Title: By the Grace of the Valar

Author: Morgana
Author's Email: morganalebeau@yahoo.com
Web page: http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon

Pairings for this part; Elrond/Celebrían, Erestor/Glorfindel, Lómion/Ereinion, Melpomaen/Legolas.

Overall rating: NC-17
Summary: After Melpomaen recovers Legolas, Thranduil and he travel to Imladris. Thranduil tries to court Elluin and Legolas learns more of his mother. Lómion learns to trust Ereinion and thanks to Estë, they take a very important step forward in their relationship. 

Disclaimer: Not mine, Tolkien’s.
Warning: AU of course!

Author’s Note: Completely AU. Plus, I am taking huge liberties with Erestor, Námo and his wife, Vairë. This story has the timeline from Hell, so you are warned! Additional note; Ereinion and Maeglin/Lómion were never an intended pairing, but I developed a soft spot for them!

Beta reading, translations and research by Patricia Pleasant, thanks! I couldn’t have written this story without your help!

All remaining mistakes are mine.

By the Grace of the Valar

Part 11

Legolas had eventually calmed down and battled a guilty conscience because of the way he had treated his father. He had actually slapped Thranduil! His first thought was going to Melpomaen, but when he arrived at his beloved’s side, he found him soundly asleep – sleeping a healing sleep. He just couldn’t wake Melpomaen to listen to him – his beloved should concentrate on healing. After pressing a loving kiss onto Melpomaen’s no longer hot brow, he left and headed for the highest branches of the talan.

Letting his feet dangle down, he stared at his hands, which lay idly in his lap. He needed to talk to someone, but couldn’t go to his father. He was too ashamed to do that.

“Legolas? What are you doing here?” Avoralas easily climbed up the talan and sat down beside Legolas. The Chief Advisor sensed Legolas’ need to talk and knew that the son would never seek out the father so soon after losing his composure. “Why aren’t you sitting with Melpomaen?”

Legolas released a deep sigh and looked into the advisor’s wise, green eyes. Whilst Landiant had always been his confidant, Avoralas his been his father’s most trusted friend. The other Elf had always been friendly toward him, although there had always been some formal distance between them. That was part of Avoralas’ character. “Did you know the truth?” There was no doubt in his mind that Avoralas had already heard what had happened moments ago. Nothing ever happened in Mirkwood without Avoralas knowing about it.

“That Elluin is alive and lives in Imladris?” Avoralas’ golden hair moved against his cheek, and he pushed it back behind an ear. “I knew, aye.”

“And you never told me?” Now that he had calmed down a bit, Legolas felt more reasonable – more open to discussion.

“It was always your father’s decision to tell you or not, Legolas,” said Avoralas in a compassionate voice. “Holding you in his arms healed a lot of Thranduil’s hurts. You do not know what he was like after he had just lost his father and many of his friends. He was insane with grief and anger.” He raised a hand, seeing Legolas was about to protest. “I am not saying that suffering such losses made right what Thranduil did, but it makes it understandable. He had lost them all – and I am convinced that he was deathly afraid to love your mother because he dreaded losing her too.”

Legolas cocked his head. “He should have told me that she was still alive.”

Avoralas shrugged his shoulders once. “Probably,” admitted the advisor. “But he did not. Thranduil tried being the best father he could. He loves you… He would die protecting you. He saw to it that you loved your mother, even though you never met her. He did well, as a father, didn’t he?”

Legolas didn’t want to admit that – he was still too cross with his father. “He should have told me, Avoralas! I could have traveled to Imladris and met with her!” His eyes pleaded with the advisor. “He did not only take my mother away from me, but he also took a son away from her!”

Avoralas’ kind eyes searched Legolas’ features. “Thranduil sent her letters – telling her how you were doing. He sent her locks of your hair, the first drawings you made. Thranduil even sketched you and sent her the portrait. When you meet your mother, she will know you. You are not a stranger to her.”

“You know much,” said Legolas, thoughtfully. “Do you also know what will happen next?”

Avoralas nodded. “I already talked to your father. Once Melpomaen has recovered, your father, you and your beloved will travel to Imladris. Your father will ask your mother for forgiveness and if she will have him, he will right his wrongs and bind with her. That would make you his legitimate heir and solve many problems.”

“And what if she does not want to bind with him?” Legolas had never realized just how shrewd Avoralas was!

“She will agree to the marriage. Elluin never stopped loving your father, but Thranduil was not ready to commit to her. He is ready now.” Avoralas brushed Legolas’ hair in a fatherly way. “I overheard most of your conversation and I know you lost your temper. I was amazed that your father managed to control his. Don’t you think you owe him an apology?”

“For slapping him?” Guilty-eyed, Legolas lowered his gaze. “Probably.”

“Aye, I know you felt that blow was justified, but it was not. You are still very young, but you need to learn to control the urge to retaliate physically. It will not do for the future King.”

Legolas’ features contorted. “I do not want to become King.”

“In time, you might. Do not worry about that yet, pen-neth¹. But wouldn’t it be nice to have both your parents at your side?”

Legolas nodded once. “That is true.”

“Then support your father when he heads for Imladris. He will need you.” Avoralas carefully got to his feet and began to descend the tree. “Go to him and talk with him. You won’t know any peace until you do.” Avoralas disappeared from view, leaving Legolas alone with his brooding thoughts.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Ada²?” Legolas shuffled into his father’s rooms, staring at the floor and wringing his hands.

“Legolas!” Thranduil immediately rose from behind his desk and fought the urge to walk toward his son and bury him in a tight hug.

“I am here to apologize,” said Legolas, cringing at the memory of slapping his father. “I should not have lashed out at you.”

Thranduil’s heart warmed, seeing his son’s regretful expression. “I do not blame you for lashing out. I might have done the same, had my father told me he had lied to me.”

Legolas found the courage to look up, hearing his father’s compassionate voice. “I should never have hit you. I am sorry I did…”

Thranduil moved toward his son and wrapped his arms around Legolas. “I forgive you. You had a very good reason to lash out and I do not blame you.”

Legolas returned the hug and held his father tight. “I am still angry with you, though.” But he was also relieved that his father had forgiven him so easily without throwing a tantrum of his own.

“I understand that you are still cross with me… I would not expect otherwise.” Thranduil soothingly stroked his son’s hair. “I will try to make amends. Once your love has recovered, we will travel to Imladris and I will take you to your mother.”

“You should have told me. You should have given me a choice!” Legolas defiantly glared at his father. It would take time for these wounds to heal.

“I was a coward,” admitted Thranduil, lowering his gaze. “And maybe I was afraid that you would hate and reject me and demand I take you to live with your mother instead. You do not know how much you mean to me. How much I love you – how much I need you. I could not lose you. So I kept quiet.”

“Oh, Ada, you will always have my love!” Seeing his father so vulnerable lessened Legolas’ anger. “You will never be alone.” After moistening his lips, he said, “And remember; when we are in Imladris, you could try to win Elluin’s heart all over again. She loved you once… Then, you would not only have a son, but also a wife.”

Thranduil managed a weak smile. “Legolas, she no longer wants me. She cannot want me after the way I treated her. She is better off without me.”

“Why don’t you let her be the judge of that?”

“Legolas, you asked for my forgiveness a moment ago. Now I must ask you for yours. Can you forgive me for being a coward who kept the truth from you out of fear of losing you?” Thranduil insecurely met Legolas’ eyes, hoping his son understood why he had acted like that in the past.

Legolas looked into the depths of his father’s emerald eyes and read the truth there. “I forgive you,” he said, clearly noticing his father’s relieved sigh. “But I expect you to travel to Imladris and to introduce me to my mother.” A smile surfaced on his face, saying, “And maybe you might even want to try courting her.” Avoralas *had* said that Elluin had loved Thranduil and might love him still.

