He carried with him an emptiness, a place in his soul that sought something he could not name. It was a nagging, unrelenting ache, it tormented him everyday he walked Middle Earth. He knew his purpose, and everyday since his return he had filled it, his service to his Lord was the center of his being; but it was not enough. Days and nights spent sleeping under the stars, protecting the borders of Imladris; spent in his never-ending quest for inner peace.

He first met the Legolas on a diplomatic mission to the realm of Mirkwood. The Prince was young, just past his majority, and the warrior was quite taken with his beauty and charm. But he was the son of a powerful King, one who was alluring in his own right, and Glorfindel was not at liberty to court the youngster, even if he had been of a mind to do so; Legolas was far too young for him. But, he never quite forgot that face, those large sapphire eyes, the warm smile; no, Glorfindel never did forget, something about Legolas called to him long after he left.

* * * *

The rich autumn sun warmed the Prince's face as he slowly cantered down the road toward Imladris. It was a crisp, bright fall day, blue sky and white clouds, golden leaves floating down toward the ground as he passed. They reminded him of the object of his unrequited affection, of his luminescent golden mane that fell about his shoulders, framing his aristocratic face; fine cheekbones, alabaster skin, eyes of the brightest azure blue. Glorfindel… the warrior was the most enchanting creature Legolas had ever laid eyes upon, regal, fierce, and unbelievably beautiful. Long had Legolas yearned for the great Balrog Slayer; he had since he first saw him, shortly after reaching his majority. For ages, rumors had centered on the warrior's service to his Lord, his role of seneschal not being the only one he was rumored to fill. Nevertheless, Legolas did not heed them, hoping that the Eldar was bound to Elrond through duty and service, not through love, or something else equally powerful.

He had yet to acquire the confidence to admit his infatuation to the warrior, and he could not escape the hold the Vanya had over him. He had plenty of opportunities to lay with those of his choosing, male and female alike, and he was no stranger to the ways of pleasure; he was his father's son after all. However, since the noble warrior had captured his heart, he had forgone any dalliances with others; he refused to settle for less than he truly desired.

A bright whistle came from the trees as he reached the borders of Imladris, and he slowed his mare to a walk as Elrond's guard greeted him. He felt his heart stop within his breast as he saw his beloved warrior approach, accompanied by four of those under his command.

Mae govannen, my Lord." The Vanya placed his hand over his heart, bowing his head in respectful greeting.

"Mae govannen, Lord Glorfindel." Legolas covered his own heart with his slightly trembling hand as he mimicked the warrior's action.

**By Elbereth, he grows more beautiful each passing day…** the Eldar thought as he greeted the Prince. **So like his father…** Glorfindel smiled warmly as he turned Asfaloth, riding along side the Prince, followed by his soldiers. "No escort, my Lord?" he asked respectfully.

Legolas struggled not to smile too broadly, the warrior's mere presence igniting his very soul. "Nay, I travel alone most times. I find I move faster on my own."

Glorfindel nodded knowingly. "Aye, that is something I understand. I often travel alone as well, I find I enjoy the solitude."

Legolas turned to look at the Vanya and smiled broadly. "There must be a great many who would wish to share your company, Lord Glorfindel. One such as yourself must not lack for companions."

Glorfindel reached down and rubbed his stallion's neck, and Asfaloth nickered in reply. "True friends are a rare gift, your highness, one to be treasured… as is beauty…" He slowly turned his gaze to the Prince and noted the slight flush upon his cheek. The Sinda nearly made him weak in the knees.

Legolas looked down at his mare's mane, absently picking a leaf from it, his flaxen hair falling about his face like a veil. "Yes, there is much beauty in this world, Lord Glorfindel, it is not to be taken for granted."

Another bright whistle broke the awkward silence as Glorfindel's three companions bowed to their master, galloping ahead to join the others. The warrior lifted his hand in return calling after them, "Naver…" (farewell)

Legolas felt his heart skip a beat, and he turned to the warrior. "Where are they going, my Lord?"

Glorfindel smiled and softly replied, "To join the others on the eastern line, they rode this far as a courtesy. We are well within Imladris protected borders now. We do not need them any longer."

