Note: Any character you don't recognize is mine! This story is Rated R for
a good reason! Violence and rape mentioned in this chapter! Shounen ai
between A/L! Legolas POV! Takes place a week later and the Fellowship are
now at Éomer's castle.
Nothing But The Truth
Part 8
By: A.J. Matthews
**************
Midnight
**************
I walked through the hallways of Éomer's castle, unable to sleep. I was still not used to being around groups of people, though I was glad to see the rest of the Fellowship again.
I knew they were surprised to see me again. Most of them had thought I had died or gone West, especially when I had not come to Gandalf's funeral.
I didn't know what to say to them.
Frodo and the Hobbits still looked young to me, albeit much older than they had.
Gimli had scarcely changed, either. His beard and hair were now gray, but he still liked to tease me about being an elf.
I also knew that they didn't understand just how or why I had changed so much.
I continued to wander down the hall, until I heard Aragorn speaking to someone. I crept closer, glad that my Elven abilities didn't allow them to hear me.
"What isn't Legolas telling me?" Aragorn demanded, glaring at Éomer furiously.
I froze and listened.
"I shall not tell you if he has not," Éomer said calmly. "Keep your voice down, Elessar, lest you wake up one of the Fellowship. Legolas has not told them the whole story yet, and he will not until he is ready."
Gladness filled my heart. I knew I could count on Éomer to keep my secret, at least for a while longer.
Aragorn was certainly persistent in trying to figure what knowledge I kept to myself.
He finally stormed out of the room; probably to look for me. I kept out of sight, and made certain he was truly gone before entering the room myself.
"Legolas, you cannot hide what Sarag did to you from Aragorn forever," Éomer told me quietly. "Sarag will tell Aragorn enough so that he figures it out, one way or the other."
I nodded. "I don't know how to tell him," I confessed. I would never have admitted such a thing to any other person. "Please keep it a secret, Éomer," I asked, torment in my eyes.
Éomer sighed. "I will not tell him yet, Legolas. But he may find out on his own."
"I know," I told him. "I should go find Aragorn."
Éomer bid me good night, and after bidding him the same, I left the room and went in search of my lover.
I found him searching for me, and took his hand in mine.
"Where have you been?" Aragorn asked me.
"I couldn't sleep and did not wish to wake you," I said. "But I think I may be able to sleep now."
We walked off to our room together, hand in hand.
Indeed, I was finally getting tired as we entered the room and closed the door behind us.
Aragorn chuckled softly as he saw me stifling a yawn even as I unbuckled my sword belt and laid it on the table next to our bed.
He wore only his leggings, so Aragorn climbed into the bed as I removed all of my clothes except for my own leggings.
I then lay down next to him, resting my head against his bare chest.
Aragorn stole a kiss from me, using his hands to tilt my face towards his.
I moaned softly, feeling myself responding to the warm sweetness of the kiss. My hands went around his neck and pulled him closer to me.
The kiss lingered for as long as we could hold our breaths, as it grew deeper and deeper.
I shivered slightly, and Aragorn wrapped his arms around me, holding me close.
"Cold?" he asked gently.
"I… I am not cold entirely," I said hastily.
Aragorn pulled the covers around us, as I turned to face him.
I couldn't help it and yawned again. Then I saw Aragorn doing the same.
"Sorry, love," I whispered in his ears.
"Tis all right, Legolas," Aragorn murmured softly. He gave me another magical kiss full of promise, as his hands ran through my blond hair.
My hands pulled him even closer as Aragorn cradled me against him.
His tender yet rough hands removed my leggings, even as I tugged on his own. Suddenly they were gone, and Aragorn's hands began to work their astounding magic on me once more.
**************
Next Morning
**************
I lay within Aragorn's arms as the sun rose.
Contentment coursed through me, as I watched Aragorn sleep next to me.
My hand gently touched his face, for I knew we needed to get up before the Hobbits and Gimli did.
Aragorn's gray eyes flickered open and he caught my hand.
"We really should get to breakfast," I said with regret in my voice.
He smiled ruefully. "I know."
