A/N: I don't know where this came from it just came to me one night while I was trying to HTML new stuff for the web page and it wouldn't leave me alone so we'll see where it goes. I know more or less where I want to go with it and where I'm going to end it, but we'll se how it ends up writing. Since when I write things they usually do not end up going the way I plan to take them. *laughs lightly* So yeah we'll see. This more or less follows the books.
Setting: During the stay in Lothlorien and after that till the breaking of the Fellowship when Frodo and Sam head off on their own and Borormir's death.
Denials
By: Jaya
Chapter One - Rejection
It was cold and blustery that day, unlike the other days that we had seen past inside the borders of the Golden Wood. Gloomy was a word that came all too readily to the mind that day as he wandered slowly beneath the threes that spread their looming branches beneath the sky; blocking out most of the lower brooding clouds over head. But he didn't see the clouds, nor did he really see the grass under his feet too many other things in his mind the shadows of reality.
So lost in thought that he never heard the soft fall of the foots on the wet earth didn't register --they should have-- in his mind; at least not until a voice accompanied them. "Aragorn?"
He glanced back at Boromir who had followed him from their small encampment, slightly troubled by the look he saw in the Steward's eyes. Turning away Aragorn kept walking, for a moment and Boromir fell into step with him. At last he spoke. "What is it Boromir?"
"Should we not continue on our journey soon?" Boromir would not look at him, instead Aragorn found his gaze off in the trees.
"When the time comes you will know it." Aragorn said softly.
"But..."
"The Golden Wood does not suit you?" The question was quiet but pointed for it was quiet obvious that the Steward of Gondor was not at pease within the shadows of the giant trees.
"No it does not, the sooner we leave the sooner I will be happy."
Aragorn nodded. "I thought as much."
There was an uncomfortable pause between the two, neither looking at the other and yet both accutly awear of the others presents. Finally Boromir moved away. "I will leave you then." He said without looking back, though he could feel Aragorn's eyes watching him leave.
He stood there for a moment, not sure what to make of the encounter, it was no secret that Boromir was not at peace within the wood. It was evident every day they stayed, and though Aragorn knew that it was true they must soon move on he himself was loathed to leave the sanctuary of the place. To him it wass a safe haven even though he could not forget the dark things that had passed and those that were to come, -- known or unknown. When they left the wood it would be upon his shoulders to lead the others saftly --as safe as could be anyway-- along their road towards Mordor.
Yet it was not just this matter that laid heavily on his mind, there was another that he could not escape from. Taking to the tree's, Aragorn finally tracked down the other object of his thoughts. Finding Legolas's alone in a glade some was away, doing has he had been doing for many long hours during the days. Filling them with practice to illude the thoughts, as if he could shoot down the fantom demons that haunted his mind as he could the orcs that crossed their paths. But it was not the same thing. Sitting silent in the shadows of a giant oak, some ways off the ground Aragorn watched, --silently.
One could not help but admire the swift easy movements of the leathal body of the elven Prince. Nor the soft sheen of his golden hair, he had a light of his own. Even beneath the blanket of clouds that smothered everything in gray, Legolas still stood out in it all, like a ray of hope. Aragorn knew that which he wish to speak to his friend of, though he was not sure he would ever have the courage to say that which plagued his own mind. It was not something that was to be done lightly, and indeed the decision to speak at all had not been made without long hours of thought.
"You can come down now Aragorn." He shook off his thoughts to find Legolas look up at him with a strange look on his face. "How long have you been watching me?"
"For a bit." Aragorn admited quietly as he climbed easily down from the tree, brushing a leaf out of his hair. "I have not see much of you around camp the past couple of days."
"I have been busy else where." Legolas turned away from him drawing the bow again.
"I had noticed."
There was a pause between them, after firing another couple arrows Legolas let his bow drop again, turning to give Aragorn a quizical look. "Why have you sought me out tonight Estle? Surely not simply for this."
"In truth no, though I had missed your company." He was glad for the shadows that hid his features as their eyes met. Had he really seen in those ageless eyes what he thought he had seen. Aragorn was not sure, yet he knew if he didn't find the courage tonight he would never find it. "I wished to... to tell you something."
Legolas arched a questioning eye brow, a tired look on his face. "What might that be?" The elf studied him for a moment before moving closer into the shadows of the tree beneath which Aragorn stood. Impulsively he reached out to put ah and on the man's shoulder. "What are you trying to find the courage to tell me? Have I not long been a friend and travel companion, what are you afraid to tell me?"
"Can I ask you something?" Aragorn asked.
"Certianly."
"Might you could have feelings for me?"
Legolas looked slightly surprised. "Surely I love you like a brother, but what of that Aragorn you knew as much. What is this about?" Slowly it dawned on him. "Do not say it Aragorn." He whispered taking a step back.
"Why should I not say what is on my heart?"
"Some things are best left unsaid."
"Then you can not feel for me as my heart weeps for you?"
"Please..."
Without a word Aragorn placed a single, brief but bruising kiss upon the elf's lips. "So be it." He whispered turning and vanishing into the trees without looking back. Never seen Legolas lean against the tree a tremor running throug his normaly poised body, nor the unshed tears in his eyes. What was said was said and what was done was done.