Better Than a Dream

~~~

�They will arrive any minute, Hal. Will you challenge him again?� R�mil smirked at his oldest brother.

�Do you doubt it?� Haldir raised one elegant eyebrow, �And this time I shall win.�

�Perhaps with the sword, Tor n�n (my Brother),� Orophin pointed out, �But none have ever beaten Legolas with the bow.�

�There is a first time for everything, Oro,� Haldir said smugly. He turned on his heel and went to meet the party from Mirkwood. This time he would be the victor. Legolas wouldn�t know what hit him.

~~~

�So what shall it be this time, Haldir?� Legolas asked softly as they wound their way through the paths of Caras Galadhon.

�The same as it was last time,� Haldir said, �I told you I would not stop until I won. I do not go back on my words.�

�Archery again,� Legolas sighed, �Haldir, do you not get tired of losing? We have done this so many times.�

�Do you fear this time you will lose, Prince Legolas?� Haldir questioned, that elegant eyebrow shooting upwards.

�I most certainly do not,� Legolas said his eyes twinkling. �I just do not wish to humiliate you again. There are none that can equal my skill with the bow.�

�We shall see, Prince Legolas,� Haldir smirked �I shall meet you on the field on the morrow. Be prepared to lose.�

Legolas watched Haldir march away. A sigh escaped his lips. Why did the Marchwarden feel compelled to compete with him so much? Why was it always archery? So many times, he had proven himself the better archer. Yet, this was Haldir�s contest of choice repeatedly.

�He is one elf I do NOT understand,� Legolas grumbled as he walked toward his talan.

�He is not so complex,� Celeborn chuckled as he moved up alongside the prince.

�H�ren,� Legolas bowed, �I did not hear you, please forgive me.�

�Too wrapped up in our enigmatic Marchwarden I think,� Celeborn teased.

�Frustrating Marchwarden is more like it,� Legolas muttered.

�You are upset with him?� Celeborn smiled as they walked along the path.

�Not really, just confused,� the Woodland elf admitted.

�Haldir does tend to have that effect on people,� the Lord chuckled softly, �But he is beautiful is he not?�

�Incredibly so,� Legolas admitted without thinking. Celeborn smiled as the younger elf blushed profusely. There was an energy between the two ellon and he would see it blossom into something more.

�Perhaps there is more to Haldir�s challenge than you realize,� Celeborn said softly, �It bears thinking on.�

With that, the lord of Lothl�rien turned off the path speaking with the trees of his land and learning what news they had to share. He had planted seeds. If the Valar were willing, they would take root. His lady was not the only one who could meddle.

Legolas wandered back to his talan, his head bowed in thought. He simply did not understand why Haldir continued to challenge him. In the last few centuries, he had proven repeatedly he was unparalleled with the bow. Though he was an incredible archer, Haldir�s strength was in his sword arm. Legolas had seen only one who was more skilled and that ellon resided in Imladris.

