Chapter 19: Aftermath
Summary: Gathered in Minas Tirith, Elladan finds the courage to tell Legolas of his decision and is surprised by his lover's answer (slash).

The War was over. Frodo had destroyed the Ring; the Quest was fulfilled and the King was crowned. Peace reigned through the land, though there was still much work to be done in the wake of the battle. Ithilien was in disarray and needed repair; Mina Tirith as well needed new gates and the buildings needed conditioning. All of Middle-earth was pulling together to repair the damage that had been done. With a new King on the throne, it seemed that evil's hold over the people had loosened considerably. Despite the things that needed to be done, it was a time of celebration and merrymaking.

Though it was close to the middle of the night, most within the white walls of Minas Tirith were far from asleep. Instead, there was much cheer happening throughout the late hours. A good number of the Gondorian warriors were singing loudly and praising their King; most of the Rohirrim joined their fellow Men. The Northern Dunedain sat quietly by their chief, yet the joy was evident in their eyes as they watched with faint smiles at their fellow Men. Gimli was among the crowd, laughing merrily with the Hobbits who joined him and telling stories of his people to eager young boys. Elrohir as well mingled in the crowd, at times having long discussions with the Dunedain, at other times mixing with the merry makers in their joy. His twin, however, was more occupied with quieter dealings.

Elladan stood alone on a balcony, which afforded a wondrous view of the Pelennor, the Anduin and the distant Misty Mountains. A night breeze swept about him, streaming through his hair and weaving into his cloak. He was silent and his eyes looked contemplative as he stared out at the view before him. Elladan chose to ignore the commotion going on down below him; instead, he focused on the peace and quiet of the night around him.

"Elladan?"

At the sound of his name uttered in that familiar voice, the twin turned to look over his shoulder. Framed in the doorway of the balcony stood Legolas, the light behind him setting off his hair in a soft golden glow. With a smile, Elladan held out his hand, silently beckoning the prince to join him. Legolas did so, taking his lover's hand and entwining their fingers together as they stood side by side. Silence passed between them for some moments before Legolas spoke again.

"Is anything the matter, melme? You are quiet this night."

Elladan shook his head, leaning over to kiss his lover's temple. "Nay, nothing is the matter. I am just content."

Legolas nodded, leaning against the form beside him. A strong arm wrapped about his waist, and he leaned closer, molding his form to the twin's. More silence passed before the archer spoke again. "I feared for you on the fields."

"I know. And I am sorry to have caused you such distress, anor-nīn The prince nodded. "I realize you would not see harm done to those you love. I have known you for long years, Elladan. I know you well. Yet I fear for you, for us. I fear what will happen should one of us pass from this world and leave the other behind. I fear..." /I fear you will choose mortality and leave me to sail alone./

"You fear I will choose to remain behind."

Elladan's words startled Legolas as they echoed his own thoughts. He did not protest as Elladan turned and drew him closer. A soft sigh left his lips as he felt a kiss upon his hair and a gentle hand smoothing along his back. "Aye, I fear you will stay," Legolas said in a small, timid voice. "I love you dearly, ithil-nīn. I cannot bear to be apart from you for any length of time as of late. I must have you close--I need you close. I am being selfish, I know, but I do not want you to stay. I do not want to sail alone when the time arrives."

"Legolas, look at me."

Slowly, tentatively, the archer raised his head from where it had rested upon his lover's shoulder. Azure eyes met stormy-gray, staring into their depths and trying to assess the thoughts behind them. But Elladan showed nothing of what he is thinking in his gaze; all Legolas could see and discern was love and undying affection. The prince swallowed the small lump in this throat, his voice soft and almost child-like as he spoke. "What is your choice then?"

He could see the fear in his love's eyes, the desperation and a slight twinkle of hope. Elladan tried not to smile as he gently cupped Legolas' face in his hands. "You know I would never do anything to hurt you." He waited for the nod before continuing. "There's nothing in this world that could tear away the love I have for you. Not time, not distance, nothing. You will always have my heart no matter where we are.
"But I digress. I have not answered your question. Then, melme, here is my answer. Elrohir and I have discussed this, and we have decided that we will sail. Not immediately, however. We have decided to delay our leaving until we have been witnesses to Estel and Arwen's happiness. I will not leave you to cross the Sea alone, anor-nīn. I would not suffer our separation." Elladan could see the tears welling up in those blue eyes, threatening to spill over and mar pale cheeks. He drew his lover closer, burying his face in the silken golden hair. "We will leave together when the time is right."

