Mael nuin Daedelu    [Lust under the Canopy]

A/N:    My thanks to my new beta, whose keen eyes and insightful suggestions have improved the quality of this chapter!  Thank-you, Sarah!  (All you guys say thank-you, too!)

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Legolas rested only fitfully and never reached the abyssal reverie his body needed to ease his weariness.  For five years now he had toiled against the blackness of Dol Guldur, and the constant effort to draw out the Wraiths yet remain alive had taken its toll.  The Orcs were wiser and harder to trap here while the cover of the trees was diminished, for the foul emanations issuing from the fortress tainted the streams and infused the earth, poisoning the trees with its vileness. An ever-expanding circle of death was replacing the living wood in the immediate vicinity of the stronghold.

Some did not die, succumbing to the Shadow and becoming enemies of the Wood Elf in their midst.  It had been a horrible realization for Legolas the first time a living tree deliberately sundered one of its limbs in the hope of plunging him into the waiting clutches of a band of Orcs.  There had been several such narrow escapes early on, but as Legolas' bond with Tawar grew stronger he was able to determine the trees that were already lost and avoid them.

His alacrity in assailing their minions had quickly garnered the Wraiths' attention and now they sent out their demon hordes intending to capture him alive and bring him to their dungeons.  He was constantly harried and found they were slowly trying to cut him off from the central and northern regions of the Greenwood, attempting to prevent his escape back to the Woodland Realm.  Legolas was unable to return as often as the Judgement required, and he had not seen Fearfaron in over two years.

He had determined to make the effort to out flank the Orcs that were steadily working to fence him in.  Before getting far he had come upon the two unknown elves wandering around the most dangerous area in Middle Earth save only Mordor itself.  He could not in good conscience stand by while the Nazgul took them prisoner, whatever their purpose might be.  Thus Legolas lay still upon the talan floor, in the distracting company of the two elves, hovering near true repose yet never achieving it.

Herdir and Rusciphant were forced to remain on the talan and wait for Legolas to awake, for they had come far into unknown regions by aid and guidance of a strange source and knew they would become hopelessly lost if they attempted to move on their own.  With the proximity of Dol Guldur and the high numbers of Orcs, such a move would mean certain death for them.  Ithil was high and bright by the time Legolas at last gave up trying to sleep and stretched upon the talan, cracking several joints as he did so.  He rolled to his feet and regarded his guests.

"I will lead you back to more familiar paths that will eventually get you nearer to the borders of Lorien.  The territory here is replete with various sorts of traps and snares that would certainly harm or kill you should you come upon them unexpectedly," he said quietly and picked up his quiver and strapped it on as he did so, not certain he had ever removed it.  Herdir rose and stepped closer to him.

"I am not in any hurry to leave.  We are here to act as spies on Dol Guldur and cannot leave without attempting to complete this mission.  I was hoping we could work together on this as the information would benefit all of us," he said, and Legolas smirked.

"Well you will have to forgive me for my lack of faith in your words, Herdir," he said, emphasizing the false name.  "I have my own work here in which you may not participate.  As for your goals, I can not assist you for to do so would hinder mine.  Besides, I have not the resources to protect you for any length of time.  You must go!"  These words drew Rusciphant forward.

"We do not need your protection, hênellon! [male elf-child, little boy] In fact, you are the one in need of a healer's care!" he snarled with irritation, but his words only elicited a half shrug from Legolas and a smile.

"I am well enough; Tawar looks after me when I am far from friends," he said serenely.  Rusciphant raised his brows and an unmistakable expression of condescension clouded his features.

"Tawar!  What rubbish!  If there is any Woodland Spirit it cares not much for you!  Look at the state you are in!" he scoffed and instantly regretted his outspokenness as he found himself bowled over and flat upon his back with a very irate Wood Elf straddling his chest and holding a gleaming dagger to his throat.

