Shining Hope
Chapter 2
By SunRose
Summary: Aragorn is a prince and Legolas is a poor beaten broken slave whom he rescues. Slash! A/L!!! AU fic!
Disclaimer: They still aren't mine. Well, any characters you don't recognize probably are mine, but it's just not the same. *shakes head sadly*
Note: Relcifan is pronounced Rell-sih- fahn.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed! I luv ya' all! ^_~
In a fairly dark room in the back of tavern, the bartender was counting his gold. This was more money than the servant boy had ever brought in! Sure, there would be a few customers who wouldn't be happy at the loss of their favorite… plaything… but with this, the man could buy a new whore who would bring in TWICE as much! While the man was counting, he didn't notice the figure that walked into the room. Not until the figure was right in front of the desk did the man see him and jump.
"Relcifan! What are you doing here?" he stuttered out. Relcifan was a very dark man, and the bartender knew better than to provoke him in any way.
"I looked for the boy. Where is he?"
Relcifan's voice was deep, and held a tone of anger. The boy was his favorite. Not to mention the fact that the boy was an elf. Relcifan was waiting for the perfect time to take the elf from this town and have him for his own. So lost he was in his fantasies, Relcifan almost missed what the bartender was saying.
"I sold him. Thirty pieces of gold, I got! Thirty! For that dirty little wretch!"
Relcifan's rage was rising. SOLD him! How could he? The bartender was growing more and more nervous. Why was he so angry? Surely Relcifan could understand the selling of a simple servant!
"I wanted him to be mine. I broke him. I tamed him. I crave him."
Relcifan removed his hood to reveal his face. His hair was the color of a raven's feathers and was pulled back with a leather tie. His eyes were a deep gold, almost like the coins that lay now discarded on the desk. But now, instead of gold, those eyes seemed to be glowing an intense yellow.
"I need him, and now he's gone. You sent him away."
Relcifan pulled out a long hunting knife. The bartender tried to stand and run, but his panic soon turned to confusion. There no longer seemed to be a door! The room was spinning! Was this Relcifan's doing? Relcifan approached the man, his eyes glowing brighter. No one ever escaped his wrath. No one.
The bartender's screams fell on deaf ears. The only thing that the occupants of the tavern noticed, was that there was no longer anyone to serve them their drinks.
"There, Legolas. Doesn't that feel better?"
Aragorn had just finished bandaging Legolas' wounds. If Legolas was really an elf, though, his wounds might begin to heal on their own soon. Aragorn would know soon enough, for the bandages would have to be changed sometime tomorrow.
Throughout the whole bandaging process, Legolas had been tense and worried. Even though Aragorn had been the first man he could remember who had been nice to him, he still expected him to try something. Legolas wasn't sure that he would mind very much. Aragorn was certainly very handsome and kind. He had a soft smile and there was a light in his eye that Legolas felt drawn to. Yes, he supposed he could trust this man.
Aragorn heard a grumbling noise. He tilted his head, trying to listen to figure out what it was. When he looked down at Legolas, he saw him looking embarrassed and gripping his stomach. Of course! The boy was hungry!
"Come, Legolas! Let us get something to eat!"
Legolas' eyes briefly lit up. Food! The bartender hardly let him have food. He was lucky if he could even sneak a glass of clean water. Legolas silently followed Aragorn out the door and down some stairs. He didn't want to make any noise, for fear that he would anger somebody and the promise of food would be taken away. They walked into what appeared to be a small dining area. It was much like the tavern, only more quaint and homely. Once they sat down, a woman with a sweet smile and some gray to her hair, approached the table.
"What can I get for you this evening?"
Aragorn ordered for himself an ale and a slab of meat. Mella smiled and turned to Legolas, who just sat there, eyes wide, not knowing what to do. He had always been the one to take the orders, not give them. He glanced up towards Aragorn with a silent plea. Aragorn just smiled.
"He'll have the same, but with a mug of water."
Legolas sighed. It didn't seem that hard for Aragorn to give orders, and he did it kindly too. Legolas wondered who Aragorn was. He couldn't take his eyes off the man. Aragorn turned his head and noticed Legolas' eyes on him. Legolas blushed and averted his gaze. Aragorn chuckled. The boy certainly seemed at least a little better.
"Where we go morrow?"
Legolas had heard the two men talking about returning to somewhere tomorrow. Legolas said 'we' hoping that Aragorn was taking him along. He didn't want to be left behind. Aragorn caught the silent meaning.
"We're going to my home. Gondor. My father is King there, and I must return to him with a message."
