Night had descended upon them by the time they had climbed up into Lorien. The city was a network of houses and platforms built up in the canopy of giant trees. The elvish architecture blending into the environment so well that it looked like everything was grown from the earth. As if the trees themselves had shaped and changed to make themselves habitats for the elves. Luin supposed after many hundreds of years, some of that might be true. Lights sparkled in the dark like a little galaxy in the leaves. Elves drifting along walkways and bridges in shimmery robes and finery. Despite all the times Luin had seen it before, the beauty and awe of the place never quite faded.

The fellowship was led up into the trees and told to wait at the bottom of a shimmery white set of stairs. Luin could tell that they all felt dirty and disgusting compared to the elves around them. Dark orc blood and sweat stained their clothes. Even Legolas, who had a glamour, was covered in dust from the mines. Luin's own robes made him want a to gag. But all thoughts of appearance quickly left their minds as they noticed the couple descending the stairs towards them. Luin could practically sense the dropping of jaws.

Galadriel was as resplendent as ever. Her whole being seemed to glimmer like starlight. At her side, Celeborn stood tall. His silver clothes matching hers and his expression as calm as a lake. Galadriel smiled kindly down on them all and Luin couldn't help but relax slightly now that she was here. Her presence of power passing over them like a safe warm bubble. "The enemy knows you have entered here", Celeborn spoke sternly. His presence as cool and calm as Galadriel's was bright. "What hope you had in secrecy has now gone". He looked over them all for half a second. "Nine are here yet ten set out from Riverndale. Tell me where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him. I can no longer see him from afar".

Luin couldn't hide the twitch in his expression at the name. He turned his head and met Galadriel's deep blue gaze. "You mourn my child", her voice was a soft brush in his mind. Loss burdens you darling Luin. Luin dropped his head and gripped slightly at Legolas' hand.

Your burdens are heavy. I am sorrowful that I can not offer you any relief. Luin shook his head slightly. His burdens were his to bear.

"Gandalf the grey did not pass the boarders of this land", Galadriel's voice was barely more than a whisper as she spoke aloud. "He has fallen into shadow".

"He was taken by both shadow and flame", Legolas murmured gently. Then he scowled. "A balrog of Morgoth, for we went needlessly into the net of Moria".

"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life", Galadriel responded. "We do not yet know it's full purpose. Do not let the great emptiness of doom fill your heart Gimli son of Gloin. For the world has grown full of perils and all lands love is now mingled with grief". Gimli looked up at her in surprise, eyes wide. In the background Boromir started crying, muffled dry sobs. Luin wanted to join him, add a layer to the sorrow. But he didn't. He held his head up and bit his tongue to keep back the tears.

"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife, stray but a little and to ruin it will fall". Galadriel's warning was sharp. "Yet hope remains, while the company is true. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace". She waved one graceful hand and Haldir stepped forwards. The golden clothed elf gestured for them to follow him and turned down a path.

As Luin was leaving, he got a sense of melancholy. May your dreams be gentle Luin, Galadriel's voice in his head was a soft parting.

——

Luin sighed deeply as he reclined back against Legolas' legs. The blonde elf's fingers soothingly running through his hair. The elves had made them a camp at the base of the giant trees. Tents posted in small grassy patches between their roots, full of soft pillows and warm blankets. It was a welcome haven of warm safety that they had all missed after weeks on the road. Luin closed his eyes and basked under the moonlight. His borrowed silver and pale blue robes light on his freshly washed skin.

Legolas' fingers stopped as melodious voices of a choir drifted from the city above. "A lament for Gandalf", he spoke, eyes bright as he listened. Luin listened. The words making his chest ache and he leant further into Legolas' touch. The fingers in his hair beginning to braid the damp black strands.

"What are they saying?" Merry asked from where he was seated at the entrance to his tent. Inside, Pippin and Gimli's snores were audible. The two already having collapsed into sleep. In his tent opposite them, Aragorn paused in sharpening his sword to listen to the elvish.

"I have not the heart to tell you", Legolas breathed. "For me the grief is still too near". He paused to brush his fingertips lightly over Luin's features. The touch as soft as a butterfly's wing as he mapped out his face, lingering on the tension between his brows. Luin immediately tried to relax them and he heard Legolas' soft fond exhale. His fingers went back to braiding. The courting braids taking shape skilfully down Luin's back.

"I bet they don't mention his fireworks", Sam muttered from his bed roll. Frodo silent next to him. "There should be a verse about them". He stood up nervously. "The finest rockets you've ever seen, watch them burst in blue and green. For after thunder, silver showers came falling like a rain of flowers". He scowled, "that doesn't do them justice by all".

"Do you want to know a secret?" Luin asked. He opened his eyes, watching as they all blinked at him in surprise.

"I thought you were asleep", Merry blurted. Luin gave him a weak grin.

"Gandalf didn't create his rockets. I taught him how to make them. We would make them together. Although, the dragon one you stole a Bilbo's party", he waved a hand and Merry nodded. "That was his design. We found different ways of adding our own magic to the explosions over time. It was fun". His tone was heavy with melancholy nostalgia.

"How long did you and Gandalf know each other?" Sam asked. "If you don't mind me asking".

Luin shifted slightly against Legolas as he thought for a moment. "About a thousand years give or take?" He murmured. "I was barely more than a child when he found me washed up on that beach. After that, he was the only father I've ever known".

"I'm sorry", Merry mumbled. Luin hummed. Legolas' fingers stopped, the braids now complete. Luin turned and rested his head on the elf's shoulder. The grief in him making him want to burrow himself in his beloved's arms and never let go.

"I would have liked for him to see me get married". The statement was quiet. Legolas pressed his lips to Luin's forehead in silent support.

"How long have you two been engaged?" Merry asked, voice taking on an excited note at the change in subject.

"I proposed before we left", Legolas replied, pride tinging his voice. Despite his sorrow, Luin couldn't help but smile slightly.

"Congratulations", Sam commented. Legolas beamed at him in thanks.

"I remember Gandalf and Luin visiting the shire every few years when I was growing up. Whenever the children asked about his travels, wether he had seen the elves and what they were like, he would tell them of his blonde prince". Sam grinned as a blush rose on Luin's cheeks. Behind him, he could feel Legolas' amusement.

"Aye", Merry smirked. "Of how his prince was the best of the elves. With long golden hair and eyes as clear as the skies. I did not get to tell you before, but it is nice to finally put a face to his stories".

Luin frowned at him and the hobbit sniggered. "I'm going to bed now", he announced, standing up. "Before you two reveal me further". Legolas rose with him. A slight amused smile on his lips. Luin narrowed his eyes slightly and the blonde tried to hide his amusement. The hobbits did him no such courtesy. Both Merry and Sam were grinning widely at him.

"I bid you Goodnight", Legolas nodded his head in parting as Luin entered the tent.

"Goodnight". There was laughter in Merry's voice and Luin smiled fondly, glad that some of their light had returned. It did no good to wallow in grief.

He pulled off his outer robes and folded them smoothly before sitting on his bed roll. They had pushed the two together to make a nest of blankets. Luin stretched out on them. The softness a relief against his aching muscles. After a second, Legolas joined him. His silver tunic folded next to Luin's robes. Luin turned and nuzzled into his hold. Legolas wrapping his arms around him and holding close. It was then that Luin finally allowed himself to cry. His silent tears dampening his lover's undershirt as Legolas rubbed his thumbs over his ribs. Outside, the elves still sung. Legolas' voice joining along in a soft whisper in Luin's ear as he cried himself to sleep.

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