We reluctantly sat up, stood, and dressed again. My sword was strapped on, and I turned to Aragorn, who finished strapping Anduril on, as well.
We walked out of the room together and down to where breakfast was being held.
Our friends were already in there. I followed Aragorn in slowly, and greeted them, as did he.
I sat down and took a small portion of the food. I saw Aragorn and Éomer watching me to make sure I ate.
Frodo touched my arm, which surprised me. I'd been concentrating on Aragorn, so I jerked away at Frodo's touch and nearly drew my sword until I saw it was the Hobbit.
"Yes, Frodo?" I asked, trying to sound pleasant.
"Are you okay? You seem kind of jumpy to me today," Frodo asked quietly.
"I'm fine," I replied automatically.
"Are you sure?" he pressed.
I nodded. I was uncomfortable with questions, so I finished eating and stood. I flashed a look of apology to Éomer and Aragorn before speaking. "I shall be practicing my archery this morning," I announced, before walking away.
I could almost see the hurt on everyone's faces, particularly Frodo's. I'd apologize later, I thought to myself, as I grabbed my bow and arrows and headed to the archery set outside.
I stayed out there for hours, making sure my arrows always hit their marks. I also practiced a bit with my sword. Aragorn and I were going to have another spar tonight, and I wanted to do my best.
I hadn't stopped for a single break. I wanted nothing but perfection in my skills. I pressed on relentlessly, only stopping when my muscles protested any further practice.
I took a deep breath and wiped the sweat off my brow. I hadn't anticipated how tired I'd be after such a long work-out.
I kept jumping at the smallest sounds. I didn't know what was wrong with me today. I felt uneasy, like someone was watching me.
Get a grip on yourself, I snapped mentally. It's just your imagination.
Then he emerged from behind the trees.
I whirled immediately, my sword already drawn. "Sarag," I said neutrally.
"Elf," he sneered, as he advanced. His own sword was drawn as he came closer to me. "Our last encounter was… interrupted."
I rolled my eyes. "Let's get this over with, Sarag. I have plans with Aragorn today." I took up a defensive position, extending the point of my sword towards Sarag.
"Must you be so hostile, beautiful one?" Sarag taunted.
"Must you be cruel and evil?" I retorted.
He lunged at me, but I was prepared.
I met his sword with my own, and our swords clashed several times. I never blinked or wavered as he pressed on, trying to break past my defensive pattern.
As he sliced at me, I parried the blow and countered with a swipe at his arm, which he didn't manage to block. Blood flowed from the cut as he glared at me.
"I'll make you suffer for this, Legolas. Just like I made you mine all those years ago," he said, mocking me. He struck a blow at my own arm with his sword, but I avoided the blow.
"I am not yours, Sarag," I told him coldly. "I belong to Aragorn and no one else."
Sarag looked furious and struck out with his leg, managing to kick my sword from my hands. It flew off and landed somewhere with a clink.
That was something I had not expected. He hadn't known that move years before. But I had a few surprises as well.
I leapt at him and cracked down at the wrist of the hand in which he held his sword. My own wrist struck his and he dropped his sword. I flung it away from him.
I was suddenly glad that Éomer had insisted that I train harder at physical fighting.
Sarag and I pummeled each other, blocking and countering.
He managed to trip me, but I dragged him down as well.
I punched him hard in the stomach and heard cracking sounds. "Those were ribs, Sarag," I said, now taunting him. I surprised myself by punching him repeatedly.
Sarag deflected most of them and tried to pin me down. The blows that landed caused him to wince. "You weren't this cruel then, Legolas," he growled. "What changed?"
"You stole me away from the one I loved," I said, feeling emptiness inside as I looked at Sarag. "For fifteen brutal years I waited for him. That changed me. I've finally found him again and you are trying to repeat what you did all over again."
He slapped me hard. I was too busy throwing him off of me to deflect it. We stood and glared at each other for a few moments.
"Why couldn't you see that I wanted you!" Sarag shouted. "And I wanted Aragorn!"
I froze. "What?" I said in a cold fury.
