The Jewel of Mirkwood

Chapter 77

“I do not know any of these people Glorfindel.” Legolas turned slightly away from the crowd gathered in front of him as he whispered softly to his elder mate from behind the sleave of his robe. Glorfindel smiled sympathetically at the young prince before leaning down discreetly to reply.

“Aye I confess I know very few around us but I did not think Elrond would invite so many to court, or else I would have to done my research before hand.” Legolas only just managed to muffle his chuckle into Glorfindel’s shoulder as his lover was again introduced to another of the visiting elvan dignitaries. It was obvious that Glorfindel had no idea who the elves were and although being polite quickly excused himself to attend to other matters, leaving Legolas standing suddenly alone in the middle of a court full of unfamiliar faces. Sighing heavily Legolas began to make his way towards the open balcony doors of the hall.

It had been nearly two weeks since Erestor had taken them out into the garden for the first time since Glorfindel’s injury and despite some niggling aches both elves had now fully recovered. In light of their recovery however had come Elrond’s insistence of officially presenting them at court. Legolas did not understand the exact formalities surrounding the ancient tradition of newly bound couples but knew from witnessing them in Mirkwood that they were extremely tedious occasions. As predicted tonight was no less tedious, with Legolas forced to stand for extremely long periods while being introduced to everyone, that had gathered to wish the couple every happiness in their life together. Gifts had poured in from all over Middle Earth and having been tied up for most of the evening meeting dignitaries Legolas had left Erestor and Filgree to make notes of where each gift had come from. Further more Legolas had found himself increasingly being pushed into the meeting with the females of the court. It puzzled him why the men were almost avoiding him and were forcing their wives into conversation with him rather than bother themselves. It was a disturbing thrush and although it was annoying Legolas he could not find Glorfindel to voice his concern. Up until a few moments ago Glorfindel and he had hardly been allowed to speak to one another, with having every available opportunity interrupted by ceremonies, or speeches. All in all, Legolas was beginning to feel thoroughly fed up with everyone and everything, all trussed up in his robes and feeling extremely hungry.

Dodging the few of the conversations that were thrown his way as he passed by Legolas made it almost unscathed to the fresh air of the balcony and almost instantly relaxed in the smooth like of Ithil.

Of late Legolas had spent most of his days with Filgree and Erestor learning how to properly attend to the new responsibilities attached to being Glorfindel’s mate. Although sometimes extremely boring Legolas had been taught everything from diplomacy to the geographical locations around Imladris and its surrounding allies. As befitted his new position in the household Legolas had been given a job doing secretarially work for the stores. It was an interesting position far more responsibility than his previous position in Mirkwood as stable hand, although it still provided the opportunity to be out in the sunshine running errands and so forth which Legolas enjoyed immensely. Erestor had been teaching him correct documenting proces whs while Filgree had taught him the finer more discrete requirements of his position and what would be expected at formal gatherings. All in all Legolas was quite settling in to his new life although his ever-present title of Prince of Mirkwood would never be lost. Although he had taken to working just as all members of Elrond’s household were required, those lower in station to him still bowed respectfully despite him being of Mirkwood blood. Glorfindel too had returned to his duties as Elrond’s seneschal and while Elrond still prohibited Glorfindel’s rejoining the border patrols, Legolas knew it would not be long until his lover was back to his old station.

Although he had not admitted it to anyone Legolas still felt slightly isolated in Imladris and the prospect of Glorfindel being away for months at a time was certainly not pleasing. Legolas had resigned himself to the fact he and Glorfindel would eventually be apart for long periods and had attempted to make some friends to combat his loneliness. Elladan and Elrohir were proving to be quite entertaining friends yet Elrohir far more than his elder brother. So too had Legolas made friends with the workers in Elrond’s stables, although all of them still treated him with the formality of royalty thf trf true close friends. While he regretted it he knew he had become reliant on Glorfindel’s company something, which he knew, would ultimately make him sad.

Sighing heavily Legolas sat quietly down on the stone bench overlooking the great waterfall running down alongside the hall. The freshness of its spray and the cnighnight air seemed to relax Legolas a little but did nothing for his heavy heart. Behind him he could hear the idle chatter among the gathered dignities all of them discussing political issues and securing alliances for their homelands. Over the course of the night Legolas had mostly likely met all of them but he only remembered a selected few, such as the representatives of the dwarves from the Misty Mountains, Gloin and his son Gimli.

Legolas had not realized he’d been staring so miserably into the night sky until a gentle hand came down to rest upon his head and slender fingers gently ran through his golden hair in a soothing motion.

”You are brooding little one.” Legolas could not stifle the saddened sigh he felt leave his lips as Glorfindel sat slowly down next to him his hand finally coming to rest in the small of Legolas back. The last thing Legolas needed was to be discussing his feelings with Glorfindel, especially with so many people around, yet judging from the look on Glorfindel’s face Legolas was not going to get away with it so easily.

“I am just tired.” Legolas tried to avoid the impending discussion but Glorfindel did not buy the transparent lie. Legolas was forced to turn his attention back to his lover as Glorfindel rested a soft hand under his mates chin.

