Over Time

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Elrond looked down over the courtyard to where the preparations were being made. The main protagonists were not in view, yet he knew they were not far. He could feel the air ripple with emotion so strong that he hardly needed to focus on anything but the sway of the trees.

For not the first time he cursed his lack of judgment so many years ago. Had he acted differently the world would have been different. But would it have brought him what this imperfect world had? It was something he had pondered many times. In truth there was much he was glad for as well as regretted. His wife, though the time together had been short when compared to the eternity it should have been, three beautiful elves their union had conceived, the love he had fought against but had surrendered to as he had always known he would.

He sighed deeply as two tall dark haired elves stepped into view. They were gifted not only in their father�s eyes, but renown in their own right. Elrond could recall with such clarity the day they entered the world, barely murmuring at the sudden wrench from their mother, turning only to reassure each other that they both had journeyed successfully into this new world. Their closeness had not changed and he had been loathed to attempt to do so. There was a brief moment of uncertainty as he felt rather than saw their sister. The frown on seeing her form on the bridge beyond was tempered only a little by the presence of another. He feared for Arwen as he did not fear for his sons in matters of the heart. He feared her choice above all for his heart told him of her decision even as his mind rallied against it. Of the choice of Elladan and Elrohir he had less fear but more doubt. Of his own choice, well that had been made so very long ago. Practiced eyes surveyed the changing scene below him, searching in heart and mind for another. One whose presence he would miss as surely as his own kin.

It was not an easy to task to send his sons out into the wild to face the hordes who spread their evil so readily. It had been as difficult to accept that he would be sending forth his lover to as much an uncertain fate. He could not see what would become of this adventure, saw only that the attempt must be made.

It seemed folly to send such small creatures on this quest. The man of Gondor had been right, the Black Gate and what lay beyond was traitorous to even those whose battle readiness was not questioned, only a fool would send those to whom a sword and bow were as foreign as a meal missed. Yet they all stood and marvelled at the words that had been spoken so surely as those supposedly more wise had raised their voices in anger. He had been surprised by the pledge of the uncrowned king, perhaps the wizard�s faith had not been misplaced. That the dwarf had also pledged his race had asked questions of the deep rooted contempt he held for these underground dwellers. And the Steward�s son. Pride Elrond supposed had had him step forth to join the fellowship.

Worried eyes moving over the courtyard brought his thoughts to the representative of Elves. That decision at least had not surprised him. And that decision was the one he least could accept. That the prince had been sent as his father�s representative had less concerned Elrond. It had been likely not Thranduil�s choice at all but the prince�s insistence that had brought him to the council. Elrond smiled at the thought of the exchange between the two warriors. The Mirkwood realm would not have easily given up its favoured child, and yet he could not say he had not welcomed the young one once more into the valley. Still staring out, the scene became less of the present and the future, and more turned to the past.

A less reflective mood may have had Elrond question why this particular memory was the one he recalled. It was not the first time his eyes had strayed to the young elf, nor the first time he had seen the blue eyes acknowledge him in return.

His sons and their woodland guests had returned from their ride. He knew where they had been taken, it was after all a favourite of the twins, though he doubted they had shared their secluded hideaway that had once served as their escape to explore their love and was now a shrine to that struggle for acceptance. No, they would not have ventured there, they would have taken the party further down the river where the water still tumbled over the worn rocks and created the dazzling colours in the light. That had been his refuge from the noise of the world on many occasions, when the sounds that assailed him had become too much to bear. He was not as reluctant to share that place, it welcomed him as it had always done, and still brought to him a special peace. Brought to the present for a moment Elrond thought to go there when the goodbyes had been said. It was a brief thought he did not wish to dwell too long on, turning again more contentedly to the past.

The blond prince was an enigma among the dark haired brethren, easily identifiable even before he leaned close to the elder of the twins to place a kiss to his cheek, his hair catching in the sunlight. In complete disregard to his age Elrond�s heart had quickened its pace, only to be calmed a moment later when the younger of his sons slipped his hand into his brother�s to lead him away, arms embracing each other as they walked what they deemed a discrete distance from the company.

