The Jewel of Mirkwood

Chapter 49

Glorfindel had had little time to react before Legolas had turned from him and ran. The flash of blonde hair was the last sign of the young prince as he disappeared from view. Glorfindel hardly knew what to do everyone was now staring at him, waiting for him to do something. Gritting his teeth Glorfindel glanced over to where he knew Erestor was standing and lookt hit his friend hopefully. While all Glorfindel wanted o wao was to go after the very distressed Legolas he was bound to remain at the feast by his position to the formalities concerning Lord Elrond and Celeborn. One look however at Erestor told Glorfindel what he had to do and so taking a deep breath Glorfindel turned to face Lord Elrond and Lord Celeborn who were both looking at him just as expectantly as the rest of the audience.

”I apologise for Prince Legolas my Lord’s, he is a little out of sorts, you will please excuse me while I see if he is well.” Glorfindel had never felt so stupid in all his life. It was clear that everyone had seen what had happened yet the blonde seneschal had just blatantly lied in his feeble excuse to go after the young prince. There was no way Celeborn or Elrond would allow him to go without some sort of explanation. There was a moment’s hesitation from both Lords and Glorfindel lowered his head bracing himself for some sort of questioning demand from Celeborn. The chastise the seneschal had been expecting however, never came and instead of Celeborn it was Lord Elrond who rose from his chair and descended the steps towards Glorfindel.

“You are excused Glorfindel. Please convey our praises of the Prince’s steps he makes a fine dancer.” Glorfindel could only stare in shock at Lord Elrond as the dark haired elf moved closer to him still so that he could not be heard above the chatter that had now started around the hall. “Go after him and comfort him. He is upset and needs reassurance that only you can give. I will insure Filgree makes his talon ready for his return and I will inform the servants you are not to be disturbed.” Glorfindel nodded understanly aly at his Lords gentle whisper before nervously glancing over his shoulder to where Lord Celeborn sat with his wife. Lord Celeborn was staring at them but Glorfindel smiled as Celeborn nodded in his direction silently giving his permission as Elrond had just done. Glorfindel turned his gaze back to Lord Elrond surprised at the warmth he found in his long time friends’ eyes. “I have been wrong in the past about many things Glorfindel and I regret having not made the effort to correct my mistakes. I apologise to you for trying to prevent what is not mine to interfere with. If it is as the valar says and you are Legolas’ destined then so be it, I will bless any union he makes and like all of us will patiently await what fate has in store for me.” Glorfindel smiled at Elrond’s gentle words, comforted by the Lord’s understanding gaze. As much as Glorfindel was still at war with himself as to what his role truly was in middle Earth knowing he had Elrond’s support meant the world to him. “Go, before he gets away from you.” With a firm push Glorfindel was turned around and sent flying towards the door.

“Take these with you it is cold.” Crashing through the outer doors onto the balcony of the large talon Glorfindel was met with his five friends. Glorfindel had barely time to think before Erestor had turned him around and was clipping on his cloak. Filgree was draping Legolas green cloak over Glorfindel’s arm even as Haldir was clipping a quiver of arrows to his back while Rumli was strapping on Glorfindel’s sword to his side.

“Orophin has your horse ready on the floor below.” Glorfindel glanced over the edge of the talon at Haldir’s insistence immediately seeing Orophin as described with Glorfindel’s horse sad and and ready to ride.

“Take your time he probably has not gone far. We don’t want you to injure your back again, you are still recovering remember and I am letting you ride against my better judgement.” Glorfindel merely nodded at Erestor’s stern tone as the four of them descended down the ladder to where Orophin awaited. With a leg up from Rumli Glorfindel mounted his horse and settled comfortably in the saddle to stare down at the five pale faces of his friends in the moonlight. It was cold outside the wind sending their locks into swirls around them and it was obviously they were all freezing, none of them with cloaks on.

“Why do I get the feeling I am being urged into something I have not yet fully comprehended myself.” Glorfindel rose a suspicious eyebrow at his friends all of them guiltily lowering their heads although the smug smiles on their faces betrayed their pretence.

”Perhaps we have seen something in Legolas that you hnot not yet?” It was Haldir who gingerly made his reply, his conversation previously with the Lord reminding him how touchy Glorfindel was. It would not do to upset Glorfindel before he went to find the already upset Legolas. Glorfindel frowned but chose to keep his thoughts to himself as he turned his attention away from his friends and towards the darkened forest.

