Nightstar

Nightstar - Part VI
Type: FPS
Author: Vairë (vaire@donnesys.com)
Rating: NC17
Pairing:
Haldir/OMC/Legolas
Disclaimer: I worship at the JRR altar. I make no claim
to any of the characters except Syshae. I make no money from this, so don’t bother
to sue – you’ll only get hairballs the cat hacked up.
Posting: Please ask first.
Feedback:
Much appreciated. I enjoy discussing the finer points of my stories with
others. All flames will be gleefully passed along to the dragons for their
fiery consumption.

 

 

Nightstar – Part VI

“You have said
nothing of my bond with Syshae.” Anor was rising for the third time since
Haldir and his brothers joined the Sindon, and Legolas could no longer leave
the matter undiscussed between himself and the marchwarden. There had been no
good opportunity before, as either Haldir or Legolas was always on watch during
the night and they moved as swiftly as they could during the day, eager to
escape the Brown Lands. Legolas suspected Haldir was purposely keeping his distance.w, aw, as they waited for the Sindon to finish breaking camp, he sought out the
guardian.

An eyebrow rose in the cool, disdainful manner that was so
familiar. Haldir regarded Legolas haughtily. “What is there to say? ’Tis
between the two of you. It is no concern of mine.”

“No concern of yours! But…but…what of…” Temporarily
flummoxed, Legolas gave up trying to speak and simple gaped at Haldir.

Legolas’s stunned expression proved Haldir’s undoing.
Unable to restrain his mirth, he laughed loudly. Legolas continued to stare, an
edge of uncertainty added to his disbelief, as if he questioned Haldir’s
sanity.

“Aya! Forgive me lirimaer, but your expression—” Haldir
laughed again.

Legolas continued to stare at him, concern mounting.
Haldir laughing with abandon? True, Legolas well knew the marchwarden was not
the uptight pompous ass many believed him to be, but near hysterical laughter?
Maybe he was dreaming. Yes, he decided, this was a dream and he would awaken
soon.

Haldir clapped a hand on Legolas’s shoulder, at last
managing to control his mirth. “I thought only to tease you a bit, my prince.”

Haldir teasing when they stood in the middle of the Brown
Lands? Haldir teasing when they were safe in Lorien and not on duty, yes, but
in their current circumstances? Legolas felt his concern increase.

“Nay, I am not mad. Rather I am filled with joy. My
lirimaer is safe, and he has found his people and heals them. He is content and
happy, and thus am I.” The hand moved to stroke Legolas’s cheek. “And you,
meleth-nin. Your bond with Syshae gladdens me for now I am not the only one who
can heal him.” A thumb traced Legolas’s lips. “It also means that you shall not
be parted from us, and that I also much desire. Long have you shared our life
and our love. There is no difference now save in the strength of your tie to
us, for through Syshae you are also bound to me in a way. I admit I like that
knowledge.”

Legolas licked his lips, tasting Haldir’s skin as he did
so. He didn’t miss the darkening of the gray eyes. Almost. He stepped away,
breaking the contact between them. It was not the time to act on his desire for
the marchwarden, perhaps that night though. “Glad am I to hear your words. I
feared you would resent this bond, that…”

“That I would feel threatened or become jealous?”

Legolas nodded.

“Nay, meleth-nin. How should I? It brings me closer to my
heart’s desire and protects my bondmate. It brings my two princes joy. Never
would I begrudge you that. And it does not diminish my role. Still, I must
shepherd two youthful, headstrong, spoiled princes.” Haldir smiled impishly.

“Spoiled? Headstrong?” Legolas sputtered.

Haldir merely laughed lightly and strode away, calling
back over his shoulder. “Ai! Perhaps chastisement is in order that you remember
I am in charge.”

#

“Many yearve pve passed since last I beheld
Laurelindórenan.” Iarmen’s voice was reverent. “Long have I desired to see it
again. At last, I return to face my Lady’s judgment.”

Syshae, Haldir, Legolas, and Mithaelin, who surrounded the
elder elf, looked at him questioningly.