“Yes I can see that you are but that is not what is troubling you so.” Legolas sighed heavily as Glorfindel smoothed the frown creases from his forehead before leaning in, to place a chaste kiss upon his lover’s lips. Despite everything that had happened between them since their binding the one thing Legolas had not become used to yet was Glorfindel’s continuous presence in his mind. There was little either of them could do to hide their emotions from one another, and while Elrond and reassured them that control over the bond would come in time at present both of them were laid bare for the other to read like a book.

“I do not want you to go.” Legolas did not try to conceal the sadness in his tone as he leaned in closer to his lover as a strong wind seemed to pick up from ere ere and wrap around them with an icy bite. Legolas heard Glorfindel’s sigh and silently wondered why he felt like he did when it was clear Glorfindel was not disturbed by a similar feeling. It confused Legolas, the empty feeling he held in side of him whenever he thought about being parted from Glorfindel. It was consuming him and he hated to admit it but it was growing in strength with each day that passed. As Legolas thought about it more he had come to the conclusion it had started long before he and Glorfindel were bound. Being parted Glo Glorfindel’s company always seemed bitter and frightening to him even if he knew that Glorfindel would return. No more so had it been than the night he’d walked to Glorfindel’s chambers having talked with Elrond. He knew what had driven him there a desperate emptiness inside of him at being made to sleep so far from his lover. Legolas shivered violently at the thought and was drawn quickly out of his thoughts by Glorfindel’s concerned hands reachirounround his body to hold him closer.

“Are you alright Legolas? You did not hear anything I just said did you?” Guiltily Legolas shook his head only now realizing how lost in thought he had truly been. Again Legolas heard Glorfindel sigh before the elder elf pressed his forehead soothingly against Legolas’ and stared lovingly into his lover’s soulful gaze. “You are tired and this is not the place to discuss this Legolas. Why don’t you retire to our room. I will make your apologies to the court.” Legolas was about to protest but Glorfindel was having none of it. “Do not argue with me Legolas you are tired and your presence is making me weary also. I will have to stay for drinks in Elrond’s library but I will not stay long. I will have Filgree bring up a tray up for you, you hardly ate anything at dinner and you are already too pale for my liking.” Legolas felt like a scolded child and although he knew Glorfindel was only concerned for hiath ath he could not feel a little angry at being patronized so blatantly.

“Glorfindel, Legolas. Father is preparing for the blessing and asks that you join him in the hall.” The angry remark was halted on Legolas tongue however as Elrohir suddenly appeared in the entrance way to the balcony and smiled happily at the two elves still sitting on the bench. Legolas lowered his gaze to his hands however as Elrohir realised the serious expressions on both his friends faces and immediately looked questioningly between the two of them. “What is wrong?” Legolas felt Glorfindel rise from the bench beside him at Elrohir question before Glorfindel’s cloak came down around him in an effort to stop his shivering. The cloak smelt of his lover and Legolas took in the scent allowing it to cool his temper and calm him.

“Thank-you Elrohir tell Elrond I will only be a moment. Legolas is unwell and will be retiring to our rooms. Please will you have Tutor Filgree sent out here diatdiately.” Legolas heard Elrohir disappearing at Glorfindel’s request before the elder elf was kneeling before him. Legolas could barely keep back the tears as Glorfindel cupped his face in soft gentle hands and drew his nose against his own so that blue glistening eyes met emerald ones. “You are unhappy Legolas I feel it here.” Legolas watched as Glorfindel placed one of his hands over the breast of his tunic just above where his heart would be situated. “We will talk this evening when I am freed from court, there are things we need to discuss. Until then I want you to eat a little something and perhaps get some rest. Filgree will keep you company till I can come to you. Will you promise me this?” Legolas nodded quietly content when he saw Glorfindel smile at him although concern still marred his features.

“Glorfindel? What is wrong, Elrohir said Legolas was ill.” Legolas snuggled further into Glorfindel’s cloak as his lover gently kissed his lips just as both Erestor and Filgree appeared worriedly in the open balcony doors behind them. Glorfindel rose from his knees as Filgree dashed over to the bench and sat hastily down beside his old charge instantly placing a comforting arm around the prince’s shivering shoulders.

“I think perhaps Legolas is tired Filgree, I confess these occasions are quite tiring on myself, I could not imagine how it is like on someone not as used to them as we are.” Legolas did not miss the knowing look that passed between his lover and Erestor and wondered silently if everything that happened between them Glorfindel told his best friend about.

“I want to go upstairs.” Legolas’ whisper was barely heard above the roaring wind but Filgree understood and quietly helped him from the bench before moving them back indoors. Filgree pd mid mid way to the exit of the crowded room as Glorfindel called softly to him in Quenya.

“I will be up as soon as I can.” Filgree nodded understandingly before again bustling Legolas out of the hall and away from the questioning looks that were now focused in Glorfindel’s direction, as the guest of honour was whisked hastily away….

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

(A/n) Sorry it's been a while I've got a cold and I've been busily studying my new copy of NED KELLY. *DROOLS* Orlando in a bath....... Anyway the stories nearly complete a couple more chapters or so.....I think. Hope these two chapters aren't terribly confusing or boring. I promise it gets better in the next update.