Note: None of these are my original characters! I know elves probably do
not get intoxicated, but it's my fic! Aragorn/Legolas pairing! Takes place
the morning after Desire and Denial.
Aftermath
Part 2
Legolas moaned softly. He felt like he was on fire, and his head hurt tremendously. He opened his eyes and looked around the room.
Aragorn sat there, watching him carefully. The elf turned towards him, and Aragorn saw a faint red flush on Legolas's face.
"What happened?" Legolas asked. "My head hurts." He then realized his hand was gripping Aragorn's arm tightly.
"That fool of a Took put wine in your tea," Aragorn explained. "How do you feel?"
"All right, I think, except for a dreadful headache." Legolas knew he wasn't truly fine, but he wasn't about to admit it to Aragorn. "How did I get here?"
"I brought you here," Aragorn told him. "You've never had wine before, have you, Legolas?"
"Very little," Legolas said. He sat up carefully, yet his vision blurred slightly as he did so.
"Do you remember anything from last night, Legolas?" Aragorn inquired.
"Just that the tea tasted a bit strange. I guess I was distracted," Legolas murmured. He flinched and touched his forehead. Legolas's head was throbbing. "Wait until I get my hands on that Took," he muttered.
Aragorn stood, and walked over to his pack. He searched for some herbs that would relieve the elf's headache.
Legolas wondered what had happened last night. He shook his head, trying to clear it. Aragorn was too honorable to do anything if he'd been drunk, he knew.
Legolas was glad Aragorn wasn't looking at him right now, as an image flashed through his memory.
*****************
Flashback
*****************
"Aragorn," Legolas said, moaning softly. "What's wrong with me?" The only thing he could see was the man on top of him. He longed for Aragorn to touch and kiss him.
"Pippin spiked your tea," Aragorn replied. He tried to get up, but Legolas refused to let him. He gripped Aragorn's wrists tightly. God, how he wanted Aragorn. His hands were roaming all over the man's body.
"Legolas, you're drunk. I don't want to take advantage of that," Aragorn said gently.
"You don't want me?" Legolas questioned faintly. He was hurt and disappointed.
**************************************************************************** **********
A blush spread on the elf's face. He'd tried to put a move on Aragorn while drunk? Legolas was mortified and angry at Pippin.
Aragorn touched his shoulder. "Here, eat these," he said quietly. "They should help your headache."
Legolas took the herbs and ate them. Relief spread through him almost instantly. The raging headache had faded, at least for now. He still felt like he was burning up from the inside out, though.
Legolas looked at Aragorn warily. "What did –we– do last night, Aragorn?" He chose the words carefully.
Aragorn chuckled softly. "Nothing, Legolas. I would not take advantage of you like that," he said earnestly.
Legolas looked both relieved and slightly disappointed. "What time are we leaving?" he inquired.
Aragorn said, "You can take time to eat before we go."
Legolas shook his head. "I'm not hungry. But I do wish to speak to Pippin about this."
Aragorn mistook the flush on Legolas's face for embarrassment. "I'm sure the hobbit didn't realize what effect wine has on elves, Legolas. He was probably trying to cheer you up."
Legolas nodded slowly. "I know, but he should not go around intoxicating people. Particularly me."
"I agree," Aragorn said. "Are you all right?" he asked again. Something seemed off to him.
Legolas was annoyed and stood, his anger giving him strength. "I'm fine, I said," he snapped.
Aragorn backed off when he saw that Legolas was upset. Hurt coursed through him.
Legolas looked at him squarely. "I apologize, Aragorn. I should not have taken my anger out on you. Thank you for taking care of me." He walked over to the door and opened it.
"Legolas," Aragorn called after him.
Legolas turned and looked back. "Yes?" He was surprised when Aragorn tossed him his bow and arrows, as well as his short sword. A slight blush appeared on his face. "Thank you, again. I shall be downstairs with the others." Legolas exited the room, sheathing his sword on the way.
Aragorn figured that Legolas was upset because of the trick Pippin had played on him. He gathered his belongings, knowing that he would have words with the young hobbit as well. Pippin must not have known that wine can be deadly to some elves.
He re-packed his bag and walked downstairs to meet the others.
Legolas's face was flushed, as he frowned at Pippin and Merry. "Twas a dirty trick that you played."
"We just wanted you to be happy," Merry said, looking sorrowful.
"Sorry," Pippin mumbled.
