~Part Twenty Six~

Amelia stood shivering as a cold draught blew through the room, the thin nightgown she had been forced into offering little in the way of warmth.  The serving women who had been appointed to prepare her had just left leaving guards outside the door to prevent her escape.  There were two doors leading from this room, one which led to the main corridor and which was guarded, and the other which led to Marlen's wardrobe.  However there was no other way out from that room.

Amelia had already checked the windows, but even though they opened, the room was too high up in the manor to prevent leaving from that avenue.  She could do naught but wait to meet her fate with her head held high, but in the meantime she avoided even looking at the bed.  Her slender hand reached up to touch her cheek gingerly, and she winced as she felt the bruising and swelling which was already forming from Marlen's earlier blow to her head.

She started as the door opened and there stood Lord Marlen, he paused for a moment taking in the view before him.  Amelia was unwittingly stood before a large candle and her figure was now apparent to Marlen through the thin material as he stood gazing at the lady.  His body stirred in reaction and closing the door behind him he strode forward with intent.

Amelia froze for a moment as Marlen closed the door, but as he began striding towards her she backed away, looking for something she could keep between the man and herself.  Marlen's room was not riddled with much furniture, and what there was lay placed around the walls.  There were however two chairs placed near the open fireplace and Amelia turned to run to them, in an attempt to at least keep some object between herself and the man who sought to take her.

She did not move quickly enough though and a wrenching pull on her arm and the tight grip around her forearm told her she was caught.  She was pulled forcefully back against Marlen's hard body, and memories stirred of her deceased husband who had cared very little for her comfort when seeking to quench his own desires in her body.  She whimpered and tried to pull away, feeling the places on her arms where Marlen's grip would leave bruises.

"Let me go," she cried out.

Marlen did not answer, simply turning her in his arms before swooping down to claim her lips in a harsh kiss.  Amelia tightened her lips refusing the lord entry into her mouth, but Marlen was not so easily denied, and his hands lowered to her bottom before pinching tightly.  The lady gasped in pain, allowing Marlen to take advantage and ravish her mouth with his tongue.  Amelia was filled with disgust as moisture from Marlen's mouth leaked into hers and she brought her teeth firmly together biting the man's tongue.

Lord Marlen howled in pain and shoved her away from him.  His hands going to his mouth as he looked upon the fragile seeming lady in disbelief, who spat out the taste of his blood and saliva in a very unladylike manner.

"You will regret that," he said, menacingly stalking towards her.

"I regret nothing save for the fact that you were born into this world," she spat venomously still backing away.

She was forced to stop as the back of her legs came into contact with something, and turning she noticed with a sinking heart that it was the bed.  A push from Marlen announced that he had reached her, but she had no time to think as the man climbed onto her.  He straddled her hips, ignoring the blows she attempted to land with her hands.  With one brutal pull the material of her nightgown came apart and she was left with her breasts exposed to his view.

Both hands reached down grasping the soft flesh, squeezing them until Amelia cried out in pain, and then leaning down Marlen took one breast into his mouth, sucking at the nipple as a babe would questing for milk.  Amelia continued to struggle against the man holding her down, bucking and writhing in an attempt to force him off.

"Get off me," she screamed, pounding ineffectively against his head and shoulders.  She screamed again, this time in pain as Marlen bit down hard on her nipple, and the man looked up with a grin of satisfaction on his face as he watched the tears form and slip down her cheeks.

The lord took hold of her hands and transferring them into one iron grip his other hand snaked down to the hem of the nightgown she wore, before slowing pulling it up, his hand stroking her leg as it reached ever higher.

Amelia sobbed and shook her head in denial.  "Get off me, please," she whispered her voice breaking with another sob.

Marlen looked down meeting her gaze with a satisfied grin, but his smile melted as he felt the cool edge of a blade against his neck.

"I would do as the lady said if you wish to continue breathing," a voice said harshly in his ear.

Amelia heard that familiar voice and she looked up and into the eyes of her beloved.  "Boromir," she said, and the way she uttered his name told the Steward's son of the relief she felt upon seeing him, and the love she held for him in her heart.

"I am here my beloved.  You are safe now," he said with a calm that reassured.

"You think you are safe?  I would not be too sure, it may be far harder to make your escape from here as you had thought," Marlen said sneering.

Boromir gave a short laugh and tossed his cloak over to Amelia to cover herself with.  "If you are speaking of your pet sorcerer then fear not, for we have come to deal with him too, if you like, the two of you can share a cell together in the palace dungeons, for that is where you are headed," Boromir stated with a great sense of satisfaction, and raising his sword he brought the hilt down onto the back of Marlen's head knocking the man unconscious.

Boromir then took the time to carefully observe his love, taking a step forward and holding out a hesitant hand.  "Are you well my love?" he asked.

Amelia gave a short cry and launched herself at his chest, sobbing as she allowed the horrors of the last few days to catch up with her.  Boromir held her tightly, offering her his unspoken devotion and love.

~~~~~~~~~~

Verius quickly ran through the palace corridors aware that he was being hunted.  The magical barriers and early warning signals he had placed throughout the manor were being tripped and torn away all around him, and he knew that he faced magic users, magic users who were baying for his blood.

His only chance now was to take a hostage.  A hostage so powerful that no one would dare move against him.  He reached his goal a moment later and threw the door open.

Legolas looked up in fear as the door flew open.  Verius was back, but something was different this time.  The sorcerer looked hunted, a tic in his cheek betraying his nervousness.  The sorcerer strode over to the Prince grasping the elf's hair to drag him up.

"Let him go," a voice filled with murderous fury spoke from the doorway causing the sorcerer to start and swiftly pull the elf before him.

Legolas felt his heart soar with hope as he looked to the doorway and saw Aragorn advancing slowly, his sword stretched out in front of him.

"Stay back, or I shall slit his throat," the sorcerer said warningly, and Legolas felt a sharp blade placed against his throat, Verius pulling his hair back to stretch his neck.

Aragorn instantly froze his sword dipping slightly as he took in his vulnerable lover, and the wild almost desperate look in the sorcerer's eyes.  The young King heard footsteps and movement behind and suddenly Thranduil burst into the room followed closely by Galadriel and Mithrandir.

Legolas gasped as Verius pulled his hair more tightly and the blade pressed deeper into his skin, he felt the skin break and a small trickle of blood escape to trail down his neck and onto his chest.

"Stay back," Aragorn yelled to the others.

Thranduil growled with rage as he saw his son naked and bruised held hostage against them.  "You would be wise to free him now dark one," he stated, the force of his fury felt even though the words were uttered softly.

Verius laughed, the light of madness shining brightly now in his eyes.  "But the little Prince does not wish to return to you, he has found new happiness in my embrace," he said and he suddenly wrenched Legolas' head back before grounding his lips against the Prince's.

Legolas did not dare struggle as the knife pressed against his skin as a reminder, and he dimly heard Aragorn and his father yelling in the background.  When the sorcerer released his mouth he looked up to see Thranduil holding back Aragorn as his husband struggled against the elf's hold, his eyes promising murder.

"Release him," Galadriel said softly as she stepped forward, and Legolas was surprised to see her in normal elven leathers as opposed to the gowns she usually wore.

Verius snorted in disbelief as he took in her pale and fragile appearance.

"You would be wise to heed her," Mithrandir said, as he took stepped forward.

The sorcerer laughed.  "How exactly do you plan to force me?  A she elf and an old man?  You are no match for my power, I have lived for over three thousand years, honing my skills until they are without match."

Galadriel smiled gently as she gazed at the dark lord.  "Young one, my husband and I were celebrating the birth of our daughter millennia before your own parents had come into this world, and Mithrandir is even older than I."

Verius' face lost its smile as he realized for the first time who it was he faced.  "It matters not whether you are new to your powers or not, you still could do nothing with enough to haste to stop from taking his life and the life of the child he carries.  Allow me to leave with him, and I swear I will release him to safety once we have left the estate."

"No, you will take him nowhere," Aragorn cried out desperately.

A low moan came suddenly from the elven Prince, and all eyes turned towards him, Verius loosening his grip on the knife as he looked down at the elf.  Pain was clearly etched on the delicate features of the Prince, and his free hand clasped his stomach.

"Legolas what ails you my son?" Thranduil asked with deep concern.

The young elf's gaze rose first to meet his father's and then moved to Aragorn.  "T'is the babe," he said softly, pain lacing his voice.  "I think it is coming."

"Then it appears we have no more time to waste," Mithrandir said matter-of-factly and he and Galadriel focused their attention on the sorcerer.  "You have one more chance dark one, release Legolas and we may be lenient at the time of your trial, for be assured you shall be tried for the crimes you have committed both against the people imprisoned within this estate, and for crimes carried out in the past."

"I will face no trial wizard," Verius hissed suddenly, and without warning his grip tightened on the knife as he bought pressure to bear upon the neck of the Prince.  His wrist twitched as it moved to slit the Prince's throat but nothing happened.

Galadriel reached out and joined her hand with Mithrandir's, strengthening each other's magic through the connection that touching wrought.  They weaved a delicate web of magic that weaved itself around the sorcerer and attempted to bind itself to him, yet their attempts were failing as Verius attempted to access his own magic and disrupt their spell.

The magic began to falter, the web beginning to unravel itself when another hand joined theirs.  Not for many millennia had the three Elven rings of power been used in concert, and now they were wielded as an effective tool as the web once more took shape and began to merge into the sorcerer's form, sealing itself to his aura.

Verius screamed in fury as his magical talent was ripped from his grasp.  Aragorn moved forward whilst the sorcerer's attention was focused inwards, and pulled the knife free of his grasp before gently disentangling his husband’s hair from the dark lord's grasp.  Once free Legolas backed away from both the sorcerer and his husband, curling onto his side and moaning as again the muscles in his belly spasmed.

Aragorn moved forward to offer support to his husband but Elrond stopped him.  "Aragorn, bind the sorcerer, tightly.  We do not wish him to escape once we release him."

The young king nodded distractedly glancing around the room for something with which to use as bindings.  Finally he resorted to tearing strips from the bed sheets, and he felt some sense of satisfaction as he bound and gagged the sorcerer.

Whilst Aragorn saw to that task Elrond approached the young elf still laying curled up in pain on the bed.  He noticed the manacle that was still attached to the Prince's wrist and he gently took Legolas' arm so that he might look more closely at the mithril wrought cuff.  He frowned as he saw that there was no opening on the metal.

"Mithrandir, please look at this," he said calling the Istari to his side leaving Galadriel to maintain a magical grip on the sorcerer with Aragorn torn between watching his enemy and seeing how they progressed with freeing his husband.  Verius glared in malevolent satisfaction as the elf and wizard examined the metal imprisoning the Prince.

"Hmm, I fear we will have to leave the manacle in place until we return to the palace and the Prince has given birth, the situation is much too pressing for us to waste time now, I suggest we simply remove the chain from the wall," Mithrandir said and Elrond nodded in agreement.

The Lore Master climbed onto the bed behind Legolas covering the Prince with his own body.  The wizard raised his staff pointing it at the wall uttering a few words recognizable only to the other ring bearers.  The wall suddenly exploded around the place where the chain was joined to wall, splinters of rock flying everywhere.  When the dust settled they saw that the chain had come free.

"Come now, we must work quickly, Legolas can you walk?"  Elrond said as he moved from his covering position brushing dust and flakes of rock from his clothing.

Legolas raised his head, his lips pursed tightly but nodded.  He used one hand to clutch at his stomach and the other to help drag himself to the edge of the bed.

"Wait," Aragorn said suddenly, and he removed his long cloak before gently wrapping around the stiff shoulders of his husband.

"Very well, then let us depart swiftly," Elrond said.

"Wait!" Legolas exclaimed suddenly.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Aragorn asked, a frown of concern ageing his features.

"What about the others, Amelia, the halflings, the women Verius took captive, and Lord Fenner?" the Elven Prince asked.

"Do not worry little one, anyone who is left here shall be liberated and brought back to the city so that we might assist them," Mithrandir said reassuringly, and Legolas nodded.

Elrond held out a hand and Legolas took it gratefully allowing the healer to assist him to his feet.  He stood swaying and took a moment to compose himself.  He took the chain that was still attached to the manacle, wrapping it around his arm with an expression of distaste, and then he took a step forward.

"Thranduil," Galadriel's melodious voice rang out.  "Would you please assist me in guarding our prisoner, I am releasing him from my magic so that he might walk."

The Mirkwood King nodded and unsheathed his sword before pointedly prodding the dark lord in the back.  "Move," he commanded in a venom filled voice.  Verius decided it would be wise to obey, and with Galadriel and Thranduil leading the prisoner out first the party made their way from the room.

