Upon the Branching Years by IgnobleBard

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Connections

Galdor has a surprise for Legolas and Legolas gets a surprise omen.

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Legolas didn’t know what he expected to happen after Erestor’s triumph, but the days went back to normal, save for him resuming his walks around the city. He delighted in the wonders Gondolin had to offer, never growing bored. Being unused to large crowds, he enjoyed the bustle and activity of the markets as much as the tranquil gardens and groves. He watched the work of artisans take shape under skilled, assured hands, marveled at the intricate artworks displayed throughout the city, and enjoyed meals in small cafes considered simple fare by the Gondolindrim that yet was as a king’s feast to him.

Often on his daily wanderings he was accompanied by Orthul who had become a fast friend since the tournament. The younger Elf enjoyed presenting the favorite places of his beloved city to someone not jaded by its beauty. Legolas was glad for his company, deeming it safer to wander with a companion so as not to become entangled in any further misunderstandings.

Then one day, as he labored over a particularly frustrating bit of leather work in the armory, Erestor came in and greeted him. “Ah, Legolas! Still working your magic I see.”

Legolas smiled. “I may have met my match this time, but I am determined to persevere. How have you been?”

“Very well, indeed, thanks to you. The reason I have come is that there is to be a formal ceremony at the King’s Palace tomorrow and your attendance is requested.”

“Me? Why?”

“Galdor has asked for you and he wanted me to be the one to relay the message. You will be provided with formal attire and details soon.” His eyes sparkled with delight. “I think it will be much to your liking.”

“I look forward to it then,” Legolas said.

They wished each other farewell and Erestor left with a sprightly step, leaving Legolas to his unspoken misgivings. Was Galdor going to dress him up and parade him among the nobles as some sort of amusement, as Ecthelion had said, or was this to be some sort of reward for his attention to his duties?

A note from Galdor followed the next day telling him that he was to present himself to his lord’s spa to prepare for the fête. There he was scrubbed, perfumed, and manicured within an inch of his life by a host of attendants. His blond hair was brushed to a golden gleam and braided with ribbons of green and silver. He was dressed in an iridescent green silk shirt with a silver oak tree wrought upon the breast and russet pants of the softest, lightest wool he had ever encountered. It was perfectly tailored and when he was placed in front of a mirror he looked like a true prince of the realm. If only Thranduil could see him now, as splendid as the High Elves of old. He grinned at the thought.

Erestor let out a gasp when he saw him. “Legolas, you look stunning!” he blurted out. “Not that you didn’t before,” he added quickly, it’s just…” he trailed off.

Galdor smiled and shook his head. “What he’s trying to say is that you look like you belong, which you do. Now come on, let’s get going.”

When they entered the palace they encountered Rog, Egalmoth, Maeglin, and Tuor also arriving with their attendants and knights. Legolas was introduced to them and they introduced their knights to Galdor. It was then Legolas realized that the ceremony was to present the newly chosen knights who would be part of their houses’ men at arms.

Galdor, pleased at his astonishment, clapped him on the back so hard it nearly knocked the wind from him. “Yes, Legolas, your time has come, and well earned it has been.”

“My lord, this is a most unexpected but truly welcome honor.”

Erestor was beaming. “I look forward to the day you best me at the tournament.”

“That is a long mark to strike, but I look forward to the challenge. Just don’t expect it to happen soon,” he said with a broad grin. This was more than he had hoped for or had imagined would happen this quickly, despite Galdor’s plans.

“Go now and mingle with the knights and Lords of the other houses,” Galdor said. “You will be working closely with many of them from now on.”

So Legolas began to circulate around, chatting with the other knights who were as dashing as he in their formal house uniforms. He was having a lengthy talk with one of Egalmoth’s men about the bows used by the Heavenly Arch, when Glorfindel approached with two men of his house. He made the introductions, giving Legolas a lingering look before moving on.

Servants swept deftly through the room with drink and small refreshments as the guests chatted and mingled. Then a horn was sounded and an official ceremony began, where each new knight was presented formally to the king by the Lord of his house. Some of the houses had as many as ten new men, whereas others had only one or two. Legolas was the only new knight from the House of the Tree. He recited his oath of fealty to his house and king without hesitation or falter.

After the ceremony, music and dancing began. He stood on the sidelines sipping a glass of wine as he watched the dancers swirl in a colorful circle around the floor. The next thing he knew, Glorfindel was at his side. Damn, but the man was as silent as a cat.

“Congratulations, Legolas. Galdor has made a wise choice.”

Legolas paused before replying, waiting for the follow up remark about how quickly he had risen through the ranks. When it didn’t come, he said, “You think so?”

Glorfindel put a warm, friendly hand on his shoulder. “Indeed. You are a remarkable young man. Your acceptance has come slowly for one who has suffered the losses you have. I regret my part in that.”

Legolas felt a strange sense of portent he could not understand, like some unseen shift in Eä itself. He wondered if this was what Galadriel and Elrond felt during their moments of foresight, though this feeling carried no vision of either future or past. A profound grief of loss washed over him like a dark wave, but his greatest loss had been Glorfindel and he did not understand the feeling. The image of his death still lingered in a dark corner of his heart, yet Glorfindel stood before him, gloriously alive in the here and now. He swayed a bit, suddenly lightheaded. Glorfindel grabbed his arm to steady him.

“Are you all right?” Glorfindel frowned in concern.

“Yes, it must be the wine. It’s a bit stronger than what I’m used to.”

Glorfindel signaled a servant and put Legolas’ wine glass on the tray. “Will you bring us some tea? We have had enough wine tonight.”

“I’m fine,” Legolas insisted after the servant moved away. He grinned at Glorfindel’s skeptical look. “I promise not to create another scandal tonight.”

They looked into each other’s eyes for so long Legolas began to feel a familiar heat. Apparently Glorfindel felt the same for he said, “By the Powers you are beautiful. I am the one tempted to create a scandal by kissing you right now.”

Legolas laughed lightly but Glorfindel was not letting him off the hook so easily. “Don’t think I missed your expression at the tournament. I’d wager I am not the only one of us who is smitten.”

His mouth suddenly dry, Legolas said doubtfully, “Are you sure I’m not merely fresh blood?”

Glorfindel’s mouth dropped open and a mixture of surprise, anger, and guilt flashed across his face. “Damned Ecthelion and his cynicism,” he said tersely. “I swear to you it is not that! I… I…”

Just then the servant returned with their tea. Glorfindel looked away as he thanked him, his face glowing like a firebrand.

Legolas took pity on him. “Forgive me, but I had to know if my feelings for you would be returned honestly, for they are both deep and true.”

“I desire you, that is the truth, but beyond that I cannot say.” He could see in Glorfindel’s eyes that the man wanted there to be more, but something held him back. Glorfindel glanced quickly around the hall to see there were no others watching their exchange before he continued. “If you are willing to accept that, I am willing to explore these feelings and see where they lead.”

Though not the undying love pledge he had hoped for, Legolas could not refuse. After all, this Glorfindel knew little about him. Their previous relationship had grown with each of his visits to Imladris until it had culminated in the love they would share far into the future. Even if it cost him the world he knew, he could not let this chance to love Glorfindel all over again slip away.

“I am willing,” he said, hoping Ulmo didn’t make him regret it.