Note: I've got a question for LOTR fans who have read the book. Did Aragorn change his name when he became King, or not? Tell me in reviews if he did, and what his name became. None of these characters belong to me, except the dark creatures. Shounen ai between Legolas and Aragorn!

Strangers,

Part 4

Elrond walked away silently. Aragorn looked after him silently, before taking a deep breath and entering the room.

"Aragorn!" Gandalf cried. He stood and embraced the younger boy.

"It's good to see you, Gandalf." Aragorn smiled. "How have you been the past six months?"

"Fine, fine. Gathering more rumors than I know what to do with, my boy."

They sat down on the bed next to Legolas, whose gaze was fixated on Aragorn. Aragorn reached out and took Legolas's hand. They smiled at each other, before turning to speak with Gandalf.

'Most of what I have heard, Aragorn, is the same. An evil shadow in Mordor, whispers of an unnamed foe, and orcs moving about again,' Gandalf said in the Elvish tongue, not wishing to leave Legolas out of the conversation.

Aragorn nodded. 'I have heard it in the North as well, Gandalf. I have told what I heard to Lord Elrond. He has been hearing disturbing rumors, like the rest of us.'

Legolas listened silently, as they spoke of Mordor and other dark things.

Aragorn glanced at Legolas, and slipped into English. He knew that Legolas didn't know these words yet. "Gandalf, strange creatures are after Legolas. They attacked when we were riding here with Lord Elrond."

Gandalf raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Do you know why?"

"Lord Elrond believes it is because of the rumor that one of Legolas's ancestors had a Ring. But neither he nor Legolas know if the story is true. And Legolas does not know that they were after him alone."

'Not much to be done then, Aragorn. I'm sorry to hear about your horse throwing you,' Gandalf said with a straight face.

Legolas looked between the two, and started to laugh.

Aragorn began to laugh as well.

Gandalf joined in.

The noise was so great that Elrond poked his head in.

'What are you doing?' he asked, seeing the three of them laughing.

'Aragorn just told me about that horse that threw them to the ground,' Gandalf explained. 'It is actually a very interesting story, Lord Elrond. You see, that particular horse had a habit of throwing people. It threw me once or twice, if I'm not mistaken.'

Elrond blinked in confusion and shook his head. 'Please keep the noise down,' he requested.

They nodded and Elrond left again.

Legolas looked at Gandalf. 'Aragorn's horse threw you? And you didn't curse it?' He looked surprised.

'Well, Legolas, it was Aragorn's birthday present. I couldn't curse it.'

Aragorn looked at Legolas, yawning deeply.

'Sorry,' he said. 'I'm feeling sleepy again. Continue, Gandalf.'

'Later, Aragorn,' Gandalf said gently. 'I will be here tomorrow, and so will you. You need your rest, both of you.' His sharp eyes had seen Legolas yawning as well. He stood. 'I shall take my leave for a while, and return tomorrow.' With that, he stood, and as he walked out, he closed the door.

Aragorn and Legolas looked at each other.

'I suppose we'd better get some sleep, Legolas,' Aragon said.

Legolas nodded and yawned. Aragorn stretched out in his bed and looked at his friend.

'Want to share a bed?' he asked casually.

Legolas nodded. He snuggled next to Aragorn, who kissed him softly, as he drew the covers over them. Aragorn held Legolas tightly within his arms, and they both drifted to sleep.

When Aragorn woke the next morning, Legolas was gone. He climbed out of bed and put on the clean brown leggings and green shirt in a chair beside his bed. After putting his shoes on, he walked out of the room to search for Legolas.

Aragorn found him in the empty courtyard, shooting targets with his bow and arrow. Legolas wore green leggings and a white shirt.

'Good morning, Legolas,' Aragorn greeted him.

'Good morning, Aragorn,' Legolas replied, as he took aim again and fired.

'You're an excellent shot,' Aragorn told him, as the arrow struck the center of the target.

Legolas smiled at him. 'It took years, but I was lucky to be naturally good at it. Lord Elrond wouldn't let me practice while I was injured.'

Aragorn smiled back. 'So your wounds are fully healed then?'

'Yes. My father wishes for me to return tomorrow,' Legolas said neutrally.

Aragorn felt like someone had stabbed in the heart. 'So soon?' he inquired casually.

'I believe he wishes to see me alive and well for himself,' the elf explained quietly. 'I shall miss you when I go, Aragorn.'

Aragorn smiled at him. 'Well, it just so happens I am leaving for Mirkwood tomorrow, too. We can travel together.'

Legolas shot him a puzzled glance. 'Why are you heading for Mirkwood?'

'A few reasons. I need to hear if your father has heard the same rumors Lord Elrond has, and I would like the pleasure of your company a little longer, Legolas, if you don't object.' Aragorn's dark eyes met Legolas's green ones.

'It will be good to have a friend beside me,' Legolas said with a smile, blushing. He turned to take aim again.

Aragorn stepped forward and puts his arms around Legolas. 'Are we only friends?' he whispered in the elf's ears. Legolas turned to face him.

'I don't-' Legolas's voice was cut off when Aragorn kissed him hard. Once again, fire rushed through them. Legolas responded, kissing Aragorn back again. Their mouths chased each other for several long moments, until they broke apart, panting for breath.

Legolas licked his lips softly. His green eyes met Aragorn's. 'I don't know, Aragorn. We seem to be friends sometimes and more than friends at other times,' he whispered.

Elrond watched them from a high balcony, his face impassive.

'Do you like me, Legolas?' Aragorn asked him quietly.

'I-I feel something strong for you, Aragorn. But I don't know what the word is that I search for,' Legolas explained in a whisper. 'Do you like me?'

'Very much so, Legolas.' His voice was husky.

Their lips met again. Aragorn's hands went behind Legolas's neck, tilting his face towards him. Warmth crept through both of them. In a daze, Legolas dropped the bow he held, reaching for Aragorn. Passion reached unbearable heights.

Aragorn lowered the elf to the ground carefully. 'Does your back still hurt?' he whispered between kisses.

'No,' Legolas murmured. His hands had found their way into Aragorn's shirt.

Kisses came and went as they managed to get the other out of their shirts.

Elrond sighed and leaped off the balcony gracefully, landing in the soft grass. It wasn't that he entirely disapproved of the nature of their relationship; it was more that he didn't want the other elves to walk in on them.

'Aragorn? Legolas?' he called.

Once again, they broke apart guiltily and looked at the Elven Lord.

He walked over to them, taking in their disheveled state. He sighed. 'I do not want to make so fine a point on it, Aragorn and Legolas, but if you must engage in such behavior, please do not do so in my courtyard.'

They blushed and nodded.

'I also know that you are leaving tomorrow, Legolas. Make sure to get plenty of rest and food for your journey.' Elrond looked at Aragorn. 'Since you are traveling with him, do the same.'

'Yes, Lord Elrond,' they both said.

To be concluded