Iarmen sighed. “I am ancient, even among the First Born,
perhaps the eldest now in Middle Earth. Ages ago I followed my lord Finwë into
the west and sailed with him to Valinor. Following Fingolfin, his son, I
returned to Middle Earth. I swore to my lord Finarfin to protect his offspring,
and by returning I did, though it cost me the good will of the Valar. Ai! I
heard Fëanor’s oath—the cursed oath which was the downfall of the Noldor—and I
witnessed the Kinslaying at Alqualondë.” Iarmen’s expression was grieved and he
paused, gathering control of his emotions lest the dark memories of the past
overwhelm him.

“After the War of Wrath, I remained with my Lady
Galadriel, unwilling to return to face the judgment of the Valar. Long did I
serve her, and faithfully. When Aytalie left this land to bond with Tynion, I
accompanied her at my Lady’s request. I fled Greenwood the Great with her when
Landolar’s rule became too brutal to be borne. I lived as an outlaw in the
wilith ith her, and tied my blood to hers when she fled again, seeking the
havens. Now, I return to my Lady Galadriel’s judgment. I have failed her line
and shall bow to her punishment.”

Syshae turned to look back over the Sindon that followed them.
His dark eyes noted every elfling, every warrior, every elfmaid. He looked back
to Iarmen. “Nay, you have not failed of your charge. The Sindon live. Aytalie’s
blood lives.”

“You are kind, my prince.” Iarmen’s dark sapphire eyes
returned to the golden haze on the horizon. “I pray the Lady is as
understanding, but when I parted from her, such was not her way. She did not
suffer failure lightly.”

“Time brings wisdom,” Haldir counseled. “Even to the
headstrong descendants of the royal house of Finwë.”

Iarmen smiled slightly. “Perhaps you are correct,
marchwarden. I hope that you are, for I care much for my Lady Aytalie’s
people,” he looked to Syshae, “and her son. I much desire to witness his rule
and advise him, if he would take the advice of one so ancient.”

“Most gladly, but I shall not rule a separate folk. Rather
would I join our people with the Galadhrim, for we are of the same blood,”
Syshae replied.

“There is much wisdom in your words for one so young, my
prince.”

“Dearly was that wisdom learned, Iarmen. Come, let us
proceed.”

#

Alerted by Rumil, who had ridden ahead, Celeborn and
Galadriel waited to greet the elves approaching Lorien. Hidden in the eaves of
the woods about them were a number of Guardians. Though Rumil’s words were
spoken truly, some sort of enchantment had been used before, and the guardians
steadfastly refused to leave their Lord and Lady at even the slightest risk.

“So few,” Celeborn observed sadly when the approaching
elves drew near enough to distinguish them. “Less than three score.”

“Yet, mark the elflings. Our daughter’s people are
blessed.”

”I note our wayward princes are safe and hale. The
resilience of the young, my lady. I venture that they recovered from whatever
they suffered quickly.”

“Nay, dark shadows linger on many, not least on Syshae. He
has been sorely tried.”

They watched in silence as the elves drew near.

Iarmen, Mithaelin, Legolasd Had Haldir rode forward with
Syshae to greet the two waiting elves. All dismounted and gave the small bow,
hands fisted over their hearts, that is the traditional greeting among elves.
Celeborn and Galadriel responded with regal nods.

“Mae govannon, Lord and Lady. My people seek refuge in the
Wood.”

There was silence for several moments as Celeborn’s pallue lue eyes moved over the group, resting briefly on Iarmen. “Refuge you shall
have, daughter’s child, and your people. Come, we return to Caras Galadhon.
There is much to speak of.”

#

“Sit still,” Syshae admonished affectionately. “’Tis
impossible to finish this with you squirming like a landed fish.”

Haldir laughed aloud. “Do you remember the last time you
spoke those words to me, lirimaer?”

Puzzled, Syshae searched his memory. His dark eyes
traveled idly about the talan, coming to rest on Legolas. The blonde sat in the
middle of the low sleeping platform they all shared, watching them. Suddenly,
Syshae remembered and he joined Haldir’s laughter.