Shrugging, the prince entered his quarters. Tomorrow he would go to the practice range. Once more, he would prove to Haldir that he was the superior archer. So why did it not make him feel any better?

~~~

Haldir arrived at the range early. He wanted to get in a few practice rounds before he faced Legolas. The prince of Greenwood was the greatest archer he had ever known. Yet, it was not for fame or glory that he did this. It was not for boasting rights. It was for something far more important to him.

Stringing his bow, he concentrated, filtering out almost everything else. Releasing his breath, he let the arrow fly. It zinged through the air, striking the target just outside the center ring. Lowering his bow, he gave a sigh of frustration. He would have to do better than this. Drawing another arrow, he repeated the action, inhaling slowly before letting it out and sending the arrow flying. Again, it settled too far from the center for the March warden�s taste.

Twenty-two arrows later, Haldir lowered his bow and studied the target. He was not completely satisfied with his performance but he was out of time. He could hear the others approaching. Orophin and R�mil, along with several others from their patrol and Prince Legolas.

Haldir watched the Woodland elf as he walked down the hill leading to the range. His steps were light and quick as he moved. He held his bow lightly in one hand, his quiver of green fletched arrows in the other. Haldir knew from experience the prince would leave no trace of his passing. He felt the tightness in his chest at the beauty heading his way. The Marchwarden had wanted him from the instant they first met, loved him from that first moment. There was only one thing standing in his way.

�Mae govannen (Well met), Haldir,� Legolas called with a smile.

�Maer aur (Good morning), Legolas,� Haldir answered smoothly with a bow.

�Toren,� R�mil called slapping his oldest brother on the back, �This should be an interesting match. You have been practicing so hard. Perhaps this time you shall win.�

�Such effusiveness tells me you have bet against me,� Haldir said raising one elegant eyebrow.

�How could you think such a thing?� R�mil said with a patently fake shocked expression.

�He knows you too well, R�mil,� Orophin laughed as he slung his arms around his brothers. �You might as well confess.�

�Bet on him if you like, little brother,� Haldir smiled.

�Shall we begin then?� Legolas asked

�Whenever you are ready,� the Marchwarden waited for the prince to take his position in front of a target. One of the other elves had gathered Haldir�s arrows and returned them to his quiver.

�The same rules?� Legolas questioned.

�Yes. Each arrow must be pulled and released separately. The time limit is thirty seconds. The winner is the elf that has the most arrows fired with the most accuracy within the time specified. Celebrant, will you be the time keeper?�

�Yes, sir,� the warden answered.

�Take your marks,� Orophin called. Each elf stepped up to the bar, bows in their left hand. They positioned their bodies and waited for the signal. Haldir let out a slow breath.

�Promise me something, Haldir,� Legolas said softly as he studied the conditions.

�What would that be?� The Marchwarden asked.

�Swear to me this will be the last time we go through this,� Legolas said.

Haldir felt his heart hitch as he heard those words, the last time? If this was the final time then he had no hope. Yet, he could not say no.

�Very well,� he answered softly, �This will be the last time I shall challenge you to an archery contest.�

�Hannon le (Thank you),� Legolas whispered.

�Go!� Orophin called out.

He needed to win more than ever now. Trying to block out all noise and the beautiful elf beside him, Haldir fired his arrows. Nothing but the wind and the zing of deadly bolts of wood flying through the air could be heard. It seemed as if even the trees were holding their breath, waiting to see who would emerge the victor.

�TIME!� Celebrant called.

They set down their bows and took sips from the water flasks handed to them. Then, with a nod, they lightly leaped over the fence and walked to the end of the range. The rock sitting in Haldir�s stomach grew heavier the closer they got. When finally they reached their goal, it felt as if his whole body was stone.

Each elf had fired twenty-two arrows. However, Legolas� green-fletched arrows formed a perfect grouping in the center of the target. Each one placed with incredible precision right next to each other. Haldir�s white fletched arrows also formed a cluster in the center, save for two at the very edge. They were half an inch off their mark. He had lost again.

�Well, Haldir,� Legolas said with a proud smile, �It seems I have won some peace at last. Once more, I have proven myself the better archer. What do you have to say now?�

