katri21 and Gamzee
 

---------- Post added 07-02-2013 at 12:47 AM ----------

Legolas poked at the fire with a long stick, glancing at Gandalf a few times. The old wizard looked odd and unlike himself in Legolas' opinion, and he pursed his lips, turning his gaze on Aragorn. He admired the man for a little while, remembering times before Arwen was around. She'd put a barrier between the elf and the ranger, and sometimes he couldn't help but wonder what things would have been like if the woman hadn't wooed Aragorn with her charms. He didn't hate her, no, not really. He didn't resent her for being beautiful as most elves were. He didn't even blame her for falling in love with the human. Humans were simply intriguing. Something about their fragility drew in strong creatures like elves. Legolas didn't not need rest, he hardly needed food, he was old and still fair. That was the difference of elves an men. Men's lives were so short and disposable, yet men were so much braver than elves. The elves hadn't even helped their friends the dwarves in their time of need.

"Legolas." He was snapped out of thought and looked up to see why he had been called. It seemed Gandalf was the one who had spoken. "Yes?" He questioned, looking coolly into the eyes of the other. He kept all signs of emotion from his face. "Don't stare into the flames like that." The old wizard chastised. The elf nodded and turned away, looking instead at his own nails. He was amazingly clean compared to the others of the group, but that was no surprise. He was more graceful, and less prone to become soiled in the process of the journey. He pulled at his braid, letting his hair fall around his face. "Shouldn't we all be going to be soon?" He suggested. "We'll need to walk a good distance tomorrow. I can take first watch." He waited for an answer, sighing when Gandalf have him none, the old man puffing his pipe as if he had all day to answer the question. "I suppose so." He said at last, but made no move to go to sleep. Legolas became silent, staring at the fire again, irritated by pipe smoke and his own thoughts.

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Aragorn smoked the last of his pipe weed, and tried to relax. The weight of the day had exhausted him, but his heart was still heavy. He could feel that Arwen was gone, to the island across the grey sea. The light in his chest had all but extinguished.yet...the man looked across the fire at his elven companion. Legolas Greenleaf, prince of Mirkwood, and one of his best friends in the world. He had met the elf so many years ago, deep in the forest of Mirkwood. He smiled as he remembered the first night he shared with the haughty prince. They'd fought over who had killed a large buck, then shared a meal...and more. They stayed together for the better part of two moons. Laughing, hunting, making love under the stars.

Then..then Arwen had returned from her trip to visit her grandparents. He shook his head pushing the memory away. It had been hard to call things off with Legolas. They had been so connected, but Elrond had reminded him. He had a bloodline to fulfill and an obligation. He noted how tense the elf looked, how tired. To any other man...he would look like a normal elf, but Estele knew...he had grown up with the elves. Aragorn moved over to the elf patting his shoulder. "Come...let's walk around the camp. I grow restless."

Legolas turned to observe Aragorn before deciding he'd follow. He hated Aragorn sometimes, and yet he loved Estele. Estele had been like a fellow elf, Aragorn was a human, though Legolas knew they were the same person. He put his feelings aside and rose. He couldn't exactly refuse the request anyway. That wouldn't have looked very good. He caught Gandalf's eyes and saw pity in them. The wizard knew about the relationship between Legolas and the ranger. It had been a dark night and a moment of emotional weakness that cause the elf prince to spill his feelings out to the old man. "Be careful." Gandalf warned, though the tone of his vpice suggested he wasn't warning against the things of the dark. "We will." Legolas countered and grabbed his bow, strapping his quiver across his back. He walked out in front of the human, his muscles tense and stiff.

Once far enough from the fire, Legolas whipped himself around to stare at Aragorn, eyes unforgiving and untrusting. "Why would you ask me to walk with you?" His voice was calm, but his eyes were a sea of rage. "Shouldn't you be sleeping anyway? It's dark, late. You have to rise early tomorrow." He wasn't sure what he was feeling, his stomach twiste in knots. The moon was bright and he could see his companion clearly. Estele looked even more alluring when the moon's light rained down on him in such a way. It took all of Legolas' self control not to run his fingers through brown locks and kiss his friend. If that's what they were. Friends seemed a weird term for people who had once been so intimate. He set his jaw defiantly, refusing to look happy with his current situation.

