Soulbound

"Is there really no other male Elven couple in Middle Earth that has been bound?" Aragorn tilted his head.

"Actually, I do not know. Galadriel might know."

"I wonder why no one has really objected your relationship,W Gimli mused. "I mean, male and male are not supposed to be together if you look closer at it."

"I know, Gimli. I had to answer that question a hundred times why I wanted to bind myself to a male Elf instead of taking him as a lover and bind myself to Linaewen, my first and only female lover."

"Well?"

"Because Haldir and I were made for each other. Chosen by the Valar to be together. I very often asked myself if it was wise of us to walk that path. But Galadriel's Mirror silenced all doubts for it showed us the intentions of the Valar."

"It should not matter, Gimli," Aragorn added. "They loved each other. They still do. And love is definitely not a question of sex."

"I do not question that, Aragorn. I saw them two together in the Golden Woods. And I do not know any finer couple. Even not you and the Lady Arwen, I am sorry."

Legolas had to smile at the Dwarf he grew so fond over the passed months. Every time he looked at the bearded and shriveled face of Gimli, he was reminded of Haldir's dislike for the Dwarves. And thinking of his dislike for the Dwarves, he was reminded of things Haldir liked.

~o0o~

Legolas woke to a burning sensation. He couldn't locate it precisely for it washed over him like the waters of the Forest River at home. Hands have claimed his body, mapping huscluscles, pressing him against another body. Lips were tracing the curve of his ear. Breath kept fanning over the sensitive tip into the hollow of the shell. Teeth were napping at his ear lobe, and a new wave of desire flooded through Legolas. "Haldir," he sighed hoarsely.

"I am sorry, vanimaer that it took me so long to follow you," he whispered never ceasing to caress the lithe body before his.

"Doesn't matter... You're here now..."

Legolas turned within the embrace to face his lover. "I love you, Haldir."

"I love you, too."

Haldir's hands travelled over Legolas' back, caressing every inch of skin he found. Legolas captured his mouth in a passionate kiss. His hands glid down to Haldir's tight buttocks to squeeze them tenderly, dipping his fingers into the cleft. Tentatively at first, but as Haldir was mimicking his caress in a more fierce manner he felt encouraged.

"Be gentle with me, meleth-nín," Legolas asked. "I have never been with a male before..."

"I know, lirimaer. You have told me before. I promise I will be as gentle as possible." To prove his point he bent Legolas neck to lick the delicate skin. "I can't resist you, Legolas," he moaned into his skin, biting down softly.

"Gods, Haldir!" Legolas' body bucked towards Haldir grinding their erections together. "What are you doing to me?"

"Pleasuring you. I hope," he laughed softly.

Legolas flipped him onto his back, straddling his hips. Slowly he dropped his head to feast at Haldir's perfect chest. Finding one of his sensitive nipples, Legolas started to suck and bite them tenderly. At the same time, he began to move his hips against Haldir's, feeling the elder Elf bucking and writhing beneath him, hearing him moaning out his name. He kissed his way down his abdomen to linger around his navel. He slid further down until he fully laid between Haldir's thighs. He marvelled at Haldir's hard shaft daring to taste it lavishly. Encouraged by the soft cries and moans escaping Haldir, Legolas swallowed Haldir's cock. The Elf thrusted unconsciously upwards groaning deeply. "Legolas... Stop... I'm not going to last..." Haldir moaned when he felt the vibrations through Legolas' laughter. "Please..."

But Legolas didn't stop to lick and tease and suck Haldir until his lover thrusted up one last time, crying out his name when he came deep in Legolas' throat.

Legolas licked Haldir clean before he crept up Haldir's body again. He kissed Haldir hungryly, sucking at his lips and tongue like he had sucked his cock before.

"It's been long since I tasted myself on the lips of another..." Haldir whispered. "But now I want to taste you." He flipped Legolas to his back. "I want to taste everything that is you..."