�Indeed, Prince Legolas,� Haldir said, trying to keep the tone of his voice even, smooth and friendly �Without a doubt, you are the greatest archer in all of Arda.�

�And do not forget it,� Legolas laughed.

Though he did not much care for their competition over the centuries, Legolas could not help but be proud and happy that he had won. Moreover, with Haldir�s promise, he would never have to go through it again. The thing he disliked most about the contest was that Haldir always pulled away afterwards. The lovely elf withdrew from him and from everyone else. The cool, aloof Marchwarden Legolas had first met returned in full force and the prince felt a wall come between them.

Hoping to prevent that from happening this time, he moved to hug Haldir only to have the other elf step quickly out of reach. With a small bow, he bid them good day and departed, slipping silently from the group of spectators that wish to congratulate the prince. Only three noted his leave-taking; R�mil, Orophin, and Legolas.

Celebration followed. Miruvor flowed freely and boasts became plentiful. Legolas was no different and added his own boasts to the conversation. He laughed, sang, and danced about with all of them, recounting the details of the contest.

�I hear congratulations are in order,� Celeborn said as he approached the group.

�Indeed they are, Lord Celeborn,� Legolas said with a bright smile, �for I have once again beaten your Marchwarden on the archery field.�

�I see,� Celeborn answered, �Well, there is always next time you visit.�

�Oh no,� Legolas laughed, �It is done.�

�What do you mean?� the lord asked, noting the lack of Haldir�s presence where he would normally sit.

�Legolas made Haldir swear it would be the last time,� Orophin said as he wiped his mouth on his sleeve, �There will be no more archery contests between my brother and the prince.�

�Truly?� Celeborn questioned, looking to Legolas.

�Indeed,� the Woodland elf answered, �Haldir swore and he always keeps his word. He is a most honorable elf.�

�Undeniably he is,� Celeborn murmured lines of concern appearing between his eyes, �Tell me, has anyone seen Haldir since the contest?�

�No, H�ren,� R�mil said, �but there is naught to be worried about. If I know my brother, and I do, he is brooding. It is odd for he broods over nothing else.�

�Indeed,� Celeborn�s eyebrow rose and he looked at the elves around him.

�Yes, sire,� Orophin said, �Haldir does not like to lose. His pride has been hurt and he will not be back for at least the night, perhaps into the next day, but he always returns.�

�Returns muttering about next time,� R�mil laughed.

�But now there will be no next time,� Celeborn pointed out before turning his cool eyes on Legolas, �Tell me, Legolas, did any of you stop to think about why Haldir was so intent upon this?�

�No, H�ren,� the elf answered.

�Perhaps you should.�

He had lost, again. Haldir stared up into the sky and tried not to feel the ache in his chest. He fought against the sting of tears. The Marchwarden never cried. It had all come down to this and two arrows had kept him from his heart�s desire, not just until the next visit, but forever.

��The one who would have me, heart and soul, is one whose arrow flies truer than mine,��

Those words, uttered so many centuries ago, when he had first met Legolas, now haunted him. They would continue to trouble him for the rest of his existence. There was no avoiding it now. There was no way he could gloss over the truth he had denied for so long. With hope, he had convinced himself he had a chance with the beautiful prince. He had hope that, one day, he would win and he would have the one person he loved above all others, Legolas.

Now that hope was gone. He would never win the prince�s heart. Neither could he tell the woodland beauty of his own feelings. Legolas had made clear his requirements in a mate long ago. It was now obvious that Haldir fell short of the mark. He was not worthy of his prince.

Two days had passed and still Haldir had not returned. His brothers began to worry. He had never stayed away this long before. They had approached Lady Galadriel but she had only given them her sweet smile and sent them on their way. When they received the same from Lord Celeborn, they returned to their talan to wait. Haldir HAD to return some time. Did he not?

�I do not understand, Oro�� R�mil said, concern filling his voice �He has never stayed away this long. What if he is hurt?�

�The trees would tell Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel if that was so,� Orophin assured him. �There is something deeply troubling our brother. That is what we must figure out.�

A soft knock sounded on the wall of their home. When the invitation was extended, Legolas entered the room. He did not look so boastful and happy today.

�Has there been no word?� the prince asked.

�No. It is most frustrating,� Orophin answered. �I am beginning to think there is more to this than meets the eye.�

