Tonight and Any Other

This chapter is written especially for "Yoo-No-Whoo," for his/her/its lovely commentary about the rest of the story. According to him/her/it, I have "COMPLETELY DEFILED EVERY SINGLE SUPERBLY SIGNIFICANT MEMBER OF LOTR." *bows* Thank you, dear. It's hard, it really is, but I do try. Do be sure to stop by sometime to see Gimli's striptease; I'm sure he'd love your company.

Now, to all of you who took the time to write encouraging reviews, thank you. It's a comfort to know that people are enjoying my work, and looking forward to more of it. AJ, dear, I'm not sure how you found this piece and started reading it, but thank you. So many people (including myself) love your work, so the nice review from you means a lot to me.

Title: Tonight and Any Other [Part 5/?]
Author: Silvertree (Megumi Takahashi)
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Legolas/Haldir, Orophin/Whitelock, 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.
Passages in italics denote scenes occurring in dreams.

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"O! Wanderers in the shadowed land
despair not! For though dark they stand
all woods there be must end at last,
and see the open sun go past;
the setting sun, the rising sun,
the day's end, or the day begun.
For east or west all woods must fail..."

-Song in the Woods


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Two beings entwined upon the green grass, so similar that one might have mistaken them for twins. The heavy perfume of flowers filled the air, from blossoms crushed and heated by sweat-slickened bodies. Silence predominated, interspersed with soft moans and the breaths of the creatures cushioned upon the green carpet of the clearing, fast and heavy.

'Kalwa... Nalla, kalwa melindo, etnalla.' [1]

Celeborn gently ran his fingers over the smooth body below him, bathing the heated flesh with his mouth and tongue. A shudder ran through his body as the one underneath him gasped, Celeborn's own name leaving lips bruised by harsh kisses in a soft cry.

'Celeborn...'

The golden Elf rewarded his lover with a kiss, sucking the wet flesh of the other's tongue into his mouth. The creature responded eagerly, strong hands touching any and every part of Celeborn's body that they could reach. Neither could touch enough of the other to be satisfied, and Celeborn finally broke away, gasping, and propped himself on his elbows over the other.

'Beg me for it, írima.' [2]

The golden being writhed, grinding his hips against Celeborn, whimpering pitifully with his need. His voice quavered, rising in pitch as his control weakened.

'Umyúma hauta! A, Celeborntur, uta sí. Celeborn, aníron... aníron si...' [3]

All other speech turned into a loud cry of pleasure as Celeborn entered the body below him in one swift, smooth motion. The Elven-Lord thrust sharply into the creature writhing under him, losing himself in the tight heat. He felt long legs wrap about him, drawing him closer, and he tossed his head backwards, long silver hair sticking to the sweat-coated skin of his back.

'A! Melda! Haldir!' [4]


---

Celeborn woke with a jolt, the fine silk of his bedding adhering to his skin in a most uncomfortable manner. His erection throbbed painfully, trapped between his body and the bed, and his hand went unconsciously towards it. He stopped himself quickly; Galadriel was still sleeping next to him, and the moon was high in the dark sky. Cursing softly to himself, Celeborn rose carefully and wrapped himself in a robe. His bare feet made no sound as he crossed to the open window and climbed into a sturdy tree. He moved swiftly, until he was perhaps a quarter mile from the palace, unable to go any further.

He had never ached so much in his entire life, and his heart beat wildly within his chest. Celeborn collapsed upon the branch where he stood, tearing his robe aside. Long fingers wrapped around his hard shaft, stroking forcefully at the hot flesh. Celeborn gave vent to a shaky moan, raising one hand to pinch at drawn nipples, grasping himself more firmly and pumping harder. The tension was already nearing its peak, and Celeborn suddenly arched into his hand, body tense and tears flowing down his face as he came with a loud cry of Haldir's name.