"I always wanted you; you were- are- so beautiful. And he is so noble. But neither of you ever looked at me," Sarag snapped. "You had each other. So I tore you apart."
Fury rushed through me. In the distance, I heard voices shouting my name, but I ignored them.
"Get out of here, evil one," I hissed angrily. "For I will not let you touch Aragorn the way you touched me. I would kill you before I allowed that."
Unknown to me, Aragorn and Éomer had run to the courtyard and they watched us. Aragorn had heard every word I just said.
In response, Sarag began a furious new assault. Anger raged through me, and I ignored common sense.
I hit him hard across the face, while he did the same to me. He lashed out and tripped me again. His hands locked around my throat as I kicked at him, and finally broke free again.
"Get off me!" I snapped. I shoved him off and stood once more.
"Legolas!" I turned and saw Aragorn standing there. His face was ashen as he looked at me.
Sarag scowled, and took advantage of my distraction to run. His arm was still bleeding as he fled.
I coughed, breathing hard. Red marks were around my throat as Aragorn and I looked at each other.
The rest of the Fellowship had run down to the courtyard as well and stood watching us, as did Éomer.
"Damn it, Legolas," Aragorn finally said. "You told me a lie when you said he referred to nothing."
"It was nothing, Aragorn," I said. I started walking past him and he caught me by the arm hard.
"Tell me the truth!" Aragorn snapped. "The whole truth."
I turned my empty eyes on him. "And what would you have said if I had told you, Aragorn? Did you want me to say, 'Oh, by the way, your almost brother, Sarag, didn't just sell me into slavery and beat me. He was also the first one to rape me, though he was far from the last,' " I said sarcastically.
Frodo and the Hobbits had their hands over their mouths. Gimli looked shocked, and Éomer just stood there.
He flinched. "Sarag was the first?"
I nodded silently.
Aragorn swore under his breath. "Legolas, it wouldn't have made a difference to me, except I would have loathed him even more."
Our eyes met as we looked at each other.
"I belong to no one unless I wish it, Aragorn," I told him. "There is only one I will ever belong to."
Aragorn walked closer to me. "Who?" I could see despair and pain in his eyes.
"You, Aragorn. I belong to none but you."
I looked at him, feeling suddenly weary once more, from both the battle and the mostly sleepless night I had had.
When Aragorn put his arms around me, I leaned against him.
"I'm sorry I lied," I whispered. "I didn't want to hurt you even worse, Aragorn."
"I'm sorry, too, Legolas," Aragorn whispered back. "I understand, but I meant what I said. Do not hide the truth from me, dear one. Your pain is my own."
I nodded, too fatigued to speak much.
"Are you all right?" Aragorn gently inquired.
"I'm exhausted," I confessed. "Before Sarag showed up I was already worn out, for I had practiced for hours with my sword and bow. And he is still a good fighter." I dozed against him weakly, yawning.
But I was surprised when Aragorn suddenly picked me up.
"What are you doing?" I asked faintly. Even my voice was showing my weakness, for it cracked slightly.
"Taking you back to bed, Legolas. You need to rest, love, for you look like one strong breeze would blow you over." His tone was severe, so I knew I couldn't change his mind.
"I can walk," I muttered as Aragorn carried me back into the castle and up to our room.
"I know," Aragorn said, smiling at me gently. "But I wanted to be alone with you for a few moments."
A blush settled on my face as Aragorn sat me on the bed and began removing my sword belt, tunic, and shirt. After he finished with those, he removed my shoes as well and sat them on the floor.
Aragorn then picked me up once more, pulled the covers back on the bed, and laid me down gently. After he covered me with the blankets, he kissed me softly.
A soft moan escaped my lips as I responded eagerly. He pulled away after a few moments and took my hand instead.
"Rest, love," he said sternly.
I nodded. "Don't leave me alone," I pleaded softly.
Aragorn smiled. "Did you really think I would?" He let go of my hand long enough to drag a chair over. He sat in it and took my hand again.
I was drifting off to sleep when I remembered what Sarag had said. "Be careful, love," I murmured sleepily.
"Why?" Aragorn asked, slightly surprised.
