Golden sun rays reflected against the silver leaves as they rustled softly when the cool breezes ran through them. Legolas inhaled deeply, feeling peace inside his soul that he hadn't felt in a long time. Suddenly, his ears picked up the soft sounds of a laughing child. His eyes darted from place to place, trying to locate the direction from which the sounds came. The blond Elf rushed towards the sounds, feeling as if something was drawing him to the source of the laughter. Suddenly, he halted as he saw Haldir sitting under a tree, cradling an infant between his arms. Legolas stared at the two wide-eyed, his heart pounding hard against his chest.

'Míreth,' He whispered.

Haldir looked up and smiled at the Elf in front of him.

'She is so beautiful, Legolas,' He said. 'Thank you for giving me such a beautiful daughter.'

Tears pooled in the Sinda's eyes as he approached the pair. Kneeling in front of them, he reached one hand slowly and caressed his daughter's soft cheeks.

'I've failed in protecting her.' He admitted shamefully.

'It wasn't your fault, Legolas,' Haldir said, looking straight into the Prince's watery eyes. 'Don't blame yourself or Aragorn.'

'Haldir, I—'

A finger stopped him from continuing.

'Legolas,' The Silvan Elf said. 'Neither of you are to blame for Míreth's death. It's about time the two of you allow your wounds to heal and enjoy the love growing between you.'

Legolas' eyes widened in surprise at Haldir's last sentence. He opened his mouth to protest, but the older Elf silenced him again.

'Don't deny it, Meleth.' He said. 'I know about your growing feelings towards him, and don't resent it. Aragorn is a man worthy of your respect and love. He's the only one who could heal your pain and sorrows if you allow him.'

Legolas lowered his head as hot tears slid down his cheeks.

'I feel as if my heart is being ripped apart, Haldir. Why do I feel so guilty for loving him? Why does his love scare me?' The blond Prince said as he looked up at his former lover. 'It would be so much easier if I stopped myself from falling in love with him...but I can't control my heart anymore.'

'Don't wage a wronged war against your heart, Meleth. If this was about what he had done regarding Míreth, then you know very well that Aragorn had done what he thought was right. His actions were born out of love for you and Míreth.' Haldir took a deep breath as he stared at the now-sleeping child in his arms. 'And if what you feel is because of me, then know that I bless your love with all my heart. Aragorn loves you and would've fought the world for your sake. You love him as well and should seek solace in his arms.'

'Haldir, I-'

His sentence was cut off as the Silvan Elf closed the gap between their faces and claimed his lips in a passionate kiss.

🧝🏻‍♂️🤴🏻🧝🏻‍♂️🤴🏻

Legolas gasped as he snapped out of his sleep. He was sitting on a rocking chair in the room that contained his daughter's bed and other belongings. The Prince took a deep breath as he stood and walked to the empty bed. He ran his hand over Míreth's wooden bed, relishing the feeling of the wood under his fingertips as he gazed at the crib and imagined his daughter sleeping peacefully inside. Ever since Aragorn showed him the room, he had spent some time among Míreth's belongings before dinner.

/I must've dozed off a little,/ The blond Prince thought as he returned to his seat.

Knowing the truth behind his daughter's death had weighed heavily upon his heart, and nothing his father, his brother or his friends could do or say to lessen his pain. Even if her death resulted from treason, he couldn't help but feel guilty for failing to protect her. He should've been more alert at his husband's odd behaviour after Míreth's birth and noticed something was amiss, but he ignored all the warning signs. He failed to protect his beloved daughter when she needed him the most. The blond Elf thought of his dream earlier and wondered if Haldir had truly meant what he had said. He pondered if there was still hope for him and Aragorn or if the decision he had made was indeed the best for the two of them. If not, then—

The door suddenly opened, thankfully snapping Legolas from his dark thoughts before they worsened.

'Legolas,'

The Elf raised his gaze and saw Gwîneth standing at the room's door.

'King Elessar told me that I would find you here,' She said as she approached him. Reaching where Legolas was seated, the Elleth sat beside him and gazed sadly at the crib.

'I can almost see Míreth still lying here,' She whispered.

