Legolas in Valinor
Aug. 9th, 2004 03:51 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sildilOk, crap title, but I am rotten at thinking of them!
Here is the fic I wrote for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
mirien for her belated birthday pressie.....
LEGOLAS IN VALINOR
Legolas is lonely and needs someone to love! (aawww)
NC17 - Legolas/? (wait for it, must have some surprises, even if a lot of you know who it is already - it was Mirien's choice)
Warnings: Usual, two male elves having fun, if you don't like the idea, then don't read.
Disclaimers: Characters not mine, I am just playing with them and returning them nicely after use.
Legolas in Valinor
“I am worried about you, old friend.”
The elderly, grey-haired dwarf puffed at his pipe as he sat on the steps outside his home in the warm evening sun.
The pale elf sighed, “there is nothing to worry about, Gimli. I have told you before. I am fine.”
Gimli snorted. “Yes, there is. Yes, you did. And you are not.”
Legolas gave another exasperated sigh. He stood staring out at the sea, looking towards the east.
“I miss him, all the time,” he said softly.
“Aye, so do I laddie. He was a great man. A great king……”
“…and a great friend,” whispered the elf.
Gimli looked shrewdly at his friend. Legolas and Aragorn’s friendship had been deeper than most, for they were as close as brothers. When Aragorn had died, and the sea-longing finally overwhelmed the elf, he had left Middle Earth for Valinor, and asked Gimli to accompany him.
The dwarf had no reasons to stay and plenty of reasons to leave, the main one being that he feared that Legolas would fade in grief before he even reached the Blessed Realm. He took it upon himself to whine and complain and moan for the whole journey, just to keep the elf on his toes, until they saw the distant white shores of the west.
Being in Valinor had helped Legolas cope with his sorrow, but over the past few months (or was it years? Time passed so strangely here) Gimli had seen Legolas grow more and more quiet and distant.
“Are you not happy here, Legolas?”
The elf frowned and came to sit by his friend. “I think I am. The sea-longing has passed, I no longer feel pain. Valinor is.....beautiful, perfect.”
“Aye, it is. Perfect,” agreed Gimli, “the weather is perfect, the gardens and trees are perfect. Even the caves and dark places beneath the ground, that few have seen except this dwarf and his lonely friend, are perfect.”
Legolas gave a quick glance at Gimli. “You think I am lonely?” he said a little defensively.
Gimli looked at the elf and smiled sympathetically. “Yes, actually I do.”
Legolas shook his head. “But Gimli, you have been, and are, my dearest friend. You left your home, your kin to come here with me. After Aragorn.....died, I did not think I would live. You kept me sane and brought me home.....”
“.....I did not! I seem to remember spending most of the journey feeling slightly unwell. Dwarves do not go in boats.”
The elf smiled at the memory. He knew what the dwarf had done, and was very grateful.
And, thought Legolas, in fact, Gimli was right. He did feel alone. He had spent so long away from his own kind, during the War of the Ring, and then afterwards he had devoted his time and energies to serving the new king, his friend, Aragorn. And even though the Prince of Mirkwood had also spent many years restoring Ithilien with elves from his homeland, he did not allow any to get close to him, and maintained his distance.
Here in Valinor he had Gimli, he had his gardens and he had friends. But something was missing and he did not know what.
Gimli knew. And he also knew that he was getting old. One day, he would not be around any longer and he did not want to think of the elf abandoned and alone. Legolas needed someone to love and someone to love him. It was simple.
Ever practical, the dwarf decided there and then that he had to find a solution to his friend’s problem. He puffed on his pipe and thought hard. It would have to be someone special. Someone who would sweep the prince off his feet as Legolas was always reserved and even shy about showing his feelings.
He would have to watch Legolas carefully and see if anyone caught his eye. He would also encourage him to mix more with the inhabitants of Valinor and spend less time alone wandering the shoreline deep in thought.
His plan made, he smiled contentedly. “Come on Legolas, the evening grows cold for my old bones. Let us go inside. I am hungry too, and I prepared a stew earlier today, I would love to share it with you.”
Legolas nodded, “thank you Gimli, I will happily join you.”
The two friends entered Gimli’s small house, where they spent the evening together, reminiscing and remembering old friends and happy times.
*****
The weeks passed and Gimli grew despondent. He had dragged Legolas all over Valinor visiting, attending parties and celebrations, dining with friends, but not once did his friend show interest in anyone in
particular. He was popular and entertaining and the elves loved Legolas’ company. But as each evening drew to a close, the elf bid Gimli goodnight and set off alone to his dwelling.
Gimli had no idea what else to try and then he remembered Lord Elrond. There was an elf who always seemed to know what to do. As soon as he thought of the half-elf he realised that this could be the answer to his problem. Not that he thought that Legolas would find a soul mate in Elrond Half-elven, indeed, Elrond was now happily reunited with his wife, Celebrian after years of loneliness in Middle Earth. No, he regarded the elf Lord highly and respected his advice. He would tell him of the problem and see if he could suggest a solution.
His mind made up, he sought Lord Elrond at the first opportunity.
Gimli found him sitting in his gardens the next afternoon, watching his wife as she tended the flowers.
The elf gave Gimli a warm smile as he saw him approach.
“Welcome old friend! You have not visited for some time. To what do we owe this pleasure?”
Gimli smiled and suddenly found himself wrapped in a warm embrace. Lord Elrond had softened and mellowed greatly now that the cares of Imladris were no longer his, and he was with his wife once again.
“I am sorry for not visiting sooner my Lord.....”
“.....just ‘Elrond’,” said the elf firmly.
Gimli chuckled, “....Elrond, but I have been busy.”
“Busy? How can one be ‘busy’ in Valinor?”
Gimli sighed, “I have been busy with our friend Legolas. I will be blunt.....”
Elrond laughed, “.....as always!”
“Yes, as always,” Gimli grew serious, “ I am worried about him. He is lonely. He misses Aragorn. He no longer eats, he spends his days walking the shores unless I drag him away and distract him. I thought that he might fade when Aragorn died, or grow sick from the sea-longing. When we came to Valinor, I hoped that his pain would be over, but it is not. I think he needs a companion.”
“Well, I can see that you have given this quite some thought, Gimli, ” said Elrond with a frown, “I did not realise that Legolas was still unhappy.” He looked sad for a moment. “Aragorn was like a brother to him and he felt his loss keenly. But I, like you, had thought that being in the Blessed Realm would ease his heart.”
“Aye, but it has not. When all is said and done, it is just a place. A very beautiful and perfect place, I grant you, but just a place. What I was thinking, is that Legolas needs more than nice scenery, he needs to find love,” said the dwarf bluntly.
Celebrian laughed. “Is that not the very thing that I said to you my Lord, just the other day, that you dismissed as ‘interfering female matchmaking’?” she said, joining her husband.
Gimli was amused to see the once stern elven lord blush and look embarrassed. “I believe you may have said something of the sort, ” Elrond muttered.
“Well,” said Celebrian settling down comfortably on the bench and drawing Gimli down beside her, “tell me, master dwarf, what have you tried?”
“I have tried everything my Lady, I have dragged that poor elf the length and breadth of Valinor. We have met more elves than I can count and not once has he shown a spark of interest in any of them. Short of writing ‘Wanted; Companion for Mirkwood Archer’ posters and pinning them to every tree, I have done all I can,” said Gimli in exasperation.
“Hmm, then I think we can safely say that there is no one here presently who will suit. However, in a month there is to be a celebration and welcome for elves newly released from Mandos’ Halls. Do not give up hope. Make sure that Legolas attends the gathering and maybe there he will meet the companion that he needs.”
Gimli smiled hopefully and nodded, “I will make sure he attends if I have to dress him and drag him there by his hair, my Lady!”
“I sincerely hope that will NOT be necessary!” spluttered Lord Elrond, “MOST undignified!”
Gimli laughed at the thought. He stood up and bowed to Celebrian and Elrond. “Thank you, I feel hopeful for my dear friend for the first time in a long while.”
Lord Elrond smiled, “he is our dear friend too, and we do not wish him to be sad. We will help in any way that we can.”
Gimli nodded and left with a much lighter heart. Surely Legolas would find someone to care for soon?
*****
Legolas tugged at his tunic uncomfortably as he stood in the doorway of the dwarf’s small cottage. “Gimli, why are you being so insistent I go to this banquet this evening? I really do not think that after all this time in Valinor you need me to accompany you. You are well respected and loved by all who live here,”
Gimli, who was giving his fine gold bracelets a final polish before clasping them around his wrist, gave his friend an appraising look. Legolas looked very fine. Very fine indeed. If Gimli had had a say in what the prince wore tonight, he would have chosen that very tunic, in that perfect rich blue. It showed off his elegant body and brought out the colour of his eyes. Surely he would attract some elf’s attention tonight?
Gimli frowned and pretended to look awkward. “I know, I know. Call me a foolish old dwarf, but there may be some folks there, just out of Mandos’ Halls that might not take kindly to a dwarf being present, if you take my meaning. I would value your company my friend.”
Legolas smiled and sighed, “of course I understand, and you are not a foolish old dwarf…..well, not often anyway. I will go with you, do not fret.”
Gimli ushered Legolas out of his house and closed the door. As he followed his friend he gave a smile. So far, so good. He had worried about actually getting the reluctant Legolas to attend this dinner at all and the more he had thought about it the more he had worked himself into believing that ‘tonight was the night’ for the fair elf.
All the approaches to the banquet were lit with pale coloured lanterns and festooned with sweet-smelling garlands. Elves were arriving from every corner of the gardens, all dressed in their finest, to welcome friends and loved ones from Mandos’ Halls. From all around came snatches of song and laughter as they gathered around the long tables laden with delightful dishes and decorated with flowers and candles. There was a gentle, warm breeze that blew in from the sea bringing a fresh tang in the air.
When everyone had gathered, there was the sudden sound of a plaintive melody played on a horn, stirring the heart and memory, and all present fell quiet. Through a great flower decked arch at the end of the garden came Lord Namo himself, accompanied by his wife, Vaire. They were both dressed in the palest blue that shimmered as it caught the soft glow of the candles. Their hair was black and silky and fell loose and unbraided about their shoulders. The elves (and one dwarf) bowed and curtseyed as one in front of the Doomsman of the Valar and he inclined his head to them all in greeting. They took their places in seats placed to one side of the arch and then Lord Namo spoke.
“Friends, we are gathered here today to greet friends and loved ones as they return from my Halls. All have been released here according to my will. This is the happiest of occasions and time for celebration. Play music, sing, dance, eat and drink. Welcome them all!”
Lord Namo clapped once, music began and slowly those who had been released began to enter under the great arch. As each one arrived they were met by small groups of elves and there was much rejoicing, laughter and tears.
Some time after, when most of the returning elves had been reunited, Gimli found Legolas sitting at a table with his chin resting on his hands looking a little sad. The dwarf pulled up a chair and sat next to his friend with an inward sigh. This was not working. No one was going to fall in love at first sight with a morose elf.
