Title: The Return of the King

Extra information = series of ficlets set after The Other Half of Me.

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

Pairing: Eómer/ Legolas

Rating: NC-17 (damn the sex that always sneaks into the ficlets LOL)

Summary: After the return of the King, Eómer and Legolas return to Rohan to rebuild the land.

Disclaimer: Not mine. No copyright infringement is intended. All characters belong to Professor Tolkien.

Warning: AU of course.

All mistakes are mine.

The Return of the King

Part 1

Honestly? I did not expect to make it out of the war alive. I did not expect to ever see Rohan again, or the Golden Hall of Meduseld. I did not think I would ever return here, and certainly not as Rohan’s King. But here I am, about to set foot into the Golden Hall – I am home and yet everything is different. Everything is wrong. I am not supposed to be King!

“Eómer, move…”

Legolas’ voice pulls me from my musings and I step forward. I am grateful that I have his support for everything that happened in these last few weeks overwhelmed me. Théoden died, Eówyn was wounded and then, when she resided in the houses of healing, she discovered her feelings for Faramir. They wed the day before we left for Edoras and Aragorn himself bound their souls in marriage. I will never get used to calling him Elassar though. To me, he will always be Aragorn.

“Eómer, stop thinking and start acting!”

Again it’s Legolas who urges me on. He’s right. I can’t lose myself in thought – not during the day on which I return to Edoras as her King. Legolas has fallen in step beside me. He walked behind me only a few seconds ago, but he knows I need him and he moved to my side. I reach for his hand, bury it in mine, and draw in a deep breath now that I am about to take my rightful place on Rohan’s throne. Aragorn was very adamant that I rule Rohan, although I would have gladly surrendered that position to my sister and Faramir.

“Hail, Eómer King! King of Rohan!” Gamling starts the cheer and soon everyone in the throne room chants along.

I straighten my shoulders and stare at the throne, where Théoden used to sit until recently. His son should have succeeded him, but Théodred is dead.

“Go on… They expect you to take your place…”

Legolas shoves me toward the throne. When I agreed to be his mate, I did not fully understand what I got myself into. He’s stubborn, doesn’t take no for an answer, and is convinced he knows what’s best for me. Although we have only been together for three weeks, I already learned not to fight him over certain matters. Legolas does as he thinks best, and I must admit, most of the time, he is right.

I release the breath I have been holding and climb the stairs to the throne – my throne. I stand before it, contemplating everything that has happened and the things that I need to do to put the land in order again. I compose myself and turn around to face my people.

Gamling walks up to me and presents me with Théoden’s sword. It survived the battle miraculously. I accept it, wrap my fingers around it, and then sheathe it. “I vow to protect and defend these lands until my dying breath.” Another cheer erupts from the crowd and I seek out Legolas. He stands two meters away from me and nods thoughtfully. I would have fought Aragorn’s decision harder if it hadn’t been for Legolas’ meddling. He wanted me to do this.

“Accept this crown, Eómer King…”

My eyes threaten to fill up with tears upon looking at that ancient heirloom. I still believe that I am the wrong person to rule Rohan, but it’s too late to put up any resistance. I should have done that in Minas Tirith instead. Gamling raises the crown so everyone can see it and then places it on my head. I catch Legolas’ wink from the corner of my eye. He insisted he brushed and partly braided my ‘unruly mob of hair’ as he likes to call it. Thanks to his ministrations this morning, the crown remains in place.

“All hail Eómer King!” Gamling calls out the words and the crowd repeats them after him.

It’s official now – I’m the new King of Rohan and with that, new responsibilities are placed on my shoulders. I only hope I won’t disappoint my people and that I will live up to expectations instead.

~~~

“You did well today… There is no reason for you to feel apprehensive.”

I wish I could believe Legolas, but it’s not that easy. “Legolas, I still think Aragorn made a mistake when he told me to do this. My sister and Faramir would have been the better choice.” Legolas removed his boots and vest and now joins me in front of the fire place. They moved my belongings from my old rooms into the King’s quarters. I had rather stayed in my old rooms, but as I am King now, they expect me to live here.

Legolas sits down behind me, folds his arms around me, and pulls me against his chest. I lean into the embrace, rest the back of my head against his shoulder, and close my eyes. During moments like this I can let go and just be me. “What experience do I have ruling the land? None!”

“What experience does Elassar have? Eómer, I told you this before and I will tell you again: you will do well. You will be a good King and if you need help, you can always ask me!” Legolas presses a teasing kiss onto the nape of my neck and the sensation makes me chuckle. “Actually, I am the only one here who *does* have some experience in ruling a realm as I had to perform my father’s duties on those rare occasions when he left Mirkwood.”

I look at him from over my shoulder and I wonder about Legolas once more. What does he see in me? This Elf is a Crown Prince, a deadly warrior, and yet, he is in love with me. I feel honored and flattered, and at the same time, I wonder if I am worthy of his love.

“You think too much!” Legolas states firmly. “I forbid you to do so. Do not worry.”

His order makes me smile. I might be King here and outrank him, but it is rather obvious who is in charge of this relationship. I don’t mind though. I’m lucky to have him. “Tomorrow, I want to ride out – see for myself the state my land is in. We need to rebuild homes, get the seedlings into the ground so we will have good harvest next year, and we need to find out if there are any cattle left.”

“You do not need that do on your own. Gamling and the other Captains will help you… and so will I.”

I close my eyes and rub my cheek against his shoulder. I accept Legolas’ closeness more easily these days, but I still can’t help turning bashful whenever we become intimate. Legolas once asked me if I’d had male lovers in the past and if I had experienced both sides and I had said yes. I didn’t lie exactly. I just forgot to mention that I only had one lover and that we exchanged roles…twice… There was never much time for intimacy and even these moments had occurred in stolen time when I should have been with my men instead.

“Eómer, stop brooding.”

Legolas’ hand slips beneath my shirt and down my bare chest. He rubs my nipple in the process and that gains my attention. “Behave…”

“Why should I behave? Can you give me a good reason?”

Legolas knows how to tease me and uses it to his advantage. His thumb brushes my nipple again, and this time, wet, but soft lips settle in my neck, kissing and nibbling the skin there. I am not sure we should do this – not here, not in Théoden’s rooms. It feels like sacrilege in a way. But then again, these are my rooms now – I can’t stop being intimate with Legolas merely because my surroundings are not to my liking.

“Still thinking too much…” Legolas whispers.

His other hand slips beneath the fabric of my trousers and his nimble fingers encircle my member, which quickly grows hard beneath Legolas’ expert touch. “You are wicked…” I should turn around, kiss Legolas, and become an active part in this wicked game, but for some reason I feel tired to the bone.

Legolas chuckles, and just when I want to turn around so I can touch him too, he starts to stroke my flesh into hardness. “Legolas…”

“Enjoy this… Close your eyes, my love… Feel… Do not think…”

Ah, that has been his intent all along – to stop me from brooding. Well, his tactics work. His strokes grow firmer and leave me little room to brood. While his other hand still teases my nipples, his lips descend onto my already bruised skin. He loves to nibble on me… He likes to suck on my earlobe in particular. I am not sure why… I like the sensation, but it doesn’t affect me the way Legolas thinks it does.

I manage to reach behind me, grab hold of his hair, and force him to kiss my lips instead. He complies and I lose myself in the sensations he causes in my body. I do not last long and spill myself over his hand. Legolas smiles in a feline way and licks along my top lip. That Elf will be the death of me one day! “Look what you did… Now I have to change clothes… Next time, get me out of my trousers first.”

“Next time, Sire, you will hopefully bend me over that desk and claim me.”

His words make my blood flow faster. I blush and stare at him in wonder. We made love only once and that happened three weeks ago in Minas Tirith. Legolas took himself that night. Ever since that happened, I expected him to claim me instead, but so far, he hasn’t shown any interest in me in that way. It makes me wonder if I did something wrong that day in Gondor.

“You know, the purpose of this… intermezzo… was to stop you from brooding and now you are thinking again. What about this time?” Legolas’ hand deserts my groin, but settles beneath my shirt on my abdomen to stroke the skin there.

I know that Legolas will continue to ask me about this until I tell him, so I had better do this now. “I wonder why…you did not…claim me yet in turn.” Legolas’ eyes widen marginally, but I notice it. I surprised him. How can this not be on his mind when it is on mine constantly?

“But you are not ready yet for that… Are you?” Legolas thoughtfully cocks his head.

I blink in surprise. “Not ready?”

“You do not feel comfortable with that prospect yet so I did not want to pressure you.”

“How do you know that… I do not feel comfortable enough… to do that…yet?” Sometimes I think he reads my mind. How else can he know things which I keep hidden from even myself?

“It is the way you react to my touch… Eómer, my love, I greatly desire to make love to you, but not in a way you are uncomfortable with.”

So my body language told him so? I am not sure I believe that explanation, but I rather accept that explanation than him reading my mind. “You might be right about me not being comfortable with that idea yet.”

Legolas gives me a white, toothy grin. “That is why I suggested you taking me.”

“Bent over that desk…” Now that he said it, I can actually picture us doing the deed that way. Damn him, now it won’t leave me alone until we did it!

“Or you can throw me on the bed, tie me to it, and take me whatever way pleases you,” Legolas adds with a wicked gleam to his eyes.

I blink again. I knew Legolas had a wicked streak, but this… Now he planted another idea in my mind! Damn him!

“Or would you rather press me face first to the wall and have you way with me like that?”

“Stop it!” I give him a bewildered look. “You make it worse.”

“In what way, my love?” Legolas returns to attacking the bruised skin of my throat and he bites playfully, above the collar, so it will show later. “Can you actually picture yourself doing those things to me?”

I turn around in his embrace and shake my head at him. “Are Elves in general obsessed with sex?”

“Not to my knowledge… I might be an exception…” Legolas kneels in front of me, enfolds me in another hug, and pulls me close against him. “I am like this when I am in love, Eómer. I want to be with my mate, anyway possible.”

My mood softens at hearing that. “You love me…”

“Aye, I love you, Eómer… I carry your ring, do I not?”

I seek out the ring at his finger. Yes, he wears my ring and it revealed my love for him to my men, which accepted Legolas readily in their midst. They respect him as a warrior and accept him as my mate.

“Which reminds me… What happened to that lock of hair which I gave you? You no longer carry it with you.” Legolas looks at me questioningly.

Ah yes, I should have told him earlier, but I wasn’t sure how he would react to it. “I attached it to my helmet after removing the hair that adorned it for all these past years.” I hold my breath, wondering if that action pleases him – or not.

Legolas chuckles. “Be at ease, Eómer… That lock of hair belongs to you and you can do with it as you please… I do not mind it adorning your helmet.”

I let the breath escape which I had been holding and give Legolas a weak smile. “That way it felt like you were watching my back at the Black Gates of Mordor.”

“I did watch your back, Eómer…”

Legolas wants to continue, but a knock on the door interrupts our intimate setting. “It’s time for dinner… We must show our faces. They did their best to prepare a meal fit for a feast, even though we have little food left.”

“Then we will praise their ingenuity for creating a feast in the first place.”

Legolas’ fingers move through my hair and I savor the touch. I still don’t believe that I deserve him, but I will honor his love and cherish it as long as I shall live.