'Aye,' Was Legolas' soft reply.

The blonde Elleth averted her gaze toward Legolas, noticing the sad expression on his face. She wanted to say something to ease his pain but knew that all her words would not comfort him, so she remained silent.

'Gwîneth, were you aware of the circumstances surrounding Míreth's death?' Legolas' soft question suddenly broke the silence.

'Aye.' She replied. 'But only recently.'

'Why didn't you tell me?' he looked at her intensely, a slight anger shining in his eyes. 'Is it because Aragorn ordered it?'

'No,' Gwîneth replied. 'I didn't tell you because I feared it would kill you.' She raised one hand, cupping Legolas' cheek. 'Knowing the reason behind Míreth's death is a sword with two edges. On the one hand, it would've relieved you from the sense of guilt of being the cause of her death, but on the other hand, it would've killed you to know that she might live had you been able to protect her. We all faced that choice once we knew the truth, and we chose not to reveal anything to keep you safe.'

'How can I trust any of you after this?' He asked softly. 'When my family has hidden such an important thing from me, how can I trust them after this?'

'To forgive us or not, to trust us or not, it's something you should decide for yourself, Legolas,' Gwîneth said as she stood up. 'We all knew of this risk when we made our choices, and we must live with its consequences.' She looked at him with unreadable eyes. 'Everyone is waiting for you in the dining room. They won't start eating before your arrival.'

With that, she began to walk away.

'Gwîneth,'

The Elleth halted upon hearing her name.

'Wait. I'll accompany you.'

Looking back, Gwîneth smiled warmly at her childhood friend before the two left the room.

🧝🏻‍♂️🤴🏻🧝🏻‍♂️🤴🏻

A group of 10 figures, clad in black cloaks, arrived at Minas Tirith just as the sun had set. They walked through the city streets, heading up the levels of the city in silence until they reached the fourth level. People watched them in apprehension, but none dared to intercept their path. The Rangers turned into a dim-lit grim alley and walked until they reached an old-looking small house. Their leader removed a rusty key from the folds of his clothes and unlocked the door, inviting the rest inside. The men took off their cloaks once the Rangers were inside, and the door was locked.

"What now?" Asked one of the men.

"I'll inform the King of our arrival," Their captain said.

"Will we go to him, or will he meet us here?"

"He'll meet us here. I expect that he will come to us tonight."

"Tonight? Why not tomorrow?"

"Aye. We should be the ones who go to his castle," Another ranger commented.

"The King had asked that our presence be kept a secret," the captain explained. "He also expressed his desire to meet with us soon, so I imagine he would meet us tonight."

The Rangers nodded as their leader wrote his letter to the King.

🧝🏻‍♂️🤴🏻🧝🏻‍♂️🤴🏻

When he entered the dining room, Legolas found everyone present, waiting for him.

Aragorn; his father and brother; Elrond and Glorfindel; the hobbits; Gimli, Elrohir, Éomer and his sister Éowyn; Prince Alphros, the grandchild of the Prince of Dol Amroth; his son Prince Faelon; his aunt Princess Lothíriel; Lady Vanëanis and her son Ohtar.

The ten-year-old Faelon left his seat and rushed to the Prince as soon as the blond Elf entered the hall. Smiling, Legolas opened his arms to the rushing child and took him into a tight embrace. The child, who had come with his father and aunt a week ago, had taken a great fascination with the blond Elf and had hardly left his side. Lothíriel tried to protest, but Legolas refused to give up the child. With Faelon in his arms, Legolas took his place next to Aragorn at the head of the table as the dining began.

"Please, allow me, my Lord, to relieve you of him so you can eat properly," Princess Lothíriel tried again.

"He doesn't bother me at all," The blond Consort replied, smiling down at the little boy. "Don't deprive me of his company so soon."

Smiling warmly, the Princess just nodded her head in response.

General, neutral and cheerful topics soon dominated the conversations as everyone began to dine. Suddenly, Faramir entered the dining room.

"Faramir," Aragorn greeted. "Come and join us."

"Thank you, my Liege, but I have an urgent message for you," He said enigmatically as he presented the King with a sealed note.