“I will try,” said Thranduil, half-heartedly. /Though I doubt she still wants me./

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Melpomaen blinked, sleepily, and smiled, finding Legolas at his side. The Woodland Elf had apparently cleaned himself up, as he wore clean clothes and had washed off the dirt of the road. For the first time since he knew Legolas, the blond Elf wore his hair loose, sans the warrior braids. “I like it… that way…” His mouth and throat felt awfully dry and he thankfully swallowed the water when Legolas helped him sip.

“How do you fare, meleth³? Better? You look better.” Legolas exchanged a look with his father, standing at the head end of Melpomaen’s bed. His beloved hadn’t yet noticed Thranduil’s presence.

“Aye, I… think so…” Melpomaen shifted on the bed, trying to sit upright, which he succeeded in with a little help from his lover. His shoulder still throbbed, but he felt stronger, compared to the last time he had been awake. “How bad… is it?”

“You should make a complete recovery within the next few days. With each morn, you will feel a little bit stronger.” Legolas frowned, seeing his father silently leave the room. Didn’t his father want to talk to Melpomaen? He would ask him later.

Melpomaen looked deeply into Legolas’ eyes and raised a shaky hand to caress the face. “Your…father?” He worried about Thranduil’s reaction to finding him in his son’s company.

“Everything will be alright.” Legolas wrapped an arm around the still weak advisor and smiled, feeling Melpomaen rest against him. “I talked to him. He threw a tantrum at first… And I must warn you. That is a family habit. I have a temper too.”

“Not… with me,” whispered Melpomaen, smiling happily at having Legolas close.

Legolas chuckled. “Maybe,” he admitted. “But do not worry about my father. He will accept you as my beloved. He won’t reject you or work against us.”

“That is… good to hear.” Melpomaen flinched, as the pain traveling through his shoulder reminded him that he still wasn’t healed yet. “I should… lie down… again.”

Legolas lowered his beloved back onto the bed and then carefully stretched out beside him. “Comfortable?” His actions were colored with caution, as he didn’t want to jostle Melpomaen’s shoulder accidentally.

“Very.” Melpomaen smiled, blissfully, and then drifted off into sleep again. This time however, his eyes remained open. A healing sleep was no longer necessary as his body was recovering quickly.

Legolas’ fingertips caressed Melpomaen’s face. “I love you,” he whispered. “And I thank Erestor for suggesting that you to travel along. Your presence here has already wrought many changes – and there are still more to come once we return to Imladris.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thranduil returned an hour later to check on Melpomaen. The dark-haired Elf was still asleep, but his son wasn’t. The moment he saw the puzzled expression in Legolas’ eyes, he knew he would be questioned. “What do you wish to know?”

“You could have introduced yourself to him earlier, but you didn’t. Why is that? Did you change your mind and don’t you approve of my choice after all?”

Thranduil shook his head. “Nay, that is not it. I merely did not want to upset him whilst he is still recovering. From what you told me, I gathered that he thinks I will not approve of his presence here. I would like to wait until he is more healed before I introduced myself to him.”

“That is very thoughtful of you, Ada.”

“I will leave the two of you alone now. Avoralas wishes to meet with me so we can discuss our upcoming journey to Imladris.”

Legolas heard the uneasy undertone in his father’s voice and realized Thranduil wasn’t looking forward to traveling to Imladris. “Would you prefer not to go? Are you only going because Avoralas and I are making you?”

Thranduil shrugged his shoulders once. “There are several reasons why I would prefer not to make this journey. One of them is your mother and her possible rejection of me. The other is Elrond.”

Legolas raised an eyebrow. “I met with Elrond. He was very friendly when we talked.”

“Probably because he did not know your identity.”

“Nay, I do not think that was the case… He worked out who I was fairly quickly; at least, Melpomaen told me so. Elrond knows I am your son and he treated me kindly.”

“Maybe he saw his chance and befriended you for that reason? He always had a hidden agenda, that one.”

“Ada,” whispered Legolas, as not to wake Melpomaen. “I know the loss is still fresh and that you miss your father and our kin, but maybe you should try to see Elrond for who he is? And not for who you *think* he is?”

“My son is much wiser than I am,” said Thranduil, giving Legolas a sorrowful smile. “I will try.”

Legolas nodded once; that was all he could ask for at this point.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Why am I always injured around you?” Melpomaen sat upright in bed and was digging into the stew Legolas had brought him. He had been in Mirkwood for four days now and his shoulder was mostly healed. It was beyond him why the healers wouldn’t allow him out of his bed yet.

Legolas gave his beloved a fond smile. “Aye, first you fall off a horse and then you offer yourself as a midnight snack to some hungry wolves. I wonder what will happen next.”

Melpomaen groaned. “Must you tease me?”

“You blush delightfully,” said Legolas, continuing his teasing.

“When do you think will they allow me to leave my bed?” Melpomaen pushed away the now empty bowl and finished the wine, mixed with water to make it less potent.

“My father will be the judge of that,” replied Legolas. He felt the time had come for his father to face Melpomaen. He had allowed Thranduil to use Melpomaen’s health as an excuse, but no longer.

“Your father?” Melpomaen gave Legolas a startled look.

“Who do you think has been looking after you?” Legolas sat down on the side of Melpomaen’s bed, seeing his lover’s growing distress. “He checks on you on an hourly basis.”

Melpomaen frowned. “But…”

“He visits when you are resting – asleep.”

“That explains why I did not know he was looking after me. But, why? I thought he would lecture me on making you fall in love with me and send me back to Imladris?”

Legolas’ thumb trailed along Melpomaen’s quivering bottom lip. “If anyone made someone fall in love, then it would be me making you fall for me.” He thought back to that day, when they had sat on that windowsill, reading the same book and feeling at ease in the embrace. “I told you so before – my father approves.”

Melpomaen looked skeptical. “How can that be?”

Thranduil coughed, diplomatically announcing his arrival. Like Legolas, he had realized he couldn’t postpone this encounter much longer. “My son loves you. How can I possible forbid that?”

Melpomaen swallowed hard and grabbed Legolas’ hand for support. “Sire…” He tried to bow, but his body was stiff from resting all these days.

“Do not trouble yourself,” said Thranduil, dismissing Melpomaen’s attempt at bowing for him. He moved in front of Melpomaen, and whilst standing at the foot end, he studied the dark-haired advisor. The eyes were large and still possessed some innocence. He literally tasted the love Melpomaen felt for Legolas, but he also noticed the nervous twitch near the corner of the advisor’s mouth. /He is nervous. Does he fear me?/

“Legolas told me about you and…” Melpomaen quickly stopped talking, realizing he had been about to refer to the King’s legendary temper and he had better not do that.

“He probably also told you that I am all bark… but I do not bite, Melpomaen. So, you belong to the Noldor?”

“Aye, sire, I do.” Pride appeared in the hazel eyes.

Amused, Thranduil raised an eyebrow. “Well, you will be counted among the Sindar from this moment on. No son of mine belongs to the Noldor.”

Melpomaen’s eyes had widened drastically, only hearing insult instead of Thranduil’s teasing tone. “Sire, I must protest! I…”

“Meleth, he is merely teasing you. It is his way of welcoming you into our family,” said Legolas, quickly intervening.

Melpomaen’s jaw almost hit the floor. “Teasing?”

“Aye, I am capable of teasing,” said Thranduil, amused.

Only then did Melpomaen recall what Thranduil had said; ‘no son of mine’. “You accept me as Legolas’ mate?”