"Do not speak to that of which you are ignorant!  You owe your deceitful hides to Tawar here and now, for so were you led to safety through the woods amid the hordes of Orcs and the fetid evil of Wraiths!  My state is my own concern and my own responsibility!  I serve Tawar and not the other way round, pen-alhand! [idiot]" he shouted and then immediately stood up, backing away, and paced to the far end of the talan, breathing hard.  He passed a hand across his brow and shook his head slightly and abruptly sat down upon the floor.  Herdir roused himself from his surprise at the outburst and cautiously approached him, kneeling down close by but not daring to reach out.  His healer's insight scanned Legolas critically and he had to admit he agreed somewhat with his comrade.

"I am sure your communion with Tawar is what kept us safe, and we are grateful, despite my friend's uncouth tongue!  Yet, he also is not inaccurate in some of what he states.  You are truly not well and were we in my homeland I would forbid you to do any work for many days!  How long has it been since you last ate or slept well?" he asked calmly.  Legolas was staring out into the canopy with unseeing eyes and did not respond for several minutes.  At last he breathed a small sigh and glanced over at Herdir.

"We cannot remain here; they will fell all the trees in this area in revenge for the kill last night," he said, ignoring the healer's questions, and stood up slowly.  Herdir frowned and rose also, as did Rusciphant.  That elf smoothed down his garments a little shakily and kept his eyes on the feral elf and his lips wisely sealed.  Legolas was staring out into the woods again, a deep sorrow in his eyes.  "I have delayed too long; usually I have the traps cleared and ready before they come back, and that keeps them from harming the trees."

"It is a clever idea; certainly!  As long as they know the traps are set they dare not draw near!  No wonder these talans have a sense of protection about them!" Herdir said as a way to draw the elf back into discussion.  Legolas looked at him and gave him a brief smile, though filled with sadness.

"Nay, the protection you sense is from Tawar, not the traps," he said, allowing a hard look to slide over in Rusciphant's direction.  "That is why the trees must not suffer for this!" he added forcefully and moved out into the branches heading back toward the carnage of the pits.  Herdir followed quickly and Rusciphant brought up the rear, but even in his reduced condition Legolas soon was nearly beyond their sight.  Fortunately the distance was short and they found him again, though unexpectedly they spotted him on the ground.  They followed him down and watched to learn what he was doing.

He had already pulled free every arrow he could reach from the stinking bodies and a large pile of the bloodied missiles lay at the foot of a tree. Legolas glanced at the two elves briefly as he labored at his task, dragging the heavy carcass of one of the Orcs that had thought to escape him towards the maze of pits.  Herdir noticed he seemed to be struggling with the disgusting burden and was already panting in his exertion.

"Beware the ground!" he cautioned and they knew he was not warning them of the obvious.  As Rusciphant carefully surveyed the forest floor, he noted several traps still intact, and to these the archer was straining to drag the disgusting remains, dropping them onto the woven coverings that quickly snapped, giving way under the dead weight.

"We will help, although why this is necessary is beyond me," Rusciphant said and shook his head as he grabbed the feet of another of the beasts from Legolas' hands and flung it into a hole.  Together Herdir and Rusciphant continued the loathsome duty until all the bodies were collected within the pits.

Legolas took a moment to catch his breath and then moved to one of the overflowing traps, reaching into his quiver to withdraw a flint stone.  Kneeling over, he showered the disgusting masses inside with sparks and soon the acrid aroma of burning flesh began to waft through the air, for he always lined the bottom of each pit with dry branches and twigs for kindling.  Rusciphant at last comprehended the goal of the effort they were expending and grudgingly acknowledged its requisite nature. He gagged a bit in the billowing black smoke that momentarily engulfed him and staggered back as Legolas approached the next pit to repeat the procedure.  Herdir found his own flint within his pack and copied the elf's example as did Rusciphant, and between the three of them all the bodies were quickly blazing darkly, the flames barely rising above the forest floor as great clouds of noisome ash and smog drifted up through the trees.

