Part Seven

Erestor was traversing the hallways of Mirkwood Palace when he encountered Haldir of Lórien exiting the bed chamber of Prince Legolas. The Chief Advisor of Lord Elrond stopped, black eyebrows raised in mild curiosity. Haldir was carrying a mostly empty tray that contained some food dishes and a half-empty bottle of wine. Erestor recalled that Thranduil had commanded the elf of the Galadhrim to bring the absent Prince his dinner.

"Good evening, Councilor," Haldir said politely.

"Good evening, Haldir. Is the Prince well?" Erestor inquired, more out of curiosity than any genuine concern for Legolas.

"Yes," said Haldir, his expression sardonic. Clearly he was not going to say more without encouragement. Erestor sighed inwardly, but he maintained his friendly (he hoped) expression and continued.

"Did he say why he did not appear at dinner? I know that both Lord Elrond and his father were very disappointed."

"Yes, I was there," said Haldir. Erestor frowned at him. The Lórien elf was too haughty for his own good. Haldir sighed. "Apparently I made a poor first impression on the Prince and he did not care to suffer my company."

Erestor chuckled slightly. "Then I can only imagine how he received your presentation of his meal."

Haldir smiled slightly. "About as well as you are imagining, indeed. Yet still I hope to change that. I have been sent by Lady Galadriel to serve the House of Thranduil and I will do my best to please both father and son."

Erestor arched his eyebrows even further, wondering how he should take Haldir's meaning. "You will have competition in serving Legolas," he said, smiling provocatively.

Haldir frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Only that both the sons of Lord Elrond have been looking on the young Prince with longing, nor do his guards seemed to be immune from his charms. A simple observation, my friend."

"I will keep Prince Legolas safe from unwanted advanced," Haldir replied, "No matter from whom they come."

"And if they are not unwanted?"

Haldir shook his head. "Who am I to judge the behavior of the Prince?"

"Do you desire him, Haldir?" Erestor could not resist asking.

Haldir was silent for a long moment before he finally replied. "I believe that is irrelevant. Unlike some elves, I do not allow my desires to interfere with my duties. Besides, he does not like me."

Erestor inclined his head. "I meant not to insult you."

Haldir nodded. "Very well. If you will excuse me…"

The tall, golden elf turned and strode quickly down the corridor. Erestor smiled at his departing figure. It would be interesting to see what progressed between these two. Interesting indeed. Erestor could not help but admit to himself that he loved intrigue. It kept his mind off of the fact that he spent so many nights alone. Before he could continue down the hall past the Prince's rooms Silindė appeared, coming from the other direction. He looked surprised to see Erestor standing there.

"It is rather late to be bringing the Prince books, is it not?" the Mirkwood elf asked defensively. If Erestor had any doubt as to whether Silindė was carrying feelings for the Prince they were instantly clarified in his jealous tone.

"As is it stands, I was not visiting the Prince at all," Erestor said frostily. "I was making my way down the hall when I ran into Haldir, who just departed."

"My replacement," Silindė said bitterly.

"I do not believe he will take your place in Prince Legolas' heart," Erestor said in a sugared tone. "Apparently he intensely dislikes Haldir."

"Truly," said Silindė, looking intrigued.

"In any event, I had assumed you were the lover of Thranduil," said Erestor casually. "He seemed to treat you thus at the evening meal."

The bold words were worth the reaction. Silindė's face and pointed ears turned scarlet. His long fingers clenched into fists. Slowly he nodded. Then he sighed, and the sigh was so filled with heartbreak that Erestor felt pity for him even before he began to speak. "Yes, I am the consort of Thranduil and the guard of Legolas -- or I was before tonight. Legolas and I have been friends since we were but elflings and I care for him deeply. He knows not that I am compelled to lie with his father… but I do not desire it."

"Can you not tell Thranduil thus?" Erestor asked gently. "Despite his overblown arrogance surely he would not wish an unwilling lover."

Silindė shook his head. "I dare not. And even if he were to excuse me from his bed, I could not expect Legolas to want his father's cast-off."

Erestor lifted a hand to Silindė's face. The councilor was not the sort to make physical gestures, but the tragedy of Silindė's situation broke over him like a wave. The tall Mirkwood elf was a great many years younger than Erestor and in his sadness shone a beauty that reminded Erestor of himself.

"Give up the dream," he said softly.

"I know that is all it is," Silindė said, leaning into Erestor's caress. "A dream."

He was not sure why he did it. He barely knew Silindė and it went against his grain to be forceful. Maybe it was that he knew that Silindė, despite being lover to the King, was as lonely as he was himself. Erestor leaned forward and pressed his mouth to Silindė's. The Mirkwood elf melted into him obediently, just as he must for Thranduil. Erestor mastered his mouth, slid his arms around him, and Silindė responded in kind.

When at last they parted, Erestor found himself breathless and aching, and slightly mortified. He had been spending too much time in the company of Elladan and Elrohir, he thought. This was something they would do, not him. And to seduce Thranduil's lover, of all elves, was certainly not a good idea. Silindė was looking at him as if some emotion were dawning inside, joy starting to lighten his expression, making him even more beautiful. Erestor had to stop this before he did something he would regret.

"Forgive me," he said, straightening his robes. "I did not mean to prey on your vulnerability."

"Is that what you did?" Silindė asked warily. His expression changed at once back to that of casual despair. "For a moment, I thought you might actually like me."

"I understand you," Erestor said meaningfully. "I understand what it is like to serve by the side of a great ruler, and to do and see things that are not always pleasant."

The words seemed to help and Silindė looked less wounded. He nodded. He looked at Erestor for a long moment, and then seemed to have made some sort of decision. "My room is the third door on the left of this corridor, Councilor," he said. "If we may offer each other some consolation, you are welcome to come to me there any time during your stay in Mirkwood. Good night."

He turned and disappeared into that room before Erestor could reply, leaving the Chief Advisor with a very interesting dilemma indeed.