The Jewel of Mirkwood

Chapter 54

It had been a very long four weeks in Lorien since Legolas coming of age and as the season was drawing to an end so to was the Imaldris elf’s stay in the golden wood. For Glorfindel his recovery had been a long and arduous process, just as Gandalf had predicted. There had been days when he had not even been able to rise from his bed with pain and then others when Elrond had forced him into a whole day of tiring exercises to strengthen the muscles damaged in his fall. Yet it had all been made easier with the ever-present light of Prince Legolas Greenleaf. With each passing day Glorfindel found himself slowly falling in love with the young elf. While he had been sceptical at first about his feelings, the more time he’d spent with the young prince the more he became attached to the glow of warmth he felt when Legolas was close by.

Since the incident in his rooms the night after the feast Glorfindel had strictly adhered to the traditional rules of courting royalty, as advised by Celeborn and Elrond. While it had become obvious that Legolas disliked the rules and boundaries placed upon him Glorfindel had tried desperately to make the young prince understand why they were behaving in such a manner. The simple fact that Legolas was the one made most of the elvan dignities who knew very jumpy about the whole situation. There could be no room for error considering the consequences should Legolas not fall in love with the right elf and so Glorfindel had assumed that the traditional steps taken during courting royalty would give the prince ample time to make up his own mind on the matter of love, while still allowing the prince space to freely decide what he wanted to do. Lord Elrond and Celeborn had strongly agreed with his decision and while Glorfindel still sensed coolness between Lord Celeborn and his son in law it had sufficiently warmed back to it’s usual relationship.

Much to Glorfindel’s own relief Haldir had backed off a little in his oppressive hold over his son. While he’d still required Legolas to spend every second week with the boarder patrol, during times when he was not training Haldir mostly left Legolas to himself to do as he pleased. Glorfindel had taken delight in watching Legolas grow rapidly with each day he spent in Lorien. His fighting skills had improved drastically and his sense of self worth had risen just as quickly with each piece of praise and nice comment he was given from those he met and worked with. The sparkle of life that Les grs green eyes had been lacking back when Glorfindel first saw him in Mirkwood was now burning brightly behind the emerald pools and Glorfindel thought Legolas all the more beautiful because of it.

Today however would be their last spent in Lorien. Upon the rising of the dawn the next day they would set out on their journey to return to Rivendell. While Glorfindel was still not in perfect health Elrond had deemed him fit enough for the weeks ride needed for the return to the valley they called home. Secretly Glorfindel was relived to be leaving Lorien. As much as he thought the golden wood beautiful he longed for the waterfalls and forest trails of Imaldris. Thank-fully Legolas was just as excited as Glorfindel to be leaving Lorien and had been granted a day’s grace from the boarder patrol to prepare and pack of the trip. Glorfindel had been worried about Legolas health and safety with every day he’d spent at the boarders but was relived as Legolas had returned fit and unharmed from every patrol. There had been very little orc activity on the northern boarders and so rather than defending himself Legolas had been given lessons by Rumil and Orophin about topics such as fighting, tracking, creatures and life in general. With every night Legolas had returned from his patrol Glorfindel had sat up listening to the prince retell ale the things he’d learnt. Some of the things Glorfindel had been a little worried at Haldir’s brothers having told Legolas about but Legolas had not seemed fazed by it so Glorfindel didn’t bother questioning them. Legolas had finished his last patrol and now both elves were preparing themselves for the long ride to Imaldris.

This morning Glorfindel had lay on his bed trying to relax and ready himself for the ride he knew would push his back to it’s limits. Erestor had fluttered back and forth around the talon packing Glorfindel’s things for him, having already packed his own things weeks ago. Legolas had spent the morning with Filgree also packing their things but also saying goodbyes. Glorfindel had observed that Legolas had made quite a few friends his own age during his stay in Lorien and despite his outward appearances Legolas was obviously sad to be leaving them.

Now however both elves were having their last picnic in the sun beside a small stream and swimming hole. As always Filgree had accompanied Legolas on their picnic and was now packing away the arrows he and Legolas had used in their friendly competition of skill. The rules of traditional courting royalty were that Legolas was not permitted to be alone with any potential suitor without an elder chaperone. At first Glorfindel had found it strangely uncomfortable having Filgree constantly watching them, especially when he and Legolas kissed but after a while Glorfindel had grown accustom to it and now just simply blocked the tutor out when he and Legolas were sharing an intimate moment together.

