Note: None of these are my characters! This is the prequel to 'Not Worth
Dying For'. Contains hints of shounen ai between Legolas/Aragorn, but there
is also Arwen/Aragorn in this fic. Elvish speech is in ' '. No, Legolas did
not sail to the West!
When A Friend Becomes More
Part 1
A.J. Matthews
Aragorn paced inside of his castle in Gondor. Arwen smiled gently at her husband, who looked agitated and worried.
'Relax, Estel,' Arwen said gently in Elvish.
'How can I relax? He is nearly two weeks late now. He will miss the celebration if he does not arrive by tomorrow,' Aragorn said. He was deeply concerned about his currently missing friend, but he did not show it to Arwen. Aragorn knew that if Arwen knew just how much his friend was in his thoughts, it would hurt her.
Arwen slipped her arms around Aragorn's waist, as she leaned against him. 'He'll be here, Estel. He promised.'
Aragorn smiled at his loving wife gratefully. 'I just haven't seen him in so long, Arwen. I wonder how he's changed.'
'I'm sure he hasn't changed too much,' Arwen told her husband. 'Tis Legolas, after all, that we are speaking of.'
Aragorn turned towards Arwen, and bestowed a kiss on her tender lips. 'What would I do without you?' he murmured.
An unknown figure watched the two from high above, in the ceiling. The figure gazed down at Arwen and Aragorn, and pain shone in the figure's emerald eyes. 'What would you do without her, indeed, Aragorn,' Legolas thought fondly. Those two were so much in love, the elf thought wistfully. He shook his head, and forced himself not to dwell on his thoughts.
He hadn't expected to be able to slip into the palace so easily, without anyone being able to detect him. Dirt and grime covered his face and hair, for the journey had been long and hard. Blood stained the blue tunic, green shirt, and brown leggings that Legolas currently wore, as well as part of the elf's blond hair and face. The clothes looked worn and tattered. His feet were bare, which was a surprise, considering the long journey from Mirkwood to Gondor. Weariness was on Legolas's face, as he held his right shoulder with his left hand. A faint trickle of blood was present there. All in all, Legolas looked pretty shocking for an Elven prince.
Aragorn was so busy brooding that he didn't even notice the figure who watched them. He sighed, before looking at Arwen. "I suppose he is not coming this night," Aragorn told her, disappointment written on his face and in his voice.
Arwen knew why Aragorn was so disappointed, but she wisely said nothing, and offered what comfort she could. "Perhaps he will be here tomorrow, Estel. Legolas is not one to break a promise lightly," she reminded her husband.
'Indeed,' Legolas said, before he leapt to the ground, with his hood pulled over his face.
Aragorn instantly positioned himself in front of Arwen, and drew Anduril. "How did you get in here?" he demanded fiercely. "And who are you?"
Arwen knew instantly who it was, and amusement shone in her eyes, as she watched Aragorn threaten an old friend.
'Come now, Aragorn. It has not been so long that you have forgotten me,' Legolas said, as he used his left hand to remove his hood. He chuckled at the look of shock on Aragorn's face. "You have certainly changed, Aragorn. Normally, I could never have pulled such a stunt off?" A grin lit up Legolas's face. "A promise is a promise, Aragorn. Did you honestly think I wouldn't come?"
Aragorn sheathed Anduril in one smooth movement, before he raced forward and crushed Legolas in his arms, holding him tightly.
"If you please, Aragorn, not so hard," Legolas murmured, muffled pain in his voice.
Aragorn let go and took a closer look at his friend. "What happened, Legolas?" Concern was the primary note in his voice, overlapping his anger at seeing his friend looking like he'd been picked for a gang fight.
Arwen decided to give them some time alone. She walked over to Legolas, and hugged him gently. "Tis good to see you again, Legolas," she said, a genuine smile on her face.