With a small gasp, Legolas' eyes grew wide. Aragorn was a PRINCE! Suddenly forgetting that this was the same man who called him friend, Legolas threw himself at Aragorn's feet and began to beg. For what, he knew not. He just felt the sudden need to beg to the prince. Aragorn was dumbfounded. Twice now the boy had made himself submissive. Why was he doing that? What on Middle Earth was he begging for?! Aragorn felt a sudden anger towards that bartender for turning such a gentle soul into a frightened servant.
"Legolas, what are you doing?"
Aragorn reached down, and stroked Legolas' hair for a second, before tilting his chin up. Legolas had his eyes clenched shut and he opened them slowly. He tried to look away, but Aragorn refused to let him.
"You PRINCE! Must show…"
Legolas was frustrated because he could not think of the right word. Aragorn himself didn't care what the word was, he just didn't want Legolas to think any differently of him, just because of his lineage.
"But we're still friends Legolas. Remember that always." Aragorn glanced over his shoulder. "Look! Here's our food!"
Aragorn pulled Legolas to his feet and gave him a gentle nudge towards the chair. Legolas was so light! He definitely needed to eat more. The woman, who handed them their food, smiled gently. Mella recognized Legolas as the boy from the tavern. She had seen him running errands before and always hoped someone would come and take him away. He deserved so much better. Aragorn was surprised, for before Mella walked away, she grasped his shoulder.
"You take good care of him now." She whispered in his ear. Aragorn smiled.
"I will."
Legolas looked at him with curiosity, before looking back down to his plate. The steak set upon it was something much larger than he had expected. He didn't know where to start. Legolas' feelings of apprehension soon melted away when he was hit with the sudden realization that this steak was for HIM! For him and him alone! He could eat as much as he wanted! Joy filled Legolas' heart as he began to eat. He was sure his future would be brighter, just as long as he was by Aragorn's side!
Aragorn couldn't help but smile again at the joy that was so apparent on Legolas' face. For some reason, Aragorn couldn't tear his eyes away from the boy. His skin looked so soft, even with the dirt, and his-"Stop!" Aragorn kicked himself mentally.
"Fool! He doesn't need you to be thinking those kinds of thoughts now! What he needs is friendship and someone to show him that he's not a slave anymore!"
Aragorn had resumed eating when he heard someone call out to him.
"Ah! Aragorn! I see that great minds do indeed think alike!"
Frodo was just descending the stairs with Pippin, right behind him, who cheerfully chimed in.
"Or great stomachs!"
Merry and Sam groaned while Frodo laughed. They joined Aragorn and Legolas at their table. Legolas once again grew nervous, and began to tremble slightly. He didn't look up, and focused his eyes solely on his plate. Gandalf and Boromir soon joined them. They had been right behind the Hobbits on the stairs. Gandalf laughed and shook his head.
"Fool of a Took! Always thinking with your stomach!"
At the appearance of the wizard and the other human, a small whimper could be heard from Legolas. Frodo looked at him and saw how he shook slightly. Poor Legolas! Frodo figured that it would take more than a couple of hours for Legolas to stop thinking like a servant and fearing that others would hurt him. Frodo whispered to Legolas.
"It ok! They're friends of ours! They're going with us to Gondor tomorrow! Are you coming too?"
Frodo wanted to get Legolas into a bit of conversation. Maybe some good company and some good food would take his mind off of his fears. Legolas quickly took a small sip of his water before nodding enthusiastically.
"I go too! Happy to go!"
Legolas took another, longer sip of water. It was good that Aragorn had gotten him water. He didn't like alcohol. Especially after seeing those horrible men at the tavern get drunk every day from drinking it. Legolas turned back to Frodo, even though he still didn't quite look him in the eye.
"What you name?"
"Frodo Baggins. It's a pleasure to meet you!"
Frodo held out his hand. Legolas flinched away and looked as if he expected Frodo to hit him. Slowly, Frodo reached out and took Legolas' hand and shook it heartily.
"It's a handshake, Legolas. It's a sign of friendship!"
