Aragorn stood on his balcony, staring at the starless night sky with the expression of a man facing his doom. King Thranduil would arrive at Rivendell tomorrow, and Legolas' issue would be resolved forever.

Aragorn sighed deeply, trying to ease the pain that was building in his heart. It was as if fate was taking pleasure in tormenting him by giving him hope and then taking it away from him whenever it was within his reach. Shaking his head, Aragorn reentered his room and headed to his bed. Lying down, he stared thoughtfully at the ceiling. Again, he had allowed hope to blossom in his heart, and again, fate would crush this hope. How could he be that naïve?

Elrond's words had risen hope in his heart the other day, and he once again believed that Legolas could acknowledge and perhaps return his feelings. But now, this hope was suddenly fading with the arrival of King Thranduil. The elven King would never allow his son to marry a mortal, even if said mortal was heir to the throne of Gondor.

Aragorn again cursed himself for letting his hopes get high.

He was doomed to love someone he could not reach... Someone who would never love him.

It was always this way, even with Arwen. He loved her, but she was, just like Legolas, unreachable.

But she loved him... A small voice argued.

Yes, she loved him, but he didn't love her enough. He didn't love her enough to forget his first love. He was selfish and refused to let go of the memory of Legolas even though Legolas didn't return his love.

Aragorn sighed again. This wasn't getting him anywhere. If he were too selfish to forget his first love, he would be selfish again and refuse to let his chance of marrying Legolas slip away.

It wasn't only about saving Legolas' child anymore; it had become about his love... The love that he had hid for many long years.

Elrond was right. His love deserved a chance.

Tomorrow, King Thranduil would arrive, and he, Aragorn, must face him. He must convince the Elven King to bless his marriage to Legolas.

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Legolas sighed deeply as he stared at his reflection in the mirror, which he had been doing for the last two hours. He was supposed to be dressed and ready to meet his father, but Legolas could not force himself to change into his robes. Legolas sighed in defeat. There was no use trying to get away from all of this. He was sure that his father would drag him back to Mirkwood the moment they met without listening to one word from him. Then, his father would force him to abort the baby once they were back in court.

Legolas covered his belly protectively as panic filled his heart. Tears gathered at the corner of his eyes, and a soft whimper escaped from his lips as he imagined what his father would do if they returned to Mirkwood.

Legolas shook his head violently, shaking those horrible thoughts away.

His father loved him. Legolas felt the need to assure himself. He may be strict and firm, but he loved him. He would consider Elrond's suggestion, even if Legolas didn't like it.

/Yes, Ada will agree./ Legolas assured himself.

During the past two weeks, Legolas had thought about everything. He had become convinced that this really was the best solution. Aragorn would take care of his baby. His baby would have a father. His baby would have a family like normal children, and no one would dare think of harming his and Haldir's child. But now, he had to convince his Ada to bless this union. For the sake of his baby, he had to convince him.

'By all the Valar, Legolas!' Mallorn exclaimed as he entered the room. 'You haven't even changed your clothes yet!'

Legolas sighed and looked at his brother with annoyance. 'Mallorn, please knock before you come in next time?'

Mallorn frowned disapprovingly, shaking his head. 'I have no time for a lecture in manners, Legolas, and certainly not from you.' He paused for a while before continuing. 'Adar arrived an hour ago, and he asked me to see whether you were ready to meet him, which I can see you are not. For heavens' sake, Legolas, why haven't you gotten ready yet?' Mallorn nearly yelled the last sentence.

Legolas looked away and sighed sorrowfully. Mallorn, noticing his brother's sorrow, approached him and took him in his arms.

'Don't worry, Greenleaf!' he whispered soothingly in his ears. 'Everything is going to be fine. Lord Elrond told Adar about his suggestion, and Adar agreed.'

Legolas pulled from his brother's embrace, shocked. 'You mean he actually agreed!'

'No,' Mallorn replied. 'But he didn't disagree either. I couldn't tell from his expression whether it appealed to him. He only said that he needed to talk to you first.'

Legolas sighed again. 'This is useless. Ada will never agree. He'll force me to abort my baby.' He let out a soft sob.

'There, there,' Mallorn said, smiling softly. 'There is no need to jump to conclusions. Adar will never do anything that might hurt you. Now, first, we have to change your clothes. You can't possibly meet Adar in your nightshirt.'

