Shadow of the Forest

Part 14

Posted: September 2003
Author: Estella Greenleaf

*****

Chapter 14: Eternal Love

In Lothlòrien, the Lady of the Woods gazed out into the West. Her sharp senses were attuned to the whispers of the winds that roamed Middle Earth, gathering information on the progress of the company. She had foreseen the breaking of the Fellowship, but it was happening much faster than she imagined. It had barely been five days on the journey and some members looked about ready to kill each other. She was becoming worried when she sensed the elements stilled in silent anticipation. Only one could cause such commotion; and she hoped with her whole heart that the Star of Earendil would finally find happiness.

This stillness was broken abruptly as a spontaneous breeze erupted from the air. The leaves and branches danced to its joyous tune, adding their own music to the symphony of bliss and love. Even the pale moonlight seemed brighter, as specks of silver waltzed gracefully on the forest floor. The Lady watched the festive scene for a moment longer before leaving to find her husband. They would have to hurry to make appropriate preparations to ensure that the Golden Prince and his beloved would have a magical night to remember for all eternity when the Fellowship arrived in Lothlòrien.

*****

It was as Gandalf expected. Relationships within the Fellowship began improving the very morning after the Elf and Man declared their love. At Legolas' insistence, the couple had announced their 'engagement' to their companions.

The Elf knew Boromir fancied him; it was part of the reason the two Men were at odds. He wanted the other Human to understand that his heart belonged to Estel alone and that the dark-haired Man loved him back equally. He knew that Boromir was at heart a good Man and would come to terms with the situation once he knew the couple was truly in love.

The mage also knew from his talk with the Hobbits on Amon Sul that they did not have any biases against love between two males. He had a feeling that the little ones would be teasing them endlessly, trying to squeeze out every detail of the relationship between him and Aragorn. It would help take the Hobbits' mind off the perils of their journey and ease their fears. The Elf much preferred their meddling to complaints. As expected, the announcement seemed to have infused new energy into the depressed Hobbits. They had stopped lagging behind and the pace of their travels had quickened considerably.

The wizard at first was worried about Gimli's reaction to the news. The Dwarf was shocked to the core. The idea of romance between Races were foreign to him, least say love between two males of different races. However, when the Dwarf approached Legolas, curious about how it is possible that two so different could be in love, Gandalf relaxed.

The Golden Prince of Greenwood had certainly lived up to his reputation. His charm was irresistible. Within a week, he had become fast friends with Gimli though friendly debates and good-natured teasing. The Dwarf could no longer keep his affections from manifesting in his tone when he addressed Legolas as "Crazy Elf".

Legolas had also managed to convince the two Men to work together and teach the Hobbits swordsmanship. Through cooperation, they discovered each other's strength and began to learn to respect the other. It helped that the little ones were so adorable; training session usually ended with the Men and Halflings laughing helplessly as they romped around weaponless on the floor. Gandalf relished in the high spirits of the group. He only hoped it would be enough to see them through the Pass of Caradhras.

*****

His spies had returned. The crebain informed Saruman that the Fellowship would take the Pass of Caradhras. The fallen Istari smiled as he began to climb the stairs towards his altar at the top of Orthanc. The snowy mountain would be their grave and the One Ring would be his at last.

*****

The Fellowship was assaulted by a violent snowstorm the moment they set foot on Caradhras. From his position as rearguard, the Elf watched with sympathy as his companions struggled against the blizzard. Each Man held two Hobbits as they waded through the waist high snow. Gimli walked with his own strength, but Legolas could tell the Dwarf was tiring. Gandalf remained silent and alert as he struggled to plow a path in the snow for the rest of the Fellowship to follow. It seemed that the wizard was also suspicious of the sudden storm.

As an Elf, Legolas was immune to the cold and could walk easily on snow. He had also been spared the harshest of the winds; spell or not, the storm would not attack their Golden Prince. The icy gale howled its apologies, telling him this was not its will. "There is a fell voice in the air," warned Legolas.

"It's Saruman," Gandalf shouted as a boulder fell from above, barely missing the company.

The mountain too was under the evil sorcerer's spell, but it did not wish to harm the friends of Earendil's Star. The rock was a warning, telling the Prince they must leave now before something worse occurred.

"He is trying to bring down the mountain. Gandalf, we must turn back," shouted Aragorn.

