Patience

Chapter 8

In Thranduil’s study

Aragorn stood in front of the desk facing Lord Thranduil. They had arrived shortly after Arthon had and Aragorn wanted to fill him in on everything that was going on.

"So you are saying that my son returns Elrond’s love. If that is the case then why did he come home?" asked Thranduil.

"He came home because something has happened to him to make him fear all men."

"What happened? Elrond didn’t hurt my son did he?"

"No never My Lord. Now please don’t go rushing off. Anteru attacked and raped Arthon and that has made him fear man."

"Is Anteru being punished for his crime?"

"Yes he is."

Thranduil nodded and stared at him for a moment. Then he grabbed a piece of paper and wrote a quick note. He folded the piece of paper and put it in an envelope. Handing it to Aragorn, "Could you please go take this note to Lord Elrond."

Aragorn nodded, "Oh my lord there is one more thing I want you to know."

"What?"

"I am in love with Legolas and he loves me."

Thranduil nodded and watched him leave. He had known that Legolas was in love with Aragorn because he and Legolas had discussed it when he had confronted him about always going to Rivendell.

In Arthon’s Room

There was knocking coming from somewhere but Arthon couldn’t seem to open his eyes. It was as if the past few days without any sleep had finally caught up with him. Then he was suddenly being shaken and someone was talking to him.

"Arthon wake up." Said Legolas.

Slowly opening his eyes, "Legolas what are you doing here?"

"I came here after you."

"Why?"

"Because Lord Elrond is very worried about you and so am I. Why did you run?"

"I..." He didn’t know how to continue. Why did he run? He knew that Lord Elrond would have stopped if he asked him to and that he cared about him deeply.

"I got scared."

"Of what?" Asked Thranduil standing in the doorway.

"Adar what are you doing here?" asked Legolas.

"Aragorn has filled me in on everything."

Looking at his father, "I don’t what I was scared of. All the memories came flooding back and I panicked." Replied Arthon.

"You know that Lord Elrond would have stopped if you asked him to." Said Thranduil.

"I know adar."

"I am going to send word to Rivendell to let Lord Elrond know that you are safe. You need to decide what you want. Just remember that he loves you and would never hurt you."

Arthon just nodded and watched his father leave the room, followed by Legolas.

Outside

"I am sending word to Elrond to have him come here" said Thranduil.

"Why adar?"

Looking at his son, "I know that Elrond loves him very much. Arthon needs to face his fear or he may never let another man near him again."

He watched him leave and then walked to his private chambers.

It had been four days since his return to Mirkwood and Arthon was doing ok. He missed Lord Elrond dearly and was thinking about returning to Rivendell. He wanted Lord Elrond to make love to him really he did.

Lord Elrond and Aragorn rode into the city and were greeted by Lord Thranduil and Legolas.

"Welcome my friend." Said Thranduil.

"Thanks sending me that note."

"I know that if he dwells on his fears for too long he will never allow another elf near him."

Getting off of his horse, "Where is he?" asked Elrond.

"Down by the river." Replied Legolas.

Elrond nodded and headed toward the river. He spotted Arthon sitting under a large tree. He looked all right and that made Elrond happy. "You always did like the river."

Arthon jumped to his feet and faced Elrond, "Lord Elrond what are you doing here?"

Arthon was actually very happy to see lord Elrond and had been thinking about him continually.

"I came because I was worried about you and wanted to make sure that you were ok." Holding out his arms, "I missed you."

Arthon ran up to him and hugged him. Elrond wrapped his arms around him and held him tightly.

"I am sorry that I ran. I just freaked out."

"Ssshhh, it is ok. I shouldn’t have pushed you."

"But I kept asking you to."

"I know but I know better and should have stopped."

"I still want you to make love to me."

"OK, but we are going to go much slower and if you begin to panic I want you to tell me to stop ok."

"OK."

They walked back into the city. When Thranduil saw Elrond with his arm around Arthon he smiled. It made him happy to see them together.

"Elrond what have you done to punish Anteru for what he did to my son?" Asked Thranduil.

Elrond could feel Arthon shiver and pulled him closer to him, "When I return home I will hand down his punishment. He will be forced to leave middle earth and is to never return."

Thranduil nodded at least he knew that Arthon would be safe in Rivendell. He watched as his son led Lord Elrond off toward his room. They walked into Arthon’s private chambers and Elrond shut the door, then he turned to look at Arthon. Arthon slowly walked up to Elrond and kissed him deeply. Elrond returned the kiss and opened his mouth to let the young elf’s demanding tongue in. Arthon groaned as their tongues began dueling.

Finally pulling Arthon away from him, "Not today my young prince. You look exhausted and should get some rest."

"Stay with me."

Elrond nodded and they lay down together on the bed. Elrond wrapped his arms around the boy and Arthon drifted off to sleep.