“Aye, I do.” Thranduil gave them a smile. Wasn’t it ironic that his son had fallen for a Noldo as well? But at least Legolas had done everything right – he had accepted that love, unlike him. “I must leave you now, but we will talk later. Legolas, now that Melpomaen is capable of traveling, I want to leave in two days.” After uttering those words, Thranduil turned on his heel. The sooner they left, the soon he could return home and lick his wounds.

Melpomaen’s head spun. “Leave? Traveling? Legolas!”

“We are returning to Imladris, meleth.”

“Why?”

“That is a long story,” said Legolas, stretching his legs and fondly looking at his beloved. “Listen carefully then and I will tell you everything I know.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Melpomaen had a hard time believing what he had just heard. “Elluin is your mother?”

Legolas instantly grew tense. “You know her?”

“Aye, she works with the healers.” Melpomaen frowned. “After Elrond returned to Imladris some of the warriors decided they had seen enough bloodshed and worked with the healers or married and started a family. Elluin works with the healers because she is in charge of that part of Elrond’s library that deals with books on healing.”

“She is a librarian?” That was unexpected!

Melpomaen smiled, kindly. “I know your mother, aye. When I was still a scribe in the library she would help me catalog huge volumes of books. She is a very kind soul.” Melpomaen’s smile brightened, seeing the pleased expression in Legolas’ eyes.

“Would you tell me more about her? What does she look like?”

Melpomaen chuckled. “Her hair is darker than mine and so are her eyes. She is tall and carries herself in a regal way. She is friendly and kind, but she never forgot how to wield a sword. I do believe she bested Lord Glorfindel once.”

Legolas’ fingers found Melpomaen’s hand and twined around the limb. “I want to meet her!”

“You will,” said Melpomaen. “We will leave day after tomorrow, remember?”

“Aye, but…” A worried expression appeared on Legolas’ face. “Are you certain you are strong enough to make the journey?”

“Your father released me from the healing rooms yesterday, didn’t he? Do you think he would have done that if he did not consider me fully healed?” He was sharing Legolas’ rooms for now. He hadn’t thought he would like living high up in the talan, but he did. It was quite different from living in the Last Homely House. He felt freer and there was more light and sun, being reflected by the emerald green leaves of the ancient tree. “And you will be traveling with me – so you can keep an eye on me.”

“I wish we had time to bind – properly.” They still had tonight, but Legolas refused to rush this. He didn’t want either of them to be sore when they had to ride the next day. Also he refused to be rushed into this. Legolas wanted to take his time, making love to Melpomaen for the first time.

“We will consummate our love upon our arrival in Imladris… I have a soft bed,” hinted Melpomaen, playfully. He pulled Legolas close and kissed his love. Aye, they would bind in Imladris and make this love official.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thranduil shifted nervously on the back of his steed. Ferlas sensed his rider’s unease and reacted accordingly by nervously moving about. Thranduil leaned in closer and whispered an apology into the stallion’s ear. Upon hearing the soothing words, the mighty steed calmed.

Legolas mounted his mare and looked over his shoulder to keep an eye on Melpomaen who had been given his own mare, as Thranduil thought it awkward for them to share one horse.

The mare sensed Melpomaen’s insecurity and Nimpeirien snorted. “Meldis⁴, I depend on you, so please treat me kindly. Do not throw me off.”

Overhearing Melpomaen’s remark, Thranduil chuckled. Legolas cast a curious look into his direction and Thranduil grinned. “We will make a warrior out of him!”

Legolas groaned. “I like Melpomaen just the way he is.”

“I do pray we won’t come upon any spiders,” remarked Landiant, who would lead the King’s escort.

Melpomaen straightened his shoulders. “I know how to defend myself.” He just needed to train more and ride more often!

“I am certain you do,” placated Avoralas, who would stay behind in Mirkwood to rule in Thranduil’s place. “Landiant, keep them safe!”

“I will!” Landiant raised a hand in goodbye and then lead the party toward the road that would take them to Imladris.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning, Lómion left the cottage to sit in the grass. Ereinion was still asleep, and Lómion was determined not to stray too far, as he didn’t want to worry his lover when Ereinion woke. He had startled the former king too many times already. 

Sitting in the grass, he leaned in closer to watch a butterfly, sitting on a bright red flower. Close to his right hand, a little mouse was running toward her home, dragging some corn with her. A pigeon cooed above his head and a fish jumped from the water, splashing loudly.

Anor’s warm rays caressed his skin and his dark hair shone like onyx. He crept toward the stream and stared at his reflection. Awed, he wondered about the changes that had taken place in his life. He *still* didn’t understand how it was possible that everything had changed for the better. He didn’t deserve this.

“But you do,” whispered Estë. She had left her island, where she usually dwelt, to visit with Lómion, as the time had come for the troubled Elf to continue healing. The soft fabric of her gray dress moved against Lómion’s skin and she stopped him, when he made ready to jump to his feet. “Be at peace, my child.”

 

Stunned, Lómion looked at the Vala, feeling grateful that he had put leggings on before leaving the cottage. But he was still bare-chested, which made him feel vulnerable. Lowering his eyes, he waited for her to speak again. Why had she come here?

Estë knelt beside Lómion, sensing his hurt, pain, shame and guilt. Ereinion had started the healing process, but it was still far from finished. “I mean you well.”

“I know that… It isn’t you. It is me. I feel…”

“I know what you feel, my child.” Estë ran her elegant fingers through his dark hair and that gesture made Lómion look up in surprise. “Would you like to stop feeling these negative emotions? Haven’t they tormented you for much too long?”

“They are my punishment… I deserve them.”

“You stubborn child,” whispered Estë in a sorrowful voice. “Do you not want to be able to love Ereinion the way you want to love him?”

He slowly nodded his head. “But I will never be that person. I flinch when he touches me. The mere thought of intimacy makes me… scared.”

“Rest against me,” said Estë in a tone, which made it very clear that this was not a request, but an order. “And let me heal some of those wounds. It is time.”

Lómion didn’t want to do this. He was scared of the unknown. What would happen? What would she do? He obeyed and rested his upper body against her. She then pulled him even closer until his head rested in her lap. Her hands, soothing and warm, moved over his brow in a loving manner and she sang softly. All these sensations cocooned him and made him feel safe – so safe. Safe enough for the Elfling to react to the warmth and love surrounding him and the child inside him stilled, listening to Estë’s lullaby. Lómion felt how this young part of him fought letting go of the pain he had suffered. The child in him desperately tried to hold on to the memories, for they were familiar. He knew to expect pain in those memories, but he didn’t know what the future as Ereinion’s lover would bring.

But then the child inside him began to give in, soothed by Estë’s cunning and her gift for healing. The tears he had shed for so long dried and a warm smile replaced them. Pain dimmed from his eyes and instead, love shone brightly. Love and understanding. It was time to lay the pain to rest. It was time for the child to be free again, instead of chained to this heartbreak.

Slowly, his eyes closed, his breathing slowed down and he drifted off into a sleep that would heal his soul. Estë remained at his side, stroked his silken hair and smiled benignly at her charge. Lómion had finally let go of his pain.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Oh, not again!” Ereinion groaned, finding Lómion gone once more. He had hoped that after showing Lómion that he *did* want him, things would change between them for the better. Apparently not. “I do hope you did not take another bottle of wine with you!” After weathering one emotional storm he didn’t feel strong enough to withstand another. “Where did you go this time?”

Ereinion dressed casually in a shirt and leggings and left the cottage in search of his elusive lover.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Over here,” called out Estë, seeing Ereinion search frantically for Lómion.

Ereinion immediately headed in the direction of her voice and was immensely relieved to come upon the Vala and his lover. Apparently, she had kept him safe. “Thank you, my Lady. I was afraid for him.” He knelt at Lómion’s side and accepted him into his arms when Estë moved the sleeping Elf toward him. “Did he suffer another emotional breakdown?”