'Certainly not...' The deep voice of the King of Mirkwood coming from behind made the two brothers nearly jump from their skins. The two looked and saw their father standing at the room's entrance with a serious expression that would've scared an army of orcs to the other life. The old elf moved slowly towards his sons with steady and proud strides.

'Mallorn, I need to talk to your brother alone, if you please.' King Thranduil's voice was more ordering than asking.

'Of course, Adar.' With that, Mallorn left the room.

Legolas lowered his gaze, afraid to look into his father's eyes. Suddenly, he felt like a 50-year-old elfling being scolded by his parent. Indeed, his father was kind and gentle with him and his brothers, but he still had a strong aura of control and authority.

/Who am I fooling,/ Legolas asked himself. His father was among the most powerful, respectable, strongest, and, if he may add, scariest elves in Middle-Earth.

The two stood in their places for a while, not saying anything until King Thranduil broke the ice.

'So then,' Legolas winced at his father's cold tone. 'Elrond told me about his interesting suggestion. He even named his foster son a possible husband for you,' the elven King said as he sat on a nearby chair. Legolas just nodded, still unable to meet his father's eyes. 'But he didn't tell me your final decision on the matter. Your brother Aredhel, on the other hand, has informed me of your childish behaviour the day your opinion was asked for.'

Legolas frowned deeply and fostered many thoughts of strangling Aredhel to death.

'However, I'm not here to deal with your manners or the lack thereof. I've come to hear what you want to do about this.' Thranduil gestured towards Legolas.

'I don't want to abort my baby, sire,' Legolas whispered.

'I know that,' Thranduil said coldly. 'You've said it many times now. I want to hear your opinion on Elrond's suggestion. King Elessar has already proposed to you, as I understand it. Do you want to marry him, Legolas?'

'I...' Legolas didn't know what to say. He should say yes and end this matter, but he was still trying to figure out what he wanted. He didn't want to marry, and he didn't want to lose his child either.

Legolas lowered his head, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. This wasn't easy. He didn't know what to do. Legolas could not bring himself to marry someone other than Haldir. How could he share his life with someone he didn't love?

But then, he would lose his child... Haldir's child!

If his freedom was the price for keeping his child, then Legolas was more than willing to pay it.

'Ah! Legolas!' Thranduil said suddenly, taking a deep breath. 'Does it have to be like this?' he asked. 'Do you really have to make it difficult on yourself and us?'

'Ada,' Legolas looked up at his father with teary eyes. 'Saes, this is my only chance to keep my baby. I'm ready to do whatever it takes. Saes, Ada. Don't take the only memory left of Haldir away from me.' With that, Legolas sank into the ground, sobbing heartily.

Thranduil felt his heart shattering at the sight of his son crying. He had never seen Legolas so brokenly in his life. He closed his eyes, preventing tears from sliding out of his own eyes.

Silently, he slipped from his chair and embraced his distressed son. He waited until Legolas' sobs ceased before pulling away and raising Legolas' face until their eyes met.

'Very well, Legolas,' Thranduil said solemnly, wiping Legolas' tears with his thump. 'If you want to keep this child so much, I won't respect your wishes.'

Legolas stared at his adar in disbelief.

'You mean...' he choked. 'You mean I can keep the baby?'

'Aye, my child. You can keep your baby; I will acknowledge it as my grandchild. But bearing a child out of wedlock is frowned upon in our race, plus it jeopardizes our safety, Legolas.'

'I understand, Ada,' Legolas whispered. 'That's why I'm willing to marry Aragorn. He's my friend, and I trust him with my life.'

'Aragorn!' Thranduil sighed deeply. 'To be honest with you, Legolas, I don't like the idea of you marrying a human.'

'Ada, Aragorn has proved that he's worthy of our trust. I know I can trust him with my life and child. I'll be safe with him, I promise.'

'Won't an elf from our home be as trustworthy as your human friend?"

'No, Ada!' Legolas exclaimed suddenly. He lowered his gaze when Thranduil raised a dark eyebrow at him. 'I mean,' he whispered meekly. 'Aragorn is my friend. He knew of my feelings towards Haldir. He won't force me to do anything I don't want.'

