"It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasam from whence it came", Elrond stated with a finality that made a silence fall over the courtyard. Luin felt a thrill of anxious excitement fall over him. Excitement at the thought of a quest, anxiety at the scale of what they would have to achieve. No one had made it into the heart of Mordor before.

Elrond look around at them. "One of you must do this". Everyone exchanged looks.

"One does not simply walk into Mordor", Boromir spoke after a significant pause. "It's black gates are guarded by more than just orcs. The evil there does not sleep. The great eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly".

"Have you heard nothing of what lord Elrond has just said?" Legolas shot back, standing with a sweep of his cloak. "The ring must be destroyed".

"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it!" Gimli shouted.

"And if we fail what then?" Boromir was standing now, voice rising. "What do you think will happen when Sauron takes back what is his!"

"I will be dead before I see the ring in the hands of an elf!" Gimil snarled. Instantly the other elves were on their feet. The dwarves and men rising as well. The courtyard quickly dissolving into a shouting match. Voices all rising in a chaotic jumble as fingers pointed and axes were shaken. Legolas was trying to hold back his men the best he could but Luin could see him becoming frustrated. Luin sighed and exchanged looks with Gandalf, both wizards rolling their eyes.

Luin was just about to stand and try and control the argument when a small voice broke out. "I will take it!" Frodo was on his feet. The little hobbit almost unnoticeable in the noise. "I will take it!" He shouted again. The argument broke off suddenly as everyone turned to face the little creature.

"I will take the ring to Mordor", Frodo stated, staring at them firmly. "Now I do not know the way". Luin sighed and closed his eyes for a brief moment before standing up.

"I will help you bare this burden Frodo Baggins", Gandalf said as he rested a gentle hand on the hobbit's shoulder. "As long as it's yours to bare".

"You have my power", Luin nodded at him with a gentle smile. Frodo nodded back thankfully.

Across the courtyard Aaragorn stood. "By my life or death I can protect you. I will". Luin smiled at his friend as the man came to stand at Frodo's side. "You have my sword".

"And you have my bow". Luin's smile broke into a warm grin as Legolas came over to stand with them. The elf smiled at Frodo as he and Luin linked hands. Luin beaming at his lover. He knew that Legolas wouldn't turn down adventure like this, but he was glad all the same.

"And my Axe", Gimil boomed. He gave Legolas a cocky look as he waved the blade. Luin giggled as Legolas rolled his eyes. The elf prince still not quite used to dwarves.

"You carry the fate of us all little one", Boromir commented as he stepped forwards. "If this is indeed the will of the council. Then Gondor will see it done". Luin felt his annoyance at the man dim slightly at the promise of loyalty. Boromir had a good heart at lest.

There was a shout and the sound of rustling bushes. Luin turned in surprise as Sam burst in and ran to Frodo's side. "Mr Frodo is not going anywhere without me".

"No indeed not", Elrond muttered with a huff or barely contained amusement. "It seems hardly possible to separate you two when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not". Sam gave a sheepish expression but did not move form Frodo's side.

"Oi were coming too!" Luin laughed as Merry and Pippin ran in. Elrond began looking around to see if any more hobbits were going to seemingly burst from the woodwork.

"You're going to have to tie us in a sack to stop us!" Merry stated proudly.

"Besides", Pippin grinned. "You need people of intelligence on this mission, quest, thing".

"Well that rules you out pip", Merry huffed. Pippin looked confused. Luin was forced to rest his head on Legolas' shoulder  in an effort to hide his wheezing laughter.

"Ten companions", Elrond stated, satisfied that there were no more hobbits ready to jump out at him. Luin hurriedly stifled his giggles and tried to look wizardly. Judging from the amused tilt to Legolas' lips, he wasn't really managing it.

"You shall be the fellowship of the ring".

"Right", Pippin cheered happily. He paused. "So where are we going?" Luin began giggling again as Gandalf rolled his eyes. The other three hobbits sighing in unison.

