Disclaimer: All recognisable characters belong to Tolkien/New Line, the storyline belongs to H.- Chr. Andersen.
For warnings see chapter 1
"normal speech"
*thoughts*
'elfish'
Chapter 10
It was a wonderful day and the sun was shining brightly, making the white city look even more beautiful than usual. Those who did not have to work were outside, enjoying what was probably one of the last warm days before the long, cold winter. But not everyone was happy.
Faramir was looking out of the window for about the twentieth time within the last hour. Aragorn should have returned two days ago. He was not really worried, not yet, because his king was a skilled warrior and certainly capable of taking care about himself. Besides, it was not unusual that Aragorn spent more time travelling the lands than he had actually planned; he was simply not made for court life. Faramir and his brother Boromir normally took over the king's duties while he was gone, but this time was different. Elrond and his daughter would arrive tomorrow evening, what was he supposed to say when Aragorn was not there to greet his uncle and bride-to-be? He could imagine his encounter with the elven lord: "I'm terribly sorry, but your nephew is not interested in marrying at all and preferred hiding in the woods over meeting your daughter." Not for the first time he was wondering why exactly he had agreed to become Aragorn's chief counsellor when Arathorn was killed during an orc-attack. With a sigh, Faramir returned to his paper work. He continued until a servant entered the room around nine in the evening: "The king has returned."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Legolas was looking around nervously. He had followed Aragorn and Faramir to the king's study and the two men hadn't stopped discussing Aragorn's journey since. They seemed to completely ignore him and Legolas felt a little out of place. Now Aragorn was giving him an apologetic smile and Faramir finally decided to acknowledge him. The young price soon found himself wishing everybody was still ignoring him, because Faramir regarded him in a rather suspicious manner and did not seem to like him at all
"Who are you and what are you doing here?"
Before Legolas could react, Aragorn answered for him. "This is Gavin, we travelled here together and I want him to stay in the palace."
If possible, Faramir's expression became even more unfriendly, but he managed to speak in a polite voice. "You must be exhausted from the journey; I will have a servant show you to one of the guest quarters and get you something to eat." When the servant came a few moments later, Legolas was actually relieved to get away. He was really exhausted and Faramir's stares unnerved him. He undressed and collapsed on the bed immediately, not having the energy to eat or even put on his sleeping robes.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Aragorn sitting in his chair, waiting patiently for Faramir's outburst that he knew was inevitable, judging from the look in his counsellor's and trusted friend's eyes. *At least he kept his temper until Gavin left, the poor boy would have felt even more unwelcome than he already does.*
"Are you sure it is wise to bring a complete stranger to the castle?" Aragorn didn't have to ask to know who Faramir was referring to. "I mean, I don't want to question your judgement, I know you trust him, but from what we know this boy might as well be a spy or a criminal. We should be careful, especially now that your betrothed is coming tomorrow."
Aragorn felt the need to defend his young friend. "You can not be serious, haven't you looked at him? He is just a scared boy who doesn't know were to go. I know that I can trust…" The information Faramir had given him finally registered in Aragorn's mind. "She is coming tomorrow?!"
"Please don't tell me you forgot about that. Yes, your uncle and the lady Arwen will be here tomorrow afternoon. Lord Elrond decided that it would be best if the lady lived in Gondor for six month before you get married so that you may get to know each other."
"Why am I not looking forward to this meeting?" Aragorn doubted that his life could get any worse. However, his sarcasm seemed to upset Faramir.
"Stop acting like a spoiled child. It is your duty as a king to get a wife and heirs. This marriage will not only provide you with both but also help us form a strong alliance with Rivendell. Besides, the lady Arwen is hardly a monster, I am sure many people envy you." Giving Aragorn no chance to argue anymore, he continued. "Well, it's late. I suggest you try to get some rest. Food will be brought to your chambers." Aragorn nodded thankfully and was about to leave the room when Faramir's voice stopped him: "And Aragorn…I would suggest you take a bath before our guests arrive."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A knock on his door awoke Legolas from his sleep. Who would come to his room in the middle of the night? The door slowly opened and a head appeared. Aragorn. Legolas motioned for the man to enter.
"You were already asleep, I am sorry, but I needed to talk to someone, but I am disturbing you, so I guess I will just leave..." *Now, that was smart…Gavin will think I am a total idiot.* But the boy did not seem to mind at all and pointed at a chair near his bed. Wondering why exactly Gavin was hiding under his sheets, he discovered that the boy was not wearing anything. The thought made Aragorn blush. "If you would like to dress, I can look out of the window for a while." The boy nodded and Aragorn turned away.
The king soon discovered that turning to face the window maybe had not been such a good idea after all, as it was exactly opposite the dresser. His own reflection covered most parts of Gavin's body, but he still got a nice view of a well muscled, hairless chest. Aragorn knew he should close his eyes but was unable to do so. The boy was truly beautiful and he found himself wondering how the rest of his body would look like…
Gavin was now tapping him on the shoulder, indicating that he had finished dressing. He seated himself on the bed, crossing his legs, and waited for Aragorn to speak.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Please review?
Response to reviews:
Nina: Sorry, but Aragorn was not talking about Legolas.
Judy: Poor Legolas/Gavin is going to suffer a lot in this fic.
Lai: Thanks a lot
Phoenix Tear: Thank you so much.
need_a_diary: Sorry, but Aragorn is indeed talking about a maiden.
Glorfindel's Angel of Mercy: I'm afraid your guess is right…poor Legolas.
Tararith: Thank you.
Earendilstar: Thanks a lot