Ok, so I had just finished writing the next part of The Blood of Revenge
and thought I would do another chapter to a story and this one came to
mind. I know I haven't updated in ages, but here it is and no, the battle
has not started yet - I got slightly sidetracked. Anyway, I was reading
over what I had written, when I realised that this story has no point
whatsoever! I mean, it is Helm's Deep, which while on FanFiction.net is
rather original, it is not real "Wow, that is so original." Do you get
what I am saying? No? well then, that is probably for the best then! So
anyway, I decided to change a few things, a little more of a twist has come
in with Legolas and Aragorn is - well, kinda just confused and scared for
the Elf. I think! Lol, pretty sad when you do not know what your own
characters are doing in a story huh? I blame my mused.
Legolas: there she is, blaming us again, Aragorn. We should go on strike. Minka: you already did a few weeks ago and you remember what I made you do cause of it. Aragorn: *clamping a hand over Legolas' mouth* He spoke hastily and without justification and he is sorry! *Legolas nodes his agreement* Minka: good, now on with the story!
*****
Rooms and Windows.
*****
Looking up to the eyes that held his own, Legolas could easily see the shock that flashed in Aragorn's dark orbs. The Elf did not know whether he should be angry with Aragorn or not, and that hesitation alone stopped him from shouting at the man instantly.
Aragorn knew not what to do as the one who held his heart woke in his arms, aware of his admiring gaze and tight embrace. He braced himself for the yelling and insults that he knew would come from the mouth that he had only moments before traced and decided was the most desirable in all Middle- Earth. He could hardly blame him, for Aragorn would be the first to admit that Legolas did not need anyone's help, especially his, but at the same time, Aragorn wished that Legolas would just let his defenses down - at least around him.
Waiting and counting down the seconds till Legolas' calm broke, Aragorn did not expect what was to happen next.
Legolas glared at the man that held him while thinking of all the nasty things that he would like to say to the ranger and future King. Yet before he could open his mouth to speak, a strong stabbing pain overcame his back and he felt as if he were on fire; that flames radiated and licked up the side of his back, slowly consuming him.
Gasping, he automatically pushed himself further into Aragorn's arms and buried his head in the man's toned chest, seeking the comfort and safety that he knew Aragorn would offer him. A small gasp forced its way through his unwilling lips, which was closely followed by a soft sob as the pain doubled.
Aragorn instantly tightened his grip on the thin Elf and cradled Legolas' head against his chest. "What is wrong, my friend?" he asked, keeping his voice as level as he could.
"Burns." was all Legolas managed to chock out while gripping the cloth of Aragorn's tunic tightly.
The man ran his fingers gently through Legolas' silky, blond hair and attempted to sooth him as much as possible. "I know," he said tenderly, "'tis the affect of the May Apple. It will pass soon, I promise."
"May Apple?" Legolas half-shrieked, half-sobbed in pain. What was the human using May Apple on him for?
"'Twas the only way to burn the poison off, Legolas do not distress." Aragorn himself was now worried by the trembling of the Elf in his arms, and he started to fear that he had done something wrong. It had seemed the only way to rid the wound of the poison at the time, but he had not ever had this reaction to the treatment, and neither had anyone he had ever used it upon.
Legolas continued to hold to Aragorn as if he were something that could ease the pain and for yet another time that night, Aragorn felt useless. Gently stroking the Elf's hair he cast his mind to his bag of herbs that sat still spread out on the floor, and tried to recall what he had in there. Catnip, Anise, Basil, Bayberry, Goatsbeard, Chicory, Mullein leaves, Borage, Jewelweed, May Apple and many more insignificant herbs. Cursing himself and his uselessness at even packing a better supply, he continued to whisper into Legolas' ear, trying to comfort him as much as possible.
When Legolas was calm enough for Aragorn to let him go, the ranger quickly moved to his pack and pulled out some more Catnip and a little Borage. All the while Legolas studied him with a pain riddled face and for the first time in days, Aragorn could see the trust that Legolas once had for him clearly.
Smiling reassuringly at the blond Elf, Aragorn made his way back to the bed and sat next to the still shaking archer. Splitting the herbs and finely chopping their leaves, he placed them into a cut of water that he had also brought over with him. Mixing it together and allowing it to sit and the saps to mix with the fluid, he placed a hand on Legolas' should in a silent attempt to tell him that it would be all right.