Frodo, Gimli, and Boromir watched curiously, not understanding.
"Are you ok, Legolas?" Frodo asked him. The elf didn't look like himself.
"I'm fine, Frodo, no thanks to Merry and Pippin," Legolas said, smiling at Frodo.
Frodo wasn't completely convinced, however. He decided to keep an eye on Legolas.
Aragorn joined them. He took Pippin aside for a reprimand.
"Pippin, did you know that some elves die from drinking wine?" Aragorn asked the hobbit. "Legolas could have been one of them."
Pippin looked horrified. "No," he cried. "I just wanted to make Legolas feel better. Is he ok?"
Aragorn nodded. "But don't try that again, Pippin."
Pippin nodded slowly, and they rejoined the group.
Legolas had strung his bow across his back. "I'm ready to leave when you are," he announced to Aragorn.
"So are we," Frodo said. Sam nodded in agreement.
"What about second breakfast?" Merry asked.
Aragorn sighed and shook his head.
Merry looked disappointed. So did Pippin.
"Shall we go?" Gimli inquired. "My axe and I are ready."
"I am ready as well," Boromir stated.
"Then we shall take our leave now," Aragorn said.
The Company set off again.
Legolas was the last in line, as usual. Sweat glistened on his brow, as they traveled for over five hours. He took frequent drinks from his water bag, and disappeared for short periods of time to refill it. The fire within him could not be quenched by mere water.
Frodo watched Legolas anxiously. He could not help but feel that something was wrong. Frodo wished that Gandalf was here, because the wizard would know what to do.
Aragorn and Legolas were strangely distant today, especially on Legolas's part. Merry and Pippin felt guilty as they saw the tension between the elf and Aragorn.
Gimli said nothing and walked along silently, though he was worried as well.
Boromir was busy talking to Sam about the best ways of defending oneself against orcs.
Aragorn forced his attention to stay on the task at hand. He had seen that Legolas vanished for a little while often. But he was needed to lead the Company and protect Frodo. He kept his thoughts focused, though it was hard for Aragorn not to fawn over the elf.
After they had been traveling for ten hours straight, Frodo pleaded for a rest. The hobbit could see that Legolas was having difficultly keeping up, though he said nothing.
Aragorn agreed, and they stopped besides a small lake. Most sat on the soft green grass. Merry and Pippin went swimming with just their leggings on. Aragorn stood guard over them silently.
Legolas used his agility to dash up a tree quickly. He stayed up there the entire break, where none of his friends could see the sweat on his face. At least it was hot out, so he had an excuse for it, Legolas thought.
The break was over all too soon for Legolas. He barely managed to keep up with the others, but only Frodo had noticed. The hobbit began asking for rests more frequently.
Days had gone by, and Legolas felt worse. The red flush on his face was always there, so he did his best to keep out of the sight of the others. He took to the trees at night and during breaks, but Legolas knew he couldn't hide the truth for too much longer.
It was worse when they had to battle. His vision blurred constantly, so his arrows were not as sure as they used to be. Legolas fought with his short sword more than he used to. The others had to aid him numerous times when he failed to notice an orc appearing from out of nowhere.
His friends were suspicious, the elf knew. But when they asked, he always said one thing: "I'm fine."
Legolas didn't have an appetite anymore. Sweat ran down his face as he looked down at the others from the tree he sat in. They were taking another break, next to a river. Merry and Pippin were trying to pull Sam into the water. Legolas knew the break would be over soon. He wasn't looking forward to climbing down.
"Time to go," Aragorn called.
Legolas groaned. As he stood, his vision grew worse. He was jumping down the branches when it occurred. He missed a branch.
"Aragorn!" Frodo shouted, as he saw Legolas fall out of the tree he was climbing down.
Aragorn looked up in time to see Legolas hit the ground hard. He raced towards him as fast as he could.
Legolas was in agony. He could barely move or speak.
"Legolas?" Aragorn asked, as he knelt beside the elf.
A moan was all he got in response. Aragorn turned Legolas's face to him and swore softly. The elf was burning up. The wine had been poison to him, Aragorn thought. And it was just like Legolas to hide it from them.
Legolas tried to sit up, protesting, but Aragorn pushed him down again.
The others came over and watched.
Aragorn looked at Pippin. "He was allergic to alcohol, young hobbit. Please go wet a cloth for him. We've got to bring this fever down."
Pippin gasped and ran to do as he was bid.
