Disclaimers: Read the Author's Notes. Vara tel' Seldarine = Protection; Faina templa = Energy Bolt; Tanka harwar = Heal. Those are Elvish spells.

Reasons To Fight, Reasons To Wed

Part 5. Resistance

Aragorn was glad that Elrond never forced him to enter the balls as Elladan and Elrohir did. He hated to be the center of attention, and could not understand why his older brothers seemed to enjoy it so much. Besides, if he had been on the stairs with his father and brothers, he could not have looked straight at the beautiful, ethereal-looking being, who was meeting his gaze.

Legolas looked to Elrond to finish the procession, for he was the lord here. The Elven Prince did not truly like being stared at so, and could hear the whispers going around the room about him. Legolas inwardly sighed, for he desired nothing more than to speak with Aragorn privately about what was going to happen.

His azure eyes saw Meron staring at him, as he glanced over the crowds and back to Aragorn. Legolas made so sign of noticing how his father's close friend looked at him, though it disturbed him more than being stared at by the other Elves. Why had Meron come here, the Elf wondered angrily. Legolas had also come here to get away from him, but apparently Meron had different plans.

As if sensing Legolas' turmoil, Elrond led the Elven Prince, along with Elrohir and Elladan, onto the floor. Legolas was instantly asked to dance, and did so, knowing it was his duty.

Elrond went to his customary chair, content to watch the young ones having fun. His sharp eyes spotted Aragorn glaring at the person dancing with Legolas, which slightly amused the Elven lord. He unobtrusively beckoned to Aragorn, who laid off scowling long enough to come over and speak with his father.

Elrond questioned, 'Why are you so upset that Legolas is dancing with another? I thought you were not going to marry him.'

'I'm not… I mean…' Aragorn sighed. 'This is confusing,' he complained.

'Follow your heart,' Elrond advised. 'It will never lead you astray.'

Aragorn glanced over, and scowled again when he saw the line of Elves waiting to dance with his betrothed. Elrohir and Elladan were dancing with them as well, to try to give Legolas a chance to get away from them all.

Legolas was gracious enough to dance at least once with everyone who wanted to, before he finally took a break, his pale face slightly flushed. Aragorn went over to him, leaving his father's side.

'Feeling tired already?' he teased.

Legolas looked up when he heard Aragorn's voice. A genuine smile crossed his face. 'Not really, I just need a break from all that… attention.'

Aragorn frowned, wondering why Legolas danced with them all when it was obvious that he did not want to do so.

Legolas could tell what Aragorn was thinking, from the expression on the half Elf's face. 'I have obligations that I must fulfill, Aragorn, no matter my personal feelings on the matter,' he murmured.

'Like our betrothal?' Aragorn questioned.

'Indeed,' Legolas answered. 'We do need to speak of it at some point, but not here, in front of everyone. Unless you want this private matter all over Rivendell before the sun rises tomorrow.' 

Aragorn quickly shook his head. 'Not really, at least until we decide what to do.'

Legolas nodded, feeling a familiar pain in his heart. The two were distracted when a young female Elf asked Legolas to dance, which he kindly accepted.

Aragorn bit back his sudden pang of jealousy, as he watched Legolas gracefully dancing with the Elf, his movements smooth and flowing, very like a cat. His brown eyes narrowed, however, when Meron suddenly approached Legolas. He tensed, and saw in the corner of his eyes that Elladan and Elrohir were doing the same.

"May I cut in?" Meron asked, a neutral tone in his voice. There was an underlying hint of malice in it, though none seemed to notice it, save for Legolas, who stood there silently.

The female Elf agreed, and went off to find another partner, for she did not like that stranger, with those cruel dark grey eyes.

Legolas' face went blank, almost too blank, as Meron took one his right hand and placed it on his waist. The two began dancing, though Legolas ignored most of the taunts and smirks that Meron was giving him the entire time. Meron knew him so well that he knew that Legolas would not be willing to start a fight over dancing with him.

