Voices In The Dark

Title: Voices In The Dark

A/N: By this point you should know the drill...
Read as you like, Review as you will.
All are Tolkien's, but with my little twist.
Love those elves! Happiness is…
‘What Do You Say To A Naked Elf?’ by Cheryl Sterling! Finally, a mainstream elf romance novel!

Well, I decided to split the chapter in two ‘cause it was taking so long. This way I can post this first part now, since I’m still working on the last. Writing this is like trying to drink a really thick milkshake through a straw!



Chapter 31: Integration

It was a warm spring night, the world rejoicing in new lives and new beginnings. A sweet scented breeze wafted in from the west, carrying with it the essence of green, growing things and the far distant sea. The stars shone brightly down upon the dimly lit gardens of Imladris and the solitary elf wandering the lush paths. He took in the nighttime tranquility with new senses wide open. The rustle of nightbirds passing through the verdant trees and the scent of newly opened flowers filled his mind with a pleasant melody driven by life. Not that it was really any different than any other wandering he had done; it was merely the idea of change. He was finally whole. No more did the whispers of other’s thoughts trickle through the back of his mind; no more was he merely one passenger amongst many contained within a fleshy body. His soul felt complete in a way he never knew was possible.

The final integration had happened that morning with Elrond, Glorfindel, Elrohir, and Elladan in attendance. Elrond had expressed an interest in viewing the amalgamation, and for all the work the master healer had done to help them, Legolas and the others were only too happy to oblige. So when they all finally expressed a readiness to perform the final merging, Elrond was promptly informed. The twins were needed to allow Elrond access to his mind, and of course none felt it would be right without Glorfindel present. The golden Elda had been just as important to their healing as Elrond through the years Legolas had dwelled here.

The integration had taken place quite smoothly, with only the slightest bit of nervousness shown by the spirits. They had stood together in a circle beneath the massive oak tree which stood proudly in the center of the clearing, heavily laden with drifting white flowers and lush foliage. No sign was there of the damage it had sustained all those years before.

It had been evident each of the spirits had changed since Elrond and Glorfindel had seen them last, for they all appeared more alike than ever before. Ravan and Aenos appeared the most like themselves; Ravan still dark haired and teal eyed with a gentle wisdom shining within their depths and Aenos still proudly sharp featured, yet with a softness to his formerly hard gaze. Elanor was still female, although it appeared if Legolas was given a feminine form, she would be his exact copy. Mórehua/Fánehua had lost their slightly animalistic appearance during their integration with each other, and now they seemed a grey-haired, harsher featured version of the body in which they were harbored. The remaining personalities all looked nearly identical to each other and to the Legolas the outsiders all knew. Even the youngling had grown to a point of synchronicity with the others.

A brief prayer was sent to the Valar in thankfulness and for continued guidance through their new future. Then at an unspoken command they had all stepped forwards, their movements precise and nearly identical, as if already of the same mind. Slowly they came together until in a burst of golden light they became one; a solitary elf standing where many had stood before. So simple it seemed, belaying the fact that it had taken years of healing to reach this singular moment. His aura now burned brighter than it had previously, final proof of his healed soul. A myriad of expressions had flitted across his face, but above them all was wonderment and a true understanding of who he was. All fear was gone, all uncertainty; he was whole.

Legolas had spent much of the rest of his day in quiet contemplation, considering his new self which almost seemed more than a sum of all its parts. It felt strange, and yet so very right. For so long he had been one of many; and truthfully he had been too young to remember much of his life before the split.

Yet he also knew that although this major step had been taken, he would always carry with him the remnants of his past. Elrond had once mentioned that although they might become one, there was no reassurance that some sort of splitting couldn’t happen again, given the right circumstances. It was a coping mechanism the mind had successfully put to use. The predisposition was there, so the possibility of relapse would always be a consideration. They had even briefly wondered whether such a mental affliction could be hereditary, but as no obvious signs could be found within Legolas’ family line, they could only wonder.

Later that evening a tiny celebration had been given which although Legolas found to be unneeded; he was touched by the unexpected gesture. Laughter and goodwill were always welcome to his heart, and all who attended had been warmly receptive towards him. So many friends he had made over the years he had spent in Imladris, and thinking back it seemed unbelievable that he had once lived with so much less.

And now upon quiet reflection he realized that there was still something missing; something that didn’t sit quite right with his soul; something small, but important nonetheless. It didn’t take much thought to realize what it was; for it was fairly obvious.

As he came around a bend in the path the buildings rose into sight, and he found Glorfindel leaning up against one of the leaf carved pillars, staring up at the star-strewn sky. His footsteps never hesitated as he walked closer to stand beside the golden Elda. How he loved Glorfindel. Here was his flame; the other missing piece to his heart.

“A pleasant evening,” Legolas offered. Nervously he began fingering the sleeve of his long tunic. He knew what he wanted now, but was uncertain as to how to ask. It was something they had spoken of many times, but in a future tense, and in dreams of what could be. Now he finally wished to make those dreams a reality.