“Which way did he go?” Glorfindel sighed as his keen eyesight searched for signs of a trail on the dark forest floor.

“To the west towards the pools of the Lady Galadriel, he will not have gotten far on foot.” Orophin spoke up quickly and pointed in which direction the guards had reported Legolas to be running in. With an understanding nod of his head Glorfindel turned his horse in that direction and bid a short farewell to his friends as he spurred his horse forward. It was cold out and it would do Legolas no good to be without his cloak for any extended period of time. The quicker Glorfindel found the troublesome young elf the quicker he could be back in his warm talon and get tucked firmly up in bed.

In the darkness of the forest it was difficult to find Legolas’ trail but once Glorfindel had found it among the fallen leaves and plants of the forest floor following it became easy. By the carelessness of the elves footsteps it was obvious Legolas was in some distress and Glorfindel berated himself for having not done more to prevent the awkward situation he had placed the prince in. Despite himself though Glorfindel had to admit he had enjoyed dancing with Legolas, the young one’s grace and elegance in his steps was something Glorfindel envied in his own. True also was that the feel of Legolas soft hand in his had warmed his body through and caused him quite an embarrassing flush, something that had not happened to him in years.

Glorfindel slowed his horse as he neared the Lady Galadrial’s pools. The sacred pools had been here since the birth of Lorien and were used solely by Laaladaladriel and the women dignities of her staff. Although Glorfindel doubted any of the ladies would be here on this cold night he was not taking any chances and made sure to glance thoroughly around before proceeding. Despite the fact his sexual tastes ran to something more muscular than ladies in residence Glorfindel knew from the stories of guards during boarder patrol that men found within the pools unintentionally there or not would be severely punished. Dismounting from his h Glo Glorfindel weaved his way around each of the steaming pools quietly searching for any signs of Legolas. It was when he circled the last of the pools that he saw the sad slumped figure of the blonde prince. From the shuddering of Legolas shoulders it was obvious he was still crying and Glorfindel felt his heart break at the saddening sight before him. Quietly he approached Legolas until he was barely a few feet behind the young prince and could only just hear the t wht whimpering above the roar of the wind.

“Legolas.” Although his voice was softly spoke with no malicious intent the Prince all but jumped out of his skin. Glorfindel had hardly a moment to act as the prince startled by his voice toppled off the edge of the pool and face first into the heated water with a splash. Without thinking Glorfindel launched himself forward and landed flat on his belly on the edge of the pool. With a quick hand Glorfindel reached into the water and caught the collar of Legolas’ tunic even as the young prince began to sink his arms splashing about as he tried to gain purchase in the warm water. Glorfindel thanked the valar for his gift of strength as he easily lifted the now drenched prince from the water. Legolas arms were still chinching at the air, struggling to get free as he gasped for air and spat out the water he’d swallowed. Glorfindel dumped Legolas in to a puddle on the soft grass surrounding the pool. Legolas crawled up onto all fours and continued coughed and splutter having swallowed too much of the warm water during his struggle to breath properly. “Relax, your muscles are tense and will prevent the water from coming back up.” Glorfindel kneeled hastily next to Legolas seeing the prince still struggling to breath with the water in his lungs. With a firm hand Glorfindel thrust his palm several times into Legolas back before watching in disgust as Legolas threw up the warm water from the pool along with some of the food he’d had for dinner. “There now, take some deep breaths and fill your lungs with fresh air.” Feeling slightly guilty having hit the prince fairly hard Glorfindel soothed his hand several times down Legolas back as the Prince slowly began to breath steadily again.

Concerned by Legolas shivering in the fiercely cold wind Glorfindel whistled for his horse so that he could grab the blankets and Legolas cloak. Glorfindel stopped his soothing caress of Legolas back as the Prince flopped down into a sitting position on the grass. Legolas looked exhausted from his accident and Glorfindel took pity on the young elf and gently wrapped both blankets and Legolas own cloak around his shoulders in an effort to keep the now wet elf warm. Legolas hadn’t said a thing to him and Glorfindel noted with sadness the way Legolas was avoiding eye contact with him, his eyes puffy with unshed tears and his wet hair dripping in messy tendrils down his face. “What are you doinge? Te? The Lady Galadriel will have your hide if she finds you here, these pools are strictly off limits to men.” Growing uncomfortable with the silence Glorfindel sat down awkwardly beside the prince, attempting to draw the younger elf into conversation without sounding harsh. Glorfindel watched, as Legolas looked up sharply at him a look of utter defeat in his expression.