Legolas clenched his teeth when the Elven orchestra began playing another song, and he tried to pull away, desiring to get free of the cold hands that held him.. Meron refused to let him go, a sly smile on his face as he held the Prince tighter with his hand, on that slender waist, as the other gripped Legolas' hand firmly.. Triumph was in his eyes, as Legolas' azure eyes narrowed. He could not force Meron to release him, not with everyone watching. Though the Elven Prince would have liked to slap the smirk off of Meron's face.

But he could not do that either; it would not only be an insult to Lord Elrond, but to Mirkwood as well, if he started a fight here. Not to mention his father's reaction if Legolas slapped his close friend. Though Elbereth only knew what Thranduil saw in Meron as a friend, Legolas mused.

Aragorn saw Legolas try to move away from the figure as a new song began, and was angered when the stranger did not let him go. He looked at his brothers, who were frowning as well. Part of Aragorn wanted to storm over and force this…person to let Legolas go.

'What if Meron doesn't let Legolas go after this dance?' Elrohir hissed to Elladan.

Elladan's frown deepened. 'Then one of us will cut in,' he answered.

Aragorn raised an eyebrow. At least he now knew the person's name; Meron. Even that name sounded evil and twisted, at least in Aragorn's opinion. 'Why is Legolas so wary of him, if this Meron is a friend of his father's?' he interjected.

The twins looked at him silently. They spoke together, after exchanging a silent nod. 'Tis not our place to tell you, Aragorn. We are sworn to a promise not to tell.'

'I've had it with secrets,' Aragorn said in a low voice, anger in it.

Both flinched. 'We promised, Aragorn. Or we would tell you. We rightfully fear for Legolas… and the trouble that is brewing.'

The song ended, and the three watched Legolas give Meron a pointed look, to which the Man simply shook his head. He was quite content to have Legolas in such turmoil, for he knew that the Elven Prince's upbringing and his status as Thranduil's best friend kept Legolas from being able to insult him by shoving him away.

Aragorn walked over to the two. 'May I cut in?' he asked, quoting Meron's words. 'I need some time with my betrothed.'

Legolas was relieved when Meron reluctantly nodded and walked away, anger in his eyes. 'Thank you,' he whispered gratefully. He knew that Aragorn had only done this to get Meron away from him.

Aragorn placed his hands around the slender waist, drawing Legolas close to his body. 'You're welcome,' he murmured. 'I guess your obligations kept you from shoving him away?'

Legolas was distracted by the feel of Aragorn's arms holding him close. He focused on what the half Elf was saying. 'Yes, or I would have forced him to let him go. But he would have cried insult if I had done so, and an Elven Prince must meet certain standards.'

Aragorn was pleased to hear Legolas' honest words. The two danced slowly, gazing into each other's eyes, as Legolas' arms wound up around his neck. Their bodies seemed to fit together perfectly as they moved in unison, for they danced together as if they had done so for centuries.

Elladan and Elrohir were pleased, as they saw Legolas and Aragorn dancing together. Both were certain that Aragorn felt some attraction for Legolas and that if their brother knew what would happen if the Elven Prince did not marry him, he would instantly agree to their betrothal. Aragorn did have a sense of fairness and duty, as well as a compassionate heart that would not let Legolas suffer so.

No one, save for the Legolas knew what Meron was really like. He carefully hid his true self beneath his sly hints and suggestions, but Legolas had seen through it, and knew full well what Meron wanted. His father had seen no objections to it, until the day when Arathorn had announced that Adrienne was pregnant. He had felt that since they were both going to have only one heir, that Legolas and the unborn child should marry, to unite their kingdoms and promote peace between Men and Elves, though Adrienne was an Elf who had given up her Immortality to live as long as Arathorn did.

Thranduil was pleased by the suggestion, and the two Kings had written an agreement, declaring that their only children would wed and have offspring together, at least two. One to rule Gondor, and one to rule Mirkwood, in case anything should happen to Legolas and the unborn child. So it had been decreed. But there had been something added to it… in case something happened and the two heirs of Mirkwood and Gondor did not wed. Only five people knew about it, and three loathed it.

Legolas felt safe within Aragorn's arms, but tried not to show it. The music ended, for the Elves who were playing the wooden flutes, pipes, harps, and those who were singing were eating and drinking. The Elven Prince was disappointed as Aragorn released him, and gazed up into the brown eyes above him.

