Disclaimers: Read the Author's Notes. Why do they need heirs, you ask? You'll see. Sheelala is Elvish for Spring Festival.

Reasons To Fight, Reasons to Wed

Part 3. Illumination

Aragorn, formerly known as Estel, glowered at Legolas. 'What right do you have to destroy my life as I know it? I don't even want to marry!'

Legolas lifted his chin slightly. 'Do not blame me for the fact that we are betrothed. It was decided by our fathers, not me.' His voice was both calm and neutral at the same time, though he said nothing of Aragorn's statement that he did not want to marry anyone, though it hurt. It hurt terribly, for Legolas had anticipated the day he was to wed Aragorn.

Their souls were connected; how could Aragorn deny it? It was what had prompted Legolas to defy his father so very long ago, because he had known that Aragorn was in danger. Now Aragorn was rejecting him, in spite of everything. They were meant to be together, Legolas knew. Even the stars and Elbereth seemed to agree, for Aragorn shared a birth-date with Legolas, who had been born over six hundred centuries before Aragorn was.

Aragorn simply narrowed his eyes at the beauty before him. He resented his life being turned upside down like this, for the fact that his fath- no, Elrond had lied to him hurt him terribly, as well as the knowledge that Elladan and Elrohir had probably known the truth as well. Everything was changing all of a sudden, which Aragorn hated. 'Why did you have to come for me?' he questioned bitterly. 'I was happy not knowing.

'So you do not intend to wed me?' Legolas asked, feeling as if his heart would shatter into tiny pieces. He had always loved Aragorn from the moment he had been born; it was in Legolas' nature and soul. No matter what the half Elf said or did, Legolas would always love him. It was a pure, unconditional love, which no one could break, not even Legolas himself. It was a blessing…and a curse.

'What?' Aragorn muttered. He then saw the distraught look on the face of the one he was betrothed to. Such…sadness was reflected there, in those beautiful azure eyes. 'I don't know,' he snapped. 'I need time to deal with this…' Aragorn was surprised when Legolas turned even paler, if it was possible. An unreadable expression was in the Elf's eyes.

Legolas questioned, 'How much time?' He was attempting to act like everything was fine, but it was not. If he was not wed before… Legolas shook his head, to get rid of those thoughts. 'I cannot stay here indefinitely. If you do not want me, I will return home. Because Arathorn no longer lives, you do not have to… You are not obligated to marry me.' Though Legolas had hoped that Aragorn would want to marry him.

Aragorn frowned, for he felt that Legolas sounded a little too…distant. 'I don't know,' he finally said.

'Is there anything you do know?' Legolas asked, a small trace of sadness in his voice.

'I don't… No, not at the present time,' Aragorn retorted.

Legolas took a deep breath. 'Even if you choose not to honor our betrothal, you must fulfill your duty to your people. You are the heir to Gondor; you must claim your birthright.'

Aragorn asked harshly, 'Who says?' In truth, he was terrified at the thought of ruling a kingdom that he knew little about.

'You have no sense of duty or honor,' Legolas snapped angrily, his temper getting the better of him currently. He was hurting so badly… After all this time and all the waiting, Aragorn did not want him. 'What of your people? They need a leader.'

'Stewards were appointed to watch over Gondor. Let them take care of it,' Aragorn replied. That was the one thing he knew about the kingdom. A scowl lit on his face. 'I have no sense of duty?' he yelled, just now realizing what Legolas had said.

'Nay, you do not. I am willing to honor the agreement between my father and yours, yet you reject it. Then you say that the welfare of the Gondor people is not your concern?' Legolas was incredulous.

Aragorn grabbed Legolas by the shoulders and gripped them hard. 'Do not give insult to me, Elf,' he hissed. 'Or face the consequences.'

Legolas just lifted his chin slightly. 'Should I be scared?' he questioned, a hidden smirk in his voice.

