All those present in Elrond's hall nodded in agreement. Estel was certain that he would be riding with Legolas and indeed, the Elven Prince was first to tell the lord of the house that they would ride as one. Neither one of them spoke of the possibility that their relationship was known, yet there were some Elves they could not imagine being unaware of such goings-on within the limits of their own house.

In their hushed way, they took Elrond's silence for a sign of support. If the thought of error passed through their minds, it never surfaced, for it was a mistake they were willing to make. Nothing could have constituted a reason to address the world regarding this matter for as long as they were sharing their time and their bodies.

Estel took up his sword and battle gear. It was humble enough, as they were more intent on speed than on face-to-face combat. Legolas met him outside the stables, his attire the usual one for an Elven prince.

“You do not need this grand set of clothing,” Estel smiled at him. “I will keep you safe.”

“You will get me killed,” Legolas answered. “Your aiming is still no better than an Orc's, though much improved.”

“You say that because you want to prolong your stay with us.”

Legolas reluctantly smiled at Estel. “Nevertheless, you should wear heavier armor. Orcs can be rather unpredictable, despite our best intentions not to confront them.”

Estel looked at his lover and his doubts were revealed, unguarded on his face. “I do not know for what reason Ada has called upon me to join this mission.”

“You must not doubt yourself.” Legolas' eyes were glittering, even when he was utterly serious. Estel wanted to stop him and tell him how much he was loved. It was a confession they’d already intertwined into their nightly love and leisure, but never professed in the light of the day. “You are the finest human warrior I've seen and with enough experience, you will outdo many of my kind. That is what your father wished to impart on you when he had you join him.”

Estel moved slowly closer to Legolas, as though not certain he was truly about to kiss the Elf in plain view. They were to be the first to leave Elrond's home, thus odds were in their favor of not being seen by anyone, but those weren't the considerations which guided Estel's movement towards Legolas, nor the Elf's reciprocal nearing. It was the intimacy of a fear shared and calmed down.

Magnetically, they were drawn, one to the other and then their lips made contact, as smoothly as waves caressed the shore and just as naturally, the kiss deepened. Tongues slipped past barriers of flesh and sensations were being experienced anew, as though their senses would never perceive any truth once this touch ceased.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

To be continued...