I'm back! I know updates are scarce these days, but life's been complicated lately. However, here we are and all of that! The road goes ever on, as they say.

Chapter 12 – Roads, Hornburg, Rohan, Rohan, Rohan…

They had ridden out from Isengard and night had fallen. Then they rested and Aragorn had fallen asleep and then something woke him up. This something was now nudging his lower back in the dark, and for a fleeting moment it seemed promising as it was not wholly unlikely that Legolas had settled behind him and was… excited. You know. Unfortunately, when Aragorn opened his eyes a bit more, he realised that it was only the wooden staff that Gandalf carried and… we will not go there.

Anyhow, the Wizard looked troubled in the dim light of the stars and he was carrying what looked like a heavy bundle. Reluctantly waking up, Aragorn noticed that through the camp swept a nervous murmuring and Riders were uneasily stirring in the shadows.

"Pippin looked into the palantír," Gandalf said hastily. "It was a foolish deed, but it cannot be undone."

Aragorn rubbed his eyes.

"Fortunately he relayed not much to the Enemy, but instead saw what I can only interpret as His true plans. I shall take Pippin with me and ride to Minas Tirith before the break of dawn."

Okay…

This was a lot of information to be given so suddenly.

Gandalf's eyes narrowed. "Aragorn?"

"Yes?"

"Are you listening?"

He nodded. It was always better to at least appear awake if a Wizard was talking to you. The graver problems arose if said (or another – same thing) Wizard expected an intelligible reply.

Gandalf seemed not entirely convinced but went on nonetheless. "It is perilous for Pippin to stay so close to what is now to him – perhaps – a thing of temptation."

Looking into the heart of the matter, Aragorn knew the nature of temptation all too well himself to be angry with Pippin, even in this nightly hour. He could easily summon memories of Legolas smiling indecently at him over dinner in Elrond's house. He could recall the first stumbling moments of what he then had considered to be Proper Seduction Of Elf but which he had quickly learnt was most embarrassing behaviour, really.

Also, he remembered a certain sunny Rivendell afternoon by a well-hidden pond that had begun very innocently with him reading. (It had not been a tremendously captivating book. Something about '30 different ways in which to handle a Giant Ant, should he – or she, as it well may be – enter your garden at an inappropriate time of day'. Aragorn had rather quickly seen through the book as he so far had only heard of Giant Spiders and knew they had no particular interest in cabbage and carrots. Nevertheless he kept on reading the book so as to be able to properly curse the author for all his idiocy when he had reached the end of it.)

The day was warm and he had stripped away nearly all his clothes as he was alone. (Provided no Giant Ant chose to approach him of course. As if that would ever happen…) But then Legolas had emerged from the trees and settled down upon the grass some feet away, and evidently he too thought the day too warm for leggings and tunics and boots and belts… and in the end he was completely undressed and Aragorn suddenly had some problems hiding both his presence and the effect that Legolas' naked body had on him. So, he had…

"Aragorn!"

Gandalf looked almost angry.

Aragorn cleared his throat and wished that his flushed cheeks appeared very pale. (It was possible as these were uncertain times and a year of strange magic and such.) "Minas Tirith, you say?" he offered weakly, hoping that the Wizard had not said much while his thoughts strayed.

"Yes, I shall take Pippin with me. But the stone is not safe with me." He eyed Aragorn closely. "Will you, heir of Elendil, take it into your possession? By right it is yours to claim, as I have already made clear." (See chapter 11 for further information on this matter. Or do not, if you remember it. Or you may do so anyway simply to check that all is well and under control. It is, in the end, up to you, dear reader.)

And so it was that a couple of minutes later, Aragorn sat with a swathed Seeing Device Of Evil in his lap, staring miserably at it.

Equally miserable were Merry and Pippin, having to part at last and they said their goodbyes solemnly and not without a note of despair in their voices.

Not long afterwards, Gandalf mounted Shadowfax, set Pippin before him, and cried a final farewell. "Follow fast!" he called to them, and then they were gone, swept up by the night, and only the faint thunder of the hooves of Shadowfax (yes, same horse) remained behind for yet another second or two.

With a frown, Aragorn returned to his bedroll. They needed to leave at once he understood. This country was not safe and the Nazgûl hungrily patrolled the skies. He aimed a kick at the wrapped-up palantír, but changed the course of his foot in the last moment. Probably it was not a good thing attacking it – who knew how Saruman had cursed it? And Aragorn liked to have two functioning feet after all.

He was dwelling on this when Legolas noiselessly stepped up behind him. They stood for a while in silence before the Elf carefully broke it.

"I expect that is Gandalf's parting gift?"