Aragorn pushed the blond Elf back against the wall hard, holding him there. He ignored the small cry of pain that escaped from Legolas, as the half Elf frowned down at him.

'Do not believe yourself to be better than me, Legolas,' he angrily hissed.

Legolas reacted finally, for he had been shocked. He easily shoved Aragorn away from him, and stood there silently. 'I never did. I thought we were equals,' he answered. 'We do have much in common, you and I. We are both the only heirs of our fathers and we both have obligations. But the decision is yours, as it has always been. I will leave here if you do not want me.'

Aragorn surprised them both by kissing Legolas hard. His tongue tried to invade the Elf's warm mouth, before Legolas suddenly began ravaging Aragorn's mouth with his tongue. A larger hand came up to cup the back of Legolas' head, as the Elf sweetly kissed Aragorn. A second hand looped around the slender waist of the blond beauty again, pulling him close.

Aragorn was stunned as Legolas tenderly kissed him again, pure and fulfilling. He had never felt anything like this before, as he felt a strange warmth creeping through his veins. This felt so right, so familiar to him, Aragorn thought, as he returned the sweet kiss. The two stood there kissing and did not notice the two figures who stood there, gaping at them.

Elladan and Elrohir had been searching for Legolas, when they spotted him standing nearby, close to Aragorn. They were shocked to see that he had one hand tilting Legolas' face towards him, and a hand around his waist. Their lips were locked together.

The twin Elves exchanged a look, their eyebrows raised. This was a good thing, wasn't it? They watched for a few moments, for they had never seen Legolas so happy before. It was to be expected, given the nature of things.

Aragorn was the first to sense someone watching them, so he broke the kiss and looked around, an angry expression on his face. The warm feelings of belonging and recognition faded, as he withdrew his hands from Legolas.

The Elven Prince looked at Aragorn, confusion in his eyes, until he, too, suddenly felt eyes upon them. Legolas frowned and began murmuring a small spell, which drew Aragorn's attention.

A ball of white light appeared, hovering above Legolas' hand. It slowly floated over to where Elrohir and Elladan were hiding, lighting up the Elven twins as the light spell illuminated the two.

'Elladan!' Legolas cried. 'Elrohir!'

Aragorn said nothing to the two, because he was still angry. Instead, he turned to Legolas. 'What are you, a mage or something?'

Legolas averted his gaze from his friends and looked up at his betrothed, before he nodded. 'Aye, for my father and mother both have magic. Strong magic tends to run in my family.' He saw Aragorn's brown eyes narrow, and sighed, 'No, I did not use my magic to make you kiss me.'

Aragorn frowned. 'I was not going to ask that!'

'Yes, you were,' Legolas answered, frowning back. 'You cannot lie to me; I know you too well.'

'You do not know me!' Aragorn shouted in fury. 'How can anyone know me when I don't even know myself?'

Legolas sighed. 'Elrond didn't mean to hurt you, Aragorn, by not telling you the truth.'

Aragorn glared at Legolas. 'And how am I supposed to believe that when he lied to me my entire life!' The half Elf didn't know who he was anymore. He had always believed that Elrond was his father, but now that illusion was shattered. He was not Estel; he was Aragorn, the son of Arathorn, who had been a king. What did he know of ruling, Aragorn angrily told himself.

Elladan and Elrohir flinched when Aragorn finally yelled at Legolas. The Elven mage seriously contemplated making Aragorn mute for a while, but decided against it. His compassionate heart would not allow him to do so, as well as the fact that he loved Aragorn.

Legolas narrowed his azure eyes at Aragorn. He was not going to be yelled at like this, when he had done nothing wrong, at least not in his opinion. 'If you want to talk to me, Aragorn, stop yelling at me. It's not my fault that you were not told of your heritage… or of me.'

Elrohir and Elladan glanced back and forth between the two who were now glaring at each other, hands on their hips. Elladan was secretly amused that Aragorn managed to make Legolas so angry.