Estë shook her head. “Nay, quite the opposite happened. He was finally able to deal with the worst pain Eöl inflicted upon him. His soul is freer now, lighter. You will notice the difference when he wakes up.” She rose from the grass and straightened out her dress. “I will return shortly.”

“What do I do when he wakes up?” Ereinion wondered if he had handled Lómion correctly until now. Or had he used the wrong approach? Had he made mistakes which had only worsened his beloved’s pain?

“Put your mind at rest,” said Estë, twining a lock of Ereinion’s hair around her finger. “Your instincts guided you well. You did everything right. You are the very reason Lómion is doing so well. Continue on, Ereinion Gil-Galad. Carry on loving him.”

Her words brought a smile to Ereinion’s face. “Thank you. I was beginning to doubt myself. Especially after what happened yesterday.”

“Yesterday was a turning point for Lómion,” replied Estë, letting go of Ereinion’s strand of hair. “Because of yesterday, he managed to face his past today.” Estë turned and began to walk away from them, but then she halted and looked at them from over her shoulder. “Lómion might surprise you in the next few days. The Dark Elf no longer has a hold on his soul. The child is now at peace and the adult will show more and more. You will soon have a lover who will love you as he should.” With those cryptic words, she continued her walk and eventually vanished from view.

Ereinion stayed behind with a sleeping Lómion, kissing the dark hair and murmuring a prayer of thanks to the Valar.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Ereinion smiled, seeing Lómion lift his hand to wipe the sleep from his eyes. There was something vulnerable in that gesture – something trusting. “Hello there.”

Lómion blinked; surprised to hear Ereinion’s voice. He rubbed his eyes, blinked once more and sat upright, looking into his beloved’s puzzled eyes. “Estë was here.”

“Aye, she left after I arrived. How do you fare?”

Lómion smiled, ruefully, realizing he had worried Ereinion by leaving the cottage again. “I did not plan on getting drunk again.”

“I did not say that.”

“But you thought it.”

“I was worried you might resort to drinking wine again, aye,” clarified Ereinion. He probed the dark eyes, wondering what was different. There *was* something different in those eyes!

Lómion brushed back his long hair and moved into a kneeling position in front of Ereinion. He felt different. A new kind of warmth warmed him from within and the emotional pain he had been in for so long was gone. The child had gone quiet – the boy was at rest.

Ereinion felt entranced, looking into the large, calm eyes. /Calm?/ He had never seen a calm expression in them before – not one of such intensity. What had happened during Estë’s visit?

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Feeling a tad shy, Lómion’s face grew flustered. “I would kiss you, if you would permit it, meleth.”

Surprised, Ereinion nodded. “But of course!” Lómion had never looked at him like that before! Lómion leaned in closer and their lips touched. It was a sweet kiss, which spoke of trust and longing. Most importantly, Ereinion didn’t taste any fear in it.

Lómion grew encouraged, feeling Ereinion lean into the kiss. The former king moaned, deep in his throat, and the sound woke an ancient need in Lómion – one, which he had never felt before. Lómion grew bolder and warm hands slipped beneath Ereinion’s shirt, roaming his back.

Ereinion always maintained eye contact, determined to stop their kissing should he see any discomfort in his lover’s eyes. But there was none – only contentment.

Lómion felt shy and nervous, but the fact that this felt right, gave him the strength and courage to continue. Feeling Ereinion sag against him, he lowered his beloved onto his back. Should he straddle him or not? Would that be moving too fast?

Ereinion solved Lómion’s dilemma by pulling him atop of him. “Say the word and we will stop.”

“I am not scared, if that is what you need to know. I feel curious, but… I do not know how far I want to take this,” explained Lómion. Now that he was straddling Ereinion, he became aware of his lover’s arousal. /And I am hard too./ He had become erect as well, and was rubbing his lower body against Ereinion’s groin, which felt divine.

“Meleth…” 

“I am fine,” said Lómion, seeing the need for confirmation in his lover’s dark eyes. “I do not know what Estë did, but the child is at rest. The memories are buried deep and do not torment me anymore. But… I am nervous.”

“So am I. Oh, ind nîn⁵, we do not have to go all the way!”

“I know that,” replied Lómion, who leaned in closer to kiss Ereinion once more. “I will stop, should I feel uncomfortable.”

“In that case – do whatever you wish to me.” Ereinion drank in his lover’s sight. Lómion’s inner light shone brightly and radiated love.

Lómion undid the lacing of Ereinion’s shirt, pushed the fabric aside and bared most of his lover’s chest to him. “I feel this need to touch you.”

“Then touch me.” Ereinion involuntarily held his breath, as Lómion’s fingertips manipulated his nipples. He bucked, unable to stop that reflex. “Meleth…” Oh, he had wanted this for so long! Had dreamt of this moment for so long! And now that it had arrived, he couldn’t stop his body from reacting to Lómion’s shy exploration.

Ereinion’s reactions to his touch undid Lómion, who had never thought he could evoke such emotions in the former king. His lips left Ereinion’s and trailed lower. Wondering what it would feel like, he closed his lips over a hard nipple and suckled hard. Ereinion groaned, bucked once more, and Lómion reacted by gently scraping his teeth along the nipple.

“Oh, please…” Ereinion was close to orgasm. His body was highly strung and cried for release!

Lómion gave Ereinion one long look and then undid the lacing of his lover’s leggings. He didn’t look at the hard flesh that bobbed free, but maintained eye contact. The horrid memories of past abuse might no longer torment him, but he couldn’t help being wary. The past had formed him.

“Ind nîn, touch me, please…” Ereinion’s right hand buried itself in his lover’s long hair, whilst the other tried to slip inside Lómion’s leggings to return the pleasure.

Lómion decided that he trusted Ereinion unconditionally and wrapped his fingers around the shaft, which was already slippery with pre-ejaculate. “I am sorry, melethen⁶, but I cannot return the pleasure you gave me yesterday… Will my hand do?” The thought of taking Ereinion into his mouth made him uncomfortable. It was too early for that.

“It will do perfectly.” Ereinion closed his eyes for one moment, experiencing pure bliss now that his beloved was so intimately touching him. The strokes were shy and even clumsy, but that didn’t matter. What mattered was that Lómion had taken a very important step by touching him in this way.

Lómion gasped in surprise, growing aware of the warm fingers curled around his own arousal. When he had started this, it had been his intention to give pleasure, but now it looked like Ereinion had different ideas. “Oh, I love you so much!” Ereinion had been his salvation in so many ways!

Lips met in an arduous kiss, tongues wrapped around each other in a sensual dance and their hands sped up, stroking in tune. Lómion involuntarily bit on Ereinion’s bottom lip of the moment of his climax and trembled in his lover’s arms as the experience left him shaky. Never before had he felt anything as intense as this!

Ereinion climaxed a moment later. Looking into his lover’s dark eyes, he noticed the lust-dilated pupils and felt him quiver above him. His strong arms quickly buried Lómion in a reassuring embrace and he caught him, when Lómion collapsed atop of him. For one moment, they remained quiet, absorbing the pleasure given and received, enjoying the new sense of intimacy that now lingered between them.

Lómion rested his head against Ereinion’s shoulder and snuggled up to his lover. “I did not think it would be like that.”

“Like what?” Ereinion pressed a kiss onto the crown of his beloved’s head.

“Like pure bliss. I never felt so complete – so ‘whole’ before.” Lómion lifted his head so he could look into Ereinion’s eyes. “You cannot possibly know how much I love you, meleth.”

“And that says you – who thought he was incapable of love.”

“Maeglin was. And Lómion, once Eöl got his hands on him.” A thoughtful expression appeared in his eyes. “But I am someone different today. I am not Maeglin, and I am not Lómion, the child.”