"Yes," he nodded despondently. "By heritage, it is mine now."

Legolas did not respond immediately, but he closed the remaining distance between them and snaked an arm around Aragorn's waist, hidden by his cloak.

It felt good, very good, to be so close and to Aragorn the heaviness of the night suddenly became a lighter burden to carry. He quickly glanced about the camp, but the light was still poor and the men busy, and so he leaned in closer and rested his head on his lover's shoulder. Legolas' fingers ran undemanding across the fabric of his tunic and the touch was soothing. Aragorn closed his eyes and breathed in the scent of his Elf, noticing that he still carried the smell of greenery even in this dreary landscape. Comforted, he exhaled slowly and let Legolas rule the moment. Which he did.

"So, lover," the Elf whispered in a hoarse voice. "Shall we go play with your… globes?"

– xxx –

And so they rode some more. (No, it never ended.) And it was still dark. (That never seemed to end either.) And Gimli was riding with Legolas. (Lovely.) Put differently, much was still the same except that Aragorn now had Merry seated before him on Hasufel. Together with Théoden and his Riders they were making for Helm's Deep and the Hornburg, before a longer journey would take them to Gondor and the White City.

"So," huffed Gimli optimistically, "how, Aragorn, will your rhyme of this night ring in our ears?"

Aragorn turned to him and muttered his response. "I know not – I have not yet thought of a word that rhymes with 'palantír'."

"Perhaps you could use 'Sarn Gebir'," Merry, who had been quiet since they rode off, quipped suddenly. "If you have not already included the events of that night in your writing…"

His voice sounded far too cheerful for his own good and Aragorn glared down upon his curly head. Certainly Merry was supposed to be heartbroken because of Pippin's departure?

As it was, this tactic did not manage to quieten the Hobbit. "Hmm," said Merry. "What do you say Strider, of this: 'From a Wizard's hand I was given a gift… And off he rode, oh so swift... A cold and evil palantír…' Let me se, ah, yes: 'much warmer I was at Sarn Gebir!'"

Gimli erupted with booming laughter and Legolas' eyes briefly lost their focus as a blissful smile of remembrance captured his lips.

Aragorn would have told Merry exactly what he thought of this, had they been alone. But they were not so he settled for some more glowering instead.

"I should invent a rhyme for you," he grumbled. "Of how the Halflings were robbed of all their pipe-weed and how the pints were banned in Bree."

Merry turned in the saddle to look up at him. "That sounds awfully dull." He paused, seemingly deep in thought, but added after a while, "Strider, I am not sure rhyming is your thing after all."

Legolas' laughter did not help.

Apparently caught by the clear sound of the elven mirth, Éomer, in front, slowed his horse and aligned himself with them. It was impossible not to notice this particular preference of Éomer's as Gimli had laughed just as loudly only minutes before but that had obviously not called to his attention. Aragorn watched suspiciously as the young Marshal smiled at Legolas.

"What causes you to laugh so merrily Legolas?" he queried, sounding awfully friendly and relaxed. Next, he would probably rhyme too.

Legolas raised his chin and met his gaze. "Fond memories… But mostly human inadequacies and hobbit wit," he said.

"Oh?" Éomer inclined his head. "And how do we err?"

"In many ways!" laughed Legolas "But by the forces of destiny, I seem to be tied to your race in some way or another." The look he bestowed upon Aragorn was absolutely smouldering.

It was bad. Had Aragorn ridden Hasufel alone, he would not have been too troubled, but now Merry sat before him and the Hobbit would most probably not appreciate any telltale signs of any ideas and subsequently… overly active body parts.

"Hrm," he said instead, seeking to steer away from any dangerous territories.

Éomer turned to him with a raised eyebrow. "My lord?"

Aragorn looked up. "What? Nah," he muttered. "Nothing."

Merry shook his head dismally. "Strider, I do wonder… why did Lord Elrond appoint you the task of rhyming?"

– xxx –

They had ridden for some hours when a cry from the end of their party carried through the night and a Rider galloped up to them.

"My Lord, there are horsemen behind us. They are riding hard and will soon overtake us."

Théoden immediately called to a halt and before Aragorn knew it, he was back on the ground, having set Merry down beside him, and had drawn Andúril from its sheath. It really was typical. If these impromptu assaults by foes continued, they would never make it to Edoras in this year and that meant no more proper beds in which he and Legol–, eh, and that meant their arrival in Minas Tirith would be delayed.

In the gloom, he saw Éomer ride to the rear of their company and his voice resounded between the hills.

"Halt! Halt! Who rides in Rohan?"