Once the brew was thoroughly mixed, he slipped a hand under the Elf's back and helped him into a sitting position and glad that Legolas made no move to shove him away. Pulling Legolas to him slightly, Aragorn placed a hand around the slim waist and the other guided the cup to Legolas' mouth.
Legolas did not even hesitate in taking the brew and drained the glass quicker than Aragorn could have imagined. Laying the Elf back down on the bed, he brushed a few strands of hair away and smiled at the worn looking figure yet again.
"It will ease the pain in no time," he told him while placing the herbs back in his bag. He could feel Legolas' gaze on him and when he finally looked up, he saw the Elf half on the verge of tears.
Aragorns'' brow creased in concern as he quickly made his way back over to the make shift bad and sat down. Before he could even reach for the Elf, he found Legolas' head in his lap and the prince openly crying.
"What is wrong, Legolas," he asked while pulling his friend closer, "what troubles you so?" For the longest time no answer came and Aragorn's worry heightened. He had not known many Elves to cry and on the rare occasion that they did it was not over a simple matter. It normally meant something bad and unfixable had occurred or that the Elf was slowly dying of grief.
The thought of Legolas dying was a horrible one that Aragorn was not prepared to even contemplate, and the thought of him dying as a result of grief was an even harder thing to bear. Never had he seen Legolas cry in the sixty or so years that he had known him, and it was something that he quickly decided that he never wanted to see again.
Moving Legolas so the Elf was in his lap and his head pushed to Aragorn's chest, Aragorn tried again to get Legolas to talk. "Legolas, what is wrong. Talk to me!" he demanded and was rewarded with a slight sniff from the still crying Elf.
"I am sorry, Aragorn," was all that Legolas managed to whisper into Aragorn's shirt between sobs.
"Sorry about what, Legolas?" Aragorn questioned, "you have nothing to be sorry for." At this Legolas just hiccuped and continued to sob and cling to Aragorn. The ranger had to try as hard as he could to keep his attention focused on the solemnity of the situation and not to stray into any little thoughts of the Elf that held to him like they were lovers.
"I'm scared, Aragorn, I am actually scared," Legolas sobbed again, catching Aragorn's breath at his words. Legolas scared, sorry, none of it was making sense and that was the thing that worried Aragorn the most. Perchance he was missing something that was vital and he should know.
Before he could question the Elf on it any further, it was as if something had possessed Legolas and he sat up, wiping the tears from his eyes and looking blankly at the wall. His entire face had changed from one ruled by pain and grief to one that was schooled to look every part the prince that he was. His eyes were clear and not one single tear fell anew. Anyone who looked upon him now would easily call Aragorn a lair if he were to claim that he had just broken down and cried, for he was his usual, unreadable self.
Legolas turned back to Aragorn, his cold and uninviting eyes warning all who beheld them to keep their distance, and yet, he smiled - a strange and almost sad smile that broke Aragorn's heart and yet confused him even more.
"Thankyou, Aragorn," he said evenly, not a trace of pain or emotional hurt in his voice, "thankyou for your help but I shall need no more. I will be fine now."
The sentence sounded practiced and rehearsed, as if he had been contriving it in his head all day for this exact moment. Aragorn could not help the frown that came over his face as studied the Elf with curiosity.
"Are you sure?" was all Aragorn could think to say as he continued to watch his friend with unease. Something had effected the Elf so badly that he had broken down and cried in Aragorn's own arms, and now he sort to just push it aside and pretend that nothing had happened. It was absurd.
"Of course I am sure, my friend," Legolas replied. The last two words seemed to hold an underlying meaning that Aragorn could not put his finger on.
Frowning again, or maybe it was just a deeper look of curiosity that came over him, Aragorn was about to ask more on the situation but the door suddenly burst open to reveal a very out of breath Gimli.
"Aragorn.Legolas." he breathed out between breaths, "here.they are.here.the Uruk-hai!" Not even waiting for them to respond, Gimli ran back out the door and down to the next room, obviously to alert all the soldiers of the coming battle.
Spinning to his feet, Aragorn ran to the other side of the room and grabbed his sword. Turing to go and look out the small window, he saw Legolas hurriedly pulling his shirt back on and grabbing his quiver and his twin blade's sheaths.
"What are you doing?" Aragorn asked rather harshly of the Elf, who looked at him with a wide-eyed expression.
"Getting ready," Legolas replied evenly, regarding the man as if he were insane.
Aragorn felt as if the Elf was the insane one and he had every intention of tell Legolas that. "You can not go out there!" he exclaimed as if it were the clearest thing in the world.
