**I sincerely apologise for the delay in updating this fic. And I am sorry that this is only half a chapter. I am not totally happy with putting up an incomplete chapter, but I thought you might like something to read while I get the other half done. As always, real life tends to intrude. I will try my very best to have the other half up by the end of this week. I hope you'll forgive this, and enjoy this (half) chapter! Best wishes, Rain Minstrel.**

I would like to let you all know that your reviews mean a lot to me *s* I am encouraged and inspired by them, and I thank you all very much for them. However, I've also had a few flames from people who simply do not like slash.

I had thought that I'd clearly labelled this as a slash fic. I am actually satisfied that I have put up sufficient warnings. But, for the benefit of people who are a bit dense, or perhaps new to the world of fanfic….

This is an Aragorn/Legolas slash fic. That means that a sexual relationship between Aragorn (a male) and Legolas (another male) occurs. Yes, a male/male pairing.

If you go into a bakery, you will find bread.

If you go into a florist, you will find flowers.

If you read a slash fic, you will find slash.

If you read this slash fic, you will find slash.

Message clear?

At first I was upset by the flames. But then, I realised that flames do not mean as much to me as reviews to *s* I don't care how many flames I get (although I'd really prefer that I didn't get any), as long as you are all out there still reading and reviewing. Flames will not make me stop writing – the only thing which can do that is if you all stop reading and reviewing! So please, review *g*

Finally (wow, that note was long)… this chapter is dedicated to Botticelli Angel, with thanks for the email.

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Preparations

Father suspects, thought Aragorn grimly, as for the eighth night in a row, he drew guard duty. Elrond was typically more considerate of his warriors, let alone his foster-son. He would normally never have let one elf stand guard for so many nights running, mindful of their wellbeing. But as Aragorn drew night duty once again, he knew that this was no ordinary situation.

He could not shirk his duty, no matter how much he wished that the forests of Rivendell were actually the forests of Mirkwood. And, tired as he was when the sun finally broke through the darkness, he would have gladly forgone sleep for a trip to Mirkwood.

It was not to be. Always, one of his companions would casually escort him to his chambers, expecting him to sleep. And as soon as he woke, Elrond himself would appear at his door as if by sorcery, to ask for his opinion on a matter of state, or to give him a lesson in history, or simply to talk.

Despite himself, Aragorn grew irritable from lack of sleep (for he found that he could not sleep long in the day, even after a full night on watch) and from worry over Legolas. He had not seen the Elf since their first meeting, and had no way of sending word.

I have not forgotten! vowed Aragorn. I am still yours, Legolas. And I will come. As soon as I can free myself from this accursed watch, anyway! he amended darkly.  

He was alone in the early evening, his ill-temper having created a barrier between him and all other civilized residents of Rivendell. He wished desperately to ride out to Mirkwood, and not return until Legolas returned with him. Aragorn glared at darkening western sky. His watch would start all too soon.

'I suppose you can glare at the sky if you want, Estel,' Elladan said mildly.

'But I doubt that it will do much good,' added Elrohir in amusement.

Aragorn gritted his teeth. He had not heard his brothers' approach, but he was in no mood for their wit.

'What?' snapped Aragorn, not bothering to look at them.

Elladan smirked faintly. 'We heard about your quarrel with Faelnor.'

'His nose will never be as pretty again,' said Elrohir sadly.

Aragorn clenched his fists. He could feel a faint throbbing in the knuckles of his right hand. 'Are you here for a purpose?' he growled at them.

They moved gracefully to stand in front of him. Elrohir gently lifted his chin, as if he were still a child. Aragorn tried to jerk away, but his brother's eyes were kind. Elrohir and Elladan were often so mischievous and light-hearted that it was easy to forget that they were wise with experience gained over millennia.

'Estel,' he said gently. 'We know that you have been troubled, of late.'

'And that Father has some part to play in it,' added Elladan quietly.

'But whatever the quarrel between you and Father, he should not take it out on you thus.'

'It is no solution, to put you on eternal night watch,' agreed Elladan.

Elrohir studied the darkening circles beneath Aragorn's eyes. 'Will you not tell us of the problem, Estel?'