"Elladan..." Legolas hid his face in the crook of Elladan's neck, nuzzling the skin and issuing a deep sigh of mingled relief and happiness. He felt comforted now that the twins' decision was out in the open, and relieved that his fears had been dispelled.

"Im mela lle, anor-nīn," Elladan whispered into a pointed ear. "I will never leave you behind to wander the lands alone."

"I would bond to you this night, ithil-nīn. I would have you for my own, for all of time."

Elladan smiled, placing a tender kiss upon his lover's brow before taking Legolas' slender hand into his and leading the archer back into the adjourning bedroom. Words were no longer needed as each brought out the mithril ring they wore about their necks, exchanged them, then slipped the simple band onto the other's left ring finger. For them, spoken vows were not needed for they had spoken them many times before.

Legolas could feel his body shaking in a pleasurable way as Elladan leaned forward, planting gentle kisses upon his brow, cheeks, eyelids and then his lips. The kiss was languid, slow and loving; neither was in a hurry to rush things, for time was something they had plenty of. Legolas mewed softly as his lower lip was nibbled, a warm tongue flicking out to smooth the nip that was left. Lips met his again and he felt his knees buckle at the pleasurable sensations spiraling through his body; he felt Elladan smile into the kiss before the twin swept him up into his arms, and carried Legolas over towards the awaiting bed.

Garments were stripped off quickly, satin skin touching satin skin. The lovers groaned throatily at the feel of the other, and shared a kiss more heated and passionate than the one before it. Hands set out to explore, tickling, teasing and arousing wherever they could reach. Fireworks, set off by Mithrandir in celebration, explored outside and set the room alight in dazzling flares of reds, yellows, blues and greens; but the bonded pair paid no attention. All there was, all that there needed to be, was one another.

"Ithil-nīn," Legolas practically purred as their lips parted. "Have me, please, melethron."

Elladan pulled away slightly to study his lover--his bonded--and granted him a few butterfly kisses now and again. His gray orbs roamed over arousal-flushed cheeks, the azure eyes darkened with lust and love, the expression of utter trust etched over that beautiful face and golden hair fanned out on the stark white pillows beneath them. How he loved this perfect creature; how he would always love him. "Nay, melme," Elladan whispered. He allowed his tongue to moisten an ear tip, and delighted in the shudder that coursed through the lithe form. "I shall allow you to take me this night."

Azure eyes widened, staring at the twin in utter disbelief. Did he hear correctly? They had never done it this way before, with Legolas giving rather than taking. Legolas gazed deep into his love's eyes, finding trust and devotion swirling in the stormy orbs. Elladan wanted this, and there was nothing Legolas could deny his moon. Slowly he nodded and allowed the twin to shift their positions until the prince was lying atop him. For a moment neither moved; they could do nothing more than admire the other and smile brilliantly, love and warmth radiating from them.

"I don't..." Legolas was unable to finish as he swallowed a lump that had lodged itself in his throat. Elladan appeared to understand as he twisted on the bed, beginning to fumble with his discarded tunic. After a moment of searching, the twin withdrew a small clear vial containing a thick liquid tinted a pale golden color. Legolas recognized it as the oil Elladan often used to keep the leather pieces of his gear smooth and flexible. With a small giggle, he took the vial from his love, popped open the top and covered both of their hands in the substance.

Fingers slick yet clasped together, the lovers shared another languid kiss as the oil warmed before they set out to prepare their other half. Legolas groaned as a warm touch came in contact with his sex, palms gently kneading the rock hard erection in a sensual fashion. The archer fought incoherency as his fingers teased the puckered opening of his lover before slipping inside. He watched in amusement as he almost instantly discovered the hidden gland, and as Elladan threw back his head and let a small mew escape his lips. Legolas watched his lover in fascination as he inserted first two, then three, fingers to gently stretch and prepare the dark-haired elf. He stared deeply into Elladan's eyes, which had turned nearly black with lust, as he removed his hand.