Legolas closed his eyes as Haldir began to explore his body, taking his time to discover sensitive spots even Legolas' didn't know existed. He squirmed beneath the gentle touch, only to be rewarded with another one. Coherency had long left his mind. He was only capable of feeling. Of giving in to the sensation of Haldir's lips and hands and skin. Of reaching out with his own hands to feel his lover.

He gasped as one finger traveled past his pelvis, diving down to finger the tight entrance to Legolas' body. He instinctively tensed when the finger probed to seek entrance.

"Relax, lirimaer. I do not want to cause you discomfort. You have to relax," Haldir was whispering into his ear.

Legolas swallowed, willing his body to relax. He felt the probing finger entering his body carefully. He reflexively clenched his muscles to block the intrusion. Instantly, the finger stopped moving until Legolas relaxed again. He could feel the finger changing its angle, aiming for something deep inside him. When it found what it was searching for Legolas cried out in sheer pleasure, arching and bucking against the finger. The finger eagerly complied brushing against the sweet spot over and over again. Soon the hot and wet mouth of Haldir over Legolas hardened length added to the burning sensation building within his body.

"Take me... Take me now," Legolas pleaded helplessly beneath Haldir's ministrations.

"Not yet, meleth-nín. You are not ready yet. I do not want to hurt you."

"You will not hurt me, melethron-nín. I want you."

"At least, let me prepare you properly," Haldir asked, his voice laden with desire and unfulfilled want.

He got up and went to the guest room, only to return some moments later, carrying a small phial. He knelt between Legolas legs, pushing them up and apart. He poured some of the phial's content into his hands, coating his own cock with the liquid. He added a few drops to Legolas' tight entrance before Legolas felt the finger entering him again. When he relaxed Haldir added a second finger, stretching him further.

"Damn it, Haldir," Legolas growled. "I want you now! Do not make me wait any longer!" He reached for Haldir's cock and placed its head on his entrance. "Please..."

Haldir sighed. Legolas knew Haldir wouldn't deny him anymore. He closed his eyes, feeling Haldir's cock pushing against and beyond his guard until he was fully sheathed within Legolas' tight passage. He felt Haldir's mouth next to his ear. "Are you all right, vanimaer?"

"Yes, I am, meleth-nín," he reassured him. "Please... Don't stop. I need you..." He gasped as Haldir moved inside him.

"Like this?" he could almost hear the smirk in Haldir's voice as he elicited another unconscious moan from his lover.

Legolas pulled Haldir close to kiss him. He did not want to talk. He only wanted to feel. To taste. To experience. He had never thought that this pleasure Haldir was ripping from his body and mind was actually possible. That it would continue to build and spiral to new heights when Haldir brushed against the spot deep inside of Legolas.

"Legolas..."

"Let go, love. Feel me... Take me..."

Haldir groaned, the whispered words driving him closer to the edge of release. He reached for Legolas' erection, matching his strokes with his thrusts. Legolas bucked into Haldir's hand, coming with his name on his lips. His clenching muscles sent Haldir over the edge as well, and he all but screamed his release into Legolas' mouth. Exhausted, he collapsed on top of Legolas, panting heavily. Legolas dropped a kiss on Haldir's temple, holding his beloved close.

~o0o~

Coming to his senses again, Haldir slipped out of Legolas. He dropped to his side, pulling Legolas into a tight embrace. He couldn't help but smile into Legolas skin when he saw the bite mark on Legolas neck.

"I have marked you," he said playfully.

"You didn't have to," Legolas answered. "I am yours."

"I do know that. What about everyone else?"

"I think there isn't anyone that does not know by now." He laughed. "I think I ensured that."

He felt a wet tongue tracing the curve of his neck. Legolas closed his eyes, tilting his head to grant Haldir better access. "That feels so good," he groaned deep in his throat.

"I just love how responsive you are. But don't you think you have enough for this night?"

"I didn't start this again," he said playfully. "I don't mind, though."

"I hope so!" Haldir sounded offended, so Legolas turned his head, but he found the Elf smirking.