Breaking the seal, Aragorn read the letter before standing up abruptly.

"Please, excuse me. I have an urgent matter to attend to," He said to the company present as he stood up.

"Aragorn?" Legolas questioned, staring at the note in his husband's hands.

"Later, Legolas," Replied the King before he and Faramir left the hall.

🧝🏻‍♂️🤴🏻🧝🏻‍♂️🤴🏻

Lord Mortardur was in the middle of his meal when suddenly he noticed a shadowed figure standing next to the balcony's curtains.

"What do you want?" The man asked apprehensively.

The mere presence of the mysterious Elf nerved him every time they met.

"He's starting to recover," The man didn't bother to ask whom Shadow was referring to. "Legolas is starting to regain his health, and it would cause me lots of trouble if I wait any longer," The Elf spat, not moving from his spot. "I need him out of this castle of stone soon."

"It's not as easy as you may think," Mortardur hissed. "He's the Kingdom's Consort. I can't control his movements. And if he was recovering, it's your damn fault for stopping whatever you were going to drive him mad."

"I would have played more tricks on him if his damn brother wasn't following him like his shadow nowadays," Shadow retorted agitatedly. "Not to mention the massive hoard of people who suddenly took an interest in his company, including your wife and child."

The Lord's face tightened at the mention of his family. He had suggested to his wife that she spend more time with the Consort to gain the Royal Couple's trust and be part of their daily life for a purpose. Though his wife was clueless about his scheme, she and his son had effortlessly made their way to the heart of the Consort. All that remained was the next step of his plan to take place. However, he wanted to keep his little plan private from Shadow.

"I have promised you that I'll help deliver the Consort to you, and I'll keep my promise," He said curtly. "You have to wait for me."

Shadow glared at the human Lord with apparent fury but said nothing. Instead, he turned around and disappeared into the night.

🧝🏻‍♂️🤴🏻🧝🏻‍♂️🤴🏻

Soft knocks made the Rangers rise to their feet, weapons in hand. Hathron, the Rangers' Captain, slowly opened to be faced by two figures clad in black.

"Greetings, my Lord,"

🧝🏻‍♂️🤴🏻🧝🏻‍♂️🤴🏻

After dinner, the Consort and his friends and family gathered in the royal living room. Their lively conversations during the meal diverted Legolas' mind from dwelling on his husband's sudden departure. Now, they were all enjoying some post-dinner drinks and desserts.

Legolas smiled warmly as little Ohtar playfully pulled his golden tresses. The one-year-old was seated in his lap, happily playing with the Elf, Faelon and the four hobbits.

From her seat next to Gwîneth and Éowyn, Vanëanis watched them fondly. It was clear that having Faelon and little Ohtar around Legolas for the past week had helped to soothe his troubled heart and soul. The blond Prince started to smile more, and his spirits seemed lifted at the sight of the two little boys. The Lady smiled to herself. She could understand the Prince's feelings completely. She was a parent just like him, after all. His child's sudden loss was a hard blow to him; for his lap to be emptied suddenly from the child he held in his heart for long months was something none would wish for their enemies. Thus, having two boys around the Consort was the perfect remedy to his grief. She only hoped that they had thought of it sooner.

"Lady Vanëanis,"

The Lady snapped from her thoughts at Gwîneth's soft voice calling her.

"I'm sorry, Lady Gwîneth." She apologized. "My mind was elsewhere. Did you need something?"

The Elleth smiled at her.

"Pray tell, what had distracted you so, my Lady?"

"I was just admiring how His Highness played with the children," She replied.

Gwîneth looked at Legolas' direction and smiled. The sight of Legolas playing with the two boys was genuinely heartwarming.

"I hope Prince Legolas will soon recover from his ailment," Éowyn commented. "His grief had changed him considerably. He doesn't look like the strong and proud warrior he was during the War of the Ring anymore."

"It wasn't something easy that he had gone through," Gwîneth said solemnly.

"You know, my Lady, I think His Highness should have a change of surroundings," Vanëanis said. "The change of place, even for a few days, will surely do him good in easing his pains. My husband and I will be honoured if His Highness, along with the rest of you, would visit our retreat villa near Pelargir port."