"Sarag wants both of us," I mumbled before falling asleep.
I didn't see his reaction to my words.
To Be Continued
Nothing But The Truth
Part 8
By: A.J. Matthews
**************
Midnight
**************
I walked through the hallways of Éomer's castle, unable to sleep. I was still not used to being around groups of people, though I was glad to see the rest of the Fellowship again.
I knew they were surprised to see me again. Most of them had thought I had died or gone West, especially when I had not come to Gandalf's funeral.
I didn't know what to say to them.
Frodo and the Hobbits still looked young to me, albeit much older than they had.
Gimli had scarcely changed, either. His beard and hair were now gray, but he still liked to tease me about being an elf.
I also knew that they didn't understand just how or why I had changed so much.
I continued to wander down the hall, until I heard Aragorn speaking to someone. I crept closer, glad that my Elven abilities didn't allow them to hear me.
"What isn't Legolas telling me?" Aragorn demanded, glaring at Éomer furiously.
I froze and listened.
"I shall not tell you if he has not," Éomer said calmly. "Keep your voice down, Elessar, lest you wake up one of the Fellowship. Legolas has not told them the whole story yet, and he will not until he is ready."
Gladness filled my heart. I knew I could count on Éomer to keep my secret, at least for a while longer.
Aragorn was certainly persistent in trying to figure what knowledge I kept to myself.
He finally stormed out of the room; probably to look for me. I kept out of sight, and made certain he was truly gone before entering the room myself.
"Legolas, you cannot hide what Sarag did to you from Aragorn forever," Éomer told me quietly. "Sarag will tell Aragorn enough so that he figures it out, one way or the other."
I nodded. "I don't know how to tell him," I confessed. I would never have admitted such a thing to any other person. "Please keep it a secret, Éomer," I asked, torment in my eyes.
Éomer sighed. "I will not tell him yet, Legolas. But he may find out on his own."
"I know," I told him. "I should go find Aragorn."
Éomer bid me good night, and after bidding him the same, I left the room and went in search of my lover.
I found him searching for me, and took his hand in mine.
"Where have you been?" Aragorn asked me.
"I couldn't sleep and did not wish to wake you," I said. "But I think I may be able to sleep now."
We walked off to our room together, hand in hand.
Indeed, I was finally getting tired as we entered the room and closed the door behind us.
Aragorn chuckled softly as he saw me stifling a yawn even as I unbuckled my sword belt and laid it on the table next to our bed.
He wore only his leggings, so Aragorn climbed into the bed as I removed all of my clothes except for my own leggings.
I then lay down next to him, resting my head against his bare chest.
Aragorn stole a kiss from me, using his hands to tilt my face towards his.
I moaned softly, feeling myself responding to the warm sweetness of the kiss. My hands went around his neck and pulled him closer to me.
The kiss lingered for as long as we could hold our breaths, as it grew deeper and deeper.
I shivered slightly, and Aragorn wrapped his arms around me, holding me close.
"Cold?" he asked gently.
"I… I am not cold entirely," I said hastily.
Aragorn pulled the covers around us, as I turned to face him.
I couldn't help it and yawned again. Then I saw Aragorn doing the same.
"Sorry, love," I whispered in his ears.
"Tis all right, Legolas," Aragorn murmured softly. He gave me another magical kiss full of promise, as his hands ran through my blond hair.
My hands pulled him even closer as Aragorn cradled me against him.
His tender yet rough hands removed my leggings, even as I tugged on his own. Suddenly they were gone, and Aragorn's hands began to work their astounding magic on me once more.
**************
Next Morning
**************
I lay within Aragorn's arms as the sun rose.
Contentment coursed through me, as I watched Aragorn sleep next to me.
My hand gently touched his face, for I knew we needed to get up before the Hobbits and Gimli did.
Aragorn's gray eyes flickered open and he caught my hand.
"We really should get to breakfast," I said with regret in my voice.
He smiled ruefully. "I know."
We reluctantly sat up, stood, and dressed again. My sword was strapped on, and I turned to Aragorn, who finished strapping Anduril on, as well.
