Gwador

by fightingforafantasyworld

Legolas and Aragorn friendship/brotherhood fic! Twist on the Quest of the Ring. What if Legolas was captured by orcs? What if they changed him? What if they poised him against the one person he cares about most in the world? What will happen? Most importantly, will the two be able to make the ultimate sacrifice and journey to the deepest place on Arda? AragornAngst! R&R!

1. Prologue

Gwador

Prologue

It is quiet in Imladris. The only nose is the rustle of leaves in the wind and the clamoring voices of the two beings sat beside a stream. One, dark in both hair and aspect, has his legs tucked into the water with his pants rolled up past his knees. The other, fair haired and regal, is perched atop a rock with one hand dipped carelessly into the stream. His blue eyes flash toward the trees for a moment before resting, once again, on the countenance of his companion.

"Oh, Las, what are we going to do? The hobbits do not know what they're in for and I fear we have gotten ourselves into something not even we can escape. What if I lose you, Las? I don't think I could go on if you weren't there to help me." At this, the elf seems taken aback.

"Estel, that will never happen. I think we've learned by now that I don't die easily. Too stubborn, Elladan once said. I think I'm starting to believe him."

"No, I think you're just an elf. All elves are stubborn… You learn that one the hard way. But I'm serious, Las, what if?" The human replies.

"I don't know. If I lose my life in the act of saving yours than I will die happy. You can always trust me, Estel, I'll be here forever." Legolas says, lightly picking his way over to sit beside the man. He elbows his companions lightly in the ribs, smiling.

"I know. And I'll always be here too. As long as I live, which is hopefully longer than I'm thinking it will be. Thank you, Legolas, you're the best friend I've ever had. Ever since I was 2 I've looked up to you and I still do. You're my best friend, my brother if not be blood then by heart. Gwador."

The man pulls a shining dagger from his belt, holding it up between them before taking the elf's hand in his and lightly dragging it across his palm before doing the same to his own. Legolas, blue eyes defiant, entwines his fingers with Aragorn's and smiles, leaning his forehead lightly against his companion's.

"Gwador," The prince repeats, keeping his forehead against the man's, "I quite like the sound of that, Estel. Gwador-nin."

There the two sit, feet in the stream and foreheads pressed together, fingers entwined. Neither thought to bring bandages while both brought knives, even though the elf kept his hidden.

What they did not know is that this happiness would be short-lived.