“Oh no, I did not know that. I have messed up again.” Glorfindel tutted loudly at the Prince as Legolas began to sniffle and sob again miserably.

”You have done no such thing Legolas, we all make mistakes. Besides she needs not even know we were here, I certainly will not tell her.” Glorfindel smiled triumphantly as a small thankful smile flashed across the young prince’s stricken face but it only lasted a few seconds before fading again. At least he had served to make Legolas feel a little better, although considering the scene that had happened at the feast it would take a lot more than a simple joke to reassure the humiliated prince.

“Why have you aft after me? I am sorry I made a fool of you in front of everyone, I am not used to having such attention from people I am not familiar with, and certainly not from someone like yourself Lord Glorfindel.” Legolas paused as he fiddled with the edge of the blanket purposefully avoiding eye contact with Lord Glorfindel. Glorfindel could not take his eyes off the beautiful picture of innocents the young prince again provided in the moonlight, despite the awkward situation. “I understand if you do not want to see me again, I am sure Haldir is not so proud of me now seeing how stupid I am. Perhaps Thranduil was right in keeping me away from everyone, I only serve to humiliate myself and everyone around me no matter where I go. You have been so good to me yet I continue to cause you and your friends trouble, I am sorry for not being a better charge.” Glorfindel sighed heavily the lack of self worth in the young prince’s conviction was almost pitiful. If Thranduil had served to do anything worse than Keeldon it had been to crush the self-confidence Legolas might have grown up with had he been better looked after as a son.

“Shhhh, do not say such terrible things Legolas for they are untrue.” Glorfindel gently lifted his arm and draped it over Legolas shoulder unsure if the prince would allow him to be so bold. The seneschal was surprised as Legolas instantly melted into his side the young prince’s arms easily wrapping around Lord Glorfindel’s waist. Legolas still wet clothes seeped cold into Glorfindel’s body but the warrior did not complain and merely returned the hug tightly. This had been the first time Glorfindel had held Legolas since he’d carried him away from Edoras, and while it felt just as warm and comfortable as the other times had something too was different now. A hot heat spread through Glorfindel’s body, a tingling sensation he’d only ever felt once before in his life settling in his chest. It was the same feeling he had experienced when Echthelion had kissed for the very first time so long ago. The unexpected feeling caught Glorfindel unawares and the blonde seneschal could only clutch desperately to Legolas body as he rode out the wave of memories and heartache brought to him by the sensation. Legolas had obviously picked up on the seneschals sudden distress and went to pull back from Glorfindel feeling guilty for having sought comfort from his elder.

“Sorry I am making you cold, with my wet clothes.” Glorfindel shivered at the loss of Legolas touch and instinctively pulled the young prince back to him quite surprising Legolas into speechlessness. Legolas stared confused up into the seneschals blue eyes even as Glorfindel stared directly back down at him. For a long time they merely stared at one another in silence each lost in their own thoughts as the wind blew the steam around them in a dream like haze. It was Glorfindel who finally broke the silence although not the eye contact between them. Legolas beautiful green eyes were like sparling emeralds and Glorfindel could help but fall in love with the fragile soul that was hidden behind them.

“I want to be honest with you Legolas but you must listen to me without judgement until I have finished. Do you agree to listen to me?” Legolas nodded in understanding and Glorfindel sighed heavily bracing himself for what he knew he had to say. Sensing the elder’s unease Legolas cuddled closer into Glorfindel’s side and nuzzled soothingly into the folds of Glorfindel’s tunic. Glorfindel chuckled and brushed a stray wet braid back behind Legolas’ pointed ear before continuing. Gandalf had been right. Legolas was special. “Do you know when I first saw you in Mirkwood I thought you were the most beautiful elf that I’d ever seen.” Glorfindel smiled as he watched Legolas blush at his praise the cold pale skin of Legolas cheeks and ears turning instantly bright pink. “I still think you are beautiful but for other reasons now apart from your appearance.” Glorfindel cleared his throat almost forgetting himself as he stared into Legolas shining green eyes again. “I know Gandalf has told you of your destiny and I understand how much pressure must weigh upon your shoulders, but I do not want you to feel alone. Should you need to talk feel free to come to me whenever you wish and I am sure Erestor too would be happy to accommodate you should you need him for anything.” Glorfindel paused and frowned to himself aware now he had skirted around the edges of what he truly wanted to speak of. He cursed himself for his cowardess before mentally kicking himself into action again. “Haldir informs me that you wish to travel with me having reached your majority?” Glorfindel watched carefully as Legolas swallowed around a sudden lump in his throat before looking guiltily up from the folds of Glorfindel’s tunic to meet the seneschals questioning gaze.