We walked out of the room together and down to where breakfast was being held.
Our friends were already in there. I followed Aragorn in slowly, and greeted them, as did he.
I sat down and took a small portion of the food. I saw Aragorn and Éomer watching me to make sure I ate.
Frodo touched my arm, which surprised me. I'd been concentrating on Aragorn, so I jerked away at Frodo's touch and nearly drew my sword until I saw it was the Hobbit.
"Yes, Frodo?" I asked, trying to sound pleasant.
"Are you okay? You seem kind of jumpy to me today," Frodo asked quietly.
"I'm fine," I replied automatically.
"Are you sure?" he pressed.
I nodded. I was uncomfortable with questions, so I finished eating and stood. I flashed a look of apology to Éomer and Aragorn before speaking. "I shall be practicing my archery this morning," I announced, before walking away.
I could almost see the hurt on everyone's faces, particularly Frodo's. I'd apologize later, I thought to myself, as I grabbed my bow and arrows and headed to the archery set outside.
I stayed out there for hours, making sure my arrows always hit their marks. I also practiced a bit with my sword. Aragorn and I were going to have another spar tonight, and I wanted to do my best.
I hadn't stopped for a single break. I wanted nothing but perfection in my skills. I pressed on relentlessly, only stopping when my muscles protested any further practice.
I took a deep breath and wiped the sweat off my brow. I hadn't anticipated how tired I'd be after such a long work-out.
I kept jumping at the smallest sounds. I didn't know what was wrong with me today. I felt uneasy, like someone was watching me.
Get a grip on yourself, I snapped mentally. It's just your imagination.
Then he emerged from behind the trees.
I whirled immediately, my sword already drawn. "Sarag," I said neutrally.
"Elf," he sneered, as he advanced. His own sword was drawn as he came closer to me. "Our last encounter was… interrupted."
I rolled my eyes. "Let's get this over with, Sarag. I have plans with Aragorn today." I took up a defensive position, extending the point of my sword towards Sarag.
"Must you be so hostile, beautiful one?" Sarag taunted.
"Must you be cruel and evil?" I retorted.
He lunged at me, but I was prepared.
I met his sword with my own, and our swords clashed several times. I never blinked or wavered as he pressed on, trying to break past my defensive pattern.
As he sliced at me, I parried the blow and countered with a swipe at his arm, which he didn't manage to block. Blood flowed from the cut as he glared at me.
"I'll make you suffer for this, Legolas. Just like I made you mine all those years ago," he said, mocking me. He struck a blow at my own arm with his sword, but I avoided the blow.
"I am not yours, Sarag," I told him coldly. "I belong to Aragorn and no one else."
Sarag looked furious and struck out with his leg, managing to kick my sword from my hands. It flew off and landed somewhere with a clink.
That was something I had not expected. He hadn't known that move years before. But I had a few surprises as well.
I leapt at him and cracked down at the wrist of the hand in which he held his sword. My own wrist struck his and he dropped his sword. I flung it away from him.
I was suddenly glad that Éomer had insisted that I train harder at physical fighting.
Sarag and I pummeled each other, blocking and countering.
He managed to trip me, but I dragged him down as well.
I punched him hard in the stomach and heard cracking sounds. "Those were ribs, Sarag," I said, now taunting him. I surprised myself by punching him repeatedly.
Sarag deflected most of them and tried to pin me down. The blows that landed caused him to wince. "You weren't this cruel then, Legolas," he growled. "What changed?"
"You stole me away from the one I loved," I said, feeling emptiness inside as I looked at Sarag. "For fifteen brutal years I waited for him. That changed me. I've finally found him again and you are trying to repeat what you did all over again."
He slapped me hard. I was too busy throwing him off of me to deflect it. We stood and glared at each other for a few moments.
"Why couldn't you see that I wanted you!" Sarag shouted. "And I wanted Aragorn!"
I froze. "What?" I said in a cold fury.
"I always wanted you; you were- are- so beautiful. And he is so noble. But neither of you ever looked at me," Sarag snapped. "You had each other. So I tore you apart."