Legolas embraced Arwen, for she was a dear friend to him. "It is good to see you as well, Arwen. You look even more beautiful than the last time I saw you."
Arwen blushed, before turning to her husband. "I'm going to bed, Estel." She walked over and kissed him softly. "Good night," she murmured, as she turned and walked away. Her eyes had caught the pain in Legolas's, as he bid her good night as well.
Aragorn watched Arwen go, before turning back to Legolas. "How did this happen, my friend?"
"Tis nothing, Aragorn. I was attacked by a gang of thieves. They had me outnumbered and managed to take me prisoner for a short time. They took most of my belongings, but I managed to get free and teach the ones who held me prisoner a lesson." A smile lit on Legolas's face. "I do not think that they will attack an elf again."
"You must be weary after such a journey," Aragorn said, as he attempted to hide his concern.
"I am all right, Aragorn. You needn't fuss over me as if I were a child," Legolas told him quietly.
"I'd feel better if you got some rest and some clean clothes. What about a warm bath to soothe away your pains?" Aragorn offered.
Legolas nodded. "I would appreciate it, Aragorn. I am quite sore from the blows and sword slashes that I received as I escaped."
Aragorn led Legolas to one of the private bathing rooms. He told the elf where he could find soap, shampoo, cloths to dry with, and a hairbrush. "I shall go fetch some clean clothes for you, as well as healing herbs and bandages," Aragorn said. The king of Gondor walked away, closing the door behind him.
Legolas quickly gathered the items that Aragorn had pointed out. He took a few moments to gaze around the bathing room. It was large and spacious, with a large tub in the middle of it. Buckets of water sat next to the tub, and numerous plants hung all over the place. An elf could learn to like this room, Legolas thought, with a grin. The elf made his way over to the tub, and placed the items beside it, except for the soap and shampoo. He placed those on the side of it, before he went to work, filling the tub a mixture of hot and cold water, until it was as full as he liked, and the right temperature.
Legolas then quickly stripped off his filthy clothes, and stepped into the tub. It came up to his waist, so the elf sat in the water, and felt his sore muscles starting to relax. He sank into the water, letting it course over him, until it reached his neck. The hot water felt wonderful, as it relieved the tension Legolas had been feeling for days. He closed his eyes in bliss, temporarily forgetting his feelings for Aragorn. He silently began to undo his braids left-handed, and that was easy enough, as his nimble fingers worked quickly. He did not need his eyesight for that, for he had done it many times.
Aragorn re-entered the room in time to hear Legolas moan softly. Aragorn saw the elf sitting in the tub, contentment written all over his face. God, Legolas was as beautiful as he had always been, Aragorn thought with longing. And he immediately put that thought out of his head. He carried the clean clothes and herbs over to the tub and placed them next to the items already there. Aragorn then cleared his throat.
Legolas opened his eyes instantly, and looked at Aragorn. "Tis you," the elf whispered. "I let my mind drift, I'm afraid." The elf ducked his entire body under the water, and surfaced. He then picked up the soap with his left hand and worked up a generous lather. "Sit, Aragorn, and tell me of what has happened to you in the last few years?" Legolas invited.
Aragorn took a seat, and began to speak, not really paying attention to what he said. He was focused more on the elf who was bathing in front of him.
Legolas started on his arms, using his left hand to clean his right arm carefully, all the way up to the shoulder, where he flinched. He hoped that Aragorn had not seen his wince, as Legolas listened to his speaking friend, occasionally asking questions.
A tap on the door made them both turn. A servant opened the door hesitantly.
"Forgive me, my king, but your presence is requested by the general."
Aragorn sighed, and offered a sheepish smile to Legolas. "I'll be right back, Legolas." He left the room reluctantly, and followed the servant.