Elrond had moved away from the window then, quickly but not swiftly enough for he had caught the eye of the prince. How young he had looked then, not much changed even now so many years later, Elrond thought ruefully, the shadow of his homeland barely visible in the shining blue eyes unless one knew where and how deeply to look. The elf had inclined his head in respect, Elrond had returned the gesture before he slipped from view.

It was later, many years later, Elrond now nodded to himself, before the young prince returned to their borders. There was a definition to his body that only the years and training could bring. He had been surprised by the change, still thinking of him as the light limbed elfling he had once been. Yet it should not have caught him so unawares for his own sons had grown to be a most striking pair, with eyes and hearts still only for each other. Their devotion had not changed despite the attempts of numerous parties. Elrond had wondered who it was, if any, that had captured the heart of the Mirkwood prince. He had not thought much on the golden haired one but for fleeting moments and it had further surprised him that he was struck by him now, feeling the faint stab of what he could only confess to be jealousy, at the reminder that the young one may have indeed found a life companion.

The greeting was full of the formality such an occasion, or perhaps Thranduil, demanded. The Prince of Mirkwood had bowed before the Lord of Imladris and received the appropriate response. The lord�s sons had been less formal in their response, grasping Legolas by the arm in the salute of warriors, a broad grin across all their handsome faces. That done it was beholding on Elrond to invite the prince to dinner before guiding him to his chambers.

The days filled with pleasantries and substantial discussions. Legolas was frequently seconded into being the catalyst for relieving the boredom of the twins who had been confined to the borders of their homeland by the injury to Elladan that the last hunt had delivered. The recovery was hampered by his and his brother�s eagerness to be out in the wilds as he frequently tested himself to the limits, only to find a setback. Thus Legolas was oft in their company discussing weapons, tactics and swapping many tales that grew more bold and daring with the telling.

Elrond watched over all of this from afar, not wishing to interrupt the young ones. Occasionally the blond prince would catch his eye and Elrond would find his heart beat just a little faster at the sight, then he would withdraw and leave them to their stories, not seeing the lingering gaze of his son�s companion as he departed. Legolas would watch for some time, brought back to his companions only by a sharp jab to his ribs. He laughed, shaking his head, returning to the banter. Yet his inattention had not been lost on the darkhaired twins who merely smiled knowing to each other, their thoughts one as they most usually were.

It was not that the sons of Elrond deliberately contrived any given situation, if confronted by their involvement, their inquisitor would have been silenced by a pair of dazzlingly innocent smiles, a flicker of an arched eyebrow and a look between the two of them that others couldn�t understand, before they turned and walked away, heads cocked to each other in their silent whispers.

Still the courtship was a slow one, punctuated by moments of surprising pace. Elrond reluctant to pursue his suit to one so young, taken at times by the thought of losing Legolas to another because of it.

A hand just moments before finishing pointing out a spot on a map came to rest close to another, neither moving as they contemplated the potential of reinforcement to the indicated encampment. An invitation to walk in the gardens that necessitated the need to walk close along the narrow paths. An unintentional evoking of a long ago memories of grief shared that had arms slip round one another in mutual comfort. And then the first tentative kiss.

Elrond�s attention was momentarily refocused on the present scene below him, the activity within the courtyard had increased by the arrival of yet more whose interest lay in the latest truths and rumours that had swept Middle Earth. As he noted the substance of the party his thoughts once again returned to the past.

The kiss.

They had been walking along the paths that had become a pleasant habit for them after the long discussions of the day, an escape that Elrond looked forward to with delight, more so each day and not only for the chance to dwell awhile in the warmth of the sun. The elf by his side whose hair shone with the same gold was his alone for a few moments before they were again swallowed by the weight of their duties.

It had been unexpected, little more at first than the accidental brushing of their lips. Tentatively Elrond had touched the cheek of the young elf who had responded by gently caressing his back tracing the fall of dark hair, his inexperienced hands showing none of the hesitation that held Elrond back. Hold back he did though stepping away only a little to look into the brilliant blue eyes that clouded with confusion.

�Not yet,� he had whispered then, taking those young hands in his, kissing the palms of each in turn.

Knowing heads and identical grey eyes smiled as they returned, their closeness no longer dependent on the narrowness of the pathway.

