Title: Dark Secrets

Author: Combined fic with AJ Matthews and kitty

Disclaimer: I do not own anything it all belongs to Tolkien

Warning: If you do not like male/male relationships I suggest you press the back button on your browser.

"Are you sure we need to bring him?"

"He will come. We need all the strength we can get."

"Are you sure it's a good idea?"

"Why wouldn't it be?"

"Fine. Have it your way...And what of Aragorn?"

"He will probably have to come as well."

"And Gimli?"

"Of course."

"The hobbits?

"I think they are content where they are."

"Don't you think they will want to come help?"

"I think it would be best to leave them."

"Fine. You're the boss."

"And you'd better remember it."

"How could I forget?"

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Aragorn sat in his room in Rivendell after arriving. Many of the skilled warriors of Middle Earth have been gathering strength together in various places. He might have guessed this would be where he would be placed. Gimli and Haldir were the only recognizable fighters around here. Gandalf had joined with Lord Elrond also. The hobbits were not invited for they were not fighting machines like the rest of them. Legolas was in Mirkwood aiding his father's army, of course. Aragorn slipped off his shirt to rest on the cool bed that hadn't been slept on for years. It felt good after the blistering heat wave that had struck Rivendell. He closed his weary eyes and was drifting into sleep when his door opened.

"You're late." He said mischievously. He turned to face the beautiful dark haired princess standing in his doorway.

"Aragorn, you must realize my father is an impatient man." Aragorn smiled brilliantly and Arwen sat down beside him. "You still remember how to smile?" she said, frowning.

Aragorn stirred and said, "Even I am surprised." He sat up and Arwen gently laid her head against his shoulder.

"Why won't this stupid war go away?" She closed her eyes and for a moment Aragorn had the urge to shrug her off. He shook his head. Why would he want to do that? He loved her after all. They were meant to be together. He clasped the necklace that she had given him. She gave up all her life to be with him. He thought it absurd, yet satisfying.

He caressed her cheek and told her to go to bed. She frowned again and said, "You want me to leave?"

He was caught. "I just think you need some rest, that's all."

"If that's what you wish," Arwen said, feeling hurt as she left his room.

Aragorn's heavy footsteps echoed throughout the dead, empty hall. This city had too many buildings and empty places of solitude. A person would have to travel on horse to get from one place to the next. He walked into the brisk breeze outside and let the warmth melt into him. He passed Lord Elrond's bedroom and stepped into a great hall filled with dwarves, elves, and men. He recognized Gimli and Haldir at once and waved at them. They grinned and waved back. He took a seat between the both of them after getting reacquainted.

He took the opportunity to study the other warriors seated at the enormous wood table. What caught his eye was the lone female elven girl. Her pointy ears stood out with the gold dangle earrings. Her black hair was pulled back and her bangs flopped into her eyes. She had a dark green cloak on and wore long pants that covered her shoes. Aragorn watched her springy walk as she bounced across the room, talking and flirting with some of the other warriors who thought it funny. She looked quite young, fit and healthy for an elf, perhaps one of the daughters of a fighter for she could not possibly be one herself. She seemed too energetic and upbeat.

Lord Elrond approached the table throwing a blanket of silence over everyone. Gandalf followed him. He spoke in a clear, strong voice. "We have come here to discuss the current events of the war. I am sure you all already know what is going on 'ere you not be here. The most recent and dangerous situation at hand however is the fierce battle going on in Mirkwood." He paused and looked out at the gathered warriors. "Mordor and the remaining forces of Isengard are planning an attack on the elven Kingdom of Mirkwood. They are planning to kill the king, causing despair and distraught throughout the land.

That is why I had called all of you here. In a few days, a few of you are going to go to Mirkwood, the ones who have the hands to execute. In other words the best." He paced up and down the room causing uncomfortable tension. "We have previously chosen these few warriors. The rest of you are to be sent to Lothlorien, where another battle is going on."

Aragorn casually looked at the palm of his hand in boredom. He already knew he was going to Mirkwood. He was the best. He had always been. Why wouldn't he be? Cut the crap and let's go slice some orc heads off.

I'm at your command, as usual. To deploy and kill in whatever way you want.

His thoughts wandered off to Mirkwood and the awaited battle. Then the picture of the blonde elf came into his mind. If there were somebody who might actually beat him, it would be Legolas. Legolas was just so... perfect? It was a surprise he didn't have someone of his own.

He was very good looking for his race, and he was an excellent fighter and archer. It almost made Aragorn envious. His mind blocked out any other thoughts, but found it strange how he couldn't forget about him. How he couldn't concentrate on the mission at hand. He shrugged his shoulders absentmindedly to get his mind clear. "Do you have something to say Aragorn, son of Arathorn?" said Lord Elrond with a haughty tone of voice. Aragorn shook his head. Gandalf stood up, as Elrond turned his gaze back on the others who had gathered. "Gandalf will now be telling you where you will be going and when you are leaving. This is a very organized mission. Please do your best not to screw anything up!" he snapped. Lord Elrond's gaze adverted to Aragorn. Aragorn gave him a glare as he waited for his name to be called.

To be continued