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The Greenleaf and the Golden Flower
Author: Belle Bayard
Beta: none
Email: [email protected]
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Legolas/Glorfindel
Warnings: none
Request: Fluff, sex in the woods
Written For: Neldluva
Imladris, Near the end of the Third Age
He had come to Imladris to carry word of the creature Gollum�s escape. His father had entrusted him with this because of its impact upon the world. Gollum had been brought to Mirkwood with implicit instructions to keep him safe and hidden from prying eyes. Lord Elrond�s foster son, Estel, had been the one to impart this information to Thranduil, the king of Mirkwood, though he could not, or possibly would not, tell him any more than Mithrandir had urged them to care for the ragged and wretched creature as if a treasure.
Now they had lost him and Legolas could not help but feel somewhat culpable. After all, his patrol had taken over the task of watching him. Only a few moments of inattention and somehow Gollum had escaped. Legolas sighed and turned away from the beautiful view before him. Lord Elrond had given him and his party wonderful quarters and if the weight of his news had not born him down so much, the prince of Mirkwood would have greatly enjoyed this visit.
Something hung upon the air and he knew not yet what it portended. Yet he also sensed he would become a part of the greater scheme of things. With a heavy heart, he moved into his bedchamber and shed his dusty travel clothes. In deference to their weariness, Lord Elrond had his chief advisor see that each traveler have the option of bathing in a large tub within their rooms rather than attending the public baths. Normally an outgoing and egregious Elf, Legolas welcomed this, for he did not relish the curious looks the Imladris Elves would give him.
Without his usual pleasure, he sank into the tub of steaming water, and then quickly washed hair and body. Two buckets of hot water awaited his rinse and he carefully utilized them, trying not to splash any on the floor of the private bath chamber. He slicked back his hair, and then emerged to wrap a towel about his waist.
As he sat at the dressing table, unsnarling his hair, he thought of his interview with Lord Elrond the next morning with some dread. He would have preferred to return to Imladris without the onus of such ill news. Indeed, he had hoped to see once again Elrond�s seneschal, Glorfindel. Their first meeting had been most pleasant as the returned Elf had kindly answered Legolas� many questions. His cheeks heated at the memory. How young he had been! How he had importuned Glorfindel with requests for details of Gondolin and his past life. The golden warrior had not been in evidence when the Mirkwood party arrived and Legolas could only assume he led a patrol to protect Imladris� borders.
A quiet knock roused him from his thoughts. He rose and donned a bathrobe, then went to answer the door. It seemed almost as if his thoughts had called out to Glorfindel
�I heard you had arrived,� the seneschal remarked. �What brings you to Imladris, my prince?�
Legolas could not help the broad smile that split his face upon seeing the one he thought so highly of, but the question quickly quenched it. He shook his head and gestured for the other to enter. He moved to the small table on the balcony and poured a small glass of *miruvor,* for he felt certain he would need its sustaining properties.
�My father sent me with less than good tidings,� he admitted with a slanted look at Glorfindel. �I am to see Lord Elrond on the morrow to give them to him directly. Until then��
Glorfindel put his hands up. �Say no more of that then, for I would not press you to speak of that which must remain a secret. Know this though, I have recently returned from a patrol and have seen the �lairi pursuing an object they want beyond reason. I sent on the one who bore it for Elrond�s healing, for he sustained a wound from none other than the Witch King himself.�
Legolas put down his glass, a cold foreboding washing over him. �Then the news I bear will bring naught but more distress to your lord. The creature Gollum escaped our care a fortnight ago. I� I have heard rumors that he held that treasure for five centuries before he lost it. What could this mean?� He swallowed heavily and turned to lean against the balustrade, his eyes unseeing of what lay before him. Instead, he remembered Estel�s cryptic words and now knew they had done a disservice to all of Arda because they could not see the importance of the wretched creature.
A warm hand on his shoulder made him jump. �Legolas, you could not have known. Perhaps you have a larger part to play in this than you know. Daily I ride out to make certain no sign of those undead kings may foul Imladris. But tomorrow, I believe Elrond will call together a council. Men and Dwarves alike have come, all bearing tales of troubles across Arda. Perhaps �tis no chance, but Iluvatar�s design, that has called them here at this time. Perhaps Gollum�s escape plays a part as well.�
Legolas hung his head, not hearing the gentle comfort Glorfindel offered. Before he could make a reply, he found himself turned and embraced.