Arms wrapped around him tightly as he stood, golden hair cascaded over his shoulder as a kiss was placed on the curve of his neck.

�So lost in thought,� the prince whispered, �flatter me and tell me it is I that holds your attention so.�

Elrond laughed, turning in the embrace, returning to the present, stroking his fingers through the silk hair, caressing the soft cheek as he did. Legolas moaned quietly.

�It would not be flattery to speak the truth,� Elrond replied as quietly, a slender finger tracing along the prince�s lip.

Legolas cocked his head to one side. �On what do you muse?�

�How sweet is a first kiss.�

�Ah,� Legolas smiled, leaning closer. �And what of the ones that follow?�

�Just as sweet,� was the reply before no other words were possible. Lips were parted slowly as hands pressed bodies closer, fingers caressing beneath the clothing. There was a shiver of anticipation from both elves.

As they parted Legolas smiled with sparkling eyes. It was Elrond who now looked to his lover in puzzlement.

�On what do your thoughts dwell?�

�I was thinking on other first times,� Legolas smirked, a blush colouring his cheeks.

�Ah,� Elrond replied, taking a moment to recall the same memory.

�You were so reluctant.�

�You were so young.�

�I despaired of you ever taking me to your bed.�

Elrond sighed as he regarded his lover. He had been reluctant to take that final step, time and again judging the prince too young, though years had passed in their courtship and his sons had urged him with more than a hint of amusement at his reticence. The passion that built as they kissed and caressed had always been dampened by Elrond�s fear that it was desire more than love that drove them. His conscience would not allow him to break the trust placed in him, nor take an advantage, real or imagined. Legolas though proved his resilience and his patience.

Legolas touched his cheek as he had done long ago. �Yet I always knew.�

Elrond nodded. �As I did.� He searched his lover�s face intently. Legolas did not shy away. �You do not regret?�

Legolas shook his head. Elrond had asked the same question time and again, and received the same answer.

�What is there to regret,� he replied, with a smile.

And that had been his answer then.

The days had been spent apart, as it had often been, both had their duties and tasks that neither could or would neglect. The nights were passed more than pleasantly, after the evening meal they would walk together in the gardens, a common enough sight for others to offer no more than a nod in their direction, often to sit on one of the many benches and simply enjoy the night and the company of each other. Sometimes they would return to Elrond�s chambers and together they would read the histories. Elrond had caressed the nape his young love�s neck, kissing him before they were to part to spend the night in their own beds. Legolas pulled him close, emboldened to press the Lord of Imladris a little further.

Elrond had pulled back surprised, but Legolas was having none of it that night, his arms tightening, the returned kiss speaking of his desire.

�Let me stay with you this night,� Legolas had whispered

�Stay with me,� Elrond murmured, unable to hold back.

The smile that alighted upon Legolas� face was etched into Elrond�s memory. It was an image he had evoked many times in their long and frequent separations. He recalled it now as Legolas led him to the bed.

�I remember it was you who also took my hand that night,� he whispered as his lover moved to unfasten the tie of his robe.

�I feared you would yet change your mind and bade me hold once more,� Legolas whispered back between the soft kisses he played across the elf lord�s chest, his hands busy at the other fastenings that held Elrond�s garments closed about him. Slipping the robe from his shoulders, not paying any heed as it fell to the ground, noting only the graceful lift of Elrond�s feet as he stepped free of it. Legolas trailed his hands down the finely sculptured chest, the define of which was not lost despite the years since his lover had last wielded a sword in battle. It was as he always remembered it in his lonely dreams.

�You were as bold then,� Elrond chuckled as he arched his body into the touch, his own hands brushing silken strands of hair behind the curved ears of his prince, the muffled hiss pleasing him. Bright eyes glanced to him, a smile on his lips.

�I had decided to leave you no recourse, to ensure you gave in finally to what it was we both wanted��.I was eager for you.� Nothing had changed Legolas thought as he pressed a kiss to Elrond�s hip, his fingers caressing the curve of his buttocks as he knelt on the furred rug at the bed�s side. There had been few opportunities to ponder in that night, Legolas had pressed hard and quickly, and there had been no cause after. The only regret had been that they had waited so long to consummate their love.