'Your marriage to him won't be easy, Legolas,' Thranduil warned. 'His subjects may make your life difficult since same-gender marriage isn't known among them.'

'I know,' Legolas whispered. 'But I'm sure Aragorn will protect me and my child.'

'If so, then you have my blessing, Legolas.' Thranduil sighed deeply. He raised Legolas' face and kissed him softly on his forehead. 'I just want you to be happy.'

Legolas smiled slightly. 'I know, Ada. And I'm sorry for all the trouble I caused you.'

'You wouldn't be my Legolas if you didn't,' Thranduil said softly. He stared silently at Legolas for a few moments before he spoke again. 'I'm sorry, Legolas. I've never been a good Adar to you. I haven't given you the attention I gave your brothers when they were your age. Please forgive me, nîn iôn.'

'No, Ada. Don't say that,' Legolas said softly. 'You are a great Ada, and I love you so much. I'm the one who should be sorry for troubling you with my problems when I know the great responsibilities that lay on your shoulders.'

'I told you you wouldn't be my Legolas if you didn't,' Thranduil said, chuckling softly. 'Now shall we stand off the ground? I hate to ruin my reputation if someone saw us in this position.'

Legolas chuckled softly as he and his father stood up.

'Now, if you will excuse me,' Thranduil said, straightening his clothes. 'I must have a few words with Elessar in private. If he is going to marry the apple of my eye, as Elrond has nicely referred to you earlier, I must make sure that certain things must be cleared and settled.'

Legolas chuckled softly. 'Please be gentle with him, Ada. I don't want my future husband to be scared to even look at me.' King Thranduil raised an eyebrow before he turned around and left Legolas to himself.

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Mallorn sighed deeply as he stood on one of the balconies, gazing over the gardens of Elrond's house. He would have gone looking for the others but needed to be alone for a while. So many things filled his mind... so many worries filled his heart.

Mallorn sighed again. He knew that he should be worried about Legolas, and he was, but there was also another matter worrying him. He had noticed an issue some years ago but chose to ignore it, thinking that time would take care of it. And how wrong he was!

Even after all those years, the situation hadn't changed at all!

In fact, it had even become worse!

Mallorn wondered how to deal with such a situation!

He didn't want to ruin his friendships over such a matter, but how could he not if ending it would undoubtedly break hearts?

'Mallorn!' a voice from behind snapped him from his thoughts. 'What are you doing alone?'

Mallorn turned around, smiling at Elrohir. 'I needed to clear my mind from all that's happening around me.'

'I understand,' Elrohir said, walking to Mallorn's side. 'You are worried about Legolas.' He leaned on the edge of the balcony, gazing at the gardens. 'You don't have to worry too much, though. I'm sure that everything will turn up well in the end.' He looked at Mallorn, smiling cheerfully.

'Yes,' Mallorn said with a sigh before forcing a smile.

The two started at each other in silence for a while before Mallorn turned his gaze to the balcony entrance.

'We better go and find the others,' He said. 'I wonder what Aredhel is doing now.'

'Of course,' Elrohir answered softly as Mallorn exited the balcony. Elrohir sighed deeply, wondering when he would have the courage to confess the true nature of his feelings towards his best friend.

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Mallorn and Elrohir arrived at a small waiting room to see Aragorn sitting alone in a shadowed corner while Aredhel sat silently near the window, staring outside. Elladan was playing a chess game with Glorfindel.

Elrohir and Mallorn shared a worried look. Even though everyone tried to act calmly, the tension grew heavier as time passed.

"I can't stand this anymore," Aragorn finally exclaimed impatiently, getting up from his seat. "I'm going to Legolas' room and talking to King Thranduil myself."

"Adar and Legolas need to talk in privacy, King Elessar," Aredhel said firmly, eyeing the man strangely. "It's between them only."

"Prince Aredhel is right, Estel," Lord Glorfindel said, looking up from the chessboard. "They must discuss this matter with no interference from anyone."

"But-"

"Relax, Estel," Glorfindel said. "Everything will be fine."

Aragorn gave the blond lord a doubtful look but said nothing. He walked to the window and looked outside. Suddenly, he felt a hand placed on his shoulder. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Elladan standing beside him with an understanding smile.

"Let's go for a walk, Estel," the raven-haired elf said softly. "You need to relax a bit."

Nodding, Aragorn left the room with Elladan.

