An Affliction Of The Heart
Part 15
Posted: December 14, 2007
Title: An Affliction of the Heart
Author: Larien Elengasse
Summary: Legolas makes a new friend and comforts Elrohir.
*****
“This should be the place,” Legolas said as he turned toward Gildor. “There should be five doors on the right and three on the left. If I know Galen, he placed you in a suite according to your rank, so your lodgings should be one of the doors on the left.”
“Aye, this is true. Mine is the door here at the near end of the corridor.” He slowly released Legolas’ arm and bowed his head again. “My thanks to you, Legolas Thranduilion.”
Legolas smiled. “No thanks are necessary, Gildor Inglorion. What brings you to my land?”
“I have come from Lórien, where I escorted the Lady Celebrían to visit her mother and father. My lady asked that I come to Greenwood to check on her sons and their progress.”
“Welcome to Greenwood the Great, Gildor. I hope you find that the twins’ progress has been more than satisfactory.”
Gildor grinned. “I am sure that will be the case, though this is not my first journey through the great wood, your highness. I have been here several times before.”
Legolas furrowed his brow. “Truly? I had not been aware of your visit.”
“Nor was anyone else, including your father. After all, my stock and trade is passing undetected; it is what keeps me alive and of service to my lord.”
“And is part of that service spying on my people?” Legolas asked, indignation beginning to mount in his voice.
“No, most sincerely not, my prince. I have passed through the wood on my way south from Redhorn Pass.”
“Why did you not take the Anduin Vale if you were traveling to Lothlórien?”
“I did not say I was traveling to Lothlórien. My destination was something less than beautiful. I have oft explored the southern reaches of your great forest.”
Legolas frowned. “There is naught but evil in the south of the forest; some say it comes out of the ground and grows like a rank weed.”
“Aye, and it lives and breathes in the mist itself. For a long time now, Lord Elrond has suspected that the evil in the forest comes from the Dark Lord. I have been keeping watch and waiting for his arrival.”
“And what have you found in that regard?”
“Naught yet, but I remain vigilant.”
Legolas smiled a little. “I am glad that you keep watch, Gildor. Our warriors are too few to do more than ensure the safety of our borders.” He made to leave then turned back toward where the ancient warrior stood. “Next time, consider taking advantage of our hospitality.”
Gildor grinned. “Shall I consider that a personal invitation?”
Legolas smiled again. “Take it as it was offered, Gildor.” Then he turned and made his way back toward his chambers.
* * * *
Elrohir sat on the side of the prince’s bed, reaching out for his brother with his mind, only to be turned away. Never had he felt so sick and alone; panic began to mount inside him. “Please, Elladan,” he whispered with both his voice and his mind, but there came no reply. As the door opened, he quickly gained his feet and began to move toward it, hoping that Elladan had returned.
Legolas stepped through the entrance, closing the door behind him, when he sensed someone was there. Before he could ask, he heard Elrohir’s voice. “‘Tis me, my prince. ‘Tis your elf-knight.”
“Elrohir? Is something wrong? You sound upset.”
“I am afraid, your highness,” Elrohir answered, wrapping his arms around Legolas’ waist and burying his face in the prince’s flaxen mane.
“Afraid of what?” Legolas asked as he took Elrohir into his embrace.
“It is Elladan,” Elrohir mumbled.
“Oh, my friend,” Legolas murmured. Clearly, Elladan had confessed his love for his brother and the conversation had not gone nearly so well as either the prince or Elladan had hoped it would. “Come, sit down with me.”
Legolas slowly guided Elrohir to his bed and held the peredhel in his arms as a torrent of emotion spilled forth from the younger twin.
“He told me he was in love with me, that he wanted to lay with me…”
“And what was your reply?”
Elrohir sat up and looked into Legolas’ vacant gaze. “You do not sound surprised. Is this not shocking to you?”
“I have known of your brother’s feelings for you for quite some time now, Elrohir.”
“He told you?”
“He did not have to, I discovered it on my own.”
“How?
“I saw the way he looked at you, the pain in his eyes. He tried to hide it, but it was too present.”
“How could you discover it and I not see it? I know him better than anyone – at least I thought I did.”
“There are always things about those we love that we shall never know, Elrohir. One cannot be completely transparent. He hid it from you because he was afraid to hurt you, and from the sound of things his fears were justified.”
“I am not hurt by what he said, I am hurt because he shuts me out now.”
“What was your reaction?”
“I did not know what to say. He acted so strangely, it was as if he were no longer the brother I have known and loved all my life.”
“It took much courage for him to tell you the truth, Elrohir. And I am afraid I am the one who convinced him to tell his secret.” Legolas took Elrohir’s face in his hands. “I know you, Elrohir. I know your heart and your soul. Beneath this confusion, beneath the shock, you love him as much as he loves you. No one matters more to you than Elladan, and no one ever will. What frightened you was the vulnerability you saw in his eyes. It is frightening to think that he is not always strong and brave, is it not?”
Elrohir nodded. “Aye, it is.”
“We are all vulnerable sometimes, my elf-knight. Sometimes we all need someone to love us and reassure us. Do you love him?”
“Of course I do!”
“Can you love him the way he loves you?”
“I am afraid to.”
“Why?”
“Because it is forbidden!”
Legolas stroked the peredhel’s hair. “Forbidden? What are the laws of Elves compared to the truth in one’s heart? Who are we to govern love? Does she not govern us? Love is wiser and stronger than any elf or any law. Never, never let another dissuade you from trusting in your heart.”
“But if it is discovered…”
“Then keep it hidden. Be strong, Elrohir; be brave. Trust in your heart, it will never lead you astray.”
Elrohir took Legolas’ face in his hands. “How came you to be so wise and strong?”
Legolas smiled. “I learned early in life that fear is a most destructive force and that we must live our lives each day. At any moment, our lives can be cut short, and I will not go to Mandos’ Halls with regret upon my soul.”
Elrohir pressed a soft kiss upon Legolas’ mouth. “I love you, Legolas Thranduilion.”
Legolas kissed Elrohir in return. “And I love you, my elf-knight. Now go and seek your brother. He needs you.”
“I do not wish to leave you alone…”
Legolas laughed a little. “I am in my own bedchamber, Elrohir. What could possibly happen to me here?”
Elrohir blushed. “Forgive me. I know I am being foolish.”
Legolas reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind Elrohir’s ear. “You care for me, ‘tis natural that you would worry for me as well. Now go, Elladan needs you more than I do right now.”
Elrohir took Legolas face in his hands and pressed a kiss to his forehead. “I will try to be as brave as you think I am,” he said softly, and then he left the prince to find his twin.
*****
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