Author's note: I hate being sick… =( n/e waize, sorry for the delay…

Chapter 9: The Past and Present

Legolas awoke the next morning, his body sore. He saw his shirt tossed to the other side of the room. His leggings hung around his ankles. With a whimper of pain, Legolas sat himself up and pulled up his leggings. He felt so dirty. He tried to keep the memory of Wormtongue's hands all over his body out of his mind.

Legolas gritted his teeth in anger. He felt disgusted at himself for not fighting back. Surely, if he had tried harder, he could have stopped Wormtongue. Legolas had been raped before, but that it had been by someone he had trusted…

*Flashback*

Legolas walked around the woods to make sure there were no Orcs around. He heard leaves crunch behind him and he whirled around, his bow bent and an arrow in place. The Man put up his hands protectively. Legolas relaxed and smiled as he put down his bow.

"Boromor," the Elf said in relief, "you startled me."

"My apologies, Legolas." Boromir replied. "I did not know an Elf was so easily startled." Legolas grinned. He did not notice the slight tremble in Boromir's voice as the Man watched the Elf's every move. "I came to make certain you were safe."

Legolas stiffened at the comment but relaxed himself. He knew he looked delicate to others though that was the last word he would use to describe himself. "If not safe, how would I be?" he asked calmly. "You need not worry, Boromir. I can care for myself." Legolas noticed that Boromir did not seem to be listening to him. He only stared at Legolas hungrily. Legolas began to feel nervous and he began to wish the campsite was nearer to their location. "Boromir?"

Suddenly, Boromir lunged on Legolas, pushing him against a nearby tree. He forced his lips fiercely on Legolas'. Legolas struggled and pulled away. Boromir pushed Legolas against the tree again and this time, Legolas' head snapped back and hit the tree. He gave a gasp of pain as dark spots came over his eyes. He could feel himself drifting off in unconsciousness as he felt Boromir fling him to the floor.

Legolas clenched his fists furiously. Did he seem so weak that so many people sought to take advantage of him? Either someone was trying to protect him or forcing him to do things undesired. Legolas was not promiscuous and had only had a few lovers until Boromir forced himself on him. Legolas sighed despairingly and lied down on the floor in a fetal position as the cold began to take over him again. He felt so weak…

***

Frodo looked down as he felt himself descending. The Eagle that had him in its claws was slowly gliding down and Frodo could see a clearing just below them and the tower of Barad dhur not too far away. Frodo gave an involuntary shudder at the thought of returning to Mordor.

"Scared, little one?" the Eagle asked. But his tone was not of ridicule but of compassion. He felt pity for the poor little Halfling who deserved nothing but peace and tranquility.

"Petrified," Frodo admitted, "but there is nothing I would not do for my friends."

"You are an honorable friend." The Eagle praised. "I wish you luck in finding your friend and returning safely." The Eagle chuckled softly. "Look at the fools flee!"

Frodo looked down again and saw Orcs running from the areas close to the clearing as the Eagles approached. They landed quickly and dropped down their cargo.

"Go quickly!" Belrahir urged. "The Orcs do not know yet that you are here, or so we hope. Use their frenzy to your advantage." The Eagles quickly set off and flew away.

"Come!" Gandalf cried to the Fellowship as he ran towards Barad dhur. "We still have much land to cover to reach Legolas!"

***

Legolas barely heard the door open but he stiffened when he felt a rough hand touch his face. He glared upwards at Wormtongue.

"Now Elf, do you glare so at everyone?" Wormtongue asked slyly. He ran his hands over Legolas' white skin.

"You are disgusting, taking advantage of one who cannot defend himself." Legolas spat out. He flinched as Wormtongue lowered his head to nibble on his neck. "Get away from me!"

"Quiet, Elf!" Wormtongue snarled. "You should be thanking me for saving you!"

Legolas snorted. "How have you saved me?"

"Have I not saved you from death?" Wormtongue reasoned.

"This is no better." Legolas muttered. Wormtongue struck him across the face.

"I remember you, Elf," Wormtongue whispered as he breathed into Legolas' face. "You were once proud and regal. You thought the Dark Hand could not rise anymore. You were a fool! And even now, you show no gratitude for what mercy I have bestowed upon you. You may still have your pride, but have you your honor?"

Legolas only spat in Wormtongue's face. Wormtongue smirked and climbed on top of Legolas as he pulled off the Elf's leggings.

***

Gandalf and Aragorn led the group swiftly through the rocky plains. The hid behind large boulders when a group of Orcs came their way. Frodo could feel himself tiring but would not admit it. He had decided that he could hold on until Aragorn announced their next break. But Aragorn had no intentions of stopping until they had reached the tower. He needed to find Legolas.

During the days of the Fellowship, Legolas had acted coolly towards Aragorn. Not without reason though, Aragorn admitted.

*Flashback*

Arwen caressed Aragorn's face and noticed the distant look in his eyes. "Is there something troubling you, Estel?" she asked, using her name of affection for him.