The two walked in silence until they reached the gardens. They sat on a bench and in silence until Elladan broke it.

"You don't need to worry that much, Estel. Ada said Thranduil didn't show any objections to his suggestion even though he didn't agree either. But it is better than disagreeing at once.

Aragorn sighed deeply. "I'm not certain that it's a good sign, Elladan," he said. "King Thranduil isn't known for showing understanding or tolerance for anything that doesn't meet his standards. I'm positive he doesn't see me as a king worthy of his trust. For him, I'm a mere human who wants to marry his son. Thranduil will never allow Legolas to marry a mortal. No, he'll never allow this to happen."

"Well, that may be true," Elladan said honestly. "He wouldn't, had the circumstances been different. But now, it's Legolas' life on the line, and he will agree to this marriage... if only to save Legolas' life." He looked at his side and saw Aragorn looking at him with surprise. "Estel, King Thranduil may be a coldhearted and ruthless ruler, but he would never risk his sons' lives. You may not believe it, but King Thranduil is not the same person regarding his sons. His sons, especially Legolas, are the most precious things in his life. He is ready to give them his life willingly."

"I suppose you are right," Aragorn said uncertainly.

"He is their father, Estel. Not their enemy."

"I want to marry Legolas, Elladan," Aragorn said abruptly. "Not only because of his baby but because I want him by my side. I'm so tired of hiding my love. I want him by my side, Elladan. I want him to be mine."

"He will, Estel," Elladan assured, placing a comforting hand on Aragorn's shoulder. "Eventually, he will. You have to give him and you some time, and eventually, you two will find happiness."

Aragorn nodded, praying for all the Valar to make Elladan's words come true. They sat silently until suddenly they saw Elrohir running towards them, calling Aragorn's name.

"Estel!" the youngest of the twins exclaimed as soon as he was near. "King Thranduil is looking for you."

"What?" Aragorn asked in dread. "Looking for me?"

"Aye," Elrohir nodded. "King Thranduil came into the waiting room and asked for you. He's waiting for you there."

Aragorn gulped nervously, wondering what the Elven King wanted from him. This wasn't a good sign, was it?

"Estel," Elladan said calmly. "You better not keep King Thranduil waiting."

With a sigh, Aragorn nodded, standing up and heading inside the waiting room. Elrohir was about to follow when Elladan held his arm.

'I've noticed that you came with Mallorn earlier,' he said with an odd smirk.

'So?' Elrohir asked, raising an eyebrow. 'We met outside of Legolas' room. I saw him standing on the balcony, and I went to see why he was standing alone.'

'Only that?' Elladan asked. 'You didn't try and tell him anything?'

'No...' Elrohir said softly, looking away from his brother's gaze.

'For goodness' sake!' Elladan snapped. 'You have been in love with Mallorn for 3000 years, yet you haven't attempted to make your feelings known... You're just like Aragorn! Hiding in the shadows like a coward and suffering needlessly for something that hasn't happened! Mallorn has been in Rivendell for one month, yet you haven't even tried to tell him anything.'

'If I may remind you, Elladan, this isn't the right time to discuss such matters,' Elrohir said sharply, staring intensely into his brother's eyes. 'Besides, Mallorn prefers females. He never had a male lover in his entire life.'

'That doesn't mean you shouldn't try to tell him how you feel.'

'I can't,' Elrohir exclaimed. 'There are more important things occupying Mallorn's mind right now. I can't confess my love to him while the only thing that occupies his mind is Legolas and his problem.'

'You're right about that.' Elladan said. 'Then you're going to tell him after Legolas' matter is resolved, right?'

Elrohir cast an uncertain look at his brother before looking away, shaking his head. 'I don't think I ever will,' he whispered.

'AH! Valar, please give me patience!' Elladan exclaimed. 'What have I done to deserve this? I have two grown-up brothers who will face Middle-Earth's foulest and evilest creatures but are scared to say three simple words to the ones they love!'

'It's not as easy as you may think!' Elrohir protested. 'I don't want this to affect our friendship.'

'Why?' Elladan asked sharply. 'Why does it have to affect your friendship? If he doesn't see you as a lover, why can't you stay friends?'

'He will not feel comfortable around me after that!' Elrohir replied. 'He'll mistake the meaning of my actions towards him. We'll never be able to treat each other with the same easiness again. There will always be a wall of formality between us!'