Like now, Glorfindel lay on his back staring up into the canopy of the giant malorn trees above, while Legolas lay perpendicular across him, with his head resting on Glorfindel’s chest. Idly Glorfindel stroked his fingers through some of the tangled golden locks fanned out across his tunic. The sun’s gentle ray’s fell lightly on Legolas’ face illuminating him in a perfect halo that Glorfindel could only smile at. Their time spent together had often consisted of pleasant silence, each lost in their own thoughts, while still seeking the simple touches of each other. The simple touches had been all they were allowed, and while Filgree had at first protested their kisses as being to intimate Legolas had put his foot down and told his tutor that if he was only allowed one pleasure then it would be Glorfindel’s kisses. Glorfindel smiled to himself as he thought of Legolas’ innocents. The young prince had taken some coaxing to be persuaded that you indeed kissed with your tongue. After several days practice Legolas had caught on to Glorfindel’s wishes and now Glorfindel was pleased to say pri prince was living up to all his expectations in the passionate kisses he often unexpectedly initiated. Still there was a long way to go. A passionate kiss between suitors was nothing to the intimate press of a lover’s body against your own and Legolas knew nothing of that his innocents still ever showing in his lack of experience and knowledge of ways of love. Then there was still the ever-present fact that Glorfindel may never experience that sort of touch with Legolas, if fate was to twist another way.

Glorfindel dropped those thoughts however and smiled down at the young elf as he watched Legolas yawn and stretch languidly in the heat of the afternoon sun.

“Glorfindel will you sing to me?” Legolas turned over onto his side so that he was staring up at Glorfindel from the elder’s chest, his eyes still a little sleepy even after his nap. Glorfindel shrugged his shoulders uncaringly as he drew his hand down from Legolas mane of hair to brush softly across the youngsters sun warmed cheek.

“If you wish. What would you like to hear?” Glorfindel was a little sad as Legolas sat up from his chest to sit cross legged at his side his hands clasped in his lap as the young prince considered the question for a few moments.

“Something nice, a ballad perhaps from Gondolin?” Glorfindel was confused at why Legolas would want to hear anything from the long destroyed city of Gondolin but none the less combed through his memories in order to find one he remembered well enough to sing. Legolas sat patiently at his side until finally Glorfindel found one he liked and sat up a little to begin singing.

To Legolas the sound was beautiful as Glorfindel’s strong voice echoed around the silent wood. It seemed that even the birds fell silent in their own songs to listen to the warriors light tune. Enraptured Legolas stared at Glorfindel’s face through the entire song taking in the words that he understood while interpreting the rest of the ones in Quenya he did not. By the second verse though Legolas could see tears begin rolling down Glorfindel’s face as he tilted his head towards the sky and continued to sing. Confused at why Glorfindel would be crying during such a happy song made Legolas worry a little but he did not question it until Glorfindel’s last note fell into silence and the warrior lay back down on the blanket again.

“Why are you crying? It was a beautiful song.” Glorfindel sighed heavily as Legolas lay quickly back down although this time bringing his face closer to Glorfindel’s as the young prince draped his arms comfortingly across Glorfindel’s waist. Glorfindel could hardly believe that he had cried like that, so openly in front of Legolas. It had been so long since anyone had asked him of Gondolin that he had quite forgotten how painful the memories actually were. The song had brought back memories of Echthelion, his tutor who had sung that very same song to him when he had been but an elfling. Without thinking Glorfindel turned his face away from Legolas ashamed that he would think of Echthelion at such a time. His tutor had long since passed into Mando’s halls, Legolas should have been the only one in his thoughts. Glorfindel did not see the hurt expression that swept across Legolas face at the sudden rejection but did however feel the soft lips that kissed away the single tear on his cheek.

“I am sorry Legolas, forgive my rudeness. It has been such a long time since I sang that song and the memories it brings to mind are not all happy.” Having felt Legolas lovingly tender kiss on his cheek Glorfindel regretted having turned away from the prince and promptly apologised. Taking the opportunity Glorfindel turned over fully onto his side so that he could stare evenly into the young elf’s eyes. “You are beautiful have I told you that?” Glorfindel pushed all his gloomy thoughts aside and focused solely on Legolas’ angelic face mere inches from his own. Glorfindel watched in delight as Legolas blushed a pale shade of pink to the very tips of his pointed ears.

“Aye, several times today but I shall not tire of hearing it.” The elder elf chuckled at Legols hes he ran a gentle hand from the tip of Legolas ear down to his chin before leaning in to kiss Legolas firmly on the lips. Glorfindel smiled as Legolas eagerly parted his lips for Glorfindel before relaxing under the soft ministrations of his lover’s mouth upon his own. Breathlessly they broke apart Legolas eyes still closed as he licked his lips with tantalizing strokes of his tongue, as he tasted the remains Glorfindel. At the sight Glorfindel felt a shudder of desire rip through his body and pool uncomfortably in his groin. Glorfindel smiled wickedly to himself as he brought his hand up to run across the tip of Legolas still flushed ear. At the single touch on the sensitive appendage Glorfindel felt Legolas shiver his breath catching even as he tried to regain it from their passionate kiss. He and Legolas had been together for nearly an entire season already and all they had been allowed to progress to was kissing. For Glorfindel it had meant more than a few nights left frustrated and needy in bed, with only the friction of his own hand as company. On Legolas behalf it was obvious the young elf didn’t know what he was doing to the elder elf, with his sometimes-innocent actions. Several occasions during their time in Lorien, Glorfindel had been forced to excuse himself from company in order to calm himself when Legolas had inadvertently touched him while they were joking around. Yet Glorfindel had kept it to himself regardless,wingwing full well that any actions beyond kissing was too involved without having several insurances first. Legolas would have to make his intentions clear before ever Glorfindel acted upon his own, and even then he would have to have the consent of Lord Elrond and Celeborn.