A strand of blond hair fell onto his face and before Legolas could brush it away, another hand did so, before it slowly cupped his cheek. Legolas swallowed hard, his pulse speeding up as Aragorn looked at him thoughtfully, a strange expression in his eyes.

'You are very beautiful,' Aragorn murmured.

Legolas stiffened and narrowed his eyes. 'Thank you. But what else do you see, besides my beauty?' he questioned, a little resentful. His earlier words to Elladan were coming back to haunt him.

Aragorn exhaled slowly. 'Someone who brings out strange feelings in me, which I have not felt before,' he answered.

Legolas was not certain of what that meant, but hoped that it was a good thing. His face was still flushed and he wanted to get away from the crowds, who were beginning to approach him again, for the music had started once more.

Aragorn was asked to dance by one of the youngest maidens he had ever met. She was sweet and he didn't want to hurt her feelings, so he agreed. The two walked off, leaving Legolas to stand there alone.

The Elven Prince took this time to venture out into the garden, which appeared to be empty, so he could admire the stars. The garden's roses and hedges gleamed with dew, and the moon shone down brightly, illuminating the single, beautiful creature, who had come out to stargaze. It was truly splendid at night, and Legolas wandered over to a small pond, standing there as he gazed up at the beautiful stars, naming the constellations silently.

Elladan was sitting at an empty table, drinking some mead, when he suddenly realized that Legolas was no longer in the room. He narrowed his eyes and instantly began searching the crowds, looking for Meron. His heart skipped a beat when he realized that Meron was not here, either, and the oldest son of Lord Elrond sought out his brothers.

He stood and beckoned for Aragorn and Elrohir to come over to him. Both saw the tension on Elladan's face, so they left their current partners, murmuring apologies, and came over to him.

Aragorn had tried to get back to Legolas after that first dance, but had been grabbed again by another girl. He impatiently waited for Elladan to say whatever it was that he wanted to say, so that he could get back to Legolas finally.

'Legolas is not in this room,' Elladan said in a low voice, so that only his brothers heard him. 'And neither is Meron…'

Elrohir gasped, 'Legolas would not be foolish enough to go anywhere alone with him.'

Aragorn frowned, fear and concern in his brown eyes. 'Split up and look for both of them. I'll check in the gardens, just in case.'

The older Elves nodded, faintly amused at Aragorn's take-charge attitude. The twins casually began moving through the different rooms that the ball was being held in, searching for either of the two.

Aragorn made his way out into the moonlit garden, and began looking for his betrothed, his concern growing every moment that passed. There had to be a reason that Legolas was afraid of Meron, but he did not know what it was… yet. He then heard two voices speaking and instantly followed the sounds, to the small pond surrounded by stones.

Aragorn scowled when he saw Legolas standing there, speaking to Meron. He drew close enough so that he could hear what was being said, but not so close that Legolas detected that he was there, watching the two speak. Maybe now he would find out why Legolas was so afraid of this Man.

Legolas bestowed a frown upon Meron, for he no longer had to try to hide his true feelings, now that they were alone. "Why did you follow me? I want to be alone," he said, his azure eyes deepening to a darker shade of blue, reflecting his emotions.

"You know why I followed you, Elf," Meron countered, as he drew closer to the vision that stood before him. "You know you are mine."

"I know no such thing. I belong to Aragorn, not you," Legolas countered, though he was not certain of what was going to happen between himself and Aragorn. But it was the only thing that had kept Meron from approaching him so openly before.

An angry glare appeared on Meron's face. "He does not want you, and you know it. You may not be mine now, but you will be after the Sheelala."

Legolas tensed, and tried to walk past Meron, wishing he had never come outside. The Man interposed himself between the Elf and the path, which was bordered by tall hedges. "I want to pass, so move aside," Legolas said, a hint of anger in his voice.

Meron smirked. "No…" His hand drifted towards Legolas' face, and the Elf deliberately stepped aside.

Legolas stated firmly, "Leave me alone. You do not have the right to touch me." His azure eyes betrayed none of his slight fear, as he started thinking of ways to get out of this.

"Like Aragorn does? Let me assure you, that will not continue for very long. Once he publicly states that the two of you are not going to wed, you are mine. So you had better get used to my touches, Elf,' Meron said smugly.

