Chapter Text
He woke up with Haldir's fingers in his hair and smiled. Haldir smiled back. The Galadhrim reached down and ran a finger along Legolas’ erection.
Happy to see me this morning?
I'm always happy to see you, Fepilin.
Haldir ran his finger along his shaft again and teased the swollen tip, teased that sensitive spot underneath that was now clearly exposed and eager for attention. Legolas let out a small moan. Haldir smiled again and took him into his fist.
I could get used to this, Legolas joked lightly.
I've been thinking…
Uh oh, Legolas grinned, shifting his hips under Haldir's insistent hand.
I mean, about our place, in your new kingdom.
Mmmmm?
Remember how good it was, up in your tree?
Mmmmm.
What if we have a nice little talan? Cozy. Big sturdy tree branches crossing through…
Haldir painted an image into his mind. The two of them in all kinds of configurations. Using the branches as much as the bed. Then lazing around, sipping tea, putting soaps away.
You have the weirdest fantasies, Fepilin, Legolas laughed.
Elladan said there'd be a place for me there. What if this were my place? Our place? Up in the trees? They can have the meadows. We'll have the trees.
Elladan said, eh?
He's alright, Haldir admitted. I think we understand each other.
You do, do you? Legolas started filling his mind with images of the three of them– body parts moving together, hungry hands and mouths and hips. Physical competitions devolving into equally physical sex.
You’d want that?
Sure. You?
Haldir shrugged. He'd always been open to the concept of being with the twins again, as long as it meant he could still be with Legolas.
Elladan said we're a unit now, the four of us. I don't know how on board Elrohir would be, but it could work, Legolas– all of us being there at the same time.
All of us? Legolas smiled wickedly. Images of the revel in Lothlorien were replaying in his mind, and pre-come surged from his member, slicking his shaft under Haldir's palm.
You're insatiable, Haldir laughed. All we'd need would be for Erestor to join us, and you'd have your perfect revel.
The dark Noldo appeared in Legolas’ fantasy, his hands gripping Legolas’ hips, his substantial erection pushing roughly into his body.
Legolas came.
Seriously? Haldir rolled his eyes and laughed again.
He's sexy, Legolas shrugged unapologetically. You're the one that started in with the fantasies.
Why would Erestor stay in Imladris? Haldir asked, as he wiped his hand on the bedsheets. Why would he not follow you?
Erestor? Follow me? Legolas laughed.
You and he–
He's my best friend, aye. But he's not going to follow me. If he had a new kingdom, maybe I'd follow him. Maybe we'd all be there instead, he joked.
Haldir brushed a stray lock of hair off Legolas’ forehead. The morning light was pouring orange through the window, warming Legolas’ tresses to a burnished gold.
No, you wouldn't. You wouldn't give up your own.
I already have once.
But not for Erestor.
Haldir pulled back slightly. He didn't want to think about what Legolas would do for the twins. How far he'd go for them. What he'd give up for them.
Legolas didn't comment on Haldir's subtle withdrawl. In fact, he made no indication that he had even noticed it. Yet, the prince subconsciously reached for Haldir's hand and brought it to his chest, entwining their fingers as he answered.
Nay, probably not. Legolas absent-mindedly brought Haldir's fingers to his lips. He's got something with Elrond. He's determined to work for him.
But Elrond would be gone, when the twins take over rule.
True. He dropped Haldir's hand back to his chest. I don't know. Elrohir's seen it. He will stay. If it were up to Lindir, I think they'd be in Lothlorien. If Elrohir hadn't seen them in Imladris, I certainly would have put my money on Lothlorien.
Haldir propped himself up on one elbow in surprise.
Lindir– the scribe– can control the Noldo?
Oh, he's got Erestor wrapped around his little finger, Legolas laughed. You dodged a bullet with that one.
Lindir? Haldir repeated incredulously.
A strange match, I must admit. But Erestor loves him. Don't tell him I said any of this.
Haldir flopped himself back down.
Why would I ever talk to Erestor? Even when he's being civil, I feel like he's always one second away from running me through.
Oh, he's not like that!
Could have fooled me. Whenever you talk about him, I just can't imagine it. He must be so different with you.
Haldir lightly stroked the skin of Legolas’ chest where it sat beneath his fingertips. It felt like satin. He extended his forefinger to brush Legolas’ soft lips. Legolas smiled.
Aye, perhaps. He and I are… a lot alike.
Nay!
We are. That's the main reason we didn't work, as a couple.
Nay!
You see who he ended up with! Legolas laughed.
