Comfort for the Weary

Title: Comfort for the Weary
Autor/E-mailooteooterkitty/ maclir@sbcglobal.net
Pairing: Gandalf/Legolas
Disclaimer: They are not mine, I have borrowed them from J.R.R. Tolkien for my own evil purposes (which does not include profit).
Rating: NC-17
Summary: A travel weary Gandalf stops in Mirkwood Forest for a much-needed rest
Author's Note: Pre-LotR

1/9/02

COMFORT FOR THE WEARY


The wind was fierce, driving the rain in nearly horizontal sheets. It had been raining off and on for three straight days now and the wizard, Gandalf, just wanted it to end. Frequently referred to as the Gray Wanderer, the elderly wizard was not feeling particularly fond of that nickname at the moment. He was dog-tired and feeling every one of his several hundred years, years in which he had wandered almost the entire length and breadth of Middle Earth. Right now, all he wanted was to sleep in a warm, dry bed.

I am entirely too old to still be doing this, he thought wearily. I should be sitting in front of a fire, reading and enjoying my old age.

Stopping abruptly, he looked around, his vexed thoughts interrupted by the realization that he recognized this landscape. He was not far from the northeastern boundaries of the forest of Mirkwood. If he picked up his pace a bit, he could be within the territory, and hospitality, of his old friend Thranduil, the king of Northern Mirkwood, before night fell. Generally, Gandalf did not like to impose upon his many acquaintances while traveling. He liked to pride himself on his self-reliance and independence. But he wasn't feeling particularly self-reliant right now either. He was feeling ancient and, frankly, lonely. He had been traveling alone for quite some time now and it had been several days since he had even seen another person.

Yes, he thought, making up his mind, it was time to seee coe company of old friends.

Nearly two hours later, the tall, sodden Istari passed beneath the densely sheltering boughs of the trees of Mirkwood Forest. The tightly interlaced branches with their broad dark leaves blocked much of the wind and reduced the downpour to a mere drizzle. The wizard had only been walking under this canopy for a few miles, when he began to sense movement in the shadows around him. He did not actually see anything, but his instincts and past experiences told him that as nas no longer walking alone. After a moment, he felt the cold, sharp tip of an arrowhead press against the back of his neck.

An equally cold, sharp voice addressed him in the Common Tongue. "What business have you in Mirkwood, Stranger?"

<"My business is with Thranduil and I am no stranger,"> Gandalf said amiably in Elvish.

The arrow point withdrew from his neck and its owner moved to stand in front of the wizard. Gandalf tiltes hes head back allowing the other to get a better look at his face beneath the wide brim of his hat.

"Mithrandir?" the young Elf asked, a smile creeping onto his fair face. "I hardly recognized you."

"No, I don't doubt that. I know, I hardly feel like myself," Gandalf said, gesturing to his heavy sodden robes. His normally distinctive tall, pointed gray hat was soaked and wilted from the downpour. "And how do you fair, Belegorn?"

"I fair quite well, thank you," the tall Elf said, trying to suppress his smile. "Father will be very pleased to see you, as will my brothers."

Shifting his gaze to somewhere over Gandalf's left shoulder, the Elf called toward the trees that lined the path.

"Nimithil, Legolas! Come and see who is here to visit us!"

Gandalf turned to see two more tall, graceful, young Elves emerge from the trees. Like their elder brother, they both had shoulder-length, pale blond hair and dark blue eyes.

"Mithrandir!" the elder of the two newcomers cried out.

"Nimithil, it is good to see you," Gandalf said, clasping hands with the Elf. The wizard turned his attention to the last and youngest of the three brothers and found his breath stolen away. "No, why surely this cannot be Legolas? Have I truly been gone so long?"

"Yes, you have, but welcome back to Mirkwood, Mithrandir," Legolas said softly.

"Yes, thank you," Gandalf murmured, still stunned by the young Elf's appearance.

The last time Gandalf had seen the youngest of Thranduil's three sons, Legolas had just entered the Daer Fenn, the Great Threshold. This was the stage in a young Elf's life that separated the carelessness of childhood and the responsibilities of full adulthood. Much like adolescence in Men, it was a time of experimentation and discovery, of testing boundaries. A time when young Elves would seek out their elders to help them learn the skills and lessons of life that would one day enable them to be valuable members of their communities. Now, several years later, Gandalf surmised that the young prince was nearing the end of his Daer Fenn and was rapidly approaching full maturity. While the young Elf did not look much changed physically, there was a new confidence about him, a sort of quiet sophistication that the wizard found almost alarmingly alluring. He didn't remember the youth being so tall or so ... beautiful.

