Faer na Faer (Spirit to Spirit)

Haldir found himself in a small windowless antechamber in the stronghold of the Wood Elves' King, awaiting an audience with the monarch. The room was well appointed, the rough stone hidden behind panels of golden oak, the chilly floor carpeted in thick woollen tapestries of artful and whimsical design. There was a small grate where a cheery fire crackled and before it a small settee upholstered in leather and draped with the plush fur of a spotted panther. Next to that was a low table on which reposed a decanter of wine and a tray of titbits and delicacies. There were two doors in the space, placed opposite each other in the walls, one leading out to the corridor and the other opening into Thranduil's private study. Haldir circled the room, first in one direction and then the other, passing the inner portal each time and favouring it with a frightful glower. If only it would open!

Within were Thranduil, Gildin his son and heir, Sirion the surly guard, and Galion the cautious seneschal. The March Warden had no doubt as to what they were discussing and dreaded the outcome. Simultaneously, he longed for the conference to end that he might at last have the chance to state his case and plead for the chance to win Legolas' heart. He didn't care about the punishment and was willing to endure it if only he might see and speak with Legolas. No doubt the Sindarin king would be furious about the scandal, but Haldir hoped to prove he only wished to court Legolas properly and honourably. Was it so unusual that the strength of his love and proximity to the object of that love had caused him to become a little carried away?

Nay! Surely, the King understands these things, being an adult male and mated to his heart's desire.

So the March Warden sought to console himself, while in reality his imagination was conjuring all manner of dread consequences, from imprisonment in the fabled dungeons of the stronghold to expulsion and banishment from Lothlorien. It would not have been so unbearable if he'd had Rumil beside him, but the younger brother was delegated to oversee the warriors from Lorien in their captain's absence. Lord Celeborn's archers were understandably uneasy in light of the accusations placed upon their captain. He heaved an impatient sigh and stopped before the hearth, debating whether to try the wine or abstain until invited to do so. Before he could decide, the outer door opened noiselessly and a golden-haired elf peered in.

"Quickly, come with me," whispered Legolas, for it was of course him. He motioned for Haldir to make haste, eyes flickering over to the closed barricade at the March Warden's back. Once they were in the hall, he grasped Haldir's hand and dragged him down a dark and narrow side passage.

"Where have you…" Haldir began but he was cut off when Legolas suddenly turned and sealed their lips together. The kiss was fiery and ignited the March Warden's passion instantly. He followed willingly when their mouths parted and Legolas led him through a door on the right. The room was illuminated only by the warm red light of the fire and seemed to be another office or study.

Almost the instant it shut the Wood Elf wrapped his arms around Haldir and pulled him in for another long kiss, this one even more ardent than before. He broke away panting for air and backed away.

"I wanted to see you," he said simply.

"Where have you been? I thought something terrible happened to you," gushed Haldir, following, unwilling to let Legolas get too far from him. "I wanted to apologise for leaving you. I thought I'd hurt you, maybe even…"

"Oh, that? Nay," Legolas shrugged. "You had good reason. I would have done the same had I believed my brother was in danger."

"Thank the Valar!" Haldir was exuberant. "I feared never to see you again. I thought I'd broken your heart."

"No," Legolas smiled, a flush of warmth colouring his cheeks. "Not yet." He let Haldir wrap his arms around him and pull them close. The March Warden's eyes sparkled with a clear, bright inner light that Legolas found fascinating and he willingly melted into the lips that settled over his. "Haldir," he whispered. "Avo garo." (Don't do it.)

The March Warden pulled back instantly. "Man avo garo?" (Don't do what?)

"Nín ind, Avo brietho den." (My heart, don't break it.)

"Ai! Never, Legolas." Now Haldir had his wish fulfilled and held Legolas close against him, feeling the tension drain from the supple body moulded to his, hearing the contented sigh as the golden head rested against his chest. It was pure bliss and he wished fervently the moment never needed to end.

"Your heart is racing," Legolas said, smiling, and squeezed tight.

"Aye, so is yours." Haldir chuckled, delighted by this breakthrough, for surely there was now an understanding between them. Yet their troubles, or rather his, loomed on the horizon, threatening to destroy this peaceful accord. Haldir heaved an aggrieved breath and eased Legolas away enough to meet his eyes. "I am in trouble for taking liberties; have you heard?"

"Yes. That is part of the reason I came to find you," Legolas wriggled free and wandered to the fireplace, staring into the glowing embers so as not to have to look into Haldir's eyes. "I can fix this so that no reprisals fall upon you. Gildin truly does not want to worry our Adar over this incident, you see. The problem is, you announced to the combined forces of both our people that you and I had been intimate. I told you that isn't allowed here."

"I know, but I was worried about you and forgot," apologised Haldir. He joined Legolas before the hearth but did not try to gather him close, sensing the pall of gloom gathering over his golden elf anew.

