Chapter 2

I found Legolas the evening leaning up against a stone pillar at the entrance of the city. His eyes were far away, anticipating the return of his ranger. I slipped my hand into his, weaving my tiny fingers with his long and slender ones. He turned and smiled warmly at me, giving my hand a nervous squeeze.

"Any minute now," he said with poorly hidden anticipation. "I am not a patient elf. This is very difficult for me."

"You're doing fine," I assured him. "I know you love him very much."

"More than anything." Legolas' eyes lit up and his entire body seemed to come to life. "He is unlike anyone else in Middle-Earth. I don't know how someone like him is possible." He paused and gave me a funny look. "Did I talk to you about the special dynamic in our relationship?" I shook my head, now curious. As if being open to polygamy wasn't 'special' enough; this ought to be interesting. He looked like he wanted to reveal whatever it was, but wasn't exactly sure how.

He didn't get the chance - the distant sound of hooves pounding against earth was approaching us. Aragorn was home; Legolas stopped breathing.

"For Valar's sake, Legolas, breath!" I laughed, nudging him.

Even from a distance, a large smile could be made out upon Aragorn's face. Moments later, Aragorn was wrapped around the slender elf, Legolas nearly hidden from sight within Aragorn's bear hug.

I turned to leave, not wanting to invade their precious reunion. Aragorn had been gone the whole month that I had been staying in Rivendell, and I knew that the pair had missed each other dearly. I did not yet have a place among them.

"Kaitlin?"

I stopped and looked back at Aragorn, who watched me with open curiosity. He smiled and tilted his head. "Why do you walk away? You are more than welcome here, sweetling."

A strong blush creeped up my neck as I giggled stupidly. I suddenly felt ridiculously self-conscious. I crossed my arms and politely refused his offer. He shot me an odd look and whispered something in Legolas' ear, then crossed over to where I was awkwardly standing.

"I asked Legolas to get to know you better while I was away," he told me, watching me with intensely blue eyes. "We were both smitten with you the moment you arrived in Rivendell. I could feel in my heart that you belong with us." He paused and took my hands in his. His hands were rough, but warm and gentle - the hands of a lover. "Will you accept our offer?"

A very adamant part of my heart told me to say yes - but my mind brought me back to only moments before when Legolas brought up his and Aragorn's 'special dynamic.' I didn't have the courage to outright ask what exactly that was, but I knew I couldn't accept their offer of partnership until I figured it out.

"Could I...maybe have some sort of trial run?"

He smiled and nodded in understanding. "The ways of the elves differ greatly from that of Men," he spoke kindly, "so I more than understand your hesitance. I am, however, thrilled that you are at least considering." He draped an arm - solid and protective - around my shoulders and motioned Legolas to join us. He strolled over with a happy grin on his face. It occurred to me that he'd probably heard every word spoken between Aragorn and I. I wasn't used to others having hearing as remarkable as my own.

"I'd like us all to meet in my chambers this evening," Aragorn stated. He sighed, and added, "But first, Elrond has arranged a feast in honor of my return."

Legolas shot him a sympathetic smile and slipped his hand into the other man's. My heart constricted painfully - how could I ever fit into their relationship? I should have refused his offer. It was pointless to think that I'd have a chance with them. Almost as if he'd heard my thoughts, Aragorn pulled me close to his broad chest planted a reassuring kiss atop of my head.

"Worry not, sweetling," was all he said.