As he rested on the tree limb, body trembling with spent passion and covered with spilt seed, a sudden jolt of shame raced through Celeborn, and a red flush of embarrassment rose to mark skin already made pink with passion. The Lord of Lothlórien dropped down from the tree, tossed his robe onto the ground, and slipped into the river that flowed underneath the trees. The icy water was like a blessing to his heated flesh, a shock that brought him back to the present and out of his wishful fantasies. Celeborn cleaned his body thoroughly, before slipping back into his robe and taking once more to the canopy of the forest. Within two minutes he was entering the window of the chambers he and Galadriel occupied during the night. The damp robe fell to the ground and Celeborn slipped back underneath the blankets, wishing that the one who slept next to him were another. His eyes closed, and he succumbed to sleep once again. This time, he did not dream.

-----

The soft twittering of birds brought Legolas back to a state of consciousness, and he lay there for long minutes, listening to the creatures as they sang to themselves, each other, and anyone who would listen. The Elven-Prince moved carefully, moving off of Haldir's still-inert body. The guardian sighed sleepily, shifting slightly before settling down once again. Legolas smiled, watching Haldir as he drew on a clean pair of leggings. The perfect face, noble and somewhat stern where Legolas' own was gentle and beautiful, was composed, and the Elf's chest rose and fell steadily. Full, dark pink lips were parted slightly, and Haldir flicked out his tongue to moisten them in his sleep.

With difficulty, Legolas broke away from his viewing and opened the doors leading out onto the balcony. The Elf leaned against the railing and breathed deeply; the air was clean and fresh. It was still cool, but it promised to be a fine day. Legolas smiled, feeling suddenly giddy and even childlike at the prospect of spending a beautiful fall day in Haldir's company.

A curious bird landed on the wood of the railing and twitched its tail, chirping and regarding Legolas warily. It was a small thing, fluffy with mottled brown and off-white feathers. Legolas held out a hand, whistling softly and giving a few reassuring chirps of his own, calming the timid, frightened creature. In a flutter of wings it landed on his finger, and began singing back to him. Carefully, Legolas placed the bird on his shoulder, where it settled contentedly into his blond hair. They stood there, whistling and chirping a duet, while Legolas watched the morning breeze move the treetops and stir the fall flowers that bloomed in the gardens.

'You have a bird on you.'

Legolas jumped, and the bird fluttered off his shoulder. The Elf turned, and noted with surprise that the small animal was sitting on Haldir's finger, looking for all the world as if it had never been disturbed. Haldir smiled, running a gentle finger down the feathered back. Legolas leaned against the rail, crossing his arms over his chest. Haldir looked up as the bird climbed up to perch on his forearm.

'Good morrow, Legolas.'

Legolas grinned, his white teeth flashing.

'And the same to you, dear Haldir. It would seem that you now have a bird on you.'

The bird twittered as if in response, and Haldir laughed.

'He and I became acquainted over your absence, beloved. I call him 'Lin' [5], and he often comes to sing to me and sit with me in the mornings. I suppose he noticed that I wasn't in my own quarters and came searching for me. You happened to be the first Elf he saw.'

Lin, as he was known, gave a loud chirp and suddenly jumped from Haldir's hand. The Elf watched as the bird flew off into a nearby tree, adding his voice to the birdsong that was filling the morning air. Then a pair of strong arms was wrapped around him, and Haldir turned into Legolas' embrace. He sighed with contentment as his lips were claimed in a slow, deep kiss, full of a year of passion and longing. Haldir raised his hands and ran them through Legolas' silky hair, playing with the fine braids before moving to caress the sensitive tips of pointed ears. Legolas moaned, then chuckled and broke away. His eyes glittered as he grinned at Haldir.

'And now it's time for breakfast.'

Haldir cast a glance at the sky, noting that the sun was still relatively low.

'The tables usually aren't set for another hour, at least,' he remarked, wondering if Legolas had forgotten in his absence. But the Elven-Prince made a soft rumbling noise deep in his throat.

'I already have that which I desire, Haldir.'

