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3 CHAPTER VII

 

 

3.1 "One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them"

3.2 J.R.R. Tolkien

 

 

 

"She speaks only the truth."

 

Aragorn turned away from Eowyn's departing figure to find Legolas standing behind him. He'd thought the elf had gone to sleep. Considering the arduous journey and upcoming battles of the next several days, they'd need all the rest they could get.

 

"Those that know you cannot help but love you," the elf continued.

 

Taking a step toward Legolas, the Ranger asked, "Even you?"

 

"Especially me," he whispered.

 

Gently cupping one angular cheek, Aragorn tilted the other's face upward. His thumb caressed the silken skin before the other hand rose to tangle within the thick, blond locks. Legolas closed his eyes and nuzzled the Ranger. Turning his lips into Aragorn's palm, the elf placed a whisper soft kiss against the tanned flesh. Opening his eyes, he glanced up.

 

"I have loved thee since the moment our eyes met."

 

Releasing a shuddering breath, Aragorn pulled the Prince into his arms. At once, Legolas tucked his head beneath the Ranger's chin, resting his ear over the rapidly beating heart.

 

"Elbereth!" Aragorn moaned hoarsely. "Do you know how dearly I have wished to hear that from your lips?"

 

He closed his eyes tightly against the emotions raging within. Nearly crushing the lean body against him, Aragorn buried his face within the elf's hair. "I love you," he breathed.

 

Legolas' long fingers convulsively grasped at the Ranger's tunic. Raising his head, he lightly kissed the base of the man's throat.

 

Aragorn chuckled as the elf's breath tickled his skin. A single tear slowly made it's way down his right cheek. "I feel I could fly with you at my side."

 

"And tomorrow, you shall." Legolas murmured. "We will win past the Dead, defeat Sauron's forces…" The elf pulled away and took a step back. Clasping his hands over Aragorn's cheeks, he continued, "And you will take your place as King of all Gondor."

 

"Will you remain at my side?"

 

Legolas blinked. "If you wish."

 

"I wish." Aragorn whispered. Taking the slender fingers of both the elf's hands in his, he laughed. "Marry me?"

 

His eyes huge, Legolas stared into the Ranger's dark orbs. "What…?"

 

"Marry me?" Aragorn repeated. "Promise to stay with me forever, beloved?"

 

For a long silent moment, Aragorn feared the elf would say no. After what seemed like an eternity, Legolas finally whispered. "Yes, for I know you could not promise the same."

 

"I would not lose you; thus you have my vow…" Aragorn began only to find his words barred by one of Legolas' hands.

 

"Do not make promises you cannot keep." His voice mournful, the elf slowly withdrew his hand. "Although there is Elven blood flowing through your veins, you are still a man and will not live forever."

 

Aragorn captured Legolas' fleeing fingers with one hand. Holding them tightly, he shook his head in denial. "Only part of me. My Mother was Va`na, the Ever-young."

 

"One of the Valar." Legolas gasped in awe. "But that would make you…"

 

"Immortal," Aragorn interrupted. "And that is all that matters, beloved." His eyes sparkling, he lowered his lips to Legolas', stopping any further argument.

 

He truly did not care that his Mother was a God. He was not impervious to wound or disease, nor did he hold claim on any magical powers. The only benefit her intervention offered was a chance at eternity. With Legolas at his side, he could ask for no more.