Legolas moved restlessly between the smoldering holes, slapping out any sparks that flew out into the surrounding underbrush with an evergreen bough he took from a tree nearby and carefully testing the heat on the tree's by pressing his palms against their bark.  Herdir and Rusciphant soon began stamping out sparks and small spitfires as well. In between these activities, Legolas salvaged as many arrows as he could, cleaning and returning them to his quiver.  He removed the heads from the rest, dumping them in, too.  The rest of the night tediously passed as the despicable chore wore on.  By dawn, the fires had almost consumed the bodies and festered near the bottom of the pits.  Legolas seemed content to leave the glowing blades and simmering bones alone to burn themselves out.  He scrambled into the nearest tree and climbed high up to the canopy, not even waiting to see if his two assistants followed.

Legolas proceeded carefully along the elusive treetop pathway and the two spies had no difficulty keeping apace with him this time.  It may have been out of consideration for his followers' lesser ability in the trees, but Herdir doubted this as he shrewdly observed the feral elf.  It seemed to be requiring vast stores of energy for each movement he forced from his overburdened body.  He did not travel back towards the broad talan in which they had spent the previous day but instead seemed to be leading them ever deeper into the cloistering woods.  Midday had again brought its pale illumination to the trees and still he continued on making no sound or even acknowledging that he knew the other elves shadowed him.

By afternoon Herdir noticed that the trees had changed in character, seeming brighter somehow.  It took him a moment to realize that it was the sound of wild life moving about and birds singing that caused this distinction.  Their guide was obviously leading them farther and farther from Dol Guldur.  Without a clear view of the sky to note the position of the sun, Herdir could not tell if they were moving eastward towards Lorien, or northwards towards the central forest where the woodsmen dwelled.  Rusciphant noted the change in their environment as well and called out suddenly.

"Daro!  Where exactly are you taking us?  We can not be found by Mirkwood's patrols, pen-rhovan [wild one]!" he said suspiciously.  Legolas halted and stood still for several moments as though trying to collect himself.  Herdir noticed he was holding very tightly to the trunk of the tree he stood in, and could even hear his arduous breathing.

"Enough, Rusci!" he said to his friend.  "He cannot be found by the patrols either!  Be silent for once and do not offend our guide further!"

"It is no matter for concern," Legolas said without looking back at them.  "We are nearly there anyway.  There is a high talan just a few trees beyond that clearing, which was once a trap field.  I planned to stop for a time there and decide which pathway is least perilous to take."  He began moving forward again and the elves had no choice but to follow him.  Their journey ended at last as the wild one climbed up onto the narrow flet and immediately stretched out upon the floor.  He did not even bother to remove his weapons, and indeed kept his bow in hand as he rested his head against his arm and dropped into exhausted repose.

Rusciphant and Herdir joined him and noted he was already asleep with his eyes drawn shut again before they had even had time to remove their weapons.  They seated themselves with care not to disturb him on the limited floor-space and rummaged in their packs for something to eat.  They had not stopped the entire journey and had been on the move for hours, and both were near starving and parched with thirst.  In spite of himself, Rusciphant was again impressed with their unusual guide's resilience.

"What now?" he asked, reverting to Quenya for secrecy.  Herdir sighed, worry creasing his brow.

"We must not wake him.  Leave the apples we have left for when he has fully rested, he needs them more than we do.  Let us rely upon the lembas and try to get some rest as well.  That was hard labor and a rapid pace he set for our march!" Herdir replied in kind.  He kept his voice low, barely above a whisper, in hopes not to disturb the fatigued elf this time.  Rusciphant gazed at his friend with critical regard.

"Well, yes, but that is not what I meant.  I was referring to our mission.  Surely you remember the reason we came out to this Valar forsaken land?  He does not seem likely to form an alliance with us willingly!" he said somewhat sarcastically and Herdir gave him a warning look.