'I am not food, Legolas,' Haldir laughed, as Legolas ran his hands over a particularly ticklish spot on the other Elf's back, not even noticing that Legolas was maneuvering him back into the room. Then Legolas pounced, knocking Haldir onto the bed and pinning the guardian's hands above his head. Haldir gasped as the wet tip of a tongue bathed a nipple, then followed the length of a collarbone.

'You are my food, Haldir, and I am ravenous after a year of fasting.'

Haldir managed a weak chuckle before Legolas' hands began to trail down his stomach and over the insides of his thighs. He was surprised to feel how quickly and powerfully his body was reacting to the other Elf's capable hands. Every nerve seemed to pulse with fire and energy, and it was all Haldir could do to push Legolas away after the Prince began nibbling at the skin of his neck, bathing the flesh moved by the strong pulse with his tongue.

'You would devour me thus, raw and uncleaned? You're a savage, Legolas.'

At that comment, Legolas threw back his head and laughed. Then he rose, seized a long robe, and wrapped it about Haldir's body. Blue eyes sparkled, and Legolas gently kissed the tip of Haldir's nose.

'A savage? Only when you ask it of me, beloved. But, if it's cooking and cleaning you desire...'

Legolas swept his lover into his arms and carried him onto the balcony. Haldir had a split second to register what was about to happen and wrap his arms about Legolas' neck, before the Prince jumped. Legolas landed lightly on the ground and set off into the forest at an easy lope, bare feet dancing over grass and wet earth. Haldir was glad that most of the Elves were still sleeping after the previous night's festivities. It must have made an interesting picture, a guardian of Lothlórien and Celeborn's confidant and advisor, being carried through the forest by the Prince of another kingdom.

Suddenly, Legolas turned, moving deeper into the woods, away from the main paths. The trees became denser, leaves blocking almost all of the early morning sunlight. A small creek, shaded and ice cold, gurgled quietly along its journey to join the river.

Without warning, the brilliant light of the sun replaced the shade, and Haldir blinked rapidly. Legolas slowed in his pace, allowing Haldir to slip from his arms and stand on his own. The clearing they were standing in was full of a thick steam, rising from the surface of the water. The natural hot springs were a blessing to the Elves of Lothlórien. The injured were brought to them to be cleansed, and warriors soaked in their relaxing waters after long nights of keeping watch. The rocks surrounding them were warm to the touch, and Haldir sat down on one, closing his eyes in bliss as he felt the soothing warmth spread throughout his body.

'Are you getting in?'

Haldir opened his eyes, and grinned at the Elven-Prince. Legolas had stripped off his leggings and was standing, arms folded over his chest, looking at Haldir. The guardian stood and untied the sash of his robe, letting the fine silk slide from his body to pool on the ground. Turning, he carefully stepped into the hot water, gasping quietly at the heat, before he slipped completely into the pool. Sighing, he simply stood there, letting the water soothe him.

'Legolas?'

A sudden wave of water was his answer. It hit him in the face, soaking his hair and leaving him spluttering and blinking. When he had cleared the water from his eyes, he glared at Legolas. The Elven-Prince was grinning, his arm still crossed over his body from the creation of the wave. Haldir folded his own arver ver his chest, and looked at Legolas with mock severity.

'You do realize, of course, that as a matter of honor I must retaliate...'

Legolas laughed and turned, looking back over his shoulder.

'If you can catch me.'

Then he shot off away from Haldir, for all the world resembling his childhood name of Silverarrow. The guardian gave swift chase, and within a minute he had wrapped his arms around the young Elf from behind. Legolas gasped and squirmed, and Haldir laughed as he forced his lover under the water. Legolas thrashed for a moment, before he suddenly wrapped strong fingers around Haldir's ankle and dragged the guardian under as well. Fine blond hair swirled around their faces as Legolas drew Haldir into his arms, claiming the full lips with his own. Haldir returned the kiss with a passion, allowing Legolas' questing tongue entrance. He almost forgot that they were underwater, until he felt a burning in his lungs. Regretfully he broke away from Legolas and surfaced, taking in deep gulps of air. The Elven-Prince soon appeared next to him, brushing wet hair out of his face.