~~~

I don’t feel at ease seated at the main table, on the chair formerly occupied by Théoden. It will take me a long time to get used to this new position in life.

Gamling, seated to my left, appears nervous and I want to know why. “Spit it out, Gamling. What’s wrong?” Gamling stares at me in shock. What? Did he think things would change merely because I am King now? I will kick his ass every day and I hope that he will still do the same thing for me.

“It’s about the children, Sire… The orphans,” Gamling replies and by doing so, he attracts Legolas’ attention as well. We both look at Gamling and that makes him even more nervous.

“Stop the Sire, Gamling. My name’s Eómer.” I won’t be able to stop everyone from addressing me like that, but I can stop Gamling – I hope. “What’s wrong with the children? I told you to take care of them. They are fed, are they not?” Gamling nods. “They have a warm place to sleep?” Gamling nods again. “Speak up; tell me what’s on your mind!”

“Most of the orphans have been adopted into families and are taken care of. One, however, remains without a family.” Gamling casts a quick glance to his right and I follow the direction of his stare. “It’s Haleth, Eómer… Haleth, son of Hama.”

I remember Hama of course. He was one of my uncle’s trusted Captains. I knew he had a son, but I didn’t know the boy’s name. “And why did no one adopt Haleth?”

Gamling shrugs and gives me an unsettling look. “People think that…”

“Aye? Gamling, spit it out!” Gamling’s nervous manner makes me nervous in turn.

“They think that you might want to take him in,” Gamling says, spitting it out and then drawing in a deep breath.

What? They want me to adopt the boy? I am not even sure I am a fit King, and now they want me to find out if I am a good parent as well? Why does everything have to happen at the same time? Legolas draws my attention away from my worries when he places his hand on my knee and squeezes. Instantly, I look at him.

“It is a good idea,” Legolas says. In a much softer voice, he adds, “We cannot have children… Adopting Haleth sounds like a good alternative.”

I can’t believe he’s agreeable to this! “Legolas, we face so many problems! I can’t possibly give him the time and affection he deserves!”

“You doubt yourself again,” Legolas states. “Stop doing it.”

I blink at hearing his words. “It’s not that easy!”

Legolas however ignores my words. “Gamling, is Haleth present?”

How did I get myself into this situation? And how do I get out?

“Aye, Legolas… Haleth is here…” Gamling signals for the boy to approach. “This is Haleth…”

Like Legolas, I look at the boy. He resembles his father – they have the same eyes. “Haleth…” I speak the name softly, but the boy hears it and looks at me – patiently, ready to accept his fate. I wonder if he was this meek before Sauron sent his army to Helm’s Deep.

“Sire…” Haleth bows his head and stares at his feet.

Legolas squeezes my knee again and I look at my mate instead. His eyes tell me everything I need to know. He wants us to adopt Haleth and to help this boy heal. I want that too, but what if I fail?

“We must do this, my love,” Legolas whispers into my ear. “He needs us.”

Legolas is right of course – Haleth needs parents, but does that make us the best pick? I get to my feet, move down the stairs, and come to a stop in front of the boy. “Haleth, son of Hama, how old are you?”

Haleth raises his head, makes eye-contact, but then lowers his gaze again. “I am fifteen, Sire.”

Still a child, but also closing in on becoming a man. Legolas is right – he needs us – he needs parents and role models. He needs someone to love him and to guide him. I raise my arm and rest my hand on Haleth’s shoulder. That gesture makes him establish eye-contact again. “I knew your father, Haleth. We were brothers in arms for many years and he watched my back on more than one occasion. I would be honored if you would allow me to look after you in turn.”

Haleth does his best to hide behind his dark-blond hair which falls in front of his face like a curtain, but I still see his eyes and they tell me the boy wants a new home. He feels lost and lonely – in a way, he feels a lot like I do.

“And the Elf… does he…?” Haleth bites onto his lip, as if to stop himself from speaking.

I look at Legolas from over my shoulder and my lover joins us. He takes my hand in his, and with his other, he reaches for Haleth. “We, Elves, look upon children as the greatest gift we can receive. So aye, I want you to become a part of this. Accept Eómer’s offer, Haleth, and know that you are most welcome. Instead of one father, you will have two – if that is agreeable to you.”

Haleth still wavers though and I don’t blame him. He wouldn’t have hesitated, had a farmer or blacksmith asked him to become a part of their family, but this is different. I am the King of Rohan and that might intimidate the boy. “Come, sit with us and eat.” I steer him toward the main table and Gamling quickly moves another chair in place. “Sit down…”

Haleth obeys. He keeps giving Legolas and me hidden looks and I know he is still trying to decide if he should accept our offer. I hope he does. Legolas makes sure Haleth gets a bowl of soup and some bread and encourages the youngster to eat. Haleth’s look tells me that he is hungry and I nod at him. “Eat.”

At hearing that, Haleth starts to eat and now that his focus isn’t on me any longer, I look at Legolas. My lover nods at me and I concur that this is the right thing to do. We need to take care of Haleth, and although I never parented before, I count on Legolas to pull me through.

“Haleth,” Legolas says once the boy has finished eating his soup. “Did you reach a decision yet? Do you want to stay with us?”

Haleth, who still munches on his last bite of bread, looks at Legolas for a long time, and then at me. I smile at him in the hope to reassure him.

“I need a family…” Haleth says in a tiny voice. “I need parents… I need you… so yes, I accept.”

Haleth has a lot of healing to do, just like the land itself. I feel blessed that he allows me to help him heal. I reach for Legolas’ hand and twine our fingers. Haleth sees it and I wonder what his reaction will be like. Haleth’s eyes momentarily grow big, but he doesn’t say anything. With my other hand, I reach for Haleth’s and I squeeze his fingers as well. The youngster looks absolutely lost by now and I should explain my actions perhaps. “Legolas is my mate, Haleth, my lover. And you, you are now our son. The three of us form a family.” A family I thought I would never have!

Legolas cocks his head and gives me one of those looks, telling me I move too fast, but I don’t care. I need to make this clear – to myself and my men. “Let it be known that from this day on, Haleth is under my protection and that I call him son.” Am I imagining it, or do I see tears in Gamling’s eyes? I didn’t realize adopting Haleth would mean this much to him.

“My Liege… Eómer,” Gamling quickly corrects himself, “You take a great burden from my old shoulders. Hama was dear to me and I thought of him as a brother. Knowing that his son now sits at your table and has found a new family… it’s…”