"The idea of going on a trip is rather good, but I fear that Pelargir port may be a little bit far, Lady Vanëanis," Gwîneth said. During her stay in Gondor, the Elleth familiarized herself with the Kingdom's regions and cities to learn more about it.

"How about a trip to Ithilien?" Éowyn suggested. "I long to visit it and see how Lord Faramir has rebuilt the region."

"And I suppose with Lord Faramir as our host and guide, the trip will be more enjoyable, won't it?" Lady Vanëanis remarked with a soft laugh.

Éowyn blushed at the Lady's teasing but said nothing, causing her companions to laugh in amusement.

"I suppose this trip will benefit all lovers," Gwîneth remarked. "Nothing like a trip to encourage budding romances."

"Budding romances?" Vanëanis asked. "Who else do you mean?"

Gesturing her head slightly towards one corner, Gwîneth and her friends watched as Éomer chattered happily with Princess Lothíriel.

"Indeed, this trip would be rather amusing," Lady Vanëanis remarked.

"Legolas! Why did you stop? I want to hear the rest of the story!" Pippin's loud whine interrupted the three.

"Shuhh, Pip," Legolas cooed. "You'll wake up Ohtar!"

Indeed, the little boy was sound asleep in the Prince's lap, and young Faelon was also on his way to dreamland.

"Well, I think I should be going then," Vanëanis said to her companions as she stood up. "I hope to see you tomorrow, Ladies."

"Thank you, Lady Vanëanis," Gwîneth said. "I'll certainly deliver your suggestion to His Majesty regarding the trip to Ithilien."

"I'll be looking forward to it."

Taking her son from Legolas' lap, the Lady excused herself and left.

Soon, Prince Alphros, his aunt, and his son followed suit, and then the rest of Legolas' friends and family excused themselves until he and Gwîneth became the only ones who remained.

'Legolas,' Gwîneth said as the two became alone. 'I have a suggestion.'

'What is it?'

'What do you think if I asked the King's permission to allow us to go on a trip to Ithilien?' The Elleth suggested. 'I think a change of surroundings might be good for you.'

'A trip to Ithilien?' Legolas wondered before nodding. 'Aye, I think it would be an excellent idea.' He smiled slightly.

'You don't seem very enthusiastic about it, though.' Gwîneth observed.

Her friend's demeanour had become more sombre once their friends and family had left.

'I'm sorry, Gwîneth.' The Prince apologized. 'It's just I'm worried about Aragorn's mysterious absence. But I still think this trip to Ithilien will be a great change for everyone here. I think you should suggest it to Aragorn.'

The Elleth opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted by the chamber's door opening, revealing Aragorn from behind.

"Good Evening, Your Majesty." She greeted, noticing the dark Ranger's outfit that showed underneath the black cloak Aragorn was wearing, but she didn't comment.

"Good Evening, Lady Gwîneth," The King replied. "I see I've missed dinner and dessert," He remarked.

The Elleth smiled in response.

Looking at his husband, Aragorn's heart clenched upon seeing the emotionless look in Legolas' blue eyes. He tried to reach through their bond to know what the Elf was thinking, but Legolas had shut off his emotions completely. Sensing the tension between the two, Gwîneth tried to lighten the air.

"Your Majesty, I'd like to ask your permission on a matter."

"What is it, my Lady?" The man asked.

"I'd like to know if we can all go to Ithilien. Lady Éowyn has expressed her desire to see the elven settlement there, and I presume that so do the rest."

"That's indeed an excellent idea," Aragorn replied with a smile. "What do you think of that, Legolas?"

The Elf nodded his head in reply.

"Then, I'll ask Faramir to make all the necessary preparations. Just inform him how many will join us on this trip so he can make arrangements accordingly."

"I will. Thank you, Your Majesty. Good Night."

With that, the Elleth left.

Aragorn and Legolas stood silently after Gwîneth's departure, staring at each other.

"Where have you been?" Asked the Elf suddenly, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

"I'll tell you everything after I washed and changed?" Replied the man as he walked to his bedchamber.