~~~~~~~~~~

Aragorn hovered around his husband who was stubbornly insisting on walking without aid even though he walked in a hunched waddle when the contractions of his womb came upon him.  Elrond walked at his side ready to provide any aid required, but when the Prince finally stumbled in the midst of a spasm, moaning quietly in pain the young King decided that enough was enough.  Ignoring Legolas' protests he scooped his husband up into his arms and carried the Prince through the corridors.

After his initial anger at being treated like a child Legolas relaxed into the arms of his husband, allowing Aragorn to offer his strength whilst he concentrated on riding out the pain.  The young man himself was grateful that he could do this much for his beloved, and was startled at how little Legolas, even with the babe inside him actually weighed.

Part of him understood that this was an elven attribute that allowed them to walk through tree branches without fear, or to walk across the surface of snow without sinking so much as a finger span, and yet the other part of him howled quietly in rage at the obvious mistreatment of his husband.

It was not long before they reached the main entrance hall, which was now a hive of activity.  Elves and men moved about with purpose and Legolas saw many of Marlen and Verius' captives being offered comfort and support, then his eyes alighted on Lady Garrett.

"Amelia," he called out in relief, and saw the lady turn her head from where it rested against Boromir's shoulder.

When she saw who had called her, she exclaimed in startled delight and ran over to the Elf Prince.  "Legolas, I am so pleased to see you.  But what has happened, why can you not walk, what did the sorcerer do to you?" she questioned, her eyes troubled.

Legolas forced a reassuring smile to his face.  "T'is okay, rescue arrived in time to prevent the sorcerer from causing me any harm, but I fear that my child has decided that it wishes to be born at this time.  But what about you, did Marlen…?"

Amelia shook her head firmly.  "Nay, he almost…," she paused and composed herself before continuing.  "But Boromir arrived in time and saved me.  Marlen has been taken prisoner."

"As has Verius," Aragorn said, his eyes meeting Boromir's, and the cousins shared a look of relief at the knowledge that there timing had been most fortuitous to prevent harm from occurring to their loved ones.

A stiffening on his beloved's body and a restrained moan reminded him that time was now of the essence.  "Worry not, my love," he said softly.  "We shall have you home in no time at all.  All will be well."

"Come," Elrond said ushering them outside.  "The eagles await us, and will fly us swiftly back to the city.  We should be there in the space of a few candle marks, and we can have Legolas within his bower."

Aragorn nodded and made his way quickly outside to where the giant eagles were perched on every available space.  Whistling sharply Elrond called on of the eagles, and with a graceful swoop and a soft rush of air from his great wings the eagle landed before them, casting its sharp eyes upon them.

The Lord of Rivendell then turned back to his son.  "I fear there is little I can do to slow down the process.  You will ride with him my son, offer him your support and when you land take him directly to the bower without any delays.  I will be landing just after you and will meet you there."

Aragorn nodded and handed Legolas over to his foster father so that he could mount first, then the Eldar passed the Prince back up to the young man and Aragorn made sure that Legolas was secure in his arms before signaling to the eagle that he was ready.  Elrond whispered a few words to the eagle before standing back and allowing the giant bird to lift off with a powerful jump and the lifting of his great feathered wings.

Legolas moaned within his arms and Aragorn held him more tightly.  "Do not fear, my love, we will be home soon."

"Aragorn," Legolas whispered, his eyes half lidded and his face a study in concentration as he tried to ride the pain the labor pains brought on.  The contraction passed and Legolas allowed himself to relax a little snuggling unconsciously closer in his husband’s arms.  He raised his intense blue gaze up to meet the anxious one of his mate.  "I fear we may not be in time," he admitted.

"What do you mean?" the young king asked, his anxiety rising.

"The labor must have started some time ago, we may not reach the bower in time for me to give birth."  Aragorn shook his head in denial, but Legolas stubbornly pressed on.  "If we do not, I will give all my strength to ensure that this child is born."

"No!" Aragorn said in anger.  "I shall not let you do it."

Legolas smiled, "You do not have a choice, my love.  It will be my final gift to this child, to give it life, and you will care for it, give it enough love for us both.  Our fathers’ will help but you must promise me, that the child will be taught of its elven heritage even though it may be heir to your throne."

Tears formed and escaped from the man's eyes, trailing down his face in silvery streaks as the moon shone directly upon them.  "I ask you not to speak this way," he said in anguish.  A soft hand rose to stroke away the tears.

"Forgive me, my love.  I would not distress you, but I fear it must be said now whilst there is still time."  Another contraction came upon the Prince, and he moaned, his body tensing with the effort to fight the pain and delay the inevitable.

Aragorn could do nothing save whisper words of encouragement and love to his mate and hold him tightly, wishing that it were he in the position instead.

It was not until halfway home that, whilst trying to soothe his husband by rubbing slowly across the swollen belly that he discovered the wetness beneath the cloak.  Legolas was engaged in another battle against the pain, so Aragorn pulled the cloak gently aside.  He gasped in shock at the sight that met him.

"Aragorn?" Legolas queried, his voice tired. Aragorn looked reluctantly at the Elven Prince.  "What is it?" the elf asked.

"You are bleeding," Aragorn said heavily.

Legolas nodded in weary resignation.  "It is the birthing passage, it has begun to form.  It will not be long now until the child is born."

"We will make it," Aragorn said fiercely, but his mate simply smiled gently.

The bleeding continued as they flew back to the city.  Aragorn had called out the great eagle repeatedly urging him to hurry, and as Aragorn checked his lover's body again he noticed that beneath the bleeding he could see a widening hole forming at the bottom of the elf's belly.

"Just hold on a little longer my love," he said softly attempting to staunch the bleeding with the cloak, however he received no response.  "Legolas?"  he said again and looked up at his mate.

Empty glazed eyes looked back at him.

~Part Twenty Seven~

After recovering from his initial panicked despair Aragorn realized that Legolas had only fallen into unconsciousness, the stress upon his body finally too much for him to bear, and it was with a huge sense of relief that Aragorn spotted the roaring flames from the signal fires of the city's watchtowers.

The giant eagle began to swoop down towards the city, and Aragorn saw that they would not land outside the walls as he had first thought, the bird instead headed towards the palace gardens and gently the eagle landed on the large lawn outside the palace itself.  Aragorn then tried to work out how he could get himself and Legolas down safely when a gust of air made him look up and he saw that another eagle was landing.

Lord Elrond quickly jumped from the back of his mount along with King Thranduil and the two elves ran swiftly over to the other eagle.  Thranduil simply held out his arms and Aragorn gently lowered the unconscious form of his husband into the older elf's arms, and the young man made no argument as the Mirkwood king turned and ran swiftly through the gardens to the bower tree, before jumping from the giant bird's back, offering words of thanks and running after the elf king, Elrond at his side.

They arrived at the small clearing where the ancient tree stood, and as the boughs began to form the bower Elrond took the opportunity to examine the young Prince.  He saw the opening within the Prince's body and he looked up frowning.

"His strength is little, we may already be too late," he said sadly.

"No, I will not accept that," Aragorn said hotly shaking his head in denial.  "We can place him in the bower, you said that the magic would heal him," he added casting a desperate look at the Prince's father.

Tears formed in the elf king's eyes.  "Aye, but it may not be enough to save him, he is fading and has little strength with which to give birth, that process itself may kill him."

Aragorn shook his head again and looking up at the tree he saw that the bower had formed.  An idea came to him and ignoring the startled exclamations of the two elves he took Legolas into his arms and strode towards the bower, but instead of placing Legolas within and moving back, the young King climbed into the bower with his husband.

Thranduil and Elrond tried to call him back moving quickly to the tree, but the bower had already begun to close.  "If he does not have strength enough of his own, then he shall have mine as well," Aragorn called out.

