Author's Notes: Whew, it's been a while, hasn't it? I'm really sorry about that; my excuse is still the evil coursework. Still, it will all be over soon, and then I can devote all my time to the story (and of course, lusting after Orlando, but that goes without saying.) Someone asked how many chapters there were left of this. My honest response is, I have no idea. I thought it would probably be a five parter, but now I'm sure I'll have to make it longer than that. So for now, I'm guessing it will definitely be no more than ten. I'll see how it goes. Hey, I'm making this up as I go along!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, everyone, for your lovely reviews. We sure showed that flamer, huh? And now I almost have a hundred! So please, please, please keep them coming in. You have no idea how much they mean to me. Maybe I can aim for a hundred and fifty before the story is through, huh? Okay, might be getting a bit ahead of myself there, but still, it would be nice!
Disclaimer: Still not mine. But I'd settle for Orlando if I can't have Legolas. Do you think he'd mind?
Chapter 4
Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli walked for many miles that day, through the vast woodlands and beside the high, powerful trees that towered above them. Behind him, Aragorn could hear Gimli breathing heavily, muttering an occasional word spoken in dwarfish, but in all truthfulness, Aragorn only had eyes and ears for the elf in front. Legolas was in his true element amongst these beautiful woods, and he walked with a slight spring to his step that Aragorn had not seen since...
Boromir's name once more echoed in his head. Although Legolas may have been hurt the most by Boromir's death, he certainly wasn't the only one affected by it. Despite his faults, Aragorn had looked upon Boromir as a brother, and as a friend. His desire to do right, his selflessness... all these traits were not easily forgotten. Yes, he had tried to take the ring. But only to do the right thing by it. He hadn't been thinking of himself when he had tried to steal it from Frodo; of that, Aragorn was certain.
In a way, Aragorn had envied Boromir. He had been so committed to his people, so eager to stop the fall of men. But in the end, he hadn't even been able to stop himself from falling. Yes, Boromir's death had been a tragedy. Would he even be at peace now he was dead? Now he was no longer able to touch the beautiful creature that he had left behind; a creature that would never die. How Aragorn longed to touch Legolas as Boromir once had... not as a friend, but as a lover. Aragorn had loved the elf from the moment he had first seen him, all those years ago. But Legolas had never looked on him as anything more than a friend. And so he had taken Arwen.
Arwen. The name haunted him. He hated it and loved it. She was beautiful, kind and fair. But she was not Legolas. He remembered the night Arwen had told him she would give up her immortality for him. His heart had stopped beating for a second and his words had almost stuck fast in his throat... 'You cannot give this to me'. But she had. She had made the ultimate sacrifice for him. And now he was bound to her for the rest of his life. Initially for love, but now, increasingly, a sense of duty. Surely that wasn't how it should be? Life was precious, and now it would be wasted for a lie. For a weakness. Aragorn could have stopped it from happening. But he was so afraid of being alone, of being without love that he played along regardless. Arwen was so like Legolas, and not just in physical attributes. She shared his grace, his calmness and his strength. But Legolas had more than that. He appreciated the world around him; he had a wide-eyed wonder for things he knew little of. Aragorn would never forget Legolas' look when he had first seen Boromir dead. Not just a look of sorrow, but one of questioning, of trying to comprehend why this was happening. Arwen had taken her immortality for granted, and so she had finally given it up. But Legolas was constantly aware of it; aware that he would see friends and lovers come and go, whilst never experiencing death himself.
Aragorn watched Legolas closely as they walked. How he longed to run his fingers through his hair, to undo the tiny braids, and breathe in that scent that all elves seemed to possess; of wild flowers and fresh morning dew. He wanted to see the elf breathing heavily underneath him, gazing up with passion and lust in his eyes, in the same way that only Aragorn had seen, when Legolas had shared those stolen kisses with Boromir. Curses! There was that name again. Like a wound that refused to heal. Why had Legolas fallen for Boromir, and not the ranger? What had it been that Boromir had possessed, that had made Legolas fall for him, and still pine for him even after his death? Aragorn could feel the anger rise inside of him as he remembered the night he had seen Boromir take Legolas. He remembered everything about it, and it was a memory that refused to fade, no matter how much he wished it to...