"So, Mithrandir, what brings you to Mirkwood?" Belegorn asked as the four started along the path toward Thranduil's household.

"Oh, I was on my way to Imladras from the Iron Hills and I thought I would stop and see your father."

"The Iron Hills?" Legolas asked. "Surely you weren't staying with the Dwarves, were you?"

"And what if I was?" the old wizard asked, raising an eyebrow and glancing sidelong at the prince.

"Ugh," the Elf groaned, making a disgusted face. "I can think of nothing worse than being forced to spend more than a minute in the company of a Dwarf."

"I wasn't exactly forced and, frankly, I had a very pleasant time," Gandalf said mildly. "And you do realize, my young Prince, that there may very soon, come a day when Elves and Dwarves will have to learn to set aside their differences and work together, for the survival of Middle Earth."

The Elf stared at the tall wizard for several minutes, as though trying to gauge just how much he knew and wasn't telling, before answering, "Elves and Dwarves working together? I find that very hard to believe."

"Mmmm, yes, well, stranger things have happened."

"Is there something that you aren't telling us, Mithrandir?" Belegorn asked.

"No, no, I'm just speculating. I'm sure you are all aware of the increased activity of the Orcs."

Belegorn and Nimithil glanced at each for a moment, before the eldest of the princes turned to his youngest brother.

"Legolas, we really should let Father know that we will be having a guest tonight. As you are the swiftest runner of the three of us, why don't you run on ahead and tell them that Mithrandir has come," Belegorn said.

Sensing that he was being dismissed to shield him from the sudden turn of the conversation, the young prince stood glaring at his brother and, for a moment, Gandalf wondered if the youth might outright refuse to obey his elder, a serious breach of Elven etiquette. But Legolas finally turned away with a resigned sigh and darted off down the path. Within seconds he had disappeared from view.

"The Orc raiding parties are starting to become quite regular in these parts," Belegorn said, turning back to Gandalf. "That's why my brothers and I were out here in this rain. We were patrolling."

"Are things so bad in Mirkwood that Thranduil even sends his own children, and heir, to fight the Orcs?"

"Yes, they are," Belegorn answered bluntly. "All adult males are now required to participate in the patrols."

"Hmmm, I see... and Legolas?"

"Normally, Nimithil and I would not have brought him along, but as he nears the end of the Daer Fenn, he grows ever more willful, as you saw." Belegorn sighed heavily, a sound filled with a mixture of irritation and bemused affection. "I fear Father is going to have his hands full wthatthat one. As it stands, it is all we can do to keep him within the confines of Mirkwood. If he grows any more bold, we may have to put a leash on him."

"I'm sure it will not come to that," Gandalf chuckled.

"So, Mithrandir, is the real reason you're here, to speak to Father about the Orcs?" Nimithil asked. "Do you know something?"

"Why does everyone assume when I show up that I come bearing ill tidings or momentous news?"

"Because you usually do," Nimithil answered.

"Oh, yes, I suppose I do," Gandalf mumbled, frowning. "Well, not this time. This time, actually, I came to speak to your father, ... to escape the rain. I simply desire a warm fire and a dry bed, perhaps a bit of company. Truthfully."

The two princes laughed and Belegorn clapped Gandalf on the back.

"Then you shall have them," he said. "You know that you are always welcome in the House of Thranduil. Although, I fear this means that Nimithil and I have offended Legolas for no reason. He will never believe us when we tell him that after we sent him away, you told us nothing."

"I'm sure he'll get over it."

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

The House of Thranduil was, in fact, not a house at all, but a network of caves and tunnels that honeycombed into the side of a very large hill. The individual cave-rooms were large and spacious and the tunnels did not delve too deeply, so it had a much more open and airy feel tmostmost cave structures.

Many wooden buildings and huts stood nearby, some at the bases of the towering oaks, and others located hip inp in the branches of the trees. It reminded Gandalf of Lothlorien, and yet it was completely different. Unlike the dwellings of the Elves of the Golden Wood, the houses of Mirkwood were very basic in design, the Elves here choosto sto simply reflect the quiet, natural beauty that surrounded them, rather than attempt to enhance it. The overall effect was much more subdued and subtle than that of Lothlorien, but, to Gandalf's mind, no less impressive.

Standing before the great stone doors to the huge cave-house, waiting for the three companions, was Thranduil himself. The tall, somber woodland king looking very much the same as he did when Gandalf saw him last. Legolas stood beside him, a smaller, fairer echo of his father. Several other members of the household and the community also stood nearby watching the wizard expectantly.

Thranduil stepped forward to greet the Istari, clasping his hands solemnly.