�I do not understand it,� Legolas said as he lowered himself gracefully into one of the chairs.

�His pride was hurt,� R�mil said as his normally jovial face filled with concern. �He is the finest warrior in all of Lothlorien save for Lord Celeborn. He is skilled in sword and bow, knife and bare handed. Yet, I have never seen him take a competition so seriously before. You would think the contest had more significance to him, that it meant his heart or something.�

Though he was listening to the conversation around him, Orophin was deep in thought. Lord Celeborn had hinted at a deeper meaning. Then it clicked, at the mention of the heart, it clicked inside his head.

�We have been fools,� Orophin whispered as he stared at Legolas, �Blind fools at that.�

�What are you talking about, Oro?� R�mil asked.

�In four days time, we go back on patrol,� Orophin said, �We must find Haldir before then.�

�Do you think he will stay away so long?� Legolas asked softly, something shivering deep inside him. When the prince had first seen the Marchwarden, his breath had caught in his throat. He had never seen an elf so beautiful. However, Haldir had been cool, aloof and a bit arrogant. Then, as the years passed, it seemed as if the silver haired elf warmed up to him. Legolas thought of the contests as just a friendly competition. He could never understand why Haldir had always pulled away afterwards. Yet, he had never stayed away this long. It worried the prince.

�There are a few places he might go,� R�mil added thoughtfully, �If the three of us split up, we could possibly find him.�

�Is he so hard to track then?� Legolas asked.

�If Haldir chooses not to be found, then only Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel will be able to do so,� R�mil chuckled, �It is one of my brother�s more frustrating qualities.�

�We had best get moving,� Orophin said as he gathered his equipment. �It is not an easy task we have set for ourselves.�

Legolas moved silently through the forest. He had been sent southwest, towards where the Celebrant flowed toward the Anduin. According to the brothers, Haldir had found a hot spring deep in the forests there. The prince tried not to picture the silver elf swimming in his head. He really did. The problem was, he longed to see the sight in person.

Haldir was the most beautiful elf he had ever seen. He loved the sound of his voice, the way it flowed over his skin like smooth chocolate. He liked watching Haldir move, seeing the muscles bunch and ripple beneath that luminous skin. Many times, he had fantasized about the other elf, about stripping him naked and tasting every inch of his body. He imagined Haldir taking him, sinking deep into his body and making him scream in pleasure.

There had been times when he thought the Marchwarden had felt the same way. A look in those eyes, a quirk of his mouth, little things that made Legolas think there could be something more. But always it was the competition. Haldir�s need to prove himself the better archer had stood in the way. Thankfully, Legolas had extracted the promise. He could not do it anymore. He wanted more from Haldir than that.

Legolas froze in his spot, listening intently and scenting the wind. The tingle on the back of his neck did not signal danger, but he was no longer alone. There was another presence nearby. The soldier in him took over and he slipped around the trees and bushes, moving where the pull was strongest.

Had it been anyone else, they would have gasped in shocked appreciation. Legolas voice caught in his throat. There, standing on a small outcropping of rock, was Haldir. His face was raised to the late afternoon sun. It glistened through his hair and over his skin. The Marchwarden wore not a stitch and it was if the sunlight itself was caressing him, loving him. By the Valar, he was beautiful. Legolas swallowed hard, moving without realizing it. Entranced by the sight before him, the prince moved closer. He approached Haldir from behind, reaching out with one hand.

�This is a bittersweet moment,� Haldir said suddenly.

�We have been searching for you,� Legolas returned softly as he let his hand drop to his side.

�Have you?� Haldir said absently, his eyes still closed and his face still raised to the sun.

�You have been gone for two days. We were concerned,� the prince answered �What have you been doing out here all this time.�

�Saying farewell to a dream,� Haldir whispered.

He turned to face the woodland prince, for once, his heart clearly visible in his eyes. A sad smile graced his features as he reached out and caressed Legolas� face.

�What do you mean?� the prince whispered softly, shivers of pleasure racing across his skin at that simple touch.

�Do you not see?� Haldir asked, �Do you not remember?�

�Haldir, I am finding it difficult to breathe with you standing there naked and beautiful,� Legolas admitted in a rush.