Legolas smiled weakly. The Hobbits certainly were kind. Just as kind as Aragorn. He looked over at the man and saw him talking with Boromir and Gandalf. Feeling Legolas' eyes upon him, Aragorn turned and smiled. His smile faded as he noticed something… Merry and Pippin had eaten the rest of his steak! Aragorn groaned and looked for the two Hobbits. They had sneaked their way over to Legolas and were also shaking his hand. Legolas looked a bit overwhelmed and tried to stifle a yawn. Since he was full and sleepy, Legolas offered the rest of his steak to the Hobbits, who ate happily. He wasn't really used to people being this nice. Legolas wished to go up to sleep, but he didn't want to go anywhere without Aragorn. Seeing Legolas yawn, Aragorn decided that it would be time for bed. Excusing himself and Legolas from his friends, they quickly ascended the stairs and entered their room. Aragorn swiftly readied for bed, and tossed Legolas an extra shirt of his.
"When we reach Gondor, you can have a bath and some fresh clean clothes!"
Legolas was still dirty, and Aragorn wondered how the youth would look without all the grime upon him. Aragorn shook his head as he climbed into his bed.
"Good Night, Legolas."
Sighing in contentment, Aragorn rolled over and began to fall asleep. Legolas, on the other hand, didn't know what to do. Yes, there was another bed, but Legolas rarely slept in beds. Even when he had been lent to men for the night, they never let him sleep in the bed. After they were done with him, they always sent him to the floor. Occasionally, they would give him a blanket, but other than that, he usually slept on the floor naked. Now there was a bed for him to use, and he didn't have to do anything for it! That was something that puzzled Legolas. Aragorn had rejected his services. That had never happened before. Nothing like this had ever happened to Legolas before, not for as long back as he could remember. Ever since he was very young, he had been a slave or servant among groups of people. Strangely enough, he could remember about a hundred years of his life and nothing before that (He assumed that he wasn't incredibly older than a century.), but he hardly aged. The only thing Legolas knew for sure was his name. It had been with him always and no matter what anybody did to him, he would still be Legolas.
Relcifan was angry. Anger always gave him power, which was good for him, but bad for anyone who crossed his path. He stormed across the small town. Anyone he questioned claimed that they had not seen the boy leave town, which was good. The only likely place that Relcifan hadn't checked, was the inn run by that quiet woman, Mella. It was as good a place as any and if Relcifan didn't find the boy there, someone would pay dearly.
Eventually, Legolas climbed into bed and went to sleep. But his dreams were not restful. They were tormented with images and memories of some of the rougher encounters he had. Legolas thrashed about and struggled against invisible attackers. He had squirmed so much, that he had managed to fling himself upon the floor. Legolas awoke when he hit the hard cold surface, and grimaced in pain. His back still hurt. But you'd think pain would be something he'd be accustomed to by now. Looking up at where Aragorn slept, Legolas sighed wistfully. He felt safe when with Aragorn, but the man didn't seem to want Legolas too near, so he decided that he would just have to be careful. Crawling across the floor, so as not to make a sound, Legolas reached Aragorn's bed. He climbed up slowly and lay down next to the man. Legolas had to be very, very quiet. It wouldn't do to wake Aragorn and possibly make him angry. Legolas doubted that Aragorn would hurt him, but Legolas didn't want to risk annoying Aragorn and being left behind the next day. Aragorn hadn't woken yet, and Legolas was relieved. He moved in closer till he was just barely touching the sleeping man, who was facing him. There, in that spot, Legolas finally found rest and his dreams were sweet and filled with joy at the prospect of times to come.
Mella was locking her door for the night, when she noticed a dark shape approaching. A deep feeling of foreboding grew in her heart as the figure got closer. She tried to quickly close the door, but the man was too swift. He tried to wedge the door open with his foot, but Mella wouldn't budge. Relcifan was not amused.
"Let me in, Woman!"
Mella caught the warning in his voice, but he too, was someone she had seen before. She had seen his treatment of that poor boy, and she knew not to let this man anywhere near him.
"I'm closing for the night! Come back later tomorrow!"
Yes, later tomorrow. The Company would be gone by then, and hopefully somewhere safe. She and Relcifan continued to struggle with the door, for it was very heavy and both persons were strong. Even though Relcifan could have beat Mella at a test of strength any day, Mella had the advantage of being inside the inn. She stomped on Relcifan's foot, and he withdrew briefly. Short of a time that it was, it was enough for her to slam the door and bar it shut. He would bother them no more tonight. At least, that was what Mella hoped.
But upstairs, in a moonlit room, Legolas and Aragorn slept. At some point, Aragorn had wrapped his arm around Legolas' waist and held him tight. Both were peacefully unaware of the danger that awaited them.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Well, did ya' like it?
I hope it met with your expectations! ( LOL ^_^ )
Oh, just wait till what happens when Aragorn and Legolas wake up! Rowr! Something rather interesting is going to happen! Promise! ^_~
Chapter 2
By SunRose
Summary: Aragorn is a prince and Legolas is a poor beaten broken slave whom he rescues. Slash! A/L!!! AU fic!