Elrond looked at Thranduil, and saw his own despair mixed with a small amount of hope mirrored there, and they sat waiting.

~~~~~~~~~~

Aragorn watched torn between fascination, as the trees boughs closed around himself and Legolas, and his growing concern for the elf who had not yet roused.

"Legolas," he said and gently shook the elven Prince.  "Awake my love, you are safe now within your bower."  He took one of the elf's cold hands within his own holding it to his chest as his other hand gently stroked the Prince's head.  "Legolas, please.  Open your sight to me."

A soft sigh and a flicker of eyelashes gave Aragorn renewed hope and he watched as Legolas roused himself from his unconscious state.  Blue eyes wandered aimlessly at first, confused, but then they alighted upon Aragorn and the confusion cleared joined by a soft smile.

"Aragorn," Legolas sighed.  With more lucidity this time the elf Prince cast his gaze upon their surroundings.  "We are home?" he asked.

Aragorn nodded smiling and kissing the hand he held.  "Yes, and now we must be strong, we must bring this child into the world and then heal you."  Legolas nodded and his eyes glazed a little.  "Legolas!" Aragorn called sharply.

The blue eyes cleared and met his own.  "T'is well Aragorn, I am linking with the tree now, it will offer me strength enough to do deliver this child."

Aragorn nodded, relieved, and missed the fact that Legolas had not spoken of the tree's strength being sufficient to heal him after the birth.  Instead he focused upon his mate who moaned again as a contraction swept over him.  He felt a tickle in his mind, similar to when he and Legolas had wedded, the tickle grew stronger and he had a sudden sensation of not being alone within his own mind.

As the full force of the link swept over Legolas, Aragorn's elven blood pulled him into the magic, which expressed itself in the form of feelings.  He gasped in astonishment as he felt the bond that had formed between his elf and nature itself with the tree acting as the conduit, and yet Aragorn was aware that his half-elven blood allowed him only to sit on the edges of the link without fully submerging into its wonders, but it was still wondrous.

Emotions swept through Aragorn, and he realized that they came from Legolas, from the child, and from every living thing around them, and tears formed in the King's eyes as he felt some small measure of what it was to be Elven, and sorrow for the fact that once this experience was over his ability to feel the things around him would diminish and be only slightly more heightened than that of a normal man once more.

He sensed then his child.  As it came closer to it's birth its senses grew sharper and Aragorn could feel it reaching out, first to himself in curiosity and then latching itself onto Legolas so that it might assist it's parent in the birth.  Legolas instinctively allowed the child's consciousness to bond with him, and he showed it the link with nature, explaining with feelings that the child would soon become part of this vast world where everything was linked, and the child under the love and tutelage of its elven parent gently reached out to link with the tree.

Aragorn observed in silent amazement as hours passed by and the gentle caress of the conduit slowly allowed the child sink into the link letting it feel and become one with all that was living, and yet his human eyes still saw what was before him, Legolas laying within the bower his face appearing more peaceful now as the natural bond took away his pain.  The opening beneath his stomach had grown in size and was still bleeding, but even more amazing to Aragorn was the sight of the child moving within Legolas' belly.

Aragorn was glad that Legolas no longer seemed to feel the pain because he was felt that the way the child seemed to writhe within the Prince would surely hurt.  The small mass of the child seemed to move downwards towards the opening, and Aragorn's split senses detected the child moving away from the bond again now, and with Legolas' guidance was trying to birth itself.  Aragorn watched as Legolas' face became a mask of concentration, his hand unknowingly gripping Aragorn's tightly as he attempted to use his muscles to push the child forward towards the opening.

There was a sudden gush of clear liquid that emptied itself from the womb and Aragon caught sight of a thatch of dark hair just within the opening.  He raised startled eyes to his husbands face, and was met with blue eyes that shone brightly with love, a tender smile wreathing the Prince's face.  With a final push the head and shoulders of the child emerged and Aragorn released Legolas' hand from his own to pull the child gently free of the birthing canal.

He raised the wrinkled, wet bundle that was his son and examined him carefully.  The babe was perfectly formed, five little fingers and toes were counted.  His ears were like that of a man save for the slight curling of the tips into a point, and a mass of dark hair lay matted against his skull by the fluid from the womb.  Aragorn's heart clenched suddenly as a bright pair of blue eyes opened to the world for the first time.  The babe's gaze seemed to meet his own in understanding and his tiny lips seemed to form a small smile of satisfaction.

Aragorn turned the babe and placed him onto Legolas' chest allowing the elf to look upon his child for the first time, whilst he took out a small knife from his belt and cut the cord that connected the babe to its father.  The Elven Prince's face was lined with fatigue and pain but he smiled at the child, and the smile was one of unadulterated love.  In the back of his mind Aragorn was aware that the elf's bond with the tree was still there but the bond was fading.  Legolas raised one weary hand and tenderly stroked the child's cheek before raising that hand to cup Aragorn's face.

"I love you," he whispered tiredly and his eyes closed, his arm falling limply to his side, a soft smile on his face.

Almost too late Aragorn realized that Legolas was saying goodbye, that he was fading and was unable to maintain the bond with nature, which would enable him to heal.  He sensed the Prince's passing with every second as the bond continued to diminish, the babe upon the elf's breast also felt the change and let out a cry.

"No!" Aragorn screamed, tears running freely down his face and falling onto the still form of the elf beneath him, the child continuing to cry helplessly.

Feeling the diminishing link Aragorn instinctively reached out with mental hands to grasp it, using his tentative hold on the magic to pour his strength into the link, and through that to his mate who lay dying.  He was not aware of time passing, only his own growing weakness as his strength was sapped, yet still Legolas did not rouse.  His grip on the magical link suddenly slipped, and in a panic he tried to grasp it again.  He almost failed but he was suddenly aware of another presence that joined him and leant his strength into the link, and then that presence was joined by another and another until Aragorn felt himself surrounded by familiar souls.  The babe quieted as it felt all the spirits joined together in an effort to save its parents.

Legolas' eyes suddenly flew open and his mouth opened, drawing in a breath like one who had not partaken of air in a long time before his eyes slowly glazed over and Legolas lay back in peace.  Aragorn felt the spirits of those who had leant their aid draw away and the link slowly slipped away.  The branches surrounding the small family began to open and Aragorn cast his gaze around in astonishment at the crowd of elven faces now gathered around the bower.  More tears trickled down his cheeks and he watched numbly as his own father approached with Thranduil and Lord Denethor who looked to have aged ten years since Aragorn had seen him last.

"All is well my son, Legolas is simply resting, as should you.  You came dangerously close to death young one," Elrond said disapprovingly.

Aragorn blinked in slow confusion, his gaze slipped down to take in the sight of his husband.  Blood surrounded him and a gory mass lay between his legs that Aragorn saw was the afterbirth, but the opening in his belly, and the bruises from Verius' mistreatment had been healed and Legolas' eyes were glazed in sleep.  His gaze then drifted to the babe that lay still upon the Prince's breast.  The young King reached out and gently picked up the babe settling him comfortably within the circle of his arms, before looking up again at the two elven lords.

"My son," he said with a tired smile.

Elrond smiled.  "Yes Aragorn, your son.  Now come, you all must rest, allow us to take care of everything else for you."

Aragorn looked from the babe in his arms to his sleeping mate torn as to what he should do.  Thranduil saw his dilemma and stepped forward before tenderly lifting his own son into his arms.  "Worry not young one, I will carry Legolas, and you may carry your son.  We shall take you all to your chambers where you can all sleep together."

Aragorn nodded and allowed himself to be helped from the bower before being escorted by his father to the Royal chambers.  He watched as Legolas was gently bathed and patted dry before being placed under the warm covers of the bed.  He made a distressed noise as Thranduil took his son from his arms, but then his own father was there helping him from his clothes before he was washed down gently, much as Elrond had when he was a babe.  He was pushed over to the bed and tucked under the covers before the newly cleaned babe was settled between himself and Legolas.

Elrond and Thranduil watched with shared amusement and relief as Aragorn's heavy eyelids finally dropped and he fell into slumber.

"That was far too close," Thranduil said with a heartfelt sigh.  "I never wish to see my son that close to Mandos' halls again."

"Indeed, yet I wonder how it was you have kept him so far from the Halls of Mandos in the past.  Never have I met an elf with such a talent for finding trouble." The Rivendell Lord said dryly.

Thranduil chuckled.  "It has been a trial, in fact I very much look forward to the time that Legolas comes to me to complain about the trouble his own son manages to find himself in, for I have no doubt that my new grandson will be more than a handful." Laughing lightly the two elven lords left the small family to rest.

~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas frowned in his sleep as something pulled at his hair, ignoring the sensation the weary elf allowed himself to sink back into the dreamscape, yet the tug persisted.  With a mental sigh Legolas allowed his mind to focus on his current surroundings.  His eyes focused and he gazed around in surprise.  How had he arrived here?  The tug came again and Legolas turned to what was causing it.

His gaze met an identical pair of bright blue eyes looking steadily back at him, and Legolas' memories came back to him.  This was the life for which he had fought so hard, giving the last of his own strength to provide it with life.  But then that begged the question of how he had survived.  He recalled Aragorn within the bower and the babe upon his breast, but he knew that he had been fading, moving closer to Mandos' Halls, so how then was he here lying in the bed he shared with his husband, with their new babe beside him.

Legolas looked up from the babe and saw that Aragorn also lay within the bed, his mouth open slightly as he slept.  Legolas' confusion deepened.  He would have thought the past few days a nightmare had he not the evidence of his own child before his eyes.

"T'is a puzzle," he said softly to the baby, and then smiled as the child seemed to grin toothlessly at him.

He shifted within the bed, wincing as his body protested at the movement, but he finally settled himself into a position on his side where he could examine his child more closely.  Someone had cleaned the baby and its hair lay in a soft, silky dark mop atop its head.  He reached out a gentle finger to stroke it and the baby curled into the touch eagerly making small sounds of satisfaction.

"I see you have become acquainted with our son," Aragorn's voice said softly from the other side of the babe and Legolas raised a startled gaze to meet that of his husband.

"Our son? I had not thought to check yet," he said softly and turned his attention back to the baby.  "My son," he murmured and leaned forward to place a kiss upon the child's brow.  "But what are we to call you little one?"

"He is more elven than I am, and will be your heir long after he has passed the throne of Gondor onto his own children.  I thought that something Elven would be appropriate," Aragorn offered.

"Yet he is as much your son as he is mine," Legolas corrected gently.  "Perhaps Elessarion would be a good name for you little one, what do you think?"

The baby cooed softly his little legs kicking outwards, arms waving.  Aragorn laughed.  "I think he likes it.  Very well, Elessarion Telcontar you shall be."  A knock at the door made them both look up.  "Come in," Aragorn called out.

The door opened and Thranduil entered carrying a tray followed by Elrond also laden with a tray.  "We were alerted that voices were heard within your chambers and assumed that you had finally stirred," the Lord of Rivendell said gently as he and the Mirkwood king lay down their trays.

"How long have we been sleeping?" Aragorn queried.

"For a half day, you arrived back at the palace last night, and it is now after midday of the following day.  How do you fare my son?" The dark haired elf queried of his half- elven foster son.

Aragorn frowned.  "I feel well.  I slept without waking I think, but then I sensed Legolas stir and it roused me," he explained.

Elrond nodded.  "That is to be expected.  You joined the link that Legolas had formed with his bower and this in turn connected you to both Legolas and the babe.  You may find increased sensitivity to their moods although this may fade with time, and you Prince Legolas how are you feeling?"

Legolas looked up smiling.  "I feel fully recovered Lord Elrond."  The young Prince caught his father's stern glance and he squirmed slightly.  "I am perhaps still a little sore," he admitted in a soft voice.

"On a Legolas scale of pain, I would read that to be very sore indeed," Thranduil said with a disapproving glance at his son whose expression turned slightly sullen.

"I see," Elrond said with an understanding smile.  "Perhaps if Aragorn would like to take your son…"

"Elessarion," Aragorn interrupted swiftly.

Elrond smiled again.  "Elessarion, a fine choice.  Well if Aragorn would like to take Elessarion over to the window seat I can examine Legolas and make sure that healing was complete."

Legolas scowled as Aragorn obediently took the baby, wrapping him delicately in a soft warm blanket before settling himself in the window seat talking softly to the child whose eyes watched the proceedings with a wisdom that seemed strange to the young man, in one just born.  Elrond looked down at the Prince who had the covers pulled defensively up to his chin.

"Little one," Thranduil said in a warning tone, and Legolas sighed in frustration as he released his hold on the covers.

"I am perfectly fine," he said as Elrond pulled the covers away from him.

The Elven healer cast a quick cursory glance over the Prince's body before his hand gently found the spot from which Elessarion had been born.  He glanced up sharply as Legolas hissed when pressure was applied to the healed skin.  His eyes questioned the Prince.

"It hurts but feels more like a fresh bruise does," he admitted in a quiet voice not wishing to alarm his husband.

Elrond nodded.  "T'is fine then.  Much magical energy was expended last night in bringing you back from the brink of death, it is to be expected that it could not fully heal you, yet there is no real damage that won't repair itself with bed rest for the next day or two."

"Two days," Legolas squeaked.  "I cannot stay in here for that long," he protested.

"You can and you will, little one, if I have to sit on you myself.  Or better yet I will send Celdarion, he always seemed to find some way to restrain you," the Mirkwood king mused.

The color drained away from Legolas' face.  "Father… when we were attacked… I fear Celdarion did not survive," he said sadly, his grief rising at the thought of his noble friend.

"Easy my son, we found Celdarion.  He was at death's door but Elrond and Galadriel managed to stabilize him, and even now he lies resting in the healer's halls."

Legolas was silent for a moment, his eyes closed in deep relief, and then he directed his brilliant blue gaze upon the older elves.  "It appears that much has happened since Amelia and I were taken captive.  Perhaps you can explain it to me," he said.

Elrond nodded.  "Very well, but first you and Aragorn must eat.  You need to recover your strength."

Legolas allowed his father and Elrond to assist his tired aching body into a seated position.  Aragorn moved over to the bed to join them, and Legolas held out his arms to take possession of the baby.  A tinkling sound drew his attention to his arm and he was reminded for the first time since his captivity that the mithril wrought chain and manacle were still attached to him.  He frowned.

"I wish for this chain to be removed as soon as possible.  I will not let this evil thing touch my child," he declared looking at Aragorn.  "I think it best if we call for Mithrandir immediately.  I am sure he will have some solution as to how we remove this thing." Elrond explained.

Legolas nodded and held out his free arm to Aragorn who placed Elessarion gently into the Elven Prince's unchained arm, before settling himself at his husband's side his arm placed around Legolas' shoulder offering unspoken support.  The young elf looked down into his son's eyes and smiled.

"You are beautiful Elessarion," he said softly to the child and the baby looked back at him solemnly.  Legolas settled the baby more securely against him and Elessarion snuggled against the warmth of his parent, his eyes glazing as he fell into sleep.  Legolas caught his father's proud smile and returned it with one of his own.

"You have done well little one," Thranduil said softly, his hand gently stroking Legolas' head.  He will make you a fine heir."

"Yes, he will," Legolas said softly gazing down in besotted fascination at his newborn son.

Aragorn looked to his foster father.  "Father, Elessarion opened his eyes shortly after his birth, and he always looks at me as though he is aware of everything that happens around him.  I have not seen any human child do this… did something happen during the birth to… affect him?" the young man questioned worriedly.

Elrond chuckled.  "Nay my son, he is perfectly healthy as far as I can tell.  All elven babies are born in this way.  They are already in touch with the world when they are born and their eyes will always reflect the wisdom of the firstborn. There may be much about Elessarion that will differ from the children of men as he grows, but be assured he is perfectly normal."

"And how are we to feed Elessarion, as you can see, Legolas does not have the body of a woman.  There are no breasts filled with milk," Aragorn said, flushing at the amused looks of the older elves.

"Is that a complaint?" Legolas asked dryly.

"No, of course not," the young man said hastily to placate his husband.

"Have pity, Legolas," Thranduil said laughing.  "It is a valid question.  Our women do breast feed, and so the pregnancy is often easier on them because they can provide for the child after birth.  For a male many of the nutrients the child requires will be taken from the parent during the last few months of the pregnancy, which is why Legolas would have tired far more easily.  Once the child has been born we usually provide it with clear spring water and fruit juices.  The elves have come to fashion a form of container that will allow the child to suck from it in the fashion of a female's breast.  We have bought some of these bottles for Legolas' use, and I'm sure you can arrange the procurement of fresh water and fruit juice Aragorn."

Aragorn nodded.  "I shall see to it that a bountiful supply is immediately gathered and is until such time as Elessarion begins to eat food himself."

"Enough talking, eat now," Elrond said bringing forth some food.  "And then we shall all catch up with each other's version of events.