�Your first visit to Lothl�rien,� Haldir began as he faced Legolas fully �Beautiful, laughing, your eyes sparkled like the stars above. You were traveling with Elladan and Elrohir and the three of you had decided on a visit.�

�Yes, I remember,� Legolas said. �You seemed arrogant, haughty. I was not quite sure if I liked you or not.�

�On the third day of your visit, there was much celebration and great quantities of Miruvor. We were gathered around the fire and the talk turned a bit ribald,� Haldir continued.

�Orophin asked you what kind of elf would claim your heart. You had had many propositions in the short time you were with us,� Haldir lowered his head to look at the light sparkling off the water �I listened so intently, waiting impatiently for your answer. Do you not remember what it was?�

�Remem� The one who would have me, heart and soul, is the elf whose arrow flies truer than mine,� Legolas whispered. Suddenly everything made sense. Things became crystal clear and he found his anger overflowing. Without thinking of the consequences, Legolas lunged forward, gripped Haldir�s shoulders and shoved hard. The silver blond elf went flying into the water with an enormous splash.

Haldir came to the surface sputtering. He tossed his head, causing his hair to slap wetly against his back. He wiped the water out of his eyes and then stared at Legolas. The prince stood on the outcropping, his hands on lean hips and his eyes blazing with anger.

�Of all the idiotic� THAT was what this was all about?� he demanded, �You challenged me every time I came here because of some silly boast made hundreds of years ago?�

�You sounded very serious,� Haldir shot back, �But it is neither here nor there. You will not have to worry about it any more.�

�Why did you not just ask me?� Legolas demanded.

�And sound like every other elf that approached you?� Haldir snorted, �I wanted you for more than just a night�s pleasure. I wanted you for eternity.�

�Wanted?� Legolas asked, one fine eyebrow arching regally, �Do you mean to say you do not want me anymore?�

Slowly the Greenwood prince tossed his weapons on top of Haldir�s pile of clothing. Holding his piercing gaze, he removed every stitch of clothing. He kept going until he stood as naked as Haldir. The light breeze sifted through his hair, teased his skin and made his nipples tighten. He watched Haldir swallow. Clear blue eyes roamed his body and he felt it like a physical touch.

�Are you sure, Haldir?� Legolas asked as he jumped into the water, the droplets glistening in the sunlight �Can you honestly say you no longer want me?�

�You know I cannot,� Haldir breathed. Legolas was so close he could feel his heat against his skin. He curled his hands into fists to keep from grabbing the prince and claiming his mouth �But I lost. I have no right to claim such a treasure as you.�

�It is I, not a victory, that gives that right, Haldir,� Legolas purred as he claimed the Marchwarden�s mouth, �I am going to ride you, Haldir o Lothl�rien, until we both scream from the pleasure.�

Haldir growled low in his throat as his body tensed and tightened at the prince�s words. Easily he lifted his soon to be lover. Strong legs wrapped around his waist. Haldir carried Legolas over to the rocks that formed a smooth stairway leading to the pool. The water flowed over and around them, slicking their hair to their skin. Their bodies slipped and slid against one another, making them moan and writhe even more.

�Ah yes, Haldir,� Legolas arched into the hot mouth trailing down his chest. A moan tore its way free as Haldir latched onto one nipple. The talented tongue flicked it and gentle teeth nipped it, sending shards of pleasure ripping through his body. He gripped Haldir�s broad shoulders, trying to hang on to something solid. Somewhere along the way, Legolas had lost control of their encounter. Yet, he was more than happy to let the Marchwarden keep it. His time would come later.

Haldir had never tasted anything so sweet as his beloved�s skin. Nor had he heard sweeter music than the cries coming from his prince�s throat. He moved his mouth down Legolas� body, pausing long enough to dip and swirl his tongue into his navel, before continuing down. His chin brushed the water.

�Such delicious sounds you make?� Haldir whispered, looking up at Legolas from beneath his lashes.

�It is hard to keep quiet when such exquisite sensations wrack my body,� Legolas panted. He arched up, silently asking for more. His hips cleared the water and his erection strained against his belly.

Haldir purred in pleasure as he wrapped his fingers around Legolas� shaft. A low groan was his reward as he slowly stroked his prince. Glistening among the water, pearly essence leaked from the head of his cock, making Haldir ache to taste him. Slowly he lowered his head and swirled his tongue around the head, wringing cries of pleasure from his love�s lips. He moaned softly as Legolas� essence coated his tongue, the taste more intoxicating than ambrosia.

