3. Chapter – challenge accepted
A split-second before Aragorn's hand touched the elf's shoulder, Legolas recognized someone behind his back and abruptly turned around. It was too late for the man to take his hand away and instead touching the elf's shoulder his fingers brushed against Legolas' cheek. Aragorn forgot to breath and was completely unable to move. Legolas' eyes went wide in surprise, but he made no try to jerk away. For one moment there was no barrier in his eyes. Aragorn could see deep emotions and a soul as beautiful as the body. And also a slight hint of fear. Legolas was really shocked by the touch of the humans hand. He desperately tried to calm down the chaos in his mind. But his confusion went even deeper by the look in the man's eyes. There was warmth and sympathy and something else. Something that touched his very heart in a strange way, made him against his will feeling right and comfortable next to the man. It even let him lean in to the touch for a second. Aragorn could see the emotions battle inside the elf. Encouraged by not been rejected immediately he softly caressed the velvet skin beneath his fingers while nearly drowning in the depths of dark blue eyes. The motion brought Legolas back to reality. From one moment to the other his mind was clear again and his gaze went cold. He stepped back until his back was pressed against the railing. Aragorn's hand fell down, but he was so lost in his own feelings that he needed a moment to realize the change of situation. His heart sunk by the icy look in Legolas' eyes. It took all of his courage to finally find his voice. "Legolas, please, I meant not to harm you. It was only that your voice captured me. I could not resist. It was my fault. Can you forgive me?" His voice was soft and pleading. And to Legolas' anger he found it very difficult to resist this begging tone. This was the second time Aragorn nearly let him forget his fathers warnings. No human should be able to impress him. He cursed himself for such weakness and used all of his self-control to answer emotionless, "There is nothing to forgive because nothing happened. But I wish you to stay out of my way. I will not forget what Lord Elrond said, but even he cannot force me to tolerate a mortal man close to myself." with this the elf turned to leave. Aragorn felt anger rise inside. Why treated Legolas him so bad? Somewhere deep in his heart Aragorn knew, that he was not telling the truth. The prince had enjoyed the earlier situation and if it was only for a second. Finally the man realized that gentleness alone was not enough to reach his goal. Legolas' behaviour was like a challenge. A challenge he accepted.
TBC.
Please forgive me for the late updating. My internet access was down for more than 3 month and I can only hope that such a thing will not happen again.