Legolas tried to stop aside as Meron reached for his face again, but a firm hand grabbed onto his right arm, preventing movement. "If we do wed, I assure you I will be dead by morning, for being forced against my will."

Aragorn had to stifle a gasp at those words.

Meron shook his head, sighing. "Come now, Legolas. I well know the weakness of Elves and how to get around that little problem." He deliberately reached out a hand and began fondling a pointed ear, causing the Elf to shiver, for it was the one weakness of Elves.

Legolas gritted his teeth, as the fingers plucked at his ear, teasing it. Meron pinched it hard, causing a yelp from the Elf, who was struggling to control his emotions. Meron smirked again and stepped closer, twisting and stroking the pointed ear, before he nipped it sharply.

This couldn't be happening to him, Legolas thought, as he remained motionless, unable to move as Meron manipulated his ear skillfully. It hurt… but it also felt good… he wanted this… and yet he didn't. The Elven Prince shook his head to clear his thoughts, before he tried to leave again. Meron again refused to let him pass, and Legolas was getting angry.

"Forget Aragorn," Meron snapped. "He is inconsequential."

"I cannot. I was born loving him, which you cannot break. I have loved him throughout time, and I will always do so," Legolas replied, wisdom in his deep, blue eyes. "We are bound together. You cannot win."

Meron turned, like he was going to walk away. Legolas relaxed slightly, and did not see when Meron suddenly whirled, in a rage, and brutally shoved him.

The Elven Prince hit the ground hard, ripping open his right sleeve, scraping his arm raw and bloody, with little stones embedded in it.

Aragorn let out a growl, drew his sword, and was about to confront Meron when he realized that Legolas was glowing, with a light not unlike the light of the moon. The half Elf froze and gaped once more. It seemed that Legolas had had enough of being harassed from Meron right now.

'Vara tel' Seldarine…' the Elven mage cried, sending up a protection spell, right as Meron lunged at him.

The Man glared down at the slightly wounded Elf. "You will be mine, Elf!" He pushed against the magical barrier that had been erected around where Legolas lay.

Legolas stated, 'Faina templa!' His left hand began glowing piercingly bright, shining with his magic. "Leave, Meron. You overstep your bounds. Or shall I make myself clear?"

Aragorn was impressed with the display, and watched as Meron ran off. The Man vowed revenge silently, though neither of the other two knew it. The half Elf sheathed his sword and sprinted over to where Legolas lay.

Legolas sighed as he revoked the spells he had cast, for magic-casting was very tiring, especially since this was the third spell he had cast in less than ten hours. Legolas carefully sat up and inspected his right arm. His nimble fingers began removing the embedded stones, until he heard someone approaching. He looked up, prepared to use a spell, if it was Meron again.

Aragorn saw the wary expression on Legolas' face lessen slightly when the blond beauty realized that it was him, not Meron. He knelt beside the Elf, who regarded him impassively, before he continued removing the stones out of his wounds.

'Why didn't you just tell me the truth?' Aragorn bluntly asked. 'I saw the whole thing.'

'I knew you were there,' Legolas replied, not looking up from his work. 'But it is none of your concern, Aragorn. Meron is a problem I must deal with it, not you.'

Aragorn was ready to shake the Elf for those words. 'How could it not be my concern that someone is harassing the one that I'm supposed to marry?

Legolas frowned ever so slightly. 'You do not want me. So I am not your responsibility. In addition to that, I do not need protection. I handled him quite well on my own, for I am not defenseless.' He realized he had finished removing the stones, so he dipped it into the spring next to him, to clean it. 'Save your concern for Gondor's people.'

'I never said you were,' Aragorn pointed out. 'And I don't even know if I'm going to be a King.'

Legolas stifled a yawn, as he brought his left hand to hover over his injured arm, after he removed it from the spring. 'Tanka harwar,' he murmured, and a bright glow flashed for a few moments before it faded, leaving the scrapes healed over, with new-looking skin.

Aragorn caught the Elf as he seemed to sway slightly, before he slumped over. 'Are you all right?'

'I'm fine. Just a little tired from using so many spells at once,' Legolas said. 'Let me go; I'll be all right.'