Frodo whispered, "I've been watching Legolas since we left Metheal. But he wouldn't tell me what was wrong."
Pippin brought the cool, wet cloth over, and Aragorn placed it on Legolas's forehead. He lifted the elf up slightly, just enough so that he could remove Legolas's cloak and shirt.
"What are you doing?" Gimli growled.
"If we don't bring this fever down, he'll die, Gimli," Aragorn said. "Someone bring me my pack."
Sam ran off to get it.
Boromir looked grave, as he looked the elf over. "He cannot survive this, Aragorn. The poison has been there for days."
"I will not let him die," Aragorn snapped. Sam gave his bag to him, and he searched through it. He found few herbs that could help. Aragorn clenched his teeth and looked at the others. "Do any of you know what daylilies, morning-glories, and poppies look like?" he questioned.
"I know what morning-glories look like," Merry said. "But not poppies and daylilies."
"I know those two," Frodo said.
"Me, too," Sam piped up.
"I know all three," Boromir stated.
"I know daylilies," Pippin whispered, feeling guilty.
"I know all of the herbs as well," Gimli cut in.
"Split into teams," Aragorn said. "Hurry back as soon as you find the herbs. Frodo, assist me, please."
The others ran off into the forest. Sam, Merry and Pippin were a team. Gimli and Boromir were another.
Aragorn touched the elf's face. Legolas's fever was getting worse. There was only one thing he could do to cool the elf down until the other herbs were brought. Frodo watched Aragorn.
"Frodo, follow me," Aragorn said, as he picked Legolas up and carried him over to the river. He waded in until the water reached his chest, and then he lowered Legolas into it. Aragorn held the elf with one arm to make sure he didn't drown. He used his other hand to splash water onto Legolas's face.
Legolas spat out an Elvish curse at Aragorn that made Frodo blush as he stood on the bank.
Aragorn ignored it. It was good that the river was cool, he thought. It would keep Legolas cold for now. The elf jerked free of his grasp, trying to get back to the shore. Aragorn stopped him by grabbing his arm.
'Let me go,' Legolas snapped in Elvish.
Aragorn held him tightly. 'Legolas, you are very ill. The fever has to be brought down,' he told him.
Legolas squirmed feverishly, and turned his body around to face Aragorn. Pain and longing were in his green eyes.
Frodo watched silently.
To be continued
Aftermath
Part 2
Legolas moaned softly. He felt like he was on fire, and his head hurt tremendously. He opened his eyes and looked around the room.
Aragorn sat there, watching him carefully. The elf turned towards him, and Aragorn saw a faint red flush on Legolas's face.
"What happened?" Legolas asked. "My head hurts." He then realized his hand was gripping Aragorn's arm tightly.
"That fool of a Took put wine in your tea," Aragorn explained. "How do you feel?"
"All right, I think, except for a dreadful headache." Legolas knew he wasn't truly fine, but he wasn't about to admit it to Aragorn. "How did I get here?"
"I brought you here," Aragorn told him. "You've never had wine before, have you, Legolas?"
"Very little," Legolas said. He sat up carefully, yet his vision blurred slightly as he did so.
"Do you remember anything from last night, Legolas?" Aragorn inquired.
"Just that the tea tasted a bit strange. I guess I was distracted," Legolas murmured. He flinched and touched his forehead. Legolas's head was throbbing. "Wait until I get my hands on that Took," he muttered.
Aragorn stood, and walked over to his pack. He searched for some herbs that would relieve the elf's headache.
Legolas wondered what had happened last night. He shook his head, trying to clear it. Aragorn was too honorable to do anything if he'd been drunk, he knew.
Legolas was glad Aragorn wasn't looking at him right now, as an image flashed through his memory.
*****************
Flashback
*****************
"Aragorn," Legolas said, moaning softly. "What's wrong with me?" The only thing he could see was the man on top of him. He longed for Aragorn to touch and kiss him.
"Pippin spiked your tea," Aragorn replied. He tried to get up, but Legolas refused to let him. He gripped Aragorn's wrists tightly. God, how he wanted Aragorn. His hands were roaming all over the man's body.
"Legolas, you're drunk. I don't want to take advantage of that," Aragorn said gently.
"You don't want me?" Legolas questioned faintly. He was hurt and disappointed.
**************************************************************************** **********
A blush spread on the elf's face. He'd tried to put a move on Aragorn while drunk? Legolas was mortified and angry at Pippin.