"No!" the Istari screamed as he stood close to the edge of the mountain and cast his own spell in an attempt to counter Saruman. However, their struggle for control resulted in a great outburst of untamed magic. The Fellowship soon found themselves buried in rocks and snow.

Legolas was the first to emerge. He nimbly rose from the snow and began to help free the others from their prisons of rock and ice. The Elf's temper was starting to flare. He was beginning to wish he could do something nasty to both Istari, Gandalf for using magic so rashly and Saruman for trying to kill Estel. But a vow was a vow; he would keep his word and leave all the magic to the Grey Wizard.

"We must get off this mountain. We make for the Gap of Rohan or take the road West to my city," suggested Boromir as he tightened his hold on the two shivering Hobbits. He knew that the little ones would not last much longer in this cold.

"The Gap of Rohan takes us too close to Isengard," Aragorn pointed out, shaking his head. It would be suicidal to bring the Ring so close to Saruman's stronghold.

"If we cannot pass over the mountain, let us go under it. Let us go through the Mines of Moria," suggested Gimli, wishing to pay his cousin a visit. He had not heard from Balin for eons, but he was certain the Dwarf would be willing to help the company in whatever way possible.

They were all startled when the quiet Elf Prince screamed a resounding, "No!"

Legolas knew Moria had fallen into darkness. It was now the headquarters of one of Sauron's main Orc armies. That, however, was not what worried the mage. The Dwarves had delved too deeply into the Earth and awoken a Balrog. Only magic users had a chance of surviving a fight with the demon. With his promise not to use his powers, Gandalf would have to face the Balrog alone if it attacked. The Prince knew that at best, the Grey Wizard could match the foul creature's strength; there was no guarantee to the outcome of a direct confrontation. It would be a dangerous gamble to go through the Mines. Legolas was not about to let anyone in the Fellowship risk their lives.

Mithrandir understood the Elf's concerns, but this was not their decision to make. "Let the Ring-bearer decide. Frodo?"

"We will go through the Mines," replied the Hobbit hesitantly.

"So be it," said Gandalf with resignation.

*****

Legolas watched in pained silence as they approached the Mines. He felt helpless, knowing the danger that lied ahead yet unable to do anything to protect his friends. He could not see what the future held for the Fellowship, but he had an ominous feeling that soon one of them would fall.

He wished he had completed the binding ritual with Aragorn. It would not only give the Man immortality, but also the protective powers of the Star of Earendil. Part of his light would merge with the Man's essence, allowing Aragorn to create an energy shield against any weapon or magic. It would help ease Legolas' mind to know that his beloved could protect himself without his assistance.

The Elf had wanted to finish the ritual the night they confessed their love. But Aragorn insisted that they wait until he was King. The Man said he would not allow Legolas to be bound to a mere Ranger. Reluctantly, the mage agreed. Now as they approached the forbidding Walls of Moria, Legolas was beginning to regret his decision.

*****

Aragorn noticed the change in the Elf since they started for Moria. Legolas had become pensive again, much like when they first started their journey. The Man knew that Elves do not like caves, but he thought his beloved different since Shadow used to live in one. He wondered if something was wrong, but with Gandalf assigning the Prince to rearguard duty and himself to the front, there was not much opportunity for communication between them.

The Man wished very much for some time to speak with Legolas alone. But such private moments had eluded him ever since the Elf turned from the cold, quiet observer to a gregarious social butterfly. They had not even shared a kiss since the night they professed their love. There were always people around his Golden Elf. The Man knew his beloved was doing this for the good of their group, but it hurt that Legolas seemed as attentive as to everyone else as to him. Estel used to be the only one that mattered in Shadow's world; Aragorn wanted it to be the same way with Legolas.

Aragorn was beginning to regret not completing their binding when he had the chance. Elves had the unique abilities of sharing a mental link with their lovers after formal binding. Through a lovers' bond, they would be able to touch each other's mind. It would ease the Man's worries if he knew what Legolas thought or felt.

*****

The Company finally reached the Gates of Moria. Gandalf watched as the Golden Prince walked past the doors in silence to stand beside a tree. He knew the Elf noticed his questioning gaze, and that Legolas was choosing to ignore it. The Prince knew Moria well; he had been there as a guest many times before, when Elves and Dwarves were friends early in the Second Age. It would seem that the Elf was refusing to help in guiding them into possible danger.