Glorfindel sighed softly and watched as Legolas eyes fluttered in the beginnings of reopening. However Glorfindel wasn’t ready to ruin the moment yet and considered adding just a little varia to to the rules of courting. Having cautiously gazed over Legolas shoulder and found Filgree to busy dangling his feet in the water to pay them any attention the elder seneschal leaned back in to whisper softly in Legolas ear.

”Keep your eyes closed and do not make a sound.” Glorfindel smiled against Legolas cheek as he felt Legolas nod understandingly his eyes till firmly closed. Technically Glorfindel wasn’t going to break any rules. They were still kissing just spicing things up a little. Hopefully it would be enough to get Legolas thinking if not asking questions of his tutor. It was high time Legolas learned some things about life and what better way than giving him a tantalizing taste of what in itself could only lead to better things. Glorfindel graced a gentle kiss to Legolas cheek before flicking his tongue out and swiping it across the warm soft skin. Legolas hissed, slightly startled and Glorfindel quickly brought his finger up and pressed it against the youngsters lips. “Shhhh, Filgree is not watching.” Glorfindel flicked his tongue out onto the edge of Legolas pointy ear before dragging it the full length of the curve. Legolas shook against Glorfindel his breathing uneven against the finger still pressed to his lips. “You taste of honey.” Surprised at how seductive he could sound while whispering Glorfindel caught the inward groan in the back of Legolas throat having heard the words. Smiling in delight of the reaction he was receiving Glorfindel graced the very tip of the sensitive organ with a soft kiss before suc the the very tip into his mouth with a hot wet lap. Legolas body buckled at the sensation and Glorfindel sucked a little harder as the young elf pushed his body closer to Glorfindel’s eagerly seeking out more contact. The seneschal restrained himself though as Legolas broke the silence with a desire filled gasp as Glorfindel grazed his teeth along the flesh in his mouth.

Much to Glorfindel’s displeasure the gasp alerted Filgree’s attention to them and the seneschal hastily pulled away from the wanton elf by his side as Filgree turned to stare at him in suspicion. Ignoring the desire filled green eyes that now stared up at him Glorfindel raised his hand and waved innocently at Filgree from over Legolas’ shoulder. The tutor it seemed was none the wiser to what had just happened although still suspicious rose from the bank of the stream and made his overover to them his gaze moving from Glorfindel’s cheeky smile to Legolas.

“I think it’s time we made our way back to the city. I ordered an early dinner for Legolas so that he could get some rest for tomorrows journey.” Glorfindel smiled and nodded understandingly as Filgree stopped a few meters back from them and began slipping his boots back on. It was obvious that Legolas was no state to answer his tutor and so Glorfindel merely held the young elf close to him while he recovered some of his motor skills again.

Glorfindel did not speak to Legolas as they packed up their things to return to the city. It was obvious in Legolas eyes that the youngster had questions but Glorfindel had waved them down knowing that Filgree was not listening to them having felt something was going on earlier. It was only when they were securely back on their horse with Filgree leading them a few lengths ahead that Glorfindel allow Legolas to say speak to him.

“That felt amazing, I still tingle all over. What was it?” Glorfindel smiled proudly of his achievements as Legolas leaned back against his chest and gazed up at him with round excited eyes. Cautious of what he said and wary of Legolas’ innocents Glorfindel licked the tip of Legolas ear quickly again making sure that Filgree was paying them no attention again. Legolas giggled at the sensation and leaned up to kiss Glorfindel softly on the lips in return.

“Your ears are a very sensitive part of your body Legolas, I was merely illustrating the pleasure you can receive from paying them proper attention.” Glorfindel glanced down at the prince who rode in front of him looking for any signs the prince understood what he was hinting at. The seneschal was a little disappointed when he saw no flicker of recognition in the youthful eyes but that did not matter. Eventually Legolas would get the idea even if it took centuries.

“Will you teach me how to do it? I would like to return the favour.” Legolas blushed a little as Glorfindel chuckled heartily at his comment.

”Perhaps when you are more…..” Glorfindel bit his lip unsure of how to continue. It would not do to bring up such a subject as sex and there was excuse in Legolas age now that he was of age.