"You are making fun of me!" he accused Haldir.

"I would never make fun of you, lirimaer," he replied seriously. "At least, not in matters of the heart."

~o0o~

"Legolas?" Aragorn shook the lithe body. "Legolas, are you still with us?"

Legolas eyes focused again and he smiled at the worried face of the ranger. "Ai, Aragorn, I am still with you. Why?"

"You looked distant..."

The ranger still was worried about the well-being of Legolas. The Elf looked pale and the glow that emanated from his skin already began to fade. They were losing Legolas. The question was when the Elf would give in to the grief.

"I was just thinking of Haldir..." Suddenly, a sob traveled through the Elf. Neither Aragorn nor Gimli hesitated to place a comforting arm around Legolas. The Elf finally let go and allowed himself to cry for the loss of his soulbond. He shook violently in the arms of his friends, not longer being able to keep the demons at bay that were haunting his thoughts. He couldn't forget the dead eyes of his love as his brothers Rumil and Orophin carried him off the battle field. Carried Haldir away from him. He wanted to accompany them back to Lothlórien, but they declined his request. He was needed in battle. Haldir wouldn't have wanted Legolas to neglect his duties to the Fellowship because of him. "I left him," Legolas sobbed softly. "I left him alone. I failed him."

"Nay, Legolas, don't say such a thing. You know it isn't true and grief is speaking now instead of reason."

"Reason?" Legolas eyes flashed with anger. "There is no reason behind this madness! This should have ended three thousand years ago! But evil was allowed to endure! It is because of men that Haldir is dead! It is your fault!"

Aragorn was dumbfounded. He knew that Legolas was a high-tempered Elf and lashed out from time to time. But this... Though the man knew it was born out of grief it hurt.

Legolas struggled free from his friends and went to sit on a erratic block. He didn't look back at them, but he heard Gimli's muttered words.

"Let him be for now, Aragorn. He does not know what he is saying."

"I know, Gimli, I know. Still..." Legolas heard the man taking a deep breath. "I don't know what to do. I fear for him. We are losing him fast. His eternal flame has already begun to fade."

Has it? Legolas looked at his fingers. Yes, it has begun. The faint glow was fading. Soon he would begin to feel the cold. If he was honest he already felt it. His Elven senses would also start to fade, his stamina to drain. One day he would simply... stop.

He flinched when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He hadn't heard Aragorn approaching him. "I... I am sorry."

"Ú-moe edhored, Legolas. You spoke but the truth. Helm's Deep wouldn't have happened if the Ring had been destroyed. You have every right to be angry."

"The right to be angry doesn't give me the right to be cruel." He covered Aragorn's hand with his. "I miss him so much."

"You are bound to him, Legolas. I do not know much about the Elvish soulbond. Elrond always refused to tell me. Especially after he learned that I desire Arwen's hand in marriage."

"It is understandable."

"Why? Why wouldn't he tell me?"

"Because she will give her immortality for this soulbond. You are mankind. Though you have Elven blood within your veins... You cannot do the binding. Arwen will have to do that. And thus, giving up immortality."

"I do not understand this."

Legolas smiled. "I know. As does Arwen."

"Legolas, would you please start making sense?"

"I do not know if I shall tell you, Aragorn. I do not want to estrange you and Arwen."

"What are you talking about, Legolas?"

Legolas sighed. There was no way he wouldn't tell Aragorn of this. "I will tell you about the binding of Haldir and myself. You then will understand what I mean."

~o0o~

Legolas felt warm when he awoke. Warm. Save. Loved. Two strong arms were wrapped around his body, holding him close to a satiny chest. Haldir's scent tingled in his nose and he smiled into the crook of his beloved's neck.

"I see you have finally woken lirimaer?" Haldir tucked some stray tresses of Legolas' hair behind his ear. "Have you slept well?"

"Never better," Legolas answered sleepily. "How long have you been awake?"

"Some time. I am not used to sleeping into the day."