"This is pure torment," Elladan said in a breathless whisper.

Legolas smiled, rising up a little on his knees to deliver a light kiss to the twin's lips. "Now you understand how I've felt all these years."

"By Elbereth, I did this to you?! How did you stand it?"

"By knowing there was always something better coming." The prince smiled gleefully at the wide-eyed stare Elladan gave him as Legolas' erection nudged his opening. "Just relax, melme," the golden-haired elf whispered. "I won't hurt you; I'd never hurt you."

Elladan could only nod as the thick shaft breached him; he took slow and steady breaths as the pain quickly gave way to pleasure. Legolas slowly pushed himself in, stopping only when he was fully sheathed in his lover. In the moment they took to adjust to one another, they shared another kiss before Elladan pushed back, silently begging Legolas to move. Their lips never parted as the prince pulled out and thrust in again, angled just so to hit his lover's prostate with each movement. The twin moaned into their kiss, pressing back against the thrusts and shivering at the sensations racing through his form.

The rhythm they built was steady and slow; they were in no hurry to finish their lovemaking. Each movement was precise, executed to bring the pair the most pleasure they have ever experienced. Feeling his love nearing climax, Legolas reached before their joined bodies and gently grasped Elladan's erection. His slender fingers gently stroked the heated erection, his thumb smoothing over the sensitive head. Elladan gasped, wrapping his arms tightly around his golden-haired lover and pulling him closer whilst his fingers tangled in the golden locks. Legolas' name left his lips in a deep moan as he came, spilling his seed before their sweat slicked bodies. The archer bit down on his lower lip as he felt muscles contracting around him, causing him to reach orgasm as well.

Together they rode out the last waves of their passion before sinking bonelessly onto the bed and into one another's arms. Moving slowly and gently as he pulled out from his lover, Legolas released a content sigh and buried his face into his lover's neck. Elladan smiled gently, drawing him closer and lifting the sheets over them.

"I love you, Elladan Peredhel," Legolas whispered. "I will always love you. I give myself and my love to you freely."

"I take and claim your offering as my own," the twin replied. "And I offer my own endearing and undying devotion to you, Legolas of Mirkwood."

Legolas giggled softly in acceptance before a lazy yawn made itself present. He blinked owlishly up at his lover, who smiled down at him and placed a tender kiss on his temple before drawing him closer. Wrapped in the warmth and love of their other half, the lovers slowly drifted off to sleep, oblivious to the merriment still raging in the streets of Minas Tirith. Fireworks continued to blaze outside, illuminating the still room and the slumbering pair in their flickering lights. The day meant more than the end of war and the beginning of peace for Elladan and Legolas; it meant the beginning of their lives together.

Translations:
Melme-Love
Anor-nīn-My sun
Ithil-nīn-My moon
Im mela lle-I love you
Melethron-Lover

---

Chapter 20: Into the West
Summary: Elessar is gone, Arwen remains with her children. With a last longing look she bids farewell as her brothers and friends sail to meet her parents, regret far from her heart (Arwen‘s POV).

I stand alone on this shoreline, watching as the last of the white ships sails away. Years ago there were many, bearing away all those who wished to leave Middle-earth and journey into the Undying Lands. My father and grandmother were among those that left then; they left with the other Ringbearers, most of the Galadhrim and so many others. Since then, there hasn't been a steady stream of ships leaving, but there have been some. All had white sails and gleamed silver in the sunlight as they glided over the water's edge to a place I will never see. This one is the last of them. No more will come. And this ship bears away the last of my kindred who wish to leave, the last of my family.

The Sea breeze blows gently, cooling my skin which has been basking in the late summer sun. Soon winter will set in, and as I have these many years I will feel the cold. It is no longer a new sensation to me, for I have become accustomed to the feeling. I can still, however, remember a time when the change in seasons did not bother me, when I was unaffected by heat and cold. Those days are no longer. My hearing is still exceptional after so long; I can hear my son, Eldarion, shifting his feet behind me as he waits. Of the party that accompanied me to these shores, only he has remained; the others, including my daughters, retreated back to the campsite when they no longer could see the white sails of Cķrdan. But I see them still, and I will not leave, and Eldarion will not leave my side.

