Second Chances

Part 10

Posted: March 2004
Author: Larien Elengasse

*****

Legolas awoke curled against Glorfindel. The bright morning sun filtered through the sheer fabric that hung over the window and he blinked to adjust to the light. He squeezed the Elda as he snuggled closer; his head tucked in the hollow of Glorfindel's shoulder. He felt content, as if he found a place he belonged. He missed his father and missed his home, but the weeks he had spent in Imladris had been blissfully peaceful and relaxing. His life in Mirkwood had been spent fighting to save their home and protect their people. He had little opportunity to lounge in bed and stroll through gardens. Their lives were ones of constant vigilance and he often wondered why his father chose to stay there rather than sail into the west and find peace. The only thing that could have been more perfect would have been having Glorfindel in his own bed, and his beloved wood free of the evil that haunted it.

He listened to the steady, comforting rhythm of Glorfindel's heart and felt the slow rise and fall of his chest with each breath. His mind replayed the kiss they shared the night before, the blinding burn of passion, the all-consuming, aching need he felt for Glorfindel. It was hard for him to explain how things felt to him, how aware he was of Fëanor's presence even in the midst of that kiss. He had one body, but two souls, he was never alone, even when Fëanor's spirit tried to disappear inside him. He wondered if he and Glorfindel would ever consummate their love, if he would ever be able to experience what it was like to make love to him.

Glorfindel sighed and Legolas returned from his thoughts, looking up at the Elda and smiling gently as he woke. "Maer aur, melethen," he said softly.

Glorfindel smiled and whispered against Legolas' forehead, "Maer aur, seron vell."

"I slept well in your arms, hîren. I would wake here every morning if I could," he answered softly.

Glorfindel smiled and pulled Legolas onto his chest. "I would like that, ernilen vain. Though, I suspect I would never get any work done as I would be too tempted to stay abed all day."

Legolas laughed softly and caressed the Elda's face. "I am sorry I could not…" His face flushed as he found he could not finish what he wanted to say.

"There will be many nights and many mornings when we may, meleth," Glorfindel answered. "Do not think on that now."

A sharp rap upon the door interrupted their moment of tenderness and Legolas answered, "Yes?"

A male's voice came from the other side of the door, "Lord Erestor bid me inform you that Master Elrond has called a meeting in the Council chambers, my lord. He would like for you and Lord Glorfindel to attend. The meeting convenes after the morning meal."

Legolas smiled and answered, "I will inform Lord Glorfindel. We will be present."

"Hannon le, my lord."

They heard the soft footfalls as the elf walked away.

"This is about Frodo Baggins' arrival," Glorfindel answered.

Legolas raised an eyebrow and answered, "I would imagine it is… What I find curious, however, is how Lord Erestor knew you would be here."

Glorfindel smiled mischievously and answered, "I informed Erestor last night that I would be found here. Had you not permitted me to enter, I would have spent the night on the floor outside your door."

Legolas smiled broadly. "Is that so? The great Glorfindel sleeping outside my door like a lovesick youngster?"

Glorfindel cupped Legolas' cheek, running his thumb over the Sinda's soft lips as he spoke, "Aye, for I am lovesick, ernilen. I am nothing without you."

"Nay, Glorfindel," Legolas answered, "that is not true. It is I who is nothing, I do not deserve…"

Glorfindel silenced his love by taking his face in his hands and covering his mouth with his own. Legolas moaned softly into the kiss as he entwined his fingers in his flaxen hair and tasted of his beloved deeply. As they parted, Legolas looked into his eyes and smiled.

"I could kiss you forever," the prince whispered.

Glorfindel answered, "You will."

* * * *

Glorfindel stood in front of his lord's desk, his arms crossed over his chest as he patiently waited for Elrond's answer. Erestor stood next to him, his hands folded behind his back. The silence in the room was nearly unbearable.

Elrond's piercing gaze was directed at the Elda as he carefully formulated his answer. Glorfindel had never, in all the years he had served him, questioned his lordship or his decisions; yet, the Elda was doing so now. It was with a barely controlled sense of frustration and indignation that Glorfindel had confronted him about his decision to choose Legolas to accompany Frodo to Mordor. His argument had been sound for its part. Glorfindel was the most experienced of all the elves present in warfare, and with the tactics employed by the Dark Lord. If the One Ring were to be destroyed in the fires of Orodruin, such an impossible task would need the aid of the strongest and bravest of the West. Frodo would carry the burden, but he would need protection stronger than the nine that were chosen.