Legolas smiled. "I do not believe we ever did…"

Glorfindel chuckled softly. "Nor do I, my Lord. Between the two of us, I think we could have fended off any potential attackers. I hear your prowess with the bow is widely considered unsurpassed in all of Elvendom."

Legolas flushed slightly again, hoping the trembling in his hands was not obvious as he tucked a stray braid behind one elegantly pointed ear. "You flatter me, Lord Glorfindel. My skill with the bow leaves much to be desired when compared with your skill with the blade."

Glorfindel smiled as he replied, "Oh, I beg to differ, your highness, but I accept the compliment in the spirit in which it was intended. It appears we are well matched then…" He cocked his head, slightly raising one finely arched eyebrow, "in matters of combat, I mean."

Legolas swallowed. **Is he flirting with me?** he wondered. **By the Valar, I surely hope he is.** Legolas only smiled, fearing his voice might fail him if he dared to speak.

They approached a narrow place in the trail, and their horses squeezed together to pass through. Legolas felt the press of the warrior's powerful thigh against his own and he felt a spark deep inside. He slowly raised his gaze to the warrior's and the Vanya noted the Prince's sapphire eyes were a slight shade darker; this caused an answering spark within his own core. Glorfindel had walked Middle Earth long enough to know desire when he saw it in another, and he surely saw it in Legolas' eyes. He leaned toward the Prince as he ducked under a low tree limb, his hand briefly coming to rest upon the Sinda's thigh.

Legolas' mouth went dry as he tried in vain to summon the words to tell Glorfindel how badly he wanted him. He halted his mare, the warrior halting beside him as the Prince struggled with his fear.

Glorfindel gazed into the Prince's eyes and saw the battle within him. The young Prince wanted him, of that he had no doubt. However, he was afraid to ask, he was afraid to take the first step. Glorfindel knew he needed to tread carefully, Legolas was a Prince and therefore above his station; he was also the son and heir to a volatile King, one who was not known for forgiving transgressions lightly. "My Lord…" he began in his most gentle and encouraging tone, "is everything all right?"

Legolas' eyes fell to his horse's withers again as he lost the courage to speak. His breath caught in his throat when he felt the Vanya's warm, strong fingers upon his chin, turning his gaze up to meet his own. His soft lips parted as he felt that hand slide behind his neck and into his hair, and felt the gentle tug as the Vanya pulled him into a kiss.

Glorfindel could no longer resist the Prince's ethereal beauty, his luminescent eyes, and his wonderfully perfect lips. It was soft, gentle at first, slightly closed but pliant lips met his own and he felt the Prince's hand come to rest upon his thigh. They pulled back from one another, deepening azure eyes gazing into darkening sapphire. "Forgive me, my Lord, if I have taken liberties…" the warrior whispered huskily, his sweet breath ghosting across the Prince's lips.

Legolas blinked slowly, still feeling the gentle but insistent pull upon the back of his neck, and he turned his large eyes to meet the warrior's gaze. "What I will forgive you for, Lord Glorfindel…" he blinked again, feeling a fresh wave of heat blossom in his loins, "is waiting so long to take them."

Glorfindel smiled wickedly, this time crushing the Prince against his chest, wrapping his arms around him and pressing a bruising kiss to his hungry lips. Legolas moaned into the kiss, opening his mouth and drawing the warrior's tongue inside, his own hands tangling in Glorfindel's golden mane.

**Gods, he yields so sweetly…** the warrior thought as he plundered the Prince's mouth. So warm, so wet, so delicious the kiss was, sensual, powerful, so full of burning want.

As they reluctantly parted, the warrior looked around the thicket of trees they rode through, quickly surmising they were alone. "Come, meldiramin (my friend)… come with me." He squeezed Asfaloth into a slow trot as they left the path, picking through the fallen branches and low brush. They came upon a small break in the trees; soft, tall grass grew upon the ground and willow trees with low hanging branches grew all around.