“I am sorry for not discussing this with you before making my declaration public. It was presumptuous of me and I understand if you do not want me……” Glorfindel sensed the younger elf begin panicking in his arms and quickly silenced the prince with a gently finger pressed against his warm moist lips.

“When Lord Elrond leaves Lorien to return to Imaldris I will be travelling with him. I swore an oath upon my rebirth into Arada, that I would loyally serve and protect Lord Elrond and his family. While I cannot forsake my duties I would be honoured if you joined me on our journey to Rivendell and stayed a little while in the golden valley. I find myself craving your company and would be loathed to part from you.” Glorfindel felt his heart flutter uncontrollably as he watched the young prince’s face light up at the very prospect of travelling with him. The bright smile was a rarity upon Legolas face and Glorfindel allowed himself a moment to bask in its radiance.

“Thank-you, I have never seen Imaldris and have only read about its wonders in books from my father Library. I too would be sad to part company with you, I confess I enjoy your company than any other elf I have ever met.” Legolas voice was timid but Glorfindel heard the excitement in the prince’s tone and took comfort that he had successfully bright Leg Legolas’ mood.

“Well I am sure the valley will not disappoint your expectations.” Glorfindel sighed contently as Legolas re positioned his head against Glorfindel’s tunic clad chest. For a while Glorfindel sat and silently focused on the gentle rise and fall of Legolas chest against his own, his hand absently caressing the still wet braids of Legolas golden mane. Silently Glorfindel was waging a war with his own emotions. While he could not decipher how he felt about Legolas yet, he still felt the pull of urgency towards the younger elf, and the tingle that settled in his chest whenever the other elf was near. Perhaps his friends had been right and he should just accept what fate threw in his direction. Everything about the way Legolas felt in his arms was right and over the time he had spent with the younger elf he had grown fonder of him and his generous nature. Glorfindel’s hand absently slipped to Legolas collar beneath the blankets and the elder elf’s hand encountered the now damp bandage still around Legolas neck. The blonde elf shivered at the memories thedagedage brought back. Glorfindel had been literally scared for Legolas life back when he had found out the prince had gone missing. A pain in his chest had continually prevented Glorfindel from gaining any sleep for the days they’d spent searching for Legolas. It had pained the seneschal deeply knowing that Legolas was so far from him and so helplessly alone. He had not prayed to the valar since the last alliance yet Glorfindel had found himself muttering prays to each of them in the days leading up to Legolas rescue. Despite everything Glorfindel had to finally admit to himself that he was deeply attached to Legolas. Whether the attachment was love as Gandalf had suggested to him was still to be revealed but Glorfindel was now determined to find out. After Echthelion he had not loved another soul so deeply as he’d loved his tutor but if the young prince Legolas were a chance to revive a lost love in himself then Glorfindel would embrace it and work hard to keep it.

With his new resolve Glorfindel took a deep steadying breath and gently eased Legolas from his chest so that the young blond would be forced to make eye contact with him. Legolas emerald eyes shone widely in the moonlight and Glorfindel indulged himself a moment’s silence to merely stare into the beautiful depths before clearing his throat to continue what he had to say.

“Legolas, I have something to ask of you.” Glorfindel watched Legolas swallow hard but nodded encouragingly despite his obvious nervousness. Taking the prince’s shaking hands Glorfindel brought them up to his chest and held them tightly above his heart. “I know that you have probably never been asked this and I will understand if you do not know how to answer me but I must ask it.” Legolas frowned a little in worry unsure of what Glorfindel would ask him. Glorfindel saw the prince’s fear and instantly set about soothing it with his words. “I mentioned before that when I first saw you, I thought you the most beautiful elf I had ever seen. Though the circumstances have not been ideal and knowing that so much depends on your successes in life, I still have not prevented myself from growing affection for you. I ask permission to court you as a prospective lover Prince Legolas Greenleaf, and hope that the affection I have for you is returned in some form. If you wish to discuss this with Haldir and Filgree I will give you the time you need before replying. What say you in reply to my proposal Prince Legolas Greenleaf?”………………….

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>