I turn briefly to gaze upon my son. He is so like his father as he gazes out at the waters in search of something he can no longer see. Like an elf he is, tall and slender in shape, his eyes sharp and his hearing equally keen. Those are his father's eyes he stares out with though strands of raven black hair. Yet he is also a Man, strong and sturdy in stature, his chin shadowed by growing stubble. When did my son turn into a man? I do not remember, but I am proud of him. He is his father's son, and now he is a King. He will rule his people and his land well, for he loves them immensely. Yet there is a longing in his eyes. Eldarion longs to see the lands of his immortal kindred, he longs to follow them though he knows he cannot. He has the same longing look in his eyes I had so many years ago, when I first saw the sailing of a ship.

The first time I saw a white ship sail into the West, it bore away my mother. She was weak at heart after her ordeal and did not wish to stay in the land of her birth any longer. We let her go, my father, brothers and I, knowing that she would heal in time, would become whole again. At that time, I had thought that I would one day meet her again, that I would be able to see her shining white beauty; as she had been when she was called the Silver Queen of Imladris. At that time I did not know what the future had in store for me. Now I know, and now I will never see my mother again--not in the flesh at least.

Ada, dear Ada, I do hope you found true peace over these long years since that fateful day. I know how much it distressed you to see Nana go. There was a time I thought I would lose you too, so grief stricken you were. But I did not lose you, and I have Glorfindel to thank for that. He showed you love again, Ada; he gave it to you freely, without question, without condition. And you accepted it, though I feared you would not. It was good to see you happy again, and I know you will be happy in Valinor. You had long spoken about the lands my forbearers traveled to, then left. You always said you wanted to see the Undying Lands for yourself, Ada, and now you have. I hope you have found true peace at last.

There is a glimmer upon the water that catches my eye. I know not what it is, but I gaze fixedly upon the white ship, which has become merely a dot on the horizon. Ata'da, Elladan, Elrohir, can you still see me? I could not join you on this last journey of yours. I do not regret my choice, but I wonder how it would feel to be standing upon that ship by your sides. Are you happy to be sailing to your new home with your bonded, Elladan? I still see your sad smile as you made your goodbyes; you were happy to go, yet were saddened that I could not join you. Be at peace, gwanur-nīn; you are going home, to your real home, and your love is with you. Legolas, brother of my heart, keep him safe, keep him happy. I wish you both well.

And you, Elrohir, how do you fare? You and Ata'da are going home to your lovers whom you have not seen in over a century. How you survived so long without your beloved Galadhrim at your side, I will never know gwanur. Orophin was everything to you, and to be separated from him for so long must have left your heart all but shattered. Was it the knowledge that you would be united again that kept you going? Or the vows you exchanged and the bond that you share? All of it perhaps? I shall never know how you managed to survive such an ordeal. I had my love, and Elladan had his; we were never separated from our better halves for too long a time. You are truly the embodiment of strength, Elrohir.

"Nana?" I turn and find Eldarion at my side, no longer lingering behind me. A small smile creeps upon me as I hear the familiar term of my people he uses to call me. He need not speak to me in such a tongue for few left on Middle-earth understand it. But he does because he knows it comforts my heart, and because he likes the sound.

"You miss them," he says simply. I nod and lean against him, against the frame so like his father's. I will leave you one day soon, my child, but I know you are strong.

"Do you not wish to be with them?" Eldarion asks, gazing down at me. I do not look at him, not yet; my eyes are still fixed upon the white dot, which is growing smaller and smaller.

"I do," I reply quietly. "But I have made my choice. I do not regret all these years, but I shall miss them. I shall miss my family, my kindred."

"Can you not go with them, Nana? Ada is gone." My son swallows thickly and awaits my reaction to his latest words. I can only smile sadly, for his words are true in every sense, and motion him to continue. "There is nothing to bind you here, Nana. Why can you not take ship and be with your remaining family? Why must you remain behind whilst they all go? Why can you not be immortal and still live upon Middle-earth. Your brothers did, why can't you? I do not understand."

