The Jewel of Mirkwood

Chapter 79

Stepping soundlessly into the room Glorfindel paused to survey the dimly lit chamber. Allowing his eyes to adjust to the subdued lighting Glorfindel took a few moments to look over the room. To his right the large fireplace was burning fiercely as it had done since Legolas had permanently taken up residence in Glorfindel’s room. With the prince so sensitive to the cold Glorfindel had instructed the stewards to keep the fire continually burning no matter how warm it was outside. To his left Glorfindel spotted an untouched tray of food lying discarded on the rocking chair, Filgree’s formal robe carelessly slung over the back of the chair. Finally Glorfindel’s gaze drew over to the large bed dominating the room. Quite unexpectedly Glorfindel found the sheer curtains drawn about it, partially obscuring his view of the two darkened figures in the center of the bed. It had been a stipulation of Legolas’ that the privacy curtains were never drawn when he was in bed and while Glorfindel had found it uncomfortable on several occasions by the lack of privacy he did not wish to upset his lover by making him feel too enclosed. Filgree had tried to explain Legolas’ hate of the curtains to Glorfindel but the blonde sehal hal had not quite understood the prince’s reasoning. It had caused quite a few embarrassments on Glorfindel’s behalf having had the housemaids walking in on him and Legolas during the night and being not concealed by the sheer curtains. Still Glorfindel had accepted Legolas’ little requirement as just another of the special things he loved about the prince.

Whispering from the bed broke Glorfindel’s distant musings and the seneschal focused his acute hearing on the sounds. It seemed neither elf had heard his entrance and that their conversation was continuing on without knowledge of his presence. He listened in silence as Legolas’ soft wavering voice travelled the short distance to his ears.
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“They look at me like a helpless maiden, and brush my conversation aside to their wives. I do not want to be known as Glorfindel’s wife, yet everyone treats me like I am no better. I am a warrior yet the guards do not even acknowledge me in passing. I don’t want to live like this.” Glorfindel heard the sobs issuing from his beloveds lips and instantly regretted not having done more to ensure Legolas’ interaction within Imladris’ people. Although he was loathed to admit it Glorfindel had seen the way the dignities had ignored all of Legolas’ attempts at conversation in favour of himself during the evening, leaving Legolas no other option than to draw the women instead into further conversation. Glorfindel had not realised it until now but Legolas was indeed being treated as his helplessly young wife incapable of anything remotely masculine, just because of his potential fertility.

“Shhhh little Greenleaf they are not familiar with how to treat you, as I or our friends are. It is hard for them to accept a fertile male and you must show them that you are not helpless like they expect. I am sure Glorfindel sees you as his equal and if you ask I am sure you will be able to join the border patrols, once you have advanced with some of your sword skills. That may bring respect from your peers once they see you are just as capable as them at performing your duties.” Glorfindel frowned at Filgree’s softlyken ken reply. He did not like the idea of Legolas joining the patrols even with some advanced sword skills but then again he would be a hypocrite to deny his lover the same duties he would be returning to shortly. In the dancing shadows of the firelight Glorfindel watched Filgree gently stroking Legolas’ hair, the prince’s head resting childishly in his lap while the rest of his body curled up protectively around himself. There was a long silence the crackling of the fire the only sound above the sad whimpers of Legolas. In the dormant room Glorfindel was beginning to rethink his decision to talk to Legolas that evening having sensed the prince’s distress and not wanting to further his lovers injuries. Yet like before Legolas’ soft whisper broke Glorfindel’s train of thoughts bringing the seneschal’s attention back to the figures on the bed.

“He has not touched me Filgree.” Legolas’ soft voice trailed off as a draft from under the tapestry behind Glndelndel made the fire flicker erratically, creating a myriad of shadows on the walls. Glorfindel held his breath fearing that the two would discover him standing there but it seemed neither did as Filgree’s soft reply echoed around the room.

“I do not understand little one, who has not touched you?” Glorfindel instantly knew the direction to which Legolas had brought the conversation even if Filgree seemed to be pleading ignorance to his charges comment.

“Glorfindel.” Glorfindel felt himself sigh inwardly at Legolas’ soft reply to his beloved tutor as Legolas quietly continued, the soft tears still showing in his sombre tone. “He has not made love to me and I fear I displease him in some way. I think perhaps he did not want to be bound to me at all and that he regrets it now it has happened so quickly.” Glorfindel felt Legolas pain instantly and fought to keep himself steady on his feet as the prince’s emotions flooded his mind. Up until now he had not noticed how he had unconsciously blocked his thoughts to Legolas yet with the barriers down he could again clearly read the young elf’s pained thoughts. Control of their minds and their bond was coming to them just as Elrond had predicted yet it was still obviously unpredictable. Glorfindel heard Filgree sigh heavily as again Legolas whimpered sobs pierced the silence of the room.