"Doors of Durin, Lord of Moria, speak friend and enter," said Gandalf, translating the Elvish words on the gates.

"What do you suppose that means?" asked the ever-so-curious Merry.

"Oh, it's quite simple. If you are a friend, you speak the password and the doors will open," explained Gandalf, while looking expectantly at the Elf again. Legolas answered his gaze by folding his arms and looking up at the moon.

The wizard sighed before trying a series of Elvish phrases, but to no avail. Legolas was relieved when he saw that Gandalf was unable to open the doors. However, his joy was short-lived. In their boredom, Merry and Pippin had started throwing rocks into the water. The Elf knew a Watcher resided in the Lake; he could hear the water screaming in warning, telling him that the creature of darkness had awoken.

The Prince briefly considered his options and decided that the Mines were preferable. If they were quiet, their presence may go unnoticed by the Orcs and the Balrog. However, if they stayed here, they would for certain have to battle a giant Watcher. He walked gracefully up to the door and said, "Mellon."

The Fellowship stared at him in amazement as the great doors swung open. Pippin asked, "How do you know that?" as they walked into the mine.

Gimli, who noticed the Elf's tensed silence, tried to cheer up his new friend, "Soon Master Elf, you will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the Dwarves. Roaring fire, malted beer and ripe meat off the bone. This is the home of my cousin, Balin..."

His speech was cut short when he noticed the corpses on the floor. As the Dwarf stared at the scene of carnage, he let out an anguish cry, "No!! no.."

Legolas was not surprised to find that dead Dwarves and goblins littered the floor. However, it startled the others into beginning a retreat out of the mines. Before the Prince could stop them, the Hobbits had reached the entrance, where the Ring Bearer was immediately assaulted.

In a blink of an eye, Legolas notched an arrow and shot one of the tentacles trying to grab the frightened Hobbit. The two Men joined in the fray, slashing the limbs that held Frodo. Finally, Aragorn managed to severe the tentacle holding the Ring Bearer and freed him. As the barely conscious Halfling dropped into Boromir's arms, the Men began their retreat back into the Mines.

Aragorn ran behind the other Man and Frodo, hoping to guard them from further assaults from the evil creature. When the foul beast attempted to attack Aragorn, it was promptly rewarded with two of Legolas' arrows, one through the offending limb and the other in its eye. Provoked by the pain of its eye injury, the creature launched itself at its enemy, crumbling the door as it tried to get at the Elf who was already inside the Mines.

*****

Legolas cursed softly in Elvish as his beloved Man pushed him away from the falling rocks and shielded him with his larger frame.

Legolas was about to speak when he remembered he had not told the Man everything about himself yet. Aragorn did not know of his powers as the Star of Earendil! He should tell the Man now, but his magic was not common knowledge and the Elf preferred it that way. He would tell Aragorn the moment they were alone. But with the situation at hand, Legolas had a feeling that he would not get his opportunity for a while.

*****

Aragorn heard his beloved curse when they entered the Mines. He had never once heard Shadow use foul language and became worried that the Elf had been injured. But before he could ask Legolas if he was all right, Gandalf was on the move with the Elf following close behind. The Man decided that he had erred in not binding Legolas to himself when he had the chance. He would speak with the Elf and complete the ritual as soon as they had some privacy. Aragorn could only hope nothing bad would happen before then.

*****

Some wishes were not meant to be granted. The Fellowship was forced to leave one of its members behind in Moria. During his fight with the Balrog, Gandalf fell into shadow. Ignoring his own grief, Aragorn gave the order to march. The Man knew that he was the company's guide now; he must be strong for them. They must put some distance between themselves and the Mines before nightfall. It was the only way they could reach Lothlòrien in safety.

*****

Legolas carried out his beloved's commands numbly. His grief was almost overwhelming. It was entirely his fault that they lost Gandalf. If only he had taken the Wizard's place in the battle with the Balrog, the Fellowship would still be intact. It was his responsibility to keep them together and he had failed.

When the ancient demon pursued them, the Prince was tempted to break his promise and fight. But the old Istari had deliberately sent Aragorn to lead their company. After the incident on the stairs where the Man and Ring-bearer nearly fell into a bottomless abyss, the Elf had no choice but to remain right by his beloved's side in case Aragorn needed him.