�I was as eager for you�.but you were so young�I did not think it wise�..� Elrond gasped between the touches, attempting to explain once more to himself and to his lover.

�Shhhh��Legolas cautioned softly, his voice tinged with a note of humour.

Elrond too smiled though any thought to speak was dissolved not by command but by action for Legolas had wrapped his mouth over the hard erection, covering the tip at first with a swirl of his tongue, then slipping parted lips slowly down the whole.

�Ah,� Elrond finding his voice amid the sensation coursing through his body, �that you did not find the courage to do then.�

Legolas stilled a moment to look mischievously up. �No,� he replied, �this I learnt from you.�

Elrond press back into the proffered parted lips once more, savouring the feeling of lap of Legolas� tongue, coupled with the whisper of warm breath across his skin. He well remembered that too, he holding Legolas by his slender hips, kneeling at his feet to begin the first act of love between them.

All their waiting only had heightened their need that first night. One climax followed the other swiftly, Elrond guiding the shaking hands of a young one whose courage had not deserted him but who was in awe of the reactions wrought from him. There was no such haste now, though the longing had not faded nor the desire lessened. This was not the first time they had come together in the past days, but it was the first time with the choice now laid out before them. There would be precious few moments like this before Elrond would farewell those he loved best, save one who would remain at his side, on their journey that try as he might he could not perceive to what end. Precious moments that could not be wasted, moments that would join other precious memories to sustain them both through the darkness that was to come.

They had learnt together, their bodies in harmony now, each knowing the needs of the other, knowing when to move hands and mouths, to cease the soft caress and ready each other for more.

Legolas released the hard length from his mouth with a long, final sweep of his tongue, sucking lightly at the first hint of liquid that pooled glistening at the tip. He stood, pressing first his body close, allowing his lover to feel for the first time his own body�s reaction to the touches about his ears and neck. Now it came to Elrond to further arouse them both. As Legolas stepped back a fraction, Elrond took his lover�s hand in his, curled it round his prince�s erection and watched as Legolas moved his hand slowly across its length. Leaning forward once more, Elrond brushed his own erection over that of Legolas� as his lover�s hand fell away to allow the contact. Closing one hand over both Elrond continued the actions as Legolas placed his hand at the back of Elrond�s head to draw him into a hard kiss that had tongues twinning with each other, lips pressed hard one to the other, their steady soft moans filling each other�s senses.

Both bodies pressed and writhed as the kiss became more insistent. Each elf demanding more and knowing it would come. They had long ago ceased to ponder the possibilities, Elrond in particular accepting what was freely offered to him, accepting and being accepted. As they moved surely to the comfort of the bed, Elrond permitted himself a wry silent smile of remembrance. The knowing look his sons had bestowed on him at the dawn of that day. They of all had recognised within their sire the contentment that comes when the battle ends between heart and mind, and it has been the heart that triumphs.

Feeling the edge of the bed nudge at the back of his knee, Elrond fell to it, taking Legolas with him, his young lover landing atop him with a grin. It mattered not who yielded, the years bringing the understanding that neither was dominant in this, they loved as the mood of each took them, as need directed. Never had they sought the same, and this night would not break that. Without words Elrond had signalled his desire and Legolas saw no need to be disinclined to accept.

The lack of need for preliminaries did not mean they could not and were not employed. Elrond parted his legs allowing the prince to slide between them. As the kiss ended Legolas rose to his knees, Elrond wrapped his legs around the slender waist, his hips lifting his buttocks. Into the space between body and bed Legolas slipped his hand, shifting his body only a little. Both moaned as one then two skilled fingers pushed passed the tight muscle to smooth along the channel within. Elrond�s eyes fluttered closed a moment, a slight flexing of his hips sending the questing fingers deeper. Legolas flexed and arched, his body swaying with the movement of his fingers, his own needs attended to by the gentle stroking of his hard flesh. When the first pearls of liquid were smeared over him, the lovers deemed themselves ready.