You and I are a lot alike, Haldir ventured.
Just different enough, I suppose. Legolas shifted towards him and kissed him, tangling his fingers in his hair. I don't care where the soaps go.
You KNOW I don't care where the soaps go, Haldir laughed. It's the concept.
Domestic bliss, Legolas teased. Still a weird fantasy, Fepilin.
Do you tell Elrohir his fantasies are weird?
Legolas stiffened.
You don't know Elrohir's fantasies.
Nay, I just assumed…
You assumed wrong. And with that, Legolas was out of bed. He cut the bond and started pulling on his clothes.
"Legolas– hey– I'm sorry."
"It's fine. You want to go to the range?"
"Sure, but–"
"Leave it, Haldir."
"Alright."
---------
Legolas knew why he was grouchy. He missed Elrohir. He missed their games. As much as Haldir was great, he wasn't Elrohir. He wasn't even Elladan, who would acquiesce to a scene with him now and then, and whose erotic sparring certainly filled some of his need for physical… engagement. Not that even that would be able to fill the need he had rising in him recently.
He had never asked Haldir to play like that. Of course, Haldir would have understood the urge, would have encouraged him go find some elf to whip and fuck. Would have probably been happy to watch, even.
In many ways, their relationship had never changed, despite practically living together. Despite Haldir's domestic bliss fantasies.
Legolas shook his head, amused despite himself. Even after years together, Haldir remained simple, undemanding. He had always said he would take whatever Legolas had to give him, and he had been true to his word.
Now, he was talking about the four of them together in his new kingdom. It was an issue Legolas had thought about many times, over the last few years. It was easy to imagine their bodies coming together, especially under revel conditions. It had happened before. It was much harder to imagine what daily life would look like.
Would he spend nights in Haldir's talan, if the twins were there in the forest? It had been too easy to completely forget about him, when the twins had been home with him for eight months straight. Why had it been so easy? He cared for him. He was his Silvan. But compared to Elrohir… Even compared to Elladan...
Would he need Haldir's fingers in his hair, if he had Elladan’s? Would he even have trouble sleeping, if Elrohir were in his arms? Would Haldir be content to watch him and the twins at mealtimes, feeding each other and making in-jokes into each other's minds, while he was left sitting alone? Or would he somehow be able to join in with them? Would he even want that? Would the twins? Legolas wasn't sure he wanted that, himself. Another huge set of problems to add to the list for his future kingdom. It was no wonder he kept putting it all off.
He watched Haldir draw back on his bow and release. He had fine form, he'd give him that. He nudged the Galadhrim's elbow a hair, as he lined up the next shot. Haldir gave him a slight nod in thanks, then released. A perfect shot.
---------
The dining hall had been busier than usual. They had arrived late and grabbed a couple seats in the far corner, happy to huddle together unnoticed, rather than take any formal seat at the head table with Elrond.
They had been eating in what Legolas had considered a comfortable silence when Haldir spoke.
"I could go with you, you know."
This again? Legolas rolled his eyes. He knew he had been grouchy all day, but Haldir didn't have to doubt them every time Legolas had a mood.
"You will, Fepilin. I've told you a million times, I do want you there."
He dabbed his bread into the gravy on his plate. He could feel the Galadhrim's eyes on him, then his hand on his inner thigh, as he turned his body towards him.
"I mean now," Haldir said earnestly, then flexed his fingers to try to lessen the intensity of his statement. "I mean, whenever. I mean, to find it."
Legolas turned to him, his bread halfway to his mouth. He put it back down onto his plate. He glanced around the dining hall. No one seemed to notice Haldir's over-familiarity with his thigh. Elrond was preoccupied dishing venison and vegetables onto the Dunedan boy's plate.
"I don't know where to look, Fepilin," he said irritably. He began dabbing his bread again, over and over, as if it could pick up any more gravy.
"Yes, you do."
Legolas cocked an eyebrow at him, temporarily forgetting about the bread.
"The Anduin. The Lothlorien Silvans who saw the vision all say it's there."
"They know where?" Legolas asked in surprise.
"Nay, but the Anduin’s waters are unmistakable."
Legolas sighed.
"Alright, but that is only the longest river in Middle Earth, Fepilin."
"Alright, sure, but it's not endless."
Legolas shot him a look. He tried to pick up his piece of bread, but the sopping mess fell through his fingers. He let it go, disgusted.
"It's not," Haldir insisted, both hands on his thigh now. "Five hundred leagues, maybe. We could go across the High Pass, head up to Ered Mithrin. Start at the headwaters where River Langwell meets River Greylin, follow it all the way down to the Mouths in the Great Sea."