"Greetings Mithrandir," the king said formally, "it has been many years since you have graced the forest of Mirkwood with your presence, but you are ever welcome in the House of Thranduil."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Gandalf said. "I shall endeavor to enjoy your hospitality more often and not stay away so long."

The formalities done with, Thranduil moved closer and placed a hand on Gandalf's shoulder.

"You have news for me?" he asked softly.

Gandalf glanced over to where Legolas stood a few paces away, easily within Elven earshot. The youth appeared most attentive to the conversation.

"No, Your Majesty, I do not. I am here only to take advantage of your hospitality and get out of this incet rat rain. I have no other ulterior motive."

Gandalf couldn't help but notice the look of disappointment that flashedoss oss Legolas' face. But a slow smile touched the lips of the Elven king.

"I am relieved to hear this, Mithrandir. I have enough worries already. I do not need any additional... But, come, I am being remiss in my duties as a host. Let us find you some dry clothes and a warm fire. As soon as Legolas arrived with the news of your visit, myple ple have been busy preparing a feast for you. Let us not keep them waiting."

Gandalf found himself hustled inside the house. At a gesture from the king a waiting servant stepped forward to lead the wizard down a series of tunnels to a large and comfortable room with a fire already blazing in the fireplace. Laid out on the large, ornately carved wooden bed were several thick, woolen robes of various sizes, most in shades of green or brown. Choosing the longest of the robes to cover his tall frame, the wizard stripped off his wet clothes and laid them out to dry near the fire. Dressing quickly in the borrowed robes, he paused briefly to consider his feet. His boots were soaked. While the Elves had provided a choice of several pairs of soft slippers, they all appeared to be too narrow and flimsy for him. Deciding to indulge himself in the rare luxury of bare feet, he left the room to rejoin his host in the great hall.

The great hall of Thranduil's cave-palace was a huge central cave from which all the tunnels of the palace branched out. It served as throne room, treasure store, and, as it would be used tonight, banquet hall. Long tables and benches had been moved into the large space and already it was filled with Elves. Tonight the Elves would celebrate the return of Mithrandir and they would eat and drink long into the night. Normally feasts such as this would be held outside under the boughs of the trees, but with the weather so damp and chilly, they had opted for an indoor banquet.

A great stone fireplace stood at one end of the hall, an ingenious system of chimneys and draught ducts were used to draw the smoke out and away from the caves. The head table was placed in front of the fireplace so that the guest of honor could be closest to its heat. Gandalf was seated between Thranduid Bed Belegorn as the banquet began and the platters of food were brought out.

The wine flowed freely as the evening progressed and after the meal was finished musicians, singers and storytellers amused the gathering. Being at last warm, dry and full of food and drink, the wizard was feeling immensely comfortable and pleasantly fuzzy 'round the edges. The Elf-king and his two eldest sons had drifted off to mingle among their people, leaving Gandalf to contentedly watch the activity around him and simply enjoy the presence of other beings. He allowed their conversations and laughter to wash over him, without feeling any great need to actually participate. Tonight, he was perfectly happy to simply observe.

As his gaze lazily drifted around the hall, he noticed Legolas seated alone at the end of the table. The Elven youth was listening intently to a storyteller who was relating a heroic tale from the First Age. The young Elf was leaning on his elbows, his hands toying absently with a forgotten mug of mead before him. Absorbed as he was with the story, the Elf was completely unaware of the other's scrutiny. The golden glow cast by the fire warmed his pale skin and burnished his fair hair to an even deeper luster. Gandalf watched, transfixed, as the dark midnight eyes would occasionally widen in reaction to the events of the story.

Eventually the story wound toward its conclusion and Legolas became aware of wizawizard's stare. Turning to face him, the prince smiled slightly and stood to join him. The Elf moved with all the fluid grace of a stalking cat and seemed to simply flow into the empty chair beside the wizard.

"Did you, truly, only come here to get out of the rain?" Legolas asked.

"Yes, truly."

"Oh."

"You sound disappointed."

"I am, I guess. I was hoping that perhaps you had news of a battle, that, perhaps, the Orcs were becoming organized, that you were trying to raise an army. I wanted to volunteer to go with you."

"Battles are an unfortunate, and sometimes, necessary fact of life. They will happen often enough. You should not wish for them," Gandalf said gently.

"Yes, I suppose you are right, but I want adventure, Mithrandir. I want to see the world outside of Mirkwood. I want to experience all there is of Middle Earth. Is that wrong?"

"No, it is not wrong, but I would beware, my young Prince, for wishes have a way of co tru true and there are many things out there beyond the borders of Mirkwood that would make even the stoutest of hearts quail with fear."