Practiced skill had Elrond breached, taken slowly, with reverence, not oblivious to the trust and love he saw shining in the dark eyes. The legs around him tightened pulling him closer and deeper. Legolas turned his hands to catch hold as the smooth slow rhythm of lovemaking began.

Whispered declarations of love punctuated the passion filled moans that cast themselves into the still, warm afternoon air. Spurred on by the desire they felt from each other, their gentle rocking ceased, in its place a less considered motion. Legolas� back arched, his body delving deep and fast into Elrond, his movement reciprocated, Elrond tossing his dark head on the white pillow, hands seeking and finding Legolas� hand on his thigh, clenching it in a silent plea to touch him. It was answered with Legolas clutching the graceful fingers as together they matched the increasing pace and more ragged movements. Dual breathes were hitched, caught amid the wildly beating hearts. Elrond was the first to cry out his climax, their joined hands coated with the warm white liquid even as Legolas called out his own release. Both stayed both hands and body, savouring this end of their joining as long as they could. Slowly they uncoupled, Legolas falling into the welcome arms of his lover.

It was many moments before either spoke. Legolas lay with his head on Elrond�s chest, a finger busy teasing at the taunt nipple as he listened to the steady heartbeat.

Elrond for his part ran his fingers through the golden hair, over the curve of Legolas� ear. �I love you,� he whispered.

Legolas looked up with a smile to the grey eyes that regarded him. �I love you,� he murmured back, his fingers now tracing with lines of Elrond�s cheek. He inched up the bed to place a kiss on supple lips. �I will always.�

Elrond put his arms around Legolas, holding him close. �Come back to me,� he whispered with a sudden dread of what yet may come to pass.

Legolas looked at him startled. �My promise to you�.for you I will return.�

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Seemingly endless meetings followed, planning and replanning taking place each morning and eve. It was a matter that concerned all the peoples of Middle Earth and Elrond was loathed to not consider their opinions. Yet it was tedious and tiresome and many were the times Elrond crept into his chambers late hoping not to disturb his sleeping lover. More often than not Legolas greeted him with a smile in his chambers welcoming him into his own bed. At those times when he was not to be found reclining in his lover�s bed, he was seated by the hearth, his features caught in the soft glow of the fire, reading.

�You should rest,� Elrond chided him more than once, though in truth he was glad of the company as he disrobed and gathered Legolas into his arms to talk a little more, but mostly to feel the warmth of him resting against him to ease the ache of mind and body.

�As should you,� Legolas oft replied, kissing his weary lover, loving him gently with caressing hands and a tender mouth. He asked for no fulfilment of his own, only the delight of pleasing his lover in such a way, a memory stored with the others to warm a cold bed in the nights to come.

After they would lie as they had in years past, when it had not come to them to couple their bodies, when their explorations did not go beyond sharing a bed and confidences. They would talk of their past, fond thoughts of the beginning of their stumbling relationship and the prompting of darkling sons, the at first grudging acceptance of the King of Mirkwood that had developed into full appreciation of the bond between son and peer. Together they would remember the small things that lovers do. The candlelit room that greeted Legolas after a long ride from his home, Elrond being alerted to his coming by outlying scouts. The scented petals of red roses that had been scattered on the bed for Elrond to return to after a particularly frustrating day. The picnic that Elladan and Elrohir had arranged for them, �kidnapping� the two of them to guarantee their attendance. The walks before the last light of the day had faded that lasted until they could look up into the jewel studded night wrapped in each other�s arms.

What they did not speak of was the future. Legolas because he feared the Lord of Imladris who wielded a Ring of Power, knew what lay ahead, Elrond because he feared he did not. Continued discussion had only brought more unease for Elrond who would send out his sons and his lover. What fate awaited them none could tell. And what after, once all that could be done, had? On that stood even more turns on the road. If success came to this foolhardy gesture elves would still depart this world for their true home, but would all follow ? And when? And what would be found across the sea? If no way could not be found to defeat the darkness, could those who had seen its rise before leave those who had come after alone to battle as they had done? Could those war weary soldiers summon one more endless fight?

And what would become of their love? Would they, could they, hold to the same path? It pained each, in his own private contemplation, to raise such questions between them. The days and nights together were shortening and neither wished to cast yet another shadow over what time they had left.