'You've grown faster in the year I've been away.'

Haldir laughed and kissed Legolas again, nuzzling the wet flesh of the Elf's neck. He arched back into the hands that were roaming over his own body, silently begging for more.

'Well, I had to figure out how I was going to keep up with you.'

Legolas made a noise that sounded like a purr, and nipped at the tips of Haldir's ears. Latching onto one, he nibbled for a while, knowing it was a surefire way to make Haldir whimper like a child. Indeed, within a minute the guardian was gasping, grinding his hips against Legolas and clenching at long blond hair. Legolas ran smooth, gentle hands over the trembling back, kneading at muscles made tight by restraint. Leaving off Haldir's ear, he followed the rope of skin-covered sinew down to the junction of the Es cos collarbones, and lapped at the water that had pooled in the hollow of Haldir's golden throat. Haldir gave a throaty moan, and lifted one long leg up to snake over Legolas' hip, pulling him closer.

'You've cleaned me and cooked me. Now eat of me.'

A delicate laugh slipped from Legolas' throat as he complied with his older lover's demand, fingers playing with one peaked nipple while he sucked fiercely on the other. He had never felt so much need for the other, and he continued his attack of sucking kisses, stopping only when Haldir's pale flesh was covered with small, dark bruises and red spots. Then Haldir wrapped his arms about Legolas' neck, pulling himself up in the water to wrap his legs around Legolas' waist. His own erection throbbed, trapped between the two bodies, and he could feel Legolas' pushing against him with an equal urgency. Taking a deep breath, he shifted slightly, and looked Legolas in the eyes.

'I need you, Legolas, now.'

Then, giving his young lover no warning, he dropped, breath catching in his throat at the impalement. Legolas gasped, then moaned loudly at the feeling of sudden enclosure. He shifted his hands when the guardian started to rock against him, grasping Haldir's buttocks and gently guiding the Elf up and down. Haldir immediately used his position to his advantage, levering himself with both arms and legs, driving himself onto Legolas with as much force as he could. He was already nearing his peak, and he increased his pace to a fever pitch, unable to stop himself.

Legolas pressed his face against Haldir's shoulder, gasping as he guided the other Elf. It was too fast, and yet at the same time he knew that he wouldn't have lasted under slower conditions. He felt his entire body tighten, and he let himself go with a hoarse cry, sinking his teeth through the satiny Elven skin. Seconds later Haldir followed, his seed hotter even than the water, spilling between then and then slowly dissipating to nothing.

Haldir slowly pushed himself up and off of Legolas, collapsing into his lover's arms as the hot water caressed their exhausted bodies. Legolas didn't know how they made it to the edge of the springs, over the rock wall, and onto the grass, but he clutched Haldir to him with all the strength he could find, before he sank to the ground, bringing Haldir with him. The guardian curled up in Legolas' arms, still breathing heavily, long limbs trembling. He was asleep within minutes, spent from their shared passions. Legolas found his rest not long after.

-----

It was Haldir who awoke first, when the early afternoon sun was still high in the sky. Disentangling himself from Legolas' arms, he rinsed his body in the waters a final time, and peeled a piece of smooth bark from a tree. He wrote a brief note to Legolas using a twig and the juice from crushed berries, placing it where his lover would see it before he drew on his robe.

The Lord of Lothlórien was not one to make wait.

Elven feet passed noiselessly over leaves and twigs, and Haldir paused to wave to Whitelock and Orophin once he reached the main path. The pair was sitting under a tree, reg, ag, and they smiled and waved in return. Orophin gently brushed his fingertips over Whitelock's hand, before jumping to his feet and running to catch his brother.

'Where art thou bound, brother mine?'

Haldir nodded towards the woodland palace, kneading the grass with his bare feet. The soft blades felt good between his toes, and he went about his task with a will, uprooting more than a few pieces and staining his feet green.

'Lord Celeborn desired to speak with me.'

