Frustrated Aragorn stalked into the great hall. Not surprisingly just
after lunch there was no one there. Striding quickly to Sauron's private
audience chamber he riffled through the desk for the notes he knew would be
in there. He never read them, but Sauron liked to keep a copy of all the
council meetings. Personally Aragorn thought it was simply so he could hold
it over the lords heads when they contradicted themselves. Wearily
dropping down in the chair he rubbed at his tired eyes. He had spent
nearly three weeks skirting the dead marshes for healing herbs and to check
on the few villages that survived near that desolate swamp. It had been
three years since his last tour of the area and he had been delayed by the
many things he found were being neglected. So he had not been in a great
mood to begin with, then he arrived at the black gate and found messages
waiting for him. It seemed the Mouth of Sauron had been busy in his
absence trying to reclaim the internal power Aragorn hhad stripped from him
just after becoming ruling consort. Sauron apparently had been busy with
other matters and had let the Mouth of Sauron stand in his place. Aragorn
was not looking forward to the clean-up or bloodless battle with the man to
return things to the status quo.
"You requested my presence," an insolent voice drawled from behind him.
Aragorn turned in his chair, the Mouth of Sauron had entered through the still open door. "No. Actually I ordered you to appear and I am glad you are so prompt. It shows that you can learn." Sauron's most trusted military advisor narrowed his eyes in anger, a look that caused most to flinch. Out of habit Aragorn ignored the look. The Mouth of Sauron had been trying to get rid of him ever since he had arrived. He wanted to be ruling consort. Just to frustrate him further Aragorn leaned casually back in Sauron's chair. "Tell me about the changes that you overstepped your bounds to make."
The Mouth of Sauron stalked up to him. "I made permanent changes that are fully within my right. You aim to destroy us from within. I will not permit it."
Slowly rising to his feet Aragorn watched in satisfaction as the military man took a quick step back, trying to be casual about it. "I am drafting orders to countermand your changes. Any rights toward internal matters I removed from your hands seven years ago. That has not changed. Do all of Mordor a favor and stick with what you are capable of, following military orders." In a condescending move Aragorn turned and started to reseat himself, but his warrior instincts kicked in and he ducked, lashing out behind him with his foot. The Mouth of Sauron dropped to the ground hard and before he could recover Aragorn had his elvish dagger at his throat. "Not a good move," he commented. "You know what happened to the last man who tried to assassinate me."
Eyes narrowed in anger he hissed. "Why don't you just leave? You are not tied here, you come and go as you please."
Resheathing his dagger Aragorn rose. "I am bound by things you will never understand. Now leave before we are interrupted and Sauron is informed of your foolishness."
Without another word he fled out of the room.
Aragorn retook his seat, but instead of drafting the necessary notices and meeting requests he buried his head in his hands. He hated the political games. After more than seven years as consort he would have thought the games would have died down. No, now they simply tried to get him involved rather than trying to remove him totally. At times like this he longed for the peaceful vale of Rivendell or even the loose conglomeration of rangers. Power was not a thing either elves or rangers sought. Here he was with power that was coveted by all around him and he could really care less about it. He was glad he could help the innocents and happy to keep the power from those who simply wanted to dominate others. But for him it was simply a thing he had that he needed to be careful not to abuse, to those around him it was the goal of life. No matter how long he was ruling consort he did not think that would ever change. The Mouth of Sauron was the only one who still openly challenged him, and even he now only did so in private.