Legolas regarded the two laughing elves warily, wondering
if he truly wanted to know what lay behind their mirth.

Gradually, the laughter trailed off. “Aya! Legolas.
Remember you the night we met?”

Still wary, Legolas nodded. That night remained vivid and
perfect in his memory, but much hurt had come of it. He had no wish to revisit
old misunderstandings or dredge up old hurt.

“Nay, nin bain. Fear not. ’Tis only that on that eve,
Syshae was changing the studs in my ears—”

“As you requested,” Syshae reminded him.

“As I requested.” Haldir shot Syshae a sharp look for
interrupting him, but the Sindon merely grinned impishly. “He was taking too
long and we feared to be late, knowing the Lady would be displeased with us,
for she had commanded our attendance.”

“Rather like tonight, only studs rather than braids.”
Seeing the humor in the similarities, Legolas laughed. “Can he not braid your
hair faster?”

“Nay,” Haldir replied in mock sadness. “He is much gifted
as a healer and a warrior, but he is sorely challenged with such a simple thing
as braiding my hair or changing ear studs.”

“Aya! This is evident. Think you there is any hope he
shall improve?”

“Sadly, nay. After this many centuries, I have no hope he
shall learn.”

Syshae’s eyes narrowed dangerously and swung between the
two grinning tormentors, promising retribution. With a sharp jerk that elicited
a yelp from Haldir, he finished the last of the marchwarden’s braids. Without a
word, Syshae swung his cloak over his shoulders and started toward the
curtained opening that led from the talan.

Legolas jumped in front of him, barring his way. Haldir
stood quickly and moved behind Syshae, trappinm bem between their two bodies.

“Nay, lirimaer,” Haldir’s voice whispered in his ear. “You
are not angry. Well do I know this game of yours.”

“As do I,” Legolas whispered against the other ear. “But
we have games of our own, Haldir and I.”

Tongues licked and lips nibbled slowly up Syshae’s ears,
teasing the numerous mithril loops in them. Hands roamed over his body,
touching lightly, teasing. Syshae sucked in his breath sharply. “Aya! why do
you torment me?”

“Torment? Nay, lirimaer. ’Tis only to remind you that you
are not truly angry with us, and a promise of later pleasure.” Haldir nuzzled
against his neck and Syshae dropped his head to one side with a small sigh of
pleasure. He relaxed his body and closed his eyes. Both Haldir and Legolas
stepped away from him.

Syshae’s eyes flew open. “Saes do not—” He broke off when
he saw the smirks on his lovers’ faces. His own eyes narrowed again and, with a
glare at both, he shoved past them and descended the rope ladder to a lower
walkway.

Legolas shook his head. “He shall be angry later.”

“Ai, but it is such pleasure to coax him from his sulk,
and he does sulk so enticingly.”

 

Reaching the royal talan, Haldir and Legolas found Syshae
already there, along with Galadriel and Iarmen. The latter’s presence was
hardly a surprise. Far from chastising Iarmen, the Lady welcomed him warmly
and, in the days since, had spent long hours with him, reminiscing and taking
counsel. Often Celeborn accompanied them, but on that night, the silver haired
Lord was absent.

Galadriel gestured them all to seats. “Iarmen and I have
oft spoken of you three.”

Legolas started. What did the lady speak of and why would
Iarmen be included? She had discerned his bond with Syshae and given her
blessing, expressing much the same sentiments as Haldir. Legolas supposed
Iarmen felt similarly. Syshae was, after all, his prince, why why discuss the
matter with Galadriel?

“I have debated voicing my thoughts, for perhaps it is
meant to be discovered in its own time, by those concerned. The Lady has
convinced me not to remain silent. She is right. Much has changed over the
ages; much that was once known to the First Born is lost.” Iarmen smiled, a bit
grimly. “Perhaps that is my role—to restore sof tof that lost knowledge.