“Yes, it is, my love,” Glorfindel replied with a smile, pulling his gaze away from the bright stars to the beautiful elf before him. More lovely than any star he seemed, dressed in silver and pale blue, and certainly closer to his grasp. He could sense Legolas’ nervousness and sought to assuage it.

“Come, ‘lest your nervous twitching afflict me as well,” he chuckled, holding his arms out. Legolas gladly accepted the invitation, settling back into the warm embrace with a pleasant sigh. Hands found each other, fingers entwining within each others. A comfortable silence stretched between them as together they watched the stars sparkle in their joy so high above where they stood.

“Thank you,” Legolas whispered, almost too softly for Glorfindel to hear.

“You thank me?” Glorfindel asked, a bemused expression crossing his face.

“Yes,” Legolas smiled, bringing their joined hands up to kiss the golden elf’s knuckles. “Thank you. You have given me life; you have shown me love; you have ever been attentive to my needs; thoughtful, gentle, patient…” He swallowed hard, fighting back the nervousness which threatened to rise once more. “Today I have bonded with myself, and become almost whole. Now I wish to bond with you, and become fully complete.

Glorfindel sucked in a breath, feeling his heart tremble at Legolas’ words. It was what he had longed for, but never hoped to believe it would happen so soon. “Are you absolutely certain?”

“Yes, if you will have me. I wish for you to take me, and banish away the last of the memories I carry.”

“Then I will, and gladly,” Glorfindel spoke softly. “For as long as you would have me.”

“Forever,” Legolas answered, pulling the older elf’s arms tightly around his body.

“Forever,” Glorfindel repeated, resting his chin on the woodelf’s shoulder. They continued to watch the stars together, although admittedly their attentions were far more focused upon each other then on the jewels of light sparkling overhead.

Legolas couldn’t help but reflect upon the comfort of their simple touch; of his back resting against Glorfindel’s strong chest and their hands clasped together before them. Ten years before he would not have been able to stand such a gesture. Now, it was something he knew he would be unable to live without.

His eyes shifted from their clasped hands upwards, following the long line of the arm. He knew intimately the strong musculature hidden beneath the dark blue sleeve, for they had often been a source of comfort when his mind had been tormented or uncertain. He knew their strength and well as their tenderness, of the way the muscles played beneath the skin when holding a sword versus how they relaxed upon holding his own pliant form.

He closed his eyes and continued to let his mind travel along the powerful shoulders and chest in memory. There had been many a time he had lain with his head pressed reassuringly against the golden elf’s heart, listening to the warm muscle beat its steady rhythm of calmness and security. He had treasured each moment he had spent in that space of comfort, savoring each gentle caress of Glorfindel’s long fingers passing along his hair, each whisper of reassurance spoken into his ear.

He didn’t need to turn to envision the beautiful face of his joy, and with a whole mind he could finally see with full emotion what all had only before seen pieces of. The long, golden hair pulled back from Glorfindel’s face and ears to cascade loosely down his sturdy back, the chiseled features, the long straight nose, the full lips of pale rose, the sparkling cobalt eyes; those eyes filled with obvious affection, tenderness, and love. The way he laughed in such a way it lit up his entire face with joviality, or the frown that drew his pale eyebrows together when he was concentrating hard upon something.

“What are you thinking?” Glorfindel finally asked, his warm breath caressing Legolas’ sensitive ear.

“How beautiful you are,” Legolas whispered, a faint blush rising to his pale cheeks. “And of how much you mean to me.”

“Strange,” Glorfindel murmured, his lips now nibbling at the sensitive leaf-shaped flesh. “I was thinking the same.”

Legolas felt his breath catch in his throat at the tingling sensation the older elf inflicted upon his body with his lips and tongue. The clasping hands loosened slightly to stroke the center of his palm, caressing the smooth skin in a circular motion with steadily increasing pressure. Soft sighs escaped the woodelf’s lips at the duel assault. Such simple gestures, yet unbelievably stimulating.

Yet as much as Glorfindel would have enjoyed remaining where they stood, he had other plans. Somewhat unwillingly he pulled away, turning Legolas to face him with mischief in his Ithil-lit eyes. Curiosity met his gaze as he moved, clasping Legolas’ hand firmly once more.

“What is it?” Legolas asked with a suddenly shy smile. “Do you wish to retire to your rooms or mine.”

“Neither,” Glorfindel shook his head with an enigmatic grin. “I wish to do this tonight beneath the swaying trees; beneath Ithil’s light and the grace of the shining stars.”

An expression of delight illuminated Legolas’ face. “You know of our ways?”

“I know a few things,” Glorfindel replied, his eyes sparkling. When the possibility of bonding had arisen between them he had spoken to several woodelves currently in Imladris concerning their customs and rites. He had been intrigued, and had found their methods touching. He knew if he were to bond with Legolas, he would wish to do it in their fashion. From the joy on the woodelf’s face, he knew he had done well.