Legolas could not see. Haldir�s mouth encased his length in wet heat. He buried his fingers in pale silver locks as his body was thrust forward into a storm of sensation. Never before had it been this intense. No one had ever made him feel as if he was the only person in their world. Yet, that was precisely what Haldir was doing. His entire body ached and he longed to be filled by Haldir. He wanted to be one with him.

�Haldir, saes, meleth (please, love),� he panted, writhing beneath the Marchwarden�s wicked mouth. �Im an�ra-le nedh-nin. Im thang-nin, (want you inside me. I need you).�

�Then you shall have me, melethen (my lover),� Haldir whispered, letting his lips brush the head of Legolas� shaft as he spoke. He rose up from the water like Ulm� himself. Gently, almost reverently, Haldir lifted his prince and settled his hips across his thighs. A growl bathed his ears as his shaft bumped against his lover. He reached down and stroked Legolas� lips with his fingers until the prince opened his mouth. Slipping them inside, Haldir gritted his teeth against the sensation of Legolas dexterous tongue sliding over his skin.

Legolas gripped Haldir�s wrist as he sucked and nibbled on his fingers. Water was not the best lubricant and he wanted to make sure the flesh in his mouth was incredibly slick. He needed to feel his love buried inside him, needed to feel at one with him. They had lost so much time as it was. He did not wish to lose any more.

Slowly Haldir pulled his fingers from Legolas� mouth. Keeping his eyes on the cerulean blue of his woodland prince, he slipped his fingers between his spread thighs. Gently he circled the puckered opening before slowly pressing one finger inside. Legolas moaned at the lovely sensation, but he wanted more. He lifted his hips and pressed against Haldir�s finger, silently telling his lover to hurry up.

�I do not wish to hurt you,� Haldir ground out as his finger was clenched in tight hot heat.

�And I do not wish to wait,� Legolas gasped, �I want to be one with you, Haldir. Now.�

�Impatient, my prince?� Haldir chuckled softly as he slid a second finger in with the first, gently twisting and stroking.

�Incredibly so,� Legolas answered honestly as he pushed down once more, stroking Haldir�s thighs as he did so. The water flowing over his skin only added to his pleasure but he wanted that ultimate feeling of being one with the elf that he loved, yes, loved. Haldir had held his heart from the first moment of their meeting. It had just taken the prince too long to realize it.

He arched as a third finger joined the other two inside his body. Though he was impatient, it pleased him that Haldir took such care. It showed how much the Marchwarden cared for him. Yet, he needed more. Reaching down, he wrapped his hand around Haldir�s erection, causing the other elf to push forward sharply. A groan tore its way free as the blunt head pressed against his opening.

�Yes, Haldir. This is what I need,� Legolas panted, �You buried deep inside me. Saes do not make me wait any longer.�

�It will hurt if I enter you now,� Haldir panted, closing his eyes against the overwhelming sensation of Legolas� hand on him.

In answer, Legolas took their cocks in hand, smearing and rubbing their juices over aching shafts until they slid with exquisite ease through his fingers.

�Problem solved,� Legolas purred, �Now take me, Haldir, and bury yourself deep within me. I want to feel all of you. I want to be one with you.�

He could not resist such a plea. He positioned himself at Legolas� entrance, pressing gently forward until the head of his shaft passed through the guardian ring. A loud hiss of pleasure joined the sweet moans coming from his woodland elf.

�Keep going,� Legolas urged, �Do not stop, I beg you.�

Haldir continued on, pressing deep within the sweet body, pausing to let the prince adjust, then moving on when Legolas encouraged him to do so. Finally, he was seated deep within his love and nothing could feel more perfect. He let his head fall back as he savored the sensation of Legolas wrapped tightly around him, joined with him.

�By the Valar, Haldir,� Legolas moaned, his eyes closed as he trembled. �You feel� so very good� hard� deep� perfect.�

�You make it so, melethen,� Haldir ground out softly. It was more than he could bear. He needed to move. Slowly he withdrew, feeling Legolas muscles clench around him.

Exquisite. That was the only word he could think of to describe the sensation of Haldir deep within his body. The Marchwarden felt so right, as if this was where they were meant to be. Each stroke rubbed that very sweet spot deep within the prince, making him cry out his pleasure to the stars beginning to dot the sky. He could think of no one that had ever made him feel this beautiful, this loved and cherished.

