Disclaimery thingy: They're not mine, I'm just using Tolkien's hunkiest characters as my creative inspiration.
Here is one scenario of how Aragorn and Legolas first met - absolutely no torture or angst and only a minor bit of pain, but don't let that put you off. Hope you enjoy it. If I get too many flamers, I shall take my story and go home!
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Aragorn arose with the birds. Leaving the twins sleeping, he strolled down to the river to wash the sleep from his eyes. The sun had not long arisen over the horizon and a smell of morning dew held the promise of another warm summer's day.
Had his senses been fully awake, Aragorn may have heard the light footsteps as they approached behind him. But then again, even the Ranger's enhanced skills would have had difficulty with these particular feet. As it was, Aragorn remained blissfully unaware of the stranger's presence as he bent down to the cool river to wash. Suddenly the peace of the morning was interrupted as an arrow ripped through the air, grazing his cheek and almost toppling him head first into the water.
Aragorn's senses were swiftly awakened at this sudden intrusion, and the shiver of pain that shot through his body. He swiftly grabbed for the short dagger he wore at his belt and turned to face his attacker. A strange elf stood before him, bow armed with a deadly arrow pointed straight at Aragorn's racing heart.
'Drop your weapon human, or my next shot will do more permanent damage.' The elf's voice carried a tone that made it clear that this order was not up for discussion. Aragorn had no compunction to argue and tossed his dagger at his aggressor's feet, anxious to avoid a misunderstanding escalating into something more. Judging by his attire this elf was from Thranduil's realm. He worn the distinctive browns and greens of the wood eldar and unlike the Nodor of Rivendell this one had hair the colour of morning sun.
'What is a man doing alone in Mirkwood?' demanded the elf. Aragorn replied calmly and truthfully. 'I am not alone, friend elf. My brothers and I are emissaries from Rivendell, bearing a message from Lord Elrond to King Thranduil.' Aragorn adopted a non-threatening pose, his hands raised and his head inclined slightly in a gesture of respect.
'Then, trouble yourself no further, human. Give me the message and I'll ensure that the King receives it.'
'So, you have the ear of the king?' replied Aragorn. He was becoming annoyed with the elf and did not take kindly to his arrogant tone. He took a small step forward in defiance. The elf did not waver, although an amused smile graced his flawless features. 'Some say, I have both the king's ears'.
As quick as it appeared the elf's smile was gone as his head snapped towards an unheard sound over Aragorn's shoulder. A fraction of a second later an audible voice came from the same direction. 'Aragorn where are you hiding?'. Aragorn tentatively turned to look behind him as the voice was joined by the physical presence of Elrohir. When he looked back to where the strange elf had stood, although it was but a second later, he was gone and Aragorn's dagger had gone with him.
'Good morning, Aragorn' greeted his brother slapping him heartily on his back as he approached, 'When you have finished beautifying yourself, we need to clear camp'. As Aragorn turned back to his brother, a puzzled frown was evident on his dark features. It was the blood on his cheek however that drew Elrohir's attention. 'My goodness Aragorn, have you cut yourself shaving again? You really ought to be more careful with sharp objects.'
'I didn't cut myself shaving. I was shot at by a wood elf.' To punctuate his statement, Aragorn pulled the wounding arrow from the trunk of a nearby tree where it had embedded itself. Elrohir stifled a laugh, highly amused by the look on his brother's face and his indignant attitude.
'What are you smiling at brother? An inch to the left and he would have killed me!'
'Dear brother, you were in no danger' calmed Elrohir, 'the arrows of the wood elves always fly true. If he had wanted you dead, you would be. He was probably just playing.'
'Playing?!!' Aragorn's ire was rapidly rising. 'The blasted elf stole my knife - what kind of game is that?'
'When we get to Mirkwood, you can find him and ask him'. Come on let's clean you up and get back to camp. Elladan will be in a foul temper if he is left to clear up by himself, and I can't cope with two grumpy brothers.
***
Later that day, the three companions sat in regal splendour drinking fine wine with the King of Mirkwood. Both Elladan and Elrohir had visited Mirkwood many times throughout their long lives and felt quite at home, but for Aragorn this was a first. It made no difference to their hosts however, and he was made as welcome as his brothers amongst their kindred. If it wasn't for the dawn encounter the sentiment would have been returned. As it was Aragorn remained on edge, keeping half an eye out for the roguish elf who had possession of his knife. Subconsciously he raised his hand to his face where his cheek still stung from the strike of the arrow. The movement drew the attention of Thranduil.
'Are you wounded Estel?' he asked using Aragorn's elfish pseudonym. 'Perhaps one of my healers could look at that for you, it looks nasty.'