"Do you know how long that would take?"
"Not as long as you've been sitting here in Imladris."
Legolas scowled at him.
"We could do it while the twins are on a long patrol."
"Nay."
It would take too long. To do what Haldir was suggesting, they'd need to cover the distance at least twice. At least. To go up, then down, then back up to Imladris. Never mind resupply trips. Add in any poor weather, difficult terrain, or Orc attacks, and the time could balloon exponentially. No, even the twins’ longest patrols would not cover the time needed. Besides, even when the twins were scheduled to be gone several months, there were many times when they came back early, because Elrohir needed him.
"We might not even have to cover the entire distance," Haldir persisted. "I know Elrohir is saying he thinks it's south, but it seems to me there's a good chance it's north. It would make so much more sense for it to be closer to Mirkwood, rather than down near Gondor and Mordor."
"Be sensible, Haldir. Even if it were half the distance, Galadriel’s not about to let you abandon your post for that long, just to go wandering around looking for some random elf's vision?"
"You're hardly some random elf to me, Legolas," Haldir chided. "Besides, look what she lets me do now. I'm here so much, I'm surprised she hasn't already replaced me. I swear I'm getting a Mirkwood accent, from spending so much time with you," he grinned.
"That's the bond," Legolas commented absently.
Haldir gently cuffed him on the shoulder, then ran a finger down the curve of his ear.
"Anyway, I'm sure she knows I'm planning on leaving it permanently, as soon as you get set up in your new kingdom."
"You've told her that?"
"Nay, but I'm sure she knows. She always knows everything. You say you're sick of Elrohir knowing all your business. Try working under Galadriel."
Legolas stiffened. "Nay," he repeated.
"Legolas! We could–"
"Drop it, Haldir."
Legolas got up and walked out of the dining hall. Haldir sighed and glanced around. Elrond was looking at him. The Lord was composed and elegant, as always, in a sleek aubergine robe embroidered in copper thread. The little Dunedan boy was sitting beside him, trying– and failing– to eat his venison without dropping gravy on his tunic. They made a bizarre pairing: an exercise in opposites, if one discounted their familial resemblance.
The boy did look like the twins. He could understand how it weirded Legolas out. Even just seeing such a tiny version of a person was strange enough to Haldir. Legolas was already one of the youngest elves he knew. He couldn't imagine seeing a tiny version of Legolas. Suddenly, he kind of wanted to. He nodded to Elrond, and took his leave of the hall.
Haldir went back to their rooms. He wasn't about to chase Legolas around again. The prince had been in a mood all day, and Haldir had had about enough of it for the time being. No, he might as well set a fire, have a glass of wine, and take care of his own business. He could use some down time.
It had been quite late when Legolas finally reappeared. Haldir had already turned in. The fire had long died down. The elf took off his clothes and crept into bed beside him. Neither of them said a word as Legolas laid his head on Haldir's shoulder and Haldir wove his fingers into Legolas’ hair. Maybe he wasn't the twins, but he was the one Legolas always came back to, no matter if he went up his tree, or over to drink with Erestor, or out to fuck some random elf in the woods. It was Haldir he wanted at the end of the night, holding him, helping him sleep, and Haldir was happy to put his hands in his hair, to wrap his arms around him, to show him with his body that he was safe and loved and always had a home with him.
---------
Legolas awoke spooned in Haldir's arms, the Lorien warrior’s hard member thrusting insistently against the curve of his behind. Without a moment's thought, Legolas slipped into Haldir's dream.
He easily found himself in the dream, on the receiving end of Haldir's insistent thrusts, and judging by the look on his own face, he was enjoying it just as much as the ardent Marchwarden. Of course he was. Everything they did together always felt fantastic. That was no stretch of the imagination.
He stepped into the image of himself and let himself feel the Marchwarden inside him, thrusting steadily, filling him. Let that hard column of flesh slide in and out of his passage, sending waves of pleasure through his body, lighting up his spine. He let it be just as good as he knew it would be. Let Haldir know how good it was. Haldir panted as Legolas’ pleasure filtered back through the empathic bond.
Fuck, Legolas, Haldir breathed into his neck.
They moved together, Haldir lost in his dream, lost in his passion, Legolas enjoying how good they felt together, letting himself loosen and unwind, even as the pleasure building up in him threatened to explode.
He waited for Haldir, Haldir waited for him. It was one of the best things they had together– this unspoken cooperation to bring each other to the highest peaks they could.