A knock on the door pulled him out of his dark thoughts and he glanced up to see the young servant assigned to bring him his meals, Sauron did not wish to take a chance on him being poisoned, standing in the doorway with a tray. His lunch. "Just put it on the side of the desk please." Turning the chair around to face the desk he absently began to eat his lunch. The Mouth of Sauron had made a larger mess of things than he had expected, but straightening out his mess would also be easier than planned. When it came to any domestic issues the man was positively brutal with no finesse. At least nothing had gone into affect yet. He was just starting to draft the necessary documents when he began to get very warm and started feeling odd. It took a moment for him to place the feeling. Years ago, before he had even known of his heritage Elladan had tried to slip Elrohir an aphrodisiac but young Estel, as was his habit, had drank most of his brothers juice. That had felt a lot like this. His eyes shifted to his food. How had he managed it? Losing his train of thoughts he closed his eyes to regain his focus. Everything was foggy and his body was starting to feel like it was vibrating. Quickly rising he barely glanced at the nazgul as he walked past them. "Stay close," he ordered, hoping the chill that emanated from them would cool him. Ignoring everything around him he walked quickly to his room. "No one gets in here, except Sauron, until I say otherwise. And send a messenger to Sauron requesting his presence as soon as possible." Not bothering to watch that his orders were carried out Aragorn closed and locked the door. Sauron was quite capable of getting in even with the door locked. Attempting to control his rapid breathing Aragorn quickly stripped off the suddenly constricting clothing and loosely belted on his robe, even that was almost too much contact against his skin. This was more than an aphrodisiac. In an attempt to clear his mind he closed his eyes, attempting to figure out what drug had been used. There was more planned here than just to make him uncomfortable or embarrassment for him, but at the moment he was too foggy to figure it out. This was very bad.
*********
Impatiently Sauron listened to the Mouth of Sauron rattle on endlessly about troop movements. None of this was new so the Dark Lord was not sure what his point was. Sauron wanted this meeting over. Aragorn had returned after being gone nearly a month and Sauron was anxious to see his consort. And he was growing annoyed with his minion's innuendos about Aragorn's loyalty to Mordor and to him. A knock on the door interrupted them.
"What is it?" the Mouth of Sauron growled, throwing open a door to see a messenger, who began to cower at Sauron's top military advisor.
"A-a m-message from Lord Telcontar," he stammered, looking to the Dark Lord.
Sauron rose from his chair. "Yes."
Swallowing hard the messenger stepped into the room. "He requests your presence as soon as possible in his rooms."
"His rooms?" Sauron repeated. Most of the time when he returned from a journey during the day Aragorn bathed and changed before catching up with what he had missed.
The messenger nodded. "He has ordered nobody but you to enter his room."
Completely puzzled Sauron nodded. "Dismissed." He turned to the Mouth of Sauron. "We will continue this tomorrow. I would request that you do not waste my time with issues you should be able to handle if you want to maintain your position. All but Lord Telcontar are replaceable."
The Mouth of Sauron opened his mouth as though to protest, but changed his mind at the glare Sauron sent him. "Yes, My Lord," he bowed his head in submission.
Ignoring his lieutenant Sauron strode to his consort's rooms and was surprised to see one of the younger military lieutenants arguing with the two nazgul guarding the door. That was unusual. The lieutenant was one of the few military personal who actually approved of Aragorn. "May I help you?"
Seeing who had arrived the lieutenant quickly knelt. "I was summoned, My Lord. But now I am being denied entrance."
"Lord Telcontar said none but you are too enter," the nazgul hissed and Sauron saw the lieutenant shudder but stand his grown at the voice.
Sauron nodded at the lieutenant to rise. "I will inform Lord Telcontar that you replied to his summons."
"Thank you, My Lord." He scurried down the hallway.
Stepping into the room he was almost tackled by Aragorn leaping on him, mouth devouring his. "Aragorn!"
Panting, all but tearing Sauron's shirt in desperation Aragorn managed to gasp out, "Mouth of Sauron, aphrodisiac, wanted me to betray you." Shirt disposed of Aragorn began working on his pants as he pulled Sauron's mouth back down to his.
Instinctively pulling his consort closer as his body responded to Aragorn's eagerness Sauron willed his pants and Aragorn's robe gone. "Aragorn," he managed again as the man pulled him toward the bed.
"Later," he hissed in reply. "Just take me."
As Aragorn fell back on the bed and pulled him after Sauron did.
*********
Mind slightly clearer, but with his body still throbbing uncomfortably, albeit controllably Aragorn lay on his stomach and allowed Sauron's hand kneading his back to soothe him. He had to get this drug out of his system but at the moment could not even think straight enough to figure out what it was. Moaning slightly in discomfort he sought to regain his usual control.
"Are you okay?" Sauron asked.