'T'is nothing my'lord' replied Aragorn with slight embarrassment. 'There is no need to trouble your healers' Aragorn cast a glance towards Elrohir just catching the tail end of a grin on his brother's face as it was quickly hidden. 'I cut myself shaving'. The grin reappeared.
The rest of the day passed by uneventfully. The Rivendell visitors, ate, bathed and rested after their long journey and as night fell they were welcomed at a feast in their honour.
Entering the grand forest ballroom, Aragorn was taken aback by the number of elves that it contained. He had barely seen a dozen inhabitants of Mirkwood all day and now here they all were, dressed in their finest clothes and whirling around the dance floor to the most exquisite music he had ever heard. Their faces were illuminated by hundreds of lanterns hung from the branches of trees, and their feet stirred the lavender and lilac that was scattered over the dance floor, creating a intoxicating fragrance as they did so. Like the stranger in the woods that morning, the elves were fair and his raven-haired foster-brothers stood out in stark contrast as they moved amongst them. If the elves of Rivendell drew attention, it was insignificant in comparison to that given to the man as his kind were rarely allowed within Thranduil's realm. Yet Aragorn was oblivious to the gazes he attracted, as he remained watchful for one particular elf. As it happened, he didn't have to wait long.
The King was standing near the entrance to the ballroom talking with a group of courtiers. He had the vantage point and ceased his conversation as Aragorn entered.
'Welcome Estel. I trust you are well rested for you will need your energy this night. I do believe several young maidens are already wanting to dance with you'
Aragorn laughed. 'Perhaps glass of wine first your majesty to wake me up.'
At that point another voice joined the conversation. 'Then do not delay, I hear human's have exceedingly slow senses when not fully awake.' The elf who had spoken turned to face Aragorn with a graceful smile. For his part, Aragorn was struck dumb with the realisation that this elf was the very one he sought, although if it wasn't for his jest he may not have recognised him so easily. Gone was the garb of the hunter and in its stead was a tunic wrought of fine silk clearly marking this elf as a figure of some importance.
The king place a hand on each of his companions' shoulders and looked from one to the other, 'Aragorn, allow me to introduce my son, Legolas'.
Legolas extended his hand in the traditional elvish greeting. After a moment's hesitation Aragorn returned it. Prince or no prince, he thought to himself, we have unfinished business. However, his respect for the king stayed his hand - at least for the time being.
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Please Review!!!
Here is one scenario of how Aragorn and Legolas first met - absolutely no torture or angst and only a minor bit of pain, but don't let that put you off. Hope you enjoy it. If I get too many flamers, I shall take my story and go home!
***********************************************************
Aragorn arose with the birds. Leaving the twins sleeping, he strolled down to the river to wash the sleep from his eyes. The sun had not long arisen over the horizon and a smell of morning dew held the promise of another warm summer's day.
Had his senses been fully awake, Aragorn may have heard the light footsteps as they approached behind him. But then again, even the Ranger's enhanced skills would have had difficulty with these particular feet. As it was, Aragorn remained blissfully unaware of the stranger's presence as he bent down to the cool river to wash. Suddenly the peace of the morning was interrupted as an arrow ripped through the air, grazing his cheek and almost toppling him head first into the water.
Aragorn's senses were swiftly awakened at this sudden intrusion, and the shiver of pain that shot through his body. He swiftly grabbed for the short dagger he wore at his belt and turned to face his attacker. A strange elf stood before him, bow armed with a deadly arrow pointed straight at Aragorn's racing heart.
'Drop your weapon human, or my next shot will do more permanent damage.' The elf's voice carried a tone that made it clear that this order was not up for discussion. Aragorn had no compunction to argue and tossed his dagger at his aggressor's feet, anxious to avoid a misunderstanding escalating into something more. Judging by his attire this elf was from Thranduil's realm. He worn the distinctive browns and greens of the wood eldar and unlike the Nodor of Rivendell this one had hair the colour of morning sun.
'What is a man doing alone in Mirkwood?' demanded the elf. Aragorn replied calmly and truthfully. 'I am not alone, friend elf. My brothers and I are emissaries from Rivendell, bearing a message from Lord Elrond to King Thranduil.' Aragorn adopted a non-threatening pose, his hands raised and his head inclined slightly in a gesture of respect.
'Then, trouble yourself no further, human. Give me the message and I'll ensure that the King receives it.'
'So, you have the ear of the king?' replied Aragorn. He was becoming annoyed with the elf and did not take kindly to his arrogant tone. He took a small step forward in defiance. The elf did not waver, although an amused smile graced his flawless features. 'Some say, I have both the king's ears'.