"I have faced the giant spiders and the wargs. I am not afraid. I welcome the chance to prove myself."

Gandalf sighed softly.

"Why are the young, of all races, so eager to grow old?" he mumble him himself. One large hand reached out, almost of its own will, to lightly cup the Elf's cheek.

"Che you your youth, Legolas, for it is a fleeting thing, even for an Elf. Do not be in such a hurry to leave childhood behind. For now, you have very few cares in this world and, though Elven childhoods may last far longer than the entire span of a Man's life, it will still be gone soon enough. Do not seek to hasten its demise."

Legolas placed his hand on top of the wizard's and leaned into the caress.

"I am not a child, Mithrandir," the Elf said softly, his eyes gazing intently at the wizard. "I approach the end of the Daer Fenn and soon I will be a full member of my father's kingdom. Do not be so quick to dismiss me back to the nursery."

The banquet hall had suddenly become stiflingly hot. The fire, that a moment ago had seemed warm and pleasant, was now too much. Looking into those steady and intense dark eyes, Gandalf found that he was in desperate need of fresh air. His breath seemed thick in his throat.

"I-I'm sorry, but I need to get some air," the wizard mumbled, getting a bit unsteadily to his feet and making a hasty retreat, trying not to notice the confused and slightly hurt look in the Elf's eyes.

Outside, the rain seemed to have finally stopped. There waslighlight breeze through the dense trees and the air felt crisp and fresh on Gandalf's flushed cheeks. He felt somewhat embarrassed by his abrupt and less than dignified exit.

What is the matter with me? he asked himself. Legolas is Thranduil's son. And, while the youth is certainly beautiful and desirable, I can well imagine how the king would react were he to discover that his trusted friend was harboring lustful thoughts for his youngest son. Thranduil of Mirkwood was renowned for his possessiveness. Gandalf was certain that he would experience, firsthand, the Elf-king's dungeons.

No, Gandalf thought resolutely, better to stay out here away from the temptation of those midnight-blue eyes and those flawless features.

The wizard wasn't sure how long he remained outside, pacing around the Elven compound, smoking his long clay pipe, lost in thought. Eventually the Elves began to disperse for the night. Several of them said good-night to him as they passed, headed for their own beds. Gandalf nearly jumped out of his skin as he turned to resume his pacing and found Thranduil himself standing only a few feet away.

"Does something trouble you, Mithrandir?" the king asked.

"Oh, no, I was just feeling a little stifled in there. I think I have been sleeping outside for too long. I just needed some air." Gandalf felt his face flush a bit and hoped that his expression did not convey his guilty thoughts.

"I understand completely. Sleeping in caves is not natural for Elves either. But they do offer good shelter from the entsents and protection from attack."

"Oh, yes, that they do."

An awkward silence fell between the two ancient males. Perhaps sensing that the wizard did not want conversation, it was the Elf who finally broke the silence.

"My sons and I are heading off to bed. Will you be remaining out here, or will you come in now?" he asked. "My steward wishes to close the stone doors for the evening."

"Oh, yes, I will come in now," Gandalf said. "It is very late, isn't it?"

Back inside the great hall, the king clasped hands with the wizard and said his good-night.

"Here, allow my sons to escort you to your chamber. I know the tunnels in this warren can be a bit confusing."

Gandalf felt a mixture of relief and disappointment to see that it was only Belegorn and Nimithil who stood waiting to lead him to his room. Glancing around the great hall, Legolas was not to be seen. Following the two elder princes through the maze of tunnels, the wizard hoped that he had not offended the youngest prince too much with his hasty departure. Belegorn and Nimithil stopped outside the door to the guest room and turned to the wizard.

"Did you enjoy the banquet?" Belegorn asked.

"Oh, very much," Gandalf answered. "It was quite lovely... I'm afraid, I will be leaving very early tomorrow morning and I will probably not see Legolas before then. Will you, please, tell him good-bye for me?"

The two brothers exchanged glances and both appeared to be trying to stifle smiles as they turned back to their father's guest.

"Of course, Mithrandir," Nimithil answered. "We wish you pleasant dreams."

"Yes, thank you, Gentlemen. Good night."

What was that all about? the wizard thought, as he entered the room and closed the door behind him.

The room was dense with shadows, the only light coming from the fire in the fireplace and a single candle by the large bed. When a figure near the foot of the bed abruptly stepped out from the shadows, it took all of the wizard's self-control to keep from lashing out with his staff. In an instant, he recognized the figure and relaxed.

"I'm sorry if I startled you, Mithrandir," Legolas said softly.

