Sauron looked around the room he had chosen for his consort with satisfaction. It was more light and airy than any other two rooms in Barad- dur to hopefully make Aragorn more comfortable. He laughed at himself when he thought of all the effort it had taken to bring Aragorn to him and get him to accept his position. Even if it had been forced Aragorn had given his word and would keep it. Sauron knew that for sure about his consort. Once again he wondered why Aragorn fascinated him so much. Ever since he had first noticed the elven-raised Estel when the young human led an elven raid against his forces Sauron had been captivated by him. It had been years before he had realized that Estel, or Strider as he was more commonly called, was Isildur's heir. That had not changed anything. Sauron still wanted him, but not as a trophy or because he wanted to break Isildur's heir. He wanted Aragorn to be his, willingly.

Sensing his consort's approach Sauron turned to watch as the door opened and Aragorn stepped inside. Leaning against the door he looked around briefly before his gaze focused on Sauron, who was clearly waiting for him. For a few moments Sauron simply enjoyed admiring his new consort. He was beautiful. The leather pants fitted his sculpted legs perfectly and lay tight over his hips, the black shirt and overtunic fit him perfectly. He wore the silver coronet of his new position as though born to rule. This time as he stared hungrily at Aragorn he did not tamp down on his desire as he had for the last three weeks. Tonight he would actually make Aragorn his and be able to claim that delightful body that had taunted him for so long. "Do you like your rooms?"

"My rooms?" Aragorn repeated, apparently still unsure of his place here.

Sauron glided closer, noting that Aragorn stiffened but did not move away. "Yes. My chambers are next door." Tilting Aragorn's chin up Sauron caught his mouth with a gentle kiss. While his muscles did tense Aragorn did not move otherwise and willingly opened his mouth to Sauron's softly prodding tongue. The Dark Lord reluctantly turned away. "I have had a bath prepared for you. By the time you are done dinner should have arrived." He pointed to the bathing room.

With a quick nod Aragorn moved into the small chamber, relief emanating from him.

Sauron smiled, captivated by the lithe backside. No, he thought to his consort's retreating back, you are mine and I will claim you. Hearing the splash of water Sauron turned to ready the room. Tonight he would make Aragorn his.

******************

Leaning back in the steaming hot tub Aragorn closed his eyes and sought to regain his inner balance. Unfortunately it was evading him as the reality of his situation crept inexorably up on him. He was the Dark Lord's consort. Willingly he had bound himself to Sauron. A shudder ran through him. He had never wanted power but he was now a ruler of Mordor. How could he hold on to himself? Determinedly he sat up straight. He would find a way. His brothers and Legolas were worth it. He would not allow himself to dwell on the look of horror and revulsion on Legolas' face before he turned away. Dismissing the troubling image he looked at the simple silver coronet resting on the rim of the tub. It fit him as though made for him. After these last several weeks spent in Barad-dur he thought it might have been. Slowly he extended a hand to trace around the cold metal. He could do this and remain true to himself. Realizing the water was starting to cool he rose and dried himself off. Not surprisingly he found a black silk robe that hung down to mid-thigh waiting for him. Not allowing himself to think he quickly put the robe on and tied it. It was time. To give himself a moment more to regain his composure he ran the comb through his still wet hair. Standing there he realized he was not afraid of being hurt but of being ensnared in the power and seductive web of desire that Sauron was steadily weaving around him. He could resist though. It would be a balancing act, he had given his word, but he would not compromise himself. Closing his eyes he tucked a part of himself away, renewing the shields that protected his innermost self. It was a part of him that he always kept separate, no matter what role he was playing. While he did not completely understand what he was protecting, he knew that to lose that small piece of himself, was to lose himself into whatever role he was currently playing. One day he would truly find himself and who he was. Until then he would protect that small part of himself.

