Part Three

"I will not mince words, Legolas. It is difficult being married to the most powerful elf-witch in the world," Lord Celeborn said, putting his arm around the young prince of Mirkwood. "It will be difficult for you being married to Arwen as well, but I assure you, the rewards are well worth the challenges."

Celeborn's grand-daughter had gone flying out of the receiving chamber in a rage when Elrond had informed her that he wished to betroth her to Legolas. Galadriel had merely shaken her head and retreated to her own private rooms. Elrond had gone after Arwen, and Celeborn had instructed Haldir and his brothers to take care of the twins and King Thranduil.

"I would offer a few words of advice to your son in private," Celeborn told Thranduil. The Elvenking nodded.

"I have always respected your wisdom, Lord Celeborn. It is good to see you again. I hope we will have time to spend together later."

"Most assuredly, my old friend," Celeborn agreed, slipping his arm around the prince. He did not mistake the look in Haldir's eyes when he did so.

Now alone, Celeborn escorted Legolas upstairs to his private chambers. He had a small sitting area filled with plush, white overstuffed chairs in which he indicated Legolas should be seated for their talk. The area beyond this room was curtained off and Celeborn smiled as he thought of the treasure which lay beyond the silken veil.

"If I may be candid, Lord Celeborn…" Legolas began timidly. Celeborn gave the lad what he hoped was a reassuring look.

"Of course," he said softly. Thranduil had always had trouble controlling his tongue. If the son was the same, Celeborn would soon know anything he wished to about Mirkwood.

"It was the idea of my father and Lord Elrond that I should marry Arwen."

"And how do you feel about that?"

"I want to please my father, and Lord Elrond, who loves him very much, but-"

"Loves him?" Celeborn could not help interrupting. "I thought Thranduil and Elrond did nothing but argue."

Legolas blushed, his cheeks and pointed ears turning scarlet. He did not need to say more then. He was no doubt remembering that his father's new lover was the husband of Celeborn's daughter, Celebrían, who had departed for Valinor a dozen years ago. This was an interesting turn of events, indeed. Was this why Elrond and Thranduil wanted their children to marry?

"They do still argue," Legolas said finally.

"Never mind," Celeborn said in a soothing tone. "Tell me why you do not wish to marry my grand-daughter."

"In truth, my lord, I barely know her. We have met only a few times."

"Then you shall spend the next season in Lothlórien getting to know her."

Legolas nodded, seeming relieved that he would not be forced to wed Arwen tonight. "She did not seem very pleased with the idea herself," he ventured.

"It was sprung upon her rather suddenly. Perhaps she has the same doubts as you do."

"Or perhaps she loves someone else?" Legolas wondered.

Celeborn frowned. "Arwen is pure."

Legolas blushed even harder, which unfortunately made him very desirable. Celeborn toyed with the idea of seducing him right now. It would certainly make him pliable. Once loved by Celeborn, he would do whatever the Lord of Lórien wished. It had almost always been so with his lovers – except for one. Saelbeth was still resisting him.

What would Thranduil do if Celeborn tasted his lad? Thranduil was, in fact, one of the few elves that Celeborn had ever felt close to in a way that had nothing to do with lovemaking. Thranduil may have been Celeborn's only true friend. Still, sleeping with Elrond crossed a line. Why should Celeborn not cross that line as well?

"I did not mean to imply otherwise, Lord Celeborn," Legolas whispered.

"I know you did not, dear lad," Celeborn replied. "But is this what troubles you, Legolas? Are you in love with someone else?"

Slowly Legolas nodded.

"Is it Elladan?"

Legolas lifted his head and looked at Celeborn in surprise. "Elladan?"

"I saw the way you looked at him today."

"I was merely glad to see he was alive," Legolas insisted.

"There was lust in your eyes, Legolas. Do not deny it. It is no crime to feel lust."

"Is it not? Even after you have promised your heart?"

"My heart is promised to Lady Galadriel, and hers to me, and yet we both take others to our beds. Lust for others cannot sunder our love. When you marry Arwen, I have no doubt that both of you will take other lovers."

Legolas looked doubtful and slightly mortified. "I cannot imagine Lady Arwen being unfaithful to her husband."

Celeborn smiled. "It pleases me that you think so highly of her. Do not fear, Legolas. If you wish to spare her feelings, you simply will not tell her when you take her brother for your bed partner. Elladan will serve you willingly. He has already told me of his desire for you and even the rash actions to which it drove him. He told me of how you and Haldir punished him."

Celeborn did not think it was possible for Legolas to turn any redder, as his face was nearly crimson, but he seemed to flush another shade.

"Lord Celeborn," Legolas said, seeming barely able to catch his breath, "I do feel lust for Elladan, but my heart belongs to Haldir. And… and I hope you will grant him the post of Marchwarden, because he wants it so badly. I should like to see him happy."

"Oh, Galadriel intended to make him Marchwarden before he went to Mirkwood. All that was just a formality. You need not worry on his account. She will announce it at the engagement banquet tomorrow night."

"Engagement banquet."

"Do not look so glum, Legolas. That, too, is just a formality. But tell me, does Haldir return your affections?"

"Yes," Legolas said without hesitation. "I do not wish to leave him."

"As I said, that is not necessary. I do not blame you, really. Haldir is an excellent lover."

Celeborn's words were carefully calculated to shock the prince, and they did. Celeborn did not mention that it had been just one time, when he had gotten Haldir drunk and taken advantage of him by promising positions for his brothers in the guard. Haldir simply did not suit Celeborn, which was just as well, since without threat of repeat the incident did not mar their relationship. Haldir continued to offer his loyalty to Celeborn and Celeborn continued to place his trust in him.

"I did not know that you and he were lovers," Legolas said, unable to hide his upset and irritation. He reminded Celeborn of Thranduil in that moment. Celeborn merely smiled.

"Do not let that interfere with your friendship," Celeborn said, purposely not using the word love. No, it would be best to cure Legolas of his love for Haldir. Elladan was a better choice for him. Arwen would suspect that less.

"May I request a favor of you, Lord Celeborn?" Legolas questioned.

"Of course."

"I would like to see Saelbeth."

Celeborn raised an eyebrow. He had not expected the abrupt change in conversation. He smiled slightly and nodded, then rose to his feet.

"Come with me, then."