Wearily turning his head to face him Aragorn shook his head slightly. "No. He misjudged the amount of the drug and gave me too much. It is also not strictly an aphrodisiac but also," he closed his eyes to regain his train of thought. "It is also part- it muddles your thinking, I can't remember what it's called at the moment."
Sauron was silent for a moment as he continued the massage. "You are sure it was the Mouth of Sauron?"
"As much as I can be. Although at the moment I can't imagine how he got it in my food."
Anger darkening the room Sauron narrowed his eyes. "What was he thinking?"
Aragorn opened his eyes to meet Sauron's as he answered. "He wanted me to betray you, figuring you would either kill me or imprison me for such a betrayal. He wants my position. The power of being ruling consort and being in your bed is a bonus." He began to shift under the gentle caress. "I hate being out of control," he muttered as he rolled over and pulled Sauron down to him. "Do you have to be anywhere?"
Allowing himself to be pulled down Sauron shook his head. "There is nothing that can not wait. I am not going to leave you until this drug is entirely out of your system." As he gave into his consort's demands and lowered his body so his full weight rested on Aragorn the moan he received for the action was more of relief than pleasure. The Mouth of Sauron would have to pay.
***************
Nervously the council members stared at the door. Morning council had been cancelled and attendance was mandatory at the afternoon session. That was not good. When the door opened they fell instantly to their knees and kept their heads bowed submissively as Lord Sauron and Lord Telcontar walked past. Instead of taking their seats as expected Telcontar stopped at the base of the dais and Sauron stood on the step behind. him. Uncomfortably they shifted slightly on their knees, they had not been bidden to rise and none would dare their ruler's wrath by moving first. After several minutes Sauron spoke. "It has come to my attention that you have recently rearranged the handling of internal affairs. I believe you have forgotten who rules in Mordor." He lightly laid a hand on Aragorn's shoulder. "Several orders have already gone out rescinding many of your actions and the rest will go out today. We have not yet decided on proper payment for your misdeeds. But do not fear, there will be consequences. Dismissed. Mouth of Sauron you will stay." They all scurried out as fast as they could. Once they were all gone he stalked up to his lieutenant. "So you think you were clever? Do not try to deny it was you," he snapped before the Mouth of Sauron could get a word out. "I can read your mind. I have a present for you." In his suddenly outstretched hand a cup appeared. "Drink it."
Eyes shifting warily between his lord and his lord's consort the Mouth of Sauron did so. Immediately his body began to get warm and uncomfortable. Vaguely he was aware of Telcontar stalking up to him, very much a predator. "Once my thoughts cleared it was not hard to figure out which drug you used and to create an antidote." He took the cup out of the suddenly shaking hand as he eyed the Mouth of Sauron speculatively. "It is much more effective, more of an aphrodisiac when taken with tea and the right herbs."
"Guards," Sauron called. Two orcs entered. "You will take the Mouth of Sauron to the smallest cell and chain him to the wall, fully dressed. No one is to enter the cell, under penalty of torture, until I say so." As he was led out the Mouth of Sauron was already beginning to twitch uncomfortably. Sauron turned to Aragorn. "That should teach him."
Aragorn shrugged. "Possibly. He will not be happy until he gets rid of me."
Turning Sauron caught his eye. "That will not happen."
Aragorn held the gaze. "I know," his voice was soft and unreadable. "I had better get to work. I am going to have to reassert my authority." Moving to the balcony he stared blindly out at the quiet city. After all this time the lack of bustle in the city's streets still caught him off- guard. Those who had to be out hurried with their heads down.
"Do you want me to do it?"
Not turning Aragorn shook his head. "No. This is something I have to do myself if I am to maintain my position and authority." A shudder ran through him as he braced himself for the days to come. Without thinking about it he lightly stroked the bracelet nestled snugly on his wrist, settling himself and reinforcing his inner-self. He hated power games. Arms slipped around his waist and he was pulled back against a familiar body. For a moment he held himself stiff, but then leaned into the offered comfort. Everything he had been raised to believe told him he should remain aloof, but Sauron had never been anything but good to him. Over the years he had come to care about Mordor's ruler and even to trust him in a way. He did not kid himself about what Sauron was, but he had grown to care about the man behind the Dark Lord. With him he always was the man and more and more outside of his rooms Sauron was more present than the Dark Lord. If things kept going this way maybe there was a chance for Middle-earth to avoid an all-out war. Pushing such grandiose dreams to the side he dropped his head back to Sauron's shoulder. "It may get messy."