“Aye, my little one do not think such horrid thoughts. Perhaps you have miss read Glorfindel’s intentions.” Glorfindel was interested in how Filgree was going to address the situation, knowing well that the tutor was both diplomatically sympathetic but also wise in his council to his charge. “I am sure he is merely being protective of you for I know he understands your innocence and perhaps does not wish to rush things.” Glorfindel heard Legolas sniffle a little before watching as the young figure of his lover snuggled further in Filgree’s lap his arm coming up to take comfort in his tutor’s embrace.

“Perhaps that is true but I overheard Lord Erestor and Lord Elrond this evening discussing the change of the border guards at the end of the week and I believe Lord Elrond will allow Glorfindel to leave with them.” Glorfindel frowned at Leg’ su’ sudden focus of distress as the younger elf continued. “I do not want to see him go knowing I have not experienced his love. I am scared he will not come back and I will be left with just my dreams and no sweet memories of his touch on my body.” So Erestor had been right all along, Glorfindel sadly mused. Knowing that Filgree could do little to alleviate Legolas distress the seneschal decided to intervene in the conversation and make himself known. It was time to reassure his lover and secure the bond he so treasured with each moment he lived.

Taking a deep breath Glorfindel cleared his throat loudly alerting the two elves to his presence. Legolas seemed startled somewhat and sat up quickly from his tutor’s lap, yet Filgree seemed far to calm for an elf unaware of a visitor. Stepping further into the room Glorfindel watched as Filgree drew the sheer curtains back a little and stood up from the bed, straightening his tunic as he did so. Glorfindel shared a knowing look with the dark haired tutor as both glanced towards where Legolas was sitting against the headboard his eyes still swimming with tears as he clutched one of the pillows protectively to his chest. “Will you please leave us Filgree?” The request was not harshly spoken and Glorfindel smiled softly as Filgree nodded understandingly before moving over to the rocking chair in order to grab his robe. Filgree made to take the still full tray of food with him but Glorfindel shook his head softly indicating that he wished it to stay. Lowering his head respectfully to his elder by position Filgree spared Legolas a supportive glance before turning to leave. “Thank-you Filgree.” Glorfindel’s voice met the tutor’s ears and Filgree paused momentarily in the doorway of the room to glance back at the blond seneschal. Glorfindel was pleased when he saw Filgree smile at him warmly in acknowledgement. While Filgree had taken his responsibility as Legolas tutor as far as he could it had now crossed the line between what would normally be considered private affairs among lovers, of which tutors were not often included in discussion.

“I will be in my room if you should need me.” While Glorfindel knew Filgree’s comment was not meant for him but more reassurance to Legolas, Glorfindel still thanked the tutor again before the dark haired elf disappeared from view, leaving the tapestry swinging softly in his wake. There was a heavy silence in the room and Glorfindel felt the weight of Legolas gaze falling upon him as soon as Filgree was out of sight. Taking a few steadying breathes Glorfindel smiled warmly at the young prince still sitting huddled on the bed.

“You have not eaten anything meleth nín. Come and sit by the fire and join me in eating a little supper.” Glorfindel wandered silently over to where Filgree had left the tray of food hoping that supper would break the tension clearly evident between him and his lover. Shrugging off his outer formal robes Glorfindel carelessly tossed the garments onto the window seat before lowering himself to the soft rug in front of the fire. A few moments passed before Legolas joined him on the floor and although the prince seemed hesitant he accepted the small plate of fruit Glorfindel offered him.

In silence the pair of them ate the fruits, cheeses and breads the cook had previously prepared for them neither of them willing to begin a conversation. The tension between them had never been so heavy as it was at present and Glorfindel felt himself being watched by a scared pair of beautiful sapphire eyes. Once the meal had been devoured Glorfindel carefully poured two glasses of cool spring water from the pitcher on the tray and gently handed one of them to Legolas before taking the other for himself. Glorfindel had learned quickly that Legolas did not desire fine wines as most other elves did. Having been brought up under Thranduil strict parentage the young prince had never been allowed the chance to appreciate such delights of elvan brewing and hence his dislike of them now.