//Aragorn had been put on watch for the first part of the night, but he knew that everyone would have trouble sleeping. For Gandalf had fallen into shadow only hours earlier, and the hobbits were still deeply traumatised by it. Aragorn would occasionally hear one of them let out a muffled sob, but whether this was in sleep or in wake he could not tell. The time was approaching to wake up Boromir, who was to take the next part of the night. But when Aragon looked over to the spot where Boromir had taken up rest, he saw that the human was no longer there. In a flash, Aragorn's eyes travelled to the elf's sleeping place. That too was conspicuously empty.
Aragorn rose silently and walked through the forest that surrounded him. He could hear noises a short distance away, and as he peered through the shadows, he saw Boromir and Legolas in the throws of carnal embrace. They were leaning against a tree, their backs both facing him. Boromir was groaning in pleasure as he thrust into the elf, his hands gripped tightly around the slender arms. Legolas was gasping quickly, sometimes whispering softly in Elvish, which only caused Boromir to push up against him harder. Aragorn watched them silently, unable to turn away; hating Boromir for doing this, for being where Aragorn should have been, but at the same time unable to deny how beautiful the sight was, and how much it turned him on.
Finally, Boromir let out a last groan of pleasure and collapsed against Legolas, encircling his waist with his arms. Aragorn saw one of Boromir's hands slide down, and Legolas moaned softly in pleasure as Boromir brought him to a quick climax.
Aragorn heard the human whisper something in the elf's ear. Legolas turned to face Boromir, and kissed him so passionately and deeply that Aragorn had to restrain himself from calling out and putting a stop to it.
Aragorn had seen more than enough. He went silently back to the campsite and slid down onto the coarse grass underneath him. Some time later, Legolas returned back, his figure barely distinguishable in the shadows. He felt himself being watched, and turned to look at Aragorn.
"He's just coming." Legolas exclaimed softly.
Aragorn nodded. "Yes, I heard that for myself." He exclaimed wryly. The elf blushed through the darkness, and sunk to the ground, wrapping his blankets tightly around him. Aragorn sighed. That had been a cheap blow, and now the elf knew that he had been watching... But Aragorn found it hard to care too deeply. Perhaps now he knew, he wouldn't be so quick to give his body to Boromir.
The human returned to camp shortly afterwards, and walked heavily up to Aragorn. "I'm sorry. I was just scouting the area..."
"Save your lies, Boromir. I saw Legolas return."
"He was helping me."
"I saw you together. Next time, don't let your... attachment get in the way of your duty. After all, you were due to start your watch some time ago."
"Allow me to apologise." Boromir stared vehemently at him. "It will not happen again."
"Ay, it won't." Aragorn stood up. "Next time, I will simply interrupt you."
It was only a slight victory, but at least it was a victory. Aragorn fell into a discontented sleep that night, where all he could dream of was the sight of Boromir hungrily kissing the beautiful elf.//
"Gimli, Legolas, we will rest here temporarily." Aragorn called out to his two companions. Legolas turned to face him questioningly.
"I am not tired yet."
"Be that as it may," Aragorn scowled at him, "I sense an uneasiness in the air, and I wish to refuel and gather back our strengths before we continue." He pointed to the east. "There is a lake through these trees. We can refill our water supply there. One of us can do a brief scout round the area for the enemy."
"I'll do that." Gimli told them decisively. "There's nothing wrong with my strength." He marched off into the trees, and finally out of sight. Legolas scowled after him.
"Do you think he was trying to imply something?"
"Undoubtedly."
"Well, let's get some water then." Legolas exclaimed angrily before walking in the opposite direction. Aragorn quickly followed him.
"You seem better today?" He commented. Legolas nodded.
"I feel better."
"That is good." Aragorn nodded. "You are not yourself when you are weighed down with all those troubles."
"I can assure you, Aragorn, I am." Legolas smiled. "As much as I wish that were not so."
They reached the lake, and Legolas knelt down, cupping the clean water in his hands before splashing it over his face. His hair fell from behind his ears and into his face as he lent forward again, and Aragorn clenched his hands into fists to stop himself from brushing it away.
