A month had passed, so quickly that they almost could not grasp, and it was a month of many preparations for their joined coronation as kings of Laicelen (Green Star), for the marriage ceremony that was to take place right before it, for the union of the two kingdoms and the development of the connecting grounds between them, and much more.

They were especially rushed, since it took some time until the Elf had agreed. Legolas was not easily persuaded that his lover did not simply lose his mind. He knew by now both their hearts were filled with true, mutual dedication and was not certain of the need of an official ceremony. It would not necessarily add to their relationship. Moreover, a doubt plagued his mind that they might suffer the consequences of the inability of Aragorn’s subjects to understand. The Elves had accepted love between men or between women long ago, but Legolas knew that the situation was not the same among Men.

Aragorn insisted that he would not be the ruler of a kingdom that would not accept his choice, and that there was an importance to their union – beyond the political one – that should not be dismissed. He was not willing to give up on anything they could share. “If one of us were a woman,” he said to Legolas during one of their conversations after lovemaking, “it would be no question.”

“But neither one of us is, Aragorn,” Legolas answered, his arms around Aragorn, his manhood still inside him. They sometimes kept this position, reluctant to break contact with one another.

“That should not matter.” Aragorn’s answer was decisive, mostly because he had seen in Legolas’ eyes – at the very second that the question was presented – that the Elf wanted this as much as he did. He knew that all of Legolas’ reservations were directly linked to the harm that might come to him, and he loved the Elf all the more for it, and grew even more determined not to let anyone get in their way of realizing their love.

It was Riddel who managed to convince Legolas. The Elven-king was, to him, already his master as much as King Elessar was. He would not forget the way he had brought his lord – so it seemed to him – back to life after the Lady Arwen had passed away. Upon seeing the troubled silence between the two kings one morning, he had taken the opportunity, as he had before whenever it concerned the well-being of his king, to speak with the Elven lord.

He was not sure how to open the conversation. Riddel was not supposed to speak with King Legolas of such matters, so he opted for a moment when they would be in a less formal situation, and waited for a time that Legolas would spend with Alegorn alone, without Aragorn’s company.

When such an opportunity presented itself, Riddel spoke. He decided the best way was to attack directly the subject. He knew the cause of trouble, as rumors spread constantly in the castle, and he hoped that he could help. In a simple manner, while Legolas was playing with the child, ready to fetch anything that he might need, he spoke. He informed the Elven-king of how happy the servants were over the prospect of a possible marriage between him and King Aragorn, and that he was sure when the time came, the celebrations all over the kingdom would last for several days.

Legolas looked back at Riddel. The hope that grew within him through the servant’s words did not yet take hold of his concerned heart. “Thank you, Riddel,” he said, and added at length, “But can you please tell me: what would you all be so overjoyed about?” Even to his own ears, his words sounded more bitter than he meant them, and he realized how much he had actually wanted the possibility to go through with the marriage.

“Why, my lord, we would be thrilled to know that our king shall not be overtaken by the disaster of the queen’s demise. If it were to happen, it would not be the first time, and the fear that such a situation is beginning to take shape has already spread in the country. The men and women of the land will not be calmed until such time as the king takes up with a new partner to share the royal burden with.”

Legolas nodded his thanks to the faithful servant, with understanding and appreciation of his subtlety and good intentions. This new viewpoint, he felt now, would give him the peace of mind to answer Aragorn’s question positively. He hoped that, as Riddel had foreseen, so indeed would the people of Aragorn’s land rejoice in their union. Most of all, though, he longed to allow himself the recognition that within this marriage, no power on earth could come between them. He could not wait to see Aragorn to bring him this small happiness.

To be continued...