“You are my heart,” said Ereinion. “You are my love. Do you need a name?”

Lómion smiled, warmly. “Nay, I do not.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Elrond? Thranduil is about to arrive and…” Erestor chuckled, finding one Elfling hugging Elrond’s leg, whilst the other clung to his father’s neck. There was no way Elrond could change his clothes before Thranduil arrived. He almost pitied the half-Elf – almost.

“Ada, stay!” Elladan held on tight to his father’s right leg and refused to let go. “You promised to play with us!”

“I am sorry, but we will have to play later.” Elrond sighed, resigning himself to the fact that his sons were rather tenacious and would not let go. “Please, pyn-neth⁷, l must welcome Thranduil and Legolas.” Thranduil would see it as an insult, if he weren’t there to formally welcome him to Imladris!

“Legolas?” Elrohir frowned and then released his hold on his father’s neck, slipping into Elrond’s arms. “The Elf who will let us hunt giant spiders?”

Elladan listened up as well. “Aye, we want to play with Legolas!”

Erestor, who cunningly stayed out of the argument, gave Elrond an amused smile. The twins had taken a liking to Legolas, which would come in handy once meeting Thranduil.

“Are they causing trouble?” asked Celebrían upon entering their private chambers. She burst out into chuckles, seeing Elrond trying to free himself of the tiny, but greedy hands.

Another sigh left Elrond’s lips. He loved his sons dearly, but at times they made life impossible. “Would you help me, Melethril ⁸?”

Celebrían continued to chuckle, but took pity on her husband and reached for Elrohir. “Come here, you.” Elrohir pouted for a moment, but then moved into his mother’s arms. “We want to play!” Elladan finally released his father’s leg and ran over to his mother, burying his fingers in the folds of her skirt.

“We will play later,” promised Elrond, realizing he lacked time to change into his formal robes. The shirt and leggings he was wearing had been drooled upon by his lovely offspring, but they would have to do. He hoped that Thranduil wouldn’t be offended.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thranduil’s heart raced. He was nervous, now that he was about to meet with Elrond and later on, Elluin. During their journey Legolas and Melpomaen had tried to soothe his troubled mind, but he found it hard to believe that he would be warmly welcomed in Imladris.

“Ada, stop driving yourself insane!” said Legolas, as they guided their horses into the courtyard. Erestor and Glorfindel already stood ready to welcome them and he noticed the fond smile on the Chief Advisor’s face, when those dark eyes sought out Melpomaen. Aye, Erestor’s gamble had worked out perfectly.

“Elrond and I parted on bad terms,” whispered Thranduil. “He does not want me here.” Thranduil’s eyes narrowed, seeing Elrond running toward Erestor and Glorfindel. He had expected the half-Elf to show off in order to impress him, but Elrond wasn’t wearing formal robes or his circlet. His shirt looked wrinkled and his leggings ill-fitting, like hands had pulled the fabric in all kinds of directions. This was not the way he had imagined Elrond would look like!

“Welcome to fair Imladris,” said Erestor, hearing that Elrond was still trying to catch his breath. What had the twins been up to this time? Had they managed to flee their mother’s care at the last moment? Thankfully, they were nowhere in sight now!

“Thank you for your words of welcome,” said Thranduil, reluctantly. He watched Melpomaen dismount and embrace Erestor, doubtlessly whispering words of gratitude. Legolas slid off of his mare’s back and joined his beloved. Now that those three Elves were chatting busily, he was left alone with Glorfindel, and more importantly Elrond.

Landiant broke the awkward silence by dismounting and introducing himself to Glorfindel.

Glorfindel smiled at the fellow Captain and engaged the Sinda in conversation, which left Thranduil with no other option than to talk to Elrond.

Thranduil dismounted and walked toward Elrond. “It seems like it has been millennia since we talked last,” he said, trying to build a bridge through time and space. “I never thought I would visit Imladris, but here I am.”

Elrond managed a warm smile. “And you are most welcome, Thranduil.”

“Legolas! We wanna play with Legolas! And hunt spiders!”

Elrond groaned; how had the twin menace escaped their mother’s supervision this time?

The twins ran toward the gathering of Elves, but just before reaching them, they halted in amazement. “Too many blond Elves,” whispered Elladan, confused. Who were they supposed to play with first?

“Yours?” Thranduil failed to hide his amusement – he had always been fond of children.

“I am afraid so. Elladan, Elrohir, please return to your mother.” Elrond cringed; he simply couldn’t use two Elflings going rampant whilst welcoming Thranduil to Imladris!

But the twins had different ideas and Elladan approached Thranduil. “Do you want to play with us?”

Thranduil laughed, and the warm sound vibrated through the courtyard. “It has been a while since I played with Elflings.”

Legolas shot his father an amused look. “Oh, go play with them. You know you want to.”

Encouraged, Elrohir advanced on the golden-haired Elf as well. He raised his hand and managed to curl his fingers around the adult’s. “We have colored pebbles… or we could draw… I can never stay within the lines though.”

Thranduil lifted Elrohir in his arms and studied the Elfling, who closely resembled his twin and Elrond. “Did you outrun your nana⁹?” A silver-haired she-Elf came running toward them, her eyes simmering with displeasure.

“Aiya, help us,” whispered Elrohir into the big Elf’s ear, as he buried his fingers in Thranduil’s golden mane.

“Elladan! Elrohir!” Celebrían raised her finger in a warning motion. “Come here!”

“Nay, the big Elf wants to play with us!” Elladan quickly hid behind Thranduil.

“Sire, I…” Celebrían bowed, and then her bright eyes sought out Thranduil’s. She had heard many stories about his temper and doubted an Elf like Thranduil would appreciate being hassled by the twins.

“Oh, I will play with them… It will placate them and tire them out. We can talk in the meantime.” Thranduil allowed Elladan to pull him toward the main building.

Elrond rolled his eyes. “Now what?”

Legolas took pity on the half-Elf and placed a hand on Elrond’s shoulder. “Now you befriend my father. Or, should I say, let your sons befriend my father?”

Elrond groaned.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“That is a lovely pebble and rather blue.” Thranduil sat cross-legged on the floor, allowing the twins to crawl all over him.

Legolas smiled fondly at his father. “He played with me all the time when I was little. He was the best father I could have hoped for.”

Elrond nodded and saw Thranduil’s face grow flustered at hearing his son’s words of praise. “This will give us a chance to get to know each other. Our realms will benefit from that.”

Thranduil nodded; at the same time, he rolled the blue pebble toward Elladan, who promptly handed him a yellow stone. The twins quickly grew tired, due to all the excitement. Elladan eventually climbed onto his mother’s lap and fell asleep there. Elrohir went to his father, tugged at Elrond’s sleeve and was lifted onto the half-Elf’s lap. Curling up, he tried to wrap his too short arms around his father’s waist. A moment later, all was quiet.

“Thank the Valar,” whispered Elrond, feeling quite tired himself.

Erestor smiled and poured wine. After handing each Elf a glass, he sat back and sipped his. Glorfindel quickly moved closer, until their bodies were touching and Erestor enjoyed the physical contact. Glorfindel had been away on patrol these last few days and he had missed his lover.

“We will discuss the relations between our realms during the next few days,” said Thranduil, softly, so he wouldn’t wake the twins. “But for now, I have a request.”

Elrond raised an eyebrow – he was more than willing to listen.

“I wish to talk to your librarian, Elluin,” said Thranduil, seeing Legolas sit up straighter at the mention of his mother’s name.

“I will arrange for a meeting,” replied Elrond.

“Tonight?” requested Legolas, who was very eager to finally meet with his mother.

