Note: None of these characters are mine! I'm using Elvish in ' ' and the translation is in ( ). This fic contains slash between Haldir/Legolas and implied Aragorn/Legolas. Takes place about 5 days after the snowstorm. In Severed Bond, instead of rain, I mean to say snow. Oops… Sorry about that. I promise, there will be more flashbacks in the upcoming chapters about Aragorn/Legolas' relationship, of how it began, and the story of how Haldir/Legolas' relationship began. This fic is going to be very long! Language warning!

Bitterness And Loathing

Part 3

Aragorn had finally left Gondor, even though the storm had not let up. If anything, it was getting worse, with winds so fast that the snowflakes stung any bare skin. He took his sturdiest horse, who was used to this weather, and a pack of food.

Aragorn had been riding for hours nonstop, his mind on only one thing- Legolas. He didn't care about the fact that he could get sick and die, for even an Elf would have been cold in this. Neither did the King of Gondor care, if he even noticed, that he was being followed. He was obsessed with chasing Legolas and finishing what he had started.

Though he did not want to kill the Elf. It would hurt him terribly to do so, but Aragorn must. It was the law of Gondor, and even the King could not break the law and make an exception. Besides, he was almost positive it had truly been Legolas that had murdered Arwen. Almost positive…

Damn, when did he start getting doubts in his belief, Aragorn wondered. Maybe Gandalf's arguments were finally starting to get through to him. The wizard had found one reason after another why Legolas could not- and would not- have killed Arwen.

The latest was a bitter memory. Gandalf had somehow found out about the vows that he and Legolas had made to each other.

'N'uma cron a' lle aa' tul tuulo' amin. Amin vest sina yassen coiamin.'  (No harm to you may come from me. I swear this with my life.)

So Legolas had spoken. Aragorn bitterly remembered his own oath.

'Amin vest sina vesta vithel. Amin uva il- oio cron lle.' (I vow this oath also. I will not ever harm you.)

Well, both oaths had been truly broken, in Aragorn's opinion. Legolas had hurt him by murdering his wife; he had hurt Legolas by nearly executing him. They'd split amicably after the Fellowship, when Aragorn had returned to Arwen.

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Flashback

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Legolas and Aragorn stood together, in a secluded place in Rivendell. Water trickled from a stream nearby, as the two gently embraced, before kissing sweetly.

Then Legolas stepped back and said gently, 'Amin fain lle tuulo' lye vest, Estel. Lle mel he.' (I release you from our vow, Estel. You love her.)

'Amin mel lle vithel, Legolas,' Aragorn protested weakly. (I love you as well, Legolas.)

Legolas looked at him, and seemed to tremble ever so slightly. He shook his head, and gently brushed Aragorn's hair out of his eyes, before shaking his head again. 'Lye yuuyo rangw, Estel. Lle quern ver- Arwen.' (We both understand, Estel. You need to wed Arwen.) His impassive face kept Aragorn from seeing the agony inside of him, which threatened to escape his control. Legolas would rather have jumped into Mordor himself than do this. But they had known it could not last forever.

'A'melindo,' Aragorn finally whispered. (My lover.)

Legolas shook his head a third time, biting back his hidden grief and pain, as he tenderly corrected, 'A'mellon.'  (My friend.) His blue eyes met Aragorn's grey ones solemnly, as he waited for his now-friend to agree.

Aragorn reluctantly nodded. He knew his duty, and he did love Arwen. 'A'mellon.'

A smile crossed the Elven face, as Legolas clapped him on the arm. 'Ilyamenie,' the blond Elf vowed. (Always.) He wept inside, even as he proved his love by letting go.

Having spoken what they needed to, the two that had been lovers- and now were only friends- returned to where Arwen waited for her close friend and soon-to-be husband. She never discovered what they had spoken about in the remaining years of her life.

