Deception

Title: Deception

Pairings: Legolas/Haldir. . .all nice and sweet! (Later: Legolas/Rumil/Orophin, but not in this chapter.)

Rating: This chapter: PG-13.

Summary: Haldir loves Legolas, but he's ashamed of his desire.

Archive: It would be an honour, but please ask first.

Beta: Nope.

Notes: All characters are Tolkien's. I just like to have my own brand of pervy fun with them.
Thoughts are in --...--, and emphases are written as *...*.
Feedback and CONSTRUCTIVE criticism are always welcome at: elvenbeauty@hotmail.com or merenwen_fefalas@yahoo.co.uk

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Chapter One

Moonlight crept in through the window, bathing the room in silver-blue. The sole occupant of the large wooden bed began to stir, but did not awaken; a deep sigh escaped his lips, and he settled deep into the soft bedding. Golden hair framed a pale face; a lightly muscled arm peeked out from under a pillow. The archer was lost in his dreams, oblivious of the presence on the small balcony outside the window.

Haldir sat perched on the ornate wooden rail, gazing at Legolas. The Prince was beautiful when he slept. The serene look on hise gae gave no indication of the burden he and his companions bore, that the fate of civilisation was in their hands. Looking at Legolas gave Haldir his own peace, and truth be told, hd fad fallen in love with him. This feeling was strange to Haldir, as he had never felt thus for one of his own sex.

The Guardian had long pondered ways to reveal his feelings to Legolas, but could think of none. In any case, he wasn't certain the Prince would return his affections, and he wasn't about to wound his pride. Haldir would have to be content with the friendship that had quickly grown between the two. So there he sat, staring, his heart heavy.

The sleeping Elf stirred again, this time opening his eyes a fraction. He could see a figure silhouetted on the balcony, but he did not know who was watching him. As he opened his eyes further, Legolas realised it was the March Warden, and a smile graced his lips.

"Haldir," he spoke, "why do you sit at my window?"

"There is much beauty in Lorien," responded the watcher, "and much beauty in this very room. I was simply admiring it." His heart spoke the words, his head useless to stop it. The prince would surely laugh. Haldir was surprised when he did not.

Legolas flushed at the compliment, the smile never leaving his face. "Come in and sit with me. I would enjoy your company."

Haldir climbed in through the window and sat in the chair to the left of the bed. A nightshirt was draped across the back of it, and Haldir realised for the first time in the all the nights that he'd spent outside that the Prince slept in the nude. This realisation sent a wave of heat through the Guardian's body.

"How fare you this night?" Legolas sat so he faced his guest, the sheet falling to barely cover his lap. His chest was smooth and lightly muscled, his stomach was well defined, and there was a trail of light, thin hair leading down from his navel to the patch at his groin. Strong archer's arms gave way to gentle hands and slender fingers. Haldir sat in awe at the vision before him.

"I seem to be having a bit of difficulty falling to sleep," Haldir answered blankly.

"Perhaps if you were lying in bed you would find the task a bit easier," Legolas laughed. "*I* have never had much success sleeping perched upon a balcony rail."

"On the contrary, fair Prince, lying in bed only serves to make things worse."

"Then you have not been lying in the right bed, Haldir." Legolas motioned to the unoccupied side of the bed. "Perhaps you can find rest here." Haldir removed his garments, save for his leggings, and sat on the edge of the bed. He could feel Legolas' eyes on his back, and he didn't know what to do. He wanted to lie down next to Legolas, to feel the smoothness of his skin against his own, but a part of him was ashamed of his desires. What would the other Galadhrim, especially Rumil and Orophin, think if they knew their captain was smitten with the ner? As if reading the last half of Haldir's thoughts, Legolas added, "Just lie here with me tonight. I ask nothing more of you."

--What if I want you to?-- thought Haldir, too afraid to speak the words aloud. Taking his place next to Legolas on the bed, he mumbled, "Of course. I never presumed otherwise." His cheeks reddened from embarrassment. He'd misunderstood the Prince's offer. "I apologise for any offence, dear friend."

"There has been no offence," the younger Elf laughed. "Perhaps I was unclear. I said I *asked* nothing of you, however I did not say you could not give of your own accord." Legolas' eyes reflected the desire that Haldir felt. The bridge had been built, and now was the time to cross it. If only Haldir wasn't so afraid.

"Tonight, Legolas," Haldir whispered, "tonight we will spend as friends. I will stay in your chamber, in your bed, but nothing shall pass between us until my brothers have gone to the border. They depart the day after tomorrow. I hope you understand."

Legolas understood. Haldir wasn't the only one who wanted to keep his private life private. Haldir's brothers never seemed to have anything to do but harass Legolas, and he did not want to give them fuel for their fire. "Of course. We shall wait."

After a bit of conversation, the two Elves settled into the large wooden bed and fell asleep, Haldir's arm draped over Legolas.


To be continued. . .