Legolas' face was quick to colour a deep red and his eyes narrowed to thin slits, "And why not?" he demanded. He could not believe that Aragorn was acting like this, of course he was going out there and besides, they needed him.
"You are wounded, Legolas," Aragorn reminded him yet again and at the look he received he knew that the Elf did not appreciate it one little bit. "You can not go out there with such a wound."
A slight spark flared in the blue eyes of the archer as he stubbornly glared back at the human in front of him. "I will be fine!" he insisted, "you have had worse and still kept fighting and, so shall I."
"But that is different," Aragorn insisted, not really knowing himself why it was. No, he did know, it was because he loved Legolas that it was different. It would be completely different if the person before him was just an acquaintance or any random soldier in an army that he was to command. But no, Legolas meant more to him than that and that was why it was different, that was why Aragorn wanted him up in the tower with the King of the Mark so he would be safe.
"How?" Legolas half yelled and yet not really knowing why he was doing so, "how is it different, Aragorn? Do I appear that weak to you?"
It was then that it hit Aragorn, why Legolas did not tell him of his wound right away, why he insisted that he did not need help, why he was sorry. Legolas thought that Aragorn thought him weak. A small smile played at the corners of his mouth for but a moment before Legolas' harsh glare wiped it away. Slowly approaching the Elf, Aragorn did the best he could not to laugh out of relief at this newfound information. It was a relief to know that that was all that was troubling the Elf and that it was just a misunderstanding.
"Legolas, I do not think you weak!" he appealed. "On the contra, I know you to be one of the strongest people, both human and Elven alike, that I know. You are far from weak." He hopped that he had gotten his point through to the Elf who was now shaking slightly and it took all his will not to run over and help him back to the bed else he collapse.
Legolas looked as if he were a child that had been told off by his parents as he stood there, shaking slightly and looking in the ranger's eyes. "Then what is it, Aragorn?" he asked quietly, "why am I never good enough? Why do you see me as not skilled enough to go with you?"
That was it, Aragorn could not help it any longer. Moving quickly so the Elf had no time to react, he folded Legolas into his arms and ran his hand down the Elf's hair. "Legolas, you are beyond the skill that we need, and you are better then what we need, but you are hurt and I do not wish to place you in harm's way again so soon." He spoke quietly and calmly, and slowly he could feel Legolas start to relax in his embrace. "That is the only reason that I do not want you to go out there, 'tis not because you lack the skill or experience, 'tis just that I fear for a wounded Elf among legions of Uruk-hai and Orcs. So please, my friend, do not go out there, stay here and guard the doors if you must, but do not put yourself in unnecessary danger just to prove yourself to someone who is already convinced."
"Aragorn, you have no reason to fear for me. I shall be fine," Legolas informed his friend while pulling out of his arms, "Now, help me strap on my quiver."
Aragorn almost growled at how the situation had turned out and knew he had only one last card to play. "Legolas, if you can not get that on by yourself than you are not fit to go out there and use it." He stated bluntly while placing a dagger in his boot. At the frustrated sigh that came from the Elf, Aragorn know that he had found the thing that would keep the one he loved well out of harm's way.
Turning away to grab his Elven cloak, a small, pain filled cry filled the room. Whirling around to see what had happened, the first thing that the ranger saw was Legolas' face twisted in pain, followed by the Elf trying to get the quiver on his back but failing miserably. As an automatic reaction, Aragorn hurried over and help the Elf, strapping it in place before he even noticed how Legolas had played him.
Noticing a sly smile on the Elf's lips, Aragorn started to question him but was cut off by a very pleased sounding, "thankyou," from the Elf.
Realisation hit him and at the same time he was rather impressed with how the Elf had worked the situation into his favor. The ranger had to stop and ask himself if he was really that obsessed that he had not even noticed how the prince had used his power over him to manipulate the predicament so well, and he found that the answer was slightly off-putting.
"Damn you, Legolas," he said only half serious while picking up the prince's bow and handing it to him.
The smile that radiated from the archer's face was enough to make Aragorn glad that he had been pulled into the little game that Legolas had played with his head. "Oh, Aragorn, do not be angry," Legolas almost taunted, "for you should know that short of locking me in this room, nothing could keep me from killing a few Orcs."
At the bantered suggestion, Aragorn's hope picked up slightly as he thought of the best way to lock the Elf in and keep him in. If he acted quick enough, he could half throw Legolas to the other side and then run to the door, lock it and then bar it from the outside. He could then make a few guards stand at the door with strict orders not to let anyone in or out, and if anyone attempted it then they had the right to bind them hand and foot and throw them right back in - only gently.