Their pursuers brought their steeds to a stop and a dark shape slid down to the ground. He held up one hand, palm outward, in token of peace, but Aragorn gripped the hilt of his sword a bit firmer anyway. One never knew.

At ten paces the man stopped and spoke. "Rohan did you say? It is a glad word! We seek this land in haste from long afar."

Congratulations.

Éomer did not sound very cheery when he replied and Aragorn could not really blame him. (After all, seeking – and finding – a country was much easier that seeking and finding, say… a Giant Ant in Lord Elrond's gardens.) "You have found it. But it is the realm of Théoden King and none ride here without his leave. What is your name and what do you seek?"

"I am Halbarad Dúnadan, Ranger of the North. We seek Aragorn son of Arathorn, and we heard he was in Rohan."

Oh.

Right.

Well, that was a surprise.

He cast a glance in Legolas' direction, but the Elf was staring at the Rangers in – even with his characteristic composure – what looked like astonishment.

Okay.

Aragorn drew a deep breath and then he stepped forward. "Halbarad!" he cried out. "You have found him!" He sheathed Andúril with a swift movement and, while Legolas was still in shock, ran up to his friend and embraced him. "Of all joys this is the least expected!"

"Aragorn!" grinned Halbarad. "'Tis good to see you alive and…" he frowned at the mud that clung to the long coat, "hrm… well, enough." He glanced back at the company of Rangers. "We have ridden far and fast, and I bring with me your brothers also. But this is no place to stand around exchanging tales."

"No," agreed Aragorn. Especially as Legolas was not known for being in shock for many moments together. "We are making for the Hornburg, the stronghold of Théoden's people. Come with us and speak to us then of your errand."

"Ride by me for a while and tell us of your course," suggested Halbarad, nodding towards his own horse.

Hesitating, Aragorn shifted his weight from one foot to the other. Now this was trickier. He was quite sure that Legolas would not approve of this arrangement.

"I…" He ran a hand through his hair. "I am riding… you know… up there." He waved the hand in an awkward gesture that also managed to become rather vague.

Halbarad looked disappointed. "Surely Aragorn, you can spare your old friend some of your time." He grasped Aragorn's shoulder. "Long days have passed since we last spoke."

True.

He only hoped Legolas was open minded enough to see logic where there for once was some.

However, judging by the raised eyebrows and the challenging look the Elf sent him as he went to fetch Hasufel and leave Merry with Éomer, he guessed that the case was not so. With a sinking heart he sat up and together with the King's men the Rangers rode off, and Aragorn settled in for a long night.

– xxx –

The Hornburg had not changed very much but at least no dead Orcs were lying around and that was always something.

Aragorn though, was deeply, deeply troubled. It seemed now that it was asked of him to step forward and finally announce that which he had wanted to hide for as long as possible, however silly that might be. Halbarad had brought him a large but wrapped gift from Arwen (very kind, as Aragorn sometimes still wondered if she was cross with him for choosing Legolas instead) and Elrohir had brought word from his father: The days are short. If thou art in haste (still do not forget your scarf), remember the Paths of the Dead.

At least it did not rhyme.

He knew what he must do, and it was not easy. Elrohir may be smiling, but Elladan did not, and when it came to Halbarad… well, Aragorn was simply not sure. Truly, it was an hour of peril that lay before him.

Legolas, Gimli and Merry had immediately left them upon entering the Burg and Aragorn watched them go with a pain in his heart (and a pain in his arm as the palantír was rather heavy). It was quite clear that Legolas was upset. Or angry. Or both, but that was no better.

"Brother?"

Probably angry.

"Aragorn?"

A hand shook his shoulder and confused he looked straight into Elrohir's grey gaze.

"Yes?"

His brother's eyes were filled with dancing laughter. "Shall we find somewhere to talk?"

Elladan cast a last glance in the direction of the leaving members of the Fellowship and gave a tiny sigh but then joined the four of them in a small sitting chamber. Halbarad carefully closed and locked the door. Aragorn placed the covered palantír on a low table.

He drew a deep breath. It was now or never.

No, it was not, really, since all would be made known to them at the possible coronation-to-come, but he wanted this over and done with.

He drew another breath. (One could never breathe too often.)

"Elladan," he began while he still had courage left, "you know he is mine and it will do you no good staring at him like that."

It would have been an authoritative statement, had his cheeks not been assaulted by a tidal wave of heat as soon as he reached the word 'mine'.

Elladan's eyes went wide. "I was hardly staring!" he defended himself. "I might have glanced at him as he walked away, but we have been over this before, you and I. I knew him long before you were even born, Estel, and he always fascinated me."