*****

They marched at a gruesome pace throughout the night. Legolas had calmed a bit and began to notice how the Hobbits were lagging behind. Sam, in particular, was moaning softly with each step. The young one had re-opened the large cut on his head; the wound was bleeding anew. They needed to stop now.

"Aragorn, we need to stop and rest. The Hobbits cannot continue at this pace," called out the Elf to their leader who was many steps ahead.

"We cannot stop now. We must reach Lothlòrien at first light," replied Aragorn as he continued walking.

The Elf quickened his stride to walk alongside his beloved. "I know you are now our leader. I understand that you feel responsible for our safety. But the little ones need rest desperately. Sam is bleeding again and we have to treat his wounds. We must stop," insisted Legolas, as he laid a gentle hand on the Man's arm.

It was the first time the Elf had ever disagreed with one of Aragorn's decisions. As Shadow, he had always stood quietly behind the Man, offering his strength whenever necessary in secret. But now as the Star of Earendil reborn, it was his responsibility to be a light for the Fellowship in dark times. Besides, Legolas wanted to help his beloved bear the burden of leadership. This he could only do if he were Aragorn's equal, instead of his silent shadow. As much as the Prince hated to challenge his beloved Man, it was necessary to make his voice heard.

Aragorn looked at the Elf, pain clear in his eyes. He had expected Legolas to support him, not argue with him. "Do you think I have no feelings? That I don't want to let them rest? I am pushing us on because I know that the moment we stop, our grief will consume us. We do not have the will to fight if we are attacked now. We need the sanctuary of Lothlòrien not only for protection, but to heal our souls. Do not judge me as if you know how I feel," said the Man harshly as he shook the Elf's arm off and hurried away.

Legolas was hurt beyond words at the Man's accusations. He had only wanted to help, to keep the Fellowship united. Aragorn had thrown his kindness back at him as if it meant nothing. Silently, the Elf walked to rejoin the Hobbits. He knew Sam needed immediate attention. He bid the others to move ahead without them and began binding the little one's wound. When he was finished, Legolas carried the injured Hobbit on his back and caught up with the others.

For the rest of their journey, the Elven Prince marched in gloomy silence, wondering if Aragorn truly wanted him as consort. After all, the Man knew close to nothing about him. They have known each other for a long time, but he had been Shadow then. He was the Star of Earendil now, with great power as well as responsibilities. Maybe Aragorn would discover that they were not compatible as lovers.

Legolas could not change who he was, no matter how much he loved Aragorn. He wanted to lend the Man his strength and fight whatever evil they faced right by his beloved's side. He loved Aragorn too much to let him face darkness alone. But perhaps, this was not what his beloved wanted. Maybe what Aragorn wanted was someone to support his decisions in silence from afar; in this case, lady Arwen was much better suited to satisfy the Man's needs. Tried as he might to stamp the depressing thought, the Prince could not help but wonder if he and Aragorn were truly meant to be.

*****

Haldir waited for the Fellowship at the edge of Lòrien with his team of archers. The Lady of the Woods had given him very interesting instructions on how to greet the company. He could not blame her for such precautions. Rumors had it that the Golden Prince of Greenwood had powers that matched the Lady's, which made keeping secrets from him close to impossible. Galadriel wanted to surprise the younger Elf with the arrangements she had made on his behalf.

The Guardian was troubled when he saw the weary and sad members of the Fellowship. He noted that Gandalf was missing and feared for the worse. What was most distressing to the Elf was the grief and pain that was emanating from Legolas. The Prince was supposed to be ecstatically in love, not like this. Galadriel would not be happy with this unexpected development.

*****

The Fellowship was brought before the Lady of the Woods at arrow point. Normally, Legolas would have protested at their treatment; but he was too preoccupied with his thoughts and grief to notice. In fact, he did not even notice when Galadriel spoke to Frodo mentally, frightening the Ringbearer enough to make the little one turned stark white. As soon as they were dismissed, the Elf wandered off alone, seeking the quiet company of the mallorn trees.