Legolas continued to bathe himself, using his left hand for the majority of it. He didn't know what he was going to do, for he was only supposed to stay for a few days. Legolas's Elven healing ability had weakened slightly since the last journey that the elf had made, so he knew that it would take longer for his shoulder to heal. Until then, Legolas could not use his bow, and he was far better at fighting right-handed with his sword. Legolas also did not want Aragorn to know of the injury, for he knew that his friend would then demand that he stay until it was healed.
Legolas knew why his healing ability was weaker. There was only one proven cause of death for elves; grief. And Legolas's grief only grew worse, as he shoved down his feelings for the one he cared for. Not wishing to harm Arwen or Aragorn, Legolas had attempted to break things off, but that had hurt even worse, for then Legolas had not seen Aragorn at all. So his healing ability barely helped any wounds he got, and basically just kept him from dying outright, which gave them a chance to heal on their own.
A single tear dripped down his face. It was a love that could not be. Even if Aragorn did return his feelings, Legolas knew that Aragorn loved Arwen as well. Legolas did not wish to bring pain to his gentle friend. Legolas forced his thoughts out of such gloom.
He was here with his dear friends, to celebrate with them. And that was all.
Legolas ducked under the water again to rinse off, and was grateful that the water swirled around in filters, which kept the dirt from staying in the tub. A Hobbit had invented the wooden filters, which kept water and other such liquids from being as dirty as they normally were.
He used his left hand to pick up the jar of shampoo, and fumbled trying to open it. His shoulder protested the movement of his arm.
Aragorn returned once more. This time, he saw Legolas wince, as he tried to open the shampoo jar. Aragorn crossed the room and took it from the elf. He opened it silently, and handed it back. Legolas smiled in gratitude, as he began to apply generous amounts of shampoo to his hair with his left hand. He then returned the jar to the side of the tub, and began to work in the lather.
Aragorn noticed with a frown that Legolas was favoring his right arm and had barely used it since he arrived. "Where are you injured, Legolas?" Aragorn inquired. "I can see that your right arm must trouble you, for you have hardly used it at all."
Legolas was not having any luck washing his hair one handed. He looked at Aragorn. "My shoulder pains me somewhat, for a sword was thrust through it. I tended it as best as I could," Legolas said. "But I will not be using it much for the next few days." He continued doing the best he could on his hair, his gaze averted from his friend, to hide the pain in his eyes.
Aragorn pulled the sleeves of his robes up, and surprised Legolas when he suddenly began massaging his scalp, not too hard, and too soft.
"Aragorn, you don't have to…" Legolas's protest was cut off.
Aragorn said, "I aid Arwen with her hair at times, Legolas. This is not too different from that."
Legolas stayed silent, trying to hide the emotions that were running through him. He kept from looking at Aragorn, as the human gently cleaned his hair for him.
Aragorn was having a hard time containing his own feelings, as well. He pretended that everything was fine, as he controlled his breathing. He kept at it, until he was certain that Legolas's hair was as clean as it could possibly be. "I think you can rinse now, Legolas," Aragorn murmured.
Legolas rinsed his hair, before he picked up the soap. It fumbled in his hand, as he started to clean his face off. Aragorn caught the soap, and gently cleaned off the smooth face of the elf, tracing Legolas's facial features with his soapy hands. When he started on Legolas's ears, the elf couldn't hold back a shiver.
"Sorry," Legolas whispered. "Elven ears are very sensitive."
"I know," Aragorn said, amusement in his voice. He finished, and placed the soap besides the tub again. After wiping his hands on a cloth, Aragorn picked up a few of the longer ones to offer to the now fully clean elf.
Legolas rinsed his face, before he stood slowly. Aragorn handed him the drying cloths, careful not to stare at Legolas's exquisite body. Legolas took a towel and wrapped it around him tightly with his left hand. He then carefully stepped out of the tub.
A hoarse gasp escaped from Aragorn's lips, as he saw the dreadful looking wound on Legolas's right shoulder. Legolas met his gaze, before he took another cloth and tried to pat himself dry, while holding the other one up around his waist. Aragorn surprised Legolas again, as he used the cloth he had to pat the elf dry, feigning composure.