"Why do you watch me so?" Legolas asked when he had finished washing his face. He stood back up. "Your eyes seem to penetrate my skin."
"I would not want to do that." Aragorn said. "It is such fair skin."
"Ay, I know that." Legolas laughed lightly. "What was it you said? That I was perfect in that area?"
"Why do you laugh? I only spoke the truth."
"But how do I compare to Lady Arwen?" He questioned. Aragorn drew his breath in sharply. If it was not Boromir's name plaguing him, it was his betrothed. "Am I as fair as her?"
"Do you want me to answer that truthfully?"
"Of course."
"Without a doubt, you are far fairer than her." Aragorn told him. Legolas looked genuinely surprised.
"I think you have been away from her too long, Aragorn. You forget how beautiful she really is."
"Her face haunts my mind, Legolas. I will never forget what she looks like."
"It haunts you? What cruel words, Aragorn. Surely it is a good thing that you remember her?" Legolas stared at him, his face revealing an emotion somewhere between shock and confusion.
"Nay, I wish to forget her." Aragorn sighed. "For then I might not feel this guilt inside of me."
"Guilt for what?"
"You know what, Legolas." Aragorn whispered. The elf took a couple of steps back, his blue eyes shining with fright.
"Do not look at me like that, Aragorn. I beg of you."
"No matter how hard I fight it, I cannot deny my feelings for you, Legolas. 'Tis only right that you know." Aragorn stepped forward and placed his hand on Legolas' arm.
"Boromir..."
"...Is gone." Aragorn finished the sentence for him. "And I am not." The elf opened his mouth to say something, but Aragorn closed the remaining distance between them by kissing him tenderly on the lips. He felt a surge of passion course through him as the kiss deepened, and he finally realised what a kiss should feel like, when sharing it with the one you truly loved. But no sooner had he begun to feel like it was meant to be, Legolas pulled away from him quickly, his eyes staring at him in anger.
"Boromir was right. You are not to be trusted." He whispered in disgust before walking away. "You will never taste these lips again. Of that you can be certain."
Aragorn stared after him, unable to call out to him. It had been a mistake; it was too soon after Boromir's death, too rushed, too sudden. Only after Legolas had gone did he find the strength to speak. His words were quiet in the silence of the forest around him, and only the trees heard him whisper softly 'But I love you.'
Thank you, thank you, thank you, everyone, for your lovely reviews. We sure showed that flamer, huh? And now I almost have a hundred! So please, please, please keep them coming in. You have no idea how much they mean to me. Maybe I can aim for a hundred and fifty before the story is through, huh? Okay, might be getting a bit ahead of myself there, but still, it would be nice!
Disclaimer: Still not mine. But I'd settle for Orlando if I can't have Legolas. Do you think he'd mind?
Chapter 4
Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli walked for many miles that day, through the vast woodlands and beside the high, powerful trees that towered above them. Behind him, Aragorn could hear Gimli breathing heavily, muttering an occasional word spoken in dwarfish, but in all truthfulness, Aragorn only had eyes and ears for the elf in front. Legolas was in his true element amongst these beautiful woods, and he walked with a slight spring to his step that Aragorn had not seen since...
Boromir's name once more echoed in his head. Although Legolas may have been hurt the most by Boromir's death, he certainly wasn't the only one affected by it. Despite his faults, Aragorn had looked upon Boromir as a brother, and as a friend. His desire to do right, his selflessness... all these traits were not easily forgotten. Yes, he had tried to take the ring. But only to do the right thing by it. He hadn't been thinking of himself when he had tried to steal it from Frodo; of that, Aragorn was certain.
In a way, Aragorn had envied Boromir. He had been so committed to his people, so eager to stop the fall of men. But in the end, he hadn't even been able to stop himself from falling. Yes, Boromir's death had been a tragedy. Would he even be at peace now he was dead? Now he was no longer able to touch the beautiful creature that he had left behind; a creature that would never die. How Aragorn longed to touch Legolas as Boromir once had... not as a friend, but as a lover. Aragorn had loved the elf from the moment he had first seen him, all those years ago. But Legolas had never looked on him as anything more than a friend. And so he had taken Arwen.