"Of course I remember! Do not be impertinent, Rusci!  He has little reason to be willing.  We underestimated his skills and his intelligence, quite obviously, and will need to reassess our tactics, that is all.  We have foolishly treated this like a game or an elfling's adventure when it is clearly quite a serious business!  It would have been wiser to be more truthful with him," he responded sharply.

"We cannot give him our real names, then all will be evident and we will never win him over!"

"I did not suggest we do so; however, we will need to adopt names that are real, even if they are not our own.  In addition, he knows we are not from Lorien, so we may as well own up to it.  That you yourself already confirmed by your unbridled tongue today!  Lorien elves are not in danger of capture should they encounter the Woodland King's patrols!  Really, Rusciphant, one would think you had no experience with this sort of activity!"  Herdir chided his friend.  Rusciphant was duly downcast with this chastisement and remained silent, consuming his lembas slowly.  Herdir scowled to himself trying to come up with an alternate scenario that would be believable to their wild quarry.

Legolas slept, dreamlessly and deeply, as his endurance had reached its end and his body simply shut down.  He slept with eyes shut and thus lost the benefit of visual perception, always active to alert the elves should sudden action be demanded or self-defense become necessary.  His overtaxed brain refused to acknowledge the sounds around him and he lost the ability to detect a stealthy approach or a whispered plot.  His weary muscles fell lax and he neglected to register the ever-present grip on his bow and it slipped from his fingers.  Legolas slept while his unlikely companions reordered their strategy and devised a more plausible set of lies with which to confound him.

Ithil shone down from a waxing fatness just two days shy of full upon the elves crowded together on the narrow flet.  Herdir had managed to secure the inner space close to the trunk and curled around it appreciatively, glad he had no need to worry about how near the edges were.  The Noldor seldom spent much time in such treetop platforms, preferring solid structures of wood and stone set upon the sturdy ground.  Legolas lay where he had dropped upon climbing up having moved not an inch, and indeed one foot dangled free beyond the edge of the platform.  Rusciphant thus had to make do with the limited space left between the other edges and Legolas' slumbering form.

He lay facing the feral elf and used the placement to his advantage.  Calmly he waited for Herdir to drop into reverie, and when he was certain that elf was deep within his dreamscape he turned his complete attention to Legolas.  With slow and careful movements his fingers sought the confining clasps holding the quiver secure and loosed them.  No movement or indeed any indication revealed that the archer was aware his weapons had been removed and placed aside beyond his reach.  Rusciphant sidled slightly closer so that his face was only inches from the object of his desire, and he dipped a careful hand into the mane of golden locks, drawing it back from the fair face and revealing lips slightly parted and darkly red in the starlight.

Rusciphant inhaled as Legolas breathed out, capturing each exhalation as he lowered his own lips cautiously to brush against the alluring vermilion mouth before him.  No reaction followed the brief contact, and so he dared to be more brazen, darting his tongue lightly between those supple lips to taste the warmth within.  As the archer remained motionless, Rusciphant pressed his advantage, deeply caressing the insensible elf's tongue, and at last a reflexive response rewarded his efforts as Legolas' kissed back, seeking the Noldo's expressive tongue when it retreated.  Rusciphant gasped lightly as he withdrew and Legolas' tongue flickered out and caressed his lower lip invitingly.

"Mmmm," the seductive murmur vibrated from Legolas' throat, punctuating the action and he shifted slightly, canting over more to his back than before.

Rusciphant leaned up and smoothed back the hair from Legolas' temple, exposing his ear, and licked along the outer rim, gently massaging the pointed tip with his mouth.  Legolas sighed appreciatively and moved into the touch then turned his head aside to offer the other.  Rusciphant's breath came in shorter draws and he carefully pushed Legolas all the way over onto his back, taking a moment to kiss along the length of the elegant neck before pulling back to survey his prize again.