"You will spill no blood that you do not need to." Sauron sounded neither disappointed or overjoyed about that. It was simply a statement of fact.
Shaking his head Aragorn pulled away, walking to the doors. "I did not mean physically." Pulling open the door he quickly strode out of the room. He had much to do.
"You requested my presence," an insolent voice drawled from behind him.
Aragorn turned in his chair, the Mouth of Sauron had entered through the still open door. "No. Actually I ordered you to appear and I am glad you are so prompt. It shows that you can learn." Sauron's most trusted military advisor narrowed his eyes in anger, a look that caused most to flinch. Out of habit Aragorn ignored the look. The Mouth of Sauron had been trying to get rid of him ever since he had arrived. He wanted to be ruling consort. Just to frustrate him further Aragorn leaned casually back in Sauron's chair. "Tell me about the changes that you overstepped your bounds to make."
The Mouth of Sauron stalked up to him. "I made permanent changes that are fully within my right. You aim to destroy us from within. I will not permit it."
Slowly rising to his feet Aragorn watched in satisfaction as the military man took a quick step back, trying to be casual about it. "I am drafting orders to countermand your changes. Any rights toward internal matters I removed from your hands seven years ago. That has not changed. Do all of Mordor a favor and stick with what you are capable of, following military orders." In a condescending move Aragorn turned and started to reseat himself, but his warrior instincts kicked in and he ducked, lashing out behind him with his foot. The Mouth of Sauron dropped to the ground hard and before he could recover Aragorn had his elvish dagger at his throat. "Not a good move," he commented. "You know what happened to the last man who tried to assassinate me."
Eyes narrowed in anger he hissed. "Why don't you just leave? You are not tied here, you come and go as you please."
Resheathing his dagger Aragorn rose. "I am bound by things you will never understand. Now leave before we are interrupted and Sauron is informed of your foolishness."
Without another word he fled out of the room.
Aragorn retook his seat, but instead of drafting the necessary notices and meeting requests he buried his head in his hands. He hated the political games. After more than seven years as consort he would have thought the games would have died down. No, now they simply tried to get him involved rather than trying to remove him totally. At times like this he longed for the peaceful vale of Rivendell or even the loose conglomeration of rangers. Power was not a thing either elves or rangers sought. Here he was with power that was coveted by all around him and he could really care less about it. He was glad he could help the innocents and happy to keep the power from those who simply wanted to dominate others. But for him it was simply a thing he had that he needed to be careful not to abuse, to those around him it was the goal of life. No matter how long he was ruling consort he did not think that would ever change. The Mouth of Sauron was the only one who still openly challenged him, and even he now only did so in private.
A knock on the door pulled him out of his dark thoughts and he glanced up to see the young servant assigned to bring him his meals, Sauron did not wish to take a chance on him being poisoned, standing in the doorway with a tray. His lunch. "Just put it on the side of the desk please." Turning the chair around to face the desk he absently began to eat his lunch. The Mouth of Sauron had made a larger mess of things than he had expected, but straightening out his mess would also be easier than planned. When it came to any domestic issues the man was positively brutal with no finesse. At least nothing had gone into affect yet. He was just starting to draft the necessary documents when he began to get very warm and started feeling odd. It took a moment for him to place the feeling. Years ago, before he had even known of his heritage Elladan had tried to slip Elrohir an aphrodisiac but young Estel, as was his habit, had drank most of his brothers juice. That had felt a lot like this. His eyes shifted to his food. How had he managed it? Losing his train of thoughts he closed his eyes to regain his focus. Everything was foggy and his body was starting to feel like it was vibrating. Quickly rising he barely glanced at the nazgul as he walked past them. "Stay close," he ordered, hoping the chill that emanated from them would cool him. Ignoring everything around him he walked quickly to his room. "No one gets in here, except Sauron, until I say otherwise. And send a messenger to Sauron requesting his presence as soon as possible." Not bothering to watch that his orders were carried out Aragorn closed and locked the door. Sauron was quite capable of getting in even with the door locked. Attempting to control his rapid breathing Aragorn quickly stripped off the suddenly constricting clothing and loosely belted on his robe, even that was almost too much contact against his skin. This was more than an aphrodisiac. In an attempt to clear his mind he closed his eyes, attempting to figure out what drug had been used. There was more planned here than just to make him uncomfortable or embarrassment for him, but at the moment he was too foggy to figure it out. This was very bad.