"Oh, it's quite all right, a few more years added to my age shouldn't matter over-much," Gandalf said, his hand pressed over his rapidly beating heart. "Uh, was there something that you needed from me, my Prince?"

"Yes, ...I-I would like you to teach me."

"Teach you?"

"Yes, teach me the ways of the Hun-gwador (heart-brothers). Teach me the ways of love between men."

Gandalf felt as if his greatest dream and his worst nightmare had both manifested themselves simultaneously. He could barely think to form a coherent response. "Oh"Oh, I-I am ... I am very flattered, but ..."

The smile on the prince's flawless face faltered. A faint red flush began to creep into the pale cheeks.

"You do not want me. I-I am sorry, I thought that ... when we spoke in the great hall and you touched my face, I thought ... I was mistaken. I am sorry. I will leave at once."

"Legolas, no," Gandalf said, catching the Elf's arm as he tried to move past him to the door.

"I understand," the prince said quickly, "I am not one of my brothers. I am only third-born..."

"No, no, it is not that."

"Am I too plain? I know that physical beauty is very important to other races."

"By Elbereth, no! Legolas, your beauty steals my breath, but ... I still cannot. Though your years may number in the hundreds, by your people's reckoning you are still very young."

"I am nearly at the end of the Daer Fenn. It is not too young for my people... I am not virginal ... I mean, not completely. I have been with a female."

"Oh, yes? Well, I am certain that she was a beautiful Elven lady, worthy of you and your rank. I, on the other hand, am an old man. Come, Legolas, I'm sure there are far more attractive and no less experid ted teachers here in Mirkwood who would be more than willing to initiate a beautiful, young prince to the ways of the Hun-gwador."

Even as he spoke the words, using the "too old" excuse, the wizard knew that it was not a valid argument. Unlike the youth-worshipping Men, the immortal and ageless Elves revered their elders. They understood that only through the passage of time were true knowledge and wisdom acquired. In Elven society it was considered fitting and proper for the elders to instruct the young, in all things.

"I have learned all that I care from the teachers here in Mirkwood. I would learn this lesson from you," Legolas said. "What is it that truly bothers you?"

"You are the youngest child of an old friend." Gandalf said, grasping the Elf's shoulders. "I will not risk that friendship for one night of passion. And I will not have it be said that Gandalf the Gray took advantage of a friend in order to bed his child."

"Really, who is taking advantage of whom?" the Elf asked coyly. "Is that really all you fear? Firstly, as I have already pointed out, I am not a child. And secondly, my father knows perfectly well that I am here."

"Your father knows!" Gandalf said, his hands quickly falling away from the prince.

"Of course he does!" Legolas laughed lightlyDid Did you really think that I would presume toemptempt to seduce a guest in my father's house without his permission?"

"And he gave his permission?"

"Yes, he said that I had made a wise choice, that he thought you would be a most patient and gentle teacher."

Gandalf chuckled softly. The more time he spent with the Elves, the more amazed and delighted he was by how open they were about their sexuality. Unlike the other, more repressed races, they were not modest about nudity, placed no societal significance on virginity, and practiced homosexuality and bisexuality openly. He supposed it was only natural for a race that lived for thousands of years, long life leading to the loss of inhibitions and allowing them to be much more liberal and philosophical about the notions of love and sexuality. Elves believed that beauty was beauty, and should be admired, regardless of its form. And love offered freely, should be cherished, regardless of its source. Gazing into the young Elf-prince's earnest and soul-filled eyes, Gandalf found his resolve faltering. But there was still one nagging doubt.

Slowly reaching out to cup both hands under the Elf's jaw, he whispered, "My sweet Prince, you are so beautiful, so beautiful that words... fail me. But I am old, tired and worn by the years. I fear I would be a poor bedmate for one such as you. You could have anyone. Why would you want a gray, wrinkled old man?"

"Because you are also beautiful, Mithrandir! Your gray beard and the lines of your face define who you are and what you have done in your lifetime. They have always fascinated me and among my people I can find no like. Your eyes shine with a wisdom that no Elf can match... Yes, Mithrandir, you are beautiful."

Without pausing to reconsider his actions, Gandalf drew the Elf closer. His hands still holding the other's face, he kissed Legolas. The kiss was chaste and gentle at first, the two simply tasting each other and enjoying the newness. But gradually, as his body began to respond, the wizard slid one hand to grasp the back of the Elf's neck, his other moving down his back, pulling him closer still, his tongue thrusting into the willing mouth. Legolas wrapped his arms around the other male's waist.

As the wizard moved his mouth to lightly nip and tongue one gently pointed ear, his growing need pressed against the other's hip, Legolas arched up and moaned softly, "Yes, Mithrandir."