Shifting the now empty kitchen tray to the safety of the rocking chair Glorfindel reclined easily back on his elbows and promptly kicked off his small leather boots. With his binding to Legolas had come the shared susceptibility to the cold and so Glorfindel took every opportunity of warming his cold feet near the fire. Taking a sip from his glass of water Glorfindel glanced carefully across to his young lover. Legolas sat cross-legged on the rug his head bowed to stare at his hands, while his hair created a blonde curtain around his face. Although he was trying to hide it Glorfindel knew the nervousness in his lovers features even behind the curtain of gol
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“How did you enjoy your first evening at court?” Still considering his options for how to broach such an intimate subject with his lover Glorfindel finally broke the silence with a softly spoken question. It was not so much as to hear the reply to the question, as Glorfindel already knew that, but more to get Legolas talking to him in an effort to make them both relax. Through the curtain of hair Glorfindel watched Legolas gaze rise from the rug to meet his own, unsure eyes searching for any hints of hidden meaning in his own.

“It was…” Legolas paused in his reply and Glorfindel inwardly berated himself for asking such a silly question in light of the current events. “Nice?” Glorfindel watched as his lover winced at his choice of words obviously trying to be polite. Glorfindel did not bother to suppress his heavy sigh as he drained his glass of water and placed the glass to the side. He had come to the conclusion that there really was no other way of approaching such a subject as he wanted to discuss with Legolas, and wasting time with fruitless questions was only delaying the inevitable.

“No Legolas, I do not want you to feel you have to lie to me just to please me. I know you disliked this evening and I confess that these events are very tedious and boring but sometimes diplomacy requires we do things we do not want to.” Glorfindel sat up from the rug and reached out a gentle hand to brush Legolas’ golden hair back behind his ears so that he could clearly see his lovers face. Glorfindel caught the quick smile Legolas flashed him at his comment regarding the evening but it was quickly gone again by the seriousness now etched in Glorfindel’s features. “Come closer and sit with me I want us to discuss something’s with you.” Leaning himself back against the warm fire surround Glorfindel gestured for Legolas to come and sit between his out stretched legs. Obligingly Legolas did as he was asked and settled himself comfortably between his lover’s legs, his own legs bent up and draped over Glorfindel’s thigh so that he was sitting sideways. With loving tenderness Glorfindel pulled Legolas into his chest before resting his hand soothingly upon Legolas’ head so that the princes’ silky locks spilled over and through his fingers. The instant they embraced one another the tension between them dissipated into the air as if it had never been there and Glorfindel sighed thankfully as he felt Legolas nuzzling into his neck. The tension in their bodies seemed to fade away at the closeness of their other half and for Glorfindel it defined what their relationship was all about. It was the feeling inside of him whenever he was close to Legolas that meant so much. The feeling was warm like liquid fire spreading throughout his body and although it had only been slight in the beginning it had been there since the very moment he’d seen Legolas in Thranduil’s great hall. “I love you so very much Legolas.” Glorfindel whispered softly to his lover trying to convey all he felt in one small phrase, it seemed to work though, with a little help from their mental bond. Legolas smiled distantly and held on tighter to Glorfindel’s body feeling the warmth they shared between one another.

“I love you too.” Legolas’ whisper was barely audible but Glorfindel felt Legolas lips brushing against his neck as he spoke the words so precious to him. And although he tried to hold it back a small tears slipped for the corner of his eye only to fall from his chin onto Legolas’ own cheek. With a gentle hand Glorfindel brushed his tear from Legolas cheek pausing to run his thumb nglyngly across the silken skin.

“If I had my time again I would have done this all very differently Legolas. You deserved all the lavish attentions of one of your station should receive on thbindbinding. I would have had them shower you with gifts and praise our our beauty for weeks before taking delight in seeing your face bathed in the Ithil’s light as I pledged my life to yours.” Glorfindel smiled bitterly at the flickering shadows on the wall his memories of their real binding ceremony marred with pain and suffering.

“Filgree says we may go through the ceremony again if we like, so we have some more pleasant memories to hold onto.” Leg’ vo’ voice was still soft against Glorfindel’s neck and the elder seneschal sighed and shook hiad ead easily.