Arwen. The name haunted him. He hated it and loved it. She was beautiful, kind and fair. But she was not Legolas. He remembered the night Arwen had told him she would give up her immortality for him. His heart had stopped beating for a second and his words had almost stuck fast in his throat... 'You cannot give this to me'. But she had. She had made the ultimate sacrifice for him. And now he was bound to her for the rest of his life. Initially for love, but now, increasingly, a sense of duty. Surely that wasn't how it should be? Life was precious, and now it would be wasted for a lie. For a weakness. Aragorn could have stopped it from happening. But he was so afraid of being alone, of being without love that he played along regardless. Arwen was so like Legolas, and not just in physical attributes. She shared his grace, his calmness and his strength. But Legolas had more than that. He appreciated the world around him; he had a wide-eyed wonder for things he knew little of. Aragorn would never forget Legolas' look when he had first seen Boromir dead. Not just a look of sorrow, but one of questioning, of trying to comprehend why this was happening. Arwen had taken her immortality for granted, and so she had finally given it up. But Legolas was constantly aware of it; aware that he would see friends and lovers come and go, whilst never experiencing death himself.
Aragorn watched Legolas closely as they walked. How he longed to run his fingers through his hair, to undo the tiny braids, and breathe in that scent that all elves seemed to possess; of wild flowers and fresh morning dew. He wanted to see the elf breathing heavily underneath him, gazing up with passion and lust in his eyes, in the same way that only Aragorn had seen, when Legolas had shared those stolen kisses with Boromir. Curses! There was that name again. Like a wound that refused to heal. Why had Legolas fallen for Boromir, and not the ranger? What had it been that Boromir had possessed, that had made Legolas fall for him, and still pine for him even after his death? Aragorn could feel the anger rise inside of him as he remembered the night he had seen Boromir take Legolas. He remembered everything about it, and it was a memory that refused to fade, no matter how much he wished it to...
//Aragorn had been put on watch for the first part of the night, but he knew that everyone would have trouble sleeping. For Gandalf had fallen into shadow only hours earlier, and the hobbits were still deeply traumatised by it. Aragorn would occasionally hear one of them let out a muffled sob, but whether this was in sleep or in wake he could not tell. The time was approaching to wake up Boromir, who was to take the next part of the night. But when Aragon looked over to the spot where Boromir had taken up rest, he saw that the human was no longer there. In a flash, Aragorn's eyes travelled to the elf's sleeping place. That too was conspicuously empty.
Aragorn rose silently and walked through the forest that surrounded him. He could hear noises a short distance away, and as he peered through the shadows, he saw Boromir and Legolas in the throws of carnal embrace. They were leaning against a tree, their backs both facing him. Boromir was groaning in pleasure as he thrust into the elf, his hands gripped tightly around the slender arms. Legolas was gasping quickly, sometimes whispering softly in Elvish, which only caused Boromir to push up against him harder. Aragorn watched them silently, unable to turn away; hating Boromir for doing this, for being where Aragorn should have been, but at the same time unable to deny how beautiful the sight was, and how much it turned him on.
Finally, Boromir let out a last groan of pleasure and collapsed against Legolas, encircling his waist with his arms. Aragorn saw one of Boromir's hands slide down, and Legolas moaned softly in pleasure as Boromir brought him to a quick climax.
Aragorn heard the human whisper something in the elf's ear. Legolas turned to face Boromir, and kissed him so passionately and deeply that Aragorn had to restrain himself from calling out and putting a stop to it.
Aragorn had seen more than enough. He went silently back to the campsite and slid down onto the coarse grass underneath him. Some time later, Legolas returned back, his figure barely distinguishable in the shadows. He felt himself being watched, and turned to look at Aragorn.
"He's just coming." Legolas exclaimed softly.
Aragorn nodded. "Yes, I heard that for myself." He exclaimed wryly. The elf blushed through the darkness, and sunk to the ground, wrapping his blankets tightly around him. Aragorn sighed. That had been a cheap blow, and now the elf knew that he had been watching... But Aragorn found it hard to care too deeply. Perhaps now he knew, he wouldn't be so quick to give his body to Boromir.