"'Fascinated' you?" Aragorn glared at him and not for the first time he wished Elladan was more like Elrohir who exclusively liked females. (Elrohir, who was currently leaning back in a comfortable chair, enthusiastically rolling his eyes at them.)

Elladan took a step forward. "Yes," he said firmly, "I will admit to nothing more."

Hah!

Aragorn eyed him. "So what you are saying is that there might be something more?"

"There is not!"

"Well obviously you like him!" cried Aragorn.

Elladan took another step and his voice turned menacing and dropped significantly lower. "Little. Brother. Time and time again I have–"

"Stop!"

They all turned to Halbarad.

"What in the name of Ilúvatar are you speaking of?" the Dúnadan demanded.

To his dismay, Aragorn felt another wave of heat wash over his face. "Of Legolas," he muttered.

"Legolas the Elf?" said Halbarad. "He who rides with you?" His mouth turned into a mocking grin. "And of whom you spoke so very fondly when you returned to the North some months ago?"

"Perhaps," Aragorn grumbled and kicked at the floor with his booted toes.

"I see," said Halbarad, happier now at finding this out than he had been finding them with Théoden. "And Elladan, you too have feelings for this Elf?"

"I do not!" exclaimed Elladan, earning himself yet another glare from Aragorn.

"You see now, friend Halbarad," smiled Elrohir, "what I have been asked to endure for more than a year." He raised himself up a little. "But we have more pressing matters to deal with, my brothers, than your infatuation with Legolas."

At once, Elladan spun around and Aragorn turned his glare to Elrohir instead.

"I am not–"

"I am the one who–"

"Enough!" Elrohir held up a hand. "Peace!" He looked at them sternly. "Dan, we are here to aid Estel, and Estel, you have work to do yet tonight." His lips twisted into a wry smile. "Before you return to the bed you share with Legolas and perform other deeds."

Where was Gollum when you needed him? He would gladly have poked Elrohir.

"Thus far you have travelled with the King of Rohan," Elrohir continued as if talking was his favourite pastime. (Aragorn decided he ought to introduce him to Haldir the Second Elf some day, and they could talk each other weary.) "Now I fear you must seek a different path."

"Our father spoke of the Dead," said Elladan somewhat reluctantly. "I understand their halls are not pretty."

"And nor are they safe," said Halbarad. "Few are the tales that tell of the Dead people's hiding, but ere the end of them, in an icy grip your heart is held."

"Sauron is scheming," offered Elrohir and so revealed no great surprises.

Aragorn sank down in a chair by the table. The shrouded palantír lay before him, full of promise and peril. Gandalf had been mighty upset with Pippin when he unbidden had snatched the seeing stone and looked into it. Yet… If Aragorn had a quick look… Well, it was his, was it not? Gandalf had said so even, and left it with him. As precarious as it was, the stone offered a way of getting in touch, so to speak, with Sauron and maybe find out his plans.

Then they could make plans of their own… He and the Dúnedain, and his brothers… And Merry and Gimli. And Legolas…

Yes, most certainly he could make plans with Legolas. He only had to explain to him that he had not seen Halbarad for months and the Ranger was eager to speak with him. After all, the poor man had ridden many leagues to see him.

Halbarad and Legolas…

Sauron and the palantír…

Sauron and Legolas…

No. That was definitely wrong. For sure, Aragorn did not need any more rivals!

The palantír.

Yes.

He came to a decision.

"Very well." He looked up at his brothers and his friend. "I will look into the Stone and try to bend it to my will."

They nodded. (Almost as if this had been their idea from the very beginning. Unsettling.)

"On one condition."

"What is that, little brother?" Elrohir leaned forward.

Aragorn wished he could fix his eyes on them all at once, but he could not. So he settled for staring at them for more than a minute each.

"I demand that you respect my relationship with Legolas. (At this, Elrohir gave a small sigh) And… Halbarad, please do not ask me to ride with you if I cannot ride also with him, for he was rather upset today and I would not have it so."

Halbarad was doing some staring of his own, but he pulled himself together and gave a quick bow.

Elladan was regarding him dubiously. "Really, Estel…"

"Do you want me to look into the palantír..?"

"Yes, yes," said Elrohir quickly, "we do. And now we will leave you to it!" He rose and dragged Elladan and Halbarad towards the door. "Be careful, little brother! Remember he is the Dark Lord and not known for his patience… or love of any living beings except perhaps the Nazgûl."

Aragorn nodded.

"And," Elrohir bit his lip. "Please Estel, do not accuse him of being interested in Legolas."

tbc

It's a bit different from the book but I gather you are used to that by now... Love you all for sticking with me!