“Nay Legolas, it would not be the same as how it was meant to be the first time.” Quietly Legolas nodded at Glorfindel’s words both elves knowing that nothing could change what had already come to pass. “No, we must accept what has gone and instead make things better for the time still to come.” Glorfindel felt his lover nuzzle appreciatively into his neck again before warm fingers, slightly slimmer than his slide caringly into his own hand in a gesture of love. Knowing the time for serious discussion had come Glorfindel took a slow steadying breath before he tightened his fingers around Legolas’ and squeezed them comfortingly. “I leave with the patrol for the borders in three days time. Elrond has deemed me fit enough to retake my position as seneschal and resume my duties as normal.” Glorfindel felt the sadness creeping into his lovers form again but instantly pressed a reassuring kiss to the crown of Legolas head. “I have accepted but only on the condition that you are allowed to resume your own training with the prospect of you joining the patrols yourself within a few months time.” Glorfindel felt Legolas pull away from him before the young elf’s stunned face stared up at him clearly shocked by Glorfindel’s suggestion. “Understand you will still be required to perform your duties in the stores while you are not on patrol but Lindon has agreed to take over such duties while you are away. I will teach you tracking and sword skills when I am able. Erestor and Elrohir have agreed to teach you while I am absent or coed ted to duty and Filgree will continue to refine your skills in archery whenever possible.” Glorfindel smiled happily as Legolas’ eagerly nodded at all requests of him. While Glorfindel still felt ill at ease at allowing Legolas to join the patrols he could not deny that the prince needed the experience and the skills not to mention the fact that he deserved the freedom that Thranduil had previously stifled.

“Thank-you. You do not know how infuriating it is to be tossed aside like a helpless wet nurse at events such as this evening.” Glorfindel nodded understandingly as relief washed over Legolas features almost elated at having been allowed such a freedom as joining his peers in the defence of Imladris’ borders.

“Aye I confess I do not know how you feel. I apologise for not noticing how they have been treating you and how uncomfortable it has made you. You are as capable as any of the warriors at the borders and have more skill with a bow than many twice your age. This will be your time to gain their respect and I will see that you receive it. There will be rules, of course when you eventually join the patrols but I will decide on them when the time comes, for now you must concentrate on refining your skills in defence and attack.” Legolas couldn’t wipe the smile from his face and in turn Glorfindel beamed widely back at him. Once again the genuine sign of happiness radiated from Legolas person and Glorfindel fell head over heels in love with the young prince all over again, so lost was he in Legolas sparkling blue eyes.

“I will miss you when you leave with the patrol.” Glorfindel sighed lightly as Legolas pouted childishly suddenly realising that Glorfindel had conveniently slipped his own news of his departure in behind the good news for Legolas. Softly Glorfindel leaned forward and kissed Legolas on the lips savouring the sweet taste of honey before pulling away and allowing Legolas to lean back against his chest.

“Yes I will miss you too my love but I hope that my actions tonight will give you memories to savour until I return.” Confused and suddenly slightly nervous Legolas cocked his head to the side as Glorfindel twisted his fingers idly through Legolas soft hair. Sensing his lover’s nervousness return Glorfindel took the direct approach in order not to string out the uncomfortable tension would be inevitable. “I wish for us to make love.” The silence that followed Glorfindel’s declaration was deafening and Glorfindel closely observed Legolas’ reaction gauging the prince’s emotions. Glorfindel had run over everything in his mind a million times before but in the end directness had won over all other options and Glorfindel now hoped it would pay off.

….I…….I….” Glorfindel watched as his lover opened his mouth several times stuttering as he fought for words. “Now?” Glorfindel could not suppress a chuckle at the shaky voice that finally issued forth from Legolas lips. The fear that swept into Legolas eyes was slightly quelled with a soft caress from Glorfindel’s hand but nothing stopped deep crimson blush that stretched all the way down his neck and to the tip of his ears

“No not now we are stillkingking but later tonight perhaps, unless you are eager to do so now?” Glorfindel teased his lover easily but it seemed the jest was lost on an overly worried Legolas, whose eyes were now fearfully trained on the bed. When Legolas did not chuckle at the joke as Glorfindel had expected the elder seneschal reached forward and drew Legolas face level with his own so that they were barely inches apart. Legolas eyes swam with confusion, fear and nervousness all such emotions trained on his innocence and what would come later that evening. “I am only jesting with you Legolas forgive my forwardness. I just think we are both sensible enough to discuss this before we do something that you might not be ready for.” Legolas nodded allowing his head to drop forward a little so that hiseheaehead rested on Glorfindel’s

“I am ready and I want to…It is just that I do not know how.” Glorfindel watched as Legolas closed his eyes nervousness clearly showing in every feature on his flawless face. “I do not want to be a disappointment.” Sighing heavily Glorfindel pressed his lips against his lovers drawing Legolas in to a passionate kiss that robbed them both of their breath quickly. He did not want to hear such thoughts from Legolas as they were truly unfoundnd wnd would diminish as soon as they completed the bond. Breaking away from his lovers lips Glorfindel cupped Legolas cheek in his hand drawing the prince’s gaze up to meet his own.