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Elladan and Elrohir flanked their father as the company departed the protection of Imladris. Elrond stared into the distance, following the progress until not even elven eyes could discern the Nine. They placed a comforting arm around him as they turned to enter the house, the very air quiet around them. The twins were amid their own preparations to leave and would do so as soon as possible. They had waited to stand with their father and sister and to farewell those on whom great hopes rested. For them at least they had the reassurance that came with riding as one, knowing their fate together.

Elrond stood alone at the window, a wry smile as he noted the place, watching the quiet now of the courtyard. A faint rustle behind him had him turn, half expecting to spy the golden hair and slender frame move to embrace him. He shook his head at his folly.

They had spent their last night in ferverent love making and deep silences, taking comfort in both. Once the final arrangements had been complete, Legolas had hurried to his lover�s side, embraced him fiercely, kissing him hard, taking him to the bed with haste. It had almost been less an immortal who had eternity, more one who embraced the fate of men, and as such had found time slipping through his hands.

Elrond was caught unawares by the strength of the uncertainty from Legolas. His proud lover had been stoic in his resolve throughout, a strength for Elrond who had suffered remorse for his part in the histories. He would now let his lover take what assurance he needed this night to carry him through. To his further surprise, it was Legolas who had splayed himself on the bed, his legs parted in intended submission. Slowly Elrond had undressed him, kissing the exposed skin as each garment was removed. Only when Legolas lay naked on his bed, aroused by the caresses to his body by hands and lips, did Elrond step back and remove his own clothing. His eyes never left Legolas� face as he watched his lover watch him. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Legolas� hand stroke his own flesh, catching the hand to curl around it. This night he would bring pleasure to his lover two-fold.

Bending Elrond took the erection into his mouth, one small part at a time, his tongue swirling over and under with his hand cupping the tight sacs beneath. His intent was obvious as Legolas tangled long fingers into dark hair, arching up to press for more. As Elrond looked to him, his eyes gleamed with undisguised mischief before he went back to his torment. His tongue ran the full course from base to tip, his parted lips following, gliding to nuzzle at the smooth groin, sliding back to wrap around the tip. These movements Elrond repeated, each one bringing forth a groan of both frustration and satisfaction.

Legolas� hand tugged at the dark hair, the pad of his thumb tracing the curve of Elrond�s ear, knowing with a smile of satisfaction of his own, that it would provide some measure of torment to him in recompense for what he was receiving. Recognising his lover�s mild agitation, Elrond took the hard erection fully into his mouth, moving his lips only a little as he sucked gently at first then with increased ardour, Legolas� ministrations eliciting the desired result. Under such persuasion it took so little time for Legolas to fill the air with his cries of passion and to fill the ready mouth with his release. He had barely time to recover when he felt the touch of fingertips enter his body. He arched and swayed into the touch, pressing to drive Elrond to swiftness in this. He wanted to feel his lover within, needed to have that fullness as it caressed him. Elrond was not so swayed this time, again taking his time to prepare his lover with probing fingers that stroked and stretched. Legolas� hands had slipped from his lover�s head to grasp at the sheets below him, his head and shoulders pressed hard into the bed as he lifted his hips. It was a display of wanton desire that caused Elrond to pause just a moment to remember the tentative first time when neither had been so sure. There had been such innocence then, innocence that was still there in the way Legolas gave his all in their lovemaking, not withholding anything from his lover.

Elrond blew a soft breath over the formally sated organ that now stirred once more. Guiding Legolas� clenched hand to his own body, Elrond stroked their joined hands over himself, in readiness. Kneeling, he placed muscled thighs to his shoulders, his fingers withdrawn. Holding the flushed gaze of his lover, Elrond inclined his head just once. The intrusion was as slow as the preliminaries had been. Elrond took his lover with a mind to make this last, to join their bodies as slowly as he had proceeded since Legolas had entered his chamber in such need.

Legolas gasped at the penetration, his eyes closing and opening slowly, hands seeking the assurance of his lover. Elrond compiled, reaching to take his hands in his as he thrust fully into the willing heat of Legolas� body. This would be no rugged coupling until the end when passion overcame them and they were both driven. Each flex of hips was returned, Legolas drawing his lover deep into him, holding him for a time with tight muscles. They called to each other with names and with words of love and devotion, mingled with the sounds of lovers in the throes of demonstrating the completeness of that love.

