A/N: Right, lets slow things down a bit shall we? I am aware that in the previous four chapters I have been rather cruel to our Legolas. I have attacked him with orcs, hit him with an arrow, poisoned him, thrown him from a tree, blinded him and worsened his hearing. Poor kid. Now: a little more thoughts, feelings and description, what I'm best at. Watch out for the start of a new twist in the tale. . . .

The Fall From Grace

When it had first been discovered that my lover's hearing had also been affected, my world slowly began to crumble away. It had become clear how fast the poison was beginning to take effect. This wasn't fair; Legolas was caring, strong and noble. How could he succumb so quickly and easily to such an evil creation?

It concerned me how Boromir stuck to Legolas as closely as his he did to his sword. He hovered around him, grasping at him, so close he almost made the blinded creature fall. Whenever Legolas stopped, unsure if he heard or felt some approaching enemy, Boromir would crowd and question him, asking him if he would like help in preparing his bow, or even the protection of the mighty Son of Gondor.

How I wished to mention that Legolas, though blind was far from defenceless, and had been able to draw his bow and notch an arrow with his eyes closed for nearly three thousand years. Seeing irritation and hurt on the face of the elf I made a point of taking his arm and leading him forward.

But days had passed, perhaps a week since then. Lothlorien was drawing closer and Legolas showed little signs of worsening. The substance had obviously been diluted in the bloodstream and now lacked its potency. I had spoken to the elf about this and his feelings one night.

"It is as if I am underwater. I can hear sounds and people close to me just as I always have, and loud noises I can hear from distance. But other sounds are muffled. I could hear you as you called to me on the mountain the other day, but I could not make out your words. I dismissed the strange sound as perhaps the wind or a small creature in snow, though I do profess to not knowing what it was."

He smiled, the first I had seen from him in a long time. We made love that night. Slower, more compassionate than usual. We try and hide private activities from our friends, though we feel no shame in our relationship. It is just inappropriate at times. This celibacy usually means that our lovemaking is wild, needy, very passionate, which suits me just fine. That night it was slow and tender. I took control (a very arousing pastime) and was considerate of his needs. The act was still very fulfilling for us both.

In the eight days since, we have merely stolen sweet kisses when we believed no one could see. Nay, I tell a lie. My face reddens as I think of one shameful moment (I, myself the leader of the party should set an example) where we showed complete lack of control and enjoyed a clandestine meeting in a gorse bush. I paid the price however, and am I now riddled with thorns in the most unfortunate of places. I will have to ask my beautiful elf to aid me later. I am sure he will insist on a thorough examination.

The dilution of the blue fluid, coupled with my elven beloved's inner strength, meant that the poison's effects had begun to ebb. The let up had been enough to even bring a smile to my lips and cheer to the fellowship. For the first time in many days we relented to Pippin and finally indulged in second breakfast. A very light-hearted affair as we all sat crossed legged knee-to-knee around a small fire. Now out of the mountains we were able to hunt and forage more fruitfully. Legolas and Pippin did us proud; we cooked up old sausages, newly picked mushrooms and fresh bacon. We were all hungry in reality, although not keen to admit this so soon after a meal. All enjoyed the event. Though I do remember a strange occurrence.

Legolas had been flanked by Boromir and myself, the elf's perfect hands led in my lap, I was happy to have them there. Though I do recall receiving a strange look from the other man. I brushed it off as nothing. About half way through the meal Boromir led back behind Legolas, a blatant declaration that he had finished.

Though I must learn to curb my jealously, for my other half despites it, I have to say I did not like to the way Boromir was regarding my elf. His eyes had undoubtedly fallen on that perfect elven behind and possessed an unmistakable look of lust. Perhaps foolishly I attempted to counter this by tightly grasping and kissing the hand on my knee.

My lover raised his head and regarded me quizzically. He had obviously been startled and confused by the sudden moment. I began to raise my hand to stroke his face and hair by way of apology and comfort when he jerked suddenly. A touch of surprise and anger flashed through his unseeing eyes and distorted his striking face. My initial thought was that this had been my doing. Had he somehow sensed my intention to touch him, did he object to that?

I banished the thought from my mind. He would have no reason to pull away from my touch, and had never done so before.

"What is wrong?" I asked in quick and quiet elvish.

"Nothing." He replied without a hint of hesitation. I was immediately suspicious and saw the elf look swiftly towards Boromir, turning his face away from me. Whatever Legolas had indicated, the human reacted with a look of strained innocence and indignation. It was as if he were being silently accused or reprimanded for something. That I did not like, not at all.

A/N: I am so tempted to add a little rape to this story. I love rape stories. The attacker could be one of two people, B (obvious who that is), or H (not so obvious). I don't know. What do you guys think of the idea? Chapter 6 up tomorrow!