"Thank you," Legolas said earnestly. He knelt down, dropped the second towel that he held, and picked up the dark green leggings that Aragorn had brought.
Aragorn turned from Legolas, seeing the slight blush on his face. He snuck little glances at the elf, as Legolas struggled into the leggings. Grim determination made Legolas eventually succeed in the struggle, for he would not allow Aragorn to help him. He fastened them, and let out a weary sigh.
Once that was done, Aragorn was allowed to treat Legolas's shoulder, bandage it, and assist him into the clean tunic and shirt. He offered to brush the elf's long hair, which Legolas accepted, too weary to care anymore. Aragorn saw Legolas yawn slightly, as he brushed the elf's hair and re-braided it without being asked to.
"Your room is ready, Legolas," Aragorn said.
Legolas nodded, yawning again. He followed Aragorn once more, as the human led him to his room. Aragorn opened the door, and took Legolas inside. The elf stumbled over to the bed, and nearly fell on it. Aragorn chuckled softly, as he walked over and pulled the covers back for his half-asleep Elven friend. Legolas crawled into bed, a silent thanks in his green eyes, which shone with fatigue. Aragorn leaned over, and gently placed the covers over the elf. It was Legolas's turn to surprise both Aragorn and himself, as he kissed Aragorn on the cheek.
He whispered, 'Thank you, Estel,' in Elvish, before falling fast asleep.
Aragorn felt a blush creep onto his face, as he watched Legolas sleep for a few moments. Then he turned and silently left, closing the door behind him. Aragorn walked to his own room, and entered. He removed his sword, tunic, and shirt, before crawling into bed next to Arwen. He placed his arms around her, as she turned towards him. As Aragorn faded into sleep as well, he silently wished that Legolas had kissed him on the lips instead of the cheek.
And as Aragorn slept, Arwen watched him, for she had only feigned sleep. She knew that the time was near when she would lose him, but for now, Arwen took the comfort that he gave her.
To be continued (maybe, if I get enough reviews)
When A Friend Becomes More
Part 1
A.J. Matthews
Aragorn paced inside of his castle in Gondor. Arwen smiled gently at her husband, who looked agitated and worried.
'Relax, Estel,' Arwen said gently in Elvish.
'How can I relax? He is nearly two weeks late now. He will miss the celebration if he does not arrive by tomorrow,' Aragorn said. He was deeply concerned about his currently missing friend, but he did not show it to Arwen. Aragorn knew that if Arwen knew just how much his friend was in his thoughts, it would hurt her.
Arwen slipped her arms around Aragorn's waist, as she leaned against him. 'He'll be here, Estel. He promised.'
Aragorn smiled at his loving wife gratefully. 'I just haven't seen him in so long, Arwen. I wonder how he's changed.'
'I'm sure he hasn't changed too much,' Arwen told her husband. 'Tis Legolas, after all, that we are speaking of.'
Aragorn turned towards Arwen, and bestowed a kiss on her tender lips. 'What would I do without you?' he murmured.
An unknown figure watched the two from high above, in the ceiling. The figure gazed down at Arwen and Aragorn, and pain shone in the figure's emerald eyes. 'What would you do without her, indeed, Aragorn,' Legolas thought fondly. Those two were so much in love, the elf thought wistfully. He shook his head, and forced himself not to dwell on his thoughts.
He hadn't expected to be able to slip into the palace so easily, without anyone being able to detect him. Dirt and grime covered his face and hair, for the journey had been long and hard. Blood stained the blue tunic, green shirt, and brown leggings that Legolas currently wore, as well as part of the elf's blond hair and face. The clothes looked worn and tattered. His feet were bare, which was a surprise, considering the long journey from Mirkwood to Gondor. Weariness was on Legolas's face, as he held his right shoulder with his left hand. A faint trickle of blood was present there. All in all, Legolas looked pretty shocking for an Elven prince.