“When I am more, what?” Legolas sensed Glorfindel’s hesitation and frowned in confusion. Desperate to find the right word Glorfindel went with the only one he could think of, but cursed to himself as soon as it was passed his lips.

“When you are more…ready.” Glorfindel hoped that his awkwardness would put Legolas off asking any more questions but that hope faded as Legolas turned himself around a little to look at Glorfindel more pensively.

“What should I be ready for? Is it something Filgree can prepare me for? Or maybe you yourself can teach me? I am not a bad student and I learn very quickly.” Glorfindel chuckled at Legolas innocents before leaning in a placing another soft kiss on the prince’s lips effectively silencing him.

”Aye I know you are a very good student and learn very quickly.” Glorfindel ran a cheeky finger across Legolas lips reminding the youth of their lessons on kissing and how to get it right. Legolas blushed a delightful shade of red and lowered his gaze from his elders. “In this case though I think you should be talking to Filgree. It concerns matters of a personal nature and is rather delicate to discuss.” Legolas twitched his nose in interest as he watched Glorfindel awkwardly avoid eye contact with him. Glorfindel sighed as he glanced at Filgree’s back. Little did the tutor know what Glorfindel had just done for him. There would be no doubt that Filgree was in for a long night of questioning and explaining. Although Glorfindel could help think that it was about damn time considering most other elflings are told before their 300th birthing day ceremony about love and sex.

“What should I ask of him then? There are many personal matters Filgree and I have discussed how do I know which one of them it is?” Glorfindel groaned inwardly cursing himself forever being so foolish as to bring the topic up. It was just not his place to discuss such things and while he wished he could Lord Elrond would never forgive him if he broke the rules. Legolas looked pleadingly up at Glorfindel and the elder seneschal thought hard about how he as an elfling learnt about sex. It struck him with force though as he thought back to the very day. Echthelion had taught him about sex, had taken him to his bed and shown him the pleasure of the flesh. Glorfindel swallowed hard and turned his attention back to Legolas.

“Simply ask Filgree to explain how you came into being?” Glorfindel raised his eyebrows hopefully of his young charge but watched as Legolas laughed blatantly at him and shook his head.

“That is not personal Glorfindel. I know how I came into being, Gandalf said that Haldir gave birth to me from here…” Legolas poked Glorfindel in the stomach in demonstration before continuing. “Like a she-elf or a mare with her foal.” Glorfindel nodded understandingly. That was a start at least but not what Glorfindel was getting at.

“Yes that is all very well but do you know how you got there in the first place?” Glorfindel watched Legolas shift awkwardly on the horse obviously not wanting to really answer the question he was not faced with. Secretly Glorfindel knew they were getting to the bit that counted just by the way Legolas was getting uncomfortable.

“Well, sort of.” Legolas shrugged his shoulders and lowered his gaze from Glorfindel’s, embarrassed. “Filgree told me once that elves have to mate. Kind of like horses except differently.” Glorfindel nodded and slowed the horse down, to put a few more paces between Filgree and them in case the tutor overheard them talking.

“Aye it is called mating and that is what you must ask Filgree about.” Glorfindel watched Legolas look up at him nervously and softly shake his head in reply.

”No I can not. That is too personal a matter to discuss he would never answer me.” Glorfindel sighed and brushed a gentle hand down the side of Legolas face to gently bring Legolas eyes level with his own.

“Legolas he will answer you I promise. He taught your brothers about it and it is his duty to teach you too. Every elf learns about these things and though it is a little embarrassing it is a necessary part of life.” Legolas sighed heavily as Glorfindel smiled at him encouragingly before gracing Legolas with another gentle kiss.

”And this is what I need to know to be……ready?” Glorfindel chuckled and nodded again this time hugging Legolas tightly against his chest.

”Aye and believe me lots of things will make more sense to you afterwards.” Speeding up again Glorfindel brought his horse level with Filgree’s as they drew into the city limits. Legolas was silent for the rest of the return journey and Glorfindel hoped that he hadn’t upset the prince too much by discussing what they had. Glorfindel was sure however that with Legolas’ knew knowledge the elf would be better equipped to face his future. The sun was just now descending in the western boarder as the rode the final few meters to the stables. Filgree would be in for a long night and Glorfindel thanked the valar for never having graced him with such a terrible job with Elladen and Elrohir when he was tutoring them. They dismounted in the yard and Legolas bid Glorfindel a sweet goodnight before being dragged off by Filgree for the early dinner, leaving Glorfindel smiling guiltily to himself as he insured all their horses were ready for the morning before leaving for his own talon.

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

(A/n) I seem to have seem to have scared a few people away from this fic for some reason? And we're just getting to the good part! Oh well I'm sure they enjoyed it while they stayed and I hope you lot still with me are still having fun?