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Gandalf claimed that even though Aragorn had been released from his oath to Legolas, by the very one who vowed the same, the Elven Prince had never been released in return. Legolas would not have broken that vow, Gandalf insisted. Elves' vows were never to be taken lightly.

Aragorn scoffed at himself, and continued his journey, ignoring the bitter cold seeping through him. He never saw or cared that the group that had been following him for hours had split up and were about to ambush him.

Legolas and Haldir were hunting for food as best as they could in this weather. Their torn and tattered clothes offered little protection from the cold, which sent shivers down both of them. They were forced to tunnel under the snow to dig through the frozen ground for any edible roots.

Legolas' teeth chattered, as they cut the roots and stuffed them in their pouches. His hands were bare and red with frostbite, as he trembled with cold. The sounds of a battle caught his attention.

'Last, Haldir,' Legolas murmured, straining to hear over the wind. (Listen, Haldir.)

Haldir listened and frowned. He and Legolas exchanged a look. It was the bandits who lived nearby. They were attacking someone again. The two Elves stood and walked together, on top of the snow, to find whoever was fighting with the bandits. They were ruthless killers, after all, and neither Elf wanted to just walk away and let someone die.

Aragorn's horse had reared and flung him off when the bandits had shown up. The human rolled and stood up, dropping his back on the ground. His attackers had an advantage, for they were more accustomed to the snow than he.

Though he fought valiantly, Aragorn was overwhelmed by the sheer number of the bandits. He killed many, however, and left their bodies on the ground, where their blood stained the snow red. A blow struck his head, and the heir of Isildur knew no more.

Legolas and Haldir fired a warning shot with their bows, though it hurt their burned hands. Arrows struck the ground in front of where the victim lay. The bandits froze and gazed around.

Legolas drew his sword, along with Haldir, and the two gracefully leapt as one, landing in front of the fallen Man.

The bandits knew who these two were, and snarled at them.

"Get your own prisoner," the leader snapped.

Legolas skillfully twirled his sword in his hand, before he finally caught the hilt and pointed it at them. "If you wish to live, depart now." The Elf met their gazes neutrally.

"I second that," Haldir stated, as he stepped into a defensive position.

The leader lunged forward and began fighting with Legolas. Their swords clang together, echoing endlessly. Legolas was distracted by the cold more than the human, for he had never felt it before. It plagued him, as it seemed to drain on his soul.

So it was only a matter of time until it happened. Legolas had countered a blow and was slicing at the man's arm, when his opponent's sword cut deeply into his side. The Elf ignored it and continued his blow. Blood splattered on the ground.

It was sheer luck that the leader decided that this victim wasn't worth all this trouble. The group stalked away, glaring at the two Elves. The Elves had been saving everyone of their chosen victims, and the bandits knew that they were no match for them. It didn't stop them from being angry, however.

Legolas was relieved, as he sheathed his sword. Haldir did the same, and the two walked over to where the figure lay in the snow. A pack lay next to him, as Haldir knelt down and removed the cloak.

Legolas instantly scowled. "We should have left him to their mercy," he muttered, glaring at Aragorn's limp form.

"Legolas…" Haldir said, a frown on his face as well. "Do you truly want him dead?"

Legolas's scowl grew deeper as he easily lifted Aragorn's prone form and flung it over his shoulder. "No. But I do not have to like saving him," he snapped. "He tried to kill me, Haldir. And you know it." He hid the pain he felt in his side, though blood flowed from the wound.

'Lirimaer, amin sin,' Haldir murmured. (Lovely one, I know. ) But his voice held no room for an argument about leaving the human to perish. Even if this human had nearly killed Legolas, Haldir could not just leave him here.

"Fine," Legolas said angrily, before he relented. It was not Haldir he was truly angry at. 'Amin hiraetha, melamin,' Legolas told his lover. (I'm sorry, my love.)

'Amin sin, a'maelamin,' Haldir answered calmly. (I know, my beloved.) He was not happy about seeing Aragorn, either. The older Elf grabbed the pack, and the two set off together. Haldir knew better than to press Legolas about his wound right now.