*********
Impatiently Sauron listened to the Mouth of Sauron rattle on endlessly about troop movements. None of this was new so the Dark Lord was not sure what his point was. Sauron wanted this meeting over. Aragorn had returned after being gone nearly a month and Sauron was anxious to see his consort. And he was growing annoyed with his minion's innuendos about Aragorn's loyalty to Mordor and to him. A knock on the door interrupted them.
"What is it?" the Mouth of Sauron growled, throwing open a door to see a messenger, who began to cower at Sauron's top military advisor.
"A-a m-message from Lord Telcontar," he stammered, looking to the Dark Lord.
Sauron rose from his chair. "Yes."
Swallowing hard the messenger stepped into the room. "He requests your presence as soon as possible in his rooms."
"His rooms?" Sauron repeated. Most of the time when he returned from a journey during the day Aragorn bathed and changed before catching up with what he had missed.
The messenger nodded. "He has ordered nobody but you to enter his room."
Completely puzzled Sauron nodded. "Dismissed." He turned to the Mouth of Sauron. "We will continue this tomorrow. I would request that you do not waste my time with issues you should be able to handle if you want to maintain your position. All but Lord Telcontar are replaceable."
The Mouth of Sauron opened his mouth as though to protest, but changed his mind at the glare Sauron sent him. "Yes, My Lord," he bowed his head in submission.
Ignoring his lieutenant Sauron strode to his consort's rooms and was surprised to see one of the younger military lieutenants arguing with the two nazgul guarding the door. That was unusual. The lieutenant was one of the few military personal who actually approved of Aragorn. "May I help you?"
Seeing who had arrived the lieutenant quickly knelt. "I was summoned, My Lord. But now I am being denied entrance."
"Lord Telcontar said none but you are too enter," the nazgul hissed and Sauron saw the lieutenant shudder but stand his grown at the voice.
Sauron nodded at the lieutenant to rise. "I will inform Lord Telcontar that you replied to his summons."
"Thank you, My Lord." He scurried down the hallway.
Stepping into the room he was almost tackled by Aragorn leaping on him, mouth devouring his. "Aragorn!"
Panting, all but tearing Sauron's shirt in desperation Aragorn managed to gasp out, "Mouth of Sauron, aphrodisiac, wanted me to betray you." Shirt disposed of Aragorn began working on his pants as he pulled Sauron's mouth back down to his.
Instinctively pulling his consort closer as his body responded to Aragorn's eagerness Sauron willed his pants and Aragorn's robe gone. "Aragorn," he managed again as the man pulled him toward the bed.
"Later," he hissed in reply. "Just take me."
As Aragorn fell back on the bed and pulled him after Sauron did.
*********
Mind slightly clearer, but with his body still throbbing uncomfortably, albeit controllably Aragorn lay on his stomach and allowed Sauron's hand kneading his back to soothe him. He had to get this drug out of his system but at the moment could not even think straight enough to figure out what it was. Moaning slightly in discomfort he sought to regain his usual control.
"Are you okay?" Sauron asked.
Wearily turning his head to face him Aragorn shook his head slightly. "No. He misjudged the amount of the drug and gave me too much. It is also not strictly an aphrodisiac but also," he closed his eyes to regain his train of thought. "It is also part- it muddles your thinking, I can't remember what it's called at the moment."
Sauron was silent for a moment as he continued the massage. "You are sure it was the Mouth of Sauron?"
"As much as I can be. Although at the moment I can't imagine how he got it in my food."
Anger darkening the room Sauron narrowed his eyes. "What was he thinking?"