“Legolas do not think such things. You could never disappoint me. You are beautiful and wise beyond your years, I could not have ever wish for a mate as wonderful as you.” Legolas blushed at the praise but Glorfindel refused to let him look away. “Do not fret over this my love. I will guide you throuhe nhe night.” Legolas could hardly breath as Glorfindel pressed another kiss to his lips, before descending down to pepper soft kisses upon his exposed neck. “I will show you such passion that you will never crave another’s touch.” Legolas swallowed convulsively as Glorfindel whispered huskily against his neck before licking the length of the outer shell of Legolas ear before sucking erotically on the tip. “I will have you scream my name in ecstasy as the sun rises so that even the bird songs will not compare.” Glorfindel smiled smugly as he felt Legolas’ breathlessly gasping as he ghosted his fingers across the open two buttons of Legolas tunic, barely catching the soft milky skin beneath. “And when we rise from our bed afterwards we will be truly as one, with no fears or secrets from one another. Everyone will know that we are truly bound together and none should challenge that bond we share.” Legolas head fell backwards in utter bliss the prince almost purring in the back of his throat as Glorfindel’s tongue abused the tip of his ear with lavish wet kisses. Despite Legolas bliss Glorfindel pulled cruelly away from his treatment of Legolas ear only to hear Legolas groan at the loss. The sight of Legolas so openly enjoying the attention was almost too much to ignore. The young prince looked positively debauched, with his slightly parted lips, full red and glistening in the firelight. Still Glorfindel quelled his own desire and managed to smile calmly when Legolas realised his lover had stopped the attention and immediately sat up to look slightly put out at him. “But you will have to wait a little longer for such pleasures. I wish to do this right. We may have had an unconventional courtship and binding but I want our first night together to be perfect…”

“This is perfect.” Glorfindel could not help but smile at the desperate tone of Legolas voice as he cut in quickly over Glorfindel’s conversation. It seemed that Legolas had lost all of his nervousness as desire had taken hold of his body. The groan that left Legolas lips as Glorfindel rose from the rug amused the elder seneschal. Offering a hand down to his lover Glorfindel helped Legolas reluctantly from the rug and helped the prince straighten out his tunic.

“Yes this is perfect and gladly I would have you stay but it is not what is expected of us. While we have been sharing a bed since your arrival in Imladris for the sake of our healing it is not the done thing before binding, especially among royalty.” Legolas frowned and crosses his arms grumpily across his chest still not fully understanding why Glorfindel had teased him so and was now telling him they could go no further. Sensing his lover’s irritation Glorfindel rested a soft hand on Legolas cheek and gently caressed it with his thumb in soothing circles, instantly vanishing the concerned frown on the younger elf’s face. “Do not be angry with me Legolas, I only want the best for you. Our first night shared together after our binding is supposed to be special and I would like to follow tradition if only for this one event. Please just humour me for this one night.” Glorfindel smiled hopefully and watched as Legolas debated the issue in his own mind for a moment before finally conceding and nodding in agreement.

“Very well. What must I do to have you bed me this night?” Glorfindel was a little shocked at how bold Legolas had suddenly become. It seemed that his desperate desire had certainly changed his confidence and Glorfindel could not help but shiver in expectation of how wonderful it would be to have Legolas just as demanding in their first love making session as he seemed to be now.

“Return to your own chambers and prepare yourself for me in anyway you wish. I will come to you an hour before dawn. I advise you to wake Filgree and have him help you prepare he knows of traditions and will guide you in what you need to know.” Legolas nodded understandingly taking everything in although already shaking with anticipation and also with nerves. Glorfindel smiled warmly at his young lover and gently leaned forward to press a chaste kiss against Legolas trembling lips. “I love you my little Greenleaf.” Glorfindel paused as drew apart from the kiss and stepped back from his lover who was still standing still in the wake of the kiss. “Now go. You do not have long. I will see you soon.” Sighing heavily Legolas turned around at Glorfindel’s command and began quickly from the room. Glorfindel watched as his lover paused in the open doorway and blew a kiss to him before disappearing from view. Shaking his head in amusement Glorfindel turned around to face the fire. In review Glorfindel considered that everything had gone quite nicely so far. Yet there was still so much to do. Sighing heavily Glorfindel turned and headed towards the bathing room, it was time to ready himself for the coming event for it was not only Legolas who was now suffering from nerves…………….

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

(A/N) Sorry it's only a 1 chapter update but I've got an assignment due Monday and I'm soooo behind....... Will be back to update this weekend hopefully.)