The warrior slid off his stallion, the Prince following him, and he took Legolas by the hand, ducking down and drawing him beneath the protection of the willow. Legolas released his hand, removing his quiver and bow and turning to face the warrior, leaning back against the tree trunk. Glorfindel tossed his cloak over his shoulders, and stepped forward, leaning into the Prince's lithe body. His hands roamed greedily over the Prince's form, taking in the contours and hard muscle of his lean archer's body beneath the suede and silk of his garments.

"Ai, my Lord, you are a tempting vision. Long have I wanted to feel your flesh beneath my hands." The warrior leaned forward, his lips pressing against the Prince's neck, pleased at the purr of delight that issued from his sweet lips.

Legolas' hands caressed the warrior's back, feeling the rolling muscles and smooth planes of his battle-hardened body. Glorfindel had the body of a swordsman, broad and strong, hard from ages of close combat and wielding a blade. "I have yearned for you, malthen maethor, (golden warrior) for many, many years," he whispered into the Eldar's ear.

Glorfindel brushed the gentle curve of the Prince's ear with his lips. "Have you? That I had known, I would have taken advantage sooner."

Legolas moaned softly as he wrapped one leg around Glorfindel's, pressing his ear to the warrior's lips. "I would have you take advantage of me…" the Prince purred, "I would have you do what you will with me."

The Prince's words traveled straight to Glorfindel's arousal as he felt it respond, swelling, slowly beginning to pulse within the confines of his leggings. "By the Valar, Legolas, you are truly beautiful. You are bewitching…" the warrior whispered huskily. Legolas' hands ran down the warrior's back and over the swell of his buttocks and Glorfindel growled into the Prince's ear as he rolled his hips forward, pressing the rise in his leggings against the Prince's form. "You are wearing too much clothing, melethron, (lover)" he growled, his hands moving to shed the Prince's garments as quickly as possible.

Legolas smiled and playfully nipped at the warrior's neck as Glorfindel nearly ripped his garments from his body, delighted by the warrior's fierce need for him. His playfulness soon melded into wanton desire as the warrior's skilled hands and mouth wrought moans and gasps of pleasure from his lithe form. His nimble fingers frantically sought out the clasps of the warrior's tunic and the laces of his leggings, furiously pulling the clothes from his muscular body.

Legolas' lips burned a path from the Vanya's neck to his chest, focusing on one taut nipple, teasing it to painful hardness with his lips and tongue. Glorfindel tangled his hands in the Prince's flaxen mane as his head fell back, white-hot desire roaring through his veins. He burned for him, ached for him as he had no other in his new life. His soft, deep moans, his skilled, teasing fingers, questing, exploring, possessing. All the world seemed to fall away, leaving only the two of them, partaking of one another in the cool autumn air beneath the shelter of the willow.

Glorfindel raised his head to stare into the Prince's midnight blue gaze. He ran his hands across his soft, swollen, hungry lips and whispered, "I want to be inside you, your highness." He gasped as Legolas' fingers danced over his arousal. "I want to make you mine."

Legolas slowly nodded, drawing the warrior's fingers into his mouth and hearing him moan in response. He swirled his tongue around them, wetting them thoroughly before allowing Glorfindel to remove them. He turned his back to his lover, his own arousal throbbing painfully against his stomach. The Vanya carefully pressed a single finger inside, earning him a beautiful whimper before adding another. Legolas arched against him, his hands planted against the tree trunk, lost in passion.

Glorfindel's lips caressed his shoulders and the back of his neck before moving to his ear. "You are a rare treasure, nín bain (my beauty), a precious gift indeed," his husky voice whispered into Legolas' ear. Legolas whimpered as the Eldar's fingers left his body, and arched and moaned when they were replaced by his slick length.

Glorfindel sheathed himself in Legolas' willing heat, his mouth moving to the Prince's ear as he lovingly moved inside him. He struck his mark, causing the Prince to cry out and thrust back against him, breathlessly begging to be touched, to be held. Glorfindel wrapped his arms around his beloved Prince, one hand taking his lover's arousal and stroking it in time with his thrusts. The warrior lost himself in his lover's cries and beautiful moans, in his lithe, yielding form and velvet heat.