"You could have gotten up," Legolas suggested.

"And leaving you alone? Nay, Legolas, I couldn't do that. Not again. Not ever again." He pressed a soft kiss to Legolas forehead. "So... What are we going to do now?"

Legolas snuggled closer to Haldir, eliciting a smile from the elder Elf. "I could stay in bed with you the whole day," he sighed blissfully. "But I suppose my father will be here soon."

"He has already been here."

"Why didn't you wake me?" Legolas asked a bit impatiently.

"Because he didn't want to wake you. He came to ask me where we are going to live once we are bound."

Legolas thought about that for a moment. It was an important question. Haldir most likely couldn't leave the Golden Wood for he was the March Warden of Lothlórien. And he, Legolas, had duties in Greenwood, though he was not the crown prince. "What did you answer?"

"That we haven't discussed this yet. And that I do not want to answer that question on my own." He kissed Legolas undemanding, yet possessive. "What do you think about it?"

"I do not think that father will let me go. Neither will the Lady and the Lord let you leave the Golden Wood forever. That does not leave many options, does it?"

"I don't think I like the thought of being separated from my soulbond for too long. I do not like that at all."

"Perhaps we can stay at both realms. A few seasons here, another few there."

Legolas looked at his beloved. His eyes shone with the light of the stars as he smiled.

"There is another option, vanimaer."

"And that is?"

"Let us sail for Valinor. Let us leave all the troubles behind and find peace in the Undying Lands. How does that sound?"

It sounded perfect. But Legolas knew that he couldn't sail for Valinor just yet. It didn't feel right. "I will go with you into the West. But not yet. There would be too much left undone here for me."

Haldir brushed another stray strand out of Legolas' face. "Well then. Where will we live? What do you want?"

Before Legolas could answer the question someone knocked on the door. "Come!" Legolas said aloud.

It were Elladan and Elrohir.

"Are you still in bed?" Elrohir asked disbelieving. "What about getting up and joining us in the stables?"

"Sounds fine to me," Haldir replied. "What about you, Legolas?"

"All right."

"Meet us at the stables when you got dressed and broke your fast, then?" Elladan offered.

"We will be there," Legolas answered. "If you'll excuse us," he hinted with a smirk.

A wide grin spread over the faces of the twins before they left the couple alone again.

Legolas stretched and got out of the bed. He heard Haldir getting up while he got dressed. He couldn't resist the temptation and pulled his naked lover into a tight embrace. Haldir smiled and snaked his arms around Legolas' narrow waist. "You are a walking temptation, Legolas. You know that, don't you?"

Legolas hed hed and silenced Haldir with a quick kiss. Gently he fingered the stray silver locks and smiled. "You better get dressed, meleth-nín, for I do not know how long I can resist your temptation."

Haldir smirked and walked to the guest-room to get dressed.

~o0o~

The twins were already waiting foe twe two Elves. They had saddled their horses and waited for Haldir and Legolas to do so, too.

"Finally you managed to get your hands off each other," Elladan smirked. "Took you quite a while."

"You are quite quick with your assumptions, my dear twin," Haldir retorted wryly before he pulled Legolas near for a tender kiss. Then they turned to go into the stable and saddle their horses as well. Legolas' black beauty snorted softly when she spotted her master. "Ai, she has missed me, my lovely one."

He fed an apple to her soft muzzle before he began to saddle and bridle her.

"I remember you offering me to show me how to ride," Haldir teased his lover

. "Did I?" Legolas retorted in an innocent voice, trying to bite back a smile.

"Yes, you did," the elder Elf insisted. "When you said that to me I hoped for the first time that you might feel the same fe ase as I do for you."

"I didn't realise it, then. It took Linaewen to admit it to myself." He squeezed Haldir's shoulder gently. "But let us not speak of things that are bygone. Now and here, that is what is important. - Come, before the twins come looking for us!" he added jesting.

He led his horse out of the stable and mounted her.