Legolas knew why Strider was here; no doubt the human had heard that he was here. The Elf knew that he did not want Strider to die, but neither did he want to have to save his life, especially when it might cost him his own. Legolas wondered if Haldir had considered that.

The two Elves silently reached their temporary home, and Haldir opened the door, letting Legolas carry Aragorn inside, before the other Elf closed it. It had grown so cold that they had decided to risk lighting a fire earlier.

The tiny house, in the daylight, was very pathetic indeed. The cheap paint was cracked and peeling everywhere, and the rug was shorn. The fireplace had had to be fixed before it could be used. Only a few blankets were here, for Haldir and Legolas had had nothing on them when they'd fled, save for Haldir's weapons. Legolas had stolen a sword later to defend himself, and had eventually made himself a bow and arrows.

A torn and faded couch was the closest piece of furniture to the dim fire, so Legolas put Aragorn there, before he began ripping long strips out of his tattered cloak. Haldir said nothing as he watched Legolas bind Aragorn's hands and feet together tightly, before the taller Elf tended the fire and added some wood. Most of the wooden furniture had been torn about and was slowly being burned, save for the bed in the other room, where the two slept together.

Legolas looked at Haldir, and raised an eyebrow. Haldir shrugged a little, and the younger Elf sighed. He tore off another strip, went over to the door, and opened it. He stuck it into the snow long enough to get wet, before he swiftly shut the door again. Legolas put the wet cloth on Aragorn's forehead, albeit a little sloppily, before he went to the fire and began warming his hands.

Haldir joined his lover by the fire for a few moments, just long enough to warm up. He then grabbed the kettle and went outside long enough to wash some of the roots he had in the stream, after breaking the ice with his sword. Water was gathered in the kettle, and taken inside once more.

The roots were cut into smaller pieces, as the kettle full of water was placed over the fireplace. It was a traditional fireplace, with stones and a small iron rod to hand the kettle on. When the water started boiling, the cut roots were placed in it to make an edible broth.

Legolas and Haldir then cuddled together, partly for warmth, and partly because of love. Haldir's hands were not as bad as Legolas', for he had wrapped them in strips of his own cloak before they had set out today. He gently massaged his lover's hands, and was rewarded with a fiery kiss from the passionate younger Elf.

Legolas and Haldir kissed hard and hungrily for a few moments, and wrapped their arms around each other, getting as close as they possibly could. A soft groan caught their attention, and the two turned to look at the human.

Aragorn blinked his eyes open, and was stunned to realize he was indoors somewhere. He then spotted the two blond Elves looking at him. He snarled when he recognized Legolas and lunged towards him. His landing on the floor was ungraceful, for Aragorn realized too late that his feet and hands were bound.

Legolas smirked a little, and gracefully stood, before walking over. He casually reached down with one hand, grabbed a hold of Aragorn's right arm, and lifted him off the ground. He then shoved the human, a little harder than necessary, back onto the couch.

"Release me at once!" Aragorn shouted.

Haldir sighed, and slowly stood as well. He went over to his lover, and gazed down at Aragorn. "You could show a little appreciation, King of Gondor. We saved your life."

Aragorn scowled. "Am I really supposed to believe that he saved me?" he snapped.

Legolas rolled his eyes. "Haldir made me save you. I did not want to," he coolly lied.

"Legolas…" Haldir said sternly. He was given a sullen look.

"I didn't want to save him. We should have left him," Legolas bitterly said, as he glared at Strider. "He's nothing but trouble."

"I wish you had left me," Aragorn retorted. "I would rather die than be saved by you!"

Legolas' hand flew to his sword. "That can be arranged, human." The word 'human' came out as a twisted insult.

"Enough," Haldir snapped, causing both to look at him. "Aragorn, we both saved your life. Do us a favor and stop trying to kill him, at least for tonight."