“Soon after the Dagor-nuin-Giliath, the Battle-under-Stars,
the first fea-healer appeared among us. Tindómë, she was named, for her dark
beauty much resembled the twilight before the rising of Anor.” Iarmen studied
Syshae for a moment. “I have known six fea-healers. All were possessed of this
same dark beauty and compelling allure, but none to such a degree as the
Nightstar.”

Syshae shifted uncomfortably, causing Legolas to chuckle
quietly. The Sindon was never at ease discussing his own looks or erotic
appeal. Haldir held the opinioat iat it was a result of his years of
mistreatment at Thranduil’s hands where he had been treated as nothing but an
object to satisfy the king’s lust. Legolas thought Haldir was probably right.
Still, it was amusing to see the normally composed warrior squirm like an elfling.

“Oft did I go to the gardens of Lórien before I returned
from Valinor, for I loved the peace I found there. Gentle dreams whispered to
me as I slept beneath the trees. Many of the Maia who took physical form dwelt
there, and I delighted in their beauty and grace. I learned to recognize also
those who remained non-corporeal, for the essence of each is subtly different.
When first I beheld Tindómë, it was like a muted echo of one of the Maia I had
known in that manner played in mnd. nd. It was the same, yet different—the
difference between a single star and Ithil.” Iarmen’s eyes rested on Syshae. “I
believe it was the same spirit. I believe Tindómë was a Maia. I believe all
fea-healers are Maia.”

Legolas saw—and, through their bond, felt—Syshae start.
The dark eyes widened and looked rapidly between Iarmen and Galadriel.

“I know not, my grandson.” Galadriel replied to his
unspoken question with a delicate shrug. “No other has drawn this same
conclusion, but none other had Iarmen’s close knowledge of many of the Maia who
took not foIt cIt could be that fea-healers are Maia—just as Mithrandir and the
other Istari—but I know not.”

“But, would I not know?” Syshae’s voice sounded strained.

With a gentle smile, Galadriel tilted her head to one
side, regarding her grandson affectionately. “The Istari kept knowledge of
their purpose, but not of all their existence. They were much altered when they
took form and their power was greatly limited. Who among the wise can say?
Perhaps Iarmen guesses aright, or pes nos not.”

Frustrated, Syshae shook his head. “I am First Born, and
that is much. I am not some mighty spirit wrought by Ilúvatar himself!”

“But Ilúvatar wrought also the First Born.” Iarmen chided
gently.

Syshae sighed heavily. “Aya! Only the Valar know the truth
of this.”

“Mayhap, one day, you shall ask of them the answer then,
my grandson.”

Legolas std Syd Syshae. His lover looked unsettled, almost
frightened. Well, Legolas reasoned, it would be a daunting concept to
confront—the idea that you might be the incarnation of a spirit created by the
hand of Ilúvatar himself .

“I spoke of Tindómë,” Iarmen continued. “She also bound
herself to two.” He looked meaningfully at Syshae, then Haldir, then Legolas.
“And they to each other.” Three sets of eyes snapped to the elder. He nodded.
“Ai. Three bonds. They were truly one soul.”

“But how…” Legolas’s voice sounded odd, even to his own
ears. It was confused, stunned, a ove overwhelmed—all the emotions that were flooding
through him. He swallowed hard and tried again. “Syshae’s gift bound us to him.
Haldir nor I have this gift. How could such a bond be formed? For if we bind
ourselves as others do, it shall not be the same, the bond shall not be so
complete or consuming.” Beside him, Haldir shifted restlessly. The guardian had
yet to speak a word. Legolas could sense that the same confusion filled him.

“I know not how this was done, but done it was.”

Galadriel’s voice was dreamy and remote, her eyes slightly
unfocused. They knew she spoke from a vision. “Look within yourself, my
grandson. For the Nightstar, much is possible.”

Syshae, Haldir,
and Legolas exchanged looks—each seeing the other two’s eyes filled with hope
and eager anticipation.

Galadriel stood and gestured to Iarmen. “We shall leave
you tnsidnsider this possibility.” Quietly, they vanished through a curtained
opening.