It would not be the only time they came together that night. As the sky turned from velvet black to the red pink of dawn the Lord of Imladris and the Prince of Mirkwood lay curled in each other�s arms, resting at last. They would not be called until later, the company leaving in the more subdued light of the late afternoon.

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Elrond looked around in the now gathering gloom of early evening. The room was still filled with the scent of his love, and in contrast to what he had assumed, it comforted him rather than distressed him.

The noise behind him was not imagined this time and he turned to meet the concern of his offspring. As one they walked to him, standing as they had done before in the courtyard and shared his view of the world beyond, arms around him, and each other. Together in silence they shared the last of the golden light of the day.

�Go,� Elrond urged them with a smile, �you have your own preparations to make�.and matters to attend.�

The twins nodded. They would be together but times for the intimacy that they enjoyed alone would be few. Still they hesitated to leave their sire.

�Go,� he urged more strongly, shaking his head the smile more ruefully.

�If you are certain Ada,� Elladan murmured placing a kiss to his father�s cheek.

Elrond nodded.

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The departure of the twins was witnessed by those who had gathered the day previous. It was with an equal heavy heart that Elrond saw his sons off on their quest.

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�I shall be waiting, �Elrond had whispered fighting with no success the tears that blurred his vision. �I shall be waiting.�

Legolas had held on to those words over the years. Years that had seen him fulfil the vows Elrond had not expected him to break. But the moment had come when he was free to sail and with careful haste the ship had been readied.

The dwarf by his side kept vigil with him, searching the endless sea for confirmation that they had set the right course though he scarcely knew what it was that was sought. That the elf beside him knew eased his mind somewhat, the trust between them complete, forged from battle and quieter moments of thought. So much so that Gimli was of the same anxious spirit as Legolas.

One night surrounded by the glittering stars Legolas had spoken of his love. Told of other pledges made and meetings keenly awaited. Revealed the fine chain of mithril silver that adorned his neck, and the wide band of like metal that hung from it. Yet under the heartfelt yearning the dwarf had sensed a hesitation in the elf�s words, an eluded to prior reunion across the sea that may take precedence if the lady so willed it.

So it was with such uncertainty clouding their thoughts that Gimli placed a hand on the arm of the tall elf as at last their destination came into sight. The sky was bright, the wind that drove them closer to the shore warm as it tugged at the white sails. Legolas looked down at his companion, the years teaching him not to hide his heart�s feelings. He nodded, placing his own hand over that of the dwarf�s, grateful for the comfort it gave.

The closer they sailed the less assured Legolas had become of his welcome. There was another with a claim more substantial than his would have been waiting in renewed health. Legolas could not know what had been said, what news had been related to her. What if in all this time, Elrond had cause to regret the taking of a prince to his bed?

As the harbour came into full view Legolas held his hand to his chest to ease the frantic beating of his heart. Beneath the tunic he felt the weight of the pledge ring, its presence a reminder of pleasures past, a love he would not regret and would keep for all eternity. Whatever was to come, Legolas would never again gift his heart and was sadly happy for his choice.

His keen eyes could not still from seeking familiar faces as they neared the quay. The sails had not gone unnoticed and many gathered to welcome home one of their own. Legolas smiled as he sighted the dark haired twins dressed in white and silver standing hand in hand at the forefront of the crowd. He had learnt of their sailing knowing both would be anxious to convey news of their sister�s passing and receive the healing that could only be found across the sea. Legolas was glad they had their love to sustain them on their journey. Beside them stood their lady grandmother. Gimli smiled shyly as she gifted him with a radiant smile.

Stepping to the shore Legolas had still not spied the one he most wish to see, even if his heart was undecided on what he would encounter. The twins warmly embraced him and he let them welcome him in such a manner, returning it. He was genuinely thankful to accept their greeting. His travelling companion was not to be outdone, bowing low to both elven lords and the lady of his heart. Galadriel nodded, stepping aside noting Legolas� flirtive glances.