Gimli watched his friend as the elf stared out at the happy scenes of love and affection. If anything Legolas looked more and more depressed as the evening progressed. For the first time that night, Gimli began to feel disheartened. Then, just as he was about to suggest that the two of them depart, the dwarf heard his friend give an almost imperceptible gasp and saw his eyes widen, just slightly.
He looked across the tables to the garlanded arch. There seemed to be no one in particular standing around that might have caught Legolas’ attention. Gimli frowned slightly and quickly skimmed the crowds for a clue as to his friend’s sudden interest. He was baffled for a moment and then saw Lord Elrond talking animatedly to a tall, dark elf who had his back towards them. Gimli gave a surreptitious glance at Legolas. Yes the unknown elf was the object of his friend’s gaze, he was sure of it.
Gimli was almost bouncing with frustration and willing the stranger to turn again so that he could see his face, and was debating with himself the likelihood of attracting said stranger by a faked accident with the tablecloth and crockery, when the dark elf threw back his head and laughed at something that Elrond said. My, he was handsome. Even Gimli had to admit he was striking. His hair was like black silk and his eyes flashed a deep blue with a cheerful sparkle in their depths. He had a deep, ready laugh and a friendly smile. Perfect.
Gimli had to resist strongly the temptation to rub his hands together in delight. Now the next part was to get Legolas to meet the stranger. This bit should be easy, since Lord Elrond knew what Gimli wanted for his friend and so the dwarf grabbed an empty goblet from the table and headed off towards the little group, with the pretext of getting a refill of wine.
“Where are you going Gimli?” said Legolas in surprise.
“Just getting another drink, laddie, back in a moment,” the dwarf said, making a beeline for Lord Elrond.
Considering Gimli was not the most subtle or devious soul, he managed to appear suitably surprised and delighted when Elrond welcomed him as he seemed about to pass on his way to the casks of wine.
“Gimli, my friend, here is someone I would very much like you to meet,” Elrond smiled warmly, “ This is Ereinion Gil-galad. Gil, this is Gimli, son of Gloin, and Valinor’s most illustrious dwarf.”
“Valinor’s only dwarf!” Gimli chuckled, “I am most pleased to meet you, my Lord. Needless to say I have heard a very great deal about you,” he said, giving a gracious bow.
Gil-galad grinned. “Well, I must say a dwarf is the very last person I expected to see here in Valinor! Though it is a welcome sight, my friend,” he added hastily, less Gimli think ill of him. “Do tell me, good son of Aule, what brings you here?”
Got him, thought Gimli. Now all he needed to do was tell him about Legolas and that was it, with a bit of luck and a push from Lord Elrond in the right direction.
“Actually, I came here with a friend, that elf over there,” Gimli pointed towards Legolas in a nonchalant manner.
Gil-galad frowned, looking through the crowd until his eye fixed on Legolas.
“Oropher?” He said, shocked. “Oropher and a dwarf?”
“No, not Oropher,” said Elrond hastily, “his grandson, Legolas. He and Gimli travelled and fought together with my foster son Estel.”
“Ah yes, this whole ring business you were telling me about…well, he looks like Oropher,” replied Gil-galad, slightly irritably, “he has the same miserable expression.”
Gimli looked at Legolas in horror. Gil-galad was right, his friend did have an unusually unhappy appearance, even for him. Something had obviously upset him. This would not do.
“He…er…is feeling…..unwell,” said Gimli, desperately.
“Unwell? In Valinor?” the former High King snorted.
Too late, Gimli realised that his poor excuse did not sound good at all.
“Yes, “ said Celebrian smoothly as she came to stand by her husband, “even here we can suffer a…..sickness of the heart, until joined with those we love.”
Oh, very clever, thought both the dwarf and the elf Lord at the same time.
Gil-galad stared at Legolas for a moment, then spoke abruptly. “Well, when can I meet this friend of yours, Master dwarf?”
No time like the present, thought Gimli.
“Why not now?” he said, and offered a silent prayer that Legolas would cheer up in the time that it took to lead Gil-galad over to their table.
The expression on Legolas’ face as his friend approached, followed by the object of his sudden interest, was a picture. The elf looked torn between longing to stay and be introduced and wanting to bolt. Lord Elrond and Celebrian had also noticed that Legolas was about to run and casually parted, making their way to stand on either side of the nervous elf.
“Legolas, I have just met someone who would like to meet you,” said the dwarf with a broad smile, trying to infect his friend with his grin. Gimli presented the handsome dark elf to Legolas. “Allow me to introduce Ereinion Gil-galad,” Gimli turned to Gil-galad, “my Lord, this is Legolas son of Thranduil.”
There was a nervous silence for a moment. Then everyone started talking at once.
“Legolas fought with me in the War of the Ring.....”
“He knew my foster-son, Estel.....”
“Legolas and Gimli arrived here together, it was the first time a dwarf.....”
Gil-galad’s question cut through the babble, “so, you are Oropher’s grandson.....has anyone ever told you how much you look like him?”
Legolas frowned.
“Yes, my father did. Often. Unfortunately, I never knew my grandfather.”
Uncomfortable silence reigned again. Celebrian stared pointedly at Elrond. Gimli’s eyes were fixed on a point about three hand spans to the right of Legolas’ head. Elrond closed his eyes. Gil-galad huffed slightly and looked embarrassed. He had said the wrong thing.
Why in Arda....er.....Valinor had he brought up Oropher? What a first impression that was. To remind the first elf that he had been interested in, really interested in, for thousands of years, of the grandfather who had been killed in a battle that you yourself had instigated. Oh, well done, Ereinion. That was a good start.
The once-High King coughed and tried a smile. “So, you have been here for a while?”
Legolas glanced up into the soft grey eyes of the most beautiful elf he had ever seen and lowered his eyes again quickly. Of all the eldar, why did it have to be this one? He had heard bitter tales all his life of how Gil-galad had led his grandfather and what seemed to be most of Mirkwood to their deaths in the Battle of the Last Alliance.
Legolas gave a polite nod. “Yes, I have my Lord. I journeyed here with my dwarven friend some seventy years ago after the passing of King Elessar in Gondor.” He got up, “but now if you would excuse me, the hour is late and I would take my leave.”
Gil-galad bowed. “Of course. Maybe we might meet again? I would like to know more about your experiences in the War of the Ring,” he said, desperately trying to think of some way of ensuring that he would meet with Legolas again get to know him more.
“No doubt our paths will cross, but Lord Elrond and Gimli know as much as I.”
“Yes, but.....” began Gil-galad, but Legolas had already turned and left, disappearing swiftly into the night.
*****
The once High King spent a restless night. Not what he had expected when he had first been released from Mandos’ Halls. Instead of wandering in reverie and absorbing the delights of Valinor, he paced up and down in a chamber in Lord Elrond’s house mentally kicking himself for his tactlessness talking to the Mirkwood prince the evening before. He could not understand it, he had never fallen in love so suddenly and completely with someone, or so fast. He was captivated by Legolas and completely entranced, and now he had apparently ruined any chance he had of getting to know the prince.
The next morning, his former friend and companion knocked at the door of the room and entered, followed by a servant bringing a tray of fruit, bread and tea for breakfast.
“Sit down, Gil,” said Elrond, “you will wear out the carpet.”
Gil-galad glared at the Peredhil and then sighed and did as he was told.
“It didn’t go well, did it?” he said mournfully.
“Er.....I take it that you are referring to your introduction to Legolas? No, not really,” said his friend.
Elrond dismissed the servant and poured tea for them both. “So, I gather from the fact that your bed has not been slept in and that you look as though you have been battling a warg all night that you are somewhat taken with the prince?”
Gil-galad nodded miserably.
“Smitten.”
“Ah. I thought so.”
Elrond smiled, “don’t worry, we will see what we can do to help.”
The unhappy elf looked puzzled, “ ‘we’?”
It was his friend’s turn to look uncomfortable, “um...yes, ‘we’. I mean, that is myself, Celebrian and of course, Gimli,” Elrond had begun to babble slightly, “in fact it was Gimli’s idea in the first place.....well not so much ‘idea’ as observation that Legolas was lonely and in need of love.....”
“.....wait a minute, Legolas is lonely?” Gil’s eyes darkened slightly and he gave a feral grin, “Oh good, that should make it a bit easier!”
Elrond looked a little nervous, “make what easier?”
His friend rubbed his hands together, “the seduction of the Mirkwood prince of course!”
The elf lord paled just a bit. He suddenly remembered Gil’s seduction techniques. “Ah.”
Gil went on, “yes, I thought from last night that there was no hope, that maybe he had someone else, the dwarf maybe?”
“.....ai, Elbereth!” Elrond shook his head vigorously.
“That’s all right then, I don’t want to upset any former or current lovers.”
“Well, that would be a first,” muttered Elrond under his breath.
“Sorry?”
“Nothing, er.....so, what are you going to do?”
“Nothing. Not a single thing.....yet.”
“Ah.”
Gil went on enthusiastically, “I want him to want me, and forget about ancient history, I want him to see me, not the High King I once was.”
Elrond looked at his friend in surprise. Something in his tone of voice caught his attention.
“You really do want him, don’t you? This is not just a merry diversion, is it?”
“I do,” Gil said softly, “more than anything. From the moment I saw him. I have never seen such a being before, he has kept me awake the whole night, wondering whether his skin is as soft as it looks, what he would taste.....”
“.....by the Valar, enough! I can see that you do care for him, Gil, you do not need to persuade me of the depth of your feelings any longer,” interrupted Elrond, before he heard more details that he thought necessary, “what we must have is a plan. We must ensure that Legolas spends the right amount of time with you. Not so much that he grows accustomed to you and grows bored, but not so little that he loses interest and puts you out of his mind. It must be just enough to leave him desperate for more.”
Gil-galad nodded, looking hopeful.
Elrond went on, “I will suggest a day’s ride and picnic to welcome you to Valinor. We will go as a crowd; myself; Gimli; Celebrian may wish to join us; yourself obviously and Legolas. Hmmm.....there must be a few more as well, so that your time is divided between all the guests and you cannot devote all your attentions to him. I will draw up a list, and also ask my wife for her advice.”
The ex-High King smiled happily. “That is a wonderful idea! I will be attentive, but not clingy, charming but not cloying. By the end of our trip maybe he will see me for what I am?”
“I am sure he will, my friend, just be yourself.” Elrond gave Gil-galad’s shoulder a friendly, encouraging pat and then gathered himself together and got up to leave. “I will plan it for three days hence, that will give us enough time to make the arrangements. Until then, stay here in my home. Keep away from the prince and then when he sees you again, he will have forgotten your ill-timed words from last night and will see you afresh.”
Gil sighed, “I hope so, very much.”
*****
The day dawned bright and clear, the air was fresh and the picnic party gathered in the courtyard of Lord Elrond’s house. It consisted of Lord Elrond and his wife Celebrian, Gimli and Legolas and obviously Gil-galad. In addition, the Peredhil had invited his twin sons, Elrohir and Elladan who had recently arrived in the Blessed Realm, his former advisor Erestor and the Lady Galadriel.