Oh my dear son! You do not understand the choice that has been placed before me, before those before me. The Peredhil are given one choice, and one choice only; we cannot go back on our decision. How to explain this to you? "Eldarion, do you remember the stories I used to tell you at nights when you were a child? The story of the love of Beren and Luthien, and the choice of my uncle, your ancestor, Elros Tar-Minyatur?" I wait for him to nod before continuing. "They made their choices just as I did. Luthien loved Beren with all her heart, deeply enough to give up her immortality to live, love and be loved by Beren, a mortal. She could not bear to live once he passed from the world; she would not suffer it and preferred the gift of death to loneliness."

"And Elros?"

"My father used to tell me about my uncle. Elladan once asked Ada why Elros chose to become mortal whilst our father became an elven-lord. Ada said that he chose immortality because he had only known wrong in the world at that time; he lived without parents, lived in the camp of Maglor, and whilst the son of Fėanor treated my father kindly, Ada wanted to know--wanted to see--some good in the world. He wanted to know true happiness, not the temporary fabrication he possessed at that moment. He wanted to see the changing times, and he wanted to record what he saw."

"He was afraid of death."

"No, my son. My father did not fear death, for he had seen much decay in his youth. He did not fear death, but he cherished life. Ada wanted to live and see life flourish, see it prosper and change. My father once said that the Valar had many miracles yet left to perform for the inhabitants of Middle-earth, and he wanted to see as many of them as he could before the Sea longing awakened and beckoned him back to the lands of his forefathers.
"But Elros was different. Ada said Elros wanted to understand how Men could live their lives knowing that one day they would die. He wanted to see how much happiness he could achieve in such a short time, how much he could accomplish before death drew his last breath from him. Elros wanted to leave a piece of himself in this land he loved so dearly, and to do that he intended to sire children who would become great. Not necessarily great in deeds and strength, but great in heart and compassion. Your father, my dear child, and you have lived up to his dream I believe. You were--are--both very stout of heart, courageous yet kind. I am proud of you."

"But Nana, your choice..."

"Ah yes, my choice." I take a deep breath, preparing to tell him all I have kept in my heart. Eldarion does not quite understand what Aragorn, my brothers and father accepted. "It is quite simple, Eldarion. I chose the way of Luthien and my uncle. I chose to live for love despite the loss. I felt that one life to cherish with all my heart was better than to live in agony and loneliness once my heart's desire was lost. Therefore, I must stay, and one day pass from this world. I regret nothing, for this is my choice. And I have lived my life to the fullest; I will never regret."

Eldarion ponders my words, yet I can see in his eyes that something still troubles him. "Nana, if you chose mortality, then how is it that my uncles can chose immortality, yet remain in Middle-earth all these years? Would not the Valar have taken their mortality as they did yours for remaining so long?"

"On the day of each of their bonding vows, my brothers told me they asked the Valar for permission to remain in this land until the day Aragorn and I no longer required their companionship. Elladan and Elrohir both have immortal lovers and would never leave their sides or pass into Mandos' Halls from grief. While they loved deeply, they could not bear to leave your father, whom they loved like a brother, and I, ridding us of the rest of our family. My brothers wished to remain for a time to keep us company, and finish their own business."

He is thinking again, my beautiful son. There are no more questions, for his eyes are filled with understanding. Yet I know he will always question my decision, but he shall never speak of it again. "I feel great joy mingle with a great sadness, Nana."

"Do not dwell on those emotions, Eldarion. I was happy all these years. I am happy now, though I know I shall pass soon. The time of the elves is past; look to the future, my beautiful Eldarion." He nods and folds and arm around me as I turn back to the Sea. The white ship is gone from my sight, but I remain watching the horizon for a few moments more.

I love you, my brothers. Be at peace in Valinor with the recipients of your hearts and our parents. Though I shall see none of you again, I wish you all well. I pray to the Valar that they grant you much joy and happiness. Remember me.

Translations:
Ada-Father
Nana-Mother
Ata'da-Grandfather
Gwanur-nīn-My brother

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