~~~~~~~~~~

They had almost finished their meal when there came a knock at the door.

"Enter," Aragorn called out, and was surprised when he saw a pointed hat appear around the door followed by the rest of Mithrandir.

The wizard carried a small bottle of juice, which he placed on the side before approaching the assembled family smiling.

"Mithrandir," Legolas exclaimed, his eyes lighting in hope.

"Prince Legolas.  It is good to see you looking more yourself again," the Istari said.  He peered down at the small baby that lay within Legolas' gentle embrace.  "May I?" he enquired politely and the elven Prince allowed the wizard to take the child from him, before gently cradling the baby within his own arms.  "Have you named him?" he asked.

Legolas nodded and shared a look with his husband.  "We have decided to call him Elessarion," he replied.

"Ho hmmm," the wizard chuckled.  "A very fine name indeed.  He is a very beautiful child young Prince," Mithrandir said looking down with tender eyes.  Elessarion stirred within his hold and the blue gaze so much like that of his father cleared before focusing on the bearded wizard peering down at him.  The baby blinked as he regarded this new person, and the old man smiled once again.  "I can see now that you will be a force to be reckoned with little one, much like your parents before you," he said softly to the child and the babe's grandparents shared a smile at that statement.  Mithrandir turned suddenly gently handing the baby to Thranduil.  "Now, I am here to see about a chain," he said addressing the elven Prince.

Legolas nodded gratefully.  "Please Mithrandir, I can bear its touch no longer.  Remove it from me I beg of you."

"Hmm now, fear not young one, we'll sort this out for you, then you may focus on your recovery.  Word has spread already about your abduction and return, but of course the biggest news is the birth of the new Prince."

The wizard approached the bed seating himself comfortably before gently taking the arm that was still manacled by the mithril and examining it closely.  "Much of the magic used in the binding has dissipated now that Verius no longer has access to his talents," the Istari explained, missing Legolas' flinch at the mention of the dark lord.  "I believe that it should be easier to remove the manacle now."

The bearded wizard placed both hands on the manacle focusing his powers into disrupting the spell and making it release the Prince.  Legolas felt nothing as the wizard tested his wits against the spell but slowly he felt a slight tightening and growing warmth coming from the manacle.  He cast a concerned glance up at the wizard who was oblivious.  The tightening continued until the manacle began to pinch at his flesh.  He hissed in pain at the metal seemed to heat almost to burning point.

"What is it?" Elrond asked noticing the Prince's discomfort.

"It burns, and squeezes me, ai!" he cried out suddenly as the manacle started to glow and he felt the skin beneath it begin to burn.

"What's happening?" Aragorn queried.

"The spell protecting the metal is attempting to fight Mithrandir and is inflicting pain on Legolas to force the invasion of magic to stop."  Elrond explained.

"Then why does he not stop?" Aragorn cried, noticing the sweat forming on the brow of his beloved.

"He cannot my son.  To admit defeat now means that Legolas would be forced to wear this sign of his imprisonment for the rest of his life.  If Mithrandir cannot break this spell no one can," the elven lore master explained.

Another cry of pain escaped Legolas lips and those watching saw small trickles of blood escape from the edge of the manacle.  "Aragorn, make it stop," Legolas hissed, but the young King was helpless to intercede.

Murmuring now came from the focused wizard and it grew in its intensity until with a sudden scream of pain from Legolas and bellow of rage from the wizard the manacle split.  Elrond immediately dashed forward to bind the damaged wrist of the Prince.  Legolas sank back against the cushions panting.  Small tears worked their way free of his eyes and he looked at the wizard who now sat back, lines of exhaustion marring his usually jovial face.

"You have my eternal gratitude Mithrandir," Legolas said finally.

Mithrandir chuckled.  "I am quite sure that I do not need that burden hanging over my head for the rest of eternity, however you can repay me by attempting not to find yourself in anymore troublesome spots in the future."

Everyone chuckled at that, and for the first time since the birth of his son, Legolas could embrace his new offspring with both arms.

~Part Twenty Eight~

After stories had been exchanged and both Legolas and the baby fed, Aragorn had left his husband in a healing slumber, Elessarion still nestled within his arms.  The young King could not help thinking that the elf's explanation of the events during his captivity had been rather short and unrevealing but he would deal with that later.

Now that he was awake and rested he wanted to find out what the fallout from their raid on Lord Marlen's estate had been.  He knew that some people had been taken prisoner, and others had been taken into protective custody until it could be decided whether their stay at the estate had been voluntary or not.

He made his way to his council rooms where he was meeting his father and Lord Denethor.  When he arrived he saw that they were not alone, Thranduil, Galadriel and Lord Celeborn also sat waiting for him, along with his cousin Boromir.  Nodding to them all he sat himself down behind his large desk.

"Boromir, how is Amelia?" he asked immediately, concern for the young lady lacing his voice.

"As well as can be expected.  She was not really harmed physically but she is feeling very fragile at present."  The stewards son sighed and Aragorn nodded in understanding.  "I hear that I must congratulate you on the birth of your son," Boromir added smiling now.  "How does Legolas and the new babe fare?"

Aragorn could not stop the grin that spread across his face.  "We have called him Elessarion, and he is beautiful.  He has my hair but his features and eyes take after Legolas, you must see him later.  As for Legolas…"  Aragorn paused and a shadow crossed his face.  "As with Amelia, physically there is very little damage although that was simply because he was healed in his bower.  Had we arrived any later than we did in our rescue and I fear that things would not be the same, even so I worry for his emotional health.  He does not speak much of his captivity and I cannot help but think that in the long term this will be unhealthy.  However, now is not the time to speak of such things.  Uncle, you have a report for me based on our findings at Marlen's estate?"

Denethor nodded.  "Indeed, first and most grave indeed, we recovered fourteen women who had been held captive and obviously… violated during their captivity, all of whom are in various stages of pregnancy.  Unfortunately during the rescue, three other women took the opportunity to end their own lives.  We took all of the staff who worked at the estate, including Marlen's personal guards, we will question them all to ascertain their complicity in these foul deeds.  We also recovered four strange little creatures who insist they are Hobbits of the Shire enslaved by the sorcerer some years ago.  We will have to verify this of course, but I cannot make myself believe that creatures that are so small and child like could be voluntarily embroiled in foul deeds."

"Indeed, we at Rivendell have met these hobbits before, and they are simple folk who do not think of life at all beyond their own borders," Elrond explained.

Aragorn nodded in response to his foster father's comments and turned his attention back to the steward as Denethor continued to outline the actions they had taken to secure the estate.  "Very well," he said finally.  "I shall place you in charge of the questioning uncle, I trust your opinion, and any that you believe innocent are to be set free and returned home if that is their wish.  As for the women I think it best if we house them here in the palace for the time being.  We should speak to them all, find out if they have families who can take them back, find out what they plan to do with any offspring they give birth to."

"Yet we still have not addressed what should be done with the sorcerer and Lord Marlen."  Thranduil stated, his voice cool but his eyes glowing with a hate so intense that Aragorn caught his breath and could not hold his father-in-laws gaze.

"The sorcerer's powers have been neutralized, he will never again have access to them," Galadriel pointed out softly.

"As King you must be seen to be just, they must each face a trial to be judged by their peers, for you would be viewed as biased my son," Elrond said, noting Aragorn's jaw tighten in anger.

"I know!" the young man exclaimed.  "Yet what are we to do with them after the trial?  What is the maximum sentence that we can impose?  For myself I confess I would wish them sentenced to death, for neither of them has done ought but evil with their lives."

"Yet as an old friend once said to me, many that live deserve death, and some that die deserve life.  You are a King now my son, you have the power of life or death over your subjects and that is why you must think all the more before ordering the end of someone's existence.  Deserving or not, you cannot give it back once taken away," Elrond pointed out.

"And what of those who found themselves victims to these atrocities, do they have no say in how these men are punished?" Aragorn responded heatedly.

"Tell me Estel, would you truly want Legolas to lash out at these men in anger.  Take their lives, and then spend the rest of his immortal life regretting his part in such an action?"  Celeborn asked gently.

Aragorn's shoulders slumped in defeat.  "Nay, I would not wish that for him, or for anyone."

"Then you understand why it should be a trial judged by peers and not the victims themselves?  For do not mistake Estel that you too are a victim in this matter, as are many of us here," the Lord of Lórien added.

"Then how are the jurors to be selected?" Thranduil asked.

"That is what Aragorn must decide, for such a trial may set a precedent in your legal history," Elrond pointed out, and suddenly the effects of such a trial became wide reaching.

"I know how it is with the elves.  Randomly are a group of the defendants peers selected so that none may argue any unfairness.  That is how we should select our jury, they should be a mix of citizens from all walks of life and social status," Aragorn stated firmly.  "Uncle, can you help?"  Denethor nodded and made a few notes on a handy piece of parchment.  "Good, now if there is no further matters which need my attention urgently I shall return to see how Legolas fares.  Father, is Celdarion well enough for a short journey to our rooms.  I think it would make Legolas feel much better to see his recovery with his own eyes." Elrond nodded and Aragorn then turned to Boromir.  "Cousin, I know I ask much of you, but perhaps it would be beneficial if Amelia were to spend some time with Legolas, I think they have bonded much because of this experience, and may be of some aid to each other in recovering their emotional well being."  Boromir nodded in agreement and satisfied that the meeting was now at an end Aragorn bowed slightly to his noble guests before exiting.

He brushed off any attempts to delay him as he made his way back to the Royal Chambers and gently pushed open the door before stepping silently inside.  He saw at once that Legolas still slept, his eyes focused inwards, his body relaxed and softly surrounded by blankets.

Although elves in general did not feel any but the most extreme of temperatures when injured or emotionally distressed they often lost this resistance to the natural climate.  After regaining consciousness Legolas had found himself shivering when exposed to the air and Aragorn had wasted no time in wrapping his beloved securely in the warm folds of their blankets.

The elven Prince lay on his side and securely held within his arms lay Elessarion, also wrapped in the covers, he was still newborn enough for his body not to have adjusted yet to the temperature, and his human blood meant that he would be more susceptible to the temperature in the room, although having a greater tolerance than a normal man.

Aragorn climbed gently onto the bed to lie facing his slumbering partner and child but as he settled himself to look upon the faces of the two people he loved most in this world he noticed Elessarion stirring.  The baby blinked a few times as his bright blue gaze seemed to sharpen, and almost uncannily he turned his head to face his half elven father.  A small smile formed and Aragorn felt a grin spread across his features in response to the toothless mouth that was displayed to him.  He reached out with gentle fingers and caressed the soft silken skin of his son, and in response Elessarion gurgled trying to grab his fingers with his own tiny digits, his legs pumping away in excitement.  Aragorn chuckled in amusement.