The riders were carefully arranged so that Gil rode in front alongside Erestor, followed by the Peredhil twins. Then came Legolas and Gimli and then Galadriel, Celebrian and Lord Elrond himself.
Elrond chuckled to himself as he saw Legolas frown slightly at the arrangements, caught Gimli’s eye and winked at him. The dwarf’s eyes widened slightly in understanding and he gave a small bow of approval.
The morning passed swiftly as the party rode through the woods and gentle hills, aimlessly allowing their horses to wander at will. By midday Arien had risen and it was almost too hot to continue.
“Friends, we shall stop here for our feast,” called Elrond, choosing a spot beside a cool, fast-flowing stream in the shade of some trees.
Everyone dismounted and unpacked the provisions, settling down around the glade in a disorderly manner. Elrond watched as Legolas made his way over to Gil, intending to sit beside him at last, and was gratified to see Gimli take up the challenge and suddenly appear by his friend’s side, steering him over to meet Elladan and Elrohir.
Gil, who was talking to the Lady Galadriel and Erestor, also noticed the sharp move of the dwarf and Legolas’ look of frustration and catching Elrond’s eye, he gave a small smile.
Celebrian came to stand beside her husband, ostensibly to hand him a peach, and whispered in his ear, “it seems that Legolas’ interest is peaked. May I suggest that he rides beside his desire on our return? I think that by the time he has been entertained over lunch by everyone except Gil, he will be so relieved and delighted that they will talk non-stop the entire journey.”
Elrond chuckled, “yes, it seems to be working, doesn’t it?”
Celebrian smiled, “possibly, but do not expect too much too soon. This is but the beginning of the plan. Legolas can be stubborn.....”
“.....so can Gil, actually.”
“Hmmm, yes I am sure, but he may have met his match in the prince,” said Celebrian thoughtfully, “but you are right, my love, it is a good start.”
*****
The return home started well. Legolas was visibly thrilled to be riding beside Gil-galad at last, and to begin with the pair of them chatted amicably. Gimli, who was now riding between the twins and reminiscing about their foster-brother, Estel, smiled happily at Elrond. Celebrian chatted to Galadriel, and Lord Elrond rode beside Erestor in contented silence.
Suddenly, Gil’s voice was heard above the friendly banter.
“No! You are wrong, that was never my desire!” The party were shocked as Gil kicked in his heels, spurred his horse into a gallop and disappeared along the path ahead of them with a face like a sudden, dark thundercloud.
Legolas looked crestfallen. Gimli rode up beside his old friend. “What happened?” He asked, concerned.
The pale elf frowned, blushed and swallowed anxiously. “I said a stupid thing. I suggested that Gil-galad merely sought.....pleasure after his stay in the Halls of Mandos, that he wanted to.....” Legolas winced, “.....that he only wanted.....er.....fun and nothing more of me.”
The dwarf gave a cry of frustration and whacked Legolas sharply on the back of his head, “Ai! I thought you had sense you.....you.....you elf!”
Legolas glanced at Elrond unhappily. “I have hurt him haven’t I?” he looked wistfully along the path, “I would not have done that for anything. I.....I did not realise that he felt.....I did not know.....I was afraid.....Oh, what am I to do? I only said that to him as I was afraid that he was trifling with me, and I already feel too much for him to be able to bear that.”
Elrond put a hand out and gripped Legolas’ shoulder. “Follow him. Go to him and tell him that you are sorry. He has a forgiving heart, he always has had. He is quick to anger, but never holds a grudge.”
“Then there may still be a chance? ”
“I am sure of it,” said Elrond, firmly, “now go.”
Legolas gave the elf lord a quick and hopeful smile and turned and set off at fast pace, vanishing into the trees.
“Well, father,” said Elladan, “what do you bet me that those two are in each other’s arms by the morning?”
“Elladan!” said his father indignantly.
“A cask of wine that it is before nightfall,” said Elrohir.
“Elrohir!”
Celebrian chuckled, “I would wager that it was certainly before midnight!”
“Mother!” said both the twins at once.
Gimli laughed, “well as long as they are in each other’s arms and not at each other’s throats, I do not care when it happens, just as long as it does!”
Erestor and Galadriel grinned. “I think that the slow way back to your home, my Lord, is probably in order, don’t you?” said Elrond’s former advisor.
“Certainly,” agreed the Peredhil, and the remainder of the party ambled their way back home, taking as long as possible and arriving long after the lamps were lit and night had fallen.
*****
Legolas tore after Gil as fast as he could, all the time hoping to catch him up, but he soon realised that the elf was a faster rider that he, so he slowed down to a steady trot, giving his horse a much needed rest, while his thoughts turned to the dark elf that captivated him so.
The past few days had shown Legolas the truth in Gimli’s words. He was lonely, desperately so. He had thought that it was just a sadness in his heart, from the loss of his dear friend Aragorn, but in all honesty, although he still missed the man, the emptiness in his heart was not due solely to Elessar’s death.
Legolas had never allowed anyone to get close to him. That was why he had felt the loss of his friend, Estel, so keenly. He had taken lovers before, but they had never lasted more than a few months at a time, and for an elf that was fleeting indeed.
All his life he had been aware of his responsibilities. To Mirkwood, to his father, to Aragorn. Now here in Valinor, he had no demands made of him, no cares or worries, and he felt free for the first time in his long life, free to choose a partner, to allow someone into his heart, and it frightened him. What if they did not return his interest? Supposing they rejected him?
When he saw Gil-galad the breath had caught in his body and his heart had skipped a beat, if not several at once. He had tried to tell himself that he was being ridiculous and that it was impossible for Gil to have any interest in him, the grandson of Oropher, and he had told himself that his father would never approve. But then he had spent each night since the former High King’s arrival arguing with himself that firstly, Gil most definitely was interested in him, going by that amazing and devouring look in his eye, and secondly, that it mattered not one bit what his father thought, as his father had chosen to remain in his beloved Mirkwood and was very unlikely ever to journey to Valinor.
Something that Aragorn had once said to him a long time ago kept returning to his mind. It had been when they passed through Lothlorien. Legolas had spent the night with Haldir, and in the morning Aragorn had asked him, somewhat hopefully on his behalf, whether or not he and the marchwarden were ‘a couple’. Legolas, in a rare moment of candour, had admitted that he always pushed people away, and that in fact, Haldir would happily have bound himself to the prince but that Legolas was reluctant to open his heart to another for fear of being hurt.
Aragorn had smiled sympathetically and had given Legolas a rare hug. “But it is worth the risk, my friend,” he had said, “to know that you love someone, and even better, to know that your feelings are returned, this is the most important thing in life. More important than the Ring, than Frodo, than anything. Arwen’s love for me and mine for her is the reason that I go on.”
Legolas had shaken his head regretfully. “Your love is a rare thing Estel, treasure it always, but I do not think I will ever know such a thing.”
And now? Now he thought he knew what Aragorn had been trying to tell him. That without that risk to his peace of mind, he would never know if Gil was the right elf for him, his soul mate. He sighed heavily. Once again he wished that the human was by his side. He had always known exactly what to say to Legolas to give him encouragement. Legolas smiled ruefully. Actually, he knew exactly what Aragorn would have said, he could even hear his voice saying it. ‘Go for it, Legolas! Find him, seduce him and tell him you love him, and hang the consequences!’ that is what his friend would have told him to do, and would have pushed him all the way if necessary.
Thinking of his friend had made up his mind. Legolas would not waste this opportunity, and Aragorn would have been proud of him if he had seen the look of determination on the elf’s face.
Legolas once more spurred his horse into action and headed back to Lord Elrond’s house, a plan formulating in his mind.
*****
Gil-galad had arrived back at Lord Elrond’s home and stormed straight to his chamber, slamming doors and kicking the furniture. He picked up a rather pretty looking water jug and weighed it in his hands, deciding whether or not to throw it, but instead he sat heavily on the bed, holding it close to his chest.
That blasted elf. He had been so happy to ride beside the prince on the return journey. Although he had agreed with Elrond’s plan to tantalise Legolas, he had found it most difficult to carry out when all he wanted to do was to throw the fair elf down in a secluded glade and make passionate love to him. And then Legolas had obviously thought that he was merely flirting with him and playing with his affections. Gil knew that he had overreacted, but it was only because he had really fallen for the prince that his opinion had mattered so much to him.
Gil got up and put the water jug away, sighing. It was hopeless. First he had reminded Legolas about a part of his family history that was best forgotten, then he had given the impression that he was flirting shamelessly and then he had stormed off in a temper, without even trying to explain his true feelings. Legolas was probably laughing at him at this very moment, or was so angry with him that they would now spend the rest of eternity avoiding each other.
Gil threw himself down on the bed, his arm over his face, and cried for the first time in centuries. This was not what he had imagined Valinor to be like. Some time later, when all his tears were shed, he lay there feeling cold and empty. He stripped off the clothes he had put on that morning, so excited and full of hope, and threw them into the corner of the room angrily. His weeping had exhausted him. He crawled, naked, under the covers on his bed and fell asleep.
*****
Legolas was met at the door by one of Lord Elrond’s servants, who was a little surprised that the elf was alone. As the prince dismounted he smiled, charmingly.
“Lord Elrond sent me ahead, to.....er.....arrange for supper,” he explained.
If the servant thought it a little unusual that one of his master’s guests would do such a thing, he did not show it, but merely nodded and arranged for Legolas’ horse to be taken to the stables.
Legolas spent a half hour or so discussing a menu with the cook and gave a guess as to how long the remainder of the party would take to arrive. Then he sneaked off to find the baths. He had got very hot and dusty after his hasty ride and wanted to freshen up before finding Gil.
After bathing and washing his hair, he dressed in one of the loose bathrobes that were kept in the bathing rooms and set out to find the object of his desire. It was dusk and the lamps were being lit throughout the house as Legolas walked the corridors, and he suddenly realised that he had no idea where Gil-galad’s chambers were. He was on the brink of turning back from his quest, when he heard a servant tapping gently on a door ahead. He stepped back behind a curtain to listen.
“My Lord? May I enter and light the lamps?” Hearing no answer, the servant looked anxious, “my Lord?” he tapped again.
“G’way,” came a familiar, drowsy voice, “ ‘m ‘sleep.”
Legolas waited until the servant had disappeared back along the corridor, and then approached Gil’s bedroom door nervously. He stood there for one moment thinking how ridiculous this was and questioning his own sanity. Then he remembered his tidy but empty cottage by the sea and the lonely evenings he had spent walking the shore, and carefully opened the door.
The room was dark but for the pale light from Ithil streaming in between the open curtains across the still form on the bed. Legolas closed the door quietly behind him and took a deep breath. Yes, he was most definitely mad. What in Valinor was he thinking, sneaking into Gil-galad’s bed like this? Then the elf stirred, removed his arm from his sleeping face, and Legolas fell in love with him yet again, soundly and deeply and with a crashing thump.
Swallowing anxiously and with a determined look, Legolas threw off his robe, gently pulled back the velvet cover and eased himself into bed beside the ex-High King. Gil moved slightly with a soft grunt and shifted closer to the prince. Legolas held his breath for a moment, waiting to be caught and wondering how he was going to explain himself, and then stifled a chuckle. After all this was exactly what he wanted, wasn’t it? For Gil to wake up and see him?