A voice suddenly cut through his dark thoughts, "Do not even think about it, human!" Legolas warned while glaring at Aragorn. Looking at that pale face, worn looking eyes and determining that the Elf looked rather cadaverous, Aragorn decided that it was at least worth a try, especially if it kept Legolas out safe.
Preparing himself by counting to three, Aragorn smiled softly and turned his back to the Elf, giving the effect that he was going to walk out the door. As he heard Legolas come up behind him, Aragorn suddenly spun around and grabbed him by the waist, throwing the Elf over his shoulder. "Too late," he said in reply to Legolas' warning as he carried him over to the bed.
"Put me down, Aragorn." Legolas was practically screaming in the man's ear and his fists beating against his back. "This is not funny, now stop it!"
"As you wish, my prince," Aragorn told him sugary as he placed the Elf on the bed ere turning and running as fast as he could to the door. He was well aware of the softer footsteps that followed his, but he had too much of a head start for Legolas to catch up to him that quickly. Getting outside and slamming the door shut, he relised that he had only just made it in time as, as soon as the doors were closed, he could hear vicious Elven curses and the pounding of fists and feet on the door.
"Let me out, Aragorn!" an irritated voice yelled form inside and Aragorn openly smiled. In a way it was rather fun, and seeing Legolas so angry and fiery was a rare gift and Aragorn found him even more beautiful when he was. The ranger only wished that it were safe to be around him, let alone face to face with him, when he was like this.
Sliding the outside bolt across the door, Aragorn sighed in relief. As the banging and yelling continued, Aragorn pulled ornamental double bladed axes and flag poles off the walls and threaded them through the handles of the door until not one single other pole could fit. The screams had subsided but the banging still sounded in the small room and Aragorn almost felt regret for what he had done. Almost. At least this way Legolas would be safe and kept out of harm's way and Aragorn would just have to face his anger after the battle.
Walking down the hall he stopped the first three guards that he saw and told them to stand guard over the door and let no one in or out. They seemed slightly suspicious about the whole thing, but did as they were told, not wishing to question someone that their leader and King held in regard.
It took him close to five minutes to get to the open area in front of the gates that all were assembling in. The stone walls supported large torches that burnt in the darkness, sending an eerie glow over the entire fort. Looking up he could see that a storm brewed on the horizon and was closing in on the mountain fortress fast. It would be there in under an hour. Perfect, he thought, why does it always have to rain and storm when there is a large battle at hand?
Pushing all thoughts of such things away as he did the people that kept getting in his way, he finally reached the group of people that he was aiming to. There stood Gimli, Théoden, Éomer and a figure in a dark hood.
"Ah, Aragorn, we have been waiting for you," the hooded man said and Aragorn's mouth dropped open.
"Legolas?" he asked, not wanting to hear the answer.
Gimli looked between the two in confusion. "Of course it is him, Aragorn. Who were you expecting?"
Aragorn could find no words to say and so he settled for standing there, mouth gaping open at the figure that he had only just locked in the room. Thinking back to the three faces of the guards, he made a note not to forget them and if they all survived the battle, he promised himself that those guards would have an unfortunate run in with the pointy end of a sword.
"Come," Éomer cried, "let us stand on the walls and rally the men." A silent agreement passed through the company of five, and they all slowly started to make their way up to the steps to the wall. That was, all but Aragorn, who seemed to have forgotten how to move. It was at the wall that Théoden bide them good luck and said that he would be in the King's tower if he were needed.
As Legolas walked past, he cut in close to the ranger and whispered just loud enough for the human to hear, "Next time, check for windows with joining sills." With that he was gone, off to follow the others to certain death.
Standing there, looking at the space where Legolas had just stood, Aragorn felt a small glimmer of hope inside him die and crumble. Legolas was in no condition to be out fighting an army of Elf hating monsters, no mater what the Elf claimed. Resolving there and then that he would not let the Elf out of his sight of a single moment, he turned on his heels and sped after the other four. Upon reaching the battlements, he placed himself between Éomer and Legolas, with Gimli on the other side of the Elven prince.
*****
Tbc.
Hehehehe, the result of too much coughing and not enough writing in the last couple of weeks. Sorry for all those who would have liked to see Legolas stuck in the room, but if he suggested it he was bound t have a way out.
