Love Within Sight

VI

Elladan met each ship that ventured across the water to bring the elves home, even though his heart told him that Legolas was aboard none of them. In vain hope he waited until there were no more to come ashore before he returned to his home. Elrohir accompanied each journey back and forth, able to cheer his brother less and less with each mooring.

“He will come,” was all Elladan would say each time and Elrohir would nod. It was a sacred promise that nothing could sever.

At the beginning of each day Elladan emerged from the shadows of his bedroom to stand and look out over the sea, then he would turn and walk along the path that led to the dock. Once there he sat and absently ate the fruit that Elrohir insisted he have. Rising as the chimes rang out he set about his tasks, appearing to all as he always had, dutiful and responsive to the needs of those around him. Only Elrohir saw the dwindling spirit beneath. He carried out his duties, but no more than that, alone he would read or stand on the headland looking back over the water.

When the last ship came and Elladan gave no indication that Legolas was aboard, Elrohir’s fear multiplied, the lustre in Elladan’s eyes dulled further. He made the pilgrimage to the dock to watch those who had lingered longest finally reach their home at last.

The child was striking. If an elfling could have sprung from both Legolas and his brother Elrohir thought as the little one made his way down from the ship, he was it. Raven black hair hung at shoulder length and sapphire blue eyes searched the assembled throng. Elladan watched, unable to pull his gaze away once it found his. The little one walked determinedly to Elladan, looking up to him with a smile and placing his small hand into the larger one.

“He came to us as we were about to sail, no word from him the entire voyage,” a voice behind Elrohir explained, “none claimed him as theirs or could recall him, and he was disinclined to tell from whence he came. He is Elladan’s then?”

Elrohir shook his head. “No, he is not,” he replied as Elladan’s attention was held by the elfling. His brother looked to him unable to explain as the child tugged on his hand leading Elladan from the wharf. As they passed, the little one cocked his head to Elrohir, regarding him carefully, then smiled with the brightness of the sun above.


The elfling that none claimed and who was reticent to tell who would come for him walked with Elladan along the cliff ledge, his hand in Elladan’s. He had named himself Amdir but spoke little else and would not be parted from Elladan. Elrohir hovered close, unseen by them both, despite the strangeness of the child, he could not deny the effect he was having on his brother. Elladan was content with the arrangement, his eyes more often smiled and though he still did not seek the company of others, he was more welcoming of it. It pleased Elrohir to see his brother happier, the dread he had held for Elladan abated somewhat, but he only had to think on his own heart should his betrothed not be a constant at his side for him to still fear for Elladan’s safety.

They stopped as Elrohir had mused and the young one had held up his arms to Elladan. Elladan bent down wrapped his own arms around him and picked him up. Amdir lay his head on Elladan’s shoulder, turning to peer at Elrohir. There was no rebuke for Elrohir’s stealth, only a smile and a nod of recognition and reassurance. With that Elrohir left them to their walk, returning to the home he shared with the one who had sailed with his grandfather. Haldir leaned against the door as Elrohir approached, holding out his arms to him, smiling only when he saw the faint smile on his lover’s lips. Gratefully Elrohir embraced his love, Haldir kissed the dark hair, and asked after his brother to be.

Elrohir nodded that Elladan was fairing better, counting himself fortunate to have the support of his betrothed. When he had proposed they wait for their ultimate commitment to each other until Legolas stepped onto the shores of Valinor, Elrohir had expected to be rebuked, and he would not have held it against the Lorien elf. Instead Haldir had heartily agreed, conscious of the love Elladan had offered his brother during the years of separation, indeed it had been Elladan himself who had resisted the notion adamantly but had finally acquiesced .

It was almost dark when Elrohir spied a silhouette return. He continued to watch as the lights were lit and Elladan put the little one down to prepare a bath. Relieved, he turned to his own preparations for the night.

Bathed and fed, Elladan placed the sleepy child into the bed, kissing his brow and smoothing back his hair before extinguishing the candles and wishing his charge sweet dreams. Elladan stood at the windows and watched the sea.

The firmament burnt in the velvet sky, Elladan nursed a goblet of barely drunk wine in his hands.

“He loves you,” a voice so very unchildlike spoke behind him. Startled Elladan turned. The elfling glowed in the silver light as he walked to Elladan.

“I know,” Elladan whispered as he knelt to cradle the child in his arms, “I know.” He closed his eyes as he rocked the elfling. “I miss him so.”

“He cannot leave yet, he is still obligated to the king. He misses you greatly also.”

Small arms circled Elladan’s neck as he wept silently.

They remained thus until Elladan took a shuddering breath and with a tiny hand in his allowed himself to be led to his bedroom. There he climbed into bed, swiftly falling asleep as Amdir swept a hand over him. Ribbons of gold stretched along Elladan’s body as the elfling leaned forward to kiss Elladan’s brow and brush his dark hair from his face.

“Dream well, Elladan,” he whispered, leaving the elf to his rest with a gentle smile.

Elladan blinked into the brilliant sunlight, surrounded by huge trees that seemed to touch the sky, the scent of lavender hung in the air while a gentle breeze ruffled his hair. Cautiously he walked across the meadow of tiny yellow flowers, stopping when he heard a rustle to his side. With the primed response of a warrior, his hand went to his waist to retrieve his sword. No such weapon existed for him. The figure emerged from the brilliant light, Elladan tensing.

“How?” Elladan asked incredulous as Legolas embraced him.

“I do not know,” Legolas replied, “but do not question it.”

Elladan shook his head. Legolas seemed so real that he ached from the knowledge of it. “I do not.”

They stood in each other’s arms. “It is more than a dream,” Legolas breathed as his mouth found Elladan’s lips in a searing kiss, “more than a dream.”

“More than a dream,” Elladan repeated as they lowered each other to the ground. Both murmured softly at the touch of flesh upon flesh as legs and arms were entwined and tongues danced over each other.

“So long,” Elladan breathed, “without you.”

Remorse clouded Legolas’ face, but Elladan would have none of it as he kissed him anew. “It has always been our duty first.” He would have none of the time they had been so preciously granted wasted in condemnation. “Love me,” he whispered. Too long had he felt only his own hand, and wished it another.

“Willingly,” Legolas replied, he too eager for the feel of Elladan close to him.

As they came together their bodies glowed gold in the dappled sunlight, Legolas effortlessly entering his lover, Elladan gripping his warrior love tight with long limbs wrapped around his waist. Repeatedly they merged as one, all forgotten in the awe of their joining and love. Elladan moaned huskily in response to the piercing of his body, Legolas replied with pleasured groans of his own until they drove each other to climax. As they lay still wrapped in each other, the beating of their hearts slowed and a sleep descended on them, much as they tried to fight against it. Soon the wind whispered to them, soon you will hold each other once more. Soon.

The elfling hovered with a cup of warm tea and honeyed bread as Elladan woke, setting it down on the table close to the bed. He smiled as Elladan looked to him, nestled next to him as he held out his hand.

“Do you dream well?” Elladan asked.

The little one nodded.

“So did I,” Elladan beamed as Amdir grinned unnoticed.