"The success of this task relies upon secrecy, Glorfindel," Elrond began quietly. "Frodo cannot go into the east with a host of elves and men. You would get no further than the Anduin before you were attacked. The Nine will not be dissuaded or prevented from achieving their task, our victory over them at the Bruinen was temporary. No, I cannot send you with him, for if the Nine were to see you traveling east again, they would know who came with you. It is best to send the hobbit Pippin, and he will not be discouraged."

Glorfindel looked at his lord and made no reply for a moment. Elrond stood and leaned upon his desk and looked into the Elda's eyes. "I know you fear for the one you love, Glorfindel. But his time has come to fulfill his destiny."

Glorfindel cast an angry glance at Elrond and answered, "It is not for selfish reasons that I ask to be sent in his stead. He does not know what he goes to face, he is not prepared for…"

Elrond held up his hand and interrupted. "Nor could he ever be, Glorfindel. Were you? Were you prepared for what you faced upon Crissaegrim? This is his role, Glorfindel, let him fulfill it."

Glorfindel felt Erestor's hand upon his arm and he looked at Elrond. "You will not be moved?"

Elrond slowly shook his head. "Nay. I am sorry, mellonen, but this is what will be."

Erestor leaned over and whispered to Glorfindel, "Come, mellon, let us go."

Glorfindel turned and left Elrond's study, his heart heavy with worry and fear for his beloved.

* * * *

The past few days had been spent with Mithrandir and Aragorn, discussing the best path to take to Mordor. His nights had been spent with Glorfindel, learning what he could from the Elda about fighting the Úlairi and the paths of Mordor. He had slept beside Glorfindel each night, their warm, bare flesh pressed together, feeling the warrior's strong hands caress his hair.

That morning, he had met with his companions and gave his second in command a letter he had written to his father. In it, he explained why he would not be returning home as planned and he expressed his love to Thranduil should he not return at all. The Silvan Captain promised to deliver the letter upon their arrival in Mirkwood, and Legolas watched his long time companions ride out of the gates, taking the path through the mountains.

As the afternoon waned on, he met with Mithrandir and Aragorn one last time regarding their route. Master Elrond's sons, Elladan and Elrohir, had ridden ahead to clear the path and assure their first leg was safe and free of harassment from wild men and orcs. The sun began to sink on the horizon, and a gray mist hung heavy in the air. The sky was growing dark and their time was coming to depart.

Legolas made his way down the winding path the night air brought a bitter chill with it. As he turned the corner, Glorfindel caught his elbow and pulled him from the path.

Legolas wrapped his arms around the Elda's waist and pressed his face into the soft velvet of his robes. He could find no words to express the overwhelming sense of anguish at their parting and the suffocating fear that preyed upon his heart.

Glorfindel held him close, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall as he caressed his beloved's hair. "Oh, Greenleaf," he whispered softly. "I will miss you so."

Legolas nodded and squeezed him tighter and murmured into his robes, "I will miss you as well. I do not want to leave you."

Glorfindel pushed him back and turned his chin up. "I would go with you if I could, Legolas. You know that, yes?"

Legolas nodded. "Aye, I know. But this task falls upon me, melethen."

Glorfindel caressed his face and answered, "We will see one another again, Legolas; I promise you that."

Legolas nodded. "I will come back here when my task is done. I want you to come home with me and meet my father."

Glorfindel smiled broadly and nodded. "Aye, I would like that, Greenleaf."

"Legolas!"

Aragorn's voice rang through the cold night air and Legolas clutched Glorfindel tighter. "I am not ready," he whispered. "I cannot do this…"

"Yes, you can, Legolas," Glorfindel answered as he held his love tight. "You are strong, you will do this." He pressed a kiss to the top of the prince's head. "They are calling for you, Legolas. It is time."

Legolas drew back and took Glorfindel's face in his hands, pressing a deep kiss to his lips. He tasted of him thoroughly, he wanted to remember how he felt and tasted over the long months ahead. He broke their kiss and whispered against the Elda's lips, "Melin chen, Glorfindel. I will return."

He pulled away and ran down the path to the courtyard.

Glorfindel looked up at the heavens and whispered a prayer to the Valar to keep the members of the Fellowship safe and see them through their task. He then turned and walked back up the path to the house.

Maer aur = Good morning
Melethen = my love
Seron vell = dear lover
Hîren = my lord
Ernilen vain = my fair prince
Meleth = love
Hannon le = thank thee
Ernilen = my prince
Mellonen = my friend
Mellon = friend
Melin chen = I love you

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