Aragorn opened his eyes to meet Sauron's as he answered. "He wanted me to betray you, figuring you would either kill me or imprison me for such a betrayal. He wants my position. The power of being ruling consort and being in your bed is a bonus." He began to shift under the gentle caress. "I hate being out of control," he muttered as he rolled over and pulled Sauron down to him. "Do you have to be anywhere?"
Allowing himself to be pulled down Sauron shook his head. "There is nothing that can not wait. I am not going to leave you until this drug is entirely out of your system." As he gave into his consort's demands and lowered his body so his full weight rested on Aragorn the moan he received for the action was more of relief than pleasure. The Mouth of Sauron would have to pay.
***************
Nervously the council members stared at the door. Morning council had been cancelled and attendance was mandatory at the afternoon session. That was not good. When the door opened they fell instantly to their knees and kept their heads bowed submissively as Lord Sauron and Lord Telcontar walked past. Instead of taking their seats as expected Telcontar stopped at the base of the dais and Sauron stood on the step behind. him. Uncomfortably they shifted slightly on their knees, they had not been bidden to rise and none would dare their ruler's wrath by moving first. After several minutes Sauron spoke. "It has come to my attention that you have recently rearranged the handling of internal affairs. I believe you have forgotten who rules in Mordor." He lightly laid a hand on Aragorn's shoulder. "Several orders have already gone out rescinding many of your actions and the rest will go out today. We have not yet decided on proper payment for your misdeeds. But do not fear, there will be consequences. Dismissed. Mouth of Sauron you will stay." They all scurried out as fast as they could. Once they were all gone he stalked up to his lieutenant. "So you think you were clever? Do not try to deny it was you," he snapped before the Mouth of Sauron could get a word out. "I can read your mind. I have a present for you." In his suddenly outstretched hand a cup appeared. "Drink it."
Eyes shifting warily between his lord and his lord's consort the Mouth of Sauron did so. Immediately his body began to get warm and uncomfortable. Vaguely he was aware of Telcontar stalking up to him, very much a predator. "Once my thoughts cleared it was not hard to figure out which drug you used and to create an antidote." He took the cup out of the suddenly shaking hand as he eyed the Mouth of Sauron speculatively. "It is much more effective, more of an aphrodisiac when taken with tea and the right herbs."
"Guards," Sauron called. Two orcs entered. "You will take the Mouth of Sauron to the smallest cell and chain him to the wall, fully dressed. No one is to enter the cell, under penalty of torture, until I say so." As he was led out the Mouth of Sauron was already beginning to twitch uncomfortably. Sauron turned to Aragorn. "That should teach him."
Aragorn shrugged. "Possibly. He will not be happy until he gets rid of me."
Turning Sauron caught his eye. "That will not happen."
Aragorn held the gaze. "I know," his voice was soft and unreadable. "I had better get to work. I am going to have to reassert my authority." Moving to the balcony he stared blindly out at the quiet city. After all this time the lack of bustle in the city's streets still caught him off- guard. Those who had to be out hurried with their heads down.
"Do you want me to do it?"
Not turning Aragorn shook his head. "No. This is something I have to do myself if I am to maintain my position and authority." A shudder ran through him as he braced himself for the days to come. Without thinking about it he lightly stroked the bracelet nestled snugly on his wrist, settling himself and reinforcing his inner-self. He hated power games. Arms slipped around his waist and he was pulled back against a familiar body. For a moment he held himself stiff, but then leaned into the offered comfort. Everything he had been raised to believe told him he should remain aloof, but Sauron had never been anything but good to him. Over the years he had come to care about Mordor's ruler and even to trust him in a way. He did not kid himself about what Sauron was, but he had grown to care about the man behind the Dark Lord. With him he always was the man and more and more outside of his rooms Sauron was more present than the Dark Lord. If things kept going this way maybe there was a chance for Middle-earth to avoid an all-out war. Pushing such grandiose dreams to the side he dropped his head back to Sauron's shoulder. "It may get messy."
"You will spill no blood that you do not need to." Sauron sounded neither disappointed or overjoyed about that. It was simply a statement of fact.
Shaking his head Aragorn pulled away, walking to the doors. "I did not mean physically." Pulling open the door he quickly strode out of the room. He had much to do.