He lay down on his side and watched the dark elf as he slept. He truly was beautiful. His dark hair lay like a rich, blue-black blanket of satin across the pillow, and his soft, dark pink lips looked so inviting, that Legolas suddenly found himself inches away from tasting them. Gil must have been somehow aware of Legolas’ presence for he frowned in his sleep as if dreaming and threw back the covers exposing his pale chest.
Legolas gulped. All sense and resistance vanished the moment that he saw the smooth muscular torso and delicate brown nipples. He reached out a tentative hand and gently stroked the smooth skin that lay so enticingly before him with his fingertips. Gil moaned softly under his breath and shivered slightly, but did not wake.
The prince sighed and watched as his fingers followed the gentle line of Gil-galad’s chest and dipped beneath the cover to seek out the treasure beneath. Legolas could feel Gil’s heartbeat begin to quicken through his body, his own pulse racing as he felt the elf’s arousal begin to harden.
Throwing all caution to the four winds he pulled the covers back completely to gaze at his heart’s desire. “Oh, Gil, I could love you for all time,” he murmured, “if only you could forgive me, I would be the happiest of elves.”
The sleeping elf sighed in his reverie and he unconsciously licked his lips, leaving them moist and shining in Ithil’s silver light. He stretched slightly with an almost imperceptible whimper, and moved a little under Legolas’ gentle hand.
Legolas could contain his desperate desire no longer. He had to taste this elf, to show him his love. If Gil awoke and rejected him, then so be it, at least he would have known a few moments of bliss. He moved carefully down the bed, trying not to wake Gil too soon, and bending down he lapped gently at the head of the proud column of flesh beginning to jut out from its bed of soft, dark curls.
Legolas closed his eyes in ecstacy, moaning at the delicious flavour of the elf beside him. He was all that he had hoped he would be, sweet and silky smooth, with a fragrance of wood smoke and musk. His fingers crept up Gil’s firm chest and blindly sought out a brown nipple, rolling it gently until he felt a shivered response and heard a slight gasp.
“Legolas!” came a throaty whisper, “what are you doing?!”
In answer to his cry, Legolas took the waking elf’s erection fully into his mouth, swirled his tongue around its length and raised his eyes at the same time to look into Gil’s. The look of sheer delight in his new lover’s face filled him with joy and he smiled, continuing to suck all the more avidly and he began to run both his hands over Gil’s body, drawing out yet more moans and sighs.
“Stop, wait! Come here my love!” called Gill after a few more moments of such delightful pleasure, “I want to kiss you, you would not deny me a first kiss?”
Legolas released Gil from his mouth with a long lick along the sensitive underside of his arousal and then quickly shifted up to lie next to him. “I can deny you nothing, Gil, let this be the first of many,” he said, bringing his mouth down over the dark elf’s and leaning over his body.
As their tongues met and plundered each other’s mouths, Gil reached up to lace the fingers of one hand through Legolas’ golden hair, while the other made its way around his waist, pulling his body to lie on top of his. He stroked the long back, buttocks and thighs, moaning into the kiss as he felt Legolas’ hard shaft pressing into his stomach. He shifted so that their erections rubbed against each other and both elves shuddered and gasped at the sensation.
“Ai, Legolas, is this true? Are you really here or is this some dream to torment me?”
“It is no dream, my love, I am here and I want you. I wanted you from the moment I saw you. I am sorry that I thought ill of you, can you forgive me?”
Gil kissed Legolas again, deeply and passionately, showing him that he was forgiven and wanted as well. He pulled away and nuzzled at Legolas’ neck, sucking and nipping the soft flesh, “I want you too, my sweet prince, I want to taste you, to feel you, to make love to you, now and every day for the rest of time,” he murmured, his warm breath raising goose bumps on Legolas’ skin.
Gil gently pushed Legolas over onto his back, kneeling between his lover’s legs. His hands began to map out the prince’s chest, paying particular attention to those areas that raised a whimper or a sigh, or made him squirm “Oh, you are delightful! You responses to my touch set my fingers on fire, I will never tire of you, my love,” he moaned.
Legolas reached up and ran his trembling hands along Gil’s thighs, moving them inwards to grasp his hard, smooth shaft. “Gil, I want you so badly, take me please, be inside me?” he gasped.
Gil shuddered at Legolas’ words, he still had trouble believing that this was really happening, and fully expected to wake and find that he was still in Mandos’ Halls. The prince’s touch was intoxicating, and as he ran his skilful fingers along Gil’s arousal, he shivered and whimpered. His hips bucked uncontrollably and he pushed himself into Legolas’ hands.
“Oh, my sweet prince, you are driving me mad with desire! I can think of nothing I would like more than to have you, to bury myself deep within you,” Gil said, hoarsely, his voice low and filled with passion. He fell forwards, bracing his arms on either side of Legolas’ shoulders, kissing him on his mouth, his ears, his throat, his chest, all the while tasting his skin with his tongue and lips.
Legolas groaned as Gil found one of his nipples and sucked on it, playing with it until it was hard and prominent, then he took it gently between his teeth and bit the sensitive flesh. Legolas cried out and spread his legs wider, “please, Gil, I cannot take much more, touch me, make love to me!”
Gil-galad grinned, “ahh, to have you pleading in my bed, this is pure bliss!” he sighed, and wriggled down between Legolas’ smooth thighs to take the elf’s delightful arousal deep within his throat in one, sure movement.
Legolas shrieked with pleasure, and reached up to grasp Gil’s dark tresses, both holding him in place and stopping himself from flying apart. “Ai, Gil, yes! Don’t stop, please don’t ever stop!”
Gil released his delicious treat to smile wickedly, “ I have no intention of stopping until I have tasted all you have to give me,” he reassured the prince, and immediately returned to his task, sucking and licking up and down Legolas’ shaft and accepting the prince’s urgent thrusting with relish.
Legolas was lost. The sensation of Gil’s shoulders and arms, pushing his thighs apart and the feeling of his lover’s hot, moist mouth on his hard shaft was his undoing. With a desperate cry he arched his back and shuddered his release into Gil’s willing throat. As soon as he was aware again of Gil’s careful licking and soft touch, he sighed and gently tugged at his hair encouraging him up to lie on top of him again.
“Ahhh, Gil, I love you so much,” he moaned, and kissed Gil, tasting himself in the elf’s sweet mouth.
In response the dark elf ran his fingers down Legolas’ secret cleft, finding his hidden entrance. Legolas quivered and sighed and raised his legs, wrapping them around Gil’s waist. “Yes, please,” he said softly.
“There is oil, on the shelf,” Gil said, “I will be a moment, no longer.”
Legolas released his lover, closed his eyes briefly and swallowed, “hurry!”
Gil-galad was as good as his word, and quickly scrambled from the bed, returning immediately with a flask of sweet, fragrant oil. He stood for a moment, enjoying the vision that lay before him. Legolas’ skin was shining with the afterglow of his orgasm, his face was flushed and his lips parted. His fair hair, mussed and unbraided, lay like a spun gold blanket across the pillows. Although he was spent, Legolas gently stroked his chest and sighed with longing, his legs spread wide, wantonly. He could not help but touch himself, he longed to feel Gil pressed against his body again.
Gil knelt between Legolas’ open thighs and poured some of the oil into his hand. He warmed it and then leant over the prince, running his glistening fingers down between Legolas’ thighs and finding his hidden opening. With a gentle murmur of love and devotion he pushed his finger into Legolas, and began to move it in and out, adding a second finger almost straightaway and stretching him carefully. Legolas needed very little preparation, his body was so relaxed and willing, and, as Gil stroked the little nub of pleasure hidden within, the fair elf moaned delightfully and pleaded again with his lover to take him.
Legolas reached for the oil and poured some onto Gil’s erection with shaking hands, smoothing it over the dark elf’s arousal. Gil trembled, “please, be careful, I am so close, my love,” he groaned.
Thus prepared, Gil took Legolas’ legs in his arms and raised them to rest on his shoulders. He looked into his lover’s blue eyes and carefully positioned himself at his entrance. Holding his gaze he pushed into him with one steady and powerful glide.
“Oooh, you feel so good, my sweet Legolas,” he cried, holding himself as still as he could within the tight heat until his lover had grown accustomed to his piercing length. With a deep growl, Legolas lowered his legs to tighten around Gil-galad’s waist and muttered one word, “move.”
Gil needed no further urging and began to sheath himself again and again within Legolas’ willing body. The two elves grunted and moaned, both kissing, nipping and licking at each other, wherever they could reach; faces, shoulders, necks, chests.
Legolas was hard again and craved Gil’s touch once more. If this was the first, fumbling time that they made love, what would it be like in centuries to come? He had never felt like this with anyone before and as he clung to his lover and felt him moving exquisitely inside him, he realised it was because he had taken the risk and given Gil his heart.
“I love you, my king,” he sobbed, reaching up and stroking Gil’s face as tears streamed down his cheeks.
“Legolas!” Gil yelled as his climax overwhelmed him. He shuddered and thrust deeply, three, four more times and felt his seed flood his lover’s body. He groaned and fell against the prince, kissing away his tears of joy. Gil reached his hand between their bodies finding Legolas’ erection and stroking it firmly until his young lover whimpered and trembled with his second orgasm.
The two elves held each other for a long time as they both came down from the high of their intense lovemaking. Gil kissed Legolas tenderly. “My dear heart,” he whispered, “thank you for coming to my bed.”
“ I thought that I had chased you away, Gil, and I could not bear the thought that I might never know your touch.” confessed Legolas.
“You could never make me leave you now, and if you so wish it, you shall know my touch for all eternity,” promised Gil-galad.
Legolas sighed happily and kissed his lover, “I do wish it, with all my heart.”
Gil-galad smiled and held his mate close as they both drifted into contented sleep.
*****
The elderly, grey haired dwarf smiled as he opened the door of his cottage. “Come in my friends, come in!” he urged, ushering the two elves inside, “I will pour us some ale and you can tell me all about your recent trip,” Gimli smiled, “it is good to see you both again.”
Legolas and his new husband, Gil-galad, ducked beneath the door and entered their friend’s home. They both sat on either side of the cheerful hearth and were given mugs of the dwarf’s home brew. “Well, it is difficult to know what to say, Gimli, we.....er.....”
“What my love means, good dwarf, is that we were too besotted with one another’s.....er..... charms, to really notice much of our surroundings!” chuckled Gil.
Legolas blushed and Gimli roared with laughter, “and you have no idea how glad I am to hear it!” he cried, slapping Gil-galad heartily on the back, “I assume by this that you are no longer lonely, my friend, and that I can stop worrying about you?” he asked Legolas, “ my beard and hair are grey enough already.”
Legolas joined in the mirth with a grin, “no, not lonely any longer,” he said, looking at Gil lovingly and taking his hand in his own, “and I never shall be again.”
Gimli smiled and raised his mug, “a toast then, to love, and to determined dwarves!”