Next chapter will see the battle of Helm's Deep commence and it will probably run through the next two chapters (hopefully - I also intend to tell the Legolas/Gimli Orc death-o-meter the way I think it should have happened!)
Hope you enjoyed that and like always, please review. Flames will be used to light up Legolas' arrows so he can burn Orcs next chapter.
Minka Rain Greenleaf - she who does shit all for weeks, then types up three things in one day!
Legolas: there she is, blaming us again, Aragorn. We should go on strike. Minka: you already did a few weeks ago and you remember what I made you do cause of it. Aragorn: *clamping a hand over Legolas' mouth* He spoke hastily and without justification and he is sorry! *Legolas nodes his agreement* Minka: good, now on with the story!
*****
Rooms and Windows.
*****
Looking up to the eyes that held his own, Legolas could easily see the shock that flashed in Aragorn's dark orbs. The Elf did not know whether he should be angry with Aragorn or not, and that hesitation alone stopped him from shouting at the man instantly.
Aragorn knew not what to do as the one who held his heart woke in his arms, aware of his admiring gaze and tight embrace. He braced himself for the yelling and insults that he knew would come from the mouth that he had only moments before traced and decided was the most desirable in all Middle- Earth. He could hardly blame him, for Aragorn would be the first to admit that Legolas did not need anyone's help, especially his, but at the same time, Aragorn wished that Legolas would just let his defenses down - at least around him.
Waiting and counting down the seconds till Legolas' calm broke, Aragorn did not expect what was to happen next.
Legolas glared at the man that held him while thinking of all the nasty things that he would like to say to the ranger and future King. Yet before he could open his mouth to speak, a strong stabbing pain overcame his back and he felt as if he were on fire; that flames radiated and licked up the side of his back, slowly consuming him.
Gasping, he automatically pushed himself further into Aragorn's arms and buried his head in the man's toned chest, seeking the comfort and safety that he knew Aragorn would offer him. A small gasp forced its way through his unwilling lips, which was closely followed by a soft sob as the pain doubled.
Aragorn instantly tightened his grip on the thin Elf and cradled Legolas' head against his chest. "What is wrong, my friend?" he asked, keeping his voice as level as he could.
"Burns." was all Legolas managed to chock out while gripping the cloth of Aragorn's tunic tightly.
The man ran his fingers gently through Legolas' silky, blond hair and attempted to sooth him as much as possible. "I know," he said tenderly, "'tis the affect of the May Apple. It will pass soon, I promise."
"May Apple?" Legolas half-shrieked, half-sobbed in pain. What was the human using May Apple on him for?
"'Twas the only way to burn the poison off, Legolas do not distress." Aragorn himself was now worried by the trembling of the Elf in his arms, and he started to fear that he had done something wrong. It had seemed the only way to rid the wound of the poison at the time, but he had not ever had this reaction to the treatment, and neither had anyone he had ever used it upon.
Legolas continued to hold to Aragorn as if he were something that could ease the pain and for yet another time that night, Aragorn felt useless. Gently stroking the Elf's hair he cast his mind to his bag of herbs that sat still spread out on the floor, and tried to recall what he had in there. Catnip, Anise, Basil, Bayberry, Goatsbeard, Chicory, Mullein leaves, Borage, Jewelweed, May Apple and many more insignificant herbs. Cursing himself and his uselessness at even packing a better supply, he continued to whisper into Legolas' ear, trying to comfort him as much as possible.
When Legolas was calm enough for Aragorn to let him go, the ranger quickly moved to his pack and pulled out some more Catnip and a little Borage. All the while Legolas studied him with a pain riddled face and for the first time in days, Aragorn could see the trust that Legolas once had for him clearly.
Smiling reassuringly at the blond Elf, Aragorn made his way back to the bed and sat next to the still shaking archer. Splitting the herbs and finely chopping their leaves, he placed them into a cut of water that he had also brought over with him. Mixing it together and allowing it to sit and the saps to mix with the fluid, he placed a hand on Legolas' should in a silent attempt to tell him that it would be all right.
Once the brew was thoroughly mixed, he slipped a hand under the Elf's back and helped him into a sitting position and glad that Legolas made no move to shove him away. Pulling Legolas to him slightly, Aragorn placed a hand around the slim waist and the other guided the cup to Legolas' mouth.
Legolas did not even hesitate in taking the brew and drained the glass quicker than Aragorn could have imagined. Laying the Elf back down on the bed, he brushed a few strands of hair away and smiled at the worn looking figure yet again.