Aragorn looked away. 'I cannot,' he said harshly. There was an ache deep inside him that he wished to relieve, but he did not know how. A part of him wished more than anything, that he could just unload his troubles and fears onto his brothers, so they would solve the matter for him, as they had always done in his childhood. But this matter was his to deal with, and his alone. I love an elf of Mirkwood. Elladan and Elrohir could not – would not, if they knew that – help him. The knowledge lay heavily upon him.

Elrohir stroked his hair, the way he had when Aragorn was little. 'You Men grow up so quickly,' he said with a half-smile. He shook his head. 'You may be a Man now, Estel, a fully grown one, in accordance to Men's reckoning. But you will never stop being our little brother.' He shared a quick, knowing smile with Elladan. 'You will always be a child, in our hearts.'

Impossibly, a lump formed in Aragorn's throat. He cleared it roughly. 'I am…' He was lost for words.

Elrohir smiled at him. It was not a half-smile, or a cynical one, or a smirk. It was kind, genuine, the smile that had never failed to make Aragorn feel safe, and comforted. 'Perhaps your problems seem too big now, Estel. But you might find that once shared, they are diminished.'

Aragorn felt a terrible guilt and sorrow inside. He knew his brothers loved him, and he was betraying their trust in the worst way. He had fallen in love with their enemy – and having done so, could he still count himself their friend?

'I cannot,' he whispered brokenly. You would not speak to me with such kindness, if I told you. And I am selfish enough that I want the love of you all – yours, Elrohir, and yours, Elladan, and Father's, and Legolas'… Always, Legolas'.

Elladan nodded, but a frown still marred Elrohir's stately features.

'So you cannot tell,' he allowed. 'But is there aught else we can do for you?'

For the first time in days, the tension faded a little from Aragorn. 'Could you…? That is, tonight –'

'Ah,' said Elrohir, understanding. 'Your watch, tonight.' He shook his head ruefully. 'I am sorry, Estel, I should have thought of that earlier. But have no fear, I will take it tonight. And tomorrow night, and any other nights in the near future that Father should appoint to you.'

Aragorn's face lit up, and the twins laughed at his sudden transformation. 'Thank you!' he exclaimed, and Elrohir chuckled.

'Go,' said Elladan indulgently. 'Be off with you!'

Aragorn did not need to be urged a second time.

~~*~~

Legolas relished his current solitude. Although he had not left his chambers for the past few days, the outside world still came to him. Thranduil gave a curt inquiry into his health, then dismissed the matter to discuss the impending war with Rivendell. Elian came and went quietly, going about her business as usual. Berethin laughed at him and coaxed him in turn, and finally settled into a companionable silence when Legolas would not answer. And always, Heleyna came with her insistent, bitter kisses.

But now, he had declared that he intended to bathe, and then retire for the night. The pointed message was strong – he would see no-one until morning.

He relished the solitude, but yet he didn't.

'You showed me what it was to love,

I remember, still, your touch

You showed me what it was to live

A single kiss could mean so much.

A thousand years and more I've lived –

I've lovers held and battles fought

But all the things I've seen and learnt

Is nothing to what you've taught.

You've shown me what it is to wait

That a hundred days can drag in two

You've shown me that my heart can break,

And breaking, still love you.'

Legolas didn't think of the name, too often. It was a sweet pain, when he did. He saved it for the night-time, when he was sure to be alone but for the memory he cherished.

The water in his bath steamed, and he slowly peeled his clothes off. As he pulled his shirt over his head, the world rocked, and he stumbled slightly, catching the edge of his table to keep his balance. Legolas ignored it. His shirt joined the rest of his raiment in a pile on the floor.

He stood, unclothed, savouring the feel of the night air on his skin. His balcony was separated from the rest of his chambers by neither door nor wall, so starlight filled his room. But Legolas could find no joy in it.

To be continued…sorry!!

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Author's note: I know Elves don't sleep. But it works a whole lot better for me if they do, so…they do! *waves poetic license* And…did you like the song? Poetry's not my strong point and I'd really like some feedback on it. Thanks!