Fury rushed through me. In the distance, I heard voices shouting my name, but I ignored them.
"Get out of here, evil one," I hissed angrily. "For I will not let you touch Aragorn the way you touched me. I would kill you before I allowed that."
Unknown to me, Aragorn and Éomer had run to the courtyard and they watched us. Aragorn had heard every word I just said.
In response, Sarag began a furious new assault. Anger raged through me, and I ignored common sense.
I hit him hard across the face, while he did the same to me. He lashed out and tripped me again. His hands locked around my throat as I kicked at him, and finally broke free again.
"Get off me!" I snapped. I shoved him off and stood once more.
"Legolas!" I turned and saw Aragorn standing there. His face was ashen as he looked at me.
Sarag scowled, and took advantage of my distraction to run. His arm was still bleeding as he fled.
I coughed, breathing hard. Red marks were around my throat as Aragorn and I looked at each other.
The rest of the Fellowship had run down to the courtyard as well and stood watching us, as did Éomer.
"Damn it, Legolas," Aragorn finally said. "You told me a lie when you said he referred to nothing."
"It was nothing, Aragorn," I said. I started walking past him and he caught me by the arm hard.
"Tell me the truth!" Aragorn snapped. "The whole truth."
I turned my empty eyes on him. "And what would you have said if I had told you, Aragorn? Did you want me to say, 'Oh, by the way, your almost brother, Sarag, didn't just sell me into slavery and beat me. He was also the first one to rape me, though he was far from the last,' " I said sarcastically.
Frodo and the Hobbits had their hands over their mouths. Gimli looked shocked, and Éomer just stood there.
He flinched. "Sarag was the first?"
I nodded silently.
Aragorn swore under his breath. "Legolas, it wouldn't have made a difference to me, except I would have loathed him even more."
Our eyes met as we looked at each other.
"I belong to no one unless I wish it, Aragorn," I told him. "There is only one I will ever belong to."
Aragorn walked closer to me. "Who?" I could see despair and pain in his eyes.
"You, Aragorn. I belong to none but you."
I looked at him, feeling suddenly weary once more, from both the battle and the mostly sleepless night I had had.
When Aragorn put his arms around me, I leaned against him.
"I'm sorry I lied," I whispered. "I didn't want to hurt you even worse, Aragorn."
"I'm sorry, too, Legolas," Aragorn whispered back. "I understand, but I meant what I said. Do not hide the truth from me, dear one. Your pain is my own."
I nodded, too fatigued to speak much.
"Are you all right?" Aragorn gently inquired.
"I'm exhausted," I confessed. "Before Sarag showed up I was already worn out, for I had practiced for hours with my sword and bow. And he is still a good fighter." I dozed against him weakly, yawning.
But I was surprised when Aragorn suddenly picked me up.
"What are you doing?" I asked faintly. Even my voice was showing my weakness, for it cracked slightly.
"Taking you back to bed, Legolas. You need to rest, love, for you look like one strong breeze would blow you over." His tone was severe, so I knew I couldn't change his mind.
"I can walk," I muttered as Aragorn carried me back into the castle and up to our room.
"I know," Aragorn said, smiling at me gently. "But I wanted to be alone with you for a few moments."
A blush settled on my face as Aragorn sat me on the bed and began removing my sword belt, tunic, and shirt. After he finished with those, he removed my shoes as well and sat them on the floor.
Aragorn then picked me up once more, pulled the covers back on the bed, and laid me down gently. After he covered me with the blankets, he kissed me softly.
A soft moan escaped my lips as I responded eagerly. He pulled away after a few moments and took my hand instead.
"Rest, love," he said sternly.
I nodded. "Don't leave me alone," I pleaded softly.
Aragorn smiled. "Did you really think I would?" He let go of my hand long enough to drag a chair over. He sat in it and took my hand again.
I was drifting off to sleep when I remembered what Sarag had said. "Be careful, love," I murmured sleepily.
"Why?" Aragorn asked, slightly surprised.
"Sarag wants both of us," I mumbled before falling asleep.
I didn't see his reaction to my words.
To Be Continued