**Amin mela lle, Glorfindel…** the words danced across his lips, but he was too afraid to say them.

Legolas' keening cries echoed in the warrior's ears and he heard the deep groan as he reached his climax. His powerful, tightening body closed around him and he found his own release, groaning as he spilled himself in the Prince's heat. They held still for a few moments, lingering in the warmth of one another's bodies. Legolas whimpered softly as the warrior slipped from him, and smiled dazedly as Glorfindel turned him around, wrapping his powerful arms around him and pulling him close.

Legolas nestled his head beneath the warrior's chin, his long, archer's fingers drawing lazy patterns upon the Eldar's broad back. Glorfindel pressed his lips to the Prince's head and heard him sigh. "We should dress, melethron (lover); we have spent far too much time here."

Legolas nodded slowly. "Aye, I suppose you are right, though I am reluctant to let you go now that I finally have you in my grasp."

Glorfindel smiled and pulled back slightly, caressing the Prince's face. "Come, mir nín (my treasure), the sooner we get to the Last Homely House, the sooner I can properly ravish you in my bed."

Legolas smiled broadly for a moment as he touched the Vanya's face. His brow furrowed slightly and he whispered, "What will happen now, nín bain (my beauty)? Where do we go from here?"

Glorfindel smiled and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "What do you mean, a'maelamin (beloved)?"

Legolas leaned into the warrior, brushing his lips against those of Glorfindel. "Are we to remain lovers, or is this just a passing affair?"

Glorfindel wrapped his arms around the Prince and whispered against his forehead, "I am not letting you go, Legolas, not after we have finally found one another."

Legolas smiled and squeezed the warrior tight. "I was hoping you would say that, meleth nín (my love)."

The two warriors dressed and called to their horses.

* * * *

A formal dinner was called in honor of Legolas' arrival. No matter what differences existed between the two rulers, Elrond harbored deep affection and respect for Legolas, treating him as one of his own. Lord Elrond and senior members of his cabinet entertained the Prince, and following dinner they adjourned to Elrond's study, sitting in large, overstuffed chairs by the fire and sipping fine Imladris brandy. After several hours of conversation centered on Legolas' reason for being there, a request from his father, and discussions of goings on in Middle Earth, the party adjourned for the night.

Legolas covered his heart with his hand and bowed his head in respect to the Lord of Imladris before turning upon his heel and strolling down the corridor toward his guest chamber. Glorfindel had departed shortly after dinner, and Legolas had no idea where the warrior's quarters were. He decided that inquiring of their location would be inappropriate, so he continued on to his own in hopes of finding him there.

As he opened the door to his guest chamber, he saw the room was softly lit by candlelight and heard the crackling of wood upon the fire. He crossed over the threshold, closing the door behind him. He turned, a soft growl escaping his lips as he saw, to his delight, the warrior upon his bed, dressed in nothing except for that with which he came into the world, the sheets just covering his lower body.

"Maer aduial, (Good evening) Lord Glorfindel." He smiled as he approached the bed, sitting lightly on the side of it.

Glorfindel sat up and smiled bewitchingly at his Prince. "Maer aduial, mir nín (my treasure). I have been waiting for you."

Legolas smiled, alluringly kicking off his boots as the warrior slowly undressed him, sliding his robe from his shoulders. "Is it time for my ravishing, seneschal?" he purred.

Glorfindel nuzzled the Prince's neck and crooned in response, "Mmm… I thought I would put myself at your disposal. Your wish is my desire, sweet Prince."

Legolas gasped quietly as the warrior's lips made their way to his ear, his tongue lapping at the sensitive skin just behind the lobe. "Aaah…" he breathed, struggling to maintain his composure. "I wish many things, Glorfindel, so very many…"A soft moan escaped his lips as the warrior's mouth caressed the curve of his ear. He felt his arousal brush against the soft velvet of his robe as it pooled around his waist. The warrior's strong arms wrapped around his chest and he laughed softly in delight as he was quickly pulled backward.

"Tolo si, melethron nín (Come now, my lover)…" the warrior purred as he slid the robe the rest of the way from the Sinda's body and pulled him across the bed, coming to rest on top of him.