Legolas' eyes were only half-lidded now and his lips remained parted; his face was warmly flushed and Rusciphant wished he could better see the spreading blush creeping over his body.  He propped himself up on one elbow and traced along the archer's collarbone with one finger, winding his way down over the breastbone and then back up over the pectorals to slowly circle rapidly rising nipples.  Rusciphant dared to lap one wet with his saliva and Legolas fretted in needy complaint when he leaned back to enjoy the sheen of Ithil's light on the delectable morsel lifting and falling with each breath Legolas took.  Rusciphant moaned softly, yearningly, as he fought the impulse to nuzzle against the firm muscles and suckle the inviting flesh, for he did not want to completely wake his aroused sleeper.

"You are so exquisite!" he whispered into a red-tipped ear as he swiped his tongue across it again.  He retreated and was excited to see Legolas exhale a barely audible plaint as his hand trailed up across the still wet and erect tit.

"Oh," Rusciphant breathed as he watched the slender fingers coax the sensitive jutting teat to become even harder and darker.  He could not resist and bent to taste and give suck to its companion as Legolas arched up and spread his legs, lifting one on bended knee so that his groin was accessible.  Feeling the motion, Rusciphant pulled back again and watched with glittering eyes as Legolas' other hand burrowed under the rugged breeches and fondled his swelling sex hidden there.  Rusciphant attempted unsuccessfully to unknot the cording holding the leather shut and gently tugged a little to see if he could draw the garment down.  Legolas' weight prevented this and the leggings only shifted slightly as the feral elf continued to stroke himself, softly voicing his desire.

Rusciphant undid his own leggings quickly and withdrew his eagerly straining member.  With his other hand he dipped into Legolas' breeches and coddled the tight sack, lifting the balls and gently manipulating them in his fingers.  Legolas twitched and pushed his heel against the floor, flexing his hip as he groaned more loudly.

"Oh, you like that, pen-rhovan!" Rusciphant moved his hand up and cautiously replaced Legolas' grasp with his own, shuddering as he enveloped the smooth and throbbing organ still hidden from his view.  Unable to see with his eyes, he used his fingers and palm to explore the stiff extension, raising his brows in surprise as he felt the velvety hood of the foreskin slip back.  He pumped both their cocks in unison; enthralled and excited, as the head of Legolas' penis became slick with his need.

An urgent cry sounded from Legolas' lips and Rusciphant transferred his attention back to the flawless face, inhaling sharply as he took in the open dark blue eyes dreamy and glazed in erotic fantasy, lips open and impossibly enticing.  He wanted to get his swollen and aching cock into the warm and luscious mouth he had already sampled, to feel the mobile tongue lave his pulsing shaft, to be sucked to orgasm by those perfect red lips.  The very thought of it brought him tantalizingly close and he stopped his movements, staying his hands and gazing lustfully at the dreaming elf, wondering if it was possible.

And strangely it was the abrupt cessation of stimulus that jarred Legolas awake.  He blinked, focusing on the elf next to him, instantly aware of the unfamiliar hand wrapped around his eager erection.  He raised his head and allowed his eyes to travel down, taking in the arm buried wrist-deep under his breeches and the burgeoning member of the Noldo boldly presented before him.  For a second neither moved and then Legolas pushed back to sit up, unexpectedly pulling his cock against the firm grip encircling him and he shuddered at the sensation, involuntarily sending a lust-filled grunt into the night.  Rusciphant let go at once and hurriedly started to do up his leggings as a cry of outrage erupted from Legolas and he jumped to his feet.

"You!  What do you think you are doing?  How dare you touch me?" he shouted and Herdir awoke at once in the commotion.  Rusciphant was vainly attempting to look unconcerned, for Legolas looked as though he might launch himself at him any second.

"Peace, be calm! I was just helping you rid yourself of some of the tension afflicting you, nothing more!  You seemed to appreciate my attentions!" he soothed, standing and chortling a little, as his eyes traveled down to the archer's groin.  But Legolas was incensed and was searching for his quiver to retrieve his dagger and put it to use.

"I will slice you to a nub!  You will regret your attempt to have your pleasure at my expense!" he shrieked in his uncontrollable outrage and Herdir's eyes grew wide as he looked from one to the other.