Gil-galad and Legolas laughed, “to love, and to determined dwarves!”
The End
Here is the fic I wrote for
mirien for her belated birthday pressie.....LEGOLAS IN VALINOR
Legolas is lonely and needs someone to love! (aawww)
NC17 - Legolas/? (wait for it, must have some surprises, even if a lot of you know who it is already - it was Mirien's choice)
Warnings: Usual, two male elves having fun, if you don't like the idea, then don't read.
Disclaimers: Characters not mine, I am just playing with them and returning them nicely after use.
Legolas in Valinor
“I am worried about you, old friend.”
The elderly, grey-haired dwarf puffed at his pipe as he sat on the steps outside his home in the warm evening sun.
The pale elf sighed, “there is nothing to worry about, Gimli. I have told you before. I am fine.”
Gimli snorted. “Yes, there is. Yes, you did. And you are not.”
Legolas gave another exasperated sigh. He stood staring out at the sea, looking towards the east.
“I miss him, all the time,” he said softly.
“Aye, so do I laddie. He was a great man. A great king……”
“…and a great friend,” whispered the elf.
Gimli looked shrewdly at his friend. Legolas and Aragorn’s friendship had been deeper than most, for they were as close as brothers. When Aragorn had died, and the sea-longing finally overwhelmed the elf, he had left Middle Earth for Valinor, and asked Gimli to accompany him.
The dwarf had no reasons to stay and plenty of reasons to leave, the main one being that he feared that Legolas would fade in grief before he even reached the Blessed Realm. He took it upon himself to whine and complain and moan for the whole journey, just to keep the elf on his toes, until they saw the distant white shores of the west.
Being in Valinor had helped Legolas cope with his sorrow, but over the past few months (or was it years? Time passed so strangely here) Gimli had seen Legolas grow more and more quiet and distant.
“Are you not happy here, Legolas?”
The elf frowned and came to sit by his friend. “I think I am. The sea-longing has passed, I no longer feel pain. Valinor is.....beautiful, perfect.”
“Aye, it is. Perfect,” agreed Gimli, “the weather is perfect, the gardens and trees are perfect. Even the caves and dark places beneath the ground, that few have seen except this dwarf and his lonely friend, are perfect.”
Legolas gave a quick glance at Gimli. “You think I am lonely?” he said a little defensively.
Gimli looked at the elf and smiled sympathetically. “Yes, actually I do.”
Legolas shook his head. “But Gimli, you have been, and are, my dearest friend. You left your home, your kin to come here with me. After Aragorn.....died, I did not think I would live. You kept me sane and brought me home.....”
“.....I did not! I seem to remember spending most of the journey feeling slightly unwell. Dwarves do not go in boats.”
The elf smiled at the memory. He knew what the dwarf had done, and was very grateful.
And, thought Legolas, in fact, Gimli was right. He did feel alone. He had spent so long away from his own kind, during the War of the Ring, and then afterwards he had devoted his time and energies to serving the new king, his friend, Aragorn. And even though the Prince of Mirkwood had also spent many years restoring Ithilien with elves from his homeland, he did not allow any to get close to him, and maintained his distance.
Here in Valinor he had Gimli, he had his gardens and he had friends. But something was missing and he did not know what.
Gimli knew. And he also knew that he was getting old. One day, he would not be around any longer and he did not want to think of the elf abandoned and alone. Legolas needed someone to love and someone to love him. It was simple.
Ever practical, the dwarf decided there and then that he had to find a solution to his friend’s problem. He puffed on his pipe and thought hard. It would have to be someone special. Someone who would sweep the prince off his feet as Legolas was always reserved and even shy about showing his feelings.
He would have to watch Legolas carefully and see if anyone caught his eye. He would also encourage him to mix more with the inhabitants of Valinor and spend less time alone wandering the shoreline deep in thought.
His plan made, he smiled contentedly. “Come on Legolas, the evening grows cold for my old bones. Let us go inside. I am hungry too, and I prepared a stew earlier today, I would love to share it with you.”
Legolas nodded, “thank you Gimli, I will happily join you.”
The two friends entered Gimli’s small house, where they spent the evening together, reminiscing and remembering old friends and happy times.
*****
The weeks passed and Gimli grew despondent. He had dragged Legolas all over Valinor visiting, attending parties and celebrations, dining with friends, but not once did his friend show interest in anyone in
particular. He was popular and entertaining and the elves loved Legolas’ company. But as each evening drew to a close, the elf bid Gimli goodnight and set off alone to his dwelling.
Gimli had no idea what else to try and then he remembered Lord Elrond. There was an elf who always seemed to know what to do. As soon as he thought of the half-elf he realised that this could be the answer to his problem. Not that he thought that Legolas would find a soul mate in Elrond Half-elven, indeed, Elrond was now happily reunited with his wife, Celebrian after years of loneliness in Middle Earth. No, he regarded the elf Lord highly and respected his advice. He would tell him of the problem and see if he could suggest a solution.
His mind made up, he sought Lord Elrond at the first opportunity.
Gimli found him sitting in his gardens the next afternoon, watching his wife as she tended the flowers.
The elf gave Gimli a warm smile as he saw him approach.
“Welcome old friend! You have not visited for some time. To what do we owe this pleasure?”
Gimli smiled and suddenly found himself wrapped in a warm embrace. Lord Elrond had softened and mellowed greatly now that the cares of Imladris were no longer his, and he was with his wife once again.
“I am sorry for not visiting sooner my Lord.....”
“.....just ‘Elrond’,” said the elf firmly.
Gimli chuckled, “....Elrond, but I have been busy.”
“Busy? How can one be ‘busy’ in Valinor?”
Gimli sighed, “I have been busy with our friend Legolas. I will be blunt.....”
Elrond laughed, “.....as always!”
“Yes, as always,” Gimli grew serious, “ I am worried about him. He is lonely. He misses Aragorn. He no longer eats, he spends his days walking the shores unless I drag him away and distract him. I thought that he might fade when Aragorn died, or grow sick from the sea-longing. When we came to Valinor, I hoped that his pain would be over, but it is not. I think he needs a companion.”
“Well, I can see that you have given this quite some thought, Gimli, ” said Elrond with a frown, “I did not realise that Legolas was still unhappy.” He looked sad for a moment. “Aragorn was like a brother to him and he felt his loss keenly. But I, like you, had thought that being in the Blessed Realm would ease his heart.”
“Aye, but it has not. When all is said and done, it is just a place. A very beautiful and perfect place, I grant you, but just a place. What I was thinking, is that Legolas needs more than nice scenery, he needs to find love,” said the dwarf bluntly.
Celebrian laughed. “Is that not the very thing that I said to you my Lord, just the other day, that you dismissed as ‘interfering female matchmaking’?” she said, joining her husband.
Gimli was amused to see the once stern elven lord blush and look embarrassed. “I believe you may have said something of the sort, ” Elrond muttered.
“Well,” said Celebrian settling down comfortably on the bench and drawing Gimli down beside her, “tell me, master dwarf, what have you tried?”
“I have tried everything my Lady, I have dragged that poor elf the length and breadth of Valinor. We have met more elves than I can count and not once has he shown a spark of interest in any of them. Short of writing ‘Wanted; Companion for Mirkwood Archer’ posters and pinning them to every tree, I have done all I can,” said Gimli in exasperation.
“Hmm, then I think we can safely say that there is no one here presently who will suit. However, in a month there is to be a celebration and welcome for elves newly released from Mandos’ Halls. Do not give up hope. Make sure that Legolas attends the gathering and maybe there he will meet the companion that he needs.”
Gimli smiled hopefully and nodded, “I will make sure he attends if I have to dress him and drag him there by his hair, my Lady!”
“I sincerely hope that will NOT be necessary!” spluttered Lord Elrond, “MOST undignified!”
Gimli laughed at the thought. He stood up and bowed to Celebrian and Elrond. “Thank you, I feel hopeful for my dear friend for the first time in a long while.”
Lord Elrond smiled, “he is our dear friend too, and we do not wish him to be sad. We will help in any way that we can.”
Gimli nodded and left with a much lighter heart. Surely Legolas would find someone to care for soon?
*****
Legolas tugged at his tunic uncomfortably as he stood in the doorway of the dwarf’s small cottage. “Gimli, why are you being so insistent I go to this banquet this evening? I really do not think that after all this time in Valinor you need me to accompany you. You are well respected and loved by all who live here,”
Gimli, who was giving his fine gold bracelets a final polish before clasping them around his wrist, gave his friend an appraising look. Legolas looked very fine. Very fine indeed. If Gimli had had a say in what the prince wore tonight, he would have chosen that very tunic, in that perfect rich blue. It showed off his elegant body and brought out the colour of his eyes. Surely he would attract some elf’s attention tonight?
Gimli frowned and pretended to look awkward. “I know, I know. Call me a foolish old dwarf, but there may be some folks there, just out of Mandos’ Halls that might not take kindly to a dwarf being present, if you take my meaning. I would value your company my friend.”
Legolas smiled and sighed, “of course I understand, and you are not a foolish old dwarf…..well, not often anyway. I will go with you, do not fret.”
Gimli ushered Legolas out of his house and closed the door. As he followed his friend he gave a smile. So far, so good. He had worried about actually getting the reluctant Legolas to attend this dinner at all and the more he had thought about it the more he had worked himself into believing that ‘tonight was the night’ for the fair elf.
All the approaches to the banquet were lit with pale coloured lanterns and festooned with sweet-smelling garlands. Elves were arriving from every corner of the gardens, all dressed in their finest, to welcome friends and loved ones from Mandos’ Halls. From all around came snatches of song and laughter as they gathered around the long tables laden with delightful dishes and decorated with flowers and candles. There was a gentle, warm breeze that blew in from the sea bringing a fresh tang in the air.
When everyone had gathered, there was the sudden sound of a plaintive melody played on a horn, stirring the heart and memory, and all present fell quiet. Through a great flower decked arch at the end of the garden came Lord Namo himself, accompanied by his wife, Vaire. They were both dressed in the palest blue that shimmered as it caught the soft glow of the candles. Their hair was black and silky and fell loose and unbraided about their shoulders. The elves (and one dwarf) bowed and curtseyed as one in front of the Doomsman of the Valar and he inclined his head to them all in greeting. They took their places in seats placed to one side of the arch and then Lord Namo spoke.
“Friends, we are gathered here today to greet friends and loved ones as they return from my Halls. All have been released here according to my will. This is the happiest of occasions and time for celebration. Play music, sing, dance, eat and drink. Welcome them all!”
Lord Namo clapped once, music began and slowly those who had been released began to enter under the great arch. As each one arrived they were met by small groups of elves and there was much rejoicing, laughter and tears.
Some time after, when most of the returning elves had been reunited, Gimli found Legolas sitting at a table with his chin resting on his hands looking a little sad. The dwarf pulled up a chair and sat next to his friend with an inward sigh. This was not working. No one was going to fall in love at first sight with a morose elf.
Gimli watched his friend as the elf stared out at the happy scenes of love and affection. If anything Legolas looked more and more depressed as the evening progressed. For the first time that night, Gimli began to feel disheartened. Then, just as he was about to suggest that the two of them depart, the dwarf heard his friend give an almost imperceptible gasp and saw his eyes widen, just slightly.