Balance restored he turned and walked into the bedroom. And stopped. A large king size bed was between two wide windows, an end table on either side. Before he could notice anything else his eye was riveted to a large fireplace with a fire burning cheerfully, the only light in the room. A very plush fur rug was in front of it. Aragorn swallowed hard and looked to the chair next to the rug to find Sauron's burning eyes on him. The Dark Lord extended a hand to him and he did not allow himself to hesitate before walking over to him. By force of will he kept himself still as Sauron inspected him from head to foot.

"Dinner is still too hot to eat and you are tense. Come, sit in front of me and allow me to loosen those knots."

Doing as requested Aragorn sat in front of the chair, between Sauron's legs. The Dark Lord's hands began carefully kneading the tight muscles of his shoulders. Slowly he began to relax and untense. Knowing he had some control over how things would stand between himself and Sauron he released the tight control he kept on his emotions and allowed himself to be seduced by Sauron's knowledgeable hands and body.

He moaned low in his throat, dropping his head as the soothing massage continued. There was just enough lingering in the gentle caress to add a layer of seductively to the massage.

A whisper of breath blew over his ear, causing a shiver to run down his spine. "Dinner should be cool enough to eat." With his tongue Sauron traced the shell of his ear and was rewarded with another low moan. The Dark Lord made a note to himself to further explore the sensitivity of his consort's ears. Reluctantly Sauron rose and shifted the tray with dinner and a bottle of wine to the floor.

It took Aragorn a moment to come out of his sensual daze. Blinking his eyes he looked up to see Sauron sitting beside him with a glass of wine extended. Still trying to completely refocus his attention Aragorn took the proffered glass along with a plate of food: beef, potatoes, and corn he absently noted.

"I hope you like it," Sauron said. "I did not know what your preferences are."

The former ranger shrugged. "I have few. Elven meals and especially feasts feature a variety of foods, in the wild you eat what you catch or pick, Gondor, Rohan, and Harad all have their own culinary customs." Despite the quality of the food Aragorn found that he could eat little.

Too soon for his preferences Sauron pushed the tray away and set down his wineglass, opening his arms. "Come her." Not giving himself time to think Aragorn did as requested. With a touch softer than Aragorn would have thought him capable of Sauron brushed his now dry, but still unruly, hair back behind his ear. "I will not hurt you, not unless you give me good reason to," he promised. "I waited several millennia to choose my consort."

Forcing himself to relax Aragorn leaned back into the waiting arms. The gentle caress continued down over his ear and to the back of his neck. A shiver ran down his spine as Sauron gently blew in his ear before teasing the lobe with his teeth. Shifting to allow better access Aragorn closed his eyes and gave himself up to the sensations Sauron was invoking in his body. It was one of the hardest things he had ever done, but this was the role he had accepted. It would be easier for him to hold onto himseolf if he accepted his position in Mordor and worked within its parameters. If he could do some good here it would make this life tolerable. Hesitantly he reached a hand up to lace behind Sauron's neck as he allowed the physical sensations to engulf him completely. This was a part of his new life, better to accept and enjoy than make his new life even more difficult and painful than it already would be. He would survive and find a way to thrive.

**************************

Eager to see his consort's reaction to being loved Sauron lifted his head as he slid off his consort and was not surprised to see sleep heavy eyes gazing back at him. The Dark Lord knew Aragorn had not slept well since being brought to Mordor. The helplessness and attraction he had felt toward Sauron had not allowed the ranger much rest. The dream caresses Sauron had sent had not helped him find sleep either. Gently he kissed both eyelids, which obediently closed. "Rest now, my consort, tomorrow you meet our people." Rising Sauron gently lifted Aragorn into his arms and carried him to the bed. "Sleep yourself out," he whispered, pulling the blankets up and brushing the unruly dark hair back.

Aragorn mumbled something unintelligible and snuggled deeper into the blankets, turning on his side to curl up into a ball. Reluctantly Sauron turned to go to his own room. Aragorn was not ready for anymore intimacy yet. Besides he still had much to set into motion. His choice of consort would not sit well with many of his advisors. However the Dark Lord had no doubt Aragorn would prove himself. "Sleep well," he whispered. "You have a tough role to fill." Turning he stepped into his own room, leaving the Hope of Men asleep.