Aragorn watched the exchange between the elf and the old wizard raising his eyebrow in curiosity. Legolas and he had nothing to worry about, Fangorn cared for it's own. Then the ranger noticed Legolas' tired and sad eyes. He kept quiet till they were far enough away from the camp that they could talk without Gimli hearing them. As Legolas whipped around to snarl at him, the human stepped back. He had thought they could at least be companionable...but Legolas' anger and the hurt in his eyes spoke volumes.

"I wanted to talk with you...there are things...things we need to discuss. And things that I needed to tell you long ago." Aragorn reached for the elf, speaking in low Sindarin with his friend. The language was like a warm comfort to the ranger. It reminded him of better time when life had not been so complicated. When he was free to love who he wished. He pulled off the elvenstar that Arwen had given him...showing the other elf that the light was all, but gone. "She...Arwen has left these shores. And I...I am not saddened by it."

Legolas tried to settle on one emotion, choosing to feel sorrow rather than anger. He heaved an exhausted sigh. "Estele..." His voice was a whisper. "That's a terrible thing to say. You know you're just lonely." He stared at the Elvenstar. "Besides. I can't fall for this again. I'm not an ignorant elfling. I know better than to allow my emotions to be toyed with." He felt comfortable now that they weren't using English. "Do you really think this is a good time to bring things like this up anyway? We have more important things to focus on, and Arwen isn't here. If she were, you'd not have given me a second glance." He knew he was a full frown elf. He had no excuse to act like a child, but he felt like one. He wanted to believe what he was being told. "Now, try to be faithful to your current relationship." He warned. "Elves don't like being cheated on, and Arwen would be more than upset if she knew you were attempting to speak to me in this way." He took a few steps back, putting space between them. "Is their anything else you'd like to speak with me about? If not, you really should have some rest." He kept kindness in his voice, trying to make up for his earlier anger.

Aragorn frowned hands immediately going to the man's shoulders. "You know that I would not play with your heart...not again. I...I did not want this to end." He placed his hand over Legolas' chest. "If the world were to end tomorrow, or we find our deaths at the end of an orc blade...I wanted you to know. Know that I love you, with all that I am." He kissed Legolas' cheek and then headed back to the camp. Shaking his head he ignored the other's instead falling to the pack and then pulled his blanket over his shoulder. The night was long, but Aragorn 's heart was heavy. The ride across Rohan to the city was long and silent the next morning. He kept his eyes on the fields ahead of him, not on the elf riding beside him.

They pulled up at the Great Hall of Rohan, all hearts a little heavier than usual. Aragorn looked to Gandalf. "What is the plan again?" The older man smirked leaving his white horse and heading up the long stairs. Aragorn followed after him, curious and a little worried.

Legolas gasped, face going slightly red. "Aragorn..." He bit his lip, going silent as the other headed back to the camp. He figured he should just be just be quiet. nothing he could think to say was silly and dumb. He touched his cheek where Aragorn's lips had been. The night was long. He sat up, poking at the fire to keep it going and warm. He thought of what had been said. His chest ached slightly and he had to hope he'd been told the truth, though it seemed so unlikely. How could Aragorn love him if he had Arwen? Then again, why would such a confession be made if it were a lie? He continued this train of thought until the next morning when everyone began waking. "Legolas." He looked at Gandalf. The old wizard was the first to rise, and the elf wondered if he'd ever really been asleep to begin with. "How did your walk with Aragorn go?" The elf sighed, but answered the question truthfully. "Not as well as I would have liked. I was left more confused about my feelings than I have been in quite some time." "Want to talk about it?" Gandalf asked, cocking an eyebrow. "Not really..." He said quietly. At that, the conversation was dropped.

As the ride to the great hall commenced, Legolas kept sneaking glances at Aragorn. He noted that he was being ignored and pursed his lips, huffing quietly. He ended up not paying any attention, way to distracted. He followed Aragorn closely, still agitated.