“I understand, my friend,” I say – quickly – as I don’t want him to grow even more emotional. I don’t blame him for it though – this war took a lot out of all of us and we need to recover – find our balance and inner peace again. I focus on Haleth and realize that this youngster might actually help me heal as well. He is a precious gift, one I thought I would never receive.

~~~

“Eómer, Haleth is about to fall asleep,” Legolas whispers in to my ear.

By doing so, he directs my attention to the newest addition of this little family and I realize I have a problem. Where do I put Haleth? Offering him a place in my bed seems inappropriate as a sex-driven Elf already resides there. I don’t want him to sleep in the Hall either, on the floor on some straw with the dogs. Just when I am about to give up, an idea comes to me. “I will take care of it.”

My men give me an odd look when I get to my feet. Their expressions turn even more puzzled when I pick up Haleth in my arms. “Join me in my rooms…” I tell Legolas.

“I will be there…”

I carry Haleth out of the Hall and into the corridor. The boy is sound asleep, but he doesn’t look at peace. His lips move and every so often his mouth twitches sharply. I hope he isn’t having a nightmare. Suddenly, something heavy brushes against my knee and I look down, only to find an old companion sniffing me. “Ah, you survived then.”

Théoden gifted Ghost to me when I turned fifteen. I am not sure what breed he is. Personally, I think there is part wolf in that dog. He’s huge for a canine, and his yellow eyes always reminded me of a wolf. “Care to keep someone company tonight?” Ghost took to sleeping in my rooms a long time ago, and I would be surprised if he was willing to exchange them for Théoden’s. Ghost growls softly, takes another sniff, and raises his head. Those yellow eyes hold a question.

“You will have to share me from this moment on. I have a mate now… An Elf.”

Ghost snorts and it’s not for the first time that I wonder about the beast’s intelligence. When I was younger, I carried on complete conversations with him at night and I always had the feeling he understood. I push open the door to my old rooms and venture inside. I will build a fire in a moment, but first I place Haleth on the bed. I am glad that he remained asleep. I still need some time to deal with the fact that I am a father now. I reach for the fur near the foot end of the bed and cover Haleth with it. I slayed a bear when I was fifteen and Théoden had the bear skinned. We feasted on his meat and my uncle allowed me to keep the fur as a sign of my victory.

I move toward the fireplace, get the fire started, and once it burns in a satisfactory way, I return to the bed. I chuckle at seeing Ghost stretched at the foot end. It didn’t take him long to claim his old place. Something has changed though – he isn’t guarding me – he guards Haleth now.

Haleth… I sit down on the side of the bed and sweep his hair away from his face. He doesn’t look fifteen. He looks younger… Or maybe that’s because he’s covered in grime. “Legolas will be more than happy to provide you with a bath in the morning. He’s obsessed with cleanliness.”

“I am not…”

I smile at hearing the protest. I look at Legolas from over my shoulder and say, “I told you to come to my rooms later.” I meant my new rooms, Théoden’s, so how did he know I was here instead?

“These are you rooms as well,” Legolas replies coyly. “Your old rooms, but still…”

I doubt I will ever win one of our little verbal fights and I am not sure I want to. “He looks tired.”

“He lived in uncertainty for weeks,” Legolas explains as he comes to a stop next to me. “He will improve now that he knows where he belongs.”

I am not sure why I do it, but I lean in closer and press a fatherly kiss onto Haleth’s brow. “We have a son now…” I shake my head at the speed with which we had him. I rise from the bed and turn toward Legolas. “You had to complicate our lives even more, didn’t you?”

Legolas feigns surprise. “I had no hand in us gaining a son, Sire.”

I hate it when he does that – play cat and mouse – but then again, it does also amuse me – ah well; maybe I love it when he does that. Legolas confuses me, that’s for sure. “Do they expect us to return to the Hall?” I take his hand and lead him toward the doorway.

“They do not. Gamling however asked me to remind you that your party leaves at first dawn… So you had better be ready.”

I close the door behind us and pull Legolas into my arms. “What will you do tomorrow?”

“I will make an inventory of our food supplies and see if we can get Elassar to send more. I also wanted to have a look at the quality of the remaining bridges, but now that we have gained a son, I will divide my time between the inventory and him.”

“I do love you,” I whisper with a sigh. “For so readily accepting him.”

“I spoke the truth earlier,” Legolas replies as he smiles at me. “Children are precious to the Firstborn. I will do my best to be a good father to him.”

We make our way to my rooms and once we are inside, I start to disrobe. I place the crown aside first, and then remove my clothes. Quickly, I slip into bed, shivering as the air is cool in here. Legolas joins me a moment later, equally naked, but not shivering at all. He feels warm and I press against him in order to obtain some of his heat.

“Your parents died when you were little?” Legolas asks, tucked away against my form.

“They did… I hardly remember them. Théoden became my father instead. He was a good father, until Grima got a hold of him.” Why is Legolas bringing this up when he could harass me by demanding sex?

“We discussed this before, but not in detail. I *do* want you to meet my father – shortly preferably.”

Ah, that’s what he wants to discuss – he merely used a detour to get there. “You love your father a lot.”

“I love him dearly,” Legolas admits as he rubs his cheek against my shoulder. He moves closer and sighs deeply. “Thranduil might not be pleased though to know that I have taken a Man as my lover.”

I shrug. “What’s the worst he can do?”

Legolas laughs at hearing that. “Throwing a tantrum that will leave you shaken!”

I stare at him in disbelief. “But…he’s an Elf… Doesn’t that mean he’s always composed? Regal even? As a King, I mean.”

Legolas chuckles softly. “My father is not your typical Elf: you will find out when you meet him. I think he will like you though – after throwing a few tantrums.”

I am not sure that reassures me, but I trust Legolas to deal with his father. I doubt I will meet Thranduil any time soon. From what I gathered, Thranduil hardly ever leaves his realm and it doesn’t look like I will be heading for Mirkwood for at least a year, maybe even longer. Rohan must come first.

“Are you brooding again?”

Legolas brushes my feet with his and it doesn’t take long before he manages to warm mine. “Just thinking that your grandfather’s grandson isn’t an Elf. Does that mean he will throw another tantrum?”

“Oh, most likely, but let us stop discussing my father…” Legolas raises his head, reaches for my lips, and claims them in a passionate kiss. “I can think of other, more interesting things to do.”

TBC

Ghost

Part 2

“No, stop it… Go away…go away!” Their ugly faces color my nightmare black and bloody and it’s not until I sit upright in bed, awake and covered in cold sweat, that I realize that the battle is over. The monsters are gone. They’re dead, but at night, they come alive again in my dreams.

I need a moment to gather my senses, but once I feel stronger, I look about and wonder about my alien surroundings. I don’t know this room. Movement near my feet makes me want to jump out of bed, but something heavy rests atop of them and makes it impossible for me to move. Horrified, I find it’s a dog – a huge dog with gray fur and frightening yellow eyes. Scared, I remain motionless.

Sounds coming from behind me want to make me turn my head, but then I can’t keep an eye on the monster at the foot end of the bed. I’m too scared to let him out of my sight.

“Haleth…”

Do I know that voice? I’m not sure… A part of me feels like it’s still locked in that nightmare.

“It’s I… Eómer…”

The mattress moves and I reckon he sat down. I’m still not taking my eyes off the dog though.

“That’s Ghost. You need not be scared of him. He is here to guard you – protect you from strangers.”

Eómer folds an arm around me and rocks me ever so slightly. The movement brings me out of my entranced state and I blink several times. “Ghost?” I turn my head and look at Eómer. I have known him my entire life – never personally, but I saw him every day – especially after Théoden had assembled his Captains for council. I know Eómer was a good friend of my father’s, but I never talked to him before. Looking at him now, I recall that I’m staring at the King and I shouldn’t do that, but I can’t take my eyes off of him. He offered to take me in and make me part of his family.

“Ghost always kept me company when I was your age. He always sleeps at the foot end of the bed – that’s his favorite spot. He won’t harm you. He likes you.”

Eómer’s words make me stare at the huge dog. “Why would he like me? He doesn’t even know me.”

“Oh, he likes you all right,” Eómer says and chuckles.

It’s like the dog knows what we are talking about because he stretches and moves closer to me. Before I know it, that gigantic head rests on my thigh and he looks at me pleadingly, like he wants me to pet him.

“See?” Eómer says triumphantly.

Eómer appears to be right, but…

“Why don’t you pet him? He likes it when you rub behind his ears.”

I’m not sure petting him is safe. I would rather keep my fingers attached to my hand. Startled, I watch Eómer take hold of my hand and place it atop of the dog’s head. Eómer covers his hand with mine and moves my fingers, encouraging me to pet the dog. As I don’t have a choice, I move along and stroke his furry head.

“Ghost looks scary, I know that,” Eómer says. “But he is a gentle soul and very protective. He knows me, so he allows me close, but that will change should someone who wants to harm you enter the room. He will defend you. You have a fierce protector in him.”

Can I believe Eómer? The dog doesn’t look that evil anymore, as he has closed his eyes, apparently enjoying being stroked. I never had a pet before and I wonder if I could take care of such a huge dog. “He doesn’t look that frightening anymore,” I admit in a tiny voice.

“Is Ghost the reason you called out? Legolas and I heard you scream. It’s a good thing these rooms are close to mine.”

Eómer removes his hand and instead of petting Ghost, he takes to rubbing my back. It’s odd to know him so close, but I feel comfortable around him. “I had a nightmare,” I tell him in an even softer voice. “The monsters were back.” Eómer sighs deeply and when I peek at him, I see regret in his eyes.

“I am sorry you had to fight in that battle… Too many died that night and others might be scarred for life in more ways than one. I hope you aren’t one of them.”

I don’t know what to make of his words, so I just forget about them. “Do you really think he likes me?” I point at the dog, who seems to have fallen asleep.

“Ghost likes you… You can believe me, Haleth.” Eómer gives me another hug and then moves away from me. “Tell me, do you want me to stay?”

I don’t want to take up too much of his time, so I shake my head. “You don’t need to stay.” Maybe, if Eómer is right that is, Ghost will keep me safe. “Will he keep the monsters away?”

“Ghost will scare them off. You don’t need to worry about them haunting your dreams.”

I nod although I’m not sure I believe him. “He won’t bite me?”

“Ghost fell asleep because he enjoys you petting him. He likes you… He doesn’t bite people he likes.”

Eómer’s reasoning appears sound to me. “Thank you for…coming here… You didn’t have to do that.” I bow my head and close my eyes. Ghost’s head is a dead weight on my leg, but I don’t mind.

“I know that I can’t replace your father, Haleth. Hama was a good friend and I hold him in the highest regard. But I want to be there for you, like a father for his son. It takes time, I realize that. I am new at this too. I never raised a child before.”

He sounds sincere and that’s why I reach for his hand. It’s huge, compared to mine. “I’m grateful that you took me in… Gamling asked around if anyone would adopt me, but once they heard that Hama is my father, they declined. They felt one of the Captains should adopt me instead.”

“And now you are my new son…”

Eómer presses a kiss onto my hair and the move surprises me. I wasn’t sure he really wanted me here – until now, that is. I raise my head and study his eyes. Yes, he wants me here; I’m welcome.

“Can you go back to sleep?” Eómer rises from the bed, adds more wood to the fire, and returns to my side. “Ghost will keep you safe.”

The dog has opened his eyes again, but this time, I’m not scared. He doesn’t look evil any more. He looks old and in a strange way, wise. “I can go back to sleep. Ghost will keep me safe… Like you said.” I believe Eómer; he has no reason to lie to me.

“Then lie down and sleep… Ghost, give him some space…”

The dog lifts his head, gives Eómer a displeased look, but then moves away slightly so I can lie down. Wide-eyed, I watch Ghost inch closer again until he can rest his head against my thigh. He feels warm and his presence makes me feel safe. Eómer reaches for the fur, tucks it around me, and rubs my brow with his thumb.

“Sleep tight and remember that Ghost will keep you safe…”

Eómer’s soft words help me glide back into sleep. My last thought before closing my eyes is that it feels nice to be a part of Eómer’s family.

~~~

The next time I wake up it’s because my feet feel ticklish. I rub the sleep from my eyes and raise my head in order to find out what’s happening. “Stop it!” I don’t know why, but Ghost is nibbling on my big toe. “I’m not your food!” Ghost cocks his head, stops nibbling, and goes back to sleep. I am awake though, so what do I do? I can’t stay in bed all day. During these last few weeks I earned my keep by helping in the kitchen, and if I want to eat, I should get some work done first.

“Good. You are awake.”

The voice takes me aback and I turn my head toward the doorway. It’s the Elf.

“My name is Legolas, in case you are wondering,” he says as he makes his way over to the bed. He sits down and puts the tray which he carries on the bed next to me. “I brought breakfast, assuming you might be hungry.”

I can’t stop staring at him. Yesterday, everything happened so fast and I didn’t get the chance to really look at him. He looks radiant – there is no other word to describe him, at least no words which I know. He glows from the inside. His blond hair shines like silver, his skin seems incredibly soft and his fingers are long and delicate. He doesn’t look like a warrior, and yet, Gamling insists that Legolas is deadly.

“Stop staring at me and start eating,” Legolas says in an amused voice.

Quickly, I avert my gaze as I feel caught. “I’m sorry. I meant no disrespect.” Legolas hands me a slice of bread, thickly covered by butter. This is a real treat and I wonder if it’s really meant for me.

“Eat, Haleth.” Legolas’ gaze shifts from me to Ghost. The canine gives him an equally interested look in turn. “So you are Haleth’s new guardian.” Ghost stretches, but doesn’t bother to get up. Instead, he stares at the piece of cold meat on the plate. “Do not even think about it,” Legolas admonishes the dog. “That is Haleth’s food.”

That’s mine too? I finish the bread and see that Legolas also brought me something to drink. “Is that for me?”

“Aye, drink that.”

Legolas hands me the mug with steaming hot tea and I sip greedily, knowing the tea will warm me from the inside. “I will work for the food.”

“Work?” Legolas cocks his head. “Aye, the cook told me that you helped in the kitchen, but that must stop now. I will be lenient today so we won’t start your lessons yet. We will start them tomorrow. Today, you will take a bath, dress in clean clothes, and you will show me around.”

I stare at him in wonder. “Take a bath? I can’t remember the last time I did that.”

“Then it is about time you took one.” Legolas rubs Ghost behind the ear and the dog makes an odd sound. If he were a cat, I would say he was purring. “Eat the meat as well, Haleth. You need your strength.”