Aragorn was so busy brooding that he didn't even notice the figure who watched them. He sighed, before looking at Arwen. "I suppose he is not coming this night," Aragorn told her, disappointment written on his face and in his voice.
Arwen knew why Aragorn was so disappointed, but she wisely said nothing, and offered what comfort she could. "Perhaps he will be here tomorrow, Estel. Legolas is not one to break a promise lightly," she reminded her husband.
'Indeed,' Legolas said, before he leapt to the ground, with his hood pulled over his face.
Aragorn instantly positioned himself in front of Arwen, and drew Anduril. "How did you get in here?" he demanded fiercely. "And who are you?"
Arwen knew instantly who it was, and amusement shone in her eyes, as she watched Aragorn threaten an old friend.
'Come now, Aragorn. It has not been so long that you have forgotten me,' Legolas said, as he used his left hand to remove his hood. He chuckled at the look of shock on Aragorn's face. "You have certainly changed, Aragorn. Normally, I could never have pulled such a stunt off?" A grin lit up Legolas's face. "A promise is a promise, Aragorn. Did you honestly think I wouldn't come?"
Aragorn sheathed Anduril in one smooth movement, before he raced forward and crushed Legolas in his arms, holding him tightly.
"If you please, Aragorn, not so hard," Legolas murmured, muffled pain in his voice.
Aragorn let go and took a closer look at his friend. "What happened, Legolas?" Concern was the primary note in his voice, overlapping his anger at seeing his friend looking like he'd been picked for a gang fight.
Arwen decided to give them some time alone. She walked over to Legolas, and hugged him gently. "Tis good to see you again, Legolas," she said, a genuine smile on her face.
Legolas embraced Arwen, for she was a dear friend to him. "It is good to see you as well, Arwen. You look even more beautiful than the last time I saw you."
Arwen blushed, before turning to her husband. "I'm going to bed, Estel." She walked over and kissed him softly. "Good night," she murmured, as she turned and walked away. Her eyes had caught the pain in Legolas's, as he bid her good night as well.
Aragorn watched Arwen go, before turning back to Legolas. "How did this happen, my friend?"
"Tis nothing, Aragorn. I was attacked by a gang of thieves. They had me outnumbered and managed to take me prisoner for a short time. They took most of my belongings, but I managed to get free and teach the ones who held me prisoner a lesson." A smile lit on Legolas's face. "I do not think that they will attack an elf again."
"You must be weary after such a journey," Aragorn said, as he attempted to hide his concern.
"I am all right, Aragorn. You needn't fuss over me as if I were a child," Legolas told him quietly.
"I'd feel better if you got some rest and some clean clothes. What about a warm bath to soothe away your pains?" Aragorn offered.
Legolas nodded. "I would appreciate it, Aragorn. I am quite sore from the blows and sword slashes that I received as I escaped."
Aragorn led Legolas to one of the private bathing rooms. He told the elf where he could find soap, shampoo, cloths to dry with, and a hairbrush. "I shall go fetch some clean clothes for you, as well as healing herbs and bandages," Aragorn said. The king of Gondor walked away, closing the door behind him.
Legolas quickly gathered the items that Aragorn had pointed out. He took a few moments to gaze around the bathing room. It was large and spacious, with a large tub in the middle of it. Buckets of water sat next to the tub, and numerous plants hung all over the place. An elf could learn to like this room, Legolas thought, with a grin. The elf made his way over to the tub, and placed the items beside it, except for the soap and shampoo. He placed those on the side of it, before he went to work, filling the tub a mixture of hot and cold water, until it was as full as he liked, and the right temperature.