He looked across the tables to the garlanded arch. There seemed to be no one in particular standing around that might have caught Legolas’ attention. Gimli frowned slightly and quickly skimmed the crowds for a clue as to his friend’s sudden interest. He was baffled for a moment and then saw Lord Elrond talking animatedly to a tall, dark elf who had his back towards them. Gimli gave a surreptitious glance at Legolas. Yes the unknown elf was the object of his friend’s gaze, he was sure of it.
Gimli was almost bouncing with frustration and willing the stranger to turn again so that he could see his face, and was debating with himself the likelihood of attracting said stranger by a faked accident with the tablecloth and crockery, when the dark elf threw back his head and laughed at something that Elrond said. My, he was handsome. Even Gimli had to admit he was striking. His hair was like black silk and his eyes flashed a deep blue with a cheerful sparkle in their depths. He had a deep, ready laugh and a friendly smile. Perfect.
Gimli had to resist strongly the temptation to rub his hands together in delight. Now the next part was to get Legolas to meet the stranger. This bit should be easy, since Lord Elrond knew what Gimli wanted for his friend and so the dwarf grabbed an empty goblet from the table and headed off towards the little group, with the pretext of getting a refill of wine.
“Where are you going Gimli?” said Legolas in surprise.
“Just getting another drink, laddie, back in a moment,” the dwarf said, making a beeline for Lord Elrond.
Considering Gimli was not the most subtle or devious soul, he managed to appear suitably surprised and delighted when Elrond welcomed him as he seemed about to pass on his way to the casks of wine.
“Gimli, my friend, here is someone I would very much like you to meet,” Elrond smiled warmly, “ This is Ereinion Gil-galad. Gil, this is Gimli, son of Gloin, and Valinor’s most illustrious dwarf.”
“Valinor’s only dwarf!” Gimli chuckled, “I am most pleased to meet you, my Lord. Needless to say I have heard a very great deal about you,” he said, giving a gracious bow.
Gil-galad grinned. “Well, I must say a dwarf is the very last person I expected to see here in Valinor! Though it is a welcome sight, my friend,” he added hastily, less Gimli think ill of him. “Do tell me, good son of Aule, what brings you here?”
Got him, thought Gimli. Now all he needed to do was tell him about Legolas and that was it, with a bit of luck and a push from Lord Elrond in the right direction.
“Actually, I came here with a friend, that elf over there,” Gimli pointed towards Legolas in a nonchalant manner.
Gil-galad frowned, looking through the crowd until his eye fixed on Legolas.
“Oropher?” He said, shocked. “Oropher and a dwarf?”
“No, not Oropher,” said Elrond hastily, “his grandson, Legolas. He and Gimli travelled and fought together with my foster son Estel.”
“Ah yes, this whole ring business you were telling me about…well, he looks like Oropher,” replied Gil-galad, slightly irritably, “he has the same miserable expression.”
Gimli looked at Legolas in horror. Gil-galad was right, his friend did have an unusually unhappy appearance, even for him. Something had obviously upset him. This would not do.
“He…er…is feeling…..unwell,” said Gimli, desperately.
“Unwell? In Valinor?” the former High King snorted.
Too late, Gimli realised that his poor excuse did not sound good at all.
“Yes, “ said Celebrian smoothly as she came to stand by her husband, “even here we can suffer a…..sickness of the heart, until joined with those we love.”
Oh, very clever, thought both the dwarf and the elf Lord at the same time.
Gil-galad stared at Legolas for a moment, then spoke abruptly. “Well, when can I meet this friend of yours, Master dwarf?”
No time like the present, thought Gimli.
“Why not now?” he said, and offered a silent prayer that Legolas would cheer up in the time that it took to lead Gil-galad over to their table.
The expression on Legolas’ face as his friend approached, followed by the object of his sudden interest, was a picture. The elf looked torn between longing to stay and be introduced and wanting to bolt. Lord Elrond and Celebrian had also noticed that Legolas was about to run and casually parted, making their way to stand on either side of the nervous elf.
“Legolas, I have just met someone who would like to meet you,” said the dwarf with a broad smile, trying to infect his friend with his grin. Gimli presented the handsome dark elf to Legolas. “Allow me to introduce Ereinion Gil-galad,” Gimli turned to Gil-galad, “my Lord, this is Legolas son of Thranduil.”
There was a nervous silence for a moment. Then everyone started talking at once.
“Legolas fought with me in the War of the Ring.....”
“He knew my foster-son, Estel.....”
“Legolas and Gimli arrived here together, it was the first time a dwarf.....”
Gil-galad’s question cut through the babble, “so, you are Oropher’s grandson.....has anyone ever told you how much you look like him?”
Legolas frowned.
“Yes, my father did. Often. Unfortunately, I never knew my grandfather.”
Uncomfortable silence reigned again. Celebrian stared pointedly at Elrond. Gimli’s eyes were fixed on a point about three hand spans to the right of Legolas’ head. Elrond closed his eyes. Gil-galad huffed slightly and looked embarrassed. He had said the wrong thing.
Why in Arda....er.....Valinor had he brought up Oropher? What a first impression that was. To remind the first elf that he had been interested in, really interested in, for thousands of years, of the grandfather who had been killed in a battle that you yourself had instigated. Oh, well done, Ereinion. That was a good start.
The once-High King coughed and tried a smile. “So, you have been here for a while?”
Legolas glanced up into the soft grey eyes of the most beautiful elf he had ever seen and lowered his eyes again quickly. Of all the eldar, why did it have to be this one? He had heard bitter tales all his life of how Gil-galad had led his grandfather and what seemed to be most of Mirkwood to their deaths in the Battle of the Last Alliance.
Legolas gave a polite nod. “Yes, I have my Lord. I journeyed here with my dwarven friend some seventy years ago after the passing of King Elessar in Gondor.” He got up, “but now if you would excuse me, the hour is late and I would take my leave.”
Gil-galad bowed. “Of course. Maybe we might meet again? I would like to know more about your experiences in the War of the Ring,” he said, desperately trying to think of some way of ensuring that he would meet with Legolas again get to know him more.
“No doubt our paths will cross, but Lord Elrond and Gimli know as much as I.”
“Yes, but.....” began Gil-galad, but Legolas had already turned and left, disappearing swiftly into the night.
*****
The once High King spent a restless night. Not what he had expected when he had first been released from Mandos’ Halls. Instead of wandering in reverie and absorbing the delights of Valinor, he paced up and down in a chamber in Lord Elrond’s house mentally kicking himself for his tactlessness talking to the Mirkwood prince the evening before. He could not understand it, he had never fallen in love so suddenly and completely with someone, or so fast. He was captivated by Legolas and completely entranced, and now he had apparently ruined any chance he had of getting to know the prince.
The next morning, his former friend and companion knocked at the door of the room and entered, followed by a servant bringing a tray of fruit, bread and tea for breakfast.
“Sit down, Gil,” said Elrond, “you will wear out the carpet.”
Gil-galad glared at the Peredhil and then sighed and did as he was told.
“It didn’t go well, did it?” he said mournfully.
“Er.....I take it that you are referring to your introduction to Legolas? No, not really,” said his friend.
Elrond dismissed the servant and poured tea for them both. “So, I gather from the fact that your bed has not been slept in and that you look as though you have been battling a warg all night that you are somewhat taken with the prince?”
Gil-galad nodded miserably.
“Smitten.”
“Ah. I thought so.”
Elrond smiled, “don’t worry, we will see what we can do to help.”
The unhappy elf looked puzzled, “ ‘we’?”
It was his friend’s turn to look uncomfortable, “um...yes, ‘we’. I mean, that is myself, Celebrian and of course, Gimli,” Elrond had begun to babble slightly, “in fact it was Gimli’s idea in the first place.....well not so much ‘idea’ as observation that Legolas was lonely and in need of love.....”
“.....wait a minute, Legolas is lonely?” Gil’s eyes darkened slightly and he gave a feral grin, “Oh good, that should make it a bit easier!”
Elrond looked a little nervous, “make what easier?”
His friend rubbed his hands together, “the seduction of the Mirkwood prince of course!”
The elf lord paled just a bit. He suddenly remembered Gil’s seduction techniques. “Ah.”
Gil went on, “yes, I thought from last night that there was no hope, that maybe he had someone else, the dwarf maybe?”
“.....ai, Elbereth!” Elrond shook his head vigorously.
“That’s all right then, I don’t want to upset any former or current lovers.”
“Well, that would be a first,” muttered Elrond under his breath.
“Sorry?”
“Nothing, er.....so, what are you going to do?”
“Nothing. Not a single thing.....yet.”
“Ah.”
Gil went on enthusiastically, “I want him to want me, and forget about ancient history, I want him to see me, not the High King I once was.”
Elrond looked at his friend in surprise. Something in his tone of voice caught his attention.
“You really do want him, don’t you? This is not just a merry diversion, is it?”
“I do,” Gil said softly, “more than anything. From the moment I saw him. I have never seen such a being before, he has kept me awake the whole night, wondering whether his skin is as soft as it looks, what he would taste.....”
“.....by the Valar, enough! I can see that you do care for him, Gil, you do not need to persuade me of the depth of your feelings any longer,” interrupted Elrond, before he heard more details that he thought necessary, “what we must have is a plan. We must ensure that Legolas spends the right amount of time with you. Not so much that he grows accustomed to you and grows bored, but not so little that he loses interest and puts you out of his mind. It must be just enough to leave him desperate for more.”
Gil-galad nodded, looking hopeful.
Elrond went on, “I will suggest a day’s ride and picnic to welcome you to Valinor. We will go as a crowd; myself; Gimli; Celebrian may wish to join us; yourself obviously and Legolas. Hmmm.....there must be a few more as well, so that your time is divided between all the guests and you cannot devote all your attentions to him. I will draw up a list, and also ask my wife for her advice.”
The ex-High King smiled happily. “That is a wonderful idea! I will be attentive, but not clingy, charming but not cloying. By the end of our trip maybe he will see me for what I am?”
“I am sure he will, my friend, just be yourself.” Elrond gave Gil-galad’s shoulder a friendly, encouraging pat and then gathered himself together and got up to leave. “I will plan it for three days hence, that will give us enough time to make the arrangements. Until then, stay here in my home. Keep away from the prince and then when he sees you again, he will have forgotten your ill-timed words from last night and will see you afresh.”
Gil sighed, “I hope so, very much.”
*****
The day dawned bright and clear, the air was fresh and the picnic party gathered in the courtyard of Lord Elrond’s house. It consisted of Lord Elrond and his wife Celebrian, Gimli and Legolas and obviously Gil-galad. In addition, the Peredhil had invited his twin sons, Elrohir and Elladan who had recently arrived in the Blessed Realm, his former advisor Erestor and the Lady Galadriel.
The riders were carefully arranged so that Gil rode in front alongside Erestor, followed by the Peredhil twins. Then came Legolas and Gimli and then Galadriel, Celebrian and Lord Elrond himself.