'Don't tell me what to do!' Aragorn bellowed.

Legolas retorted, 'Stop acting like a child. We need to come to some sort of agreement about what is going to happen.'

Aragorn rolled his eyes. 'What's the rush?' he muttered.

'I am not putting my life on hold while you wait to decide if you want me or not,' Legolas answered. 'I need to know by the Sheelala.'

'That's in less than two weeks,' Aragorn protested.

Legolas met Aragorn's gaze squarely. 'If I do not have an answer from you then, our betrothal will be automatically voided, as it was decreed by my father.' A fear was in Legolas, which he did not dare to show, though it held him in a fierce grip. An unnamed fear, which he would not say.

Aragorn scowled. 'Fine,' he snapped. 'Though I don't see what the big rush is. It isn't like your life is getting turned upside down like mine is.'

Elladan and Elrohir turned when they heard the footsteps of someone approaching slowly, but deliberately. The twin Elves gritted their teeth when they saw who it was, but they did not dare to say anything.

Legolas' face went impassive as the figure approached, his dark grey eyes roaming appreciatively over the slender Elf who stood there, saying nothing.

Aragorn didn't like the way Legolas had just schooled his emotions. He looked at the Man, and felt an instant chill run through him at the sight of those fathomless eyes. Unease went up his spine, as the Man purposefully went over to Legolas and looked down at him.

Meron's smooth voice questioned, "It has been a while, has it not, Legolas? I have been looking for you."

"I do not know why," Legolas answered. "Everyone knew I was coming to Rivendell."

Aragorn really didn't like the unease he saw in Legolas' eyes. The Elf seemed… almost afraid, but Aragorn was not certain.

"You know why I am here," Meron said, a hint of coldness in his voice.

Legolas carefully hid his emotions as he faced the one problem in his life… Meron, a close friend of his father's. "I fear I do not. You know the reason I came, but I do not comprehend why you are here. It has naught to do with you."

Elladan and Elrohir walked over and stood by Aragorn, whom they still considered a little brother.

Meron smirked, "It has everything to do with me, Elf." He reached a hand out towards Legolas' face, but the Elven Prince deliberately stepped back, brushing against Aragorn.

"Leave me be," Legolas stated firmly. He could not fight with Meron here, in Rivendell. Not in front of Elrond and especially not when his father was good friends with him, Legolas knew.

Aragorn gave this stranger a warning look, his brown eyes flashing, as he placed a hand on Legolas' shoulder. It was pure instinct to Aragorn to defend the Elven Prince, who was his betrothed.

Meron said, "I'll see you at the Sheelala, Legolas." He turned and walked away, a smirk on his face.

Legolas let out an audible sigh of relief, and was immediately flanked by the twins. Aragorn's hand slipped from his shoulder, as he turned to face them.

'Are you all right?' Elrohir questioned.

Elladan murmured, 'Maybe we should go inside, in case he comes back.'

Aragorn cleared his throat, causing the three friends to look at him.

'Who was that?' he demanded, looking straight at Legolas. 'And why were you so afraid of him?'

Legolas met the look calmly. 'A close friend of my father's.'

'But why did you back away from him?' Aragorn persisted. The compulsion to protect Legolas was overwhelming. 'Why were you afraid?'

'That is not your concern, Aragorn, until you make your decision on whether or not we are going to wed,' Legolas told him firmly. 'Until you do, I would thank you to keep out of my affairs.'

Aragorn frowned at those words, because he felt like he did have a right to know. Legolas was his potential betrothed, and he had a right to protect the beautiful Elf.

Legolas inclined his head towards Elladan. 'Could you please show me to my room, Elladan? I am weary from the journey and would welcome a chance to rest, before tonight.'

Aragorn had completely forgotten about the ball this night. He groaned, because he did not want to go. He needed a chance to think on everything that he had learned, including his strange attraction to Legolas. It seemed to be instinct to touch him…kiss him…

Elladan saw weariness in Legolas' eyes, and led the blond Elven Prince away, leaving Elrohir with Aragorn.