"I'll be waiting," Legolas said softly.

As his husband disappeared into his chamber, the blond Elf sat on a chair, thinking. During the week that followed Aragorn's confession, his attitude towards him had changed substantially. The man had stopped behaving as a husband would towards his spouse and reverted to treating him like a friend, much like before their marriage. He refrained from doing or saying anything that had a romantic meaning or even could be interpreted as such; their conversations were strictly kept on limited topics. He had never sought to be alone with the Elf; their meetings mainly occurred with their friends and family. And at night, each of them would retire to a different bedchamber. Legolas let out a sigh. He had been honest when he had told Haldir that his heart was torn apart when it came to Aragorn. It was as if he was being pulled into two different directions.

/If only there were a way to find peace finally,/ He wished gloomily.

"Legolas, would you like to sit here or in my study?" Aragorn asked as he emerged from the bedroom.

"Here would be fine," Replied the Elf.

The man nodded and sat on a chair opposite to the Elf.

"I have summoned the Rangers from the North." He began.

It was useless to start a banter when the Elf was only interested in his whereabouts. He had promised not to keep away anything regarding Míreth's death investigation and would stay true to his promise.

"The Dúnedain?"

"Aye. I've enlisted them to search the city for the mysterious Elf secretly," Aragorn said.

"Do you still believe an Elf is involved in Míreth's death?"

"There is no other explanation, Legolas," The man replied thoughtfully. "I truly believe one of Haldir's brothers, if not both, is involved."

The Elf nodded silently. He still couldn't bring himself to believe that an Elf could do such a thing as killing an innocent child. However, the evidence that Aragorn recounted was too strong. The blond Elf inhaled sharply. His daughter was murdered by her uncles...This thought only was too much for him to bear.

"What about Lord Glorfindel?" He asked, pushing away those thoughts.

"He'll still be in charge," Aragorn said. But the Dúnedain are more skilled in mingling unnoticed among the people. They could penetrate the city's darkest alleys without raising any suspicion."

The Elf nodded in reply. He looked deeply into the man's eyes, wondering if this was the right time to tell him what he had decided.

" Everything will end well," Aragorn reassured.

An uncomfortable silence reigned over the two before Aragorn broke it.

"This trip to Ithilien is an excellent idea," he said in a light and merry tone. "I wonder why I hadn't thought of it before. It will surely lighten up your mood notably."

"I want to leave, Aragorn." The Elf blurted out.

"Eh?"

"I want to return to Mirkwood..." Legolas said. "I can't live here anymore," His steady voice betrayed nothing of the turmoil inside him.

"So, you wish to leave," It was a statement more than a question. The man looked intensely at the Elf. "Have—" He felt a large lump forming in his throat, almost choking him. He had promised Legolas to carry off his wishes no matter what. But, he felt a heavy weight inside his heart at the thought of losing the Elf forever.

"May I ask you a question?" He finally said as he collected himself. "Is there anything I can do to change your mind?"

Legolas shook his head in reply.

"Have you ever loved me?"

The Elf's heart clenched at the question. He lowered his eyes, unable to face the man's steel-grey ones. How could he answer such a question?

How could he describe the whirlpool that was inside his soul?

"I do love you." He replied finally.

"I didn't mean as a friend," Aragorn remarked sharply.

"Neither did I," Legolas said as he lifted his head and looked deeply into his husband's eyes.

"Then, why do you wish to leave?"

Legolas stared at his husband for a moment. His heart was beating wildly against his ribs, his lungs taking deep, sharp breaths, and his hands idly fidgeting with the hem of his shirt.

"Because I can't bear this anymore," He finally replied in a voice that was barely above a whisper. "I'm torn between my growing feelings towards you and my pain and fear of losing another loved one. When I married you, it was for the sole purpose of keeping Míreth." —Tears slid down his porcelain cheeks— "But, she's gone now, despite everything we've done. I'm afraid to love you more, knowing I will eventually lose you. This fear is eating my heart away. I can't live like this for the rest of my days until I leave Middle Earth. Thus, I thought that leaving now would be best for both of us. At least, you would be free to find another who would give you all their heart without any fears or doubts. And as for me," Legolas opened his eyes and looked up at his husband. "All I wish is to find peace, Aragorn. But since my arrival to this city, I have found none."