"Gandalf," the wizard breathed into his ear.

"What?"

"Call me Gandalf," he murmured, his mouth now moving down the white column of the Elf's neck. "It is the name I cherish most. I wish for you to always call me Gandalf."

Legolas felt a delicious shiver pass through him, as if he had just been given the long-desired password to a secret and forbidden place. "Yes, Gaf,"f," he sighed.

Hearing this name on the beautiful Elf's lips seeme fan fan the wizard's ardor even further and he began fumbling with the other's garments, trying to remove them one-handed for he was reluctant to release the supple young body with the other hand. Finally Legolas did it for him, stepping back and unlacing his outer tunic. Between the two of them, they managed to strip the Elf to the waist, letting the discarded clothing drop to the floor.

The wizard instantly attacked the exposed flesh hungrily, his mouth suckling alternately on the hardened pink nubs of the Elf's nipples, while his hands glided over the flat, muscular stomach. The prince moaned softly, his hands tangling in the long, gray hair. As the wizard's exploring hands continued lower, beneath the laces of his leggings, to reach around and squeeze the firm buttocks, Legolas felt his knees begin to buckle.

Gandalf maneuvered the prince back, bracing him against the wall behind them and grinding their hips together, kissing him roughly. Feeling his own need rising, Legolas unbuckled the belt around the wizard's waist, letting it fall to the floor then began to tug at the laces that held on the borrowed brown robe. He pushed the garment back off the man's shoulders and it slowly slithered down his body to pool at his feet. The lightweight leggings and tunic that the wizard normally wore under his robes were still dryiy thy the fire, so he stood before the prince completely naked. A lifetime of constant and rough travel had kept the wizard in remarkably good shape for one of his years.

Legolas reached out to trace lazy patterns across the broad chest with his fingertips, slowly circling each taut nipple without actually touching them. Spurred by the Elf's teasing caresses, Gandalf pushed the hands away and crushed the smaller male to him, his tongue once again invading the other's mouth. A small whimper escaped from the prince's throat as the wizard ably rly released him and stepped back, leaving him gasping for air.

Seeing that the Elf was still wearing entirely too much clothing, Gandalf quickly set about remedying that situation. Kneeling, he lifted one of the prince's legs and removed his boot then repeated this with the other leg. He slowly slid his hands up the long muscular legs to rest on the narrow hips, savoring the strength he knew to be contained within the deceptively slender body. As his hands moved to the laces of the leggings, Gandalf hesitated and glanced up at the young prince, wanting to give him a last opportunity to change his mind.

Still breathing heavily, Legolas' golden hair was mussed and his lips were already slightly bruised and swollen. Gandalf felt a quick stab of guilt for having handled the inexperienced Elf so roughly, but looking into the dark eyes, he saw only complete and unconditional trust. The prince gave him a slight nod. It was all the confirmation the wizard needed.

With slightly shaking hands he untied the laces and pushed the leggings down, freeing the Elf's straining erection. Legolas stepped out of the trousers and kicked them aside. Still kneeling, Gandalf grasped the Elf's hips and took the swollen member into his mouth. Legolas threw his head back and gasped at the unexpected pleasure and only the wizard's firm grip on his hips, pressing him against the wall, kept him from bucking forward and choking the other male. Gandalf's tongue darted over, around and under the Elf's penis like a thing alive, coaxing soft whimpers from the prince's throat.

Legolas' head was pressed back against the wall, his hands buried in the wizard's hair, as he tried desperately to maintain some semblance of control. Never had he experienced such ecstasy. The searing heat and writhing tongue enveloping the entire length of his rgedrged member were pushing him rapidly toward oblivion. As the man's head moved up and down along the length of the shaft, his long hair and beard brushed against the Elf, tickling his hips and inner thighs. Legolas' senses seemed to overload and the world abruptly exploded around and within him. His entire body shuddered and he gasped out the wizard's name in a hoarse whisper.

The wizard drank in the Elf's seed greedily then released spe spent penis. Standing quickly, he caught the limp and trembling prince before he could slide to the floor. Gandalf held Legolas for several long moments, stroking him gently, until the Elf had regained the strength to stand unaided.

"Are you all right, my Prince?" Gandalf asked, softly, smiling.

"Oh, yes, I'm wonderful, but what of you? What of your pleasure?"

"Have no concern for me. This was for your education."

"How can I have nncerncern for you?" Legolas asked, glancing down at the wizard's stiff member, which was pressing almost painfully into his stomach. "It would be most cruel of me to leave you in such a state. And surely there are other things you could teach me?"

"Yes, there are, but I fear they would cause you pain, My Prince."