Aragorn kept one blade hidden in the side of his boot, not trusting this to remain peaceful. Gimli protested again, cursing in Dwarvish and stamping one man's foot with the thick metal boot. They walked in together, Gandalf leaning on Aragorn's arm as the played the old cripple. The sight of Theoden. The man looked and smelled as if he was rotting from the inside. He had once seen the man, when the Riders of the Rhodrim had come to Rivendell and paid tribute. He had been a shinning example and one of the first human men the ranger had ever seen. To see him as such now was painful and disheartening. He shook it off as Gandalf confronted the man, and the foul creature that had oozed his way to Theoden's side. They fight withe the men had been quick Aragorn, making sure to especially watch Legolas' back.

He pinned Wormtongue to the floor as Gandalf finished pulling Theoden from the dark magic's grasp. "Who does he ride towards Gandalf?" The wizard gave Aragorn a side long glance. "For Saurman. And I fear this is only the start of Wormtongue's influence. I must council with Theodin. Bring in our things." The ranger nodded as the wizard lead Theodin away. Aragorn could almost feel the eyes of the young woman across the room boring into the back of his head.

Legolas almost audible whined at the loss of his weapons. He valued his bow and arrow more than most people valued their own kin. He kept a close eye on Aragorn, noting that the knife he knew was in the man's boot had not been discovered. He himself had a tiny little hunting knife tucked away on his thigh under his breeches, and the men had failed to search intimate places such as that. It wouldn't be much use if needed quickly however. Unless he wanted to drop his pants in front of everyone, and he wasn't sure he'd do that even in an emergency. It seemed his knife wasn't needed though as Gandalf had the king and Wormtongue was restrained. The smell hadn't really faded much- it was kind of gross- and the king was still hideous, but Gandalf seemed to be progressing with his negotiations, so Legolas let his guard down.

Legolas had been standing, bored, until he caught the gaze of several woman directed at Aragorn. He hissed low in his throat, earning a startled look from Gimli. "You ok?" The dwarf mouthed, and Legolas responded with a rigid shrug, his irritation rising as the women batted their eyes and cooed at his ranger. He was getting a few stared himself, though he ignored them. Most of his admirers in this room were young teenagers and older men. Not that anyone was interesting to him other than Aragorn anyway. He crossed his arms and let his own eyes bore into the ones of a particularly flirty girl. She wiggled her eyebrows at Aragorn, grinning widely. "Dumb harlot." His hissed under his breath, quiet enough so he wouldn't be heard by anyone who wasn't very close to him.

Aragorn ignored most of the women as he helped Legolas and Gimli drag the gear in. He could see the anger and scowl in the elf's eyes and spoke in soft elven. "Legolas, my friend, what troubles your heart?" The ranger thought he knew. The women were like flies towards horse dung. He shook his head as another group watched him. There was one woman though that caught his eye, not in a lustful way, but more he was curious at the glares she sent him. The way she held herself reminded him of the warrior elven women, strong and vibrant. There was also a pain there that he did not understand.

Theodin suddenly entered the hall, and the girl raced over to him, enfolding herself in the older man's arms. They spoke quietly for a moment, before turning to the trio. Theron offered his hand to Aragorn. "Well met son of Arathorn. I have to thank you and your companions..."

Aragorn nodded then introduced his friends. "This is Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of Mirkwood and Gimli son of Glonin. We are glad to have helped." Thoedin nodded, then bowed to Legolas in the formal manner. "My niece Eowyn with take you to the quarters I have prepared for you....then we have to speak concerning what Gandalf has told me. Now...I must go to morn my son." Aragorn watched the man away, then looked to the woman who said nothing leading them into the keep.

Legolas debated ignoring Aragorn completely, but decided this wasn't the man's fault. "I don't like their wandering eyes." He replied softly, his own eyes yearning for Aragorn's attention. He felt intense grief as he was ignored yet again for a young woman. She didn't seem like other human women, that much Legolas could tell. She had grace about her and she appeared as more of a warrior than a damsel. Which was exactly the kind of woman Legolas knew might could take his spot in Aragorn's heart. "Estele." His voice cracked, losing it's normal smooth grace. It was true that elves were not weak in the way of men, but elves did have another weakness. They could wither from their grief. He could feel exhaustion taking over himself, the urge to sleep becoming great. He stopped trying for Aragorn's attention as he was introduced to Theodin. He respectfully acknowledged Theodin, feeling less like a prince and more like a peasant at the moment. He followed the kings niece, feeling infurior to her. She was everything Legolas was, only female. She was softer, elegant. While Legolas was also elegant, he wasn't a woman. He could not compete with that. He went into the quarters given and immediately let his hair down, then pulled off his boots and laid down. He closed his eyes, attempting to get rid of his pain with rest, though he knew he could not have sleep.