Like the rushing water around them, the two elves hurried toward that special place only lovers knew. It was a place where time and setting had no meaning. It was where nothing existed save for each other. Long pent up desires were unleashed, Mouths came together in fierce passionate kisses that mimicked the movement of smooth strong bodies.

Needing to be deeper, Haldir slid his arms beneath Legolas and lifted him, settling the prince on his lap, pushing himself deeper amid the ecstatic cries of his partner. This position was more beneficial, pressing Legolas� shaft between them as it did. He feasted on the prince�s mouth even as he thrust deep into his body.

�So close,� Legolas panted, rocking his hips to meet each thrust of Haldir�s body, He wrapped his arms tightly around his lover�s shoulders, hanging on as he felt himself begin to unravel, to shatter in this elf�s arms.

�Then come for me, my prince,� Haldir purred, nipping the tip of Legolas� ear as he gave a hard thrust upward hitting his sweet spot. To his delight, the stunning elf in his arms shattered, screaming his name as his head fell back and his eyes clouded with ecstasy. He felt the warmth of Legolas� seed against his belly, making them slick and the clenching of his inner muscles. Haldir could not resist this combination. His body shook as he came, pumping his essence deep within his lover, holding Legolas to him tightly. He closed his mouth on the skin at his prince�s neck, above the collar line. Sucking to match the pumping of his body, he marked Legolas as his in his passion.

Legolas felt Haldir�s mouth and smiled in satisfaction. He had longed for the Marchwarden to take him, claim him as his own and now his wish was fulfilled. For the Prince of Greenwood, there would be no other.

Once he was spent, Haldir collapsed, rolling to take the brunt of the rocks and pulling Legolas atop him. They moaned at the movement, for it broke their connection before either elf was ready to do so.

It was a few moments before either one of them could speak. Legolas was the first to break the silence.

�Never have I felt something so� right,� he whispered as he clung to Haldir.

�Something so perfect,� the Marchwarden agreed.

�You marked me,� Legolas commented, his fingers dancing over the bruise on his neck. A bright smile graced his features,

�I am sorry, Legolas,� Haldir said, turning his face away, �It was not my intention.�

�Do not be sorry,� the prince answered as he turned the Marchwarden�s face back to his, �I have wanted you to do that for quite some time now. We have much to discuss, you and I. However, it shall not be right now. I wish to enjoy this moment for a while longer. There is only one other thing I must say.�

�What is that, my prince?� Haldir said as he closed his eyes and tightened his hold on Legolas.

�Amin mela lle (I love you), Haldir o Lothl�rien,� Legolas said, laying a gentle kiss on his lips.

Haldir�s eyes widened and then he pulled his prince tight against his chest. Tears stung his eyes, as his heart�s desire became reality. Legolas was his.

�Mela lle bevae (I love you too) Legolas,� he whispered.

Drifting off to sleep, they did not notice to two elves approaching, one as gold as Anor, the other as silver as Ithil. Galadriel turned to her husband and nodded, her serene smile never wavering. Nenya glittered on her finger.

�You made an excellent choice, pen vain (beautiful one),� she said. �Haldir will be ever constant and Legolas will be the light that guides him.�

�Yes,� Celeborn agreed as they moved forward, gathering clothing and weapons and depositing them in packs brought for just this purpose. The lord and lady of Lothlorien then gathered the two lovers in their arms. On silent, invisible feet, they traveled their land and settled their charges in Haldir�s talan. Galadriel tucked them in laying a gentle kiss on each of their foreheads while Celeborn set the packs to one side.

At the door, they both paused, Celeborn�s hand resting on her slender hip. They smiled, seeing the two finally together and at peace, Legolas held tightly in Haldir�s strong embrace.

�One down,� Celeborn chuckled.

�Two to go,� Galadriel finished, her eyes twinkling in a dangerous manner.

�I believe you get the next one, pen melui (my sweet),� Celeborn said as they traveled the high walkways of Caras Galadhon. �Orophin will be no easy match.�

�And R�mil will be the hardest of the lot,� Galadriel agreed, �But I would see our sons happy and cherished as I am.�

�Ech p�n i olthannen, Guren (You are all I dreamed, my heart),� Celeborn whispered as he gently kissed his wife.

�Melithon chen uireb (I will love you forever),� Galadriel answered, tenderly caressing his cheek, �I will see them happy whether they like it or no.�

Celeborn laughed as he saw the determination in Galadriel�s eyes. R�mil and Orophin did not stand a chance.

The End