The three rose from their seats and stood silently for
several minutes, unsure what to say. At length, Legolas shifted his weight and
cleared his throat. “If this is truly possible, I would choose to do this. I
would be joined with you Haldir and be wholly part of you. But, if you do not
desire…” He could feel himself flushing and looked away. He loved Haldir no
less than Syshae and longed to share the same bond he had to Syshae with him,
to tie their fea together, but what if Haldir was unwilling? Suddenly, he felt
like an untried elfling—unsure and hesitant, wanting acceptance and fearful of
rejection.

A strong, rough hand lifted Legolas’s chin. “You truly
desire this? To bond this deeply with me also? To give me pieces of your fea
and receive pieces of mine in return?” Haldir’s silver eyes burned bright as
mithril in the sunlight.

“Yes.” Legolas could feel his blush deepen, but he refused
to look away from Haldir’s gaze. “No less than I wished that bond with Syshae.”
Maybe Haldir would deny him, but Legolas determined that he would not shy away
from stating his desire openly.

Haldir smiled and laughed, startling Legolas. He shook his
head, silver blonde hair rippling. “’Tis nigh unbelievable. Once I thought
Syshae beyond my reach. He is the Lady’s grandson, the Nightstar of peo people,
a gift from the Valar, a prince. Never did I imagine that his desire would turn
to me. Now, surely the Valar smile on me, for I find that I shall have not one
but two princes.”

Grinning slyly, Syshae moved behind Haldir and circled his
arms around the guardian. “Are you so sure that you shall have us? More likely
we shall have you, do you not agree, Legolas?”

“Ai.” The Mirkwood prince stepped forward, until the front
of his body brushed Haldir’s. He ran a hand up the guardian’s side until it
rested over his heart. “We shall have you indeed.”

 

Syshae turned left off the main path onto one nearly
invisible. Recognizing it, Haldir smiled. The glade that held Galadriel’s
mirror. The place his own bond with Syshae had been formed. Haldir gestured for Legolas to follow
Syshae. From the last stepping stone, Haldir set foot on the velvety moss
carpeting the glade. As before, the sweet spicy scent of niphredil and jasmine
perfumed the air, and the moonlight reflected off the mithril and pearl basin
of the mirror.

“Lirimaer, how is this to bee?” e?” Haldir inquired.

Inky black eyes regarded the marchwarden and Legolas. Syshae’s
voice was velvet rich, laced with hints of ancient mysteries. “I know not how
my gift shall form this bond between the two of you, only that it shall. As has
occurred before, it seems that knowledge is given me when it is needed. This
time, I know that you must be the focus. Sexual energy drives the bond,
therefore one must take the other. I shall join and create the bond, but you
must be the two most intimately involved.”

“I would have you take me, meleth-nin.”

Haldir shivered at Legolas’s words. Heat pooled in his
groin and he licked his lips. The words alone had him needy, his body
hardening. He gave a small nod and noticed how Legolas’s sapphire eyes
darkened. Aya! how he wanted this bond with the blonde prince. For centuries,
Legolas had shared their lives, but there was always the difference, the
distance that couldn’t be bridged. Soon, that would be gone and they would be
tied together until the end of Arda.

Strong, nimble fingers divested Haldir of his clothing,
tracing and worshipping every bit of revealed flesh.

“I marveled the first time that so much pleasure is to be
gained from submitting to you,” Legolas’s voice was husky with his own desire.
“And I marvel anew at this every time: your pride, your masterful mien, your
arrogance, your mastery of me, the ecstasy you bring me, the joy of being the
vehicle of your pleasure.”

“Your surrender is wondrous to behold, my prince. To see
you writhe beneath me as you are undone and lose control, as I render you needy
and begging.”

Haldir saw the shiver his words caused and knew the other
understood the meaning behind them. As Syshae had once told Legolas, it was
indeed most pleasurable to akenaken by a truly skilled hunter.