Legolas allowed Glorfindel to pull him eagerly into the depths of the gardens, hands remaining entwined as they walked. Leoglas’ free hand he stretched out to touch the rough bark of every tree they passed. The woodelf’s mind was open to their whispering thoughts; to their effervescent curiosity; to their joy. Glorfindel noted as they walked amongst the ancient beings that they almost seemed to lean into Legolas’ brief touch. The verdant green leaves rustled lightly despite the absence of a breeze to encourage their movement, and the air about him seemed suffused in a feeling of contentment.

“What are they saying?” he asked curiously. Legolas paused, unknowingly stopping in a bright patch of Ithil’s light sifting through the entangled branches overhead. It bathed the woodelf in a silvery glow, gilding his pale hair in mithrial, accentuating the fairness of his skin, deepening the twilight hue of his eyes… He seemed a spirit of the wood, ethereal and fey. Glorfindel tightened his grip on Legolas’ hand, unintentionally trying keeping this wandering spirit from drifting off without him. Legolas merely smiled, reading the desire in his partner’s eyes, but not understanding what vision the golden Elda saw.

“They are happy,” he responded. “I am fully myself, and they can sense that. I do not try to hide from them like before.”

“Ah,” Glorfindel nodded, and then pulled Legolas towards him until they were standing chest to chest. “And what do they think about us?”

“They approve,” Legolas murmured, leaning up to brush his lips lightly over Glorfindel’s. “Very much so.”

“Hmmm…That is good,” the golden Elda replied, responding to the kiss with one of his own. Eager lips caressed, tongues dancing in mimicry of ancient rites discovered long before either elf was even a glint in the Valar’s eye. Breathing deepened as the needs of their bodies grew more insistent, and finally they parted to allow life’s cool breath to once more fill their aching lungs.

Glorfindel reached out with his hand, the back of his fingers lightly brushing against the younger elf’s soft skin. On impulse Legolas leaned into the caress, eyes closing to mere slits. His heart fluttered in joyful anticipation: this had been a day of miracles, and he was filled with the certainty that one last bit of magic would be forthcoming before this night was though.

Glorfindel bit back a moan at the tender reaction to his touch. Legolas looked so beautiful standing there bathed in the moonlight, his hair glinting with silver, his skin glowing with a healthful radiance, his coral lips parted slightly to draw in each settling breath of air. Without conscious thought his fingers moved to touch those lips, to caress the soft pink flesh with the pad of his thumb. As he did so the twilight eyes opened, and Glorfindel could see dusk drawing near. Love and trust shone within those darkened orbs, reflected infinitely back from his own.

Finally Glorfindel had to force himself to pull away once more with a throaty chuckle. “We shall never get there at this rate.”

“Is that such a bad thing?” Legolas coyly asked, his eyes sparkling with merriment. “It seems quite nice right here.”

“Unless you wish the fair skin of your back to become scoured by prickly pine needles, I suggest we continue on,” Glorfindel told him with a teasing grin.

“I very much doubt it would be my flesh so afflicted,” Legolas teased back. “But I would hate to see you in discomfort.”

“You think so?” Glorfindel’s amused face showed his disagreement.

“Indeed.” Legolas leaned up to lightly kiss the tip of the golden Elda’s nose. “You may be the stronger, but I am more agile.”

“Then I believe we would both end up abraded,” Glorfindel laughed. “So come. Let us continue on before we discover who would sustain the greatest discomfort.”

“To where are we going?” Legolas asked, and this time his only reply was a mischievous glint in the older elf’s eye.

Review Responses:

Jasmine: Oh, thank you. I know nothing of the realism of romance actually, but I am realistic in my expectations. *grin* I am so glad you liked how it turned out. The shirt bit sort of popped in there, and the rest followed. I love it when the characters take over!

Lianna: Thank you. Yeah, I can see the kinkiness of that. I tried to make sure that all the personalities would be of age by that point, but beyond that… *grin* I’m so glad you liked this chapter though. One more left!

Ertia: Oops, NOW there will be one more chapter. *grin* And yeah, I think you’re right; I’d better go have a talk with Ki. I didn’t let her beta this chapter actually. I figured she could find her own sort of romance. She’s not much of a slasher anyway. *grin*

MorierBlackleaf: Hey, the drinking thing was VERY helpful! *grin* Thank you! And do not worry, I have been pestered by a very annoying plot bunny of over two months now, and I just need to finish this story before I can start it. I’ll probably be taking it a bit slower, and posting it up on my LJ for awhile before I post it here. At this point, I’m still trying to work out logistics of the thing. Query: Do you know how the elvish/human age equivalents work?

Yanic: Thank you! I shall! *smile*

Crookis: He did get a little bit of a backrub, but what can I say; things got in the way! *grin* And yeah, I wouldn’t have minded showing more of Legolas in Mirkwood myself, but at this time it just wasn’t coming. If I ever do anything with this story at a later point, I might do that.
I have read The Princess Bride, but I can’t recall which version. I loved the multiple endings though.

Anon: Aw, I think I’m blushing. Thank you! Sorry that the showing Legolas in Mirkwood didn’t work out. It seems there are a few of you who would have liked to see that, but it just didn’t work out at this time. Thank you for reviewing!