A soft sigh alerted both father and child to the fact that the slumbering elf was waking.  Elessarion's hand released the King's and instead latched onto a golden lock of his elven parents hair tugging gently.  Aragorn watched in fascination as Legolas sighed softly and blinked again.  He nuzzled his head further into the pillows as if attempting to hide away and return to his sleep but Elessarion's tugging continued, joined now by a demanding gurgle.  Legolas blinked once more and Aragorn watched his beloved's eyes as clarity returned.  The elven Prince's eyes immediately tracked down to his demanding son and a soft smile that spoke of unconditional love was directed at the child who quieted instantly.

"You take my breath away every time I see you," Aragorn commented softly, and Legolas raised confused eyes to meet his.  "Each time I look upon you it is like seeing you again for the first time.  My breath is stolen from my body and time itself seems to freeze into one perfect moment, and when you look at me I am lost."

Legolas smiled and reached out a hand to gently caress Aragorn's cheek and the young king leaned into the caress without looking away from the blue orbs that gazed at him.  The elven Prince spoke no words, yet said so much as his eyes and his touch conveyed his love for the man before him.

"I have missed you so very much.  Never leave my side again," Aragorn said fiercely, the intensity of his passion momentarily surprising the elf.

"Aragorn!" Legolas exclaimed, almost moaning the man's name, and unable to restrain himself any longer Aragorn surged forward capturing the elf's lips with his own, yet mindful of not crushing Elessarion who still lay between them.

Although his need for his husband was intense Aragorn was still conscious of not hurting his beloved and after the initial meeting of their lips the young king gentled the kiss so that he could explore the sweet mouth that had so long been denied him.  They drank of each other deeply, tongues teasing and stroking, but finally were forced to draw apart as Elessarion began to protest at being ignored.

Sharing soft looks and a smile both parents gazed down in devotion at their newborn offspring, delighting in his every look and action, even if it was to continually tug at the golden locks of his elven father.

"I think that if he is half as beautiful as you, my love, we may have some fierce competition for his hand when he comes of age," Aragorn commented and Legolas laughed in amusement.

They remained quietly lying together amused by Elessarion and talks of what trouble their son might cause as he grew.  Legolas had wanted to get out of bed, even it was only to move to a chair, but found that his body protested too fiercely.  Instead he was forced to remain in his bed allowing Aragorn to help him into a long nightshirt before tucking the covers around his body again.  He complained loudly at his dislike of feeling helpless and Aragorn nodded making soothing sounds whilst hiding his smile.

Once feeling refreshed and warm with Elessarion tucked into his arms Legolas felt more content.  Aragorn sat beside him alternating between cooing at the babe and raising his hand to stroke at Legolas face, or hair, or even his ears which caused shivers to run down the elf's spine.

A knock sounded at the door and Aragorn called out for whoever it was to enter.  Lord Elrond stepped inside and Aragorn smiled as he heard Legolas' gasp of recognition as Celdarion slowly walked in behind the elf lord, followed yet still by a weakly smiling Amelia clinging to the arm of Boromir, and finally followed by King Thranduil.

Thranduil and Elrond decided to make themselves comfortable at the window seat and watch with amusement at the proceedings of the young ones.  Boromir led Amelia to the bed where she sat herself on the edge near to Legolas before he moved away to a guarded watchful stance near the fireplace.  Celdarion moved stiffly to the side of the bed where he stood as if at attention before Legolas clucked at him in a disapproving fashion, his eyes taking in the wonderful sight of his friend in life, before berating the guardian elf and bidding him to bring over a chair to sit in before he collapsed.  Celdarion obeyed his Prince and sank into the chair, his body relaxing slightly with some support beneath him.

Legolas did not know where to look first.  To scan every inch of Celdarion and ensure that he was not as close to death as he had been the very last time he had seen his protector and  friend, or to look to Amelia, who although pale seemed to be in good health and almost as glad to see him as he was her.  Aragorn seemed to sense his quandary and instead moved Legolas arms slightly so that Elessarion was proudly put on display.

"Perhaps you can introduce them to our son," he said softly into the elf's ear.

Legolas nodded and adjusting his grip he turned Elessarion so that could be seen by all, and smiling shyly he looked up at his friends.  "This is our son, Elessarion," he spoke softly.

Amelia seemed to forget all her troubles when looking upon the angelic face of the baby held within the elf Prince's arms.  "He is so beautiful," she said, and gasped as Elessarion's forthright gaze met her own.

Legolas smiled at the enraptured woman before turning to look upon his childhood guardian, seeking the approval of the older elf.  Celdarion moved forward to the edge of his seat until he was closer to the baby.  Elessarion seeing the movement turned and directed his gaze at the older elf.  Celdarion met the child's bold stare and something seemed to pass between child and warrior before Elessarion smiled and reached out a small hand towards the guardian.  Celdarion took the small fingers within his own before bowing his head slightly.

"It would be the greatest honor to protect you little one," he said formally, and then raised his eyes to meet those of Legolas.

Unshed tears formed in the Prince's eyes.  "Thank you," he said softly for Celdarion's ears alone and the warrior elf inclined his head before releasing the little babe's hand and sinking back into his chair.

Legolas felt a release of tension from his body and he relaxed back into Aragorn's arms before looking about the room once more.  He noted that Celdarion too seemed less tense than he had before, and by the window he saw his father looking on with obvious pride.  Legolas smiled at him, the King returning his smile with paternal affection.  Lord Elrond watched them all with barely concealed amusement, and finally Legolas' gaze came to rest upon the silent tense man near the fireplace.  He saw that Boromir's gaze was directed solely on Amelia, and the Prince noticed that the look was being returned with a shy one by the lady.

"Amelia," he said finally.  "I am glad you are here.  I am so very sorry that you were pulled into this mess.  If I had not caught Verius' eye…" the Prince trailed off and Aragorn ran his hand soothingly along the elf's arm.

Amelia smiled at him, and he could see understanding in her eyes.  "T'was no fault of yours Legolas.  Besides from this something good has come.  You now have your son, and…" she paused and shared another look with her beloved.  "Boromir and I have decided to wait no longer.  We wish to marry within a fortnight.  Too much time has been lost already," she said.

Aragorn grinned at the news.  "Congratulations cousin, why did you not speak of this earlier?" he asked.

Boromir flushed but smiled at the honest sincerity of the King's words.  "I wanted to wait for Amelia to make the announcement first.  I am content enough in the knowledge that she wishes to bind herself to me."

"Indeed, fair Amelia, do you really have any idea what it is you do?  Perhaps as Boromir's cousin it would only be fair if I were to inform you first of a few stories that are not too well known but… Ow!" the King exclaimed in pain as Legolas pinched him.

"Stop teasing Aragorn!" he said with a laugh that was shared by everyone in the room.

Aragorn rubbed at his arm to soothe the afflicted area, but he did look at Boromir and Amelia in remorse. "Forgive me, as Legolas said I was only jesting.  Truly we both wish you the very best for your lives together, and should you require anything of us please do no hesitate to ask."

The couple nodded in thanks, and talk finally moved to the upcoming nuptials and what the couple had planned for their big day.

~~~~~~~~~~

A short time later Boromir and Amelia departed, they wished to sup along with Boromir's father tonight and discuss further their plans for the wedding.  Legolas was glad to see that his friends had fared well but felt a sudden guilt at his lack of thought concerning those others who had been held captive by the evil duo.

He turned to his husband with a concerned look.  "Aragorn, we have not spoken yet of the others held at the estate."  He could not force himself to say those hated names.  "What happened to the women, and the halflings, and Lord Fenner, was he found?"

"We found them all my love.  The women we will house here until we can find their families or they each make choices concerning their future, but should any wish to stay we will find something for them."  Legolas nodded in approval.  "The halflings?  You mean the hobbits of the Shire?  We did not know if their claims of being held in slavery were true but they are also here in the palace.  No not in the dungeons," the king said quickly forestalling Legolas' protest.

"They were indeed slaves, perhaps we can find some way to return them to the Shire and their own kind?" he asked.

"I can take them with me when I return to Rivendell," Elrond offered.  "The Shire is to the west beyond my borders but I can arrange for some of my people to escort them home.  We are more familiar with their kind.  One of the halflings, Bilbo Baggins, resides with us in Rivendell."

"Yes, Frodo mentioned that Bilbo was his uncle, I am sure he would be most grateful to be reunited with his kin.  But tell me now, what of Lord Fenner?"

"Fenner?  Was he not the musician with the appalling music?" Celdarion asked, not knowing of Fenner's double life.

"Yes, although that was nothing more than a cover.  I think we shall explain later or rather ask Lord Fenner to explain when he is able.  He will recover will he not?" Legolas asked anxiously.  Elrond nodded but Legolas was not satisfied.  "And his hands, can you repair the damage done to them?"

"Would it not be more humane to not repair his hands so that he may not torture anyone else with his 'music'?" Celdarion asked dryly.

Legolas shook his head with a mysterious smile.  "Not at all, in fact I think I will have him pen an ode to you my brave and loyal friend," he said, and the older elf groaned a look of distaste crossing his features.

Elrond laughed at the teasing of the young Prince but answered his question.  "We were able to repair all of the damage inflicted upon him.  I think that with the speeded healing we set upon him he will regain full use of his hands within the week."

"That is wonderful news, I cannot wait for you all to hear him play again," Legolas declared and laughed as Aragorn's groan joined Celdarion's.

~~~~~~~~~~

Late in the evening they were alone once more, Aragorn now lay within the covers with Legolas curled up against him.  Elessarion lay sleeping on Aragorn's chest with the blankets tucked up to his neck, his breath making soft sounds as it left his body.  Absent mindedly Aragorn stroked the baby's back even as Legolas hand stroked up and down his own arm.

"What will happen to them?" Legolas asked suddenly.

Aragorn turned to look in confusion at his husband.  "Who?"

Legolas swallowed and lowered his eyes before answering.  "Verius and Marlen?"

Aragorn sighed, he had not looked forward to explaining this part to his elven mate.  "We… I have decided that they are to face a trial which will be judged by a panel of people who are impartial, the sentence is also to be decided by that same panel."

Legolas' eyes flew up to meet his own.  "But you are King, should it not be for you to decide?" he asked.

Aragorn shook his head.  "It has been pointed out to me, and rightly so that in this matter I am biased and could even be classed as a victim myself.  I was not happy at first with this but I have had some time to think on it, and I do see that it is for the best.  I am sure that the people of Minas Tirith will fairly judge and make the correct decision in this case," he said confidently.

Legolas' eyes grew troubled.  "But what if they do not, what if this panel decides that they are not guilty of these crimes.  What if they are freed?"

Aragorn opened his arm to allow his mate to move closer and once Legolas' body was more firmly nestled against his own he circled his arm protectively around the elf.  "Have no fears my love.  There is no way that any right minded person could fail to view these men as anything less than guilty.  It will work out right trust me."

Legolas nodded but his eyes remained troubled, and sleep was a long time coming that night.

~Part Twenty Nine~

Just two days later and to the relief of everyone Legolas had been cleared by Lord Elrond to leave his bed and the Royal Chambers.  Whether they had previously known it or not everyone had become aware of the Prince's dislike of being restrained indoors, so as Legolas made his way outside, and warmly wrapped baby within his arms there were many smiles of relief aimed at him.