Slowly, Haldir undid the lacings of the blonde’s garments,
taking time to savor each shiver, each moan, each hitch in breathing that his
touch caused. By the time he had Legolas naked, the warrior was breathing in
rapid, shallow pants, his eyes were clouded with passion and sleepy-lidded, his
lips slightly parted. Haldir sank to his knees and touched the erection that
jutted proud and weeping from Legolas’s groin.

“Aya!” Legolas’s hips thrust forward, asking for more. His
hands tangled in Haldir’s silver-blonde hair, preventing the guardian from
moving away.

From long experience, Haldir knew exactly what aroused and
pleased Legolas the most. He used every bit of that knowledge to bring the
blonde to the edge of orgasm, over and over, only to back off and deny him the
release he sought. Haldir sensed Syshae stepping close behind Legolas, then
Legolas widened his stance and moaned in pleasure. Haldir knew Syshae had
penetrated himh hih his fingers and was preparing him. When Haldir judged that
Legolas was nearly ready, he gave the pleading blonde his release, drawing a
shattering orgasm from him that buckled his knees. Haldir caught him and laid
him gently on the mossy ground.

Haldir sensed Syshae behind him, but the raven haired
beauty kept enough distance between them that Haldir could concentrate solely
on Legolas. “Nin bain, meleth-nin, lirimaer,” Haldir crooned as he parted
Legolas’s strong thighs, lifting and bending the limbs until his knees nearly
brushed his chest.

Whimpering as desire rose in him again, Legolas raised his
hips as far as his constrained position allowed, offering himself to Haldir.
The guardian slicked himself with sandalwood-scented oil and carefully breached
the dark entrance to the willing body beneath him. Heat, tight velvet heat,
closed around him. He gritted his teeth with the strain of not allowing himself
to sheath himself to the hilt in one abrupt thrust. No, he would take his
pleasure slowly and savor his golden prince.

Beneath him, Legolas mewled and writhed, trying to
increase the pace and take Haldir deeper.

Haldir easily held him in place. “Nay, nin bain,” he
chided gently. “Submit to me, take your pleasure only from what I allow you.”

Legolas tossed his head from side to side wildly, his
golden hair flinging about like a stallion’s mane, but stilled his movements,
adjusting his rhythm to Haldir’s as the marchwarden began to thrust
unhurriedly, a steady movement that penetrated a fraction further each time.

Pleading sapphire eyes met gray ones, both clouded with
passion.

“Aya! nin bain, almost you undo me. You are sweet, a delicious
treat to be plundered.”

Provocativ Leg Legolas licked his lips, the tip of his
tongue caressing the rosy flesh. Haldir gasped at the sight, his nostrils
flaring as he drew breath deep into his lungs. Almost, his control snapped, but
he felt Syshae’s fingers probing at the entrance to his own body. Suddenly, he
remembered the bond. He moved one hand to stroke across Legolas’s chest,
admiring the firm musculature.

Syshae added a second finger to the one questing within
his body and Haldir groaned aloud from the pleasure of the sweet pain.

“Ahhhh, lirimaer…” Talented fingers thrust and scissored
in Haldir, teasing him, building his desire as, again and again, they swept
across the hidden sport within him that gave him the utmost pleasure. Haldir
leaned forward, lowering his torso so that Legolas’s own cock, hard once again
and weeping milky drops of his seed, ground between them, providing the golden
warrior much needed friction. Quickly, he found a rhythm that balanced the twsatisatisfaction of being inside Legolas while Syshae continued his ministrations.

Legolas, forced back mostly on his shoulders, placed both
hands on Haldir’s shoulders to steady himself as the guardian increased the
force of his movement. His eyes were impossibly wide, staring mesmerized at
Haldir. Small incoherent mewls fell from his lips.

Seeing Legolas’s complete abandon, Haldir felt himself
tighten and knew he would very soon reach his climax. Suddenly, Syshae’s
fingers were gone from him. Before he could protest the loss, Syshae was fully
buried in him with one long steady thrust. Power roared over him—not the gentle
frissons of power he often felt during their couplings, or the gradually
building maelstrom of emotion he had felt when they bonded. No, this was
Syshae’s power at its full, slamming into them and pouring through them in an
unrestrained torrent. All three cried aloud, bodies shaking.