Aragorn was surprised at how frail the beautiful Elf seemed in his arms this time, compared to how he had been when they were dancing. Fatigue and weariness shone in the beautiful azure eyes, as they met his brown ones. He frowned, but released the Elven Prince.

Legolas stubbornly forced himself to stand, ignoring how weak he felt. Too many things had happened this day to him… Aragorn probably didn't want him; Meron wanted him too much. Spell-casting was so tiring, Legolas mused, as he struggled to stay awake. Especially when having to deal with so many volatile emotions at once, right after such a long journey.

Aragorn caught the Elf a second time when he nearly fell over. 'You cannot even return to your room like this, Legolas,' he stated flatly. 'Not with Meron still around.' He easily scooped Legolas into his arms, cradling the slender body against his chest.

Legolas scowled and muttered, 'You are not carrying me back to my room.' Though it did feel so good to be in Aragorn's arms, the blond beauty thought, as he shifted slightly. His head came to rest against Aragorn's firm chest weakly.

'Watch me,' Aragorn answered, as he began heading towards the back staircases. 'Exactly what does Meron want with you?' he asked, slowly climbing the stairs, with the Elf in his arms.

Legolas was too tired to care about what he was saying. He was half asleep and whispered, 'He desires me…and covets you…'

Aragorn was not surprised to hear that entirely, for he had seen Meron's hungry looks at Legolas. He took advantage of his betrothed's sleepiness to get a few more answers from him. 'Why did he call you his?' The half Elf turned, and began handing up another white staircase, which had ivy wrapped around the hand-rail.

'If I don't marry you…have to marry him…' Legolas stumbled over the words, as he sank deeper into sleep.

Aragorn choked at that. That was not something the half Elf had expected to hear, but it was finally beginning to make sense to him. Legolas needed to know if he was going to be wed or not, for if not, he would have to resign himself to being wed to Meron. No wonder he had been pressing for an answer.

He heard a faint sigh from the Elven Prince and glanced at him. Possessiveness entered his brown eyes when he saw that Legolas was truly asleep in his arms, his mouth slightly open in his sleep. By Elbereth, he was so beautiful, Aragorn thought.

Aragorn finally reached his destination, which was his room. It was lucky that the stairs connected to his balcony. He entered through the balcony, but it was a struggle to open the door. The half Elf eventually succeeded and carried Legolas into his room. If Meron hadn't hurt Legolas as he had earlier, Aragorn would not have done this, but he did it now.

He laid Legolas on his bed, and quickly began removing his shoes, tunic, and shirt. Aragorn then pulled the covers over the sleeping figure, who stirred slightly as the covers were brought up to his chin. Legolas murmured Aragorn's name softly.

Aragorn looked at the sleeping figure, and then turned and walked over to a chair. He had a lot of thinking to do. It was up to him now; he held both his future and Legolas' in whatever he decided to do.

The half Elf deliberated for over an hour, weighing the different factors in his mind. True, he did not know much about ruling a kingdom, but Elrond would surely not demand that he take the throne right away, Aragorn thought. Maybe his father could teach him about ruling before he became a King.

Legolas claimed to love him; at least, the beautiful Elf had said so to Meron. Sincerity had been in his voice, telling the half Elf that his words had not been false. But Aragorn was not certain of what Legolas had meant when the Elven Prince had told Meron that he had loved him throughout time and would always do so.

Aragorn could not let Legolas to wed Meron; he could not bring himself to even remotely consider it. Jealousy soared through him at the very idea, as well as loathing. Meron would destroy Legolas eventually, and then there was the grim promise that the Elf had made to the Man: "If we do wed, I assure you I will be dead by morning, for being forced against my will."

Aragorn's heart threatened to shatter at the thought of Legolas dying… and for such a reason. Though he did not know why…

Aragorn knew what he had to do.

His decision made, Aragorn stood and, after glancing at the sleeping beauty in his bed, he went over to the balcony door. The half Elf took out a key from his pocket and locked it, before he walked over to the main door and opened it. He stepped outside, before he used the key to lock that door as well.

Aragorn then headed downstairs, to tell Elrond of his decision.

To be continued