Elrond chuckled to himself as he saw Legolas frown slightly at the arrangements, caught Gimli’s eye and winked at him. The dwarf’s eyes widened slightly in understanding and he gave a small bow of approval.
The morning passed swiftly as the party rode through the woods and gentle hills, aimlessly allowing their horses to wander at will. By midday Arien had risen and it was almost too hot to continue.
“Friends, we shall stop here for our feast,” called Elrond, choosing a spot beside a cool, fast-flowing stream in the shade of some trees.
Everyone dismounted and unpacked the provisions, settling down around the glade in a disorderly manner. Elrond watched as Legolas made his way over to Gil, intending to sit beside him at last, and was gratified to see Gimli take up the challenge and suddenly appear by his friend’s side, steering him over to meet Elladan and Elrohir.
Gil, who was talking to the Lady Galadriel and Erestor, also noticed the sharp move of the dwarf and Legolas’ look of frustration and catching Elrond’s eye, he gave a small smile.
Celebrian came to stand beside her husband, ostensibly to hand him a peach, and whispered in his ear, “it seems that Legolas’ interest is peaked. May I suggest that he rides beside his desire on our return? I think that by the time he has been entertained over lunch by everyone except Gil, he will be so relieved and delighted that they will talk non-stop the entire journey.”
Elrond chuckled, “yes, it seems to be working, doesn’t it?”
Celebrian smiled, “possibly, but do not expect too much too soon. This is but the beginning of the plan. Legolas can be stubborn.....”
“.....so can Gil, actually.”
“Hmmm, yes I am sure, but he may have met his match in the prince,” said Celebrian thoughtfully, “but you are right, my love, it is a good start.”
*****
The return home started well. Legolas was visibly thrilled to be riding beside Gil-galad at last, and to begin with the pair of them chatted amicably. Gimli, who was now riding between the twins and reminiscing about their foster-brother, Estel, smiled happily at Elrond. Celebrian chatted to Galadriel, and Lord Elrond rode beside Erestor in contented silence.
Suddenly, Gil’s voice was heard above the friendly banter.
“No! You are wrong, that was never my desire!” The party were shocked as Gil kicked in his heels, spurred his horse into a gallop and disappeared along the path ahead of them with a face like a sudden, dark thundercloud.
Legolas looked crestfallen. Gimli rode up beside his old friend. “What happened?” He asked, concerned.
The pale elf frowned, blushed and swallowed anxiously. “I said a stupid thing. I suggested that Gil-galad merely sought.....pleasure after his stay in the Halls of Mandos, that he wanted to.....” Legolas winced, “.....that he only wanted.....er.....fun and nothing more of me.”
The dwarf gave a cry of frustration and whacked Legolas sharply on the back of his head, “Ai! I thought you had sense you.....you.....you elf!”
Legolas glanced at Elrond unhappily. “I have hurt him haven’t I?” he looked wistfully along the path, “I would not have done that for anything. I.....I did not realise that he felt.....I did not know.....I was afraid.....Oh, what am I to do? I only said that to him as I was afraid that he was trifling with me, and I already feel too much for him to be able to bear that.”
Elrond put a hand out and gripped Legolas’ shoulder. “Follow him. Go to him and tell him that you are sorry. He has a forgiving heart, he always has had. He is quick to anger, but never holds a grudge.”
“Then there may still be a chance? ”
“I am sure of it,” said Elrond, firmly, “now go.”
Legolas gave the elf lord a quick and hopeful smile and turned and set off at fast pace, vanishing into the trees.
“Well, father,” said Elladan, “what do you bet me that those two are in each other’s arms by the morning?”
“Elladan!” said his father indignantly.
“A cask of wine that it is before nightfall,” said Elrohir.
“Elrohir!”
Celebrian chuckled, “I would wager that it was certainly before midnight!”
“Mother!” said both the twins at once.
Gimli laughed, “well as long as they are in each other’s arms and not at each other’s throats, I do not care when it happens, just as long as it does!”
Erestor and Galadriel grinned. “I think that the slow way back to your home, my Lord, is probably in order, don’t you?” said Elrond’s former advisor.
“Certainly,” agreed the Peredhil, and the remainder of the party ambled their way back home, taking as long as possible and arriving long after the lamps were lit and night had fallen.
*****
Legolas tore after Gil as fast as he could, all the time hoping to catch him up, but he soon realised that the elf was a faster rider that he, so he slowed down to a steady trot, giving his horse a much needed rest, while his thoughts turned to the dark elf that captivated him so.
The past few days had shown Legolas the truth in Gimli’s words. He was lonely, desperately so. He had thought that it was just a sadness in his heart, from the loss of his dear friend Aragorn, but in all honesty, although he still missed the man, the emptiness in his heart was not due solely to Elessar’s death.
Legolas had never allowed anyone to get close to him. That was why he had felt the loss of his friend, Estel, so keenly. He had taken lovers before, but they had never lasted more than a few months at a time, and for an elf that was fleeting indeed.
All his life he had been aware of his responsibilities. To Mirkwood, to his father, to Aragorn. Now here in Valinor, he had no demands made of him, no cares or worries, and he felt free for the first time in his long life, free to choose a partner, to allow someone into his heart, and it frightened him. What if they did not return his interest? Supposing they rejected him?
When he saw Gil-galad the breath had caught in his body and his heart had skipped a beat, if not several at once. He had tried to tell himself that he was being ridiculous and that it was impossible for Gil to have any interest in him, the grandson of Oropher, and he had told himself that his father would never approve. But then he had spent each night since the former High King’s arrival arguing with himself that firstly, Gil most definitely was interested in him, going by that amazing and devouring look in his eye, and secondly, that it mattered not one bit what his father thought, as his father had chosen to remain in his beloved Mirkwood and was very unlikely ever to journey to Valinor.
Something that Aragorn had once said to him a long time ago kept returning to his mind. It had been when they passed through Lothlorien. Legolas had spent the night with Haldir, and in the morning Aragorn had asked him, somewhat hopefully on his behalf, whether or not he and the marchwarden were ‘a couple’. Legolas, in a rare moment of candour, had admitted that he always pushed people away, and that in fact, Haldir would happily have bound himself to the prince but that Legolas was reluctant to open his heart to another for fear of being hurt.
Aragorn had smiled sympathetically and had given Legolas a rare hug. “But it is worth the risk, my friend,” he had said, “to know that you love someone, and even better, to know that your feelings are returned, this is the most important thing in life. More important than the Ring, than Frodo, than anything. Arwen’s love for me and mine for her is the reason that I go on.”
Legolas had shaken his head regretfully. “Your love is a rare thing Estel, treasure it always, but I do not think I will ever know such a thing.”
And now? Now he thought he knew what Aragorn had been trying to tell him. That without that risk to his peace of mind, he would never know if Gil was the right elf for him, his soul mate. He sighed heavily. Once again he wished that the human was by his side. He had always known exactly what to say to Legolas to give him encouragement. Legolas smiled ruefully. Actually, he knew exactly what Aragorn would have said, he could even hear his voice saying it. ‘Go for it, Legolas! Find him, seduce him and tell him you love him, and hang the consequences!’ that is what his friend would have told him to do, and would have pushed him all the way if necessary.
Thinking of his friend had made up his mind. Legolas would not waste this opportunity, and Aragorn would have been proud of him if he had seen the look of determination on the elf’s face.
Legolas once more spurred his horse into action and headed back to Lord Elrond’s house, a plan formulating in his mind.
*****
Gil-galad had arrived back at Lord Elrond’s home and stormed straight to his chamber, slamming doors and kicking the furniture. He picked up a rather pretty looking water jug and weighed it in his hands, deciding whether or not to throw it, but instead he sat heavily on the bed, holding it close to his chest.
That blasted elf. He had been so happy to ride beside the prince on the return journey. Although he had agreed with Elrond’s plan to tantalise Legolas, he had found it most difficult to carry out when all he wanted to do was to throw the fair elf down in a secluded glade and make passionate love to him. And then Legolas had obviously thought that he was merely flirting with him and playing with his affections. Gil knew that he had overreacted, but it was only because he had really fallen for the prince that his opinion had mattered so much to him.
Gil got up and put the water jug away, sighing. It was hopeless. First he had reminded Legolas about a part of his family history that was best forgotten, then he had given the impression that he was flirting shamelessly and then he had stormed off in a temper, without even trying to explain his true feelings. Legolas was probably laughing at him at this very moment, or was so angry with him that they would now spend the rest of eternity avoiding each other.
Gil threw himself down on the bed, his arm over his face, and cried for the first time in centuries. This was not what he had imagined Valinor to be like. Some time later, when all his tears were shed, he lay there feeling cold and empty. He stripped off the clothes he had put on that morning, so excited and full of hope, and threw them into the corner of the room angrily. His weeping had exhausted him. He crawled, naked, under the covers on his bed and fell asleep.
*****
Legolas was met at the door by one of Lord Elrond’s servants, who was a little surprised that the elf was alone. As the prince dismounted he smiled, charmingly.
“Lord Elrond sent me ahead, to.....er.....arrange for supper,” he explained.
If the servant thought it a little unusual that one of his master’s guests would do such a thing, he did not show it, but merely nodded and arranged for Legolas’ horse to be taken to the stables.
Legolas spent a half hour or so discussing a menu with the cook and gave a guess as to how long the remainder of the party would take to arrive. Then he sneaked off to find the baths. He had got very hot and dusty after his hasty ride and wanted to freshen up before finding Gil.
After bathing and washing his hair, he dressed in one of the loose bathrobes that were kept in the bathing rooms and set out to find the object of his desire. It was dusk and the lamps were being lit throughout the house as Legolas walked the corridors, and he suddenly realised that he had no idea where Gil-galad’s chambers were. He was on the brink of turning back from his quest, when he heard a servant tapping gently on a door ahead. He stepped back behind a curtain to listen.
“My Lord? May I enter and light the lamps?” Hearing no answer, the servant looked anxious, “my Lord?” he tapped again.
“G’way,” came a familiar, drowsy voice, “ ‘m ‘sleep.”
Legolas waited until the servant had disappeared back along the corridor, and then approached Gil’s bedroom door nervously. He stood there for one moment thinking how ridiculous this was and questioning his own sanity. Then he remembered his tidy but empty cottage by the sea and the lonely evenings he had spent walking the shore, and carefully opened the door.
The room was dark but for the pale light from Ithil streaming in between the open curtains across the still form on the bed. Legolas closed the door quietly behind him and took a deep breath. Yes, he was most definitely mad. What in Valinor was he thinking, sneaking into Gil-galad’s bed like this? Then the elf stirred, removed his arm from his sleeping face, and Legolas fell in love with him yet again, soundly and deeply and with a crashing thump.
Swallowing anxiously and with a determined look, Legolas threw off his robe, gently pulled back the velvet cover and eased himself into bed beside the ex-High King. Gil moved slightly with a soft grunt and shifted closer to the prince. Legolas held his breath for a moment, waiting to be caught and wondering how he was going to explain himself, and then stifled a chuckle. After all this was exactly what he wanted, wasn’t it? For Gil to wake up and see him?