The Elven Prince had decided that the first place he would like to visit was his gardens to check on the progress of the plant life there, and then to visit his bower and pay his regards to wise old tree that had played it's part in allowing Elessarion to be born, and in saving his own life.  He remained undisturbed as he sat before the tree and placing a hand against the rough bark he felt comforted.  The wind rustled gently through the branches and Legolas could hear the soft whisper as the trees spoke to each other.  Singing softly he added his own voice to their whispers, and in the language of his own people Legolas introduced his son to the living creatures of the palace gardens.  A creaking sound emerged from the bower tree and Legolas watched as a branch slowly bent down to allow its leave to gently brush across Elessarion's head as the child slept.  Smiling and singing his thanks once more Legolas left the grove and returned to the palace seeking out his father.

~~~~~~~~~~

King Thranduil sat in the small sitting room of the chambers that had been set aside for his use.  He was reading from a book that Elrond had recommended, something he had said would help him understand the race of men a little more, although Thranduil was doubtful that this was even possible.

He looked up as the door opened and he smiled as he saw Legolas enter with his new grandson.

"Father!" Legolas said softly in greeting, and he placed Elessarion gently into the Mirkwood King's outstretched arms.

Thranduil looked down at the small bundle he held.  "If not for the hair coloring and the slightly rounded ears, I could almost be convinced that this little one was you, and that I had only dreamed the last two millennia," he said and looked up at his grown son.  "You both remind me so much of your mother.  The most beautiful elf I have ever encountered, with more grace and light than even Galadriel herself."

"I remember her," Legolas offered softly, and it was true, for long and true are the memories of elves, and although the Queen of Mirkwood had been taken from them whilst Legolas was still very young he remembered her soft gentle face, the lilting musical sound of her voice as she sang to him, and her love of the people around her.

Thranduil noted that Legolas had not seated himself and he raised a quizzical brow at his son.  "Are you not staying little one?" he asked.

Legolas shook his head.  "There is something that I need to take care of.  Would it be possible for you to watch Elessarion for a short time?" he asked.

"Of course, it is something you will never need to ask for, I am happy to spend time with my grandson, but tell me what is this thing you must do, is there nothing I can do to aid you?"

Legolas looked away.  "Nay father, this is something that I must do alone.  I would rather not speak of it at this time."

Thranduil nodded and watched with keen eyes as Legolas kissed his son and called out his thanks before leaving.  The Mirkwood king waited a short time after his son had left before he decided to go and find Aragorn.

~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas made his way down to the palace dungeons, his steps as confident as he could make them, although each step closer to his destination became harder and harder.  He had always been proud, he was after all an elf, and elves did not feel fear, yet Legolas could not ignore the trembling of his body or the rapid beating of his heart as he went further down into the lower levels of the palace.

He arrived at the dungeons and saw the surprise on the faces of all the guards he passed, most scrambling to stay out of his way after a quick salute to their Prince Consort.  One however approached and Legolas noticed from the insignias on his armor that he was a captain.  Most likely the man in charge on this rotation.

"Your Highness!" the man said, not betraying any emotions as he calmly met the glance of the elf.

"Captain!" Legolas affirmed.  "I wish to see the two prisoners that were brought back here a few days ago, Lord Marlen and Verius."

Now there was a flicker of surprise that shone in the captain's eyes but he was in no position to disobey a direct order given from the person second only to the King himself, and father of the new Crown Prince by all accounts.  Instead he turned and led the Elf Prince further into the dungeon, until at length they arrived a small torch lit corridor.  There were just a few cells in this corridor and the captain took out his keys as he walked into the darkened hallway.

"They are kept in separate cells my Lord, do you wish to see them both?" he asked.

Legolas though about this for a moment.  "You have small windows to each cell.  I would look upon Lord Marlen, but I wish to speak with the prisoner Verius."

The captain nodded and gestured to the door closest to him.  "Lord Marlen is being kept in here Your Highness," he said and stepped away so that the elf could see into the small viewing window.

The cell was dark with no light entering save for the torch light that crept in from the corridor, but elven eyes are sharp and Legolas could make out a figure huddled in the corner, head down arms wrapped around his knees.  The elf's delicate nose caught the scent of fear and unwashed bodies, but underlying that was the smell of human waste and vomit, and the elf Prince wrinkled his nose in disgust.  He stepped back from the window and allowed the captain to lead him further into the corridor.

"This is the cell of the prisoner named Verius," the captain said holding the appropriate key.  "Are you sure you wish to enter my lord?"

Legolas took a deep breath, this was why he had come, could he still turn back now.  No he decided.  He needed to look upon this man who had tormented him for so long.  "Yes!" he stated.

The Captain still looked doubtful.  "Your Highness, the prisoner is chained to the wall but I should still call for some of my men to be present with you inside."  Legolas shook his head.  "Then at least allow me to remain with you my lord.  My life would be forfeit should something happen to you," he added, a pleading tone now entering his voice.

Legolas looked regretfully at the man.  "I am sorry captain but I need to speak with the prisoner alone.  You may remain outside the cell though if that would offer you some comfort," he offered, and the captain still looking doubtful nodded and stepped forward to open the door.

He pushed the door open and stepped back allowing the Prince room to enter, and Legolas took a deep breath and held it as he forced himself to step forward.  His eyes swiftly adjusted to the dark of the cell and he saw that Verius unlike Marlen had not sunk into despair.  Instead the sorcerer sat upon his bunk, his back straight and his gaze calmly meeting the Prince's.

Legolas forced himself not to look away but instead to study the man before him.  Verius' hair hung in greasy unwashed locks, his clothes once pristine now looked shabby, ripped and dirty.  Legolas could smell from this distance the sweaty odor that came from the man, but through this inspection Verius did not alter his relaxed pose, instead returning the Prince's frank inspection with one of his own.

"I see you no longer carry the child," Verius stated coolly.

Legolas felt a small amount of satisfaction in having beaten the sorcerer in this at least.  "Yes, my son was born to me on the night we returned to the city.  A healthy babe who shall rule Gondor long after King Elessar and I decide to retire to my father's realm."

"I must congratulate you then, not only on your son's birth but on the recovery of your fine figure, although I must admit that it was quite attractive to see you so heavy with child.  We are alone now though, if you want we could always work on your second child.  I would feel much satisfaction from seeing my child grow within your belly," Verius admitted with a leer.

Legolas took an instinctive step back blanching at the sorcerer's words.  "You are a foul demon," he said but his voice shook.

"Is that a no?" Verius asked mockingly.  "A pity, we've had so little private time together, I never got the chance to drive myself into your delectable little body.  I can just sit here now and imagine it," he said and his eyes closed, his hand dropping down to stroke his rapidly growing manhood.

Legolas choked on bile that rise in his throat and he backed away to the door.  "I hope they end your miserable existence," he got out furiously and turned to exit, Verius' mocking laughter following him.

Ignoring the stunned captain Legolas walked quickly from the cell making his way down the corridor, tears of rage blurring his vision.  He turned a corner quickly and was knocked back as he connected with a solid wall of flesh.  He would have fallen back had this body not taken a hold of his own, and instinctively Legolas struggled, still unable to see clearly for the unshed tears.

"Legolas, be still!" a voice said firmly and Legolas sagged in relief against Aragorn's body.  He let his head fall forward onto the man's firm wide chest and felt his husband's strong arms encircle him.

"Take me back to our rooms," the elven Prince asked quietly, and remained silent as Aragorn obeyed leading them past everyone until they were alone in their own chambers.

"Legolas, what possessed you to go down there?" he asked in a disbelieving voice.

"Aragorn, please, I cannot… " his voice trailed off as he remembered again the look of sick passion on Verius' face as he spoke of driving himself into the elf's body.  With a shudder he looked up at the strong features of his husband.  "Make love to me Aragorn," he asked quietly.

"What?"  Aragorn was confused by the swift change, and could only look in bewilderment as Legolas walked slowly towards him.  The Prince's hands found their way to his shoulders and he pressed his face forward, his lips meeting the man's.

Aragorn could not hold back the moan of desire that left him, muffled by the elf's mouth, and he opened his lips to allow the questing tongue of his husband to enter.  Legolas' hands moved to the front of his tunic, nimble fingers pulling swiftly at the ties, and Aragorn soon felt cool air touch his rapidly heating skin.  The tunic was pushed to the floor and the young man could not help but follow as Legolas moved backwards leading his mate towards their bedroom.

Legolas plucked at the hardened nipples of his husband eliciting a sharp gasp from Aragorn and he moved his mouth away from the man's, trailing kisses down the neck and chest of the young king, one hand slipping down to cup the hard flesh between his mate's thighs.  Aragorn groaned and caught Legolas' hand within his own, deciding to take control of the situation he pushed Legolas back until the back of his legs touched the bed, and smiling wolfishly he used his hips to push the Prince backwards.

A small whoosh of air escaped the elf but he lay back quiescently, watching his husband through narrowed eyes, chest heaving.  Aragorn quickly stripped off his breeches, and stood proudly before his mate before moving forward and climbing onto Legolas.  His mouth again sought out the elf's' and his own fingers worked at the Prince's tunic, and when the ties refused him he tore them free swiftly pushing the material down and off the Prince.  Aragorn noticed that although not as taut as it had been the elf's stomach had regained its slenderness.

Legolas moaned as he felt the evidence of Aragorn's desire press against him, his mouth being ravaged by the limber tongue of his husband.  He brought his hands up and wound them into the young man's hair holding him tightly and he sucked at the taste of Aragorn's mouth, desperate to replace the memory of Verius with the sweeter taste of his husband.  The king must have sensed something of his desperation because he wasted no time in removing the Prince's breeches, and finally naked flesh met similarly naked flesh.

Aragorn's hips ground down into the body below him, and Legolas spread his legs lifting them and wrapping them around his mate's hips allowing Aragorn better access to his body.

"Take me Aragorn," he moaned, his head falling back and lips parted enticingly.

Aragorn groaned.  "You are not ready yet, we have done nothing to prepare you," he stated, trying to restrain himself.

"I do not need it, I need only you, the feel of you stretching me, claiming me.  Make me yours Aragorn!"

Aragorn could deny his love nothing, but he resisted blindly pushing into the willing body beneath him, he reached out, sparing a moment to look around for something to help ease his way.  He spotted a small bowl of water nearby and reaching out he soaked his hand before slicking his manhood with the water.

Legolas growled impatiently beneath him, grinding his own hard flesh against Aragorn's hip.  The young king moved to position his manhood at the entrance of the elf's body and flexing his hips he pushed forward.

"Ai!" Legolas wailed as his mate's flesh finally penetrated him, and oh how it burned, but the young elf relished the pain, making him feel alive.  He pushed back against Aragorn trying to take in more of the man, and with a hard push forward and Aragorn pushed against him he felt the sliding burn as Aragorn's flesh was fully sheathed within him.  He clenched his inner muscles around the heated rod of flesh inside him and was rewarded as Aragorn reflexively thrust against him groaning loudly, his eyes closing, and his brow furrowed as he tried to control himself.

Legolas did not want Aragorn to control this.  He wanted to let go and feel nothing but the flesh within him moving, staking a claim, erasing memories of another man who had tried to do the same thing, and the young Prince worked now to make Aragorn lose control, he kissed and bit at the chest above him, his hands kneading the young man's buttocks pulling him forward.

"Legolas!" Aragorn cried out, and pulled his hips back withdrawing his flesh almost to the point of withdrawal before slamming forward again.

The young elf saw stars explode behind his eyes as Aragorn made contact with his sweet spot again and again, driving forward.  The young elf thrashed wildly beneath the young king, and Aragorn took the opportunity to soak in the wild appearance of his mate.  Never before had he seen Legolas so out of control, so desperate.  A small part of him warned him that something was wrong here, but that small voice was pushed back as Aragorn's desire overrode the voice of reason.  He freed one hand from exploring Legolas' body and brought it down between their bodies grasping the elf's hard member and stroking firmly.

Legolas felt the pressure in his loins building almost painfully, and with one final thrust of his manhood and firm stroke of hard flesh Aragorn bought the elf to a climax.  The elf Prince felt the roaring wave of his climax gather him up and sweep him along, almost to the point where he felt he would never come back to himself, and he was dimly aware that the involuntary clenching of his inner muscles had brought Aragorn to orgasm and the king was now shooting his seed deep within the elf Prince's body.

Legolas slowly came back to himself his body still lying in a boneless puddle upon the bed.  He became aware of a heavy weight on top of him, and he looked down to see Aragorn lain across his chest.  He shifted slightly and the young man stirred.  Putting his arms to either side of the elf Aragorn shifted his weight to ease the burden on his beloved.  He looked down at the flushed features of his husband and smiled lazily.  He started to move to the side to lay on the bed with Legolas but then noticed for the first time that his softened member was still sheathed within the Prince's body.  He carefully eased himself out, but still noticed the wince of pain that crossed the elf's features.

He slid across Legolas' body until he now lay beside the Prince, his arms wrapping themselves around the slender body of the Prince.  "That was amazing," he said grinning.

Legolas said nothing, instead pulling away from Aragorn and reaching for his clothes.

"What's wrong?" Aragorn asked, a frown creasing his brow.

"Nothing," Legolas said calmly, too calmly.  "I think I had better go and retrieve Elessarion from my father, he will be missing me."  He pulled his clothes on swiftly and stood.

"Legolas wait, we need to talk," the young King stated.

Legolas turned and smiled, but the young man could see it seemed forced.  "Perhaps later Aragorn, I must go now," he said and left swiftly before Aragorn could say or do anything.

~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas did not stay long with his father pleading tiredness, and he quickly made his way back to the Royal Chambers with Elessarion.  When he arrived back Aragorn had dressed and was seated in the small waiting chamber.  He made no pretence of the fact that he was waiting for Legolas to return.  Legolas' lips tightened as his expression became stubborn, he walked past Aragorn towards their bedroom.

"Legolas!" Aragorn stated softly, his eyes glittering dangerously.

"I am tired Aragorn, and it is time for Elessarion to sleep," the Prince stated, still pointedly ignoring his husband as he walked into the bedroom.

The rumpled covers had been straightened and Legolas moved to the side of the bed, pulling the blankets back before gently laying Elessarion down onto the soft sheets.  He pulled the blankets back up wrapping them securely around the child, before reaching for the ties of his own tunic.  A strong hand wrapped around his slender fingers halting his progress and Legolas turned angry eyes on his husband.

"Let go of me," he stated icily.

He was ignored and, keeping his hand prisoner, Aragorn pulled the Prince away from the bed.

"Aragorn release me now," he said, his voice rising.

A small whimper came from the bed and both parents halted, casting a swift look at the sleeping baby.

"You'll wake him," Aragorn said triumphantly as he continued to pull a fuming Legolas from the room.

Once they had reached the sitting room Aragorn released the Prince's hand and Legolas spun to face him, his eyes blazing.

"What game are you playing?" he questioned furiously.

"I might ask you the same thing." Aragorn stated.

"I play at nothing," Legolas said flatly.

"Then why do you feel the need to run away and hide," the young king asked, his voice now filled with a need to understand.

Legolas shook his head but said nothing.  Aragorn moved closer to the elf.

"Why did you go to see the prisoners?" he asked.

Legolas' gaze flew to Aragorn's, no longer filled with fury but instead with a heart wrenching pain.

"Legolas talk to me.  We are bonded, there should be nothing between us.  I want to help you," Aragorn said softly and caught his husband in his arms as Legolas shuddered and released a sob.

"How can you help me when I cannot even help myself?" he asked, his voice thick with unshed tears.  "I am a warrior Aragorn, strong and proud, I have been capable of defending myself for almost two millennia, and in the space of almost a year it was stripped from me.  I was taken, help captive, molested," he said, spitting out the last word with venom.  "Through it all I could not defend myself.  Even my own body betrayed me."

"Was carrying my child really so hard?" Aragorn asked quietly, and Legolas seeing how his words had been misconstrued turned to face his mate.

"Nay, Aragorn never think that.  To carry Elessarion within my body was magical, that he was your child made it all the more special to me, and I would not change that for the world.  I look forward to the future when I will carry more of your offspring.  Nurturing their growing forms within me," he said sincerely, and this time it was Aragorn's turn to look away and bite his lips.  "Aragorn?" Legolas queries in confusion.

"I do not think I could bear for you to go through that again," the young man admitted quietly, and seeing the elf's confusion deepen he explained.  "You came so close to death, so very close.  It is not something I think I could live through again."

Legolas took Aragorn's face between his two hands, placing a gentle kiss against the man's lips.  "It will not be that way the next time.  What happened with Elessarion's birth was unfortunate, but not an everyday occurrence my love."

"Still, I think it is something that we do not need to consider for a very long time now.  We have Elessarion, and he is the heir to the throne that the people desire, we need nothing further," Aragorn stated firmly.

The Elven Prince said nothing keeping his thoughts to himself, instead sighing he relaxed further into Aragorn's embrace.  "Will you tell me now about Verius?" Aragorn queried gently.

Legolas stiffened but Aragorn's stroking along his back soothed him a little.  Aragorn gently guided his mate over to the large chair they liked to share sitting down and pulling Legolas onto his lap.  Slowly, hesitantly Legolas began to describe all that had happened during the capture.  Whenever he faltered Aragorn encourage him to continue, always reassuring him, and so the story spilled from Legolas' mouth, leaving nothing out.

Aragorn hid his growing fury well, not wanting to upset his love any more than he already was, but as the story unfolded he sorely regretted his decision not to deal with the prisoners himself.  Finally Legolas had completed his tale, up to the point where he had been rescued, but that still did not answer Aragorn's earlier question.

"And today?  Why did you visit the dungeons?" he asked softly.

"I… I needed to see him.  I wanted to see him helpless and chained, as he had kept me."

"And were you satisfied with what you saw?" the young King asked.

Legolas shook his head.  "He sat there proudly Aragorn, unashamed of what he had done to me, to all those people.  Then he told me…" Legolas' breath hitched and Aragorn waited patiently for the elf to continue.  "He said that he wanted to fill my body with his flesh, that he wanted to watch his child grow within me, and I hated him, and I hated myself because I ran from him in fear."  Legolas said, his head dropping in shame.

"And you ran into me," Aragorn concluded.

Legolas nodded.  "I thought that if we made love I could erase the memory of Verius in that cell, touching himself and looking at me.  I thought that I could take away the fear."

"Oh Legolas my love," Aragorn sighed.  "Fear is not a bad thing, it brings caution, it is bravado that can kill, and I would much rather that you were alive.  You have nothing to be ashamed of, you acted with honor, even trying to protect those in a similar position to yourself."

"I do not feel very honorable Aragorn.  I used you."

Aragorn chuckled and Legolas looked up in surprise.  "I do not recall objecting very strongly to your use of me," he said and Legolas smiled in genuine humor.  "Legolas we will recover from this.  You are safely returned to me, you and our son, that is all that matters to me.  I will always be here for you, whenever you should have need to use me, although I will admit for the first and only time that I would prefer that you talk to me about any problems or concerns you might have.  You can then use me to your hearts content," he offered magnanimously.

Legolas laughed and threw a fake punch at his mate.  "Then we will be okay?"

Aragorn nodded firmly.  "We will, it may take a little time, but we will."

~Part Thirty~

Although the raid on Lord Marlen's estate had brought with it many new problems, life at the palace had begun once more to settle into a routine.  Aragorn found himself in meetings that were to decide the fate of many of the people retrieved from the estate, and his advisors were bemused when the Prince Consort accompanied by the new Crown Prince joined them regularly to listen to their progress.

Legolas himself had approached the hobbits with Lord Elrond's offer to return them back to their home in the Shire. Kneeling on the floor to be at the same level as the halflings Legolas had noted the uncertain look on Frodo's face.  The other halflings stood silently behind him, similar expressions on their faces.

"What is it Frodo?" Legolas asked quizzically.  "Do you not want to return home?"

Frodo bit his lip and looked down.  "I am no longer sure.  We have been away from home for so very long now, what if we are not welcomed back?"

Legolas smiled gently.  "I do not think that anyone could possibly turn you away, but if you should decide that the Shire is no longer a place in which you wish to live then you will always have a home with my people.  Lord Elrond confirms that your Uncle lives quite happily in Rivendell.  You might stay there also if you wish it."

Frodo nodded and then looked up through impossibly thick lashes framing huge blue eyes.  "Could we come to stay with you, perhaps if we were not welcomed in the Shire?" he asked.

Legolas laughed.  "Of course, in fact I should be quite offended if you settled in the Shire and did not come to visit me at all.  Indeed once you are settled I shall arrange for messengers to be sent regularly that we might all correspond, and whenever you choose to visit I shall arrange an escort so that you will travel in safety."

The little halflings face brightened at this news, and Legolas suddenly found himself under attack as four little bodies crashed into him, knocking him down and squeezing the breath out of him.

"Stop please," he cried out laughing.  "I cannot breathe."

Reluctantly the halflings clambered off the Elven Prince, and rising to his feet he issued them with an invitation to tea, which they accepted with much enthusiasm, along with a promise that they could see Elessarion for a while.