Haldir's thrusts became erratic, and he reached for Legolas, stroking him with an expert hand, even as his body started to shudder apart.
Legolas let go, his contractions milking Haldir's orgasm out of him.
Made for each other… Haldir's mind murmured out, as his hot come bathed Legolas’ insides.
Haldir laid there panting, awash with the afterglow of his orgasm, his arms still around his lover.
"I love you, Legolas," Haldir panted, his hands wandering into Legolas’ hair.
"I love you too, Fepilin," Legolas responded quietly.
The prince's completely unrealistic reply jarred Haldir awake.
Haldir struggled to understand what was happening, what was dream and what was reality, feeling Legolas in his arms and still inside his brain.
Well, that was fun, the prince said, to Haldir's obvious confusion.
That was… You were there? Legolas, you… was that real?
You looked like you were having such a good time, Legolas grinned, turning partway onto his back. Can you blame me for wanting to join you?
I don't understand… Legolas… You were in my dream?
Is that okay?
Sure. I mean, yeah, of course. I mean… but how does that work? We were… I felt you… That was all just my dream, right? You weren't really… You didn't feel…
I felt it well enough, Legolas grinned. More than well enough.
But you don't… I'm going to shut up now.
Legolas laughed. Despite his words, Haldir seemed unable to stop himself.
Legolas, if you liked it, then… Then why don't we…
It was a dream, Fepilin.
Aye, right. Alright. So you can just… decide to join in a dream with me?
Sure. It's just the bond. Legolas shifted again, twisting his chest further towards Haldir while leaving his bottom firmly planted in the Marchwarden's lap.
What about reverie?
Aye.
We could… We could reverie together?
Aye.
Then I could– we could– decide what the dream was.
Aye. But don't expect me to stick around for some fantasy of putting soaps away.
Nay? Haldir teased. Washcloths?
Nay, Legolas laughed.
How about folding linens?
Legolas smiled at him tenderly. He knew what Haldir was getting at. What he was asking for. In that moment, relaxed and laughing in his arms, basking in the afterglow of their fantastic shared orgasms, it was hard to remember why they didn't.
Alright, Fepilin, he found himself saying.
What? Haldir breathed, unbelieving.
Come into me. Like this. Just like this.
Like this? Haldir repeated, still unbelieving.
Legolas reached under his pillow and located the small vial of oil. He pressed it into the hand resting on his stomach.
Just be careful. It's been awhile.
Haldir's hand was shaking as he flipped the stopper out of the vial. He tipped the vial and coated his fingers.
Are you sure? he asked, as he flipped the stopper back in and dropped the vial down next to Legolas’ belly.
I'm sure.
Haldir reached down to slip his finger between the firm cheeks resting against his groin. He gently circled the prince's entrance.
Do you remember when we first met?
When we first met, or when we first "met"? Legolas teased.
Haldir gently pressed a finger against his entrance, slipping inside as the ring of muscle yielded to him.
I thought you were so beautiful. You were allowed to compete in the tournaments back then, and you cleaned up– so far ahead of the others it was embarrassing.
Legolas smiled softly. Haldir located that sweet bundle of nerves within him and started stroking it.
You were very gracious, Haldir continued. You told me I had fine form. Then you looked me up and down like a piece of meat.
Sounds like me, Legolas said, his calm tone betrayed by his quick shaky breaths, as Haldir's finger sent shocks up his spine.
Haldir slipped a second finger inside, and continued stroking. Legolas’ hips were beginning to move of their own accord.
I knew right then I wanted you.
Everyone loves a champion, Legolas gasped out, as Haldir's expert fingers worked him open.
That first time we danced together, after the tournament… Eru– the way we moved together, the way we fit together… I've been chasing it ever since.
Is that what you were doing that night? Legolas teased. I swear you bedded a dozen elves that night.
Haldir slipped his fingers out and picked up the vial of oil again, coating his shaft.
That night, I was trying to forget you.
He eased the tip of his member to Legolas’ entrance.
I knew someone like you could never end up with someone like me.
He wrapped his arm around Legolas’ waist as he eased himself inside his body.
Haldir stopped talking as he slowly inched his way into Legolas’ passage. Legolas’ breath came heavier and heavier as Haldir slowly filled him. The Marchwarden was not as large as Erestor, not even as thick as the twins, but somehow, it felt just right. It didn't hurt, it didn't burn, it just slowly filled him so perfectly…
I've slept with a lot of elves, Haldir continued. A lot. I never did find anyone, Legolas, whose body fit together with mine like yours. Who moved with me like we were made for each other. Who got my heart racing like you do.