——

Luin sighed as he stared at the objects piled on top of his chest of drawers. There was his battered Guqin case, the wood still baring the scars of his previous quest to Erebor. His two jade swords rested on top. Sheathed but the jewelled handles glittered in the evening light. His staff leaned on the side. Wood carved with sigils and stained blue with dyes. There was also a large stack of talismans, thin paper yellow and marked with red. Luin swept his eyes over them thoughtfully.

Outside the sun was setting. The room rapidly filling with shadows as the amber light dimmed. Luin yawned and ran a hand through his unbound hair. The length slightly wavy from being kept in braids all day. There was the almost silent padding of feet as Legolas emerged from the wash room and walked over. He wrapped his arms around Luin's waist and rested his chin on his shoulders. "What's troubling you Melethril?" He asked softly.

"My mind is plagued with concerns", Luin muttered. "This quest may prove to be more dangerous than any we have attempted before. I cannot make up my mind on what to take".

Legolas reached out and trailed his fingertips along the two scabbards. The blue jewel hanging from his neck pulsing as swords thrummed under his touch. "Your swords always accompany you", he said as he pressed a kiss to Luin's neck. "And your talismans are more resourceful than you realise".

"True", Luin smiled as he leaned back into Legolas' chest. His eyes drifted to his guqin and he pursed his lips. "I shall leave my guqin here", he decided. "There is only one and if it is destroyed I can't create another. I almost lost it the last time. I do not want to lose one of the few things I have left of my father". He sighed deeply. "I shall take my staff instead".

"You are skilled with both", Legolas commented. "I understand your decision. I would not want to loose something of great personal value either". Luin hummed and turned round to kiss his lover. It was a deep and slow kiss. One of worry and love.

"We have been together for sixty years", Luin breathed as they pulled away. He fisted his hands in the loose fabric of Legolas' tunic. "Do you recall how we first met?" He asked teasingly. Legolas chuckled.

"Did you not threaten my life?"

Luin waved a hand. "You took us prisoner and marched me in front of your father".

Legolas huffed. "Then you proceeded to tease me and enchant my kingdom", he grinned.

"You liked the teasing", Luin shot back. "You did not have to braid my hair. I didn't expect you to".

"And look where that got me", Legolas tightened his grip round Luin's waist pointedly. Luin tipped his head back in laughter.

"It makes for a good story. All the adventure and war. Blood, death and pretty princes arriving just in time to save me". He leaned forwards and rubbed their noses together in a Inuit kiss. Legolas' eyes crinkling as he beamed.

"We have been courting for sixty years", he stated. "Most of my people would say that we are going too fast. If my father wasn't so amused and fond of you, he would call us shameless".

"Oh no. It was you who first tied my hair in courting braids", Luin poked him. "I did not realise until later what they meant. You're just as shameless as me".

"Who was it who kissed me in the heat of battle?" Legolas teased. "Most elf couples do not kiss until they have courted for twice the time we have". Luin gasped and poked him again.

"Don't say you didn't like it. And I was caught up in Qi deprivation. It was hardly thought out".

Legolas laughed lightly. "Im mel cin. Nin Melethril", he breathed.

""Im mel cin. Nin Ithil", Luin responded.

"When this quest is over. Marry me?" Legolas asked. The question so soft that it was barely above a whisper. "I have talked to my father and Lord Elrond and they give us his support. It is not often done between two men however it is not the first time. All I need is your answer".

Luin wasn't sure he could feel more joy. "Yes. It would be a honour Nin Ithil". Legolas seemed to burst with joy. He gave a cry and lifted Luin off his feet. Luin laughed as Legolas spun him then set him down. He responded by lifting the elf of his feet and spinning him as well. The two of them laughing and smiling so hard that their cheeks hurt.

Unedited.

AN: One does not simply walk into Mordor. (Unless you are two curly haired hobbits).