Disclaimer: They still aren't mine. Well, any characters you don't recognize probably are mine, but it's just not the same. *shakes head sadly*
Note: Relcifan is pronounced Rell-sih- fahn.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed! I luv ya' all! ^_~
In a fairly dark room in the back of tavern, the bartender was counting his gold. This was more money than the servant boy had ever brought in! Sure, there would be a few customers who wouldn't be happy at the loss of their favorite… plaything… but with this, the man could buy a new whore who would bring in TWICE as much! While the man was counting, he didn't notice the figure that walked into the room. Not until the figure was right in front of the desk did the man see him and jump.
"Relcifan! What are you doing here?" he stuttered out. Relcifan was a very dark man, and the bartender knew better than to provoke him in any way.
"I looked for the boy. Where is he?"
Relcifan's voice was deep, and held a tone of anger. The boy was his favorite. Not to mention the fact that the boy was an elf. Relcifan was waiting for the perfect time to take the elf from this town and have him for his own. So lost he was in his fantasies, Relcifan almost missed what the bartender was saying.
"I sold him. Thirty pieces of gold, I got! Thirty! For that dirty little wretch!"
Relcifan's rage was rising. SOLD him! How could he? The bartender was growing more and more nervous. Why was he so angry? Surely Relcifan could understand the selling of a simple servant!
"I wanted him to be mine. I broke him. I tamed him. I crave him."
Relcifan removed his hood to reveal his face. His hair was the color of a raven's feathers and was pulled back with a leather tie. His eyes were a deep gold, almost like the coins that lay now discarded on the desk. But now, instead of gold, those eyes seemed to be glowing an intense yellow.
"I need him, and now he's gone. You sent him away."
Relcifan pulled out a long hunting knife. The bartender tried to stand and run, but his panic soon turned to confusion. There no longer seemed to be a door! The room was spinning! Was this Relcifan's doing? Relcifan approached the man, his eyes glowing brighter. No one ever escaped his wrath. No one.
The bartender's screams fell on deaf ears. The only thing that the occupants of the tavern noticed, was that there was no longer anyone to serve them their drinks.
"There, Legolas. Doesn't that feel better?"
Aragorn had just finished bandaging Legolas' wounds. If Legolas was really an elf, though, his wounds might begin to heal on their own soon. Aragorn would know soon enough, for the bandages would have to be changed sometime tomorrow.
Throughout the whole bandaging process, Legolas had been tense and worried. Even though Aragorn had been the first man he could remember who had been nice to him, he still expected him to try something. Legolas wasn't sure that he would mind very much. Aragorn was certainly very handsome and kind. He had a soft smile and there was a light in his eye that Legolas felt drawn to. Yes, he supposed he could trust this man.
Aragorn heard a grumbling noise. He tilted his head, trying to listen to figure out what it was. When he looked down at Legolas, he saw him looking embarrassed and gripping his stomach. Of course! The boy was hungry!
"Come, Legolas! Let us get something to eat!"
Legolas' eyes briefly lit up. Food! The bartender hardly let him have food. He was lucky if he could even sneak a glass of clean water. Legolas silently followed Aragorn out the door and down some stairs. He didn't want to make any noise, for fear that he would anger somebody and the promise of food would be taken away. They walked into what appeared to be a small dining area. It was much like the tavern, only more quaint and homely. Once they sat down, a woman with a sweet smile and some gray to her hair, approached the table.
"What can I get for you this evening?"
Aragorn ordered for himself an ale and a slab of meat. Mella smiled and turned to Legolas, who just sat there, eyes wide, not knowing what to do. He had always been the one to take the orders, not give them. He glanced up towards Aragorn with a silent plea. Aragorn just smiled.
"He'll have the same, but with a mug of water."
Legolas sighed. It didn't seem that hard for Aragorn to give orders, and he did it kindly too. Legolas wondered who Aragorn was. He couldn't take his eyes off the man. Aragorn turned his head and noticed Legolas' eyes on him. Legolas blushed and averted his gaze. Aragorn chuckled. The boy certainly seemed at least a little better.
"Where we go morrow?"
Legolas had heard the two men talking about returning to somewhere tomorrow. Legolas said 'we' hoping that Aragorn was taking him along. He didn't want to be left behind. Aragorn caught the silent meaning.
"We're going to my home. Gondor. My father is King there, and I must return to him with a message."