As quick as it appeared the elf's smile was gone as his head snapped towards an unheard sound over Aragorn's shoulder. A fraction of a second later an audible voice came from the same direction. 'Aragorn where are you hiding?'. Aragorn tentatively turned to look behind him as the voice was joined by the physical presence of Elrohir. When he looked back to where the strange elf had stood, although it was but a second later, he was gone and Aragorn's dagger had gone with him.
'Good morning, Aragorn' greeted his brother slapping him heartily on his back as he approached, 'When you have finished beautifying yourself, we need to clear camp'. As Aragorn turned back to his brother, a puzzled frown was evident on his dark features. It was the blood on his cheek however that drew Elrohir's attention. 'My goodness Aragorn, have you cut yourself shaving again? You really ought to be more careful with sharp objects.'
'I didn't cut myself shaving. I was shot at by a wood elf.' To punctuate his statement, Aragorn pulled the wounding arrow from the trunk of a nearby tree where it had embedded itself. Elrohir stifled a laugh, highly amused by the look on his brother's face and his indignant attitude.
'What are you smiling at brother? An inch to the left and he would have killed me!'
'Dear brother, you were in no danger' calmed Elrohir, 'the arrows of the wood elves always fly true. If he had wanted you dead, you would be. He was probably just playing.'
'Playing?!!' Aragorn's ire was rapidly rising. 'The blasted elf stole my knife - what kind of game is that?'
'When we get to Mirkwood, you can find him and ask him'. Come on let's clean you up and get back to camp. Elladan will be in a foul temper if he is left to clear up by himself, and I can't cope with two grumpy brothers.
***
Later that day, the three companions sat in regal splendour drinking fine wine with the King of Mirkwood. Both Elladan and Elrohir had visited Mirkwood many times throughout their long lives and felt quite at home, but for Aragorn this was a first. It made no difference to their hosts however, and he was made as welcome as his brothers amongst their kindred. If it wasn't for the dawn encounter the sentiment would have been returned. As it was Aragorn remained on edge, keeping half an eye out for the roguish elf who had possession of his knife. Subconsciously he raised his hand to his face where his cheek still stung from the strike of the arrow. The movement drew the attention of Thranduil.
'Are you wounded Estel?' he asked using Aragorn's elfish pseudonym. 'Perhaps one of my healers could look at that for you, it looks nasty.'
'T'is nothing my'lord' replied Aragorn with slight embarrassment. 'There is no need to trouble your healers' Aragorn cast a glance towards Elrohir just catching the tail end of a grin on his brother's face as it was quickly hidden. 'I cut myself shaving'. The grin reappeared.
The rest of the day passed by uneventfully. The Rivendell visitors, ate, bathed and rested after their long journey and as night fell they were welcomed at a feast in their honour.
Entering the grand forest ballroom, Aragorn was taken aback by the number of elves that it contained. He had barely seen a dozen inhabitants of Mirkwood all day and now here they all were, dressed in their finest clothes and whirling around the dance floor to the most exquisite music he had ever heard. Their faces were illuminated by hundreds of lanterns hung from the branches of trees, and their feet stirred the lavender and lilac that was scattered over the dance floor, creating a intoxicating fragrance as they did so. Like the stranger in the woods that morning, the elves were fair and his raven-haired foster-brothers stood out in stark contrast as they moved amongst them. If the elves of Rivendell drew attention, it was insignificant in comparison to that given to the man as his kind were rarely allowed within Thranduil's realm. Yet Aragorn was oblivious to the gazes he attracted, as he remained watchful for one particular elf. As it happened, he didn't have to wait long.
The King was standing near the entrance to the ballroom talking with a group of courtiers. He had the vantage point and ceased his conversation as Aragorn entered.
'Welcome Estel. I trust you are well rested for you will need your energy this night. I do believe several young maidens are already wanting to dance with you'
Aragorn laughed. 'Perhaps glass of wine first your majesty to wake me up.'
At that point another voice joined the conversation. 'Then do not delay, I hear human's have exceedingly slow senses when not fully awake.' The elf who had spoken turned to face Aragorn with a graceful smile. For his part, Aragorn was struck dumb with the realisation that this elf was the very one he sought, although if it wasn't for his jest he may not have recognised him so easily. Gone was the garb of the hunter and in its stead was a tunic wrought of fine silk clearly marking this elf as a figure of some importance.
The king place a hand on each of his companions' shoulders and looked from one to the other, 'Aragorn, allow me to introduce my son, Legolas'.
Legolas extended his hand in the traditional elvish greeting. After a moment's hesitation Aragorn returned it. Prince or no prince, he thought to himself, we have unfinished business. However, his respect for the king stayed his hand - at least for the time being.
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Please Review!!!