"What is going on?  Rusciphant, what have you done this time?" he bellowed and quickly positioned himself between the two.  Rusciphant shook his head vehemently, darting his gaze to his friend briefly then back to Legolas who was reaching into his quiver.

"Stop him!  He is serious, Herdir!  He has a knife and means to maim me!" he pointed but Herdir did not turn.  With a murderous cry Legolas lunged to get around him and Herdir wheeled, catching the Wood Elf around the waist with one arm while the other deflected the dagger-hand.  Throwing his whole weight upon Legolas, Herdir bore him down and with a shuddering crash they hit the floor.

"Release me!  It is my due!  He has no right to put his hands on me!  Let me up at once!" he yelled in his fury but Herdir simply allowed himself to go limp, becoming a deadweight on the smaller elf's chest.  As Legolas fought the burden to no avail, Rusciphant stepped over and pried the dagger from his hand, standing hard upon his wrist to force the archer to relinquish his hold.  Legolas cried out in frustration as he continued to writhe against Herdir and at last, out of breath, stilled.

Everyone was quiet a few moments as only the sound of Legolas' panting suspiration broke the enforced tranquility.  Herdir filled his lungs to steady himself and looked down at the feral elf, arranging his features in as calm and non-threatening an expression as he could contrive.

"Legolas," he said very softly, but Legolas had his face turned away and his eyes squeezed shut.  "I am sorry, truly.  You are right, his behavior is inexcusable, but I cannot permit you to do violence to my friend."  Legolas eyes snapped open and he turned his blazing regard upon Herdir.  With all of his disgust and outrage he spat into the elf's face.

"Bado Angband-na!" [Go to Hell!] He seethed through clenched teeth and Herdir sighed, wiping his cheek against his arm resignedly.  He could hardly blame Legolas for his reaction; he would have done the same.

"I will not hold that against you, as your anger is understandable.  I will let you up but you must accept that I cannot return your weapons until the situation is settled, alright?" he continued.  Legolas was breathing hard, trying to contain his rage so that Herdir would get off him.  He looked away again and did not respond, for he could only manage to think of more curses to utter.  Herdir shifted and lifted his weight from the elf, kneeling and offering his hand to aid him.  Legolas slapped it away and rolled to his feet, stalking to the farthest corner of the flet where he leaned against the tree with his back to the other elves.  No one spoke and Herdir and Rusciphant awaited the feral elf's next move, for they could see the subtle rippling of his shoulders as his body shook, his wrath yet unabated.

At last he composed himself with a loud sigh and turned to confront them.  His face was deadly pale and the dark stain of ire still upon his cheeks looked livid.  He stared coldly from one to the other of them, and in spite of himself Rusciphant stepped back and dropped his head in shame, for there was more there than anger in the gleaming azure eyes.  Legolas walked quietly back to them and stood with arms crossed before his chest, then slowly unfolded them and let them drop, tight fisted, to his sides.  He waited, never letting his attention wander from Rusciphant, and finally that elf could stand the wordless recrimination no longer and faced him.

In a blur of movement Legolas' arms came up and he buried one fist into Rusciphant's stomach, landing a vicious jab to his jaw with the other.  Rusciphant went down hard upon the talan and curled up with a grunt.  Herdir immediately made as if to grab Legolas again, but he was already out of reach.  He leaped out into the air, just snatching a slender limb in his fingertips, and pulled himself into the next tree near.  Legolas climbed high and entangled himself in the topmost branches, clinging tightly as the tree swayed gently, providing the only comfort it could.

Herdir watched him a moment or two and then returned to his friend, kneeling next to him where he was gingerly rubbing the growing bruise on his jaw.  They smiled ruefully at each other and Rusciphant shrugged.

"It was almost worth it!" he quipped and sat up, adding, "He is all yours, mellon nîn!" and laughed softly at Herdir's doubtful and half-hearted grin.

TBC
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