"I wish to learn, Gandalf," the Elf whispered intently. "I wish to learn everything. And I trust you. I know you will not hurt me unnecessarily."

The serene trust on the beautiful Elf's face and the painful need in his groin won out and Gandalf pulled Legolas into another rough kiss.

"My Prince," the wizard said, almost urgently, pulling away from the embrace, "we will need something to help ease the process, something to ease your pain."

"On the table by the bed," Legolas whispered.

Moving to the small bedside table, where the single candle now burned quite low, was a small vial of clear glass that the wizard hadn't noticed earlier. Removing the stopper, Gandalf found that it contained an odorless and exceptionally slick oil.

Returning to the Elf's side, Gandalf said, "You came well prepared for this seduction, my Prince, I am impressed."

"Actually as Bas Belegorn's suggestion."

"Belegorn? So, your brothers know about this as well?"

Of course, the wizard thought, that would explain their smug smiles earlier.

"Tell me, my Prince, is there anyone in your father's kingdom who does not know what we are doing right now?"

"I promise you, Gandalf, only my family knows. Are you angry?"

"No," the wizard said, caressing one high, porcelain cheek. "Right now, I wouldn't care if all of Middle Earth knew.\ Wi With another, more tender kiss, the wizard turned the prince around and pulled him back to rest against his chest. Legolas let his head fall back against Gandalf's shoulder and closed his eyes, trying to calm his racing heart. He felt the other's hands slide down his sides, over hipships and along his thighs. He was only peripherally aware of the foot pressing against his, urging it to slide over, moving his legs further apart. A strong arm wrapped around his waist and a single, slick finger began to slowly slide between the curves of his buttocks and across the tight opening located there.

The Elf's body tensed slightly as the finger pressed firmly inward, moving past the ring of muscle. Stroking the digit in and out a few times, a second finger was added. Gandalf paused for a moment to allow the other male to relax a bit. A third finger was also inserted and the wizard began to work them in gentle circular motions, trying to loosen the tight muscle. Almost panting now, Legolas pressed back against him.

Knowing that he could not last much longer, Gandalf removed his fingers and, after liberally lubricating his penis, he once again took a firm grasp on the prince's hips and slowly pressed himself into the heat. A low, throaty sound, something like a cross between a moan and a growl emerged from the man, drowning the the Elf's soft grunt. Losing himself in the sensation of being clenched tightly by the ring of muscle, the wizard collapsed forward against the smaller male. Gritting his teeth against the pain, Legolas was forced to put his hands out and brace himself against the wall. He whimpered softy.

"Ssshhh, just relax," Gandalf cooed softly into a pointed ear, holding the trembling Elf close. "That's it, breathe deeply."

As the pain lessened, the wizard felt Legolas relax somewhat and began to move his hips, thrusting gently. The prince moaned as the pain gradually turned to a searing pleasure and his so recently spent penis began to twitch back to life. Sliding larglarge hands up over the slim white body, to the Elf's shoulders, Gandalf pressed down, bending Legolas over further. A light sheen of sweat formed on the wizard's body as his thrusts become deeper and more forceful.

Feeling himself nearing climax, the wizard had just enough presence of mind to lean forward, reach around and grasp the Elf's now, fully erect penis. Timing the thrusts of his hand with those of his hips, he quickly had the prince literally writhing in ecstasy.

<"Oh, yes, now!"> Legolas gasped out in Elvish, fully in the throes of his second orgasm.

Obeying the prince's command, Gandalf gave one last great thrust and released his own seed with a long groan. As his sated member slipped free, the wizard held Legolas tighter and fell forward, both males leaning heavily against the wall, breathing deeply. Feeling the Elf going boneless in his arms once more, the wizard used the last of his own strength to lift and carry Legolas to the bed. Collapsing down beside him, Gandalf pulled the blankets over them and wrapped himself around the smaller male.

Brushing away a few sweat-dampened strands of the pale, silken hair from the Elf's face, the wizard asked soflty, "Was the lesson satisfactory, my Prince?"

A soft moan and a slight, exhausted smile were the only answers he received. Legolas' open eyes were already half-glazed over with sleep. Gandalf sighed contentedly,owinowing well-earned sleep to claim him as well.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Drifting lazily up into consciousness, Gandalf opened his eyes to find a pair of deep blue ones watching him. Accustomed to sleeping alone, he was a bit startled at first, but as the pleasant memories of the night before surfaced in his mind, he relaxed and smiled warmly at his companion.

\d mod morning, my Prince, have you been awake long?" he asked.

"Actually, yes, I have, but I stayed in bed because I didn't want you to wake up alone."