With a small gasp, Legolas' eyes grew wide. Aragorn was a PRINCE! Suddenly forgetting that this was the same man who called him friend, Legolas threw himself at Aragorn's feet and began to beg. For what, he knew not. He just felt the sudden need to beg to the prince. Aragorn was dumbfounded. Twice now the boy had made himself submissive. Why was he doing that? What on Middle Earth was he begging for?! Aragorn felt a sudden anger towards that bartender for turning such a gentle soul into a frightened servant.
"Legolas, what are you doing?"
Aragorn reached down, and stroked Legolas' hair for a second, before tilting his chin up. Legolas had his eyes clenched shut and he opened them slowly. He tried to look away, but Aragorn refused to let him.
"You PRINCE! Must show…"
Legolas was frustrated because he could not think of the right word. Aragorn himself didn't care what the word was, he just didn't want Legolas to think any differently of him, just because of his lineage.
"But we're still friends Legolas. Remember that always." Aragorn glanced over his shoulder. "Look! Here's our food!"
Aragorn pulled Legolas to his feet and gave him a gentle nudge towards the chair. Legolas was so light! He definitely needed to eat more. The woman, who handed them their food, smiled gently. Mella recognized Legolas as the boy from the tavern. She had seen him running errands before and always hoped someone would come and take him away. He deserved so much better. Aragorn was surprised, for before Mella walked away, she grasped his shoulder.
"You take good care of him now." She whispered in his ear. Aragorn smiled.
"I will."
Legolas looked at him with curiosity, before looking back down to his plate. The steak set upon it was something much larger than he had expected. He didn't know where to start. Legolas' feelings of apprehension soon melted away when he was hit with the sudden realization that this steak was for HIM! For him and him alone! He could eat as much as he wanted! Joy filled Legolas' heart as he began to eat. He was sure his future would be brighter, just as long as he was by Aragorn's side!
Aragorn couldn't help but smile again at the joy that was so apparent on Legolas' face. For some reason, Aragorn couldn't tear his eyes away from the boy. His skin looked so soft, even with the dirt, and his-"Stop!" Aragorn kicked himself mentally.
"Fool! He doesn't need you to be thinking those kinds of thoughts now! What he needs is friendship and someone to show him that he's not a slave anymore!"
Aragorn had resumed eating when he heard someone call out to him.
"Ah! Aragorn! I see that great minds do indeed think alike!"
Frodo was just descending the stairs with Pippin, right behind him, who cheerfully chimed in.
"Or great stomachs!"
Merry and Sam groaned while Frodo laughed. They joined Aragorn and Legolas at their table. Legolas once again grew nervous, and began to tremble slightly. He didn't look up, and focused his eyes solely on his plate. Gandalf and Boromir soon joined them. They had been right behind the Hobbits on the stairs. Gandalf laughed and shook his head.
"Fool of a Took! Always thinking with your stomach!"
At the appearance of the wizard and the other human, a small whimper could be heard from Legolas. Frodo looked at him and saw how he shook slightly. Poor Legolas! Frodo figured that it would take more than a couple of hours for Legolas to stop thinking like a servant and fearing that others would hurt him. Frodo whispered to Legolas.
"It ok! They're friends of ours! They're going with us to Gondor tomorrow! Are you coming too?"
Frodo wanted to get Legolas into a bit of conversation. Maybe some good company and some good food would take his mind off of his fears. Legolas quickly took a small sip of his water before nodding enthusiastically.
"I go too! Happy to go!"
Legolas took another, longer sip of water. It was good that Aragorn had gotten him water. He didn't like alcohol. Especially after seeing those horrible men at the tavern get drunk every day from drinking it. Legolas turned back to Frodo, even though he still didn't quite look him in the eye.
"What you name?"
"Frodo Baggins. It's a pleasure to meet you!"
Frodo held out his hand. Legolas flinched away and looked as if he expected Frodo to hit him. Slowly, Frodo reached out and took Legolas' hand and shook it heartily.
"It's a handshake, Legolas. It's a sign of friendship!"