I nibble on the meat and watch Legolas in wonder. I witnessed the Elves’ arrival at Helm’s Deep that day, but I was never this close to one. “You’re an Elf,” unwillingly escapes me.

“You have excellent observational skills.”

Hum, what did he say just now? I look at him, feeling rather lost.

“Do not worry about it. Once you have started your lessons you will grow more eloquent.”

“What lessons?” I never had lessons before. When my father was still alive I helped him out wherever I could, but there were never any lessons.

“History, of course… Language skills too and you need to learn to wield a sword properly.”

I shake my head repeatedly. “I don’t want to learn how to fight!” I can’t help it – the memories rush back into my mind and I see dead or still dying people around me, covered in blood and with their organs popping out from their bodies. I press my palms against my temples and rock hard. “I don’t want to fight again!”

“Haleth… calm yourself… I did not mean you should fight on the battlefield… I regret causing you distress… Calm down…”

Legolas wraps me up in an embrace and I fling myself at him. I can’t stop the tears from flowing down my cheeks and I cling to him. “There was so much death… so much blood… the screams… I still hear them scream.” Legolas rocks me, and although a part of me feels ashamed for crying in his arms, I can’t seem to stop myself.

“The war is over, young one… The screams will go away in time and so will the memories…”

Legolas stops speaking, rocks me, and then he starts to sing – quietly and in a language I don’t know – I reckon it’s his own language… It sounds like liquid gold and hearing it soothes me. I calm down and feel ashamed for clinging to him. I try to pull away, but Legolas refuses to let me go.

“No, stay… You are safe in my arms…”

He starts to sing again and the sound of it entrances me. I close my eyes, cuddle up to him, and let him weave his spell. I don’t know how long we stay that way, but in the end, I lift my gaze and search his face. Legolas smiles at me and slowly, my lips curve into a smile too. I like him. “I feel safe…”

“Good, that was the idea…” Legolas lowers me back on the bed and gives me a long, hard look. “The servants are filling up the bathtub in the King’s rooms… Do you feel up to taking a bath now?”

I don’t want to disappoint him, and I know how much effort and warm water it takes to fill up that tub. “I can do that.”

Legolas nods and he gets to his feet again. “Eómer also secured clothes that should fit you. The ones you are wearing now have holes in them and won’t keep you warm.”

I push the fur away, put my feet on the floor, and take a moment to gather my senses. I feel odd. I am not used to someone wanting to take care of me anymore.

Ghost finally moves too – he gets to his feet and jumps onto the floor, rocking the bed when he does. Now that he stands in front of me, I realize how tall he really is. He easily reaches my waist. “You’re big.” Ghost wags his tail, turns around, and leaves the room.

“Maybe he wants us to follow him…” Legolas gets to his feet and then pulls me onto mine. “Or maybe he is just following his nose in order to find food. For you however, it is bath time.”

I follow Legolas into the corridor and when we step into the King’s quarters, a bright fire already warms the room.

“Remove your clothes, Haleth…and then follow me into the bathroom.”

I’m glad Legolas leaves the room as I do feel shy about getting naked in front of him. I put the clothes onto a neat pile and shuffle toward the bathroom.

“There you are… The bathtub is ready… Get into the water, Haleth.”

A quick look tells me that it’s just the two of us and I’m glad no one else sees me like this. I step into the bathtub and wait for additional instructions.

“Sit down… You must feel cold and the water is nice and warm.”

I sit down and quaver with delight when the warmth envelopes me. Legolas walks up the bathtub, pushes his sleeves up his arms, and uses soap to work up lather. He washes my hair and then hands me the soap so I can clean up myself. The water around me turns to a muddy brown; I didn’t know I was that dirty!

“That must feel good,” Legolas says in an attempt to cheer me up.

He’s right. “It does.” I probably still had blood on me.

Legolas picks up a large towel and gestures for me to get to my feet. He dries my hair and then wraps the fabric around my body, telling me to dry my skin. He seems very much at ease helping me bath; it seems second nature to him so I can’t help but ask, “Do you have children? You know exactly what to do.”

Legolas cocks his head and smiles. “I do not, but my father always took good care of me and I am merely remembering the things he did for me back then.”

For one moment I envy him, but then I shake my head. Everyone should have a loving father – Legolas too.

“I will gather your clothes while you finish drying your skin,” Legolas says with a smile and then leaves the room.

I make quick work of drying my skin and then wait for him to return. Legolas carries a green tunic and brown trousers when he returns. He hands me the trousers first, then the undershirt and the tunic comes last. I slip into them and then put on the socks. I almost feel like a different person. Legolas takes my hand and leads me over to the bed.

“Your hair is a mess…” Legolas retrieves a comb and a brush and gives me an expectant look. “Sit down, Haleth. We need to attend to that mane.”

I sit down on the bed and Legolas sits down behind me. He untangles my hair, and as he does so, he starts to sing again. Hearing it makes me relax and I close my eyes. His fingers move through my hair and separate the strands. To my surprise, he begins braiding it. “What are you doing?”

“When I was your age, my father would braid my hair for me. I always wanted warrior’s braids, but he said that I had to earn them first. You already earned yours so you are entitled to wear them.”

Warrior’s braids? What is he talking about? I like Legolas, but right now he makes no sense.

“Do not worry, I am almost done and then you can to back to sleep. You have a lot of sleep to catch up on.”

I am not sure about that, but I don’t contradict him. A weight settles on my feet and I open my eyes. It’s Ghost. He’s back and decided my feet make a good pillow. “That is a strange dog.”

“I would not call him strange… Peculiar perhaps or unique.”

I am not sure what Legolas is trying to tell me so I shrug it off. “Eómer says that Ghost likes me.”

“Eómer is right then. Ghost *does* like you. He told me so.”

I don’t know if Legolas says that in order to make me curious, or maybe he is just trying to keep the conversation going, but he succeeds in gaining my attention and I give him a puzzled look.

“I’m an Elf,” Legolas says and smiles. “Elves talk to animals.”

“And the animals talk back to you?”

“Most of the time, aye.”

I frown. “What else do you talk to?”

Legolas laughs warmly. “Trees, plants, rocks even.”

That’s a strange thought. Why would anyone talk to a rock? “I don’t understand that.”

“You do not need to understand – at least, not yet. You look better now. Do you also feel better?”

I look down my body and nod. “I feel clean… I still felt that blood on me…from the battle.”

“It is gone now… So, do you want to sleep or…?”

“Or what?” I think he did that on purpose, not finishing his question.

“Or do you want to show around? You lived here your entire life… I reckon you can show me interesting sights.”

“Maybe, I’m not sure…” I want to stop the yawn from forming, but I’m too late and it escapes me. “Sorry,” I mutter. “I’m still tired. I didn’t sleep well.”

“Then you need to rest more.” Legolas looks about, as if to make up his mind. “This bed will do. We do not need to return to your room. You can sleep here.”

“But that’s the King’s bed,” I protest softly.

“It is just a bed, Haleth… Just a bed, nothing more.”

Legolas pushes back the covers and gestures for me to lie down. I’m not sure I should, but I obey and stretch on my side. I slide my hands beneath the pillow and watch Legolas as he tucks furs around me.

“Are you comfortable, Haleth?”

How could I not be comfortable in this bed? “I’m fine…” The bed moves suddenly and I stare at Ghost who curls up next to me. I’m not sure he’s allowed onto the bed and want to tell him to get down when Legolas pats his head.

“Ah, your guardian wants to stay with you… I hope you sleep well, Haleth… Hopefully you will dream flowers, trees, and maybe even rocks…”

Legolas gives me a wink and I look at him in wonder. Why would I want to dream of those things? But then again, it’s better than dreaming of blood and war. Legolas takes to stroking my hair and the hypnotizing movement causes me to fall asleep again. I feel safe and cherished and I hope those feelings will keep the nightmares at bay.

TBC

Pride

Part 3

Tiredness crept into my bones during the day, but I try hard to hide my fatigue. The men look to me for guidance and I can’t show any weaknesses in public, maybe later when I’m alone with Legolas.

“Matters could be worse,” Gamling says in an effort to give me heart. “Sauron’s beasts didn’t take time to burn everything. The plows are still intact, seedlings wait to be take root in the earth and we even have some bulls left.”

Gamling is right, but not entirely. “They killed too many men, Gamling. Who will work on the field? Who will recover the harvest when the time comes? We don’t have enough men left!”

“Then ask Elassar to send you some.”

A grin sneaks onto my face at hearing Legolas’ voice. I should have know he would be waiting for me. His Elven senses probably told him that I was near. I raise my gaze and find Legolas standing to the right, looking pleased. “Do you think Aragorn has men to spare while rebuilding the White City?”

“Harvesting is more important than rebuilding a city. Elassar knows this and he will send help.”

Legolas approaches and Gamling inclines his head in an attempt to request leave. “I will see you in the morning,” I tell him. Today we only covered a small piece of land and I need to see the other parts as well. Gamling leaves and that gives Legolas the opportunity to wrap his arms around me and to welcome me with a kiss. “Did you miss me?”

Legolas nods earnestly. “I did.”

In a way, this surprises me. “I thought you could do without me for a few hours.”

“Oh, I can,” Legolas replies and smiles. “But that does not mean I did not miss you!”

He keeps his arm around my shoulders and guides me toward my rooms. “What did you do today? You already know what I learned today. You probably listened to me for some minutes with those Elven ears of yours.” Legolas smiles again – obviously amused by something I said. “Rather pointy ears, if I may add.” Legolas’ smile broadens even further at that.

“Enough talk about my ears,” Legolas says and comes to a stop. “You asked about my day… I did the food inventory as I said I would. There is not much left, but enough to sustain us for the next two weeks. I already sent word to Elassar, requesting food supplies.”

I reckon I had better get used to Legolas acting without consulting me first and to be honest, I wouldn’t want it differently. “What else did you do?” And why do we stand in the middle of the corridor when the door to my rooms is just over there?

“Haleth has been asleep for most of the day. I woke him this morning and he ate breakfast. I also managed to make him take a bath, but he fell asleep after that. I reckon it is the first decent sleep he has had in all these long weeks.”

“Ah, and let me guess, he fell asleep in my bed?” I don’t mind though. When the time comes for me to get some sleep, I will carry Haleth back to his rooms.

“Aye and Ghost joined him. That is a peculiar dog you have there… You do realize he is part wolf?”

“I always thought so, but wasn’t sure.” I reach for the door and open it. Ghost raises his head when he sees me, but then puts it down again upon realizing we present no danger to the boy. I step inside and Legolas follows me. Food awaits me, standing on the desk and I head toward it. “I’m hungry,” I explain.