*****

After his conversation with Boromir, the Man tried to find his beloved. He knew he had behaved appallingly to the Elf and needed to apologize. Aragorn could not believe he vented his frustration on his beloved again as he did at Amon Sul. He almost lost Shadow because of that. He could only hope that Legolas would forgive him. He swore never to hurt the Elf again in such a manner.

*****

Aragorn had been searching for hours now; his former mentor was very good at disappearing when he wished to. With each passing moment, the Man became more afraid that Legolas was angry with him enough to reconsider the decision to bind with him. He could not lose his beloved again; though Aragorn was not an Elf, he was sure the grief would kill him. In his haste to look for Legolas, the Man almost ran into Lady Galadriel, who appeared in front of him from out of nowhere.

"What troubles you, son of Arathorn? Why do you not rest?" inquired the Lady, though she could already guess the answer.

Since the Man knew it was impossible to conceal anything from the Lady of Light, he decided to tell her the entire truth. "I am looking for Legolas. I have offended him during our journey from Moria. He was trying to help and I yelled at him. I should have been more attentive to his feelings. I love him so much, I do not know what I will do if I lose him."

"This is certainly not good news," whispered the Elf Witch as she shook her head at the Man.

Aragorn was feeling even guiltier now. He was about to ask if the Lady knew what could be done to make up for his mistake when they were interrupted by a loud crash and a few indignant cries.

"Stop restraining me. You promise that this Man will take care of my child. Now look at how the Human treated him. Legolas suffers enough grief already, blaming himself for Mithrandir's fall. He does not need more heartbreak from the one who is supposed to console him. Let me go, right now, or you will find Rivendell under siege from the Elves of Mirkwood before Sauron can even get there!" yelled one of the figures in the dark.

His threat must have worked, for the stranger walked into the clearing where Galadriel and Aragorn stood. To the Man's surprise, following in his footsteps were his foster father and Lord Glorfindel. The strange Elf glared daggers at him while the two Lords of Rivendell shook their heads.

When Aragorn regained his composure, he asked, "Why would Legolas blame himself for what happened to Gandalf?"

The Elves raised their collective brows at him; and Galadriel, acting as their spokesperson asked, "How much did Legolas tell you about himself?"

Aragorn had never thought about it before. Now, he came to realize that the Elf had not told him anything about his identity, not as Shadow or as Legolas. "We didn't have much private time together on the journey; he had not told me anything."

Seeing the hurt on the Man's face, Thranduil decided he would forgive his future son-in-law just this once. It was not Aragorn's fault for not comforting his son if the Man was not even aware of Legolas' pain. He put a comforting hand of the Human's shoulders and explained.

"Legolas is my eldest child, the Crown Prince of Greenwood, now Mirkwood. He is also the reincarnation of the Star of Earendil. He possessed great magical powers, but he had taken a vow not to use it to interfere with the events of Middle Earth. He broke that oath once, 5000 years ago, in a battle with an evil sorcerer named Sarous. For all these years, I believed he was killed in that battle, until I received a letter from Lord Elrond a week ago. He told me that Legolas was cursed and had decided to hide from the world because of his disfigurement. I was also informed that it was you who broke the spell upon him. For that, I will be eternally grateful."

Thranduil paused for a short while for the Man to digest this new information before he continued, "Though I wish that my son would return home immediately after his long absence, I agree his place is with you, the one he loves. As soon as I received the Lady's happy tidings, I made haste here to Lothlòrien to help with preparing the celebration for your binding ritual. It is very distressing to hear that my son suffers again, despite his past ordeals. And you look so much like Arameius that I placed the blame on you without thought. But since Legolas had not told you of his past or abilities, I know this unfortunate mishap is not entirely of your making."

"I believe what I tell Estel is my business, Father. And I do not recall giving you permission to arrange for my binding ritual," commented an irritated voice in the trees.

"Still as headstrong and disrespectful as always, I see," laughed the King of Mirkwood. He was glad to hear the annoyance in his son's voice. Because of his powers, Legolas had always taken the weight of the world upon his own shoulders. His eldest son was always composed and in control. The King really missed the carefree, vivacious child that his little Prince once was before the young Elf knew responsibility and formality.

*****

Legolas dropped from a high branch of the tree in front of his father. He had been watching the scene for a while now. He had gone into the forest to clear his thoughts. The trees, sensing his pain, tried to cheer him up with their song. What Legolas did not expect was for them to sing of the presence of his father, Lord Elrond and Glorfindel and how splendid tomorrow night would be. They assured him that his binding ritual would be the most beautiful in the history of Middle Earth, bidding him to stop worrying and get some rest.