Legolas sighed as he was pressed into the soft bedding by the warrior's weight. His fingers caressed the Vanya's face, memorizing its shape.

Glorfindel moaned softly as he felt his lover's gentle caress, soft fingers brushing over his forehead and brows, along his cheekbones and jaw, over his nose, and finally along his lips.

"Bain… (beautiful)," the Prince whispered.

"I shine all the more brighter in your light, mir nín (my treasure), lle caro nín bain (you make me beautiful)," the warrior whispered, his lips caressing the pads of Legolas' fingers.

Legolas shook his head slowly, "Nay, meleth nín (my love), the Valar were generous when you were born, the world is a fairer place as long as you walk upon it."

Glorfindel smiled at his lover, lowering his mouth and pressing a soft, passionate kiss to his lips. Slowly his lover's lips parted, once again inviting him into the tantalizing, bewitching warmth that was his mouth. Glorfindel slowly tasted him, their tongues caressing, sweet moans filing his ears. He felt warmth blossom inside him, the familiar spark of desire, and something else, something he had not felt since his return from Mandos' halls.

The broke from their kiss, his battle hardened hands caressing the Prince's beautiful face. "Ai, meleth nín, I ache for you…" he whispered.

"Have me, Glorfindel, have all of me, I give all of myself to you," Legolas whispered in return. He parted his legs, allowing the Eldar to settle between them, their silken arousals resting against and caressing one another.

Glorfindel smiled as the realization dawned upon him that he found what he had been seeking, that nameless entity that would finally fill the emptiness inside him, love. He found the one he was meant to be with for eternity. "Amin mela lle, Legolas…" he whispered.

His beautiful Prince smiled in return and reached for him with his mouth. Legolas whispered words he had longed to say for years untold against his lips, "Amin mela lle, Glorfindel."

Glorfindel pressed another deep kiss to his love, savoring his sweet taste and his silken warmth. He pulled back again and gazed into deepening sapphire eyes. "What would you have of me, meleth nín (my love)?"

Legolas smiled alluringly and whispered against the warrior's ear, "I would have all of you, a'maelamin (beloved). I want to know you as you know me, I want to be wrapped in your heat, buried deep within you…"

Glorfindel moaned quietly, rolling his hips forward, sliding his rigid arousal against that of his lover. "Yes, meleth nín, inside me, I want to feel you inside me…" he whispered. "Take me, Legolas, make me your own." The warrior felt the soft but insistent press of his lover's fingers at his entrance and he groaned softly as they slid inside him. He pulled his knees up and underneath him, spreading his legs further apart and pressing back against his lover's hand. He felt the Sinda's silken length slide against his own and he moaned. He felt himself falling away, the wall he had built around his heart slowly crumbling, as his lover possessed his body and his soul. How this young Prince had done it so quickly was beyond him, but he found he really did not care. His heart now belonged to Legolas and Legolas alone.

Long, slow amorous touches and caresses; lingering, heated kisses; soft, musical moans. Legolas was lost in a sea of alabaster and gold, melting into each undulating movement, arching into each caress, utterly lost in love and passion for the one he had wanted for so long. He rolled atop the warrior, resting between his powerful legs, hovering over his luminescent face, his tongue teasing the Vanya's lips as he pressed their arousals together.

"Saes, meleth nín (Please, my love), do not make me wait any longer," the Eldar breathed, "I long to have you inside me, I long to hold you close."

Legolas stared into shining azure eyes, letting the full weight of what was happening sink in. "How long has it been, a'maelamin (beloved)? How long has it been since one has touched you this way?" he whispered.

Glorfindel closed his eyes and felt tears begin to fall. "Not since I was young, ages ago," he breathed. He opened his shining eyes and gazed into those of his love.

Legolas smiled lovingly and pressed a gentle kiss to his waiting lips. "I have never allowed one so close," he whispered against his lover's mouth. "I have never given as much to another. I have withheld it, I have waited for you." He caressed the warrior's face. "Amin mela lle (I love you), Glorfindel, I always have."