Fepilin–
Haldir started thrusting into him gently. It felt just as good as it did in the dream. Legolas arched back despite himself, rocking his ass into Haldir's perfect cock.
I never wanted to hold a lover like I do you, Legolas. I never wanted to spend the night with them or have breakfast with them the next morning. I never dreamed about where to put the soaps.
Haldir fell silent again, as they rocked together. Haldir's arms around him felt so right. He was glad he wasn't facing the Marchwarden. Glad he didn't have to look him in the eye. He was afraid of what Haldir might see there. Afraid of what he might not be able to hide.
He let Haldir's love flow through him, over him, around him. Let himself feel safe in his arms. Let himself relax and begin to surrender.
His orgasm was building achingly slowly. He could tell Haldir was dragging it out, making it last, in case Legolas decided that this was his only shot at being inside him. He could feel Haldir's desire. How badly he had wanted this. How much it satisfied him to be able to be within his lover this way. Even if they never climaxed, Legolas realized with surprise. Haldir didn't care, in this moment, about getting off. He only cared about being inside him. About moving together as one. About fitting together like the secret compartments in those dwarven puzzle boxes. About holding him and loving him and having their minds joined together. It was so simple, so real. Legolas fell into it.
Haldir… he breathed. Fepilin nin.
The dark forest leapt up around them and Haldir gasped. Strong thick roots of old trees delved down into warm rich soil and beckoned him to follow them to their quiet depths. He began to follow.
Nay– Nay Haldir! Legolas gasped, and the forest vanished.
What–?
Legolas desperately pulled back in the bond. Haldir fought him, his emotions raw and right on the surface.
Please Legolas. Please for Eru’s sake– he pleaded. Please don't fucking go. Not now.
Haldir, I–
Tell me what I have to do. To have you stay.
Just– just stop moving, Legolas said desperately.
Alright.
Haldir clung to him, his heart beating hard against Legolas’ back.
Tell me what's wrong. What's happening right now?
Nothing's wrong, Fepilin.
Impossible. You're shaking and pulling back. Things felt so perfect. What are you afraid of?
Haldir– the forest. The roots.
Aye? They were beautiful. I wanted to follow them, sink with them into the earth.
Aye, Haldir. That's what's wrong.
How is that wrong?
Haldir– Legolas shook his head. I can't go there with you.
Is that it? Then let's not go there. That's simple enough, isn't it? We'll stay here. Together.
Ai Haldir, Legolas groaned.
What?
How are you like this?
Like what?
You just accept what I tell you. You don't push. You don't judge.
Should I? Are you lying to me?
Nay, Haldir, I'm not lying to you.
Then I'll take that as a compliment. So, is it settled then? No forest, no roots. Just you and me, here, now, like this. Please Legolas. I'll make you come real good.
Legolas cracked a grin. Well, when you put it that way…
I'll make you come so hard you'll forget your own name.
Legolas laughed.
Haldir jiggled his hips slightly.
What do you say?
Alright. Alright.
Haldir started thrusting again, slowly, gently. His hands moved softly on Legolas’ belly, on his arm, as he held him close.
Thank you, Legolas.
Alright. Don't think this will become a habit.
Wouldn't dream of it.
Legolas’ laugh was cut off by a moan, as Haldir started hitting that perfect spot inside him. Eru, he felt good. He was right about the way the two of them fit together. How they moved together. Legolas focused on how good it felt, and tried not to think about how close he had come to taking Haldir into the deepest parts of himself. How close he had come to doing something he wouldn't be able to reverse. How close he had come to changing both their lives forever.
Haldir brought him to a screaming climax, as promised, and as he lay in the warrior’s arms he knew, he knew he was in trouble. He should never have opened the bond with Haldir. He shouldn't have kept seeking out his mind. He shouldn't have slipped into his dream. He shouldn't have let him take him again. Not like this. He closed his eyes and felt the sweat slowly cool on his body. Haldir's arms were still warm around him. Keeping him safe, urging him to remain calm. He shouldn't have let them lull him into such a state. He shouldn't have opened up so much. He shouldn't have surrendered. He sure as Mandos shouldn't have let the forest arise in their minds.
Elrohir was going to kill him.
End Notes:
Fepilin: Faepilin or Spirit of the Arrow (in Mirkwood Sindarin, AE becomes E)
Eru: Eru Iluvatar is the supreme deity of Arda, the single creator, above the Valar.
Ai: Oh