~~~~~~~~~~

The women who had been held captive and violated by Verius had been a very different matter.  Most were still in a state of shock and refused almost hysterically to have any men near them. They were cared for by the women of the palace, a few of the noble women volunteering their services to look after these wretched souls.  Legolas himself was recognized by the women and they allowed him amongst them, so the Prince used his position to help determine what would happen to them.

None of the women were well connected, and very few had families they wished to return to, this of course had made it all the easier for Verius to abduct them in the first place.  There was not one amongst the women that wanted to keep any child they might bear and those that were still capable of functioning were grateful to find that they were being given positions amongst the palace staff if that was their wish.

Two of the women had gone into premature labor, both giving birth to stillborn children, and Aragorn had felt a grim satisfaction on behalf of his mate when he had the message passed along to Verius.

That left the staff and guards of Lord Marlen's estate.  They had all been transported with the assistance of the giant eagles back to Minas Tirith and questioned intensely, overseen by Lord Denethor.  Many of the household staff had been released and were already on their way home, the Steward having concluded that many had very little idea of what was occurring in the manor, and others having being under Marlen's yoke, fearing for their lives and the lives of their families for any disobedience.

Yet there were those who had gone along with Lord Marlen's orders with no qualms and these men had been singled out and imprisoned awaiting a trial to determine their fate.

Sorting out the mess created by Marlen and Verius had taken almost two weeks, and preparations were also heavily under way for the marriage of Boromir, son of Denethor to Lady Amelia Garrett.  In only two days, Legolas' friend would be happily bonded to Aragorn's cousin, and the Elven Prince could not be happier.  With Boromir as the Steward's heir, Amelia would be spending far more time in Minas Tirith and Legolas was selfishly looking forward to her company.