Aragorn touched his shoulder. "Here, eat these," he said quietly. "They should help your headache."
Legolas took the herbs and ate them. Relief spread through him almost instantly. The raging headache had faded, at least for now. He still felt like he was burning up from the inside out, though.
Legolas looked at Aragorn warily. "What did –we– do last night, Aragorn?" He chose the words carefully.
Aragorn chuckled softly. "Nothing, Legolas. I would not take advantage of you like that," he said earnestly.
Legolas looked both relieved and slightly disappointed. "What time are we leaving?" he inquired.
Aragorn said, "You can take time to eat before we go."
Legolas shook his head. "I'm not hungry. But I do wish to speak to Pippin about this."
Aragorn mistook the flush on Legolas's face for embarrassment. "I'm sure the hobbit didn't realize what effect wine has on elves, Legolas. He was probably trying to cheer you up."
Legolas nodded slowly. "I know, but he should not go around intoxicating people. Particularly me."
"I agree," Aragorn said. "Are you all right?" he asked again. Something seemed off to him.
Legolas was annoyed and stood, his anger giving him strength. "I'm fine, I said," he snapped.
Aragorn backed off when he saw that Legolas was upset. Hurt coursed through him.
Legolas looked at him squarely. "I apologize, Aragorn. I should not have taken my anger out on you. Thank you for taking care of me." He walked over to the door and opened it.
"Legolas," Aragorn called after him.
Legolas turned and looked back. "Yes?" He was surprised when Aragorn tossed him his bow and arrows, as well as his short sword. A slight blush appeared on his face. "Thank you, again. I shall be downstairs with the others." Legolas exited the room, sheathing his sword on the way.
Aragorn figured that Legolas was upset because of the trick Pippin had played on him. He gathered his belongings, knowing that he would have words with the young hobbit as well. Pippin must not have known that wine can be deadly to some elves.
He re-packed his bag and walked downstairs to meet the others.
Legolas's face was flushed, as he frowned at Pippin and Merry. "Twas a dirty trick that you played."
"We just wanted you to be happy," Merry said, looking sorrowful.
"Sorry," Pippin mumbled.
Frodo, Gimli, and Boromir watched curiously, not understanding.
"Are you ok, Legolas?" Frodo asked him. The elf didn't look like himself.
"I'm fine, Frodo, no thanks to Merry and Pippin," Legolas said, smiling at Frodo.
Frodo wasn't completely convinced, however. He decided to keep an eye on Legolas.
Aragorn joined them. He took Pippin aside for a reprimand.
"Pippin, did you know that some elves die from drinking wine?" Aragorn asked the hobbit. "Legolas could have been one of them."
Pippin looked horrified. "No," he cried. "I just wanted to make Legolas feel better. Is he ok?"
Aragorn nodded. "But don't try that again, Pippin."
Pippin nodded slowly, and they rejoined the group.
Legolas had strung his bow across his back. "I'm ready to leave when you are," he announced to Aragorn.
"So are we," Frodo said. Sam nodded in agreement.
"What about second breakfast?" Merry asked.
Aragorn sighed and shook his head.
Merry looked disappointed. So did Pippin.
"Shall we go?" Gimli inquired. "My axe and I are ready."
"I am ready as well," Boromir stated.
"Then we shall take our leave now," Aragorn said.
The Company set off again.
Legolas was the last in line, as usual. Sweat glistened on his brow, as they traveled for over five hours. He took frequent drinks from his water bag, and disappeared for short periods of time to refill it. The fire within him could not be quenched by mere water.
Frodo watched Legolas anxiously. He could not help but feel that something was wrong. Frodo wished that Gandalf was here, because the wizard would know what to do.
Aragorn and Legolas were strangely distant today, especially on Legolas's part. Merry and Pippin felt guilty as they saw the tension between the elf and Aragorn.
Gimli said nothing and walked along silently, though he was worried as well.
Boromir was busy talking to Sam about the best ways of defending oneself against orcs.
Aragorn forced his attention to stay on the task at hand. He had seen that Legolas vanished for a little while often. But he was needed to lead the Company and protect Frodo. He kept his thoughts focused, though it was hard for Aragorn not to fawn over the elf.
After they had been traveling for ten hours straight, Frodo pleaded for a rest. The hobbit could see that Legolas was having difficultly keeping up, though he said nothing.
Aragorn agreed, and they stopped besides a small lake. Most sat on the soft green grass. Merry and Pippin went swimming with just their leggings on. Aragorn stood guard over them silently.