Orophin nodded sagely, turning to walk back to his new lover. He paused for a moment and waved over his shoulder, grinning at Haldir. Haldir shook his head as his brother settled himself beside Whitelock and proceeded to drag the younger Elf into a deep kiss. Whitelock, Haldir noted, seemed only too happy to comply.

Deciding that he had intruded enough, Haldir turned and trotted back to the palace at an easy run. He scrambled swiftly up the tree outside Legolas' quarters, choosing to avoid the crowded main halls, and then proceeded to his own rooms. Once inside he changed quickly into the regalia worn by the guardians of Lothlórien, a pair of leather leggings, soft and sturdy leather boots, and a light tunic of woven grey. Haldir buckled on his quiver and sword, adding a grey shawl over his shoulders as an afterthought. He quickly tugged the tangles from his thick blond hair with a wooden comb, before setting off towards Celeborn's personal quarters.

Whe ahe arrived, he stopped for a moment, listening at the door. Soft strains of music came from within, the sounds of plucked strings. The melody was a familiar one, about an Elven-Lord who crossed over the Sea. Haldir quietly opened the door and slipped inside, smiling at what he saw.

Celeborn of Lothlórien sat in a padded, high-backed chair of dark wood, immaculate in his silver robes. Sitting on the floor was a small harp, and Celeborn had pulled it to himself and was plucking the strings with slender, agile fingers. His eyes were closed, as if were concentrating, although Haldir knew that the Elf had the tune learnt by heart. The guardian's eyes strayed to the flute of wood and silver that was sitting on a table nearby. Celeborn had been expecting him, it seemed.

Crossing silently to the table, Haldir picked up the flute and brought it to his lips. The familiar instrument felt welcome in his hands, and he began to play, a haunting counter melody to the plucking of the harp. Celeborn didn't even open his eyes; he merely smiled slightly and continued playing. After a few minutes Haldir set the flute down and began to sing, his voice soft and husky, but rich nonetheless.

'Arodan was a King of old,
He lived among the rivers and trees,
For over five hundred and five thousand years,
'Ere he heard the call of the Sea.
It stirred his heart and he spent
Two times a dozen years and more
Constructing a mighty ship of wood
With which he sailed from Northern Shore.
He traveled across the mighty ocean,
To the Grey Havens, home of Elven-folk and he,
A mighty forest unparalleled,
With rocks lapped by the salty sea...'

Haldir broke off, unable to continue. Celeborn lifted his fingers from the harp strings and returned the instrument to an upright position. He smiled at Haldir, and applauded quietly.

'And you are still so beautiful at it. Would that all could remember the tales and impart them as wonderfully as you.'

A faint blush crept over Haldir's face, and he smiled shyly at Celeborn.

'Thank you, Celeborn.' He cocked his head to one side, folding his arms over his chest. 'Last night, you said you wanted to see me?'

A sigh moved Celeborn's frame, and the Elven-Lord settled himself in his chair once more. Haldir sat opposite him in another chair, face creased with worry. Celeborn looked up and met Haldir's gaze, his blue eyes troubled.

"Haldir, it's about Rúmil," Celeborn said in the common tongue.

At the name of his brother, the guardian looked up sharply. His heart beat faster; what could be the matter with his brother?

"What is it, Celeborn? What has happened, it he alright?"

The Lord of Lothlórien held up a hand, and Haldir grew quiet. Celeborn rubbed a temple gently, wondering how to tell Haldir what he knew he must. Finally, he decided that a direct approach would be the most effective. Haldir was intelligent, but he did not overly enjoy having to play games when it came to important information.

"Physically, Haldir, he is sound. But his heart is troubled more than you can see. Haldir, I must ask you to be somewhat more discreet in your relationship with Prince Greenleaf. This stems not from my own heart, but out of concern for your brother."

Ah, but it was a lie. Celeborn knew it; his own heart ached every time he saw Legolas and Haldir together. But this was not for his sake, it was for Rúmil's. The poor Elf had blundered into him by mistake the night before, half blinded by tears and incoherent as Celeborn tried to get him to explain what the problem was. After two hours of careful talking and prodding, Celeborn had managed to calm Rúmil down enough to admit his difficulty.