Aragorn watched Legolas slink off to his room. The elf was dimmer than he had ever seen him, and it troubled Aragorn deeply. What had he done to cause his mellonin such heartache. He was about to follow him when Eowyn and a few others demanded his attention. He was able to brush them off, making his excuses, and finally being able to get into his room. He slammed the door and sat on his bed. Valar! He had never seen women act like that, not in all his 80 years. True the Elven were more proper...a refined people. The thought of his home made him return to Legolas. What had befallen the elf? Making sure the hall was empty he slipped out heading for Legolas' room. He spotted the elf on the bed, and nearly left thinking Legolas was alseep. Instead he slipped behind the elf pulling him into his arms. "Legolas, meleth why does your heart greave so?"

Legolas tossed on the bed for a little while. It wasn't very comfortable, and his spirt was restless as it was. He finally got comfortable before hearing his door open. He didn't move, attempting to appear asleep. He almost thought he was saved, but foud himself pulled close to the very source of his distress. He stiffened in Aragorn's arms, becoming quite ridged. He kept his emotional guard up, not wishing to sink any further into his pain. "I'm fine." He finally responded coolly, his voice calmed and dull. He felt dull all over to be honest. Dull and tired. "This kind of quest takes a lot out of me. Even elves have their limits." He lied, not wanting to open up his feelings to Aragorn. He felt betrayed and dejected. "Don't you have dinner to attend or something?" He grunted. "I'm sure their are far more important things for you to do than spend time with me." He set his jaw. "Besides. I don't think you got enough time to fully stare at the king's niece yet. Maybe you'd better go have a closer look." His voice rose slightly, sounding harsh.

Legolas was clearly upset, and the ranger would not let the harsh words deter him from the elf. Too easily did they fall into their grief and he did not ever wish to loose Legolas. He laid a cool hand on the elf's cheek. At the mention of Eoywn Aragorn frowned at that for a moment then smiled laughing. "My greenleaf, you are jealous of the king's niece? Do you not think I have not noticed how she is no match for me? How she is far too young, and would never understand the life I have lead? I did not even look upon her with more than a curious sight." He kissed the elf, quickly, softly. "I have told you meleth. I love only you." He kept the elf in a loose circle of his arms, hand rubbing up and down the elf's back.

It brought back old memories of their nights under the stars. They'd lay naked and watch the bright heavens as the world turned around them. Rich scents of heather and sage, and the warm grass below them.

The prince hummed softly, distracted by how pleasant it was to be touched so lovingly. It made him feel warm and content, something almost like being drowsy. "Aragorn." He murmured. "You're going to be the death of me, you know that? One minute you're confessing undying love, the next you won't even look at me." He felt young again, remembering a time before Arwen. A time when it had been him, Estele, and the quiet sounds of the world around them. "And what of Arwen? Have you forgotten about her? There was a time when you did love her. Don't try to tell me otherwise, I saw the way you held her. The way you caressed her face in your hands. The soft, loving way you kissed her. Now that she is gone, you don't feel that love, but what about when you see her again? If you see her I suppose..? If we start this again." He pulled himself from the other's grasp for emphasis. "I will die from the pain it causes when if ends. You can't just tell me you love me, because I do love you Estele. You know I do. Another thing, I cannot give you an heir. I suppose that's really obvious, you being a man....and me being a man. You have an obligation to your people. I suppose I shouldn't be so jealous and selfish. With most people I don't mind sharing attention, but you are not most people. You are...were, a lover. So we need to stop this. I'm not even sure we can be friends at this point." He laid back down, back to Aragorn, and closed his eyes. "Now go. Leave me be so I may rest."