"Let's go," Elrohir exclaimed before Elladan and he took the lead.

~o0o~

Legolas gaped openly at the beauty that opened up before him with every covered league. Rivendell differed so much from his home. Nothing in Greenwood the Great held this ethereal beauty, this eternal glow of light. Though he felt like betraying his father's realm, he envied his brother for he would stay in Imladris for the next seasons.

By high noon, the twins had led Haldir and Legolas to a glade surrounded by pines and birches. A huge waterfall cascaded into a deep pool at the bo. Th. The floor was covered by moss and little red flowers. Bees were humming in the warm sunlight and nothing seemed amiss.

"Hungry?" Elladan asked, throwing everyone an apple before he fell into the soft mattress of moss next to the pool. "This is heaven," he sighed contentedly.

"Don't you fear anything, Elladan?" Legolas asked mocking.

"Shall I fear anything, Legolas? There hasn't been any attack since Sauron was defeated. Why shall I fear now?"

"Because Sauron was not entirely defeated," Haldir said quietly. "Granted, Isildur cut the Ring off Sauron's hand. Granted, the Ring got lost as it betrayed Isildur to his death. But Sauron was not destroyed. Only laid to rest. No one can forebode the day he returns and unleashes his horrors upon Arda again."

"You are an old storm crow, Haldir," Elrohir complained. "Why shall Sauron come back?"

Haldir chuckled softly at Elrohir's innocent and naive remark. "Because he wills to dominate all life. I have seen evil return twice to this world. I will only believe that peace is eternal when I have settled in Valinor."

"Then, you will sail into the West?" Elladan changed the subject.

"Not yet," Legolas answered. "In fact, we have not yet decided what we will do when we are bound. But why do we have to talk about things that have not yet come to pass? No one knows exactly what future holds. Therefore, I do not want to think about it now," Legolas pouted.

"You are utterly and completely cute, my Princeling, when you are like this!" Haldir laughed before he pulled Legolas into his arms.

"I am not!" Legolas complained. "I am no maiden!"

"Ai, I can tell that," Haldir teased before he nuzzled Legolas' neck.

The twins rolled their eyes in unison. "I only hope I won't behave like that when I finally find my soul mate," Elladan voiced hopefully.

But Haldir and Legolas only chuckled softly at that remark.

~o0o~

Midwinter finally came. When Legolas woke Haldir was gone. Somewhat disappointed, he snuggled back into the sheets, deeply inhaling Haldir's scent. He knew he wouldn't see his beloved until nightfall when they would eat together before the binding. Though he knew what awaited him, he felt nervous. There were more then a few things that could go wrong during the binding ritual. Not only for him and his beloved, but also for the soul supporters that would protect his body whilst his soul merged with Haldir's.

Legolas shook his head in denial. He would not think of things that could go amiss. He swung his legs out of bed to get up. Before Linaewen could knock on the door he bade her to enter for he had sensed her presence. "How did you know it was me?" she asked in wonder.

"I sensed you. Do not fear. I only can distinct a few Elves very close to me like you and Haldir and father."

"Yes, for now. But I dare say that you will be able to sense every living being given a few years time."

He smiled. Without inhibitions he got out of bed. "Shall we begin?"

"Are you sure you want me in that position, Legolas? I mean..."

Before she could speak any further Legolas put a finger over her lips. "Yes, Linni, I am. You are my closest and dearest friend. No one knows me better than you. And after that night only Haldir will know me better. I want you at my side and prepare me for the binding. And I want you to support me. Will you?"

Linaewen looked at Legolas in awe. Being asked to be a soul supporter was a great honour and a great responsibility. "Yes, Legolas," she answered honestly. "I will support you."

"Thank you, Linni. I cannot express how much that means to me."

"Who do you want as your other supporters?"

"I will ask Glorfindel as my second. And... I hope that Ada will support me as well."

"Your relationship with your father has changed a lot since you have been falling in love with Haldir."

"Yes, and I am very thankful for it. Mayhap I can do something for Ada and my eldest siblings as well."