'By all the Valar!' Elladan sighed in defeat. 'Are you listening to yourself, Elrohir? Your words don't make any sense. But I won't argue with you again because I know it's useless. But listen to me carefully. Mallorn is not going to stay unattached forever. He'll find a mate one day, so if you can't bring yourself to forget his love, you had better do or say something about it. Because if you don't end this absurd situation, I will end it myself.' With that, Elladan strode inside, leaving Elrohir alone in the gardens.

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When Aragorn entered the waiting room, he found King Thranduil waiting for him. The elven King motioned for the man to follow him into a small room that was more private than the first one.

The two kings sat silently in front of each other for a time, during which Aragorn felt naked under Thranduil's appraising stare.

"I understand that you have agreed to marry my son as Lord Elrond has suggested," King Thranduil began. "To be honest, King Elessar, it never occurred to me that one of my sons, especially Legolas, would marry a mortal one day. The thought doesn't appeal to me." Aragorn tensed. "However," King Thranduil continued, "Since Legolas trusts you and agrees to marry you, I will not object. Seeing that it is the best solution, however, I need to know why you agreed to this, Elessar?"

Aragorn stared at the floor, not sure what to say. He could feel Thranduil's eyes on him and was confident that any attempt to lie to the King would be blatant.

"I... I... I wanted to help him keep Haldir's child," he said, looking up at the King.

"And why do you want that?" King Thranduil looked deeply into Aragorn's eyes.

The man felt his body shiver like a leaf under the elven King's studying gaze.

/No wonder he's one of the most feared elven Lords in Arda/ he mused. Gathering his courage, Aragorn took a deep breath before answering. "I care for your son very much, King Thranduil. I don't want him to fade, and I believe you feel the same way."

"King Elessar, do you understand that your kin may not accept your marriage to another male? Or that your kingdom requires heirs?"

"I understand that very well, Your Majesty," Aragorn said determinedly. "I'm ready to fight the whole world if it means Legolas' happiness."

King Thranduil's lips curled upwards slightly. "I see." He paused momentarily and asked, "May I ask how deep your affection for my son runs, King Elessar? Is it only a brotherly love, or is it more than that?"

Aragorn looked at him, shocked. How was he supposed to answer that?

What should he say?

Seeing Aragorn's expression, King Thranduil smiled in satisfaction. Standing up, he looked at Aragorn. "I think I have my answer, King Elessar. You should go and talk with Legolas," he said, pausing for a moment before continuing, "But before I go, I must warn you, Elessar. Legolas is my youngest son. And for all his life, I have ensured he was well taken care of. Nothing will save you from my wrath if I hear he isn't pleased with you." Aragorn gulped at the stern look in Thranduil's eyes.

"If you'll excuse me," Thranduil said. "I must go and arrange my son's marriage ceremony." With that, the Elven King departed the room, leaving Aragorn alone.

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Aragorn stood in front of Legolas' door, wondering how he was going, at some point, to knock on the door and enter the room.

He was still afraid to face Legolas. He was still scared of being rejected. He was still terrified of being close to the person he had always loved.

Sighing, he gathered his courage and raised his hand to knock on the door. When the door opened, Mallorn appeared.

"King Elessar!" Mallorn asked in surprise. "May I help you?"

"I need to talk to Legolas if he's not resting," Aragorn said, uncertain.

"He wants to talk to you too," Mallorn said, stepping aside. "In fact, I was on my way to fetch you."

"Oh, I see," Aragorn said, stepping forward. "Then I should go and see him." The man took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. Mallorn smirked knowingly. Elessar and Legolas appeared to have the same problem as he and Elrohir.

"You better go and clear up some matters with Legolas, Elessar," he finally said. "You two have so many things to settle before the wedding."

"Yes, of course," Aragorn said. "Wish me luck, Mallorn." With a smile, Aragorn entered the room, and Mallorn continued on his way.

He was strolling around when he met Elrohir. They stood in front of each other in silence before Elrohir said softly. 'I was looking for you, Mallorn.' Mallorn raised a questioning eyebrow.

'I have something to tell you,' the dark-haired elf said. 'Something very important.'

Mallorn felt his heartbeats race in his chest.