He lay down on his side and watched the dark elf as he slept. He truly was beautiful. His dark hair lay like a rich, blue-black blanket of satin across the pillow, and his soft, dark pink lips looked so inviting, that Legolas suddenly found himself inches away from tasting them. Gil must have been somehow aware of Legolas’ presence for he frowned in his sleep as if dreaming and threw back the covers exposing his pale chest.
Legolas gulped. All sense and resistance vanished the moment that he saw the smooth muscular torso and delicate brown nipples. He reached out a tentative hand and gently stroked the smooth skin that lay so enticingly before him with his fingertips. Gil moaned softly under his breath and shivered slightly, but did not wake.
The prince sighed and watched as his fingers followed the gentle line of Gil-galad’s chest and dipped beneath the cover to seek out the treasure beneath. Legolas could feel Gil’s heartbeat begin to quicken through his body, his own pulse racing as he felt the elf’s arousal begin to harden.
Throwing all caution to the four winds he pulled the covers back completely to gaze at his heart’s desire. “Oh, Gil, I could love you for all time,” he murmured, “if only you could forgive me, I would be the happiest of elves.”
The sleeping elf sighed in his reverie and he unconsciously licked his lips, leaving them moist and shining in Ithil’s silver light. He stretched slightly with an almost imperceptible whimper, and moved a little under Legolas’ gentle hand.
Legolas could contain his desperate desire no longer. He had to taste this elf, to show him his love. If Gil awoke and rejected him, then so be it, at least he would have known a few moments of bliss. He moved carefully down the bed, trying not to wake Gil too soon, and bending down he lapped gently at the head of the proud column of flesh beginning to jut out from its bed of soft, dark curls.
Legolas closed his eyes in ecstacy, moaning at the delicious flavour of the elf beside him. He was all that he had hoped he would be, sweet and silky smooth, with a fragrance of wood smoke and musk. His fingers crept up Gil’s firm chest and blindly sought out a brown nipple, rolling it gently until he felt a shivered response and heard a slight gasp.
“Legolas!” came a throaty whisper, “what are you doing?!”
In answer to his cry, Legolas took the waking elf’s erection fully into his mouth, swirled his tongue around its length and raised his eyes at the same time to look into Gil’s. The look of sheer delight in his new lover’s face filled him with joy and he smiled, continuing to suck all the more avidly and he began to run both his hands over Gil’s body, drawing out yet more moans and sighs.
“Stop, wait! Come here my love!” called Gill after a few more moments of such delightful pleasure, “I want to kiss you, you would not deny me a first kiss?”
Legolas released Gil from his mouth with a long lick along the sensitive underside of his arousal and then quickly shifted up to lie next to him. “I can deny you nothing, Gil, let this be the first of many,” he said, bringing his mouth down over the dark elf’s and leaning over his body.
As their tongues met and plundered each other’s mouths, Gil reached up to lace the fingers of one hand through Legolas’ golden hair, while the other made its way around his waist, pulling his body to lie on top of his. He stroked the long back, buttocks and thighs, moaning into the kiss as he felt Legolas’ hard shaft pressing into his stomach. He shifted so that their erections rubbed against each other and both elves shuddered and gasped at the sensation.
“Ai, Legolas, is this true? Are you really here or is this some dream to torment me?”
“It is no dream, my love, I am here and I want you. I wanted you from the moment I saw you. I am sorry that I thought ill of you, can you forgive me?”
Gil kissed Legolas again, deeply and passionately, showing him that he was forgiven and wanted as well. He pulled away and nuzzled at Legolas’ neck, sucking and nipping the soft flesh, “I want you too, my sweet prince, I want to taste you, to feel you, to make love to you, now and every day for the rest of time,” he murmured, his warm breath raising goose bumps on Legolas’ skin.
Gil gently pushed Legolas over onto his back, kneeling between his lover’s legs. His hands began to map out the prince’s chest, paying particular attention to those areas that raised a whimper or a sigh, or made him squirm “Oh, you are delightful! You responses to my touch set my fingers on fire, I will never tire of you, my love,” he moaned.
Legolas reached up and ran his trembling hands along Gil’s thighs, moving them inwards to grasp his hard, smooth shaft. “Gil, I want you so badly, take me please, be inside me?” he gasped.
Gil shuddered at Legolas’ words, he still had trouble believing that this was really happening, and fully expected to wake and find that he was still in Mandos’ Halls. The prince’s touch was intoxicating, and as he ran his skilful fingers along Gil’s arousal, he shivered and whimpered. His hips bucked uncontrollably and he pushed himself into Legolas’ hands.
“Oh, my sweet prince, you are driving me mad with desire! I can think of nothing I would like more than to have you, to bury myself deep within you,” Gil said, hoarsely, his voice low and filled with passion. He fell forwards, bracing his arms on either side of Legolas’ shoulders, kissing him on his mouth, his ears, his throat, his chest, all the while tasting his skin with his tongue and lips.
Legolas groaned as Gil found one of his nipples and sucked on it, playing with it until it was hard and prominent, then he took it gently between his teeth and bit the sensitive flesh. Legolas cried out and spread his legs wider, “please, Gil, I cannot take much more, touch me, make love to me!”
Gil-galad grinned, “ahh, to have you pleading in my bed, this is pure bliss!” he sighed, and wriggled down between Legolas’ smooth thighs to take the elf’s delightful arousal deep within his throat in one, sure movement.
Legolas shrieked with pleasure, and reached up to grasp Gil’s dark tresses, both holding him in place and stopping himself from flying apart. “Ai, Gil, yes! Don’t stop, please don’t ever stop!”
Gil released his delicious treat to smile wickedly, “ I have no intention of stopping until I have tasted all you have to give me,” he reassured the prince, and immediately returned to his task, sucking and licking up and down Legolas’ shaft and accepting the prince’s urgent thrusting with relish.
Legolas was lost. The sensation of Gil’s shoulders and arms, pushing his thighs apart and the feeling of his lover’s hot, moist mouth on his hard shaft was his undoing. With a desperate cry he arched his back and shuddered his release into Gil’s willing throat. As soon as he was aware again of Gil’s careful licking and soft touch, he sighed and gently tugged at his hair encouraging him up to lie on top of him again.
“Ahhh, Gil, I love you so much,” he moaned, and kissed Gil, tasting himself in the elf’s sweet mouth.
In response the dark elf ran his fingers down Legolas’ secret cleft, finding his hidden entrance. Legolas quivered and sighed and raised his legs, wrapping them around Gil’s waist. “Yes, please,” he said softly.
“There is oil, on the shelf,” Gil said, “I will be a moment, no longer.”
Legolas released his lover, closed his eyes briefly and swallowed, “hurry!”
Gil-galad was as good as his word, and quickly scrambled from the bed, returning immediately with a flask of sweet, fragrant oil. He stood for a moment, enjoying the vision that lay before him. Legolas’ skin was shining with the afterglow of his orgasm, his face was flushed and his lips parted. His fair hair, mussed and unbraided, lay like a spun gold blanket across the pillows. Although he was spent, Legolas gently stroked his chest and sighed with longing, his legs spread wide, wantonly. He could not help but touch himself, he longed to feel Gil pressed against his body again.
Gil knelt between Legolas’ open thighs and poured some of the oil into his hand. He warmed it and then leant over the prince, running his glistening fingers down between Legolas’ thighs and finding his hidden opening. With a gentle murmur of love and devotion he pushed his finger into Legolas, and began to move it in and out, adding a second finger almost straightaway and stretching him carefully. Legolas needed very little preparation, his body was so relaxed and willing, and, as Gil stroked the little nub of pleasure hidden within, the fair elf moaned delightfully and pleaded again with his lover to take him.
Legolas reached for the oil and poured some onto Gil’s erection with shaking hands, smoothing it over the dark elf’s arousal. Gil trembled, “please, be careful, I am so close, my love,” he groaned.
Thus prepared, Gil took Legolas’ legs in his arms and raised them to rest on his shoulders. He looked into his lover’s blue eyes and carefully positioned himself at his entrance. Holding his gaze he pushed into him with one steady and powerful glide.
“Oooh, you feel so good, my sweet Legolas,” he cried, holding himself as still as he could within the tight heat until his lover had grown accustomed to his piercing length. With a deep growl, Legolas lowered his legs to tighten around Gil-galad’s waist and muttered one word, “move.”
Gil needed no further urging and began to sheath himself again and again within Legolas’ willing body. The two elves grunted and moaned, both kissing, nipping and licking at each other, wherever they could reach; faces, shoulders, necks, chests.
Legolas was hard again and craved Gil’s touch once more. If this was the first, fumbling time that they made love, what would it be like in centuries to come? He had never felt like this with anyone before and as he clung to his lover and felt him moving exquisitely inside him, he realised it was because he had taken the risk and given Gil his heart.
“I love you, my king,” he sobbed, reaching up and stroking Gil’s face as tears streamed down his cheeks.
“Legolas!” Gil yelled as his climax overwhelmed him. He shuddered and thrust deeply, three, four more times and felt his seed flood his lover’s body. He groaned and fell against the prince, kissing away his tears of joy. Gil reached his hand between their bodies finding Legolas’ erection and stroking it firmly until his young lover whimpered and trembled with his second orgasm.
The two elves held each other for a long time as they both came down from the high of their intense lovemaking. Gil kissed Legolas tenderly. “My dear heart,” he whispered, “thank you for coming to my bed.”
“ I thought that I had chased you away, Gil, and I could not bear the thought that I might never know your touch.” confessed Legolas.
“You could never make me leave you now, and if you so wish it, you shall know my touch for all eternity,” promised Gil-galad.
Legolas sighed happily and kissed his lover, “I do wish it, with all my heart.”
Gil-galad smiled and held his mate close as they both drifted into contented sleep.
*****
The elderly, grey haired dwarf smiled as he opened the door of his cottage. “Come in my friends, come in!” he urged, ushering the two elves inside, “I will pour us some ale and you can tell me all about your recent trip,” Gimli smiled, “it is good to see you both again.”
Legolas and his new husband, Gil-galad, ducked beneath the door and entered their friend’s home. They both sat on either side of the cheerful hearth and were given mugs of the dwarf’s home brew. “Well, it is difficult to know what to say, Gimli, we.....er.....”
“What my love means, good dwarf, is that we were too besotted with one another’s.....er..... charms, to really notice much of our surroundings!” chuckled Gil.
Legolas blushed and Gimli roared with laughter, “and you have no idea how glad I am to hear it!” he cried, slapping Gil-galad heartily on the back, “I assume by this that you are no longer lonely, my friend, and that I can stop worrying about you?” he asked Legolas, “ my beard and hair are grey enough already.”
Legolas joined in the mirth with a grin, “no, not lonely any longer,” he said, looking at Gil lovingly and taking his hand in his own, “and I never shall be again.”
Gimli smiled and raised his mug, “a toast then, to love, and to determined dwarves!”
Gil-galad and Legolas laughed, “to love, and to determined dwarves!”
The End
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-13 04:56 am (UTC)