At her signal Elladan and Elrohir did likewise. The scene before him halted Legolas mid breath, caught as he stared, barely did he feel Gimli�s hand on his shoulder or his muttered words of support. Nor did he see Elladan and Elrohir look to him. He saw only what stood before him. With his lady on his arm there was his soul�s mate. Legolas looked about for a refuge, taking a step back in his need to be away, his muscles unmoving in his fear. In that heart beat his nightmares had been made real. He had been a fool to believe, but only had himself to blame, he had accepted the promises with vows of his own. His mind tumbled through a hundred thoughts as he laboured to breathe again, to move. All around was quiet. Why had Elrond chosen such a public arena to herald his decision?

Legolas stared as though transfixed as Elrond smiled at him, an identical smile on the countenance of his fair lady the stricken elf noted abstractly. Yet he could not begrudge her happiness for she had earned it most grievously. Another step away, his gaze had not shifted much as he wished it to and no words would come.

Almost imperceptivity the lady motioned her lord forward, releasing her arm from his, recognising, unlike her companion, the distress of the young elf in his misreading what was before him.

Elrond had stood equally unmoving at the new arrival, unable after all the years to believe he did indeed stand before him. There had been little news brought even from the twins who had only reported Legolas hale, no word as to his sailing. What he saw now was the stuff of his dreams, the nightmare that Legolas would not come to him abated, replaced by the thought that had haunted him amid the tranquillity, that he had lost the love of his heart. He would have run to him, embraced him, kissed his pale skin, inhaled his scent, yet there was the hesitation on Legolas� part that held him back.

Celebrian whispered words intended to be heard by only one other before she stepped back, gently pushing Elrond forward to him. He looked back to her with a grateful smile before stepping closer. She drew back into the crowd, her sons at her side, the smile not leaving her lips as her eyes gleamed with amusement and love.

Still uncertain Elrond looked again behind, to be met with the nods of his sons.

�Welcome,� he murmured.

Gimli, catching the smiles of the others, pressed his companion forward also. The elf looked to him shaking his head.

�Stubborn elf,� the dwarf muttered under his breath to the amusement of those around him.

Elrond could bear it no longer. If Legolas chose to keep his distance or nay then he would be best served to find out sooner rather than later.

The strength of the embrace startled Legolas. Elrond kissed him lightly uncertain still. The kiss called Legolas back to his senses as he slumped into the arms around him. His own arms wrapped around the elf lord, this kiss more demanding and fulsome. Parting they studied each other for several moments before they became aware of the small circle around them. Chiefly Legolas sought out a gleaming Celebrian who nodded her approval.

Reaching to the chain around his neck Elrond pulled the clasp open dropping the ring to the palm of his outstretched hand. Legolas gazed upon it before he to removed the concealed ring and the chain that bore it. He offered his ring to Elrond. Together they took the other�s, placing them on their respective fingers.

Arm in arm they walked the distance to the abode that was to be their home. It was the final gnawing doubt in Elrond�s mind as he bid his lover enter. It had been fashioned in the style of both Imladris and Mirkwood, combining both to accommodate its inhabitants. Mutely Legolas turned around taking in as much as he could, in awe of what his lover had created.

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

As they lay on the bed, light streaming in from the wide windows, momentarily sated, Elrond told of his own arrival and the acceptance of his lady of his love for Legolas. Indeed it had been she who had encouraged him to keep hope through the years, providing the companionship of a friend. Legolas nodded solemnly, noting he would thank the lady for her kindness.

�I had thought�.when I saw��..� Legolas murmured.

Elrond shook his head. �I thought perhaps that though my sons said otherwise that you had found in our time apart that your heart did not lie with me����

Elrond�s words were stifled in a kiss of such passion that he knew had been wrong in his judgement.

�Never think that,� Legolas replied, �never think my love for you could wane, � he continued, �it was too hard won to give up.� There was a smile on the beautiful face as Elrond laughed softly at the words.

�Aye,� he answered, �it was that.� He kissed the elf he had missed so much. �But win it you did, and it is yours for eternity.�

At that they fell into a needful embrace, the comings and going of the world around them unheeded.

The End