While he was glad to see his father again, the Golden Elf disliked it when others take the liberty of making arrangements for him without his permission. He had tracked the ancient Elven Lords to the edge of the clearing and was about to confront them when the three burst into the clearing where Aragorn and the Lady of the Woods conversed.

*****

"Father, if you were not so eager to give my secrets away, I would not have been so disrespectful," retorted the annoyed Prince with a pout. It was upsetting to hear someone else summarized his life for his beloved. It was his life and his secret; he should be the one telling Estel; his father should know better.

"Son, if you have taken better care of your personal matters, I would not need to tell the Man for you," answered Thranduil with a cheeky grin.

To that Legolas had no answer, so the King continued, "You are almost 6000 years old; you are one of the oldest unattached Elf on Middle Earth. I just want to see you happily bound to someone who will be there to care for you always."

After a long silence, the Prince said resolutely, "There will be no binding tomorrow. I will not be manipulated as such."

"Oh come now Legolas, that's not a nice thing to say. Look how you've hurt Estel's feelings," chastised Lord Elrond, shaking his head at the Golden Prince as if the younger Elf was a small insolent child.

For the first time in the night, Legolas stole a glance at his beloved. He noted the pain in the Man's eyes and knew he must assure Aragorn that his love for the Man would never change, regardless of what happened. The Elf moved to the Man's side as he added quietly, "Estel wanted to wait until after the Quest. I think it is for the best as well."

To his surprise, Aragorn reached out and pulled him close. "And if I tell you I have change my mind? Will you consider taking part in tomorrow's wedding?"

The Prince turned to look directly into Aragorn's eyes. "Are you sure? Once we do this, there is no turning back. There is so much you don't know about me. Not to mention, you will need heirs which I cannot give you..."

"I believe we might have a solution to that," said Galadriel cryptically, which caused the lovers to break eye contact and stare at her.

"We have been working on a solution to the problem of waning Elven fertility for quite a while. Lord Elrond and I have created a potion that will allow its user to become pregnant. We tested it on a married couple and one of them is now pregnant," explained the Lady with a smile.

"But still, maybe...." began the younger Elf.

Glorfindel had moved silently behind the Man to quietly hand Estel a rose. When the Man glanced at him questioningly, the Elven Lord gave Aragorn a little shove forward towards the Prince. The Man finally understood what he was supposed to do. He dropped to one knee to offer the Elf the single red rose. "Legolas, I love you with all my heart. Please, will you marry me tomorrow?"

How could anyone say no to a romantic proposal from the handsome Man? Legolas smiled and nodded, tears of joy threatening to flow from his glittering sapphire eyes. Aragorn rose and pulled his beloved Elf into a passionate kiss. They broke apart only when they heard the loud sounds of three distinct throats clearing. Legolas turned bright red as he noticed four pairs of ancient eyes watching them with amusement.

"Well, as my child said, you two still need to get to know each other better. The night is still young so we will leave now to let you talk privately. But, I am warning you Aragorn, future son-in-law or not, if you try anything naughty with Legolas before tomorrow, I will have your hide," said the Elven King and began to walk away.

"Don't worry my friend, Estel will have to answer to me if he tries anything," said Glorfindel with a wink.

"And that is supposed to be reassuring? Didn't the Man beat you five years ago?" teased the Mirkwood King.

"Elrond!! That was supposed to be a secret within the family!" exclaimed the fair-haired Rivendell Elf as he proceeded to walk menacingly towards his dark- haired friend.

"But Thranduil will be family once those two wed," protested Elrond as he stepped sideways quickly to evade the fair-haired Elf and hid behind the Mirkwood King, using him as shield.

Lady Galadriel watched the scene with a smile, marveling at how the joining of Estel and Legolas had lightened the hearts of the three war-weary ancient Elves. She too felt relieved, trusting that the combined strength of the Hope of Men and Earendil's Star would see Middle Earth through the dark times ahead. She took one last glance at the couple before ushering her companions out of the area.

*****

As the ancient Elves disappeared into the forest, both Man and Elf began speaking at once.

"Legolas.."