"Yes. Mayhap." She smiled at him. "Let us begin."

He nodded. He slipped into lose robes and then followed Linaewen to her chambers where she would prepare him for the binding. There were no words needed when she led him into the extensive bathroom next to her sleeping chambers. The servants had already prepared the water for Legolas' cleansing. Linaewen added fragranced oil and elanor petals to the water before she helped Legolas out of his robes and into the water.

Softly she began to sing the words of cleansing. Legolas could only follow half of the words for he still was not fluent in Quenya. But he didn't have tdersderstand the words for their meaning sank into his skin and soul and mind. It felt like the incantation purified him, leaving him like as he had been the day his mother had given birth to him. He relaxed into Linaewen's soft hands, feeling contented and well-poised. After the ritual cleansing, she rubbed a balm into his still wet skin, leaving it soft as silk. She then left him to meditate, but returned within the hour with a tray of fresh fruit.

"I am nervous, Linni," he spoke for the first time since they had left his chambers. "What if something goes wrong?"

"Do not think about such things, Legolas. You will be fine. You will both be fine."

He sighed. "I still do not understand why he chose me above all others. We could have been lovers for some time."

Linaewen laughed softly. "That is what I have told you when you admitted your little vow to me. You could have been lovers, yes. But the Valar alone know why you are meant to be bound to each other. Mayhap you were made for each other. You will never know for sure."

"I only know for sure that I love him. With all my heart and soul. And that I will defend this until I draw my last breath."

She smiled and took his hand. "I know, Legolas. And I am happy for you."

"Have you ever thought of binding yourself?"

"No. I do not think I am meant for the soulbond. And I do not know if I will return to your father's realm."

"Why?"

"Because I feel that my time there has ended. It is time for me to move on. Perhaps I will stay here in Rivendell if I am allowed to remain here. I would like to learn more about healing and Elven magic. Somehow, I feel that my destiny lies there."

"You would be an excellent healer, Linni. I can feel it." He gathered her into his arms. "I will miss you, Linni. I will miss our conversations. The nights we spent together, just watching the stars."

"I will miss you, too," she said, her sadness shown clearly in her voice.

"Don't be sad, Linni. You will always hold a piece of my heart. And I will come back to Rivendell."

"Have you yet decided where you will live with Haldir?"

"We will stay in Lothlórien for some time. Haldir is not expandable, I am. Father does not like the idea of giving both his sons away, though. But he does understand it."

"Will you join the Galadhrim?"

"Eventually. Though Haldir will be my mate, he still is my tutor and mentor," Legolas smirked. "He has a job to do!"

~o0o~

Legolas lost track of time while he talked to Linaewen. And only when Haldir came to join him in the ritual meal he noticed that night was about to fall.

"Are you ready, my beloved?" Haldir asked in a low and loving voice.

"As ready as I can be," Legolas answered truthfully before he melted into Haldir's embrace.

"Then come."

Legolas kissed Linaewen on the tip of her nose before he followed Haldir to the garden. He was led to a glade where the ritual meal had been prepared. They were supposed to spend the time in quiet meditation but Legolas couldn't help himself. "I love you, Haldir. Never doubt that."

"I won't, Legolas. We are giving our souls to each other. There won't be any doubts or secrets between us. Never again, meleth-nín. Never again."

Legolas smiled, reassured. And once again he knew he had made the right decision to pursue Haldir. To make him his own. And after that night he would be his for eternity.

~o0o~

The two lovers parted at the staircase to the manor. Haldir would go to his confidant, Legolas would return to Linaewen to get dressed for the ceremony. His insides tin wit with anticipation and anxiety when he returned to Linaewen's chambers. She already had prepared everything for him. The moss-green leggings. The brown boots trimmed with leaves of mithril. The pine-green velvet tunic embroidered with ornaments in the colours of Haldir's family. The heavy velvet cloak skirted with the colours of Legolas' heritage.