“Then eat…” Legolas sits on the fur in front of the fire place. “I found this. May I use it?”

Looking at Legolas, I see he found Eówyn’s lyre. How did it end up in here? “Aye, you can use it.” Can he play the lyre then? Aye, he can and he’s good at it. I eat some of the meat, stuff it down with bread, and wash it away with beer. Once I had my fill, I make my way over to Legolas and sit down behind him. I pull him against my chest and press a kiss below his ear. “You seem to thrive in these homely settings. I didn’t think you would.”

Legolas looks at me from over his shoulder and a thoughtful expression appears in his eyes. “There are times to fight and there are times to heal. I am a warrior, aye, but that does not mean I prefer the battlefield to peace. I prefer this – having a home, a lover, and a family… I should tell you that I wrote a letter today, which is on its way to Mirkwood. In it, I informed my father of my stay here and that I have taken you as my lover.”

“I should start to prepare for your father’s tantrums then!” I say so jokingly, but I fully expect Thranduil to be displeased with Legolas’ decision.

“Do not worry about my father. I can handle him.”

Legolas raises his hand and touches my face. “I love you,” I blurt out.

“I know you do, Sire…” Legolas chuckles softly. “We should stop here, for our guest is about to awaken.” Legolas points at the bed.

I press a kiss onto Legolas’ lips and then rise from the floor. I sit down on the side of the bed and watch my new son open his eyes. “I trust you slept well, Haleth?” Out of habit, my right hand reaches for Ghost and I rub behind his ears, which I know he enjoys.

Haleth blinks repeatedly, rubs the sleep from his eyes, and manages to push himself into a sitting position. He looks disorientated and I wait for him to gather his senses. Waking up in here must be odd.

“Eómer…” Haleth finally identified me and gives me a shy smile. “I fell asleep, didn’t I?”

Legolas joins us and comes to a halt behind me. “You were tired to begin with, but aye, you went back to sleep after you took a bath.”

“You talk to…rocks?” Haleth seems confused and frowns.

I look at Legolas from over my shoulder. “You talk to rocks?” Legolas playfully tugs at a braid and I grin, but allow for him to shut me up in that way.

“Sometimes,” Legolas replies. “Tell me, how do you feel, Haleth?”

I continue to grin – Legolas makes a great mother. I had better not tell him that though. He might prove to be his father’s son and throw a tantrum.

“I am tired,” Haleth says and rubs at his eyes again. His stomach growls and so Haleth admits, “And hungry too.”

“Eómer did not finish his meal. I will get you something to eat,” Legolas announces as he walks over to the desk.

“You no longer seem afraid of Ghost.” Looking at Haleth, I realize how young and vulnerable he is and I want to protect him – guide him.

“He is big, yes, but also sweet.” Haleth strokes Ghost’s flank and the dog stretches comfortably. “I’m glad he found me.”

Legolas returns with the food and hands Haleth the plate. “Eat,” he orders.

Haleth gives us worried looks though. “And what about you? Don’t you need to eat?”

“I already ate my fill,” I explain to him and look at Legolas.

“I had lunch earlier and am not hungry. Eat, Haleth.” Legolas picks up the lyre again, sits at the foot end of the bed, and starts to play. Hearing the music seems to make Haleth relax.

“I am sorry for occupying your bed, my Lord,” Haleth says softly.

“It is just a bed,” I tell him and that remark earns me smiles from both Haleth and Legolas. “What?”

“Legolas said the same thing,” Haleth says and takes another bite out of the bread that Legolas gave him.

“Well, it’s the truth… It is just a bed.” Ghost gets to his feet, stretches, and jumps of the bed. I catch Haleth’s surprised look and say, “He will be right back. He’s hungry too.” Ghost always gets the best bits from the cook, who has a weak spot for him. Haleth’s expression changes and I can tell that he wants to ask me something. “Go ahead and ask.”

“Legolas…said something…about lessons…”

I cock my head and seek out Legolas’ gaze. “What lessons, my love?”

“He is the son of the King now. Do you not agree that he needs to learn how to read and write? I would also suggest history lessons and later on, lessons in diplomacy.”

Legolas’ suggestions make sense. “And who will teach him?”

“I will,” Legolas states. “I assume he already knows how to ride a horse?”

“Of course he does!” I shake my head at Legolas. “It’s the first thing children learn.”

“Of course,” Legolas says and inclines his head. “Then we can skip the lessons and simply enjoy going out riding. You should set aside a horse for Haleth.”

He’s right again. “I will give orders…” What else did Legolas come up with?

“He needs to learn about music too… I will teach him to sing and play the lyre.”

Haleth sucks in his breath in surprise and I reckon Legolas rather overwhelms him. “Why don’t you start by teaching Haleth one or two things, Legolas? The day only holds twenty-four hours.”

Legolas laughs, puts aside his lyre, and crawls toward me on all fours. “I will teach him to read and write in the morning and we will go out riding in the afternoon.”

Sounds doable to me and when I look at Haleth, he nods. “Agreed.” Haleth yawns and appears nervous for letting his fatigue show. I’m not surprised that he’s still tired. His body hardly had a chance to rest during the last few weeks and mentally he is still trying to deal with the horrors he witnessed. The whole ordeal wore him down. “I will take you back to your rooms so you can get back to sleep.”

Haleth pushes back the furs and places his feet on the floor. He looks at me upon hearing me chuckle. “You wear my old clothes,” I explain to him. I wonder where Legolas found them and give him a questioning look.

“One of the servants brought them to me. I reckoned they would fit Haleth so I accepted them. You do not mind, do you?” Legolas rises from the bed too.

“I don’t – and aye, it’s a perfect fit indeed.” I gather Haleth’s hand in mine and wait for Ghost to join us. Once we are ready, I walk Haleth into the corridor and back to his rooms. One of the servants must have kept the fire going because it still burns when we get there. I always liked living here – especially when Théodred joined me during the evening. We would carry out mock fights, play hide and seek in the Hall, or harass Théoden by sneaking up on him. Aye, those were good times.

Haleth lets go of my hand and walks over to the bed. He sits down and Ghost jumps onto the bed to make himself comfortable there. I wish I could offer Haleth companionship in the form of another youngster, close to his age, but there aren’t that many children left and the ones who survived want to stay with their family. “Do you like living here?”

Haleth nods. “The room is very nice and Ghost makes good company.”

He seems easily satisfied and I’m grateful for that. “Tomorrow you will start your lessons. You should get more sleep now so you will be ready for that.” Legolas will go easy on him, but concentrating will be hard on Haleth. “Do you want us to stay until you’re asleep?” The look Haleth gives me tells me that he wants that, but he doesn’t feel at ease saying so. “Legolas and I will stay…”

“Change into your nightshirt, young one. You should not sleep in your clothes.”

I don’t know where Legolas got that nightshirt, but Haleth takes it and quickly changes into it. The respect with which Haleth puts his new clothes into a neat pile touches me. That boy has learned not to take things for granted in his life. I wish he hadn’t had to learn that lesson in such a brutal way. Haleth climbs into bed and Legolas tucks the fur around his form. Now that Haleth is in place, Ghost snuggles up to him.

Legolas, seated next to Haleth on the bed, sings softly and even I relax at hearing the entrancing quality to his voice. It comes as no surprise that Haleth’s eyes close and that he’s asleep again. Legolas caresses Haleth’s brow and then gets up from the bed. “Ghost will guard him… We can retire to our rooms,” he states.

I follow Legolas back to my rooms and sit down on the bed. I reflect upon the way my life has changed since I returned home. I have a mate now and a son as well. “Do you think I will make a good father?” Legolas’ arms rise behind my back and he pulls me toward him. I have the feeling that I know what will come next, as he doesn’t like it when I express any self-doubt.

“What do you think, Eómer? Did you comfort that boy just now and did he accept it? Does he trust you? Respect you?”

I nod. “I do my best to make him feel at ease… I worry about him though. The children should never have been called upon to fight at Helm’s Deep. I know the nightmares that hunt him for I had them myself. He is still so very young and he lost his father.”

“The young are resilient. He will surprise you. All Haleth needs is time, and he has ample left of it. Give him the time to recuperate. I will help him find ways for him to deal with his nightmares. Have faith in him.”

“I have the utmost faith in him – and you.” I lean in closer and kiss him. Legolas smells of the forest, pine trees, and flowers. His hand slips beneath my shirt and stroke the skin there. I rest my brow against his and look into his eyes. “I would be utterly lost without you.”

“Hush now… You are weary from the things you have seen today. You realize how much work awaits and your heart feels heavy because of it.”

He knows me so well. “Thankfully I have you.”

“Aye, thankfully you have me…” Legolas leads me over to the bed and sits me down. He removes my boots and socks, and then slides onto my lap. “Raise your arms.” I do as I am told and he removes my vest and shirt. I’m only wearing my breeches now and I can predict where he intends to take this. “You are rather obsessed by sex.”

Legolas laughs and shakes his head at. “You do not mind, so do not pretend differently.” His fingers move to my breeches and undo the fastenings.

“I do not…” I raise my arm, slip my fingers into his hair, and bring him in for a kiss. I am in the mood to make love tonight. My other hand moves beneath his blue shirt and I manage to get him out of it. “The rest must go as well.”

Legolas gets to his feet and removes his breeches. Now that he is naked, I drink in the enticing sight and sigh deeply. It’s still hard to believe that he’s mine.

“Yours have to go to. Stand, Eómer.”

I obey and Legolas slips my breeches down my legs. I step out of them, and following a wicked streak of my own, I gather Legolas in my arms and throw him on the bed. I remember some of his fantasies, but I don’t intend to tie him to the bed. Legolas laughs again, turns onto his side, and beckons me closer. I sit down on the bed and stare at him.

“Kiss me,” Legolas demands.

I lie down on my side next to him, pull him against me, and carry out his bidding. Tasting his lips is like coming home after fighting a battle and I crave more of that feeling. Hungry for more, I roll Legolas onto his back and climb atop of him. He smiles, seems to approve of my action, and slaps my left buttock. I glare at him, pretending being offended, but Legolas doesn’t buy it.

“I want you to take me,” Legolas whispers seductively. “Claim me, Eómer. “

He makes it sound so easy, but the truth is that I did this only once more. The first time we made love, Legolas took care of everything and I am not sure if I can do it right.

“Do not doubt yourself, Eómer. You cannot hurt me in that way… An Elf’s body differs from that of a Man. You won’t hurt me if you claim me like this.”

The palm of Legolas’ hand rests against my face and he softly rubs my skin. “Are you sure?”