/Oh, Valar! He is going to say it! How am I supposed to react?/ Mallorn tensed at that thought. He didn't want to lose his friendship with Elrohir, but knowing that the Noldo elf was in love with him made Mallorn uncomfortable. How could he reject this type of affection without affecting their friendship?

How could he make Elrohir see him only as a friend?

'Mallorn, I-'

'I'm sorry, Elrohir.' Mallorn interrupted. 'But I really have to go and see Adar. There are some matters I need to discuss with him. Can we do this another time, perhaps?'

'Of course,' Elrohir forced up a smile.

'Thank you,' Mallorn hurried away to the safety of his chambers.

Mallorn took a deep breath, wondering what was happening to him.

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Legolas sat near the window, thinking deeply about what he had to discuss with Aragorn before their marriage. Many things had to be cleared up between the two, but what worried him was that he had to confess to Aragorn Rûmil's intentions towards him. Legolas shook his head, clearing his head from those memories. He had succeeded in keeping what happened a secret from everyone so far, even from Haldir. However, he knew he had to tell Aragorn what Rûmil and his brother had done to him long ago. The man had the right to know if he would be his husband.

"Legolas." Legolas looked up and saw Aragorn standing at the entrance.

"Aragorn, please come in." Legolas forced a tiny smile, gesturing towards the seat next to his.

"Thank you." Aragorn walked in and sat on the offered place. "Mallorn said you wanted to talk to me."

"Yes, Aragorn," Legolas said solemnly. "I think we need to talk."

"I completely agree," Aragorn said. "What do you want to talk about?"

"I'd like to start on my status after the wedding. What shall I be after the ceremony?"

"You will be Gondor's Prince Consort, Legolas," Aragorn said, smiling slightly.

Legolas bit his lip, wondering how he would ask his next question. "How," he started nervously, looking at Aragorn and then stared at the floor. "Whataboutourrelationshipasamarriedcouple?" he said in one breath.

"What did you say?" Aragorn raised an eyebrow. "I don't think I understood that."

Legolas sighed deeply. "I asked about our relationship." He blushed slightly. "What shall we be to each other?"

Aragorn smiled slightly as the thought of them sharing romantic moments passed into his mind. He pushed that thought away, for he knew it wouldn't happen.

"We'll always be good friends, Legolas," he assured. "However, in front of others, we must act as a married couple."

"I see," Legolas' voice was almost above a whisper. An awkward silence reigned in the room for a while. Each of the two was thinking of something to say.

"Aragorn," Legolas asked suddenly. "Why didn't you marry Lady Arwen?"

Aragorn looked at Legolas, surprised. He hadn't expected to be asked that question.

"I thought I told you why, Legolas," he said nervously, running his hand through his hair.

"You know I didn't believe your lame excuse, Aragorn," Legolas said seriously, frowning. "I know you have shared more than brotherly affection with Lady Arwen. You two were perfect for each other. She would have been a perfect queen and wife."

"Yes, she would have," Aragorn smiled sadly. He got up from his seat and walked to the window. "Yet, I couldn't marry her while my heart belonged to another."

Legolas' frown deepened. "You mean you didn't love her!" he growled.

"I loved Arwen, Legolas." Aragorn turned to him. "But I didn't love her enough to forget the other. I couldn't marry her while my heart desired said other."

"Who is she?" Legolas asked. "Lady Éowyn?"

"No, not Éowyn," Aragorn said, returning to his seat. "It's..."/You/"...someone you don't know."

"Oh," Legolas whispered.

The two sat in complete silence before Legolas spoke again.

"So, why didn't you marry her after your coronation?"

Aragorn looked at his friend and smiled sadly again. "Because he loved another."

"He?" Legolas looked at Aragorn, shocked.

Had he heard right?

Aragorn was in love with another male!

Aragorn chuckled at Legolas' shocked expression. Apparently, Legolas didn't expect him to fall in love with another male, let alone fall in love with him.

"Yes, Legolas," he replied. "I had fallen for an elven male long ago when I was eighteen, but unfortunately, he was in love with another. I didn't have a chance."

"Oh," Legolas said. "So that's why you haven't married yet?"

"Yes. I couldn't forget his love, even when we were apart, and I couldn't marry anyone, knowing I don't love them."