Deep within him, Haldir felt something move. He knew what
it was—the bond to Legolas forming bef before, he felt pieces of his fea torn
asunder and felt their absence filled with pieces of Legolas. Incredibly, he
felt his bond to Syshae shift, then another wave of power rushed through him,
pushing him to orgasm. Thought and awareness were no longer possible. He simply
was—tossed on a whirling sea of feeling. He existed.

 

Wearily, Haldir opened his eyes. He lay in the glade,
cushioned by cool moss. Niphredil and jasmine scented the air, overcoming the
odor of spent passion. Pushing himself to one elbow, Haldir saw Legolas and
Syshae lying next to him, their slender bodies entwined. Their eyes were
closed, but this time it didn’t scare him. He knew it was an aftereffect of the
extreme emotion of bonding. Body and mind were exhausted, stripped of any
reserves. The healing reverie would leave them soon and they would awaken.

Tentatively, he explored inside himself, seeking the bond
with Legolas. He didn’t find it. Nor did he find his bond to Syshae. Instead he
found a new bond—one that included them both. Not two separate bonds, but one
that held all three of them. A hand brushed his and he opened his eyes to find
Syshae smiling lazily up at him, looking very much like a smug, sated feline.

He returned the smile. “Was this your plan or the gift’s
doing, lirimaer?”

“Mine,” Syshae admitted. “When I saw how the gift would
bind you to Legolas, I saw also how to alter it so that the two bonds within
each of us merged.”

“Was that why you used so much power?”

“Ai, it required a full half of my power.”

Half? Haldir took a moment to digest that bit of information.
Valar! how strong was Syshae’s gift and what else was he capable of? Did even
he know? Haldir doubted that he did. There were no secrets between them,
besides, as Syshae had pointed out, knowledge seemed to be revealed to him when
he needed it.

Another touch drew his attention to Legolas. The
golden-haired warrior gazed at him in awe. Haldir felt the brush of Legolas’s
fea against the bond, like the brush of a giant golden-furred cat. He lay down,
moving back until he rested within the circle of Legolas’s strong arms. Syshae
curled against him, his raven tresses covering all three with a silken blanket.

The bonds were fully open, holding nothing back. For
hours, as Ithil rose and rode the starry sky, they lay together—silent,
unmoving, exploring and savoring their joining, reveling that never had any
been bound so closely as they were. Truly, they were one, yet each was all
three.

For the Nightstar, much was possible

#

Fourth Age 1157

“You do not look
back, lirimaer. Not when we departed Lorien and not now, at the last.”

“Nay, Haldir. My memories shall suffice. I desire not to
add grief to them. I have been saying good-bye to this land for long years.”

Sighing, Haldir turned and looked behind them. A gentle
slope, covered with rich green grass, led up from the quay upon which they
stood. A light breeze blew down it, carrying the scent of earth and growing
things, still warm from the day. Middle-Earth. Never again would he look upon
it. Never again would he tread the paths of Lorien, or watch the Wood turn to
gold, or smell the spicy sweet aroma of niphredil. Over a thousand times had
the leaves turned in Lorien since the passing of King Elessar and Arwen.
Yesterday, it seemed to the elf, though to men it was different.

Few were those who still believed in the elves, deeming
the history of Middle Earth and the wars against Morgoth and Sauron fanciful
tales to be told to children at bedtime. Ineffable sadness swept through him.
He wept inwardly at the thought of leaving Middle-Earth in the care of the Atani—the
Children of the Sun, the Night Fearers. None among them loved Arda as did the
elves. What legacy would they leave? Elessar’s line still bred strong, but they
were mere shadows of the Dúnedain. He sighed again and turned back to the two
elves who waited with him.

Syshae still stared to sea as he had since they reached
the Havens. Legolas stood beside him, his blonde hair turned to molten gold by
the setting sun’s rays. The dark beauty of Syshae was like a canvas waiting to
be filled by the glittering light of Varda’s stars, while Legolas rivaled
Anor’s golden splendor. His loves.