“Tonight,” confirmed Elrond, a bit surprised at hearing such urgency in Legolas’ voice. What bound the Mirkwood Elves to Elluin? He would find out eventually.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I am nervous,” whispered Legolas. Thranduil and he had come to the library at Elrond’s request to meet with Elluin. Although Melpomaen and Landiant had offered to accompany them, father and son had declined. This was something they had to do themselves.

The door opened and Thranduil quickly moved into the shadows. He wanted for Legolas and Elluin to have some private moments before making his presence known, as he didn’t know how she would react to seeing him.

“Legolas?” Elrond had told her who would await her and her heart raced now that she was to talk to her grown son for the first time in her life. She had taken great care dressing herself and wore a brown dress lined with gold, which brought out the dark of her eyes. Her hair was braided and she pressed a hand against her chest, trying to calm the pounding of her heart – but to no avail.

Legolas’ mouth went dry, laying eyes upon his mother for the first time. She was beautiful in his eyes – beautiful and strong -- and he was reminded of the fact that she had been a warrior once. Regally, she moved toward him. A moment later, he was buried in a possessive hug and he rested his head against her shoulder. “Naneth¹⁰?”

“Oh, Legolas, I have waited over fifty years to hold you in my arms again!” Tears escaped her eyes and she cried out of happiness for having her son close. “You must be quite cross with me, for leaving you the way I did.” Legolas surprised her by hugging her even tighter, whilst she had expected him to push her away. “What I did was inexcusable. I left my baby.”

Legolas swallowed, convulsively. He felt no need to explore his reaction to her words and said, “Let us not dwell upon the past. We are here now and we should concentrate on the present.”

His words felt like absolution and more tears left her eyes. “You make me so happy, Legolas.” She then moved slightly away from him. “Let me look at you! Oh, you do take after your father!”

Thranduil carefully monitored her reaction to that realization, but didn’t detect any hurt or anger in her words.

“You have his hair – but not his eyes.” She smiled, warmly, and her fingers curled around her son’s. “Let us sit.” She guided him to a couch, where she quickly sat down, as her knees were threatening to give way beneath her. “Your father kept me informed, Legolas. I feel like I know you – though I always regretted not being close.”

“I know why you left,” said Legolas, using a corner of his sleeve to wipe away her tears and dry her skin. “My father did not love you the way he should.”

Standing in the shadows, Thranduil cringed at hearing the truth.

But Elluin shook her head. “I no longer blame him. I might have, at first, after leaving you. But once the madness of war had left me, I realized how many of my kin had died and I began to understand. Had your father and I met under different circumstances, things would have developed in a better way. I felt sad mostly for you, Legolas, being born out of wedlock.”

Her words gave Thranduil hope.

“My father always loved me and although a few Elves made me feel less worthy because I am illegitimate it never bothered me too much. I had my father’s love… What else did I need?”

Elluin raised a hand and caressed her son’s face. “Thranduil was a good father. I am happy that the two of you became so close.”

“I just wish you could have been a part of that too.” Legolas hugged her close and held her tight. Then, he let go and he saw her surprised expression. He rose from the couch and leaned in closer to press a kiss on her brow. “We will talk later… There is someone else who wants to visit with you.”

Alarmed, Elluin looked about. ‘Thranduil?” She should have known!

Legolas headed toward the doorway, gave his mother another smile and then closed the door behind him. Now it was up to his parents to reconcile – or not.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elluin rose from the couch, feeling more equipped to deal with this situation whilst standing. “Thranduil,” she said, as he left the shadows. Oh, he hadn’t changed one bit in appearance. He was still the handsome Elf she fallen in love with at the Battle of the Last Alliance and her heart sped up with excitement.

“Elluin,” said Thranduil, respectfully inclining his head. “It has been too long.”

“Thank you for bringing Legolas to me. I watched him during his first visit, a few weeks ago, but I did not approach him. I did not want for him to face questions he never knew existed.”

“That must have been hard on you.” He walked toward her and halted when he stood in front of her. The tears in her dark eyes hadn’t dried yet, and he felt the urge to kiss them away – but he didn’t, as he had lost the right to do so decades ago.

“Aye, it was. But I always had Legolas’ best interest in mind.” Elluin almost lost herself in his sea-green eyes and steeled herself against his charms. “You told him, then?”

“He found out, aye, and I told him. I should have told him years ago, but I was a coward. I was afraid he would prefer you above me and that I would lose him to you.” He felt strangely shy, standing in front of her. She was beautiful in his eyes, beautiful, strong and wise. This was the she-Elf he had fallen in love with and he loved her still. “I owe you an apology,” he said, trying to find the right words. “I was bitter, back then, and I could not love you the way I should. Legolas changed that. A child’s unconditional love taught me to love again. I know that it is too late for us, but had we met now, instead of decades ago, I would have done everything the proper way.”

His words touched her. “I never blamed you, Thranduil. After the birth – upon my return here – I saw the pain and grief many of my fellow warriors went through and throughout the decades I learned to understand why you acted the way you did. You did not only lose your father, but also your King. And your people looked toward you for leadership. You did not get the chance to mourn like many of us did.” She was surprised to see his eyes swimming. “Oh, Thranduil, I made mistakes as well. This is not just your fault. We share the blame. I left. I left you and our son. I could have stayed instead. I could have tried harder, but I did not.”

“Legolas said something very important, I think,” whispered Thranduil, feeling mesmerized, as her fingertips were moving over his face in an attempt to prevent him from shedding tears. “We should let go of the past and focus on the present. When he can do it, we should at least try. Legolas suffered the most and for him being able to leave this in the past, must mean…” He didn’t get the chance to finish, as Elluin rested a finger across his lips.

“I never stopped loving you, Thranduil. And during many a night I lay awake in my bed and hoped you would come for me. That you would put my son into my arms and bind with me.”

Hope blossomed in Thranduil’s heart. “It cannot be this easy,” he whispered against her fingertip.

“Maybe it is,” said Elluin, tracing the outline of his bottom lip with her fingertip. “You just said that if we had met under different circumstances you would not have shied away from committing to me. Maybe we should give ourselves another chance? We should also consider Legolas’ needs. He would want his parents to try again, don’t you think so?”

“I still love you,” whispered Thranduil, breathing heavily, trying to make sense of this emotional turmoil he was in. “I would court you anew, and if you permit it, bind with you.”

Elluin smiled, kindly. “When I rose from my bed this morn, I did not think it possible for you to enter my life again in this way. But it has happened and I am unwilling to allow you to leave. Whatever resentment I harbored for you does not compare to the love I still feel for you.”

Growing bold, Thranduil enfolded her in a hug. “There is hope for us, then?”

Elluin gave him a smile filled with contentment. “There always was.” Encouraged by the look of longing he gave her, Elluin bridged the distance between them and kissed him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas soundlessly opened the door to Melpomaen’s rooms, which he would share for the duration of his stay. They were luxuriously furnished and stuffed with books and scrolls. He hadn’t realized it yet, but he was in love with a bookworm! It was therefore no surprise that he found Melpomaen seated behind his desk, crouched over a book. “What are you reading?” Looking over Melpomaen’s shoulder, he caught a glimpse of a not so chaste embrace and smiled, realizing his lover was reading up on erotic literature. “Doing some research?”

Blushing to the roots of his hair, Melpomaen instantly closed the book. “You aren’t supposed to be here!”

“My parents are talking and I wanted them to have some privacy.” Legolas hopped onto the desk and probed his lover’s eyes. They should probably talk before consummating their love. “Am I your first? For you are my first lover.”

Still blushing, Melpomaen nodded. “Aye, you are. I have no experience in bed and therefore I was reading up on it.”

“We will figure out what to do,” said Legolas, soothingly stroking Melpomaen’s fingers, which he had taken into his. “Are you scared?”