"It will ease the pain in no time," he told him while placing the herbs back in his bag. He could feel Legolas' gaze on him and when he finally looked up, he saw the Elf half on the verge of tears.
Aragorns'' brow creased in concern as he quickly made his way back over to the make shift bad and sat down. Before he could even reach for the Elf, he found Legolas' head in his lap and the prince openly crying.
"What is wrong, Legolas," he asked while pulling his friend closer, "what troubles you so?" For the longest time no answer came and Aragorn's worry heightened. He had not known many Elves to cry and on the rare occasion that they did it was not over a simple matter. It normally meant something bad and unfixable had occurred or that the Elf was slowly dying of grief.
The thought of Legolas dying was a horrible one that Aragorn was not prepared to even contemplate, and the thought of him dying as a result of grief was an even harder thing to bear. Never had he seen Legolas cry in the sixty or so years that he had known him, and it was something that he quickly decided that he never wanted to see again.
Moving Legolas so the Elf was in his lap and his head pushed to Aragorn's chest, Aragorn tried again to get Legolas to talk. "Legolas, what is wrong. Talk to me!" he demanded and was rewarded with a slight sniff from the still crying Elf.
"I am sorry, Aragorn," was all that Legolas managed to whisper into Aragorn's shirt between sobs.
"Sorry about what, Legolas?" Aragorn questioned, "you have nothing to be sorry for." At this Legolas just hiccuped and continued to sob and cling to Aragorn. The ranger had to try as hard as he could to keep his attention focused on the solemnity of the situation and not to stray into any little thoughts of the Elf that held to him like they were lovers.
"I'm scared, Aragorn, I am actually scared," Legolas sobbed again, catching Aragorn's breath at his words. Legolas scared, sorry, none of it was making sense and that was the thing that worried Aragorn the most. Perchance he was missing something that was vital and he should know.
Before he could question the Elf on it any further, it was as if something had possessed Legolas and he sat up, wiping the tears from his eyes and looking blankly at the wall. His entire face had changed from one ruled by pain and grief to one that was schooled to look every part the prince that he was. His eyes were clear and not one single tear fell anew. Anyone who looked upon him now would easily call Aragorn a lair if he were to claim that he had just broken down and cried, for he was his usual, unreadable self.
Legolas turned back to Aragorn, his cold and uninviting eyes warning all who beheld them to keep their distance, and yet, he smiled - a strange and almost sad smile that broke Aragorn's heart and yet confused him even more.
"Thankyou, Aragorn," he said evenly, not a trace of pain or emotional hurt in his voice, "thankyou for your help but I shall need no more. I will be fine now."
The sentence sounded practiced and rehearsed, as if he had been contriving it in his head all day for this exact moment. Aragorn could not help the frown that came over his face as studied the Elf with curiosity.
"Are you sure?" was all Aragorn could think to say as he continued to watch his friend with unease. Something had effected the Elf so badly that he had broken down and cried in Aragorn's own arms, and now he sort to just push it aside and pretend that nothing had happened. It was absurd.
"Of course I am sure, my friend," Legolas replied. The last two words seemed to hold an underlying meaning that Aragorn could not put his finger on.
Frowning again, or maybe it was just a deeper look of curiosity that came over him, Aragorn was about to ask more on the situation but the door suddenly burst open to reveal a very out of breath Gimli.
"Aragorn.Legolas." he breathed out between breaths, "here.they are.here.the Uruk-hai!" Not even waiting for them to respond, Gimli ran back out the door and down to the next room, obviously to alert all the soldiers of the coming battle.
Spinning to his feet, Aragorn ran to the other side of the room and grabbed his sword. Turing to go and look out the small window, he saw Legolas hurriedly pulling his shirt back on and grabbing his quiver and his twin blade's sheaths.
"What are you doing?" Aragorn asked rather harshly of the Elf, who looked at him with a wide-eyed expression.
"Getting ready," Legolas replied evenly, regarding the man as if he were insane.
Aragorn felt as if the Elf was the insane one and he had every intention of tell Legolas that. "You can not go out there!" he exclaimed as if it were the clearest thing in the world.
Legolas' face was quick to colour a deep red and his eyes narrowed to thin slits, "And why not?" he demanded. He could not believe that Aragorn was acting like this, of course he was going out there and besides, they needed him.
"You are wounded, Legolas," Aragorn reminded him yet again and at the look he received he knew that the Elf did not appreciate it one little bit. "You can not go out there with such a wound."
