All That is Gold
By Firniswin
Rating:
T (PG-13)
Series:
"The Blind Cannot See What the Mute Cannot Say"
"Blind Trust"
Summary:
AU. At the request of the Council of Elrond, a fellowship has been created to bring the One Ring to the peak of Mount Doom. Members for this fellowship have been chosen and they are now well on their way in their quest. Aragorn, now a well-seasoned member of the Ranger's and a skilled leader among them strives to lead the group as well as protect the Ring-bearer Frodo. And even with all this, he must strive the rekindle the relationship he has lost with Legolas in hopes that he will gain more than an ally but someone who will stand by him and his decisions as he once did long ago.
Chapter One:
Memories
Aragorn couldn't remember the last time he'd been so happy.
Even out in the wilds with a group of people who were not exactly the best suited for a mission of this sort didn't matter to him at this point.
He could feel Legolas next to him and Frodo on his other side, both asleep.
Well, Frodo was asleep. Legolas didn't move as he lay, but his breathing was not that of one asleep, it was troubled, almost as if he was hurt or in some sort of pain.
Turning into his side, the man inched his way to the prince and being as silent as he could for those others who were sleeping whispered.
"Legolas?"
Aragorn could hear a gentle movement and could almost see the elf turning his head towards him, his light hair brushing against the cold ground, but oddly not messed up. His braids, he imagined, would still be perfectly tight and his hand was probably on his bow, in case of any night attacks.
Estel understood this easily. He too had his sword near him, even though they always had at least two standing guard every hour. Still, he did not always trust those on guard- especially not the other man, Boromir- there was something odd about him that struck a wrong cord in Aragorn.
Maybe he was just sensitive or still wounded from past experiences, who knew. Not even the sightless man could be certain, but just in case, he always kept his sword at hand and made certain Frodo was always nearest to him.
"What, Estel?" Legolas' voice was calm and cool, as it almost always was. The prince did not get ruffled easily, not anymore.
Brushing aside his former thoughts, Aragorn concentrated on Legolas.
"I don't know. You just sounded in pain-"
Legolas chuckled dryly.
"I was breathing!"
"Well it sounded strained… or something…" Aragorn shrugged.
"Estel- keep your ears on Frodo. He is the one to be worried for." Aragorn could hear Legolas turn over, but the man wasn't finished.
"Are you certain you are alright?"
"Yes."
"You didn't sound alright…" the man pushed further, hoping to get deeper past the prince's façade. He knew Legolas better than the elf seemed to remember and it pained him that he would not let Aragorn help.
The blonde elf turned again, this time facing Aragorn full on and laying flat on his stomach.
"Why are you being so pesky? Shouldn't you go to sleep?"
"What is bothering you?"It was obvious now that Aragorn would not stop.
Even if there had been nothing wrong, he would have kept interrogating the prince till either he answered him or he felt the answer was correct and not some lie to deter his mind from worrying.
Legolas sighed and smiled.
"You know, you are a royal pain in the behind." he stated matter-o'-factly and Aragorn shrugged nonchalantly with a nod.
"Yes. But I need to know." Estel's voice was pleading.
The prince snorted and, crossing his arms, laid his head down on them, still facing Aragorn.
"I don't know…" he began to draw back into his shell, but Aragorn moved closer, raising an eyebrow and boring his sightless eyes into Legolas until the prince had to remind himself that the man could not actually see him.
"Fine. It's just the memories." he breathed the words so they were barely a whisper. "Memories of you and me and of how happy we were. I mean, I know our relationship has been strengthened and that we are friends again. I have no malice for you and you have none for me, but…" he stopped and licked dry lips. "I can't help but think of what it will be like once we reach Gondor- once you are king." the last word was soft and even Aragorn had to strain to hear it.
"Legolas…"
"I just want to know that you won't forget about me once you are important and have duties. Once you have a family… I mean, I will always support you Estel. I just want to know that I will have the same support. I want to know that I can come to you no matter what and you will have time to listen."
Aragorn shook his head and before Legolas could speak another word, he put a hand over his lips.
The man smiled.
"Legolas. There is no friend or advisor I have ever valued or will ever value more than you- with the exception of Arwen… but that's 'cause if I don't say that, she'll- well," he gulped. "Let's not dwell on what Arwen could do… the point is: you are my best friend, mellon nin, and no advisor, wizard, prince, duke, or steward could EVER take your place."
Legolas smiled and chuckled.
"No worries about Arwen- I'll let her be first." he whispered before rolling back over.
Aragorn sighed.
"Thanks."
"No," Legolas turned back. "Thank you." Estel could hear the smile in his voice and the peace that filled his breath as he spoke.
Rolling back over, the prince whispered a final good night and Aragorn, scooting back to his spot, laid his head on the dry ground and pulled his cloak over his body as the chill of the night crept in.