"You look like a Prince, Legolas. No one shall ever doubt your royal blood line."

"Don't say such a thing, Linni. Amongst the Galadhrim, I won't be a Prince of Greenwood the Great. I will be Haldir's bond at best. But I will neither use my blood nor my state nor my heritage to gain any advantage."

"This alone proves your heritage, Legolas," she stated firmly while she undid his braids. "I dare say none except Haldir have done your hair since you have outgrown your mother's hands."

Legolas grinned to himself while Linaewen combed his hair and started to re-braid it. He was nervous. Butterflies were dancing in his guts and his skin started to tingle pleasantly with every minute that passed.

"Legolas! Stop fidgeting! I will never finish that braid if you continue to wriggle around."

"I am sorry, Linni. It is just... I am so nervous. What if something goes wrong? What if he decides to reject me after all?"

Linaewen looked disbelievingly into the mirror, catching Legolas' gaze. "Rejecting you? Legolas, he almost died for you! He loves you more than life itself. You are his very reason to live. You were made for each other. Thus, stop worrying and wriggling and hold still!"

Impatiently, Legolas waited for Linaewen to finish braiding his hair. He was still tense with anxiety. He only allowed himself to relax when she finished the braids to turn to her taking her into his arms. "I am so glad I have you, Linni. Lucky, I dare say. It means a lot to me to have you here."

He placed a gentle kiss to her forehead. A knock on the door interrupted them. "Come!" Glorfindel entered the chambers grinning at Legolas.

"Ai, Glorfindel, is it time already?"

"Yes, young one. It is. They are waiting for you."

Legolas looked upon the Eldar with growing affection. Yes, Glorfindel was worth Lindor's love. "I have already asked Linni for her support. And I am asking you the same question, Glorfindel. Do you want to support my soul?"

Glorfindel didn't answer at once. He grasped Legolas' shoulders, locking his gaze with his azure blue eyes, searching his soul, embracing it with the same affection Legolas felt for the Elf. "With everything I am, Legolas, I will support your soul. Your father has brought up a fine Elf with you, though he might not have noticed it until lately," he added bantering. He gave Legolas' shoulders a light squeeze. "Are you ready for it, Legolas?"

"Yes, I am."

"Then come. Everything is prepared."

"Is he ready, too?" Legolas couldn't help but asking.

"As ready as he could ever get."

Legolas, Linaewen and Glorfindel left the she-Elf's chambers to join the waiting Elves in the gardens. Thranduil was awaiting his son at the bottom of the main staircase.

"Ada..." Legolas looked up to meet his father's eyes. The ancient orbs shone brightly with love and approval. "Do I have your support?"

The King smiled genuinely. "Of course you have my support, my son. I am very proud of you and I love you with all my heart. I will assure your soul's safe journey. Do not fear, my Legolas."

"I will not fear."

Glorfindel led the way to the pavilion where Haldir would meet Legolas to give himself away and receive the other in return.

Legolas took a deep breath, taking in every detail he encountered while he followed the former Captain of Gondolin. Nothing would ever be the same once he joined Haldir's soul. Nothing. He finally admitted to himself that he was afraid of what would come after the binding. What it would feel like to share another's deepest thoughts, emotions, devotions, fears, everything. But he managed to keep his determined pace. The first time in his life he was grateful to be indeed the son of his father. He did not know if he could keep his composure without Thranduil's blood in his body.

They entered the clearing where everything had been prepared for the ritual. Every Elf held a candle in his or her hand, lightening the path Legolas and his supporters walked. Haldir was already waiting for them to arrive. Legolas breath got caught in his throat at the sight of his beloved. A heavy red-velvet cloak without adornments except the golden clasp to fasten the folds at the shoulder clad his broad back over a silver tunic, embroidered with the colours of Greenwood's royal house. Silver leggings showed off his long legs that stuck in black leather boots trimmed with velvet. His silver hair was braided in a similar way to Legolas' own, though two silver tresses flew loosely over the front of the cloak.