Aragorn listened attentively to his husband's words, feeling as if daggers were plunged into his heart with each syllable the Elf uttered. It would've been easier if the Elf had said he didn't love him. But hearing Legolas confess his love and the fears that went with it made the man's heart and stomach clench painfully. Despite everything they went through, they could not be together. It broke the man's heart to know that love wasn't enough for them to build a life together. It broke his heart to know that his love was nothing but a cause of pain and turmoil to the blond Elf.

"I don't want any other," he whispered.

"Aragorn, please!" Legolas said with a sigh.

"Legolas, please..." The man repeated his husband's exact words in a desperate tone.

"I can't," Legolas replied in a barely audible voice.

"I don't want anyone else," Aragorn said firmly. "If you want to leave Gondor, that's fine! But don't ask me to end our marriage when I love you so much. Please, allow me to show you I'm worthy of your love."

"You've already shown me," the Elf said with a small smile. "You've shown me you're a loving, kind and caring person. You've shown me that you're willing to go beyond the boundaries of friendship and take me as your spouse despite all odds. I know you're more than deserving of my love. But I'm afraid I'm not enough to keep you happy."

"You're more than enough," Aragorn whispered as he closed the distance between them and knelt before the Elf. "You're the only one I want."

Legolas felt his heart swell at his husband's words.

"I don't know what will happen to me, Aragorn," he said. "I can't keep you tied to me, waiting for something that might never come. You deserve to live a full and happy life."

"I won't be living a happy life if I lose you," Aragorn said as he grabbed the Elf's hand and held it firmly in his own.

"Please, Aragorn," Legolas said. "You promised to do what I want."

Aragorn swallowed hard, then nodded.

"If you want to leave, then I won't stop you," he said as he returned to his seat, feeling himself choking on his own words. "However, I have but one request to ask."

"What is it?"

"Do not leave right away. Stay for a little while." —Legolas' eyes widened, and he opened his mouth to protest, but the man interrupted him— "Just until Éomer and Prince Alphros' departure. I don't wish this matter to affect our relations with both Rohan and Dol Amroth. A breakup between royalties is an enormous and scandalous affair. It shouldn't happen while foreign delegations are present." —He looked pleadingly at the blond Elf— "You were a messenger to your father. You surely know that."

Thinking for a moment, the Elf nodded his approval.

"I wouldn't want to cause you more hurt, Aragorn." He said softly. "I'm sorry things should end between us this way."

"I'm sorry, too."

With that, the man stood up and entered his room. Finding himself alone, Legolas' self-restraint finally gave way, and the Elf wept soundly to himself.

🧝🏻‍♂️🤴🏻🧝🏻‍♂️🤴🏻

Another Elf in another part of the city was also having his own troubles. Entering his filthy inn room, Shadow removed his cloak, faced the mirror, and stared hatefully at his reflection. He was changing...

His inner light had diminished to the point that his naturally pale skin was turning into a tan...something that resembled human skin. The Elf heaved a deep sigh, feeling a raging fire inside his chest. Everything was suddenly going downhill. That human Lord was becoming more irritating than ever, thinking he had control over him. Legolas was always surrounded by others, giving him little opportunity to toy with him. It felt that everyone suddenly was aware that what the Prince saw wasn't a mere phantom. Not that he could fool the Prince any longer. Shadow glared at his reflection. His features were changing. His once handsome, smooth face was becoming sharper and wrinkled...his pale skin was starting to get more tanned, and his silver hair was losing its glow and vitality. A few days like this, no one would think he was an Elf. Shadow let out a frustrated yell as he knocked down the offending mirror. He wasn't an Elf any longer. He could feel his grace and light leaving him by the moment. A snort escaped his lips. If he was turning into a dark creature, then so be it. Even more the reason for him to go on with his plan. He would take revenge and claim Legolas ... even if it meant his death.

🧝🏻‍♂️🤴🏻🧝🏻‍♂️🤴🏻

To Be Continued...