Love Is Not Exclusive

Doubts

Aragorn, Arwen, and Legolas stood in the middle of the courtyard. Many of the Imladris and Mirkwood lords were there - including Legolas' father, King Thranduil.

Elrond had the three stand in a circle and hold each other's hands. He spoke the ancient bonding ritual that would bind the three by their souls. As their souls merged into one, Legolas felt love pouring from his mates. It was romantic love toward each other, but brotherly love toward him. Legolas' heart jarred in disappointment, but he quickly suppressed the feeling and sent his love - hopefully brotherly and sisterly type loves - out to his new mates. Aragorn and Arwen accepted him easily, and he embraced their acceptance. Once the ritual was complete the three souls departed into their own bodies, though now connected until death do them part. Legolas, Aragorn, and Arwen spoke their traditional wedding vows and they all kissed each other. Aragorn kissed Arwen and Legolas, and Legolas kissed Arwen.

There was a reception afterward. Thranduil congratulated his son, Aragorn, and Arwen and gave them each a pendant that was the seal of the royal house of Mirkwood. This way, they would all three be recognized as royals in his realm. Elrond also gave them each a ring that signified their rule over Gondor, as Aragorn was now King, so now would Arwen be queen and Legolas prince consort. But they did not expect the trouble that this would cause for them later. No, tonight everyone drank, danced, and was merry; celebrating the marriage of their beloved royals and how it would bring closer three of Middle Earth's realms.

Later that evening Arwen, Aragorn, and Legolas lay in bed together. They would rest tonight and then pack for their trip to Gondor. But Legolas found no rest. He and Aragorn bracketed Arwen. She was facing Aragorn and they were lovingly curled against each other. Legolas curled against Arwen, but could not help feeling a bit left out. He finally realized that just lying there wouldn't help him sleep and so he moved out to the balcony where he could look up at the stars. They always gave him comfort. He leaned on the railing and gazed at the lights in the sky. He didn't realize that someone had come up behind him until two small hands rested next to his on the railing.

"Can you not sleep, Legolas?" Arwen asked, looking up at the stars.

"Nay. Sleep evades my mind this night," Legolas replied, not taking his eyes off the constellations.

"What is it that ails you? Are you well?"

"I am well. I just… I suppose this is just… new. And uncomfortable. It was not how I thought I would marry. But I will stay with you, because I love you both and I would see no harm come to you."

Arwen smiled mischievously, "Aye, and you love him more, do you not?"

Legolas looked at her in surprise, but Arwen kept her eyes glued to the sky.

"What do you mean, Arwen?" Legolas asked, hoping she hadn't found him out.

"Come now, Legolas. You can't really expect to have kept it hidden," Arwen chided, looking him in the eyes. "It is obvious in the way you look at him, and I can feel it through our bond. You love Aragorn as more that just a brother, don't you?"

Legolas looked back to the stars and nodded, "Yes. I love him. I had hoped he would love me back. But his heart belongs to you, Arwen. And you are dear to me. I would not see you fade because you lost the one you loved. He will live in you - in us, now - and if I can help you live after his death, then it will keep him alive for us both and you will still have the chance for happiness."

Arwen smiled gently and hugged her husband, "You are too good, Legolas. But will you not also fade? Is that not a possibility?"

"We will have each other to lean on. I think we will be able to make it out together."

Arwen kissed Legolas' cheek and then turned to the open balcony doors. Legolas followed her gaze and they both noticed, for the first time, that Aragorn was not in bed. Fear seized Legolas' heart. Fear that his life-long friend and now love had heard his confession. But he also became aware of other feelings. Not his own, but those of his mates. He felt the compassion and love that he knew was coming from Arwen. But he also felt sadness and hurt from another source that could only be Aragorn. At this, Legolas felt shame.

"You may come out now, love," Arwen called.

Aragorn stepped out onto the balcony, his disappointment showing clearly on his face. Legolas turned his eyes away, not wanting to see that look. He felt shame enough already, he did not need to know that Aragorn was ashamed of him.

Aragorn gently took Legolas' chin and forced him to look up. He was shocked at the fear, shame, and regret the Elf's eyes held. It was almost painful to see. He cupped Legolas' cheek and gently stroked his thumb over the blonde's cheekbone.

"Why didn't you say anything, Legolas? Why would you keep something like that hidden?" Aragorn asked.

Legislate took a shaky breath and answered, "Your heart belonged - belongs - to Arwen. I feared rejection, and I didn't want to lose your friendship. I am sorry."

Aragorn kissed Legolas' forehead, "Come to bed, Legolas. Though I may not love you back as you love me, know that I do love you, and I will care for you just as I would care for Arwen. You are my husband just as much as she is my wife."

Legolas smiled and the three returned to their bed, Aragorn and Arwen bracketing Legolas this time. He felt loved. Maybe not the way he completely wanted, but he knew they cared for him. And that was all he needed right then.