'I'm sorry,' Elrohir whispered. 'If it makes you feel any better, as far as Elladan and I are concerned, you are our brother. And Father actually shed tears. This has not been easy on any of us.'

Those words did relieve some of the pain in Aragorn's heart. 'How can I be a king?' he asked, bitterness in his voice. 'What do I know of ruling?'

Elrohir clapped Aragorn on the shoulder. 'You are a natural leader; you just do not see it.' He turned to leave, then looked back. 'If you need to talk, I will listen.'

Aragorn nodded gratefully, and watched Elrohir walk away. The half Elf then went over to a bench and sat on it, thinking for a few hours.

He didn't know what to do about Legolas, because the Elf brought out strange feelings in him, which Aragorn had never expected. The fact that the truth had been kept from him still hurt him, painfully so.

Mithrandir joined Aragorn after a while, introducing himself.

'Elrond did not have a choice when he deceived you, Aragorn,' Mithrandir said knowledgeably.

'There is always a choice,' Aragorn muttered, remembering Legolas' words from earlier.

Mithrandir sighed. 'Everything is not always cut and dry, young one. The Nazgul and other minions of Sauron and Saruman were still searching for you. If Elrond had not changed your name and claimed you as his son, you probably would not be alive.'

Aragorn had never thought of that before. 'Why didn't he tell me, at least? Everyone else must have known the truth.' The question had to be answered, for Aragorn's peace of mind.

'He planned to tell you tonight, Aragorn, for he did not know that Legolas would be here so early,' Mithrandir gently explained.

'Legolas…' Aragorn said, with a sigh. 'I'm not ready to wed, let alone to someone I don't know.'

Mithrandir raised an eyebrow at that reply. 'Perhaps you are not giving yourself enough credit, Aragorn. The fact that you are uncertain as of what to do speaks highly of you, for most would have automatically rejected the betrothal.' He said that on purpose, to gauge Aragorn's reaction to it.

Aragorn instantly frowned. 'Who would reject him? Legolas is beautiful.'

'Can you think of nothing besides his beauty?' Mithrandir casually inquired.

'I don't really know him that well yet,' Aragorn admitted. 'I just want to do the right thing; for everyone, not just for me.'

Mithrandir stood, murmuring something about it being too hot outside. 'That does speak highly of you, son of Arathorn. Would you mind telling Legolas that I was looking for him?'

Aragorn shook his head and stood as well. After Mithrandir was well and truly gone, the half Elf decided he should get some rest as well. He went inside and made for his rooms silently.

The slightly cracked door on the room next to his drew Aragorn's attention. He curiously went over and opened it slowly, before he silently slipped inside. Deep breathing was the only sound he heard, as Aragorn crept noiselessly to the bed, drawn against his will. There, he saw the most exquisite sight he had ever seen.

Legolas lay on the bed, sound asleep, with the golden light from the windows illuminating his skin, leaving a rosy flush on his face, and giving his hair golden, glistening highlights. His lips were slightly parted, and the blankets over him had slid down to Legolas' waist. His shirt lay on the floor, along with his tunic and sword-belt.

Aragorn peered into the vacant, open eyes, before he slowly brought his gaze down, stopping to stare at the smooth, ivory chest which stood out in the sunlight. It rose and fell as Legolas breathed in his sleep.

A hand drifted out of its own accord, and gently smoothed some of the blond locks out of Legolas' face. Aragorn then slowly traced the sleeping Elf's face with his hand, touching cheeks, forehead, chin, underneath chin, and finally…lips. It was incredibly soft to the touch.

Legolas stirred slightly, and his tongue licked his lips, brushing the two fingers that were on them. He continued sleeping however, and Aragorn removed his hand, an unreadable expression in his eyes.

The half Elf frowned slightly, before he turned and walked away silently, closing the door behind him.

To be continued