"That was very considerate of you, but it wasn't necessary," the wizard said, despite being very touched by the simple gesture.

"I didn't mind," the Elf said. "I also wanted to thank you for the ... lesson. I didn't get a chance last night."

"Oh, you thanked me quite well enough last night." Gandalf said, smiling as a faint pink blush blossomed on the Elf's cheeks.

"Well, I had best get back to my room. If I am not there when my father's servants come to fetch me for breakfast, they may come looking for me. Then, I fear, all of Middle Earth will know of what we've done."

"And we certainly wouldn't want that," the wizard said dryly.

As Legolas sat up in preparation of rising from the bed, he felt a sharp, momentary stab of pain from his backside. He tensed and gave a sharp hiss from the pain.

"Are you alright, my Prince?"

"Yes, just a little tender," he answered, getting slowly to his feet.

"I fear you may be for a few days."

"It was worth it," Legolas said with a slight smile.

Gandalf watched contentedly as the prince retrieved his clothes from the floor and dressed. The wizard was suddenly very much aware of the way the Elf's casual grace made even the most simple and mundane of actions seem erotic. The wizard could feel his body beginning to respond. Now fully dressed, the prince turned back to face Gandalf.

Seeing the other male staring at him, the Elf asked, "Yes?"

Gandalf smiled. "Nothing. You should go."

"I'le yoe you at breakfast," Legolas said as he slipped out the door.

With a heavy, contented sigh, the wizard lay back. So, much for my early start, he thought.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

For the first time, in what seemed like months to Gandalf, the sun was shining brightly. He could see and feel its warm rays filtering through the dense leaves high overhead. Even diminished as it was by the ever-present shadows of Mirkwood, it was a most welcomed change.

The three princes insisted on escorting the wizard at least as far as the western boundaries of their father's territory and the four companions shared a pleasant walk through the dark woods. The miles passed quickly, the small company laughing easily and often, occasionally breaking into song. As they approached the tree stump that served as one of the markers of the western edge of Thranduil's kingdom, the group came to a halt.

"We should head back now," Belegorn said, addressing his younger brothers. "Father will need us to help with the patrols."

Turning to Gandalf, he said, "You must not stay away so long between visits, Mithrandir."

"I shall try not to. I thank you and your people for all your hospitality and for your company thus far. Namarie."

The two elder princes each said their good-byes and shook hands with the tall wizard. As they stepped back preparing to depart, Legolas hesitated.

"I will catch up with you in a moment," he said to his brothers.

"Very well," Belegorn said with a slight smile.

After the two elder Elves had disappeared around a bend in the path, Legolas turned back to the wizard, suddenly feeling awkward and somewhat shy. He was reluctant to say good-bye and was unsure of just how to go about it. This Morning After parting situation was unfamiliar to him. Obviously sensing the young Elf's dilemma, Gandalf smiled gently and reached out to caress one smooth cheek. Legolas placed his own hand atop it and returned the smile gratefully.

"Yesterday, before I came to Mirkwood, I was feeling terribly old and alone," Gandalf said softly. "But last night you made me feel more alive than I have in many years, and for that I thank you."

"You are most welcome, Gandalf. I will never forget last night."

"Nor will I... Now, you'd best get going. Your brothers are waiting for you."

"Namarie," the Elf said as he turned to sprint off down the path in the direction his brothers had disappeared.

"Namarie," the wizard whispered as he watched the slim figure vanish into the shadows of the wo

With a satisfied sigh, Gandalf turned back toward the west and began walking. The sun was shining and his heart felt lighter than it had in a very long time. All in all, he thought, I believe it's going to be a fine day. And with that thought he began humming an ancient Elven love song.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

As Legolas rejoined his brothers who were waiting for him not far along the path, they turned to look at him expectantly. The younger Elf slowed his pace and returned their stares impassively.

"Yes?" he asked.

"We couldn't help but notice, Brother," Belegorn said, smiling wickedly, "that you seem to be walking rather gingerly this morning. May we assume then, that Mithrandir is as well-endowed sexually as he is in wisdom?"

"I will not deign to answer that question. I will simply say that I spent a very pleasant and ... instructional evening with Gandalf-."

"Gandalf?" Nimithil asked, interrupting.

"Yes, Gandalf," Las sas said, smugly. "For me to say anything more about the evening would be unconscionably rude to our father's honored guest. And I'm sure you do not want me to offend Father."

The two elder princes looked at each other in frustration, realizing that they were not going to get any sweaty details of the night from their brother.

"Legolas!" Belegorn cried out.

But by this time the young prince had already disappeared into the trees. The only thing the brothers heard was the sound of Legolas softly humming an ancient Elven love song.