“It is time,” Syshae announced.

Looking to sea, Haldir saw a gray ship approaching, a mere
shadow on the water.

“It is time for me to return home.”

Puzzled, both Haldir and Legolas looked at Syshae. He
returned their regard calmly.

“Another revelation?” Legolas inquired. Syshae once said
that he seemed to know things when he needed to, as if a part of his mind that
had been hidden was revealed. The centuries had proved him right.

Syshae nodded. “Iarmen spoke true. Maia I am. Long ages
did I dwell in the gardens of Lórien, lord of dreams, until, at his behest, I
forsook all knowledge of self and came to Middle Earth.”

Haldir was momentarily stunned. Yes, fey healers were
gifts from the Valar, sent to Middle Earth to aid the First Born, and Iarmen
had spoken of his belief that they were actually Maia—spirits that descended
into Arda in its beginning—but to have that confirmed, to realize that he was
bound to one of the Ainur who sung in the Ainulindë at the feet of Ilúvatar…

Though the Maia were of lesser stature than the Valar, it
was still a stunning concept to embrace.

Legolas seemed not to be similarly affected. He cocked his
head to one side and smiled, then reached out and stroked a hand down Syshae’s
cheek. “Shall you leave us then, when we reach Valinor? Shall you forsake this
form and return to the garden of dreams? Is the bond between myself and Haldir
allowed that we might have each other and so not fade from grief at losing
you?”

An icy shiver of fear lanced through Haldir at Legolas’s
words. No. He couldn’t lose either of them. They were too tightly bound, their
souls truly one. It would not be possible to extricate one of them.

Syshae shook his head, making his unbound hair ripple.
“Nay, nin bain. The choice, once made, cannot be unmade. In this form shall I
remain until Arda reaches its destined end. Then shall I return to the Timeless
Halls of Ilúvatar—and you with me, for we are bound.”

Senses reeling, Haldir stared at Syshae. The Timeless
Halls? They were beyond the confines of Arda. Of a certainty, Syshae, being
Maia and therefore a spirit, could exist there in the void, but he and Legolas
were of Middle Earth. They were no spirits, living without corporeal form.

“You were not born
such,” Syshae stated as if reading Haldir’s thoughts. “But when you bound
yourself to me, you also took part of my essence.” Syshae smiled mischievously.
“For the Nightstar, much is possible.”

For the Nightstar, much is possible. The Lady Galadriel’s
words. Haldir found himself returning Syshae’s smile. Suddenly, the terrible
grief of leaving Middle Earth lessened somewhat.

Throwing his head back, Legolas laughed, a joyous sound.
“Aya! ’Tis a wonder.” Syshae joined in his laughter. Haldir shook his head, regarding them affectionately. His
princes.

The gray ship had reached the quay as they spoke. Still
smiling, Legolas stepped aboard. Haldir hesitated, then turned to Syshae. “You
are certain?”

Syshae nodded. “Ai, ’tis time. None are left to need my
gift. The First Born have departed these shores. For better or worse, the care
of Middle Earth has passed to the Atani. We sail into the west—to Aman, to
Valinor, to Lórien, the garden of dreams.”

Haldir stepped aboard and Syshae followed him, never
glancing back. It seemed to Legolas, who gazed shoreward, that a gray mist fell
over Middle Earth as Syshae’s feet left the quay. Never again would the Eldar
return. They and all their deeds would fade in the minds of man to become myth
and legend. Resolutely, he turned and joined Haldir and Syshae at the prow,
facing west. He slid an arm around each of them. His eternal loves.

 

finis

 

*coronar - literally 'sun-round', a name given by the Elves
to a single year

*gwador – cousin

*Iarmen – name means ‘old way’, one who follows the old
ways

*lirimaer - lovely one

*mae govannon – well met

*pen-neth - young one

*nin bain - my beautiful one

*meleth-nin - my love

*Mithaelin – name means ‘grey lake’, reflecting beauty
muted by sadness

*saes - please