"Troubles of the heart?" Haldir looked confused; many in Lothlórien would eagerly have his brother. Besides, Rúmil always seemed to be chatting with someone, and laughed more than any other Elf Haldir knew. Haldir looked up as Celeborn laid a hand upon his.

"He cares very deeply about you, Haldir."

The guardian nodded.

"Aye, and I care deeply for him. I am his brother, and I-" Haldir came to an abrupt halt as Celeborn raised a hand to silence him. The Elf looked worried, as if he had been afraid that Haldir would immediately interpret his message in that manner.

"Not like that, Haldir. His love for you exceeds the love of a brother for a brother."

Haldir's eyes widened, and he felt his breath catch in his throat.

"You mean..."

Celeborn nodded slowly, allowing time for the news to sink in. Haldir looked stunned and confused, and Celeborn almost winced as he confirmed his statement.

"He loves you, Haldir, as you love Legolas Greenleaf." A small voice in Celeborn's mind made itself known, and the Elven-Lord had no choice but to listen to it. /He loves you as I love you.../ Celeborn gently helped Haldir to his feet, and looked the stunned Elf in the eyes.

"Haldir, you don't know how difficult this is for him. Please, don't... don't rub salt in his wounds. He wants you to be happy, as painful as it is for him to see you with another."

Haldir gave a small nod, and bowed slightly to Celeborn. His head hurt, and he was confused beyond all measure. He couldn't bear to see his brother in such pain, but he couldn't give up Legolas, either. Everything was suddenly spinning around him, and Haldir staggered. Then Celeborn was at his side, supporting him with strong arms about his waist and shoulders, helping him down the halls and into Legolas' quarters. Someone had been in to make the bed, and the soft blankets seemed to swallow Haldir up as Celeborn helped him lie down.

'Haldir, forgive me.' The soft Elvish words slipped over Haldir's ears, and Haldir felt the world regain some sort of stability. A cool, wet cloth was laid on his forehead, and he opened his eyes to look into Celeborn's concerned face. Haldir raised a cautious hand and brushed a few stray strands of hair back behind his Lord's ear.

'For what?'

Celeborn sighed, offering Haldir a glass of water. The Elf drank deeply, and wiped his mouth on the back of his hand. Celeborn placed the glass on the bedside table, refilling it in case Haldir wanted more. The cloth was removed from Haldir's forehead and soaked again, before being replaced. The Elven-Lord sat on the edge of the bed, folded his hands in his lap, and look at them for long moments.

'For everything, Haldir. I shouldn't have told you all of this so suddenly; it was inconsiderate of me. I've put you in a position you shouldn't have to be in, choosing between your lover and your brother. Please, do not hold this against me, for I would not want to pay the price of your honor. I'm not sure that I could.'

A gentle hand on Celeborn's brought the Elven-Lord back to the present, and he looked at Haldir. The guardian was smiling, and he brought Celeborn's hand to his lips, kissing it gently.

'There is nothing to forgive, Lord, for the weakness was my own. Do not hold yourself in disgrace, or upon your own shoulders place the blame. I have not been offended, and my honor is intact.'

Celeborn let slip a rare smile, all the more precious for its sincerity. He rose from the bed and drew a blanket over Haldir's body, soaking the cloth on Haldir's forehead one last time. The Elf was already starting to doze, and before he replaced the cloth, Celeborn bent and pressed his lips gently against the damp flesh. Then he turned and softly left the room.

/Not just your brother and your lover, Haldir. Your brother, your lover, and your Lord./

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To be continued...

[1]- 'Beautiful... Cry, beautiful lover, cry out.'
[2]- Lovely
[3]- 'Do not stop! Ah, Lord Celeborn, do it now! Celeborn, I desire... I desire this...'
[4]- 'Ah! Beloved! Haldir!'
[5]- Melody