"'Tis nothing, my love." He replied softly. In truth, he had been thinking of nothing other than Legolas. He had met the Elf first at the Council and he had found him strangely beautiful. Legolas had silky blonde hair and sapphire-blue eyes that glittered like jewels in the sunlight. Aragorn had been surprised when Legolas had defended him when Boromir had lashed out at him, but he had no time to speak with the Elf. Aragorn found it strange, still, that he could not stop thinking about the quiet Elf.

Just then, he heard a soft voice singing in the silence of the night. He looked down from the balcony and watched as a beautiful fair-haired Elf danced in the streets, his beauty illuminated by the moonlight. Arwen followed his gaze.

"'Tis no longer I who holds your heart." Arwen whispered. Startled, Aragorn looked back at her. She nodded understandingly. "Dear Estel, I feared that this day would come. But I blame you not."

"What do you mean?" Aragorn questioned, frowning.

"Do you not realize what this stirring in your heart is?" Arwen asked. "You are beginning to love another."

"'Tis impossible!" Aragorn cried out. "I love you, Arwen Undomiel!"

Arwen only kissed Aragorn softly on the lips. "His chambers are to the right of your own." She then left the balcony, leaving Aragorn shocked.

Later that night, Aragorn found himself wandering to the room Arwen had directed him to. Inside, Legolas lied, sleeping with his eyes open. His hands were clasped together on his chest as he breathed softly. Aragorn walked up to his side and Legolas' eyes slowly focused on him.

"Sir Aragorn?" Legolas looked up at the Man and pulled himself to a sitting position. "Is something wrong?" Aragorn shook his head, trembling slightly. "Then what are you—" Legolas was cut off as Aragorn suddenly kissed him on the lips. Legolas' eyes widened and he fought Aragorn violently. But Aragorn's desire for the Elf gave him newborn strength and his leaned the Elf back down onto the bed and climbed on top of him. He nibbled softly at Legolas' pale, ivory neck.

"Stop," Legolas whispered. Aragorn continued to bite Legolas' neck. "Stop!" Legolas cried out. He pushed Aragorn away and he stared at the Man angrily. "What did you think you were doing? Am I a toy you must play with? Are you not ashamed as you think of the Lady Arwen? Are you not bound to her, Sir Aragorn?"

Aragorn remembered how long it had taken Legolas to trust him again. But once he had gained the Elf's trust, they had quickly become best friends and unexpectedly, lovers. But all that had come to an end when their quest had ended.

*Flashback*

The Fellowship set camp with the Riders of Rohan as they rested on their path from Mordor. Legolas beckoned Aragorn to follow him. Legolas led him to a secluded spot far from the eyes and ears of everyone in the camp.

"What did you wish to do?" Aragorn asked mischievously. He pulled Legolas to him and kissed him. Legolas pulled away and looked away. Aragorn frowned at the Elf's actions. "What's wrong, Legolas?"

"We must not do this anymore." Legolas replied softly.

Aragorn stared in surprise at Legolas. "What?"

"When we return, you must wed Arwen and I must go back to Mirkwood. You know I'm right. You are bound to her." Legolas' gaze fell to the pendant that still hung around Aragorn's neck. "You are destined to lead all of Gondor and Lord Elrond has promised you his daughter for such reign. I have no part in your future."

"Do not do this to me," Aragorn pleaded. Legolas looked away. "Legolas?"

Legolas turned back to Aragorn. "We can still be friends?" he asked emotionlessly.

Aragorn sighed and nodded. "Of course."

And Legolas had followed through on his word. He was the first to congratulate Aragorn and Arwen on their wedding. Though it hurt Aragorn that Legolas had begun calling him 'King Elessar', he knew this was only an attempt for Legolas to try to distance himself from the Man.

"Aragorn!" Gandalf called. The Man turned around, startled. "We must rest." Aragorn studied the exhausted faces of his friends.

"All right," he agreed reluctantly. They went off the path and hid behind a gigantic boulder that had a hollow in it. The Fellowship squeezed itself into the cavity and pulled out their bedrolls. They sat down on top of the rolls, munching quietly on the food the Elves had given them. Gimli watched Aragorn. The Man was tense as he forced himself to eat. Gimli shook his head. He knew the Man still loved Legolas greatly. The thought of the Elf being held captive was too much for Aragorn to bear. True, Gimli reasoned, the thought made his own blood boil. But he knew he was not feeling close to the frustration Aragorn was.

Gimli remembered the days of the Fellowship. Legolas had been distant, not truly becoming a friend to the others. Gimli couldn't have said he had been annoyed by the arrangement, considering his people's past relationships with Elves. But the Dwarf had no idea why Legolas seemed to hate Aragorn more than anyone else. In any case, Gimli was relieved when the two finally became friends. Though he hadn't expected them to beome lovers, he could not say he was disappointed. Then Gimli noticed the Hobbits stifling yawns.

"I shall take first watch." He announced.

"I shall take second watch then." Aragorn volunteered immediately.

"No, Aragorn," Gandalf said sternly. "Tonight, you shall rest. I shall take second watch."

"And I, third." Frodo piped up.

"All right," Aragorn agreed reluctantly. He knew there was no use arguing with Gandalf. He climbed into his blankets and though he willed himself not to, he fell asleep instantly. Gimli chuckled softly.