Legolas then quickly stripped off his filthy clothes, and stepped into the tub. It came up to his waist, so the elf sat in the water, and felt his sore muscles starting to relax. He sank into the water, letting it course over him, until it reached his neck. The hot water felt wonderful, as it relieved the tension Legolas had been feeling for days. He closed his eyes in bliss, temporarily forgetting his feelings for Aragorn. He silently began to undo his braids left-handed, and that was easy enough, as his nimble fingers worked quickly. He did not need his eyesight for that, for he had done it many times.
Aragorn re-entered the room in time to hear Legolas moan softly. Aragorn saw the elf sitting in the tub, contentment written all over his face. God, Legolas was as beautiful as he had always been, Aragorn thought with longing. And he immediately put that thought out of his head. He carried the clean clothes and herbs over to the tub and placed them next to the items already there. Aragorn then cleared his throat.
Legolas opened his eyes instantly, and looked at Aragorn. "Tis you," the elf whispered. "I let my mind drift, I'm afraid." The elf ducked his entire body under the water, and surfaced. He then picked up the soap with his left hand and worked up a generous lather. "Sit, Aragorn, and tell me of what has happened to you in the last few years?" Legolas invited.
Aragorn took a seat, and began to speak, not really paying attention to what he said. He was focused more on the elf who was bathing in front of him.
Legolas started on his arms, using his left hand to clean his right arm carefully, all the way up to the shoulder, where he flinched. He hoped that Aragorn had not seen his wince, as Legolas listened to his speaking friend, occasionally asking questions.
A tap on the door made them both turn. A servant opened the door hesitantly.
"Forgive me, my king, but your presence is requested by the general."
Aragorn sighed, and offered a sheepish smile to Legolas. "I'll be right back, Legolas." He left the room reluctantly, and followed the servant.
Legolas continued to bathe himself, using his left hand for the majority of it. He didn't know what he was going to do, for he was only supposed to stay for a few days. Legolas's Elven healing ability had weakened slightly since the last journey that the elf had made, so he knew that it would take longer for his shoulder to heal. Until then, Legolas could not use his bow, and he was far better at fighting right-handed with his sword. Legolas also did not want Aragorn to know of the injury, for he knew that his friend would then demand that he stay until it was healed.
Legolas knew why his healing ability was weaker. There was only one proven cause of death for elves; grief. And Legolas's grief only grew worse, as he shoved down his feelings for the one he cared for. Not wishing to harm Arwen or Aragorn, Legolas had attempted to break things off, but that had hurt even worse, for then Legolas had not seen Aragorn at all. So his healing ability barely helped any wounds he got, and basically just kept him from dying outright, which gave them a chance to heal on their own.
A single tear dripped down his face. It was a love that could not be. Even if Aragorn did return his feelings, Legolas knew that Aragorn loved Arwen as well. Legolas did not wish to bring pain to his gentle friend. Legolas forced his thoughts out of such gloom.
He was here with his dear friends, to celebrate with them. And that was all.
Legolas ducked under the water again to rinse off, and was grateful that the water swirled around in filters, which kept the dirt from staying in the tub. A Hobbit had invented the wooden filters, which kept water and other such liquids from being as dirty as they normally were.
He used his left hand to pick up the jar of shampoo, and fumbled trying to open it. His shoulder protested the movement of his arm.
Aragorn returned once more. This time, he saw Legolas wince, as he tried to open the shampoo jar. Aragorn crossed the room and took it from the elf. He opened it silently, and handed it back. Legolas smiled in gratitude, as he began to apply generous amounts of shampoo to his hair with his left hand. He then returned the jar to the side of the tub, and began to work in the lather.
Aragorn noticed with a frown that Legolas was favoring his right arm and had barely used it since he arrived. "Where are you injured, Legolas?" Aragorn inquired. "I can see that your right arm must trouble you, for you have hardly used it at all."
Legolas was not having any luck washing his hair one handed. He looked at Aragorn. "My shoulder pains me somewhat, for a sword was thrust through it. I tended it as best as I could," Legolas said. "But I will not be using it much for the next few days." He continued doing the best he could on his hair, his gaze averted from his friend, to hide the pain in his eyes.