“I am sure…”

Apparently he is growing impatient as he wraps his fingers around my erection and guides me toward my target. I place my hands at either side of Legolas’ head and nod. “I can do this…” Legolas’ nimble fingers encourage me to continue and I close my eyes in concentration when I sink into him. Legolas moans beneath me and I open my eyes to see if he’s in any discomfort. But it doesn’t look that – he looks content and there is a demanding expression in his eyes.

“Claim me, Eómer…”

I catch on, realizing he wants me to move, but I need a moment to adjust to the tightness clutching me. I lower myself onto my elbows so I can kiss him and thrust for the first time. Legolas bites on his bottom lip when I drive myself home a second time. It’s the first time that I’m in charge of our lovemaking and I like it that way. Legolas’ hands settle on my buttocks and he squeezes demandingly, which makes me thrust again…and again… and again.

I quickly lose myself in the motion and dive onto Legolas’ throat to mark him, like he marked me in the past. I suckle the soft skin and then bite him, shallowly and without drawing blood. Legolas surges beneath me and climaxes. I bite my tongue in order not to call out at the divine sensation that now grips my cock. I growl from deep within my throat, thrust again, and follow him over the edge. Feeling spent, I collapse atop of him. Legolas wraps his arms around me and holds me close.

I raise my head so I can look at him. There’s a probably a silly smile on my face, but I don’t mind. “You make me happy.”

“And you made me come,” Legolas purrs contently.

Gathering my courage, I look him in the eyes and say, “The next time we make love… Will you take me then?”

“Are you sure you want that?” Legolas thoughtfully looks at me. “We discussed this only the other day.”

“I want this.. I am sure of that. I want to know you in that way…”

“I will take good care of you,” Legolas promises. He wavers shortly, but then continues. “You do not have that much experience, do you?”

It’s time to admit the truth. “I had one lover before you. It happened when we went out on patrol… Nights get lonely and we huddled together… We enjoyed those stolen moments… You are right though… I lack experience.”

“I will enjoy teaching you,” Legolas says and smiles.

I rest my head against his shoulder and draw in his scent again. Legolas completes me in a way I never thought possible and I feel grateful that he wants to be with me – that he loves me.

~~~~

It vexes me that Legolas is already awake when I open my eyes. How does he do that? “Don’t you sleep?” After making love, we had cuddled up in bed together, and since Haleth didn’t scream himself awake, we stayed there for the rest of the night.

“The Firstborn do not sleep, Eómer.”

Legolas’ answer stuns me. “You don’t sleep? Ever?” How can that be?

“Very seldom. I might sleep when gravely injured, but that would not be for long.”

“Then why do you stay in bed? You must be bored and…” Legolas shakes his head and arches an eyebrow. Something I said displeased him.

“I stay in bed because it offers me the possibility to hold you – and for many hours at that. I enjoy holding you in your sleep, watching you, my love.”

I find that hard to believe, but I have to accept it. I can’t and won’t call him a liar.

“It is almost time for us to leave the bed. The sun is about to rise and Gamling expects you to join him.”

“Go easy on Haleth during his first lessons. He will feel lost.” I know that Legolas will make a good teacher, but still. “The memories will make it hard for him to concentrate.”

“I will be careful,” Legolas promises.

He pushes back the furs and the cold air that now glides across my skin makes me shiver. “Tease.”

“Maybe… now move. You do not want to keep Gamling waiting and I want you to say goodbye to Haleth before you leave.”

He’s pushy, but then again, it’s part of the reason why I love him so much. “I will.” I press a kiss onto his lips and then leave the bed.

~~~

Haleth is awake, but still in bed when I enter his room. He looks comfortable amidst the furs, and Ghost, who is a great source of warmth when it’s cold like this. Nothing works better than body warmth to ward off the chill that still clings to the Golden Hall of Meduseld. That will change by late spring and the beginning of summer.

“You look rested.” I place the tray, which I picked up in the kitchen earlier, on the side of the bed and smile at the youngster. Legolas will keep him busy today and his lessons will afford Haleth little time to brood.

“I slept well,” Haleth says in that small voice of his. “Ghost kept me company… He kept me warm as well.”

“I’m happy that the two of you are friends now. “ I hand him a mug filled with steaming hot tea and encourage him to carefully sip from it. “I must leave now, but Legolas will remain close.”

“Hopefully I won’t disappoint him. I never learned to read and write and…” Haleth doesn’t finish the sentence – his voice slowly dies.

It’s like I hear an echo of myself. I am the same – I always worry about letting Legolas down as well. “Legolas isn’t easy disappointed and he knows that you didn’t have lessons until now.”

Haleth reaches for the bread and nibbles on it. “I want *you* to feel proud of me too.”

“You already succeeded in that, Haleth.” Haleth raises his eyes questioningly at me, but I don’t elaborate – let him wonder for some time. It will keep him from brooding. “I must go now. I will see you this evening. We will dine in the Hall tonight.”

Haleth nods, pulls the fur close to him, and Ghost rests his head on the boy’s knee. I leave Haleth knowing he’s safe and comfortable. Now that I attended to this boy’s needs, I need to do the same for the rest of my people.

TBC

Paper and Ink

Part 4

“I never tried this before… I don’t know what to do.” The prospect of learning to read and write worries me. The scribbles on the paper in front of me mean nothing to me, and when Legolas opens a book, I simply look at the drawings, not at the words.

“Do not worry, Haleth. We will go slowly. Someone taught me as well, and when he did, he went slowly too.”

I wonder if Legolas said that so I would ask him about his teacher. If it was premeditated, he succeeded. “Who taught you?”

“My father,” Legolas replies and gives me a wink. “He took me to his library, sat me down, and said that books hold words as well. I was very much like you. I preferred to look at the drawings instead.”

I rest my elbow on the desk in front of me and use it to support my head. Dreamily, I look at him. Legolas looks like he could have stepped out of one of those books. He isn’t a Man, he is an Elf, and that fascinates me. “What were you like as a child?” I probably shouldn’t ask such questions, but I’m curious. I want to know more about him.

Legolas laughs and moves closer to me, like no one else is supposed to hear his words. “I was a naughty child. I did not want to sit in the library and study the books there. I wanted to be out in the open climbing trees and play mock fights with our guards or spy on the spiders.”

“Spiders?” I shiver – I don’t like spiders. I hate the big ones with lots of hair and big eyes.

“We have huge spiders in Mirkwood,” Legolas replies.

“How huge? Like this?” I show him by using my hands.

“Nay!” Legolas shakes his head and looks rather earnest when he continues. “The smallest one I saw was two meters tall and the largest almost four.”

That’s it. I’m definitely never visiting Mirkwood. “What do they eat when they are that big?” I am afraid to hear the answer though.

“Elves, if they can capture them. That is why we hunt them and kill them. We do not like to kill, but the spiders give us no choice.” Legolas moves a quill along with ink toward me. “Do you want me to draw one for you?”

I nod. “Aye, please…” That way, Legolas keeps me regaled with his tales and I don’t have to start my lesson yet.

Legolas begins to draw, and when he finishes his spider, I move away from the desk unwillingly. It looks hideous. “I’m sorry, but I will never visit your homeland if it has those monsters in it.”

“I am not sure they are still there. Now that Sauron’s power is broken, they might have run away.” Legolas gives me a thoughtful look. “You know what we call this creatures,” he says and points at the drawing.

“Yes, that’s a spider.” I am not *that* stupid!

“Now you will learn to write the word as well.”

Damn, I ran into that with eyes wide open.

“Now, pay close attention.” Legolas takes hold of the quill again, dips it in the ink, and writes down the letters separately. “You will like making an S… It is a bit like a snake, do you see that? I want you to try now.”

There’s no way out for me – I’m going to embarrass myself terribly. I take hold of the quill and try to get used to the feel of it between my fingers. “Like this?” My S doesn’t look as good as his though.

“Very good. Now we will try the P… It is a nice and round letter….”

Legolas continues to coax me in that manner, and a few minutes later, I finish the word. I compare my writing with his and cringe. His is fluent and gracious, mine is nervous and ugly.

“You did well,” Legolas praises me. “You deserve a reward for that.”

“I do?” I stare at him in wonder. I didn’t do anything special.

“I will teach you how to write your name. Would you like that?”

That’s Legolas’ idea of a reward? But yes, I want to be able to write my name and so, I nod. “What does my name look like?”

Legolas writes it down for me and I frown at realizing its length. Some of the letters look more difficult than the ones I already tried. Legolas however convinces me to try, and although I don’t like the result, Legolas seems pleased and that’s the important thing, as far as I’m concerned.

“We will end your lesson here,” Legolas announces as he puts the quill and ink away. “We will continue tomorrow.”

I wonder what he wants to do for the rest of the day. He doesn’t speak though, so in the end, I raise my head and ask, “Now what?” Legolas immediately becomes animated, and I have the feeling he was waiting for me to ask him that.

“Now you will show me around. I do not know the Hall as well as I would like.”

All right – I can do that for him. Legolas rises from his chair and I follow his example. Ghost, who was asleep in front of the fireplace, lifts his head, and when he sees we’re about to leave the library, he follows us into the corridor. I show Legolas around and he seems interested in the place as he asks me questions. My tour comes to an end an hour later when we step into the kitchen.

“You have great timing,” Legolas says as he beckons me to join him at the kitchen table. “It is time for lunch.”

Is it? I sit down next to him and the cook puts tea and bread in front of us. Legolas picks up the tea and I mirror his move. I blow onto the surface and sip from it. I continue to stare at Legolas. For some reason I can’t get enough of looking at him. After everything I went through these last few weeks, he looks like a beacon of light – something good that survived the dark that came over Rohan.

Legolas cocks his head and smiles. “Would you like to go for a ride later?”

Of course I do. I love to ride. “Can we?”

Legolas nods his head. “Eómer made all necessary arrangements. I will take out Arod and Eómer set aside a horse for you too.”

I love the idea of going out riding and feel grateful that Legolas wants to keep me company while doing so. “Thank you…” I feel shy and lower my gaze. Legolas places his right hand on mine and squeezes. The gesture surprises me, but is also very welcome. It encourages me to lift my gaze again and to make eye-contact.

“You are welcome, Haleth. I like spending time with you. It is rare for me to spend time in this way. Either I was fighting in the war, or hunting down spiders in Mirkwood. I enjoy your company too.”

His words make me blush. I can’t help being shy. “Are all Elves like you?”

“Like what?”

“So…nice…” Hopefully I’m not embarrassing myself by saying that and I peek at Legolas to find out. Legolas however merely seems pleased.

“Most of them, aye… Although a few can be arrogant.”

Legolas’ fingers still squeeze mine and the touch feels wonderful. Eómer and he are the only ones reaching out to me and I crave the contact. I want to be held and reassured as I desperately need that. “Legolas…?” I briefly make eye-contact, but then my courage deserts me. I can’t possibly ask him…

“What is it, Haleth?”