Glorfindel moaned into his lover's kiss as he felt Legolas enter him, opening his heart as well as his body, giving himself to the Sindar Prince for all time. He cried out into the Prince's hair as Legolas found his target, explosions of fire roaring through his blood. Glorfindel tangled his hands in the Sinda's flaxen mane as he was filled, made whole. **Gods, I have waited so long, so long I almost forgot what it was I sought. This, this is what I have needed, what I have wanted…**

Legolas rode the arch of the warrior's body, his tongue caressing the curve of his ear and fondling the point. The Eldar's moans and beautiful cries filled the Prince's heart and he breathed into the warrior's ear, "Never have I heard a more beautiful sound, melethron nín (my lover). By Elbereth, you feel so good, like you and I were made for one another."

"We were, nín bain (my beauty), we were…" he breathed. Another plaintive cry escaped his lips as his lover struck his mark again. Glorfindel found himself nearing his climax and he breathlessly pleaded with his lover, "Touch me, meleth nín, please, I am burning for you."

Legolas took his arousal in hand and began stroking it in time with his motion. His arms trembled from holding himself over the warrior and he thrust deeper, never wanting it to end and yet desperate to find his release.

Glorfindel groaned as he climaxed, his body tightening as he tumbled over the edge, pulling his lover with him as Legolas spilled inside his body, both falling into bliss together.

Legolas lay against his lover, his chest heaving with each breath, Glorfindel's strong hands upon his back. He trembled in the afterglow of his spent desire, knowing that they just shared more than their bodies. Glorfindel purred quietly in his ear, holding him close and whispering words of love.

"I cannot believe I finally found you…" the Prince whispered, his voice a soft caress upon the warrior's ears.

Glorfindel smiled and pressed a soft kiss to the Prince's head. "Thank the Valar you did, meleth nín (my love). I will never let you go."

The two warriors lay in one another's arms, wrapped in one another's warmth and love, finally being where they both belonged.

* * * *

Glorfindel stood upon the docks, watching the white ship sail away with his Lord, absently twisting a ring upon his finger. He raised his hand for a last farewell when he heard his love's voice float upon the air.

"Glorfindel!"

He wheeled around and caught sight of his beloved running toward him. "Legolas…" he breathed, breaking into a run as well. He swept his lover up into the air holding him tight and burying his face in his lover's hair. It had been too long since he held him last, far too long. "By Elbereth, I have missed you, meleth nín, so much."

Legolas smiled and pressed a kiss to his lover's ear. "As I have missed you, a'maelamin." He pulled back and caressed his lover's face, his own ring sparkling in the bright sunlight. "Come, I want to be alone with you before dinner."

Glorfindel smiled and pressed his lips to his lover's hand. "Aye, my body hungers for your touch, nín bain." He took Legolas' hand as they walked toward their quarters. "I have procured a large suite overlooking the sea so that we may watch the sunset from our bed."

Legolas sighed, "Bed, a real bed, with pillows and sheets and blankets… I have missed sleeping in a bed." He squeezed his lover's hand. "And I have missed sleeping in your arms, meleth nín."

Glorfindel smiled and pressed a kiss to his lover's head. "Where is your stout friend, a'maelamin?"

Legolas leaned into his beloved and replied. "I left him in Hobbiton, he is visiting with Merry and Pippin."

Glorfindel nodded and smiled. "So we have some time alone, before we start our adventure?"

Legolas laughed heartily. "Aye, meleth nín, we do. It is good of you to do this, to agree to accompany us on our travels."

Glorfindel smiled and pulled him close. "A promise is a promise. My promise to you is as strong as yours to Gimli. Besides, I could not have my betrothed wandering all over Middle Earth with out me in the company of a dwarf."

Legolas laughed again and leaned his head on the warrior's shoulder. "It will be good to go home, once and for all. You must have missed it all these years."

Glorfindel smiled as he squeezed his lover's hand, feeling Legolas' ring press into his fingers. "Aye, I have, but I am happy being with you, no matter where that may be."

The two elves climbed the hill toward the lodge to begin the rest of their lives together.

~Finis