Aragorn pulled the sleeves of his robes up, and surprised Legolas when he suddenly began massaging his scalp, not too hard, and too soft.
"Aragorn, you don't have to…" Legolas's protest was cut off.
Aragorn said, "I aid Arwen with her hair at times, Legolas. This is not too different from that."
Legolas stayed silent, trying to hide the emotions that were running through him. He kept from looking at Aragorn, as the human gently cleaned his hair for him.
Aragorn was having a hard time containing his own feelings, as well. He pretended that everything was fine, as he controlled his breathing. He kept at it, until he was certain that Legolas's hair was as clean as it could possibly be. "I think you can rinse now, Legolas," Aragorn murmured.
Legolas rinsed his hair, before he picked up the soap. It fumbled in his hand, as he started to clean his face off. Aragorn caught the soap, and gently cleaned off the smooth face of the elf, tracing Legolas's facial features with his soapy hands. When he started on Legolas's ears, the elf couldn't hold back a shiver.
"Sorry," Legolas whispered. "Elven ears are very sensitive."
"I know," Aragorn said, amusement in his voice. He finished, and placed the soap besides the tub again. After wiping his hands on a cloth, Aragorn picked up a few of the longer ones to offer to the now fully clean elf.
Legolas rinsed his face, before he stood slowly. Aragorn handed him the drying cloths, careful not to stare at Legolas's exquisite body. Legolas took a towel and wrapped it around him tightly with his left hand. He then carefully stepped out of the tub.
A hoarse gasp escaped from Aragorn's lips, as he saw the dreadful looking wound on Legolas's right shoulder. Legolas met his gaze, before he took another cloth and tried to pat himself dry, while holding the other one up around his waist. Aragorn surprised Legolas again, as he used the cloth he had to pat the elf dry, feigning composure.
"Thank you," Legolas said earnestly. He knelt down, dropped the second towel that he held, and picked up the dark green leggings that Aragorn had brought.
Aragorn turned from Legolas, seeing the slight blush on his face. He snuck little glances at the elf, as Legolas struggled into the leggings. Grim determination made Legolas eventually succeed in the struggle, for he would not allow Aragorn to help him. He fastened them, and let out a weary sigh.
Once that was done, Aragorn was allowed to treat Legolas's shoulder, bandage it, and assist him into the clean tunic and shirt. He offered to brush the elf's long hair, which Legolas accepted, too weary to care anymore. Aragorn saw Legolas yawn slightly, as he brushed the elf's hair and re-braided it without being asked to.
"Your room is ready, Legolas," Aragorn said.
Legolas nodded, yawning again. He followed Aragorn once more, as the human led him to his room. Aragorn opened the door, and took Legolas inside. The elf stumbled over to the bed, and nearly fell on it. Aragorn chuckled softly, as he walked over and pulled the covers back for his half-asleep Elven friend. Legolas crawled into bed, a silent thanks in his green eyes, which shone with fatigue. Aragorn leaned over, and gently placed the covers over the elf. It was Legolas's turn to surprise both Aragorn and himself, as he kissed Aragorn on the cheek.
He whispered, 'Thank you, Estel,' in Elvish, before falling fast asleep.
Aragorn felt a blush creep onto his face, as he watched Legolas sleep for a few moments. Then he turned and silently left, closing the door behind him. Aragorn walked to his own room, and entered. He removed his sword, tunic, and shirt, before crawling into bed next to Arwen. He placed his arms around her, as she turned towards him. As Aragorn faded into sleep as well, he silently wished that Legolas had kissed him on the lips instead of the cheek.
And as Aragorn slept, Arwen watched him, for she had only feigned sleep. She knew that the time was near when she would lose him, but for now, Arwen took the comfort that he gave her.
To be continued (maybe, if I get enough reviews)