"Aragorn...."

"You first," said the Man as he smiled at his beloved Prince.

"There is so much I need to tell you; I don't know where to start," confessed the Elf.

"Your father mentioned that I look like Arameius. Who is he?" prompted Aragorn, needing to know the relationship between his Golden Elf and the aforementioned stranger.

"He was a very descent ancestor of yours. He was the only survivor of the Royal family of the Numenors when Sauron's brother took over his kingdom. He was brought to Greenwood and I took it upon myself to raise him. He was the first person I have ever loved," explained the Elf.

"I see," whispered the Man sadly with downcast eyes. It hurt to know that the Elf only loved him because he resembled a past love. It explained so much; otherwise, Shadow would never have been attracted to an awkward child like him when they first met.

Sensing the Man's thoughts, Legolas spoke vehemently, "No, you don't see! You two are nothing alike. I broke my vow to protect him and helped him regain the throne. In return, he betrayed my love and condemned me to a horrible, cursed existence as Shadow. You are the one who saved me; and not just from the curse. You showed me that there is still hope and goodness in the world. You taught me how to love again. You are my light, Estel and the sole keeper of my heart."

Legolas stopped to watch the Man and was grateful that Aragorn was now gazing at him lovingly. The Elf said softly, "Now, it's your turn."

"Legolas, I am really sorry for the way I treated you. I should have been more considerate. Can you forgive me?" asked the Man.

"I am not angry with you Aragorn, so there is nothing to forgive. I knew you wanted me to agree with your decision, but I just couldn't bring myself to bury my own feelings on the matter. It wasn't your fault that you were upset with me. If I were more understanding like Lady Arwen, things would be different. That's why I am so opposed to the binding ceremony tomorrow. Maybe at the end of the Quest, you will find that you cannot stand being with me and opt to return to your Lady instead," replied Legolas as he gazed into his beloved eyes expectantly. He needed to give the Man one last chance to change his mind about their wedding tomorrow. Given the irrevocable nature of the binding ritual, he wanted Aragorn to be absolutely certain that he was the one the Man wanted.

That was not the answer Aragorn expected. He had not anticipated that his outburst would prompt Legolas to doubt his love. It seemed that he would need to convince his former mentor once and for all that his love was true. He gave his heart to the Elf long ago, shortly after they first met. No matter what roles they assumed for Middle Earth, that love would never change. Shadow would always have Estel's heart as Legolas would always have Aragorn's.

The Man tilted Legolas' face upwards and kissed the Elf with all the love and tenderness he possessed. When he pulled away, he continued to cup the Prince's face lovingly in his hands. The Man let down all the shields he had learnt to erect around his heart over the years, allowing Legolas to see directly into his soul through his stormy grey eyes. As steel met sapphire, Aragorn spoke, "What I feel for Arwen is affection, not love. I love you. I always have, almost since the first moment I met you, and I always will, for as long as I live."

"Are you sure, Aragorn? Eternity is a very long time."

"Eternity? But I am mortal," replied the Man with a frown.

"I am the Star of Earendil with great magical powers, remember? Do you think that I will not be able to share my immortality with my true love?"

When the Man stared agape at him, the Elf's confidence began to waiver. "Do you have second thoughts now? It's not too late to call off the wedding."

The truth was that Aragorn was too ecstatic to speak. He had not dared to hope, even in his wildest dreams, that his wish would come true. Estel had wanted to keep Shadow by his side forever since he was fifteen. Now, he just needed to find the words to tell his Elf the depth of his feelings. Searching his heart, he remembered a song he heard long ago during in his travels as a Ranger. It had touched him deeply then, for it seemed to describe his feelings for Shadow so eloquently. Tentatively, he began to sing.

// When I needed to be stronger, When I could not carry on, When I thought I would fail, You were with me all along. So this love is dear to me and cannot be denied. With this love, I vow that I will forever be by your side...... //

As the sound of his beloved's gravelly voice filled the air, Legolas could no longer stop the tears of joy from flooding his cheeks. He embraced the Man tightly and showered him with loving kisses. But instead of returning his affections, Aragorn pushed him away gently and said with a smile, "Love, if you continue this, I will not be able to wait until tomorrow. Unless you wish your father to take my head, we should go and rest for the night. We have a big day ahead of us."

*****

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