A slight spark flared in the blue eyes of the archer as he stubbornly glared back at the human in front of him. "I will be fine!" he insisted, "you have had worse and still kept fighting and, so shall I."
"But that is different," Aragorn insisted, not really knowing himself why it was. No, he did know, it was because he loved Legolas that it was different. It would be completely different if the person before him was just an acquaintance or any random soldier in an army that he was to command. But no, Legolas meant more to him than that and that was why it was different, that was why Aragorn wanted him up in the tower with the King of the Mark so he would be safe.
"How?" Legolas half yelled and yet not really knowing why he was doing so, "how is it different, Aragorn? Do I appear that weak to you?"
It was then that it hit Aragorn, why Legolas did not tell him of his wound right away, why he insisted that he did not need help, why he was sorry. Legolas thought that Aragorn thought him weak. A small smile played at the corners of his mouth for but a moment before Legolas' harsh glare wiped it away. Slowly approaching the Elf, Aragorn did the best he could not to laugh out of relief at this newfound information. It was a relief to know that that was all that was troubling the Elf and that it was just a misunderstanding.
"Legolas, I do not think you weak!" he appealed. "On the contra, I know you to be one of the strongest people, both human and Elven alike, that I know. You are far from weak." He hopped that he had gotten his point through to the Elf who was now shaking slightly and it took all his will not to run over and help him back to the bed else he collapse.
Legolas looked as if he were a child that had been told off by his parents as he stood there, shaking slightly and looking in the ranger's eyes. "Then what is it, Aragorn?" he asked quietly, "why am I never good enough? Why do you see me as not skilled enough to go with you?"
That was it, Aragorn could not help it any longer. Moving quickly so the Elf had no time to react, he folded Legolas into his arms and ran his hand down the Elf's hair. "Legolas, you are beyond the skill that we need, and you are better then what we need, but you are hurt and I do not wish to place you in harm's way again so soon." He spoke quietly and calmly, and slowly he could feel Legolas start to relax in his embrace. "That is the only reason that I do not want you to go out there, 'tis not because you lack the skill or experience, 'tis just that I fear for a wounded Elf among legions of Uruk-hai and Orcs. So please, my friend, do not go out there, stay here and guard the doors if you must, but do not put yourself in unnecessary danger just to prove yourself to someone who is already convinced."
"Aragorn, you have no reason to fear for me. I shall be fine," Legolas informed his friend while pulling out of his arms, "Now, help me strap on my quiver."
Aragorn almost growled at how the situation had turned out and knew he had only one last card to play. "Legolas, if you can not get that on by yourself than you are not fit to go out there and use it." He stated bluntly while placing a dagger in his boot. At the frustrated sigh that came from the Elf, Aragorn know that he had found the thing that would keep the one he loved well out of harm's way.
Turning away to grab his Elven cloak, a small, pain filled cry filled the room. Whirling around to see what had happened, the first thing that the ranger saw was Legolas' face twisted in pain, followed by the Elf trying to get the quiver on his back but failing miserably. As an automatic reaction, Aragorn hurried over and help the Elf, strapping it in place before he even noticed how Legolas had played him.
Noticing a sly smile on the Elf's lips, Aragorn started to question him but was cut off by a very pleased sounding, "thankyou," from the Elf.
Realisation hit him and at the same time he was rather impressed with how the Elf had worked the situation into his favor. The ranger had to stop and ask himself if he was really that obsessed that he had not even noticed how the prince had used his power over him to manipulate the predicament so well, and he found that the answer was slightly off-putting.
"Damn you, Legolas," he said only half serious while picking up the prince's bow and handing it to him.
The smile that radiated from the archer's face was enough to make Aragorn glad that he had been pulled into the little game that Legolas had played with his head. "Oh, Aragorn, do not be angry," Legolas almost taunted, "for you should know that short of locking me in this room, nothing could keep me from killing a few Orcs."
At the bantered suggestion, Aragorn's hope picked up slightly as he thought of the best way to lock the Elf in and keep him in. If he acted quick enough, he could half throw Legolas to the other side and then run to the door, lock it and then bar it from the outside. He could then make a few guards stand at the door with strict orders not to let anyone in or out, and if anyone attempted it then they had the right to bind them hand and foot and throw them right back in - only gently.
A voice suddenly cut through his dark thoughts, "Do not even think about it, human!" Legolas warned while glaring at Aragorn. Looking at that pale face, worn looking eyes and determining that the Elf looked rather cadaverous, Aragorn decided that it was at least worth a try, especially if it kept Legolas out safe.