�Do not put more guilt upon yourself, young one. That way only leads to more misery. �Tis the time for action, but not right now. Now you must rest and ready yourself for whatever may come,� Glorfindel soothed.
Without thinking, Legolas returned the embrace, needing the contact. �I worry, Glorfindel. What will Lord Elrond have to say to this� this failure?�
A strong, sword-calloused hand tipped his chin up that Legolas� gaze would meet the deep azure one of Glorfindel. �You know him not if you think he will chastise you. That cursed thing has caused nothing but trouble since its birth. He will know what we must do now.�
Legolas managed to concentrate on Glorfindel�s lips. �But��
�No, for tonight, rest. Tomorrow will come. I must clean up, for I fear I smell of horse and the road. However, if you would like, I would share supper with you in a special glade near here.�
The words and the heat of Glorfindel�s body brought Legolas� attention to their intimate pose. He did not wish to offend the ancient Elf, but he feared his response to the proximity of one who he had dreamed of often would prove embarrassing. He leaned away, but the battled-strengthened arms only gave a bit.
�Have I caused you discomfort?� Glorfindel asked.
Legolas shook his head. �Nay, but� I have limited experience with anything but warfare upon Orcs, spiders, and other foul things. My father has trained me in diplomacy, but� Love and laughter have been things my family has had little of since my mother died.�
The arms tightened again and Legolas felt very small. Glorfindel stood taller than many Elves, but the beauty of his face and form brought wondering glances wherever he went. That such a one would even consider a younger son of a Sindar King baffled and delighted him at the same time.
�Tonight, Legolas. I will be glad to give you ease and show you the world still has room for those things. Not all lies in darkness and love will bring light no matter where it shines.�
With that, Glorfindel released him. �I will come for you after sunset. Ithil shines his light upon us this night and the glade lies not far from here. Will you join me? I need this as much as you do.�
Mutely, Legolas nodded. How could he refuse such an offer as heart-sore as he felt? With a strange wonder, he watched as Glorfindel leaned close and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead. With a tiny smile, the Balrog slayer turned and left the room. On boneless legs, the Mirkwood prince managed to find a seat at the table.
He needed sleep. They had ridden themselves and their horses nearly into the ground to get to Imladris in such a short span, but the need for haste had been unmistakable. He closed his eyes for a moment, then rose and returned to his bedchamber. Perhaps a short nap would revive him and if he awoke and found it a dream� Well, at least it had been pleasant one.
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Anor descended behind the cliffs, painting the deep cleft with dark strokes and the sky with brilliant red and orange clouds. Glorfindel stretched and rose from his bed. The short respite had refreshed him and he looked forward to the evening meal with Legolas. Humming a cheery song so old he had no true memory of when had learned it, he dressed and made his way to the kitchens.
Before he had retreated to his room, he had reported to Elrond, not mentioning his planned rendezvous with Legolas or his visit with the Woodland prince. His lord had smiled at him in such a way that Glorfindel wondered how much of his excitement he radiated. However, Elrond asked no awkward questions and Glorfindel escaped to arrange food for the feast.
For 'twas a feast he fully wished to provide for Legolas. Something about the young prince called to him as only one other had in either of his lives. He had loved more than once, but only that other had the pull of *this* Green Leaf. The cook had cheerfully accepted his commission and when he returned this evening, a basket filled with delectable fare awaited him. Fresh bread and butter, sliced cold meats, cheese, fruit, flaky pastries, and a bottle of fine wine rested among a tablecloth and napkins.
�Do you wish anything else, Lord Glorfindel?� the cook asked, her eyes gleaming with merriment.
�Nay, mistress, �tis more than I could have hoped for. As usual, you have provided a veritable feast fit for a king,� he responded, knowing full well she had a soft spot for him. A sweet Elf, she always made a special effort to fix his favorite foods when he sat at Elrond�s table.
�Then take it and enjoy it, for I know whomever you share it with will most likely pay more attention to his companion than whatever you carry in that basket,� she told him with a chuckle and he felt his cheeks heat. Instead of giving in to his rare discomfiture, he shrugged with a sheepish smile, bent to kiss her cheek, then picked up the basket and hurried off to Legolas� quarters.
How many had he courted in his lives? More than one, he knew. Yet, here he stood with the queerest feeling in his stomach as if he wooed his first. His hand rose, but before he could knock, the door flew open.
�You came!� Legolas exclaimed.