*************

Feeling more relaxed than he had in weeks Aragorn rolled to his back and stretched thoroughly. Soreness and the feel of silk sheets encasing his naked body pulled him to instant wakefulness. Memories of the night before flooded his consciousness. Sagging back against the pillow he acknowledged to himself that he had enjoyed the evening's activities. Spending his nights in Sauron's arms would not be difficult as he had feared. For a moment his stomach roiled at the thought but he forced it to settle. He had made his choice freely. His brothers and Legolas were worth it. 'Forgive me, Arwen,' he thought. 'I love you.'

Reluctantly he rose, it was time to face his new position. Opening the wardrobe he was not surprised to see several shirts, most black but some dark red and deep blue. Pulling on a pair of pants and black shirt he reached in for the overtunic. Lightly he traced the red eye before quickly putting it on and fastening it. Noticing the new polished black boots neatly placed in the bottom of the wardrobe he put those on as well. Walking to the mirror he brushed back his hair and slid the silver coronet on his brow. As he stared at himself in the mirror he felt a wave of sadness envelop him. He was the image of the ruling consort of Mordor. Closing his eyes he banished the sorrow. He could do this and hold onto himself. Back in control he grabbed the sheathed elven dagger Elrohir had given him and slid it into his belt at the small of his back and after a long hesitation slowly pinned his rayed star inside his overtunic. Time to go.

Walking swiftly to the door he was unsurprised to see two nazgul waiting to escort him. He recognized the gesture for what it was: the highest honor Sauron could show him was to have his most trusted minions as personal guards. With effort he ignored the air of cold dread that flowed from the creatures behind him. Ignoring the shudder of dread the doors caused him he strode through them as soon as the guards pulled them open. Not bothering to look right or left he strode directly to Sauron and sat down in the seat beside him. His peripheral vision noted that there were some twenty people standing around, most of them human.

As soon as he was seated Sauron rose. "Perhaps you forget who just entered," his cold voice lashed across the room. "Lord Telcontar," he did not hesitate over the name Aragorn had chosen at his crowning the day before. "Is my consort and your ruling lord."

Aragorn held himself unmoving as Mordor's most powerful reluctantly knelt to him. Keeping his gaze cold and aloof he allowed himself to evaluate the group. All were suspicious of him and held no respect for him. If he was to survive and wield any true power he would have to change that. And Sauron's consort could not be seen as weak. Well aware that Sauron would be reading his thoughts he projected, 'leave it. I can handle myself.'

Once the lords had risen and retaken their seats Aragorn could feel all the hostile eyes locked on him. "Word has it you are a ranger of the north. Dedicated to the destruction of Mordor and our lord Sauron."

Moving no more than his head Aragorn met his gaze with a hard glare of his own. Once the lord had backed down by turning away he turned a similar look on all the others. None could hold his gaze. "What I was or was not before yesterday does not matter. I am Lord Sauron's chosen consort and ruling Lord of Mordor. You would do well to remember that."

"And if we don't?"

Before the challenge was even fully spoken Aragorn had risen in one fluid movement and held the elven dagger to the challenger's throat. As he noted the wide eyed surprise of the others he was once again thankful for the raising and training by his elven brothers and the years spent in the wild that had honed and sharpened his natural skills. While his speed could not match an elf's it was as close as a mortal could come to it. "Then I will end your miserable life and bestow your power on one more deserving, or perhaps even keep it for myself."

"M-my L-lord?" he stammered, his eyes shooting pleadingly to Sauron, still seated on his throne as Aragorn held the dagger to his throat with one hand and the other held his head still.

Sauron leaned forward with a predatory smile. "I chose my consort well," was his reply.

Hating what he had to do but knowing it was necessary Aragorn pressed the blade just enough to draw blood. "Anything to say?"

The lord's eyes rolled up in fear. "I-I'm s-s-sorry m-m l-lord. I should n- not h-have d-doubted."