“Would you…hold…me?” I bite onto my bottom lip –rather hard, and draw some blood. I can’t believe I did that. I shouldn’t have said that. I don’t want to impose! Legolas already does so much for me and I must seem ungrateful now.

Legolas moves closer, his hand deserts mine, and then he enfolds me in a hug. I can’t stop myself; I cling to him and tears fill my eyes. It feels so good to be held like that. I feel *safe*. I want to stop the tears from leaving my eyes, but I lose the fight and they flow down my cheeks. “I’m sorry…”

“You need not to be ashamed, Haleth… I feel honored that you would reach out to me… that you let me be there for you in this way…”

Legolas rocks me and I feel even more embarrassed for crying in his arms, but I can’t stop this storm. The emotions need out.

“Do you feel better now?” Legolas asks several minutes later when I stop crying.

I raise my head, nod, and want to wipe away my last tears, but Legolas stops me and he uses his sleeve to do away with them. I manage a weak smile. “I don’t know what happened.”

“But I do…” Legolas strokes my hair and smiles at me in a reassuring way. “You saw things that were never meant for your eyes. It is good that you let go of the pain. It takes time to deal with the atrocities which you witnessed at Helm’s Deep, but you are strong and will heal.”

Legolas’ words reach my heart and I smile shyly at him. “I like you… I think you make a good…friend…” It’s too early to call him father. I can’t do that. Hama was my father and… Damn, the tears are back and I… Legolas leaves his chair, kneels next to mine, and pulls me in to a hug. I fling myself at him and sob against his shoulder. “I miss my father… I miss Hama… I miss him, Legolas…” Legolas tightens his embrace and I hold onto him. My tears grow less, but the ache doesn’t.

“That is only normal, Haleth, that you miss your father. You suffered a great loss.”

I’m relieved that Legolas understands, but then again, I can’t imagine him not understanding my pain. He seems so perfect. I pull away from him and timidly raise my head. “It hurts…here.” I place my hand against my chest, where I figure my heart is located and look at him pleadingly.

“It will continue to hurt for a while,” Legolas says. “But it will get better.”

“Thank you…” I wipe away my last remaining tears and manage a smile. “I’m happy to have you.”

“And I am happy that you let me care for you.”

Legolas ruffles my hair and the gesture makes me smile more genuinely. Hama used to do that too.

“It is time to distract you,” Legolas announces. “We shall go for that ride now.”

~~~

Ghost made himself comfortable in front of the stables and gets up when Legolas and I return. It felt great to be on horseback and I allowed the mare to run free. She loved it too. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t stop now, but Legolas is adamant that I don’t overdo it and he wants me back inside.

I jump off the mare’s back and hug her. “Thank you for that ride.” She moves her head, as if she wants to say that she enjoyed it too. “Maybe we can go out riding again tomorrow.” I steal a look at Legolas when I say that and when the Elf nods, my heart grows lighter again.

Arod and my mare are taken into the stable to get a good rub down and Legolas takes my hand in his. He walks me over to Ghost and I go down on one knee to hug the dog. It’s hard to believe that I was scared of him a few days ago.

Legolas, Ghost, and I head back for the Hall. I wonder if Eómer is back already. It’s growing dark and he said we would have dinner in the Hall tonight. I want to see him again too.

“Try to rest,” Legolas says as we reach the door to my room. “I will collect you in one hour so you can have dinner with us.”

“Do you think Eómer is back already?” Legolas and Eómer are quickly becoming everything to me. They are important to me and I want them close.

Legolas briefly closes his eyes, opens them again, and smiles. “He is in his rooms. You need not worry about his safety.”

“How do you know that he’s back already?” Is Legolas merely pretending he knows, or does he really?

“I am an Elf,” Legolas says patiently. “And Eómer is very dear to me. When I concentrate, I can tell if he is near or not.”

“I want to be able to do that too!”

Legolas just smiles at me. “Maybe you will be able to do that when you find someone you love like I love Eómer. Now go and rest, Haleth.”

I open the door to my room, allow for Ghost to enter as well, and close the door behind me. Legolas has given me lots to think about.

~~~

Legolas remains true to his word and knocks on my door an hour later. I managed to get some sleep—horseback riding did tire me. I open the door am surprised to see Eómer stand there.

“I hope that you’re hungry…” Eómer smiles and extends his hand.

I accept the gesture and place my hand inside his. Eómer closes his fingers around it and I feel safe again, like those monsters can’t hurt me again. Ghost pushes past me and starts to walk down the corridor. That dog already knows where we are headed. I fall into step next to Eómer and smile at seeing Legolas join us.

“You look like you enjoyed yourself today,” Eómer says. “The lessons weren’t as bad as you had feared?”

“Lessons were great,” I say softly. “Legolas taught me to write my name and then we went out riding.” I wonder if Legolas told Eómer about me bursting out into tears today.

“That’s good to hear, especially since you will have lessons six days a week.”

Eómer’s comment cheers me up. That means I will spend lots of time with Legolas. We arrive at the Hall and Eómer guides us to the main table. He signals for me to sit down next to Legolas and I gladly do so. Legolas sits to Eómer’s right and Ghost cuddles up beneath the table at our feet. The cook serves soup, cold meats, and bread. I pull the bowl with soup close and start eating.

I notice the glances Eómer and Legolas give me. It’s like they’re checking on me to find out if I’m doing fine. I’m happy though – they need not worry.

“Elassar sent word regarding the food supplies,” Legolas says. “He will send more food and he will find men to work the fields when the time comes.”

“That’s good news indeed,” Eómer replies in-between bites.

I don’t think their conversation interesting and focus on the food instead. I steal a slice of bread and dip it into the soup before eating it. Ghost seems to remember that my feet make a good pillow and he rests his head on them. As a result my feet, which felt cold, grow pleasantly warm.

“The messenger had other news as well,” Legolas continues.

I wonder if I would get away with stealing some of the cheese on the tray. I don’t know if it’s meant for me, or if I’m entitled to it, but neither Legolas nor Eómer seem interested in it.

“What kind of news?” Eómer looks up and frowns.

“Apparently a small delegation of Elves arrived yesterday.”

Eómer becomes rather animated and I wonder why. Maybe I should pay attention to their conversation after all. At least then I know what’s going on. Legolas’ expression is fixed and I can’t read any emotions on his face, which makes it harder to determine what’s happening.

“Haldir left an unforeseen legacy. Apparently he left behind a son.”

I don’t know Haldir and lose interest again. I reach beneath the table and rub Ghost behind the ears.

“Haldir’s son has requested to travel to Rohan. He wants to see Helm’s Deep, see the graves and honor his father that way.”

I shiver. Why would anyone want to travel there voluntarily? And what graves? Didn’t they burn the Elves?

“There are no graves for him to visit…” Eómer sounds thoughtful. “But I will allow it if his mind is set on doing this. What’s his name?”

“Leadir…” Legolas pauses to find out what I’m doing beneath the table. He smiles when he sees Ghost there. “He is in Minas Tirith because he wanted to talk to Elassar about Haldir. Then, he wants to talk to you and travel to Helm’s Deep.”

Ghost gets to his feet and now that he stands, he can easily see what’s on the table. “Don’t,” I caution him. “That’s not your food.”

Eómer however doesn’t agree and throws Ghost a bone with a small amount of meat left on it. Ghost grabs it, lies down again, and starts chewing.

“Sounds like we have an arrogant Elf on our hands,” Eómer comments in a displeased voice.

“Why do you think Leadir is arrogant?” Legolas wants to know.

“He makes a lot of demands…”

“Why would anyone want to go to Helm’s Deep?” I ask eventually as the conversation confuses me. “The only thing you find there is death.” Eómer raises an arm and rests his hand on my shoulder.

“You’re very wise for your age, Haleth.” Eómer’s gaze shifts from me to Legolas and he asks, “Does Leadir travel alone?”

Legolas shakes his head. “Leader is only thirty- four years old, only a little bit older than Haleth here. He would not be allowed to travel alone. Maybe one of his uncles accompanies him. Orophin possibly…”

“I won’t stand in Leadir’s way, but I hope he was taught manners…” Eómer comments. “You deal with it.”

Legolas nods. “I will.”