�Of course. Did you think I would not?� Glorfindel returned, puzzled that the prince thought he would renege.
�Oh� No, of course not, but� I thought I might have dreamed the offer,� the younger Elf stammered, flushing beautifully.
Glorfindel shook his head and smiled. �Nay, �twas real as you and I here and now. Have you readied yourself?� He appraised the prince�s outfit and approved of the soft leggings, tunic, and boots. ��Twill be a bit brisk tonight, so perhaps a cloak?�
Legolas hurried to retrieve one from his pack, then joined Glorfindel. The ancient Elf took one of Legolas� hands and tucked it into the crook of his free arm. �Good, then let us be off before �tis completely dark. Ithil will rise in a few hours, but before then �twill be quite black.�
With a laugh, the prince retorted, �Think you a Wood Elf could not pick his way among the trees?�
�Ah, but these trees own allegiance to Elrond. Would they speak to you?�
�Oh, but they do, Glorfindel, they do,� Legolas rejoined with a smirk.
Glorfindel did not reply with words, merely joined in the laughter, glad he could lighten Legolas� heart. Among the deepening shadows, they made their way toward a secluded glade tucked beneath the cliffs that protected Imladris. A tiny waterfall poured into a small crystalline pool at one side of the glade. Ferns surrounded it as well, and at the base of the several of the trees, flowers still bloomed and mushrooms sprang up in colorful variety. Birds began to roost, giving the occasional sleepy chirp to each other.
Several small animals, rabbits, squirrels, and the like moved away from them, not frightened, but heading toward their homes as night descended. Glorfindel released Legolas as they settled for an open patch of grass beneath one of the big oaks. He put down the basket, then knelt and opened it. A grin spread over his face as he discovered not only the food and wine, but two candles, candlesticks, and a small flint and stone to light them. Surely, the cook thought of everything. He pulled the tablecloth from the basket, then rose and held out one end to Legolas.
�Shall we lay it here?� he asked the clearly entranced prince.
�What? Oh, yes,� he replied as if awakening from reverie.
Together they spread out the cloth, and then set out the viands. As Legolas opened the wine, Glorfindel struck the flint and lit the candle, filling a small space within the glade with a golden glow.
An awkward silence descended, but Glorfindel felt determined to dispel it. He reached for the bread and broke off a chunk, then smeared the fresh butter on one end and offered it to Legolas. Wordlessly, his companion took and began to eat. They continued thusly until most of the food disappeared. Glorfindel removed his cloak and spread it so that it would cushion the tree�s trunk. Then, he leaned back and gave a contented sound.
�Tell me of Mirkwood, Legolas. Too many years have past since I last visited there,� he invited, patting the spot beside him.
When Legolas joined him, Glorfindel wrapped the cloak over them and held the slighter Elf close. A floodgate seemed to break as the prince spoke animatedly of his home, both the beauty and the darkness that threatened it. His voice stilled when he came to Estel�s last visit.
�You feel you have failed his trust, but you have not. You have failed no one. If I have learned nothing else from living, dying, and being reborn, I have learned that Iluvatar�s plan does not always allow us to do as we believe we should. Perhaps if someone had truly befriended Maeglin he would not have betrayed us. Perhaps if I had remained at Ecthelion�s side, he would not have fallen with the Balrog.� He sighed and laid his chin atop Legolas� head. �No one of us can know the tapestry V�ire weaves.�
To his surprise, Legolas looked up, tears in his eyes. �Forgive me for probing old wounds, Glorfindel.�
�You need not beg my forgiveness, Legolas,� he breathed. So close. He could not resist. Angling his head, he sought those sweet lips that he yearned to taste.
Legolas stiffened in his arms and as Glorfindel readied to break the kiss, he found himself wrapped in the archer�s strong embrace, the soft mouth opening in invitation. A quiet sound of need escaped him. Too many years had passed since he had sought out physical comfort from another. He had dedicated himself to eradicating the evil that had claimed Elrond�s wife�s sanity and left him alone. Vowed he would protect the home he had come to appreciate even more than the one he had died defending. Now, he found himself awash in sensual need.
�Legolas�� he whispered when at last he could breathe.
�Be with me, *meleth.* Ever since we first met, I have longed for you,� the prince quietly told him.
The words echoed in Glorfindel�s ears, resounding through his mind as the same said to him millennia ago. Did not another Legolas say the very same thing to him? Did he not look up at him with eyes filled with love and trust?