"I understand that; so does Gildin, but the fact remains that it is now public knowledge. Someone has to take the blame for it and it's best to let me be the one. You are foreign to our ways and it would be bad politics to impose punishment on elves who have come to our aid and defence."

"Those sound like words your brother would speak," said Haldir gently, leaning forward to try and catch Legolas' eyes, without success. A half-hearted shrug was the best Legolas would give.

"Perhaps they are, but can you deny the logic in them?" he asked, finally hazarding a fleeting look into Haldir's face. The depth of concern he saw made his heart turn over and in spite of their difficulties he felt hope. "I spoke to Rumil and he said your intentions are to propose a formal alliance between our separate lands, with me as glue." His eyes were shining as they examined Haldir's, first one and then the other. "Is it so?"

"How is it Rumil always manages to find you and I am left in dread and worry for your health?" complained Haldir, his smile beaming. He pulled Legolas close and kissed him quickly. "Aye, that is all true. Do you think your father will agree?"

While he spoke, he fiddled with the closure securing the sylvan's tunic, taking in with avaricious eyes the obvious state of arousal Legolas was suffering. He wanted very much to have it in hand again, to use it to bring the golden elf to sublime orgasm, to render him exhausted with ecstasy, and then to claim him. The image of thrusting hard and deep into Legolas' submissive body burst upon his mind and Haldir growled, lunging at the ruby lips, demanding another kiss, thoroughly exploring Legolas' mouth. Abruptly, he was shoved hard in the chest as Legolas separated from him.

"AI! Haldir, this is not the time or place." Legolas gasped from the unexpected contact and unconsciously touched his fingers to his tingling lips. He took a step back to put a little distance between them, for there was a look in the March Warden's eyes that simultaneously thrilled and worried him. He was torn, wanting those hands all over him yet knowing he must handle the immediate problem first.

"Ai, be at peace, Legolas," soothed Haldir, advancing in equal measure. "We are soul-mates, you and I, in every place, for all time. Can you not feel the pull to join with me? I know you do."

With that he gave a knowing smirk and reached out to trail a tantalising caress over the restrained erection bulging at the the archer's groin. The sputtery cry and the involuntary shudder this evoked made his desire surge higher. He moved closer and stroked a scarlet ear-tip peeking through the thick flaxen mane, leaning in for a less aggressive kiss this time. His efforts were rewarded with complete access to the golden elf's mouth and a bonus as hands delved into his hair and gently tweaked his ears.

"Yes, I feel it," shuddered Legolas and leaned closer to lick Haldir's ear. "But we cannot do this here. This is my father's private library."

"As long as it's private," Haldir moaned, "I don't care if it's you father's kitchen. I want you and this time I'll not be deterred, diverted, or delayed."

"Would that I could comply," mourned Legolas, "but you have an appointment with Adar." Legolas wiggled out of Haldir's arms and led him back toward the door, which he opened. "You will find that this conference addresses only the battle and the exemplary conduct of Lothlorien's forces. My father wishes to confer upon you high honours and send you home with his deepest gratitude and commendations for all the warriors. No mention will be made of your 'activity' with me as long as you don't bring it up."

"Gildin will surely bring it up," argued Haldir in surprise. "He has made plain to inform me what the punishment will be and plans to deliver it himself."

"He will not deliver any punishment to you. He doesn't want any of this to come before our Adar's notice, as it surely will if things progress as stated, for we are indebted to you and your warriors for joining our efforts to unseat the master of Dol Guldur. How would my father face Lord Celeborn, his kinsman, after treating with our allies so harshly? Nay, Gildin was simply caught in the anger of the moment and regrets his hasty words."

"Then why has he not come to me and said so?" asked Haldir. "I've spent a most unpleasant four days worrying about this, Legolas."

"Aye, he considers that much punishment just," Legolas smiled ruefully, "and charged me with the task of setting things right. To whit: say nothing of your scheme of alliance by marriage. As I told you, such matings are not favoured here and would be an insult to my father's House. Instead, let Galion work his magic, for he generally finds a means to extricate me from whatever scrape I happen to be in at the time." Shoving the March Warden out he leaned over the threshold and stole one more kiss, smiling a bittersweet smile. "Remain silent about us," he said, "and we may yet find a way to be together."

The door shut and Haldir was alone in the dimly lit corridor.

He returned to the anteroom to find Gildin and Galion waiting for him and there was no doubt they were aware of his meeting with Legolas. The prince favoured him with a sour frown but Galion at least made an effort to be cordial. Together the trio entered the King's presence and everything proceeded exactly as Legolas had predicted. Haldir had to bite his tongue to refrain from beseeching a private audience with Thranduil, for he felt in his heart the proper course of action was to state his intent honestly. How could he hope to succeed in his courtship without the consent of his golden elf's father? Yet, he kept quiet about it, thanking the monarch for his profuse compliments and commendations.