I am not quite sure what happened. Did they fight just now? Or was it a mere conversation? I don’t think I will be very good at diplomacy once those lessons start if this already confuses me.

~~~

I gather my courage when I climb into bed. Ghost already waits for me and Eómer nurses the fire to make sure it won’t die during the night. “Can I ask you a question?” I’m afraid I might trespass, but I need to know.

Eómer joins me on the bed as he sits down. He looks relaxed and is all smiles. “What do you want to know?”

“Are you angry with Legolas?” I monitor his reaction carefully, as I don’t know what to expect.

Eómer blinks in surprise. “Why would I be angry with Legolas? Why do you think that?”

“When you talked to him during dinner… About this Leadir…” Was it just my imagination then? Hopefully!

“Ah that…” Eómer shrugs. “I don’t know why, but I felt irritated. Not by Legolas, but by this other Elf demanding everyone acted his way. Elassar has more important things to do at the moment. And like you, I think it’s folly to travel to Helm’s Deep. Our people are still busy burying the dead or ridding themselves of Sauron’s creatures.”

I shiver at hearing that. A memory flashes alive in my mind and my thoughts take me back to that fateful night. I should have died during the attack, but I managed to stay alive. I was incredibly lucky to make it out alive. I wish the men fighting with me had been just as lucky though.

“Don’t think back to that day… Doing so will bring back the nightmares,” Eómer advises.

It’s too late though. In my mind I’m back at Helm’s Deep.

“What is keeping you?”

I register Legolas’ voice and try to pull away from those dreadful memories, but they are resilient and won’t leave me alone.

“Haleth grew worried that I was cross with you,” Eómer says as he pulls Legolas onto the bed beside him.

“Why would you be cross with me?”

Legolas gives me the same surprised look which Eómer did and it tells me I overreacted. Everything is well between those two.

“Because I wasn’t pleased to hear about Leadir.”

Eómer tucks the fur around my form and strokes my hair. “Haleth, Legolas and I will probably disagree once in a while, but that doesn’t mean I’m angry with him.”

Legolas nods and the smile on his face makes me relax. “Thank you… I worried.”

“You need not worry,” Legolas says as he gets to his feet. “Sleep now. You had a long and eventful day.”

He’s right – I’m tired. I inch closer to Ghost, put an arm around him, and enjoy the warmth he supplies. A moment later, lips press themselves against my brow and sensing them makes me smile.

“Sleep tight, Haleth,” Eómer says. “May your dreams be full of the sun, summer, and love.”

I would like that, yes… Pressing closer against Ghost, I quickly fall asleep.

TBC

Revelations

Part 5

“Did I come across as angry earlier at dinner?” I didn’t think I did, but why else would Haleth believe that I was upset with Legolas?

“You did not.” Legolas uses his fingers to comb his hair and looks at me from over his shoulder. “Haleth is young. He has not yet learned to read emotions correctly.”

Legolas walks over to me and presses his front against my back. I hiss at the skin-on-skin contact. We’re both naked as we’re readying ourselves for bed. I turn around and embrace him. “And he’s confused at that. I’m glad you told me about the breakdown he suffered this morning… I worry about him though.”

“Haleth is young,” Legolas repeats. “It is important that he offers his pain a way out. He might be emotional for a while, but that will help to speed up his recovery. It would be worse if he kept everything inside.”

I rest my brow against Legolas’ and search his eyes. “Thank you for being there for him…and me.” Legolas touches my face and I close my eyes in bliss.

“I wanted to make love to you tonight, but this is the wrong moment for it. Your heart is heavy and I shall hold you instead.”

“You know me so well.” I draw in his scent and tell myself that it’s okay to unwind. “I need to sleep…” I want to tell him more, but I don’t want to burden him. Legolas gathers my hand in his and leads me over to the bed. We lie down and I move into my lover’s arms.

“What causes your weariness?”

Legolas strokes my hair in a soothing way and I feel completely comfortable like this. I love him for being him – he can be wicked, domineering, supporting and loving. It’s a rate treat to find all those characteristics locked away in just one person. “Gamling and I rode out into the Westfold today and it’s bad out there. The Uruk-Hai slaughtered the men, leaving women behind with small children. Some children are so weak that they won’t survive the next week. I ordered Gamling to take the little food we have and share it with them, but it’s not enough.”

“Elassar will send food.”

Legolas pulls me tightly against him and I sigh. “They burned down most of the houses…killed the cattle… Legolas, I don’t know how to help them. There’s so much suffering and so little I can do to help ease it.” I’m close to tears.

“Eómer, I trust you to make the right decisions. You care for your people and therefore you will do you utmost to help them, but you also need to keep in mind that you can do only so little. You need help…”

I pull away from Legolas so I can look at him. “We live here in luxury while they fight for their very existence.”

“We need to talk about your ideas about luxury then, but I understand what you are trying to say. Just ask yourself this – in what way would it help those people if you were to starve yourself? Eómer, you’re King. You don’t live in luxury. Aye, we have a roof over our heads and food on the table, but it is a meager meal we feast upon and sometimes there is little more than watery soup and bread. You need to remain strong so you can guide your people. You cannot expect to solve all problems in a few days. Rebuilding your land takes time. You must take it step by step.”

I drink in Legolas’ words and cling to them. I hope he’s right for I feel like abandoning my people. “I should do more though.”

“Eómer, you do the best you can. You might not be able to heal the hurt of all the people in the realm, but you *are* easing Haleth’s pain. Find comfort in that.”

“Haleth…” I *do* care about the boy and I regret the things he has been through. Aye, I want to help him heal and wish I could work miracles so he wouldn’t have to suffer anymore. But I can’t work miracles. I’m no wizard, not even a healer. I’m just a Man.

“You support him… You show him you care… That is very important to Haleth. Do not think lightly about that. He lost his father and it would have been very easy to lash out at you – us – in anger. But he did not do that. He cares about you in turn.”

In my heart I know that Legolas tells the truth. It’s my head that it’s fighting my heart. Maybe it’s time to share more personal details with Legolas. Maybe then he will understand me better. “I was never good enough… Or I thought that I was never good enough.”

Legolas sucks in his breath in surprise and eyes me curiously. “Good enough?”

“Eówyn and I lost our parents when we were very young. I don’t remember them… Théoden took us in and he took a particular liking to Eówyn. He spoiled her and I didn’t begrudge her his attention. It did her a world of good.”

“Continue,” Legolas says as he massages my scalp with his fingertips. “Tell me the rest as well.”

“Théoden was a father already when he took us in. Eówyn was the daughter he never had, but he already had a son. There was no place for me… I know Théoden tried and that he did love me, but… I always felt lacking… unwanted even.”

“I see…” Legolas looks at me thoughtfully. “That is in the past however. Do you still need his praise?”

I shrug my shoulders. “Théoden is dead – I’m King now… Rather unexpectedly.”

“And you feel lacking again. Eómer, listen to me.”

Legolas moves about until we’re face to face and I wonder what comes next.

“You need to focus on the present. You are King here. Your people depend on you. You only need to justify your actions to one person – yourself. You must stop living in the past. You have to take responsibility for the present, and Eómer, you must accept that you are doing well. The land begins to recuperate, you have a lover who adores you, and a son who needs you. Concentrate on those things.”

“I love you…” My hand trembles when I touch his face. “Legolas, you don’t know how much your love means to me…”

Legolas sighs and he gives me another hard, long look. “I love you, Eómer. I respect you and I think that you are a good King. You will rebuild this land and we will be happy – the three of us. You are strong and no matter what the future holds for us, you will face it and emerge victorious.”

Legolas’ passionate speech leaves me breathless. Does he really mean all that? Aye, it looks like he does. I rest my head against his shoulder, rub my thumb against his chest and swallow the lump of emotions that has settled in my throat. “Give me time, Legolas… I will work hard on accepting that.”

“Silly Man,” Legolas says in a playful voice. “Do not doubt yourself, for I do not doubt you either.”

I close my eyes. My heart feels lighter now and I let Legolas’ words accompany me into sleep.

~~~

I’m no longer surprised to find Legolas awake when I open my eyes the next morning. I stretch lazily, sigh deeply, and press closer against my lover. “Morning,” I whisper.

“Morning, my love…”

Legolas looks utterly desirable and my body stirs. I made a promise and the time seems right to show him that I keep my promises. I push my hands beneath his back and roll him atop of me. Legolas arches an eyebrow, but doesn’t question my move. “I want to make love with you, Legolas,” I whisper into his ear. I’m already hard and I can tell that Legolas grows erect too. “Take me…”

Legolas releases a deep sigh and then those soft lips descend onto mine. We share a kiss and my hands wander lower, down his spine and toward his buttocks. I squeeze them and wiggle an eyebrow at my lover. “Don’t keep me waiting.”

I *am* nervous, and maybe even more nervous than I want Legolas to know. I have been in this situation only once before, and back then, we had to act hasty. Although I had found the release I had craved, there hadn’t been any emotional connection. I hope that things will be different with Legolas.

“I cannot take you like this…”

Legolas straddles my waist and his right hand trails down my sternum. I quiver at the touch. I watch him closely and am surprised to see him lift a vial from beneath the bed. “What’s in there?”

“Oil… I want you to find pleasure in this act too,” Legolas explains. He uncaps the vial and drizzles the oil onto his erection.

I raise my arms and rest the palms of my hands against either side of his head. I can’t allow myself to think about what’s to come and I pull him close enough for another kiss. Legolas deepens the kiss and his tongue chases mine until he has me sighing.

I part my legs and Legolas moves in-between them. I want him – I want to feel him that way, but I know better than to rush this. His fingers curl around my cock and Legolas strokes firmly. I close my eyes in pleasure and lick my lips when the tip of his erection presses against the entrance to my body. This is it… It’s finally going to happen.

Legolas keeps up stroking me, and at the same time, he inches inside. Slowly and only bit by bit, and I’m grateful for that because it does hurt. I try hard to hide my discomfort though, but it’s folly to think that Legolas won’t notice.

“I love you, Eómer…”

Legolas’ lips desert mine and he moves lower my body. I suck in my breath in surprise when Legolas licks at my nipple and I thrust hard against him, causing him to sink in the rest of the way. The pain is sharp, but it also makes me feel alive. I open my eyes and search Legolas’ face. Legolas looks worried, but then his lips curl into a smile. He buries his hands in my hair, rests his body atop of mine, and claims my lips again. I appreciate it that he gives me the time I need to get used to this new feeling – my body isn’t used to being invaded in such a way.

When Legolas finally *does* move, it’s gentle and minimal. I don’t know how he does it, but after a few thrusts, the pain resides and a warm, almost orgasmic sensation fills me. It starts in my groin and grows more intense with every thrust. “I won’t… last long…”I warn him. I don’t know what he’s doing, but it pushes me to a quick and intense orgasm.

“You do not need to last long…”

Legolas pushes his arm below my left leg, lifts it, and by doing so, changes the angle of this thrusts. The next time thrust sends me into a sweet delirium. I can’t stop this feeling from building inside me and reach orgasm the moment Legolas buries himself again. I wrap my arms around him and cling to him, all the while trying to stop the shaking that has taken control of my body. This is the fiercest orgasm I ever experienced!

Legolas stops moving, collapses atop of me, and twitches in my embrace. I’m relieved that I didn’t leave him behind by much. I push his long hair behind a pointy ear and look at him. He looks radiant at the moment of his climax. His lips are pursed, his body is taunt like a bow, and his eyes are open and revealing. I caress his face and Legolas leans in again for another kiss.

When we end that kiss moments later, I stare at Legolas in rapture. Why was I nervous to begin with? I should have known that Legolas would do everything right. I smile at him, caress his face, and cock my head questioningly as I can tell that he’s going to speak.

“We have come full circle, melamin,” Legolas says and smiles.

I feel touched at hearing him finally expressing his love for me in his own language. “I’m glad we took that step, my love.”

Legolas nods, touches his lips to mine, and seals our love with a kiss.

~~~~

I decide to check on Haleth before riding out with Gamling. Opening the door, I peek inside. I don’t want to infringe on Haleth’s privacy, but I *do* need to know that he is fine. Haleth isn’t in bed though – he sits in front of the fireplace and pets Ghost’s head. “Can I come inside?”

Haleth raises his head and smiles at me. “Aye, please…”

He seems genuinely happy to see me, so I walk over to the fire place and sit down next to him. Ghost gives me a lazy look and I rub behind his right ear. “Why are you awake already? I expected you to be asleep.”

“Ghost woke me up. He was hungry…”

Oh, I remember waking up to a wet tongue and pleading eyes! “So what did you do?”

“I went to the kitchen and asked the cook if he had anything left.” Haleth grins. “He gave me a big bone for Ghost and he has been chewing on it ever since.”

I notice the bone, which Ghost tucked away beneath his body. He always was possessive of his bones. “And did you have something to eat yet?” Legolas is right – I can’t feed everyone in Rohan, but I can make sure Haleth is taken care of.

“The cook said I should come back later with Legolas.”

“Ah yes…” I notice the way Haleth blushed when he spoke Legolas’ name. “You like him, don’t you?”

Haleth lowers his gaze and nods slowly. “He is magical… I never saw anyone l