Melpomaen shook his head. “Nervous.”

“So am I.” Legolas leaned in closer and pressed his lips against Melpomaen’s. The lips parted and so did the teeth. Sliding closer, Legolas engaged his lover in a passionate kiss. They had to stop due to lack of breath and looked adoringly into each other’s eyes. “I want to bind with you. I want to know you in that way,” said Legolas, eventually.

“So do I.” The blush remained and even deepened. “But… what about… you know… the mechanics of it?”

“Ah.” Melpomaen’s bottom lip quivered, which Legolas found extremely erotic. “Do you have a preference, meleth?”

Feeling shy, Melpomaen shrugged his shoulders once. “The book says that there will be pain – discomfort – for the one being taken.”

“And you would prefer that not be you?” Legolas moved closer still and slid onto Melpomaen’s lap. His lover’s arms instantly came up behind him, holding him close. Legolas clearly felt his lover’s arousal and his hands wandered to undo the top buttons of Melpomaen’s robes. “You may take me then.” Melpomaen bit his bottom lip and that sight caused Legolas to moan with desire.

“I would prepare you properly and take good care of you,” said Melpomaen, very much aware of Legolas’ erection pressing against him. Lips met his and he deepened his loving kiss. His hands slipped beneath Legolas’ shirt and explored his lover’s back. They then dipped beneath the waistband and cupped the Woodland’s Elf buttocks.

“We might want to move this to the bed,” suggested Legolas, who had managed to open Melpomaen’s robes. He pushed them down the shoulders and kissed beneath the collarbone. The dark-haired Elf threw back his head and Legolas suckled the skin, clearly leaving a mark for all to see tomorrow.

“The things you do to me…” Melpomaen groaned, as Legolas got to his feet – he wanted to feel him close! Legolas pulled him along, using the hold he had on his hand and they tumbled onto the bed. Within seconds, they had done away with the restraining clothes and Melpomaen found himself on top, straddling his beautiful Woodland Elf. A blush had appeared on Legolas’ cheeks and the azure eyes had deepened with color, whilst the pupils had dilated with obvious lust. “I even have oil.”

“Good, you come prepared then!” Legolas felt nervous as well, but tried not to let it show. After all, this was also his first time!

Melpomaen drew in a deep breath, steadied himself, and then kissed his way down from Legolas’ throat to the first nipple. Twirling his tongue around the hard nub, he rolled the other nipple between his fingertips. Legolas groaned, encouraging him. “I won’t last long, melethron¹¹,” he said, feeling it was only fair to warn Legolas.

“Neither will I,” admitted Legolas, whose erection begged for his lover’s attention.

Melpomaen swallowed, hard, and then changed position. He parted his lover’s legs and knelt between them. The sight Legolas present – lust mingled with love – almost pushed him over the edge and he squeezed brutally at the base of his member, stopping himself from climaxing at that very moment.

Legolas grinned, smugly, realizing what effect he had on his lover. Licking his lips, his right hand came to rest against his chest, pinching his nipple.

Seeing Legolas touch himself in such a way urged Melpomaen on. “I want to kiss you for hours, worship your body, but…” His hand already reached for the oil.

“I feel the same way.” Need had taken over and all he wanted was to feel Melpomaen bind them – make him his. “Claim me… bind with me.”

Melpomaen looked at Legolas, thoughtfully, and told his lover to raise his hips. He pushed a pillow below the narrow hips and removed the stopper from the vial that held the oil. “I have never done this before, so please tell me if anything feels wrong.”

“I will.” Legolas squirmed, and barely resisted the urge to stroke himself to completion. He parted his legs further in invitation and then the first slick finger touched him in a place he had never been touched before. Not even he himself had explored there.

Recalling everything he had read, Melpomaen took his time massaging the ring of muscle. “Are you still comfortable?”

“Aye, I just wish you would move on to the next step.” Legolas closed his eyes and that intensified the sensation of Melpomaen gently inserting that first finger. “Feels odd, but not uncomfortable,” he commented in an effort to reassure his lover.

Melpomaen felt awed and grateful that Legolas felt courageous enough to take this step. He wasn’t sure he could have dealt with being on the receiving end that first time. Adding more oil, he inserted two fingers and stretched his lover’s virgin passage.

Legolas squirmed beneath the invasive feeling. But then, Melpomaen’s fingertips touched something inside him and his eyes opened -- filled with pure bliss. His erection, which had lessened during the probing, returned to full hardness. “Oh!”

Melpomaen grinned, wickedly. He had searched for that special place inside his lover’s passage, and complimented himself on finding it. He memorized its location, as he would later on direct his thrust in that direction. “One more…”

Legolas sucked on his bottom lip, feeling a third, oiled finger join the other two digits. “Feels… nice.” That surprised him. He had thought he would feel awkward, embarrassed even, but none of that had happened. As Melpomaen’s fingertips repeatedly brushed that gland inside his passage, he began to pant heavily. “Please… I am about to come, meleth.”

“Are you certain?” Melpomaen removed his digits from Legolas’ body and studied his lover.

“I am certain!” Legolas raised his hips invitingly. “Bind us, Melpomaen.”

Melpomaen coated his member with oil and positioned himself at his lover’s entrance. He hooked his arms beneath the trembling legs and supported them in that way. Slowly, he sank home, inching deeper into his lover’s passage until Legolas had taken his full length.

Legolas’ hands became fists and clawed the sheets. Although the sensation was divine, he felt impossibly full. His wide eyes met Melpomaen’s and found his lover looking at him with pure rapture. “How does it feel?”

“I lack the words,” was all Melpomaen managed. Looking down, he felt awed, seeing his member disappear into Legolas’ body. They had become one now. “I bind myself to you, Legolas, son Thranduil.”

“I bind myself to you, Melpomaen.” Legolas yelped softly the moment Melpomaen delivered his first thrust. The head of his lover’s member forcefully glided over that sensitive place inside him and stars exploded behind his eyelids, which he had closed in concentration. “Do that again! And again!”

Melpomaen obliged and set a slow pace – even amidst their passion he kept his lover’s best interest in mind. He refused to leave him sore!

Orgasm came much too soon for them. They climaxed simultaneously and Melpomaen’s eyes widened in surprise, feeling Legolas’ inner muscle contract around him. Next, it was Legolas’ turn to moan in surprise, feeling Melpomaen reach orgasm. Warm seed filled his insides and he bit into Melpomaen’s shoulder, hoping it would ground him.

Exhausted, Melpomaen rested his body atop his lover’s. Legolas’ arms came up behind him, holding him close. “I do not want this to end yet,” he whimpered, as his satiated flesh grew lax and left his lover’s body. Legolas giggled and the sound vibrated throughout his body, making him chuckle in turn. “What is so funny?”

“We can do this again, silly. We can do it again as many times as we like. And each time will be special!” Sated and content, Legolas buried his face in Melpomaen’s hair. “And maybe next time you will want me to take you?”

“What was it like for you?” asked Melpomaen, lifting his head so he could search Legolas’ eyes.

“Bliss… You touched something inside of me with each thrust and it literally catapulted me to orgasm. Maybe you are curious to find out yourself?”

“Maybe,” said Melpomaen, enjoying teasing his lover a bit in the afterglow of their lovemaking. “Did I hurt you?” he asked, sobering instantly.

“Nay,” replied Legolas. “You took great care in preparing me.” He wiggled, experimentally. “I am not even sore, I think.” Which was a nice surprise.

“I am glad I did not hurt or disappoint you,” admitted Melpomaen. “I did not know it beforehand, but the one who does the taking has much responsibility.”

Legolas nodded once. “When the time comes I will take good care of you too, melethron.” Legolas suddenly yelped softly. “Oh my, we should clean up… I feel sticky.”

