened his mouth to speak. Galadriel shook her head, and placed a finger over her husband's lips.

'No, Celeborn. Don't say anything. I would have to be blind not to notice your affections for him when I look at you. The way your eyes follow him, the way you never seem to be completely in the present when he's around... Even the way you speak when he's here is different than normal.'

At Galadriel's words, Celeborn felt t ris rise unbidden to his eyes. He swallowed, refusing to let them fall, and lowered his gaze to the floor. Long fingered with the hem of the sleeve of his robe, and Celeborn's voice quavered.

'Galadriel, I'm sorry. You are my wife; my thoughts should not be straying to another. Please, forgive me.'

To Celeborn's immense surprise, Galadriel began laughingdelidelicate giggle that blossomed into the rich laughter Elves were known for. He stared at her incredulously, wondering if the Lady had taken complete leave of her senses. Galadriel continued on in the same manner for several minutes, before raising a finger to wipe away the tears of mirth that were rolling down her pale cheeks. She tried to speak, but broke out laughing again, and had to wait a few moments before making another attempt.

'By the Stars, am I truly hearing this? Celeborn the Wise, Lord of Lothlórien, has found someone he truly loves and is apologizing for it?!'

For quite possibly the first time in his life, Celeborn was at a loss. He opened his mouth and then closed it again, searching for words. Galadriel smiled radiantly, and hugged her husband tightly.

'Celeborn, we are Elves. We live and love for thousands of years, and yet so few of us find the true love you've found in Haldir. Don't be ashamed of it, and don't hide it.'

Celeborn finally regained enough of his senses to manage an embarrassingly squeaky reply.

'You... You're not mad?'

Galadriel shook her head, and nudged Celeborn towards the door of their chambers.

'You know as well as I that our marriage had more political ties than emotional ones. I feel very strongly for you, admittedly, and it is because I care for you that I want to see you happy. You deserve so much happiness, Celeborn, and you should seize this opportunity to obtain it.'

The Lord of Lothlórien brushed a gentle kiss against his wife's lips, and opened the door. Stepping outside, he turned back momentarily, Haldir's relationship with Legolas forgotten in the face of Galadriel's approval and encouragement. A true smile, his first in years, crept over his face, softening the sharp angles.

'Thank you.'

Closing the door behind him, Celeborn padded swiftly through the halls of his woodland palace. The sun was still low in the sky, and very few Elves were up and about. Those that were smiled at him and nodded politely, and he returned their greeting with a cheerful "Maar arin!" [5] as he hurried towards Legolas' quarters. He slowed his pace somewhat as he approached the closed door, and he knocked lightly on the strong wood. A sleepy moan emanated from within, but no one answered Celeborn's summons. The Elf allowed a few murmured words to spill from his lips, and he nodded with satisfaction when he heard the soft click of the lock mechanism unfastening. He pushed the door open, and stopped dead.

The Prince of Mirkwood was draped over Haldir's prone form, and it was almost impossible to tell where one Elf ended and the other began. A soft sigh escaped Haldir's lips as he nuzzled Legolas' long hair in his sleep, and through the pain in his heart Celeborn had to smile at the beautiful scene before him. Sunlight made pale skin and hair glimmer like gold where the blankets had been kicked aside, and the deep and even breathing of the pair was soothing to the eye. Celeborn regretfully crossed to the bed and coughed lightly. When that didn't work, he reached out and shook Legolas' shoulder lightly. The Elf muttered something and opened his eyes slowly, jumping when he saw Celeborn standing there.

'M-My Lord Celeborn!'

The exclamation roused Haldir, and he sat up quickly, inadvertently causing Legolas to roll off of him. Celeborn averted his eyes politely, but a faint pink blush painted his cheeks.

'Forgive my intrusion, but Prince Silverarrow must prepare to depart if he wishes to reach the northern border by nightfall.'

Legolas nodded, smiling at Celeborn.

'Thank you, my Lord. I shall rise at once.'

A soft smile crossed Celeborn's face as he left the room.

'Very good, Legolas. I shall see that someone prepares your horse for you, that you may suffer as little delay as possible.

Legolas sprang from the bed as soon as Celeborn had shut the door. He scrambled around pulling on his clothing, seizing his packs and weapons. Haldir smiled wryly, dressing at a more leisurely pace.

'Eager to go?'

'No,' Legolas cursed softly as he tugged on a stubborn boot, 'but I must reach the border.' He looked up into Haldir's eyes, and dragged the other Elf towards the door. 'I'll be back, I promise.'

Haldir nodded as they walked down the hall, and out to the gates where Celeborn waited with a beautiful white horse. Legolas tied his bags to the saddle and mounted, beaming down at Lord Celeborn.

'I thank you for your hospitality, Lord.'

Celeborn smiled, and clasped Legolas' hand and forearm in a warrior's handshake.

'Be well, Legolas, and do return as soon as you find the time.'

Legolas grinned and bent down from the horse. He seized a very surprised Haldir by the shoulder, dragged him over to the horse's side, and kissed him deeply. Breaking away, he took the reins in his hand, turned his mount around, and dug the heels of his boots into the animal's sides. With a jump the animal started forward, galloping through the forest until both it and the rider were lost to sight. Celeborn raised a hand in parting, and Haldir did the same.

'Namaarie, Legolas. Namaarie.' [6]

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To be continued...

[1]- 'BeloBeloved Legolas! Do not stop!'
[2]- "Fire of Elves"
[3]- 'Legolas... Now, love.'
[4]- 'Now.'
[5]- 'Good morning!'
[6]- 'Farewell, Legolas. Farewell.'