Aragorn frowned at Legolas. "Legolas. I did care for Arwen, though not the way you think. She...was like a sister to me. We were both worried about the impending marriage. And I was not the only one to be in love with another. She has left to the undying lands Legolas...and even if I was to see her again...it would not be the same. This time with you, with the fellowship has reminded me what I truly want." Aragorn watched silently as the dejected elf laid back down and dismiss him. The man touched Legolas' shoulder a final time, then made a vow, that he would prove his love for the elf no matter what it took.
------
The next morn the Ranger rose early stealing to the kitchens and gathering all the freshest of the fruit. He cut all the fruit up up and arranged it on the plate. He knocked on Legolas' door. "Legolas I have brought you breakfast."

Legolas laid down and even managed some sort of sleep. When he woke, he still felt tired, homesick, and sorrowful. He slowly rose from the mattress, back cracking unpleasantly. He scuffled to the door, hair a mess. He opened it slowly and peeked out at Aragorn. He pushed his hair back out of his face can opened the door completely, staring at the man. "Come on in." He said softly. He sat on the bed, grabbing a brush and combing out the tangles in his blonde hair. His eyes were slightly darkened underneath and he yawned. "Good morning." He smiled weakly, attempting to seem less distraught. He took a slice of fruit and nibbled at it. "Sleep well?" He asked, leaning back.

Aragorn had barely slept all night, his mind racing to plan the perfect way to woo and prove to Legolas that he loved him, more than anything. Or anyone. He smiled as he watched Legolas eat nodding softly. "As well as I could. And you?" He had worried about the elf as he entered. "Here...sit, eat. I will fix your braids for you." Aragorn reached for the small comb he knew that Legolas kept in his gear and started to work it through the thick blond hair. It was like golden sheaves of wheat, beautiful and fragrant. He brushed it softly then worked on doing the two braids that the elf was partial too. "There. Beautiful and handsome again."

He wasn't so sure if he wanted to allow Aragorn to mess with his hair, but as the ranger went for his comb, Legolas didn't bother fighting off the gesture. He'd always liked ot when people-Aragorn in particular- played with his hair. He continued eating the fruit that had been placed before him, thrilled that his favorites were among the mix. He hadn't realized he was so hungry before, but as he ate more of the food before him, he realized he hadn't eaten since the day before they'd gotten here. "You know I'm going to have to bathe." He whined. "And then I'm going to have to redo those blasted braids again. You really just wasted good time fixing them." He but into an orange, not caring at all when it ran all down his chin. "But, seeing as how it was such a sweet gesture, I suppose I should thank you somehow." He leaned in, cupped Aragorn's face in one hand, and leaned forward before the door swung open. The elf, startled, jumped, separating himself from the ranger. His leg, all caught up in a bed sheet, proved to be hazardous. He found himself laying on the floor, blinking his eyes in a dazed manner. Above him, Gimli snorted.

"How graceful your majesty." He snickered sarcastically, and Legolas groaned. "Shut up dwarf." He pulled himself up and wiped blood off of his bottom lip. "Dammit. Look what you made me do. Don't you know how to knock." He usually didn't mind the dwarf's disregard for privacy, but this actually had him irritated. "Now I'm going to tell everyone that you assaulted me, and I just couldn't stop you because I'm a poor delicate elf." He tried to pout, but ended up grinning. "Now what did you want?" Gimli sat on the bed and Legolas pushe him off. "Nope. You don't get bed access. Only people who bring me breakfast get privledges." The dwarf gave Aragorn an odd look before going back to the door. "Ok then...." He muttered. "Well, I came to tell you food was ready, but seeing as how you've eaten, I suppose you don't need it. Let me talk to you later, ok Legolas?" He nodded his agreement as his friend left.

Legolas looked up at Aragorn as they were one once again. He was half glad they'd been interrupted when they had been. He was firmly trying to keep out of this sort of relationship until Aragorn could prove his affections. He'd almost slipped up and given in far too quickly. "Anyway....thank you for bringing me food...and braiding back my hair..." He got uncomfortably silent, staring at the wash basin. "Maybe I should go ahead and get a bath... Um..." He paused again, swallowing.