Shoving him forward roughly Aragorn stepped away, resheathing his knife as quickly as he had drawn it. For a moment he stared contemptuously at the panting lord before he met the fearful eyes of the others. "I suggest that you do not do so again." Deliberately he turned his back on them to retake his seat. In his mind he could feel Sauron's approval, but for the moment did not acknowledge it. "I believe there was a council in session."

When the talk turned to military matters he excused himself and returned to his rooms. Once there he walked into the bedroom and pulled the curtains open. The cloud covered Industrial City he saw did not soothe his mind as the vale of Rivendell and wilds of Eriador did, but it would have to do. Dropping his overtunic on the bed he leaned his head against the cool glass,shaking. Even more than the night before the reality of his position was brought home to him. The realm he had been raised to hate and destroy had now come under his protection. Staring out at the stark landscacpe he started thinking over all he had heard. He could, he realized, make a difference here if he focused on internal matters and the welfare of those under Mordor's rule. There was a lot he could do to help the innocents. Breathing deeply he allowed Telcontar to emerge. It would take time, and more knowledge of his new home, but he had no doubt that Telcontar would soon be as real as Thorongil, Estel, Strider, or any of the other personas he had worn over the years. There were benefits to being a natural mimic.

Deep in meditation he sensed Sauron enter but did not turn. If Sauron wanted him the Dark Lord would let him know. He would not be a lap dog or a mewling minion.

Entering his consort's rooms for a moment Sauron just stared at the form silhouetted by the weak sunlight. He was glad he had had the large windows installed when he had first decided that Aragorn would be his consort. Aragorn seemed to find strength in the outdoors. As he entered the room he thought back to the council session. Aragorn's aggression had surprised him, although on reflection he realized that it should not have. Years of watching the ranger had shown him how easy it was for Aragorn to fit in with his surroundings or the local culture. That was the main reason he had not hesitated to introduce him as Telcontar at his coronation when he had sensed the name uppermost in his consort's mind. A new name for a new place. Yes, he had definitely chosen his consort well He would enjoy watching him tame the council and all those would would oppose his potition.

Unable to resist the fetching sight Sauron walked over and wrapped his arms around Aragorn's waist, pulling his pliant body against his. Lightly he nuzzled the nearest ear, loving the low groan he got in response. Ears were definitely a sensitive spot for his consort. "I was impressed with your actions today."

Aragorn shrugged, leaning into the embrace and tilting his head to allow the roving lips better access. "If you truly wish me to rule by your side it was necessary." He sighed as the cool tongue traced the shell of his ear, a shiver going through his body.

"You were right." Distracted by the warm body pressed up against his Sauron let the conversation drop. He was more interested in tasting those tantalizing lips once more. With his hand he tilted Aragorn's head toward his and captured his consort's mouth in a demanding kiss, reveling in the low moan as his tongue invaded the warm cavern. Easily he turned Aragorn so their bodies were flush against each other. "I want you," he whispered as his lips slid down the tanned neck to nip at the juncture of shoulder and neck.

"Then take me," he gasped as the mouth traveled back up to enclose an ear lobe. He closed his eyes, this was a part of his life here.

"You were definitely worth the wait," Sauron commented later when he lay curled around his half-asleep consort..

Aragorn was too lethargic to respond as he felt every muscle in his body go slack. He did not allow himself to dwell on the fact that the person he had been raised to destroy was able to awaken his body's responses and sent him soaring to such heights of pleasure. Instead he acknowledged to himself that he could find a place here where he was relatively comfortable. And if he truly could affect internal policies this position would not be so bad.

Gently Sauron brushed back his sweat stroked dark hair back. Shifting Sauron pulled him closer to spoon tighter against him. Lightly the hand continued its soft caress along his arm and chest. "Mordor's internal concerns are yours to do with as you will," he promised. "You are home."

Resisting the urge to debate the issue Aragorn forced himself to accept reality. By his own choice, to save his brothers and his best friend, he had chosen to make Mordor his home. It was a choice he would make again if need be. Closing his eyes he allowed sleep to take him.