Legolas smiled weakly. The Hobbits certainly were kind. Just as kind as Aragorn. He looked over at the man and saw him talking with Boromir and Gandalf. Feeling Legolas' eyes upon him, Aragorn turned and smiled. His smile faded as he noticed something… Merry and Pippin had eaten the rest of his steak! Aragorn groaned and looked for the two Hobbits. They had sneaked their way over to Legolas and were also shaking his hand. Legolas looked a bit overwhelmed and tried to stifle a yawn. Since he was full and sleepy, Legolas offered the rest of his steak to the Hobbits, who ate happily. He wasn't really used to people being this nice. Legolas wished to go up to sleep, but he didn't want to go anywhere without Aragorn. Seeing Legolas yawn, Aragorn decided that it would be time for bed. Excusing himself and Legolas from his friends, they quickly ascended the stairs and entered their room. Aragorn swiftly readied for bed, and tossed Legolas an extra shirt of his.
"When we reach Gondor, you can have a bath and some fresh clean clothes!"
Legolas was still dirty, and Aragorn wondered how the youth would look without all the grime upon him. Aragorn shook his head as he climbed into his bed.
"Good Night, Legolas."
Sighing in contentment, Aragorn rolled over and began to fall asleep. Legolas, on the other hand, didn't know what to do. Yes, there was another bed, but Legolas rarely slept in beds. Even when he had been lent to men for the night, they never let him sleep in the bed. After they were done with him, they always sent him to the floor. Occasionally, they would give him a blanket, but other than that, he usually slept on the floor naked. Now there was a bed for him to use, and he didn't have to do anything for it! That was something that puzzled Legolas. Aragorn had rejected his services. That had never happened before. Nothing like this had ever happened to Legolas before, not for as long back as he could remember. Ever since he was very young, he had been a slave or servant among groups of people. Strangely enough, he could remember about a hundred years of his life and nothing before that (He assumed that he wasn't incredibly older than a century.), but he hardly aged. The only thing Legolas knew for sure was his name. It had been with him always and no matter what anybody did to him, he would still be Legolas.
Relcifan was angry. Anger always gave him power, which was good for him, but bad for anyone who crossed his path. He stormed across the small town. Anyone he questioned claimed that they had not seen the boy leave town, which was good. The only likely place that Relcifan hadn't checked, was the inn run by that quiet woman, Mella. It was as good a place as any and if Relcifan didn't find the boy there, someone would pay dearly.
Eventually, Legolas climbed into bed and went to sleep. But his dreams were not restful. They were tormented with images and memories of some of the rougher encounters he had. Legolas thrashed about and struggled against invisible attackers. He had squirmed so much, that he had managed to fling himself upon the floor. Legolas awoke when he hit the hard cold surface, and grimaced in pain. His back still hurt. But you'd think pain would be something he'd be accustomed to by now. Looking up at where Aragorn slept, Legolas sighed wistfully. He felt safe when with Aragorn, but the man didn't seem to want Legolas too near, so he decided that he would just have to be careful. Crawling across the floor, so as not to make a sound, Legolas reached Aragorn's bed. He climbed up slowly and lay down next to the man. Legolas had to be very, very quiet. It wouldn't do to wake Aragorn and possibly make him angry. Legolas doubted that Aragorn would hurt him, but Legolas didn't want to risk annoying Aragorn and being left behind the next day. Aragorn hadn't woken yet, and Legolas was relieved. He moved in closer till he was just barely touching the sleeping man, who was facing him. There, in that spot, Legolas finally found rest and his dreams were sweet and filled with joy at the prospect of times to come.
Mella was locking her door for the night, when she noticed a dark shape approaching. A deep feeling of foreboding grew in her heart as the figure got closer. She tried to quickly close the door, but the man was too swift. He tried to wedge the door open with his foot, but Mella wouldn't budge. Relcifan was not amused.
"Let me in, Woman!"
Mella caught the warning in his voice, but he too, was someone she had seen before. She had seen his treatment of that poor boy, and she knew not to let this man anywhere near him.
"I'm closing for the night! Come back later tomorrow!"
Yes, later tomorrow. The Company would be gone by then, and hopefully somewhere safe. She and Relcifan continued to struggle with the door, for it was very heavy and both persons were strong. Even though Relcifan could have beat Mella at a test of strength any day, Mella had the advantage of being inside the inn. She stomped on Relcifan's foot, and he withdrew briefly. Short of a time that it was, it was enough for her to slam the door and bar it shut. He would bother them no more tonight. At least, that was what Mella hoped.
But upstairs, in a moonlit room, Legolas and Aragorn slept. At some point, Aragorn had wrapped his arm around Legolas' waist and held him tight. Both were peacefully unaware of the danger that awaited them.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Well, did ya' like it?
I hope it met with your expectations! ( LOL ^_^ )
Oh, just wait till what happens when Aragorn and Legolas wake up! Rowr! Something rather interesting is going to happen! Promise! ^_~