Melpomaen pushed himself into an upright position, swung his feet onto the ground and then pulled Legolas to his feet as well. “Sore?” he asked again. He couldn’t help it! He was concerned.

“Nay.” Legolas smiled at his lover. “It did not hurt – I just felt… full,” he said after searching for the right word to describe the sensation. “But you will find out shortly how it feels.”

 

Melpomaen still managed to blush after making love to Legolas and he allowed his lover to pull him into the bathroom, where they enjoyed a long, hot bath.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“May I walk you back to your rooms?” Thranduil and Elluin had talked for hours, but night was upon them and it was time to escort her to her chambers.

Elluin rose from the couch and nodded once. “I would like that.” Her hand sought out Thranduil’s and their fingers twined.

They walked in silence, Elluin guiding him through the long corridors. Their walk gave her the opportunity to think about the unexpected turn her life had taken. She had dreamt of Thranduil coming for her. Of him declaring his love for her and offering her marriage – of Legolas, Thranduil and she being the family they should be. And when she looked in his green eyes, she found that he was offering her that, and more. Love as well. That was more than she had dared to hope for.

Now, what was she supposed to do? She realized the choice she had clearly. She could let her resentment guide her, which would estrange them and then he would return to Mirkwood. She would still be alone, although she would have Legolas’ love. Or, she could accept that they both had made mistakes and move on from that point. In the end, her choice wasn’t that hard after all.

“This is where I live,” said Elluin, coming to a halt. Thranduil’s hold on her hand tightened and she read fear of rejection in his eyes. She realized how much it had cost Thranduil to come here and ask for her forgiveness, which she had granted. Did she really want to throw that all away?

“Thank you for listening to me,” said Thranduil, still feeling shy around her. He was always painfully aware of how much he had hurt her.

Elluin opened the door and gave him a long and thoughtful look. “Would you like to come inside and keep me company tonight?”

Thranduil’s heart missed a beat and his eyes widened. “Elluin, are you…?”

“I know what I am saying – asking. And aye, I want you. I still love you. I have grown weary of being alone, of harboring any kind of resentment toward you or myself. Legolas is right – we need to focus on the present. I love you and…”

“I still love you,” whispered Thranduil, enthralled.

“Our circumstances are different now,” said Elluin. “We have a son, who was born out of wedlock. We can change that… We can change so much!”

“Does that mean… that when I propose… that you will accept?” Thranduil found it hard to draw in his next breath as he waited for her answer.

She cocked her head. “It does. I would have accepted you as my husband decades ago and I still want you. Maybe now – under different circumstances – we can work out?”

“I want that,” whispered Thranduil, leaning in closer. “It is my greatest wish to undo the past and to make you mine – in every sense of the word.”

Hearing what he wasn’t saying, she nodded once. “I want that too, Thranduil.” Now that she had made up her mind to accept what fate was offering her, she pulled him inside and closed the door behind him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elrond and Celebrían had appeared early at the breakfast table, wanting to make a good impression on their guests, but to their dismay, the only Elf from the Mirkwood party present at their table was Landiant. The golden-haired Elf was easily carrying on a conversation with Glorfindel and Elrond noticed the jealous look Erestor was giving the Woodland Captain. It amazed him that someone like Erestor, who should be confident in his love for Glorfindel, still managed to suffer from jealousy.

“I should apologize on my King and Prince’s behalf,” said Landiant, seeing the disappointed expression in Elrond’s eyes.

“Where are they? I expected them to join us.” Elrond assisted his wife in seating herself and then took his place at the head of the table. Normally, the twins would be running around the room, creating havoc, but they had been ecstatic to learn that Lindir would spend time with them this morn. So, peace and quiet reigned instead.

“I believe Legolas has a valid reason to be excused,” began Erestor. “I ran into Melpomaen earlier this morn and the only one way to describe his expression is sated.”

Glorfindel laughed. “Ah, methinks that means they bonded. I already wondered about that.”

“With Melpomaen being so accident-prone, it took them some time,” said Erestor, teasingly.

Celebrían smiled at hearing their bantering and enjoyed the peace and quiet around her. It wouldn’t be long before the twin whirlwinds would demand her attention again.

“I apologize for being late,” said Melpomaen after clearing his throat. Behind him, Legolas stepped into the room, whistling cheerfully. Oh, he *so* didn’t want to do this, especially seeing Glorfindel’s conspiring grin.

“You are forgiven,” said Elrond, coming to the rescue. “Please seat yourself and eat.”

“Aye, you need the food after using up so much energy last night,” added Glorfindel.

Melpomaen blushed, whilst Legolas leered at the Imladris’ Captain. In a teasing voice, Legolas said, “In that case, you should eat more yourself. You do look a little pale, Glorfindel. Did Erestor exhaust you?”

Erestor laughed, warmly, seeing Glorfindel’s irate and slightly embarrassed look. “Quite the contrary, meldir. Glorfindel’s stamina is legendary.” Content, he saw Glorfindel’s expression brighten.

Melpomaen moved the food around on his plate and watched in amazement as Legolas wolfed down his portion of the food.

“You have got something – here,” said Landiant, pointing at Melpomaen’s throat.

Melpomaen’s fingers probed the area. “Ah.” He then pointed a finger at his lover. “Below the collar, remember that.”

That comment made all present burst out laughing and Celebrían’s silver giggling echoed through the room as well. It wasn’t very lady-like to giggle along, but she didn’t care.

“Is there place for an additional guest?” asked Thranduil, leading Elluin into the room. He held her hand tightly, demonstrating the choice they had made last night.

Legolas immediately jumped to his feet and embraced his parents, smiling happily. “I am so happy, Naneth. I am happy to see you both – holding hands.”

“Naneth?” Elrond saw Erestor mouth the word as well. “Would anyone please care to tell me what is going on?”

“I will,” said Thranduil, escorting Elluin to her chair. Once she sat down, he seated himself. One of the servants quickly placed another plate and utensils in front of the Mirkwood King.

“Elluin is my mother,” said Legolas, quickly, before his father had a chance to explain.

Elrond arched an eyebrow. He knew her well and often worked with her when new volumes on healing needed to be archived. “Is that true?”

“Aye, it is.” Elluin smiled at Elrond. “It is a long story, but it is sufficient to say that Thranduil and I have reconciled.” She saw Legolas’ ecstatic expression and added. “Last night, he proposed to me and I accepted.”

Thranduil beamed with pride. “She is my wife now.”

Erestor and Elrond exchanged a glance. This meant Legolas was now the legitimate heir to the Mirkwood throne. Many things would change – in Imladris as well as in Mirkwood.

Next

¹  pen-neth (sing.) –- young one (Sindarin, noun, pronoun)

²  Ada  –- dad, daddy, papa (Sindarin, noun)

³  meleth –- love (Sindarin, noun)

⁴  meldis (sing.) –-  “female” friend (Sindarin, noun)

⁵  ind nîn –- my heart (Sindarin, noun) literally... innermost feelings

⁶  melethen (sing.) –-  my love (Sindarin, noun)

⁷  pyn-neth (pl.) –- young ones (Sindarin, noun, pronoun)

⁸  melethril –- (fem.) lover (Sindarin, noun)

⁹  nana –- mom, mommy, mama (Sindarin, noun)

¹⁰  Naneth –- mother (Sindarin, noun)

¹¹  melethron  –- (male) lover (Sindarin, noun)

From the Council of Elrond Quenyan and Sindarin dictionary

 Definition of OC names:

Avoralas –-  abundant growth

Celach –-  flowing flame

Elluin –-  blue star

Ferlas –-  beech leaf

Landiant –-  broad bridge

Mornén –-  child of dark or night

Nimpeirien –-  white daisy