Aragorn bit back a scathing reply, and sullenly nodded. "For tonight," he muttered, shooting glares at Legolas. His gaze softened a little, when he saw how pale Legolas suddenly looked.

Legolas pressed his hands against his side, hissing softly in pain. He didn't see the concern in the grey eyes that watched him. Haldir went over to his lover, and carefully removed the sorry cloak, tunic, and shirt.

Aragorn was taken aback as he realized he could count every single rib that Legolas had when the Elf turned to face the other Elf. Legolas' bloody gash dripped the crimson liquid on the floor, while the human silently watched. Haldir ripped some cloth from the inside of his cloak and began binding it carefully, after cleaning it as best as he could.

'Lle tyava quel, a'maelamin?' Haldir tenderly whispered. (Do you feel well, my beloved?)

Legolas whispered back, 'Uma, melamin. Amin tyav eithel.' (Yes, my love. I feel well.)

Haldir frowned a little, and raised an eyebrow. He knew when Legolas was trying to hide something, and shook his head.

Aragorn's mouth had dropped open. Those…those two were… He couldn't believe it. An insane jealousy built up in him, as well as disgust at himself for being jealous. How could he be jealous? For that matter, why was he jealous, Aragorn wondered. He didn't understand it.

Haldir sighed. He would keep a close eye on Legolas and make sure that he got plenty of rest and time to heal before they moved on to where they were heading. Haldir turned and pulled the boiling, weak broth away from the fire. Aragorn watched, his eyes narrowed, as a tiny amount of the liquid was placed in three cups, which Legolas had carved out of wood.

Haldir handed one to Legolas, before carrying a second to Aragorn. The human looked at it suspiciously.

"Tis food and nothing more," Haldir said neutrally.

Legolas walked over, and smirked. "Afraid?" he challenged. He brought his cup to his lips and drank the weak broth in one gulp. "See? I'm not dead." The Elf's healing ability was already tending to his gash.

No, but you are terribly thin, Aragorn found himself thinking. He shook his head, and brought his hands up to try to take the cup. He couldn't manage it, for his hands were tied to tightly.

Legolas took the cup from Haldir, so his lover could 'eat', and pressed the carved container against Aragorn's lips, which the human opened silently. He couldn't hide his grimace at the horrible taste.

Anger blazed in Legolas' eyes, for he saw the face. "Sorry it isn't good enough for the King of Gondor," he snapped. "It's all we've got." The blond Elf stormed over to Haldir.

Haldir removed his soaked tunic, shirt, and cloak, revealing that he was as thin as Legolas. The two pieces of clothing were placed near the fire, so they would dry. He drank the meager amount of sustenance that he had, before the older Elf looked at his lover. He smiled at the stony expression on Legolas' face, finding it slightly amusing.

Legolas gave him a pointed look, and Haldir nodded. The younger Elf went into the bedroom to wait. Haldir followed, grabbed a blanket, and returned to the human.

"I would not advise you to leave tonight," Haldir informed the human. "The snow is far too deep and dangerous at night. We will not hurt you, unless you hurt one of us." He positioned Aragorn into a more comfortable position, before covering him with the blanket.

"Why are you helping me?" Aragorn suspiciously asked.

Haldir looked at him neutrally. "That I won't say," he answered mysteriously, before he retired to the bedroom as well, closing the door behind him.

Aragorn didn't understand this turn of events. Legolas and Haldir? When had they gotten together, the human pondered. He certainly hadn't known about Legolas being involved with another. It hurt, as much as Aragorn hated to admit it. Then he heard another sound, which hurt even more. Soft cries and moans came from the bedroom, from behind the closed door.

This was going to be a long night, Aragorn thought, as he listened to the sounds of Haldir and Legolas making love. The human squeezed his eyes shut and prayed for sleep to come soon.

In the morning, he would have to either get his revenge, or die trying.

To be continued