Preparing himself by counting to three, Aragorn smiled softly and turned his back to the Elf, giving the effect that he was going to walk out the door. As he heard Legolas come up behind him, Aragorn suddenly spun around and grabbed him by the waist, throwing the Elf over his shoulder. "Too late," he said in reply to Legolas' warning as he carried him over to the bed.
"Put me down, Aragorn." Legolas was practically screaming in the man's ear and his fists beating against his back. "This is not funny, now stop it!"
"As you wish, my prince," Aragorn told him sugary as he placed the Elf on the bed ere turning and running as fast as he could to the door. He was well aware of the softer footsteps that followed his, but he had too much of a head start for Legolas to catch up to him that quickly. Getting outside and slamming the door shut, he relised that he had only just made it in time as, as soon as the doors were closed, he could hear vicious Elven curses and the pounding of fists and feet on the door.
"Let me out, Aragorn!" an irritated voice yelled form inside and Aragorn openly smiled. In a way it was rather fun, and seeing Legolas so angry and fiery was a rare gift and Aragorn found him even more beautiful when he was. The ranger only wished that it were safe to be around him, let alone face to face with him, when he was like this.
Sliding the outside bolt across the door, Aragorn sighed in relief. As the banging and yelling continued, Aragorn pulled ornamental double bladed axes and flag poles off the walls and threaded them through the handles of the door until not one single other pole could fit. The screams had subsided but the banging still sounded in the small room and Aragorn almost felt regret for what he had done. Almost. At least this way Legolas would be safe and kept out of harm's way and Aragorn would just have to face his anger after the battle.
Walking down the hall he stopped the first three guards that he saw and told them to stand guard over the door and let no one in or out. They seemed slightly suspicious about the whole thing, but did as they were told, not wishing to question someone that their leader and King held in regard.
It took him close to five minutes to get to the open area in front of the gates that all were assembling in. The stone walls supported large torches that burnt in the darkness, sending an eerie glow over the entire fort. Looking up he could see that a storm brewed on the horizon and was closing in on the mountain fortress fast. It would be there in under an hour. Perfect, he thought, why does it always have to rain and storm when there is a large battle at hand?
Pushing all thoughts of such things away as he did the people that kept getting in his way, he finally reached the group of people that he was aiming to. There stood Gimli, Théoden, Éomer and a figure in a dark hood.
"Ah, Aragorn, we have been waiting for you," the hooded man said and Aragorn's mouth dropped open.
"Legolas?" he asked, not wanting to hear the answer.
Gimli looked between the two in confusion. "Of course it is him, Aragorn. Who were you expecting?"
Aragorn could find no words to say and so he settled for standing there, mouth gaping open at the figure that he had only just locked in the room. Thinking back to the three faces of the guards, he made a note not to forget them and if they all survived the battle, he promised himself that those guards would have an unfortunate run in with the pointy end of a sword.
"Come," Éomer cried, "let us stand on the walls and rally the men." A silent agreement passed through the company of five, and they all slowly started to make their way up to the steps to the wall. That was, all but Aragorn, who seemed to have forgotten how to move. It was at the wall that Théoden bide them good luck and said that he would be in the King's tower if he were needed.
As Legolas walked past, he cut in close to the ranger and whispered just loud enough for the human to hear, "Next time, check for windows with joining sills." With that he was gone, off to follow the others to certain death.
Standing there, looking at the space where Legolas had just stood, Aragorn felt a small glimmer of hope inside him die and crumble. Legolas was in no condition to be out fighting an army of Elf hating monsters, no mater what the Elf claimed. Resolving there and then that he would not let the Elf out of his sight of a single moment, he turned on his heels and sped after the other four. Upon reaching the battlements, he placed himself between Éomer and Legolas, with Gimli on the other side of the Elven prince.
*****
Tbc.
Hehehehe, the result of too much coughing and not enough writing in the last couple of weeks. Sorry for all those who would have liked to see Legolas stuck in the room, but if he suggested it he was bound t have a way out.
Next chapter will see the battle of Helm's Deep commence and it will probably run through the next two chapters (hopefully - I also intend to tell the Legolas/Gimli Orc death-o-meter the way I think it should have happened!)
Hope you enjoyed that and like always, please review. Flames will be used to light up Legolas' arrows so he can burn Orcs next chapter.
Minka Rain Greenleaf - she who does shit all for weeks, then types up three things in one day!