Part Twenty-Five

"Where are you going, Haldir?"

Haldir turned to Legolas and frowned. "I am doing a patrol of this side of our camp, as your father requested."

"I think my father was just arranging some time for us to be alone," Legolas said slyly, moving closer to Haldir and putting his arms around his waist. He pressed his lean body against Haldir until the elf of Lórien could not think straight.

Haldir stroked Legolas' hair and smiled at him fondly. The Prince was so young. He was an excellent warrior and very good at killing giant spiders, but he seemed to know so little about life. "Mmm, really? Then why did he take the other patrol with Lord Elrond?"

Legolas thought about it for a moment and his eyes widened. "My father is Lord Elrond's lover!"

Haldir laughed. "I sincerely doubt that. They argue constantly."

"My father enjoys arguing. He often complains that there is no one in Mirkwood worth arguing with, since everyone is so afraid of him that they simply agree with everything he says. He could tell Silindë that the sky was green and Silindë would believe him," Legolas sighed.

"Perhaps the sky is green," Haldir teased. "One cannot see it in Mirkwood. We are always in a cave or in the thick of trees. It is like a constant night."

"And Lórien? What is that like? I remember little of it besides the beauty of Lady Galadriel. I was so young when I visited."

"It is quite the opposite. Even when night falls, the golden leaves of the mallorn trees reflect the starlight so it is nearly as bright as day. I miss it."

Legolas looked slightly sad. "I would like to go there with you some day, and to see it."

"I would like that too, Legolas," Haldir replied gently, knowing that it was highly unlikely that such a thing would ever be permitted. "But know this: while I am here in Mirkwood, you are my light."

The words made him shine like a light, anyway, Haldir thought, but it was gratifying to be kissed so urgently by the beautiful elf. He had been trying so hard during this past week not to fall in love with him. The night they had lain together had been magnificent. Haldir had given in and let the Prince take him. He was not usually the submissive party, but he felt safe enough with Legolas, so untried and inexperienced, to let him do as he wished.

But now he wanted to return that. He wanted to take the Prince in his own way. He wanted… so much… too much… This was not the appropriate time, not on a spider hunt in the middle of the wood.

"I have never known anyone like you, Haldir of Lórien," Legolas said.

"Your hands are wandering, Legolas Greenleaf."

"So they are. Do you mind, much?"

"Not so much, no, except I think this is not the time, or the place…"

"When I am near you, every time seems like the time and place."

"What about the spiders?"

"Have you no trust in my father at all to choose a safe camp?"

"Why send us on a patrol if he is sure it is safe?"

"Are we back to that?"

"I am afraid so."

Legolas let go of Haldir and stepped away from him, scowling in frustration. Haldir thought he had never anyone scowl in such an attractive manner. It made him want to pounce on the Prince and toss him down onto the forest floor. So why did he not? Obviously Legolas wanted that as well.

"Let us circle around the camp and spy on them," Legolas suggested after a moment.

"Your father and Lord Elrond?"

"Yes. You shall see that they are probably…doing something I really wish not to think of my father doing… and then you will know it is safe for us to do the same. But really, Haldir, that will waste a lot of time. Should Elladan or one of the others come looking for us they will no doubt wish to join in."

Haldir smirked. "And are you inclined to let them?"

"Not in the least."

"Well, my dear Prince, I really would not choose to see Lord Elrond in a compromising position as he is not quite my type, so--"

"And my father? Is he your type?"

"Jealous, elfling?"

"Yes!"

Haldir slipped up to Legolas and pulled him into his arms. "Do not be. I do not want the King, or anyone else. Only you, Legolas."

"Only me."

"Yes."

"Then, have me."

Haldir kissed him. The hell with the spiders. Legolas was probably right, and there seemed to be nothing nearby. It was worth the risk. He needed to do this. Together they fell down into the soft grass of the forest floor. Eagerly Legolas fumbled with the ties of Haldir's leggings. Haldir pinned him down, staying his hands.

"If we do this, we do it my way."

Legolas raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"This time you will lie beneath me. I want to fill you, Legolas, the way you did me some nights past."

Legolas' blue eyes turned round and full. "I…I am afraid."

"Do you not trust me, as I trusted you?"

"Yes…"

"Then fear nothing except moaning so loudly that the entire camp rushes to your rescue."

Legolas laughed and kissed him. He relax in Haldir's arms. "Very well. I am yours, Haldir. Do with me what you wish."

Haldir quickly set out to make good on his word. They shed their clothes, tearing at each other eagerly. Only once did Haldir think for a moment that he sensed a presence. He looked up, searching for a sign of something in the wood around them, but he saw nothing.

He thought he heard a single sob, but when he listened again, the sound did not repeat… and once Legolas began to lick his ear, he forgot about listening to anything but the blood rushing through his body and the eager gasping of the young Prince.