Then Galion fulfilled Legolas' expectations, suggesting to King Thranduil that in the interest of maintaining a closer relationship between Greenwood and Lothlorien, an ambassador of sorts might be appointed to go to the Golden Wood as Thranduil's representative. Who better to promote His Majesty's policies, opined the clever seneschal, than his own son? Would not such an assignment be perfect for Legolas? Indeed, the experience would be beneficial for him as well, adding to the young one's knowledge of diplomatic ways and means among the elven realms. To Haldir's utter delight, King Thranduil found this idea pleasing and proposed to bring it before his council on the morrow. The momentous meeting concluded with the promise of a lavish feast to which the Lothlorien warriors were all invited. The March Warden verily floated from the room on Galion's heels, wanting nothing more than to bow down and kiss the advisor's feet.

"I am most indebted to you, Galion," he enthused, gripping the elf's forearm tight.

"Actually, Haldir. this was Ernil Gildin's solution to our mutual 'problem', that being Legolas' inability to comply with sylvan law regarding his personal life."

"Ernil Gildin?" Haldir was astonished and turned to the dour ellon, offering him a stilted bow and a stuttered word of gratitude.

"There is not need to act so surprised," droned Gildin. "Legolas is my brother and I love him dearly. Besides, it is plain that nothing can be done to dissuade him from this course. He threatened to bring all this before our Adar and that I will not permit. Adar has suffered many losses and much grief in his long life; I will not allow Legolas to add to those burdens. Now,if you will excuse me, there is a large celebration to prepare."

With that the Prince of the Woodland Realm stalked away into the fortress, his displeasure over the turn events had taken obvious.

"Now that this is all settled, perhaps you would like to be taken to your quarters?" offered Galion. He motioned the March Warden into step and they moved into the less formal area of the stronghold.

"Thank you, I would appreciate a bath and a change of clothing before this feast commences. After that, would it be possible to see Legolas?"

"Ah. Inadvisable, March Warden. Do not be too forward; Legolas must be on his best behaviour from now until his commission as ambassador is approved. It is not a secret, his illicit taste in bedding partners, and not everyone on the council will be pleased to have him acting as Greenwood's representative."

"But we don't care about such things in Lothlorien," argued Haldir. "No one will blink an eye if he becomes my mate, except to congratulate me on so magnificent a match."

"Your mate?" Galion stopped and turned to Haldir. "Ai! That can never be. He can choose you as his lover but Legolas must not bind himself to you. That would be disastrous! Surely you understand that Thranduil is not to be made aware of his son's failings. You must not speak of this again, Haldir, for word has a way of spreading rapidly through these halls." So saying, he ducked into a room at the left, dragging Haldir with him and shutting the door.

"What? I think you must be mistaken; King Thranduil surely knows his son and is aware of his needs. No matter if those conflict with sylvan custom, every father only wants his sons to be happy." Haldir insisted.

"Listen to me, Haldir O Lorien," hissed Galion, poking the March Warden sharply in the chest with his forefinger. "I am going to explain something to you that is highly confidential. I do so because I believe that the truth will help you see that our way is best. You will not repeat any of it, not even to your Lord Celeborn, agreed?" When Haldir gave a swift nod of assent, Galion began:

"Thranduil has suffered terribly and nearly faded when his beloved wife perished. That was shortly after Legolas' birth, and so Gildin's wife took the elfling to breast. Legolas was practically grown before Thranduil managed at last to overcome the grief and remembered his new son. A large part of his recovery has involved his growing pride as he 'discovers' his youngest child, which Gildin has made certain to bolster by strict guidance of his brother's activities. Legolas is Thranduil's remembrance of his beloved wife; no stain upon this last gift from her loving heart must ever be seen."

Haldir was stunned, not knowing what kind of response he could make to such a situation. Fortunately, Galion took his silence as tacit agreement to aid and abet the goal of keeping Thranduil ignorant of Legolas' secret life as a sexual deviant. The seneschal led him to his rooms, a suite shared with Rumil, and departed. Haldir lost no time retelling his experiences of the day to his brother.

"This is a strange predicament," remarked Rumil. "You are given your golden elf but forbidden to claim him as yours alone. I know you want Legolas bound to you permanently, but have you discussed it with him? Perhaps he also wishes to keep his exploits from his father's knowledge." Rumil pointed out.

"Nay, I haven't really had a chance to speak to Legolas about anything," complained Haldir. "That is really what I need to do, but I've no idea where in this warren to look for him."

"Well, that's easy enough," said his brother with smug delight, "for I know where he lives."

"Take me to his rooms, then," urged Haldir.

"Why, he doesn't dwell within the mountain," said Rumil. "Legolas has a home among the trees, just as you do back home. Come, I will take you there."

The brothers left the fortress and traversed a short distance back into the forest, but when the ancient oak was located, Legolas was not at home and all appearances suggested he had not visited the talan in some time. Having no means of discovering the prince's whereabouts, the brothers returned to their rooms and made ready for the feast.


TBC