Tonight the elf found new cause for celebration for Lord Fenner had agreed to join their private dinner party.  He had been released from the healer's wing under Lord Elrond's command and after disappearing for a day or two to 'take care of business' as he termed it to the Elven Prince he had returned to the palace, and Legolas was eagerly looking forward to the night's entertainment.

~~~~~~~~~~

Dinner had become a slightly larger event; beyond the usual Royal family, Lord Denethor and his family, and perhaps a few select friends, there were the additional guests.  The elves that had taken part in the rescue partook of the evening meal with the Royal family, and tonight of course Lord Fenner was joining them.  As was his usual custom Legolas bought Elessarion to the table with them.  He was reluctant to leave the baby with a nurse, wanting to take care of the child himself or with Aragorn, and Elessarion seemed to enjoy the company of others.

The dining room that they were currently using was larger than the smaller private one, but this was only so that everyone might fit in comfortably, and on the main table tonight sat the Royal Family, Lord Denethor and his son Boromir, and beside the stewards heir sat Amelia.  Legolas' father sat at his right with Elrond beside him, and on the other side of the table sat the Lord and Lady of Lórien, Celdarion, and Mithrandir who had decided to stay for the wedding of Boromir and Amelia.  Opposite Legolas was Lord Fenner and the Elven Prince was pleased to see the man looking so much better than when he had last laid eyes upon him.

"Lord Fenner, are you fully healed and well rested?" Legolas asked in concern.

Fenner smiled.  "I am indeed.  Thanks to the skills of your kin, Your Highness, I am feeling better than I have in many years."

"That is excellent, I was of course hoping that you could play for us tonight after our meal.  My husband has been looking forward to this greatly, as has my good friend Celdarion," Legolas said with pointed looks at both, before sharing a conspiratorial grin with Amelia.

Fenner laughed.  "In that case Your Highness how could I possibly refuse?"

So after the meal had been cleared a small stool was placed in the centre of the room and Lord Fenner uncovered his mandolin, which he had brought with him.  Seating himself comfortably he stretched his fingers experimentally before strumming them gently across the instrument, and without warning launched into the ode he had written specifically for the Prince Consort.

Legolas had to forcibly restrain himself from laughing and he could see Amelia do the same as they glanced around and took in the faces of the gathered crowds.  Aragorn wore a pained expression, and Celdarion's face took on that stiff disapproving tone he knew so well.  Many of the elves looked on in disbelief alternating between glancing at the man making such an awful noise and the Mirkwood Prince.  Elessarion merely looked on with wide blue eyes.

When Fenner had finished his piece Legolas tucked his baby more firmly into his arms as he clapped, and following his lead the gathered company applauded the musician.

Lord Fenner bowed dramatically.  "My thanks gathered friends, and now here is a piece I was commissioned to write by our very own Prince Consort, dedicated to his brave and noble friend Celdarion."

Legolas could not restrain a quick snigger as the elf in question actually winced and visibly steeled himself for the coming onslaught.  Once again Fenner made himself comfortable upon his stool before strumming his fingers gently across his instrument.  As the musicians fingers gently plucked at his instrument his voice joined in harmony, and Legolas before being caught up in the musical spell being woven noticed the enthralled expressions from everyone gathered.

Fenner had composed this piece from speaking with Legolas.  After the Prince had commissioned the musician Fenner had wanted the elf to describe his friend to him, speak of past events which colored his memory, and the Elven Prince could not believe how much justice the man had done to his friend.  Every soaring note spoke of the brave and loyal elf, and the drops spoke of the grief the Elven Prince had felt when he thought the guardian lost.

When the music ended there was silence.  Very few eyes were dry and no one wanted to spoil the magical effect the musician had woven by applauding.  Fenner seemed to understand for he smiled before beginning a more familiar piece, and Legolas wondered how it was that the musician had learnt an Elven tune.

This time as the gathered crowd was swept up into the music feet began tapping, with some elves singing along, and when the tune finished there was no hesitation this time in the applause. Lord Fenner gratefully acknowledged his success before moving back to the main table.

"Lord Fenner, I must apologize," Aragorn said solemnly to his feal subject.  "I had underestimated your musical, amongst other, gifts."

Fenner smiled openly.  "Please think nothing of it Your Majesty, a musician after all must have some secrets," he said and winked.

Legolas laughed at the surprise on his husbands face before turning back to the musician.  "But tell us now seriously Lord Fenner, I have been waiting to learn why it is you have deceived everyone with regard to your musical talent.  Not to mention why you were at Lord Marlen's estate in the first place." Elessarion made a small gurgle of what might have been agreement, casting an identical blue gaze upon the man.

Aragorn hid a smile knowing how impossible it was to resist one of those blue gazes, but it would take a strong man indeed to resist two, and Lord Fenner was obviously not that man because he could not hold the twin stares for long, and soon bowed his head with a twist of his lips.

"Very well Your Highness, as you insist."  Fenner took a moment to compose his thoughts before he began his tale. "Long has my family been loyal to the interests of Gondor.  We have always carried out our duty to our tenants fully, paid all dues to the crown, yet at times in the past, distant and more recent, it has been necessary for more to be done. Our family decided long ago to appoint itself protector of Gondor, please do not be alarmed Your Majesty, we have done nothing against the interests of the Crown, indeed we have often supported the Crown without the knowledge of the King.  No, our power has always remained in our cunning and our willingness to remain in the shadows helping where we can."

"Uncle, did you know of this," Aragorn demanded.

"Indeed, no," Denethor said, looking genuinely surprised at the revelations.

Fenner laughed.  "Then that means that we have been doing our job well, for none outside the family were ever to discover the truth.  What was decided as I said was to offer our protection to Gondor, and this meant utilizing any talents we had in our mission."

"You are a very clever man Lord Fenner," Legolas said quietly.  "For who would suspect a simple man who appeared to appreciate his clothes and bedding those who took his interest, who was openly derided at court, and yet invited into so many homes.  It must have made your job very easy."

Fenner had the grace to look abashed.  "It is true, I have learnt many things over the years from people who did not think it necessary to guard their tongues in front of a simple man, but I assure you that unless those secrets betrayed the interests of the Crown and the kingdom I have said nothing of what I know."

"Ha!" Lord Denethor exclaimed suddenly.  "I recall your father very clearly now.  He too liked to appear a very simple man.  Extremely flamboyant, his choice in clothes was almost painful to the eyes, yet none would ever think to credit him with much intelligence."

The musician inclined his head with a small smile.

"Yet that does not answer the question of why you were at Lord Marlen's estate," Aragorn pointed out.

"That was very simple my Lord, as you have already heard many rumors and complaints were coming from the tenants of that estate.  I thought it might be prudent to investigate further. The rumors became more alarming when they spoke of young women going missing and strange creatures prowling the woods.  Of course I was more than a little surprised when I discovered that Lord Marlen had 'guests'."  Fenner's eyes looked pointedly at Legolas and Amelia.

"I see, and what is to happen now that your secret is revealed?" Lord Denethor asked.

"I was hoping that the secret would be limited to perhaps those who have been privy to this conversation.  It would enable my family and I to continue our work.  It would perhaps be beneficial to you as well Your Majesty," the musician said looking at Aragorn.  "I would be able to get into places that none of your other intelligence agents could freely enter, and with Royal patronage it would become something of a trend for me to become a visitor to most homes."

Aragorn narrowed his eyes but he had to admit that the idea had merit.  "I will think on it," he said simply, and Fenner nodded his acknowledgement.

"Now that this serious business has been attended to, let us have more merriment," Legolas said smiling.

~~~~~~~~~~

The Royal family sat in their private sitting room spread across a rug in front of the fireplace.  Elessarion was being bounced gently upon the knee of his human father, and soft gurgling sounds of pleasure were being emitted from his mouth.

His Elven father watched in amusement at the expression of pleasure on Aragorn's face as he played with their son. Feeling eyes upon him, Aragorn stopped the bouncing and looked over at his mate.  He then turned his attention to his son, holding the baby up.

"Look Elessarion, see your adar.  Look at your adar," the young king pointed in the direction of the elf, and the baby's eyes followed it, a small toothless smile forming as he spotted his Elven parent.  "Yes that's right little one, look at your adar.  Is he not the most beautiful creature in all the kingdom?"

Elessarion gurgled and Aragorn laughed.  Legolas held out his arms to take the child, and Elessarion began to pump his arms and legs in excitement.  Grinning ruefully at his child Aragorn reflected that he could not blame his son for being excited, who would not wish to be held close to that wondrous Elven body.

"Nay Elessarion, you must tell your father now that you are the most beautiful creature in the whole of the kingdom, for you were formed from the love of your parents," the Elven Prince said, his gaze fixed on the face of his mate.

Aragorn reached out to stroke the soft skin of the elf when a knocking at the door interrupted them.  Sighing Aragorn bid whoever was outside leave to enter.  He was surprised to see Denethor, knowing the Steward to be a very busy man…then he noticed the serious expression on the old man's face.

"Uncle, what is wrong?" he asked, rising from his position on the floor.

"Aragorn, I bear news from the dungeons.  It concerns the sorcerer," Denethor explained.

Aragorn heard the startled gasp escape from his mate and turned to see how his elf faired.  Legolas' face had lost some of its color and he was no longer smiling.  Elessarion seemed to have sensed the change in mood, for he now clung to the elf's tunic, a small frown upon his little forehead.  The young king turned a sharp gaze back to his uncle.

"Please explain," he said.

"A short time ago the Captain in charge of the watch there brought news that the prisoner seemed to be in some pain. He asked that I call upon you to approach the prisoner as the guards themselves had been forbidden.  I knew that you were with your family, so I went to the dungeons myself.  Aragorn, Verius is dead."

Aragorn gasped sharply.  "Dead, how can that be, he was in perfect health when he was brought here, and the guards as you say were forbidden to approach him.  Did someone disobey my orders?"

"Nay, I do not believe so, in fact I think you should perhaps see his body for yourself.  He was left in his cell as we did not know what you would wish to do with his remains," Denethor explained and Aragorn nodded in agreement.

"I am coming too," Legolas said suddenly.

"No," Aragorn felt the word explode from him.  He regretted it as soon as he saw a familiar stubborn look settle on the elf's face.  Legolas said nothing, but raised his brow in a look that questioned Aragorn's sanity in challenging him.  The young king sighed.  "I do not think it to be a wise idea," Aragorn said attempting to appeal to Legolas softly.

Legolas shook his head in denial.  "I must," he said simply.

"But who will tend to Elessarion, we cannot take him down there with us," the young man said in a last attempt to forestall the obvious.

"My father or yours would be happy to take him for a short time," the elf pointed out reasonably.

Sighing his defeat Aragorn nodded.

~~~~~~~~~~

As they made their way through the dungeons Legolas was reminded of his last visit to this place, and he could not suppress a small shiver from working its way down his spine.  He jumped, startled, as a hand touched his arm and he turned to see Aragorn frowning at him.

"You do not have to do this, my love," Aragorn said softly.  "No one would think any less of you."

Legolas shook his head.  "T'is not that.  This is something I simply must do, please Aragorn I need to see with my own eyes that it is true."

Aragorn nodded and moved closer to his mate, his arm winding around the slim waist to offer comfort and support, and Legolas gratefully leaned into the touch, for once forgoing his proud Elven appearance.

As they approached the small corridor in which both Marlen and Verius had been imprisoned Legolas could not help flicking his gaze towards Marlen's cell.  His Elven hearing detected no sounds from within, and the young prince wondered if this prisoner was not also dead.  Then they arrived at Verius' cell.

The captain of the guards stood to attention before the cell, the keys hanging from his hand.  Aragorn gestured towards the door and the guard moved forward to unlock the cell.

"Would you prefer that I went in first?" Aragorn queried softly.

"Nay, I will go in with you, but please do not let me go," Legolas whispered back, a small quaver apparent in his voice.

Aragorn nodded and he stepped forward.  Legolas took a deep breath and moved forward with his mate.  One step, two and they were in the cell.  They paused at the entrance allowing their eyes to adjust to the sudden dimness, where the torchlight of the corridor failed to illuminate this dank, dark room.  Then as his vision became sharper Legolas could not hold back his shocked gasp.

A form lay across the cot in the corner of the cell, yet this creature that was so obviously dead bore little resemblance to the once strong sorcerer.  This was a thin emaciated form with paper-thin skin stretched tightly over fragile looking bones.  Strands of wispy grey hair sprouted from this creature's head.  Its face was frozen in a mask of agony, its hands twisted into a claw like appearance.  This creature had not died peacefully, and Legolas felt a moment's pity that any creature should have to suffer in this way.

"It seems that for his years of avoiding mortality, death finally caught up with him," Aragorn commented.  "Have you seen enough my love?" the young king questioned quietly.  Legolas nodded and allowed Aragorn to lead him from the room.  "We shall have Mithrandir come here and confirm finally that these are the remains of the sorcerer and then his body will be burnt."

Aragorn led his silent spouse back to their chambers saying nothing until they were alone once more.  He drew the elf into his arms, his hands stroking lightly down the Prince's back, and his touch soothing rattled nerves.  He allowed Legolas the time he needed to gather his thoughts.

"I did not expect to see him like that," the elf said finally.

"Nor I, but I cannot help that a small part of me feels some satisfaction that for all the lives he ruined he was not able to cheat death forever," Aragorn said.

"And yet the firstborn do so every day of their existence," Legolas commented.

"The firstborn are different creatures entirely.  You are beings made of the light, you glow with an inner radiance that dazzles all who look upon you, yet you do not take your lives for granted, as a race you seek to better yourselves, to live as one with nature.  You are nothing like him Legolas, you steal no one's life in order to live out your own."

"I felt pity for him," Legolas said softly.  "At the end I felt pity that anyone should encounter death in such a manner."

"And that is why I love you," Aragorn said.  "Your tender heart and compassion are part of what makes you as beautiful as you are, it is part of the inner light which drew me to you."

Legolas smiled softly and placed a gentle kiss on Aragorn's cheek.  "I am glad that it is finally over," he said.

"As am I, now all we have to concentrate on is raising our son not to be as troublesome as we both were during our childhood whilst simultaneously running a kingdom," Aragorn said with a grin.

Legolas laughed, and for the first time in a while his heart felt lighter.