The human returned to camp shortly afterwards, and walked heavily up to Aragorn. "I'm sorry. I was just scouting the area..."
"Save your lies, Boromir. I saw Legolas return."
"He was helping me."
"I saw you together. Next time, don't let your... attachment get in the way of your duty. After all, you were due to start your watch some time ago."
"Allow me to apologise." Boromir stared vehemently at him. "It will not happen again."
"Ay, it won't." Aragorn stood up. "Next time, I will simply interrupt you."
It was only a slight victory, but at least it was a victory. Aragorn fell into a discontented sleep that night, where all he could dream of was the sight of Boromir hungrily kissing the beautiful elf.//
"Gimli, Legolas, we will rest here temporarily." Aragorn called out to his two companions. Legolas turned to face him questioningly.
"I am not tired yet."
"Be that as it may," Aragorn scowled at him, "I sense an uneasiness in the air, and I wish to refuel and gather back our strengths before we continue." He pointed to the east. "There is a lake through these trees. We can refill our water supply there. One of us can do a brief scout round the area for the enemy."
"I'll do that." Gimli told them decisively. "There's nothing wrong with my strength." He marched off into the trees, and finally out of sight. Legolas scowled after him.
"Do you think he was trying to imply something?"
"Undoubtedly."
"Well, let's get some water then." Legolas exclaimed angrily before walking in the opposite direction. Aragorn quickly followed him.
"You seem better today?" He commented. Legolas nodded.
"I feel better."
"That is good." Aragorn nodded. "You are not yourself when you are weighed down with all those troubles."
"I can assure you, Aragorn, I am." Legolas smiled. "As much as I wish that were not so."
They reached the lake, and Legolas knelt down, cupping the clean water in his hands before splashing it over his face. His hair fell from behind his ears and into his face as he lent forward again, and Aragorn clenched his hands into fists to stop himself from brushing it away.
"Why do you watch me so?" Legolas asked when he had finished washing his face. He stood back up. "Your eyes seem to penetrate my skin."
"I would not want to do that." Aragorn said. "It is such fair skin."
"Ay, I know that." Legolas laughed lightly. "What was it you said? That I was perfect in that area?"
"Why do you laugh? I only spoke the truth."
"But how do I compare to Lady Arwen?" He questioned. Aragorn drew his breath in sharply. If it was not Boromir's name plaguing him, it was his betrothed. "Am I as fair as her?"
"Do you want me to answer that truthfully?"
"Of course."
"Without a doubt, you are far fairer than her." Aragorn told him. Legolas looked genuinely surprised.
"I think you have been away from her too long, Aragorn. You forget how beautiful she really is."
"Her face haunts my mind, Legolas. I will never forget what she looks like."
"It haunts you? What cruel words, Aragorn. Surely it is a good thing that you remember her?" Legolas stared at him, his face revealing an emotion somewhere between shock and confusion.
"Nay, I wish to forget her." Aragorn sighed. "For then I might not feel this guilt inside of me."
"Guilt for what?"
"You know what, Legolas." Aragorn whispered. The elf took a couple of steps back, his blue eyes shining with fright.
"Do not look at me like that, Aragorn. I beg of you."
"No matter how hard I fight it, I cannot deny my feelings for you, Legolas. 'Tis only right that you know." Aragorn stepped forward and placed his hand on Legolas' arm.
"Boromir..."
"...Is gone." Aragorn finished the sentence for him. "And I am not." The elf opened his mouth to say something, but Aragorn closed the remaining distance between them by kissing him tenderly on the lips. He felt a surge of passion course through him as the kiss deepened, and he finally realised what a kiss should feel like, when sharing it with the one you truly loved. But no sooner had he begun to feel like it was meant to be, Legolas pulled away from him quickly, his eyes staring at him in anger.
"Boromir was right. You are not to be trusted." He whispered in disgust before walking away. "You will never taste these lips again. Of that you can be certain."
Aragorn stared after him, unable to call out to him. It had been a mistake; it was too soon after Boromir's death, too rushed, too sudden. Only after Legolas had gone did he find the strength to speak. His words were quiet in the silence of the forest around him, and only the trees heard him whisper softly 'But I love you.'