Every doubt and hesitation left Legolas as he stepped in front of Haldir. Carefully he took Haldir's left hand in his own left one. Lord Elrond and Lord Celeborn stepped on either side of the joint hands.

"Prince Legolas Thranduilion of Greenwood the Great and Haldir of Lórien, Captain and March Warden of the Galadhrim. You both have chosen to take this step and become soulbound. Name your confidants."

"Lady Linaewen of Greenwood the Great."

"Galadriel, Lady of Light and Lothlórien."

"Who will support your joining?" Celeborn asked.

"King Thranduil Oropherion of Greenwood the Great. Lord Glorfindel of Imladris. Lady Linaewen of Greenwood the Great."

"Galadriel, Lady of Light and Lothlórien. Orophin of Lórien. Rúmil of Lórien."

"And so it begins..." Elrond and Celeborn placed two mithril bracelets around each wrist. Then, the two Elven Lords began to hum the magical words that would temporarily sever the soul from the body.

Legolas felt the female warmth of Linaewen encircling him. His father gently cupped his face in loving hands while Glorfindel placed his hand over Legolas' heart. Thus protected, it was safe for Legolas to leave his body behind. He already felt the gentle pull towards Haldir. He felt light and protected. Loved. He could sense Haldir's soul and mind, opening to him to accept him. He only had to reach out... He left his body, drifting towards a warmth and love that was familiar. He could not see, he could not hear. He could only feel. Feel Haldir's soul surrounding him. Flooding him. Flowing through him. Mingling with him. Melting into one soul until he didn't know anymore where he stopped and Haldir began. They were one. One soul, one mind. Inseparable. Only the incantations of Elrond and Celeborn would be able to divide the joined soul into two again. Already Legolas felt the pull back. He tried to fight it. He didn't want to go back yet. He wanted this moment to last for as long as possible. But finally, he was pulled back into his own body. Into Haldir's body. He felt Linaewen's warmth. Galadriel's flame. Glorfindel's heart. Rumil's protectiveness. Thranduil's care. Orophin's brotherly love. It was done. They were bound. One soul in two hearts.

Legolas swayed on his feet. His supporters were at his side to hold him and prevent him from falling. He opened his eyes and focused on Haldir. The March Warden was supported by his brother's and Galadriel. He then knew that the binding almost failed when they both had refused to return to their bodies. Now Haldir gripped Legolas hand in an almost painful manner staring wildly at the Prince. A strange light was emanating from their joined palms, enlightening the mithril bracelets. Still, Elrond and Celeborn were reciting the ancient words of the soul binding. It seemed like an eternity before Legolas finally returned to his own senses, but still aware of Haldir deep within him. He smiled. The link between their souls allowed him to learn of all that Haldir was, knew, felt. He felt complete for the first time in his life, as did Legolas.

It was over. The ritual was complete. Legolas was aware of the change of the faint glow in their skins. Neither silver nor golden anymore. But touched by the stars themselves.

"Haldir..." he managed to whisper.

Haldir smiled and pulled him close.

"Never alone again, my Greenleaf. Never alone again."

~o0o~

Legolas felt dizzy. The memory of the binding was overwhelming. He remembered every emotion he had experienced during the ritual as clearly as if it had happened yesterday. Especially the temptation not to return to his body, but to flow among the stars forever. He had fought hard not to fall back into his shell but Linaewen's warmth had pulled him back, then.

And now he longed to leave his body once again. To join Haldir once again in the binding. To join him in the Halls of Waiting. None of his soul supporters were near to prevent it this time. He could simply slip away.

"Legolas!" he heard Aragorn call out to him, far away. "Gods, Legolas! Don't do that to me! Not now!"

He tried to focus onto the voice. He wanted to comply to his friend's request but it seemed so far away. His body felt heavy and darkness started to creep into his heart and soul. I am sorry, old friend he thought before he gave up fighting. He welcomed the darkness as he fell into everlasting oblivion.