�Who are you?� he croaked, then shook his head. �You are Legolas Thranduilion, prince of Mirkwood,� he replied to himself before the younger Elf could.
�Why do you ask such a question, Glorfindel?�
�Because another who bore your name said those exact words to me the night Gondolin fell,� he whispered, anguish written on his face and in his voice.
Legolas rested his head on Glorfindel�s shoulder. �Will the ghost of that memory keep us apart? You have said and I believe we will not know where fate will take us. Shall we part and never have this?�
Glorfindel�s lips twisted in a wry smile. He had come here to ease Legolas� spirit and instead found the young one attempting to do the same for him. Nay, this night should be for the young Legolas, not the ancient Elf that sat here.
�If you wish to partake of this with me, I would be honored. Despite your youth, you have seen much that many your age never have. I will not lie to you, Legolas. I desire you and have since I laid eyes upon you. But the memories of that other Green Leaf still haunt me at times. Will you mind sharing me with them?�
�Never!� the Mirkwood prince exclaimed. �I will gladly receive whatever you give me, Glorfindel. As warriors, we both know the uncertainty of life. Whether we face another day or tread the Halls of Mandos only Eru knows. But know this� The Green Leaf desires to know the Golden Flower in every way. If� If we survive what comes in the following days, then I would seek you out whenever our paths cross.�
Glorfindel�s heart soared at those words. �Then if Illuvatar sees fit, we shall come together more than this time,� he vowed. He shifted so that Legolas rested against him, hip to hip, chest to chest.
Time seemed to cease, though the candles guttered, and Ithil rose high above them. Clothes lay littered the area where the impromptu feast had taken place and two pale forms lay entwined, their innate glow bringing light to the tiny glade.
Sighs and moans sounded in that place as lips explored new territory, lavished kisses on sensitive areas, and hands explored curves and valleys. Soft words of love flowed through the glade, some in Sindarin, some in Quenya, for Glorfindel, in his passion, returned to his mother tongue.
Ithil rose high above them, replacing the candles� golden glow with her silvery light. Legolas rose and fell upon Glorfindel, his hands resting on his lover�s muscular chest. The Imladris seneschal gazed in wonder at the beauty above him.
�Valar knows what tomorrow will bring, love, but I will carry this memory with me all my days,� he murmured, and then pulled Legolas down for another heated kiss.
His hands roamed satin skin until one rested upon a slender hip, the other wrapping around engorged flesh. Legolas moaned into Glorfindel�s mouth at the touch and his pace increased. Both began to tremble with impending release.
�Come with me, dear prince,� the ancient Elf murmured against that sweet mouth as he continued to stroke the rigid length between them.
With another kiss, Legolas rose again, only to watch Glorfindel�s hand ply his needy flesh. A shuddering breath escaped him as he closed his eyes. With a growl, Glorfindel pulled the younger Elf down again, then rolled them both over.
�I wanted you the moment I laid eyes upon you, all those years ago,� he whispered.
Passion filled blue eyes gazed up at him in wonder. �So long ago,� Legolas gasped.
�Yes,� Glorfindel managed, and then began in earnest to bring his Silvan prince pleasure. He flexed his hips at such an angle as to brush that bundle of nerves with his shaft. Tiny cries from his lover assured him he hit his mark.
It only took a few strokes for Legolas to reach the point of no return. He stiffened and cried out, clutching at Glorfindel. As the lithe body tightened around Glorfindel�s flesh, he could no longer hold back. With a shout, he poured himself into his lover, and then lay back on the cloak, holding a trembling Legolas close as they sought to regain their breath.
Glorfindel raised a somewhat unsteady hand to stroke the pale golden hair that fell over his chest. �I will never forget you, Green Leaf. I know not what path our lives will take, but when the time comes for us to leave Arda, I pray you will seek me out.�
The prince tilted his head back and searched Glorfindel�s face. Something there must have given him peace, for he smiled a bit. �Aye, I will do my best. For none have ever made me feel as you have.�
Gently, Glorfindel rolled his lover to his side, then tucked him close and covered their bodies with the cloak. His gaze sought the now star laden sky. �Then may Elbereth watch over you, for I sense you have a long and dangerous journey ahead.�
�I do not fear it if it brings light to the world as the Golden Flower has brought it into my life,� Legolas murmured, then pressed his lips to Glorfindel�s damp neck.
�We shall see, young one. We shall see,� Glorfindel replied softly, praying his visions of the future would come true, at least in part.
The End
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