Legolas used his agility to dash up a tree quickly. He stayed up there the entire break, where none of his friends could see the sweat on his face. At least it was hot out, so he had an excuse for it, Legolas thought.
The break was over all too soon for Legolas. He barely managed to keep up with the others, but only Frodo had noticed. The hobbit began asking for rests more frequently.
Days had gone by, and Legolas felt worse. The red flush on his face was always there, so he did his best to keep out of the sight of the others. He took to the trees at night and during breaks, but Legolas knew he couldn't hide the truth for too much longer.
It was worse when they had to battle. His vision blurred constantly, so his arrows were not as sure as they used to be. Legolas fought with his short sword more than he used to. The others had to aid him numerous times when he failed to notice an orc appearing from out of nowhere.
His friends were suspicious, the elf knew. But when they asked, he always said one thing: "I'm fine."
Legolas didn't have an appetite anymore. Sweat ran down his face as he looked down at the others from the tree he sat in. They were taking another break, next to a river. Merry and Pippin were trying to pull Sam into the water. Legolas knew the break would be over soon. He wasn't looking forward to climbing down.
"Time to go," Aragorn called.
Legolas groaned. As he stood, his vision grew worse. He was jumping down the branches when it occurred. He missed a branch.
"Aragorn!" Frodo shouted, as he saw Legolas fall out of the tree he was climbing down.
Aragorn looked up in time to see Legolas hit the ground hard. He raced towards him as fast as he could.
Legolas was in agony. He could barely move or speak.
"Legolas?" Aragorn asked, as he knelt beside the elf.
A moan was all he got in response. Aragorn turned Legolas's face to him and swore softly. The elf was burning up. The wine had been poison to him, Aragorn thought. And it was just like Legolas to hide it from them.
Legolas tried to sit up, protesting, but Aragorn pushed him down again.
The others came over and watched.
Aragorn looked at Pippin. "He was allergic to alcohol, young hobbit. Please go wet a cloth for him. We've got to bring this fever down."
Pippin gasped and ran to do as he was bid.
Frodo whispered, "I've been watching Legolas since we left Metheal. But he wouldn't tell me what was wrong."
Pippin brought the cool, wet cloth over, and Aragorn placed it on Legolas's forehead. He lifted the elf up slightly, just enough so that he could remove Legolas's cloak and shirt.
"What are you doing?" Gimli growled.
"If we don't bring this fever down, he'll die, Gimli," Aragorn said. "Someone bring me my pack."
Sam ran off to get it.
Boromir looked grave, as he looked the elf over. "He cannot survive this, Aragorn. The poison has been there for days."
"I will not let him die," Aragorn snapped. Sam gave his bag to him, and he searched through it. He found few herbs that could help. Aragorn clenched his teeth and looked at the others. "Do any of you know what daylilies, morning-glories, and poppies look like?" he questioned.
"I know what morning-glories look like," Merry said. "But not poppies and daylilies."
"I know those two," Frodo said.
"Me, too," Sam piped up.
"I know all three," Boromir stated.
"I know daylilies," Pippin whispered, feeling guilty.
"I know all of the herbs as well," Gimli cut in.
"Split into teams," Aragorn said. "Hurry back as soon as you find the herbs. Frodo, assist me, please."
The others ran off into the forest. Sam, Merry and Pippin were a team. Gimli and Boromir were another.
Aragorn touched the elf's face. Legolas's fever was getting worse. There was only one thing he could do to cool the elf down until the other herbs were brought. Frodo watched Aragorn.
"Frodo, follow me," Aragorn said, as he picked Legolas up and carried him over to the river. He waded in until the water reached his chest, and then he lowered Legolas into it. Aragorn held the elf with one arm to make sure he didn't drown. He used his other hand to splash water onto Legolas's face.
Legolas spat out an Elvish curse at Aragorn that made Frodo blush as he stood on the bank.
Aragorn ignored it. It was good that the river was cool, he thought. It would keep Legolas cold for now. The elf jerked free of his grasp, trying to get back to the shore. Aragorn stopped him by grabbing his arm.
'Let me go,' Legolas snapped in Elvish.
Aragorn held him tightly. 'Legolas, you are very ill. The fever has to be brought down,' he told him.
Legolas squirmed feverishly, and turned his body around to face Aragorn. Pain and longing were in his green eyes.
Frodo watched silently.
To be continued