"But you are marrying me now," Legolas said, looking deeply into Aragorn's eyes. "Why?"

"Because I want you to find happiness, Legolas," Aragorn said as he got up from his seat and knelt in front of Legolas, taking the elf's hands into his. "Both of us have lost our lovers, Legolas. Both of us have suffered from that loss; at least you can have a happy ending for your love story. Please, Legolas, let me help you find your happiness. I swear I'll love your child as if it were my own. I'll take care of you both." Aragorn paused for a moment. "Unless, of course, you would prefer one of Haldir's brothers to do so or maybe one of the twins..."

Legolas tensed at the mention of Rûmil and Orophin, remembering that he should tell Aragorn about them.

/I'm not ready yet.../ He told himself. Regaining his self-control, Legolas forced his body to relax.

"No," he said, praying that his voice sounded normal. "I won't find anyone I could trust as much as you, Aragorn. I have agreed to marry you."

Aragorn smiled softly at the beautiful elf. "I'm so honoured with that trust, Legolas."

"I promise I'll try and be a good husband, Aragorn," Legolas whispered.

"I know you will."

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Later that night, King Thranduil was looking outside the window in his chambers when soft knocks were heard on his door.

'Come in,' he said solemnly, looking behind.

Aredhel entered the room and closed the door after him.

'Good evening, Adar.' he greeted with a slight nod.

'Good evening, Aredhel.' King Thranduil smiled slightly. 'What brings you here at this time of the night?'

'I wanted to ask you a question,' Aredhel said carefully. 'It's about Legolas.'

'What about Legolas?' King Thranduil asked, sitting in a nearby chair and gesturing to his son to do the same. Aredhel sat nervously in front of his father, thinking about how to start.

'Adar,' he took a deep breath, trying to regain his courage. It was a challenging task to question his father's decisions. 'I was surprised when you agreed on Legolas' marriage so easily. I wanted to know why you agreed to this?'

King Thranduil raised an amused eyebrow. Even his sons sometimes appeared to fear him. Well, it wasn't a bad thing at times.

'I agreed to the marriage because it was your brother's wish,' he said.

'What about you?' Aredhel asked.

King Thranduil sighed deeply, standing from his seat and walking to the window again. 'I disagree on why your brother is marrying, nor the way, but what else can I do? It's either this or his life.'

'But Adar, why Elessar? Of all people, why Elessar?' Aredhel snapped.

'Watch your temper, young one,' King Thranduil said in a warning tone, glaring at his son. 'I won't allow any son of mine to yell at me while questioning one of my decisions.'

'I'm sorry, Adar,' Aredhel said, lowering his eyes apologetically.

'It's alright, my son,' King Thranduil said softly. 'I know that you are worried about your brother. I'm not thrilled about your brother marrying a mortal either, but there's something that Lord Elrond said that has made me consider Elessar's proposal.' Aredhel looked at King Thranduil questioningly as the King continued, 'He gave me the impression that Elessar is in love with your brother and would do anything to ensure his happiness and safety. I think he is right. Legolas will find happiness with Elessar, and his child will be in good care.'

'Elessar? In love with my brother?' Aredhel asked in shock; however, his surprise soon turned into anger. 'He's taking advantage of Legolas' situation then!' he exclaimed. 'Adar, you shouldn't agree to this marriage. He would-'

'Child!' King Thranduil interrupted. 'Calm down! Elessar is not taking advantage of Legolas. I'm sure of this, or else I wouldn't have agreed. However, the fact that Elessar is in love with your brother shocked me initially.' King Thranduil sighed deeply, turning his gaze again to outside the window. 'Elrond talked about giving Legolas another chance to find a new love. He's still young by our standards, and that dead look in his eyes doesn't suit him. I want to see life shining in his eyes again, but that will only happen if love blossoms in his heart.

'But why a magical binding, Adar? Such a joining will trap Legolas,' Aredhel said. 'Once they are bound, Legolas will not be able to leave Middle-Earth. His fate will be bound to Elessar's! And if Elessar should die one day, Legolas' life would be in danger!'

'I know,' King Thranduil whispered sadly. 'However, if we agreed on a human wedding, his pregnancy would raise too many questions. Men may be oblivious to the ways of elves, but other races are not. We agreed on a magical binding to be on the safe side.' The old King sighed deeply. 'I know this binding will trap Legolas, but I can't find any other way. As for Elessar's life, there is a spell that will enable him to share Legolas' immortality once their marriage is consummated.'

'A spell?' Aredhel asked.

'Yes, it's an old spell that allows mortals to share the immortality of their immortal mates,' King Thranduil explained. 'Not many know about it because there were fears that men may try to force the elves into marriages to become immortal.'

Aredhel nodded his agreement. 'But if Elessar became immortal, then Legolas will have to stay in Middle-Earth forever, Adar!' he mused.

'Yes," King Thranduil sighed sorrowfully. 'I was hoping that one day Legolas would consider rejoining us in the Undying Lands, but this hope will die once Elessar and Legolas consummate their marriage. I'll have to leave these shores knowing that one of my sons is tied to Middle-Earth forever.'

'You are thinking of sailing to the Undying Lands, Adar?' Aredhel's eyes widened in surprise, and he felt a slight tightness in his chest at the thought of his father leaving them.

King Thranduil smiled, returning to his seat. He took his son's hand in his and squeezed it slightly. 'My time in Middle-Earth is coming to its end, Aredhel. Once I'm sure you all are happy, I'll leave to the Undying Lands.'

Aredhel felt tears falling down his cheeks. He hated to show any weakness in front of others, but the thought of his father leaving them was overwhelming. King Thranduil wiped his son's silent tears with his thumb, smiling sadly.

'Listen, Aredhel,' he whispered. 'I know you have wondered why I have changed my mind about Legolas' child. True, I was going to force your brother to abort his child for political reasons at first, but while you three were away from me, I realized that I'm not only a King but also an adar... An adar whose youngest son has lost his lover at a young age... an adar who was watching his son fading from grief in front of his eyes, without being able to save his life... An adar who has lost a wife while she was giving birth to his youngest. That's why I didn't object to Elrond's suggestion, as many might have assumed I would. You, above all, must know what it is like to lose a child,' King Thranduil said. A sad light flashed through Aredhel's eyes but then disappeared quickly.

Thranduil sighed deeply. 'Aredhel, when it's time for you to take my place, I want you to be not only Mirkwood's King but also Mallorn and Legolas' adar and big brother, especially Legolas for he's just like how your naneth was... always relying on his heart more than his mind.'

Aredhel smiled softly, remembering his late mother. 'Is that why you love Legolas more, Adar? Because he reminds you of her?'

King Thranduil smiled softly. 'Yes," he whispered. 'I see your naneth in Legolas' face. I wanted him to be just as she was—Merry and carefree. I admit I wasn't as strict with him as with you and Mallorn, but it was only because she wasn't there for him. Do you remember, Aredhel? When I scolded you or Mallorn, you used to run to your naneth's lap and find comfort in her arms. Legolas didn't have that chance. No servant-maids in the world could replace a parent's love, and I was the only parent he had. Even when I scolded him sometimes, I could not sleep or do anything before I made it up to him. No one knew, but I used to run after him and apologize for speaking harshly. And sometimes at night, I used to go to his rooms and stay the whole night watching after him.' A tear fell down Thranduil's cheek, but he quickly wiped it away.

'Adar...' Aredhel looked at his father sadly. He had never seen his father displaying such emotions since his mother's death. He felt sorrow for his father. His father had a big heart at a time when everybody thought that he was the most heartless elf that ever existed. 'When are you sailing to the west?' he asked weakly.

'Not before Mallorn's marriage,' King Thranduil said. 'And not before I know that you and Legolas are settled and happy in your lives.'

Aredhel smiled sadly, understanding his father's meaning. Noting the wistful look on his son's face, Thranduil squeezed his son's hands affectingly.

'Aredhel, I know how you feel.' Thranduil said. 'And I'm sorry that I have reminded you of Tarawiel's miscarriage. I shouldn't mention it.'

'No, Adar.' Aredhel said. 'You were right. Above all, I should understand this. And I don't blame you. I promise I'll care for them as if you were still among us.'

King Thranduil smiled proudly at his son. 'Don't think of this, Aredhel. You and your wife have eternity ahead. I promise I won't leave these shores until I see your son.'

Aredhel smiled before wishing his father a good night and returning to his chambers. After his son's departure, King Thranduil went to bed to rest.

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To Be Continued...